^""'/igi^-. "^^ •!• ^.' ' .*" % -s ^: ' ^^ 0^ ,»,-^ / °^ rA '^' i% 't.s /k" M^^ V c°' ^0^ rO^ -o V •^-^^^ '•^-.Z j.^-^ A'^ -^ <* , •^^:Mi0^ m <>' .-0- ,^ ■■ % °"° v^^ - ^^ :*:i3ft^ ^■ ■3^. •N^' ,»: A<>^ '..^^,.' ,\^ -J- '-^^^■' "'•'*'- %.^ /\ 11 1 -, .■^%. %'•'• ' c^' '^.^'^' .^^"^; ^;h^:J€^'" K^ .>(\^^/h;' .s""^. la^. ^<^ ^7il- ^\'^^^^hy -OF- WASHINGTON CO., NEW YORK. --.^==WITH=^_> aiwiis am jiogra|jliicHl Sk m. C^; SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. PHILADELPHIA: 1878. m m m i i m m ,1 ffi i;?"© ^:^=;^4« PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. CONTENTS. msTOi^io^i-.- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. niAPTER PAGE I. — Introductory ........ ^ ir.— The Advent of the White Miin 10 III.— The Situation 12 IV._1609 to 1700 13 V. — Queen Anne's War 15 VI.— The First Settlement, etc IB VII._The War of 1744 18 VIII.— First Part of the " Old French War" ... 20 IX.— Latter Part of the Old French War .... 27 X.— From the French War to the Revolution . . . -32 XI.— 1775 and 1776 40 XII.— 1777 « XIII. — Remainder of the Revolution ..... 58 NXIV.— The Era of Development 63 yXV. — A General View 69 isXVI.- 1800 to 1861 70 XVII.— Regiments Raised in 1861 75 XVIII.— The One Hundred and 'Twenty-third Infantry . . 80 XIX.— Other Regiments 85 XX.— Present Condition of the County .... 86 XXI. — Geology of Washington County .... 89 XXII. — -Freemasonry in Washington County ... 95 ^XXIIL— The Medical Society of Washington County . . 97 CHAPTER PAGE XXIV.— Agricultural Societies . . . • . . .103 XXV.— The Press of Washington County .... 106 XXVI.— Washington County Civil List Ill HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. Salem 121 Granville 19-t • Argyle 230 Cambridge ......••••• 2;>1. Dresden ........-•• 2S.i Easton 200 Fort Ann 301 Fort Edward SU Greenwioh 334 Hampton ....-• 362 Hartford 372 Hebron ■^'' V^lackson ^"■' Kingsbury ■120 Putnam *'^^' White Creek -1^^ Whitehall *''^ Patrons' Record Asn DiREtTORv ILXjTJSTK/.A.TIOnSrS. View of Court-House, Salem .... facing title-page. Map of Washington County between 8, 9 The " Post" Building 110 facing een 128, 128, facing SALEM. United Presbyterian Church .... Residence of William Law .... Portrait of Judge C. L. Allen .... Residence of L. S. Sherman (with portraits) . Portraits of J. B. Stevenson and Wife Property of Thomas S. Stevenson (with portraits) Portraits of Isaac Bininger and Wife Residence of Clinton F. Wilson (with portraits) . " Portrait of S. Beaty between 136, Residence of Wm. J. Beaty (with portraits) . " 136, " John Cleveland " . . facing Portrait of Bernard Blair ...... " Dr. George Allen ..... " Residence of the late David Hawley . . . between 144, Portraits of David Hawley and Wife . . " 144, Portrait of J. A. MoFarland f.iciug Residence of the late Hiram Walker (with portraits) '* Portraits of Wm. MoKie and Wife .... '' Farm Residence of J. M. Thompson (with portraits) Residence of Sarah Fairley (with portraits) National Bank of Salem ..... Residence of B. F. Bancroft .... The Old Meeting-House in Salem Portrait of Gen. John Williams (steel) " Hon. James Gibson (steel) *' Benjamin F. Bancroft (steel) . facing facing 194 PAGE Portrait of Asa Fitch 1S5 " D. V. T. Qua 187 Residence of Mary A. Steele and Son (with portraits) facing 190 View of Salem, N. Y., in 1793 ....'. " l**- GRANVILLE. Residence of G. L. Bulkley .... " Mrs. Leonard C. Thome . '. Portraits of David and Hannah Rogers . " Stephen Dillingham, Sr., and Wife Residence of " " 2d (with portraits) " Edwin B. Temple (with portraits) " Truman Temple " " 'f L. R. Tem]ile " " Granville Military Academy, North Granville Residence of Noah Day (with portraits) . " M. T. C. Day " " " Seymour L. Potter Portrait of Gen. Edward Bulkley " Leonard C. Thome (steel) Residence of Otis Dillingham (with portraits) Portrait of Daniel Woodard Residence of R. C. Betts (with portrait) . * ARGYLE. Residence of Wm. D. Stevenson .... facing 2,'iO Portraits of John and Elizabeth Reid ... " 232 " James and Jane Williamson ... " 232 Portrait of George C. Dennis " 2:i2 Residence of A. Barkley " 2;!6 Portraits of Robert and Eleanor Culhbert . . " 240 " James Foster and Wife .... " 240 between lO.s, '•' 200, 200, 202, " 202, facing between 208, " 20.S, 197 199 •201 201 203 20;{ 204 207 209 209 facing 212 " 216 " 222 " 224 . 226 facing 228 CONTENTS. HjUjXJSTK/jLTionsrs. Residence of William Clapp " John R. Harsha . Farm Resilience of James MclJo lalJ CAMBRIDGE Residence of Russell S. Fish Farm Property of Zerah Rider Portraits of John P. Putnam and Wife Residence of John h. Hunt " Horace and Phebe Valent Portrait of Rev. Henry Gordon (steel) " James Maxwell (steel) . " David Robertson . Portraits of Henry and Patience Hall " Thomas and Jane Skellie " James U. Austin and Wife 243 244 facing 252 260 264 272 272 between 278, 279 278, 279 facing 280 280 280 . 282 EASTON. Residence of Col. Andrew Thompson, with portraits " E. W. Hollister " Homer B. Dixson .... " Horton Cottrell ..... Portraits of Adam Cottrell and Wife Late Residence of Adam Cottrell .... Residence of John Wilbur, Jr Portraits of John Wilbur, Jr., and Wife . Portrait of E. W. Hollister facing facing 290 292 294 296 298 298 299 299 300 FORT ANN. Residence of Israel Thompson, with portraits . . facing 301 " John Hall, with portraits ... " 302 " B. J. Lawrence, with portraits (double page) between 304, 305 Kane's Falls Woolen-Mills .... " 306, 307 Bridgeport Wood-Finishing Company's Works . " 306, 307 FORT EDWARD. Residence of A. C. Hodgeman .... " Amasa Howland .... " Alexander Carswell (with jiortraits) " John Wagman " Portraits of John and Lucy Mclntyre " John and Charlotte McGregor " John Clark and Wife . John S. and Mary Durkee Portrait of James Baldwin Portraits of Walter Rogers and Wife Portrait of Joseph E. King, Ph.D., D.D. . " h\ D. Hodgeman (steel) . Portraits of Walter C. and Margaret Gilchrist Portrait of James H. Gilchrist . Residence of the late Enos Howland, with portraits GREENWICH. Residence of Edmund II. Gibson " David T. Ensign . Portrait of James I. Lourie Residence of Alphonso Dwelle . " William Hutton, with portraits " the late Thomas Rogers Portraits of Thomas and Betsey Rogers . Residence of James Boveridge . Portraits of James Beveridge and Wife . Residence of Horace Morse Portrait of Dr. Cornelius Holmes Portraits of Asa F. Holmes and Wife " Nelson H. and Emma B. Wing " George and W. G. Stewart Portrait of David A. Boies Residence of Nelson Pratt (with portraits) Portraits of Alphonso Dwelle and Wife facing 314 316 318 320 between 320, 321 320, .321 " 322, 323 " 322, 323 324, 325 " 324, 325 facing 327 329 . 331 . 332 facing 333 facing 334 336 " 338 340 342 between 344, 345 344, 345 " 346, 347 " 346, 347 facing 350 between 352, 353 352, 353 faci: facing 354 356 358 359 360 Portrait of Col. Franklin Norton Residence of Harvey Hanks (with portraits) HAIWPTON. Residence of Paulinos Millard . Residence of Fonrose Farwell . Portraits of Benj.-vmin and Paulinus Millard PIGE facing 360 364 362 364 370 Residence of Hon. Ralph Richards (with portraits) . HARTFORD. Residence of Hon. James M. Northup (with portraits) facing 380 " Harvey Brown (with portrait) 382 HEBRON. Residence and Farm of Arthur L. Smith ... fa " " John McConnell (with portraits) Portrait of C. J. White, M.D. . Residence of Jas. Craig (with portraits) . Methodist Church, West Hebron Residence of Nathan R. Hills (with portraits) Property of Edward L. Coy (with portraits) Portrait of Abraham Johnston . " Daniel Braymer 386 388 390 392 395 396 399 401 403 JACKSON. Residence of J. H. Cleveland, with portraits facing between 406, " 406, " 408, •' 408, ^* Samuel B. Hedges, with portraits " James H. Weir, with portraits . ** '* James E. Robertson ... " Portraits of James E. and John Robertson . *' Residence of James Coulter, with portraits (double page)" 410, Portrait of Paul Doig ...... facing Residence of Jonathan Warner .... " Portraits of Jonathan Warner and Wife ..... Portrait of Thomas B. Lourie ....... Residence of William Holden, with portrait . , facing KINGSBURY. Residence of Loren Allen ...... facing " T. M. Groesbeck " " Mrs. Benj. Ferris (with portraits) . " Carriage Manufactory of Wilber & Witpen . . " Hotel, Store, and Res. of Ezekiel Smith (with portraits) *• Residence of Joseph H. Harris (with portraits) . " '* Geo. Weston (with portraits) . . " Portrait of Charles Rogers ....... Farm Property of James P. Buck (with portrait) . facing 409 409 411 412 415 415 420 420 424 428 432 436 440 442 446 WHITE CREEK. Residence of the late Isaac Ashton (with portraits) . facing 455 " I. Braton Perry (with portrait) . . " 458 " Round Hill Farm," residence of John James (double page) between 462, 463 Residence of L. S. Sweet ...... facing 466 " Hugh Taber (with portrait) ... " 469 Portraits of Jonathan B. Fowler and Wife .... 471 Portrait of Nathaniel Cottrell 472 WHITEHALL. Residence of William Hannas . Portraits of William Hannas and Wife " Dwight Hollister and Wife . " R. C. Johnson and Wife . '* Elisha A. and Mary C. Martin Portrait of Lambert H. Law " Robert Doig .... " Judge Asa Hawley . Residence of A. J. Long, M.D., with portraits Portrait of Col. Lemon Barns . between 474, " 474 facing bctv 480, 484, 484, facing 488 Residence of Mrs. Almira Bascom, with portraits facing 489 491 CONTENTS. BIOC3-K/^I=I3:iO^L. facing between 128, facing between 136, facing between 144, facing between 19 Judge C. L. Allen ..... The Stevenson Family .... General Isaac Bininger .... Samuel Beaty ...... Bernard Blair Dr. George Allen ..... David Hawley Prof. J. A. McFarland .... William McKie General John Williams .... Hon. James Gibson ..... Benjamin F. Bancroft .... Asa Fitch David Van Tuyl Qua .... James M. Thompson ..... Enoch S. Sherman William Law Hiram Walker ...... Joshua Steele ...... John Cleveland Fayette Wilson Hugh Fairley ...... Alonzo Gray ...... David Rogers ...... Hannah D. Rogers " 198, Stephen Dillingham, Sr " 200, General Edward Bulkley facing Leonard C. Thorne ......... Stephen Dillingham (2d) Otis Dillingham Deacon Noah Day ......... Marcus T. C. Day Daniel Woodard ......... Edwin B. Temple Truman Temple ......... Luther R. Temple ......... Royal C. Betts Seymour L. Potter ......... J. L. McArthur .......... Benjamin F. Ottarson John P. Putnam ....... facing Rev. Henry Gordon . . . . . . . . Zerah Rider . James Maxwell .......... Henry Hall .......... John L. Hunt .......... Russell S. Fish Adam Cottrell John Wilbur, Jr. B. W. HoUister Andrew Thompson . . . ' John Hall Israel Thompson ......... B. J. Lawrence John Mclntyre ....... between 320, John MacGregor John Clark John S. Durkee . James Baldwin . Walter Rogers . Joseph E. King, Ph.D., D.D. Frederick D. Hodgeman . ' John Wagman . Gilchrist Family Enos Howland . Amasa Howland . 320, 322, 322, 324, 324, facing 192 192 193 199 199 201 216 222 224 224 225 226 227 227 228 228 228 229 229 264 278 279 280 280 281 281 298 299 300 300 312 313 313 321 321 323 323 325 325 327 329 330 331 332 333 PAGE Alexander Carswcll '. 333 James Irvine Lourie facing 338 Thomas Rogers between 344, 345 James Beveridge " 346, 347 Cornelius Holmes, M.D " 352, 353 Asa Fitch Holmes " 352, 353 Nelson H. Wing facing 364 Walter G. Stewart "356 David A. Boies 358 Hon. Leonard Gibbs 359 Nelson Pratt 359 ■ Alphonso Dwelle 360 Lieut.-Col. Franklin Norton facing 360 Oapt. Harvey Hanks 361 William Hutton 361 Horace Morse 361 Hon. Ralph Richards 370 Albert Richards 371 Mrs. Julia Norton 371 Paulinus Millard 371 Fonrose Farwell ' . 371 Hon. James M. Northup 380 Harvey Brown 381 Dr. C. J. White facing 390 Abraham Johnston 401 Edward L. Coy 401 Daniel Braymer 402 Whedou Smith 403 Nathan R. Hills 404 James Craig .......... 404 James E. Robertson between -108, 409 Paul Doig facing 412 James Cleveland ......... 414 Jonathan Warner ......... 415 - The Hedges Family 416 James H. Weir 410 Thomas B. Lourie ......... 417 William Holden 418 James Coulter .......... 418 Andrew McLean 419 Warren Kenyon ......... 419 " Hob. Roswell Weston 440 Charles Rogers . 442 . Ezekiel Smith 443 Benjamin Ferris ......... 444 John Dwyer .......... 445 ■' James P. Buck . 446 Loren Allen 446 James McCarty 447 Joseph H. Harris 447 HughTaber 469 Israel Braton Perry ......... 470 Dr. William Richards 470 Jonathan B. Fowler 471 John James .......... 471 William Hannas between 474, 475 Dwight HoIIister facing 476 Randolph C. Johnson " 478 Elisha A. Martin between 480, 481 Lambert H. Law • " 484, 485 Robert Doig " 484, 485 Judge Asa Hawley ......... 487 Alfred Jerome Long, M.D. 488 Col. Lemon Barns 489 Hon. Oliver Bascom . . 491 H I S T O E Y OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. BY CRISFIELD JOHNSON. . CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. The War-Path of America— The Great Battles on its Borders— The Design of this History — Its Arrangement — Boolfs Consulted — Ac- knowledgments to Individutils. Washington county is the war-path of America. Though other portions of the continent liave been the scenes of more terrible conflicts, no other of equal size has been crossed by as many hostile expeditions as the one which is the subject of this history. Occupying as it does the territory between the Hudson and the northern i lakes, it has been the ground over which Ilurons and Iro- quois, Canadians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders, French and English, Continentals and Hessians, have suc- cessively passed on their missions of attack and defense, of destruction and of vengeance. Curiously enough, while Wa.shington county is thus emphatically the " war-path" of America, it is not to any considerable extent a battle-ground. Fortune has so ordered that, while many minor conflicts have taken place within the present limits of the county in question, all the great battles which have made this region famous were fought outside — but barely outside — of its boundaries. From every one of those battles the roar of cannon could be heard in what is now the county of Washington, and several of them were fought within sight of its territory. Had a cordon of sentries been patrolling the boundaries of the county during the eventful quarter of a century which succeeded the great French and English war, some of them would have learned, by eye or ear, of the occur- rence of all the important contest for the mastery of this great strategic locality while they were being fought. Those who, in the autumn of 1755, had been guarding the west- ern line of the present towns of Fort Ann and Kingsbury would have heard the thunder of Gciieral Johnson's artil- lery, as he repulsed the columns of Dieskau from the rude breastworks on the shore of Lake George, only four miles to the westward ; those who occupied the same posts two years later might often have stayed their course to listen to the roar of Montcalm's guns, and the more feeble replies of the ill-fated Fort William Henry ; while they who, in 2 July, 1758, had stood on the northernmost peaks of Put- nam would have known by the terrific cannonade that a desperate battle was being fought five miles northward, around the ramparts of Tioonderoga. In the Revolution, the famous fields of battle were still closer. The sentries on the sout ern line of the town of White Creek, in Au- gust, 1777, would have seen close before them, in the valley of the Walloomsac, the rude farmers of New Eng- land and New York driving in disastrous rout the dis- ciplined mercenaries of Brunswick and Hesse ; tho.se who, a month later, had stood where the western border of Easton is washed by the placid Hudson, might have watched the red-coated battalions of England on the other shore recoil- ing before the terrible fire of the Continentals in the first battle of Saratoga ; while those who had stood there on the 12th day of October would have seen those same proud battalions, English and Hessians alike, fleeing before their despised antagonists to the shelter of their intrenchments, and the fate of America decided in favor of independence. To give the public a lull aud, so far as possible, an accu- rate history of a county which has played so important a part in the history of America is the design of this work. We propose, in the first place, t« present a general view of the county's history from the earliest accounts to the pres- ent time, showing all the events of general importance or especial interest, following closely the chronological order, confining ourselves to the territory now included in Wash- inn-ton county and to the acts of the citizens of that ter- ritory, and mentioning outside matters only when necessary to make manifest the connection of those which are espe- cially our theme. This will be followed by sketches of various societies and other subjects pertaining to the county at large ; the whole, thus far, constituting the general history. While this covers all the time down to the present year, yet it will treat most cjpiously of the early history, and of the action of Washington county regiments in the recent war, leaving the details, and minor circumstances occurring since the era of settlement to be specified in the .separate town-histories. These latter follow the general record, and will portray the ordinary course of events in the various localities — events which the dignified Muse of History has too often neglected, but which are always interesting to 9 10 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. those who participated in them and to their descendants, and which may be made to contribute to the true knowl- edge of a nation's life, at least as much as the more sono- rous record of stricken battle and legislative conflict. Interspersed among these town-annals will be found nu- merous separate sketches of the men and women of the county, both dead and living, while the monotony of the print is broken by portraits, views of residences, public buildings, etc. Certainly no reasonable person can com- plain of the amount of information furnished. As to the manner of its presentation, we must leave others to judge. In dealing with the events of two hundred and sixty mo- mentous years the compiler has found a difficult task, and if any have expected perfection they will doubtless be dis- appointed. To those who can appreciate the labor involved in compiling such a volume — the consultation of books, the harmonizing of conflicting authorities, and the still more difficult task of obtaining the town-histories from the lips of residents— we commend the woik for their favorable consideration, and trust it will not be found entirely unsat- isfactory. The principal books consulted have been Parkman's " Life of Champlain," Smith's " History of New York," Gordon's and Botta's " Hi.stories of the American Revolu- tion," the " Documentary and Colonial Histories of New York," Bancroft's " History of the United States," Stone's " Life and Times of Sir William Johnson," Pouchot's " Memoir of the War of 1754," Lossing's " Life of Schuy- ler," Sparks' " Lives of Putnam, Stark, and Arnold," Ma- dame Riedesel's " Letters," " Memoirs of General Riedesel," " The Sexagenary," Neilson's " Campaign of Burgoyne," Stone's " Campaign of Burgoyne," Mrs. Bonney's " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," Hough's " Northern Invasions," Butler's " Lake George and Lake Champlain," French's " New York Gazetteer," Corey's " Gazetteer of Wa.shing- ton County," Childs' " Directory of Washington County," besides numerous manuals, registers, pamphlets, etc. ; and last, not least. Dr. Asa Fitch's " Survey of Washington County," published in the " Tran.sactions of the State Agri- cultural Society for 1848-49." For aid in the ta.sk of compiling the general history we are especially indebted to Hon. James Gibson, of Salem, who has devoted much time and attention to the aiuials of this, his native county, whose pen has been often employed in elucidating its history, and from whom we trust the public may yet receive some permanent historical contribu- tion. S.carccly less is our obligation to the ladies in pos- session of the papers of their distinguished ancestor, Gen- eral John Williams, for the privilege of examining those valuable documents, which, admirably arranged in six pon- derous volumes, throw more light on the internal, home history of Washington county in early days than can bo obtained from any other source. Tlie courtesy of Mr. Mc- Farland, principal of Salem Academy, in afibrding the writer fref|ucnt and convenient access to the library of that institution, is thankfully remembered. We also beg leave to acknowledge the aid given to the general history through special contributions and personal reminiscences by Dr. Asa Fitch and Dr. John Lambert, of Salem, Rev. 8eth C. Carey, of Ma.ssachusetts ; Hon. John McDonald, Hon. Ebenczer McMurray, and Colonel Solo- mon W. Russell, Jr., of Salem ; General James C. Rogers, General Thomas J. Strong, Major William H. Kincaid, Major James McCarty, Captain JI. S. Teller, and Hon. U. G. Paris, of Sandy Hill ; Mr. Henry McFarland, of Fort Edward ; Colonel Antoine Renois and 5Ir. L. K. Pierce, of Whitehall; Mr. Lewis R. Harsha, of Argyle; and Mr. William Ladd, of Salem. Thanks, too, are due to the many others, too numerous to be named here, who have furnished aid to the town-his- torians in the compilation of their part of the work. The record which has thus been produced from all these numer- ous sources, and arranged and embellished with the best skill of the writers and artists, be the same more or less, is now respectfully submitted to the public. CHAPTER IL THE ADVENT OF THE "WHITE MAN. Sanmt-'! Champliiin discovers Lake Chaiuplain — Ilis Corapiinions — Mfeting of the Iroquois — Location of the Meeting — Taunts of the Savages — The Battle — Defeat of the Iroquois — -Disastrous Results to Canada. As near as can be ascertained, the very first white men who ever entered the territory of the State of New York found their way into the present county of Washington, and within the limits of that county was fought the first combat on New York soil in which men of Caucasian blood took part. On the fourth day of July, 1609, Samuel Champlain, the adventurous Frenchman who had founded the colony of Canada, discovered and entered the lake which still bears his name. He was accompanied by two Frenchmen and by sixty Huron Indians, whose cause he had espoused, and with whom he was on his way to attack their ancient ene- mies, the Iroquoh. The little army occupied twenty-four canoes, and with these they pushed on swiftly up the lake during the fourth and fifth days of July. Being now arrived in the vicinity of the locality where the Uurons expected to find their foes, the former adopted especial precautions, apparently with a view to surprise the enemy. They paddled on during the whole night of the fifth, but lay concealed on the shore all day of the sixth. At dusk they again set forth, and at ten o'clock at night discovered a war-party of Iroquois, also in canoes, near the western shore of the lake. The latter immediately went on shore, and with their stone axes began to hew down trees for a fortification, while Champlain and his Ilurons remained on the lake. The location of the point of meeting is somewhat doubt- ful, but the weight of evidence is that it was in what is now the town of Putnam, in the county of Washington. It is true a map made to illustrate Champlain's travels, but not drawn by him, represents the meeting and subsequent conflict to have taken place just north of Ticonderoga, but this is contradicted by Champlain's own account, which says that he saw the waterfall of Ticonderoga and the out- let of Lake George. The time, too, that the Indians spent on Lake Champlain, and the great length which the narra- HISTORY OF WASIIINaTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 11 tor assigns it (one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty miles), both go to show that the invaders were brought to a halt considerably south, rather than north, of Ticonderoga. At all events it would not do to ignore so important an event, whieh iiiir/ht have taken place in Wash- ington county. The Ilnrons remained on the lake, according to Cham- plain's narrative, while the Iroquois built their rude barri- cade of trees, the former keeping their canoes alongside each other, and fastened to poles, so that they could all fight together if they should be attacked. When all was ready they sent two canoes towards the shore, whose occu- pants hailed the enemy and asked them if they wished to fight. The latter promptly replied in the affirmative, but advised a postponement of the conflict until daylight. The llarons agreed, and the remainder of the night was spent by both parties in singing, dancing, and abusing each other. In the latter amusement both parties were great proficients. " You Hnroi* dogs are cowards," the Iroquois would shout from their barricade of logs ; " how dare you come against the Hedonosaunce ? Have we not whipped you often before?" " We will show you Minyo squaws what we are," the Ilurons would reply. " You have beaten us sometimes when you had two to one, but you dare not fight us man to man ; and now we will whip you, even if you have the most." " The scalps of the Ilnrons hang thick in our lodges ; our squaws and children play with them every day. Soon they will play with yours ; you cannot stand before our arms." " Oh, ho !" would scream an indiscreet Huron, " your arms will be worthless before those which we have. We have weapons you have never seen before. You will I'all before them as if the Great Spirit had stricken you with his lightning." And thus with boasts and taunts, with shouts and screams, with plentiful repetitions of the epithets " dog," " coward," "slave," and "squaw," the summer night passed swiftly away. At daylight on the seventh Champlain's party went ashore, the French being clad in light coats of mail and armed with arquebuses, while their Huron allies were re- splendent in war-paint and feathers, and were equipped with bows, arrows, and tomahawks ; some of the latter being of stone and some of iron, fa.shioned in the forges of France. Seeing the apparent weakness of the invaders, the Iro- quois left their barricade, two hundred strong, and advanced slowly in line toward the foe, their bows and arrows in their hands, their faces hideously painted, their heads adorned with crests of gaudy feathers, and the bodies of at least a portion of them protected with arrow-proof armor, made of strips of wood fastened together with cotton thread. In front of them marched three chiefs, whose rank was denoted by the exceeding loftiness of their plumes, and the greater hideousness (if tliat were possible) of their war-paint, but who were in other lespects attired and armed like their followers. Champlain's French companions and a few of the Ilurons went into the bushes, while the main body marched rapidly in line toward the Iroquois, with their white leader. The latter had loaded his arquebuse with four balls ; the chiefs of the enemy had been pointed out to him, and he was expected to take the brunt of the fighting. Suddenly the line of Ilurons divided in the middle, and the bold Frenchman, arquebuse in hand, advanced into the view of the astoni.shed Iroquois. The latter halted, the chiefs clustered together, and all gazed in wonder at the white face, dark beard, flashing armor and curious weapons of their new foe. The Huron line closed up in the rear, and Champlain continued his onward course until he stopped within thirty paces of the Iroquois chiefs. Then, at length, the latter started from their stupor and fitted their arrows to their bows, determined to test the prowess of the strange intruders. Seeing this movement, Cliamplain at once lifted his arquebu.so, aimed at one of the chiefs, and fired. Not only the warrior at whom he aimed but one of the other chiefs fell dead before the shot, and one of the Iroquois in the rear was mortally wounded. This was, so far as known, the first time that the sound of firearms was heard within the present limits of the State of New York ; the first time that blood was shed by a white man within those boundaries. Nay, if we except the doubtful account of the entry of Jean Verrazzani into the harbor of New York city in 1523, Champlain and his com- panions were the very first Europeans to set foot within the Empire State. They were the pioneers of civilization, though probably the Iroquois did not look on them in that light^ The Ilurons, when they saw the execution done by their foreign champion, rent the skies with their exultant yells, a.id sent volley after volley of arrows among their foes. The latter were appalled by the apparently supernatural flash and report, and the fearful death of their leaders ; but for a few moments they kept their places and responded vigorously to the arrows of the Ilurons. Many were wounded on both sides by these feeble weapons, but none were killed. Ere Champlain could reload his arquebuse one of his companions, who had crept up in the bushes, fired another shot, and another of the Iroquois warriors fell dead in his tracks. Then the braves of the Ilcdonosaunee, who had triumphed over half the native tribes of America, lost their courage in presence of these incomprehensible disas- ters and fled into the forest, the French and Ilurons pur- suing them with shouts and yells, inflicting death upon sev- eral of the fugitives and capturing ten or twelve prisoners. The wounded Iroquois were carried off by their compan- ions. Fifteen or sixteen of the Ilurons were also wounded by the arrows of their enemies ; but their injuries appear to have been very slight, for Champlain says they were " promptly cured." After the victory the Hurons seized on the abandoned provisions and arms of the Iroquois, de- voted three hours to singing, dancing, and feasting in honor of their triumph, and then, in company with their French friends, turned the prows of their canoes toward their northern homes. Such was the first meeting of the French and the Iro- quois. It reads more like murder than does ordinary war. The taking part by the French in an aggressive movement in which they had no concern, the slaughter of the unsus- pecting Iroquois with weapons to them unknown and invin- cible, the needless destruction of the frightened fugitives. 12 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. all give to this exploit a elifiracter of peculiar and revolting rutlilessness. And most disastrous was it to the French. They had made enemies of the most powerful native confederation this .side of Mexico. Attacks on both sides soon deepened and fixed their hatred, and for a hundred and fifty years the people of Canada, by the sight of their blazing dwell- ings, by the shrieks of their slaughtered women, by the sound of the savage war-whoop, by the death-shots falling thick and fast among their devoted soldiery, were taught to rue the cruel rashness of the brilliant adventurer who devoted the colony he had founded to the vengeance of the Iledonosaiinee. Nay, it is not improbable that the power of the Iruqnois, by retarding the settlement of Canada, turned the scale between the French and the English, and that the final expulsion of the former power from this part of Amer- ica was indirectly due to the raid of Champlain into Wash- ington county in July, 1009. CHAPTER III. THE SITUATION. the Era of our History's Opening — The Territory which is our Sub- ject — Its Location — Its Geographical Features — Its Trees and Animals — Its Owners in 1609 — Prehistoric Traditions. At the time our history opens (July, 1G09), America had been discovered but a hundred and .seventeen years. It Was seventy-five years since Cartier had sailed up the great river St. Lawrence, but it was only six since Champlain had planted a permanent colony on its shores ; and it was but three years since the colonists of Jamestown had founded the first settlement in the United States. It was not till two months later that Henry Hudson, with his crew of Dutch and English, sailed up the river which still perpetu- ates his memory, and, as is generally but incorrectly sup- posed, became the pioneer discoverer of the Empire State ; and it was eleven years later ere the Pilgrim Fathers landed on the rock-bound coast of Plymouth. As it is the territory now forming the county of Wash- ington which is to be the theme of our story, a brief delinea- tion of its boundaries and description of its surface will aid in giving the necessary distinctness and individuality to the subject, especially during the long period between the first appearance of the white man and the formation of the actual county of Washington. The district under consideration extends from latitude forty-two degrees and fifty-four minutes north to latitude forty-three degrees and forty-seven minutes, — a distance of no less than sixty-one miles. It lies between longitude three degrees and ten minutes and longitude three degrees and twenty-one minutes east from Washington, its width for forty miles from its southern boundary being almost ex- actly eighteen miles. The remainder of the county dimin- ishes northward from nine to four miles in width. The area of the whole is eight hundred and thirty square miles. The narrow northern section just mentioned, comprising the present towns of Putnam and Dresden, is composed mostly of a high rocky ridge, bordered on the east by a long, narrow stretch of water and marsh, now called the southern part of Lake Champlain, and on the west by Lake George, that sparkling, island-gemmed, mountain-bound sheet of water, the beauty of which is renowned throughout the continent. The mountain range which occupies the pen- insula — and of which the highest peak (Black mountain) is two thou.sand eight hundred and seventy-eight feet above tide-water — is separated from the rest of the county by a remarkable depression, through most of which Wood creek runs, and which extends .southwesterly from the head of Lake Champlain to the banks of the Hudson, at Fort Ed- ward, forming a natural pathway for the armies which successively marched to the north and the south on their missions of invasion. Where this depression spreads out into the broad plain around Fort Edward and Sandy Hill, the Hudson comes rippling down from its source in the Adirondack wilds, turns something more than a right angle, and runs thence nearly due south along all the rest of the western border of the county. East of this are no less than three ranges of hills, all running northeast and southwest, with parallel valleys between. The first consists of the highlands of the present towns of Easton, Greenwich, Argyle, Hartford, Granville, Hampton, and the eastern part of Whitehall. Through this breaks the Batten Kill ; its branches, the White creek and Black creek, dividing the first from the second ridge. The latter constitutes the high ground of Cambridge, west Jack- son, and the eastern part of Salem and Hebron. This again is separated by the Owl Kill from the third range, only a small part of which is in Washington county, where it oc- cupies the eastern part of the towns of White Creek and Jackson. Poultney and Pawlet rivers, flowing from the highlands of Vermont into Lake Champlain, drain the northeastern part of the county, and the Hoosic, on its way to the Hudson, forms a part of its southern boundary. All these ridges and valleys were at the beginning of our history covered with a heavy growth of oak, ash, elm, beech, maple, and other common American trees, while occasional groves of lofty pine shaded some of the streams with their evergreen verdure. Here, the deer, the bear, the wolf, and the panther all had their lairs, while the deadly rattlesnake coiled among the rocks beneath, and the screaming eagle soared high in air over lake and river, vale and mountain- peak. The geology and natural history of the county will be treated in separate chapters, by a gentleman especially qualified for the task, and we do not desire to trench upon his province. We merely wish to give a rough idea of the territory where we are, in imagination, to dwell for two hun- dred and seventy years. That territory was undoubtedly, in 1609, under the con- trol of the easternmost tribe of the Iroquois, the fierce and restle.ss Mvluiicks. They never have had a permanent res- idence there since the country became known to the white man, and there is no reason to suppose they ever had. They may have employed it as a hunting-ground, or they may, as in later years, have abandoned it to the use of their tributaries, the Mohicans of western jMassachusetts. Such was the situation in 1609. Of the prehistoric age little need be said, for nothing is known, and there is hardly any ground even for reasonable inference. Dim tradition asserts that the Iroquois were driven out of the HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 13 territory now called Canada by the IJiirons ; that they located in central New York, and by means of their pecu- liar federation became stronger than their conquerors, with whom they waged ceaseless war. The only certainty is that when Champlain came to Canada, in 1603, he found a bitter feud in existence between the lliirons and their southern rivals, and was informed that such had been the case as far back as Indian knowledge ran. Doubtless the glades and hillsides of Washington county had many a time and oft resounded with the fierce war-whoop of Huron and Mohawk, and its soil was stained with the blood of these savage foemen, as they met on the great natural war-path which is the subject of our history. But they left no memorial of their deeds, and we turn without regret from the shadowy domain of tradition to the historic path- way beginning in 160'J, at first dim, but gradually growing plainer and broader as it is successively trodden by hunters, soldiers, pioneers, farmers, mechanics, merchants, by busy citizens of all classes and occupations, and sweeps onward down to this year of grace, eighteen hundred and seventy- eight. CHAPTER IV. 1609 TO 1700. Three Lines of Conquest: Dutch, English, and French — Iroquois Friendship for Dutch and English — De Courcellcs' Kaid — Arent Van Corlaer— Dc Tracy's Expedition—Rival Claims— i'irst Pat- ent in Washington County — Indian Expeditions — King William's War — Winlhrop's Army — lis Return — John Schuyler's Raid — Peter Schuyler's Expedition the next Year — De Mantelle in 3693 — The Peace of Ryswick — The enormous DcUius Patent — Its Va- cation by the Legislature. For nearly sixty years after 1609 very little occurred in Washington county which has become matter of record. Events of great importance, however, were happening all around, and from three directions three lines of adventure and conquest were converging towards this great natural focus. In September of that year Hudson sailed up the river which has since received his name, to the site of Al- bany, and took possession of the country round about in the name of his employers, the Dutch East India Com- pany, and of the States General of Holland. That people in a few years established several trading-posts along the Hud- son, and in 1623 began the work of permanent colonization. In 1620 the Pilgrims commenced the settlement of New England, and, in spite of a thousand obstacles, steadily pushed forward the work of civilization. The French gradually increased their possessions in Canada, though they showed themselves much more successful as fur-traders and mis- sionaries than as agricultural colonists. The Iroquois per- sisted in their hostility to the countrymen of Champlain, and doubtless often crossed the soil of Washington county on their mission of vengeance against the intruders who had so early earned their hatred, though no record remains of these stealthy forays. These powerful confederates were naturally impelled by their enmity against the French to cultivate friendly rela- tions with the Dutch, from whom alone they could obtain the death-dealing muskets and ammunition with which to do battle with their Gallic foes. When, in 1664, the New Netherlands were conquered by the English, and granted by King Charles the Second to his brother, the Duke of York (from whom the province was called New York), the Iroquois transferred their friendship to the new owners of the province, and still continued their warfare against the French. In January, 1660, a French officer. Monsieur de Cour- celles, set forth with four hundred French troops and two hundred Canadians, designing to inflict a severe blow on the Iroquois. Shod with snow-shoes and muffled with furs, every officer and man carrying thirty pounds of biscuit, be- sides his arms and ammunition, and accompanied by sledges loaded with supplies and drawn by dogs, the little army made its toilsome way on the ice to the head of Lake Champlain, and thence trudged through the forest to the vicinity of Schenectady, sufiering terrible hardships from the excessive cold. There a part of the force was am- bushed by the Mohawks, and about the middle of February all the remainder came ha.stening back to Lake Champlain, down which, half frozen and starved, they made their pain- ful way back to Canada. Several of the Frenchmen wounded in this expedition were rescued from the MoImioIcs and taken care of by Arent Van Corlaer, the manager of the colony of Rensse- laerswyck. This gentleman was a special favorite of the Iroquois, who looked upon him as the chief man among the whites, the actual governor being unknown to them, and ever after called the governors of New York by the appella- tion of " Corlaer." Monsieur de Tracy, the governor of Canada, was so pleased with the kindness of Corlaer that he invited the latter to visit him. He accepted the invitation, but on his way was drowned, by accident, in Lake Champlain. In the September following the expedition of De Cour- cellcs, De Tracy led another force of about six hundred up Lake Champlain. They occupied nearly three hundred bark canoes and a few light bateaux, and took with them two small pieces of artillery. These were more fortunate than their predecessors ; they were not defeated, but, as the jllohaioJis had learned of their approach, they could only burn the villages of the savages and return by the route they had come. Through the influence of the English colonial government, the Iroquois shortly after made peace with the French, which endured until about 1687. The grant of Charles the Second to the Duke of York covered all the territory east to the Connecticut river, and northward to the confines of Canada. The latter limits were not designated, but the English considered that they owned to the Canadian settlements, while the French claimed that Canada included the whole valley of Lake Champlain, which they had long since discovered. Wash- ington county was, however, much nearer the Anglo- Dutch settlements than those of the French. As for the title of the Indians, it was looked on as entirely worthless until it was transferred to one of the rival European claim- ants; then it became an excellent title in the eyes of that party, but of no value in those of their opponents. Nov. 1, 1683, the province of New York was divided into counties, the northernmost of which was Albany. This stretched indefinitely north and west into the wilderness, and included the present territory of Washington county. u HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. In 1684 the first patent for land within the limits of Washington eouiity was granted by the colonial govern- ment. The grantees were Peter " Philipse" Schu3-ler (Peter, the son of Philip), Robert Livingston, and other gentlemen of Albany and vicinity. The land thus granted extended back six miles on each side of the Hudson. On the west side its southern boundary was at Anthony's Kill, now Mcchanicville ; on the east side it began at the north bounds of the Schagticoke patent (the mouth of Hoosic river), and ran up the Hudson to the mouth of the Batten Kill ; thus covering the whole of the present town of Eiiston and a small part of Greenwich. This was commonly known as the Saratoga patent. It does not appear to have been recorded, and the land was certainly not settled on the east side of the Hudson till a long time afterwards. In 1708 it was confirmed and recorded, covering substantially the same ground. The Peter " Philip.se" Schuyler mentioned in the grant was doubtle.ss Colonel Peter Schuyler (son of Philip), the first mayor of Albany, one of the leading men of the colony and grand-uncle of General Philip Schuyler of the Revolu- tion. Robert Livingston was a Scotchman, recently settled in the colony, and the founder of the celebrated family of that name. In 1687 hostilities broke out between the Five Nations and the French, and the Marijuis de Dcnonville made a de- structive attack on the Senecas near the site of Rochester. That same year about sixty of the enraged Iroquois passed down Lake Chaniplain, inflicted severe damage on the French at Chambly, and returned in safety to their homes. The next year nine hundred warriors, mostly Moliawks, made their way to the island of Montreal, and devastated it with great slaughter up to the gates of the city. jNIeanwhile France had adopted the cause of James the Second, driven from the throne of England by William the Third in 1688, and war had consequently been declared between the two countries ; the conflict being commonly known as King William's war. In February, 17!)0, a detachment of French and Indians pushed through the forests, probably keeping to the west of Washington county, and committed the celebrated and terrible massacre of Schenectady. We now come to the appearance of the first Anglo-Ameri- can force on the territory under consideration. Shocked and enraged by the Schenectady disaster. New York and Connecticut raised a force, to be sent by the way of Lake Champlain, for the purpose of capturing Montreal. Fitz John Winthrop, of Connecticut, was commissioned a major-general and appointed to the command. General Winthrop reached Albany the 21st of July. Major Peter Schuyler, before mentioned, soon after moved in advance with a detachment of Dutch militia, on the west side of the Hudson, as far as the second carrying-place (now Fort Miller), where they proceeded to build canoes for the use of the army. On the 4th of August the general arrived at the same point with the remainder of his force. It consisted, all told, of four hundred New Yorkers (mostly Dutch), one hundred and thirty-five from Connecticut, thirty " River Indians," and about one hundred and fifty Moliawks ; not a very formidable army to compass the capture of Canada. On the fifth the command proceeded to the " great carry- ing-place" ( Fort Edward), the New Yorkers in canoes, and the New Englauders on foot ; their supplies being carried on horseback. The next day the meagre army proceeded over the swampy ground, abounding in Udl white-pines, to the forks of Wood creek, now known as Fort Ann ; the sturdy Hudson-river Dutchmen exciting the general's espe- cial admiration by the easy vigor with which they carried their canoes and provisions on their backs along the toil- some way. On the 7th of August, General Winthrop, with his mus- keteers, proceeded down Wood creek to its mouth in bark canoes, while a band of watchful Mohawks marched on either side of the boats to guard against any lurking foe. All camped near the mouth of the creek, on the north side. On the 9th of August a dispatch came from the Senecas and other Iroquois, who had been expected to meet General Winthrop near the north end of Lake Champlain, to the eff'ect that they could not go because the smallpox had broken out in their country. About the same time it was discovered that at this advanced season the bark would not peel, and no more canoes could be made ; also that the pro- visions were giving out, and that little more could be ob- tained from Albany. A council of war, held on the 15th of August, therefore resolved to return to Albany. In fact the whole expedition was miserably deficient in every respect, and it is likely the retreat was as much owing to the small number of men as to any other cause. Win- throp must have seen that five hundred militia and two hundred Indians were entirely inadequate to the capture of Montreal, even if there had been an abundance of pro- visions and canoes. Captain John Schuyler (a younger brother of Major Peter, and grandfather of the Revolutionary general, Philip Schuyler) was now directed to proceed, with forty soldiers and a hundred and twenty Indians, and see what he could do against the French at the other end of Lake Champlain. The " army" then moved back to the head of Wood creek. There Lieutenant Hubbell died of the smallpox, and was buried with military honors, a circumstance which is only noticeable because the lieutenant is the first person whose name is recorded as having been buried in Washington county. The boats, the stores, and the slight fortifications which had been erected, were all destroyed, and the troops proceeded in great haste to Albany. General Winthrop wa.s put under arrest by Governor Leisler, but could hardly be punished for not capturing Canada with his diminutive and ill-supplied force. Meanwhile, Captain Schuyler led his detachment down Lake Champlain. In a short time he met Captain Glen, who had been sent on a reconnaissance, and obtained thir- teen more whites and five Indians from his command, while the remainder followed the track of the retreating Win- throp. With his force of about a hundred and eighty persons, all told, Schuyler continued his course to the north end of the lake, and thence to La Prairie, where he inflicted considerable damage on the French, and then returned by the .same route to Albany. The next year Major Peter Schuyler collected two hun- dred and sixty whites and Iroquois, and made another HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 15 assault on Canada. On the 26th of June his conmiand reached the site of Fort Edward, and on the 28th proceeded to that of Fort Ann. There they remained about sixteen days, building canoes and preparing for the journey. On the 14th the party floated down to the falls of Wood creek (now Whitehall), and two days later set forth in their frail fleet down the lake. At this time, however, the long, narrow strip of water reaching from Whitehall to Crown Point was not always considered as a part of Lake Cham- plain. Consisting as it does of a narrow deep channel, bordered on each side by a strip of marshy ground hardly covered with water, the whole was frequently spoken of as " the drowned lands," and was sometimes known by other names. On reaching the north end of the lake, Schuyler pro- ceeded to La Prairie, and had a fight with the enemy. He then made his way back to his canoes, and returned to the head of the lake, following thence the usual route, by way of Wood creek and the Hudson, to Albany. Boastful colonial accounts relate that Schuyler's party slew three hundred of the enemy on this expedition, but this was doubtless mere gasconade. He lost twenty-one men killed and had five wounded, and does not appear to have accom- plished anything of coasequence. Frequent depredations were made by the Lidians allied with the respective combatants, and in January, lti93, Count Frontenac, then governor of Canada, determined to strike a telling blow against the Mohawks, who were the most dreaded of his adversaries. He accordingly dis- patched against them a body of four hundred and twenty- five whites and two hundred Hurons, all commanded by an oflScer named De Mantelle. This force, all on snow-shoes, with its provisions on sledges, came up to Ticonderoga, strode along the western border of Washington county on the ice of Lake George, and from the head of that lake pushed through the forest toward the castles of the Muhawlcs. On the 22d of February they again arrived on the western shore of Lake George, having inflicted severe injury on the Moliawlcs and captured many prisoners, but having themselves been closely followed not only by their Lidian enemies, but by the two warlike Schuylers before named, with a body of white volunteers. These had severely handled the invaders, and De Mantelle, the com- mander of the latter, had been slain. When the fugitives arrived at Lake George the ice was found to be rotten, and the men in some places sank to the waist. The English and Mohawks had stopped at Hudson river, but were sup- posed to be close behind, and in the confusion a large por- tion of the prisoners escaped. The French pushed on down Lake George, while their Indian allies struck over the highlands of Putnam to Lake Champlain. They found their depot of provisions spoiled by the rain, and they all suficrcd great hardships before they reached Jlontreal, where they did not arrive until the 9th of March. In 1695 the peace of Ryswick was concluded between England and France, and for a while the red uicn of New York and Canada: buried the hatchet, in imitation of their transatlantic allies. The next year the territory of Wash- ington county came very near being transferred, almost entire, to a single individual. On the 3d day of Septem- ber, 1696, Benjamin Fletcher, the colonial governor, gave to the Rev. Godfredius Dellius, minister of the Dutch Re- formed church at Albany, a patent covering all the land north of Saratoga patent, on the cast side of the Hudson, the tract being twelve miles wide from the Saratoga patent until the east line struck Wood creek, and thence occupying all the land between Hudson river and what was then called Wood creek, but is now known as the southern part of Lake Champlain, as far north as Rock Retsio, or Regio, now known as Split Rock, on the shore of Lake Champlain, ninety miles from the north line of Saratoga patent. The Dellius patent is somewhat obscurely drawn, but this is evidently the meaning of it. The location of Rock Regio has been doubted, but it is shown to be near Split Rock by an aflidavit of John Henry Lydius and wife, mentioned in Butler's " Lake Champlain and Lake George," page 17. The patent describes it as seventy miles north of Saratoga patent, but little was known about distances at that lime, nearly all boundaries being determined by natural landmarks. Considering the long sweep of the Hudson to the westward, north of Sandy Hill, this patent must have embraced a tract of over two thou- .sand square miles, comprising more than half of Washing- ton county, almost all of Warren county, and a large part of Essex. The quitreut reserved to the crown was one raccoon-skin per year. The Rev. Godfredius claimed to have previously pur- chased the land of the Mohawks, and it is quite likely that some of the chiefs had made him a grant of some land after a due use of whisky and flattery. But, reckless as the colonial authorities often were in regard to large grants of land, this was too enormous to be successful. In April, 1798, the Earl of Bellamont succeeded Colonel Fletcher as governor, and he was so impressed with the injury the grant would work in retarding the settlement of the country that he persuaded the Legislature to vacate it. Dellius denied the authority of the Legislature to do this, and, on returning to Holland, is supposed to have transferred his claim to Rev. John Lydius, his successor in the Albany church. Nothing further of especial consequence relating to Wash- ing county occurred during the seventeenth century. CHAPTER V. QUEEN ANNE'S -WAR. Beginning of the Conflict— Quiet here until 1709— E.xpcdition nga.inst Montreal — General Nicholson appointed Commander — Assembling of the Troops— Schuyler's Advance- Building of Fort .Saraghtogii —Also of Forts Nicholson and .Schuyler— Inactivity through the Summer— Retreat in November -Nicholson's Second Expedition- Building of Fort Anne- Its Change of Name— This Expedition also Abandoned — The Peace of Utrecht. Scarcely had the new century dawned upon the world ere its light was obscured by the smoke of battle. The long combat known as " Queen Anne's war" began in 1702, and the tomahawks were speedily at work in America, on account of the rivalry of France and England. Washing- ton county was again the war-path for numerous small 16 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. parties on their errands of destruction against the French or English frontiers, but no expedition of much importance passed through it until 1709. In that year the British and the colonial authorities joined in a plan by which two expeditions were to co- operate for the capture of Canada. Five regiments of British regulars were to be joined at Boston by a body of Massachusetts levies, and proceed by sea to Quebec, while the troops of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were to concentrate at Albany, and follow the well-known track by way of Lake Cliamplain to Montreal. General Francis Nicholson, formerly lieutenant-governor of New York, was appointed commander of the latter ex- pedition by acting-Governor Ingoldsby. The four provinces last named furnished fifteen hundred, besides several inde- pendent companies from New York. These were joined by about a hundred Mohawks. About the first of June, the pioneers and artificers, escorted by three hundred men, under Peter Sehuylor, — now become a colonel, — set forth from Albany. This detachment built the first permanent fortification in Washington county, — a stockade called " Fort Saraghtoga," situated on the east side of the Hud- son, a little below the mouth of the Batten Kill, in the present town of Easton. They built other stockades at Stillwater and Fort Miller Falls, and constructed a road from the Batten Kill up the east side of the Hudson to the " groat carrying-place" at Fort Edward. Here Schuyler built a fort which he called Fort Nicholson. He then proceeded with his detachment to the forks of Wood creek (the site of Fort Ann), where a rude fortress was constructed and named Fort Schuyler. John Schuyler (now a lieutenant-colonel of his brother's regiment) was placed in command. A hundred bark canoes and a hundred and ten bateaux were also built, the latter capable of holding from six to ten men each. The main body of the army, under General Nicholson, soon afterwards moved up the Hudson. The largest por- tion, eleven hundred and fifty in all, was stationed at Fort Schuyler. Fort Nicholson was garrisoned by four hundred and fifty men, among whom were a few companies of British regulars, the first whose scarlet coats and precise manoeuvres were seen within the borders of Washington county. Forty soldiers were stationed at the post at Fort Miller falls (which had not yet received that name), and others at other points lower down. A French force, reported to number sixteen hundred, had stationed itself at the other end of Lake Champlain. Their services were not necessary, however, for Nicholson awaited action by the fleet against Quebec, and the summer pa.ssed away without any proceedings of importance. A severe sickness broke out in the English camp, to which large numbers fell victims, which made a hostile movement still more impracticable. The enterprising French sent frequent scouts into the territory occupied by the English, and one of these, near the 1st of October, captured Lieu- tenant Staats, in the immediate vicinity of Fort Nicholson. In November the English destroyed Forts Nicholson and Schuyler, and the po.sts at the second carrying-place, and re- tired down the river. Fort Saraghtoga was still maintained. In 1711 still another attempt was made to lead an expe- dition against Canada through Washington county. The plan was essentially the same as the previous one. A fleet was to operate against Quebec, and an army was to go by way of Lake Champlain to Montreal. General Nicholson was again selected as commander of the latter force. This consisted of three small regiments, — one of regulars, com- manded by Lieutenant^Colonel Ingoldsby ; one of New Yorkers, again commanded by Colonel Schuyler; and one of Connecticut men, under the orders of Colonel Whiting. It left Albany about the last of Augu.st, following the route pursued two years before, to the ruins of Fort Schuy- ler. Here a new fort was built, half the expense being borne by the BritL-fh government and half by the colony of New York. It was at first called " Queen's Fort," doubt- less on account of the aid received from the crown in building it, but soon after received the queen's actual name and became Fort Anne. This name has been substantially retained ever since ; but for a long time everybody has in- sisted on spelling it " Ann," in utter contempt of the fact that her Majesty, from whom the name was received, always spelled it " Anne." This is particularly to be regretted, as it tends to break the historic chain which binds us to the events of a hundred and sixty-seven years ago. But uni- versal practice is sovereign in matters of orthography. It has made "Dutchess" county out of "Duchess," and in obedience to its authority we shall henceforth designate the fort under consideration, and the town named from it, as Fort Ann. Fearing that the Lake Champlain route would be un- healthy, Nicholson's army, now increased to four thousand men, took the route to Lake George, as being a more salu- brious locality. Before reaching that sheet of water, how- ever, Nicholson learned that the British fleet intended to operate against Quebec had been shattered on the sea, and that the expedition had been abandoned. He accordingly deserted Port Ann, withdrew his troops to Albany, and disbanded them. Fort Saraghtoga was still kept up as the northernmost protection of the Hudson river settlements. In 1713, Queen Anne's war was ended by the peace of Utrecht, and Washington county became once more a hunting-ground instead of a war-path. On other parts of the frontier the colonists were frequently assailed by the Indians, even when no European war was in progress ; but in this locality the Five Nations were so closely allied with the English, and the Hurous with the French, that peace between the two great nations of Europe usually gave peace to the shores of the Hudson and of Lake Cliamplain. CHAPTER VL THE FIHST SETTLEMENT, ETC. The Saratoga Settlement — Probability that it was the First — Con- flicting Claims — Building of Crown Point — Agreement with Cap- tain Campbell — His Colony — His Disappointment — The Hoosic Patent — The Walloomsac Patent — -Colonel Lydius' Establishment —The First White Child— The Schuyler Patent- The Bayard Tract. Several years after the peace of Utrecht, the Schuylers and others interested in the Saratoga patent procured the HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 17 settlement of a considerable tract near the fort of that name. This settlement has usually been spoken of as en- tirely on the west side of the Hudson. But the circum- stances attending its destruction, which will be mentioned later, clearly show that it was partially, at least, on the east side. In all probability it was begun on the east side, around the fort, though it may afterwards have been ex- tended to the west side. There is hardly a question that this was the first settlement in Washington county, but it was so thoroughly devastated afterwards that it has entirely escaped the attention of some writers who have treated on the early history of the county, and our investigations have failed to show us when it was begun. The dividing line between the French and English pos- sessions in America was loft in dispute by the peace of Utrecht, and in 1731 the governor of Canada made a move- ment to secure a large part of the disputed territory to France by building a fortress at Crown Point. Great alarm was felt along the northern frontier of New York ; for it was felt that in case of war much more facility would be afforded to the murderous expeditions of the French and Indians than ever before. The obvious counter-move- ment would have been for New York to build a fort at Tieonderoga, but the governor and Assembly were iu con- stant conflict with each other, and nothing was done. Even Fort Ann was left in ruins, and no defenses wore erectad at the head of Lake Champlain or Lake George. Fort Saraghtoga, however, was still kept up, though not very thoroughly. The only move towards counteracting the French ad- vance was an attempt made to settle the territory above Saratoga patent with a colony of fearless men, who might act as protectors of the lands below. In 1735 a proclamar tion was issued by the governor inviting " loyal Protestant Highlanders" to settle the lands between the Hudson and the northern lakes, — the men of the tartan and claymore being evidently considered the best defenders that the province could have. In 1737, Captain Laughlin Camp- bell, a Highland soldier of distinguished courage, came to America in response to the proclamation, and went over the territory of Washington county to sec if a colony could be L-^ated there. He was satisfied with the locality, and according to his statement, which was in all probability true, Lieutenant-Governor Clarke (acting governor) prom- ised him a grant of thirty thousand acres for the use of a colony, free of all expenses except survey-fees and quit- rent. Campbell returned to Scotland, sold his property there, rai.sed a company of ibur hundred and twenty-three adults, besides children, to come to America, and in 1738 cro.ssed the Atlantic with a part of his charge. Ou his arrival, however, the governor insisted on his full fees and a share in the land. This Campbell refused to give, — the fees he was perhaps unable to give. Governor Clarke pretended to be very anxious to aid the emigrants, and recommended the Legislature to grant them assistance. But the Legis- lature was, as usual, at war with the governor, and refused to vote money to the emigrants, which they suspected, with good reason, the latter would be required to pay to the colonial officials for fees. The colony was obliged to 3 separate to earn their living. Campbell, after various ad- ventures, died in poverty, and the further .settlement of Washington county was postponed nearly thirty years. These facts are derived from the statements of Captain Campbell and his friends, but the conduct of the colonial officials in other matters makes these charges appear ex- tremely probable. A little after the Campbell fiasco, the Hoosic patent was granted. This lay six miles back from the Hud- son, and mostly in Rensselaer county ; but it extended two miles north of the Hoosic, thus embracing a strip of that width in the south part of the town of Cam- bridge and the southwest part of White creek. East of this, the Walloomsac patent of twelve thou.sand acres was granted, lying partly in Rensselaer county, partly in the southeast portion of Cambridge, Washington Co., and partly in what is now the State of Vermont. Meanwhile, Colonel John Henry Lydius, son of Rev. John Lydius, who is supposed to have purchased the right of Rev. Godfredius Djllius to the vast tract granted by Governor Fletcher, being desirous of keeping up his claim of title, built a house, roughly fortified, so as to resist an Indian assault, on the site of Fort Nicholson (in the pres- ent village of Fort Edwards, and engaged in trade with the red men. The precise date of his making this estab- lishment (frequently called Fort Lydius) is not known, but it was between 1730 and 1744 ; and is believed to have been shortly after the former date, when Colonel Lydius left Canada. As the English and Dutch sold Indian goods much cheaper than the French in Canada, a large trade was attracted to Fort Lydius from the north, and Iliirons and Ottitwas from beyond the Saint Lawrence were found trafficking there beside the Molunrks and Mohicans of nearer localities. It is generally supposed that Lydius' daughter, Cath- arine, afterwards Mrs. Cuyler, was the first white child born in the present county of Washington, but there is every reason to believe that children were born before her in the little settlement around Fort Saraghtoga. In fact, Catharine was not exactly a white child. Her mother, Genevieve Masse, was a Franco-Indian half-breed, whom Colonel Lydius had married in Montreal, where he resided between 1725 and 1730. As the colonial officials did not recognize the title of Lydius to the land he claimed, they proceeded, on July 18, 1740, to grant a tract of twelve thousand acres, com- prising the southern and larger part of the present town of Fort Edward, to John and Philij) Schuyler and others. The fir.«t we infer to have been John Schuyler, Jr., son of the lieutenant-colonel who took part in the Nicholson ex- pedition, and father of General Philip Schuyler of the Revolution, while the second was doubtless his brother, who was afterwards slain at Saratoga. The tract was commonly known as the Schuyler patent. The next year, Samuel Bayard, who was also one of the grantees, obtained an additional tract of thirteen hundred acres, lying north of the Schuyler patent, and extending to the middle of the present village of Fort Edward. But agaiu the clouds of war overshadowed the land. 18 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. CHAPTER VII. THE MTAR OF 1744. The Situation in 1744 — Strengthening Fort Saraghtogii — Marin .and his Band— Destruction of Lydius' Bstiiblishment— .attack on Sar- aghtoga— Death of Philip Schuyler— HuiKling of Fort Clinton— Its Location — De Mery on AVoud Creek — Kcpentigny near Fort Clin- ton — Other French and Indian Raids — La Corno de St. Luc marches against Fort Clinton— The Ambush— The Battle — The French Victory — Further Attempts — Ketreat of La Come — Fort Clinton destroyed by the English — End of English Occupation. In 1744, after what was then considered a long peace, of thirt}--one years, war broke out between England and France. In a short time Indians were lurking around the fortified house of Colonel Lydius and the little settlement at Fort Saraghtoga. No serious damage, however, was done that year. At this time Fort Ann was entirely in ruins, nor does it appear that the colony of New York had any fortified post on tlie upper Hudson except Fort Saragh- toga. This was somewhat dilapidated, but capable of being used. The next year, 1745, Colonel Philip Schuyler (uncle of the general) and Major Collins were employed to strengthen Fort Saraghtoga by building six block-houses, which they accordingly did. AVe infer that they were at convenient distances around the fort. The war was somewhat lan- guidly waged on both sides, and the summer of 1745 passed without the occurrence of any event needing notice in the territory which is the subject of this history. Colo- nel Lydius, relying on the strength of his defenses, or on his influence over the Indians, remained at his little fort, the farthest outpost of the English. But in November, 1745, a French partisan officer, after- wards widely celebrated, named Marin (a name which the English and Americans have distorted into " Molang"), came down from Canada, with three hundred Indians and as many French, intending to attack the settlements on the Connecticut river. He changed his plan, however, and shaped his course toward the Saraghtoga settlement. Arriv- ing at Colonel Lydius' establishment, Marin laid it in ashes, taking prisoner the colonel and his son, both of whom he afterwards took with him to Canada. He then proceeded down the Hudson with his motley force, arriving at Saragh- toga before daylight on the morning of the 28th of No- vember (N. S.). The settlement consisted of about thirty families, many of them being tenants of Colonel Philip Schuyler, who was one of vhe chief proprietors of the land, and the principal man of the locality. As has been said, it is quite probable that the settlement was on both sides of the Hud.son. If any part of it was on the west side, Marin must have divided his force ; for, in a very brief time, the fort and all the dwellings wore captured and set on fire, and a hundred and nine of the inhabitants, — men, women, and children, — thus rudely awakened from their slumbers, were taken prisoners. A few escaped, and a few were slain. The number of the latter (considering the number captured out of thirty families) must have been very small in com- parison with the proportion usually slaughtered in Indian attacks. Colonel Schuyler, however, fell a victim to his own bravery. A French lieutenant, named Beauvais, who knew him, and who led the attack on his house (which was built of brick, and pierced for musketry), called on him to sur- render, assuring him he should not be harmed. Schuyler refused, called Beauvais a dog, and fired his " fusee" at him. Beauvais repeated the invitation to surrender, but Schuyler only fired another shot at his foe. The latter then fired his own gun, with better aim than Schuyler, and the latter fell dead in his tracks. This, at least, is the French account of the matter, doubtless derived from Beauvais him.self, and perhaps too favorable to him. We have included an account of Mr. Schuyler's death, as it was a part of the raid, which certainly extended to the Washington county side of the river, although it is not certain on which side he lived. In the winter of 174G, the Colonial Assembly, at the request of the Schuyler family, voted a hundred and fifty pounds (about three hundred and seventy-five dollars) to built a fort in place of Fort Saraghtoga. One of the objects was to guard the large fields east of the old fort, which, notwithstanding the destruction of the houses, it was still hoped might be cultivated. To do this more effectually the new fortress was built, in the spring of 1746, on a hill a considerable distance east of the site of Fort Saraghtoga, and not fiir from the present road from Schuylerville to Galesvillc. This fact, confirmed by the location of the ruins of the new fort (which were in existence at the time of the second settlement after the French wars), shows clearly that there must have been a part of the settlement on the east side of the river. In fact, notwithstanding the positive expressions of Lossing and others, we are strongly of the opinion that the whole settlement was east of the river, and that Schuyler's mill was on the Batten Kill instead of Fish Kill. The new fort was much larger than the old one, being a hundred and fifty feet long by a hundred and forty feet wide, with six wooden redoubts for barracks. It was armed with six twelve-pound and six eighteen-pound cannon, and received the name of Fort Clinton, in honor of George Clinton (father of Sir Henry Clinton, the British commander in the Revolution), who was then governor of the province. The locality of Fort Clinton has often been mistaken for that of Fort Saraghtoga, and much confusion has been caused in consequence. It is evident that the land was cleared as far back from the river as Fort Clinton, and probably a short distance beyond. Several small French and Indian parties made their w.ay into Washington county during the summer of 1746. In July, Mons. Do Mery, with about four hundred and fifty Canadians and Indians, came up Lake Champlain and camped on the shores of Wood creek, which the French called Riviere an Chicot. Into this stream, for several miles above its mouth, they felled the trees growing on both sides, so as to render its navigation impracticable and pre- vent or retard any English expedition against Canada. In the latter part of August, Mons. de Repentigny, an- other celebrated French partisan, led a party of twenty-five or thirty Al/cnaki Indians into the vicinity of Fort Clinton. Seeing a detachment of twenty soldiers escorting a cart-load of clay to build a chimney, the Abcnakis suddenly attacked HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 19 them, killod and scalped four men close to the gate of the fort, and took four prisoners. The French records show nearly twenty such expeditions in that single year, 1746 (besides those ol' which no account remains), that went on their mission of murder to the frontiers of New York and Massachusetts. Blost of them passed over some part of the lon<>;-exteaded borders of Washington county, but it would be idle to recount the meagre annals of these inglorious exploits, so much alike in their atrocity and in their insignificance to all save their unhappy victims. One week a band of painted warriors (perchance led by one of their own chiefs, perchance by a French officer almost as wild and fierce as themselves) Would be gliding swiftly through the primeval forests on the banks of Wood creek, the Hudson, or the Batten Kill, toward the doomed locality; the next week the same forests would shadow their returning forms as they hastened to- ward Canada, their dark faces gleaming with triumph, their girdles adorned with the scalps of old and young, male and female, while in their midst there would perhaps be a few haggard men and weary women, urged forward by their brutal captors, and shuddering at the unknown fate which awaited them. The year 1747 opened with a general renewal of these scenes. The English and the Six Nations made some attempts at retaliation, but do not seem to have been as successful in their atrocities as their opponents. About the middle of June — old style, but in the latter part new style — St. Luc la Come de St. Luc, another of the French partisans who were so successful as leaders of these stealthy war-parties, made his way to the vicinity of Fort Clinton, at the head of twenty Canadians and near two hundred Indians, — Hiirons, JS^ipissiiiffs, Abeimhis, and French Iroquois. After watching for a day or two in the forest without seeing any good opportunity, as the Indians said, " to break somebody's head," La Corne determined to try an old stratagem to induce the English to come out of their fastness. He jjlaced six of his bravest Indians in ambush, near the fort, with orders to fire on the first that came out, and if attacked to beat a speedy retreat. The first day the ambushed warriors saw nothing, and the chiefs began to urge a retreat. But La Corne declared that it was not the French custom to retreat while there was a chance to strike a blow, and at nightfall again placed a party in ajiibush. At daybreak the next morning (the oOth, N. S.) the lurking warriors saw two Englishmen come out of the fort, and immediately fired on them. The gate was at once opened and a hundred and twenty of the garrison rushed out, formed in line, and fired on the assailants. The half- dozen Indians fled in accordance with La Comes plan, some of them throwing down their muskets and toma- hawks, running a little way, falling, running and falling again, as if severely wounded. The English, however, sus- picious of danger, advanced but slowly, and when they reached the place where one of the savages had thrown down his musket and tomahawk they halted. La Corne saw that he must make the attack quickly. He rose up and fired his gun at the foe, and all his men in- stantly did the same. Then, while the English line stag- gered under this sudden volley. La Come raised the war- whoop, swung his tomahawk, and rushed forward, followed by all his two hundred and twenty companions, running at the top of their speed and yelling like so many demons. The English fired a feeble volley, and those remaining in the fort also opened with their cannon. But the savages dashed furiou.sly on, and the next moment were plying their tomahawks on the English, who fled in all haste to the fort. Less than fifty of them succeeded in entering, and then the gates were shut, not only on the enemy but on the rearmost of their own men. The latter made but little resistance. In a few moments twenty-eight of them were killed and scalped, and forty-five more taken prisoners. A lew others rushed across the fields to the Hudscin and plunged in, fol- lowed to the bank by the yelling savages. Most of tlicse were drowned, or slain by the shots of their relentless pursuers. Unable to secure an entrance into the fort, the savages retreated into the forest with their scalps and prisoners as quickly as they had advanced. How slight must have been the resistance of the English is shown by the fact that only one Indian was killed and five were slightly wounded. Having sent his party and their prisoners into the forest, La Corne with a few men waited near the fort to see what the garrison would do. A number which he estimated at a hundred and fifty came outside the gate (showing that there must originally have been over two hundred there), but, warned by the disaster of the morning, they did not ad- vance beyond the shadow of the wall, and soon returned. La Corne accordingly retired, and, at the head of his tri- umphant band, set forth toward Canada. The English continued to hold Fort Clinton during the remainder of the summer; but in the fall, probably near the last of October, the guns and stores were removed, the gar- rison withdrawn, and the fort burned, by order of Governor Clinton, his avowed reason being that the Assembly did not vote enough money to keep it up. This was the end of occupation, for the time, in that part of the county, — an occupation which was not renewed to any extent until after the concpiest of Canada, though occasionally some one may have built a residence amid the ruins of the old settlement. So completely had the mem- ory of this little colony passed away that when people's attention began to be turned to the early history of the country very little was said about this, the first settlement in Washington county. The existence of the two forts, Saraghtoga and Clinton, in different locations, but in the same vicinity, both of which were attacked by French and In- dians in the same war, added still more to the confusion, as did also the fact that both those forts were called " Sarastau" — meaning Saratoga — by the French. By collating various accounts derived from both French and English sources, we think we have obtained the first consistent and con- nected account of the events in Washington county from the peace of Utrecht, in 1713, to that of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. The preliminaries of the latter peace were signed in April of the last-named year, and for a time stopped the march of war-parties along the northern frontier. 20 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. CHAPTER VIII. riKST PAET OF THE "OLD FHEKTCH ■WAH." Six Years of Peace— The War begun in 1754— The Three Expedi- tions of ITSS— Movement against Crown Point— Advance liy Gen- eral Lyman — Building of Kort Miller; also of Fort Lyuian — Arri- val of General William Johnson at Fort Lyman— The Forces assembled there — Prominent Men : Johnson, Hcndrick, Lyman, Schuyler, Putnam, Koger.s, Stark, and Butler— The Council of War — Johnson goes to Lake George — Lyman follows — The " Dutch-Frenchman," Dicskau, at Tieoiidcroga — His Sudden Ad- vance — His Ignorance of American Warfare — He marches against Fort Lyman — The Indians refuse to attack it — The Army sets out for Lake George— Defeat of Colonel Williams and King Hen- drick— Attack on Johnson's Intrenchments— The Repulse — Dics- kau wounded and captured— Slill another Battle— The French Retreat — Honors to Johnson— Name of Fort Lyman changed to Fort Edward — Scouting Parties — Rogers and Putnam — Lieutenant Noah Grant- The Army disbanded— Rogers' Rangers— Movements of 1756— Extreme Slowness— Abercrombie frightened by Mont- calm — Rogers and Putnam attacking Marauders— Rogers goes beyond Ticonderoga — The Army again withdrawn — Rogers' and Stark's Remarkable Expedition— Attempt to Capture Fort William Henry — A Picturesque Army — A Surprise prevented — General Webb — Lieutenant Marin's Raid — Terrible Massacre at Sandy Hill — Another Surprise — Slaughter of Militia on Lake George —Montcalm moves against Fort William Henry — Colonel Munro made Commander — Webb's Call for Reinforcements — He refuses to aid Munro— Sir William Johnson sets forth to relieve him — Webb orders him back — Surrender of Munro — Arrival of Fugi- tives at Fort Edward — Their Story of Massacre — Coming in of the Stragglers- Montcalm falls back— A Raid by De Levis— Putnam aiding the Guard— Putnam subduing the Fire— Close of Ihe most Disastrous Period. From the peace of Ais-la-Chapello to the outbreak of the great conflict which is known distinctly as the " Old French and Indian War," there was ahiiost entire quiet in the ter- ritory of Washington county. There was not even a new patent granted. There is a dim tradition that a settlement was then begun on the south part of the Schuyler patent, in the present town of Greenwich, but there is no direct evi- dence to that effect. The feeble remnant of the llohican Indians, by the permission of the lordly Moliaicks, hunted over the lands in question, and occasional traders passed to and fro in their search for gain. Perchance a few settlers straggled back to the devastated fields of Easton, and a cir- cumstance which will be noted hereafter tends to sho\y tliat this was the case, but no record remains regarding their number or circumstances. The great war actually began in Virginia, in 1754, though not formally declared until two years later. At first the conflict did not extend to the northern frontier, but in 1755 it opened all along the far-extended line. England and her colonies prepared to send three expedi- tions against the principal French strongholds, — one, under General Braddock, against Fort Duquesne ; one, under General Shirley, against Fort Niagara ; and one, under Major-General William Johnson, against Crown Point. While the first was composed almost entirely of regulars, and the second largely so, the third consisted wholly of provincials, and yet was the only one which met with even partial success. The troops for the Crown Point expedition began assem- bling at Albany about the last of June. It was not, how- ever, until near the 1st of August that the advance moved up the Hudson under Major-General Phineas Lyman, of Connecticut. This force did not cross the river into Wash- ington county until it arrived opposite the site of Fort Nicholson and of " Lydius' house." It was on its way up that an intrenched depot was established, from which the village of Fort Miller, in Washington county, derives its name, though the post itself was on the west side of the river. On the site of Fort Nicholson a much larger fortress was laid out, to which the name of Fort Lyman was given. Work was immediately begun upon it, under the direction of Captain Eyre, an officer of engineers. It was of an irregular quadrangular form, protected on two sides by the Hudson river and Fort Edward creek, and was fifteen hun- dred and sixty feet (nearly a third of a mile) in circumfer- ence. On its ramparts, sixteen feet high and twenty-two feet thick, six cannon were mounted. Besides the usual barracks, magazine, hospital, etc., within the fort, large barracks were erected on the island in the Hudson river, opposite the fortress. To this point, on .\ug. 14, came Major-General William Johnson, with the remainder of the troops, except the New Hampshire regiment, the stores and artillery, and fifty Md- Jiaick braves, under the celebrated chief. King Ilendrick. There were already two hundred ilohaxck warriors with Lyman's comiuand. It was a busy period at the frontier post. There were nearly four thousand men assembled there, all newly be- come soldiers, but diligently striving to perfect themselves in drill and discipline. These consisted of two Connecticut regiments, the commanders of which were General Lyman and Colonel Goodrich ; three Massachusetts regiments, under Colonels Rtiggles, Titcomb, and Williams ; a Rhode Island regiment under Colonel Cockrofl ; and a New York regiment, — of which, however, three companies were from Connecticut, — commanded by Blajor Fitch, of the latter State. A New Hampshire regiment, under Colonel Blaiich- ard, arrived about Aug. 25. Many men, prominent in American history, were then taking some of their earliest lessons in the art of war around Fort Edward, a brief men- tion of whom may be interesting to our readers. General Johnson, the commander-in-chief, better known to the present age as Sir William Johnson, was then a broad-shouldered, bold-faced man of forty, a successful pioneer and Indian trader, energetic and vigilant, and par- ticularly distinguished for his influence over .the warriors of the Six Nations. " King Hcndrick" had long been re- cognized as the principal war-chief of the Muhawks, and, though now aged and corpulent, was zealous for war and ready to follow his friend, Johnson, to the last. General Phineas Lyman, the second in command, was a Connecticut lawyer of good standing, who had had some military experience, as indeed almost every one had in those days, and who showed himself a brave, faithful, and capable soldier. The captain of one of the two Albany companies in the New York regiment was a fair-faced, fine-looking, active young man of twenty-one, destined to become one of the most distinguished of Americans, and whose name was to be linked especially with the history of Washington county. This was Captain Philip John Schuyler, as he was then enrolled, but whose middle name was soon after HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOiX COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 21 dropped, and who is now known as General Philip Schuy- ler. One of the Connecticut officers, Lieutenant Israel Put- nam, was a rough but sturdy farmer, already thirty-five years old, unlearned in book.s, but familiar with the lore of the forest, brave even to desperation, and whose name will be respected by all Americans as long as the memory of Bunker Hill shall last. Captain Robert Rogers, of Blanchard's New Hampshire regiment, had already become noted as a successful partisan, and although in the great Revolution which made his country free he engaged on the side of her oppressors, yet history should not neglect to record the bravo and faitliful services he rendered at an early day, in protecting her fron- tiers from devastation. In the ranks of Captain Rogers' company, too, was a shrewd, keen-faced young man, slender in form but tough as the hickory of his native forests, shrinking neither from the bullet of the Frenchman, the tomahawk of the Indian, the severest cold of a northern winter, or the hardest fatigue imposed by partisan warfare. This was John Stark, the hero of Bennington, and major- general in the army of the Revolution. There was still another young soldier from the valley of the Mohawk, whose courage none disputed, but who was destined to be hated with peculiar energy by nearly all the people of the American frontier, who have transmitted his name to their descendants as the synonym for all that is cruel and atrocious. We refer to Lieutenant John Butler, then commander of a company of Indians under General Johnson, but two decades later the most terrible scourge of the valleys of the Mohawk, of Schoharie, and of Wyoming. Soon after his arrival, General Johnson heard that six thousand Frenchmen were concentrating at Crown Point, with the intention of taking the offensive. He laid the information before a council of war on the 24th of August, and asked their opinion. They declared unanimously that reinforcements should be sent for, that the route to Lake Saint Sacrament was the best, and that two thousand men should be sent forward to make a road and prepare a depot of arms, etc., at the head of that lake. There were at that time only two thousand nine hundred and thirty-two men reported fit for duly, besides the New Hampshire men, then almost arrived. Before, however, General Johnson could send the report of this council to the colonial governors, the New York Legislature had already voted to raise four hun- dred more men, Connecticut five hundred, and !Massachu- setts no less than two thousand. On the 25th, Johnson started, with fifteen hundred sol- diers and all the Indians, for Lake Saint Sacrament, where he arrived on the 28th, and encamped. It was at this time that the name of " Lake George" was given by Gen- eral Johnson to the beautiful sheet of water previously known by the French name of Saint Sacrament, or the Indian one of Andiatiroote. Colonel Blanchard arrived about the time that Johnson left, and a few days later General Lyman followed his com- mander, leaving the first-named officer in command at Fort Lyman, with his own New Hampshire regiment and five companies of tlie New York regiment. The general's plan was to throw up some intrcnchraonts at the head of Lake George, then move to Ticonderoga, and there await reinforcements before advancing on Crown Point. But, in the mean time, the new French commander- in-chief took possession of the former locality, and assumed the offensive. This was the Baron de Dieskau, a soldier of German extraction in the service of Louis the Fifteenth, and whom the Americans called " the Dutch-Frenchman." Dieskau arrived at Ticonderoga on the 3d of September, having a force there and at Crown Point of seven hundred and twenty regulars, fifteen hundred Canadians, and seven hundred and sixty Indians. At Ticonderoga he heard from a prisoner (according to the Chevalier de Montrcuil) that Johnson had gone back to Albany, and that there were but five hundred men at Fort Lydius, as the French called Fort Lyman, now Fort Edward. This may have been an intentional deception, but it is quite as likely that the pris- oner had heard of Johnson's leaving Fort Lyman, and sup- posed, as a matter of course, that he had retreated. The baron at once determined to make a rapid movement, and capture and destroy the fort ere Johnson could send assistance. For this purpose he selected two hundred and twenty regulars of the battalions of La Reine and Languedoc, six hundred and eighty Canadians, and six hundred Indians, and started up Lake Champlain in canoes the very next day. This division of his force was in direct violation of the orders of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, the governor- general of Canada, who gave positive written directions thtit Dieskau should move against the enemy with his whole army, " without excepting any part of it, whatever report may be made of the situation and weakness of the enemy." De Vaudreuil was a native of Canada, and knew the great difficulty of obtaining any reliable information of an enemy's force in the American forests. Dieskau, however like Braddoek, Burgoyne, and so many other European officers, thought he knew the whole art of war and could not learn anything from natives or old residents of America. Strangely enough, however, since he intended to attack a fortified post, he left the bulk of his regulars behind ; for experience had often shown that the Indians, good in a bush-fight, were worthless in attacking fortifications, and the provincial militia were but little better for the latter purpose. But then Dieskau did not possess experience in American warfare, and would not consult those who did ; he seems to have supposed that the fierce-looking warriors from the banks of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa would, at his order, march up to the mouth of the British cannon as readily as would the grenadiers of the royal guard. He probably selected so large a propor- tion of irregulars in order that he might march more rapidly. Dieskau's force encamped at " Two Rocks," or " The Narrows," on Lake Champlain, the night of the 4th of September, and the next day disembarked at South Bay. Leaving the boats under a guard of a hundred and twenty men, the detachment set out for Fort Lyman with eight days' provisions on their backs. The second in command of this force, the largest body of French and Indians which had yet appeared in Washington county, was lieu- 22 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tenant-colonel the Chevalier de Moutreuil, and in it were also several of the encri^ctie partisans whoso name had hecome a terror to the inhabitants of the British frontier. The principal of these was Gardeur de St. Pierre, the same who commanded at Fort Dufjuesne when Wa.shingtou first visited it to demand the retirement of tlie French, and who, during 1754, had directed all the French opera- tions on that frontier. He was now in command of all the Indians under Dicskau, and, from some expros.sions used in the French reports, the Canadians appear also to have been under his charge. De Vaudreuil particulaily charged Dieskau to con.sult St. Pierre in regard to all the operations of these portions of his force. During the 6th and 7th of September, Dieskau and his men were marching towards Fort Lyman through the present towns of Fort Ann and Kingsbury, the little band of gayly-dressed regulars in the centre, the Canadians in front and rear, and the tawny warriors of the northern wilds spreading far out on cither flank, scouring every se- cluded glade and darksome thicket in the search for the scalps of lurking or straggling focs^ Among the numerous and needlessly minute orders for the march, drawn up by Dieskau before leaving Ticonderoga, was a direction to St. Pierre that he should not allow th.e Indians to " amuse them- selves scalping until the enemy be entirely defeated, inasmuch as ten men can be killed while one is being scalped." The worthy baron, it is very plain, neither understood the red man's character nor appreciated his dexterity. He might as well have ordered the Hudson to flow upstream as to have directed an Indian to refi'ain from using his scalping- knife when there was an opportunity, and it would have been a very swift slayer who could kill two men, let alone ten, while an experienced Huron or Moliaivh was denuding the head of a foeman. Arriving undiscovered within two or three miles of Fort Lyman, on the afternoon of the 7th of September, Dicskau encamped for the night, and called together the chiefs, in order to give directions for the intended sudden assault the next morning. To the great surprise of the European martinet, the Indians positively declined to join in the attack ; one account says it was because they con- sidered Fort Lyman as being on land belonging to the king of England that they refused to attack it, while they were willing to move against Johnson, as they said that Lake St. Sacrament undoubtedly belonged to the French. They may have given such a reason to Dieskau, but the true one unquestionably was that, like all Indian.s, they were afraid of cannon and fortifications. They knew there were both of these at Fort Lyman, while they supposed there were none of the latter, and few or none of the former, at Lake . St. Sacrament. In vain the baron, through St. Pierre as interpreter, argued in fiu'or of attacking the unfinished fort and the camp of Blanchard's New Hampshire men outside. The red men were impervious to his logic, and the. general prob- ably began to learn the difference between the veterans he had been accustomed to command and these reckless chil- dren of the forest. Compelled to submit, he at length arranged with them to make an attack on Johnson's camp the next day. At daybreak the morning of the 8lh the whole force set out for Lake St. Sacrament, soon striking into the road which Johnson had made, and pursuing it towards their destination. They now marched in three columns, the regu- lars in the centre, the Canadians on the right, and the In- dians on the lefl. In a short time they passed beyond the present boundaries of Washington county and entered the territory of the town of Queensbury, Warren Co. As was stated in our first chapter, it is no part of our design to narrate the details of event occurring beyond our limits. In order, however, to keep up the connection of the narrative, we will give a brief summary of the proceedings of Dies- kau's army ere it again recrossed the Washington county border. The baron soon learned from a prisoner that a detach- ment of a thousand men was approaching, sent by Johnson to reinforce Fort Lyman. About half-way between that post and Lake George the French general disposed his men in ambuscade and awaited the approach of the foe. The latter, consisting of Massachusetts and Connecticut troops and of Mohawks, were led by Colonel Ephraim Williams and King Hendrick. Supposing that the French were on the eve of attacking Fort Lyman, they hastened swiftly on, were caught in the ambuscade, and quickly de- feated with heavy loss; Colonel Williams and King Hen- drick both being slain. Dieskau pressed rapidly forward, intending to enter Johnson's camp along with the fugitives and take ad- vantage of the demoralization he expected would prevail. But the backwoods general had improvised a backwoods breastwork of wagons and felled trees, and had placed his cannon so as to command the wood. The Indians and Canadians swerved aside at the sight of the big guns, and engaged the flanks of Johnson's force, while the French regulars advanced in the centre. But the efibrts of all the assailants were unavailing, and after the battle had raged from noon till four o'clock the provincials and Moluncks sprang over the breastwork, made a grand charge, and ut- terly routed the foe. Dieskau was badly wounded and taken prisoner, Gardeur de St. Pierre was killed, and a hundred and ninety-four of their ofticers, soldiers, and In- dians were killed and wounded. General Johnson was also wounded early in the action, and during most of the battle the English forces were gallantly commanded by General Lyman. Meanwhile Colonel Blanchard, hearing the firing, dis- patched two hundred and fifty men from Fort L^'man, under Captain McGinness, to aid General Jolin.son. Near nightfall they came up with a body of Canadians and In- dians, resting at the place where Williams and Hendrick had been defeated in the morning. These they attacked and routed with heavy loss. From the two engagements thus fought on its banks the pool called Bloody Pond took its name. The French were not pursued, and that night, or the next morning, they again entered the territory of Washing- ton county, but sadly changed from the confident little army which set forth the previous morning, flushed with high hopes of an easy victory. Under the command of the Chevalier de Montreuil they made their way back as best IIISTOIIY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 23 they might to South bay, embarked on their boats, which had not been disturbed, and rcturnfed sorrowfully to Ticon- deroga. To all appearances a vigorous pursuit by the victo- rious army would have resulted in the complete destruction of the foe before he could have reached and embarked on Lake Champlain. It is said that General Lyman eagerly sought permission to do this, but was overruled by General Johnson. The latter also declined to move against Crown Point, and in this he was probably correct, as the French still had a force there and at Ticonderoga almost as large as his own, and with the aid of their fortification could doubtless have beaten him as easily as he had beaten the troops of Dieskau. Reinforcements came to Fort Lyman, but it was then so late that it was decided to return and disband the army. By Jolinson's orders Fort William Henry was built on Lake George, and Fort Lyman was improved, if not completed. With great shabbiness, he changed the name of the latter post from that of the gallant oflBoer who had really won the battle of Lake George (Johnson having been wounded and compelled to retire early in the engagement) to that of Edward, Duke of York, grandson of the reigning monarch (George the Second), and brother of George the Third. It was subsequently known as Fort Edward. With still greater meanness, Johnson entirely omitted all mention of Lyman in his dispatches ; thus appropriating to himself all the glory pertaining to the commander, a large part of which belonged to another. The result was that the general-in-chief was made a baronet, was given a gratuity of five thousand pounds, and became fiimous as Sir William Johnson, while General Lyman was entirely unnoticed by the home govern- ment, and had not even the poor satisfaction of seeing his name descend into history in connection with a frontier fortress. The reward to Sir William was liberal ; for, though the victory of three thousand men behind breastworks over fifteen hundred assailants was nothing to boast of, yet the British government were wonderfully well pleased that a victory of any kind should have been won in America. It was the year of Braddock's defeat on the Monongahela and Shirley's failure on Lake Ontario, and small favors were most thankfully received. While the troops were still at Fort William Henry, numerous scouting-parties were sent out to observe the enemy in the vicinity of Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; some of them going directly down Lake George, and some ranging the forests of Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam. The greater portion of these parties (in fact, nearly all the successful ones) were commanded either by Captain Robert Rogers, of the New Hampshire regiment, or by Captain Israel Putnam, of Connecticut. Sometimes they acted together and sometimes separately. Rogers was then the more prominent, and was soon after made a major. The report (to be found in the Colonial History of New York) of one of these scouts, made down Lake George the last of October, 1755, in which a party of French were defeated in a sharp skirmish, was signed by Captain Robert Rogers, Captain Israel Putnam, and Lieutenant Noah Grant. The last named was a Connecticut officer, and perhaps belonged to Putnam's own company. He was the father of Captain Noah Grant of the Revolutionary army, and the great-grandfather of General and President Ulysses S. Grant. He must have been a gallant officer, or he would not have been selected by Robert Rogers and Israel Putnam as their associate ; and the next year both he and his brother were slain in battle near Oswego. From some of these reports it appears that the English then gave the name of " South Bay" to the whole of the long narrow stretch of Like Champlain south of Crown Point, or at least of Ticonderoga. It was sometimes also called "The Drowned Lands," a name corresponding to the one given by the French, " Le Grand Marais," — tlie great marsh. When the main body of the army was disbanded in the fall, a small portion was retained to garrison Fort Edward and Fort William Henry. From the ranks of the New Hampshire regiment Captain Rogers enlisted a company especially for scouting purposes. His brother, Richard, was his first lieutenant, and John Stark his second lieu- tenant. Richard Rogers soon after raised another com- pany, and Stark became first lieutenant. These hardy men continued their perilous duties during the winter, making long trips on snow-shoes into the enemy's lines ; but as their routes at that time were mostly down the west side of Lake George, just outside the limits of our county, we cannot give them any ex- tended notice. When the spring of 175G opened, Putnam returned with some Connecticut troops to Fort Edward, and quickly re- sumed his favorite occupation of scouting, sometimes alone and sometimes in company with Rogers and Stark. Preparations were again made to capture Crown Point, but all the movements dragged with unaccountable slowness. The colonies raised a force of six thousand men, who ad- vanced to Fort Edward under the command of Gen. Seth Winslow, of Massachusetts. Here they were joined by a body of British regulars under Gen. James Abercrombie, who had been selected to command the northern army. Late in the middle of the summer the army advanced to Fort William Henrj', but ventured no fiirthcr. The Marquis de Montcalm, the new French commander- in-chief, came down to Crown Point and Ticonderoga in tlie forepart of July, and made himself so conspicuous that the dull-witted commander at Fort Edward was seized with alarm lest he should be attacked in his camp. Extensive fortifi- cations were actually erected at Albany to withstand the threatened assault. The Earl of Loudon, the British com- mander-in-chief in America, was even less vigorous than Abercrombie. Suddenly De Montcalm disappeared from Lake Champlain, re-appearing soon after on the shores of Lake Ontaiio, where he captured Oswego before Aber- crombie or Loudon knew that it was in danger. About the only warlike work done in or near Wa.shing- ton county in 175G was by Rogers and Putnam with tlieir companies of rangers. In the forepart of June the two indomitables were sent from Fort William Henry, with a Inindred men, to intercept a body of several hundred of the enemy, under St. Luc la Corne, who had landed from South bay, had plundered a train near Halfway brook, and 24 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. were retreating by way of Lake Cliamplain. Rogers and Putnam and their men hastened in boats down Lalce George to a point opposite the narrows on Lake Chaniplain, and marched rapidly ovcrhind to the latter point. They were supplied with two very light pieces of artillery, which they dragged over the highlands of Dresden with them. Arrived at the narrows of Lake Chaniplain, they lay in wait for the returning foe. In due time the latter came, rowing tran(|uilly down the lake, unthinking of danger, and their boats heavily laden with the plunder of the un- fortunate train. A.s they came opposite the lurking-plaee of the rangers, a hundred well-aimed muskets were fired into the boats, and the little culverins sent a shower of grape in the same direction. Several of the boats were instantly sunk, and scores of the Frenchmen went down to rise no more. Not knowing the number of their assailants, the survivors thought only of escape, and under a heavy fire they pushed on with all speed down the lake. Their loss was apparently very severe, but they did not seek to avenge it, and the rangers returned in triumph to Lake George. The next morning they embarked for Fort William Henry. On their way they met a large body of French and Indians in boats. The rangers opened on them with a heavy fire at a short distance, when the enemy gave way and allowed them to pa.«s, with a loss of one killed and two wounded. On the 30th of June, Rogers, with«fifty men, went down Lake George nearly to its foot, where they hauled their five whale-boats ashore, and carried them on their backs over the mountains of the northern part of" Putnam. By this means they escaped the close watch kept by the French on the outlet of Lake George. They arrived at Lake Cham- plain (" South Bay," as Rogers called it) on the 3d of July, and went a short distance down it. On the night of the 4th they slipped quietly by Ticonderoga, within sound of the sentry's hail. The audacious rangers afterwards passed Crown Point in the same manner, destroying some French vessels and their cargoes, left their own boats, marched by a long, circuitous route to the west side of Lake George, sent to Fort William Henry for bateaux, and then returned to that post. In October, General Winslow withdrew his army from Fort Edward, except a few troops left in garrison ; the rest being disbanded. The provincial levies were generally en- listed for eight or nine months, and disbanded every fall ; so that, although they bore some resemblance to our modern volunteers, they were far less efficient. One of the most audacious reconnaissances on record took place in January, 1757. On the 21st of that month. Major Rogei-s with seventy-four men. Lieutenant John Stark being second in command, went from Fort Edward to Fort William Henry, and thence set forth on snow-shoes over the ice of Lake George toward Ticonderoga. It will be remembered that that lake forms the northwestern boundary of this county, and that all the expeditions which pas.sed over it skirted that boundary. We therefore mention briefly some of the principal ones, even though, as iu the present case, the conflicts to which they led took place out- side the county. The reckless little detachment of rangers made their way to the foot of Lake George, then took a circuit overland. and boldly struck in between Ticonderoga and Crown Point. There one morning they attacked a jolly party of soldiers and teamsters, who were taking some sledges on the ice to the former post. The rangers captured seven sledges and their horees, but a part of the Frenchmen escaped to Ticonderoga. The commandant then at once sent out a force, estimated at two hundred and fifty soldiers, also on snow-shoes, who overtook the rangers in the present town of Crown Point. Then followed a battle on snow- shoes, with the snow four feet deep, lasting from three o'clock till sunset, in which the provincials lost twenty-six killed and missing, and from which the French finally retired with a lo.ss of eleven killed and twent3'-six wounded. Rogers was severely wounded at the first fire, and Stark commanded throughout the action. At dark he drew ofi" his force, and marched all night through the woods, bear- ing his wounded with him, and reaching the western border of Lake George the next morning. Leaving his men twenty miles from William Henry, the young hero, with two companions, pushed on to that post, obtained hand-sleds and refreshments, got back to his command the following morning, and then drew a loaded sled to the fort that same day. An ambush, a two hours' battle, a march on snow- shoes of at least a hundred miles, combined with drawing a burden twenty miles, the whole occupying continuously three days and two nights, may fairly challenge compari- son with the hardiest deeds of ancient or modern warriors. In March the French sent an expedition of fifteen hun- dred men up Lake George to capture Fort William Henry. It comprised two hundred and fifty regulars, three hundred Canadian volunteers, six hundred and fifty militia, and three hundred Indians, and was commanded by lligaud de Vaudreuil, brother of the governor-general of Canada. Among all the many warlike bands which have passed over the historic Lake St. Sacrament, others may have made a more splendid appearance, but none could have pre- sented a more uni((ue and picturesque one than the little army which marched from Carillon (Ticonderoga) on the 15th of March, 1757, under the command of Rigaudde Vau- dreuil. Fifteen hundred men, all on snow-shoes, regulars, irregulars, and Indians, is a sight probably never seen before nor since. Their provisions were loaded on sleds drawn by dogs. The men strode forward under the shadow of the Putnam highlands, slept at night on bear-skins in the snow, covered only with pieces of sail to keep off the wind, skirted the western border of Dresden and the north- western corner of Fort Ann, again reposed on their bear- skin beds, and on the evening of the 17th arrived within tffo or three miles of Fort William Henry. They failed to surprise the fort, owing, it is said, to the vigilance of Captain Stark, who, by a ruse, prevented his Scotch-Irish New Hampshire men from celebrating St. Patrick's day ; so that while the regulars were all drunk, there were sober rangers for sentinels, who discovered the approach of the enemy. Nor did De Vaudreuil, though he invested the fort and cut off communication with Fort Edward, dare to risk an assault. After waiting a few days and burning an immense amount of stores, vessels, etc., the French retired down the lake. When spring was fairly opened, the English authorities HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 25 again made preparations for important operations on the novtliern frontier, and again the colonies poured forth their thousands of volunteers to second those efforts ; but nothing could prosper under Loudon and Abercrombie, especially when pitted against the Mar(|uis de Montcalm. Aber- crombie, who was the nominal commander of the north- ern army, remained at Albany, while General Daniel Webb was placed in the immediate command, with his head- f|uarters at Fort Edward. This officer had fled down the Mohawk the previous year, after the capture of Oswego, with such rapidity that he wa.« looked on with great dis- favor by the soldiers and the people. An army of several thousand provincials assembled under Webb's orders, and there were also several regiments of British regulars. On the 25th or 26th of July, Lieutenant Marin, so often mentioned as one of the most daring French parti- sans, landed at the head of South bay with about two hundred regulars and Indians, and set out to make a dash against Fort Edward. They moved forward entirely undis- covered, and on the morning of the 27th arrived in the vicinity of that post. An English patrol of ten men was first cut off, all of whom were killed. Marin pressed for- ward, attacked the guard of fifty men, and quickly cut them to pieces with heavy loss. Several regiments came out of the fort and formed in line, but the cautious Webb would not let them advance, and Marin retired without loss. On his return to Montcalm he reported thirty-two scalps and one pri.soner, and claimed to have killed many of the guard who were not scalped. He said, in the peculiar idiom of the French language, that he " did not amuse himself by taking prisoners." There is reason for believing that it was on this expe- dition that there occurred the terrible yet thrilling incident of the murder of sixteen captive soldiers by Indians, at what is now Sandy Hill, leaving only one man, the team- ster, John Quackenboss, related by Dr. Fitch in his " Sur- vey" of Wa.shington County. The large number of scalps taken in proportion to the " one prisoner," and the locality of the events, all correspond closely to Dr. Fitch's account. The time, also, is nearly the same, though the precise period of the Sandy Hill incident is not known. There were various traditions regarding this latter event, but the only account of reasonable authenticity was derived by Dr. Fitch from a nephew of the hero of the story. A detailed account of this incident is to be found in the town history of Kingsbury. Such wholesale slaughter of prisoners as Quackenboss described and Marin hinted at was not common even among the French and Indians, and there is reason to believe that the murderers acted under positive orders, the slaughter being designed to strike terror into the soul of Webb and the garrison of Fort Edward, and prevent any interference with the coming a.ssault on Fort William Henry. If such was the design it succeeded with the general if not wit'i the soldiers. Almost at the same time another scene of slaughter was taking place on the farther border of the county. All day and all night of the 25th of July Lieutenant Corbierie, with fifty Canadians and three hundred Otttnciis, lay in ambush among the islands of Lake George, above what is 4 now called Sabbath-Day point. On the morning of the 26th there came gliding down the lake in twenty-two barges a New Jersey regiment of three hundred soldiers, under the command of Colonel John Parker. Aft«r the first volley, the French and Indians at once urged their bark canoes towards the barges of the Jersey- men, as if to board them, but the latter took fright on the approach of these hideous warriors ; many of them dropped their arms, and all sought safety in flight. Rut the arrow- like canoes quickly overtook the barges, and a fearful mas- sacre ensued. Those even who sought the western shore were soon run down by the light-footed savages. After a hundred and thirty-one were killed, the Indians became satiated with blood, and began taking prisoners. Of these they captured a hundred and fifty-seven. Only twelve of the whole three hundred escaped death or captivity. On the other hand only one Indian was wounded, — the strong- est possible evidence of the panic of their opponents. A French writer (Roubard) states, of his own knowledge, that one of the slain provincials was actually boiled and eaten by the ferocious Otlawas! These terrible events were but the preludes to a far more important movement. On the 31st of July a thousand In- dians, in their canoes, came flashing swiftly over Lake St. Sacrament, on their way to Fort William Henry. Nearly a thousand more, witU two thousand whites, had taken their way towards the same post, through the forests of the western shore. On the 1st of August the main army of the Marquis de Montcalm came sweeping over the lake. It was the largest force yet seen on those waters, — number- ing over two thousand French regulars and two thousand Canadians, besides the Indians in advance and the division on shore. The total force numbered about seven thousand five hundred men ; three thousand being regulars, nearly three thousand militia, and eighteen hundred Indians. On the 2d of August the whole army arrived in the vicinity of Fort William Henry, and proceeded to operate against it. Without giving .special attention to the eventful siege which occurred in the present county of Warren, we will turn to the main English army at Fort Edward. Near the last of July, General Webb left that post for Fort William Henry, under the escort of Major Putnam, with two hundred men. A reconnaissance by that officer, on the 31st, having revealed the approach of Montcalm, Webb immediately returned with his escort to Fort Edward, and dispatched Colonel George Munro, a sturdy Scotch officer, with his regiment, — the latter to reinforce, the former to command, the endangered fortress. Muni-o set forth on the 2d of August, arriving at Fort William Henry just before the French stationed themselves on the road be- tween the two posts. This raised the garrison there to about two thousand two hundred men, while AVebb had between four and five thousand at Fort Edward. General Webb also sent expresses through the colonies, asking for reinforcements. The call was promptly re- sponded to. All the militia of New York north of the Highlands was called out, a fourth of the able-bodied men of Connecticut wore drafted, other colonies responded with almost equal energy, and bodies of militia were soon march- ing from every direction towards Fort Edward. But the 26 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. patriotism of the people was nullified by the cowardice of the general. Sir William Johnson, hearing of the danger at Johns- town, mounted his horse, gathered a few militia and In- dians, and in two days made his way to Fort Edward. Meanwhile, intelligence had been coming thick and fast to that post regarding the progress of the French. Webb knew that but few i-einforceraents could arrive in time to do any good, and ho knew, too, that he had sufficient men to relieve Fort Wiliiiim Henry. But he lay quietly in his intrenchments, and when Munro applied to him for aid, replied by a letter declaring that he could not advance until the militia arrived, and if Munro could not hold out till then, he must make the best terras of surrender he could. On the 8th of August, Sir William Johnson obtained permission from the general to advance to the relief of Munro, with such volunteers as he could obtain. Putnam and his rangers at once volunteered to go, and so did most of the provincial regiments. Not the militia, however; some of these had begun to arrive, but they were mutinous and Indian-frightened, and many deserted. It is difficult to learn whether thoy were most disgusted with Webb, or Webb with them, and both sides appear to have had equal reason. Sir William drew out his men, but ere the march had hardly begun the general countermanded the permission, and ordered them back. It was the last chance for Fort William Henry. The next day Munro surrendered the fort, it being stipulated that the troops, with their arms and baggage, should retire the following morning to Fort Edward. On the afternoon of the tenth, while the garrison of the latter post were eagerly watching for news from William Henry, a weary, panic-stricken band of four or five hun- dred men were seen hastening, with scarcely a semblance of military order, towards that haveu of shelter. Many had thrown away their arms, some bore still bleeding wounds from the tomahawks of the savages, and all showed every appearance of the most complete demoralization. Arrived in the fort, they told their horror stricken comrades how, on setting forth in the morning in accordance with the capitu- lation, the savages had first mingled in their ranks, then began plundering them of whatever their cupidity dictated, and finally, grown more fierce through impunity, had used the tomahawk and sealping-knife on their victims with all their native ferocity. If the narrators told the whole truth, they must have added that the massacre was almost as disgraceful to the English as to the French. The former outnumbered the Indians, and were all armed, organized, and ready for battle, but they were seized with one of those panics so common in presence of Indians, and had fled in terror, without making hardly an efibrt at resistance. It would be beyond our purview to enter into any elaborate discussion of the question whether Montcalm was to blame for the massacre, but in view of the fact that there had been a similar, though less flagrant, breach of faith at Oswego the previous year, and that the marquis commanded a force of near six thousand French and Canadians, and less than two thousand Indians, it certainly seems strange that he should not have foreseen the trouble, or that he could not prevent it. The demoralized band before mentioned was all the con- siderable body of p]nglish troops who reached Fort Edward on the tenth. The others lay slaughtered by the road.sidc, or were prisoners in the hands of the Indians, or had sought refuge with the French, or were scattered far and wide through the forest in their efforts to escape from their bloodthirsty foes. Cannon were fired at intervals to guide the wanderers to Fort Edward, and all day and all night, and for two or three days afterwards, singly, by twos, by threes, and by half-dozens, the fugitives kept straggling in. It was the fifteenth of the month ere those who had retreated within the French lines, and those who had been rescued by Montcalm from the Indians, were sent forward under escort to Half-way brook, delivered over to an Eng- lish guard, and brought to Fort Edward. Some of the Indian war-parties departed for the Canadian wilds without taking leave of Montcalm, and bearing off their prisoners to long captivity and probable torture. The next day — the sixteenth — -the ever-vigilant Putnam, with his rangers, made his way circuitously from Fort Ed- ward to Fort William Henry, and found the French just departing down Lake George, and the ground thickly strewed with the ghastly remains of men, women, and chil- dren who had fallen victims to the fury of the savages. In a short time afterwards near twenty thousand militia reached Fort Edward. They were of course too late to do any good, and they vented their wrath on Webb in curses both loud and deep. Mutinous and useless, they were soon discharged. Webb was soon after relieved of his command, Fort Ed- ward being placed under the orders of General Lyman, the gallant officer before mentioned. But though the recreant general was ordered to England, his influence was such that he was able to escape all punishment or even censure. About the 1st of November the Chevalier de Levis, with several hundred French and Indians, made a rapid scout up Lake Champlain and Wood creek into the vicinity of Fort Edward. It may have been this party, or a detach- ment from it, that made the attack narrated in the life of Putnam, when that officer saved the detachment of Captain Little from destruction, and which is more fully narrated in the town-history of Fort Edward. As winter approached the bulk of the provincial levies were, as usual, disbanded. Putnam and Rogers, with their rangers, were, however, retained, the former being posted on the island in the Hudson opposite Fort Edward. Colonel Haviland, of the regular army, was placed in command of that post, which he retained during the winter. Up to this time nearly all the British operations in America had resulted in disaster, as well they migiit, con- sidering that the generals in the field were miserably inef- ficient, if not cowardly, while the statesmen at home were, if possible, still more incompetent. But from the winter of 17.o7 and 1758 a marked change was seen in the aspect of British affairs in America, and although there were occasional disasters, yet the general course of the Anglo- American arms was from victory to victory, down to the hour of final triumph. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 27 CHAPTER IX. LATTER PART OF THE OLD FRENCH WAR. Pitt made Prime Minister — Justice to tlic Americans — Large Levies called out— Impressment of Teamsters— Colonel Bradstreet— French Indians near the Batten Kill— A Garden there — Lord Howe arrives at Fort Edward — Putnam at " Fiddler's Elbow"— The Moonlight Battle — Putnam's Return — Rencontre in the Forest — Abercrombie's Arrival— Composition of his Army— The Favor- ite Soldier— Lee, Schuyler, Gage, Wooster, William Franklin, Guy Johnson, and Philip Skene — Abercrombie's Advance — A Brilliant Spectacle — Death of Howe — A Fearful Disaster — A Demoralized Retreat— Braditreet's Expedition — Disgusted Teamsters— Another Raid by St. Luc la Corne — Rogers, Putnam, and Marin — A Bush- Fight— Putnam captured — Indian Amusements — Marin retreats — Preparations to burn Putnam — The Rcaoue — General Amherst made Commander-in-Chief — The Army in Winter-tjuarters — A Long Tramp — Another Rally — Capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point— Amherst's Defect— Weakness— The Campaign of 1700— Final Success — Preparations for Settlement. The cause of the change noted at the conclusion of the hist chapter lay in the fact that William Pitt, the most vigorous statesman of the age, had been appointed prime minister of England. An earnest effort was at once made to retrieve the disasters which Britain had suffered at tlie hands of her active foes. Ever the friend of America, Pitt abandoned many of the arrogant pretensions which had long annoyed the colonists. He obtained an order from the king that colonial officers below the rank of colonel should hold equal rank with those of Great Britain, according to the date of their commis.sions. Early in 1758 he sent a circular letter to the colonies, asking them to raise as large a force as possible, and engaging that the men should bo furnished by the crown with arms, ammu- nition, and provisions. The colonies promptly responded, and in the spring more soldiers than ever before sought the accustomed rendezvous at Albany. Early in June immense quantities of boats and supplies were sent up to Fort Edward, great numbers of teams and teamsters being impressed for the purpose. This was the usual method of obtaining transportation in " good old colony times," and naturally created great dis- satisfaction among its subjects. The writer known as the " Sexagenary" relates that his father was one of the teamsters thus impressed. The ope- rations were under the direction of the celebrated Colonel John Bradstreet, quartermaster-general of the army, and one of the most efficient officers in it. The road at that time ran up the west side of the Hudson to a point oppo- site the Batten Kill, then crossed and followed up the east side to Fort Edward. The Sexagenary states that his father, on one of his return trips from Fort Edward, saw a moccasin print in the mud on the east side of the river, near the Batten Kill. After he had passed over the Hudson a shot was heard in the locality just mentioned. A guard which was stationed on the west side crossed over to the east side, and there found a man killed and scalped " in a garden belonging to a Mr. De Ruyter." We mention this incident partly to show the audacity of the Indians in thus venturing so far south of our outposts, but more particularly because it furnishes evidence of the fact that there were settlers then living in Washington county, near the mouth of the Batten Kill. On the 5th of June Brigadier-General Viscount Howe, with the first division of the grand army of invasion, arrived at Fort Edward. Major Rogers, with fifty men, taking their boats with them in wagons, at once pushed on to Lake Champlain, and made a short reconnaissance, but discovered no enemy. Meanwhile Lord Howe moved for- ward to Lake George, where he arrived on the 22d of June. Putnam had at this time become a field-officer of a Connecticut regiment, but his services were so invaluable as a ranger that Lord Howe detached him from Lake George, with fifty men, to guard the head of Lake Cham- plain, and particularly to prevent the French from reeon- noitering in that vicinity. The veteran woodsman took post at a place now called " Fiddler's Elbow," three-fourths of a mile below Whitehall, where lofty, opposing rocks, concave on the east side and convex on the west, crowd the waters of Lake Champlain into a narrow gorge, through which a steamer has barely room to pass. On the promontory on the west side, overlooking the water, the rangers erected a low breastwork of stone, some thirty feet long, which they concealed with pine bushes arranged along its front. Sentinels were stationed, and for four days and three nights Putnam remained here, watch- ing for the approach of unwary Frenchmen. Fifteen out of his fifty men became ill, and were sent to Fort Edward, but still the remainder waited for their prey. At length, on the evening of the fourth day, the sentry on the north gave a whispered alarm, and a long line of canoes were seen making their way up the lake. Witii similar whispers all the sentries were quickly called in ; the thirty-five men ensconced themselves behind the rocky parapet, the muzzles of their muskets pointing between the evergreen bushes towards the channel where the enemy must pass. On they came, near five hundred French and Indians, led by the ever-active Marin, or " Molang," their paddles and their arms flashing in the light of the full moon, which flooded the narrow passage and disclosed every movement of the advancing foe. Silent as death the rangers waited the command of Put- nam. The leading canoes had glided by, when one of the eager band accidentally struck his musket on a rock. In the stealthy warfare then carried on, every sound caused suspicion, and the foremost canoes at once stopped. Others came up, a throng of boats was formed, and all the occupants instinctively gazed up towards the top of the promontory, where nothing met their eyes but a few insignificant pine- bushes. But Marin scented mischief in the air, and gave a whispered command to turn back. His men began to obey. Putnam saw that the time had come ; the word " fire !" rang from his lips with startling distinctness, and the next instant thirty-five muskets sent their messengers of death among the crowd below. Nearly every bullet .struck its man, and for a few moments the wildest confusion ensued, some trying to escape and some returning the fire, though their bullets made little impression on the stone breastwork. As quickly as possible the intrepid Marin got his men into order, placed them in as secure positions as possible, and engaged in a rapid inter- 28 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. change of volleys with the rangers. But, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, Putnam's temporary fortress pre- vented serious injury to his men, while their own bullets caused fearful execution among the enemy. After a few volleys, Marin discerned from the weakness of the fire that only a comparatively small force was opposed to him, and he sent a detachment in boats to land below the breastwork ; in modern phrase, to " flank" his foes. But Putnam discovered the mana-uvre, and dispatched Lieu- tenant Durkee (slain at Wyoming almost exactly twenty years afterwards) with twelve men to oppose the landing; and so thoroughly were the French demoralized, so great appeared the danger of venturing in the darkness among the rocks and trees and the deadly muskets of the rangers, that Durkee and his little squad actually accomplished their purpose. After that, Marin contented himself with placing his men under shelter, and exchanging a desultory fire across the gorge throughout the night. At daybreak he efiected a landing on Putnam's left, when the rangers withdrew, their ammunition being nearly exhausted, having only two men wounded in the whole conflict. It is said that when afterwards a prisoner in Canada, Putnam learned that half of Marin's force was killed or wounded, but we must take some of these old legends with a good deal of allowance. Putnam sent his two wounded men towards Fort Edward, one who could not walk being carried by two soldiers, while he with the remaining thirty took another direction. The former were pursued by Indians, and one of the wounded men was killed and the other captured. Meanwhile the squad of thirty was suddenly fired on, as they were making their way through the forest, and one of their number was wounded. Putnam knew that his men had but little am- munition, and instantly shouted, at the top of his voice, " Charge bayonets !" "Stop! stop!" cried the opposite leader, at the sound of the famous ranger's well-known voice ; " we are friends." " Friends or enemies," growled the veteran, " you ought to be cut to pieces for doing such poor shooting." They were soon after met by another stjuad, bearing orders for them to repair to Fort Edward, which they accordingly did. General Abercrombio with the main army arrived at that post on the 28th of July ; or at least the head of it did, for it is said that the army and its trains covered a distance of seventeen miles. Those who have seen far larger armies covering far less space, must remember that in these days nearly all the heavy baggage goes by railway, while then everything must be carried in wagons over fear- ful forest-roads, which caused innumerable intervals in the long-extended trains. The army which then collected at Fort Edward, including the division previously led to Lake George by Lord Howe, was by far the largest, best disciplined, and best equipped which had yet made its appearance in the northern wilds. No less than six thousand five hundred regulars, the flower of the British army, composed the centre of Abercrombie's force. There were the Twenty-seventh, or Enniskillen Foot, under Lord Blakeney ; the Forty-fourth, General Abercrombie's own regiment ; the Fifty-fifth, Lord Howe's regiment ; the Forty-sixth Regiment, Lieutenant-General Thomas Murray; the Eightieth, under Colonel Thomas Gage ; two battalions of the Sixtieth, or Royal Americans, a corps raised in America but belonging to the regular British army; and last, not least, with "tartans broad and shadowy plumes," were seen the towering forms of the Forty- second Highlanders, the far-famed " Black Watch." Ten thousand provincial levies were also under arms, on the banks of the Hudson and Lake George, enlisted for such short terms as necessarily to be deficient in discipline, but largely composed and entirely officered by men who had seen one or more campaigns before, and almost as good as regulars in the vicissitudes of forest warfare. They com- prised, among others, a New York regiment under Colonel Oliver De Lancey (afterwards one of the proprietors of Salem), two New Jersey regiments, a Rhode Island regi- ment, a Massachusetts regiment, and three Connecticut regiments, one commanded by Colonel Eleazer Fitch, an old soldier of these wars, one by David Wooster, afterwards a general of the Revolutionary army, and one by the oflicer often mentioned before, General Phineas Lyman. There were other regiments the names of which we cannot give, though Rogers' New Hampshire rangers formed one impor- tant corps. There were also five hundred Iroquois warriors, even more lightly clad than the Highlanders, under the command of burly, energetic Sir William Johnson, who seems to have been assigned to a rather insignificant position, considering his reputation as the conqueror of Dieskau. General James Abercrombie, now commander-in-chief of the British troops in North America, and in immediate command of the forces at Fort Edward, was perhaps the best man whom Pitt was able to find for that important post among the higher officers of the British army, which shows what a dearth of good soldiers there was in that class of ofiicers. He was probably better than Loudon or Webb or Braddock, but he showed very few of the quali- ties of a good general. The favorite of both English and Americans, and, in common phrase, " the soul of the army," though only a brigadier-general, was the young Viscount Howe, the second in command. His zeal, energy, and courage were undeniable, and these, combined with his affable manners and soldierlike appearance, caused nearly every one to form the highest expectations of his success ; but he had little experience, and his untimely death prevented his qualities as a commander from passing through the crucial test of actual battle. Only thirty-two years of age, tall and fair, his luxuriant hair cropped short as an example to Ids offi- cers of what the forest required, his dress of the roughest materials, for the same rea.son, his table-furniture reduced from the gorgeous appointments of a British general to a knife and fork and tin plate, he moved with smiling face among his men, awakening the most ardent enthusiasm, especially among the Americans, accustomed to far different treatment from the haughty oflScials of the mother couiitiy. Among others destined to become prominent in the his- tory of the country was Charles Lee, then a rude and brawling captain of infantry, " full of strange oaths," and a great many of them, and earning as much dislike by his HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 29 swaggering behavior as he gained of admiration by his reckless valor. As different from him as could well be imagined was young Major Philip Schuyler, still a gay and gracious youth, admirably skilled in all the details of busi- ness, and the right-hand man of Quartermaster-General Bradstroet in the important task of keeping the army sup- plied with the necessaries of war. There, too, was Colonel Thomas Gage, a burly, stolid officer of the Braddock type, afterwards a lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, whose blundering tyranny hastened the hesitating footsteps of revolution in 1775, but who was otherwise of little con- sequence in the eye of history. Another soldier, destined to less lofly but more honorable prominence, was Colonel David Wooster, of Connecticut, a valiant major-general in the army of the Revolution, who received his death-wound in the cause of freedom. Another was William Franklin, son of the great philosopher, then a young officer of twenty- six, but afterwards governor of New Jersey, and as promi- nent in the ranks of Toryism as the mere name of the great patriot leader could make him. Another was Captain Guy Johnson, a nephew of Sir William, a dark, stern young man, destined to be known in the Revolution as a bitter royalist, and a skillful organizer of savages in their work of murder ; and still another was Philip Skene, an enter- prising Scotch captain in the Enniskillen regiment, whose name was to be more intimately associated than that of any other man with the early history of Wa,shinglon county. Of Sir William Johnson, Lyman, Rogers, Putnam, and Stark, such frequent mention has been made that it is need- less to speak of them further here. On Sunday, the 5th of July, the whole army embarked on Lake George, proceeded to Sabbath-Day point, which then first received that name, and the next day continued their course to the vicinity of Ticonderoga. Of all the splendid armaments that have swept over the classic waters of St. Sacrament, and along the northeastern border of our county, this was the largest and most brilliant, and has been again and again described in the most glowing terms. From the highlands of Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam might have been seen the whole vast array of nine hundred bateaux, two hundred canoes, and numerous rafts laden with the artillery and supplies, the most conspicuous objects being two huge floating castles, each provided with two mounted cannon, to protect, if necessary, the landing of the army. In the forenoon of the 7th, however, the army landed without opposition on the western shore of the lake, aud began their march through the tangled forest towards the French stronghold. Then for several days the little garrisons left at Forts Edward and William Henry waited with the mo.st intense anxiety for news from their brethren in the field. The very first dispatch was ominous of some direful disaster, for it told that the gallant and generous Howe had been shot dead in a trivial skirmish, within a few hours after the landing. Two days later a swift-galloping expressman rode into Fort Edward with the terrible news that the whole army had been defeated, with fearful loss, in a great battle on the 8th of July. Englishmen and Americans could hardly believe the dreadful story, but it was all too soon confirmed. Flung with blundering bolt-headedness against a rude intrenchment protected by abatis, and defended by only three thousand Frenchmen and Canadians, under the fiery Montcalm, the sixteen thousand British and Ameri- cans wore out the long, hot summer afternoon in hopeless attacks, and retreated at night with the loss of two thou- sand men, while that of the enemy barely reached three hundred. Back over the lake came the beaten army, still numbering twelve thousand fighting-men, but demoralized and hope- less, and full of bitterness against the commander who, without sharing their danger, without seeking any aid from military skill, had subjected them to such feaiful loss. The main army was encamped around Fort William Henry, but the wounded were sent to Fort Edward, and some to Al- bany. Among the wounded were Captain Lee and Captain Skene, and Major Duncan Campbell of the gallant ' Black Watch." The hurt of the latter was mortal, and he died at Fort Edward on the 17th of July, and the rude slab of red sandstone which marks his grave is the oldest tomb- stone in Washington county. The remains of the gallant Howe were borne to Fort Edward in charge of his admir- ing friend. Major Schuyler, and sent thence to Albany, where they still rest beneath the Episcopal church of St. Peter. The energetic Colonel Bradstreet obtained permission from Abercrombie to try to counteract a part of the effect of the late defeat, and with the aid of Major Schuyler or- ganized a small force out of the demoralized army, obtained reinforcements elsewhere, hastened to Oswego and thence across Lake Ontario, and captured Fort Frontenac on the site of Kingston, with an immense quantity of stores. The " Sexagenary" relates that the colonel called the im- pressed teamsters together at Fort Edward, thanked them for their services in the late campaign, and informed them that he should want their aid on the Frontenac expe- dition. But the men were not at all anxious for that honor. As there was no hope of escaping along the main road with their wagons, most of them drove into the pine- bushes near the fort, unhitched their horses, abandoned their wagons, and each rode off one horse and led another through by-paths to the settlements, whence they speedily made their way to their respective homes. Meanwhile the main army began erecting extensive forti- fications at the head of Lake George, and the old war of predatory excursions between the French and English recommenced. On the 30th of July, St. Luc la Come, with a large body of Canadians, destroyed a train between Ford Edward and Lake George, taking a hundred and ten scalps and eighty-four prisoners. Majors Putnam and Rogers were, almost as a matter of course, selected to pur- sue the maraudei-s. With five hundred men they made their way as rapidly as possible to the head of South bay, but were too late to intercept La Corue, who escaped in safety to Ticonderoga. The rangers then divided, Rogers, with half of them, going over on to Wood creek, and Putnam, with the other half, scouting along South bay. Ere long they learned that the indef\itigable Marin (or " Mulang," as Putnam would call him) was in the vicinity with five 30 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. hundred French and Indians. Tliey reunited their forces, and began retiring towards Fort Edward, in order, if prac- ticable, to intercept his movements. The rangers now moved in three cohimns, commanded respectively by Rogers, Put- nam, and Captain Dalzell. Rogers, it will be remembered, was the senior major, and was therefore in command of the whole force when united. The evening of the first day after the reunion (August 7) they camped on Clear river, a branch of Wood creek, in the present town of Fort Ann, and about a mile west of the fort. The next morning, according to Putnam's statement, Rogers and an English officer, who was with the command, amused themselves by firing at a mark. One might ascribe this accusation of such strange miscon- duct to jealousy on the part of Putnam, were it not known that Rogers, with all his skill, was sometimes careless, and that he had previously been surprised near Ticonderoga, and his party entirely cut to pieces. Marin, at this time, was only a mile and a half distant, and he proceeded at once to arrange an ambuscade for the unwary rangers. Putnam evidently attributed this action to the French leader's having heard the firing of guns by Rogers and his friend, though it is quite likely that the lynx-eyed Marin had obtained a perfect knowledge from his own scouts of his enemy's location and course. After their rough breakfast the rangers moved forward ; Putnam in front, Dalzt'il in the centre, and Rogers in the rear. For a while their course lay over ground from which many of the large trees had been cut off in previous wars, for use at Fort Ann or on the military road, and on which a thick undergrowth had sprung up in their place. The mod(irn practice of covering the front of a scouting-party with a line of skirmishers does not seem to have been in use at that period; at least it is nowhere mentioned in the accounts given by the actors. About seven o'clock in the morning, just as the head of Putnam's party was on the point of emerging from the thicket just mentioned into the more open forest, a tre- mendous yell — five hundred war-whoops concentrated into one — burst forth close on their right or western flank. At the same instant, five hundred warriors, with the terrible Marin at their head, rose up among the bushes and fired a volley, and then dashed, tomahawk in hand, upon the astonished rangers. But, though astonished, they were not di.smayed. There were no complicated manoeuvres to go through ; instinctively every man, officers included, faced to the right, fired his fusee at the yelling crowd, and then sprang to the shelter of tree or stump and began to reload. The assailants were checked by the volley, and themselves sought similar shelter. Dalzell hurried forward and joined Putnam, but Rogers, understanding the situation, bore to the right with nearly two hundred men and fell upon the enemy's rear. Put- nam's biographers, deriving their accounts indirectly from him, carry the idea that Rogers neglected to support his comrade, because he did not hurry forward with Dalzell ; but the whole story of the fight, even on Putnam's show- ing, makes it plain that Rogers was soon engaged and con- tinued so to the end. Both these eminent partisans were men of extraordinary courage ; but, as in the case of many other brave soldiers, there seems to have been (at least afterwards, if not then) a good deal of jealousy between them, and this was doubtless intensified by the fact that they took opposite sides in the American Revolution. Tiie accounts of Rogers are also hardly just towards Putnam. In a short time all were engaged on both sides, and there ensued one of those fierce bush-fights so common on the frontier, in which every tree sheltered a fighter, and in which the whole business of both officers and men was to fire as often and as straight as possible, and at the same time shield themselves from the bullets of the enemy to the best of their ability. While Putnam was thus fighting, a powerful Indian warrior sprang towards him, tomahawk in hand. The major placed his musket against the very breast of the savage and pulled the trigger, but the treacherous flint-lock missed fire, and the red man's uplifted tomahawk compelled a surrender. Hurrying his captive to the rear of the French lines, he bound him securely to a tree, and again plunged into the contest. Still the battle continued to rage. French and Indians occasionally came to the rear, and from these Putnam had more to fear than from the fighters. A young warrior amused himself for a while by throwing his tomahawk as close as possible to the prisoner's head without hitting him; chuckling with delight when he saw the gallant ranger in- voluntarily flinch, as the keen weapon quivered in the tree within a half-inch of his skull. Scarcely had this tormentor left, when a Frenchman came up who had no patience to indulge in these refinements of torture. Leveling his mus- ket at the captive, he endeavored to murder him at once ; but his weapon missed fire, as Putnam's had done before, so that the latter owed both his captivity, on the one hand, and his life, on the other, to the inefficiency of the flint- lock musket. Failing in his attempt, the ruflian thrust his musket against the breast of the prisoner, struck him a severe blow with the butt, and then left him. And still the combat went on, amid Indian whoops, French vivas, and English cheers, amid the crackling of musketry, the groans of dying njcn, the dull crash of the tomahawk into the skull of some unfortunate victim, and the terrific yell of the conqueror as he tore the bloody scalp from the head of his foeman's corpse. Once the rangers fell back, but they soon rallied, and drove back the enemy beyond the place where Putnam was bound. The position of the latter was now more perilous than ever; several bul- lets struck the tree to which he was fastened, and some of them pierced his coat, though without inflicting a wound. Then once more the French lino pushed forward in front of the prisoner. At length, after about an hour of harder fighting than is seen in many a pitched battle, in which the French and their allies had ninety men killed and wounded, Marin or- dered a retreat, leaving the Americans in possession of the ground, but taking Putnam and the other prisoners along. Either Marin did not know the rank of the latter, or did not care to interfere with the Indians in favor of an enemy from whom he had suffered so much, so long as they did not slay him. At all events, his shoes and stockings were taken oft", and he was compelled to toil ail day under the packs of several Indians which were loaded on his back. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxVTY, NEW TORK 31 But this was only a foretaste. Camping at night near South bay, the Indians prepared to oxeeute the direst ven- geance of which savage warfare is capable on the hated leader of the rangers. They were camped at some little distance from their French allies, and evidently did not ex- pect to be disturbed. They stripped the major naked, tied him to a tree, and piled a mass of brush and small limbs around his feet. To these they applied a brand of fire, but ere the flames were well under way a light shower extin- guished them. This, however, soon pa.ssed off, and again the torch wa.s applied. The bush caught fire and began to blaze and crackle around the unhappy Putnam, who saw no hope of escape from a horrible death, and around whom the savages now began dancing, singing, and yelling with every demonstration of demoniac glee. But suddenly, and before any serious injury had been inflicted, Marin, who had heard what was going on, dashed into the circle of yelling monsters, scattered the blazing brands, cut the withes which bound the prisoner, and took him under his own protection. He and the other prisoners were then taken to Ticonderoga, and thence to Montreal, where Major Putnam was exchanged the follow- ing winter. After the battle, Rogers and his men returned without further adventure to Fort Edward. On the 4th of October, General Jeffrey Amherst, the conqueror of Louisburg, arrived at Fort Edward, bringing with him four regiments and a battalion of Royal Ameri- cans, with which he had hastened by forced marches to the aid of Abercrombie on hearing of the disaster of Ticon- deroga. On the 3d of November orders were received from England recalling the inefficient Abercrombie and appointing General Amherst commander-in-chief. But it was then too late for active operations, and the greater part of the army retired into winter-quarters at Albany, and at other points still farther south. Eight hundred men were left in garrison at the head of Lake George, and fifteen , hundred at Fort Edward. To the latter place were brought nearly all the stores which had previously been kept at Lake George. The new commander-in-chief was the best which Britain had yet seen fit to vouchsafe to America, — brave, zealous, and energetic, but by no means a great soldier. He was then forty-one years old, had been successful at Louisburg and other points, and was almost the last hope of the English and Americans. During the forepart of the win- ter he remained at Fort Edward and vicinity, making the necessary arrangements for the events of the next year. By the 1st of January, 1759, he had completed his task, and desired to go to Albany and New York. As commu- nication through the snow-bound forests was extremely difficult, it is related that the general, with a few officers and men, set forth on foot, and probably on snow-shoes, and made the whole journey to New York in that manner; a fact which at least attests his physical hardihood. In the spring of 1759 the obstinate English and Amer- icans once more mustered their forces for the capture of Canada. Once more the red-coated Britons, the plaided Highlanders, the painted Iroquois, and the provincials in their motley garb, came crowding up the Hudson to Fort Edward, and preparing for another advance along the path on which they had been repulsed so oft before. From the first to the middle of June, General Amherst's headquar- ters were at Fort Edward. Regiments were constantly arriving from the south ; others were departing for Lake George ; others were perfecting themselves in military dis- cipline. Scores of settlers were encamped in the centre of the army, and a grand market was kept there for the sale of everything that officers and soldiers might desire. The army was not as large as that of the year before, consisting of six battalions of regulars, numbering nearly six thousand men, and nine regiments of provincials, containing about the same number. About the 20th of June, the general-in-chief, with the main body of the army, moved up to Lake George, only a small garrison remaining at Fort Edward. It was not, however, till after the 20th of July that the invaders passed down the lake. During the remainder of the year very little of especial interest took place in the territory of Washington county. Hardly even a French or Indian scouting-party relieved the monotony of garrison life ; for eveiy man that could possibly be spared had been taken by Montcalm to defend Quebec against the advancing columns of Wolfe, leaving only twenty-three hundred men at Ticonderoga to meet the army of Amherst. These retreated before that army, yielding up both Ticonderoga and Crown Point, which had so long been the terror of our northern frontier. But Amherst showed that he was not a great soldier by neglect- ing to press on to the aid of Wolfe ; and it was only by a series of fortunate accidents that that gallant soldier was able to achieve the victory which cost him his life. In the autumn Amherst once more went down the Hudson into winter-quarters, leaving the usual garrison at Fort Edward. Although the capture of Quebec had filled all England and America with the joyful belief in the ultimate capture of Canada, yet the latter event was by no means entirely certain, and in the spring of 17G0 no less than three armies were mustered for the purpose of striking the final blow. This time, however, for some unexplained reason, General Amherst led the main body by way of Oswego down the Saint Lawrence, while Colonel Haviland, with a compara- tively small force, took the old war-path through Washing- ton county. General JIurray at the same time moved up from Quebec with the army formerly commanded by Wolfe. All three commands met, without serious resistance, before the walls of Montreal, when the helpless governor-general surrendered that last stronghold of France, and with it the whole of Canada. The great contest was at length ended, — that is, the fighting was ended, — but the formal treaty of peace was not signed until the spring of 1763. General Amherst, having been in command of the vic- torious army at the closing scene, of course received the praise always given to successful soldiers. He became a baronet, and was known thenceforth as Sir Jeffrey Am- herst, and still later received the higher title of Lord Am- herst. But it has been truly said that if Wolfe had been such a soldier as Amherst the Gibraltar of America would not have been captured, and History has justly flung her laurels on the corpse of the hero of Quebec rather than bind with them the brow of the cautious and successful commander-in-chief. 32 HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. With the return of a portion of the triumphant army, by way of the lakes and the Hudson, Washington county ceased to be a war-path for nearly fifteen years. Even in the spring of 1760, before the final capture, men were so sure that Crown Point and Ticonderoga would never again be the headquarters whence gangs of bloodthirsty savages would ravage the frontier, that a few farmers returned to some of the deserted, brush-grown fields around old Fort Saraghtoga, and began to prepare them once more for culti- vation. When the news came that all Canada had suc- cumbed to British power hundreds turned their attention to the fertile valleys and heavily-timbered hillsides of the old Mohican hunting-ground, and many a young soldier determined to subdue with ase and plow a portion of the territory he had so often traversed with knapsack and musket. CHAPTER X. FEOM THE FRENCH ■WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. New Beginnings of Settlement — Salem, Carahriilgc, and Skencs- borough — Progress in 1702 — Anaquassacook Patent — Kingsbury Township — Grant to the Cliildren of Csiptain Campbell — Skene returns from the West Indies— The Treaty of Peace— Land of- fered to Ex-Offieers and Soldiers — Amounts given to diflcrent Grades— Turner's Patent— Bribing the Officials— " White Creek" —The Argyle Patent— Provincial and Artillery Patents— The rest of the County— The Uighlanders— Dr. Clark and his Colony— Skcnesborough Patent and Township — The New Hampshire Grants — Sketch of the Controversy — Governor Wentworth's First Grant — The Dispute referred to Great Britain— Secret Grants by Went- wortli — The Discovery by New York — Proclamations and Counter- Proclamations — Decision in favor of New York — Beginning of the Riots — First Settlement in Argyle — Project for tive new Counties — Continuation of the Quarrel — Nature of Land Grants — First Church in the County— Settlement of Fort Miller— Captain William Ducr— The First Grist-Mill— Rapid Settlement- Skene's Koad— Albert Baker — Project of a new Province — Settlement by High- landers — Increased Resistance to New York — Simple Method of Conveying Land — Settlement at Ash Grove — Township of Argyle Organized- The E.xpulsion of Donald Mclntyre— Mobbing of Charles Hutchinson — Futile Proceedings — Organization of Char- lotte County — Cambridge ami Saratoga Districts — First Legisla- tive Act — Skene's Efforts — Colonel Schuyler made First Judge — Other Officers — Courts created at Fort Edward— First Court — Con- tinuation of the Hampshire Grant Troubles — Rev. Harry Monro — Approach of the Revolution— Strong English Inflnencc— Dr. Wil- liams—A Stormy Court — Crime Rampant — An Undaunted Judge -The End of the King's Rule. The year 17G1 saw no less than three distinct begin- nings, looking toward settlement, made within the territory of Washington county, besides the reopening of the old fields on the Hudson. In the spring James Turner and Alexander Conkey, of Pelham, Mass., visited the flats where Salem village now stands, and selected that locality as the place for their future residence. It is not certain whether they made any clearing that year or not, but from the language in which the facts are described it would be inferred that they did not. The same year, on the 21st of July, the governor and council of New York granted a patent for thirty-five thou- sand five hundred acres, situated north of the Hoosic patent, and comprising the central part of the present towns of Cambridge and White Creek, under the name of Cambridge patent. The patentees were Edmund Wells, Isaac Sawyer, Jacob Lansing, William Smith, Alexander Colden, Goldsborow Banyar, and others. The three per- sons last named were officials connected with the colonial government, who, in accordance with the morals of that day, which were certainly as bad as they have ever been since, blackmailed all would-be grantees of land, and com- pelled them to allow the officials a large share in their grants. Very soon afterwards the proprietors made a public offisr to give a hundred acres to each of the first thirty families who would settle in the new township, and, according to the record, some of the families who accepted the offer moved on to the land the same year. This was the customary way of settling a new county in those days ; that is, the land was granted in large tracts, and then the owners persuaded somebody else to do the work on it. Common people were hardly supposed to know enough to move into the wilderness and clear up a farm without somebody to tell them where to go. During the same season Philip Skene, whom we have seen leading a company of the Enniskillen Regiment, and wounded at the a.ssault on Ticonderoga, made a settlement at the head of Lake Champlain, where the village of White- hall now stands. He located thirty families there, all being in his employment, and began with great zeal the work of iiuprovenient. He was still an officer in the army, and had received the staff-appointment of brigade-major, from which he was called Major Skene, though his rank in the line was still that of captain. He had not yet obtained a title to the land on which he was settling, but is said to have been acting under the advice of General Amherst, and doubtless felt that there would be no difEculty in procuring a title if aided by that powerful patronage. Soon afterwards. Major Skene went to Cuba with the British forces sent there, where he distinguished himself in the attack on Jloro castle. Earlj' in the spring of 1702, Turner and Conkey returned to the place they had selected the year before, accomj)anied by Hamilton McCoilister, and the three built a cabin where the Ondawa House, in Salem, now stands. Each selected a form in the vicinity, and vigorously began clearing it oft'. Here, as elsewhere on the level ground of Washington county, the early settlers found but little jungle or under- brush, save where the forest had previously been cut down for the u.se of an army. Gigantic oaks, elms, beeches, and maples, at a great distance apart, rose from the fertile soil in which their roots had been imbedded for centuries, while the knolls and sometimes the plains were shaded by lofty, dark, and fragrant pines. This section of country had long been the hunting- ground of the feeble remnant of the Mohicans, the con- quered tributaries of the mighty Iroquois, and they had been in the habit of burning over the ground every au- tumn, so that grass would spring up on which their game could feed. This, of course, destroyed the small brush and left the large trees more ample room for growth. On the 11th of May, 17C2, the "Anaquassacook" patent of ten thousand acres was granted by the governor and council to four Schcrmerhorns, three Quackenbosses, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 33 two Smiths, and one Jansen, all of Schenectady. The tract was situated in the present towns of Jackson and White Creek, and settlement was soon after commenced upon it. On the same day a tract of twenty-six thousand acres was granted by patent to James Bradshaw and twenty-two others, of Connecticut. The instrument which conveyed the land also incorporated the tract as a township by the name of Kingsbury, giving the inhabitants the right to elect supervisors, assessors, and a few other officers. The old township organization was by no means as com- plete as that of a modern town, yet it corresponded to it in some degree. "Township" or "district" was the usual ap- pellation applied by law to these organizations, but they were also sometimes called " towns." They were usually created by patent from the governor and council, but when once formed their privileges could not be annulled nor changed, except by an act of the Legislature. Sometimes these municipal privileges were conferred by the same patent which granted the lands, as in the case of Kings- bury ; but oftener the township or district was organized at a later date. By a law of 1 703, each " town" was al- lowed to elect a supervisor, two assessors, and a collector, on such days as should be designated in their charters or patents ; and supervisors were directed to meet at the county-town each year to examine accounts, proportion charges among the towns, etc. Inhabitants not included in an organized township might unite with an adjoining one until they were themselves organized. The township of Kingsbury was the first one incorporated in the territory of Washington county, and as town.ship, district, or town it has ever since retained the same name and boundaries as were first given it. In January, 1763, Donald, George, and James Campbell, sons of Laughlin Campbell, whose unfortunate attempt to settle in this county has been before narrated, presented a petition asking for a grant of a hundred thousand acres be- tween the Batten Kill and Wood creek. It is difficult to account for the extreme exorbitance of this request, though it has been suggested that the Campbells intended, or claimed that they intended, to provide for the descendants of the colonists who had expected to settle under their father's direction. The petition was rejected on the ground that the orders of the English government positively forbade the granting of over a thousand acres to any one person. Nevertheless, it was felt that Captain Campbell had been very badly treated, and there was a disposition on the part of the colonial authorities to give some relief to his children. Accordingly, in the autumn of that year, a grant of ten thousand acres in the present town of Argyle was made to the three brothers before named, their three sisters, and four other persons, three of whom were also named Camp- bell. In this year, also, Major Skene returned from the West Indies, bringing with him a number of negro slaves, which he had purchased there. He proceeded to Skenesborough, but found that half of his thirty families had disappeared, many having fallen victims to the insalubrity of the loca- tion, and others having becoming discouraged and left. 5 The major, however, immediately recommenced the work of improvement. After over two years of diplomatic man(Euvring, follow- ing the close of actual warfare, peace was formally con- cluded between England and France in the forepart of 1763. A large number of British soldiers were conse- quently disbanded, and many officers were "reduced ;" that is, released from active service, but retained on the army- rolls on half-pay. In October a royal proclamation was issued, oiFering land in America, without fees, to all such officers and soldiers who had served on that continent and who wished to become settlers there, and many of them naturally turned their eyes towards the ground with which they had become so well acquainted during their military service. The provincial levies were not included in the offer. Nothing shows more clearly than this proclamation the lofty position of an officer in the British service at that time compared with that of a private. A field-officer re- ceived four thousand acres ; a captain, three thousand ; and a lieutenant, or other subaltern commissioned officer, two thousand. From this there was an immense leap down- ward ; a non-commissioned officer, whether sergeant or cor- poral, receiving two hundred acres. Still more remarkable was the distinction made between non-commissioned officers and privates; two grades which in a regular army are usually considered so near on a level as to be equally beneath the notice of a commissioned officer. Yet by the proclamation in question, while a corporal was to receive two hundred acres a private was only to have fifty ! The venerable John McDonald, of Salem, still possesses one of the original patents for fifty acres, granted under this proclamation to a private soldier, and sold by him to Mr. McDonald's grandfather. Fifty acres of wild land, on the hillsides of Washington county, was certainly not an ex- orbitant reward for seven years' service amid all the dangers and horrors of French and Indian warfiire. It was not until the spring of 1764 that Turner, Conkey, and McCollister, who had been clearing ground on the Salem flats in summer time, and residing in Pelham, Mass., in winter, finally removed with their families to the former locality. They also obtained a patent from the governor and council covering the twenty-five thousand acres now constituting the greater part of the town of Salem. It was granted in the name of twenty-five citizens of Pelham and vicinity ; but whether any of the names were fictitious or not cannot now be ascertained, though it is probable some of them were. But what is quite certain is that before the colonists could obtain their patent they were obliged to bribe the colonial officials with a promise of half the land. Accord- ingly, as soon as the document in question was signed, and probably before it w;ls delivered, the patentees executed a conveyance of an undivided half of their tract to Colonel Oliver De Lancey and two other prominent persons con- nected with the colonial government. Twenty or thirty JIassachusctts (ivmilies proceeded within a year or so to occupy the lands in question, calling the territory " White Creek," from the stream which ran through it, and calling the stream so from the clearness of 34 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. its waters, as compared with those of " Black creek," which came down from the north. Learning of the success of Captain Campbell's children in obtaining a grant, a large number of the descendants of the settlers whom he had brought over from Scotland, with a few of the original ones, made application for a similar recompense for their hardships and losses. Accordingly, in May, 1764, a grant of forty-.soven thousand four hundred and fifty acres, comprising the present town of Argyle and a small part of Fort Edward and Greenwich, was granted to the colonists and their descendants. Of the manner in which it was laid off and settled, notice will be found in the history of the town of Argyle. Although neither the provincial officers nor soldiers were included in the royal proclamation, yet by a special grant made in May, 1764, a tract of twenty-six thousand acres was given to twenty-six commissioned officers of the New York infantry, each receiving the same amount without regard to rank. The tract was situated in the present town of Hartford, and was known as the Provincial patent. Another similar patent conveyed twenty-four thousand acres, situated in the south part of the present town of Fort Ann, to twenty-four commissioned officers of the New York artillery. The rest of the town — the " Camden tract" in the south part of Salem, and the greater part of the present towns of Fort Ann, Granville, Hampton, Dresden, and Putnam, together with the tilla()le lands on both sides of Lake Champlain as far north as Crown Point — was set apart to officers and soldiers (principally the latter), under the royal proclamation. This exhausted nearly or quite all the lands in Washington county aside from the patents before mentioned. For several years after 1764 settlements were constantly being made on these tracts by disbanded soldiers. It is noticeable, however, that in every case the settlers were Scotch Highlanders, mostly belonging to the Seventy- seventh Regiment. We have been unable to learn of a single instance in which an English or Irish private soldier claimed and settled on his tract of land under the royal proclamation. Possibly the Scotch may have been, to some extent, drawn to this section by the fact that there was already a colony of Scotch descent located here. In the spring of 1765, Dr. Thomas Clark, a Scotchman by birth, but for many years the pastor of a congregation of Scottish descent in the north of Ireland, came to what is now Salem to find a place for the settlement of his people, three hundred of whom, disgusted with the persecution they had suffiircd at lionie, had followed him to America. Sat- isfied with the locality, he proceeded to New York and bought that half of " Turner's Patent" which had been conveyed to De Laneey and liis friends as a bribe, and which with unconscious but most bitter satire was commonly called " the gentlemen's tract." Clark's colony, which was already at Stillwater, began settling immediately after- wards. The patentees having conveyed an undivided half to " the gentlemen," the whole was divided into lots, and each set of owners took their choice successively. Consequently the Massachusetts and Scotch colonists lived all inter- mingled with each other. They both, however, adhered to their own customs, and were desperately determined on having their own way. The Massachusetts people had named the place White Creek, but the Scotch, or Scotch- Irish, were determined it should be called New Perth, in honor of the city of Perth in the land from which they derived their origin ; and for many years — in fact until after the Revolution — the locality was known by both those nanie.s. Dr. Clark was a man of marked ability, being not only a prominent minister but a regularly educated physi- cian ; and, there being no one else of the latter profession within a long distance, he had a considerable practice for many years. He was the first minister and the first phy- sician permanently settled in the present county of Wash- ington, and a house built for his use in the spring of 1765 was the first parsonage in the county. In the spring of 1765, also, Major Skene obtained a grant of twenty-five thousand acres in the present town of Whitehall. The usual device was resorted to of associa- ting twenty-four other persons with him, whose interest was merely nominal, to evade the rule which permitted only a thousand acres to be granted to one person. There is a tradition that this land was first given to soldiers and non-commissioned officers, and was purchased from them by Skene, who only obtained the grant to confirm his title ; but we are sure this is incorrect. Skene settled there two years before the land was offered to the soldiers by royal proclamation. There is no evidence that this tract was ever set apart to them, and no probability that if Skene had once bought them out he would have associated twenty- four other persoas with himself in the title which he al- ready owned alone. He may have purchased small tracts of the soldiers, but not the town.ship. Probably the delay in obtaining a patent was occasioned by his resisting the blackmailing propensities of the colonial authorities. At all events, they obtained no interest in that tract. It was formed into a township, by the same patent which granted the title, by the name of Skenesborough. We have now reached a period when along the eastern border of Washington county there began to be a serious excitement about the title to the land. This was the famous controversy regarding the " New Hampshire grants." As this contest will necessarily affect, to some extent, the fortunes of Washington county for the succeeding twenty years, we will endeavor to give the reader an idea of its origin and character, although, as the more exciting events of the controversy took place outside the present limits of the county, our narrative will be a very brief one. Soon after the capture of New Netherland from the Dutch, King Charles the Second granted the government of the province, under the name of New York, together with the title to the ungranted lands therein, to his brother James, Duke of York, bounding it on the east by the Con- necticut river. On the accession of the duke to the throne as James the Second, .the title became vested in the crown, but the government established by him was always there- after recognized as the legal government of the colony. The ea.stern boundary, however, was claimed to conflict HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 35 with earlier grants to the proprietors of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and the rapidly-increasinp: population of those colonies was permitted without much resistance by New York to occupy the territory up to within about twenty miles of the Hudson river. North of the north line of Massachusetts, however, no colony was organized till the middle of the eighteenth century, and no question was raised but that above that line New York extended to the Connecticut. But as that part of the colony was a mountainous wilderness, terribly open to murderous incur- sions from French and Indian foes, no one was anxious to ac((uire property there, and no grants were made. In 1749, Benning Wentwortli was appointed governor of New Hampshire. His couimis.sion directed him to pro- ceed to make grants of land for the purpose of settling up the country, and also gave the bounds of the territory over which he was to rule. The southern boundary was therein described as running from a point near Pawtucket Falls, on the Merriniac river, due west " till it meets with our other governments." The same year Wentwortli wrote to Gov- ernor Clinton, of New York, inquiring where his "govern- ment" began. The latter replied the next spring that the eastern boundary of New York was on the Connecticut river. Wentworth answered, asking how it was that Massa- chusetts and Connecticut went so far west, and stating that, previous to receiving Clinton's letter, he had already given a grant of a township six miles square, situated on the western border of the colony of New Hampshire, as he undenstood the lines. This was the famous Bennington, which received its designation from the first name of Gov- ernor Benning Wentworth. It is pretty evident that that official was playing a " grab game," or he would not have made his first grant on the disputed ground, at its farther- most extremity, passing over the rich lands on the west- ern shore of the Connecticut. He evidently thought that if he could get possession of the most distant portion of the tract, he could more easily seize upon the rest. Clinton and his council — all these letters emanated from the governors "in council' — explained the condition of affairs as regarded Massachusetts and Connecticut, and ex- pressed surprise at Wentworth's granting a township before hearing heard from them. The latter, in reply, proposed that both sides should send representations to the crown, and to this New York agreed. " If," wrote Governor WentworXh, "it [the grant] falls by his majesty's deter- mination within the province of New York, it will be void of course." The next year (1751) both governments sent representa- tions to the " Lords of Trade" in London, who seem to have treated them with the usual indifi"erence and tardiness of our aristocratic masters regarding the vital interests com- mitted to their charge. A prompt decision of the question, which was an exceedingly plain one, would have prevented twenty years of disturbance, riot, and bloodshed. But the Lords of Trade and the privy council delayed their decision until 1754, when the breaking out of the French war gave them an excuse for neglecting entirely all matters not im- mediately connected with the war. Meanwhile, sly old Governor Wentworth continued to grant land in the di.sputcd territory without the knowledge of the New York authorities, and in spite of the arrange- ment by which it had been agreed that the dispute should be referred to England. The object of this disreputable conduct was undoubtedly to get the fees, while the lands were bought by speculators for a trifling price, which they were willing to risk losing in order to have a chance of making a great profit if New Hampshire should get the territory. Eighteen grants were thus made by New Hampshire before the French war, but from 1754 to 17G0 none were made, nor were any proceedings taken by either party. In 1761, Governor Wentworth again began making grants, and in three years issued a hundred and eleven patents. He only claimed that the authority of New Hampshire ex- tended as far west as that of Massachusetts, or withiu twenty miles of the Hudson river. But in fact the grants were surveyed out so as to run within seventeen or eighteen miles of the Hudson. The New York authorities do not appear to have found out what was going on until 1763. In that year they re- ceived instructions to i.ssue patents to officers and soldiere, as before mentioned, and on looking around for land, dis- covered that Wentworth had been making numerous grants in spite of the agreement to refer the whole matter to the crown. In December of that year acting Governor Colden issued a proclamation warning every one that the title of New York extended to the Connecticut river, and enjoining the sheriff of Albany county, and other officers, to return the names of all who might take possession of land in the disputed territory, under New Hampshire, in order that they might be proceeded against by law. In March, 1764, Governor Wentworth came out with a proclamation, declaring that nothing was more evident than that New Hampshire extended as far west as Massachu- setts ; that the patent to the Duke of York was obsolete, and that grantees under New Hampshire might safely go on and settle their lands. But in the mean time New York had been urging the dilatory authorities of England into action, and in July, 1764, an order was issued by the king in council declaring that New York extended to the Con- necticut river, and that no grants west of that stream should be made by New Hampshire. In a legal point of view this was unquestionably correct. New Hampshire had never had any real claim, nor even a plausible pretext for one. Up to this time there had been no rioting. What few of the New Hampshire grantees had settled on their lands had held them peaceably, and so had a few New Yorkers, whose po.ssessions extended east of the sclf-cstabiished boundary of the New Hampshire men. But the next month a New Yorker was forcibly driven from the eastern part of the Hoosick patent by New Hampshire men, and thenceforward collisions were common all along the eastern border of what now constitutes Washington county, but mostly ju.st east of the present line. We have given an outline of the origin of the difficulty between New York and New Hampshire, and will now pro- ceed with the history of Washington county, noticing the various disturbances as they occurred. The New York officials offered to convey to the New Hampshire grantees 36 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. wliat they had received from Governor Wentworth on pay- ment of the regular fees ; the latter refused, and petitioned the crown, wlio directed the authorities of New York not to issue any more grants until further orders. In 17C5 the first settlonient was made in Argyle, by some of the Scotchmen who had received grants there. It will be remembered that all this while the whole of the territory of northern New York, including the disputed territory now constituting Vermont, was nominally a part of the county of Albany. In October, 1763, Captain (after- wards General) David Wooster and others petitioned for the formation of five new counties from Albany. Two were to be east of the Green mountains. The third was to run from the .summit of the Green mountains " as far west as the government might think proper," having for its southern boundary the north line of Massachusetts, the Mohawk river, and a line connecting the mouth of that river with the northwest corner of that State ; while the northern boundary was to be an east and west line, cros.sing the Hudson at Fort Miller. The fourth county was to lie directly north of the foregoing, its northern boundary being an cast and west line running through the north end of Lake George ; the fifth was to extend to Canada. The project was, however, rejected by the New York government. During the year 176C a wordy conflict raged between the New Hampshire grantees and the New York authori- ties. The former declared that the latter refused to con- firm their grants except on the payment of exorbitant fees, and from what we know of the conduct of tjiose authorities, and the bribes they had exacted from their own people, there is little doubt that the charge is correct. It should be understood that the lands granted by colo- nial governments of that era were not sold outright, and no cash payment was required except the fees to the ofiieials. The grantees were in effect given a perpetual lease, and an annual quitrent was reserved to the crown. This quit- rent varied greatly. In the case of the Rev. Godfredius Diliius it was to be one raccoon-skin a year for several thou- sand square miles. But at the period we are now consid- ering the yearly quitrent was fixed at two shillings six- pence sterling for every hundred acres in the province of New York, but only about ninepence sterling in New Hampshire. The fees for a grant of a thousand acres were as follows: to the governor, §31.25; to the secretary of state, $10; to the clerk of the council, $10 to $15; to the receiver- geperal, $14.37; to the attorney-general, $7.50 ; making a total of about $75 besides the cost of survey. This does not look like a very large amount for a thousand acres of land, but money was scarce and land was plenty, and there were probably thousands of substan- tial citizens who would have been utterly unable to raise the amount in question. During this year the first church was built in the present county of Washington. So far as known it was the first one north of Albany. It was erected by Dr. Clark's colony at Salem. The material consisted of small logs, such as could bo brought by hand, there being then no teams in the settlement, according to the tradition among the descend- ants of the colonists. The logs were laid upon each other, and notched together at the corners in the most approved style of that kind of architecture ; the crevices being well filled with clay. The earth constituted the floor, while the roof was composed of black-ash bark, peeled oflf, laid upon the gi-ound and flattened with stones while drying. The seats were made of split logs laid upon blocks. This prim- itive temple of religion was forty feet long, and was the largest building in the county, except perhaps the barracks at Fort Edward. A school-house, also supposed to be the first in the county, was built at Salem the same year, out of similar materials and of like architecture. In this year (1766), also, the first settlement was made at the present village of Fort Miller, which derived its name from the old fortified store-houses on the other side of the Hudson. The pioneer here was Captain William Duer, a gallant young oflicer of the British army, who had served on the staff' of Ciive, the conqueror of India, but had de- termined to make his home in America, and had selected the locality just mentioned as the place for founding a colony. He married a daughter of Mr. Alexander, of New York, who claimed to be the rightful heir of a Scottish earldom, and was commonly known as Lord Stirling. Mrs. Ducr was generally known as "Lady Katy,' and a very high-toned establishment was kept up for several years, almost within the shadow of the primeval forest. Meanwhile, owing perhaps to the fact that two colonies were at woi'k settling the territory now known as Salem, that district filled up with residents faster than any other in the county. But both colonies adhered with true Scotch and New England obstinacy to their own appellation, and neither " White Creek" nor " New Perth" was acknowledged by more than half the population. The first grist-mill in the county, subsequent to the French war, was built in 1767, by a Scotch- man, named Bail, on Black creek, about a mile above Fitch's point. It had but one run, of small stone, and did very inferior work, but was resorted to for more than a score of miles around by the settlers, who now began to build their cabins in numerous localities on the various patents which have already been named. Settlement had so long been retarded by the fear of French and Indian enemies, that when the restraint was finally withdrawn pioneers rushed in with great rapidity, and very few counties in the State have been settled more rapidly than was Washington county between the close of the French war and the beginning of the Revolution. For the details of those settlements we must refer the reader to the town-histories ; we can notice here only a few of the more important points. The enterprising Major Skene continued to' push forward his improvements at Skenesborough, and in 1767 had a road cut out, at his own expense, from that point through the western part of Granville and central portion of Hebron to the settlement at White Creek or New Perth. It was afterwards extended to Bennington. It was passable only for sleighs, which were the vehicles chiefly in use. Not only in winter was the ox-sled the principal means of con- veyance, but even in summer it was a common thing for a settler to hitch his ox-team to a sled, throw on a bag of wheat and another of corn, and make his way eight or ten miles by that most tedious of methods. A man who owned a cart was considered to bo decidedly " forehanded," and HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 37 one who possessed an actual wagon with four wheels might fairly claim to belong to the aristocracy. In 1768, Albert Baker made the first settlement in the township of Kings- bury, at the point now called Sandy Hill. Meanwhile, the troubles on tiie eastern border continued to increase. Sir Henry Moore, the governor of New York, still refused to confirm the New Hampshire grants without the payment of largo fees, as appears by the subsequent admissions of Lieutenant-Governor Golden ; the New Eng- land farmers who had bought out the original speculators, in more or less good faith, and become actual settlers on the lands, refused to pay the fees, and resisted with riotous force every attempt to put them out of possession. At this time there was a project on foot to form a new province, comprising the New Hampshire grants and north- ern New York, as appears by a petition of some Connec- ticut clergymen asking the influence of Sir William John- son in favor of a Mr. Partridge as governor of the proposed province. But the project was not carried out. Meanwhile, a number of the discharged Highland soldiers, especially of the Seventy-seventh Regiment, began to settle on the eastern border of this county, principally in Hebron, on both sides of the line claimed by the New Hampshire people. John McDonald, before mentioned, obtained a patent for the two hundred acres to which he was entitled as a corporal of the Seventy-seventh, returned to Scotland, married, remained a few years, and again returned to America, where he found that all but thirty acres of his land was cut off into Rupert by tiie line claimed by the New Hampshire grantees. The latter, too, who had previously only sought to obtain a confirmation of their titles by the New York authorities, without payment of fees, now began to insist on political independence of New York, and to refuse to allow persons holding under her authority to settle east of the line in question (the present ea,st line of Washington county), even on land unclaimed by any one else. And this not- withstanding the fact that the government of New Hamp- shire had acknowledged the title of New York to the land in question, and appointed no ofiicers to exercise jurisdiction there. The inhabitants were all the while laboring and hoping to get back under New Hampshire law, or else to become part of a new province. In the counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, formed from Albany county out of the territory between the Green mountains and the Connecticut river, the oificers appointed by New York managed to exercise a precarious authority ; but about Bennington, and northward along the ea.stern line of this county, there was no civil government whatever. Rude mobs, headed by Ethan Allen, Remember Baker, and other speculators, who had invested in New Hampshire grants, drove ofi' New York ofiicers and settlers, and all other off'enders went unpunished. Many of the Scotch soldiers sold out their grants to some of their countrymen. Their mode of conveyancing seems to have been very simple. Corporal John and Pri- vate Sandy would meet by the roadside or at the village ale-house, and after the preliminary greetings the subject of their American land would be introduced. Sandy would nut think his fifty acres worth crossing the ocean for, while the corporal, having two hundred acres, might consider it advisable to emigrate if he could purchase some additional tracts of his less fortunate comrades. The location and value of the land having been thoroughly di.s- cussed, and the price after long haggling agreed ujion, the ex-corpor.al would draw out his long leather puise and count down the amount in the coin of the realm, saying, — " There, mon ; there's your siller." Then the worthy private would dive into some inner pocket and bring forth his parchment patent, signed in the name of the king by " Henry Moore, baronet, our captain- general and governor-in-chief, in and over our province of New York, and the lands depending thereon, in Ameriea, chancellor and vice-admiral of the same." This document he would promptly hand over to the purchaser in ex- change for the money, at the same time saying, — " An' there's your land, corporal." No other formality, — no tedious drawing of deeds, wit- nessing, acknowledging, or recording ; the handing over of the patent was supposed to be all that was necessary to pass the title. Many of the .soldiers not desiring to settle, and being unable to sell, their land lay vacant. Squatters often settled upon it, and sometimes remained so long in un- interrupted possession that they or their heirs or assigns became the lawful owners. In 1769 or 1770 a colony of Irish Methodi.sts settled near Ash Grove, in the present town of Cambridge. The leading man among them was Philip Embury, who, though an adherent of the Episcopal church, had been favorably impressed by the zeal of Wesley, and is generally con- sidered the founder of Methodism in America. Soon after their arrival the colonists were organized into a Methodist church, said to have been the second ever formed on this continent ; the first being one also organized by Embury in New York city. In 1771 the township of Argyle was organized, em- bracing the present towns of Argyle and Fort Edward. During this year the warfare between the authorities of the province of New York, and e.specially of Albany county, with the holders of the New Hampshire grants, continued with unabated zeal ; the latter having, however, materially the advantage, as they held possession of the land, and expelled by force all other claimants, while the authorities confined themselves mostly to belligerent proclamations and futile warrants. It is diflicult to account for the failure of the chief officers of New York to enforce their plain legal rights, except on the theory that there was something in their own conduct which would not bear investigatioi). In this year William Tryon became governor of the province. In the latter part of Augu.st he sent to Philip Skene, John Munro, Patrick Smith, and John MeComb, magistrates, living in this part of Albany county, notifying them of a riot perpetrated by Robert Cochran and his asso- ciates, in driving Donald Mclntyre and others from their lands, and requiring those officers to proceed against the wrong-doers. But the latter easily found shelter among their mountains, and nothing serious was done against them. The riot is spoken of as having been " near Argyle town." As ucar as can be ascertained it was close to the 38 HISTORY OF WASHIXGTOxV COUxNfTY, NEW YORK. eastern boundary of Hebron, though it would be difficult now to say on which side of the present line it was. On Oct. 29, 1771, another serious riot took place, which is described in the deposition on which a warrant for the offenders was issued by Alexander McNaughton, Esq.. a justice of the peace residing in Arsryle. Charles Hutchi- son, formerly a corporal in Colonel Jlontgomery's Highland regiment, deposed that while at woi'k, on the day above mentioned, on a lot of two hundred acres granted by New York, " fifteen miles east of the Hud.son and four miles north of New Perth," nine men came and began demolish- ing his house. Four of them were known to be Ethan Allen, Remember Baker, Robert Cochran, and Se- ville ; the others were unknown. Hutchison requested them to stop, but they declared tliat they had determined t]iat morning to offer a burnt offering to the gods of this world by burning the logs of that house. They accordingly kindled four fires under the logs they had pulled down. Baker and Allen held clubs over Hutchison's head, ordered him to leave the locality, and declared he should be still worse used if he came back. On his remonstrating, Baker and Allen said, "Go and com- plain to that damned scoundrel, your governor. God damn your governor, king, council, and Assembly!' Hutchison attempted to stop the torrent of oaths that flowed from their mouths, but only caused increased pro- fanity and a peremptory order " not to preach to them." Allen and Baker declared that if a con.stable attempted to arrest them they would kill him, and if they were put in jail their friends would break it down and rescue them. Hutchison fled to New Perth with his family. The worthy Scotchman furthermore deposed that he was credibly in- formed that Allen denied the existence of both God and the devil. Eight or nine other families were also driven from the same locality at the same time, all of whom fled to New Perth (Salem), where they were hospitably received by their brother Scotchmen of Dr. Clark's colony. McNaughton issued his warrant, directing John Reid, constable, to call to arms as many good subjects as might be necessary, and proceed to Rupert and arrest Allen, Baker, and their associates, and bring them before him or some other magistrate. But Ethan Allen and his mob were not to be overcome by a constable's posse. The land of Hutchison and his neiglibors had not been occupied or cleared by any one else. They were expelled simply because Allen and his comrades were determined that no one should hold under a New York title east of the line they had themselves established as the eastern bound- ary of that province. If Hutchison's estimate was correct, and his residence was only fifteen miles from the Hudson river, it must have been near the centre of the present town of Hebron. The distance, however, was probablj' a little greater, and the location is supposed to have been just within the township which the New Hampshire men had laid out under the name of Rupert, and which they were determined that no New Yorkers should occupy. Twenty pounds reward was offered by the New York council for the arrest of the rioters, and another proclama- tion was issued by Governor Tryon, but tliese were as in- effectual as Esquire McNaughtou's warrant. Perhaps it was hoped that a new set of county officers, having convenient access to the scene of the troubles, would be able to act more efficiently in their suppression. At all events, on the 12th day of March, 1772, a county was formed from Albany by the Legislature of New York, to which the name of " Charlotte" was given, in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George the Third. This was the actual beginning of the county of Washington ; the organization having been I'etained from that time down, though both name and boundaries have been changed. On the east of the Hudson, the .south line of the new county began at the mouth of Stony creek ; ran thence east three miles and three-sixteenths ; thence south to the Batten Kill ; thence along that stream to the south line of Prince- town ; and thence east to the west line of Cumberland county, which was the summit of the Green mountains. From this point to Canada those mountains formed the eastern boundary of Charlotte county. From the mouth of Stony creek, the western and southwestern line followed the wind- ings of the Hudson up to the northwest corner of the present town of Luzerne, in Warren county, ran thence west along the present north line of Saratoga county to its northwestern corner, and thence northwardly along the present west line of Warren county extended to Canada. The north line of Charlotte was of course the south line of Canada, or the forty-fifth parallel of north latitude. It will be seen that the present towns of Easton, Cam- bridge, Jackson, White Creek, and the southwest part of Greenwich, remained in Albany county. On the other hand, Charlotte county contained all that part of the present State of Vermont west of the Green mountains and north of the northwest corner of Jackson, the whole of the present coun- ties of Warren, Essex, and Clinton in this State, and the eastern part of Franklin county. By a law passed on the same day Albany county was divided into districts, and all tliat part of it east of the dis- trict of Saratoga (which then included Easton) and north of Schaghticoke was formed into a district called Cambridge, f^he present Easton, with a large tract west of the Hudson, was formed into the district of Saratoga. Each district was authorized to elect one supervisor, two assessors, one col- lector, two overseers of the poor, two constables, two fence- viewers, and one clerk. It docs not appear that any dis- tricts were organized in Charlotte county, though the old townships seem to have answered very near the same pur- pose. The first legislative act regarding Charlotte county after its formation was passed on the 24th of the same month ; it made Philip Skene, Patrick Smith, Jacob JIarsh, Philip Em- bury, Alex. McNaughton, Archibald Campbell, Jas. Gray, Thomas Clark, William Duer, Owen Spencer, Jonathan Baker, Simeon Metcalf, and Jeremiah French commis- sioners, with power to lay out, regulate, and repair the roads. They did not act under their first commission, but it was renewed, and they finally served under it. No steps, however, were taken that year to organize the county by the appointment of judges and other officers. It was about this time that the present town of Hampton was first settled. The conflict between the New York and the eastern rioters continued, though nothing occurred .so HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 39 closely connected with the present county of Washington as the driving off of Mclntyro, Hutchison, and their neigh- bors. In the spring of 1773 the questions of the appointment of county officers and the selection of a county-scat began to be seriously agitated. Major Skene made an earnest effort to have Skenesborough designated as the county-seat, and with the boundaries which the county then had, it would seem to have been the most proper place. A peti- tion to that effect was signed not only by Skene and his seventy tenants, but by the inhabitants of New Perth (Salem), thirty miles to the south, and near the south line of the county. The major would also liave liked to receive an appoint- ment to the most important oiEce in the new county, — that of first judge of the court of common pleas. Another can- didate for that position was Colonel Philip Schuyler, whose principal residence was at Albany, but who also had a large estate at Saratoga (now Schuylerville), at the mouth of the Fish Kill, near the border of Charlotte county, inherited from his uncle of the sau)e name, whose death, in 1745, has been previously noticed. There was much opposition to him on the part of the ultra-loyalists, his family having long been distinguished for their hostility to the policy of the royal governors, and he himself having already been recognized as one of the leaders of the people in opposition to the op- pressive acts of the British government. Oliver De Lancey, brother of the celebrated Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey, was especially active against the appointment of Schuyler, and curiouslj' enough the latter's biographer, Lossing, de- clares that De Lancey was successful, and that Schuyler was not appointed. This, however, is a mistake ; his great family influence, and his own high qualities, combined with the especial necessity of having such influence and such qualities to deal with the insurgents in the eastern part of the county, bore down all opposition, and Philip Schuyler was appointed the '"first judge" of the county of Charlotte, on the 8th day of September, 1772. William Duer was associated with him on the judicial bench. Philip P. Lan- sing, probably of Lansingburg, in Albany county, was at the same time appointed sheriff, and Patrick Smith, of Fort Edward, clerk. Ebenezer Clark (son of Dr. Thomas Clark) and Alexander McNaughton, both of New Perth, and Jacob Marsh and Benjamin Spencer, of the present State of Vermont, were appointed justices, and "of the quorum" ; that is, associates of the judges in holding the courts of common pleas and sessions. There was no pro- vision at this time for electing representatives from Char- lotte county to the Colonial Assembly. Nor was Major Skene more successful in regard to the location of the county-seat ; for the order in council organ- izing the county directed that the first term of court should be held at the house of Patrick Smith, at Fort Edward, which place was thus constituted, temporarily at least, the county-seat. The term was actually held at the appointed place by Judge Duer, Judge Schuyler being absent, sick. The three first named of the "quorum" justices were also present. The grand jurors at that first court were the fol- lowing : Archibald Campbell, foreman ; Michael Iluffnagle, Robert Gordon, Albert Baker, David Watkins, Joseph McCracken, Joshua Conkey, Jeremiah Burrows, Levi Stockwell, Levi Crocker, Moses Martin, Alex. Gilchrist, and Daniel Smith. All through 1774 the difficulties in the eastern part of Charlotte county kept increa.sing, though we do not go into the details of the numerous riots, house-burnings, whippings which occurred, as they were all outside tlie present limits of Washington county. In March, Ethan Allen and Remember Baker were outlawed by the New York Legislature ; but this extreme proceeding was as futile as indictments and warrants had previously been. Mean- while, too, the excitement regarding the measures of the British government was increasing rapidly and spreading throughout all the colonics, and the " Green Mountain Boys," as they called themselves, were able to mingle their cause with that of the patriots generally, and to appeal to the sympathies of all outside of New York who looked on the English as oppressors. In December of that year application was made for the privilege of electing a representative in the colonial as- sembly from Charlotte county. The petition to that effect was signed by Alex. Campbell, Alex. JIcNaughton, Duncan Campbell and ten others, of Argyle, and by Alex. Stewart, James Savage, Edward Savage, Alex. Webster and a hun- dred others, of " White Crick." It was about this time that Rev. Harry Munro, with six families, made a settlement in the present town of Hebron, at the point widely known as Munro's Meadows, where he had received a grant of two thousand acres as an ex-chap- lain in the royal army. His own house and those of his tenants were of logs, about sixteen feet by twenty, with bark roofs and dirt floors, and doubtless those of other set- tlers throughout the county were but very little better. The spring of 1775 opened with ever-increasing excite- ment regarding the insurgents in the eastern part of Char- lotte county and the far more important insurrection which was gradually taking form throughout the country. So many of the residents of Charlotte county were new-comers from England and Scotland, that it was much less unani- mous in opposition to English oppression than was usual in the colonies. Its leading men were nearly all of foreign birth : Judge Duer, Major Skene, Dr. Clark, Mr. Em- bury, and Dr. John Williams ; the last being a young English physician, who had settled in Salem early in 1773, and who soon displayed marked ability not only in his pro- fession, but as a man of business and a political leader. Notwithstanding his recent arrival from England, he was an ardent supporter of the patriot cause. Judge Duer took the same side. Dr. Clark and Major Skene were both believed to favor the British claims, though the former took no active part. Some have believed that even Major Skene would not liave become an active British partisan bad it not been for needless harshness on the part of the colonial authorities. Early in 1775 the major went to England for the purpo.se, it is supposed, of procuring the organization of a new province, consisting of the New Hampshire grants and northern New York, with Skenesborough as the capi- tal and himself as governor. On the 21st of March a stormy court was held at Fort Edward. Judge Duer presided ; Judge Schuyler being in 40 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. attendance on the Colonial Assembly defending the cause of the people. It was expected that numerous indictments would be found against the rioters in the eastern part of the county. Moreover, the disturbed condition of the country caused many criminals of a still more flagrant kind to ply their trade there, hoping, not entirely without reason, to find sympathy fiom the inveterate opponents of the law of whom so much has been said, even though the latter did not look on themselves as belonging to the class of ordinary criminals. These latter criminals comprised robbers, thieves, and especially counterfeiters, who turned out their bogus silver pieces with alarming facility. All these violators of the law and their friends crowded in and around the rude hotel at Fort Edward, in which the court was to be held, cursing and drinking, and threat- ening to pitch court, officers, and jury into the Hudson if they dared attempt to enforce the law. The excitement was all the more intense from the fact that only eight days before the court at Westminster, in Cumberland county, had been broken up by a similar mob, one man having been killed and several wounded in the affray. But William Duer, the East Indian soldier, was not easily daunted. Captain Mott, with a company of British soldiers, happened to be passing through Fort Edward on their way to Ticonderoga. Judge Duer persuaded the captain to re- main a few days, and then proceeded to hold his court. None of the rioters were disposed to run against the bayo- nets of the soldiers, the court was held in quiet, and indict- ments were duly found against the guilty parties, though the great national outbreak, which began before another month had pa.ssed, prevented their arrest or conviction. Judge Duer reported the disturbance to the Provincial Congi'ess, and requested their protection for the court to be held in June, saying, — " Your interposition in this matter may save the shedding of blood at the next court ; for so long as I know it to be the sense of the country that the courts of justice should be supported, and that I have the honor of sitting as one of the judges, I shall endeavor to keep them open even at the risk of my life." The court thus held by the resolute judge in March, 1775, was the last public event in Charlotte county pre- vious to the beginning of the Revolutionary period. CHAPTER XI. 1775 AND 1776. Outbreak of the Revolution— Patriots and Tories— Capture of Ticon- deroga — Captain Herriclt at Slienesborough — Spoiling the Egypt- ians — Skene's Arrest — The Last Colonial Court — Amity with the Grants — Informal Elections — Meeting of the County Committee — Officers reconirnended — Drills ordered — Montgomery and Schuyler — Disasters to the Northern Army — Gloomy Prospects in 1776 — Tories required to give Bonds — Judge Duer — The Charlotte County Rangers — Levying Bounty-Money — Another Committee Meeting . — A Curious Bill— Declaration of Independonec^Renewal of the Feud with the Grants — Disaffection in Kingsbury, etc. — The Joneses — Raising a Tory Company. In the latter part of Ai)ril, 1775, messenger after mes- senger came galloping hard along the rude roads which led through the dark forests and scattered settlements of Char- lotte county, announcing that American blood had been shed by British bullets on the village green of Lexington, that a thousand farmers had left their homes to avenge the slaughter, and that these .soldiers of the moment had chased the veteran troops of King George in ignoble flight and with terrible lass over hill and dale, through wood and field, back to the shelter of their comrades' cannon in the town of Boston. The time had come for action, and a majority of the inhabitants of Charlotte county (even excluding the " grants") declared their intention to stand or fall with their brethren of New England, only waiting the directions of the Provincial Congress of New York to take up arms. At the head of these were the two Englishmen, Judge Duer and Dr. Williams. But a large minority, consisting mainly of natives of England and Scotland, could not so easily cast aside their allegiance to the king, though they gener- ally remained silent in presence of the prevailing excitement. The portion of Washington county then attached to Albany county (Cambridge, Easton, Jackson, and White Creek) was still more decidedly attached to the American cause than the inhabitants of Charlotte. Charlotte county was so far removed from the seat of war around Boston that its people might reasonably hope that they would long be exempt from any actual participa- tion in the conflict. But the American leaders were accus- tomed to deal with long distances, and were not accustoiued to let the grass grow under their feet. On the afternoon of the 10th of May canoes came flying up Lake Champlain to Skenesborough bearing the news that Ethan Allen, the renowned leader of the " Bennington mob," and a man named Arnold, from Connecticut, at the head of a few men levied in the " grants" and in western Massachusetts, had that morning surprised the fortress of Ticonderoga, and that Allen had demanded and received its surrender " in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Con- gress," — to neither of which authorities had he ever before been supposed willing to yield obedience. The report spread swii'tly through the settlement in every direction, adding fresh fire to the enthusiasm of the patriots and tending to keep the Tories in a condition of prudent neutrality. The loyal tenantry of Major Skene, their leader absent, were alike astonished at the infidel Allen's claiming to act under a commission from Jehovah, and aghast at the idea of that terrible mountaineer's making his appearance among them at the head of the moss-troopers of the New Hampshire grants. It was not long ere their fears were in some degree realized. On the 13th, fifty men who had been levied in western Massachusetts, under orders given by Arnold, as he passed through on his way to Ticonderoga, appeared at Skenesborough, and took possession of the village in the name of the revolted colonies. Tliis company was commanded by a Captaiu Herrick, and was the first body of American soldiers who entered the present county of Washington during the Revolution. They seized on Major Skene's schooner, and took it with them to Ticon- deroga. Taking the absent owner's toryism for granted, they confiscated some of his property, among which was one very fine Spanish horse. This afterwards passed into the HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 41 hands of Colonel Morgan Lewis, who loaned it to General Arnold to ride at the second battle of Stillwater, and it was shot under that daring commander when he was wounded in the hottest of the fray. This squad of patriots also made a prisoner of Skene's son, Andrew P. Skene, who, like his father, was commonly called " Major Skene."* They also made prisoners of fifty tenants and twelve negroes, and then joined Arnold at Ticon- deroga. That enterprising officer immediately manned the schooner, and proceeded down the lake on a successful cruise. In a short time he had a miniature navy under his command, — Skene's schooner, armed with four carriage guns and eight swivels, being the flag-ship, while a small sloop and several bateaux constituted the remainder of the force. Shortly after these startling events Jlajor Skene arrived from England in the harbor of New York, and it is believed from the surrounding circumstances that he brought with hira — what be undoubtedly went to obtain — a commission as governor of the province of Ticonderoga, consisting of the New Hampshire grants and the northern part of New York, though there is no direct evidence of the fact. It is also believed by some that had the major been in the country when policies and parties were so rapidly taking form, just before the Revolution, he, like his brother Englishmen, Duer and Williams, would have taken part with the patriots. But the American authorities at New York, like Captain Ilerrick's volunteers, took the major's toryism for granted, arrested him immediately on his arrival, seized all his papers, and threw him into prison. If he really had such a commission as is supposed, it would naturally be sup- pressed by the Continental authorities, anxious not to oifend the important province of New Y^ork, which would certainly be the effect of recognizing such a document. Skene was soon allowed to leave prison and live on parole at JMiddletown, Conn., but was not suffered to return to his home, and his property rapidly went to destruction. The next May he refused to renew his parole, and was im- prisoned ; but was finally exchanged. Embittered by his los.ses, and by what he considered his ill-treatment, he re- turned to Skenesboro' in the train of Burgoyne, mention of which will be made farther on. Although the Colonial Assembly, convened under royal authority, had adjourned on the 3d of April, 1775, and never met again, — its powers passing by general consent to the Provincial Congress, — yet in some counties the old courts were still held. The last court in Charlotte county which derived its authority from the royal governor was held on the 20th of June, 1775. The first judge, Philip Schuyler, had twelve days before been appointed the third major-general of the new American army, and was even then counseling with Washington regarding the invasion of Canada. Judge Duer held the court, which, like its predecessor, was annoyed by an angry and menacing crowd, who, not- * A. P. Skene is sometimes cilled the nephew of Philip, but in tlie original record.'! of the sale of their confiscated property the younger man is described as the son of the elder. withstanding the liberal proclivities of the judge, appeared to look on the tribunal as a suspicious relic of royal au- thority. "Very little business could be done, and the court was soon adjourned. Its clerk, Patrick Smith, afterwards espoused the royal side and fled to Canada, taking, as it is supposed, the records of the court with him. Meanwhile the friends of the American cause were active throughout the county. They organized a county committee, consisting of delegates elected from the various townships and patents, which assumed the general direction of affairs in the new and remarkable circumstances which had arisen. For a while even the long enmity between the New Hampshire men and New Yorkers appears to have been laid aside. The Provincial Congress of New York authorized the formation of a battalion of " Green Mountain Boys," five hundred strong, and the latter so far recognized the authority of their old-time foes as to organ- ize under this act. It is noticeable, too, that instead of the blatant Ethan Allen, the battalion chose Seth Warner as lieutenant-colonel commanding. At this period elections were very informal matters. In May, Dr. Williams, of the present town of Salem, and Wil- liam Marsh, of Vermont, had been admitted to seats in the Provincial Congress of New York, on presenting a certifi- cate of fourteen gentlemen, committees of White Creek, Camden, and several Vermont townships. Subhows al.so that the ordinary price for meals at that time was " one and fourpence," or nearly seventeen cents ; unless, indeed, the landlord charged an extra price to cover the risk of getting his pay from the ill-provided treasury of the patriots. The Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, 1776, drew more clearly llian before the line between pa- triots and Tories ; some who had previously been on the American side, or at least doubtful, now advocating the cause of the king. The amity between the new government of New Y'ork and the people of the New Hampshire grants only lasted during the first excitement of the Revolution. The old antipathy soon returned, the two sections of Charlotte county ceased to act together, and in 1776 public sentiment on the grants was rapidly concentrating in favor of forming a separate State government, and supporting it at all hazards. New York persuaded tlie Continental Congress not to furnish arms to " the grants" until sufficiently as- sured that they would not revolt against the autliority of that State. But the grants-men went on with their revolt all the same, and the New Yorkers were in no condition to suppress it by force. In the latter part of 1776 it began to be rumored that a large army of British regulars and German mercenaries was gathering in Canada for the purpose of invading New York, — a rumor which was strengthened by each succeed- ing report, and which was especially calculated to dismay the people of Charlotte county, who would have to bear the first brunt of attack if once the enemy succeeded in capturing the fortresses on Lake Champlain. The di-saflection to the American cau.se was stronger in Skenesborough, Kingsbury, and Fort Edward than any- where else in the county. Among the most prominent Tories in the two latter districts were the members of the Jones family, emigrants from New Jersey, several of whom were influential farmers. In the fall of 1776 two of the younger brothers, Jonathan and David Jones, raised a company of near fifty soldiers in Kingsbury and Fort Edward. To their patriot neighbors and the American officials these soldiers declared that they were about to join the garri.son of Ticonderoga, but among themselves they had a very different understanding. All the men that the Joneses could trust having been enrolled, they set out for the north, but instead of stopping at Ticonderoga they passed through the woods in the rear of that fort, and joined the British forces in Canada. Jonathan Jones re- ceived a commission as captain, and David as lieutenant. The course of the latter became a subject of especial in- tere.st, on account of his subsequent connection with one of the saddest tragedies of the American Revolution. During the remainder of the year little of consequence ■ occurred within the limits of Washington county, but the air was thick with runiors, too often of a gloomy nature. The di-sasters in Canada and those incurred by Washington around New Y'ork had filled the minds of the patriots with sad forebodings. It had become plain that the task of freeing the country could not be accomplished by an enthu- siastic uprising of minute-men. Men must go to soldiering in earnest and submit for years to danger, hardship, and irk- some discipline. But the poverty of the government was extreme, and there was little encouragement for the hardy farmers of Charlotte county to enlist in the ranks of the ill- paid, ill-clad, ill-fed battalions which garrisoned Fort Edward, Fort Ann, and other posts on the northeru frontier. 44 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. CHAPTER XII. 1777. Vermont declares itself a State— Charlotte County Committee act only for the Western Part — Fears of Burgoyne on.l his Indians — His Army set forth — Condition of Tieondcroga — The Charlotic County Rangers— St. Clair's Letter to Williams— The Charlotte County Militia — Capture of Ticonderoga — Great Consternation — Denunciations of Schuyler and St. Clair— Their Conduct con- sidered — American Invalids and Baggage arrive at Skenesborough — The British follow — A Small Battle — American Vessels sunk — Retreat of Colonel Long — The Battle of Fort Ann — Long meets the Enemy — Colonel Van Rensselaer aids him — Severity of the Fight — Van Rensselaer wounded — American Flank Movement — British Retreat up the Hill — Arrival of Indians — Final Retreat of the British — Anecdote of Van Rensselaer — Riedesel at Skenes- borough — St. Clair joins Schuyler — The Uerman Troops — Bur- goyne, Riedesel, Phillips, and Fraser — St. Luc and his Indians — Riedesel goes to Castleton— Strength of Schuyler's Army — Schuy- ler's Letter to Williams — Burgoyne's Advance — Schuyler's Retreat — Terror of the People — Meeting of the County Committee — Salem Fort — Murder of the Allen Family — Jane McCrea — Her Person, Character, and Family — She goes to Mrs. McNiel's — Indians at- tack Picket — Capture of Mrs. McNiel and Miss McCrea — Arrival at the Spring— The Quarrel— The Murder— The Flight— Mrs. Mc- Niel's Story — Mr. Baker's Account — Belief that Lieutenant Jones sent for Miss McCrea — Burgoyne's Letter — Restricting the Indians — Hopes of the British— Madame Riedesel— Hessian Women— The Pets of the Germans — Schuyler's Weakness — Baum's Command — Divers Projects — Baum sets forth — His Meeting with Grcig — Reinforcements sent to him — Breymann's March — He meets the Americans — The Battle of Bennington — Heavy Loss of the Ger- mans — Breymann's Battle and Retreat — Desertion of the Indians —Abandonment of Fort Salem- Long Halt of the British— Vic- lory of Fort Stanwi.x— British cross the Hudson— First Battle of Stillwater — Occupation of the Eastern Bank — Burgoyne hemmed in — A Naked Horseman — An Unnatural Father — Burgoyne's Sur- render — Return of the Whigs — Confiscations — Suffering of the People — A Petition by " Protectioners." In tlie month of January, 1777, a convention of the inhabitant.s of the New Hampshire grants declared that territory to be an independent State, to which they at first gave the name of New Connecticut ; an appellation, how- ever, which was soon after changed to the more convenient and euphonious one of Vermont. This organization has been able to maintain itself to the present time ; for, though the Continental Congress refused to recognize the self- constituted State, yet so overwhelming was the majority which supported it, within the boundaries claimed for it, and so little able was New York to make good its author- ity, that the constitution and laws of Vermont went into immediate, peaceful, and permanent operation. The boundaries then claimed were substantially the same as those which are now recognized. There was some de- sire to claim much farther westward, on the ground that the new province of Ticonderoga had been legally consti- tuted by the English government before the beginning of the Revolution, and Vermont had succeeded to all the rights of that inchoate government. But this theory found com- paratively few supporters, even among the grants-men themselves, who founded their claim to a separate State existence on the will of their people. An effort was sub- sequently made to annex Washington county to Vermont, of which mention will be made in the proper place. At first there was considerable perplexity on the part of the Charlotte county committee as to how they should treat the pretensions of Vermont, but they soon saw that it would be useless to interfere with the people on the grants, and they thenceforth confined their jurisdiction entirely to that part of Charlotte county west of the new State. With the opening of spring came the report that the large British and German army already partially formed in Canada was to come up Lake Champlain, under Gen- eral John Burgoyne, and thence march down to Albany or New York, accompanied by an immense horde of savages, whose deadly deeds upon a defenseless population were but too well remembered along the northern frontier. The people shuddered at the direful prospect, but they hoped much from the army of Schuyler, and especially from the fortifications of Ticonderoga, which twenty years before, when defended by only three thousand Frenchmen, had repelled with immense slaughter an Anglo-American army of near sixteen thousand men. So the three or four hundred militiamen of Colonel Williams' regiment mingled occasional drilling with the labors of their farms. Schuyler strove hard to fill up the feeble army on which the defense of the northern frontier rested, and long trains of provisions and other supplies passed from the southern counties by way of Fort Edward to Skenesborough and Lake George. The spring passed away, and it was not until late in June that Burgoyne s army was known to be on the move. Arrowy canoes and galloping messengers from day to day bore through the county of Charlotte, and thence southward, the news of his advance. He reached and occupied Crown Point. He invested Ticonderoga. Still the people relied on the strength of that fortress. General Schuyler was not there, considering it more necessary to keep his headquarters at Fort Edward and hasten the sending of supplies and ammunition by the lag- gard authorities and people. Ticonderoga, with a garrison of about twenty-five hundred men, was under the command of General Arthur St. Clair, a soldier of fair reputation, and no one doubted but that he would either repulse the enemy or would compel him to carry on a long and tedious siege, giving ample time to arrange a good defense farther south. The Charlotte County Rangers, at this time under the command of Captain Joshua Conkey and Lieutenants Isaac Moss and Gideon Squires, were patrolling the northern roads and forests, watching for British seottts or lurking Indians. Desperate efforts were made to get out the militia, and not without success. On the 2d of July. General St. Clair wrote to Colonel Williams saying he was happy to hear that the people turn out so well. The enemy, says the general, have been looking at us for a day or two, and we expect them to try what they can do perhaps to-night. He urges Colonel Williams and Colonel Seth Warner, the commander of the Green Mountain Boys, if they can bring but six hundred men, or even less, to do so. He directs them to march through the grants, on the east side of Lake Champlain, first on the "old road," and then on the new road, to make the enemy think there is a larger force. If attacked, the militia were to make directly for Mount Inde- pendence, opposite Ticonderoga, and St. Clair promised to send a force to support them. The general concluded : HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 45 " If I had only your people here, I would laugh at all the enemy could do." Similar letters were sent to Colonels Robinson and Warner. The Charlotte county regiment accordingly set forth under Colonel Williams. We know from records before alluded to that there were at least five or six companies, and doubtless they all turned out on this expedition, but the only ones of whom there are any account are the one from New Perth (Salem), consisting of fifty -two men, under Captain Charles Hutchison, the Highland corporal whom Ethan Allen had mobbed in 1771 ; that of Captain Thomas Armstrong, numbering thirty men ; and that of Captain John Hamilton, numbering thirty-two men. The battalion marched, under Colonel Williams' command, to Skenesboro', and thence to Castleton, whence a portion of them were selected by the colonel to proceed to Ticonderoga. But while these movements were going on and the peo- ple still considered Ticonderoga a.s their certain bulwark, suddenly the news went through the county with lightning- like rapidity that Ticonderoga had fallen. General Bur- goync had taken warning by the fate of Abercrombie, and had not made a direct assault. Having taken possession of Mount Defiance (on the south side of the outlet of Lake George), which the American general and engineers had considered inaccessible, he planted a battery of heavy can- non on its summit, and from that commanding po.sitiou prepared to as.sail the defenses of St. Clair. The latter at once made up his mind that Ticonderoga was untenable. He sent liis sick and supplies by water to Skenesborough, and on the night of July 5 crossed with the bulk of his army to Mount Independence, and thence moved out towards Castleton. Burgoyne pursued his advantage with great energy, breaking through the boom which the Americans had stretched across the lake and advancing to Skenesborough with his little fleet, at the same time sending Generals Fraser and Riedesel to follow the retreating St. Clair. The news of this disaster caused intense consternation throughout the country, but especially in the State of New York, and most especially in the county of Charlotte. The people felt as they did in that Massachusetts valley, a few years ago, when they heard that the dam had broken way, and the waters were rolling down upon their defenseless homes. Many, especially in the northern part of the set- tlements, made immediate preparations for flight with their families from the dreaded British, the more-dreaded Hes- sians, and the Indians, the most terrible of all. Others hastened to join the army, now more than ever in need of men, while still others, of Tory proclivities, furbished up their arms and consulted together how they might best serve the cause of the king. As is ever the case under such circumstances, the bitter- est denunciations were visited upon the generals who were held responsible for the disaster. In the cabins of the pa- triot settlers and by the camp-fires of the soldiers, General Schuyler, the commander of the northern department, and General St. Clair, the commander of the deserted post, were accused of cowardice and of treason to the American cause ; nay, in confirmation of the latter charge, the most absurd stories were told about Burgoyne's having fired silver balls from his cannon into the American lines to bribe our generals. The evacuation of Ticonderoga had such a direct and momentous effect on the welfare of Charlotte county that we can hardly avoid giving some attention to the causes of that disaster ; yet we hesitate to enter on the consideration of a question in regard to which the facts are so difiicult to ascertain, and in the discussion of which so much bitter- ness has already been evoked. If Bancroft's opinion has only brought a storm of abuse upon his head, it is not likely that that of a mere county historian will have much weight. But it is a well-\inderstood jirinciple of the military art that a fortress is a first-rate thing to hold on to. If a gen- eral surrenders or evacuates one, or allows it to be surren- dered or evacuated, the presumption is strongly against him. The burden of proof lies on him. It is not the duty of tho.se who question his course to show that he gave up the post without good cause ; it is his duty to show that he had good cause — nay, first-rate cause — for doing so. We cannot refrain from asking whether Gen erals Schuyler and St. Clair, or their friends, have shown suflicient cause for the evacuation of Ticonderoga. As to the charge of treachery, it may be cast aside with utter contempt. There is not a particle of evidence to support it, and the whole lives of both Schuyler and St. Clair utterly refute such an accusation. There is nothing to show even lack of zeal in the American cause, and there is no (jues- tion but that Schuyler throughout the Revolution made great exertions and sacrifices for that cause. But still the question recurs : Have they proven themselves void of ofi^ensc in regard to the evacuation of Ticonderoga ? Schuyler's excuse threw the blame, if any there were, on St. Clair. He had stationed that general there with a sufficient garrison and supplies to hold the fort, at least for a considerable time, and it was his duty to have done so. If there were any heights that commanded the fortress it was St. Clair's business to have occupied them, and if he allowed himself to be outgeneraled he alone was responsible. Such was the argument in fiivor of General Schuyler. But ought not General Sciiuyler to have been present in person at Ticonderoga ? This is a question we find it dif- ficult to answer in the negative. True, a commanding gen- eral can't be everywhere, but he can be at the vital point. And Ticonderoga was the vital point on the northern fron- tier. It was the key of the situation. With mountains, rocks and pathless forests crowding close to the narrow lake on either side, there was practically no way to approach the American settlements except by water, and Ticonderoga held in its iron grasp the waters of both Lake Champlain and Lake George. General Schuyler well knew, or ought to have known, these facts. The ground had been fought over again and again during the old wars, and so long as the French held Ticonderoga the great armies of the English and Americans were entirely unable even to approach the frontiers of Canada. There was not another place on Burgoyne's route which could even be compared with Ticonderoga as to the necessity for defending it. No one could foresee the subsequent dilator! ness and blundering 46 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. of Burgoyne, and there was every reason to suppose that the evacuation of Ticonderoga would permit him to march through to Albany with hardly mure than nciminal oppo- sition. Wiiile the British forces were still in Canada making tlieir preparations, probabl3' General Schuyler's place was in the American settlements, arousing the laggard patriot- ism of the people and bringing reinforcements and supplies from the dilatory authorities. But when the red-coated battalions moved up Lake Champlain, it would certainly appear that the commander of the northern department should have hastened at once to the spot where he had planned that resistance should be made, and should have taken with him almost every soldier in his department that could carry a musket, and every militiaman that could be drawn to his standard. And he could have obtained more of these than he did if they had seen the commanding general leading the way to the front. There was no other line of approach which it was abso- lutely necessary to defend. St. Leger did not appear before Fort Stanwix till a month later. Schuyler could concentrate all his efibrts on Ticonderoga. He had com- mitted himself to the plan of resistance at that point by stationing St. Clair therewith nearly half of his little army, and nothing could make that resistance so effectual as the presence of the commanding general. Then he could have seen to it in person that every point was properly guarded, and he might, probably, by mustering all his forces, have had enough men to guard them. The British commander was there with all his men ; Fraser was there ; Phillips was there; lliedesel was there ; but the American general was nearly fifty miles in the rear. Perhaps that was the proper place for him, but we have never seen any evidence to prove it. " But do you charge General Schuyler with cowardice ?" is the ready question of some one who cannot imagine that there are any colors but black and white; who cannot see that there are any gradations between extreme rashness and extreme timidity. Certainly not ; no doubt General Schuy- ler could go through a battle without discredit, and in his youth had done so. He was doubtless as brave as the average of the generals of either army, and his zeal for the American cause was beyond question ; but it does not appear as if he '' hankered after" a fight in the way that Arnold or Montgomery, Wayne or Morgan did, and just such unwavering valor as that was necessary to save Ticon- deroga and shield the northern frontier. Or the general may, with plenty of physical courage, have lacked the mental promptness, " the snap," that would have led him to gather up what men he could get, and fly with Mont- calm's rapidity to the defense of Ticonderoga. Or he may not have realized that that fortress was the key of the situation, which would have involved nothing worse than a grave defect of military judgment. There are plenty of reasons for his course, not involving the imputation of either cowardice or treachery ; but whatever the reason, the fiict remains that Ticonderoga was the most important point in the northern department, and that the commander- in-chief of the nortliern department was not present when it was invested and captured by the enemy. As to St. Clair, no one but an experienced engineer, who had carefully examined the ground, could tell whether be could have fortified Mount Defiance with the troops he had, or, whether, when that height was captured, he could still have held out for a time. It is plain, however, tliat he did not appreciate the danger he was in, for in his letter to Colonel Williams, before mentioned, he declared that with Williams', Warner's, and Robinson's men he could laugh at_ aught the enemy could do. Certainly he must have thought himself very secure if he supposed the addition of a few hundred militia would have made him entirely so. It was past noon on the 6th of July that the few anx- ious Americans at Skenesboro' saw a fleet of two hundred bateaux, under convoy of five armed galleys, hastening up the narrow lake with all the speed the arms of the weary rowers could give them. They soon reached the little port, and were found to be filled with stores from Ticonderoga, the guard of a few hundred men, largely invalids, being commanded by Colonel Long, of New Hampshire. That ofiicer at once set his men to unloading the stores into smaller boats, in order to send them up Wood creek, at the same time sending off an express to warn Colonel Van Ren.s.selaer, who commanded at Fort Ann. At three o'clock, and before the work of transferring the stores was completed, the British frigates "Royal George" and " Inflexible," with several gunboats, appeared in sight. They were withstood for a short time by the American galleys ; but these frail vessels were no match for the heavy guns and oaken bulwarks of the frigates, and were soon overcome. Three were blown up and two surrendered. The fort at Skenesboro' then opened fire on the British. Meanwhile, Colonel Long had sent all the bateaux he could up the creek, had set fire to the remainder, and also to the mills and iron-works; he then dismantled the fort, set it on fire, and hastened, towards Fort Ann. Amid all this thunder of cannon, blowing up of vessels, burning of buildings, and hurried march of troops, the inhabitants were plunged in terror. Those of patriotic proclivities generally hastened away into the country, — men, women, and children crowding such conveyances as they could obtain, or straggling on foot over the rude roads of the period. The friends of King George would have been willing to remain, but hardly dared to do so amid the universal uproar. While the frigates had followed the American galleys to Skenesboro', a considerable force of British soldiers had gone to the head of South bay in boats, landed, crossed the intervening heights, and descended into the valley of Wood creek, in hopes to cut off the retreat of Colonel Long. They were, however, too late to accomplish their desire, and the Americans made good their escape. Long reached Fort Ann, took command of all the forces, and, under orders from General Schuyler, prepared to defend the position as well as possible. On the 7th or 8th, Colonel Hill, with the Ninth British Regiment, probably seven hundred or eight hundred .strong, followed Colonel Long. If he left Skenesboro' on the for- mer day, he halted for the night before reaching Fort Ann ; for it was not until half-past ten in the forenoon of the 8tli that he reached the narrow pass in Wood creek, half a HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 47 mile below the fort. There he was met by Colonels Long and Yim Rensselaer, with all the men they could muster. They had in all near a thousand, but of these five hundred were Van Rensselaer's militia, fre.shly taken from the plow (they were all raised on the manor of Rensselaerswyck), while Long's Continentals were principally invalids and convalescents. To furnish even this small force with am- munition, Schuyler had sent forward nearly all he had at Fort Edward, retaining no lead except some which had been cut by his men from the windows of some of the Albany churches. The battle of Fort Ann was the most important one which has ever taken place in Washington county, and it was also, as attested by officers on botli sides, considering the number of men engaged, one of the most hotly-con- tested conflicts of the Revolution. We have therefore taken especial pains to gather as full an account of it as practicable. Many details, not to be found elsewhere, are recorded in the " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," by Mrs. Bonney, a granddaughter of Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer, one of the distinguished actors in the conflict. Long's force appears to have been encamped below the fort, near the pass, and first became engaged with the enemy, meeting him directly in front, and checking his advance by a heavy fire. Van Rensselaer marched out to assist him. Part of his force crossed the creek on Long's left, took post in a piece of woods, and poured in a galling fire on the enemy across the stream. Tiie latter returned it with great vigor ; and so severe was the conflict that a British officer, Captain Moouey, in giving his testimony before the House of Commons regarding the first battle of Stillwater, described the firing as much heavier than he had ever known anywhere else, " unless at the affair of Fort Ann." Terribly galled by the fire from the wood, the British made a desperate charge on that position, but were beaten back with heavy loss. At the same time Long and Van Rensselaer advanced in front. In the height of the con- flict, while the woods, the rocks, and the hills were re- echoing with the unceasing crash of musketry, the gallant Van Rensselaer was desperately wounded by a bullet, and fell behind a log over which he was just springing. Several of his men ran to his assistance. "Don't mind me," exclaimed the colonel, "don't mind me, but charge the enemy. Charge, I say ; charge !" They obeyed his orders and liurried forward into the fight, and for near two hours the wounded officer lay there while the battle was roaring around, and the bullets were ever and anon whistling above him. A portion of the Americans, emboldened by the enemy's failure, again crossed Wood creek still farther down, and attacked the British rear. Thus almost encircled with foes. Colonel Hill was obliged to retreat up the steep, rocky hill which lies to the east of the creek, and there maintain himself as be.st he could in a defensive position. Thus the contest continued for an hour or two longer, the British appar- ently unable either to advance or retreat, and the Ameri- cans unable to capture the hill, though pressing close to its base. At length a band of Indians arrived from below. They raised the war-whoop, and the British troops answered with three cheers. The Americans, who were farthest advanced, brought in their turn between two fires, and becoming scant of ammunition, retired to join their comrades farther up the stream." Colonel Hill at once took advantage of this movement to beat a hasty retreat, and redcoats and redskins wore soon hastening at full speed toward Skenes- boro', leaving the victorious Americans masters of the field. One could hardly tell, from the ordinary histories of the Revolution, what followed after the arrival of the Indians ; one might infer that it was the Americans who gave waj-, and the invaders who remained in possession of the field. But the German author of the " Memoirs of General Riedesel," deriving his knowledge from the journals of the Hessian officers, says distinctly that Lieutenant-Colonel Hill was sent to take Fort Ann, but was attacked on the morning of the 8th of July by a superior force, and after a long fight " was forced to relreat." This is conclusive ; and it is confirmed by the fact that while many British wounded were captured by the Americans, — among them being Captain Montgomery, a relative of the patriot gen- eral who fell at Quebec, — the wounded Colonel Van Rens- selaer lay undisturbed upon the field until the close of the fight, as did also Colonel Armstrong and other wounded Americans. Bancroft correctly .states that the British were defeated, and suffered a loss of fifty killed and wounded. After the firing had ceased. Colonel Van Ren.sselaer looked up from behind his log and saw a young man coming towards him in rustic drpss, but with musket in hand, and with a black circle around his lips, indicative of frequent blowing into the dirty barrel of his gun. The colonel raised himself on his elbow and cried out, " Who comes there ?" " Halloo !" answered the startled youth, and then, .seeing that his interlocutor had a short " fusee" (such as officers appear to have frequently carried at that period), he sprang behind the nearest tree and loaded his musket. Not till then did he answer the colDnel's challenge. "I am a Continental soldier," said he; "who the devil are you ? ' " And I am Colonel Van Rens.selaer,'' replied the officer. The prudent young warrior then obtained the assistance of several of his comrades and bore the crippled hero to the fort. Though Colonel Long had won a victory, he did not con- sider himself strong enough t« hold the frail block-house and pali-sade whicli constituted Fort Ann. He accordingly sent off' all his baggage and wounded, set fire to the build- ings, and then proceeded with his command to join Gen- eral Schuyler at Fort Edward. Colonel Xan Rensselaer was borne thither on the shoulders of his men, and thence sent to Albany on a bateau. He partially recovered from his wound, but was unable to perform active service during the remainder of the Revolution. He was the father of the gallant General Solomon Van Rensselaer, who was dcs- Ijcratoly wounded in Wayne's great victory over the Indians, who received six wounds while leading the attack on Queens- 48 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. town Heights in 1812, and who was for a long time adju- tant-general of the State.* Meanwhile the bulk of the British army wa.s concen- trating at Skenesboro'. General Riedesel with his Germans arrived there on the eighth, having abandoned the fruitless pursuit of St. Clair. The latter general — his rear-guard having succeeded in checking the enemy at Hubbardton — marched from Castlcton with his depleted and demoralized force through Granville and Hartford, and joined General Schuyler at Fort Edward on the twelfth. At Skenesboro', notwithstanding the check received at Fort Ann, all was exultation over the past, and the most sanguine expectations of speedy triumph. And there was good reason for such feelings. The British had seized, with .scarcely an effort, the great fortress which had been designed both by nature and art as the chief defense of the northern frontier ; with it they had captured a hundred and twenty-eight cannon and immense quantities of warlike stores; and they had sent the army of St. Clair fleeing in scattered columns to join an almost equally demoralized horde on the banks of the Hudson. Nearly the whole of Burgoyne's army came to Skenes- boro', — five thousand British and over three thousand Ger- mans. The latter have always been called by the general name of Hessians ; but besides detachments from He.sse Cassel and Hesse Ilanau there was a full regiment of Bruns- wick infantry, a detachment of dismounted Brunswick dragoons, and a Brunswick general — Friederich Adolphus von Riedesel — was in command of the whole German con- tingent. Americans are in the habit of considering the British soldiery as sufficiently heavy in equipment and slow in motion, but the English of Burgoyne's army might con- sider themselves as models of lightness in comparison with the Germans. They used to declare that the helmet of a Hessian soldier weighed more than the whole equipment of an Englishman, and the statement is said not to have involved very much exaggeration. These slow, heavy, sturdy men (many of whom had been seized in their fields and their shops, or even as they were attending church, and forced into the army) had been sent across the ocean by their princes to fight the battles of tyranny, without the slightest interest in the result even on the part of the petty sovereigns who commanded the slaughter, but solely from the most degrading avarice. The dukes wanted gold, and they sold their subjects' blood to obtain it. The four thousand British troops who gathered at Skenesboro' (a small portion only of the army went up Lake George) had at least some national feeling in the contest in which they were engaged, and, as they marched to and fro in their resplendent red uniforms over the rocky roads of Skenesboro', might flatter themselves that their valor was destined to lift still higher the renown of F]ngland and the power of King George. » As a matter of curiosity, it may bo added that the widow of Colonel II. K. Van Rensselaer died only last year (February, 1S77) in Cattaraugus county in this State, aged over a hundred years. She was his second wife, and of course far younger than himself, having been but an infant when her future husband was winning imperish- able glory in the victory of Fort Ann. Ere narrating the subsequent events we will give a glance at the chieftains who were so confident of leading the.se soldiers to victory. Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne, the illegitimate son of a British nobleman, was then forty- seven years of age, all of which since childhood he had spent in the military service of his sovereign. He had shown himself a brave soldier on the fields of Europe, and it was hoped that he would prove himself an energetic and skillful one amid the forests of America. A large, strongly- built man, the British general had a hard, rough counte- nance but a fine figure, and bore him.self with a habitual air of command which might have been due either to his semi-noble origin or to his long service as a military officer of high rank. Fond to extreme of the good things of the table, he did not consider that his easy task of conquering the Yankees laid on him any necessity for self-restraint, and his headquarters were often the scene of luxurious suppers, lasting far into night, where the wine flowed in ample streams, and which were often enlivened by the presence of the general's mistress, — the wife of a commis- sary in his army. Major-Gcneral Friederich Adolphus von Riedesel, the officer in command of the Gorman forces, has gained some fame in this country, rather through the published memoirs of his wife than through any brilliant achievements of his own. Descended from a noble Brunswick family, he had been a soldier from his youth to his present age of thirty- seven years, and had gained the reputation not only of valor in the field but of uprightness, activity, and entcr- terprise. His portrait, however, does not indicate activity nor enterprise ; it shows a plain, round, almost stolid face above a stout, heavy body, and looks as if the original might .stand fighting in his tracks as long as he could lift a sword, but who would hardly operate with the re(|uisite rapidity among the forests, the mountains, and the deadly riflemen of America. He had been followed to America by his wife, a lady of great beauty and many accomplish- ments, who was at this time at the north end of Lake Champlaiu. Major-General Phillips, the second in command of the English troops, an officer of great impetuosity, was to be seen hurrying to and fro, hastening the transfer of stores, superintending the movement of troops, venting his fiery temper on all who displeased him, and showing more activ- ity than was often displayed by a British general, at least in those days. Brigadier-General Fraser, a keen-faced, middle-aged Scotchman, was akso noted for his energy, zeal, and pro- fes.sional skill, and, was probably much better fitted to load the army than was the lieutenant-general in command. Besides the English and German troops, two or throe hundred French Canadians had been persuaded by extreme exertions to join the invading army, and were to be seen at Skenesboro', in the service of their ancient enemies ; but as a rule the people of Canada showed no inclination to en- gage in the great contest which was shaking the continent, and the small number which had been enlisted scarcely paid for the great trouble which had been taken to obtain them. A few Indians had come with the army to Skenesboro', and soon after its arrival there it was joined by a body of HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 49 about five hundred. These had been gathered at immense expense from a great distance, and comprised Sioux, Sacs, Foxes, Mennmonees, "Wlnnehagoes, Ottawns, and Chippe- wiis, from tlie forests of Canada, from tlie straits of Mich- ilimackinac, from the shores of Lake Michigan, nay, even from the far-off waters of the Mississippi. Tlie warriors of tlie Six Nations were at this time gathering at O.swego, to take part in the expedition of St. Leger. They were all under the command of that fierce partisan, St. Luc la Cornc de St. Luc, who, though he had reached the age of sixty-six years, willingly came forth to repeat, in behalf of the English, those exploits with the tomahawk and scalping-knife which he had so frequently performed against them, and which had made his name a terror to all the people of the frontier twenty years before. He was ac- companied by Charles de Langlade, another Franco-Indian leader, who, as a youth, had taken part in the defeat of Braddock, in 1755, who subsequently founded the settle- ment of Green Bay, and who is by some considered the pioneer of the State of Wisconsin. These savages had come, expecting an unlimited oppor- tunity to satisfy their love of plunder and their thirst for blood, and the reputation of La Corne de St. Luc, both for valor and ferocity, naturally strengthened their expectations. But Burgoyne, while desirous to frighten the Americans with the dread spectre of Indian massacre, shrank from actually letting the savages loose upon the inhabitants, and seems to have been sincerely anxious to restrain their worst propensities. On the 10th of July, General Burgoyne issued a con- gratulatory order to his army, on account of their recent successes, praising Generals Riedesel and Fraser for their good conduct in the pursuit of St. Clair, and directing that on the following day there should be special religious ser- vices by the various chaplains and a grand salute with can- non and small arms. On the twelfth of the month, General Riedesel, with several German regiments, proceeded by Burgoyne's orders to Castleton, Vt., where they remained until the twenty- fifth. The energy with which the lieutenant-general had assailed Ticonderoga and pressed forward to Skenesboro' seemed to have evaporated, and two or three precious weeks were consumed in making preparations to leave the latter place. Possibly this was necessary, but it seems improbable. A great deal has been said about the terrible difficulties in marching an army from Skenesboro' to Fort Edward, and much blame has been thrown on General Burgoyne because he did not go up Lake George and march from its head to Fort Edward. There are no very great difficulties between Skenesboro' and Fort Edward, and when Burgoyne once put his army in motion he made the march in three or four days. The time was mostly consumed in getting the supplies to Skenesboro', and it would probably have required almost as much time to take them to the head of Lake George. We turn to the desponding army of General Schuyler. On the 15th day of July, three days after the arrival of St. Clair, the forces at Fort Edward were mustered, and found to consist of four thousand four hundred men, in- cluding the militia, of whom there were at least fifteen 7 hundred. More discouraging than the smallness of the numbers was the demoralization which prevailed among them. Right or wrong, the army had lost confidence in Schuyler, and the New Englandcrs were especially bitter against him. Yet he worked zealously for the cause. The baggage and stores were ordered in from Lake George. Bodies of militia were sent to obstruct the route from Skenesboro', by destroying the bridges, digging trenches across the road, felling trees in the road and creek, and in every other manner that could be devised. The farmers who remained in the vicinity were directed to send the cattle out of reach of the enemy. He also sent to the American authorities the most urgent requests for all the regular troops that could po.ssibly be sent him, and for all the militia that could be induced to take the field. He was also compelled to keep close watch for spies ; for there were Tories all around, who, in consequence of being closely intermixed with the rest of the population, were able with little difficulty to furnish information to the British regarding all the American movements. A letter from the general to Colonel Williams, dated the 14th of July, preserved among the Williams papers, states that the former has closely examined one Baker, sent under guard by the colonel to the general, and that he is clearly con- vinced that he is an agent of the enemy ; that he has placed him in close confinement, and shall send him down the river. In the same letter the general directs Colonel Williams to provision the militia as best he can ; informs him that the American scouts are out everywhere, and that he (Schuyler) has a large body at Fort Ann ; and adds that, until they come away, the people of White Creek need not fear an attack. Evidently Fort Ann, or rather the location of the destroyed fort, had been again occupied by the Americans, after its evacuation by Colonel Long. On the 16th of July, Schuyler ordered a brigade of Con- tinentals to assist the militia in obstructing the road from Skenesboro'. By the 21st Burgoyne had got sufficiently prepared to begin to think of an advance, and .sent out parties to re- connoitre Fort Ann and Fort Edward. The next day, preparatory to a movement, he issued a general order, de- claring that breaking into houses, plundering, and similar offenses should be punished, if it was the first offense, by whipping ; if the second, by running the gauntlet. As this curious order evidently intended that running the gauntlet should be a more severe punishment than whipping, he could not have meant any modified performance under that name, but must have referred to the real Indian oper- ation, with clubs, stones, and tomahawks. Certainly the punishment was severe enough ; but it would seem to have been inconsistent with the stern dignity of military law, and likely, moreover, if often inflicted, to sisriously deplete the ranks of his majesty's forces. Ob the 22d, General Fraser, with his command, marched from Skenesboro' to '' Gordon's house," in Kingsbury, having heard a report that Fort Edward had been abandoned on the 21st. General Schuyler had, of course, withdrawn his outlying force from Fort Ann, and on the 22d, the 50 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. day of Fraser's advance, he fell back with his army from Fort Edward to Moses creek, leaving only a guard of a hundred men at the fort. Fraser was followed by Phillips, with the right wing of the British army. Burgoyne probably accompanied this body. It was not until the 25th of July that General Riedesel returned from Castleton to Skenesboro'. The next day he sent off the sick and the extra baggage to Skenesboro', whence the latter was to be taken to Fort Edward by way of Fort George. Immediately afterwards he followed Fraser and Phillips towards Fort Edward. The patriot inhabitants in the towns along the line of march nearly all fled before the invader and his Indian allies. The latter spread out on both flanks of the army, and, notwithstanding the disposition of Burgoyne to re- strain them, were but too ready to carry slaughter among the families of the " rebels." Even the Tories were not safe when there was a first-rate chance for booty or for scalps. The patriots in the southern part of the county were in nearly as much dismay. They were daily expecting the appearance of the Indians among them, and an order issued by General Schuyler directing them to leave their farms and seek refuge in the interior was almost equally dishearten- ing. The harvest time was upon them, and what were they to live on if they abandoned their crops ? The county committee met at New Perth, on the 25th, John Rowan being chosen chairman. After declaring that universal desolation had overspread the county, on account of General Schuyler's order to abandon their farms (though they admitted that it was unsafe to remain), they appointed Alexander McNulty, Richard Hoy, Wm. McCoy, Edward Savage, John Martin, Wm. McFarland, John Nesbitt, Robert Colwell, Daniel McCleary, David Hopkins, Henderson, and John Gray as appraisers to estimate the value of their crops and buildings, with a view to obtain- ing recompense in case they were lost through obedience to the order. Alas ! both the National and State govern- ments were unable to pay or feed their soldiers, much less to make good the loss of destroyed crops or burned build- ings. Schuyler's order was borne by Captain Joseph McCracken, and soon after his arrival it was determined to build a fort at New Perth, which might serve as a refuge to the inhab- itants from wandering bands of red or white marauders. For this purpose the old log church, the first erected in the county, was torn down, and the logs were set in a stockade around the frame church more recently erected. It was finished on the 2(;th of July, and received the name of " Salem Fort." Captain McCracken was placed in com- mand. This was the first use of the name Salem, so far as we can discover, in the town which now bears that appellation. It was probably derived from one of the towns in Massa- chusetts of that town, though it is possible that some biblical scholar may have thought the Hebrew meaning of " Salem" — Peace — might properly be applied to a foitress made of two churches, and intended to preserve peace to their homes. We turn again to the terror-stricken towns to the north- ward. By the 25th of July the greater part of Burgoyne's army had reached Kingsbury street, in the town of that name, the general making his headquarters at Gordon's house. The next day the advance under Fraser moved forward to " Moss street," in the same town, and attacked the American pickets stationed there. A brisk skirmish ensued, but the Americans were of course easily defeated, and retired to Fort Edward. Several of their number were killed in the skirmish, and these were scalped by the Indians who were scattered along the front of the British army. General Fraser established his headquarters near the house of John Jones, one of the family already men- tioned as prominent Tories. The same day (the 26th), a band of Indians, who were scouting on the left wing of the British army, made their way into the present town of Argyle and slew the whole family of John Allen, consisting of the two parents and seven children, as they were seated at their noon-day meal. As Allen was a Tory, it is not known what directed the wrath of the savages against this particular family, — -very likely it was a mere freak of their capricious and blood- thirsty natures. They are also said to have slain on the same day and in the same vicinity an entire family named Barnes, and also a man named John White. The next morning the British advance took post at the present village of Sandy Hill. A small detachment of the Americans still remained at Fort Edward, and thither many of the families of Kingsbury and Fort Edward had fled for safety ; but the soldiers and citizens were alike pre- paring to move down the river. It was on this day that the sad tragedy took place which, from its peculiar circumstances, at once drew the attention of all America, and which has become celebrated wherever the English language is spoken, — the murder of Jaue Mc- Crea. Several widely-different, and some contradictory, accounts have been published regarding tliis event, all pur- porting to be derived from eye-wilncsses, or others intimately acquainted with the facts. On account of the very gen- eral interest which has always been manifested in the death of Miss McCrea, we have taken especial pains to sift and compare the various accounts referred to, and we feel satisfied that the one we are about to give is substantially correct. Any young woman who suffers misfortune, and is conse- quently mentioned in print, is almost always described by gallant writers as beautiful in feature and lovely in disposi- tion. Had Jane McCrea been the plainest backwoods dam- sel that ever suffered the hardening influences of pioneer life, the mingled romance and tragedy of her death would have invested her with an aureole of transcendent loveli- ness. Yet there is evidence that the language of admira- tion, so often used without meaning in similar cases, was in this one justified by the truth. It is not so very many years since there were some still living who had seen her in their youth, and they all described the blooming maiden of twenty-three* as indeed most fair to look upon. Her hair, rippling in long, luxuriant tresses around her form. * She is described on her torabstonc as seventeen, but the iif the evidence is in favor of the more mature age. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 51 especially impressed itself on the memory of ber youthful admirers. Her family relations also were such as gave in that day — when class distinctions were more marked than now — some indications of superior refinement. Miss McCrea's father was a clergyman of New Jersey; but he having, after the death of her mother, married a second wife, she had made her home with her brother, John McCrea, who resided on the west bank of the Hudson, five or six miles below Fort Edward. This gentleman was a lawyer by profession , a man of considerable prominence, and colonel of a regiment of militia. Unlike many of the New Jersey emigrants, he was a decided patriot. He was afterwards appointed county clerk of Charlotte county, and removed to Salem, where he remained many years; finally removing to St. Lawrence county. Other brothers were prominent citizens of other parts of what is now Saratoga county. Miss McCrea had formed the acquaintance of David Jones, the son of a widow residing a mile or so below Fort Edward, on the east side of the Hudson, and who has already been mentioned as having aided to raise a companj' of royalists in the fall of 1776, and as having received a commission in it as lieutenant. The young people were quite intimate, and were believed to be betrothed. On the 26th of July, Jane McCrea was staying at a house close to the walls of Fort Edward, since known as the Baldwin hou.se. The most probable account is that she had been visiting there for several days ; that her brother, learning of the enemy's advance, had more than once sent for her to accompany him down the river. She is supposed to have received a communication from her lover, in Bur- goyne's army, and to have been awaiting his approach. On the morning of the 27th she proceeded to the residence of Mrs. McNeil, a relative of General Fraser, of the British army. It is said she was a cousin of that officer, but Scotch cousinship extends a great way. Mrs. McNeil lived about a hundred rods to the north of the fort, and perhaps fifty rods from the foot of a hill up which ran the road to Sandy Hill, now called Broadway.* At the top of the hill, a quarter of a mile or more from Mrs. McNiel's residence, was a fine spring of water, with a solitary pine-tree standing beside it. Just beyond was a piece of woodland. In this wood was stationed an Ameri- crn picket of about a dozen men under Lieutenant Van Vechten. Near nine o'clock in the forenoon of the 27th a band of Indians suddenly swooped down upon this picket. It seems to have been something of a surprise, for in a few minutes Lieutenant Van Vechten and five men were killed and scalped and four others wounded. Samuel Standish, one of the picket, fired his musket at the fir.st Indian he saw, and then fled at full speed toward the fort. As he reached the level ground three Indians ran in be- tween him and the fort, wounded him in the foot, and took him prisoner. They tied him quickly with one of the cords which they usualis carried with them, and pushed him rapidly up the hill to the spring. Jleanwhile another band had rushed into the house of * The house is still in a good slate of preservation, and occupied by Mr. Rogers. Mrs. McNiel, had seized on that lady and her young gu&st, and started northward. Presently they caught two horses which were near Mrs. McNeil's residence, and attempttjd to place their captives upon them. The lightsome young woman was easily lifted to a seat, but the older one was fleshy and heavy, and the Indians were not adepts in aiding ladies to mount on horseback. Some of them accordingly led the horse directly up the hill with Jane upon it, while a couple of others pushed forward their other prize on foot on another path, which took her out of sight of the spring. In a few moments those who had charge of Miss ilcCrea arrived at the spring, where Standish already was. They halted a few moments, and the Indians almost immediately engaged in a sharp quarrel in their own language, which Standish could not understand, but which from its sequence he supposed to be about jMiss McCrea. From words they proceeded to blows ; not, however, using their most danger- ous weapons, but fighting with the butts of their guns. After a few moments of such combat, one of them in a fury leveled his musket at the unfortunate young lady and shot her dead. She fell, and the next instant the savage flung down his gun, seized her long, luxuriant locks with one hand, with the other passed his knife around nearly the whole scalp, and, with a yell of triumph, tore the beautiful but ghastly trophy from the victim's head. The fighting immediately ceased ; the infuriated com- batants turned their rage upon the senseless body of Jli.ss McCrea, stripping the clothes from her lovely form, and in the mere wantonness of barbarity inflicting nine wounds with tomahawk and scalping-knife upou her lifeless remains. Then, fearing an attack from the fort, the Indians hurried ofi" toward General Fraser's camp, taking Standish with them. In this account we have in most particulars followed the account of Mr. Standish. He recovered from his wound, was sent a prisoner to Canada, exchanged, and resided after the war in Granville, Washington county. He narrated the tragic story to Jared Sparks, himself a native of Wash- ington county, who publi.shed it in one of his " American Biographies." Standish also stated that Mrs. McNeil was brought with Miss McCrea to the spring and was present at the murder. That lady, however, declared that she had pre- viously been separated from her friend, and we have thought it more probable that the young soldier, in the awful excite- ment of the time, was mistaken on that point, rather than that Mrs. McNiel had deliberately falsified the facts ; for she could not have been mistaken as to whether she was or was not present at that terrible tragedy. Her statement was, that after the separation she was hurried forward on foot to Fraser's camp. There she in- quired for her relative, the general, and when she found him claimed his protection, at the same time denouncing him roundly for letting his " rascally Indians" thus mistreat her. She had been stripped by her captors of all her clothing but her chemise, and the general gave her a soldier's overcoat for a temporary covering. Soon after her arrival she saw some Indians come into camp, one of whom bore a scalp, which she at once recognized by its long and ample locks as that of her unfortunate young friend. She accused them of the niSTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. murder, but they at that time asserted that Miss McCrea had been mortally wounded by a party of Americans from the fort, who fired on them as they retreated, wlieroupon they thought there was no harm in stripping off her scalp. Stone, in his " Life of Brant," adopts this account, and argues that the Indians' story was probably true, since there was not as much reason for their murdering Miss McCrea, whom they had got on horseback, as there was for slaying Mrs. McNiel, whom they had to half-carry on foot. But this theory is in direct contradiction not only to Standi.sh's statement, but to Burgoyne's own confessions in his letter to Gates, of which further mention will be made. Standish, moreover, is corroborated by Albert Baker, a leading citizen of Sandy Hill, who had sought .safety in Fort Edward. His account is published in Neilson's " Cam- paign of Burgoyne." From the walls of the fort he and others saw the Indians chasing the pickets ; saw them rush into Mrs. McNiel's house and come out with their prey ; saw them taking one of the women up the hill on horseback ; saw them halt at the spring by the solitary pine, which, though half a mile distant, was plainly visible across the open space, and, as he thought, saw Miss McCrea shot from lier horse. He also stated that, so weak were the Americans and so strong was the enemy in the immediate vicinity, none of the former left the fort during the day; so that Miss Mc- Crea could not have been accidentally wounded by her friends. There are some minor discrepancies between Standish and Baker, but not greater than might naturally be expected, considering the excitement of the former and the distance of the latter. Thousands of men, women, and children have been mas- sacred during the wars between the Indians and the colo- nists, thousands more during the old French wars, and still other thousands during the Revolution and subsequent con- flicts, but not another case among them all has attracted so much attention as that of lovely Jane' McCrea. This was due partly to the youth, beauty, and social position of the victim, but still more to the romance that mingled with the tragedy. It was generally believed that Miss McCrea had lingered near Fort Edward to meet her betrothed lover, young Jones, probably vrith the expectation of marriage ; that he had sent two Indian chiefs to convey her to the British camp, promising them a reward for doing so ; that they quarreled over the reward before they received it, and that one of them slew their innocent captive to prevent the other from obtaining the pay. Though the evidence on these points is somewhat defect- ive, and though David Jones is said to have denied that he knew aught of the Indian raid, yet the circumstances tend strongly to show that the common report was substan- tially correct. The fact of her going from the residence of her brother, a prominent patriot, toward the enemy, and remaining at Fort Edward till the foe was almost in sight ; the fiict that she then went still farther forward ; the fact that the Indians at first undoubtedly attempted to take her to camp, and did take Mrs. McNiel there, though it certainly could not have been permitted to cumber the camp with captured women ; and the fact that, after getting started with her on horseback, they slew her during a quarrel among themselves, without any apparent cause, all tend to prove that the common version of the story is not far out of the way. News of the murder was sent down the river to Colonel John McCrea that day or evening, and he came up to the fort. The next morning a party ventured out to the scene of the massacre. The body of the slain woman was found where it had been flung into a small ravine, while the re- mains of Lieutenant Van Vechten and his soldiers lay scattered around. Miss McCrea and the lieutenant were removed and buried about three miles down the river ; but the remains of the lady were afterwards transferred to another resting-place, as naiTated in the history of Fort Edward. When General Gates took command of the American army, he wrote a very sharp letter to General Burgoyne in regard to his manner of waging warfare. After charging him with encouraging the Indians in cruelty, by offering a reward for scalps, he added : " Miss McCrea, a young lady lovely to the sight, of virtuous character and amiable dispo- sition, engaged to an ofiicer of your army, was, with other women and children, taken out of a house near Fort Kd- ward, carried into the woods, and there .scalped and mangled in the most horrid manner. Two parents, with six children [probably the Allen family], were treated with the same inhumanity while quietly resting in their own peaceful dwelling. The miserable fate of Miss McCrea was particu- larly aggravated, she being dressed to receive her promised husband, but met her murderer employed by you. Up- wards of one hundred men, women, and children have per- ished by the hands of the ruflfians to whom, it is asserted, you have paid the price of blood." This language shows that the opinion that Jliss McCrea was on the point of joining Lieutenant Jones, whether cor- rect or not, was prevalent at that time, and was not a piece of romance invented at a later period. General Burgoyne promptly repelled the specified charges in a letter to his opponent, asserting that he had from the first refused to pay for scalps, but liad offered the Indians rewards for prisoners, to encourage them in a more humane mode of warfiire. Speaking of Miss McCrea, he said, — " Her fall wanted not the tragic display you have labored to give it to make it as severely abhorred and lamented by me as it can be by the tenderest of her friends. The act was no premeditated barbarity. On the contrary, two chiefs, who had brought her off for security, not of violence to her person, disputed which should be her guard ; and in a fit of savage passion in one from whose hands she was snatched, the unhappy woman became the victim. Upon the first intelligence of this event, I obliged the Indians to deliver the murderer into my hands ; and though to have punished him by our laws or principles of justice would have been, perhaps, unprecedented, he certainly should have suffered an ignominious death, had I not been con- vinced, from my circumstances and observation, beyond the possibility of doubt, that a pardon, under the terms which I prescribed, and they accepted, would be more efficacious than an execution to prevent similar mischiefs. The above instance excepted, your information is false." It is very evident, from this letter, that there is no truth HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 53 in the theory that Miss McCrea was accidentally killed by American pursuers ; though possibly the Indians might have tried to get rid of Mrs. McNiel with that statement. Of course, if that plea would have stood investigation, the Indians would have presented it to Burgoyne, and if it had even a semblance of truth, the latter would have eagerly seized on it to relieve himself and his army of the odium which lay upon them. That he keenly felt that odium is proven by the whole tenor of his letter. His statement, moreover, that two chiefs •' brought her off for security," confirms the common tradition that Jones employed them for the purpose ; though the strangeness of using such messengers has caused many to doubt that he did so. Gates' information was not entirely false as to other murders than that of Jane McCrea. Those of the Allen and Barnes families are the most prominent ; but there were doubtless many solitary instances resembling that of John White, in which some straggling countryman was barbarously deprived of life by these ferocious savages. Burgoyne reprimanded the Indians with great severity, and laid the most stringent restrictions on their native pro- pensity to plunder and murder ; nor do we hear, during the remainder of the campaign, of any of the more flagrant kinds of outrage on their part. But they were very much dissatisfied with this restraint, and ere long they began to desert. Their commander, St. Luc la Come de St. Luc, had too often led them against the English settlers, with unbounded license in the way of scalping, not to sympathize with them in their griefs at the present time ; and when, in a public letter, he afterwards excused their desertion, he did not deny the statement of Burgoyne in the House of Commons, that the principal rea.son for their abandonment of the royal cause was the restraint laid on them in regard to plundering and murdering the inhabitants. Burgoyne's chief fault, respecting the Indians, was in consenting to lead such cut-throats under any circum- stances ; and the conduct of the British ministry can never be too deeply execrated for employing those whom they knew to be universal murderers. There are numerous traditions, too, regarding the be- reaved lover in this terrible drama. One is that he was slain at the battle of Stillwater ; another, that he and his brother deserted and returned to Canada, where he long lived the life of a hermit, brooding in gloomy seclusion over his lost love and her tragic fate. On the morning after the murder, as soon as Miss McCrea's body had been recovered, the Americans aban- doned Fort Edward and joined Schuyler's army at Moses creek. On the twenty-ninth, Eraser's advance corps reached the neighborhood of Fort Edward, but it was not until the thirty-first that Generals Burgoyne and Riedesel establi-shed their headquarters there. General Phillips was sent to Fort George to expedite the transfer of stores by that route. Now that they had reached the Hudson, the British considered that the worst of their troubles were past, and supposed that they could march with comparative ease down its bank, with their baggage floating on its waters, walk over the demoralized American force in front of them if it got in their way, and join Sir Henry Clinton without diflBculty. But Burgoyne's advance was very slow. For six weeks his headquarters remained at Fort Edward. At this distance of time one can hardly form an opinion whether his tardiness was absolutely necessary or not, but it looks extremely improbable. Shortly after General Riedesel arrived at Fort Edward he was joined by his wife, who remained with the army during the remainder of the campaign. Besides her there were three other ladies with the army: Lady Harriet Aek- land, the daughter of an English peer and wife of Major Ackland of the Grenadiers, the wife of a Lieutenant Rey- nolds, and the commissary's wife, whom Madame Riedesel declared to be the mistress of Burgoyne. The latter re- sumed his revelings, and in place of the dispirited Ameri- cans the environs of the old fort rang with the jubilant clamor of the sanguine invaders. Madame Riedesel and Lady Harriet lived decorously but joyously, in fine weather eating under the trees in the open air, the table enlivened with smile and jest and sally ; thinking little of that other fair woman struck down by a terrible death only a Cew rods away. JIadame Riedesel does not mention the murder of Jane McCrea in her me- moirs ; possibly she did not hear of it. Many soldiers' wives accompanied the army, especially those of the Hessians and Brunswickere. These, dressed in their national costume, with their plain faces, and their bodies stiffened by out-door toil, had a strange, gypsy-like appearance in the eyes of Americans, accustomed to greater delicacy of form and feature, even in the most laborious of the sex. The men of the German contingent moved about their duties with their usual stolid faithfulness, but their minds often reverted sadly to the beloved homes from which they had been so ruthlessly torn. It has been stated by officers of Burgoyne's army that twenty or thirty Hessians at a time would have a presentiment that they were going to die and would never see the dear fatherland again. This greatly affected their health, and very often they did die, with no other apparent cause than homesickness and de- spondency. Domestic in their natures, they were fond of pets, and strove to make friends with the wild animals, which they frequently captured, to a much greater extent than the English. A Hessian column, as it marched through the forest-roads of Washington and Saratoga counties, would show here a young bear waddling along in the leash of a stalwart grenadier; there a fawn, shy and graceful, spring- ing at every unusual noise to the end of a cord held by a broad-faced infantry-man; while on the tops of the baggage- wagons might be seen raccoons, rabbits, owls, and other captured denizens of the wood. These cumbersome fiivor- ites were doubtless tolerated by the officers to divert the desponding minds of the homesick soldiers. Meanwhile, matters were apparently growing more des- perate for the Americans. On the 27th of July, Gen- eral Schuyler made a statement of his army encamped at Moses creek. Its strength consisted almost entirely of a body of two thousand seven iiundred Continental soldiers. Of the Connecticut militia all had deserted but "one major, one captain, two lieutenants, two ensigns, one adjutant, one quartermaster, one drummer, six sick men, and three rank 54 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. and file for duty." Of those from Berkshire Co., Mass., who had at one time numbered twelve hundred, of whom half were to have remained in the army, all but two hundred had deserted. Out of one of the Hampshire county regiment.s, in the same State, all but twelve had deserted ; but the other regiments from the same county had done somewhat better, there being two hundred of them left. Of the Albany county militia about half were on duty. It is the same story, told again and again during the Revolution and the War of 1812, of the inefficiency of militia for any sustained effort against the enemy. Occa- sionally, in times of great entliu.siasm, and under peculiar circumstances, as at Bunker Hill and Bennington, they would make a good fight ; but tbey would not make a long resistance to an enemy, and the number of deserters was so great that it was practically impossible to punish them. A few days later. General Schuyler retreated from Moses creek, crossed the Hud.son at Fort Miller, and led his dispirited army nearly to the Mobawk ! On the 1st of August he was relieved of his command, and on the 4th General Gates was appointed in his place. On the 9th of August, Fraser with the British advance encamped near Fort Miller. He was followed by Colonel Baum with a very mixed force of dismounted dragoons, Tories, Canadians, and Indians. This force was intended by Burgoyne to make a move into the country to the eastward, for the purpose of harassing the Whigs, obtaining Tory recruits, seizing horses, etc. Riedesel had suggested such a movement before the army left Skenesboro', but his plan was that the detachment should move from the rear of the army, by way of Castleton, to the " flats of the Connecticut river," where it was be- lieved that supplies could be found in abundance. After much consideration, Burgoyne had determined to make such a flank movement, but with a still wider sweep. He selected Colonel Baum to head the movement, and at first directed him to march to Manchester, and thence to Rockingham, on the Connecticut river. Indians and pro- vincials were to be sent up and down the river to gather supplies, and then they were all to return by way of Brat- tlcboro', and join Burgoyne at Albany ! It is safe to say that if the force had ever crossed the Green mountains, very few indeed would have returned to this side. This order was drawn up by General Riedesel, under Burgoyne's direction ; the latter added some amendments, advising the taxing of districts for specific numbers of artil- lery-horses, etc. The general stated that Captain Sher- wood's company of royalists was expected to join the command at Arlington, with horses and cattle, which were to be sent to the army under guard of some of Peters' royalist regiment. Colonel Skene was to accompany Baum, " in order to distinguish good subjects from bad," procure the best intelligence of the enemy, and choose proper per- sons to carry intelligence to the main army. It was afterwards proposed to send the force only as far east as Manchester, whence they were to return to the main army by way of Bennington, where they were to cap- ture the stores the Americans had there. But at the last moment Burgoyne directed that Baum should march straight to Bennington, capture or destroy the stores, get what re- cruits and horses he could, and return. Von Riedesel prepared the detachment for the expedition, the rendezvous being at Fort Miller. General Riedesel gives the numbers as two hundred dismounted dragoons, a hun- dred Indians, a hundred and fifty of Peters' regiment of royalists, fifty-six Canadian and provincial volunteers, fifty of Fraser's riflemen, and two light guns with their can- noniers, — total, nearly six hundred men. Other accounts show that there were three hundred and twenty-seven Brunswickers, raising the total force to over seven hun- dred men. Baum left Fort Miller on the 11th of August, and en- camped near old Fort Saraghtoga that night. When about to move the next morning he received an order to wait for further instructions, and remained encamped through the day near the Batten Kill. The next day, August 13, he set out on his unlucky expedition. The advance con- sisted of Tories and Indians, and the inhabitants fled in dire dismay at sight of these dreaded foes ; though Bur- goyne's threat after the murder of Miss McCrea restrained them so that we hear of no serious outrages on this march. There were enough Indians, Canadians, etc., for scouting and skirmishing ; but in case of hard fighting the prin- cipal reliance was on the dismounted Brunswick dragoons, who, being unprovided with infantry arms, were in poor condition for such an encounter. As before stated, their equipments were of the heaviest description, and as they strode along the woodland roads of Easton and Cambridge, their short carbines on their shoulders, their long sabres clanking at their sides, they looked poorly adapted indeed to meet the riflemen of Charlotte county, of the Green mountains, and of New Hampshire. The night of the 13th Baum encamped near what is now called Wait's Corners, in the town of Cambridge. His advance had a slight skirmish with a few militiamen, and captured eight of them. They were released the next morning at the request of Colonel Skene, he having an idea that this would have a good effect on the large num- bers who were supposed to be inclined towards the king's cause. Colonel Baum had been directed to consult Skene in everything relating to the treatment of the inhabitants, whom he was supposed to know all about, but whom he really knew very little about. He had imbibed a notion that three to one of them were loyalists, whereas in that section hardly one in ten of them was so. On the 14th Baum's command proceeded southward through Cambridge, crossed the Hoosic into the present county of Rensselaer, and followed up the valley of that stream and its tributary, the Walloomsac, toward Benning- ton. In the afternoon of the 14th they met a force sent out from that point under Lieutenant-Colonel Greig. A brief contest ensued, and though the Americans retreated, yet they showed themselves so strong, and all the accounts received showed there was such a large body of militia at Bennington, that Baum halted and sent back a request to Burgoyne for reinforcements. Riding all night, the messenger reached the general's headquarters at six o'clock the next morning. Burgoyne immediately ordered General Riedesel to send Lieutenant- Colonel Breymann in support of Baum. Breymann set out with five hundred Hessian light infantry in light marching HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 55 order, with two cannon. They were not so heavily equipped as Baum's men, but the previous rains had made the roads very tedious, especially for artillery, and Breymann was obliged, or thought he was, to encamp the night of the 15th at a point seven miles northeast of Cambridge. The next morning he pressed slowly forward through Cambridge, and at three in the afternoon reached Sancoick bridge. There, as he states in his report, he met " Gov." Skene, who informed him that Baum was two miles dis- tant, but, strangely enough, did not tell him there had been a battle. As Breymann had heard no guns, he marched confidently forward, and, the first thing he knew, came in conflict with straggling bands of triumphant Americans. The Brunswickers, Tories, and Indians of Baum's command seem to have been so thoroughly beaten that there were none, at least on the main road, to tell the tale of defeat to the supporting column. For during that eventful 16th of August the great northern expedition, which was expected to effect the con- quest of America, had received its first serious check ; then and there began to rise the tide of American triumph which rolled forward with constantly-increasing volume, until the whole of Burgoyne's proud army lay, submerged and helpless, beneath its angry waves. Nay, it would hardly be too much to call the battle of Bennington the turning-point of the American Revolution. Notwithstanding the successes of the patriots in the begin- ning, there had been near two years of depression, and Britain was apparently moving steadily forward toward a complete triumph over the liberties of America. But Bennington led to Saratoga, and Saratoga led to the French alliance, and the French alliance led to Yorktown, and Yorktown led to independence. The battle of Bennington (which, it will be understood, was not fought in Bennington at all, but in the town of Iloosic, county of Rennselaer, and State of New York) was another of those important conflicts which fringe the border of Washington county with a red band of warlike wrath. It was barely outside the southern line of the present town of White Creek, in the valley of the Walloomsac, that the old Indian fighter, grim John Stark, having waited through- out the 15th for the rain to abate, on the morning of the 16th led his militia against the motley forces of Colonel Baum. His men were principally from New Hampshire, though there was a considerable number from Vermont and Massachusetts, and some also from the towns of Cam- bridge, White Creek, Jackson, and Salem, in this county. It is not within the scope of our work to go into the details of that Rensselaer county " Battle of Bennington." Every history of the United States tells of Stark's pithy address to his men : " We must beat those red-coats before sun.set or Molly Stark will be a widow" (to be sure her name was Betsey ; but then, probably, heroes can't be ex- pected to remember their wives' names) ; of the enthusi- astic advance of the raw militia ; of their gallant attack on the intrenchments of their foes ; of the speedy dis- persion of the Indians and Tories ; of the desperate re- sistance against overwhelming numbers made by the Brunswick dragoons, who, when their ammunition was expended and their allies had fled, charged sword in hand upon their assailants ; of the mortal wounding of their leader ; of the almost complete destruction of the little band, and of the rapidity with which the triumphant militia scattered to plunder the conquered camp. Fifteen ofiicers of the Brunswick dragoons were reported killed and missing, and two hundred and three rank and file, making a total of two hundred and eighteen out of three hundred and twenty-seven of that regiment present, be- sides those who were wounded but were able to escape. So thoroughly were Baum's forces scattered that, as be- fore stated, the pursuers got ahead of them, and Breymann was in conflict with the latter before seeing any of his own friends except Colonel Skene. The solid column of Brey- mann's light infantry quickly drove back the straggling militiamen, and Stark saw all the fruits of victory disap- pearing by rea.son of the lack of discipline of his forces. But at this moment Colonel Seth Warner came up with his regiment of Green Mountain Boys, and after a sharp conflict Breymann was also obliged to leave his two pieces of artillery and retreat, though with less loss and in better order than the unlucky .soldiers of Baum. Breymann's command, with a few of Baum's who had joined it, reached Cambridge at midnight. Meantime he had despatched messengers to Burgoyne, who, galloping through darkness and mud, reached that general with news of both battles at three o'clock on the morning of the 17th. Startled by these unexpected disasters, and fearing lest Breymann, too, would be overwhelmed by an avalanche of New England riflemen, he consulted Riedesel, and resolved to start immediately with the whole army to support the defeated detachment, and sent ofi' an ofiBcer to inform Colonel Breymann of his intention. But ere he could put his design in operation, Riedesel received news that Brey- mann had escaped, and was within six miles of the Batten Kill. The order was then countermanded. In the course of that day (^the 17th) the wearied Hes- sians, covered with mud and almost dead with fatigue, marched mournfully into the camp at Fort Miller, while hour after hour the Brunswick dragoons, the Tories, and the Indians came straggling in with their tales of woe. The direct efi"ect of the battle was far less than the in- direct. Everywhere the Americans were stimulated to fresh exertions by finding that they could whip the enemy, and the British were correspondingly depressed. Especially did the battle have a great eff'ect on the Indians. They had been angered at the reprimands given them and the re- straints put on their murderous propensities after the slaughter of Jane McCrea, and now they found themselves not only without plunder or .scalps, but in danger of being soundly whipped into the bargain. A number, estimated at about one hundred and fifty, accompanied Baum, and thirty or forty of these were killed or captured. Their red brethren were very bitter against Burgoyne for not sending reinforcements in time. La Corne de St. Luc, if ho did not encourage them, certainly .sympathized with them. Complaint followed complaint, band after band deserted, and finally, at a general council, nearly all of them demanded permission to return. Bur- goyne used every inducement of which he was master to persuade them to remain, and they apparently yielded to 56 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. his arguments, but the very next day a large number of them left, and they continued to desert till hardly one re- mained. But the British ministry, less humane than Burgoyno, thenceforth made use of more pliant tools, in the Butlers and Johnsons, who gave the privilege of free slaughter to the tribes on the western border of the colonies, and those Indians remained faithful to the cause of royalty and murder throughout the Revolution. It was about this time that " Fort Salem," at New Perth, was abandoned by the Americans. The only con- temporary allusion to this event which we have seen is the statement by Colonel Joseph McCracken that the post was deserted on account of the approach of an overwhelming force of the enemy. The people all fled from the New Perth settlement, and the fort was destroyed ; but whether by our own men when they abandoned it, by a few scatter- ing Tories or Indians, or by a regular force, is unknown. From this time till the 11th of September, nearly a month, the British army lay at Fort Edward and Fort Miller ; or, as the latter point was then described, at " Duer's house," — referring to the residence and mills of Hon. William Duer, at the present village of Fort Miller. They were waiting for the means of transportation before advancing. Possibly this was necessary ; certainly it was the cause of their ruin. The right wing, under Major-General Phillips, was at Fort Miller ; the left wing, under Major-General Riedesel, was at Fort Edward. The former was so arranged that when it should advance the extreme front should be occu- pied by Canadians. The advance brigade was under Briga- dier-General Fraser, the next under General Powell, and the last under General Hamilton. The extreme advance of General Riedesel's division was composed of Indians ; the advance brigade was under Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann, the next under Brigadier-General Specht, and the last under General Gall. As early as the 19th of August a pontoon-bridge was built by the British across the Hudson, above the Fort Miller rapids, but afterwards a better place was found below, and one was erected there. Meanwhile the Americans were making good use of the time granted them through the dilatory action of the British. St. Leger was compelled to abandon the siege of Fort Stau- wix by the approach of a brigade which had been sent by Schuyler to its relief. Considerable additions were made to the number of the Continentals under Gates, and the militia, encouraged by the results of Bennington and Stan- wix, began to flock in large numbers into the camp of that general. The latter advanced from the Mohawk, whither Schuyler had retreated, and took up a position at Stillwater. It was not till the 11th of September that Burgoyne considered himself sufiSciently well provided with means of transportation to risk an advance. He determined to follow the Americans across the river, and move against their army. Many have considered him blameworthy in a mili- tary point of view for not moving down the east side of the Hudson. Clearly, however, if his object was to reach Al- bany, it would be easier to cross the upper Hudson, and then the Mohawk, than it would to transport an army in face of the enemy across the whole broad river opposite that city. On the last-named day the force at " Duer's house ' broke camp, but does not appear to have made much progress. The next day Riedesel moved forward from Fort Edward to Duer's house. On the thirteenth the crossing took place, Fraser moving first, while Breymann, with his light infantry, formed the extreme rear of Reidesel's division, and of the whole army. As soon as all were over Breymann's men destroyed the bridge. The two grand armies, on whose movements during that exciting campaign of 1777 largely depended the fate of America, have now passed out of our jurisdiction. Their marches and their battles will henceforth be in the territory which was then a part of the county of Albany, but which now answers to the historic name of Saratoga. But the great conflict frequently involved movements on the east side of the Hudson, and these we shall recount, occasionally throwing a glance across the stream, or listening to the sounds that are wafted from the western shore. After the crossing, Burgoyne pressed forward without any great delay, and on the nineteenth encountered Gates at Stillwater. Neither party could perhaps claim a victory, but it was at once evident that the British were not going to march to Albany without serious difficulty. The thun- ders of the cannonade rolled far and wide over the hills of Washington county. The venerable John McDonald, of Salem, relates that his father, then nine years old, distinctly heard the boom of the cannon at the home, in Hebron, of his father, the old campaigner of the French war. Next followed the three weeks when the two armies re- mained facing each other at Stillwater, the Americans all the while gaining strength and the British losing. Near the 1st of October, Gates was strong enough to send a division to occupy the east bank of the river. Fourteen hundred men wore posted at the point where the British had crossed, and two thousand somewhat farther down, the object being to prevent a retreat to Fort Edward. On the 8th of October fifteen hundred were sent still higher up. It rained all day on the ninth ; but even in the rain, a body of militia pushed on to Fort Edward. Two or three hours later, a detachment from Burgoyne's army arrived on the op- posite side of the river, but on seeing that the fort was already occupied they returned. General Stark was in command of a large part, if not all, of the forces on the east side. The Charlotte county militia, under Colonel Williams, were all in arms at this period, and were ordered by General Gates to go to the rear of the enemy ; but we cannot learn the precise point at which they were stationed. Burgoyne was now completely hemmed in. His com- munications were cut olf, and, with scant supplies, he was compelled either to fight his way out very soon or surrender. The Charlotte county bank of the Hudson was lined with militia, who fired at every British soldier who showed his head on the other shore, and completely interdicted the use of the river to the British boats. The great battle of the 12th of October, and the splendid valor displayed by the Americans, made it plain that Bur- goyne could not fight his way through to Albany, and he immediately attempted a retreat. But he found every pas- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 57 sage guarded, and his scouts soon brought him word that tlie plateau was occupied by a large force with artillery, rendering the passage of the river there impracticable. It is said that at this time Burgoyne told Colonel Skene that the latter had got him into this scrape (alluding to his advising the Bennington raid), and now he wanted him to get him out. Skene replied, — " Have your men put all their provisions in their haver- .nacks, and their ammunition in their cartridge-boxes ; then put all the baggage and other valuables within reach of the Yankee militia, and they will be so busy plundering it that your whole army can escape to Ticonderoga before they will find out what is going on." But notwithstanding this sarcasm the militia kept very close watch on the river. Not a boat could appear but what a volley of rifle-bullets would whistle around it, and many a one, well loaded with provisions or other stores, was com- pelled to make its way to the American, or Charlotte county, shore, where its contents were soon appropriated. They even made forays into the enemy's country. One of them saw some British horses feeding in one of General Schuyler's meadows, on the west side of the river, and ob- tained permission of his captain to go over and get one. He forthwith stripped to the skin, plunged in, swam across, caught a fine bay hor.se, and, " accoutered as he was," he vaulted on his back. By striking the animal with fists and heels the .soldier forced him to a gallop, and guided him into the river. When he had got part of the way across the enemy began to find out what was going on, and saluted the daring horseman with a volley of musket-balls, but he made good his escape to the Charlotte county bank, where he was received with immense enthusiasm by his comrades. But he was not satisfied even with this feat. After he had rested, and the British, not dreaming that he would try to repeat his escapade, had retired to their post, the soldier again addressed his officer, saying, — " It isn't hardly proper that a private should have a horse to ride while a captain goes afoot. Let me go over again, and I will get one for you, and when we get home we will have lots of fun driving our matched team." The captain, nothing loath, assented, and again the Yankee Leander swam the Hudson, obtained another bay horse, a match to the first one, and, by the use of the same tactics as before, made his escape before the thick-headed British or Hessians could do more than fire a few random shots. Another incident, of a darker nature, is related (as is also the foregoing) by the " Sexagenary," and well attested by the older residents of Salem. A 31 r. M , formerly well known in that town, a Scotchman by birth, but a very rabid Whig, crossed the Hudson with a companion, in a canoe, to see what they could discover. They crawled cau- tiously up the western bank, peeped over the top, and saw a young man in the uniform of a Tory regiment unloading a cart, a short distance away. It was the son of Mr. M , who, notwithstanding his father's strong Whig principles, had espoused the c;iui-e of the king. " Now," muttered M to his companion, " that's my own son, Hugliey, but I'm dom'd, for a' that, if I sill not gie him a shot." And accordingly, to the horror of his companion, he ac- tually rested his musket on the bank, took deliberate aim, and fired. The youth, however, had heard the talking, and sprang around to the other side of the cart just as the gun went ofi'. The bullet lodged in a felloe of one of the cart-wheels. A guard which was near by immediately hur- ried to the spot, and the two men were obliged to take to their canoe, and make the best of their way, amid a storm of musketry, across the river. They escaped with their lives, but the unnatural father received a bullet in his shoulder. He lived in Salem till his death, at a very ad- vanced age, and there is no account of his having ever manifested any regret for his deliberate attempt again.st tlie life of his son. But this guerrilla warfare across the Hudson soon ceased ; for, on the 17th of October, General Burgoyne, unable to advance or retreat with his army in column, and without sufficient enterprise to scatter his men and direct such as could escape to rendezvous at Ticonderoga, surrendered his entire force to General Gates. In the subsequent move- ments of the captured troops. Colonel Williams, of the Charlotte county militia, was directed to supervise the re- moval of the British hospital to Boston. Immediately after the surrender the roads of Charlotte county were alive with bands of New England militia, re- turning to their homes in triumph ; knowing that for the present the tide of war was averted from that section, and many of them believing that the combat was virtually de- cided in favor of America. Most of the Whigs of Charlotte county, also, who had left their residences on account of the enemy's advance, now returned and resumed their wonted avocations. There was a great increase of Whiggery, too. Those wlio had been lukewarm or undecided suddenly discovered that the patriot cause was the cause of justice, righteousness, and the heaviest battalions. But those unlucky persons who had openly espoused the king's cause were glad in their turn to make their escape from the wrath of their old neighbors, and very few of them ever returned to their former homes, except as members of marauding bands in- tent on the work of destruction and slaughter. Nor were the Americans at all disposed to wage war with rose-water. Officers styled " commissioners of forfeiture" were appointed by the State, and the property of every Tory •who had done any overt act in favor of the king, or had openly advocated his cause, was promptly seized. Their personal property was sold for what it would bring, but for the real estate there was very little demand, and most of it was not sold until after the close of the war. Some of the farms, however, were leased to Whigs who were willing to run the risk of being marked out for special vengeance in case of another invasion. Notwithstanding the surrender of foreign foes and the submission or flight of domestic ones, the Whigs of Char- lotte county were in a sad plight. All those in tlie north part of the county had been driven from their homes just before harvest, and many of those in the south part had abandoned theirs through well-founded fear of the enemy. Glory was a good thing, but as winter approached many of the patriotic inhabitants of Charlotte county were at a loss where to iret food to last them through the season. 58 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. In the journal of the New York council, which sat in the recess of the Legislature for that year, is a petition for mercy by twenty-two persons, who state that they are mostly emigrants from Ireland, that they have always performed military duty when called upon, and that at the retreat from Ticonderoga some of them had fought on the Amer- ican side. On arriving home they found some of their neighbors fleeing to other States, though the latter were said to be on the eve of a famine, and to have set guards to stop new-comers. The petitioners had neither wagons nor money and could not go. While they were building a fort at New Perth, by General Schuyler's orders, there came a message from General Burgoyne denouncing ven- geance on all who did not fly to him for protection. The woods were full of Indians, who killed nine persons,* and who captured all they found going south. Under these circumstances the petitioners declare they fled to the rear of Burgoyne's army, where they lived on their own provi- sions, and did not take up arms against the Americans. Confessing their oifense and surrendering as prisoners, they implored the mercy of the council. That body ordered that the petitioners should be allowed to remain on their farms and should be protected from injury, and the next Legislature continued to show them mercy. These and others in the same position, however, were regarded with great disgust by their thorough-going Whig neighbors. They were called " protectioners,"' and it is said that in Cambridge the Whigs assembled and gave the " protectioners" a thorough flogging. CHAPTER XII L EEMAINDEK OF THE REVOLUTION. Destitution of the People — The Vermont Trouble again — Fort Wil- liams — Beating up for Volunteers — A False Alarm — Doing Duty by Classes — Court-martialing the Disatfected — Light Punishments — Ticonderoga abandoned by the British — First Election under the State — Quiet in 1779 — A little more Trouble with Vermont — An- other False Alarm — Major Carlcton's Invasion — Surrender of Fort Ann — Ravaging of Kingsbury — Colonel Livingston's Ruse — Carle- ton's Retreat — Increasing Claims of Vermont — Practical Secession — New Hampshire Towns annexed — Intrigues with the British — Attempt to annex Charlotte County — Convention at Cambridge — The Act of Annexation ado])ted — Copy of the Instrument — Dele- gates chosen to the Vermont Legislature — Alarm of the Country at these Proceedings — Opposition of the Scotch Settlers and others — Continuation of the Intrigue with the British — Meeting of Com- missioners at Skenesborough — Mysterious Proceedings — Surrender of Cornwallis — Sudden Quiet of the Intriguers — New York autho- rity re-established in Charlotte County — Arrest of the Seceders Pleas for Mercy — New York disposed to yield Vermont — Declara- tion of Peace. So great was the devastation committed by the invaders that, in the forepart of 1778, numerous petitions for aid were sent to the Legislature by the people of Charlotte county, and also from Cambridge and Easton. That body directed the commissioners of forfeitures to sell two thou- sand bushels of wheat, rye, and Indian corn, taken from * The petitioners evidently refer to the Allen family : nor can we find any contemporary mention of the Barnes family, said by later tradition to have been slain on the same day. the Tories, to those in need, to be paid for afterwards on moderate terms. At the same period the old trouble came up in regard to the New Hampshire grants. The new State government of Vermont was now in full operation, and though its ap- plication for admission into the confederacy had been dis- missed by Congress, yet it exercised complete jurisdiction over all the territory now comprised within the territory of that State. New York, however, was naturally unwilling to give up so extensive a domain, and in February of this year the Legislature passed very liberal resolutions looking to a compromise of the difSculties. They admitted that the trouble had arisen largely from the exorbitant fees charged by the New York authorities, and by the new grants made of the royal decision regarding the boundary, in which grants servants of the crown were largely inter- ested. All these grievances the Legislature promised to remedy, but the Vermonters paid no attention to the offxir, and adhered to their own independent organization with unswerving pertinacity. Early in 1778, or possibly late in 1777, another little fort was built at New Perth. It was a log block-house about twenty feet square, well supplied with loop-holes, and surrounded at a considerable distance by a stockade of erect logs, after the usual fashion of frontier forts at that day. It received the name of " Fort Williams," in honor of the energetic young colonel who manifested such unceasing activity in the American cause. Besides being colonel of militia, he was also county treasurer, or perhaps treasurer of the county committee, which still exercised all executive functions over the county. Fort Williams was garrisoned much of the time by soiue of the Charlotte county regiment ; but in March of this year, it appears from the Williams papers, there was a regiment of Connecticut militia staying there. A draft was ordered from the militia in the spring, to fill up the Continental army ; but Governor Clinton wrote to Colonel Williams, under date of the 13th of April, that the Char- lotte county regiment was exempt from the draft, on condi- tion of its furnishing men for defense of the frontier, and urged him to complete the number designated for the latter purpose, which was seventy. Even this number it was almost impossible to raise. On the 22d of April Williams wrote to Clinton, stating that he had called his battalion together and could obtain only seventeen volunteers. He expected to get as many more, but could not possibly raise seventy. Enough to make three companies had moved down the river, and others were preparing to go. Of those who remained, the colonel said, about half were disaffected to the American cause, and most of these he feared would join the enemy. Of these he made the brief but pungent reniark, " No quarter will be given them." The county was almost always in a state of alarm. At the date of this letter, Willii^ms' little battalion had been called out to repel a threatened invasion ; it having been reported that a small party of Americans, who were patrol- ing within twelve miles of Ticonderoga, had been driven back by five hundred of the enemy, who were supposed to be advancing towards the American settlements. It does HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 59 not appear, however, that any invasion was actually made at that time. The battalion was divided by its colonel into six classes, each being required to do duty a week at a time, until the seventy volunteers should be raised. He declared that if the militia was kept out more than eight or ten days at a time they could not get in their spring crop, and would be compelled to leave the county. He was desirous to obtain twenty of the required volunteers from Albany county, which he thought could be done by giving a lieutenant's commission to one Doty, residing in that county. On the 23d of March a regimental court-martial was held at 'Fort Williams, by order of Colonel Williams, to punish those who had been derelict the previous year, which created a good deal of excitement. The president was Captain (afterwards Major) John Armstrong; associated with whom were Captain Edward Long and Lieutenants McClary, Robert Stewart, and Alexander Turner. Ensign James Stewart was the clerk. Over sixty men were arraigned, some for neglecting to turn out when warned, some for accepting protection from the enemy, some for failing to take their cattle and retire to a safer place when so ordered by General Schuyler. Fifty-eight were convicted, but their punishments were not very severe, consisting en- tirely of fines, ranging from eight shillings (a dollar) up to thirt}' pounds. Those who merely failed to appear on muster when warned were generally amerced in the former amount. Alexander Webster, of Black Creek (Hebron), was lieuten- ant-colonel of the regiment at this time, and was also State senator. The temporary abandonment of Ticonderoga by the Brit- ish caused a feeling of more security to prevail in Charlotte county, though the thought of the Indian tomahawk still caused many a mother and many a child to shudder with alarm at every unusual sound. On Sept. 8, 1778, took place the first election held throughout Charlotte county under the laws of the State of New York, and even this was by special enactment, the regular election-day having passed. Ninety-six votes were cast in Salem, twenty-nine in Kingsbury, twenty-four in Skenesboro', twenty-one in Granville, and twenty-eight in " Black Brook." This shows a total of only a hundred and ninety-eight vot«rs in the county, although there were doubtless more ; many people were not extremely anxious to exercise the elective franchise when such exercise might be considered evidence of rebellion against the king on one side or treason to their country on the other. Argyle. though a separate district, seems to have held no election that year. Another senator was chosen from Salem, and one assemblyman was re-elected, but three out of four of the latter class of officials were chosen from other parts of the county. It will be understood that at that period the work of election was much simpler than now, only town- officers and members of the Legislature, besides the gov- ernor and lieutenant-governor, being thus chosen ; the vast number of executive and judicial officers, now selected in the same manner, being then appointed by the council of appointment. The year 1779 passed away with comparatively little ex- citement on the northern frontier. Elsewhere the tide of conflict rolled to and fro, the American cause suffijring great depression, notwithstanding the aid furnished by France ; an aid which was slight compared with the ex- pectations which had been raised regarding it. From the western frontier, too, came news of terrible massacres and of the retribution inflicted by Sullivan, but on the banks of the Batten Kill, of White creek, and of Black creek the scattered inhabitants of Charlotte county planted, sowed, and harvested in temporary safety. The chief excitement there was in regard to the peren- nial question of jurisdiction over Vermont. Some New I'ork officers were seized in that State, whereupon Gov- ernor Clinton declared he would send an armed force thither to release them and defend the rights of his State. Thus Charlotte county had the pleasant prospect of foreign inva- sion, aided by domestic disaffection, from the north, and of civil war raging on the east. The captured officials were, however, released by order of the Confederate Congress, which also passed a law that neither New Y^oi'k nor Ver- mont should exercise jurisdiction over those who did not claim to be the subjects of such State. Thus the storm- cloud again passed over for the time, but Vermont still cpn- tinued to exercise authority over all who resided within the territory she claimed, even though they acknowledged the authority of New York. One of the legislative acts of that year, passed on Feb. 17, is of considerable importance. It directed the holding of county courts and courts of sessions at New Perth (now Salem), which has ever since been the county-seat, or one of the county-seats, of the county. An act of the previous year had directed that the sheriff's mileage should be com- puted from the meeting-house at the same place. If there were any courts held under the act just mentioned the records have been lost or destroyed. On April 29, 1780, an American, who had been a pris- oner at Montreal and had escaped, reached Skenesboro' with the information that extensive preparations were being made in Canada for an invasion up Lake Champlain. Some other facts corroborated his statement, and a shock of alarm quickly rolled through all northern New York. The Charlotte county militia were now commanded by Colonel Alexander Webster, with Brinton Paine as lieuten- ant-colonel, and Joseph McCracken as major. They were ordered to be ready for instant action, and Governor Clin- ton ordered four regiments, under Colonels Yates, Van Schoonhoven, Van Wert, and McCrea, to assemble at Sara- toga. Clinton himself, with all the men he could rally in Albany and Charlotte counties, hastened to Fort George, which he reached in eight days after leaving Kingston. He proceeded thence to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and, having satisfied himself that no invasion was to take place at that time, returned home. The summer passed away with only the usual number of small alarms. Several corps of State troops, intermediate between militia and regulars, were raised this summer to defend the frontiers. A company of these troops, number- in"- between fifty and seventy-five men, under Captain Adiel Sherwood, of Kingsbury, was stationed at Fort Ann. In the forepart of October, Major Christopher Carlcton (a nephew of Sir Guy Carlcton), of the Twenty-ninth Brit- 60 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ish Regiment, with about eight hundred regulars and royal- ists and a few Indians, came up Lake Clianiplain with eight vessels and twenty-six boats and landed at Skenesboro'. Thence he advanced rapidly to Fort Ann, and on Oct. 10 demanded its surrender. The fort was a rude log block- house with a stockade around it. The garrison consisted of the company of State troops before mentioned and of a few Continentals, the whole making but seventy-five men. Though ill .supplied with ammunition, Slierwood at first declined to surrender; but, on learning the number of the enemy, he yielded himself and his command as prisoners, first stipulating for the privilege of sending the women and children who were present to their homes. On the ninth Captain Sherwood was dining with Colonel Henry Livingston, the commander at Fort Edward, being on his way to White Creek and not imagining any foe to be near. While he was at Fort Edward, however, an order arrived from Governor Clinton requiring Livingston and Sherwood to endeavor to re-enlist their men for two months more. Sherwood returned to Fort Ann for that purpose, but that night he sent word to Livingston that the enemy was close by. The next morning he was captured, as before stated. The same morning two of Livingston's oflncers came hurrying in from Kingsbury with the news that the enemy was burning and laying waste that district. Liv- ingston sent to Colonel McCrea at Saratoga and Colonel Webster at Black Creek for their regiments of militia. Immediately afterwards some of the frightened inhab- itants of Kingsbury came rushing down the hill north of Fort Edward, with such household goods as they could bring with them, seeking the protection of the post. They reported the enemy only four miles away, and the smoke of burning houses could plainly be seen from the fort. Livingston had but sixty-five men, of whom he sent twenty to menace the foe ; but though they remained out through the day, they found the marauders too strong to attack. After dark four scouts were sent out, who found some of the enemy three miles distant. Colonel Livingston then ordered a lieutenant and twenty men to assail the camp in question, but as he was about to march a terrible outcry was heard on the west side of the Hudson, where the Indians were yelling, burning, and killing cattle, and the detachment was ordered back. Two of the enemy came so close that they were fired on from the fort, but without efiect. The next day another .scout was sent out, who discovered that the main body of the enemy had taken the route to Fort George, and the same afternoon that post also surrendered to Carleton. On the eleventh and twelfth Livingston was reinforced by about three hundred militia, but the oificers did not think themselves .strong enough to attack the foe. n That day or the next Carleton retreated down Lake Champlain. More militia came, but Van Rensselaer declares them to have been more intent on plundering the public stores left at Fort George than on any other service. They were soon discharged, and all but thirty of Livingston's men also left, declaring that their time had expired. On the sixteenth and seventeenth Colonel Livingston learned from his scouts that small parties of the enemy had been seen, and on the latter day General Schuyler sent a messenger advising the evacuation of the post. Livingston accordingly marched his men to Saratoga. On the twenty-fourth, having ob- tained some reinforcements, he returned'to Fort Edward.* Some of our readers mayjiave thought we devoted more space to the troubles between New York and Vermont than belonged to them in a .strictly local history of Washington county. But, in fact, that imbroglio affected even the in- ternal affairs of Charlotte county, and in 1781 some very curious movements took place in several of the towns of that and Albany counties, which have seldom or never been treated in national histories, but which might have had a serious effect on the welfare of the whole country. As has been stated, the county of Charlotte and that part of Albany county now included in Wa.shington were principally settled by New Englanders, and by Scotch and others of foreign birth. The former had almost all adhered to the American cause, while many (though by no means all) of the latter were friendly to the king. As the Americans were most of the time in pos.session of the teriitory in question, the New Englanders were largely in the majority among the dominant class. These had generally sympathized more or less with their compatriots who were striving to set up an independent government in Vermont. The Vermonters, too, although they had openly claimed only to the present east line of that State, had kept up a kind of faint half-claim to the territory between that line and the Hudson, or even farther west, on the ground that it had been included in Skene's new province of Ticonderoga, of which they deemed their State in some way to be the political heir. Bloreover, the ties of State and national authority were naturally very loose in those troublous times, and wild ideas were afloat as to the right of every little community to change its allegiance at will. About the time in ques- tion, several townships in New Hampshire, on the east side of the Connecticut river, having become dissatisfied with the government of that State, had applied to Vermont to be received under her jurisdiction. A law was promptly- passed by the Legislature of that State authorizing a vote of the people on the subject, and a majority having declared in favor of the admission, it was dulj' announced that the towns in question had become a part of the State of Ver- mont. The astonished people of New Hampshire thus saw that the very State which they had so strenuously aided to create at the expen.se of New York, was disposed to requite their assistance by seizing on some of their fairest territory. There was still another clement of discord. Although the Green Mountain Boys had been decided and nearly unanimous in supporting the American cause, they wore almo.st as bitterly oppo.sed to the rule of New York as to that of Great Britain. This was especially true of the leaders, and several of these, especially Ethan Allen and his brother Ira, disappointed in their hopes of the admission of Vermont into the confederacy as a separate State, were willing at least to negotiate with the public enemy. * The above account of Carleton 's raid is largely from an autograph statement of Colonel Livingston preserved among the family papers in Columbia county. A further account of some of the exploits of the marauders will be foujjd in the town-history of Kingsbury. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 61 In the forepart of 1781 all these elements of disturbance began to ferment at once. In February the General As- sembly of Vermont boldly declared that the territory of that State reached to the Hudson river. In March nego- tiations were opened by the British commander in Canada with Colonel Ethan Allen, who communicated with his brother, Major Ira Allen, and others, and many secret messages passed back and forth between the paities. The Aliens held forth the prospect of neutrality on the part of their State, and in May the governor and council sent Major Ira to Isle Aux Noix to arrange the terms of an armistice with the British commander. The Tory captain, Sherwood, and Dr. James Smyth, formerly of Fort Ed- ward, were the British agents. The intrigue for the annexation of the territory before mentioned was going forward at the same time. Not liking to rest their claim on no higher authority than the sup- posed organization of tlie province of Ticonderoga, the Ver- monters also resorted to the secession doctrine. In April the Legislature of that State directed that a convention be held at Cambridge the following month, compo.scd of dele- gates elected by the people of the various districts of Char- lotte county and of that part of Albany county lying north of the south line of Vermont prolonged to the Hudson, which convention should decide whether, and on what terms, those districts should be united to the State of Ver- mont. Delegates were accordingly chosen in many of the dis- tricts and patents. Those who remained faithful to New York apparently ignored the whole proceeding, so that the secessionists had everything their own way in the elections. There had, of course, been more or less dissatisfaction with the way in which New York enforced her tax laws and militia laws, which doubtless bore very hard on the people in those disastrous times, and though the seceders were mostly New Englanders, and originally determined enemies of Great Britain, yet doubtless there were some of them who were tired of war, and willing to take advantage of the armistice proposed between that country and Vermont. The " Union Convention," as it was called, met at Cam- bridge on the 9th day of May. The following districts and townships were represented: Hoosic, Little Hoosic, Scaghticoke, Cambridge, Saratoga (now Easton), Upper White Creek (Salem), Black Creek (Hebron), Granville, Skenesboro', Fort Edward, and Kingsbury. John Rodgers was elected chairman. A committee of the Vermont Legis- lature, of which Moses Robinson was chairman and Jonas Fay was clerk, was present with authority to accept or reject the propositions of the convention. At the close of their deliberations an instrument em- bodying their acts was drawn up and signed by the chair- man of the convention and the committee. This was cer- tainly intended to be a very important document, for it was designed to accomplish nothing less than the change of allegiance of a territory larger than some of the States of the republic. It being expected to have such immense effect on the people of Washington county, and it being also a curious evidence of the views in vogue among a por- tion of the people at that period, we here present it to our readers entire. It is evident that the convention adopted the propositions one by one, and then the committee acted on each one. Then the committee made other propositions and the convention agreed to them. "ARTICLES OF UNION AGREED TO AT CAMBRIDGE, ANNO 17S1. " Proposed by Convention composed of the Representatives from the several districts of llosick, Scaghticoke, Cambridge, Saratoga, Upper White Creek, Black Creek, Grnnvil, Skcensborough, Kingsbury, Fort Edward, Little Hosick, convened at Cambridge aforesaid this 9 May 1781. and by ad'jt to the 15 of the same, Inclusive. " Articlk 1. That the District or Tract of Land lying north of a line being extended from the North Line of the Massachusetts to Hudson's River, and south of Latitude 4.5, as comprehended in the late Jurisdictional Claim by the Legislature of the State of Vermont, be considered as part of the State, and the inhabitants as free Citizens. Agreed to. "2. That the whole of the Military force of the State of Vermont (as occasion may require) shall be e.xertcd in onr defense as free citizens against any Insurrection, Incursion whatsoever, hut es- pecially against the Common Enemy. Agreed to. "3. That application be made by the Legislature of the State of Vermont to the Congress to be admitted into Union with them as soon as Circumstances will permit. Agreed to. " 4. That as the People within the aforesaid late Claim have been called upon, and paid a Considerable part of the Contenental Tu.xua into the Treasury of New York, they shall have credit for the .same in case Vermont at some future period should be called upon to pay their proportion of money remitted by Congress. "Agreed to, provided the services done by Vermont in the present war be included. " Reply agreed to, provided the expence of the said District in tlic present war be likewise included. " 5. That all actions depending with the late Claim be transferred in the situation they shall be in at the Time of Completing the Union to Courts that may be then forthwith erected under the authority of Vermont, without costs to the parties other than would have accrued had they been terminated in Courts under Jurisdiction of New York. Agreed to. "6. That the change of Jurisdiction shall not be understood to affect or Aleaniate private property. Agreed to. " Articles proposed by tiie Legislatur. " 1. That the Independence of Vermont be held saered, and no mem- ber of the Legislature give his Vote or otherwise use his endeavors to obtain any act or Resolution of the Assembly that shall endanger the existence. Independence, or well-being of said State, by referring its independence to the arbitrament of any power. Agreed to. " 2. That whensoever this State becomes united with the American States, and there should be any dispute between this and any of the United States respecting Boundary Lines, the Legislature of Ver- mont will then, as they have ever proposed, submit to Congress or such other Tribunal as may be mutually agreed on for the settlement of such disputes. Agreed to. " The foregoing Articles severally, mutually agreed to by the Con- vention and Committee at Cambridge, 15 May, 17S1. "John RODGKR.S, Ch. *»/ Conveittiuu. "MosKS RoBi.ssox, Ch. Cum. "Attest: Jonas Fay, Clk. Cum." After the adoption of this instrument, the same conven- tion chose delegates to the Vermont Legislature. Two of these, Phineas Whiteside and Joseph Caldwell, were from Cambridge, in the present county of Washington. One of these, at least, actually attended the Legislature, and his name is to be found recorded in its proceedings. But by this time the ambitious young State began to find that she had attempted too much. New Hamp.shire bit- terly protested against the attempt to rob her of her river towns. New York was ready for war rather than yield any more of her soil to those whom many of her people consid- ered the outlaws of the Green mountains. All the other 62 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. States, too, were alarmed at the advocacy of doctrines •which, if carried out, would give every county, nay, every township, the right of secession from its State, and would add triple confusion to the already chaotic condition of government brought on by the Revolution. A large portion, too, of the people of the territory pro- posed to be transferred in such a summary manner made most decided opposition to tlie scheme. Especially was this true of White Creek (Salem), which was one of the most thickly populated towns in the disputed territory, and which was still largely inhabited by Scotch. It will be remembered that several old Scotch soldiers, who had re- ceived lands near the east line of Hebron, had had their houses burned and had been otherwise ill-treated by Ethan Allen's mob before the Revolution. Some of them were still living in White Creek and Black Creek, and all their countrymen in those districts, with the usual olannishness of their race, had warmly espoused the cause of the injured Highlanders, and bitterly detested everything pertaining to Vermont. These, with the many Americans who did not believe they could renounce their allegiance as easily as the Union Convention seemed to think, braced those districts firmly against the proposed transfer, and the scattered inhabitants of other districts to the northward and westward naturally followed the example of their powerful neighbors. Subdued by the opposition of the other States and of the people she would have absorbed, Vermont abated her ex- orbitant pretensions. She permitted New Hampshire to exercise jurisdiction over all the towns east of the Con- necticut, and did not interfere with New York in the management of Charlotte and Albany counties. Her claims, however, were not formally abandoned until the next winter, and perhaps they would again have been urged had not the surrender of Yorktown deprived the Aliens and Fays of all further opportunity to secure their objects by playing off the English and Americans against each other. The intrigue with the British commander in Canada was kept up during the summer of 1781. In September, commissioners on both sides met at Skenesboro", and some furtlwir progress was made in the negotiations, but nothing definite was decided on. The British were willing to grant very liberal terms, but the Vermont managers did not want to commit themselves beyond redemption. Bitter as was the feeling against New York throughout Vermont, the leaders were by no means sure of their own people if it should become public that they were plotting to separate the State entirely from the American cause. The British sailed up the lake, retreated, sailed up again. The Americans could not understand these mysterious manoeuvres. St. Leger was at Ticonderoga, waiting to learn the result of the negotiations. October came and had mostly passed, and still the diplomatic manceuvring was going forward. Suddenly the news of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown came flying over the land. The people everywhere were almost intoxicated with joy. Alike in New York and Vermont bonfires blazed by every road- side, and cannons thundered in every village, in honor not only of the victory which had been gained, but of the liberty and peace which it was believed was assured by it. The Vermont intriguers would hardly have dared show their heads in their own State if it had been known what they were about. The negotiations were quickly sus- pended, the British fleet sailed back down the lake, and it was many years before it was known what kind of secret operations were going on between the Aliens and their friends and the British in the summer and fall of 1781. Notwithstanding the dawn of peace over the land, the people, impoverished by the long war, were in deep distress, and in many sections they were unwilling to bear the most necessary burdens of government. About the 1st of December an insurrection broke out in the northeastern towns of Albany county, which certainly extended as far north as Sancoick, and may have embraced a part of Cam- bridge, though apparently not. It related mostly to the performance of militia duty, and soon passed away. During the winter the. authority of New York was firmly established throughout Charlotte county, and a number of those who tried to transfer it to Vermont were arrested and lodged in Albany county jail. No effort was made to protect them by the authorities of Vermont. In fact, on the 24th of February, 1782, the Legislature of that State formally relinquished their claim both to the New York and the New Hampshire territory which they had attempted to bring within their own limits. On the 1st of March that portion of the Cambridge people which had sanctioned the Vermont movement met in convention and reafiirmed their allegiance to New York. They appointed a committee, which drew up, signed, and forwarded to Governor Clinton a very earnest submission on the part of the people, declaring that they had favored annexation to Vermont in the hope of averting the horrors of British and Indian invasion, expressing regret at their course, and asking for mercy from the State. Similar documents were forwarded from other districts. In March a petition was sent on from inhabitants of White Creek, declaring that they had ever been constant and faithful subjects of New York, and asking for mercy for those who had been led astray and had attempted to secede to Vermont. This was signed by Captain John Armstrong, John Henry, Edward Savage, John Gray, Matthew McWhorter, Robert Pennell, Alexander Turner, Pelatiah Fitch, Jr., Joshua Conkey, Thomas Armstrong, Robert Boyd, Alexander Kennedy, Samuel McWhorter, Thomas Lyon, and Sanford Smith. Owing to these representations, and to the fact that Vermont had formally released her claim, the prisoners were soon discharged. The status of Charlotte county was definitely fixed, but the old dispute about the sovereignty over Vermont itself was still unsettled. The New York authorities, however, had about made up their minds that whatever might be the legal aspect of the case, it would be impracticable to maintain their jurisdiction over the obsti- oate mountaineers who had so long defied them, and were desirous to retire from the contest with as little lo.ss of dignity as possible. Accordingly, in the spring of 1782, they offered to submit the whole question to the Conti- nental Congress. Kingsbury was organized as a town or township during HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 63 this year, with the same boundaries which it originally had as a patent, and which it still possesses. Though peace was not yet declared, the people felt so well satisfied that the surrender of Yorktown would result in independence that they began to address themselves in earnest to the work of rehabilitating their devastated country. In the spring of 1783 came the news of the actual declaration of peace and the recognition of the independence of America, and then the good work went on with still greater speed. CHAPTER XIV. THE ERA OF DEVELOPMENT. Distrust of everything English— Change of Name from Charlotte to AVnshington County — Formation of Hartford — Law regarding Roads — First Court Kecord under the State — Courts directed to be held at Salem and Fort Edward — Adoption of the name "Salem" — Law recognizing and defining Towns — Legislative Aid — Preva- lence of Dram-Drinking— The First Temper.'vnee Pledge— Wolf- and Panther-Bounty — Effective Canceling of Proofs — Settlement of the great Vermont Dispute — The Boundary — A List of Super- visors — Vermont admitted into the Union — Cambridge and Easton annexed to Washington — Struggle for the County-Scat — Super- visors fix it at Salem— Courts held a part of the time at Fort Ed- ward — The First Academy — Remarkable number of Senators from this County — The -Explanation — Military Matters — The First Newspaper — Warning to Sabbath-Breakers — The Men who "ran" the County — A Quaint Summons — The Northern Inland Lock Navi- gation Company — Turning the Judges out of Court — The Punish- ment — Changing the County-Seat — Other Contempts — Severe Sen- tences — Pillory and Branding-Iron — Prevalence of Counterfeiting — The Second Newspaper — The First Successful One — Scarcity of Mails — The Post-Boys of Yore — Summoning a Grave-Yard — More Military— Election Statistics— The First Turnpike— Dividing the Vermont Fund— A Feeble Battalion. TuE long and deadly struggle of the Revolution, with its accompaniments of invasion, house-burning, and Indian outrage, had naturally developed a very bitter feeling among the people, especially on the frontiers, against everything of English name or origin. Even the name of Queen Char- lotte was not agreeable to the inhabitants of Charlotte county, whose forms had been devasted by the troops of Queen Charlotte's husband. Still more unpleasant was the name of Tryon county, derived from the last British gov- ernor of New York, to the people of the Mohawk valley, where the work of burning and ma.ssacrehad been carried on year after year by Tories and Indians in British employ. Accordingly, on the second day of April, 1784, the Legis- lature passed an act changing the two names just mentioned. It was a model of brevity and precision, and, after the enacting clause, read as follows : " From and after the passage of this act the county of Tryon shall be known by the name of Montgomery, and the county of Charlotte by the name of Washington." Thus the most honored appellation known to Americans was conferred upon this county. The name was not as com- mon then as now, and we believe this is the oldest " Wash- ington county" in the United States, — a venerable patri- arch with nearly forty namesakes among counties, besides an almost countless host of towns, villages, and post-offices. In the year 1784 the township or district of Hartford was formed from Westfield (now Fort Ann), and the settle- ment of Dresden was begun. Settlement was now going on rapidly in all parts of the county, and tlie need of roads was constantly felt. The first law regarding roads in this county after the Revolu- tion was enacted May 4, 1784. It authorized the inhab- itants of Charlotte county (and of six others named in the act) to elect commissioners in each town at their annual town-meetings, to lay out and regulate the highways, and also to elect as many overseers of highways (path-masters) as there were road-districts in each town. A large part of the land in the county had been owned by Tories and had been forfeited, by act of the Legis- lature. During the war there had been no sale for these lands, and they still remained in the possession of the State. On the 12th of May, 1784, an act was passed providing for the speedy .sale of the lands in question by the com- missioners of forfeiture. The commissioner for the east- ern district was Alexander Webster, and he began to sell forthwith. One of the oldest records in the county clerk's office is Colonel Webster's register of the sales of forfeited lands. It is headed as follows : " Registered for and by the direction of Alexander Web- ster, Esquire, commissioner of forfeiture for the eastern dis- trict of New York, in pursuance of an act entitled an act for the speedy sale of the confiscated and forfeited estates within the State, and for other purposes therein mentioned, passed the 12th day of May, 1784." One of the first records reads as follows : " Sold to Seth Sherwood the fee-simple of lot number thirty-nine in the Artillery patent, as it is distinguished by lot number thirty-nine in the map and field-book of said patent (special reference being thereto had), containing two hundred and forty-two acres of land, for the sum of four hundred and twenty pounds, on the twelfth day of Octo- ber, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four ; forfeited by the attainder of Philip and Andrew P. Skene, late of Skenesborough, esquires." No less than a hundred and sixty-two tracts of Skene's land were thus sold and registered, every one being declared forfeited by the attainder of Philip and Andrew P. Skene. Probably the elder gentleman had conveyed the land to the younger, in the hope of thus .saving it from forfeiture ; but the retribution of the hard-headed old patriots was not to be thus eluded. The elder Skene wrote from England to Elishama Tozer, of Whitehall, declaring that he had always been desirous of promoting the welfare of America, even when serving the king ; that he had no tie binding him to England, and desiring to learn whether there was any chance for him to resume his residence at Skenesborough, and regain his forfeited lands. But his efforts in this direction were without avail. Besides the Skene lands, a hundred and thirty-one tracts were registered as forfeited by Oliver DeLancey, ten by Ed- ward and Ebenezer Jcssup, three by Jonathan and Daniel Jones, three by Michael Hoffnagle, and one by John Tabor Kemp, ex-attorney-general. Several tracts, amounting to about a thousand acres, had belonged to Donald Fisher, husband of the badly-celebrated Betsey Munro. The largest number of tracts sold to any one person was 64 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. to General John Williams, who purchased sixty-five, sit- uated in all parts of the county. In a few cases the fee- simple was sold, but in most instances the commissioner conveyed " the equity of redemption of the rent and re- version," the lands havinj:; been originally sold with the reservation of a quitrent to the crown. Notwithstanding the act of 1779, directing the holding of courts in Charlotte county, there is no record of any such court until 1786. At that court the first judge was Alexander Webster, of Hebron ; the a.ssociatcs were Eben- ezer Russell, of Salem, and David Hopkins, of Hebron. The justices " of the quorum" were Moses Martin, John IMcAlIister, Albert Baker, John Rowan, and Aaron Fuller. The clerk was Colonel John McRea. The grand jurors were David Brundage, Robert Wil.son, William Graham, John Connor, Josiah Farr, Zebulon Fuller, Samuel Wilson, and John Gault, of Whitehall ; Samuel Hopkins, of He- bron ; Bartholomew Bartlctt, Thomas Collins, David Rood, Jonathan Crozier, and John Low, of Salem ; Asa Flint, John Sheldon, and Daniel Henderson, of Kingsbury; Noah Payn, of Fort Miller; Daniel Curtice, of Granville ; Manning Bull and Benjamin Atwater, of Westfield. On the 5th of February, 1787, an act was passed re- affirming the previous act and re((uinng the courts to be held at Salem. This law provided for a court of common pleas and general sessions of the peace to be held at that village three times each year. Fort Edward, however, to- gether with the rest of the western part of the county, ap- plied so strong an influence that on the 21st of April fol- lowing the law was changed so that one of the three terms should be held at the house of Adiel Sherwood, in the vil- lage of Fort Edward. The name of " Salem" was used in these laws in place of those which the people had .so long disputed about — -"White Creek and New Perth. The first use of the name now adopted — of which we have seen any record — was its appli- cation to " Fort Salem" in 1777. It would appear that when the inhabitants became tired of their long dispute, they agreed to adopt the name of their first fort ; this again deriving its name from a Massachusetts town. So the New Englanders had a name of their own, after all. Up to this period the political organizations subordinate to counties had been in a very chaotic state. The names of towns, , townships, districts, precincts, and patents had been used indiscriminately, and the privileges accorded to each were very indefinitely defined. But on the seventh day of March, 1788, a law was passed defining the bound- aries of all the counties in the State, and also giving the limits of the minor divisions under the general name of towns. Compilations frequently refer to certain towns as having been organized on the day just named, while in fact nearly or quite all of them posses.sed political organizations, more or less complete, previous to that time. They were rec- ognized as towns on that day, their boundaries were defined, the designations of district, township, etc., were dropped, and their municipal rights and duties, which had previously been to a great extent of a special character, were conformed to a general law, applicable to the whole State. The towns thus recognized in Washington county were Salem, Argyle, Hebron, Granville, Hampton, Whitehall, Kingsbury, AVestfield (Fort Ann), and Queensbury. In Albany county there were the town of Cambridge and the east parts of the towns of Saratoga and Stillwater, which have since been transferred to Wa.shington. How hard was the struggle of the pioneers with the wilderness is shown by the fact that, in the winter of 1789, an act was passed by the Legislature granting the sum of a hundred and twenty pounds to the county of Washington, to be divided by the supervisors among the towns " accord- ing to their need," and to be refunded by those receiving it. The men of that period had more faults than some historians are willing to allow, but a disposition to be dependent on charity was not one of them, and it must have been a very great stress of hardship, probably a failure of crops, which made it necessary for the State to unloose its purse-strings in their behalf. Among those faults, the propensity for absorbing an un- conscionable amount of rum and whisky was the mo.st prominent. The universal prevalence of dram-drinking and the great frequency of absolute drunkenness are attested by the evidence alike of tradition and of record. The first temperance pledge (if it can be so called) which we have found in the county dates back to 1789, and itself fur- nishes strong proof of the evil it was de.signed to remedy. It was a pledge by Colonel John Williams and others not to furnish their harvest hands with more than half a pint of rum per day ; that being, in the language of the document, '' enough to fit them for labor." The first law that we find ofiering a bounty for wild beasts in this county was passed in April, 1790. It pro- vided that for every wolf or panther, killed in the counties of Montgomery and Wa.shington, the sum of ten shillings (one dollar and twenty-five cents) should be paid if the animal was under a year old, and twenty shillings if it was over that age. In the counties east and south of those named the bounty was three times as much. The tricks that we read of as having been practiced in the bounty business in old times could not have been carried out under this law without the active assistance of a public ofiicial. The Legislatore had evidently had ex- perience in the ways of wolf-killers, and provided that each seeker for a bounty should take the unskinned head of the slain animal to a justice of the peace, who after due ex- amination .should proceed to " cancel" it, by cutting off the ears ; certainly a very efiicient method of preventiug it from ever being used again. He was then required to give without charge a certificate, on which the bounty could be drawn from the county treasurer. In October following, the bounty in the two counties was doubled both as to old and young animals. During this year (1790) the long contest between New York and the people of the " New Hampshire grants" was finally settled. The authorities of the former State became satisfied that they would never be able to extend their jurisdiction over the Green Mountain Boys, and conse- quently made a virtue of necessity by yielding what they considered their legal rights. Accordingly, on the 6th of March, a law was passed ceding to Vermont all claim to political jurisdiction and also to ownership of the land within that State, and appointing commissioners to meet HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. G5 with others from Vermont and settle the boundaries between the two States. Tiie commissioners met in October followinj;, and agreed on a boundary beginning at the northeast corner of Massa- chusetts and running thence northerly along the western bounds of the towns of Pownal, Bennington, Shaftsbury, Arlington, Sandgate, Rupert, Wells, and Foultney, as then held, to the Poultney river; thence down the middle of the deepest channel of Poultney river to East bay ; and thence down the middle of East bay and Lake Cham- plain to the forty-fifth parallel of north latitude. This boundary, from the southwest corner of Saleni north- ward to Clinton county, also formed the eastern boundary of Washington county. It was also agreed at the same time that Vermont should pay to New York the sum of thirty thousand dollars, to be divided among those who had lost by buying land from New York within the disputed territory. This was but a small fraction of the value of the lands patented by New Yorkers, but we suppose it served as a salve to the wounded dignity of the State. Chancing to have met a list of the supervisors of Wash- ington county for 1790, we reproduce it here, as it is per- haps the only complete list which ha.s come down from the last century, most of the early papers of the board having been destroyed. It is as follows: Salem, Hamilton McCol- lister ; Argyle, William Read ; Queensbury (now in War- ren county), William Robards ; Kingsbury, Seth Alden ; Westfield (Fort Ann), George Wray ; Whitehall, Cornelius Jones ; Hampton, John How ; Granville, Timothy Leonard ; Hebron, John Hamilton. In ,1791, Vermont was admitted into the Union as a State, thus putting the seal of Federal authority on the settlement arrived at this year. Washington county thus became permanently a border county along all of its enor- mous length. In this year also the counties of Rensselaer and Saratoga were formed from Albany. By the same act the town of Cambridge, comprising also the present towns of Jackson and White Creek, was transferred to Washing- ton county, and that part of the towns of Saratoga and Stillwater lying east of the Hudson was formed into a new town, by the name of Easton, and also annexed to Wash- ington. We do not know, but we imagine very strongly, that these transfers were managed by General John Wil- liams, of Salem, then an influential member of the State Senate, so as to strengthen the south end of the county, and get the county-seat permanently fixed at Salem. At all events, that same year a petition was circulated asking the Legislature to fix the county-seat permanently at Salem, and to authorize the building of a court-house and jail at that point, there having been no county build- ings previous to that time. Fort Edward and the neigh- boring towns of course resisted this movement. At the same time many of the Cambridge and Easton people who.se local market was at Lansingburg, were anxious to be again transferred to Rensselaer county. An act to this effect actually passed the Assembly in March, 1791 , but was stopped in the Senate, where we again see the influence of General Williams. Edward Savage, of Salem (father of the celebrated Chief-Justice Savage), was also a senator at the same time, and of course opposed to the change. The 9 fact of there being two State senators from a thinly-settled country town is a very remarkable one, of which more will be said flirther on. While Salem and Fort Edward were thus struggling for the honors of the capital, some of the river people desired to have it located at Fort Miller. The Legislature avoided a decision by the device so frequently resorted to since that time, and at length permanently incorporated in the law ; they authorized the board of supervisore to fix the locality. The board accordingly met, and located the county-seat at Salem. The next year Fort Edward made zealous efforts to have the vote reconsidered, but in vain. Failing in this, the people of that part of the county sought to have two county-seats established, and in this they were .so far suc- cessful as to obtain the passage of a law that the courts should be held as before, a part of the time at Fort Edward. No court-house was erected there, however, while in 1792 an act was passed directing the county to raise money to build a court-hou.se and jail at Salem. These structures were accordingly begun, but were not completed until about four years from that date. Togo back a little, we find that in 1791 an institution of learning was incorporated, under the name of Salem Wash- ington Academy. There had previou.sly been a high school kept at Salem (part of the time in Fort Williams), but this was the first chartered academy or seminary in the county ; in fact, the first north of Albany. There were but five academies, then in existence in the State, which have sur- vived to the present time. A full account of this vener- able institution will be found in the town history of Salem. In 1793 another town was added to the Washington county list, Hartford being formed from Westfield on the 12th day of March in that year. In the election held in January of the same year there were seventeen hundred votes cast for State senator. General Williams receiving twelve hundred, which was enough to overcome an adverse vote in Saratoga county and leave him still a handsome majority. And here we would advert to some very curious facts in the political history of the county. From 1777 till 1803 Charlotte or Washington county was invariably repre- sented by two members in the State Senate, and almost all the time it had three of its citizens in that body. More- over, during the period from 1803 to 1826 the county was almost always represented by two senators. Since 1826 it has been obliged to content itself with one senator, and of late years only has one from a half to a third of the time. What is still more remarkable is that during the fii-st- naraed period (1777 to 1803) nearly all the senators were from the southeast part of the county, and the single town of Salem generally had two of its citizens in the Senate. The adjoining town of Hebron came next in the senatorial roll, while during the whole period in question there were but three senators from all the rest of the county. Such a phenomenal concentration of political stars seems at first very strange, but it is not extremely difficult of ex- planation. It arose at first from the fact that the State was divided into four districts, each of which elected a cer- 66 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tain number of senators. Charlotte or Washington county belonged to the eastern district, to which were assigned three senators by the constitution of 1777. But besides Charlotte, the eastern district consisted only of Cumberland and Gloucester counties. Now Cumberland and Glouces- ter, as well as the eastcin part of Ciiarlotte county, were in the New Hampshire grants, which had erected themselves into the State of Vermont, and any one who there had un- dertaken to vote for a New York senator would have been probably sent to jail by the authorities of that State, besides being in great danger of a coat of tar and feathers. Con- sequently, all the senators allotted to the eastern district had to be chosen from Charlotte county. Even after the cession of jurisdiction by New York to Vermont the situation was unchanged ; for the number of senators allotted to a district was fi.xed by the constitution, and that constitution was not changed until 1802. Subse- quent to 1803, however, a porti(m of this unconscionable allowance of senators was allotted to the new counties formed out of Washington on the north. While the formation of Vermont prevented any senators from being chosen from the eastern three-quarters of the eastern district, the circumstances of the Revolution practi- cally confined the choice to the southwestern third of the re- maining quarter. In the northern and northeastern towns of what is now Washington county a large proportion of the inhabitants, including most of the leaders, were Tories. These towns, too, were ravaged by fire and sword during the Revolution, and it was a long time after its close before they regained sufiicient vigor to take a prominent part iu political management. Consequently, Salem and Hebron had a very wide scope for the gratification of their political ambition. The " general training" and the " company training" were important institutions of those days, and the leading citi- zens were nearly all ambitious of the honors to be derived from militia offices. Dr. John Williams, unquestionably the first man of the county, was brigadier-general. As the militia was then organized, there were no colonels, each regiment being under a lieutenant-colonel and two majors. In 1793 there were two or more regiments in Washington county, the field and staff of the one in the northwestern section being as follows : Lieutenant-Colonel commanding, Adiel Sherwood ; First Major, Peter B. Tear.se ; Second Major, Isaac Hitchcock; Surgeon, Zina Hitchcock; "Surgeon's Mate" (now called Assistant Surgeon), John Perrigo ; Quartermaster, Charles Robinson; Adjutant, J. Adams ; Paymaster, Hugh Preble. The first new.spaper in a county is usually considered as a landmark of progress, and was much more so in those times than now, its establishment being a much harder task. Nowadays, Charlotte county would not probably have been in existence three weeks before some enterpris- ing typo would have started a journal, whether there were any inhabitants to read it or not. But it was not until 1794, twenty-two years after the organization of the county, that such an institution was known in Charlotte or Wash- ington. It was called the Times or National Courier, and was Issued at Salem, on the 18th day of June in that year, by George W. Gerrish. Like all papers of that era. it was extremely defective in local news, so that we can learn little from it regarding the condition of the county. Late as it was, it was too early for the times, and after a seven-months' struggle with adverse fate it gave up the ghost. A more detailed account of this and sub.sequent journals will be found elsewhere. In this year, the court-house and jail not being completed, an act was passed providing for a tax on the county of four hundred pounds (one thousand dollars) to finish those structures. Although, as has been said, drinking and drunkenness were more prevalent then than now, yet the feeling against the violation of the Sabbath was much stronger than at the present time. A public notice was issued on the 6th of June, signed by all the judges of the court of common pleas, four assistant justices (or justices of the quorum), the sheriff, and fourteen, justices of the peace, warning the people of their intention to enforce the law for the suppres- sion of immorality, and particularly reminding the constables of Washington county to arrest and detain all persons traveling without necessity on the Lord's day ; and request- ing all the good people of the county to aid in the effort to enforce the law, " as it has an immediate connection with the happiness and prosperity of that community of which they are a part." The notice was signed by Ebenezer Russell, first judge; Alexander Webster, John Williams, Ebenezer Clark, and David Hopkins, judges ; Samuel Crossett, Edward Savage, and Peter B. Tearse, assistant justices ; Andrew White, sheriff; and by the following justices of the peace: John M. Killip, William Dougall, Thomas Smith, Thomas Bel- lows, John Rowan, Daniel Curtice, Wm. Harkness, John Kincaid, Alexander Webster, Jr., Edward Harris, Walter Raleigh, Thomas Dennis, John McAllister, and David Thomas. Although the people were much more favorable to such a movement than they would be at the present time, yet it was not carried out without a good deal of diffi- culty, and there was much trouble on the subject for many years. It should be mentioned that the five judges named were all (except Clark, of Fort Edward, previously of Salem) from the southeastern part of the county, and were the same who so long represented Charlotte or Washington county in the State Senate. Russell and Williams were from Salem, and Webster and Hopkins from Hebron. The five men just mentioned, and James and Edward Savage, of Saleni, in modern phrase, " ran" the polities of the county for about a quarter of a century. As an instance of the quaint ways of doing things prev- alent in the old times, we may mention a notice sent by a magistrate of the county to a delinquent debtor (and re- corded by Judge Gibson), which, after a statement of the acccount of which payment was desired, concluded with the following pertinent quotation from Holy Writ : "Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him, lest at any time he deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officers, and thou be cast into prison. Verily, I say unto thee, thou shall by no means come out thence until thou hast paid the uttermost farthing." At this period an earnest effort was being made to improve rilSTORr OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. C7 the navigation jf Wood creek, and to build a short canal, so as to connect the waters of the Hudson with those of Lake Champlain. The Northern Inland Lock Navigation Com- pany was incorporated for the purpose of performing this much-needed work in the same manner actually done by the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company in connect- ing the waters of the Mohawk river and Oneida lake, General Philip Schuyler being the leading spirit in both enterprises. General Williams, who had bought the .forfeited estates of Major Skene, of Whitehall, was an active member and director of the Northern Company. The latter company commenced operations, and in June, 1794, advertised for a contract " for cleaning Halfway brook from the present landing-place to its junction with Wood creek, and for cleaning Wood creek from the junction afore- said to the entrance of the canal at Whitehall." But owing to lack of means the company was obliged to stop work, and the desired communication wa.s not made until more than thirty years later. In 1796 a term of court was held, as one had been each year for nine years, at the hotel of Adiel Sherwood, at Fort Edward. This gentleman, who, it will be remembered, was the same who commanded as captain at Fort Ann, in 1780, now united the glittering dignity of a lieutenant-colonel of militia with the humble duties of a village tavern-keeper. The court appears to have been held in his dining-room. One day, as the dinner-hour approached. Colonel Sherwood, who had perhaps become disgruntled at something the hon- orable court had done, abruptly entered the room and per- emptorily ordered the judges to vacate it, as he desired to have the table set for dinner. Judges were important personages then, and, as has been stated, the judges of Washington county were its most prominent citizens. That, after having been allowed to set up their court in a room, they should be thus dicta- torially ordered out of it, even by a lieutenant-colonel of militia, was almost enough to paralyze them with horror and indignation. Sherwood, however, made so much ado that the court adjourned for the time being, but at their next session they proceeded to make a signal example of this irreverent offender. The record reads as follows : " Adiel Sherwood, having been guilty of contempt, it is ordered that the said Adiel Sherwood be committed to the common jail of Washington county for the space of fifteen days." It is highly probable that this contempt of Colonel Sher- wood had au important effect on the county-seat question, for three of the insulted judges were then senators, and, although the courts had been held at liis house for nine years, at the very next session of the Legislature the place of holding them was changed to the hotel of Mary Dean, in Sandy Hill. The consequence has been that Sandy Hill has been a county-seat ever since, and Fort Edward has not. Punishments for contempt seem to have been quite com- mon along about that period. Another occurred the same year. John McMichael, already under indictment, was committed during the pleasure of the court, " fur that he, in the presence of the court, was guilty of contempt, by using indecent, disrespectful, and immoral language, and insulting the court." And another person, a little earlier. " being charged" with having uttered contemptuous words against the court, was ordered to find two sureties for his good behavior till the next court, and to stand committed until he should do so, which was sufficiently stringent for " being charged" with contemptuous words. The individual in question was less fortunate than the one who was tried at Salem " charged with suspicion of horse-stealing," for he was acquitted of the curious crime suspicion. As a rule the sentences were decidedly severe. The pil- lory, the whipping-post, and even the branding-iron were recognized instruments in the administration of justice, and the two first were the ornaments of every county-seat. Thus we find a record of one man, convicted of perjury, sentenced to stand in the pillory at Salem one hour, and then to be confined in the State's-prison, at hard labor, for a long term of years ; of another, sentenced for grand larceny, to be taken to the public whipping-po.st, " and that he there receive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, from the waist upwards;" and of still another, convicted of coun- terfeiting, and condemned " to be branded with the letter ' C on his left cheek, with a rod-hot iron, and to confine- ment at hard labor in the State's-prison for life." It would seem that the punishment for counterfeiting was excessively severe even as compared with the other sentences just mentioned, and enormously so in comparison with one for burglary, — " breaking and robbing a store," — the guilty person being only fined ten pounds ! Probably, however, there were mitigating circumstances in that case, and the secret of the severity exercised against counterfeit- ing is to be found in the prevalence of that crime. Coun- terfeiters were as thick as horse-thieves in Texas, and they met with no more mercy. It was not generally bank-bills which were counterfeited, though doubtless there was some of this done, but silver dollars, half-dollars, quarters, etc. ; for the new money of America was already in circulation, though accounts were commonly kept in pounds, shillings, and pence. Bogus silver would seem to be comparatively easy to detect, yet there was a great deal of it in circulation eighty years ago, and the hills of Washington county and of Vermont fur- nished an excellent lurking-place for the lawless manufac- turers. Hon. John McDonald, whose vigorous memory extends back into the hist century, states that the counterfeiters were commonly called " two-for-onc men," because they were in the habit of trading off two dollars of bogus money for one of good. There were bands of them in various parts of this county and Vermont, and one of their prin- cipal " runways" was at the house of the notorious Betsey Fisher (daughter of Rev. Harry Munro), whose own sub. sequent trial and conviction for forgery was among the great sensations of the day. The second newspaper published in the county was issued, like its predecessor, at Salem, in May, 1796, and was called the Washington Patrol (not Patriot, as has sometimes been stated). The patrol was duly represented in an en- graving at the head of the paper as pacing his beat to and fro, with shouldered musket and fixed bayonet, with the Icend, " All is well" issuing from his lips. Beneath was 68 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. the inscription " Watch for the Republic," while above were the French words, "io niiit est jinssde" — the night is passed — evidently referring to the emergence of the country from the darkness of the Revolutionary period, and from the confusion preceding the adoption of the Federal constitu- tion. Notwithstanding this very military and patriotic name and frontispiece, and notwitlistanding the literary merits of St. John Honeywood, the editor, there was still a lack of the sinews of war, and the " Patrol" marched into non- entity within less than a year after it entered on the journ- alistic war-path. It was not until 17!)8, nearly twenty-sis years after the organization of the county, that a successful and permanent newspaper was established within its boundaries. The lucky venture was made by Henry Dodd, and was called the Northern Centiitel, which martial name enabled it to ap- propriate the old engraved frontispiece of the Patrol. The first number was issued at Salem, on the first day of Jan- uary, 1798, and since then Washington county has never been without a newspaper. One good reason why it was so very difficult to support a journal in the county was because there were almost no post-offices nor mail-routes. Up to 1797 Salem was the only post-offiee in the eastern half of the county, supplying with mail not only almost all of this county but several towns in Vermont. Sandy Hill had no post-office till that year, when a mail-route was opened from there to Saratoga. For many years after a successful jiaper was established, it was delivered to subscribers by post-riders, or post-boys as they were commonly called, who traveled on horseback over hill and through dale, sounding their horns as they approached the residences of their patrons, and being usually met by some member of the family, who were the more anxious to learn the news from its so seldom reaching them. If it was night and no one came to receive the paper, after repeated warnings, the post-boy would throw it over the fence to await the arising of the inmates in the morning. It is related that on one occasion the rider, who was de- livering the paper in Cambridge, having absorbed too much spiritual consolation at the tavern, halted at the gate of the old grave-yard south of that village, and blew his horn for some one to come and take his paper. Again and still 'again, each time louder than before, he repeated the call, but finding it still unheeded he threw the paper over into the grave-yard, and rode off, saying, " They will find it when they get up," which was doubtless true. For most of the facts and incidents related in the past two or three pages relating to the courts and the press, we are indebted to the published articles of Hon. James Gib- son, though we have also examined the records bearing on the subject. Keeping our eyes open for the military, then so import- ant an element of country life, we find that in 1799 the command of Brigadier-General Williams consisted of the regiments of Lieutenant-Colonel King, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas, Lieutenant-Colonel White, Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, and Lieutenant-Colonel Lansing. One or two of these were probably out of the county, though in these days it did not require a very large population to justify five regiments of militia. The governor manufactured colonels on the slightest provocation. At the election that year Washington county, including Warren, cast three thousand and thirty-six votes ; of which the Republicans, afterwards called Democrats, had a hand- some majority. Edward Savage, the most popular Repub- lican candidate for the Assembly, received seventeen hun- dred and sixty-six votes ; while David Hopkins, the highest on the Federal list, had but twelve hundred and seventy. The county was almost invariably Republican, or Demo- cratic, those being then convertible terms throughout all its early history. By a law passed in March, 1799, the general manage- ment of the roads in the county was vested in three super- intendents of highways, appointed by the council of ap- pointment. To these superintendents appeals lay from the town commissioners. This arrangement, however, lasted but a few years, since when the road management has been entirely by towns, — -a fact regretted by some, who desire the unity secured by the system just mentioned, or by the still older one, which vested the entire manage- ment in county commissioners. Another important movement in regard to highways was the beginning of turnpikes. The Northern Turnpike Company, the first intended to operate within this county, was incorporated on the first day of April, 1799. It was designed to build a turnpike from Lansingburg, through Cambridge, Salem, and Hebron, to the house of Hezekiah Leaving, in the town of Granville ; and among its directors were William Hay, Edward Wells, Jr., David Long, Martin Van Buskirk, John Williams, and Edward Savage. The company immediately went to work, and not only built the road to the designated point, but continued it northward, through Hampton, to the State line, connect- ing with a similar road to Burlington, Vermont. Tlicy also built a branch from Salem northeastward to the State line, and another from Granville to Whitehall. We may mention in passing that the money received from Vermont at the settlement of the great dispute was divided in 1799 among the New York claimants for dam- ages. It would look as if various subterranean influences prevailed with public officials almost as much then as now. Of the thirty thousand dollars to be distributed. Golds- borough Banyar, of Albany, a large landed proprietor in Cambridge, as well as in other parts of the State, and one of the very provincial officials whose extortions had caused a great part of the difficulty, received seven thousand two hundred and eighteen dollars, while Charles Hutchins, the settler whose lands had been seized and house destroyed by Ethan Allen and his companions, received nine dollars and ninety-eight cents. The other residents of Washington county benefited by the fund were Ebenezer Clarke, thirty- seven dollars and forty-two cents; Archibald Campbell, forty-nine dollars and ninety-one cents ; and Samuel Stev- ens, six hundred and fifty-three dollare and sixty-three cents. Numerous as were the colonels and captains of the mili- tia, their commands were apt to be deficient in men, and still more so in e(|uipments. A brigade return of the uniformed companies of Washington county militia, for the year 1800, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 69 shows that Captain Solomon Smith's troop of horse could muster but twenty-seven men and fourteen sabres. Captain K- Smith's troop had twenty-eight men and seven cartridge- boxes; Captain John Doty's light infantry had twenty-five soldiers, with fifteen firelocks; while Captain Morrison's company had but fifteen members. Having now reached the end of the eighteenth century, we will pause in our record of current events to take a somewhat comprehensive view of Washington county as it was at that era. CHAPTER XV. A GENERAL VIEW. Population in 180(1— Increase of Villages— Plight increase of Farms — Style of Houses— Principal Industries — Markets- Whisky — Methods of Traveling — Wolves and Bears — A Circular Hunt — An CNciting Scene — Slaughter of the Foe — Demoralization of the Sur- vivors. At this time' there were thirty-five thousand inhabitants in Washington county, of which probably twenty-five thou- sand, or half the present number, were in the territory which now goes by that name, and the rest in the present Warren county. The increase, however, has been largely in the villages, which were then very few and very small. The farming population was probably two-thirds or three- fourths as large then as now. Tiie amount of land cleared was, however, very much less then than now. Mr. John IMcDonald estimates it at one-fourth the area now cleared. Except in the villages, almost all the houses were of logs, and tiie barns of the same material. The inhabitants were still mostly of Scotch and New England blood, with a few Hudson river Dutchmen intermingled. The raising of grain — wheat, oats, and rye — was the prin- cipal industry of the farmers, though considerable attention was also paid to the rearing of cattle. Of sheep each farmer tried to guard a few against the wolves, so that his wife or daughters could make the flannel and the " fulled cloth" necessary for their own family. The main market for exports was at Montreal, by way of Lake Champlain, whither were transported not only the surj)lus grain of the farmers but large quantities of pot and pearl ashes, made from the timber which they were glad to get rid of in order to clear tlieir land. Potash, in fact, was one of tiie main resources of the pioneers ; for that, being easy of transportation in proportion to its value, would always bring cash, while grain could sometimes hardly be sold lor enough to pay the cost of freight. There was also a local market at Lansingburg (for Troy was not yet in existence), where small sales and purchases were made, especially in the winter, when Lake Champlain was closed by ice. Occasionally, too, some old-fashioned man would take a sleigh-load of produce or drive a drove of cattle overland to Boston, in accordance with the habit of a .still earlier day, but this was very seldom. The main travel being northward to Montreal and southward to Lan- singburg, the three great roads running north and south through the county frequently showed in winter a long procession of teams going to market with produce and re- turning with salt, hardware, and other purchased articles. Shout and song enlivened the way, and now and then one of the foremost drivers would produce a jug of whisky, re- spectfully salute it with upturned lips, and then set it in the snow beside the road, where each, as lie passed, would seize it, draw his rations, and again deposit the precious utensil in the snow. The general lic|uor-driiiking proclivities have been men- tioned before. It is said that there were from ten to fifteen taverns in the town of Salem alone, besides several other places where liquor was sold, and a distillery, where a dipper always hung beside the still, and where whisky was as free as cider at a cider-mill. Doubtless, however, this constant drinking, though sufficiently injurious, was not as harmful as it would now be, because the drinkers were nearly all devoted to hard, out-door, manual labor, and they " worked off" a good portion of the liquor so freely imbibed. Most of the teams which then drove over the road had harnesses with rope traces, harnesses entirely of leather being reserved for the aristocracy ; in fact, it was a sign of a man's being in pretty good circumstances if he even owned a horse-team. Probably a majority of the farmers had nothing but oxen, and tho.se who had horses used them principally for the road, doing their farm-work with the more humble species of team. As for pleasure-carriages, single or double, there was hardly one in the county, though possibly in two or three villages an old-fashioned chaise might have been seen rolling leisurely along on its two wheels, beneath the burden of some ponderous couple too aged for horseback riding. Nearly all the traveling by men on business was done on horseback, and the women, too, of the better class, were all at home on the side-saddle. Even the one-horse wagon was an unknown institution. While the poorer cla.ss of farmers went to meeting with their families on ox-carts, one of the more " forehanded" ones would on Sunday hitch up his horses to his big lumber-wagon, take his wife and .six or eight children, perhaps fill up with the family of one of his poorer neighbors, and drive off to church with flying colors. Sometimes, however, when the family consisted only of a young married couple, the man would bestride his saddle, the wife would seat herself behind him on a pillion, and thus in proper state they would make their way to the house of the Lord. Toll-bridges were then quite numerous. There was one over the Hudson at Sandy Hill, another at Fort Miller, and another at Schuylerville ; also one over the Iloosic, long known as FJagle bridge. The wild animals were still plentiful, especially in the northern part of the county. Sheep had to be carefully folded for fear of the wolves, and it was not uncommon for a bear to scramble into a badly-constructed hog-pen, seize a convenient-sized young shote by the back of the neck, and trot off with him into the woods, as a cat does with a kitten ; always provided that the squeals of the captured animal did not bring out the pioneer with his rifle to put an end to the ursine exploit. Occasionally, too, the shriek of the panther, fiercest of American beasts, was heard at the edge of a clearing, when mothei's hastily gathered their children together, and shuddered at thought of the terrible danger nigh. 70 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. To get rid of these numerous unpleasant visitors, espe- cially the wolves, the people were in the habit of forming great circles several miles in extent, and moving steadily forward towaids the centre, shooting at every animal they saw. Sometimes an unguarded place in the circle per- mitted the beasts to escape, but usually there was quite an extensive slaughter. One of the last and most successful of these circle-hunts was directed against Kingsbury swamp in the very first year of this century. As other sections had been cleared up and hunted out, the wild animals had retreated to this extensive tangled marsh as to their last fortress. The proper arrangements having been duly made before- hand, early one summer morning, when the swamp was comparatively dry, the farmers and villagers assembled from far and near, armed with rifles, muskets, and fowling- pieces, and plentifully provided with ammunition. A cap- tain and the necessary subordinates were elected, and a li.st of signals and a code of rules were duly promulgated. Then, under the direction of the officers, the circle was carefully formed, and at a preconcerted signal the men ad- vanced into the swamp. IMoving forward as rapidly as the tangled undergrowth would permit, they soon began to rouse up some of their victims. Deer sprang from their lairs, and darted away towards the centre of the covert, some falling before the weapons of the hunters, while now and then an old buck would make a bold dash through the circle, and gain the freedom of the distant hills of Fort Ann. Still onward pressed the hunters, and at length they began to see the gray-backed sheep-eaters, the especial object of their search. These, too, retreated toward the centre. The circular skirmish-line grew closer. The firing was almost incessant, but it was only at long intervals that a wolf was slain, when shouts of triumph burst from a hundred throats, resembling the scalp-yell which erstwhile rose in these same forests over many a human victim. Wolves and deer were now intermixed, and for the time forgot their mutual antipathy in the common fear of a more deadly foe. More and more frequent grew the shots of rifle and musket and fowling-piece. More and more frequently some of the inclosed animals dashed through the circle and made their escape ; more and more common became the shouts of triumph over the slain. At length the centre is reached amid a grand fusillade of excited sportsmen, a frantic scattering of still surviving animals, and a tremendous chorus of yells that would have rejoiced the heart of Marin or St. Luc de la Corne. On counting the slain eleven wolves were found, — a most extraordinary yield, — together with deer and other smaller animals too numerous or too insignificant for record. Many of the wolves which escaped were doubtless wounded, and the rest were badly demoralized. In fact, they were sick of the country. Most of them made their way to join their comrades in the mountains of Dresden and Putnam ; and the central and southern portions of the county were never afterwards infested by these midnight assassins to ' anything like the same extent as before. It was by no means uncommon, however, for one of them to come down out of the hills, run riot in two or three flocks of sheep, slaughtering and sucking the blood of a dozen or more, hardly stopping to taste the flesh of the slain, and then escaping unharmed to his rocky fastness. Fox®, too, frequently killed young lambs as remorselessly as they would so many chickens, and, taking it altogether, the business of raising sheep in Washington county was a decidedl}' precarious one for a considerable time, even in the present century. CHAPTER XVI. 1800 TO 1861. A Peaceful Era — Greenwich — Another Court-IIouse — Turnpikes- Dresden — Fort Ann — The County Clerk's Office — Sheep-raising — First Memoirs — An E.vpcnsive Experiment — Frame Houses — War of 1S12 — General Apathj— Flax-culture — Premium for Woolen Cloth — A Curious Tribunal — Warren County formed — Prospect of Invasion — Militia called out — Queer Stories — A Regiment on the Lake — News of Victory — White Cr.eek and Jackson — The Champ- lain Canal — Its Completion — General Improvement — The Stage- Coach Era — Some Distinguished Men — The Wool Business again — Population at various Periods — Progress of Improvement — Plank-Roads— The First Railroad— Approach of War. Wf, have now passed the old Indian period, the Revolu- tionary period, and the pioneer period, in the existence of Washington county. Henceforth, for sixty years, our steps will be along the beaten path of our more prosaic modern life, and we can therefore advance with much more rapidity. Another thing that will facilitate the progress of this gen- eral history is the fact that the town histories, and the numerous sketches there given of churches, lodges, manu- factures, etc., will give the reader a better idea of the later development of the county than any mere general account that we could compile. On the 4th of March, 1803, the town of Greenwich was formed from the southern part of Argyle. The next year was marked by the beginning of a court-house at Sandy Hill. The law providing for its erection was pas.sed on the 20th day of March, 1804, and directed that it should be built within half a mile of the house of Daniel Cook in the town of Kingsbury. It was not completed until 1806. It was a plain, rectangular two-story frame building, about thirty-five feet by forty, and is still standing, in a fair state of preservation, near where it was originally erected. During the next few years, the most noticeable improve- ment was in regard to the roads ; numerous turnpikes being built iu various parts of the county during the first decade of this century. The most important was the Waterford and Whitehall turnpike. The company was incorporated in March, 180G, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the road was built soon after. It was sixty miles long, and crossed the Hudson into this county at Fort Miller, running thence by way of Fort Edward and Fort Ann to Whitehall. Other turnpikes of the period were the " Whitehall and Granville," the " Whitehall and Fair Haven," the " Mitchell and Shaftsbury," and the "East Salem." All have ceased to take toll except the Whitehall and Granville. On the 28th of February, 1806, the long, mountainous peninsula lying between Lake Champlaiu and Lake George HISTOHY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 71 was severed from Westfield and formed into a new town, to which was very properly given the name of the sturdy warrior who had so often coasted along its shores and trav- ersed with wary steps its rock-bound ridges. The town of Putnam, as then organized, contained not only the territory wliich now bears that name, but also the present town of Dresden. With even greater appropriatcne.ss, on the sixth day of April, 1808, the unmeaning name of We.stfield was changed for the historic one of Fort Ann. It is only to be regretted that the same law did not provide some condign punishment for every reckless mortal who should dare to spell the name derived from Queen Anne in any other way than A, double n, e; but it did not, and time has now sanctified our fore- fathers' blunder, probably beyond the hope of remedy. Notwith.standing, or rather becau.se, there were twocounty- seats, the county clerk's office had not been located at either one of them. In fact, after it left Salem it had been kept wherever the county clerk happened to reside. But in 1806 an end was put to its peregrinations, by a law which located it permanently " within one-half mile of the house of Peleg Bragg, in the town of Argylc ;" the person named being a noted tavern-keeper of that period and locality. Peleg Bragg has long since passed away, but the county clerk's office of Washington county is still kept within half a mile of the point where his house stood in 180G. We now turn -our attention to a branch of agricultural industry which up to this period had been little regarded, but which has since become one of the most important in the county ; we refer to the raising of sheep. For the facts relating to this subject we are indebted to Dr. Fiteh's ad- mirable " Survey of Washington County." Throughout the last century, as already stated, the farmers raised only sheep enough to supply their families with home-made clothing, — and they thought themselves lucky if they could circumvent the wolves with sufficient shrewdness to do that. The few that were raised were long-legged animals with light, coarse fleeces, and were inveterate rovers over hill and dale. Their principal good quality was the hardiness with which they withstood the severities and changes of this variant climate. But during the first years of this century the wolves were pretty well thinned out, and at the same time a few manufactures began to spring up in this country, aflPording a market for wool, while through the efforts of Chancellor Livingston a beginning was made in the importation of fine- wooled sheep. The first cross of the common sheep of the country was with an English variety, which produced a great improvement, the fleece being heavier than that of either parent, and the mutton being more plentiful and of equally good quality. The change, too, immediately obliterated the roving propensities of the common breed. The first merino sheep iu Washington county were brought into the present town of White Creek (then Cam- bridge) in 1809. The next year a flock was begun in Salem, and the great value set on these wonderful exotics is shown by a contract made between Alexander McNish, of that town, and Piobert Prince, a merchant of New York. By that contract, in consideration of Mr. I'rince's furnish- ing a merino buck and two ewes, Mr. McNish agreed to furnish a hundred common ewes, and bear the whole ex- pense of keeping and taking care of the flock for seven years ; the common ewes to be divided equally at the end of the first year, the buck lambs and wool to be equally divided every year, and the flock to be equally divided at the end of the seven years. Still it was not strange that Mr. Prince wanted a pretty good bargain, since his three merinos cost him eighteen hundred dollars. . There was a strong prejudice against the new-comers among many of the old-fashioned farmers. It was feared that they would cause a great degeneration of the hardy native sheep, and one of Mr. McNi.sh's neighboi-s threat- ened to shoot that gentleman's merino buck, if ever found trespassing on the threatcner's land. In fact there was some reason for the fears so decidedly expressed, for the half-grade lambs died by the score, so that from a hundred ewes Mr. McNish only saved sixteen lambs the first year. It required many expensive and care-burdened years to acclimate the merino sheep in the United States, but when once the task was accomplished the benefits were immense. Further reference will be made to the wool-growing interests of Wash- ington county. By 1812 frame houses were rapidly taking the place of log ones on all the principal roads, and the landscape was widely assuming the characteristics of civilization. In June of that year war was declared between the United States and Great Britain ; but so completely had the condition of Washington and the adjoining counties been changed, that whereas they had once formed the great war-path and battle- ground of the continent, they now scarcely felt the shock of the conflict. A few of the young men enlisted in the regular or volunteer service, and a few more were occasion- ally called to the frontier in the militia ; but there was neither the intense interest caused by the actual presence of foreign and savage foemen, as in the Revolution, nor the grand enthusiasm which inspired the loyal North during the late struggle for the existence of the nation. The War of 1812 was a dreary, dragging, driveling con- test, marked alike by the extreme apathy of the people and the extraordinary imbecility of the administration. Occasional bodies of troops were seen marching northward over the old war-path, but no considerable armies. But while the military history of Washington county in the War of 1812 was very slight, that contest had a marked effect on its industrial progress. Flax, like wool, had previously been produced only in small quantities, such as could be manufactured by the " little wheel" and the loom of each family ; every farmer usually sowing a few square rods. In May, 1812, when the country was pr(?- paring for the war which was declared the next month, and when prices were rising in consequence, Mr. James Whiteside, of Candjridge, sowed three acres in flax. All his neighbors were astonished, and predicted that the labor of raising and dressing it would be so great as to more than use up any price which could be obtained. But the value still continued to rise, and tlie dressed flax was sold for eighteen and three-fourths cents per pound. As this gave a handsome profit, several of Mr. Whiteside's neighbors embarked in the same business, and flax-raising soon became an important industry in the 72 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. southern part of Washington county. Even when prices went down after the war it was still found profitable, and attained a magnitude of no slight importance. The woolen manufacture also continued to flourish. Under a State law of the period a premium of forty dollars wa.s paid in 1813 to Scott Woodworth, of Cambridge, for the best woolen cloth made in the county, and another of thirty-five dollars to Adam Cleveland, of Salem, for the second best. The next year the first premium was carried off by Alexander McNish, and the second by Reuben Wheeler, both of Salem. The law vested the power of awarding the prizes in the judges of the common pleas in each county ; rather a curious tribunal, we should now think, to perform such a duty. It sliould be remembered, however, that at that time the "judges" were nearly all farmers, bu.siness men, etc., and perhaps as competent to decide on the value of woolen cloth as any other five men in the county. On the 12th day of March, 181.S, the county of Warren was erected. This reduced the area of Washington county to the limits which it has ever since retained. It also brought the eastern county-seat, at Sandy Hill, within a mile of the county line ; but, as the court-house was al- ready built, the location has been able to hold its ground against all rivals ever since. In August, 1814, there was a genuine excitement in re- gard to the war, and the militia were ordered out en masse to resist the threatened invasion by General Sir George Provost, by way of Plattsburg. As has previously been stated, we were a very military people in the sense of hav- ing numerous regiments of militia throughout the country. There were three or four in this county alone. These were all called out ; and all responded, so far as to turn out with a greater or less number of men, and turn their faces towards Plattsburg. There are .some queer stories told, however, regarding their movements, which tend to show that the .so-often vaunted .superiority of "the good old times" did not extend to military valor. Tradition stoutly asserts that one battalion occupied twelve days in marching from its place of organization to Whitehall ; but that, on hearing there that the battle had been fought, it only took them one day to march back again. Of an eminent general of the period it is said that he mistook the stern for the prow of his vessel, and went the wrong way on Lake Ciiamplain, when he heard the cannon at Plattsburg. It must be said, however, that not only were the militia freshly drawn from their fields, entirely unversed in war, but that they were often unprovided with arms or ammu- nition, without which it would be difiicult for any one to fight.. One of the regiments from the eastern part of the county was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John McClary, of Salem (there being no colonel of militia at that time); but Major William Root, of Hebron, was the ofiicer in actual command when it was called out. It rendezvoused at West Hebron, marched thence to Sandy Hill, and thence to Whitehall. The latter point was the general rendezvous for all this section of the country, as it had also been for McDonough's fleet. The regiment just mentioned, of whose movements we happen to know from Hon. John McDonald, who was a member of it (or, rather, who went with it of his own accord, although exempt by law from service on account of his being a student in an incorporated acaderayl, sailed from Whitehall in two sloops just before the battle of I'lattsburg. Jlr. jMoDonough says he does not believe there were six eflFective muskets in the regiment. The arrangement was for them to go to the arsenal at Burlington, Vt., and receive arms, and thence to Platt.s- burg, to meet the enemy. But just before reaching the former place, and while still twelve or fifteen miles south of Plattsburg, the thunder of cannon was heard booming over the wave. Crash after crash, broadside responded to broadside, and the raw recruits began to feel as if they didn't know whether they were in such a very great hurry to get their arms or not. After a brief but evidently furious combat, the warlike sounds ceased, and then the soldiers on board the sloops were in a tremor of anxiety to know which side was victorious. If the British had conquered there was nothing for the American vessels on the lake to do but to make their way southward with all possible speed. But after a short time a light vessel came flying up the lake with all sails set, and horsemen went galloping along the shores bearing the news that once again the flag of the self-styled mistress of the seas had been lowered before the upstart Yankee bunting. In every war in which America has been engaged her sailors have invariably covered them- selves with glory, and in the War of 1812 they employed for that purpose about all the glory there was in the market, leaving very little of that splendid raiment for the use of the forces on land. Immediately after the defeat of the British fleet, the army of Sir George Provost retreated to Canada, and so the militia were allowed to return home and relieve the minds of anxious women and children, to whom the thought of British invasion still brought up the old idea of brutal Hessians and murderous Indians, on their mission of devastation and butchery. Just after the close of the war, on the 17th of April, 1815, the town of White Creek was formed from the east side of Cambridge, thus becoming the southeastern town of the county. Its appellation is derived from the stream of that name, which forms its western boundary ; but as has been said, it has caused considerable trouble among students of the early history of the county, who have confounded it with the old " White Creek," which for nearly a hun- dred years has gone by the name of Salem. Jackson was also formed from Cambridge about the same time, lying in a narrow strip between Cambridge and White Creek on the south, and Salem on the north. Its name, of course, was derived from the hero whose exploit at New Orleans was one of the few redeeming features of the War of 1812. Immediately after the close of that war, a very vigorous eflbrt was made to improve the means of transportation in this State, by the opening of canals along the main lines of travel and freightage. In fact some movements had been made in that direction before the war, but were abandoned at the commencement of hostilities. On the return of peace, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 73 however, the desire for a system of canals awoke with re- newed energy, and under the zealous leadership of De Witt Clinton it soon found voice in legislative enactments. One of the very first canals provided for by law — stand- ing on an equality in respect to time with the Erie and the Oswego — was the ChauipUiin canal ; the law for the con- .struction of which was passed in the forepart of the year 1817. Its peaceful course followed the same route which had so often been followed by hostile armies, and which was selected, though not used, by the Northern Inland Lock Navigation Company. Beginning at the Erie canal, near Cohoes, the line crossed the Mohawk, pa.ssed up the west side of the Hudson to Schuylcrville ; thence crossed into Washington county by means of a dam seven hun- dred feet long ; thence followed the eastern bank of the river to Fort Edward. There it left the river and ran northwestward over a ridge into the valley of Wood creek, down which it ran (part of the time in the bed of the creek) to Whitehall, where it united with Lake Champlain. The work was begun on the 10th day of June, 1818. As in the case of nearly every other new improvement, many were frightened at the idea of a canal. It would take all the freight business, they said, and what would be- come of the hundreds of men who gained a livelihood during the winter by drawing produce to market and drawing freight back ? And, besides, when all the horses were taken off the road the price of oats would go down to zero, half- ruining the farmers. But, in spite of these and other similar forebodings, the canal was pushed vigorously for- ward. As first constructed it included eleven miles of slack-water navigation on the Hudson, — three miles below and eight miles above Fort Miller, — with a short canal, con- taining two locks, around the falls at that place. For the distance above specified the tow-path ran along the eastern bank of the river. On the 10th of September, 1823, the whole work was completed ; this being two years before the completion of the Erie canal, and the Champlain being the first canal of any length finished in the State. A large increase of busi- ness immediately followed ; the teamsters found pl(?nty to do in drawing freight to and from the canal, and the farmers were not ruined by the fall of oats. At this period (say 1820) a large majority of the log liouses of twenty years before had been replaced by small frame houses, generally unpainted, though on the by-roads many a log cabin sheltered a hardy family beneath its humble roof. The ordinary farm-house of the period, of which some specimens still remain, was a square " story and a lialf" or two-story building, standing broadside to the road, with a " stack of chimneys" in the middle and a kitchen in the rear. Probably about half the land was cleared up at this time ; nearly all the valleys and level places being brought into a state of cultivation, while a large portion of the hill-land was still covered by the pri- meval forest. The farmers still n de to church in their lumber-wagons, and the doctors invariably visited their patients on horse- back. Hon. E. MeJIurray, of Salem, informs us that even as late as 1820 there were not more than four or five one- hor.sc, four-wheeled vehicles in that town, and a few chaises. 10 There was still a great deal of home-manufacturing. Not only were fulled-eloth and flannel, tow-cloth and linen, made in nearly every Airm-house, but hats, caps, and shoes were made in every little village to an extent now unknown. The main roads (especially the great northern turnjiike through Cambridge, Salem, etc., and the road along the east bank of the Hudson) were now more than ever crowded with teams, fijrming an almost endless procession. These, too, were the days of the stage-coach. Every daj', over the two great roads, the big yellow carriages went swinging along with every seat filled, while the driver's horn re- sounded merrily over the hills, and the children ran lo the door to see the stage pass by with as much interest as their parents had manifested in childhood at the approach of the occasional post-rider, and with much more interest than is shown by the youth of to-day as they watch the long train of cars which the screaming, snorting locomotive drags over the plain. We have mentioned befiire the remarkable number of State senators hailing from Washington county during the first thirty or forty years of its existence. The prominence of the county was by no means confined to that ofiice, as will be seen by reference to the civil list in the latter part of this general history. It will be seen by such reference that, from 1795 to 1843, Washington had a member of Congress twenty-two out of twenty-six terms, besides furnishing the incumbents of several important State offices. Most of them are left to be mentioned in their respective towns. In 1823, however, a citizen of this county was ap- pointed to one of the two highest judicial offices in the State. We refer to Hon. John Savage, a native and resident of Salem, who held the office of chief-justice of the Supreme Court from 1823 to 1837; that being before the court of appeals, when the chief-justice had no rival in judicial rank except the chancellor. Previous to being appointed chief-justice Mr. Savage had for two years been comptroller of the State. In this connection wc may mention that a still more dis- tinguished jurist, who but a few years since left the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States, Hon. Samuel Nelson, was also a native of Washington county (town of Hebron), and received his education at Salem Academy, though he attained his celebrity while residing in another part of the State. Hon. Henry C. Martindale, of Sandy Hill, who ei:tered Congress in 1823, was likewise a gentleman of decided prominence in the councils of the State and nation. lie held a seat in Congress for four terms, that being the longest time that any one man has represented this county in the national legislature. It was an evidence of very marked abilities and popularity in the recipient of the honor, as it is very seldom that the people of any congressional district, at least in the North, choose to be represented for eight years by the same person. In 1822 the town of South Bay was formed from Put- nam, on the 15th of March. The name, however, did not suit, and on the 17th of the succeeding month it was changed to Dresden. In 1825 the Erie canal was finished, and the people of Washington county began to be anxious for still greater 7-4 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NI]W YORK. improvements in transportation. De Witt Clinton, then governor, was very willing to" second this desire, which chimed with his favorite hobby, and in that year he recom- mended to the Legislature that the Hudson should be made navigable for steamboats to Fort Edward, and, what is more curious, that the Batten Kill should be made passable for similar craft to the Vermont line. These projects failed, but the Champlain canal was improved by abandoning the slackwater navigation, and constructing a channel for boats, independent of the river, all the way from opposite Schuy- lerville to Fort Edward. This improvement was begun in 1826 and finished in 1827. Meanwhile the production of wool had been .steadily in- creasing, and in 1825 Isaac Bishop, of Granville, began buying that article to send out of the county, the average price that year being fifty-two cents a pound. The business continued to increase, and for thirty years wool-raising was one of the leading industries of Washington county ; in fact it was the leading industry, so far as the obtaining of ready money was concerned. Granville, Salem, Cambridge, and one or two other points became so favorably known as wool-markets that large amounts of the article were brought thither to be sold from the State of Vermont and from tlie adjoining counties of this State. There were, of course, many fluctuations in the price, and many were the fortunes lost or made in the business. In 1825, as before stated, the highest price was fifty-two cents; in 1827 it had fallen to thirty-six cents; in 1831 it ranged from sixty to seventy-eight cents for common grades, while for the finest merino the price was a dollar a pound. In 1835 common wool sold at from forty to sixty-five cents per pound, while the best quality brought eighty-three cents. Great excitement was manifested at this period, and the .streets of the villages before mentioned were thronged at the wool-selling period with eager buyers, and many an industrious farmer or enterprising speculator thought he was about to secure unbounded wealth from the merinos nur- tured on the slopes of the Wa.shington County hills. But the excitement went down with many others of that inflated period, and though wool-growing continued to be an im- portant industry, prices never rose so high again until the great ascension caused by the war. In 1845, some grades went down as low as twenty-five cents. Few and brief are the annals of an agricultural county in a time of profound peace, after the hardships of early settlement have been passed through, and when no great public works are going forward. By 1840 the population had reached very near its present limit, being then forty-one thousand and eighty. In 1850 it was forty-four thousand Seven hundred and fifty, and in 18G0 it rose to forty-five thousand nine hundred and four. Another change came over the appearance of the faim- ers' homes. As, during the first quarter of the century, the old log houses were nearly all replaced by small red or brown frame dwellings, so during the succeeding forty years previous to the civil war there was a general change from the latter edifices to those of a larger and handsomer class. Sometimes the old brown cottage was renovated, repainted, and enlarged ; sometimes a new edifice was erected, better suited to the wealth and wants of a younger generation. The farms, too, were cleared ofiT and improved in divers ways, improved cattle as well as sheep were introduced, and the whole county showed a marked increase in wealth but very little in population. What increase there was, in the latter respect, was almost entirely in the villages. In 1847 there began what might be called a plank-road fever ; it sprang up and spread rapidly over a large part of the country. Washington county was as zealous as other sections in securing the benefits, more or less, of this new aid to transportation. In the course of a few years there were built and put in operation the Whitehall and Hamp- ton plank-road ; the Fort Edward and Fort Miller plank- road ; the Argyle and Fort Edward plank-road, and the Hartford and Sandy Hill plank-road. The two last are still in operation, which is a larger proportion than is usually seen ; all the plank-roads in many counties having been worn out and entirely abandoned. Up to 1848 there had been no railroad in Washington county. The Saratoga and Washington railroad company had been incorporated on the 2d of May, 1834, with a capital of §600,000, and the company had been fully or- ganized on the 20th of April, 1835. But the financial crisis of 1830 stopped its operations, and nothing was done in this county. The time for the company to complete the road was afterwards extended until 1850, and the capital stock was increased in 1847 to $850,000. They began laying the track in April, 1848, and in December of the same year the road was completed to Whitehall. The same year a law was passed permitting the company to extend its road to the Vermont State line, which was soon after done. In February, 1855, a mortgage was foreclosed, the road was sold, and in June following the purchasers formed a new company, called the Saratoga and Whitehall railroad company, which took control of the road. The name of the road was changed to correspond with that of the com- pany. The Troy and Rutland railroad company was organized on the 6th of March, 1851. A road was surveyed from Hoosic, Rensselaer Co., through the towns of Cambridge and Salem, Washington Co., to the village of Salem ; work was pushed rapidly forward, and on the 28th of June, 1852, it was opened for use. It was leased by the Rutland and Washington road, running from Salem to Rutland, Vt., until 1855, when it was put in the hands of a receiver, and run in connection with the Albany Northern. Its .situation since the war will be mentioned in the twentieth chapter. Thus, engrossed in peaceful avocations and enterprises, the people continued the even tenor of their way until, in the winter of 1861 and '62, they were startled by the ominous niutterings of coming war, rolling up from the south. Angry and astonished, they awaited the course of events, scarcely believing it possible that the wicked and suicidal attack on the life of the nation, which appeared to be imminent, could really be nuidc by men in a state of even partial sanity. When the storm burst on the 14th day of April, 1861, the .sons of Washington county responded as promptly to the call of their country, and served as valorously in the field, as did those of any other in all the land. In the fol- lowing pages wo have endeavored to give our readers some HISTORY OF WASHINGTON' COUNTY, NEW YORK. faint idea of the liavdships undergone, and the services per- formed, by these gallant defenders of their country. Owing, however, to the fact that there was no city nor very lars;e yillage to serve as a centre of action, and that the influence dyen of a county-seat was divided betwee'n two jjlaces, the yoilog men in different parts of the county generally joined regiments of which a majority belonged in other counties. Among all the thousands of volunteers which Washington county sent into the service of the country, there was only one distinctively Washington-county regiment. One regi- ment had four companies from this county, another three, and several had but one company, or part of a company, each. This has made it extremely difficult to ascertain the flicts regarding the services performed, except in the case of the r23d Regiment. In some cases, not a single representative could be found remaining in the county of a regiment which once contained quite a number of Washington-county soldiers ; in other cases, only one or two members are left. Under these circumstances, we have gathered up the meagre details as best we could ; being desirous to do all in our power to give due honor to the gallant soldiers of Washington county, and being fortunate in having a very complete account of the distinctively Washington-county regiment from the pen of its former adjutant. CHAPTER XVII. REGIMENTS EAISED IN 1861. The 22d Infantry— The Washington County Companies— A Balti- more Mob— The Right of the Whole Line— Second Battle of Bull Run — Severe Loss — Death of McCoy, Milliman, Lendrum, and Beattie — South Mountain and Antietam — Fredericksburg — Official Changes— Chancellorsville— Muster Out— The43d Infantry— Com- pany F — The Peninsuliir Campaign — Loss of Half its Number — Antietam, Chancellorsville, etc. — A Half-Dozcn return Home — The 44th Infantry— Its Services— The S7th Infantry— Company A, from Dresden and Putnam — Battles, Losses, and Consolidation — The 93d Infantry — Three Companies from Washington Count3- — At Yorktown — Capture of Colonel and Major — Acting as Provost and Headquarter Guard for a Year and a Half. The Wilderness — Great Number Killed and Wounded — The succeeding Battles — Before Petersburg — Mustered Out — The 9Gth Infantry — Company E, of Washington County— On the Peninsula— Services in North Carolina — Desperate Valor at Cold Harbor — The Siege and Tri- umph — Provost-Guard until 1866 — Officers of Company E — The 2d Cavalry — Company A, from Salem — Stationed at Washington —The Harris Light Cavalry— Company E, of Fort Edward— Cap- ture of Falmouth — Second Bull Run — Kilpatriok's Raid — Br.andy Station and Aldie— The Dahlgren Raid— AVilh Sheridan in the Valley — Five Forks. The first regiment from this section was the 22d New York Infantry; of which four companies were raised in Washington county, one in Rensselaer, two in Warren, and three in Essex. Nearly all the towns in the county were represented, but the points of organization of the four com- panies were as follows : Co. B, Fort Edward ; Co. D, Cam- bridge; Co. G, Whitehall; Co. H, Sandy Hill. Early in June, 18G1, the various companies were marched to Troy, where, on the sixth day of that month, they were organized into the 22d Regiment. Walter Piielps, of War- ren county, was the first colonel ; Gordon F. Thomas, of Essex, the lieutenant-colonel ; and John McKie, Jr., of Cambridge, Washington county, the major. The officers rf the Washington -county companies were as follows : Co. B. — Robert E. McCoy, captain ; Duncan Lendrum, first lieutenant; James W. McCoy, second lieutenant. Oimpany D. — Henry S. Milliman, captain ; Thomas B. Fisk, first lieutenant; Robert Rice, second lieutenant. Cumpani/ G. — Edmund Boynton, captain ; succeeded by Benjamin G. Mosher before muster; Duncan Cameron, first lieutenant. Compaitij A. — Thomas J. Strong, captain ; William A. Piersons, first lieutenant ; Matthew S. Teller, second lieu- tenant. In the latter part of July the regiment set out for the seat of war. On the 28th of that mouth, while pa.ssing through Baltimore, they were attacked by a mob of the secessionists of that city. Stones were hurled furiously at the column of soldiers, guns and pistols were fired, and one of the men of the 22d fell dead, — the first sacrifice of the regiment to the spirit of rebellion. The 22d opened a return fire, several members of the mob fell wounded, and the regiment pas.sed on without further interference. The 22d was stationed in Washington at the time of the first battle of Bull Run, and crossed to Arlington Heights immediately afterwards. During the succeeding autuum and winter it was stationed at Upton Heights, being a part of the 1st Brigade and 1st Division in the 1st (McDowcH'-s) Army Corps. In that brigade the 14th New York (of Brooklyn) had the right of the line, and the 22d stood next ; so that it was a subject of remark that if all the armies of the United States had been drawn up in line — extending more than a hundred miles — those two battalions would have occupied the extreme right of them all. In the spring of 18G2 the 22d marched with the rest of McDowell's Corps to Fredericksburg, being the first Union troops to enter that city. When Stonewall Jackson was operating in the Valley of Virginia, the corps made a long and rapid march to Front Royal, only to find that ubiquitous warrior far on his way to Richmond. They then returned to Fredericksburg, where they remained till August. They then marched to Cedar Mountain, and returned from there to Rappahannock Station. Thence the corps proceeded northward to join Pope, and on the 29th day of August the 22d was engaged in its first serious fight, — the bloody conflict commonly known as the second battle of Bull Run. The regiment under consideration was in the reserve division, and wa.s not engaged on the first day of the battle (the 28th), nor on the second day (the 29th) until about two hours before sunset. Scarcely had they opened Arc, when the foe, having already broken through McDowell's line, came pouring in immense numbers upon the right flank of the 1st Division, and crushing it up with resistless force. The 22d strove desperately, but in vain, to resist the over- whelming tide. The dead and wounded fell by the score. ]jieut.-Col. Thomas was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men. Major McKie was wounded. Capt. McCoy, of Co. B, when hard pressed by the enemy, might have saved his life by surrendering, but continued 76 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. to fight on, and soon fell dead upon the field. His body was found the next day, pierced with several bullets. Capt. MilIiinan,of Co. D, was mortally wounded, and Lieut. Fisk, of the same company, was wounded. It was not till after sunset that the fighting ceased. During those two hours of battle the 22d lost about seventy men killed, and had four times as many wounded, besides a considerable number taken prisoners. The next day the wearied and shattered regiment again took part in the conflict, but was not stationed so as to bear the brunt of the attack. Many of its members, however, were killed or wounded ; among the former being Lieut. Lendrum, of Co. B, and Lieut. William S. Beattie, of Co. D, and among the latter, Capt. Cameron, of Co. G. and Lieut. Teller, of Co. H. When all was over the 22d Regiment had only about a hundred men for duty. Capt. Strong, who was almost the only captain left unharmed, reported fourteen men for duty ; and some of the companies had still less. From Bull Run the feeble battalion marched with Pope's army to Washington, and then, under McClellan, took part in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It did not suffer severely, however, losing but a few men in killed and wounded at South Mountain, and still less at Antietam. At this period, Maj. McKie was commissioned as lieu- tenant-colonel in place of Col. Thomas, and Capt. Clendon, of Warren county, was made major. The 22d, strengthened by the addition of recruits and by the return of some of its wounded to duty, marched with Burnside to Fredericksburg in the mud and snow of November and December, 1862. In the battle at that place it crossed the Rappahannock river below the town, with the rest of the 1st Corps, but was not seriously en- gaged, and suffered but slight loss. Lieut.-Col. McKie was accidentally wounded at Fredericksburg, and resigned his commission in February, 1863, as did Maj. Clendon. Capt. T. J. Strong was successively commissioned and mus- tered as major and lieutenant-colonel. After Burnside was compelled to retreat the 22d remained with the Army of the Potomac throughout the winter and early spring. In the early days of May, 1863, the depleted battalion, with feeble ranks, but with unbroken spirits, again set forth (or Fredericksburg, the army being then under the com- mand of Gen. Hooker. They again crossed the Rappa- hannock, and were under some artillery fire at Chaneel- lorsviile; but, as at the previous battle in that vicinity, it chanced that they were not in a dangerous position, and suffered no injury. Shortly after this disastrous conflict, the last of the great Confederate victories, the 22d returned home, and was mustered out on the 19th of June. Hardly a quarter of those who had marched forth under its banners in the early summer of 1861 marched homeward in June, 1863. Bat- tle and disaster had laid many in the grave. Others had been discharged on account of wounds or sickness, and some still lingered in rebel prisons. Numerous changes had taken place among the officers. James W. McCoy was now captain of Co. B ; Capt. and Brev. Maj. M. S. Teller was in command of Co. H, with A. Ilalleck Holbrook and Marshall A. Duers as lieutenants. Duncan Cameron was captain of Co. G, and Lucius E. Wilson was in command of Co. D. When the war-worn battalion reached Fort Edward, it was received with a grand ovation by the excited people. A similar reception greeted them at Sandy Hill and Glen's Falls ; and then the first companies raised in Washington county for the defense of the national life were dismissed to their long unvisited homes. FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY. This regiment was raised in the summer of 1861, in the counties of Albany, Montgomery, New York, Otsego, and Washington. It was mustered into the United States ser- vice from Aug. 20 to Sept. 24, 1861. The only portion of the regiment from Washington county was Co. F, which was raised at Sandy Hill and vicinity. The first ofiicers were James C. Rogers, captain ; Geo. B. Culver, first lieutenant; and John W. Wilkinson, second lieutenant. After being mustered in, the regiment went to Washington, and remained camped in the vicinity of the " Chain Bridge" until the spring of 1862. It then proceeded with McClel- lan (in Hancock's Brigade) to the Peninsula, and took part in all the terrible campaign from Yorktown to the front of Richmond and back to Harrison's Landing. AVhen the " Seven-Days Fight" began, the 43d was at Mechanics- ville, on the extreme right of McClellan's line, where Lee's army first struck ; consequently, it had to pass over all the ground traversed in that memorable retreat, and partici- pated in a large proportion of the battles constituting col- lectively the Seven-Days Fight. In this brief period the regiment had half of its men killed, or so badly wounded as to be left behind and captured, and Co. F suffered in the same proportion. So heavy had been the loss that at Har- rison's Landing the ten companies were consolidated into five, and joined with five new companies from Albany. The regiment retained its old number, but Co. F became a part of Co. B, Capt. Rogers remaining the commander. The 43d next proceeded northward, and, being in Franklin's Corps, lay within sound of the guns of the second battle of Bull Run, but took no part in the con- flict. Thence the corps in question marched into Maryland, and the day before Antietam took part in the capture of Crampton's Gap from the enemy. At Antietam the 43d was on the right of the line, in the corn-field celebrated in the accounts of that battle. Company F lost several more men in these battles. On the 24th of September, Capt. Rogers, having been commissioned major of the 123d New York Infantry, resigned his commission, and was succeeded by Lieut. Wilkinson, who served as captain until the expi- ration of liis term of service, in the autumn of 1864. The 43d took little or no part in the battle of Fred- ericksburg, but at Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 1863, it suffered severely, — Co. F losing its first lieu- tenant, Hugh B. Knickerbocker, and several men slain, besides a heavy list of wounded. These repeated losses being partially made good by recruits from other counties, Co. F could thenceforth hardly be considered as a Wash- ington-county company. The regiment was severely en- gaged in the battle of Gettysburg, in the great campaign of HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 77 18G4, in the second battle of Winchester, and was finally mustered out on the 27th of June, 1865. Gen. Rogers states that he does not believe that half a dozen of the original members of Co. F came back to Washington county. A few had previously been discharged, a few went directly from the army to other localities, but the majority, stricken down by battle or disease, slept beneath the soil of Virginia. THE FORTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. This was the regiment known as the " Ellsworth Aveng- ers," and intended to be composed of one or two picked men from every town in the State. There were between twenty and thirty, in all, from Wa.shington county. Among them was Edward Northup, of Sandy Hill, who afterwards became an officer of the regular army. The regiment was mustered into the United States ser- vice from Aug. 30 to Oct. 30, 1861. It served three years in the Army of the Potomac, taking part in the battles of Yorktown, Hanover Court-House, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antictam, Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsyl- vania, North Anna, Weldon Railroad, Petersburg, and numerous minor engagements. It was mustered out of service on the 11th of October, 1864, the veterans and recruits being transferred to other regiments. THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. This regiment was raised in the autumn of 1861, prin- cipally in Brooklyn. Company A, however, was almost entirely from the towns of Dresden aTid Putnam in Wash- ington county. The regiment conducted itself gallantly under the disheartening experiences of the early career of the Army of the Potomac, being present at the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White-Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, and Manassas Junction. So much were its ranks depleted by battle and disease that in September, 1862, it was found necessary to consolidate it with the 40th New York Volunteers, in which it was henceforth merged. The 40th afterwards took part in the battles of Fred- ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Sline Run, Wil- derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. It was not mustered out until June 27, 1865, by which time there were very few, indeed, of the old Company A remaining in it. THE NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY. The patriotism of Washington county was not yet ex- hausted, and in the autumn of 1861, John S. Crocker, a lawyer of Cambridge, took steps to raise another regi- ment, to be partly from this county. The regimental ren- dezvous was at Albany, and the command was mustered there in November of that year, receiving the appellation of the 93d New Y'ork Infantry. John S. Crocker was colonel ; B. C. Butler, of Warren county, was lieutenant- colonel ; IMichael Cassidy, of Albany, was major; and Mavi- land GiftbrdjOf Easton, was adjutant. The following were the companies from Washington county, with their officers and localities : CoinpKiii/ G. — Cambridge and vicinity ; Waller S. Gray, captain ; -W. V. S. Bcekman, first lieutenant ; Francis S. Bailey, second lieutenant. Compaiiy F. — Fort Edward and viciMity ; George B. Moshier, captain ; John Bailey, first lieutenant ; Silas S. Hubbard, .second lieutenant. Conipamj 1. — Granville, Argyle, etc. ; Nathan J. John- son, captain ; William Randies, fir.st lieutenant; James M. Crawlbrd, second lieutenant. The 93d remained at Albany until about the 1st of April, 1862, when they went to Washington, from which point they proceeded under MeClellan to Fortress Jlonroe and Yorktown. While engaged in the siege of the latter place, Col. Crocker and Maj. Ca.ssidy, having walked a short distance outside of the lines, were captured by the enemy. The regiment marched up the Peninsula with the Army of the Potomac, and was slightly engaged at Williams- burg, but without loss. Shortly afterwards four companies were detached as headquarter-guard for Gen. MeClellan, while six companies acted as provost-guard at White Hou.se, on Y'ork river. Col. Butler being provost-marshal. In the great " Seven Days" fight before Richmond, the first-named detachment marched with the headquarters to Malvern Hill and Harrison's Landing, while Col. Butler's command destroyed the stores at White House, and then proceeded by water to the same point. From that time until December, 1863, the regiment was employed as head- quarter and provost guard in the Army of the Potomac, marching and countermarching through Virginia, but es- caping the stress of battle. About the 1st of January, 1864, seven companies rein- listed as veterans and came home on furlough to recruit. Col. Crocker had been released from imprisonment and resumed command. They returned with replenished ranks in February, and were assigned to the 1st Brigade and 1st Division of the 2d Army Corps (Hancock's). The 1st of May, 18G4, the 93d, with the rest of the Army of the Potomac, set forth on the long and terri- ble march to the Confederate capital. On the 5th of May it was severely engaged in the great battle of the Wilderness, losing very heavily. Co. F alone lost five killed and thirty-two wounded out of fort3'-nine members present, only twelve being left uninjured. Other com- panies suffered in proportion. Capt. John Bailey, of Co. F, was killed. Then followed in rapid succession the battles of Spottsylvania, North Anna, and Cold Harbor, in all of which the 93d took an active part, suffering severely in killed and wounded, though not as heavily as in the Wilderness. From Cold Harbor the 2d corps crossed the James river, and took up its position in front of Petersburg. The 93d received two hundred recruits, and from that time till the breaking up of the rebellion it remained in that immediate vicinity, engaged in the incessant toils and conflicts of that fateful period. Col. Crocker was discharged at the expira- tion of his term of service, in September, 1864. Maj. McConihe was commissioned in his place, but, owing to the depleted condition of the regiment, was not mustered. Capt. Kincaid lost a leg in August, before Petersburg, and was soon af\er discharged. The regiment was engaged in 78 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. two battles at Deep Bottom, on tho north side of the James river, but returned to continue tho conflict around Petersburg. In February, 18C5, Lieut. -Col. Butler and Maj. McConihe were mustered out, when Adjt. Haviland GifTord, of Easton, was commissioned and mustered as lieutenant-colonel, and remained in command of the regi- ment till the end of its service. He was also commissioned as colonel, but for the reason before mentioned could not be mustered. J. H. Northup, captain of Co. I, was about the same time mustered as major and commissioned as lieutenant-colonel ; so that, during the closing portion of the regiment's service, both of the field-officeis were from W^ashington county, although that county furui.shed but three out of the original ten companies. When the end came, the 93d was under Sheridan at Poplar Spring Church and on the Boydton road, and par- ticipated in tho final movements which throttled the hydra of rebellion. The regiment was mustered out on the 29th day of June, 18G5. Few of the original Washington- county boys were among the number then dismis.sed to their homes. Only one of the original nine line-ofEcers from Washington county was mustered out with the regiment. THE NINETY-SIXTH INFANTRY. This regiment was raised in tho autumn of 1861, prin- cipally in Warren, Essex, and Clinton counties. Co. E alone was from Washington county, being raised at and near Sandy Hill and Fort Edward. Its first officers were Hiram Eldridge, captain; A. J. Russell, first lieutenant; James S. Cray, second lieutenant. The regimental I'endezvous was at Plattsburg, and there the 9Gth remained during the winter of 18G1 and '02. In March, 1862, it joined the Army of the Potomac under the command of Col. Fairman, of New York city. It was assigned to Keyes' Corps, under whom they went to the Peninsula, taking part in the battles of Wil- liamsburg, Fair Oaks, the " Seven Days," and Malvern Hill. After the la.st-named conflict, the 96th was ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, where it was under the command of Gen. Peck, and in Gen. Foster's department. It remained there for several months, when it formed part of an ex- pedition into North Carolina, passing through Kingston and Goldsborough, and reaching Newborn, North Carolina, in the spring of 1863. It then proceeded to Plymouth in that State, which it aided in fortifying, under the command of Gen. Wessels, and where it remained another year. In the .spring of 1864 the regiment was ordered to YorKtown. There it was made a part of Gen. Butler's newly-organized " Army of the James," and went with it to Bermuda Hundred. The last of May it marched from that point to join at the White House, on York river, the legions of Gen. Grant coming down from the north. On the 3d of June, 1864, the 96th took part in the ter- rible battle of Cold Harbor, charging again and again with dauntless valor up to the' foot of the enemy's intrench- ments, only to be again and again hurled back by the rebel battalions lying in safety behind their in)pregnable works. Out of twelve line-ofiicers present with the regiment on this awful day, seven were killed or mortally wounded, one of the latter being Capt. James S. Cray, of Co. E. That company also had about twenty of its rank and file killed and wounded, — nearly half of the number present. After Cold Harbor this regiment, with the rest of the Grand Army, crossed the James river, and engaged in the siege of Petersburg. It remained employed in the weari- some and often dangerous duties of that siege until the 3d of April, 1865. Then, with thousands of their triumphant comrades, the men of the 96th inarched into the desolate capital of the Confederacy, — a capital abandoned by the government which had so long dwelt there, and set on fire by the hands of its own defenders. The 96th was one of the few regiments which remained in service until 1866. It was on provost duty in Virginia during that time, Co. E being stationed at Culpepper, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg. The regiment was mus- tered out in the spring of 1866. Besides those first named, the following-named gentlemen served as ofiicers of Co. E : Erastus Pierce, second lieu- tenant ; Alexander McLaughlin, captain, severely wounded at the battle of Chapin's Farm, and resigned ; William Bridgeford, first lieutenant ; Lucian Wood, first lieutenant ; James S. Sharrow, second lieutenant ; James McCarty, lieutenant and captain. The latter gentleman had also been regimental and acting brigade-quartermaster, and was breveted major by the President for gallant and meritorious conduct. d'epineuil's zouaves (fifty-third infantry). In the summer of 1861 Count Lionel J. D'Epineuil came from France to New York with the intention of raising a brigade of zouave.s — if possible, all Frenchmen — to serve in the Union army. He had a new and very peculiar drill which he wanted to put in practice, and was very zealous in his eflbrts to raise men. He obtained the assistance of Monsieur Antoine Renois, of Whitehall, who had already recruited a large number of men for the 22d Regiment, to raise a regiment of zouaves from northern New York and Lower Canada. Mons. Renois astablished recruiting-stations at various points along Lake Champlain, and obtained a goodly num- ber of recruits, forty or fifty being from Whitehall. There were not enough for a regiment, however, and on reporting in New York in the autumn it was found that the intended brigade would hardly make a full regiment, although many Germans and those of other nationalities had been en- listed. In December an order came from the War Department to consolidate the detachment into a single regiment and send it to the front. Owing to weakness of numbers and other causes the regiment was mustered out in the spring of 1862. the second cavalry. A cavalry company was organized at Salem, by Solomon W. Russell, Jr., of that place, in September, 1861. The members were principally from the town of Salem, but Ar- gyle, Cambridge, Easton, Greenwich, Hartford, Hebron, Jackson, Kingsbury, Fort x\nn. Fort Edward, and White HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 79 Creek were also represented. The company was mustered at Salem by Col. John S. Crocker, of Cambridge, special inspector, September 7, 1861. The company then pro- ceeded by railroad to Camp Stronsr, between Troy and Lansingburg, the place of general rendezvous, arriving there on the 13tb of September, and being the first com- pany at that camp. It there became the nucleus of the 2d Now York Volunteer Cavalry, commonly known as the " Black Horse Cavalry," commanded by Col. A. J. Morri- son, and was designated as Co. " A." Its commissioned officers were as follows : Solomon W. Russell, Jr., of Salem, captain ; David E. Cronin, of New York city, first lieutenant; William Robertson, of Salem, second lieutenant. The regiment remained at Camp Strong until its organi- zation on the 22d day of November, ISGl. It then pro- ceeded to Washington, where it arrived on the 2-lth day of November, being stationed at a camp in that city designated as Camp Stoneman. The regiment remained at Camp Stone- man, performing duty within the defenses of Washington, through the winter of 1861 and '62. In the spring of 1862 the War Department concluded" there was too much cavalry in the field, and this regiment was accordingly mustered out of service on the 31st day of March. When mustered out, Capt. Russell's company consisted of ninety men, all told, — a majority of whom, after the reverses of the armies of the Union in 1862 and .spring of 1863, again volunteered in various organizations and arms of the service. Capt. Russell himself was one of those who thus re-entered the army, being detached on the staff of his distinguished and lamented relative, Maj.-Gen. Russell, also of Washington county, and being commis- sioned by the President as brevet major and brevet lieu- tenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious service in the field. THE HARRIS LIGHT CAVALRY. On the 7th of August, 1861, a young man named Clar- ence Buell came up from Troy to Fort Edward, intent on raising a company of horsemen for the " Harris Light Cavalry," then being formed, and named after the newly- elected U. S. Senator, Hon. Ira Harris. The idea of enter- ing the mounted service impre.ssed the young men of Fort Edward very fiivorably, and Buell had only to set the ball in motion, when it rolled itself. He returned to Troy, leaving some of his recruits in charge ; the boys crowded in by the score to put down their names, and in two or three days the ranks were full. Most of the men were from Fort Edward, but there were a few from Kingsbury, Fort Ann, Whitehall, and Argyle. The company proceeded forthwith to New York city, and there the regiment was mustered into the United States service on the 14th day of August, 1861. Its colonel was Mansfield Davis, and its lieutenant-colonel was a boyish- looking young officer, just out of West Point, since known to fame as Maj.-Gen. Judson Kilpatrick. The company from Washington county was designated as Co. E, with the following ofiicers : Clarence Buell. captain ; John Lid- die, first lieutenant; Andrew Lowden, second lieutenant. Proceeding in the forepart of September to Washington, the regiment drew its horses, and camped on Arlington Heights throughout the succeeding winter. In tlie spring of 1862 it went with Gen. McDowell to Fredericksburg; capturing Falmouth after a sharp skirmish, in which it lost thirteen men. It remained with McDowell near Fredericks- burg until Augu.st, when it marched to Cedar Mountain, arriving, however, too late for the battle. At the second battle of Bull Run, Col. Kilpatrick charged the enemy with two companies, losing heavily in men and horses. The regiment was in excellent condition, and covered the retreat to Washington with great steadiness. After Antietam, the " Harris Light," as it was still called (though its official name had been changed to the '•Second New York Cavalry," after the muster-out of the original Second or " Black Horse" Cavalry), was employed as body-guards, etc., until December, when it accompanied . Gen. Burnside to Fredericksburg. The brigade-com- mander. Gen. Bayard, was killed in that battle, but the regiment was not seriously injured. It will be understood, by all acquainted with the cavalry service during the late war, that that arm was used principally for scouting, skir- mishing, and " raiding," and sometimes for attacks on cavalry, but was rarely brought into use against the enemy's infantry. The regiment camped at Belle Plain, a little this .side of Fredericksburg, during the winter of 1862 and '63. In the spring it took the field, and two days before the battle of Chancellorsville it was engaged in a fight with the enemy's cavalry at Brandy Station. Immediately afterwards. Col. Kilpatrick, with three hundred of the best men in the regiment, including about thirty of Co. E, made his cele- brated raid to Richmond, the object being to destroy the communication in rear of Lee's army. This was done, fifteen miles of railroad being destroyed and near two mil- lion dollars' worth of property ; but as Lee was victorious at Chancellorsville the raid did not have the crippling efiect intended. Riding day and night, the three hundred reached the unmanned lines in front of Richmond. Col. Kil- patrick sent Sergt. Henry McFarland, of Co. E, with two men, to reconnoiter, supporting them with a platoon of men. Meeting no opposition, they galloped into the works, and the sergeant was probably the first armed Union soldier within those celebrated lines. The command entered the second line of intrenchments, and then turned back, no one, of course, having any idea of capturing Richmond with three hundred horsemen. Kilpatrick and his men made their way to Yorktown, and thence rejoined the main army. Next, they were engaged in the general cavalry fight at Brandy Station, and in the three days' fight near Aldie. The latter was remarkable for the imniber of horses slain by the enemy's bullets. Over thirty were killed in Co. E alone, yet not a man was killed, and only a few wounded. The regiment then marched to Gettysburg, where it made one charge ; then returned to the vicinity of Culpepper, where it remained during the autumn and winter of 1863 and '64. About the 1st of March, 1864, it went on the celebrated Dahlgren raid into the vicinity of Richmond. Under the command of Sheridan, it accompanied Grant on his grand campaign, losing several men in the battle of the Wilder- 80 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ness, and engaging in numerous skirmishes until the army reached the vicinity of Petersburg. Shortly afterwards it went on a raid under Gen. Wilson to the line of North Carolina. The next move was under Sheridan back into the Valley of Virginia. There it was engaged in constant skirmishing with Early's army, which was almost annihi- lated by Sheridan ; and finally, when the latter brilliant officer intercepted the last of the rebel columns at Five Forks, the Harris Light Cavalry was still under his imme- diate command. It was shortly afterwards mustered out at New York city. The first captain of Co. E, Capt. Buell, was promoted to be colonel of an infantry regiment, and Francis M. Plumb was promoted from another company to fill his place. Lieut. Lowden was made captain of another company, and George E. Milliman, of Fort Edward, promoted to second lieu- tenant. CHAPTER XVIIL THE ONE HUNDKED AND TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.* Deep Feeling on hearing of the Disasters before Richmond — War- Meeling at Argyle — Resolution to raise a Washington-County Regiment — Its Enlistment and OBBcers — Mustered in as the 123d Infantry — Goes to the Front — .Services in the Autumn of 18fi2 — " The Mud March"— Winter- Quarters— The Campaign of Chaneel- lorsvillc — A Skirmish near Fredericksburg — Death of Lieut.-Col. Norton— The Battle of Cliancellorsville— The 123d repulses the Enemy— The Supports fall back— The Regiment retreats— Heavy Losses — March to Gettysburg — Services there — Pursuit of the Enemy — Ordered to the West — Services in Tennessee — The Grand Campaign of 1864— Resaca, Cassville, Pumpkin-Vine Creek- Col. McDougall mortally wounded— Flanking the Enemy— Pine Hill— Kulp's Farm— Capture of Kenesaw— Peach-Tree Creek- Entering Atlanta — " The March to the Sea"— Slight Opposition — Capture of Savannah— The Campaign of the Carolinas— Passing Columbia — Entering North Carolina— Bentonville — Goldsboro' — Moccasin Swamp— Raleigh— Off for Homc—Thi^ Grand Review- Sherman's Eulogy — Mustered out— List of Officers. When it became known that McClellan's campaign be- fore Richmond, in June and July, 18G2, had resulted in complete disaster. President Lincoln i.ssued a call lor " three hundred thousand more." The whole country was greatly moved, and all felt that a mighty efi'ort must be put forth to save the Union. This county was more deeply impressed than ever before. Something must be done ! On the 22d of July, a great war-meeting was held at Argyle, and this was followed by others in different parts of the county. War committees were appointed ; one for the county at large and one for each town. They began work at once, and it was decided that Wash- ington county should raise a regiment of her own. Re- cruiting commenced immediately. A camp was established at Salem and called Camp Washington. Before the mid- dle of August the companies began to assemble, and by the 22d the regiment was practically full. The companies were mustered in as soon as full, and were made up from the different towns as follows : Co. A, Greenwich ; Co. B, Kingsbury ; Co. C, White- « By Rev. Scth C. Carey, foimerly adjutant. hall ; Co. D, Fort Ann, Dresden, and Putnam ; Co. E, Hartford and Hebron; Co. F, Argyle; Co. G, White Creek and Jackson ; Co. H, Salem ; Co. I, Cambridge and Easton ; Co. K, Granville and Hampton. The following is the roster of the original officers of the regiment : Field (171(1 Staff. — Colonel, A. L. McDougall ; lieutenant- colonel, Franklin Norton; major, James C. Rogers; adju- tant, George H. Wallace; surgeon, John Moneypenny ; assistant surgeons, Lysander W. Kennedy and Richard S. Connelly ; quartermaster, John King ; chaplain, Henry Gordon. ' Non-commisaioned Staff. — Sergeant-major, Walter F. Martin ; quartermaster-sergeant, Charles D. Warner ; com- missary-sergeant, Clark Rice ; hospital steward, Seward Corning. Company A. — Captain, Abram Reynolds ; first lieu- tenant, A. T. Mason ; second lieutenant, James C. Shaw. Cumpam/ B. — Captain, George W. Warren ; first lieu- tenant, J. C. Warren ; second lieutenant, Samuel Burton. Company C. — Captain, Adolphus H. Tanner ; first lieu- tenant, Walter G. Warner ; second lieutenant, John C. Cor- bett. Company D. — Captain, John Barron ; first lieutenant, Alexander Anderson ; second lieutenant, E. P. Quinn. Company E. — Captain, Norman F.Weer; first lieutenant, George R. Hall ; second lieutenant, Seth C. Care}-. Company F. — Captain, Duncan Robertson ; first lieu- tenant, Donald Reid ; second lieutenant, George Robinson. Company G. — Captain, Henry Gray; first lieutenant, James Hill ; second lieutenant, Charles Archer. Company H. — Captain, John S. Crary ; first lieutenant, Benjamin Elliott; second lieutenant, Josiah W. Culver. Company I. — Captain, Orrin S. Hall ; first lieutenant, Marcus Beadle ; second lieutenant, Albert Shiland. Comp>any K. — Captain, Henry 0. Wiley ; fir.st lieuten- ant, Hiram 0. Warren ; second lieutenant, George W. Baker. On the 4th of September, 1862, the regiment was mus- tered into the LTnited States service as the 123d New York Volunteer Infantry, and the next day was on the way to the front. It reached Washington on the 9th, where the men received their arms and equipments. The regiment was attached to Pauls Brigade, of Casey's Division. It moved to Arlington Heights and thence to Frederick, Md., and on the 3d of October pitched camp in Pleasant Valley, two miles from Harper's Ferry. Here it was assigned to the 22d Brigade (Brig.-Gen. Thomas L. Kane), Lst Di- vision (Brig.-Geu. A. S. Williams), 12th Corps (Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slocum). The regiment soon after crossed the Potomac and Shen- andoah, and, after guarding the ford on the latter river, encamped on the 8th of November in Loudon valley. Here the men built winter quarters, but the day after they were finished the command was ordered to Fairfax Station, a few miles from Alexandria. On the 19th of January, 1803, the regiment started on what was called the " mud march" towards Richmond. The mud was fathomless, re- quiring a six-mule team to draw an unloaded wagon out of a mud-holo. On reaching Stafford Court-House camp was made fur the winter. HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 81 In the early dawn of Monday, April 27, 1863, with eight days' rations in haversacks and knapsacks, and sixty rounds of ammunition, the Army of the Potomac started on the campaign of Chancellorsville. Crossing the Rappa- hannock at Kelly's Ford, and the Rapidan at Germania Mills, the 123d struck the plank-road running to Fred- ericksburg, and near the " Wilderness Tavern" was fired upon by a division of rebel cavalry, being its first experi- ence in actual combat. That night the men bivouacked near the Chancellorsville House. On Friday, May 1, the regiment made a feint toward Fredericksburg, to allow the Union forces to secure Banks' Ford. Returning to its former position, Co. I was sent out on picket. Before our arms were fairly " stacked" .sharp skirmishing was heard in the direction taken by Co. I. The line advanced rapidly, and found that our skirmi.shers had run upon a division of rebel infantry concealed in the woods. Co. A was sent to strengthen the skirmish line, while the rest of the regiment took position on the edge of a bluff. The enemy opened upon us heavily, and as it was not desired that we should bring on a general engagement we were ordered back ; not, however, till Lieut.-Col. Norton had received a fatal wound in the side. That night we slept on our arms. Most of the next day was spent in building breastworks, but at three P.M. we were moved to the front (south) as a support to the 3d Corps. We were skirmishing with the enemy when we were ordered back, and reached our works in time to meet the broken debris of the 11th Corps. The enemy had struck their extreme right flank and driven them back in great disorder. The pursuers were checked by a force of artillery, handled with great skill by Gen. Pleasonton, a few cavalry, and a part of the 12th Corps. This artillery duel was grandly terrific as darkness came on, and night alone put an end to the scene. All that night was spent in reforming the lines and build- ing rude iutrenchments. The 12th Corps was facing the west, with its right resting on the plank-road, while the 3d Corps extended still farther to the right, and also sup- ported the right of the 12th Corps. The 123d was in the front line, and in the edge of a wood, while behind us was an open field running back to the Chancellorsville House. Between our regiment and the plank-road was the 3d Maryland Infantry. Behind us were several lines of troops, and on the knoll in the rear the artillery was ma.ssed. With the early dawn of the Sabbath skirmishing began. The infantry were soon engaged, and the artillery opened all along the line. Soon the enemy's infantry charged down upon us, making the welkin ring with the " rebel yell." Again, and again, and again the heavy masses charge, but only to be again and again hurled back, as they meet the unflinching determination and withering fire of our intrenched soldiers. But the hours go by, and it is past eight o'clock. The lines begin to fade out in our rear, and there is nothing between our right and the plank-road. Soon there is nothing on our left, and soon, too, nothing can be seen behind us but the artillery. The enemy sweep down again and try to turn our right flank. The right wing of the regiment swings back, and a volley or two sends them staggering to the rear. But a battery is soon planted 11 that enfilades our line, and the ammunition is nearly ex- hausted. There is no general to give orders, and we must be a law unto ourselves. Reluctantly the colonel gave the order to fall back, and the regiment obeyed. In this fight Second Lieut. John C. Corbett, of Co. C, was killed ; First Lieut. Marcus Beadle and Second Lieut. Albert Shiland, of Co. I, were badly wounded ; and roll- call revealed nearly one hundred and fifty men killed, wounded, and mis.sing in this our finst baptism of blood. In the afternoon we took position on the extreme left of the line near Banks' Ford. At three A..M., May 0, we passed out of our works, crossed the Kappahaimock at United States Ford, and reached our old camp at sunset. The 123d was now attached to the 1st Brigade, Brigadier- General J. F. Knipe commanding. On the 13th of June, 1863, the campaign of Gettysburg began. We passed through Fairfax and Leesburg, crossed the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry, and reached Frederick City, Md., on the 29th. Thence we passed through Taneytown and Littlestown, Pa., and in the afternoon of July 1 formed line of battle near AVolf Hill, on the right of the Baltimore pike, and within sight of Gettysburg. In the morning we took position nearer the cemetery, the right of the corps resting on Rock creek, and built strong works. Late in the afternoon we were ordered to the rear of Round Top, the extreme left of the line, to support our forces there, but were soon directed to return. We did not, however, reach our former position, but lay on our arms all night. In the morning of the 3d, part of our brigade, including the 123d, was sent to take the works which we had built the day before, and which, after we left tiiem, had been occupied by the enemy. At noon our regiment charged the works, which were taken with but little resistance. We had a sharp fight in the afternoon, and at four p.m. were ordered to .support our line just at the left of the cemetery. We reached that point in time to see the broken masses of the retreating enemy sullenly withdrawing from the field. In the twilight, as we were retiring to the right of our old position, we were fired upon by sharp- shooters concealed in McAllister's mill, beyond Rock creek. Capt. Norman F. Weer, of Co. E, received a wound in the knee, from which he died. After dark we moved to the rear of our old position, and lay on our arms all night. Saturday morning, July 4, with a few regiments and a battery from our division, Maj.-Gcn. Slocuni made a recon- naissance around our right, pa.ssing through Gettysburg and by the cemetery to our former position. On Sunday, at three p.m., we left our bivouac and moved out through Littlestown, passing thence through Frederick City, over the Catoctin mountains, and across the valley, rich in ripening wheat, over South Mountain, and through Bakerville, and on the 12th threw up some works just be- yond Playfair. On the 14th we.st i J. s ■« 1? c 1 •a i & & & a & 5" rl s 2,700 2,347 353 1,308 1,392 CC8 485 10 :i,2C4 1,9:11 xa 1,155 1,109 594 2:19 32' Vim Ofifi v.a 4CG 333 2:i0 112 411 ■iJM 2.11(1 :'.44 1.2fi2 1,192 e&i Sll 89 ■ 11^ ..1,,'. 1.7i;(i 1,088 975 .5:i8 81' 1 ',1 ■'■ 1 ■• ■.'..Mil 2,510 1,420 53:1 l:« , *!.' '1 ■ '1 ■j,(ii;j 2,028 1,187 :i4,'i 142 I..11 l,ir,i 2,01c 1,0:10 (,20 47 S74 7IJU 1.4 4411 428 205 125 31 1,813 1,(101 212 941 872 453 ;<22 «t 2,4:17 2,120 :il7 1,21 111 1,2:11 C52 414 •.'4 807 2,24:) 751 2,291 413 1,317 177 CM 21 122 4,f>:i4 3,737 797 041 r,M 57 320 :!2T 154 107 9 ,^1190 2,4:10 4,142 18C7 1,840 1,391 2,494 1,081 736 1,344 531 445 483 17 34 258 5,020 878 2,52c 48,114 40,078 7136 24,220 23,804 13,188 6408 1160 NUMBER, MATERIAL, AND VALUE OP DWELLINGS. Town. Frame. Brick. Stono. Log. Total. Total Value. Argyle 566 35 2 4 607 $672,067 Cambridge.. 469 11 480 759,865 Dresden }:ib 9 144 88,550 Easton 500 18 1 519 579,125 Fort Ann 664 17 5 14 700 630,805 Ft. Edward. 848 78 3 929 1,91:5,260 Granville.... 753 50 2 i 806 971,225 Greenwich .. 799 44 843 ],. 349,700 Hampton.... 177 8 1 186 159,465 Hartford .... 383 8 i 392 428,610 Hebron 529 6 2 1 538 489,650 Jackson 303 C 309 255,600 Kingsbury.. 808 21 3 832 1,260,731 Putnam 112 3 7 4 126 90,640 Salem 693 26 1 720 992,291 White Creek 582 17 599 954,705 Whitehall... 850 125 6 981 1,820,160 Total 9171 473 32 35 9711 $13,418,449 TABLE OF CHURCHES, CHURCH EDIFICES, SITTINGS, MEM- BERSHIP, VALUE OF CHURCH PROPERTY, AND AMOUNT OF ANNUAL SALARIES. Denomination. •3 1' c s i a C p. 2 a, 1 .- 18t 5 1 3 23 9 6 4 10 3 1 13 17 4 1 3 23 9 G 4 10 3 1 13 6,682 1,5,50 200 900 8,780 3,605 2,080 1,260 4,5.50 550 400 6,9.50 2,268 321 73 100 2,635 89:1 677 214 4,21 iO 206 50 2,529 $179,200 24,100 1.300 7,500 178,850 124,100 67,5(X) 31,500 119,800 11,100 2,500 178,000 sn.9oo ronc-rpirHtioiialiBt 2,.'>50 000 Methodist Episcopal riesbyteriiiu Protestant Episcopal i.5,425 10,200 8,800 2,600 8,700 S n 1 Advpntifits 800 400 United Presbyti'iianJ 13,650 96 94 36.507 14,065 ?926,250 472,726 ' This and the succeeding tables arc compiled from the State census of 1875. , , „ . , t We give the figures a.« they arc in the census, but the official re- port of the Washington Union A.ssocialion (Baptist) mentions by name twenty-one churches instead of eighteen within the county. On this point the report is undoubtedly correct. It also estimates the church property at $190,500. , ^.^ X In regard to this denomination Washington ranks higher than anv other county in the State in every respect except as to value of church propertv, in which it is slightly exceeded by New York city. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. Acres of improved farm land Acres (if unimproved farm land Cash valno of farms Value of farm buildings other than dwellitif^s Value of atocli Value of farm iini u m. nt- Acres plowed . I'- Acres in pasture Acrea in meadow Tons of hay produced, 1874 Bushels of buckwheat, 1814 Bushels of Indian corn, 1874 Bushels of oats Bushels of rye Bushels uf wheat Acres of potatoes Bushels of potatoes Apple-lrees Bushels of apples Pounds of niai)le-8ugar Fiirm-horses two years old and over Value of poultry owned ou farms Value of poultry sold, 1874 Value of eggs sold, 1874 Number of niilchcows, 1875 Cows of which milk sent to factory Pounds of butter made in families Pounds of cheese made in families Gallons of milk sold in market Number of sheep shorn, 1874 Pounds clipped Sheep killed by dogs, 1874 Swiue wintered over Pounds of pork made on farm 34G,51S 126,li48 ?23,86O,102 S:),087,270 J2,»10,CG8 $867,821 J2,609,IJ9:) 77,(W5 13C,4u9 l(H,32:i 115,672 48,785 361,245 703,108 157,143 7,410 23,479 2,468,628 251,070 245,426 21,711 10.078 $57,918 $49,541 $51,:i4a 19,586 5,374 1,613,209 150,767 267,867 68,641 353,358 737 , 29,005 6,514 $2,699,284 $283,805 $^68,886 $93,142 $282,825 B,57I 8,857 8,412 8,984 4,561 39,155 71,343 24,6S7 735 2,987 35<,6IX) 28,800 27 ,.525 243 1,018 $6,.590 $5,740 $7,672 1,617 418 169,217 18,875 .3,110 81, 792,410 $251, .3.37 $168,773 $75,804 $172,322 6,318 6,249 4,6.58 6,795 2,645 25,746 46,493 14,454 252 1,680 168,060 17,014 24,838 $4,013 $0,436 $2,284 919 91,875 2,635 l,o:)3 6,840 30,577 17 6.54 6,382 22,373 $217,522 $:i0,475 $45,(»6 $13,613 $27,650 669 3,385 2,440 2,.550 $004 $411 $.07 30,591 5,944 12,447,754 $339,1.35 $253,113 $90,098 $247,834 8,081 8,6:5.3 8,382 11,250 5,632 41,478 67,094 25,939 860 1,850 148,.304 29,225 39,169 $6,062 $6,373 $4,081 1,405 26,822 26,402 $1,342,829 $172,095 . $210,377 $53,721 $116,825 3,779 13,:«1 9,683 8,884 6,586 26,058 33,222 1,327 120 631 13,388 1..504 tl,018,711 $117,145 $103,125 $:«,o90 $68,0.38 2,937 2,9.53 4,148 4,663 3,546 16,957 31,054 3,808 361 504 51,807 42,629 16,667 5,136 11,512 4,674 7-23 461 9:i,678 $2,889 $2,131 $2,367 $4,469 $2,411 1,494 7:13 92 106 137,381 57,005 17,768 6,885 90,682 25,305 2,819 2,047 14,414 9,95;i 27,271 5,691 $1,654,778 $210,:i65 $200..593 $48,711 $174,:i82 5,844 12,6.56 7,4:)7 7,606 3,354 19,972 51,007 8,932 3.'50 2,2;iO 244,808 20,021 19,934 3,885 661 $2,.545 2,066 1,447 S2,:i20 14,090 20,961 2,289 13,255 91 :«18 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.— CoHdmierf. Acres of improved farm land Acres of unimproved farm laud Cash value of fai*mB Value of farm buildings other thati dwellings Value of stock Yaliie of firm implements Gross amount ol sales, 1874 Acres plowed, 1875 Acres in pasture Acres in meadow Tons of hay produced, 1874 Bushels of buckwheat, 1874 Bushels of Indian corn, 1874 Bushels of oats Bushels of rye Bushels of wheat Acres of potatoes Bushels of potatoes Apple-trees Bushels of apples Pounds of maple.Bugar Farm-horses two years old and over..... Value of poultry owned on farms Value of poultrvsold, 1874.. Value of eggs sold, 1874 Number of milch-cows, 1875 Cows of which milk sent to factory Pounds of butter made in families Ponuds of cheese made in families Gallons of milk sold in market Nutnberof sheep shorn, 1874 I'onnds clipped Sheep killed by dogs, 1874 Pounds of pork made on farm 8,583 3,09:1 $535,940 $77,845 $82,505 $14,185 $64,:i88 l.:i9.l 4,446 2,713 :i,154 l,li») 5,:179 11,758 1,878 49,482 5,535 4,002 $801 $866 $l,o:)5 11,181 9.54 6,632 22,7:J2 3,284 $1,218,970 $145,415 $165,645 $70,21 ;i $160,267 4,000 10,007 6,540 6,533 1,894 21,975 39,095 6,958 765 1,645 17.|,o:i5 18,418 13,864 $2,700 $2,191 $4 ,.558 1,201 547 72,.541 10,:i50 22,006 6,728 31,120 62 665 28,204 G,"52 $1,998,100 $206,925 $2(]8,o75 $61,020 $2:Vi,(>»6 7,l:U 12,773 6,593 7,714 3,620 19,456 67,080 9,110 274 3,o:io 347,385 21,228 16,576 4,070 818 $4,101 $3,420 $:),:121 1,807 1,177 108,007 7,100 350 19,317 4,260 H,116,232 $178,9(X) $150,244 $38,7:!0 $15.5,623 4.:i74 5,846 4,405 5,6:i2 1,199 24,729 61,031 10,007 100 1,689 180,003 11.148 10,670 $:i,(i54 $2,293 $1,903 19,554 2,939 $1,516,055 $170,488 $167,384 $59,905 $162,804 4,076 6,9.V! 8,622 8,651 4,326 26,:)30 39,616 2,231 i:)7 1,034 90,105 12,465 11,301 500 688 $4,442 $2,:i74 $4,300 l,:i45 131 135.4S1 34,758 68,780 2,548 12,559 66 876 8,626 10,987 $379,520 $67,020 $78,908 $10,647 $41,671 832 4,:!62 3,304 3,310 42 1,674 14,696 8,180 4,680 2,790 $.531 $14:i $688 23,644 7,100 $1,642,060 $219,595 $183,940 $.54,890 $184,0:il 6,020 9,112 5,488 7,081 3,041 20,893 48,2.59 7,479 323 2,373 270,121 13,031 10,619 2.646 666 $4,761 $3,168 $3,894 1,242 l:j,7l0 5,736 28,346 21,903 5,400 $1,364,475 $170,395 $187,339 $58,62:i $123,260 3,830 9,175 7,734 7,9114 2,444 20,717 35,917 8,585 860 71,475 13,084 12,820 80,218 9,980 5,050 9.646 51,277 56 981 Number of cheese-factoriei unty in 1875, 11. Number of pounds of cheese made in facto HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 89 CHAPTER XXI. GEOLOGY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.* The Taeonic Rocks — The Taconio Theory — E.i!planatory Remark.* — The Lake George District — General Geological Sketch of the County — Its Geological Position — Granite — Postdam Sandstone — Calciferous Sandstone — Chazy Limestone — Trenton or B.ald Moun- tain Limestone — Hudson River Slate — Taeonic Slate — Tacnnic Sandstone — Sparry Limestone — Magncsian Slate — Rutland Marble — Granular Quartz. Washington county has been termed "classic ground" to geological scientists and amateurs. It is mo.stly under- laid by what are termed the Taconic rocks, these being the rocks of the Taconic or Taghkaniek mountains, a chain of outliers to the Green mountains upon their western side, whicli extend along the eastern border of the State from Dutchess county north, and, passing into Vermont, are con- tinued along the east border of the valley of Lake Cham- plain nearly or quite to the Canada line. These Taconic rocks are the strata which were originally named by Professor Amos Eaton the granular quartz, granular lime-rock, sparry lime-rock, and primitive argillite. JMore recently they have been termed the quartz-rock or brown sandstone. Stock- bridge limestone, magnesian slate, sparry limestone, and Taeonic slate. Geologists liave differed in opinion, and there ha.s been much controversy with regard to these strata, whether they were a di.stinct and independent series of rocks, or whether they were merely metamorphic or altered rocks, — the Tn- conic theory viewing them as being an independent series or system placed between the primary or granitic rocks and the transition or lower strata of the " New York system," thus being older than the latter ; and the metamnrphic the- ory regarding them as the lower members of the New York system, changed from their normal appearance by the agency of heat, by which also nearly all traces of their fossils have been burned out and obliterated. ■ These Taconic rocks are in this county more spread out, and occupy a much wider belt of territory than in the counties south of this, where they were first examined and described. Being thus more expanded and opened to view, the discordant opinions respecting them have caused the exposures of these rocks at particular localities in this county to be visited and studied by a number of the most eminent geologists, both of this and foreign lands. To render the account of the geology of the county, which I here propose to present, more clear to the under- standing of readers in general, it will be necessary that 1 first give a brief preliminary outline of this subject, naming the several strata of rocks in the order in which they occur, one after another, in pa.ssing across the county. The most elevated and mountainous part of the county is the district bordering upon Lake George, at the north end of the county. We here find ourselves upon the un- stratified or granillc rochs which constitute the primitive range of northern New York, and which occupy the vast wilderness-region that extends from this county northwest to the St. Lawrence river. Starting from this point, and > By Asa Fitch, M.D. traveling across the county in a southeasterly direction, we meet .successively with different rocks, as follows: upon reaching Wood creek and the Champhiin canal, we find resting upon the granite a hard, white sandstone, appearing in even, uniform layers, commonly in precipices facing the west, and resembling walls of masonry. This is the 7Vs- d(im sandslone. Crowning the precipices in which it ap- pears, and extt;ndiiig east from them, is a much softer gray rock, composed of lime and sand in variable proportions, — the calci/critiis smuhfone. As we pass farther east we come to a pure limestone, of a leadeii-blue color, very com- pact and fine-grained, — the Chazy limenlone. Twelve miles distant from this, in the Bald mountain range of hills, which skirt the valley of the Hudson along its eiist side, wc meet with a stratum of limestone resembling the last, being of a blue color, very compact and fine-grained, and yielding lime of a superior quality. Standing alone, so widely sep- arated from any other stratum of limestone, geologists have been much perplexed to determine to which of the strata of limestones this pertains, and differed widely with respect to it, until a fossil which I discovered in it showed it to be the Trenton limestone, thus belonging above the Chazy, in- stead of below it, where some had confidently placed it. Finally, bordering upon these limestones, and at a distance of three to six miles from the granite, we find a black, brit- tle shale, the ILulsoa river shite, which is seen everywhere in the bank of the river along the west side of the county, and extends east some three miles to the Bald mountain range of hills. From the granite upon which we started wc have thus far been passing over rocks of the New York system, which successively overlay each other, to this slate, which is the uppermost and, geologically, the highest .stratum in the county. We next come upon rocks of the Taconic group, on which, as we pass ea.stward, we descend from the highest to the lowest members of this series. Upon the east side of the Bald mountain range of hills, and forming these hills in several instances where the lime- stone does not occur,, we come upon slate-rocks of great variety, but for the most part of a grayish color, and in even layers of a firm texture, in which slate-beds of gray or Taconic sandstone and blue limestone are of frequent occurrence. This is the Taconic slate, the leading rock of the county, occupying its eastern half, and underlying about three-fifths of its area. In places on the cast border of the county, and beyond the State line in Vermont, we find slate of a green color and soft in its texture, — this being the magnesian slate. And here we come to a pale-blue lime- stone, much checked and traversed by veins and seams of white calcareous spar, — the sparry limestone. And beyond this is a snowy-white limestone, — tlie Stockhridge limestone, or Rutland marble, — which comes slightly within the south- east corner of the county. Beyond this we reach a white or light-brown and vitrified sandstone, — the quartz rock. And to this succeed the granite or primary rocks of the Green mountain range. From this sketch it will bo perceived that this county is sitiuited in a trough, as it were, that intervenes between the primitive formation of northern New York and that of New En-dand. In a direct line, it is here from twenty-five to 12 90 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. thirty miles from the primitive rocks of one of these ranges to those of the other. Moreover, the strata of this county are the lowest palpeozoic rocks known to geologists, — that is, they are the lowest of those rocks that contain any organic remains. They were deposited when the first species of vegetables and animals began to have an existence upon our globe. They are admitted on all hands to be sedimentary rocks, — that is, they were deposited from water, and consist of the sand, mud, and silt that settled from the sea which enveloped our world before the dry land was made to appear. We now proceed to a more full and particular account of each of the strata named in the foregoing cursory view. This rock occupies the north end of the county, between Lake George and Lake Champlain, underlying nearly all of the town of Putnam, the whole of Die.sden, and those parts of Fort Ann and Wliitehall which are north of Half-Way brook and west of Wood creek. It is a granitic gneissoid rock of the same character as in the adjoining counties of Warren and Esses, and differs notably from the correspond- ing granitic rock of the Green mountains, being nearly des- titute of mica, and composed largely of feldspar, which is mostly of a gray or reddish color. Hornblende, garnets, and magnetic oxide of iron are in some places disseminated so largely through the rock that they seem almost entitled to be regarded as one of its constituents. From within the bounds of this county two valuable minerals are being furnished by this rock, viz., iron ore and black-lead. Beds of iron ore have been opened at Mount Defiance and Dresden, and there is little doubt but that such beds occur in all parts of this granitic range, from Ticonderoga to Fort Ann ; but it is only in the last of these towns, in the neighborhood of Mount Hope furnace, two miles up Furnace brook from the head of South bay, that the mines have been worked to any large extent. Black-lead (graphite or plumbago) is dissem- inated through most parts of this rock, and occurs in abun- dance in the north part of Putnam, whence, I am informed, is obtained a portion of the " Ticonderoga black-lead," which in market has taken the precedence, and has measurably superseded the supplies of this mineral from other sources. POTSDAM SANDSTONE. Wherever we step oft' from the granitic range just con- sidered, we come upon one of the hardest and most refrac- tory rocks within our knowledge. This is the Potsdam sandstone. It is well exhibited all along the valley of Wood creek from Whitehall to Fort AnTi, and thence west along Half-Way brook to the line of Warren county. At Whitehall the stratum has a thickness of two hundred feet or more, but becomes thinner toward Fort Ann. It is mostly seen in precipices facing the west, and occurs in uni- form layers a few inches in thickness, looking like regular courses of masonry laid up for the wall of some stupendous fortification. In the neighborhood of Winchell's creek and Ma.son hollow, deep, narrow delis and defiles occur, bounded by perpendicular walls of this rock, sometimes branching and running into each other, and having a most .singular and romantic aspect, causing the beholder to almost fixncy himself among the ruined c;istles and towers of the days of old. The rock is a white sandstone, often stained or tinged with red, of a harsh texture, and an earthy rather than a vitreous a.spect. The lower part of the stratum takes on a deep red color, and gradually changes into the gneiss rock beneath it, so that it is impossible to tell by which name certain specimens should be labeled. At the upper part of the stratum the layers become thin and slate like, and on the surfiice of these slaty layers occur slightly ele- vated ridges, branching and crooked, resembling the roots of trees. These are regarded as the relics of a fucoid or sea-weed, which is supposed by those who reject the Taconic theory to have been, probably, the first species of plant that was created in our world. Layers with these remains occur in Whitehall, on the west side of Skene's mountain, near the .summit. In some places, lower down in the stra- tum, the surfaces of the layers are beautifully covered with ripple-marks, as regular and perfect as those newly washed in the .sand on the sea-shore. The uses to which this stone is applied are few. It is so difficult to quarry, in consequence of its hardness, and breaks into blocks with such irregular sides, as to be valueless for laying a smooth-faced wall or a close-jointed pavement. It furnishes the best of fire-stones for furnaces and other situations where a high and continu- ous heat is maintained. It is considerably employed for building purposes in the villages of St. Lawrence county, where it abounds (the walls being of the rough "ashlar"' style), and is superior to any other stone for wall-fences and similar uses. CALCIFEROUS SANDSTONE. This is a rock intermediate in its position and also in its composition between the sandstone below and the limestone above it; being, as its name implies, a sandstone in which a portion of lime is disseminated. Toward its lower part it is nearly a pure siliceous rock, but loses this character nmre and more as we proceed upwards ; the transition being so gradual that in many localities it is impossible to tell at what point this rock ceases and the limestone above it begins. Hence the amount of surface which it occupies cannot be estimated with any degree of definiteness, though it is not extensive. It forms the summit of most of the precipices of which the Potsdam sandstone is the base, and, like that, it is an even-bedded rock, its layers preserving a uniform thickness through long distances. Being so nmch softer than the Potsdam, it is readily raised from the quarry in square and smooth-faced blocks. Hence for flag- ging purposes it is in high repute, and is the most desirable stone of which we have any knowledge, its quarries furnish- ing slabs and blocks of any thickness and size that may be desired. In Kingsbury and Fort Ann several valuable quarries are open, and have been extensively worked for many years. At the quarry on the canal, north of Dewey's bridge, the stratum shows a thickness of about two hundred feet.^ CIIAZY LIMESTONE. At a distance, commonly, of a mile to the east of Wood creek and the Champlain canal, the calciferous .sandstone is succeeded by the pale-blue or dove-colored Chazy lime- stone, which in Fort Ann has a breadth of two or three miles, reaching east to the Mettowee or Granville river. It occujiies the northwest part of the town of Hartford and HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 91 the east border of Kingsbury, and. reappearing on the west side of the valley of Wood creek, skirting the calcifcrous sandstone, it passes through Kingsbury and onward to Glen's Falls, changing as it trends westward to a darker color, and finally to a jet-black. It is a remarkable and most interesting fact that, in tracing this stratum across this county, in a distance of ten or twelve miles, as we pass out (if the Lake Champlain into the Hudson river valley, it becomes altered from the most perfectly-marked Chazy lime- stone into eijually well-marked Bird.seye and Trenton lime- stones. The Miwhiren nutgna, the fo.ssil shell by which this limestone is distinguished, is abundant in the northwest part of Granville; its remains usually appearing as a coiled mark, elevated and rough, often six inches in diameter, and occurring, upon the weather-worn surface of this rock, over half an acre in extent. Other peculiar marks may be noticed, in some places, upon the surface of the layers of this limestone. In the vicinity of Dewey's bridge the lower part of this stratum, as well as the calciferous stratum under it, exhibits an oolitic structure, or, in other words, is marked with a number of concentric rings, like the successive waves extending out from where a pebble has been dropped into smooth water, the.se circular spots being from an inch to over a foot in diameter. In several localities the layers of this limestone may be seen with the surface regularly marked and checked, as if creases had been cut in it with a knife when it was soft. Other layers may be observed with the surface covered with indentations, appearing as though, when it was in a soft state, loads of cobble-stones had been emptied upon it and then picked off, leaving their impres- sions crowded all over the face of the rock. In other places smaller indentations occur, identical in appearance with those made upon soft mud by a shower of rain-drops. Portions of this stratum are also much checked and veined with white calcareous spar. And in some places the ap- pearance is as though the original rock had been wholly broken up into irregular fragments of a few inches in size, and these fragments had been cemented together again, each in its place, by veins of spar. Slabs of this limestone have been got out, both in northwest Granville and in White- hall, which took on a fine polish, and showed that the stone in these places was suitable for being worked as a marble. Though much used for underpinning buildings, for wall- fences, etc., in the neighborhoods where it occurs, it is for burning into quicklime that this stone is most valuable. Numerous kilns have been erected at various points upon this stratum, many of them being now in operation. Much the largest business at this time is conducted by the Keenan Lime Company, at the ledge of this rock a half-mile east fi'om the canal at Smith's basin. This company has five draw-kilns in operation, turning out six hundred barrels of lime daily. To the eye the rock here appears much like that at Bald mountain, and it probably yields a lime similar to that in quality, and superior to the lime of most other localities. TRENTON OR B.\LD-MOUNTAIN LIMESTONE. One of the most valuable and best known deposits of lime- stone is at Bald mountain, in the town of Greenwich. This mountain is a mile or more in length, and, rising to a height of six hundred or seven hundred feet above the level of the sur- rounding country, is mostly made up of a blue limestone which has been long and widely celebrated for the superior excellence of the lime which it yields. As already stated this is one of a range of hills which skirt the valley of the Hud- son river upon its cast side ; and in these hills, both to the north and the south of Bald mountain, this limestone ap- pears, through a distance of eight miles, .standing up in the midst of the slate-rocks like an island in the sea, there being no other lime-rock within twelve miles of this, to aid in showing the stratum to which it pertains. It w;is for- merly supposed to be wholly destitute of fossils, and its lithological characters are quite discordant, it being of a uni- form blue color in one place, in another profusely trav- ersed by veins of white calcareous spar, and at Bald moun- tain being one of the purest of limestones, while two miles distant, at Galesville, it is nearly a fourth composed of .silex. Geologists have conse((uently been greatly embarrassed with this limestone, and have arrived at views very diiFerent and conflicting with regard to its age and its correct name. Professor Eaton considered the rock at Galesville to be calciferous sandstone, and that at Bald mountain metalifer- ous or Trenton limestone. Professor Mather thought there was no calciferous here, whilst Dr. Emmons regarded it as being all calciferous. As fossils would shed the clearest light upon this mooted subject, diligent .searches were made for them, but without avail. In an excursion made by Dr. Emmons, Professor Hall, and myself, over the mountain two miles north of Bald mountain, two vestiges of fo.ssils were discovered, which we all agreed were too slight and obscure for deciding anything, though I su.spect neither of us doubted that they were relics of the Maclurea magna. Afterwards, when making my agricultural survey of the county for the State Agricultural Society, in perfect preservation upon a fragment of limestone at the Friends" meeting-house, three miles south of Galesville, I discovered the buckler of the little trilobite Triiiuclcus coiiceiitricus, a fos.sil belonging to the upper layers of the Trenton limestone, and proving this beyond doubt to be the equivalent of that stratum. In fol- lowing this range of hiils north twenty-five miles, to where it is cut across by the IMettowee river, this limestone again appears, and at the spot where the Madarea magna occurs as uoticcd above, I met with this same fossil and some others belonging to the Trenton limestone, these having been in close proximity to, and one of them associated with, the Maclurea. Some of these fossils have since been found at Bald mountain also. And, from the indications stated a few lines back, I have no doubt that the Maclurea occurs also, two miles north from that mountain. These facts show that this limestone at Bald mountain and its vicinity, and at the Mettowee river, is the full equivalent of the Chazy, Birdseye, and Trenton limestones, and that it is impossible here to separate these and regard them as distinct strata. The rock at Bald mountain is almost pure carbonate of lime, it giving of that substance, on analysis, ninety-six to ninety-seven per cent., with but a mere trace of the silex or flinty matter which occurs in the lime-rocks of other local- ities. Thus it produces one of the richest of what are termed " rich limes," and the lime it yields has ever stood at the head of the market in our cities. Though many 92 HISTORY OF WASHL\GTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. other places furnish iin article of the quality required for common uses, such as the making of mortar, manuring of land, etc., for all the finer kinds of .stucco work, hard-finish- ing, white-washing, etc., the brilliant, snowy whiteness of the Bald-mountain lime renders it unrivaled. The kilns at this mountain, and at the outlying ledges of rock imme- diately around it, had been producing about sixty thousand bushels of lime annually some twenty-five years ago, when the quantity in a short time was more than doubled by the energy with which the business was entered upon and con- ducted by Robert L. Lowber, who became proprietor of the main quarry. Eleven kilns, of the most approved con- struction, were here built by him, with every convenience for feeding them and for transporting their produce over a down grade, three miles, to the canal. A thrifty post- village of upwards of a hundred dwellings grew up at this place. Notwithstanding the large quantity that was fur- nished, this lime always met with a ready sale, and it is supposed that its high repute in our city markets was felt by other producers to be injuriously aiTecting their busi- ness ; as Mr. Lowber was prevailed upon five years ago to sell out his interest here to the Glen's Falls Lime Com- pany, since which the making of lime at this place has been almost totally .abandoned, and the tidy village has been deserted by its inhabitants and is rapidly going to decay. The hydraulic limestone at Galesville, from which an excel- lent water-lime is obtained, contains .so large a portion of silex that we think it must be regarded as pertaining to the underlying calciferous sandstone rather than to this Chazy- Trenton limestone stratum. Its analysis gives forty-two per cent, of lime, with twenty of silica. The Newburg or llosendale cement, with which the market at large is so abundantly supplied, contains but twenty-five per cent, of lime, with fifteen of silica. It also contains twelve per cent, of magnesia, of which there is not a half of one per cent, in the Galesville stone, which would thus appear to be a more pure hydraulic limestone than the former. But masons who have worked largely with both these kinds regard them as equal in value, merely preferring the Galesville cement as being newly ground, and hence hardening more speedily, that which is old eventually becoming as hard as the new. nUD.SON RIVKll SLATE. This slate is well exposed all along the Hudson, from Sandy Hill to Schuylerville, and in the banks of the streams entering this river. In several places, also, it is elevated into ridges which project above the clay soil by which it is commonly overlaid. It extends east from the river about three miles to the base of the Bald mountain range of hills, and is the basis-rock of nearly one-fifth of the county. This slate is of a black or blackish color, and is generally a shale rather than a slate, breaking and crum- bling, when exposed to the air, into small, angular frag- ments, forming a slaty gravel. It dissolves into soil more readily than most of the other .slates of the county, and therefore is not well adapted for wall-fences, nor any of the other uses to which stone is usually applied. At most places it appears so crushed and broken that it is difiicult to determine the direction and amount of its dip. And the friction produced by the rubbing and grinding of the beds of this rock in contact with e..ch other appears to have caused that smooth, glossy, striated surface which constitutes what is called " glazed slate. " In .some in- stances the heat which this friction has occasioned has been so great that it has actually melted a portion of the silex contained in the slate, causing it to run into all the crevices, filling them, and forming white veins of quartz in the rock, the sides of which veins show a striated surface similar to that which the glazed slate possesses. The fossil by which the slate is known is named Grnjttolithiis pristis. It resembles a very narrow blade of grass, having teeth like a saw along both its edges. One of the most abundant local- ities of this graptolite that is anywhere known is at Baker's Falls. Here a thickness of thirty feet or more in the slate is .so filled with these impressions that the thinnest layer can scarcely be split off without eiposing a surface almo.st covered with them. They also occur in Easton, in the bed of the brook which enters the Hudson a mile above Van Buren's Ferry. Though the general character of this rock is that of a brittle shale, exceptions occur in many places, particularly toward the upper part of the stratum, where it puts on an even lamination, and siliceous layers, some of them several inches in thickness, are found, so hard even as to form a good fire-stone. A quarry of this kind has been worked in Durkeetown, in a moderate uplift of this slate, whence the furnaces at Glen's Falls have been supplied with fire-stones. These siliceous layers are of a dark gray or black color. They correspond with the Frank- fort slate of the New York geological reports, and furnish specimens which perfectly represent those slates. The shale or slaty gravel of this rock, in many road districts, is one of the best materials accessible for top-dressing the high- ways. In the west part of the county, where the roads pass over a stiif clay, every moderate rain makes them slip- pery and fatiguing to a horse, and most unpleasant for foot- men. On such roads, merely a slight coating of this gravel makes a great improvement. And on sandy roads this material works wonders, binding the loose sands together and forming a firm, hard road-bed. The long stretches of deep sand upon the road fiom Schuylerville to Saratoga Springs have long been the odium viiitorium, the hatred of wayfaring men, until of late successive portions of these sands have each year been reclaimed, and now nearly the whole distance is changed into one of the best of roads. TACONIC SLATE. The rocks which we have thus far considered have all been members of the New York system, occupying the northwest and west parts of the county. We now pass to rocks which evidently pertain to the Green mountain range, and are New England rather than New York rocks ; and hence they have been considered by some of our best geolo- gists as having been deposited anterior to them, and as forming, as already stated, a distinct series, which has been called the Taconic system ; while others suppose that they were deposited at the same time, and that they are merely New York rocks altered in their appearance by a high degree of heat to which they have been at some period subjected. Having ascended upon the one series, we now HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 93 descend upon the other, coming as we do first upon its liij;hcst member. The Tuconic .slate occupies all of the county to the cast of the Bald nmuntaiii range of hills, except some beds of ■sandstone and limestone of limited extent. It is the basis rock of the eastern half of the county. On its west .side, where it is near the Hudson river slate, it is dark colored, and wherever it is seen in contact with the limestone in that direction it is ([uite black. But soon after passing from its western border it becomes lighter colored, and over most of its extent it is ash-gray, bluish gray, or grayish brown. But its color is everywhere putting on a ditt'erent hue, and from the different parts of this stratum may be gathered speci- mens passing through numberless shades of gray, brown, black, blue, green, clay-yellow, purple, and red. Silex is everywhere much the largest ingredient in the composition of this rock, combined with a fourth to a sixth part of alumine, and usually a slight percentage of lime. In places where the proportion of silex is less the rock becomes more friable, and disintegrates more speedily on exposure to the air. In many places, on the other hand, the rock becomes almost pure silex, often with its lamination so crushed, so pressed together and interwoven as it were, that it is broken up with the utmost difficulty. Generally these siliceous slates are coarsish-grained and har.sh ; but in some places the grains are exceedingly fine and compact, forming the most perfect hornstone and chert, as in the precipitous ledge by the roadside opposite the burying-grouud at South Gran- ville. This rock always exhibits a slaty structure, and its lamina; are usually flat and even ; but in many places they are much bent, undulated, and distorted. It is generally upturned, and dips to the east at an average angle of about forty-five degrees. But the amount of slope is everywhere changing. In some places it is vertical, in others it is hor- izontal. It is rare that this rock breaks and crumbles into small angular fragments like the shales which pervade the Hudson river slate. Natural seams everywhere occur, crossing each other in such a manner as to divide the rock into angular blocks of a rhombic form, but with the angles of their sides and corners all different. At these seams dislocations frc((uently occur, causing an abrupt and total change in the character of the rock, so as often to deceive and disappoint persons who open quarries. Excellent stone may be found at one place, and but a few feet distant, a joint and dislocation occurring, a worthless mass of shale may present itself, which has been crowded up to the same level. These dislocations are numerous. Veins of milky ((uartz are of frequent occurrence in this slate. Iron pyrites, a worthless mineral resembling gold, is disseminated not only through this but through all the Taconic rocks. A pretty variety of this slate, of a bright red color, occurs in a nearly continuous range through the whole length of the stratum from Vermont to New Jersey. And, toward the east side of this Taconic slate, it in some places takes on the appearance of the mica-slate, which occurs fiirther east among the Green mountains. The characteristic fossil of this Taconic slate is a species of sea-weed, and is named Jiulhoi rephis flexuosa. It appears like curved and branch- ing marks painted upon the stone, of a black or at least a darker shade than its ireneral color. From mv examinations of this slate, I long ago became aware that in several places in the county good roofing slate could undoubtedly be made from it. And thirty years ago, in my "Agricultural Survey of the County,' § 210, I made the following statement: •' It is singular that no ([uarry of roofing-slate has ever yet been opened and worked within this county, particularly as so nmch business in this line has been done upon our southern border, in the town of Iloosic. There is no doubt that in many places slate of as good a quality as that of the Hoosic quarries exists within the bounds of this county, and that, in time, roofing-slate will be extensively furnished from hence." Time has signally shown the correctness of what I thus .stated. The slate-business has now become one of the leading interests of Washington county. In the towns of Granville, Hampton, and Salem, twelve quarries are bein" worked, some of them quite largely; their products in pros- perous years amounting in the aggregate to from two to three hundred thousand dollars. The slate here produced has acquired a world-wide reputation as being of the very best quality. In proof of this it may be stated that, though some largo orders received from abroad were recalled in consequence of the war between Russia and Turkey, one of the Salem slate companies, the Excelsior, the past year (1877) sent to foreign countries slate amounting to twelve thousand dollars ; the shipments being to England, Ger- many, South America, and Australia. In numerous places this Taconic slate is quarried in large, smooth tables, mak- ing fine flagstones for paving cellar-bottoms, the walks of village streets, etc. And for underpinning buildings, and all other common uses, it is also resorted to in neighbor- hoods where no better material is at hand. TACONIC SANDSTO.NE. This sandstone constitutes a prominent feature in the geology of this district. Its fragments are widely scattered through our soils ; and from almost every valley may be seen, toward the summit of some of the adjacent hills, jutting out from among the bright verdure of the growing gra.ss or grain, a naked rock of a grayish-white color, so compact and hard that it has withstood the warring elements by which the rocks around it have been broken and worn away to a lower level than its surface. It is a harsh gray sandstone, with a slightly vitreous lustre,'and is everywhere traversed with veins or thin slender seams of white quartz, which often abound with rook crystals. Its most striking peculiarity is that wherever portions of it are covered by the soil and exposed to the roots of vegetation, it loses the lime which it contains, and hereby its surface becomes changed to a porous and friable stone, of a snufT-yellow color commonly, but some- times brick-red, the inside of the stone remaining compact and unchanged. An analysis of this solid inner part showed it to consist of fifty-three per cent, of silica, six of peroxide of iron, fifteen of carbonic acid, thirteen of lime, and five of magnesia ; while the porous yellow surface of the same specimen yielded ninety-one per cent, of silica and five and a half of peroxide, with only a trace of the carbo- nates of lime and magnesia. This rock often appeai-s as a mere bed of limited extent in the slate, or as a layer a few inches or a foot (hick. But in places it protrudes from the 94 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. slate, showing a thickness of one or two hundred feet ; and around Summit lake, in Argylc, if there is no duplica- ture of the stratum, it has a thickness of several hundred feet. It is frequently accompanied by the sparry limestone, though in such cases the two rocks are separated by an in- tervening mass of shale, some twenty feet or more in thick- ness. But in numerous places that rock docs not appear with this. Wherever it appears, this sandstone is preferred to any other stone in its neighborhood for the walls of buildings, and especially of cellars, as it can readily be quarried into narrow blocks, to form a double wall, as it is termed, which will be frost-proof,- — single walls requiiing to be banked on the approach of winter, to prevent the frost from penetrating through them. SPARRY LIMESTONE. This rock is well defined as being a blue or bluish-gray limestone, veined and checked with white calcareous spar. A limestone of this character appears in insulated masses of various sizes at numerous points through the Taconic slate, and under the same circumstances as does the sandstone just described. Sometimes a limestone boulder, having a smoothly-worn surface, is seen imbedded in the slate. Some- times thin, even layers of limestone occur alternating with the slate. At other times we have a breccia of rounded or angular pebbles of limestone cemented together, forming a bed in the slate. But it is unneccessary to narrate these minor peculiarities further. Portions of the Chazy-Trenton limestone, as we have already stated, present this same sparry character. It is the upper layers of that rock, or is a separate stratum overlying that rock (whichever way we wish to consider it) in which these veins of white spar chiefly occur. And in this same situation in respect to the white granular limestone, namely, overlying it, this sparry rook occurs, though extensive beds of it may also be found in that rock, even in its lower part, as is seen on the east side of the plains in Manchester, Vt. This sparry limestone is more coarse-grained and bluL-rh-gray as it approaches the Green mountains, and more fine-grained, compact, and dove-colored or leadeu-hued as it recedes from them. And, extending through this Taconic distiict in broken masses among the slate as it does, it appears much like a chain, the successive links of which connect the Chazy- Trenton limestone on its west side to the granular limestone on its east side. MAGNESIAN SLATE. In traveling east, after we have passed all the most con- spicuous exposures of the rocks last considered, we come upou this slate, apparently reposing directly upon the white limestone next to be spoken of Hence it is not inappro- priate to place it in this order, although we do not deem its geological place to be beneath the sparry limestone. We regard it as being the underlying portion of the Taconic slate, and the equivalent, probably, of the black pyritous shaley mass, which, upon the west side of this district, we find accompanying and alternating with the Tagonic sandstone. But on the opposite or east side of this district it presents itself as a green or light green isii-gray slate, so .soft that it may, in many places, be scratched with the finger-nail and carved with a knife like chlorite. It is often profusely permeated with veins of milky quartz, which mineral has run through it in every direction, like water soaked into a sponge. On its east side, where it meets the limestone, it presents an even and undisturbed lamination, while on its west side, where it approaches the Taconic slate, it is undu- lating, twisted, and contorted, often in a most astonishing manner. In this county it occupies but a limited space at its southeast corner. GRANULAR LI.MESTONE OR RUTLAND .MARBLE. This white crystalline limestone, from the immense quan- tities sent from there to all, even the most distant parts of our land, is now everywhere known by the name of Hut- land marble. From quarries in other localities it also has the name of Stockbridge limestone, Dorset marble, Suther- land Falls marble, Arlington stone, etc., and as a variable portion of magnesia always enters into its composition, it has also been designated magnesian limestone. In much of the rock to the south of here the quantity of magnesia it contains is so large that it there becomes a friable dolo- mite, crumbling into sand upon a few years' exposure to the atmosphere. An analysis of Dorset marble gave eighty- five per cent, of carbonate of lime, with thirteen of carbo- nate of magnesia, which is somewhat less of the latter than is usual. The quantity which is quarried along the eastern borders of this county, in Vermont, is immense, much the largest part of the marble used in the country being from this vicinity. The stratum only touches upon the extreme southeastern corner of this county the length of a mile. GRANULAR QUARTZ. Though this rock nowhere occurs in place within the borders of this county, it requires to be mentioned, being connected as it is with the strata of the county, and dis- seminated as its fragments everywhere are, in the form of pebbles and cobble-stones, through the drift or gravelly soils of the county. It appears all along the east margin of the white limestone, and has a light brown or white color. Sometimes it occurs bedded in even layers, in clifl's and precipices similar to the Potsdam sandstone, from which, however, it differs notably by the vitreous, glassy, or grca.sy lustre which its surface presents. This is the lowest of the Taconic series of rocks, and on passing acro.ss it we come upon the gneiss or granite of the main range of the Green mountains. In conclusion, it may be observed that all the geological facts exhibited in this district concur to indicate that, when the rocks here wore fiist deposited, the ridge which now forms the Green mountains was twice or thrice as distant from the Hudson river as it now is. Subsequently a period of great disturbance and disruption of the earth oc- curred, when it was everywhere convulsed and torn, as if lashed and goaded by a hundred earthquakes simulta- neously in full play. At that time the Hudson river and the Green mountains were crowded towards each other, causing the rocks that had previously lain in regular, even, horizontal beds to be pressed and pushed together, crush- ing, grinding, doubling up, and folding over each other HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 95 in the most promiscuous and confused manner. Some idea of the effects which would be produced by such a convulsion may be formed by observing the mode in which the ice in our rivers breaks up in the spring of the year, when a mass from above becomes so loosened as to com- mence moving down the stream against a ma.ss that is still firm, causing acre after acre of the thick-ribbed solid ice to crack and yield before the tremendous pressure, throw- ing huge massive blocks into every possible posture and making a perfect chaos where, a half-hour before, all wa.s regular, and apparently of enduring strength and firmness. Analogous to this seems to have been the operation of that force which was once in action, breaking asunder and over- turning the strata of solid rocks in this district, causing hills and mountains to shoot up, making valleys close together here and open out there, and producing such con- fusion of the strata as geologists may study upon for cen- turies, without being able to unravel and explain the phe- nomena presented at some of its localities. CHAPTER XXII. FREE-MASONEY IN "WASHINGTON COUNTY.* Military Lodges — Washington Lodge — Montgomery Lodge — Aurora Lodge — Livingston I^odge — Rural Lodge — North Star Lodge — Liberty or Granville Lodge — Farmers' Lodge — Ri-sing Sun Lodge —Hamilton Lodge— Brothers' Lodge— Social Hall Lodge— Hebron Lodge — Argyle Lodge — The Breaking up of Masonry — Re-open- ing of Phceni.'i, Granville, and Brothers' Lodges — Establishment of Fort Edward, Sandy Hill, Salem, and Cambridge Valley Lodges— Argyle and Ashlar Lodges — Royal Arch Masonry — La Fayette Chapter — Federal Chapter — Hartford Mark Lodge —Williams Chapter— AVashington Chapter- Champlain Chapter— Fort Ed- ward Chapter— Sandy Hill Chapter— Hartford Chapter. There were no lodges organized or existing- in the terri- tory composing the county, till after the Revolutionary war, except such as were created or had communications within the different regiments stationed here, and which were called " military lodges." There were many of these, and almost every worthy and distinguished officer on the American side wa.s a member of one of these lodges. But, as they were e.ssentially floating and ephemeral bodies, we know but little of their history. The first lodge established after the close of the war was located at Fort Edward, and was called Washington Lodge, A'o. 11; being warranted on the 12th of July, 1785, by the M. W. Grand Lodge of Now York, with Colonel Adiel Sherwood as Master, John Vernor as Senior Warden, and Hugh McAdam as Junior Warden. This lodge had a very large membership, composed of the leading and influential men of the county, and may be called the mother of all the other lodges in this section, among which was Montgomery, No. 28, warranted on the 22d of October, 1791, with John Vernor, who had been Senior Warden of Washington Lodge, as Master, Cornelius ■ By Hon. James Gibson. Vanderberg as Senior Warden, and Abraham Livingston as Junior Warden. It wtvs located at Stillwater, its membership, however, being largely from Wa.shington county. The .second lodge organized in Washington county was Aurora, on the IGth of January, 1793, located at Hampton, with General John Williams as Master ; Johnson, Senior, and Peter P. French, Junior Wardens. This lodge was remarkably successful, and many eminent men in the north part of the county were made Ma.sons in or affiliated with it. The third lodge organized was Liriiiysfoii, No. 2S, for which the Grand Lodge granted a warrant on March 6, 1793, locating it at Kingsbury. The leading men in organizing this lodge were John Vernor, before mentioned, who was its first Master, John Hitchcock, Colonel Matthew Scott, Thomas Bradshaw, and the Hon. Zina Hitchcock. The fourth lodge organized was Rural L'idge, No. 32, warranted on the 4th of September, 1793, with St. John Honey wood as Master; Gerritt G. Lansing, of Easton, as Senior Warden ; and Andrew White, of Cambridge, as Junior Warden. It was located at Cambridge, but was au- thorized to hold its communications at Easton until such time as suitable accommodations could be provided at Cambridge aforesaid. This occurred soon, and the lodge was removed to and met thereafter permanently at Cam- bridge. The fifth lodge was located at Salem, and was warranted on Sept. 7, 1796, by the name of North Star Lodge, No. 51, with the following officers: James Harvey, Master ; Alexander J. Turner, Senior Warden ; and Simon Stevens, Junior Warden. This lodge was probably one of the strongest in the character of its membership, if not in numbers, of any in the county. Among them were General John Williams, St. John Honeywood, Abram Allen, M.D., Hon. Asa Fitch, Amherst Wheeler, I]sq., Artemas Robbins, M.D., Jared Bostwick, Cornelius Holmes, M.D , William K. Adams, Samuel T. Shepherd, Philo Curtis, Jes.; years, he had sold the paper to Marcellus Strong, who changed its name to the Granville Telegraph. This continued about six years, when it passed into the hands of F. W. Cook. He changed its name to The Granville Times, and stopped its publication in about one year. He is now a printer in the Herald office, Rutland. In June, 1849, a printing-office was again opened, and the Granville Register started by C. M. Haven, with A. S. Burdick, editor. At tlie end of the first year Mr. Burdick resigned his position, when Mr. Haven became the editor, and continued as such until Sept. 1, 1861. The paper was then sold to J. A. Morris of the Whitehall Chronicle, who continued its publication till December, 1864, when it was suspended. C. M. Haven is now an insurance operator in Troy, N. Y. ; A. S. Burdick is a lawyer at Saratoga Springs. The Granville News was established two years later by W. & H. C. Morehouse, who after two years dis- continued it. H. C. Morehouse is now publisher of a paper at Greenwich in this county. The Granville Reporter was started as a six-column paper in September, 1869, by George C. Newman and J. A. Mor- ris, who at the end of two months enlarged it to seven col- umns. Three months later it became the sole property of J. A. Morris, who enlarged it to nine columns, and con- tinued it at that size until Jan. 1, 1870, when he enlar-'ed it to eight pages of six columns each. The establishment was entirely burned the 10th of February, 1873, when so much other property was destroyed in Granville. This closed the printing business for a time. On the 1st of September, 1875, L. McArthur commenced the publi- cation of the Granville Sentinel, adopting a new name, as his predecessors had done at every change. It has now reached the middle of its third volume. It has an excellent local correspondence, is a bright, clear, and readable paper, and its editorial department is conducted with ability and taste. It apparently has before it a long and prosperous career. CHAPTER XXVI. ■WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LIST. Members of Council of Appointment— Acting Governor— Chief Jus- tice and Justices of the Supreme Court — Comptroller — >". Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, ISO(>. Kathanicl Pitcher, of Kingsbury, ISOG. Daniel Shiphercl, of Argylc, 1S06. I'eleg Bragg, of Argyle, 18U7. John Gray, of Salem, IS07. James Hill, of Cambridge, ISOT-'J. Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1807. Thomas Cornell, of Easton, 1808. Lyman Hall, of Hartford, 1808. Henry Matteson, of Hebron, 1808. Gideon Taft, of Whitehall, 1808. Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, lSOS-9. Roger Skinner, of Kingsbury, ISOS-IO. Reuben Whallon, of Argyle, 180S-y. John Gale, of Easton, ISIO. William Livingstin, of Hebron, 1810. John Baker, of Kingsbury, 1811. John Richards, of White Creek. 1811. Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, ISU. Reuben Whallon, of Argyle, 1811. David Woods, of Granville, 1811. Lyman Hall, of Hartford, 1812. James Hill, of Cambridge, 1812. John Kirtland, of Granville, 1812. Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, 1812. John Beebeo, of Cambridge, 1812-13. Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1812-13. Francis McLean, of Cambridge, now Jackson, 1812-13. Ebenezer Russell, of Salem, 1812-13. Melanchthon Wheeler, of Whitehall, 1812-13. Raul Dennis, of Cambridge (now White Creek), ISU. Samuel Gordon, of Hartford, 1S14. John Richards, of , 1S14-U. John Savage, of Salem, 1814. Charles Starbuck, of Easton, 1814. John White, of Argyle, 1814. John Gale, of Easton, 1814-15. Henry Matteson, of Hebron, 1814-15. Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury, 1814-15. Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 1814-15. Michael Harris, of Hartford, 1816. John Reid, of Argyle, 181C. David Russell, of Salem, 1816. James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1810. Ruswell Weston, of Kingsbury, 1816. John Gale, of Easton, 1816-17. Nathaniel Pitcher, of Kingsbury, 1816-17. Isaac Sargent, of Fort Ann, 1816-18, David Woods, of Granville, 1816-17. Jason Kellogg, of Hampton, 1818. Alexander Livingston, of Greenwich, 1818. John McLean, Jr., of Salem, 1818. William K. Adams, of Salem, 1819. John Doty, of Fort Ann, 1810. John Gale, of Easton, 1SI9. William McFarland, of Salem, 1819. David Austin, of Hartford, 1820. Peleg Bragg, of Argyle, 1820. James Hill, of Cambridge, 1820. John Kirtland, of Granville, 1820. Wadsworth Boll, of Hartford, 1820-21. James Mallory, of Easton, 1820-21. John Moss, of Kingslury, 1820-21. William Richards, of Cambridge (now White Creek), 1820-21. John Baker, of Kingsbury, 1820-21. Silas D. Kellogg, of Hampton, 1822. James Teft, of Easton, 1822. Timothy Eddy, of Fort Edw.ard, 1823. John King, of Argyle, 1823. Martin Lee, of Granville, 1823. James McNaughton, of Cambridge, 1823. David Campbell, of Jackson, 1824-25. John Crary, of Salem, 1824. Silas D. Kellogg, of IlamptoD, 1824. Ezra Smith, of Whitehall, 1824-25. Lemuel Hastings, of Fort Ann, 1835. Samuel Stevens, of Salem, 1825. Hiram Cole, of Kingsbury, 1826. James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 182G. Israel Williams, of Greenwich, 1826. David Woods, of Granville, 1S26. John McDonald, of Hebron, 1827. Peter J. H. Myor.s, of Whitehall, 1S27. Samuel Stevens, of Salem, 1827. Jonathan Moshcr, of Easton, 1828. Henry Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1S2S. Henry Whiteside, of Cambridge, 1828. John McDonald, of Hebron, 1829. Robert McNiel, of Cambridge, 1829. Richard Sill, of Hartford, 1829. David Russell, of Salem, 18.30. Robert AVileox, of Cambridge, 1830. David Sill, of Hartford, 1830. George W. Jermain, of Cambridge, 1831. Henry Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1831. William Townsend, of Hebron, 1831. Isaac W. Bishop, of Granville, 1832. John McDonald, of Hebron, 1S32. James Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1832. Walter Cornell, of Cambridge, 1833. Charles Rogers, of Kingsbury, 1833. David Russell, of Salem, 1S3.3. Charles F. Ingalls, of Greenwich, 1834. Melanchtlion Wheeler, of Whitehall, 1834. James Wright, of Kingsbury, 1834. Jonathan K. Ilorton, of Greenwich, 1835. George MoKie, of Easton, 1835. Allen R. Moore, of Granville, 1835. Aaron Barker, of Easton, 183R. Alexander Robortsoa, of Putnam, 18.3S. Stephen L. Viele, of Fort Edward, 1836. Joseph W. Richards, of White Creek, 1837. Charles Rogers, of King.sbury, 1837. Erastus D. Culver, of Greenwich, 1838. Reuben Skinner, of Granville, 1841. Leonard Gibbs, of Granville, 1833. Salmon Axtell, of Fort Ann, 1839. Jesse S. Leigh, of Argyle, 1839. John U. Boyd, of Whitehall, 1840. Anderson Simpson, of Salem, 1840. Erastus D. Culver, of Greenwich, 1841- Reuben Skinner, of (rreenville, 1841. James McKie, Jr., of White Creek, 1842. Dan S. Wright, of Whitehall, 1842. Anson Bigelow, of Greenwich, 1843. James W. Porter, of Hartford, 1843. John Barker, of Granville, 1844. John W. Proudfit, of Salem, 1841. James Rice, of Fort Ann, 1845. John Stevenson, of Cambridge, 1845. James S. Foster, of Hebron, 1846. Lodovicus S. Viele, of Fort Edward, 1846. Adolphus F. Hitchcock, of Kingsbury, 1847. Samuel McDonald, of Cambridge, 1847. Benjamin Crocker, of White Creek, 1848. Elisha A. Martin, of Whitehall, 1848. Lo Roy Mowry, of Greenwich, 1840. Alexander Robertson, of Putnam, 1849. David Sill, of Argyle, 1850. Calvin Pease, of Putnam, 1850. Thomas C. AVhitesidc, of Easton, 1851. James Farr, of Fort Ann, 1S5I. Elisha Billings, of Jackson, 1852. 116 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. David Nelson, of Whitehall, 1852. Charles R. Ingalls, of Greenwich, 1853. Samuel S. Beaman, of Hampton, 1853. Ebenezer McMurray, of Salem, 1854. George W. Thorn, of Fort Ann, 1854. James I. Lowrie, of Greenwich, 1855. Justin A. Smith, of 'Whitehall, 1855. John S. Crocker, of White Creek, 1856. Henry S. Korthuji, of Kingsbury, 185S. Anson Ingraham, of Cambridge, 1857. Henry AV. Beckwilh, of Granville, 1857. Thaddcus H. Walker, of Salem, 1S58. Ralph Richards, of Hampton, 1S5S. Andrew Thompson, of Easton, 1859. James M. Northup, of Hartford, 1859. James Savage, of Argyle, ISCO. Peletiah Jackw.ay, of Fort Ann, 18G0. Peter Hill, of Jackson, 18(51. Nicholas M. Catlin, of Kingsbury, 1861. George H. Taylor, of Fort Edward, 1802. Philip H. Ncher of Hebron, 1862. Asa C. Tefft, of Fort Edward, 1863. Ervin Hopkins, Jr., of Granville, 18G3. R. King Crocker, of White Creek, 18G4. Andrew G. Meiklejohn, of Putnam, 1854. Alexander Barklcy, of Argyle, 1865-66. Sylvester E. Spoor, of Hebron, 1865. James C. Rogers, of Kingsbury, 1866. Thomas Shiland, of Cambridge, 1867. Adolphus F. Hitchcock, of Kingsbury, 1867. David Underwood, of Fort Edward, 1868. Nathaniel Daily, of Hampton, 1868. William J. Perry, of White Creek, 1869. Isaac V. Baker, Jr., of Fort Ann, 1869-71. Thomas J. Stevenson, of Salem, 1870-71. Edward W. Hollister, of Greenwich, 1872-73. George W. L. Smith, of Kingsbury, 1872. Eleazer Jones, of Granville (died, and William H. Teffl, Whitehall, elected in his place), 1873. Alexander B. Law, of Salem, 1874-75. Emerson E. Davis, of Whitehall, 1874-75. Townsend J. Potter, of Fort Edward, 1876-77. Henry G. Burleigh, of Whitehall, 1876. Isaac V. Baker, Jr., of Fort Ann, 1877. Abr.aham Reynolds, of Greenwich, 1878. George L. Terry, of Kingsbury, 1878. SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. First Distrtct.— Earl P. Wright, Robert Gr.aham, David V. S. Qua, Abram G. Cochran, Ezra H. Snyder. Second Distrct. — John Hall, Charles L. Mason, John C. Earl, Thomas 8. Whittemore, Isaac Parks, AVilliam H. Tefft, Ezra H. Snyder, E. J. C. AVhittemorc. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The following are the justices of the peace from the or- ganization of the county of Charlotte (afterwards Washing- ton), and residing within the limits of Wa.shington county giving, as far as possible, the present name of the town : APPOINTMENT.S BY ROYAL AUTHORITY. Appuiiilfd J Illy 1, 1773. William Duer, Fort Edward. Philip Skene, Whitehall. James Gray, Cambridge. Patrick Smith, Fort Edward. Ebenezer Clark, Salem; re-appointcd 1795, 1798, 1801, 1807, ISOS, 1810. Robert SncU. Alexander McNachtcn, Salem. Archibald Campbell, Jackson. Philip Embury, Salem. John Barnes, Salem. Stephen Rogers. Ajij^ointcd December 8, 1773. Alexander Webster, Hebron ; re-appointed 1786, 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798. Appointed March 12, 1774. Thomas Green, Cambridge. Appointed June 11, 1774. Garret Keating, Whitehall. ArrOlNTMENTS BY THE STATE OP NEW YORK. Appointed June 23, 1786. Ebenezer Russell, Siilem; ro-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798. David Hopkins, Hebron; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1810. Moses Martin, Salem; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795, 1818. Albert Baker, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. John McAllister, Salem; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. Aaron Fuller, AVhitehall. Samuel Crosset, Hebron; re-appointed 1792, 1798, 1801, 1807. Adiel Sherwood, Kingsbury; re-appointcd 1789, 1792. Silas Child, Granville. John Rowan, Salem; re-appointed 1789,1792, 1795, 1804, 1807, 1808. Asaph Cook, Granville; re-appointed 1789, 1792,1795, 1804, 1807, 1808. Gideon Warren, Hampton; rc-appoinfed 1792, 1795. William McDougall, Argyle; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. Peter B. Tearse, Fort Edward. James Randolph, Argyle; re-appointed 1789, 1792, 1795. Aljihcus Spencer. Ap2>ointed May 5, 1789. John Williams, Salem; re-appointed 1792, 1795, 1798. Jonathan Foster, Argyle. William Keid, Argyle; re-appointed 1792, 1795, 1708, ISOl. Appointed A2)ril 6, 1792. John Younglove, Cambridge ; re-appointed 1795, 1798. /^ Edmund Wells, Jr., Cambridge; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. Slanton Tefft, Easton; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1804. Thomas Dennis, Easton; re-.appointed 1795, 1798, 1804, 1807, 1808, ISll. John Fish, Granville; re-appointed 1795. Setts Sherwood, Fort Edward. Medad Harvey, Fort Ann. Asahel Hitchcock, Kingsbury. Daniel Curtice, Granville; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. Timothy Leonard, Granville; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801. John McWhorter, Granville ; re-appointcd 1705. Daniel Earl, Jr., Whitehall; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1812. Edward Harris, Salem ; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804. Asahcl Hodge, Hartford; re-appointed 1795, 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808. John MeKillip, Cambridge; re-appointed 1795. Jacob Van Valkenburg, Salem; re-appointed 1795. Sanford Smith, Cambridge; re-appointed 1795, 1798. Samuel Beamau, Hampton; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1807, 1810,1818, 1821. William Whiteside, Cambridge. Thomas Smith, Easton; rc-ajipointed 1798, 1801, 1S04, 1807. David Sprague, Greenwich; re-appointed 1705. Alexander Webster, Jr., Hebron ; re-appointcd 1795. Thomas Bellows, Hebron; rc-appointed 1795, 1798. John Hamilton, Hebron ; re-appointed 1795. Walter Raleigh, Cambridge; re-appointed 1705, 1798. Appointed March 18, 1795. Zina Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1798, 1810. Edward Savage, Salem; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1810. John Law, Salem; re-appointed 1798, 1801, 1804, 1807, 1808. John Conger, Cambridge. John Harroun, Cambridge; re-appointed 179S. David Long, Hebron; re-appointed 1798. John Hitchcock, Hebron ; re-appointed 1798. Samuel Harris, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1798. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 117 Api>oliilc2>oinled April 8, 1805. Simon Do Ridder, Easton; re-appointed 1807i 1810, 1817. James Hill, Cambridge; re-appointed 1807, 1811. Solomon Dean, Cambridge; re-appointed 1808, 1811, 1815, 1818, 1821. Jonathan Wood, Hartford; re-appointed 1815, 1818. John White, Argyle; re-appointed 1808, 1814, 1815. Abraham Case, Hebron. David Root, Hampton. Appointed Mivvli 1.3, I80G. Reuben Wh.allon, Argyle; rc-appointcd 1807, 1811. Collins Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-appointed 1807. James Burnett, Putnam ; re-appointed 1807, 1808, 1809, 1811, 1815, 1818, 1821. N.ath.inicI Porter, Easton; re-appointed 1807, 1808. Timothy Case, Granville. Aj,/;,inlcd M„rcli 30, 1807. Samuel Hough, Granville; re-appointed 1808, 1811. Appuinled April 3, 1807. Henry Adams, Hampton. Cornelius Holmes, Salem. Appointed June 10, )S07. Snyder Stevens, Cambridge. Thomas Cowcll, Easton. Moses Rice, Salem. David Russell, Salem. Henry Rico, Hebron. Shubael Simmons, AVhilehall. Nathaniel Cruikshank, AVhitchall; re-appointed 1809. Pliny Adams, Hampton. Samuel Hooker, Hampton: reappointed 1808, 1815, 1818. Samuel Underbill, Hartford; re apjiointcd 1808. Aaron Austin, Hartford. Jonathan Wood, Hartford; reappointed 1808, 1811. Jonathan Leigh, Argyle; rc-aiipointed 1810, 1813. John P. Raker, Greenwich. Artemas Bobbins, Greenwich. Roswcll Weston, Kingsbury. 118 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. William Hill, Cambridge. Baiijamin Smith, Camljridgo; David Simpson, Cambridge. Obadiah Brown, Cambridge. -appointed ISII. Aj,p„intol Jiuw 10, 1S07. Eliud Smith, Granville. Joseph Tower, (iranville. Nathan Kogers, Easton. Richard Rogers, Easton. Daniel Shepherd, Easton ; inted ISOS, ISIO i-appointcd 181 1, 1815, 1818, 1821. Appointed Fv.bni(ir,j 1 Ij, 1808. Nathan Wilscm, Salom; re-appointod 1811. Gideon Taft, Whitchnll; re-appointed ISII. Leonard Gibbs, Granville: re-appointed ISII, ISIS. Alexander Simpson, Jr., Salem ; re-appointed 1811, 1815. James MuFarland, Jr., Salem. Amherst Wheeler, Salem; re-appointed 1811, 181,% 1818. John Baker, Fort Ann ; rc-appoinled 1815. Jesse L. Billings, Salem. Ezra Holmes, Salem. Wm. Raymond, Jr., Granville Rial Tracy, Granville. Benjamin Hill, Granville. Roger Skinner, Kingsbury. Collins Hitchcock, Kingsbury; rc-ajipointcd 1811, 1819, 1821. Wm. C. McLean, Cambridge; re-appointed 1811. ■ Beniamin Smith, Cambridge; re-appointed 1811. Benjamin Brownell, Easton; re-appointed 1811. Appuhited Fvhniurij 10, 1808. James Tcfft, Easton ; re-appointed ISll. James Kenyon, Easton. John P. Webb, Ilartl'ord ; re-appointed 1811. Isaac Crocker, Argyle: re-appointed 1811. .Alexander McDougall, Argyle; re-appointcJ 1811, 1815. Samuel Hatch, AVhitehall ; re-appointed 1811. Reuben Jones, Whitehall; re-appointed 1811, 1815, 1818. Alexander Cruikshank, Whitehall; re-a])pointed 181G. Thomas McLean, Greenwich. Marmaduke Whipple, Greenwich ; re-appointcd 1811, 1815. Joseph Tefft, Greenwich; re-appointed 1811. Appointed April 2, 1808. Zachariah Sill, Hartford; re-appointed 1811. Thomas Gourley, Hebron; re-appointed ISll. Wm. Thompson, Easton. Calvin Smith, Easton. Thomas Eddy, Argyle. Zerah Rider, Salem. John Hall, Hebron; rc-apjiointeil 1811. Appointed Man/, 27, 1809. Ebcnezer Blinn, Whitehall. John Doty, Fort Ann. Wm. Pratt, Greenwich. Paul Dennis, Cu Pelatiah Bugbce Appointed June 5, 1809. nhridgc ! re-appointed 1811, 1815. Putnam; rc-appoinled 1811. Appointed M.oek 20, 1810. Wm. Richards, Cambridge. John P. Becker, Greenwich. William Williams, Salem. Theodoras Stevens, Salom. John H. Northrop, Hebron. Wm. McClellan, Hebron. Dennison Darrow, Hebron. Caleb West, Granville. Orla Hall, Granville. Martin Lee, Granville; re-appointed 1815, 1818, 1821. Jeremiah Spiccr, Granville. James Sntterlee, Hampton. Enoch Wright, Whitehall. Nathaniel Hall, Whitehall: re-.appointed 1814, 1S15, 181fi, 1818, 1819, 1821. John C. Parker, Hartford, reappointed 1815, 1818, 1821. Aaron Ingalsbc, Hartford. Thomas N. Clark, Argyle. Samuel T. Shepherd, Argyle. John Reid, Argyle; re-appointed 18M. Andrew Haggart, Argyle. Abraham Wright, Argyle. Jonathan Moshcr, Argyle. John F. Whipple, Greenwich. Charles Ingalls, Greenwich. Lemuel T. Bush," Fort Ann. Duty Saylcs, Cambridge; re-appointed 1816. Jacob Holmes, tiranvillc. John Thomas, Kingsbury. Appointed Febnmrn 20, 181 1. George Clark, Fort Ann ; re-ajipointed 1815, 1818, 1821. Stephen Easty, Salem. Stephen Ransom, Salem ; re-appointed 1815. Alexander Mcintosh, Salem. Joshua Steel, Salem. Calvin Smith, Easton. Abraham Wright, Easton. Zephaniah Kingsley, Fort Ann; re-appointed 1815. Reuben Baker, Fort \nx\. Lemuel Hastings, Fort Ann; re-appointcd 1815. John Crosby, Fort Ann ; re-ajipuintcd 1S15. Liberty Branch, Fort Ann. Asahel Hodge, Hartford. Samuel Gordon, Hartford; re-appointed 1815. Samuel Downs, Hartford. Daniel Hopkins, Hebron. Amos Smith, Hebron; re-appointcd 1815, 1818, 1821. Read Phillips, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1815. William Calvin, Kingsbury; re-appointcd 181-4, 1815, 1818. Beriah Rogers, Hampton; re-appointcd 1815. Edward Riggs, Argyle; re-appointed 1818. John F. Gandall, Argyle; re-appointed 1S13, 1815. John Robertson, Argyle; re-appointed 1815. John McNiel, Argyle. John McCoy, Argyle ; rc-nppointed 1815. Thomas McLean, Greenwich. Araspus Folsom, Greenwich; re-appoiuted 1815. Aaron M. Ferine, Greenwich. James Vanderwerker, Greenwich. Gardner Philips, Greenwich. William Pratt, Greenwich. Isaac Lacoy, Cambridge. Warbam Hastings, Cambridge. Abraham F. Vaudenburgh, Cambridge. Appointed April 6, 1811. Christian Seckrider, Kingsbury. Timothy Eddy, Argyle; rc-.appointed 1815, 1818. Appointed June 10,1811. Pliny Whitcomb, Griinville; rc-appointed 1817. Nathaniel Frank, Granville. Asa Northam, Granville; re-appointcd 1815. Elijah Dexter, Ciimbridgc. Appointed Morel, 24, 1812. David Woods, Fort Ann. App,. inted Jnne Ifi, 1812. Gardner McCracken, Fort Ann ; re-appointed 1815. Benjamin Copeland, Fort Ann; re-appointed 1815, 1818, 1821. Elisha Thornton, Argyle. Gerrct II. Van Schaick, Easton. Cyril Carpenter, Granville; re-appointed 1815. David Campl.iell, Cambridge. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 110 Appuinted March 25, 1814. Abner Stone, Salcm. Win. Van Nortwyok, Argyle. John Moss, Kingsbury; i-c-appointcd 1815. David Doane, Jr., Hartford ; re-appointcd 1818. Squire Bartholomew, Whitehall. Seth Peck, Hampton. Appointed April 16, ISll. Clark Rico, Cambridge. Jesse S. Leigh, Argylc. Daniel Carswell, Argyle. Thomas firiffiths, Whitehall. Appmiitcd March 3, 1815. James Sloan, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1818. Throop Barney, Kingsbury. Reuben Farr, Fort Ann. Luther Wait, Kingsbury ; re-appointed 1818. James Nichols, Hampton. Samuel Warford. Salem. Andrew Martin, Salem; re-appointed 181S. Levi Hcrrington, Granville. Ezekiel Smith, (iranvillc. Reuben Muz2.y, Argyle; re-appointed 1818. Wm. Van Nortwick, Argylc; re-appointed 1819. Eben Crandall, Greenwich ; re-appointed ISli). James McNaughton, Greenwich; re-appoited 1817, 1818. Levi Cole, Greenwich. Leonard 6. Bragg, Greenwich. John Paddock, Greenwich. John Wilson, Jr., Hebron. Samuel Livingston, Hebron ; re-appointed 1818. David Wbeadon, Hebron. James Carlisle, Hebron. James Hill, Cambridge. Oliver Sherman, Cambridge. Paul Cornell, Cambridge. James Tefft, Easton ; re-appointed ISIS. Philander Tobey, Easton; re-appointed 1817, ISIS. Calvin Smith, Easton; re-appointed ISIS. Rcdford Dennis, Easton. James Mallory, Easton ; re-appointed ISIS. James S. Tefft, Easton. Justin Smith, Whitehall. Thomas Lyon, Whitehall. Samuel Hatch, Whitehall. Appointed April S, 1815. Henry C. Martindale, Kingsbury; re-appointed 18IS. Solomon Smith, Greenwich. James Hill, Cambridge; re-appointed ISIS. Wm. C. McLean, Cambridge; re-appointed ISIS. Austin Wells, Cambridge. Benjamin Smith, Cambridge. Abram F. Vandenburgh, Cambridge. M'm. R. Adams, Salem. Gurdon Bull, Hartford; re-appointed ISIS, 1821. Alpheus Underbill, Hartford. David McXiel, Argyle. Elisha Thompson, Argyle. Thomas McLean, Greenwich; re-appointed 18IS. George Barney, Whitehall. Truman Clark, Putnam. Hiram Lawrence; Fort Ann; re-appointed 1821. Silas D. Kellogg, Hampton; reappointed ISIS, 1S21. Appointed March 1, 181 K. James B. Gibson, Salem; re-appointed 1818. Appointed March 2C, ISIC. John Bliss, Whitch.all. Robert Vredcnburgh, Whitehall. Dan Foster, Whitehall. 01)adi.ih Dingmore, Whitehall. Wm. Briggs, White Creek; re-appointcd ISIS. Appointed Jnhj 8, ISlC. John Sprague, Salem. Appointed March 5, 1817. Ebenezer Kimball. David Simpson, Jackson; re-appointed 1818. Samuel T. Shepherd, Argyle. Franklin Hunter. Horace M. F. Smith, Hartford. Daniel Mosher, Jr., Cambridge; re-appointcd 1818. Hezckiah King. Cambridge. Benjamin Deuel, Easton. John D. Putuam, White Creek. Appointed March 19, 1817. Bethuel Church, Jr., Salem; re-appointed 1821. Appointed Febrnari/ 18, 1818. Lewis Shearer, Greenwich; re-appoiuted 1821. Josiah Sheldon, Easton. David Chase. Appointed April 24, ISIS. William Butlerfield, Putnam. John Bliss, Whitehall. Ransom Harlow, Whitehall; re-a]ipointed 1821. Hiram Lawrence, Fort Ann. lliram Cole, Kingsbury. Timothy Stougbton, Fort Edward. Warren Bell, Fort Edward. Stephen L. Velio, Fort Edward. David Sill, Argyle. Beriah Rogers, Hampton; re-appointed 1821. Nathan Smith, Hebron; re-appointed IS2I. Jedcdiah Darrow, .Tr., Hebron; re-appointed 1821. Richard Sill, Hartford. David Oatnian, Hartford; re-appointcd 1821. Seneca G. Bragg, Greenwich. David Campbell, Jackson. Oliver Sherman, Cambridge. Austin Wells, White Creek; rc-appointcd IS2I. John Willard, Salem. Appointed April 1.3, 1819. Lemuel IIasting,s, Fort Ann; rc-appointed 1822. Appointed JnljS, 1S19. David Congdon, Putnam. Jacob Viele, Cambridge. Appuinted Fehrnary 17, 1820. Alexander McLaughlan, Putnam. Daniel Adams, Hampton. Eliud Manvillc, Whitehall. Samuel T. Tanner, Granville. Joseph Boies, Greenwich. Appointed April 1, 1S20. Samuel Hubbard, Argyle. Appointed FehrHaru 2\, I82I. .Tohn Baker, Fort Ann. John L. Wendell, Cambridge. Alexander McLaughlan, Putnam. Daly Allen, Putnam. Robert Easton, Putnam. William II. Parker, Whitehall. Micah G. Bigelow, Whitehall. William Miller, Hampton. Elisha M. Forbes, Fort Ann. James Ilawley, Hartford. Archibald Hay, Hartford. Luther Wait, Kingsbury. Nathan P. Colvin, Kingsbury. Alexander McDougal, Argyle. Constant Storrs, Argyle. Benjamin Clapp, Argylc. William KciJ, Jr., Argylc. 120 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Timothy Eddy, Fort Edward. Samuel T. Shepherd, Fort Edward. Warren Bell, Fort Edward. Amherst Wheeler, Salem. Philo Curtis, Salcm. Alexander Robertson, Salem. Henry Bull, Hebron. Abel Wood, Hebron. Jonathan Conger, Hebron. Wheelock Keith, Hebron. Daniel Hatch, Hebron. Benjamin F. Skinner, Cambridge. Benjamin BrowncII, Cambridge. Rufus Pratt, Cambridge. Harmon S. Barnum, Cambridge, Joseph Stewart, White Creek. Augustus King, White Creek. William Briggs, White Creek. Thomas McLean, Greenwich. Enoch Hanks, Greenwich. John Davenport, Easton. Gideon Cornell, Easton. Ebcnezer Norton, Easton. James Tefft, Easton. Isaac Matthews, Whitehall ; re-appointed 1S22. Adonijah Emmons, Kingsbury; re-appointed 1S22. Simeon Dennis, Easton ; re-appointed 1S22. In 1821 a new constitution was adopted, and the justices, ■who had before been appointed by the governor and senate, were made appointable by the board of supervisors and the court of common pleas combined. In 1827 tliey were directed to be elected by the people. The names from 1821 to 1827 are not on record in the county clerk's office. ELECTIONS BY THE PEOPLE. Benjamin Clapp, November, 1S27 Argyle. Theodore Shepherd, « « " William Reid, Jr., " " " John Reid, « " " Henry Shepherd, " 1828 " William Reid, Jr., " 1S29, " Josiah Dunton, " 1827, Cambridge. James P. Robertson, « u " Jesse Pratt, " " " Julius Phelps, " " " Robert Marshall, " 1828, " Sidney Wells, " 1829, " Abraham Conklin, " 1827, Easton. John Wright, « « '< Gideon Cornell, " " " Lemuel Simmons, " " " Ebcnezer Norton, " 1S2S, " Martin Mason, " 1829, " Lemuel Hastings, 1827, Fort Ann. Amos T. Bush, " " " Benjamin Copeland, " " " John Root, " " " Kingsley M.artin, 1828, " Amos T. Bush, " 1829, " Samuel T. Shipherd, " 1827, Fort Edward David Sanders, " " " Timothy Eddy, " " " Timothy Stoughton, " " " Edward Fullerton, " 1828, " Warren Bell, " 1829, " Eloathan Benjamin, " 1827, Dresden. Doty Allen, " " " Palmer Blunt, " " " Jonathan Winn, Elnathan Benjamin, Jonathan Winn, Ralph Barber, John C. Parker, Esek Fitch, Jonathan Todd, Boswell Ellsworth, Roswell Ellsworth, Esek Fitch, Charles F. Ingalls, Duncan Peterson, Thomas McLean, Alfred Fisher, Thomas McLean, Robert Coon, Slade D. Brown, Luther Mann, Curry Maynard, Solomon S. Cowan, Luther Mann, Slade D. Brown, Jedediah Darrow, Samuel Livingston, John Button, John Woodward, Samuel Livingston, John Button, Henry Bull, John P. Adams, Moses Ward, William Miller, Samuel B. Hooker, Ethan Warren, John P. Adams, Beriah Rogers, Constant Clapp, Calvin Smith, Solomon Dean, George W. Robertson, Calvin Smith, Francis McLean, Collins Hitchcock, Hiram Colvin, John Moss, Luther Wait, Luther Wait, John Moss, Henry Mathews, John W. Proud fit, Aaron Martin, Jr., Warren Norton, Henry Mathews, Aaron Martin, Jr., Paul Cornell, Harmon S. Barnam, Henry Rice, Benjamin Crocker, Benjamin Crocker, Paul Cornell, Alexander McLaughlin Robert Easton, James Blair, Anthony D. Welch, Abel Comstock, Robert Easton, Isaac Wood, James I. Stevens, Ransom Harlow, William H. Parker, John Boyd, James I. Stevens, November 1827, Dresden. " 1823, " " 1829, " " 1827, Granville. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Greenwich. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Hartford. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Hebron. " 1828, " " 1829, " 1827, Hampto 1828, " 1829, " " 1827, Jackson. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Kingsbury. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Salem " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, White Creek. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Putnam. " 1828, " " 1829, " " 1827, Whitehall. " 1828, " " 1829, " H I S T O E Y OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. SALEM. LOCATION AND N.\TUR,\L FEATURES. Salem is situated upon the east border of the county, south of the centre. It is bounded upon the north by Hebron, east by Vermont, south by Jackson, west by Jackson, Greenwich, and Argyle. It contains thirty-two thousand one hundred and eighty acres, or a fraction over fifty square miles. Its surface consists of moderately-ele- vated ridges, separated by narrow valleys, all extending in a northeast and a southwest direction. The hills are usually bordered by gradual slopes, and their summits are crowned with forests. There is very little waste-land in town. The Batten Kill, on the south boundary, and Black, White, and Trout creeks arc the principal streams. Lytle's pond, in the north part of the town, is a beautiful sheet of water, lying in a basin among the hills and surrounded with for- ests. The town is drained southwardly by the several streams that flow to the Batten Kill. At the east Jenks' brook unites with the main stream, a little east of the school-house in district No. 22. Next in order is the Cam- den creek, formed of two branches, the east and the west. This joins the Batt en K ill at a prominent northern bond. Steele's brook, a stream of but little importance, flows in, a short distance below the village of East Salem. Tracing the kill northward from the bend, where it makes nearly a right angle at the southernmost point of the town, the small stream that forms the outlet of Juniper swamp is the next in order. No other tributaries are found until the mouth of Black creek is reached, at the west town-line. This stream drains more than half of the town, and a large portion of the town of Hebron on the north. It has one considerable branch from the east, formed of Beaver creek, upper White creek, lower White creek, Dry creek, and Trout brook. Farther north is the West Beaver brook, rising partly in Hebron and draining one of the pleasant valleys of Salem. Black creek has some unimportant riv- ulets from the west. The outlet of Lytle's pond flows nortliward into Hebron before uniting with Black creek. McDougall's lake on the west town-line has its outlet through Livingston brook. Slate deposits are found in the northern part of the town, and a quarry for roofing 16 material has been worked to soinc extent. Other natural features worthy of mention are the peal marsh, not far from the slate quarry, and the Juniper swamp, south uf the Centre. PATENTS. This town consists mostly of the Turner patent of twenty- five thousand acres, granted Aug. 7, 1764, to Alexander Turner, James Turner, and others. One half of this patent, however, became the property of Olivcir De Lancey and Peter Du Bois, two government oflicials. These last sold their share in 1765 to Rev. Dr. Thom.is Clark, for his colony of Scotch and Irish emigrants, at a perpetual rent of one shilling per acre. This patent was survej'ed imme- diately after it was obtained from the colonial government, in 176-t. It was divided into three hundred and four lots, and a large lot, covered with splendid pine timber, w;js re- served for the common benefit and laid out into .small lots for division. Of the three hundred and four lots the full- sized ones contained eighty-eight acres each. The arrange- ment of the boundary lines, a part of the way on the Batten Kill, and also diagonally on the east, gave some frac- tional lots, and also some having more than eighty-eight acres each. The numbering of the lots, as made in 1764, is found on recent township maps, showing very clearly the ancient division lines. This patent was divided by lot between the New Eng- land patentees and Dr. Clark's colony. A record of the drawing is not preserved, or at least has not yet been dis- covered among the collections of old papers in the town. Each party first gave three lots, five hundred and twenty- eight acres in all, for religious purposes. Just how the drawing w;i8 conducted has not been ascertained in any re- cent investigations. Whether each party drew out numbers at random alternately until they were all taken, or whether the New England men did all the drawing until they had obtained their half, is uncertain. No account of trouble or litigation over the division has come down to the present time, and it is to be inferred that the method adopted for the drawing w;is mutually agreed upon and the results sat- isfactory. The Now Englanders and the Scotch-Irish were 121 122 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. evidently intermingled all over the town, and one writer intimates that the rivalry in settlement and cultivation tended to develop the town faster than would have been the case if they had been a homogeneous people, all of the same nationality. Besides the Turner patent the town of Salem also contains, on the west, lots G7 and 08 of the Argyle pat- ent, lying between McDougall's lake and the Ratten Kill. At the northeast corner of the town is the Farrant Patent, or a portion of it, forming a small triangle. The southeast portion of the town, forming a large triangle, with the ba.se upon the Batten Kill, consists of Duane's patent and Cockburu's patent, with a small .separate tract around Jenks' brook, or Chunk's, to give the earlier name. The patents of Duane and Cockburn comprise the beautiful Camden valley. These patents will be more particularly explained under the head of Early Settlement in the Camden Valley. EARLY SETTLEMENT. From the sermon of Rev. Edward P. Spraguo, delivered June 4, 1876, we take the following passage, as an excel- lent summary of the facts connected with the first settlement of Salem : " In the spring of 1701, t\vo racn from Pclham, Mass., James Turner and Joshua Conkey, visited this county, which they had perhaps traversed during the war ju.st before, and selected the flats where the pleasant village of Salem now stands as the site of their future resi- dence. Going back to Pelham for the winter, they returned the next spring, accompanied by Hamilton McColUster, the father of the late William MeCoUister, who died in 1S71. These three men, Turner, Conkey, and McCollister, were the original settlers of this place, and the first also in the entire county. Their lirst cabin (hut, it might as proi)erly be called) was erected where the Ondawa House now stands, and the stump of a large tree, cut oif as level as possible and left in the middle of their cabin, served as their first table. Each of these three selected a tract of land for himself, Turner taking that west of their cabin, and in the rear of the present academy building ; McCol- lister going up the creek, about where the present dam now is, and Conkey still a mile farther up the stream. After two summers here, with their winters in Pclham, they removed their families in the spring of J7G3, transporting their goods through the woods on horse- back, and fording or swimming "the streams. They made this place henceforth their permanent home. These three families were the first actual settlers in the county." The claim that this was the first actual settlement in Washington county, as well as in the town, can hardly be sustained. As we have fully shown in the general history of the county, there was a considerable settlement around old Fort Saragbtoga, in Easton, twenty years or more before the arrival of the pioneers of Salem. That settlement, however, has passed so completely out of the knowledge of men of later generations, that no one can be expected to be aware of it unless he has made a specialty of searching out the early history of the county. Salem, however, may con- tain the earliest continuous settlement in the county, though Cambridge claims to have been actually settled in 17C1, and all the accounts declare that in that year Philip Skene es- tablished his thirty families in Skene.sborough. These three settlements were within a few months of each other, and if Conkey and Turner actually built a house and commenced operations when they came to look at the land, then Salem was probably the first ; if not, then Skenesborough takes the lead. It is all a matter of probability at best. The best ancient documents throwing light upon the names and location of the early settlers of Salem are the following schedules, with the certificates attached. The first is dated January, 1789, the other about a year later. These papers show that the farms there described were the property of the signers ten or twelve years earlier, or not more than ten or twelve years after the first gen- eral settlement of the town, and before very many transfers would have taken place. In many eases positive pioneer location — 17G4 to 17G8 — is no doubt clearly shown. In a few instances the same family names yet appear upon town- ship maps on the very farms selected one hundred and ten yetirs ago. These documents show more than ownership. Actual residence is certified to, — residence earlier than the Rur- goyne campaign of 1777. These certificates must, however, be interpreted with some degree of liberality. The son of an early proprietor was permitted, no doubt, to offer " satis- factory proof" of his father's residence. An agent or hired man or subsequent purchaser might have been per- mitted to do so as the legal successor of an original proprietor. James Proudfit, coming here in 1783, was no doubt allowed to offer proof, not that he himself had been driven off' in 1777, six years before he came to Salem, but, as pastor and tenant of church property, that his predecessor or the agent of the church had been obliged to leave. It may be thought strange that the two parties, loyalists and Federalists, Tories and rebels, could both furnish the same kind of proof, and have their titles confirmed, and both be released from (juit- rent for the same reason. It will easily be seen that, in a certain sense, both coh/i/ furnish the evidence, and no doubt conscientiously. The Unionists in arms against the king were directli/ driven off by the approach of the Rritish army and their allies. The loyalists had been obliged to leave indirecl/i/ for the same reason. The incursion of the enemy brought on a crisis in which — obliged to choose be- tween the rebels and the king, and choosing in favor of the latter— they had been compelled to leave. The difficulty of the times is illustrated by the story of one settlor whose house was visited by a party demanding to know whose side he was on. Thinking it a matter of prudence to give a cautious answer, he replied, " On the Lord's side." But the parties persisting, and asking again whether he was for the king, he replied, "Yes, I am for the King of kings." Failing to extract a political opinion from him, they left him undisturbed in his Scriptural meditations. As to the proof required for which quit-rent might be discharged and title confirmed, there was no doubt a dispo- sition on the part of the State authorities to conciliate and therefore harmonize existing difficulties. Men whose worth and integrity as citizens were unquestioned had taken sides in favor of adhering to the crown, — retaining the allegiance of their fathers, — and it was not deemed best to ostracize and drive from the country men of that stamp. The term " actuaUi/ resided" must also be construed in a .somewhat general sense. A man claiming two lots, upon one of which he lived and the other a wild, unsettled lot, no doubt brought them both in under the same term. Subject to these explanations, and interpreting the lan- guage of the certificates somewhat liberally, these schedules HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 123 must be considered a reliable statement of the actual citi- zens of this town before and in the Revolutionary war 1767 to 1777. Men of other towns and other patents could not well have been included to any great extent in these lists. The numbers attached to the names indicate the lots of the Turner patent. The acres in the original document are omitted hei'e. PiiRsesiiora Ntimliers of of LhiiiI. the Luts. Jolin Armstrong 1 40 iqi Thomas Armstrong J "' James Armstrong 129 Wra. Beatty 154 John Blakely 226, 250 Bartholomew Bartlett 29i) Joseph Bartlett 274 Wm. Bell 3'J Eliz. Boyd 256 Thomas Boyd 12.^ Wm. Boyd 13.3 Wm. Brown ...219, 220 John Beatty 146, 221, 220 John Beatty, Jr 156, 157 Nathaniel Carswell I to ci le * I ry 1, ^ ...52, 51, 45 Abner Carswell J ' ' Joshua Conkey 153. 63 -Kobert Clark 229 Benjamin Cleveland 1^ 3 Palmer Cleveland J! ' John Chambers 24 Thomas CoUancc 247 Samuel Covenhoven....s„^... 193 John Conner 295 James Craig 204 James Crossett 80 George Cruikshank 108 John Duncan 237 David Edgar 60 Elisha Fitch 219 Wm. Feral 36 James Gault 224 Jane Gibson 31 Samuel Gillis 40 Ebenezer Getty 170 Alexander Gaiilt 88, S4, 82 Robert Getty 7 i"\?'^.Yr \ 11'. 1« pJathanicl Gray J ' George Gun 167 Calvin Gault 16 John Gray, Jr 89 Robert Gilmore..,. 83 John F. Gault Ill John Harsha 69 David Hanna 30 Samuel Hopkins | 13" l^s Nathaniel Hopkins] ' Allen Hunsden James Henderson 152 William Huggins 133 John Henry 86 Richard Hoy 48 Wm. Hoy 44 Isaac Linoey 37 John Lyon 98 Moses Lemmon 61 John Livingston 179 Robert Lowdon 158 John Lytic 92 Andrew" Lytic 191 Thomas Lyon 121 Edward Long 160, 40 John McCartor I ,,, Samuel MeCarti-r f "- James MoFarland 84 Wiii. M,-CI.Mrv 184 Jauifs .\Io..r..". 276, 265 Jolm McJlicbael 59 "CoIISTV OF 1 Washington, J *** " I do hereby certify that the above-named persons, of the county of Washington, have given me satisfactory proof that they actually resided on the respective farms named to their names in the division of a patent of twenty-five thousand acres of land, originally granted to Alexander Turner and twenty-four others on the 7th day of .August, 1764, ami that on account of the late war they were respectively Posspssora Numbirs of of Liiiul. tile Lots. Joseph McCrackcn, Jr 53 Hezekiah Murdoch 101 Hamilton McCollister 190 Daniel MuNitt 73 Daniel Mattison 58 William Moncrief.Jr 32 William McCov 44 William Moocrief, Sr 41, 48 Hugh Muncricf 28 Ale.-Lander McNish 19 David Muchelnea 141 Samuel McCraoken 214 Robert McMurray 230 David Matthias..' 44, 60 Matthew McClaughrey 1 ,- ,<, Thomas McClaughrey J -'^' '" Andrew McClaughrey 34 Wm. Matthias 140 James Moor, Sr 279 John McMillan 297 Hugh Moor 278 Potter McDuugall 220 Moses Martin I Aaron Martin j ^-^ Robert Matthias 32 Joseph Nelson 104 Thomas Oswald 228, 190 Robert Orr 127 James Ramagc 272, 273 James Rowan 141, 138 Wm. Rogers 173 John Rowan, Esq 198 James Rogers 160 Andrew Robinson 176 John Rowan, Jr 194 Robert Stewart 26 William Sloan 217 Edward Savage, Esq 100, 15 Margaret Savage 99, 18, 6 Abner Stone 205 John Steel 6 James Stewart 95 Ale.vandiT Stewart 47 Alexander Simson 11 James Stevenson 167 David Scott 102, 109 Joseph Slaraw 48 Wm. Smith 198 Thomas Steel 299 Abraham Turner 10 Wm. Thompson 22 Josej)h Tomb 57 Alexander Turner 9.3, 22 Alexander Turner, Jr 50 Reuben Turner 49 Jennet Thomas 160, 159 James Thompson 75 Joseph WilKson 178 Nathan Wilison 145, 135 Patrick Wilison 1 j-j j-j. Nathaniel Wilison J ' ' Thomas Williams S3 S.amuel Wilison 76 David Webb 258 John Williams 167, 77, 209 Leonard Webb 235 Siimucl Wright 196 Alexander Wright 27 obliged to quit thoir said farms by the invasion of tho enemy, as witness my hand this 24th day of January, 1789. " Davib Hopkins, " One 0/ Ihc Jiirlget 0/ the Court of Common I'lenn fur the County of WuMnglon. " Albany, January 24, 1789. " I certify that the within is a true copy of a certificate and sched- ule signed by David Hopkins, Esq., one of the judges of coinmoa pleas for Washington county, and I do further certify tho several persons therein named are free from paying all past as well as future quit-rents for the number of acres opposite their respective names. " PeTEII S. ClIUTKNlUS, "State Auditor." A year later there is a similar list, as follows : Possessors Nultihers of or I.utid. the Luta. Thorn is Armstrong 122 Robert Armstrong, Jr 130 John Armstrong, Jr 42, 43 John Armstrong 125, 131 Thomas Beatty ) !i.> 1-. William Realty } ''*''' ^^* Samuel Beattv 218 Robert Boyd.'. 192 John Boyd 128 Moses Bartlett 234, 238 Joseph Bartlett 203, 267 Mo.y ^^t-jt^/ycy ^ A/^--^-^ ""^ C/y. 'u^^\.-^ ^::^^-^^^^2-^y Anna, his wife, had for his ninth and youngest son, Joseph (2), of Rehoboth, who was born June 24, 1652; and who had by his wife, Hannah Sabine, of Seekonk, Nehemiah, who was their twelfth and youngest child, born May 21, 1699 ; and whose fourth son was Jacob (4), born February 4, 1734; and whose third son, Ephraim (5), born March 10, 1766, graduated in medicine, and married, May 26, 1793, Miriam, a daughter of General Timothy Newell, of Sturbridge, Mass., and whose fifth child by her was George (6), the subject of this sketch. He was born in Salem, N. Y., January 12, 1806 ; educated at Washington Academy while it was under the charge of the Rev. Sidney Wilber ; pursued the study of medicine and surgery in the office of his uncle, Abram Allen, M.D., and his brother-in- law, Archibald McAllister, M.D., who were copartners in the practice of medicine, at Salem. He attended two courses of lectures at the Medical University, Castleton,Vt., but could not graduate, as he was not then twenty-one years of age. He returned to Salem, and entered at once into the active practice of his profession until he attained his majority, and then returned to Castle- ton and graduated, December 19, 1827, and became a member of the Medical Society of the county of Washing- ton. He renewed the practice of medicine at Salem, and continued in practice until his death, which occurred August 16, 1866, aged sixty years. His wife had died previously, — August 4, 1856. He was of a family of physicians, for his father and uncle were, as we have seen, of that profession ; and his cousin, Amasa Allen, M.D., who settled in Granville, was also a physician ; and his son, Charles H. Allen, M.D., died in the practice of medicine, at Salem, March 1, 1875. Dr. George Allen was of more than ordinary ability as a surgeon, and as a physician he had no superior in the county. His life was devoted to his profession, and no one could be more attentive than he was in the performance of its duties. As long as life remained in the body he never lost all hope, and it was his belief that his patient had a right to the services of his physician till his last breath , for, while life remained, nature might struggle, and, with the aid of the physician, might save; and this possible chance, he insisted, ought never to be lost for want of care and attention. Another noble quality he had in an eminent degree was his cheerful countenance in the presence of his patient ; nothing could surprise him out of this, for with him it was a duty, and practiced on the same principle as the quality before mentioned. For it was his opinion that a cloudy, dubious, solemn, or melancholy face should never be carried by a physician into the sick-room. He felt bound to give the patient every chance for recovery, and he gave them not only medicine, but hope ; and whatever he might do as to stopping the prescription, he never lost the cheerful face, nor the hope of a good result, in the presence of the patient. His mode of practice w;»s a revolution from that previously had, for bleeding in nearly all cases had been the rule previous to his commencing, but in his practice rarely, if ever, employed. The doctor's social (pialities were such as to endear him to every one with whom he came in contact. He married, soon after graduating, Caroline S., daughter of Major James Harvey, of Salem, and his wife, Mary (Barrows), and had the following children : Charles H., who subsequently became a distinguished physician and surgeon at Salem ; George, who is a resident of Washington, D. C. ; James H., a resident of Cameron, Mo. ; and Caro- line, who married Geo. B. McCartie, Esq., for many years chief of the bureau of engraving and printing in the treasury department at Washington. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NJ]W YORK. 143 '" Reuolved, That the trustees of the village of Salem be directed forthwith to cause to be raised the sum of two hundred dollars, for the purpose of building an engine-house, ftnd the re/tidue to be (tpjtlicd hy said trustees to refund the money advanced last year by individuaUj towards purehnsing euijine iVo. 1.' " At the same meeting it was furtlior " * Jiesnlved, Tliat the trustees he authorized to rent a suitable lot of ground on which to place an engine-house, which rent shall not exceed the sum of ten dollars per aunuru.* " The inference to be drawn from tlie foregoing resolu- tions, and particularly from the italicised portion of the former one, is that the first engine was purchased by private subscription, during the year 1810. A brief description of it may be of interest. It has iron wheels, eighteen inches in diameter ; length of box, five and a half feet ; width, twenty-two inches ; depth, fourteen inches. There were originally two brakes, — one at each end of the engine, — each brake only long enough for five men to work on. It had a brass air-chamber which extended some five or six inches above its top. The fire-buckets were used in feeding it with water. Having no suction-pipe, it could not be fed from wells or reservoirs like modern engines. " Persons unacquainted with the power of such an engine would naturally say that it could throw water but a very short distance. Such was not the case, as will be seen by the following facts: In July, 1871, when the engine was over .sixty years old, some of the village boys organized a company, and bought the " old tub," as they called it, for a few dollars, and shortly after, these boys took the " tub" out and threw a distance of one hundred and twelve feet. Under the old .system here, in case of fire, the inhabitants would form in two lines extending from the engine to the nearest well. Those forming one line would pass from hand to hand the buckets filled with water to supply the engine, and the other line would return the empty buckets to the well. "The trustees, on May 17, 1820, adopted an ordinance, the interest of which consists in the fact that, so far as is known, it shows the style of the first uniform ever worn by Salem firemen : " ' Be it ordained by the trustees of the village of Salem, that here- after every person appointed, or to be appointed, in the company of firemen of the said village, shall, within fifteen days after notice of such appointment, equip himself with a short coat of blue woolen cloth anil a leather hat such as is usually worn by a fireman : and in default of such an equipment within the time aforesaid suoh person shall be deemed to have refused acceptance of such appointment, and be no longer a member of said fire-company.' " In March, 1833, a tax of two hundred and fifty dol- lars was voted, for the purpose of improving the depart- ment and for contingent expenses. In July, 1833, Alonzo Gray was appointed to procure an axe for the use of the engine-company. This was the first axe ever purchased by authority of the trustees, at least for fire purposes. From 1803, for thirty years firewardens were elected annually; and by an ordinance adopted in July, 1833, it was made their duty ' to attend strictly at every alarm of fire in the village, and to form the lines to carry water to the engine with all possible dispatch.' In July of that year (1833) a committee was appointed to procure four ladders, two twenty-four feet long, and the other two sixteen feet in length. At the next meeting the committee reported that they had procured the axe and ladders, at an expense of nine dollars and forty cents. It appears that the old hook-and-ladder department cost about ten dollars. " From 1803 to 1835 the enterprise of the residents of the village kept pace with its growth, and in the latter year many of the citizens were in favor of selling engine No. 1, and purchasing one with modern improvements. There was, as is apt to be the ca.se, one party who wanted a new engine and another party who were satisfied with the old one. But finally, pursuant to the request of those who wanted to exchange engines, the trustees called a special village-meeting, for the purpose of taking the subject into consideration, which was held Aug. 15, 1835, and it was resolved that it was ' inexpedient' to raise money for that purpose at that time. The meeting, however, went so far as to appoint John Williams, Jr., John W. Proudfit, and John Willard as a committee ' to inquire into the expense of a new engine.' But the committee made haste slowly, and the subject was dropped for a while. At an adjourned special village-meeting, held Jan. 7, 1837, it was resolved ' that the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be raised by tax, for the purpose of paying for a fire-engine and a suitable quantity of hose for the use of said village.' Jan. 28, 1838, the resolution adopted a year earlier was re- scinded, and the following resolution adopted in lieu thereof: "' Resolved, That two htindred and fifty dollars be raised . . . for the purpose of paying John Williams, Jr., for a fire-engine, /ifieJo- fore furnished said rilla.je I,,, him.' "At a meeting hold June 25, 1838, the sum of two hundred and thirty-one dollars and fifty cents was paid Mr. Williams for the engine in question. It seems, therefore, that the second engine was purchased of Mr. Williams, or loaned by him to the village, in 1837. It was built in his manufactory by the Lord brothers, who were considered to be the leading mechanics of the day in this section. ENGINE-HOUSES, AND WHERE LOCATED. " At the time of the purchase of the fire-engine, in 1810, a building, located on the lot next north of the old court-house lot, was secured for its shelter. The engine was kept there till 1842, when a new engine-house was erected. The subject was brought before the inhabitants at a special meeting held in August, 1835, at which Messrs. John Williams, Jr., John W. Proudfit, and John Willard were appointed a committee to report as to the advisability of a change. Nearly two years later (April, 1837) a res- olution was adopted to the effect that the engine-house be removed to the Salem Hotel lot, provided such removal coidd he made without expense to the village. It is inferred that the ardor of the advocates for the removal was con- siderably dampened by the proviso of the foregoing reso- lution, as the subject was dropped and not revived until 1838. In January, 1838, Major Harvey, Dr. Robert M. Stevenson, and Hon. Marinus Faircbild were appointed as a committee to fix upon a permanent location ; but the change was not made, and in 1840 the old engine-house was repaired. This subject received further ventilation in May, 1842, when the trustees recommended the erection of a new engine-hou.se, and the inhabitants at the annual 144 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. meeting in that year voted to expend two hundred and fifty dollars, less collector's fees, for that purpose. " A committee, consisting of John Williams, Jr., Cor- nelius L. Allen, and Dr. George Allen, was appointed to select a site. The new building was erected by the then owners of what is now known as the Salem Hotel, in rear of the hotel and fronting on West Broadway, and was leased to the village for a term of years. The room was fitted up by a committee from the trustees early in 1843, at the ex- pense of the village. " The company of 18.37 consisted of twenty-three mem- bers, as appears by a list presented to the trustees on Sep- tember 9 of that year, as follows : John Williams, John Adams, James H. Seymour, John Williams, Jr., John Mc- Lelland, Jonathan F. Danforth, Taylor Manville, A. M. Proudfit, Loraness Clark, Marvin Freeman, William H. Reab, Cyrus Stevens, Alonzo Gray, Abner Austin, Thomas G. Wait, David Bowen, Harrison Libbey, Abner Austin, Jr., William Gunnison, Loughton Lane, Moses Whitney, David Rider, Adam W. Freeman. " On Aug. 20, 1840, a contract was awarded to George R. Lakin to build two fire-wells for seventeen dollars and fifty cents each. One of these wells was located in front of the old court-hou.se lot, and the other at the junction of Main street and Broadway. " The second engine was used from 1837 to 1849, and in the later year a tax was voted for the purpose of paying for a new engine and hose. It was furnished by Samuel Lord the same year, and in 1850 he was paid two hundred and thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, leaving due him sixty- two dollars and fifty cents, which was soon thereafter paid. It is probable that the old engine was turned in towards the purchase price of the new one, the old engine and the three hundred dollars making the cost of the third machine. That engine, like the second, was manufjictured here. " In the early days of the department, and down to a very recent period, for that matter, there were no fire-bells or alarms, and the writer has often wondered how meetings were announced, and the company ' warned out' to attend fires, etc. The earliest by-laws now in existence are those of 1840, and one of the sections gives the method of notify- ing members of meetings and alarms of fire. The company had, among other officers, one called the ' horn-blower,' and his duties are defined as follows : " ' It shall be the duty of the horn-blower to blow the horn at least ten uiiuutes before the time for each regular meeting, under a penalty of fifty cents for each omission ; and immediately on the alarm of fire, under the penalty of three dollars for each and every neglect.' " There is an ancient expression about ' blowing one's own horn,' which has been commonly applied to men who mag- nify their own exploits, but the writer was never satisfied as to the origin of the expression, until he discovered the by-laws to which he has referred. The names of the ' horn- blowers' of the Salem fire department ought to be handed down to future generations ; but, alas ! the records are lost and the golden opportunity has passed, and their names will never be disclosed. " The two ' great fires,' as they are called, occurred, the first in September, and the latter in October, 1840, just one month apart. The fire-company at that period was com- posed of the following-named persons: John Williams, Jr., James H. Seymour, Marvin Freeman, A. M. Proudfit, Wm. H. Reab, Loraness Clark, Warren Tanner, W. W. Freeman, Alonzo Gray, Wm. McLelland, Cyrus Atwood, David Rider, David Bowen, B. F. Robinson, Ebenezer Beaty, Rufus Fox, Thomas M. Hopkins, Abner C. Barnard, Robert McMurray. "The fire-company organized in 1806 continued in un- broken existence until 1847, when a petition for a new fire- company was presented to the trustees May 1. The peti- tion was received and placed on file, but no action was taken thereon for several months. On May 7, 1847, a petition signed by a number of members of the existing company was presented to the trustees, and is as follows : " ' To the Tninltea o/ the viUar/e o/ Salem : " ' Respectfully showeth that they are members of the present fire- company in said village, and are desirous that the same should be dissolved, and they fully discharged therefrom. All which they re- spectfully submit. "'CvRus W. Hall, "'Cvnrs Atwood, "'A. Grav, " ' W. W. Freeman, "'OnniN Austin. "'Sai.em, May 1, 1847.' '■ The petition was ordered on file, and subsequently (June 2, 1847) the trustees dissolved the existing company and constituted those named in the foregoing petition for a new fire-company as the fire-company of this village. During the years 1848-49, Henry S. Osborn, C. "V. B. Martin, John L. Woodin, John J. Steele, John King, David Lid- die, David Youlin, Geo. Quackenbush, S. G. Patterson, Joseph H. Guild, Murray McFarland, Lewis Herrington, and possibly others, were appointed firemen. " This company was disbanded in 1856. Its foremen were as follows : Josephus Fitch, 1847-49 ; Robert C. Cun- ningham, 1850; Abram C. Lansing, 1851-54; Alvin Rus- sell) 1855-56. '•The company turned out on parade for the last time on July 4, 1856, and practically disbanded on that day, but was not formally dissolved till Nov. 28 of that year. " Old Uinon No. 1.— From July, 1856, to 18G1, to all intents and purposes, this village was not protected against fire. On Dec. 9, 1861, Messrs. T. C. Cronin, John M. Williams, and Geo. Hastings were appointed as a com- mittee from the board of trustees, with full power to pur- chase a fire-engine and the necessary hose. The committee subsequently reported their proceedings, and at a meeting held Dec. 18, 1861, the board resolved to purchase Cataract Engine, No. 8, of Troy, for eight hundred dollars, and four hundred feet of hose for two hundred dollars. The engine and hose were purchased and reached here soon thereafter. " It appears that Union Engine and Hose-Company No. 1 was organized previous to Dec. 18, 1861, because at the meeting held on that day, it was resolved ' that the ofiicers and members of the company lately organized, ai]d called Union Company No. 1, be approved.' In September of the following year the trustees instructed the village treas- urer to borrow six hundred dollars ' for the special purpose of purchasing hose for the fire-engine, and digging wells and reservoirs.' Under the charter of 1851 the fire-com- pany could only have thirty-four members. This being too y ^ DAnD HAW' LEV. David Hawley was bom in the village of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., March 9, 1809. He was only son (having one sister, Mrs. Alonzo Gray, of Salem) of Joseph Hawley and Sally Gray, the former a native of Bridge- port, Conn., and came to this county while a young man, spent his life as a merchant in Salem, and died in the year 1858, aged eighty-three years. The latter was a native of Camden, town of Salem, and died in the year 1856. His grandfather's name was Woolcot Hawley. David Hawley's early life, until he was sixteen, was spent at home and as a student in Washington Academy, at Salem, where he received such cultivation of intellect as gave him ready ability to enter upon a clerkship in his father's store, which he continued until he was nineteen, when his father gave up business, and the son entered a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Alonzo Gray, which continued for a time ; he then caiTied on the business aloue successfully until the year 1838, when his health became somewhat impaired, and he spent the following ten years traveling in different parts of the United States. In the year 1830, May 25, he married Miss Katharine Matilda, daughter of the late Major James Harvey, of Salem. She was born July 11, 1813, and died at the age of twenty-three, leaving an only daughter, Mrs. Rev. J. K. McLean, of Oakland, California. After the death of his wife Mr. Hawley retu-ed from business, and resided elsewhere for several years, first in Greenwich and then in Schaghticoke. In the year 1848, February 16, he married Miss L. J., youngest daughter of the late Col. Bethel Mather, of Schaghticoke, who was a native of Torringford, liitchfield Co., Conn., and had for his pastor the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, father of the first missionary of this country. Her mother was Haldah Smith, nf Aiueuia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., daughter of Elijah Smith, cousm of John Cotton Smith, ex-Governor of New Yurk State. To Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have been born two sons: Joseph Mather Hawley, graduated from Amherst College, June, 1875, and entered thf same year the banking-house of C. A. Mather & Co., of Beriin, Wis. ; and Charles D. Hawley, spending his minority at school. After Mr. Hawley's second marriage he returned to Salem, and soon after entered into the grain and commission business in partnership with Mr. Cyrus Atwood, which con- tinued until his partner's demise; after which time he carried on the business aloue until nearly the time of bis death, Feb. 5, 1871. In January, 1859, he was elected a trustee of the First Presbyterian church, filling the vacancy occasioned by the death of his father. Ten years later lie became one c^f the directors of the National Bank of Salem, both of which positions he continufd to hold by successive re-elections until his death. Mr. Hawley was a man of activity in business, a warm friend to the deserving needy, and many whom he befriended will cherish his name in grateful remembrance. He possessed fixed integrity of purpose in all his business transactions, and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He was never solicitous of any public notoriety by way of political preferment ; neither did he shrink from bearing his duties as a citizen, and was an unswerving member of the Republican parly. Soci^ "y, ho wr« the attractive centre not only of his family, but of the business community, and his pleasant words cheered the mind of many a despondent and sufiering one. While a young man Mr. Hawley was interested in military matters, and was paymaster on the staff of General McNaughton, in the Sixteenth Brigade, Tenth Division N. Y. S. Militia. A view of the residence of the late David Hawley will be seen on another page of this -,7ork, 7<;)ere his widuw still resides, having come there immediately aflcr her marriage. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 145 small a number for the proper management of the engine and hose, the trustees applied to the Legislature, and the charter was amended so as to allow sixty members. " This company is the lineal descendant of the original fire-company, and can fairly inscribe on its engine ' Estab- lished in ISOG.' It has at all times since its organization (and at no time more than the present) been a credit to the village. It would be difficult to find a better managed fire-company than this in any village. Its members are and always have been thoroughly drilled in their important duties, and never since the company was created has it failed to do its whole duty. John M. Williams was fore- man from its organization to and including 1870, and would have been re-elected until now, in all probability, had he not positively declined to accept the office. The foremen since 1870 have been as follows : Sylvanus Dickinson, 1871 ; W. J. Toleman and James C. Shaw, 1872; John M. Clapp, 1873 ; James Gibson, Jr., 1874 ; John H. Thomas, 1875 ; Patrick Congdon, 1S7G. The latter was re-elected at the annual meeting for the present calendar year. The uniform of the fire-company consists of black trowscrs, red shirts, blue caps, and black belts. The hose- company connected with this engine was formed at the same time as the engine-company. Since its formation the following-named have served as foremen : Jos. Kelly, John W. McFarland, James A. Brown, S. Watson, Wm. A. Connor, and James H. Cooney. At the last annual meet- ing Dennis Leary was chosen for the present year. " As stated above, the new engine was purchased in ISGl. It was placed in a building near the White creek bridge, in rear of the present Union engine-house, where it was kept till 186G, when the new building was erected. At the annual village-meeting held in April, 1865, it was voted that the trustees be authorized to purchase or lease a suita- ble site for an engine-house, and erect thereon a suitable building, the total expense not to exceed three thousand dollars. The site selected was on the south side of White creek bridge, on Main street. John M. Williams gave the use of the necessary land. The building was erected by D. B. Parks, and was completed early in 18GG, and accepted by the trustees May 19, 1866. It is a fine brick structure, containing throe rooms on the upper floor, and one room, the size of the building, on the lower floor. " Enlargement of the Department. " From the time of the incorporation of this village to and including the year 1874, the corporation, as has been shown, owned but one serviceable fire-engine at any one time. Its facilities for extinguishing fires were hardly what would naturally be expected for a village situated as this is. It is quite probable that no important changes would have been made in the department had it not been for the unusual number of fires during the year 1874. These fires, occurring at short intervals during that year, and culminating with the fire at which the Salem Hotel barn and other out-buildings were destroyed, and a number of dwellings threatened with destruction, attracted public attention to the insufficiency of the existing fire depart- ment. " A special meeting was held at Academy Hall Dec. 2, 10 1874. At that meeting Messrs. John H. Thomas, F. Kegler, B. F. Bancroft, C. H. Allen, S. W. Russell, and Ira Broughton were appointed a committee to report as to the cost of a steam fire-engine, additional hose, and other necessary apparatus. " The meeting adjourned to Dec. 9, 1874, at which the above-named committee presented a report. The questions involved were debated, and the following resolution was almost unanimously adopted : " ■ Ucmheil, That the trustees of the villugo of Salem be and they are hereby authorized and instructed tu purchase on the credit of said village a steam fire-engine, ladders, truck, hose, reel, and other apparatus, including one thousand feet of hose, suitable for the fire department, not to exceed the sum of four thousand five hundred dollars.' " Jlessrs. Fred. Kegler, B. F. Bancroft, John M. Williams, and John W. Thomas were appointed as purchasing com- mittee. The trustees were further authorized to raise and expend five hundred dollars for fire-wells, so that the total amount voted to be raised was five thousand dollars. The meeting was largely attended, and was quite harmonious. In pursuance of the terms of a resolution adopted thereat, the trustees subsequently applied to the Legislature for authority to raise five thousand dollars in one annual pay- ment, and an enabling act was passed April 24, 1875, for that purpose, and the tax was collected the same year ; so that this village does not now owe a cent on account of its fire department. " The committee purchased a steamer of IMessrs. Clapp & Jones, of Hudson, N. Y., which reached this villaire Feb. 3, 1875. It weighs three thousand seven hundred pounds, is strongly and handsomely built, and highly finished. John M. Williams, Esq., who has been spoken of as the long-time foreman of Union Engine-Company, provided extras for the steamer at his own expense. The first trial of the steamer here occurred Feb. 9, 1875. The engine was placed in position at the fire-well in front of the Press office, one thousand feet of hose were attached, and in ten and one-half minutes from the time it was located water left the pipe a thousand feet away. The distance thrown was two hundred and ten feet, with one hundred and forty pounds pressure. The committee purchased one thousand feet of hose of Clapp & Jones, and paid four thousand dollars for the steamer and hose. On Jan. 16, 1875, the trustees selected Os-o-mu as its name, that being the Indian name of White Creek, and signifying the creek of white pebbles. The committee also purchased, for the sum of five hundred dollars, a four-wheel hose-cart of Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. Mr. Williams con- tributed a very handsome sum for the purpose of beautify- ing it, and it is beyond doubt the handsomest hosc-eart in this vicinity. " The Os-o-ma Steamer Cumpany was organized by the trustees on Jan. 23, 1875, the board accepting the follow- ing named as members thereof: George Tcfi"t, E. Ilerrick, Dennis Leary, Timothy Quinn, M. Sweeney, George Law- rence, James Sweeney, Frederick Linsenbarth, W. W. Hill, Wallace Barnes, Anderson Brown, Charles Depaw, John Watt, Martin Malthaner, John Toohey, Jr., Daniel Garey, Cornelius Shipley, Oliver Copeland, Romanzo Spaulding, C. P. Copeland. 146 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NI-]W YORK. " On February 5 following, the company elected the following officers : George Tefft, foreman ; L. P. Copeland, first-assistant foreman ; W. W. Hill, second-assistant foreman ; E. Herrick, engineer ; George Lawrence, assistant engineer ; 0. J. Copeland, fireman ; Charles J. Fox (who joined after its organization), secretary ; Frederick Linsenbarth, treas- urer. " About the time of its organization, the D. and H. R. R. Co. fitted up a room in the roundhouse connected with the railroad works, wherein the steamer and the new hose- cart have ever since been kept. At the annual election in 187G, James Sweeney was chosen captain. This company, at its organization, was composed mainly of per.sons who worked in the railroad shops, and when the shops were closed, early in 1876, most of the members left town, and, as a result, the company was reduced to such an extent that the trustees, in the fall of that year, disbanded it. The company formed in its stead consists of all the original members who remained in town, and the honorary mem- bers ISf Union Engine-Company. Charles Whitcomb was elected captain of the new company, and was re-elected. "A. M. ^Y<^lles Houk-and- Ladder Company. — The A. M. Welles Hook-and-Ladder Company was organized by the board of trustees, Jan. 23, 1875, with the following members : A.M.Welles, John D. Faxon, George Andrews, E. M. Smith, Jerry Costigan, T. C. Gregory, M. L. Roberts, E. R. Smith, Addison Getty, John Kelly, Hobert Kelly, John Beattie, Charles Linsenbarth, A. Linsenbarth, David Jones. '• Its first officers were as follows : A. M. Welles, foreman ; E. R. Mandigo, assistant foreman ; David Jones, recording secretary ; J. R. Lytic, Jr., financial secretary ; George Andrews and E. R. Smith representatives to fire depart- ment ; A. C. Lansing, president ; Thomas C. Gregory, vice- president. " The truck, ladders, etc., were purchased of Trojan Hook- and-Ladder Company, No. 3, of Troy, and originally cost $1500. It is not known who purchased the same, but it is the general impression that A. M. Welles, after whom the company is named, paid for this valuable apparatus. The truck, etc., arrived here Feb. 23, 1875. Its entire length is fifty-five feet, the seven ladders thereon ranging from fifteen to forty-five feet in length. There being no suitable building in the vilhige which could be obtained for the pui- po.se of stowing away the truck, a number of gentlemen, in March, 1875, formed an association, with Judge Gibson as president, and advanced five hundred dollars to build a suit- able building. The contract therefor was awarded to L. P. Copeland & Bro. The building was erected on Railroad street, and the company took possession thereof April 6, 1875. The trustees, soon after its completion, leased it for a term of fifteen years from the association, at the annual rental of thirty-five dollars. The rooms of the hook-and- ladder company are fitted up in very handsome style, the furniture costing about four hundred dollars. Their uniform consists of white trousers, gray shirts, white leather belts, and black caps, and cost them over three hundred dollare. The members take great interest in their company affairs, and have rendered excellent service. It is hoped and believed that this company will long maintain its present standard of excelleuce. A. M. Welles, who was re-elected fureniau in 1876, resigned his position soon thereafter, and Edwin S. McFarland was chosen to fill vacancy. The latter was re- elected for the present year. " Mdrion Iluse-Compatij/, iN'b. 2. — This companj'was or- ganized by the trustees. May 1, 1875, with the following members: A. J. Haggart, John K. Larmon, H. V. Brown, Andrew Morri.son, John McCleary, John Murphy, J. Taber, C. V. Magee, John Ryan, W. D. Watt, A. G.'Oatley, W. II. Ladd, Henry Fox, F. E. Linsenbarth, Owen Farley, L. Cooncy, Jr., Paul Pincus, C. M. Keefer, M. Ryan, George Lyons, J. N. Kelly, Charles Kelly, John Johnson, John Welch. " At the election held after their organization, the follow- ing named were chosen as officers : A. J. Haggart, foreman ; John Jlurphy, fir.st-assistant foreman ; A. G. Oatley, see- ond-as.sistant foreman; J. K. Larmon, secretary; H. V. Brown, treasurer. " They adopted as a company name ' The Marion Ho.se- Company,' in honor of the only daughter of John M. Wil- liams, Esq. IMiss Williams soon thereafter acknowledged the compliment by presenting the company with a beautiful silk flag. Their uniform consists of black trousers, gray shirts, white belts, and black leather caps. At their annual election in 1876, John Murphy was chosen foreman, and at the last election A. J. Haggart was then chosen for the present year. They have done good service in the past, and no doubt will do equally well in the future. Seventy years ago the department had a membership of only seven, while, at the present time, it has over one hundred and twenty-five. " C/ii(if (tnd Assistant Engineers. — Although the village charter of 1851 provided for the election of chief engineer and assistant engineer, no persons were elected to these posi- tions till January, 1871, when John M. Williams was elected to the former office, and John S. Clary to the latter. In January, 1872, Mr. Williams was re-elected chief, and Sylvanus DickinsoTi was chosen assistant engineer. The elections since 1872 have resulted as follows: John A. Mc- Farland, chief engineer, 1873 and 1874 ; James McNaugh- ton, a.ssistant engineer, 1873 and 1874 ; Frederick Kegler, chief engineer, 1875 and 1876 ; Solomon W. Russell, as- sistant engineer, 1875 and 1876. " The charter of 1830 contains a provision to the effect that the freeholders and inhabitants shall, at the animal meeting, elect three freeholders as firewardens. Fire- wardens were elected under that act till the adoption of the charter of 1851. The latter provided that they should be appointed by the board of trustees. The following is be- lieved to be a correct list of firewardens from 18(»3 to the present time: 1803, Thaddcus Smith, Nathaniel Carswcll, Jr., Seth Brown ; 1804, Thaddcus Smith, Nathaniel Cars- well, Jr., Joshua Streetcr ; 1805, Thaddcus Smith, Nathan- iel Carswell, Jr., Soth Brown; 1806, Thaddcus Smith, Na- thaniel Carswell, Jr., Robert JMcMurray, Jr.; 1807, Thad- dtus Smith, Nathaniel Carswell, Jr., Robert McMurray, Jr. ; 1808, Thaddcus Smith, David Hall. Robert McMurray, Jr. ; 1801;l, Thaddcus Smith, Joseph Nichols, Ebenczor iVJarlin ; 1810, Thaddcus Smith, Joseph Niehols, Ebenczer Marliii ; 1811, Thaddcus Smith, Jas. J. Sherwood, Wm. Faulkner; 1812, William Williams, David Woods, Robert Archibald; HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 1-47 1813, William Williams, David D. Gray, Seth Brown; 1814, no firewardens elected; 1815, William Williams, Jason Burgess, Seth Brown; 1816, Henry ^lattliews, Da- vid D. Gray, Thaddeus Stevens; 1817, Joseph Smith, Jos- eph Warlord, Justin Fariiani ; 1818, James H. Seymour, Joseph Nichols, Seth Brown ; 1819, William Williams, Alexander Robertson, Andrew Freeman ; 1820, William Wil- liams, John McNaughton, Thaddeus Stevens; 1821, Wil- liam Williams, John McNaughton, James A. McFarlaiid ; 1822, William Williams, Joseph Ilawley, William JIcFar- land (2d) ; 1823, William Williams, Joseph Hawley, James A. McFarland ; 1824, William Williams, William McFarland (2), Andrew Freeman; 1825, William Wil- liams, John McNaughton, James A. McFarland ; 182(5, William Williams, John McNavighton, James A. McFar- land ; 1827, Henry Matthews, John McNaughton, Andrew Freeman; 1829, John W. Proudfit, John McNaughton, James A. McFarland; 1830, Henry Matthews, John BIc- Naughton, James A. McFarland; 1831, Joseph Smith, John McNaughton; 1832, Joseph Smith, Alonzo Gray; 1833, Joseph Smith, John Williams, Jr.; 1834, William S. Barnard, Lorenzo B. Olmsted; 1835, James A. McFar- land, Josephus Fitch; 1836, James A. McFarland, Jose- phus Fitch; 1837, James A. McFarland, John Adams; 1838, James A. McFarland, Benjamin Cleveland; 1839, James A. McFarland. Benjamin Cleveland ; 1840, William McFarland, Loraness Clark; 1841, Alonzo Gray, Loraness Clark; 1842, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox; 1843, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox ; 1844, Josophus Fitch, Cyrus Atwood ; 1845, Chester Safford, Jr., Cyrus Atwood ; 1846, Hugh Smart, Nelson Watson; 1847, Hugh Smart, Nelson Wat- son ; 1848, John Liddle, James A. McFarland ; 1849, John Liddle, James A. McFarland ; 1850, Cyrus Atwood, Alonzo Gray. " The following were appointed : 1851 , James A. McFar- land, David Hawley ; 1852, Benjamin Cleveland, David Lytle; 1853, no appointments ; 1854, Alonzo Gray, Cyrus Atwood; 1855, Rufus Fox, Cyrus Atwood; 1856, Rufus Fox, Cyrus Atwood ; 1857, Alonzo Gray, William B. Bool ; 1858, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox ; 1859, no appointments, Gray and Fox held over; 1860, A. M. Stockwell, L. P. Copcland; 1861, A. M. Stockwell, L. P. Copeland ; 1862, A. M. Stockwell, L. P. Copeland ; 1863, Alonzo Gray, Rufus Fox ; 1864, no appointments, above named held over; 1865, Rufus Fox, A. M. Stockwell. " There were no appointments from and including 1866 to and including 1871, at least the village records show none. " 1872, E. G. Atwood, William J. Whitlock. Mr. At- wood served for a year or two, and after he resigned Mr. Whitlock was the sole warden to and including 1875. 1876, William Whitlock and John Murphy. Mr. Whit- lock's removal from town leaves Mr. Murphy the only warden at this time. " The first bell ever used for fire purposes in this village was placed on the Union engine-house, about the time of its completion in 1866. At the present time there are lour bells here with a fire-alarm attachment, viz., on the Union engine-house, Hook-and-Ladder building, St. Paul's (Epis- copal church), and the courl -house. I'reaeid Officers of the Firc-Cotiqmnics, 1878. — Union Engine and Hose Company No. 1 : John Larnion, foreman ; Patrick Congdon, 1st a.ssistant; James W. Toleman, 2d assistant ; C. M. Wolff, secretary ; Wm. McFarland, treas- urer ; Dennis Leary, foreman hose-company ; Mark Brom- ley, assistant; Samuel Baker, 1st pipeman ; Horace P. Matthews, 2d pipeman; John Fox, foreman suction-hose; Thomas Dolan, assistant; John Ryan, pilot. O.snma Steamer-Company: Charles Whitconib, captain; L. P. Copeland, 1st a.ssistant ; S. S. Sherman, recording secretary; Fred. Linsenbarth, Sr., treasurer ; P]. Herrick, engineer ; Wm. D. Watt, assistant ; Mr. Haner, fireman. Marion Hose-Company: H. V. Brown, foreman ; Wra. Ward, 1st assistant ; John Austin, 2d a.ssistant; John Mc- Cleary, secretary ; Daniel Ward, treasurer ; Oliver Cope- land, 1st pipeman ; John Toohey, 2d pipeman. A. M. Wells Hook-and-Ladder Company: A. C. Lan- sing, president ; E S. McFarland, foreman ; George Shan- non, assistant; Charles Kellogg, recording secretary; Geo. Dickinson, financial secretary; John T. Ryan, treasurer. is situated upon the Batten Kill, six miles south of Salem village. It has a post-office and a station on the Rutland and Washington railroad. It contains two churches, and there is another one near, the history of which are' given else- where. There is one woolen-factory, a grist-mill, harness- shop, five stores, two blacksmith-shops, saw-mill, planing and turning works, and three wagon-shops. Shushan is the centre of a large and important trade from the towns of Jackson and Salem. The village is picturesquely situated on the banks of the kill ; .some portions very rocky. The water-power and the convenience of trade developed the growth of a village at this point. The name is not; the result of local choice nor of any associations connected with the place. The tradi- tion is that the petitioners, having proposed the name of South Salem, the post-oflice department objected because Salem was already so frequent upon the list of United States post-offices, and the august officials at Washitigton proceeded to christen the place Shushan, a good Bible name and suggestive of royal magnificence. The people accepted the situation, and have gracefully borne the name ever since. The lumbering business here was extensive in early times. The heavy pine forests from the plains of Cam- bridge, and from the surrounding country in general, were manufactured into lumber here, rafted down the kill to Centre falls, and then taken overland to the Hudson, and floated to Troy. The oldest house in Shushan now stand- ing was built by Bethuel Church about the time of the Revolution, and it was probably about the earliest dwelling at this point. It is now a tenant-house, near the railroad, in the extreme north part of the village. Mr. Church was one of the original proprietors of the water-power. The grist-mill is thought to have been erected by the brothers Iluflf before or about the time of the Revolutionary war, but passed immediately into the hands of Mr. Church. There w;is a mill for cloth-dressing very early, no doubt before 1800; about 1830 it developed into a woolen-fac- tory. Lot Woodworth was connected with it, and Johnson. 148 HISTORY OF WAglllNGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. It is understood there was a store at Shushan about the same time or soon after the building of the mills. Wjman was a very early merchant, and the old store stood very nearly on the site of the present Ilurd & Pratt store. At or near this same site were successive merchants, for a long series of years, Robert R. Law, Isaac Bininger, David Simpson, Mr. Oviatt, Voluntine, Lawrence & Higgins, Henry Cleve- land, Congdou & Robinson, and Law & Congdon. The Church family held the water-power for fifty or sixty years. The grist-mill and woolen-mill arc now owned by Charles Lyons, the planing-mill by George AV. llobinson, of Cam- bridge, also the saw-mill and wagon shops. Well-known physicians of the vill.ige in past years have been Dr. Dun- lap, Dr. Gilman, and Dr. Bock. EAGI.EVILI.E is located upon the Batten Kill, two miles ea.st of Shu.shan. It is a thriving business place, the centre of considerable bu.siness (though not extensive mercantile trade) from the south part of Salem, and from the southern Anaquassacook portion of Jackson. The name of the post-ofSce at this point is East Salem. The latter name is also given to the school district at the southeast corner of the town. The post-office was first located at Werriam's store, three miles flirther up the kill, where at one time was a place of con- siderable trade, but in later years declined. The post-office was established there about 1831, and Isaac Merriam was the first postmaster, followed by Seth C. Billings, Daniel Ilobart, and Edward Law. It was removed to Eagleville in 1848, and Isaac Bininger was appointed postmaster. In 1850 he was succeeded by George Russell. The water-power of the kill is here very valuable, and has been considerably improved. A grist-mill was built about the time of the Revolution, by the brothers Ruif, probably. It was run by Armitage & Stevenson, and the property passed through the hands of John and George Eussell to the present owners, William C. Cleveland and John Keeper. A saw-mill was also erected nearly or quite as early, now owned by the same parties. A woolen-factory was established as early as 1820, and that, too, is now owned by Cleveland & Co. A sieve- factory existed here for a few years, established by Uriah Hanks. The woolen-mill has at some periods of its history done a very large and prosperous business, averaging from fifteen thousand to twenty-five thousand yards of cloth annually. There was a select school of some note near Eagleville, on the road to Shushan, about twenty -five years ago, estab- lished by Henry Barnes. CLAPP'S MILLS were situated on the Batten Kill, three miles south of Salem village. The works there in early times consisted of grist- mill and saw-mill, and somewhat later, clotliing-works. In later years the water-power has been utilized by the Baxter IMarble Blanufacturing works, and from that fact has become known as Baxterville. There was a store near there on the old turnpike. FITCH S POINT is a place of very early settlement. The name arises fiom the confluence of the Black creek and Batten Kill, and also marks the location, for many years, of the Fitch family, and the present residence of Dr. Asa Fitch, known through- out the State as a distinguished naturalist and entomologist, the author of many valuable papers, scientific, historical, and agricultural. SCHOOLS. These were very early established. It will be noticed that the delegation of Dr. Clark's congregation that came to Salem in the summer of 17(36, to make preparation for the removal of the colony from Stillwater, built not only a meeting-house and a parsonage, but also a' school-house. This pioneer log building stood near the meeting-house on the historical ground still marked to this generation by the o]d frame meeting-house, the second of Dr. Clark's congi'e- gation, — the venerable, weather-painted building, the pic- ture of which is given in another place. That was, no doubt, the first school-house; for, though the New England men had been coming in thickly for a j'ear or two previous, and their usual custom was to open a school immediately after settlement, yet there is no record of any before 17GG. Ten years later, in the midst of the turmoil of war, schools were established at several points, though little or no records remain. There was a school of some note in the south part of the town, in the John T. Law neighborhood, and Master Conner was a well-known teacher. A large number of the children of the first settlers were taught by him. blaster Conner was a conveyancer and writer. The town was in no hurry to accept the offers of the State under the laws of 1812 and 1813. At the annual town-meeting, April 6, 1813, the following resolution was passed : " lusolrcrl, tliat we reject the raising of money for the school fund." April 5, 1814, it was also " Remhed, that wc will not accept the school money." Under the amended act of April 15, 1814, a special town-meeting was held Dec. 3, 1814, and there were then chosen three school commissioners, Isaac Getty, John Law, and Thomas Baker ; three in.spectors, Alexander Proudfit, Samuel Tomb, and David Woods. At the annual meeting the next spring two inspectors were added, James Stevenson, Jr., and David Ilusscll, and Isaac Steel chosen commissioner in the place of Thomas Baker. During the thirty years of this system the follow- ing persons were inspectors for one or more years each : John Willard, Jesse L. Billings, John Savage, Seth Brown, John JIcLean, Jr., Archibald McAllister, Samuel Stevens, William Williams, James B. Gibson, Abram Allen, John W. Proudfit, Anthony Blanchard, Ezra S. Sweet, Alexan- der Robertson, Cornelius L. Allen, John McNaughton, Ber- nard Blair, Cyrus Stevens, Henry W. Dodd, Aaron Martin, Jr., Jlarinus Fairchild, George W. Beers, Wm. A. Wells, Henry Nichols, James Gibson, George Allen, Thomas G. Wait, Henry Barnes, John W. Martin, Thomas M. Hop- kins, Wm. B. Lytic, Robert McMurray. During the same period the following persons were com- '>m-^ JOHN A. MoFAELAND. The ancestry of the MoFarland family ia traced to the Scottish High- land clan Macfarlane, or Pharlan, the only one, with one exception, whose descent is from the charters given the ancient Earls of Lennox, from whom the clan sprang, and who held possession of their original lands for over six hundred years. From the most reliable informa- tion at hand, Aluin was the first Earl of Lennox, and died in the year 1225. The eighth Earl of Lennox died without male issue, and his eldest daughter, having married the Duke of Murdook, held the pro- prietorship. Upon her death (1395) three families claimed the earl- dom, — the Macfarlanes claiming the earldom as heirs male. They resisted all other clans, and in the struggle became scattered to difl'erent parts of the kingdom. The timely support by the Darnley family (some of whose members had married into the clan) restored their ancient family estate, and upon the establishment of the Stuarts as Earl of Lennox, the clans nnder their patronage became, in 14S8, separate and independent. The principal of these was the Macfar- lane. From the subject of this sketch the descent is traced back six generations to Duncan, the father of .lames, the father of Malcom, the father of Daniel, the father of .lohn, the father of Daniel, the father of John A. At the time the ohm was separated the ancestors settled in the lowlands of Scotland, at Thorn Hill, whence the great- grandfather, Daniel, emigrated to America in the year 1785, with his wife and one son, John, bom 1764, and are supposed to have settled, upon first coming to this country, in the town of Salem. The great- grandfather lived for many years in the town of Salem, and was there in 1805, but subsequently moved to the town of Argyle, where he died at an advanced age. The grandfather was a resident of the old town of Cambridge in the earlier part of his life, and followed prin- oipally-the occupation of a farmer; but during the latter part of his life lived in the town of Jackson, where he died in the year 1847, leaving six children, who reached advanced ages of over sixty years, all dying between the years 1867 and 1869. Daniel, the eldest of these children, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the year 1793, in the town of Cambridge ; married Miss Jane Shiland, of the same town, daughter of Deacon John Shiland, great-grandson of John Shiland, who emigrated from Scotland prior to the French war: was taken prisoner, with his family, by the Indians in Pennsyl- vania, carried to Canada, where they were kept in continement for some time ; they were finally released and settled there, but at the close of the Revolutionary war returned to Cambridge, N. Y. Daniel McFarland spent his life as a farmer mostly in the town of Jackson : was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was closely allied to the promotion of the best interests of society in his day ; was an elder in the Scotch Presbyterian church at Coila, town of Cambridge, for many years ; raised a family of five children, viz. : John A., Mar- garet, William, Robert, and James, of whom Margaret died in the year 1850, at the .age of twenty-four, and Robert died in the year 1854, at the same age. The father of these children was a man of strong decision of character, inheriting from his Scotch ancestry that firmness and resolution to do whatever he conceived to be right char- acteristic of the people of the mother-land, and instructed and reared his children to respect and honor all that makes true manhood and secures happiness and longevity. He died at the age of seventy-six, in the year 1869. The wife and mother still survives, and in the year 1878 is in her seventy-ninth year, retaining that vigor of both body and mind uncommon to people of that advanced age. John A. McFarland was the eldest son ; spent his minority on the farm of his father, availing himself only of the advantages of the district school ; but so improved these opportunities that he was able at the age of eighteen to begin teaching, by which means he secured a sufficient competence to prepare for college, which he did in Cam- bridge Washington Academy, under Rev. E. H. Newton, D.D., enter- ing in the advance course of third term sophomore of Union College, graduating from that institution of learning in the year 1848. During his college course his health had become considerably im- paired, and be went to South Carolina, where he spent some time ; but, regaining his health, engaged as a teacher at Parrotsvillc, Tenn., where he remained aijout one year. In the fall of 1849 he returned north, and was married to Miss Amanda H., daughter of Ransom Hawley and Margaret Tice, of Cambridge. After his marriage he returned south, and was principal of Wythe- viJle Academy for two years, ard from 1856 to 1859 had charge of the Rural Seminary at Pembroke, N. Y. His health again failing, ho returned to hi.-;" native county, but soon after took charge of Washington Academy, at Salcm, Washington Co., N. Y., where he has remained, and still remains (1878), with the exception of two years, for nineteen successive years. Prof. McFarland, in recounting his past history in connection with the last-named institution, is enabled to see tho.se who have graduated under his instruction filling important positions in the various professions, and ranking among the first as attorneys, physicians, clergymen, and business men. His natural ability as an instructor has given him rank nraong the most successful teachers of the State, and secured for him a reputation worthy the emulation of the young men of to-day, who, unassisted, must meet the obstacles coincident with self-made men. He has one son, Edwin Stanley McFarland, of Salem, N. Y. HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NP^W YOEK. 149 niissioners for one or more years' each : Abner Austin, D;ivid Matthews, Jr., James McNisli, John Adams, John Beatty, John Law, Stephen Ransom, George Stewart, John McNaughton, Ebenczer Martin, John McLean, Jr., John Wiliard, James A. INIcFarland, James H. Seymour, Seth C. Brown, John W. Proudfit, David B. Thompson, Chaun- cey S. Ransom, Hugh B. Thompson, Clark K. Estee, Mar- vin Freeman, James Steel, Joscphus Fitch, Aaron Martin, Jr., David Gray, Wm. A. Ru.s.sell, Wm. T. Foster, James Clark, Marvin Freeman, Jolin Burnet, John W. Martin, Asa Fitch, Jr. The supervision of the scliools by commissioners and inspectors was abolished in 1843. Supervision by town superintendents followed, and Asa Fitch was elected the first superintendent at the town-meeting of 1844. He was re-elected in 1845. In 184G, John R. Lytle succeeded to the office, and served for six years. Chester S. Murdock followed for four years, and in the spring of 1856, David V. T. Qua was chosen. He was legislated out by the act abolishing the office of town superintendent, and in June of that year the schools passed from the control and super- vision of the town. Under the wise management of the noble men of old, followed by the vigorous work of their children, the schools of Salem had made a long and honor- able record. The first log school-houses had given place to the better buildings of later years. From these liills and valleys had gone forth men of education and of culture, to wield a powerful influence in every sphere of human activity. To eijual the grand results from ninety years of town management, will require wise action by the administrators of the modern system of supervision by assembly districts. The firet annual report of Dr. Asa Fitch, town super- intendent, is a finely-engrossed document, giving a clear view of the condition of the schools for the school years 184.3 and 1844. From that it appears there were then in town 618 children between the ages of five and sixteen, that the districts received public money for teachers' wages to the amount of $536.60, and there was raised by the districts the sum of §680.11. Total paid for salaries of teachers, $1216.71. There were 1714 volumes in the dis- trict libraries. We add that Dr. Fitch, as the first town superintendent, carefully defined the boundaries of the districts, re-num- bered them, and, in addition, officially recognized the spe- cial names by which they are no doubt better known than by their numbers. This feature is seldom found in any town so complete. The special names are derived in several cases from their connection with the natural features of the country, as Upper Black Creek and Lower Black Creek, Upper White Creek and Lower White Creek, Upper Camden and Lower Camden, along the valley of the Camden creek. West Hebron district is so named because the school- house is in the west part of Hebron ; the " Bushes" from the woods in that section. Upper Turnpike and Lower Turnpike, named from their situation north of Salem village along the old Northern turnpike, an important route for travel in the early times. Perkins Hollow, for many years forming a district with a portion of Vermont, but now having a school-house of its own, is named from an early family residing there. Fitch's Point is named from Fitch's family ; Red Bridge, from the bridge of early times by which the old turnpike crossed the Batten Kill. Juniper Swamp district has an appropriate name, as its school-house is near the swamp. Blind Buck Hollow perpetuates by its name the old tra- dition of the pioneers that a sightless deer had its pasture- grounds in that valley, — a tradition that is said to have been Avorthy of being embalmed in story and song. Stewart's district and Law's retain the names of two of the pioneer families. Salem, Shushan, and Eagleville districts, are named from the villages, and East Salem from its remote eastern location. The early condition of the schools is somewhat shown by the following incomplete report of the commissioners of common schools to the county clerk, Juno 5, 1815 : Chiliiren bp- SU.OL' 2C.:i'j I5.:i.i 47.iiy Disti No. The present condition of the schools is to some extent shown by the commissioners' aj)portionmeut for March, 1877: „. , . , Cliil.lrc-n lw>- Library For Teachers' '^"*""-''- tween JaiiJlO. Moriuy. Wages. No. 1 (H $1.9.3 $120.74 " 2 3t 1.117 95.30 " 3 62 1.95 129.29 " 4 34 1.07 92.99 " 5 19 .fiO 73.11 " 6 25 .80 84.35 " 7 51 l.f.l 118.91 " 8 38 1.20 101.37 " 9 43 1.35 105.27 " 10 44 1.39 110.71! " 11 99 3.12 IS4.13 " 12 635 16.85 1194.74 " 13 52 l.fi4 104.94 " 14 50 1.56 115.90 " 15 63 1.99 127.10 " 16 47 1.48 111.66 " 17 23 73 85.52 " 18 36 1.13 97.77 " 19 32 1.01 95.83 Total for 1877... $1348 $42.48 $3149.14 " 1843... S61S $536.60 About two and one-third times as many children as in 1843, and about six tinics as much money received. THE WASHINGTON ACADEMY.* This venerable institution was commenced as a classical school in the year 1780, or perhaps a little earlier, as in ' By lion. James G'bso 150 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. that year four persons were prepared for college at this school, and subsequently each became distinguished in public life. It was organized and taught a number of years by the Rev. Thomas Watson, and was continued by the dis- tinguished St. John Honeywood, and in the year 1791 had obtained such standing that it was incorporated by the regents of the University of the State as an institution of learning by the name of Washington Academy, and was the fourth incorporated academy in the State. Its first board of trustees was named in its charter, and consisted of the following-named persons : Rev. James Proudfit, Rev. John Warford, Rev. Cornelius Jones, Rev. Samuel Smith, General John Williams, Colonel George Wray, Colonel John Thurman, Major Peter B. Tearce, Hon. Edmund Wells, John Younglove, John Rowan, Ed- ward Savage, Alexander Webster, Daniel Hopkins, Zina Hitchcock, John Bradstreet Schuyler, Hamilton McCol- listcr, James Stevenson, Hugh Morr, Charles llane, Timothy Leonard, Peter P. French, and Joseph Jcnks, Esq. The first principal of the institution after its incorpora- tion was Charles Ingalls, who had graduated at Dartmouth College, and who remained its principal for nearly ten years. Among the distinguished principals of the institution since may be placed first in usefulness James Stevenson, who took charge of it in 1811, and remained such about six years, having among his pupils Professor Taylor Lewis, Hon. Hiram Gray, Lamon G. Harkness, M.D., Rev. George W. Bethunc, D.D., Rev. William R. De Witt, D.D., and Hon. John McLean, with numerous others. The Rev. Sidney Weller became the first principal after the construction of the brick academy edifice in 1819 ; was succeeded by William Williams, Esq., in 1824, remaining six years, and was followed by the Rev. James W. Stewart, who remained two years. His successor was Henry Borus, in 1833, under whom a success was attained as great as under Mr. Stevenson. After him came a number of dif- ferent principals, none of whom remained long, till the ap- pointment of the present principal, John A. McFarland, in 1859, and who has remained ever since, except for a time while ill from over-labor he relinquished the work, and it was placed in charge of William Gorrie, followed by James S. Dobbin, who continued until January, 1867, when Pro- fessor McFarland, with renewed strength and vigor, resumed the charge of the institution, and still remains at its head. The succe.ss of this institution has been very great, and the pupils from it are numbered by many thousands. The academy edifice has lately been very much enlarged and fitted up and furnished, under the direction of M. F. Cummings, of Troy, as architect, and now readily accom- modates the increased number of its pupils. It was made a free academy in 1852 to the children of all residents of the village of Salem, and has remained such ever since. It was the first free academy In the State outside of the city of New York. But the example it gave has been adopted in all parts of the State; and the blessings of a free academical education are now within the reach of many, who in the olden time would have sought long with- out finding any such beneficent result. CHURCHES. THE UNITED rRE.SBYTERIjVN CHURCH. The sketch of this venerable body is taken very largely from the historical sermon delivered by Rev. W. A. Mac- kenzie, Oct. 29, 1S7G. About the middle of the last century, perhaps in the year 1747, about two hundred families of Presbyterians in and about Monaghan and Ballibay, Ireland, not finding themselves edified by those who had been placed over them as religious teachers, withdrew from them, refusing to longer wait upon their ministrations. These religious teachers were trained mostly at Glasgow College, under the influ- ence of Professor Simpson, the Arian. The " fathers" were afraid to trust them with the pastoral care of their families. Accordingly a petition was prepared and for- warded to the " Associate Burgher Presbytery of Glas- gow," asking that there should be sent to them some one to break unto them the bread of eternal life whom they would be willing to trust. The presbytery then had under its care a young man whom it licensed and sent to officiate among this people, and on July 3, 1748, he preached among them his first sermon, taking as his text Acts xvii. lG-18. That young man was the Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D. Having completed his studies he was in April, 1748, licensed to preach the gospel, and sent to Ireland, to labor among the people at Ballibay, Clannanees, and other com- munities. Here the young missionary found a wide field opened up before him, and wherever he went he preached with groat acceptance. A subsequent call from Ballibay Dr. Clark accepted, and was accordingly, by a committee of the Glasgow presby- tery, installed pastor of Ballibay congregation on July 23, 1751. Here, therefore, we have the date of the organiza- tion of this congregation, it being at that time and place recognized by synod as a regularly established church. This church, as an organized body, is therefore more than a century and a quarter old, having now entered its one hundred and twenty-eighth year ; its beginning, however, dating three years earlier. Dr. Clark being its founder and first pastor. At Ballibay, Dr. Clark, after his ordination, labored most faithfully for thirteen years. The path of the congregation thus organized was by no means a smooth one. These thirteen years were years of trial and persecution. It had become known to his persecutors that Dr. Clark entertained scruples with regard to the " Oath of Abjura- tion," as it Wiis called, as also in regard to the manner of taking it, — by " kissing the Bible," — and that he refused to tiike it in the manner and form prescribed by law. Learning this, his enemies procured a waiTant lor his arrest as being disloyal to the king. Jau. 23, 1754, nine months after the warrant had been procured, men entered the church and arrested Dr. Clark, just as he concluded his sermon at New Bliss, — a neighboring station. When the congregation understood what the interrup- tion meant, he would have been at once rescued from the hands of his persecutors; hut this servant of Uod mildly HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 151 bade them be calm and do no violence or harm to any one. That night he was kept under guard in a t(tvern, and the next day, under a strong guard, taken to Munaghan and thrown into the county jail to await his trial. Although now within prison walls, yet this man of God was not silenced. Week by week he wrote a letter of in- struction, of comfort, and of encouragement to the people of his charge, which was read to them on the Lord's day as they assembled for worship. On the 3d of April, about three months after, the judge, upon examining the warrant, found it to be defective, and ordered hi.s immediate release. lie had only a few days of freedom, however. On the 24th day of this .same month of April a new writ was ob- tained against him, upon which he was a second time cast into prison. It was now the summer season, and the mem- bers of this church came to the prison for divine service regularly. So many as the space could accommodate gathered about the honored pastor, listened to the words of life from his lips, and joined in prayer and praise to God. When or how he was relea.sed is not stated. The imprisonments to which the arbitary laws of the country had subjected him led the people to seek for a new home in the wilds of America, — a home where they could enjoy their religious sentiments undisturbed. Some time previously. Dr. Clark had received from one congregation in America a letter, and from another a call, each wishing him to come and become its pa.stor. These papers were laid before his presbytery, which appointed liim to labor one year in America. lie and those who had decided to accompany him thereupon made their final ar- rangements, and the time was fixed to start for the new world beyond the sea. Of the departure and voyage across the Atlantic of the.se " Pilgrim Fathers" of Salem, we have a brief account in the following devout terms of Dr. Clark himself: "May 10, a.d. 17G4, we sailed from Nowry. The all-gracious God carried three hundred of us safe over the devouring deep in the arms of His mercy ; praised be His name, we arrived safe in New York July the 28th." At New York the colony divided, several families going to Cedar Spring and Long Cane, South Carolina; the main body of the people, however, and the congregation proper coming to Stillwater, where they remained until their re- moval here. In the spring of 1765, in looking out fur a place fur the settlement of his people. Dr. Clark visited this vicinity, and in the cabin of James Turner, to a few people gathered from the neighborhood, preached the first sermon ever preached in the town of Salem. With the place he was pleased, at once fixed upon it as the future home of his people, and was successful in having conveyed to him twelve thousand acres of land wholly free of charge for five years, after which there was to be paid by him an annual rent of one shilling per acre. It was during this summer that the first death occurred in the colony or congregation, while hailing at Stillwater. It was that of one of the elders, Jainos Harshaw. After the return of Dr. Clark from New York, and probably late in the autumn of 1765, some of the people came here to look at the lands which had been secured, with an eye to situations for their future homes. Early the following spring. Dr. Clark, with a number of his col- ony, came with a view to improvements. Their first work was the erection of a log house in which to deposit their provisions and baggage, which house served them as a place of repose at night, and of protection against the wild beasts of the forest. It was also to be the future residence of their pastor. At this time, therefore, and in these cir- cumstances, the first parsonage was built. Some years afterwards it was taken down and a frame building erected on the same spot by the congregation, which building con- tinued to be the parsonage during the pastorate of Dr. Clark's successor, the Rev. James Proudfit. In 176() the first church building was erected, the first structure of the kind in the county, and in fact in all the region north of Albany to the Canada line. It was built of logs such as the men could bring together by hand, as they had no teams ; the crevices between the logs were filled with clay. The floor was the earth ; the roof was of black-ash bark, taken from the trees, cut into suitable lengths, and flattened by stones being placed upon it while drying ; the seats were rough benches made from logs split in halves and placed on blocks of wood. The building was some forty feet in length, and is said to have been the largest house of the kind then to be seen anywhere in the county. In the .same year the first school-house was built, after the same fashion and as the church had been built. Thus coming to their new homes, these fathers erected, at the same time with their own dwellings, the church and the school-house. There is no questioning the fact that they considered the influences going out from these two sources the grand essentials in making the wilderness to blossom as the rose. The next year, 1767, is the era of the general settlement of the town. In this year the diflFereut families of the con- gregation came from Stillwater and occupied the cabins which had been erected the year before. The first family that reached here was that of John Lytic, on the 7th day of May. Other families came in rapid succession, and near the close of the same month services were held in the log church. Our congregation, therefore, for the first time, per- haps on the last Sabbath of May, 1767, here came together to worship God, making this year memorable as that in which the regular preaching of the gospel on the Lord's day was commenced in this town. From this fact the con- gregation is called in its charter of incorporation " The First Presbyterian church in Salem," and this is its legal title. We would note two interesting facts. The congregation was born and nurtured to maturity on the other side of the Atlantic, and was transplanted from thence a fullj'-organ- ized church, with pastor, elders, and members; and from the time the congregation left Ballibay, Ireland, until it assembled here in the church referred to, a period of three years, there was little if any interruption of the regular services. The preaching on the Lord's day and the admin- istration of the sacraments were regularly observed on the sea and on the land. Like Israel of old, they had the clmrili with them, and the wcir.ship of Jehovah in the con- 152 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. gregation and in the family was regularly kept up. In these respects this congregation stands altogether singular. The congregation, as we find it in thi.s country, wa.s com- posed of Dr. Clark, pastor ; George Oswald, David Tomb, William Thompson, William Moncrief, William Wilson, Richard Hoy, John Foster, and David Hanna, elders ; and some two hundred members, including baptized children, which were about one-fourth of the number. Of this mcmber.ship no complete list can now be found. The first child baptized after the congregation carae here, tlie first child baptized in the town, and the first female in- fant born here, was Mary Lytic, who afterwards became the wife of Dr. Andrew Proudfit, eldest son of Dr. Clark's successor. Inasmuch as there was at that time no other " Burgher" minister in this country. Dr. Clark, believing it to be his duty to be in connection with some ecclesiastical body, united wilh the Anti-Burglier As.sociate presbytery of Pennsylvania, in connection with which this congregation continued down to the time of the union between the As- sociate and Reformed churches, 17S2, which gave rise to the " Associate Reformed ciiurch." The log church in which the congregation first wor- shiped was most inconvenient. Besides being too small to accominodate the worshipers, it was very uncomfortable. The house was without a floor or means of heating. It was occupied only during the winters and on stormy days in the summers. On pleasant days the meetings were held in the open air. This church was used as a place of wor- ship only about three years. In 1770 was erected beside this log church a more commodious and comfortable build- ing, which still stands, the most venerable structure, the most interesting antiquity, we have in the town. From a subscription paper still in existence it appeal's that each gave to this cause in proportion to the valuation of his property. When this church was completed and occupied as a house of worship, the old log church was occupied for a time by the school, afterwards as a barn, and finally, July 27, 1777, it was taken down, the larger portion of its timbers cut into suitable lengths and used to fortify the church of our sister congregation, the New England church as it was called, as a place of safety, should a party of the savages following in the train of Burgoyne's invading arn)y attack the place. The rest of the logs were taken to the top of what is known as Mill hill, and laid up into a block-house as an outpost to the fort. During the time Dr. Clark remained in Salem the amount of labor he performed was simply marvelous. No other than an iron constitution could have borne it. Until the arrival of Dr. John Williams he was the only physi- cian in the place. In addition to his care of the church he was called to attend the sick ; in addition to this he reg- ularly visited Hebron, Argylc, and Cambiidge, preaching, and thus prepared the way for the organization of flourish- ing congregations. Like Paul, he was abundant in labor.s, and like his, his labors were crowned with success. In addition to all this, the secular business he had taken upon him would have been suflicient to burdtn any one. He looked not only after the spiritual interests of his people. but also their temporal interests. He seemed to have one desire which was controlling, viz., that his people might have prosperity. The secular business, and especially the collection of the rents, for which he had originally become responsible, after a time involved him in some trouble, and his pastoral rela- tion terminated in the summer of 1782. He made a visit south, and after visiting for some time among those of his people who had located in South Carolina, he returned to Albany, N. Y. Here he remained between two and thi'ee years, then went to Abbeville, South Carolina, to labor among the people of the colony who had parted from them in New York. There he organized the Cedar Spring and Long Cane congregations, over which he was installed pastor in the year 178G. In this charge he labored with great acceptance and re- markable success until the time of his death, which oc- curred December 2C, 1792. As a servant was pa.ssing his room she heard him breathe heavily. Entering, she found him in his chair just expiring; on the table before him an earnest, able, and most afl^ectionate epistle, addressed to the people of his charge whom he had left in Ballibay, Ireland, which he had evidently just completed and subscribed, the letter closing with these words: " What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." His dust lies in the grave-yard at Cedar Spring, South Carolina. We add one anecdote of this venerable patriarch : On one occasion he was visiting a family in this vicinity. Dur- ing his visit he was asking the different members of the family some questions on the subject of religion ; the gen- tleman of the house professed not to understand English well enough to answer the question asked him. He was pa.ssed over. A few days after this man was driving a team of oxen along the highway ; for some reason he be- gan to swear at the oxen. Dr. Clark was driving along the same way, but a little distance behind. Hearing the man use profane language, he at once drove alongside of him, and calling him by name, he said, " I see, sir, ye ha' learned to talk English since I last saw ye, an' it's na' the best o' English that ye use, either." After the removal of Dr. Clark the church had no shepherd for a little over a year, when Rev. James Proud- fit accepted the call of the congregation, and was installed in October, 1783. To secure his services Elder James Steven.son had made the long journey from Salem to Penn- sylvania on horseback, and most of the way through an unbroken wilderness. After Mr. Proudfit's settlement here the population be- gan to increase rapidly, from fifty to one hundred persons annually settling in the town for a number of years. From records we learn that the old meeting-house contained thirty pews, and that in the year 1792 the gallery was finished, adding five more pews and a number of seats to the previous accommodations of the building. The names of those owning pews were William McDougal, John Williams, Matthew McWhorter, James Tomb, Abner Carswell, William McFarland, John McCrea, James Stc- veiuson, John Rowan, John Hanna, Jcjhn Tomb, William and Peter Cruickshank, John Crozior, Walter Stewart, Alex. McNish, John Steele, Andrew Lytle, Samuel Boatty, -^x^^-^ Residence of the urt HIRAM WALKER Now ownldand occuriio syWILLIS H & JOHN D WALKER SALEM WASHINOroN CO N Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 153 William and Samuel Graham, James Armstrong, Joshua Steele, Tiionias Boyd, Andrew MeMillan, Alex. Reid. Tlie house of worship was still too small for its large con- gregation, and it became necessary that a more commodious church edifice should be erected. The work was at once begun, and in the year 1797 the present church was com- pleted, at a cost of four thousand dollars. This sum was expended mostly in the purchase of material, a considerable portion of the work being done by the people themselves. On the ] st of November of the same year the new house was occupied for the first time by the congregation. For a time the site of the new church was a matter of contention among the people. One portion of the congre- gation was determined that it should be on the other side of the creek near the old church, and the other portion w;is just as determined that it should be on this side. This matter was, however, satisfactorily arranged and the present site chosen, through the influence and skillful management of General John Williams, who had been a member of the New England church, but who, after the marriage of his daughter with Mr. Proudfit's son, October 2, 179G, became an efficient member of this one. The wisdom of this choice of site for the church was afterwards acknowledged by those who at first opposed it, and is now apparent to all. To meet the cost of building the new church the pews were sold at auction, subject to an annual rent for the sup- port of a minister. Eighty-six persons purcliased pews or slips, taking nearly all those in the body of the church and a number in the gallery. The sales amounted to four thou- sand tliree hundred and sixty-seven dollars. Thus the cost of building was more than met. Two years before this (on May 13, 1795) the Rev. Alex- ander Proudfit had been installed as the colleague of his father. From this time it was the custom of the father and son to divide the labors of the Sabbath, one conducting the forenoon and the other the afternoon services, until, in the summer of 1797, the father was, by a paralytic stroke, disqualified for active service. He died Oct. 22, 1802. In this year there were on the roll of membership three hun- dred names. At that date only two congregations in the body had a larger membership, — the one of which Dr. Clark had been pastor in South Carolina, which numbered five hundred and twenty members, and the congregation of Dr. Mason in New York, which numbered four liundred members. Upon the death of the father the son became sole pastor of the congregation, in which relation he continued for over thirty-throe years, having previously sustained that relation with his father seven years, — making in all a pastorate of over forty years. Years before " tract societies" were known lie formed what was in reality a tract society in this congre- gation, called " The Female Society in Salem for Promoting Religious Knowledge." The word female was subsequently dropped. This society was for many years efficiently en- gaged in distributing religious tracts, not only in the neigh- borhood, but also in sending them to the distant settlements already referred to, whither many had gone from this commu- nity. This was, perhaps, the first tract society in America, being organized in the year 1800. Its first publication was 20 an eight-page tract bearing the following heading: "No. 1. — A Word to Mothers on the Religious Instruction of their Children. Published by Dodd and Ramsey for the Female Society in Salem fjr the Promotion of Religious Knowl- edge." Many other publications followed. Some of them are still in existence, and are in the hands of Dr. Asa Fitch. In the year 1827 or 1828 the sounding-board (as it was called) was taken down and the inside of the church un- derwent some repairs. The pulpit, as originally con- structed, was very lofty, with about room enough in it for the preacher, — in shape very much like a tumbler. This was removed, and a platform built at the same altitude ; it was surrounded with a railing and a gate opening on either side, through which the occupant entered and by which he was shut in. It is said that the bell-shaped sounding- board, which was su.spended from the ceiling .some little distance above the preacher's head, looked as though it was intended as a lid for the tumbler-shaped pulpit, and that Dr. Proudfit, after a time, began to enter that pulpit with some misgivings, fearing lest the lid should suddenly drop and shut him in. His fears having been communi- cated to some of his friends, their cause was removed by the changes referred to. , Dr. Proudfit continued pastor of this congreg.ation until June, 1835, when the relation was, at his own request, dissolved, in order that he might accept the secretaryship of the New York Colonization society. This position he held until the winter of 1811-42, when he resigned it. The latter part of the winter of 1813 he was confined to the house, and on April 17 of the same year, at the house of his son in " New Brunswick," after a ministry of almost forty-nine years. Dr. Proudfit •" passed thipugh the gates into the City." His remains were brought to Salem, and his dust now lies beside that of his father in our own beau- tiful cemetery. After the dissolution of the pastoral relation between Dr. Proudfit and this congregation there was a vacancy of about eight months. A call was given to the Rev. James Lillie, D.D., and on Feb. 19, 183G, he was, by the Asso- ciated Reformed presbytery of Washington, installed the fourth pastor of the congregation. Dr. Lillie was a native of Kelso, Scotland, and a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. He is spoken of by such as remember him here as having been a most eloquent preacher. He was an earnest advocate of the cau.se of temperance. This ques- tion had been agitated here by Dr. Proudfit during the latter part of his ministry, and seems to have made some considerable progress. Dr. Lillie followed up the matter, and his voice was heard on the side of temperance. At a meeting held in this church the following resolution was introduced by Dr. Lillie, and was unanimously adopted : '■Il,n,,hc,l, Tlmt toliU a,l)stiiiiMice from all that o.xn intoxicate as a beverage is, in the opinion of this meeting, the only course by wliich intemperance can be b;\nishe(l from our land, and we believe it essen- tial th.at the sober and respectable portion of our citizens set tlje example." Dr. Lillie reniiiiiiod in this place only a little more than one year. In Jiine, 1837, he resigned this charge, and accepted a call rnmi a congregation in Rhinebeck, N. Y., in connection with the Reformed Dutch church. 154 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NE\V YORK. The congregation was without a pastor until September 3, 1838, a little over two years. At this time Dr. Ilalloy, having been called, came, and was installed the fifth pa-stor of the congregation by the Associate Reformed pi-csbytery of Washington. Dr. Halley was born in Scotland in the year 1801, en- tered the University of Edinburgh in the year 1816, and from that institution graduated four years after. He took a five years' course of tlieological study in Glasgow under the celebrated Dr. John Dick. lie was licensed to preach the gospel April 5, 1825, by the United Associate pres- bytery of Dumferline. His first charge was in the city of St. Andrew's. After serving this church three years, he was called to a church in Leith, where he remained ton years, when, to use his own words, " Owing to his admiration of the free institu- tions of this country, its rapidly-developing energies and its advantages as a field of usefulness," he came hither. Soon after landing in America he came here to preach, with a view to settlement. His preaching was so accepts able to our people that they immediately called him. This call he accepted, and was at the time above stated installed pastor of this church. , This pa.storate continued until the year 1848. Dr. Halley then accepted a call to become the pastor of the Second Presbyterian church in Troy. In this church he remained seven years. He was then called to the Third Presbyterian church in Albany, removed thither, and con- tinued to be the pastor of that congregation for twenty years. At the close of this twenty years' pastorate, and after preaching the gospel for fifty years with great accept- ance and with most satisfactory results, he retired from active service, and now resides in Albany. He is now serving on his third term as the loved and venerated chap- lain of the Senate. It was while Dr. Halley was hero that the session-house, that stood in front of the church, was burned. This oc- curred in 1840. It was also while he was here that the present church building was enlarged and improved. In the year 1841 the front of the building was extended even with the tower. The square pews around the walls and on the sides of the galleries were changed into slips as at present. The wide aisle, in which the communion-table used to stand, was changed into its present dimensions. The galleries were lowered, and the pulpit was brought down from its lofty position, and the late pulpit and plat- form, the design and gift of Mr. John Williams, was erected. The plastering was taken from the walls, and the house was rcplastered. The church was remodeled and improved generally, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. After the removal of Dr. Halley the congregation was again without a pastor for a little over two years, when the Rev. Thomas B. Farrington was called, and was by the Associate Reformed presbytery of Washington installed the sixth pastor in May, 1849. He remained eight years. The pastors since have been Rev. J. C. Forsythe, June, J84S, twelve years; and the present pastor. Rev. W. A. JMackcnzie. The following persons have served as ciders in this con- gregation, besides those wlio came with Dr. Clark, already named : There were ordained in Dr. Clark's time Robert McJIurray, James Stevenson, John Rowan, William Mat- thews, William McFarland. In 1797, Matthew McWhor- ter, John Steele, Thomas Collins ; and Walter Stewart, received by letter from another congregation. 1809, Abra- ham Savage, Richard Hoy, George Arnott, Isaac Getty, and Thomas Steven.son. 1819, Andrew Martin, John Me^Iurray, John Beatty. 1831, George McWhorter, James B. Stevenson, David B. Thompson. The last named died in the spring of 1875, the only member of session who has died since I came to this church. 1840, Ira Carswell, Jo.seph Clark, and Hugh Thompson were ordained ; and John JMcMillan was received by letter from another congregation. 1850, William C. Safford, P]arl P. Wright, and William Edgar. 1876, William Chamberlain and Robert Stewart. The session. at present consists of six members: John McMillan, James B. Stevenson, William Edgar, Earl P. Wright, William Chamberlain, and Robert Stewart. Tlie trustees are Thomas Stevenson, John Edwards, James G. Gillis, William McFarland, William Chamber- lain ; superintendent of Sunday-school, James iMcDonald ; librarian, Andrew Getty. The first board of trustees was elected in 1784, to which was deeded the church property, which had heretofore been in the name of Dr. Thomas Clark. This consisted of three lots of land, which had been obtained from Oliver De Lancy and Peter Dubois for church and school pur- poses. This land was afterwards sold, and the proceeds otherwise invested. Part of the proceeds of these lots is in the parsonage and the grounds on which it now stands. From the rest the congregation has an income of between three and four hundred dollars annually. The following persons composed this first board of tru.s- tees : John Harshaw, Joseph Tomb, Richard Hoy, Peter Sim, and William Thompson. The Sabbath-school in connection with this church was organized during Dr. Halley's ministry, in the year 1841 or 1842. The first superintendents were Dr. Asa Fitch and Jlrs. Maria Proudfit. The next was John McDonald ; he was succeeded by John B. Fairly, he by John King ; after his resignation Elder Earl P. Wright acted as super- intendent until April 10, 1864, when James S. McDonald was called to the position, which position he has filled with great acceptance and ofliciency down to the present time. THE PRESUYTERIAN CHURCH IN SALEM. The following sketch is taken from the histoncal dis- course of llev. Edward P. Sprague, delivered June 4, 1876: This church has existed for more than a century, and has borne for over ninety years the same name, that of " The First Incorpoi-atcd Presbyterian Congregation in Salem, County of Washington, and State of New York." The commencement of its history dates back to the very beginning of the settlement of this place and region. Tlie " New England colony," so called, came to Salem in 1764-66. The Scotch and Irish colony in 1766-67. The New Englanders from Pelham were of similar ancestry to HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 155 some extent with the colony led here by Dr. Clark, and there was at thues some prospect of a formal union relig- iously ; but though an excellent friendly spirit seems to have existed, each colony sharing the sympathy and the assist- ance of the other, and often worshiping together, yet they could not see eye to eye in all matters of faith and doctrine. Sojiarate churches naturally grew up, and, besides, the num- bers of the people to attend eliureh sooner or later reiiuired two places of worship. From a document preserved among the Williams Papers, Vol. I., page 1, it is evident that as early as 1707 the New Eiiglanders endeavored to secure a miiii.ster of their own faith and one formerly known by them. It is not certain that they succeeded, but on March 4, 17G7, three of the town-lots originally assigned for religious purposes were pledged to them for the maintainance of a regular gospel minister. The church was formally organized in 1769. It was composed at the outset of the goodly number of fifty-two members. A full list of their names cannot be obtained, although many of them may be inferred from various old records. Whether they immediately elected any trustees is also uncertain, but the first elders chosen to constitute the session appear to have been Alexander Turner, Edward Savage, and Daniel IMcCleary. The fir.st communion sea- son was held at the house of James Savage, which stood then on the top of the hill just north of the residence of the late Wm. McCoUister. The exact date when this first communion was observed cannot now be determined ; but it is thought that the Rev. John McDonald, of Albany, was probably the officiating minister. Notwithstanding their organization into a distinct church, the New England people continued to worship very J^ener- ally with the Scotch congregation ; and even co-operated with them in the erection of a church edifice. The sub- scription-paper drawn up for this purpose is still extant. It is in the handwriting of Colonel Jo.seph McCrackcn, subsequently a trustee of this church, and one of the two to whom the subscriptions were to be jxiid. Of the twenty- nine signers, also, fully one-third are names which were afterwards identified with the New England congregation. This paper* bears date Nov. 15, 17G9. This was the sub- scription for the erection of the old meeting-house, still standing on the hill, which is said to be the oldest house but one in the entire county. Five years later this church proceeded to erect for them- selves their first house of worship. This house, which stood on the same lot that the present church occupies, was a long time in building, and in fact was never completed. The people were too poor to give much money, so they fur- nished materials as they were able, and freely contributed their labor. What money was given had to be expended almost wholly for nails and similar articles, which could be liad only by purchase. These material ; were procured from Albany ; and the method by which tiuy were brought here well illustrates the difficulties under which the fathers labored, and the liard.-ihips they had to endure during the early years of the us Papers, Vol. I., |iagu 17 settlement of this region. It was the custom, as the late AVm. McCollister — whose father procured them — used to relate, to bring these supplies up on the west side of the Hudson river as far as Schuylerville, where the crossing was effected in this perilous manner : the driver stood up above the wagon, with one foot on each of the sides, and drove his horses into the stream. The hor.ses waded as far as they could, and then swam the remainder of the way across, drawing the floating wagon behind them, the driver from his precarious position directing their course, as best he could, by the reins. The fact that this first church was never completed does not at all indicate that it was never used for the purpose for which it was intended. Directly the opposite was in- deed the ease. The fathers did not consider themselves obliged to wait until the edifice Wiis finished, much less for anything like a dedication. Once at least, in the summer- time, the people attended preaching there when only the roof was on, the sides being entirely open ; and frequent services were held when it had been clapboarded but was still destitute of a floor, and of course of anything like per- manent benches. It was either here, or perhaps in some barn in the place, that during the early part of the Revo- lutionary war a strange minister greatly ofleuded many of the people by preaching from the text Ilosea ii. 7, " I will go and return to my first husband ; for then it was better with me than now." He made no direct reference to the political condition of the country, but the mere text was too suggestive for the zealous patriotism of the day to endure, and the preacher was indignantly denounced as a Jesuit and Tory in disguise. After the outbreak of the Revolutionary war this uncom- pleted church building was taken by the patriot forces, and occupied by them, first as barracks, and then constructed into a fort. The building was put into better shape for defense, ovens were built for provisioning the troops, and a stockade was erected around it. This stockade ran around the church at a distance of about sixty feet from its walls, about ten feet from the line of the present lot on the east. It was constructed of contiguous logs, some ten inches in diameter, as many feet in length, sunk about three feet into the ground, and was completed July 26, 1777. The stumps of some of these pickets, burned and broken off nearly level with the ground, remained visible for a long number of years. One of the present members of the church says that he well remembers seeing them ; and doubtless even now a slight excavation in the proper place would bring them again to light. This transformed church was called Fort Williams, in compliment to Dr. — or, as he was subsequeutly better known. General — John Williams, by whose influence and activities the interests of this place were so considerably advanced. What perilous times those were may be judged from the many incidents handed down even to the present. The grandmother of one of the present members used frequently to relate her experience of a single night when she was alone with her children in her house, some two miles out of the village, the barn full of Indians, and her husband here in the fort. In still earlier days the men used fre- quently to bring their guns with them to church, so as to 156 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. be ready for any emergency, and even the dogs were some- times taken with them, that their keen scent and hearing might be of use in sooner detecting the approach of an enemy. Only a brief time did tliis half-church and half-fort re- main to serve as a defense for the patriots. Early in tlie autumn following the completion of the stockade, the liberty-loving inhabitants of the place were compelled to flee from their homes before the advance of General Bur- goyne. The village was almost entirely evacuated, at great loss to the people ; and the fort itself WiW burned by the royalists on some day prior to the 25th of September, and probably during the very last days of August, 1777. The old records of the church, since destroyed, used to charac- terize it as done " by some domestic rather than foreign enemy," meaning evidently that it was the act of a Tory rather than of a soldier. Thus the first and original build- ing erected by this church was destroyed within three years of its commencement ; and there took place the earliest of the three fires by which, during the one hundred and seven years of their existence, they have been deprived for a time of a house of worship. The officer in command of the troops, stationed for a time in the fort, was Colonel Joseph McCracken, who wrote the subscription paper drawn up in 1709. He was a most entlmsiastic patriot and a most active laborer in behalf of this church, of which he was for several years a trustee. He lost an arm in the battle of Monmouth, and is still re- membered by some of the older m'embers as sitting during his later years in the pulpit on Sunday, so that he might, in spite of his deafness, still hear the words of the preacher. Of the many incidents still related by Colonel McCracken, there is one which serves to show how ardent his attachment was for the commander-in-chief, under whom he had served. The Rev. Mr. Tomb, who was his pastor at the time, was one day conversing with him and seeking to comfort him after the loss of his wife. During the conversation Mr. Tomb spoke of the heavy afllictions endured by men of old, and, either in passing, or with an intent to draw out a re- sponse, characterized David as one of the greatest of warriors. Instantly the old soldier was all interest. lie waited a moment, and tlien looked up into Mr. Tomb's face, and broke out, "Yes, Samuel, David was a great warrior; but he was not any greater than George Washington." Consequent upon the heavy losses endured during the Revolutionary war, the people were too much impoverished to proceed at once upon the construction of a second church to take the place of the one destroyed. Just when the second church edifice was erected there is now probably no way of definitely determining. Certainly it was not done for some time, and perhaps not until 17S3 or 1784:. The first trace of any plan for rebuilding consists of two petitions, addressed in the same year to the Legislature of New York, and asking tlieir assistance in the matter. The first of these, which bears date Juno 16, 1779, and is signed by Joseph IMeCracken, ]"]dward Savage, Edward Long, John Gray, and Daniel McCleary, recounts how they had been a committee " to superintend the building of a meeting-house," and how this had been destroyed; and then asks that certain moneys, arising from the auction sale of cattle and carriages confiscated from the Tories, and amounting to two hundred and ninety-three pounds, seven shillings, eleven pence, be ordered for the rebuilding of said meeting-house. The second petition, which was dated Oct. 11, 1779, and signed by Joseph McCracken, Edward Savage, Hamilton McCollister, and Alexander Turner, as committee, is still more remarkable, especially in the way it proposes to obtain the needful money. They ask for " leave to erect a lottery for the raising a sum sufficient to build a new church and a parsonage house." For reasons which can easily be inferred, neither of these petitions was ever granted. Then followed a period of several years during which the people slowly recovered from the effects of the war, and started upon a new couree of activity and pros- perity. During this time this congregation had occasional preaching of their own, and the rest of the time worshiped with the other church. So far as extant records show, the years until 1787 were filled with ineflectual attempts at union between the two congregations, with temporary sup- plies by this church, and unsuccessful calls addressed to de- sired ministers. In all these movements one of the most prominent persons was General John Williams. He subse- quently became one of the other church after the marriage of his daughter to the Rev. Alexander Proudfit ; but prior to this had been, for years, a devoted member of this church, one of its most active and efficient helpers, and for several years one of its board of trustees. It is from among his papers that many of the valuable documents which throw light upon this time have been derived. One of the calls which finally failed was to the Rev. John 'JMcDonald, of Albany. This was .signed by one hun- dred and thirty male persons, and promised to the minister a mansion-house, with parsonage of eighty-eight acres; also the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds settlement-money and an annual salary of one hundred and twenty pounds. About twenty years had now elapsed since this church began its work, and eighteen since its actual organization. Previous failures and disappointments were at last to be re- warded by the installation of a pastor. A call addressed Sept. 27, 1787, to Rev. John Warford was accepted. The following are the names of the signers of the call : John Williams, Adam Martin, Abram Turner, Jr., Eben- ezer Ru.ssell, Joseph McCracken, H. BlcCollister, Joseph Younglove, Allen Hunsdon, Wm. Brown, Nathaniel Gray, James Bothell, Robert Hopkins, Samuel Hopkins, Wm. McCracken, John jMcCracken, John McCrea, John McDon- ald, Francis Lamman, James Rogers, David Rood, John McCleary, James Gault, John Narrens, Samuel Safford, Jo.seph Wilson, 'Benjamin Harvey, John Gray, Jr., David Thomas, John Conkey, James Henderson, Joshua Conkey, Honeywood, Wm. Henderson. Chris. Paige, Jonathan Hayford, Alex. Turner, Jr., James Long, Daniel McCleary, James Crow, Thomas McCleary, James Hopkins, George Hopkius, Samuel McCracken, Jr., David McCracken, Sam- uel JlcCracken, Sr., John Gaut, Benjamin Cleavland, Job Cleavland, Abel Cleavland, Aaron Stone, Abner Stone, James Taklos, Walter Martin, Edward Gray, Henry Shep- -^fe^-CJ^^X, MRS. WILLIAM JICKIE. William McKie was born in the town of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., in the year 1796. He was third son in a family of eleven children of James McKie and Elizabeth Wilson, the former a native of Scotland, who came to this country with his parents prior to the Kevolu- tionary war, stopping first in New Jersey, but subsequently settling in the town of Cambridge, this county, and was one of the first families to settle in the county. The father, James McKie, was a .soldier in the war for independence, and it is supposed was married and settled in this county about that time. Mr. McKie spent his boyhood days at home on the farm, receiving the advantages of the meagre district schools of those days ; but there he became impressed with a desire for knowledge of passing events, and during his whole life was a man of reading and study, and especially interested himself in the study of the Bible and secular literary research. His father was a well-to-do farmer in the town of Cam- bridge, and consequently gave his children a fair compe- tence to start them in life, William receiving a farm in that town. He afterwards purcliased another in the town of Salem, which he sold, and purchased another near Salem village, where he resided until his death, in 1863. For his first wife he married Bliss Nancy, daughter of John Law, of Shushan, town of Salem, a man of promi- nence in that vicinity, and one of the pioneers of the town of Salem. Mrs. McKie was a model Christian woman, — a member of the United Presbyterian church. She died April 18, 1838. For his second wife, in the year 1847, he married Mrs. Julia, widow of the late Ira Smith, and daughter of Josiah Austin and Mary Bush, of Suffield, Conn. Mrs. McKie, the second child in a family of six children of Josiah Austin, was born May 4, 1805, and traces her ancestry to England. She resides on the farm, and in the residence near Salem, where she came after her marriage, and desires to place the portrait of her husband in the history of the county in which the family have lived so long. She has no children. Mr. McKie, although an active supporter of political interests, was not solicitous of either oiBce or emolument arising from the same, and never consented to accept of office in his town or county. He was first a Whig, and subsequently a Republican. His life was one of great activity, and besides being a farmer in his later years, he engaged largely in buying and selling wood, which business he carried on for several years in Salem. He invested quite largely in timber lands in other parts of the State. He was one of the directors of the old State Bank of Salem during its existence. In his business operations he was successful ; a man possessed of much shrewdness and sagacity ; a warm supporter of church interests, although not identified as a member. To Mr. McKie the village of Salem is largely indebted for their fine cemetery, second to none in the county, and, perhaps, in the State, outside the cities. He was the principal mover in founding the cemetery, and was president of the Cemetery Association until the time of his death. He was interested in all enterprises tending to advance the best interests of society, and a liberal supporter of church and school in- terests. Although passed away, his influence still remains. He was respected and honored by all who knew him. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 157 ard, Archibald McCollister, James Bowen, James Thomp- son, Wm. Adams, Ezra Dyer, Peter Rowell, John Adams, Daniel Faulkner, John Faulkner, Samuel Faulkner, James McKillip, Dan Rude, Moses Bartlett, John Savage, Mat- thew Claughry, Robert Fennel, John McMickil, Abraham Turner, Isaac Lindsay, Jesse Durkcy, Alexander McNitt, Isaac Mitchel, Daniel McNitt, Nathan Morgan, Alexander Gault, Joseph Slarrow, Moses Blartin, Reuben Cheney, Lemuel Clapp, Abner Dwelle, Stephen Clap, Alexander Turner, Aaron Tafl, Benjamin Wilson, Robert Fennel, Thomas Baker. His formal installation was in July, ITSD, though he had labored here for a year or more before that date. The interval between this call and Mr. Warford's instal- lation was occupied in putting the financial affairs of the congregation into better condition. The church building had probably been finished several years, and on Nov. 1-1, 1788, a deed was executed by Savage & Conkey, attorneys for the " proprietors," by which, according to the promise made twenty-one years before, the three lots, Nos. 91, 192, and 188, extending from the present carriage-shop in South Salem southward over the hill to Juniper swamp, were con- veyed to the trustees of this congregation, " in consideration and for the sole use of supporting a regular gospel minister of the Presbyterian persuasion, belonging to the synod of New Y'ork and Philadelphia, in and over said congregation in Salem." There is no connection between the way these three lots were conveyed and the possession of that one occupied by the successive church edifices. These three were the part of the " proprietors' " portion originally set apart for religious purposes. This one was part probably of Hamilton ^IcCol- lister's original tract, and by him appropriated for the site of the New England church. No formal deed, however, appears to have been given at the time, and accordingly when General Williams purchased McCollistcr's lands the title to the church-site became vested in him, and remained thus for several years. On Oct. 25, 1797, about the time of his becoming a member of the other congregation, there was executed by General Williams and Susanna, his wife, what might be termed a "deed of confirmation," by which this lot was for the sura of one dollar conveyed to the trustees of the church. Mr. Warford remained pastor of the church until his death. May 19, 1802. He appears to have been a man of earnest devotion for the cause to which ho had consecrated himself, a scholarly man and able. He took a deep interest in the founding of the academy here, and was one of the original twenty-five trustees. Perhaps no more correct estimate can be given of him than that furnished by the inscription on his tomb- stone : " He was an affectionate pastor, husband, parent, and friend ; an evangelical preacher, meek in his disposition, and grave in his address." The old I'rame church, in which Mr. Warford preached, and which remained practically unchanged during the pas- torate of 5Ir. Tomb, is deserving of something more than a passing notice. It was a large wooden building, about seventy-five feet long by sixty deep, and stood with its length towards the front of the lot. It ]irobnbly covered some portion of the ground occupied by the present church, but, while running in the other direction lengthwise, it also stood back from the street, on a line with the buildings on the east. It had two rows of large windows, and three different entrances, one on each side except the north. Of the interior arrangements of the old church one can form quite a clear idea from the descriptions still given by older persons, and from a plan of the pews, drawn earlier than 1808, giving the names of the different occupants at the time, with the amounts of the several assessments, which has been recently discovered, and is now among the papers of the trustees. On the middle of the north side, facing therefore the breadth, not the length, of the building, was the pulpit, high up against the wall, and surmounted by its immense " sounding-board," the possibility of whose falling and cru.sh- ing the minister always afforded so large a field for the wondering interest of the children. The pews in the body of the church, and along the sides, as well as some in the galleries, were the great, high, square boxes of the day, varying in size, some of them nearly or quite eight by nine feet, with a seat running around three of the sides, so that the congregation sat faced every way, with doors that closed and fastened, and backs so high that a small person was almost completely hidden from view when .seated. The principal aisle, which was probably fully five feet wide, ran from the main door, on the .south side of the church, to the front of the pulpit. Parallel to this were two narrower aisles, also running north and south, and about two-thirds of the way from the centre to the walls. The church was likewise crossed by three other narrow aisles, extending ea.st and west, one through the middle of the building, connecting thus the two end entrances, one just in front of the pulpit, and one near the south side. This arrangement gave four solid squares of pews, with six pews in each, making twenty-four in all, in the body of the church, and a row of pews all around the four walls, con- tinuous, except as broken by the pulpit, the three doors, and the two gallery stairs in the southeast and southwest corners. This made forty-six pews on the floor of the church, besides those in the galleries; and to these forty- six another was added in 1809. At that time the trustees executed what might be termed a ground-rent for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years to Judge Blanchard, allowing him to erect at his own expense a square pew in the vacant place at the east door, and for which he was to pay the annual rent of eleven dollars during the time there was a settled pastor over the con- gregation . Wide galleries surrounded the church on three sides, and at each corner of the southern one there was a large square pew, raised higher than the rest, and appropriated exclusively for the use of colored persons. What the ob- ject was of this greater altitude, whether necessitated by the structure of the stairs, whether it was designed that their behavior might be scrutinized more easily, or whether there was any poetic idea of dispensing to them some pecu- liar advantages, no one seems now able to decide. The large choir, which in those days led the singing of the con- gregation, usually occupied and almo.st filled the main gal- 158 IIISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. lery ; but there must have been, occasionally at least, some variation, for on January 22, 1822, in connection with the appointment of Leonard Church, chorister (and the choos- ing a chorister was one of the items of business at the annual meeting), it was voted, " that he sit below stairs in front of the pulpit to lead the singing," and that an altera- tion in the deacons' seat be allowed, so as to make it more convenient for this purpose. All the extensive amount of wood-work in these large pews was left wholly unpainted, and many are the stories told even now of the experiences of the younger ladies of the congregation who attempted to make them as bright and clean as their sense of propriety re(|uircd. Admirable places those great S(juare pews were for holding a large family, but not very convenient for looking at or listening to the minister; nor, if we may trust tradition, was the utmost devoutness of manner always maintained behind their high backs. It is said to have been a neces- sity of those times, happily past now, to have certain per- sons in the congregation whose duty it was to see that the older ones did not sleep nor the younger play within these pews. How early this usage may have prevailed here is unknown ; but we find that on January 25, 1820, Seth Brown and James H. Seymour were by vote appointed, to quote the words, " Tything men for the purpose of keeping good order and good conduct amongst the hearers while at church ;" and although the name is not repeated, the rec- ords for the next eighteen years show the election of men for this duty. Following Mr. Warford's decease in 1802, there succeeds a space of nearly four yeai's during which the church was without any settled pastor. The people were divided be- tween two ministers, one the llev. Samuel Tomb, who sub- sequently became their much-loved pastor, and the Rev. Walter FuUerton. There was, however, due submission to the will of the majority. Mr. Tomb was installed Feb. 0, 180C. His pastorate lasted twenty-six years. For the first twenty-five years of its existence there were no heating arrangements in the old frame church, except such as the people brought with them in the .shape of the old-fashioned foot-stoves, now almost forgotten. In 1808 this deficiency was met, and a stove was obtained, for the procuring of which John Gray, Nathaniel Wilson, and Rev. Mr. Tomb were appointed a special committee. This stove, which was a large one, over three feet long, was placed, when obtained, on a high bench, as high as the backs of the pews, in the broad aisle and immediately in front of the main door ; the congrogatiou coming in for the time through the side entrances. Subsequently two stoves were obtained in place of this one. Tiiese were placed one in front of each of the end doors, the people coming in then by the front. During the War of 1812 the members of this congrega- tion were fully enlisted upon the side of the country, and the company which started from here took almost every able-bodied man from among our people. It is afiirmod that on the Sunday after their departure there was but one man in the whole church besides the pastor; and persons still living recall most vividly the earnest prayer Mr. Tomb ofiered on that day, that the blessing of God might follow the fathers and brothere and sons who had gone, and that, if possible, they might all be returned in safety. He was, in fact, unable to finish his sermon that day. After preach- ing awhile he stopped, exclaiming, " I cannot go on I I am thinking so constantly of the ones that have left us that I cannot keep my mind on my sermon. And if God will spare my life, and Providence direct my way, I shall this week be with them." And but for the news that the company was to return at once, he would have gone. In connection with this church, it may be the proper place to mention the great historic revival in Salem during the year 1824. It was general throughout the town. And the two churches were united harmoniously in the great work. At the preparatory lecture only just previous, Mr. Tomb had spoken in the most despondent manner, saying that none were uniting with the church to take the places made vacant by death, and that he felt as if the church was almost ready to die out. Little did he foresee then how quickly the light was to dispel the gloom. As Mr. Tomb was on his way to church one Sunday morning ho was told" that there was a stranger at the hotel who desired to see him. Going there he found a minister who had come on to this place the night before, out of his way, because there were no religious services in the place where he would otherwise have stopped. Mr. Tomb invi- ted the brother to preach for him, which he did, taking as his text in the morning the verses which enumerate Job's substance of " seven thousand sheep and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred she asses and a very great household.'' The novelty of the text and sermon drew a large number of persons to the social meeting in the evening. At its close the preacher requested the elders of the church to remain, and began addressing them a series of most pointed questions, asking each in turn how long he had been a church member and how long an elder, what his own religious state was, what work he was doing for the Master, what the condition was of religion in his neighborhood, what prayer-meetings were held, and what Christian work performed. To several ladies, who had not yet left the church, he addressed simi- lar inquiries ; and then exacted from each a solemn prom- ise to visit his neighbors immediately and converse with them on the subject of personal religion. So the evening meeting closed. The next morning the strange minister went his way. Neither record nor tradi- tion tells us anything about him ; even his name is not re- membered ; but only eternity can reveal the amount of good that resulted from the influences he was the agent for set- ting in motion. A prayer-meeting was commenced in the school-house a mile east of the village, and a large attendance immediately secured. From there the religious interest spread into the village, and then into the districts around. Prayer-meet- ings were quickly started in every direction ; and, before men were aware of it, a mighty revival was in full progress. Mr. Tomb himself seems not to have recognized the move- ment at the outset. Coming on Sunday evening, contrary to his custom, to the prayer-meeting held in what was HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW Y'ORK. 159 termed the " session-house," he was completely surprised, exclaiiiiiiig, " Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not.'' For two months the revival lost none of its power. Meetings were held mornings and evenings. The two pas- tors worked harmoniously together. The element of sing- ing entered very largely into the meetings. Little sheets were printed containing special hymns to be used, and although some objected strongly to such an innovation, the mass of the people sung them gladly, and testified to the power they exerted. When it came to the examination of persons asking to be received into the church, the session were obliged to hold meetings on successive days in the different school- houses. The communion season followed, and presented such a scene as those who witnessed it never ceased to re- member. Over one hundred persons were baptized, — per sons of all ages and former character. Whole families presented themselves in the broad aisle before the pulpit, and among them a man who was accompanied by his chil- dren and grandchildren. As the result of this revival one hundred and seventy-five persons united with this church, and one hundred and twenty-five persons were added to Dr. I'roudfit's church. The revival of 1831 was almost equally remarkable. This did not have so striking a commencement as its prede- cessor ; yet in the additions to this church it was even larger than the first. It seems to have originated in " a four-days' meeting," such as were not uncommon then, when several of the neighboring ministers came and labored together. One of its peculiarities was the holding a meeting at five o'clock in the morning. To this persons came from distances of tliree or four miles around, returning home at its close, get- ting their breakfast, and then coming to the village again for the next meeting. There would be, besides the five o'clock service, preaching in the church in the forenoon, and again in the afternoon, and prayer-meetings in the houses and school-houses in the evening. To these last meetings ladies of the village rode and walked through the mud — for it was spring — one, and even two miles. It is related, as illustrating the depth of feeling that per- vaded the congregations assembled, that one evening Rev. Mr. Kinney, coming to the church a little late, found it too crowded for him to get a seat below, and so went into the gallery, where he sat through the service, unnoticed. At the close of the meeting the benediction was pronounced, the congregation standing ; but no one seemed inclined to leave the house. Mr. Kinney, noticing from his position the evident waiting of the people, and realizing how oppor- tune the moment was for deepening the impression already made, stepped up on the back of his seat, and in a clear, strong voice and solemn tones, began to sing — "Sinner, stop — Oh stop and think, Before you farther go ; Will you sport upon the brink or everlasting woo?" The effect was marvelous. The whole congregation was melted by it and sat down in a body, waiting fur the service to be continued. As the fruit of this revival two hundred and twelve per- sons were added to this church on examination ; and of the.se one hundred and fifty-four united, and seventy-four were baptized, at the same time, the communion in July, 1831. Within three weeks after Mr. Tomb's resignation this congregation, at a meeting held February, 21, 1832, voted to invite the Rev. John Whiten, of Middle Granville. This call was accepted, and Mr. Whiton installed the 21st of March. During the summer following his installation the old frame church, which had remained the same, with the excep- tion of the addition of the steeple, for nearly fifty years, was thoroughly repaired. The whole interior arrangements of the church were changed. The old-fashioned great square pews were removed, and ordinary slips substituted. The high pulpit, with its immense sounding-board, wtis taken down from the wall on the north side and placed lower down, probably, and without the sounding-board, at the east end. The galleries were modernized, and the entrance made through the west door alone. These repairs were made at an expense of about three thousand dollars, and were probably completed by December, 1832, for then the building was insured, the first time apparently, for two thousand five hundred dollars. The remodeled church was destined to stand but a brief time. On the morning of Feb. 28, 1836, occurred its de- struction by fire. The flames, which probably caught from the stove-pipe, and in a partition through which it passed, consumed the building completely. The congregation was still in debt for the repairs of three and a half years before ; the insurance had been allowed to expire unrenewed just five days previous. Still, with undaunted courage, the people set themselves at once to repairing their loss. The very next day, with admirable spirit, it was resolved to rebuild at once, as large as before, of brick instead of wood ; and the sum of three thousand dollars was then subscribed on the spot. The work of rebuilding was commenced at once ; the foundations and walls then constructed are those on the present edifice. The stone for the foundation was obtained at a cost of three hundred dollars, from the old quarry west of the village, and the brick were manufactured in the place. The house was first built with the intention of using the basement as a Sunday-school and lecture-rooiu, but this was early abandoned because of the peculiarity of the soil. The change that was made in location was perhaps of ques- tionable advantage. The old church stood with its side to the street, and back from it on a line wi.th the buildings on the east. In building the now one they very properly made it front the street, but also crowded it clear forward, almost to the fence. This was contrary to the wishes of many, and especially of Judge Blanchard, who kindly offered, if they would not do this, to give them all the land they might need in the rear. This offer was refused, and we have now no chance for a lawn in front of the church, that might add greatly to the beauty of its location. Two items, with reference to the rebuilding, serve to show that this church early took a decided attitude upon the temperance question. The articles of agreement with the contractor fi)r the mason work, which are still extant, signed by Marvin Freeman, Aloiizo Gray, and James Y. 160 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Watson, contain this specification, " tliat no ardent spirits or strong drink shall be brought upon the premises by any person in employment on the job, and that he shall in all reasonable ways discountenance his workmen from the use of intoxicating drinks." The trustees' book also bears this note, in the handwriting of the clerk, Mr. Jo.sepb Hawley : " It may be proper to record that the roof of the church was raised on the 22d of September, 183(1, without acci- dent and injury to any one, and without using any ardent spirits." That shows a decided advance upon the state of things indicated by an old paper, which bears date June, 1808, and is still extant. This is a bill rendered by Mr. Joseph Hawley for entertainment of presbytery, and one of the items in it is " one quart of brandy, six shillings." The new church was completed in the spring following, and was dedicated, probably, on June 1, 1837. It is of interest to note that the metal which formed the first bell in the old frame house, does, after passing through two successive fires, and after receiving needful additions to its amount, still ring forth its calls to the house of God. In June of the year succeeding this fire the llev. Mr. Whiton presented to this people his resignation of the pas- torate. Rev. A. B. Lambert succeeded him, and was installed Nov. 7, 1837. His piistorate continued to Oct. 12, 18C5. He was succeeded by Rev. John Henry Brodt for a part of two years, and the present pastor. Rev. Edward P. Sprague, was installed April 9, 1SC8. During the pastorate of Dr. Lambert there were several critical exigencies which, with rare ability, sustained by a judicious board of elders, he was enabled to lead the con- gregation safely through. The division of the Presbyterian church into old and new in the United States compelled this church to decide its relations. The loss by fire, and the resulting debt, — the church having been destroyed April 12, 1840, and rebuilt within a year, — also called for courage, faith, and sacrifices by both pastor and people. The loss of two volumes of church records by the burn- ing of the houses of the pastor and clerk, is severely felt, as they were carefully written up, and contained very valuable material. The elders of this church have been the following : Edward Savage, from 17S9 to October, 1833. Daniel JlcCleary, " " " July, 1797. Alexander Turner, " " " April, 1802. Daniel McNitt, before October, 1804, to November, 1829. William Harkness, before January, 1798, to June, 1801. Job Cleveland, " " 1801, to April, 1S2G. Seth Brown, M.D., " " 1809, to May, 1840. Thomas McClaughny, before January, 1811, to Septem- ber, 1842. James Bell, to February, 1813. James Stevenson, from June, 1815, to September, 1818. James Harkness, " " " to May, 1834. Asa Fitch, M.D., from February, 1819, to August, 1843. Daniel Ilarkn&ss, " " " to July, 1857, James H. Seymour, " " " to July, 1842. Marvin Freeman, " " 1834, to Juno, 18G9. David Cleveland, from February, 1834, to August, 1851. Lyman Sanderson, " September, 1841, to May, 1845. Joseph Hawley, " " " to September, 1858. David Gray, from January, 1848, to Augu.st, 1852. Benjamin Cleveland, from January, 1848, to August, 1852." Levi II. Cleveland, from January, 1848. Orla Hall, from June, 1859, to March, 1863. John Lambert, M.D., from June, 1859. Clark Oviate, from June, 1859, to November, 1862. Elijah G. Atwood, from March, 18GG. John Liddle, " " " to January, 1875. Seth Clark, « " " to April, 1876. William 0. Shaler, from March, 1866, to September, 1877. The present ofiicers of the church (1878) are: pastor. Rev. Edward P. Sprague ; Session, Benjamin Cleveland, Levi II. Cleveland, John Lambert, M.D., Elijah G. At- wood ; trustees, Cornelius L. Allen, Norman H. Beebe, Leonard M. Liddle, Bernard Blair, James Clark, Franklin Stevens, William McCleary, James H. Cleveland, William Walker. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SALEM.* This church, located at Shushan, was organized June 19, 1790. The first book of records having been lost, we are unable to give a full list of the constituent members, but have gathered a few names, as follows : A.sa Estee, Silas Estee, Oliver Brown, and Sarah HuflF. We also find some others who united with this church from 1792 to 1808, as follows : James Wolden, Esther Volentine, Rev. Obed Warren (who united with the church by letter ]May 28, 1792, although he was with the church when it was or- ganized and continued with it and subsequently became the first pastor), Sarah Lake, Bathsheba Beers, Sarah Wash- burn, Deborah Wheeler, Sarah Bruce, John Herrington, John Arnold, Stephen Estee, Charles Ford, Amos Terryl, Josiah Goodale, Gideon Church, James Hastings, Aaron Grover, Nathaniel Winslow, James Lake, William Eager, Eleazer Harmon, David Brown, John Estee, Ephraim Wheeler, James Ilusted, Reuben Wait, John Magahan, Oliver Cobleigh, Ansel Estee, Asa Handol, Ebenezer El- dredge, Daniel Little, Loton Lawson, Theodore Hastings, Lewis Brown, Thomas Stevens, James McKee, Anna Her- rington, Elizabeth Brown, Sarah Estee, Abigail Estee, Polly Letts, Betsy Ford, Anna Younglove, Tabitha War- ren, Abijah Wyman, Persis Goodale, Rachel Terry, Geru.sha Cleveland, JIarilla Grover, Submit Estee, Anna Heath, Amarilla Heath, Polly Winslow, Lydia Eager, Mary Fuller, Polly Allen, Sally Terryl, Anna Drake, Ruth Church, Margaret Hurd, Hannah Babcock, Sally Lawson, Lydia Lawson, Barhiel Magahan, Betsy Cobleigh, Polly Little, Peggy Randall, Sarah Blowers, Nancy Volentine, Polly Church, Leviah Eldredge, Mrs. James Ilusteed, Eunice Ilixon, Lucy Lake, Caroline Dirnahue, Mrs. James McKee, and Nancy Sirapgou. The house of worship was commenced in the year 1800. «■ Prepa-.-cd by D. V. T. Qua, March, ISTS. r;4RM Residence or J. M.THOMPSON, Salem .W/(sHiNGTON County N Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. IGl Previous to this, and during the building, they held their meetings in a dwelling-house situated a little east of the present railroad, near the dwelling of the late Lucy McMil- lin. That house was at that time used as a parsonage. The Rev. Obed Warren helped organize the church, and we presume the council was composed of delegates from the Greenwich Baptist church, organized in 1766 ; Shafts- bury, Vt., in 1768; White Creek, 1772; Hartford, 1783; and North Granville, 1784. The Rev. Obed Warren supplied this church until May 28, 1792, when he became their settled pastor, and continued as such until 1812, when the Rev. Samuel Plumb was called, and remained with the church until 1814. The Rev. Thomas Baker became pastor July 1, 1815, and remained until August 28, 1819. November 13, 1819, the Rev. William McCuUer was recognized as pastor, and continued until April 28, 1828. May 3, 1828, the Rev. Burton Carpenter commenced his labors, and re- mained until March 31, 1832. On October 21, 1832, the Rev. Anthony Case was called to the pastoi-al charge, and remained one year. From this time the church was with- out a settled pastor, and was supplied in part by A. M. Swai,n and R. D. Harrington, licentiates. July 2, 1836,\he Rev. Archibald Kenyon became pastor, and remained until May 5, 1838. The same day he resigned the Rev. Sydney A. Estee became pastor, and remained with the church until April 11, 1840. Immediately on his resig!iation the Rev. William Brand assumed the pastorate of the church, and continued as such until March 7, 1842, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Perrin B. Fisk, April 1, 1842. He remained but one year. On the Ist of 5Iay, 1843, the church called the Rev. Edwin Westcott, and he continued pastor until April 1, 1846. He was succeeded by the Rev. James J. Peck, who officiated until April 1, 1849. On the 5th of January, 1850, Rev. Winthrop Morse was called to the pastorate, and continued his labors until April 1, 1852. On the 1st of May, 1852, the church extended a call to the Rev. Oscar F. A. Spinning, who served the church until October 15, 1854. The church then recalled the Rev. James J. Peck, who entered on his second pastorate Dec. 17, 1854, and served the church until Dec. 27, 1856. On the 2d of September, 1857, the Rev. Edwin P. Brigham was ordained, and con- tinued as pastor until Nov. 27, 1859. Jan. 1, 1860, the Rev. Philander Perry was ordained, and remained until Sept. 22, 1861. The church was then without a pastor until April 13, 1862, when a call was given to the Rev. Israel C. Carpenter, who ministered to the church until Jan. 1, 1865. The church then called the Rev. Erastus Willard, who commenced his labors March 19, 1865, and continued a faithful minister of the gospel fur nearly seven years, when the Master called him to his eternal rest. He died Dec. 29, 1871, and rests on that beautiful island (Rhode Island) in the sea, while old ocean chants his requiem. During his sickness the church was supplied by the Rev. Samuel C. Chandler, who was subsequently settled as pastor. He closed his pastorate June 1, 1872. Oct. 2, 1872, the Rev. Eliphalet Owen was called to the pastorate, and ministered acceptably to the church until Oct. 17, 1875. May 21, 1876, the Rev. William W. Moore accepted a call and entered on his labors. 21 Owing to sickness, Mr. Moore resigned his charge April 22, 1877. Stated preaching was had by supplies until July 1, 1877, when the church extended a call to the Rev. Joseph B. Lewis, who, at this writing (March, 1878), is officiating in that capacity. This church, during nearly eighty-eight years of its existence, has had twenty-two pastors. The erection of their house of worship was commenced in the year 1800, but not completed until some time in the month of June, 1 803, as may be seen from the church records. The book commences as follows : "book of records. " Recorded in this Ijook the proceedings of tliosc who, on the 28th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, did mutually enter into compact and covenant to each other, thereby forming a society denominated the Baptist Society, for the purpose of building a meeting-house for public worship, and for other reli- gious and moral purposes agreeable to their articles of faith and reli- gious profession." Then follow the proceedings of the first meeting of the society for this purpose : " Tuesday, Oct. 2S, ] 81)0. " SOCIETY-MEICTISa. "Meeting opened and proceeded to business in due form. Rev. Obed Warren, moderator, and Lucius Gunn, clerk. Voted to build a meeting-house, forty feet by fifty, on a certain piece of ground furnished by Theodorus Stevens. Also, ** liesohed, To give said Stevens thirty dollars in the house for said lot of ground. " Resoh-edj To build the house, cover and close it; then have the ground pews sold to defray the expense of building. "Chose five trustees, Lucius Gunn, Israel Hodge, Stephen Estee, Charles Ford, and Theodorus Stevens." After which follows the subscription, with the names and the amount each sukscribed. The latter we give : Stephen Estee, $100 ; L. and W. Gunn, $50 ; Israel Hodge, $50 ; Charles Ford, $50 ; Nathan Thompson, $40 ; Josiah Goodale, $50; Silas Estee, $70; William H. Church, $40, Benjamin Wyman, $50 ; Samuel Cooper, $20 ; Elisha Smith, $5 ; Asa Estee, $30 ; Rufus Church, $20 ; Theodorus Stevens, $50 ; William Fuller, $15 ; Bethuel Church, $75 ; Jonathan Dunham, $45 ; Samuel Pitts, $25 ; Oliver Brown, $20 ; Samuel Lewison, $5 ; Windham Hastings, $22 ; Philip Pitts, $10 ; Jabez Hamilton, $16 ; John Hatch, $25 ; Moses Bartlett, $20 ; William Henderson, $20 ; Elisha Phillips, $4; Caleb Randall, $30; Clark Rice, $10; James Prouty, $5, Thomas McKillip, $10, Gould Styles, $25. Total, $1007. Further entries show the progress of the work during the remainder of the year 1800, and until Nov. 2, 1801, when the pews were sold as follows : No. Pew. Amounts. Theodorus Stevens 1 $101.00 Lucius Gunn 14 94.00 SilasEstee 28 81.00 Rufus Church .3 78.00 Caleb Randall 34 51.00 Benjamin Wyman -. 13 70.00 Charles Ford fi GC.OO Josiah and Wm. Fuller 4 03.00 Jonathan Dunham 2 54.00 Israel llodge 30 63.00 William U. Church 17 57.00 Philemon Allen 21 52.00 Elisha Phillips 31 51.00 Silas Pccts 32 40.00 William Henderson 35 38.00 1C2 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. E. Austin and M. Bartlctt 20 Stephen Estee 27 Warham llastiDgs 22 Asa Estee 36 (iould Styles .I.i Bethuel Church 2I» Warham Hastings 5 Ihez Uamihon 15 Josiah Gootlale 23 John Uatch 24 Oliver Brown 18 llufus Towns 33 Jonathan Ileffortl If, Nathaniel Haskin 7 Samuel Barr 18 Theodorus Stevens 10 Benjamin Carter i) James Bowkcr 12 Daniel Heath 2n Reserved lor the minister 1!) [fKWS IX GAI.l.ERV.] Silas Church 3 Eleazur Harmon 2 Aaron Goodalc William Gunn 10 Nathaniel Winslow IS Silas Estee 17 Daniel and Elias S. Volentine 14 Ebcnezer Noble 15 Stephen Estee I) Ebcnezer Moore 5 James Norton Ifi David Wright 14 Benjamin Collins 19 Moses Bartlett 1 Increase Wyman 7 Hugh Moore, Jr 4 AnionntB. $54,110 81.00 51.00 50.00 4y.00 SI. 00 40.00 42.00 44.00 30.no 37.00 27.00 40.00 3V.00 18.00 22.76 1H.:;7 15.00 25.00 22.00 24.00 36.00 20.00 22.00 20.11(1 16.00 16.00 16.00 16.00 14.62 13.62 111.50 15.25 16.00 Mr. Reuben Fields performed the work, and completed the inside of the house ready for plastering for the sum of two hundred and sixty dollars, and Mr. Smith did the plas- tering. The following excerpts from the records need no com- ments : *' January 1, lSO;i. — Trustees report that they have completed said house agreeable to their engagement, settled with their work- men, and were ready to give a certificate to each proprietor for bis pew. Delivered said certificate and made report of other matters. "April 18, 1803.— Made choice of Mr. Stephen Estee, moderator, and Elisha Wilson as clerk, of said societies: and it was " Jieeolvefl, That the inside work of this house in part — namely, front of the gallery-pillars, the desk and its stairs — be painted with Prussian blue, and also that of the ornamental part of the work, viz., the pine-apple and the two lilies over the desk, be overlaid with gold leaf. "It was further Jicsofved, That the trustees collect and present to Mr. Reuben Field fifty dollars, an extra compensation from this society, thereby expressing their approbation of his faithful perform- ance of the work, and further indemnifying him for his services. "Dec. 26, 1803.— Made choice of Bethuel Church, moderator, and Eisha Wilson, clerk, for the ensuing year. Trustees reported that they have painted and completed the business proposed to them. That there is from the sales of pews an overplus of money (when collected), besides finishing the house. " The overplus was appropriated to Rev. Obcd AYarren's use. " Mond.ay, June 18, 1804. — Society met; Bethuel Church, moder- ator. . . . Uearilced, That James Shay take charge of the meeting-house, open and shut doors and windows, carry the key, and sweep the house or cause it to be swept six times before the 18th of April, 1805, viz., four times in summer time and two in winter seasons. The service bid oil' by him at tiro dollars tliiily-seeen inid a half cmi,." It will be seen by the foregoing record that the meeting- house was completed about the 18th of June, 1804, and must have been dedicated about tliis time. We arc unable to give the exact statistics of this church through these many years, but its membersliip has never been large, averaging about one hundred^ as may be seen from the following figures : In June, 1835, there were 105 members; 1836, 102; 1837, 70; 1838, 92; 1839, 87; 1840, GO; 1841, 55; 1842, 48; 1843, 61; 1844, 91; 1845, 93; 1846, 81; 1847, 81; 1848, 93; 1849, 97; 1850, 98; 1851, 99; 1852, 117; 1853, 122; 1854, 129; 1855, 121; 1856, 118; 1857, 110; 1858, 100; 1859, 109; 18G0, 106; 1861, 109; 1862, 110; 1863, 105; 1864, 107; 1865, 104; 1866,105; 1867,84; 1868,78; 1869, 89 ; 1870, 87; 1871, 89; 1872, 86; 1873, 85; 1874, 86; 1875, 83; 1876, 79; 1877, 98; 1878, 105. We are unable to give the yearly membership previous to 1835, as no record was made before that year. The first Sabbath-school was organized in 1826, but the name of the superintendent is not given. Aug. 6, 1831, is the first record given of the election of a superintendent, at which time Thomas Stevens, Jr., was chosen. In 1843 the Sabbath-school was reorganized and Daniel Volentine chftsen superintendent, and served as such until 1850, when S. D. W. Simpson was chosen superintendent, and has continued faithfully to discharge the duties of that position until the present time (1878), and still occupies that position. The church was first incorporated Feb. 26, 1836, as " The First Regular Baptist Church of Salem." The first trustees chosen under this incorporation were Thomas Stevens, Joseph Rose, Cyrus Johnson, Elijah Eldrcdge, Arza Brown, and Luinan Stevens. The State laws having been somewhat changed in regard to church property, a reorganization took place June 7, 1856. Samuel Gilbert and Dewitt C. Brown were cho.sen as chairmen, and Wm. Lawrence as clerk. The following trustees were chosen : Wm. Lawrence, Joel Volentine, Dewitt C. Brown, Martin Williams, Simeon D. W. Simpson, and Milton B. Stevens. The " Washington Association" held its fourth anniver- sary with this church in 1830. After the " Wiushington Association" was changed to the " Washington Union Bap- tist Association," the nineteenth anniversary was held with this church in 1853. In 1845 the church edifice was thoroughly repaired and modernized. A tower was placed on the south end of the building, in which was placed a fine bell that continues to call the congregation to their stated worship. In 1815 a house and garden were purchased as a par- sonage for the sum of $300. This house and lot are now owned by Oliver Shedd, and the house is still standing, used as a tenant-house. In 1847 this parsonage was sold, and a lot was purchased in the village and a neat and com- modious parsonage erected thereon, which is still in use by the pastor. The following have been licensed to preach by this church, viz. : Daniel Eldrcdge, Sept. 18, 1824; Sidney A. Estee and James Eldrcdge, March 5, 1831 ; William W. Moore, June 1, 1833 ; and James C. Stevens, May 1, 1852. The following have served as deacons of the church since its organization, with the time of their election: Stephen Estee and Charles Ford, Nov. 2, 1805 ; James Lake, April 30, 1808; Thomas Stevens, Oct. 3, 1828; Jo.seph Rose and Clark K. Estee, Aug. 6, 1831; Samuel Gilbert, April HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW Y^ORK. 163 7, 1838; Lyman Bartlett, Feb. 1, 1840; Simeon D. W. Simpson, May 4,1844; Elijah Eldrediie, July 5, 1845; Dewitt C. Brown, March 10, 1856; D. V. T. Qua, Paul Weisbach, and James Williams, Aui;;. 2, 1873. The pres- ent deacons are S. D. W. Simpson, I). V. T. Qua, Paul Weisbach, and James Williams (1878). The following have served the church as clerks since its organization, viz. : Rev. Obed Warren, from June 19, 1790, to Jan. 4, 1812 ; Aaron Grovcr, from Jan. 4, 1812, to May 21,1815; Ezra King, from May 21, 1815, to Nov. 13, 1824; Clark K. Estee, from Nov. 13, 1824, to July 2, 1836 ; Thomas Stevens, Jr., from July 2, 1836, to Feb. 2, 1844 ; Daniel Volentine (2d), from Feb. 2, 1844, to April 29, 1851 ; James C. Stevens, from April 29, 1851, to May 2, 1852 ; William Lawrence, from May 2, 1852, to June 4, 1859 ; D. V. T. Qua, from June 4, 1859, and is still officiating in that capacity (March, 1878). The present trustees are S. D. W. Simpson, D. V. T. Qua, Paul Weisbach, James Williams, Fletcher M. Sinalley, and Almond Sweet. In the year 1876 many improvements were made, as fol- lows : An addition twenty-four feet square, built on the north end of the church edifice, for prayer, social, and other meetings. The main or original building was re- painted both outside and in, the walls of the inside beau- tifully frescoed, the main audience-room carpeted, and the seats cushioned ; a baptistery put in, together with chande- lier, pulpit-chairs, lamps, etc., and the congregation now has a neat and commodious house of worship. This church as a whole has been attended with a good degree of prosperity. There have been times of depression " when Zion has languished and but few came to her solemn feasts," but these seasons of discouragement have been closely followed by glad tokens of Divine approval. There has never been serious dissension nor prevailing heresy. The church has always been fully loyal to the faith of our fathers, baptizing none but professed believers, and ad- mitting none to the Lord's table but those they deemed Scripturally baptized. Reviewing all the past with deep thanksgiving, we can say to-day, " Hitherto the Lord has helped us." This church is in harmony with the triumphal march of civil and religious liberty. In these centennial years of our national existence, it may well bo asked, From ■whence have sprung these grand principles which are the distinctive features of our civilization ? The response must be. From the Bible : they were taught by Christ and his apostles, by martyrs and confessors in all ages. "With malice towards none, and charity for all," this venerable church, for nearly eighty-eight years, has held these distinctive principles ; and its colors are still nailed to tlie mast, and the old banner still floats on the breeze, and on its ample folds are still inscribed, " One Lord, one faith, one baptism," — •" for other foundation can no man lay than tliat is laid, which is Jesus Christ." THE MORAVIAN CHURCH IN SALEM.* A mission of this church was nearly coincident in its establishment with the first settlement of that part of the * By ITon. James Gibson. town called the " valley of Camden," and its first missionary was the Rev. Father Abraham Bininger, the epitaph on whose monument is given in connection with the ancient grave-yard in that valley. He seems to have been the only minister of that church from his coming here, in or about 1770, till his death. Many years elap.sed before another came. The second was the Rev. Ciiarlcs A. Block, coming in November, 1832. In the course of the year 1834, a com- modious though small church edifice was erected. This was followed by a parsonage in 1835. Mr. Bleck left in October, 1838. The third was the Rev. Emanuel Rondthaler, who came in June, 1839, and remained till November, 1844. Dur- ing his ministry, in 1843, there was a revival of religious interest, and thereby over forty members were added to tlie congregation. The fourth was the Rev. Ambro.se Rondthaler, who was a brother of Emanuel; came in November, 1844, and re- mained till the autumn of 1846. The fifth was the Rev. Christian L. Thaeler, who came shortly after, but only remained till November, 1848. The sixth was Rev. Edward H. Reiehel, who came in the spring of 1849, and labored in that field for five years, leaving in the summer of 1854. The seventh was the Rev. Charles Barstow, who came in the fall of 1854, remained two years, leaving in September, 1856. The eighth was the Rev. Benjamin Ricksecker, who came in the summer of 1859, and remained nearly ten years, leaving in the spring of 1869. The Moravian mission in Camden valley ceased on his departure, and has never been revived. The society was thus virtually dissolved, but there are some left who remember with affbotion the solemn services of this society .^ — a branch of the earliest, and in some re- spects the most noted, missionary church of the world. Rev. Jlr. Sprague relates the incident that, being called to attend a funeral in the Camden valley, he procured the old Moravian book and read their funeral service. As the words of the ritual fell upon the audience many tearful eyes told of the tender, loving memories of tlie past, — the sweet Moravian hymns, the holy Christian faith of the fathers, the solemn dirge of the old burial customs, the inspiring hope of a better, brighter life. THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP E.\ST SALEM. This society was organized in 1820 as the associate con- gregation of Salem. The first elders were Thomas Law, James I. Robertson. At its organization there were eleven male members. Their names, with those of the female members, were as follows : Robert I. Law, Anna Law, John Law, Elizabeth Law, Ephraim Bdie, Jennette Edie, Thomas Law, Mary Law, David French, Elizabeth French, Robert Irvine and wife, William Fenwick, Jennette Fen wick, John Graham and wife, Robert T. Law, John T. Law, Mary McCulloch, and Alexander Wright; in all twenty members. In 1822 the congregation erected a church edifice one mile east of Shushan, and in 1827 they built a suitable parsonage near the church. 164 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. The first pastor called was Rev. James Whyte, who was licensed to preach by the associate presbytery of Stirling, Scotland, in 1819. He came to America in October, 1824, and was ordained pastor of this church July C, 1825, and died Dec. 12, 1827, aged thirty-one. At the time he accepted the call from the East Salem congregation he had two other calls, one from Baltimore and the other from South Argyle, both of which were much larger and wealthier congregations, and offering larger salaries. At the time of his emigration to this country there were pend- ing seven calls for him in his native land, one of which was from Dumfermlinc, where the celebrated Ralph Erskine once preached, which shows the estimation in which he was held by those who had listened to his elociuence. After his death a volume of his sermons was printed. His re- mains lie in the old burying-groiind near the village of Salem. Mr. White left a widow and live children, — four daughters, and one son. The latter, after graduating and giving promise of great usefulne.ss, was cut down by con- sumption. One daughter died in Scotland. Of the other daughters, one was married to James Thompson, another to Mr. Thompson's brother, and the third to Rev. J. Lusk. They are all dead. The widow still lives with her son-in- law, James Thompson. The second pastor was David Gordon, a licentiate, who was ordained and installed on the 2d day of May, 1832, and resigned his charge June 20, 1843, to accept an ap- pointment by the associate synod as missionary to the island of Trinidad, to which place he went. He died there, and his remains are buried upon that island. The third pastor was David Wishart French, a licentiate, who was ordained and installed Sept. 8, 1847, and re- signed his charge in the spring of 1855. Dr. French was a grandson of David French mentioned in the list of the first members of this church, and son of tlie Rev. David French, of Washington Co., Pa. His death occurred March 16, 1875, in Mercer, Pa., where he settled after leaving this congregation. The fourth pastor was the Rev. Hugh Brown, who was installed May 4, 1858, and resigned May 7, 1867, making a pastorate of nine years and three months, having done pastoral duty from February, 1858. Mr. Brown received his theological education in Scotland and Ireland. He is still living. The fifth pastor settled here was J. B. Clapperton, a licen- tiate, who began his pastoral work May 1, 1869, and was ordained and installed June 22, 1869, and resigned his charge Feb. 8, 1876, having been pastor a little over six years. Mr. Clapperton is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y. The sixth and present pastor. Rev. J. B. Cunningham, was called by the action of the congregation, June 8, 1876. He was ordained and installed in August of the same year. His services began in May preceding the call. His native place is Allegheny Co., Pa. The first elders, as already stated, were Thomas Law and James I. Robertson. Thomas Law died March 4, 1830, aged sixty-two. James I. Robertson is still living in the town of Greenwich, N. Y. March 14, 1826, Andrew Martin and William Dobbin were elected ruling elders, and installed on the following Sabbath. William Dobbin died June 24, 1858. Andrew Martin also died in office. John Dobbin, who had been an elder in the associate congregation of Cambridge, was called to that office in East Salem church October, 1845. Mr. Dobbin died March 22, 1861. Aug. 25, 1832, Robert T. Law and John T. Law were chosen elders, and ordained September 6 of the same year, and are the only persons living out of the twenty members at the organization of the church. James Thompson was elected elder, and ordained Sept. 12, 1850. He removed, July 31, 1859, to Cambridge, and is now an elder in the congregation of Rev. W. B. Short. May 2, 1869, George McGeoch and William T. Foster were chosen elders, and were inducted into office June 5, 1869. Mr. McGeoch is now an elder at Cambridge. On the 15th of December, 1870, Andenson S. Foster was chosen elder, and ordained June 5, 1871. In the summer of 1876, David Dobbin and Wil- liam J. McCollum were chosen and ordained elders, mak- ing the present session (1878) consist of Robert T. Law, John T. Law, William T. Foster, Anderson S. Foster, David Dobbin, and William John McCollum. This society was first incorporated under the laws of the State Dec. 3, 1838, by the. name of " The First Associate Congregation of Salem." The first trustees were Robert T. Law, John Dobbin, and James Thompson. The present trustees (1878) are Alexander B. Law, William T. Foster, and William J. McCollum. The first treasurer was Robert T. Law. The second treasurer and clerk was James Thomp- son. The third and present treasurer is Robert L. Foster. The society still worship in the house first built, it having been repaired in 1848. According to the session records, since the organization of the society there have been admitted to membership two hundred and sixty-four, of whom seventy have died and one hundred and eighty-seven have I'emoved, showing an unusual number gone forth to found churches in other places. A Sunday-school was commenced about 1832, and has been continued ever since. The present superintendent is Robert L. Foster. There is a library of nearly five hun- dred volumes, conducted by William Law. Present mem- bership of the church may be stated at eighty. TUE WELSH PRESBYTERIAN CHIIRCII was organized by Griffith Jones and John Edwards, in 1S6S. The church edifice is a neat chapel, which will comfortably seat one hundred and fifty persons, and valued at about two thousand dollars when built. The enterprise grew up in connection with the slate-works in the north part of the town, the Welsh people with their accustomed promptness seeking immediately to found a church and en- joy religious services in their own language and according to their own faith. With the varying success of the slate-works the pros- perity of the church has varied, and its pulpit has not always been supplied. METUODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SIIUSHAN. Philip Embury preached in the south part of Salem from 1770 to 1775, and the Shushan church is the nearest ex- isting Methodist society to his old homestead. Following him were early circuit-riders for fifty year;:, perhaps, preach- ^ Hugh Fairleiy. ^Rs. Hugh Fairlev. Residence of SARAH FAIRLEY.Salem. WashingtonCo.N.Y. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 165 iiig from house to house in various neighborhoods at regular intervals. Rev. Mr. Spicer and Lorenzo Dow are remem- bered in connection with this work. Special places of preaching in those early years were at the house of Edward Gainer, over the line in Jackson, and the old homestead of William Law, now owned by J. S. Skinner. Ebenezer Harris was a local preacher, settled in Camden valley, where Elijah Harris now lives. It is the recollection of Rev. Charles Coukey that an early class was at Eaglevillc, the place of meeting being Warren Norton's, and he the leader. Methodist services continued to be maintained at .school-houses and private houses down to the beginning of more definite work at Shu.shan. There was preaching here for several years before an or- ganization occurred, sometimes in the Bapti.st church. The church w.is formed in 1846, with Rev. Edward Noble first pastor, and consisted of fifteen members. Gideon S. Potter, David Hanson, Peter Brewer, and Edie Bowen were the prominent men in the organization, — the latter class-leader, tlie others stewards. The house of worship was built in 1847, at an expense of less than one thousand dollars. It was dedicated in Sep- tember, 1847, Peter Hitchcock preaching the sermon, and Rev. Mr. Beman ofi'ering the dedicatory prayer. The house was improved about ten years later, and has been estimated as worth three thousand dollars. The society have no parsonage. The present ofiicers are Warren Kin- yon, G. H. Stevens, Samuel Buck, James S. Campbell, B. F. Cowen, Charles Lyon, and L. C. Piser, truistees ; Samuel Buck, G. H. Stevens, William Fleming, Simeon Lyon, S. Foster, Warren Kinyon, James Campbell, and E. R. Bailey, stewards ; Lee Wait, class-leader ; G. H. Stevens, recording steward. There has always been a Sunday-school iu con- nection with the church. Present superintendent (1878), Samuel Buck ; Lee Wait, a.ssi.stant. One hundred volumes in the library. One hundred and thirty scholars. One hundred and four church members. The connection of Rev. Philip Embury with the settle- ment of this town, and his general work in connection with the establishment of the Methodist church in the United States, render proper this additional note : Philip Embury was one of a company of Palatines (Methodists) from Balligarrane, Ireland, who sailed for New York in the spring of 1760. He had been licensed as a local preacher. The company consisted of Philip Embury and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Switzer ; two brothers, John Embury and David Embury; one brother- in-law, Peter Switzer ; Paul Heck, with his wife, Barbara Heck ; Valer Tctlor (the name seems to bo Dctlor after- wards in Salem) ; and one Dulmage. They landed in August, 1760. In 1765 a few more of the same people, and partly of the same family connection, came over and joined them, — ^Paul Ruckle, Luke Rose, Jacob Heck, Peter Barkman, Henry Williams, and their families. From 1760 to 1765 it seems young Embury had not exercised his gifts as a preacher. It was not till the arrival of this second company, and the awakened feelings of Mrs. Heck at seeing a general decline of their religious zeal, that Philip Embury was induced by her entreaties to open ser- vices in his own house. This he did, preaching at first to only five persons besides his own family. The little move- ment however, was the planting of the Wesleyan faith upon this continent, — the erection of an altar upon which the sacred fire of devotion has burned brightly ever since. The work in a few months required the hiring of a room for services, and developed rapidly until John Street church was built, which Philip Embury dedicated by a sermon preached in a pulpit be had built with his own hand.s. This was Oct. 30, 1768. Meanwhile, Captain Thomas Webb, a veteran of the old French wars, and no less a veteran of the Christian warfare, had joined them from Albany. He had i^rcached at Albany, but there is no record that he formed a society nor even a preliminary class. If he had it would antedate Ashgrove church in this county; yet Albany mu.st, according to Stevens' history, have had Methodist meetings, under this brave old .soldier, earlier than any other place north of New York. Mission- aries sent over by Mr. Wesley reached New York in 1769. Philip Embury transferred his work to them and came to Salem, it is presumed, about 1770, and with him most of the associates who came over from Ireland. In the lease from Duane to Embury and in the various agreements between the parties, and in certain military documents else- where given, there appear the names of Paul Heck, John Dulmage, John Embury, David Embury, Valentine Detlor, Philip Switzer, Peter Switzer. It might be supposed that this company of Methodists thus transferred to Salem, in the vicinity of the present village of Eagleville, would have immediately formed a class among themselves and had at once the nucleus of a future church. Some study given to that point has not availed to find records of any such work, and the company of Irish Methodists coming in about the same time in White Creek, no doubt led Embury to assist at that place in the formation of Ash- grove church. As these names have all become somewhat historic in the Methodist church, it may be interesting to state some- thing further of them. Philip Embury himself died in the summer of 1773, injured by being overheated while at work haying. The company adhered generally to the crown in the opening of the Revolutionary struggle, and as a consequence were involved in trouble with the local authorities and the war committees of the patriot forces. On the roll of the loyalist company may be noticed the names of Dana Dulmage, Paul Heck, Andrew Embury, Philip Switzer, Valentine Detlor, Peter Detlor. In a later document, the" bond of allegiance,"' April 22, 1776, appear the names of John Embury, John Dulmage, Paul Heck, Peter Switzer, and Philip Switzer, showing that they sub- mitted to the authority of Congress and promised to defend the rights and liberties of America. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SALEM. Methodist meetings were held in the central portion of the town as early as 1821 , and probably earlier than that. The place was at Thomas Milliman's, two miles from the village, and at the school-house in that neighborhood. A society was formed there as early as 1825, though it seems that ser- vices were held at the court-house in the village not long after. Preaching was maintained regularly by circuit ap- 166 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. pointment for several years, — down to about 1839. The society was then so weakened by deaths and removals that it virtually became extinct. In 1841 three young men of Troy, formerly from Salem, returned to visit their friends in the neighborhood of William McCollister. Very much engaged in religion, they held some meetings at the school- house. Some were awakened ; the interest deepened ; con- versions took place. The young men returned to Troy. At the last meeting one of the Presbyterian mir)isters spoke, but no appointment was given out for any more meetings. At the close of the service several came to Charles Conkey, tlien an exhorter in the Methodist church, and urged him to go on with the work ; that the interest was too great and the work too important to be allowed to stop. He con- sented, arranged for another meeting the next night, and this was the beginning of a six weeks' effort iu which Mr. Conkey spoke nearly every night. No ministerial help from abroad, with only one or two exceptions. Rev. Elijah Hubbard, from East Greenwich, came over and helped establish the church, leaving Mr. Conkey in charge, with authority to reeeive members and complete the organization. As the result of this effort sixty-one names were enrolled, and it is believed there were a hundred conversions. Mr. Conkey was licensed as a local preacher. He is still living in the south part of the town, and from him these facts have been derived. The class then formed was the nucleus of the present Methodist church of Salem. Records show that in 1844: there was appointed, by the bishop presiding over the Troy conference, a preacher to the Salem mission. That preacher was the Rev. John Fassett, who labored for one year, holding service mainly in the White school-house iu the south part of Salem village. This building is now a dwelling-house, occupied by Miss Esther Bassett and Miss Mary Johnson. He was succeeded by the Rev. E. Noble, who, on the 15th of September, 1845, called a meeting at the White school-house to elect trustees and organize according to law. The first trustees then elected were Thomas Blilliman, Syl- vanus Dickinson, Warren Martin, Hugh Moncrief, and Timothy B. Wilds. The first property purchased was the lot upon which the present church and parsonage now stand; the conveyance being made on the 23d of March, 1846, by J. Stevenson, for the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars. In the same year the first house of worship was erected, being fifty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, surmounted by a small tower, and finished with one room, having a seating capacity of nearly two hundred. It was dedicated by the Rev. J. T. Peck, then principal of the Troy Conference Seminary, and now one of the bLshops of the Methodist church. This house was used for thirty years, when it was taken down and a large portion of the materials used in the new structure. The present edifice was commenced in the spring of 1876, and is not yet completed. The ex- treme length is 97j\ feet, with a width of 58 feet front, including towers, while the main building is 44jt. feet wide. It is two-story, has a chapel 39 by 44, seated with 218 chairs, two classrooms, each 26 by 17, opening with folding doors into the lecture-room. The audience-room is 64 by 44, and when finished will afford 400 sittings. The whole edifice when completed will be a beautiful and imposing structure. The present membership, including East Green- wich, numbers 140, having a good Sabbath-school, an active corps of teachers, and a large library. The following min- isters have served the church as pastors during the thirty- three years of its varied history ; Revs. John Fassett, one year^ Edward Noble, two years ; Joseph Harris, two years ; P. M. Hitchcock, one year ; A. Camjjbell, two years ; J. Phillips, one year ; George Losee, two years ; J. L. Cask, two years ; T. W. Harwood, two years ; C. Edgerton, one year ; S. Stillman, two years ; C. Bedell, one year ; T. W. Harwood, three years ; J. J. Noe, three years ; C. Hawley, three years ; J. Phillips, three years ; J. W. Thompson, two years ; and T. W. Harwood, the present pastor, now returned a third terra to the same pastorate. The present board of trustees (1878) are Levi Copeland, Joseph Kelly, Sylvanus Dickinson, William Dillon, Rufus Shaw, George Teft, James Blashfield. The officers of the church have given nobly and planned largely for the future, and have had a vigorous support in the membership. If the congregation, now being tested to its utmost financial ability, can hold steadily against the pressure of the times, it will achieve a noble victory. ST. paul'.s eplscopal CIIURCn.* In the latter part of the year 1859 a number of the residents of this town, many of whom had been brought up in the Episcopal church, being desirous of establishing a society in this village, made arrangements for religious services, to be held at the old court-house. The first public service, we believe, was held on Sunday, Feb. 5, 1860, at which Rev. H. C. Potter, then rector of St. John's church, Troy, officiated. On the following Sunday (Feb. 12), Rev. J. Scarborough, then rector of St. Paul's church, Troy (now bishop of New Jersey), preached at the same place. Notice was given on each of these Sundays that on Feb. 18 " the persons belonging to this congregation would meet for the purpose of incorporating themselves into a church and electing two wardens and eight vestrymen." The meeting was held Feb. 18, 1860, at which time war- dens and vestrymen were elected, and the society incorpor- ated under the name of " the rector, churchwardens, and vestrymen of St. Paul's church. From February to July, there being no settled pastor, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. T. W. Coit, of Troy ; Rev. Dr. Manser, Benning- ton ; Rev. Dr. Babcock, Rev. Mr. Twing, of Lansingburg ; Rev. BIr. Lord, and Rev. Mr. Adams, of Whitehall. On May 9, 18G0, the sacrament of baptism and rite of confir- mation were administered at the court-house, by Right Rev. Bishop Potter, of the diocese of New York, on which oc- casion ten persons were confirmed. Bishop Potter was as- sisted by Rev. Mr. Twing and Rev. Jlr. Potter. The bishop's text was taken from Acts ix. 6. In March, 1860, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to build a house of worship. The committee entered at once upon the discharge of that duty. Soon after a plan was adopted, a building committee appointed, and the work commenced. On July 8, 1860, the wardens and vestry issued a call to By James Gibson, Jr. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 167 the Rev. Charles Purviance to accept the charge of the parish as rector. The call was accepted, and on July 22, Rev. Mr. Purviance preached for the first time at the court- house. The corner-stone of the church was laid Sept. 10, 1860, Rev. Dr. Coit, of Troy, officiating. Rev. Mr. Pur- viance remained rector but a few months, and was succeeded by Rev. Francis Mansfield, to whom a call was issued Dec. 1, 1S60. Soon after the completion of the church, and on Dec. 13, 1860, it was consecrated by Bishop Potter. On March 31, ISGl, after a pastorate of only four months, Rev. Mr. Mansfield delivered his farewell discourse. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis C. Wainwright, a few months later, who continued as rector till Aug. 1, 1862. A call was extended to the Rev. Henry M. Davis to be- come rector of the parish on Feb. 28, 1864, who accepted the rectorship on that day. He continued as rector till his decease. After his death. Rev. John H. Houghton suc- ceeded, and remains rector at the present time (1878). Since the church was organized, in 1860, there have been baptized, 235 ; confirmed, 83 ; number admitted to communion, 121; number of marriages, 39; burials, 76 ; average oflFerings for church purposes per year, $1500; number of families, 40; individuals, 200; adults, 100; children, 100; Sunday-school scholars, 80; teachers, 7; average offerings in Sunday-school per year, 8100; value of church property, $6000. The additions and improve- ments made the centennial year amounted to at least $1800. At the first election of officers, held at the old court- house, Feb. 18, 1860, the following were chosen : senior warden, Geo. B. McCartee ; junior warden, James Gibson; vestrymen, Horace S. Smith, Charles H. Alien, James A. Fairley, William B. Bool, James Williamson, Orville P. Gilman, William W. Hill, Myrtle II. Lockwood. The following are the present officers: senior warden, James Gibson ; junior warden, George B. McCartee ; vestry- men, John 31. Williams, Frederick Kegler, Daniel B. Cole, S. W. Russell, James Gibson, Jr., Frederick Liusenbarth, Albert K. Broughton, John D. Faxon. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SALEM.* This church was erected in the summer of 1859. Pre- vious to such erection, for a number of years services were held at the court-house and at private residences. After the completion of the church the congregation was under the charge of Rev. John McDermott, pastor of St. Pat- rick's church, Cambridge. He had charge of the Salem mission from the time of the church's establishment until October, 1863. The church was dedicated, under the name of Holy Cross church, by Bishop McCloskey (now cardinal), Nov. 6, 1861. At that time a large number were confirmed. This was the bishop's first visitation. At the conclusion of Rev. Mr. McDermott's pastorate (October, 1863) the church was placed under the charge of the St. Augustine fathers by the bishop of the diocese, and so continued for nearly ten years. Rev. James A. Darragh succeeded Rev. Mr. McDermott, and had charge of the mission till April, 1865. Rev. Edward A. Dailey succeeded him, taking charge in August, 1865, and con- ^ By James Gibson, Jr. tinning till September, 1866. Rev. Edward C. Donnelly, assistant of Rev. Mr. AValdron, of St. Patrick's church, Cambridge, followed Rev. Mr. Dailey, and had charge until November, 1869. Rev. J. J. Fedigan took charge in December, 1869, and continued in such charge until February, 1873, when the church was taken from under the control of the St. Augustine order. Up to this time (February, 1863) the church had been supplied from St. Patrick's, Cambridge ; but the congregation having grown in size and wealth, the bishop of the diocese sent Rev. James S. O'Sullivan, the first resident pastor, who is still here. The cemetery connected with the Catholic church wa.s dedicated, Sept. 3, 1869, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynch, bishop of Charleston. On this occasion one hundred and thirty- eight persons were confirmed by him. Father McDermott, the first pastor, was educated in Ireland, and was for some time a missionary in England. He came to this country in 1848. Ho died a few years since. GRAVE-YARDS IN SALEM.f The oldest is the one situated in the village, which was set apart for the burial of the dead, on the lands donated to the congregation of which the Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D., was pastor. The dedication of this lot as a place for the burial of the dead was very soon after the first settlement of the town. The first burial in it was that of an Indian, whose grave was nearly at the present southwest corner. The first white man buried there was Solomon Barr. Neither of these graves are marked by any grave-stone, and few of the early graves were so marked. During the space of a century after the first burial this grave-yard had received the remains of an immense num- ber, so that it might well be said " there was no place" for any more. This made it absolutely necessary to seek a new location, and this caused the selection of what is known as the Evergreen Cemetery, situated on an elevated plateau of land about a mile southwest from the village. The location is one of exceeding beauty naturally, and all that art could do to aid in making it beautiful has been done. For this result much credit is due to the energetic efforts and labors of the first president of the association, William McKie, ably and artistically continued by his successor, Asa Fitch, M.D. This cemetery has done a noble work, not only in itself, but it has educated public taste till the people in the vicinity have made the improvement of their burial-places a subject for study and labor. The skull and cro.'^s-bones, and other deathly and deathlike memorials, are now rarely used to make the grave repulsive and hideous ; but the monuments erected show that the people believe in the resurrection, and that the gravej'ard is, what the Jews call it, " the place of the living," or, better, as the German names it, " God's acre," — only the gate to a new, and, to all who trust in God, a brighter and happier, state, eternal in the heavens. The grave-yard in the valley of Camden, in the east part f I!y Hon. James Gibson. 168 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. of the town, is beautifully located. It was dedicated to use as a grave-yard by being made tiie place of repose for the remains of that noted servant of God, Philip Embury, who died in Camden in 1773. All that was mortal of him here rested for over half a century, and then a removal was sought to the grave yard at Ashgrove, in a neighboring town, and from thence another movement was made to the cemetery at Cambridge. In this ancient grave-yard at Camden still repose the re- mains of the earliest Moravian missionary to this town. His grave is marked by a suitable monument, still standing in excellent preservation, informing the visitor that " Here repose the mortal remains of the venerable father in Christ, Abraham Bininger, missionary of the United Brethren's Church, commonly called Moravians." . . . He was born at Bulach, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 1720. Departed this life at Camden, March 26, 1811, at the age of ninety-one years, two months, and eight days. This grave-yard is secured from intrusion by a substan- tial inclosure, suitably maintained, and in location and con- dition, and indeed in all other respects, is creditable to the people among whom it is placed. There is a more modern grave-yard about midway between Shushan and Eagleville, and adjacent to the residence of General Isaac Bininger. It was probably dedicated to use as a grave-yard about 1790, though the earliest monument noticed in it was that of Harvey Church, a son of Bethuel Church and his wife Diadema, who died March 26, 1795, aged one year. This cemetery is well maintained, but as the fence about it is of wood, it is only a question of time when its dese- scration may be looked for with reasonable certainty. Stone or iron should be used, instead of perishable wood, for the inclosure of such sacred places. These are all the public grave-yards in the town. There are two places of burial situated on farms, and it is a subject of congratulation that there are no more. One of these is on the Cleveland farm, adjacent to the Hebron line, and on the west side of the old turnpike on the north side of the town. It is inclosed by a substantial stone wall, and is well maintained. The burials in it are mainly of the Cleveland family, or of persons connected with that family. The other private grave-yard is on the McNitt farm, in the northwest part of the town, and contains mainly members of that family. SOCIETIES. Salem Lodge, J. 0. 0. F., No. 45.— The history of this lodge is of an interesting character. It was chartered by the Grand Lodge Sept. 14, 1846. Upon the division of the Grand Lodge it surrendered its then charter and ac- cepted one from the Northern Grand Lodge, dated Dec. 1, 1850. The petitioners for the first charter were Hon. Charles R. Ingalls, now justice of the Supreme Court, J. B. Crosby, Hon. James Gibson, J. R. Lytle, Esq., and C. V. B. Martin. On the evening of Sept. 29, 1846, D. D. G. M. Peter L. Barker instituted the lodge and installed James Gibson as N. G., and C. R. Ingalls as V. G., and other officers. Of the eleven persons who joined the lodge by initiation at its first meeting, W. W. Hill is the only one now connected with this lodge. Nearly all the others have since deceased. The lodge worked faithfully until the summer of 1851, when, owing to the heavy dues and assessments they were obliged to pay under the benefit system, they were forced to suspend labor, and did not re- sume work until 1856. From that time the lodge worked until the fall of 1859. From this time, for nine years, the more devoted members met only once every six months, made out the semi-annual reports, paid the Grand Lodge assessments, and elected officers, thereby keeping the lodge alive and saving the charter from being called in. This brings us to December, 1867, when meetings of the " tried and true" were held at various places until a revival was effected, and on Jan. 25, 1868, the first regular meeting was held at Masonic hall, with brother W. H. Lakin in the chair. From that time down to the present this lodge has prospered, and will, it is believed, continue to prosper. March 29, 1876, the lodge dedicated a new and beauti- ful hall, — D. D. G. M. James Gibson, Jr., presiding and delivering the dedicatory address. Present officers of the lodge : James Gibson, Jr., N. G. ; Henry D. Wicks, V. G. ; Abner Robertson, Sec. ; John D. Faxon, Per. Sec. ; David Mahaffy, Treas. ; Christopher M. Wolff, S. P. G. ; W. H. Laken, R. S. N. G. ; Don C. Brown, L. S. N. G. ; Edgar Ladd, R. S. V. G. ; Mark Bromley, L. S. V. G. ; Henry V. Brown, Warden ; Joseph Hcofert, Conductor ; Elliot Allen, O. G. ; John Y. Jones, I. G. ; William W. Hill, II. S. S. ; Sylvanus Dickinson, L. S. S. Masonic lodges are fully treated of in a paper by Judge Gibson, appearing in the county history in this volume. BANK OF SALEM. The Bank of Salem was organized in 1853, with a capi- tal of one hundred and ten thousand dollars. The first elec- tion of directors and officers was on the 1 1 th day of January, 1853. The following-named were elected : Directors, Bernard Blair, Benjamin F. Bancroft, Cor- nelius L. Allen, Marvin Freeman, Abram C. Lansing, Isaac W. Bishop, H. Newcomb Graves, Franklin Stevens, James Cleveland, Andrew Houghton, Alfred Ward, A. L. McDou- gall, George N. Bates. Bernard Blair was elected president; Isaac W. Bishop, vice-president; Benj. F. Bancroft, cashier; A. L. McDougall, attorney. The bank started off doing a small business, which in- creased from year to year and proved a success, always earning fair and satisfactory dividends for the stockholders, and having the confidence of the community, to whom it was a very great convenience. In February, 1858, John Williams was elected president. In the early days of the Rebellion (April 23, 1861) the following resolution was passed : " Retoteed, That the Bank of Salem hereby tender to the State of New York their share of the three million five hundred thousand dollar loan, for arming and cquipiiiug the military forces of the State, which is subject to the order of the State when required." The bank aided largely in advancing funds to the town and county in forwarding the raising and equipping of the volunteers of the war ; the One Hundred and Twenty-third Officers and Directors NATIONAL BANK OF SALEM, N. Y., June t, 1878 President, Benj. F. Bancroft Vice-President, WiLLiAU McFarland Cashier, UaBK L. SlIELDtJN Teller, Addison Getti. Bbnj. Cleveland, Otis I>illinuh\m, I HN M WlLlMM-J, Benj F Bancieokt ^\M McFarland, James M< NAroHTON Leonard M Lii dle William J Finn NATIONAL BANK" or SALEM, S/^i EM VA a h f cjln Co N Y ^^t*,^*c ' •' '* Ghoceries, etc. All of vhich he is determined to sell (for Ihiidy Pay itnly) at the New York prices, barely adding the ex- pense of the carriage up. " 2Gth June, 1794." While doing business at this point Major Harvey re- moved the narrow structure referred to, and, purchasing additional land, erected a substantial wooden structure, about the beginning of the present century, on the same foundation now occupied by the brick store. He continued business here until Oct. 14, 1809, when he sold the store property to Samuel Prince and, March 20, 1810, removed to New York, and afterwards to Pelham, N. Y. Mr. Prince did not retain the property long, but sold it to Wil- liam M. McFarland, known, to distinguish him from others of the same name, as " William the Merchant," or " Store Billy." He did business for a time alone, and afterwards with his brother. Esquire James A. McFarland (father of Wm. McFarland, now of the " Corner Store"), to whom he afterwards sold his interest. James A. McFarland contin- ued the business for a time, and then sold to Jesse L. Bil- lings, who, being a lawyer, did not go into trade, and the store was next occupied by Major Harvey, who returned from Pelham May 5, 1819, and at once went into business in his old store, remaining until the spring of 1822, when he removed to an old building standing on the present site of the bank, where he traded until Sept. 19, when he moved into his new store, that is now occupied by Leonard M. Liddle. April 24, 1822, Mr. Billings sold the old store to Leonard H. Clapp and Cephas Smith. They continued business (except for a short time when a brother of Cephas Smith took Mr. Clapp's place) until Oct. 1, 1825. At this time it was purchased by Deacon John Beattie, who had just withdrawn from his partnership with General John McNaughtou in the business of the old " Corner Store." Mr. Beattie carried on business in the building he had purchased until it was destroyed in the great fire of 1840. After that fire he erected the present brick structure (ex- cepting only the few feet that have been added at the rear by the present firm), and carried on the business until about Nov. 1, 1849, when he sold the building to Silas Brown. On the 15th of that month, Abuer C. Robertson commenced trade, and conducted the business until March 15, 1850, when it passed into the hands of J. L. Woodin and Henry Osborn. Business did not prosper with them, and in September, 1852, they made an assignment for the benefit of their creditors, John R. Lytic and John H. Mc- Farland being the assignees. The store passed again into the possession of Mr. Robertson, who then conducted the business until April 1, 1855, when he sold to Eugene Hodge. He continued there in the clothing trade but a short time. James A. Fairley then bought his stock. The store building had meanwhile passed successively from Silas Brown to Alexander M. Proudfit, and from him to John King (Feb. 7, 1853) ; and from Mr. King it passed to James A. Fairley at the time he commenced business in 1855. Mr. Fairley was unsuccessful, and in March, 1858, the store was sold under judgment, and purchased by Dea- con Benjamin Cleveland. He, after conducting the busi- ness for five years alone, sold a half-interest in store and goods to Josephus Fitch, and they continued partners, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 173 under the name of Cleveland & Fitch, until the death of the latter, which occurred March 17, 1868. After the death of Josephus Fitch his son, Wui. J. Fitch, succeeded to the business. This partnership lasted under the same style until March 18, 1872, when George H. Arnott purchased Mr. Cleveland's interest, which he re- tained nearly to the time of his death, the firm being known as Fitch & Arnott. A short time before his death, which took place December 23, 1874, Mr. Arnott made a contract of sale of his interest to John J. Beattie. This contract was consummated January 21, 1875, as to the stock, title to the store passing to Mr. Beattie, March 6, 1876. The store has since that time continued under the manage- ment of Fitch & Beattie. As stated before, Major James Harvey commenced busi- ness in his new store (the building now occupied by L. M. Liddle) September 19, 1822. He remained alone until November 1, 1825, when Marvin Freeman, who had been a clerk in his employ, was taken as partner in the business, and so remained until April 11, 1836, when the partner- ship was dissolved. Major Harvey retiring. The business was conducted by Marvin Freeman alone until March 1, 1840, when his brother, W. W. Freeman (now of Free- man Manufacturing Co., North Adams, Mass.), entered into partnership with him, trade being carried on, under the firm-name of M. & W. W. Freeman, until March 1, 1849. May 24, 1850, Marvin Freeman received his son Harvey as a partner, Harvey having attained his majority at that time, and the firm of M. Freeman & Son continued until May 1, 1SC9, when Leonard M. Liddle purchased the interest of Marvin Freeman (who died June 13 of the same year), and formed the partnership which did business under the firm-name of Freeman & Liddle. This partnership con- tinued until the death of Harvey Freeman, April 12, 1873. Soon after this Mr. Liddle purchased of the estate the half-interest which had belonged to Harvey Freeman, and has on his own account continued the business. The store has always held a high place in public estimation, doing a large and profitable business. The store now occupied by McNaughton & Beattie is also one of the old mercantile sites. There formerly stood on the ground now occupied by the store and house com- bined two buildings; the one being the long house, north of the railroad, known as the Bruce house, and the other being the James Nichols store. That store is stated to have been built before the beginning of the present cen- tury by " Priest Nichols" as he was called, an Episcopal clergyman and uncle to James Nichols, for whom the store was built. James Nichols carried on business here for many years, keeping a general store, but was finally un- successful and went out of business some time about 1818. In April, 1819, Henry Matthews purchased the property, and, later, erected the present large building. He carried on the business until his death, keeping not only a general country store, but also doing a large business as a wool merchant. At his death, which occurred March 29, 1845, Mr. Cyrus Atwood, who had been a clerk with him, pur- chased the store. The following year. May, 1846, Mr. Benj. Cleveland became a partner in the store, the wool business still being carried on. The partnership of Atwood & Cleveland continued until June, 1853, when Mr. Cleve- land withdrew (engaged in the mercantile and hardware business in the " Hawley store"). Mr. Cyrus Atwood con- tinued the business alone until his death, August 5, 1858. After his death, Sylvester S. Crandall and Henry Cleve- land formed the copartnership known as Crandall & Cleve- land, which continued about one year, when Job Sherman bought Cleveland's interest. The firm of Crandall & Sherman lasted until about the 1st of January, 1860, when they failed. The store was then for a short time oc- cupied by James A. Fairley as a grocery and news-stand. In July, 1861, Archibald Robertson occupied it as a post- ofiice. Two years after he removed, and it was not again occupied until James T. Hyde purchased it from Charles Crary, a son-in-law of Henry Matthews, April 1, 1865. Mr. Hyde continued in business until his death, which oc- curred in January, 1872. The business .was continued by his administrators until February 1 of the same year, when it was purchased by James C. Shaw and Wm. A. Taylor. Shaw & Taylor carried on the business until March 1, 1873, when Edwin McNaughton purchased the stock and traded alone for one year, at the end of which he sold a half-interest to Thomas C. Gregory, forming the firm of McNaughton & Gregory. March 1, 1875, Gregory sold out to John W. Dobbin. McNaughton & Dobbin's partner- ship lasted for year, McNaughton buying Mr. Dobbin's interest and remaining alone until March 1, 1877, when he sold a half-interest to John S. Beattie, forming the present firm of McNaughton & Beattie. This firm does a large business, enjoying the confidence and esteem of the public. "The Corner Store" was built by Ebenezer Proudfit, early in the present century. The precise date we are at this time unable to learn, but from maps of the village made in 1800 and 1805 respectively, we ascertain that the building was erected in the interim between those years, probably 1801 or 1802. Upon its completion Mr. Proud- fit occupied it, and continued business until his death, in the year 1813. John Kennedy, who had been in his em- ploy, in company with Djugrey & Rutherford, of Lan- singburg, took the business and carried it on for a short time, when, becoming somewhat discouraged, he abandoned the business, which then, according to the best data at command, passed into the hands of David D. Gray, who conducted it for a short time, leaving the store in 1814. Henry S. Beman, of Salem, then in connection with Beman, dossing & Co., of Lansingburg, continued the business until March 27, 1816, when the firm was dis- solved. Beman conducted the business alone for a short time, and then entered into partnership with Amasa B. Gibson, a brother of James B. Gibson, and an uncle to Judge James Gibson. This firm endured until April 14, 1817, when it was dissolved, Mr. Gibson retaining the business until the month of November of that year. He then sold out to John Beattie and General John McNaugh- ton, who formed the firm of Beattie & McNaughton. Mr. McNaughton, who had spent some time in Troy, in the capacity of clerk, took charge of the business during the winter, Mr. Beattie joining actively with him in trade, April 1, 1819, and continuing until the 1st of October, 174 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 1825, when lie removed to a store occupying the site of the present store of Fitch & Beattie. James E. ProuJfit at that time became a partner of Mr. McNauj;hton, and con- tinued in business witii him three years, until Oct. 1, 182S. McNaughton then retired, taking a portion of the goods and selling them out in the store now occupied by James Hickey. J. W. Proudfit & Co. then became the managers of the business until Jan. 1, 1831, John W. Proudfit, James E. Proudfit, and A. M. Proudfit composing the firm. A. M. Proudfit was sole proprietor of the business from Jan. 1, 1831, to April 1, 1835, when Josephus Fitch became a partner of Mr. Proudfit, and the firm was con- ducted under the style of Proudfit & Fitch until April 1, 18-14. Mr. Fitch went out, and Mr. Proudfit was alone for one year, at the end of which, April 1, 1845, Mr. Fitch returned and remained two years. Mr. Proudfit continued the business in his own name for six months, at the end of which time the firm of King & Guild was formed. John King, the senior member of the firm, had been a clerk with Mr. Proudfit since 1840. King & Guild did business until July, 1850, when Guild sold his interest to Mr. King, who remained alone until April 1, 1851. At this time James A. Fairley became a partner in the busi- ness, which was conducted under the name of King & Fairley until April 1, 1855. King & Fairley at this time dissolved, Mr. Fairley buying a portion of the stock and removing to the " Brick Store." Mr. Wm. McFarland, one of the present proprietors, now became a member of the firm. This copartnership of King & McFarland con- tinued until April 1, 1865, during two years of which time John W. McFarland was associated with the firm, which was for that time known as King & McFarland. From Jan. 1, 1805, to Jan. 1, 186G, the business was con- ducted by William McFarland alone. At the latter date Mr. King again entered the firm, which was styled King & McFarland until March 1, 1868, at which time Mr. John J. Beattie was received as a partner. They did business under the name of King, McFarland & Co. until the 1st day of March, 1871, when William McFar- land retired, and the fii'm was King & Beattie for one year. March 1, 1872, Mr. McFarland returned, and the firm was known for three years as King, McFarland & Beattie. Mr. Beattie then retired, and the business was conducted by King & McFarland till March 1, 1876, when Mr. King, in consequence of ill health, sold out his interest to Mr. Andrew Getty, the junior member of the present firm, who for four years had been an efficient clerk in the store. The store has always enjoyed a fair proportion of the material prosperity of the town, and has been singularly fortunate in its extended business history. No failure of firms or individuals has occurred during the more than threescore years and ten that this old building has with- stood the ravages of time. The ownership of the building has never passed from the hands of the lineal descendants of the family by whom it was built. Mr. McFarland, the present owner, is a grandson of Ebenczer Proudfit, and great-grandson of General John Williams, who held the title of the store, which was built by Mr. Proudfit on his lands, and at his death, which occurred in 1806, was by will left to his daughter Betsey, by whom it passed to Rev. Alexander Proudfit, of Sai'atoga, and from him to Wm. McFarland, the present owner, by purchase. SIILIT.VRY. There are no extensive military operations involving battles to be spoken of in Salem, but in the time of the Revolution there was already a busy, stirring population. Colonel Williams, to whom so many important matters were intrusted, resided here. Military stores were kept here ; and, as shown in the general history, " Fort Salem" was built here in 1777 by stockading the Presbyterian church, using the logs from the First Scotch church for the pur- pose. A block-hou.se, called " Fort Williams," was built the next year on Mill hill, where so fine a view of Salem may still be had. The church fort was burned by the Tories after the people had been compelled to flee during the Bur- goyne campaign. On the authority of Hon. S. E. Spoor, of Hebron, we add the following incident : Captain McNitt was in command of a portion of the Black Creek militia in the time of the Revolution. His company was attacked by the loyalists. Captain McNitt aiid his men took refuge in the plank-house, on the present farni of Daniel Woodard, northwest part of Salem, and, it is said, there was a sharp skirmish. The Tories were re- pulsed. The building is still standing, though clap-boarded and used as a wagon-house. Mr. Spoor has, himself, seen the places from which bullets were cut, and had the account personally from James McNitt, a son of the captain. This incident, together with the items in various other places of this history, shows something of the stirring times in Salem. The Revolutionary documents annexed are from the vol- umes of Williams Papers, preserved so carefully by the present family in Salem. Our acknowledgments arc due to them for free access to these valuable memorials. As to the War of 1812, the history of the churches shows that in the crisis of danger on Lake Champlain, all the arms-bearing men of the community turned out, leaving churches mostly with audiences of only women. Pensioners, living in Salem, in 1840, by the official register, were George Field, eighty years of age ; George Harvey, forty-six ; Robert Stewart, seventy-three ; Sarah Wilson, seventy ; Robert McCarter, eighty-seven ; Sarah Sanderson, eighty ; Sarah McNisli, eighty-two ; George Fowler, seventy-nine ; Asa Fitch, seventy-four ; Margaret Gray, seventy-five. There is a tradition that an Indian was killed near the present school house in Black Creek district. He was one of a raiding-party in Burgoyne's campaign, and was shot by some of the men of the neighborhood, who knew his enmity. The swamp near has been known as Purgatory ever since. The following names are taken from a payroll of Captain Charles Hutchinson's company, in Colonel John Williams' regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and State of New York, from June 20 to Oct. 20, both days in- cluded :* « Williams Papers, vol. i. p. 101. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 175 Officers. — Charles Hutchinson, captain ; Edward Long, first lieutenant ; Robert Stewart, second lieutenant ; Alex- ander Turner, ensign ; Daniel McNitt, James Stewart, Thomas Williams, Thomas Lyon, sergeants; Isaac Gray, David McNitt, Robert Hopkins, James Tomb, corporals. Privates. — Alexander McNitt, Sr., John McNift, An- drew Simson, John Sirason, Alexander Sim.?on, John Hop- kins, Robert Hopkins, Alexander Henderson, John Gray, Jr., Reuben Wood, Alexander Hunsden, James Moore, Jr., John Gray, Sr., James Henderson, David Hopkins, John Dunlap, John Harsha, James Hamilton,- Lewis Williams, David Webb, Robert Creighton, John McMichael, Wil- liam Rogers, John McAllister, Samuel Hopkins, Jr., John McClure, Nathan Gray, John Wilson, Hugh Martyn, James Thompson, John Miller, Isaac Hopkins, David Hopkins (2d), John Thompson, Alexander McNish, John Chambers, Samuel Lyon, John Rowan. On this pay-roll appear also the names of the regimental officers, with their time, which we also annex : Colonel Williams, one hundred and seventeen days ; IMajor Alexander Webster, sixty-eight days ; Major Alex- ander Turner, sixty-eight days ; Adjutant Moses Martin, seventy-four days ; and Quartermaster John Conkey, eighty- four days. A memorandum attached states that twenty-two of this company had marched from New York to Ticonderoga. The oath attached has a refreshing brevity in these days of long iron-clads: " I swear, by God, that this is a just and true pay-roll, and their respective time of service and discharge. "Charles Hutchan,* Cnjilnin. "Sworn before me at New Perth, Nov. 10, 1777. •'John Williams, Cliiiinnaii." In another pay-roll of the same companyf we find the following additional names: John Gray, Jr., Alexander McNish, John Livingston, Joseph Tomb, John Lytle, William Lytle, Andrew Lytle, John McFarland, John Lytle (2d), William Sloan, Turner Hamilton, Lewis Williams, James Miller, Thomas Williams, Robert Stewart, Isaac Gray, Andrew Simpson, Lewis Williams, Jr., Samuel Hopkins, Sr., Francis Lemmon, John Chambers, Samuel Lyon, James Hamilton, Jr., John Rowan, Ebenezer Russell, James Hopkins, Jame s M oor, Sr., James Moor, Jr. In another pay-roll of the same company there are still other names, as follows,J under date of March 16, 1778 : Nathan Gray, John Rowan, Jr., George Easton, Hamilton McCoUister, Richard Hoy, Matthew McClaughery, David Stewart, Archibald Stewart, Alexander Stewart, Thomas Oswald, Samuel Wilson, Robert Matthews, Daniel Mat- thison, John Webb, William Miller, Jr., George Miller, Robert Gilmore, Daniel Livingston, Peter McQueen, Thomas Bar, Wm. Campbell, Timothy Titus, Wm. Mof- fett, George Robinson, Wm. Matthews, Alexander Garrett. To this roll are attached the following memoranda : " Reuben Wood was a sergeant in the company, and did duty while Captain Hutchinson was in command, and until *' Charles Hutchinson. f Williams Papers, vol. i. p. 119. t Ibid., p. 125. Burgoyne's defeat. Thomas Williams was clerk in the company, and was all the time doing duty as such, and as sergeant, while Captain Hopkins had the command. John Gray is a freeholder in this town, and, notwithstanding he was an exempt, he went to Ticonderoga and was in service until Burgoyne's defeat. " Allen Hunsden was, through a mistake, put on this roll instead of Captain Armstrong, and was in service all the time. David Hopkins was above age, but notwithstanding did duty ; was taken prisoner, and put in irons. John Dunlap was at Ticonderoga." This company was in service from June 20, 1777, to Oct. 10, 1777, and, judging from the pay-roll, some portion of 1778. Captain Hutchinson's company was afterwards com- manded by Captain Edward Long. The captain wrote his own name sometimes without the final syllable, as appears from the following order : " Mns. Williams, — Give these three men of the guard half a pint of rum and one gill, and place to my account. "CiiAiiLES Hdtchan, Captain." The following names are taken from the pay-roll of Cap- tain Thomas Armstrong's company of Colonel John Wil- liams' regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and State of New Y'ork, from the 20th of June to the 20th of October, both days included : § Thomas Armstrong, cap- tain ; John Armstrong, first lieutenant ; Daniel McCleary, second lieutenant ; John Martin, ensign ; Zebulon Turner, sergeant-major; John Gibson, John Hunsden, David Mc- Knight, Robert Caldwell, sergeants; Wm. Lytle, Wm. Smith, Jonathan Nivins, Wm. Huggins, corporals ; Robert Armstrong, drummer ; James Turner, fifer. Privates. — George Blakeney, Robert McMichael, Isaac Lytle, Robert McArthur, Robert Boyd, John Boyd, James McFarland, Sr., James Means, John Wilson, Wm. Lytle, Jr., Joseph Wilson, Wm. Moncrief, Thomas Gibson, Robert Lytle, Benjamin Cleveland. The following names are taken from the pay-roll of Cap- tain John Hamilton's company, in Colonel John Williams' regiment of militia, in the county of Charlotte and State of New York : John Hamilton, captain, Hebron ; James Wil- son, first lieutenant, Hebron ; George H. Nighton, second lieutenant; Samuel Croget, ensign; David Hopkins, || R. V. Willson, Nathaniel Munson,|| Wm. Smith, sergeants; Jonathan Barber, Robert Getty,|| Isaac Hopkins, David Wheaton,|| corporals. Primtcs. — David Willson, James Brown, David Getty, John Getty, Samuel Tirrell, Samuel Gammis, Abel Sharp, David Whitten, Solomon Wade, Adam Getty, Daniel Fisher, Daniel McCloud, John Duncan, Martin Harmon, Alpheus Harmon, Sr., Selah Harmon, Alpheus Harmon, Jr., Josiah Parrish, John Fisher, Isaac Lytle. This roll was sworn to by Captain Hamilton, Nov. 10, 1777, before John Williams, chairman. It is probable this company was largely from the town of Hebron. A muster roll of the following company of loyalists is also found among the Williams Papers :^ 5 Williams Paper.', vol. i. page 103. [ Also of Hebron. ^ Williams Papers, vol. i. page 121. 176 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. A Iklof Giptain J. SItencood's comjiany in Colonel Pefers' regiment : Justus Sherwood, captain; Edward Cascallen, lieuten- ant; John Wilson, ensign; James McKim, sergeant; John Embury, sergeant ; Abraham Marsh, sergeant. Privates. — Paul Heck, Charles Sweet, Dana Dulmage, Philip Singer, Andrew Embury, Philip Switzer, Samuel Wilson, Wm. Busted, Francis Nicholson, John Hogal, Selah Stiles, Solomon Beecher, Alexander McDougall, Ebenezer Wright, Asel Wright, John Brooks, John Cas- callen, Charles Griffen, John Bininger, James Buchanan, Joseph Moss, John Beecher, Enoch Mallory, Jacob Tyler, Daniel McGilivray, Eleazer Laraby, James Perigo, John Singer, Oliver Sweet, Abel Sharp, Peter Miller, Valentine Detlor, Peter Detlor, Robert Parry, Ezra Ward, Elijah Bolton, Caleb Henderson, John Griffin, Daniel Culver, George Patmer, Conroy Devoe, John Lawrence. Some of the above names are found upon the following "bond of allegiance," executed April 22, 1770. (Wil- liams Papers, vol i. page 03.) "We the subscribers do bind ourselves in the penal sum of one hundred pounds each to be obedient to the rules and orders of (ho Continental Congress; and also that we will protect, and defend the rights and liberties of America, in the present contest against the oppressive acts of the English Parliament, according to their abili- ties. Signed l)y our hands this 22d day of April, 1776. "James Cascallen. Johs Bi.vingeu. "ADAXf SCHOOLCHAFT. JoHN EmBUUV. " Abram Bininger. John Dulmage. " Garret Miller. J. CuEBOonn. " Padl Heck. Peter Switzer. "Philip Switzer. Puh.ip Durgeon." Paul Heck was one of Embury's associates. It was bis wife, Barbara Heck, who urged Philip Embury in New York to preach, and by her persistent entreaty induced the young local preacher, who had received a license in Ireland, to commence active religious work. This was in New York, before they came to Salem. Stevens, the Methodist historian, ascribes to Barbara llech the honor of being the real founder of the American Methodist church. Charles Hutchinson, the captain, had a personal ex- perience in the "war" over the New Hamp.shire grants, as shown by a complaint to be found in the documentary Iiistory of the State. Charles Hutchinson's home was on Farrant's patent, in the northeast corner of the town, near the Vermont line. At a special town-meeting held Aug. 29, 1802, Wil- liam B. Bool, chairman, and William McFarland, clerk, resolutions were offered by James Gibson, seconded by C. L. Allen. After a stirring and patriotic discussion they were adopted. The supervisor was authorized to borrow on the credit of the town thirty-five hundred dollars, the money to be expended in raising volunteers to sup- ply the deficiency of twenty-five men in the filling of the quota of the town, paying bounties and expenses necessary to fill Captain Crary's company to the minimum. The Legislature was petitioned to pass a legalizing act, if necessary, to confirm these proceedings. The final resolu- tion requested the enrolling officers to make a complete list of all who bad or should volunteer, attest tlie same by their signatures; that said list should be filed in the town clerk's office, and entered in full upon the town records, " to the end that it may be known who have gone from this town into the field to save their country in the hour of peril." Dec. 23, 1863, a special town-meeting was held, at which C. L. Allen was chairman, and D. V. T. Qua, clerk. Resolutions were adopted ratifying the action of the super- visors in raising the sum of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, to be used for bounties to recruits, at the rate of two hundred dollars each, the same to be charged to each town in proportion to the amount drawn. A pre- vious town-meeting, December 7, had provided for a town bounty of three hundred dollars. This was rescinded, the town deciding to act under the resolution of the super- visors. A town war committee was appointed, consisting of A. B. Law, James Gibson, William A. Russell, John M. Williams, and William Cleveland. At the annual meeting, March 1, 1804, it was resolved that a town bounty, not exceeding the sum of three hun- dred and fifty dollars, be offered for thirty men to fill the present call, and the remainder be applied to the next call for volunteers, and that the same sum be paid for any other men that may be required to fill the next quota, should another call be made. At a .special town-meeting called June 25, 1804, general authority was given to the supervisor, in connection with the war committee appointed Dec. 23, 1803, to raise what- ever number of men may be necessary to fill the calls now or soon to be made by the President of the United States ; and the supervisor was authorized to expend whatever money might be necessary for that purpose, issuing town bonds or procuring county bonds, and such taxes were fully authorized as might be necessary to meet the payments thus provided, bonds to run four years. At the annual meeting, March 7, 1805, the war com- mittee was continued, their past acts and doings fully con- firmed, and further authority given to expend sums a.^ might be necessary to fill any future calls, and to levy whatever taxes- might be required to carry out this res- olution. The unlimited authority thus conferred at .successive meetings shows how freely the people voted money for war purposes, and how fully and justly they confided in their appointed committee and in the supervisor of the town. The trust reposed was executed as fliithfuUy as it bad been cheerfully conferred. All the successive calls were promptly filled. The town was in advance of all demands of the national government — more than met them — having men standing to its credit in excess of quotas at the close of the war. The committee protected the town from draft, and at the same time saved the tax-payers from the swin- dling operations of bounty brokers, and their confederates, — bounty jumpers. Such a war committee of patriotic prudent citizens, hon- ored and trusted by the whole people, and therefore in- vested with well-nigh unlimited power, proved to be the safety of all classes. The town-clerk not having made the report requested by the State in 1805, the following list was prepared from the printed muster-in rolls of the State. But it has been left HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 177 for correction and fully advertised in town, and Mr. Cruik- sliank, postmaster of Salem village, lias jiiveii valuable and patriotic assistance in perfecting it. To his unwearied labor. Company H, of the 123d, are particularly indebted for the completeness of their record. (icorKn H. AUiircI, imiI. June 11, lS6i, 1st MouiitoJ Bitlra, Co. E. Al.iKT Austin, Mil. Dec. 17, 18G:>, lOtli Art., Co. K. Aluxiirnli'r Austin, enl. Dec. 17, 1861, lOtli Art., Co. K. Satniiel Atwood, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12:jd Begt., Co. II. David Austin, lunsidan ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 2d Cav. .I.iliri Akiris, enl. Sept. 15, 1801, 2d Cm'., Co. A. Samuel Atwood, onl. Sept.ll, 1801, 2d Oav., Cu. A ; discli. at Kiisl Division hos- jiital at close of war. Alixander Austin, enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cny., Co. A. Win. Austin, Corp. ; enl. Sept. U, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. rlatt 1). Abell, farrier; enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. George W. Austin, enl. Dec. 4, 1801, 'JM Uegt., Co. I. Wni. Andre.ss, enl. Sept. 4, 1802, 12.1d Regt., Co. U ; left sick at Salem. Win. C. Askey, enl. .June, 1801, 22d Kegt., Co. D; two jeais. Asa Buike, enl. June 11, 1862, Ist Monnted Bitles, Co. E. Bobert B. Hcattie, scrgt.; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12:id Begt., Co. H ; pro. to 2d lieut. Oct. 21, 1803; discli. June 8, 1805. Garrett W. liriggs, coip. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. U ; woundtd May 1, l«Oi, at CliancelloraviUe ; discli. June 8, 1805. James L. Bcattie, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; killed on picket at At- lantii, Ga., Aug. 18, 1804. Milo H. Brown, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123il Begt., Co. 11 ; died of disease at Louden Valley, Va., Nov. 27, 1862. Oliailes Hillings, enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; died of disease at Lou- den Valley, Va., Dec. 13, 1864. Patrick ilurus, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; trans, to Invalid Corps. George Beebee, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H ; discli. June 8, 1805. Elijah liuker, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. for disability May 24, 1864. Evander Burtis, eill. Sept. 4,1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; died in I'liiladelpliia, Ta., Sept. 8, 1802. Albert K. lirougliton, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 2d l^av. Channcey L. Beebee, enl. Sept. 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Colen JI. Bnrke, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Dolbert Brown, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Bicliard Burke, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co, A. Wales M. Barton, enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Andrew Beebee, Corp.; enl. Sept. 7, 1862, 2d Cav., Co. A. Asa Burke, wagoner; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Norman L. Barber, enl. Sept. 1, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. T. licattie, 2d lieut. ; enl. June, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D ; two years ; killed at bull Bun. Flank A. liarringer, enl. June, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D; two years. Simon B. Bruce, trumpeter; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, 1st Mounted BiHes, Co. B; disch. at Point of Bocks, Sept. 19, 1804; re-enl. as a veteran volunteer. T. Flank Brown, enl. 1st Mounted Bitles, (Jo. H. Edward Crow, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123a Begt., Co. C. Peter Crombio, enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. O. John S. Crary, capt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; resigned July 28, 1803. Josiah W. Culver, 2d lieut. ; enl. Aug., 1862, 123d Begt., Co. U ; pro. to 1st lieut. ; to dipt. Oct. 21, 1S03. James II. Cowan, corp. ; enl. Ang. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. II ; died at Harper's Ferry, from disease, Dec. 2, 1862. Wm. II. Creighton, Corp.; enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II; sick in hospital, Aug. 19, 1864 ; disch. at Keokuk, Iowa, at close of war. Lewis D. Chase, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1805. Wm. J. Cruiksliank, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. U ; pro. to Corp.; wounded at ChancoUorsville, May 3, 1863; disch. on account of wounds, March 11, 1804. Henry J. Cleveland, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II; pro. to Corp.; wounded at Dallas and Pine Mountain ; disch. June 8, 1805. George M. Creighton, enl. Aug. 0,1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; discli. from hosi.ital at Chattanooga, Ga., at close of war. Dudley E. Cornell, musician; enl. Sept. 26, 1862, 2d Cav. James H. Cimklin, enl. Oct. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Elias P. Craiidall, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Volney Craw, enl. Sept. 21, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. George Clark, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. David E. Ci-onin, Ist lient.; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 1st Mounted Bitles, Co. E ; bad before served in 2d Cav. Benjamin F. Cole, sergt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav , Co. A. Charles II. Clark, qnar.-ina i sergt.; enl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Stephen U. Chellis, sergt.; enl. Sepl. II, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. J:i3on A. Conkey, farrier; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Bobert Cruiksbauk, ord. sergt.; enl. Aug. 5, 1802; must. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. II; pro. 2d lieut., Feb. 2U, 1803; Ist lieut., Oct. 21, 1803; acting adj., Se|it. 1 to Nov. 10, 1804; acting prov. marshal for brigade, Nov. 10 to April 11, 1805 ; acting aid-de-camp, April 11 to June 8, 1865. 23 George Cobb, enl. .lime, 1801, for two years, 22d Begt., Co. D. Body Cramer, enl. .luiie, Dial, for two yeara,2id Begl., Co. D. Willard H. Coltoii, enl. Jan. 21, 1804, Ist Mounted Eifles,Co. E; di.scli. Nov. 29, 1S6.J. Hugh Dorrance, enl. June 19, 1862, Ist Mounted BiBes, Co. E. Thiunas L. Dobbin, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. K. Horatio H. Dana, enl. Doc. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. K. Wm. H. Doniiison, sergt.; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; wounded at Chancellorsville, May 2, 180;l ; discli. June 8, 1805 . Philip II. Danforth, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II. Martin P. Duiilap, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, I23d Kegt, Co. II. Henry Danforth, enl. Aug. 13, 1862,123d Begt., Co. H; wounded at Peach-Treo Creek, July 2(1, 1804 ; died at King.ston, Ga., July 31, 1804. Austin Deuel, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Begt., C.i. H; taken prisoner at Knip's Farm, July 22, 1864; not heard from afterwards. Peter Donahue, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. June 8, ISO,'.. John Doig, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 12id Begt, Co. II. Philip H. Danforth, enl. Sept. 9, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A; disch. June ,<, ISIIJ. John J. Dnnlap, enl. Sept 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. John S. Doig, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A; wounded at (Jhaucellorsville May 3, 1863; discli. June 8, 1865. Orlando Dana, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Begt, Co. D. Henry C. Earle, onl. Jan. 5, 1804, lOtli Art, CJo. K. Wright Edie, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOth Art., Co. K. Benjamin Elliott, 1st lieut; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 121d Begt, Co. H; resigueil Feb. 6, 1863. George II. Edie, musician; onl: Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Begt, Co. H. Frank W. Esler, saddler; enl. Oct 29, 1801, 2d C.iv., Co. A; disch. June 8,1865. Daniel A, Foster, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123il K.-gt, Co. H; disch. June 8, 1S05. Henry Fleming, onl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Wm. G. Fisher, bugler; enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Gar., Co. A. Thomas B. Fisk, Ist lieut. ; enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D ; re- signed Oct. 20, 1802. Carlos Ferguson, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D. James C. Gray, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802,123d Kegt, Co. H; died of disease, March 21, 1805. Edward Gleason, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. H; disch. June 8, 1865. Levi H. Gray, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H; disih. June 8, 1865. Edward Graves, enl. Ang. 9, 1862, 123d R-gt., Co. H ; disch. April 21, 1863. John Gibson, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 2d Cav. James Gilchrist, enl. Oct 28, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Benjamin B. Gilman, corp. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Samuel Giles, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Cfe. D. Beuben Hill, enl. June 1, 1802, 1st Mounted BiBes, Co. E. King S. Hammond, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, loth Art, Co. K. W'illiam B. Haskins, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, 16th Art, (3o. K. John Haslin, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOtli Art, Co. K. Forrest E. Hatch, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, lOlh Art, Co. K. Ira Hawthorne, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, 10th Art., Co. K. Thomas Highland, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Kegt, Co. G. John Hopkins, wagoner; enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 1805. Albert Hopkins, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12.id Regt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 1865. Silas Hopkins, enl Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H; disch. from Harper's Ferry hospital. Jacob Hevcr, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, l-2.3d Regt, Co. H; missing on march, June 27,103. Newell L. Harwood, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. H ; disch. at hospital in Baltimore, Md. William Howe, musician; enl. Sept 7, 1861, 2d Cav. King S. Hammond, Corp. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Woodard Hill, enl. Sept 15, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. John N. Hayes, enl. Nov. 1, 1861, 'id Cav., Co. A. Henry Hodge, enl. Sept. 18, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. A. William B. Haskins, enl. Sept. 11, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co, A. George W. Haywanl, onl. Oct. 1. 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. George H.idley, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. John A. Hearn, enl. Oct 7, 1801, •2d Cav., Co. A. Nelson B. Ilolden, enl. Sept 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. John Hunt, enl. Sept 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. John Haslem, enl. Sept -20, 1861, '2d Cav., Co. A. Addison Hayner, enl., Dec. 4, 1861, 93d Begt, Co. J. John Haley, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. Elisha Hill, enl. Aug. 17, 1803, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. James Hayden, enl. Aug. 31, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. Daniel Harley, enl. Aug. 1, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (Jo. D. Wm. Hover, enl. June, I86I, for two years, 22d Regt, Co. D. Archibald Johnson, enl. Aug. 21 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. H ; wounded at Chancel- lorsville, Va., and died May 6, 186:1. James Jerniain, enl. Sept. '23, 1801, 2d Cav., Ck>. A. John A. Kemp, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 'id Cav., Co. A. Henry C. Keuyon, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Joseph Kearsing, enl. Ang. 17, 1802; wounded at Kulp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 1804; died in rebel hospital. George Lawrence, enl. Doc. 28, 1803, 16th Art., Co. K. William Leonard, enl. Sept. 21, 1861, •2d Cav., Co. A.. Jolm Leonard, enl. Sept. 21, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. 17? HISTORY OF WASIIINGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. Wm. II. T.iulil. onl.Scpt. 11, 1801, 1st Moiiiitcd Itiflce, Co. E ; liad before scTTCd in LM Ciiv.; iliscli. Nov. 29, 1805. Joscjih Lowric, enl. Sept. 7, ISCl, 2il «iv., Co A. KJgiir Liuld, enl. Jim. IO,lao;i, 1st N. Y.Mcuntcd Rifle»; taken prisoner, Marcli, 1804 ; discharged. i David Jliihaffj, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, lOlli Art., Co. K ; niu>tenil uiit, Ang. 28, ISe,'), with regiment. JIaltliew Mouaglian, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 12:;d Rcgt., Co.G. I'lank IIcFarland, con'. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12;jd Kegt., Co. II ; wounded May 2!), 1804 ; disrli. June 8, 18CS. 11.11 ace r. Malllieivs, ei.l. Aug. 0, 1802, lild Regt., Co. H ; discli. June 8, 1865. Siiuinil Maliaffv (2d), enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 12;!d Regt., Co. H ; i)ro. sorgt.; disch. .lunc 8, 18C5. Jnlin A. Mains, Clil. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. II ; killed at Cliancelloi-sville, Va., May 3, 1803. Charles Marsliall, enl. Aug. 22, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. H ; lull.d at t'liancellors- ville, Va., May 3, 1803. Mitcliell McFarland, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12:id Kigt., Co. II ; »..uii.Il-<1 at Clian- cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1803. I'i'ter McNassof, enl. Aug. 5, 1^C2, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; killid at Kulp's Farm, G»., June 22, 18C+. Levi Matthews, musician ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 2d Car. Austin Magee, niufiiciau; enl. Sept. 20, 18C1, 2d Cav.; also roenL. in Isl Mounted KiHes. Watson W. MeCullough, Jorgt. ; onl. Sepfe 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Wni. MeKchron, sergl.; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. James C. McClellan, con). ; enl. Sept. 19; 1801, 2dCav., Co. A. Thomas Mclutyre, enl. Sejit. 7, 1801, 2d Car., Co. A. Martin Moor, enl. Oct. 13, 1801. 2d Cav., Co A. James McGeocli, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Seucea Mcliain, eul. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Horace B Matthews, eul. Sept. 30,1801, ii t^av., Co. A. Joseph B. Madison, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. Edward Kidson, enl. Sept. 12, 1861, 2d Oav., Co. A. Robert D. Nelson, cul. Aug. 31, 1864, for one year, liSd Kegt., C... 11 ; Jiscb. June 8, 1865. John Nelson, enl. June, 1801, for two ycare, 22d Regt., Co. D. I'eter Naylor, enl. Ist Mounted R Hes, Co. C. Wui. J. Orcutt, enl. July 30,1862, 12::d Regt., Co. II; di.d of disea.se at Elk River Bridge, Tcnn. Patrick O'Brien, enl. Nov. 4, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Ccorge Pattersou, enl. June 23, 1862, Isl Mounted Rifles, Co. E. Calvin I. Parker, onl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1805. John A. Perkins, enl. July 31, 1802, ISid Regt., Co. II ; wounded and prisoner, ClianecllorsvlU.', Va., May 3, 1803; disch. June 8, 1805. Alexander Pralt, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. II; disch. Juno 8, 1805. ■\Villiani Pierce, eul. Aug. 21, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. II; wounded at Kc.sa.a, Ga., May 15, 1804; disch. June 8, 1800. ]I(!nry Paris, enl. Se|)t. 20, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Josephus Perry, enl. Nov. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Alexander Pratt, eul. Oct. 1, 1^61, 2d Cav., Co. A ; discliargeil. Edgar S. Perry, bugler; enl. Sept. 9, 1801, 2d Cav., Go. A. Wm. C. Partridge, enl. Aug. 11,1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; left sick at S;ilem. Hiram Pratt, ml. June, 1861, fur two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. Daniel li. Ross, sergt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; prisoner, June 22, 1?64; returned to duty; discliargcd. Wm. I.. Rich, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. H ; killeil at Cliancellorsvllle, Va., 5Iay 3, 1863. Wm. H. Kvan, musician; eul. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav.; re-onl. in 1st Mounted RiHes. Solomon W. Russell, capt.; eul. Sept. 7, 1S61, 2d Cav., Co. A. Win. Robertson, 2d lieut. ; enl., Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Itobert Rac, sergt. ; eul. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Matthew Relihau, enl. Nov. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Marcus D. Rice, enl. Sept. II, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Daniel R. Ross, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A ; discharged. Daniel C. Rogers, enl. Sept. 19, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Charles W. Kasey, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Lawrence M. Roy, drnm-maj. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Eegt. ; pro.2d lieut. ; not mustered. John D. Ross, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, for one year, 12:!d Regt., Co. II. John L. Rice, enl. June, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. Wni. T. Runey, enl. June, 1861, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. Abram Rowan, enl. June, 1861, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. John C. Shields, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, ICth Art., Co. K. Wm. H. Steivart, col-p.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H ; died of wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 12, 186:). Charles R. Sherman, corp. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. U ; disch. June 8, 1805. John Schneider, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; disch. June 8, 186.5. Charles A. Sheppard, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123.1 Regt., Co. H ; siragglod May 2, 1863. Alvah Streetcr, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. H; wounded at Chaucellors- ville. May 3, 186:1 ; disch. for disability, June 8, 1864. George Sweet, enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. II ; died of disease in camp, Stafford Courl-IIouse, Va., Feb'. 4, 1863. Henry 0. Sweet, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H; died of disease at Har- per's Kerry, Va., Dec. 20, 1802. Elias Smith, innsician ; enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav. James R. Skinner, Corp.; enl. Sept. .30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Ira S'ss.)n, Corp.; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Joseph Spniguc, enl. Sept. 11, ISGI, 2.1 Cav., Co. A. Cornelius Shaw, eul. Sej.t. 11, 1801, 2.1 Ov., Co. A. Klward Sweeni-y, enl. Sept. 11, 18 1, 2d Cav., Co. A. John Stevens, eul. Sept. 11, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. James Smilh, enl. Sept. 7, 1861, 'id Cav., Cv. A. David G. Stewart, eul. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. James B. Slocuni, enl. Sept. 7, 1?61, 2d Cav., Co. A. John Snyder, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Thomas Smith, enl. Oct. 23, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Wni. Scandall, enl. Oct. 22, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Edward Sprague, enl. Dec. 4, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I ; le-eiil. in 1>1 3Ioiiiiled Rifles, Co. U, June 1, 1862. RaiKson S.|i.iers, .'nl. Aug. 1.5, 1863, 2il Vet Cav., Co. D. Fr.ink Sayles enl. June, 1861, for two years, 2-2d Kegt., (a>. D. Wm. II. Smart, eul. May lu, ISCI, for two years, 22il Regt., Co. D. James Stalker, eul. Jnuc, 1801, for two years, 22d Regt., Co. D. Warren Thomas, onl. Dec. 28, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. K. Owen Torreuce, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. II ; disch. from hospital, Louisville, Ky.. at close of war. Wallace Thames, musician ; enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav. David N. Thompson, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. Dennis Tooliey, enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 2d Cav.. Co. A. Hiram L. Thomas, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Daniel Van N.irder, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Josiah S. Whitney, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. X. Allien II. Wing. eul. Dec. 28, 186:1, lOlh Art., Co. K. Frederick I. Williamson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. H ; pro. to sergt. ; died of disease in hospital at Savannah, Ga., March 0, 1805. EJgiir L. Wheelock, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12;id Regt., Co. H ; disch. lr..m hospital at Jellersonville, Ind., at close of war. Alexander U. Wells, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, I'iSd Regt., Co. H ; trans, to Iiivali.l C.>rps. James H. Wright, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 123d Regt , Co. H : disch. June 8, 180.5. E.lward D. Whitney, enl. Aug. 6, ISOi, 123d Kigt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 186.5. Williaui Warner, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. II ; disch. June 8, 1865. David II. Warner, cul. Aug. 21, 1802', I'iSd Regt., Co. H ; died of disease, A|.ril 20, 1805. Richanl West, enl. July .30, 1862, 12:W Regt., Co. H ; committed suici.le at Louden Valley, Va., Dec. 6, 1802. Luther Woodbridge, musician ; enl. Sept 26, 1861, 2.1 Cav. Charles Wliitcomb, mnsc an ; eul. Sept. 20, 1801, ^d Cav. Henry Watkiu", musician ; enl. Sept. 2li, 1861, 2d Cav. Robert C. Wager, enl. Oct. 26, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. .Tolin Wright, eul. Oct 1, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Dennis Welch, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2.1 Cav. Co. A. Thomas West, eul. Sept. 7, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. A. Myrou Woo.1, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. A. James Wig!;ins, onl. Oct. 1, 1861, 2.1 Cav., Co. A. John M. Wcl.ster, enl. Oct. 1, ISOl, '211 Cav., Co. A. George Wait enl. Dec. 4, 1661, 93d Regt., Co. I. Christopher M. Wolff, enl. Sept ]S61,93d Regt, Co. D; disch. Septl8Ci; re-nnl. May, 1803, 5th N. II. B.; disch. Dec. '28,1864, of wounds received at Ream's Stjition, Va., Aug. 25, 1804. James West, enl. June, 1861, 22d Regt, Co. D. James Yates, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, 16th Art, Co. K. John Young, enl. Aug. 4, 1803, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GENERAL JOHN WILLIAMS. Tills distliiijuislied gentlciuan was born at Barnstaple, in the county of Devon, England, in the year 1752, was lib- erally educated, studied luodicine and surgery, and prepared for the practice of his profession by one year's attendance in the great hospital of St. Thomas, in London, and after- wards serving for one year as surgeon's mate on board of an Engli.sh vessel of war, emigrated to this country, and settled at Salem, in the then county of Charlotte, in the latter part of the year 177^:^, and there commenced business as a physician and surgeon, and almost immediately obtained an extensive practice in his profession ; which rapidly increasing, he be- came widely known and greatly beloved and respected by all classes in the community. Indeed, so rapid was his '"'^VJ-i^u^.. Jarii /a^v^I^/Z-c C^<:^y?r?^^z^/ HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 179 advance in the populai- affection and confidence that on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, in April, 1775, — - less than two years after his coming, — lie was chosen unan- imously as one of the representatives of the county of Charlotte in the New York Provincial Congress, which met and organized in the city of New York on May 20, 1775, and which for some years, and during "troublous times," administered the government of this State. Of this body Dr. Williams was thrice re-elected a member, and served as such during its whole existence. In this he was active and influential, and was appointed on .some of its most important committees, and had in his charge or under consultation and determination many of its most consid- erable affairs. He took his seat in the Congress on the 2-lth of May, — only four days after its opening, — and was, on the next day, appointed the second member on a com- mittee of five to prepare and report the draft of a letter to the inhabitants of the northern counties of the State as to incursions into the neighboring province of Canada.' (1 Journal, 11.) On the 25th of May ho was appointed on the committee to confer with Captain Douglas on the cap- ture of Ticonderoga ; on the 2Gth on one to prepare a letter to all the counties, recommending in each the organization of war committees or committees of safety. (Id.,lo.) On INIay 31 lie was appointed on the committee to report an organization of the troops to be embodied for the defense of the country and regulations for their discipline and gov- ernment. {Id., 21.) On June 2 on a committee to report a plan for the accommodation of the differences between the colonies and the mother-country. {Id., 26.) On June 14 on committee to hear and report on Colonel Duer's memorial. {Id., 42.) On June 21 on another to report a plan for the enforcement of a resolution iis to salt. {Id., 49.) On June 15 his colleague, Colonel Marsh, had leave of absence, and Dr. Williams had power granted him to cast the full vote of the county. (/(/., 44.) On the 30th of June he was appointed a surgeon, and was subse- quently assigned for duty in that capacity to one of the regular regiments. In February, 1776, on the unanimous recommendation of the committee of safety of Charlotte county, he was appointed and commLssionod as colonel of the regiment which had been raised, mainly by his efforts, in that county, and remained its commanding officer, except for a brief period, all through the war and till his subse- (|uent promotion, in 1786, to be the brigadier-general of the brigade. The service of Dr. Williams as surgeon continued in one of the New York regiments on the Continental line till the declaration of peace, acting as such in some of the heaviest battles of the war, especially in the battle of Mon- mouth, where, by his efficient aid and services, the life of his friend and associate. Major Joseph McCracken, was saved. The arm of the latter had been cut off by a can- non-.shot, and he lay bleeding in some bushes on the field — to which his servant had carried him — when found by Dr. Williams, by whom ho was brought home and finally re- stored to health. These services by no means prevented the attendance of Dr. Williams as a memb;;r at the sessions of the Provincial Congress, though they no doubt prevented his being as active and useful as he had been when burdened with no other official duty. The Journal shows his taking a scat in 1776, on Feb- ruary 14, and on the seventeenth he was on a committee to organize the four New York regiments on the Continental line {Id., 306), and on March 11 on another to report the powers to be granted to the committee of safety, which was to sit during the recess of the Congress {Id., 351 ) ; and on March 15 he was chosen a member of that com- mittee during the recess of the Senate. On April 8, 1777, he gave his vote for the ordinance creating the State of New York and adopting its constitu- tion. (/(/., 892.) Besides these public and official stations ho was also an active member of the convention by which the State of New York adopted the constitution of the United States ; member of the Council of Appointment of this State for the year 1789 ; member of the Assembly of New York for the years 1781 and 1782; and of the Senate of this State from 1777 to 1795, except while in the Assembly; four years, from 1792 to 179G, a representative in Congress from the district compo.sed (jf the counties of Washington and Saratoga ; and during over twenty-five years, from the organization of the State government to his death, liolding the office of judge of the county courts of Charlotte, and its successor, Washington, county; and often, while offi- ciating as such, presiding over the courts, — trying the casus and charging the grand and trial juries with ability and dignity. During much of this time he also held the office of super- visor of the town of Salem, and while such was an active and efficient member of the board of supervisors of the county. It .should be borne in mind that from the time ho .settled in Salem till his last illness unfitted him for the work, he was giving attention to a large and constantly-increasing busiiiess. He was the largest landholder the county ever had, owning at one time all the lands in Hampton, except three thousand five hundred acres, more than half of Put- nam, nearly half of Whitehall, and the like in Hebron, largely in Granville and more than half of Salem, with ^ many other separate parcels in various parts of the State. ' His death occurred at Salem on the 22d July, 1806, he being aged fifty-three years and ten months. His life had been one of great activity and usefulness, and to his untiring exertions the county is largely indebted for its rapid growth in population and in material power, resources, and influ- ence. General Williams lived in a time when party spirit ran riot. He occupied a high and shining station, and, of course, was a constant mark for the arrow of a public opponent or the private shaft of malice and envy. The dread of his power and influence by those who were op- posed to him, the ignoble fear, and the sycophantic expres- sions of others towards him were well described by the pa- triarch Lmsing, of Linsingburg, on one occasion, when a large gathering had assembled and were deriding the gen- eral and threatening what t/ui/ would do with him when he should pass on his returning liome from the Legislature. The reason of their anger was that the general had by his labors and influence obtained the passage of the law by 180 HISTORY OF WASniNGTON COUiNTV, NEW YORK. which Cambridge and Easton were taken from Albany county and placed with the county of Washington instead of Rensselaer. To this measure the people of Lansin- burg had been bitterly hostile, and their wrath at its chief promoter was unmeasured in words. It was after hearing for some time the idle talk of this crowd ready to do some great thing that Mr. Lansing said, " Oh, no, gentlemen, when the general comes along through this place not a soul of you but will take off his hat. with a low bow, saying, ' Your most obedient, General Williams.' No ; he is to be respected for the governing influence he has in the Legis- lature, and for his ability shown in the passage of- this law, as well as in every other measure he takes in hand." This, it will be remembered, was a tribute of respect from one whose interests had been prejudiced by the action of General Williams, and who yet had the manliness to acknowledge his great ability and rebuke those who de- tracted from his merit. This measure greatly benefited this county, rendering it more powerful in wealth, territory, and population, and in- creasing greatly its influence in the legislative bodies of the State and nation. The town of Salem was also thereby placed nearer the geograpliical centre of the county, and thus the " Central Court-house question," then looming into importance, was for a long time bridged over or avoided. As a physician and surgeon, Dr. Williams was highly distinguished ; as a scholar and a linguist he had no supe- rior among his associates. His skill and learning prove him to have been a hard student, as otherwise he could not have attained and held the high position he did, as well in his profession as among the learned men of the time. It would be gratifying to exhibit his more than ordinary ability by extracts from his extensive correspondence, bis charges to grand juries, his elaborate reports in the Legis- lature and in Congress from the various committees on which he so frequently served, but the length of this sketch already admonishes us to brevity, and we refrain. But it was as a statesman and in the walks of legislation that his gieat power and influence were exhibited. Some of the measures which he presented or advocated have been already noticed. His legislative career lasted nearly twenty years, and at a time when all his ability was required and was efficiently given in the organization of the great State of New York ; not merely in its formal creation, but its potential exist- ence as one of the powers of the earth. This required skill as a lawgiver, care and prudence in meeting and avoiding existing and numerous evils, and foresight in preventing those likely to arise. The journals of both Houses show him to have been active in all the important measures before the Legislature while he was a member. One proof of his ability and exertions in legislation will bo given, and that must sufiice as a fair specimen of his life-long works. The subject of opening a vrater communication from the Hudson river to the west, by the great lakes, and to the north by Lake Champlain, had been suggested as feasible by .several different persons, but to General John Williams are we indebted for its first introduction into the legisla- tion of the State. He, then being a member of the Senate, offered a resolution in that body on the 15th of February, 1791, for the appointment of a joint committee of the Senate and Assembly on this subject, and the resolution being adopted in both Houses, the committee was raised, and he was appointed its chairman. This committee sub- sequently and in the following year reported favorably. This report was referred to the Commissioners of the Land- Oflnce to report as to the feasibility of the measure, and on the 5th of January, 1792, their report, which was favor- able, was submitted to both Houses, and General Williams then moved for another joint committee, to which the report was referred. On the 7th February following he brought in a bill authorizing the construction of the proposed works, and this bill became a law on the 30th March, 1792. In the company which was organized for the construc- tion of the Northern Inland Lock Navigation, connecting the Hud.son River and Lake Champlain, General Williams was a director and a heavy stockholder, and devoted much time and lubor to advance the undertaking. General Williams was twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Susanna (Thomas), the widow of James Turner, one of the first settlers of the town of Salem. She dying, he married Mrs. Mary Townley, of the city of New York. By her he had no children. By his first wife he bad four children, viz. : Susan, who married the Rev. Alexander Proudfit, P.H., over forty years minister of the Associate Roforniod church at Salem. Elizabeth, who married Ebcnezer Proudfit, long a distin- guished merchant at Salem. Maria, who married the Hon. Anthony T. Blanchard, one of the ablest lawyers of Washington County, and long first judge of the county courts; and John, who subsequently for many years commanded the Washington County Regiment of Cavalry, and from that obtained the military title of colonel, by which he was afterwards uniformly called. He married Ann, a daughter of Colonel George Wray, of Fort Ann, and by her had an only son, John, who married Miss Harriet B. INIartin, a niece of Governor Enos T. Throop ; and an only daughter, Mary, who married the Kev. George W. Bethune, D.D., and who died without leaving any children. John Williams, Jr., last mentioned, by his wife Harriet, had an only son, John M., and daughters, Harriet M. and Fanny H., who are all living. John M. Williams married IMi.ss Francos Sehriver, and by her has a son, John Francis, and daughter, Marion. John Williams, Jr., died in the prime of life, greatly beloved and respected, on June 14, 1840, in the lliirty- seventh year of his age. HON. JAMES GIBSON. This gentleman, on the paternal side, is descended from John Gibson, of Providence, R. I., and by his grandmother is ninth in descent from John Brown, the Assistant of the Plymouth colony, and by his mother, seventh in descent from John Townsend, of Warwick, R. I., afterwards of Oyster Bay, Long Island. He is the son of James B. Gib.son and Margaret Town- send, his wife, and was born at Salem, N. Y., September 5, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 181 1816. Jaines B. Gib.son was a lawyer of distinction, and was held in high esteem by his fellow-townsiuen, and by the people of the county generally. His wife was a lady of rare attainments, highly cultured, and deeply versed in literature. She departed this life July 20, 1825, and her husband on May 10, 1827. During his lifetime he was in good pecuniary circumstances, but when his estate was settled but little was left, except family heirlooms, for his children, so that James and his brothers and sisters had to depend upon their own exertions for their support. James, at the time of his father's death, was only eleven years of age, and he took up the threads of his young life with a determination to weave thera into something that would give him position and influence. He was educated at Washington Academy, at Salem. While a student he entered the law-office of his uncle, Samuel Stevens, a former partner of his father, who was at that time eminent as a practitioner, and who afterwards became one of the leading members of the Albany bar. After the departure of Mr. Stevens, he .studied in the office of Cyrus Stevens, at Salem, and subsequently with Hun. John H. Boyd, at Whitehall. During the years of his student life, he laid broad and deep the foundation for his future success as a lawyer. In 1836, at the October term of the Supreme Court, Mr. Gibson was admitted to practice, and on the 1st of January following, he formed a partnership with Cyrus Stevens, which con- tinued one year, and until the latter nioved to Albany. From that time he continued the practice of his profession on his individual responsibility at the place of his nativity, where he has ever since resided. In October, 1839, he was admitted as a counsellor-at-law. He was successful from the outset in his profession. " His qualifications," to quote the language of another, " were such as to attract the atten- tion of the public; and, in a brief time, he gathered to himself an extended practice." Very many important causes, civil and criminal, have been intrusted to him during the forty-odd years of his professional life, and, if space permitted, the writer would be pleased to speak some- what in detail concerning the more important controversies. But this sketch would be imperfect without a brief allusion to a few of the cases in which, by his deep research into the principles and logic of law and the science of jurispru- dence, he became the instrument by means of which the law was settled in our courts on many novel questions. The first cause which Mr. Gibson tried, which was carried to the Supreme Court on appeal, and in which he prepared the argument, was that of Prindle vs. Anderson (reported in 19 Wend., 391). This was a case in which he raised and succeeded on the question that the receipt of rent by a landlord after service by him of notice to quit on his tenant, was a waiver of the notice. This decision was affirmed in the court for the correction of errors, and is reported in 23d Wend., 616. In the case of Shaw is. Bevcridge, .3 Hill, 26, he suc- ceeded in establishing as law, that an action of trespass would lie for disturbing a party in the possession of a pew in a church. In Saffijrd vs. People, .5 Dcnio, 112, he prepared the case and succeeded on the question that a party cannot give evidence derogatory to the character of his own witness, or show by the witness' own evidence that he is unworthy of belief. In Hanks ikIs. Fake, not reported, he argued for and the court held, that an action would not lie to recover for brandy sold by a "commercial traveler," being the "growth, pro- duce, or manufacture" of a foreign country, without the latter having a license as a hawker or peddler, it being con- trary to the statute. (1 R. S., 595.) In Buck vs. Bininger, .3 Barb., 391, ho maintained, and the court held, that a party was estopped from taking sum- mary proceedings to remove a tenant by an existing cove- nant for quit possession. In Adams vs. R. and S. R. R. Co., 6 Seld., 328, held that ejectment would lie to recover the fee of a public high- way, and in which the railroad tunnel at Whitehall was held to belong to the plaintiff. In Steven.son vs. Bardin, tried in 1860, the court hold, on his motion, that photographs of an instrument alleged to be forged could be used to establish such forgery. As this was the first attempt to use this art as evidence in the courts, the decision was of general interest. Since 1853, iMr. Gib.son has been largely engaged in railroad suits, and is at this time (1878) the attorney fur the Boston, Iloosac Tunnel, and Western Railway com- pany in several important causes, and especially in reopening the Albany Northern railroad. After reaching his majority he entered with great spirit into politics, joining the Whig party, with which he re- mained connected until the organization of the Republican party, in 1856. So great was his interest in politics that, on Nov. 22, 1838, he assumed the editorial chair of the Wasliington Couniy Post, at Salem, and continued as editor through the Presidential campaign of 1840, and till Jan. 1, 1841, when he sold the establishment. It was while making a political speech in the canvass of 1840, a few miles from home, that the hotel where he boarded was burned, and all his personal effects destroyed. At the first judicial election after the adoption of the Constitution of 1846, Mr. Gibson was nominated as a can- didate for justice of the supreme court by the Whigs. His associates on the ticket were James G. Hopkins, of St. Lawrence county ; George A. Simmons, of Esses county ; and Daniel Cady, of Fulton county. They were all defeated, except Mr. Cady, although Mr. Gibson ran over a thousand ahead of his ticket in his own county. He owed his defeat to his connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. At that time the feeling against secret societies was of considerable force, and he encountered the tide before its ebb. In November, 1850, Jlr. Gibson was elected county judge of the county of Washington, and served from Jan. 1, 1851, for the ensuing four years, and it is but just to say that he discharged the duties of the office with marked ability, and left it with the judicial ermine unspotted. In November, 1866, he was elected State senator from the Twelfth Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Ren.«selaer and Washington, and took his seat on the first of January following. His reputation preceded him, and led to his selection as chairman of the committee on claims, and as a member of the judiciary committee, two 182 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. of the most important committees in the Senate. It was with reluctance that he accepted this chairmanship, as he well knew the pressure that would be brought to bear on liim to report favorably on iniquitous claims, and he also well knew the amount of firmness it would be necessary for him to exercise to keep the would-be plunderers from growing fat from the public crib. lie served, however, on this com- mittee during his entire term, and examined and passed upon claims against the State to the amount of over one million of dollars, and with few and meritorious exceptions rejected them, in which course he was sustained by the Senate. During his first year lie introduced a resolution authorizing the survey of the Hudson river from the head of tide-water to Fort Edward, and of the Champlain canal from Fort Edward to Wliiteliall, the object of which was to test the feasibility of improving navigation so that vessels of large tonnage could pass through the canal and river to Troy and return. This resolution was adopted, and the ensuing year a favorable report wa.s made, after which 5Ir. Gibson introduced a bill for the enlargement of the Cham- plain canal from Troy to Whitehall in accordance with the report. He made an exhaustive speech on the measure, and it passed the Senate, but was killed in the Assembly. Senator Gibson was a member of the Senate when George W. Smith, county judge of Oneida county, was tried by the Senate for various crimes and misdemeanors. In ex- plaining his vote in favor of the removal of Judge Smith, he made a speech in which he beautifully expressed the characteristics which a judge should possess, and ended his peroration by quoting " The land wants such as dare with vigor execute the laws," etc. He took a very active part in the legislation of the Senate, and made several speeches, the most notable, perhaps, being the one sustaining the policy of the national government on the then pending issues. As a senator he did his duty. What greater praise could be given than this ? Mr. Gibson was an active member of the Republican party from its organization to the presidential canvass of 1871, when he became a Liberal Republican, and labored earnestly during that campaign and afterwards for the suc- cess of the principles of the Liberal party. He is now identified with the Democratic party. Mr. Gibson, early in life, manifested a great interest in military affairs. In 1810 he raised and was made captain of a company of light infantry attached by special order to the Fiftieth Regiment of infantry in the State militia, and subsequently became major, and thence promoted to be lieu- tenant-colonel of that regiment, and on its being disbanded he was attached to the Thirtieth Regiment of the New York State National Guard, and was subsequently promoted to the colonelcy of that regiment. During the War of the Rebellion the Thirtieth Regiment was twice filled up by draft, in readiness for service, but many of its members vol- unteered into the United States service, thus reducing its membership. In 1867 he became brigadier-general of the Twelfth Brigade, which was disbanded in 1874. This bri- gade was undoubtedly one of the best diilled and best- disci|)lined brigades in this State, outside of the large cities. Notwithstanding his labors in his profession and the other calls upon his time, Mr. Gibson yet fiiund time In give con- siderable attention to Odd Fellowship and Free Masonry. He became an Odd Fellow in 1845 ; pa.ssed the various chairs in Salem Lodge, No. 45 ; served as District Deputy Grand M:uster for the years 1856 and 1857 ; and was elected Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Northern New York, in 1857 ; Deputy Grand Master in 1858, and Grand M;ister in 1859. In 1860 he was elected Worshipful Master of Salem Lodge, No. 891, Free and Accepted Masons ; was appointed Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of this State in 1862; was elected Junior Grand Warden in 18()3, and again in 1864 ; Senior Grand Warden in 1865, which office he held for three years; Grand JLuster in 1868, and was re-elected in 1869. As Grand Master, he, on June 8, 1870, assisted by the Grand Lodge and twelve thou.sand of the craft, laid the corner-stone of the Masonic temple in the city of New York. During his connection with the Grand Lodge he has occupied a commanding position, and has been either chairman or member of the leading committees. It appears that he has been Grand Master of both these great frater- nities. In this he stands alone in this State, as no other person who has been Grand JIaster of Free Mtisons has over been at the head of Odd Fellows, and vice versa. During the War of the Rebellion his voice was often heard in public debate, urging the people of his county to do all in their power for the defense of the Union. The same spirit which filled the hearts of " the fathers" during the days of the Revolution animated him during the late civil war. He was a member of the war committee of Salem, a committee, by the way, that did its duty so well that this town had its quota raised in advance of every draft, except on the occasion of the first draft. The old court-house in Salem was erected about the year 1800, and after .standing for sixty-seven years had outlasted its usefulness and was only valuable as a relic. Tiie circuit judges, lawyers, and laymen complained of it, and it was proposed, in 1867, to repair it, and an order therefor was granted. Tiiis started a discussion as to the advisability of the erection of a new edifice. Mr. Gibson was strongly in favor of a new court-house, and he was, in the spring of 1868, elected supervisor of Salem for the purpose of carrying out the desires of his constituents on that subject. But other towns wanted the court-house within their limits, and a strong though unsuccessful eft'ort was made to get it away from Salem. In December, 1868, Judge Gibson brought the matter before the board of supervisors, whereupon a committee was appointed, with JMr. Gibson as chairman, to obtain plans, etc. In January following it was resolved to build at Salem, and Mr. Gibson was ap])ointed as chairman of the building committee, and they were to use not to exceed thirty thousand dollars in its construction ; and it is a noteworthy fact that the com- mittee kept the expense within the ajipropriation. On June 17, 1845, Mr. Gibson was chosen as a member of the board of trustees of Washington Academy, one of the oldest educational institutions in the State, and has con- tinuously served on that board ever since, being one of its most valued membei's. He drew the charter of the village of Salem, which went into effect in 1851, and which pro- vided for a new school system which, although over twenty- /S . J./9. (^i-'Z^^ C-f HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 183 seven years old, still meets the requirements of to-day. He also drew the agreeiiiunt between the board of trustees of the academy and the board of education of the village, whereby the common schools were consolidated and shel- tered within the walls of the academy. This led to the adoption of the luiion or graded system of education, which has proved so beneficial to the youth of Sulem. He was elected a lueniber of the board of education soon after its organization, and has served continuously as such to the present time. Before his election to these offices he took and ever since has taken a deep interest in educational matters, and notwithstanding his long service he still fre- fjuently visits the academical department and the common schools, assists at examinations, and in every possible way shows his love for the institution wherein he received his education. In ISOO he assisted in organizing St. Paul's (Episcoi)al) church, at Salem, and was chosen one of the wardens of the congregation, and has ever since filled that position. He was licensed as lay reader by Bishop Potter of tiic New York diocese, in 18G0. Mr. Gibson has for several years devoted most of the time he could spare from professional labors to collecting facts con- cerning the history of Washington county, and at the organ- ization of the Washington County Historical Society, in 1876, was elected its president. On the occasion of his election ho delivered an address on the history of agriculture in the county. On 8th of June, 1872, he delivered an historical address at the laying of the corner-stone of the new court- house at Sandy Hill, on the bench and bar of the county for one hundred years, which was intended for an intro- duction to biographical sketches of the judges, lawyers, and officers of the courts in this county during that period. He has also published .sketches on the graves and grave- yards of the county, on journalism, and on various other subjects. He is a member of the American Geographical Society. He is and has been for many years one of the directors of the National Bank of Salem, concededly one of the best- managed banks in the State ; is connected with the Ever- green Cemetery Association as trustee, and in fine is in- terested in nearly all public matters concerning his native town. The writer has encountered two rather interesting if not curious facts in the history of the Gibson family. On Dec. 24, ISIS, James B. Gibson purcha,sed the Reg- ister and conducted it for several years; his son, the sub- ject of this sketch, owned and edited the Post, as has been stated ; and James, tlie son of the latter, edited the S'dcm Press for over three years. These three gentle- men were all jiraeticing lawyers while occupying the edi- torial chair. Mr. Gibson was married Oct. 17, 1841, to Mi.ss Jane, the daughter of Ira Woodworth, Esq., and Wealthy Ann Gilbert, his wife. His faiuily consists of his wife and three children, viz.: (1) Mary, wife of T. A. Wright, of New York city ; (2~) James, who resides at Salem and practices law ; and (3) Jennie. His perisonal appearance is spoken of in " Life Sketches of Members of the Legislature," published in 18C7, as follows : " Senator Gibson is a gentleman of quiet dignity. His long flowing hair and whiskers, tinged with gray, his mild eye, which seems to be overflowing with kindly feelings, his low persuasive voice, which is seldom brought up to a high pitch, unite in throwing around him a personal atmo- sphere which renders his presence both pleasant and powerful." Judge Gib.son has passed the meridian of life, but his mind is as powerful, his blue eyes are as bright, his step is as active, and he still toils as in bygone years. Cautious and firm as a legislator, righteous as a judge, of highest honor as a man, of signal ability in his profession, rich in experi(!ncc, large-hearted, of great energy, faithful in all his relations, above fear and beyond reproach, — such are the qualities which this gentleman possesses. BENJAMIN F. BANCROFT was born at Granville, Mass., Oct. 27, 181G. His great- grandfather, Samuel Bancroft, was an early settler of that place, and died July 6, 1788, at the age of seventy-seven years. His grandfather, Samuel Bancroft, Jr., was an offi- cer of the Revolutionary war, and there is preserved in the possession of the subject of this sketch his commis.sion as a lieutenant, issued by the colony of Massachusetts Bay, and dated April 26, 1776. He died in the year 1820, aged eighty-three years. His father, Jonathan B. Ban- croft, was born April 10, 1781, on the old homestead at Granville, Ma.ss. ; was commi.ssioned lieutenant in an infantry brigade, with commission dated April, 1811. Ho was a representative in the Legislature of Massachusetts for three terms ; by occupation a farmer, and died at his home, Dec. 29, 1870. Benjamin F. Bancroft was only son of Jonathan B, Bancroft and Betsey Clark, there being one daughter by a former marriage of his father, — Julia Ann, — wife of Edwin Foote, of New Haven, Conn. Mr. Bancroft spent his early life at home, receiving the advantages of the common school, and was also under the private instruction of Rev. Timothy M, Cooley, D.D., vice- president of Williams College, and a teacher of wide repute. At the age of seventeen he went into the busy world, im- pressed with the idea of leading a business life. Spent some five years as a elerk in a store at Hartford, Conn., and in New York city. In the year 1838 he came to Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., and entered into the mercantile business, which he carried on successfully for some fifteen years, when, in the year 1853, the Bank of Salem, at Salem, N.Y., was organized. Mr. Bancroft largely assisted in its organization, became one of its directors, and was elected cashier, which office he held during the existence of that bank ; and upon the organization of the National Bank of Salem, he retained the position of cashier until April, 1878, when he was elected president. The financial standing of these banks attests the careful and judicious management of interests connected with them under Mr. BancroiVs supervision, which has given them rank with the best financiered of the State. His life has been one of active business, yet, interested 184 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. in the great political issues of the day, he has been un- swervingly connected with, first, the old Whig party, and subse(|uently the Republican party. He was one of the presidential electors in his party of the State in the fall of 1876 ; was among the foremost in raising money and me.n in his town and county for putting down the late Re- bullion. Ill the year 1844 he married ]Miss Mary J., second daughter of General Edward Bulkley and Mary Brown, of Granville, this county. AVhile Mr. and Mis. Banciuft have no children of their own, they have remembered the deserving in various ways, and particularly by founding a scholarship in Williams College, which has already graduated some seven young men, most of them ministers' sons. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft are warmly attached to the best interests of the society in which they live, are liberal supporters of church and school interests, and all enter- prises tending to educate and elevate the rising generation. ASA FITCH. The Fitches are one of the old Anglo-Saxon families of England, who came to that country from Germany, it is supposed, at the period of its subjugation by Ilengist and Horsa, about five hundred years after the birth of Chri.st. There are written records tracing the family pedigree back nearly four centuries, to the period of the discovery of America by Columbus. In the year 1638 five brothers of this name, with their ■widowed mother, emigrated from Biaintree, England, to America, and settled in Connecticut. One of these. Rev. Ja.mes Fitch, was pastor of the church in Saybrook, from whence he removed with the greater part of his congrega- tion and founded the city of Norwich, where he was the first minister during thirty-si.'c years. He married, first, Abigail, daughter of Rev. Henry Whitfield, of Guilford, Conn., and second, Priscilla, daughter of Major-General John Mason, leader in the I'cqiiof Indian war, and had six children by the former and eight by the latter wife. His second son, Samuel, married Mary, daughter of Ben- jamin Brewster, a grand.son of Elder William Brewster, the spiritual leader and guide of the Pilgrims of the " Mayflower." They had ten children, of whom the ninth was Jabez, the father of Hon. Peletiau Fitch, a physician, justice of the peace, land surveyor, etc., who resided in Groton, Conn., eighteen years, and then, owning a share in the town of Halifax, Vt.,he removed thither, and was couimi.ssioned by Governor George Clinton first judge of Cumberland Co., N. Y. (now Windham and Windsor Cos., Vt). From that sterile, mountainous neighborhood he removed, with his family to this town in 1779, purchasing a confiscated lot two miles west of the village, which is now owned by H. S. Flower. He was here appointed a " commissioner for detecting conspiracies again.st the liberties of America," and was intimately associated with General Williams, Webster, and the other leading patriots of the town during the latter part of the war of independence, three of his sons being enlisted in the military service, one of these having the misfortune of being made prisoner at the surrender of Fort Ann and taken to Canada. He (Peletiah) died April 16, 1808, aged eighty-one 3'ears. Hon. A.s.\ Fitch, M.D., the youngest of the six sons of Peletiah, was born in Groton, Conn., Nov. 10, 1765. There being no schools convenient for him to attend, he received from his father the most of his education, which extended only to a partial knowledge of the Latin language. When he was sixteen years old, there being a call for " nine-months' men" to guard this noithern frontier against incursions from Canada, he enlisted, and was a sergeant in Captain A. Livingston's company, which was stationed mostly in Schuylerville and Salem. On the close of the war he commenced the study of med- icine with his father, and completed it with the locally- celebrated Dr. Philip Smith, of Easton, subsequently of Cambridge. He (1788) settled in professional practice fir.st in Uuanesburg ; and Judge Duane, the proprietor of the town, but residing mostly in New York, on becoming ac- quainted with him, appointed him his deputy and business manager for the town. Here, also, he instruc;ted his first medical student, the late Dr. William Hicliards, of White Creek. Jan. 27, 1791, he was united in marriage to Abigail, daughter of Adam JMartin, who, during the war, wass cap- tain of one of the Massachusetts companies in the Conti- nental army, and after its close removed from Sturbridge, Mass., to Salem, and in partnership with his son Walter (who afterwards became proprietor of the town.ship of Martinsburg, in Lewis county) purchased of William Reid the valuable mills on the west line of the town. After residing seven years in Duanesburg, Dr. Fitch re- turned to Salem and purchased of his wife's father and brother their mill property and farm, at the place which has .since continued to be named Fitch's Point. He here soon acquired an extensive professional practice, his ride extending six to eight miles in different directions, the amount of business usually requiring a partner-to be asso- ciated with him. He was much called in consultations with neighboring physicians, with all of whom he was always on most amicable terms. Few of the physicians of that day had so large and well selected a library and anatomical museum as he possessed, and a large number of students r&sorted to him for professional instruction, there being from two to six or more almost always in his office. In 1806, at a meeting of medical men in Albany, he was ap- pointed chairman of a committee to obtain the Legislative recognition of a few medical societies which had been formed in the State. The memorial which this corauiitteo presented to the Legislature resulted in the pas.sage of a general law for the incorporation of the State and county medical societies. A society was thereupon organized in this county, he being elected its vice-president, and five years afterwards its president, in which office he was con- tinued twenty years, when he declined further service. In the latter part of his life the honorary degree of M.D. was conferred upon him by the regents of the university. In 1799 he was appointed a justice of the peace, in which office he was continued eleven years, when he was advanced to the position of county judge. Soon after this he was elected a member of Congress, and took his seat in HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 185 that body at the opening of the session, Nov. 4, 1811. He here, after a time, became extremely disquieted with the reitei-ated intelligence from home tliat the person he had engaged to take charge of his farm and liousehold affair.s was quite negligent and inattentive to his trust. Finally, just as the hurry of the season's work upon the farm was at hand, to his consternation, the tidings came that this man had absconded, leaving everything in confusion. He felt that he could remain in Washington no longer, and accordingly obtained leave of absence during the remainder of the session, and returned home the beginning of May. But a few days after a communication was received from his political friends, urging his immediate return to Wash- ington, to vote on the all-important question of war with (ireat Britain. Hastily arranging his domestic matters, he hurried back and leappeared in his seat, after an absence In 1816 he experienced the greatest disappointment and severest affliction of his life in the loss of his oldest son, Martin, who had graduated at Middlebury College, studied medicine with him, and surgery with the distinguished Dr. Valentine Mott, of New York. It had for many years been the cherished purpose of the Hither to have his son succeed him ; but when he was nearly prepared to enter upon the practice of his profession, that fell destroyer, consumption, fastened upon him and carried him to his grave. Elected in 1819 an elder of the Presbyterian church, he became one of the most prominent lay itembers of the Troy presbytery, was repeatedly its delegate to the general assem- bly, and in important trials was .selected prosecutor to con- duct the case on the part of the pre.sbytery. Upon the organization of the first county agricultural of three weeks. Five days after, the great question of war came to an issue in the House, in secret .session, he record- ing his vote in the negative. The remaining business was rapidly disposed of, and July G this protracted session was brought to a close. The second session of this congressional term being a short one, limited to four months, he was able to make such arrangements for liis absence as to relieve him from the hara.ssing anxiety he had previously experienced. But such loiig periods of absence from home were found to be so detrimental to his business interests, that he decidedly declined a re-nomination. He was thereupon re-appointed a county judge, and continued in the office .some fifteen years, punctually attending all the courts, and on some occasions, the first judge being absent, it devolved upon him to preside. 24 society he was elected its president, and continued three years to be its presiding officer. In the County Bible Society, and other benevolent associations, he felt a deep interest, and was uniformly in attendance at their meetings. When the first State Temperance Society was formed, he was named one of its vice-presidents. Many years before the temperance reform was commenced, he had abandoned the use of all intoxicating drinks. He was strongly attached to Freemasonry, and ro.se to the highest positions in the order, succeeding Ezra Ames and De Witt Clinton as Grand High-Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of the State. Towards the close of his life he gradually passed into the second childhood incident to old age, his mental facul- ties becoming impaired to such an extent that finally he ceased to know his own children. He died Aug. 24, 1843. In the exercises at his funeral Rev. Drs. Lambert and 186 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Halley participated, the former delivering a sermon from the text, " A great man and a prince has fallen in Israel." Prof Asa Fitch, M.D., the elder of the two surviving sons of Hon. Asa Fitch, was born in Salem, Feb. 24, 1809. The death of his older brother, just as his literary and professional education was completed, disheartened the father from incurring the expense of giving a liberal educa- tion to another of his sons, and he had determined that his namesake should be a farmer. But when twelve years old, a course of sickness, in which for nearly a week he was nut expected to live from one day to another, left him so ex- tremely feeble and puny, that it was thought he could never attain the strength and vigor required for encountering the toil and fatigue of farm labor. It was, therefore, con- cluded to educate him for one of the learned professions. His preliminary education was obtained at the academies in Salem and Bennington ; and having the medical profes- sion in view, he preferred to a college course the round of practical instruction in the natural sciences given in the newly-established Rensselaer school, now the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy. He accordingly entered this institution in the spring of 1826, accompanying its first class of graduates in their scientific expedition to Lake Erie, and completing the course and graduating A.B. in June of the following year. He then pursued a course of medical studies in the ofiice of Dr. Freeman, to whom his father had several years before resigned his ride, his cousin, G. N. Fitch, late United States senator from Indiana, being his associate a moiety of the time. He attended two courses of lectures at the Vermont Academy of Medicine, in Cas- tleton, and one at the Rutgers Medical College in the city of New York, graduating M.D. at the former institution, December, 1829, and spending some months thereafter in the office of Dr. March, in Albany. In the capacity of assistant professor of natural history, he, the following sum- mer, joined the expedition of the Rensselaer school from New York city to Lake Erie, and from thence made a tour through the Western States to Illi[iuis and Missouri, re- turning the next year. He then commenced the practice of medicine in the vil- lage of Fort Miller, where, Nov. 15, 1832, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John McNeil, deceased, of Still- water. A more desirable opening for his business being presented in the village of Stillwater, he removed thither soon after his marriage. Whilst located in this place he took much interest and a leading part in all measures for the moral, the literary, and scientific advancement of the community, giving addresses and lectures on temperance and on scientific topics in this and the neighboring villages and hamlets, instructing a class of young ladies and gen- tlemen in botany, and actively participating in conducting a village lyceum for debates, declamations, etc. An ad- dress which he delivered, on the importance of mental culture, was so much admired that a copy of it was soli- cited and published. Elected an elder in the Presbyterian church, he served the church session as its clerk and its usual representative in meetings of the higher judicatories. His father, becoming by advanced years incapacitated for business, caused his return to Salem, in the spring of 1838, to take charge of the paternal estate. He thereupon became occupied principally in agricultural pursuits, but instructed some medical students and classes in botany in the Granville and Salem Academies, and in 1844 and '45 he served in the newly-cre.ited office of town superintendent of schools. An act to promote agriculture, passed by the State Legislature in 1841, led to the organization of the County Agricultural Society, in which he actively partici- pated, and was chosen secretary of the society, and the draft- ing of its rules and regulations and the general oversight and management of its business aiFairs devolved upon him. The society soon acquired the public confidence, and grew into eminent popularity. He continued in this position five years, and in 1848 was elected president of the society. The State Agricultural Society, with the design of ob- taining a complete agricultui'al survey of the State, com- menced this work by engaging Dr. Fitch to make a survey of Washington county. He was occupied with this survey nearly three years, the results being published in the TVans- actions of the State Society for the years 1848 and '49, comprising some three hundred pages of those volumes. Among the topics on which he was required to report was the date of the first settlement of the several towns, the places from whence the settlers came, etc. To obtain this information he visited the aged people in the several parts of the county, from whose recitals he gathered an unex- pected amount of interesting matter relating to the early history of the county, which was on the point of passing into oblivion, and this historical portion of his report has attracted much general notice, and led to his election as a corresponding member of the New York and honorary member of the New Jersey Historical Societies. Through life insects had been a leading and favorite study with him, and, being solicited by Dr. Emmons to contribute entomological articles to his newly-commenced American Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Science, he, in 1845, furnished to the second number of that period- ical, a communication of thirteen pages upon " Insects of the genus Cecidomyia," describing therein a new species of willow gall-fly, illustrated with figures of the insect in the difierent stages of its growth, and the excrescence which it produces upon the willow. This was followed six months after by an essay of thirty pages upon the wheat-midge, and in 1846, an essay of sixty-three pages upon the Hes- sian fly, which was subsequently revised and re-published in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society. In 1847, an article of twelve pages on the "Winter In- sects of Eastern New York," describing eight new species, appeared in Dr. Emmons' journal, and in the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society for this year he gave an account of the currant-worm and the moth by which it is produced. This interesting new species, beautifully illus- trated with a finely-engraved colored plate, was widely noticed in the foreign scientific journals, whereby the author became favorably known to entomologists the world over. At this period he was employed for a time in collecting and naming the insects of the State, for the State cabinet of natural history, and in the report of the regents of the university for 1851 he gave a descriptive catalogue of the New York insects of the order Homoptera, in which a new species is named and described. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 187 The Legislature having made an appropriation for his employment as State entomologist, he, in 1 854, commenced an examination of the insects of the State, particularly those that are injurious, reporting his investigations each year to the State Agricultural Society for publication in its trans- actions. He engaged in this work con amore, dropping the town offices and other minor positions to which he had l>een giving a part of his time ; and wholly withdrawing from every other employment, he devoted himself assidu- ously to this work. He aimed to make these annual re- ports scientifically accurate, and at the same time so divested of technical language as to be perfectly intelligible and fully comprehended by common readers. In addition to their insertion in the Agricultural Transactions, they were issued separately, so often as they formed a volume of suitable size for binding. And year after year, as these reports appeared, tli»y received marked notice and commendation, both in this country and in foreign lands, several of the scientific periodicals giving extended accounts of their con- tents. Says Prof Lindley, the distinguished botanist and editor of the London Gardener's Chronicle, " That Dr. Fitch is an observer of a high order is manifest upon every page of the volume before us." Dr. Gerstacker, of Berlin, Prussia, in his Review of the Progress of Entomology for 1856, says, " One of the most interesting works which the reporter had to examine in preparing this report is a treatise of Mr. Asa Fitch on the insects which appear as noxious in North America. On one side the author shows himself most prominently as an excellent observer, who, armed with the most thorough knowledge of the subject, knows how to fill with the greatest success the existing gaps in our information, and, on the other side, he has not at all neglected the scientific side of the subject, but has advanced it with equal success." A multitude of simi- lar commendatory notices could be presented. He was elected a member of the entomological societies of France, of Russia, and other scientific societies, at home and abroad, and the Imperial and Central Agricultural Society of France bestowed a gold medal upon him as a testimonial of its ap- preciation of the valuable services he was rendering to science. Thirteen of these annual reports were issued, the first nine of them forming three bound volumes, and the last four having appeared only in the Agricultural Trans- actions. In 1863, sanitary considerations and his taste for rural embellishment, caused him to accept the position of presi- dent of the Evergreen cemetery, a burial-ground of sur- passing beauty, which was then recently opened. He has since continued to give a portion of his time to the over- sight, the improving, and adorning of these grounds. DAVID VAN TUYL QUA. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Hebron, Washington county, N. Y., July 23, 1826. He was second son of David Qua and Abigail Scott (the only other child being Andrew J.), the former a son of John Qua, who emigi-ated from Ireland with his two brothers prior to the Revolutionary war and about the year 1764, and hence is of Irish descent. The latter was the daughter of Benjamin Scott, a native of Connecticut, and a soldier in the war for independence. His grandfather was one of the first settlers of the town of Hebron ; was a farmer by occu- pation, and died at the age of seventy and about the year 1820. His grandmother Qua lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, and died about the year 1848. His father, David Qua, born in the year 1798, died at the prema- ture age of twenty-eight and in the year 1826 ; the mother dying in the year 1857, aged fifty-nine years. David Van Tuyl Qua being then only three months old when his father died, and the family not pecuniarily in good circumstances, was obliged to spend his boyhood days without assistance, ■ IT. "lJ. only from his mother, who resolved that her boys should have a good education ; with her needle, as a tailoress, she earned sufficient to give them a fair English education while young. At the age of seventeen he had so improved these opportunities as to be able to enter the field as a teacher, and as an instructor of the rising generation he has spent nearly his whole life. For a number of years Mr. Qua was a student at the Cambridge Academy, and has been mostly a teacher in the common schools of his own county, but was for a short time principal of the West Pawlet Academy, Vt. His particular forte has been the building up of the common district schools, and, in connection with which, he has been the means, to a large extent, of laying the foundation of a more thorough system of education among the people at large. His proficiency as a teacher, and his standing among the educational interests of the country, caused his friends to place him at the head of the schools of the first school commissioner district of Wash- ington county as school commissioner, which office he held for six years in succession. 188 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Mr. Qua was formerly a member of the Democratic party, but became an ardent supporter of the Republican party soon after its formation, and has received the suffrages of the voters of his town to elect him to the most important offices of trust and responsibility in his town, and he was the last superintendent of schools of his town under the old law. He has enjoyed the office of notary public for some six years, being first appointed by Governor Hoffman. He has also been clerk of the Washington Union Ba^ttist association for ten years, and corre.sponding secretary of the same for six years. It is to such men as Mr. Qua that the people owe a large debt of respect for their untiring efforts in instilling into the minds of our youth the first principles of educa- tion and morality, and thereby laying the foundations for their future usefulness as men and women, and to such men the business and professional men of to-day are indebted largely for their success in after-life ; turning, in early boy- hood, many who otherwise would run into other channels and drift into seclusion, and be of no use to society. He is really a self-made man, but looks back with honest pride to the early instruction of a devoted mother. In the year 1854 he married Miss Rhoby E., daughter of Samuel Van Pelt and Lucretia Owen, — the former a native of Sche- nectady county, arid of Dutch descent ; the latter a native of Massachusetts, and of English descent. To Mr. atid Mrs. Qua have been born two children, — Ida, died on her birthday at the age of two years, and Ilermie D. Qua. JAMES M. THOMPSON was born in the town of Salem, where he now resides, June 15, 1822. His grandfather, William Tiiouipson, came from Ireland to this country with Rev. Thomas Clark, in the year 1764, July, and in the spring of 1765 settled in the town of Salem, eastern part, where he remained for some fifteen years and then bought some one hundred acres of land, where the subject of this sketch now resides, from Dr. Clark, to which purchase he afterwards added about as much more. A view of the first rude log cabin erected by him will be seen on another page of this work, together with a view of the residence of the youngest grandson, built on the same place, showing the result of the labor of the successive generations. William Thompson and his wife, Sarah Rowen (who had emigrated with him), began, as only pioneers can, in a lonely home in the wilderness, cleared off most of his first purchase ; was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but spent his life in Salem as a farmer. He was one of the elders in Dr. Clark's church, from the time he came to the county until his death, 1813. Of his fimiily there were five children, John, William, Mary, Sarah, and David, all deceased in 1878. David, father of James M., was the youngest son ; spent his life as a farmer on the old homestead ; married Miss Grisselle, daughter of John Beattie, of Salem, by whom he had ten children, William, John, David B., Phebe, James, Robert C., Grace, Mary Jane, and James M., all of whom are deceased but the youngest, James M. The father died in the year 1827, Oct. 17, at the age of forty- eight years, his wife surviving him some twenty years, dying Jan. 2, 1847, aged sixty-eight years. James M. Thompson has spent his entire life upon the old homestead, receiving his education from books at the district school. At the age of twenty-six years he married Miss Mary, eldest daughter of Walter Beattie and Jerusha Bennett, of Salem. She was born Oct. 18, 1822. By this union were born three children, Jenny, James Albert, and Franklin. Jenny is a teacher. James A. graduated in Michigan University, for the medical profession, in 1876 ; is now a practicing physician in Valley Falls, N. Y. Franklin resides at home. Mrs. Thompson was a woman closely attached to the best interests of her family, of strong decision of character and correct moral habits. She was an invalid for sixteen years previous to her death, and died May 19, 1870. For his second wife he married Mrs. Achsah, widow of the late John B. Fairley, of Salem, and daughter of Leonard Barker and Hannah Sawyer, of Salem. She was born in Salem, Sept. 30, 1824. Mr. Thompson, at the age of eighteen, was connected with the 50th Regiment of State militia ; was first lieu- tenant, and in 1844 was commissioned captain, of the light infantry company of the regiment, and served during the same time as president of the board of court-martial. He was also commissioned captain of infantry, under the new organization of the State militia, of the 30th Regiment, in 1848. In his younger days Captain Thompson was a Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican party became an unswerving supporter of its principles, and received the first election from that party as the supervisor of the town of Salem, in the year 1857, which office he has held for some four years, and in the year 1874 was chairman of the board of supervisors of the county. The family of Thompson is one of the oldest which settled in Washington county, and has lived to pass through the days of the Revolution and the War of 1812- 14, and the third generation were supporters of the pre- servation of the Union formed by the fathers, during its years of peril, 1861-65. ENOCH S. SHERMAN was born in the town of Sandgate, Vt., Nov. 18, 1812. He was third son of Seeley Sherman and Betsey Phillips, — the former a native of Weston, Conn., the latter a native (jf Suffield, Conn. Of the children there now survive seven : Seeley M., of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Enoch S., of Salem, N. Y. ; Josiah, of Atlanta, Ga. ; Mrs. Thankful J. Kirkaldie, of New Rutland, 111. ; Squire K., of Salem, N. Y. ; Mrs. Catherine M. Haseltiue, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Benjamin D., of Hebron, this county. His father moved with his family and settled in the town of Salem in the year 1820, and lived in the same house now owned and occupied by the subject of this narrative, residing there the balance of his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife was eighty-six years of HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 189 age at the time of her death. The ancestry, as far back as is iiiiown, is noted for longevity, the grandfather living to bo eighty-two, and the grandmother ninety-six, botli of Vermont. Enoch S. spent his early life until he was fourteen years of age at home. He then went to the academy at Rutland, Vt., where he remained for three years, and one year at the academy at Castletou Vt., followed by three years in the Literary and Scientific Institution of New Hampton, N. H. where he prepared for college, and closed his connection with the institution by teaching in the same for one year. He became a teacher at the early age of fifteen years, and during tlie fifteen years following his course in New Hamp- ton, spent ten of tlie same as a teacher at Dover, N. H. During this time, in the year 1842, he was married to Abby E. Haseltine, of Suncook, N. H., by whom he had one child, which died at the age of six weeks, and sur- vived the mother four weeks, slio dying in 1844. For his second wife lie, in the year 1840, married Maranda W. Warner, of Andover, Vt., by whom he had four children, — Lucy Helen, a graduate of Oswego Normal School, and now a teacher in Prescott, Arizona Territory ; Moses Haseltine, also a graduate of the same school, and principal of the Union graded school of Prescott, Arizona Territory ; Charles Warner ; and Kate Maranda. His wife died in August, 1870. For his third wife he married Miss Lucy Ann, daughter of Rev. Francis Mason, D.D., a missionary of British Bur- mah for forty years, of English birth. Mrs. Sherman was born in Burmah in the year 1831, came to America with her mother to be educated in the year 1838, where she has since remained. Her mother returned to Burmah, where she died, in the year 1846, and her father died at Rangoon, Burmah, 1874. Mr. Sherman and his wife are members of the Baptist church at West Rupert, Vt., and interested in the support of all interests tending to make society better, and educate the rising generation. He was a member of the old Whig party, and is now an unswerving Republican. Was always opposed to the princi- ples of slavery, and was a representative at large from the State of New Hampshire at the Abolition convention held at Albany, N. Y., in 1838, to nominate James G. Birney as candidate for the Presidency of the United States. The last thirty years of his life have been .spent as a far- mer, and a view of his residence and surroundings, with the portraits of himself and fiither, will be found on another page of this work. WILLIAM LAW was born in the town of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., May 7, 1807. The Law family of this county is one of the oldest. John Law, the emigrant, was of Scotch de- scent (and his ancestors, driven from Scotland on account of religious opinions, settled in Ireland the latter part of the seventeenth century), and was the first to come to this country, leaving Belfast in the summer of 1773 with his wife and two little children, reached Albany that year, and remained for about one year and came to the south part of the town of Salem, purcha.sed a piece of land, and settled in a wilderness home. This was only nine years after let- ters-patent liad been granted by King George III. of Eng- land for the land of Salem township, and since it had been in the hand,s of the aborigines of the forest. John Law was largely engaged in land speculation and held large estates of land, — erected and owned several mills. He was called out as a volunteer during the invasion of Burgoyne, and served sonic three months. He died in the town where he lived, June 9, 1811, at the age of sixty-eight years. John Law, Jr., third child of John Law and Agnes Herrin, was born while the family was in Albany, Oct. 3, 1773 ; received an academical education at the Salem Acad- emy ; received his first business lessons in Camden valley in a store ; was subsequently cashier of the Sterling Iron-works of New Jersey ; spent some time as a grocer in New York city, during which time, 1798, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Law, who was brother of John Law, Sr., and emigrated to America in 1789. She was born 1771, was a member of the Associate Presbyterian church from her girlhood until her death, and particularly characteristic of her were her qualities of self-sacrifice and benevolence. She died at the advanced age of ninety-three years in full possession of all her faculties. She is remem- bered for her many virtues. John Law, Jr., le'fl New York city on account of the yellow fever in the year 1799, and came back to Salem, buying a place on the Arlington road, a little southwest of the building known as the " Red Grocery," and opened a store, where he continued in successful business for seven- teen years, when he engaged largely in speculating in wild lands in this and other States, and accommodating finan- cially settlers and others with means to carry forward the various enterprises of the vicinity. After closing his mer- cantile business he purchased a fiirm at the foot of Camden valley, and on it passed the remainder of his days, dying very suddenly, June 15, 1836, at Brockport, N. Y., as he was returning home fi-om a trip to the west on business. He was known as a man of honesty of purpose and pos- sessed of more than ordinary sagacity and shrewdness in business operations, and particularly noticeable were his natural traits of kindness to those needing assistance, and liberal views of any enterprise for the propagation of good society. Of his fiimily there were seven children, five of whom reached maturity, viz. : William (died in infancy), Jlar- garet (died in infancy), Margaret G., widow of the late Peter Campbell ; Agnes, widow of the late William McKie, of Salem; William; Mary (deceased), wife of the late Rev. Abraham Anderson, of Canonsburg, Pa. ; and Elizabeth (deceased), wife of Edwin D. Miner, now of California. William, subject of this memoir, spent his early life on the farm and at school, and at the age of seventeen opened a store in Eagleville, which he carried on for some three years, and went to New York and engaged in wholesale dry-goods busi- ness, which proved a successful operation. He continued this business until 1837, when he returned to Salem to take charge of his father's estat«, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Law was a member of the Whig party, and has been since the formation of the Republican party an ardent supporter of its platform. He has always declined 190 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. official preferment and political notoriety, but has not shrunk from the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon him as a citizen in promoting the best interests of his party. For his first wife he married Miss Eliza Agnes, daughter of David Law, of Salem, May 5, 1869. She died April 19, 1871 ; she was a member of the Presbyterian church at Shushan, and lived a model Christian woman. For his second wife he married. May, 1872, Mrs. JIary L., widow of the late Rev. James Duff. Both Mr. and Mrs. Law arc warmly attached to the in- terests of the United Pre.sbyterian church, and Mr. Law with his cousins, descendant.s of the Law fiimily, are erect- ing a memorial Presbyterian church at Shushan, in 1878, an interest started by their fathers, John and Thomas Law, as far back as 1822. HIRAM WALKER was born in the town of Dougla.ss, Mass., Feb. 23, 1799. This family traces descent through the father, Thaddeus Walker, a native of Douglass, Mass., to the grandfather, Benjamin Walker, who was an emigrant from England (with his parents, Obadiah Walker and Hannah Goddard) to this country prior to the Revolutionary war ; was born in the year 1747 in England, married Elizabeth Harwood, and died June 15, 1813. Thaddeus Walker, the father, was a farmer by occupation ; spent his youth in the State of his birth, a part of his life in Vermont, and the latter part in Utica, N. Y., where he died, Sept. 1, 1856, aged eighty- one years. By his first marriage with Susannah Smith, Thaddeus Walker had three children, — Hiram, Hannah, and Sarah. By his second marriage with Lillis Burlingame, he had sis children, — Smith, Warren, Susan, Lestina, Balsora, and Lodaisky. It is a matter worthy of note in this sketch that Oba- diah Walker, the great-grandfather, was brother of Sir Hovenden Walker, who, during the reign of Queen Anne, 1711, unsuccessfully attempted the capture of Quebec with fifteen ships of war and forty transports. Hiram Walker's maternal grandmother — Douglass Dud- ley — was the first child born in Douglass, Ma.ss., and a de- scendant of the first governor of that State, who originated a very prominent and wealthy family by that name, — the Dudleys of Massachusetts. 'Of the brothers and sisters of Hiram Walker, only four survive in 1878, — Smith, Lestina, Balsora, and Lodaisky. Mr. Walker's mother dying when he was quite young, he lived with his grandparents until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Vermont to live with his fiither, where he remained during his minority. His means for ob- taining an education from books while young was limited to the district schools, and his labor confined to farm-work at home ; but his subsequent life was characterized particu- larly with a thorough knowledge of not only the current topics of the day, but he was also conversant with history, and especially the Bible, which he delighted to discuss. At the age of twenty-three, in the year 1824, July 4, he married Miss Mary, only daughter of George Griffith and Lydia Tabor, of Danby, Vt., — the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter a native of Rhode Island. In this family there were seven sons, all of whom are dead — in 1878 — except one, — Hiram Griffith. After his marriage, Mr. Walker and his wife .settled mi a farm in Vermont, where they remained until the year 1S36, whoLi they removed to Basterville, town of Salem, Washing- ton county (formerly Clapptown), where he, in partnei-ship with Horatio Walker, engaged extensively in manufac- turing cloth, and at the same time carried on a grist-mill, a saw-mill, and a farm of some three hundred acres. At the end of five yeai's, having sold his interest in Baxter- ville, he came to the northeast part of the town of Salem, and purchased the Colonel McCracken place, containing two hundred and thirty acres of laud, and carried on farm- ing during the balance of his life. In politics Mr. Walker was first a meml)er of the old Whig party, always strongly opposed to the principles of slavery, and in the latter part of his life an unswerving standard-bearer of the Republican party. He was among the active, indu.strious business men of his day, and ranked with the first agriculturists of his town. A view of his homestead, together with portraits of himself and wife, will bo found on another page of this work, showing the result of a life of active toil and judicious management. Characteristic of Mr. Walker, were his integrity of pur- po.se in all business tran.sactions, his ripe judgment in all his deliberations, his firmness and decision in what he con- ceived to be right, and his adaptability and social qualities with all with whom he was brought in contact. He died Dec. 11, 1870. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born seven children, —George G., Lydia S., Sarah M., Willis H., Thaddeus H., Mary J., and John D. Mrs. Walker was born April 21, 1797, and has survived her husband some seven years, and although in her eighty- second year, retains to a remarkable degree the vigor of both body and mind uncommon to people of that age, and dictated very many of the facts for this sketch. JOSHUA STEELE was born in the town of Salem in the year 1808. The family traces its descent through Joshua Steele, the father, to Thomas Steele, the grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland with his wife and one son, John, prior to the war for independence, first settling in the south part of the town of Salem, AVashington Co., N. Y., where he took up one lot of timber land, when the family of three began in a lonely home in the wilderness. The top of a stump served for a table, and a log shanty surrounding it as the house. The reader can picture in his mind such a beginning in a new country, compared with the comforts of life and begin- nings of those who start out for themselves in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The grandchildren of this couple now are among the most thrifty and enterprising agriculturists of the county having by economy and industry secured fine residences and broad acres. There were born after coming to this country, Joshua, James (died a young man), Elizabeth, Jean, Mary, Priscilla (died a young woman). The rest of these reached Vj HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 191 advanced ages, were married, had families, and all settled in Washington county except Jean, who after her marriage went to Ohio. Joshua, father of the subject of this sketch, was second son, lived on the old homestead ; was a farmer during his life; married Mary, daughter of John Beattic, of Salem, and raised a family of six sons and four daugliters, — Priscilla (deceased), 1829; James (deceased); John B., clergyman of the Dutch Reformed church, now a resident of Saratoga county; Jane (deceased); William, married Margaret Mc- Parland, of Salem, have one daughter, Maria M., wife of James T. Norton ; Grace, wife of Thomas Law, of Salem ; Thomas (died young) ; Joshua ; Daniel D. (deceased) ; Thomas, married Isabel Fenwick, have nine children ; Mary Ann (died young). The father of these children spent his life a farmer, was a member of the United Presbyterian church, of Salem, with his wife, and brought up their children under the strict rules of that church, and impressed upon their minds while young the religious convictions of the ancestry. He died at the age of seventy-eight, in May, 1843. The mother died about 1845, at the age of seventy^one years. Joshua Steele, Jr., was seventh child of the family, and spent his boyhood days at home on the farm, married for his first wife Jane McMurray, daughter of Deacon John McMurray, of Salem. He settled the year after his mar- riage on ninety acres of land, given to him by his father, in the southeast part of the town of Salem, on which he resided as a farmer during his life, and on which his widow and only surviving son now reside, a view of which, with the portraits of himself and second wife, will be found on another page of this work. By his first wife he had four children, — William James, Mary Ann, John, and Emma Jane, — all deceased. The mother of these children died Feb. 15, 1844. For his second wife he married, Oct. 8, 1844, Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Beattie and Rebecca Pairley, the former a native of Salem, the latter a native of Ireland. Mrs. Steele was born April 24, 1823. By this union there were born two sone, — Thomas B. and Daniel T. The eldest died Oct. 27, 1871, aged twenty-six years, having been married to LouLsa A. Growl, of Salem. Tiie youngest, Daniel T., was first married to Jennie Thomas, Nov. 19, 1873. His wife died March 18, 1875. For his second wife he married Miss Georgie B., daughter of Rev. Hugh Brown and Margaret Walker, the former a native of Ireland, now a resident of the town of Salem, gave up his ministry on account of blindness; the latter a native of Prince Edward Island. Daniel T. Steele resides on the farm left by his father, and was the first man to bring a reaper in the town for the purpose of cutting grain, having bought the same the centennial year; is a young man of enter- prise, and represents the fourth generation from the ancestor first settling in this country. His father, Joshua Steele, Jr., died January, 1873. JOHN CLEVELAND. The only known emigrant of the name of Cleveland who came to this country during the seventeeth and eigh- teenth centuries was Moses Cleveland, from Ipswich, Sufiblk Co., England. He is supposed to have come as an appren- tice to a joiner, in 1635, but the first known record of him is in 1642, when he received a portion of the public land in Woburn, Ma.ss. He married there Sept. 26, 1648, Ann Winn (daughter of Edward and Joanna). Their fourth son and seventh child, Edward Cleveland, was born at Woburn, May 20, 1663. He married about 1690, Deliverance Palmer. Their son, Palmer Cleveland, born about 1692, at North Kingston, R, I.; married 1715, Deborah Gardner (?). Their third child and second son, Deliverance Cleveland,* was born at North Kingston, R. I., in May, 1721, and settled in that part of North Kingston which became the town of Exeter ; lived_ there and in West Greenwich till his death in the latter town in 1705. His first child, Benjamin, was born in 1744, in Exeter, R. I., and married in West Greenwich, R. I., as appears by the following certificate: "Benjamin Cleveland and' Mar- garet Hopkins, both of West Greenwich, were lawfully joyned together in ye marriage covenant this fifth day of February, A.D., 1767. — Witness, Benjamin Tillinghast, Justice of ye Peace." In 1709, Benjamin, with his wife and son. Palmer, then about one year of age, emigrated to the vicinity of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and located on the farm now owned by John Cleveland, Esq. Of Benjamin Cleveland's family, Palmer emigrated about 1836, to Whit- ley Co., Ind., and settled and named Cleveland township there. He died there in 1842. Moses died in Wisconsin. Benjamin was a tanner by trade, and by this means and making shoes for the army in the days of the Revolutionary war, paid for his land. It is an incident worthy of note that when he came into this wilderness, he moved his entire effects, including his wife, on the back of one horse. The family met the obstacles of pioneer life with that resolution and fortitude character- istic of successive generations now occupying a part of the same land. He raised a family of ten children, of whom Aaron, father of the subject of this memoir, was fourth child. The grandfather, although uneducated in book knowledge, was shrewd in business matters, and profited by observation and experience. He was one of the founders of the New School Presbyterian church at Salem. He died at the age of sixty-two, in the year 1806. His wife died at the age of ninety years, in the year 1836. The greater number of the children went west and settled. The eldest son was a seafaring man, and died in the east at Madras. Aaron spent his early life at home, receiving only a com- mon school education ; married Miss Dorathy Stone, of Windsor, Vt., raised a femily of ten children, — five sons and five daughters, — Laura, Martha, Cyrus, Joel, Ezra, Dorathy, Zedekiah, Jlargaret, Mary, and John, of whom wdy four arc supposed to be living. The father was a captain in the War of 1812. Spent his life as a farmer; was a man of sti-ict integrity in all his business relations ; of correct moral habits ; and stood a model man in his ways. His example is worthy of emula- •» Deliverance Cleveland married in 1743 Hannah Barber, who, with her sons Job, Abel, and two daughters, came to Salem from West Greenwich, about 177S. 192 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tioii by those who follow hiin. He died Oct. 2, 18G4, aged eighty-four years. The mother died Jan. 10, 1852, aged .seventy-six ; was a woman of good influence, firmly attached to her family, and instructed her children in all that makes true manhood and womanhood. John, youngest son, was born in 8alem, where he now resides, June 12, 1824. He lived at home during his minority, receiving a fair English education, which, with his early parental training, fitted him to become one of the representative agi-iculturists of his town and county. A view of his improvements seen on another page of this work, shows the result of his industry and management in carrying to a satisfactory completion what his ancestors began in a log cabin in the wilderness. His chief busines.s has been farming, and has only been diverted from that occu- pation by two years' stay in New York, in the omnibus busi- ness, and two years as keeper of the State-prison at Auburn. Mr. Cleveland has been a strong advocate of entire pro- hibition from the use of liquors as a beverage, wliich princi- ple is a legacy from his ancestors, and the propagation of which he spares on pains or self-sacrifice to carry to a suc- cessful issue in his town and county. In politics Mr. Cleveland is a Republican, dating back to his ancestry, who were unswerving men in the old Whig party. In the year 1857 he married Miss Sarah H., daughter of John W. Beattie and Sarah Getty, the former a grandson of Thomas Beattie, an emigrant from England, in the year 1-764, and were among the first settlers of the town of Salem. She was born May 13, 1837. To Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have been born three children, — William, Margaret, and John. FAYETTE WILSON was born in the town of Rupert, Vt., Nov. 14, 1816. He was only son in a family of three children, there being two daughters, Mariette and Jaoette, of Robert Wilson and Hannah Taylor, the former born in Hebron, Washington county, the latter a native of Rupert, Vt. His grandfather, James Wilson, came from Dutchess Co., N. Y., and set- tled in Hebron in the year 1772, where he was married to Martha Hopkins, by whom he had seven sons and one daughter. The seventh son, James, now survives and resides on the old homestead in Hebron. The Wilsons of Salem, of this fomily, are supposed to be of Scotch descent, and during the persecution of Christians in Scotland, the ancestors were driven out of that country and settled in the north of Ireland, whence they emigrated to this country. James Wilson, the grandfather, being a single man when he came to Hebron, enlisted as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war, and was a captain in the army of General Gates at the time of the battle of Saratoga, 1777. Robert Wilson, the father, died at the residence of his son, Fayette, in Salem, 1867, at the age of eighty-one years. He was a close student, a man of great memory and un- common powers of mind, and took a strong position against Masonry and slavery in their day. One brother, David, was a Congregational minister, preached in Rupert, Vt., for seventeen yeare, afterwards in Port Byron, N. Y . ; his health failing he returned to Hebron, where he died. Of the daughters, Mariette died at the age of twenty-one years, and Janette, wife of Pjlijah Burton of Rupert, Vt., still survives. Mr. Wilson spent his minority at home on the farm and attending the common .school, where he received such les- sons in parental training, with his limited educational facili- ties, as fitted him for the active and useful life which he subsequently led. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Juliette, eldest daughter in a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, of Thomas K. Beebeand Ruth Nelson, of Rupert, Vt., by whom he had four children, — Robert King, Clinton Fay, Helen Janette, wife of Rufus Coon of Salem, and Fannie Elizabeth. Mr. Wilson after his marriage spent his life as a farmer, settling in the town of Salem in the year 1840. A view of his residence and surroundings, .show- ing the result uf his labor, will be seen on another page of this work. He was identified with the Whig party in his earlier life, and an ardent supporter of Ihe Republican party after its formation. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Presbyterian society, and always interested in enterprises tending to promote the good of society. A man of sterling integrity, of great sym- pathy for those less fortunate than himself, closely attached to the best interests of his family, and with ready cheer and sociability made home attractive. He was respected by all who came in contact with him. He died Nov. 18, 1876. HUGH FAIRLEY was born in the town of Salem, Dec. 26, 1791. He was third child in a family of six children of Hugh Fairley and Sarah, both natives of Ireland, who came to America with their two eldest children, Margaret and Mary, first settling in the town of Salem, where they lived the balance of their lives. The other children, born in Washington county, were Hugh, John, Sarah, and Jane, all deceased. Hugh received no assistance pecuniarily from his father, and was obliged to commence with only his hands and a willing mind, as is the case with all self-made men. He only received the advantages of the district school by way of education from books. By economy and industry he after awhile accumulated sufiicient to buy one hundred and fourteen acres of land in the eastern part of the town of Salem, upon which he lived the balance of his life, and the fruit-growing and ornamental trees of over thirty years' growth bear witness of his untiring industry. A view of his residence and surroundings, showing the result of his labor, together with the portraits of himself and wife, will be seen on another page of this work. Mr. Fairley was not an active politician. Was first con- nected with the old Whig party, but at the time of his death, 1862, October 9, was an unswerving member of the Republican party. Active in business, he ranked among the representative farmers of his town, and was respected HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 193 as a man for his sterling (|ualitie8 of honesty and decision of cliaracter. In the year 1819 he married Miss Catherine McNaugh- ton, daugliter of Alexander McNaughton, of Salem, by whom he had four children, — John B., James A., Mary Jane, and William D. The eldest and youngest are de- ceased. James A. resides in Vermont. Mary Jane is the wife of Levi Copeland, of Salem, and resides on the home- stead of her father in Salem. Mrs. Fairley was born Nov. 22, 1793. Was a member of the United Presbyterian church, a woman of great energy, and especially characteristic of her was her kindness to the needy and sick. She was an exemplary, model wife and mother. She died in the year 1844. For his second wife he married Miss Sarah Henderson, daughter of William Henderson and Sarah Cole, of Salem. She was born March 6, 1808. Mrs. Fairley is now in her seventy-first year, retaining to a remarkable degree the vigor of body and mind common to much younger persons. She is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Salem. Early in life Mr. Fairley united with the same church, and remained a consistent member of that body until the time of his death. ALONZO GRAY. Among the early emigrants to the town of Salem was Nathaniel Gray, who, settling in the beautiful valley of Camden prior to 1800, there resided till his death, which occurred on Nov. 12, 1850, when he had nearly attained the patriarchal age of four score years. He was buried in the Camden graveyard, from the church of the United Moravian Brethren, of which society he had been a mem- ber from the establishment of their mission in that valley in 1834. Lucy, his wife, had deceased eight years previously, having died on March 20, 1842, aged sixty-five years. Alonzo, the subject of this sketch, was their sou, and wa.s born in Camden, in September, 1798, and died at Salem on the 16th June, 1874, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His father, Nathaniel, was by trade a blacksmith, and had brought up his son Alonzo to the same occupation, and it was not till the twenty-second year of his age that he became fiee to choose his own way. He then came to tlie village of Salem and entered as a clerk in the store of Joseph Hawley, and remained with him as such until David Hawley, who was a son of the former, had become of age, when at the solicitation of Mr. Hawley, Mr. Gray went into business with his son, and continued in that con- nection in the business of general merchandising for many years. During this time ho married Miss Mary Hawley, the only daughter of Joseph Hawley and Sally (Gray) his wife. On the dissolution of the co-partnership with Mr. Haw- ley, Mr. Gray continued the mercantile business alone. In the spring of 1834, at the annual town-meeting in Salem, he was elected to the ofifice of town-clerk, and was annually re-elected for the ensuing five years, holding the office and doing its important duties with accuracy and faithfulness, till April in the year 1839. He held various other positions of honor and trust in the town, the village, the academy, and in the church, and in all of them was diligent and iiiithful. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Gray was Hawley, who died quite young. Mr. Gray was for several years an invalid, but until a short time prior to his death not so ill as to be confined to his house. His death came quietly and peacefully in a ripe old age, he having attained, as did his father, nearly four score years. GRANVILLE. SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. This town is located upon the eastern border of the county, centrally distant seventeen miles from-Saleni, one of the iialf-shirc towns. It is bounded on the north by ^iiitch all and-IIa uipto n. east by Vermont, south by Hebron, west by Haxtford and EarLAnn. It contains thirty-three thousand one hundred and forty three acres, or nearly fifty- two srjuare miles. The surface of the town is undulating and hilly. The ridges are elevated from three hundred to five hundred feet above the valleys. A large portion of the township lies on what is sometimes called the Granville river, though it is better known historically as the Pawlet, the name Gran- ville not applying to the stream until after it receives the tributaries near North Granville. It has somewhat ro- mantically been called the Mettowec. In most of the town the slopes of the hills are gradual, and with few or no pre- cipitous heights ; the valleys arc delightful. There is a quiet pastoral beauty, very attractive and charming, in the natural scenery of the town. The surface is drained almost wholly by the stream already named and its tributaries. The main river enters the town from Vermont at Gran- ville village. The largest southern branch, formed of two streams flowing from Hebron, unites a little northwest of the village. Another southern branch forms a junction with the Pawlet a little east of North Granville. Almost exactly opposite is the entrance of the principal branch from the north. These streams are beautifully clear and limpid, and are fringed with alluvial meadows through most of their course. They furnish a large amount of water-power, which is, howevei', but partially utilized. A range of slate deposits passes through the centre of the town, mostly on the southwestern bank of the Pawlet, which furnishes an inexhaustible supply of roofing material and stock for other purposes. Clay for the manufacture of brick crops out in various places, and is used to some extent at Middle Granville. P.\TENTS. On the 11th of September, 1764, Alexander Menzies re- ceived a patent for two thousand acres, and under the same date Thomas Menzies was also granted two thousand acres ; on the 7th of March, 1771, John Maunsell received five thousand acres ; on the 5th of September, 17G4, Erick Sutherland received two thousand acres, and on the 2d of March, 1775, John Watkins was granted two thousand acres. The two Menzies' patents are somewhat north of the centre of the town, extending from a meridian line, passing through Sliddle Granville, to the west bounds of the town. The Maunsell tract is on the eastern border in the north part of the town. The Watkins patent lies to 194 the northward of North Granville, extending from the same meridian line before spoken of to the w&st boundary. The other patents are those of Berry Byrnes, Farquar, Suther- land, Dupason, Hutchinson, Atlas, Campbell, and Grant. There arc also three other patents unnamed on recent town- ship maps. Hough's " Gazetteer " disjwses of this subject with the following remark : " The land in this town is em- braced in several grants made to about thirty captains and lieutenants who had served in the French war," and these were known by the names of the patentees. It is further stated that the Byrnes patent in the .south- east corner was sold to Kenneth McKenneth, a merchant of New York, who again sold it to Donald Fisher, a tailor of that city. Fisher induced several of his relatives from Scotland to remove to Granville and settle upon the tract. This was before the Revolution. Fisher as a loyalist with- drew to Canada during the war, and his lands were con- fiscated and sold. Owing to some informality, the State, in after-years, recognized his claim and paid him twelve thou- sand dollars. Of the other patents (or the patentees them- selves) there is very little information to be obtained. Their date is not generally known, and few, if any, of the actual grantees settled in town. The large manorial tracts soon fell into the hands of land-jobbers, the titles were in dispute, and settlers were shy of purchasing. This state of things had the eficct to retard settlement until the close of the Ilevolution. E.\RLY SETTLEMENT. Of early settlement, and of the union with Vermont, Hon. Hiel HoUister writes: " Settlements were effected prior to the Revolutioil. The first emigrants were: mostly from New England, f The attempt in 1781 to place themselves under the jurisdiction of VernlonE^was due to the fear of invasion/ as the Revo- lutionary war was not then closed, ind it was thought to be easier to secure the necessary protection from Vermont than from New York. Besides, they favored the New Engliind institutions of universal suffrage and individual ownership of land, rather than the property qualification required by New York and the feudal land system, granting the soil in large manors to be cultivated by tenants." The progress of early settlement was slow. A state of war was unfavorable to emigration and to the development of the arts of peace. Conflicting land-titles also dis- couraged settlers. Soon after the war closed these valleys filled up as if by magic. The settlement of the boundary lines cleared away the difficulties to some extent, and the final adjustment between New York and Vermont, in 1790, left titles mostly clear and unquestioned. Emigrants pur- chased with confidence, cleared their lands, and erected their dwellings without fear of ejectment. RESIDENCE or G. L.BULKLEY, /< "SffANV/ucW^NiNGrON Go.N >, LrTH BT L H Ivcrrrs tco rmu rt HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 195 The fiist settlement undoubtedly dates back to about 1770, and probably even earlier than that, — at least twenty years before the first recorded town-meeting of 1787. Several lists of names that appear under the head of church history, etc., show quite a population in the midst of the Rev- olutionary war. The Congregational church of Middle Gran- ville had, in 1782, a membership of seventy-two. The petitioners for pardon and amity in 1782 are thirty-seven. These lists, together with the names found upon the town books for 1787-88, constitute the sources from which we determine the early settlers and, approximately, the time when they came to this town. The following notices of pioneer settlement have been obtained by cons^iderable labor ; we are indebted for them very largely to Jonas Tanner, Roger Wing, Hon. Hicl Hol- lister, Isaac W. Thompson, B. F. Ottarson, Miss Mary Harnden, Noah Day, Nelson Guilder, Asa Parkerfand to many others. ) Mr. Hollister has especially shown his in- terest in the work by courteously permitting the free use of material gathered by him, with some of which the people are familiar in his published writings. Daniel Curtice came from New Lebanon about 1780. He was the first supervisor of the town, and a prominent citizen. His homestead was the present place of Silas Hall, near Middle Granville. He had several sons, including Daniel, Elisha, and Samuel. A grandson, Harvey Curtice, was in after years president of Knox College, having been assisted to obtain an education by the Congregational church of Middle Granville. Ebenezer Gould was from Killingly, Conn., and settled very early in South Granville. His place was the present farm of Jefferson Thompson. His sons were Amos, Daniel, Ebenezer, Joseph, Jonathan, David, and Fayette. The first went west very early, and after the death of Ebenezer, Sr., the others all removed from town. Daughters were Mrs. Cornelius Whitney, Mrs. Joseph Whitney, Mrs. Parley AVhitney, Mrs. Warren Day. Several from these families settled in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. The widow of old John Brown (O.ssowatomie), is a granddaughter of Captain Ebenezer Gould. Moses Sawyer was one of the signers of the paper of submission in 1782. He lived near the bridge at Middle Granville. A daughter married David Barrett and settled in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y. Ebenezer Walker settled two miles north of Middle Granville, on the present Cratty farm, near the Jacob Allen place at North Bend. David Doane located on the present Conant place, in Middle Granville. Of his sons, Nathan removed to Vir- ginia ; David settled in Hartford, N. Y. ; Julius went west, having become a minister ; Artemas settled as a physician in Ithaca. The Doane house is still standing. John Bateman, one of the signers to the paper of sub- mission of 1782, lived at or near West Granville. Smith Bateman, a well-known citizen of later years, was a .son. Nathaniel Spring's homestead was at Middle Granville. The deeds of the old cemetery, of the site of the Congre- gational church, and of the former brick school-lion.se property, all came from him. He removed from Granville to western New York at an early day. John Spring was a signer of the paper of submis.sion in 1782, but his location in town is uncertain. Asaph Cooke was an early resident, and was active at the time of the contest over the New Hampshire grants. He represented the town in the Vermont Legislature in 1781. One son was Elutherus Cooke, who removed to Ohio, became a prominent citizen of that State, and a member of Congress. Jay Cooke, the noted financier, is a son of Elutherus. Many stories are told in Granville of the young Elutherus. Being required to hoe three rows of corn as a " stent" one day, he hoed three hills on each row, and counting crosswise made three rows. Perhaps this talent, descending in the family, enabled the grandson so dexterously to manipulate the sale of Northern Pacific railroad stock. Other sous of Asaph were, Erastus, Israel, and Asaph; Jr. James Otis, a " submissionLst" of 1782, was a resident near West Granville. His homestead seems to have been just over the line in the town of Fort Ann. Timothy Allen, whose name appears in connection with Granville, 1780 to 1790, lived in the town of Pawlet, a mile and a quarter from Granville village. It is a tradition of the neighborhood that he was a connection of Ethan Allen. A descendant is Mrs. Deliverance Benjamin, of White- hall, N. Y. Timothy Allen is buried in the old burying- ground of school-district No. 9, in Pawlet, — an unmarked mound, near the stone erected to his son Caleb. The name of David Skinner is found in a road survey of 1784. He is spoken of as a blacksmith. The family name is prominent in town matters at an early day. Deacon Skinner was a well-known citizen for many years at Middle Granville, and had a cotton-factory there. Joseph Herrington's name is given in a road survey of 1784. This family was probably in the south part of the town, or perhaps in the town of Hebron. Miss Harn- den, and also Noah Day, concur in this view. The latter recollects hearing that three brothers of that name were in the battle of Bennington. The name of Harinton, attached to the paper of submission, b probably the same; also Her- inton. Christopher Potter was from Rhode Island. He was a Revolutionary soldier. His father was a colonel. He settled in Granville about 1790. His sons were Stacy, John, Philip, and Jeremiah. Daughters, Mrs. Josiah Rice, Mrs. E. Baker, Mrs. John Kinyon, Mrs. Crandall Kinyon, Mrs. Daniel Smith. Grandsons living in Gran- ville are Charles W., and Stacy K., the present town clerk. Captain John Stocking, at whose house the first town- meeting was held, resided at Middle Granville, and his tavern was on the present place of Henry Lapham. Osborii afterwards kept the same tavern. Gurdon Johnson, the first town clerk, lived north of JMiddle Granville. His sous were Gurdon C. and Samuel Van Veghten. Major Thomas Convers was one of the first asse.s.sors in 1787. He was a prominent man; was called to the chair as moderator of the second town-meeting, 1788. His title indicates a military history. He probably removed from town at an early day. 196 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY", NEW YORK. Captain John McWhorter, another of tlie assessors of 1787, lived on the present David Brown farm, half-way between Granville and Middle Granville. Phelps succeeded him on the same fann. Lieutenant Henry Watkins was one of the first road commissioners. His name, spelt Wadkins, is also upon the paper of submission, 1782. Asa Parker states that the lieutenant lived at North Bend. This would be upon the patent that bears that name. He removed to Auburn at an early day. Whether Jiis title indicates service in the Revolutionary army or not is not .settled. Jonathan Harnden, from Massachusetts, came into Gran- ville in 1779, and settled on the Montgomery Parker place. He afterwards opened a hotel with a large dancing-hall in it. His sons were Samuel, who settled in Warrensburg; John, in the west and afterwards in Canada ; Kiah, in Granville and finally in Warrensburg, and Joshua, in Gran- ville. Daughters were Mrs. Gould and Mrs. Draper. Children of, Jo.shua still living in Granville are Mrs. Erastus Monroe, and Miss Mary Harnden residing with her. According to the recollection of the latter, and she is very clear in her statements, Joshua Harnden was running a curdhig-machinc as early as 1802 or 1803; that she re- members wool being brought from Sandy Hill at that early day to her father's mill, because the Sandy Hill machine, a small affair, could not do the work. She states that the Harnden family always understood that Joshua had the first carding-machiue in town. Gazetteers and encyclopedias all being in error if they stated otherwise. If this conflicts with the Kirtland- Allen-Rood claim on behalf of North and Middle Granville, noticed elsewhere, we leave the question for future antiquarians to search out and settle. Captain Seth Wheeler settled in Middle Granville about 1800, on the farm afterwards owned by his son, T. B. Wheeler. He had raised a company of volunteers, and fought through the Revolution. Daniel H. White was the first collector of the town in 1787. Asa Parker locates him as a goldsmith at Middle Granville. Noah Day inclines to the opinion that he be- longed to a family of that name near Stevens' saw-mill. John Walker, an overseer of the poor in 1787, was an early pioneer on the place north of Middle Granville, after- wards sold to Nathaniel Parker. Solomon Baker was overseer of the poor in 1787. His liomestead was east of North Granville, on the Ackley or Slocum farm, now owned by Stephen Staples. One son, Ira, settled in Cortland county. Benjamin Wait settled in the southeast corner of the town. The old homestead is the present place of N. G. Folger. Sons, — Washington Z., settled in Hebron, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Nelson; Archibald Wait, a Baptist minister, now living in Chicago. Joseph Wait, brother of Benjamin, also lived on the Gorham Folger place, and afterwards moved to Middletown, Vt. ; left thi'ee sons, — Samuel, who became a minister and went south, Hiram and Smith, who settled in Middletown. Hephon Austin, a pathmaster of 1787, was an early pioneer east of Middle Granville. Of his .sons, Jonathan settled on the old farm, Nathaniel recently died in the same neighborhood, and John also. Zachariah Loomis, connected to the Austin family, also died not long since in the same neighborhood, and a son in Illinois. Richard Barnes was an early pioneer at South Granville. A daughter was Mrs. Lyman Ellsworth, of Canton, St. Lawrence county. One son, John, also removed to that county, was elected sheriff, and was also appointed keeper of Dannemore prison ; another son, James, came to Gran- ville village, and erected a dwelling now standing nearly opposite the house of J. S. Warren. F. S. Hodge, of 1787, a pathmaster of that year, we have not been able to locate. He may have been here only temporarily. Joseph Morton, a pathmaster of 1787, we have not been able to locate. Timothy Case was a pathmaster in 1787. The name is prominent in the town of Hebron. From Noah Day, of South Granville, we learn that Timothy Case owned the present Hewitt farm on the town line. The old pioneer home of 1787 may have been on the Granville side of the line, or perhaps town lines were rather uncertain, as the town records seem to contain a few names frt)m Hebron, Hartford, Fort Ann, and also from Vermont towns. Joseph Andrews was a pioneer in the northeast p.irt of the town, near Poultney. His sons were Daniel and David, well known in the town. Captain Nathaniel Baker settled north of Granville vil- lage. Sons, — Braddock and John, of Granville ; Allen, a teacher at the south. George, son of Braddock, is the present sheriff of Washington county. Reuben Graves was an early pathmaster of 1787 or 1788, and the name of Ira Graves also appears in connection with the north part of the town. H. Newland Graves, of Granville village, does not trace any connection with those families. His father was Rufus, who moved to Granville as late as 1825, and opened a store opposite the present hotel. Newland Graves liimself was lor many years a merchant, and afterwards largely engaged in business for incorporations, banks, insurance companies, and railroads. Benjamin Baker was a brother of Solomon Baker. He formerly kept tavern at what is now Truthville. He also owned the present farm of Sanford Carlton. Of his .sons, Byram settled in Granville ; Bonaparte went to Cortland county; Benjamin settled in Granville; Miar settled in Granville, and went west in later years. Daniel Porter was a pathmaster in 1787, and this family- name was common in the north part of the town of Ileblon. Joseph Ackley, step-father of George N. Bates, of Middle Granville, came to this town about 1800. He w;i8 a builder ; erected at North Granville the hotel, the academy, and other buildings. About 1810, in company with Mr. Olipliant, he built and afterwards carried on the old brewery that was on the grounds of tli.e present military .school. Joseph Woodworth settled at South Granville probably very early, as his name (or Woodruff) appears among the pathmasters of 1787. Noah Day remembers a man of 'that name thrashing for his father; that he used to tell HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 197 wonderful bear stories and frighten the children so they hardly dare go out after dark. Zaccheus Patterson, whose name appears among the path- masters of 1787, must have been an early settler in the northwest part of the town, near Fort Ann. Kitchel Heed lived near North Granville on the present farm of Patriek Fanaing, formerly the Dr. Searles place. Of his .sons, Kitchel settled in Lansingburg, Ezra in Middle Granville, Silas was a manufacturer at Granville. A grand- son, Orville, became a minister. It is a neighborhood anecdote of tiie younger Kitchel that when he was set to thrashing with a flail, he used to turn the hogs on to the barn floor, put them through a lively pace and make them do the work. Benjamin Marsh was an early pioneer in town. He had been in the French and Indian war, and a portion of the time in the army of the Revolution under Arnold. Joseph Northrup, one of the pathmasters of 1787, was an early pioneer about the close of tlie Revolutionary war. He settled in the neighborhood where so many of the same family-name have since been prominent citizens. Clark Northrup was an over.seer of the poor for many years. He is said to have owned at one time seven hundred acres of land. He left several sons. Israel Lamb was an early settler at South Granville. Noah Day recalls the name of George Limb in that vicinity; also Samuel. There was also 'S((uire Lamb, of Wells, Vt., from this neighborhood. John Crary, one of the early town officers, afterwards moved to Salem. He became a prominent citizen of that town, and was elected State Senator. Joseph Cook, was among the town oflicers of 1787, but our information does not connect him with the family of either Asaph Cook or Isaiah Cook. The latter settled in Kingsbury in 1797, and was a builder. He removed to Granville village, and settled on the place now owned by his son, Dr. Asa B. Cook. The other sons of Isaiah were Isaiah P., Adin V., and John C. ; the daugiiters were Mrs. Gideon Potter, and two unmarried, Myra and Anna. Dr. Asa B. Cook has been a piacticing physician for many years. On the carding-machiue question, he re- members positively having heard James Smith say he brought the first machine to tiiis town. Elijah White was a prominent citizen of North Granville, and was the founder of the village very largely. He lived on the corner where the present tavern Ls. His father was about the earliest pioneer in this section of the town. He settled near the bridge and built the house still in use, re- paired and improved and occupied by James Beecher, better known as the Barrett Place. Elijah built the hotel in l.SOO, and the store in 1801. Of his brothers, Charles settled in Sandy Hill, Wilson lived and died in Granville. Elijah White w;ls a liberal, public-spirited man, did much not only to develop the interests of North Granville as a village, but the whole town. In 18J4 he removed to Platts- burg, and died there. Ebenezer Chapin was an early resident of the Gilder neighborhood. A pathmaster of 1787. He left several children, and the name has always been known in that part of the town. Jonathan Wright was named as a fence-viewer in 1787. He settled near Middle Granville, on the hill. A Welsh family now reside on the old farm. Of his sons, Jonathan moved west. Timothy Leonard, a merchant, settled in Middle Gran- ville about 1704, and Wni. Raymond about 1800. Asa Reynolds was an early settler on the present place of Alouzo Norton, coming here about 1795. He had a peculiarity of naming his children so that their names would read the .same backwards a.s forwards, Alila, Harrah, Asa, Anna, Numun, Zizziz. Safford Reynolds, a grandson, lives at Middle Granville, and another grand.son is Mr. Reynolds of the railroad station at Granville village. Amos Beard was fence-viewer of 1787. That name is common in Hartford, and the location of the family was probably there, although, in the uncertainty of early town lines, he may have been acting with the town of Granville. Peter Parker was appointed a pound-keeper in 1787. His homestead was the present Harvey Wing farm, over the line in Hartford. Of hi.s sons, John C. was a lawyer, — a justice of the peace for many years at North Granville. Harry, also a lawyer, settled at Whitehall, and died there. John M. Parker, son of John C., was a member of Con- gress from the Binghamton district, then a judge of the Supreme Court, and died in office. Edward, another son of John C, was cashier for many years of the Bank of Whitehall. William, another son of John C., is now a professor in Middlebury college. Another sou of John C, Geoi'ge W., is a judge in New York city. Benjamin Baker was a pound-keeper of 1787. There were many families of this name, and some seem, from the recollection of the older people, to have been located at South Granville. Captain Abraham Dayton, of Middle Granville, was an early settler, before or about 1800. He was an officer in the militia at the time of the War of 1812. /Nathan Law, collector in the year 1788, was from New London, Conn., and lived in Granville, a bricklayer. He had a son Amos, a well-known citizen of late years. Nathan Law built the brick store now owned by J. S. Warren. Nathan Law's sister was the wife of Thoni;is Thompson. Nathan Law was a captain in the Revolutionary army. He died / in 1842. Scottoway Wliitcomb was an as.scssor in 1788. He lived at South Granville. One son, a physician at Loammi, died in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. The name is still prom- inent in Granville. Scottoway Wliitcomb was with the Bay State troops in the Revolutionary army; was in nearly every engagement of his regiment ; held two commissions. He died in 1814. John Champion Bishop, an overseer of the poor in 1788, entered by the town clerk as " Friend " Bishop, came to Granville from Dutchess county about 1780. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and his life and character are a priceless inheritance to his descendants. He had six sons, Abraham, who settled in Ohio ; Isaac, who succeeded his father as a merchant in (iranville ; Arch, who also settled in Granville, but later in life moved to Wi-sconsin, and died in 1875; Jacob also settled in Granville; John, moved to 198 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Ohio, and died tliere ; Stephen, died young, in Granville. There were also seven daughters, Mrs. Howell Smith, Mi-s. Amos Carpenter, Mrs. Jacob Holmes, Mrs. Stephen Thorn, Dutchess county, Mrs. Richard Hall, of Clinton county, Mrs. Charles White, of Ohio, and Lucy, never married. Isaac built the Bishop homestead as early as 1804, now owned by Mrs. Nathan Lewis. Daughters of Isaac, Mrs. I. W. Thompson, Mrs. II. Ncwland Graves, and a son, John C, named for his grandfather, all of Granville. John C. Bishop's first house was moved from its place by Otis Dilliiighum, and is now occupied by Otis D. Hull. Cornelius Whitney and Joshua Whitney were path- masters in 1788. Cornelius built the hotel at Middle Granville, purchased before it was finished by Roger Wing, who took possession in 1804. Cornelius Whitney died in Ontario, Wayne Co , N. Y. The pioneer Whitney home- stead was at South Granville, the present farm of De Witt Peets. Nathan Day, appointed pathmaster in 1787, for the east road from Black Creek, was a pioneer at South Granville, on the present Monroe farm. The old house stood west of the bridge on the north side of the road. His sons, Lemuel and David, settled in Granville, but after a few years went north to the Canada line or near there. Sylvester Rowley was a major of the militia. He set- tled on the farm which he afterwards sold to David Doane. He was a well-known drover, taking horses to Philadelphia, and also built a hotel in the Slyborough neighborhood. A daughter of Mr. Rowley became the wife of Isaac Bishop. Luther Cady, a pathmaster of 1788, settled in the vicin- ity of North Granville. A son, Lewis Cady, lived and died in Granville. William Huggins settled at what is now West Granville, on the present Franklin Wyman form. A son, William R., went west after living till advanced life on the same farm. A daughter married Thaddeus Rowe. Ezra Lee settled near South Granville about 1787. He had been a soldier in the Revolution, and held two commis- sions. He died in 1820. Noah Day .remembers him as a man of excellent character, a leader in religious meetings, and prominent in church work. Lemuel Barber was an early settler near West Granville, and a town officer in 1788. Joseph Crippen. — This family were in the north part of the town. David Martin, a pathmaster of 178S, was at Slyborough. Several of his grandsons are now living in that neighbor- hood. He perhaps lived over the line in Hartford. Chauncey Barnes is understood to have been the father of Joseph Barnes, who lived with Captain Dayton, at Mid- dle Granville, and who was afterwards county judge of- Clinton county. Araasa Cook, also on the town records of 1788, lived in the Austin neighborhood. Richard Cook also lived in the same district, but came there from Vermont in 1817. Nathaniel Parker came from Connecticut. He was in the Revolutionary army, and was with Ethan Allen at the capture of Ticonderoga. He probably settled not long after that (1775 to 1777) i'l Granville. His homestead was just north of tlie middle village, on the Poultney road, the place of the Evans Hopkins brick house. His children wore Cynthia, never married ; Susan (Mrs. Levi Miller) ; Nathan- iel, settled in Granville ; Asa, still living at South Granville, at the age of eighty-eight ; Tamson (Mre. Luke Hitch- cock) ; Elind, .settled in Granville; Matthias, in Granville ; Emily, never married. Nathani(!l, the pioneer, also had two brothers, who settled on farms adjoining his, — -Eliphalet and Michael. The for- mer is no doubt the signer of the submission paper of 1782, there given as Eliphahad. It is remembered by Asa, from whom these items are ob- tained, that his father was in the Quebec attack under Montgomery, making the date of settlement a little later than above stated. John Tanner was from Rhode Island. He was a soldier in the Revolution. When first eidisted he was stationed at Albany, then farther north, and wiis finally discharged at Skene.sborough, now Whitehall. Did not return home, but settled in North Granville about 1784. His pioneer homestead was the present farm of James Brown, known as the Corbiii place. A few years afterwards he bought where his grandson, John Tanner, now resides. Mr. Tan- ner had eight sons, — William and Joseph, went west; James, settled on the old place and died there, — the.se three were in the army during the War of 1812 ; Jonas, now living at North Granville, from whom many items of pioneer set- tlement have been obtained ; Salem, settled in Cortland county, and still living ; John Jay, at Glen's Falls ; Edward, at Whitehall ; Sylvester, in Texas. Daughters, — Thirza, became Mrs. Josiah Norton, of Indiana; Esther, Mrs. Wm. Jones, of Fort Ann. Jonas Tanner mentions as early physicians Dr. Backus, Dr. Gibbs, Dr. Spurr. In later years, and for a long time, Dr. Searles. He considers the first tavern at North Gran- ville the present Dayton homestead. White & Doolittle were early merchants. The dwelling-house next to the academy was a very old one. In 1787, Coomer Mason, from Cheshire, Vt., settled in what is still known as Mason Hollow, in Fort Ann. He pa.ssed through North Granville to reach his place, and was afterwards identified in business matters with this town. Of his children, Shubael settled on the old home- .stead. Truman and Conner, after a few years, came into North Granville ; were both deacons of the Baptist church at Truthvillo. Mrs. John Jenkins and Mrs. Supply Kingsley were daughters of Coomer Mason. Two other children made up a family of eight, all of whom lived to a remarkable average of seventy-five years. A grandson, now of North Granville, was one of the later principals of Granville Academy. He gives it as derived from his father, that the first grist-mill in this section was back of the barn on the present place of Mrs. Shaw, at Truth ville, all traces of the old mill now being removed. The water-power was from Carlton brook. Shubael Mason used to come there to mill, horseback, when a boy. That brook, in a hundred years, has cut down and worn (more than fifty feet) for itself a very different channel. Originally crossed by a light bridge of poles, it now requires a stone arch. ^Yl DAVID ROGERS. Among the many worth}' men whose names appear upon the pages of our county history, none is more deserving of an honorable ilaentioii, none have done more to build up fallen humanity, none have left a better record of an honest Christian life than the subject of this sketch. He was the son of Deliverance and Judith Rogers, and was born in Danby, Rutland Co., Vt., June 28, 1304. His iather was a lineal descendant of John Rogers, a martyr to Christian principles, and was a native of Vermont also. David's mother was a native of Nantucket, R. I., and removed to Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., with her parents while she was young. David is one of a family of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He settled in Granville, in company with his parents, while he was young. He was reared a farmer, which was his occupation through life ; and we may say right here, with no injustice to others, that the Rogers family, including Deliverance, Sr., and his son David, were among the very best farmers Washington or any other county ever produced. David married Miss Hannah Dillingham, a native of this town, Sept. 13, 1826. By this happy union twelve children were born to them, four of whom are now living. Mr. Rogers lived with his parents till their death, at which time he came in possession of some cf his father's estate. David commenced life poor, but by industry and economy, a.ssisted by his faithful wife, was numbered among the wealthy of his community. At one time he owned some one thousand acres of good land. His unostentatious generosity was equal to the measure of his abundant means. He was a man possessed of fine traits of character ; indeed, he was one of nature's noblemen. He was an honest man, whom the good delight to look upon, and whose countenance al- ways wore a smile radiant with good-nature. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party, but always preferring the quiet of home to any official position. He was a mem- ber of the Society of Friends. Living a life of which there is such a universal attestation of his integrity and upright- ness, it is not surprising that " he should approach his grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." He died Sept. 8, 1861, and was buried in the Friends' Cemetery at Gran- vUle. MRS. HANNAH D. ROGEKS. The subject of this sketch is the youngest (laughter of Stejjhen and Amy Dillingham, and was born in Granville, Nov. 14, 1803. Her father was a native of Marshfield, Mass., and born there about 1773. Her paternal great-grandfather was a native of England, and emigrated to Amer- ica, and settled in the Now England States. Her mother. Amy Tucker, was a daughter of Abram and Deborah Tucker, and was born Sept. 15, 1775, at Chappaqua, Westchester Co., N. Y. Hannah is one of a family of" seven children, — five sons and two daughters. She married David Jiogcrs, Sept. l;J, 182G, by whom she had twelve children; four only remain. As Mrs. Rogers' life is so identit-al witli that of her husband's in Christian worth, we need but refer you to his biography, and you \vill have Iters iu the main. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Rogers has taken a more prominent part in the society to which she belongs, and for many years she has been the principal minister in the S(x;iety of Friends at Granville. She is also deeply interested in the cause 6f temperance, and is among the active work- ers. She is now an old lady of nearly seventy- five; hale and hearty, mind as good as ever, she would be taken for a lady very much younger. She is sjwken of by all as one of tlie finest and best lo'^i- - they ever knew. She is greatly resjiected iu Granville, where she has always lived. IIISTOUY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 199 Duty Sliuniway came from Bolchertown, in 1794, to AVcst Granville Cuniors, wlicn eleven years of age, and learned the blacksmith trade of his uncle, Benjamin Town. He married Eunice Kinney, of Fort Ann ; lived and died at West Granville. He was a captain of militia in the War of 1812, and with ills company was ordered out to Champlain. They were at Whitehall at the time of the McDonougli victory. His children were Horatio Gates Sliumway, a prominent and successful lawyer of Chicajio; Joseph B., who i.s now living on the old homestead ; Charles, a resident of Batavia, 111. ; and Eliza S., now Mr.«. Addison Willets, of North Granville. John Kirtland was from Wallingford, Conn., and was in the army of the Revolution for a few months. He came to Granville about 1795, and settled on the present Willis farm, two miles north of West Granville. He established a i'orge there, and in company with Mr. Eowe opened a store at that point. It did not, however, prove to be a favorable business point, and there has been no trade there in later times. Of bis children, Henrietta (Mr. Sweatland) set- tled at Plattsburg ; Henry, in Canada ; George, in Water- ford, and afterwards in Brooklyn ; John, in Orange, N. J. ; J. B., at St. Louis ; E. S., at West Granville ; J. T., at Orange, N. J. Two daughters, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. 3Iyers, at Plattsburg; Mre. Tonilinson, at Keeseville; and Mrs. P. J. H. Myers, of Whitehall. Rev. Nathaniel Hall settled as pastor of the first Congrega- tional church in 1797. His labors extended down to his death in 1S20, and he is thus closely associated with the pioneer period of the town. His wife was of distinguished ances- try, a daughter of Deacon Daniel Emor.son, of Hollis. The children of Mr. Hall were Hannah E., who married Rev. Abijah Crane ; Willis H., who graduated at Yale College and became a distinguished lawyer, and was attorney-gen- eral of the State under Governor Seward ; Nathaniel E., who, after living some years in the west, settled on the old homestead in Granville ; Eliza, now living on the old place; Richard B., a physician of San Francisco ; Daniel E., a lawyer of Mobile, Ala. ; Daniel B., a minister of the Re- formed Dutch church; Mary, who died unmarried; and Edwards, a physician of New York city. Dr. Ira Hall, a graduate of Dartmouth, settled, about 1795, at Middle Granville, having married the daughter of Peter Parker. He owned at one time the present farm of E. B. Temple, and laid off from it a Masonic burial- place, of which he is said to have been the fir.st occupant, dying in 181 G. In company with Nathaniel Hall and Roger Wing, he established and sustained a select school in the upper story of the old brick school-house. His children were Ira; Silas, a justice of tlie peace for many years; Edwin, the distinguifihed theologian and president of Au- burn theological school ; Jjyman, who died young ; Sidney, who is still living in Granville ; and Storrs, for many years a teacher, and alterwards a practicing physician at Rosen- dale, Wis. Stephen Van Guilder came from Now Jersey during tlie Revolution. He had been drafted for the army, but a younger brother took his jilace. He used to say that, when he came to Granville, John C. Bishop was the only one at the " Corners." Another house stood at Stevens' saw-mill, two at Middle Granville, and only one more beside his own on the road to Hartford, through Slyborough. That was on the present O. Rlartin farm. Stephen Van Guilder firet settled on what is now the Ebenezer Starks farm ; then lived in Hartford awhile ; but finally located on the farm of the late Stephen Van Guilder, son of the pioneer. Besides this son Stephen, there were James (father of Nelson, from whom we obtain these fticts), Ira, Oliver, and Ephraim. The daughters became Mrs. Winchell, Mrs. George God- frey, Mrs. Wm. Winchell, besides one who was not mar- ried. Ira and Oliver went to Batavia, N. Y. ; Ephraim to the west. The pioneer Stephen had two brothers, who came to Granville a little later, — Jo.seph and Daniel. The sons of Joseph were Cornelius, Joseph, and Squire. Those of Daniel were Philander, David, and Dyer. Nelson Guilder states, as matter of tradition, that Slyborough was named for one Sly, an early settler. An orchard planted by the elder Stephen Van Guilder is still bearing. Stephen Dillingham, from Hanover, Mass., first settled in Easton about 1792. He came to Granville about 1801, and located on the well-known Dillingham farm, two miles north of Granville. In 1819 he moved to the present place of Otis Dillingham. His sons were Joseph, Abram, Stephen, Jr., Otis, and Reuben. All settled in Granville except Reuben. The daughters were Deborah, who never married, and Hannah, who became Mrs. David Rogers. Jacob Savage came from Middlotown, Conn., soon after the Revolution, and settled on the present place of his grandson, W. R. Savage. He had been a privateer on the ocean during the war, and was a prisoner for several months. He was exchanged at Charleston, S. C, and walked home. His sons were Jacob, John, Eleazer, and Benjamin, who all settled in Granville. Jacob and Eleazer are still living. lie had two daughters, Mrs. James Wright, and Lucy, who was not married. Noah Day came from Killingly, Conn., in 1792 or 1793, and settled on the hill south of the burying-ground, on the road from Granville village to South Granville. A barn which was there when Mr. Day came is still standing. Of his sons, Luther, David, and IIo.sea settled and died in Granville. Noah is still living at South Granville at the age of eighty-eight ; and Alvah, a minister of the Congre- gational church, is living at Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa. Of the daughters, Ruth never married ; Hannah be- came Mrs. Roswell Ellsworth, of Granville ; Edith, Mrs. Erastus Foot, of Ontario, Wayne Co., and Lydia, Mrs. Scottoway Whitcomb, of the same place. Noah Day, Sr., had two brothers, who came to South Granville earlier than he did, — Jonathan, who settled on a part of the present Luther R. Temple farm, and Elihpalet, an early physician, who practiced for several years, and died in 1800, in the dwelling-house now occupied by Noah Day. The name of Blakesley appears in some of the earliest town records. Noah Day states that the Blakesley home- stead was a part of the present Luther Temple farm. He recalls the names of David and Reuben, two sons. The pioneer Blak&sley must have been here very early. He had 200 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. an orchard bearing in 1792, when Mr. Day's father moved in. His name is among the " submissionists" of 1782, as David Blakeslee. Gideon Allen was probably a resident of South Gran- ville from 1775 to 1782, as his name is attached to the paper of submission, 1782. Noah Day remembers Jonathan Allen, Norman, David, and John, and supposes they were sons of Gideon. Tlie name of Aaron Smith, 1782, seems to liave belonged within the limits of Hebron. Noah Day recalls the name of Spencer as an early pio- neer at Soutli Granville. He had a son, Jeremiah. The family were here before the War of the Revolution, or in its earlier years. They suffered severe privations, — reduced at one time to milk and birch-bark to sustain life. In the Burgoyne campaign of 1777 they burned their household articles and drove their stock southward. Noah Day states that his father was a blacksmith, and David Whitney, on the present Day homestead, was also a blacksmith, and the old shop stood near the present gate. The firet pair of boots worn by Mr. Day were made by Deacon Crocker, a shoemaker df Hebron. There was an early grist-mill (1790 to 1795) on the present Adams place, west of South Granville. A saw-mill, in later years owned by Caleb West, Esq., now the Boomer mill. Dr. Lamb also had a carding-machine just below the grist-mill, Mr. Day has many anecdotes of his own boyhood and of the early times. Sent home through the woods with a yoke of oxen one night, and afraid of bears, he went up between the oxen, took hold of the ring of the yoke, and thus guarded on either side considered himself peculiarly safe. To look back at the affair now, he thinks he was more in danger from the oxen than from the bears. Dr. Reuben Jones had been a surgeon in the Revolu- tionary army, and settled at South Granville. He practiced for many years. Noah Day, the pioneer, was in the army of the Revolu- tion ; was at the battle of Trenton under Washington, and as he was a full pensioner, it is presumed that he served three years or more. The Hollister brothers, William, Isaac, and Hiel, were early settlers at or near Middle Granville. They were from Glastenbury, Conn. They and most of the members of their families were members of Dr. Hall's church. William settled in the village, — a leather-dresser and shoe- maker. Isaac settled on the place now Owned by David Brown, midway between the villages. Hiel settled near the present residence of Truman Temple. Roger Wing came to Middle Granville from Lenox, Mass., in 1804, and bought of Cornelius Whitney the hotel, then unfinished, which stood opposite the pioneer tavern of John Stocking, where the first town-meeting was held. He soon, in connection with Seth Cook, opened a road to the present residence of John Staples. Mr. Wing made an effort to have the Granville Academy located at the middle village, offering one thousand dollars for that purpose, but others were not ready to assist. He died in the midst of his vigorous enterprises, only two years after his settlement. His son, Roger D., a few years later, took charge of the hotel and kept it most of the time since. He has also been largely instrumental in developing the interests of Middle Granville and of the town. His father had a.s.sisted James Smith in setting up the first carding-machine. Roger, the son, was concerned for a time in the cotttm-factory built when he was a lad. To accommodate that enterprise he built the brick store on the corner. Henry D. Wing, brother of Roger, but six months old at his father's death, became a man of unusual business enterprise. Fir.st a clerk with the Kelloggs, of Troy, he was afterwards in an exchange and fur business connected with John Jacob Astor. In 1828 or 1830 had charge of gold transfers to Canada, driving through Gran- ville with .six four-horse teams, loaded with kegs of coin, — making, as stated, thirty thousand dollars. He afterwards recovered ninety thousand dollars in England, which the son of a wealthy man, enticed by an artful girl, had carried off. For the details of these transactions we refer to Roger D. Wing, and the biography of the family in the Granville Scii/iiicl of March 10, 187G. Henry D. Wing died in Chicago. Jonathan Brown was an early settler soon after the Revolution, his homestead being a part of the present David Brown farm. His sons were Jonathan, Daniel, David, Bishop, and Richard ; his daughters were Mrs. Culver, afterwards Mrs. Pearse, Mrs. Smith, Sirs. INIay- nard, and Mrs. Ray. Four children died young. Abraham Reed settled about 1785 near North Gran- ville. He was a deacon of the Congregational church, and his son Leonard became a minister. The latter is still preaching at the west. Hon. Martin Lee was a native of Connecticut, and the son of a Congregational clergyman. He came to this place in the early part of this century, and engaged in the prac- tice of the law. He remained here through the years of his active life, except a short time spent at Cambridge in 1827 or 1828. He stood high in his profession, and was honored with many important civil trusts, which he dis- charged with conscientious fidelity. Devoutly attached to the Episcopal church, he was the trusted counselor of the pastor, the leader of services in the absence of the latter, and always the life and soul of the music, assisted by his childi'en, whom he had carefully trained to join in the ser- vice of song. He was a major-general of militia, and stood high in the Masonic fraternity. His wife was the daughter of Hon. Gerrit Wendell, and in their hospitable and happy home she presided with culture and refinement. She died May 15, 1SG4, and he passed his last years with his chil- dren in Chicago, where he died April 17, 1868. Their sepulchre is with the people they served so long, in the shadow of the church they loved so well. Of them it was beautifully written, "At evening time there shall be light." The Bulkley families who settled in Granville in the early part of this century consisted of five brothers, — Charles, Alfred, Henry, Chester, and Edward. Their father was Charles Bulkley, from Colchester, Conuecticut. He died in extreme old age at his son Alfred's, in 1822. These five brothers became prominent in business and in the affairs of the town. Charles settled at Granville village, and carried on the business of a hatter for many years. X STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. JIRS. STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. STEPHEN DILLINGHAM, son of Joshua and Hannah Dillingham, was born in Marsh- field, Mass., ahout 1773. His ancestors were of English origin, being among the early settlers of New England. His father was a blacksmith by occupation, and was extensively engaged in ironing vessels for many years. About 1785 lie, Joshua, and family, settled in Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., and from this time on was a farmer. He was a worthy and esteemed member of the Society of Friends, and a very liberal supporter of the same. Just before his death, about 1826, while sitting in his old arm-chair, he called his children and grandchildren to him, and leaning on his staff, like Jacob of old, he gave them a parting blessing ; and judging from what we know of the life and character of his descendants, we can but believe his prayer was heard, and the influences which he set in motion will be known only when eternity shall flash upon the doings of time. His wife died some years before. She was a lady very much respected, and left an impress for good on the character of her cliildren. Stephen was reared a farmer, and by industry and economy became one of the leading farmers of Washington county. He mar- ried, on the 20th of the 11th month, 1794, Amy, daughter of Abram and Deborah Tucker. She was born at Chappaqua, Westchester Co., N. Y. At the time of her marriage she was a resident of Queensbury, Warren Co., N. Y. By this happy union seven children were born, namely: Joseph, Deborah, Abram, Hannah, Stephen, Otis, and Reuben ; of this number, Joseph, Deborah, and Reuben are dead. About 1801, Mr. Stephen Dillingham and family settled on a farm some two miles east of Middle Granville, where thoy continued to reside for some twenty-two years, and then re- moved on to the farm now owned by their son Otis. Mr. Dillingham died on the 27th of the 8th month, 1859. He was a birth-right member of the Society of Friends, and was an elder in that societ}'. He was generous to the poor, and, aided by his devoted Christian wife, left a name ever worthy to be remembered. MKS. STEPHEN DILLINGHAM. Something more than a passing notice should be made of this good woman. Her birth and marriage are spoken of above. She was a good wife and an aftectionate mother, gov- erning her children in the spirit of love. She murmured not at the dispensation of Providence as she witnessed the death of some of her children, but with greater diligence continued her guardian care over the remainder of the family. Her gift in the ministry was acknowledged about the year 1810. She often made religious visits to other meetings, always adminis- tering consolation to the afiiicted. She was one to whom the parable would fittingly apply, both temporally and spiritually ; " When I was an hungered, ye gave me meat; thirsty, and ye gave me drink; a stranger, and ye took me in," etc. From her kind, beneficent hand many have been made partakers of the good things of this life, as the destitute had a very large share of her sympathy. She passed away on the IGth of 8th month, 1856, with the full assurance of a "Home over there." She often expressed, "There is not a cloud in ray way," and, in ecstasy of joy, said: "Do not hold me, do 7iot keep mc ; my work is done;" and a noble work it was. " If we work upon marble, it will perish ; if we work upon brass, time eifaces it: if we rear temples, they will crumble to dust; if we work upon immortal minds, — if we imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and love of our fellow-men, — we engrave upon these tablets something which will brighten for all eternity." Stephen DiLLmoHAWi .z''- Mrs. Stephen DaLiNGH/!M,2- LiTH. BY L.H.ErtRTsaCo. Phila.Pa. Residence or STCPHEN DILLfNGHAM,Gp-*NviLLE Washington Co N Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 201 Henry was a partner witli Reuben Skinner in the mer- cantile business over twenty years. General Edward Bulkley is still living at the ago of eiglity-nine years, in the same house at North Granville in which he coniniencod hou.sekccping in 1815. He success- fully followed the manufacture of hats for a long period, and was able to give his children unusual ducatioual advan- tages. Nathan Thompson, from Berkshire Co., Mass., settled in 1801 on tlie turnpike, near where Warren Thompson now lives. His sons were Nathan, Lavi, Asa, Ezra, Ce- phas, and Martin. All but the first settled in Granville, — Nathan in Blassachusetts. Daughters, Mrs. John Wait and Mrs. Dibble. Dr. Cephas Thompson was the father of Jefferson Thomp- son of South Granville. Daniel Martin and Samuel Bourne were early settlers, just after the war, beyond Slyborough, over the line in Hartford. It is said they owned everything in common, and raised large families, until late in life, when the two men, without the help of lawyers, and without interference by the children, made a division satisfactory to themselves and their families, — a division never contested or litigated. Joseph Ottarson, of Londonderry, Vt., was the grand- father of B. P. Ottarson, the pre.sent postmaster at Gran- ville village. He had eight children, of whom John, the youngest son, came to Granville, or near there in Pawlct, in 1800 to 180G. He was a builder, and as.sisted in the erection of many church edifices and private residences throughout this section of countrj'. E-VRLY MILLS, STORES, TAVERNS, SHOPS, ETC. Nathaniel Spring erected a grist-mill at Granville about 1787. Elijah White had a saw-mill in 1784, and proba- bly .some years before that. At the Kirtland forge place there was some quarrying of marble at an early day. The first store at West Granville was by Manning & Thompson, 1837 to 1840. The post-office was established in 1850. Benjamin Baker kept an inn at North Granville about 1790, and Jenks kept store there in 1705. John Kirtland was the first postmaster in all this part of the town, the oflicc being kept wliere E. S. Kirtland now lives. The first blacksmith in this section was probably Benja- min Town. Jonas Tanner states that his father used to go to mill at Bishop's Corners, carrying the grist on his back, and take along his axe to have it ground while waiting for his grist. Other notices of stores and mills appear in the sketches of villages, or in those of individuals. Charles Kellogg kept a tavern at Granville in 1800. Bronson, three miles north, on the road to Poultney. The early manufactures of the town were lutiul-madc. Flax and wool, raised on the farm, were carded, spun, and woven by the family fireside. The rattle of the loom and the buzz of the spindle could be hoard in every house. The first luacliinc fur carding wool was brought from Eng- land privately at an early day, ISOO to 180G, and .set up at 20 Kirtland's forge. North Granville, by James Smith. This, after a time, superseded hand-carding. Pot- and pearl-ashes were extensively exported from this town while the process of clearing was going on. Jlaple- sugar wa.s also an article of early export. Tanneries were found in almost every village, and were carried on until they declined for want of a supply of bark and their work drawn away by larger establishments in more eligible locali- ties. Distilleries and cider-brandy establishments existed in town, but have long since been abandoned. The first machine for carding wool, mentioned above, seems to be fairly credited to James Smith. Financially unable to set it up himself, he was assisted by John Kirt- land, and we add also Roger Wing, on the authority of Hon. Hiel Hollistcr. After a time it was moved, as Mrs. Bates, of Middle Granville, understands it, to the mill nearer North Granville village, afterwards owned by Gilbert Allen, her father, and was soun after established at Middle Gran- ville. In connection with the grist-mill of Gilbert Allen, Mrs. Bates remembers riding with her father through neighbor- ing towns, trying to buy grain for the mill in 1816, the "year without a summer." There were a forge and a nail-factory at the Allen mill place, — and it is among Mrs. Bates' recollections that she and other children used the old nail-rod heating-furnace as an oven when playing ''keep- house." The following memoranda are furnished by Roger D. Wing, of Middle Granville, showing the changes in social and religious interests as well as in commercial pursuits that have occurred in seventy-flve yeans, together with a few anecdotes. The tavern property, consisting of a house and forty-six acres of land, was bargained for as early as 1800, with the understanding that no other taverns should be started in the village. In 1804, however, when possession was given to Roger Wing, another tavern was being kept on the oppo- site side of the road by Jo.seph Osborn, but the two land- lords maintained friendly relations. They both died in 1806. At that time might have been seen a large sign- board hanging between two sign-posts, a large spread-eagle painted on both sides of the sign, being the arms of the Wing family as they were pictured on the panels of the coaches in old England, in 1650. How changed the scenes in the vicinity of this old tavern ! On that farm the Met- towee agricultural fair is annually held, where are dis- played implements of the latest improved form, — wagons, carriages, pianos, organs, and ladies of the latest style, instead of the old spinning-wheels and looms of a hundred years ago, and the brave pioneer mothers and the daughters, at whose skillful touch the music of industry arose in stir- ring if not melodious notes. In 1804 there might be seen in the winter from one to thirty teams every night putting up at this tavern. The sleighs loaded with wheat on the way to Troy. When the horses were put out the teamsters would bring their pro- vision-boxes into the bar-room, call for a brandy sling or a mug of flip, and cat their pork and beans. In the morn- ing they would hitch up their teams, pay their bills, and resume the long drive. It .so happened that the church 202 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. was opposite the hotel in those days, and some highly- respectable church-going people would call for a nnig of flip or a brandy sling, and drink without going behind the door. The Rev. Nathaniel Hall was the first minister set- tled over this congregation. His monument gives a record of five hundred and eighty members received during his life charge, and all went on in peace and harmony while he lived. The customs were very different then from now, for every Saturday afternoon ^Ir. Hall would call at the deacon's store and procure a supply of brandy and a loaf of sugar to replenish his sideboard. After his death, divided councils, conflicting sentiments, and church trials gave to the society the name of " church mi'litaitt." I well recollect (though but a lad at the time), when Mr. Hall walked into the pulpit, how solemnly he would look around, and how impressively he would say, " My friends, what motive brought you here ?" A knotty ques- tion for those days, and possibly for these. I remember well Lemuel Haynes, the celebrated colored minister, who preached for many years at South Granville. It is said he preached thirty years in Rutland before they knew he was black. He was quite noted not only for preaching but for ready wit. Two men meeting him asked if he had heard the news. " What news?" said Mr. Haynes. " Why, the devil is dead." Quick as a flash, laying his hands upon their heads, he exclaimed, " Poor fatherless children !" and passed on. I recollect he called one dark night and said he must have a little brandy. Some one told him that a temperance society was organized. " Well," said he, " I have belonged to a temperance society for forty years, but I will take some brandy to go home upon." One of the original doctors in this town was Dr. Safibrd, who built a splendid mansion half a mile from Granville. He was very popular, and withal a man of considerable humor. About the wickedest man in town — one accus- tomed to swear and fight for mere comfort — was taken violently ill. Dr. Safi^ord came, took in the case at once, and saw there was no special danger. Putting on a solemn face, however, he said, " Dan, if you want to make your peace with God you had better do it now. ' Sure enough, Dan got down on his knees and prayed. "Oh, good Lord! oh, good devil ! — oh, good Lord ! oh, good devil !" and so on in alternate order for a long while. Finally, being relieved by the doctor's medicine, the latter asked him, " What did you pray so for, Dan ?" '■ Oh, I didn't know whose hands I should fall into." Dr. Hall was a popular man. He bought the fine house now occupied by Edwin Temple. The house was built by Benajah Hill in 1800. The doctor was buiicd with Ma- sonic honors. Dr. Glbbs settled in North Granville, — a man of decided views in politics as well as medicine. He was a near neigh- bor to Zebulon R. Shipard, the noted lawyer. The two always differed over politics, and many stoiies are told of their wordy conflicts. Hon. Leonard Gibbs was a son of the doctor. Dr. Scarl was a later physician (a homoeopa- thist) in that part of the town. In the year 1800 a goldsmith lived in Middle Granville, by the name of Douglas, said to bo a relative of Stephen A. Douglas. A Dr. Martin lived with Douglas, and made musical instruments, — bass viols and violins. About 1815 or '20 a man taught sacred music in Middle Granville, by the name of Doolittle. His name may be .seen in some of the old-fashioned singing-books. He be- came deranged, and went singing up and down the country for many yeais. It may be inferred from a few of the above notes that the venerable author thinks that the old times were at least as good as the new, and that some of the modern progress is hardly worth boasting over. He adds the following post- script to this as an instance of the precocious, but somewhat undesirable, shrewdness of the modern youth of his neigh- borhood : On the arrival of a young .son, weight about ten pounds, in one of the families of Middle Granville, a little brother, four years of age, whose nose might be supposed injured, was brought in to see the new visitor. After looking at it some time, he turned to his father with the solemn ques- tion, " Pa, where did that little cuss come from?" We will also add, what is well known in Granville, that Roger D. Wing is the genuine landlord of the Brandy Story, which appeared in Harper's Mugnzine in 1850 or '51, and afterwards ran the rounds of the papers through- out the country. It was as follows : Wing is deaf as a post, and so is the village painter, Fish. Wing was behind his bar one day and Fish was seated ; the one intent on business, the other waiting for a treat. A stranger stepped in, and the following dialogue occurred: '• Can you tell me how far it is to Brandon ? " " Brandy?" said Wing; "yes, sir, I have got it," setting down the bottle. " I wanted you to tell me how far it is to Brandon, if you could," said the stranger. " Good ? yes, it is the very best bought in Albany ; but let me get you some sugar." The stranger, turning to Fi^h, said, " The landlord is deaf, I believe ; perhaps you can tell me how far it is to Brandon." " Brandy? yes I drink it sometimes." " I want to know how far it is to Brandon." " Yes, thank you, I will take some." The stranger surrendered at discretion ; tlioy drank, he paid the bill, and moved on — to Brandon, if he ever found the way. Mr. Wing furnishes the following names of early citizens, earlier than 1810, who perhaps have not been mentioned before : Joseph, William, and Charles Norton, James and Robert Hamilton, David Hull, Abijah Prouty, Caleb Curtis, Amos Savage and Richard, Oliver Lampson, Elizur and John White, Nathaniel Parker, Ezra Perkins, Prince and Stated Potter, Lewis McDaniel, John Phelps, John De Kalb, Gideon Beebe, Samuel Clark, Amos Collins, Zachariah Loomis, William Brown, William Feleh, Tibbets Northrup and Gardner, Nathan R. Crippen, Jeremiah and Norman Spicer, Elias Dayton, Abijah Palmer, Reuben, Nathan, and Thomas Roblee, Peter Cramer, Amos Ensign, Martin Ensign (a carpenter). Dyer Lee, Timothy Leonard and A.sa Northuni (merchants, 1780), Augustus and Charles Chandler (the latter a wagon-maker about 1815). Edwin B Temple /Wrs, Edwin R Temple:, tim St L H E»E/>rs«Co i RESIDENCE or EDWIN B TEMPLE Granville WtsHiNaTOH CoN Y. Truman Tcmple jJ\fis Truman Temple, Residence or TRUMAN TElMPLE.GJfANWLLE. W/ishington Co N / IIISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTS, NEW YORK. •20:! ORGANtZATION. It is cviikiit i'nim vaiiuus documents that a district oruaiiizatiuii existed in Giuiivillc for several years prior to tlie firet election of town officers in 1787. This whole country was involved in the difficulties over the " New llamiishire grants." Many of tlio citizens of Granville, [jcrliaps a majority, took part in the luoveuietit to anne.\ Charlotte county, and other territory, to Vermont, described in the general his- tory, and elected delegates to the Cambridge convention. After this movement failed, — which it did in the course of a few months, — the Granville people, who had engaged in it, as well as those of other districts in the same predica- ment, were compelled to make submission to the authorities of New York, which they proceeded to do as gracefully as possible by presenting the following paper : To ins ExrKLi.F.xcv, the Govkrnoh, and tiik ho .\ND Assembly oi- the State of New Youk. \BLE Senate " The petition of tile subscribers, inbabitaats of Granville, humbly shovveth: That your petitioners have been e.vposeJ to the invasions ami depredations of the enemy since the year 1770, and since the ewacuation of Ticonderoga have had only a small guard ut Skeues- borough till in the spring of 17S0. Since that, your petitioners have been entirely destitute of any succor, notwiihstnnding the many petitions and remonstrances repeating the same. That your pe- titioners have been for the last three campaigns almost constantly in alarms, which hath rendered them in a most deplorable condition, so that there are numbers of families now among us who have scarce one Imshel of grain to support them, nor is there any to bo purchased within twenty miles' distance. That under these distressing circum- stances, and the insinuation of artful and designing men, your pe- titioners were seduced to swerve from their allegiimce, not from any desire of leaving the State, could we have been protected. " But we trust your excellency ani the honorable body will again receive us, and overlook what your distressed subjects have done. Hoping for the future, we shall take care how we are led by any de- signing men, and remain happy subjects under your protection. *• Your petitioners most humbly pray that your excellency and the honorable Senate and Assembly will take our case into consideration, nnd not only pardon them of their transgression, but afTbrd them some defense for the ensuing campaign, and 3'our petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. "Dated Granville, March the -tth, a.d. 17S2. 'Moses Sawveu, Daniel CritTis, AsAPu Cook, Henry Watki.ss, Kksjamis Bakeu, David Doaxe, GlIIEOX .\i.LE.\, Klii'ualet Park er, Aaron Smith, MicAn Grifejtii, Peter IIarriscton, Moses Powers, .Joseph Barker, Thomas Grieeith, Josiah Mix, Samtei, IIarxben, James Covei,, Isaiah Bexxet, TnEODoiirs Xortox, Joxath.vn Harxoen, EiJESEZER Walker, IcuAiton Parker, John Bateman, James Otis, Peter Groveu, AllRAIIAM VaXUL'RSEE, JoH.X G ROVER, .John Barnes, Davih Blakeslee, John Walker. John Si-king, Solomon Bakeu', . Thomas Greeks, J()sei'II IIerrixgton, EUENEZER GoiLD, Jesse Atwater, HeIX WiLLlAM.S." The records of the district of Granville arc no doubt lost. At all events, the careful .search of Hon. Iliel Hol- lister, J. W. Thompson, and others interested in such studies, have failed to discover them. There are some traces of this prior organization in the old town books, under the head of " Road Surveys of 17S+." Asaph Cook was a representative to the Vermont L;:gis- luture under the union effected on May, 1781. In the fail of the same year, Benjamin Baker and Joseph Craw- were also representatives, and probably the last to attend the Vermont Legislature. Upon the.so three pioneers fell the honors and emoluments of official life undi;r the Slate of Vermont. Judging from the time of settlement, from the known organization of other districts, from the habits of local .self- government peculiar to New England, and evidently derived from their ancient town-meeting system, it is fair to infer a district organization of from ten to iifteen years before 1787, the date of the first town-meeting. The records are supposed by some to have been purposelj' destroyed, in view of the difficulties of the conflicting allegiance of that period and the danger of pro.socution against individuals for par- ticipation either on one side or the other. Certainly there is little or nothing left of written annals, either for courts or historians. The town of Granville is supposed to have received its name through early settlers from JMassachusetts, naming their new home after the Granville of the old Bay State. There is no particular proof of this, however. The name is spelled in the older papers, Grandvil and Graiwil. It is the opinion of Mr. George N. Bates, himself from Granville, Massachusetts, that this town was not named from that. Granville was organized as a town, bj' act of the Legisla- ture, in 178U, and the following are the MINL'TES OP THE FIKST TOWN-MEETING: "April ye 2d, 17S7. — .4t an Annual town-meeting (according to a law passed in the tenth session of the Assembly of the State of New Y'ork) of the inhabitants of the town of Granville, held at the house of Capt. John Stocking, in said town : "Meeting being opened, Voted fur Town Clerk, Gurdon Johnson. Proceeded and chose Capt. Daniel Curtis, Supervisor ; Major Thomas Convers, Capt. .John McWhorter, Ebenezer Walker, Assessors; Lieut. Henry Watkins, David Doane, Samuel Harnden, Road Commission- ers ; Daniel H. White, Constable and Collector; John Walker, Solo- mon Baker, Poorinastcrs ; f,)r Pathmasters, Benjamin Wait, Hephon Austin, James Barnes. Timothy Case, Joseph Andrews, Joseph Mor- ton, .Joseph Graves, Benjamin Baker, Daniel Porter, Joseph AVood- rulT, Zaccheus Patterson, Joseph Northrop, John T. Wright, Israel Lamb, Timothy Baker, Kitchel Heed, John Walker, John Crary, Joseph Cook, Elijah White, Ebenezer Chapin; Jonathan Wright, John McWhorter, Amos Beard, Fence-Viewers; Peter Parker, Ben- jamin Baker, Samuel Harnden, Pound-Keepers. " Voted, that the town clerk procure a book for record, at the ex- pense of the town. " Voted, that sheep should not be free commoners. " Voted, th.at this meeting dissolve." SECOND TOWN-MEETIN'G. " April 1, anniversary for town-meeting was on Tuesday, the 5th dixy of April, 1788. Met, according to former custom, at the hou.se of Captain John Stocking ; meeting opened by Esquire Cook. Then Major Thomas Convers was nominated and chose moderator for the day. The question was put whether to adjourn to the meeting-house*; proceeded there and elected town officers. The new names among the officers were Nathan Law, collector; Scottaway Whitconili, 204 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. assessor ; John C. Bishop, poormaster ; pathmaster, Nathan Day. On the east road from Black creek, Cornelius Wliitney, Joshua Whitney, Ezra Lee, Esquire Parker, Peter Parker; from James Olds' to the top of the hill by Es((uire Cook's, Lemuel Barber, Philip Lanjrdon, Jonathan Binwn, Jeremiah Baker, Abraliani Reed, Josiah Beard, William Barber, Amasa Cook, David Martin, Chauncey Barnes, Charles Haydon, Luther Cadj', Wni. Ilurrgins, Sylvester Rowley. Voted, every man's yard his own pound, and ad- Tertise the owner. Voted, hogs, sheep, and horses not free commoners. " Tuesday, the 3d of March, 17S!), according to the order of the assembly, the freemen of Granville met at the uieet- ing-hou.se, and voted for a representative for the House of Representatives of the United States, — forty-three voters. The third town-meeting, April 7. 1789, was held at the meeting-liouse. Thomas Convers, moderator. Proceeded to choo.se by going across the house and voting (the former town clerk keeping the tally) a town clerk, and after he had qualified, the other town officers were chosen the same way. At this 7neeting it was voted to join with the other towns in the county, and choose and send a committee for the purpose of nominating governor, lieutenant-governor, two senators, and four members of assembly. Committee chosen were Captain Daniel Curtis, Timothy Leonard, Captain Elijah White, Major Thomas Convers, Ensign Samuel Harnden, and David Doane, to meet at the house of Major Thomas Convers on the 15th of April. A tax of thirty- four pounds was voted for the support of the poor, and grain allowed in payment. The town-meetings were held at the meeting-house for several years. In 1793 the place was the house of Corne- lius Whitney. The town at that time seems to have been out of debt and money on hand, as the overseers of the poor wore authorized to loan seventy-five pounds, " at legal in- terest, on land security." Michael Parker, Ebenezor Simmons, Stephen Graves, and John Felshaw advertise estrays. At the town-meeting of 1804, it was voted that Isaac Bishop purchase for the town a surveyor's compass and a chain. Still earlier items are as follows : September 4, 1784, tliere is recorded the survey of a road beginning at the southeast corner of the school-house standing between Joseph Herrington's and Lieutenant Ebenezer Gould"s, and extending to the west side of the highway west of Samuel Harnden's house. Another laid out by Ichabod Parker, David Doane, and Ambrose Parker, Oct. 18, 1784. " Beginning at a maple- tree on the north side of the highway, from Granville to Skenesborough, in the line between the lands of Benjamin Baker, Sr., and those of Jonathan Brown, and extending to a hemlock staddle, marked on the road that leads from Captain Elijah White's saw-mill to Skenesborough, on the east side of Pawlet river." Also, Oct. 22, 1784, another, " beginning at the last turn in the road north of Zebedee Young's house, and ex- tending finally to a beech staddle, marked ' eleven' and ' twelve' in the east line of the Provincial patent, a corner bound of lots in the said patent of the said numbers." Another, "beginning at a hard maple staddle, marked at the crotch of the paths by Mr. Seth Baker's liouse," and extending •' to a hard maple sapling, by the road from Aaron Smith's to Eleazer Smith's." Also, one " beginning at a great red-oak stump, by Josepli Van Gilder's house," and extending to " a stake on the west side of the highway formerly laid out at the south end of the school-house that David Skinner set up for a blacksmith-shop." At the town-meeting in 1811, the support of the poor was let individually to the lowest bidder, and it is recorded that " David Holly bid to take and board and bed Joseph Barrett for eighty cents per week," and that " John L. Davis bid to take Leonard Eldridge to board, bed, and clothe for one dollar and forty- five cents per week." It was voted in 1792, that a work-house be provided for any. poor person likely to become chargeable to the town. In 1792 it was voted, that " no person should be inocu- lated for the smallpox, without permission of the officials of the town, on pain of incurring the highest displeasure of the inhabitants." In 1796 it was voted, ''that this town does, not approve of people spreading the smallpox, and that any person that publicly travels the road, leaving the smallpox, .shall be considered as (tcling ovt of character .'" It was also voted, " that any person that does not destroy the Canadian thistle on or about his farm shall be considered (i Tpoor farmer l" The following lists include the names of all those who have held the offices of supervisor, town clerk, and collec- tor to the present time ; also justices of the peace since 1830: Si pervisors. Town Clerks. Collectors. 1787. Da icl Curtis. Gordon Johnson. Daniel H. White. 1788. ' " " Nathan Law. 1789. < " " Daniel H. White. 1790. Timothy Lcon.ard Diiniel Curtis. Soloiuou Baker. 1791. '• Timothy Leonard. Daniel H. While. 1792. " Daniel Curtis. Zadoc Lee. 1793. " . " " " Jeremiah Spicer. 1794. " " " " 1795. " " Gordon Johnson. " 1797. " " 1798. " " 1 799. " " 1800. " " 1801. " 1802. .Tacob Holmes. 180.3. John Kirtland. 1804. Jacob Holmes. 1805. " " 1806. John Kirtl.and. 1S07. " " 1808. " " 1S09. " 1810. '•■ " 1811. " " 1812. " " 1813. Isaac Bishop. 1814. " 1815. " " 1816. AVm. Raymond. 1817. " 1818. Salem Town. 1819. " 1820. Martin Lee. 1S21. '■ " Asa Reynolds. Wm. Rayn Eliphalct Parke Cyrel Carpenter. Samuel Standish. Cyrel Carpenter. Jeremiah Spicer. Cyrel Carpenter. Jose])h Osborne. Cyrel Carpenter, Samuel Hough. Wadsworth Bull. 1, Jr. I'liiiy Whitcomb. Levi Thompson. Justin Kellogg. Levi Thompson. Derrick I. Wright. Samuel Everts. Roswell Ellsworth. Timothy B. Whcclei Da id Burdick. Robert Sackrider. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 205 Siipervisurs. Tiiwn Clerks. Martin Lee. IMkH Siickrider, S.im'l Stau.lish, Jr. John Wells. Isaac Bisho)). Jonathan Toild. John C. Parker. James W. Parker. Jonathan Todd. 1S22. 1823. lf<24. 1S2.^. 1,S26. IX2-. 1S2.1. 1S29. IS.",!). 18:11. is.-i2. lS.-!3. is:m. is:io. IS.'iO. 1S37. " 1S:1S. Reuben .^kinncr. 1S39. 1840. " " 1841. 1S42. 184.'!. 1844. 1S45. 1846. 1S47. 184S. 1849. 1850. ISol. 1852. Jonathan T Jolin €. l':u Oollectora. David Burdick. James Wilson. AVni. R. Iliggini .\;irnn Looinis. Philan'r Hitclic Nathan Doanc. John C. Parker. (Jeorge N. Bates. Lym.an lOllsworlh. Samuel Daily. Aaron Loouiis. ek. Morgan Duel. Samuel Smith. David Burdick. He Weeks 1853. 1S54. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1861. 1805. 1866. 1867. 1808. 1869. 1873. 1874. 1875. Isaac Munroo, Jr Isaac W. Bishop. B. D. Utter. Edward Buckley. Fayette L. Spencer. James Norton. James Hopkins. Alfred Buckley. Isaac Norton. Oscar F. Thompson. Isaac Norton. Nathaniel Mason. Oscar F. Thompson. Ervin Hopkins. Wm. II. Allen. Edward Bcechcr. Wm. H. Allen. George N. Bates. Wm. U. Allen. Samuel Thomas. Royal C. Bctts. John Watkins. Silas Hall. David Brown. Palmer D. Everts. David Brown. Edwin B. Temple. S. H. Cowan. Alfred Buckley. H. D. Sargent. Alfred Buckley. F. A. Barker. Benj. F. Otlarson. Thos. Roblee (2d). Benj. Hitchcock. Joseph U. Burdick. Tbos. J. Aniidon. Samuel Smith. Cornelius Dutcher. Amos Law. Rowland Smith. B. B. Whitcomb. Simeon N. Dunson. Wm. D. Ausment. Martin W. Smith. Timothy B. Wheeler '* " Morgan Duel. " " John J. Hill. " " Isaac J. Bishop. " " George Osborn. " " Rowland Smith. " " Wm. Martin, (ieorge N. Bates. Loami Lee. " " Wm. Martin. Rob't J. Humphrey. Alanson W. Town. Benj. F. Ottarson. Jonathan Brown. Wm. H. Cowe Benj. F. Ottai Wm. Lyons. nj. F. Ottarson. ehael Welch. 1878. AsburvH. Me S. K. Potter, . Lewis F. Stii kney. Chaun'y L. Guilford. Judson H. Austin. Stacy K. Potter. Edward B. Rasey. Hugh Willi.ams. David Brown. Hugh Williams. Ch.as. E. Simonds. Sanford Carlton, Jr. Ghas. E. Simonds. Ellis Humphrey. Michael Welch. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1830. 1831. 1 832. 1833. 18.34. 1835. 1836. 1837. 1838. 1830, 1840, 1841, 1842, Isaac W. Bishop. John C. Parker. Roswell Ellsworth. Esek Fitch. Martin Lee. Asa Parker. John C. Parker. Cephas Thompson. Esek Fitch. Martin Lee. John C. Parker. Alexander Patrick. Silas Hall. Fayette L. Spinner. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1848. 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. Samuel Standish. Lyman \Voodward. Silas Hall. Oscar F. Thompson. John C. Parker. Pascal P. Smith. Reucl Pern her. Stutely H. Cowen. Albert S. Burdick. Charles 11. Mann. Reucl Pember. Samuel G. Guilford. Albert vS. Burdick. Jonas Tanner. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. I860. l.Sfll. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. Edward Bcecher. Samuel O. (Juilford. Lyman Woodward. .Tohn S. Burbank. .lefferson Thompson. Samuel Thomas. Samuel G. Guilford. Charles R. Mann. Reucl Pember. Isaac W. Thompson. John S. Burbank. Samuel G. Guilford. Charles S. Mason. Reuel Pember. Isaac W. Thompson. 1869. Elcnior Jones. John S. Burbank. 1870. Fayette S. Spencer. 1871. Edward .L Smith. 1872. Reuel Pember. 1873. Franklin T. Pember 1.S74. Samuel G. Guilford. 1875. Chas. R. Mann. Wm. P. Beecher. 1876. Charles W. Potter. Wm. P. Beecher. 1877. Charles W. Potter. Silas Beecher. 1878 Samuel G. Guilford. The assessment-roll of the town of Granville for the year 1798 contains the names of about four hundred proport3'- holders, and this does not include houses and lots of less than • two acres valued at not more than one hundred dollars each. The following list includes the names of those assessed for $1000 or upwards : Jesse Atwater, $1008 ; Rufus Backus, $1364; Jonathan Brown, $1GS6; Amos Beard, $1(J02; John Bentley, $1106; David Blakeslee, $151H; Samuel Bristor, $28(12; Job Bateman, $1(150; John C. Bishop, $6271; Benjamin Baker, $2004; John Backus, $1668; Solomon Baker, $2280; Joseph Chandler, $16.56; Daniel Curtis, $1209; Silas Doty, $2524; Noah Day, $1122; Cor- nelius Dutcher, $1009; Nathaniel Draper, $1146; David Doane, $4414; Jonas Earl,$;5450; Charles Everts, $1836; Abiel Eda, $1548; Joshua Eaton (2d), $1128; John Fel- shaw, $1306; Solomon Farnsworth, $1229; Ebenezer Gould, $1923; Bonaiah Hill, $3547; Jonathan Harndcn, $1464; Jacob Holmes, $1563; Oliver Hitchcock, $1273; Jonathan Hall, $1152; Timothy Johnson, $1740; John Kirtland, $1231; Charles Kelly, $1622; Ichabod Knee- land, $2254; Israel Lamb, $1500; Timothy Leonard, $1173; John BIoss, $1090; David Martin, $1251 ; Hcze- kiah Merchant, $2217; Eli Murdock, $1164; Andrew Parker, $1143; Nathaniel Palmer, $1014; Nathaniel Parker, $3600 ; Michael Parker, $1131 ; Eliphalet Parker, $1014; Abraham Reed, $1464; Thomas Roblee, $1855 ; Asa Rcynold.s, $2518; Sylvester Rowley, $1032; Jere- miah Spicer, $1390; Daniel and Samuel Stanley, $1371 ; Moses and Jacob Savage, $1120 ; Jonathan Steel, $4116 ; Daniel Steward, $1749; Michael Skinner, $1212 ; Urial Shapley, $1344; Joshua Tanner, $1324; Theophilus Tracy, Jr., $1047; William Tanner, $1536; Joseph P. Upham, $1747 ; Elijah White, $2556 ; Joseph Whitney, $1(J56; Prince West, $1638; Solomon Williams, $1201 ; Lemuel Williams, $3192 ; Rufus Whitney, $1033 ; Jona- than Wright, $1070 ; John McWhoiter, $1692. It is supposed that assessments in those times were at much nearer full value than at present. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND OTHERS, FROM GRANVILLE. Asaph Cook, as stated elsewhere, represented the town in the Vermont Legislature in 1781, and in the fall of that year Benjamin Baker and Joseph Craw were also repre- sentatives to the same body. The first member of the New York Assembly from Granville was Captain Daniel Curtis, in 1791 and 1793. 20G lilSTOlU" OF WASIIINGTOxV COUNT!' NEW YOlUv. Timothy Leonard was member of Assembly in 1796-97, and several subsequent years. These men appear to have been the most prominent citizens at that time, and each received a public vote of thanks when he retired from office. From the town of Granville also there were sent to the Assembly, Colonel Stephen Thorn, in 1804; David Wood.s, in 1811, 1817, and 1S2G ; John Kirtland, in 1812 and 1820; Wadsworth Bull, in 1821; General Martin Lee, in 1823; Isaac W. Bishop, in 1832; Allen 15. Moore, in 1835 ; Leonard Gibbs, Jr., in 1838 ; Iteuben Skinner, in 1841 ; John Barker, in 1844; Henry W. Beck- with, in 1857; Erwin Hopkins, in 1863. Tiiere have been elected to the Senate, also, Colonel Ste- phen Thorn, 1804; Isaac W. Bishop, 1834-36; Martin Lee, 1839-1841 ; James C. Hopkins, 1854-56. The only member of Congress elected from this town was Zcbulon li. Sliipherd, in 1813, a man of commanding ability, and elected during a period of high political ex- citement. He belonged to the old Federal party. For the office of .surrogate this town has furnished Leonard Gibbs, five years ; Samuel Standish, Jr., seven years; and John C. Parker, four years. For sheriff, David Wood, one term, from 1806 ; Wadsworth Bull, from 1810 ; and Warren F. Hitchcock, from 1828. Leon- ard Gibbs, Jr., was district attorney in 1828. He was a man of brilliant attainments, and was afterwards widely known as an abolitionist. Royal C. Betts, district attorney, two terms, from 1868; Martin Lee, county judge, one term, from 1847 ; Oscar F. Thompson, special judge, from 1855 to 1859, and county judge, one term, from 1859; lloyal C. Betts, one term, special judge, from 1863. I.saae W. Bishop was a presidential elector in 1852. Edward Bulkley, county treasurer, from 1849, one term. VILLAGES. MIDDLE GRANVILLE. This is probably the earliest businass point in the town. Captain David Bood, according to local tradition, built the first house, and also put up a saw-mill on the site of the present paper-mill. Captain Abraham Dayton was an early tanner at this place,^father of Nathan Dayton, once vice- chancellor of the State. WnL Ilollister was also a tanner at this village about 1800. He afterwards moved to west- ern New York. Both these dealers used to take leather to Canada, bringing back gold received in payment. The grist- mill is .said to have been first built by Mr. Goodrich, on the site of the one now owned by Zenas Ellis. The old tan- nery, not now in use, was probably built or established by Captain Cowan. Earlier than the tannery there was a trip- hammer and blacksmith-shop, by Kingsley. The paint-works and fla.\-mill are of modern times. The latter was changed into a paper-mill about 1868, now owned by the WaterforJ bank. The present cheese-box factory was originally a carding-machine establishment, spoken of in another place. There was a cotton-mill many years ago, — burned about 1847 or 1848. lloger Wing was a clothier, and when he came to Middle Granville he offered Asa Iloud, it is said, five thousand dollars for his clothing-works ; but tiie offer was declined, and he bought the Whitney tavern. Of Middle Granville and vicinity the following items are added on the authority of R. D. Wing : Asa Rood, it is stated, declined to sell his water-power to Roger Wing in 1798 or 1800. The reason seems to be that he had a saw-mill at the south end of the dam, and an immense pile of large pine logs in the yard, and he regarded the opportunities loo valuable to sell for the handsome price offered. Just below the saw-mill he had a cl^othier's-shop, where he soon after placed the carding-machine elsewhere spoken of. He also had a cider-mill on the premises where the paper-mill now stands. It had a large wheel, revolving in a trough, that mashed the apples by hor.se-power, two presses \vith very large wooden screws, — all these he con- sidered a fortune. The introduction of the carding-machine relieved the women from carding the wool on their laps with hand-cards, — but even the next stage of wool-carding by machines is not very common to the children of the country towns now, so much has cloth-making become the work of large manufactories. The old sight of great piles of wool tied up in sheets and blankets, marked carefully with the owner's name, carried to the mill and returned in rolls, has almost passed away from the rural sections. The spinning-wheel in private families, even for stocking-yarn, is well-nigh one of the lost arts of this century. Asa Rood lived to saw up all his logs, and sighed for more logs to conquer. His dreams of prosperity were not realized. About seventy years ago there was a wealthy farmer, Esek Fitch, who lived about a mile north of the village. He was a justice of the peace. He had two sons, Chauncey and John. Chauncey was a most mischievous youth. He would run up the lightning-rod of the church like a squir- rel to the belfry, and look down into the street and make a speech, boy fashion. If he happened to see a trustee who lived opposite, and had charge of the house, he would come down quicker than he went up. He became an Episcopal minister, and preached in Washington city. Esek Fitch sold his farm to Ervin Hopkins, and moved into the village. He built the house now owned by Dr. Prouty. When Fitch was on his farm he had a hired man b}' the name of Eben Ferry, a somnambulist. He would go through his day's work every night in motion, — talk while sitting in his chair, make all the motions of driving oxen and ploughing, — all the time in a deep trance. He would walk to the bridge, throw off his clothes, plunge into the river and swim, dross up again, walk back to the hou.se, and retire to bed, all unconscious either of the things he did. or of the people gathered to witness them. It was re- garded as a most wonderful phenomenon. The oldest son of Erwin Hopkins became a noted lawyer of Wisconsin, quite recently deceased, while occu[i3'ing the position of United States judge. The youngest .son also died a few years since in the west, a member of Congress. The old gentleman still survives, near ninety years of age. He was a graduate of Middlebury College, but had the misfortune to become deranged. He was taken to the asy- lum by Deacon Cleveland. Hopkins was a portly man, of pleasing address, and very gentlemanly except when excited. When they met the keeper at the door of the asylum, Hopkins, in his polished manner, said instantly, before the deacon could open his mouth, " I have a patient here for ■i^^$-' ^H^P^iPMv^ HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 207 yoii. He will probably tell j'ou tliat I am the man that is crazy. But do not pay any attention to what he says. Take him in immediately." And he actually jrot his tem- porary j^uardian into the in.stitution, dodjred away himself, and got home before the deacon did. Of course the old gentleman was crazy, or he would never have said this of his son, when the future judge first began the study of law : " Jim is going to be a lawyer. He has got all the qualifi- cations. He will cheat, he will swear, he will steal, and ho will lie like the devil !" GR.VNVILLE. It is supposed that the firet house built in this place was by John C. Bishop, when he came into this beautiful val- ley in 1780. It stood on the site of the new dwelling of INIarcus Allen, the old well marking the spot. Eliphalet Petty settled here about the same time, his house, remodeled, being the present Methodist parsonage. Mr. Bishop opened the first store, and that stood near the site of the present Friends' meeting-house. These facts are stated on the authority of H. N. Graves and J. W. Thompson. The village first grew up on the west side of the river, but was afterwards changed to the corners, at the present Central Hotel, by Isaac Bishop. He secured the opening of the so-called Shun pike, drawing the travel and the bu.siness from Hebron and from the south generally. The grist-mill, now a part of the Stevens estate, is very old, — erected before 1800. There was also a saw-mill and fulling-mill, long since gone. About 1840 a woolen-mill was established in the place of an earlier hemp-mill, and it is now a knitting-mill, belong- ing to the Stevens estate. The water-power is regarded as very valuable. This village is connected by a stage-line daily to West Granville, and through to Conistock's, uniting conveniently the two railroads. The Central House is the site of an ancient hotel, kept in 1800 by Charles Kellogg. It is now kept by Edward J. Brown. There has been a partial incorporation of this village for the purpose of protection from fire. Latterly, the friends of incorporation have been defeated by a popular vote. The fine driving-park of E. I. Brown is just south of the village, west of the Mettowee. The following notes with regard to the merchants of Granville village are obtained of H. Newland Graves, Esq. : John Champion Bishop opened the first store. Isaac Bi.shop succeeded to his father's business. He was asso- ciated in it a portion of the time with his brother. Arch Bi.shop, with Wadsworth Bull, and with Howell Smith. The Bishops and their partners were thus the prominent merchants for the first fifty years or more of Granville his- tory. Another merchant was Reuben Skinner, from 1811 or 1812 to 1S30 or 1835. He was also a manufacturer, and was in partnership at one time with Arch Bishop, and with Wm. Woods, and also with Henry Bulkley. Jonathan Todd and Colonel Lee T. Rowley were also a not«d mercantile firm from 1828 to 1840. Rufus Graves, in company with Dr. McClure, opened a store about 1825, put up the brick building now the cloth- ing-store of Schifi". Mr. Graves continued in business until 1850, and died in 1851. During his career John E. Strong, noted in the iron business and al.so woolen manu- facture, was a partner a portion of the time. In the later years his son, H. Newland Graves, was also associated with him. Gooken & Warren succeeded to the business of Rufus Graves in 1850, — the J. S. Warren of the present time. Alfred Bulkley succeeded Todd in the firm of Todd & Rowley, mentioned above, and finally bought the whole business, and continued till 1875, the year of his death. Alfred Bulkley was succeeded by Slocuui B. Norton, the present well-known merchant. Chester A. Bulkley was associated with his father for some years. He now resides on the old homestead of his maternal grandfather, Samuel Morrison, and is engaged in the insurance business. He has a valuable collection of relies and autographs; among the latter that of Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Other merchants at various times have been Wm. Graves, Rufus G. Fordish, partners in the Graves store, 1835 to 1838, Joseph Allen, grandson pf the pioneer, Ira Marks, Morgan Duel, Samuel Smith, Stacy, John, and Charles W. Potter, Henry D. Sargent (in company with Henry Bulkley). In very early times the Bishops had an ashery, and after- wards a foundry, on the site of the present Burdick prop- erty, known as the Mettowee cottage. The site of Granville was originally covered with a growth of splendid pines. Chester Lee states that Wadsworth Bull built the Skin- ner store, was unsuccessful, and the store and stock were bought by Deacon Skinner. Mr. Lee remembers back over sixty years of a sleigh owned by Sherift" Bull, bought and used by Lee's father for many years. NORTH GR.iNVILLE. This village was not developed by water-power, though the stream at this point might furnish it to considerable ex- tent. There are two saw-mills, two grist-mills, a hub-factory, cotton-bat factory, and Dr. Kincaid's manufactory of cough- syrup. This statement includes the handet of Truthville, usually considered a part of North Granville. The Baptist church is at Truthville. At North Gran- ville proper there is a Methodist church and a Presbyterian, the old Granville academy, now used for the district school, and the new military school. At West Granville Corners there is a store, justice's office, harness-shop, and several dwellings, blacksmith-shop, and a paint-shop. At North Granville was a woolen-mill, by Jonathan Barrett, continued for n)any years. One of the first presses lor cloth was invented by him. Andrew Wilson, of North Granville, relates that he saw Francisco, the centenarian, plowing when he was from one hundred and ten to one hundred and fifteen years of age; two yoke of oxen ; driving, a boy holding the plow. At North Granville the presses taken from a very old cider-mill are still in use by J. H. Kineaid. SOUTH aR.\NVILLE. Most of the early history of this village is mentioned elsewhere in the reminiscences of Noah Day. It is now a 208 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. pleasant rural village, with no business or manufacturing enterprises, having post-office, school-house, cheese-factory, and the meeting-house of the Congregational church. The Gilder neighborhood is so called from the ancient families of Van Guilders, located there many years ago. One side of their family tree is said to branch off to the aborigines of Stockbridge, and some of the later families claim land in Berkshire Co., Mass., through Indian title; and many of them have become leading citizens of wealtli and prominence. Slyborough is another name applied to the same neighborhood. The origin of this word seems to be uncertain. Some insLst that the first word carries its own history with it. THK (illEAT BEND. This name belongs to the neighborhood at the northern bend, almost a right angle in the Mettowee, directly north of Middle Granville. R.VCEVILLE. This takes its name from an enterprising citizen, spoken of in connection with the Methodist church. JAMESVILLE. This settlement, in the northeast corner of the town, also derives its name from the James families of that section. TIIUTIIVILLE, a part of North Granville, seems to have gradually acquired that title, either naturally or by the rule of contraries. Citizens do not agree as to that. scuooi.s. The oarlii'st mention of school-houses in the records of the town occurs in connection with a road survey. The minute of a road laid out Sfj>f. 4, 1784, refers to a school- house standing between Joseph Herrington's and Ebenezer Gould's. Another road survey, the same year, refers to a school-house that " David Skinner had set up for a black- smith-shop." This must indicate that an old school-build- ing had stood there years before. A school was taught at South Granville as early as 1783, by James Richards. Salem Town taught a school in 1800, at North Gran- ville, in a barn that stood opposite the Dayton store. An early teacher at South Granville was Spencer. The old school-house west of the village stood by two poplars, opposite the present bi iek house. Sylvanus West was also an early teacher ; also Mr. dale. He lived in the school-house. At South Granville, Mr. Pettibone once taught a select school, and also John I'ollock. At the annual meeting of 1813 the town chose, in accordance with the law, six inspectors of schools : Salem Town, Rev. Ralph Robinson, Rev. Nathaniel Hall, Caleb West, John Kirtland, Reuben Skinner; and three com- missioners, Wm. Raymond, Jr., Jacob Holmes, John C. Parker; and also voted to secure a share of the public school moneys of the State, by assessing upon the town an equal sum. The commissioners elect proceeded to divide the town into nineteen school districts. The description of district No. 1 is as follows : " Including all the inhabitants on the turnpike from Hebron north line to James Hop- kins' now dwelling-hou.sc, inclusive, and all east of the turn- pike to Pawlet line, as far north as James Hopkins', and south to Hebron line.' District No. 10: "Including all the inhabitants on the road leading to Hartford southwesterly from Edmund Brown's, exclusive, to Hartford line, and north to Peter Boyce and Eiisha Webster's, inclusive." District No. 19 :" Including all the inhabitants from John Davis', exclusive; then south to John L. Davis', in- clusive; east to Wells line; west to Abner P. Hitchcock's, exclusive. " An academy was established at North Granville in 1807. It was then known as Fnirvltle Academy. Under the charge of Salem Town, as principal, it did the work of normal schools for years, training the early teachers, whose ability and devotion to their duties have left an impress for good upon all the surrounding country. The following are the students from Granville, whose names appear in the catalogue of 1817 : Sarah Ackley, Frances Ackley, Patty Burdick, Clarissa Bissell, Esther Chandler, Delia M. Kirtland, Clarissa Palmer, Thirza N. Tanner, Clorinda Yale, Henry Ackley, Jesse Averill, Bona- parte Baker, Jcjnathan B. Burdick, Mason Burdick, Fred- erick A. Chandler, Orrin Doty, John A. Dayton, Sidney Dayton, G. Dayton, Calvin M. Corbin, Charles Everts, John Hulett, Saumel H. Marshall, Charles Norton, Jonah Norton, John 31. Parker, G. A. Standish, David C. Stew- art, Charles G. Stewart, Horace Steel, Amos Savage, Salem Town (2d), James Tanner, Jonas Tanner, Cyrus Taylor, Rial K. Town, Ezra Spicer, Russell Underwood. The price of board was named at one dollar and twenty- five cents in 1820. Rather a strong contrast between that and the prices at the present military school, or any other modern institution. The academy was continued down to about the year 1870, when the building was purchased by the district. It retains, as a district school-house, something of its ancient success and thoroughness. IMiss Easton, of Put- nam, continued in the same position now for two years, is in charge of the school. The name of Salem Town, first associated with a quiet teacher's work here in Granville, afterwards became well known in all the educational circles of the land, and in al- most every school-house of the Union. While he was an enthusiast in his own peculiar work, yet he shared in all the interests of the community in which he lived. As a church oflicer, as a prudent adviser of the young people growing up around him, as a leader in fraternal societies, everywhere, through all these relations, he was loved, trusted, and honored. Largely instrumental in furnishing reading-books for the schools of the nation, in conducting teachers' institutes, and active in so many other fields of influence, he passed a long life, reaching a serene and happy old age, conscious of" having written no line which, dying, he would wish to blot." A circular of 1820 gives the names of resident trustees as Ralph Robin.son, Elijah White, John Kirtland, Leonard Gibbs, John C. Parker, Jonathan Steel. The North GianviUe Ladies' Stminarij was established, and the buildings erected, in 1854. It was incorporated and under the care of the regents of the University. The ffj^'g^l''^' '' ^OAH DAY. JAHSfloAH Day Residence or NO/AH DAY, South Granviue. Washington Co.N Y Ml C.Day. fAHS.M.J.C.OAY. HLblULNCE or M. T.C.DAY, &(?ANvaLr, Washincton Co.N.y. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 209 principal was Hiram Orcott. He was succeeded by Pro- fessor Chas. F. Dowd, now of Saratoga Springs. W. Wed- worth Dowd followed liiiu, and the buildings were burned during his principalship. He rebuilt the institution, but financially the new enterprise was not a success. Mr. Dowd entered the Presbyterian ministry. The property was sold to Professor Wallace C. Wilcox, in the winter of 187(), and the present military school opened in April of that year. The location is one of the finest in the State, — in a pleasant rural village, free from the temptations of larger towns. The grounds are extensive, comprising an eligible parade that has a decided military appearance, with its flag-staff, artillery, and range for target practice. The buildings are elegant, warmed by steam, and furnished with every needed facility. Besides the principal there are employed five other instructors, — Colonel Chatficld, professor of military science, Profe.ssor Thompson, Pro- fessor Swope, Charles Wilcox, tutor, and Miss Hattie Rogers, teacher of bookkeeping and telegraphing. The necessary steps are now being t^iken to place the school under the care of the regents. At Middle Granville there is a flourishing graded school. The first mectitig to consider the propriety of such an in- .slitution was held Jan. 13, 18G8. Charles H. Bull was chairman of the meeting — the acting trustee of the dis- trict — and A. W. Town, clerk. The movement encountered considerable opposition ; but after full and prolonged dis- cussion, continued through several meetings, a favorable result was reached. The first board chosen con.sisted of George W. Baker, Wm. H. Allen, A. AV. Town, John 11. Staples, Nathaniel Parker, Eleazer Jones, Charles H. Bull, Henry P. Prouty, Palmer D. Everts. The officers were Eleazer Jones, president ; Charles H. Bull, secretary ; George N. Bates, treasurer; John Williams, collector. The entire expense of grounds and building, excluding the public hall, was fourteen thousand and thirty-one dol- lars and forty-two cents. The old brick school-house, which this succeeded, stands on the west side of Main street (now a dwelling house), at the southeast corner of the old burying-ground. The district had occupied it since 1823. Earlier than that was the pioneer school-house of olden times, standing upon the same site. The church held a deed from 1808 of their own ground, the cemetery, and the school-house. On the sale of the latter the pro- ceeds were divided between the church and district, the former receiving four hundred and fifty dollars. The Union school was opened in September, 1868. Four teach- ers are steadily employed. The first principal, Edward C. Whittemore, remained four years. The successive princi- jjals since have been Judson Barker, Charles L. Mason, A. J. Qua, C. W. Atwood, Merritt C. Sherman, Fred. A. Sykcs. The present officers of the board are John Tyfe, president; Dr. H. P. Prouty, secretary; David J. Humph- rey, collector ; and George N. Bates, treasurer. Corinthian Hall, the third floor of the school-building, was a private enterprise, added by George N. Hull, at a cost of eight thousand dollars. About 1819 a few entorpri.sing citizens of the east part of the town established a young ladies' seminary at Gran- ville. The institution was not successful, and after a few 27 years it was given up. Reuben Skinner, Martin Lee, Horace Smith, and Lsaac Bi.shop were the leading spirits in the enterprise, and the school was opened in what is now the Merritt Bardwell House, built by Isaac Bishop for that purpose, now owned and occupied by Henry Bowker. The Friends at a very early day established a school, and erected a house for it on about the site of their present school-house. Finally, that house became the district school- house. The present Friends' school, of an academic character, was established about 1873, in the basement of the meeting- house. The first teachers were Lulu Trump, of Baltimore, principal; Louisa Sill, assistant. The .school became too large for the basement, and the present house was erected in 187-1, at an expense of about seven hundred dollars. Fanny Mitchell, of Philadelphia, followed Lulu Trump as principal. The present teachers are Ada Miller, princi- pal, and Phebe R. Dillingham, assistant. The school system having been established in 1813, and the first officers elected during the years down to 1843, others served in the office of school commissioner one or more years each, as follows: Caleb West, Samuel Standish, Jr., Asa Northum, Wadsworth Bull, Abial Hathaway, Jr., Henry Bulkley, Gilbert Allen, Horace vSuiith, David Northum, Loammi Whitcomb, Leonard Gibb.s, Gurdon Smith, Stukely H. Cowan, Charles P. Everts, Leonard Brown, Ervin Hopkins, James W. Porter, Leonard Root, Samuel Allen, Albert Wright, Ephraim Potter, Charles R. Mann, William II. Ward, Lyman Woodard, Fayette P. Muson, Alfred Bulkley. In the same period the following persons also served one or more years each in the office of inspector: Constant Storrs, Moses Parmelee, Eli Day, Ira Bascomb, Martin Lee, Luther Fletcher, Asa Northum, Washington L. Waitc, Leonard Gibbs, Nathan H. Raymond, Samuel T. Tanner, Wm. Raymond, Jr., Cephas Thompson, Wm. R. Huggins, Dexter Hitchcock, Charles P. Everts, John West, James Hopkins, Nathan Doane, John McNaughton, Edward Par- ker, Julius Doane, E. L. Parker, Reuben Graves, Julius Danforth, Isaac Munroe, Isaac W. Thompson, Charles G. Baker, Joseph Holmes, Allen R. Moore, Jacob Savage, Jr., Leonard Root, Nelson Monroe, Aaron Goodspeed, Jeremiah Clark, Ephraim Potter, A. W. Smith, Salem Town (2d), Job I. Reynolds, Jonathan W. Potter, Oscar F. Davis, Lyman Woodard. In 1844 town superintendents were sub.stitutod in the place of the previous officers, and continued down to 18515 as follows: 1844, Nathan Doane; 184.5, Wm. Potter; 1846, Wm. Potter; 1847, Charles D. Barbour; 1848, Albert S. Burdick ; 1849, Charles D. Barbour; 1850, Charles D. Barbour; 1852, James H. Reynolds; 1854, Wm. P. Beecher; 185G, Charles D. Barbour. We add the following statement of the money received by the districts at two points twenty years apart : I)i,l,-ict. 1837. 1877. No I $00.(12 Sl:i7.2'J " 9 y:t.:r2 7S.4C. • 1 :j' GG.2;i lOa.3.') • • 4" 7:!.3fi 101.G2 <. 5 fi<).2.S 101.77 " li ■.7.07 14:!.80 " 7 ' 11C.85 3S5.6S 210 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. District. ls:.7. 1877. No. 8 ?10,S.28 $J2:'..79 " 9 fi4.lli» OS. 72 " li» '.i:;:.',:i I4!i.,i5 " 11 1U1.02 Hl.sii •• 12 72.0,') 10i).7y "13 4:',. 41 1(17. Ifi " 14 '.Ili.l.s III.U " 1.0 (11.11.^ 11)4. fii) " IC .il.lll ll!1.24 " 17 8i;.2ll 107.00 " IS (14. Hi* 84.00 CHUKCIIES. THE FIR.ST rRESI!YTERI.\N CHURCH AT MIDDLE GR.\N- VILI.E. This .society lias a long and varied histoi-y i-caching buck for nearly a century. It was organized as a Congregational body, in 1782, under the name of " The Union Religions Society," with seventy-two members. Rev. Jlr. Hitchcock was the first pastor under a call, Sept. 26, 1786, continuing his labors for twelve years, and occasionally until 1807. Rev. Nathaniel Hall succeeded him in 1794, and remained pastor until his death in 1820. Rev. Mr. Rosseter fol- lowed, remaining three years. Rev. Mr. Whiton next filled the pastorate for eight years. During this time an unfor- tunate division occurred, and the disaffected portion erected another meeting-house. In 1832 a reunion was effected under the charge of Rev. Henry Morris, who remained three years. After a brief vacancy. Rev. Mr. Thompson became pastor, and his labors were continued for three years. He was connected with the celebrated Georgia case of imprisonment, having been sent with Messrs. Worcester and Butler as missionaries to the Cherokccs. Mr. Thomp- son, however, was not arrested with them, and escaped con- finement. Under the ministry of Rev. Charles Doolittle the church became Presbyterian, and the first elders chosen were Peter Cramer, Joseph Short, Dexter Hitchcock, George N. Bates, Albert Wright, and Henry Leonard. The pastors following Mr. Doolittle have been Rev. J. B. Hubbard, S. B. Swift, Chauncey Hubbard, Sjlden Haynes, John E. Baker, Mr. Crawford, A. Traver, J. P. Velie, W. W. Dowd. The present ciders are Alonzo Conant, Na- thaniel E. Hall, George N. Bates, Samuel G. Guilford, Levi Crosby, David J. Humphrey, George F. Hammond. Mr. Bates has been an elder from the first election, and is the only one living of the first board chosen. The house of worship is the first one built ; date not ascertained. In late years it has been improved and repaired. This society is the earliest church of the town, with nearly a hundred years of history. The meeting-house was erected before 1788. On the roll of 1782-85 are the names of Nathaniel Spring, Timothy Allen, Asaph Cook, Ebenezer Walker, Enos Parker, Nathaniel Parker, Daniel Curtis, Philip Langdon, Eliel Todd, James Barber, Jr., Josiah Blix, Ambrose Parker, Andrew Parker, Amos Beard, Peter Parker, Lsaac Doty, Coonrad Harkinan, Thomas Skinner, Abraham Reed, Kitchel Reed, Abel Conistock, Benjamin Barber, Nathaniel Hitchcock, Silas Hitchcock, James Barber, Thomas Convcrs, Titus A. Cook, Samuel Cook, Jo.seph Martin, David Martin, Elijah Saekett, Isaac Parker, Daniel Curtis, Jr., Calvin Otis, Gideon Allen. As a speci- men of discipline we notice that under date of Feb. 10, 1807, two members made confession " for going into carnal company and spending late hours in dancing." FIRST CO.NfiREGATIONAL CHURCH AT .SOUTH GRAN- VILLE. At an ecclesiastical council convened at Granville, De- cember 22, 1789, for the purpose of gathering a church in Granville if deemed expedient, there were present Rev. James Thom.son, Rev. Increase Graves, Rev. Lewis Bccbe, and Delegates Abisha Mosely, Jo.seph Leavitt, Joel Ilamon. Mr. Thomson was chosen moderator, and Mr. Becbe scribe. After a full examination into the circumstances of the case, and the (^jualifications of the proposed candidates for membership, it was decided to be expedient to organize them into a church after the design should be properly published to the congregation. This having been done. Rev. Increase Graves, pastor of the church of Rupert, Vt., on the 12th of January, 1790, publicly organized into a church the following persons, after their assent was given to the confession of faith and covenant: Thomas North, Thomas Wilson, Scottoway Whitcomb, and his wife Mary, Ezra Lee and his wife Sarah, Arthur Hnggins, Elizabeth Johnson, Mary Denton, — nine in all; the first four by letter, the rest by profession. At the evening meeting of the same day it was arranged that Rev. Mr. Graves, of Rupert, .should be the moderator of the Granville church. Arthur Huggins was chosen clerk, and Scottoway Whitcomb was appointed to lead in public wor- ship. The entire series of ministers following Jlr. Graves have been Rev. Jlessrs. Hitchcock, Griswold, Washburn, Taylor, Porter, Parmelee, Perrin, Haynes, Clark, Avery, Dennison, Payne, Webster, Barber, Tyler, Donald, Bas- sott, Beecher, Stuart, White, Doe, Tombs, Hanks, Ed- wards, Dowd, Hanks. Mr. Hanks has returned to his connection with the church and is the present pastor, the twenty-sixth in succession. It may be noticed that Rev. Lemuel Haynes, who was pastor from 1822 to 1833, was the celebrated colored minister, filling his position with great acceptance to the church and congregation. The first hou.se of worship was erected in 1806. This was succeeded in 1847 by a new one upon the present site. In 1873 the society replaced that building with the present fine edifice, thirty-four by fifty-six, at a cost of thirty-seven hundred dollars, and free of debt. The membership of the church is sixty-three. The pre.sent church clerk is Walter E. White, and the deacons are Noah Day, Wni. P. Beecher, Wm. Sweet, Wni. Baker. The house of worship first erected by this society in 1789 or 1790 is still standing, near the brick school-house by the Marcus Day farm, a mile west of South Gran- ville. THE NORTH GRANVILLE BAPTLST CHURCH. After several conferences had been held, the first meet- ing for actual organization Wiis held about the 1st of Au- gust, 1784. At an adjourned meeting, August 18, held at the house of Brother John Stewart, the society was fully recognized as a church, Elder Ilezekiah Eastman, of Danby, Elders Wait and Cornell, of Manchester, conducting the services. The next day twenty-two members partook of the communion. In November a call was extended to Rev. Richard Sill, and he was ordained in January, 1785, and became the first pastor. We add from the venerable, IlISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 211 timc-staiiicJ records the luiiues of tlio following male mem- bers, tlioujrh djtes of admission were not entered, but tliey arc evidently from 178-t to 1792: Joshua Calkins, John Stewart, Sr., Jonathan Brown, Silas Mer(Uolthy, Daniel Rowley, Reuben Mequeltliy, Riehard Sill, "Daniel Stewart, Tjenjamin Baker, David Stewart, Abram Vanduzer, Timothy Baker, Alexander Brown, Joshua Smith, John Stewart, James Vanduzer, Joseph II(jlly, Nathaniel Gastman, Geo- bad Parker, James Meartner, Alplieus Crippen, Jonathan Heed, Solomon Williauis, William Gastman, Amos Utter, Cliaunoey Barnes, Lotan Simons, Silas Bobbins, James Covil, Edward Lawrence, David Doane, Nathan Bhodes, Elijah Stoddard, Abram Swan, Wanser Hendricks, Tim- othy Pool, Caleb Commons, Jabez Gicen, Benaijah Hill, Israel Calkins, Jordan Dodp;e, William Powei-s, Silas Barnes, Cornelius Barnes, John Kent, Samuel FiUis, Robert Wat- son, Caleb Calkins, Benjamin Spencer, Joel Dodge, James Austin, Elisha Andrus. The ministers since the first have been Elders Dodge, Amasa Brown, 1799 ; Sylvanus H0II3', 1800 ; Ephraim Sawyer, Samuel Bowley, 180G, eleven years; Abel Wood, 1820 ; Samuel Dillaway, 1822, eleven years (the great re- vival work of 1831-32 bringing over one Imndred into the church in six months) ; J. C. Holt, G. Norris, 1834 ; II. H. Haff, Robert Bryant, 1837 ; Ransom Sawyer, S. C. Dillaway, 1840; James Delany, 1841 ; Seth Ewen, 1842; Alfred Harvey, 1843; Stillman B. Grant, 1846; William Hutchinson, 1849; J. H. Pratt, 1851 ; O. Adams, 1853 ; Lyman Smith, 1854; J. H. Pratt, 1858; Joseph Earl, ISliS, nine years ; Joshua Wood, 1874. The first clerk was Benjamin Baker ; the first deacon was Joshua Calkins, and soon after, Jonathan Brown. Coomer Mason and Truman iMason were deacons for many years, and Captain Jehiel Dayton was an active church worker i'or nearly half a century. The first house of worship was built in 1802. Previous to that the society had met in various buildings, as other pioneer societies usually did. The house was built very largely by donations of labor and materials. It was repaired in 1845 at a cost of seven hundred dollars, and again in 1871. Seven hundred and forty members by baptism and two hundred and forty-three by letter were received down to 1807. The church suffered from divisions over Masonry in 1829-30. From this branch of the church n)any young men have gone into the ministry, — Samuel Clark, Melancthon Turner, Ashley Vaughan, A. D. Gillette, Hiram Everts, J.*0. Mason, Edward Savage, H. G. Mason, Warren Mason, Charles H. Nash, John Secomb, Linus Reynolds, Ransom Harvey, Gershoin B. Day, Nelson Chapin, Charles N. Chandler, J. T. Vinson, R. J. Adams, Adin Kendrick, Hariah J. Reynolds. Surely, this is a record seldom equaled. Three were sons of Deacon Truniati Temple. Present officers are: Deacons, Sardis Otis, Silas Beecher, William Grimes; rustees, 0. T. Ma.son, Henry Barnard, Silas Beecher, L. R JIason, Lorenzo Barnard, Horace Rhodes; Clerk of Church, David Ingalsbe ; Clerk of Soci- ety, Jo.sepli Stafford ; Superintendent of Sunday-school, F. .M. !\Ia.son. The list of deaciuis, from the first, will be of interest to many who remember them in the days of their useiulne.ss : Joseph Calkins and Benjamin Boker, elected in 1792 ; Jacob Savage, in 1808; Job Leonard^ in 1820 or 1822; Samuel Standish, in 1823 ; Truman Mason and /acliariah Waldo, in 1830; Coomer Mason, in 1850; Linus R. Ma- son and John B. Brown, in 1853; William Nelson and Sardis Otis, in 1870 ; Silas Beecher and William A. Grimes, in 1876. Jonathan Brown, whose name appears so frequently in all the earlier meetings of the church, was once chosen deacuii, but declined. The Friends' Society of Granville was organized in 1800 by John C. Bishop and others, with a membership of twenty-six. The first minister was Hannah Bishop. The first house of worship was ereoted in 1806 at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. In later years it has been repaired and improved. The first records were burned, and names of early members are given from the memory of elderly people : John C. Bishop, Abraham Bishop, Stephen Bishop, Matthew Rogers, Amos Carpenter, Chilion Wood, Nathaniel Potter, Lemuel Chase, Prince Potter, Abner Potter, Stephen Dillingham, Samuel Morrison, David Pot- ter, Asa Moslier, John Duel, Christopher Potter, and De- liverance Rogers. Ministers from the first: John C. Bishop, Hannah Bishop (Mrs. Amos Carpenter), Lillis Wood, Richard Cook, and Amy Dillinghain. Freborn Potter, Joseph Dillingham, and Hannah Rogers, present ministers. The first meetings were held at the house of John C. Bishop, or in a barn near by. In 1873 the house was re- paired at an expense of two thousand five hundred dollars. Present officers: Clerk, Henry Dillingham; Trustees, Stephen Dillingham and John W. Gray ; Overseers of the Meeting, Otis Dillingham and John W. Gray ; Overseers of the Poor, Stephen Dillingham and Henry Dillingham. Every meeting supports its poor. No Friend being per- mitted to be sent to the county-hou.se. The Sabbath-school — established about 1867 ; J. Warren Gray, superintendent — adds to the numbers and the interest. About 1828 another society of Friends was formed, and established a meeting, about a mile south, at tlie house of Ephraim Potter. A few years later they erected a brick meeting-house, and occupied it until about 1872, when the society dissolved, and the liouse was sold for school purposes. l'UE.S75YTERI.\N CIIUKCU AT NOItTH GRANVILLE. This church was organized Feb. 22, 1810, as a Congre- gitional society. It became Presbjterian in 1823. The ministers of this church have been Rev. R. Robinson, Rev. C. Williams, Rev. Amos Savage, Rev. J. B. Shaw, Rev. D. Johnson, Rev. Ciiarles Gillette, Rev. Ciiarlcs Doolittle, Rev. Jonathan Sewell, Rev. Lewis Kellogg, the present pastor. The corporate name of this society was '■ The Fair Vale Religious Society." Its territory embraced both North and AVest Granville and piirt of Fort Ann. and does now. The Rev. Nathaniel Hall organized the church. Tiie following wore the first members : Sylvanus Cone, David ^Martin, Joseph Chandler, Peter 212 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. J'iirkor, Joseph Town, David Graves, Obadiah Archer, Bcn- jiimin Town, Butler Beckwith, Ichabod Morse, Charity Cone, Esther Chandler, Esther Parker, Hannah Town, Elizabetli Archer, Hannah Bcckwitli, Sally Morse, Triphcna Iluggins, Anna Blorse, Susanna Leaving, Ascnath Town, Elizabeth Cady. The church belonged to the Southwestern consociation of Vermont. The church first held ita meetings in the large upper room of the academy, which had been erected in 1807. Mr. Robinson's pastorate continued eleven and a lialf years. The first deacons elected were Salem Town and Ichabod Morse, and Salem Town seems to liave been the first clerk. When the church became Presbyterian, the first elders were Salem Town, Zebulon R. Shipherd, Reu- ben Graves, and Joseph Town. A very noted revival work occurred in 1831 and 1832. Tlio pastorate of Rev. Mr. Sewcll was extended to thirteen years. He is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-six, in Chicago. The present pastor. Rev. Lewis Kellogg, was for twenty-three years pastor of the Presby- terian church in Whitehall. His labors tlicre were many and abundant. His historical addre.ss, delivered in White- hall, in 1847, has for years been a standard work of refer- ence there, not only for church but also for general history. He is now in the ninth year of his labors in this beautiful rural village. The present elders are Melancthou W. Blinn, Edwin S. Kirtlaud, Addison Willett, Gurdon D. Bull ; clerk of society, Joseph B. Shumway. TRINITY CHURCH, GRANVILLE.* As early as 1790 there were organizations of the Episco- pal church in Pawlet and Wells, adjoining Granville. Clergyman officiating were in part compensated by the rents of the glebes donated in the original charters of these towns. These glebes were confiscated by the State about the beginning of this century, and applied to the support of schools. Leading churchmen in Wells, prior to the formation of the church in Granville, were Daniel Goodrich, John C. Hopson, Dr. Socrates Hotchkiss, David Lewis, Samuel Culver, David Blossom, John Pray, and Amos Bowe. In Pawlet were Benoni Smith, Seely Brown, Henry Worcester, Ashbel Hollister, Lemuel Chipnian, Jonathan Willard, Josiah Smith, Jesse Tryon, Daniel Fitch, James Cook, and others. These families, widely scattered over the two towns, decided to unite at Granville, as a common centre, with the few of similar faith there. This led to the organization of Trinity church, July 15, 1815. The cler- gymen who had officiated prior to this period were Revs. Bethuel Chittenden, Amos Pardee, Abraham Bronson, D.D., and Daniel Barber. These ministers, in their ordi- nary services, were not accustomed to wear the gown or surplice, but simply the plain linen band which has fallen into disuse. Rev. Stephen Jewctt, who had officiated two or three years in Pawlet, was the first rector of Trinity. Besides the churchmen already named in Pawlet and Wells, there were, among the early members of the church, Martin Lee, Wadsworth Bull, John Kirtland, Elihu Orvis, ' By Uon. Hid Hollister. Harvey Rice, Nathan Doane, Isaac Bishop, and others, of Granville. The wardens were Josiah Smith and Martin Lee. The vestrymen, llayniond Hotchkiss, David Lewis, John C. Hopson, Daniel Goodrich, Jesse Tryon, Isaac Bishop, Wadsworth Bull, and John Kirtland. The first church edifice was of brick, built in 1815, on the site of the present one, and con.secrated by Right Rev. Bishop Hobart. The cost was about three thousand dollars. It was taken down in 1850, and an edifice of wood erected nearly opposite the Metliodist church. This was conse- crated by Bishop Wainwright, in 1852. It cost about five thousand dollars. This edifice was destroyed by fire in November, 1854. The society, with something of love for the very site selected by the fathers, returned to the old place and erected the present church, at about the same expense as the second house. Since Rev. Stephen Jewett, the first pastor, the succession has been about as follows : Revs. Moses Burt, 1818; Palmer Dyer, 1822; James McKinney, 1829 ; Alva Bennett, 1830 ; Reuben Hubbard, 1832; Palmer Dyer again, 1835; Darwin B. Mason, 1837 ; John Scovill, 1840 ; Louis iMcDonald, 1843 ; Moore Bing- ham, 1845-48; Wm. H. Williams, 1850-53; Nathan Monroe, 1854-56; Nathan F. Whiting, 1857; Daniel E. Willis, 1858-59; Wm. G. Hyer, 1862-63; James A. 'Upjohn, 1809-70; John Kiernan, 1871; Thomas Cole, 1872-74; Thomas B. Berry, 1875-77. Catechetical ex- ercises were always maintained in connection with the church, and for the last forty years a more formal Sunday- school. Rev. Bethuel Chittenden was a brother of the first governor of Vermont, and, though of only common-school education, a zealous and an acceptable preacher. Rev. Daniel Barber, in his old age, left the Episcopal church, and became a Romanist. Rev. Abraham Bronson, D D., was a dignified and scholarly man, and commanded uni- versal respect. Rev. Stephen Jewett was an attractive and popular preacher, possessed of rare conversational powers. Rev. Palmer Dyer, under whom this church at- tained its highest prosperity, was a profound scholar and devoted minister. He met with a sad fate in 1844, being precipitated from a bridge over the Au Sable river, in Es- sex county, and drowned. His tomb is in the shadow of the church he loved so well, by the side of Rev. Darwin B. Mason, BI.D., who died in 1840. The clergymen who succeeded him have all served but brief periods. Bishop Hobart, who consecrated the first edifice in 1816, was in the habit of visiting this church once in two years when his diocese embraced the whole of New York State. He used to compliment the church on the beauty of its site and the surrounding scenery, pronouncing it the finest site in the diocese. Josiah Smith, of Pawlet, who more than any one else was the founder of this church, was killed by the kick of a horse in 1823. Hon. Martin Lee was a prominent leader in this church for a long period, being accustomed, in the absence of a minister, to conduct the services ; he was as- sociated also largely with the lute Hon. I. W. Bishop, Arch Bishop, and H. N. Graves. The present officers of the church are P. D. Everts and J S. Warren, wardens ; I. W. Thompson, George Tobey, Amos Wilcox, George W. Henry, and R. C. Betts, vestry- ,_:^ HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 213 nipi). There is a parish library belonging to the church. There are nearly fifty communicants. The congregation numbers about one hundred ; Sunday-school of about fifty. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT GUANVILLE VILLAGE. This church was organized in 1827, and services have been maintained uniformly since. The house of VForsliip was erected in 1832 at a cost of two thousand five hundi'cd dollars. Previously services had been held in the school- house. The first trustees were Nehemiah Nel.son, John Potter, Solomon Williams, David Lee, Lee T. Rowley, Thomas L. Wakefield, Daniel Loomis, Newman Spicer, and Jolin D. Bard.sley. The pastors of this church have been Joseph Ames, Reuben Westcot, Joseph Crawford, Peter M. Hitchcock, John W. B. Wood, Peter P. Harrower, William Griffin, Josiah Brown, Charles Drool, Lyman Prindle, Lunian A. Sanford, Bera 0. Meeker, William A. Miller, Charles C. Gilbert, J. Fasset, P. H. Smith, D. Lytle, P. M. Hitch- cock, C. Meeker, E. E. Taylor, D. II. Loveland, A. Rob- ins, H. C. Farrar, W. A. Miller, W. W. Whitney, C. C. Bedell, D. B. MeKenzie, J. Phillips, and A. Hall. The last named is the present pastor in charge. The liouse of worship is still in use, having been thor- oughly repaired in the summer of 1875. Present officers: Stewards, Chester Lee, L. H. Ayres, S. L. Potter, Hon. 0. F. Thompson, J. Usher, G. W. Race, T. F. Perry, A. De Kalb, T. P. Austin ; Class-Leaders, J. Usher, E. Monroe, M. P. Norton, E. D. Sherman, C. W. Race, H. W. Trouty ; 0. F. Thompson, recording steward. The charge includes Raceville. At that point is a neat and convenient chapel, and G. W. Race, at his own ex- pense, has ornamented the grounds of the chapel with a park of rare taste and beauty. METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH AT SOUTH GRANVILLE. This church was organized April 18, 1830. The various ministers have been George Smith, William Gone, Chand- ler Walker, George Smith, Ziba Boynton, Elbridge Drake, Peleg Weaver, Peter D. Esmond, John Dorris, Anson H. Spear, Reuben Buttolph, Levi S. Smith, and Reuel Hanks. They had a meeting-house on the hill southwest of Gran- ville. It was taken down about 1871-72. Meetings had been discontinued some years earlier than that. WESLEVAN METHODIST CHURCH OP GRANVILLE VIL- LAGE. This church was organized June 15, 1843, by the Rev. Lyman Prindle. It was formed by a secession from the Methodist Episcopal church, and by a union of those of siiliilar sentiments from Congregational and Presbyterian sources, growing out of the discussions upon the subject of slavery in that eventful period. Taking the name of the great founder of Methodism, they established a church that should express the most decided opposition to slavery, to the use of intoxicating liquors, and also to secret, oath- hound societies. The church was well sustained for several years, and its membership at one time was nearly one hundred. The preachers for this society were Lyman Prindle, John Lowery, Calvin J. Goodwin, George P. Taylor, Henry W. Stewart, John F. Crowl, Asa C. Hand, and Henry Hawkins. This Wesleyan organization continued until it was weakened by removals, about the year 1850. Not long after, most of those remaining returned to the older organi- zations. This society held their meetings in the school- house, and did not build. The first officere were Lyman Prindle, pastor ; Horace Campbell, W. Z. Manning, local preachers; William Baker, Anson Flowers, class-leaders; David Whitney, James F. Esty, B. F. Ottarson, stewards; and the la.st-namcd, clerk. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH (IR.VN- VILLE was established in 1860. Services had previously been held for two years or more in the old academy, by Rev. S. McChesney and J. Noah. A class was formed under the leadership of Peter Grant, consisting of about twenty members. The house of worship was built in the summer of 18G0, at an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. A large amount was donated in labor and materials. " The people had a mind to the work." And when the house was finished, they had the profound sati.sfaction of dedi- cating a church free of debt. The first trustees were Andrew Wilson, Gilman Graves, and Peter Grant. Among the official or leading members of the church were also Charles Walker, William Frazier, Mr. Hall, Obadiah Smith and family. Philander Whitney, Loton Whitney. The ministers laboring here have been W. Foster, E. Marsh, Dr. Meeker, William Poor, A. C. Rose, H. Smith, D. Starks, D.D., J. Crary, L. Lawrence, H. Stewart. The last-named is the present minister. The present class-leaders arc James Johnson, Philander Whitney, Samuel McFaren, and Mr. White. Stewards, William Frazier, Lemuel Wing, Mr. Spinks, James Johnson, and Rodney Richardson. For these facts we are indebted to Andrew Wilson, chairman of the first board of trustees. He also had charge of the building of the house. THE WELSH CHURCHES. The slate-works led to the emigration of many Welsh families to Granville during the period from 1850 to 1870. John Pritchard and thirty others arrived at the middle village about the first of Augu.st, 1853. Tliey reached there Saturday night, and Mrs. Prilchard recalls the fact that the hotel was so thoroughly eaten out that night that the proprietor had to buy flour Sunday morning. Five families had previously settled in this vicinity. Under the lead of Mr. Pritchard and John Davies, re- ligious meetings and a Sunday-school were immediately commenced. They had occasional preaching in the village hall, and a union society was formed upon Congregational principles, and Rev. Griffith Jones preached for them in connection with Fairhaven, Vermont. In 1859 or 'GO there was a large number came over, and these were mostly Presbyterian in their sentiments. Two societies — one Presbyterian and the other Congregational — wore formed In 180(1. The i'rcsbvterian church elected John W. Hum- 214 HISTORY OF WASHLNGTON COUxVTY, NEW YORK. phrey, John Hughes, and Griffith Jones elders. Preach- ing has been maintained steadily since. The first pastor Wiis llev. John Jones. The society bought the iiouse that was built at the time the old Congregational church di- vided, and repaired and refitted it, at an expense of about si-K thousand dollars. The present officers are Rev. Hugh Jones, pa.stor; John W. Humphrey, Griffith Jones, Hugh 1). Foulkes, and William R. Evans, elders ; Trustees, Wil- liam E. Jones, chairman ; Hugh Williams, secretary ; Thomas D. Jones, treasurer; John Williams, John H. Williams, Evan J. Roberts. They have a parsonage co.st- ing two thousand five hundred dollars. The communicants are about one hundred and twenty-six. The Sunday-school numbers from one hundred and seventy to two hundred. Evan J. Roberts is the superintendent. Under the labors of Rev. ]Mr. Davis a society of about thirty members has been formed at Granville village, with Isaac Roberts and John W. Edwards elders. The Sun- day-school numbers thirty to forty. Mr. Davis preaclies for tliem each Sunday afternoon in a village hall. THE CONGKEGATIONAL CHURCH, formed, as stated, in 1860, erected a neat and convenient house of worship at Middle Granville, at a cost of about two thousand dollars. The communicants number about sixty, and the Sunday-school averages that number. The successive pastors have been Rev. Griffith Jones, Llewyllen Howells, Samuel Jones, Giiffith Jones again; and since that the pulpit has been filled by temporary supply. While the slate-works flourished at Jamesville, in the northeast part of the town, a Congregational church was established there and a convenient house of worship erected. It was supplied by the same pastor as the Con- gregational church at Middle Granville. With the decline of the slate interests at that point and the removal of the people the church dissolved, and no services are now held at that place. The energy with which this people ha/e sustained re- ligious institutions is worthy of groat praise. Zealous for the faith of their fathers, they are laying broad and deep the foundations of Christian faith as certainly as they are developing the business interests of the town. The Presbyterian church has raised in the brief seven- teen years of its existence not less than thirty thousand dollars for the supply of the pulpit and for its general work. Doubtless the Congregationalists, in proportion to their numbers, have made similar sacrifices. CATHOLIC CHURCH, MIDDLE OUANVILLE. The Catholic society at Middle Granville, known to the church authorities as " Our Lady of Mount Carmel," was established in 1807. The first meeting was in January of that year. For various reasons, perhaps prudential, the movement was met with some hesitation by some Catholic authorities in the vicinity. But a request to the bishop of Albany for a pastor, received the response that when a church was built a pastor would be sent. Taking the good prelate at his word, without further negotiation abroad, the people erected the present commodious church. The build- ing committee was Wm. Lyon, Thomas Noonan, and James Murphy. The citizens of the village unhesitatingly award to Mr. Lyon, then a young man not twcnty-ono, great credit for the success of the movement. At the completion of the church he went to Albany in company with Thomas Noonan, and, no doubt with something of youthful enthu- siasm and just pride, reported to the bishop that they were ready to claim the fulfillment of the promise. There stood a finished edifice waiting the acceptance of the church. Vicar-General W^adhams investigated the location and the work. Bishop Conroy consecrated the church, and Rev. W. B. Hannett became the first pastor. He remained eight years. The church cost five thousand dollai's, and a pastoral residence worth seven thousand dollars was also added. Rev. J. J. Hayden, the present pastor, succeeded Father Hannett. The congregation numbers five hundred. ST. Patrick's church op north oranville extends back to 1852, or about that time. Meetings were first held at the house of Miles Cahoes by pastors from Whitehall. Soon after, a small chapel was built, super- seded by the present edifice in 18G6, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It has been under the charge of the same pastor as the church at Middle Granville. baptist church at GRANVILLE VILLAGE. This is a recent organization. Meetings were commenced in the village hall, under the charge of Rev. L. A. Fish, in the spring and summer of 1870. The organization was made in March, 1870. A house of worship was erected and dedicated in March, 1877. First Trustees, E. C. Whiting, Willis II. HoUister, Daniel Woodard. Church Clerk, Willis H. Hollister ; Deacons, Daniel Woodard, Truman Temple, Wm. Nelson. House cost about two thousand five hundred dollars. Dedi- cation .services conducted by Rev. E. A. Johnson, of Green- wich. The pastor of the Hebron church officiates for this congregation. BURIAL-PLACES. The principal places of burial, old and recent, may be enumerated as follows : The one at Trulhville, near the Baptist church. In this there are the remains of many of the earliest settlers. It is a tradition in the neighboihood that at first the burials were upon the opposite side of the road, but the bodies wore removed to the present place so long ago that few citizens know anything about it. The new cemetery at North Granville was established about 1S,")1. The Catho- lics have a cemetery in connection with their church at West Granville Corners. Private burials were on the Wil- let place, — very old, — remains mostly removed. The Otis ground, within the limits of Fort Ann, is very old, and used largely by curly citizens of the northwest part of the town. The burial-place in the village of Middle Granville is very old. The following early names and dates are found in it. Lydia, wife of Jacob Egbarton, Nov. 25, 1779. A daughter of Solomon Baker, Sept. 2, 1787. Jerusha, wife of Benjamin Baker, April 0, 17D0. Benjamin Baker, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 215 Nov. 4, 1798. Man-, wife of Ebenczer Backus, April IB, 1794. Deacon Thomas Skinner, Dec. 14, 1797. The Masonic burial-ground wa.s set apart by the order at an early day, on the present farm of E. B. Temple, formerly that of Benaijah Hill. In Gi'anville village is the Bishop family ground, also the Episcopal church cemetery, and that at the Friends' meeting-house. At South Granville there are two burial- places, one on the Hartford road west of the village, the other north. The latter was cared for particularly by a Mr. Williams in early times. Dissatisfied at the action of certain others in relation to it, he is said to have declared that he would never be buried there as long as he lived ! The extensive cemetery of the Catholic church at Middle Granville is spoken of in connection with that church. A cemetery association designed to embody the whole town, and put an end to burials in small and unprotected grounds, was formed at (Jranville, in March, 18C2. Levi Crosby was chairman of the meeting for organization, and tlie officers elected were S. W. Wright, president; Levi Crosby, vice-president ; B. P. Ottarson, secretary ; William H. Allen, treasurer. About twelve acres were bought near Middle Granville, and laid out by a landscape artist. Burton A. Thomas, forming a beautiful resting-place for the dead. Some portions of the town have not united in the work as was expected, burials continuing in some of the older grounds. The present board of trustees are D. I. Day, president; William H. Allen, treasurer; B. F. Ottarson, secretary; Abram Barker, superintendent of grounds ; G. W. Baker ; S. Reynolds. On the academy grounds at North Granville is the grave of Mr. Whipple, a teacher, who died with no relatives here, and none came for the remains. He rests near the .scene of his labors, and the citizens erected the stone. SOCIETIES, BANKS, ASSOCIATIOiNS, ETC. A Masonic lodge was established in Granville in 179G, but neither the names of its charter members nor of its officers are preserved in the records. Some difficulty arose with the Grand Lodge in respect to the payment of dues, and in 1S06 Salem Town was sent as a delegate and se- cured a new charter under the name of Granville: lodfjo. The lodge of 1796 was called Liberty lodtjc. The now organization, however, retained the old number, 55, and have kept it ever since. The first officers (1800) were Salem Town, M. ; J. C. Parker, S. W. ; W. Sweatland, J. W. ; J. M. Stewart, See. ; Clark Northrup, Treas. ; Isaac I'hclps, S. D. ; Wm. Foster, Jr., J. D. The meetings of the lodge have never been interrupted for any long period, and it is now one of the oldest continuously working lodges in the State. The name of Salem Town heads the list of members in the old book, and the signatures of ninety-six others are appended, men well known in every part of the town and in every profession and business seventy years ago. The officers elected, Dec. 19, 1877, are Salford Rey- nolds, M. ; G. W. Henry, S. W. ; D. W. Ilerron, J. W. ; B. F. Ottarson, Sec; Deliverance Rogers, Treas.; George Tobey, S. D. ; W. H. Hollister, J. D. ; Julius Jones, Sr. M. C. ; Joseph W. Williams, Jr. M. C. ; R.W.Jones, Chaplain ; J. S. Goodspecd, Tyler. This lodge was at North Granville in the old times and down to 1804 or 1805. It was then removed to Middle Granville, and about the middle of February, 1874, to Granville village. The Mntnal Lianrdncc Cowpam/, nf Wnsltiiigtoii County, located at Granville, was for many years a noted in.stitution. It did an extensive business, having upon its books at one time the names of one hundred and twenty-five thousand policy-holders, scattered through many States of the Union, and also in Canada. Having started among the earliest of such enterprises, it had the advantage of the upward swelling tide in favor ol' insurance, and especially in favor of farmers' companies. It was finally weakened by a host of competitors upon the same field, and was compelled, by the non-payment of as-sessments in several States and the difficulty or impossibility of enforcing collection beyond the limits of New York, to retire. Its affairs were closed by the courts, a receiver appointed, two wagon-loads of books passed into his hands, and the long and well-known com- pany ceased its operations. Granville Tent of Rechihites was organized April 10, 1845. The fir.st officers were Dr. John Sarle, P. ; Dr. Albert Kendrick, D. P. ; C. G. Baker, Reading Scribe ; Addison Willets, Recording Scribe ; Samuel Dailey, Keeper of the Treasury; John Craig, High-Priest; Samuel Allen, Deputy High-Priest ; Thomas Worden, First Lavite ; Jo- seph B. Shumway, Second Levite; Cyrus Hinman, First Steward ; James Craig, Second Steward ; C. V. Dutcher, Warden ; C. R. Mann, Jonas C. Tanner, Philander Barnard, W. Scott, Smith Bateman, J. D. Drippen, Pjlders in Black. The society had a vigorous existence for a few years until .superseded by the Sons of Temperance. It wielded a powerful influence in saving men from habits of drinking ; and, in its own quiet way, carried the town by a large ma- jority against license. The division of the Sons of Ten)perance coTjfinued a ^l-'k years, and was followed by a lodge of Good Templars, which also failed after a few years. The National Bank of Granville was organizL>d in 1875, the certificate bearing date April 21. The first board of directors were Henry Cleveland, B. F. Bancroft, Daniel Woodard, Jr., William J. BIcCiellan, James Foster, Sher- man Weed, Edwin B. Temple, J. S. Warren, Truman Tem- ple, L. C. Thorne, John R. Staples, Luther R. Temple, Royal C. Betts, George L. Bulkley, M. T. C. Day. The first officers were Daniel Woodard, Jr., president ; Edwin B. Temple, vice-president ; George R. Thompson, cashier; D. D. Woodard, teller. The president and vice- president at the present time are the same. The cashier is D. D. Woodard, and the teller, Willie D. Temple. The capital is one hundred thousand dollars. They have a fine brick banking building in Granville village. La/ai/ettc Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, was estab- lished very early at North Granville, and m-.!t in a hall of Elijah White's house. It dissolved about the time of the Morgan excitement. The Union Dairymen's Board of Trade, at Granville, was organized in Feb. 1875, with the following officers: Otis Dillingham, president ; J. E. Goodman, first vice-presi- dent ; M. T. C. Day, second vice-president ; E. L. Coy, 216 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. third vice-president ; D. D. Woodard, secretary ; D. Wood- ard, Jr., treasurer ; M. B. Allen, 0. H. Siiuomla, C. E. Sheldon, executive committee. About forty checse-llictories are represented in the asso- ciation, scattered over several towns, both in New York and Vermont. Friday i.s the usual sales-day, regularly from the middle of Jlay to the middle of November. Samples are shown ; buyers from the cities make their purchases, and shipments are made the following Monday. The as.so- ciation represents a capital engaged in cheese-making of over one hundred thousand dollars. The present officers are M. T. C. Day, president; J. E. Goodman, first vice- president; Rufus Clark, second vice-president; Joshua Rogers, third vice-president ; D. D. Woodard, secretary and treasurer; S. S. Brown, lleury Welch, Henry McFadden, executive committee. W(isIiii>ff/on Coiinti/ Lodge., I. 0. 0. F., A^o. 105, was originally located in Hartford, under the same name and number as it now has in this town. It was organized in the early years of the order in this country. Its lodge- room and all of its books were burned in 1866. The lodge ceased to work until 1872, when it was revived; but for various reasons it was decided by a majority to move it to North Granville. This was done January 1, 1873. The officers chosen then wore Edward J. Brown, N. G. ; F. T. Bump, V. G. ; John Graves, Sec. ; J. H. Kincaid, Treas. The lodge met for some years at Colton's hall, but recently has occupied the hall of the old academy. The present officers are J. J. Ingalls, N. G. ; John O'Brine, V. G. ; Wni. Robbins, Sec. ; Henry W. Palmer, Treas. ; J. J. Wing, D. D. G. M. for Grand District, Wajhiugton and Warren. There are some members of this lodge whose member- ship in the order has extended to thirty years. r/iwiilx Lr>d(/i; No. 150, /. 0. G. T., located at North Granville, was organized May 29, 1873. The first officers were J. J. Wing, W. C. T. ; John O'Brine, Sec; Mrs. O'Brine, F. S. ; Thomas Walker, Treas. ; Mrs. C. C. Wing, W. V. T. ; Elisha Noles, M. ; Austin Perrin, 0. G. ; Oscar Perrin, P. W. C. T. The lodge has occupied the same hall as the Odd-Fellows. The present officers are E. R. Rhodes, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Sarah Palmer, W. V. T. ; Win. R. Robbins, W. R. S. ; Wm. Stoddard, W. F. S. ; H. W. Palmer, W. T. ; Mrs. Rhodes, W. C. ; A. J. Wing, P. W. C. T. ; Mary F. Wing, W. R. S.; Mrs. Edith Ingalls, W. L. S. ; J. J. AVing, W. S. ; Mrs. C. C. Wing, W. G. ; Norman Stod- dard, W. M. ; Ellen Grant, W. D. M. ; J. J. Wing, D. D. G. W. C. T. ; John O'Brine, I. D. . A Good Templars" lodge was organized at Middle Gran- ville in 1807, and had a vigorous existence, — placing before the public many first-class lecturers. It was dissolved in 1873. The North Granville Natiowd Bank. — " The Farmers' Bank of Washington County at Fort Edward" was organ- ganized Sept. 10, 1855, — George Harvey, president; Ran- som Stiles, vice-president ; George Clements, ca.sliicr. June 28, 18G5, it became " The Fanners' National Bank located at Fort Edward," George Harvey continuing president and George Clements cashier. At the annual election, January 10, 1871, Robert G. Dayton, of North Granville, was elected president, and John A. Russell, vice-president. In January and February, 1871, by a vote of two-thirds of the stockholders, it was decided that the location and the name of the bank be changed, — the same to be located at North Granville, and to be known as the North Granville National bank. The certificate of the comptrollers of the currency authorizing the organization of the bank at this place, pursuant to special act of Congress, bears date March 21, 1871, and the bank commenced business in North Granville about the last of April. On the 1st of May, 1871, George B. Culver was elected cashier in place of George Clements, resigned. The neat and convenient banking-house, with its strong vault, was erected in the fall of 1871. The present directors are Isaac V. Baker, president ; Levi Hatch, vice-president ; George B. Culver, cashier; I. V. Baker, Jr., N. T. Jillson, B. J. Lawrence, George Clements, E. S. Kirtland, Addison Willcts. The Meftowce Vidlc.y Agricultural Soclet)/, of Middle Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., comprising the towns of Granville, Hebron, Hampton, Hartford, Fort Ann, Pawlet, Wells, Poultney, Middletown, Rupert, and Fairhaven, was organized April 4, 1874. The first board of managers were David G. Blossom, president ; Truman Temple, vice- president ; E. C. Wliittcmore, secretary ; David Brown, treasurer; Chester Getty, Thomas B. Woodcock, Milo IngaLsbe, Sandford Carlton, and Abram Barker. In the by-laws it was provided that the annual fairs for five years should be held on the lands known as Peabody's driving-park. At the annual meeting held at Corinthian hall. Middle Granville, Feb. 1, 1878, the following officers were duly elected : President. — Samuel Culver, of Pawlet, Vt. V.ice-Frexlilents. — John Fife, Middle (jranvilie ; Lorenzo Nelson, North Hebron; Otis Dillingham, Granville; John Carpenter, South Granville ; F. I. Cliandler, West Gran- ville, D. I. Day, Granville. Recording Secretary. — \Vm. R. Savage, North Gran- ville. Corresponding Secretary. — L. Barnard, North Granville. Treasurer. — Abram Barker, Middle Granville. Directors — Leonard Brown, Granville; Truman Temple, Granville; R. J. Humphrey, Poultney, Vt. ; Sandford Carlton, Jr., North Granville ; Benjamin Bell, Hartford ; Franklin Hicks, North Granville. The Union Musical Association, of Granville, was or- ganized in December, 1861. Its object was declared to be " the advancement of the members in the science and art of music, especially vocal music ; the encouragement of thorough musical study among all classes of the community ; and the establishment of a public and general musical taste." The first officers were Rev. J. Sewall, president ; C. D. Barbour, S. W. Wright, 0. F. Thompson, vice- presidents ; J. M. North, musical director ; G. A. Meitzke, organist; R. J. Humphrey, secretary; B. F. Ottarson, treasurer ; R. D. Baker, auditor ; Rev. J. W. Sewall, S. W. Wright, G. W. Baker, executive committee. The present officers (1878) arc Rev. Wm. H. Poor, president; Rev. J. E. Baker, D. M. Westfall, and J. J. CC'cy^yt^u^^^^:^ ^/^/t^_„^^, GENERAL EDWARD BULKLEY. General Edward Bulkley traces his descent to Rev. Peter Bulkley, who emigrated from England, and settling in Massa- chusetts, died in Concord, Mass., 1659. It is said of him in hist«ry that " he was remarkable for his benevolence, kind dealings, and the strictness of his virtues." His father, Cap- tain Charles Bulkley, born in 1749, died Feb. 12, 1824. The subject of this sketch was born in Colchester, Conn., in the year 1789, and when about four years of age the family removed to Massachusetts. He was youngest son of the family of twelve children, and was educated in the State of his adop- tion. In the year 1806 he came to tha town of Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., where in the year 1810 he established himself as a manufacturer and dealer in hats and furs. Although his business was comparatively new in that section of the country, and his capital at that time quite limited, by strict attention to his business, economy, and judicious man- agement, his trade gradually increased with the increasing demands of the surrounding country, then fast developing. Subsequently he engaged in mercantile business and farming. Until within the last twenty-five years preceding 1878 he was a man of great activity in business, and possessed that resolution to carry forward to a successful completion whatever he undertook; a man of sterling qualities, and ripe judgment in all business matters. Genera! Bulkley was a decided and unswerving standard- bearer t and thor- ough was the action of the town authorities, heartily sus- tained by the people, that in January, 1865, the town was found to have a surplus of men credited upon the books of the provost marshal. Very honorable action, too, was taken for the relief of the families of volunteers, and in one case, where a wife had moved from the town, the meeting voted to continue the aid. In the fall of 1864 twenty votes were received from soldiers in the army, and voted by proxy. The following list of those who went from this town into the army for the suppression of the Rebellion is prepared from the copy made by the town clerk in 1865, from the printed muster-in rolls of the State, and it has also been left for correction at the towu clerk's office several weeks, and advertised : Joel Aldons, enl. Dec. 2.5, 186:1, 10th .Art., Co. I ; disch.argcd. John Aldons, enl. Dec. 2G, 1S03, IGth Art., Co. I ; diaclmrged. Judson H. Austin, enl. Aug. 8, 18(;2, 123d Kegt., Co. K; pro. 2.1 lieut.; dis- cliarged. Henry E. Allen, eul. Aug. ~'. 1SC2, 123d Regt.. Co. K ; pro. coip. ; discliiirgid. Wm. Aniid..ii, enl. Aug. 0, 1SC3, 21st N. Y. Cav. ; had before served full time in 311th Regt.; disih. July 3, 1860. Wm. Ausmeiit, eul. ISGl, 3Glh Regt.; died of consumption at Granville while in the service. Isaac Ausmeut, eul. 1801, Vermont Regt.; died at New Orleans, La. Homy Bush, enl. Jan. 7, 18C>, 93d Regt. John H. Babbitt, musician ; enl. OCtli Regt. Amos W. Babbitt, enl. OOlh Kegt. ; wounded ; disch. for disability. Wni. W. Brown, 1st lieut.: eul. Aug. 9, 1802, l-23d Begt., Co. U ; wounded in Gcol-gia ; disch. 1865. Joseph S. Blossom, eul. Aug 15, 1862, 12.ia Kegt., C... K ; disch. June 8, 1S65. David II. liaik.r, onl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, 123d Regt., Co. K; minor, not mustered into service. Nathauiel Bedell, enl. Sept. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. Juno 8, 180,5. Visli Boudevin, eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. K ; died in hospital near Chattanooga, Tenn. Martin V. B. lintler, enl Ang. 6, lSG2,'l23d Regt., Co. K ; discharged. Leioy L. Barnard, Corp.; enl. Aug. 0, If 02, 12^1 Ri'gt., Co. K ; discharged. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 221 U. Balermo, enl. Aug. 1802, 123(i Regt., Co. K. Martin liowkcr, oiil. Aug, 22, 1802, 123<1 Regt., Co. K ; (iis(li..Tunc S, 18C5. Gcurgo W. Baker, enl. Aug. 18G2, 123d Kegt., Co. K; pro. 2U lieut., I»t lieut., and oipt. j.disch. June 8, 1805. Israel S. Barber, cnl. 12Ctli Regt.; disch. for disability. JIatthew W. Barber, enl. ]20th Regt. Peter Balis, enl. ISlil, 2-2d Regt. George F. Bra.vton, enl. 44th Itegt. ; disch. for disability. George R. Brown, ecd. Feb. 27. 1804, lOOth Regt., Co. D ; wounded ; disch. May, 1S0.5 ; had served three years in the .Mexican war. Wm. H. Bowker, pro. ord.-sergt., sergt.-niaj.,lst lieut., and acting adj.; disch. Reuben Burgess, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav.'Co. F. Peter Bradley, Corp.; cnl. Sept. 19, 1801, 0th Cav., Co. D. George H. Bushnell, cnl. Sept. 14, 1801, Olh Cav., Co. D. Henry JI. Bailey, enl. Nov. 5, 1SC3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Joseph Burdett, enl. Ang. 19, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. John W. Bnrrows, enl. Jan. 2, 1S02, 93d Regt., Co. I. Itufns M. Boughton, enl. Dec. 3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. Elijah Chapman, enl. Dec. 10, ISOI, 93d Regt., Co. I. S.iniuel Carey, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I ; discharged. William Cooper, enl. Dec. 1803, 93d Regt., Co. 1 ; Imd served his time in 22d Regt. ; disch. Nov. 1805, serving four and a half yciira. Vim. H. Cowan, cnl. Sept. 1801, 49th Regt.; pro. sergt.; Ist lieut.; mustered out by consolidation oC regiment. Charles D. Cowan, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded in Georgia; pro. Corp., sergt., and oi*d.-8ergt.; disch. June 8, 1805. George H. Cowan, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; prisoner at Richmond ; paroled ; detailed clerk at brigade headquarters; disch. June 8, 1805. Richard C(.sttllo, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. .Tune 8, 1805. Ilaniel S. Carmody, cnl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; died at StalTord Court-IIonse, March, 1803. Franklin CVjok, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. Altadore W. Cook, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. for disability. Lorenzo R, Coy, enl. Ang. 5, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; pro. sergt. ; disch. June 8, 1805. Daniel Chapman, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E. Lucius Cluuse, enl. Sept. 1862, 93d Regl., Co. I. Palmer K. Clark, enl. Ang. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A. Hiram Cook, cnl. March, 1804, 93d Regt., Co. I. .K.hn Cook, enl. Marx;li, 1SG4, 93d Regt., Co. I. Elisha Cook, enl. Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Edmunil Croak, enl. 1861, 93d Vet. Inf., Co. E; at the expiration of flrat enlist- ment he re.enlisted in tlie same company and regiment as a v eteran ; was disch. .July, 1S65. Horace Dowd, eul. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died of disease, at Na.sh- v.Uc, Tenn. Michael Donahue, Corp., enl. Aug. 0, 1S02. 123d Regt., Co. K ; pro. sergt. Albert W. Doanc, cnl. Aug. 9, 1802, 12:ld Regt., Co. K ; died of wounds at Chan- cellorsville ; oneleg^llotoft'. When struck, exclaimed, "Boys, the devils have hit me ; but give Iheiu fits !" When last seen, was winding a gun- strap around the stump of the limb, and twisting it with a bayonet to stop the blood. Hugh Dorrence, enl. Sept. 28, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. 'i'hon as Doluihue, eul. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; woumled ; lost use of arm ; iliscli. 1805. Edward Dnshou, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12M Regt., Co. K ; disch. for disability; re- enlM Dec. 1S03. lOtli Art.; disch. Aug. 1SG5. Edward Donnelly, enl. Sept. 5, 1862, lOOtli Regt., Co. C. Henry K. Dnuton, eul. Sept. 7, 1801, 2J Vet. Cav., C... I. lloiace P. Eldridge, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 93d Rout., Co. I : disch. Hiram Prazier, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. Daniel Flood, eul. Aug. 1802, 12;)d Kegt. Gilbert Fritcher, eul. Feb. 28, 1864, 93d Regt. James K. Ford,enl. Ang. 9, 1863, 121d Regt, Co. K ; disch. for disability. John Fish, enl. Feb. 1864, 90th Kegt.; wounded at Chapiu's Farm ; w.is one yeai' in hospital ; disch. 1805. Tdus E. Gilman, cnl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt.; discli. June S, If 05. John Gorman, enl. Oct. 29, 1862. William Gallup, enl. ISOl, 93d Regt. James Gordon, cnl Aug. 22, 1862, 12:;d Regt., Co. K; died at Harper's Ferry, 1863. John Ganey, enl. Dec. 31, 186 i, 16th Art., Co. I; h.xd before served full time iu 22dRegt. ; disch. Francis A. Granger, enl. Feb. 1804, 93d Regt.; died at Andersouvillc prison. Ethan A. Granger, enl. Feb. 1864, 93d Regt.; disch. Chavmcey S. Guilford, cnl. Aug. 7,1862, 123d Regt., Co. K; pro. corp; woundud at Pe.ach-Tiec Creek; disch. June 8, 1S05. Joseph Gravlin, Old. May, 1861, 30th N. T. Vols.; woundud, rifle-ball through the right lung at the second battle of Bull Run. Pliineas Hall, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 03d Regt., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1805. Ira Hall, enl. Dec. 1S&!; !)3d Regt., Co. I; wounded ; disch. Aug. 1805. David J. Humphrey, enl. Aug. 17, 1802, 12)d Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. June 8, 1865. Noah S. Ilili; enl Aug. 8, 1802, laid Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. William M. Hill, enl. Ang. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; d s Jli. June 8, 1.S65. Andrew Harris, enl. Ang. 10, 18(i2, 123d' Regt., Co. Iv ; pro. corii.; di=ch. June 8, Edmund Hayes, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, ]2.1d Regt., Co. K. William K. Hills, cnl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1865. Horace E. Howard, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., (U>. K; pro. ord.-sergt.; wounded at Cliancellorsville, and died from cITects of wounds. Ralph E. Hall, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died of diphtheria, at Har- per's Ferry, Va. William S. Hcndly, cid. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. Morris Harris, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 12!d Regt., Co. K ; detailed to ambulance corps; ilisch. June 8, 1865. Fayette Hale, ord.-sergt, enl. Aug. 180^ 123d Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. June 8, 1805. Andrew Haley, enl. 123d Regt., Co. K. George Heath, cnl. 1862, 125th Regt.; wounded; disch. James Harris, enl. 1604, 123d Regt., Co. K ; dis. h. Juno 8, 1805. Roderick Harris, enl. Sept. 22, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. F. William Harvey, cnl. Nov. 23, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Andrew Hickey, enl. Nov. .3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. Francis D. Hammond, enl. Feb. 23, 1862, woumlcd in the right thigh. In the Seven Days' battle on the Peninsula, near Savage Station, Va., June 28, 1862; disch. Dec. 3, 1802. Nathan J. Johnson, capt., enl. Dec. II, 1801,93d Regt., Co. I; com. lieut.-col., 115th Regt., Nov. 13, 1863 ; wounded at Fort Fisher ; disch. Juno 17, 1805. Morris E. Jones, enl. July 2, 1802, 134th R(.gt.,Co. B ; disch. David E. Jones, March, 1864, 93d Regt., Co. I ; suffered from starvation in Libl.y prison ; exchanged in spring of 1865; disch. Andrew .lonbert, enl. April, 1801, 22d Regt.; disch.; re-enl.GriswoldCav. ; disch. James B. Johnson, enl. Ang. 23, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Jnel Jupson, eul. Oct. 1, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Thomas Keuney, onl. July, 1802, lB9th Regt. Merrick H. Knapp, eld. Airg. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; pro. Corp. ; disch. Juno 8, 1805. Andrew Lord, enl. Jan. 7, 1802, 93d Regt., Co. I. William U. Laugwiuthy, enl. Dec. 1863, loth Art. ; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. Lh-wellyn Lloyd, enl. Match, 1804, 93d Regt., Co. 1. John Lahue, Corp., enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; two years with regt.; trans, to navy; discli. July, 1865. Thomas J. License, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. K ; disch. June, ISCm. Nicholas Lamb, enl. July, 1802, 169,h llegt. Eratus Lowidl. enl. 109tli Regt. ; disch. for disability. John McDowell, enl. Feb. 1864, •2d Cav. James Muiphy, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K. Stephen McGowau, enl. Feb. 21, 1864, 146th Regt. John Murphy, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt , Co. K. John McCoy, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 12 id Regt., C.i. K ; wounded ; discharged. Henry Moshicr, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded; iliscliarged. Th.iuias McKenneday, enl. Sept. 1862, 169tli Regt. Francis Mow, enl. Aug. 1802, 12 'd Regt. ; disch. June, 1865. Michael McUriau, enl. Sept. 1802, 169th Regt.; supposed to be killed in battle. Sylvester Maddock, eul. Pa. regiment;a prisonerat Andersouville; exchanged; diSLharged. Michael Maloney, enl. ISO!, 9.'id Regt. ; served term, a:id re-enl. same regt.; discharged. William Mairs, eul. Dec. 1861, lOlh Art.; disch. June, 1865. Harlan P. Martin, onl. Oct. 2.-), 1801, 'id Cav., Ga. F. George Marcy, eul. Sept. 18, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. Robert McMurray, cnl. Sept. 28, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (.'o. I. William Mitchell, eul. Aug. 21, 1802, 12:!d Regt., Co. K. Daniel Morgan, enl. 93d Regt., N. Y. S. V.; killed. Willam Norton-, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, t23d Regt., Co. K ; lostau arm at Gettysburg; discharged. Jay Northrup, capt. ; enl. Dec. ISCl, 93d Regt., Co. I ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; disch. July, 1865. Albeit Nash, enl. April,{1861, 22d Regt.; discharged. Clark Nelson, enl. 1801, Vt. regt.; firat eul. iu 22d N. Y. Inf.; disch. May, 1865. Edward Nye, enl. Oct. 21, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. F. Samuel L. Norcloss, enl. Sept. 4, 186!, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I. George Osborne, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, l-23d Regt., Co. K, died of disease in N. C. Albert S. Porter, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I; disch. Ang. 29, 1865. Amos C. Potter, eul. Ang 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded at Kesaca, Ga., May 15, 1861 ; disch. June 8, 1805. Stjicy K. Potter, cnl. Ang. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; detailed clerk at brig.ide lieadiinarteRj; disch. June 8, 1865. Philip Potter, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 8, 1865. The above were three brothers. Benjamin F. Pitts, cnl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; wounded ; discharged. Samuel A. Potter, enl. Sept. I, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 8, UKt. J.din Pitts, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. K ; killed at Kesaca, Ga., M ly 15, 1864. Jonathan W. Potter, co:p. ; cnl. Aug. 22, 1862, 12:>d Regt., Co. K. Rilss. II U. IMts, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, l'23d Regt., Co. K ; discharged. Uzillo Pillcuir, enl. .\ug. 4, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. K; detailed to ambulanco corps; disch. June 8, 1805. 0-car Perriii, enl. 44lh Regt.; disch. fordis;tbility. A.lin H. Potter, enl. Sept. 10, 1861, Cth Div., Co. D. Jules Prescott, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 6th Cav., Co. D. .Seraphim Pcrroul, enl. Sept. 21, 1863, 2d Vol. Cav., Co. I. 222 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. George Phillips, enl. Sept. 17, ISO-I, 2.1 Vet. Cav., Co. I. Lyman Raymond, onl. Dm. 2J, 186:i, IGtli Art., Co. I. Oliver Reynolds, enl. Jan. 2, 18G4, ICth Ait., Co. I; diach. Aug. 1805. Fianklin E. Rnssell, enl. ICOIh Rcgt. ; diseliarged. David W. Rngere, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Itegt., Co. I ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; discli. June, 180.5. Edward B. Rasey, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 12:id Regt,, Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1805. Barzilla Roquay, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123a Regt., Co. K; wounded; discharged. John W. Rasey, enl. Aug. 1802, 12:!d Regt., Co. K. Amos E. Biissell, enl. Fob. l«Gt, loth Cav.; had before served from Sept. 11, 1801, in 6th Cav,, Co. D ; discharged. Edward Rock, enl. Feb. 19, 18G4. 123d Regt., Co. K; injured by falling from the cars; disabled; discharged. John Ryan, enl. Ang. 18, 1802, 12:id Regt., Co. K. Walter Smith, enl. Jan. 7, 1802, 9;)d Regt., Co. I; wounded at Gettysburg ; disch. 1865. Kead C. Stewart, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I; b.a.l served in 22d Regt. two years; wounded at second Bull Run; disch. Jcdln Sherman, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 12M Regt., Co. K ; wounded at Aiken's Rini. Amarilla Searles, enl. 90th Regt. Alonzo Searles, enl. 109th Regt. .Samuel Slilos. enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123a Regt., Co. K : disch. June S, 1805. Cyrus K. Smith enl. tid Regt.; wounded; diach. fi-om hospital. Wilbur Steid, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vot. Cav. ; had served two years in 30th Regt. ; discharged. Milo Shaw, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; supposed killed at Cbancel- loraville. AlonZM Shaw, enl. 1861, 2d Vt. Inf.; disch. ISO"). George Shaw, enl. 1801, 2d Vt. Inf ; disch. 1805. Wm, Sinnot, enl. Sept. 11, 1801, 0th Cav., Co. D. Waynan Stewart, enl. Sept. 10, 180 1, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. T. Siiniuel W. Thurber, enl. Jan. 7, 1SC2, 93d Regt., Co. I. Edwin Thomson, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, I23a Regt., Co. K ; disch. July, 1 RO.i. Wm. A. Tooley, enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K; killed while fording Jones' creek, near Goldsboro', N. C, April 10, 1865, the company at that time being deployed as skirmishers; the huit man killed in the regiment. Horace II. Tooley, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. K ; killed at Dallas, Ga. Edward Tanner, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co.K; killed atChancellorsvillo; fii-st man killed in company. Nelson G. Thayor, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; killed at Gettysburg. Warren Thomson, musician ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; disch. June 8, 1805. Welcome Thomson, enl. March, 1864, 93d Regt., Co. I ; died at Albany, July, 1865, a few days before regiment was mustered out. James K. Tyler, enl. 9 Id llcgt.; disch. fordisability. Joseph Tellior, enl. Sept. 23, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. F. Leoniird Thomas, enl. Sept. 4, 1863, 2a Vet. Cav., Co. I. John C. Thompson, residence, Granville, Washington Co., N. Y.; born in Gian- ville; enl. Nov. 19, 1861, 1st Vt. Cav. Regt., at Burlington, Vt. ; re-cnl. as veteran, Feb. 11, 1864, at Stevensburg, Va. ; pio. to lat duty sergt. ; discli. Aug. 9, 1865, at Burlington, Vt. James H. Van Guilder, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. Alvin Van Guilder, onl. Dec. 1863, 93d Regt., Co. I ; wounded at Spott.iylvania ; discharged. Russell Van Guilder, enl. Sept. 1862, 169th Regt.; discharged. Frederick Van Guilder, enl. Sept. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; served nine months ; omitted from muster-rolls ; not paid ; left the regiment and enlisted in a Vermont regiment. Henry 0. Wiley, capt. ; enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K ; killed at PeacIiTi ee Creek, July 20, 1804. John R. Williams, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K. Foster Winchell, enl. Sept, 1802, 100th Regt. Edson Whitney, onl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; died at Fairfax, Va., winter of 1802. Philander Whitney, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt,, Co. K ; disch. for disability. Philip Washburne, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. John D. Warren, enl. Aug. 1862, 109th Regt. ; pro. Corp. ; killed at Fort Fisher, .Ian, 10, 1805. Truman H. Winchell, enl, 109th Regt.; discharged. Charl.a Wade, enl, July, 1802, 169tll Regt, Clark H. Waite, enl, March 26, 1804, 12 id Rejt,, C ). K ; died of disease, at Jef- fersonville, Ind, Benjamin F. Wiight, cnl, Aug. 8, 1862, 123a Regt, Co, K ; supposed died iu hospital at Nashville, Tenn, Isaiah Wright, enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, 121d Regt., Co. K ; trans, to Inv. Corps; discharged. Henry Welch, enl, Aug, 11, 1802, 123d Regt,, Co, K; pro, Corp.; wounded at Peach-Tree Creek ; di^^,in^^>-,c^ HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 223 not of the Bible," which has been widely read. He was an easy, clear, and forcible writer, and all his writings were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Christian charity and courtesy. He was married, April 11, 1861, to Hannah E. Rogers, of this village. Since locating in this place we feel as though it is not necessary for us to make any prolix mention of his life and labors, as it is familiar to all. He a.ssisted in organizing the National bank of this village ; was chosen a director, a position which he held up to the time of his death. He was a Republican and an active temperance man. At one time the temperance district con- vention placed him in nomination Jbr member of Asscmblj', but he declined, fearing that the ticket might impair the •success of the Republicans. Through his efibrts, and these of the excellent gentlemen whom be called to his aid, the Reform club was organized at this place, of which he was president. He has labored a.ssiduou.^ly for all that was right and manly, for the promotion of that which would tend to improve the morals of society and community, and the depression of that which tends to degrade, debauch, and demoralize. That he has been successful is apparent to all. No man ever did more to improve the moral stand- ing of the town. Men who were wont to revile him in drunken song have been reformed, and now bow in deep sorrow at his death. He was loved and respected by all, and, although his life has gone out, he yet lives and will continue to live in the hearts of our people while life exists. His funeral obsequies took place at the Friends' meeting- house, and at no time iu the history of the town was such marked respect paid to any person on such an occasion. Every store, office, and shop was closed, and a Sabbath stillness was noticeable everywhere about the village. The funeral coitegc was made up of many carriages, the officers and directors of the bank, and the members of the Reform club, numbering from one hundred to one hundred and fifty persons, — among the party being many with grief unmis- takably marked upon their faces, and tears dimming their eyes. Many, too, were in the procession whom the deceased had, by personal efforts, induced to reform from habits the most demoralizing, and become useful and respected citi- zens. The crowd which assembled at the meeting-house numbered not far from two thousand, and the house, of course, was inadequate to accommodate so large a number, so services were held in the school-house and the basement of the meeting-house, in connection with those in the regular audienee-room. Aaron Maey, of Hudson, N. Y., and A. N. Pile, editor of the Herald of Life, of Springfield, Mass., conducted the principal services in the body of the church, where the remains — reposing in a rich and elegant velvet- covered and beautifully-trimmed casket — were placed. The casket was decorated with flowers arranged in different forms, emblematical of the life of the deceased, — one device being a cross, an anchor and heart attached, representing " Faith, Hope, and Charity,' surmounted by a white dove with spreading wings, denoting purity. This was placed at the foot of the casket, while at the head was a beauti- fully-wreathed crown of flowers, also a pillow of the same, representing " Rest," and a sheaf of ripened wheat, signi- fying that the departed was ready for Death's sickle. The services iu the basement and school hou.se were conducted by Nelson Hull, of Glen's Falls, Rev. D. B. McKenzie, of Hampton, and Rev. A. Hall, of this village, — and in each of the three places were very impressive indeed. As the speakers referred to the life of the deceased many who were not akin were moved to tears, and the fact was plainly demonstrated that one need not be a relative to mourn for the loss of such a man. After services were concluded at the church, and an opportunity given friends to look for the la.st time upon the loved form, the remains were conveyed to the Friends' burial-ground, in rear of the meeting-house, where they were interred, the grave being decorated with evergreens by the members of the Reform club. The fol- lowing gentlemen acted as pall-bearers: Truman Temple, Nathaniel Parker, Marcus Allen, J. E. Pratt, Warren Gray, and Abram Barker. Deceased leaves a wife and three children, who have the .sympathy of the whole community in this their hour of sorrow and affliction. On the death of Mr. Thorne, the directors of the National bank of Granville passed the following: " At a meeting of the board of directors of the Notional bank of Ciriinvillc, held March 4, 1S7S, iho following resolutions were ado|iled : " Wlierr:,i», The directors of the National bank of Granville have learned with deep sorrow of the death of their late colleague, Leonard C. Thorne, to whose wise counsel and faithful service this bank is indebted in a great degree fur its success and prosperity. In all rela- tions of life his record is an enviable one, — genial and courteous in social intercourse J a successful business man, who, in an honorable career, had by honest and generous dealings won the highest confi- dence of all associates in official trusts: faithful and vigilant, irre- proachable in private life, of an integrity whiter than snow, tolerant, charitable in thought and deed, the very soul of honor, he commanded and retained the respect, the confidence, and the affection of his fel- low-men, — his death will be sincerely mourned by .ill who knew hiin. He died before the measure of his years was full, but he has left a noble fame, the record of a life clear and clean in its aims, pure in public ways and private paths, full of busy, useful labors, and of duties well discharged, and crowned with honor. " lieaoUed, That we bow with reverence and resignation to the irrevocable decree that has deprived us of an associate and personal friend. While we may not murmur against the inscrutable ways of God, wc may still, in common with a stricken community, mourn the loss of our honored associate, a most exemplary citizen, Christian gen- tleman, and noble man. We tender to the surviving relatives of the deceased our deep sympathy, and afTectionately commend them to the only source of consolation in this hour of great affliction. " liesoheil, That the officers of this bank attend, iu a body, the funeral of deceased. " liesolred, That a copy of the foregoing be forw.irded to the family of the deceased, published in the village paper, and spread upon the minutes of the board. "Dasikl WuoDAnn, I'rcildeiil. "J. S. WAItREN, Sccretfirt/." The members of the Temperance Reform club held a special meeting, and prejiarcd the following resolutions on his death : " At a speciiil meeting of the Temperance Reform club of Granville, held March 4, 1878, the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare for publication a tribute to the memory of our deceased brother, Leonard C. Thorne, in pursuance of which we have prepared the following: " Wherriie, It hath pleased -Minighty God in his wisdom to remove from us, by death, our beloved president, L. C. Thome; therefore. '• Jlffolrcil, That we reverently and submissively bow tn the divine will, as indicated by this mysterious anlictive dispensation of his providence. " /l,;i„lr,',l. That in the death of our beloved brother the cause of terjiperance, licnevrileuce, and religion have Inst one of their brightest 224 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ornaments and most efficient promoters, and that the poor have lost a true friend, whose sympathizing heart could and did feel for bis neighbor in sorrow and distress, as commanded by the word of God. " Jieaolved, That in imitation of our deceased brother's kind and Christian spirit, as well toward the enemies as the friends of temper- ance, we will address ourselves anew, and with increasing earnestness and fidelity, to the prosecution of the temperance reformation to a complete and glorious triumph. " llenolced, That, desiring to manifest our respect for his many vir- tues, and an appreciation of his services in the faithful adherence to the cause of truth and temperance, we drape our club-room with suitable emblems, and that we, iu a bod3% follow his remains to their last resting-place. 'Brother, rest in peace j thine earthly labor is done.' " Jl<:8oh'ed, That we most cordially and fraternally extend to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends of the deceased, in their afflic- tion, our sympathies and condolence, commending them to 'Our Father in Heavea,' whom our brother loved, faithfully served, and in whose presence there are joys f<)revermore. " Jiesohed, That these resolutions be entered on the records of the society, and that a copy be presented to the family; also, that tbc same be furniphed the Granville Sentinel, JltniUl of Life, Living hsiie, and The ]yafcfiwor<.L "Ri:v. A. Hall. ■] ■Ti Tkmplf "IJ. F. Ottaieson, " G. 11. Thompson "S. K. PoTTKIt, "K. R. JoNi:s, IN MEMORIAM. [The writer pens these lines, feelinjj; liow weak and feeble they are in expressing the grief and loss felt by our towns- men in the death of L. C. Thorne.] A great man has gone from the world's busy streets, And laid down the burden of life and its cares ; A bravc-hcarted worker, whom we neeied so much. But God called him in spite of our tears and our prayers. No pen can portray all his goodness of heart, — His hand ever ready the fallen to save; Kind-hearted and loving, and tender and true, — A ciniHC and unpeople will weep o'er his grave. 'Mong the ransomed and blessed on the radiant shore Where is one more worthj' its glories to share? IHr work teas ice/l done, and God's fingers have placed Gems of love in the crown he forever will wear. Mourn not without hope, for your loved one has gone AVhcre no crire can disturb, or a sorrow shall come. lifif dead, nor yet shepinf/ ! oh, mystical words That thrill tu our hearts, he has ouly gone home! STEPHEN DILLINGHAM, Sim of Stephen and Amy Dillingham, was born in Granville, July 23, 1809. His father was born in Marshfield, ]Mass., and removed to Easton, Washington Co., and married Amy Tucker, a native of Chappaqua, N. Y., by whom seven children were born, of whom Stephen, Jr., is the fifth. Stephen, Sr., was an early settler in the county, Mid settled in Granville about 1800, and died at the age of about eighty-six, and wife about eighty. Stephen was reared a farmer, and this has been his occupation princi- pally through life. He married Miss Eliza E. Rogers, Oct. 17, 1827. She was born Sept. 9, 1809, in Danby, Vt., and settled in Granville about 1818, with her parents. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham live children were born, four of whom are living. Mr. Dillingham com- menced his married life by working in company with his brother-in-law, David Rogers, the home farm of Deliverance Rogers. This they continued for five years ; then Stephen removed on to another farm of D. Rogers for five yeai-s; then removed to Pawlet, Vt., and carried on another farm of Deliverance Rogers ; said farm contained about two hun- dred and seventy acres, which Deliverance Rogers gave to his daughter, Eliza R., at his death. Mr. Dillingham has been a very large farmer, raising stock and making butter and cheese being the principal business of his life. In politics lie is a Republican. He and his wife have always been members of the Soci- ety of Friends, and Mr. Dillingham is one of its most lib- eral supporters, and all the other calls of humanity find in him a sympathizer. He and Mrs. Dillingham are active workers in the temperance cause. About ISfiG, Mr. Dil- lingham sold out his farm and removed to Granville, and in 1876 purchased his present home, a view of which, and portrait.s of himself and wife above, may be seen elsewhere in this work. OTIS DILLINGHAM, son of Stephen and Amy Dillingham, was born in Gran- ville, Washington Co., N. Y., eighteenth of the eleventh month, 1811. His father, Stephen, was born in 1773, in Mar.shfield, Mass., and settled in Easton, Washington Co., in 1792. Stephen married Amy Tucker, in 1795. She was born in Chappaqua, N. Y., in 1775, and removed to Queensbury, Warren Co., while young, in company with her parent.^!. For five or six years after their marriage they lived in Easton, and then settled in Granville, where they continued to reside till their death. Otis was reared a farmer, and has followed it successfully ever since. His advantages for an education were limited, but by reading and reflection he has acquired a good practical education. He married Elizabeth Keese, a native of Peru, N. Y., twelfth of first month, 1832. She was born first of third month, 1810. By this union five children were born, three of whom, John K., Hannah K., and Elizabeth, are now living ; Edwin and Deborah are dead. Mr. Dillingham carried on his father's farm for thirty consecutive years after his marriage and until the death of his parents. During this time he had saved nearly enough so that he could pay off the heirs and become the sole owner of the old homestead of one hundred and ninety acres, to which he has added until now he owns some two hundred and fifty acres, on which are some of the very best farm-build- ings in the count}', together with a fine park and numerous trees which shade the entire premises, a view of which may be seen in another part of this work, with portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham above. Elizabeth Dillingham died the tenth of first month, 1845. Mr. Dillingham married Lydia Barker, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Barker, eleventh of third month, 1846. She was born twenty- fifth of twelfth month, 1821, in White Creek, Wa.shington Co., N. Y. Mr. Dillingham and both of his wives were birthright members of the Society of Friends, and were married according to the order of that society. In politics HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Mr. Dillingham has always affiliated with tlie Republican party, but always preferred the quiet of domestic life to any political honors. He is one of the most highly-re- spected citizens in the town, and his life has been spent in trying to build up the moral and religious interest of his community. He is an upright citizen and an honest man. He is liberal iu his views and accords to others what he claims for himself Mr. and Mrs. Dillingham are among the earnest workers in the temperance cause of Granville, giving of their means to support that great and good cause. The historian wishes to say that no man in the county is more highly respected than JVIr. Dillingham, and no other man has done more to build up Granville than he. All men speak of him in the highest praise. We copy the following from the GnnwiUe Sentinel, of July 16, 1878: " Friday morning of last week our community was startled by the announcement that Otis Dillingham had been found dead in a field adjacent to his residence. He had started across the field, about eight o'clock a.m., in search of a choice cow which had strayed away from the barn, and his body was found about ten. No inquest was held. The physicians attribute the cause of his death to apoplexy. The deceased at the time of his death was about seventy years of age. He was born and lived here during his life. He has always been a member of the Society of Friends, and at the time of his death was presi- dent of the temperance organization. He was a man of great Christian principles, and a faithful champion for the promotion of the same in this community. We tender to the bereaved family and friends our most sincere .sympathies, recognizing that by their loss we, as a community, lose one of our noblest and most upright citizens. The funeral ob- sequies, which were largely attended, were held Sunday forenoon, at the Friends' meeting-house. Aaron Macy, of Hudson, and Thomas Fouk, of New York, ministers of that society, conducted the services. Remarks were also made by our village clergy. A large number of persons were present from Cambridge, Salem, Whitehall, and ad- joining towns." DEACON NOAH DAY AND HIS SON, MARCUS T. C. Deacon Noah Day is the son of Noah Day, Sr., and Alice, his wife, and was born in Killingly, Ct., Oct. 16, 1789. He is one of a family of nine children, namely: Luther, Ilosea, Ruth, Hannah, Edith, Noah, David, Lydia, and Alva. Of this large and intelligent family, Noah and Alva are the only ones now living. The Day family is of Welsh origin, three brothers having come to America and settled in the New England States among the early settlers there. From those three brothers have descended some of the most intelligent and esteemed citizens ia our country, and many of their descendants have filled some of the most responsible positions in the gift of the people. They will be found in all the profes- sions of life, — on the bench, at the bar, in the ministry, professors or presidents of colleges, in all the manufacturing 29 interests, as well as mercantile and agricultural pursuits. The family of whom we write were and are fiirmers. Noah, Sr., was born Feb. 14, 1757, and removed to South Granville with his family in 1792 or 1793, and settled on the farm now owned by the grandson, Marcus T. C. Day. He died Jan. 10, 1840, having lived a good and useful life. He was a member of the Congregational church at South Granville, and deacon of the same. His wife died some years before ; she was a member also. Noah, Jr., was about four years of age when he came to South Granville with his parents, and this has been his home ever since. He continued to live with his parents till their death on the home-farm. He married on the 11th of June, 1812, Susan, daughter of William and Susan Wilson. She was born in Hebron. By this alliance four children were born ; two died in in- fancy. Their daughter, Mary E., married David W. Her- ron, and now resides with her father at South Granville, and the son, Marcus T. C, resides in Granville. In 1842, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Day joined the Congrega- tional church at South Granville, and Mr. Day was chosen deacon of the same in 1845, and continued till age com- pelled him to give place to some younger man. Mr. and Mrs. Day have always taken a deep interest in everything which pertains to the best interest of the church and society. Mr. Day has always been, and is now, though in his eighty-ninth year, one of the pillars of the church, always contributing largely to its maintenance. Mrs. Da)', having lived a good and useful life, passed away on the 12th of November, 1867, leaving a name which will grow brighter and brighter as the ages go by. In polities Mr. Day has been a Whig and Republican. He has never aspired to any political offices, though he has filled some. He has always been a fiirmer, and to-day is the owner of some three hundred and sixty acres of good land. At this writing (June, 1878) his mind is just as good as it ever was. He has lived longer in this town than any other man now living, and remembers well the things which transpired here more than eighty years ago. He is now at South Granville with his daughter, Mary E. Herron. Though his mind is so good, and his memory brings to view the in- cidents of his long and useful life, he reviews the past with no apprehensions of the future, only waiting for the time when the Master shall say, "It is enough: come up higher." Of his son, Marcus T. C. Day, little need be said in this connection. He inherited from his parents those manly virtues of mind and heart that ever characterized them, and to-day is one of the good, substantial business men of Granville. He was born in South Granville, Feb. 23, 1821, and was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Potter, daughter of Stacy and Cynthia Potter, Dec. 21, 1843. Mrs. Day was born May 19, 1821, in Hampton. By this happy union three children were born, namely : David L., who died at the age of two years and four months ; Annette C, who married Mr. Willard J. Whitney, and now resides on the home-farm of her father at South Granville; and Noah G., who died at the age of one year and seven months. Mr. Day has been a farmer, and May 3, 1877, left his farm for a home in Granville, where he 226 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. now resides. In politics a Whig and Republican. He has been poormaster of his town ; assessor for six years ; chorister of the Congregational church at South Granville for more than thirty years ; county superintendent of the poor for six years. He is one of the board of managers of the Washington County Agricultural Society ; director in the Granville National Bank ; secretary and treasurer of the Union Dairymen's Board of Trade, Now York ; and president, salesman, and treasurer of the Granville Cheese- Manufacturing Co., No. 5, at South Granville. DANIEL WOODARD. Among the representative men of Granville, none are more highly spoken of than the subject of this sketch. He is the son of Daniel and Anna Woodard, and was born in namely, Lucina, Abraham, Archibald, William, Daniel, Lucinda, Mary, Anna, Martha, Phebe, and Eli. Martha and Eli are dead ; all the rest are married and settled in life, and, as a whole, are an industrious and intelligent class of people. Daniel was a farmer, and a very success- ful one, rearing his family to industry and economy. He and his faithful wife, early in life, united with the Baptist church at Hebron, and ever remained steadfast to the faith of his younger days. On their sixtieth anniversary they celebrated the occasion by having their children, grandchil- dren, and great-grandchildren meet them at the "old home." They continued to live together until 1877, when both died in May, there being only eleven days between their deaths ; the mother died first. Daniel, Jr., son of the above, was reared on the farm, and continued to follow it until 1875. His advantages for an education were limited to the com- mon schools, yet by reading and reflection he has to-day a DANIEL WOODARD. Hebron, Aug. 31, 1822. His father was born in Hebron, Jan. 28, 1792. His grandfiither, Archibald Woodard, was a native of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and born about 1770. His great-grandfiither, Samuel Wood- ard, was a native of England, and emigrated to America, and settled in Dutchess county, a great many years before the Revolutionary war. Archibald Woodard settled in Hebron about 1787 ; by occupation a farmer. He reared a family of eight children, all of whom lived to be grown. He mar- ried Miss Anna Scott, a native of Dutchess county. She died in 1837, and Mr. Woodard died in 1838. Mr. Woodard was considered one of the wealthy men of his day. Daniel, Sr., was one of his eight children, and was born Jan. 28, 1792 ; he was reared a farmer. He married Miss Anna Case, a daughter of Abram and Naomi Case, about 1813. Mrs. Woodard was born in Hebron, in 1794. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Woodard eleven children were born, good practical business education. When about twenty years of age he made a trip to Wisconsin on business for his father, and was gone about a year. He married Miss Miriam McNitt, daughter of James and Lydia McNitt, of Salem, Jan. 7, 1845. She was born in Salem, April, 1826. By this alliance ten children were born, namely, Lydia, Emma, James Me., Frances, Daniel D., Martin, Eli, Archi- bald, Miriam, and Lucina. Of these, Frances and Archibald are dead. Mr. Woodard has been one of the large farmers of the county. Duriug this time, in 1865, he was elected vice- president of the National bank of Salem, and held that po- sition until he was elected president of the National bank in Granville, in 1875, which position he still continues to hold. In 1875, Mr. Woodard came to Granville, but did not remove his family until June, 1876. When he was twenty-six years of age he joined the Baptist church ; his HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 227 wife jiiined at the same time. Since coming to Granville Mv. Woodard has been chosen deacon of the Baptist church. Ho has always been a very liberal man in the support of schools and churches, and was one of the principal men who gave liberally to build the present Baptist church and par- sonage. In politics Mr. Woodard formerly affiliated with the Democratic party ; but when the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter, on April 15, 18G1, he was one of the first to come out in the support of the war and of the putting down of the Rebellion. He found himself in accord with the Re- publican party, and, since 1861, has been affiliating with that ■ party. He is now fifty-six years of age, hale and hearty, enjoys the good-will of his neighbors, and seems to be surrounded by all the comforts of a happy home. EDWIN B. TEMPLE, SOD of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, was born in Gran- ville, Jan. 8, 1825. His father was a native of Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., and born June 3, 1801. His grandfather, Roswell Temple, was a native of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and married Betsey Baker, a native of Mas- sachusetts, by whom eleven children were born, — four sons and seven daughters. Roswell Temple, Sr., was among the early settlers of this county ; Roswell, Jr., was one of that large family. He married Elizabeth Case, January, 1824. She was born in Hebron, Washington Co., Aug. 8, 1803. By this union seven children were born, — six sons and one daughter ; and five sons are now livirtg. Mrs. Elizabeth (Case) Temple's parents, Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Naomi Case, were the first pioneers of Hebron, save a French family in West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. Roswell Temple, Jr., removed to Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., when nine years of age, and in 1820 removed back to Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., and since then, for the greater part of the time, has been living in Hebron, where he now re- sides. Edwin B. was reared a farmer, and early learned those principles of industry and economy which are the cardinal principles in every successful man's life. At the age of twenty he left home to seek his own fortune. He commenced by working by the month, in Vermont, on the farm ; then followed making walls for some five years, then a year on the farm, then worked land on shares for two years. Sept. 5, 1852, he married Miss Mary Woodard, a native of Hebron, and who was born March 21, 1827. Her parents were natives of Hebron also. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Temple eight children have been born, namely, — first, an infant, dead ; Charlotte E. ; Orla M. ; Roswell, who died at the age of three ; Ilorton, who died at the age of two; Edwin B., died at the age of five; Ralph R. ; and Roscoe C, died at the age of three. Mr. Temple settled in Hebron soon after he was married, and remained there twelve years ; thence to Granville in the spring of 1865, and purchased the Hopkins farm, one and a half miles from Pawlet, Vermont ; remained there a year and a half; then went to Salem, and resided seven months ; thence to Hebron. In 1868 came to Granville, on the place which he now owns, a view of which, and portraits of himself and wife above, may be .seen elsewhere. Mr. Temple's business has been a farmer and a general dealer in stock and wool and produce generally. In all his business transactions he has been generally successful, and to-day ranks among the enterprising and intelligent citizens of Granville. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. For the past three years, ending March 2, 1878, Mr. Temple has held the office of supervisor of his town, and that to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He has been vice-president of the Granville National bank since its organization in the fall of 1875, and was one of the prime movers in the formation of said bank. Mrs. Temple is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Tem- ple is a regular attendant of the same. TRUMAN TEMPLE. Among the enterprising citizens and successful farmers of Granville may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He is the son of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, and was born in Hebron, March 5, 1834. His youthful days were spent on the fiirm, where he early imbibed those principles of success which have been the mainspring to his success in after-years. His advantages for an education were eon- fined to the common school until he was about fifteen years of age. He worked for his parents until he was nineteen, when his father gave him his time. At this early age he commenced to work land on .shares for two years. In 1855 — March 28 — he was married to Miss Sarah Welch, who was born in Hebron, Feb. 15, 1837. Mr. Luther Welch was born in Warren Co., N. Y., and his wife, Phebe Tan- ner, was born in Granville. Mr. Welch is of Welsh origin, whose grandfather. came to America and settled in the New England States. By the union of IMr. and Mrs. Truman Temple four chil- dren were born, namely, Levi D., Alice M., Elizabeth C., and Laura P., all of whom are living. Soon after Mr. Temple was married he purchased a farm in Hebron of one hundred and two acres, on which he lived about one year ; he then bought, in company with his brothers, Luther and Abram, a farm of two hundred and thirty-five acres, at South Granville. Mr. Temple resided there five years, and in 1861 he sold out to his brother Luther his interest, and purchased a farm lying just south, containing some one hundred and eighty-six acres in all. Sold that in 1868, removed to Hebron, and remained three years, living on a small place, and in 1871 settled on his present fine ftirni of two hundred and thirty-five acres. He now owns one of the very best farms in the county ; none are superior. It lies on the east side of the Mettowee river, and extends east to the State line of Vermont. The buildings are fine, as may be seen by reference to a view of the same in another part of this work. In politics Mr. Temple is a Republican, and for two terms has been excise commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Temple have been members of the Baptist church for twenty-nine years, and are among its liberal supporters. The cause of temperance has Mr. and Mrs. Temple's hearty 'support. At the present time Mr. Temple is chairman of the Temperance Reform Club, at Granville. He succeeded Leonard C. Thome, upon the death of the latter, in the spring of 1878. 228 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. LUTHER R. TEMPLE, third son of Roswell and Elizabeth Temple, was born in Granville, November 28, 1829. He lived with his parents till he was twenty, then worked by the month for three years, then carried on land for three years, making his home with his parents. He married Miss Delia M. Smith, daughter of Eli and Eunice Smith, of Hebron, April 9. 1856. Mrs. Temple is the oldest of three children ; two only are living. Mr. Smith was a native of North Hebron, and Mrs. Smith of White Creek. Mr. Smith's father, Nathan, was born in Connecticut, and was, with his father, Aaron Smith, one of the early pioneers of Hebron. Mrs. Temple's maternal grandparents came from Rhode Island, and settled in White Creek very early. Mr. and Mrs. Temple have had four children, namely, William D., Eli S., Mary C, and Eunice L., — all living. Mr. Temple .set- tled on his present farm in 1856. He owns some two hundred and thirty-two acres of good, productive land in South Granville, on which are good buildings. In politics a Republican, he has been assessor for nine years. He is a director in the National bank at Granville. In November, 18C5, Mr. Temple joined the Bapti.st church in North Hebron, and has been clerk for many years, and is now. He has been Sunday-school superin- tendent for some three terms, and is one at present. He is one of the liberal supporters of the Baptist society. Mrs. Temple joined Dec. 3, 1848, and has been a member ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Temple are active workers in the temperance cause at South Granville, and he has been pres- ident. Mrs. Delia M. Temple was born August 4, 1832. ROYAL C. BETTS. Among the leading attorneys of Washington county. Royal C. Betts, of Granville, justly takes his place. His success in the conduct of his cases, both as a counselor and advocate, is marked, and he has arisen to an eminence in the ranks of his profession alike honorable to himself and pleas- ing to his many friends. He was born June 18, 1835, at Pawlet, Rutland Co , Vt., being the fifth .son of John and Lydia (Loveland) Betts, and was educated at the common school and Troy Conference Academy. He obtained his education and profession by his own exertions, without the aid of influential friends or pecuniary means, paying the expenses thereof by teaching district school, which he taught seven consecutive winters. At the age of twenty he entered the law-office of Fayette Potter, Esq.. of Pawlet, Vt, and began the study of the law. He remained in this office one year, and in the winter of 1856 went to Gran- ville, and entered the law-office of 0. P. Thompson, Esq., and punsued his studies in this office until May, 1859, when he was admitted to the bar, and immediately began the practice of his profe.ssion at Granville, which he has steadily and successfully followed until the present time. In 1863 he was elected special county judge of Washington county, and again elected in 1867, holding the office eight years. In the spring of 1867 he was elected supervisor of his town, and re-elected in 1868. In the fall of 1868 he was elected district attorney of the county, and re-elected in 1871 , holding the office six years. In politics a Republican, com- mencing political life with the birth of the party, has been an earnest supporter and advocate of the principles of the party since its organization. On the 12th of February, 1861, Mr. Betts was united in marriage to Miss Melissa E., daughter of Joseph and Me- lissa Van Vorst Holmes, and a granddaughter of John Van Vorst, one of the earliest settlers of the city of Schenec- tady, and a niece of Hon. Hooper C. Van Vorst, judge of the superior court of the city of New York. Mrs. Betts was born in Schenectady, Nov. 10, 1838. Of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Betts there are now living Frederick Willis, born Jan. 7, 1862 ; Anna Van Vorst, born Sept. 27, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Betts are members of Trinity church, Granville, he being one of the vestry. Mr. Betts possesses a genial nature, which, added to his courtesy and affability, makes him a pleasant and entertain- ing companion, and wins him many warm friends. SEYMOUR L. POTTER. Among the native settlers of this county may be men- tioned Seymour L. Potter, having been born in Hampton, Washington Co., N. Y., July 5, 1826. He is the seventh child and fifth son of Stacy and Cynthia Potter. There were eight children in the family. The Potter family is of English origin. Christopher Potter married Elizabeth Baker ; both of them were natives of Rhode Island. They had nine children, — Stacy, John, Mary, Philip, Sal- lie, Hannah, Elizabeth, Phebe, and Jeremiah. They set- tled on the farm now owned by Seymour L. Potter in the year 1800. Christopher died June 2, 1842 ; Elizabeth, March 26, 1848. They were members of the Society of Friends. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade. Stacy was born October 7, 1788, and married Cynthia Hitchcock March 25, 1809. They had eight children,— Mary, John H., Russel F., Charles W., Elizabeth, Philip, Seymour L., Daniel S. John H., Russel, and Philip died while young ; Stacy was principally a farmer, but he also worked at the carpenter and joiner trade. Stacy, soon after marriage, went to Hampton, and resided there till about 1837, when he removed back on to his father's farm ; re- •sided here till March, 1856, and then removed to Granville, and died July 10, 1856. Mrs. Stacy Potter died February 26, 1848. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a prominent Methodist, and contributed liberally to the .support of schools and churches. In politics a Whig. He was commissioner and assessor of Hampton for several years. He was one of the leading men in the Methodist Episcopal church, and was class-leader and steward. Seymour L. worked for his parents till his majority; then worked three years by the month for one hundred dollars per year ; then purchased one-half of the old home. Married, April 11, 1850, Lucy L. Lee, daughter of David and Polly Lee. She was born April 1, 1829. They have four children, — Libbie M., David S., John, Marcus, — all living. Mr. Potter now owns three hundred and fifty acres. LiTif Br I H EvtPTs ^.Tc *■" HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 229 on which are good buildings. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and wife also. He is steward of the same. In politics, Republican ; stockholder and di- rector in cheese-factory No. 5, and assistant salesman. Mr. Potter is one of the prominent men and farmers of Gran- ville, and is a man held in high respect by those who know him. A view of his place, and portraits of himself and wife above, may be seen in another part of this work. J. L. McARTHUH. J. L. McArthur, editor and proprietor of the Granville semi-weekly Sentinel, is a man of large stature and of quiet dignity. He was born in Putnam, this county, March 16, 1853, being a son of the late Wm. McArthur. His edu- cational advantages were very limited, attending a district school in the winter and laboring on his father's farm, and in his carriage-shop the other seasons. At an early age he developed a strong taste for journalism. His parents bitterly opposed his aspirations in this direction, but at the age of eighteen he was secretly furnishing articles of high merit for several city literary and political journals. At the age of twenty-one years, and in the fall of 1875, he left the farm and workshop and established the Granville Sen- tinel, the largest weekly publication in the county, and the success of which has been quite phenomenal. But his active mind and progressive disposition were not satisfied with the monotonous routine of weekly journalism, and in June, 1877, he changed the Sentinel to a semi-weekly. By strict application to business, by good judgment and his eminent journalistic ability, he has succeeded in making his journal the leading and most complete epitome of local and general events to be found in the county, its weekly circulation aggregating nearly five thousand copies. He has also one of the finest equipped steam printing-ofiices in the county. Jan. 15, 1878, he was united in holy matri- mony to Miss Anna A. Lewis, youngest daughter of Mrs. Isabel and the late Nathan Lewis. BENJAMIN F. OTTARSON. Benjamin F. Ottarson, of Granville, was born in Pawlet, Vt., and commenced business at Granville, N. Y., in the year 1840. He married, Oct. 31, 1843, Miss Nancy F. Richardson, of Poultney, Vt., whose father was born at Leominster, and her mother in Lancaster, Ma.ss. Mr. Ottarson's father was born in Londonderry, Vt., and his mother at Middletown (now Portland), Conn. A R G Y L E, This town lies in the central part of Washinjiton County. It derived its name from the Duke of Argyle, of Scotland, and as originally constituted included the towns of Port Edward and Greenwich. The latter was set off in 1803, and the former in 1818. The present area comprises nearly 35,000 acres, and is bounded north by Kingsbury and Hartford, east by Salem and Hebron, south by Greenwich, and west by Fort Edward. The surface is broken by moderate-sized hills in the west, and in the east by mountainous elevations and ridges, the sides of some of which are very abrupt. Several of these have received local names, the most prominent being Todd's mountain. In the northern part of the town is a cedar swamp, and south of it, along the water-courses, are pleasant valleys. The entire surface was originally timbered with the various hard woods and white pine. The latter grew to large size in the southeastern section, and a limited quantity yet remains. The soil is a clayey loam, intermixed in some localities with gravel or disintegrated slate, and is remarkable for its productiveness. The various cereals are cultivated, and grass yields well. Argyle is well watered. Its principal stream is the Moses Kill (probably a corruption of Moss' Kill, from Captain Moss, who early lived near its mouth), which flows diagonally through the town from the northeast, and empties into the Hudson, in Fort Edward. It has several fair' sized tributaries, the largest being a brook which is the outlet of Mud lake. This body of water is chiefly on lot 83, and is so called from the character of its banks and bottom. In the southern part of the town, on an elevation, is Argyle lake, whose crystal waters and enchanting scenery have made it a favorable resort. It is tributary to Cossa- yuna lake, in the southeast, and partly the boundary be- tween the town and Greenwich. In extent, Cossayuna lake is about three and a half miles long and half a mile wide. Its waters are deep and clear, and well stocked with fish. The lake is surrounded by hills covered with pines, and has a fine island near its northern extremity, much frecjuented by pic-nic parties. In the southern part of the town are also several mineral springs. The entire area of the town was comprised in the Argyle patent. We have already told the story, in the general history, of the advent in this country of Captain Laughlin Campbell, about 173S, with a large number of Highlanders, whom he intended to colonize in this vicinity, of his dis- appointment and death, and of the granting of a considei'- able tract to his children after the French war. This latter event inspired the surviving comrades of Campbell and their descendants to seek a similar recompense for their hard- ships and disappointments. Accordingly, on the 2d of March, 1764, Alexander Mc- 230 Naughton and one hundred and six others of the original Campbell immigrants and their descendants petitioned for one thousand acres to be granted to each of them, " to be laid out in a single tract between the head of South bay and Kingsbury, and reaching east towards New Hamp.shire and westwardly to the mountains in Warren county. The com- mittee of the council to whom this petition was referred reported May 21, 1764, recommending that forty-seven thou.sand seven hundred acres should be granted to them, between the tract already granted to Schuyler and others (Fort Edward), and the tract proposed to be granted to Turner and others (Salem). The grant was made out in conformity with the recommendation of the council, and specifies the amount of land that each individual of the pe- titioners is to receive, two hundred acres being the Iciist and six hundred acres being the most that any individual obtains. It also appoints five men as trustees, to divide and distrib- ute the lands as directed. By the same instrument, the tract was incorporated as a township, to be named Argyle, and to have a supervisor, treasurer, collector, two assessors, two overseers of highways, two overseers of the poor, and six constables, to be elected annually by the inhabitants on the first day of May." Dr. Fitch, further says, " It is com- monly reported, and is currently believed to this day, that this town was granted directly from the king. This is erro- neous. The charter emanated from the same source with, and is in all respects similar to, the charters of the adjoining towns." This grant included a largo portion of what is now the northern half of the town of Greenwich, and a por- tion of the town of Fort Edward. The Argyle patent was subject to the following condi- tions, under which, at that period, all public lands were granted, viz. : " An annual quitrent of two shillings and sixpence sterling was imposed on every one hundred acres, and all mines of gold and silver, and all pine-trees suitable for masts for the royal navy, namely, all which were twenty- four inches or more in diameter, twelve inches from the ground, were reserved to the crown." This patent is on record in the library at Albany in " Pat- ents," vol. iv. pages 3-17, and a copy on parchment is in the possession of Dr. H. G. Barton, of Argyle village. The instrument is so much faded that but little of the writing is legible, and only a portion of the royal seal remains, but enough to denote the insignia. The five trustees above provided were vested with power to execute title-deeds to the grantees if they should claim their lands. The first instruments of this nature were issued in the winter and spring of 1764-65, by Duncan Reid of the city of New York, gentleman; Peter Middleton of the same city, physician ; Archibald Campbell of the same city, merchant ; Alexander McNaughton of Orange county, /ar- HISTORY OF WASUINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 231 mer ; and Neil Gillaspie of Ulster county, farmer, of the one part, and the grantees of the other part. The parch- ment deed of lot 44, granted by the above to Duncan Mc- Arthur, bears date Jan. 15, 17G5. While the application for the grant was yet pending, the petitioners evolved a grand scheme for the survey of tiicir prospective domain, which should include a stately street from the banks of the Hudson eastward through the tract, upon which each of the allottees was to have a town-lot, where he might enjoy the protection of near neighbors, as well as tlie benefits accruing from their companionship. In the rear of these town-lots were to be farm-lots, where the grantees might, in time, open extensive demesnes, to be occupied by their tenants. Pleased by this plan the trustees instructed the survey of the grant to be made as nearly in accordance with it as the lessened area permitted, the street to extend from west to east, and to set aside a glebe lot for the benefit of the minister and schoolmaster. The surveyors, Archibald Campbell, of Raritan, N. J., and Christopher Yates, of Schenectady, N. Y., began their labors June 19, 1764. A street twenty-four rods wide was projected, extending through the width of the grant as near the centre as practicable. North and south of this, bordering on it, were lots running back one hundred and eighty rods and varying in width, so as to contain from twenty to sixty acres. One hundred and forty-one lots were thus located, and numbered fi'om west, on the south side, to east, seventy-two lots in all. The remaining sixty- nine lots were on the north side. No. 141 being at the ex- treme west end. The survey of the farm-lots, also 141, began at tVie southwest corner, the numbers running north to No. 6, then south to No. 11, and so on until No. 29 was reached, when the numbers no longer followed in the order of location. North of the " street" the order was again regular, beginning with No. 74 at the southeast corner, thence north and south in reverse order until lot No. 141 was reached. The grant was now allotted, but it was soon found that it was finer in theory than in practice. No allowance had been made for the nature of the country, and the magnifi- cent "street" was located over hills whose proportions pre- vented its u.se as a public highway, while some of its lots were uninhabitable. The following is a list of the grantees, the number of the lot and its contents being set opposite the name : Acres, 1. Catherine Campbell 250 2. Elizabeth Cargill 2.i0 3. Allan McDonald 300 4. Neil Gillaspie 4o0 5. Mary Campbell 350 6. Duncan McKerwan 350 7. Ann MoAnthony 250 8. Mary McGowne 300 9. Catherine McLean 300 10. Mary .Anderson 300 U. Archibald McNeil 300 12. Dougall McAlpine 300 13. David Lindsey 250 14. Elizabeth Campbell 300 15. Ann McDuffie 350 16. Donald MoDougall 300 17. Archibald McGowne 300 18. Eleanor Thompson 300 19. Duncan McDuffie 350 -20. Duncan Reid 600 21. John McDuffie 250 22. Dougall McKallor 550 23. Daniel Johnson 330 24. Archibald Campbell 250 25. William Hunter 300 26. Duncan Campbell 300 27. Elizabeth l-'razcr 200 28. Alexander Campbell 360 Glebe lot 500 29. Daniel Clark 350 43. Elizabeth Campbell 300 44. Duncan McArthur 450 45. John Torrcy 300 46. Malcom Campbell 300 47. Florence McKenzifc 200 48. John MoKenzie 300 49. Jane Cargill 250 50. John McGowan 300 59. John McEwcn 500 60. John McDonald 300 61. James McDonald 400 62. Mary Belton 300 72. Rachael Neviu 300 7.3. James Cargill 400 liots 29, 43, 44, 50, and G2 are partly in Greenwich, as the bounds are at present located, and the other lots, from 29 to 73, not above enumerated, are wholly in that town and Salem. Their allottees will be given in connection with tho.se towns. The following lots arc north of the '• street :" 71. John Cargill . 300 103. Morgan McNeil 250 iti. Duncan McDougiill... . 300 104. Malcom McDuffie 550 70. Alexander Christie... . 350 10.6. Florence McVarick.... 300 n. Alc.\. Montgomery.... . 600 106. Archibald McEwcn 3111) 7S. Marian Campbell . 250 107. Neil Mcl),mald 5IM> 79. John Gilchrist Angus McDougall.... . 300 . 300 lO.S. 109. Jill,,.- Cilli. .SO. A, .I,,!,:, Ill .M,- Dougall. 450 SI. Duncan McGuire . 500 no. iM;,ii:.„ M. K»..n 200 S2. Edwar.l McK:,ll„r..,. . 500 HI. rut.u:k .M.^V.thur 350 .S3. Alexiui.l.'r (ri!,.|,,i,i.. . 300 112. John McGowne, Jr.... 250 84. Arcliilr:,!.! \l,c, ,11,11,1. . 360 113. John Shaw, Sr 300 85. Archil,;. Id .M, ( ,,ii-.... . 300 114. Angus Graham .300 86. John JleCartcr . 350 115. Edward McCoy 300 87. Neil Shaw . 600 116. Duncan Campbell, Jr. 300 88. Duncan Campbell. ... . 300 117. Jenette Ferguson 250 89. Roger McNeil . 300 118. Hugh McElorov 200 90. Elizabeth Rav . 200 119. Dougall Thomijson 400 91. James Nutt . 300 120. Marv Graham. 300 92. D(mald McDuffie . 350 121. R..l..rl M.'Mj.ino .300 93. George Campbell . 300 122. 1 a.. Ti.ilur 600 94. Jane Widrow . 300 123. I';ii/;,l"ll: r;,l,|well 250 9-> John McDougall Archibald McCartcr.. . 400 . 300 124. 125. WilHuni rhiili 90. Barbara McAllister.... 300 97. Charles McAllister.... . 300 126. Mary Anderson 300 «S. William Graham . 300 127. Donald McMullin 460 99. Hugh McDougall . 300 130. John Shaw, Sr 300 100. James Campbell . 300 131. Duncan Lindsey 300 101 George McKenzie John McCartcr . 400 400 132. 133. Daniel Shaw 102. John Campbell 300 Ten lots, comprehended between Nos. 127 and 146, are comprised in the bounds of Fort Edward, and their allot- tees will be given in the history of that town. Each of the foregoing had a ''street" lot, with a corresponding number, and containing just one-tenth the area of the fiirm lots ; thus a lot of two hundred acres, the smallest area of a farm lot, had a "street" lot containing twenty acres, etc. A number of the grantees, among them the Reid, Gillis, McNeil, McKallor, Gilchrist, Taylor, and other families, came on to possess their lands ; and in some instances their descendants yet retain them. Others never claimed their lands, which were left unoccupied for a time, then pa.ssed into the hands of other settlers, or squatters, who were generally left in undisputed possession. This state of affairs, in connection with the large .size of the lots, had the effect of retarding the settlement of Ar- gyle, so that for the first forty years it did not keep apace with other towns, where the acquisition of small farms was more practicable. With more inviting conditions came a large number of settlers whose zeal in developing the true interests of the town soon gave it a position which has been retained to this day. Among a number who came about the same time the honor of being THE FIRST SETTLERS is shared, and equal credit must be accorded. Duncan McArthur was one of the Campbell immigrants, and drew lot 44. In the spring of 1765 he came on to his land, putting up a rude hut, in which he lived several years. In 1775 he put up a house of rude timbers, seven by sixteen inches, notched at the ends so that the logs touched each other in the wall. Its size was twenty by 232 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. twenty-four feet, and at the cast end stood a huge stone fire- place and chimney, the capacity of which for fuel and sniolce was almost unlimited. The logs were taken down and put together a number of times, and the house stood in one form or other nearly a hundred years. McArthur was a brother-in-law of James and Alexander Campbell. His daughter, Margaret, born in 1767, married John Reid, whose son. Deacon John Raid., yet lives on the McArthur homestead. Duncan McArthur died in 1813, at the age of eighty-four years. The above-named John Reid was a son of William Reid, a millwright, who settled in Salem in 1768, and afterwards in Argyle, dying in 1833, aged ninety-five years. The sons of John Reid vrere Alexander, John, the deacon, Thomas, yet living in North Greenwich, Arthur, the author of " Reminiscences of the Revolution," and Archibald, who became a minister. The first and last two are dead. The brothers of the elder John Reid were William, — who had among his sous, William, a physician, — James, and John W. Another brother, Joseph, also reared a large family. James Gillis, the grantee of lot lOS, which is on the road between Argyle village and North Argyle, also came about 1765. His sons were James, John, Archibald, and Alexander, who reared large families, and many descend- ants live in town, some of them on the homestead. George Kilmore, or Kilmer, was not an original grantee, but was an early .settler, and one of the largest land-owners of his time. He came about 1768, purchased the mill site, which he improved, and put up a square log house, which stood until a few years ago. He had three sons, Simon, Adam, and Henry, whose descendants remain in town ; also a number of daughters, one of whom was mar- ried to John Allen, whose massacre by the Indians is de- tailed elsewhere. Duncan Taylor, the allottee of lot No. 122, came in the summer of 1765, with a family of two sons and five daugh- ters. One of the latter married a McNaughton, another Peter MoEachroo, and a third, David Smith. Of the sons, John became the father of Duncan, John, James, and Archibald. The first-named is the only survivor, living in the village, at the age of eighty-eight. Most of the Tay- lors have died in town. Duncan Gilchrist, settled in northern Argyle about 1770. He had several sons, — Duncan, the father of John, James, and Archibald, and John, the father of Alexander and others. They became a numerous family. Archibald McNeil, also one of the grantees, settled on lot 11. Here one of his sons, Archibald, wandered into the woods, and was seen no more. His other sons were John and Alexander. The former reared John, Archibald, Alexander, Daniel, and Robert ; and the latter a large family. The McNeils in town number several hundred. The Robertson family settled on lot 10-1, the sons being David, John, Nicholas, Robert, William, and Joseph ; and their numerous descendants became well-known citizens. Dr. Andrew Proudfit, a son of Rev. James Proudfit, of Salem, settled just north of the village, about 1790, as a physician. His sons were James, Andrew, John, William, Hugh, and Alexander. Judge Ebcnezer Clark, a son of Dr. Clark, of Salem, came about the same time, and was a prominent man. He had three sons, — Thomas N., Ralph, and John. IJdward Riggs was an early settler on the " street." The house stands as erected nearly one hundred years ago. Daniel Reid, who became the owner of the mills at Argyle, was an old citizen, and related to the Reids of Greenwich. Casparus Bain was one of those living on the lower Hudson that followed the first settlers. But he died be- fore moving to his new home, and the widow, with her sons, Ca.sparus, Hugh, Philip, William, James, and John, came on, and their descendants yet live in town. William Bishop, with his sons John and Archibald, came before the Revolution and settled in the southern part of the town ; soon after came John Harsha and his sons, James and John ; and members of these families yet live in town. In the same locality settled James, John, and Archibald McDougall, the McKallors, McKalpins, McQuaries, Lind- seys, Tinkeys, and Gifibrds, and other families of note. In the neighborhood of Cossayuna lake was Adam Dings, with a large fomily, and Peter and Neal McEachron. The former became a centenarian. His sons were John, Daniel, Simon, and George. Neal McEachron had six sons, — Jacob, Daniel, Cornelius, Philip, John, and Peter. Their de- scendants are very numerous. John Todd was an early settler on lot 85, which yet remains in the Todd family, having passed into the hands of John, Jr., born in 1790, and from him to his sons Thomas, David, and George, who now occupy it. The mountain in the neighborhood is named after the family. Daniel Stevenson settled at North Argyle before 1800, on lands formerly owned by John Johnson, an early settler who removed. Stevenson was a prominent man, but had no family. A brother, John Stevenson, settled in the southern part of the town, having sons, — William and Dan- iel. The latter lives at North Argyle. Among other early settlers here are members of the fol- lowing families : Williams, McDougall, Lester, Austin, Patten, Clapp, Robinson, Fenton, and Harsha. In the western part of the town lived John Smith, a Revolutionary soldier, whose son, Henry Smith, who died in January, 1878, was born on the place more than eighty- six years ago. The latter served in the War of 1812. Joseph Rouse settled at the village about 1800. He was a tailor by trade, and made clothing for the ofiicers in 1812. Of the five sons he reared, John C., George, and Calvin live in town. Other old settlers at this place are John Ross, A. M. Rowan, and Dr. James Savage. The names of many others who lived in the town at an early period, and who were prominent in its history, can be seen by reference to the lists of town ofiicers, church ofli- cials, etc.- In 1815 the jury-list showed the residence in town of thirty-seven yoemen, one hundred and forty-five farmers, three joiners, five blacksmiths, two saddlers, three shoemakers, one surveyor, one inn-keeper, one doctor, two lawyers, and ten merchants. In 1845 the population was sixteen hundred and nine males and sixteen hundred and thirty-two females. Zlizabzth Reid. John rzid. &EORGE C.DENNIS. Jas.Willmmson, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 233 CIVIL GOVERNMENT. The record of the first town-meeting bears date April 2, 1771, and states that the meeting "was to regulate laws and to choose officers." This assembly was called, doubt- less, by virtue of the power granted by the Argyle patent, since the town was not officially organized by the State council until March 28, 1786. Tiie records mention the presence of Esquires MoNaughton and Campbell, but do not state where the meeting was held. The officers elected were ; Supervisor, Duncan Campbell ; Town Clerk, Archi- bald Brown ; Collector, Roger Reid ; Assessors, Archibald Campbell, Neal Shaw; Constables, John Offery, John McNiel; Poor Masters, James Gilles, Archibald McNicl ; Road Masters, Duncan Lindsey, Arcliibald Campbell ; Fence Viewers, Duncan McArthur, John Gilchrist. LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. From 1771 to 1S7S the following have been the princi- pal officers; the first named justices of the peace having been elected for constitutional terms: Supe: CoMi'Ctyr.^. T.iwn Clerks. , 1772. Duncan Campbell. ArchibaU Gampbell. Roger Reid. 1773. " '• ••' " " " 1774. " " " " " « 1775. " 177(). " Kthvard Patterson. John McNeil. Duncan (lilcbrist. 1779. 1750. " " 1751. Roger Reid. 1752. " " 1753. James Bcatty. John McNaughton Peter Fiers. 17S4,. Duncan McArthur. James Beatty. I7S,i. " " Alex. McDougal KSii. " " John MeNeil. Duncan McArthur. John McKnight. 1787. Adiel Sherwood. William Reid. 1788. " " 1789. " " 1790. " " 1791. " 1792. " " 1793. " " 179i. " " 1705. " " 1706. " " 1797. " 1798. " " 1799. " " 1800. " " 1801. John Hay. 1S02. William Reid. 1803. Alexander' Cowan 1804. " 1805. Alex. McLangall. 1800. " Duncan McArthur. " " Alexauder Gilchrist. Robert Christie. Duncan Gilchrist. John McFail. John McNeil. John White, Jr John Lind.-ey. Duncan Mclut Neal McEachrou. Neil Gillasjiie. Alexander Taylor James Gillis, Jr. David Tetrt. Hector Gillis. James Magee. Amos I.eigh Nathaniel (i.age. Amos Leigh. Neal McCounellee. Edward Riggs. I'cleg Bragg. " '* 1807. Neal McConncllec. Anth'y M. Hoffman. Ichabod Davis. 1808. " " " " Daniel McNeil. 1809. " " " " ISIO. " " " " Amos Lci-h. 1811. " I81-.'. John Reid. 30 Suitcrviso John Reid. ISl:!. ISM. 181.i. 1810. 1817. 1818. ISIU. 1820. 182L 1822. 1823. 1824. 1825. 1825. 1S27. 1828. 1829. 1830. 1831. 1832. 18.33. 1834. 1835. 1830. 1837. 1838. 1S39. 1840. 1841. 1842. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1840. 1847. 1848. 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1850. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 18G1. 1862. 1863. 1861. 180.5. " 1866. " 1SG7. John C. Sill. 1868. " 1869. " " 1870. " " 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. Alexander Gillis John Robinson. William Reid. Ransom Stiles. William R. Mills. Ransom Stiles. Anthony McK.-illor. David Sill. James Savage. .Jesse S. Leigh. Ransom Stiles. Freeman Hopkins. John Robcrtsoa. William Boyd. James Stewart, Jr. AVilliam Congdon. Arehib'd M. Rowan. Willi.am Clapp. Ransom Stiles. David Hall. Edward Riggs. William Lendrum. Alex. P. Robinson. Robert G. Hall. Charles G. Harsha. David ILill. Town Clorka. Collectors. Anth'y .M. Hoffman. Philip Gifford. " " Samuel Leigh. Daniel McNeil. " " Archib'd.!. Gilchrist Ransom Stiles. " " David McNeil. Charles McKallor. Duncan Thompson. 1875. 1876. George Shannon. David McDougall. Wm. Lendruui. John Ross. Duncan Tavlor. .Tames McDougall. .Tames Stewart. Gideon Caswel. Cornelius S. WilleU Daniel McNeil. David M. Harsha. Robert G. llall. Freeman UopUins. David M. Harsha. " " Chester Dennis. Henry K. White. " " John D. .McNeil. Lucius Cottrell. " " Joseph Ashton. Archih'd M. Rowan. " " " " .Tames (X Harsha. Alex. McFadden. Artcmas J. Rowland. William S. Ashton. Joseph H. Sloan. John C. Rouse. John T. Taylor. John C. Rouse. Alex. McFaddcu. Geo. M. Robinson. Boyd Madden. Andrew J. White. David 0. Crawford. Charles W. Taylor. Daniel M. White. John E. Rextraw. Theodore S. Ross. James K. Henry. James W. Tavlor. Boyd Madden. John Wcllnian. Jesse Spencer. Joseph H. Sloan. Stephen M. Tinkey. .Tohn Gilchrist. John J. McDougall. Alexander Bain. William Patten. Stephen M. Tinkey. William Patten. Alexander Bain. Neal A. Brown. Joseph H. Sloan. David Harsha. Wm. W. Hawkins. John Martin. Ebenezer Kinney. .Jos. M. McMurray. Geo. H. Robinson. Moses L. McNeil. Sylv'r S. McMurray. James Gilchrist. Robert Smith. Robert Williams. Henry Irwin. James E. Perry. William C. Skellie. 1829. John Ross. 1830. William Willet. Mason Martin. 1831. John Robinson JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1833. Henry Shiphcrd. 1834. Arcliibald Gillis. 1835. Samuel F. Tomb. Samuel Hulburd. Samuel F. Tomb. 1832. William Reid, Jr. 183C. William Hall. 1837. James Tilford. 23J: HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 1838. Henry Shiphcrd. 1858. 1839. J.imcs Tilford. Ilcnij K. While. 1859. 1840. William R. Mills. isr.o. Antiion^' McKallor. 18B1. IS-H. William Cungdon. 1SG2 1S42. Henry Shipherd. John A. McXcil. ISfiS. 1S43. James Tilford. 1864. 1844. William H. King. 1SC5. Henry K. White. 1866. 1845. John A. McNeil. 1867. 1S4G. J.imes C. Coon. 1847. Nicholas Robertson. 1SC8. 1848. William H. King. 184«. John A. McNeil. ISfiO 1850. Jesse S. Leigh. 1871). 1851. Nicholas Robertson. 1871 John Robertson. 1872 1852. William H. King. 1873 1853. George M. Robinson. 1874 1S54. Henry Shipherd. 1875 1855. John Patten. 1876 1856. William U. King. 1877 1857. Ebenezer Cam[)bell. 1878 Henry Shipherd. John Clark. John A. Patterson. John A. Patterson. Finley M. Congdon. , Henry Shinhcrd. Alexander P. Rubinson. John Chirk. John MeCi.lI. Finley M. Congdon. , Henry Shipherd. John Clark. William J. Annitagc. , William J. Armitage. W'illiam Chipp. AVilliam Lendrum. , Henry Shipherd. . William Clapp. , Wiiliiim J. Armitage. . William Lendrum. , John G. .^afford. , William Clapp. , William J. Armitage. , William Lendrum. . John G. SafFord. The following- cxtract.s from the town records will be read with interest : 1772. — "All men from sixteen to sixty jcars old to work on the roads this year. Fences must be four feet and a hnlf high." 1776. — " Duncan Reid is to be the constable for the south part of the patent, and Alexander Giilis for the north part; George Kilniore and James Beatty for masters. John Johnson was chosen a justice of the peace." 1781. — "Alexander ^IcDougall and Duncan Lindsey were elected tithing men." 1783. — "It is agreed that hogs may run with yokes of eighteen inches until September." 17S7.— '* The town-meeting was held at tlie house of John Taylor; seven years later at the house of John White, who is afterwards spoken of as a farmer." 1793. — "Voted that no stone horses shall run at hirge. on the pen- alty of the law." 1799.— "A special town-meeting was held on Fri lay, Xov. l.i, *for the purpose of putting in force that part oKcd his anthortv, 1-y a dear and positA-e law, that he hath reserved for himself one dny in sevi-n ; that he hath conserrjited this portion of time, by his pn-ci-pt, exaiiipli*, ami bUs-ing, for a holy i est from secular employments and audi acts nl religions wor.-)iiii and aiiomtiun as creatures owe ro their Creator, — "Kemember On- Sabhath day tokei-p it Jmly ;" an J, by a wholesome law of this State, all secular employmfi'tK on ilic&d-bath (lay are prohibited by a pt-nalty. Notwithstanding both the>e aulhoiiiies, there are many who continue to violate this divine command of Goil and com- mendable law of man, to Ihe great di^turbanco of those who would wish cou- scientiously to observe said day. ** * Itesolofd, therefure, That every person composing this meeting conceive themselves to be bound in conscience to use evt-ry lepal exertion to enforce tlio law of this State against vice and iiimiorality, and to stop, or give information against, every person who is found triiveling, laboring, fishing, or hunling on the Sahbath. '• ' i^eso/rcd. That proper characters he appointed to apprt-heud such as are found violating i he Sahbath by traveling or otherwisr-; and it is recommemled that when such ofTcnders aro unknown, they bu detained until after the Sdb- balh,antl tlien delivered to a justice of tin- peace, lo be fined jw Ihe law directs; but if Ihcy he persons whoso names aro known, information shall be given to a magistrate of the town within three days nfter such offense is committed, that they may be duly convicted and fined, according to law. "'Jlasolvrd, That John Gikhrist, James McGet-, Alexander Giilis, Andrew Haggart, Neal SlcConneJIe, Dotigal McKallor, William MeC^y, John McCleary, Thomas Wiigiit, Jolin Hermon, Joseph Heath, ('aspurus Bain,. John Ueid, ■William McDougal, Jr., Peter McKadiron, ■ Peter McEathiMn, Jr., Edwiird Uiggs, Rohei t Perrigo, Jr., Thomas Bentley, John Hall, Pardon T.-fft, .lohn Uarsha, Juhn AlcNeil, Martin Hopkins, Roger Campbell, Joseph Barber, David McKnight, Alexander Livingston, Thomas Hopkins, and Joseph Hall be ap- pointed for the above purpose. "• Rfsnlveii.. John Fcrsuson II DuMcvii Cam).liell II John Metjuire II Kobfit McNabb John McF.lrlin I'etcr Christie 1) James Maii-s Aichihiihl McNeil II John McNeil II Alexander McNeil M:ilcoIm McNaughtun 1 Williiun Robertson Hcnrv Tinkcy Daniel Livingston William Itoi.l 2 Robert iMcNau.'hton... Ale .ler Ma John McICnighl 1 Ale.vaniler McKnight.. 1 William Campbell (I Roger Rei.l II ))uncan McArthur 1 William Ui.ho|i II ArchibaUl Mclvallor... II WiJovv Bain 1 James Beatly John lieatrv'. John McDougiill II John White II D.iniel Mefiilvery II Joseph Patterson Allen McLean John Miller Casparus Bain I) In 1800, Rev. Thomas Allison preached to the congre- gation ten Sabbaths, but declined a call to the pastorate. On the 2Clh of June, 1800, George Dunn, Robert Robert- son, John Reid, and John Harsha were elected elders. The congregation was incorporated Oct. 28, 1801, and the following trustees elected to take care of its temporal- Photos, by Nims, Fort Edward, N. Y. ROBT. CUTHBERT. MRS. ELEANOR CUTHBERT. JAS. FOSTER. rbutus. by Nims, Furt EUwaril, N. Y. MRS. JAS. FOSTER. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 241 ities: Casparus Biiin, Wm. Robertson, Robert Robertson, David McKiiight, John ReiJ, and John Harsha. In 180-t a call was extended to the Rev. Robert Lang, signed by thirty-five male members, promising a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars, and the use of the glebe and parsonage; and in the fall of 1805 Mr. Lang accepted the call, being installed the following March. He was. an excellent preacher, but his conduct out of the pulpit did not please his parishioners; so that it was said, " When Mr. Lang is in the pulpit, he should never go out; and when out, he should never go in." The pastoral relation was dissolved Sept. 2, 1811. In the mean time a parsonage had been erected near the church (in 1805), and in 1807 the old log church gave place to a good frame meetlDg-house, costing three thousand dol- lars. To defray the expense attending these buildings, forty acres of the glebe lot were sold, reducing the land owned by the congregation to one hundred and twenty acres, which are still retained by it. From the time Mr. Lang left the church until 1818 the congregation had no regular pastor, but had prerfching by stated supplies. March 4, 1818, the Rev. Peter Bullions was installed, and served as pastor until 1824, when he re- signed to accept a professorship of languages at Albany. For five years the congregation was without a pastor, when the Rev. James P. Miller was called, and assumed charge in September, 1829. The following year a number of members withdrew and formed a new congregation at North Argyle. The leaders in this movement wore Daniel Stevenson and Robert Robertson, and under their direction the new congregation at once entered upon a pro.sperous existence. On the 9th of May, 1849, another portion of the congregation withdrew for the purpose of forming a new society at East Greenwich, thus again diminishing the membership of the Argyle congregation. Mr. Miller served as pastor twenty-one years, and in 1851 left to a.s- sume the duties of a missionary in Oregon. Rev. James Thompson was next installed as pastor, July 13, 1852, but remained only a short time. Calls were subsequently ex- tended to Joseph and Alexander Thompson, brothers of the first, but neither was accepted, and the congregation was again for a time without a pastor. About this time a new church was erected, — a com- modious frame, forty-six by eighty-two feet, with vestibule, gallery, and session-room, frescoed walls, fine pulpit, and cushioned seats, making it one of the most comfortable country churches in the county. A few years later a new parsonage was erected, and other improvements were sub- sequently made in tlie church property, so that it is now (1878) in good repair. In February, 1857, the Rev. James A. Duff was or- dained, and remained until his death, Oct. 6, ISfiO. Three years later, Rev. James H. Andrew assumed the pastoral relation, but remained only a year. Since July 1, 1875, the Rev. A. W. Morris has been the pastor, and under his ministrations the congregation is highly prosperous. The membership is about two hundred and forty, and its ag- gregate membership has been very largo, giving to the world many able men, and rearing the following ministers : James Martin, D.D., Finley McNaughton, Archibald 31 Whyte, Wm. Easton, John S. Easton, D.D., George M. Hall, John W. Harsha, A.M., John SkcUie, Archibald Reid, James A. Shankland, Andrew R;jveridge, Gilbert Small, Gilbert H. Robertson, D.D., William James Reid, D.D., and some others whose studies are not yet completed. The congregation assumed its present name in 1858, when the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches was effected. The present elders are John Rjid, William Lendrum, William McNeil, R. 0. Robertson, and George Henry. A flourishing Sabbath-school of two hun- dred members, superintended by Robert Alexander, is maintained. THE UNITED PRESBYTEBI.VN CONGREGATION OP NORTH ARGYLE is a branch of the congregation of South Argyle, and was organized in 1830, in response to a petition to the Associate presbytery of Cambridge, as the Associated Congregation of North Argyle. Its southern bounds were fixed on the " street" road, and it was established to accommodate mem- bers living in the north and western part of town, many having been obliged before this to go ten miles to attend services. The persons who thus associated themselves wore Daniel Stephenson, Sr., and wife ; Robert Robertson, wife and daughters, Ann and Mary; William Shepherd and wife ; Duncan Shepherd and wife ; John Stevenson and wife; John Tilford and wife; Alexander McGeoch and wife; William Swale and wife; Nicholas Robsrtson and wife; Robert G. Hale and wife; Alexander Bachop and wife ; Nathaniel Reynolds and wife ; William Wahle and wife; Mary Walsh, Andrew Haggard, Phoebe Coulter, Sarah Coulter, Mrs. Archibald Gillis, and John Robertson. The first meetings were held in the school-house, and preaching was supplied by the Rev. Lang and others. The first ruling elders elected were George Lendrum, William Stevenson, and Rjbert Robertson, at a meeting in 1830, over which the Rev. J. P. Miller presided. The congre- gation erected a house of worship the same year on the site occupied by the present edifice, Daniel Stevenson being the chief contributor for this purpose ; and while he lived he paid one-half of the ministerial support and char- itable contributions. The first session of the congregation was held April 4, 1831, and in the fall of that year the Rev. Duncan Stalker became the first pastor. About the same time the number of elders was increased by the addi- tion of William Wahle and Nicholas Robertson. The Lord's Supper was first commemorated July 28, 1832. In 1835 the session of ciders was still further increased by the election of Walter Edgar, Benjamin Skellie, and John Snell. Considerable trouble arose about this time in the Asso- ciate presbytery of Cambridge, relative to the case of Alex- ander Bullions, D.D., which extended to congregations out^ side the Cambridge presbytery. In 1841, the deposed ministers of several presbyteries lield a meeting at Cam- bridge, and formed themselves into a synod. Thus there were two bodies in the county claiming to be the Associate presbytery of Cambridge. In this issue the congregation of North Argyle and its pastor allied themselves with Dr. Bullions' party. 242 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. In the summer of 184(3 the church was enlarged and improved, the congregation meanwhile worshiping in the adjacent woods. Tlie following year the pastor was af- flicted with an attack of paralj'sis, which prevented him from attending to his duties. He tendered his resignation in June, 1852, to the congregation he had so faithfully served for more than twenty years. Rev. Stalker died in 1854, aged seventy years. In June, 1853, Rev. W. E. Henning was settled over the congregation, and still serves it in the pastoral relation. His labors have tended to tlie prosperity and welfare of the congregation, greatly endearing him to the people. In 185(> the congregation withdrew from the new As.so- ciate presbytery of Cambridge, and asked to be received into the old. This action had the effect of hastening the union of the two presbyteries, which took place later in the season. Two years later the congregation a.ssumed its present name, in consequence of the union of the Associate and the Associate Reformed branches of the I'resbyterian church. The present church edifice is a very neat and attractive frame, forty-five by seventy-two feet, with a well-propor- tioned spire, and was completed in 1866, at a cost of eleven thousand dollars. The pulpit furniture was the gift of Anna Stevenson. The hou.se is on ground deeded to the society by William Lundy. The burial-ground opposite was the gift of Daniel Stevenson, and at present forms a part of the North Argyle cemetery. North of the church a parsonage was erected in 1833, which has since been renovated and now forms a comfortable dwelling. The congregation has also received the following legacies : In 1842, from William Wahle, two hundred and fifty dollars; 1847, from Daniel Stevenson, Sr., one thousand dollars; 1853, from Aim Robertson, one hundred dollars; 1869, from Thomas Murray, one thousand dollars; and in 1875, from Mary Robertson, two hundred dollars. These have been properly invested for the good of the society. The present membership of the congregation is neaily two hundred and fifty, and every communion season wit- nesses accessions. Of the original communicants at North Argyle but three survive, namely, Elizabeth Stewart Guthrie, Sarah Coulter Harsha, and Nicholas Robertson. The latter has been clerk of the church since its formation, and has always rendered it faithful and elEeient service. Much of the prosperity also is due to Daniel Guthrie, the precentor, whose services of song have an edifying efl'ect. The benevolent contributions of the church are truly praise- worthy, more than five hundred dollars having been raised the past year. An excellent Sabbath-sehool has been connected with the church, which is largely attended by old and young. It is at present superintended by John McGeoch. The first trustees, consisting of Daniel Stevenson, Wil- liam Stevenson, Alexander McGeoch, David Harsha, John Robertson, and Archibald Bishop, filed their certificate of incorporation Dec. 1, 1832. Several churches have become extinct in Argyle, and whatever history they may have had is involved in obscu- rity, no records having been preserved. The first of these, in point of organization, was known as THE BEFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH UNION CHURCH IN ARGYLE, and its official board was to be distinguished, from and after Oct. 16, 1809, as the ministers, elders, and deacons of the above-named body. The first board was composed of Ileze- kiah Swiner, Ludwig Yungler, Jacob Dings, Casparus Schultz, and Cornelius Sehermerhorn. About 1814 a plaiu wooden meeting-house was erected in Argyle village, in which services were held by the Rev. Isaiah Johnson, the Rev. Van Hook, and others. The changes in the population of the town affected the church so much that the work was abandoned. The meeting-house subsequently became the property of the Methodi.sts. Another obsolete body was known as THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, which was legally constituted April 14, 1828, with the following officers: Rev. James W. Stewart, minister; Wil- liam Thompson and Neal McNeil, ruling elders; and Wil- liam Shaw and John Hall, deacons. The body was generally known as the Cameronian church, and had no pastor besides Mr. Stewart. A small frame church was erected on the Site at present occupied by the public hall, which was removed and changed into a furniture-store by John Ross. Whatever other interests remained were transferred to the church in Hebron. The earliest record of Methodism in Argyle bears date Jan. 16, 1815, when a meeting was called at the house of Ichabod Davis for the purpose of forming a legal society. G. Pierce was chosen chairman, and James Thompson clerk. The trustees elected were Joseph Allen, Thomas Carl, James Stewart, John Sprague, and William F. Swift. From this period until 1836 no records have been kept, but meetings were held in school-houses in various parts of the town where clas.ses existed. About 1835, Rev. Daniel Brayton was appointed to the circuit, who at once urged the members to unite and procure a church. This was done soon after ; the old Dutch church was bought for this purpose, and meetings were now held with greater regularity. On the 20th of November, 1850, THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF AROVLE was formally incorporated, and the following trustees elected : James Pollock, Edward Hunt, and Charles C. Wills. The meeting-house was enlarged and repaired, and preaching was regularly held by the following ministers : David P. Hulburd, Ezra Sprague, William P. Graves, William Henry, S. Young, I'aul P. Atwell, Ensign Stover, Thomas Dodson, William A. Miller, J. L. Cook, Aaron Hall, Amos Osborne, W. W. Foster, Ward BuUard, D. Lytle, J. M. Webster, J. L. Slauson, J. F. Craig, Daniel Rose, D. Brough, A. Hall, and J. W. Shank. The latter came to the place in the spring of 1877, and atonee instituted measures to erect a new church, the old frame house having proved inade- quate for the wants of the society. A building committee, composed of C. W. Taylor, Daniel Baker, and J. W. Shank, was appointed. May 26, 1877, and the erection of the pres- ent edifice was soon after begun on the site occupied by the old house, which was removed. It is a very handsome .A.-~;,.;^,JW;^^JJj.i?3i.J^^:l,^.,t Residence: OF Wm CLAPP, JVorth Atoyle Washin&ton Co Ny Residence OF JOHN R. HARSHA ,/Jorth Argyle, Washington Co, NV HTSTORV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 243 brick structure, having an audience-ronm forty-five by fifty- thrue feet atid twenty-five feet high, witli a two-story tran- sept in the rear twenty-one by forty-eight feet long. The lower story of this part of the building has been fitted up for parlors, pastor's study, etc., while the upper portion forms a session-room. The front of the church has a shapely tower one hundred and ten feet high, and the Gothic roof is relieved by appropriate crestings. The inte- rior of the house has been finished in good style, the pulpit work being especially fine. The entire cost of the church was about nine thousand dollars, a large proportion of which w;is contributed by Daniel Baker. A parsonage, worth one thousand dollars, was erected many years ago. The trustees controlling this property are A. P. Wills, Aaron Pollock, and Daniel Baker. The membership of the church is eighty-five, and under the ministrations of the Rev. Shank the work has become very prosperous. The church also maintains a Sunday-school of seventy -five members, which is under the superintendence of Aaron Pollock. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARGYLE is the corporate name of a branch of the Presbyterian church, formed in Argylc village in the spring of 1873. Its doctrines are similar to those of Dr. Hall's New York city church, and it is a member of the Troy presbytery. The organization was effected June 29, 1873, when thirty- eight persons subscribed to the Articles of Faith, and John Wollman, John L. Gilchrist, and William Cook were chosen elders. No regular pastor was connected with the church until June, 1874, when George Ainslie, of the Princeton Seminary, assumed that relation, and still con- tinues. That same season the building of a house of Avor- ship was begun in Argyle village, which was consecrated in April, 1875, by Revs. Robinson and Irwin, of Troy. It is an attractive frame edifice, thirty-six by sixty-eight feet, built in modern stylo, and finished throughout with good taste, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. The church is in a flourishing condition, having ninety members. John H. Smith and Freeman Mclntire have been added to the board of elders. It supports, also, a good Sunday-school of eighty-five members, which was organized in 1873, and of which John H. Smith is superintendent. In addition to the foregoing churches there are several religious and benevolent societies in town, the most promi- nent being THE ARCYLE BIBLE AND TRACT .SOCIJITIES. These were formed Feb. 6, 1837, as the Young People's Bible Society, with John Small president and John Rob- ertson secretary. The present names were adopted about 1870, and the first society is auxiliary to the American Bible Society. About two hundred and fifty dollars are contributed annually to the treasury of the society. SECRET ORDERS. Somewhere about 1800 there was a lodge of Masons at Argylc, embracing among its members some of the leading citizens of that day. In common with other lodges it went dowu during the Morgan excitement, and the records have been lost. Argyle Lodge, No. 5G7, F. & A. M., was chartered June 27, 18G5, with the following officers : William Cook, W. M. ; John McCall, S. W. ; A. J. White, J. W. ; E. Hill, Sec. ; R. Shannon, Treas. The present Master is E. H. Snyder, and P. F. Dixon is Secretary. The lodge has fifty-one members, and meets in a comfortable hall. Argi/Ic Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted in 1848, its first officers being Allen Gibson, N. G. ; George C. Har.sha, V. G. ; John A. Walker, R. S. ; Joseph Kinney, Treas. The lodge has long since discontinued its meetings. In 1848 a division of Sons of Temperance was also in- stituted, which had a very flourishing existence for a num- ber of years, but has also gone down, leaving no record of its usefulness other than that furnLshed by memory. The, Alpha Fraternal, No. 1, of the Order of Monadic Riielliana, was a secret association, whose object was to cultivate literary and scientific qualities. A tonple was established at Argyle, having as officials Gilbert Small, Arch Elder ; James D. Gourlay, Scribe ; Allen Gibson, Deacon ; G. H. Robertson, Warden. We cannot learn that the order is yet in existence, or that it accomplished its purpo.ses. Besides the foregoing there have been other societies, the data concerning which we have not been able to pro- cure. The town has several villages within its bounds. The least of these is commonly called THE HOOK, and is simply a cluster of houses at the forks of the roads, on lot 89, two miles northeast of North Argyle. Store was kept there at an early day by Joseph Hall, Samuel Don- aldson, and others, and a tavern by Arthur Barker, as well as a number of mechanic shops. Tiie latter are yet carried on. The place was formerly called " Coot Hill," and in 1829 a post-office was established by this name, with Samuel Donaldson postmaster. lu 1830 it was removed to NORTH ARGYLE, and Daniel Stevenson appointed postmaster. Ho was the first to engage in business at this point, which was formerly known as " Stevenson's Corners." It is a pleasantly-located hamlet, two and a half miles from Argyle village, contain- ing some comfortable homes and several hundred inhabitants. Besides Daniel Stevenson, other members of the family were successfully engaged in trade, as well as Marvin Clapp & Co. and Archibald Gillis. Cuthbert & McDougall are at present in trade in a fine business block, whose arrangements permit them to carry a large stock of goods. In 1845, William Stevenson, Jr., became the postmaster, and the office has since been held by Nicholas Robertson, Theo. Clapp, Seth H. Terry, John Walsh, W. D. Stevenson, and A. S. Cuthbert. There is a tri-weckly mail. The various trades are carried on in half a dozen shops. At Mack's Mills, James Haggart had a store at an early day. John Shannon is at present in trade. In the southern part of town, on lot 14, is the hamlet of SOUTH ARGYLE, with about a hundred inhabitauts. 244 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. The place became a business point about 1824, when John Jlitchcll opened a store. He was soon succeeded by Wm. G. McMasters, an active merchant, who left about 1835. The place was then occupied by McNaughton & Proudfit, and afterwards by Aaron McCall, and at present by Albert Stewart. In the northern part of the village, Samuel Stewart opened a store in 1840, whioli he has eon- ducted ever since. The post-ofiice was established about 1830, at the house of Rev. J. P. 31iller, the first postmaster. It was shortly after removed to the hamlet, and William G. McMasters appointed. His successors in office have been William McNaughton, William Congdon, John H. Ferguson, Mrs. Eliza MtCall, and the present incumbent, Albert Stewart. The office has a daily mail. Mechanic shops were put up in 1827, by Wn). Congdon, who has carried on wagon and carriage making ever since. Other tradesmen that remained a long period of years were William Christie, Simon Schermerhorn, the French family, and Moses McNeil. The place has at present its full com- ])loment of shops. ARGYLE VILLAGE. This rising place is finely situated on an elevated plain, on the Moses Kill, a few miles west of the centre of the town. Settlement was first made here by George Kilmer, who fiirmerly owned the village site. It has always been the most important place in the town. But its growth was slow, and John Ross recollects that in 1817 there were only half a dozen houses in the place. It was incorporated in 1838. There are several good business houses, a number of fine homes, and beautiful churches, ranking the village among the foremost in the county. Population, eight hundred. One of the first to engage in trade on a large scale was Alexander Backup. His first place of business was in a house that occupied the site of the carriage-factory. He afterwards located in the southern part of the village, con- tinuing in trade many years and being highly respected. His old stand was subsequently occupied by leading mer- chants, as by Carl & Dodd, Edward Dodd, and the present J. Armitage for the past fifteen years. At the lower end of the village, James IMcNaughton, Carl & Terry, Robert Campbell, and Clark & Stewart were successively engaged in what has, since 1832, been the stand of the present John C. Rouse. The old house was destroyed by fire in 1867, when the present building was removed to this place. Near the centre of the village Stiles Ransom was in business before 1815, and was for nearly forty years a leading mer- chant. His stand is at present occupied by Taylor & Strain. John Ross has been in the furniture trade more than half a century. The place has eight or ten stores in the difltr- eiit branches of trade. A tavern was kept opposite the county clerk's office soon after the Revolution by Peleg Biagg and others. About 1800, Joseph Rouse became the proprietor, and continued it as a hotel and stage headquarters many years. All the buildings connected with the old hostelry have been re- moved. Directly opposite, at the present stand, John Ran- som kept a public-house — and a portion of the building he used is yet standing — more than seventy years. The changes of landlord here were quite frequent, James Stew- art, Daniel Buck, James Carl, Dennis & Harrison, George Shannon, and Shannon & White following as successors of John Ransom. The house has been enlarged, and is adequate for the wants of the place. The post-office was established about 1807, the mail being supplied by a line of stages running from Troy to White- hall. Joseph Rouse was the postmaster for the first thirty- four years. Since 1841, the office has been held by John C. Rouse, Wm. H. Rouse, John A. Pattison, James Hall, Henry Shipherd, and John C. Rouse, who holds it at pres- ent. The office has two mails per day from Fort Edward, and mails 125 letters per day ; receives 100 letters. Registered letters mailed per quarter, 90 ; received, 30. More than 500 newspapers ai'e distributed each week. The public hall is a commodious frame edifice, with accommodations for five hundred people, erected in 1865, by an association formed for this purpose, and of which Edward Dodd is the secretary. The cornet-band was organized in November, 1873, with seventeen members. Has at present ten members, under the leadership of John Hopkins. The village has had a liberal supply of professional men. In medicine there were many able practitioners. Among them, Dr. Andrew Proudfit, a student of Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia ; settled in Argyle in 1790 ; removed to Troy, in 1807, to engage in trade; returned in 1818, and died in 1822. He was the earliest physician of which there is any record. Dr. Robert Cook, a student of the above, practiced twenty-five years; Dr. Thomas Clark, another student, practiced about the same length of time shortly after; Dr. Robert Clark, a few years, about 1801; Dr. James Green, from Salem, several years before 1815 ; Dr. Zebulon Rood, from Massachusetts, about 1812, until his death in town in 1824; Dr. Worthy Watts, prior to his death in 1828; Dr. Andrew Proudfit, Jr., about 1820, removed to Stirling, N. Y. ; Dr. William Wicks, educated by Dr. Green, from 1820 to '24; Dr. William Marshall, in 1835; Dr. George Gillis, a student of Dr. Cook, in prac- tice until 1859; Dr. Hugh Proudfit, prior to 1850; Dr. Freeman Hopkins, removed to Kalamazoo, Mich.; Dr. James Savage, located at Argyle in 1820, where he yet resides, was a surgeon under Gen. McClellan, a member of the Assembly, etc. ; Dr. Andrew Savage, son of the above, died in 1863 ; Dr. David Martin, from 1845 to 1848 ; Dr. John C. Sill has been in practice since 1848 ; Dr. James S. McNeil, since 1858; Dr. Pierce is also in practice. (Hher phy.sicians in town were Doctors John Stevenson, T. Z. Gibbs, B. F. Ketchum, Sharpe IMcFaddeu, Arnold Dake, John and William Stewart, Daniel Harvey, and David Lester. MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. The village was incorporated under a special act of the Legislature, passed March 27, 1838, which provided for the annual election of five trustees ; from whose number a president shall be chosen, and other officers, and conferred the powers usual to such cases. The first election was held June 5, 1830, with the fol- \ HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 245 lowing result ; Trustees, Ransom Stiles, George Gillis, John 31. Stewart, James Caul, James Savage ; Clerk, William H. King ; Assessors, Benj. Caswell, George W. Harsha, and Ma.son Martin ; Collector and Constable, James Stewart. Ransom Stiles was chosen president. Since 1838, the fol- lowing have been the presidents and clerks : PresiJeiits. Cleiks. ISIill Ransom Stiles. Pidm-y Mathews. 1840 Jesse S. Leigh. William K. Mills. ]S41 " " " '• 1842 J.Tmes Savage. " " JS43 Ransom Stiles. Alex. MeFadJen. 1844 " 1845 .John Robertson. " " 184fi Ransom Stiles. A. Gibson. 1847 •• •' '• •' 1848 " " R. G. Clark. 1849 " " 1830 James Savage. '• " 1851 " •' Henry Shipherd. 1852 Ransom Stiles. " " 185,'i James Savage. John C. Ronse. 1854 Joseph Rouse. " " 1855 Cornelius Sharp. Boyd Madden. 1856 James Hall. 1857 Cornelius Sharp. *' " 18.58 " " John C. Rou.5e. 18.5!) Edward D.idd. '■ " 18B0 •• 18BI " " " " 1862 John C. Sill. "' " 1863 James Saviigc. 1864 " " .Tohn McOall. 1865 " " E. Hill. 186fi " " 1867 .lohn C. Sill. " 1868 E. Hill. O. I.. Whitcomb. ISfi'J Alex. BarUlcv. C. W. Tavlor. 1871) Edward Dodd. 1871 " 1872 " " O. r,. Whileonib. 1873 George Shannon. 1874 R. G. Clark. J. K. lUnry. 1875 " 1870 James S. McXeil. 1877 David Hall. 0. L. Whitcomb. In 1845 the board of trustees purchased a fii-e-engiiie, and commissioned seventeen persons as members of " Argyle Fire Co., No. 1." Additions to the membeiship were made from time to time, and in one form or other the company had an existence for about twenty years. On the 5th of Oct., 18G6, a new company was formed, and the organiza- tion reported and received the sanction of the council, who provided a new engine and apparatus, costing about nine hundred dollars. An engine-house was also secured in a central locality, and the department was made subject to wholesome regulations. Unfortunately, the organization has been permitted to become ineffective, and the place is now without a regular company. The incorporation of the village has contributed much to its present handsome appearance, resulting from the action of some of the first councils, ordering the planting of trees, and making provision for their protection ; also, in adopting measures to promote the cleanliness of the village. Some amendments have been made to the original charter, but its general character remains unchanged. THE COUNTY BUILDINGS. Owing to the central position of Argyle, several county institutions are located within her bounds. The county clerk's office was fixed at Argyle village as an intermediate point between Salem and Sandy Hill, where the courts are held, in 1806. At that time Daniel Sliipherd was clerk, and had his office in the nei<;hborhood of the United Pres- byterian church. Subsequently a building was erected just west of the present office, which was used until 1870, when the present structuie was erected. It is a plaiu but neat two-story brick, well arranged with office conveniences. C. W. Taylor is the present clerk. The county poor-house is located on a farm of two hun- dred and forty acres, situated on lot 18, about two miles south of the village. It is a substantial brick building, erected in 1827, and enlarged to meet growing demands for room. Jo.seph Stewart was the first keeper, and G. S. Lake is the present. The farm is in a good state of culti- vation, the buildings in good repair, and the institution Ls creditably managed. REVOLUTIONARY. Although Argyle was not the direct theatre in which were enacted the stirring scenes of the long struggle for independence, some important incidental events have trans- pired within her bounds. The people felt the power of the heavy hand of war, and the toix-h was applied to many lowly homes, causing the occupants to flee for their lives. Thus it appears from the town records of 1791 that Robert McNaughton, living on lot 30, was expelled from his farm by the incursions of the enemy, and a year later William and Gilbert Robert.son petitioned to be exempt from paying quitrent for similar reasons. The conduct of the treach- erous Indians that had allied themselves to Burgoyne's army occasioned especial alarm, and justly so, for they swept through the country as with the besom of desolation. How terrible their work, and how sad the fate of those iu their pathway, is graphically told in the following REMINISCENCES OP THE REVOLUTION.* " Incidents of the Revolution must be interesting to every American citizen, and particularly so to the surviving friends and relatives of those immediately connected with such incidents, as well as tliose now residing in the vicinity where such iicidents occurred. " It is perhaps worth while to rescue from oblivion the following reliable reminiscences of the Revolution, which I had from various sources, but particularly from the lips of my aged aunt (lately deceased), who was eight years of age at the time these incidents transpired, — a time of lili; in which the memory is in full vigor. The impr&sions then made arc vivid and lasting. The accumulating cares and toils and sorrows of after-life can never eradicate them. And even in old age, when the mind is incapacitated for receiving new impressions, — when the passing events of the day are soon obliterated, and leave scarcely a trace upon the mind, — incidents, even the most minute, connected with youth, or even childhood, are recalled without any apparent effort, with vivid and startling accuracy. The human mind being thus constituted, early recollections may be received as reliable information, and may be recorded as such on the historic page. " In the latter part of the summer of 1777, a .scout ing- party of Indians, consisting of eight persons, received an injury, or a supposed injury, from some wliite persons at Ry Ihe late Arthur Reid, who was a native of the to 246 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. New Perth, now Salem, Washington Co., New York, for which tiiey were determined to have revenge. " At the above date, the inhabitants of New Perth and vicinity had erected a temporary fort, to which they resorted, especially at night, for protection. The inmates of this fort, observing the scouting-party of Indians above alluded to prowling around, fired upon them from the fort and killed one of their number, at which the seven surviving Indians were exceedingly exasperated. With a spirit of revenge rankling in their bosoms, they swore, according to their custom, that for the blood of their comrade they would exact the blood and scalps of the first white family that came in tiieir way, as a plenary, expiatory sacrifice. This oath was taken in the presence of a white man, a prisoner, then in their possession. AVho this prisoner was, where he resided, how, where, and when they became in possession oP him, is not now known ; to each of these inquiries history is silent; and all that is known of his future history will appear in the sequel. " The party of Indians alluded to was a part of a large body who had assembled, according to previous arrange- ments, at the place where the invading army, under General Burgoyne, was then encamped, which was on the banks of the Boquet, a romantic and picturesque little river upon the west bank of Lake Champlain, and not far distant in a northerly direction from Crown Point. In order to inspire the savages with eourag-e, General Burgoyne considered it expedient, in compliance with their custom, to give them a war-feast, at which they performed many rites and cere- monies peculiar to themselves, indulging in the most ex- travagant manoeuvres, gesticulations, and exulting vocifer- ations, such as lying in ambush and displaying their rude armorial devices, and dancing and whooping and yelling, and brandishing their tomahawks and scalping-knives. Such barbarous conduct, preparatory to engaging in war, must have been looked upon by the assembled civilized troops with suspicion and disgust. " This particular band of Indians was in command of an Iioquois chief, who, i'rom his bloodthirsty nature, was called Le Loup, the wolf. Ho was bold and fiercely re- vengeful, adapting him well to lead the party which com- mitted these atrocities. "About a month after the above date we find Le Loup and his party in the vicinity of Salem, as before related. Although more than three-fourths of a century has elapsed since that time, and although all the busy actors of the stirring scenes of the Revolution have passed from ofF the stage of time, yet may the bloody trail of these fierce ma- rauders still be traced. " Accordingly, Le Loup and his band started from Salem, en route to the place where the van of the invading army, under General Burgoyne, was then encamped, which was about four miles north of Fort Edward, with a full deter- mination of massacring and scalping the first white family that came in their way. " My grandfather's — Duncan SIcArthur — family was the first that came in the Indians' way on their direct route from Salem to the encampment. At that epoch the country was exceedingly sparsely settled. The margins of streams and lakes were dotted .here and there by small clearings ; the vast intervening wilderness was almost entirely unin- habited, except by the Indians and the wild beasts of the forest. At that time a few families had settled along the right bank of the On-du-wa, now Batten Kill, between what is now called Fitch's Point and the bend of the Kill, about two miles north of Battenville. The Indians passed north of this settlement. " My grandfather's family consisted of six persons, viz. : the parents and four children, the eldest of whom was ten, and the youngest four years of age. " As the Indians approached the clearing upon which the dwelling stood they halted in an opening in the forest, according to their custom, in order to make preparations for executing their fiendish design. They examined their implements of warfare ; they looked at the powder with which their fire-anns were loaded ; they picked their gun- flints; they sharpened their tomahawks and scalping-knives, and returned their gleaming blades into sockets prepared for their reception, in broad leathern belts around their swarthy waists, to be drawn the instant they were needed ; they put their ammunition in the most convenient place for momentary use. After partaking of a hasty repast,— the material of which was a fruit of their plunder, — they painted in spots their faces, necks, and shoulders with a thick coat of vermilion, and arrayed themselves with their customary ornaments of warfare. Thus the naturally savage and ferocious appearance of the Indians was greatly enhanced by the artificial lueans studiousl}' employed by them, in order to make themselves appear more hideous and terrific to their enemies. Nature and art being thus combined in producing the ferocious and terrifying appear- ance of the savage, this appearance needs only to be accom- panied by his characteristic yell, — so much dreaded by the early settlers, — to strike terror to the bravest spirit, and to make the stoutest heart quail. All things being now ready for the expected conflict, the munitions of war having been put in the best possible order, Le Loup and his party moved slowly forward with stealthy steps to the very edge of the forest, and again halted in order to take a survey of the premises around the house, and to mature a particular plan of attack. They were particularly cautious not to expose themselves to view from the house, con- cealing themselves behind the trunks of trees, and cautiously peering through small interstices in the foliage. After having made as thorough an examination of the house and its surroundings as the circumstances would admit, they retired a short distance, and assembled in council. " It was so ordered by the overruling hand of Provi- dence that on that very day — an unusual occurrence — two men from a distant neighborhood were assisting my grand- father in harnessing and breaking a young horse. The Indians, on discovering three men about the premises, were not a little disconcerted. They were still more in- timidated on discovering what they took to be three dwell- ings on the place. The temporary dwelling that my grand- father had first erected was still standing, and also a rude barn erected about the same time, making three buildings on the place, with the one the family lived in. The Indians were led into the belief that each of these build- ings was occupied by a distinct family, from the fact of HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 247 there being three men about the place. They hesitated about making an assault upon the house. Accordingly, they convened a council to take into consideration the practicability of carrying out their premeditated plan. The members of the council were divided in their opinions; but the probability of there being three families on the premises had the preponderance. It caused them to hesi- tate, and finally to abandon the undertaking. " Thus, by the interposition of a kind Providence, a foniily was saved from a fearful doom. If the overruling hand of Providence liad not directed the footsteps of the two men thither, undoubtedly the fiimily would have fallen a sacri- fice to the relentless cruelty of the savages. " Although Le Loup and his comrades had been frustrated in accomplishing their design upon the family, and were not a little irritated and chagrined at the failure, yet their thirst for blood was not at all abated. After they had abandoned tho undertaking, they passed rapidly onward, with elastic step, in Indian file, winding along among the umbrageous forest-trees. In about an hour from the time they started they came in sight of a clearing upon which a dwelling stood, occupied by a family by the name of Allen. As the Indians nearcd the clearing they slackened their pace, and as they approached still nearer they used more caution, looking in every direction to see that they were not discov- ered, and finally, with muffled steps, they proceeded to the very edge of the forest in order to get a view of the premises. It was wheat harvest ; the men were in the field reaping their grain. The Indians, after having recounoitered the place as well as they could without being discovered from the field or the house, held a short consultation, and unani- mously agreed, as it was near mid-day, to wait till the men in the field went into the house to dinner. They considered that time as the most favoi'able opportunity to approach the house undiscovered, and to perpetrate their diabolical design upon the family. " From the house that the Indians had just left, Mr. Allen's dwelling was situated at the distance of about two miles, in a northwesterly direction, and about three-fourths of a mile northeasterly from the present South Argyle. The land upon which the house stood is now owned by Charles T. Fullerton, and is situated at the distance of about twenty rods in an easterly direction, on a rise of ground, from the residence of Mr. Fullerton, and about the same distance in a southerly direction from the dwelling of Archi- bald Armstrong, Jr. " Mr. John Allen's family, for the time being, consisted of nine persons, viz. : himself and Mrs. Allen, and three children, and temporarily residing in the family, Sirs. Allen's sister, two colored men, and a colored woman. These colored people were slaves owned by Mr. George Kilmore, who was Mr. Allen's father-in-law. George Kil- more (or Yerry, the German name by which he was then called, George being the English of Yerry) resided in a northerly direction, at the distance of about three miles from Mr. Allen's house. Mr. Kilmore's house was situated on the northern suburbs of the present Argyle village, on the left bank of Moses Kill. " On Friday morning Mr. Kilniure sent three slaves to assist his son-in-law harvest his wheat. Mrs. Allen's sister went along with them. Whether the slave woman was assisting harvest the grain, or whether she was assisting about the domestic affairs of the house, is not known. The reapei-s were in the harvest-field when the Indians arrived, as before related. " There is some doubt as to the time when the ma.ssacre occurred, .some placing the date as Saturday, July 26, and others Friday, July 25, 1777. All the circumstances seem to indicate the latter as the more probable date. " It will be recollected that we left the Indians waiting till the reapers retired from the field to dinner. They had nothing to do but to wait quietly till the time arrived. All their paraphernalia of warfare had been put in order for the occasion, as before related, and had not been used, and was still iu readinass. The time fixed for the perpetration of the deed was rapidly approaching. The prisoner made an earnest request that he might be allowed to remain behind, and not be compelled to witness the heartrending scene. The Indians at first seemed disinclined to grant his request, but, after the prisoner had made repeated earnest entreaties to spare his feelings, they finally consented to grant his request. Accordingly, it was agreed that one of the Indians was to remain with him and guard him, while the others were to go forward and execute the deed. " Hark ! the signal for dinner was announced from the house. The men retired from the field to the house. The family sat down to their last dinner. Little did they think that the signal inviting them to the table was also the sig- nal for the approach of the mes.sengers of death. But no time was now to be lost ; the Indians forthwith issued from the forest with all their hideousness and blood-thirstings, and approached the house, and, with a terrific yell, they — But what followed can only be gathered from the different positions in which the different members of the fomily were found, as no eye saw it, save the All-seeing Eye, and the eyes of the perpetrators of the deed. " Although more than eighty-one years have elapsed since that time, and although the actors in that frightful scene have probably long since departed this life, yet even now, in attempting to describe the horrible scene that pre- sented itself after the awful tragedy was enacted, the imag- ination sickens, and a noticeable tremulousness of our pen may be observed as we write. " Mr. Allen was found at the distance of a few rods iu a northerly direction from the house, about midway between the house and barn. It is supposed that when alarmed by the Indians he had escaped through a back door or win- dow, and had proceeded thus fiir when shot down by the Indians. Mrs. Allen, her sister, and the youngest child were found in the same direction from the house with that of Mr. Allen, but nearer, and had probably got out of the house in the same way. It is likely that the women had hold of the child's hands, and were escaping with all pos- sible speed, when overtaken by the Indians, tomahawked, and scalped. The other two children, when alarmed by tho Indians, had secreted themselves in a bed, and were there found tomahawked and scalped. One of the colored men was found with his body in the house, his back downwards, his head protruding from tho door, his neck across the threshold, his body gashed and mutilated in a horrible 248 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTi', NEW YORK. manner, his scalp torn off, and his lips skinned and turned back on his face and chin, thus presenting a shocking sight. From the numerous wounds found inflicted on his body, it is supposed that he made a dcsparate resistance, and prob- ably wounded .some of the Indians, and, in order to gratify their revengeful dispositions, they thus mutilated his body, and left it in this condition. The position in which the colored woman and the other colored man were found is not distinctly recollected. Thus, in and around the hou.se, lay nine inanimate gory bodies, their scalps torn off, and their bloodshot eyes protruding fearfully from their sockets. " Mr. Kilmore expected his daughter and slaves home on Friday evening, but as they did not return at that time, he supposed that they had not finished harvesting the wheat, and that they would return in the forepart of the succeed- ing day. But hour after hour of that day passed away, and they did not return. Mr. Kilmore waited, with the expectation that they would make their appearance, until it was too late to send and ascertain the cause of their de- tention. On the next (Sabbath) morning he sent a colored lad on horseback to find out the reason why they were thus detained. As the boy approached the house, the keen- scented horse stopped, and refused to go forward, — he snielled the blood of the slaughtered family. It was with the greatest difficulty that the horse was urged forward till his rider got a view of the appalling scene. He was not long in conveying the fearful tidings home. A few men in the neighborhood of Mr. Kilmore's assembled on that day and buried the dead. The men, while performing the burial .service, were greatly afraid of the return of the Indians. Whilst some stood with rifles in their hands, the others dug two graves, and spread a sheet in each, and deposited the bodies of the whites in one grave, and the blacks in the other. Although the plow now passes over the ground where the house stood, and where the graves were made, yet their situation can still be pointed out. Until recently, boards have been kept up at the graves to designate the spot. Two aged apple-trees stand near the place, and it is supposed they were young trees at the time the scene was enacted ; if so, they are living witness of that eventful tragedy. " On Monday evening following, the news of the mas- sacre of the Allen family reached my great-grandfather's, who resided some two miles north of Battenville, on what is latterly known as Dwellie's hill. When the information of the foul murder had arrived, the family thought it was' more than probable that their near family relatives had also became the victims of savage cruelty, from the fact of their nearness to the massacred family. In order to relieve the awful suspense under which the family labored, Archi- bald Campbell, my grandmother's brother, was determined to ascertain what might be the truth of the matter. He endeavored to get some one to accompany him in his un- dertaking, but as no one seemed willing to go, he was about to start alone, when Mr. Neil Gillaspie (whose daughter, Mrs. Bain, is still living at an advanced age in the township of Argylc) volunteered to accompany him. The two started on hoi-seback, under the covert of the night and the forest-trees, — the distance being about four miles, — with the expectation of bringing back — if, indeed. they came back — mournful tidings respecting the fate of the family. When they were within about half a mile of the clearing, they dismounted and tied their horses to trees, and proceeded on foot in order to make as little noise as po.ssible. They considered it expedient to ap- proach the house with great caution ; for they were ap- prehensive thiit the family had been massacred, and that the Indians miglit still be lurking about the place or had perhaps taken up a temporary residence in the house. As the two man crossed the stream on the south side of the house, they were not a little alarmed at liearing something that resembled the groans of a person. This groaning, intermingling with the murmuring of the water in the stillness of the night, sounded dolefully upon their cars. They supposed that the family had been murdered, and that the groans proceeded from some of the members of it who had been left for dead. But on a more particular ex- amination, they ascertained that the noise proceeded from a swine-sty, and was occasioned by the snoring of its inmates. Encouraged by this discovery, they went for- ward to the barn-yard, and there found the cattle lying, quietly chewing their cuds. They looked upon this as a good sign that all was safe. They proceeded to the gate that led to the house, and found it shut. They considered this another good sign ; for if the Indians had been there, they would likely have left the gate open, and all would have been in confusion. And finally, they groped their way to the house, and found its inmates sleeping soundly, — unconscious of any danger. This was the first intima- tion of the probable danger they had been in, and of what had befallen the Allen family. But as yet they knew nothing about the council of Indians that had convened a few rods from the house for the purpose of determining their fate. " Although the family wore not fully aware of the great danger they had been in, yet they knew sufficient to alarm them greatly. Without delay, they arranged their affairs as well as they could, and started that night for Duncan Campbell's. They put the children on the horses, and groping their way through the dense forest, arrived in safety at the place of destination. " At this time, a few families had taken up their resi- dence at the head of the Cossayuna lake, and in that vicinity. On the northern margin of the lake one of these families lived, whose name was McEachron. The maternal head of this liousehold was a daughter of Mr. George Kilmore, and a sister of Mrs. Allen's, whose melancholy fate is recorded on a preceding page. The lineal descendants of Peter McEachron 's family reside, at the present day, only a few feet distant from the same place. " On hearing of the direful calamity that had befallen their near relatives, this family, with the others in the im- mediate neighborhood, resorted without delay to the Cos- sayuna island, as the nearest place of comparative safety. This island, as before stated, was situated towards the northern extremity of the lake, and nearly equidistant, about one hundred and fifty rods, from the west, north, and east shore of the lake ; and towards the south the lake extended to the distance of some two or three miles. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 249 " These terror-stricken families disposed of tlieir tempo- ralities as well as they could ; and taking along with them such of their effects as could be easily removed, including some of the smallest of their domestic animals, they re- moved to the island, and there encamped for the space of two or three weeks. In choosing a location for tlieir en- campment, they were particularly careful to select a spot that was well screened by the thick foliage of the surround- ing forest-trees, in order to prevent exposure from the lake- shore. During the time they sojourned there they were continually apprehensive that they would be ferreted out by the keen-scented savages. In order to secure their safety, if possible, they took turns in standing sentinels, especiallj' during the silent watches of the night. The sentinels were stationed so that they could have a command- ing view in all directions ; and if the Indians attempted to approach the island with stealth and muffled oars they could give the alarm to their companions, and thus be prepared to make a defense. The party on the island deemed it necessary to keep as quiet as possible, so as not to attract the attention of the Indians. They used every means in their power to prevent the wailing of their younger chil- dren and the boisterousness of those that were older, the barking of their hunting dogs, and the crowing and cack- ling of their fowls ; for they were fearful that the noise occasioned by their bipeds and quadrupeds would reveal their whereabouts to the lurking savages. But when Bur- goyne had left Fort Edward, and the Indians had disappeared from around the lake, these families cautiously returned to their former homes. " Dismayed and terrified, the settlers no longer relied upon Burgoyne's promised protection. The panic-stricken patriots and loyalists, on hearing of the massacre of the Allen family, and other similar depredations committed by the Indians, fled with all possible speed to some place of protection. " Most of the families residing along the On-da-wa, or Batten Kill, and in that vicinity, went to Fort Edward, and among them was our ancestral family. After the different families had arranged their respective affairs as hastily as possible, they assembled and started for Fort Edward, tak- ing along with them some indispensable necessaries, and driving their cattle before them. The company went by way of my grandfather's, and thence to the place where the Allen family were murdered. There the party made a halt, and took a melancholy view of the place where the bloody tragedy had been so recently enacted. Among other things that attracted their notice was a bloody cap — with a long cut in it, made by the blade of a tomahawk — lying on a stump, that had been worn by one of the family at the time of the murder. After taking a brief survey of the place, they hastened on towards the encampment. " From Friday afternoon, the 25th of July, until Sab- bath morning following, the whereabouts of Le Loup and his band cannot now be designated. But on that morning they made their appearance on the brow of the hill north of Fort Edward, and then and there a shocking tragedy was enacted; and well may it be said, in reference to it, that ' truth is stranger than fiction.' It was the massacre of Miss Jane McCrea, an amiable and intelligent lady, 32 under peculiar circumstances. She was attired in her wed- ding-dress, and about to be joined in marriage to Mr. David Jones, who was an officer in the British army. The indig- nant patriots, on hearing of the atrocious conduct of the Indians, were fired with an extra stimulus, and were deter- mined to make a desperate effort to avenge these cruelties, and to free themselves from the arbitrary domination of Great Britain. Not allowing their excited passions to cool, the colonists, with all possible ha.ste, rushed from the moun- tain sides and the intervening valleys, and from the extended plains, to the battle-field, and by their daring deeds of valor forced General Burgoyne and his army into an uncondi- tional surrender. This defeat exerted a deleterious effect upon the whole of the British arms in America, and event- ually resulted in the withdrawal of the whole army. It is possible that the blood of the victims, shed by savage cruelty, sealed the fate of the American Revolution." MILITARY. Among those who rendered service as soldiers of the Revolution was John Smith. He was once taken prisoner by the Indians, and narrowly escaped with his life. John Taylor did service in the patriot cause as a teamster, and others served in various capacities. In 1812 a number responded, and hastened with alacrity to the defense of the northern frontier as members of the 118th N. Y^. Regt. Jesse S. Leigh was a paymaster in the above organization. John Ross, Duncan Taylor, Henry Smith, James Bain, Asa Bristol, and John Todd were among the men that went to Plattsburg. In the support of the government, in the trying hours of the late civil war, the town was not wanting. Appro- priations were frequently voted, at annual and special meet- ings called for this purpose, to encourage enlistments, and the taxes for this purpose aggregated nearly one hundred thousand dollars. Wm. Congdon, P. C. Hitchcock, James M. Hall, Alex. Barclay, John McCall, and David Hall were a war committee, and their action secured the requi- site quotas. Appended hereto is a list of the citizens of Argyle who did service for their country in the Rebellion : Jolm Armstrong, pnl. Dec. 29, 186:i, lOtli Art., Co. H ; discli. Aug. 29, 186.5. William Anintning, enl. Deo. 29, ISO), ICth Ait., Co. H ; died of dise.Tse nt Wilsoirs WImrf, Dec. 19, 1864. Chfiilea A. Ackley, eul. Dec. 29, 1863, 10th Art., Co. H; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. ■William J. Armstrong, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. F; disch. Jan. 4, 1804. John Bain, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. F; liisch. June 8, 1805. Orlando D. Beattie, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch June 8, 1805. William Bready, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Uegt., Co.F; wounded at Chantollors- ville ; disch. June 8, 1805. Garner Baker, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. F; wounded and taken pris- oner May 3, 1863; died. George K. Bain, enl. July 31, 1802, 123d Regt,, Co. F; disch. Nov. 30, 1862. James D. Brown, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. William J. Bain, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 9.id Regt., Co. X. Heury P. Briggs, enl. Nov. 7, 18(11, 93d Regt., Co. I. James C. Brijrgs, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I. Zachariah D. Baird, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Hegt., Co. I. David Bain, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Ileriry V. D. Brown, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I. Walter C. Brlggs, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. HaUey Brislol, enl. Dec. 29. 1863, 16th Art., Co. H. James M. Crawford, 2a liuut.; eul. Nov. 15, 1861, 93.1 Regt; pro. to chap. ; discli. Junes, 1865. Andrew L. Crawford, sergt.; enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; pro, to 1st lieut. ; diM-li. .1 ^8, 18i;.'>, James H. Crawford, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. F ; d sell. June 8, 1865. 250 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. James K. Cronk, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Kegt^ Co. F ; wounded at Gettysburg ; disch. March 3, 1805. James H. Conklin, cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; disch. Mny 18, 1863. James Currons, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 133d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Walter Chapman, eul. Dec. 26, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1806. Chirk Curtis, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Uegt., Co. F; disch. July 7, 1803. Wni. B. Caiul>ljell, enl. Aug. U, 1S02, 123d Regt., Co. F; wounded May 25, 1804 ; disch. Juno 8. ISCi. Charles Carter, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 186:!. Wni. J. Copeland, enl. Aug. 17, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Simon D. Curtis, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. F; disch. July 15, 186.3. Joseph Cart%vright, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, I23d Eegt., Co. F; died in New York, April 21, 1865. George Congdon, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. H; died at Elmira, Feb. 28, • 1864. Henry C. Carter, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; trans, to COtli N. Y. Inf. J.acob Dings, eul. Aug. 31, 1861, 44th Regt., Co. K; wounded; disch. Oct. II, 1864. Charles Dings, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, I23d Reg(., Co. F; prisoner March 9, 1865; disch. June 17, 1805. James S. Dobbin, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; in q.m. dept.; disch. May 27, 1865. Schuyler Durkee, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; pro. to corp. ; disch. June 8, 1865. Thomas Dennison, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Martin Davis, enl. Nov. 7, I86I, 03d Regt., Co. I. Ezra Durham, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I, Alva Durkee, enl. Dec. 7, 1863; in Libby prison, 1804; disch. Aug. 29, 180.5. Phineas F. Dunn, enl. 123d Regt,, Co. A. Stokes Ellsworth, enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, liSd Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. Wui. 11. Emerson, enl. Aug. 9,1802, 123d Regt., Co. F; died at Stafford Court- House, Va., Feb. 10, 1863. Henry Everett, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. George H. Farnsivorth, enl. Dec. 30, 1663, 16th Art., Co. H ; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. John French, enl. July 31, 1862, I23d Regt., Co. F; pro. to sergt.; disch. June 8, 1866. Russell Fnllertou, enl. Aug. 31, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. F; wounded; pro. to Corp.; disclj. March 14, 1865. Simoon IS. Foster, enl. Nov. 7, I80I, 03d Regt., Co. I. Cortland Faxon, e:il. Dec. 6, 1801, OJd Regt., Co. I. James Gilchrist, blacksmith; enl. Sept. 1861, 7th Cav., Co. A ; disch. April 3, 1802. Michael Gleason, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. 1. Augustus A. Gorham, cnl. Nov. 7, 1801, O-Jd Regt., Co. I. William W. Hawkins, enl. Dec. 0, I86I, 93J Regt., Co. I ; pro. sorgt. ; wounded ; disch. July 12, 1665 ; died Aug. 6, 1870, Ironi eflects of wound. Henry C. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 26, 1863. Theodore Haggart, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. F; died at Harper's Ferry, Va,, Jan. 6, 1863. Taylor A. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; killed at Peach-Tree Creek, July 20, 1804. Henry C. Hutchens, cnl. Aug. .5, 1862, I23d Regt., Co. F; died at Fairfax Sta- tion, Va., Jan. 15, 1863. Lewis R. Harsha, cnl. June 0, 1801, 22d Uegt., Co. B; disch. June, 1863. I.ynnin Howard, Jr., enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Oid Regt., Co. I. Samuel K. Huggius, eid. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Geoigc Henry, enl. Nov. 11, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. James T. Hoy, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; wouniled Sl.ay 10, 1864, Re- saca, Ga.; disch. Juno 8, 1865. David Irvin, cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, 12:)d Regt., Co. F; wounded April 10, 1S05, at Goldsboro' ; disch. June 8, 1805. Henry Irvin, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps ; disch. June 28, 1805. Edward T. Jackson, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. Samuel Johnson, cnl. Sept. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. William T. Knickerbocker, enl. July 31, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. F; wuunded; trans, to Invalid Corps; disch. July 3, 1865. Ebenezer Kinney, eul. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co. F ; wounded July 20, 180J, at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga. James Kelly, cnl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. John Kenyon, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Old Regt., Co. I. Archiliald Killmer, enl. Sept. 4, 1802; disch. June 8, 1865. Duncan Londrum, 2d lieut. ; enl. ISUI, 22d Regt. William Lackey, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12.id Eegt., Co. F; wounded; .lis.h. June 11, 1865. Samuel A. Lester, enl. Dec. 29, 186 i, ICth Art., Co. K; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. William A. Lant, enl. Aug. 20, IS62, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. March 16, 1863. Joseph La Port, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 12 Id Regt., Co. F ; discli. March 27, 1863. Alexander I). Lester, eul. Nov. 7, 1861, 9 id Eegt., Co. I. Morgan Lulher, enl. Dec. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. John Lotrace, enl. Dec. 18. 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Erskiiio Lester, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art., Co. U. Zenas Langworthy, enl. Nov. 30, 1861, 9!il Regt. Andrew II. McWhorter, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to corp. ; lost right arm; di.sch. June 15, 1863. William H. Blorrisju, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begf., Co. F; disch. June 8, ISO.). George McKibben, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, I2:id Regt, Co. F; killed at C^ancellors- villc. May 3, 1863. George Mickel, onl. Aug. 22, 1862, 12.3d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Joseph M. BIcMurray, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; wou]ided ; disch. Feb. 15, 1863. Jacob Mickel, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, I23d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1863. Patrick Malone, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. F. William J. McCollum, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to sergt.; disch. June 8, 1865. John K. McMillan, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; pro to sergt; disch. May 27, 1865. Sylvester McMurray, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. F ; pro. to sergt. ; disch. June 8, 1865. John Miirlin, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 12.3d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; wounded; lust right leg; disch. July 19, 1865. Daniel M. McClellan, enl. Aug. 4, 1862,123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; disch. June 8, 1865. Duncan E. McDougi\ll, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; pro. to Corp.; disch. Junes, 1865. John McCluskey, musician ; enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt, (k). F; disch. June 8, 1865. Moses L. McNeil, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co F ; disch. June 8, 1865. Matthew McCandless, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 9, 1863. Alexander I. McDougall, enl. Aug. 9,1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. June 9, 1863. Joseph H. Morrish, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F ; died at Atlanta, Ga., of dropsy, Oct 28, 1864. John Murray, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123.1 Eegt., Co. F. John McPhillips, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 16tli Art, Co. K. William Mabb, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. I. Hugh .Martin, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Eegt, Co. I. James McLane, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Rigt, Co. I. Patrick McCall, enl. Nov. 7, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. I. Sylvester McMorris, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. William J. Nelson, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. James E. Perry, enl. Aug. T, 1862, 123d Regt , Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Robert A. Pendergniss, enl. .lug. 11,1802,123d Regt, Co. F; disch. Juno 8,1805. Duncan A. Peterson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123,1 Eegt, Co. F; tiiken prisoner. May 3, 1S63; disch. June 8, 18C5. Duncan Eobortson, capt ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862. 12id Eogt.Co.F; disch. June 8, 1865. Williiuii Randies, 1st lieut. ; enl. Nov. 1.5, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. A ; pro. to capt. ; wounded; disch. April 5, 1865. James M. Ronan, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; pro. to sergt.; died of wounds, June 24, 18i;4. Donald Reid, 1st lieut; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 12:id Bcgt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Robert S. Robertson, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 9 Id Regt., Co. I. John E. Rice, enl. Dec. 29, 1862, lOlh Art, Co. 11; pro. to artificer; disch. Aug. 29, 1805. William J Rice, enl. Feb. 9, 1864, 16th Art, Co. H; disch. Aug. 29, 1865. Peter D. Robbins, eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F ; wounded ; disch. March 30, 1804. George H. Robinson, enl. Aug. 21, 18G2; 123d Eegt, Co. F; lost right arm; d sch. June 5, 1865. Orville C. Robinson, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co F; disch. June 8, 1865. Charies W. EobinsOLi, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 16th Art, Co. 11 ; disch. Aug. 29, 1863. John K. Eeckstraw, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. F; disch. June 8, 1865. Alexander Robinson, enl. Aug. 18(i2, 123d Regt, Co. F; pro. to Corp.; disch. Dec. I, 1862. George Robinson, 2d lieut ; old. Aug. 1802, 123d Regt, Co. K ; pro. to 1st lieut; disch. June 8, 1865. Alexander Reid, enl. Aug. I, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F; disch. June 8, 1805. Charles E. Reid, enl. Aug. 4,1862, 123d Regt., Co. F; disch. Juno 8, 1865. Thomas Rogers, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F; wounded at Allatoona; disch. May 22, 1865. Zenas Ui.binson,cnl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; 123d Eegt, Co. F; disch. Feb. 4,1863. Clark Bice, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 123d Eegt, Co. F ; pro. com.-sergt Harvey M. Reid, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. F ; d.e.l at Stafford Court- House, Feb. 26, 1863. .Sylvester Ray, eul. Dec. 29, 1861 ; 16tli Art., Co. I ; disch:ir.;ed. Cliailes Rice, enl. Nov. 12, 1861, 9.ld R.-gt, Co. I. Archibald Itobci tson, ml. Dec. 20, 1801, 03d Regt, Co. I. Orville C. Robinson, enl. Sept. 4, 1862. 123rht. Thomas E. Kenyi Berry Long. *' Jacob S. Qaaekenbush. " Berry Long. " Azor Culver. .John L. Hunt. " Lemuel Sherman. " James McKie. " Ira S. Pratt. William Dimiok. Henry Darrow. *' John 1 Thomas F. Cornell. " Parisinus Burch. " U. R. Eldridge. " Collectors, id Gordon. John Dennis. Hiram S. Pratt. Ephraim Burrows. John S. Carpenter. Uriah N. Pratt. Noah Fowler. J. S. Quackenbush. Noah Fowler. Pardon Durfeo. Daniel Burroughs. Robert Skellie. John S. Carpenter. Clark McClelland. Edmund C. Wait. Esek Browncll. Edward Wood. Hezekiah K. Wood. Robert Skellie. Wm. Livingston. Benj. S. Closson. Seneca A. Green. . Larmon Green. Russell 6. Allen. Esek Brownell. Wm. E. Doild. David A. Kenyon. James D. Sherman. Jacob Dodd, Jr. George H. Overacker. James A. Bassett. Inman AV. Thomas. James MeClellan. David Whipple. Fits G. Hall. Andrew Pratt. Charles B. James. John Jenkins, Jr. Henry Gray. Ira King. McCrea Hodges. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 1830. Henry Whiteside. 1843. Chauncey S. Ransom 1831. Josiah Duuton. Garret Fort. 1832. Wm. Perry. 1844. Philip Pratt. 1833. Sidney Wells. Wm. I'erry. Wm. King. 1845. William Perry. 1834. Henry Whiteside. 1S4B. Alexander H. Wells. 1835. Josiah Dunton. 1847. Elijah P. Fenton. 1836. Wm. Perry. Thomas Shiland. Anson Ingraham. 1848. AValter Skellie. 1837. Anson Ingr.aham. William Hall. 1838. Isaac Gifford. 1849. Philip Pratt. John Stevenson. Julius Phelps. 1839. Joseph Green. 1850. Philip Pratt. Thomas C. Whiteside. Thomas Shiland. 1840. Uriah N. Pratt. 1850. James Skiff. Harvey E. Pettys. 1851. William ILall. 1841 Courtland Skinner. Thomas C. Whiteside Wm. Perry. 1852. Samuel Skiff. Thomas Shiland. 1853. Philip Pratt. 1842. Thomas Shiland. Herman K. Sharpc. Robert McMurray. 1854 Thomas Shiland. 33 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1802. 1803. 1864. 1865. 1806. 1867. 1S6S. Herman K. Sharpc. Ebcnezer McLean. Thomas Shiland. Philip Pratt. John W. Martin. Samuel Skiff. Thomas Shiland. John L. Pratt. John M. -Martin. Samuel Skiff. Thomas Shiland. James McKie. Edward J. McKcrnan. Courtland Skinner. 1868. 1809, 1870. 1871, 1872, 1873, William Dimmick. Thomas Shiland. Charles W. Darrow. Alexander M. Sherman. Samuel Skiff. Leonard Fletcher. Thomas E. Kenyon. Isaac W. Durfee. Ebcnezer A. Balch. Samuel Skiff. Thomas Shiland. E, James Burroughs. lsa.ac W. Durfee. TURNPIKES AND RAILROADS. The provisions for locating and improving tlic roads of the town have been noted in the extracts from the town records. But the necessity for an improved road, loading to points south, became early apparent, and led to the con- struction of the northern turnpike. The Northern Turnpike Company was incorporated in 1799, with Wm. Hay, Edmond Weils, Jr., David Long, Martin Van Buskirk, John Williams, Edward Savage, and others, directors, and the road was constructed soon after- wards from Lansingburg through Cambridge, and became a continuous road on to Burlington, Vt. Tiiis was by far a more valuable improvement for a new country than was generally acknowledged, and though many would patronize the shunpike to avoid the toll, they were glad to avail themselves of the better road in wet seasons. There was much complaint about the location of tliis road over Oak Hill, and justly, for the little distance saved was no com- pensation to the public for climbing over the steep grade of this hill. The turnpike retained its importance until the Rutland railroad was built in 1852 along its general course, and has since become a public highway. The above railroad does not run through the town of Cambridge, but so near it, in White creek, that it supplies good .shipping facilities. A station is provided at Cambridge village. Railroad facili- ties were extended the western part of the town in 1870 by the completion of the Greenwich and Johnsonville rail- road. Its general course is along the Wampecack creek. There are stations in the town at Summit, West Cambridge, South Cambridge, and Lee. THE CEMETERIES of the town deserve a passing note. William Smith, one of the original owners of the Cambridge patent, gave a lot of land of about one hundred and twenty acres to en- courage the object, on whicli was erected a house of wor- ship, and a parsonage house for their minister. According to the custom to which they had been bred, they wished for a burying-ground near their place of public worship, which in those times was often called " the church-yard." Accordingly, on the south side of this glebe, so-called, on the west side of the highway, and some sixty rods south of the church, a parcel of ground was selected for this pur- pose, and is the same ground which has been called for a long time " the old grave-yard on the turnpike," and is about half a mile south of Cambridge Washington Acad- 258 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. eniy, and is supposed to bo the oldest public burial lot in the original township. It is a matter of tradition that the first person interred was a young man who died with the small-pox, in a log house near the residence of the late Robert Wilcox, and that Mr. Wells assisted in carrying the body through the woods to the " glebe'' lot, about 1775. In connection with this event, according to tradition, there was no saw-iuill in Cambridge, and no boards were to be had for a coffin, and it was thought too indecent to split out plank from a tree for the purpose, and that the late ]Mr. James Cowden, step-father of Colonel Edward Long, now living, went to Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., and obtained a coffin made, excepting the putting together, and brought it to Cambridge on horseback upon the pummel of his saddle, which was the first coffin used in the said " old grave-yard." How great the contrast between that and the present time, when coffins are used of the best material and finest finish, conveyed in a hearse of corresponding excellence ! The " old grave-yard" was considered common ground, free and open for the use of all classes. Within the memory of some who still survive, there was but here and there a scattering grave ; that for several years the deceased for eight or ten miles around, and especially of Scotch and Irish settlers, were brought to this yard for interment. From time to time the yard has been enlarged, and contains a larger number of interments than any other grave-yard within the limits of the old township. Generally it has been kept in good condition, and is respectable for the number and value of monuments erected to the memory of deceased friends. Yet it is a sad and melancholy fact that the grounds have been so long occupied that, in some instances, in the absence of monuments, all appearances of graves have been obliterated by age, and in digging new graves the remains of former occupants gave the first evidence of suspicion of an intrusion upon the mouldering dust of the deceased, unknown and forgotten. In this yard is buried the body of the late Rev. John Dunlap, once a pastor of the Associate Reformed congre- gation, but dismissed .some time before his death. In 179.3, the First United Presbyterian congregation of Cambridge was organized ; their house of worship was erected in 1792, but not finished until some time afterwards, and painted white. This gave rise to the name by which it has been designated as the " Old White Mccting-IIouse," or " White Church." A few rods to the north of this house, William King gave a parcel of ground, supposed to be one acre, for a burying-place, free and open to all classes, without charge. The first burial was the body of Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. Seth Rising, who died June 18, 1794, as specified by the inscription upon the stone at the head of the grave. Those grounds, with some exceptions, have been well kept, and contain a largo amount of interments, and are well studded with suitable monuments, and in some instances inclosed with substantial iron fences. This, as has been stated of other similar places, has been occupied to an extent requiring enlargement, which has been done by individual enterpri.se. Hero sleeps a large congregation to be awakened to the judgment when the last trumpet shall be blown. In this yard was originally buried the body of the late Rev. Asahel B. Crocker, pastor of the Congrega- tional church, in the city of New York, who, while on a visit to his friends in this place, was taken sick and died, and whose remains have recently been removed to the Wood- lands Cemetery. The Whiteside grave-yard is situated by the Whiteside church, in the westerly part of Cambridge, and was estab- lished in May, 1790. The first person there buried died May 7, 1790, an infant of Thomas and Elizabeth White- side, aged eighteen days. The second burial was Phineas Whiteside, Esq., who died April 1, 1793, in the seventy- seventh year of his age. He took an active part in the American Revolution, and was one of the few who pledged himself for the credit of his country to the amount of £10,000. His monument is thus inscribed : " In memory of Phineas Whiteside, Esq., bj' birth a Hibernian ; WHS born .Tune 31, 1716. He saw this and many parts of America a wilderness. He saw Columbia struggling for liberty, in which he toolc an active part; he saw her successful. He died April 1, 1793. " Full ripe in virtue as in age, For endless bliss he quit the stage." Here is also buried the Rev. Edward F. Whiteside, of the Methodist Episcopal church, born July 17, 1806, and died Feb. 23, 1853. The yard contains many graves, and some valuable headstones and monuments sacred to the memory of those crumbling to dust. The King meeting-house grave-yard, in the southeast part of Cambridge, was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal church, 1823, and the first interment was the remains of Hezokiah King, Esq. The yard has been used since by that denomination, who have extended privileges to others, and now contains many graves and valuable monuments. Attached to the grounds of the North Cambridge 3Ieth- odist Episcopal church is a graveyard of about twenty years' standing. It being comparatively new, it is not as fully occupied as those of an older date, but contains many graves and some headstones with inscriptions. It may also be stated there are a number of private burying-grounds in the township, in which the owners of lands selected a spot on their farms for the burial of the members of their own families. Some of these farms have since been sold and gone out of the possession of relatives. These small patches occupied by graves are liable to become an annoyance to present or future occupants as being in the way of farming purposes. It may be said that the monuments referred to are almost wholly of white or clouded marble. Some few of the old- est are of the Conueeticut red sandstone. Many of the inscriptions are of an interesting historical character, plainly to be read, and not obliterated by age, as in many instances in the older .sections of our country. WOODLANDS CKMETERY. In view of the crowded coi.dition of the old graveyard on the glebe lot, and the demand for a more suitable site for the future cemetery of the place, John M. Stevenson, Esq., caused an examination of several localities to be made as early as 1852. For this purpose he secured the services of J. C. Sidney, of Philadelphia, a civil engineer HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 259 and rural architect of good repute, who selected the pres- ent site as the most eligible in the immediate vicinity of Cambridge, and prepared a map of the same. But noth- ing further was done until the 10th of November, 1857, when a public meeting was called to take such measures as would secure the desired cemetery. As a result of the deliberations, the " Cambridge Valley Rural Cemetery As- sociation" was formed, with the following trustees : John M. Stevenson, Calvin Skinner, B. Porter Crocker, J). M. Westfall, J. G. Smart, Peter Hill, Elisha Billings, George McGeoch, B. W. Walkley, Thomas Shiland, Richard Bar- ton, and Lewis Nicholson. The first officei-s were: President, John 51. Stevenson; Vice-President, Calvin Skinner; Secretary, D. M. West- fall ; Treasurer, B. P. Crocker. On the 16th of January, 1858, the cemetery site sug- gested by Mr. Sidney was purchased for two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. The ground thus secured lies about a mile north of the village, on the west side of the old northern turnpike, and was a part of the James Coul- ter farm. There were nearly sixteen acres, about equally divided between plain and elevated laud, so situated that many fine views of the surrounding country are obtained, while the ground itself admits of varied and easy improve- ment. The natural drainage also is excellent. The fol- lowing April, Mr. Sidney commenced the survey of the grounds into one thousand lots of two hundred square feet each, divided into sections, with appropriate walks and avenues. On the eighth of the same month the first in- terment occurred, — Mrs. Mary, wife of William McMillan. The first monument was erected by Henry 0. and Mial P. Barton, to the memory of their departed wives, who died in the spring of 1858. The cemetery was dedicated on the 2d of June, 1858, in the presence of a large assemblage of people, with appropri- ate exercises, consisting of religious services and an address by the Rev. A. D. Gillette, of New York city, as the " Woodlands Cemetery," the name having been changed by an act of the Legislature, on the 12th of April, 1858. In 1805 the cemetery was enlarged by the addition of nearly six acres on the north, making its present area nearly twenty-two acres. The grounds have been adorned by many chaste and beautiful works of art to the memory of loved ones gone before. There are also several monuments which deserve to be especially noted. The most conspic- uous is the Embury monument. It stands on a command- ing eminence, from which a fine view of the valley southward is obtained. The material is Barre granite, worked in five sections, so as to make a shapely pile thirty- one feet high. On it are engraved the simple words " Philip Embury." The monument was erected by the National Preachers' Association, at a cost of two thousand four hundred and fifty dollars, Rev. Arthur Mooney being the supervising committeeman. It was unveiled Oct. 20, 1873, in the presence of a vast assemblage, by Bishop Simpson, who led in appropriate ceremonies. Addresses were also made by Bishops Janes, Campbell, and Dr. J. B. Wakely. In front of the monument, supported by low pillars, is the tablet placed over the remains at Ash (Jrovc, and which, now covers all that is mortal of the humble but honored Embury. It bears the inscription dictated by the eloquent Maffit: . "PHILIP EMBURY, The earliest Amcric.in minister of the Methodist ehurch, here found his last earthly resting-place. " Born in Ireland, an emigrant to New York, Embury was the lirst to gather a tittle class in that city, and to set in motion a train of measures which resulted in the founding of John Street church, the cradle of American Methodism, and the introduction of a system which has beautified the earth with .salvation and increased the joys of Heaven." By the side of this pioneer minister repose the remains of David Brown and John Boxby, two fellow-preachers of Methodism. Not far from this spot is the Newton memorial, plain, yet attractive. Ephraim Holland Newton, D.D., was a descendant of John Holland, of the " May Flower," and a scholar and divine whose memory is loved and cherished in the community. He was born at Newfane, Vt., June 13, 1787, and died at Cambridge, Nov. 26. 1853. Here, also, is the unassuming shaft which marks the grave of the hon- ored Dr. Bullions, whose life-work gave the community a distinction which has made the name of Cambridge a cher- ished term throughout the land. Not far from this is the plain monument of Hon. John McLean, whose services as a jurist have not yet been forgotten. On a con.spicuous spot is the soldiers' monument, erected in 1868, by the citizens of the "old town of Cambridge," in memory of the heroic dead of the late civil war from those towns. It is simple, but very chaste, consisting of a shaft of Italian marble, surmounted by a draped urn. On the shaft is some fine carving representing implements of warfare. Below is a marble die, on which are engraved the names of the fallen heroes, and the whole rests on a granite base, giving an entire height of twenty-one feet. The following names appear on the monument : "22d New York.— Captain 11. S. Milliman, C. J. Eaton, C. C. Green, J. W. Arnold. "93d New York. — Lieutenant R. L. (Jray, Sergeant- Major N. W. Gray, Corporal W. H. Pierce, Corporal A. M. Lawton, A. McGeoch, L. N. Ford, C. B. Pitney, N. P. Gray, A. Batie, E. Fairbrothcr. " ."iOth New York.— A. E. Gage. "12.5th New Yo:-k.— G. E. Hatch, P. Williams. " lOth Heavy Artillery.— Sergeant H. B. Cook, .1. Crozier, C. Cobb, Ira Hawthoi-nc. "2d Veteran Cavalry.— M. L. Moore, J. Smith, \Y. Pratt. " ITOth New York.— J. M. Austin. "5th Vermont.— T. W. Taylor. "nth Vermont.- N. Cody. "20th Colored Infantry.— L. P. Cha.se. "123d Now York. — Sergeant C. Darrow, Corporal C. L. Coulter, J. Herman, W. SkcUie, C. C. Parker, W. J. Scott, J. P. Wood, A. J. Coon, R. K. Bishop, J. .1. Macomber, J. Foster, R. Hen- nelly, ,T. L. Skellie, D. Baldwin, Jr., W. H. Martin, R. W. Skel- lie, P. Crombie, W. H. Welch, W. H. Phelps, H. King." The cemetery has been well managed from the first. John M. Stevenson was president until his death, in 1872, since which time B. P. Crocker has filled the position. W. P. Robertson has been secretary and treasurer since 1869. SCHOOLS. At the annual meeting in 1813 the town voted to accept the provisions of the school law of 1812, and raise a sum 260 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. of money equal to the amount proposed to be gi-anted to the town by the State. Sis inspectors were cliosen, Erastus Fenton, David Simpson, John P. Putnam, James Stevenson, William Richards, and Asahel Morris. Tiiree commissioners of common schools were also chosen according to the law, Gcrret Wendell, Ira Parmley, William Nicliolson. During the succeeding years to 1843, the following citizens also served one or more years each in tlic office of commissioner : Asahel Morris, John Cornell, William Stevenson, Abraham Van Tuyl, Oliver Sherman, Benjamin F. Skinner, Robert JIarshall, Edward White- side, Peter Hill, Rufus Pratt, Gideon Gilford, John Dennis, Philip V. N. Morris, Edward Long, John Lee, George McKie, Isaac Gilford, Ama.sa Pratt, Wm. Steven- son, Jr., George W. Jermain, Wm. King, Pardon Allen, Sidney Wells, Wm. Hall (2d), Henry Marshall. The following during the same period served in the office of inspector one or more years each : Alexander Bullions fifteen years, John Dunlap, David Chapell, Jacob L. Viele, Zadock Norton, John L. Wen- dell, David S. Benway, Philip V. N. Morris, Matthew Stevenson, James McNaughton, Joseph Allen, Donald C. McLaren, Sydney Wells, Benjamin F. Skinner, Ira C. Backus, Robert Marshall, William Wright, Isaac Gilford, Francis N. Empey, iVbrahara F. Pruyn, Morris Pratt, Justice Daily, Zina Sherman, John Stevenson, John Dennis, Freeman A. Fuller, Morris L. Wright, Thomas Shiland, Harvey E. Pettys, James Coulter, Ebenezer Rob- ertson, Jacob Myers, John M. Stevenson, Elijah P. Fenton. The system was succeeded by that of town superintend- ents, in which office the following persons served : William Hall (2d), elected 1844-46 ; John C. Durfee, 1847-48; Ebenezer Baleh, 1849-50; Wilber Dennis, 1852; Owen F. Bacon, 1853; Wm. S. Smart, 1S54; Wm. Coggeshall, 1855. In June, 1856, the entire town system of supei'vision was abolished, and the schools passed under the control of commissioners elected by Assembly districts. The earliest school report seems to be for 1821, which shows six hundred and fifty-nine children in town between the ages of five and fifteen. The public money appro- priated for teachers' wages was three hundred and eighty- nine dollars and twenty-six cents. The boundaries of the .school districts had been readjusted by the school commis- sioners in 1817. The condition of the schools is shown to some extent at the present time by the commissioners' apportionment, March, 1876: Dislricls. Cliilrlicii between Liliniry Pulilic Money, five iiii.l twenty-one. Bloriey. Tiachei-s' Wages. No. 1 210 $6.03 $466.08 •' 2 80 2.30 149.51 " 3 40 1.15 Ofi.S? " 4 54 1.56 116.48 " 5 55 1.58 114.13 " 6 10 .29 61.10 " 7 76 2.18 150..S0 " 8 61 1.76 129.11 " y 68 1.96 123.76 " 10 52 1.50 111.84 " 11 32 .92 89.79 " 12 46 1.31 56.96 " 13 26 .74 82.41 "14 49 1.41 106.84 " 15 45 1.2'J 112.18 NORTH CAMBRIDGE is a small hamlet on lot 70, about four miles west of Cam- bridge village. Esek Brownell and John Willis were among the early settlere. The former had a store, and was appointed postmaster, an office which has been discon- tinued. The business of the place is at present limited to a few mechanic shops. Not far from the hamlet is a Methodist Episcopal church, in which worships a society that was organized in 1838. The first trustees were Peter Hill, Sr., Isaiah Darrow, and Edward F. Whiteside. A meeting-house, costing fifteen hundred dollars, was erected, and Rev. Reuben Wescott preached as the first pastor. The society is at present connected with the Easton circuit. Rev. H. M. Muncie preacher in charge. CENTRE CAMBRIDGE is, as its name implies, near the centre of the town, on the old thoroughfare popularly known as the " shunpike." The surrounding country is rich and beautiful. Among other early settlers were the Whitesldes, Kenyons, Aliens, Shermans, Hills, Skinner, Pratt, Burrows, Miller, Hall, and Willett. Jo.seph Palmer kept a store at an early day, in which afterwards James H. Hall was long engaged in trade. The post-office was established in 1829, with James H. Hall as postmaster. The office has also been held by A. Ingraham, James Kenj'on, Job S. Wait, and Thomas E. Kenyon. Soon after 1800, Valentine Randall opened a public- house, which is still used for tavern purposes. From 1833 to 1845, John Kenyon was the keeper, and the house was much patronized. Dr. IMorris, near this place, was the first to practice medicine, and Dr. John Ashton is the present practitioner. A mile west is the station on the Greenwich and John- sonville railroad, and just beyond this is THE WHITESIDE CHURCH. This edifice was erected in 1800 by the Whiteside family, from whom it received its name. Mrs. Phineas Whiteside, at her death, left one hundred pounds for the building of a church in this locality. Other members of the family contributed enough money to complete it. The church is situated on a hill, and commands a fine view of the sur- rounding country. The building, as originally built, had a high, .steep roof; the doors were in east (the main or front entrance), west, and south sides, with aisles leading from them. The pulpit, which was a high one, was on the north side. The pew backs and sides were about four feet high. The galleries were on three sides, but not finished. In 1825 the house was rebuilt, the roof was lowered to a quarter pitch, the south and west doors were closed up, the galleries finished, and the pulpit lowered. This was taken out a few years since and replaced by a desk. The build- ing will seat about two hundred persons. There has never been any regular church organization here, though it was at first a branch of the United Presbyterian of Cambridge village. Rev. Mr. Dunlap was the first minister to preach here. Regular services are held by Rev. Henry Gordon, ofCoila. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 2GI THE KING METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is east of Centre Cambridge. A class of this faith was in existence here as early as 1813. Foiincr Kiiijr was the leader and most active promoter of the work, hcMce the name of the society. On the 15th of March, 1823, a legal organization was effected, under the stylo of the Methodist Episcopal church of East Cambridge. The first board of trustees was composed of Fenner King, Horace Warner, and T. Thomas. A church was erected, costing one thousand dollars, which has been rebuilt at a further cost of two thousand dollars. The first preacher was Rev. Samuel Draper ; the present is Rev. J. Wood, who also serves the class of Methodists worshiping in an old Friend.s' meeting- house at South Cambridge. A full account of Methodist work is ibund in the interesting sketch of the Ash Grove (Cambridge) church. Along the line of the Greenwich and Johnsonvillc rail- road several small hamlets have sprung up since 1870. At West Cambridge a post-office has been established in the depot building. There is a steam saw-mill. Two miles further south is the hamlet of South Cambridge, which contains a store, post-office, and several mechanic shops. The surrounding country is extremely beautiful, and was formerly called the Quakerhood, a number of families belonging to that sect having settled there very early. Among these were Jonathan Allen, Adam Allen, Gershom Allen, John Dennis, and Job Allen. On the Hoosick river, and partly in the town of Cam- bridge, is the village of BUSKIRK's BRIDGE. The place derived its name from Martin Buskirk, an early settler, who built the first bridge across the stream. He was also a pioneer tavern-keeper, his house on the Cam- bridge side having a wide reputation. Philip Van Ness, John Quackenbush, and Colonel Lewis Van Wort, of Revo- lutionary times, were among the early prominent .settlers near Buskirk's. There was a store kept by Carpenter, and afterwards by Allen, which enjoyed a large trade in those daj'S. But the business interests have all passed to the Rensselaer county side. The pleasant little village of Coila is located on the town line and partly in Jackson, about one mile from Cambridge village. The locality was first known as the Green settle- ment, from early settlers by that name, and subsequently as Stevenson's Corners, in honor of William Stevenson, a prominent resident. The present name has been substi- tuted as more appropriate and reminding the inhabitants of bonnie Scotland. Wm. Stevenson had a store at this point at a very early day, doing a large business. He was succeeded by McNeil & McNaughton. John Gow has been in trade since 1840, and is also the postmaster. A little west of this place Coulter & McClellan carried on a mercantile business a number of years. In 1800 a small tannery was erected by a man named liich. This passed into the hands of the Robertsons, in 181G, and is at present carried on by J. E. Robertson. The tannery has been much enlarged, and at present has a CHjiacily of two thousand hides per year. In the lower part of the village is another tannery, which has long lain idle. THE UNITKD PRESB YTERI.VN CHURCH OF COIU.A. This body originated from and was in reality a part of the old " Protestant Presbyterian Congregation of Cam- bridge." It was that portion which adhered to Rev. Thos. Beveridgc, in the controversy between the " Burgher" and "Anti-Burgher" elements. Until the spring of 1786 the histories of the two bodies are identical, and are detailed in the sketch of the present " United Presbyterian Congre- gation of Cambridge." Both churches had the same hum- ble beginning, and any fact bearing upon the early history of the original body will prove of equal interest to the members of both churches. From an old church book we note the observance of one of the ordinances, the holy communion, as it gives the names of those composing the original body at that time. The first Lord's Supper was celebrated Aug. 13, 1785, before the division of the congregation. This took place in the meeting-house on the turnpike, near the old grave- yard. At this communion, including the minister, seventy- eight persons commemorated the love of a crucified R(!- deemer. Their descendants would no doubt like to read the names of those to whom they are so much indebted. They are as follows: Minister, Rev. Thomas Beveridge ; Elders, Alexander Skellie, James Edie, James Rolls, James Small, and William McAuley ; Members, Alexander Cowan, William Skellie, John Skellie, Mrs. Skellie, William Edie, Mrs. Edie, Mrs. Rollo, David French, Mrs. McKie, Mrs. Cowan, Mrs. French, Jonathan French, Peter McGill, Sr., Peter MoGill, Jr., Mrs. McGill, Mary McGill, Robert Som- mers, Janet Sommers, William Edgar, Henry Crawford, John Blair, Sr., Mrs. Blair, John Blair, Jr., Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Fotheringame, Janet Fotheringame, Mrs. Groen, Mrs. Small, James McGeoch, Walter Bell, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Miller, Alexander Hill, Mrs. Hill, George Miller, Mrs. Miller, Alexander Fraser, William Reed, Mary Barnct, Jean Millar, James Millar, Mrs. McAuley, Sr., Blrs. MeAuley, Jr., Jlrs. Green. William Mushet, David iMushet, Mrs. Mushet, Elizabeth Robb, James Irvine, Sally Coulter, Mrs. Boyd, Robert Weir, Mrs. Weir, George Easton, Mrs. Irvine (from New Perth), Robert McClellan, James Thomp- son, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. iNIathews, Janet Thompson, John Foster, James Foster, Jonah Foster, Mary Foster, Joseph Nelson (from Black creek), Andrew Beveridgc (from the new city), James Hamilton (from Argyle town), Duncan McArthur, Mrs. I\IeArthur, John McKnight, John McNeil. Rev. Dr. Beveridge and his followers having withdrawn from the original congregation, proceeded with the organ- ization of the new society, which received the name of "The Associate Presbyterian Congregation of Cambridge." In July, 1781), half an acre of ground was obtained from Jonathan French, on which was erected the famous yellow meetinghou.se, where for years were given the soundest and ablest expositions of the Bible to the largest audiences in 262 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tills part of the Stato. Summer's heat and winter's cold did not prevent the regular attendance of large numbers who often walked seven miles to attend the regular Sab- bath services, which were never suspended. It is said that in the first seventy j'ears of the church not a single omis-. sion occurred. There was preaching twice a day, which was listened to with devout attention in spite of the cold — tlie house Wiis not warmed by fire then — or the sweltering heat of August days. Unaffected zeal and true piety abounded. From pastor to humblest member there was no deviation from a purpose to do the right as it was re- vealed to them by their religion ; and no people were ever more rigid in the observance of the customs of the church than the members of the " old yellow meeting-house" so- ciety. It is said that one of the old members forgot the announcement of a day of fasting, on a certain Thursday, and engaged to melt some tar over the hearth-fire. Twice he failed in his efforts ; and, when on the third trial the tar took fire with a large blaze, the remembrance of the last Sabbath's announcement came to mind. Throwing down the pot, he exclaimed, " It is no wonder ; the judgments of the Lord are upon me for neglecting his ordinance !" It was too late for church then, but all household work was immediately suspended, the family was assembled, and the remaining hours of the day were spent in reading the Bible, singing psalms, and repeating the catechism. Such was the character of the early members of a church whose influ- ence has always been a power in the community. On Sept. 10, 1789, Mr. Bevcridge was permanently in- stalled as the first pastor of the church. During his minis- try his labors were abundant and successful. He preached in Argyle, near South Argyle, in Black creek, near West Hebron, in Florida, a towii.ship west of Schenectady, and in Putnam, and may, with truth, be said to have laid the foundation of all these congregations. In June, 1798 he set out for Barnet, Vt., to assist Mr. Goodwillie at his com- munion, whore he contracted the di.sease that terminated in his death. When the church here heard of his sickness they sent two of the elders, James Small and Robert Oliver, to render what assistance might be necessary, there, as on his return home. These not coming as soon as the people here expected, they sent two others, who just reached Barnet as the people were returning from the funeral. The remains of the first minister lie in Vermont, over which the con"re- gatiun erected a suitable memorial. There is still in the church one of Mr. Beveridge's children, Jlrs. Geo. Lcwrie, sjrving as a link between the present and the past. She is full uf years and greatly respected, not only on account of the name she bears, but also on account of her many excellent social and moral virtues. The congregation was not long vacant. The death of Mr. Beveridge took place in July, 1798, and November 20 of the same year we have an account of Rev. John Banks preaching, the second minister of the church. The pastorate of Mr. Banks was not very pleasant. In 1803, receiving a call to the church in Florida, N. Y., the presbytery dissolved the relationship. Afterwards he was called to the Walnut Street church, Phil- adelphia, where he preached and acted as professor in the theological seminary until he died, full of years and useful- ness. The third pastor of the chuich was Rev. Alexander Bullions, who came to Cambridge in 1807. Here for lialf a century he labored with great zeal, in season and out of season, always the warm advocate of every good cause. In 1842 the Rev. D. G. Bullions was unanimously called to be the assistant of his father. In the spring of 1857 he received and accepted a call from the Presbyterian church of West Milton, N. Y., where he labored faithfully until removed by death in 18(54. In May, 1857, the present pastor, the Rev. Henry Gor- don, commenced preaching, although Dr. Bullions still held the relation of pastor. This position he retained until his death, June 26, 1857, in the eightieth year of his age. He was a man of noble intellect, and the impressions of his pastorate, extending through half a century, are yet felt by the church. He has a worthy successor in Rev. Gordon, who for nearly a quarter of a century has ably carried on the work ititrusted to him at the death of the honored divine. In spite of the troubles which have beset the church it has always been a vigorous body, and has had an aggregate membership of about one thousand. In 1833 the congre- gation left the " old yellow meeting-house" for a commo- dious brick edifice, which, in a repaired condition, is the present meeting-house. It is an imposing structure, and amply meets the wants of the congregation. THE VILL.\GE OF CAMBRIDGE comprises, since its incorporation, in 1866, what were for- merly known as Cambridge, North White Creek, and Dorr's Corners. It is very pleasantly located across the valley, about one-third in the northeastern part of the town of Cambridge, extending eastward into the town of White Creek. The present village occupies the plain between the ranges of hills which at this point bound the valley, and is distant from Troy thirty miles; from Salem, twelve miles; and from Greenwich, eight miles. The Owl Kill and other brooks run through the place, but no water-power is afforded. These streams, however, secure good drainage and help to produce that neat appearance which characterizes the vil- lage, and which places it among the finest in the State. The streets arc plea.santly shaded, and there are many fine public and private buildings. The inhabitants are esti- mated at twenty-five hundred, and are noted for their thrift, indu.stry, and intelligence. Settlement was luade in this locality as early as 1770. The village site originally belonged to James and Thomas Morrison, a son of the latter being the first person born in the place. No effort was made to locate a village, and it grew up as a simple .settlement on the cross-roads, whose business importance increased with the development of the rich surrounding country. Its real growth as a village did not begin until alter the completion of the Troy and Rut- land railroad, in 1852, which has a station at a point which was until that period the west part of North White Creek. The giound on which the depot stands was a meadow on which parades and musters were held in the times of bat- tallion drills. Since the railroad gave the place an assured future, the growth has been steady, though not rapid, and all the improvements have been made in obedience to a normal demand, crea'ed by a substantial business. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 263 The early and prominent settlers of the place will be noted, in connection with its business, churches, and socie- ties, in the following pages. Ruel Beebe was an early settler, who owned a lot of ten acres in tlie neighborhood of the Presbyterian church. Where that building stand.« he opened the first tavern, and kept it many years. His house was well conducted for those times, and was a conspicuous landmark for many years. In front of it was a green, on which the youth of those days assembled to play ball and other games. This is now covered with tall trees. The old iiotcl, on the opposite cor- ner, was erected, in part, as early as 1795, and was first kept by Adonijah Skinner. While he had it another story was added for a Masonic lodge room, giving the house a tall and quaint appearance. Major John Porter succeeded him, and kept it until about 1815. Since then the tavern lias been best known as " Comstock's," and at present as the " Fenton House." The brick hotel at this place was built on a smaller scale, in 1842, by James Durwell, the first keeper. The changes of host have been very frequent. The house was enlarged to its present size — four-story brick — by Charles Stroud, and then received its present name, the " Irving House." On the turnpike crossing was a pioneer tavern kept as long ago as the last century by a man named Peters. After- wards Aaron Chase became the keeper, and remained many years. About 1850 the Feutons enlarged the house and gave it a reputation which secured for it a large patronage. It was known as the " Union Hotel." A fire in 1875 com- pletely destroyed it as well as other buildings in the locality. At present a commodious frame house is building on the old site, to be used for tavern purposes. At what is now Dorr's Corners was kept the first store, by Jeremiah Stillwell. He was succeeded by Rice & Bil- lings, whose fame as merchants was widely known. F]ddy & Brown also kept there. The old house was burned. At the meeting-house corner Paul Dennis was in trade many years, where the Irving House now stands. On the site of Fuller's Block, Clark Rice, Jr., had a store, and goods have been sold there ever sinoe. Among those in trade at that place were the Rices, Ransom Hawley, Kellogg & Crocker, B. W. Walkley, and the present Porter & Hawkins. The store opposite, now occupied by W. P. Robertson, was built and kept by J. D. Crocker. Farther down the street were Aaron Crosby and B. F. McNitt. B. P. Crocker was the first to open a store near the railroad. The building now occupied by him was erected iu 1850. On the turnpike Leonard Wells had the first store, on the northeast corner. He was in trade man}' years. Diagonally opposite were Carpenter & Livingston, and afterwards H. Carpenter, yet in trade, and one of the oldest merchants in the place. Others who should be named as having been here many years are Charles Porter, B. P. Crocker, W. P. Robertson, and B. F. McNitt. The village has about thirty stores, doing a large aggregate business. H. 51. Wells has carried on photography many years. The Cambridge post-office was established about 1797, with Adonijah Skinner as the first postmaster. It is prob- able that he was at that time inn-keeper of the place, and kept the offiio in his tavern near the white meeting-house. The mail route was from Albany to points north, with another route shortly thereafter from Bennington to Sara- toga. Mr. Skinner's successor was Paul Dennis, in the same locality, and he in turn was succeeded by Clark Rice, Jr., and about 1829 by Matthew Stevenson. The latter changed the location of the office to a place half a mile west, on the " old turnpike." This led to the establishment of another office a year later in the old locality, which received the title of " North White Creek," which was at that time the name of that part of the village. L. J. Howe was the first postmaster. His successors in the order named were B. P. Crocker, B. F. McNitt, and Charles Porter. While in charge of the latter, in 186C, it was merged into the old office, which was removed to a central location of the now united villages. Mathew Stevenson's successors in the old Cambridge office were James P. Robertson, Joseph Green, Oliver Cook, Clark McClellan, William Livingston, Leonard Wells, Mrs. Leonard Wells, and Ezra Smith. The latter changed the location of the office, as before stated, and held it until his death, in 1867, when the present incumbent, B. P. Crocker, succeeded to the position. In 1869 the office took rank among those of the third class, and in 1870 was desig- nated a postal money-order office. The amount of orders issued per quarter, in 1877, was three thousand and twelve dollars ; of orders paid, one thousand seven hundred and eighty dollars. About three hundred and fifty letters are mailed daily, and from three to four hundred are received. More than twelve hundred papers are distributed per week, exclusive of those sent away in bags. The office has six mails per day, and sends an equal number out. In the village but little manufacturing has been done. Soon after ISOO there was a saw-mill on the Owl Kill near the turnpike, which was operated until it got out of repair. In 1860, Cornelius Wendell put up a large grist-mill on this spot, but to be operated by steam. It was operated only a short time, when the machinery was removed, and the build- ing was idle until it was transformed into a seed warehouse, for which it is still used. The next enterprise was inaugurated in 1800 by Alfred Woodworth and William Qua, who put up a saw-mill near the railroad, using power from a splendid two hundred and fifty horse-power engine. A planing-mill and sash-and- blind-factory was added, and as many as sixty hands em- ployed. In 1876 all the buildings north of the engine- house were destroyed by fire. The same year the present saw-mill was erected by A. A. Beveridge and T. E. MeCou- nell. The latter still operates it, and employs six men. The feed-mill, on the other side of the engine, was put up in 1872, and also belongs to SIcConnell. On the opposite side of the railroad was another saw-mill by Woodworth & King, which was burned down in 1872. A small furnace was erected on the site of the Beebe tavern, about 1840, by S. W. Warner and Levi Tilton, which, after a few years, was changed to the site of Love- joy's blacksmith-shop, and a new firm formed, — Warner & Lovejoy. In 1861, the location of the shops was changed to Dorr's Corners, using power from the east branch of the Owl Kill. In 1865, C. D. Warner was associated with the firm, and the capacity of the business increased. Twenty 2G4 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. men were employed, and much work was produced. A specialty was made of saw-niill machinery, which was shipped to all parts of the world. These shops were de- stroyed by fire in 1875, but were rebuilt tlie next year, and are at present conducted by A. Walsh. The main shop is thirty by si.xty-five feet, one and a half stories high, and there are a number of side shops. Plows and all kinds of ai^ricultural implements are made, as well as a water-wheel governor, patented by Walsh in 1808 and 1870. In the early history of the place a man named Page had a hat^faotory near the meeting-house, which employed a number of persons. Ransom Hawley succeeded to the business, and afterwards B. F. McNitt, who discontinued the business. The village has had the usual (juota of mechanic-shops, and is at present well supplied by a number of large and well-conducted shops, in which the diiferent trades are car- ried on by skillful mechanics. The legal profession found an early and able representa- tive in (i. Wendell. His office was in the western part of the village, at the Academy Corners, where he also had the county clerk's office a short time about the beginning of the century. Wendell was familiarly known as the " old law- yer," and was much consulted. John L. Wendell was an- other pioneer attorney, and attained an honorable position in his profession. He was a first judge, and held other offices. John P. Putnam came ne.Kt. He was a grandson of Gdneral Israel Putnam, and after having graduated at Wil- liams College, in 1809, he was admitted to the bar in 1812, and came to Cambridge the same year. He continued in practice until about 1830, but remained in the village until his death, in 1867. It may be mentioned here that the famous Pitcairn pistols which fired the shot at Concord, in 1775, " that echoed and re-echoed until its sound was heard all around the world," were the property of Mr. Putnam, and are now preserved at Cambridge. In the order of time, G. W. Jermain was the next attorney, having an office «here the Irving House now stands. Luther J. Howe was a contemporary, and built an office on the street towards Dorr's Corners, living in the village until his death. Both of these wore associate judges. Colonel John Crocker studied law in Judge Howe's office, and practiced at Cam- bridge until his removal. H. K. Sharpe, an attorney, died in the village in 1877. R. King Crocker and D. M. WestM have been practicing attorneys for the past twenty-five years. Other lawyers are Shi^ldon Corliss and Lemuel Fletcher. Dr. Jonathan Dorr, the owner of a large tract of land at the corners which took his name, was one of the first prominent physicians in the village, living here until his death. Dr. William Stevenson was another early practi- tioner of note; and Dr. Henry C. Gray was a leading phy- sician until his death but a few years ago. Drs. William Wright, Joseph Stewart, Cyrus Sayles, Oliver Cook, and others have been located in the village; and Drs. B. F. Ketchum and T. C. Wallace, allopaths, J. F. Niver and L. A. Clark, homoeopaths, and J. L. Smith, eclectic, are the present physicians. The Washington County Post, a weekly journal of nnusual excellence and influence, is pub- lished in the village. A full account of this paper, and others published at this point, appear in the paper on the Press of the county. CAMBRIDGE SEED BUSINESS. Simon Crosby cultivated garden and vegetable seeds as early as 1816, having a small seed-house at Coila. He was succeeded by his sons Otis and Aaron, and in 1836 by S. W. Crosby, having occupied, meantime, the Tracy building and a house at Dorr's Cornens. About this time Roswell Rice was also engaged in the business. In 1834 the .seed- trade was started in Salem by R. Niles Rice in a very small way, (disposing the seeds from a wagon, worth about fifty dollars, with which he traveled through the country. He increased his business from year to year, finally locating at Cambridge, in 1844, and purchasing the interests of R. Rice and the Crosbys, with a view to engage on a larger scale. His efforts have been attended with a large measure of suc- cess, and the business has attained such proportions that it is the principal interest of the place. In 1865, Mr Niles Rice associated his son, Jerome B. Rice, with him in the management of the business, which now extends through all the New England, Middle, and many of the Southern States. A large number of men and women are employed, and the arrangements for the distribution of the seeds are in .strong contrast with the humble beginning forty years ago, some of the wagons used costing more than five hundred dollars, and other things are, in the same propor- tion, more complete and extensive. Besides the seeds grown at home, the Messrs. Rice have a large farm in Illinois where many tons of vegetable seeds are grown annually. The firm has originated .several choice vegetables, among them tomatoes, and Rice's " Perfection" sweet corn, which is re- puted the nc plus ultra of that vegetable. THE CA.MBRIDGE VALLEY B.VNK was organized Sept. 15, 1855, with a capital stock of one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars, which was subscribed by one hundred and thirty-seven persons. A board of eigh- teen directors was chosen, composed of A. B. I^aw, George W. Wilcox, Solomon AVarner, James McKie, B. P. Crocker, J. BI. Stevenson, Anson Ingraham, Calvin Skinner, Nathaniel Barnett, George Barker, T. A. Fuller, B. P. McNitt, Benjamin Long, Jonathan Hoag, 0. Kellogg, James Thompson, Henry C. Gray, and B. W. Walkley. These selected Orrin Kellogg president, and James Thomp- son cashier. In 1859 the capital stock was increased to one hundred and seventy-two thousand five hundred dollars, but was re- duced March 20, 1876, to its present capital, one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. In May, 1865, it became a National bank, with a board of twelve directors. At present there are thirteen directors and one hundred and nineteen stockholders. In 1869, James Thompson was elected president, and J. E. Smith cashier. Since 1872 the present officers have served, — M. D. Hubbard president, and James Thompson cashier. In 1867 the association erected a very handsome banking- house on Main street, near the railroad, at a cost of twelve thou.sand dollars. It is of brick, two stories high, with a John P Putnam. Mrs.£liz/i Sept. 27, 1816 Jan. U, lS.i7 Rev. E. H. Xewton Jan. 14, 1857 Oct. 26, 1H65 J. M. Stevenson Jan. 20, 18(15 Sept. 8, 1S72 *Rov. Henry Gordon Nov. 1, 1872 SECRETARIES. Rev. N. S. Prime 1825 Gen. Martin Lee 1827 Dr. jMatthew Stevenson 1S29 Dr. William Sumner 18:!2 Wm. Stevenson 18.35 Rev. J. G. Smart 1856 Rev. Chas. H. Taylor 1802 «11. K. Sharpe.....". 1870 TREASURERS. Office Vacated. 1825 1827 1829 18.32 1835 1856 1802 1870 Offlci Names. Elected. Vo John L. WenJcll 1815 1821 Wm. Stevenson 1821 18U John M. Stevenson 1844 1805 II. Carpenter 18115 1872 ■•:• James Harper 1872 PRINCIPALS. Offlc Names. Elected. Vaciited. David Chassel 1815 1818 Rev. Alex. Bullions 1818 1819 David Chassel 1819 1824 Rev. Alex. Bullions 1821 HoUlinj; office when the t ; leased to the school district. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 271 Namea. Elected. Kev. N. S. Prime 1821 Kcv. N. S. Prime 1827 Rcv. Alex. Bullions IS.'SO Rev. John Monteith 1S.10 Rev. Ale.x. Bullions... ]S:!2 Wm.D. Beat tie lS.'i2 AJdison Lvman 18.!'J Russell M. Wright ■ 1811 Rev. Thomas C. McLaurie 1812 Rev. E. H. Newton lSj;i Rev. A. M. Bcveridge 184S Rev. Charles I. Robinson 1850 Charles H. Gardner lSo2 John Ilenrv Burtis 1854 Alden P. Beals 1853 AVm. S. Aumock 1865 Rev. Geo. I. Taylor 1867 Daniel March, Jr 1868 J. P. Lnnsing 1870 Miss Amelia Merriam 1871 Vaeiiled. 1824 1830 ]S:i2 I8:',9 1841 1842 1843 1848 1850 1852 1854 1855 1865 1807 1868 1870 March 29, Bept. 27, .June 26, Sepl. 15, Jan. 7, May 9, May (1, M,ay- 1, August 21, May 9, Ma"y 1, March 19, May 1, lateil. 1844 1816 1857 1830 1841 1825 1819 1S25 1818 1827 1815 1825 1818 1832 1818 Sept. 27, 1816 1827 March 25, 1835 March 15, 1837 March 19, 1827 February, 1827 1827 1S29 June 20, 1857 April 26, 1845 Feb. 9, 1835 Feb. 9, 1835 TRUSTEES. Names. Elected. Wm. Stevenson March 22, 1815 JohnDunlap Alex. Bullions " Nathaniel S. Prime " Gerrit Wendell " James Gilnuire " liarmau Van Veghten " James Stevenson " Harmanus C.Wendell " David Simpson " James Hill " John L.Wendell Joseph Gilbert " Robert Wilcox " Samuel McDoual " Austin Wells Wm. Gilmore Edward Lauderdale August 21,1815 Clark Rice. Jr Sept. 27, 1816 Thias Johnson, Jr Sept. 27, 1810 Geo. W. Jermain, Esq May 9, 1825 Dr. M.Stevenson " Rev. Donald McLaren " Martin Lee, Esq July 27, 1827 Wm. Robertson " Dr. M. Stevenson August 24, 1827 Rev. Wm. Howden July 30, 1829 Dr. W. Sumner " Rev. Wm. Lusk Sept. 12, 1829 Rev. John Monteith Sept. 15, 1830 Wm. Stevenson, Jr March 19, 1832 liConard Wells *' Wm. D. Beattie June 8, 1832 Geo. W. Jermain Feb. 9, 1835 John Robinson " Kev. 0. P. Hoyt " Aaron Crosby March 25, 1835 Peter Hill Dee. 12, 1836 Rev. E. H. Newton March 15, 1837 Edward Small May 4, 1839 Ahira Eldridge " Luther J. Howe June 1, 1840 Thomas Rice 1840 John M. Stevenson March 29, 1844 Rev. Archibald Reid April 20, 1845 James McKie, Esq Jan. 18, 1848 Rev. Isaac A. Filmore March 13, 1854 Rev. J. G. Smart Jan. 27, 1855 «Rev. W. B Shortt May 19, 1855 Rev. J. H. Patterson Jan. 9, 1856 James E. Small June 15, 1857 *Freenian A. Puller " Peter Hill Sept. 4, 1857 Calvin Skinner " Rev. J. H. Nixon " «Rcv. Henry Gordon March 30, 1860 «Thomas Shiland Oct. 9, 1861 Rev. Chas. H. Taylor " ®Berry Long July 31, 1862 H. Carpenter Jan. 25, 1865 D. M. Wcstfall Dec. 4, 1865 «H. K. Sharpe Oct. 22, 1867 *James Thompson Nov. 4, 1869 *Jaines S. Smart " *James Harper Oct. 27, 1872 James E.Robertson '• «H. G. Blinn " *Azor Culver " ' Holding ofBce when the academy was leased to the school district. June 8, Feb. 21, Dec. 4, Dec! l'2, Oct. 22, March 15, June 1, Oct. '26, Jan. 27, June 20, Sept. 4, March 13, Sept. 8, Jan. 18, Jan. 27, Jan. 9, July 19, 1832 1860 1865 .1839 1836 1867 1837 1840 .1861 1864 1S55 1857 1857 1854 1872 1848 1855 1856 1862 June 14, Oct. 28, 1857 1872 Oct. 9, 1861 Nov. 4, 1869 Oct. 9, 1861 Nov. 4, 1869 Oct. 28, 1872 To the list of teachers .should be added the name of Daniel M. Westfall, who taught the summer term of 1865. INIr. Westfall was assisted by Miss S. E. Smeed and Jennie E. Arms. The assistant teachers under Mr. Burtis were D. M. Westfall, male department ; in the female depart- ment, Maggie Hill, who was succeeded by Miss Barstow and Miss Smeed ; in music and painting. Miss Jennie Arms, succeeded by Miss Jennie Blakley. THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF CAM- BRIDGE. The organization of this body closely followed the early settlements in Salem and Cambridge. It is probable that the Rev. Thomas Clark preached to the settlers in the fitll of 1765, and afterwards at occasional intervals, until his removal to the south in 1780. In 1765, a petition was forwarded to the synod of the Secession Church of Scot- land, requesting the services of a preacher. In response, Rev. David Telfair came to the New World, and visited Cambridge, but did not remain to form a congregation. Failing in their efforts to secure a minister from the Scotch synod, the associate presbytery of Pennsylvania was next verbally petitioned. In response thereto, Dr. Clark was instructed, on the 19th day of April, 1769, to organize a congregation at Cambridge. It is altogether probable that this was done, as, soon after, a glebe lot was donated for a building site by William Smith, one of the original Cam- bridge patentees. On the northern portion of this a house of worship was begun in 1775, or earlier, but which was not finished until after the treaty of peace, in 1783. The building stood about sixty rods north of the old grave-yard, and was most likely used, before its completion, for occasional meetings. After the war many settlers came to Cambridge, and the desire ibr regular services now became so strong that it was resolved to petition the presbytery of Pennsyl- vania in person. This mis.sion was undertaken, in the sum- mer of 1784, by a devout Irish woman. Widow Nancy Hinsdale, who belonged to Dr. Clark's Salem congregation. Pilgrim-like, with a bundle of clothing and provisions, she began and completed the toilsome journey, walking all the way to Philadelphia. Fortunately, the presbytery, at that time, composed of but two ministers, had convened to deliberate what should be done with the Rev. Thomas Beveridge, who had just arrived from Ireland, with a view to preach in America. The petition was most opportune, and Mr. Beveridge was at once appointed to Cambridge, where he arrived in the fall of 1784. His labors were followed, Jan. 5, 1785, by the legal organization of the new body as the " Protestant Presbyterian Congregation of Cambridge." The trustees chosen were Josiah Dewey, John Morrison, Edmund Wells, Phineas Whiteside, John Younglove, James Ashton, John McClung, John Welsh, and Joseph Wells. Edmund Wells was cho.sen president ; John McClung, clerk ; and Edmund Wells, Jr., collector. This board secured a deed for the glebe lot, and made pro- vision for its future disposition. Unfortunately the troubles which were at that time agi- tating the Presbyterian churches also affected the Canjbridge congregation in so pronounced a manner, that it resulted in the withdrawal of a portion of the members adhering to 272 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Mr. Beveridge, who belonged to the " Burghers." This led to the temporary cessation of services, the locking up of the meeting-house, and the formation of a new society, which is at present known as the United Presbyterian church of Coila. The claims of the Beveridge and anti- Beveridgo parties to the ownership of the meeting-house were adjusted, after a great deal of iiard feeling, on the 5th of iMay, 1786, by a board of arbitration, which decided that tlie Beveridge party should be paid in equity for what it had contributed towards the erection of the house. The meetings of the congregation were now resumed. Revs. Annan, Ma.son, Proudfit, and others, preaching as supplies. A call was finally extended, July 7, 1786, to Rev. James Snodgrass, signed by one hundred and seventy- four persons, which shows that the congregation was, in .spite of its division, yet a strong body. Mr. Snodgrass as well as a !Mr. Young, who was afterwards asked to become pastor, declined to assume this relation. The effort to secure a Congregational minister, a Mr. McCoy, was at- tended with no better success, and it was not until June 22, 1791 that the Rev. John Dunlap was ordained as the first regular pastor. He was a native of Scotland, and came with bis fathei; to America in 177-1. Both espoused the American cause, and served in two campaigns. He was a student under Dr. Mason, and was licen.sed to preach by the Associate Reformed presbytery of New Yorlc. He devoted much of his time to mi.ssiouary work, and left in 1816 to establish missions in western New York. He afterwards returned to live in Cambridge, where he died in 1829. The congregation was without a pastor until 1820, when Rev. Donald C. McLaren was ordained, and gave it six years of faithful service, leaving in 1826. Again the pastoral office was unoccupied, except by supplies, until 1829, when the Rev. W. Howden was installed. He was born in Eng- land, where he served as a Congregationalist minister. His connection continued until 18.36, when he resigned to en- gage in missionary work. Mr. Howden's immediate suc- cessor was Rev. Peter Gordon, who had been a student at the Glasgow University, but completed his studies under Rev. Alexander Bullions, D.D., of Cambridge, N. Y. He was with the congregation until about 18-10, when he also left to resume his duties as a missionary. In 1812 Rev. T. C. McLaurie was installed as pastor, and remained until 1852. During his administration the congregation left their old house of worship on the glebe lot for a more comfort- able building on Main street, in the village of Cambridge. It has a very pleasant location, and, with the improve- ments and repairs made since its erection in 1815, is a substantial and neat edifice. The glebe lot has passed into private hands, under the provisions of a special act of the Legislature, passed May 27, 1855. In the early part of 1853, William B. Shortt, a licentiate, came as a supply, and on the 23d of December, of the same year, was installed as the pastor. Mr. Shortt was born in Ireland in 1826, and there received his education. He has been the pastor of the congregation ever since 1853, and is highly esteemed by his members, who at present number about one hundred. In 1858 the congregation assumed its present name, but he trustees are still known by the old title. The first elders were Phine:is Whiteside, James Ashton, James Stevenson, Fortunatus Sherman, Archibald Robertson, and Jo.seph Wells. The present elders are Zina Sherman, James Thompson, George McGeoch, and John R. Mc- Arthur. A Sabbath-school was organized about 1810, which is attended by seventy-five members. There is a fine library of three bundi-ud volumes. John McGeoch is the super- intendent. THE FIRST UNITED rilESBYTERI.\N CHURCH IN CAM- BRIDGE. About 1792 a plain frame meeting-house was erected near the inns kept by Rucl Beebe and JIajor John Porter, by a number of persons of various shades of Presbyterian and Congregational belief, who afterwards formed them- selves into a society bearing the name of " The Fir.st United Presbyterian Congregation in Cambridge." This organiza- tion was effected Aug. 17, 1793, and the persons thus uniting themselves were John Welsh, Sr., Hannah Wcl.sh, Moses Holmes, Keziah Holmes, John Younglove, Martha Younglove, John Gunn, Jerusha Gunn, Thomas Beach, Joseph Welsh, Sr., Mary Wilson, Eliphalet Adam.s, Sarah Adams, William Abbott, Eleazer Crocker, Richard Prouty, Susannah Prouty, Timothy Kelly, Betsey Kelly, Esther Oviatt, Rebecca Estee, Lucas and Lydia Younglove, Heman Howes, Phcebe Williams, Elizabeth Skinner, Isaac Bell, Anthony Empy, John McLean, May McLean, Pa- tience Adams, Catharine Van Kirk, Japhetli Le Barron, Pattie Le Barron, James and Phoebe JIcLean, Asenath Woodworth, May Adicius, Thankful Luke, Eleazer Warner, Elizabeth Warner, Ebenezer Billings, and 5Iay Billings. A board of trustees was also chosen, but no record of the names can be found. The meeting-house was painted white, a circumstance which gave it the name by which it was so long and favorably known, even after the rains and storms of many years had beaten off that pure color. The first record of a religious meeting is that of Aug. 28, 1793, when Rev. John Warford preached, and a call was extended to Rev. Gersbom Williams, a licentiate of the " Presbytery of New York." Mr. Williams was ordained pastor June 25, 1791, and on the 19th of October of the same year John Welsh and jMoses Holmes received the ordination of the elders' office. Rev. Williams' pastoral connection extended through nine years, and resulted in the accession of one hundred and ninety members. Rev. Robert H. Chapman was the second pastor, and also remained nine years ; one hundred and ninety-seven members were added during this period. The longest and most eventful pastorate was that which next followed. Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime, D.D., was installed July 11, 1813, and remained until 1828. He found the church a strong, vigorous body, but arrayed against itself on account of diverse opinions on church polity and custom, and the Christian conduct of the members. Dr. Prime took a bold position for what he conceived to be the right, and manfully maintained it, coming off victor, although op- posed by a strong element, whose conduct made his pas- torate no ea.sy life. He was a man of strong intellect and HLii, ULui,i- .J, iiORACE & FHEB£ VALENTINE, C/iv;8mi)G£.W/isH)NGroNCo,N.y' HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 273 great pulpit powers, making liiin a worthy compeer of Dr. Bullions, wlio at that time pre.sided at the yellow meeting- house. As the result of his labors one hundred and six members were added. The next pastor, Rev. Gordon Hayes, remained but a short time. Rev. William Lusk was installed June 16, 1830, for a four years' pastorate. Soon after his coming the church enjoyed a revival, whereby two hundred members were added. This sudden increase had the effect of hastening a long-cherished purpose to build a new house of worship in place of the old building, which wore a neglected appearance, besides having a steejile which threatened to tumble off any moment. In 1832 the building was demolished, and another erected in its place, which still stands, although used for other purposes. The house was erected by a building committee composed of Gerrit Wendell, Jonathan Dorr, Clark Rice, Jr., and Ahira Eldridge. The latter was especially active in push- ing the work to a speedy and satisfactory completion. The house cost four thousand dollars, which was contributed by one hundred and forty persons, but few of whom are alive to-day. The official board of the church at that time were : elders, Kirklaiid Warner, Azor Thompson, Benjamin Crocker, Lewis McLean, Sidney Wells, Eli[)halet Day, Mathias Johnson, Jr., John Stevenson, and Ru.ssell Nor- ton ; trustees, G. Wendell, Sylvester Warner, Sidney Wells, Solomon Warner, Robert Wilcox, Arthur Ackley, Clark Rice, Jr., Lewis McLean, and Ebenezer Billings. Rev. O. P. Iloyt was the sixth pastor, remaining two and a half years. Dr. E. H. Newton, the next pastor, was installed March 15, 1837, and served until Aug. 23, 18-13. He was a sound theologian and a very learned man. His successor was Dr. I. 0. Fillmore, who was in- stalled Sept. 14, 18-13, and served the church in a most efficient manner twelve years. In 1856, Rev. J. H. Nixon became the ninth pastor, remaining such three years. Rev. Charles H. Taylor was installed in June, 1861, and filled the pastoral office nine years, winning many friends by his pleasing address and polished eloquence. In 1870, Rev. H. G. Blinn, the present pastor, was installed. His labors have been richly and abundantly blessed not only with an increase of membership, but in the erection of a new house of worship, whose beauty and convenience give it rank among the best in the county. This handsome structure stands opposite the old church, on the spot formerly occu- pied by the Beebe tavern. It was erected, at a cost of nearly thirty thousand dollars, under the direction of J. F. Hall, Thomas Oviatt, and Charles Porter, building com- mittee. The house was formally dedicated March 6, 1872, at which time the officers of the church were: elders, Benjamin Crocker, John Stevenson, Nathan Culver, Ahira Eldridge, William Holden, Asaph Warner, Lemuel Sher- man, and William P. Robertson ; deacons, James Ellis and John W. Eddy ; trustees, Furman Fuller, S. W. Crosby, John Qua, R. King Crocker, Mial P. Barton, Charles Porter, Thomas Oviatt, William Watkins, and Alanson McLean ; treasurer, S. W. Crosby ; and clerk, William P. Robertson. Besides the church the society also owns a fine parson- age worth five thousand dollars. A summary of the church shows an aggregate membership of about fifteen 35 hundred, from whose ranks ten have entered the ministry. There have been eleven pastors and thirty elders ; one of these, Benjamin Crocker, was an active member of the session sixty years ; and several others have served more than forty years. The church has at present more than four hundred members, and has maintained a Sabbath- school since about 1840. The school is superintended by Gilbert Robertson, and has two hundred and seventy-five members. A fine library is maintained. ASHGaOVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURCU. The religious organization bearing the above name was constituted according to Methodist usages before the ham- let where it was located, the town within which it was em- braced, or the present county of Washington was known. It was the first church organization within the bounds of what was subsequently known as "the old town of Cam- bridge," the first Methodist church in the county, and the first organized in tlie State north of the city of New York. It was located in a beautiful valley among the Taghanick hills, about two miles east of the present village of Cam- bridge. In the summer of 1769, Thomas Ashton and his wife, emigrants from Ireland, and members of Mr. John Wes- ley's society there, landed at New York, and soon, with some other Methodist emigrants, made their way to what was then known as Cambridge patent. They settled among the hills, on the southeastern corner of " Anaquasscoke patent," afterwards embraced in the town of Cambridge when that was organized in 1773, now within the limits of the town of White Creek. Here, in company with other emigrants, some from " the Nine Partners," and some from the eastern States, was commenced that hamlet which took the name of Ashgrove ; apparently and probably given by incorporating a part of the name of Ashton with the wild region where he had fixed his home.* In the early part of the succeeding year (1770) Philip Embury, another emigrant from Ireland, and for ten years preceding a resident of the city of New York, accompanied by his family, came into the same region. He was joint proprietor with his brothers, David and Peter, and with James, George, Samuel, and John Wilson, Moses Cowan, and Thomas Proctor, of a patent of eight thousand acres of wild land, lying directly east of Ashgrove, and covering the hills and valleys of that region. He did not locate on his patent-lands, but fixed his residence in the region then known as West Camden, county of Charlotte, now the south- eastern corner of the town of Salem. He was a Wesleyau IMethodist local preacher in Ireland ; as such preacher he had organized the first Methodist society in New York, and erected there the first Methodist church edifice in America, and now he formed a classf at Ashgrove of the Methodist emigrants there, and others desiring such religious fellow- ship, and began at once his local ministrations, as he had previously done in the city of New York. « It was a custam in Bnglaiul, Ireland, and Scotland thu.s tn give names to localities. t The class is the organic form of Methodism. All Methodist churches are composed of classes. 274 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. The record of names composing that first chiss is lost, but the fullowiiis; persons were known to have lived in that vicinity at that time, and their names appear on the oldest records now extant: Thomas Ashton, Elizabeth Ashton, Jolin Armitage, Ely Armitage, James Barber, Sarah Bar- ber, Philip Embury, Margaret Embury, Peter Switzer, Anna iM. Switzer, Chri.stoplier Switzer. To these, and all who would attend, Embury preached for three years, and then suddenly died. The services were held at the residence of Thomas Ashton, John Armitage, and others, as no church edifice was erected until 1788. From the death of Embury, in 1773, until October, 1788, the society was destitute of preaching, having only class- ^i and prayer-meetings. In the mean time a large emigration reached this locality. Many ftimilies of Irish and German (or Palatine Irish) Methodists from Mr. Wesley's societies .settled in Ashgrove and the surrounding valleys. In September, 1788, Lemuel Smith was appointed by the Methodist conference as the first itinerant minister to this society. He arrived early in October. The appoint- ment was called '' Cambridge." He immediately revived the society as organized by Embury, adding many members thereto. He enlarged the circuit until it covered the present county, with adjoining sections of Bennington and Rensselaer. He closed his labors and the conference year in eight months, leaving a membership of one hundred and fifiy- four. This year a church edifice was projected and commenced. It was completed early in 1789. It was built upon land donated by Thomas Ashton for a church and burial-ground, and, from the uncertainty of accurate boundaries, the deed was given by William Fisher, James Ashton, and Thomas Ashton, their lands all converging near the church lot. It was a small, unpretentious, unpainted structure, some thirty-four by forty- six feet, on a beautiful rise of ground fronting the west, and pronounced by Rev. Freeborn Gar- rettson (the first presiding elder), at its completion, " the most elegant church, according to the size of it, that I know in the connection." It is not known to the writer that any record is extant showing who composed the building committee, what its cost was, or when or by whom it was dedicated. It was occupied in July, 1787. The trustees were Ephraim Bessey, Jalnes Barber, Nathan Sherman, John Baker, John Armitage, Jr., Wil- liam EUice, George Fisher, Edward Dillon, and Zachariah Fisher. The following composed the male iliember.ship a few years later, the whole number in church fellowship, male and female, being one hundred and seventy-nine: Thomas Ashton, James Barber, John Baker, Jeremiah Austin, Loughlin McLean, Alexander McLean, George Fisher, Ephraim Bessey, Cornelius Thorp, William Fisher, John Armitage, Richard Sutliff, Othiniel Preston, Robert Langworthy, Daniel Sumner, Noah Dodge, John Hanna, John Grimes, Uriah Palmerton, John Dart. Zachariah Fisher, Edward Smallman, John Barber, Jacob Goodsell, Thomas Empy, John Sutliff, William Ellice, John Doune, David Hammon, Peter Sharp, William Cowan, Amos ^Austin, Thomas Cowan, John Giles, Thomas Taylor, Na- than Larrabee, Nathan Taylor, John Empy, Edward Dil- lon, John Macnamara, John Rhodes, Thomas Moore, Constant Reynolds, Daniel Austin, Elijah Austin, Gaius Blowers, James Moon, Robert Moon, Solomon Blowers, Henrj' Little, Thomas Austin, John Lilly, Benjamin Harris, Henrj' Stillson. Abram Hodge, Charles Blowers, Robert Hull, Wm. Dougherty, Wm. Williams, Garrett Sharp, Cornelius Sharp, Wm. Tidd, Job Blowers, Ebenezer Hall, Dennis Hall, Merchant Hall, Peter Switzer, Christopher Switzer, John Switzer, John Tompkins, Peter Sharp, Thomas Maddin, Wm. Galusha, Job Herrington, Wm. Worden, Clark Little, John Tompkins, George Empy, Richard Empy, John Empy, Ally Cooper, David Lucas, Clark Jinks, Cornelius Shaw, Gideon Rathbone, John Blowers, Andrew Sharp, Thaddeus Tidd, John Nowlan. The first church edifice remained till 1832. It was then taken down, removed to Sandgate, Vt., and erected there as a Methodist church. It yet remains, used as a " town-house." A second church edifice was erected at Ashgrove, a few rods west from the first, in 1832, and dedicated the Decem- ber following. The dedicatorial services were conducted by Rev. John B. Stratton, he preaching a jwwerful sermon from Exodus 19, 10th and 11th verses. This church cost about three thousand five hundred dollars. It remained until November, 1835, when it was fired one night about midnight by an insane man, and totally destroyed. After this calamity the society resolved to change the location of the church edifice. Land was accordingly secured of Philip Blair, in the village of Cambridge (then called North White Creek), whereon the present church edifice stands. On July 12, 183G, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate cere- monies by Revs. Samuel Covell and Elijah B. Hubbard, preachers of the circuit, and the building completed in the year 1837. This house was occupied as a place of worship before its completion. This edifice was forty-five and a half feet by sixty, and cost about three thousand dollars. When or by whom dedicated is unknown to the writer.* Succeeding the completion of this a chapel was erected at Ashgrove, tliirty by forty feet, on the site of the one de- stroyed by fire, at a cost of one thousand dollars. It was dedicated in the winter of 1839-40 by Rev. Noah Levings. His text was Matthew 18 : 20. It stood there until 1858, when it was sold to parties in West Hebron, and removed there in 1859. It was erected there, and used as a Methodist Episcopal church until superseded by a better. It is now (1878) used for town purposes. Since that removal, no church edifice has existed in Ash- grove. Excepting an occasional sermon, a ])rayer-meeting, or funeral service, that whole region is as destitute of pub- lic religious services as it was when the first pioneer Chris- tian emigrant entered it more than a hundred years ago. The first Sabbath-school was organized at the old Indian *■ This structure was cnlargeil by the addition of twenty feet to its length and something to its height, and greatly beautified under the pastorate of llev. ]i. Hawley, D.D., in 1861, at an expense of about six thousand dollars, and reopened in January, 1SC2, Kevs. S. I). Brown and C. W. Gushing officiating, and each preaching able, elo- quent, and instructive sermons. It was again rebeautificd in 1873, costing some sixteen hundred dollars. HISTORY Of WASEIINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 275 village of Pompanuck (now Pumpkin Hook), in the sum- mer of 1833. It was held at the school-house there, George Fisher and Laurana Russell bcinp: the principal originators. The second was at Ashgrove Methodist Epis- copal church, in the summer of 1835. Wm. FLshor, super- intendent ; John Fisher, secretary ; and Janios I. Bennett, librarian. A missionary society was formally organized January 7, 1832, called " The Cambridge Circuit Branch of the Troy District Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church," the minister in charge, president ; his colleague, vice-president ; and all members of the quarterly conference, managers. A temperance society wa.s first formed by resolution of the official members of the circuit, in quarterly conference assembled, April 9, 1831. It specified, " Not to manufac- ture, sell, or drink ardent spirits, and discountenance the same in others; and that class-leaders of the conference be requested to present these resolutions to their respective classes for co-operation and adoption by all the members throughout the circuit." Incidents. — The New Y^ork conference held religious services in the old church on the Sabbath, and evenings, during the time of its session, at the house of John Baker, " in the hollow," in 1803. A second session was held there — business and religious services — in 1805. At this session a marvelous work of grace began on the Sabbath. In one single prayer-meet- ing, outside the church, nine persons professed to be con- verted. There were several other most powerful revivals in con- nection with that church. One in 1799 began here, under the pastorate of Timothy Dewey and Lorenzo Dow, sweep- ing over the entire circuit, till more than six hundred pro- fessed to have been saved. Another in 181 1-12, under the pastorate of John Finne- gan and Samuel Weaver, continuing for two or three years. Another of like character in 1819-20, while Tobias Spicer and Sherman Miner and Samuel Draper were preachers. The last occurred in connection with the dedicatorial services of the church which was burned during the suc- ceeding winter. The following-named ministers have served this church as pastors. The peculiar organization of the church, being connectional in its polity, itinerant as to its ministry, and oftentimes large circuits as to its form, accounts for the number of names appearing in this connection. This pecu- liar arrangement leaves no church without a pastor, and no effective minister without a pastorate. The ecclesiastical or conference years in no case harmonize with the calendar years. 1770-7.-!. Philip Embury. 1788-S9. Lemuel Smith. 178'.l-90. Darius Dunham. 1790-91. Darius Duuham. Philip Wagar. 1791-92. Daviil Valloau. Matthias Swaim. 1792-93. John Crawford. Thomas Woolscy. 1793-9-1. .Toel Ketchuin. Elijah Woolscv. -9.'j. Robert Green. Joseph Mileliell. -96. Samuel Fuwier. Ezekiel CanHcIil. -97. Shadr.ich Bostwic Smith Weeks. -9S. Timothy Dewey. Eben Cowles. -99. Timothy Dewey. I,ori Do 1799-lSOO. Jacob Rickli( 1799 -1800. Billy Hibbard. 1824-25. Samuel Howe. ISOO- -1. Ezekiel Canfield. Ebenezer Pterens. Elias Crawford. Edward Snulard. ISOl- -2. Koger Searl. Ebenczcr Stevens. 1825-26. Samuel Howe. Elias Crawford. 1802- 3. Roger Searl. Smith Arnold. 1826-27. Daniel Brayton. Henry Eames. 1803- -i. David Brown. Luman Andrews. 1827-28. Daniel Brayton. Henry Eames. 180-t- 5. Elias Vanderlip. Phineas Cook. 1828-29. Jas. B. Houghtaling John M. Weaver. 1805- 6. Elijah Chichester. Nehcmi ah U.Tompkins. 1829-30. Jas. B. Houghtaling. Joseph Ayros. 1800- ""■ Noble W. Thomas. Nathaniel Gnge. 1830-31. RoswcU Kelley. Wm. Rider. 1S07- -8. Daniel Brumly. Francis Brown. 1831-32. B. Kelley. Theodofius Clark. 1808- -9. Mitchell B. Bull. Lewis Pease. 1832-33. Stephen Remington. Henry Smith. 1809- -10. Mitchell B. Bull. William Swayze. 1833-34. Joel Squire. John Lagrange. Stephen Sornberger. 1834-35. Joseph Eames. 18 10 -11. Samuel Draper. Bishop Isbel. Samuel Howe. 1835-36. Joseph Eames. 1811 -12. John Finncgan. Elijah B. Hubbard. Samuel Weaver. 1836-37. Samuel Covell. 1812 -13. Datus Ensign. E. B. Hubbard. Samuel Weaver. 1837-38. Samuel Covell. 1813 -14. Datus Ensign. Wright Hozcn. Gcrshom Pierce. 1839-10. Peter M. Hitchcock. 1814- -15. Gershom Pierce. 1841. John Frazer. Stephen Beach. 1842-43. Milton n. Stewart. Samuel Luckcy. 1844-45. Daniel P. Hubbard. 1815 -16 Andrew McKean. 1846. Alfred Sa.\e. Peter Bussing. 1847-48. John Harwood. 1810 -17. Andrew MoKean. 1849. Wm. W. Pierce. Jacob Hall. 1850-51. F. Benedict. 1817- -IS. Friend Draper. 1852-54. Ensign vStover. Tobias Spicer. 1855. Hiram Chase. 1818 -19. Tobias Spicer. 1856. James H. Patterson. Sherman Miner. 1857-58. James Phillips. 1819 -20. Siimuel Draper. 1859-60 Merritt Bates. Sherman Miner. 1861-62 Bostwick Hawley. 1S20 -21 David Lewis. 1863-64 E. Stover. Daniel J. Wright. 1865-66 Isaac Parks. 1821 -22 David Lewis. 1867-68. Joel W. Eaton. George Smith. 1869-70 Samuel McRea. 1822 -23 Samuel Draper. D. W. Gates. John LoA-ejoy. 1870-73 W. H. Meeker. 1823 -24 Samuel Draper. 1874-76 Oliver A. Brown. John Lovcjuy. 1877-78 Sherman M. William The foregoing sketch has been furnished by the Rev. J. E. Bowen, of Troy, who has in preparation a complete his- tory of Methodist work in eastern New I'^ork. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP CAMBRIDGE was organized at the house of Benejah Cook, July 8, 1843, with twenty-six members. On the 26th of the same month it was formally recognized by a council called for this purpose at the Presbyterian meeting-house, in which thirteen neigh- boring Baptist churches were represented. Anson Fowler was chosen deacon, and Rev. Levi Parmely pastor. He continued this connection until Oct. 12, 1844, when he resigned, leaving the new church with an increased mem- bership. His successor was the Rev. Charles 0. Kimball, and during his pastorate the church edifice, begun in 1844, was completed, and consecrated June 5, 1845. It is a sub- stantial brick structure, near the centre of the village, and is estimated worth ten thousand dollars. Mr. Kimball's 270 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. pastoi'al connection was severed the same year, and since that period the church has enjoyed tlie services of tlie fol- lowing clergy as pastors or supplies : Revs. A. H. Danforth, AVilliani Harris, E. II. Brownell, A. G. Bowles, J. W. Grant, A. B. Stowcll, Daniel Tinkham, Lamson Stewart, Philander Perry, Charles W. Palmer, Joshua Fletcher, and J. Gardner. The charge is at present vacant. These frequent changes in tlie ministerial office have not promoted the best interests of the church, and often left it in a weak condition. The present membership is one hundred and nineteen, and the aggregate number of members has been three hundred and ninet3'-six. Besides the Deacon Fowler mentioned, Arnold Ilerrington, John R. Twiss, and A. J. A. Fowler have served in that capacity. ST. Patrick's roman catholic church, Cambridge, AND MI.SSION.S. The following account of Catholicism in Cambridge and vicinity has been prepared by the Rev. Father Meagher, pastor of the church. The first mass in the town of Cam- bridge was celebrated in the house of James Connaughty, by Rev. J. B. Daly, in the fall of 1839, and in the house of Edward Fox, in 1840, by the same priest. He then had a very large parish. It comprised the western half of Jlassachusotts, the whole of New Hampshire and Vermont, also the northeastern part of New York, from Troy to Lake Champlain. In 1841, the Rev. Father Quinn, then living with Father Shanahan, pastor of St. Peter's church, Troy, celebrated mass at Buskirk's Bridge. The congregation numbered forty-five. Shortly after. Father Coyle was ap- pointed pastor of Ren.?selaer and Washington counties. He built the first Catholic church in Sehaghtieokc, holding missions in both counties for about two years. He was succeeded by Father Gilligan, who did the same for about one year. The next priest was Father Farley, now pastor in Jamaica, L. I., who was permanently stationed in Schaghticoke, and ofliciated in both counties in diffei'ent places. He was the first priest who possessed a horse and buggy in these parts. He celebrated the first mass in the old Baptist church at Hoosic Falls. There was no place he could secure in tlie village of Cambridge, as much prejudice then existed against Catholicism. He went, however, up the mountains, and celebrated mass in some poor Irishman's humble dwelling. He was next sent to Lansingburg, and, in 1850, was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Hugh Quigley. In the fall of 1853, during the construc- tion of the Troy and Boston, and Rutland and Washington railroads, he began to build the present St. Patrick's church, previous to which he said mass in the old brick school-house on North Park street (now a dwelling), and also in the house or wagon-shop of Thomas McGrane (since burned down), opposite Mr. Porter's dwelling; sub- sequently in the old hall where Mr. Fuller's block now stands. This old hall was burned in 1866. In the spring of 1855, Father Havcrmans took charge and completed the present church edifice. During his government the Rev. Fathers Herfkins, Bradley, and La Abbe Cheves, from the Albany cathedral, officiated in this parish. In November, 1856, Rev. Jonathan Furlong was appointed pastor. He died in the spring of 1857, and his remains are buried under the altar of the present church. In July, 1857, Rev. John McDermott became the pastor, and continued until the fall of 1862, when it came under the care of the Augustine fathers from Philadelphia, Pa., who at present have the charge. Father McDermott had as a parish Hoosic Falls, Buskirk's Bridge, Cambridge, and Salem, where he built, in 1859, the present Church of the Holy Cross. He enlarged and decorated the church in Hoosic Falls, built a fine addition to the pastoral residence here, and otherwise beautified the place. He was succeeded, in October, 1802, by Rev. James A. Darragh, O.S.A., now an invalid at Villanova College, Pennsylvania. His as- sistant was Rev. Edward M. Mullen. The mission was the same in extent that Father McDermott attended ; that is, from Buskirk's Bridge on the south to Granville on the north, and from the State line on the east to the Hud.son river on tlie west, above Schaghticoke. Father Darragh was succeeded by Rev. E. Aug. Dailey, O.S.A., in August, 1865, who attended to this extensive mission himself for one year. The next year Rev. Edward C. Donnelly came as assistant, and officiated in Salem and Cambridge, Father Dailey attending to Hoosic Falls until his removal ill April, 1867, to this place, which then became a separate parish. Father Donnelly became pastor of Cambridge and Salem, and had as assistant Rev. Timothy Hayes, who died in 1869. Rev. James D. Waldron became pastor Nov. 21, 1868, and in January, 1869, opened the mission in Greenwich, saying mass in Temperance Hall, in the Brick Block, every second Sunday, until the present church was bought from the Methodists, and fitted up by his suc- cessor, Rev. J. J. Fedigan, who became pastor in 1870. There were in Greenwich about sixty families when Father Fedigan said the first mass, and about eighty children in the Sunday-school. Sunday-schools were opened in each of the missions as soon as they were begun. Father Fedigan, O.S.A., had as assistants the following: Rev. Thomas Shandly, now pastor in the diocese of Peoria, III. ; Father McDonald, who returned to Europe in 1872-73 ; and Rev. Timothy O'Donovan, who died as pastor of Schaghticoke in January, 1875 ; al.so Rev. Thomas A. Field, now pastor in Mechanicsville, Saratoga county. It was under Father Fedigan that St. Joseph's, Greenwich, became what it now is, a beautiful Roman Catholic church. He was succeeded, in January, 1874, by Rev. George A. Meagher, O.S.A., the present pa.stor, who has made many improvements, not the least among them being the pur- chase of a bell for the church, the sweetest-toned in this valley. In September, 1875, Father Dailey returned to Cambridge and succeeded Father Field as assistant, and is now living with Father Sleagher. During Father Fedi- gan's pastorate, Salem became a separate parish under Father O'Sullivan, the present pastor. In August, 1874, Father Meagher began the tburch at Buskirk's Bridge, and held a service there every second Sunday. Father Donnelly, of Hoosic Falls, is now in charge of this mission. In the fill of 1875, Father Bleaghcr built a chapel at White Creek village, and holds a service once a month, and sometimes oftener. Services have also been held at Shushan, in Congdon's Hall, and in private houses. Mission work has been commenced at IIISTOIIY OF WASHINCTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 277 Bald Mounfiiin by Father Dailey, of Greenwich, who says mass in the hall over Mr. Burke's residence near the lime- kilns. Before 1870 mass was said here by Father Finne- ■>an, of Schuylerville. Services were frequently held in Easton (North), and Barker's Grove, in this county, by Revs. Louis M. Edge, O.S.A., and G. A. Meagher, O.S.A., both pastors successively in Schaghticoke. ST. Luke's church (protestant episcopal) of Cam- bridge.* The movement, which resulted in the formation of tiiis church, began Aug. 19, A. D. 18G6, at Woodworth's Union Hall, at which time the Rev. Charles S. Hale, rector of St. James', Arlington, Vt., officiated. This was the first regu- lar service of the church at this point which had been held for many years. Among the few who were active in secur- ing it were Edwin E. Ilawley, E. S. Houghton, John H. Houghton (now rector of Salem), J. G. Woodworth, and John H. Newman. The "parish was duly organized, Sept. 23 of tlic same year, by the election of Edwin E. Hawley and Perry E. Wager, as wardens ; and Edward S. Hough- ton, J. Gilbert Woodworth, John H. Newman, Charles T. Hawley, Ran.som Hawley, John Walker, and Joseph Gil- bert, as vestrymen. On December 2 the Rev. Clarence Buel became its rector, the services having been sujjplied through the fall by Rev. Dr. Coit, of Troy ; Rev. J. H. Hobart Brown, Colioes ; Rev. John H. Bctts, of Burnt Hills; and by the Rev. Messrs. Hale and Duel. On July 0, 18G7, the corner-stone of the church building was laid by Rev. George Seymour, D.D., of New York, and on the 24th of November services were held in the (partly fin- ished) church, since which time they have been continued by the following clergy: The Rev. Clarence Buel, rector, from December, 18G6, to April, 1868; Rev. Charles A. Wenman, July, 1868, to April, 1869; the Rev. Gctnont Graves, November, 1869, to spring, 1872 ; the Rev. William Fisher Lewis, spring, 1872, to October, 1873 ; the Rev. W H. Capers, November, 1873, to November, 1874; the Rev. Walter Thompson, June, 1875, to June, 1876 ; and the Rev. J. Sydney Kent, from July, 1876, to the present time. Li the intervals between these rector.ships, services were sup- plied by neighboring clergy. On Thursday, Sept. 15, 1870, iSt. Luke's church was consecrated by the bishop of Albany, ten clergy being present ; sermon preached by the first rector (Buel), and the offering devoted to the defrayment of the church expenses. The building and land cost be- tween seven thousand and eight thousand dollars, on which there rests no debt. The Sunday-school has been in work- ing order since the parish was regularly organized, and has had upon its roll six to seven teachers, and in the neighbor- hood of fifty scholars on the average. Attendance usually thirty to forty. Missionary efforts have been made by this pari.sh (which is but a missionary station) at Eagle Bridge and Anaquass- coke, two points near by. These have been but temporary, however, and the work is now confined to Cambridge. The number of communicants is now fifty-three, and the number of people belonging to the chuich one hundred and * By the rector, the Rev. J. Sydney Kent. twenty-five. During the eleven years of its existence there has been baptised within the parish one hundred and twenty-six adults and infants, and sixty-two adults con- firmed. These confirmations have been holden by Bishop Potter, of New York, Bishop Hopkins, of Vermont, and Bishop Doane, of Albany. Many members and communi- cants have been received from other parishes through these years, and many have been added to other parishes from this; and this flux and reflux has been so constant that, at present, there are not more than a dozen members that formed part of the fiist congregation left. The marriages for the whole period amount only to five, and the burials to but fifteen. The church is neatly furnished, with books, — ■ hymn and prayer, — Sunday-school libi'ary, organ, and bell. There is also a very handsome carved stone font, the gift of Rev. Clarence Buel, a memorial of a little daughter who died while Mr. Buel was rector here. It is a costly and beautiful piece of workmanship. The scats in the church are always free, and the entire expen.ses are met by the voluntary gifts of the worshipers at morning and evening services. The present officers are Henry C. Day, senior warden ; Robert Davis, junior warden ; William II. lloyt, Charles T. Hawley, Thomas Le Guys, J. T. Niver, iM.D., B. 31. Deuel, vestrymen ; Charles T. Ilawley, treasurer ; Thomas Lc Guys, clerk of the vestry. JIILITARY HISTORY. In the movement of Gen. Baum with his detachment towards Bennington, the passage was made along the roads which are at present the bounds between Cambridge and the towns of Jackson and White Creek, pa.ssing into the latter town in the neighborhood of the Checkered tavern, and camping at Waite's Corners. As far as can be learned, nothing more than this transpired on the present Cam- bridge territory. Some of the settlers left their homes through fear .of the enemy and their Indian allies, and the followinir are known to have served in the American cause: James McKie, Ca])t. Geo. Gilmore, Elisha GiflFord, Joseph Volentine, John Weir, Jesse Averill, John Wait, Earl Durfec, and Azor Bouton. Among those who responded to the call of their country in 1812 were Capt. Hiram Pratt, Capt. Nathan Gilford, Capt. Daniel Robertson, John Green, HhuiifiS- Chandler, Samuel Green, Nathan Skinner, John Waite, Jr. The late Rebellion called many of the patriotic sons of the town to the defense of the government. An extended list of those who served is given below. The town also adopted the following measures to en- courage enlistments: at a special meeting, March 26, 1864, a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars was authorized to be paid to each volunteer by the supervisor. At a special meeting, June 25, 1864, John L. Hunt, John H. Balch, and Thomas Shiland were appointed a committee to fill the quota and pay bounties, not exceeding four hundred and fifty dollars for each volunteer. This bounty being deemed insufficient, a meeting was held Aug. 6, 1864, when appropriate action was taken to hasten enlistments, the supervisor, Thomas Shiland, and John H. Balch to be a committee to carry out the terms of the 278 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. resolutions, which provided for the payment of five hun- dred dollars for every volunteer. The gratitude of the town towards those who have given their lives in defense of the country has been mani- fested in the erection of a suitable monument to their memory. This is noted in the sketch of the Woodlands Cemetery. SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. Frank L. Ames, enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123(1 Rogt., Co. I. --John A. Anslin, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9:)il Regt., Co. G. Aldiich Adlienmr, enl. Nov. C, ISOl, 9:)il Regt., Co. G. Jnnips A. Bassetl, enl. Aug. 11, 1S02, 12.'iil Regt., Co. I. Juseph R. Beadle, enl. Ang. II, ISOi, 123d Kegt., Co. I. Horace Biirtlelt, enl. Aug, 13, 1.S02, 12:!d Regt., Co. I. David H. Bratt, enl. Ang. 18, lS(i2, 123d Rigt.. Co. I. John W. Bennett, enl. July 29, 1^02. 12;id Kegt., Co. I. Charles II. Baker, enl. Aug. la, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Hiram F. Berith-y, enl. Ang. 14, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. John H. Beutley, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. I. Roswell K. Bishop, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 12:!d Kegt., Co. I. Francis S. Bailey, 2d lieut. ; enl. Nov. 6, ISCI, 93d Regt., Co. G. Uenry 0. Barton, eid. Nov. 0, 1861, 9Jd Regt., Co. G; with 9.id Regt. 7 months; re-ent. November, 1803, in 7th H. .\rt. ; served time out. Abell Brimmer, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. James Bevis, enl. Nov. C, 1801, 9:ld Regt., Co. G. John A. Blimnier, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 9.id Regt., Co. G. Noel J. Biites, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Anrlrew Beattie, eul. Nov. 0, 1861, 93il Regt., Co. G. John H. Boopland, eJll. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Henry Birch, enl. Dec. 2.5, 180), Ifith Art., Co. K. Wm. H. Burrows, musician ; ejd. Oct. l.'), 1801, 77th Regt., Co. F. Andrew A. Beveridge, enl. luoth Illinois Regt., Co. H. Darron Clark, sergt. ; enl. July 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Geo-ge Clapi), sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1802. 123d Regt., Co. I. Newton Clark, corp. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. Simoon H. Corbett, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9.3d Regt., Co. G. George Caldwell, enl. Dec. 21, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. K. J. Gardner Dyer, Corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Charles H. Dennis, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Theodore A. Devhy, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Ephraim Dubois, corp.; eul. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Kegt., Co. G. Leioy Eldriilge, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Berthold Emiscli, enl. Xov. 6, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Wm. B. Ellis, enl. Nov. 6, ISGl, 93(1 Regt., Co. G. George Fairchild, sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. Wm. G. Fisher, Corp. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. I. Lewis N. Ford, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Walter S. Gray, capt. ; enl. Nov. C, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Norman W. Gray, 3d sergt.; enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93(1 Regt, Co. G. Perry A. Goodell, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Robert L Gray, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. Nathaniel P. Gray, enl. Nov. G, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. (li.iil.'s W. Gilbert, sergt. ; enl. Ang. 12, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. E. .I..bi( iiioes, Jr., coiT. ; enl. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. William Hag.^erty, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 12i(l Regt.. Co. I. Anderson D. Hoover, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Harvey A. Hodge, enl. Ang. 9, 1802. 123d Kegt, Co. I. Richard llennelly, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. Mark Kurd, enl. Oct. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. Abraham Harrington, enl. Jan. 17, 1862, 93d Kegt., Co. G. Benjamin Hall, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. Fif/.-Oreen Hall, eul. Dec. 10, 1861, 93d R"gt., Co. I. Peter Hill, enl. Nov. 15, 1861, 77th Regt, Co. P. 0. S. Hall, capt ; enl. July 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I ; discli. June 15, 1805. Jolin Jenkins, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, I23d Regt, Co. I. Charles Jenkins, enl. Ang. 6, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. John Kelly, enl. Ang. 11, 1802, I23d Regt., Co. I. Edward Knopf, enl. Ang. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. George Ketcham, enl. Ang. 15, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. Ira King, fnl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Uegt., Co. I. John Kejchum, enl. Ang. 13, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Tho(nas H. Kerkin, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Dr. B. F. Kctchnni, was surgeon-in-chief of Gen. Geo. Stannard"s staff, 1st Army Corps. J.din A. Larmon, musician ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802,123d Regt, Co. I. Albert Lawton, enl. Nov. 30, ISOI, U3d Regt., Co. G. Charles B. Loouiis, eul. Nov. 0, ISGI, 93d Kegt, Co. G. Peter Linda.y, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 9 id Regt., Co. G. Wilbur D. Mo.sior, Ist sergt.; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. Albert J. Mu7.jy, coi-p. ; eid. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Kegt., Co. G ; rccul. and pro. to 2d lieut., Ist lieut., and captain. Alexander McGeocIi, enl. Nov, 0, ISOI, 93d Regt, Co. G; killed. David H. Marshall, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. Isaac J. Milliman, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 9id Regt, Co. G. George Motcalf, eul. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d R»gt., Co. G. Darius Millington, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, !l3d Regt., Co. G. Lucius McClarty, eul. Aug. 29, 1803, 2d Vet Oiv., Co. E. Joliu Maloue, enl. Oct 13, ISOI, Bit. H, 3d N. Y. Art ; diich. .Vpril 19, 1863; wounded through the left hip. Wm. I. Riggs, capt Th.iuias Pendy, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. John II. I'eckham, enl. Sept 13, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E. Wm. H, Ross, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Daniel C. Rice, enl. Nov. 6, 1801, 93d Uegt, Co. G. Clark S. Rico, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Wm. Rising, eul. Nov. 0, IsOl, 93d Regt, Co. G. Lnman Ross, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. G. John Skeller, corp.; enl. Aug. 18,1862, 123d Regt, Co. T. Charlea A. Sfcirbuck, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 12 id Regt, Co. I. Fred. A. Slocum. Corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12 td Regt., Co. I. Lemnel T. Skinner, corp.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt, Co. I. Beiyamin F.Searles, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. I. Justus N. Stillman, corp. ; eul. Nov. 6, 1861, 9 id Regt, Co. G. Orin W. Stephenson, musician ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. James Surdani, enl. Nov. 6, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. James Smith, eul. Sept 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E. John Stevens, eid. Dec. 19, 1863, 10th Art., Co. K. Allieit Shiland, 2d lieut., 123d Regt., Co. I. Lewis S. Tripp, enl. Aug. 8, 1802. I23d Regt., Co. I. Inmi(n Thomas, eul. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. Daniel W. Thompson, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d R"gt., Co. I. Dennis Tracy, enl. Nov. 22, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Wm. C. Weatherwiut, enl. Ang. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. Jesse P. Wood, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. I. Thomas A. Weir, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, I2M Regt., Co. I. Elihu Wicks, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. I. John S. Wetzel, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Franklin Wells, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. G. Hiram R. Wilder, enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. G. Clark Weir, enl. Nov. 30, 1861, 93d Regt, Co. G. Edgar Walkley, enl. Jan. 12,1802, 93d Regt., Co. G. Christopher M. Wolf, enl. Nov. 0, 1861, 93i PATIENCE Hall >>i4 '€i % Jane M.Si^ellie Thomas Sicellie. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 281 tively a young man he was taken from his family by death, leaving a widow and large fiimily of children. Her mother was a remarkable woman in many ways. She so managed the affairs of her Imsband's farm as not only to keep it, but to acquire a hand.some sum of money to be divided to each child. Mrs. Brownell (or, as she was familiarly called, Aunt Annie) was noted for her kindue.ss to those in want. You might well infer that, brought up in such a home. Patience would be thoroughly trained in all the qualifications of a first-class housekeeper ; your inference would be correct. lu her day, young girls did not have the chance of studying so many of the fine arts, but they became proficient in the necessary arts of domestic life. They made their own gar- ments and carpets. There were few pianos in her day, but every home had its spinning-wheel, on which the girls prac- ticed with benefit to their health and profit to the house- hold. In 183G she was united in marriage to Henry Hall, of Cambridge. Mrs. Hall has been, in the truest sense of the word, a helpmeet to her husband. Her early training is plainly visible in the management of her own home. It is a model of neatness and comfort. Mrs. Hall is held in high esteem among her neighbors. Blessed with the goods of this world, she makes excellent use of them. She is the constant friend of those in want, doing much not only to relieve their material wants, but by her kind sympathy she man- ages to cheer them in their sorrows. The manner of her giving greatly enhances the value of the gift. Though her earthly home is one of comfort, she is looking for one that is better and will be more permanent. She is formally connected with a Presbyterian church, and by her consistent living exerts a wide and good influence. Because of her disinterested kindness, she is privileged to give advice that would not be as well received from others ; but whether they act on it or not, all are willing to listen to what Patience Hall has to say to them. Few persons of our acquaintance have more good wishes now, and certainly few women in all the region will be more regretted when gone. JOHN L. HUNT was born in the town of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y.i Feb. 27, 1818, and was brought up by his grandfather's family, on the premises adjoining his present place, his mother having died when he was less than three years of age. He had a younger brother, Thomas B. Hunt, who was brought up with him at his grandfather's, and who died in Pennsylvania in 1861, leaving a wife and one child. John L. and Thomas B. Hunt were sons of John Hunt, who came from England as a British soldier, and was taken a prisoner at the battle of Plattsburg. He married Eliza- beth Skellie, of Cambridge, who was the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch, and left him an orphan, as above stated, at a tender age. She was the second child of a family of fifteen, and John L. was brought up in the family, and treated by Mr. and Mrs. Skellie as one of their own children. When he was nineteen years old, Mr. Skellie gave him charge of 36 the farm, which he held till the age of twenty, when he was hired by Mr. Skellie, and had the full management of the business of the place two years longer. He then went to ■work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed about five years. On the 3d of October, 1844, he was united in marriage to Sarah S. Edie, daughter of David and Margaret Edie, of Cambridge. Her father was an early resident of the town, and her mother a native of Scotland. By this marriage he had children as follows: David E. Hunt, born July 24, 1845, died Nov. 5, 1863 ; Elizabeth Hunt, born Sept. 12, 1849 ; John Hunt, born June 5, 1852, died July 3, 1852 ; Thomas Albert Hunt, born Oct. 12, 1856 ; Amelia Hunt, born Feb. 12, 1860, died Feb. 21, 1860; Sarah Margaret Hunt, born May 21, 1861. These were the children of Mr. Hunt by his first marriage. Mrs. Hunt died June 26, 1861. He married for his second wife Mary A. Gallaway, daughter of James and Phebe Gallaway, of Cambridge, May 24, 1864. The children by this marriage are John L., born Feb. 1, 1866; infiint son, born Sept. 4, 1867, died same date; Henry Skellie Hunt, born Aug. 5, 1868 ; James Gallaway Hunt, born Aug. 9, 1870 ; Alvin Robertson Hunt, born July 1, 1872 ; infant daughter, born Sept. 16, 1874, died 16th same mouth ; Bessie Hunt, born Feb. 18, 1878. In 1850, Mr. Hunt purchased a farm near the village of Cambridge, which he traded for the farm on which he now resides, consisting of one hundred and forty-eight acres, and erected most of the buildings on the place. He has steadily followed farming since 1845, and by his own unaided exer- tions has acquired a comfortable competence. He has served his town as assessor nine years, and was a member of the board of supervisors in 1863 and 1864, being a Re- publican in politics. Himself and wife and three of his oldest children are members of the United Presbyterian church at Coila, of which he has frequently served as trustee. RUSSELL S. FISH. Russell Sherman Fish was born in Sehaghticoke, Rens- selaer Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1808. His maternal grand- father. Captain Thomas Allen, was a sea-captain, formerly of New Bedford, Mass. He settled at an early time in the town of Easton, Washington county, where his descend- ants still remain. His uncle, Stephen Allen, son of the captain, is now a resident of Easton, and is in his ninety- eighth year. Mr. Fish's ancestors were from Rhode Island. His grandfather, Benjamin Pish, was a Revolutionary sol- dier, and was among the early settlers of Sehaghticoke. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Eunice Hammond, a native of Massachusetts. They had a family of nine children, — four sons and five daughtere, — of whom Isaac, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the second son. Isaac Fish married Mary, daughter of Captain Thomas Allen. They had eleven children, — five sons and six daughters, — of whom Mr. Russell S. Fish is the second son. 282 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. He was brought up on his father's farm at Schaghticoke till the age of tliirty years, and received his education at the common schools. On the 26th of November, 1840, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Forrence, daughter of William H. Forrence, of Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y. Mr. Fish settled in Clinton county in 1842, where he resided fourteen years previous to removing to Cambridge in 1857, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Fish have one of the most desirable homes in this .section of the State, adjacent to the village of Cam- bridge, whose ample grounds and artistic decorations are well shown in the sketch in this work. MRS. .1. u. ArsTl.v. DRESDEN. This town, the seventh in size and ranking next to the lowest in popuhition, contains an area of thirty-one thou- sand two hundred and thirty-six acres, and its popuhition in 1870 was six hundred and eighty-four. It is situated in the northern part of the county, between Lake Chaniplain and South bay on the east and Lake George on the west. It is bounded north by Putnam and south by Fort Ann. Its average length is ten miles, and its average breadth is five and a half miles. It is centrally distant from the clerk's office (Ai-gyle) about twenty-five miles. It is formed from parts of six patents, named and located as follows : Firet, " Alexander Turner's great patent,'' since known as the " Williams patent," the southern part of which occupies the extreme northwest part of the town. Second, " Turner's little patent," a narrow strip lying along Lake Champlain, in the northea.stern part of the town. Third, the "Thomas and Turner patent," since known as the " Mitchell patent," which lies next south of the " Turner's little patent." This patent embraces the lands lying in and around Dresden Centre. Fourth, the " Stewart patent," embracing a narrow tract lying along South bay, commencing at its mouth and extending nearly to the Fort Ann line. Fifth, the " Lake George tract," commencing near the foot of Black mountain on Lake George, and extending to and beyond the southern bound- ary of the town. Sixth, the " South bay tract," which includes all the rest of the town, and embraces by far the larger part of its area. The general character of the surfece is rougli and moun- tainous, the hills rising gradually from the shore of Lake Champlain, and attaining their greatest altitude near the shores of Lake George, to which they descend with a sharp and sudden slope that in some parts is precipitous. These mountains are rocky and broken, and generally covered with a forest of hard-wood trees. The pines and hemlocks have mostly been disposed of, and a second growth of beech, maple, birch, oak, ash, hickory, and popple has taken their places. There are several quite prominent mountain-peaks in this town. Spruce mountain occupies the western part north from Knowlton's bay, reaching its greatest height at that point. Elephant mountain lies to the south of Bosom bay. Sugar-loaf mountain is a prominent feature of the scenery, and lies near the centre of the town. The " Hog's Back" mountain occupies the southeastern part of the town. Diameter precipice lies in the south part, near the head of South bay. " Black" mountain, the sovereign of them all, rises to a height of two thousand eight hun- dred and seventy-eight feet from the shore of Lake George, just south of Elephant mountain. It extends along the shore in a southerly direction. The principal stream is Pike brook, which rises near the centre of the town, and flowing in a southerly direction, empties into South bay about one-third of the distance from its head. Other small streams rise among the moun- tains and flow in an easterly course to Lake Champlain, and one empties into Lake George in the vicinity of Hulett's Landing. The only body of water of any size lying in the town is known as Long pond, and is a little southeast of the centre. Its outlet flows northeast, and empties into Lake Champlain at a place called the " Ling-hole." The soil of the arable lands, which he mostly along the shores of Lake Champlain and South bay, with a small tract along Lake George, between Blufi' Head point and Elephant mountain, is generally of a hard clay, mixed in some places with gravelly or sandy loam. It is a strong and productive soil, but hard to till. It is well adapted to purposes of grazing and stock-raising. The principal occu- pations of the people are lumbering, farming, and boating. In the early period of the history of this section wild animals of all kinds were found in abundance, and even as late as 1850 " Corey's Gazetteer" says, " It is a wild, mountainous township, abounding with bears and wolves. Deer are occasionally seen." At the present time (1878) a good many deer are found roaming the forests, and laige quantities of the different kinds of smaller game are found. But bears and wolves, panthers and wild-cats are now sel- dom found. The settlement of this town was begun by Joseph Phip- peny, at the mouth of South bay, about 1784. Soon after a few others settled in the same vicinity. Settlements were begun in other parts of the town between then and 1800. It is impossible to obtain full data of these settlements, and we give a brief list of those who are supposed to have been the original settlers, appending to their names the number of the lot and name of the tract on which they settled, and the date when known ; and following this list, the best ob- tainable sketch of the families in the order of their settle- ment: Joseph Phippeny, Stewart patent, 1784; Ebenezer Chapman, South bay tract, 1796 ; Boggs, Stewart patent, 1786 ; Daniel Kuff, Stewart patent, 1786 ; Soger Barrett, Stewart patent, 1806; James Snody, Stewart pa- tent, 1805; Palmer Blunt, lot 6, Turner patent; Abraham Clemens, lot 4, Turner patent, 1808-12 ; Daty Allen, South bay tract, 1817; Orrin Brewster, 14, South bay tract; Israel Woodcock, 153, South bay tract ; John Burgess, 154, South bay tract; Harvey Hulett, 151, South bay tract, 1804 ; Amariah Taft, 155 and 156, South bay tract, 1822 ; Elijah Nobles, 154, South bay tract ; Amos Slater, 15, South bay tract ; Welcome Hulett, 13, South bay tract ; Charles No- bles, 11, South bay tract; John H. Waters, 10, South bay 283 284 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tract ; Isaac Hurlburt, one-half mile west of Dresden Centre; Dr. Nathaniel Rhoads, on Pike brook ; Levi Belden, near the northeast corner of the town ; Solomon Belden, 7, Turner patent ; Nathan Curtis, 7, Turner patent ; Jonathan Mclntyre, 43, South bay tract ; Lindley, 68, South bay tract ; Elnathan, Duthan, and Walter Benjamin, north end of Stewart's patent. The first white settler on Lake George was a Frencliman named Levisee. He occupied a ■part of the Hulctt farm, died, and was buried there near the foot of the mountain previous to the year 1800. This was probably the first death in the town. Nothing remains to mark his grave, and tradition alone perpetuates his name and memory. Joseph Phippeny, the hardy pioneer who first dared the perils attending the settlement of tliis wild tract, was from Connecticut. His wife, one son, and three daughters ac- companied him. The son died unmarried. Of the daugh- ters, Rebecca became Mrs. McClintock, lived in Whitehall for a few years, and then moved to Ohio ; Abigail, Mrs. Martin, and lived in Vermont, and moved to Ohio. Both of these lived to an advanced age. The third daughter, Mabel, married Ebenezer Chapman in 1798. Their wed- ding is supposed to have been the first celebrated in this towu. Joseph Phippeny .settled on the place now owned by Ralph Barber. He died about 1816. His wife sur- vived him many years, went to live with her daughters in Ohio, and died in 1831 at the age of one hundred and four. Only one of his descendants is now living in town, Mrs. William Suody, who is also the only descendant of Ebenezer Chapman, now living in Dresden. Ebenezer Cliapuian married Mabel Phippeny in 1798, and settled on the farm now occupied by William Snody. Here they lived till 1810. Five children were born to them. — Annis, Sally, Joseph, Mabel, and Delia. In 1810 his wife died, and he removed to Vermont, where he mar- ried again. His second wife's name was Esther, and they had six children, — Nancy, Maria, Sophia Ann, Dennis, Esther M., and Ebenezer, Jr. Of these eleven children but three are now living, — Mrs. Esther Buell, in White- hall ; Mrs. Mabel Snody, in Dresden ; and Mrs. Sophia A. Benson, in Iowa. Daniel Ruff had quite a family. One of his daughters, Ruth, married a Mr. West, and lived in this .section for ten or fifteen years, then moved away. None of his descendants are known to be in this section. Roger Barrett was a son of Hildreth Barrett, of Killings- worth, Conn., and at the age of sixteen, together with his father, enlisted in the American army and fought through the Revolution. He was at West Point, under Benedict Arnold, when the gallant but unfortunate Major AndriJ was captured, and witnes.sed his execution. When Clinton evacuated the city of New York, he was a member of the force under Washington that marched into the city. At the close of the war he settled in Whitehall. He came to Dresden (then Putnam ) in 1806, and bought the farm now occupied by Eleazer McMore. About 1810-12 he returned to Whitehall, where he remained till 1816, when he again came to Dresden, and this time to stay. He died in Dres- den, June 13, 1838. His family consisted often children, two of whom died in infancy. The names of the others were Joseph, Jane, Anna, David, Smith, Sally, Wilson, and Polly. Joseph, Jane, and Polly are dead. The others still reside in town. David Barrett, second son of Roger, early developed a remarkable degree of business capacity, and throughout his long life has ever been a leading spirit among his fellow-townsmen. He was born in Whitehall in 1800. At or soon after the time of his majority he was appointed as justice of the peace, and served in that capacity forty-two years. He was also supervisor of Dresden for fourteen years. In the old training days he was a member of the militia, and rose to the rank of brigadier-general. He has largely engaged in lumbering and in boating. He brought from Ottawa, Canada, the first load of Canadian lumber that was ever brought in an American-built boat. It was in 1849. Part of the lumber was used in the con- struction of his present residence, the rest was sold in Albany. It cost in Ottawa four dollars per thousand feet. James Snody, born in Saratoga, Saratoga count}', July 9, 1781, was a son of William and Annis Snody. In 1804, on the 4th of December, he was married in Half-Moun to Hannah WilLsey, a daughter of Cornelius and Mercy Willsey, of Amenia, Dutchess county. Soon after they came to Dresden, and settled about three-fourths of a mile north of the mouth of Pike brook, near the shore of South bay. Of their children, Mercy married Amos Waters, and after her parents' death they occupied the homestead. She died several years ago. William married Mabel Chapman, and now lives on the old Phippeny homestead. Daniel lives in Michigan. Harriet became Mrs. Jones, and removed to California, where she is still living. John died young. Jeremiah lives in Dresden ; Duthan B. in Missouri. Hiram is a blacksmith at Dresden Centre. Samuel is living in Oswego. James Snody died in Dresden, March 25, 1864, at the age of eighty-three ; Hannah, his wife, died Sept. 20, 1863, aged eighty-two years. Palmer Blunt was a farmer and surveyor, and was one of the earliest justices of the peace in Dresden. Abraham Clemons came from Vermont about ISIO or 1812. He had a family of five children, named respectively Caty, .John D., Abraham O., Alonzo B., and Archibald M. The two first^named died some five or six years since ; the three last-named are living, — Alonzo B. in Allamakee, Iowa; Abraham 0. at Dresden Centre; and Archibald M. on the homestead, a little north of Dresden Station. Abra- ham Clemons died Aug. 29, 1861, aged eighty-two years, and his wife Patty died Dec. 3, 1860, at the age of seventy- nine years. Israel Woodcock was one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Bosom bay, on Lake George. He and his son Ivy lived together. In course of time Israel died. Ivy reared a family on the homestead, and, dying, was succeeded in the possession of the property by his son Israel (2d). He sold the fiirm to a Mr. Gillett, and he sold to the present owner, Mr. Samuel Cook, of Whitehall. John Burgess was the first owner of the place now occu- pied by Mr. Hiram Vowers, at the foot of Elephant moun- tain. He had eleven children, none of whom now reside in Dresden, and but one is known to be living in this State, — Lewis Burgess, of Hague. Harvey Hulett came to Dresden, and settled near Bosom HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 285 bay, about 1804. In 1806 his father, David Hulett, also came and lived with him. About this time Harvey married Miss Olivia Pratt, of Jackson, Washington county. Their family consisted of four sons,-^Arnold, Alouzo, Harvey, and Philander, — all of vrhom are still living : Arnold, in Putnam ; Alonzo, in Fort Ann ; Harvey, Jr., in Benson, Vt. ; and Philander, in St. Augustine, Fla. Harvey and his wife died a few years since, and were succeeded on the homestead by their son, Philander, who, in 1877, sold the place (which was attaining considerable note as a pleasant summer resort) to J. W. Hall, Esq., of Whitehall. Amariah Taft, thougli not an early settler, was one of the first owners of the land north from Bosom bay. His first residence was on the place now occupied by an Indian fiimily named Jakway. He first came to Dresden from Cambridge, lumbering, in April, 1822. He decided to remain in that locality, and bought the land as far north as BluiF Head point. He built his residence on the place now occupied by Wiles Saxon, and lived there till his death, in June, 1862. He had five children, two of whom arc still living, both of them in Hague, — ^Mrs. Samuel Weston and Geo. Taft. Rev. A. D. Gillett, of New Y'ork, who is pastor of a Baptist church in Sing-Sing, was a brother of Mrs. Taft, and spent his summer vacations at her pleasant home on the shores of the Horicon. The little island in Knowlton's bay which bears his name was his favorite resort, and under the shade of its trees many pleasant hours of study and reverie were spent. He conceived such a liking for this chosen spot that he finally purchased the island of the State. Subsequently, in 1872, he bought the northern part of the Taft farm and erected a fine residence on Blufl" Head point, where he spends the hot summer days in the enjoyment of quiet repose. Doctor Nathaniel Rhoades was an early settler on Pike brook. He was a practicing physician for many years, dying about 1858-59. His wife, Mrs. Anna Rhoades, is still living in Dresden, and has reached the age of one hundred and tliree years. Three brothers, Elnathan, Walter, and Duthan Benjamin, settled along the shore of South bay, near its moutli, pre- vious to 1820. Elnathan was an early justice of the peace. None of the families are now represented in town except Walter's. Two of his .sons, Burr and Charles, still reside here. This town was originally a part of Westfield (now Fort Ann). In 1806, together with Putnam, it was set ofif as a part of that town. March 15, 1822, it was set off from Putnam, as " South Bay," and on the succeeding 17th of April it was re-named " Dresden." The records of the town were all destroyed by fire when Geo. L. Clemons' store was burned in the winter of 1875-76, so that whatever of interest may have been there recorded is lost beyond the power of the historian to reach. The town-meetings were for several years held in the church. When the Good Templars' hall was built the first floor was to be used for town purposes. Since that was burned the elections are held in different places. The following is as full and complete a list of the town officers as we have been able to obtain in the absence of the destroyed records : TOWN GPFICERS. Supervisor. Town Clerk. Colleet..!. 1R23. Isaac Boomer. Daty Allen. No record. 1S24. Daty Allen. .•Vbraham Clemons. " 1825. " i, .< " 1826. Elnathan Benjam n. " " "■ 1827. Palmer Blunt. Elnathan Benjamii 1828. Elnathan Benjamin. Daty Allen. 1829. David Barrett. " IS.'JO. " ■' Amos i51ater. " 1831. David Barrett. Ralph Barber. " 1832. " " « « " 1833. Duthan Benjamin. " 1834. " .. " 1835. " " Amos Slater. 183fi. " " « « John D. Clemons. 1837. " « .< « « 1838. lienj. Benjamin. Henry H. Hulctt. 1839. " •' Ilir^im Beblen. 1840. " " <. 1841. " u Luther Carter. 1842. Hiram Bcldcn. D.irius Jones. « 1843. Darius Jones. William Snody. « 1844. J. F. Mclntyre. " " Caleb Mclntyre. 1845. Darius Jones. " " Luther Carter. 1846. Ralph Barber. Luther Carter. 1847. " James Chase. 1848. Samuel 0. Welch. Joseph Beebe. 1849. Harvey HuIctt. David Barrett. « « 1850. 0. Clemons. Luther Carter. « 1851. Samuel 0. Welch. L. H. Gould. 1852. " Luther Carter. 1853. Joseph Beebo. '■ " 1854. Nathaniel Derby. 1855. Burr Benjamin. Reuben J. Hurlburt John Ingalls. 185(5. Oliver L. Stcere. John Ingalls. 1857. Burr Benjamin. Reuben J. Hurlburt Harvey Hulett, Jr. 1858. " " Geo. Bartholomew. " 1859. J. Bartholomew. Charles Benjamin. Jos. Bartholomew. 1860. Oliver L. Steere. " " John Ingalls. 1861. Charles Benjamin. Jos. Bartholomew. " 1862. Roswell C. Beebe. Israel Woodcock. 1863. Israel Woodcock. " " Myron H. Ingalls. 1864. " " " " Gardner F. Belden. 1865 Harvey Hulett, Jr. Israel Woodcock. W. S. Wetherbee. 1866. Jos. Bartholemew. Richard W. Philips Nathaniel King. 1867. David Barrett. Isaac Stockwell. 1868. " William Stockwell. 1S69. Charles Benjamin. Amos Walker. Oscar F. Gillett. 1870. " " Thos. Bartholomew " " 1871. Joseph Beebe. Tlios. Bartholomew. 1872. A. M. Hathaway. 1873. Joseph Barrett. Dan'I A. Plandrcau. 1874. L. D. Carter. William Stockwell. 1875. David Barrett. George L. Clemons. James K. Benjamin 1876. Oliver L. Steere. " Dan'l A. Flandreau. 1877. D.an'l A. Flandreau James K. Benjamin Isaac Stockwell. 1878. " Wm. G. Brown. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 1821 Daty Allen. 1833 Duthan Benjamin 1827 " " Roswell C. Beobo. Elnathan Benjamin. 1834. John H. Waters. Palmer Blunt. Ralph Barber. Jonathan Winn. John C. Burgess. 1828. Elnathan Benjamin. 18.35. John H. Waters. 1829. Jonathan Winn. 1836. David Barrett. Ralph Barber. 1837. Hiram Bcldcn. 1831. " 1838. Ralph Barl;,er. Roswell C. Beebe. 1839. Darius Jones. Abraham Clemons. 1840. Roswell C. Beebe. 1832. Daniel Snody. David Barrett. David Barrett. 1841. William Snody. Lyman Allen. 1842. Hiram Belden. 286 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 1S43. Arnolil iruk-tt. 1861. Wm. Snody. I8U. David Barrett. Amariah Taft. 1845. William SnoJy. 1862. Philander Uulett. 1846. George Buciianan. 1863. Oliver L. Steere. 1847. Amariah Talt. 1864. Calvin Pease. 1818. David Barrett. 1865. Wm. Snody. Elea/.er MoMore. 1866. Jonathan Tracy. 1849. Samuel 0. Welch. Gardner F. Belden. 1850. Ralph Barber. 1867. Oliver L. Steere. 1851. Amariah Taft. 1868. Gardner F. Belden 1852. David Barrett. 1869. J. L. Chase. 1853. Samuel 0. Welch. 1870. B. Waters. 1854. Hiram Snody. 1871. Philander Hulett. 1855. Joseph Moore. 1872. Oliver L. Steere. 1856. William Burpee. 1873. B. Waters. 1857. William Sniid.v. 1874. Samuel Barrett. David Barrett. 1S75. William Snody. 1858. Hilaln Snody. 1876. Oliver L. Steere. 1859. William Burpee. 1877. B. Waters. R. R. Rhoados. 187S. D. S. Nichols. 1860. Jonathan Tracy. David Barrett. Robert Walker. COMMISSIONERS OF EXCISE. 1875. Joseph Bartholomew. David Stockwell. Gardner F. Bekleu. 1876. .Joseph Bartholomew. 1877. Ralph Barber. .■Vmos Walker (appointed). There are no village.s in thi.s town. Chubb's dock and Dresden are stations on the New York and Canada rail- road. Dresden Centre, Dresden station, and Hulett's land- ing are post-offices. Dresden Centre is a small hamlet three-((uarters of a mile west of Chubb's dock, and con- tains about a dozen dwellings, a store, a blacksmith-shop, a school-hou.se, and a church. There is a store at Dresden station, and during the summer season stores are kept at Hulett's landing and Kuowlton's bay. There are five or six saw-mills in Dresden, but one of which is doing much work. The first inn was kept by Solomon Belden, in the north part of the town, on the present David Sleight fitrm. The site of the building was some distance north of Mr. Sleight's residence. It was first opened about 1815. The first store was kept by John Chubb, near the present residence of Abraham Stockwell, about 18-11. There never has been a grist-mill or manufactory of any kind in the town. The first saw-mill was built, about 1815, by Amos Col- lins, near the " Ling-hole," at the mouth of the outlet of Long pond. It rotted down and was replaced by a tan- nery, which existed for a brief period. The site is now unoccupied. Daty Allen subsequently built a saw-mill on the opposite side of the creek. During the progress of the War of 1812, and while the British forces were advancing up the lake to attack Platts- bui'g. Captain Squire Bartholomew's company of infantry, from Whitehall, was ordered to march to and occupy the rocky blufl^ near the present residence of General David Barrett, at a point called the Narrows. The waters of the lake here pass between two bluffs but a few rods apart, the rocks towering nearly a hundred feet above the water. On the western bluff the troops built a breastwork of loose stones fronting the channel, and on the highest point, near the southern extremity, they erected a square block-house for their better security. The fortunate termination of the battle of Plattsburg rendered these defenses unnecessaiy, and soon after they were abandoned. Some slight traces of thase fortifications are still to be seen, but they are nearly obliterated.* The block -house was t«rn down about 1830. Some of its timbers are still in existence. The shores of Lake George, from the head of the lake to the junction at Ticonderoga, are full of legendary and romantic interest. Combining the beauties of nature with the fascinations of historic lore. Lake George is well fitted for a summer resort, where, leaving the follies of the fash- ionable world, people may find a secluded j'et lovely retreat wherein to spend the sultry days of summer, breathing the pure air of the mountains, rocking gently on the placid waters, bathing in their sparkling depths, climbing the mountain-tops to view nature's panorama, or swinging be- neath the fragrant pines to dream of the long-ago. Among the pleasantest of these resorts is the narrow stretch of level lands between Elephant mountain on the south and Spruce mountain on the north, embracing the lovely .sheets of Bosom and Knowlton's bays. Cottages and summer resi- dences have sprung up like magic, and in the summer-time the place presents a lively, charming, and interesting ap- pearance. At Hulett's landing, John W. Hall has fitted up a place for the entertainment of guests. Three commo- dious buildings and a handsome cottage, with a bath-house and a boat-house, furnish accommodations for fifty or sixty guests. A store and post-office are located here, and the principal steamers stop regularly on each trip. A stage- line fiirnishes communication with the New York and Cen- tral railroad at Chubb's dock. A wide and shelving sandy beach affords unequaled bathing facilities, and the numer- ous islands render the scene one of unsurpassed beauty. The summit of Black mountain is easily reached by a well- broken path, and all the points of special interest are easily accessible from this point. At Knowlton's bay is one of the most picturesque points along the whole lake. The place was formerly owned by Amariah Taft, afterwards passed into the hands of W. A. G. Arthur, of Ticonderoga, who sold it to Israel Wood- cock. He sold it to a man named Amos Smith, from whose hands it passed into the possession of its present owner, Delorme Knowlton, of New York. The tract consists of one hundred and twenty-six acres, and was bought for one thousand dollars. Several thousand dollars have been spent in beautifying the place and fitting it for occupancy. A fine, commo- dious, and showy residence has been put up on the highest point of the rocky cape that juts out into the bay ; trees have been removed from some places and set out in others; rocks have been removed ; crevices filled ; winding roads and walks laid out ; rustic stairs, summer-houses, and seats built; and, in short, everything done to render a residence there comfortable and pleasant. The farm buildings have been remodeled, and present a neat and tasty appearance. Agnes and Gillette islands are seen near the northern side of the mouth of the bay. From the observatory is an ex- ■*■ This place was the scene of Putnam's exploit in 1756, when he crossed over from Lake George with two cannon and two blunder- busses and a small company of his rangers, and attacked a troop of French and Indian marauders, who were retre.iting to Canada viii Whitehall and Lake Champlain. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NP:W YORK. 287 tensive view of about twenty miles along the surface of the lake, extending from Rogers' Slide, on the north, to Bol- ton, on the south. Sabbath-Day point is just across the lake. The place is kept in charge of David Nichols, whose courtesy enabled us to see and appreciate its beauties. On the summit of the first ridge of Spruce mountain, and about one and a half miles from Mr. Knowlton's, is a cave which, though as yet not fully explored, bids fair to prove an interesting and noted feature of the vicinity. It was discovered about a year ago (1876-77) by James Adams, of Dresden, who, while hunting, tracked an ani- mal into the cave. It was soon after partially explored, and was found to extend into the mountain at least some fifty or sixty feet. The outer entrance faces the southwest, and at that time had to be entered in a creeping position. It has since been enlarged, and can be entered by stooping slightly. This entrance is five or six feet wide, and ex- tends into the mountain some ten or twelve feet, opening into a circular chamber fifteen feet in diameter and about six feet high. At the rear of this a similar opening passes through a wall of rock to a second chamber, with a higher ceiling. From this chamber, to the right, upon a shelf of rock some three feet above the floor, is the entrance to a third chamber. At the rear of the second chamber aiiotlier opening, only eighteen or twenty inches in diameter and only two feet above the floor, opens into still another cham- ber, which has not been explored. The walls of it could not be reached with a pole twelve feet in length. The walls and roof of these chambers are a rough grayish rock. The floor is covered with a fine black soil. Tradition has always hinted at the existence of a cave on the mountain, and a curious legend is told about it. Many years ago it was the abode of a white man and an Indian. It was also a secret hiding-place for a large amount of gold and silver that in some manner they had secured. The white man was of French blood, and had a son who was then a small lad. One day he and the Indian got into a quarrel, and a desperate fight ensued, in which the Indian was slain and the white man mortally wounded. With wonderful vitality and persistence, he, however, managed to get away from the vicinity, and communicated to his son, either personally or by letter, the secret of the cave and directions for finding it. Many years elapsed, when one day an old man came to the residence of one of the settlers and wanted to secure board for the summer. His request was acceded to, and he established himself as an inmate of the house. With his staff in his hand and a haversack of provision at his side, day after day, week after week, month after month, he wandered through the woods and over the mountains. He did not hunt, he did not collect geological or botanical specimens, but simply wandered around in a seemingly aim- less search after something. When winter came he left the vicinity never to return, but told his host, before leav- ing, this story in explanation of his mysterious conduct. Another legend holds that it was the abode of counter- feiters, who here made spurious coin to foist upon the un- suspecting world. In support of this is adduced the testi- mony of an old resident in the town of Hague, just across the lake, who claims to have frequently seen the flash and glow of mysterious lights upon the mountain side. In the earlier days of Dresden the lumbernun :iii(l farmers depended upon oxen for the most of their work. None but the thrifty and prosperous could hope to own a horse. A few figures from the original census of the town, taken in 1825, will be of interest. There were 94 families in the town (ranging in numbers from three to eleven per- sons each), and composed of 523 persons, — 271 of whom were males and 252 females. They tilled 2007 acres of land, run 5 saw-mills, owned 22 horses, 404 head of cattle, 298 hogs, and 698 sheep, and cast 96 votes at elections. SOCIETIES. Monnt Vernon Lodge, No. 136, /. 0. G. T.— This lodge was instituted March 9, 1873, by John J. Wing, of Gran- ville, at that time county deputy of Washington county. It had thirty-three charter members, fifteen of whom were initiated at this first meeting. The first officers were Hiram Snody, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Mary E. Hartley, W. V. T. ; Rob- ert Steele, W. Secretary ; Martha Bartholomew, W. Treas- urer ; and Thomas Bartholomew, L. D. The first meetings were held in the church until about eighteen months after its organization, when the lodge pur- chased a building site of Abraham Stockwell, near the corner of the road leading to Chubb's dock, and erected a fine two-story building, twenty-two by forty-two feet, the upper room of which was finished off' for a lodge-room. The entire cost of the property was nearly or quite twelve hundred dollars. The lodge prospered, and increased its membership to one hundred and fifty. In the spring of 1876 this building was burned by an incendiary. Through careleissness, the insurance policy had been been allowed to expire, and there was a total loss. The lodge then met in the school-house for a time, but was at length driven from that by the action of the school-meeting, and having obtained the use of the old school-house, fitted it up and now occupy it. The present membership is sixteen. The present officers are Wm. Stockwell, W. C. T. ; Mary E. Bartley, W. V. T. ; T. D. Bartley, W. S. ; Amos Walker, W. F. S. ; Asa Chubb, W. T. ; Asa Winn, W. Chaplain ; Amos Walker, L. D. Dresden Temperance Clnh. — Under the auspices of the Whitehall Temperance club a public meeting was held at the church in Dresden Centre, on the evening of June 20, 1877, and steps were taken to organize a temperance club. The meeting adjourned to the school-house on the 27th, when an organization was completed by the election of the following officers, — viz. : President, George L. demons ; vice-presidents, Charles Bartholomew, William Stockwell, Joseph Barrett, Edward Adams, Oliver L. Steere ; secre- tary, J. Marvin Snody ; treasurer, Isaac Jakway ; executive committee, James Bartholemew, Robert Walker, Jr., Oliver L. Steere, Joseph Barrett, William Stockwell, William Snody. The constitution adopted at that meeting declares it to be the object of the society " to render assistance to per- sons who are endeavoring to abandon the use of alcoholic drinks ; also, to prevent others from acquiring habits of in- temperance." Its meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, and the amnual meeting occurs on the second Monday of May in each year. 288 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DRESDEN. About the year 1823, Elder Fuller, of Poultney, Ver- mont, met some of the Christian people of Dresden at the house of Deacon Huntington (the place is now occupied by a grandson, Thomas Huntington), and after an inter- esting service proceeded to organize a Baptist church. It was composed of twenty-one members, who joined at this meeting or soon after. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Deacon Huntington, their three sons, John, Erastus, and Noel, and their two daughters ; Mr. and Mrs. Silas Guil- ford ; Mr. and Mrs. Deacon Bosworth ; ]\Ir. and Mrs. Abraham Stockwell ; Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Wetherbee ; Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Blunt, and hi.s father and mother ; Mr. and Mrs. John Barker. The church struggled along with various degrees of suc- cess until about 1833, when a powerful revival swept over the town, and the membership increased to sixty. But members moved away, died, or were lost to the church, and few additions were made until the number fell to twelve, in 1874. In June of that year Rev. Joseph Earl, of Whitehall, was sent to preach to this people by the Wash- ington County Baptist Association. He preached but once in two or three weeks. In the winter of 1876 another re- vival visited the town, and as a result twenty-five were added to the church at one time. This was followed by other occasional additions, until the present membership amounts to fifty-two. The ministers who have served this people during the fifty-five years of its existence are Elder Fuller, Rev. William Jliller, the originator and great expounder of the doctrines of " Millerism," or Second Adventism, Rev. Enos Flew, who was the first settled pastor in 1835, Dan- iel A. Flandreau, and Rev. Joseph Earl, who has regu- larly supplied the pulpit, since the winter of 1876, in the capacity of stated supply. The deacons have been Deacons Huntington, Asa Winn, William Snody, and Oliver L. Steere, — the two latter act- ing in that capacity at present. A Sunday-school was started in connection with the church about 1835-45. James Rickert was the first superintendent. The present superintendent is A. 0. Clemons, and the school has an average attendance of thirty or forty. The early meetings of the society were held mostly in the north part of the town, in school-houses or barns or woods, as circumstances permitted. This state of things continued till July 5, 1848, when, at a meeting in the school-house of Dresden Centre, a resolution was passed to erect a building to be called the " Freeman's Church of Dresden." A committee to solicit subscriptions, build the church, and act for the society, was appointed, consisting of G. C. Burdett, David Barrett, Lemuel Bartholomew, Roswell C. Beebe, and William Snody. There were ninety-one subscribers to the fund, and they were entitled to one vote for every three dollars paid. April 1, 1850, Henry and William Ingram donated the lot on which the church now stands, and before winter the church was built and ready for use. It has simply been kept in good condition since, no extensive repairs having been made. Its estimated cost was eight hundred dollars and its present valuation is one thousand dollars. When first built it was used as a hall for all town-meet- ings, elections, political meetings, etc., but now two-thirds of the stock is controlled by members of the church, or by them held in trust for its benefit, and the church is now used simply for church purposes, and controlled by the Baptist denomination. George L. Clemons is the present church clerk. The first post-ofiice in Dresden was established in 1828, and Lyman Allen was the postmaster. The ofiice was kept a little south of the present residence of Oliver L. Steere. It was supplied with the mail by a carrier named Ballard, whose route was from Whitehall to Ticonderoga. It was abandoned about 1831, and was revived again in 1872, at Dresden Centre, Thomas Bartholomew acting as postmaster. There are now three post>-olEces in town. In 1840 there was one pensioner living in Dresden. His name was Thomas Huntington, and he was eighty- three years old. MILITARY. We add a list of men from this town who served in the War of 1861-65, taken from the report of the town clerk to the military bureau at the close of the war, and sub- mitted recently for correction to the people of the town. Andrew Allen, enl. Aug. 24, 1S61, 43d Begt., Co. F ; disch. Due. 7, ISCl. John AriU!itrung, cnl. Oct. 20, 1864. Jami'S Allen, enl. June 17, 1804. John Biirrott, enl. Nov. 12, 186'2, S"th Begt., Co. A; wounded; discli. for disa- bility, Feb. 14, 1862. Isiuic Barrett, enl. Sept. 3,1861,87th Begt., Co. A; wounded; re-enl.; disch. July 17, 1865. Leonard W. Barrett, enl. Sept. 16, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; died of disease at Fortress Monroe, Aug. 19, 1862. Joseph Barrett, enl. Nov 12,1861,87th Begt., Co. A ; wounded; disch, March, 1863. John B. Benjamin, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. for disability. Wm. W. Bartholomew, onl. Sept. 8, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; captured iu Seven Days' fight; prisoner in Libby; paroled; re-enl. 1864. Eugene Bartholomew. Charles liartholomew, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; disch. June 8, 1866. Joseph Bartholomew, enl. Aug. 26, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. Francis Bartholomew. Carter Barrett, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D ; disch. for disivbility, in 1862. Dennis Barrett, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. George L. Clemons, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A; wounded; disch. for disability, Oct. 6, 1862. Matthew Curraii, enl. Sept. 3, 1.S61, 87th Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Aug. II, 1862. John Clute, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. -V ; disch. at consolidation of regiment. John Cook. Thaddous Chubli, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. Juno S, 1865. John CarroU, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C; disch. June S, 18G5. Bernard Carroll, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. John M. earns, enl. Oct. 20, 1864. George Clark, enl. Dec. 27, 1864. Augustus P. Chase, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, S7th Begt., Co. A ; died of disease, in ho8pit.al at Washington, D. C, 1863. Charles Duclat, enl. Sept. 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. at consolidation. S. A. Eastman, enl. Aug. 11, 1862,123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June, 1865. Daniel Flandreau, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; lieut. ; wounded at Fair Oaks; disch. ; re-enl. Jan. 22, 1864, Art., Co. G. (U. S. N.); disch. June 2, 1805. Thomas Glenn, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; re-enl.; discharged. Adoniram J. Huntington, enl. Sept. 3, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A; wounded at Fair Oaks, Va. ; discb. for wounds. Oscar F. Hopkins, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C ; disch. June 8, 1865. James Hurlburt, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Regt., Co.C; prisoner; disch. June 8, 1865. George B. Hopkins, onl. Feb. 12, 1804, 96th Regt., Co. E ; died at Fortress Mon- roe, June 21, 1604. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 289 ■Wm. D. Jones, enl. Sept. 15, 1801, 87tli Kcgt., Co. A ; re-tnl. ; di;ineer, and Frank is with his father. Residence^ ISRAEL THOMt^SOfv ,; o^' -^nn . n y F O Pv T ANN. Fort Ann lies on the west side of Washington county, and in the northern part. It is the largest town in the county, having an area of 56,386 acres. It is bounded ; north by Dresden, Whitehall, and Lake George ; east by ; Dresden, Whitehall, and Granville; south by Hartford and Kingsbury; west by Qiieensbury (^Warren Co.) and Lake George. Its greatest length and breadth are each thirteen miles. The extreme southern part is level or rolling land, and the rest of the town is divided by three mountain ranges, between which are two fertile valleys. On the east ' line of the town lies the range known as the Fort Ann mountains. This rises near the Wood Creek valley and runs in a northerly direction to the head of South bay, I then along the southeast shore of tlie bay to its junction I with Lake Champlain. The principal peaks of this range 1 are Battle Hill, Pinnacle, Ore Bed, and Saddle mountains. , They are very rocky and precipitous. On this range, about six miles from Fort Ann village, is quite a large pond that must be a thousand feet or more above the level of the sea. ! The central part is occupied by the Putnam mountains, a j ridge rising a little east of West Fort Ann, and running northerly with a little inclination eastwardly to the head of South bay ; then towards the north and enters the town of l Dresden. The most prominent peaks of this range are j Peaked Mountain, Mount Nebo, Mount Hope, and High Knob. Between this range and Fort Ann range lies the beautiful valley known as Welch Hollow. In the early | days it was known as Tuttle's Hollow. It received its present name in honor of Josiah Welch, who was one of the earliest settlers. This valley is wide at the south and narrow at the north, where it becomes a mere gully between the two ranges. At the head of South bay it widens to a level of some extent. The western part of the town is occupied by the Palniertown mountains, which extend along the shore of Lake George into Dresden. Sugar-loaf moun- tain at the south, on the Queensbury line, and Buck moun- tain on the north, or Dresden line, are the principal peaks. | Between this and the Putnam range lies the valley known as Furnace Hollow, which name it derived from the Mount Hope furnace, which was formerly located in it. On the north shore of South bay rises Diameter Precipice, a rocky, almost perpendicular cliiF, which attains an elevation of thirteen hundred feet. Buck mountain is the highest peak in the town, its altitude being two thousand five hundred feet. In the western valley there are numerous ponds varying in area from a few rods to a mile or more. Their names are Ore Bed, Sly, Hadlock, Copelaud, Trout, Forge, Lake, Bacon, Round, Cressets, Thurber, Little, and Three Ponds. All of these, except Crossets, Thurber, and Lake, discharge their waters through Half-way creek and Wood creek into Lake Champlain. Those three flow through Furnace Hol- low creek into South bay. The principal streams are Furnace Hollow creek, rising in the west centre of the town and flowing northeast to South bay ; Podunk brook, the outlet of the ponds, flowing in a generally southea.st course and emptying into Half-way creek ; Half-way creek, — known in old times as Scoou creek and Clear river, — which, rising in Queensbury, flows east- wardly, enters this town near its southwestern corner, and empties into Wood creek, at Fort Ann; and Wood creek, which enters the town from the south, where the Hartford and Kingsbury town lines join, and flows in a northeasterly course to Whitehall. It forms a feeder to the Champlain canal, which runs in its channel for some distance below Fort Ann. The principal falls are in Half-way creek, a mile north of Fort Ann, and known as Kane's falls, .so called because the power was occupied by Charles Kane in the latter part of the last century as a site for mills and forges. The creek falls nearly seventy feet in a distance of twenty or thirty rods. ITnder the dam is a cave of con- siderable extent. The soil of the town is somewhat varied in its character, being of a sandy nature in the southwest, and clayey in the eastern part. Some gravelly and clayey loam is scattered through the tillable portion. In the mountains the soil is sterile, scarcely strong enough to support the natural growth of forest trees. Iron ore is found to some extent in the mountains, and a large bed lies at the foot of Mount Nebo, on the west side of the Putnam mountains. This mine had been worked from 1825 until about March, 1877, when it was abandoned. The depth of the shaft was about one hundred and fifty feet. The town embraces the whole of the "Artillery patent" (granted to Joseph Walton and twenty-three other officers of the British army, Oct. 24, 1764, and containing twenty- four hundred acres. This patent forms the southern part of the town) ; a part of the Lake George tract lying in the western part, a part of the Saddle mountain tract in the northeast; and the Westfield, Fort Ann, and Ore Bed tract in the central part. The earliest history of Fort Ann, lying as it did in the very track of nearly all the great military expeditions which were set on foot in this part of the country, is necessarily treated of at full length in the general history. There will be found a full account of the first military movements in this vicinity ; of the building of Fort Schuyler and the subsequent erection of Fort Ann on the same site ; of the marching and countermarching of armies in the later French wars ; of the desperate conflict between Majors Putnam and Rogers and the French leader Marin or 301 302 HISTORY OF WA8IIIN(;T0i\ COUNTY, iNEW YORK, Molang ; of the great invasion by Burgoyne ; of the vic- tory gained by the Americans on the Stli of July, 1777 ; and of the surrender of the fort by Captain Sherwood in 17S0. This town-history will deal mostly, though not entirely, with the details of more peaceful times. Among the minor events of the " Old French war" was one which occurred at the head of South bay. Here Put- nam surprised a party of French and Indians, and after stealthily setting their boats adrift attacked and routed them. The scene of this engagement is known as the " Old Pickets," probably because a stockade was built there either at this time or at a later period. It ran from the southeast bank of Furnace Hollow creek to the foot of Saddle mountain, and inclosed a tract of several acres. The later fortification known as Fort Ann was erected in 1757 at the junction of Half-way creek with Wood creek. It was a stockade, formed by planting heavy posts in a double row deeply in the ground, and stood on the edge of the high ground a few rods back from the banks of the streams. Around the inside of this wall of timber two platforms were built for the accommodation of sentries or the soldiers during an engagement. One of these was built within a foot or two of the top, and afforded the guard a wide view of the surrounding country. The other was built at a height just sufficient to allow the head of an average-sized man to project above the stockade. The battle of July 8, 1777, was about a mile northeast of the village or fort. Here Wood creek breaks through the Fort Ann mountains in a narrow rocky pass. This range, commencing at Whitehall, gradually converges to the creek, and at this point terminates in a rocky knoll. To the northeast the valley widens a little, presenting a narrow tract of comparatively level ground. As one goes north from Fort Ann and enters this narrow defile. Battle hill rises precipitously on the left, and a rooky bluff a little back from the creek on the right. The ravine in which the slain of that battle are said to have been buried skirts the southeastern face of the mountain for some distance towards Whitehall. Upon the retreat of the Americans this fort was burned. The fort erected in 1769 was gen- erally known as the "Mud fort," and was a mere earth- work, abandoned soon afler its erection. Mr. John Hall, of Fort Ann, has in his possession what is supposed to be a portion of the windlass with which the garrison used to draw water from the well in the fort. The Champlain canal crosses the site of this old fort. Besides the great military thoroughfare from Fort Ed- ward to the head of Lake Champlain, aTiother road was constructed from Queensburg to Fort Ann during the later French wars, and a well-defined trail led from the latter post to the head of South bay. Previous to the Revolution, Major Philip Skene, of Skenesborough (novr Whitehall), had erected mills at Kane's falls in this town, which were under the charge of an agent, by whose name they were known. Until after the close of Burgoyne's campaign, however, and probably until after the Tory raid of 1780, no permanent settlement was made in the town, except the Harrisons and Braytons, who came in 1773. In the winter of 1781, Joseph Hene- gan, Isaiah Bennett, Hope Washburn, Ozias Colexnan, John Ward, Joseph Bacon, George Scranton, Caleb Noble, Josiah Welch, Samuel Ward, and Samuel Ilurlburt were resident.s on the Artillery patent. In 1784 the following were added to this list, viz. : Silas Tracy, Elijah Backus, Andrew Stevenson, Joseph Kellogg, and James Sloan. In 1785, Medad Harvey, Nathaniel Osgood, and Zephaniah Kingsley were added ; and in 1786, Silas Child, Alpheus Spencer, Samuel Wilson, Elijah Bills, Israel Brown, and Samuel Chapin. Of the facts connected with the struggles that attended pioneer-life in this country no record appears, and (jnly a meagre sketch can be given. Ephraim Griswold came probably from Dutchess county about the year 1791, and followed the military road from Fort Edward to Fort Ann. He was in search of a water- power for a grist-mill. Commencing at Kane's falls, he followed the stream to a fall near the southwest corner of the town, which he at once took possession of He bought a large tract of land, and commenced clearing it. 3Iean- time, amid burning log-heaps and the light of pine-knot torches, the timbers for the proposed mill were framed. In 1791 or 1792 the mill was erected. The fall, however, was insufficient, and in a few years the mill was removed further down the stream. In a few years a forge for the manufacture of chains and anchors was erected by Gris- wold, and operated by his son-in-law, Elisha M. F"orbes. A settlement sprung up at this point and was christened " Griswold's Mills," by which name it is still known. There have been at different times a pottery, a furnace, a woolen- mill, and some similar establishments at this point. Now thei'e is a grist-mill, a blacksmith and machine shop. There are about a dozen houses. The post-office was established in 1833, with Elisha M. Forbes as postmaster. The set- tlement is .sometimes called " Tripoli," but for what reason is unknown. Ephraim Griswold had ten children, — Eph- raim, Sylvester, Samuel, Ebin, Mercy, Miranda, Maria, Caroline, Eunice, and one daughter, name not obtained. Of these, Ephraim is still living in Burlington, Vermont, and Hiram Griswold, a grandson, son of Samuel, resides in Fort Ann. Jacob Van Wormer was a Revolutionary soldier, and came to Kingsbury from Schaghticoke, at the close of the war, when there were but seven families in that town. In a few years he removed to the site of the present village of West Fort Ann, and built the first saw-mill on the Podunk brook. He had eight children, four boys and four girls. Most of thse, together with their parents, went to the Black river country and died there. Jacob, Jr., married a daughter of Ephraim Griswold, and lived in West Fort Ann. Two of his sons still reside there, Fletcher and William. After this saw-mill a grist-mill was built by Stephen Pal- mer, about 1815. This was burned, and in 1827, Mix, Haskins & Spalding erected a forge and anchor shop, which was run for many years. A tannery was built by Warren Kingsley in 1843, near the same place, and is still standing. A village sprung up at this place and was called " Van Wormer's village," now "West Fort Ann." " Johnny-cake Corners " is an old name said to have arisen from the fact that the first mill ground little but corn. The post-office was established in 1850, with Hiram Ever- est as postmaster. The village now contains about twenty RESIDENCE or JOHN HALL , For: Ann ,U Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 303 dwellings, widely scattered, a store, a Union church, a school-house, blacksmith-shop, wagon-shop, and tannery. The entire western part of the town was called " Hogtown.'' The early settlers turned their swine into the woods to grow fat on acorns, beech-nuts, and chestnuts. This was par- ticularly the case in the cold season of 1816. The south- ern part of Furnace Hollow was formerly called " Po- dunk," from a tribe of eastern Indians of that name, who came here in search of a secure retreat, and were in- duced to settle by the ponds and streams abounding with fish, the plentiful supply of game, and the safety given by the surrounding mountains. They named the Palmertown range, and designated one of tlie principal peaks Mount Hope, both in memory of the eastern home from which they had come a mere remnant. Benjamin Copeland was a man of note in this town. He came from near Boston some years before 1800, and settled near the pond that bears his name. He built a saw-mill, and engaged largely in lumbering and farming. He accumulated property rapidly, and eventually became one of the most extensive land-owners of the town. He married Hannah Pettcngill. Of their children, Cuyler lives in Canada, Horatio at Glen's Falls, Benjamin C. at West Fort Ann, Mrs. Relief Ketchum in Illinois, Mrs. Hannah R. Clements in Fort Ann, and Mrs. Corada Seeley in Queensbury. Judah Thompson, a native of Dutchess county, came to this town from Schoharie, in 1795, and settled on the farm now occupied by his two sons, Israel and Leonard. Another son, John H. Thomp- son, lives in Welch Hollow. -'Anthony Haskins came from Shaftesbury, Vermont, to Fort Ann in 1788. Settled near Thompson's. Of his children, Seth was murdered in Saratoga county ; John was a Methodist minister, and with Isaac went to western New York ; William and David settled in Chautauqua ; Ira went to Clinton county, and afterwards to Chautauqua ; Franklin lived on the homestead ; Martha became Mrs. Samuel Winegar, of Fort Ann ; and Sarah died on the day she was to have been married. Franklin had a family of ten chil- dren ; one died in childhood ; the other nine are still living, the youngest being sixty years old. Anthony, Samuel, Ensign, and Martha Thompson, of this town, are four of these children. Samuel Winegar came to this town about 1790, and mar- ried Martha Haskins. They had a family of eleven chil- dren. The only son removed to Chautauqua county about 1853. Two of the girls, Mrs. Weller and Mrs. Farr, died in Fort Ann. The rest married and moved away. Thaddeus Dewey, born in Westfield, Mass., in 1752, came from Lee to this town in 1788. He leased lot 62 of the Artillery patent of Joseph Walton, for the term of forty years, at a rental of one shilling per acre per annum. It was stipulated in the lease that within seven years he must plant at least fifty apple-trees in rows two rods apart each way, and keep the same properly pruned. He built his house in the northwest corner of the two hundred and fifty acres. He built a bridge across Wood creek, which was called " Dewey's bridge," and the settlement that grew up there around the limestone quarries still has that name. Of Thaddeus Dewey's children, Olive married Krastus Day and went to western New York ; Sarah, Matthias Whit- ney, of Fort Ann ; Klecta, Henry Mason of Fort Ann ; Chester, settled on the homestead ; one son of Chester, Thaddeus N. Dewey, lives in Welch Hollow. Ephraim, Robert, and John Washburn emigrated from Holland to this country in 1748, and lived in Hoboken. John went to Maine. Robert came to Saratoga, and his son, Ephraim, .settled in Port Ann in 1807. Luther Wash- burn, of Welch Hollow, is a son. George Wray was a prominent man. He owned a grist- mill at Kane's Falls in 1787, and also a large proportion of the best farming lands in the town. His two sons-in- law, Charles Kane, from whom the falls derive their name, and John Williams, a resident of Salem, were also large land-owners. Kane removed to Schenectady about 1800. Wray was one of the few residents of this town who owned slaves, and his name appears .several times on the records in connection with this obsolete institution. He lived on the Farr place, two miles west of Fort Ann village. Daniel Comstock settled in town previous to 1790. The little village of Comstock Landing no doubt owes its name to him. It is composed of a dozen dwellings, a hotel, a store, a Baptist church, and some other buildings. The residence of Isaac V. Baker, superintendent of the Rens- selaer and Saratoga railroad, is here, and it is one of the finest buildings in the county. The post-office, called " Comstock," was established in 1832, with Peter Com- stock as postmaster. Prentiss Brown was an early pioneer in the town on the Alvin Rice place. His sons were John, Prentiss, Josiah, James, William, and Jonathan. His daughters were jMrs. Nathan Eldridge, Mrs. Tyler, and two who died unmarried. John settled in Warren county, Prentiss and Josiah in western New York, William in Hartford, Jonathan in Illinois, James in Granville. A son of the latter is Edward J. Brown, proprietor of the Central Hotel, Gran- ville village. CIVIL HISTORY. This town was formed as Westfield from a portion of the territory of Washington county, March 23, 1786. It had not previou.sly been under any town government. Its name was from Westfield, Mass., from which place some of the early settlers came. At this time it comprised the towns of Putnam, Dresden, and Hartford, in addition to its present area. Hartford, comprising the Provincial patent, was set off in 1793, and Putnam, including Dresden, in 1806. In the year 1808 the name was changed to Fort Ann, to pre- vent a confusion of names in the State and in memory of the old fort at the village. The first records of the town .show that, Jan. 22, 1781, the inhabitants of the Artillery and Provincial patents, agreeable to the advice of the " principal town officers of Kingsbury," met at the house of John Ward, in the Artil- lery patent, and elected the following officers, viz. : Joseph Henegan, moderator ; Isaiah Bennett, supervisor and town- clerk ; Hope Washburn, Ozias Coleman, John Ward, assessors ; Joseph Bacon, collector , George Scranton, con- stable ; Caleb Noble, Josiah Wdch, a immil toners of rodcs; Joseph Ilencgan, Thomas Harris, poormasters ; Samuel Ward, Nicholas Scrier, fence-viewers ; John Ward, pound- 304 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. keeper ; Benjamin Blake, Silas Tracy, Samuel Hurlburt, Joseph Henegan, pathmasters. Again, in 1784, a meeting was held Apiil 6, and Silas Tracy, moderator, Ozias Coleman, supervisor, Isaiah Ben- nett, town-clerk, Elijah Backus, collector, together with the usual other town officers, were elected. April 5, 1785, another meeting was lield at the house of Medad Harvey, Esq., a little over a mile south of the present village of Fort Ann, and William Carter was cho.sen moderator. The following were elected to the principal offices, viz. : Medad Harvey, supervisor ; Isaiah Bennett, town-clerk ; William Carter, collector. The following is a copy of the record of the first regular town-meeting : " April 4, A.i>. 1 786, at an annuel meeting In The Town of West- field, Chosen by a Plurality of voices the following town officers: .Joseph Kellogg, moderator ; Isaiah Bennett, clerk ; Alpheus .Spencer, Silas Child, supervisors; Joseph Kellogg, Silas Tracy, Joseph Bacon, James Sloan, Bethuel Bond, assessors; Joseph Kellogg, Medad Har- vey, Caleb Noble, Isaiah Bennett, Joseph Bacon, commitioners of rodes ; George Scranton, collector; George Scranton, Wm. Potter, constables : Medad Harvey, .loseph Kellogg, Ozias Coleman, poor- masters; Alexander Brown, Elijah Backus, Hope Washburn, damage prisors ; Israel Brown, Elijah Backus, Alexander Brown, fence- viewers ; .John Ward, pound-keeper ; Elijah Bills, Winthrop Bacon, Samuel Willsou, Medad Harvey, Andrew Stevenson, Hope Wash- burn, Samuel Chapin. overseers of the highway. MST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 1787. 178S. 1789. 1700. 1791. 1792. 1793. 1794. Stephen Spcne Silas Child. George Wrav. Daniel Mason. George Wray. Ralph Coffin. Charles Kane. George Wray. Charles Kane. George Wray. Isaac Sargent. 1799. 1800. 1801. 1802. '• 1803. " 1804. •' " 180.5. " 1806. ZephaniahKingi^loy. 1807. " 1808. 1809. 1810. 1811. 1812. 1813. 1814. 181. 5. Tuwn-Clork. Isaiah Bennett. (Tcorge A\'ray. Nathaniel Bull. George Wray. Asahel Hod Charles Kai I.. Orcutt. Anthony Haskins. Jehiel Stevens. Pbipps H. Lamb. Francis D. Wray. . David 0. Briggs. •John H. Skinner. David 0. Briggs. John C. Patterson. James E. Skinner. Patrick Gill. " " Edward Corning. Nathan Sheldon. II. G. Sargent. Patrick Gill. Horace A. Stevens Orson W. Sheld5 ; Charles Kane, $5920 ; Ephraini Griswold, $2500; Thankful Lawrence, $2^50; Jacob Campbell, $1866 ; Ozias Coleman, $1686 ; Benjamin Col- lins, $1650; Edward Patten, $1252; David I'arkhurst, $1250; Ebenezer Farnsworth, $1235; James Sloan, $1205 ; Richard Stevens, $1200 ; Andrew Stevenson, $1150; James Rich, $1112; David Griswold, $1100; Joshua Harris, $1073; Isaac Sargent, $1010; Joseph Congdon, $1000 ; Polly Lee, $1000 ; Winthrop Graham, $955 ; Samuel Winegar, $925 ; Samson Mason, $910 ; Matson Otis, $905 ; Dennison Kinney, $900 ; Jacob Van Wormer, $900; Shubal Mason, $-i90; Thaddeus Dewey, $890. The total assessment was $163,738. The assess- ment-roll for 1877 bears the names of five hundred and eighty-two tax-payers, and the total asses.sment was $561,741, $36,875 of which was personal property. The following is the account of school moneys appor- tioned in the town of Westfield iu the year 1797, by Charles Kane, supervisor: D:stiii!t. TnislLi-s. £ s. cl. No. 1. .Tanathan Pollcv, Abiur HubljarJ 117 '.) " 2. MiUlhew IhiWj'ird, John Sly 4 7 7 " ;i. Josi'pl. Uacou, Comlort (iosf 1111 1 " 4. .Toliii Stockhiiiii, Siiiiiiicl Woiegiir in 1(1 1 " 5. .himes Huikiiis, Anthuny Jliiskins 3 i:i a " H. John Cbadick, Giirducr Baool] C 5 2 " 7. Diiuicl \Vul.4i, Abraham Van Strander 1117 !> •' S. Oliver Smith, Jidin Sykes Ki 12 7 " U. Joseph Uillet, Winthrop (Jrabam 7 4 7 " 10. John Henegan, Stephen Curtis 7 12 9 " II. Israel Krown 2 8 7 " 12. Thaddeus Dewey, Muses Ba.'iter fi 3 11 " 13. Zephaniah Kingsh'y, Eleazer Cone It) 2 7 " 14. Ebenezer Farnsworth, Samuel Clark S 12 10 " 1 A. Daniel Mason, Shubal lVar,ieph M. liiill, tiud William Bell to ascerttiiii tiiid ti.x the boundaries of thosev- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 307 eral lots and streets included in the corporation. In 18G7 the corporation was made a separate road district. Tlie seal was adopted Aug. 11, 1823, and was described as " the shilling piece (sterling money), and sat into a piece of cherry wood by nie, Ozias Coleman, this day." At a meeting held Sept. 11, 1873, the charter was re- scinded, and the village incorporated under the general law passed April 20, 1873. The presidents, in their order, have been as follows: y,Mi-. l're^,i.li-n(. YLMir. riv,i,i,.j,i. ISJO. William \. Moore. 1S4'.I. Aljial W. 11., ward. 1821. " IS.'.O. •• 1S22. '• 1851. " 1823. Elhim A. Fay. 1852. " " 1824. " 1853. 182,i. Joseph M. Bull. 1854. 1820. " 185.^). F. L. nra.vti.n. 1827. Lemuel Ilasling.?. ISJfi. 1S28. •' lS.i7. lS2y. William A. Moore. 1S5S. " 1830. George Clark. 1859. " " 1831. Matthias A. Pike. 1860. - " 1S32. " ISOl. Willis Swift. 1S33. Moses Miller. 1 Si;2. " 1834. Matthias A. Pike. 1803. Charles H. Adams ]83.^). George Clark. 1864. Willis Swift. 1836. " 1805. F. L. I5,a.vton. 183T. Moses Miller. 1860. " 1838. George Clements. 1867. G. W. Hull. lS.3fl. George Clark. 1868. George P. Mooro. 1840. Johu T. Cox. 1869. " 1841. " " 1870. " " 1842. Abial AV. Howard. 1871. John Hall. 1843. William A. Moore. 1872. Willis Swift. 1844. Ahial W. Howard. 1873. Periam Sheldon. 1845. •' 1874. Pelatiah Jakway. 1816. " 1875. David Iliee. 1847. « « 1876. Pelatiah Jakway. 1848. " " 1877. Orville W. Sheldon The present officers are Orville W. Sheldon, president; Jaiues Nelson, David N. Knipey, Periam Sheldon, trustees ; Willis Swift, Jr., treasurer ; Charles Hastings, collector. The village is a station on the Ilonsselaer and Sai'atoga railroad, and the Champlain canal passes through it. There are three locks in the canal here. It contains about seven hundred inhabitants. The post-office was first established in 1800, and George Clark was the first postmaster. The business of the place consists principally of mercan- tile trade. There are seven or eight stores, a bank, a tannery, hotel, livery, and a number of shops. A cheese- factory, owned by a stock company, was started about 1865, and is still in existence, though doing a limited amount of business. Several of the farmers in this town ship large quantities of milk to Albany, Troy, Cohoes, and New York. The shipments from the town la.st year were eight thou- .sand nine hundred and forty-five cans from Coinstock's Landing, and twelve thousand five hundred and eighty-four cans from Fort Ann, an aggregate of eight hundred and sixty-one thousand one hundred and sixty rpiarts. Kaiic'.s Falls is a village of one hundred and fifty inhabit- ants, about a mile north of Fort Ann. It is a manufac- turing village, and owes its existence to the fine water- privilege affi)rded by the Halfway brook. The first mills built here before the R ;volution were owned by Major Philip Skene. After the close of the war they passed into the hands of Colonel George Wray, who sold them to Charles Kane. He erected other buildings, and engaged in the manufacture of iron and forging cables and anchors. He also built a carding-mill, and embarked largely in busi- ness. From Kane the property passed into the hands of John Ilanna, and he sold to Sylvanus Cone. Subsequently John Bullis owned it, and a Mr. Walker al.so owned it at a later day. Samuel and James Lamb were the next owners, and they erected a brick building, and fitted it up for the manufacture of fine ca.ssimeres. In 1872 it was bought by A. II. Griswold, W. M. Keith, John M. Barnett, and David Kice, who put in new and improved machinery, so that the mill now ranks first-class in the quality of its manufactures. The mill is known as the Kane's Falls Woolen-mill, run by the Fort Ann Woolen Company. The buildings cover a superficial area of about eight thousand five hundred and twenty feet, and afford an aggregate of nearly twenty-three thousand square feet of space on the several floors. The machinery employed consists of over a thousand spindles, fourteen broad looms, four sets of forty- eight-inch cards, and the other usual accompanying ma- chinery. The buildings are heated by steam, and furnished with admirable facilities for quenching fires. A fire-escape also extends to every floor. The mill annually consumes upward of two hundred thou-sand pounds of wool, brought wholly from California, and turns out about sixty thousand yards of fine cassimeres in the same time. It furnishes employment to over fifty hands. Mr. E. Wall is the superintendent. The works of the Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company are also located here. The office of the company is in New York. S. J. Gordon, of New York, is president ; William H. Perry, of Bridgeport, Conn., is secretary; and Slyron Perry, of New York, is treasurer. R. G. Fair- banks is the agent in charge. The capital is fixed at fifty thousand dollars. The mill is one hundred and ten by one hundred and twenty-four feet, two stories and a basement, and built of wood. The business carried on is that of preparing quartz-rock for use in the manufacture of paints, porcelain, pottery, soap, polish, and sand-paper. The process is performed by first calcining the rock, and then grinding it to a fine powder beneath massive stones. The application of this material to producing a smooth surface to wood without hiding or ob.scuriug the grain, is covered by letters-patent issued in 1876. The mill furnishes employment for twenty men and two teams, uses two hundred tons of quartz per month, which is obtained from the mountains near by. It turns out from seven thousand to fourteen thousand casks yearly, contain- ing from three hundred and fifty to six hundred and fifty pounds each. SOUTH BAY', a small liaiulot in the north part of the town, contains about one hundred inhabitants. There is a church and a store. It is a sort of headquarters for the lumbermen of the region, to which fact it owes its existence. Along the shore of Lake George, and on '• Fourteen Mile Island," there are several boarding-houses for the accommodation of summer boarders. 308 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Mount Hope Furnace was started about 1825, for the purpose of uianufacturing pig-iron. Doctor Smith Sayres, of Salem, was the proprietor. After passing through several hands, it at last was abandoned, in 1858, while owned by Mr. Woodruff. Brulhers Lmlgc. of F. and A. M. was organized early in the present century, and flourished till the Morgan times, when it was swept out of existence by the tide of anti- Masonry. In 1852, on the 14th of June, another lodge was organized, under the name of Mount Hope Lodge, No- 2C0. The first officers were John T. Cox, M. ; Joseph Racon, S. W. ; J. W. B. Murray, J. W. The present officers are H. A. Stevens, M. ; John Hall, S. W. ; David N. Empey, J. W. ; L. R. Bailey, Sec. ; D. S. Babcock, • Treas. The Masters, in their order, have been John T. Cox, Phipps H. Lamb, II. A. Stevens, H. W. Brown, H. A. Stevens, G. W. Hull, H. A. Stevens. In Decem- ber, 1876, they moved into their new hall, over Finch, Babcock & Co.'s store, which they furnished at a cost of about two hundred and seventy dollars. The present membership is seventy-eight. Fort Ann Lodge, JSo. 31, /. 0. 0. /"., was instituted Dec. 9, 1845. The officers were A. Barlow, N. G. ; H. B. Farr, V. G. ; Alanson B. Axtell, R. S. ; A. F. Briggs, T. At one time this lodge had upwards of one hundred mem- bers, but it began to lose and was disbanded about 1858. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP FORT ANN. This church was organized in 1789, and the first church meeting was held July 13. Rev. Sherman Babcock was the first pastor, and began his labor Feb. 12, 1790. The church has several times been for years without a pastor ; but the pulpit has generally been filled by supplies. The pastors, in the order of their services, are Revs. Daniel Hurlburt, James Rogers, Harris Griswold, Amos Stearns, Barney Allen, George Witherell, Elder Norris, Levi Sco- field. Elder Stearns, Enos Plue, Caleb C. Gurr, Nelson Combs, Amos B. Wells, William Dickens, Amos Stearns, Joseph Earl, and Levi S. Smith, the jjrcscnt pastor, whose services began in 1866. The first deacons were Reuben Baker, Shubal Mason, Truman Mason, and Coomer Mason. John Turner, George Johnson, and Asa P. Church have also acted in that ca- pacity. The present deacons arc E. S. Storrs, Reuben Mar- tin. In 1828 the church was much agitated on the ques- tion of Freemasonry, and a division was feared, but wiser counsels prevailed, and the danger was averted. The first house of worship was erected in 1807 in the eastern part of the town, about three miles east of the present site. A few years after, about 1810, a building was erected in the north part of the town at " Policy's Landing" and partly finished. In 1844 it was completed in modern style, and continued to be used for church pur- poses till the present church at Couistock's Landing was erected in 1858, at a cost of about two thousand five hun- dred dollars. The church was quite small in the beginning, and in 1810 some thirty of its members were granted letters to form the second or South Bay church. The present mem- bership is about seventy. The Sunday-school connected with the church was first organized about 1826, and has been continued. It num- bers one hundred and twenty-three members, and is under the efficient management of E. J. Smith, who also has a Sunday-school at Dewey's Bridge. SKCONB BAPTIST CHURCH OF FORT ANN. During the spring and summer of 1809, under the min- istrations of Rev. C. H. Swain, there appears to have been a religious awakening in Welch Hollow, and many were converted. The only Baptist church in town was then lo- cated at Comstock's Landing, and the people of South Bay had to travel some ten or twelve miles for meeting. As soon as it became apparent that there would be enough members in that part of the town to warrant the organiza- tion of a separate churcli the subject was agitated, and at a meeting held at the house of Captain Stephen Porter (now the residence of Benjamin Brewster), Dec. 2, 1809, it was resolved to petition the first church for permission to call a council ai>d organize a church. This petition con- tained the names of fifty-one persons. The request was granted, and in pur.suance of a call the churches of White- hall, Granville, Hartford, Kingsbury, and Fort Ann met in council at Captain Porter's residence, Jan. 10, 1810, and constituted the new church. Silas Spalding, Joseph Os- borne, Joel Peets, William Hambleton, Abijah Barker, Ebenezer Brainard, John Simmons, Benjamin Eastman, Silas Spalding, Jr., Nathaniel Brainard, Jacob Cook, Wil- liam Lighthall, James Barker, Oliver Wetherbce were the male members at the organization. Tliirty-seven sisters also joined at that time. The history of the church has been uneventful, and a fair degree of prosperity has attended it. At present it num- bers seventy-four members. The deacons of the church have been Benjamin East- man, Benjamin Wing, Elijah Garrison, William Stevens, Whitman Vaughan, James P. Sloan, William Stevens, Jr., Leonard Vaughan, John G. Adams, and Walter Fish, the last three being at present in that office. The pastors of the church have been Revs. Calvin H. Swain, Sylvanus Holley, Sherman Babcock, Ebenezer Har- rington, Horace Griswold, Bradbury Clay, Phineas Colver, Amos Stearns, Enos Plue, S. C. Dilliway, William Dick- ens, C. R. Green, M. P. Forbes, William Bogart, Levi S. Smith, and Robert W. Vaughan, who is now supplying the pulpit. The first and present trustees are Leonard Vaughan, John G. Adams, and Adolphus Washburn. The first clerk was Joseph Osborne, and the present one is John G. Adams. The early meetings were held at the houses of the mem- bers, and afterwards in the school-house at South Bay until 1868, when the first and present church was erected, under the supervision of Lyman Bailey, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. It is a neat rural church, and fur- nishes comfortable sittings for about two hundred persons. It was dedicated December 22, 18G8, and Rev. A. J. Frost, of Hamilton College, preached the sermon. The first Sabbath-school was organized in 1842, with a membership of about thirty. William Stevens was the HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 309 supeiinteiidcnt. At present the average attendance is from tliirty to forty. Jolin Gr. Adams is the superintendent, and J. Melvin Adams tlie secretary at present. BAPTIST CIIUUCII OF FORT ANN VILLAOE. This society was organized June 12, 1822, with twenty- seven members, and united with the Saratoga association the same month. For two years the cluirch was without a pastor, and re- ceived assistance from tlie pastors of neighboring diurchcs. Among tliose tlius oificiating were Revs. Horace Griswold, Ebcnezor Harrington, and Calvin II. Swain. Tlie first settled pastor was Rev. Bradbury Clay, who began his ministry here May 1, 1824. He was succeeded by the following, in order : Revs. Phineas Colver, Nathan- iel Colver, Phineas Colver, Barney Allen, Samuel Marshall, Amos Stearns, Daniel Harrington, William Grant, Stephen Wilkins, William Arthur, J. 0. Mason, William Smitli, Gardner C. Tripp, George Fisher, James L. Douglass, J. W. Grant, Volney Church, Horace G. Mason, Joseph Earl, and Edward Tozer, who began his pastorate here in 1865. And this relationship was only terminated when death sev- ered the ties that bound people and pastor in close and loving union. He died about the clo.se of the year 1877. Since that time the pulpit has been supplied by Rev. Levi S. Smith. During the first four years of its existence the church worshiped in the village school-house, and then, in connec- tion with two other denominations, built the brick cliurch, which was jointly occupied by them till, in 1836, they pur- chased and assumed full possession of that building. In September, 1873, the present commodious and attractive church was commenced, and the work was carried on through the fall and winter to completion. July 1, 1874, the house was dedicated. The cliurch is built of brick, with a corner tower surmounted by a handsome .spire. The inside of the walls are beautifully frescoed, and the pews are of chestnut and black-walnut. The entire cost was a little over seventeen thousand dollars. In the fifty-six years of its existence the church has re- ceived into fellowship by baptism nearly six hundred mem- bers. In 1842 the meuiborship was the largest, being then two hundred and fifty. It is now about two hundred. The parsonage was a bequest to the church from Mrs. Sarah D. Baker. Its net value was then about eleven hundred dollars. Thirteen hundred dollars were afterwards expended upon it. The total church property is now val- ued at twenty thousand dollars. The following arc the present officers of the church, viz. : Trustees, Edward Nicholson, Charles Hastings, Sylvester Woodruff; Deacons, Russell Winegar, Jason Corning, Charles Wright, L. L. Barnard, John C. Pattisou ; Clerk, 0. G. Burnham ; Treasurer, Jason Corning. The following persons have also served in the office of deacon, viz. : Daniel Cook, Eli- jah Garrison, John Simmons, Samuel (!ook, Morrel Baker, William Brayton, and Whitman Vaughan. METHOUI.ST EPISCOPAL CIIUllCII OP FORT ANN. This society was organized some time previous to the year 1826, the exact date not known. It was small in numbers. Still they worked with a will, and, under the blessing of God, succeeded in building up a prosperous church. In 1820 they united with the Baptists and IJni- versalists in the building of a brick church, which stood a little south of the present Baptist church, and which was u.sed by each in propi)rtion to their share in the expense of building it. In 1836 the Baptist society purchased the exclusive use of this church, and the Methodists held their meetings from that time until the .spring of 183S, part of the time in tlie old Presbyterian church and part in the liall-rooin of the hotel. The now and present church was commenced in 31ay, 1837, and finished in the following winter. The dedica- tion was March 8, 1838, and was a time of peculiar interest to the people. Rev. James B. Houghtaling, the pastor of the church, preached the dedicatory sermon. The land on which this church stands was purchased of John Hillebert, and the site, church bell, and fixtures altogether, cost four thousand dollars. The present valuation of the entire church property is about five thousand dollars. Among the most prominent of the earlier members of this church were iMr. and Mrs. William Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Barnett, Mr. and Mrs. John Hillebert, Mr. and Jlrs. John Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thorn, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Empey, Blr. and Mrs. John T. Cox, and Mr. and Mrs. John C. Pattison. The history of this society has been unmarked by any- thing more than the usual ebb and flow of events, and it has steadily moved on in its mission of mercy. The present membership is one hundred and fifty-two. A Sabbath-school was established at the time they occu- pied their new house of worship, which has continued to the present, and now numbers one hundred members. John Hillebert was the first superintendent. The present one is Carini C. Farr, and Miss Mary Gardner is secretary. The library is small. Under the State law passed in 1813, the church, August 13, 1 836, was incorporated under the name of the " First Methodist Episcopal Church of Fort Ann." P. N. Empey, Benjamin Barnett, Moses jMiller, John T. Cox, and Henry Thorn were elected trustees. The present officers of the church arc as follows, viz. : Stewards, George P. ]Moore, Alexander C. Brown, James Nelson, John Howard, and W. R. Norris. Cla.ss-lcaders, Martin V. B. Washburn, Lemuel Andrews. The pastors of the church, in the order of their service, have been Revs. Samuel Howe, Daniel Brayton, Sherman Minor, Julius Fields, Elislia Andrews, Jacob Beeman, Joseph Ayers, J. B. Houghtaling, James Covell, Abiathar Osborne, Charles P. Clark, E. B. llub'oard, Seymour Cole- man, C. D. De Vol, Coles R. Wilkins, Christopher Morris, Hiram Meeker, C. C. Gilbert, E. 0. Spicer, J. D. White, R. Wescott, G. II. Townsend, D. C. Hall, W. N. Frazer, G. II. Townsend, Joel Hall, James T. Slawson, W. W. Foster, J. C. W. Cox, John M. Webster, H. II. Smith, A. Bobbins, William H. Miller, J. E. Metcalf, William C. Butcher, E. Morgan, and Alfred J. Day, the present pas- tor, who began his pastorate here in the summer of 1877. 310 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OK WEST FORT ANN. Previous to the erection of any church building in this town regular meetings were held every Sunday at the stone school-house west of West Fort Ann. It was an appoint- ment on the Glen's Fails, Fort Edward, and Fort Ann cir- cuit. It is believed that these meetings extended back as far as 1820. Among the early preachers who officiated at these meetings were Revs. Eli-sha Andrews, Joseph Ayers, Hitchcock, and Jacob Beeraan. Tlie class, at first small, has increased from time to time, and at present numbers about fortj'-five, part of whom have services in a school-house further north. In 1833 the people, needing a more commodious house of worship, and not able to build alone, united with the Baptist, Presbyterian, and Universalist societies in erecting a union house. In the fall of that year a committee, con- sisting of Messrs. Benjamin Copeland, Franklin Haskins, Periam Thompson, JMoses Taylor, and Elisha M. Forbes, was appointed to select a site and report an estimate of the size and cost. In the following May the church was begun ; finished and dedicated in the fall. Its total cost was about one thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars. The build- ing is tiiirty by sixty feet, with a vestibule and galleries, surmounted by a square bell-tower. The money was raised by subscription, and each subscriber was entitled to place as much, or the whole, of his subscription to the credit of whichever denomination he chose, and the fifty-two Sab- baths of each year were then distributed pro-rata among the four denominations. The first of these distributions occurred in 1835, and gave to the Universalists twenty-two Sabbaths, to the Methodists eighteen, to the Baptists ten, and to the Presbyterians two. In 1837 a second distribu- tion occurred, and the Methodi-sts received the use of the church for twenty-two Sabbaths, the Universalists for nine- teen, the Baptists for six, and the Presbyterians for five. The last time a distribution was made was in 18-13, since which time the Methodists have had almost the sole use of the church. The other denominations became merged in neighboring churches or dissolved. The Methodist society was incorporated in 1S70, under the title of the " Evangelical Union Ciiurch of West Fort Ann." During the years from 183-1 to 1858 the pulpit was supplied by the minister of Fort Ann, but since that time it has been under the charge of the minister at Sand- ford's Ridge, in Kingsbury. The names of the pastors, as near as can be ascertained, in the order of their time of service, are: Revs. Elisha Andrews, Jacob Beeman, Joseph Ayers, J. B. Houghtaling, James Covell, Abiathar 0.sborne, Charles P. Clark, E. B. Hubbard, Seymour Coleman, C. D. De Vol, Coles R. Wil- kins, Christopher Morris, Hiram Meeker, R. \Vescott, G. H. Townsend, D. C. Hall. The present officers of the church are as fillows, viz. : Xrustees, Horace Campbell, Jerome ]>ighthall, George Bailey ; Cla.ss-leaders, Horace Campbell, Darius Grout ; Stewards, Nathan Spicer, Sidney DjCjolia; Clerk, Rodney Van Wormer. The estimated value of tiie church property is two thou.sand four hundred dollars, one-half of which is owned Isy the Slethodists, the rest being held by outsiders (ir members of other denominations. At an early day in the history of the church a Sabbath-school was organized by the Methodists. The Universalists also organized one, but in a short time they were both merged into a union school, and as such continued almost uninterruptedly to the present time. Sidney De Golia is now and has been for many years the superintendent of the .scliool, and has kept it in a prosperous condition. At present the average at- tendance is from forty to fifty, and the school lias a library of about one hundred and twenty-five volumes. The Universalists had pretty regular services for a few years after 1834, but not since. Among their ministers were Revs. Mr. HoUister and Mr. Aspinwall. PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH OF WEST FORT ANN. During the times when anti-Masoniy was at its height, a diSerence of opinion arose in the Methodist church, and, partially, at least, out of this grew a society of Protestant Methodists, who organized a church, and built a house of worship a little southwest of the present residence of Ben- jamin Brown. It was a plain wooden structure, thirty by fifty feet, and cost from eight hundred to nine hundred dollars. Meetings were held quite regularly till about 1858, when they ceased. In 1872 the building was torn down. Among those who ministered to this church we find tlie names of Revs. German, Isman, Munger, George Smith, Levi Smith, and Peleg Weaver. rRESliVTEltl.VN CHURCH OF FORT .VNN. This society was organized about 1823, and erected a house of worship. The society, always weak, at last became extinct, and tha house was taken down and removed to Kingsbury. MILITARY. Among the soldiers of the War of 1812-15 who went from this town we are able to name the following, viz. : In Captain Duty Shumway's company: Calvin Mason, Jo.seph Farn.sworth, Chester Dewey, Levi Jenkins, Bernice Bab- cock, Supply Kingsley, Solomon Northern, Samuel Jenkins, Alexander Hopkins, Ebenezer Farnsworth, Jr., James Riley, John Aldrich, Zephaniah Baker, John Griswold, Jr., Darius Martin, Robert Riley, Preserved Mason, Garret Wray, Oliver Plumb. In Captain Fi-anklin Haskins' company: Stephen Grout, William Chase, Ellison Chase, Levi Osgood, Joel Harvey, Joseph Burgess, William Harvey, Nalhau Curtis, Leonard Wine^ar, Chester Winegar, John Haskins, Caleb Thomp- son, Lieutenant Periam Thompson, James Farr, Caleb Vaughan, William De Golia, Adjutant John De Golia, Luther Spalding, Uriah Sheldon, Nathan Brown, Brown, Joel Holmes, lOnsign Holmes, Orderly David Haskins, John Congdon, Sylvester Griswold, Justin Keats. In other companies: Lieutenant Benjamin Eastman, Captain Brewster Coleman, Colonel Benjamin Copeland, John Palmer, Rufus Perry, Henry Bacon, John Hacon, Lawson Fenton. In 1840 the following pensioners were living in the town : Moses Harvey, seventy-five ; Sally Root, seventy-eight ; David Butler, fifty ; George Clark, eighty-one ; Lucinda Weller, seventy-eight; Israel Lamb, seventy-eight; John Parish, eighty-nine; Samuel Fenton, eighty-three; Ben- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 311 jamin Cutter, scventy-eiglit; John Granger, sovcnty-iiine ; Jenkins White, seventy-nine; Michael IMason, eighty; Jonatlian Kingsley, eighty ; John Simmons, seventy-nine ; Dorcas Goss, eighty-seven ; William Pattison, eighty ; Amos Allen, eighty-eight; John Baker, eighty-four. The following is the list of men who serveil in the war of 1801-05, as far as they can be obtained from the records of the town-clerk, and tlii^ printed muster-in rolls of the State : .F;. Cliarles BlnncliiU-d, cul. July 30, ISGi, 12:id l{ogt., Co. D; discll. June, 18(15. Edward Blancliard. eiil. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; diHoli. J\iiie, 180.'). Orson Briuor, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Bcgt., O). D; wounded at Dallas, Ga.; disch. June, 1805. Grin Belden, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 121d Ri-gt., Co. D; disch. June, 1805. Orestes G. Batchelder, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Uegt.,Co. D; defciilcd as hospital steward ; discll. June, 8, 1805. Julius B. Brown, enl. Dec. 20, 1803, ICth Art., Co. I ; disch. Ang. I80.'>, Kdward Bell, eol. Dec. 10, 180!, 10th Art., Co. I; discli. Aug. 1805. Joseph Barher, enl. Dec. 20, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. Charles Baitell, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 77th Regt., Co. G. Saniuol 0. Benton, sergt.; enl. AUi'. 23, 1802, lO'Jth llogt., Co. Y; die.l from wounds, March, 1803. Alexander P. Blowers, enl. Ang. 30, 1SC2, IGOth Uogt, Co. F; lulled at Fort Fishor, 1805. John W. Burg.s3, enl. Aug. 27, 1S62, lOOtli Regt., Co. F ; disch. June, ISO.-.. Juhli Baron, capt. ; enl. Aug. 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D ; dismissed for absence with- out leave, Feb. 22, 1803. Norman Baile.v, enl. 1802; disch. for disabilit.v. AiuoB Bliinchiird, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; discll. Nov. 1805. Newell Blanch ird, cul. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; disch. Nov. 1805. Fayelte Bush, enl. Dec. U, ISOI.Uld Regt. ; re-enl. 1863, same reg ment; discll. at close of war. Duane Baker, enl. 2d N. Y. Cav.; disch. for disability; 1st lieut. Co. E, 21st Cav. ; 1804, court-nnrtialed. Kiigene M. Baker, gmluated from West Point, enl. 2d Regt. Cav.; pro. to maj. and brevet lieut.-col. ; served through the war, and is still in service. Henry Brown, enl. 1804, 131-1 Regt. ; disch. willi regiment, 1805. 0. O. Bailey, 2d sergt. ; enl. Sept. 1802, lOUtli Regt., Co. F ; wounded in battle of Cold Harbor ; disch. 1SC5. Orville G. Brougliton,enl. 1802, lOUth Regt.; died in hospital, Djc. 1802. Leroy L. Barnaid, enl. Dec. 14, 1801, 9id Begl., Co. 1; Iraris. to Signal Coips in 1803 ; disch. Dec. 14, 1804. James Cunningham, enl. Aug. !,, 1802, 123d IVgt., Co. D ; disch. June 8, ISOo. Marion Chach. June 8, 1805. Beiiben W. Martin, enl. Anp. 21, 1862, 122d Regt., Co. D; died of disease, 1SC2. Walter F. Mai tin, enl. Ang. 2, 1S02, 123d Regt., Co. D; pio. to Bergt.-miiJ.; to lieiit.; detailed lor staff duly; taken piisoner at Gulp's Farm, UM; discll. June 8, 1865. Win. Mansfield, enl. Aug. 11, 180:), 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E; disch. 180.5. James D. Maransvilli', Corp.; cul. Aug. 22, 1862, ICOlh Regl., Co. F; detailed for hospilal duly ; disch. Aug. 1, 1805. John B. Malli.-on, enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 169lh Regt., Co. F; diseli. Aug. 1, 1865. Charles Mix, oOlh Engineer^; dis. h. 1864. Horace Mix, Olltli Eiigineel-s; dolailud as liospital-sleward ; diseh. 1864. James A. Mix, 2d Vet. Cav.; tak.-n prisoner; held until .b.s.. ..f the w.ir at Alideisonvillc. Bobert McViear, 2d N. Y. Cav. John McVicar, 2d N. Y. Cav. Barney McGiiire, 109th Begt. ; pro. to 2il lieut. ; discll. Aug. 1, 1805. George McWhorter, enl. July 12, 1862, liUtli Regl., Co. B; di.ch. 1804; re-enl. 21st N. Y. Cav., Co. B; disch. July, 1800; tttUen p.isoner lit Antielain, liall's Bluff, and second Bull Run. Albert Nicholson, eoip.; eul. Ang. 11, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D; wounded at Chancellorevillc, May 3, 1863; taken prisoner in Georgia, and remained a p.isoner till alter the close of the war. Charh-s Nicholson, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Ibgt., Co. D; dis, li. for di-abilily, 1863. Marcus Nelson ; w.mnded at Cdd Harbor. Peter V. Orcutt, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 109th Begl., Co. F; discll. lor di. ability. 312 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Ci-.irgo P;ilti3on, Corp.; eiil. Aug. 5, 1802, ]i:id Regt., Co. D; discli. June 8, 1806. Allen Plue, e[il. Aug. 14, 1862, 123J Regt., Co. D; trans, for one year to Buttery F, 4tli Art. ; disch. June 8, 18G5. James L. Perry, cnl. Sept. 24, 18(i3, 2(1. Vet. Cav., Co. L ; died in hospital, March, 1861. Horace Plue, cnl. Pec. 26, 1863, ICth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. Lrander Pasco, enl. Dec. HI, 186:!, lOlli Art., Co. I; disch. Aug. 1865. Isaac Plue, 22d Kcgt. ; killed at second Bull Run. Robert Porlci-, 2d N. Y. Cav. ; wounded in cavalry charge ; disch. 1865. Addison Palraer, cnl. Sept. 24, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; disch. Nov. 1865. Lorenzo Palmer, enl. Sept. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. K ; wounded on Red River expedition ; died in transportation. Edward P. Qninn, 2d lieut.; enl. Aug. 1862, liSd Regt., Co. D; wounded at Culp's Farm, June 22, 18G3; disch. June, 18G5. R. P. Ricli, Corp., enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 1863. Edward Rice, enl. Atig. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Alex- andria, Dec, 1862. Page Rowell, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123il Regt., Co, D ; disch. for disability, 1SG3. Kallianiel S. Rowell, enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 12:!il Regt., Co. D; pro. to Corp.; served one year iis scout ; disch. June 8, l»'6o. Scynn.ur D. Rich, enl. Aug. 2, 18C2, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. Elijali Ralhbun, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Begt., Co. F ; disch. for disablility, 1864. James Ramsey, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, IGtIi Kegt., Co. I ; disch. Ang., 1S65. Edward Rinmo, enl. April, 1804, 12;!d Regt., Co. D; trans, at close of war to COlh N. Y, and discli. ; re-enl. In U. S. Regt.; wounded at New Orleans; pro. to com. scrgt.; died in Uartl'ord, Jan. 1875. George Rice, 5tli Cav. Willis Swilt, Jr., Old. scrgt., enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 12:ld Kegt., Co. D ; pro. 2d lieut. Fel'. 22, 1863; detailed to coniiuand of pioneer and ambulance corps; disch. June 8, 1805. Henry Sartwell, sergt., enl. July 2B, 1802, 123d Regt. Co. D ; wounded at Chan- cillorsville, May 3, 1803, and about June 25, 1803, at Gulp's Farm, Ga. ; disch. June 8, 1865. Julius Swift, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; detailed to ambuhmoe corps; disch. June 8, 1805. Barney Shnndley, enl. July 30, 1862, 12';d R.-gt., Co. D ; wounded at Peach Tree creek. July 20, 1863; died of wounds soon alter. George Sheldou, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1805. Phinciis M. Spencci, cnl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 1863. Oliver 11. Smith, cnl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; taken prisoner at Cnlp's Farui.Ga.; disch. June 8, 1865. L.-nt Siiiilli, enl. Nov. -ZT, 1863, 2d Vet. (;av., Co. L ; died in hospital at New Or- leans. John II. Suiilh, enl. Nov. 17, 1803, 2il Vet. Cav., Co. L; d:ed iii hospiliil at New Orlc.ms. Robert F. Sutlierland, enl. Dec. 22. ISO.i, lOtli Art., Co. 1 ; discli. Aug. 1805. George Steves, eiil. Ang, 2S, 1802, lOJlli liegt., Co. F; disch. lor disal.ilily. Gilbert Steves, enl. .\ug. 31, 1802, lOlltli Kegt., Co F; di.-^cli. Aug. 1, 1805, Smith Sieves, enl. Ang. 28, 1802, I69tli Kegt., Co. F; disch. .\ug. 1865. Jlerrill Swilt, enl. 1803, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. D ; di.ich. Willi regiment, 1865. David Swilt, enl. Feb. 1861, 5tli Kcgt. Cav., Co. G; served three years; re-eul. Maicli, ISO , 2d Vet. Cav., Co. 1); disch. 1865. Luther Swift, enl. March, 1864, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 1805. Darius Sheldon, enl. 1st Refit. Cav.; died in Washington in hospital. Steplien M. Sutherland, enl. 1861, 2id Regt , Co. II ; disch. 1803. Jas. 1!. Smilh, enl. Dec. 1S04, lOtli Art., Co. I ; disch. 1805. llyi-oii Trowbridge, enl. Ang, 9, 1802, 121d Kegt,, Co. D. Will. Thompson, 2d lieut., enl. 1803, 2d Mich. Cav. Gamaliel Tliompsun, quartennaster's department, enl. 1803. James Tliom|.soli, lieut., cnl. Aug., 1802, 109lh Ke^t.; pro. to capt.; di-cli. 1!-01: courtmaitial. Jaiue.s Taylor, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; wounded in battle. Job Vaughan, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Kegt,, Co. D; i>ro. to sergt. ; iletaileil lo color guard ; disih. June 8, 1865. Frank Van W.u-lner, drummer, eul. Aug. II, IS02, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 8, 1865. Arlhnr Vaughan, enl. .Tan. 4, 1861, loth Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug.lS05. A>hel S. Vaughan, enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, lOtli Art., Co. I ; diseh. Ang. 186.5. Fayette Vaughan, cnl. 1804, lOlh Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1865. Albert Woodrulf, ciup., enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123.1 Regt., Co. D ; woumleil at Cass- v. lie, Ga., about May 18,1863; disch. June 8, 1805. ('harles Welch, cnl. Ang. 22,1802, 123d R.),,t., Co. D; detailed to ambulance corps; diseh. June 8, 1>05. Daniel Wagner, enl, Ang, 0, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co. D ; diseh. June 8, 18li5. Jas. F. Wallace, enl. July 20, 1802, 12 id Regt., Co. D ; diseh. June 8, 1805. Theodore- Williams, enl. Ang. 4, 1.802, 123d Regt., Co. D; d sell. June 8, 1805. Philip M.-Whorter, enl. Ang. f, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disability, 1863. Lewis Walker, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. D ; di.sch. f..r disability, 186.1. Elihu Wilson, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, lOtli Art., Co I; was ftret in 31th Inf. Am.w Wheeler, enl. Oct. l(i, 1801, 77lh Kejit., Co. K. Weston F. Warner, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, IG'.ltli Kegt , c,,, V- pro. lo old. sergt.; diseh. Ang. I, 1805. Elijah Webster, enl. Aug. 20, 18G2, IGOlh Regt., Co. F; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. James Wliitlie, enl. Dee. 29, 1863, 16th Regt., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 1866. Rollln Wymali, 22d Regt., C.i. II ; killed at second Bull Run. Will. Waltei-s, cnl. 1862, 31st U. S. Coloretl Regt., Co. E ; disch. Oct. 1866. Low Washburn, enl. Dec. 180.!, IGlh .\rt,; pro, lieut. of Co. I. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOHN HALL. Jolin Iliill and Ectliiali, liis wife, came fiom near London, England, in the early settlement of this country. They settled in (and were among the founders of the chureh in) Charlestown, which afterwards became the first church in Boston, Mass. They left Benjamin, he Capt. Wm. Hall, who died in Mansfield, Conn., in 1727. His son, Theophilus, married, in 1717, Ruth, daughter of James and Mary Sear- gent, and left Nathaniel, who married, in 1745, Martiia Storrs, daughter of Captain S;imuel Storrs, of Mansfield, Conn. They left Nathaniel, Jr., who married, in 1768, Mehctabel, daughter of Cornelius Storrs. They left Mans- field and settled in Lebanon, N. H., where Dr. Ira Hall, of Granville, Waishington Co., N. Y., was born, December 10, 1773. After graduating at Dartmouth College in 1793, he, at twenty-one years of age, left his home in Lebanon, came on horseback to Granville, N. Y. ; there taught school at ten dollars per month, studied medicine, and married, in 1795, Rebecca, daughter of Peter and P^sthcr Parker (the Parker family came from Farmington, Conn.). He died in 181 G; was buried in the cemetery given by him to the Ma.sonic fraternity from the farm then owned by him, now known as the Temple farm. Rebecca, his wife, was born in 1777; died in Granville in 1847. He left seven sons, viz. : Ira, born in 1798, died in Fort Ann, N. Y., in 1873; Silas, born in 1800, died in Granville in 1872; Edwin, born in 1802, died in Auburn, N. Y., 1877; Horace, born in 1804, died in Granville in 1825; Lyman, born in 180G, died in Granville in 1828; Sidney, born in 1812, living; Storrs, born in 1814, living. Ira removed to Fort Ann, N. Y., and married, in 1819, Rachel, daughter of Judali and Mary (Polly) Thompson. Judah was a son of Caleb Thompson, of Stamford, Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; Mary, the daughter of John Harris, of North East, Dutches Co., N. Y. Rachel was born in 1798 ; died in 1873. They had children, viz. : Edward, born in 1823, died 1848; Horace, born in 1825, died while on his way to California* in 1849; Silas, born in 1827, living; Lyman, born in 1829, living; John, born in 1833, living; Abigail, born in 1838, died in 1847. John married, in 1858, Nancy, daughter of Robert and Ann Hopkins, of Fort Ann; is now cashier of the banking- house of John Hall ct Co., Fort Ann, N. Y. Robert Hopkins, grandfather of Mrs. John Hall, was a soldier ; was taken prisoner at the surrender of the fort at Fort Ann, taken to Canada, and there held three years. After the war he came back to Fort Ann, and settled on the i'arm where he died and where Mrs. Hall was born. John Harris, before mentioned, came in an early day « At Plaltc Citv, Mo. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 313 with his fiiniily, and settled in this county near what is now Kingsbury street. Was driven off by the Indians when his daughter Mary was about throe years old, her mother taking her on horseback. The family thus escaped, going to Dutchess Co., N. Y. None returned until Mary married Judali Thompson, when, receiving from her father a deed for a part of what was known as the Harris tract, they came to Fort Ann and settled thereon, where tlieir sons, Israel and Leonard Thompson, now reside. Harris, after going to Dutchess county, manufactured what was widely known as the Harris scythe. In all the long list of this Hall family we find none ex- tremely poor, nor one not prompt in all payments or who failed to pay every debt in full. This con.servatism in financial matters has come to be a family trait of which they arc justly proud. ISRAEL THOMPSON. Caleb Thompson, grandfather of Israel, moved from Con- necticut, and settled at an early day in Dutchess Co , N. Y. His father, Judah Thompson, was born there, March 25, 17G7. At the age of twenty-one he went to Schoharie county, where he remained one or two years. Returning to Dutchess, he married Mary Harris, daughter of John Harris, of Pine Plains, Dutchess Co. After marriage he returned to Schoharie, where he remained one year. He then moved to Washington county, and settled on the farm still owned and occupied by his sons, Israel and Leonard Thompson. Their children were as follows : Ca- leb, Rachel, John H., Israel, Rhoda, Leonard, Joel, Mary Ann, and Betsey. Caleb, Rachel, Joel, and Mary Ann are decea.sed. John H. is a farmer, living in Fort Ann. Leonard is joint owner with Israel of the homestead farm in West Fort Ann. Rhoda, wife of John Hanna, lives at Ilerndon, Fairfax Co., Va. Betsey, wife of Abner Baker, also lives near Ilerndon. The father died Feb. 28, 1829 ; the mother, Blarch 23, 1850. Both are buried in the West Fort Ann burying-ground. Israel Thompson was born at the homestead. West Fort Ann, Sept. 28, 1803. Received his education in the dis- trict schools of the neighborhood, and in the Granville and Fort Ann academics. In 1830, in company with Franklin Haskins, John Spalding, and Isaac Mix, he en- gaged in the manufacture of iron into anchors at West Fort Ann. Remained in connection with the enterprise four years. Three years thereafter he traveled in the southern and western States. Returning to Fort Ann, in connection with his brother Leonard he bought out the other heirs in the home farm, which comprised three hun- dred and thirty acres, since which they have carried on the farm. Mr. Thompson married, Oct. 25, 1837, Martha Ann Baker, daughter of William and Sarah Baker, who were natives of Massachusetts, — the father of Fall River, the mother of Rehoboth. Their children were Martha Ann ; Royal W., farmer in Fort Ann ; William, deceased; Gama- liel Ingham, graduated from Union College, studied law with Daniel Law, of New York city, and, after one year of practice, died there ; Sarah, wife of Norman S. Field, dc- 40 ceased ; and Mary Eliza, second wife of Norman S. Field. Mrs. Thompson was born Jan. 30, 1815, in Fort Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's children are as follows : William B., born Aug. 27, 1838 ; superintendent of the postal service office in Cleveland, Ohio. Gamaliel Ing- ham, born April 11, 1813; banker in Hudson, Michigan. Royal Wheeler, born Oct. 8, 184-1; postal clerk on railroad from Syracuse, N. Y., to Cleveland, Ohio. Norman Field, born Nov. 10, 1847, died Dec. 7, 1848. Sarah Baker, born Jan. 20, 1850 ; living at home. George Whitfield, born April 21, 1853 ; died Aug. 23, 1855. Leonard Jud- son, born Sept. 23, 1859 ; died Nov. 13, 1862. Mr. Thompson has filled the offices of highway commis- sioner and township supervisor. In politics he was a Jack- son Democrat, but has been identified with the Republican party since its organization. He, with his brother Leon- ard, are counted among the most substantial farmers in Fort Ann township. B. J. LAWRENCE was born in Fort Ann, March 21, 1823, the second child of Hiram and Mary Lawrence. He descended from Uriah Lawrence, son of Sir John Lawrence, who married the daughter of the Earl of Effingham, and settled on Long Island. His grandfather, Jonathan Lawrence, was born March 31, 1751, and married Eunice Lawrence in 1772. They had children as follows : Uriah, born Dec. 30, 1776, a physician; Pamelia, born Dec. 21, 1779, wife of David Wood, deceased; Fanny, born Oct. 25, 1781, wife of Reuben Skinner; Hiram, born Jan. 22, 1786; Allothea, born March 2, 1788, wife of Samuel Todd; Phebe, born Nov. 25, 1790, wife of Jonathan Todd, brother of Samuel. All are decea,sed. Hiram Lawrence, father of B. J., was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he lived until eleven years of age, when his father (in 1797) moved to Fort Ann, and settled near the present residence of B. J. I/awrence. After his father's death (which occurred in 1802), at the ago of sixteen, he came into the management of the form, and so continued till his death, which occurred Jan. 23, 1854. He was twice married ; first to Unity Thomas, Jan. 22, 1817, by whom he had one child, William Thomas, born Nov. 19, 1817, died March 18, 1818. His wife died Jan. 16, 1818. He married Mary Butler Griffin for his second wife, by whom he had three children, viz., Mary B., born Oct. 21, 1820, died April 27, 1853 ; B. J., .subject of this sketch ; Pamelia Woods, born June 20, 1825, married, Jan. 7, 1847, to A. S. Turner, living in Elmira, N. Y. Mr. B. J. Lawrence inherited from his father the home- farm of five hundred acres, one of the finest in Washington county, and has followed farming all his days. He was educated at the Granville Academy, under the instruc- tions of I]li Mack, a prominent educator in that section. Upright in all his dealings, liberal towards all public and benevolent enterprises, of a genial disposition, IMr. Lawrence enjoys the esteem and good-will of all who know him. He was never married. A representation of his fine farm- house, with portraits of himself and father, appear OQ another page of this work. rORT EDWARD. The town of Fort Edward lies on the west border of Washinjiton county, south of its longitudinal centre. It is joined by Kingsbury on the north, Argyle on the east, and Greenwich on the south, while its entire western boundary, against the county of Saratoga, is formed by the Hudson river. In the east are ridgy highlands, broken with abrupt de- clivities. Passing west from these, we find less elevated lands, with undulating surface ; and on the western side of the town, along the river, is a broad extent of level land. Of .streams, the next in size to the Hudson is the Moses Kill, which enters the southeast part of the town from Ar- gyle, and, passing in an exceedingly tortuous course for a distance of about seven miles, and receiving a small tribu- tary from the northeast, flows into the great river. Fort Edward creek, a small stream which enters the river at the village, comes into this town from Kingsbury, where it is known as Moss brook. In that portion of the river which borders the town are five islands, viz., Munroe's island, containing 42 acres ; Bell's island (opposite Black House), 3 acres ; Taylor's, 70 acres ; Galusha's, 30 acres ; and Payne's, 3 acres. Tiie Champlain canal traverses the entire length of the town, running parallel to the river for the greater part of the distance, and is joined by the Glen's Falls feeder near the Kingsbury line. The route of the llensselaer and Saratoga railroad lies diagonally across the northwestern corner, and passes over the river from the vil- lage into the county of Saratoga. The locality of the present village of Fort Edward, being at the southerly terminus of the portage, between the Hudson and the waters of the lake, was universally known as " the great carrying-place," and became a most important strategic point and base of military operations from the lat- ter part of the seventeenth century until near the close of the Revolution. The first pas-sage of organized English or colonial forces through this wilderness of pine forests was that of a thousand New York and Connecticut troops, under General Fitz-John Wirithrop, who marched from Albany in the summer of 1090, with the object of in- vading Canada and capturing Jlontrcal in retaliation for the then recent destruction of the settlement of Schenec- tady. This expedition, with the minor ones of the two Schuy- lers, and those of General Nicholson in " Queen Anne's War," are fully described in the general history which begins this book. Their principal connection with Fort Edward lies in the fact that they pa.ssed through it. The troops of General Nicholson, however, built a fort there in 1811), which was called Fort Nicholson. It was desti'oyed on the retreat of the army in the autumn of that year, and does not appear to have been rebuilt during the second ex- 314 pedition of Nicholson, in 1811. The locality, however, was called Fort Nicholson for a long time afterwards.* The territory which now forms the town of Fort Edward was covered by that remarkable grant to the Ilev. God- fredius Dellius, the granting and nullification of which are also set forth at length in the general history. The "Schuyler patent," granted July IS, 1740, and the triangular patent of thirteen hundred acres, granted to Stephen Bayard, July 1, 1743, covered four-fifths of the present town, the last named extending north to about the centre of the present village, and both being laid upon the nullified Dellius patent. But in the mean time. Colonel John Henry Lydius, son of Ilev. John Lydius, to whom Mr. Dellius is supposed to have transferred his title, being in nowise inclined to yield up his claims as his father's heir, but dispo.sed rather to fortify them by the nine points of possession, entered upon the lands, built a house, and located with his family at old Fort Nicholson ; this being, so far as is positively known, the first settlement made within the limits of Washington county, and his daughter Catha- rine being the first white child born within those limits.f Colonel Lydius here opened a trade with the Indians, which it may be reasonably inferred was a profitable one. It has also been said that he engaged in lumbering, and - Forty years after the construction of this fortification, the Swedish naturalist Kaim, passing this way on a scientific tour from the lower settlements to Can.ada hy way of Lake Champlain, mailc a halt of several hours for rest at Fort Nicholson, lie also traced the old mil- itary road, though it was overgrown, and in many places nearly ob- literated. In his narrative of that journey, he pays, " Above the fall {near Fort Saratoga) the river is very deep again j the water glides along silently, and increases suddenly near the shores. After rowing several miles we passed another waterfall (at Fort Miller), which is longer and more dangerous than the preceding one. . . . We intended to have gone quite up to Fort Nicholson in the canoe, which would have betn a great convenience to us, but we found it impossible to get over this upper fall, the canoe being heavy, and scarce any water in the river, except in one place, where it flowed over the rock, ami where it was impossible to get up on account of the steepness of the fall. We were .accordingly obliged to leave our canoe here, and to carry our baggage through unfrequented woods to Fort Anne, on the river Woodereek. . . . All the land passed over this afternoon was almost level, and entirely covered with tall and thick forest, in which we continually met with trees which were fallen down, because no one made the least use of the woods. We passed the night in the midst of the forest, plagued with mosquitoes, gnats, and wood-lice, and in fear of all kinds of snakes." The level and heavily-timbered lands alluded to were those on the cast side of the river, between Fort Mil- ler and Fort Edward vill.age. t Catharine Lydius, born where Fort Edward village now is, mar- ried Henry Cuyler, of Greenbush, and became the mother of four sons and three daughters. Her two eldest sons entered the British service, one becoming a captain in the navy, and the other a colonel in (he army. The third son, an oflficer in the American service, was killed in the War of 1S12, and the youngest probably remained a private citizen. Their mother died iu Greenbush, about ISIS. IILSTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. that he built a saw-mill, with a wing-ilaiii nlIlMin^■ IVdiii the cast shore to the island ; but this is doubtless an error. If he had built a mill at all, he would not have been likely to select so ineligible a site in preference to the excellent ones which offered themselves a little farther up the river. It is probable that his lumbering operations (if any) were confined to the cutting of a few logs along the river and floating them to points below. Through this traffic, and his connection with the Dellius grant, the colonel became quite widely known, and his trading-post often received the designation of " Fort Lydius." The settlement, however, was destined to be short lived; for in November, 1745, the year succeeding the opening of the first French war, it was attacked and burned by French and Indians, under Marin, and the sou of Colonel Lydius was carried away a prisoner to Canada. From this time, for a period of ten years, the place remained uninhabited and desolate.* In the summer of 1755, the second year of what is dis- tinctively known as the " old French war," a new expedi- tion having been planned again.st Crown Point, under Gen- eral Williaiu Johnson, this locality again became the scene of martial enterprise. The expedition itself is sufficiently de!3cribed in the general history. Suffice it to say here, that in July the advance-guard, under General Phineas Lyman, erected a new fortification upon the old site of Fort Nicholson, in the northern angle formed by the river and the creek at their confluence. Its construction was of earth and timber, with ramparts twenty-two feet thick and sixteen feet high, and with a deep moat protecting the front stream to stream. Its form was quadrangular, with three bastions, the fourth angle being covered by the river. The work mounted six guns, and within its inclosure were erected barracks, hospital, storehou.se, and magazine. A postern gate at the rear angle opened on the river, and a bridge was thrown across the creek near its mouth. Bar- racks and storehouses were also erected on the island in the river opposite. The fortification was named for the general who superintended its construction. Fort Lyman, but Gen- eral Johnson, the commander of the army, afterwards re- christened it Fort Edward, in honor of Edward, Duke of York, grandson of the then reigning sovereign, and biother of George III., thus naming not only the fortress and mili- tary post, but also the future town and village. This was a more formidable defensive work than any which had previously been erected in this part of the province, and it became a point of leading importance in the military movements which crowd the annals of this section for the ensuing quarter of a century. Few traces of the old rampart and fosse can now be seen, but a vener- able cotton wood-tree still stands like an unrelieved sentinel over the place, and yearly .sheds its balsamic fleece upon the neighboring dwellings, just as of old it was scattered over Nicholson, Johnson, Putnam, and Webb, — on eagle and chicken heart alike. A substantial military road was constructed from Fort Lyman, or Edward, o the head of Lake George, and south- * One account, however, has it that Colonel Lydius returned, built a stone house on the south side of Fort BUivard creek, reopened his Indian trade, and realized great gains therefrom ; but we have re- garded this as of extremely doubtful authenticity. ward to Fort Miller and the lower posts; this latter sec- tion being on the Saratoga side of the river, and not over the route of the old road of 1709. It should also be borne in mind that the defensive work erected by Colonel Sillier, about the same time, was on the west side of the Hudson, opposite to the village, which now bears its naiue. In the general history arc also detailed at length the operations of Winslow's army in 1756, the humiliating scenes enacted at Fort Edward under the eye of the wretched Webb at the time of the capture of Fort William Henry in 1757, and the subsequent operations of Abcrcrouibie and Amheiist. We give place, however, to two minor incidents, occurring at Fort Edward, in both of which that gallant Connecticut soldier and farmer, Israel Putnaiu, was the chief actor. After the disbanding of Webb's army, in the autumn of 1757, the command of the fort was given to General Ly- man, who set about repairing and strengthening the de- fenses. In prosecuting this work, about a hundred and fifty laborers had been detailed to cut timber upon the low ground to the eastward of the fort, and a force of one hun- dred men, under Captain Little, posted as a guard to pro- tect them at their work. One morning, in August, the sentinel upon an advanced post thought he saw a number of birds sailing swiftly along near the ground and directly towards him, nor was ho undeceived until an Indian arrow struck in the trunk of a tree at his side. The truth was then apparent ! A party of savages had crept up under cover, with the intention of silently murdering the sentinel, and tlien taking the guard and the laborers by surprise. The man discharged his piece, and fell back on the main body. The laborers fled and gained the shelter of the fort ; but Captain Little and his men were not equally fortunate, as General Lyman — fearing a stratagem and an attack on foot — had closed the gates again.st them ; their situation was be- coming exceedingly critical, when Major Putnam, who had been stationed on the island, waded ashore with his men on hearing the musketry, and hurried to their assistance. As Putnam passed the fort, the general called from the par- apet, ordering him to stop ; but he remembered Webb and William Henry, and General Lyman might as well have shouted his command to the rushing waters of the Hudson. The savages recoiled and fled before the determined a.ssault of the rangers, Captain Little was extricated from his peril, and Putnam returned to the island without so much as a reprimand for his disobedience of orders. The locality of this fight was upon the low ground south and southwest of the present Milliman house. Another incident, which occurred at Fort Edward during the following winter, illustrates still more remarkably the dauntless .courage of this unassuming Connecticut major. The barracks within the fort accidentally took fire near the northeast bastion. The building was highly combustible, and its opposite end stood only twelve feet from the maga- zine, in which were stored three hundred barrels of powder. The situation was one of extreme peril, and Colonel Ilavi- land, then in command, ordered the guns of the fort to play on the barracks to demolish them and check the fire, but it was without avail. Putnam, still on the island, heard the cannouade and came to the rescue. He at once formed a 316 HISTORY OF ^YAS^INGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. bucket line to tlie river, and himself entered the infernal gap between the fire and the powder ; and there he re- mained emptying the buckets as they came to him, regard- less alike of the awful peril, the entreaties of the command- ing officer, and the overpowering heat, until, at the end of an hour and a half, the barracks were consumed so that the flames subsided and the magazine was saved ; though from the burns and injuries received in that fiery fight the liero was prostrated in the hospital for many days. It was an exploit at which we never cease to marvel, even while remembering that the actor was Israel Putnam. After the defeat of Aborcrorabie at Ticondcroga, on the 5th of July, 1758, the soldiers of his army were brought back to Fort lidward. They began to arrive about the lOth of the month, and the melancholy procession con- tinued until all who were able to bear removal from the lake were collected here, filling the hospital with ghastly, mutilated wrecks of humanity, who died by hundreds. Among the desperately wounded who were brought here from Ticouderoga was IMajor Duncan Campbell, of the Forty-second Highlanders, who languished in misery for a week until relieved by death. He was interred in the ground which afterwards became the village graveyard, and the spot was marked by a memorial stone ; but the great mass of these unfortunates were given to mother earth " unknclled, uncoffincd, and unknown." Years afterwards excavations for building and other pur- poses disclosed rows of skeletons who.se presence had been unsuspected, and there is little doubt that others remain, perhaps in the very heart of the village, whose resting- places will never be disturbed or discovered. SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. Very soon after the close of the last French war immi- grants began to arrive, and permanent settlements were made within the territory which is now the town of Fort Edward. Nathaniel Gage was, perhaps, the earliest of these, he having settled on the site of the village of Fort Miller about 1762. Patrick Smyth and James Smyth were also among the earliest comers, and settled in 17G4 at Fort Edward, where, in 17G5, Patrick erected a dwell- ing of great solidity and of large size for that period. At the raising of the frame it became necessary to send even as far as Salem to procure sufficient help to perform the ■work. This house, which became successively the head- quarters of Schuyler and of Burgoyne, having been since remodeled, is still standing in Port Edward village, and is the oldest building in \Vashington county. The Argyle patent was granted May 2\, 17G4, and of this grant ten lots laid in present Fort Edward. The num- ber of these lots and the persons to whom set off were as fol- lows: No. 128, Duncan Shaw ; 129, Alex. McDougall ; 134, John McArthur; 135, John Mclntyre; 136, Catharine Mcllfender; 137, Mary Hamniel; 138, Duncan Gilchrist ; 139, John Mclntyre; 140, Mary McLeod ; 141, David Torrey. These tracts varied in area from two hundred and fifty to five hundred acres ; the only one of the largest size being that of Duncan Gilchrist. Most of these people occupied their lands immediately. Noah Payne, afterwards a well-known citizen of Fort Edward, came from Warren, Conn., and settled at Fort Miller in the spring of 1706, and Levi Crocker and Timothy Ruel, also from Connecticut, settled in the same locality. Several of the settlers at Fort Miller atid its vicinity came hither through the influence and under the patronage of Colonel Wm. Duer, son-in-law of Lord Sterl- ing, and first judge of the county of Charlotte. It is said that he was the first to build saw- and grist-mills at Fort Miller, and that he afterwards built a snufi-mill and a powder-mill. (^Kiiickerbockcy M^'^^ ./^^ ^/^.^^r<^ J/a ^y^. The subject of this sketch \v;is born in the year 1796, in the town of Fort Edward. His father, Duncan Mclntyre, was a teamster in the Revolutionary war, settled in Wash- ington county about the time of its close, and located on six hundred acres of land, a grant from the king of England to the Mclntyre family, near the village of Fort Edward. Tills land was occupied in common with his brother. Murphy Mclntyre. His grandflither was an emigrant from Scotland, and came to this country prior to the war for independence, and is supposed to have settled in Columbia Co., N. Y. Of Duncan Mclntyre's family there were seven sons and one daughter, of whom John was the second sou, and spent his minority at work on the farm at home, receiving an ordinary common- school education. Upon coming of age he became a sub- contractor for building the Lake Champlain Canal, then in process of construction, and afterwards a contractor. In these operations he became very successful. The canal completed, he went to New York, where he engaged exten- sively in dock building and building breakwaters, which business he continued for some thirty years with varying success. During these years he invested quite largely in real estate at home, and at one time owned some fine farms. He was an active business man, self-reliant, a man of strict integrity of purpose. In the year 1817 he married Bliss Lucy Maria, daughter of Daniel Eaton and Nancy Charter. The former was a native of Connecticut, but moved to Vermont, where he was married, and became a farmer. He raised a flimily of ten children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom Mrs. Mclntyre was the fourth. Her father died in Vermont, at the age of about eighty-five years. Her paternal grand- father w;is in the American-Pranco-English war, and assisted in building the fort at Fort Edward. The latter was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America with her father and mother and two brothers, James and Alex- ander, in the year 1776. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine, and died at Castleton, Vermont, in November, 1857. To Mr. and Mrs. Mclntyre have been born five children, — - Adelia Olivia, wife of the late Edwin Smith, of New York city ; James Stewart, who married Miss Margaret Williams, of Stillwater, N. Y. ; John Edwin (deceased) ; Elizabeth Isabella (deceased) ; and Lucy Maria (deceased). Mrs. Mclntyre is, at the time of the writing of this sketch, in her eighty-first year, having been born Sept. 29, 1797. Soon after her marriage she became a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church at Fort Edward, and remained a devoted Christian and member of that church until about the year 1852, when she united with the Episcopal church, of which .she is still a member, in 1878. Mrs. Mclntyre remembers Fort Edward without any churches, and limited opportunities for obtaining any edu- cation. She has seen and passed through the various changes of upwards of threescore years as a resident of the place, and seen the rude log cabin supplanted by elegant residences, school and church edifices established, and now remains as one of the pioneer women of the early days in Washington county. She retains, to a very remarkable degree, strength of body and a clear mind, and is able to give readily many of the facts for this sketch. John Mclntyre was first connected with the old Federalist party, afterwards with the Democratic party, and during the latter years of his life was a Republican. He was the Dem- ocratic nominee for Congre-ss in Washington county in 1834, but the large Republican majority prevented his election. Mr. Mclntyre was not a professional politician in any sense of the term, but principally devoted his life to active business. He was always very much interested in the establishment of good society, and made liberal contributions for the support of both church and school. He died in the year 18G2. Photos, by Wui. Nims, Fort Eilward, N. Y. ^Jrrt. Jio,,J^.y^ ^i^J^-i ..*ry*--/A JOHN MAC GREGOR. The family from wliich the subject of this sketcli traces its descent is traced to Griogar, third son of Alpin MacAeliai, king of Scotland, who commenced his reign in 787. Donng- heal, the elder son, gave the patronymic MacGregor to his ])Osterity, and his brother Guarai was founder of the clan since distinguished as MacQuarrie. The family has had rep- resentatives in the battle of Bannockburn, in the invasion of Ireland, and many of the important changes in Scottish history. The military power of the MacGregors in 1645 was one thou- sand, when they were persecuted by some of the most powerful clans of Scotland, notwithstanding which, there was a feeling of respect and sympathy for them throughout the Highlands, and to this day " Clann-na-Griogar" is frequently given as a spontaneous and cordially received toast. The homestead of the family in Scotland was Thorn Hill, in Perthshire. William MacGregor emigrated to America in the year 1785, in company with his two brothers, James and John. The three brothers all had trades. William and James were tanners, curriers, and shoemakers. John became a very prominent merchant in New York city, in partnership with his brother Alexander, who subsequently came to this country. All these four young men had to commence with in a strange land was their hands, and hearts willing to do. William worked at the shoe trade for a few years in New York, and came to Saratoga, where his main business was I'arming. After coming to Saratoga county he married Miss Charlotte Cameron, in the year 1793, who had come over the water on the same ship with himself, and was descended from one of the most influential and prominent Scottish families. He settled in the town of Northumberland, and hence became one of the early pioneers of that part of Saratoga county. He lived to be seventy-four years of age, and died in the year 18.34. His wife died June 22, 1830, aged sixty-six years. From this union were born eleven children, of which the subject of this memoir was eldest son, being born May 8, 1797, and is, at the time of the writing of this sketch, nearly eighty- one years of age, and able to give the facts for this biography. He received while young the careful training of a very intelli- gent and cultured mother, and a judicious and careful father ; but, aside from that, received little education from school. Mr. MacGregor remained at home until he was over thirty years of age, engaged in farming and rafting lumber down the Hudson, finding a market in Albany and New York. In the year 1827 he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of John Beakraan and Catharine Ten Eyck ; the former a native of Rensselaer Co., N.Y., thelatter a native of Albany Co., N.Y. Mrs. MacGregor was born in 1798, March 8; was a woman of great decision of character, of correct moral habits, and is said never in a single instance to have prevaricated, but re- mained as she had been taught in her youth, faithful to all the principles of true womanhood. She died Nov. 5, 1874. Mr. MacGregor received little assistance from his father, pecuniarily, at the time of his marriage, and after farming for nine years went to Clinton county and engaged in lumbering, buying a large tract of pine timber land. Here he remained for twenty years, and in 1853 went to Saratoga, thence to Connecticut, and bought a place at Saybrook, where he lived for seven years, and in 1863 came to Fort Edward, where he has since lived. In his business operations he was successful, and has spent a life of constant activity. Characteristic of Mr. MacGregor is his integrity of purpose, his unassuming and plain way. What he lacked in early education has been largely made up by extensive reading. In politics he was originally a Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican party became an ardent supporter of that party. His firmness and resolutirotection of the brother and uncle, Thomas. "The Rev. Thomas Clark was a native of Scotland, and had grad- uated in the University of Glasgow, where he took the degree of doctor of medicine. From this he obtained the title of doctor. He studied divinity under Rev. Ebenezcr Erskine. During the Civil "War of 1745 and 1746 he served in the army against the * Pretender.' At the close of that war he resumed his theological studies, and in April, 174S, was licensed to preach by the Associate Burger Presbytery of Glasgow. On the 23d of April, 1751, he was installed by a committee of that presbytery over the congregation of Ballibay, Ireland. Here he labored thirteen years, suffering persecution and imprisonment for conscience' sake. He refused to take the oath of abjuration, ac- knowledging the king as the head of the church, and engaging to assist in dethroning him if he should become a Presbyterian. He also refused to swear by kissing the book, which he considered a popish superstition, and hence left Ireland, and landed in New York, July 28, 17G4, accompanied by about three hundred of his people. Part of them separated and went to South Carolina, but the main body came with him up the Hudson and halted at Stillwater. In the spring of 1765, in search of a place of settlement, he visited the town of Salem, then a wilderness, and in the cabin of James Turner preached the first sermon ever delivered in those parts." The father of the subject of this memoir was only four years of age when he reached his home in the wilderness. His mother married again, and he spent his minority at home on the farm. Was a volun- teer in the American army, and was in the battle of Saratoga at the time of Burgoyne's surrender. Was married first to a Miss Hamilton, of Scotch descent, by whom he had two children,— the eldest, a son, drowned while young; the second, a daughter, grew up to woman- hood and was married, now deceased. Married for his second wife, after the decease of his first. Miss Sarah Qua, of Hebron, but a native of Ireland, emigrating with her parents in 1790. From this second union there were born seven children, — Phebe, Jane, Margaret, John (died in infancy), John, James, and Agnes, of whom only the eldest daughter, Phebe, and John, the subject of this sketch, survive. The father of these children was a farmer hy occupation and in limited circumstances, and gave his children only such opportunities for an education as the district schools of that day afforded and hia means would support; and as parents were necessitated in those days to place a pecuniary value upon the time of their children after the^' were able to earn their own living, it was no exception in the case of these children, and hence John, with the rest, became early in life inured to the hardships common to the pioneer days of the county, but gained thereby habits of economy, self-reliance, and resolution to do. He received that parental training that gives character to manhood, fixes honesty for life, and gains the respect of the cultured and learned. Mr. Clark had so improved his meagre opportunities by self-denial and study as to be able to teach school winters after he became of the proper age, working on the farm summers. In this way he continued until he was twen'y-five years of age, when, in the year 1828, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Nelson and Esther Belch. The former was a native of Ireland, and died when Mrs. Clark was only ten years of age, and about the year 1816. The latter was of Scotch descent, and died January, 1810. Mrs. Clark was born May 19, 1800, in the town of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. While Mr. and Mrs. Clark have no children of their own, they have remembered others needing their assistance, and have con- tributed to give to others the advantages of education, which they in youth were denied. Mrs. Clark has, since she was nineteen years of age, been con- nected with the United Presbyterian church (now called) : is a lady of modest, unassuming ways, hospitable, with ready cheer, and is a friend to those in need. Mr. Clark received very little pecuniary assistance from his father, but what was of far greater importance, disciplined and correct moral habits, and a will to do whatever he conceived to be right. His life since his marriage has been spent largely as a merchant in the town of Argyle for some thirty-four years, and for some time as a farmer. In the year 1SG7 he removed to the village of Fort Ed- ward, where he has remained, partially resting from his usual active life. Mr. Clark's life has been one of self-reliance, economy, and industry, and, while he has been blessed with a fair competence, he has remembered the Giver, and liberally contributed to all enterprises tending to elevate and educate the rising generation. Since a boy he has been a member of the Presbyterian church, formerly the Associated Reformed Presbyterian church. He was first a member of the old Whig party, and upon the formation of the Republican party became an ardent supporter of its principles. He has been connected with the offices of trust and responsibility in the town of Argyle as justice of the peace for some nine years, and since his residence in Fort Edward has served as a justice of the peace for one term. Mr. Clark is the only living representative of the name descended from the emigrants of the last century. A man of good influence among his fellow-citizens, of strict integrity of purpose, and respected by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Fort Edward, Feb. 18, 1801. He was the youngest child in a family of eight children of Solomon Durkee and Christiana Sanders. The former was a native of Connecticut, and came to what is now Durkeetown, in the town of Fort Ed- wai'd, Washington Co., N. Y., when only fifteen years of age. Solomon was the eldest of five sons and two daughters, and emigrated to that place from Connecticut with his parents, Thomas Durkee and Lydia Pitcher, in 1762. This family came into the then wilderness of Argyle among the earliest pioneer families, and the same land settled upon by the pioneer, Thomas Durkee, is at the time of writing this sketch owned by a great-grandson by the name of George H. Taylor. The grandfather and grandmother passed away about the close of the last or the beginning of the present century, at very advanced ages. Solomon Durkee, father of the subject of this memoir, was a farmer by occupation, and owned the old homestead during his day. He lived to the age of eighty-four years, and died in the year 1831. His wife died in the eighty- first year of her age, the 19th of February, 1838. The names of the children were Solomon, Reuben, Samuel, John S., Elizabeth, Mehetabel, Clarissa, and Lovisa. John S. Durkee, the youngest of these children, is the only one left to give the facts for this sketch, and is now in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He received limited opportunities for book education, but learned while young the importance of industry, temperance, and economy, and the value of honesty in all pursuits in life. During his minority he became inured to agricultural pursuits at home. After he became of age he engaged in lumbering during the winter on the Luzerne mountains, and at farming during the summer. At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Mary, daughter of John Ellis and Mary Robinson, — the former a native of Montreal, the latter a native of Albany, but at the time of her man-iage a resident of the town of Fort Edward. She was next youngest of the family of nine children, three of whom were girls and six boys. Mrs. Mary Durkee was born Jan. 8, 1798, in the town of Moreau, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Her father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and settled in that town during the last part of the last century. To Mr. and Mrs. Durkee have been born five children, — Lorenzo, John V. R., William E., Elmira, and Ann Eliza. Soon after their marriage, and in the year 1828, Mr. Durkee removed to the farm where he now resides, which contains one hundred and twenty acres of land, a large part of which he has cleared, a part of it being original forest. He and his wife have lived on this farm over half a century. The result of his labor may be seen in fruit- growing trees of fifty years' growth, together with the agri- cultural improvements of the day. The house he now lives in he built when he first moved on to the place, and it ranks well with the farm-houses of more modern erection. Mr. Durkee has spent an active, industrious life, and his characteristic integrity and self-reliance have gained for him the esteem of his fellow-men. He has stood as one of the standard-bearers of the Democratic party, and although not an active politician, has been elected to important offices in his town ; was assessor for some six years. Mr. Durkee has done well his part in building up the schools and churches of his vicinity, and stands favorably identified with the best interests of society. He has lived to see the various changes and improvements that have taken place during the past half-century, and the growth and prosperity of a rapidly developing nation. In his father's day the Indians roamed over the hills and through the valleys where now civilization is everywhere found. The sound of martial music and din of battle often broke the monotony of the rural scene in the days of Burgoyne's march through this valley and the War of 1812. The Durkee fiimily is one of the oldest families of this county, and the subject of this sketch the oldest representative of the family save one — Nancy Phillips. IILSTOIIY OF WASIILNGTOX COUNTV, NEW YORK. 323 followed by Br. John Bostwick. Their successors to the present time have been Drs. B. F. Cornell, Asu Fitch, J. D. Stewart, 11. Blois, Walter Mott, Peter Blois, Boss Wilson, and C. W. Keefer. The Fort Miller post-oiEee was established about 1S15, with Seneca G. Bragg postmaster. The list ol' his succes- sors in the office is as follows: L. S. Viele, Johu C. Viele, L. S. Viele (second term), Leonard Vanderwerker, Isaac M. Guy, Samuel Pike, Joseph Fenton, Alfred F. Nichols, pres- ent incumbent. The mails run daily between this place and Fort Edward and Sehuylerville. A post-office was established many years ago at Moses Kill; was afterwards discontinued for a term ; then re-estab- lished, with James D. Mott as postmaster, who, having re- signed the office, was succeeded by James D. Mott, the present postmaster. It is probable that the first iniprovcmont of water-power at Fort Miller, looking to the establishment of mills and manufacturing industry, was made at the lower falls by Judge Duer. Daniel Viele recollects a grist-mill on the Saratoga side, operated by Burt Brothers and Harris, and a saw-mill in the middle of the stream, by Joel Gleason. On the Washington county side were saw-, grist-, and card- ing-niills, at the point of rocks below the stock-yard of the paper-mill company. These were owned by Ashbel Moacham. The power was ruined by the Saratoga dam, and the owner was indemnified and the mills removed. The improvement of the upper falls began about 1822. Upou the present site of the grist-mill a gang saw-mill was erected, and another lumber-mill farther up the stream. The present grist-mill was built about 1825, by Stephen Viele, for B. and J. R. Bleecker. It has been repaired, and is now equipped with four run of stones. In 1855 it be- came the property of Hosea Nichols, who also owns the adjacent saw-mill. The mills (saw and grist) on the opposite side of the river are owned by the Harris estate. The paper-manufactory of Wagman, Thorpe & Co. occu- pies a building forty by one hundred and twenty-five feet in size, two and a half stories high, which was erected in 18-18-49, by L. S. Viele, for the Bleeckcrs, as a woolen- factory ; for which purpose, however, it was never used, but remained idle until 18()5, when it was purchased by H. G. Craig & Co., who adapted it as a paper-mill and ran it as such until 1873, when it passed to the present owners. They employ eighteen hands in the manufacture of hang- ing-paper, of which their yearly product is about six liun- dred tons, consuming about four hundred tons of straw and five hundred tons of other stock. The establishment has four engines, one being a forty-eight-inch cylinder. Boat-building, employing a few hands, has been carried on to a limited extent at Fort Miller in the past ten years. The business is at present carried on by Geor'j;e' W. Kings- ley. CEMETEUIE8. The mo.st ancient place of interment in the town is the old graveyard in Fort Edward village, located on the east side of Old Canal street, below Notre Dame, a burial, and perhaps the first one within it (^that of Major Duncan Campbell), having been made in July, 1758. The ground was donated as a burial-jilace by Henry Ciiylcr, but was not fenced until 180!), when it was done by subscription. It was the only burial-place used by the iidiabitants of the village until the establishment of the Union cemetery, in 1847, to which afterwards very many of the remains from this ground were transferred. It is now no longer used as a place of sepulture. The Sandy Hill and Fort Edward Union Cemetery As- sociation was organized July 31, 1847, with the following officers, viz. : executive committee, 0. Clark, B. F. Hoag, Wm. S. Norton, D. W. Wing, G. Harvey, II. B. Northup, John Mclntyre ; president, O. Clark ; vice-president, J. Parry; treasurer, Wm. Coleman; secretary, H. B. Northup. Their first ground was a lot of fifteen acres lying on the east side of the main road, about midway between the vil- lages of Sandy Hill and Fort Edward, purchased of Joseph Parry for eight hundred and twcnt}' dollars, and laid out by H. B. Northup, William Coleman, and William S. Norton, they being a committee appointed for the purpose. Four subsequent purchases of land adjoining have been made, bringing the entire area of the present cemetery up to about forty acres ; of which about twenty-two acres have been laid out into eight hundred and thirty lots, and five hun- dred and eighty of these have been sold. The entire cost of the land has been about four thousand dollars, and a further expense of four thou.sand five hundred dollars was incurred by the erection of a substantial and ormxmental iron fence on the front line in 1875. The debt of the asso- ciation is about fifteen hundred dollars. The fir.st interment was that of Mrs. Coleman, in 1847, and the total number of interments up to the present time is about three thou- sand. The present board of trustees is composed as fol- lows : E. B. Nash, president ; A. R. Wing, H. W. Bennett, Loren Allen, U. G. Paris, William Coleman, Joseph E. King, Charles Stone, and L. W. Cronkhite. Many fine and expensive monuments have been erected in the ground. The most noticeable among the graves, on account of the historical interest connected with the deaths of their occu- pants, are those of Jane McCrea and Major Duncan Camp- bell, both of whose remains were removed hither from the old burial-grouud in Fort Edward village. Those of Major Campbell were reinterred in the Gilchrist lot, of which fam- ily he was a relative, and the brown sandstone taVjlet over his grave bears this inscription : " To the memory of Major Duncan Campbell, of the Seventy-seventh Highland Regi- ment. Born at Invershaw, Scotland, in the year 1703, and died of wounds received at the assault on Fort Ticondcroga, the 8th July, 1758, aged fifty-five years." The inscription on the head.stone of l\Iiss McCrea is as follows: "Here rest the remains of Jane McCrea, aged seventeen. Made captive and murdered by a band of Indians while on a visit to a relative in this neighborhood, A.n. 1777. To com- memorate one of the most thrilling incidents in the annals of the American Revolution, to do justice to the fame of the gallant British officer to whom she was affianced, and as a simple tribute to the memory of the departed, this stone is erected by her niece, Sarah Hannah Payn, A.D. 1852." The Riverside Cemetery Association of Fort Miller was organized June 29, 1864, with Asa C. TefFt, Daniel T. Payn, Ho.sea Nichols, Alexander Stewart, John W. Bassett, and B. Hoyt Hatch as trustees. For the present 324 IlISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. year Lyman White is president, W. R. De Garmo, secre- tary and treasurer. The cemetery grounds comprise a tract of about three acres, lying near the bank of the Hudson, a short distance above Fort Miller, on the road to Fort Edward. Thoy are finely shaded by ancient oak- trees, and include the old burial-ground of one and one- half acres donated for the purpose many years ago by Noah Payn, Esq., in which repose the ashes of many of the early settlers of the town. The first interment in the new portion of the cemetery was that of Peletiah Harris, killed by lightning. May 8, 18G0. The sexton, Mr. Daniel Viele, has held tiie office for forty-six years, and has per- formed its duties most acceptably. The number of inter- ments made by him in this ground is three hundred and ninety. There is also a public burial-ground about one mile below Fort F]dward village, between the canal and the river, and near the residence of W. A. Potter. KELIGIOUS. 'inn JtETIIODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Within a few years immediately following 1788, when Rev. Lemuel Smith was appointed to the charge of the Canibridge circuit, Methodist cla.sses were formed under the auspices of that circuit in nearly every village and neighborhood within its scope, where twelve, or ten, or even a less number of converts could be found. These were attached to tlic nearest appointment, and were visited as often as tlieir necessities required or the engagements of the preachers permitted. And Fort Edward was one of the places whore, at that early time and in that modest way, tlie seed of the church was sown. The church organization was formed in 1828, by Rev. Julius Field, preacher in charge of the societies at Sandy Hill and Glen's Falls. The number of original members was fifteen. Li the following year, under the leadership of Mr. Fields, they erected their first house of worship, a brick edifice on East street, the same now owned and occu- pied by the Catholic congiegation. In the same year (1829) this church was included in tlie Fort Ann circuit, and so continued for twenty-three years. The first appointee to Fort Edward as a distinct charge was Ilcv. John E. Bowen, who.se successors have been the Revs. Seymour Colenuin, H. W. Ransom, J. F. Yates, S. Washburn, J. J. Noc, S. R. Bailey, S. McKcan, and E. Wentworth, D.D., the present pastor. The house in which they now worship was built in 1853, under the leadership of Rev. James M. Edgcrton. It is a handsome brick edifice located at the corner of Broadway and Church street. Its valuation is twelve thousand dollars, and that of their par.sonage three thousand dollnrs. The present trustees of the society are II. W. Bennett, E. B. Nash, A. W. Carey, A. K. Ilaxstun, and J. Stevens. The church numbers two hundred members, with an additional supporting constituency of several hundreds. The Sabbath-school enrolls twenty-four teachers and one hundred and fifty scholars, under the superintendcncy of Mr. A. K. llaxstnn. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN FORT EDWARD. This church edifice is located at " Durkeetown," in the ea.st part of the town of Fort Edward, in which vicinity tliere were Baptist worshipers many years before there were any in the village. These, from the year 1802 until 1816, were considered as members of the Quecnsbury Baptist church, but in the last-named year they were constituted a branch of the church of Hartford and Kingsbury (now Adamsville), with about ninety members. The Rev. Calvin H. Swain, pastor of that church, preached statedly to this people for a period of eighteen years. They were organ- ized as a church on the 4th of April, 18o2, and were recognized by an ecclesiastical council on the 1st of May fijllowing. In early years they had met in barns and private dwellings, and al'terwards in the school-house. Their present house of worship was erected soon after the organ- ization, and was the place of meeting of the association in the year 1837. Elder Swain continued his labors with them until September, 1833, when he was succeeded by Rev. Norman Fox, who remained until April, 1835, from which time Elder A. Wait served them for two years. Elder Fox then returned for a few months, and was suc- ceeded by Elder H. M. Allen, who remained until April, 1839, since which time the church has been served by the following elders, viz., II. II. Rouse, Daniel Cobb, Seth Ewer, Amos Stearns, George W. Freeman, R. F. Parshall, Wil- liam Brown, Hodge, A. Clark, and several others, until the coming of J. W. Le Seur, the present preacher in charge, who labors here in connectil)n with the congre- gation at Fort Miller. The membership is now eighty. REFORMED CHURCH AT FORT MILLER. The meeting-house of this church is the oldest place of worship in the town, it having been built in 181G, by subscription, upon a lot which was given by Barent and John R. Bleecker. It was the intention of the donors, and of the subscribers to the building fund, that the church should be free to all Protestant denominations ; and it was so used and supplied by ministers of neighboring societies, without any regular church here, until 1822, when a Re- formed Protestant Dutch church was organized with fifteen members, of which L. S. Viele was ordained elder, and Benjamin H. Payn and Nathaniel Burnliam were ordained deacons. Their first minister was Rev. Philip Duryea ; and among those who followed him were Revs. Isaiah T. Johnson, Isaac A. Van Hook, Hugh Mair, D. R. Thomas- son, Joseph Parry, and H. Slauson. Some ten or twelve years ago a reorganization took place during the ministry of Rev. A. G. Lansing, and the church received the simple designation of The Reformed church. After Mr. Lansing came the Rev. Charles D. Kellogg, now of Passaic, N. J., who was followed by Rev. Ford. They are now sup- plied by Rev. A. G. Cochran. FORT MILLER PRESBYTERI.iN CHURCH. A Presbyterian church of twelve members was organized at Fort Miller, Sept. 6, 1853. Rev. A. G. Cochran was ordained and installed :is pastor in January, 1854, and resigned January, 1857. Subsequently Rev. Wm. Han- cock and Rev. Eddy served as stated supplies. The QJ Ou^rr\JL^ / J (^^(^k^,^^^^^^ Photo, l.y Wni. Xiina, Fort Edward. The family of Baldwin in Washington county traces its origin to Alexander Baldwin, grandfather of the subject of this memoir, who emigrated from England with his two brothers during the early days of the settlement of the New England States. He was married to Catharine Dutcher before his emigration, and raised a large family of children. About the year 1770 he came to Saratoga, N. Y., on his way stopping a while at White Plains. Alexander Baldwin was a captain in the English army in the French and English war of 1759 for supremacy in Canada. He was employed as a scout with others by the army of the colonists under Washington to look after the Indians. The pai-ty of eighteen stopped to rest and fell asleep, when fifteen of their number "Were slain by the Indians, he with two others escaping. Afterwards he was taken prisoner at Fort Ann by the Tories and Indians, carried to Montreal, where he was kept in close confinement for two years; and, being exchanged, appeared at his home, then at Fort Edward, very much to the surprise and joy of his family, who supposed him tomahawked with the rest. He spent the balance of his life in Fort Edward, and died, at the advanced age of eighty, in the year 1800, and is buried at Fort Edward. The grand- mother, and second wife, was previously burned to death. The oldest son, Alexander, was the first man to pilot a raft over the Fort Miller Falls. Cornelius, father of the subject of this memoir, was in the first battles of the Revolutionary war; was one of the guides to lead the American army as it was followed by Burgoyne, and was in the battle of Saratoga. He was afterwards taken prisoner at Fort Ann by the English and carried to Montreal, where he remained in confinement for one year and eight months. He was married, raised a family of eight children, and spent a large part of his active life in farming and lumbering. He suffered very much from the influences of British interests by the loss of his lands. He was a man of great strength of body ; lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, and died in Ulster county, at the residence of his son. The mother of the subject of this sketch died when he was about eight years of age, and is buried at Fort Edward. James was second son in the family, and was born Dec. IS, 1791, in a log house on the banks of the Hudson river, at Fort Edward, and is now, at the time of writing this sketch, in his eighty-seventh year. He spent his early life, until about twenty-one years of age, rafting on the Hudson. He volunteered as a soldier in the AVar of 1S12; was connected with the service about Lake Charaplain ; was regularly discharged at its close, and is now one of the few left to relate the reminiscences of the early days of the county's history. Mr. Baldwin received very limited opportunities for education, and learned more in his business pursuits than from books. At the age of twenty he married Miss Betsey Morgan, of Fort Ed- ward. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of Washington county. Her grandfather was a sea-captain. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin were born six sons and three daughters, — Catharine, wife of Wra. B. Hitchcock, of Fort Edward ; Charles (de- ceased) j John, married Miss Adelia Hall, and lives in Eureka, III.; James, married Miss Esther Livermore, of Fort Miller, and resides at Fort Edward ; Margaret, wife of Peter Snider, resides at Kewance, 111.,: Ezekiel (deceased); Russel (deceased); Julia resides at Fort Edward, and cares for her father in his declining years; Stephen, who was a volunteer in the late Kebellion, remained in the service until the close of the war. His whereabouts are not now known. Mrs. Baldwin is remembered by her children and by all who knew her as a woman of great kindness of heart, very indulgent to her children, devoted to all the interests of her family, and did her part well to make them respectable members of society. She was a great Bible student, and instructed her children in all that makes true manhood and womanhood. Mr. Baldwin was a merchant for a few years after his marriage. He built the first boat called a scow, and, naming it "Hornet," put up for the canal at Fort Edward. He has spent ninuy years as a pilot on the Hudson from Fort Edward to Albany, and remembers working for two shillings a day. His familiarity with the river brought his services in great demand as a pilot, which business he was following at the time of the breaking out of the War of 1812, getting three dollars per day. He has spent some part of his life as a farmer. In politics he was originally a Whig, but latterly has been associated with the Demo- cratic party. In his last years he has varied in his opinions of party interests, looking to the principles involved and not to party. He thinks the changes very great since the forefathers framed the consti- tution, and looks back with pride to the days of purity and honesty in the administration of national affairs. He has lived through every administration save one of the Amer- ican government, and comes down to the present generation as one of the fathers who built our schools, established our councils, and assisted in preserving intact the principles of government founded by our forefathers. Mr. Baldwin is known as a man of strong resolution, of character- istic honest^-, iind pure motives. , Furt E.hvarU, N. Y. WALTER ROGERS. MRS. WALTER ROGERS. WALTER ROGERS. The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 28, 171)5. His fatlier, James Rogers, came to Washington county with the beginning of the century, and located at Fort Edward. He lived in the house built by Widow McNeal, afterwards Campbell, and occupied by her and her niece, Jane McCrea, who was shot by the Indians. James Rogers was a man of great enterprise ; bought considerable real estate near Fort Edward, including the island in the Hudson ; was a man of great activity, and successful in business. He died in the year 1810. Walter, before his father's death, was in the store, for some two years owned and carried on by his father ; the store having been built by him upon first coming to Fort Edward. At the age of fifteen he had received such favor- able opportunities for an education, that he entered Union College, at Schenectady, and was in the class of 1814 ; but, on account of the settlement of his father's estate, was obliged to leave that institution a short time before his graduation. Upon arriving at home he at once assumed the re,sponsibility of business, and has, until the time of the writing of this sketch, been more or less connected with farming and business. For his first wife he married, in 1822, Miss Margaret Duel. They had three children, — George Arthur, Walter, and Mary Melva ; all living. Mrs. Rogers died at the ago of twenty- three years, in the year 1826. For his second wife, Blarch 12, 1828, he married Miss Anna M. Crocker, daughter of Ephraim Crocker and Mary Eldridge, of Fort Sliller, N. Y. Her father and grandfather were of Connecticut birth, and among the early settlers of Washington county. Mrs. Rogers is a lady of rare womanly qualities ; was born in the year 1807, and is still living in 1878. She has the esteem and consideration of all who know her, and has been a'de- voted wife and mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers wa.s born one child, which died in infancy. In politics, Mr. Rogers wiis originally a Democrat, after- ward a Clintonian, and subsequently a Republican. He has taken a very active part in the political interests of his town and county in his day, and now is one of the oldest landmarks of the party which he has so ardently supported. He has been honored with offices of responsibility and trust by his fellow-citizens during his long and useful career. He was secretary of the Fort Edward Manufacturing Company ; has held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, and until, on account of his age, he declined re-election. In all his business career, Mr. Rogers has been known as a man of good judgment, and judicious in his decisions ; a man of correct moral h.abits, and very methodical in all his business transactions. Jlr. Rogers has been connected for many years with the Episcopal church, and, with his wife, has been a constant attendant upon its services. He has been prominent in the councils of that church, and was for many years a warden, and is now the oldest or senior warden. For many years he has been afflicted with deafness, which has almost debarred him from social intercourse, in which capacity, before his affliction, many incidents of interest were related, to the edification and entertainment of his many friends. ]Mr. Rogers is now in his eighty-third year, and has lived to see the country's growth, the establishment of society, schools, churches, the telegraph, railroads, and the many and important uses of steam, and all these improvements and wonderful enterprises pass vividly before his mind, as he re- calls the days that are past and gone. He has been able, at his advanced age, to give most of the details for this sketch. HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTF, NEW i'ORK. 325 churcli was always very feeble, and about 18G8 it became extinet. During its existence its worship was licld in the IJeforuied meeting-house. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP FORT EDWARD. A Presbyterian church was formed in Fort Edward between the years 1820 and 1830, the Rev. R. K. Rodgers assisting at the organization ; but it languished and became extinct, and little can be recalled of its history. The pres- ent church was organized with seventeen members, Jan. 17, 1854. James McCoy and John Mitchell were ruling elders, and the church was under the pastoral charge of Rev. Edward E. Seelye, CD., of Sandy Hill. The second pastor was Rev. Henry F. Hickok, who served from 1859 to 18C9, and was succeeded by Rev. Heman H. Neill, who remained until Dec. 1, 1874. Rev. Robert J. Beatlie was installed April 12, 1875, and disiuissed April 24, 1870. Rev. William B. Stewart, the present pastor, commenced his labor here June 1, 1876, and was installed on the 11th of July following. The congregation worshiped in the Union church, on East street (now owned by the Catho- lics), until 1869, in the fall of which year they occupied the basement of their fine new church on Eddy street, which was completed and dedicated in the following year. The present membership of the church is one hundred and thirty-one, eighteen additions having been made during the past year. The Sabbath-school enrolls one hundred and twenty-six teachers and scholars, under Daniel C. Farr, superintendent. FORT EDWARD VILLAGE B.VPTIST CHURCH. On the 17th of March, 1842, fourteen persons met in the white .school-house, in Fort Edward village, and by the advice and assistance of Elder B. F. Garfield, of the West Greenwich church, organized themselves into a Baptist society, auxiliary to the Washington Union Association. The names of these fourteen original members were James Cheesman, Nelson Combs, Thomas Pike, George Mills, Lucinda Van Dusen, Melissa Hall, Abigail Pike, Electa Shaw, Isabel Sanders, Clarissa Henderson, Polly Sprague, Sally Pike, Emma Pike, and Lucinda Bovee. James Cheesman was chosen to serve them as deacon, and Elder Garfield, upon their invitation, continued his labors with them for one month, at the end of which time the .society, then numbering twenty-five, was received as a branch of the Sandy Hill church, which delegated to them the power to transact all church business. Their first pastor was Rev. Solomon Gale, who .served them (in connection with the Sandy Hill church) for one year, and was succeeded, April 17, 1843, by Elder Amos Sternes, who labored with the branch, in connection with the Fort Edward church, for nearly four years. Upon the close of Elder Sternes' pastorate, the branch united with the Fort Edward church in support of Elder G. W. Free- man, who commenced his labors here May 1, 1847, and continued his labors two years. During his pastorate — January, 1848 — the branch was granted a letter of dismis- sion from the Sandy Hill church, and on the 24th of that month the members met in the white school-house, ap- pointed G. W. Freeman moderator, and S. Mears secretary. and organized into the " Fort Edward Village Baptist church," as at present, the constituent members being thirty-four in number. After the pastorate of Elder Free- man closed, their pulpit was supplied for about four months by Elder W. W. Moore, of the Sandy Hill church ; then by Father Sternes for about one year. On the 21st of April, 1850, Elder G. W. Fisher accepted a call to the pastorate, and remained for about three years. A short time before his coming, the church had become a corporate body, and on the 2Sth of May, 1851, it was received into the Washington Union Association. Up to this time their worship had been held chiefly in the school-house, and for a short time in the Methodist church ; but they now re- solved to build an edifice, and proceeding with energy, had so fiir completed their present house of worship that services were held in its basement about Dec. 25, 1851. Elder Fisher resigned in the spring of 1853, and was followed by Elder Eastwood and others, as supplies, until Sept. 1, 1854, when Elder 11. F. Parshall assumed charge. He resigned Sept. 1, 1858. Since that time the pastors of this church have been the following: Elder B. F. Gar- field, Dec. 15, 1858, to March, 1861; Elder William Brown, April 1, 1862, for a period of nearly three years; Elder G. W. Holman, April 1, 1865, to July 1, 1866; Elder J. W. Grant, Jan. 1, 1867, to April, 1868; Elder II. R. Traver, Nov. 1, 1868, for about one year; Elder J. D. Tucker, Jan. 1, 1870, to May 1, 1872; Rev. W. H. Hawley, who was succeeded, July 14, 1876, by Rev. A. H. Putnam, the present pastor. Auxiliary to the church is a Sabbath-school, organized Feb. 22, 1850, with Simeon Mears superintendent. The attendance is now one hundred and seventy-five. Superin- tendent, II. Tefft. .ST. JAJIES' CHURCH (EPISCOPAL). The parish of this church was organized in Fort Edward in December, 1844. For several years prior to this the congregation had met for worship in the old Union church, under charge of Rev. John Alden Spooner, rector of Zion church, of Sandy Hill, of which church they had also been considered a part. Upon the organization, Mr. Spooner also became their rector jointly with Sandy Hill, holding services there on Sabbath mornings and at Fort Edward in the afternoons. In 1844 measures were taken looking to the erection of a house of worship. A lot on the cast side of Broadway was purchased from Walter Rogers, and the corner-stone of the edifice was laid in 1845; but their building-fund be- came exhausted and work Wiis suspended while the house was yet far from completion. It remained in this condi- tion until 1848, when Daniel W. Wing, Esq., most gen- erously came to the rescue, completed the building from his own private funds, and presented it to the vestry free of debt for consecration, which ceremony was performed in that year by Right Ilev. Bishop Uelaneey, of the western diocese of New York. The church is a substantial brick structure in the Gothic style, thirty by sixty-five feet in dimen.sion, costing about three thou.sand five hundred dol- lars, of which Mr. Wing's donation was fully one-third. Mr. Spooner was, in the spring of 1847, succeeded by 326 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY', NEW YOllK. Rev. Samuel B. Bostwick, D.D., who also became rector both of this church and that at Sandy Hill, and remained ill chargi of St. James' for nearly a ((uarter of a century. His successor was Rev. F. M. Cookson, the present rector. TUE BAPTIST CIIUllCU AT FORT MILLER Wii-s organised in December, 1858, as a branch of the church at Fort Edward village, and under charge of the preachers of the last-named organization. The meeting-house (their present place of worship) was completed and dedicated in 1808. The church, having now a membership of .sixty- nine, is under charge of Rev. J. W. Le Seur, a licentiate, who serves this congregation in connection with that of the old church at Dnrkeetuwn. ST. J0.SEPU'S CUURCU (CATHOLIC). About three hundred families of Catholics living in Fort Edward worshiped at Sandy Hill, for the I'eason that they had no church in their own town prior to 18G9, when they purchased the brick church on East sti'eet formerly used by the Methodists as a meeting-house. The price paid was five thousand five hundred dollars ; but in repairs and other- wise the total cost amounted to nearly ten thousand dollars. Father James McGee assumed priestly charge in 1870, and remained till 1876, when he was .succeeded by Rev. Father Fitzpatrick, who still remains. In numbers the congrega- tion is about the .same as at the time of its establishment. They have a parsonage on East street, purcliased in 1874 for four thousand five hundred dollars. EDUCATIONAL. The earliest school of which we have any account was taught in a small frame building, which stood on a spot now occupied by the canal and adjoining the old burial- ground, the land for both school-house and cemetery having been given by Henry Cuyler. In this, soon after the com- mencement of the century, the children of Fort Edward were taught by Mr. Thurber, who was succeeded by a Mr. Allen, the latter remaining in charge for a considerable i length of time. James McCall and Milton E. Shaw were teachers who taught fifteen or twenty years later in a school- house where Marinus Parker now lives. The old brick .school-house on Eiist street was not erected until about 1835. At Fort Miller an early school-luuiso stood above the cemetery, and among its teachers were Otis Bigelow, David Carswell, and others. The next school-house at that vil- lage stood near Nichols' store. The first commissioners of schools in the town were Samuel Bennett and Reuben Durkce, elected in 1818. In the following year inspectors of schools were chosen, viz., Stephen L. Viele, Alexander Sutherland, John F. Gandall, Solomon Emmons, and Ste- phen Bell. In August of that year school districts, num- bering from one to eight, were laid off by Commissioners Walter Rogers, Warren Bell, and Samuel Bennett. The report of those commissioners for 1819 showed that seven schools were taught in tln^ town, for jieriods varying from three to eleven months ; that ilic number of children taught Was two hundred and sixty-one; that the whole number of children of school-age was three hundred and fifty-three, and that the amount of public-school money apportioned to the town was one hundred and sixteen dollars and ten cents. The books in use at that time were Webster's spelling-book and grammar, Morse's geography. Pike's arithmetic, and the English Reader. By the last recorded report of the superintendent, July 1, 18-1-t, it is shown that there were seven entire and six fractional districts, containing a total of five hundred and five children from five to sixteen years ; that the public money received was three hundred and ninety-five dollars and ninety-seven cents, and that the amount paid to teachers in addition to the public money was five hundred and twenty-three dollars and seventy-nine cents. By this time there had been awakened, especially in Fort Edward village, a desire for better educational advantages. As a result we find that in 1847, in district No. 7 (village), the attendance at the select .schools of Jliss Montgomery and Mr. Choate was nearly double that at the public school, and the sentiment which led to this .soon after brought about the establishment of the present graded system. The union school at Fort Edward village was among the earliest organized under the law authorizing their estab- lishment. It appaars from the record that the first move- ment in the matter was made at the annual district-meet- ings in the spring of 1848, and th.it the best and most prominent people of the village were from the first almost unanimous in its favor. At a meeting, •' held in the brick school-house" (district No. 7), on the 14th of March in that year, a committee, consisting of Walter Rogers, Dr. William Wright, and Edward Crane, was appointed " to collect such facts in re- lation to the practical working of the union school system, and to present such arguments in favor of its adoption in this village, as shall by them be deemed most appropriate, in order to a clear and correct understanding of the great question which now agitates the district." At an adjourned meeting, held April 8, H. W. Bennett and D. S. Cars- well were added to that committee, and at an adjourned meeting, held on the 22d of the same month, their favor- able report was read by Dr. Wright, and at once accepted. Upon which (although the consolidation of the districts was not yet accomplished) it was, by the meeting, " Itesuhed, That a union school-house be built.' Dr. William Wright, Walter Rogers, and D. S. Carswell were then chosen a committee " to coni'er with the lower district,'" and the meeting was adjourned to the 29th of April, at which time it was ^^Jiesu/vid, That school district No. 1, in Fort Ed- ward village, be united with school di.strict No. 7 in said village for the purpose of building a union school-house ; and that the taxable inhabitants of said district be taxed as the law prescribes for building said house." Dr. Wil- liam Wright and Abraham I. Fort were appointed a com- mittee to notify the town superintendent of public .schools, by whom, oii the 2d of May following, it was announced that, " Agreeably to the inianimous resolution of the inhabi- tants of school districts Nos. 1 and 7, in school-meeting assembled, it is hereby ordered that said distiicts be con- solidated, and hereafter known, as school district No. 1." Tlic order to take effect iinnicdiately. And at a special Joseph E. King was born in Laarens, Otsego Co., N. T., November 30, 1823, tbe son of liev. Klijah King, a Mi^thodist clergyman, and a member of "the old Genesee Conference," until, his health failing, he located, purchasing a farm in Otsego county, amid the friends he had known as an itinerant. Until ten years of age a constant attendant at the public schools. At that time transferred to the store of his father, who had become a mer- chant, he wa^ made clerk and assistant book-keeper. At the age of thirteen for a few months in a dry goods store in Albany. He then rejoined the family, who "went west" as far as Grirard, Erie Co., Pa., where, with an interval of a single term only in a select school, he was kept at the business of clerking in the village store until the age of seventL-en. At this period the desire for better educational advantages so inflamed him that he wrote to his parents an argument of four pages of foolscap, which quite convinced them that he must bo per- mitted and encouraged to prepare for, and go through, college. The preparation was at once begun at the Grand River Institute, Austinburg, Ohio, whither the family moved, to make for him a home. The father's health being injured by the lake winds, in the hope of repairing it the family returned to "the east," residing at Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., where, in 1847, died, at the age of sixty-one. Rev. Elijah King. The student, following the family home in 1843, entered Poultney Academy, then under Rev. Je?se T. Peck (now bishop), to prepare for advanced standing in college. In 18 1-4, admitted to the sophomore class in Wcsleyan University, he took rank among the foremost of his class, despite the fact that he bad to be absent each winter in the grammar- school of Glastenbury, which he taught. Both from neceisity and choice he began school-teaching at the age of seventeen, and has never been relieved from this work since. At the junior exhibition of his class he was appointed to the Latin salutatory (in the temporary absence of the future valedictorian), the first honor of tbe class. In his senior year ho was elected to tbe Phi Beta Kappa. Graduating from Wesleyan in 1847, in the class which produced Orange Judd, Senator Cole, of Cali- fornia, and Bishop Andrews, he accepted an engagement to teach Latin and natural science at Newbury Seminary, Vermont, the conference seminary at that time. In 184S he was made principal of tho seminary. Though among his predecessors had been such men as Rev. Doctors Ilinman, Adams, and Hoyt, and Bishop Osman C. Baker, yet during the reign of Professor King this seminary enjoyed its highest intellectual and financial pros- perity. He paid its debts, reconstructed its chapel and class-rooms, built its public fountain, and brought the roll of its adult students up to .325 in attendance at the time of his retiring, in November, 1853. Accepting a call to his native State, he assumed the principalship of Fort Plain Seminary, N. Y., and in November, 1853, five days after his term closed at Newbury, he opened its first term, — all its rooms filled with students. It being in contemplation to erect at Fort Edward an institution on a grander scale than any existing boarding seminary, the principal of Fort Plain Seminary was invited to visit the town with a view to give his advice in the proposed enterprise. In connection with Rev. Henry B. Taylor, he matured the plans, assisted at the laying of the corner- stone in May, 1854, and was induced to assume the principalship of Fort Edward Institute for a term of ten years. Tec. 7, 1854, ho opened the first term with five hundred students in attendance, and daring the twenty three years of its subsequent history he has been its sole prin- cipal, registering over ten thousand different names, hailing from over thirty-three of the States of the Union. Many of his students have taken conspicuous places among the successful men and women of this generation. Over one hundred of his students joined in the war for maintaining the Union, of whom eighteen gave their lives that the nation might not die. A few of his young men also fought on the Confederate side. He has sent out one hundred and sixty-five clergymen of tbe various denominations, of whom already two have become doctors of divinity. Tbe lawyers and physicians have been almost as numerous. The institute has had one representative in Congress, one State Senator, and, at different times, nearly a score of Assemblymen. It has five or six judges and several school commissioners, and a whole army of teachers. Besides the hundreds of its regular graduates, it has sent not less than two hundred and fifty young men to college and professional schools. In 1862, Union College conferred the degree of doctor of divinity upon Professor King, and in 1873 the regents of the University of New York, in recognition of uis efiiciency as an educator, conferred upon him the degree of " Ph. D." In 1850 he was married to Miss Melissa Bayley, of Newbury, Vt. The "silver wedding" was duly celebrated in July, 1875. In the discharge of his duties as principal of Fort Edward Institute, he has lectured before the faculty and students over three hundred times, and has found leisure to deliver outside the walls of the institute two hundred and ten lectures and addresses, besides having preached one thousand and thirty-two sermons, in one hundred and eighty-two dif- ferent jiulpits. From the sessions of the conference of clergymen, of which he is a member, he has never been absent for a day. In 1864 he was elected by his brethren a delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church at Philadelphia; having also enjoyed the honor of serving as a delegate to the general conference of 1856, repre- senting the Vermont conference, from which he was transferred tc the Troy conference, on a vote of that conferenco requesting it. For two weeks he served as acting delegate in the general conferenco at Chicago, in 1868. Once he has been called upon to address the alumni of his college, once to deliver the oration before the convention of Psi Upsilon, — his college fraternit}', — and twice to deliver the annual poem at Psi Upsilon conventions. In 1867 he gave himself a special vacation of about three months abroad, chiefly in the British isles, France, and Belgium. By way of recreation from the severer routine of his educational and spiritual tasks, he enjoys helping with his presence and counsels the various institutions and corporations in which he takes an interest. Besides being a working trustee in Fort Edward Institute, he is also a trustee or a director in the following corporations : Wesleyan University, Syracuse University, Round Lake Camp-Meeting Association, Mechanic- viile Academy, the Union Cemetery Association, the National Bank of Fort Edward, two banks in Iowa, and the Glen's Falls Insurance Asso- ciation. He aims to set the example to his young men of rarely being absent from tho primary meetings of his political party, from the home coun- cils of his church, or tho convocations of his fellow-workers in the cause of education. HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 327 meeting, held by direction of the superintendent on the IGth of Jlay, 1848, the following gentlemen were elected the first officers of the consolidated district, viz. : Robert McCoy, William S. Norton, Frederick J). Ilodgeuum, tru.s- tees ; Timothy Stoughton, clerk ; James Deuel, collector ; and Dr. William Wright, librarian. The remarkable unanimity of opinion which had thus far marked the proceedings was temporarily disturbed in the selection of a school-house site, and a period af more than nine months elap.sed before this was definitely agreed on. On the 15th of July, 1848, it was voted — Ihirty-nine to twenty-three — to purchase a lot oifered by Edwin B. Nash, but this vote was rescinded at an adjourned meeting, held Feb. 24, 1849. It wa.s then voted — eighty to sixteen — to purchase a lot of Walter Rogers, adjoining the Episcopal church lot, for one thousand dollars; and on the 2d of May, 1849, that lot was conveyed by Mr. Rogers to Wil- liam S. Norton, Frederick D. Hodgeman, and Robert McCoy, trustees of the district. These trustees, with Messrs. William Wright, Abraham I. Fort, George H. Taylor, and Edwin B. Nash, were constituted a building committee, with full power to proceed in the erection of a house, of which the cost should not exceed four thousand dollars, and this sum was voted — seventy-four to thirteen — to be raised by tax in five annual installments. The school-house (the same now in use), a brick building, forty- four by sixty feet and three stories, was completed during the year 1849, at a total cost of about thirteen thousand dollars, and was occupied by the school from the commence- ment of the winter term, January, 1850. On the third of that month, at a special meeting held in the new house, it was voted to raise five hundred dollars as the salary of the principal teacher, and one hundred and eighty dollars each for two assistants for the ensuing year ; and so the school went into successful operation, with Rev. Moore as its first principal. The succeeding principals of the school have been Pro- fessor E. P. Wright, Miss Eunice Shapleigh (during summer term, 1854), Professor Robert Montgomery, September, 1854, to October,* 1872 ; Professor D. C. Farr, from fall, 1872, till resignation at end of spring term, 1877; Pro- fessor L. D. Bishop, fall term, 1877 ; Professor E. P.Wright, present principal, from January, 1878. The salary of the principal was formerly fifteen hundred dollars, but has been reduced to twelve hundred dollars. In the lower school-house ai'e at present employed seven subordinate teachers, as follows : In the high-school depart- ment two (assistants to the principal) ; in the grammar de- partment two ; and in the first and second intermediate and primary departments one teacher each. All these are ladies, and the salary of each is six dollars per week, excepting the first a.ssistant in the high school, who receives ten dollars. *• Oct. 8, 1ST2. — " The resignation of Robert Montgomery, who has filled the office of principal for eighteen years, with honor to the district and credit to himself, was received and accepted by the trustees." At the same time "the resignation of Timothy Stoughton, clerk of the district for forty years, was received and accepted, and D. M. Odell was elected to the office." Mr. Stoughton, at the time of his resignation, was in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and during nearly half those years had performed the duties of this oihce in such a manner as to give universal satisfaction. In the Seminary Street school-house (a two-story brick building erected in 18G8 at a cost of about four thousand dollars, on a lot purchased of John Parrell for eight hundred dollars) are employed a male vice-principal at a .salary of seven dollars per week in the grammar department, and in each of the other departments (first and second interme- diate and primary) a lady teacher at six dollars per week. The attendance in this building is nearly three hundred, and in the lower school-house about four hundred. The board of trustees for 1877-78 is composed as follows: A. Dallas Wait, president ; George Bradley, George W. Tilford, John J. Burby, James L. Reynolds, John F. Har- ris, Robert Montgomery, John L. Woodin. George W. Tilford. treasurer ; John J. Burby, secretary. The town now embraces nine .school districts, containing si.^teen hundred and ten children of school age ; of which number ten hundred and thirty are in Fort Edward village. The town receives an apportionment of three thousand three hundred and thirty-eight dollars and twenty cents, of which the .share of district No. 1 is two thousand one hun- dred and sixty-seven dollars and fifty-four cents. Outside the village the period of teaching is generally about twenty-eight weeks in the year, and the salaries paid teachers are from four dollars to six and a half per week. The school-house at Fort Miller is a fine brick structure, and both edifice and school are creditable to the village. The Hudson River Academy was established at Fort Miller, in the building which had been Guy's Hotel. The first principal was Rev. A. G. Cochran, who.se successors were Barnes and Almon F. Reynolds. This school closed in 1864. The Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, a seminary of high grade, was established in Fort Edward village in 1854. The buildings, consisting of a main structure of brick throe hundred by forty feet, five stories, and a wing of one hundred and thirty by forty feet, also of brick, were erected on the elevated ground at the north end of the vil- lage, during the summer and autumn of that year, at a cost of about eighty thou.sand dollars. Under the management of Rev. Joseph E. King, D.D., its first and only principal, this institute achieved a high reputation, which was maintained and extended during its twenty-three years of existence, which was abruptly and disastrously closed by the total destruction of its buildings by fire on the evening of Monday, Nov. 19, 1877. This event was a severe misfortune to the village, but the im- mediate rebuilding of the institute is now in contemplation. The Island Grove school, located on Freeman's island, Fort Edward village, is a school of academical grade, estab- lished in 1877 by Professor Daniel C. Farr, formerly prin- cipal of the Fort Edward union school. With such a principal, its prospects are most encouraging. AGR1CIILTUR.\L 1>OPUL.\TION. The area of the town is sixteen thousand three hundred and seventy-.si.x acres, of which about three-fourths is im- proved. The soil is clay, except a small portion in the northeast, which is sandy. Agriculturally, Fort Edward does not rank auiong the first towns of the county, though it is excellently adapted for grazing and dairying, and for 328 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. tiio production of rye, oats, hay, and potatoes. Of the last- named product there were cleared at the collector's ofiBce in Fort Edward, during the year 1877, four hundred and seventy-two thou.sand eight hundred and sixty-eight bushel.^, valued at one hundred and eighty-nine thou.sand one hun- dred and forty-seven dollars, though thi.s entire amount must not be credited to the agriculture of tliis town. The Fort Edward dairy company (incorporated) has a cheese-factory at Durkeetown, in the east part of Fort Ed- ward, which receives the patronage of about two hundred cows, and is under the supervision of Townsend J. Potter, general manager. The annual fairs of the county agricultural society are held in an inclosure of twenty-five acres, situated in the northern part of Fort Edward, on the road leading to Sandy Hill, and near the southern boundary of that village. These grounds were purchased from Amasa Howland by " The Washington Park A.ssociation," composed of a number of citizens of the two villages, who, being desirous of attract- ing the fairs to their vicinity, offered the society the gratui- tous use of the ground, ready fenced, for a term of ten years, and also a donation of two thousand five hundred dollars in cash, on condition that the society should erect buildings and hold their annual exhibitions upon it. The offer was ac- cepted, the buildings constructed, and the first ftir was held in them September, 1872. Four more fairs remain to be held under this agreement. There is no grange of the I'atrons of Ilu.sbandry in Fort Edward. • The population of the town was 172(5 in 1840; 1711 in 1845; 2328 in 1850; 2i)l)I in 18').5 ; 35U in 1800; H!)97 in 18G5; 5125 in 1870 ; 5068 in 1875. The pop- ulation of the village is about 4000. This town has not been lacking in patriotism, as is evi- denced by the following list of tho.se who served during the late war of the Rebellion : Guorgi) Allen, onl. Dec. 12, ISO.'S, lOlli Ait., Co. I. Kdwin Armstrong, onl. Sept. B, 18G1, 7th C.iv , Co. E. Lester Archer, Corp.; eiil. Dci:. 1, 1801, OOlh liogt., Co. E. John Aiken, enl. Nov.:iO, ISfil, %th Kcgt., Co. E. Oeorge C. Archer, enl. Dec. 1, ISOl, OOth Itegt., Co. E. William II. 11. in, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Civ., Co. L. Francis liurnhani, enl. Sept. 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Cii. h. Jiilins n. Maker, enl. Sept. 3U, 1801, 7lh Cav., Co. L. Williaiii Drock, wagoner; enl. Sept. 5, ISOl, 7th Cav., Co. E. .III. inn Uriigi,', enl. Aug. 12, LSOl, 7th Ciiv., Co. E. Jolin K. Urown, enl. Sept. 2, 1801, 7lh Cav., Co. E. Elihi-.iim linrch, enl. Nov. 10, 1301, OOth llegf., Co. E. Blarahall H. Bairil, cill. Nov. 1.1, 1801, OOth llegt., Co. E. Charles M. Berry, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. William ISiuk, enl. Nov. o, 1801, OOth Uegt., Co. E. Jeremiah Unckley, enl. Nov. 2S, 1801, OOth Kegt., (!o. E. John Itiown, enl. Due. 1:!, 1801, OOlh Regt., Co. E. John Bibbins, enl. Feb. 12, 1802, OOth K.-Rt., Co. E. William Biockan, enl. Jan. 1, 1802, OClh Regt., Co. K. John Bailey, Ist liellt. ; enl. Nov. 5, 1801, OM Regt , Co. F. Daniel Bennett, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, Mil Regt., Co. F. Moses Benway, enl. Jan. C, 1802, 9:W llegt., Co. F. Alfred L. Bain, enl. Dec. 31, 1803, 10th Art., Co. H. I'eter Berry, enl. Dec. 20, 1S03, 10th Art., Co. I. John K. Brown, enl. Doc. 20, 1803, Kith Art., Co. I. Al.-.\aiMler 1>. Detts, enl. Dec. 25, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. Lewis Bnrdick, enl. Jnne 1, 1802, 1st Monntoil Rifles, Co. E. Alphiinso Bi.thy, enl. June 1, 1802, 1st Monntcd Ritles, Co. E. Charles Beatly, sergt.; onl. Sept. 18, 1801, "tli Cav., Co. L. William Brown, farrier ; enl. Sept. 28, 1801, 7th Vnv., Ca. L. Edwin Bar.y, t.unister; enl, Oct. 8, IKCl, 7th Cav., Co. L. Caspar T. Boln, enl. Sept. 30, 180i, 7lh Cav., Co. L. Charles K. Bain, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. John Blake, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. Thomas Brown, enl. Aug. 20, 1802, lOOtli llegt., Co. D. Moses Burnell, onl. Aug. 10, 1802, lliOtli Regt., Co. D. James Boyce, enl. Jnly 30, 1802, lOOtli Regt., Co. D. Sidney Brown, enl. Feb. 2, 1802, 90th llegt., Co. E. Daniel Brayman, enl. March 12, 18li4, OOth Regt., Co. E. John Briiynian, enl, March 14, 1804, OOth Regt,, Co. E. Newell Cohnrn, enl. Dec, 28, 1803, lOOi Art., Co. H. James E. Crawford, enl. Doc, 24, ISO:!, lOth Art., Co. I. Orrin T. Cook, enl. Dec. 24, 1801, lOtli Art., Co. I. George H. Chaser, enl. Sept. 23, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. John Clark, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 7th Cav,, Co. E. James Crowley, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2il Cav., (.'o. E. Michael (Jlary, enl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. William Crossett, Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Jainea L. Cray, 2d lieiit. ; enl. Feb. 27, 1.S02, OOlh Regt., Co. E. Timothy Cain, onl. Nov. 2, 1801, OOth Regt., Co, E. Jiihii Carpenter, enl. Jan, 7, 1802, OOlh Regt., Co, K. James Colden, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, ICOth Regt., Co. D. Patrick Carroll, enl. Aug. 10, 1802, 100th Be^t., Co. D. James Catou, enl. Feb. 20, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. G. Orrin Dubois, enl. Nov. 12,1801, 03il Kegt.,"Co. F. Frederick Darrow, enl. Nov. 12, 1801, 03d Regt., &). F. William Diigan, enl. Dec. 20, 1801, ICth Art., Co. I. Edward Davy, enl. Dec. 17, 180 1, lOlh Art., Co. I. Michael Daly, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, lOtli Art., C... I. John Davy, enl. Aug. 22,1861, 7th Cav., Co. G. George L. Darby, saddler; enl. Aug, 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Edward Davy, enl, Oct. 29,1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. Nicholas Daily, enl. Nov.LI, 1801, 90th Regt., Co. E. Lawrence Daily, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. William Decker, enl. Dec. 10, 1801, OOth Regt,, Co. E. Gary Donaldson, enl. Doc. Ul, 1861, OOlh Regt., Co. E. Patrick Dolan, onl. Jan. 9, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. Frederick Distall, enl. Jan. 0, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. Levi Dexter, enl. Nov. 8, 1801, 06tli Regt., Co. E. James Dolan, enl. Jnly 12, 1802, lOOIh Regt., Co. D. Daniel Donahue, enl. Nov. 29, 1861, 9Ctli llegt., Co. E. Timothy K.ldy, enl. Dec. -25, 186.3, 10th Art., Co. I. Hiram Eldridge, capt.; enl. Nov. 28, 1802, 9Cth Regt., Co. E. Joseph EIra, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 109th Regt , Co. D. Albert Eogleston, enl. Feb. 15,1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. William A. Fox, enl. Nov. 13, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. P. George H. Farnsworth, onl. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th Art., Co. H. Charles H. Forbes, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, loth Art , Co. I. Daniel F. Flood, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. Gordon C. Finn, enl. Aug. 8,1801, 7th Cav., Co. E. John II. Fish, enl. Aug. 12, 1801,7th Cav., Co. E. AdolhertC. L'ox, enl. Aug. 8, 1801, 7th Cav., Co E William W. Founlain, enl. Jan. 13, 1802, OOlh Regt,, Co. E. Elind Graves, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. Van Ness Goolah, enl. Dec. 28, 1803, loth Art., Co, I. Michael GorniKii, Dec. 23, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. Stephen II. Graham, enl. Dec. 12, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. Joseph Girard, enl. Dec. 22, ISOi, lOtli Art., Co. I, Edward Granger, sergt., enl. Sept. 14, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. Edward Gallagher, old. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d C.iv., Co. E. Wm. Gr.ihani, enl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Berry S. Grant, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. James E. Gould, sergt., cnl. Dec. 1, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. Georgo Graham, enl. Jan. 0, 1862, OOth Regt., Co, K. John Gray, enl. J.iu 3, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. Silas S. Hubliell, 2d lieut., enl. Oct. 10, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. F. Franklin Hamlin, enl. Nov.9, l.SOl.Oid Regt., Co. F. Daniel W. Harrington, cnl. Dec. 21, ISOi, 10;h Art, Co. I. Charles H. Henry, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. Jacob 0. llubbell, enl. Dec. 2,i, 180 1, 10th Art., Co. I. Gnslavus A. ILile, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. Leonard llydley, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 7lll Cav., Co. L. David Ilendel-sou, enl. Sept. 0, 1801, 7lli Cav., Co. E. Dennis W. Hickey, enl. Aug. 12, ISOI, 7th Cav., Co. E. I'atrick Iliekey, Corp., enl. Nov. 10, ISOI, OOth Regt., Co. E. Ilirain Hydi<, drum uer, enl. Dec. 30, 1801, OOth Kegt., Co. E. Ebenezer Howe, enl. Dec. 6, 1801, OOlh Regt., Co. E. Alonzo Hurd, enl. Dec. 9, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. James D. Ilaynes, enl. Feb. 20,1802, OOth Regt , Co. G. John II. Harris, enl. Feb. 24, 1802, OOlh llegt,, Co. E. Thomas Holcomb, enl. Aug, 15, 1802, 109th llegt., Co. V>. Luke Holly, enl. Aug. IS, 1802, 103th Regt., Co. D. George Hopkins, enl. March 10, 1804, OOth llegt., Co. E. Jonathan Hopkins, enl. March 13,1804, OOth Regt., Co. E. R.illin .lenkins, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, lOOIh Regt., Co. D. Johh II. Kincaid, Jr., cnl. Nov. 13, 1801, 03d Regt., Co. F. James Kerr, onl. Nov. 3, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. F. Joseph D. Keyworth, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav,, Co, E. 7 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 329 Wm. Kinmonth, ™1. Sept. 3, 1801, 2(1 Cav., Co. E. Michael Kennedy, enl. Jan. 6, 18G2, OGtIi Rcgt., Co. E. Eugene Kelley, cnl. Aug. 15, 18011, lOOIli Kegt, Co. T>. John Kane, aergt.; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, 7th Cav., Co. E. Alanson Lewis, enl. Nuv. 12, 1801, 9.1(1 Rogt., Co. F. Dennis Leonaril, cnl. Dec. 21, 18C3, 16th Art., Co. I. Isaac W. Lander, enl. Sept. 7, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. Samuel A. Lesler, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. David Lucee, drummer; enl. Dec. 20, 1801, OCtli Uegt., Co. E. Adam Looniis, enl. Dec. 26, 1801, OOlh Uegt., Co. E. Josejdi Leclerc, cnl. Dec. 9, 1801, OOth licgt., Co. E. James F. Lincoln, enl. Nov. 29, 1801, 90th Regt., Co.E. Joe! Loveless, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 169tli Kegt., Co. D. Jolin H. Miller, enl. Sept. 16, ISOl, 2d Cav., Co. L. Roger Mesack, enl. Sept. 6, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. George E. Milliman, sergt.; cnl. Aug. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Thomas McDonald, cnl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2a Cav., Co. E. Henry McFai land, enl. Aug. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. James McGuire, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. James McLaughlin, enl. Sept. 14, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. Alexander McMillan, enl. Sept. 3, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Robert McVickar, cnl. Aug. 12, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. James McCarthy, sergt.; enl. Nov. 5, 1862, 9Cth Regt., Co E. Wm. Muri>hy, corp.; enl. Nov. 1, 1802, 9eth Regt., Co. E. Fdward Moss, corp.; enl. Dec. 0, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. E. Abrnm R. Mosher, corp.; enl. Jan. 7, 1802, OOlh Regt., Co. E. Horace F. Miller, Corp. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 96th Kegt., Co. E. George B. Moshier, capt.; enl. Oct. 19, ISOl, 93d Regt., Co. F. Conday Morrison, enl. Nov. 7, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. T. Samuel McMillan, cnl. Dec 30, 1863, 10th Art., Co. H. Joseph Miller, enl. Dec. 31, 1863, 10th Art., Co. U. Joshua Morse, enl. Dec. 21, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. David Mountain, cnl. Dec. 29, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. John Mountain, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. Ealscy S. Mills, enl. Dec. 12, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. Michael McNetty, enl. Dec. 21, 1863, loth Art., Co. I. Nicholas J. Mclnlyrc, cnl. Dec. 25, 1863, loth Art., Co. I. Jan)cs McNeil, Corp.; eul. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. Joseph D. Myers, s.addlcr; enl. Sept. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. h. Edgar Murray, enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. Randall McDonald, enl. Sept. 13, ISGl, 2d Cav., Co. L. Eugene Munn, cnl. Nov. 13, 1861, OOlh Regt , Co. K. Edward McAvoy, enl. Nov. 14, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. B. John McGuire, enl. Nov. 11, 1801, OOth Regt, Co. E. John F. Miller, enl. Dec. 1, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. E. James A. Mix, enl. Jan. 12, 1862, 961h Regt., Co. E. Benjamin Mouty, enl. Feb. 10, 1802, OOlh Regt., C... E. A. A. Munroe, enl. Ang. 22, 1802, 1 OOth Regt., Co. D. Duncan McNeil, enl. Ang. 15, 1802, lOOth Regt., Co. D. Oscar 0. Niles, cnl. Nov. 13, 1801, 93d Regt,, Co. F. Edward O'Keefe, enl. Nov. 8, 1861, 96th Regt., Co. E. Robert Orr, cnl. Feb. 14. 1802, 90th Regt., Co. E. Joseph Pardee, enl. Nov. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. V. James C. I'ratt, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. George H. Prindlc, enl. Sept. 15, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. L. Stephen Pelot, enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. Er.istiiB M. Pierce, sergt.; enl. Nov. 0, 1801, 96th Regt., Co. E. Henry Parker, enl. Oct. 20, 1861, 9r,th Kegt., Co. E. George Payne, cnl. Dec. 10, 1801, OOth Regt , Co. E. Henry Pizro, enl. Jan. 7, 1862, 9Gth Regt., Co. E. Eli Pokct, cnl. Feb. 3, 1862, 96th Regt., Co. E. James M. Pelton, enl. Oct. 10, 1861, 77tli Regt., Co. G. licwis J. Pharnies, enl. March 16, 1864. John Quiglcy, enl. Sept. 23, 1861, 2il Cav., Co. L. W. A. Reyn(dds, enl. Oct. 30, 1801, 93il Regt., Co. F. Benjamin S. Robinson, enl. Dec. 25,1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. Reuben E. Robinson, enl. Dec. 23, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. George H. Rice, corp. ; enl. Sept. 30, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. Clark Racey, enl. Sept. 13, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. Stephen Reynolds, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Andrew J. Kussoll, Ist lieut. ; enl. Nov. 28, 1802, 90lh Regt., Co. E. Stephen F. Rathbun, sergt. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1802, 96th Regt., (h. E. George W. Smith, sergt. ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. F. Clark Simpson, enl. Dec. 15, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. Charles Simmonds, enl. Dec. 25, 1803, loth Art., Co. I. Fisher A. Stoughton, enl. Dec. 16, 1803, lOth Art., Co. I ; had served hi beforcin2dCav.,Co. E. William Smith, enl. Dec. 17, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. Edward Squiers, enl. Sept. 8, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. L. John Smith, corp.; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. E. Silas E. Swift, sergt. ; enl. Nov. 0, 1SG2, OOth Kegt., Co. E. George Stevens, Corp.; cnl. Nov. 8, 1802, OOth Regt., Co. K. Charles II. Skidmorc, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, 96th Regt., Co. B. Edward Smith, enl. Nov. 10,1861, 96tli Regt., O. K. Duncjin Stalker, enl. Dec. 1, 1861, OOth Regt., Co. E. John J. Starks, enl. Dec. 2, ISOl, OOth Regt., Co. E. William Spanlding, enl. Dec. 7, 1801. OOth Rogt., Co. E. 42 Patrick Sullivan, enl. ,Ian. 7, 1862, OOth Rogt, Co. B. William H. Taylor, enl. Doc. 21, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I. John Thompson, corp. ; enl. Sept 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. William Tabor, enl. Aug. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. B. James G. Tanner, cnl. Sept. 4, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Andrew Thornton, cnl. Dec. 2, 1861, 9Cth Kegt, Co. E. Henry Taylor, enl. Jan. 5, 1862, 96th Regt, Co. E. Edward Taylor, enl Jan. 18, 1802, 9Glh Regt, Co. E. Joseph Vinos, enl. Aug. 14, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. G. Joseph Vilmer, Ang. 12, 1801, 2d Cav., Co. E. Henry Van Schaick, enl. Dec. 30,1801, OOth Regt, Co. E. Norinau Williams, enl. Nov. 12, 1861, 03d Regt., Co. F. Ralph S. Williams, cnl. Nov. 12, 1801, 93d Regt, Co. F. Peter Wood, enl. Sept. 26, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. L. Charles E. Whitney, Corp.; cnl. Aug. 12, 1861, 2d Cav., Co. K. Cornelius Willbur, enl. Nov. 12, 1801, OOlh Kegt, Co. E. James Welch, enl. Dec. 13, 1801, OOth Regt., Co. E. Alvin Woodruff, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, OOth Kegt, Co. D. Peter Wolman, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, lOOHi Kegt., Co. D. Jidin AVhalen, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 160th Regt, Co. D. George White, enl. Aug. 16, 1802, 109th Regt, Co. D. George H. Youngs, cnl. Sept. 18, 1801, 7th Cav., Co. L. BIOGRAPHICAL SRETCHh^S. FREDERICK D. HODGEMAN was born in the town of Fairfax, Lamoille Co.,* Vt., June 10, 1812. He was third son in a fliiiiily of eight children of Jonathan Hodgeman and Marvel Burdiek, both natives of Vermont. His father was a farmer by occupation, and his ancestors among the early settlers of the State, and upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he enlisted on the side of the colonists, and he was among the brave ones at the battle of Bunker Hill. In this battle he became incapacitated for very much ser- vice afterwards, by deafness. He lived to the very advanced age of ninety-six years, and died in the year 1847. The mother of Frederick D. Hodgeman died in the year 1824. Both were buried where they lived, at Fairfax. Mr. Hodgeman's opportunities for obtaining an education from books were very limited while young, but his subsequent career gives unmistakable evidence that what was lost in his early life in book knowledge was compensated for by his great natural ability. At the age of thirteen he left home, and soon after was apprenticed to learn the manufacture of cloth in a woolen-factory, at which business ho remained until he was nineteen years of age, and during the latter part of this time he became the proprietor, and the one to whom he had been apj)renticed became the employee. Thus, early in life, he manifested groat self-reliance, strong resolu- tion, and a shrewdness, tact, and executive ability not com- mon to young men. In 1831 he left his native State and came to Rexford's Flats, Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he in the course of two years contracted for and built the lower aqueduct, a public work constructed by tlie State. He was successful pecu- niarily in this operation, and upon its completion purchased a farm, and for a few years carried on farming in that county. After an examination of the water-power on the IIud.son river, at Fort pjdward, with his usual sagacity, foreseeing its future value, he, in a company with others, erected a saw-mill, the first built in tlie place. He afterwards erected the first ■ Now Franklin county. 330 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. grist-mill put up at Fort Edward, and from that time until his demise he was largely interested in tha business interests of the place. In 18GG he built a paper-mill on the river to replace the one burned. In 1872, that one being burned, he erected another, which is now in operation. He was president of the National Bank of Fort Edward at the time of his death. A portion of the time he lived at Fort Ed- ward he was in the mercantile business, and at one time a partner with James Cheeseman. Mr. Hodgeman's life was one of almost unexampled ac- tivity, and, with a will to do whatever he conceived to be right, he evinced a determination characteristic of his nature and not uncommon among self-made men. It is to his sagacity and enterprise, in a large degree, that the prosperous village of Fort Edward owes its advance from the hamlet of thirty years ago, he having been fore- most in inaugurating nearly all of the large manufacturing interests of that place, and from its inception, through many successful years, during the balance of his life, he was the friend and most munificent patron of the Fort Ed- ward Institute. In his earlier political life ho was a Jeffer- soiiian Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican party became an ardent supporter of its principles. He was never solicitous of any publicity by way of oiEce or emolument, but regarded carefully the principles involved, as well as the representatives of the same, in casting his vote. As early in life as the age of thirteen he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, remaining an active and de- voted member of the same during his life. He was warmly attached to the church of his choice, yet liberal in his views towards those diifering with him in religious doctrine. As he was prosperous in worldly goods, he remembered the Giver, and contributed largely in the establishment of church and school, and to all entwprises looking to the building up of good society. Especially worthy of record were his large contributions to benevolent societies, as indi- cated in his will, as also the investment permanently of a sum of money, the income of which was to form a fund for the benefit of the poor of his church. Mr. Hodgeman is remembered by those who best knew him as a man of strict integrity of purpose, of mature judgment, of correct habits, and strong decision of character. He died Dec. 7, 1873. Mr. Hodgeman was married three times, — first, to Miss Angeline Knowlton, of llexford Flats, a lady of good judg- ment, a safe counselor in all her husband's matters, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, possessing that marked decision of character which lends influence and honor to life. She died March 16, 18G1, at the age of fifty years. For his second wife he married Miss Jemima Washburn, at the time of the marriage preceptress of the Jennings Seminary (formerly Clark's), at Aurora, 111. She was a native of Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y. A lady of strong sympathy, accom2}anied with that force of affection for those around her that gave her prominent rank in the best circles of society. She died May 23, 1867, at the age of thirty-nine years. For his third wife he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Lucius A. Foutc and Emily I'. Smith, of Port Henry, N. Y., the former a native of Rutland, Vt., the latter a native of Addison, Vt. Her father was a lineal descendant of Nathaniel Foote, an emigrant from England as early as 1033, when he took the freeman's oath at Watertown, Mass. Mrs. Hodgeman has been for many years identified with the Slethodist church, and a constant attendant upon its .service. JOHN WAGMAN traces his descent on the paternal side through Nicholas Wagman, born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., 1781, to Henry Wagman, his grandfither, who emigrated from Zurich, Switzerland, about the year 1760. A singular incident or custom of that country was exemplified in connection with his emigration. No person leaving the country vras allowed to carry any money away with him ; hence, although the Wagmans in Switzerland were well-to-do in the world, Henry was only allowed to bring with him what he secretly received from his friends while bidding them adieu. His sLster came with him. Born in the year 1740, he came to this country at the age of twenty years, settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., was married about the year 1768 to an Amer- ican lady of German descent, by whom he had three children. His wife dying, he married for his second wife Miss Efiii , by whom he had nine children, of whom Nicholas was the fifth. All these children lived to advanced ages, engaging in agricultural pursuits. The grandfather died at the age of eighty-two years. Nicholas Wagman married Miss Sarah Euiigh, of Dutchess county, about the year 1812, by whom he had five children, — Almira (deceased), Henry E., William (de- ceased), Rachel and Elizabeth (deceased). Mrs. Wagman was of German descent. She died about the year 1828. For his second wife he married, in 1829, Miss Mary Close, of Greenfield, Saratoga county, by whom lie had five chil- dren, — Lewis S., Benjamin C. (deceased), Sarah, John, and Nicholas. In the year 1818, Nicholas Wagman, with his family, removed from his native county and settled in the town of Saratoga, Saratoga Co., where he remained, following the occupation of a farmer, until his death. May, 1870. He left his wife, who, at" the time of writing this sketch (1878), is now in the eighty-first year of her age, being born Aug. 7, 17'J7. The third son, John, was born Aug. 20, 1835, in the town of Saratoga, Saratoga Co. He spent his boyhood days on the farm at home, and attending the district school winters. At the age of twenty he gave his attention to teaching during the winter, and followed farming during the summer. In the year 1863, December 31, he married Miss Naomi Swctland, of the town of Moreau, Saratoga Co. Mrs. Wagman died October 28, 1874, leaving behind her a record of purity of character, and devotion to the churcli in which she took so active and influential a part. She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and re- spected by all who knew her. Her example and influence still live. For his seeund wife Mr. Wagman married, on October G, in the year 1875, Mis^s Ida M., daughter of HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 331 George W. Bennett and Lydia M. Hill. Her father is a native of Saratoga county, and was boru August 20, 1820. He is a farmer by occupation, and resides iu the county of his birth. Her mother is also a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and was born June, 182-1. Mrs. Wagman was born Nov. 16, 1855. Mr. Wagman came to Fort Miller in the year 1870, and engaged in the manufacture of paper under the firm-name of H. G. Craig & Co, having, soon after his marriage the first time, engaged in the manufacture of jiaper in Saratoga county, town of Greenfield. This business he continues at the present time, under the firm-name of" Wagman, Thorpe & Co." The Wagman family still retain the political principles of the ancestors, who were among the standard-bearers of the old Whig party, and now the representatives of this fiimily are ardent supporters of the Republican party. Characteristic of this family are their temperance proclivi- ties, — the result of early education at home, and tlie impres- sions received from a model mother. '^-•i'-'n Niiiis, Fmt E.1«:im1. JIAIIU.MIET OII.CimiST. GILCHRIST FAMILY. Alexander Gilchrist, the emigrant, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, about the year 1722. He came to America in the year 17-10. His emigration was purely accidental. Many of his friends were embarking for a new home in America. Alexander went to the ship to give them farewell presents, and while on board the ship put out to sea, and he then was prevailed upon to continue the voyage. He was so much attracted with the new country that he wrote back to his father '• that he liked it better than Scotland," and hence he settled here for life. He first settled in Orange Co., N. Y., in the town of Goshen, where he married Miss Catherine McNeal, of Scotch descent, who had come to tliis country with an uncle by the name of Brown. He remained in Goslien for some fifteen years, and removed to the town of Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., with his family of wife and seven children, and settled ou two hun- dred and thirty-seven and a half acres of land, obtained by liis father from the duke of Argyle, and deeded by the king, George III., of England, by letters-patent dated 17C5. The father died in the year 17GS. The mother, with the family of two .sons (Alexander and Archibald) and five daughters, trusting in the protection of Him " who doeth all things well," managed, with the assistance of her sons, to clear ofi" the original forest and establish a home. The incidents of the family's career as pioneers, in detail, would doubtless interest the ofispring now If a narration could be given. The devoted mother lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The eldest son, Alexander, became the sole owner of his father's estate. His brother Archibald purchased a farm of the Mclrityro fixmily, a part of Livingston's manor, in the town of Fort Edward, and where now liis nephew, Lewis Gilchrist, resides. Alexander was born about the year 1758, and was married to Miss Sarah White, of Irish descent, then of the town of Argyle, about the year 1704. He spent his whole life upon the farm owned originally by his father, and raised a family of eleven children, — Alexander, Walter, Charles, Gertrude, Blargaret (now living), Ann Maria, Sally, Almira, Catherine, John, James H. (deceased). Alexander, the father of these children, 332 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. died in the town of Fort Edward in the year 1843. His wife died in 1845. Walter Gilchrist, whose portrait is found above this sketch, was born in the town of Fort Edward, Aug. 10, 1812, and was the ninth child of the family. He now resides on a part of the firm upon which he was born, and has spent his life as a farmer. In poli- tics, Mr. Gilchrist was identified first with the Whig, and tlien witli the Republican party. Although not active ia politics, he is firmly attached to the principle.s of his party. He has always been identified with the best interests of society, and a liberal contributor to church and school in- terest. Miss Margaret Gilchrist was born June 18, 1808, and resides with her brother Walter. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal cliurch at Fort Edward, and is a lady of strong decision of character and sound judgment, pos.scsses a very retentive memory, and has given most of the facts for this sketch. She has always remained a maiden lady. ^ James II. Gilchrist was born in the town of Fort Edward, April 21, 1805. He spent his minority at home, and owned a part of the old homestead until his death, Aug. 1, 1877. He was a man of marked decision of character, very industrious, and, active. He was connected with the best enterprises for the public good in his vicinity ; was trustee of the Presbyterian society of Fort Edward for some twenty-four years, and a member of that church at the time of his decease. Mr. Gilchrist was a stanch and ardent supporter of the Republican party, and some thirty years ago was elected to and held the office of .school commissioner of the county of Washington. He was highly esteemed as a citizen, a man of plain, unpretending ways, considerate in judgment, and of strict integrity of purpose. In the year 1874, May 6, he married Miss Mary, daugh- ter of John G. and Agnes Gallagher, of Fort Edward. She was a native of Liverpool, England, and came to America with her parents. She was born Aug. 30, 1840, and has one child by this union, who inherits the estate of her father, which has now been in the family for one hundred and thirteen years. ENOS HOWLAND. The Howland family in Washington Co., N. Y., is traced to the emigrant Stephen Howland, who emigrated from England, prior to the Revolutionary war, while he was a young man, and settled in Dartmouth, Mass., where he Wiis married. Shortly after the marriage he became a sea- captain, and followed the sea for a few years. He was cast away on an Lslaiid, and returned finally to his family after an absence of about one year and a half After his return he moved to Dutchess Co., N. Y., where the majority of a family of fourteen children were born. He afterwards settled in Mayfield, Saratoga Co. He remained there a short time, and finally settled in Galway, the same county, where he died Sept. 20, 1831, having been born June 21, 1754. Enos Howland, the subject of this memoir, was grand- son of Stephen Howland, and son of Stephen Howland and Susan McOmber. The former, born May 29, 1793, in Providence, Saratoga county, was next to the youngest child of the flimily ; the latter was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., born Aug. 12, 1789. She is now living with her son Amasa, at Fort Edward, Wa.shington Co., N. Y., and gives quite readily the facts narrated in this sketch. Stephen Howland, the father, was married Nov. 7, 1812, and engaged in farming in Saratoga county for several years. David, eldest of the sons, first came to Sandy Hill about the year 1835, and carried on a book-binding establish- ment, and died April 30, 1838. Gardner, the second son, then assumed control of the business, and carried it on for some years, when the father and his two sons, Enos and Amasa, in the year 1844, came to Sandy Hill and erected the first paper-mill there and, of any importance, in the county. At the time of the death of the father, July 28, 1802, these sons assumed control of the paper-manufactory, which is now carried on by Amasa and his nephews, Derby and Lansing M. Howland. Of a family of eleven children of Stephen Howland and Susan McOmber, — viz., David (deceased), Amanda M., Gardner, Enos (deceased), Joseph (died at the age of ten years), Jane F. (deceased), Mary B. (deceased), Amasa, Philip M., Deborah, and Edmund Stephen, — Enos was fourth child, born July 20, 1819, at Galway, Saratoga Co. He spent his minority at home on the farm, teach- ing school during the winter months after he became of proper age. At the age of twenty-five he came to Sandy Hill and engaged in the paper-manufacturing busi- ness with his brother, Amasa, which he continued until 185G, when tlie two brothers sold out their interest in the paper-mill at Sandy Hill, and established a mill of the same kind at Fort Ann, Washington Co., which was the first in that place. This manufacturing interest was carried on for some ten years, when the partnership was dissolved, Enos remaining at Fort Ann, and Ama.sa return- ing to Sandy Hill, where he built a new mill for the manu- ■t-"^'- ''^^2> ; -vjf^^,^ ^ f.^ v^^ >, J HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 333 facture of manilla paper, which he now carries on in partnership with his nephew. After a year's stay at Fort Ann Mr. HowhmJ returned to Sandy Hill and retired from active business life. He died March 25, 1877. Mr. Howland was an active and resolute man, possessed of sterlini; integrity and good judgment. He was a director in the old Commercial Bank at Glen's Falls, and during the latter years of iiis life was a director in the First National Bank at Fort Edward. In politics Mr. Howland was formerly a member of the Whig party, but. upon the formation of the Republican party became an ardent supporter of its platform and the propagation of its principles. In the year 1845 (Feb. 0) he married Miss Susan C, daughter of Elijah Murphy and Elizabeth Bliss, of Sandy Hill. Her father was a native of Springfield, Ma.ss., and settled at Sandy Hill in the year 1812. Her mother was a native of the same place. Mrs. Howland was born May 10, 1823. To Mr. and Mrs. Howland have been born seven children, — Helena E., wife of Thoma.s Phillips, of Akron, Ohio; Lan.sing M., married to Miss Hattie C. Odell, of Fort Edward ; Stephen, resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a teacher in a business college ; Clarence, married to Miss Jennie Frouser, and resides in Akron, Ohio ; Charles E. ; Anna J. ; and Mary. Lansing M. is a partner with his uncle, Amasa Howland, in the niaimfacture of paper at Sandy Hill, and is a director in the First National Bank at Fort Edward. AMASA HOWLAND. Araasa Howland was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 29, 1827, being the eighth child of Stephen Howland and Susan McOmber. He was first married to Miss Mary L., daughter of Rowland Green, of Galway, by whom he had one daughter, Mary L. Howland. His wife died in August, 1858. For his second wife he married, in the year 1859, Mrs. Lydia, widow of the late Nathaniel Groesbeck, of Fort Ann, by whom he has two children, James Edward and Fred. Derby ; Mrs. Howland having previous to her second marriage two children, Frank Eliza and Nathalie Groesbeck. Mrs. Howland was born in the town of Fort Ann, Sept. 29, 1833. Mr. Howland spent his early life at home on the farm, and at the age of seventeen came to Sandy Hill and engaged in the manufacture of paper, and now is the senior member of the firm of Amasa Howland & Co. He has given his entire time, since his first coming to the place, to active business pursuits, and is identified not only with the most important manufacturing interests of the vicinity in which he lives, but he is a liberal supporter of the church and school interests of Sandy Hill. Mr. Howland is really the oldest paper-manufacturer of the county, having participated in the first one established in the county (except one on a small scale at Fort Edward, established about 1843). He was first identified with the Democratic party, and remained a stanch member of the same until 1861, when he became an ardent supporter of the Union cause, and has since been identified with the Republican party. ALEXANDER CARSWELL. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Ar- gylc, Washington Co., N. Y., March 24, 1802. He was second son in a family of eight children of Daniel Carswcll and Elizabeth Safford, — the former a native of the town of Coleraine, Mass , born in the year 1775, and came to this county with his parents, Nathaniel and Sarah Carswell, about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and settled in the town of Salem, some of the descendants now residing on the farm where the family first settled. Abnor, the oldest brother of Daniel Carswell, was a soldier of the war for independence, and was at Fort Ann. He was substi- tuded by his brother David, who was taken prisoner by the Indians and carried to Canada, where he was kept in irons six months, being a prisoner altogether for twenty-two months. Daniel Carswell was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed during the former part of his life. He died in the town of Argyle, at about the age of eighty years. Elizabeth Carswell was a native of Connecticut, town of Norwich ; born in 1777 ; moved to Salem with her parents when about six years of age. She died about the year 1857, at the age of eighty years. Alexander spent his early life at hard work at whatever offered, his father not being in circumstances to assist his children financially. Hence they were obliged to depend upon their own efforts for support after becoming of sufficient age, and Mr. Cars- well is one of those self-made men who has met the obstacles not only of a pioneer life, but struggled with self-sacrifice and poverty; but in this he learned those valuable les.son3 of economy and the necessity of industry which, in after- life, have secured a sufficient competence to place him be- yiiid the apprehension of want and leave his children in fair and comfortable circumstances. His education from books was necessarily very limited. At the age of twenty-two, in 1824, he married Miss Reconcile, a daughter of Shubael Terry and Reliance Hath- away, of Argyle. She was born May 14, 1803, in Hart- ford, this county. Her father was born Feb. 4, 1771, in Bedford, Mass., and came to this county about 1797. Her mother was born April 19, 1774, and was a native of Taun- ton, Mass. The family consisted of nine children, of whom Mrs. Carswell was third child. To Mr. and INIrs. Carswell have been born ten children, — Shubael T., Gideon II. (deceased), Elizabeth, Nancy Reli- ance, Theodore (deceased), Mary Jane, Marcy Joanna, Esther, Theodore A. (deceased), Daniel Seth (deceased). Mrs. Carswell was a member of the Baptist church, having united as a member about 1827, and was a devoted Christian woman, warmly attached to her family, — and her many virtues will long be remembered by all who knew her. She died Feb. 24, 1877. Mr. Carswell, at the age of sixteen, learned the tailoring trade, which he followed until the year 1839, when he gave his attention to farming, and purchased a farm of one 334 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. hundred and fifty acres in the town of Fort Edward, upon which he now resides. A view of his residence and sur- roundings will be seen on another page of this work. He afterwards added to tliis purchase and now owns some one hundred acres more. His life has been one of activity, di- rected by principles of integrity in all business transactions. He was formerly a Wiiig, and is now a Republican. Held in favorable esteem by liis fellow-citizens, he has been elected to important offices in tlie town in which he lives, and was assessor for three years. Mr. Carswell, over thirty years ago, united with the Bajjtist church, and has been prominent in the councils of that body, — serving as deacon for some twenty years, which office he now retains. The Carswell family has ranked among the best families of the county, and several of the descendants have occupied positions of distinction in the councils of the nation. Mr. Carswell has only one brother — Gideon S., of Fort Edward — and two sisters — Mrs. Wm. Taylor, of Fort Edward, and Mrs. George Taylor, of j\rgyle — still living. ->-ooc>=(i-=<. GREENWICH. Greenwich was formerly embraced within the limits of Argyle. In 1803 it was set off with its present bounds, and named after Greenwich, R. I. The shape of the town is very irregular, owing to its having the Batten Kill for one of its boundaries. The general length is about twelve miles from east to west, and it is nearly six miles in width. With reference to other towns it is south of the centre of the county, extending westward to the Hudson river. The area comprises nearly twenty-seven thousand acres, some- what broken, but presenting a pleasing aspect. There are high hills in the east, and west of the centre is Bald moun- tain, with an eminence of nine hundred and twelve feet, and comprising about fifteen hundred acres of land. The elevation belongs to a range of the same name extending northward into Vermont. It is composed of a peculiar rock, resembling in general the blue limestone, but the strata to which it belongs has not yet been properly determined. As the country westward to the Hudson is very level, the mountain is a prominent and marked object in the land- scape. Greenwich was originally covered with forests of pine, hemlock, and the hard woods. Some of the uplands are yet crowned with timber lots, whose contrast with the cleared lowlands and vales produces a pleasing elfect. In the east- ern part vast quantities of pine have been cut into lumber, whose manufacture formed for many years the principal business. The soil is generally fertile, and capable of yield- ing a variety of productions. It varies from a sandy loam to a heavy clay. The Batten Kill is the principal stream, having its source in Vermont, and flowing westward through the county to its junction with the Hudson. For many miles it forms the southern boundary of the town, and is characterized by a number of falls rapids, affording excel- lent power, whose improvement is a source of wealth to the town. The river descends seventeen feet at Centre falls, forty feet at Galesville, and half a mile below that point has an almost precipitous fall of seventy feet. In seasons of high water these rapids attain a grandeur rivaling Niagara, and in any condition they deserve a prominence which will place them alongside of the minor cataracts of the country. They have been appropriately named the Dion-oudrhowa /(ills, the Indian term for the great falls of the Batten Kill. The picturesque surroundings make the place highly attract- ive, and it is much frequented by pleasure-parties. Cossa- yuna creek, in the eastern part of the town, is the outlet of a lake by the same name, which is partly between Green- wich and Argyle. That sheet of water is one of the finest in this part of the State, and affords good fi.shing. Centuries ago it was the favorite resort of the Massachusetts Indians, wliosc trail was along the little creek. There are several small brooks situated in the western part of the town, and near the centre is a peat swamp, which has not yet been developed. The many natural advantages and location of Greenwich invited early settlement and the disposition of the lands by patents to those always ready to engage in speculative enter- prises. The first patent issued which covered any portion of the present town of Greenwich is that known as the Sara- toga patent, which was granted November 4, 1G84, under the provincial administration of Thomas Dongan. The grantees were Cornelius Vandyke, John John.son Bleeker, Peter Philip Schuyler (a great-uncle of General Philip Schuyler, of Revolutianary fame), Johannes Wendell, Dirck Wessells, David Schuyler, and Robert Livingston. Vandyke sold a portion of his share (that east of the Hudson river) to William Kettlehuyn and Killian De Bidder, in 1085. The patent covered two towns on the west side of the Hud- son river, and the. town of Easton, and a portion of the town of Greenwich, on the east side of that river. " The original graut," says Dr. Fitch, '' does not appear to have been recorded. The proprietors subsequently applied for, and Oct. 9, 1708, obtained, a renewal of it, in which that portion of the patent falling within this county is described as follows : ' And from the Last Terminacion by a Straight Line, to be drawn East, to the North side of the mouth of Creek Dionondehowe [Batten Kill], and from thence con- RESIDENCE or EDMUND H. G-IBSON, Gaeen wich WashinoiohCo HY HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 335 tinued East Six Miles into the Woods on the East Side of Hudson's River, and from thence by a Lino Southerly Par- allel to the course of said Hudson's River, and Six Miles Dis- tant from the same, soc farr Southerly until it come Opposite to and bear Six Miles Distant from the North Side of the Mouth of Schaachook Kill [Hoosiok River], which is the bounds of Schaachook Patent, Late belonging to Henry Van Rensselaer.' (Patents, vol. vii. pp. 375-379) . . . The northeast corner of the patent being in the town of Green- wich, nearly two miles north of Centre falls." At the time of the re-issue of the patent its ownership had changed some- what, the share of Vandyke being owned by his grandson, Cornelius ; David Schuyler's sliare by Peter and Robert Schuyler ; while Johannes Schuyler owned the share of Johannes Wendell. In 1732, William Kettlehuyn, a merchant of Albany, before mentioned as a purchaser of a portion of Vandyke's interest in tlie Saratoga patent, in connection with Cor- nelius Cuyler, yeoman, also of Albany, applied for a grant of land adjoining that patent, claiming to have purchased it the preceding year of the Indians. May 6, 1732, a patent was issued, eight hundred and fifty acres being given to Kettlehuyn, and seven hundred and fifty acres to Cuyler, the lands conveyed therein being situated near the Hudson.* In January, 1763, Donald, George, and James Campbell, sons of Captain Laughlin Campbell, whose abortive attempt at colonization is described in the general history, petitioned for a grant of a hundred thousand acres of land. This was refused; but, on the 11th of November of that year, a patent of ten thousand acres in the present town of Green- wich, just north of the Saratoga patent, was issued to the Campbell brothers, their three sisters, — Rose Graham, Mar- garet Eustace, and Lilly Murray, and four others : Allan Campbell, John Campbell, Sr., James Caldor, and John Campbell, Jr. Dr. Fitch states that at the commencemen and during the Revolutionary war the patent was sparsely settled by a few Dutch families, and that the land, so far as is known, was owned by the eldest of the three brothers, General Donald Campbell, who espoused the patriot cause, while the other brothers were Tories. After the war, all traces of the family disappeared. On the 21st of May, 1704, the Argyle patent was granted to the colonists of Laughlin Campbell and their descendants, and so located that it covered all that portion of the present town not included in the foregoing patents. A full account of the Argyle patents appears in the general history. The lots originally belonging to that township, but now forming a portion of the town of Greenwich, were numbered and allotted as follows: Lot 41, two hundred and fifty acres, commencing at the northeast corner of the Campbell patent, with its greatest length from cast to west, * Fort Saraghtoga, bo often mentioned in the general history, was only a short distance below, in the present town of Easton. As sta- ted in the general histoVy, it is very certain that there was a settle- ment around that fort considerably before the war of 1744. It is also probable that settlements were made on the Cuyler and Kettlehuyn tracts, for it is not likely those gentlemen, when land was so jjluuty, would have taken the trouble to prueurosuch small tracts unless Ihey had desired immediate settlement. was allotted to Catharine Shaw. South of this, towards the Batten Kill, were nine lots, also laid out with greatest length from east to west, and numbered and allotted in the following manner : lot 30, three hundred acres, to Angus McDougall ; lot 31, three hundred and fifty acres, to Don- ald Jlclntyre ; lot 32, six hundred acres, to Alexander MoNachten; lot 33, three hundred acres, to John McCore; lot 34, three hundred and fifty acres, to ^Villiam Fraser ; lot 35, running east across Cossayuna creek, two hundred and fifty acres, to Mary Campbell ; lot 36, at the mouth of Cossayuna creek, four hundred and fifty acres, to Duncan Campbell, Sr. ; lot 27, three hundred acres, to Neil McFad- den ; lot 38, two hundred and fifty acres, to Mary Torry ; lot 39, a triangular plot of two hundred and fifty acres, to Margaret McAllister, being the southernmost allotment of the patent. Then, commencing at the eastern boundary of lots 41, and 30 to 35, were lots with greatest length from east to west, and numbered and allotted as follows : lot 40, four hundred and fifty acres, to Robert Campbell, Jr. ; lot 51, three hundred and fifty acres, to Charles McArthur; lot 52, three hundred acres, to Duncan McFadden ; lot 53, three hundred acres, to Roger Reed ; lot 54, three hundred acres, to John McCarter ; lot 65, throe hundred acres, to Hugh l\Iontgomery ; lot GO, two hundred and fifty acres, at the junction of White crock with the Batten Kill, to Isabella Livingston ; lot 67, two hundred and fifty acres, running across White creek to the Batten Kill, to Catharine McCar- ter; lot 68, two hundred and fifty acres, also running to the Batten Kill, to Margaret Gilchrist. Besides these lots, there were several on the east side of Cossayuna lake running north to the " street." The numbers and allotments are as follows: lot 42, four hundred acres, to John McGuire ; lot 43, two hundred acres, to Elizabeth McNeil, also known by the name of Campbell, from her first husband, Archibald Campbell, one of the trustees of the patent ; lot 44, four hundred and fifty acres, to Duncan McArthur; lot 29, two hundred and fifty acres, to Daniel Clark ; lot 50, three hun- dred acres, partially in the lake, to John McGowan, Sr. ; lot 55, three hundred acres, to Ann Campbell; lot 56, three hundred and fifty acres, to Archibald McCollum ; lot 57, two hundred and fifty acres, to Alexander McArthur ; lot 58, two hundred and fifty acres, to Alex. McDonald ; lot 59, five hundred acres, to John McEwen ; lot 62, three hundred acres, to Mary Baino ; lot 63, three hundred acres, to Margaret Cargyle ; lot 64, four hundred and fifty acres, to Neil McEachcrn ; lot 69, four hundred acres, to Hannah McEven ; lot 70, four hundred and fifty acres, to John Reid; lot 71, three hundred and fifty acres, to Archibald Nevin, making in all about twelve thousand acres which were set off from the old township of Argyle at the forma- tion of the town of Greenwich. The patents thus briefly described as making up the area of the town were, with the exception of Saratoga, subject to the following conditions, under which, at that period, all public lands were granted, viz. : " An annual quitrent of two shillings and sixpence sterling was imposed on every one hundred acres, and all mines of gold and silver, and all pine-trees suitable for masts for the royal navy, — namely, all which were twenty-four inches or more in diameter twelve inches from the ground, — were reserved to the crown." 336 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. THE FIRST SETTLERS. The first man known to have attempted a permanent settlement in the town was one Rogers, a kind of desperado, who built on the flats of the Batten Kill, above the mouth of Cossayuna ereek, as early as 1763 or 1764 (the exact time of his coming is not known), and lived there for some time. Alexander MeNachten (McNaughton), Archibald Living.ston, Duncan Campbell, and Roger Reid settled near the Batten Kill, as allottees of the Argyle patent, in the spring of 17G5, and found him living there and claiming title from Col. Lydius to a tract of land running east from Co.ssayuna ereek to the vicinity of the stream now known as Black creek. He warned them not to trespass on his claim, making various threats as to what he would do. These men knew, however, that they had perfect titles, and went on industriously with the work of clearing their lands and building their houses, regardless of his threats. One day, when Livingston was away, his wife was forcibly carried off, and set down outside of the limits of the claim, by Rogers, who then proceeded to remove the furniture from the promises. For this act he was subsequently arrested by Reid, who w:ls a constable of the old town of Argyle, assisted by Joseph McCracken, from Salem. The arrest was made under a warrant from Esquire MeNachten, who had been appointed a justice of the peace, and was the fii-st civil process ever served in this county. It was, of couree, to be expected that a man of the reckless character of Rogers would resist the officers, and the result justified the expectation. Rogei-s tried to defend himself with his gun, which McCracken seized. In his endeavors to wrest it from the liands of the ruffian he burst the buttons from tlie waistband of his pantaloons, which, as he did not wear suspenders, slipped down over his feet. The little son of Rogers, observing MeCi'acken's exposed condition, and see- ing his father taken at a disadvantage, ran up and, as Dr. Fitch relates, " bit him posteriorly," but without causing him to loosen his hold of the gun. Rogers was secured and conveyed to Albany, after which we find no trace of him. His house was the first one erected in the town. Different portions of Argyle township began to be set- tled at this time, the survey having been completed in 1704. Duncan Campbell, whom we have mentioned as settling on lot oG, was the first supervisor of the new town, and held that office from 1771 to 1781. The surveyors who ran the division lines in 1764 were Archibald Campbell and Christopher Yates. The former was a son of Duncan Campbell, and a brother of the wife of Duncan McArthur. Archibald Campbell 1st, as he was called, was a man of wealth, education, and influence. He married Flora McNeil, and soon after the survey was completed settled on a tract of six hundred acres, which he owned in what was then Cambridge, now Jackson. Whether this land came to him by inheritance or purchase we are unable to learn. He posses.sed no little vanity, and was frequently heard to boast of his distinguished family connection. His house and furniture and his manner of living corresponded with his pretensions. The house which he built in the year 1800, and in which he lived at his death, which occurred January 31, 1808, is now owned and occupied by John Cowan. Little change has been made in the house, which is a handsome, modern- looking structure. Mr. Campbell died at the age of sixty- nine years. He had prior to his death conveyed to his son Jolin the tract now known as the Lyman Woodard farm, and which ran cast as far as the old tavern-stand at the cor- ner of the road leading to Cossayuna lake. To his son Alexander he had conveyed the lands now composing the farms of Job Skellie and Alexander Maxwell, on the south side of the Batten Kill. In his will, John Campbell is not mentioned as a legatee, although all his other children re- ceived legacies. Duncan inherited the tract known later as the " Dunn" place, while the remaining lands in Green- wich were divided equally between him and his brothers Archibald and Alexander. Archibald received the home- stead, on condition that he gave his mother a comfortable support during her natural life, or, if they lived separate, pay to the executors the amount of a legacy (seven hundred and fifty dollars) mentioned in the will. A similar legacy was devi.sed to EUinor, the daughter, who married Hon. John Crary, of Salem. John Campbell married Polly Walker. They were the parents of Mrs. Marinus Fair- child, of Salem. Duncan Campbell, the second son, married Betsey Edie. Alexander Campbell married Nellie Dyer, and .settled in .Jackson, on what is now the Skellie farm. Archibald Campbell (2d) married, late in life, Sallie Fuller, who is still living, his widow, at Centre Falls. Their son, Archibald Campbell (3d), now resides in the town of Easton. This family were related, we learn, somewhat dis- tantly, however, to Archibald Campbell, the trustee of the patent, who was a merchant and hotel-keeper of the city of New York. In his later years he removed to Fort Edward, where he died. The fiimily of Archibald Livingston, who settled with others on the Argyle patent in 1765, were prominent in the community at an early date. Living-ston married a daughter of Alexander McNaughton. The record of that event, and of the subsequent births, is so quaint that we cannot help transcribing a portion of it: "Archibald Livingston and Ellinor McNaughton, Joined in Matrimony and Lawfully married in November 23d, In the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1756, And Since Children are Born unto them through the Blessing of God of which the first is a girle whose name is Mary who was born in September the 26th, in the year 1757 ; the second a girle also Whose Name is IMargaret. She was born in May the 30th day, in the year 1759 ; the third a girle named Jennie was born in Feb- ruary the 2d in 1767." Four other children were born to them. Alexander was born June 8, 1769 ; Moses was born March 2, 1772 ; Margaret, June 29, 1774 ; and Nellie, Au- gust 10, 1777. Alexander became a mark in the town, and was well known throughout the county. The people hon- ored him by sending him to the Assembly iTi 1809, and again in 1812, and in 1818 he was elected for the third time. He was also a member of the constitutional conven- tion of 1821. He died October 23, 1863, aged ninety- four. Members of the family still reside at Kast Green- wich. Lot 32 was assigned to Alexander MeNachten, and .set- tled by him in 1765. He was a man of considerable promi- nence, and reared a large family of daughters. This farm HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 337 is now occupied by members of the Christie family, also early settlers. Opposite the house is the buria!-plot of the McNaughtou and Livingston families. Roger Raid, before mentioned as the constable who ar- rested the squatter at the mouth of Cossayuna creek, was allotted No. 50, which Ls at present occu])ied by a relative, Peter Reid. The first house at East Greenwich was erected by Roger Reid, and yet remains as the property of James Dobbin. Reid removed to South Argylc, where he died in the family of Ebenezer Campbell. John Reid, a brother of Roger, settled on lot 70. Among his sons were Peter, who removed to Onondaga county, Daniel, removed to Argyle village ; and Alexander, who lived on the home- stead until his death. The latter was the father of William Reid, of North Greenwich, and of Peter Reid, yet living, at the age of eighty-four, on lot No. 50. Another early settler on the Argyle patent was William H. McDougall. His first liou.se, on lot 09, was formed of posts dug into the ground and covered on the sides and top with bark. lie formerly resided in Now York city, as a merchant, but hav- ing become destitute through the war, he moved to this place to begin anew. He brought a small stock of goods with him, and had, in this humble way, the first store in the town. Among the sons he reared were Andrew, Rob- ert, John, Samuel, Nathaniel, and Ebenezer. Descendants of these yet live in Greenwich. The next settlement in the town was in the Saratoga pat- ent, in 17GC, when Judge Nathan Tefft atid his two sons, Stanton and Nathan (2d), came from South Kingston, II. I., and located in the towns of Easton and Greenwich, Judge Tefft, witli his son Nathan, taking by lease, from Killian De Ridder, the farm now owned by his great- grandson, Nathan B. Tefft, in Easton, while Stanton Tefft took in the same manner, from De Ridder. the farm now owned by Harvey Rogers, at Middle Falls, and built on the Batten Kill, at the fine waterfall at that point, the first saw-mill on that stream of which we have any authentic information. The following mention of this mill is made in the field-book of the survey of the Saratoga patent, made in 17G4, by J. R. Blecker: " Whereas, we the sub- scribers, commissioners appointed for the partition of all such lands, creeks, rivers, and falls of water as remained undivided in the Saratoga patent, have lately proceeded to the survey, partition, and balloting thereof, and have as- signed for defraying the expenses accrued on the same all the islands lying in IIud.son river between the southernmost and northernmost bounds of the .said patent, being in all nine islands, as also two falls of water, with four acres of land lying adjacent and convenient to each of them, the one being the second fall on Dionundehowa creek, where Staten Tefft now has a saw-mill." This conclusively proves the early date of their .settlement in Greenwich. After the marriage of Nathan (2d), Judge Tefft lived at the house of his son, Stanton, in Greenwich, until liis death, in 1789. The sjtilement of the Teffts was the beginning of the large influx n| Rhode Island colonists, from which the Baptist church subsequently organized. The family yet remains one of the most prominent of the town. Soon after their arrival, there came a man called, from his pow- erful and sonorous voice, " Whi.spering Somes." He saw 43 that the land in this locality was good, and determined to remain. There is a tradition that, after looking over the country, he ascended Bald mountain, and called back to Jonathan Foster, in Rhode Island, " Come up. Captain Foster, there is good land here." We do not vouch for the truth of the tradition, and can only assert, in support of it, the fact that " Captain Foster" did come up here in 17G7, and settled upon the farm now owned by Morgan Heath. Mr. Foster was the ancestor of several families of that'name, who still reside in Greenwich. One of his daughters mar- ried Nathan Tanner, afterwards prominent as the fii.st pa.stor of Bottskill Baptist church. Not far from the time of Cap- tain Foster's arrival, a man named Bryant settled at the foot of Bald mountain, and erected a log house of peculiar strength, to resist the attacks of the Indians, who several times tried to gain entrance to it, but were unable on ac- count of the thickness of the doors and the manner in which they were strengthened with iron. Through some lieedlessness, they did on one occasion get into the house in the absence of the family, and tried to get at some of the valuable possessions of the settler, which they, not incor- rectly, supposed were kept under the floor. The trap to the subterranean room defied their ingenuity, and they un- dertook to get through the floor with their tomahawks, but failed in the attempt, as the floor was made of hewn logs, pinned to heavy sleepers beneath. In after-years, Mr. Bryant would gleefully point to the gashes made by the tomahawks of the savages in their fruitless attempts to find his valuables. At an early day Mr. Bryant burnt lime at the mountain. One day, when absent with his family, he left a pan of air-.slacked lime in the house. Some Indians entered the place, and mistaking the lime for flour, attempted to make some broad of it, but discovering (jualities in the flour with which they were not familiar, they abandoned culinary pursuits for more congenial duties. Following these men, Samuel Dickinson came to Green- wich in 1769, and located on what is now known as the Bailey place, about half a mile east of Centre Falls. His son, Thomas Dickinson, who lived most of his life near Bald mountain, was born here in 1770. In 17G9 or 1770, Daniel Rose, a millwright (long in the employ of General Philip Schuyler, at Old Saratoga), came to Greenwich, and erected the first grist-mill in the town on what was then called " Foster's brook," but is now known as the " Flax- mill brook," on Job G. Sherman's flirm. This mill was probably in operation as early as 1771, as Dr. Fitch speaks of it as having been erected before Reed's mill at Fitch's Point, in the town of Salem, and that mill was completed in 1772. Mr. Rose also erected a saw-mill on the brook, and we believe these mills to have been those called by the next generation the " Old Rhodes' Milks." We do not learn that anywhere in the county there were mills answer- ing as clo.sely to the traditionary descriptions of " Rhodes' Mills" as those built by Daniel Rose. It seems probable that the name " Rhodes" as applied to mills came from a misunderstanding of Rose's name. Robert Kenyon came to Greenwich with Ro.se, and selected the farm now owned by William M. Holmes as the place of his future residence; but being obliged to go to Rhode Island for money, he found on his rrtuni that a man named Mosher had 338 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. " squatted" on his claim, and he took the farm now owned by Rev. William Day. In 1772, James Rogers (2d), father of Thomas Rogers, of Bald Mountain, and of the late James Rogers (3d), of Middle Falls, came from Rhode Island and settled at the mouth of the Batten Kill, near the place where Clark's mills now stand, on lands leased from the Lansing fiimily of Albany. Rev., or, as he was called, " Elder" James Rogers, fether of James (2d), came with his son and occasionally preached to the Christian people of the surrounding country, although he was not settled over any church. Abner Yates Rogers now lives on the farm first owned by his grand- father, James Rogers (2d). In the same year (1772), Smith Barber, then a lad of twelve years, walked from Rhode Island to Greenwich. After a few years he married a sister of Nathan Rogers, who came at about the same time with himself, and settled on the farm now owned by Ilorton Tefft, Mr. Rogers taking up what is now the Centre Falls tavern stand. Smith Barber was for many years a deacon of the Baptist church, where his cousin, Elder Barber, afterwards officiated for many years as pastor. Thomas Bentley and David Tefft located themselves in Greenwich about the period of Barber's coming, the first on a lot of one hundred acres, just east of what is now known as the Hannah Place property. He built a dam across the Bat- ten Kill, near his house, where remnants of it may still be seen. He erected a saw-mill, which he ran for many years. John Rogers settled near Bentley, and soon after David Tefft came and erected a house on the Hannah Place lot, where he early kept a bar, and his house was known as Tefft's Tavern. It was afterwards moved to where it now stands, and was long called the '' Betsey Whipple House.'' It is the present residence of Amasa Rose. It owns the distinction of being the birthplace of the celebrated preacher Rev. E. H. Chapin, D.D., of New York. Dr. Chapin informed the writer that his recollections of the town were very indistinct, as he left when he was only a few months old. His father, who was a portrait-painter, had rented the house temporarily while plying his profession. This is one of the oldest houses, if not the oldest, now standing in the town. Its sides are built of three-inch plank, dove- tailed together at the corners. In the Campbell patent, we note in the same range of time, although the exact date we have been unable to obtain, that John and Rip Van Dam Sybrant, or Soebrandt, as it was then called, settled on the farm now owned by Horace Gavette. On a lot belonging to this farm, opposite a large tree, the stump of which may still be seen, was erected a log meeting-house for the us6.of the Baptists of the locality .■ This was undoubtedly the first house of worship erected in the town. It was abandoned prior to 1790, about which time it was purchased by Jeremiah Newberry, and removed to the next firm north, and fitted up as a dwelling. Some of its timbers may still be seen in the corn-house on the Newberry farm, now owned by a Mr. Graham. Mr. Jere- miah Newberry came to Greenwich in March, 1778. His father, a soldier of the French war, present with Wolfe at the storming of Quebec, came at the close of the Revolu- tion, in which he was a patriot soldier, to Greenwich, and lived with his son until his death. A large number of families came from Rhode Island during the war, of whom we may mention Eber Crandall, Robert Pcrrigo, Francis Robinson, David Sprague, Phineas Kenyon, John Edwards, Lemuel Foot, Eleazer Woodworth, and Phineas Langworthy. The names of many other early settlers will appear in connection with the sketches of the villages, the church histories, and the lists of civil and society officers. "Among the early .schools was one in the western part of the town, taught by Elisha Bentley ; and one on the farm of the late Alexander Rcid, where Robert McDougall was the teacher. An early school was also taught near Greenwich on the Easton side. In the preparation of this chapter we have been much aided by E. P. Thurston's " History of Greenwich," whose pioneer sketches we have largely incorporated, having found them conscientiously prepared and worthy of a place in this connection. To Blr. Thurston, Stephen Newberry, and Peter Reid obligations are due for favors received. CIVIL GOVERNMENT. The first town-meeting was held in April, 1803, Robert Pcrrigo, Jr., serving as moderator. The election resulted as follows: supervisor, John Hay; town clerk, Araspaes Folsom ; assessors, Alexander Livingston, Samuel Heath, Jr.; collector, Jonathan Sprague; poormasters. Pardon Tefi't, David Sprague ; constables, Jonathan Sprague, Aras- paes FoLsom, James Hunting ; commissioners of highways, Nathaniel Folsom, Nathan S. Tefft, Robert Kenyon, Jr. ; pounduiasters, Reuben Parker, Abner Dwello; fence-viewers, Samuel Ross, Smitli Barber, Elijah Wright. The succession of the principal officers from 180-1 to 1877 has been as follows : Supervisors. Town Clerks. CoUectors. 1S04. Robert Konj-on. A rasp les Folsom. James Huntington. 1805. John Itay. " " Jeremiah Reynolds. 1806. David Sprague. " " " " 1807. John Hay. " " Eber Randall. 1808. Simon Stevens, Jr. " " " 1809. " •' " 1810. Francis Robinson. •' " " " 1811. " " " " " 1812. " " " " " 1813. Jonathan Sprague. " " 1811. John Campbell. I rael W illiams. 1815. " " " " M'illiam Shearer. 1816. Israel Willi.am?. A rasp aes Folsom. William S. Sprague 1817. Pcleg Bragg. I rael Williams. " 1818. Seth Spr.ague. " " 1819. Thomas McLean. " Earl Pierce. 1820. Francis Robinson. " 1S21. .Joseph Boies. " Nathan Tucker. 1822. Thomas McLe.in. J uhn Ba n,ird. " 182.'?. Seth Sprague. " James Sybrandt. 1824. Gardner Phillips. " 1825. Joualban K. Norton " " 1826. " " J.shua Dyer. 1827. " " " 1828. " " " 1829. Gardner Phillips. " Joshua ('. Tucker. 1830. Jonathan K. Ilorton " Itllanier Barber. 1831. " " Francis Robinson. 1832. " " Miller I>obbin. 1833. Moses Robinson. " Lyman Carpenter. 1831. Jiison Langworthy. " " 1835. Moses Robinson. " Joseph Potter. 1S3H. Jason Langworthy. " Ebenezer Bell. J-Oryn.^ Jl/l^yvO^- oL&M.'KJL^ HON. JAMES I. LOURIE. The ancestors of Judge Lourie all came to this country from Scotland and the north of Ireland. They were among the earliest settlers of the ■' old town of Oambrirjj^e." James Irvine, his maternal grandfather, wjis the first supervisor of Jackson, and was for many years a prominynt man in the public aflFairs of that part of the country. His father. George Lourie, was an elder in Dr. Bullion's church — now llev. Henry Gordon's — for more than half a century, and was an officer of the Cambridge regiment in thu AVar of 1S12 and after- wards. His brother, Thomas B. Lourie. owns and occupies the farm which has been in the possession uf the family since some time before the Revolution. Judge Lourie was born in the town of Jackson, on the 29th day of September, 1810. In the fall of 1828 he entered the Cambridge Academy, under Rev. Nathaniel S. Prime and Samuel Ireneus Prime, and in four years from that time graduated and received his diploma at Union College. For several years he was principal of the Union Village Academy, of which he was the founder, having commenced with a single scholar, who came with him from Cambridge. The school became known far and wide, and its exhibitions and examina- tions were attended by multitudes. In 1840 he married Mary H. Robinson, daughter of General Henry Robinson, of Bennington, Vt. She was loved by all those around her, and very highly esteemed and respected by the whole community in which she resided. During the war she was the ladies' agent for this-county of the Sanitary Commission. After studying law in the office of Hon. Charles F. Ingalls, Judge Lourio was admitted to the bar as attorney in 1844, and about a year and a half afterwards, by special favor of the Supreme Court, he re- ceived his diploma as counselor. A short time previous to this he was nominated by Governor Silas Wright as one of the judges of common pleas for this county, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. For a time he was a partner in Judge Ingall's office, under the firm- name of Ingalls, Lourie & iiigalls. In 1854 he was elected member of Assembly for the First district of this county. His principal op- ponent was both a Democrat and Know-Nothing. Many of the Democrats voted for Judge Lourie, and he was elected by over six hundipd majority. In the Legislature he earnestly advocated tem- perance, and opposed with much success fraudulent claims and dis- noneat schemes of every kind. At the joint caucus of the two houses to decide on the propriety of forming the Republican party, he advocatod that measure with much energy, and it was carried by a large m-ijority. He has ever since been a Republican in theory and in practice, and supported the war enthusiastically and with all his powers. He has always spoken publicly in presidential years. In 1856 he went to Brooklyn, retaining his pleasant residence in Union Village. It is said thai in his very active practice in that city he never lost a case before a jury. lie returned to Union Village in 1861. He was elected surrogate of this county in I86S by a majority among the largest in the county, and performed its duties for the term of four years. He appointed special terms once in each month at Argyle and Salem, and established the practice of publishing the proceedings of the surrogate's court in the county papers. Universal satisfaction was the result of his decisions and administration of the office. For the past nine years, Edmund H. Gibson, from Poultney, Vt., has been bis partner, under the firm-name of Lourie k Gibson. The business of the firm has always been large, and is still increasing and successful. Of late. Judge Lourie has written and delivered in various places in the county three historical lectures, which have been much applauded. The subjects are " Burgoyne's Campaign." "John Paul Jones," and " King Henry the Eighth and the Episcopal Church," each exhibiting very extensive research and a general knowledge of history. He is, in fact, one of the most extensively read men in this region of country. , As an educator^ Judge Lourie was peculiarly qualified ; he not only took a deep interest in education, but was one of the few decidedly practical and successful teachers. Courteous in manner and indefati- gable in whatever he undertook, he endeared himself to his pupils; he seemed to know just how to manage an institution of learning. By his familiarity and kinduess he secured the confidence of his students, and, by his unobtrusive dignity of manner, commanded their respect. A number of the distinguished men of this State were his scholars. Asa /(iioi/erhe has become a leading member of the profession in this county. Deeply and accurately read in the law. he sways a jury with great power. He is a safe and candid adviser, being more anxious that men should avoid rather than engage in litigation. His clients' real good has been his characteristic. As a man of undoubted integrity, none stand superior to Mr. Lourie. His high-toned, moral sense, which ever moves and tempers his acts, is known to all acquainted with him, either in person or by reputation. Not only is Mr. Lourie possessed of those qualities which so distinguish the good citizen and neighbor, and which so adorn the home life, but, combined with these, a degree of talent and power of conversation which are adornments in themselves. ISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 339 Supervisora. Town Clerks. Collectors 1837. William Rcid. Joh 1 Barnard, James C. Tucker. 183S. Oliver Ro.-=s. Edw in Andrews. Archibald Campbell. 1839. " " " Sidney Fuller. 1840. Lyman Woodard. Joh 1 Barnard. Elijah Hyatt. 1841. " " William Teflt. 1S42. Francis Robinson, J . •' " C. 0. Rand.Tll. 1843. " " " " John H. White. 1844. David S. Adams. " " James iM. Burdick. 1845. « " " " Christopher Wallace. 1846. Morgan Heath. " " Joseph Patten. 1847. « " " Noadiah Burnham. 1848. Le Roy Mowry. " "' William H. Horton. 1849. Orson Salisbury. " " David W. Fisher. 1850. Edwin Andrews. " " Moses White. 1851. « " " Thomas E. Weir. 1852. Simon Pratt. Will iam C. Allen. Chas. R. Robertson. 1853. William Rcid. " " Phineas Langworthy 1854. « « " Thomas E. Weir. 185.'>. Morgan Heath. H. A. Thompson. John H. Barnard. 185G. « ' " John H. Tefft. 1857. « Sidn ey Morse. ^ Hart Reynolds. 1858. " Edwin Wilmarth. Moses White. 1859. Perry M. Sclleck. " " 1800. « " John M. Dobbin. 1861. John Stewart. " David W. Fisher. 1862. „ " Chauncy P. Johnson. 1803. „ « " John D. Walsh. 1804. Isaac G. Parker. " Abel AVilder. 1865. >, " Benj. S. Patterson. 1866. " " " George Robinson. 1867. James C. Shaw. " Albert A. Norton. 1868. Monroe Conlee. " Oscar Tefft. 1869. « « " Alexander Dobbin. 1870. Edgar S. Hyatt. " Arnold A. Young. 1871. " " " William A. Hay. 1872. Robert W. Lowber. Aaron M. Hyatt. 1S73. George L. Robinson " Moses White. 1S74. Edwin Andrews. " " " 1875. « " Thomas Robinson. 1S70. " " Harvey J. Martin. 1877. William Walker. " Jcdm F. Fi.ich. 1878; " " Sidney Morse. JUSTICES OF TIIF, PEACE. 1830. 1831. 1832. 1833. 1834. 1835. 1836. 1837. 1838. 1839. 1840. 1841. 1842. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1848. 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. Joseph Boies. James Watson. Tbom.as Cottrell. Robert Coon. Duncan Patterson. James Watson. Thomas Cottrell. Richard W. Richey. Allen Corey. Gilbert Bailey. Jesse Mott, Jr. Thomas Cottrell. Nathaniel Rood. Titus Bailey. Joseph Hall. Jacob Owen. David A. Boies. Robert Coon. David A. Boies. Joseph Hall. William A. Collins. William A. Collins. Nathaniel Rood. Charles R. Ingalls. David A. Boies. Samuel Burk. EInathan Sanderson. Nathan Tucker. Charles R. Ingalls. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1S58. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871. 1872. Samu(d Burk. Charles J. Gunn. William H. Beid. Walter G. Stewart. Thomas Ingalls. Anson Durham. George H. Wells. Lewis T. McLean. James I. Louric, Anson Durham. Edgar S. Hyatt. George H. Wells. Edgar S. Hyatt. Alonzo T. Mason. William L. Robinson. George H. Wells. Edgar S. Hyatt. Alonzo T. Mason. Anson Durham. Edwin Wilmarth. George H. Wells. Wilber J. Dennis. Edgar S. Hyatt. Charles .1. Gunn. James White. Anson Durham. George H. Wells. Edgar S. Hyatt. James White. The following readable extracts have been made from the town records : 1803. — " JicmliKil, That hogs sliall not be free commoners but when well yoked, and that any person yoking a hog may recover from the owner twenty-five cents before any court having cognizance thereof." 1804. — "The meeting was held at the Baptist meeting-house, and, upon a vote, it was decided that they be hci'eafter held alternately at the house of Jonathan Sprague and the White meeting-house." Mat/ 5, 1806. — " This day entered on record the age of a negro girl named Violet, aged one year eleven months, the servant of .lohn Fol- sora, Esq., formerly the servant of James McCowan." 1807. — " Jit^Kotred, That if any person, from the first day of May until the first day of July, shall kill a crow in the town of (rreen- wich and make oath before the supervisor of the same, .shall be en- titled to one shilling per head." 1818. — " A ta.v of si.\ hundred dollars was voted for the support of the poor." 1846. — "A special meeting was held May 19 to obtain an expression relating to the excise law of May, 1845. 603 votes were cast, of which number 442 were inscribed ' No license,' and 161 were for ' License.' " 1 847. — " Again, on the 27th day of April, the question of license or no license was brought before the electors, 686 votes being cast. The relative vote was, ' No license,' 327 ; ' License,' 359, a majority of 32 favoring the sale of liquor under restriction." ROADS AND RAILROADS. While yet a part of Argyle, the principal roads were located very much as they now run. In 180-1 the high- ways were districted in the following manner : District No. 1, Andrew Freeman, overseer ; No. 2, Auiasa Curtis ; No. 3, Simon Dwellie ; No. 4, John Campbell ; No. 5, Smith Barber; No. 6, Thomas Bentley; No. 7, Otis Whipple ; No. 8, John Draper ; No. 9, Francis Robinson ; No. 10, Benjamin Boss; No. 11, Joshua Tanner; No. 12, David Remington ; No. 13, George Dunn ; No. 14, Martin Luther ; No. 15, Elijah Wright; No. Ki, John Tefft ; No. 17, Solomon Draper; No. 18, Ichabod White; No. 19, Eleazer Woodworth ; No. 20, Ebenezer Hall; No. 21, Ebenezer Cahoon ; No. 22, Joseph Crandall ; No. 23, Jeremiah Newberry; No. 24, Samuel Crandall; No. 25, David Rood; No. 26, Ezra Dyer; No. 27, Francis Robin- son, Jr. ; No. 28, Tabor Tefft ; No. 29, Peleg Bragg ; No. 30, David Paddock ; No. 31, David Hodges. The number of road districts in town has been greatly increased, securing, as a general thing, good roads. The Batten Kill and other streams of the town have been well bridged, several of these structures being substantially built of iron. In the western part of the town is the Champlain canal, affording excellent .shipping facilities, and at Greenwich village is The Greemcich and JohnsonviUe Railroad. — This line extends south along the lowlands of the Vly and other streams, through the towns of Easton and Cambridge to JohnsonviUe, on the Boston railroad. Its lensth is four- teen miles, and all its grades and curves are easy. The cost of the road, with its equipments, which are first-class, was three hundred and thirteen thousand five hundred and fifty-two dollars and seventy-seven cents. The work was begun and carried to completion by home enterprise, and is yet controlled by citizens of Greenwich and adjoining towns. The following have been the directors since the company 3iO HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. was formed : *Johii Lee, AVni. M. Holmes, R. W. Lowbcr, AV. L. Cozzens, W. D. Robertson, Andrew Thompson, H. L. Mowry, *E. L. Kcnyon,* Wm. M. Palmer, E. D. Cul- ver, Waldon Eddy, *Adam Cottrell, *T. C. Whiteside, Abrani Reynolds, Whiteside Hill, *H. Wilcox, *Isaac Parker, Edwin Andrews, I<]. H. Gibson. John" Lee was the first president, and it was largely tbrongh his untiring efforts that the road was built in op- position to the many obstacles which beset the enterprise. He retained the office until his death in .1870, when Wil- liam H. Holmes succeeded to the position. Edwin An- drews has been the secretary and treasurer, and H. H. Warner the superintendent, since 1870. The firet survey was made in 1864, the fii-st ground broken in 1867, and on the 31st of August, 1870, the first train ran to Greenwich. At this point the company has a repair-shop, engine-houses, and depot buildings. There are stations at Easton, Sum- mit, West Cambridge, South Cambridge, and at Lee, afford- ing every facility for shipping the produce of the rich country through which the road passes. CEJIETERIKS. The first settlers inhumed their dead in private grounds, or several familie.«, related by marriage, united in setting aside a place which should be sacred to the memory of the departed ones, but which, alas ! after the lapse of years, has too often been abandoned to other uses. One of the first cemeteries is that connected with the old Bottskill church, in which are interred many pioneers. The ground is completely filled with graves. A new ceme- tery was formed just outside the corporation limits, on the Middle Falls road, which has been incorporated under the general act. The following were the first trustees : John McClellan, James I. Lourie, George L. Robinson, Wm. L. Mowry, Ilorton Cottrell, Henry R. Stone, Edward B. Rob- inson, and Edwin Andrews. It contains about ten acres, which have been surveyed into appropriate lots, drives, and lawns, and presents an attractive appearance. In the northern pait of the town is a small burying- ground, and at East Greenwich a public cemetery. GREENWICH YILL.VGE. has a very pleasant location on both banks of the Batten Kill, eight miles from Cambridge, and five miles from Schuylcrville, in Saratoga county. The natural beauty of the place has been much enhanced by planting its wide Streets with rows of elms, whose spreading branches nearly overarch the avenues. Beyond these are spacious yards, adorned with shrubbery and statuary, surrounding homes whose appearance denotes the wealth and refinement of their owners. There are, also, a nuniber of good business blocks and public buildings, and the village ranks among the finest and most flourishing of its class in' the State. There are fifteen hundred inhabitants. It was settled as a business point about 1780, by a IMr. Carbine, who purchased tracts of land on both sides of the river, and built a dam across the stream, opposite the pres- * Those iiiai'ki.'il wilh :i star aif not niciiibcrs of the prcsint board of directors. ent site of Eleazer Looker's house. He erected a sawmill, and a small dwelling in which he .sold such goods as the settlers most needed. But he was poorly calculated to bear the burdens of a pioneer life, and soon tired of the lot in store for those who enroll themselves in that class. He re- turned to Albany and disposed of his intere.sts to Job Whipple, of Rhode Island, who was then looking for a lo- cation to engage in manufacturing. Mr. Whipple's deed for the properly was dated 1791, and it was supposed that he began a new dam and grist-mill a little north of the present mill the same year. These improvements gave the place the name of " Whipple City," by which it was known until 1809, when it was incorporated as " Union Village." This name was selected because the corporate bounds in- cluded the settlements in Greenwich and Easton. The present name was adopted in 1867, sis more suitable, since the growth of the village has been principally on the Greenwich side. A number of the Whipple family came to the place, and descendants yet live in the village. The names of other prominent settlers are given in connection with the various industries and professions which follow. f "Mr. Whipple was an energetic, pushing man. He saw clearly that the future value of his purchase would depend upon the rapidity with which he could make his water- power a centre of productive industries. He at once sought, and in William Mowry found, a man competent to carry out his plans. Mr. Mowry had for yeare been in the employ of Samuel Slater, the lather of American cotton- manufacturers, at Pawtucket, R. I., was thoroughly up in his business, and having been refused a merited advance- ment by Mr. Slater, he the more readily listened to Mr. Whipple's proposals to remove to Greenwich. This he did, married Mr. Whipple's daughter, and about the year 1800 set up some spinning-frames in a building then occupying the present site of Weaver's machine-works. His yarn was for a number of years jobbed out to the women of the sur- rounding country to be woven. Ladies rode in on horse- back from Whitehall, Granville, and other remote towns in this county, and also from Vermont, for yarn to weave, taking their pay in yarn for the use of their own families. Probably at no time in the history of the village has more briskness characterized its people than during those primi- tive days, when the dames from all the surrounding country came here to do their trading, because their own industry could here help them to eke out the earnings of the year with strong, serviceable cloth for house and under-wcar. The enterprise proving eminently successful, an association was formed in 1812, under the style of Wm. Mowry & Co., the other members of the firm being Townsend and Samuel McCoun, of Troy, and John Gale, of Greenwich. " Mr. Mowry 's enterprising spirit would not permit him to rest while in other parts of the world manufacturers were growing rich upon the fruitful products of improved ma- chinery. " He therefore embarked, July 9, 181G, for Liverpool, accompanied by a Mr. Wild, of Hudson, a most expert mechanician ; and on their arrival in the manufacturing I Thurston. T ^r, 'A HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 341 districts of England, in defiance of all rules refusing admis- sion to manufactories, forced their way to the machines he most desired. His able coadjutor, in the few moments be- fore they were ejected, obtained so clear an idta of the double-speeder that on his return he was able to build for Mr. Mowry, and put in operation, the first doublc-specder used in this country, which was, in 1817, placed in the brick mill, which occupied the site of the old flax-mill, — in fact, a portion of the present flax-mill is the old weaving- room of the cotlon-factory, which contained eighty looms and two thousand five hundred spindles. " Tims commenced in Whipple City the industry that more tlian all others has made the prosperity of the village of Greenwich, which continued under Mr. Mowry's man- agement until failing health compelled him to resign the charge of the business to his son-in-law, Henry Holmes, by whom it was continued until the year 1845, at which time the machinery had become antiquated, and the stock had mostly passed into the hands of others ; and the factory was shortly afterwards abandoned." The above was the first attempt to manufacture cotton goods in tliL' State, and its success caused the spaeJy estab- lishment of many factories in other localities. Meanwhile saw- and grist-mills wore operated, and are yet continued near the original location. About the close of the last century Perry Miller moved to the place and began the manufacture of plows. He is credited with having made the second cast-iron plow in the country. In front of his shop was a sign, — a plow on a beam, — extending across the road. His sons, Hill and David, succeeded him, and carried on the trade until 1830. In 1832, Waldon Eddy, the senior member of the present firm of Eddy, Reynolds, Langdon & Co., began the manu- facture of plows, having a pattern which became justly cele- brated afterwards as the '• Old Rough and Ready Wrought- Iron Beam," and it is believed that from this .source have originated all the wroughtiron beam-plows in the country. Mr. Eddy also invented a shovel-plow that has had a large sale, and the firm control many other first-class patents of farm machinery. The shops erected on the eastern side, on the Vly, have been extended to meet the demands of the growing business, and now include a main shop, forty- four by one hundred and seventy-seven feet, two stories high, and a number of side shops. Twenty-five men are employed. This firm also operates the flax-mills at this point, using a number of buildings, and employing in the working season from thirty to fifty men. In 1848 the manufacture of boots and shoes was begun in the village, and soon increased to such an extent that it became the controlling interest. It was conducted on the co-operative plan, and the work produced had a reputation that obtained fur it a ready sale wherever introduced. The long brick block on Washington place was occupied, and from fifty to seventy-five workmen were emjiloyed. Un- fortunately for those interested and the village, a business complication caused the abandonment of the shops, and the removal of the trade to Troy and other places, about 1870. In 1851 a new enterprise in American art was projected at Albany by George L. Jones. It was the staiupitig of tea-trays, etc. In 1859, Mr. Jones was employed as man- aging agent by Messrs. ISIowry, Masters & Anderson to superintend the works they established at Greenwich that year. For a number of years they were the only ones of the kind in the country, and the wares produced met with a ready sale. Mr. Alfred J. Jones, who stamped the first tray in America, is yet connected with the works, which are now operated by the American Tea-Tray Company. Several large buildings arc occupied, and a large amount of the most artistic work, consisting of tea-trays, servers, du.st- pans, etc., is manufactured. A large factory building was erected at the upper dam in 1SG2, which was occupied by the " Batten-Kill Knitting Works," for the manufacture of all kinds of knit goods for men's wear. In 1870 the establishment was incorporated as the " Pleasant Vale Mills," and is at present operated as such by William M. Palmer. Employment is given to fifty operatives. In the .same locality is a good paj)er-mill, operated by Angell, Saff'ord & Co., in a building erected for this purpose, in 1863, by Ballou & Craig. Several hundred tons of excellent hanging-paper are annually manufactured, em- ploying fifteen men and women. About 18G8 a movement was inaugurated which resulted a year later in the formation of the " Greenwich Linen Company," of which William Weaver and the Cottrell family were the principal stockholders. A third dam was built below the village, and a large brick building erected and supplied with machinery. But before it could be gotten into operation the company failed. The machinery was removed, and the building has lain idle ever since. Mr. Weaver embarked in another enterprise, and in 1870 opened the " Greenwich Machine- Works," for the manu- facture of wood-working machines of his own invention, and which have had a sale extending to Europe and Aus- tralia. He has lately invented a loom for the weaving of Turkish toweling and similar goods, to be operated by power, which promises to work an innovation in that branch of manufacturing, as heretofore all that class of goods has been woven by hand in foreign countries. It is possible that a company will be formed to occupy the linen-factory, to put in operation Mr. Weaver's invention in the manu- facture of goods from the thread of the flax of Washing- ton county, which is not excelled in this country. The village has several wagon- and carriage-factories, and a large number of mjchanic-.shops, some of them giving employment to a number of men. Araspaes Folsom was the pioneer merchant. He had a store about 1800, on the corner occupied at present by Tefft's store. Moses Cowan and Lewis Younglove were also early in trade, the former continuing many years. Edwin Andrews had a store farther down the street, and Hill Miller had a grocery-store until 1848. Others after that period were Perry Sellick, Thompson, Tobie & Hooper, and Heath & Co. Joseph Satt^rd was one of the first to engage in the s:ile of liardware, and Wm. L. Cozzens, in 1854, and T. Crandall, in 18G4, have since been in this branch of trade. The place has about a dozen stores. William Tefft, Jr., had one of the first taverns, in the house now occupied by Hill Miller. It wa.s continued uutil about 1810. David Whipple built a tavern on the 342 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. site of the present Union Hotel, about 1810, where Cap- tain Moores, Simeon Taylor, Simon Kittle, and John R. Cameron served as hosts. The present house was erected in 1850, by a stock company, for a temperance hotel. For many years it was kept by Billings Blakely, and was known by that name. John Bassett had an inn years ago, where the Hill block now is, in which Consider White afterwards had a store and a tavern. A public-house was also kept in a building which occupied the site of the Congregational church, in which the JMa.sons had a lodge-room. At the lower end of Main .street is the " Greenwich House," by R. Hamilton, which is the oldest in the place. The banking interests of the village have always been faithfully represented by the Washington County Bank, which was established in 1838, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, under the direction of thirteen directors, elected by the stockholders. Henry Holmes was the first president, and served until his death in 1850. Le Roy Mowry is the president at this date (1878). Edwin An- drews has been the ca.shier since 1839, succeeding the first cashier, Le Roy Salisbury. The capital stock of the bank was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in 1850, and to two hundred thousand dollars in 1857. In 1865 it became a national bank, retaining its former name with the addition of this distinguished term. A very fine building, with fire- and burglar-proof vaults, erected by the association in 186G, is now occupied by the bank. The People's Bank was started in 18G8 with Edwin Wil- marth as cashier, and had a fair business for several years. In 1872 this bank was clo.sed, and its interests disposed to other banks. The post-office was established soon after 1800, with John Herrington as postmaster. H is successors have been William Henry, Simon Kittle, Moses H. White, J. K. Horton, Joseph Holmes, Simeon F. Crandall, Asa P. Holmes, Wm. C. Allen, Moses H. White, J. W. Curtiss, and Norman T. Andrews. The latter has held the ofiiee since 1806. A great deal of business is done, as will be seen from the report : Letters received daily, 250; letters mailed daily, 300 ; papers distributed per week, 800. The office has six or eight mails per day to various points. It was made a postal money-order office July 31, 1871. The amounts of the ordei-s drawn per quarter are two thousand five hun- dred dollars ; paid fi)r orders received, two thousand dollars. Tiie learned professions had many able members in the village. One of the first physicians was Dr. Cornelius Holmes. He was an able practitioner, and remained until his death. One of his contemporaries was Dr. Hiram Corliss, whose skill as a surgeon extended beyond his home, and who was so attached to his profession that he continued in practice until his death, Sept. 7, 1877. Outside of his profession he was equally prominent, as the subjoined sketch from '• Thurston's History" well shows : " Very soon after he came to Greenwich, in 1827, he com- menced the agitation of the temperance question, and soon after, in 1833, the anti-slavery movement claimed his attention. He was one of the first abolitionists of the county and of the State. Elder Colver, of the Bott,skill Baptist church, was one of his disciples in this movement, and from the meetings called and held by these two men .sprang that intense feeling on the slavery question, which madevthe town of Greenwich noted throughout the land as a prominent station on that line of march towards Canada and freedom, which was known as ' the underground rail- road.' Many slaves who were concealed in the town were tracked by their owners, but not one who had reached this point was ever taken back to slavery. Notable cases a re related where slaves had escaped and arrived at Greenwich closely pursued, but so securely were they hidden that they were never found. John Salter, now a farmer living in Easton, was formerly a slave who ran away from his master. He intended to go to Canada, but Dr. Corliss and other leading abolitionists told him to stay, and they would pro- tect him. He accordingly stayed, although for five years persistent attempts were made by slave-holders to abduct and carry him back into slavery. The movement carried with it the best element of the town's population. Active in the movement, in connection with Dr. Corliss, was Elder Colver, whom we have already mentioned, Mrs. A. C. Holmes, William H. Mowry, Leonard Gibbs, and many others. In the houses of all these persons might, at one time, ha\'i3 been found secret recesses or chambers, where .slaves were hidden, and indeed several of them remain to this day. Leonard Gibbs, who was the legal adviser and constant coadjutor of this coterie of fugitive slave law breakers, was a lawyer of distinguished ability, and was brought prominently into public notice by his connection with the ' Jerry Rescue' at Syracuse, which took place in 1848. Mr. Gibbs came to Greenwich, from Granville, in 1846. Up to the commencement of the war, eiforts were made in the abolition movement. George Corliss, of Pro- vidence, R. I., whose name has recently been so much before the public in connection with the construction of the immense centennial engine which bears his name, is a son of Dr. Corliss, who is mentioned in this connection, as is also William Corliss, the inventor of the ' Corliss Spheri- cal Safe,' and Rev. Albert H. Corliss, of Lima, Livingston Co., in this State. His daughter is the wife of Rev. Sabiu McKinney, of Binghamton." Among others who practiced in the place were Doctors Simeon F. Crandall, William Bullions, J. B. Scott, Fayette P. Mason, Morgan Cole, A. R. Edson, J. Langwcu'thy, and Williamson. In present practice are Doctors Langworthy, Bartlett, Hulst, Henry, Gray, since 1867, and A. G. Peirce, since 18G4. The fir.st lawyer of the town was Charles Ingalls, who was born in Andovcr, Mass., in the year 1763, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1790, was admitted to the bar in 1803, when he establi.shcd his office at Union village. In 1804 he was elected member of Assembly. Israel Williams and Joseph Bjies prosecuted tiieir legal studies under his instruction. He continued practice until his death, in 1812. His son, Charles F. Ingalls, was born in 1795, was ad- mitted to practice Oct. 29, 1819, and wasafterwards appointed judge of the court of common pleas. After the expiration of his term, he continued his professional labors until his death, in 1870. His sons, Charles R. and Thomas F. In- galls, followed the legal profession ; the former at Green- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 343 ■wich until 1860, when he removed to Troy, and practiced as partner in the office of David L. Seymour, where he re- mained until elected judge of the Supreme Court, in 18C8, to which office he was recently re-elected without opposi- tion, both parties joining in his nomination. Thomas F. Ingalls, a man of fine natural abilities, practiced until his death, in 1873. Joseph Boies, of whom we have spoken, commenced practicing law in Greenwich in 1813, and with the excep- tion that he was, for a time, judge of the court of common pleas, and afterwards surrogate, he practiced until his death, in 18G6. His son, David Artemus Boies, entered the legal profession in 1852, and was elected surrogate. E. D. Cul- ver came in 1836 ; was a member of Congress, judge of city courts in Brooklyn, and minister to Venezuela. James I. Lourie was admitted, in 1844, a member of Assembly; judge of common pleas, and surrogate. A. A. Moor, ad- mitted in 1846. E. H. Gibson, in 1863; is a member of Lourie & Gibson. Alonzo T. Mason was captain Co. A, 123d Regiment, admitted in 1866 ; died in 1872. Besides some of the foregoing, — Boies, Moor, Lourie, and Gibson, — the following are also in practice: J. G. Sherman, S. M. Burke, and J. G. Milliman. MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. The village assumed corporate honors in pursuance of an act of the Legislature, " to vest certain powers in the free- holders and inhabitants of Union village, in the county of Washington," passed March 2, 1809. The electors having been assembled at the house of Araspaes Folsom, May 2, 1809, the first municipal election was held with the follow- ing result, the president being afterwards chosen from the board of trustees : Trustees, Job Whipple, Araspaes Fol- som, William Teift, Jr., Moses Cowan, and William Mowry ; president. Job Whipple ; clerk, Jonathan K. Horton ; assessors, Cornelius Holmes, Otis Whipple, and Abraham Burrell ; collector, William Whipple ; treasurer, John S. Wright. Since the foregoing the following have been the presidents and clerks : Presidents. Clerks. 1810 John P. Becker. Thomas Barrows. 1811 Job Whipple. J. K. Horton. 1S12 Robert Moores. " isi:'. " ■' 18U E. Wells. J. Boies. 1815 Willi.am Mowry. C. F. Ini^iilis. I.SIC Uor.ice W. Bowers. J. Williams. 1817 " " J. Southworth. 1818 Henry Robinson. " " 1819 Moses AVhite. " " 1820 Edmund Rowland. 1821 William Mowry. C. A. Lockwood. 1S22 Cornelius Holmes. lS2:i Perry Miller. " " 1824 Moses White. 182.') " " C. F. Ingalls. 1826 gtimon Kittle. William Henry. 1827 Joseph Boies. Moses White. 1S2.S Moses White. R. M. Norton. 182'.l Marraaduke Whipple. G. Tcfft. 1830 " •• J. Ilerrington, Jr. lS.il 18.32 Alexander Mosher. Un John Barnard. Wm. H. Mowry. 1834 Moses White. All.irt Boies. 18.33 Jonathan K. Horton. Wm. M. Ferine. 1836 1837 .Joseph Boies. Edwin Andrews. 1838 Moses White. Asa F. Holmes. 18.39 Wendell Lansing. Gilbert Bailey. 1.840 Moses White. C. R. Instils. 1841 " Prcslilenta. Clerks. 1842 Abraham Cornell. C. R. Ingalls. 1843 " " Joseph Potter. 1844 Moses White. 1845 Daniel Frost. 0. K. Rice. 1846 " " Edwin Wilmarth. 1847 Mosc White. P. L. Barker. 1848 " " " 1849 Leonard Oibbs. Wm. C. Allen. 1850 Charles 11. Ingalls. " " 1851 " 1852 P. M. Selleck. 1853 •' " " " 1854 O.K.Rice. " 1855 C. P. Johnson. Chnrlcs J. Gunn. 1856 Aaron Selleck. Darwin W. White. 1857 " 1858 Charles J. Gunn. Alanson II. Knapp. 1859 Perry M. Selleck. 1860 Simon M. Chubb. " " 1861 " " " " 1862 " 1863 " " " " 1864 llufus A. Lnmh. " " 1865 Simon M. Chubb. 1866 " " " " 1867 AVm. M. Holmes. S. L. Stillman. 1868 Harvey Wi!eo.>i. Alanson 11. Knapp. 1869 " " 1870 Wm. H.Norton. " " 1871 A. G. Peircc. " " 1872 " " " " 1873 " " " " 1874 Abram Reynolds. 1873 " " " " 1876 " " " 1877 Aaron Griffin. " It is interesting to note some of the ordiuances enacted by the council, but which did not meet with popular ap- proval. A law to prohibit swearing within the corporate limits provoked .so much opposition that a special meeting was called Sept. 14, 1829, when the trustees repealed it. Measures were taken as early as 1819 to secure protec- tion against fires, and a small engine was soon after pur- chased. That year William Cozzens, Otis Southworth, Israel Williams, and David Whipple were appointed fire- wardens. About 1835, the matter of forming a regular department was agitated, and it was provided tliat Dr. Corliss, C. F. Ingalls, and Henry Holmes should give the command at fires. A further step in this direction was taken on the 22d of March, 1837, when Fire Company No. 1 was formed with twenty-four mem- bers, comprising the leading citizens of that time. Edwin Andrews was chosen captain of the company, and held the position until May 10, 1858. Suitable apparatus was pro- vided, and members added until it was a complete organiza- tion. The changes in the population of the place made a reorganization desirable, and it was effected June 3, 1872, with William Weaver captain. The present rooms of the company are on Washington place, where suitable provision has been made to accommo- date the engine and other apparatus, which arc first-class. The company has forty members, with Albert Coibett captain, and George E. Dorr secretary. Rongh-and-Ready Fin Company, No. 2, was organized Au". 8, 1854, with thirty members, having James M. Eddy foreman, and P. S. Taylor secretary. The basis of this company was an older organization, known as the '• Washington Volunteers," but which had di.sbanded a short time before. A house was secured on the Easton side for headquarters, and the rooms have been very hand- somely furnished by the company, with co.sy furniture, library, etc. 344 HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. In 1870, H. A. Knapp took command of the company, and has since retained that position. He has rendered the organization effective service in bringing it to its present proud position. In contest with other companies at Salem, Bennington, Saratoga, and other places, Ilough-and-Ileady was successful in carrying off prizes aggregating nearly one thousand dollars in value. The present engine is a No. 3 Button & Blake, built in 1859, has a nine-inch cylinder and a seven-inch stroke. The company owns two good hose-carts, having eight hundred feet of hose. There are at present forty members, fully uniformed and trained for their work. In 1875 they became members of the State Firemen's Association. GREENWICH ACADEMY. This institution was established in 1836. and after three years' successful conduct was incorporated by the board of regents. In 1849 the present commodious building was erected at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It has since been improved, and is well adapted to meet the wants of the school. The academy has been well patronized, and has always maintained a good reputation for scholarship. Hon. James I. Lourie was the first principal, and of his ad- ministration and those in attendance, it is said : " In the first three years of this institution, during which time Judge Lourie was principal, the following gentlemen were scholars : Daniel 11. Anthony, a prominent citizen of Kansas; Chester A. Arthur, collector of the port of New Y'^ork ; Henry A. TefFt, commissioner to establish post- ofiices in California, member of the con.stitutional conven- tion, and justice of the Supreme Court of that State; William Wallace Rockwell, member of Assembly from Saratoga county ; Charles R. Ingalls, member of Assembly and justice of the Supreme Court of this State; Patrick Mullon, judge of common pleas, Ohio ; Rev. James A. TefTt, known among his companions as Ticonderoga Tefft, missionary on the western coast of Africa ; and Joseph Potter, district attorney, county judge, and justice of the Supreme Court of this State." In 1868 it was merged with the village .schools as a union free school, but retaining its individuality as an academy, and yet offers all the advantages of such an insti- tution. Three separate departmetits are maintained, — classical, normal, and English, — -who.se conditions of ad- mission are similar to those of like institutions. The ag- gregate attendance is about one hundred and thirty, furnish- ing from twenty to thirty students per year who pass the required examinations. The academy is well supplied with philosophical and chemical apparatus, whose estimated value is five hundred dollars, and has an excellent library of twelve hundred volumes. The academy and the other schools of the village are under the control of a board of education, composed of a president, clerk, and seven members, which is at present as follows: Dr. Henry Gray, president; G. T. H. Knapp, clerk ; Abram Reynolds, W. V. K. Reynolds, Aaron Grif- fin, James H. Thompson, James M. Eddy, Dr. A. Lang- worthy, Rev. H. F. Austin. The instructors are W. Somcrs, A.JL, principal ; Miss Alniie Iving, preceptress; iMiss Sula Crandall, a.ssistant; Miss Alice B. Wheeler, senior intermediate department ; Mrs. W. Somcrs, junior intermediate department ; Miss Georgie McGown, Easton department ; Miss Emma Wat- son, jirimary department. SECRET ORDERS. In 1805, June 5, Rising Star Lodge, F. . A. Lewis Y. Johnson, enl. June 0,1861, 22d Begt., Co. G ; killed .at sec.md Hull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. William M. Johnson, eid. Ang. 24, 1804, 2Gth U. S. C. T., Co. A ; disch. May 18, 1865. Henry Jones, enl. Dec. 26, 1863, 20th U. S. C. T., Co. E; died at Port Hudson, April, 1864. Roswell B. Jones, Corp.; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt., Co A. Gilbert H. Kuapp, enl. May 22, 1861, 22d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 19, 186.>. Franklin A. Knapp, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. July 14, 1865. Henry J. Knapp, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Jan. 29, 1863. Edward B. Kenyon, corp.; enl. Dec. 25, 1861, 4th Art., Co. D; pro. to sergt.; had served seven months in 22d Regt.; disch. for wounds, May 15, 1865. Harry Knapp, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. Robert Kernigau, enl. 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. Johu Luddy.enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. James Livingston, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Vitell Lapoint, enl. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. Lucius Long, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt.. Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Alexander Lambert, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June S, 1865. Charles Lapoint, enl. Ang. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; killed at Culp's Farm, June 22, 1862. John H. Lampson, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12.3d Begt., Co. A ; wounded at Chancel- lorsville; died at .\quia Creek, Va. Joseph Lapoint, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. Nathan Lanpbier, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. John C. Lamont, assist, surg. John Lampman, enl. Sept. 5, 1864, 123d Regl., Cu. A; disch. June 8, 18i;5. Preston Long, eld. May 20, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 22, 1863. William Langworlby, enl. Apiil 22, 1861, 22d Begt., Ci>. D; pro. to sergt.; discharged; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864, 16tli Art., Co. K ; disch. Aug. 21. 1865. Henry Lampman, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A^ .\lonzo T. M.ason, 1st. lieut.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. A ; pro. t.i capt.; brevet maj.; di.sch. June 8, 1865. Alexander Mitchell, enl. Aug. 6,1802, 123d Begt, Co. A; died of disease, at ChattaTiooga, Tenn., Ang. 16, 1804. Edwin B. Mosher, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. William H. Manning, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. William McNulty, enl. 77th Begt. Thomas McCuUough, enl. Aplil 22,1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; re-euL I23d Begt., Co. A, Aug. 25, 1864; disch. June 8, 1865. Henry Morgan, enl. 21st Cav., Co. E. Luther Morgan. Daniel Morse, enl. 77th Begt. Morgan Morse, enl. Dec. 30, 1863, 16th An., Co. K. Albert A. Norton, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 12id Regt., Co. A ; disch. Juno 8, 1865. John Sevins, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 44th Begt., Co. K ; disch. June 30, 1865. Charles Norton, enl. Sept. 22, 1862, 169th Begt., Co. E; disch. Wallace Orton, enl. Aug. 15, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. at Philadelphia, Pa. Daniel Parks, enl. July 25, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. John Preeve, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. April 17, 1865. Albert Potter, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 30, 1804. George W. Potter, enl. Aug. 26, 1864, 12:)d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. James Pilling, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. May 21, 1865. John H. Pullman, enl. Aug. 20, 1861, 44th Regt., Co. B; died of wounds, Juno 17, 1863. .\.bner W. Porter, enl. 1861, 30th Begt., Co. G ; re-enl. 16th Art., 1864; died at Fortress Monroe. Orion C. Potter, corp. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1863, 2l8t Cav., Co. F ; pro. sergt. ; prisoner ; disch. Alonzo Rice, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 6, 1865. John W. Richards, corp ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1862. George Robinson, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; pro. 2d lieut. ; 1st lieut.; brevet capt.; disch. Juno 8, 1865. Edward Remington, enl. 43d Regt. Albert Rogers, enl. Aug. 16, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, Jlarch 27, 1863. Hiram R. Rice. enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 0, 1805. Benjamin F. Rodier, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Begt , Co. A. George J. Ru.<8ell, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Adolphus Rosebush, eul. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. Abram Reynolds, capt. ; onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; resigned July 19, 1863. 358 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. William Bobingon, enl. 13d Regl. Lewis H. Reynolds, enl. Nov. 21, 18Gl,93iI Rest., Co. F ; re-enl. 192d Regt., April 12, 1865; disch. May 12, 186«. John M. Reynolds, enl. Jan. 7, 1864, 16th Art., Co. K ; disch. June 13, 1865. David S. Randall, enl. March 14, 1865, 192cl Regt., Co. G ; pro. corp. ; disch. Aug. 28, 18&5. James C. Shaw, 2d lieut. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; pro. Ist lieut., and capt. ; discli. June 8, 1865. George H. Sutfin, enl. 44th Regt. James Saunders, enl. 44th liegt. Harmon Shaw, enl. July 26, 1862, 12:id Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability. Jacob Steves, enl. Aug. 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; dieil in the service. George Sheffield, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1866. George W. Sears, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1805. William Sheffield, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. July 13, 18e.i. Jolin A. Spencer, enl. 123J Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. William H. Spencer, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. Oscar Sparhawk, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. May 10, 1865. Reuben Stewart, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. John Scott, enl. 123d Regt., Co. A. Theodore Stover, enl. Aug. 16, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. H ; disch. June 8, 1806. Joseph Safford, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June-g, 1S65. Isaiic Saulter, enl. Aug. 15, 1864, 26th Begt. U. S. Colored Troops, Co. G; disch. Sept. 9, 1865. Jerome Sears, enl. Dec. 25, 1861, 93d Kegt., Co. I ; killed at Deep Bottom, Va., Aug. 15, 1864. Almon Spencer, enl. Dec. 20, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I ; discli. June IS, 1865. Patrick Savage. John Stevens. Charles B. Sweet, enl. Dec. 24, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. Martin Shearer, enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. Wm. J. Smith, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1866. Albert N. Tanner, corp. ; enl. Aug. 1,1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1805. Hir.im B. Tetft, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A; trans, to navy, April 17, 1804; discli. July 15, 1805. Charles Tucker, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Charles Tofft, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. George Tacy, enl. Dec. 26, 1803, 10th Art., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 28, 1865. Frank Tefft, enl. q:-m. sergt., July, 1863, 21st Cav., Co. E; disch. Sept. 9, 186.5. Caleb B. Tefft, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Samuel Vorse, enl. Aug. 24, 1804, 2eth U.S. Colored Troops, Co. D; disch. Aug. 28, 1806. Wm. U. Van Buren, enl. Aug. 29, 1864, 26th U. S. Colored Troops, Co. D ; pro. to Corp. ; disch. Sept. 8, 1865. Charles Van Valkenburgli, enl. Aug. 17, 1801, 44th Begt., Co. C ; died of disease at Anuapolis, Md. .loel Volentine, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. Benjamin Van Norman, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. A. George E. Wilmarth, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 1st Mounted Billes, Co. D ; was present at the fall of Richmond ; disch. June 12, 1805. Wm. W. Willard, 44ch Begt. Alfred Wilmarth, wagoner; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. for dis- ability, Feb. 21, 1803. Monroe Waller, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Thomas D. Wright, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. Le Boy Wright, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A ; killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 1861. John Wilson, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. for disability, March 16, 1863. Erastus T. Williams, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A; disch. May 24, 1865. Thomas W. Wilson, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. June 8, 1865. Clark K. Whittaker, enl. May 22, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D ; disch. for disability ; re-enl. 123d Regt., Co. I; died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 19, 1803. Abner T. Wilcox, enl. Aug. 25, 1864, 51st Regt., Co. J!; disch. June 1, 1865. Le Boy Whittaker, enl. Sept. 3, 1864, 123d Regt., Co. A ; disch. June 8, 1865. CharlesH. Waller, enl. April 21, 1861, 2d Regt,,Co.C; disch. May 21,1863;re. enl. 16th Cav. ; disch. June, 1806. Sidney R. Wolf, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 4th Art., Co. D. John Willard, 44th Begt. W. G. Watson, enl. Nov. 1, 1801, 77th Regt., Co. C; disch. Dec. 14, 1864. Webster Woodward, died of disease at Washington, D. C, July 7, 1864. Wm. Wright, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. David Whipple, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. A. Arnold A. Youug, musician; enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A; disch. May 27, 1865. Hiram T. Young, eul. July 28, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. A. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. DAVID A. BOIES. Josepli Boies, the father of David A. Boies, w;is born at Bhindford, Hampden Co., Mass., Oct. 2, 1783. The Boies family was of French descent. On the revocation of the edict of Nantz, they fled to England, thence removed to the north of Ireland, and some time in the last century they crossed the ocean, and finally settled at Blandford, a Green mountain town, about twenty miles west of >Spiing- field. Photo, by ArnoM, Gr He graduated at Williams College in 1808, and the same year commenced the study of the law, in the office of Savage & Crary, of Salem, in this county, where he con- tinued until 1810, when he went to Union village, in this county, and studied in the office of Charles Ingalls, the grandfather of the present Judge C. R. Ingalls, of Troy, until he was admitted to the bar, in 1811. He then went to the village of Cambridge, and opened an office in the hotel then kept by Major Porter, opposite the old white church, where he remained until the death of Mr. Ingalls, in 1812. He then moved back to Union village and opened an office, where he continued to practice law until his death, in 1866, aged eighty-three years. In 1813 he was married to Anna Eights, a daughter of Abraham Eights, of Albany, N. Y., whose name appears as one of the committee of public safety in Albany in the time of the Revolution. The Boies family is a striking illustration of the intermingling of blood and races in this country. As before stated, the Boies family were originally French, and intermarried with the Scotch-Irish and New England Yankees. Abraham Eights, the father of Miss Anna HISTORY QF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 359 Eights, who married Joseph Boies, was a Dutchman or Hollander. His father immigrated from Rotterdam, Hol- land. The wife of Abraham Eights was an Englishwoman. Joseph Boies mainly spent his life in the practice of his profession, at Union village (now Greenwich), Washington Co. He held several town offices, and was judge of the Washington county common pleas court for several years. In 1847 he was elected to the office of surrogate of Wash- ington county. He was always highly respected and esteemed as a good, safe counselor, and an honest man. He joined the Re- formed Dutch church about ISiU, was immediately elected an elder, and held the position until his death, in 1866. He was born in the last year of the Revolutionary war, and was one of the connecting links between the Revolution and the great Rebellion. He had six children, only three of whom lived beyond early childhood, and they are still living, namely : Abra- ham Eights Boies, of Greenwich, unmarried, sixty-two years old ; David Artemas Boies, lawyer, of Greenwich, fifty-nine years old ; and Catharine Eights Boies, now the wife of Hon. Joseph Potter, of Whitehall, in this county, justice of the Supreme Court. David A. Boies, the son of the Joseph and Anna Boies above mentioned, was born on the 28th day of April, 1819. His life has been an uneventful one. He entered Union College, at Schenectady, under the presidency of the cele- brated Dr. Nott, in the spring of 1836, and was graduated in July, 1839. The class of 1839 was the largest class which at that time had ever been graduated in the United States ; one hundred and six received diplomas at " com- mencement." Mr. Boies stood number two on the merit- roll of that large class. Afler his graduation he entered his f;ither's office and commenced the study of the law, and was admitted a.s an attorney of the Supreme Court in 1842. He has continued the practice of the law ever since in his native village. In 1858 he married Miss Margaret Gilford, daughter of Eiihu GiflFord, Esq., of Easton, in this county. He has one child, a daughter, Louise, fifteen years of age. In 1852 he succeeded his father as surrogate, and filled the office to the satisfaction of the people. HON. LEONARD GIBBS. His grandfather Gibbs emigrated from England about the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled in the town of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. He was eldest son in a family of eleven children of Dr. Leonard Gibbs and Betsey Roberts, of Warren Co., N. Y., and was born April 21, 1800 ; was educated a lawyer, and for a number of years practiced his profession in his native town. Rapidly rising in influence and esteem in the county, he was, in the early days of his profession, appointed district attorney for the county, in which office he continued a number of years, and was once elected to the Legislature of the State. He never disappointed his friends, but filled every place to the satisfaction of all and with credit to himself In the year 1839 he removed to the city of New York, and continued the practice of the law until the year 1845, when he came to the village of Greenwich and retired from business, where he resided until his death, Sept. 12, 1863. Mr. Gibbs was a man of strict business habits and un- swerving integrity, possessed a warm heart, a clear intel- lect, pure motives, and an unyielding will. He was in politics and religion radical and uncompromising. His course was never governed by policy or expediency. He desired only to know the right, and then to embrace and defend it with all the energy of an ardent and sanguine temperament, and the frequent expressions of trust and confidence on the part of those who best knew him is a worthy commentary upon his life. His intellectual, moral, and affectional develop- ment was as symmetrical as it was rare. True to his highest convictions and noblest aspirations, — and his ideal standard was ever most exalted, — he had no fear of " the world's dread laugh," or of its frowns or threats, and seemed proof against every temptation to turn aside from a hated and unpopular cause. He was long known as among the early advocates, and most thoroughly conscientious, of the anti-slavery cause, and in his addresses delivered before the public, as an advo- cate at the bar, or elsewhere, he is said to have had com- mand of almost unprecedented wit, and to have been a most fascinating and accomplished orator. He was long a pro- fessor of religion, and for fifteen years had been a member of the Orthodox Congregational church of Greenwich, and at his death looked back upon life with gratitude, and for- ward to eternity with hope. On April 15, 1834, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Beckwith and Edie Griswold, the former a native of North Granville, Wiishingtou Co., N. Y., and whose father was one of the first settlers of that town, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war. She was born Jan. 9, 1813, and slUl survives in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs have been born four children, of whom Mary and Helen £^re living, and reside in the village of Greenwich. NELSON PRATT. The Pratt family is of English extraction, and settled in this country, probably in the State of Connecticut, at an early day. Daniel Pratt, the great-grandfather of Nelson Pratt, resided at Pomfret, Conn., where he engaged in farm- ing. In 1790 he removed to the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., where he also pursued farming. With Daniel Pratt came William Pratt, his son, and grand- father of Nelson Pratt. He located at Greenwich also, established a farm at that place, and followed farming throughout his life. He was one of the earliest settlers of the town of Greenwich. Ho married for his first wife Eleanor Newcomb, of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., by whom he had six children, of whom Simon N., father of Nelson, was one, and Lydia, a daughter, is still living at Argyle. For his second wife he married Sarah Morey, of Salem, by whom he had fifteen children, of whom only four are now living, namely, Hannah, of Plainville, Minn.; Judge Daniel Pratt, of Syracuse, N. Y. ; William, of Walnut Creek, Cal. ; John M., of Mentor, Ohio. Of those who lived to maturity 360 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. and are now deceased are the following: Sarah (Newcomb), who first married Joshua Brown, of Saratoga county, after- wards Win. Hutchins, of Greenwich ; Milly, who married Robert Burnett, of Deerfield, Mich. ; Elizabeth, who mar- ried John McClelland, of Greenwich ; Juliana, who married Rev. Archibald Kenyon, of Chicago, 111. ; Christopher, and Alexander. He died in 1830, at the age of .sixty-five years. Simon N. Pratt was born Nov. 15, 1796, at Greenwich. He passed his early life as a farmer, and engaged in the lumber business. On March 9, 1819, he married Deborah Nelson, daughter of Joseph Nelson, of the town of Argyle, who was born Dec. 15, 179U. By this union were born ten children, namely, Elizabeth, who married Hon. Wm. Pat- ton, of Sandwich, 111., and is now dead ; Sarah Maria, widow of Sydney Matthews, of Argyle ; Hannah, who died in infancy; Moses T., now deceased; Jane N., who married Samuel Johnston, of Omro, Wis., and is now dead ; Eleanor, now dead ; William, of Greenwich ; Nelson, of Greenwich ; Mary L., of Omro, Wis. ; Emily A., wife of A. M. Nes- bit, of Hoopeston, 111. Simon N. Pratt is still living at Greenwich, engaged in farming. He was au early and active worker in the tem- perance cause, and is still earnest in the support of his principles. He is a man of prominence in the community, and possessing great influence, and has filled the various offices of the town, including the important one of super- visor. He is now in his eighty-second year. William, only living brother of Nelson Pratt, married Mary E. Somes, daughter of Jonas Somes, of Argyle, and now resides at Greenwich, on the same farm cleared and settled by his great-grandfather, his children being the fifth generation of Pratts who have occupied the same. He has three children, namely, Lizzie, Newcomb, and Willie, all residing at home. Nelson Pratt was born in the town of Greenwich, on Sept. 23, 1832. He passed his minority at home, assisting on his flither's farm, and attending the common school and the Greenwich Academy. At the age of nineteen he com- menced teaching, a pursuit which he followed for two terms in Greenwich, and one term in Illinois. At the age of twenty-two he went to Rice Co., Minn., and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land under the pre-emption act, to which he added one hundred and sixty more by purchase, the whole of which he traded for a farm in the town of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y. He subsequently pur- chased two thousand acres in Osage, Iowa, which he dis- posed of to settlors. He also bought an interest in what is now the town of Northwood, county-scat of Worth county, Iowa (in which he still retains an interest), and for four years engaged largely in real estate, both here and in the west. In the year 1860 he returned to his native town, purchased the farm on which he was born, and married, Jan. 30, 1861, Mary E., third child and only daughter of Elijah and Ann Eliza Clough, who was born Dec. 31, 1840. He has two children, to wit, Anna E., born Dec. 7, 1861. and Simon Nelson, born Oct. 9, 1864, both of whom reside with their parents. Politically, Mr. Pratt is identified with the Republican party, and has been chosen to different official positions by his townsmen; is a member of the United Presbyterian church of South Argyle, has been one of its trustees, and is foremost in all enterprises tending towards temperance and reform in his vicinity. Mr. Pratt controls extensive business interests in the west, and is a man of great activity, resolution, and perseverance, and of the strictest integrity in all his transactions. He has met with marked success in all his business enterprises. A view of the residence and farm of Nelson Pratt may be seen on another page of tiiis work. The farm comprises two hundred and thirty-five acres, and is notably one of the richest and most productive in Washington county. ALPHONZO DWELLE was born in the town of Greenwich, May 3, 1800, and was the seventh child in a family of thirteen children, of whom five are living, viz., Lemuel, born Dec. 8, 1788; Moses, May 17, 1790; Lydia, June 13, 1792; Jedediah (de- ceased), May, 1794; Jedediah, Feb. 12, 1796; Betsey, April 27, 1798; Alphonzo, May 3, 1800; Almyra, May 31, 1802; Abner, Jan. 2, 1805; Horatio, May 2, 1806; Horatio Nelson, Nov. 25, 1807; Miriam, June 25, 1811. His father, Abner Dwelle, was born at Scituate, Mass., June 10, 1758. His mother, Miriam Martin, was born in Salem, Washington Co., Feb. 5, 1770, and married Sept. 8, 1786. His father served in the Revolutionary war, and held various offices of trust in his town. He was identified with the Presbyterian society, but not as a member, always contributing to its support, as well as to that of school in- terests, and every other good woi-k. In politics he was first a Federalist and subsequently a Whig. He died June 30, 1826. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian society, and died Oct. 13, 1825. Mr. Dwelle spent his early life in the routine of farm- labor, and attending the common school. May 2, 1824, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Tabor Teff't, who had a family of thirteen children. The result of this union was ten chil- dren, — Lemuel, born Aug. 16, 1824; subsequently married to Hattie Edwards, of Wisconsin. He has been chosen State Senator one term, and member of the State Legisla- ture one term. James Albert, born March 16, 1826 ; mar- ried, in 1859, to Sarah Walker, of Salem. Occupation, real-estate dealer and money-lender. Henry B., born July 13, 1827. Practicing medicine in St. Louis. Caroline, born June 8, 1829 ; widow of late B. T. White. Mary Elizabeth, born Nov. 16, 1830; died April 29, 1870. Horace and Horton, born Dec. 25, 1832 ; the latter died June 7, 1868. Lydia, born Jan. 19, 1835 ; married to J. E. Hoag, of Easton, June 28, 1865. Mariani, born May 7, 1836 ; died in infancy. Charles Hamilton, born Jan. 27, 1842 ; died at the age of eight years. Mr. Dwelle has held various offices of trust in his town, and is to-day enjoying the confidence of all who know him. He is a man of correct moral habits and strict integrity of purpose in all his business transactions. Mr. Dwelle has been a Republican since the party's formation, prior to which he was a Whig ; his first vote was cast for De Witt Clinton, and he has never failed to attend a presidential or ^ \ Alphonzo Dwelle Lieut.-Col. Franklin Norton was born at Greenwich, July 20, 1834. The family of Norton is supposed to be of Welsh descent, and the ancestry to have emigrated during the early days of the settlement of the Eastern States. His greatgrandfather, Elijah Norton, came from Martha's Vineyard, and settled in the town of Cambridge prior to the struggle for independence, and with a brother, Jonathan, were soldiers of that war. His grandfather, Kobert Norton, was in the War of 1812-14. Colonel Norton was eldest son of William H. Norton and Mary Roumelia Bassett ; spent his minority '■"'"'" " * at school, and learned the business of painting. In the year 1855 he mar- ried Miss Caroline M., daughter of Boughton Lamb and Lydia Le Baron, of Greenwich, the former a native of Massachusetts, and whose father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war ; the latter was of French descent, and her father of French birth. By this union there is one sxirviving daughter. May Norton. Colonel Norton, tnie to the patriotism of his ances- tors and to his country, enlisted September 12, 1861, in Col fRANKUN I^OffTON |V1RS./4lphonzo Dwelle. the War of the Rebellion, as a private of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. In- fantry, under Colonel McKean. His gallantry and bravery soon gained him rank as captain, and just before the battle of Antietam he was promoted to the office of lieutenant-colonel. He was in the various engagements on the Peninsula ; was in the battles of York- town, Williamsburg, and Mechanics- vjlle, and conducted the retreat of the regiment to Harrison's Landing. At the battle of Chancellorsville, when color-bearer after color-bearer had been shot, resolved that the Union flag ""■"> should float. Colonel Norton stepped forward and raised it, but was pierced with a ball from a rebel sharpshooter, who was in turn also shot by a Union man. He went at once to Washington, where he soon died from the effects of the wound, May 12, 1863. Thus Was one of America's noble and brave sons brought to a premature grave, just at a time when there loomed up before him a bright fiiture of usefulness to the country, and happiness to his family and friends. w|«=MBr- ,A^yU A^^:2Ja^^i/ ^^^c '^^^yfy^ Residence or HARVELY HANKS, G)?C£NWlCH,WASHlNGTo^Co,,/'y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 361 township election since. He was formerly an anti-Mason, but latterly more favorable to tlie organization. Mr. and Mrs. Dwelle were identiflod with the Bapti.st church, and have always contributed liberally to the su])iiort of school interests. CAPTAIN HARVEY HANKS was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. IG, 1816. He was seventh child and youngest son of a family of ten children of Amos Hanks and Polly Fisk. The former, of German descent but of American birth, was married March 15, 1804, spent his life as a farmer on the farm where his son Harvey now resides, was a .soldier in the War of 1812-14, and died in April, 1859, having survived the decease of his wife eight years. He was prominent as a member of the Baptist church, and was also prominently identified politically as a Jackson Democrat u,ntil the agitation of the slavery question, when he became a Free-Soiler, and subsequently au ardent supporter of the Republican party. The latter, his wife, was of English de- scent, but of American birth. Of the children living are Louisa, wife of Wm. Brown, of Greenwich ; Fisk, of Onon- daga county ; Isaac, Harvey, and Harriet, of Greenwich ; and Alvira, wife of Luther Brown, of Greenwich. Mr. Hanks purchased the old homestead in the year 1841, and has resided thereon until the present time (1878). His early education was confined to the common school of that day. In the year 1848 he married Sarah Stewart, of Ar- gyle, she being third child and third daughter in a fiimily of five children. She has only one sister living, who is the wife of Henry Rogers, of Ohio. The result of this union was six children, — Martin, born Nov. 7, 1848 ; Mary, born Nov. 28, 1850 ; Fannie S., born Jan. 23, 1855 ; Harriet L., born July 1, 1858; Harvey A., born Aug. 4, 1865; and Stewart W., born Oct. 14, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Hanks are identified with the Baptist church of Lakeville. In politics Mr. Hanks Ls an ardent supporter of the Republi- can party. In the year 1842 he became captain of a com- pany, in the State militia, of the Fiftieth Regiment, Fif- teenth Brigade of Infantry, in which capacity he served for three years. His ancestors, grandfather and great-grand- father, were also at one time residents of the town of Green- wich, both being natives of Connecticut. WILLIAM BUTTON was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., on the farm where he now resides, April 21, 1821, being the youngest child of John and Margaret Hutton. He had three brothers and two .sisters, — John (deceased; ; David, of Greenwich ; Mary Ann (deceased) ; Susannah (deceased) ; and Andrew, of Greenwich. His father was of Scotch descent, and settled in the town of Greenwich about the year 1800. His mother was also of Scotch descent, but of American birth, her maiden name being Margaret Carson. She survived her husband some twenty-seven years, he dying in the year 1826. Mr. Hutton spent his minority on the farm, with the usual opportunities for an education at the district school, residing with his widowed mother until her death, when 46 ho, with lii.s bnithor David, bought out the interest of the other heir.s in the homestead, and still own the farm to- gether, consisting of three iiuiidred and thirty-four acres In the year 1870, March 2X, he married Miss Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph R. and Lydia Tefft, of Greenwich. Mrs. Hutton was one of eleven children, of whom ten arc, in 1878, living, — five .sisters and four brothers. To Mr. and Mrs. Iluttiin huv(! been born two children, — Frank Andrew, born Oct. 10, 187o, and Margaret L., born May 13, 1876, both living. In politics Mr. Hutton has been identified with the Re- publican party, but never aspired to any official notoriety. He is a man of no ostentation or show, satisfied to lead a quiet life, and is known for his honesty and uprightness in all his business transactions. Although not connected as a member of any church, he contributes to the support of all interests tending to educate and elevate the rising genera- tion. ]Mrs. Hult(jn is a member of the Baptist church of Greenwich. HORACE MORSE was born in the town of Greenwich, Aug. 11, 1837. He was younge.st son, in a family of ten children, of Sanford Mor.se and Lucinda Mead. The former, a native of Ver- mont, came to the town of Easton when a young man ; was married, and soon after settled in the town of Green- wich ; was a farmer by occupation ; firmly identified first with the Whig party and afterwards with the Republican party. He lived a man of strict integrity of purpose, and was respected by all who knew him. He died at the age of a little over eighty years, and about the year 1870. The latter was a native of Plattsburg ; came to the town of Easton when a young woman. She was born in the year 1800, September 12, and still survives in 1878. Of the children living are Joseph, resides in the town of Greenwich ; Morgan, of Pontiac, INIich. ; George, of San Francisco, Cal. ; and Horace. Mr. Morse spent his early life on the farm at home, and attending the district school. At the age of twenty-one he married Miss Mary A., only daughter in a family of two children (the son's name being Alexander) of John Hutton and Eve Maria Bain ; the former a native of Greenwich, and whose fiitber was one of the pioneers of the town. John Hutton died about the year 1867, aged fifty-six years. The latter was born in the town of Argyle, in the year 1811, and .still survives in 1878. The son, Alexander, died about the year 1869, at the age of thirty-five years. Mrs. Morse was born 1838, April 20. After his marriage Mr. Morse settled as a farmer in the town of his nativity, where he has since resided, and in the year 1868 he purchased the Charles H. Cottrell farm, con- sisting of one hundred and six acres, a view of which may be found on another page of this work. After the manner and integrity of his ancestors, Mr. Morse is identified with the Republican party in politics, and as a former ranks among the foremost of his town. To Mr. and Mrs. Morse have been born eight children, —Charles H., Frank E., Eva B., Mattie J., Willis W., Grace H. (deceased), Earl C, and Roscoe C. HAMPTON. LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. Hampton lies upon the east border of the county, north of the centre. A range of hills, about five hundred feet above the valleys, and for the most part covered with forests, extends through the central and eastern parts of the town. Poultney river, separating the town from Ver- mont, is the principal streatn. The town is bounded on the north by Vermont, on the east by Vermont, south by Granville, and west by Whitehall. The town is long and narrow, of peculiar sh;ipe, comprising twelve thousand six hundred and sixty-four acres, or a fraction le.ss than twenty square miles. It is the smallest town in the county. The western portion of the town is liigh and mountainous, which renders it not very attractive for settlement. The suijace is mostly drained eastward to the Poultney river. A small stream in the centre of the town flows westward to the Pawlet river. In the south- west part of the town another stream, tlie outlet of several ponds, flows into the Pawlet river. Between the foot of the hills and the Poultney river are alluvial flats. The stream is subject to overflows, alternately fertilizing and desolating the valley. TITLE OF land. The greater part of this town is included in patents granted to provincial officers after the French war of 1756- 60. The north part embraces about two thousand acres of the so-called •' Skene's Little Patent." This patent, of nine thousand acres in all, was granted July G, 1771. South from Skene's, as marked on old colonial maps, are the patents of L. Williams, L. A. Grant, J. Mooney, and D. Mooney. None but Skene's appear in the table of patents prepared from the documents in Albany ; but this is the case with most of the small patents throughout the State. The land was all transferred to other parties at a very early day, probably before the Revolution, and no descendants of the original proprietors remain in the town. The eastern boundaries of these patents are not co-in- cident with the present east line of Hampton, as they ex- tend beyond the Poultney river into what is now Vermont ; but they are apparently limited westward by the present west boundary of the town. Upon late township maps appear the names of Turner, Taylor, Faesh, and Bass, as also patentees. EARLY SETTLE.AIENT. The early settlement of the town was probably made previous to the Revolution, but exact dates are difiicult to be obtained. A.s in other towns of this vicinity, the early settlers endured all the toils and privations of pioneer life. 362 They were mostly from Massachusetts, but some hailed from Connecticut. The following family sketches show the first and early settlement : Colonel Gideon Warren and family came from Williams- town, Mass., into Hampton, among the firet settlers, and located in the south part of the town on five hundred acres, a part of which is now included in the village limits. He built his house on the site of the house now owned by Wm. Hyland. His sons were Caleb, Eben, Asa, and Bishop. Caleb was in the army of the Revolution, and was a pensioner. He married Rachel Webster. They had fourteen children grown to adult age. Those who remained in the town were Ethan, Eben, Rachel, and Mary ; the others moved to the west. Ethan married Eunice Owens for his first wife. Their son, Gideon, is now living on his father's homestead, formerly owned by a man named Doo- little. Eben married Abigail Savage ; Rachel married Jason Kellogg, Jr. ; and Mary married John New. They are both living at Hampton Corners. Squire A. Warren lives on the farm first owned by Jason Kellogg. Chauncey Warren lives at Ea.st Whitehall on a farm. They are sons of Ethan. Colonel Gideon Warren was at Ticonderoga, and Wius wounded in his elbow, which stift'ened his arm for life. Benjamin C. Owen and wife emigrated from Roxbury, Mass., at an early day. He bought land on the Bass pat- ent, now owned by Mrs. Warren, south of the village. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and a pensioner, and was known as Major Owen. One of his daughters became the wife of Ethan Warren. Jason Kellogg was heie previous to 1786. He was the first town clerk, elected in that year, and continued to hold the oflice thirty-six years. His farm was the one now owned by Squire A. Warren. His sons were Silas D. Kellogg, well known as a surveyor, Jason, Jr., Zina, and Ezra, who became an Episcopal minister. The family moved to Ohio after Mr. Kellogg's death, which took place in 1821-22. His first wife, Miriam, died Oct. 4, 1789, aged thirty-one years. His second wife, Martha, Nov. 25, 1812, aged fifty- six years. Rufus Hotchkiss came from Connecticut at the close of the Revolution. He settled on the Granville road, about two miles from Hampton Corners. He made a clearing and put up a log house, then went back, was married, and moved here with his wife. Of six children, only two are living in the town. Shubael Pierce and family — five daughters and four sons — came from Swansea, Mass., about the year 1800, set- tled in Salem, and then moved to Hampton, locating in the southwest part of the town, on the farm now owned by Levi Prouty. Mason Pierce, a son, married Anna Archi- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 363 bald, of Salem ; their family was Hiram, now living in Colton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Prudence, Lucina, Dio- dema, — married Horace Hotchkiss, and are still living in Hampton, — Solomon, and Betsey Ann. Mr. Pierce moved to Eaton Co., Mich., after the death of his wife. Ashbel Webster moved into Hampton from East Hart- ford at an early period. He bought land of Colonel War- ren, and settled where the village now stands. H. Martin has his house on the spot. He had fourteen children. Miner Webster, a son, lived on the homestead, but sold off to John P. Adams and Daniel Mallary. Nathaniel Dailey bought of them. Miner Webster built a distillery. William Morris settled on what is now known as Jlorris Hill, and gave it his name. He followed weaving, and wove blankets and cloth. Elisha Kilbourn, Enoch Wright, Samuel Waterhouse, and a man named Carver, owned a large tract of land in the northern part of the town, and were the first settlers. Their land was on the river, north of Low Hampton. Eli Parsons was an early settler, and lived near the river. Among other early settlers near the Whitehall line, west and south of the Baptist church, were Peter and Thomas Christie, Ebenezer West, and a man named McFarlane. Beriah Rogers, supervisor in 1816 and at other times, and also justice of the peace, lived about two and a half miles southwest of Low Hampton. Richard and Samuel Wheat lived in this vicinity. In the southern part of the town, among the early settlers was Captain Stephen Brooks, noted as a hunter. He lived on the road west of Hampton Cor- ners, about three miles out. North of the corners lived Captain Peter P. French and Esquire Samuel Beaman. They built and kept the first store in town, and Captain French kept the first tavern. They were one mile north of the bridge. Captain French and family moved to Penn- sylvania. McNoyes kept the tavern after French. Esquire Beaman was agent for the sale of lands and a prominent man in the town, and was supervisor and justice of the peace. His son, the Rev. N. S. S. Beaman, D.D., late of Troy, was born in the town. Lucy, a daughter, married Charles Bulkley of Granville. Samuel Hooker was an early settler in the southeast part of the town. His son, Martin P. Hooker, resides on the homestead; another son, Samuel P. Hooker, lives in Le Roy, N. Y. Ebenezer Popple was an early settler, and gave the name to Popple Hollow. Roderick Chapin was also an early settler in the Hollow. Caleb Warren and Captain Lemuel Hyde lived on what is the D. Smith farm, about three-fourths of a mile south of where Gideon Warreu now lives. Abiather Millard came from Connecticut. He settled on the hill about half a mile west of Poultney river, at the upper bridge. He was a blacksmith, and followed his trade, together with farming. He was a soldier of the Revolu- tion. His son, Paulinus, born in 1792, is still living on the homestead. He married a daughter of Elder Draper, the first Methodist preacher. Paulinus Millard was in the War of 1812, and was at Plattsburg. His sister, Mrs. Stacy, is living in Benson, Vt. Another Abiather Millard, also a blacksmith, came in at an early period, and settled at the lower bridge. He and the Abiather Millard mentioned above were not related by blood, but married sisters. William Miller, Sr., the father of the celebrated " prophet'' Miller, had a family of sixteen children, of whom there are now living in the town and vicinity Solomon P., now living on the homestead on which he was born ; Mrs. Shaw, now living in the town with her son-in-law, Levi W. Manchester ; and Mrs. Joseph Adams, of Fair Haven, Vt. From Mrs. Daniel Mallary, residing in Delavan, Wis., we receive the following. She is a daughter of Colonel Pliny Adams, a pioneer of Hampton. Colonel Pliny Adams and wife, Lucretia (Vail) Adams, moved from Salisbury, Conn., to Hampton Corners, about 1793. Here he opened a store, which was the first and only one at this point for a number of years. His first store was the old yellow house, afterwards converted into a tavern, and long kept by Daniel Rockwell. In 1803, Colonel Adams built the house now standing next the tavern building, and resided in it for some years. He built a store across the street from his house, which he occupied till his death, in 1816. He was ap- pointed captain in a militia company, and furnished the uniforms for most of his company from his store. On the breaking out of the War of 1812, he was commissioned as colonel, and led his regiment to Platt.sburg. Among the old settlers were Samuel Beaman, afterwards called " Old Squire Beaman," who owned a large farm on the "intervals," and Major Peter P. French, also a farmer, who raised a large family. Near him, on Hampton plains, lived Mason Hulett, a farmer. His youngest daughter, Mrs. W. H. Webster, now resides in Omro, Wis. "Old Squire" Jason Kellogg, justice of the peace and farmer, had sons who grew to be men in honorable positions ; one of them, Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, is now a minister of the Epis- copal church in Ohio. Prominent in later years was the family of Eli Richards. He came from Connecticut in March, 1813, and settled on the farm now owned by Ralph Richards, his sou. He had one daughter, Mrs. Franklin Norton, of Clermout, N. H. After the death of her husband she returned to Hampton, and resides with her brother. CIVIL HISTORY. The town of Hampton wa.s organized by act of the Legis- lature, March 3, 1786. The following extracts from the records, together with a complete list of town oflBcers, give a full account of its civil history. The old school-house, at which the first town-meeting was held, was situated on the hill just east of the old cemetery, near the present residence of Gideon Warren. The present school-house occupies the same site. The town of Hampton, before it was organized by law, was called Greenfield by the old settlers. The name of Hampton is a common one among New England towns. H.\MPTON TOWN RECORDS. At a town-meeting holdeu at the school-house, near Colonel Gideon Warren's, May 2, 1786, the following oflicers were elected : Captain Lemuel Hyde, moderator ; Jason Kellogg, district clerk ; Captain Lemuel Hyde, 1st supervisor; John Howe, 2d supervisor; Peter Fuller, Joseph Kellogg, and Moses Perkins, iisscssors ; Asa Tyler. 364 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. coustable and collector ; Samuel Church, David Nichols, and Jason Kellogg, commissioners of higliways ; Lemuel Hyde, Nathan Wheeler, Stephen Brooks, and Samuel Calkins, overseers of lughvpays ; Jacob Howe and Lemuel Hyde, overseers of the poor ; Derick Karner, James Michel, Jr., Nathan Wheeler, and Moses Perkins, wardens ; Peter P. French, pound-keeper, and his barn-yard for a pound ; Nicholas Spoor, David Nichols, and Moses Perkins, fence- viewers ; Asa Warren, Caleb Warren, and Samuel Church, grave-diggers for the year ensuing ; Lemuel Hyde, Joseph Hyde, aud Nicholas Spoor, a committee to purchase a bury- ing-place at each end of the town, and to set a time to clear the same ; Joseph Kellogg and Thomas Treat, choristers. It was voted to raise a tax of eight pounds to defray town expenses for the year ensuing. In 1787, Jason Kellogg was elected town clerk,, and Peter P. French, coustable and collector. Supervisors. — John Howe, 1786; Lemuel Hyde, 1786- 87 ; Gideon Warren, Esq., 1788-89 ; John Howe, 1790- 91 ; Peter P. French, 1792; John Howe, 1793; Peter P. French, 1794-95 ; Samuel Beaman, 1796 ; Jason Kellogg, 1797-98; Pliny Adams, 1799-1801; Jason Kellogg, 1802-5; Samuel Hooker, 1806-8 ; Pliny Adams, 1809 ; Samuel Hooker, 1810-11 ; Jason Kellogg, 1812; Samuel Hooker, 1813-14; Jason Kellogg, 1815; Beriah Rogers, 1816-17; Silas D. Kellogg, 1818-20; Wm. Miller, 1821; Silas D. Kellogg, 1822; Beriah Rogers, 1823; Moses Ward, 1824-25; Beriah Rogers, 1826; Ethan Warren, 1827-28; Wm. Miller, 1829; Ethan Warren, 1830-31; Wm. Miller, 1832; Samuel P. Hooker, 1833; Moses Ward, 1834; Hiram Shaw, 1835; Moses Ward, 1836-37 ; Hiram Shaw, 1838; Ethan Warren, 1839-40; Hiram Shaw, 1841 ; Henry S. Beaman, 1842 ; Hezekiah Bosworth, 1843; Martin P. Hooker, 1844-45; Hiram Shaw, 1846 ; Roswell Clark, 1847-48 ; Seth Peck, 1849 ; John Ward, 1850; Martin P. Hooker, 1851; Wm. S. Miller, 1852; Hiram Hotchkiss, 1853-54; Gilbert Peck, 1855; J. W. Egery, 1856-57; Thomas Manchester, 1858 ; Hiram Hotchkiss, 1859-60 ; Thomas Manchester, 1861 ; Martin P. Hooker, 1862-63 ; Solomon P. Miller, 1864; Ralph Richards, 1865-66; Harrison Phelps, 1867 ; Martin 0. Stoddard, 1868-69 ; Josiah Peck, 1870 ; Squire A. Warren, 1871; Rufus H. Clark, 1872; L. W. Man- chester, 1873; Squire A. Warren, 1874-75; L. W. Man- chester, 1876 ; Rufus H. Clark, 1877-78. Tovm Clerks.— J aaou Kellogg, 1786 to Jan. 15, 1822, inclu,sive; Moses Ward, Jan. 15, 1822, to fill vacancy oc- casioned by the death of Jason Kellogg ; John P. Adams, 1822 to 1833, inclusive; Ethan Warren, 1834-36; John P. Adams, 1837; Samuel H. Beaman, 1838; John P. Adams, 1839 ; Peter Honey, 1840-41 ; John P. Adams, 1842 ; Chauncey L. Adams, 1843-46 ; Rufus H. Clark, 1847-55 ; John Honey, 1856 ; Rufus H. Clark, 1857-58; Peter Farnham, 1859-60 ; Henry Martin, 1861-73 ; Wm. Hyland, 1874; Rufus H. Clark, 1875-77; William Hy- land, 1878. Justices of the Peace. — Horace K. Rice, 1830; Samuel P. Hooker, 1832; Hezekiah Bosworth, 1833; Horace K. Rice, 1834 ; Wm. Miller, 1835 ; William Hotchkiss, 1835 ; Hiram Shaw, 1836 ; Gilbert Leonard, 1836; Beriah Rogers, 1837 ; Seth Peck, 1837 ; Hiram K. Rice, 1838 ; J. P. Adams, 1839 ; Hezekiah Bosworth, 1840 ; Wm. Hotch- kiss, 1841 ; Seth Peek, 1842 ; Jacob Stowe, 1843 ; M. P. Hooker, 1843 ; Geo. W. Neal, 1844 ; Ruel Ruggles, 1845 ; H. Bosworth, 1845 ; Wm. S. Miller, 1846 ; H. Bosworth, 1847; Nathaniel Daily, 1848 ; Ruel Ruggles, 1 849 ; N. Daily, 1851; A. Phelps, 1851; Norman Peck, 1852; Wm. Hotchkiss, 1852 ; A. C. Broughton, 1853 ; William Hotchkiss, 1854; A. Witherell, 1855; H. W.Webster, 1855; N. Peck, 1856; R. Clark, 1856; J. C. Broughton, 1857; J. Stowe, 1857; B. G. Streetor, 1858; II. Phelps, 1859 ; Nathaniel Daily, 1859 ; Levi W. Manchester, 1 860 ; F. Farwell, 1861 ; J. H. Green, 1861 ; N. Daily, 1862 ; N. Peck, 1862; H. Phelps, 1863; Josiah Peck, 1863; Thomas Manche,ster, 1864; F. Farwell, 1865; N. Peck, 1865; A. C. Broughton, 1867; W. S. Wood, 1868; H. Phelps, 1868; Ira E. Phelps, 1869; A. C. Broughton, 1870 ; Josiah Peck, 1871 ; N. Daily, 1872 ; I. E. Phelps, 1873; Richard McGrath, 1873; A. C. Broughton, 1874; M. P. Churchill, 1875; Lyman J. Warren, 1876; M. P. Churchill, 1876; John H. Miller, 1877; Henry Martin, 1878. Collectors.— Asa Tyler, 1786; Peter P. French, 1787 ; John Howe, 1788-89; Solomon Morris, 1790 ; Peter P. French, 1791 ; Peter Fuller, 1792-93 ; Elias Hibbard, 1794-95; Elizur Webster, 1796; David Morgan, 1797- 1803; Daniel Rockwell, 1804; David Morgan, 1805; Caleb Warren, 1806; David Morgan, 1807; Moses Per- kins, Jr., 1808; John Lawrence, 1809-11; Joel Hyde, David Morgan, 1812-13; Josephus Hyde, 1814; Josiah Lyman, 1815; John Lawrence, 1816-20; Samuel P. Hooker, 1821 ; Daniel Merritt, 1822 ; Robert Millard, 1823; Eli K. Post, 1824-26; Ambrose D. Rice, 1827; H. Bosworth, 1828; P. F. Kellogg, 1829; Elliott Lamp- .son, 1830; Arnold Harvey, 1831; C. L. Adams, 1832; Hiram Ransom, 1833 ; Paul Spink, 1834 ; Gideon AVarren, 1835-36 ; A. Witherell, 1837 ; George W. JIather, 1838- 39; J. Kilbourn, 1840; George W. Mather, 1841 ; Otis D. Kellogg, 1842; John Broughton, 1843; Josiah Peck, 1844; Daniel Smith, 1846; 0. H. Webster, 1847; Rob- bins Miller, 1848 ; L. W. Manchester, 1851 ; John Honey, 1852; 0. D. Kellogg, 1853; B. F. Millard, 1854; J. Williams, 1855-56; Byron Inman, 1857-58; Allen Gil- christ, 1859 ; J. E. Phelps, 1860 ; J. Q. Hotchkiss, 1861- 62; E. Inman, 1863; Charles J. New, 1864; Thomas B. Clark, 1865 ; I. E. Phelps, 1866; Junius L. Clark, 1867 ; L. J. Warren, 1868 ; William H. Leonard, 1869 ; Warren Wilson, 1870-71; W. W. Douglass, 1872; Levi W. Prouty, 1873; A. L. Wilson, 1874; T. J. Leard, 1875; W. WiLson, 1876; James Q. Hotchkiss, 1877; Nathan Bachelor, 1878. We add the following notes taken from the town records : 1792. — Voted, to allow Captain Howe, £1 9s. Id. for his loss in collecting taxes in 1788 ; voted, that Esquire Beeman shall pay but twenty shillings for his license to sell spirituous li()uors the ensuing year. 1793. — Voted, to pay a bounty of ten dollars for every wolf killed by any inhabitant of this town ; .said wolves to be pursued from, or killed in, said town. 1794. — Voted, that each town inhabitant shall mow all Faulinus Millard Benjamin FMiLLAFfo. Residence of PAULINUS MILL4RD,H,*MProN.WASHiNCTONCo„NY HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 365 the thistles on his farm, or on the farm in liis possession, highways included, twice iu each year ; and if any one shall neglect or refuse to do the same, shall forfeit or pay the sum of £2 New York money. 1795. — Peter P. French appointed to take the census of the electors in this town. 1796. — Voted, Jason Kellogg, Samuel Hec^man, Samuel Bibbins, commissioners of schools ; voted, that the .small- pox may be set up by inoculation at suitable pest-houses in this town, with the consent, and under the authority, of said town, and not otherwise, under the penalty of £50. 1797. — Voted to pay Amos Collins and others ten dol- lars out of excise money which is in the hands of the poor- masters, for killing a wolf, agreeable to the laws of this town ; voted, to raise by tax twenty dollars to rebuild the bridge at the north end of town. 1798. — At a special town-meeting held on tlu' 27th day of January, 1798, it was unanimously voted to set off the north part of said town, lying north of the line running easterly from Whitehall, parallel with the north line of Skenesborough, old town, till it intersects Poultney river ; voted to hold our annual town-meeting in future at the house of Peter P. French, innkeeper. 1811. — Voted, that the dwelling-house of David Collins be occupied as a house of correction for town paupers the year ensuing. 1822. — Town-meeting held at the inn of Samuel W^ood. 1823. — Voted, That the town raise fourteen dollars to buy a cow from Elijah Scott, said cow to be town property. And that Newton Sanford be agent in behalf of the town to take care of said cow. These votes were reconsidered, and thirty-nine dollars was voted for the support of the poor. 1824. — Town-meeting was held at Eli K. Post's inn. 1826. — Town-meeting was held at Wm. P. Noyes' inn. The tax to be collected the year ensuing was put up to the lowest bidder Eli K. Post being the lowest bidder it was struck off to him at three-fourths per_cent. 1827. — Voted, To allow the collector three per cent, for collecting. 1832. — Town-meeting held at Mallary & Ransom's inn. 1833. — Resolved, as the sense of this meeting, that it is expedient to abolish the law of imprisonment for debt, and recommend a repeal of said law, and transmit a copy of this resolution to the member from this district. 1847, April 27. — At a special town-meeting one hun- dred and twenty votes were cast, of which license received fifty votes, no license seventy votes. 1864.— Special town-meeting held March 30, 1864. Voted to raise money to pay four recruits the sum of three hundred dollars each, and voted to pay each drafted man three hundred dollars. Special town-meeting held Aug. 12, 1864. S. P. Mil- ler, Dan. E. Atwood, and S. A. Warren appointed a war committee for raising recruits to fill the quota of Hampton under the last call. Voted to have the county treasurer pay said recruits and charge the same to this town. Special meeting held Dec. 24, 1864. Voted to pay vol unteers, drafted men, or substitutes, one year, two hundred dollars ; two years, four hundred dollars ; three years, six hundred dollars. 1865.— Special meeting held Jan. 3, 1865. Voted that the supervisor pledge the credit of the town to pay volun- teers or substitutes to fill the quota. The first record of highways, dated June 19, 1786: " Begins at the southwest corner of Richard Wheat's land, on the road running from thence to Whitehall, and marked a northerly eour.se to Samuel Wheat's house.' "April 12, 1787. Begin at a stake and stones in the main road that leads from Abraham Sharpe's bridge to Whitehall ; thence north six chains to lots 1 1 and 1 2 ; thence to the north end of said lots ; thence northwesterly to a stake and stones upon Mr. Waterliouse's lot ; thence northerly to Mr. Sears' mill." " Begin at a stake and stones from the south side of the main road and running thence south across the corner of Eli Parson's lot ; thenee southerly to Leonard's bridge." " January, 1788. Begin at Elias Stephens' house and running thence westerly twelve chains fifty links to a hem- lock-tree marked ; thence northerly to the road leading from Leonard's bridge to William Miller's house." LEGISLATIVE. This town has been represented in the Legislature of this State by Hon. Jason Kellogg in 1802-5, inclusive, 1807, 1810, 1812, 1813, 1818. His .son, Silas D. Kellogg, rep- resented this town in 1822, both being members of Assem- bly. Hon. Ralph Richards was in the House as member in 1858, .senator in 1862-63. Hon. Nathaniel Dailey rep- resented the town at a later date. V ULLAGES. ILVMI'TON CORNERS is located on the Poultney river, about a mile west from Poultney, Vt. The building of a dam and the erection of a saw- and grist-mill on the Vermont side of the river at an early day by Solomon Norton and the convenience of trade led to the growth of a vilhige at this point. The first store in the village was kept by Colonel Pliny Adams. The building is still standing, and is owned by J. O'Donnell. Ormis and Reuben Doolittle built the first blacksmith-shop where the brick store now stands. A distillery was built at an early day by Miner Webster on land a few rods west of the present residence of Rufus H. Clark. It went to decay and was finally torn down. LOW HAMPTON is a hamlet situated im the Poultney river, about five miles above Hampton Corners. It contains one store and a woolen-factory. SCHOOLS. The pioneers of Hampton, realizing the advantages de- rived from education, erected their first school-house on the hill, on the site of the present house, which is the third on that site. The first .school-house was built of logs, the second and third were frame ; the last one was built about thirty years ago. Eliakim Doolittle was probably the first teacher. In the north end of the town we could get no 366 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. definite account of the school-house. Peter Christie is mentioned as having taught the first school. The first physician in the town was Dr. VVilJiaui Codman. The first frame house was built by Squire Samuel Beaman, and used as a store. It stood on the Stowe farm till within a few years, when it was torn down by Mr. Stowe. The first tavern was kept at this point by Captain Peter P. French. The first tavern at the Corners was built and kept by Daniel Rockwell. lie was succeeded by Eli K. Post, and he by Mallary & Ransom. Colonel Pliny Adams built and kept the first store at the Corners. The first orchard planted was by Colonel Gideon Warren. At the annual meeting in 1S16 the town accepted the provisions of the school law of 1812, voted to raise a sum of money equal to that proposed to be given by the State, and elected as the first school commissioners the following persons : Silas D. Kellogg, Luke Hotchkiss, William Miller. Inspectors were also elected at the same time, as follows: Stephen Sweet, Josiah Lyman, Price P. Kellogg, Seth Peck, Robert Millard, Isaiah Inman. During the succeeding years, down to 1843, the follow- ing citizens also served one or more years each as commis- sioners : William Jliiler, David Rood, John P. Adams, Silas D. Kellogg, Seth Peck, Edward W. Martin, Robert Millard, Benjamin Rice, Samuel P. Hooker, William Hotchkiss, John Fuller, David Rood, Seth Peck, M.D., L. F. Hooker, Henry J. Ruggles, Roger D. Hotchki.ss, William P. Noyse, Horace K. Rice, Hiram Shaw, Samuel P. Hooker, Martin P. Hooker, Hael S. Austin, William S. Miller, Smith Philips, Augustus Austin, Warren Brown, William Ward, Nathaniel Daily, William H. Ward, Ralph Richards, David Bosworth, Henry S. Beaman, Levi S. Smith, Joseph D. Crippin, Oliver Hulet. In the same period other citizens served as inspectors one or more years each : Henry H. Kilbourne, Oliver Thayer, Stephen Brooks, Rev. Stephen Sweet, Rev. Edward W. Martin, Benjamin W. Hoar, David Burt, Jr., Robert Inman, E. P. Kellogg, William Miller, William Hotch- kiss, Seth Peck, Harry D. Kilbourn, Marvin Cady, Isaiah Inman, Jr., Beriah Rogers, Samuel P. Hooker, Robert Millard, John Ward, John Searles, William P. Noyse, Henry J. Ruggles, Truman Andrus, Jacob Streeter, John Norton, Price F. Kellogg, Samuel P. Hooker, Hiram Ranson, William H. Ward, Oliver Hulet, Smith Philips, Samuel B. Austin, Gilbert Peck, John W. Wood, Caleb S. Philips, Bobbins Miller, George Morris, Samuel B. Law, Hiram Ward, Amos Pierce. This system was succeeded, in 1S43, by that of town superintendents, and the incumbents of that oiEce were : 1844, Aaron C. Broughton ; 1845, Amos M. Pierce; 1846, James H.Wood; 1847, David Bosworth; 1848, Aaron C. Broughton; 1850, John M. Webster; 1852, Aaron C. Broughton ; 1854, Ralph Richards; 1856, Henry A. Bourne. This last ofiBcer was legislated out by the act which changed the supervision of the schools from the town authorities to assembly district commissioners. The earliest report upon the condition of the schools to be found in the town clerk's office is for 1849, and shows the following distribution of public money twenty-nine years ago: District No. 1, 846.02; No. 2, 855.23; No. 3, $26.70; No. 5, 830.38; No. 6, 822.10; No. 7, 19.34; part of No. 4, 810.14 ; part of No. 6, 83.70 ; part of No. 9, $4.62 ; total, $218.23. The last apportionment filed with the town clerk by the school commissioners for 1877 shows to some extent the present condition of the schools : ChlMiili iHtuci'ii Kntiri' giii fi\f untl eiYtoen. iminey. tr $101.4:1 '^^> 1.W.27 40 US.1 1 .2 97.90 i>. 96.ll.i i7 IK). 19 Total 269 $114:5.01 CHRTST (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH, HAMPTON.* This parish was founded in the year 1798, by Rev. Philander Chase, then rector of a parish in Vermont. He afterwards became bishop of Ohio, and also of Illinois. The Rev. Amos Pardee, in a letter dated Aug. 15, 1839, says, " In the summer of a.d. 1797 I was introduced to the parish composed of Episcopalians of Pawlet, Wells, and Granville. I officiated during that summer about one- quarter of the time. About the beginning of the following year I returned to Pawlet, and not long after my return I was invited to visit Hampton. In Hampton resided Major Peter P. French, whose mother was an Episcopalian, and he had some traditionary attachment to the church. Here also resided John Dowd, a good sort of a man, and very strongly attached to our church. On the hill towards Gi'anville resided a Mr. Doolittle, who, on account of a deranged brother residing with him, was seldom able to attend church. A Mr. Martin, also living on the lower road, laid some claim to the name of churchman. The principal men of the place, Samuel Beaman, Esq., Jason Kellogg, Esq., Colonel Pliny Adams, etc., though previous, to this but little acquainted with the church, now some- what readily received the truth. In this year, viz., A.D. 1798, I think the church was legally and canonically organ- ized, and a subscription was circulated for the erection of a church edifice, which was at length effected, and the house used for religious worship, though not completed. In Poultney the principal man who manifested much regard for the church was Esquire Canfield. There was also in the south part of the town Samuel Dowd ; perhaps there might have been some others in the town who laid some claim to the name of churchmen. There were others who were friendly to the church. There was no very formal organization of the time spoken of, but there was a con- sultation held, the chief object of which was to request me to take charge of the spiritual concerns, to lease the glebe lands (the rent of which was .small), to preach in the town, as special occasions required and my convenience would permit. The friends of the church were willing, for the most part, to attend at Hampton, where we had a congre- gation and house of our own. In the fall of a.d. 1800 I moved my foinily into East Poultney, because I could not » T.akcn Iruiu the cluircli Town of PoiiliiK'V.'' [id "Frisbic's Histury of the HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 367 find a comfortable house that I could live in Pawlet, nor in Hampton. I remained there until I loft the State, in the forepart of A.D. 1802." At a period still earlier than the ministry of the Rev. Amos Pardee, this parish was occasionally visited by the Rev. Bethuel Chittenden, of Tinmouth, Vt. His ordina- tion by the first American bishop, Dr. Seabury, must iiave taken place as early as A.D. 1784-88. Mr. Chittenden was succeeded by the Rev. Daniel Barber. Mr. Pardee was succeeded, it is supposed, by Mr. Chittenden, and he by the Rev. Stephen Jewett, who remained here about ten years (1811-21 ). Under his charge the parish and cliurch acquired considerable importance, and became the motlier- church in the vicinity. Between 1820-25 the churcli in East Poultiicy, Vt., was organized by the Rev. Palmer Dyer, and became a separate and independent parish, under the title of St. John's church, Poultney. It still remained, however, as before, to all prac- tical purposes a part and parcel of Christ church, Hampton, until July 13, 1828, when in its parochial capacity it united with .said parish in calling the Rev. Moore Bingham, and shared equally in his services until Easter JMonday, A.D. 1837. During the period of nine years the parish of Hampton contributed about one-sixth of the minister's salary, which averaged about four hundred dollars per an- num. In the spring of 1831 St. John's church edifice. East Poultney, was commenced, and was completed and oc- cupied on the 27th day of May, 1834. On Easter Mon- day, 1837, at a parish-meeting the rector observed that as neither parish was likely to prosper with half-services, he advised the parishes to tiy the experiment of each sustaining its own rector. The recommendation was adopted, but the Rev. Moore Bingham remained in the Hampton parish. He remained here a year or two, and then removed to East Berkshire. In 1845 he returned to Hampton, rendering also partial service in Tinmouth (1848-52), teaching pupils and working the few acres of the rectory lot. Finally, he bought a western farm, and had scarcely settled upon it when he was summoned away from all earthly toils and pains. He was a man of sterling moral characteristics, great enei'gy, a good mind, and a reliable and earnest Christian minister. About 1840, the Rev. Lucius M. Purdy ofiiciatod in this parish. About Christmas, 1844, the Rev. Daniel Barber became the rector in Hampton and Poultney. His ministry was brief He died the following September, and was buried in the old church-yard in Hampton. The nest rector was the Rev. Oliver Hopson, giving one-fourth of his time to this parish (1850). In 1853, up to 1868, the half-services were given. The last rector in the parish was the Rev. J. H. H. De Mill. The old church edifice stood on ground given by Colonel Gideon Warren, situated on the northwest corner of the cemetery. The site commanded a beautiful view of the valley of the Poultney river and the surrounding hills and mountain-peaks. It was a church upon a hill. The building was torn down a few years ago. The society oc- cupied in its later years a chapel near the bridge, now occu- pied by the Roman Catholic society. As an outgrowth of the church in Hampton and East Poultney, Trinity church, Poultney, was organized in the summer of 18UG, by the Rev. Nathaniel F. Putnam. The services were at first held in Joslin Hall, and were well attended, and by the vigorous eflbrts of the friends of the church this part of the pari.sh increased so as to warrant an eifort towards building a church edifice in the west village. Trinity church was consecrated in the fall of 18G8. In the fall of 1869 the Rev. E. H. Randall was called to this parish, and is rector at this time. METHODI.ST EnSCOPAL CHURCH. The earliest account of this church in the town of Hamp- ton is from an entry in Bishop Asbury's journal, that the bishop visited Hampton Hill, Washington Co., N. Y., and preached at the hou.se of one Wheat, and administered the sacrament to a society which Philip Embury and Barbara Heck had organized. This is confirmed by the fact that records show that there were several Methodists there in 1788, the earliest date at which Methodist ministers were appointed by conference to this territory. The whole ter- ritory from New York city northward was created into one district, entitled New York district, of which Freeborn Gar- retson was the first presiding elder. In the year 1788, al- ready mentioned, Lemuel Smith was appointed to Cam- bridge circuit, and Samuel Wigdon to Lake Champlain ; both circuits embraced in the New York district, but being quite indefinite with regard to boundaries. Smith found members and a class at Hampton, but whether Wigdon found any we cannot say. They visited Hampton together, and were hospitably received by Samuel Bibbins, whose name thenceforward is prominent among Methodists of this region for many years. In 1801 Cambridge circuit was divided, and Hampton was set ofi' to Brandon (Vermont) circuit. At a quarterly conference for Brandon circuit, held at Pittsford, Oct. 27, 1821, the following vote was passed: "That Samuel Draper circulate a subscription paper to build a meeting-house in Hampton, and report at the next quar- terly conference." At this time John B. Stratton was pre- siding elder, and Samuel Draper, Moses Amadou, and Jacob Beaman the circuit preachers. The next quarterly conference was held at Hampton, Jan. 13, 1822, and Mr. Draper reported, " That he had attended the business as- signed him at a former conference to circulate a subscrip- tion for the purpose of building a meeting-house in the town of Hampton, and that his report was unfavorable to any probable success." A vote was called to dismiss the subject, and carried in the aflirmative. Elder Draper in- formed the conference he had drawn a subscription, at the request of a number of the inhabitants of the town of Poultney, to build a Methodist meeting-house in Poultney, with a prospect of success. In 1822, Hampton and Poult- ney passed from the Brandon to the Whitehall circuit. Its first quarterly conference was held in a school-house near William Hotchkiss', Aug. 24, 1822. J. B. Stratton was presiding elder ; Orrin Pier and Philo Ferris, circuit preachers. At a quarterly conference for Whitehall cir- cuit, held in the meeting-house in Poultney, Nov. 5, 1825, Poultney is recognized as a station, and Seymour Landon is called " station preacher." The '■ Stone church" had been occupied by the circuit preachers for meetings, but it was unfinished ; and on the 13th day of April, 1826, the leading Methodists of West Poultney, with the few Metho- 3G8 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. dists ill other parts of the town, and with several Methodists in Hampton, New York, to the number of thirty-six in all, united to form a society, whose objects are set forth in the following compact : " We, the subscribers, inhabitants of Poultney, in the State of Vermont, and of Hampton, in the State of New York, do hereby associate and agree to form a society, under the name of the Methodist Episcopal So- ciety of Poultney, for the purpose of building or furnishing a meeting-house, paying and supporting ministers, and pro- curing a parsonage lot for their accommodation." Tlie first Methodist meeting-house in Poultney was built in 1822. From the introduction of Methodism into this region, Hampton had been much more prominent than Poultney, and the house would have been located there but for a contest which arose at this time between Poultney and East Poultney in regard to the post-office. In 1841 the Methodists in Hampton separated from the Poultney society, and organized a society at Hampton Cor- ners. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Cooper, who officiated here and at Whitehall alternately for two years. The first trustees were Wm. Hotchkiss, Roswell Clark, Ethan War- ren, for one year ; Lyman Broughton, P]benezer Gould, Ma.son Pierce, for two years; Hiram Hotchkiss, Z. Kellogg, E. R. Morgan, for three years. Mr. Cooper's successor was Rev. Mr. Chipp, who remained two years, preaching half the time at Poultney, Vt. Rev. S. S. Ford was the next pastor, giving his whole time to this church for two years. The church edifice was erected in 1842. The ministers have been the following : A. C. Rose, J. G. Craig, R. West- cott, Wm. G. Leonard, J. N. Webster, S. A. Knapp, Cyrus Meeker, Hiram Meeker, D. H. Lovelaud, J. J. Noe, D. Starks, R. T. Wade, J. W. Belknap, and D. B. McKenzie, the present pastor. The present trustees are Roswell Clark, L. E. Prouty, N. Dailey, J. O'Donnell, Rufus H. Clark, Gideon Warren, Jesse Wilson, J. Q. Hotchkiss, and Dr. H. Meeker. The society own a parsonage. The present membership is seventy. The Sunday-school has a mem- bership of sixty-five pupils ; T. D. Southworth, superinten- dent. BAPTIST CHURCH (LOW HAMPTON). Elder Elnathan Phelps, of Orwell, Vt., a minister of the Baptist church, was well known in his day for the plain, scriptural character of his preaching, through the whole section of country extending from western Massachusetts along the line of Vermont and New York to Lake Cham- plain. Through his labors, the Baptist church was organ- ized in Low Hampton. In 1799, Elisha Miller was .settled over the church, and was pastor to 1821 ; a small meeting- house was erected about 1812. In 1833, Wm. Miller was licensed to preach, and officiated for this society. Here and elsewhere he preached his doctrine, and a majority of the members having embraced the Advent faith, they were, by the action of an ecclesiastical council, in 1845, separated from the Baptist denomination. The minority being weak the church disbanded, and the building was finally torn down. The members now attend worship at Fair Haven, Vt. THE SECOND ADVENT CHURCH was organized Sept. 11, 1850, with thirty members ; the first house of worship was erected in 1S48. Elder Leonard Kimball was the firet pastor; at pre.sent it has none. There are but few of the society left in the neighborhood. William Miller, the first preacher of and founder of the Advent faith, was born Feb. 15, 1872, on the Miller farm, about one mile we.st of Pitt.sfield, Mass. His father, ('apt. Wm. Miller, was in the army of the Revolution. He mar- ried Paulina Phelps, a daughter of Rev. Elnathan Phelps, a minister of the Baptist church, residing in Orwell, Vt. In 178(5, Capt. Miller with his family removed to Hampton in the State of New York, and settled on a farm located near the bank of the Poultney river, and about a mile and a half from what is now known as the village of Fair Haven, Vt. He leased one hundred acres of land, for which he was to pay annually twenty bushels of wheat. After a suitable clearing had been made, a log cabin erected, farming life in the wilderness with its toils and privations was fairly begun. In a newly-settled country, the public means of education must necessarily be very limited. William's mother had taught him to read, so that he soon mastered the few books belonging to the family. But if the terms of school were short, the winter nights were long. Pine- knots could be made to supply the want of candles, and the spacious fire-place was ample enough as a substitute for the school-house. ^Villiam possessed a strong physical consti- tution, an active and naturally well-developed intellect, and an irreproachable character. He had enjoyed the limited advantages of the district school but a few years, before it was generally admitted that his attainments exceeded those of the teachers usually employed. June 29, 1803, he was united in marriage with Lucy Smith, of Poultney, Vt., and took up his residence there. In 1809 he was appointed sheriff, in which office he continued until he received a commission, in 1812, as captain of a company of infantry, in the 1st Brigade of Vermont State volunteers. In 1814 he was appointed captain in the 30th Regiment, United States Infantry, and took part in the battle of Plattsburg. On the retirement of Capt. Miller from the army, he re- moved his family from Poultney to Low Hampton, to begin the occupation of farming. His father, dying in 1812, left the homestead encum- bered with a mortgage ; this was canceled by Captain Miller, who permitted his mother, and brother Solomon (who is still living on the homestead), to live there, while he purchased another farm in the neighborhood, about half a mile west. On this farm, in 1815, he erected a con- venient farm-house of wood, two stories high (this is still standing and occupied by one of his sons). At the Baptist church in the neighborhood he became a constant attend- ant, and contributed liberally to its support. The prox- imity of his house caused it to become the headquarters of the denomination. There the preachers from a distance found food and shelter and a home beneath his roof. During a period of twelve years previous to 1816 Captain Miller was an infidel. The time had now come when God, by his providence and grace, was about to enlist the patriotic soldier in another kind of warfare. In the minister's absence one Sunday it devolved on Captain Miller to read a sermon of the deacons' selection. They had chosen one on the importance of parental duties. This sermon was the turning-point in his life. He publicly professed religion HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 369 and united with the little cluireli that he liad despised, opened his house for meetings of prayer, and beeanio an aid to pastor and people. He pursued the study of the Bible with the most intense interest. He became fully satisfied that the Bible is its own interpreter. He found that, by a comparison of Scripture with history, all the prophecies as far as they had been fulfilled had been ful- filled literally. In the fall of 1831 it was impressed on his mind " to go and tell it to the world.'' He delivered his first public lecture on the Second Advent iu Dresden, Washington Co. In February, 1833, he published his views in a pamphlet of sixty-four pages, entitled " Evi- dences fioui Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ about the year 1843, and of His Personal Reign of One Thousand Years." By William Miller. In the fall of 1833, Captain Miller received a license to preach froiji the church of which he was a member. From 1832 to 1844 he had lectured three thousand two hundred times in the cities, villages, and towns of this country. The vernal equinox of 1844 was the farthest point of time to which Mr. Miller's calculation had extended. The pass- ing of the time was a great disappointment to Mr. Miller and his followers, but it did not impair his confidence in God or affect his usual cheerfulness of disposition. Jan. 29, 1845, charges were made against him before an eccle- siastical council. In tlie fifth charge he was charged with a departure from the usages of the Baptist church. The charges were all sustained, and he and a majority of the church were separated from the Baptist denomination. He continued lecturing in the towns and cities until January, 1848, when his health began to decline, and in April he was confined mostly to his room. On the 20th of Decem- ber, 1849, he died. His funeral was attended from the Congregational church in Fair Haven, Vt., December 23. He left a wife and six sons and two daughters. His re- mains repose in the Low Hampton cemetery, where there is a monument erected to his memory. Mr. Miller's published writings comprise his sixteen lectures on the Prophecies, his life and views, of about three hundred pages each, and a number of pamphlets, tracts, etc.* BURYING-GROUNDS. At the town-meeting held May 2, 1786, Lemuel Hyde, Joseph Hyde, and Nicholas Spoor were appointed to pur- chase a burying-place at each end of tlic town, and to set a time to clear the same. At the same meeting, Asa Warren, Caleb Warren, and Samuel Church were appointed grave- diggers for the year ensuing. The grave-yard in the south end of the town was located on land given for that purpose by Colonel Gideon Warren ; this lot lay between the school- house and the Episcopal church. The first burial was that of a stranger who was taken sick and died in the neigh- borhood. Up to 1816 the following named were buried in this old- time grave-yard : Miriam, wife of Jason Kellogg, Oct. 4, 1789; Martha, wife of Jason Kellogg, Nov. 25, 1812; Mrs. Lucy French, wife of Captain P. P. French, Nov. 23, 1793, also his second wife, Jerusha, Nov. 13, 1798; Mi-s. ■ Memoirs of William Miller, by Sylvester Bliss. Elizabeth French, wife of David French, Aug. 24, 1795 ; Ashbel Webster, Aug. 1, 1801 ; Colonel Gideon Warren, April 4, 1803, aged seventy-three years; Colonel PHny Adams, April 2, 1816, aged fifty years. The grave-yard in the north end of the town is located on land given by Captain Wni. Miller, Sr. The first interment in this ground was a daughter of Captain Miller; the next was that of Eli Parsons. Peter Christie was buried in this yard May 8, 1797 ; Nehemiah Lewis, Feb. 15, 1799. Here lie the re- mains of Wm. Miller, the founder of the Advent faith. Here, in these olden-time grave-yards, repose all that is mortal pertaining to names loved and honored ; here sleep the dust of aged pioneers. MANUFACTURES IN THE TOWN OF HAMPTON. In the northern part of the town, at an early day, the iron-forges were started. The iron ore was brought from the west side of Lake Champlain. Leonard's forge was located near Leonard's bridge, at Lower Hampton. Daniel Smith built a forge and cardingmill near this point, and a man named Carver built a forge in the northern of the town, where the powder- and woolen-mill is now. These forges made flat and square bar-iron for black- smiths' use. The powder-mills were erected about 1850, by Quackenbush, Steere, and Armstrong, of Hoosick Falls. They employed ten men, and manufactured blasting and sporting powder ; their capacity was about one hundred kegs a day. Austin & Goodwin succeeded them in the business. The concern has not been in operation for about four years. There is a woolen-mill at Low Hampton. All the slate- factories in the town are situated in the vicinity of Hamp- ton Corners. At present there are only four worked, — the New England Slate and Tile Company, employing about ten men ; the Warren Slate quarry, employing about six men ; the David Williams & Brothers quarry, employini; about four men ; and the Jesse Wilson quarry, of red slate, employing four men. The Hampton Cheese-Manufacturing Company was organized in May, 1869, with a capital of four thou- sand dollars. The incorporators were Julius J. Stowe, president; Rufus H. Clark, superintendent and secretary; John O'Donnell, S. A. Warren, L. Collins, M. 0. Stod- dard, Jesse Wilson, M. P. Hooker, C. J. Inman, and Nathaniel P. Daily. Ofiicers the present year: M. P. Hooker, president; R. H. Clark, superintendent and secretary. This factory has the milk from four hundred cows, and in the last season used 1,539,508 pounds of milk, making 150,492 pounds of cheese. SOLDIERS OP HAMPTON. Few facts have been obtained upon the early wars, as far as this town is concerned. The pensioners living iu town in 1840, according to the official register, were Thomas Todd, aged seventy-nine ; Eleazer Lyman, seventy-four ; Samuel Beaman, eighty-four ; Caleb Warren, seventy-sis ; Benja- min C. Owen, seventy-seven ; Joseph C. O'Brien, forty -four. The following roll of men who served in the war of 1861 -65 has been taken from the list written by the town clerk for the bureau of military statistics, Albany. It has also been compared with the printed muster-in rolls, and has 47 370 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. furthcv been examined for additions and corrections by the present town clerk, Mr. Rufus Clark : Nelson L. Allard, onl. Sept. IG, 1861, 2(1 Cav., Co. F: miHsing after the »econil battle of Bull Kiiu. Wm. 0, Alliird, onl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Bogt., Co. K ; died of disease, at WaBli- ington, D. C, Fob. 28, 1803. Charles E. Allard, onl. Aug. 0, 1804, llth VI,; died of fuvor, at Martinsliurg, Nov. 11, 1804. Wm. B. Barber, cnl. Nov. 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; pro. lut «orgt. ; dincli. ; re-olil. Jan. 1804; died uf wounds, Juno 11, 1804. Benjamin Barker, onl. Aug. 18, 1802, 9.3d Rogt., Co. I ; lost an arm in battle of Wilderness ; discli. 1864. Hool B. Clark, onl. Aug. 26, 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; disch. March 1, 1803. Junius L. Clark, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. I ; pro. corp.; disch. Juno 2, 1805. James Crawloy, onl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C; disch. Juno 8, 1805. Bdmond Croake, enl. Dec. 3, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. K ; disch. Juno, 180.5. Thomas Oassidy, enl. April, 1801, 1st Vt. ; disch. at end of time ; re-enl. in reg- ular army ; killed at Vicksburg, May, 1803. Jas. Cassidy, onl. Oct. 1801, 12th Rcgt. ; killed before Richmond, Juno 27, 1802. Patrick Croake, eul. Doc. 3, 1801, 93d Rcgt., Co. K. Charles B. Doble, Corp.; onl. Aug. 29, 1802,93d llegt.,Co. I ; dixch. June 1, 1805. Joseph Dickinson, onl. Aug. .5, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. K. Chester Dowd, enl. Dec. 10, 1861, 77th Rogt. Wm. H. H. Douglass, cnl. Harris I,ight Cav. Walter W. Douglass, onl. Vermont. OrilBth Edwards, enl. Doc. a9, 1803, 10th Art., Co, I. Rollin M. Green, corp.; onl. Jan. 1862, 7th Vt., Co. C; pro, 1st lieut. ; died of fever, at Barancas, Flu., Nov. 10, 1803. John Grant, onl. Doc. 3, 1801, 03d Rogt., Co. E. Albert Honey, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. 1; died Dec, 1'2, 1S03, at Washington. Thomas B. Huntington, enl, Aug. 1.5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co, K ; di.ich. for dis- ability, Feb. 1803. Michael Hayes, musician ; enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Rcgt,, Co, K. Moses R. Jones, enl. Doc. 29, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I. Timothy Kennedy, onl. Deo. 29, 1803, lOth Art,, Co. I. Franklin Murray, enl. Doc. 17, 1861, 93il R!lgt., Co, 1 ; lo-eni. Fob, 28, 1804, 93d Begt., Co. I ; lost an arm. Doc. 29, 1804. - Abol F. Mounts, enl. Aug. 1802, 123d Begt,, Co, K ; disabled; rliscliarged, Wm. Mairs, enl. Dec. 29, 1803, Kith Art., Co. I. Vcranus W. New, enl. Doc. 1801, 9'3d Regt., Co. I ; died of disease, at Yorktown, May 13, 1802. Lawrence Ostrander, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K ; pio. Corp. ; discli. Juno 18, 1805. Alpheus C. Osborne, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt,, Co. K; killed on pirkc^t, Aug. 8, 1804, at Atlanta, Ga. Charles Pitney, onl. Doc. 18, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I; diod soon afler discharged. Peter auinn,onl. Dec. 11, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. G. Frank M. Rood, onl. Doc. 10, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. 10 ; pio. to corp, ; disch, .June 18, 1805; rc-cnl. 93d Regt.; disch. Aug. 1, 1805, Edward Ryan, onl. Nov. 1, 1801, 93d Rogt, Co, 1; re-enl. Dec, 27, 1803, 93d Regt.j Co. H ; discli. July 27, 1805. Wm.Beardon, enl. Aug, 1802,123d Begt., Co. K ; died at Hilton Head, Oct, 1801, Clark H. Busaell, enl. Aug, 0, 1862, llth Vermuiit, Co. C ; woundeii ; died Ironi that cause, Aug. 27, 1804. Isaac Baco, onl. Dec. 10, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. E. William SearlcB, enl. Dec. 1861, 93d Regt,, Co. I; diod In service, 1802. Barnnm Stephens, onl. March 20, 1864, 93d Rcgt., Co. I; disch. Juno, 1805, John Soarlos, enl, March 20, 1804, 93d Rogt., Co. I. John B. Shaw, onl. Doc. 16, 1863, 6th Vermont, Co, I; wounded in tin. Wilder- ness ; disch. April 29, 1866, John Shaw, enl. Jan. 1865, 7th Vermont; dischargeil. Milo Shaw, enl. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. K. John Sherman, onl. Aug. 10, 1802, 12;!d Regt., Co. K. Samuel Stiles, onl. Aug. 21, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. Chauncey S. Sharp, enl. Dec. 17, 1801, 93d Rogt., Co. I. Edward Tanner, onl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. K. N. A. Thayer, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. K. John Van Andeu, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Bogt., Co. 0; disch. June 8, 1865. Hiram 0. Warron, Ist liout.; onl. Sept. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. K; pro. to capt., April 20, 1864. Peter M, Willis, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co, K ; dis.b, for disability, March 20, 1803. Edwin Willis, enl. Aug, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. K ; disch. for disability, April 24, 1803. Lyman J. Warren, 2d liout.; enl. Oct. 1, 1801, 93d Begt,, Co. E; disch. Jan. 22, 1863. Stewart Wilson, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 93d Regt,, Co. 1 ; wounded ; disch, June 2, 1805. Conrad Weiss, onl. Aug. 1862, 93d Rogt., Co. 1 ; disch. Juno 2, 1865. Charles C. Wostcot, eul. Aug. 3, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. K; disch. for disability, March, 1803. Gyrus 11. Westcot, onl. Aug. 1861, 2d Eogt. ; wounded at second Bull Run ; died soon after, Sept. 14, 1802. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. RALPH RICHARDS, son of Rli ami Amanda lliclianl.s, was horn in Wonthors- field, Windsor Co., Vt., Nov. 22, 180!». Hi' i.-< nf Kiij,'lish descent. After receiving a comraon-scliool education he entered Castleton Academy, where he spent considerable time preparing himself for a teacher. In 1813, his father, Eli Richards, removed into the State of New York, and settled in Hampton, Washington Co., where he remained until his death, at an advanced age, in March, 1858, and where his son, the subject of this sketch, still resides. For twenty-five ytsars Mr, Richards followed the profession oi' teacher, and during a part of this time was principal of the school at Whitehall. He was eminently successful a-s a tcacliiM-, winning by his kind, genial manners a host of riiciid-;, wliii icg;inl liiiii to-day as the earnest and faithful teacher and a wi.se and good man. Several years since hv. retired to the old home in Hampton, where he has been equally successful as a farmer. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs, and has always been tmt- spoken in his opinions. He was a Whig, or rather an Abo- litionist, until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined it. In fact, he was one of the men who helped organize that party. He was always decidedly op- posed to slavery, and was known far and near as the cham- pion of anti-slavery in all this country. Ho was personally acquainted with John Brown many years before his name had been blazoned abroad. He has always been a strong and unwavering advocate of temperance ; and upon this subject, as well as slavery, has frequently spoken in public, ever maintaining that intemperance and human bondage were the two great evils of our day. He has lived to. see the downfall of one, and hopes to see the other consigned to its proper place before he is called away. He has held vaiious offices of trust and honor, in all of which he has given general satisfaction. He was town superintendent of schools for several years. In the fiiU of 1857 he was elected member of Assembly from the northern district of Washington county, and at the ensuing session of the Legislature comported himself so well as to secure the a])probation of his constituents. In the fall of 1862 he was elected to the State Senate, representing the district composed of Rensselaer and Washington counties. His lionesty of purpose, his sound judgment, and his cordial manners secured for him an honorable position among his associates in that body. So well pleased were his townsmen with him that they elected him supervisor of his town without opposition. He served two terms, one of which he was chosen " chairman of the board." He married Miss Harriet Leland, daughter of Deacon Otis Leland, of Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y., April 23, 1838. Mrs. H. Richards was born Oct. 22, 1820, and died Jan. 31, 1847. Mr. Richards married Miss Mary, daughter of James and Mary Richardson, of Poultney, Vt., Jan. 12, 1848 She was born Oct. 17, 1820. By this union five children were born, — Eugene H., Frank A., John F., Hattie E., and Martha E., — the last of whom died while an infant. Mrs. ^ -^ ^5^ I^RS Ralph Richards, ^ON Ralph Richards h?iCHARDS,/(AMFroN. Washington Co,N Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 371 Richards is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Poultney. In private life, among his friends and neighbors, no man is more highly esteemed than Mr. Richards. All speak of him as the good son and brother, the kind and aflFectionate husband, the faithful guardian and father, the wi.se coun- selor, and an honest man. ALBERT RICHARDS, brother of Ralph, was educated at the Troy Conference Academy and at Union College, where he graduated in 1850. That it is the duty of every man to educate him- self is a sentiment that he always dwelt upon with em- phasis, and by which his own course of life had for years been determined. In the discharge of this duty he had succeeded in completing his collegiate course, and but one short month before his decease " left the shades of his alma mater" to pay, as the sad event proved, a farewell visit to the home of his childhood. When arrested by disease, he was on his way to Troy, Ohio, where he in- tended to follow the profession of teaching. He died among strangers, but left to his friends a good name, and his re- mains were brought home and he was buried with his parents. MRS. JULIA NORTON. Mrs. Julia Norton is a daughter of Eli and Amanda Richards, and was born in Weathersfield, Vt., Jan. 30, 1807. She is one of nine children, — namely, Maria, Ma- rian, Julia, Ralph, Alonzo, Amanda, Sally, Martha, and Albert. Of these, Julia and Ralph are the only ones that are now living. Mrs. Norton settled in Hampton in 1813 with her parents. She received a common-school education. She has always been identified in the temperance cause and cause of religion. She joined the Methodist Episcopal church in Poultney in 1829. She married Mr. Franklin Norton, of Claremont, N. H., Jan. 1, 1862. Mr. Norton died Feb. 8, 1875. Mrs. Norton's married life was very short, but she remembers Mr. Norton to-day with very pleasant recollections. Since the death of Mr. Norton she has returned to the " old home," in which she has an equal interest with her brother Ralph. She is deeply interested in everything which pertains to the highest intere.st of her brother's family or the community at large. PAULINUS MILLARD. Among the native-born settlers of the town or county, not many have lived to see as many years as the subject of this sketch. He is the son of Abiatha and Eleanor Millard, and was born on the place he now owns in Hampton, Aug. 10, 1792. His father was born in Connecticut, Sept. 14, 1760 ; his mother was born in Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1762. They were married Jan. 16, 1784, and immediately emi- grated to Hampton, where they continued to reside till their death. Abiatha Millard was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. He was married three times. His first wife died Sept. 22, 1793, leaving five children, of whom Pauli- nus is the only one now living. He had three children by his second wife (all are dead) and two by his third wife, of whom one only remains. By occupation Mr. Abiatha Millard was a blacksmith and farmer. He died Feb. 10, 1825. Paulinus became the sole owner of the " old home- stead," and has been a farmer through life. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He married Ruth Mathews, Jan. 1, 1815, by whom one son, Benjamin F., was born. Mr. Millard married Harriet Draper, a native of Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., for his second wife. She was born Oct. 11, 1800. Mr. Millard has owned some four hundred acres of land, but has sold some two hundred. In politics he rather affil- iates with the Democratic party. He has been commis- sioner of highways and assessor of his town. He and President Fillmore were cousins. He is now an old man ; time has made its mark on him, and ere long he will go to join the grand army of the dead. Mr. Millard and his first wife joined the Baptist church soon after their marriage, and have always been regarded with esteem by those who know them. Benjamin F. married Laura Peck, a native of Sandgate, Vt., by whom four children were born, — Ruth, George, Frederick, and Adelia. George is dead. Mr. B. F. Millard died in March, 1868. Mrs. Millard is now residing at Fair Haven with her daughter Adelia. Ruth married Rollin Smith, a farmer of Sandgate, Vt. ; while Frederick lives with his grandfather, and will own the " old home." FONROSE FARWELL, son of John G. and Lucy Farwell, was born in Pond Hill, Poultney, Vt., Dec. 22, 1831. His father was a native of Groton, Mass., and was born Nov. 15, 1783, and settled in Poultney in December, 1798, with his father, Benjamin Farwell, who was a son of Daniel Farwell. Fonrose's mother was a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and was born March 9, 1800. Her father was from the Isle of Jersey, and emigrated to America during the Rev- olutionary war and settled in Saratoga Co., N. Y. John G.'s business was that of a farmer and shoemaker. He had six children, — two of them, Laura and Daniel P., died while young. Benjamin F., Charlotte, Lucy, and Fonrose are still living. John G. died in Poultney March 24, 1872. Mrs. Farwell died July 22, 1863, while living with the subject of this sketch, in Hampton. She was a member of the Baptist church at Poultney. In politics Mr. Farwell affiliated with the Republican party. Fonrose was reared a farmer, and early learned those principles which have ever followed him through life. On the 1st of April, 1855, he settled in Hampton, on Dr. Beaman's form, and carried on the same for three years in company with a brother. In 1858 he took his present farm on shares, and continued to carry it on until 1866, when he bought it of the heirs of Mason Hulett, who was one of the early settlers of Hamp- ton. Said farm contains some three hundred acres of good land, on which Mr. F. Farwell has remodeled and built all the fine buildings which are to be seen. The buildings are very fine indeed, being mostly new, and are the best in the 372 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. town, and compare favorably with the best in the county. He has the very best cider-mill in the county : it is thirty by forty feet, with an engine-room attached. It is complete throughout, and has a capacity for making from eighty to one hundred barrels of cider per day. Mr. Farwell is also extensively engaged as a bee-raiser, standing to-day in the front rank in the county. In five years he has increased from five to sixty-one swarms, having in the mean time sold twenty-eight swarms for eight dollars per swarm. It is worth any one's while to visit him and learn somewhat of the bee interest. He married JMiss Ida L. Dyer, daughter of Samuel E. and Julia Dyer, Dec. 22, 1863. She was bom in Rutland, Vt., Aug. 24, 1842. Her father was born in Rutland, Vt., Jan. 24, 1814, and married Julia A. Arnold Oct. 31, 1839. She was born in Clarendon, Vt., Dec. 23, 1818. For many years Mr. Farwell has been en- gaged as an agent for Walter A. Wood, and during fifteen years has sold many machines. In politics a Republican. He has held several town offices, among which may be men- tioned that of justice of peace for eight years. He is a member of the Morning Star lodge of Masons at Poultney, Vt., and was Master of the same in 1872. He is one of the most genial men in the county, and is pointed to as one of the leadinsr farmers of the town. HAKTFORD. This town was erected from what was then known as Westfield (now Fort Ann), March 12, 1793, and received its name from Hartford, Conn., at the suggestion of settlers from that place. Its location is north of the centre of the county, and equidistant from its eastern and western bounds. The adjoining towns are : north. Fort Ann ; east, Granville and Hebron ; south, Argyle ; and west, Kingsbury. The area comprises about twenty-seven thousand five hundred square acres. The general surface is uneven. In the south- east and the northwest are hills whose elevation is seven hundred feet above Lake Champlaiu, and in other parts of the town are lesser elevations. Many of these are composed of a slaty rock, which disintegrates by exposure, and forms a soil producing excellent crops of grass and wheat. The in- tervals are noted for their fertile lands, and are composed of a dark loam or a heavy clay. In the southern part is a cedar swamp, extending into Argyle, where peat is found. The timber common to the county grows in the town, and a fair proportion has been preserved. East creek, flowing westerly into Wood creek, and its tributary brooks are the principal streams. Several chalybeate springs abound. The town of Hartford embraces the Provincial patent, granted May 2, 1764, to twenty-six officers of the New York Infantry. The allotment was made without refer- ence to rank, each man receiving one thousand acres. The patent was surveyed in the fall of 1764, under the direction of Archibald Campbell, department surveyor of the colony, into one hundred and four lots, containing each three hun- dred acres, more or less. These lots were numbered from the northwest corner, and thence from left to right, and the reverse, until the limit was reached at the southwest corner. None of the grantees received his land in a body, but it seems to have been distributed with a view to equalize the value as determined by the location. The patentees were Peter Dubois, Win. Cockroft, Bernard Glazier, Charles Le Roux, Michael Thody, George Brewerton, Sr., George Breworton, Jr., Robert McGinnis, Peter Middleton, Isaac Corsa, .loshua Bloomer, Tobias Van Zandt, George Dunbar, Barack Snethew, Jonathan Ogden, Richard Rea, Verdin Ellsworth, Barnaby Byrne, Cornelius Duane, Abraham De Forest, Joseph Bull, Tennis Corsa, Thomas Jones, David Johnson, Henry Dawson, and Alexander White. Some of these never chiimed their lands, and many lots were settled by squatters. There is no evidence to warrant the belief that THE FIRST SETTLEMENT was made before the Revolution. It is probable that the first settler, or among the first settlers, was Col. John Buck, a native of Connecticut, and a soldier of the war for inde- pendence, who settled on lot 31, living at first in a house split out of logs and covered with bark. The country was very wild, and it is related that on one occasion, as the colonel and his wife were riding through the forest, his dog treed a bear. Leaving his wife to prevent the escape of the animal, the colonel hastened home to procure his rifle. Meanwhile Mrs. Buck had deposited her babe at the foot of a neighboring tree, so as to be better able to watch the bear. The barking of the dog warned Bruin to beat a re- treat, and he descended from the tree in gi'eat haste, so thoroughly frightening Mrs. B. that she ran away, and on the return of the husband neither child nor mother was to be seen. Having found the alarmed wife, search was made for the child, which was at last discovered cosily nestled against a tree, none the worse for having been left alone in the woods. The bear also was shot from another tree, where he had taken refuge. Of the three daughters of Col. Buck, Abigail, who after- wards became Mrs. Jabez Norton, was born in 1785, and is supposed to have been the first female born in town. Col. Buck died in 1795. His sons, Enoch and John, removed to Onondaga county. About the same time came Manning Bull, who located on lot 43, .selecting that in preference to any other in town. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 373 He served as an agent for some of the proprietors; died in town, leaving one daughter, who married John Smith. The Bump brothers — Stephen, Laban, and Wanton — settled on lot 89, and were the first in that part of the town, now East Hartford. Two sons of Laban's, Laban and Robert, yet live in town ; and Frederick T., a son of Wan- ton, lives in Granville. Contemporary with the Bumps, and living in the same locality, were the Ingals, — Edward and John. The latter left sons: John, Reuben, Horace, Chester, and Simeon ; also three daughters ; and the de- scendants yet live in town. Aaron and Eber Ingalsbe, two young unmarried men, came from Massachusetts in 1782, settled on lot 87, and built a shanty near where A. Gilchrist's house now stands; went back to Massachusetts in the fall, but returned the nest spring. Eber removed to the north, but Aaron mar- ried Polly Hieks, of Granville, by whom he had ten chil- dren. His sons were James, Silas, Belas, Aaron, Reuben, Levi, Elias, and Lewis. James was born in July, 1789, and yet lives in town ; has four sons, Milo, Royal, Homer, and James L., who are prominent citizens of Hartford. Nathan, Samuel, and Joseph Taylor came at the same time from Massachusetts, following marked trees to their destination in East Hartford. A son of Joseph, Daniel, resides in Granville, and a daughter, Mrs. Robert Morrison, lives in Hartford village. Samuel had no posterity, but Nathan had eight children. A daughter, Mrs. Henry B. Northup, of Sandy Hill, is the only survivor. In 1784 came Timothy Stocking, Ebenezer Smith, and John Paine. but who removed before many years. In the northern part of the town, on lot 6, settled Na- thaniel Bull, one of the most prominent citizens of his time. He was generally titled Lieutenant Bull. He had three sons. Guerdon, William, and Wadsworth. Nathaniel, a son of Guerdon, still resides on the homestead. On the adjoining lot lived James Henderson ; members of the family yet reside there. Eastward and southward of these, and coming from 17S0 to 1796, were Daniel Peirce, John Utter, Aaron Calkins, Obed Hitchcock, Captain Levi Gates, Isaac Boomer, George Davis, Timothy Atwood, Ezekiel Whitford, Achilles Walling, Silas Colton, Phineas Spring, William and Isaac Warren. John and William Congdon also settled in this locality. A son of the former, William E., lives in the village, and William, a son of the latter, in South Argyle. Various members of the Brayton family also settled in the northern part, on a road which yet bears their name, and on which some of the descendants yet live. David Martin settled on lot 32, on which a son. Job, yet resides; and the homestead of Samuel Bowen, on lot 81, is also occupied by two sons of that old settler. Among the first at the North village was David Austin, the agent of De Witt Clinton, who owned large tracts of land in this locality. Jabez Norton settled on the lot now occupied by his son, John B., and Richard Norton found a home on lot 46. The family is yet represented by a son, John Norton, Esq., who has been a very prominent man in town and county affairs, and has also served as a State official and crier of Washington county courts since 1829. A short distance from the village lived x\braham Downs, who died in 1792. His tombstone is the oldest in town. Samuel Downs settled on the .same lot, and was one of the leading pioneers. Just before the close of the century, there came to the settlement John Hamel, an Irish patriot, who having been obliged to flee the country, took refuge on board a vessel, where he was stowed away in a hogshead three days to elude the search of the officials of the govern- ment, who rolled the hogshead over and over in their efforts to find him. He came to Hartford in very destitute cir- cumstances, but afterwards was a most prosperous merchant. In the western part of the town settled Asahel Hodge, the first town clerk ; and not far away Jonathan Wood, also one of the first town officers, found a home. Joseph Bol- ton, Phineas Pelton, Joseph Morrison, the Hawleys, the Pattersons, and the Underbills were also among the pio- neers in the western section. John H. Kincaid settled on lot 17, in 1790. He came from Lansingburg, where he had erected the second store, in that place. He also opened a store at his new home, and carried on a very extensive business until his death, in 1804. At that time his place was the centre of trade, having taverns, asherics, etc. Kincaid wiis a man of great courage, and performed an exploit which rivals that of Putnam in the den of wolves. Being attracted to a small cave on his land by the baying of his hounds, he procured a pitchfork and boldly crawled in to kill the animal, a large lynx, who.se skin was stuffed and placed in the museum at Albany. Members of the Kincaid family live in the county. On lot 19 lived Ezekiel Goodell, a man of considerable note and a great hunter. On one occasion he boldly at- tacked a bear, and had a ■' hand to paw" encounter with him. The bear testified his affection by nearly hugging Goodell to death, he being saved from that fate only by the timely arrival of a fellow-hunter. The latter hesitated to fire for fear of killing his companion. He was, however, encouraged by Goodell, who shouted, " Shoot, for God's sake, and kill either me or the bear!' The other obeyed, and succeeded in slaying the animal without injuring his friend. Mr. Goodell did not give up his habits as a hunter, but he had less confidence thereafter in his ability to cope with a bear in a regular scuffle. As late as 1856, J. H. Kincaid killed three bears on East creek, being the only ones that had been seen for thirty years. Daniel Mason, the first supervisor, settled on lot 67, South Hartford. One of his sons, Daniel, yet lives in town, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In 1785, Daniel Brown, from Worcester, Massachusetts, came to this place and purchased what were then known as Poster's Mills. He reared five sons: Lewis, Daniel M., Benjamin F., War- ren H., and William, all of whom are dead. Caleb Brown located farther south, and opened a public-house. His son Harvey yet occupies the homestead. Another Brown, but not related to the foregoing, was the Rev. Amasa, also among the first settlers. Several of his sons became promi- nent attorneys, — Stephen, at St. Alban's, Vt., and Amasa, at Ogdensburg, N. Y. Jonathan Cable was also one of the first at this place, as well a.s Pasqua Austin, both removed. Dr. Isaac W. Clary joined the new settlement before 1800. A daughter married Richard Sill, a son of Zachariah Sill, who settled in the southern part of the town. One of his sons, Zachariah, yet survives, and grandsons live in various 374 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. parts of the county. Calvin Townsend came about the same time as Clary, and distinguished himself bj' an active busincs.s life. At tiiis point also lived Daniel Baker, George Jilson, the Manns, the Maynards, and at East Hartford the Harris fiimilies, from which have come some of the most useful citizens of the town. The settlement of Hartford was very rapid, many poor men coming in with no other capital but the axe they car- ried on their shoulders, and a will to wrest a home from the forest wild. In 1800 there were nearly four hundred voters. In 1845 the population was twenty thousand and ninety-four. The following Ls added on the authority of Isaac W. Thompson, of Granville. The date is earlier than our inquiries were able to verify : Thomas Thompson came into Hartford during the Revo- lutionary war, 1775 or 1776. He was from New London, Conn. His pioneer homestead was what has since been known as the Beebe place, near the south village. He joined the American army during the Burgoyne campaign, was in the battle of Stillwater, and served until the end of the war. Of his sons, William settled in Pennsylvania ; James, in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county; Nathan, in Beekmantown, Clinton county ; Charles was in the regular army in 1812; Isaac settled in Antwerp, Jefferson county; Orsemus, in Granville, near the Hebron line. All of these sons were in the War of 1812. William was lost in the battle of Lake Erie ; Charles was at the battle of Platts- burg. There were two daughters : Polly, Mrs. Sprague, of South Hartford, afterwards removed to Michigan ; Nancy, Mrs. Stephen Smith, of Hartford, removed to Gouverneur. Thirty-two soldiers from these families served in the war for the suppression of the Rebellion, — a patriotic record worthy of notice. Sons of James Thompson are Isaac W. Thompson, Esq., and Judge 0. F. Thompson, of Granville, the former of whom has rendered valuable aid in the pre- paration of the history of that town. The other sons of James are Abram, of Gouverneur ; R. M., of St. Louis ; L. E., of St. Paul's; E. 0., of Rock, Iowa; James H., of Gouverneur; and Joseph S., of Quincy, 111., of the regular army, who has seen and shared in desperate Indian war- fare. CIVIL GOVERNMENT. The electors of the newly-organized town assembled at the house of Daniel Mason, near the south village, to hold their first meeting, April 1, 1794. Daniel Mason having been appointed moderator, the election proceeded with the following result : Supervisor, Daniel Mason; town clerk, Asahel Hodge; assessors, Joseph Bolton, David Baker, Daniel Brown ; collector, Caleb Goff ; commissioners of highways, Jona- than Wood, Ichabod Hawley, Daniel Brown ; overseers of the poor, John Buck, Asahel Hodge ; constables, Matthew Taft, Caleb GofF; treasurer, John Buck; pound-keepers, John Covel, Benjamin Stewart ; fence-viewers, Jonathan Covel, Benjamin Stewart, Ezekiel Goodell, Abraham Stock- well, Daniel Comstock. The following persons have held the principal offices since 1794. In the case of the justices of the peace, those first named were elected for full terms, others to fill vacancies : Supervisors. Town Clerks. Collectors. 179.i Daniel Mason. Asahel Hodge. Ezekiel Goodell. 1796 1797 1798 Asahel Ilodge. Nathaniel Bull. Caleb Goff. « « Aaron Ingalsbe. 1799 " " David Austin. " 1800 Daviil Austin. Asahel Hodge. " 1801. " .< Erastus Hyde. 1802 Aaron Norlon. " Samuel rnderhill. 180.3. " « Aaron Ingalsbe, 1804. .Jonathan Wood. " Philander Lathrop. 1805. " " " 1806. " " " 1807. " " " Samuel I'nderhill. 1808. " " " " 1809. " " Samuel Gordon. " 1810. Daviil Au.-tin. " " 1811. " " " " " 1812. Jonathan Wood. " •' " " 1813. " " 1814. " David Austin. " 181.'). " " Samuel Gordon. '• 1816. " " " 1817. " David Austin. " 1818. Samuel Downs. David Doane. Jr. Frederick Baker. 1819. Jonathan Wood. " 1820. Samuel Downs. " " 1821. David Austin. Joseph Harris. " 1822. Samuel Downs. " 1823. Arehiliald Hay. " " 1824. '• Thomas McConnell Thomas Eldridge. 1825. Sladc D. Brown. " William Davis. 1826. " " Silas Ingalsbe. 1827. « " Thomas Eldridge. 1828. " " Calvin L. Parker. " " 1829. " William Dorr. " " 1830. " " John Norton. 1831. Richard Sill. Ebenezcr Lord. " 1832. Russell Smith. " Elkanah Bullock, 18.33. " Alanson Allen. Amos Broughton, 1834. Zaehariah Sill. William P. Allen. Joshua Pelton. 1835. Robert Morrison. " Giles W. Oatman. 1836. George Chandler. John Carlisle. John Norton. 1837. " " Nathan Crouch. 18.38. Robert Morrison. Samuel N. Harris. Jonathan Woodard 1839. <. Riehard Sill, Jr. Abraham Stearnes. 1840. u " Mason H, Slade. 1841. " " Albert Park. 1842. George Ch.andler. Samuel Gordon. Elias Ingalsbe, 1843. Daniel M. Brown. " .\biather Stearnes. 1844. " Ralph E. Brown, 1845. Wm. E. Congdou. David D. Cole. Johnson Smith, 1846. " Ira A. Perrin. Ralph E, Brown, 1847. Caleb Braytou. " " 1848. " " .. 1849. John P. Wood. M. N. McDonald. Johnson Smith. 1850. " u William Strow. 1851. " Ira A. Perrin. Lyman Hall. 1852. Samuel D. Kidder. John Norton. Wm. G, McDonald, 1853. .1 William Strow. Johnson Smith, 1854. John P. Wood. Daniel Mason. Daniel W, Norton. 1855. Daniel Mason. Frederick T. Bump Wm. G. McDonald. 1856. James M. Northup. Ransom Clark. Amby H. Maynard. 1857. " John Perry. Johnson Smith. 1858. Edward Sill. Wm. P. Sweet. Ransom Clark. 1859. " Chas. D. Higley. Wm. P. Sweet. 1860. « ,. William Park. Lyman Hall. 1861. Russell C. Davis. M. N. McDonald. Alonzo Norton. 1862. Edmund B. Doane. Johnson Smith, 186.3. Milo Ingalsbc. M. N. McDonald. Lyman Hall, 1864. -. « John Norton. M. N, McDonald, 1865. " " " Hansom Clark, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. S75 Supemsora. Town Clerks. 1866. John F. Whitemore. Rufus H. Waller. 1867. 1868. " 1869. Andrew I). Rowc. " " 1870. " " Samuel C. Downs 1871. 1872. Bavi.l Hall. 1873. '• •• John Brayton. 1874. James E. Goodman. Henry C.Miller. 1875. 1876. " " Samuel C. Downs. 1877. " " " " 1878. Alexander Gourlay. " " Collectors. Alonzo Norton. Lyman Hall. M. N. MeDonald. Benjamin Bell. Lyman Hall. M. N. McDonald. Peter Boushe. John MeClarly. Edw'd W. Townsend. Edw'd C. Reynolds. Theo. F. Fa.\on. Milton H. Kinney. Daniel Wiles. JUSTICKS OF THE PE.VCE. 1827. Slade D. Brown. 1852. Warren H. Brown Luther Mann. 1853. Milo Ingalsbe. Solomon S. Cowan. 1854. William Hall. XiTry Maynard. 1855. Levi Hatch. 1828. Luther Mann. 1856. Warren H. Brown 1829. Slade D. Brown. 1857. Milo Ingalsbe. 1830. Xury Maynard. 1858. .John Norton. 1831. Joshua Pelton. 1859. John I. Seeley. 1832. J. B. Seeley. 1860. Warren H. Brown 1833. David Doane. 1861. Milo Ingalsbe. Caleb Brayton. 1862. John Norton. 1834. Slade D. Brown. 1863. John I. Seeley. 1835. Amos Broughton. 1S64. Warren U. Brown 1836. J. R. Seeley. 1865. Levi Hatch. 1837. John Norton. 1866. John Norton. 1838. Solomon S. Cowan. 1867. .lohn I. Seeley. William Hall. 1868. Warren H. Brown 1839. Luther Mann. 1869. Levi Hatch. 1840. William Hall. 1870. John Norton. 1841. Calvin L. Parker. 1871. John I. Seeley. 1842. Solomon S. Cowan. 1872. Warren H. Brown 1843. .John Norton. 1873. Levi Hatch. 1844 Horace D. Mann. Ransom Qua. 1845. Calvin L. Parker. 1874. John Norton. 1846 James H. Carlise. 1875 John I. Seeley. 1847. John Norton. Nathan Jones. 1848 Calvin J. Townsend. 1876 William P. Sweet 1849 Ira A. Perrin. 1877 Levi Hatch. 1850 William Hall. R. S. Holley. 1851 John Norton. 187S John Norton. From the town records the followiug interesting excerpts have been made : 1794. — When the town-meeting was held at tiic house of David Austin, and when it was voted that sheep and swine be not allowed to run on the commons, and that a lawful fence shall be four and a half feet high. 179G. — " That geese shall not run at large on the com- mons. That Canada thistle be cut in the months of June and August." 1800. — " That the pounds be repaired sufficiently to hold creatures one year, under the inspection of the commission- ers of highways." 1803. — A special town-meeting was held at the Baptist church, Jan. 7, 1803, to take measures to prevent the spread of the smallpox. A committee of eleven was ap- pointed to devise ways and means to stay the malady, and the town clerk was directed to petition the Legislature to make a regulation respecting inoculation. Also, to petition the Legislature to authorize the county to build a court- house at such a place on the middle road as they in their wisdom may deem proper. At the annual meeting, Aaron Norton, Daniel Mason, Jonathan Wood, Asahel Hodge, and John llamel were appointed a committee for the purpose of devising some legal measures respecting a central court-house in the county, and also to be a committee of correspondence con- cerning the nomination of a governor and other State officers. 1800. — " Voted, that the town poor be put up and sold to the lowest bidder on the following terms : That the bidder is to board and keep them in a human-like manner ; and that if any clothing and doctoring are required, it be at the discretion and expense of the pocjnnastcr and justice of the peace." Widow Phebe Carpenter was bidden oft' by l.saac W. Clary, at seventy-five cents per week. 1818. — A tax of three hundred dollars for the support of the poor was voted, and the overseers empow(!red to pro- cure a poor-house at their discretion. 1846. — In common with other towns, Hartford held a special election on the 19th of May of this year to determine the sale of spirituous liquors. Of the three hundred and two votes cast, one hundred and fifty-one favored license, and a like number were opposed to license. On the following 27th day of April, 1847, three hundred and fifty voters gave the matter another consideration, when a majority of ninety-two declared for the sale of litjuor under a licen.se system. In 1877 the sale of li " , Harvey Brown. y^VJiiW&t^^HJ^^^-^vA^ ^j^j^v ^ «s» Ft l,^-- fss "M UJ8II tinii rnij »SS Residence of HARVEY BROWN, south HAmroRo.N.Y HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 383 ture, nnd held oflSces of much political importance. He had splendid opportunities, but they were sadly neglected. Warren H. was born March 27, 1822. He graduated at Union College with honor, practiced law in his native town, was for many years an acting magistrate, and clerk of the board of supervisors. Ho was an honest, capable man, and enjoyed the full confidence of the people. He married the widow of the late Rev. David Bullion, and daughter of Thomas Green. He died, January 20, 1873, when all his earthly prospects seemed highly flattering, leaving two children who did not long survive him. Lucinda M. was born Sept. 17, 1805 ; married David Austin ; has two sons and one daughter. She possesses strong intellectual powers, with a well-disciplined mind, and is forward in every Christian enterprise. Resides at Port Byron, N. Y. Evelina was born in May, 1802 ; married Ma.son Ilulett, and resides in Granville, N. Y. She is an exemplary Christian woman. Laura Ann was born April 12, 1810 ; died Nov. 26, 1866. She was unmarried, an exemplary woman, and de- voted her life to the care of her aged mother. Mary C. was born July 28, 1812; married Harrison Root ; resides at Weedsport, N. Y. ; has three sons and two daughters ; is amiable, learned, and wise, and an exemplary Christian. Elizabeth, daughter of John Brown, was born Dec. 16, 1754 ; married Asahel Hodge, who distinguished himself as an olficer by daring and successful feats of valor during the war ; died at Hartford, N. Y., Sept. 4, 1799, aged forty- five years ; she left no issue. Sarah was born Nov. 23, 1750 ; married Gad Chapin, and died at Hartford about September, 1799, aged forty-nine years, leaving four sons and two daughters. Several of her descendants reside in Whitehall, N. Y., and many in western New York. Azubah married Saddler ; Dorothy married Isaac Wilson ; Lydia married Edward Hall ; Mary married Daniel Reed ; Rebecca married Isaac Southgate ; Hannah married Fred- erick Baylies ; Lucy married Sparrowhawk, for her second husband Whipple, and then Sanger ; and Opphia married Jonathan Cable. One daughter married John White. Their descendants are numerous and widely scattered, but so far as known inherit the strong family traits of charac- ter and reflect no dishonor upon their ancestors. Caleb Brown, his father, was born at Leicester, Miiss., Feb. 16, 1760. While his brothers fought the battles of his country, to him was assigned the no less urgent and filial duty of providing for his aged father, who was so crip- pled by exposure in the French war as to unfit him for business pursuits ; to pay the burdensome taxes imposed on his father, and to supply their quota of clothing and blankets for the soldiers in service. He often remarked that the necessity of the times imposed greater hardships and denials upon those who remained at home than the .soldiers were subjected to. All that could be raised on the farm or ac- quired by manly toil and self-denial, he said, was wholly inadequate to pay for substitution and taxes, and to meet the requisitions of the government. The contest of arms was over, but the credit of the government was destroyed. and the fomily's means greatly impaired, with but little hope of retrieving them by a human struggle with an un- propitious soil. In 1786, with no capital but a sound body and resolute will, he traced the footsteps of his brother Daniel to Hartford, N. Y., and commenced an energetic contest with the wilds of nature. He located at what is now the south village. He was public-spirited in opening roads, building bridges, erecting churches, and organiz- ing schools. He opened a store in 1795, and a hotel in 1796 ; he soon after built a saw-mill, and in 1802 erected the house which has been kept as a hotel by him and his son for seventy-five years. In civil life he held some minor county ofiices, and in the military line held the commission of colonel. In 1795 he married Abigail, the widow of Elisha Maynard, and daughter of Wm. Whitney, of Tem- pleton, Mass., a Christian woman of great force of charac- ter, who died Aug. 28, 1846, aged eighty-two yeai-s. He had two daughters and a son that survived him. He died at Hartford, Jan. 30, 1837, aged seventy-seven years. Caleb Brown was reared under the home influence of Christian parents : honesty and conscientiousness were lead- ing traits in his character ; his perceptive faculties were large, his judgment of men quickly formed with almost unerring accuracy, and was seldom changed. His habits were unexceptionable, and his character was above reproach, — a family inheritance. Rosamond, his oldest daughter, was born March 31, 1798. She married Charles Webster. She was an amiable woman, with a cultivated mind, and was endeared to all who knew her. She died April 22, 1866. She had no chil- dren. Vesta was born Dec. 27, 1799; she married Israel Mc- Connell, by whom she had five children, and resides in Wisconsin, where she moved in 1852. She is a noble, model woman, endowed by nature with rare qualities, and is an honor to her sex. Horace, her eldest son, died with cholera at Council Bluffs, on his route to California, in 1849. Ed- ward was drowned in Lake Okauchee, Wis., about 1858. Albert resides in Wisconsin, is married, and has three sons. Louisa E. married Wm. 11. Powell ; she resides in Cam- den, N. J. ; she has but one child, — a daughter, — who married A. D. Hatch, and she has one .son named Wm. H. Rosamond B. married Homer II. Hurd, by whom she had four children ; she removed to Colorado Springs, Col., 1872 ; her oldest son, Albert, died there in March, 1873, and her son Mack, in June, 1871. Susie married Joseph B. Doui- van, and resides there, as does Rosa, who is unmarried. Harvey Brown, sou of Colonel Caleb Brown, was born at Hartford, N. Y., July 23, 1804. His education was ac- quired at the district school, where he ranked firet in his class in the studies there taught. At eighteen yeai-s of age he taught a district school, and made teaching his business during the winter for several years. At twenty-two he wa.s employed for a seasou as civil engineer in constructing the eastern division of the Morris Canal across the State of New Jersey, and since that time has made land surveying a branch of his business. He has held various offices of honor and trust. He lias been president of the county agricultural society ; was for three years vice-president of the county Bible society ; was 384 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. for four years from 1848 superintendent of repairs on the Cham plain Canal at a period when public plunder was not the end sought, and when the faithful discharge of a public trust was the rule and not the exception. He was for fifteen years superintendent of the poor of the county. His long continuance in the ofiSce enabled him to discover defects in the poor-law, and he had the satisfaction of see- ing it amended, embracing several important sections recom- mended by him as superintendent in his official annual reports. By his persistent efforts the board of supervisors adopted the provisions of the Livingston county poor-law, which corrected serious and growing abuses, and largely reduced the expenses for the support of the temporary poor. While an incumbent of the office he recommended and procured the passage of a law making the office a salaried office, and fixing the salary at about one-half the former allowance ; believing the tendency would be to keep the management of the institution in the hands of officers not in- fluenced by pecuniary considerations. He is a bachelor, and resides in the house in which he was born and has continuously lived (a sketch of which accom- panies this work) ; is plain and unostentatious in manners, frugal but generous, and free from all degrading habits, as well as from the common and offensive ones which are tol- erated in good society. Positive in character, he acts with decision ; with a well-balanced mind and healthy organiza- tion, he plans cautiously but with judgment, and executes with energy. From early manhood he has made the traffic in cattle, sheep, and wool a leading business, generally with satisfactory results ; but too much confidence in parties un- worthy of it has led him to give credit to them, which has materially lessened the earnings of a long and active busi- ness life. Farming has long been his legitimate business, and the improvement of his flock of fine woolen sheep an important branch of it. For many years he has been intimately identified with the business interests of leading financial institutions of the State. The severe ordeal through which all these institu- tions have lately pa.ssed, and the perfect wreck of many, forcibly illustrate by what a feeble tenure we hold earthly possessions, and admonish us to heed the injunction " to lay up treasures where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal." HEBRON. SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. The town is nearly central upon the eastern border of the county, and is bounded on the north by Hartford and Granville, east by the State of Vermont, south by Salem, west by Argyle and Hartford. It contains thirty-two thousand .sis hundred and fifty-three acres, or about fifty- one square miles. A broad mountain range extends through the centre, occupying nearly one-half of its entire surface, and a series of high hills extends through the eastern and western sections. The summits of the highlands are three hundred to five hundred feet above the valleys, and are mostly covered with forests. The ranges of hills are sepa- rated by the valleys of Black creek and its principal west- ern branch. In the hilly regions is considerable rocky land, not tillable. The surface of the town is mostly drained to the south and southwest. In the northwest part of the town, in connection with a portion of Hartford, are the highlands that divide the waters of the Pawlot valley from those of the Black creek valley, and also the valley of the Moses Kill. In this section rise the rivulets which form the western branch of the Black creek, and others also, that, bearing easterly and then south, form the Black creek itself, which drains all the eastern and southern portion of the town, and unites with the other branch at West Hebron. PATENTS. The town of Hebron was partly embraced in patents of two thousand acres each, granted to commissioned officers, and also in lots of two hundred acres each to non-com- missioned ofiicers, and fifty acres each to privates who were engaged in the French war. These grants were made mostly to the Highland Scotch 77th Regiment of foot, which had served in America seven years. Their term of service having expired, they were discharged in New York city. Some returned to Scotland, otliers scattered about the country. When the king's proclamation, entitling every soldier to a tract of land, was published, those that remained in the country applied for their rights, and several of them, after some years, thus became re-united as neighbors in Hebron, and along Indian river, about the year 1774-75. What is known as the Campbell patent was first granted to Lieutenant Nathaniel McCulloch, and by him sold to Duncan Campbell, June 11, 17G5. In 1771 one-half, or one thousand acres, was sold by Campbell. The following is an extract from the original contract : Artirica of agreement made Jidi/ 9, 1771, between Duncan CfimpheU, on the fust part, and Jtoht. WlUon and John J/umHton on the second part. — Article 1. Duncan Campbell engages anil iloth bind himself, bis heirs, etc., to give a good and sufficient deed to Robert AV ilson and John Hamilton, their executors, etc., on or before the lOtli d;iy 49 of May next, for one thousand acres of land in Albany county nnj province of New York, olf the cist side of Hudson river, and of the east end of a tract of land granted to Lieutenant Nathaniel McCul- loch, and afterward conveyed to Duncan Campbell. The consideration was four hundred pounds. The deed was made June 9, 1773. The other one thousand acres was confiscated by the State on account of the treason of Campbell. What is known as Kempe's patent was granted to John Tabor Kempe May 3, 1764. The tract contained ten thousand two hundred acres. Kempe succeeded his father as attor- ney-general of the province of New York in 1758. His property was confiscated in 1777. He returned to Eng- land. Munro's patent, containing two thousand acres, was granted Aug. 23, 1764. The other patents covering this town, and granted about tlic same time, were the Isaac De Forest, Lintott's, Blundell's, Marquis De Conti, Farrant, Sheriff, and Williams. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement in the town was made about the year 1769-70 by David Whedon, John Hamilton, and Robert Creighton. Whedon located on the farm now owned by Silas Boynton ; Hamilton, on the farm that Jo- seph Crosier now lives on ; and Creighton, on the farm now owned by his son, Thomas White. In 1771, Robert Wil- son and Captain John Hamilton purchased one-half or one thousand acres of the Campbell pat«nt, which now lies be- tween the old turnpike and Chamberlain's mills. In 1772, John and Joseph Hamilton, Robert, Thomas, James, and John Wilson, and David Hopkins, moved from Rhode Island and settled on this tract. Amos and Samuel TyiTclI moved from Connecticut the same year and settled on and hold by possession an unoccupied tract of about fimr hun- dred acres of land, lying between the De Conti and Farrant patents. This tract they sold out to other settlers, giving quitclaim deeds. Amos moved to Oswego county ; Sam- uel died on his homestead. Mrs. Winne, of Salem, a granddaughter, is the only descendant living in the county. When Burgoyne's army was going through the county, Samuel Tyrrell started to join the forces of General Schuy- ler, and arrived at Joseph Hamilton's house about break- fast-time. Here he found that the family had fled in such haste that they had left their breakfast untasted. Mr. Tyrrell sat down, ate his breakfast (|uietly, and then went on. The high hills divided the early settlers into several neighborhoods, having but little intercourse with each other. The northern and eastern parts were settled by families from New England, and the southern and western parts by Protestant Scotch and Irish belonging to the As- sociate and Associate Keformud Pre.'r. Oct. 3, 1788. Thomas, Joshua, and Clark Rogers, " three brothers," emigrated from the town of Hancock, Mass., in the year 1787. They settled on farms adjoining each other, just west of what is now called Chamberlain's mills. Thomas, the eldest, had a son Samuel, whose children are as follows: Benjamin is living on the Andrew Foster farm; James L. lives in the town of Salem ; Thomas lives on the turn- pike ; Wilson lives in Rupert, Vt. ; Charles is living on the homestead of his grandfather, Thomas Rogers. Clark Rogers lived in the town but a few years, then moved to Canada. Asa E. Rogers now owns the farm where he lived. Clark Rogers has no descendants living in this town, and the only one of Joshua is Mrs. James L. Rogers, a grand- daughter. Hon. Alexander Webster came from Scotland about 1772, and settled about three n)iles north of West Hebron. His children were two daughters and three sons. Nelly, one of the daughters, married Deacon John Steel, and the other, Mary, became Mrs. Garrett (iuackeiibush. The sons were George, James, and Alexander, Jr. George suc- ceeded to the homestead, which was afterwards occupied by his son, Simeon D. Webster. The old house and a portion of the farm is now owned by J. Beattie. Judge Alexan- der Webster, Sr., was, in his day, the most prominent man in the town. His house, built at an early period, and still standing, in a beautiful grove, was for those days an ele- gant mansion. He was State senator from 1777 to 1785 inclusive, and from 1790 to 1793. He was member of Assembly in 1788-89. He was first judge of the court of common pleas in 1786, and was also a sujicrvisor of the town, lie died in the year 1810. James Wilson and Martha, his wife, both born in West Greenwich, R. I., emigrated to Hebron in the year 1772, and settled on lot 18, Campbell's patent. The frame house, which he erected about 1787, is still standing, and occu- pied by his youngest son, James, Jr., who was born in it in the year 1797. The family of James and Martha WiLson consisted of seven sons and two daughters. Eli, George, and John I. moved to Port Byron, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Robert moved to Salem, and died there. David lived and died on the homestead. Isaac moved to Geneseo, 111., and died there. Mr. Wilson held the rank of major in the militia, having been commissioned April 20, 1787. Robert Wilson, with his family, moved from West Green- wich, R. I., in the year 1772, having previously purchased, in company with Captain John Hamilton, one-half of the Campbell patent. He settled on lot IS. His sons were Thomas, Robert, and James. James had three sons: Eli, now living on the farm once owned by his uncle Thomas; Charles lives one mile south of the homestead, and Chester is now living on the homestead. The daughters were Nancy, Jane, and Margaret. Jane married a Mr. Hall. One of their sons, Geo R. Hall, was a captain in the One Hun- dred and Twenty-third Regiment New York State Volun- teer Infantry ; now lives in Iowa. Jedodiah Darrow and family moved from Norwich, Conn., at an early day, and settled on the northeast corner of what was known as Lintott's patent. The children were Jared, Denison, Jedediah, Stephen, Sally, and another daughter, who married and moved to Lewis county. Jared went to Salem, and lived and died there. He weighed about four hundred pounds, and had to go through a door sideways. Dr. Jedediah moved to Auburn, N. Y. Stephen lived and died on a portion of the hoiuestead. Denison lived and died on the homestead. His son Jedediah is the present owner and occupant of the homestead. Hon. David Hopkins and wife, Hannah (Parrish) Hop- kins, emigrated from West Greenwich, R. I., in 1772, in company with others, and settled on the turnpike, on the farm now owned by Silas Boynton. His children were Joel, Ira, Robert, Henry, David, Josiah, Levi, and five daughters (names unknown). Joel settled on a farm about a mile north of his father's place. The judge died in 1813, and is buried in the family burying-ground near the Presbyte- rian church. After his death his family, except Joel, moved to Cayuga county, near Auburn. David Hopkins, a son of Joel, is now living in Salem. Judge Ilopkins was the first clerk of the district of Black Creek, being elected to that position in 1784. He was supervisor of the town at different times. He was also judge of the county court, senator, member of Assembly. Archibald Woodard, from Dutchess county, moved into Hebron about the time of the lluvolulion, 1777-80. He HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 387 settled on the present place of Henry Welch, Monroe's njeadows. Of his children, Daniel settled in Hebron. (He was the Daniel Woodard of old times, and ftither of Daniel Woodard, now of the bank, Granville. Benjamin settled in Hebron ; John and Archibald also. Samuel set- tled in Granville. Sally became Mrs. Lyman Seaver, of Wisconsin, — still living. Anna, Mrs. Zebulon Kinyon. Polly, Mrs. Hiram Case, of Three Rivers, Mich. The pioneer Archibald came into Hebron, and worked first six months for a surveyor. He established credit for himself, so that he was able to get started in business by borrowing ten dollars of Nathaniel Webster. He did not use that, however, but repaid the loan afterwards with the same bill. John Wilson, a ruling elder in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, died at the age of nearly one hundred years. This venerable man was an active .soldier in the War of the Revolution, and was present at Burgoyne's sur- render. Alexander McClellan, wife, and two .sons, came from county Monaghan, Ireland, about the year 1770, landed in Philadelphia, lived there some time, then moved to Schenectady, then to Stillwater, and finally to Hebron, where they made a permanent settlement on lot No. 24. Of the children, Betsey became Mrs. Robert Getty ; Jane, Mrs. Hugh Randall ; Euphemia, Mrs. Ebenezer Getty ; Mary, Mrs. Daniel McDonald. James and William settled in Hebron. The only one of the children of James now living is James McClellan, Jr., now upon his father's homestead, where he was born. This farm once belonged to Benjamin Livingston and James Lytle, the latter own- ing the principal part. Andrew Lytle came into Salem at a very early day, and bought for liis two sons, James and William, two hundred and fifty acres in Hebron. William built a grist- and saw- mill on a branch of the Black creek that ran through his farm. James, John, and Robert Getty came from Newry, Ire- land, soon after the colony under Dr. Clark settled in Salem. James settled in Salem, where the name is frequent in the early records. John, with his family, moved to Pennsyl- vania, and founded Gettysburg. Robert moved into He- bron, and settled there permanently. He left four sons, Adam, Robert, John, and David ; one daughter, Jane. Two of the sons of James Getty, of Salem, came into Hebron, — Ebenezer, who settled one mile .south of Monroe's meadows, and Robert, a mile northeast of Belcher. The latter afterwards moved to Lansingburg. Of the family of Ebenezer there are now living Mrs. J. S. McClelland, Mrs. J. W. Beatty, and Ebenezer, Jr., who resides upon his father's homestead. Robert Creighton came from Ireland and settled south of West Hebron. He had a family of one son and five daughters. Sally married William White, and their son, Thomas White, is living on the homestead. Isaac Brinkerhoff was an early merchant, having a store near his house, about a mile above West Hebron. He was clerk of the Presbyterian church. He removed to Troy in 1805 or 180G. Isaac Boomer built a saw-mill and a fullinir-mill abuut 1812, on the Beveridge farm. The saw-mill frame is still lefl. The Livingston family came from Ireland soon after the colony of Dr. Clark, and first settled in Salem; then moved to Hebron. John, the father, had seven sons and one daughter; one of them was John, Jr. A daughter of his is now living- in town, Mrs. Robinson ; and a son, James, lives in Argyle. Of the other children of John, Sr., Francis moved to St. Lawrence county, Joseph died in Hebron, Dr. William moved to Essex county, Robert to Lisbon, in St. Lawrence county, Samuel to Ohio, and Ben- jamin to western New York. Patrick Wilson came from Ireland, and settled in Salem. His sons. Deacon John, James, and Samuel, .settled in He- bron. Of Samuel's children, one daughter was Mrs. Arclii- bald Sill, of Hartford. A grandson of John lives on the homestead. J. McWilson, merchant of West Hebron, is also a grandson. David^ Whedon and Ansel Whcdon were early settlers of Hebron; the former afterwards moved to Oberlin, Ohio, and the latter to Pawlet, Vt. A grandson of one is now a teacher in the academy at Pawlet. A son of David is a lawyer at Salt Lake City. David Whedon's son, David, Jr., was the first child born in town, 1771. There were only two other families in town then, Garret Quackenbush and John Creighton. Peter Buttou is said to have been the first school-teacher in Hebron. James Bassett built a saw-mill, on the stream below Chamberlain's mills, in 1829. A saw-mill was built across the creek, in 1811, by a man named Rogers. The same machinery then used is now in the present mill. It was brought from Greenwich in 1811, and had then been in use some twenty years. A carding-mill was built on the stream in 1822. Mr. Bflssett bought the property, and continued to run it to 1850, when he took out the machinery and put in one run of stone to grind feed. He sold out to Hon. S. E. Spoor in 18t)0. The latter now runs a .saw-mill, flax-mill, and feed-mill. Mr. Spoor is a public-spirited citizen, and we are in- debted to him for many items of town history, and for much assistance in securing other valuable information. He is mentioned in another place. William Porter came from Ireland at an early day, and settled on the turnpike near the Methodist Episcopal church. He bought four hundred acres of land in that vicinity. He kept a store, became wealthy, built a fine mansion for those days at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and was appointed associate judge of the county. Edward, the youngest son, died on the homestead ; George moved to Wisconsin ; Robert is a physician in Michigan, and William removed to Jordan. John McDonald was a member of Assembly in 1832, William Townsond in 1831, and P. H. Near in 1800. John Munson came from Connecticut and settled on the Lintott's patent, buying one thousand acres, or half of the patent. His house was located on the road leading to Salem, and on the southwest corner of his land. He had three sons. Nathaniel lived and died on the old homestead ; John, Jr., and one killed, were the other two. 388 HISTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. This pioneer family endured much of the dangers and exigencies of border warfare. To avoid the scouts of Bur- goyne, they had to flee to a hemlock swamp on the farm. After Baum's defeat at Bennington, they were somewhat relieved fi'om danger. Joel, a son of Nathaniel, lives on the place of his father. Colonel William Boot, so called from his -command of militia, kept the first tavern in Hebron, on the turnpike. He built the house, and kept the post-office. His place, one of considerable resort, was a well-kuown stopping-place half-way between Salem and Granville. His father. Major Root, kept a tavern at a very early day on the same turnj)ike, near the Salem line. The well-known Jim Hopkins, from Pawlet, kept tavern north of Nelson's. He died in 1830, at the age of eighty- two. Sylvester E. Spoor was born in the town of Hebron, in the year 1814, on the farm now owned by E. G. Wilson. He w;is educated in the common schools, and also took a scientific course at the Rensselaer Institute, now the Troy Polytechnic. He spent some years in the southern States. Returning to Hebron, he followed farming and building. He was supervisor in 1858-59, and member of Assembly in 18C5. He moved to his present location seventeen years ago. In 1873, as contractor, he built for the State several dams on the upper waters of the Black creek, near Sand Lake. Eunice Tyrrell, a pensioner of 1840, given elsewhere, was the wife of Samuel Tyrrell, whose name appears upon the old tax-list, and a great-aunt of Mr. Spoor. James Wilson, grandfather of Mrs. Spoor, was a soldier of the Revolution, at Crown Point and elsewhere. Mr. William McClellan was born in the town of Mickle- mox, parish of Battle, Scotland, in 1755. In June, 1774, his father, Robert McClellan, with six children, set sail for America in the ship " Golden Rule." After a passage of three months and eleven days they landed in New York. They went from there to Albany, thence to Manchester, New Hampshire. From there they came across the Green mountains to Brumley. They were four days going four- teen miles. No wheeled carriage had before crossed the mountains at that point. From Brumley they went to Springfield and lived there about ten years. Then, in 1781, they came to Black Creek, now Hebron, and, after their long travels, reached a permanent resting-place. The father, mother, and part of the family settled in Salem ; the father dying in 1789 and the mother in 1799. Of the children of Robert, John settled in Cambridge ; one daughter be- came Mrs. Colen Maxwell; another Mrs. John Hall, of Argyle ; another Mrs. Rev. John Cree, and after his death she married John Moodie; Robert, Jr., died in Hebron. William McClellan, of Hebron, spoken of at the begin- ning of this notice, had four sons, — Robert, James, John, and William ; four daughters, — Mrs. Dr. Alexander Bullions, of Cambridge, Mrs. Alexander McGeoch, of Argyle, Mrs. Jonathan Morey, of Stillwater, Mrs. Daniel Morey, of Still- water. Of the children of John; William J. McClellan is living on the old Hebron homestead. James Cummings, originally from Scotland, came to Hebron from Cambridge about .1800, and settled on lot 15 of the Kenijie patent. Dr. David Long was an early merchant in town. He removed to the Holland purcha.se, western New York. Andrew Beveridge, born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1752, came to America in 1774, landing at Marblehead, Mass. He first located at Cambridge, but finally settled in Hebron, on the farm now occupied by his youngest son, David Beveridge, northwest corner of lot 4, Kempe's pat- ent. His children were eight sons and two daughters. George, the oldest, settled in Greenwich ; Thomas in He- bron ; James in Greenwich; Alexander in Hebron; John in Jackson; Andrew in Illinois; Matthew in Hebron; David in Hebron. George, who settled in Greenwich, afterwards moved to Illinois, and his son, born in 1824, — John I., — was the recent governor of that State in 1875— 76. James H., another son, was treasurer of Illinois at one time. Another son, Andrew M., is a Presbyterian minister of Lansingburg. The governor is a lawyer, and was colonel of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry during the War of 1861-65. The homestead of JIatthew Beveridge was on lots 25 and 26 of the Kempe patent, bought of Robert McClellan, and Wm. Beveridge now resides upon it. An early landed proprietor in town was Mr. Quacken- bush, who owned one thousand acres on the northwest side of Black creek, joining Robert Qua. John R. Nelson emigrated from Ireland to America at an early day, and settled first in Argyle. Soon after he moved to Salem, and in 1791 to Hebron, buying lot 26, Kempe's patent. He married Jane MeCarter, of Salem. Of his children, John J. died in Hebron on the old home- stead ; Samuel was educated at Salem Academy, and be- came the distinguished judge of the United States Supreme ^ Court ; Hannah married James McClellan ; and Polly be- came Rlrs. Luther Catheart, of Pawlet. Wait Hatch, from the Granville family of that name, moved into Hebron about 1800, and settled two and a half miles southeast from North Hebron. The following document, showing early names, was pro- cured through the eflbrts of Hon. S. E. Spoor ; it is the property of Chester H. Wilson. It is the fragment of " a tax-list for the district of Black creeJc in the county of Charlotte," and though it lacks a date, yet this title proves it to have been made out before 1786, probably as early as 1780, or earlier, judging from the names appearing in it, and from the amount figured out not only in money, but in wheat. The pupils in the public schools of Hebron at the pres- ent time may find it a matter of excellent arithmetical practice to ascertain from this list the rate of the tax per pound, the amount of each individual's tax in money, and also in wheat, and to show how the final fraction of a quart is expressed in ninths, as the figures are copied from a doc- ument some portions of which are nearly erased. Eo.l Pprsi.nal Tux Amount in E^tiite. Kstate. Assessed. Wheat. £ «. £».£». - 1 5^ 1 1 2^; 1 1 2ii 2 7.1 1 1 -if 1 1 '4 1 3 1 1 55 8 00 j 3 H 4 4 2 OH 10 10 1 3 ^} 12 U 2 n 16 2 2 2 '■>" 1 !l III 5 4 00 2 51 Samuel Crossett, town assessors ; James Lytle, James Mc- Collum. Jedediah Darrah, commissioners for laying out high- ways ; James Lytic, David Gibbs, Guile Wilson, Nathan Robison, Ephraim Dewey, John Nelson, Warham Gibbs, John Post, David Wilson, Amos Terrel, David Getty, James Wilson, Azariah Cross, pathmasters; Nathan Smith, John Shepard, Samuel Crossett, overseers of the poor ; John Getty, Aaron Smith, Rob't Wilson, fence-viewers. Voted, that swine shall be free commoners, yoked and ringed. Supervisors. — Warham Gibbs, 1784 ; Samuel Crossett, 1784; Capt. John Hamilton, 1785; Capt. Nathan Smith, 1785 ; Alexander Webster, Esq., 1786 ; Capt. John Ham- ilton, 178C; Alexander Webster, 1787-90; John Hamilton, 1790; Alexander Webster, 1791-92; Dr. David Long, 1793-1800; William Livingston, 1801-3; Henry Mattison, 1804-7; David Hopkins, 1808; Henry Mattison, 1809-12; Daniel McDonald, 1813; Henry Mattison, 1814; William Townsend, 1815 ; Geo. Webster, 1816 ; William Townsend, 1817-21 ; Foster Foot, 1822 ; John McDonald, 1823-25 ; William Townsend, 1820-30; Henry Bull, 1831-33; Israel McConnell, 1834-36; Simeon D. Webster, 1837- 40 ; Isaac Wilson, 1841 ; John Armitage, 1842-43 ; John Brown, Jr., 1844; Simeon D. Webster, 1845-46; John Brown, 1847 ; William J. Bockes, 1848-49 ; Geo. W. Wlijte, 1850-51 ; John Armitage, 1852; S. D. Webster, 1853; William Case, 1854; Almon C. Wood, 1855; Stephen M. Ingersoll, 1856; S. D. Webster, 1857; S. E. Spoor, 1858-59; David Johnson, 1860; William Arm- strong, 1861-62; N. Reynolds, 1863-67; John M. Rea, IS68I7O; John Brown, 1871; W. J. McClellan, 1872- 73; Chester L. Getty, 1874-75; Geo. Rea, 1876-77; Richard H. Durham, 1878. Town Clerks.— DaY\d Hopkins, 1784-85; William Shepard, 1786-87; William McClellan, 1788 to 1809, inclusive; William Townsend, 1810-12 ; William McClel- lan, 1813; William Townsend, 1814; W. Livingston, 1815; William McClellan, 1816-17; Robert McClellan (2dj, 1818; John H. Northrup, 1819 to 1830, inclusive; Simeon D. Webster, 1831-34; David Martin, 1835-36; William B. Blivin, 1837; John Armitage, 1838-40; Charles Webster, 1841-43; John J. Nelson, 1844; John Armitage, 1845 ; James Hewitt, 1846-47 ; Franklin Day, 1848; J. MeKnight, 1849; Eli Wilson, 1850; James B. Wilson, 1851; L. Smith, 1852-53; George Rea, 1854; Henry McFadden, 1855; James B. Wilson, 1856; John Shaw, 1857-58 ; George Rea, 1859 ; Albert W. Gary, 1860 -62 ; Franklin II. Smith, 1 863-64 ; James Barkley, 1865 ; James R. Munson, 1866-67; F. H. Smith, 1868-69; H. Mclntyre, 1870; Leander Cole, 1871-73 ; George D. MeKnight, 1874-75; J. R. Munson, 1876-77; James McCloy, 1878. Justices 0/ the Peace. — Samuel Crossett, 1786; Henry Mattison, 1817 ; Phineas Hitchcock, 1817 ; Nathan Smith, 1817; Alex. Cruikshank, 1817 ; Hugh Cruikshank, 1830; John Button, 1831; Samuel Livingston, 1832; Alfred Ward, 1833; Wm. Armstrong, 1834; James Getty (2d), 1835; Samuel Livingston, 1836; John Button, 1836; Geo. W. White, 1837; Gilbert Hard, 1837; And. Foster, 1838; Wm.' Dorr, 1838; James Rcid, 183'J ; Isaac Wil- 390 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. son, 1839; James Reid, 1840; George W. White, 1841 ; Andrew Foster, 1842; John Tiplady, 1843; Joseph Cro- sier, 1844 ; Ahnon C. Wood, 1844 ; John Shaw, 1846 ; Joseph Crosier, 1847; Abraham Woodard, 1849; George Ashley, 1850; Joseph Crosier, 1851 ; James McKnight, 1852; George W. White, 1853; John M. Rea, 1854; Thomas Gregory, 1855; Almon C. Wood, 1856; George W. White, 1857; John M. Rea, 1858; E. D. Gilbert, 1859; Jesse Sherman, 1860; James McKnight, 1860; Jesse Sherman, 1861 ; John M. Rea, 1862 ; Sylvester E. Spoor, 1863; David Seely, 1863-64; Jesse Sherman, 1865; John M. Rea, 1866; James McKnight, 1866; J. S. McFarland, 1867; James McKnight, Whcdon Smith, 1868; Justin Beebe, 1869; James McW. Getty, 1870- 74; J. S. McFarland, 1871-75; James McKnight, 1872- 76; Harvey J. Smith, 1873; William F. Wood, 1877; Jauies McW. Getty, 1878. Gullectors. — Captain Tlios. Bellows, 1784-85 ; Captain James Wilson, 1786; Wni. McClellan, 1787 ; Thos. Bel- lows, 1788-89; Clark Rogers, 1790; Thomas Bellows, 1791; James Webster, 1791 ; Wm. Lytle, 1792; Israel Ely, 1793; Wm. Lytle, 1794-1800; James McClellan, 1801; Wm. Hutchins, 1802; J. McClellan, 1803; Wm. Lytle, 1804-7 ; Wm. McClellan (2d), 1808-9 ; Abel Wood, 1810; Charles Allen, 1811 ; L. Gardner, 1812; Wm. Sea- ver, 1813; Chas. Allen, 1814; Abel Wood, 1815.^17; Lewis Gardner, 1818; Wm. Bockes, 1819; Abner Duel, 1820-22; Jas. McClellan, 1823 ; J. Button, 1824; Abner Duel, 1825-28; David H. Lytle, 1829; J. W. Beatty, 1830-30 ; Wm. D. Ely, 1837 ; Samuel Woodard, 1838; W. D. Ely, 1839 ; W. W. McClellan, 1840 ; Levi Moone, 1841 ; J. Clark, 1842; E. Allen, 1843-44; J. MuC. Wils„n, 1845; Alex. Beatty, 1846-47; A. Woodard, 1848; W. Thomas, 1849 ; J. P. Flack, 1850 ; Silas Root, 1851 ; Jas. Moore, 1852 ; E. Smith, Jr., 1853 ; J. McW. Getty, 1854 ; W. D. McConnell, 1855 ; John C. Williamson, 1856; J. Gilchrist, 1857; J. S. Hall, 1858; B. D. Oatman, 1859; Men-it Temple, 1860 ; J. McC. Wilson, 1861 ; D. J. Levin, 1862 ; Jas. Barkley, 1863 ; W. Howard, 1864 ; L. Amidon, 1865; Julius Woodard, 1866 ; R. H. Dunham, 1867 ; D. Glazier, 1868; R. C. McEachron, 1869; Henry Welch, 1870 ; D. J. Chamberlain, 1871 ; J. W. Powel, 1872 ; Jas. Lundy, 1873; Theo. Copeland, 1874; Samuel A. Mahaffy, 1875; Charles 0. Smith, 1876; Jas. A. Getty, 1877 ; George D. McKnight, 1878. The following notes are taken from the town records : The first road on record is from Di tvid Wh edon's to the Granville line, Dec. 1, 1783. The second road on record is laid from Samuel Crossett's to the White Creek line. May 26, 1784. The third road on record is laid from the provincial line to Lytle' s mills. 1786. — The wardens elected at the town-meeting this year were Jedediah Darrow, Isaac Lytle, James Lytle, and David Getty. Voted, that a committee be chosen to appoint a place to hold the annual town-meetings, and election, and to establish a line between the two militia companies through the district. The committee was Captain John Hamilton, James Flack, Captain Warham Gibbs, Captain Nathan Smith, Lieutenant Geo. McKnight. 1789. — Town-meeting held at the house of Lieutenant Geo. McKnight. 1791. — A list of the people's names that have taken out license this year, and the several .sums due to the overseers of the poor for the town of Hebron : Geo. McKnight, £2; Wm. Porter, £2; John Shepard, £2; Edw. Shepard, £2; Warham Gibbs, £2 ; Lsaac Brinckerhoff, £2. 1792. — Voted to choose three men to order matters about the smallpox, and to appoint places for " nucleation" (inoculation). Thomas Rogers, Robert Crcigliton, John AVright, and Warham Gibbs, committee for the above pur- pose. Ten pounds forfeit by any who shall disobey the above committee's orders in the discharge of their duty. 1793. — Voted to build three pounds in the town. Li- censed inns, two pounds each. John Shepard, Wm. Porteri Warham Gibbs, John Shepard, Jr., Thos. Gourley, J. BrinkerhofF, Wm. McCracken, Geo. McKnight, Phineas Hitchcock. 1794. — Voted, That no liquor shall be brought to the barn where the meeting is held. 1796. — Town-meeting held at the house of Calvin Smith. Commissioners of schools, now first elected : I. Brinker- hoif. Dr. David Long, Wm. McClellan, Phineas Hitchcock, Thomas Gourley. 1899. — Town-meeting held at the hou.se of William Mo- Clellan. 1800. — Ten dollars for the head of a wolf who shall be killed and taken within the bounds of this town. BIRTH OF .V SLAVE CIIII.ll. ISOl.— "Eoin on the 22d day of last August, a bl.ack negro male Bett ; child's uame is Antony. Said Bett Wm. McCuacken. child. lUs mother's name is a slave to me. "Ukbron, Feb. 1, ISni " Entered on record May, 180], per me. "William McClkllas, Tonni Clerk." F.MAXrlPATlOX or A SLAVE. ISU.— " This may certify that we, Diiviil Whcdon and Samuel Liv- ingston, overseers of the poor for the town of Hebron, having e.xam- ined Tamar, a black woman, a slave to Thomas Gourley, and the said Thos. Gourley wishing to manumit her, or give her her freedom, we the said overseers of the poor are fully of the opinion that the said Tamar is not of the age of forty-five years, and is of suffi- cient ability to provide for herself, agreeable to the statute of this State of New York, passed the 9th day of , 1813. " Dated the 5th day of Sept., ISH." 1817. — Town-meeting held at the house of William Livingston. 1818. — Town-meeting held at the house of Rev. Alex- ander Dunham. 1819. — Town-meeting held at the house of John II. Northrup; also in 1830. 1824. — Town-meeting held at the house of Morris Mead. 1826. — Town-meeting held at the house of Ebenezer Getty ; also in 1835. 1829. — Town-meeting held at the house of Wm. Mc- Clellan. 1832. — Towu-meetiii Nelson. 1 838. — Town-meotin^ Baker. 1839. — Town-meeting held at the hou.se of John Root. 1840. — Town-meeting held at the house of Abner Duel held at the house of John J. held at the house of Blivin and -r / CHARLES JONES WHITE. Charles Jones White was born in Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1803. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Vandenbergh, was a descendant of one of the best of thuse thrifty Duteh families that settled along the line of the npper Iliidsun during Colonial times. She was no ordinary woman ; gifted with personal bt-juity and superior mental ondowments, she became widely known and respecU^d fvrii in her younger days. At the age of nineteen she married Ebenezer Jones, Ksq., a nitrcliant of Stillwater, N. Y., who died within two or three years fr'm the date of their marriage. The fniit of this union was one child, a daughter, Sarah Maria Jones, born a.d. 1800. During the following year Mrs. Jones married with Alfreil WTiite. Esq., also a merchant, and a man of considerable literary repute withal. He was a man of fine presence; he had a princely air; his manners were courtly, and his whole hearing commanding. Notwithstanding his excellent abilities, and the powerful influence he exerted among his peel's, he was inTariably unfortunate in his business relations, often causing thereby great embarrassment and priva- tion in his family. He died in Troy, N. Y., in 1851, aged seventy years. Of his marriage with tlie "Widow Jones, tlie sole issue was the subject of our sketch, Charles Jones White. His mother assumed the management and train- ingof her son in his early childhood. She believed that education was the true foundation of high character and good citizenship, and it was her desire and her firm purpose that he should receive a liberal education. But the pecuniary straits to which his father was so often reduced quite prevented the consum- mation of her designs. She took sole charge of her son's intellectual training until he was past ten years of age, and soon after placed him in charge of a clergyman (a cherished friend of the mother) for further instruction. He re- mained in care of his clerical friend upwards of three years, receiving from his teacher the highest commendation for his diligence and application. He early developed a taste for English literature, or, we may say, general literature, and this he indulged to the partial exclusion of the sciences and higher studies usually pursued at his time of life. This he ascrDied to his mother's influence principally. She was very fond of the Scottisli and English bards and poeis, and her young pupil, when he went out from her training, could repeat exten- sively from Burns, Young, Pollok, Watte, etc. About this time he entered his father's store in Stillwater, N. Y., contrary to his mother's wishes, of course, but the father's will was law. Failure of the business soon after relieved the young man from duty as clerk of a store, and, as we remember, he returned to his books, seeking only the aid and counsel of his mother. In the year following the failure at Stillwater his father removed to Washington Co., N. Y. Here, in the town of Hebron, he again engaged in storekeeping, with bis son as clerk. But this connection was of brief duration, continuing about one year. Young Charleb Jones at once joined a class of young men who were preparing for college or professions under the direction of a prominent minister. After a time, a year or so, three of these young gentlemen commenced the study of medicine. They formed for themselves the strictest rules, to make their preparation thorough. They entered the oflace of the cel- ebrated Dr. Waters, in Hebron. Young White soon gained the special favor of Ids preceptor, who declared that "he was a young man of extraordinary diligence and force, and possessed a mind singularly receptive and retentive." Our space forbids relating interesting incidents illustrating his good qual- ities as a student, and demonstrating the correctness of his principal's high estimate. About half his preliminary course was completed when he suffered a crushing blow in the death of his mother, in 1822. She had been his trusted friend and counselor. He felt "lost and left in the wide world," and was inconsolable. He bad thought to devote to her the beat of a pure and honorable manhood. To be admired and honored by her, when in the pursuit of his chosen life avoca- tion, had been a powerful inspiration to him. But now, alas, all bright dreams, fond hopes, and high resolves were forever blighted. His grief was marked with all the copiousness of childhood's tears. But the lessons that noble parent had inculcated were now called to mind, and he tried to master hia sighiDf; and sobbing, for they were unavailing. His loving and loved sister wap unwearied in her efforts to reconcile him' to his loss. He returned to his reading, after a long suspension of study, and the following year entered the Vermont Medical College, located at ( astleton, Vt. Here he likewise distinguished himself, and in due course of time graduated from that institution with honor, in 1825. Waters, the great-hearted man and skillful physician, had, in the mean time, died. Our young friend was invited to become his euccessor. This h.- did, but with characteristic modesty. His deceased preceptor was no meari man Gifted with a powerful mind and a perfect physique (he was said to have been the handsomest man of his day), he had become widely known, and hi.s professional services were sought far and near. To step into his place seemed presumptuous in the extreme. But his friends encouraged and sustained him. and though he had to contend with " Envy's frown and Poverty's unconquerable bar," yet he persevered, and, after " laboring and waiting," at length built up a widely- extended and lucrative practice. In 1825 or 1826 he married Miss Ann Wilson, adopted daughter of Judge Nathan Wilson, of Salem, N. Y. She died April, 1832, in her twenty-sixth year, leaving three children: Charles A., Frances Olivia, and Alfred D. White, of whom only the first-named survives. In August. 1832, Dr. White was again married to Mrs. Catharine Cleveland, widow of Abel Cleveland, of Hebron, N. Y. She died at Hebron, N. Y., June 23, 1863. The issue of this marriage was four children: Henry Clay, George Alexander, Walter Scott, and Frances Maria White, all of whom are dead except the last, PYances M., wlio is living at West Rupert, Vt., the estimable and ac- complished wife of Mr. Fayette W. Hopkins. Dr. Charles Jones ^XTiite was, in many respects, a man si'i generis; aa a parent he was stern and exacting, more especially during the first years of his domestic life. He entertained peculiar notions of parental discipline, but he saw cause to radically modify them in later years. In his family he was rigidly methodical and precise in all his personal habits and ways. As a citizen he was public-spirited, and an ardent and uncompromising advo- cate of the majesty of law. Probably no better illustration of this jihase of his character can be found than in his unremitting efforts to support the govern- ment in its struggles to conquer the recent Rebellion of the States of the south. He held that the Federal Union was not a mero league or confederation, but a union of all the States into one grand body, one supreme stale. Hence he regarded the views of our southern malcontents as rank political heresy, sub- versive at once of all stability and strength of organization. Within his own county and township he was foremost among the supporters of the Washington government. He was chairman of the county committee (or town) ; at all events a prominent member thereof; and, s.ays one who was iutimately associated with him on said committees, " He was unwearied in his efforts to raise the quota of men, sparing neither labor nor money for that purpose; active in calling meet- ing.s, and arousing public sentiment, etc., etc. So well did our town committee perform their duties, that every quota was filled promptly, and at the close of the war our town bad a surplus of men to her credit, for wliit-h the State paid us back S82UO. Ours was the onhj town that did so well, Fort Edward, of our county, ranking next, which had refunded to her $6000. Araoneall the workers of our town, Dr. White stood in the first class," As a physician he stood high. While ho was no specialist, few of his follows in the counti-y at large possessed a more thorough and scientific knowledge of febrile and pulmonary diseases. For skillful treatment of these umladics he was quite celebrated. He never laid aside his books, but k<'i)t himself woll informed upon the improvements and innovations of medical scii-nce. Dr. Charles Jones White died at Hebron, N. Y., April 24, 1669, in the sixty- sixth year of his age. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 391 VILLAGES. EAST HEBRON is situated in the southeast part of the town, in the valley of the Black creek, and on the old turnpike, the great traveled route of eaily times. Some of the first settlers of the town were located near here. It was only a .short distance south of this place, just within the present town of Salem, that Captain Charles Hutchinson was driven from his farm, in 1771, by the Vermonters, Allen and Baker. In his afiBdavit of complaint he states that eight or nine others in his neighborhood had been driven off, among them John Reid, — this last a name still prominent in Hebron. Jacob Braymer had a tannery two miles above East Hebron, on the turnpike. The first orchard was planted by Jedediah Darrow. The first post-ofiice under the name of Hebron was located at this place about 1800. William Porter, the first postmaster; Colonel William Root, the second; John Root, the third; and William Root, the fourth. This village is seven miles from Salem. A store was opened here before 1800, by Dr. David Long. WEST HEBRON. This is the largest village in the town, and is very pleas- antly situated in the southwestern part, near the junction of the two branches of Black creek. It was settled at a very early day, the water-power giving to the place much importance in connection with early settlement. It is sur- rounded by fine scenery. The roads are superior, afford- ing to the traveler or the citizen many delightful drives. Beveridge's saw-mill was built at an early day, — only the frame now standing. One mile above was a carding-ma- chine, long since given up. A very early grist-mill was built by Garret Quackenbush, with one run of rock stone. There is now located at West Hebron a starch-factory, founded by Rae & McDowell, about 1866, using annually six thousand bushels of potatoes, and producing forty-eight thousand pounds of starch. There is also a saw-mill, a cheese-box factory, owned by W. & J. Reid. Brush- makers' blocks are also manufactured. The village has two churches, one hotel, three general stores, one drug-store, and one clothing-store, harness-shop, blacksmith-sliop, and marble-works. A post-office was established here about 1816, George Getty being the first postmaster. Others succeeding him were Charles Stone, William McClellun, Heman Rogers, and William J. Bockes. This village has sometimes been known by the slang term Bedlam. The following from the local correspondence of a county newspaper condenses so many items of interest in a brief space that we insert it entire : " West Hebron. — Our lively little village, the happy home of a peaceful community and the admiration of vis- iting strangers, is located in a protected nook in the conflu- ence of the two branches of Black creek and at the conjunc- tion of the main roads leading to the village of Salem. On all sides, excepting the road valleys, it is guarded by wooded mountains. On the southeast Wilson's mountain stands perpetual guard ; the fury of the western winds is broken by Patterson's range, and the ragged side of the ' Devil's Threshing Floor' stands like a faithful sentinel of protection on the north and east. In connection with the thrifl and industry of this burgh. West Hebron and the adjacent neighborhoods are noted for their splendid roads and fine scenery. The valley just north of the village is the finest in the county. For half a mile the road pa.sscs through a narrow defile that in the distance closely resembles an Al- pine pa.ss. Here the brick church edifice of the Reformed Presbyterians forms the nucleus of a small hamlet, the homes of several retired families. At this point the valley widens to half a mile in width, and extends uniformly in a northern direction for two miles or more. The bed of the valley is a large tract of rich bottom meadow-land, watered by the winding western fork of Black creek, while the sides are gradual slopes of tillable land surmounted with heavy forests. For over a mile in length this valley is traversed by two par- allel roads, each at the base of the uplands, and connected at the northern limits by a connecting cross-road, inclosing the flat in its boundaries, forming what is known as the ' Square.' ' Around the Scjuare' is a very popular drive during the summer season, owing to its clo.se contiguity to the village, its magnificent roads, and its beautiful scenery, lowland and upland, moderate grades and steep declivities, comfortable farm-houses, rich meadows and waving fields of grain, forests in the distance and transplanted rows of maples along the highways, — all the diversified views of a lovely panoramic landscape. By a fortunate division of the land by the early settlers of the valley, each farmer on both roads owns a portion of the flat, and thus each summer cuts an abundance of hay of the best quality, while their grain and pasture lands lie on the slopes. Since the intro- duction of cheese-factories the farmers keep large dairies, that are sources of much profit. The soil of the eastern side of the valley is a loam, furnishing good pastures, while that on the western side is of a slaty and lim&stone nature, and well adapted to the growth of cereals. On one farm is an unlimited limestone deposit, from which was burned the lime used in the construction of the farm-houses on the place, also the stone house in Argyle now occupied by Charles Getty. This valley was once the hunting-ground of the Indian, as is plain to be seen from the fact that many antlers of the deer and the stone arrow-heads used by the Indians have frequently been found, and tradition says that every spring and fall the Indians roamed the banks of Black creek, trapping the muskrat, mink, and other aquatic game. The church edifice of the Hebron United Presby- terian congregation is situated in this valley, it being the central point of a large congregation. In a drive of less than five miles (from Belcher to West Hebron) the traveler passes five churches, in which preaching is statedly held; which testifies that our community is a church-going one. Our valley roads being on the direct route from Granville, Hartford, and Argyle to Salem, one of the county-seats, we have a great deal of travel passing to and from these vil- lages, making, with the above-mentioned attractions, a residence in the valley a desirable one." MUNRO'S ME.VDOW.S. The Rev. Harry Munro was an Episcopal minister and chaplain in one of the Highland Scotch regiments. Ilav- 392 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ing thus the rank of a subaltern oflScer, he drew, Sept. 23, 1764, two thousand acres of land, situated in the northern part of Hebron. In the year 1774, having been discharged from the army, he persuaded six families to move on to his tract. These settlers were Scotch Highlanders, some of them discharged soldiers, who owned land in this neighbor- hood. They each took a lease of one hundred acres, for twenty-one years, at a rent of one shilling per acre. The best known among them were John McDonald, Norman and Donald McLeod, and John Duncan. Munro himself moved here with them and erected a cabin. These cabins were built of logs and roofed with bark ; they were in size about sixteen by twenty feet, having but a single room, without any floor. The earth within them became trodden down so hard that it could be swept nearly as clean as our present floors. Such were the dwellings in which, with few exceptions, nearly all the first settlers in the town re- sided for several years. Munro's cabin stood on the west side of the brook i.ssuing from the marsh on his lands, about five rods from the brook and seventy from the marsh. This marsh covers about twenty-five acres, and is situated near the centre of Munro's tract. He doted upon this meadow, supposing it would form most valuable meadow land. Hence the neighborhood has received its name, Munro's Meadows. Before moving on his tract Parson Munro's wife died, leaving a daughter, Betsey, who mar- ried Donald Fisher. He bought the two-thousand-acre tract which forms the southeast corner of the town of Granville. The original owner of this tract was Barnaby Bryn. Parson Munro married for his second wife a sister of Governor Jay. Whilst the war was in progress he was permitted to retire to Canada. He died in Edinburgh about 1801. His wife and their only child, Peter Jay Munro, remained upon the Jay estate. This son accompanied his uncle to England when he went there to negotiate the cel- ebrated " Jay's Treaty," and while abroad obtained a quit- claim deed from his father of the lands in Hebron, which he sold out to the occupants and others. NORTH IIEBllON. This place is simply the Munro's Meadows of olden time, the history of which is given above. A post-office, under the present name, was established in 1833, William Rey- nolds the first postmaster. Others following him were W. W. Blivin and Henry Bull. The old Skene road, cut through the wilderness more than a hundred years ago, passed near this place, and soon after, here and there a set- tler selected a home upon it. Abram Case, — at the age of eighteen, came from Massa- chusetts in the spring of 1770j stopped a few days with friends at West Hebron, and then came through the woods to this place, — is supposed to be the first white man to enter North Hebron as far north as the farm now owned by Merritt Temple. The same day he commenced a log hut. At night he returned to his friends. On the morn- ing he came over on horseback, bringing with him a half- bushel of meal, some salt, a knife and fork, a four-quart irou^ kettle, some seed-corn, and a gun. The second day he com- pleted his shanty. He then cleared a small piece of land, and planted the first piece of corn in this section. In Au- gust, hLs brother Timothy came and lived with him. In the fall they took their corn on horseback to Lansingburg, the nearest mill, to have it ground. In the spring of 1772, Aaron Smith came from the town of White Creek to this place, moving his family on an ox- cart, and located on the farm now owned by Walter White. He brought with him the first potatoes planted here. In the same year Deacon McCall settled on the place now owned by Justin Beebe. The fir.st school-house in this section was on the farm now owned by James Foster. The first teacher, McNaugh- ton. The first store was kept by Goodrich. The first person buried in the North Hebron burying-ground was Aaron Briggs. There has been some trade and other business at North Hebron, but the water-power necessary to develop a large village does not exist on the small rivulets that here form the sources of Black creek. SL.\TEVILLE is a small hamlet that grew up in connection with the at- tempt to develop slate-works in the northeast part of the town. The New York Slate and Tile Company was formed, and prosecuted the business for a few years, but either from the poor quality of the deposits at this point, or from other causes, the operations were discontinued. North of Slate- villewas a neighborhood of early settlement by Woodward, Case, and others, some allusions to which occur in the history of Granville. BELCHER. This hamlet is said to have received its name from the old town in Massachusetts, Bolchertown, dropping the final syl- lable, however, and making it Belcher. The convenience of ti'ade at the junction of several roads seems to have been the cause of this pleasant little village growing up at this point. There is no water-power to develop mills or manufactories here. Stores, shops, hotel, church, and school-house, with a few dwelling-houses, constitute the village. A post-office was established here in 1850, W. Cleveland being the first postmaster. The name shows the first settlers to have been from Belchertown, Mass. chamberlain's mills. This has long been known as a place of considerable business. The valuable water-power was utilized at an early day. In later years there has been a store with an excel- lent country trade. The mills are a short distance west of East Hebron. The original buildings were put up, it is said, as early as 1778, by Wilson, Hamilton & Hopkins, who owned the water-power. The grist-mill afterwards passed into the hands of Palmer Jenkins. We add a copy of the original contract, one hundred years old, procured by Hon. S. E. Spoor, the property of Chester H. Wilson. The latter also has the original survey of Campbell's patent : JohnUnmUlon, Dmld » W;ls.m, and Ihn-Ul " Articles of ngreemait made mid passed hetn WHsml, liohcrl Wlhun, John Wilson, J, llopkius. " Arlirlr A— Tli.-it they agree to Iniikl a saw-mill on the falls on tho Great creek, and each tu du his equal part and proportion. \^6 - W- 0T^ James Cf?AiG. Mrs. James CffAic. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 393 " Article II. — And whou money is to be paid, each to pay his equal sixth part. "Article III.^That when the majority of the proprietors shall agree upon any point about the said mill, tho rest are to abide by it. " Article IV. — That each one is to be at the plaec, ready to go to work, each day he works, by the sun an hour and a half high in tho morning. "To which agreement we bind ourselves. Witness our hands this 22d day of March, A.D. 177S. "Jons Hamiltox, " David Wilsos, ** lloUBRT AViI.SON, "Jonx Wilson, "Jamk.s Wii.sox, " DaVIIJ HoI'KIN'S.'' James, a son of the James Wilson above, states tliat the same company built a grist-mill, probably two or three years later. It was on the sit« of Chamberlain's mills, and was originally known as Wilson's. Asa Putnam built a cloth-dressing mill at the same place earlier than 1800. Like other towns in this vicinity, the records are almost entirely wanting with reference to the schools before 1813. School commissioners were elected in 17!3(), as shown in the notes taken from the town records, but the office docs not seem to have been continued. It is well known that school-houses were built soon after the first settlement, in many instances log buildings, some upon the very sites of the present houses, but dates and facts are very difficult to obtain. At the town-meeting in 1813 the people accepted the provisions of the school law of 1812, voted to raise an amount of money equal to the sum to be donated by the State, and elected the following officers : William BlcClellan, Joel Hopkins, William Townsend, school commissioners ; James Wilson, George Webster, William Livingston, school inspectors. In the years succeeding, down to IS-IS, the following other persons served one or more years each in the office of inspector : Joel Byington, Ebenezer Ingersoll, Peter Bockes, Samuel Livingston, Alfred Ward, Rev. Alex. Denham, John McDonald, John Wilson, William Townsend, Robert Steele, Simeon D. Webster, Washington L. Waite, Henry Bull, Jonathan Blorey, Hugh Cruikshank, Isaac Wilson, Andrew S. Gilchrist, Gordon Smith, John A. Waldo, Gilbert Hard, Henry Warren, William Wilson, George McKnight, John Woodard, William McLeod, James Hough, James Reid, Charles G. White, William Armstrong, Camillus Hanks, John Root, George E. Porter, Maurice Clapp, James M. Foster, James Reid, John Tiplady, Ebenezer tjua, Stephen M. Ingersoll, Eli Smith, James JIcKnight, and John McNaughton. During the same period the following citizens also served one or more years each in the office of commissioner : Phineas Hitchcock, William Livingston, Ebenezer Inger- soll, Jedediah Darrow, John McDonald, George Webster, Edward Johnson, John J. Wilson, Samuel Livingston, Jonathan Morey, Foster Foot, Henry Bull, John Moodie, Robert Steel, Hugh Cruikshank, Simeon D. Webster, John Button. John Woodard, Stephen Fumsey, Washington L. Wait, Gilbert Hard, John F. Merrill, James S. Brown, 50 Camillus Hanks, Isaac Wilson, William W. Blivins, James Reid, John W. Beatty, David Hopkins, John McClellan, Whedon M. Smith, Alexander Beattic, William Getty, Darwin Porter, George McKnight, Piatt Burch, Abner Qua, and Joseph Crosier. This system was superseded by that of town .superintendents in 1843, and commencing with 1814, the following were elected to that office: 1844—15, John McNaughton; 184G-47, James McKnight; 1848- 49, Wesley Nelson; 1850, Warren Clcaveland ; 1852, War- ren Cleaveland; 1 854-50, William W. Hibbard. The last man was legislated out of office by the creation of district commis.sioncrs, which closed all town supervision. The earliest report upon the schools of the town to be found on record seems to be the following for 1816 : Public monoy District. for toiu-li<^ni' WllgfS. No. 1 ?11.S4 " 2 21.18 " 3 22.97 " 4 11.48 " 6 24.05 " 6 13.28 " 7 17.95 " 8 24.05 " 9 21.89 " in 2R.20 " 11 19.38 " 12 27.28 " 13 12.20 " 14 7. 89 " 15 2.87 " li; 1.07 " 17 4.B7 On hand 40.79 Total $317.04 At the annual town-meeting in the year 181.3 it was voted that school commissioners and inspectors should re- ceive seventy-five cents per day while in the actual dis- charge of their duties ; also that the town would raise a sum of money each year equal to the sum received from the county treasurer. The last appointment by the school commissioners for 1877 .shows to some extent the present condition of the schools. Chililrcn botwopn Whole public Distiict. five ami twenty- uionuy appro- one, priutod. No. 1 123 $275.21 •• 2 48 111.68 " :i 49 llfi.IS " 4 .W 124.61 " 5 110 132.60 " 15 70.75 " 7 42 98.26 " s 37 94.72 " y 45 ■ 106.34 " 10 33 93.98 '. u 71 U8.60 " 12 31 92.15 " i.i 47 121.15 " 14 . 61 126.03 " 15 24 S0.77 " 16 32 97.43 " 17 14 66.97 Total 791 $1958.03 NORTH IIEimON INSTITUTE. This institution is located in the village of North He- bron. It W.-I.S built in 1850. The edifice is a substantial brick structure, with a capacity adapted to the accommoda- tion of one hundred and fifty students. It has a hall in the .second story with sittings for two hundred and fifty. 394 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. On the first floor, a large pleasant school-room and a recita- tion-room. This institute was projected ;ind completed mainly by the efforts of the late Rev. George Smith and Junatluin Allen. Rev. Reuel Hanks was the first principal. After two and a half years of successful labor, he removed to New York city, and was succeeded in the institute by Rev. Dr. Barrett. The present principal is AV. S. Hanks, under whose con- trol a fine school is now in progress. Tiiis institution was chartered by the regents. THE WEST IIEBRON CLASSICAL SCHOOL was chartered by the repents of the University of the State of New York, March 22, 1855. The first trustees under the charter were Rev. Joseph Kimball, Wm. Ran- dies, David W. Ackley, James Robinson, Alex. P. Robin- son, Daniel Woodard, Wm. Amistrong, John M. Rea, Henry McEaehron, James R. McClellan, George Ashley, and Rev. Joseph McKee. The school building was erected during the summer of 1855. At the opening session of the school Mr. G. D. Stewart was the principal; JMiss Harriet H. Rowan, preceptress; and Mr. J. K. McLean, assistant. This school was <|uite succe.ssful during a period of eight or ten years, when it became expedient to con- vert it into a union free school in this district, still retain- ing its academical department. The trustees made an agreement with the board of education of the union free school that, upon payment of one thousand dollars, the trustees would lease the district and the academy building for a term of ten years. The present teachers are David Reid, principal; Miss Mary Wilson, intermediate; and Miss Maggie Gibson, primary departments. CHUKCHES. ASSOCIATE REFORMED, NOW UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CIUIUCII. This congregation of Presbyterians of Hebron was or- ganized about the year 1780, and was occasionally supplied for several years by Rev. Thomas Clark, M.D., and Rev. James Proudfit, ministers at Salem. The Rev. George Mairs was installed pastor of this church Nov. 14, 1793. His brother. Rev. James Mairs, preached the sermon from 2d Corinthians, 4th chapter, and 5th verse. Rev. James Proudfit gave the charge. The elders signing the call were Samuel Crossett, Charles Ilutchins, and Alexander McClellan. Rev. Geo. Mairs lived in Argyle, and preached a portion of the time there. The first minister whose services were wholly given to this society was the celebrated Dr. Gray, an eminent author of theological works. He was installed about the year 1795, and moved to Philadelphia in 1804. Soon after this Rev. Alex. Dunham was installed, and remained pastor about twenty years. He moved to the city of New York, where he died in 1848, aged seventy- five. Rev. James MoAuly was pastor from 1826 to 1835, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Jasper Middlemass, who was pastor nearly three years. In the fall of 1839 the Rev. Alex. Shand was ordained and installed pastor by the presbytery of Washington. Tliis was the first ordination within the walls of this ven- erable edifice. The following have been the ministers in succession : Rev. Joseph Kimball, Rev. Gilbert H. Robert- son, Rev. Isaac N. White, Rev. John R. Fisher, Rev. Thomas Wylie, who resigned October, 1875, since which time the church has been without a settled pastor. This congregation have been organized nearly or about ninety-eight years. Their forefathers were Presbyterians from the north of Ireland, some of whom, to avoid the troubles of that distracted country, sought and found an a.syluni in this place. This congregation has never had any deacons. There is, however, a long line of ruling ciders, who have discharged the duties of that office since the organization of the congregation. The following is a list of first members : Hon. Alexander Webster, George Webster, Alexander Webster, Jr., James Webster, John, Francis, Joseph, William, Robert, Samuel, Benjamin, and Mary Livingston, Adam, Robert, John, David, and Ebenezer Gett^', Alexander, James, and Wil- liam McClellan, Samuel, William, and Isaac Lytic, Ed^ ward, William, and Oliver Selfridge, Stephen and James Rowan, John Wilson, Daniel and John McDonald, Lsaac Gray, Andrew Proudfit, Thomas Gourley, Robert and John Qua, Boyd Donaklson, Samuel and William Crossett, James Flack, Sr. and Jr. Tlie first trustees elected at the first meeting, called Dec. 13, 1791, were Samuel Crossett, Isaac Lytic, Isaac Brinckerhoff, Thomas Mulhcnch, George Mo- Knight, John McDonald, James Flack, William Lytic, and Andrew Proudfit. The location of the church edifice, as fixed by a majority of the trustees, was on the north side of Isaac Lytle's south farm, being the site of the present church. The old church edifice, which was built in 1792, stood till 1855, when it was torn down, and the present building erected at a cost of three thousand dollars; the size is forty by sixty-four feet. The old edifice was in size forty- six by fifty-five feet, and cost one hundred and thirty pounds. It stood with its side to the road, a door in the centre and at each end, with aisles from each ; the pulpit was on the east side and opposite the centre door ; the pews were about six by seven feet S((uare, with seats on three sides, — they had high backs and sides, with a door ; when a person wag sitting, they could not see out nor be seen. There was a gallery on three sides. The elders at this present time are William Gilchrist, Alexander McEaehron, Robert Martin, William Shields, J. II. Reynolds, Alexander Gourley, Wil- liam Robinson, and William J. Armstrong. The present trustees are Philip McEaehron, Alexander Williamson, James Williamson, James E. McClellan, and James Shields. The membership of this church is two hundred and seventy- five. The Sunday-school has one hundred and fifty scholars and nine teachers ; William Robinson is superintendent. This society owns a parsonage in the village. ASSOCIATE (NOW UNITED) rRESBYTBRI.\N CUURCII. This church is located at West Hebron. The first re- cords to bo found date back to 1799, in which year a meet- ing was held at the house of Andrew B;veridgo, living about three miles north. Rev. Robert Laiiig, of Argyle, .-.- U J.-. ' - - ■>-;■.« - ..-^ V r,.^^ -._ METHODIST CHURCH, WEST HEBRON. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 395 preached in 1807 one-fourth the time. Rev. Peter Bul- lions lived at South Ariryle, and prcaehod one-fourth of the time in this church, from 1808 to 1823. He was succeeded by the Rev. James Irvin, who was ordained and installed July 7, 1824, and was pastor till 1831, when he resigned. Rev. A. Anderson was settled over this church in 1832, and remained until 1847. Rev. Mr. Ballatine was ordained and installed in September, 1848. He died Oct. 24, 1849. Rev. Joseph McKee was installed March 20, 1851, and continued until 1857. Rev. W. R McKee was ordained and installed Sept. 4, 1860, and remained until Sept. 3, 18G7, when he was succeeded by the Rev. G. M. Wiley, April 7, 18G8, and he Ls now the present ptistor (1878). The first elders were Andrew Beveridge, Hugh Moncrief, and William McClellan. The first trustees were William McClellan, Hugh Randies, and Hugh Moncrief. The present trustees are Hugh Pierce, William Scott, and James Foster. The elders at the present time are John M. Ilae, William Reid, John A. McKnight, James F. Randies, and James Beveridge. The first subscription for building a meeting-house is dated Nov. C, 1790 ; there were fifty-six subscribers. John Williams, of Salem, gives fifty dollars in pulpit and seats. The frame was erected in 1800; the house was completed and occupied in 1802. This old house stood about a mile east of the village. In 1831 it was taken down and rebuilt on its present site in the village, at a cost of sixteen hundred and twenty-four dollars. It was repaired in 1859, at a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars. A parsonage was built about 1860. The present membership is one hundred and seventy-five. The Sunday- school has one hundred scholars and sixteen teachers. The pastor is the superintendent. EAST PRESBYTEIIIAN CHURCH. The first settlers of the east part of the town, being mostly New England people, were impressed with the im- portance of providing the means of religious instruction. They accordingly, some ten or fifteen years before the church organization, formed themselves into a regularly incorporated religious society, and erected a meeting-house one mile and a half north of the present house of worship, in which they had occasional preaching until 1804. On February 24 of that year the church, consisting of sixteen members, was organized. On the fourth day of June fol- lowing the society was re-incorporated, and named the " East Presbyterian Society of Hebron." The ruling elders were John Wilson, David Hopkins, and James Wilson. Rev. Jouits Coe, of Troy, and Rev. Mr. Preston assisted at the organization. The first recorded meeting of session was presided over by Rev. Walter Fullerton. The male members at the time of organizing, besides the elders above mentioned, were Daniel Hopkins, Jedediah Darrow, Robert WiKson, Cyrus Baldwin, William Martin, and John Shepherd. The first house of worship must have been erected, as above stated, about 1790. Its size was about seventy feet by fifty. In 1846 the society built a new house at a cost of about fifteen hundred dollars. It was dedicated in the fall or winter of 1846, the services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Doolittle, of Granville, assisted by Rev. David Wilson and J. S. L. Tomb. The first minister was Rev. Walter Fullerton, from 1805 to May, 1809. The pulpit seems to have been filled by temporary supplies till about 1813, when the Rev. Joel Byington became the minister, and continued until about 1827, — a long and useful piustor- ate. After an interval filled by supplies, the Rev. Alva Day became pa.stor in 1829, and continued until July, 1833. In June, 1834, Rev. Nathaniel Hurd came, and preached for one year. Joshua A. Clayton was tlien pastor from October, 1835, to December, 1839. May 4, 1841, Rev. Phineas Bailey commenced his services, and remained until some time in the year 1816. Rev. David Wilson suc- ceeded him for a short time. From 1847 to 1849, Rev. J. S. L. Tomb was pastor. He was followed one year by Rev. Loving Brewster, Rev. Fish Harmon two years, and Rev. Archie Loomis two years. From 1854 to 1859 there was no regular minister. Rev. J. S. h. Tomb returned, and preached for about three years. Rev. C. S. Marvin was pas- tor from 1864 to 1866. He was followed two years by Rev. A. Bronson. In 1871, Rev. Allen Traver commenced his labors, and preached one year. He was the last regular minister. Services have been suspended since, except that the desk was supplied one year by a Methodist minister. The church, by removals and deaths, has become nearly extinct. When services were closed, David Wallace and E. G. Wilson were elders ; the latter clerk of session. A Sunday-school was organized in 1827; Deacon John Wil- son superintendent. It was a large school for many years. METHODIST EPISCOPAIi CHURCH, WEST HEBRON. The first class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1859, with nine members. That year the so- ciety purchased the frame of a small chapel, which had been used by the Ash Grove society, and was the third church edifice built by that society. This frame was taken down, taken apart, and brought to West Hebron and erected as a church edifice, and was in use until the erection of their present new edifice. The old building is now known as Ashley's hall. The trustees of the first church were Levi and Robert Copeland and Abiaham Johnson. This society separated from the Belcher church in 1 869, and proceeded to organize an independent society, which was incorporated Nov. 29, 1869. The first trustees were J. L. Irwin, P. B. Larkin, William T. Morrow, Robert Copeland, and Mathew Dongan. Rev. Cyrus Meeker was the first pastor, dividing his time between Belcher and this church. A new church edifice was erected in 1874, and dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Ives October 20 of that year. The text from which he preached his sermon was " Let your light so shine," etc. It was an eloquent discour.se, worthy of the doctor's fame. The church edifice is of wood; size, thirty- five by sixty-one feet. At one angle in front rises the spire, one hundred and five feet ; the main entrance is through a door in the tower. There is also another en- trance at the opposite side of the front. These doors open into a vestibule, from which several doors open into the audience-room. Over the vestibule is a room for holding prayer-meetings. At the farther end of the audience- room, on a raised platform, is a handsome black walnut pulpit and reading-desk. The platform is surrounded by 396 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. an altar railing of black walnut. A panel to the right of the pulpit has the Lord's prayer in gilt letters, and also under it the sentence, "A new comuiaBdment I give unto you, That ye love one another." On this panel, over the Lord's prayer, is an open Bible with a white dove descend- i ng upon it. On a panel to the left is a cross and crown ; underneath is the apostles' creed, also in gilt letters. Over the recess back of the pulpit, in colored letters, is a verse from St. John xiv. 1. The windows are of stained ghiss. Tlie frescoing, which is very beautiful, was done by Mr. Voelneke, a New York city artist. The bell, weighing one thousand pounds, was presented by Lemuel Carl, of Argyle. The commuTiion-service, five pieces of silver plate, was presented by Messrs. John & Ensign. The Bible and hymn-book were presetited by Mr. Arthur Mooney, of Cambridge. Deacon William Reid, of the United Presbyterian church, gave the fence in front. The present trustees are Samuel Irwin, Peter B. Larkin, William S. Hanna, John Edgerton, and William F. Mcln- tyre. The cost of the new edifice was seven thousand three hundred dollars. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, EAST HEBRON. This society was organized Aug. 2, 1847. The first trustees were David Hopkins, John McNaughton, Lucius Tappan, John J. Woodard, and Archibald Glazier. The following arc the ministers who have had the pastoral care of this church : Rev. B. 0. Meeker, Rev. E T. Remington, Rev. Rufus Pratt, and Rev. Milton H. Steward. BAPTIST CHURCH, NORTH HEBRON. In the summer of 1816 meetings were held in this vi- cinity by Rev. Amasa Brown, of Hartford. These gather- ings were held sometimes in a barn, frequently in dwelling- houses, and often in a school-house. December 31, 1817, at the request of those interested, a council convened, composed of delegates from the Bap- tist church at Hartford, Bottskiil, Poultuey, and Rupert churches. Rev. A. Brown served as moderator, and Bro- ther Jonathan Sprague as clerk. The council approving, the following day, Jan. 1, 1818, the church was constituted ; Rev. L. J. Reynolds, in behalf of the church, receiving the hand of fellowship from the council through Rev. A. Brown. Elder E. Barber preached from Eph. ii. 20. Among the original members, the names are recalled of Joseph Tanner, Sr., Joshua Tanner, Holmes Smith, Ben- jamin Fuller, Remington Kenyon, Aaron Smith, Christo- pher Smith, Caleb Green, and Charles Cooper, who also served as the first deacons. Colonel Israel Eli, Polly Northrop, and Anna Northrop, were the first persons baptized. The present church edifice was built in the summer of 1826. In size it was eighty by fifty feet. It was dedi- cated the same year. Rev. E. Barber is supposed to have preached the dedication sermon. In 1850 it was repaired at an expense of fifteen hundred dollars, and rededicated, the sermon being preached by Rev. J. 0. Mason, D.D. In 1872-73 it was remodeled, enlarged, and beautified, at an expense of nearly three thousand five hundred dollars. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. C. A. Johnson, of Whitehall. The ministers who have served the church as pastors are Werden P. Reynolds (the first pa.stor), Amasa Brown, Archibald Wait, Levi Walker, Amos Stearns, David Sweet, J. J. Trumbull, Alfred Harvey, Amos R. Wells, E. W. Allen, O. H. Capron, H. Barringtou, E. W. Brownell, Ja- cob Gray, Calvin Fisher, J. H. Barker, E. D. Wilcox, Warren Mason, R. A. Hodge, Leander Hall, A. E. Clark, and J. L. A. Fish. The following are the present oflicers : Pastor, Rev. J. L. A. Fish ; deacons, John Welch and Jacob Braymer ; membership, one hundred and thirty ; congregation, one hundred and fifty ; Sabbath-school, one hundred and twenty- five ; church clerk, L. R. Temple. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BELCHER. About the year 1836 it was thought best to build a, house of worship at or near Belcher. A meeting was called at the school-house, which was adjourned to the carpenter-shop belonging to Jesse Day, where a board of trustees was elected and the necessar}' steps taken to pro- cure funds to build. At this time there was no Methodist Episcopal church in Hartford or Argyle, which places united with Belcher, and the church was built, at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars, which was a fine edifice in those days. This soon grew to be a strong charge, and Hartford and Argyle became each separate charges. Again the Belcher charge grew sti'ong, and another church was built at West Hebron. In the year 1875 it was thought best to move the old church edifice from its old site to the vil- lage and repair it, which was done at a cost of three thou- sand three hundred dollars. The following ministers have served as pastors on this charge: Revs. Mr. Breyton, P. P. Atwell, Mr. Dodson, W. A. Miller, E. Stover, J. L. Cook, S. Smith, A. Hall, A. Osborn, J. Fassett, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Sayrcs, J. G-. Perkins, J. M. Webster, J. C. Walker, C H. Edgerton, A. Ford, J. M. Webster, J. B. Searles, C. Meeker, A. Lyon, Reynolds, G. G. Sutton, M. M. Curry, R. Campbell. THE SECOND ASSOCIATE CHURCH OP WEST HEBRON. This body was establi-shed in 1841, Rev. Samuel McQuack the first minister. Elders were Abraham Johnson, Samuel Leyster, and Samuel Guthrie. Its services are now dis- continued, and its house of worship is occupied by the Reformed Presbyterian congregation. REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OP WEST HEBRON. This is the continuation of a society foimed under the same name in the town of Hartford in the early part of this century, though no records are now in existence dating farther back than 1825. The congregation was reorganized Aug. 29, 1866, at West Hebron. Eight persons yet re- main of the fifteen forming the new society. The present membership is thirty-eight. The church edifice is a sub- stantial brick structure, erected and formerly occupied by the Associate Presbyterian congregation. Rev. J. A. Speer was installed pastor July 28, 1875. A i.BY N.U. WELLS, C*M ^RS. Nathan R.^ills. 'I^^^^Ln. £ P/M, Residence or NATHAN R HILLS Hebron WAjH/voroN Co NY HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 397 Sabbath-school was organized in October of that year, with Henry A. Mahaffy superintendent, which office he has held to the present time. Tiie present officers are Ecv. J. A. Speer, pastor and moderator of session ; J. T. Maliafly, clerk of session ; elders, George Keys, John Keys, and John McQueen ; deacons or trustees, Alexander Mahaffy, J. C. Iveid, and Hugh G. Dcniiisou. The members in this charge, tliough not in more than comfortable circumstances, and many hardly that, are liberal in supporting the gospel, both at home and in the mission-field. Last year they contributed an average of twenty-three dollars each for re- ligious purposes. Some are but boys and girls, while others depend upon day or montlily wages for their money. The congregation is in vigorous working order. SECOND ADVENT CHURCH. In September, 1849, the Rev. R. V. Lyon came to Hebron, and held a series of tent-meetings, advocating the doctrine of the second advent, as taught by the Rev. Wm. Miller, and secured a large number of converts. The meetings were continued under the preaching of Rev. David Bosworth, of Hampton (a nephew of Rev. Wra. Miller), and others, until the next fall, when the Rev. David Ross was employed to preach. On the 1st day of January, 1851, the church was duly organized under the following covenant : "We, tbe undersigned, agree to organize ourselves as tlie Church of Christ, and talte the following rule of faith as our guide: " Beaolvedf That we, the undersigned, as believers in the near and personal appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, do agree to take the Bible as our rule of faith and practice, and to be governed thereby. Making Christian character a test of fellowship. " David Shaw, "N. W. Amede-v, " Wm. B. Mavnahd, "ASAHEL S. ShELDOX, " Sylvesteii Clauk." In the spring of 1852 it was resolved to erect a house of worship. Asahel Sheldon, N. W. Ameden, and S. M. Ingersoll were appointed building committee. The church edifice was erected that summer, and dedicated in October. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mathew Batchelder. Asahel S. Sheldon w:is appointed the first deacon, and David Shaw the second. The house erected was thirty by thirty- six feet, and will seat two hundred. It cost nine hundred dollars. A Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1853, and has been continued since. The first trustees were Joseph Crosier, Asahel Sheldon, S. M. Inger.soll. The ministers have been David Ross, Mathew Batchelder, Elder Champlin, Cornelius Pike, Wm. J. Blanchard, and George A. Streeter, the present minister. The present officers of the church are Elihu Cox, deacon ; Warren Howard, Wm. 0. Munson, Wm. P. Lincoln, trustees ; Silas Root, clerk. The church now has fifty-nine members. BURYING-GROUNDS. The first grave-yard set apart in Hebron was the one a little west of the present residence of S. M. Inger.sotl, on the old road (now discontinued) leading from Salem to Whitehall. In accordance with the New England ideas of the first settlers, this place was selected on a high piece of ground as the site for a church edifice, which was finally built about one mile and a half north. The first person who died in Hebron, of which there is any mention or record, was Jennette, wife of Thomas Wilson, who died December 13, 1773, and was buried in this yard. This yard has been in use from that time to the present, and many of the first settlers are buried in it. It has been well cared for, and is now inclosed with a sub.stantial wall four feet high. The burial-ground at North Hebron wna set apart at an early day, and many of the pioneers of this part of the town are resting in it. It is well cared for, and kept in good condition. There are four public, and more than thirty private, grave-yards in the town. Tiie old grave-yard connected with the cemetery is located on lot No. 13 of Campbell's patent. A portion of this yard was first set apart for burial purposes as a family ground by Joshua Rogers, upon whose farm it was situated. From the best information to be obtained, a man named George McClurc was the first person buried in this yard, and the coffin was made by Peter Stevens, Esq. The first head- stone erected was for a son of Thomas Rogers, who died in 1798. The next were those of James Crossett, 1802, and Jennette Getty, 180.3. In the year 1799, Robert McClellan, Thomas Rogers, George McKuight, and others, seeing the necessity of a public burying-ground, purchased half an acre of land of Joshua Rogers, including the piece he had set apart for a family ground. This ground was used in commou by the public, but was principally used or occu- pied by the members of the Associate and Associate Re- formed Presbyterian societies, whose church edifices were situated in the south and west parts of the town. In 1822 it became necessary to purchase more ground, and an addi- tional half-acre was purchased from Mr. Rogers. In 1860, the old grave-yard became so filled that it was necessary to look about for new land. As the trustees could not purchase the land across the road on any terms, the owner refusing to sell, the matter was dropped for a, time. In 186G this land came into market, and was offered for sale. It was ascertained that seven acres could be bought for one thousand dollars. Two thousand two hundred dollars was raised by subscription, and the land purchased Dec. 22, 18G6. The cemetery association was formed according to law, and called the Hebron Cemetery Association. The following trustees were elected : Jas. J. Nelson, James A. McCounell, Asa E. Munson, Wm. Beveridge, Wm. J. Mc- Clellan, John M. Rea, Sylvester E. Spoor, Jo.shua J. Rog- ers, and George Rea. The cemetery was opened for burials Nov. 30, 18G7, and the first person interred was IMyron E. Bioughton, a soldier of the Thirtieth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, who was buried Jan. 3, 1868.* The following is a list of the burial-places of old times or later years scattered over the town, — some of them pub- lic, some simply family plots : Parrish's, Darrow's, Downing and Hamilton's, Ingcr- «Wc arc indebted to Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor for the above infor- mation, and also for the list of old burial-places added, and the dates of the deaths of the distinguished citizens of early years, and of Charles Hutchinson, who became noted as a suflerer from the " War of the llanipsbirc grants." 398 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOKK. soil's, Fitzpatrick's, Mattison's, Merril's, Wright's, Shaw's, Porter's, Munson's, Hopkins', H. Smith's, Button's, Bray- mer's. Grimes', E. Smith's, Fuller's, Duel's, Burch's, Carey's, Clapp's, Cole's, Santo's, and a public ground near Geo. B. Holmes'. There is a large public cemetery in connection with the Methodist church at Belcher. Hon. Alex. Webster died Sept. 21, 1810, aged .seventy- seven. He is buried in the Hebron cemetery. Hon. David Hopkins died Jan. 2G, 1813, aged sixty- four. He is buried in the Hopkins family ground, on his old homestead, near the Presbyterian church in East Hebron. Captain Charles Hutchin.son, who was driven from his home and his buildings burned by Colonel Ethan Allen and his company of Green Mountain boys, died March 11, ISll, aged seventy-five. He i.s buried in the Hebron cemetery. TOWN SOCIETIES. A Masonic lodge was chartered May 21, 1813, under the name of Hebmn Lodye, No. 216, F. and A. M. It held its meetings at Clapp's tavern, on the turnpike, north of East Hebron, and was continued probably for ten or twelve years. Haphins Lodge, No. 25G, /. 0. 0. F., was chartered about the year 1848. Its meetings were held in a room over Allen's store. Becoming nearly extinct, it was re- moved to We-st Hebron, somewhat revived, met over Capt. Hays' store ; Listed for a few years longer, and then dis- solved. Hope Lodge, No. 295, /. 0. G. T., was organized at West Hebron, Sept. 14, 1869. Charter members : Henry Mattison, Alexander Gourley, Edward Crawford, Edward McEacliron, Levi D. Copeland, Frank Rogers, Daniel Rogers, Daniel Woodard, George Hughes, Robt. McDow- 611, James E. McClellan, A. W. Rea, P. McEachron, R. Harsha, H. Mclntyre, W. J. Williamson, W. H. Whitman. Officers: Henry Mclntyre, W. C. T. ; E. Alzina Crawford, W. V. T. ; Edward Crawford, W. R. S. ; Jennie McEach- ron, W. T. This society ceased to work in 1871. Uebion Mutual Fire Insurance Co. — This was organized Sept. 10, 1877. Directors: Wm. J. JMcClellan, E. L. Coy, Sylvester E. Spoor, Charles H. Sheldon, John M. Rca, Alexander Pow- ell, C. L. Getty. Wm. J. McClellan, president; Sylvester E. Spoor, secre- tary. The company has issued seventy-four policies, with an aggregate insurance of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. PLACES OP HISTORIC INTEREST. The old road, cut through by Major Skene, about 1770, entered the town north of the present village of North Hebron, passed south a little west of Chamberlain's mills, — taking almost a direct south line to this point. It crossed Black creek near the present residence of Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor, and is said to have passed exactly over the site of his house. Rockbottom, on the creek at that point, made a fivorable place for crossing. From this place it passed in a southwesterly course through the Munson neighbor- hood, and entered the town of Salem. AGRIOCLTURAL AND INDCSTKIAL PURSUITS. The soil of the chief part of Hebron is what is termed by the farmers "slaty gravel." This slaty loam is of a light, porous nature, easy of cultivation, and well calculated to withstand extremely wet or dry weather. For some crops it appears to excel all other soils. It seems to be a well- founded opinion that potatoes are generally more sound, and also more productive, when grown upon this than upon any other soil, and these are the chief article of production for export. Flax is raised to some extent. The chief grains raised are corn, oats, buckwheat, and rye, — mostly for home consumption. Some attention has been given, in past years, to sheep husbandry. Like many other towns in this vicinity, dairy- ing is steadily growing in importance. Several cheese-factories have been established, of which a brief statement is given. Hebron did not .share as extensively as other towns in the sheep husbandry of thirty years ago. John Armitage in those times had a flock of four hundred. William and Gordon McClelland four hundred to five hundred. The three Braymers, brothers, and Daniel Parish, also had large flocks. There were in Hebron 8894 sheep in 1825 ; 13,627 in 1835; 19,161 in 1845.* Nortli IfehroH Cheese-Factory. — At the annual meeting, held Jan. 1, 1878, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, James L. Nelson; secretary and treasurer, L. A. Cole; directors, Franklin Burch, John Brown, Chester L. Getty ; salesman, Henry Welch ; cheese- maker, Dewitt C. Hurlbut. The amount of business done the past season is as follows : Amount of milk received, 1,501,857 pounds. Pounds of cheese made, 150,665. Amount received from sale of cheese, $16,288.45. Amount received after deducting ex- penses for making and boxing, ^ 13,925.26. Number pounds of milk for pound of cheese, 9ii5.. Average price per pound as sold, lOy^^. Average net price to patrons, 9-jl(nr. Net to patrons, per 100 pounds milk, 90i cents; cost for marketing, estimated | cent; cost for manufacturing, per 100 pounds, 11.72. It was voted to pay SI. 40 per 100 pounds for the ensuing year. West Uehron Cheese- Factory ConqHiiiy. — The following officers were elected : President, James McClaughrey ; vice- presidents, James Patterson, J. R. Willett ; secretary and treasurer, George Rea; directors, J. McClaughrey, J. H. Hays, J. I. Randies, Wm. Robinson, A. L. Beveridge, James Patterson ; auditors, A. L. Beveridge, J. H. Hays; salesman, J. H. Hays. The whole amount of milk received at the factory the past year was 425,008 pounds. Number pounds of cheese made, 42,797 pounds. Amount of money from sales, §4493.86. Fast Ilehron Cheese- Factory. — Built in 1869 ; capital stock, $2800. President, Holden F. Nelson ; secretary, Eli G. Wilson ; treasurer, Chester Wilson. Directors, Jere- miah Hatch, Martin S. IngersoU ; salesman, John Q. Hatch. This factory had the milk from about three hun- dred cows. There are two other cheese-factories, one known as the ■5 Fitclr, Sheep Husb.andry, ISiS. ^ +- ■>v srr 4'N vf " ^l^ *r„' 'I?' ^^ V.*? ^*1» sw V r- iti ¥- % '% ,wm. -^^^ \'' J>-1 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 399 Valley factory, centrally located in the southern part of the town. Another, in the northeast part of the town, near West Pawlet. SEED CULTURE, ETC. One other business, carried on by a single individual, is worthy of special notice. Mr. E. L. Coy moved from Bernardstown, Ma.^^s., to Cambridge in 1849, and two years later into Hebron, where he bought and settled on his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, situated half- way between West and North Hebron. He began raising seed, which he still continues. He has contracts with the leading seed-houses in New York, Boston, and other cities. His specialties in seeds are beets in varieties, cucumbers, squash, musk-melons, parsnip seed, and seed-corn in varie- ties. His sales amount to about twenty thousand pounds of seeds and from two to three thou.sand busliels of potatoes per year. Mr. Coy originated on his farm Thorburn's late rose and White's late rose potatoes. He also introduced the Paragon and Beauty of Hebron potatoes. In addition to the seed business, Mr. Coy is extensively engaged in stock- raising. His specialties in this line are Ayrshire cattle, Berkshire hogs, and also brown Leghorn fowls. Mr. S. B. Bradley, on stock bought of Mr. Coy, took fii-st prizes on two- and three-year old Ayrshire bulls, at the New York State fair at Elmira in 187G, and also took prizes at the Eastern New York State fair at Albany. Mr. Wm. R. Sanford, president of the Vermont State Agricultural So- ciety, won the first prize at the State fair held at Rutland on the bull Duke of Hebron against five competitors ; also the sweepstakes prize on Lady Jane 3d, as the best Ayr- shire cow, against twelve conapetitors. They were both bred by Mr. Coy and sold to Mr. Sanford. The results of these agricultural exhibitions have placed the herd of Mr. Coy in the front rank. SOLDIERS OF HEBRON. No records of the soldiers of Hebron in the Revolution have been preserved, and consequently few names can be given. The following are known to have been among the number: Col. Alexander Webster, Guile Wilson, John Wilson, Capt. John Getty, Isaac Slorehouse, Robert Getty, John Munson, Nathaniel Munson, Samuel Tyrrell, and James Wilson. The following pensioners were living in the town of Hebron in 1840. according to the oflficial register: Eunice Tyrrell, aged seventy-eight; John Wilson, eighty-five; James Rogers, seven ty-seven ; and Ebenezer Chapman, seventy-seven. In the Revolutionary papers from the Williams collection found in the history of Salera, are many names that really belong to the town of Hebron. This is shown by their being also upon the tax list of Hebron, and by their known residence. James Rogers was one of the party that captured Skenesborough, under Capt. Hcrrick, in 1775. This was the time when, as related in history, the soldiers found the body of Mrs. Skene, that had been kept " above ground" for many years. Local tradition adds that the coffin was lead, and that the soldiers buried the body in another and used the old one fur bullets. A son of 3Ir. Rogers is still living in Hebron, at an advanced age. With reference to the War of 1812, it may be noted that Col. Root, of Hebron, was in command of a regiment of militia at that time. The regiment was called out at the time of the battle of Platt.sburg, taking nearly all the men of Hebron capable of bearing arms. In the War of 1812 a draft was made from the Hebron and Salem companies. The names of those drawn are not now easily obtainable. Among them were Samuel Living- ston, captain, and James Willet, lieutenant. There were some from Hebron, in the regular service. Elihu Clark served under General Wade Hampton, who commanded the northern army in 1813. When the army started on a three days' march through the Chateaugay woods, they were on short allowance, and each soldier had to carry whatever he could get for his rations. Clark made his breakfast the morning they started on a roasted horse-head, and that which was left from breakfast was all that he had for three days. He was an uncle of Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor. Samuel Nelson, of Hebron, was in the battle of Platts- burg, 1814. On the approach of Sir George Prevost to Plattsburg, General Macomb retired across the Saranac river, where he made a stand, and on the assault of his works he ordered the bridge to be taken up. In this work Nelson assisted, and carried off the last plank. Before he could lay it down nine bullets struck it. Adam Day, of Hebron, was also in the battle of Plattsburg with Nelson. In the War of 1812 the Ilebron-Salem Regiment was mustered into service by Major William Root, of Hebron. Colonel McClary, of Salem, was in command. The following muster-rolls are furnished by Hon. S. E. Spoor, — and also the above general notes. Regiment Band belonging in Hebron, 1814. — John McDonald, leader, now living in Salem ; John I. Wilson, Josiah Hopkins, James R. Wilson, David Hopkins, Isaac Wilson, Orrin Long, Henry Hopkins, Robert Christie, David Whitman, Simeon Webster, Nicholas Northup, James McClellan, Reuben Ely, Luther Cathcart, John J. Nelson, Warren Seaver, Hugh Flack, Stephen Darrow, James Getty, and Simeon Jenkins. East Hebron Company, 1814. — Hugh McCall, captain; James Guthrie, lieutenant ; John Nelson, sergeant ; John Willson, Jr., N. T. Munson, Joel Munson, Elisha Munson, William Munson, Stephen Smith, Lamed Parrish, John Conant, John Shephard, Arch. Glazier, Jonathan Sliaw, Joseph Shaw, John Shaw, James Herron, Roland Shop- hard, Andrew Braymer, William Tyrell, Ezra Tyrell, AVyr- ham Root, David Button, Robert Vanee, Abner Chandler, William Houghton, James Porter, Joseph Wright, William Button, Joseph Butterfield, Daniel Butterfield, Tlmnias Munson, John Getty, Joshua Rogers, Alex. Cruikshank, David Cruikshank, Asahel Stearns, Lewis Gardner, Daniel McClary, Job Cleveland, Timothy Andrews, Ziba Andrews, and David Shaw. North Hebron Company, 1814. — Amos Scott, captain ; Daniel Hopkins, lieutenant; Abijali Woodard, sergeant; Abner Duel, Samuel Ely, Joel Smith, Caleb Smith, Amos Austin, Ablather Woodard, Amos Burch, Benjamin Bnrch, Andrew Randies. Alex. Randies, William Randies, Edward 430 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Johnston, James Johnston, Daniel Woodard, Robert Will- son, Arch. Morehouse, Horace Morehouse, Ebenezer Smith, Jr., Peleg Smith, Geort;e Smith, John Craig, Robei-t Craig, Joseph Craig, Jonas Foster, Jo.seph Foster, Parley Foster, George Liddle, and Peter Morehouse. West Hchron and Belcher Company, 1814. — William McClcllan, captain ; George Getty, lieutenant ; Nathaniel Covel, Robert Wakely, Ruben Shearer, Alex. Beveridge, George Beveridge, James Beveridge, John Carey, Piatt Wil- son, David Thomas, John Willson, Matthew McWhorten, Charles Allen, Robert Qua, Andrew Qua, Alex. McWhor- ten, John W. White, Andn'w Egglcston, Samuel Wilson, Joseph Ward, George Harsha, Andrew Nelson, Samuel McGibeny, John McGibcny, George McGibeny, Samuel Barnes, Isaac Fraser, Andrew Foster, William Carlyle, and William Nelson. The only action of the people at town-meeting with reference to the War of 1861-65 on record is the following : At a special town-meeting held April 2, 1864, it was licsnhed, That the supervisor is hereby authorized to fill the quota of the town at a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars each, the same to be chargeable to the town. Under this single brief resolution the supervisor, Na- thaniel Reynolds, attended to the interests of the town, filled the quotas, and accounted for the moneys used. How well the people trusted him in that critical period is shown by the fact of his re-election in 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867. He was ably sustained by the strong committee appointed in 1861, con.sisting of Dr. Chas. J. White, John S. McFar- land, Hon. S. E. Spoor, John M. Rea. The following roll of men who went into the service from this town is prepared from the list written by the town clerk in 1865 for the bureau of military statistics, Albany. It has been submitted for examination and cor- rection to James McCloy and to Hon. Sylvester E. Spoor, citizens well acquainted with the people of the town. WAR OF 1861-65. Leonard S. Aniidon, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123il Kegt., Co. H; wounded nt Dallas, SIay-29, 1804; disrli. May 19, 1805. Albert M. Adiims, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12;)il Regt., Co. E ; discharged. Myron E. Brougliton, enl. Sept. 25, ISOI, :U)th Kcgt., Co. I ; Uiseli. for disability, June 28, 180:l. Elliot Biirch, enl. Aug. 0, 1SC2, IJlid Kfgt., 0.>. E ; wounded; jTsdi. .Inne 2:>,, 1805. Win. J. Benttie, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12 Id U.'gl., Co. E; pro. sergt.; disch. June 2.'!, 1805. Alexander Beveridge, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; died at Alexandria, Dec. 18,1802. Wni. J. Burke, eid. Aug. 8, 1S02, 123d Begt., Co. E ; discb. June 23, 1805. Allia M. Barker, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, 12W Ri'gt,, Co. E; disili. June 23, 1805. Barney Burns, enl. Dec. 26, 1803, 16tb Art., Co. I. Asa Burke, soldier of the Mexican war; also in the War of 1801-05. Danford H. Bennett, enl. Dec. 21, 1803, lOtli Art., Co. I. David Blowers, enl. July 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. II. John Brown, enl. Dec. 24, 1863, loih Art., Co. I. Wm. Biady, enl. 123d Regt. Richard Burke, enl. 123d; served through ; then enl. in regnlar service; five years frontier warfare. Seth C. Gary, 2d lieut.; enl. July 20, 1802, 123d Rcgt., Co. E; pro. Ist lieut.; adj.; wounded; disch. Juno 23, 1805. James A. Crosier, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. Feb. 10, 1803. Chauncey P. Coy, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Rcgt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1865. liorenzo B. Coy, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B; disch. June 23, 1866. Wm. H. Chamberlain, enl. Aug. 2, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. June 10, 1805. James Clement, enl. Aug. 10, 1801, 44th Regt., Co. E ; wounded ; died of wounds at Savage Station. Joseph Carler, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Juno 23, 1805. Clarence Cool, enl. Dec. 10, 1803, lOtb Art., Vn. I. John Conner, enl. Aug. '.1, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. I. Wm. V. Crosier, enl. Ang. 5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. March 3, 1863. George Donley, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; killed in battle, July 20, 180*. Edward W. Darling, enl. Aug. 6, 1862,123d Regt., Co. E; wounded; disch. June 23, 1805. James Frazier, enl. at Troy. Wm. J. Gilchrist, enl. Aug. 8, 1.102, 12)d Regt., Co. E; diej of pnennionia at Harpei-'s Ferry, Jan. 0, 1803. Wm. Graham, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; wounded; tmns. to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. June 23, 1805. William J. Graham, enl. Jan. 1, 1804, 10th Art., Co. 11; died of measles at Elmira. Thorn 13 Gallagher, enl. Doc. 24, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. Daniel Harrington, enl. April 28, 1861, 22d Regt., Co. D; disch. June 19, 1863. South Hewitt, enl. Aug. 12,^802, 123d Regt., Co. E; died at HariJer's Ferry, Dec. 18, 1802. George B.Hall, lit lieut.; enl. July 20, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; pro. capt. ; disch. June 23, 1805. Duane M. Hall, eid. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E: discb. June 23, 1805. Stephen Harrington, enl. Dec. 26, 1863, lOtli Art., Co. I. Jeremiah Hollirook, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, I23d Regt , Co. II ; absent without leave, but relumed May 20,1864. Daniel Harrington, enl. 1801, 22d Begt.; wounded; served out his time; dis- Janies Johnson, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. Jane 23, 1865. Samuel Johnson, enl. Aug. 8,1862,123d Begt., Ci>. E; wounded, and died of disease at Chattanooga. Joseph L. King, enl. Sept. 1, 1801, 44th Regt., Co. E; re-enl. Dec. 27, 1863, 44th Regt., Co. G; wounded; disch. July 15, 1805. Aaron Lovelanil, enl. Ang. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E ; diseb. June 23, 1865. Joseph li. Latimer, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disi h. Juno 23, 1805. Wm. Lackey, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1805. Walter Lackey, eld. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; diseh. June 23, 1805. Marvin W. Liddle, enl. Ang. 0, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1805. James Luudy, enl. Aug. 0, 1802, I23d Kegt., Co. I ; disch Jnne 23, 1805. James McCluy, enl. April 22, 1801, 22.1 Rcgt., Co. D; pro. Corp.; disch. ; re-enl- Dec. 3(1, 180 1, loth Art., Co. K ; disch. Ang. 28, 1805. John II. More, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 12 Id Regt., Co. E; pro. corp.; disch. June 23, 1SG5. George V. Morris, eid. Aug. 0, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. E; disch. Jnne 23, 1865. Thomas MabalTy, enl. Ann. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Jnne 23, 1865. Henry Mclntyre, enl. Aug. «, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. Jnne 23, 1805. Martin Mnrpby, enl. Ang. 8, 1802,123d Regt., Co. K; disch. June 23, 1805. Robert C McEchron, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; pro. to Ist Corp.; wounded ; discb. June 23, 1805. Ira MuMson, erd. Ang. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; died of measles at Harper's Ferry, Feb. 10, 1803. James McEchron, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. E; liie.l at Ilarpor's Ferry, Dec. 5, 1802. John McKchron, enl. Dec. 30, 1803, loth Art., Co. H ; wounded May 10, 1804 ; discb. Sept. 15, 1805. I).^vid Mulligan, enl. Jan. 4, 1804, lOlb Art., Co. I. Walter Mattice, enl. Jan. 4, 1801, 10th Art., Co. I. Michael McGowan, enl. 22d Begt., 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863, loth Art , Co. K ; discb. Aug. 28, 1805. John S. Mcluide, eid. lOth Vt. ; died in the service. Alonzo M.uebouse, onl. Ang. 22, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. I ; died of disease at Har- per's Ferry. William B. Miller, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. I'atiick Marley, enl. Aug. 18, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. I. Edward Nelson, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 7th Regt., Co. A ; pro. corp. ; disch. March 31, 1802; re-enl.; disch. April 20, 1865. James I'ollock, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Regt., a.. E ; disch. June 23, 1805. John Patrick, enl. Dec. 25, 1804, l-2.3d Regt., Co. E ; died of measles at Savan- nah, Jan. 21,1805. Edwin Palmer, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. for disability. John Powers, enl. Dec. 23,1803, 10th Art., Co. I. Ambrose Paase, eul. Doc. 23, 1803, lOtb Art., Co. I. llcrvey Reynolds, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Rcgt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1865. James M. Beynol.ls, enl. Aug. 1.5, 1802, 12.3d Regt., Co. E; disch. June 23, 1865. Amos C. Rhodes, enl. Aug. '2.5, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; disch. June 23, 1865. Andrew Reynolds, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E; disch. June '23, 1803. Lyman Itaymond, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I; discb. Ang. 28, 1805. Nathan Raymond, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. E ; died at Alexandria, Feb. 16, 1803. Wm. S. Richardson, enl. Dec. 28, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. Thomas R»id, onl. 18id, lOtb Vermont ; taken prisoner at Monocacy ; disch. Albert R..gcis, mustered ill May 6, 1861, 22d Regt , Co. D ; discb. June 28, 1803. George Edwd. Rogers, corp. ; mustered in May C,1801,22d Regt.,Co.D; dis- charged, and enl. in artdlery, U. S. service; wounded at Gettysburg; discharged. Abrani Kowan, mustered in May 6, 1801, 22d Begt., Co. D; disch. June 28, 1803. Joseph Reid. M. H. Streeter, asst. surgeon; enl. Oct. 18, 1802, 101st Regt. ; disch. Jan. 18631 re-cul. May 22, 1803, 64th Regt. ; discb. Aug. 1803. Pbilo Smith, enl. Ang. 7, 1862, l'23d Regt., Co. E; died of measles, April 24> HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YORK. 401 Erastus Scoville, uiil. .. E ; disch. June 2:i, 180.i. MortimerH. Wood, i-nl. Aug. 12,1802, 123d Regt.Co. E;dl-ich. March 25,1863. Albii I). Wood, enl. Au),'. 14. 1862, 123d Rcf:t., Co. E; disch. March 19, 1803. Myron Wood, enl. Ang. s, 1802, 123il liegt., Co. K ; disch. June 23, 1865. Philip Washhurn, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. E; disch. Jnne 23, 1805. Wm. 1. Whitlock, enl. Ang. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. K; disch. Jnne 23, 180.5. . E ; wo ?d ; trans, to Vet. Arthur WhHlock, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Begt., • Bcserve Corps ; disch. June 23, 1805. Franklin Woodard, enl. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Begt., I'o. K ; wounded ; disch. June 23, 1863. Samuel Warren, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 10th Art., Co. I. Edgar J. Webb, enl. Dec. 20, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. James E. Wilson, enl. June 10, 1861, loth Mass., Co. H ; was in eighteen liattles ; disch. at end of three years, July 1, 1804; never sick enonph to go to a hospital, and never rode in an ambulance or government wagon ; was with the regiment every day, from its organization until it went into winter-quarters at Brandy Station, Dec. 1803, when be went home on a ten-days' furlough ; ho was taken prisoner. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court-House, and remain d in (he rebel lines about two hours, when he escaped and reached the Union lines in safety ; he never was wounded, but had a button shot off hi.« cap and a bullet tbrongb his coat-sleeve and haversack. Charles E. Wood, enl. Aug. 31, 1802, 123d liegt,, C... It ; wounded at Cbancel- lorsville. May 3, 1862. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ABRAHAM JOHNSTON was bm-ii in Ireland, in the year 179fi, and emigrated to America, settling in Washington county in the year 1S17. AliR.\H.\.M .lOH.NSTON. His father, John Johnston, was a native of Scotland : .spent his life as a teacher most of the time in Ireland, where he went because ho could obtain more wages in his chosen pro- fession. He is said to have been very proficient as an in- structor, giving his attention to the instruction of young men and women. He died in Ireland in the year 1837. His wife was Mary, daughter of John Graham, and a lady 51 who had been a school-girl under his tutorship. She died in the year 1800, after being married only five years. -Mr. Johnston spent his boyhood days at school, and after he became of proper age assisted his father as a teacher. After coming to this country, he engaged as a farmer in the town of Hebron, where he has since lived, taking rank among the industrious, enterprising, and judicious agricul- turists of his town. In the year 1820 he was married to Miss Helen, daughter of Thomas Pool. She died in the year 1856. For his second wife, in the year 1858 he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Samuel Guthrie, of Hebron. Although brought up under strict rules of Catholicism, he has been, since he came to this country, a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and held in such esteem as a worthy member of that body that he has held the office of elder in the church for many years. He is a liberal supporter of both church and school interests, and has always been interested in all enterprises tending to build up good society. His only brother, Daniel, came to this country about 1837, lived here several years, and went to Iowa, where he spent his life as a Presbyterian clergyman. He died in 1877. Mr. Johnston is now (1878) in his eighty-third year, retaining to a remarkable degree his vigor of mind, although feeble in body. EDWARD L. COY. The family of which the subject of this sketch is a rep- resentative came from England at the time of the earliest settlement in Ma.ssaehusetts. Stephen Coy, the great-grandfather of E. L. Coy, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war for a term of three years, enlisting at Windham, Conn., to which place he re- turned at the close of the war, and where he subsequently passed the remainder of his life engaged in farming. Lemuel Coy, the grandfather of E. L. Coy, was born at Windham, Mass. From thence he removed to Northfield, Mass., where he followed the occupation of a farmer and .subsequently died. He had a number of children, of whom Asaph Coy, the father of E. L. Coy, was one. Asaph Coy was born at Northfield, Mass., on July 19, 1797, and is still living, residing on the farm occupied by E. L. Coy, at West Hebron, N. Y. He married Eunice Kenney, by whom he had six children, — four boys and two gills, — namely : E. L. Coy, Lorenzo R., livingat Lincoln, Ne- braska ; C. Wesley, living at Lake, Washington Co. ; Erne- line, now decetised ; Julia A., living at North Hebron ; and Chauncey P., living at Greenwich. Lorenzo and Chauncey each served three years in the One Hundred and Twenty- third New York Regiment during the late war. Of these E. L. Coy is the oldest child. It is fitting to remark here that Reuben Kenney, the great-grandfather of E. L. Coy, on the maternal side, also served as a Revolutionary soldier for the term of five years. He enlisted in Hartford, Conn., where he was born, and while absent from home, engaged in the service of his country, had the misfortune to have his entire family of four children taken away. Tiiree more were afterwards 402 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. born. After the close of the war lie resided at Greenfield, Mass., where he finally died. His brother lived to the re- markable age of one hundred and seven years, and on his one hundred and seventh birthday reaped a half-acre of rye in the forenoon. E. L. Coy was born at Bfrnardstown, Franklin Co., Mass.. on the fourth day of April, 1831, where Asaph Coy then resided, following farming pursuits. He passed his early years on his father's farm, meantime acquiring such educa- tion as the common schools of the day aiforded. and subse- quently filling the position of teacher in those schools. In the spring of 1849, Mr. Coy removed to the town of Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., where he pursued the occupation of a farmer. In 1851 he changed his residence to the town of Hebron, where he also engaged in farming. He soon after purchased the farm at West Hebron, which he now occupies. Mr. Coy has not, however, confined his farming opera- tions to within the ordinary limits of agricultural experi- ence. Conceiving that there are new methods and plans which can be successfully carried out by the farmers of the country, aside from the yearly routine of raising wheat, rye, corn, oats, buckwheat, and potatoes, he has struck out for himself, and demonstrated to a certainty that such concep- tions were not the result of the imagination alone, but were practical and utilitarian in the highest degree. The special departments to which Mr. Coy has turned his attention are those of raising garden seeds, of which he supplies large quantities to the principal seed-dealers of the country, and in breeding and raising the finest Ayrshire cat- tle, his stock in point of excellence being second to none in the State. In the department of seed-raising, Mr. Coy has achieved remarkable success, raising a large variety of seed. He has met with unexampled success in potato-growing, having originated no less than two varieties, namely, " Thorburn's Late Rose" and " Thorburn's White Rose," and having also introduced two other varieties, " Thorburn's Early Paragon," and the " Beauty of Hebron." The annual shipment of these important varieties by Mr. Coy is very large, and the revenue received in return correspondingly satisfactory. In the selection and raising of the celebrated Ayrshire stock of cattle, Mr. Coy has also met with marked success. His stock has been pronounced by competent judges to be of the very best in the entire country, and this has been demonstrated by the fact that the stock which has been exhibited by him at the various fairs of the county and State, including that which he had disposed of to others, have uniformly received the prize for general excellence, against large numbers of competitors. As a consequence of Mr. Coy's original and successful method of running a farm, and the intelligence and enter- prise that he has displayed in agricultural affairs, he has assumed a prominent position among the agriculturists, not only of his own locality, but of the entire country. He has been a regular and valued contributor to the lead- ing agricultural journals of the country, and was at one time president of the Washington Co. Agricultural Society, achieving great success in that position. Upon his retire- ment from office he delivered an addr&ss upon agricultural topics and interests that excited, by its originality and breadth of thought, the favorable comments of the entire country, resulting in his receiving repeated invitations to •' take the stump," as it were, in agricultural matters. In his social and family relations, Mr. Coy has exhibited the same earnest spirit that he has in his business enter- prises. He is a strong temperance man, and president of the temperance society of his town. In religious sentiment he is a strong adherent of the Methodist church, in which he has held a leading position for years, and whose interests he has largely advanced by his liberal contributions. He is a member of the West Hebron Methodist church, a view of which appears in this work, and led the list of contri- butions to its building-fund, with a munificent sum, at the time of its erection. On Sept. 21, 1858, Mr. Coy married Clara B., daughter of John and Catharine Cary, of the town of Hebron. They have had four children, namely : C. Herbert, born July 2G, 1859 ; S. Willard, born May 28, 1863; Ida Bell, born Sept. 13, 1865; and Mabel, born August 28, 1873. Of these C. Herbert and S. Willard are pursuing a course of study at the East Greenwich Academy and Musical Col- lege, in the State of Rhode Island. Willard has already displayed special musical talent, having commenced playing the organ in the West Hebron Methodist Episcopal church and Sunda3'-school at the age of nine years, since which time he has continued to fill that position. He is now en- joying the advantages of careful musical tuition under an eminent instructor. Mr. Coy is still in the prime of life, and actively en- gaged in his calling. He is untiring in his search after the best things in his line, and successful in demonstrating the true nobility of those who labor in the humbler fields of husbandry He has proved himself an inventor in his chosen occupation, but does not reserve to himself any pat- ent for having discovered that there are yet untried methods of farming that prove of infinite pecuniary advantage to the farmer, while at the same time they satisfy the demands of an ever-increasing market. He is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word. He started forth in the world without a dollar, and has, with his strong hands, ingenious brain, and untiring energy, achieved a handsome compe- tency and taken a prominent position in society. A view of his attractive and tasteful residence, showing in the foreground some of his superior stock, may be seen elsewhere in this work. DANIEL BRAYMER. The Braymer family came originally from Germany. David Braymer, grandfather of Daniel Braymer, came to this country during the French and Indian war, being then about twenty years of age. He served as a soldier in that war. After the close of the war he established his resi- dence in New York city, where he remained until the Revolutionary war, when he went to Nova Scotia, and engaged in the business of tanning, currying, and .shoe- making. He was also a German physician, and practiced HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YOKK. 403 that profession, more or less, at different periods of his life. He remained in Nova Scotia until the close of the war, when he returned to this country, settling at Kast Hebron, N. Y., and en Thomas JWeii^. James f^.W£l^^ RESiotNct OF JAMES H.WEIR. Jackson WASHIN6T0N Co N. Y HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 407 about the year 1772, and located in Jackson, two miles north of Coila, their farms lyinsr partly in Cambridge. The sons of Thomas were William, Peter, Thomas, John, Samuel, and James. The latter is still living, at the age of ninety-two years, on his father's homestead. Joseph Archer, with his fiimily, sailed from Belfast, Ireland, 1790, being from county Down. They lauded in Wilmington, Del., and after two years came to Jackson, and settled about a mile northeast of Coila, on the farm now owned by a grandson, John Archer. Children of Joseph were Joseph, Jr., Thomas, Elizabeth, Margaret, John, and two by his second wife, Eben and William. John Ferguson and his wife came from Scotland at an early day, and settled in the Maxwell neighborhood, on the farm now owned by a grandson, James Ferguson. The children were Peter, George, and Duncan. James Ferguson is a son of the latter. From the address of A. D. Gillette, D.D., delivered at the centennial celebration in Cambridge, Aug. 29, 1873, we extract the following interesting passages, applicable to the early history of Jackson : " In 1793, Jonathan Dunham and his wife Eunice, town of Piscataqua, N. J., with their son-in-law, B., and his wife, Tabitha Dunham, and their children. Philander D. and Cornelius C, turned their backs upon old Piscataqua, N. J., and came to New York with their own wagon, putting most of their goods on board of a sloop, the old gentleman driving the horse and wagon up the Hudson, the rest of the family being on the sloop, and thus they came to Troy ; embarking northward, crossed Oak Hill, arrived at Cambridge, and went on north of this village. When in front of Mr. Joseph Volentine's house something happened to the wagon, and they paused. My mother, with her two babes, she herself then under seventeen years of age, went into the house, and Mrs. Volentine proffered all the hospitality of the place, and said, ' Why, my child, where is the mother of these babes ?' My mother blushiugly replied, 'Here.' ' Y''ou the mother of these babes?' 'Yes, madam.' 'Who is your husband?' 'Dr. Gillette.' 'Who are your father and mother?' 'Jonathan and Eunice Dunham ; but here is the wagon.' ' Well,' said Mrs. v., ' they ought to be ashamed of themselves, and go back to New Jersey, for allowing so young a girl as you to got married and become a mother. But we will do what we can for you. Tarry here for the night with your babes. ' She did tarry ; and then the family went on to the noith- ward, to the old pond, where the old gentleman had pur- chased four hundred acres of land. They turned to the left, and climbed the hill to the log house. A family by the name of Adkins, and another by the name of Gillman, were in the company. They all huddled near the old log house, wiiere I have caught scores of woodchucks, killed them, and eaten them. A part of the farm is in the Dun- ham family, occupied by Henry on the hill. My father settled between Mrs. McLean's and my grandfather's, right north of the ponds. " As my brother, the president, said, I have roamed far and wide, — so I have ; not a vagabond, thank God, — but I have never seen a more beautiflil spot than this. I am talking about things that are associated with my boyhcmd. Time went on, and the most important event that I will mention after that which I have mentioned occurred on the 8th day of September, in the year 1807, when, by the will of God and the pains of my mother, I came into the world, and have lived from then until now. My mind runs north to the Batten Kill, to the ' red bridge,' as it was called. The teamsters of those times were going north and south as early as I can remember, and I, playing by the roadside or going to and from the school-house, which was the next building between us and Judge John McLean's, was asked by almost every teamster, if he were going north, ' How far is it to the red bridge?' ' Four miles, sir.' And every boy and girl made their obeisance. We boys pulled off the old slouch-hat with the torn rim, and bowed ; the girls caught their skirts and made a graceful courtesy ; and if any of us failed to do that, parental reproof or school- master or mistress discipline made us smart for it. The traveler south would ask, ' How far is it to the Chequered House,' and we would reply. On the north lived the Clapps, I think on the other side of Cleveland's, and consequently in Salem. One of the great sights that my boyhood eyes used to see was the large loads of barrels which they sent to Troy, for they were coopers. Next along came Mr. Van- derlip, a farmer and a tailor, and beyond us. Every Sab- bath, with his old horse and wagon, — not a modern buggy, that could only accommodate two, but a long wagon full, — he came down here to Cambridge to worship God, with his family gathered about him. Near there a Mr. Small with an old farm-wagon, and in it six or eight old kitchen-chairs, one or two across for the ' old people,' and never less than six or eight persons in the wagon ; and thus they came to the old yellow meeting-house. Should he find a foot-worn pilgrim on the way to Sinai, he would take him in if he had to hang half his body over the wagon-side to and from church. Next along came the Shoudlers' turn, and then the school-house, and then Mr. Dobbin's, and at the head of that pond Jonathan Conger, a cousin of my grandfather, and hence a relative, whose daughter married ' Uncle' Thomas McLean, as I call him, because his wife was my mother's cousin (and I am related to all the McLeans by reason of that). Then we came down to Mr. Collins, who kept the tavern a while ; and while I have called my father a ' doctor,' and such he was, and practiced medicine, he was a sort of 'jack of all trades,' and among other things drew with his pen and pencil. Among my earliest recollections was his painting a sign for Mr. Collins, on which was an eagle with darts and arms and something in its bill, — that bird of liberty which soars over us in all the emblems of freedom, thank God ! Then there was ' Uncle' Jimmy McLean, as I told you (for I told you they were all uncles), on the pond near by, and then ' Uncle' Solomon Ackley ; and a little lower down, but with more dignity, because of his commanding presence and ofiScial position. Judge John McLean, Sr. " His son John became judge; and when he was a stu- dent, and could come home and go fishing, he was well re- spected and wore his gloves, and did not love to tan his hands ; and he would get mc to dig the worms, bait the hooks, and take off the fish. He alluded to it when we met. T went into the court-room at Salcni one dav wher^' 408 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. he was presiding. He begged me to come up and take a vacant chair by his side. I did so. He says, ' Is this Hai'm?' I says, ' Yes.' ' Well,' he says, ' you are the boy who used to bait the hooks for me.' " Then came the school-house, — mightier for the good of mankind than all the seventy-four-gun ships that ever floated, — the district school-house. " As I said, my father was a sort of 'jack of all trades,' sometimes taught the school there, or taught writing lessons in various sections. The doctors were not so busy then as now ; people were not so sickly. Then two older brothers of mine taught the school. Back of us, up on the hill where Mr. Ackley now resides, was ' Uncle' Daniel Hol- brook. The McLeans were Jerseymen, — five brothers ; not the two who came in the ' Mayflower,' but five who started from Scotland and got to New Jersey ; and whether that State was too small, or whether it was 'out of the Union' then or not, I don't know, but anyway they came up here. One settled in the east, one at Batten Kill, one at the head of the ponds, and on the turnpike next to u.s. Deacon Ford on the hill. I want to say a word to deacons. I love deacons. We used to meet for worship in the school-hou.se Sunday afternoons, and Deacon Ford, who belonged to the Baptist church in Shushan, seemed to be by common con- sent superintendent of affairs there, and the regulator of the boys. We would get around on the little seats. There Dr. Bullions, Mr. Prime, Elder M used to hold meet- ings. I loved to go. But Deacon Ford was the presiding genius. He was nearly seven feet high, and I presume he looked much taller to me then than now. A good man, but with such a long, grave face. So watchful of us boys that at one time when Dr. Prime was preaching there and speaking of heaven, my little mind labored to conceive what heaven was, and I thought it was something like the gathering there, — two or three rows of people around the house singing the praises of God, and that was all very pleasant, but I asked, ' Will Deacon Ford be up there ?' I had no doubt he would be, but I hoped his ofiice would not be to regulate us boys. " On the hill my Uncle Nahuni lived. Up farther the Beebes. Down the hill road lived good men and women. Down the turnpike was Uncle Daniel Volentine's, old Uncle Elias and sons and daughters, and Aunt Esther, and below was Mr. Heath, and so on down ; and I must not forget Deacon Thompson, of blessed memory, but you know all the rest. I used to pass their houses and come down here to Cambridge to my grandfather's with a basket of eggs, and get something to carry back, but I always pre- ferred to trade with Mr. McGeoch in getting my fish- hooks. So much for this. Now for some of the clergy- men of those times. " The clergy first with me, — no disrespect to others. Old Dr. Bullions used to come and catechise us in the school. He wore high swell boots with tassels. I played with the tassels one day, and was punished for it. Mr. Prime used to come and talk with us. Wo were always glad to see him. Of tall, noble form, perfect symmetry, I could paint him to-day were I an artist ; bland countenance, a little dignified, if not a little stern. His son here will speak for himself by and by. I ought to say we always knew Mr. Prime's carriage and the white horse. We were always glad to see him, though my grandfather on reading his book on baptism used to say ' nonsense.' But those were the days when men spoke for themselves as well as wrote. Mr. Prime seldom passed my grandfather's or father's house without a kind, ministerial, friendly Christian call. Dr. Dunlop, with his .saddle-bags, jogging along on his horse, would always stop at my father's, relight his pipe, and take a sij) of old New England rum, something to eat if he would accept of it, and then he would go on his way. A good old man, — we children loved him. Mr. Tombs, of Salem, used to do the same. The ministers in Shushan the same. I frequently came with the family down here, and heard Mr. Prime, the first Presbyterian minister that I remember ; also I went to Dr. Bullions', as my eldest sister married into that church. In that old yellow meet- ing-house I have sat and was interested in hearing the people sing. They all had their Bibles in their churches, and I wish all who attend church now would have theirs. Generally the p.salms were in the back part of the Bibles, and so generally was it their custom to sing that it was avowed that John Donahue, a deaf mute, also sang. He certainly looked on the psalm sung, and his lips moved, — that I know. " I must be brief, but there are two or three other things I must mention. In the War of 1812 my brother was the school-teacher of that district, and was seventeen years of age. At night he dismissed the school and did not come home. When heard of he was among the troops on their way north. Whether he was one of the recreant ones Judge Jermain spoke of I don't know. Colonel Rice took him as a sort of secretary, and had him with him. Then there was Major Simpson and old General De Ruyter from on the Hudson. I know queer things were said of him, whether true or not. Some said thsit he mistook the prow for the stern of the vessel, and went the wrong way on Lake Champlain. Well, he was not a soldier ; he was a farmer. The battle of Plattsburg was fought ; we soon heard of it. I remember the morning when the news came seeing my father stand before the old fire-place and tell the story as he learned it somewhere in his rides. All was excitement. The troops finally returned. They passed our door, with pris- oners, on their way to Greenbush ; they were drawing a large cannon. My brother arrived ; they paused to fire him a farewell at the door. I went out and stood by a large cannon, and a soldier caught me up and ran my head into the muzzle. An oflBcer drew his sword and was about to strike him. Some one interfered, and I believe, though terribly frightened, I laughed, and that was the end of it. They went on to Orcutt's Hotel, turned in, and encamped there. My father took us down to see them. I was pre- sented to Commodore McDonough and sat upon his knee, and he said he hoped I would be a soldier or a sailor, and a good one, and indeed I then had no doubt but that I should be ; but I never have, and I am glad of it. The next event was the removal of the remains of General Montgomery from Quebec. I remember the parade that passed our door, and that the bones which were said to be in the coflin were taken to New York city, and deposited, as most of you know, along the front of Broadway, in Trinity church-yard. "ttiiii.J ''' "A. >pB| ii^ ^\A JAMES E. ROBERTSON. JOHN ROBERTSON. JAMES E. IIOBERTSON. James Edward Kobertson was born in Jackson, Wash- ington county, on the place where he now resides, March 23, 1827. He is of Scotch descent. His first ancestor in this country, William Robertson, was born in Scotland, Jan. 24, 1752. He came to this country a young man, and married, in Gi'eenwich, Mary Lebingston, Sept. 24, 1775. He died in February, 1825. John Robertson, the father of James Edward, was born in South Argyle, Wash- ington county, May 2, 1786, and married Ann Small, of Cambridge, July 8, 1824, she having been born Dec. 24, 1803. They had seven children, two sons and five daugh- ters, of whom James Edward is the second child and the oldest son. He was brought up at the homestead whore he was born, educated at the Cambridge Washitigton Academy, and suc- ceeded to his father's business, who was a tanner and currier by occupation, and carried on the business at tliis place from 1816 to 1852, under the firm-name of William & John Robertson, the tannery having been established by other parties as early as 1806. In 1856, James E. Roberta son purchased the stock of the tannery, and has since eon- ducted the business, together with the farm formerly owned by his father, which he came into possession of in 1861. His mother died Sept. 15, 1850 ; his father on the 2d of September, 1873. Mr. Robertson was married Dec. 29, 1864, to Mary Jane, daughter of William Reid, a merchant of North Greenwich. She was born Nov. 20, 1832. The fruit of this union has been four children, one son and three daugh- ters, viz., Annie, born Nov. 19, 1865 ; Mary, born July 4, 1867 ; Fannie, born Feb. 14, 1869 ; and William D., born Nov. 20, 1872. In politics Mr. Robertson has always been a Democrat. In 1850 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace; he was re-elected and served two terms, and was also elected justice of sessions one term. He is an honorable, straight- forward, consistent gentleman and citizen, and like most of the Scotch- American residents of this county was brought up strictly in the Presbyterian faith. Pew men have the confidence of their fellow-citizens in a larger degree than Mr. Robertson. In business he has been more than ordi- narily successful, having accumulated a comfortable com- petence. His fine residence, shown in this work, was erected by him in 1869. It is one of the most beautiful in this section of the country. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 409 •■ These events were imprinted upon a boy's mind. But then there came other changes. One event, however, I will speak of in connection with physicians. I had school- mates from over towards Shushan by the name of Kemmis. They had a grandfiither. People now say, ' You are an aristocrat if you had a grandfather.' I have told you I had one. These Kemmis boys had one. They did not till the farm very well, aTid did not dress very finely. It was to them an advantage ; in running upon the ice, they could throw oft' their old .shoes, and outrun any one of us. The old gentleman hurt his ankle, while snaking a log out of the woods, and crushed it very seriously, and my father tried all he could to save it. He called in Dr. Dorr and Dr. Dean as counsel. It was decided that it must be am- putated. An old physician in Salem, whom I will not name, because I may not tell the truth exactly, heard of the matter, and having a feud with Dr. Dorr, and I believe not liking my father very well, took two or three students and offered the patient fifty dollars for his leg, which offer being accepted, the Salem physician amputated the limb and returned home. My father and Dr. Dorr came the nest day, I think, to perform the important operation, but found the good old gentleman in his bed, comfortable, the foot gone and safe in Salem. " The end of it came when ' by-gones were by-gones.' Sickness came. Fire visited the old house in which I lived one day. I was out of it, by the wood-pile, and heard a roar. My older brother and my younger sister looked up, and sparks and black smoke were pouring out of the chim- ney. ' The house is on fire !' said my brother. We rushed in (my brother always sent me ahead, whether we were after pond-lilies, or frogs, or snakesl. As we came in we beheld the flames creeping up and rapidly destroying the bed-curtains, whose voluminous folds had worked within their borders the pictures of Shakspeare's Seven Ages. The fire scorched me some, burned the hair off of my head, knocked me down, and my brother violently drew me out. Never a prouder boy than I when, in two or three days after that, I received an entire suit of clothing, made of blue cloth, almost covered with bell-buttons, together with a hat, — the whole a present from the Wendell flimily. We received many kind favors. Another house was built, which has since been removed. " Disease came. My eldest sister died at twenty-two, and was buried the day she was to have been married to Leonard Church, Esq., of Salem. My youngest brother was born at a time when we were houseless. My father, broken-hearted, never recovered his spirits, and in 1819 he pa.ssed away, dying of apoplexy or heart-disease, by the roadside, after a fatiguing travel. His last visit was to old Daniel Holbrook, where Mr. Maxwell now lives." Joseph Volentine and wife, with two sons, Elias and Daniel, moved from Now Jersey about 1791 or 1792. They came with ox-teams through the wilderness. Some of the way there was only an Indian path, through which they could just drive their oxen and wagons. Upon their arrival they stuck their ox-goads in the ground, — whips that they had cut from a Balm of Gilead tree in New Jer- sey. These lived, grew to a great age, and when cut down were four feet through. The family .settled near the dutlct 52 at the south end of Long pond, on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Harvey Volentine. Of the children, Daniel and Harvey settled in Jack.son, the latter on the pioneer homestead ; Elias, in Shushan ; Pha}be(Mrs. Elijah Clough), in Hebron; Betsey (Mrs. Wm. Orcutt), in western New York ; Abbey (Mre. Abner Warren), in western New York ; John also settled in west>- ern New York ; Joel, in Bennington, Vt.; Prudence (Mrs. Truman Hendryx), in Bennington ; Lydia Ann (Mrs. Clark Estee), in Shushan ; Moses moved to Tecumseh, Mich. Daniel McFarland, born in Thornhill. Scotland, came to America in 1785, and settled in Salem, on what is now the Samuel Beattie farm. He afterwards moved to Argyle, settled near Argyle Corners, and died, his remains being buried in the cemetery at that place. By his first wife he had one son, John McFarland, already twenty-one years old when the family came to America. He settled first in Cambridge, on a farm about two miles west of Cambridge village, and afterwards in what is now Jackson, the old homestead being near East Greenwich. By his second wife the pioneer Daniel had four sons : David, who settled in St. Louis when it was only a village, passed his life there, and died at an advanced age in 1873 ; Alexander, ■settled and died many years ago in Salem ; Daniel. Jr., settled in Greenwich, and afterwards in Fishkill ; James, moved to Ohio and settled near Columbus, — a man of note, holding many public oflBces, and a member of the Legisla- ture for one or more terms. In the original family there were no daughters. The children of John, the oldest son, who settled in Jackson, were eleven, five of whom died young. The six remaining were Daniel, John, William, Alexander, Mrs. Wm. Robertson, and Mrs. Robert Richardson. A son of Daniel is Prof. John A. McFarland, who is now, and has been for nineteen years, principal of Washington Academy, Salem. Robert Simpson moved from New Hampshire soon after the Revolution, with his wife and family, and settled in Cambridge. His son, Anderson, on becoming of age, spent some time in a store at Shushan, then settled on a farm now occupied by his son, John Simpson. The wife of Anderson Simpson was the daughter of Benjamin Scott, the only Revolutionary pensioner in town in 1840. An- derson Simpson was a prominent public man, filling many important oSices in town, and was also a member of Assem- bly in 1840. A very early store, built of logs, stood a little west of the present residence of James Hill. It was built by James McGill, in 1781, and is still in existence, having been taken down, rebuilt at a short distance, and is now occupied as a dwelling-house. William McAulcy bought the store and property Oct. 7, 1795, and continued the trade. Moses Cowan, whose name appears in early records, was a clerk in this store, and James Irvin, first supervisor of Jackson, was a partner with McAulcy. Among other early residents the Ileth family lived south of Jackson centre, on the turnpike. Edward McDowel lived not far from McAuley's store. 410 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Oliver Selfridge lived north of Coila. John MoKellip in the north part of the town. Isaac Ferine also. Simon Stevens and his son, Ira C, lived in the western part of the town, near Centre falls. The first inn was kept by Isaac Murray, on the place now owned by II. C. Maynard, two miles north of Cam- bridge, on the turnpike. The Pond A^ alley House was built about sixty years ago, by Mr. Orcutt. The house still in use is kept at the present time by George Simpson. Besides the early settlers already named, mention may be made of the McGeoch family, the McMillans, and the McClellans. The names of many others will appear in the town records and the church histories of Cambridge and White Creek. The first mereiiant at Coila was William Stevenson, from Scotland, and the place was known as Stevenson's Corners, and then by the name of Scotland. When the post-oifice was established John M. Stevenson, an enthusiastic admirer of Burns, named the place Coila, from a passage in one of his favorite poems. Succeeding William Stevenson were the firm of McNaugh- ton & McNeil. An early school-house built of logs, about 1780, stood a little west of the present residence of James Hill. Early teachers remembered by Mrs. Lourie were Mr. Alexander and Mr. Neson. ANAQUASSACOOK PATENT. The original map and partition deed of this patent, en- grossed on parchment, is in possession of William Law, of Shushan. It is dated Oct. 2G, 1763, and was drawn by John R. Bleecker, surveyor, who enters the variation of the needle for that year as six degrees thirty minutes west. The lots commence with No. 1, at the north end of the narrow strip between the Cambridge patent and the Batten Kill, and the 25th closes opposite the old " Red Grocery." in Salem. To show early proprietors we give the names and lots from this deed. Nos. 1, 8, 11, 18, and 23, Thomas Smith ; Nos. 2, 10, 14, 19, and 25, William Smith; Nos. 3, 7, 15, 1(5, 22, Johannes Quackenboss ; Nos. 4, 6, 12, 17, 21, Ryer Schermerhorn ; Nos. 5, 9, 13, 20, 24, Jacob and Baruardus Vrooman Schermerhorn. ORGANIZATION, CIVIL HISTORY. The town was organized by act of the Legislature in the year 1815. It i-eceived the name of Jackson, no doubt in honor of the general whose signal victory on the 8th of January, at N(>w Orleans, was the closing struggle of the last war with England. The fir.st town-meeting was held on the first Tuesday in April, 1816; and the following oflicei's were duly elected: Reuben Stone, moderator ; James Irvin, supervisor; Kirtland Warner, town clerk ; William Adams, James Richardson, Edward Cook, assessors; William McGeoch, Alexander Livingston, overseers of the poor; Reuben Stone, Clark Rice, Simon Stevens, commissioners of common schools ; James Irvin, Elisha Billings, Kirtland Warner, inspectors of schools; William Adams, Amos Woodard, Jr., and Elihu Billings, commissioners of highways ; Robert Simp- son and John McDonal, collectors ; — these two, with Ben- jamin Scott, constables ; Amos Woodard, Jr., George Small, Abel Cleveland, Seth Rising, John McMillan, Jr., John McLean, George McFarland, Simon Stevens, Ede Bowen, Timothy Murch, Thomas McKillip, Philip War- ner, Russell Norton, James Robertson, William C. McLean, John Ferguson, James Woods, Eliab Beebe, Levi Rice, Eldad Baker, Jr., Benjamin Scott, Jr., Samuel McDonal, Anderson Simpson, William Blake, John McClary, George Maxwell, Thomas Griunolds, Thomas Clark, Asher B. Rood, Elijah Horton, Jr., Solomon Stewart, John McClel- lan, George Coulter, overseers of highways ; Robert Simp- son, Clark Rice, Ezekiel Sampson, James Woods, William McLean, Andrew Slioudler, fence-viewers and appraisers. Voted, that one hundred dollars tax be raised for the support of the poor. Voted, that Andrew Heath's barn-yard be a pound, and he was appointed poundmaster. Recorded May 6, 1818, the birth of a black female child, by the name of Diana, on the 10th of July, 1816, in the house of William McAuley, which he claims as his slave according to law. Recorded Jan. 6, 1819, James, a black male child, born the 8th day of August, 1818, in the house of William McAuley, which said McAuley claims as his slave, accord- ing to law. 1821. — The vote was taken: all that are in favor of joining with the county in building a poor-house, signify it by holding up their right hands, — not a hand raised ; con- trary, by the same sign, — all hands were up. 1824. — Voted, that inspectors of schools have one dollar a day for their services. The certificate of the annual election, May 23, 1816, shows the following result: Rufus King for governor, 113 votes ; George Tibbetts for lieutenant-governor, 113 votes ; Daniel D. Tompkins for governor, 83 votes; John Taylor for lieutenant-governor. 83 votes. Signed by the inspectors of election, James Irvin, William Adams, James Richard- son, Edward Cook, and Kirtland Warner. Oct. 3, 1823. — By the consent of the overseers of the poor, Clark Rice manumitted his " negro woman-slave, named Betsey W^illiams, aged about thirty-six years, pur- chased by him of Samuel Storms." Town officers elected at the annual meeting, March G, 1877: William H. Holden, supervisor ; George L. Marshall, town clerk; Henry Marshall (2d), justice of the peace; John R. McArthur, assessor ; Henry T. Hedges, commis- sioner of highways ; William McFarland, Joseph W. Edie, overseers of the poor; James W. Thomp.son, James A. Coulter, inspectors of election ; A. C. Blanchard, collector; A. C. Blanchard, Walter T. Graham, Henry Hover, con- stables ; John A. McClellan, Michael Kerr, town auditors; John Roberts, game constable ; Warren Kenyon, William McMillan, excise commissioners. We add the following lists of lour town officers from 1815 to 1878: R[ Lii f I J/^MEh COULTF f^ j^iAjwjm^isi ' Jfeii i ^y^ ii ^vj^^ J/*MEs Coulter, y' M.- UTH. BY L.H. Evert = IIISTORV OF WA8IIIN(iT()N COUNTY, NKW YOI!K. 411 :si9. ISlill. 1821. 1S2L'. 1823. 1824. siipei-visora. .lames Iivin. DaviJ Cam])ln-ll, Simon Stevens. EJwanl L'c.k. David Camijljull. Edward Couli. Town Clerks. Kirtland Warner Soli.uioii Dean. Kobert Simpson. .Ardeu Heath. Win. McOeoch. Arden Heath. ]'-T^^ "^V^ 'V ^^"^^^ -1-1^^ Bv L H Evwrsaco^Hu* ''A Residencc or Wm Holden, Jackson. WASHjNoroN (;o,N v HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 419 Greenwich railroad. He lias always been a Republican, and while he has been too busy a man to accept or desire office, he has never been par.simouious in matter.? pertaining to home or the public welfare. The books and adornments of art which the visitor notices in his home show him to be a man of refined and elevated sentiments, and far supe- rior to the mere sordid desire to accumulate property. He, and his wife and family also, evidently desire wealth not for its own sake, but for the higher ends of intellectual, es- thetic, and social life to which it is made to minister, and the comforts and enjoyments which it secures. They have one married daughter residing at Union vil- lage, — Cornelia, wife of James Thomp.son. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are members of the United Presbyterian church at Coila, in the town of Jackson, where Rev. Dr. Bullions officiated as pastor for over fifty years, of which church Mr. Coulter has held for many years the office of trustee. In paying the tribute justly due to his fiiithful companion, Mr. Coulter wishes to accord to her economy and good management the credit for a large share of his success in life. As they have traveled the up-hill of life together, they are now descending its declining slope in company, and may they at last, as pilgrims, reach the " shining gate." ANDREW McLEAN. Andrew McLean was born in Jackson, Wa.shington Co., N Y., April 9, 1824. He is a son of Lewis McLean, and grandson of Hon. John McLean, who came from New Jersey and settled on the place now occupied by Alansou McLean, brother of the subject of this notice. John McLean, the grandfather, was born in New Jerse}', May 9, 1760. His wife's maiden name was Mary Vankirk, born June 28, 1762, and married to Mr. McLean June 4, 1783. Of their large family, Lewis, the father of Andrew and Alanson McLean, and their eight sisters, was the fourth child, and was born on the homestead in Jackson. He married Esther Collins, of Greenwich, by whom he had ten children, all daughters, except the two sons, Andrew and Alanson McLean, both of whom now occupy the lands upon which their grandfather, Hon. John McLean, settled ever ninety years ago, when Washington county was a wilderness. John McLean was among the prominent men of the county, which he represented in the General Assem- bly ; while a member of that body he secui'ed the passage of the law dividing the old town of Cambridge, and form- ing within its original territory the two new towns of Jack- son and White Creek. He died on the 6th of July, 1834, and his wife on the 14lh of September, 1835. The estate then passed into the hands of Lewis McLean, who reared upon it his family of ten children, pursuing the occupation of a farmer during his life. At his death the estate was divided between the two sous, who discharged the obligations to the remaining children, and have since resided upon the premises as successful and prosperous farmers. Andrew JIcLean was educated at the common schools, and in the pursuit of agriculture, which he has followed all his life, having resided on the present place since 1828. He was married, in January, 1852, to Martha E. Valentine, daughter of Harvey and Eliza Valentine, whose parents were among the first settlers in this section of the town of Jackson, and whose estate in the neighborhood of the Ponds is still owned by the family descendants. The fruit of this marriage has been three children, as follows: Lewis Vankirk, born Jan. 6, 1853 ; Arthur H., born Sept. 16, 1857 ; and Esther Addie, born Feb. 28, 1859. Mr. McLean was reared a Whig, but became a Democrat upon the formation of the Republican party, in 1856. He has taken little active interest in politics, and never sought office. He and Mrs. McLean are members of the First Presbyterian church of Cambridge, of which organization he has served many years as trustee. WARREN KENYON. Warren Kenyon was born in the town of Hebron, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1834, and was brought up there on a farm till he attained his majority. On the 9th of September, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Esther V. Clough, of Hebron, and soon after pur- chased a farm near the old homestead, upon which he settled and resided about seven years. He then removed to a farm which he purchased in the town of Easton. He occupied this place about two years, when he removed to the beautiful spot on which his residence now stands. It is situated in the town of Jackson, at the head of Lake Lauderdale, on the turnpike leading from Cambridge to Salem. He has here one hundred and thirty-five acres of fine land, in the midst of one of the most beautiful land- scapes in this section of the country. The lake, embosomed in the rich, green valley, spreads its silver sheet of water almost from his very door, and is not only a gem in the emerald of the surrounding fields and hills, but is a place much resorted to by fishing and pleasure parties. Mr. Kenyon has constructed a convenient dock near his house, at the head of the lake, and keeps a supply of skiffs and small boats for the accommodation of those who desire to use them for fishing and other purposes. His father, Zebulon Kenyon, was born in Argyle, and was an early settler in the town of Hebron. His ancestors came from Rhode Island, and settled in Argyle at an early time. Mrs. Kenyon's father. Dr. Levi H. Clough, was born in Hebron, his parents having emigrated from Massachusetts at a time when Washington county was a wilderness. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have had four children, two of whom' died in infancy. Those surviving are Lois Anna, now Mrs. Albert Ackley, of Jackson, and Levi Kenyon, a lad of some seven years of age. Mr. Kenyon has always been a Republican in politics, and while he has never sought office, he ha.s discharged the duties of tho.se which his townsmen have imposed upon him with fidelity. He is a man of energy and integrity of character, and has achieved his success in life by his own unaided exertions. Both himself and Mrs. Kenyon have been members of the Metiiodist Episcopal church for about twenty years, and are among the most estimable citizens of the town in which they reside. KINGSBURY. Tins lies in the western vansje of towns, and is about equidistant between the northern and southern extremities of tlie county. Its form is that of a square, of which tlie boundaries are, Fort Ann on the north, Hartford on the east, and Argyle and Fort Edward on the south. On the west it bordere on the county of Warren, except for about one mile, at the southwest corner, where the Hudson river divides it from Saratoga county. Tlie surface is for the most part level or moderately rolling, but in the east it is broken by bills, some of which rise to a height of nearly two hundred feet above the valleys. Besides the Hudson, the only streams of size are Wood creek, which enters from Argyle and flows across the town in a northeasterly direc- tion, and Half- Way creek, a tributary of Wood creek, en- tering from Warren county and crossing the northwest corner into Fort Ann. A small stream, called Bond's creek, flows south from Kingsbury into Fort Edward, where it becomes Fort Edward creek. The Champlain canal and the Saratoga and Whitehall railroad traverse the town in a northeasterly course, and nearly pai'allel to each other, along the valley of Wood creek, and the Glen's Falls navigable feeder crosses the southwest corner. The present domain of Kingsbuiy, like that of adjoining towns, was once traversed by the great Indian trails leading from the lakes to the Hudson, over which, for a period whose duration none will ever know, the warriors of the northern and southern tribes piissed and repassed in the ad- vances and retreats of their ceaseless warfare against each otlier, and along whose route, in every mile, from river to lake, the dark pine forest echoed to the whoop and the scalp-yell, long before Abercronibie, or Dieskau, or Mont- calm were born. There is no doubt that the first white man who ever set foot here was Father Isaac Jogues, a French Jesuit, who, in 1642, while on his way from Quebec to a Huron mission in Upper Canada, accompanied by his friends, Goupil and Couture and two other Frenchmen, and escorted by thirty-five Hurons, was captured by a Mohawk war-party and brought by way of Lake George,''' and tlience over the great path, to the Hudson river. A year later he made his escape, but returning afterwards, with the purpose of estab- lishing a mission among the Mohmvks, was most barbarously murdered by them in x\ugust, 1646. Twenty years later came the French expeditions, led by De Courcelles and De Tracey against the Mohawks, in 1665 and 1666, the former numbering five hundred, and the latter eleven hundred men. These and the subsequent raidiugs which culminated in the bloody descent on Schenectady, in 1690, all passed over this * This was the first time this beautiful lake had been seen by Eu- ropeans, and Father Jogues then gave to it the name of Lat dii Si. .Snaruineill. 420 ground, as did also the retaliatory expeditions which marched northward against the Canadian French and Indians, in 1689-91, and that of Nicholson, in 1709. The French leader, Marin, came this way in his descent on Fort Lydius and Saratoga, in 1745, and ten years later commenced the marchings and countermarchings of armies which, under Lyman, and Johnson, and Abercronibie, and Amherst, were almost constantly moving through these forests until the close of the last French war, and which are described at length in their appropriate chronological position in the general history of the county. One of the most exciting of the minor events of that era was the desperate fight which occurred on the 8th of August, 1758. between Majors Putnam and Rogers, with their rangers, on the one hand, and a body of French and Indians, under the celebrated partisan leader, Marin or Molang, on the other. This is believed by some to have occurred in the northeastern part of the town now under consideration, and it is sometimes called the battle of Kings- bury, but the weight of evidence is that it was in the pres- ent town of Fort Ann. It is fully described in the general history.f In the times of which we write, and for many years after, the territory which is now Kingsbury was for the most part covered with a dense growth of the heaviest timber. In the east and northeast portion was a region which, upon a military map made a century and a quarter ago, was desig- nated as open pitch-pine plains ; but in the western part, and particularly along the road between Forts Edward and William Henry, was an unbroken forest of mighty white- pine trees, into whose gloomy shadow the sun's rays seldom penetrated, and in whose dim recesses innumerable deeds of horror and m;issacre were done. In Graydon's " Memoirs" this section is thus described : " Immediately beyond Fort Edward the country assumed a dreary, cheerless aspect. Between this and Lake George, a distance of about twelve miles, it was almost an entire wood, acquiring a deeper gloom, as well from the general prevalence of pines, as from its dark, extended covert being presented to the imagination as an appropriate scene for the treasons, stratagems, and spoils of savage ho.stility. It was in this tract of country that several actions had been fought ; that Baron Dieskau had been defeated, and that American blood had flowed as well as English and French ; in commemoration of which, the terror we attach to the adventitious circumstances which seem to accelerate man's doom had given to a piece of stagnant water near the road the name of ' Bloody Pond.'" But these woods saw darker hours than those of battle. t See page,« 29 and .'10. Residence s? T. M.QROESBECK, KfNqsBURY, /tf. Y. UTH sr L.f.cvKins dCo.rHicioapKM. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YOKK. 421 Through them lay the route over which must pass the trains bringing supplies to the northern armies, and these were constantly attacked and pillaged, the teamsters and escort tortured and massacred, and the very boast.s often maimed and mutilated with inhuman barbarity. Dr. Fitch, in his " Survey of the County of Washington," says, " Al- most every step between the present village of Sandy Hill and the lake thus became tracked with blood, and ' Half- way brook," and ' Blind rock,' and ' Five-mile run' became noted as places of ambuscade, and were always approached by the trembling teamsters with fear and circumspection." Among the numerous tales recounted of murders and mi- raculous escapes in this di.smal place, none awakens a deeper interest than that of the adventure of young John Quacken- boss, of Albany, who had been impressed as a teamster by officers of the quartermaster's department, and ordered to haul a load of supplies to the post at Lake George. He had passed Fort Edward and entered the dark and dreaded forest which lay beyond, when he was ambushed and taken by a large party of savages, who also captured the guard of fifteen soldiers and their officer. Lieutenant McGinnis, who had been detailed to escort the train. The band halted at a spot which is now the public park at Sandy Hill, then merely a partial opening in the surrounding woods, and here the .seventeen unfortunates were seated on the trunk of a fallen tree, and being securely bound, were left in charge of a guard of two or three Indians, while the remainder of the band absented themselves for awhile, per- haps in the hope of securing more victims. After a little time they returned, and at once commenced the slaughter of their prisoners, beginning at one end of the line and sink- ing their tomahawks into the skull of each in quick succes- sion until they reached Lieutenant McGinnis, then the sole survivor except Quackenboss, who, fortunately for himself, occupied the last place at the end of the line. The love of life was strong in the young soldier, and dodging the de- scending tomahawk, he threw himself backward on the ground in a supreme eflFort to break his bonds, but it was all in vain ; a dozen tomahawks whirled in the air, and the soldier's agony was ended. Quackenboss closed his eyes to await the death-blow, when suddenly a squaw, exercising a prerogative which Indian warriors seldom disregard, de- manded that as he was not a fighting man, his life should be spared to become her slave, her dug ! This was at once acceded to, and the teamster, staggering under the enor- mous load of plunder which they piled upon him, but happy in having escaped the tomahawk, started on the weary jour- ney to the Indian villages in Canada, where, upon his arri- val, he was compelled to run the gauntlet, from which ordeal he barely escaped with his life, but was soon restored to health and soundness by the nursing of his red mistress. His captivity became known to the governor of Canada, who then purchased him from the Indians, and brought him to Montreal, where he was employed at his trade, which was that of weaver. His situation had now become endurable, but he was anxious to communicate with his friends at home, his family, and Jane Vicle, his engaged wife, to assure them of his existence. With the consent of the governor he wrote a letter, which was given in charge of a reliable Indian runner, who, coming as near to Fort Edward as he could in safety to himself, fastened it securely to the trunk of a conspicuous tree, and returned to Mon- treal. The letter was discovered and sent to its destination, carrying gladness to those who had mourned a son and a lovei- as dead. After three years of captivity he was sent home by way of Quebec and New York, married Miss Vielo, and settled in the town of Cambridge, where ho passed the remainder of his long life ; but never to the day of his death could be refer without deepest emotion to the horrors which he witnessed on the pine-covered plateau above Fort Edward. PROPRIETORS AND SETTLERS OF KINGSBURY. The "Kingsbury patent," embracing a territory about six and a half miles square, the same which is now compre- hended in the town of Kingsbury, was granted on the 11th of May, 17G2, to James Bradshaw, of New Milford, Conn., and twenty-two associates, mostly from the same State : these being Daniel Taylor, Nathaniel Taylor, Samuel Brown- son, Comfort Star, John Warner, Kent Wright, Abe! Wright, Benjamin Seelye, Preserved Porter, Ebeneuer Seelye, Gideon Noble, Thomas Noble, Partridge Thatcher, Daniel Bostwick, Samuel Canfield, Isaac Hitchcock, John Prindle, Benjamin Wildman, Jonathan Hitchcock, John Hitchcock, Amos Northup, and Israel Camp. Ail these lands, comprising more than twenty-six thousand acres, were divided into lots, numbered — commencing on the south line — from 1 to 93, and the.se were allotted among the several owners, excepting No. 93, — covering the limits of the present corporation of Sandy Hill, — which included the entire river frontage, and on this account was held in common by the patentees. Into this wilderness tract, which was for years known generally as " Bradshaw's township," the first to enter was Bradshaw himself, who came in 1763, and made prepara- tions for settlement, but did not remove his family hither until 1765. The next one who came is supposed to have been Oliver Colvin, Sr., who settled in the north part of the town. The third settler in Kingsbury and the first at Sandy Hill was Albert Baker, who, in the year 1768, came here from New York city, bringing his young wife and their two sons, Albert and Charles, aged respectively three years and three months, locating his humble dwelling upon the site now occupied by the residence of Hiram Allen, near those noble falls of the Hudson which have since borne his name, and upon which he then constructed a short wing-dam (all that was necessary on such a fall) and built a saw-mill, this being the first wheel turned by water- power in the town of Kingsbury.* His son, Caleb, born * Mr. Bulkeley, in his "Leading Industrial Pursuits," etc. (1877), says, Bradsliaw erected the first mill at the falls in 1765 ; that it "was of ancient style, and is describe0, remodeled it, raised it one story, and changed its name to " Park Hotel," and as such it was successively ke]it by T. U. Toole, Peter Dmni.s [arsliali, Melvin Col- vin, Ahnon M. Andrews, Benjamin 1<\ Kent, Dr. Philip Cromwell, John Farr, John Hill, and Benjamin F. Kent (.second appointment), the present incumbent. Tiie village now contains two stores, a blacksmith-shop, a wagon-factory, and about tvvcuty-five families. SMITHS KASIN, a station on the Rensselaer and Saratoga railroad, and a post-village, lies on the Champlain canal, about tive miles northeast from Sandy Hill. The history of this place dates from the opening of the canal, in 1822, when a large store-house was erected by Ezekiel Smith, for whom the village was named, he being then, as since, the principal business man of the place, and proprietor of the first store and public-house. His brother, Israel Smith, was also at one time a merchant there. The post-office was established here in 18-19, with L. C. Holmes as postmaster, since whose term until the present time the office has been held by Hon. George W. L. Smith. The village now contains the rail- load buildings, one hotel, two stores, blacksmith-shop, wagon-shop, and about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. A short distance etist of the village are the extensive lime- kilns owned by John Kenyon, of Glen's Falls, which produce large quantities of lime of the finest quality. duxuam's basi.v, also a station on the railroad and canal, is a cluster of buildings, liardly sufficient to be called a village, containing a hotel and store and accommodations for the building of canal-boats. It is .situated about two miles east of Sandy Hill, and received its name from Daniel Dunham, an early resident of the place. auamsville, a hamlet lying about six miles east of Sandy Hill, on the Hartford line, was formerly a place of considerable trade and importance, containijig a store, a hotel, and several mechanic-shops, but its business is now nearly extinct. The post-office was established here as early as 1827, or earlier, during the administration of John Quincy Adams, and this circumstance gave it its name. The first post- master was Calvin H. Swain. Afterwards Mr. A. Hardin lield the oificeTbl' lUdiTy^'earS, and until his death. MOSS STREET is a rural settlement, situated about half a mile north of the corporation limit of Sandy Hill, on the line of Main street. In former times a public-house was kept for many years in the present residence of D. M. Hyde, and another was kept for a time by Reid Phillij)S. The place has now no business. Its name was given for Deacon John Moss and Captain Isaac Moss, original settlers, whose ashes now rest in its cemetery. Vaughn's corneijs is an agricultural hamlet in the north part of the town, five' miles from Sandy Hill. It was so called for William M. Vaughn* (afterwards of Kingsbury Street), who purchased here in an early day, and opened a tavern and store, which lie continued for several years. There was once a post- office here, with Marcus Vaughn as postmaster ; but it has been discontinued for more than forty years. The place now has no business. langdon's corners is the name given to a prosperous farming neighborhood in the west part of the town, four miles north of Sandj' Hill. CEMETERIES. The oldest place of burial in Kingsbury was the ground now occupied by the Presbyterian church, on the west side of the public park, several soldiers having been buried there in the year 1775. In the following year James Bradshaw and otliers of the proprietors of lot 9o cleared off this spot, with the avowed intention to set it apart as a burial-ground for the inhabitants of the town, and for this purpo.se it was held and used. It was permanently fenced in 1793, and continued to be the principal place of sepulture in this part of the town until it became filled, and the Baker ground was set apart as a cemetery. In 1813 or 1814 the trustees of the village assumed the power to lay out a road across the north end of this ground, to give access to the (then) new bridge across the Hudson. From the track of this road some of the remains were taken up and reinterred in the Baker cemetery, while others were allowed to remain. After the destruction of the bridge by freshet this road was discontinued, and afterwards became the subject of long litigation. Many of the graves were covered by the church, and these have never since been disturbed. One or two head-stones still remain in the rear of the church, and these are all the present indications of the former character of the spot. The Kingsbury cemetery is the second ground in point of antiquity, the first burials there being those of .several soldiers of Burgoyne's army, in 1777. To these several interments of citizens were added, establishing it by custom as a grave-yard ; and on the 4th of April, 1792, Colonel Joseph Caldwell and Israel Mead purchased the ground (about two acres), for thirty pounds, from John Hitchcock. The residents of the vicinity were invited to subscribe this amount, and consecrate the spot as a permanent burial- place. A meeting was held on the 4th of July in that year, and forty-nine citizens subscribed their names, agree- ing to reimburse Caldwell and Mead " in good merchantable wheat" for their outlay. Joseph Caldwell, Collins Hitch- cock, and Micajah Elliott were chosen tru.stecs. On the 9tli of April, 1850, a reorganization was had under the general cemetery law of 1847, and John Newton, Bloomer Underbill, H. 11. Bordwcll, Benjamin Bentley, M. L. Cald- well, and A. F. Hitchcock were chosen trustees. That organization still exists. The present trustees arc George » AVilliain M. Vaughn w.as one of the five sons (the others being Samuel, Asalicl, Whitni.an, and Thomas) of Thom.as Vaughn, Sr., one of the pioneers, who settled about one mile north of Kingsbury Street, where William A. and Caleb Vaughn now live, and was probably the first of the very numerous and substantial family of tha» name who arc now living in the toivn. There were seventeen Vaughns named among (lie l,i.r„l,lc inhabilants of Kingsbury in tl.c year \iZu. EzEKiEL Smith. fJlHS. EZEKi EL Smith. PHCrrOS BY WM. VJMS. FOKT EDWAffO .>, v- '^ ii^>-^' .i- '> 4-'' -Sy" '*.?*tsf <'iS^ j- [VtWTh &Co r^iLA /"A Hotel, Store*. Residence or ezeiciel SMiTH,SMiTHsff>i5iN,W/(jH/N6To«coN) HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 433 U. L'aiifiekl, president ; Wallace Elliott, Saniuol J. Cald- well, N. M. Catlin, 0. Brayton ; A. F. Ilitclicock, secretary and treasurer. The ground is in the village of Kingsbury Street. The Moss Street burial-ground is nearly as old ; the first burial there having been that of an Indian, probably soon after the Revolution. The head-stone may still be seen a few inches above ground, and bearing the letters K. L. The stone of Benjamin Pitcher may also be seen, bearing date of his death, June 15, 1796. The first plat of this ground (one acre and fifty-eight rods) was deeded by Simeon Moss, June 5, 1804, for a considera- tion of sixteen dollars, to Ebenczer Willoughby, Soth Alden, Samuel Phillips, David Cole, Russell Cole, Giles Brownell, Freegift Cole, Abraham Wright, John Moss, Parker Cole, David Conkling, Elias Southworth, John Moss, Jr., Burden Phillips, John Ferris, and Nathaniel Pitcher as trustees, " for the purpose of burying the dead, and for no other use whatsoever but a buryiug-place." About two acres have been since added to the south end, and about an equal area to the west side ; the latter purchased within the last five years from Mrs. Mary Cook. The ground is no longer in charge of trustees. All those who were named in the deed have passed away, and most of them lie within this inclos- ure. The sexton, Mr. Van Schaick, is confident that the total number of interments will ftilly reach one thousand, and among them are many names well known as those of early settlers of Kingsbury. The old " Baker burial-ground," in the south part of Sandy Hill village, was first used as a private interment place for members of the Baker family, probably as early as 1800. It was the property of John, son of Albert Baker, and was by him offered to the public as a cemetery on the condition that it should be well inclosed with a substantial stone wall. It began to be generally used by the public about 1812, when the Bradshaw ground, opposite the green, had become inconveniently full. This in its turn became crowded, and burials within it have been discontinued for many years. The Sandy Hill and Fort Edward Union Cemetery, com- menced in 1847, is, as its name implies, a ground owned by people of both villages, but is located in Fort Edward ; in the history of which town it will be found more fully described. The Harris Cemetery, in the northwest part oi' the town, near Patten's Mills, is an old and well-filled ground, origin- ally taken from the farm of Joshua Harris, one of the early settlers. The King burial-ground, near Langdon's Corners, was laid out by Solomon King upon a portion of his farm. Some lots were sold, and the ground became a cemetery, though not reserved as such in the will of Jlr. King. It is now very little used. ZION CHURCH (episcopal). An Episcopal church was organized in Kingsbury as early as about 1790, the Hitchcock family being promi- nent among its members. They met for occasional services in private houses and in the school-house, and after a few years commenced the erection of a church on the farm of 55 Joseph Adams, a few rods nurtli of the present school- hou.se of district No. 5. It was never completed, probably for lack of funds, but the worshipers often met here in favorable weather during several years.* The church w:is reorganized A.D. 1813, under the title of Zion church. It was a missionary field, and for a number of years there wa.s no settled pastor ; but services, more or less frequent, were held by different missionaries in the court-house. At length, in March, 1840, the Rev. John Alden Spooner was called to the rectorship, and continued in it till September, 1848. In April, 1846, the Rev. Sanuiel B. Bostwick was called as an assistant minister, and suc- ceeded Mr. Spooner in the rector,ship. In April, 1849, preparations began to be made for building a church. An accumulating fund was commenced by means of quarterly offerings in the congregation, and deposits in a savings- bank in Troy. In July, 1851, Mr. James P. Cronkhite, formerly a resident of Sandy Hill, and then a merchant in New York, offered two thousand five hundred dollars towards the project, provided the church should be built 'of stone, furnished with hard wood, and have its seats forever free. The vestry thankfully accepted the generous offer, and additional means were obtained by subscription, and from various sources abroad. The corner-stone was laid May 10, 1853, and the edifice was so far completed during that and the following year that the first service was held in it Sept. 14, 1854. Addi- tions and improvements have since been made, and the church is now a beautiful specimen of rural Gothic church architecture. It is but justice to say that at the completion of the church a debt remained upon it, due to Mr. Cronk- hite. This debt amounted to two thousand two hundred dollars in 1863, when it was generou.sly canceled by Mrs. Cronkhite (then Mrs. James T. Swift), and the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., June 14, 1864. The church has prospered spiritually as well as tempo- rally. From a small missionary station it has become a self-supporting parish, and has sent missionaries to China, the Sandwich Islands, and the Indian Territories. The rectorship continued to be held by Rev. Dr. Bostwick until April, 1877, when he was compelled to resign by reason of long-continued ill health. In September of that year the Rev. Charles T. Whittemore was called to the rectorship, and the parish is now prospering under his pastoral labors. THE KINGSBURY BAPTIST CHURCH. It is probable that Baptist worship was held in the cen- tral part of the town of Kingsbury very soon after the people returned to their desolate homes at the close of the Revolution, and that a church organization was effected about 1790, as we find that as early as 1792 such an organ- ization was in prosperous existence, numbering ninety-three members on its roll, with Rev. Ebenezer Willoughby as pastor. Their earliest worship was in dwellings, and in ,the warm season in barns ; afterwards the school-house was * After a time this buililiug was completed in a rough manner by the town of Kingsbury, and was used for the holding of town-meot- ings from 1814 or earlier to as late as tho year 1824, being then desig- nated as the " Town-House." 434 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. made to do duty as a place of meeting, and about a.d. 1800 a church edifice was built, open to all Christian denomina- tions, upon the place afterwards known as the Throop Bar- ney farm, but then the land of Joseph Adams, who leased the site for the annual rental of one peppercorn, if de- manded. Upon the completion of this church building the wor- ship of the Baptist congregation was held in it, in common with that of other sects, and so continued for many years ; but finally, from their preponderance of members or other cause, it came to be known and regarded not as the union, but as the Baptist meeting-house, and as such was, in 1843, removed to Kingsbury Street, remodeled and re- paired, and has been the house of worship of this church until the present time. Soon after the removal of their edifice the church was formally reorganized under the gen- eral law as at present. The membership is now eighty, and the church is under the pastoral charge of Rev. C. Coon. ADAMSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. A tradition, which extends back nearly or quite a cen- tury, informs us that the first man who commenced a clear- ing for the settlement of his family at the place now known as Adamsville, on raising his axe to fell the first tree, felt moved upon by the Holy Spirit to kneel at its foot and ask God that that place might, in his providence, become one for spreading the gospel net ; a place where God would raise him up a people to serve him ; and that he would there get to himself a great name in the salvation of pre- cious souls. This tradition so far, no doubt, is entirely re- liable ; but who the devoted man of God was who offered this prayer, which has been so abundantly answered, as this history shows, we are not able to decide. Tradition gives the names of two, — Butterfield and Barnes It is most probable it was the latter, who was the father of the first pastor of what is now known as the Adamsville Bap- tist church. The place where this memorable prayer was offered is claimed to be, and probably is, the identical spot where the house of worship occupied by the church now stands. The records of the church, for the first ten years of its existence, are not now extant, but from sources believed to be reliable we gather the following items of history. The church was con.stituted in the year 1795, taking the name of Second Hartford Baptist church, numbering thirty-two • members. Who the constituent members or any of them were, we have no means of determining. The first two years of its existence the church was without a pastor. In 1797, Elder Gamaliel Barnes was called to the pas- torate, and served the church in that capacity three years, or until the year 1800. During the next six years they were without a pastor, the effects of which were visible in the decrease of its numbers, which diminished to twenty- one at the end of the first three years. But in the year 1804 they were permitted to enjoy a revival, which re- sulted in the addition of sixty-seven by baptism. In the year 1806, Calvin, H. Swain, son-in-law of Elder Barnes, was called to the pastorate of the church while a licentiate, and in due time was set apart by ordination to the work of the gospel ministry. The pastoral relation of Elder Swain with the church extended over a period of twenty-six years, from 1806 to 1832. During his ministry a number of revivals are recorded, the most marked of which occurred in the years 1816, 1817, and 1831. In 1813 the church changed its name from " Second Hartford" to "Hartford and Kingsbury," which, in 1827, was again changed to " Adamsville," from the post-office then recently established tliere. A branch of this church, called the south branch, was established at Durkeetown, in Fort Edward, in 1816, and, sixteen years later, having then increased its membership to about ninety, it was in- dependently organized as the Fort Edward Baptist church. About this time a dissension arose upon the question of Freemasonry. Thirty-two of the members, refusing to walk with the church, and being excluded from its fellow- ship, formed a separate organization, under the name of the Hartford and Kingsbury Baptist church, in the fall of 1832. In 1833, Elder Nathaniel Culver served them for a time, and was followed the same year by Archibald Ken- yon, a licentiate, who in April, 1835, was ordained to the ministry. After Mr. Kenyou the church was served by William Carmack, a licentiate, in 1837 ; by Elder William Gonne in 1838 ; Elder D. A. Cobb as pastor for three ' years from 1839 ; and by Orrin Shipman, a licentiate, in 1843. About the time of the division in 1832, Elder Swain re- signed the pastorate of the Adamsville church, removing to the west, and was succeeded by Rev. Norman Fox, who gave half his time to them. He was followed by Elder Archibald Wait, after whom came Elder Levi Scofield, in 1836. On the 20th of February, 1837, the church, in special meeting, " resolved not to sustain preaching longer at Adamsville," and most of the remaining members com- menced attending the South Baptist church, of Hartford, and so continued until 1843, when, during a powerful re- vival, which had commenced the previous autumn, the two churches laid aside and forgot all their old JIasonic differ- ences, and having disbanded both the Adamsville and the Haitford and Kingsbury organizations, became re- united under the name of the Hartford, Kingsbury, and Adamsville Baptist church, and called to its pastorate Elder R. O. Dwyer, who remained with them for three years from April, 1843. In the following year, however, the name of the church was again changed to that which it still retains. Since the close of Elder Dwyer's labors with them the church has been served by Elder E. W. Allen, 1846 to 1848; Elder J. H. Barker for nine years, fi'om 1848 ; William Remington and 0. C. Kirkham, both licentiates, who together supplied the desk for two years; Elder Asahal Brownson, April, 1859, to January, 1861 ; Elder M. P. Forbes for four years, from April, 1861 ; Deacon John Newton, a licentiate from the Kings- bury church, who closed a three years' term of labor here on Nov. 8, 1866 ; and Elder J. H. Barker, who com- menced his second pastorate here April 1, 1868. Although the church is now without a pastor, and regu- lar services are suspended, its organization still exists, and its few members, now not exceeding twenty (less than one- eighth the number it enjoyed in the days of its greatest prosperity), still hold occasional meetings in the old edifice, HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 435 which has been their house of worship for the past sixty- six years. A feature worthy of mention is the unusual number of her sons this church lias given to the work of the gospel ministry. In all, ten, nearly all of whom were young men of promise, who in after-life faithfully devoted themselves to the great work of leading their fellow-men to Christ. The following are among the number: Leonard Fletcher, Joshua Fletcher, Ira Love, Horace T. Love, John Twiss, Philip Slocum, Aurora M. Swain, E. K. Bailey, Anson Brown, and R. C. Green. The church has had sixteen pastors, including both bodies, during their separation. The two longest pastorates together extend over a period of more than forty years, while the average is a fraction less than five years. It has had four revivals, in which the additions by baptism have amounted to more than four hundred and fifty. The first reported in 1804, when sixty-seven were received. The second in 1816 and 1817, during which more than two hundred were added. The third in 1831, when one hun- dred and fifteen received baptism. The fourth in 1843, when some seventy were received. THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT SANDY HILL was constituted in April, 1840, with forty members, — ten male and thirty female ; the services upon the occasion being conducted by Elder William Arthur, of Union vil- lage, who preached the sermon in the Presbyterian church. The first church-meeting was held in the court-house, on the 2d of May, with Elder J. B. Murphy, the first pastor, as moderator, and Barnet Bond as clerk. Since Mr. Mur- phy, the church has been served by the following pastors : Seth Ewers, 1841 ; Solomon Gale, 1842-14 ; B. A. Web- ster, 1845 ; Asa Bronson, 1846 ; W. A. Moore, 1847-49 ; James J. Peck, 1850 ; William Hutchinson, 1851-52 ; J. A. Bullard, 1853-54 (no pastor in 1855) ; B. F. Parshall, 1856-58; John E. Cheshire, 1859-60; D. C. Hughes, 1861-65 ; George Webster, 1866-69 ; and E. R. Sawyer from 1870 to the present time. The succession of deacons has been as follows: John Winchip, James Cheesman, Samuel P. Harris, Ozro M. Bond, Jacob Churchill, Gard- ner M. Baker, Jesse King, R. J. Winship, Charles Harris, Jr., L. W. Croukhite, Loren Allen. The clerks have been as follows: Barnet Bond, 1841-42 ; Otis Churchill, 1843; Henry Tefit, 1844 to 1872 inclusive ; and G. M. Baker, 1873 to the present (March, 1878). Their first house of worship was erected in 1844, at a cost of four thousand dollars, and was dedicated Jan. 7, 1845 ; the services being conducted by Rev. Isaac Wescott. It was afterwards sold to the Catholics, who still occupy it. Their present beautiful edifice was erected in 1872, and was dedicated Dec. 5 in that year; the Rev. Dr. Bridg- man, of Albany, leading the ceremonies. The church is a cruciform structure of brick and limestone, built in the Gothic style of the thirteenth century. The founda- tions, including tower and transept, are sixty-one by one hundred and sixteen feet in dimension ; and the lot, which adjoins the court-house lot, southward, is two hundred and seven feet front by ninety deep. The co.st of the building, including bell, organ, and furniture, was fifty-seven thousand dollars, and it is one of the finest houses of worship in the county. The present membership of the church is two hundred and eighty-three. The Sabbath-school connected with it was organized in April, 1842. It now ein-olls two hundred and ninety-nine teachers and scholars, under the .superintendency of Hiram Allen. Its library contains five hundred and eighty-eight volumes. The moneys contributed by the church for benevolent purposes have been large in amount, and are rather remark- able in the rate of their increase. In 184] the sum raised was $8; in 1872, it was $1761.90; in 1875, $2126.03; in 187C, $1748.82 ; and in 1877, $846.43. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT SANDY HILL. This church was formed by Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong, in September, 1 803 ; the meeting for the purpo.se of organ- ization being held some four miles north of the village, at the house of Captain William Smith, who, with his wife, Thankful, were two of the original members. Two others were Deacon John Moss and Captain Isaac Moss ; and it is supposed that Deacon Thomas Magee, Colonel Joseph Caldwell, and Colonel Matthew Scott were also included in and completed the roll of this feeble church, which was more Congregational than Presbyterian, and was then known by the former designation. For several years they were unable to secure regular preaching, but during that time were served occasionally by Rev. Mr. Willoughby, Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong, Rev. Jonas Coe, of Troy, and others. Their worship being frequently held at the commodious dwelling of Deacon Moss (now occupied by Daniel Hyde), until 1806, when, upon the completion of the court-house, it became their place of meeting in common with other denominations, and so continued to be for more than twenty years. In 1810 this was united with the Queonsbury church, in connection with which it was supplied by Rev. William Boardman, who had first resided at Glen's Falls, but soon after this union removed to Sandy Hill, where a parsonage had been built for him, and remained until September, 1811. During the nine years succeeding his departure the united churches were occasionally supplied by Rev. L. Armstrong, Dr. Coe, Dr. Blatchford, of Lansingburg, Rev. Samuel Tomb, of Salem, Mr. Griswold, Smith, Rev. Mr. Sears, and others. In 1820, the Rev. Ravaud K. Rodgors commenced labor here, and he was ordained pastor of the united churches March 14, 1821. Four elders were ordained in this church Jan. 30, 1820, viz. : Luther Johnson, John Thoma.s, Ed- ward Moss, and Dan. Beaumont. Mr. Rodgei-s remained here until March, 1830, when he was dismissed at his own request, and the pulpit was then supplied a short time by Rev. Edwin Hall, after whom came Rev. Washington Roosevelt, who remained until 1834. From this time until 1839 the church depended on occa- sional supplies, when Rev. Joseph Parry was installed pius- tor June 26, and continued a little more than two years. Then followed Revs. Smith, Stephen Mattoon, James T. Hamlin, and George Van Cleve, the last mentioned re- 486 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ruaining only a few months. The church now langiiLshed, and during the spring of 1846 services were discontinued. Later in that year Rev. Joseph B. Eastman commenced labor here, and remained as stated .supply till 1849. In April, 1848, the church was reorganized, and a new board of trustees chosen, as follows : Orville Clark, Harvey B. Nash, James M. Moss, Lyman Holbrook, Loraness Clark, Henry E. Dibble, Benjamin Ferris, Coolidgc B. Murphy, and A. A. Skinner. Rev. George I. Taylor was installed pastor Nov. 14, 1849, and dismissed Oct. 28, 18.51. Rev. Edward E. Seelye* served as stated supply from Nov. 1, 1851, to Nov. 1, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. Henry F. Hickok, who was installed pastor of this and the Fort Edward church June 15, 1859, and so remained until April 1, 1869. Rev. James E. Platter was installed pastor Sept. 26, 1870, and served until Sept. 17, 1872. Rev. Thomas B. McLeod became pastor March 18, 1873, but left in October, 1874, on account of ill health. The pres- ent pastor, Rev. Edward P. Johnson, commenced labor here in January, 1875, and was installed June 23 in that year. As. has been mentioned, the court-house was their first place of worship in Sandy Hill, and this continued till the erection of their first and present church edifice, on the west side of the public square in the village. The lot was the old burial-ground, laid out in 1785, which had been ofifered as a premium to the denomination which should first erect a hou.se of worship. Acting on this, the pastor. Rev. R. K. Rodgers, started a subscription, and in two days had secured one thousand dollars, with which the work was commenced. The whole cost was over four thousand dollars, which was realized, with an excess of one hundred and forty dollars, from the sale of pews and slips; and so the church was dedicated free of debt Feb. 15, 1827. It was repaired and the interior remodeled in 1860 at an expense of seven hundred and seventy-five dollars. On the 12th of April, 1869, the pews of the church were declared free. The present membership is about one hundred and eighty. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sab- bath-school, under the superintendeney of James M. Ransom. SANFORD's RIDQE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Methodist preaching in a primitive way was commenced in this neighborhood soon after Rev. Lemuel Smith's ap- pointment to Cambridge circuit in 1788. A few years later we find these people enjoying the ministrations of Revs. Billy Hibbard and Henry Ryan, circuit preachens, and about the year 1800 the church was organized, — Daniel Brayton being then preacher in charge, and Rev. John Love- joy presiding elder. Among the multitude of preachers who served here during the succeeding thirty years were Revs. Samuel Howe, Roselle Kelly, Seymour Coleman, Ju- lius Fields, and John B. Stratton, who conducted .services in private houses and barns, and often in the store at Pat- ten's Mills. In 1832 the present church on the Ridge was built, the work being done by Levi Andrews, assisted by Mr. Madison. Its location is just within the town of Kings- bury, on the Queensbury border ; many of the congrega- « Died at Sandy Hill, Aug. 10, 1S64. tion being residents of the last-named town. The present membeiship numbers two hundred and seventeen. Rev. A. Campbell is the preacher in charge. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SANDY HILL. This church was organized in 1825, with thirteen orig- inal members, viz. : Benjamin Clark and wife, Nathaniel Wickes and wife, Jacob Latimer and wife, Seth Smith and wife, George Harvey and wife, Mary M. Lee, Katy Carrier, and Carmi Dibble. It was then included in Poultney dis- trict, and the first preachers who labored here were Revs. Carpenter and Houghtaling, who were succeeded by Revs. Little and Chip; this reaching to the year 1830, since which time the church has been served by successive preachers too numerous to mention. For the first sixteen years of their organized existence their worship was held in the court-house, and in the brick school-house of district No. 16 ; but in 1840 they commenced the erection of their present church edifice, on a lot purchased from John Thomas, and located on the main street of the village. The cost of the building (including lot) was about four thousand dollars, and it was completed and occupied in 1841. In the same year the society was legally organized as the Methodist Episcopal church of Sandy Hill and vi- cinity ; the preachers at that time and immediately following being Reverends Amer, Scoville, and William A. Miller. Their parsonage (previously the residence of Allen Buck) was purchased in 1855 at the price of twelve hundred dollars. The present membership of the church is two hundred and .seventy -eight, under charge of Rev. John W. Quinlan, pastor. The Sabbath-.school, now under the superintendeney of Eber Richards, Esq., enrolls one hundred and thirty-nine teachers and pupils. THE METHODIST EPI.SCOPAL CHURCH AT KINGSBURY STREET was organized in 1853, with about ti'ii members, under Revs. Miner and Benjamin F. Pomoroy. Their meeting's were held for a time in the Baptist church ; but about two years later they purchased a church building of the Pres- byterians in Fort Ann, and removed it in sections upon sleds to a lot in Kingsbury village, donated to them by Misses Lindamira and Fanny Mason, two ladies who al- ways, during their lives, were stanch friends and sup- porters of this church. Miss Fanny Mason, the last of the sisters, who died in the present month (March, 1878), bequeaths an eligible lot for a parsonage. The church is not strong in numbers, its membership being now but thirty-six, and is at present without a pastor. THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH was organized with about twenty members, in 1859, by the Rev. Joseph Parry, who was its first pastor, with Elder Gordon Matthewson as associate. The succeeding pastors have been Elders O. R. Fassett, C. H. Leverton, and A. W. Sibley ; these extending to December, 1875, at which time the present pastor. Rev. Arthur A. Waite, commenced his labors here. Their church edifice, located on Main street, in the south part of the village, was built in 1860, largely by the assistance of Mr. Nelson W. Wait, a prom- M(?s. Joseph ]\ /Harris. Joseph H, Harris. ffESPOENCE OT JOSEPH H . HARRIS .Smith;? SaSiN .WJSHlNGrON Co.N.Y HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 437 inent member. The cost of the building, with the adjoin- ing parsonage, was four thousand dollars. A prayer-room, having a capacity of about one hundred and fifty, was added in 1866, and this was enlarged in 1877 at an additional cost of about four hundred dollars. The membership is now about two hundred. ST. MARY's ROMAN C.\THOLIC CHURCH, SANDY HILL. The church edifice of the English-speaking Catholics at Sandy Hill is situated on Wall street, overlooking the Hud- son. It is substantially and solidly built of cut stone from the Kingsbury quarries, and is in Gothic style. Size of church is forty by sixty feet, with a seating capacity of four hundred. The church lot occupies about one acre, upon which is a parsonage, purchased in 1873. The number of families in charge of the pastor of this church is about two hundred, with a membership of about one thousand souls. The church stands prominently forth as the mother church of Catholicity in Washington, Warren, and Essex counties, having been erected in 18.38. In 1839, Bishop Dubois, of the New York diocese (in which Sandy Hill then was), consecrated the edifice. A few years previous to this date, a number of emigrants from different parts of Ireland settled in the neighborhood of Sandy Hill. They were exclu- sively a hard-working, industrious cla.ss, and were much re- spected for their honesty and fi-ugality. In 1830 their number was so augmented by constant arrivals from the mother country that a congregation was formed, and it was designated as " Christ's Church." The name, however, was retained but a few years, when it was changed to " St. Mary's Church." Several Canadian French resided here, and many of their number attended the services of this con- gregation. Since that time their number has so increased they have provided a church edifice of their own (St. Paul's), sermons and instructions being given in the French tongue. After the formation of the congregation, clergymen from Troy made periodical visits here, among the number being Rev. Fathers Shanahan and Quinn, who held services in the court-house. This temple of justice has been utilized by every denomination in Sandy Hill, before they were numerous enough to build churches of their own. In 1834, the first resident pastor, Rev. John Kelly, S. J., was appointed to Sandy Hill and adjoining missions, com- prising Washington, Warren, and Essex counties. In these missions services were .sometimes held in halls of villages, but principally in the houses of the few families scattered through the farming communities. When the present stone structure was built (which at this writing (1878) is the only one of that material in the diocese of Albany), it was fully adequate to accommodate all the Catholics in the sur- rounding country ; but now, within a cii'cuit of five miles, churches are provided, with a convent and schools. From the year 1840, Rev. Francis Coyle, since deceased, labored zealously for four years. He was followed by Rev. Joseph Guerdet, now pastor of St. John's church, Syracuse, N. Y., who remained but a short time in charge. In 1845, Rev. Andrew Doyle (who is now dead) labored here one year. In 184(1, Kev. Michael Olivetti assumed charge, but a short time afterwards was waylaid and foully murdered, and his body thrown into Lake Champlain, at Port Henry. He was engaged at the time in his missionary duties. Robbery no doubt was the motive of the murder. The perpetrators were unknown, and they were never brought to justice. The organ at present in use in the church was procured by this zealous priest. Rev. John Murphy was next appointed (in 1848). He removed his residence to Glen's Falls, it being more cen- trally located, and having a more numerous congregation. He attended both villages for nearly eighteen years, until 1865, when he resigned. The present pastor of St. Mary's church, Glen's Falls, Rev. James McDermott, was his suc- cessor, and his appointment dated 1865. During the ad- ministration of Father McDermott a stone tower was built, a spire erected, a new slate roof added, and the interior both tastefully and religiously embellished. The present incumbent, Rev. Jcseph F. Leonard, was ap- pointed in 1873, with residence in Sandy Hill. The num- ber of Catholics here so increased that they required a separate pastor, the former pastor (Father McDermott) giving his whole attention to Glen's Falls and vicinity. Rev. J. F. Leonard is a native of Albany, where he was born in 1847. He was educated at St. Bonaventurc's College, Allegany, N. Y., and ordained on June 3, 1871, at the Provincial Seminary, Troy, N. Y. Previous to 1844, Archbishop John Hughes, of New York, held confirmation in the church of those prepared by the missionary priests. After this date, Bishop John Mc- Closkey, of the Albany diocese, performed the ceremony. In 1873, Bishop Francis McNierny, also of Albany, held confirmation here. This section of the State was in the diocese of New York until 1847, when the diocese of Albany was formed, and Sandy Hill included in the same. ST. Paul's church — french catholic. This church was established at Sandy Hill in 1873. Their church building at Park place and River street was the first Baptist house of worship, and was purchased from that denomination for three thousand dollars, to which fif- teen hundred dollars was added in repairs and improve- ments. Their first priest was Rev. G. Huberdault, who was succeeded in 1873 by Father L. N. St. Ange, the present pastor, who resides at Glen's Falls, iis does also their curate, Rev. Father Breserd. The congregation numbers about one hundred and forty families. educational. The earliest school-house in the town of which we have any reliable account was a wooden building of one room, which, in the early years of the present century, stood on the present site of the French Catholic church at Sandy Hill. Josiah Beobe taught in this house before 1810, and it is certain that Stephen Ashley taught there in 1812, as Mrs. General Clark distinctly recollects hearing him an- nounce from his desk the terrifying fact of the declaration of war with Great Britain. Another teacher, who came soon aft<^r, was Luther Wait, father of Judge Wait, of Fort Edward. In 1813 or 1814 a two-.story wooden school-house was 438 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. erected at the head of Academy lane, where the old brick ice-house now stands. This superseded the old house on the brow of the hill, and was by courtesy called " the acad- emy." Among its early teachers were Mr. Adams, Mr. Edgerton, Samuel T. Tanner, and others, who gave good repute to the school. Miss Almira Hart taught the girls' school in the upper room for two years from 1815. She was a sister of Mrs. Willard, afterwards principal of the Troy Seminary. Soon after her installation as teacher a Mrs. Wilcox, who had previously received the offer of the place, but failed to signify her acceptance, appeared and demanded the school, which being refused, she, being .sup- ported in her claims by a portion of the parents, opened a school in the court-house. Quite a warm feeling was thus engendered between the two parties, and this was the first cause of the division of the village into the " upper" and " lower" school districts. After Miss Hart left, in 1817, Miss Sally Martindale became teacher in the upper room. The old " academy" was destroyed by fire about 1820, the accident arising from the use of combustibles in a scientific lecture delivered in the house by Dr. Zina Pitcher, brother of the governor. Upon the destruction of the wooden "academy" a brick school-hou,se was erected on its site, this being the same building before mentioned as still in use as an ice-house at the head of Academy lane. The earliest board of town school commissioners whose names appear upon existing records was composed of H. C. Mar- tindale, Jonathan Bellamy, and Ebenezer Harrington, who, on the 10th of November, 1813, divided the town into twelve school districts,* of which number one included " all the Town plat, Mill lot, and L lot in said town," this being the village of Sandy Hill, which was soon afterwards divided as above noticed. The remuneration of the com- missioners and inspectors of schools was, in 1822, fixed at one dollar per day for time actually employed. The town now embraces sixteen school districts, containing an aggregateof 1513 children of school age; the average daily attendance during the school year ending Sept. 30, 1877, being G74,8£5, and the amount of public-school money re- ceived by the town was $3354.67. The wages paid to teachers in districts outside the village of Sandy Hill ranges from $3.50 to $7 per week. The time taught during the year is usually twenty-eight weeks. THE UNION FREE SCHOOL — PRIVATE SCHOOLS. In October, 1867, certain (jualified voters, resident in each of the adjoining school districts Nos. 1, 13, and 16, which then embraced all the village of Sandy Hill, and some contiguous territory, united in a call for a meeting of the inhabitants, " for the purpo.se of determining, by a vote of such districts, whether an union free school shall be es- tablished therein, in conformity to the provisions of chapter 433 of the laws of 1853." In pursuance of this call, a meeting was held at the court- house in Sandy Hill, Nov. 15, 1867, at which it was de- termined, by a two-thirds vote, to consolidate the three dis- tricts into one, and to establish a union free .school. The iiiiil inik-rmitc l:uiii^' nil' of ilistricts pi board of education then elected for the consolidated district was composed as follows: Loren Allen, D. Mathewsou, Charles Stone, Jr., Eber Richards, G. A. Prescott, Joseph McFarland (2d), William H. Miller, Lyman H. Northup, and Joseph McFarland. On the 13th of December, 1867, the village voted to rai.se twenty-one thousand dollars, in three equal instalments, for the purchase of a site and the building of a union school-house thereon, and an act of Legislature was soon after procured, authorizing the board to issue the bonds of the village for this purpose. Only seven thousand one hundred dollars of bonds were issued, and these have been paid and canceled, excepting sixteen hun- dred dollars. A donation of one thousand dollars was also received from Mrs. Abram Wakeman, of New York city. A lot located at the head of Oak street, containing about three and a half acres, was purchased of Charles Stone, for three thousand dollars, and the present stately brick school- house was erected upon it, at an additional cost of about twenty-three thousand dollars, including furniture and fix- tures. It was completed in 1869, and first occupied by the school in September of that year. William McLaren was employed as the first principal, at a salary of twelve hundred dollars per annum, Miss Teffts as preceptress, at five hundred dollars, and seven subordinate teachers, at eight dollars per week. The academical department was estab- lished in 1871, and the salary of the principal was raised to thirteen hundred dollars. That of the preceptress was raised to seven hundred dollars, and afterwards to one thousand dollars. Prof James H. Durkec, the successor of Prof. McLaren, and the present principal, was ajipointed to the position in September, 1876, at a .salary of twelve hundred dollars, which has now been advanced to thirteen hundred dollars. The preceptress. Miss Mary Trumbull, receives five hundred dollars, and an assistant four hundred and eighty dollars ; the remaining teachers, nine in number, receiving from nine to seven dollars per week. All these are employed in the main building, except one, who t«aches a primary school in the school-house formerly used by old district No. 16. The present board of education is composed as follows: Guy W. Clark, president; E. H. Crocker, L. W. Cronkhite, John H. Derby, John Dwyer, Lyman H. Northup, Eber Richards, Thomas J. Strong, W. B. Baldwin. Private schools have been taught at various periods in the village of Sandy Hill, and some have achieved a marked success ; but none in a greater degree than the classical school taught by Rev. Dr. Bostwick for many years follow- ing his acceptance of the rectorship of Zion church. And recently, since his resignation of the pastorate, the school has been re-opened by him on the same plan. AGRICULTURAL POPULATION. Of the area of the town of Kingsbury, more than five- sixths is now improved land ; this proportion being much greater than is found in most of the towns in this or the adjoining counties. " The Kingsbury Swamp," which has been mentioned for more than a century, and which was formerly considered a waste and worthless tract, has been reclaimed by judicious drainage, and now embraces valuable tilled lands. The soil in the southwest part of the town. ii-'^TOllY OF WAS"- ^rON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 430 between Bond's creek and the Hudson, is sandy; in otlier portions it is a stiff and rather intractable clay, not especially :i(lai)ted to the production of fruits or of strains, exceptiii"' oats, but inferior to none for grazing and dairying purposes, to which industries the attention of the farmers is very generally given. The " Kingsbury Centre Cheese- Factory" is an establi.sh- ment located near the centre of the town, owned by a stock company, and operated under charge of Ey.vn Fuller, general manager. Its patronage is 1 25 cows. This is the only factory in Kingsbury ; the greater part of the dairy product being shipped hence in the form of milk, of which, during the year 1877, there wa.s sent forward by railroad, from Smith's Basin, 284:,040 quarts, and from Durham's Basin station 112,400 quarts; total from stations in Kings- bury, i596,440 quarts. And the reputation of milk sent from here, as from other parts of this county, is .second to none sold in the city markets. The population of Kingsbury in 1840 was 2773; in 1845, 27!)6; in 1850, 3032; in 1855, 3364; in 1860, 3471 ; in 1865, 3751 ; in 1870, 4277; in 1875, 4545; showing a steady and constant increase which is very grati- fying, as it is in marked contrast with the showing of many other towns in this and the adjoining counties. The popu- lation of Sandy Hill in 1855 was 1360 ; in 1865, 1939 ; in 1870, 2350; and in 1875, 2501. MILITAKY. Wm. D. Akiiis, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12:id Uegt., Co. B. Horny S. Akins, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co.D. Charles Allen, enl. Aug. 24, 186], 43d Rcgt., Co. F. Andrew Allen, con>.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:id Kegt., Co. F. Ilcnry H. Bnrnes, musician ; onl. Oct. 12, 1861, 2d Civ. Samuel C. Burton, 2d lieut.; enl. July, 1862, 12:id Rcgt., Co. B. John II. Beach, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. B. Lemuel Buck, onl. Aug. 4, 1863, 123d Kegt., Co. B. N. L. Bailey, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Oiville Branch, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. I'hineas Barber, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Uoswcll Bryant, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. li. Jaraos Bonnett, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. A. J. Blake, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Dennis Bennett, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Lyman Bennett, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Martin Burton, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Alexander Burnett, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Arnold Bullard, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Kugt., Co. B. Charles F. Blakeman, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Wm. Barber, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123d Kegt,, Co. B. Francis Biggart, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. Jay Brown, corp. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 16Uth Kegt., Co. D. Aloxaniler Bell, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. Thomas Brady, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 10911i Kegt., Co. D. Owen Bannon, Corp.; enl. Aug. 7,1862, 123d Kegt., Co. I). Oenrge H. Baker, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. William Bailey, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d l{egt., Co. V. John Barker, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kogt., Co. F. .John Braiuard, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. Cjirnie Buck, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Begt., Co. F. Bernard Carroll, enl. July 23, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Leon Carpenter, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Edward Capron, enl. July 22, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Francis Clark, enl. July 19, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Warren B. Coleman, capt. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, lG9th Kegt., Co. D. Robert 0. Connor, lat lieut. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1SG2, 169th Rogt., Co. I). Denniss Corbett, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. James Crouan, onl. Aug. 10, 1862, lOStli Kegt., Co. D. Dennis (Jlancey, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. Patrick Callon, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 16gth Rogt., Co. D. James Caten, onl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169th Rogt., Co. D. Patrick Connelly, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, la9tli Regt., Co. I). John Connor, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169tli Rogt., Co. D. Thomas Cunningham, onl. Aug. 13, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. Benjamin Criss, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 109th Uegt., Co. D. Cornolius CreigLton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. George B. Culver. Ist lieut. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4.3d Rogl., Co. F. .lames Crawford, onl. Aug. 26, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. John Crockwell, onl. Aug. 26, 1801, 43d Kegl., Co. V. Francis Carpenter, onl. Dec. 26, 1863, 16tli Art., Co. I. Harloy Cusbman, eul. Dec. 23, 1863, IGtIl Art., Co. I. Ini Durkoc, enl. July 22, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. William Donegan, corp. ; cul. Aug. 22, 1862, 169tli Rogt., Co. D. John Daley, onl. Aug. 7, 1862, lG9lli Begt., Co. D. Charles Domain, onl. Aug. 20, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. D. Taylor Durkoc, onl. Aug. 24, 1861, 4:)d Regt., (Jo. F. Peleg Dailey, onl. Doc. 19, 1863, I6th Art., Co. I. Nathan Evans, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169tll Rogt., Co. D. William M. Fuller, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 12:td Kegt., Co. B. Frederick F. French, sergt.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 109th Kegl., Co. D. Daniel Flood, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 159lh Kogt., Co. D. Patrick Farrell, enl. Aug. 8, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. Charles T. Freeman, eul. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. Peter Fish, sergt.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Kegt., Co. F. David T. Gleason, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862,123d Rcgt., Co. B. E. T. Gihnan, musician ; enl. July 24, 1862, 123d Rcgt., Co. B. Jeremiah Gioen, chl. July 20, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. Audrcw Giles, enl. July 22, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. Jabez Green, onl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. Rouben Gleason, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Jerome Green, enl. Aug. 30, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. C. H. Gowin, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 169th Rogl., Co. D. Peter Golaber, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 169lh Rcgt., Co. D. William Gleason, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. Henry Gamble, onl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Rogt., Co. F. Charles Gardiner, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. F. Horace A. Gould, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. Francis Granger, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, -ISd Rcgt., Co. F. William Hale, eul. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. John K. Hamilton, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. John II. Hughes, 2d liout. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 169th Kogt., Co. D. Thomas Hardin, sergt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 109tli Rcgt., Co. D. S. P. Harris, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, lonth Kegt., Co. D. Patrick Holly, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 169th Rogt., Co. D. William Iloag, enl. Aug. 22, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. D. Joseph Hillis, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 169th Kogt., Co. D. Ebenezer Hall, onl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Kegt., Co. D. Francis M. Hummell, sergt. ; onl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Rogt., Co. F. Samuel Hart, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. Harrison B. Hays, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. John G. Henry, onl. Dec. 19, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. Henry C. Hitcheth, enl. Dec. 4, 1863, 16th Art., Co. I. Levi Heath, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. Nowton R. Hays, Corp.; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. B. Willard P. Harris, corp. ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Alonzo Harrington, corp. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Orrin E. Harris, Corp.; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. James Haines, enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Honice Harris, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Hogt., Co. B. Wm. F. Harrington, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. Harlan Harrington, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. George W. Harrington, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 12;!d Rcgt., Co. B. Henry Hill, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Abram W. Haight, onl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Austin Hazloton, onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. J. G. Harrington, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Wm. Hurtley, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, IGth Art., Co. I. George W. Irish, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Elias Ives, enl. Dec. 19, 1803, 16th Art., Co. I. Ezra Ives, onl. Dec. 19, 1863, 10th Art., Co. I. James Johnson, enl. July 24, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. Edward J,ackson, onl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Regt., Co. F. John H. Knapp, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Richard Kearney, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. James Keating, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, lO'JIh Regt., Co. D. William Kavanagh, enl. Aug. 6, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. D. H. S. Kenyon, musiciKu ; onl. Aug. 11, 1862, 169th Rcgt., Co. D. Hugh B. Knickerbocker, sergt. ; eul. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. James Lord, old. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Joseph Lenatli, eul. Aug. 19, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. Dennis Leary, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. Samuel Liddio, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D. David Luce, musician; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. Henry E. Lyon, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4:id Kegl., Co. F. George Lamb, enl. Dec. 19, 1863, loth An., Co. I. Joseph H. Middleton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Thomas A. Morris, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. Gernmnd Moshier, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. Charles Moshier, enl. Aug. 12, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. John H. Middleton, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, Piid Kegt., Co. B. Charics Moore, eid. Ang. 9, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. Wm. Martindalo, onl. Aug. 12, 1802, 12:id Regt., Co. B. 440 inSTORY OF WASIIINGTOIS COUNTY NEW YOPK^- Elias Mead, enl. Aug. 10, 1862, 123d llcgt., Co. IJ. Thomas McCloiuI, enl. Aug. 18, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. B. John Morris, sergt. ; enl. Aug. 7, 18G2, 169tli Regt., Co. D. Barnard MeGuire, corp. ; eul. Aug. 11, 18C2, 109th Uegt., Co. D. Bissell Moore, enl. Aug. 11, 18C2, lC9th Ili'gt., Co. I). Patrick Murphy, onl. Aug. 13, 18(i2, lUBtli Regt., Co. T). Sylvest. James Thomas, enl. Aug. 15, 1802, 109th Kegt, Co. I). Henry Van Yea, enl. Aug. 5, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. B. Henry Van Vranken, eul. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Kegt, Co. B. Charles H. Vaughn, sergt; enl. .A.ug. 11, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. E. A. Vaughn, Corp.; Aug. 11, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. U. George W. Warren, capt.; enl. Jnly, 1862, 123d Regt, Co. B. James C. Warien, 1st lieut ; enl. Jnly, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. B. Joseph Warren, corp, ; eul. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Munson Wheeler, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. B. Joseph White, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Rogt, Co. B. P. C. Wetmore, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Rogt., Co. B. George Whitcomb, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 109th Regt., Co. D, Robert Whilcomb, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 169th Regt, Co. D. John White, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. B. Edgar Whiting, eul. Aug. 14, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. John Wall, enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. D. John W. Wilkinson, 2d lieut, enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt, Co. F. Joseph Woretley, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, 43d Regt., Co. F. Rhoims Walker, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 4;)d Regt, Co. F. . Alfred Welch, enl. Aug. 24, 1801, 43d Kegt., Co. F. Jacob Yarker, July 25, 1862, 123d Kogt., Co. B. COMPANY H, 22D REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.* PromoHotis. Thomas J. Strong, must, as capt., June 6, 1861 ; pro. to maj., March 2;i, 1803, Matthew S. Teller, must, as 2d lieut, June 6, 1801 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Feb. 21, 1863; to capt, May 8, 1863 ; mustered out as capt, June 19, 1863. A. Halleck Ilolbrook, must, as priv., June 6, 1801 ; pro. to sergt., March 1, 1862 ; to 2d lieut.. Fob. 27, 1803 ; to Ist lieut.. May 14, 1863. Wm. A. Pi 1S02 nnst. as 1st lieut., June 6, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct 31, , uinat as 1st ser-t, June 6, ISOl ; pro. to 2d lii orp., Juno 6, 1.S61 ; pro. to Isl sergt. Ma . May 14, gt, .Sept. 1, ISOl. Marshall A. Duere, uinat as 1803. Thomas A. Murphy, must 1863. Kufus Gardiner, must, as 2d sergt, June 0,1861. George B. Bradley, must, as Ist Corp., June 0, 1861 ; pro. ti Darwin I). Gardiner, must as corp. ; pro. to sergt, Jan. 1, 1863. Albert E. Higley, must, as priv., June 0, 1861 ; pro. to sergt., Jan. 1, 1863. Charles H. Rhodes, must as priv., June 6, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., March 1, 1862. Theo. Moss, must. July 3, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., Jan. 1, 1803. All the above mustered out June 19, 1863, except Maj. Thomas J. Stnuig, who was promotetl to colonel in another regiment, and afterwards brevettod brigadier-general. List of Privities mustered out June 19, 1803. Danford Bennett, Wm. H. Bennett, Peter Bolio, Stephens Chapman, .fames W. Chase, Joseph Claffy, Louis Cota, Ira J. Foster, David Frisbie, Ransom Gates, liu/us Galen, Darwin Harris, Wm. Huntley, Patrick Kenney, Ueman Lake, Oberon Lapham, Louis Luther, Patrick Lyons, Michael BIcCall, Edward Montour, Orville H. Moore, Clark Mott, Aug. A. Nelson, As;i Park, Henry Salter, Elisha P. Shill, Clark Simpson, George W Sprague, Wm Stiles, Stephen Sutlierlanil, Eugene Telliet, Hiram Van Tassel, George H. Wager, John Wright, Jacob Yarter. .Ml were mustered June 6, 1861, except Kufus Gates, who wa.-* mustered July 3, ISCl. All mustered out June 19, 1S03. Died. Edward Blanchard, Nov. 14, 1861, fever; Lyman Chamberlain, April 9, 1802, fever, at Bristow Station ; Charles H. Bowen, June 20, 1862, pneu- monia, Washington; James Wythe, killed in battle. Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862 ; Kollin Wyman, killed in battle. Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1802 ; Stephen Podoin, died at Washington, Sept. 3, 1802, of wounds received at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862; Seldeu L.Whitney, killed in battle, South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862 ; George W. Miner, killed iu battle, Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. Trans/erred. John F. Town, must as 1st sergt, June 6, 1861; pro. to sergt.-maj., June 1, 1864, and trans, to non-commissioned staff. David W. Thompson, must, as priv., June 6, 1861 ; pro. to q.-m. sergt, Jnly 1, 1802, and trans, to non-commissioned staff. George S. Blake, must, as priv., Feb. 23, 1802; trans, to 76th Regt, N. Y. Vols., May 28, 1863, by order of Maj.-Gen. Reynolds. List of Officers atid Privates of tfie Saudy Hilt Compauy (i/), as rtwstered June 6, 1801. Captjiin, Thomas J. Strong ; first lieutenant, Wm. A. Piersou; second lieuten- ant, Slatthew S. Teller ; first sergeant, Slai'shall \. Duers ; second ser- geant, Riifus Gardiner; third sergeant, Charles S. Doubleday; fourth sergeant, James Witlierall; first corporal, George B. Bradley; second cor- pi>ral, OrviUe H. Moore; third corporal, Thos. A. Murphy ; fourth corporal, Darwin D. Gardiner; musicians, Louis Elms, Oberou Lapham. Privates, James C. Allen, Danford Bennett, Wm. H. Bennett, Edward Blauchard, Peter Bolio, Charles H. Bowen, Henry Chalk, Lyman Chamberlin, Lo- renzo Chandler, Stephen Chapman, James W. Chase, Joseph Claffy, Tim- othy Connor, Louis Cota, Jerome Crippin, Alex. Dougherty, Dennis Dennehe, Augustus Ferguson, Ira J. Foster, David Frisby, Ransom Gates, Rufus Gates, George R. Goodwin, Darwin Harris, Robert Hermann, Albert E. Higley, A. Halleck Holbrook, Wm. Huntley, Patrick Kenney, Hemau Lake, Merrill Lansing, Patrick Lyons, Louis Luther, Edward Montour, Michael McCall, James McCue, George E. Minor, Clark Mott, -Vngustus A. Nelson, Lorenzo Palmer, .\sa Parks, Stephen Podviu, Chas. H. Rhodes, Randolph Rogers, Henry Salter, George Stevens, Elisha P. Shill, Clark Simpson, George W. Sprague, Wm. Stiles, Stephen Suther- land, David W. Thompson, Alex. Threehonse, Wm. J. Taylor, Eugene Tellier, James Toole, Hiram Van Tassel, Edwin A. Vaughn, Albert A. Weatherwax, Seidell "Whitney, John J. Wright, Roland Wyman, James Wythe, George H. Wagar, Jacob Y^artor. ndy Hill. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. KOSWELL WESTON.f Mr. Weston was born on the 24th of February, 1774, the son of Zachariah Weston, who was a soldier of the Revohition, and who died at Sandy Hill on the 19th No- vember, 1828, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. His wife and the mother of Roswell was a daughter of the Rev. John Lathrop, D.D., of Norwich, Conn. f Prepared by Hon. Jnmos Gibson. •^«T011Y OF AVAS^^" Residence or GEO. WESTON, Sanoy hili,Washinoion co.n Y. tin av L H ivlftTs Spt- !*• J- Condon (who was wounded). Second in command, Lieut. George Lynch, killed on the field. At Fredericksburg one hundred officers and men (full strength) went into action. Fifty of these were hors Jc combat. In the summer of 1863 the 63d Regiment wiis reduced to less than one hundred men fit for duty ; tlie 69th and SSth to about the same number. The War Department ordered these three regiments of the brigade to be con- solidated into a battalion, and the sui)ernumerary officers to be mustered out by an lionorable discharge. The subject of this sketch was among the latter. 446 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Wiis dangerously wounded at Antietam by a rifle ball in the head. Tlio 63d went to the front with nine hundred men, not including recruits received during 1861-03. Lost up to and including the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., three hundred and fifty-one men killed, wounded, and miss- ing. Total casualties of the three original regiment.^, up to and including Gettysburg, Pa., thirteen hundred and fifty- two. Of one hundred and two enlisted men of Co. K ( 63d) who left; Albany, N. Y., for the seat of war in 1861, oulj' ei'yht were present for duty at the consolidation of the brigade (June, 1863); the rcuiainder killed, wounded, and missing. Mr. Dwycr is editor and j)ruprietor of the Sainli/ Hill Herald. JAxMES P. I5UCK was born in Kingsbury tflwnsbip, Washington Co., N. Y., April 2, 1815, the youngest child of Justus and Lovina Buck. His grandfather, wliose name was Justus,~emigrated with two brothers from England and settled in Saybrook, Conn. He moved to Kingsbury, Washington Co., about the year 1790, and died there. His fiither, Justus Buck, married in Kingsbury, Lovina Parks, daughter of James and Molly Parks. Their eiiildrcn were William, Abigail, John, Rosamond, and James P. They were born in Kings- bury, and are all living except Abigail ; all are married, and have raised families. The father died at the age of eighty years, Jan. 6, 1852; the mother at the age of ninety-two, Jan. 13, 1864. James P. worked on his father's farm until his majority. His education was received at the district schools of his native town. At the age of twenty-one he ran a line boat from Whitehall to Albany one season. He married, March 3, 1843, Eliza Ann Brush, daughter of James H. and Eliza Brush, of CharltoT), Saratoga Co. After marriage he hired General Pitcher's farm, near Dunham's Basin. He then bought a farm of sixty acres one mile and a half east of Sandy Hill, still known as the Buck farm. Sold it and bought what is known as the Beach farm, one hundred and seventy-five acres, three miles north of Sandy Hill; built most of the improvenunts thereon, and worked it up to the year 1868. Leaving the conduct of the farm to his son, under con- tract with the State he built the aqueduct at Fort Ed- ward. He had the repair contract for two years of the canal from Glen's Falls to the river, twenty-four miles. He then engaged in the construction of bridges over the canals and creeks of the State. His last work for the State Wiis the construction of the canal-lock on the Glen's Falls feeder, one mile east of Sandy Hill. After closing up his business of bridge-building, Aug. 1, 1877, he engaged in the general hardware business at Sandy Hill in company with Solomon H. Parks, his son-in-law, and has since car- ried on the leading business in that line at Sandy Hill. Leaving his home with only three hundred dollars, 3Ir. Buck, by indefatigable industry, close attention to business, and honorable dealing, has achieved a marked success and accumulated an ample fortune. For ten years he was township assessor. In politics he has beeu identified with the Whig and Republican parties. His children are as follows : Henry, born April 28, 1844, died Feb. 18, 1845; James Orville, born Nov. 1, 1845, married to Mary Mead, and living on the homestead farm ; Ann Elizabeth, born Nov. 1, 1845, wife of Isaiah Miller, farmer in Kingsbury, — one child, Cora Eliza ; Rosamond Lovina, born July 23, 1847, wife of William D. Sherman, farmer in Kingsbury, one son, — James; Laura Josephine, born Sept. 27, 1850, wife of Solomon S. Parks, — one child, Eliza G. ; Caroline Matilda, born March 18, 1854, died IMtirch 1, 1857; Cora Eliza, born Aug. 23, 1856, died 3Iay 13, 1870; Elleu Mary, born Dec. 3, 1859, died June 7, 1867. Mr. Buck married for his scL'ond wife, Oct. 6, 1870, Blilien Pervee, daughter of John JkDougall, of Argyle, atid widow of Anthony Pervee. LOREN ALLEN. Daniel Allen, great-grandfather of this gentleman, was a native of Rhode Island, and lived and died there. His grandfather, John Allen, after marriage to Deborah Palmer, moved from Rhode Island, and settled at an early day in Providence, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where were born to them seven sons and one daughter, only two of whom are still living, viz., Elihu, father of Loren, and Seabury, living in Providence, Saratoga Co. Elihu was born in Providence, March 9, 1805; married Laura Cornell, Oct. 25, 1828, by whom he had five chil- dren, as follows : two died in infancy. Urias C. Allen, born May 31, 1829 ; married Nov. 5, 1856, to Elizabeth Stover, now a resident of New York city. Hiram Allen, born Jan. 14, 1831 ; married Jan. 17, 1856, to Fanny M. Benedict, by whom he had one son, Hiram ; married second time, June 10, 1862, to Helen S. Benedict, sister of first wife. Loren, subject of this sketch. In the first years of his business life Mr. Allen, the father, followed the cabinet and carriage business. In 1846 he built a paper-mill at Stillwater, Saratoga Co. In 1850, in company with Nelson W. Wait, he purchased a paper-mill, at Baker's Falls, of Benjamin Ferris and Albert Bartlett. In 1860 he sold his interest to Wait & Son, since which time he has retired from active business. His wife died Feb. 22, 1861. At the present time he makes his home with his son Loren. The latter was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1833. He received his education in the di-striet schools of Gallo- way, in Stillwater, Glen's Falls, and Rhinebeck Academics, and McLaren's mathematical and classical school at Sandy Hill. For a number of sca.sons he taught school in Albany and Sandy HilL In 1857 he entered into partnership with his brother Hiram, who had built a paper-mill at Baker's Falls in 1862. They enlarged their mill in 1869. They manufocture wall-paper exclusively, and have been very successful in their business. Mr. Allen married, Dec. 25, 1856, Mary Ann Vandenburgh, daughter of Peter and Ann Vandenburgh. She was the youngest of seventeen children, and was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1834. Her grandfather emigrated from \ s ,.' James P Buck . r,AF?M Property or JAMtS BUCK , 5andy /^ill /Vew York HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 447 Holland at an early day. Only two brothers and two half- sisters are living, viz., Jacob L., in Stillwater, S.irato^^a Co. ; James H., in Sandy Hill ; Mrs. Abraham Van Vegliten, and Mrs. Sarah V. Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have children as follows: Mary Ida, born May 30, 1859 ; Chas. L. and Clifford H., twins, born Jan. 31, 1867, all livinijc at homo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Baptist church at Sandy Hill. In politics Mr. Allen is Republican. A careful and prudent manager in his busi- ness, prompt in the fulfillment of his engagements, liberal in all public and benevolent enterprises, Mr. Allen fully deserves the esteem in which he is hold by the community in which he lives. JAMKS McCARTY was born in the town of Hartford, Jan. 6, 1840. He re- ceived a common-school education in that town, where his parents, who were engaged in firming, then resided. He attended school at the North Granville Academy one term in the fall of 1860. When the President of the United States called for five hundred thousand volunteers, MeCarty was attending school at the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, from which institution he volunteered, on the 4tli day of November, 1861, as private in Company E, Ninety-si.\th Regiment of New York Volunteers, then being organized, under Colonel James Fairman, at Platt.sburg, Now York. The officers of the company then being recruited at Fort Edward were Captain Hiram Eldridge, First Lieutenant A. J. Russell, Second Lieutenant James L. Cray. Me- Carty was appointed sergeant, Nov. 22, 1861, and in March, 1862, was assigned to duty as commissary -sergeant of his regiment. Was promoted to second lieutenant, Sept. 25, 1862; to first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, July 17, 1863. In May, 1864, he was assigned to duty on the staff of Brigadier-General Gilnian Marston, as brigade commis.sary. He served on staff duty in different capaci- ties, in the " Army of the James," until the close of the war. Was promoted to the rank of captain, May 15, 1865. He served after the close of the wai' on the staff of Brevet Major-General N. M. Curtis, as assistant adjutant-general in the department of Virginia, and received commission as major by brevet from the President of the United States, and also from the governor of the State, for gallant and meritorious service. Mustered out Feb. 6, 1866. Was married to Miss Mary C. Johnston, of his native town, shortly after. Hj has since given his attention to manufac- turing machinery, and is now manager of the Washington Machine Works at S.indy Hill. JOSEPH H. HARRIS. This gentleman was born in Hartford town.ship, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1826, the eldest son of Ebenezer and Mary S. Harris. Ebenezer S. is the only other child living, a resident of Bennington, Vt. The father and mother were natives of Massachusetts. Tiiey first moved to Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., tlien to Hartford, Wiush- ington Co. The father died in Fort Ann ; the mother in Hoosick, June 20, 1875. Joseph H. Harris, at the age of ten, upon the death of his father, went to live with his uncle, where he remained five years, attending school in winter. He worked out by the month at farming up to the time of his majority. He married, Sept. 14, 1818, Klmira N. Harris, daughter of Jno. L. and Hannah Harris, residents of King.sbury town- ship, Washington Co. Her father w;us a native of Ver- mont, her mother of King.sbury. Mrs. Harris was born May 4, 1828. Elijah Butterfield, her grandfather, was a Revolutionary soldier, and was among the earliest settlers of Kingsbury. Ho came witii his wife on horseback from Lancaster, Mass. Mrs. Harris has in her possession tlie side-saddle upon which her grandmother rode. They have children as follows: Mary S., born Oct. 31, 1854, married to Frank Sheldon, Oct. 9, 1873; Eva H., born Sept. 26, 1860; Ervin W., born Jan. 14, 1867, died Feb. 26, 1867; Alice E., born Feb. 13, 1872, died June 28, 1872. From the time of his marriage Mr. Harris carried on farming in Kingsbury up to 1857, when he moved to Wisconsin, where he bought a farm and carried it on two years. He then returned and bought a farm at Smith's Bu.sin, King.sbnry township, and has resided there since. He built liis present residence — a sketch of which, with portraits of Mr. and Mi-s. Harris, appears on another page of this work — in 1875. PUTNAM. Putnam is the northornmost town of AA'^ashington county, and lios on tlic peninsula between the waters of Lake Champlain and Lake George. It is bounded north by Essex county, soutli by Dresden. The surface is rough, rocky, and mountainous, and divided into three ranges by the valleys of Mill and Charter brooks. The westernmost range rises quite abiuptly from the shore of Lake George, and in some places attains a height of one thousand feet above the lake. The most prominent peak, Anthony's Nose, lies in the north part of the town, just below Blair's bay. It is a bold, rocky promontory, around the base of which Lake George bends sharply to the eastward on its way to the waters of Lake Champlain. The northern point lies partly in Ticonderoga, and is the historical Mount Do- fiance' which had so pi'ominent a part in all the wars of the last century. It rises abruptly from the shores of Lake Champlain, leaving a very narrow strip of land at its base around which a carriage road and the track of the New York and Canada railroad run in close proximity. On the shores of Lake George are two beautiful bays, called re- spectively " Blair's" and " Gull'' bays. These are fre- quently visited by summer tourists, and the lovely waters of the Horicon, abounding with fish of all kinds, furnish ample opportunity for the pursuit of pleasure. In the south part of the town lies Mud pond, a small body of water three hundred feet above Lake George. It is sur- rounded by a wide marsh in which cranberry-bushes flourish. About two-thirds of the surface of this town is rough and rocky. The remaining third is tillable land, and though hard to work is strong and productive. The soil is mostly a hard, gravelly loam intermixed with clay. It is valuable for grazing and grass growing purposes. The eastern range of mountains lies a little back from the shore of Lake Champlain and terminates near Mill bay. The middle range extends in a northeasterly course, and from its summit, just west of Putnam Corners, there is a fine view of the Champlain valley and the Green Mountains. A mine of graphite of a fine quality was opened in the southern part of the town several years ago, and a mill built to prepare it for market. But the veins were too scattering to make the mine profitable, and it was soon abandoned. Putnam comprises an area of nineteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine acres, and has the smallest popu- lation of any town in the county, the census of 1875 showing only six hundred and forty-nine inhabitants. It was formerly a part of Westfield (now Fort Ann), and was erected as a separate town Feb. 28, 1806, and named in honor of General Israel Putnam, some of whose most remarkable military exploits were performed in this vicinity. At that time it also comprised the territory now embraced in the town of Dresden. 448 The first town-meeting was held at the residence of James Burnet, Esq., on the 4th of April, 180(!. The following is a copy of the minutes as recorded in the town- book: " FIRST TOWN-MEETI.\a. "PiTNAM, April -t, 1806. "The freeholders nnd inb.ibitance of the town of Putnam met at the house of .Tames Burnet to bold their first town-meeting, and chose .Tames Burnet moderator: proceeded to business as follows, viz.: Voted, that all aliens and them that are not freeholders shall hold offices if voted in. Chose John Gourly, su])ervisor; George Willey, clerk; Robert Gumming?, Levi Harrington, John Butterfield, asses- sors; William Hutton, Jr., Levi Harrington. Pelatiah Bugby, Jr., commissioners of highways; Levi Harrington, George Easton, over- seers of the poor; Peter Hutton, Levi Harrington, constables; Peter Hutton, collector; Robert Paterson, Robert Cummings, William Hut- ton, Jr., George Record, George Euston, Alexander Corbet, John Butterfield, Frederick Dedrick, overseers of highways; Samuel Rogers, Pelatiah Bubgy, Pr., Obadiah Bleak, George Easton, fence- viewers; James Burnet, Levi Harrington, !Xathan Butterfield, Geo. Easton, pound-keepers. "Horses is not to run on the commons. A seed horse above two years old found out of an enclosure, the owner is fineable of twelve dolers and fifty cents. Kams is not to run from the first of Septem- ber till the tenth of November, or the owner will be fined of two dolers. Hogs not commoners. " By order of the commissioners every person is to work two days on the road from Mr. Clark's to Walch Hollow. "Ne.\t town-meeting to be held at the house of George Willey. " The commissioners divided the town into districts at their meet- ing, as follows : " Dittrict No. 1. — Beginning near James Crage's ; thence soutl. to John Gourly's north line. " DinlricI A'o. 2. — Beginning at John Gourly's north line; thence south to Mr. Bugby's north line. " [Uttrkl Xij. 3. — Beginning at Mr. Bugby's north line ; thence to the house of William Hutton. " Diilrlcl No. i. — Beginning at George Easton's; Ihcnce to the northeast corner of Alexander Corbet's field ; thence from the west end of Alexander Corbet's lane to the west end of James Burnet's " Dixlrict Nn. 5. — Beginning at the northeast end of Alexander Corbet's field ; thence to Mr. Shill's. " Dlatrict No. 6. — Beginning at the mill bay ; thence to Nathan Butterfield's. " DUli-ifl No. 7. — Beginning at Nathan Butterfield's ; thence to Josiah Clark's. " Dhtrict No. 8. — Beginning at John Blair's ; thence to Mr. Bug- by's. " Diatn'cl No. 9. — Beginning at the west enil of Levi Harrington's barn ; thence to the top of the hill south of Mr. Shear's. " Dhtikt No. 10.— Beginning at Gull b.-iy ; thence to Obadiah Bleak's. " JJistricl No. \l. — Beginning at Amos Hiscock's; thence to the road south of Mr. Clark's; thence north to said Clark's. " Dislrict No. 12. — Beginning at or near the house of Cyrus Nel- son, near Lake George; thence southwardly to the house of Judathan Dickson ; and from the house of Isaac Lyman eastwardly to the main path. " Levi HAimiNGTox, "TiMOTHV Rick, - " Amos IIiscock, " Oviirsecre o/ Hiyhwat/a. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YOKK. 449 ■• A[»|>ointenn r/ei-l.-." The following is a list of the proniiiieiit officers of the town from its organization to the present time, as full and accurate as can be obtained, viz. ; AHthony D. Wclcli. Walter Benja George Willev. Supervisors. Town Clerks, ISUO. John (rourly. t>corge Willev. ISO-. '• 1508. " " 1509. '• 1810. " ISll. James Burnet. 1812. 1813. Robert Cummings. 1814. 1815. ISIG. Alex. .MeLauglilin. 1817. 1818. David Congdon. Freeman Clark. 1819. " ■ " " 1820. Ale.\. McLaughlin. George Willev. 1821. David Congdon. 1822. Peter Hutton. 1823. 1821. •■ •• Abel Comstock. 182o. ■' •• •■ " 1826. Robert Easton. Alex. Robertson. 1827. 1828. 182'J. ■' '• George Willey. 1830. Alex. McLaughlin. " 1831. Alex. Robertson. " " 1632. " " Daniel Williamsoi 1833. •• 1834. " ■' James Blair. 183.1. Andrew Mciklejohn. George Willey. 183(3. Robert Wright. 1837. Alex. Robertson. '* " 1838. James Blair. 1839. " 1840. William Hutton. 1841. 1842. William G. Corbet, 1843. 1844. John Wright. 1845. " 1846. John Backus. 1847. Alexander Wiley. 1848. Collectors Peter lluttou. James Easton. William Corbet. Freeman Clark. William Cummings Anthony D. Welch. Peter Hutton. William Patterson. Josiah Clark. Jr. Sam'l J. Woodstock. .Tohn L. Hiscock. Silas Beeclicr. George Easton. Daniel Willi; D. Williamsc Abram Shear. Andrew Williamson. William Hutton. George Willey. " " " Wm. E. Woodstock. " William M. Wiley. William M. Wiley. D. Williamson, Jr. Wm. E. Woodstock. " " William G. Corbet. " " Robert C. Wright. D. Williamson, Jr. James Burnet. '' " 1849. William G. Corbet. James McLaughlin. Robert Williamson. 1850. Robert Paterson, Jr. " " •' •• 1851. " " William G. Corbet. Geo. E. Meiklejohn. 1852. D. Williamson, Jr. •■ " '• 1853. •' " •' •' John McLaughlin. 1854. James McLaughlin. " " 1855. " " George Easton. Thomas li. Wright. 1856. John Gourly. D. Williamson, .fr. J.ihn McLaughlin. 1857. " '• " ••■ Anthony Anderson. 1858. .Tames Leidgerwood. James McLaughlin. " '* 1859. •■ •' D. Williamson, Jr. Thos. W. Cummings. 1860. Henry Beldin. '■ " Wm. M. Cummings. 1861. •• " ■■ •' 1862. A. G. Meiklejohn. Alex. C. Thompson. Elbcrton .Spaulding. 1863. " •• D. Williamson, Jr. 1864. Anthony Anderson. •' '' " " I860. " " ■• •• Thos. B. Cummings. 1866. William McArthur. Wm. McLaughlin,Jr.John S. Cummings. 1867. " " D. Williamson, Jr. Albert Smith. 1868. Arnold Hulett. Chas.W. Williamson. Wm. J. Wright. 1869. ■• •• '• •' George G. Burnet. 1870. Thomas Lilley. ■ " 57 Supoi*vi8ors. Town Clerks. Collecton*. 1871. Thomas Lilley. Chas.W.Williams. n. John Hcst. Jr. 1872. William McArlhur " " .< 1873. Daniel William.son. 1874. Thos. Lcidgerwooi . Erastus 11. Sears. 1875. Robert P. Graham •' Wm. McLaughlin. 1876. " 1877. Henry D. Easton. James E. Hutton. 1878. 1. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1806- ^. .lames Burnet. 1845. Alexander Wiley. 1809- 11. Pelatiah Bugboc. 1840. James Blair. 1814. Alexander McLaughlin. 1847. Wm. Hutton. 1815. James Burnet. 184S. Robert Paterson, Jr. Freeman Clark. 1849. Alexander Wiley. Levi Harrington. 1850. James Blair, f. t. 1SI6. Alanson Clark. Wm. McArthur, v. Wm. Butterlicld. 1851. Wm. Hutton. 1818. James Burnet. 1852. Gustavus A. Goodrich. Wm. Butterlield. 1853. Wm. MeArthnr. 1819. David Congdon. 1854. John Wright. 1820. Alexander McLaughlin. 1855. Wm. McLaughlin. 1821. James Burnet. 1856. Gustavus .\. Goodrich. Alexander McLaughlin. 1857. Wm. McArthur. Robert Easton. 1858. John Wrighl. 1827. Alexander McLaughlin. 1859. Wm. G. Corbet. Robert Easton. 1860. Gustavus A. Goodrich, f. t James Blair. Arnold Hulett, v. . Anthony D. Welch. 1801. Robert R. Hutton, f. t. 1828. Abel Comstock. Wm. Graham, v. 1829. Robert Easton. 1862. Thomas Lilley. 1830. James Blair. 186.3. Arnold Hulett. 1831 Anthony D. Welch. 1864 Wm. McArthur. 1832 Abel Comstock. 1865 Wm. G. Corbet. 1833 Alexander McLaughlin. 18G6 Thomas Lilley. 1834 James Blair, f. t. 1867 Arnold Hulett. Robert Wright, v. 1868 AVm. McArthur, f. t. 1835 Anthony D. Welch, f. t. James Shear, v. Andrew Mciklejohn, v. 1869 Thomas Leidgerwood. 1836 George Willey. 1870 Thomas Lilley, f. t. 1837 James Cummings. Wm. Hutton, v. 1838 Alexander Wiley, f. t. 1871 Ezra Roberts. Jasper .Shear, v. 1872 Arnohl Hulett. 1839 Robert Paterson, Jr. 1873 Wm. Hutton. 1840 -41. Alexander Robertson. 1874 Thomas Lilley. 1842 .James Blair, f. t. 1875 David L. Butler. Daniel McLaughlin, v. 1876 Arnold Hulett. 1843 Wm. Uutton. 1877 Wm. Hutton. 1844 Alex. Robertson, f. t. Jasper Shear, v. 1878 H. D. Easton. The territory of this town was composed of two tracts known respectively as " Turner's Patent" and " Hutton .s Bush." The former lay in the western half of the town, and the latter in the eastern part. This land was originally granted to soldiers of the provincial troops who participated in the French and Indian wars. The eastern tract came into the possession of one Hodgson, who came to this country to examine the land, and, returning to Paisley, Scotland, sold the tract to " William Hutton & Co." This firm was composed of three individuals, but two of them became discouraged and abandoned their claims. The third, Wm. Hutton, came on to occupy the land, and lived for a few years at Whitehall before actually settling on this tract. Some few years after, John Williams claimed the land by virtue of an alleged purchase from Alexander Turner, and sought to enforce bis claims to tlie title through the courts. Hutton resolved to contest the claim, and employed a lawyer named Dickinson, residing at Lansiugburg, to defend the 450 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. NEW YORK. suit. It was never brought to trial, the plaintiff withdrawing the suit. Hutton paid his hiwyer in land, and they em- ployed a man to survey the tract and lay it out in lots. His name was William Cockburii. After the survey was com- pleted, in 1801, the tract was divided nearly equally among the three, Cockburn taking the southern, Hutton the cen- tral, and Dickinson the northern parts. The first settlement was made near the centre of the town by Joseph Haskins, a squatter, who built a log house on lot 22, near the site of the present residence of George G. Burnet. He afterwards acquired a title by purchase from William Hutton about 1786. He first came, possibly, as early as 1782. The next settler was William Hutton, in 1784, followed by George Easton,in 1785, and several others soon after, a list of whose names will be found elsewhere. We give a brief sketch of some of the earlier settlors who had the courage to dare the dangers of pioneer life in this rocky fastness of northern New York. They were, almost with- out exception, natives of Scotland, and prepared by their life iu the highlands to enjoy their homes in this some- what similar region. First and most prominent was William Hutton, with his family of three sons and five daughters, all of whom settled here. He selected a situation on the shore of Lake Cham- plain, about a mile and a half north of Mill bay, and, as the title to the lands was in dispute, in order to secure his dwelling in any event, built it beyond high-water mark over the lake. This was called the ■' big house," and was ap- proached from the shore by a broad platform. He after- wards built another dwelling near the present residence of his grand.sou and namesake, William Hutton, Esq. Of his sons, Peter settled on the one hundred acres next north of his fathers, where Robert R. Hutton now lives, and all of the name now residing in Putnam are descendants of Peter. William, Jr., lived with his father and worked the home- stead farm. While crossing Lake Champlain on the ice, the team broke through and he was drowned. John settled on the place now occupied by John Gourlie. About the year 1800 he sold to John Gourlie, an uncle of the present occupant. The daughters all married citizens of Putnam. Some of them were married before coming to America. At one time, while the title to the land was in dispute, a man named Lytle came and claimed a part of the tract by virtue of purchase from some other alleged owner. One day, when all the men of the family were absent from home, he made himself more than usually obnoxious, and finally two of the girls (one of whom was afterwards Mrs. Robert Cummings) told him that unless he would agree to leave the country and cease his annoying persecutions they would " duck ' him in the lake. As he refused, they, true to their promise, seized him, and, despite his frantic strug- gles, plunged him beneath the water. As he came above the surface, they asked him for his promise, and, as he re- fused, put him under again. He came up the second time, and was once more interrogated as to his willingness to leave. He refused, and again he was depressed below the rippling water, and held down as long as a due regard for the sanctity of human life would allow. A third time he came up dripping from his involuntary bath, and was asked if he would leave. Reluctant to consent, he said, " No ;" but, as he began to sink, cried out, " You won't drown me, will you ?" He was informed that he must go or take the consequences, and thereupon signified his assent to the terms and was released. He speedily vanished from the scene of his humiliating defeat, and never reappeared- William Hutton's wife was also a good representative of the plucky and fearless nature of these Scotch pioneers. While livmg in Whitehall, during the Revolutionary war, a foraging party of British soldiers attempted to break into the barn- yard and drive off the cattle, but were met by this brave woman, who, armed with an old flint-lock musket, coolly informed them that they could only reach the bars over her body. Struck by her brave demeanor, they gal- lantly, but perhaps ingloriously, retreated from the field, leaving her in undisputed posses.sion of the stock she had so courageously defended. Robert Cummings was a re.sident of Cambridge previous to the Revolution, and though too young to regularly enlist as a soldier, attached himself to the army as an officer's servant. At the close of the war he returned to Cam- bridge, and about the year 1789 married Hannah Hutton, who was visilitig friends in that town. Soon after they came to Putnam, and settled on lands given them by William Hutton, on lot 19 of the tract. The place is now occupied by a grand.son, James L. Cummings. Robert Cummings built the first saw-mill in town, in 1802. It was located on Mill brook, about one mile from Lake Champlain. This mill was long known as the '' Angel Mill,'' though what gave it this name is a mystery we are unable to solve. It stood on the north side of the stream, and was carried off by a freshet. In 1837, William and Robert Hutton erected a grist-mill on the same site. This mill was burned in the spring of 1876. The first grist-mill in town was built on the south side of the stream, in the year 1814, by Abel Comstock. Robert Cummings had a fiimily of thiee sons and three daughters, none of whom are now living. Several of his grandchildren reside in the town. George Easton came from Cambridge to Putnam in 1785. A short time after, he married JIargaret, the youngest daughter of William Hutton, and settled on the place now occupied by P. W. Hutton. Mrs. Elizabeth Meiklejohn is the youngest and only surviving child. She is upwards of eighty-three years old. Several grandchildren, among them George Easton, still live in the town. Alexander Corbet was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and came to America in 1795, landing in New York on the third of October. He had, previous to his emigrating to this country, married Agnes Hutton, and soon after landing in New Y'ork came on to Putnam and settled in the valley where the village of Putnam now stands. Alexander Cor- bet, Jr., was born on the voyage from Greenock, iu 1795. Arriving at the age of twenty-one years, he attended an election, and offering his vote was challenged on the ground that he was not naturalized. He claimed that being born on the high seas this was unnecessary, and his vote was received. Alexander McLaughlin was a native of the Scottish highlands, and came to this country while a young man. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 451 He married Anne, a daughter of Alexander Corbet, in September, 1805. He bought lots 43 and 44, containing one hundred and ninety-eight and one-quarter acres, of William Cockburn, in 1804, giving him four hundred and ninety-five dollars and sixty-two cents, or a little less than two dollars and fifty cents per acre. He became ((uite prominent in town affairs, was four times supervisor, and held numerous other oflnces. One of his sons, James McLaughlin, now lives on the homestead. While building the stone house, this gentleman, then a boy of thirteen or fourteen, was working alone at the foot of the mountain, getting out stone for the building, when he saw two wolves come to the brow of the cliff above him. He heard one of them coming down the hill to the north, and thinking it was a question of life or death, he plunged through the snow in the direction of his home at the top of his speed. As he neared the house, the footsteps of his pursuers came closer and closer until, as he reached the door and sprang through its protecting portals, he cast an anxious look backward, and saw a large — deer dash through the yard in full flight. James Burnet was a gardener at Paisley, Scotland, and, emigrating to America, bought a piece of land in what is now the central part of New York city, and worked at his trade for several years. He finally disposed of his property there, and upon the recommendation of his uncle, William Button, decided to settle in Putnam. He purchased the land formerly occupied by Joseph Ha.skins, in 1804. He was a man of great energy and good business ability, and possessed of a commendable public spirit, which led to his becoming prominent in all public enterprises. In 1808 he contracted to open up the " State road" through the town, which he did with dispatch and credit. He was the first justice of the peace appointed in the town, and held that office for some twenty years. He was mainly instrumental in getting the first post-ofBce established here about 1808 or 1810, and was the first postmaster. He was succeeded in this office by his son George. James Burnet married in Scotland, and he had a family of two sons and four daughters. The youngest of these, Mrs. Helen Bullard, is still living. She resides in Wyoming Co., N. Y. Some of his grandchildren still live in Putnam, one of them, George G. Burnet, occupying the homestead. John Gourlie* came from Scotland about 1788 and worked in New York city at gardening and distilling until about 1800, when he came to Putnam and settled on lot 18 of the Hutton tract. His house stood a little north of the present residence of his nephew, John Gourlie, and nearer the lake shore. He was the first supervisor of the town, and held the office five successive years. He was married, but had no children. Robert Paterson lived in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and was three years a sailor on a voyage to China. Re- turning, he came to New York for a short time and then to Putnam, married a Widow Graham, and settled on the place now occupied by his only son, Robert Paterson. He taught the first school kept in town in the winter of 1803-4. ' Also spelled Gourly. It was held in the log house built by Joseph Haskins on the Burnet place. Pelatiah Bugbee was an early settler on the place now occupied by David Cummings. He was the second justice of the peace appointed in the town, and held several other town offices. The other early settlers previous to 1803 we give below, together with the names of the present occupants of the places where they lived : William Jones, now D. Ray Williamson. George Willey, now George W. Thompson ( Willey was the first town clerk, serving twenty-five years in that capacity^. James McArthur, now Mrs. William McArthur. Goodspeed, on Goodspeed's point. Luther Gaut, now Simon Cramond. Fuller, now William B. McLaughlin. All of the above were in " Hutton's Bush." The fol- lowing were in the west or hill settlement : George Rickert, now Isaac Graham. Aaron Backus, now Henry D. Easton. Christopher Burgess, now Henry D. Easton. Levi Harrington, now John Lilley. Asahel Harrington, now Thomas Lilley. Abiathar Odell, now Thomas Lilley. Samuel Rogers, now .James Smith. Philo Rogers, now James Smith. Samuel McCarl, now James Smith. Dyer Perry, now William JI. Cummings. Jonas Odell, now Charles Lyon (at Blair's bay ). The south settlement was composed of the following- named persons : Josiah Clark, now Edwin Peabody. Leman Bunce, now William Anderson. Frederick Dedrick, now Ezra Roberts. John Hale, now John A. Easton. Luke Welch, now John A. Easton. Ephraim Case, now R. and J. Simi)Son. Peleg Durfee, now Michael Glannery. John Butterfield, now J. G. Williamson. John Hale, Jr., now Nicholas Flannery (at Gull bay). Ords B. Johnson, now Daniel Williamson. Black Point, on Lake George, in the extreme north part of the town, is supposed to have received its name from the legend that it was first settled by black people at a very early day. Tradition says it was owned by one Prince Taylor, more commonly known as " Black Prince." Six-Mile Point, on Lake Champlain, is genei'ally known as " Negro Point." It received this name from the fact that a negro employed on one of the lake craft died of smallpox, and was buried on this point. Putnam Academy was built in 1854, at a cost of one thousand dollars. This amount was divided int^) fifty-dol- lar shares, and they were owned by Daniel Williamson, Solomon French, George E. Meiklejohu, George Easton, William G. Corbet, Samuel W. Haynes, William B. McLaughlin, William Graham, James L. Cummings. Alexander AViley, Thomas Lilley, James McLaughlin, William Shiells, Robert Ilutton, Robert Ea.ston, John Backus, Rev. Isaac Law, James Blair, William Hutton, and Robert Paterson. 452 HISTOllV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. The land on which it stands was donated by George Easton. The teachers, in tlie order of their service, were Joseph McKirahan, Joseph Shortledge, Josepli Thyme, Andrew Cole, John Fisher, J. Q. A. Dickinson, John Dobbin, William J. Smith, Miss Boudry, Mary A. McLauijhlin, Jane Easton, Slargaret Easton, Judith Perry, and Mrs. Jane A. Corbet, the present principal. THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF PUTNAM. This church was an outgrowth of the Baptist church of Benson, Vt., which was organized previous to 1817 by Rev. Abel Wood. In 1820, while under the pastoral care of Elder John S. Carter, a wonderful revival of religion was experienced, which extended across the lake, and many converts were made in the town of Putnam. Soon after this Elder Carter became exercised in mind upon some of the doctrines of the church and was disciplined. Meantime, at two meetings held in Benson, Vt., April 6, and in Put- nam, April 7, 1823, a church was organized by Elder Syl- vester Robinson, assisted by Elder John S. Carter and Deacon Gideon Carter. Twenty-eight members composed this church, among them being Gideon Carter, Joanna Carter, John S. Carter, John C. Woodstock, Daniel Carter, Jared Carter, Samuel Fish, Stephen A. Fish, Levi Fish, John Backus, Hiram Congdon, Hannibal Cougdon, Isaac Congdon, Abraham Shear, William Woodstock, Simeon Bugbee, Oatman Fish, Levi Fish (2d), Joseph Congdon, Anthony D. Welch, John Shear, Willard Woodstock, Ruah Morton, Jerusha Carter, Clarissa Carter, Highly Carter, Almira Fish, and Nancy Dedrick. Upon the organization of this societ\'. Elder John S. Carter was called to the charge of the church, and upon conviction of holding false doctrines by the Baptist denom- ination, he was sustained by this church. He and they embraced the doctrines and connected themselves with the Free-Will Baptist denomination. Elder Carter con- tinued to act as pastor until 1825, when he was succeeded by Abraham Shear. In the spring of 1832 the church sent a committee to Vermont, with teams, to move Elder Carter and family to Putnam, and while they were on the way he embraced the Mormon faith, and, as the records say, " leaving the church, after all its exijcnditure and trouble, without a pastor." The pastors of the church since Elder Shear have been Revs. Leland Huntley, Charles Bowles, William P. Chase, Samuel Hart, S. D. Keniston, A. Kilborne, B. S. Baxter, Henry Belden, Harvey, Loren E. Bixbj", Joshua Tucker, Joseph Bruce, Peleg Fuller, Frederick H. Part- ridge, W. A. Nealy, and the present pastor. Rev. R. H. Tozer. Of these, William P. Chase, A. Kilborne, and F. II. Partridge were twice pastors of this church, and Henry Belden four times. Besides these regular preachers, occa- sional ministerial labor has been perfermed by Gideon Carter, James Rickert, Daniel Jackson, and others. In 1823 the church connected itself with the HuntiTigton quarterly meeting, in 1825 with the Rutland quarterly meeting, and at a subsequent date to the Lake George quarterly meeting, of which ecclesiastical body it is still a member. This church has had more of the vicissitudes and trials of existence than usually fidls to the lot of churches. Periods of unusual prosperity have been eventually suc- ceeded by con-esponding periods of depression. This in turn would again give way to another period of growth. During a sea.son of revival interest, in 1831, Rev. Charles Bowles, a colored minister, baptized fourteen converts at one time in Lake George. In 1840 a successful protracted meeting was held by Elders S. D. Keniston, L. E. Bixby, and J. E. Davis, which resulted in thirty-five additions to the church. Other revivals were had in 1823 and 1852. In 1843, Elder B. S. Baxter began to preach Adventist or " Millerite" doctrines. This created considerable excite- ment for a time, but was eventually combated and over- come by the efforts of Deacon John Backus and others. The society was incorporated in 1860. The church edi- fice was erected in 1841, on the present lot, at a cost of six hundred and fifty dollars. It is a neat building, twenty -six by thirty-six feet in size, and furnishes sittings for one hun- dred and eighty people. It was dedicated Oct. 3, 1841. In 1875-76 the church was repaired, newly furnished with pews, and fitted with inside blinds given by Messrs. Albert Crampton and Emerson Belden, of Troy. It is also pro- vided with an organ, and presents a very creditable appear- ance, comparing favorably with the most of country churches. In 1858 a parsonage was built on lands leased of Deacon John Backus, the cost of which is not recorded. The com- mittee having charge of the erection were Hiram Burgess, John Backus, and Arnold Hulett. Rev. A. Kilborne, while pastor of the church in May, 1844, succeeded after many efforts in having a temperance pledge made one of the articles of the covenant. The present membership of the church is seventy-two. The present officers of the church are as follows, viz. : trustees, James Backus, Arnold Hulett, A. 0. Clemens; deacons. James Backus, Hiram Congdon, Nathaniel King ; clerk, Edwin Peabody. The present valuation of the entire church property is about two thousand five hundred dollars. The first Sabbath-school was formed in 1843, with three teachers and twenty scholars. The school now hiis an aver- age attendance of from forty-five to fifty scholars, and is prospering under the superintendence of Rev. R. H. Tozer. THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PUTNAM, N. Y. It is supposed, though not absolutely known, that the earliest public preaching in the town of Putnam was held about the years 1798-99. No church organization was effected until the year 1803, when, under the direction and authority of the associate presbytery of Cambridge, a meet- ing was held at the " big house" owned by William Hut- ton, and standing on the west shore of Lake Champlain. about a mile east of the present church site. This meeting was conducted by a committee of presbytery, Revs. Archi- bald White and Robert Lange. A church Wiis organized composed of the followinsj members, seventeen in all, viz. : William Hutton, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. William Hutton, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John Gourlie, Mr. and Mrs. George Easton, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Corbet, Mr. and Mrs. Robert IIISTOUY OK WASHINGTON COUNTV, NEW YORK. 458 Cumniings, 5Ir. and Mrs. Goorue Willey, Mr. and Mrs. John Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. William J^iiiell, and Alex- ander i\IcLauj,diliii. All, or n(n\rly all, of these persou.s were natives iif Seothmd, who came from tiie mother coun- try and to this locality mainly throuj;li the influence of William Button, Sr., who was the ori>;;inal purchaser of the eastern part of the town. At this first meeting, John Gourlie, William Shiell, and Alexander McLaughlin were chosen elders of the congre- gation. For several years the preaching was irregular. In the fall of 1819 they had regular preaching and a settled pastor. These were yoar.s of struggle and trial, but Scotch perseverance, under God's blessing, preserved the churcli and brought it to success and assured prosperity. For the seventy-four years of its existence tlie church has been ministered to by five difterent pastors, oi' whom a brief notice will be appropriate. The first, Rev. James Miller, was a native of Scotland, and obtained his theological education in that country. He came to America in 1818. and united himself by letter with the associate presbytery of Cambridge. The meeting at which he was called to the pastorate was presided over by John Gourlie. John Gourlie and Alexander McLaughlin were the committee to present the call to presbytery. At the same meeting the anuual salary was fixed at four hun- dred dollars, a free house and garden, keeping for a cow, and firewood. Nov. 4, 1819, Mr. Miller was installed as pastor. He remained in this capacity till some time in 1825. The second pivstor was Rev. Alexander Gordon, who was born in Montrose, Scotland, in 1789. His education was obtained in the Latin school at Montrose and the University of Edinburgh. He joined the presbytery of Edinburgh in 1813, and was licensed to preach the gospel, June 25, 1817, by the synod at Howgate. Sailing from Leith, July 2(1. 1817, he landed in New York, September 27. He preached during the next eleven years at Kingston, York Co., Pa. ; in North and South Carolina; at Baltimore, Md. ; and at various places within the bounds of tile presbytery of Cam- bridge. July 2, 1828, he was installed as pastor of this church, and ministered to its people until Aug. 8, 1842, when the relation was dissolved, and he removed to John.s- town, Fulton county, where he died Aug. 20, 1845. The tliird pastor was Rev. Isaac Law, a native of Salem, N. Y., who was educated at Union College and the theo- logical .seminary at Canoiisburg, Pa. He was installed pastor Oct. 7, 1847, and labored until his death, which occurred Jan. 28, 1861. The cougregatiou held a meeting soon after, at which resolutions of respect and .sympathy were adopted. Ou the 6th of July, 1862, the fourth pastor of this church was installed. Rev. Thomas Lawrence, who remained four years, aud then went to Europe to continue liis studies in the Bonn University. The fifth and present pastor. Rev. Samuel Bigger, was installed on the 5th of July, 1867. He is a graduate of Westminster College and the theological seminaries of Xenia, Ohio, and Monmouth, 111. Licensed to preach the gospel in 1866, he was ordained in October, 1868. by the presbytery of Argyle. At the ordination Rev. J. H. An- drews presided, Rev. J. R. Fisher preached the sermon. Rev. J. C. Forsyth delivered the address to the pastor, and Rev. Henry Gordon the address to the people. From the first membership of eighteen, the church has steadily increased in numbers until now (1878) the mem- bership is one hundred and forty-two. The present dthcei-s are John Hennessy, George W. Thomp.son, William Graham, John T. Graham, William Gourlie. and John Best, trustees; Robert Simpson, James McLaughlin, William G. Corbet, John Gourlie, Thomas Leidgerwood. John Lilley, John Simpson, John Graham, William B. McLaughlin, elders; William (Jraham, John Hennessy, Thomas Lilley, deacons. The other members who have been ruling elders arc Adam Darling, John W. Graham, Robert Shiell. Joseph Thompson, James Burnet, James Cummiiigs, and William Anderson. At those times when the chiinh was without a pastor the pulpit was su]>plied by the presbytery. Among those who preached during the infancy of the churcii were Revs. Arcliiliald White, Robert Lange, Peter Bullions. Alexander Bullious, and Rev. Mr. Shaw, all noble men, eminent in ability and worth . The first church edifice was commenced in 18t)6,bul was not completed until 1817. It was a frame building, tweuty- four by thirty-two, fourteen-foot posts, and cost the sum of three hundred and forty-nine dollars. Two hundred and twenty-three dollars of this amount was raised by subscrip- tion among the members of the congregation, and the rest (one hundred and twenty-six dollars) was donated by friends in New Y'ork. This building stood on the site of the j)resent burial-ground, a few rods southeast of the pres- ent church. In 1838 a second church building was erected on the same site. It was built of brick, and was a low building. The cost of its construction is not known. In 1 857 the present churcli was built, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. It is a fine-looking and substantial building, with a handsome spire, and the inner walls tastily frescoed. It stands to-day just as it was built, with the ex- ception that the high, unsightly, and uncomfortable pulpit has been replaced by a modern platform and desk that add much to the appearance of the church. A Sabbath-school has been connected with the church for many years, and has at present an average attendance of about fifty. William B. McLaughlin is superintendent, and William Cummiugs, secretary. The following list gives the names of the soldiers from this town in the War of 1861-65 : Aloiaudcr Anderson, 1st lieut.; oiil. July 28, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; pro. capt., Feb. 11, 1863 ; disch. June 8, 1865. William Anderson, Jr., enl. March 20, 1864, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 15, 1864. Jarius D. Backus, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. with the regiment, June 8, 1865. Levi A. Belden, enl. Aug. 2, 1862, 12.(d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. with the regiment, June 8, 1863. George W. nlair, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1863 ; died of fevei-,Fob. 2.1, 1863, at Washington, D. C. Andrew E. Benson, enl. Aug.1l, 1862, 123d R«gt., Co. D ; disch. with the regi- ment, June 8, 186r>. James F. Burnett, enl. 1861, 44th Kegt., Co. C; died of disease, at Windmill Point, Va., Jan. 2.3, 186:i. Andrew J. Blanchard, enl. Sept. 1, 1861, 87tli Begt, Co. A; dismissed; since died. Benjamin F. Blanchard, enl. Nov. 23, 1861, 1st Md. Cav., Co. H; pro. Corp.; disch. Bee. 3, 1864. Wm, C. Blanchard, enl. Solit. 1, 1«G1, 87th Kegt., fto. A ; pro. sergt.; disch. at close of tlie war. 454 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Jumes L. CummingB, «ergt. ; pnl. Aug. 8, 1802, 123d Kegt., Co. D ; died. May 27, 1864, of wounds received at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. .fohii S. Cunimings, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. D; disch. with the regi- ment, June 8, 1863. Robert I. Cuinmings, corp. ; onl. July 30. 1862, 123d Begt., d. D ; absent from regiment since July 17, 1864. Joseph H. Congdon, eril. Aug. 2, 1882, 123J Kegt., Co. U; disch. with the regi- ment, June 8. 1863. Wni. 0. Corbet, enl. Sept. 12, 1861, 87th Kegt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Kegt.; served through the war from Yorktown to Petersburg ; once wounded and once a prisuner; disch. 1865. William Craig, enl. 1861, 44th Begt., Co. A; died of wounds at general hospital, Washington, D. C. Ruthven W. Craig, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 3d Cav., Co. L; disch. in Massachusetts. Peter Ci-aniond, enl. Sept. 8, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. George K. Corbet, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, 76th Begt., Co. B ; disch. at close of the Benjamin Clark, enl. 1861, 93d Begt. ; disch. at close of the war. Thomas Clark, enl. 1861, 93d Regt.; died of smallpox at Albany, N. T. Allen Congdon, enl. 87th Begt., Co. A ; disch. at close of the war. Henry A. Dedrick, enl. Aug. 8,1862,123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Madi- son, Ind., July 25, 1864. Darwin Easton, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Stafford Court-House, Va., March. 1863. Theodore Easton, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 5th Cav., Co. L; missing soon after mus- tering in; supposed to have been taken prisoner; never heard from P.atrick Flannery, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Begt., Co. A ; discharged ; mustered in a regiment for provost duty at Alexandria, Va. ; discharged. John C. Gourlie, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; pro. sergt. ; disch. with the regiment, June 8, 1865. James H. Haynes, onl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, at Har- per's Ferry. Va , Nov. 15, 1862. William Hutton, Jr., sergt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C ; detailed on color-guard alter Chancelloraville ; died, July 22, 1864, of wounds received while carrying the colors at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. Edwin F. Harvey, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, 123d Begt., Co. D; trans, to 60th Begt., June 8, 1865 ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. James D. Leigh, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. Feb. 23, 1863; re-enl. 5th Cav. ; discharged. Edward Lyons, enl. Aug. 10, 1864, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. E ; disch. at close of the war. John A. McLaughlin, ord.-sergt. ; enl. 1861, 44th Begt., Co. A; discharged; re-enl. July 30, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, 1865. Robert Maxwell, corp. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. for disabil- ity, Jan. 13, 1863. James McLaughlin (2d), enl. Aug. 9, 1SC2, 12:td Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regi- ment, June 8, 1865. Kilbourn A. Miller, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, Junes, 1 865. Wm. D. McLiiughlin, enl. March 1,1864, 123d Begt., Co. I); trans, to 60th Kegt., June 8, 1866 ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. Alexander McLaughlin, enl. April 16, 1861, 3d Cav., Co. D ; disch. 1861 ; re-enl. July 30, 1802, 123d Begt., Co. D ; died of disease, Dec. 1, 1863, while home on furlough. William Moore, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1805. William W. Miller, musician; enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. A; wounded at Frederickslnirg; leg amputated above the knee; government supplied artificial limb ; discharged. William McLaughlin, enl. Aug. 9, 1862,123d Regt., Co. D ; pro. to corp. ; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. Robert McLaughlin, enl. March 25, 1864, 123d Begt., C... 1); trans, to 00th Regt., June 8, 1865; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. Alexander McLaughlin (2d), enl. June 10, 1863, 54th Begt., Co. K.; disch. at close of the war. The only man in town who was drafted and went into the service. Philander Odell, enl. Sept. 8, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. Eber W. Odell, enl. Sept. 15, 1864, 2d Battery Art. ; disch. at close of the war. Joseph Petty, enl. Aug. 1 , 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. Bara M. Rickert, enl. Sept. 15, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; wounded and taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863; trans, to 40th Regt.; wounded at Wilderness; disch. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. Myron Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Regt.; discii. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. James L. Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A ; trans, to 40th Kegt.; wounded in side at Petersburg, Va. ; disch. with regiment, Dec. 3, 1864. Harvey H. Rickert, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. A; trans, to 40th Kegt. Philo K. Rickert, enl. Aug. 20, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav. ; disch. for disability, at Camp Stoneman, Va., Jan. 1864. John D. Rickert, enl. Dec. 25, 1863, otii Cav., Co. L; disch. at close of the war. Henry Stevens, enl. 1861, 44th Regt., Co. A; detailed for hospital service at Philadelphia ; discharged. Alexander C. Thompson, sergt.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D; died of typhoid fever, at Washington, D. C, Feb. 12, 1863. James M. Vaughn, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. D ; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. George T. Wright, Corp.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., (>). D. Daniel B. Williamson, Corp.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. D; wounded in chin at Peach-Tree Creek, Ga.; disch. with regiment, June 8, 1865. f^ESiD£NC£ or THE LATE ISAAC ASHTQN,WHin Chuk .ViASHiNCJONCo.MX WHITE CREEK. SITUATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. This towu is at the southeastern comer of the county. It is bounded on the north by Jaekson, east by Vermont, south by Rensselaer county, and west by Cambridge. It comprises twenty-eight thousand three hundred acres, or about forty-four square miles. The surface of the south portion is gently rolling, and the central and north portions are occupied by the Taghanic mountains. The summits of these mountains are rocky and broken, and covered with forests, and their sides are bounded by steep declivities and perpendicular ledges. The surface is drained in a general southwesterly direction. The Owl Kill flowing into the town from the north, near Cambridge village, takes a southerly direction, uniting with the Hoosick, below Centre White Creek, on the southern border of the county. The principal tributary of the Owl Kill is North White creek. This is formed of several rivulets rising in the northeast part of the town. South of the White creek the Owl KUl receives five small creeks from the east and three from the west. In the southeast portion of the town is found the Little White creek, formed of several small streams rising north, near the centre of the eastern side. This flows directly to the Hoosick, uniting with it in Rensselaer county. In the Taghanic range limestone is found, but has never been used to any extent. A small vein of lead was dis- covered on the Noxon farm, three-fourths of a mile east of Post's Corners. It was discovered by Samuel Chase dig- ging a post-hole. He prosecuted the search at considerable expense, and abandoned it. The farm was bought by Charles Tripp, who sunk a shaft, but likewise gave up the undertaking. Bruitt & Kane also experimented with the mine, but found it unprofitable. The assay shows twenty- two per cent, of silver, but the vein is not easy to work. PATENTS. About one-third of the town is upon the Cambridge patent, mention of which is made in the general history. A portion of the Schermerhorn patent extends into this town from Jackson. In the southeast part of the town is included the Lake and Van Cuyler's patent. Between this and the Schermerhorn patent, occupying a large portion of the northeast, east, and centre of the town, is the Wilson patent. This is stated by Hon. G. W. Jermain, in the Cam- bridge centennial address, to be the same as the Embury patent. Other, patents given in Hough's Gazetteer as in- cluded in the present town of White Creek, are those of Bain, Grant, and Campbell. Land was plenty in tho.se days, and surveyors were careless. The boundary-lines of patents consequently conflict somewhat with each other ou colonial maps drawn at various times before the Revolution. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The settlement of this town may be stated as having been made from 1761 to 17ti5. It is true that there is proof of still earlier occupation just south, in the valley of the Hoosick, and there may have been some bold adventurer who located within White Creek, in the Owl Kill valley, or in some secluded nook amid the ranges of the Tagha- nic hills to the east, but nothing of this kind seems to be authenticated. The Walloomsac patent was bought in 1739, but settlements are not known to have occurred until after the Cambridge patent was obtained, in 1761. Then an ofler of one hundred acres to each of the first thirty families who should actually settle on the patent began to induce those seeking new homes to search out the Cam- bridge valley. The following notices of individual families will indicate the progress of settlement, and the general remarks in the history of Cambridge will apply very largely to the early history of this town. The town-meetings of Old Cambridge were held very frequently within ihe present town of White Creek, and very much of the early public business of Cambridge was carried on within this town. Thomas and James Ashton, brothers, were from the north of Ireland. They came to America in 1772, and settled at what is now Ashgrove. Thomas' homestead was the present farm of Charles Hover. He left no children. James Ashton settled on the present farm of David Ar- nold, and spent his life there. He was a prominent public man, holding various positions of trust, both civil and mili- tary. He received from the State a commission as major in the militia in 1786. His children were John Ashton, born in Ireland, July 8, 1763 ; Rebecca, who married George Barber ; Margaret, who married Wm. Van Kirk. The pioneer, Thomas, was a Methodist, and shared in the founding of the church. James was a Presbyterian, and his descendants were and are generally in that connec- tion. The children of John Ashton were James, Joseph, Thomas, William, John, Isaac, Benjamin. Sarah (Mrs. John Foster), Rebecca, and Betsey. Mrs. Darby, a daughter of Isaac, is still living on her father's homestead. John Allen, a Friend, moved from Now Bedford just before the Revolution, and settled on the site of White Creek village, owning a large tract there. A readjustment of the patent lines after his purchase changed iiis lino to the north about twenty rods. Of his children, Mary and David died young ; Ruth became Mrs. Dr. Elihu Allen ; Rhoda, Mrs. Calvin Murray ; both these settling in Welles- 455 456 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. ton, Vt. ; Elizalioth. Mrs. Nathan Draper, of Shaftsbury ; Lydia, Mrs. Elihu Cross, of Shaftsbury ; Mary, Mrs. Beardsley Hendricks, of Shaftsbury ; Anna, Mrs. Eben Deuel, of Easton; Sarah, Mrs. Dr. Wm. Richards, of White Creek ; Chri.stopher settled in White Creek ; Gil- bert in White Creek ; John, the hatter, in White Creek. Lyman Cross, a son of Elihu Cross, wrote the first total abstinence pledge in this section of country. James, a .son of Christopher, is now living on the pioneer homestead, and Quincy, a son of (iilbert, on his father's homestead. John Allen moved, by means of a sloop, from New Bed- ford up the Hudson, and then walked from Lansingburg to White ('reek. Dr. William Richards, son of Colonel Richards, a sol- dier of the Revolution, residing in Waterbury, Conn., was educated for the medical profession at Duanesburg, Sche- nectady Co., N. Y. After finishing his studies he returned to Waterbury, and from that place came to White Creek village, about the year 1795, and began the practice of medicine, whicii he followed successfully for more than forty yeai's. He married Sarah Allen, and their children are Miss Ann P., now living on the homestead, who has been engaged in teaching a large portion of her life; Dr. Jo.seph W., now living on the homestead, attended the academy, and graduated at Union College, studied medi- cine, which he has practiced in White Creek, Troy, and New York city for about fifty years ; now retires from busi- ness to spend his remaining years in the home of his child- hood. George, his brother, following farming, is still living in White Creek village ; Benjamin lived and died in Canan- daigua ; Jane became Mrs. Bristol, and lived and died in White Creek ; Ruth married Hon. T. C. Ripley, and lives in Saginaw, Mich. ; Sarah married C. J. Sinton, and lived and died in Richmond, Va. Dr. William Richards held the office of supervisor for the old town of Cambridge in 181:i-13, and the town of White Creek in 181(5-23. He was also member of Assembly in 1820. Dr. Joseph W. Richards was member of Assembly in 1837. Zebulon Allen, a brother of the pioneer John, became very noted for a vigorous old age. At one hundred he worked in his garden, raising tobacco and vegetables. At the celebration of peace, in 1815, he carried the flag in the procession, at the age of one hundred and three. He died at the age of one hundred and four, aud Elder Waite, next below him in age, preached the funeral sermon. He lived with a daughter, Mrs. Dwinnells. David Sprag'ue came from Rhode Island about 1771, and settled on a farm where Daniel Gardner now lives, the lat- ter a nephew, now eighty-four years old. Sprague in a few years removed to Argyle. He was an early magistrate. Seth Chase was a member of the Society of Friends from Rhode Island ; came to White Creek before the Revo- lution, and kept tavern at the forks of the road southwest of White Creek village. Joseph Stewart came to White Creek very early and settled near Martindale Corners, — the Stewart Cemetery being named from that family. Of the children, David, Joseph, Enos, Reuben, Sylvauus ; daughters, — Mrs. Dr. Bar- num, Mrs. John Allen, Jr., Mrs. Asa Kellogg (Ann, the second wife of Mr. Kellogg), Mrs. Francis Lauderdale. Joseph was at one time county superintendent of the poor. Asa Rice was captured by the Indians when only three years old, and remained with them until ten years of age. He was then redeemed, but was loth to leave the Indian life. Ho lived a long time, and finally died at White Creek village. His descendants still reside in town. Paul Cornell came to White Creek village, March 7, 1783, and settled just above the new creamery. Of his children, Elizabeth, Mrs. Michael F. Palmer, St. Alban's, Vt. ; Maria, Mrs. David Niles ; Walter R., of Chicago ; McD., phy.sician, of White Creek, and innkeeper. The pioneer finished off in his house a convenient lodge-room for the Masons, of whom he was the Master for four years. His name appears in early public matters, and he was of extensive business, engaged in iron- works at Bennington, and was connected to the late Hon. Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca. John Harroun came from Colerain, Ma.ss., about 1790, and settled on the farm now occupied by Wallace. Of the children, Oliver Harroun lived and died on the homestead ; Martha married Samuel Fowler, of White Creek. A grandson of John Harroun lives near Rochester, N. Y. Thomas M. Cool was probably a non-commissioned ofiicer in the army of 1750, and received two hundred acres of land. His homestead was Ijack of Brayton Perry's, on a farm now owned by Austin. John Wood and Isaac were brothers, Friends, from New Bedford, Mass. Isaac settled on the farm now owned by Stephen Barker. Mrs. Barker is a granddaughter. John Wood settled a mile south of the village of White Creek. His son, Jethro Wood, of Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y., was the patentee of the iron mould-board plow. Amos Hoag came from Dutchess county in 1781, and settled a little south of Pumpkin Hook, on the farm now owned by Stephen Hoag, a son, still living, ninety-three years of age. Other children : Eleazer moved to Ohio, Anna mar- ried Aaron Perry, Morris and Amos, Jr., moved to western New York, Behmeu moved to Adrian, Mich., Elizabeth married Herman Swift, of Granville, and John died young. The removal from Dutchess county was made in the winter by sleighs. House aud barn, built eighty-five years ago, still standing. Jonathan Hart moved from New Bedford at an early day, as a tanner, currier, and shoemaker, establishing one of the first tanneries in town. The children all moved west. A grandson, Thomas Hart, lives in Battle Creek, Mich. Aaron Van Cuyler, one of the original patentees of the Hoosick grant, settled on lot 10, the farm now owned by Dennis Brazel, about two miles southwest of White Creek village. Died at the age of one hundred and eight. Rev. Wm. Waite, the pioneer Baptist preacher spoken of elsewhere, was from Rhode Island ; came to this town about 1772, and settled very near the southeast corner, as he is stated by Benedict, the Bajitist hi.storiau, to have been living within half a mile of the Bennington battle-ground. In 1786 he had settled at what has been called Waite's Corners ever since. He owned a large tract of land, — gave the site for the church and burial-place. He died at the age of ninety-six, March 20, 1820. His wife also lived to the age of ninety-one, dying in 1822. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 457 Joshua Gardner came from Argyle, March 17, 179 4-, and purchased the farm of David Sprague. Ho built, in 1813, a brick house now on the farm. Of his children, Ishmaei died on the homestead ; Ann, — Mrs. Kliplialut Wells ; Delia, — Mrs. Snyder, of Pittstown ; Daniel, now living on the homestead, — eighty-four; Jo.shua K., in White Creek; Susan, — Mrs. George Russell ; Lydia L., — Mrs. Sylvester Milliman, of Onondaga county; Eunice, — Mrs. R. E. Gorton, of New Jersey. Joiin Corey settled on the farm now owned by J. H. Ilutchkins, near Friends' meeting-hou.sc. Edward Aiken, an earlier proprietor of the same farm, afterwards bought the Sir William Johnston's place iu Jolin.stown, N. Y., and liis descendants are still in posses- sion of it. Isaac Lacy, who lived at one time on this .same farm, moved to South Chili, Monroe county, and became a State senator in 1835-38. Simon Covell, the first supervisor of Cambridge, lived in the present town of Wliite Creek, and was regarded as a friend of the Englisli government during the Revolution. David Preston lived a mile west of what is now Briggs' Corners, on the present land of Sir. Jermain. Joseph Mosher came from New Bedford at an early date and settled south of Wiiite Creek village. Of his children, Alien, Abiel, Jonatlian, George, Job, Paulina, SMary, Amy, and Margaret. Mary became IMrs. Tliomas Hart. Among other Friends from New Bedford not yet men- tioned as early settlers may be added the families of Johnson, Perrine, Van Kirk, and Lake. The latter has descendants in the town. Elisha Southwiek was an early settler and a merchant. The family moved to Moravia, Cayuga county. Friends. Amciig the early physicians in White Creek village may bo mentioned Dr. Sanford Smith, Dr. Barnabas Smith, and Dr. William Richards. Among the early lawyers were Judge Dyer Walwortli and Siderio G. Carpenter. There was an early store in what is known as Shaker Hollow, which is situated nearly in the centre of the town among the hills. It is said to derive its name from the fact that William Ellis went from there at an early date, and joined the Shakers of New Lebanon. After a few years he returned to his old farm, married, lived, and died there, known as a Shaker ; the place was called from him by the name it still bears. Simeon Fowler came from Rhode Lsland in 1781,orper- liaps earlier. He settled on a farm a short distance north of what is now Centre White Creek, the place now owned by a granddaughter. Miss Fowler. The children of Simeon were Abel, Isaac, George, Deborah. A son of Abel is Jonathan Fowler, now living at the age of cighty-sovcn ; and William P. Fowler, postmaster, is a son of Jonathan. With the pionoar Simeon Fowler, there also came his brother Christopher. Josiah Dowey was from Canterbury, Conn., and settled at Waite's Corners in 1781. lie was an early magistrate before tlie Vermont line was settled. He remained but a few years, selling out to Hercules Itice. Of his children, 58 Joseph remained in Connecticut; Huldah married Samuel Doming, who was from Connecticut; Mehetabel married Tiiuothy Wells, who was killed at the raising of a barn, — the widow afterwards marrying Daniel Herrick ; Mary, Mrs. Hercules Rice; Josiah, Jr., moved to Massachusetts; Abigail, Mrs. Clark Rice, of Jackson ; Joel settled in White Creek; Eunice, Mrs. S'.;th Veitch,of Pawlet ; Allen .settled in Ma.ssachusetts ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Elijah Porter, of Massa- chusetts. Noah Wilcox lived west of White Creek about a mile. Robert Wilcox had a trip-hammer at an early day. Three brothers, John, Aaron, and William Perry, came from Dutchess county about the opening of the Revolution- ary war ; first bought a tract of four iiundred acres of the Lake and Van Cuyler's patent, held in common. After- wards it was divided, William taking wliat is now the James farm ; John removed to Lansingburg ; Aaron re- mained on a part of the farm and died there. Of Aaron's children, Mary married Mo.ses Bristol, Addi- son Co., Vt. ; Lydia, Mr. Anthony Hart, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Isaac died young; Elizabeth settled in AVhite Creek; Lncinda married and settled at Post's Corners; Deborah — Mrs. Levi Bristol, of White Creek ; Piiebe — Mrs. Peleg Fi.sher, of Waltham, Vt. ; Arvilla and Ruth were successive wives of James F. Telford, New York city; Patience died young; Angelina died young; Israel B., living on the homestead. Of William's children, Delcvan, of White Creek ; Plii- lena — Mrs. Jonathan Fowler, of Waite's Corners ; Ovando settled on the homestead ; Juliette — Mrs. David Fisher, of White Creek; Cornelia, not married. Wm. I. Perry, a son of Elihu, grandson of Aaron, is now living on the homestead. Hercules Rice came from Worcester, Mass., about 1785, and settled on a fiirm, but worked at blacksmithing. In the militia he held the rank of colonel. He bought the farm owned by Josiah Dewey, near Waite's Corners, now the property of his daughter. Miss Harriet Rice. On a stream running through the farm he built a dam and erected a saw- mill about 1790. Of his children, Josiah settled in Erie county, N. Y. ; Henry lived and died on the homestead ; Persis — Mre. John Russell — settled in Jack.son ; Mary — Mrs. John King — at Eagle Bridge; Harriet, unmarried, is still living; Laura went to Illinois; Hercule-s, Jr., to Michigan; and Walter lived and died on the homestead. John Younglove, whose name appears in early provincial records, settled on the present farm of Brayton Perry, east of Waite's Corners, before the Revolution. He was wounded in his house by a shot from a Tory named Partridge, who.se property was confiscated, and he returned from Canada to make the murderous attack. Younglove sold to Dr. San- ford Smith, and removed to Jackson. He is buried iu the old White meeting-house burying-ground. He was for many years a judge of the court of sessions and common pleas for the counties of Albany and Washington. Austin Wells, a son of Edmund Wells, the latter a pio- neer of Cambridge, came with his father when fourteen years old ; returned to Connecticut for a time, but was here iu 177G. 458 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. In 1777 he went to assist an older brother in Cambridge to remove his family to a place of safety, information hav- ing been received that a detachment of Burgoyne's army might be expected through tlie Cambridge valley. Hav- ing taken the family to Williamstown, the brothers has- tened back, and reached Bennington in time to join in the closing scenes of the battle. Not long after he went into the service as a substitute for an older brother. He re- mained two years in the army, was stationed at the differ- ent forts on the Hudson, north of Albany, ai'ter which he wont into the army as a volunteer, and was at Fort Stan- wis and Albany. After the war he settled in White Creek, upon the farm now occupied by Uriah Pratt. He passed a long life in the midst of his people, dying at the age of ninety-one, Dec. 8, 1849. He was very highly esteemed. At his funeral psalm.s were read from the Bible he carried with him into camp, said to have been the only one in the company to which he belonged. ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL HISTORY. This town fuiniod a part of old Cambridge from the earliest settlement down to the year 1815. The venerable parchment covered book yet existing in the town clerk's office of Cambridge goes back to 1773; many items of interest, appKing to what is now the town of White Creek, are recorded in that book, and will be found, to some ex- tent, in the history of Cambridge and in the lists of town oiEcers. This town sought for a separate organization at an early day, as shown by an " occasional" meeting held in White Creek, at the house of Simeon Covell, Feb. 1, 1775, when it was resolved to petition the A.ssembly to be set off from Cambridge, and Simeon Covell was appointed a committee to wait on the Assembly with the petition. He was also directed to pre.scnt another petition, asking permission for the people to keep bloodhounds. This movement was a failure, and the people of White Creek for forty years more continued to be a pait of Cam- bridge, and, so far as it appears frotn the records, without any further effort at separation until near the close of that long period. The reorganization of the territory of old Cambridge into three towns was made by act of the Legisla- ture in 1815, and the following notes from the town records show the minutes of the first town-meeting in White Creek, and other interesting items in the years following. At an annual town-meeting, holdcn at the house of Jafjues Johnson, innkeeper, in White Creek, on the first Tuesday in April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, the following resolutions wore passed : " lletohal, That I'aul Cornell be moderator of (his meeting. " Henolml, That Ira I'ariiicl.v be town clerk pro tcm. ** liefolrecl, To raise one hundred and fifty dollars for the support of the poor for the current year. " lienolcet, That the justices of tbc peace, lojclher with the over- seers of (ho poor, be authorized to rent a house for (ho poor if they shall deem it expedient; the rtnt, however, shall not exceed fifty dollars a year. " ticHiihcd. To elect thi-ec constables and tlircc assessors. " Itcmhed, To elect four inspectors (if common sehool.s. " Itftuhrd, Thai all the officers by law requi-ed to b= electc.l by ballot, the'.:- u.mes sl.all bj tu cue Lallot." The following persons were duly elected to the offices set opposite their respective names, to wit : Wm. Richards, supervisor ; Ira Parmely, town clerk ; Paul Cornell, Krastus Fenton, Robert Wilcox (2d), assessors; Paul Cornell, Jona- than Dorr, Jr., George McKie, commissioners of common schools; John P. Putnam, John McViccar, Henry Rice, Alvin Cornell, inspectors of common schools; Duty Sayles, Hercules Rice, John Barber, commissioners of highways; Arthur Ackley, Solomon Warner, overseers of the poor ; Ira Parmely, William Trull, Wm. Dwinnells, constables ; William Trull, Ira Parmely, collectors; Elias Manchester, William Van Kirke, James McKie, Paul Cornell, Duty Sayles, Samuel Bowen, Hercules Rice, Austin Wells. Abner Chase, fence-viewers and appraisers. " llnnlnd. That the fcnoo-viewers be entitled to one dollar per day for their services." Hezekiah Smith, Joseph Smith, Austin Wells, Alvan Cornell, Samuel Buwen, Thomas G. Ashton, Slocum Barker, Paul Dennis, James Bogart, Joseph Luckos, Aaron Vail, Elijah C. Pearl, Humphrey Russell, Solomon Warner, Zachariah Fisher, Jonathan Fowler, Nathan Hunt, Wil- liam Gillniore, Abner Sharem.in, James Post, Benjamin Jcslin, Thomas Barber, Benjamin Smith, Elijah Slocum, James Chivers, David Mosher, John Doane, Asa Rice, John Cooper, John Barker. Thoimis Austin, Wm. Nichol- son, Howland Smith, Samuel Rich, Abraham Briggs, As.a Bowen, and Robert Wilcox (^2d) were elected overseers of highways. '• llcK~,h;d, That niithcr .sheep, hogs, horses, nor geese sh.all be pcrniilted to run at larfie in thecouimons or the highways. The barn- yards of Benjamin Smith, Ezekiel Adams, John Cooper, Jercmijih Stillwcll, and Aaron Barnes be declared pounds, and the several men named pound-keepers, except Ezckicl Adams, in whose stead Daniel Wells was made the otficcr." The town-meeting adjourned to meet next year, at the house of Garner Wilkinson, innkeeper. In 1817 the amount for the poor was raised to five hun- dred dollars. The justices of the peace were appointed a committee to meet with similar committees from Cambridge and Jackson, to confer upon the projiriety of erecting a poor-house jointly for the three towns. In the event of the failure of this plan, the authorities were still directed to rent a house for White Creek. IS20.— Bt»o'r«/, That it be left discretionary with the poor-mas- ters to cause William Stephens and wife to be transported to Canada^ and to make such contract with any person to transport them on sueh terms as they shall think proper. JtcMo/red, That a ten dollar bill belonging to the town of White Creek be deposited with Clark Rice, Jun., to keep one year and then to return it to the overseers of the poor, or to exchange it if possible at par, or at a discount not exceeding seven per cent. UcHohed, That Ihree dollars be allowed George Barber for school- ing poor children during the past year. 1821. — The currency question came up again, and it was lli-H„lrrd. That a t.n d.dlar bill, now in the hands of C:aik Riee, Jun., belonging to the town, on the Washington and AVarren lianl;, be left to the town clerk to be disposed of to the best advantage, and the avails to be paid to the overseers of the poor. KTi.—RcHidml, That the law be put in force against pathmaslers who may neglect their duty. 1S2G.— «oso/.-f'?, That the school inspectors be allowed three dol- lars each if they perfurui their duties according to law. ^\l ''\ '^^ I.Braton Perry. ^4 ^ Jt H^'^ • - ■ ■. . -. ■ 1. .■■ . .-■-a.aataMilflMl Residence uf I. B RATON PERRY, White C/?EEif.WASHiNGTDXCo,Nr HISTORY OF WASIIINOTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 459 1832. — RennUed, That the town resist all applications that may be made in favor of setting otf any part of said town. mi.— Resulvcii, That milch cows run in the road; that all other cattle be excluded, and that no man let more than one cow run in the road. 1835. — The previous overseere of the poor had evidently been prudent and economical, as one hundred dollars remain- ing in ihir liands was voted to the higliway commissioneis. 1S42. — Reeulred, That It was not expedient to raise money to erect a central court-house in the county of Washington. The town-meetings have been held at the following places : houses of Thias John.son, innkeeper; Garner Wilkinson, Abraham Briggs, Jun., Rcuel Bcebe, Zera Waite, at Pump- kin Hook; Hiram Cook, James Comstock, Widow Benja- min Rogers, Harvey Waite, Samuel Crosby, AVaito's Cor- ners ; Otis D. Slocum, Andrew Houghton, Jacob Decker, Harry Hurd, S. W. Tanner, John H. Arnold, Hannah Comstock, J. D. Mosher, David Fowler, John Shed, Abel Fowler, E. A. Loomis, Hiram Butts, Daniel Randall, Ed- ward Long, L. U. Davis, J. C. Wright. TOWNSHIP OFFICKRS. 1818. 1819. 1820. 1821. 1822. 1823. 1824. 1825. 1826. Town Clerks. Collectors. Ira Parmely. Willard Trull. Ira Parmely. Wm. DwinnelL " George Wilber Clark Rc", Jr. Seth Hays. " Wm. DwinnclU " Dyer Pierce. 1827. 1828. 1829. 1830. IS.'ii; 1832. 1833. 1834. 1835. 1836. 1837. 1838. 1S3 63 1.98 127. 2S " 4 84 2.65 144.67 " 5 61 1.92 127.31 " 6 38 I.2{1 91.12 " 7 60 1.S9 127.12 " 8 39 1.23 98.32 " 9 50 1.58 120.76 " 10 25S 8.13 475.53 " II 42 1.12 106.49 " 12 6 19 12.6 i " 13 22 69 77.56 " 14 27 86 86.79 SS9 $28.00 $1873.10 U.-VION ACADEMY OF WHITE CUEEK VILLAGE. This institution was established in 1810 by the subscrip- tion of the principal men in this vicinity. The following arc the names: Christ<}plier Allen, Ebcnezer Dwinnells, Henry Smith, Jr., Abner Lake, Abraham Smith, Jonathan Woodward, John Barrett, Jeremiah lloyle, Elias Hunting- ton, Paul Cornell, David Gooding, Benjamin Joslin, Jere- miah Wheat, Garret S. Lake, Samuel Bowcn, John Barber, William Perry, Joseph Lucas, Elias Wheeler, Thom;is Hart, Duty Sayles, Joseph Stewart, John Allen, Jr., Dr. William Richards, Allen Briggs, Jaques Johu.son, Oliver Barber, Benjamin Smith, Isaac Lacy, Gilbert Allen, Joseph Cornell, Elihu Cross, Samuel Cross. Jedediah Wood, Joshua Gardner, John Matthews, Garner Wilkinson. It was a large two-story frame building, conveniently arranged, sur- mounted by a belfiy. On 'the flrst floor were two school- rooms divided by a hall. One of them was devoted to the u.se of the district school. Isaiah Y. Johnson was the first principal, beginning in the fall of 1810. He was succeeded by Mr. Marsh, of Vermont ; Friend Hall, of Vermont ; Ambrose Eggleston, from Dutchess county. For several years this was a prom- inent and flouiishing academy, and many students were educated there. Among them the following noted men : Governor George N. Briggs, of Massachusetts; Governor inland Hall, of Vermont; Senator Joel Talmage, Judge Daniel B. Talmage, Judge Olin, now of Washington, D. C. ; Hon. Gideon Hard, of Orleans county; Prof Gilbert Mor- gan, of Hampden Sidney College; John P. McVicar, and Hon. John McDonald, of Salem. In late years a private or select school was taught for some time by Prof Lyman Crass, who afterwards removed to Toledo, Ohio. The building was finally abandoned for school purposes, and is now occupied as a dwelling-house for several families. CHURCHES. BAPTIST CHURCH OF WHITE CREEK VILLAGE. This was one of the earliest Baptist churches in what is now Washington county, proliably antedating all others. A writer In 1868, furnishing a historical sketch to the Washington Union Baptist Association, tjuotes from Bene- diets History of Baptist Churches: " In Canibiidge a church was planted in 1772 by Elder William Waite, from Rhode Island. It was called White Creek at first, situated near the line of Vermont, and within half a mile of Elder Waite's house the battle of Benning- ton terminated." Benedict further states that some of this church, the night before the battle, weut over to the enemy, and were obliged to fight in the eonflict of Aug. 16, 1777, against their own brethren and neighbors, which threw the church into confusion, and entirely broke it up. But the next year Elder Waite collected three members beside him- self, and began anew, and a revival commenced soon after. In the records of the church it is said, " In the month of November, 1778, the Lord was pleased to revive his work among us." The church was formally organized again in February, 1779, following a revival that commenced in November, "Round Hill F/irm.!' Residence of JOHN tl; ■&. fv i;^^T t'^i'U. -- S, White Creck, WASHiNteTON Cq.,H Y. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 4fi3 1778, in the southciistein poiiion of the town, on the Wal- luomsuc ciwk. Tlic first pastor was Rev. Wni Waite, who was ordained June 2, 1779, by Eldurs John Gano and Peter Werden. He continued in that otiice about fourteen years, or till 1703. For several years there was no settled pastor, but in February, 17'JS, Israel Craw, a lieeutiafe, btf;an to labor amoui^ them, and on the 15th of November following he was ordained to the work of the niini.stry at Waite's Cor- ners' meeting-house. He was pastor about three years, or till tlie spring of 1801. Until 1804 there was no regular pastor, when Rev. James Glass became the pastor, and served about six years, or till about 1810, when ho removed \ to Iloosick, wliere lie died the next year. For two years, till 1812, there was no pastor, though they had the partial sei'vices of licentiates and neighboring ministers. In the spring of 1812, Rev. Obed Warren, who liad preached for the Baptist church at Shu.shan some eighteen or twenty years, became pastor of the church. He served them about two years, during the stormy period of the War of 1812-15. He was dismissed in 1815, at his own request, and for one year they were again destitute. In July, 1816, Rev. Daniel Tinkham was settled as pastor of the church, which he filled with very good acceptance for more than thirty years, except in 1845—16, when Rev. Samuel Pollaid served as pastor. In 1847, P]lder Tinkham was recalled. During his long pastorate, up to 1853, he baptized about five hun- dred persons. In the year 1838 this church had a mem- bership of two hundred and eighty. In 1850 the number liad diminished to ninety-three. This diminution resulted from the formation of branches at North White Creek and AVest Iloosick. This church has furnished about twelve ministers of the gospel from its membership who have been ordained. The following brethren have been deaecjns in the church : John Waldo, 1779-81 ; Jabez iMosher, Jr., 1700 ; Henry Smith, 1709-1812; Jacob Parker, 1799; Anion Fowler, 1809-43; Hugh Allen, 1812-19 ; Seaman Wright, 1819 -33 ; Henry Barrington, 1832 ; Increa.se JMosley, 1832-35 ; Abel Hodges, Jr., 1832 ; Joel Gay, 1839-50 ; Whitman Joslin, 1845-78; Nathaniel Cottrell, Abner Brownell, Martin Ames, Joseph Barrett, Alva Ames, Gardner Dyer, and Wiu. Gray. S. Ben.soii was the first clerk, in 1782. George H. Wright is the present clerk. Since 1853 the following liave been pastors : Rev. Solomon Gale, Elder Lewis. Rev. Thomas Tiller was pastor for three years before being ordained, which took place May 9, 1877. The first housa of worship was erected of log.s, like the dwellings of the first settlers of those days. This house was about twenty-five by thirty-five feet, and was located on the south .side of the road, east of the .school-house, near the present residence of Mr. Stephen Barker, and two miles west of White Creek village. This shows where the centre of the church then was. The time of its erection must have been in 1783. In October, 178(), it was voted, " That we build a house thirty-five by forty-five feet, near the mouth of David Sprague's lane," about one mile west of tlic log hou.se of worship, and near the later residence of Mr. Ovando Perry, now the residence of Mr. John James. Before this was carried out the house was located at Waite's Corners, by the gift of a site by Elder Waite, who had made a purchase and settled there. The meeting-house, thirty-five by fifty feet, was erected in 1788, and roughly seated at first. It was not entirely fini.shed until 1808. In December, 1790, the log meeting-hou.se was sold. During the year 1855 the church edifice was rebuilt at a cost of about twenty-five hundred dollars, and dedicated Jan. 10, 1856. The present membership is about one hundred. The Sunday-school has about .sixty scholars. George II. Wright is the superintendent. The operations of the Baptist church, as shown in the above account, having become mainly tran.sierred to Waite's Corners, further arrangements for .services at White Creek village became desirable. There was first a union movement which resulted in the building of a hou.se of worship in 1796. A meeting was held at the house of Jaqiies Johnson, innliolder, April 22. Peter Wright, chosen moderator; Paul Cornell, clerk. Voted, to build a meeting-house near John Allen's. Voted, that it be forty by fifty feet, as near as circumstances will admit, and left to the discretion of the trustees. Voted, that Peter Wright, Es<|., Joseph Stewart, and Comfort Curtis be trustees to effect the building of the house. Voted, that the trustees buy land of John Allen for a site. Voted, that the trustees proceed as soon as one thou- sand dollars are subscribed. The house thus built by the citizens in general was there- after generally occupied by the Baptists, the same minis- ters preaching as ofliciated at Waite's Corners. In 1855 the house was rebuilt by the Baptists, though the Methodists are said to have added the bell, and citi- zens generally assisted. The rededication was in October, 1855. There is now a pastor for this part of the church residing at White Creek village. friends' MEETINd, WHITE (KEEK. The oldest record dates back to the seventh of Tenth month, 1783. The meeting was probably established at an earlier date, and was held at the dwelling-house of Isaac Wood, and ,Iohn Wood was clerk. The records show that at a meeting held the tenth of the Eleventh month, 1783, he was appointed clerk for one year. At a meeting held ninth of Fifth month, 1792, Allen Mosher became the regular clerk, and continued in oifice two years, when he was succeeded by Elisha Soulhwick, wlio was clerk for two years, after which George Barren was ajipointed every year for four- teen years. In 1810, Thomas Hart became clerk and filled the oSice for three years. He died during the epidemic which raged in 1813. By his death the society lost one of its most useful members. On the twenty-eighth of Seventh month, 1813, Slocum Barker was cluxscn clerk, and con- tinued as such for nine years. Then Jonathan Hart, Jr., became the clerk, and filled the office up to 1832, when Slocum Barker was again appointed and served one year, when Stephen Tabor was chosen. Among the members who held various stations in this society were the following : Isaac Wood, Jonathan Hoag, Steiihen Hoag, Stephen Hoag, Jr., John Allen, Philip Allen, Jonathan Russey, Samuel Mosher, Joseph Jlo.sher, Allen Mosher, James Carpenter, Benjamin Nichols, Micajah Covell, Micajah Hunt, John Soule, John Wing, Nithaii Nichols, James Hunt, Jr., 464 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. Amos Hoag, Abraliam Hoau, Cornelius Deuel, David Nor- ton. Amon;; the names of later date are found those of Barker, Hart, Smith, Chase, Staples, Taber, Cornell, Kinteli, Potter, etc. In 1784-85, measures were taken to finish their first meetinghouse, which was located about half a mile west from the village of White Creek, on a lot leased to the so- ciety by Edward Aikens, at a rent of one peppercorn per year. The meeting-house having been found too small for the increasing numbers, permission was given by the supe- rior meeting in 18U4 to build a new house. The new meet- ing-house was erected on the site of the old one, and is twenty-eight by twenty-five feet in size, two stories high, and built according to the peculiar notions of the society, in a plain and simple style, at a cost of one thousand dollars. House was burned about three years ago. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, POSt's CORNERS. A house of worship was built at this place in 1850, as a union house. The Methodist church was, however, in charge of the services, which were continued for some years as a separate appointment of the North White Creek church. Pastors preaching here were Rev. Jonah Phillips, llev. Reuben Washburn, Rev. Mr. ShurtkiF, Rev. Mr. Patterson, and Rev. Ensign Stover. The enterprise de- clined. In 1875 the house was sold to the Roman Catholics, who removed it to Buskirk's Bridge. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIDRCH AT WHITE CREEK VILLAGE. The society was organized in 1831, according to Corey's Gazetteer, but has never had a very strong or vigorous existence. They have always worshiped in the union house of that place. John M. Weaver, Wright Hazon, Henry Burton, Henry Smith, E. B. Hubbard, A. A. Parr, Lorenzo Sherwood, Wm. Henry, C. Barber, A. Jones, John Seayre, were early ministers at this place. BURIAL-PLACES. The cemetery just on the line of Vermont, southwest of White Creek village, is called the Cornell burying-ground, and is mostly devoted to that family. There are also three west of the village of White Creek, one near the Friends' meeting-house, which contains the remains of very early settlers, but the absence of head- stones prevents securing early dates. There are two smaller yards in the same neighborhood. Between White Creek and Martindale is the Stewart family cemetery, a little off from the main road east. In the north part of tlie town, near the Vermont line, opposite the old fla.\-inill, is an old neighborhood burial- place. At Ashgrovo were buried many of the early settlers, par- ticularly of that colony of Irish Methodists which, under the lead of Rev. Philip Embury, organized the church at that jjlacc. This burial-place was the second in the old town of Cambridge, and the first in AVhite Crock. The first Methodist chapel was erected on part of the ground in 1788. The deed of the property bears date May 10, 1792, and was given by Thomas and James Ash- ton, from whose family name the word Ashgrove has come down in the annals of American Methodism. Burials were still earlier, — the fir.st about 178G. The oldest gravestone is erected to Mr.s. Elcy Annitage, Dec. 22, 1793. Other old dates are Mrs. Sarah Fisher, Dee. 24, 179G ; Mrs. Catharine McLean, April 10, 1798. On the stone of John Armitage, who died Nov. 13, 1S05, is the following epitaph : " The old must die and leave the stage, The young may die, you see ; But I was called in middle age, Prepare to follow me." . In the wall of the old burial-place, near the steps, is AV preserved a marble tablet, marked " Ashgrove M. E. Church, built A.D. 1708. Rebuilt a.d. 1832.'^ " The" remains of Piiilip Embury, brought from his first burial-place in Cam- den valley, were deposited in this yard not far from the entrance until their later removal to Cambridge Cemetery. Many others of the dead have been removed, but this ven- erable spot will ever be a sacred place, connected as it is with the memories of the early settlers, the pioneer work of the Methodist church, and the name of Philip Embury. It is in a neglected condition, burials have nearly ceased; but the citizens of White Creek can never aflbrd to permit so sacred and classic a place to remain in decay and ruin. The early Ashtons, though pioneers here and giving name to the place, yet are themselves buried on the old turnpike, south of Cambridge village. North of Centre White Creek is the Fowler family bury- ing-ground. One stone in this, erected to the memory of Molly Fowler, a child of twelve years, bears the date Sept. 5, 1792, though there were earlier burials than that. Siniecm Fowler's grave is marked by a stone bearing the date of his death, Sept. 7, 1807, aged ninety-one. At Waite's Corners, opposite the Baptist church, is the old public burial-place belonging to the church, but free to all. The first interment was Mrs. Sarah Wright, wife of Abraham Wright, who died April 27, 1787. Mr. Fibcnezer Wright, a .son, used to relate, that while standing around the grave, a person said, '■ We have now opened a vineyard, and who will help fill it." A new ground has been set apart a little east, in which the dc.id are buried at the present time. A mile east of Post's Corners is another burying-place of long standing. TOW.V SOCIETIES. Rural Lodge, No. 32, F. ami A. J)/.— Nov. 20, 1793, Brother John Williams, Master of Aurora Lodge in Hamp- ton, by virtue of warrant and dispensation from the Grand Lodge of this State authorizing him to install John Honey- wood as Master, Gerrit Y. Lansing as Senior and Andrew White as Junior Wardens of Rural Lodge, No. 32, in Cam- bridge, and for constituting said lodge. A lodge was opened in due form. Present, John Williams, Worshipful Master; Philip Smith, Senior Warden ; and Alexander J. Turner, Junior Wardcu ; George Eagus, Scc'y ; Simon D. Rider, HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 465 Jcihii P. Becker, Samuel Cook, Ezra St. Johu, Abram Van Tuyl, Solomon King, Benjamin Scott, Reuben Pride, Andrew Simpson, John Mclntj're. The lodge was constituted in due form, Dee. 24, 1793. The lodge met at the house of Daniel Wells. July 15, 1794, the lodge decided to remove to the house of Adam Skinner, and directed a meeting for that purpose on the third Tuesday of August. Lodge met at one o'clock, — opened in due form, — then walked to the new room, and opened at four o'clock. Grand Lodge was petitioned to allow this lodge to meet alternately in the towns of Cam- bridge, Easton, and Salem. Another resolution is worth inserting: " Rettilreil, unanimoiisly, That Bro. Treasurer rlo advance to Bro. Ij. Berry a sufficient sum of money to purchase the following articles in New York, viz., ten gallons spirits, ten gallons sherry wine, five gallons brandy, and a cask of crackers, for the use of this lodge." The oflicers chosen Dec. 16, 1794, were Andrew White, Master ; Alex. J. Turner, Senior Warden ; Ezra St. John, Junior Warden ; Joseph Heath, Treas. ; Lewis Berry, Sec'y ; Reuben Pride, Senior Deacon ; J. P. Becker, Junior Dea- con ; Simon D. Rider, Eben Jones, Stewards. In February, 1795, a committee was appointed to purchase furniture and contract with Brother Skinner for the use of the lodge- room. St. John's day, June 24, 1795, was celebrated, and the following lodges invited: Federal, Washington, Aurora, Livingston, and Montgomery. Rev. Mr, Williams was invited to preach on that occa- sion. He accepted. The lodge, under Worshipful Master White, met in due form, the Master delivering an appro- priate opening address. Marching in procession to the church, the sermon was delivered as arranged, followed by an elegant dinner. This custom was observed in 1796 and 1797. Jan. 21, 1800, the following resolution was adopted : " Jleaohed, That this lodge do meet on the 22d day of February next, at ten o'clock in the morning of said day, agreeably to the proclamation of the President of the United States, for the purpose of paying a suitable and becoming tribute of respect to the memory of our once illustrious Grand Master, George Washington, deceased." Other lodges joining in the celebration were North Star, Salem, 51 ; Homer Lodge, 76, Schaghticoke ; Newton, 16, Arlington. The procession was formed, with Lieutenant Skinner and his cavalry in front, citizens next, followed by the Masons, with their badges trimmed in mourning ; the secretary, with the Bible, square, and compass on a black cushion ; the treasurer, with the tools covered with black. The procession moved from the lodge-room to the sound of martial music. At the White meeting-house. Rev. Gershom Williams delivered a pertinent, pathetic discourse to a very crowded audience, after which Brother John Lee entered the pulpit and pronounced a very masterly oration. After which re- turned in due order back to the lodge-room. Every per- son, — the military, the citizens, as well as the Masonic brethren, — conducted themselves in a decent, solemn, and becoming manner, expressive of the public sorrow at the melancholy event. The lodge was in working order down to the time of the 59 Morgan excitement, when it became extinct. The house of Adonijah Skinner, where the lodge met for many years, was at North White Creek. It met for a time at the house of Paul Cornell, at White Creek village, who fitted up a room for its use. Before tliis the lodge met at the tavern, which is now the private residence of James Allen. The notices of other societies are embodied in the history of Cambridge village. PL.\CKS OF HISTORIC INTEREST. The route by which Baum's force moved against the American troops at Bennington was directly through this town. Entering from the northwest by the present road, which forms a part of the boundary between Jackson and Cambridge, Baum marched southward down the valley of the Owl Kill, probably passing through North White Creek village and along the east side of the stream. On the night of Aug. 13, 1777, he encamped till the next day near Waite's Corners, The exact place is pointed out by tradition as half a mile below the Corners, on a farm now owned by Patrick Tierney. The site of the encamp- ment was south of a small rivulet that empties into the Owl Kill at that place, on the point of land between the streams. The stay was only temporary, and a single bridle-bit, plowed up when the country was new, is about the onl}- relic ever found there. From this place he marched southward into the valley of the Hoosick, and passed beyond the present boundary of White Creek. The actual place of the fight known to history as the Bennington battle was but just beyond the line of this town. Hon. George W. Jermain describes it in his Cen- tennial address at Cambridge as being at the junction of the three towns, Bennington, Hoosick, and Cambridge. This language must not probably be explained to mean that any part of the battle-ground was in this town. It was not far from the southeast corner, but was beyond the limits of White Creek. Yet some stray shot are said to have fallen upon the soil of this town. An old Quaker who had a farm in the southeast corner was engaged in haying the day of the battle. His sons proposed to quit work, as things were somewhat lively in the neighborhood. The old gentleman objected ; said they wouldn't be molested ; they were Friends, men of peace, neutral. Soon after a cannon-ball, without any regard to theological preferences, fell near them. This was an argument which was not to be resisted, and the boys secured a holiday. It is said, too, that William Gil- more, working in the field that day, on the present farm of B. B. Kenyon, unyoked his cattle, leaving his plow in the furrow, took his gun, and started for Hoosick, Fighting on his own hook, he, with a few others, learning of Bray- man's approaching reinforcement, tore up the bridge over Little White creek, just barely succeeding in removing the last plank when the British detachment came in sight. No doubt this patriotic act caused just enough delay in Bray- man's movements to enable the Americans under Colonel Warren to reach the battle-ground in time for the second struggle. It should be added that Giluiore and his com- rades barely escaped with their lives from the bullet,<< of the enemy. 466 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. The soil in this town, in the tillable portions, is a fine gravelly loam, fertile and productive. Notwithstanding the spurs of the mountain range that extend into the town, the valleys are extensive, and along the streams there are some valuable alluvial flats. The hilly districts aflFord ex- tensive and excellent pasturage. The town on the whole is adapted to husbandry of a varied character, and the well- cultivated farms indicate profitable and remunerative in- dustry. Sheep husbandry has been carried on largely in past years, being at its height from 18-15 to 1850, when reported in the Fitch survey of Washington county. There were then sev- eral very large and noted flocks. At that time Stephen Barker had a flock of two thousand five hundred ; Mrs. Sarah Hanna, three thousand ; Simeon Sweet, two thousand ; James McKie, one thousand ; and John McKie, George Barber, James Lake, and Ovando Perry, about seven hun- dred each. The broken and mountainous districts in the north part of the town are less adapted for tillage than the lands in most of the other towns of the county. Extensive tracts were possessed by single individuals, and stocked mostly with sheep. Hence the flocks were larger in num- bers than in any other town of the county. There were 9407 sheep in town in 1825, 24,488 in 1835, 30,786 in 1845. In later years sheep husbandry has given place to the dairy interest, while flax and potatoes are extensively grown. A creamery was established in 1877 in White Creek vil- lage ; proprietor, J. B. Jermain, Albany, who owns thirteen hundred acres of land in that vicinity. The creamery, from July 16 that year, received the milk of one hundred and fifty cows, or 212,500 pounds ; butter made, two thousand pounds, sold at an average of thirty cents ; 21,250 pounds of cheese, sold at an average of twelve cents. The net price received by patrons for milk was one dollar and five cents per one hundred pounds. The first orchards were planted before the Revolutionary war by the Gilmores, Youngloves, and others. Taking two yoke of oxen to each of two wagons they brought the trees from Barker's Grove, in the town of Easton. MILIT.\Rr. This town having been settled ten or twelve years before the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, had quite a population when that struggle opened. Very many of the citizens of White Creek went into the army, either in the regular service for a stated period of enlistment, or tempo- rarily in militia regiments, or as volunteers in times of special danger, like that of the battle of Bennington. It is a matter of regret that so few records remain from which the names of these soldiers can be obtained. A few names have been secured by considerable inquiry among descend- ants of the old families. Besides Wm. Gilmore, ah-eady mentioned, the following are known to have been in the Revolutionary war : Isaac Fowler, Hiram Hathaway, Captain Jonathan Gardner, and Aaron Perry. The latter was engaged in driving cattle to Green's army in Virginia from Dutchess county. Colonel Tiffany lived in town during the Revolution, and commanded the militia of this vicinity at the battle of Stillwater. He is buried upon his farm. It is said that he had a neighbor who was an undoubted Tory, and was sus- pected of carrying provisions to the enemy. Colonel Tif- fany, seeing him coming from the British camp one morning, fired at him, the ball striking the rails just as he was climb- ing a fence. The Tory ran, not stopping, it is supposed, until he reached Dutchess county. The difficult straits in which some men were placed during the fearful year ( 1777 ) is very well shown by the following petition, with its quaint spelling, capitals, and all : "ToTiiK lIiiN. Geiihce Clinton-, Esg., C(imm.v.n-|ikk-i\-('eiikf asii OVER THE State iir Xew Yohk. ok tub ear his present place of residence, on Sept. 7, 1838. During his minority he resided with his father, engaging in farming and the growing of flax, and enjoying such educational advantages as the common schools of the day afforded. After arriving at his majority, he engaged in the same business on his own account. On August 23, 1865, he married Mary, daughter of George and Sophia Briggs, of White Creek, and has had four children, namely: Ada Sophia, born May 4, 1867; Susan Josephine, born July 6, 1869 : Stephen, born July 6, 1871 ; and William, born July 8. 1873. Ilis wife died August 12, 1875. Mr. Taber is at present pursuing the occupation of farm- ing and flax-raising at White Creek. He also acts as agent for James B. Jermain, of Albany, who owns a large tract of land at White Creek. Since Mr. Taber has had charge of Mr. Jermain's estate he has largely developed it and enhanced its value ; has built a large cheese-factory and creamery upon the same, which is now in successful operation, — using the milk from four hundred cows, — and has improved it in other substantial respects, gathering around him meantime a class of thrifty and enterprising farmers, and greatly increasing the importance and influence of his town. In politics, Hugh Taber is a Republican, and has always been such, without other deviation than that he sympa- thized with the late Reform movement of Mr. Greeley. In 1865 he was elected assessor of the town of White Creek, and filled that ofiice for the full term of three years. In 1867 he Wiis elected a justice of the peace, an oflBce which he has continued to fill ever since to the satisfaction of all. In March, 1876, he was elected to the important town office of supervisor, and still holds that office, having been re- elected twice. Mr. Taber is prominent in the religious and charitable movements of his town, actively identified with its material development, and strictly upright in all his business transactions. He owns and tills a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres. A view of his residence and its surroundings may be seen on another page of this work. ISRAEL BRATON PERRY. Aaron Perry came from Dutchess Co., N. Y., with his brother William, and settled on the farm formerly known as the Perry farm, in White Creek, now owned by John James. Aaron built a log house on the north part of the farm, on the south side of the eminence known as Bald hill, William located a little north of where the James residence now stands. Aaron Perry married Anna Hoag, whose parents weie from Dutchess county, and were among the early settlers in the town of White Creek. They had twelve children, two of whom still survive, viz., Lucinda Perry, residing at Post's Corners, in this towp, and Israel Braton Perry, whose name heads this article. The latter is unmarried, and resides on the family homestead, where he was boru on the 31st of December, 1812. After settling on the place above referred to, Aaron and William I'erry purcha.sed the Searles farm, and occupied it in partnership till they bought the present homestead, on which resides Israel Braton Perry. The deed of the place bears date Oct. 14, 1802. It was deeded to Aaron and William Perry by Sanford and Priscilla Smith, and con- tains one hundred and three acres. Aaron Perry also pur- chased of Heniaii and Elizabeth Swift the Swift farm, ad- joining this on the north, containing a little over fifty-one acres, on the 5th of January, 1814. This farm is still owned by Israel Braton Perry, and also a portion of the Searles farm. Aaron Perry was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. After the purchase of the present homestead, in 1802, he and his brother William divided the property they had purchased and improved together, Aaron taking the present homestead, on which he resided till the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1818. He died very .suddenly, after having worked all day in the Searles meadow, apparently as well as usual, being found dead in his bed in the morning. Mr.s. Perry died in 1841, aged seventy-five years. Israel Braton Perry tore down the old-fashioned Dutch house built here about the time of the Revolution, and erected the present commodious farm-house in 1862. Dur- ing the early part of the Revolution a house stood on this place, which was burnt during the war. It was occupied by a Mr. Younglove, who was shot in the house by a Brit- ish officer, but afterwards recovered. Mr. I. B. Perry has been a farmer all his life, having received his early education in the neighborhood where he was born, and where his honest, industrious, and upright life has merited the esteem and confidence justly reposed in him by his neighbors and fellow-citizens. DR. WILLIAM RICHARDS was a native of Waterbury, Conn., the son of Colonel Rich- ards, a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary war, and his early feelings and sympathies were strongly' enlisted on the side of the colonies in their struggle for freedom. Dr. Richards removed to White Creek, in this State, about fifty years since, where he resided the greater portion of that time, engaged in the practice of his profession. He was a physician of great skill and prudence, and possessed to an uncommon degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He was frequently elected to offices of trust and respon- sibility in the county of Washington, and represented that county in the Legislature of the State in 1820. Tn all the domestic relations of life his character was a model ; and in public life his judgment was sound and dis- criminating and his integrity unquestioned. He died in White Creek, in 1844, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NKW YORK. 471 JONATHAN B. FOWLER. JONATHAN B. FOWLER. Jonathan Blacknian Fowler was born in that part of the old town of Cambridge now included in White Creek, near the centre of the latter, on the 5th of February, 1793. He is, consequently, at the date of this writing (.June, 1878), in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His father and grandfather, Abel and Simeon Fowler, were from Rhode Island, and settled on the original Fowler lot, in this vi- cinity, among the early pioneers of the county. Abel Fowler married Molly Brownell, of Pownal, Vt. They were the parents of seven children, — six sons and one daughter, — of whom Jonathan B. Fowler was the youngest. He was brought up on a farm, to which occupation he has devoted himself through life. Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Piiilena M. Perry, Dec. 30, 1819. She was a daughter of William Perry, of White Creek, and was born on the farm now owned by John James, Feb. 19, 1793. They had children as follows : Minerva E., born Sept. 19, 1820 ; William Perry, born June 20, 1825; Cornelia Amanda, born Sept. 20, 1826, died Sept. 1, 1851 ; De Witt Clinton, born Feb. 8, 1828, died Sept. 6, 1855 ; Fayette Franklin, a twin brother, born Feb. 8, 1828. The three surviving children reside in the town of White Creek. Mr. Fowler has been a Democrat since the days of An- drew Jackson, and has served his town in various offices, such as assessor, overseer of the poor, etc. He has been a man of strong mind and vigorous constitution, which have been well preserved by the strictly temperate habits which he has practiced through life. Perhaps few men of his years are more active than Mr. Fowler. He was called out with his regiment of militia in the War of 1S12, and went to Burlington, Vt., but was discharged .soon after McDon- ough's victory on Lake Champlain. Colonel Hercules Rice, of Cambridge, was the colonel of the regiment. Mr. Fowler has resided in the house he now occupies fifty-eight years. He has been one of the trustees of the cemetery association, and treasurer since its organization. MRS. .JONATHAN B. FOWLKR. Few men have lived so long in a community and maintained so unblemished a reputation. JOHN JAMES. Mr. James is a native of Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in which town he was born Aug. 23, 1827. His grand- father, Randall James, came from Rhode Island, and set- tled in Hoosick about 1788. His marriage-certificate, which has been preserved by his grandson, bears witness to the fact that he was married at Kingston, R. I., to Elizabeth Kenyon, June 5, 1785, three years before he settled in Hoosick. The wedding-coat worn on the occasion has also been preserved with the certificate by Mr. James as a souvenir of his grandfather, who gave a month's work in winter for each yard of cloth contained in the gannent. This ancestor died in Hoosick in 1831. His son, whose name was also Randall James, the father of John James, was born in Hoosick, and was by occupation a farmer. He held a colonel's commission in the militia, and was known as Colonel Randall James, and also held several civil offices in his town. He married Sally Eddy in April, 1820, and had nine children, — four sons and five daughters, — of whom the subject of this sketch was the eldest. Receiving his early education at the common schools, and being reared a farmer, he resided at the old homestead in Hoosick till the spring of 1875, when he purcha.sed the place where he now resides. It has been known as the Perry and also a.s the Starbuck place. It is one of the most beautiful loca- tions in this section of the State, and, with the' improve- ments contemplated and partly carried out by Mr. James, will be as desirable a country residence as can be found in Washington county. Mr. .James was married on the 12th of February, 1851, to Catharine J. Buwen, daughter of Sylvester Bowen, of Cambridge. Mr. Bowen (her father) was born in Shafts- bury, Vt., and came with his father to the town of White Creek when three years of age. Catharine J., now Mrs. James, was born in White Creek in June, 1828. Her 472 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. mother waa Julia Cross, daughter of Greneral Samuel Cross, of Shaftsbury, Vt., and sister of Nathan L. Cross. She was born Oct. 2i», 1799, and died March 5, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. James have iiad children, as follows: Sylvester Boweii James, born May 17, 1842. Julia Cross James, born Nov. 6, 185(j ; married Hiram C. Houghton, of North Bennington, Vt., June 11, 1874; died May 22, 1875, leaving one daughter, little Julia J., aged three years. Mr. James is a Republican in jiolitics. He is a man of decided opinions, but averse to taking any office, although frequently proposed and solicited to do so. 'Few men have attained in a higher degree the confidence and esteem of their fellow-citizens, and fevr have been more prosperous by steady application to the pursuit of farming. ISAAC ASHTON was born April 2, 1797, in the house now occupied by Willard and William Lawton, about a half-mile west of the Ashton place of a later day. He was a son of Deacon John Ashton, and grandson of Major James Ashton, who were the first settlers in Ashgrove, from whom the place derived its name. He was united in marriage, Dec. 1, 1825, to Anna Maria Beveridge, daughter of Rev. Thomiis Bever- idge, who was sent from Scotland to this country as a mis- sionary, and was the first minister settled in Cambridge, and sister of the Rev. Dr. Beveridge, of Xenia, Ohio, and of Mrs. Jennett Lourie, of Jackson. She was born Sept. 12, 1798, and was baptized by Rev. William Marshall, then of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Ashton early in life became members of the Associate Presbyterian church of Cambridge. They had eight children, four of whom are living, viz. ; Dr. John Ashton, a physician at Centre Cam- bridge ; Thomas Beveridge Ashton, noted as an entomolo- gist, residing in Leavenworth, Kansas; Mrs. Jennett Ash- ton Darby, and her sister, Mary Ashton, residing at the A.shton homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Ashton moved here in 1826, and lived here till their death. Mrs. Ashton died Sept. 11, 1858. Mr. Ashton departed this life Feb. 3, 1871. His last words were, " There are rivers of pleasure at Thy right hand forevermore." NATHANIEL COTTREI.L. W I L I T E H A L L. Tins town is noar the liortlieastoin corner of tlic county. It is bounded on the east by Hampton, on tlic west by Fort Ann, and on tlie south by Fort Ann and Granville. Upon tlic north and northwest its boundary is very irrejrular, being defined by the waters of South bay, Lake Ciiamplain, and the Poultney river, wliieh divide it from Dresden and the State of Vermont. In the central and eastern parts of the town its surface is roHinj^, but in the west and in the vicinity of the head of the hike it becomes rusged and even mountainous. . Its principal Waters, besides those upon its northern bor^ der already mentioned, are Wood creek and the Mettawce or Pawlet river, both of which enter from the south, and after a general northerly course of a few miles unite in a single stream, which takes the name of the former, and falls into the harbor of Whitehall. And all these waters, with the valleys and hills and crags which surround them, are his- toric. In the interminable warfare which for years, perhaps fur ages, before the coming of the white man was wogcd bc' tween the Iroquois and the Indian tribes of Canada, the Waters of the Hudson river and of Lake Champlain formed their military thoroughfare, broken only by a comparatively short portage, over which the red men had three distinct routes, — one being from Glen's Falls to Lake George and Ticondcroga, another from the point now Fort Ann to South bay, and the third from Fort Fjdward, acrass the summit, to Wood creek, and thence down that stream to Kah-sliah-(|uah-iia,* now Whitehall harbor. And when, in the years preceding our Revolution, France and England fought again and again for North American dominion, their expeditions traversed the same highway; and the same red warriors, or their descendants, continued the old strife as guides and allies of the civilized combatants. And so it comes that Whitehall is historic ground. Hostile cannon have boomed in the harbor, and the whir of arrows and the whistle of bullets have been heard along the rocky hill- sides. Scouts, watching their foes from the mountain-top, have looked down on the movements of stealthy savage bands, and on the defiant advance of a royal army. These numerous expeditions, with their accompanying conflicts and other exciting incidents, covered so large a territory that they are necessarily treated of in the general history of the county, where they will be found detailed at full length. MAJOR .SKENE AND HIS COLONY. The first settlement in Whitehall was made by a half- pay English officer, Major Philip Skencf He brought * " The plaoo where wo dip flsh," or the great fishing-phice. t From the letters " P. K. P.," in the stone over the door of his dwelling, ithas been iufcnea Unit he hiul ii nrKldlc iiaiiie bcgiiiuiiig 60 with him aljout thirly families of settloi-s, and entered on this domain fand to which he afterwards obtained a title) in 17(il. Everything here he found in a state of nature, bciiring no mark of man's occupancy except an intrench- inent and stockade, constructed during tlic then recent wor, occupying a commanding position on the present site of the Villagc.|: After establishing his colony, he joined an English expedition to the West Indies, from where he brought a number of negro slaves, Otk his return ho found that one-half his settlers had deserted the place, and that the remainder were in a state of great discontent. But the major was an energetic man, the owner of consid- erable private means, and a crown magistrate ; and he was not to be easily discouraged or diverted from his original purpose of securing for the settlement such advantages as would render it a tit place of residence for a man of hi.s' importance. He obtained a royal patent for twenty-five thousand acres§ on the 13th of March, 1765. Tlie im- provements which he made were extensive for tliat early time. With the labor of his negroc?, his .settlers, and some discharged soldiei-s whom he employed, he built a sloop, as a means of necessary transportation on the lake, opened a passable road hence to Salem, thirty miles, built a saw-mill and a grist-mill at the falls on Wood creek, || and erected for himself a stone mansion about thirty by forty feet in size, two and a half stories high, and of great solidity, where he lived in a baronial sort of way, surrounded by his black servants, and very popular with his colonists. This mansion stood fronting the creek, on a site now partially or' with E; but he signed himself "Philip Skene," and was so desig- nated in all records, i The high ground in the southeast nngle of lligh and -Church streets. ^ Associated with him were twenty-four others, whose interests in it, however, were but nominal. Tlie names were as follows; .lohn Maunsel, Thomas Monoricf, John and Nathaniel Marston, Hugh Wallace, Alexander Wallace, Lawrence Readc, Thomas White, John Gill, Robert Alexander, Robert Stevens, John Mooro, Joseph Alli- cook, Gerard Bancker, Evert Banckcr, Richard Curson, John Lamb, James Deas, Boyle Roche, Alchcson Thompson, Peter Kettletas, John R. Meyer, Levinus Clarkson, and Abraham Bra«icr. A second patent was issued to him July 6, 1771, known as "Skene's Little PntcnI." This contained nine thousand acres, adjoining the first grant on (ho northeast. These together covered all of the town of Whitehall ex- cept the Mcintosh grant of about four thousand acres on the cast side, and also embraced the northern extremity of the present town of Hampton. The fust patent chartered the township as Skcnosbor- ough, and Skene himself, by virtue of his commission as magistrate, exercised the only authority within it at that time. By courtesy ho was sometimes designated as " Governor Skene," probably on ac- count of a project which ho was known to have entertained of the erection of northern Jfew York and Vermont into a sep.aralc royal province, under himself as its chief magistrate. 11 He also erected aflerwanl.s, on the west side of Wood creek, a rudu furnace for smelting the ores of the riciuily. 473 474 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. entirely occupied by the roailw;iy of Williams street, anj near the residence of the late Joseph Jillson. Skene also built a massive stone building, which was still standing within the memory of some yet living, and was generally known as " Skene's Barn," though from its size and construction it seems hardly probable that it was built as such. It stood on a spot al'terwards embraced in the property of Judge Wheeler, on Skene street above Wheeler avenue. It was one hundred and thirty feet in length, and the walls were pierced, evidently for musketry, suggesting the idea of a j)laco of refuge and dcfen.se in case of attack, though it may also have been u.sed as a barn or stable. In the wall was a gateway-arch, the keystone of which was laid in the wall of the Episcopal church at its erection in 18.37, and may now be scon at the Fiist National ^ bank in Whitehall. Upon it is cut the inscription \-g V To show the importance which had been at- V W tained by Skene';* settlement, it is appropriate to vJJ-J mention the fiict that in 1772, during the strife among the townshijis to secure the location of the court-house, a peti- tion asking that Skencsborough bo made the shire town received two hundred and eighty -one signatures, of which seventy-one were those of Skene s colonists. On the opening of the Revolution Skene was in England, suppo.sed to be seeking tlie establishment of a new province called Ticonderoga, with Skencsborough as the capital, and himself as governor. He was understood to be friendly to the king's side in the great controversy, and the Americans resolved to break up liis settlement at once. Accordingly, on the 13th of May, 1775, a party of volunteers, under command of Captain Ilerrick, marched into Skencsborough, which they captured without opposition.* Skene's son, fifty settlers, and twelve negroes were taken prisoners. Skene's sloop was also captured and sent down the lake to Arnold, who made it the flag-ship of the fleet he iinpiovised on Lake Champlain. Skencsborough being considered a point of importance, as commanding the head of Lake Champlain, General Schuyler was ordered to occupy it with a garrison and put it in a condition for defense, by repairing and adding to the old intrenchments. The place was held by the patriots for more than two years, during whicli time the harbor was the rendezvous of the American naval force in the upper lake. In July, 1777, came the army of Burgoyne. The mili- tary movements attending that great invasion are given in the general history, but some of the local items find their more proper place here. Burgoyne's right wing encamped on ground now the west part of Whitehall village, extending west from Canal street to the foot of the hill ; the Brunswickers, forming the left, lay away to the east, and the Indian allies were very properly placed on the lower ground along Wood '^■' Tn some accounts of this occurrence it hns been said that the Tol- unlcers, in pillaging the house, found there the de.id body of Slicne's wife scaled in a lead coffin, which he had licpt iu this way for j'cars, to secure the continuance of an annuity which was made payable " so long as she remained above ground," and that the soldiers buried it in the y.ard .idjoining the house. This, however, does not appear authentic, though crcdoncc is given to it by Kev. Lewis Kellogg, in his historical discourse delivered June 27, 1S17. creek, with civilized troops upon their either hand.f The headquarters of Burgoyne were at the stone mansion of Skene, and the colonel himself, as he was then called, though he held no rank in the British regular army, who had returned from exile with his countrymen, played the part of host to the British commander, and we may well imagine that the old house never contained so proud or so gay a company as during the three weeks which the gen- eral and his staif spent there, awaiting the removal of obstructions on the route to Fort Edward. In the movement on Bennington, Skene, being well ac- quainted with that section of country, joined Baum's forces, and took part in the battle of Aug. 16, in which he is said to have had four horses shot dead under liim, and a fifth so badly wounded that it died alter carrying the rider safely out of the fight. This was said to have been the work of Stark's sharpshooters, who recognized the major, and par- ticularly desired that he should be taken alive. If this was their object they were soon gratified, for Skene was surrendered with Burgoyne's army on the 17th of October. He was afterwards exchanged and returned to England, where he died at an advanced age. His stone mansion at Skenesborongh was destroyed by fire, kindled, as many said, by his own direction, to prevent it from falling into the hands of his foes, but of this there is no satisfactory proof. His lands were confiscated and sold, the purchasers being Joseph Stringham, John Murray, and General John Williams, of Salem.J The price paid by these gentlemen for all the lands was fourteen pounds ten shillings, their first bid, there being no competition at the sale, jirobably on account of the evil repute which had fallen on Skencs- borough, as being a location of extreme unhealthfulncss,§ which at that time, and for years afterwards, was undoubt- edly true ; for it is known the mortality here was very great among the soldiers of the garrison from 1775 to 1777, and was scarcely less in proportion, among the few inl'abitants of the place, after the close of the war. TOWN OUCANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Although Skene.'^borough was erected into a township by the same patent of March 13, 17G5, which gave title to the land, there is no record to be found of any municipal + Israel Warner, a 'son of Colonel Sclh Warner, of Bennington fame, for many years a resident in the town of Whitehall, was fond of r( lating how at that time he was sent by his father as a scout, to watch the movements and position of the enemy, from the top of Slieue's mountain. I General Williams afterwards became sole owner, purchasing Stringham's entire interest in 1802, and Murray's in 1803. ^ Fearful and often ridiculous tales were also told concerning other alledgcd disadvantages of the place, particularly of the prevalence of mosquitoes. Mr. Isaac Weld, Jr., who in 1795 made a tour iu the United States for the purpose ** of ascertaining whether, in case of future emergency, any part of America might be looked for- ward to as an eligible place of abode," wrote as follows; "Skenes- borongh is most dreadfully infested with mosquitoes. . . . These insects were of a much larger size than any I ever saw elsewhere, and their bite was uncommonly venomous. General Washington told me that he never was so much annoyed by mosquitoes in any part of America as at Skencsborough, for they used to bite through the thickest boot !" Amazing as this may seem, there is no doubt that if General Washington made this statement it was strictly true. What wonder thai lands here were uusalable? X y^--^<^ Jl^. k '7^/'-7~e ^ ^^l Randolph C. Johnson was born iu Wallingford, Vt., May 18, 1811. He was only son in a family of four children of Jedediali Johnson and Elizabeth Cooley. The former was a son of Eliakim Johnson, one of the first settlers of Wallingford, who came there through the forest, being guided only by marked trees, accompanied by his wife, from Wallingford, Conn., and bouglit the township, and named it after their home in Connecticut. The latter was a daughter of Colonel Wm. Cooley, of Rupert, Vt., a lady of rare intelligence. Randolph C. came to Whitehall with his parents in the year 1828, and at once set up business for himself, engaging in the transportation and boating business, and, although unaided pecuniarily, through the mi.sfortunc of his father, he began with that self-reliance and resolution that succeeds, and by industry and economy, with his shrewd and sagacious forethought, won his way from poverty to a fair competence. For many years be was also a merchant in general trade, and it is a fact worthy of note that his integrity of character, acknowledged by all with whom he came in contact in all business matters, was the great lever to give him his first start among strangers; and this princi])lo he adhered to through life. His main business during his life in Whitehall was that which he first engaged in on coming to that place. Mr. Johnson was actively interested in the political issues of the day, and was formerly identified with the Whig party. Held in high esteem, he was elected to fill some of the most important places of trust and respon- sibility in his town and village. Was supervisor for one term, and several terms trustee of the village of White- hall; he was a liberal supporter of church and scliool interests, and assisted largely in erecting the first Epis- copal church at Whitehall. He died March 9, 1870. In the year 1835, Jan. 22, he married Miss Jane Ann, daughter of Henry F. Wilson and Mary Fenlon, of Montezuma, N. Y., by whom he had seven children, — Mary Elizabetli (deceased), John Randolph (deceased), George Frederick (dece;ised), Henry Francis (deceased), Emma Jane, wife of Mr. Uri H. Coffin, of Jersey City, Louis Edward (deceased), and Elizabeth, wife of James Spencer, attorney and counselor-at-law, of Whitehall, N. Y. Mrs. Johnson still survives her husband, and although suifering from a quite severe paralytic stroke, retains her faculties of rtiind to a remarkable degree. She was born June 17, 1817. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 479 liaiul-cnp;ine Imd, sonic years befdic, been presented to the villajic by .loiicl John Williams, but had proved to be of little practical use. The Tmrcut was manufactured by But- ton, of Waterford, and cost thirteen hundred and fifty dol- lars, including hose. Now, after more than forty years of service, it is still in use by W. F. Bascom Compatit/, Ao. 1, as good as ever, and an object of pride among the fire- men. Other engines and fire C(|uipnients have been added and new companies formed froiu time to time, until the pi-esent strength and efficiency has been attained. The chief engineer's report, made Jan. 14. 187S, shows the department to be composed as follows, viz. : chief en- gineer, Charles Chapin ; assistant engineer, T. A. Patterson. Umpire IIi>i)lc-and- Ladder Compitiiy. — P. P. Gaylord, foreman ; D. 6. Percival, secretary ; number of active uicmbers, twenty-eight. Whi/chiiU Steamer Oimpniiy. — W. F. Rascoiu, foreman ; E. C. Pratt, secretary ; number of active members, thirty- four. If. F. BuRcom Eiiijiue Ciimptiii)/. — Jaiues Lindsey, fore- man ; Samuel Lampro, secretary ; number of active mem- bers, tliirty-one. W. II. Cooke Eiiffiiie Compntii/. — William Sinnot, fore- man; John Lusk, secretary ; has thirty-four active mem- bers. This engine is the property of a stock company, but is used by the company under the direction of the chief engineer. James Daren Iluxe Comjiaiii/. — J. II. Townscnd, fore- man ; J. P. Farmer, secretary ; number of active mcuibers, twenty-six. Georr/e Brett, Jr., Ilane Cnmptnii/. — William Kana, foreniaii ; A. McNeeley, secretary ; has fifteen active mem- bers. B. F. Lacca Hose Company. — Thomas Bartholomew, foreman ; Thomas Dorcal. secretary ; number of active members, tliirty-six. A. C. Hopsoii Hose Compaiii/. — JI. Biilgard, foreman ; J. Belgard, secretar}' ; number of active members, twenty. Lidependent Steamer (formerly No. 1), having now no company, is in charge of Whitehall Steamer Company. Nlaijani Engine, is located at W. W. Cooke & Son's steam-mill. The village also owns six firc-cxtingni.sbers. In the numerous fires which have occurred in Whitehall the members of the department have always been prompt to render aid, and large amounts of property in the village liave been saved from the flames by tlieir timely exertions. Among the most memorable of these occasions were the conflagrations of April 13, 1860, May — , 1864, and Nov. 8, 1875. In the first mentioned, the fire commenced in the drug-store of E. W. Hall, and thence swept the whole line of brick buildings on Canal street from the present site of Manville's drug-store south i;o Division street, consuming also several houses on Centre street, and even comumnicat- ing to the buildings on the east side of the creek. The next mentioned (1864) destroyed Wail's carpet-factory, a grist-mill and saw-mill, a sash- and door-factory. Bull's foundry and machine-shop, and some smaller buildings, all on the east side of the creek, tlie lo.ss amounting to nearly one hundred thousand dollars. The fire of 1875 destroyed the liardware-.-:toie of GeoiLie A. Hall and the entire Day- ton block on the west side of Canal street ; also the Lake House and stables on the opposite .side. The Icsses paid by the insurance companies for this fire amounted to nearly fifty thousand dollare. Another disastrous fire occurred .March 10, 187G, which consumed Hall's hotel and stables on Canal street, and ii^t^ ? I^X- '^Ci^-'''/^ f '^^r-^c O/, 4^-^^^ oO-T^-^^, ROBERT DOIG. Robert Doig was born in the town of Greenwicb (eastern part), Washington County, March 13, 1810. His grandfather, Thomas Doig, was a native of Scotland, and died at Thorn- hUl, Scotland, about 1798, leaving two sons, Robert and John, and three daughters, Jean, Elizabeth, and Marian, of whom Robert emigrated to America (John and Jean emigrating afterwards) in the year 1798, first settling at East Green- wich, this county. He was born 1769, and about the year 1802 married Miss Hannah, daughter of John Beattie, of Salem, by whom he had ten children, — Grace, John B., Janet, Thomas, Robert, James R., David, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Sarah. Robert Doig gave his attention largely to farming. Moved to Salem in the year 1810, where he remained until about the year 1830, when he removed to Cambridge, where he lived until his demise, 1850. His wife survived him some ten years, dying at the advanced age of eighty years. Robert spent his boy- hood on a farm at home, receiving the limited opportunities of the district school ; was a clerk in the store of John Beattie, of Salem, for some two years, and during the latter years of his minority availed him.self of the facilities of Washington Academy, at Salem, and the Cambridge Academy. In these schools he took high rank, and at the age of twenty-four entered Union College, at Schenectady, and graduated from that institution in the year 1 836 with the usual honors. Unassisted, pecuniarily, Mr. Doig was obliged to defray his own expenses, and after leaving college, impressed with the idea of a professional life he began teach- ing in Troy, N. Y., and at the same time to read law with Judge Hunt, a man of high standing as a lawyer. He finished his studies there in 1838, and came to Whitehidl and entered the ofiice of Boyd & Billings, where he com- pleted his law study, and was admitted as an attorney of the Supreme Court of the State, and about the same time received the honorary degree of A.M. from Union College. He at once opened an office for himself in Whitehall, where he began the practice of his profession, and as with most new practitioners in any profession (it was no exception in his case), he met the obstacles incident to young men brought in contact with more experienced men. His indefatigable perseverance and resolution to succeed soon gave him a prominent place among the legal fraternity of the county. In the year 1841 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he retained for some nineteen successive years, and at the same time kept up the practice of the law. . During and since his time of office as justice of the peace he served as clerk of the board of supervisors for three years, and was attorney for the Commercial Bank of White- hall for some eighteen years, and for several yeare attorney at various times for the several railroads of Saratoga and Washington, Saratoga and Whitehall, and the Rensselaer and Saratoga. Since the close of his justiceship he has given his full attention to the practice of the law. In the year 1841, September, he married Miss Martha, second daughter of Joseph Goodale, of 'Wliitehall. Her ancestors were earl}' settlers of Salem, near Shushan. To Mr. and Mrs. Doig have been born four children,— Robert ; Mary (deceased), wife of Henry Smith ; Martha, twin sister of Mary, died in infancy ; Martha G., wife of Edward Pittinger, of Whitehall. In politics Mr. Doig has remained firm and unswervingly a member of the Demo- cratic party since the breaking up of the old Whig party, and although never solicitous of any political preferment, yet regarded the right of suffrage of paramount interest to every American citizen, and was among the foremost in supporting the Union cause during the late rcbelliou and promoting the welfare of those who fought in defense of an undivided republic. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 485 this sketch, and the former that of Notre Dame de la Victoire.* In January, 1868, the Rev. J. J. McDonnell was ap- pointed to the pastorate of the English-speaking congrega- tion, and has remained in charge until the present time. Under him, their service was hold in Anderson hall, until the completion of their new church edifice, of which the corner-stone was laid, Sept. 27, 18(38, by the Very Rev. E. P. Wadhams, vicar-general of the diocese of Albany, and which was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. J. J. Conroy, bishop of Albany, Nov. 24, 1870. The total cost of this church was about thirty thousand dollars. The lot on which it stand,s — lying on Canal, Board- man, and West streets — was formerly the homestead lot of Hon. Justin A. Smith, and purchased from him for the sum of five thousand five hundred dollars. A fine par- souage was erected on the same lot, adjoining the church, in 1872-73. The congregation now numbers about one hundred fam- ilies. CATHOLIC CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME DE LA VICTOIRE. At the time of the division of St. Mary's congregation, the French portion, which received the above designation, were placed under charge of Rev. A. Payette, as pastor, and the old Episcojial church was purchased as their house of worship, at a cost (including the enlargement and repairs which were made before occupation) of about four thousand dollars. It was dedicated by Vicar-General Wadhams, Sept. 27, 1868 ; the same day on which was laid the corner-stone of the English Catholic edifice. The pastorate of Father Payette continued until July, 1877, after which the church was without a priest until about the 1st of December fol- lowing, when the charge was assumed by Rev. Adam, the present pastor. The congregation now embraces about three hundred families, for which number their house is entirely insufiicient ; and ou this account they have pur- chased from the estate of the late Judge Wheeler a lot of ground at the corner of Skeene street and Wheeler avenue, on which the erection of a new and commodious church is contemplated. The cost of this lot, including a dwelling- house to be used as a parsonage, was about six thousand five hundred dollars. CEMETERIES. The most ancient burial-place in the village of Whitehall is the old Presbyterian cemetery on the east side of Wil- liams street, between Poultney and Elizabeth streets, being a part of the land donated to that society with their church, by Colonel John Williams. It is not known whose was the first interment, but it must have been made nearly three- fourths of a century ago. The ground has become very populous, and new burials within it have been discontinued. Another, probably of equal antiquity, is the Methodist burial-ground, at their church in East Whitehall, originally taken from the farm of Simeon Hotchkiss. The number of interments has become very large, and an extension of about half an acre was added to its eastern side in 1875. * Before the division, at a date which we arc unable to aseertaiu, the name had been changeil, by authority, from St. Anthony's to ,-it. iMarv's church. The old Bartholomew grave-yard, in East Whitehall, is a ground given for burial purposses by Lemuel Bartholomew, one of the first settlers, whose remains, with those of two generations of his descendants, as well as those of many other of the early residents of this part of the town, lie within its inclosure. It has become crowded, and no in- terments are now made there. The Hatch Hill burial-ground is a small but well-filled cemetery, located in the neighborhood of the same name, in the southeastern part of the town. Another is located in the southwest part, on the Fort Ann road, near the resi- dence of J. Osgood ; and near the Hampton town line is an old ground originally taken from the farm of Levi Falkeubury, a .soldier of the Revolution. Near the north- eastern corner of the town is a burial-place in the Whit« and Pratt neighborhood, and also one on the farm of Wil- liam Clarke. About one mile from the village, on the Gran- ville road, adjoining the farm of George H. Buel, is a ground recently laid out for the interment of indigent per- sons. This is owned by the town of Whitehall, and was purchased from Ebenezer Ingalls. Some years ago a cemetery plat was laid out on Queeu street, and some lots were sold by the proprietor, Justin A. Smith, Esq. It chanced that among the earliest interments were those of one or more members of the Odd-Fellows' fraternity, from which circumstance the ground became to some extent known as Odd-Fellows' cemetery ; but this designation was never an authorized or a correct one. No burials are made there now, and many of the remains have been removed from it. The Boardman cemetery is located on Smith street, op- posite the head of Boardman street, in the southern part of the village. The first interment here was that of Nancy Boardman, who died Feb. 15, 1853, and the ground was surveyed and laid ofl" as a cemetery June 15 in the same year, by Cyrus Boardman, whose heirs are still proprietors of the unsold portion. The first survey embraced two hun- dred and eight lots, and a second survey of one hundred and twenty-five lots was afterwards added. Lying together with these is a large private plat, owned by Hon. E. A. Martin, and also a tract laid out for burial purposes by Justin A. Smith, Esq. These grounds form, in fact, a single cemetery, which is now the principal place of inter- ment in use by the inhabitants of the village and vicinity. AGRICULTURE — SLATE PRODUCTION— POPULATION. The area of Whitehall is 31,509 acres, of which about three-fifths is improved land. The crops most raised arc oats, corn, wheat, rye, and potatoes, which last named are quite extensively produced for the market in the slate region of the east part of the town. In general, however, the soil is a stiff, intractable clay, and best adapted to grazing, to which branch the attention of farmers is in a great measure directed. There are in the town two cheese- factories, viz., the Rogers factory, on the farm of J. S. Rogers, in the north part, and the Hollister factory, in East Whitehall, near the Hampton line. Both these are owned by stock companies, and together they manufacture the product of about six hundred cows. In the south part, on the old Granville road, is a creamery, established 486 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. by George Rathbun in 1876, with a patrninige of about ninety cows. A considerable amount of milk is also shipped by rail, the quantity sent from this town in 1877 having been nine thousand four hundred and eighty-two gallons. Very littlu attention is given to the production of fruit, ex- cept the grape, to wliich the soil of the limestone portion of the town seems peculiarly adapted. There are several vineyards, principally of the Delaware grape, in the vicinity of White- hall village, on the eastern side of Wood week, among which are those of 0. F. Davis, Esq., Judge Joseph Pot- ter, the Gibson estate, George S. Griswold, and Colonel Lemon Barns. All these have proved successful and de- cidedly remunerative. Tobacco culture has been carried on to some extent by J. S. Rogers, Allen E. Kelley, and W. W. Cooke, Esq., but is now nearly discontinued. The farm of Mr. Cooke in this town, containing five hundred acres, ranks among the best and most valuable farms in Washington county. The east portion of the town is in many places underlaid by a slate formation, which has been developed to some ex- tent. In the southeast corner is the Eureka slate quarry of I. S. Herbert & Co., now in operation. It produces slate of a red tint, uniform in shade, and of very superior quality. Another, upon the farm of Isaac Spink, near the Hampton line, has been considerably developed, producing excellent slate, but at present is not worked. There are opportunities for the opening of quarries at many other points within the town. The population of the town in 1840 was 3813; in 1845, 3954 ; in 1850, 4726 ; in 1855, 4438 ; in 1860, 4862 ; in 1865, 4422; in 1870, 5564; in 1875, 5039. In 1875 the population of Whitehall village was near 4900, but is thought to have decreased since that time. MILITARY. Joseph W. Alkn, enl. Aug, 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Wni. H. Allen, enl. Aug, 6, 1862, 12:3(i Hegt., Co. C. Cyrus W. Allen, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Eegt., Co. I. Julio IS. Benjamin, sergt. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. F. RumBey D. Brown, Corp.; enl. Sept. 4, 1862, ICDtli Kegf.. Co. P. L. M. D. Brown, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, 169tli Begt., Co. F. Ebenezer Blinn, enl. Sept. 8, 1862, lonth Regt., Co. F. Dennis Barrett, enl. Sept. C, 1862, 169lh Regt., Co. F. J. A. Butler, enl. Sept. 6, 1862, 169tli Regt. Winfield Butler, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co C. Mark Bourdon, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. George Brannock, enl. .\ug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Thomas Bryan, enl. Aug. 1, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. George S. Black, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. George H. Beattio, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Hiram T. Blanchard, enl, Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. Joseph Bogart, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Andiew Buoll, enl. Xng. 29, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John Bacon, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. .lames Bruley, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, o3d Regt., Co. A. Dana Briggs, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. George Brand, enl. Aug. 13, 1863, 2a Vet. Cav., Co. D. Joseph Bolton, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Joseph Barrett, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Robert H. Brett, enl. Aug.' 16, 1863, 2d Vet, Cav., Co. D. James T. Boyle, enl. July 311, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Michael Boyle, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. John H. Blinn, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Begt., Co. I. Frank Bylan, enl. Jan. 2, 1S62, 93d Regt., Co. I. Wm. T. Boyil, corp. ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, S7th Regt., Co. G. Stephen R. Cooper, enl. Aug. 23, 1862, 169th Eegt., Co. F. Daniel Curnmings, enl. Sept. 0, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. John C. Corbett, 2d lieut. ; eul. July, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. Luke H. Carrington, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., (.'o. C. Francis E. Cull, enl. July 28, 1802, 123a Eegt., Co. C. Michael Crowley, enl. Aug. 14, 18G2, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Jed A. Cull, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. James Crowley, enl. Aug. 9, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Paschal L. Cook. enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. James Carroll, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123il Regt.,Co.C. Henry Clemens, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John Carle, enl. Aug. .5, 1802, 123d Regt., (;o. C. Charles Carpenter, eul. .\ug. 11, 1863, 2d Vet Cav., Co. D; bad served in 78th Regt. Wm. Cain, enl. Aug. 5, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., (Jo. D. Franklin T. Centre, eul. Aug. 20, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Augustus P. Chase, enl. Aug. 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. I. Coombs, enl. Aug. 19, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Charles Conkey, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. John Carpenter, enl. July 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. John W. Clark, enl. July 31, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Joseph Case, enl. July 30, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. Frank A. Churchill, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. John Carpenter, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. George Carr, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. Wm. C. Corbit, corp.; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87tli Regt., Co. G. Henry H. Carver, enl. Dec. 28, 1861, 78th Regt., Co. C. .\mabel Chessier, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. Walter Doyle, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Joseph H. Dilts, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Charles Donahue, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John Douglass, enl. Aug. 7, 1802,123d Eegt., Co. C. Edward B. Day, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. Daniel Donahue, enl. Nov. 20, 1861, 96th Begt., Co. E. Seymour Daly, enl. Jan. 3, 1802, 93d Regt., Co. I. Wm. Deacon, Corp.; enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. Morris Dalton, enl.Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Eegt., Co. G. Caleb M. Earl, enl. Sept. 14, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. James W. Earl, Jr., enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. John B. Foole, Corp. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Richard W. Farrell, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 18B2, 123d Begt., Co. C. Wm. Foster, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. George Forget, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Thomas Forbes, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Dcwitt C.Falkenberry, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Eegt., Co. G. George Greene, enl. Aug. 29, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Wm. Glover, enl. Sept. 1, 1802, 169th Regt., Co. F. L. S. Gillott, corp. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. James H. Green, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. Golden, enl. Aug. 22, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Charles Graham, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Daniel Geary, enl. Aug. 15, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Robert Gero, enl. Aug. 3, 1863. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. George R. Goodall, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. f. Nicholas Uillard, sergt. ; eul. Aug. 4, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John C. Hollister, Corp.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. George Horton, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Wm. Button, Jr., enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. W. P. Huntington, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Begt., Co. C. James Hurlburt, eul. Aug. 2, 1802, l'23d Eegt., Co. C. Wm. Holt, enl. Aug. 12, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Enos Hall, enl. Oct. 8, 1801, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. Evan Hughes, enl. Aug. 28, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. George W. Hudson, enl. Aug. 16, 186.3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Michael Hogan, enl. Aug. 17, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. Holliday, enl. Aug. 18, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. U. Christopher Heeny, enl. Sept. 7, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Michael Hofferman, Sept. 7, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Antonio Hule, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Anson Hall, enl. Jau. 3, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. Philip Hart, enl. Dec. 3, 1861, 78th Begt., Co. C. Gardner W. Harvey, enl. Bee. 2, 1801, 78th Regt., Co. A. John Johnson, enl. Sept. 0, 1302, 109th Eegt., Co. F. Michael Johnson, sergt. ; enl. July 30, 1862, 123rt Eegt., Co. C. Henry F. Johnson, enl. Aug. 11, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John King, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 169th Eegt., Co. F. James Killyallon, eul. Aug. 13, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. George N. Knowles, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Thomas Kelly, enl. Aug. 5, 1862, 123J Eegt., Co. C. Patrick Kinney, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, I23d Eegt., Co. C. Lewis King, enl. July 29, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. James Kelley, enl. Sept. 9, 1801, 53d Begt., Co. G. Morris Kane, enl. Nov. 26, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. G. Erastus Lowell, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Wm. P. Lamb, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. George W. Lamb, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Nathan Leonard, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. George H. Leonard, enl. .Vug 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Leou Lacaille, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. Wm. Lindsay, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Eegt., Co. A. Theodore Lyon, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. Joselib Lapointo, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 487 .Iiisoph Laburge, eiil. Aug. 8, 1863, 2(J Vet. Cav., Co. D. Kiiwland Luomis, eiil. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. .\llred Laporte, enl. July 30, 1RC3, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. F. Henry Liiggan, enl. Dec. 26, 1861, 93d Bcgt, Co. I. Siymour F. Loomis, enl. (Jet. 2, 1861, 87th Uegt., Co. \. John McLanghliu, enl. Aug. 23, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Michael McBreon, enl. Aug. 13, 1802, 109th Uegt., Co. F. Tliomivs Mi-Kanna, enl. Sept. 5, 181.2, loilth Kegt , Co. F. H. C. Morehouse, sergt. ; enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Aliram Mosher, Corp.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. Orville Mannville, corp. ; enl. Aug. 9. 1862, 123d Begl., Co. C. Franklin Moore, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Rogt., Co. C. Charles W. Morris, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Thomas McCarty, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. John \V. Manning, enl. Aug. 11, 1862, 123d Regl., Co. C. Napoleon Meatt, enl. Aug. 14, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. V. Wm. Murray, enl. Sept. 24, lSOI,.53d Regt,, Co. A. Orrin G. Miller, enl. Sept. 2ll, 1861. 6 id Regt., Co. A. Adolphus Miller, enl. Sept. 24, 1S61, 53d Regt., Co. A. Joseph Moon, enl. Aug. 1", 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Alfred Manore, enl. Aug. 5, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. John McUermott, eril. Sept. 9, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Nathan Maxlield, enl. Aug. 26, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. McCnmskey, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2il Vet. Cav., Co. D. Wm. H. Montena, enl. Aug. 11, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). John H. McGee, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). Patrick Matthews, enl. Aug. IS, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). Wm. W. Miller, drummer; enl. Oct. 5, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. C. Henry May, enl. Sept. 24, 1S61, 87th Regl., Co. ti. John Moore, enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Regt., Co. G. Daniel Murphy, enl. Dec. 7, 1861, 78th Regt., Co. C. Joseph Neddo, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Charles H. Norton, enl. Aug. 21, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Joseph Naddo, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, o.3d Regt., Co. A. James O'Reilly, enl. July 28, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Daniel O'Conner, enl. Aug. 7, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. David O'Hare, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. .lames Perry, corp. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Augustus Palmer, enl. Sept. 18, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F Charles B. Pardo, enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 169tb Regt., Co. F. Edward S. Penfleld, Corp. ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. 0. Horace Pardee, enl. Aug. 13, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Joseph Price, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Joseph Perrot, enl. Sept. 24, 1801, 53d Regt., Co. A. Leon Pairsie, enl. Aug. 4, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Ely Pocket, enl. Aug. 8, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Alexander Paro, enl. Aug. 25, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. John Parke, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Horace Pardoe, enl. Nov. 16, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. James Pardoe, enl. Nov. 10, 1801, 93d Regt., Co. I. James C. Parke, enl. Nov. 10, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. 1. Henry Pardoe, enl. Jan. 3, 1862, 93d Regt., Co. I. Edward Pettinger, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, S7th Regt., Co. G. James B. Randall, sergt.; enl. Sept. 2, 1802, 109th Regt., Co. F. Charles Rose, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Lewis Rohitail, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. Alexander Rodd, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 63d Regt., Co. A. James Beno, enl. Aug. 10, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Elihu Rickert, enl. Aug. 22, 1803, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Philo Rickert, enl. Aug. 22, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). James Riley, enl. Aug. 25, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. S. Robertson, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. Robert Bowe, enl. Oct. 14, 1861, 87th Eegt., Co. G. Myron Bickert, enl. Sept. 2, 1801, 87th Regt., Co. G. Edward Bod, Sept. 14, 1861, 87tU Regt., Co. G. Alonzo Searls, corp.; enl. Sept. 9, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. John Slaveu, enl. Sept. 16, 1862, 169th Eegt., Co. F. Richard Scott, enl. July 28, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. C. Dauiel Shields, enl. Aug. 6, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. John Sears, Jr., enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. John C. Smith, enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. David H. Sager, enl. Aug. 9, 1862, 123d Eegt., Co. C. .lames J. Sherman, enl. Aug 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Francis Saddobar, drummer; enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Itegt., Co. A. Antoine Sliuott, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. David Sawyer, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. Joseph Slinott, enl. Sept. 24, 1861, 53d Regt., Co. A. Samuel Swift, enl. Aug. 21, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Israel Sweeney, enl. Aug. 3, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Joseph Selvy, enl. Aug. 6, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Winfteld S. Stowell, enl. Aug. 7, 1863, 2d Vel. Cav., Co. D. Duane Smith, enl. Oct. 14, 1801, 87th Eegt., Co. G. Robert Taggart, enl. Sept. 3, 1862, 169th Regt., Co. F. Adolphus H. Tanner, capt. ; enl. July, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Michael Tighe, enl. July 25, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. Hiram A. Tafft, enl. Aug. 7, 1S6J, 12:id Regt., Co. C. Henry A. Tafft, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, l-23d Kegt., Co. C. Hiram Tafft. Jr., onl. Aug. 13, 1862, I23d Begl., Co. C. Andrew Taffl, enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 123d Regt., Co. C. Richard Terrill, enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 123d Eegt., Co. C. Nathan Thompson, enl. Aug. li, 1862,12:id Regt., Co. C. Samuel U. Thurber, enl. Nov. 16, 1861, 93d Regt., Co. I. John Van Anden, onl. Aug. 9. 1862, 12.)il Regt., Co. C. Oliver Vigor, enl. Aug. 14, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. Foster Winchell, enl. Sept. .'>, 1802, 109th Eegt., Co. F. Charles Williams, enl. Sept. 8, 1862, 169tli Regt., Co. F. James Waters, enl. Sept. 10, 1862, 109tli Eegt., Co. F. Robert J. Woodward, enl. Aug. .11), 1862 1691b Eegt., Co. F. John D. Warren, enl. Sept. S, 1862, 160tli Eegt., Co. F. Walter G. Warner, Ist lieut. ; enl. July, 1862, I2:td Eegt., Co. C. George Wright, Corp. ; enl. July 31, 1862, 123d Kegt., Co. C. Thomas J. Wrangham, corp ; enl. July 29, 1802, 12.1d Rogt., Co. V. George W. Wells, corp. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, 12:ld Regl., Co. C. Edson Whitney, musii.ian ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, litd R*gt., (>i. C. George R. Winn, enl. Aug. 7, 1S02, 123d Regl., Co. C. Joseph Whiltcn, enl. Aug. 4, 1802, 123d Regt., Co. 0. Andrew Wilson, enl. Aug. B, 1802, 12:!d Kegt., Co. C. Charles E Wood, ei.I. Dec. 31, 1803, lOlh Art., Co. I. Michael Whigley, enl. Aug. 15, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. I). Curtis D. Wells, enl. Aug. 14, 186:i, 2d Vet. Cav., Vo. li. Edward Wells, enl. Aug. 5, 1863, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. D. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JUDOE ASA HAWLEY was born in Pawlet, Vt., Jan. 12, ISOG. He was a linoal descendant in the fifth generatiun From Samuel Hawlcy, who came from Eiiirland and settled in Staflord, Conn., in the year 16(56. His grandfather, Ager Hawley, built the first mill in Fair Haven, Vt., in the year 1782, and was killed in the mill December, 178-1. His father, Asa Hawley, was a miller of the same place, but soon aft«r 1806 came to Whitehall with his family, consisting of wife and three children,— Sally, Beusey, and Asa. There were born alter coming to Whitehall, Silas, 488 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Charlotte, and Harvey. The father died December, 1853, his wife having died March, 1852. Judge Hawlcy spent his early life as a farmer's son at home in Whitehall, receiving only the opportunities of the common schools of that day, but his subsequent life was marked with a desire to be conversant with not only the current topics of the day, but with the Bible and history. At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Frelove, second daughter in a family of four children of Robert Spink and Sarah Matthew, the former a native of Shafts- bury, Vt., but of Whitehall at the time of the marriage. She was born January, 1802, and is now living (in 1878), residing with her daughter, Mrs. John W. Esty, upon the old homestead taken up by her grandfather, Isaac Mattliew, who came to the county when it was a wilderness and about the close of the Revolutionary war, and bought a farm of some five hundred acres. By this union there were three children, — -Rev. C. R. Hawley, a Methodist clergyman now at Fair Haven, Vt. ; Sarah, wife of John W. Esty, of Whitehall ; and Mary, wife of James H. Aiken, of Benson, Vt. Judge Hawley spent the most of his life, after his marriage, as a farmer on the old homestead of his father-in-law. In politics he was an un- swerving member of the Democratic party, and for man^' years justice of the peace of the town of Whitehall, and for four years an associate judge of Washington county. It is said of him " that while he acted as judge his counsel was given with that deliberation and sagacity that gave evi- dence of a clear judgment and sense of justice to all men." Particularly characteristic of the judge were his genial and social qualities, especially admired and appreciated by his intimate friends. He was the centre of attraction in his family, a man of great kindness of heart, plain and unas- suming in his ways. At an early age he became an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church; and with his wife had been connected with that church for over a half- century at the time of his death, September, 1871. Judge Hawley was ever ready to devote his time and strength to every good work, and support any enterprise tending to educate and elevate the rising generation. ALFRED JEROME LONG, M.D., of Whitehall, N. Y., was born at Rutland, Vt., Aug. 5, 1824. He was the son of Jared Long and Martha Barr. The former, a native of Rutland, born Oct. 13, 1791, was a farmer by occupation, a member of the State Legislature (Vermont), and is now living, in 1878, where he was born. His grandfather, Levi Long, was born in Coventry, was a farmer by occupation, and died at the age of ninety-one, in the year 1850. Martha Barr was born in Highgate, Vt., June 11, 1792 ; was a daughter of Conrad Barr, an emi- grant from Wurtemberg, Germany, about the year 1790 ; born about 1745, and died at the age of eighty-eight years. Until the age of nineteen the subject of this notice remained on his father's farm, and then was sent to Castleton Semi- nary during the summer and taught school in winter. In 1847 he entered the Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1851. While .still attending college, in 1849, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Henry R. Jones, of New Haven, Vt. During the fall and winter of 1851 he taught at the high school in Bridport, and in the spring and summer of 1852 was principal of the Geor- gia Academy, Vt. In 1852 he attended the fall course of medical lectures at the Castleton Medical College. He attended his second course at the University of New York, where he graduated M.D. in the spring of 1853. July 28 of this year he opened an office at Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., where he gradually acquired a good practice, which he still enjoys. In all the years of his professional labors he has never taken rest save that gained in attending the meetings of the local. State, and National Medical Societies. He was elected .superintendent of the public schools in 1856, justice of the peace from 1857 to 1863, a member of the board of edu- cation from 1866 to 1875, town physician in 1862 and 1863, and health officer of the port of Whitehall in 1866 and 1867. He is a member of the Washington County Medical Society, and was its president in 1869-70, and its delegate to the New York State Medical Society from 1867 to 1871. He was president of the Union Medical Asso- ciation of Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties in 1876. He was a delegate from the State Medical Society to the American Medical Association in 1871, and attended the meeting at San Francisco. He is also an honorary member of the California State Medical Society. In 1878 he was elected permanent member of the New York State Medical Society. The doctor is a man possessing rare powere for original observations, with native wit and an inexhaustible fund of anecdote, and therefore a most agreeable and entertaining companion. His notes of observations and incidents of his trip to the Pacific are deserving of publication. In 1869, Dr. Long made an address before the Washington County Medical Society, on the necessity and advantage of more frequent meetings of the body, which he was requested to furnish for publication. In 1870, before the same body, he read a paper on the " Claims jModern Life imposes upon the Profession." His time is so fully occupied that he has never found time to prepare for the press some admirable addresses, notwithstanding he has been requested to do so by a vote of the society. In December, 1855, he was united in marriage to Susan Eleanor, third daughter of Thomas Coulson, Jr., and Mary Jane Watson, the former a native of St. John's, N. B., and a resident of Albany, N. Y., at the time of her marriage. Her father was a glue-manufac- turer by occupation, and died in 1871, at the age of sixty- eight. Her mother was a native of Sussex, England, and came to America at the age of twelve, was married at the age of eighteen, raised a family of twelve children, and died in 1862, in her fifty-second year. Mrs. Dr. Long was born in the year 1833, in Baltimore, Md., and is a lady of re- finement and culture. To the doctor and Mrs. Long have been born Mary Jane, wife of Dr. B. C. Sen ton, Nov. 17, 1857;'Charles Jared, July 17, 1860; Freddie Coulson, born Aug. 15, 1862, died Nov. 17, 1864; Benj. Alfred, born Sept. 12, 1867; Clymer Barr, born Dec. 21, 1873. The doctor and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Whitehall, and always interested in the propaga- tion of every good work. ^J.^. Whitehall. N.Y. IIISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 489 COLONEL LEMON BAKNS. An account of the parcnta-jo, ancestr}', place of nativity, life, and career of Colonel Lemon Barns, for more than tliree-quarters of a century, we desire to here place on record. His ancestry were of New England stock, de- scended from the emigrants from the " Mayflower." His grandfather on his father's side was Abel Barns, who resided in Litchfield, Conn., and who was one of the committee of ^^'^f^ (T^t / y^^s^^^-^-t^ // safety in the Revolution. His father, John Barns, was born in 17G7, at Litchfield, Conn. He also had an uncle, Enos Barns, who was killed in the patriot army. His father was just preparing to join the array when peace was declared and the independence of the United States acknowledged. He received a good New England education, particularly in mathematics. He went from there to West Haven, Rutland Co., Vt. He had pre- viously married Thcdora Ingraham, the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch. Lemon Barns was born at West Haven, Vt., Oct. 1, 1800. He was of feeble health for the first ten years of his life, after which he became a strong boy with a stout physical frame. In 1811 he was a cabin boy on the second steamboat in the world,— the " Vermont," of Vergennes, built in 1809, by John and James Wynes, on Lake Cliamplain, at Basin Harbor, Vt. She was one hundred and nine feet long and twenty-two feet beam, geared engine ; could make four miles an hour in a calm. Pursuing his studies at a district school, and mathematics at home, under the in.struction of his father, he became proficient in mensuration and surveying, and had a partial knowledge of navigation at seventeen years of age. When eighteen yeare of age, while in a saw-mil!, he accidentally 62 with an adze severed the cords directly under the knee-pan of the left leg, which compelled him to curry his foot in a stirrup for three years, during which time he placed him- self under the tuition of Prof. Howe, at Castlcton Acad- emy, Castlcton, Vt., where he pursued his studies with vigor, particularly in mathematics. At the completion of his studies he had developed a strong physical frame, stand- ing five feet ten and a half inches in his stocking feet, weighing over two hundred pounds, with symmetrical pro- portion, powerful muscles, and with a great deal of elasticity and endurance. The 1st day of January, 182:^, he united himself in mar- riage with Fanny, the daughter of Th.mias and Rhoda Dibble, who long resided in Fair Haven, Vt. She was born at that place, Dec. 4, 1804. They came immediately lo Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., and have made that their residence ever since, excepting four years when they resided at his mills; two years of which was at Moriah, E.ssex Co., N. Y., where he was manufacturing lumber, and two years in Chemung, where he was manufacturing flour. The first business he engaged in on coming to Whitehall was clearing the west mountain in that town of pine timber, where he cut, and delivered at Fort Edward, New York, fifteen thousand saw logs for the firm of the Hon. Mclanc- thon Wheeler and Jarvis Martin. On the 10th of November, 1823, was born to them, as a pledge of their union, a daughter, whom they named Mary. At a proper age she commenced and pursued her studies in a select school in Whitehall, until the age of thirteen, when she was sent to Burlington, Vt.. to a school whose principal was the Rev. Mr. Crane, under the patronage of the Right Rev. Bishop Hopkins; she made music a specialty under the teaching of an eminent (lerman jirofessor and con)poser, and she became an accomplished pianist both in science and execution. In 1824-27 he was engaged in the transportation of lum- ber and other property from Whitehall to Troy and Albany, and bringing back merchandise. In the year 1828 he wa.s appointed lumber inspector at this port, which position he held for five years, at the same time engaging in civil engi- neering and surveying. The same year he was appointed by Colonel Eddy adju- tant of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ilcgimeiit, Sev- enteenth Brigade, Tenth Division, New York State militia, which position he held for four years. During the same period he was engaged in buying lumber in northern New York and Vermont, which he sent to Troy, Albany, and New York, to different houses, to be sold on commission. In 1832 he was elected colonel commandant of the above- named regiment, which position he held until 1841. The regiment was composed of ten companii\s, — six of infantry, two of light guards, one of artillery, and one of cavalry, — in all a thousand strong. In 1832 he purchased a tract of timber land, about two thousand acres, upon which he erected mills and manufactured lumber for three years. In 1835 he sold the mills, and in 1835-3G invested a large amount of money in farming and timber lands, and city property in Michigan and Indiana. In 1830 he was one of the grand in(|uc.st of Washington county. In 1837 occurred the great revolution iu business. 490 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUxNTY, NEW YORK. In that year and in 1838-41 he pursued his former occu- pation of civil engineerin";; and surveying. In 1839 he purchased the place wiiere lie now resides, No. 72 William street, Whitehall, of about two acres and one-half. In 1842 he purchased back his former Essex county lumber property, with an addition of about one thousand acres, erected two additional mills, and manufactured a large quantity of sawed lumber. In 1845, when the fires were raging in the woods and destroying vast amounts of prop- erty in this and other States, the .subject of this sketch lost by that element a large quantity of lumber and two mills, houses and barns, and the timber was killed on one thousand acres of splendid pine-tiinber lands. Estimated lo.ss, forty thousand dollars, atid no insurance. He rebuilt the mills, stocked a large quantity of logs the next winter, sawed them out in the spring, and commenced the sale of the property the next fall in parcels. The same fall he went into Steuben county and purchased five hundred acres of land, with mills, and farm of two hundred acres, in com- pany with two others ; sold out the same fall. He then purchased in the spring of 1847 four thou.sand acres in Tioga, Tioga Co., Pa., where he erected a gang-mill and two English mills; he there manufactured several million feet of lumber, which was transported to Albany and sold on commission. In 1850 he suffered a loss, from a July freshet, of four thousand logs and one hundred and fifty barrels of salt, the waters nearly undermining his store. In the fall he sold out the property, — lands, mills, and stores. In 1851 he purchased a mill-site and old mills in Chemung, Chemung Co., N. Y., where he improved tlie saw-mills and flouring-mill, and invested in a bridge across the Chemung river at that place, expending in all twenty- five tliou.sai)d dollars. The mills went by the name of the Chemung Valley mills. The grist-mill was used for flour- ing nights, and for gristing for the neighboring country in the day-time. It contained a merchant's bolt and cooler, and all the appliances for manufacturing flour. In 1853 he purchased six hundred acres of timber-land in Charles- ton, Tioga Co., Pa., and erected a steam-mill for the sawing of lumber, and two shingle-mills for the manufacturing of shin- gles, destroyed by fire in 1857. Insurance, two thou.sand dollars ; loss over insurance, three thousand dollars. He immediately erected another mill on this property, which he disposed of in 18C0. The year 1853 he also purchased a lumbering establishment in Canada, north of Port Hope. In 1856 he sold it, and also the same year disposed of the Chemung valley mill-property. In 1861 he was en- gaged in driving piles for the State of New York, near Geneva, N. Y., which he finished the same year. In 18G2 he was collector of village taxes for the village of Whitehall. On July 27, 1863, by special order from Adjutant-Gen- eral J. T. Sprague, on the recommendation of Inspector-Gen- eral Miller and the commander-in-chief, he was appointed to raise a regiment of infantry of national guards in Wash- ington county, with full power to name his field-, line-, and staff-offioers. Said regiment was raised and organized, and officers commissioned by Governor Horatio Seymour, but never called into service, and after the war was disbanded. Subsequently he was two years road- and water-commis- sioner of the village of Whitehall, and was appointed to till a vacancy as justice of the peace, and also police justice. In 1871 he was elected justice of the peace of the town of Whitehall for four years, and also police justice, which offices he held for four years, — the term of town justice expiring on the 1st of January, 1876, and that of police on the July following, when the subject of this sketch retired fiom active business to domestic life. At his resi- dence, No. 72 Will/am street, he takes the oversight of his garden, called the Glen Cove garden, whore is cultivated a small vineyard, consisting of five hundred grape-vines of the choicest varieties, together with other small fruits and vegetables. Thus is brought down an active, varied busi- ness life for near threescore years, with its successes and reverses, its anxieties and fears, — a checkered life. At one time he had four establishments of business, di- vergent in some instances four hundred miles, and his close attention to business called him to ride nights from one establishment to the other, doing business in the day-time, and then resuming his journey to the next place ; givhig himself little or no rest for months, and even years, except what he might get in the cars or stage, and bringing a strain upon him which none but a powerful physical frame and an active and hojieful mind could have endured. As a military man, when off duty he was approachable, social, and familiar with all ; but when on duty was stern and exacting, requiring every man to be in his place, and the evolutions of the regiment to be performed with exact- ness and celerity. As a tactician and a drill-otticer few were his peers. In 1842 he was one of five who organized the fir.st Odd- Fellows' lodge in this place, and the same yjar held the position of first ofiicer. He has been fifty-five years a member of the Masonic fraternity ; is now a member of the Blue lodge, chaiitei'. council, and conimandery, and has attained to the degree uf Knight of Malta; has held the oflice of High-Priest of Ch:uui)lain Cha|)tor, No. 25, K. A. M., for four consecutive years, ending 1870. In his social capacity, he has always been a kind, familiar, and obliging friend, — would go any length to help a friend ; but, as an enemy, he was uncompromising with those who persisted in wrong-doing. He maintained a good moral character, strictly observing the Sabbath. Was also a tem- perance man. While officiating as magistrate he induced many, who were brought before him (or drunkenness, to sign an affidavit of abstinence, in most cases with happy effect. In 1875 he was confirmed a member of the Protestant Epi.scopal church by the Right llev. William Croswell Doane, of the diocese of Albany. As a judicial officer during a term of seven years, with a multiplicity of cases brought before him, both civil and criminal, no case was ever reversed by the higher courts, although several were carried up. As the subject of this sketch kept no diary, and the (ask would be too elaborate to go through his books and papers to get the precise dates, some of the dates may not bo cor- rect, but bear a close approximation. \- \ ^ ^^^ %^:F Oliver Bascom O^^-^WlIkc^ C^ct^fL. • sj-i, ,5g»i5-^.j-^j?^^J< »-*^ DtN^L OF MRS AiMX^A BASCOM - lhall J HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 401 So ends this narrative. The poet savs our life is iv history written through With ill or gooil, wilh false or true. Goil grant, ivhcn blesseil angels turn the |i!\ges of our years They will reail the good with smiles, auj lilot the had wilh tears ! HON. OLIVER BASCOM w;is born in West Haven, Vt., on the 13th of June, 1815. He was son of Josiah Bascom and Betsey Bottom, the former a lineal descendant, in the seventh generation, from Thomas Bascom, who came to America about the year 1 634. The family of Basconis is large in this country, scattered through the United States and Canada, and most of whom are descendants of the ancestor Thomas. Josiah Bascom was a farmer by occupation ; was born at Newport, N. H., Jlaich 7, 178G, and died at Whitehall, N. Y., Jan. 24, 1863. The grandfather, Elias Bascom, was in the battle of Saratogi as a volunteer from North field, Mass. Was a man greatly interested in the spread of the gospel and in the homo and foreign missions. He lived to see the fifth generation in his own family, and when his youngest daughter was married had ninety-nine living descendants. When past ninety years of age he objected to the second pint of gin prescribed by the physician, saying " he feared he should learn to like it." Oliver Bascom came to Whitehall, in 1823, to seek em- ployment and lay the foundation of his future fame and fortune. At first a clerk, winning the full confidence of his employer, he gradually and surely reached the position of merchant, and for many years was a member of the firm of Bascom & Gaylord. In 1851 he was instrumental in forming a company for the purchase of the transportation property, then belonging to the estate of James II. Hooker. The firm-name was Bascom, Vaughan & Co., and here was the formation of the " Northern Transportation Line," which was organized in 1857, under the general act, as a stock company, with Mr. Bascom as secretary and treasurer, which position he held for six years, at the same time being a director of the company ; and to his ripe judgment and active business habits this company owes a large share of its prosperity. Recently he was a member of the prosperous lumber firm of Brett, Spooner & Co. His political career was moulded after the firm .and fixed principles that characterized his business transactions. He was one of the original thirteen Democrats that at one time constituted that party in the town of Whitehall. He ever unswej'vingly stood as a standard-bearer of that party, and for several terms held the office of supervisor of his town. During the late Rebellion he was made chairman of the AVashington county war committee, and by his per- sonal efforts raised a large share of the money paid for bounties. He was also a director of the Bank of White- hall. In the fall of 1868 he was nominated by the Democratic State convention as a candidate for canal commissioner, and triumphantly elected to that ofiice. His honest, faithful, and active performance of the duties of that difficult position are known to all who have an in- terest in the business of transportation, fulfilling as ho did all and more of the great expectations of his friends, and like a wall of iron will his unflinching and constant per- formance of duty stand between his honored memory and partisan hatred. Mr. Bascom, in every sense of the word, was a self-made man, and fought the battle of life with every odds against him, and won a substantial victory. As an example of his purity of motive and integrity of pur- pose, pending his election as canal commissioner his friends told him he could secure the votes of several des- perate characters by going on their bail, to which he re- plied : " Gentlemen, I appreciate your motives of friend- ship ; but if I am elected it must not be by compromising my honor by assisting criminals to go unpunished." In all his life not one dishonorable spot or blemish attaches to his character as a business man. He was loved and re- spected by all who knew him. For many years previous to his decease he was a faithful member of the Episcopal church at Whitehall, and in honor of the man, at the time of his funeral, flags at half-mast, on housetop and pole, many of them draped in mourning, betokened the public sorrow. He was a friend to the poor, generous to a fault, and of that sympathetic nature which could not resist the pleadings of a suffering fellow-creature. He died Nov. 7, 1869. In the year 1842 (Jan. 4) he married Jliss Almira, eldest daughter of Sanmel T. Tanner and I'rudentia Hitch- cock, — the former descended from one of the pioneer fami- lies of Kingsbury, Washington Co. He was a lawyer by profession, and died at Whitehall, 1838. The latter was also descended from one of the earliest families of Kings- bury, who had settled there in about 1780, and is still living. Mrs. Bascom wa.s born at Granville, N. Y., April 30, 1822, and still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Bascom were born seven children, — Warren F., largely engaged in the transportation business, and a lumber merchant of Whitehall, has been supervisor for three years, and president of the Northern transporta- tion line one year ; George Herbert, who had just entered his senior year in class '70, in Yale College, died at New Haven, Conn., of typhoid fever, Oct. 24, 186!l, aged twenty-three ycai-s; Jlary Emma (deceased) ; Edward Oliver (died at Minneapolis, Minn., while attending school) ; Mary Eliza ; Julia ; and Jessie Almira. NAMES OF CITIZENS WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY; WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS. SALEM. C. L. Allen, son of Dnvid and Elizabetli (Lansing) Allpii, b. Ucnssi'Iaer Co , N. Y., s. Oct., 1«18 (retired); P. O., Siilt-ni. Cornelius L. Allen, Jr., son of C. L. and Sanili H. (Rnssell) Allen, b. Wasbing- lon Co., N. Y., Aug. G, 1847, Attorney-at-Law and Special County Jmigo ; P. 0., Salem. Win. H. Arcbibald, son of David T. and Margaret B. (Wrigbt) ArL-hibald, b. Keb. 28, 184(1, Carpenter; P. 0., Salem. David W. Ackley, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Wrigbt) Ackley, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1805, resident ; P. 0., Salem. Elijah Gregory Atwood, son of Zuccheus and Hannah (Gregory) Atwood, h. Worcester Co., Mass., s. .Tune, 1804, Ins. Agent and Florist; P. 0., Salem. Bernard Blair, son of William and Sarah M. (Train) Blair, b. Berkshire Co., IH.1SS., s. Aug., 18-25, Attoriicy-at-Law ; P. O., Salem. B. K. Bmcroft, son of J. B. and Betsy (Clark) Bancroft, li. Hampton Co., Mass., 18M, Cash. Nat. Bk. Salem, and Vice-Pres't Nat, Tru.st Co., N. Y. ; P. 0., Salem. Mrs. Anthony Blanchard, danghter of Bradley and Harriot Hull Martin, b. Livingston Co., N. Y., s. 1855, resident; P. 0., Salem. John J. Beattie, son of John W. and Sarah (Getty) Beattie, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 184:), General Merchant; P. 0., Salem. 0. E. Breese, son of \Vm. and Deborah (Bump) Breesc, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1842, Meat Market ; P. 0., Salem. James Bla. Washington Co., N. Y., July 23, 1820, Teacher; P. 0.. Shnslian. Solomon W. Russell, son of Solomon W. and Zada (Tutman) Russell, b. Warren Co., N. Y., .\ltorney-al-Law; P. O., Salem. D. S. Rich, son of Ehenezor and Myra (Smith) Rich, b. Washington Co., N. Y., March 14, 182.5, Farmer; P. 0., Shnshan. A. A. Rich, son of Ebenezer and Myra (■^mith) Rich, b. Washington Co., N. Y., May 22, 1823, Farmer; P. 0., Shnshan. Bov. Edward P. Sprague, son of Rev. Daniel G. and Caroline (Wood) Spraguo, b. Now London, Conn., 8. April 29, 1808, Pastor Presbyterian Church; P. O., Salem. Robert M. Stevenson, son of .Tamos B. and Martha (McFarland) Stevenson, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1833, General Merchandise ; P. 0., Salem. Joliu Shaw, son of Jonathan and Betsy (Vance; Shaw, b. Washington Co., N. y., Aug. 1, 1830, Meat Market ; P. 0., Salem. Franklin Stevens, son of Thomas and Martha (Howe) Stevens, b. Washington Co., N. Y., April 24, 18119, Farmer; P. O., Salem. A. M. Sherman, son of Isaac and Charlotte L. (Rising) Sliermtin, b. Bennington Co., Vt., s. 1837. Farmer ; P. O., Rupert, Vt. D. T. Steele, son of Joshua, Jr., and Mary A. (lieatty) Steele, b. Washington Co., N. Y., May 20, 1848, Farmer; P. O., Shnshan. Elisha P. Thurston, son of Daniel and Mary A. M, (Wadhams) Thurston, b. Washington Co., N. Y'., Oct. 19, 184.i, Local Ed. Sainn Prean; P O., Salem. John M. Williams, son of John and Harriet B. (Martin) Williams, b. Washing- ton Co., N. y., Oct. 8, 1830, Manufacturer; P. 0., Salem. Mrs. N. W. Wilson, daughter of Sanil. De Merritt and Alice (Locke) Do Merritt, b. Stafford, Conn., s. June 2, 1810, resident; P. O., S.ilem. Daniel Ward, son of Wm. and Bridget (Boyle) Ward, h. Ireland, s. 18,50, Supt. Evergreen (Cemetery; P. 0., Salem. Charles Whitcomb, son of Joseph M. and D E. Wliitoomb, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1841, Watchmaker and Jeweler; P. 0., Salem. Clinton F. Wilson, son of Fayette and Juliette (Bccbe) Wilson, b. Washington Co., N. Y., May 25, 1844, Farmer; P. O., Salem. A. JI. Young, M. D., son of Clayton and Rhoda (Mallory) Young, l>. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, ISSf, Pijysician and Surgeon; P. 0., Salem. GRANVILLE. Will. II. Allen, son of Gilbert and Sarah (Bryan) Allen, b. North Granville, N. v.. 1827, Merchant, " Bates, Allen & Co. ;" P. O., Middle Granville. Koyul C. Belts, son of John and Lydia Betls, b. Pawlct, Vt., s. 1857, Lawyer, (ex-District-.4ttorney), Quaker St.; P. 0., Granville, N. Y. Chester A. Bulkley, son of Alfred and Mary 11. Biilkloy, b. Granville, N. Y., 1839, General Insurance Agent; P. 0., Gmnvillc, N. Y. E. J. Brown, son of James G. and Eunice (Brayton) Brown, b. Fort Ann, Wash- ington Co., N. y., 1840, Proprietor Central House; P. 0., Granville, N. Y. Geo. N. Bates, son of Natli. and Nancy (Burbank) Bates, b. Granville, Mass., s. 1820, Merchant, "Bates, Allen & Co.;" P. 0., Middle Granville. Gen. Edward Bulkley, son of Chas. II. Bulkley, b. Colchester, Conn., 8. 1789, (retired); residence, North Granville. Geo. L. Bulkley, son of Edward and Mary (Brown) Bulkley, b. North Granville, 1832 (retired) ; residence, Main St., North Granville. Abram Barker, son of Isaac and Mary (Boweii) Barker, b. White Creek, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., ISl.'i, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. C. K. Baker, son of I. V. and Laura D. (Comstoek) Baker, b. Conistock, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1849, Farmer; residence. Main St., North Granville. John S. Burbank, son of Isaac and Judith (Allen) Burbank, b. Bethel, Vt., 6. 1809, Farmer and Merchant; P. O., North Grauville. Lorenzo Barnard, son of Philander and Fanny C. (Stroeter) Barnard, b. Gran- ville, Washington Co., N. Y., 18.18, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Ira H. llartlett, son of Jos. anil Phebe (Colviu) Barllelt, b. Danby, Vt., 1816, s. 1847, Farmer; P. O., Granville. Henry BarnanI, sou of Philander and Kanny C. (Stroeter) Barnard, b, Granville, N. Y., 1839, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Leonard Brown, son of Chas. and Sanih (Newton) Brown, b. Granville, N. Y,, 1820, Farmer, Granville ; P. O., Ilartfolil. Stephen B. Can"iiter, son of Amos and Deborah (Dillinghnin) Carpenter, b, Granville, N. V , 1SI19, Retired Farmer; P. O., Granville. Asa B. Cook, son of Isaiah and Anna (Cnlilwoll) Cook, b. Granville, N. Y., 1827, Physician ami Surgeon ; P. O., Granville. N. Y. Samuel Chapin, son of Ziba and Lucy (lli-own) I'hnpin, b. Janinlcn, Windham Co., Vt.,B. 1822, Fanner; P. O., South Granville. Geo. B. Culver, son of James and Kezla (Lee) Culver, b. Sandy Hill, N. Y., 18:15, Cashier North Granville National Bank, North Grauville. John Carpenter, son of Hudson and Lucy (Taylor) Carpenter, b. South Gran- ville, N. Y., 1829, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. Chas. J. CSiallield, son of Chas. J. and Sanili D. (Foster) Chatfleld, b. Painted Post, N. Y., 8. Sept. S, 1877, Teacher; P. 0., North Granville. Nath. II. Crippen, son of Nalh. R. and Khoda (Griffis) Crip|>en. b. Hillsdale, (>>- lumbia Co., N. Y., 8. 180:i, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. CInett & Sons, Wholesale and Retiil Dealers In Pianos, Organs, and Musical Instruments, 205 River St., Troy, N. Y. M. T. C. Day, Bon of Noah and Susan (Wilson) Day, b. Granville, N. Y., 1821, (retired); residence, Granville. Otis Dillingham, son of SU'phcn nud Amy (Tnckor) Dillingham, b. Granville' N. Y., 1811, Retired Farmer; residence, Quaker St., Granville. Stephen Dillingham, son of Stephen and Amy (Tucker) Dillingham, b. Gmn- villc, N. Y., 1800, Retired Farmer; residence, Granville. Morvin Duel, son of llinim and Alice (Whitney) Duel, b. Granville, N. Y., 1820, Retired Farmer ; residence, Quaker St., Granville. Noah Day. son of Noah and Ellis (Whitney) Day, b. Windham Co., Vt., ■. 1789, Fanner; P. 0., South Granville. Susan Wilson Day, daughter of Wm. and Susan (Botliel) Wilson, b. Hebron, N, Y., 1787 (deceased). Abram Dillingham, son of Stephen and Amy (Tucker) Dillingham, b. Easton, N. Y., 1800, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Grauville. R. G. Diiyton, son of Jiliiel and Jlary (Parks) Dayton, I). North Granville, N. Y., 1815, Merchant; P. O., North Gmnvillc. Daniel I. Day, son of Jacob and Abigail (Bulkley) l)ay,l>. Willinmstnwn, Miiss., s. 1827, Retired Farmer; residence, Giiinvillo. H.D.Deuel, son of Morgan and Lydia M. (Day) Deuel, b. Granville, N. Y., 1843, Butcher; P. 0., Granville. Almera J. Deuel, daughter of E. B. and Ophelia (Smith) Hicks, b. Granville, N. Y., 1849; residence, Granville. Wm. De Kalli, son of Wni. and Martha (Macomber) Do Kalb, b. Granville, N. y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Jonathan A. De Kalb, sou of Wm. and 9Iarlha (Macomber) De Kulh, b. Gran- ville, N. Y., 1812, Fariper, North Granville; P. O., Middle Gmnvillc. Augustus De Kalb, son of Win. and Martha (Macomber) De Kalb, b. Granville, N. Y., 1813, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. B. F. Farwell, son of John G. and Lucy (Lar» -./) Farwell, b. Poultiiey Vt., 1810, 8. 18-')0, Farmer, Jamcsville Dislrict; P. 0., Poultuey, Vi. Jolin Fyfe, son of Thomas and EiiMibeth (Clark) Fyfo, b. Forrnrahin-, Scotland, 8. 1804, President Middle Granville Slate Company; P. O., Middle Gran- ville. Shcrod Farwell, son of P. B. and Betsey (Burr) Farwell, b. Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt., 1830, Proprietor Livery. Granville, N. Y. J. W. Gray, son of John and Dilla (Caswell) Gray, b. Middletown, Vt., •. 18«8, Farmer; P. O., Granville, n. W. Hughes, son of Hugh and Mary (Roberts) Hughes, b. Carnanunsliiro, North Wales, s. 1860, Manufactnier RooHug Slates; P. O., Granville. F. D. Hamiuond, son of Daniel and Deborah (Hall) Hammond, b. South Gran- ville, N. y., 1838, Farmer, Middle Oranvillo; P. O., Granville. Hicl Holiister, sou of Aslibel and Mary (Pepper) Hollister, b. Pawlet, Vt., 1806, Farmer, Pawlet, Vt. ; P. O., North Pawlet. D. W. Hcrron, son of Jas. and Hannah (Whitney) Herron, b. Hebron, Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1824, Faimer; P. 0., South Granville. Franklin Hicks, son of Edwin B. and Ophelia (Smith) Hicks, b. Granville, N. Y., 1848, Farmer; P. O., North Granvilb'. Pliilo F. Hatch, son of Asa N. and El mbelh (Brown) Hatch, b. Granville, N. Y., 1831, Farmer ami Teacher; P. 0., Granville. Orlando Hicks, son of Jos. and Jcrnslia (Roblco) Hicks, b. Granville, N. Y., 1829, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. E. B. Hicks, son of Jos. and Jernslia (llobloe) Hicks, b. Granville, N. T., 182(1, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Sarah O. Smith, nte Ilicks, daughter of Abi.iuh E. and Sarah (Brown) Smith, b. Fort Kdwanl, N. Y., 1820; P. O., North Granville. Horace H. liigalls, son of John and Olive (Hicks) Ingalls, b. Ilartfonl, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1807, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Loami Lee, son of David and Polly (Whitcomb) Lee, b. Granville, N. Y., 1820_ Farmer; P. 0., Poultuey, Vt. A. M. Locke, son of John and Sarah (Winrhell) Locke, b. Madison Co., N. Y., 1805, Manufacturer Booting Slate; P.O., Poultuey, Vt. Wm. Lyon, son of James and Catharine (Sullivan) Lyon, b. Ojrk, Ireland, ■. 1864*, Merchant, " Bates, Allen * Co. ; " P. O., Middle Granville. Geo. W. Lowell, son of Jas. and droline (I'atchin) Lowell, b. Granville, S. Y., 18.37, Farmer ; P. O., North Granville. Jas. N. Monroe, son of Imuic, Jr., and Mary (Thomsim) Monw, b. Smith Gran- ville, N. Y., 1849, Farmer; P. O., Granville. Geo. H. Monroe, son of Erastus and Harriet (llamdenl Monroe, b. Gmuvillo, N. Y., 1846, Dealer in Fnrnitnro and Collins; P. o., i;ranville. Chas. Monroe, son of Erastus and Harriet (llarnden) Monroe, b. Granville, N. Y., 18511; Dealer in Furniture and l^fllns; P.O., Granville. I. T. Monroe, «m of Isiuic and Mary (Thonwon) Monroe, b. Granville, N. Y., 1841, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., OraiiTillo. 494 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. S. N. MarDing. son of J. 0. nnd Sylvia (Tiowlriilge) MnrllinE. b. Whitclmll, N. Y., 1S48, Dniggist ; P. O., Granville. Michael Malion, son of Patriclt and Margaret (Calalian) Mahon, b. Kings Co., Ireland, 8. 18C4, Farmer; P. O., llarlford. Jas. MiiMleton, son of Kobert and Mary (Burnctl) Middleton,b. Kincairn^hi^e, Scotland, s. 1841, Farmer; P. O., Norlli Granville. David K. Martin, s(rn of AVni. and Mary (Koblee) Martin, b Gr;invill.', N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. Jas. L. McArlhur, son of Wm. and Elsie (Lillic) McArtliur, b. Pntnam, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 185.1, Editor Granville Smlinrl; P. O., Granville. Jas. McBreen, son of Jas. and Nancy (Kaviinngli) McBreen,b. North Granville, N. Y., 1852; residence, Wells, Rutland Co., Yt. Zillah H. McColter, daughter of Arnold and Esther (Hiclss) Brown, b. Chester- field, Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1852, Fanner; P. 0., Middle Grarivlll.-. Wni. MeCotter, son of Dennis and Ann (Workman) McCotter, b. Ireland, s. 1852 (deceased). Cynthia S. Norton, daughter of Amos and Dcboiali (Dillingham) Carpenter, h. Granville, N. Y., 1811 ; residence, Quaker St., Gninville. Jas. Norton, son of David and Elizabeth (Lamb) Noitoji, b. Pitlstoivn, Kens- selaer Co., N. Y., s. 18:i5 (dece:.sed). Slocuni B. Norton, son of James and Susan (Harker) Norton, b. Granville, N. Y., 18:i0, Merchant; P. 0., Granville. Geo. Norlhnp, Jr., son of Geo. and Mary (Mead) Norlhup, b. Hebron, N. Y., 1810, Farmer; P. 0., Hartford. Ephrnini Nortliup, son of Clark and Mary (Knowles) Morthnp, b. Granville, N. Y., 1S15, Farmer; P. O., Hartfuid. Geo. Norlhup, son of Gardner and Siirah (Larkhani) Northup, b. Granville, N. Y., 1828, Produce Dealer; P. 0., West Granville Corners. Patrick Organ, eon of Bliehael and Britlget (Lowrey) Organ, b. Ireland, s. 187:{, Manuraclnrer Knit GooiIb, Shirts, Drawirs, etc. ; P. 0., Granville. George Parker, son of Asa and Laura (Wliitne.v) Parker, h. South Granville, N. Y.. 18:i2, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granv.lle. Jonathan W.Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, h. Granville, N. Y., lS:ill, Lumber Dealer: P. 0., Granville Natli. I'arker,son of Asa and Laura (Whitney) Parker, b. South Granville, 1825, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. Slacy K. Potter, son of Jirennah and Rebecca (Cook) Potter, b. Il.nmitnn, W ashington Co., N. Y., 1840, Merchant ; P. O., Gninville. James E. Pratt, son of Erwin and Caroline (Elwell) Pratt, b. Pawlet, Vt., 18.'..'i, Meichant; Main St., Granville. Seymour L. Potter, son of Stacy and Cynthia (Hitchcock) Potter, b. Granville, N. Y., 182;, Farmer • I'. O., Granville. Channcey H. Pepper, son of '(■'Vauncey P. and Scba (Derby) Pepper, b. Pawlet, Vt., 8.1831, Mannfactnrcrof ij,;.ck8; P. 0., Middle Granville. Dr. II. P. Prouty, son of Linus E. and Betsey (Tooloy) Pronly, b. Mniray, Orleans Co., N. Y., b. 1846, Pliysiciau and Surgeon; P. 0. Middle Gran- ville. Jos. Pember.son of Orlin and Fidilla (Hyde) Peniber, b. Wells, Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1874, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. J ohn D. Potter, mn of Gideon and Orry (Cook) Potter, h. Granville, N. Y., 1820, Farni.randDairjman, (iuaker St., Granville. Asa Parker, son of Nath. and Tamson (Baker) Parker, b. Miiblle Granville, N. Y., 17'jn, Farmer; P. O , South Granville. Laura Paiker, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah C. (Cacij) Whitney, b. Gran- ville, N. Y., 1797 ; P. 0., South Gianville. Wm. J. Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, b. Granville, N. Y., 1827, Fanner; P. 0., Granville. Jas. Peets, son of Freeman and Hannah (Rice) Peeta, b. Canibriilge, Washington Co.. N. Y., 1826, Farmer; P. 0., South Granville. Benj. F. Potter, son of Wm. and Eliza (Wood) Potter, b. Granville, N. Y., 1825, Farmer and Teacher; P. 0., Middle Granville. Deliverance Rogers, son of David and Hannah (Dillingham) Rogers, h. Gran- ville, N. Y., 1841 (relired) ; residence, Granville Geo. W. Race, son of Andrew and Lydia (Dayley) Race, b. Hampton, Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1812, Farmer, Raceville; P. 0., Middle Gninville. A. N. Rogers, son of Lemuel and Cynthia (Rider) Rogers, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18G1, Hardware Merchant ; P. O., Middle Granville. B. C. Richard.son, son of Jesse and Ruth (Jones) Ricliardsr-n, b. Clarendon, Rut- land Co., Vt., 8. 1834, Farmer; P. 0., Nortli Granville. Horace M. Rhodes, son of Wm. and Byer (Derby) Rhode.s, b. Granville, N. Y., 1S35, Farmer; P. O., North Granville. Joel Stevens, son of Peter and Mercy (House) Stevens, b. Pawlet, Vt., s. 1S52, Farmer and Cheese-Maker; P. O., Granville. John R. Staples, son of Jon.athan and Sylvia (Rogers) Staples, b. Danby, Vt. s. 1852, Farmer; P. O., Jliddle Granville. Mifflin H. Streeter, son of Joab and Savire (Wheal) Strecter, b. Wales, Erie Co., N. Y., 8. 1856, Physician and Surgeon ; P. 0., Pawlet, Vt. Asahel Stearns, son of Ashley and Mary A. (Newton) Stearns, b. Granville, N. Y., 1842, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Sharon Spencer, son of Fayette L. and Caroline E. (Rahn) Spencer, b. Granville, N. Y., 1848, Miller; P. O., North Granville. Milo L. Stearns, son of Stephanos and Olive (Perry) Stearns, b. Pawlet, Vt., s. 1841, Manufacturer (lirriage Hubs; P. 0., North Granville. Lewis Smith, son of Eli and Jerusha (Simonds) Smith, b. Granville, N Y.,1628, Farmer; P. 0., Middle Granville. Stephen Staples, son of Willard and Elizabeth (Rogers) Staples, b. Danby, Vt., Truman Temple, son of Rosivell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Hebron, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1834, Fanner; 1>. O., Granville. Oria Temple, son of Edwin and Mary (Woodard) Temple, b. Hebron, N. Y., 18.-).5, Dealer in Groceries and l•^ovi^ion8; P. O., Granville. Edwin B. Temple, son of Roswell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Granville, N. Y., 1825, Farmer and Speculator; P. 0., Granville. L, R. Temple, son of Roswell and Elizabeth (Case) Temple, b. Granville, N. Y^ 1829, Farmer; P. O., South Granville. Samuel Thomas, sim of Peleg and Ascnath (Nichols) Tliomas, b. Easlon, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1828, Lawyer, District Attorney; P. 0., North Gran- ville. Is.a:ic W. Thompson, son of Jag. and Betsey (Downs) Thompson, b. Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., 8.1830, Attorney and Counselor; P. 0.,Granvillc. JefTerson Thomson, son of Aplias and Elizabeth (Campbell) Thomson, b. South Granville, N. Y., 1828, Farmer; P. 0., Gninville. Asa W. Tapper, son of Josiah and Mercy (Wilbur) Tupi)er, h. Venice, Cayuga Oi., N. Y., 8. 1864, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., North Granville. Geo. Tol ey, son of JoMah and Lorctle (I'pham) Tobey, b. Pawlet, Vt., a. 1873, General Agent Cliiett & Sons, Troy, N. Y., Pianos, Organs, and Musical Instruments ; P. 0., Granville. Oscar F. Thompson, son of James and Befeiey (Downs) Thompson, b. Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, Lawyer and Banker; P. O., Granville. Leonard C. Thome, son of Samuel C. and Maria H. Tlionie, b.Glen Cove, L. I., 8. 1872 (retired); residenci'. Church Hill, Gninville. John Usher, son of John and Anna M. (All|iangli) Usher, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 18711, Miller ; P. O., Granville. David Whilnty, 8on of Isaac and Pbebe (Gould) Whitney, b. Granville, N. Y., 1812. Fanner and Cheese-Maker, South Granville; P. 0., Granville. John Willc-tt, son of Cornelius and Nancy (Whalen) Willetl, b. Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., 1790, Farmer; P. 0., North Granville. Walter Waril, son. of Moses and Betsey (Harrington) Ward, b. Danby, Vt., s. 1817, Farmer; P. O., Middle Granville. Henry Warner, son of Roswell and Perthena Warner, b. Wells, Rutland Co., N. Y., s. 1847, Farmer ; P. 0., North Granville. Daniel Woodard, Jr., son of Daniel and Anna (Case) Woodard, b. Hebron, Wa.«hin5ton Co., N. Y'., 1822, Banker ; P. 0., Granville. Jonathan S. Warren, son of Snnniel and Cornelia (Clark) Warren, b. Weathera- field, Vt., 8. 1850, Merchant, Main St., Granville. Addison Willett, son of John and Selenda (Allen) Willett, b. Tinmouth, Rut- land Co., Vt., 8. 1828, Taller North Granville National Bank ; P. 0., North Granville. John J. Wing, son of Stephen and Elizabeth wan, son of Stephen and Blinaboth (McAllister) Rowan, li. Salcra. Washington Co,, N. Y,, 1800, Farmer; P, O,, Argyle, Alexander P. Robinson, son of John and Eli/jibeth (Qua) Itobinson, b, Wash- ington C.I., N, Y„ 18o:l, Farmer; P, 0,, North Ai-gyle. Nicholas lt., North Greenwich, Henry Smith, son of John and Slai-garet (Tinkoy) Smith, b, Washington Co,, N. y., 1792, Fanner; P, 0., Fort Edward. Chas. W. Taylor, sun of George and Jane S. (Curswell) Taylor, b. Arg.vle, N. Y., 18*); P.O., Argyle. Geo. M. Tod.l, Son of John and Isabel (Mosier) Todd, b. Washington Co., N. Y ., 18:14, Farmer; P. O., Nortli Aigye. Thomas M. Toild, son of John and Isabel (Mosier) Todd, b. WiuliingVm Co., N, Y,, 1818, Farmer; P. O., North Argyle. Win. W. Tilford, son of John and Jane (Welch) Tilford, b. WasliingUm Co,, N, Y., 18-24, Farmer; P, O,, North Argylo, Daniel Tinkoy, son of Stephen and Catherine (Bain) Tinkey, b, W.ishingloii Co., N, Y,, 181-2, Farmer; P, U,, South Argylo, David H, Williams, s.m of David W, and Margaret (I-osey) Williams, b, Wash- ington Co,, N, Y,, 18:54, Fanner; V. O., North Argylo. James Williaiiison, son of John and lCliy.al«-th (White; Williamson, I.. Washing- ton Co., N. y., 1820, Karnior; P. O., Art:)le. CAMBRIDGE. lelaer Co,, N, Y,, I James II, Austi ^ Y., 1808, Wm, H, Akin, son of Win, and Abigail (Jolinson) Akin, U, Ken , 1809, Farmer ; P. 0,, South Cambridge, ^ , Austin, son of John and Waty (West) Austin, b, Washington Co,, N. ) P. 0,, Cambridge Centre, ''^ John Barker, son of John and Susan (Slocum) Barker, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1797, Fanner and Dealer in Wood; P. O., Cambridge, Parismna Burch, son of Ir.i and Eli/iiliolb (Do Grolf) Burcli, b. Rensselaer Co., N, Y,, s. 1808, Farmer; P, O,, South Cambridge, Columbus Bowon, son of Sylvester and Julia (Cross) llowcn, b. Wiishinglon Co,, N, y„ 1820, Farmer; P. 0,, Cambridge, Jane Webster llockos, daughter of S, Do Wilt and Nancy (McClellon) Dockos, b, Wa.i|iington Co,, N. Y,, 1822; P. 0,, Cambridge, Robert Blair, son of Philip and Katharine (Lannouth) Blalr, b, Washington Co,, N, Y,, 181-2, Farmer; P, 0,, Cambridge. Andrew A. nevoriilge,son of David and Klizabeth (Shaw) Bovoridgo, b. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 18:12, Dealer in Lumber and Feed ; P. O., Cambridge. Samuel and Ephraiin J, Burroughs, sons of Kphraim and Elizabeth (Green) Bnrmiighs, b, Washington Co,, N, Y,, 1821 and 18:19, Farmers; P, O,, Greenwich, Sheldon Corliss, son of Albert H, and Susan (Lawson) Coriiss, b, Oneida Co,, N,y., 8, 1870, Lawyer; P. 0,, Cambridge. Margaret L. Campbell, daughter of John and Kliziibelh Law, b. Washington Co., N, Y., 1801 ; widow of late Itev. P. Campliell ; P. O., C«inliridgo. Mary E, Carpeiitir, daughter of Wm, and Elizab.dh A, (Patterson) Livingston, b, Merrinia. k I'.i . N. M , ", 1820; P. O., Cambridge. 496 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Clioa. W. Darrow, fon of Josiali and Fanny (Hnll) Dairow, h. Vusliington Co., N. Y., 18:n, Farmer ; P. 0., Sontli Cambridge. Eiirl Durfec, son of Gideon iiiul Baiinah (Cornell^ Durfee, b. Wasliington Co.. N. Y., 1SII4; P. O., Biiskirk's Bridge. Iloiace Dodds, son of Jacob and Margaret (Vnndecar) Dodds, b. WaHbiiigton Co., N. Y., 1838, Carlienter and Builder; V. O., Caniliriilge Centio. Martin C. Ejcleshimer, son of Peter and Maliala (Lee) Evclesbynier, b. RenB- Belaer Co., N. Y., s. 1872, Fanner; P. 0., Buskirk's Bridge. Ahira Eldridge, son of Zoetli and Klizabcth (Hinkley) Eldiidgc, b. Tolland Co., Ct., 1794, 8. 1815, Farmer; P. O., Cambridae. Leonard Fletcher, son of Joshua and Mary fParmeley) Fletcher, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., 8. ISOfi, Attoruey-at-Law; P. 0., Cambridge. Russell S. Fii'h, son of Isaac and Mary (Allen) Fish, b. Bensseluer Co., N. Y., b. 1S57, Farmer (retired); P. 0., Cambridge. Blacknian B. Fowler, son of Browning and Jane (Galaspie, Fowler, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1811, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. John F. Flinn, son of Thomas and Jlargarct (Fitzgerald) Flinn, b. Washioglon Co., N. y., 1855, Clerk ; P. O., Cambridge. Chas. W. Grover, son of Eilmund and Hai riet (Moore) Grover, b. RnllanJ Co., Vt., s. 1827, Farmer; P. O., Eagle Bridge. Nathan GifTold, son of Elihu and Deborah (Allen) Gifford, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1700, Farmer; P. 0., JcdinTOnvillo. Swilzer Green, son of Sidomon and Mary (Galloway) Green, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1821, Farmer and Mechanic; P. 0., Cambridge. Byal C. Gilford, son of Ira and Susan (Cornell) Gifford, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1821 (retired); P. 0., Cambridge. Thos. C. Gilford, sou of Ira and Su^an (Cornell) Gifford, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1815, Dealer in Wiwl ; I'. 0., Cambridge. James Green, son of James and Eliz;ibclli (Coulter) Green, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. Henry Gordon, son of Henry and Elizabeth (McAuley) Gordon, b. Ireland, s. 1S57, Minister ; P. 0., Coila. Alexander Green, son of James S. and Bannah (Skellie) Green, b. Washington Co., N. y., 18:il ; P. 0., Uoila. Onin S. Hall, son of Wm. and Mary tThonias) Hall, b. Washington Co., N. Y., I.SIB, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. Henry H. Hall, son of Wm. and Mary (Th-mas) Hall, b. Wasliiuglon Co.,N. Y., 1812, Farmer; P. O., West Cambridge. John L. Hunt, sonof Johnand Elizabeth (Skellie) Hunt, b. Washington Co ,N. Y., 1S18, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. Elansing Kenyon, son of Martin B. and Caroline (Van Woert) Kenyon, b. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1831, Farmer; P. 0., West Cambridge. Wm. M. and Chas. Kenyon, sons of Wm. arid Mary Ann (Hillman) Kenyon, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1842 and 1844, Farmers; P.O., Valley Sum- mit. D. A. Kenyon, son of Martin B. and Caroline (Van Woert) Kenyon, b. Wash- ington Co., N. y., 1843, Farmer; P. 0., West Cambridge. B. F. Ketchum, son of Benj. and Mary Ketchuin, b. Kensselaer Co., N. Y., 8. 1872, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., Cambridge. Hiram H. Lovejoy, son of Joseph and Mary (Sniith) Lovejoy, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 18U7, Mechanic; P. 0., Cambridge. J. B. Fisher, son of G. W. and Eunice (Shernnin) Fisher, b. Cambridge, N. Y., 1839, Clei'gyman ; residence, 242 Third street, Jersey City Hiram S. Lee, sou of Elislia E. and Esllier ,MeCreely) Lee, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1841, Prop'r Centnil House, Cambridge Village. James Maxwell, son of Geo. and Margaret (McDoud) Sla.twell, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1823, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. Wm. Marshall, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Anderson) Marshall, b. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 1797, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. E. I. McKie, son of George and Calherine (Whiteside) McKie, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 181S; P. 0., Cambridge. Mrs. Geo. SlcKie, daughter of Peter and Ann (Robertson) Whiteside, b. Wash- ington (^., N. Y., 1795; P. O., South Oambriilge. James McKie, son of John and Catherine K. (Whites ile) McKie, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1831, Farmer; P. 0., South Cambridge. B. F. McNilt, son of James C. and Judith (Crocker) McNitt, b. Champion, Jef- ferson Co., N. Y., s. 1833, Merchant ; P. O., Cambridge. John S. Piiitt, son of Amasaand Fannie (King) Pratt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer; P.O., Briskirk's Bridge. Adam C.Pratt, sonof .\masa and F.lunie (King) Piatt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1833, Farmer; P. 0., Bnskirk's Bridge. Benjamin Potter, son of Gideon S. and Polly (Ilillinan) Potter, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1824 ; P.O., Coila. Charles Porter, son of Ralph and Abigail (Town) Porter-, b. Kichfleld, Otsego Co., N. Y., 185(1, Merchant; P. , Cambridge. Ephraim Petleys, son of John and Jane (Burdick) Petteys, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1787, Farmer ( deceased). Lewis Petteys, son of Kphiaim and Elizabeth (Ferris) Petteys, b. Washington Co., N. y., 1851, Firrmer; P. O., Greenwich. A. I. Porter, son of Ralph and Abigail (Town) Porter, b. Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., 1843, Merchant ; P. O., Cambridge. Jci-ome B. Rico, son of Roswc-ll N. ami Botey Arm (Hodges) Rice.b. W;Lihington Co., N. Y., 1841, Seedsman ; P. 0., Canrbridge. Cyrus S. Robinson, son of Ira and Bot-ey (Cushing) Robinson, b. Washington Co., N. y., 1829, Tailor; P. O., Cnmbridgi-. David Robertson, son of John arrd Christia iPortiss) Robertson, b. Washiirgton Co., N. y., 17UU, Farmer ; P. 0., Canibr idge. Alvan Robertson, son of Zenas and Helen (Marshall) Robertson, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1851, Farmer; P. O., Cambri.lge. Nathan E. Rice, son of Daniel and Zena (Kid.lcr) Rice, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1825, Dealer in Stock ; P. O., Cambridge. Daniel Bice, son of Daniel and Zena (Kidder) Rice, b. Washington Co., N. Y., ISUG, Farmer and Merchant; P. 0., <3ambr dge. James S. Smart, son of John G and Anna Blaiia (Stovenson) Smart, b. Balti- more, Md., 8. 1850, Editor ; P. 0., Cambridge. Zerah Rirlcr-, son of Zerah and Sai-ah (Cogswell) Rider, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1825, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. Thomas Shiland, Sim of Jidin and Margaret lEdie) Shiland, b. Wiushington Co., N. Y., 1814,- Fanner; P. 0., (Jimbriilge. Seraph H. Stevenson, dangliter of Rev. E. H. and Huldah Cbipman Newton, b. Mariboro', Vt., 8. 1836; P. O., Cambridge. John M. Stevenson, son of Wm. and Frances (McAllister) Stevenson, b. Wa.^b- inglon Co., N. Y., 1818, Altornej-at-Lnw (deci-a-ed). Cortland Skinner, son of Nathan and Hannah (Lawlon) Skinner, b. Benrdng- ton, Vt., s. 1817, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. Chas. Tingne, son of John and Delia (House) Tingne, b. Montgomery Co.,N. Y., 8. 182C, Liveryman ; P. O., Cambridge. S.mon A. Thompson, son of Andrew and Eliza (Stevens) Thompson, b. Washing- top Co., N. Y., 1841, Farmer; P. 0., Buskirk's Bi idge. Pardon Tripp, son of Har\-ey and Eunice (Sherman) Ti-ipp, b, Washingtorr Co., N. Y.. 1825, Farmer; P. 0., South Cambridge. Horace Valentine, son of Daniel and Nancy (Hrll) Valentine, b. Wa.sliirrgton Co., N. Y , 1810, Far-mer; P. 0., Cambridge. Theodore C. Wallace, snrr of James and Patience S. Anthony, b. Easton, Wash- ington Co , N. Y., 1«57, Physician and Surgeon ; P. O., Cambridge. Peter Walsh, son of Joseph and Anna i Frederick) Walsh, b. Washington Co., N. Y , 179S, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. Marlirr B. Waite, son of Ezra arrd Mary (Bentley) Waitc, b. Waihington Co., N. Y., 1818, Carpenter irnd Joiner; P. 0., Cambridge Centre. Herrry M. Wells, s N. Y., 1808, Karnior; P. {)., EiiBton. Horace Duaiile, son of John F. and Mary (Wait) Beadio, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 18:i0, Fainier; P. 0., West Cambridge. Z ria W. Beadle, son of John K. ami Mary fWait) Beailje, b. Wio.liingt,.n Co., X. Y., s. 18;i2, Farnier; P. O., West Cambridge. C. J. Button, son of Jolin and Maria (Growbargar) Bntt0l^ b. Kenasclaer Co, N. Y., 8. 1,S16, Fanner; P. 0., Schagliticokc. Franklin B. Buckley, son of Spenor A. and Frances C. (Bosworlli) Bnikley, U Witshiugton Co., N. Y., IS.i.'i, Faruiir; P. 0, Hart's Falls. Adam Cottrell,son of Nathan and .Mary ;Tim) Cottrcll, b. Wa«liington Co., N. Y., 1T98, Farmer; P. O., Grocnwieh. llorton Cotlrell, son of John and B.tsy (Divelle) Coltroll, b. Wiisbinglon (Al, N. Y., 182!, Farmer; P. O., Greenwiirh. David Conklin, son of Carpenter and Lncretia (Nelson) Conklin, b. Iten-sclaer Co., N. Y., s. 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Uresnwicli. A. G. Cocliran, son of Kdward and Esther (Gibson) Cochran, b. Veraiotit s. 1860, Clergyman Presbyterian aiurcli; P. 0., Middle Kails. Nathan Corliss, son of John and Isabella (Tefft) Corliss, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1808, Farmer; P. 0., Sehnylerville, Saratoga Co, N. Y. Lewis H. Crandall, son of Warren and Pliebc (Buckley) Cmndull, b. Wiisliing- ton Co., N. Y., 1839, Manufacturer; P. 0., Crandall's Cornei-s. A. G. L. De Kidder, son of Simon and Maria (Van Scbaick) I)e Ei.lder, b. Wa-iliington Co., N. Y., 1812, Farmer; P. 0,, SchuyWrviUe, Saratoga Co., N. Y. John B. Eldridge, son of Job and Sarah (Beadle) Eldridge, h. Wa N. Y'., 1823, Farnier; P. 0., Greenwich. J. Warren Fort, son of Lewis and Julia Fort, b. Wasliiugtou Co., N. Y., is:i7, Farnier (Supervisor); P. O., Kaston. Sarah B. Fort, daughter of Peleg and Asenatli (Nichols) Thomas •>• Washington Co., N. Y., ISaO ; P. O., South Ea-^ton. Elihu GifTorJ, son of Elihu and Deborah (Allen) Gifford, b. Washington Co, N. Y., 1803, Farmer; 1". ()., South Easton. Allen Gifford, son of Eliliu and Deborah (Allen) Gilford, b. W'asliington Co., N. Y , 1792, Fainior; P. O. Crandall's Comers. I.-a.nc lloag, sun of Ira and Sylvia (KeLsey) Hoag, b. Wasllington Col, N. Y., 1824, Farmer; P. 0., South Easton. Edmund W. Hollister, son of Sylvester and Phobe (JIartin) Hollister, b. Colum- bia Co., N. y., s. 18.32, Farmer; P. O., Middle Falh. James ilill, son of Enoch ami Ann (Monroe) Uill, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1830, Blacksmith ; P. 0, South ElUiton. Frederick 0. Ives, son of Oscar F. D. and Mary D. ( Hoag) Ives, b. Wasllington Co., N. Y., 1838, Farmer; P. 0., SoiiUi Easton. Hezekiah W. Martin, son of Charles and Miirinda (White) Martin, b. Monroe Co., N. Y., 8. 18G5, Farmer and Seed-Growor; P. 0., Greenwich. Edgar M. Petteys, son of John D. and Slary (Rogers) Petteys, b. Wasllington Co., N. y., 1844, Farmer; P. O., Middle Falls. I,e»is Potter, son of Gifford and Heplizibah (Pease) Potter, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1831, Justice of the Peace and Farmer; P. 0., North Easton. Wm. V. K. Reynolds, son of Hiram and Margaret A. (Van Kirk) Iteyn., Fort Ann. J. II. Benton, son of AIra and Lucinda (Earle) Benton, b. Washington Co, N. Y, 1830, Lnuifcertnan; P. O, Fort Ann. Howard Bailey, son of F:ben and Silra (H.iward) Biuley, b. Wa-hinglun Co., N. Y., 1802, Blillwiight; P. O, Fort Ann. Cyrus Boyce, son of Wni. and .Sar.ih (Sargaut) Boyce, b. Washington Co., VI, 183C, Faimer; P. O.. Fort Ann. Alexander Baker, eon of Awa and Maliel ( Y^onng) Baker, b. Washington Co., N. Y,, 1829, Farmer; P. O, Fort Ann. B. W. Breirster, son of Natliaui.-I O. and Delight (Winchester) Brewster, b. Wiishingtcm Co, N. Y, 1821, Farmer and I.nrabenuan ; P. O., Fort Ann. ,Iohn Bubcock.sou of Denj. and Delight (Buck) Balic.ck, b. Washington Co., N. Y, 1797, Retired Farmer; P. O., West Foit Ann. John M. Barnctt,sun of Benj. and Hary (Nicktdson) Ibirnett, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1820, Farmer and Manufacturer; P. 0, Fort Ann. Benj. Broun, son of BenJ. and Elizabeth (Dolly) Brown, b. Rhode Island, s. 1809, Retired Farmer; P. 0., West Fort Ann. A. T. Brown, sim of Elislia and Eliza (Row) Brown, h. Washington Co., X. Y., 1822, Cai-penter anil Joiner; P. U., West Granville. Orlando Cluipin, son of Solomon and Lydia (Bice) Cliapin, b. Washington Co., N. Y, 184-2, Farmer; P. O., West Granville. Harlan P. Cone, son of Geo. B. and Ann Eliza (Burrington) Cone, k. Washing- ton Co, N. Y., 1850, Farmer; P. O., West Granville. T. N. Deuey, son of Chester and Mary T. (Bush) Dewey, b. Washington Co., X. Y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. J. D. Earle, .ion of John and Jula (Mosher) Earle, b. Wa.shington Co, N. Y, 1837. Merchant; P. 0, Fort Ann. R. G. Fairbanks, son of Silas and Ele innr (Goodale) Fairlanka, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y, R. 1871, Maufr. Silex, Kane's Falls ; P. O., Fort Ann. M. J. Farr, daughter of Jaims and Hannah (Winegar) Farr, b. Washington Co., N. Y, 1829; P. O., Fort Ann. C. C. Farr, sou of James and Han nab ( Winegar) Farr, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 18:i8, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. Benjamin Gillett, son of Abrani andjerusba (Allen) Gillett, b. Washington Co, N. Y, 1830, Farnier; P. 0., West Granville. J. D. Goorlman, son of O. W. and Mary J. (Farr) Goodman, b. M'ashington Co., N. Y., 1854, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Auil Josejili Haynea, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (King) Hayne.i, b. Gloucester- shire, Eng., s. 1849, Farmer; P. O., Griswold .Mills. Orson Kingsley, sou of Supply and Avis (Mason) Kingsley, h. Wasllington Co., N. Y., 1807, Retired Farmer; P. 0, Comstock. B. A. KUburu, son of Simon an.l Lucy (Aldlich) Kilburn, b. Rutland Co., Vt., 6. 1804, Fanner; P. 0, West Granville. B. J. Lawrence, son of Hiram and Mary B. (Griffin) Lawrence, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 182:1, Farmer; P. 0., West Granville. Stepijen J. Lewis, son of John H. and Elizabeth (Antis) Lewis, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y, 8. 1870, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Ann. Frank M. Lamb, son of P. H. and Jane E. (Dean) Lamb, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1853, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. George L. Stevens, son of Wm. and Sibye (Roberts) Stevens, b. Wa-ibjiigton Co., N. Y, 1827, Farmer; P. 0, Fort Ann. Nathan Smith, son of Hemen and Lucy (Beckwith) Sroitli, b. Plattsbnrg, Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 184.1, Farmer, Merchant, aud (3oal Dealer, Smith's Landing; P. 0, Comstock. Sidney S. Spencer, aon of Phiueas and Elcy (Farnsworth) Spencer, b. Washing- ton Co, N. Y., 1819, Farmer; P. O, West Giunville. Henry Stevens, son of Mathew U. and Caroline (Church) Stevens, b. Salem, Washington Co., N. Y, 18.50, Farmer; P. 0, North Granville. Sylvester Skinner, aon of Ell and Sally (Griggs) Skinner, b. Washington Co, N. Y, 1828, Farmer; P. O, Fort Ann. Gardner Stevens, son of Wm. anil Sd.ye (IloberU) Stoveiu, b. Washington Co., N. Y, 1828, Farmer; P. O., Fort Ann. Otis Sheldon, son of Nathan and Eleanor (Van Loner) Sheldon, b. Wsshlngton Co., N. Y, 1801, Farmer; P. O., West Fort Ann. Israel Thompson, son of Jndah and Mary (Harris) riiompson, b. Wa.hinglon Co, N. Y, 1803, Fanner; P. !>., Fort Ann. John H. Thonipt80.v (Drnptr) Vniiglin.b. Wiishington Co., N. Y., 1814, Karmer; 1'. 0., Fort Ann. Madison Vaughn, sun . O., Fort Ann. Fri'dcrick F. Wray.son of Garrtt and Sarah J. (Smith) VVray, b. Wa.'-liinglon Co., N. v., 18:!:!, Farmer and Surveyor; 1'. 0., West Granville. Francis I). Wni.v, eon of Garret and Sanih J. (Smith) Wray, b. \Va>hinglon Co., N. v., ISil, Farmej-; P. 0., West Granville. Joshua Wells, son of I'erry G. and Maria(Biim) Wells, b. Kulland Co., Vt.,noc, 8. 1810, Retired Farmer; P. O., West Granville. Lllthor Washburn, mn of Kphraini and Sally (Martin) Waslibuni, l>. Washing- ton Co., N. y., I82i, Farmer; I*. 0., Fort Ann. Mathias Whitney, son of Mathias and Olive (D..ty) Whitney, b. Berkshire Co., Mass., 8. 18112, Retired Farmer; P. 0., West Granville. Walter WoodrnlT, son of Simmons and Anna iSkinner) Woodniff, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 18(J8, Retired Farmer; P. O., Fort Ann. Aaron White, son of Aaron and Polly (Fosdiek) White, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1.S21, Farmer and Contiactor; P. O., Comstiiek. Edwani Wall, son of .James and Mary Wall, b. Mass , s. 1859, Snpt. of Foit Ann Woolen (;o.; P. 0., Fort Anil. Sylvester Woodruft; son of Simmons and Anna (Skinner) Woo.lrntr, b. Wa^ljirg- ton Co., N. Y., 1S28, Farmer and Tciclier ; P. O., Fort A nii. FORT EDWARD. Robert Armstrong, Jr., son of Robert and Alice (Allen) Armstiong, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 184.5, Lawyer; P. O., Fort Edward. II. T. Blanchard, son of Ailonyah and Jane (Cox) Uhuichard, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. la. 181:i, Editor of G, Fanner; P. 0.,Fort Edward. Archibald G. Howdeii, son of Rev. Wm. and Christiana (Goodall) Ilowdin, b. Sci.lland. s. 1847, Faimer; P. C, Fort Eilward. Joseph E. King, D.D., son of Elijah and Catlnrino (Olmstead) King, b. Otsego Co., N. Y.. s. Nov. 30, 1854, Prin. Fort Edward Col. Institute ; P. O., Fort Edward. Horace Kingsley, son of Warren and Leonora (Otis) Kingsley, b. AVasliington Co , N. Y , Oct. 28, 18:!0, Dealer in Boots, Shoes, Leather and Findings; P. 0., Fort Edward. Daniel H. Lane, son of Samuel and Mary (Havibind) Lane, b. Pntnani Co., N. ¥., 8. April, 1856, Farmer; P. {)., Fort Edward. Walter M. Lane, sou of Stephen M. and Delilah (Foster) Lane, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1832, Insurance and Grocer; P. O., Fort Edward. G. W. Lewthwuite, s*»n of Alexander and Margaret Lewthwaile, b. Isle of Man, England, 8. Sept. 19, 1800, Piiper-Maker ; P. 0, Fort M.ller. . J. A. Morris, son of W. K. and Clarissa (Higley) Morri.s b. Clinton Co., N. Y., 8. Nov. 1, 1S7C, Editor and Publisher /iifl-7>cii*.i( ,■ P. O., Fort Eilward. N. B. Milliman, son of Thomas and Esther (liarnett) Milliman, b. Ren^iselaer Co., N. Y., B. 1820, Lawyer and .Manufacturer ; P. 0., Fort Edward. J. W. Mooi e, son of Joseph and Priscilla (Franklin) Moore, b. Windsor Co., Vt., 8. Jan. 15, 1873, Prop. St. James Hotel ; P. 0., Fort Eilward. J. D. Mott, son of Samuel and Maria (Barker) Mott, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., E. May, 1849, Farming, Boat-Iiuilding, and Repairing; P. O., Fort Edward. Samuel SlcKean, son of Kev. Andrew and Cathei ine (Bedell) McKean, b. Sara- toga Co., N. y., s. April, 1874, Clergyman ; P. 0., Fort Edward. James McDonald, son of James and Bachael (Wells) McDonald, b. Warren Co., N. Y,, s. April 1, 1805, Farming; P. O., Fort Edward. W. C. McDongall, son of Alexander and Martha J. (Nebsoir) McDongall, b. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1855, Farmer; V. O., Fort Edwnnl. Wm. R. Ottman, son of Jtvob and Mary E. (Burns) ("ttinan, b. JIadison Co., N. Y., s. May 19, 1857, Pottery; P. O., Fort Edwaivl. Gilbert O. 01 1 man, son of Jacob and Mary E. (Burns) Oilman, b. Madison Co., N. v., s. Oct. 22, 1S72, Pottery ; P. 0., Fort Edward. John Osgood, son of David L, and Mary (Gould) Osgood, b. Canada, s. about 185:1, Foundry and Machine-Shnp ; P. 0., Fort Edward. Daniel T. Priyne,8iin of Daniel and Margaret (Biisbin) Payne, b. Washington Co., N. Y., July 13, 1804, Farmer: P. O , Fort M.ller. George II. Peursall, son of A. II. and .Mary (Re-d) Pearsall, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. Jan. 12. 1805, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. Seneca Pike, son of Levi and Bachael (Wilbur) Pike, b. Washington Co., N. Y., June 17, 1820, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edwaid. T. W. Quackenbush, M.D., son of Sybriint and Mary (McCarthy) (Juackenbush, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1817, Physician; P. O., Port Edward. James h. Reyiiolils, son of George and Luthena (Potter) Reynolds, b. Saratoga Co., N. v., s. Nov. i:), 18&1, Lawyer; P. 0., Fort Edward. M. L. Koberls, son of Esek and Mary (Ward) Uoberts, b. Otseno Co, N. Y., 8. 1S70; Dealer in Watches, Jewelry, Silver- and Plaled-Ware ; P.O., Fort Eilw George Satleilee, Bon of Wm. H. and Lucie (Cady) Satlerlee, h. Saratoga Co., N. y., s. 1S50, Manufacturer of Pottery (Pres. of Village) ; P. O., Fort Edward. R. Scott, son of .lames and Margaret (Waters) Scott, b. Canada, s. May 29, 1870, Paper-Milker ; P. O., Fort Miller. A. L. Sargent, son of Amos and Rebecca (Andrews) Sargent, b. Windsor Co., Vt.. s. Oct. 12, 1806, Farmer; P. O., Fort Edward. John Stevens, son of Lewis and Catherine (Fort) Stevens, b. .Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. April 1, 1800, Fanner: P. O., Fort Edward. A. C. Tefft, si.n of Nathan S. and Sarah (Remington) Tefft, b. W.ishington Co., N. Y., Oct. 29, 1800 (retired); P. 0., Foit Miller. John Thorpe, son of John and Hannah (Hadfield) Thorpe, b. England, s. 1803, Manufacturer of Paper; P. O., Fort Miller. L. B. Uiulerwoiid, son of Oliver and Maria (Nichols) Ilnderwooil, b. Windsor Co., Vt., 8. 1862, Fanner; P. O., Fort Miller. A. D. Wait, son of Luther and ijiuily B. (llanoroft) Wait, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1S22, Lawyerand Co. Judge; P. 0., Fort Edward. Dr. E. Went worth, son of Erastus and Esther Wentworlh,b. Connecticut, s. May, 1877, Pastor M. E. Clmrcli ; P. 0., Fort Edward. John Wagman, son of Nicholas and Mary (Close) Wagman, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. Aug. 10, lS7il, Manufacturer of Paper; P. 0., Fort Miller. Merritt Williams, son of J. dm and Hannah B. (Hopkins) Williams, b.Wasbiiig- tou Co., N. Y., April III, 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Miller. Albert Williams, son of Bi-njamin and Ann (Hopkins) Williams, b. Washinglon Co., N. Y., Jan. l::, 1815, Fiii m.r; P. 0., Fort Edward. IIISTOUY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, iNEW YORK. 499 Beiij. Willinnis, son of Piiiicn and Jcnislm (niivoiis) Willinms, h. Wiisliiiigto Cu., N. v., Mmch 2U, 18W (letiicd); P. 0, Fort EJwar.l. GREENWICH VILLAGE AND TOWN- SHIP. E.hvin .\ii(li-,-w8, 6„n of Asii ami I.i.ura An.lr.'ws, b. &ui.lgat^ Vt., a. W2T, Banker; P 0^ Groenwicli. Egbsrl C. Aliny, win of lii-nj. and IlciwibctU Almy, 1.. DuIoIkss Co., N. V., 8. April, 18J2, Farm.'r; P. 0., Greenwich. John Alexiinrler, son of .lainos ami Jonnotte Alexander, li. Greenwich, Wnsli- ington Co, N. Y., F.-b. 2-2, ISIH, Farmer; P. O., Ka'it Greenwich. Wni. Alexander, son of John and Oatlinrine Alexander, b. Greenwich, Washing- ton Co., N. y., JIa.v II, 18 iO, Lnml.er and Flax Dealer; P. 0., Lake. David A. Boies, son of Joseph anil Anna E. Boies, li. Greenwich, Washington Co.,N. Y., 1819, Lawyer; P. 0., Greenwich. Joseph M. Battle, sun of Stephen and Uehecca liatfie, b. Gaston, Washington Co.,N. Y., June 1:1, 1841, Fnvnilure Dealer and Undertaker; P.O., Green- wich. Btissel C. Barbnr, son of Adelbei-t IF. and Louisa Barbnr, li. Greenwich, Wash- ington Co ,N. Y., Jan. IG, is:.i;. Farmer; P. , North Greenwich.' Piatt W. llakcr,son of Samuel and Mary Baker, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,s. 1«M, Farmer; P. O., Fort Miller. James Beveridge, Jr , son of James and Jennette Bevc idge, b. Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 18 12, Farmer; l>. 0., Ijike. Wm. L. Cozzens, son of Wm. F. and Betsey raiy./.ens, b. Greenwich, N. Y., An-. 9, 1S24, Hardware Merch int ; P. 0, Greenwich. Nathan ll.Cranilall, son of Daniel and Sarali Cinn Inll, b. Washington Co., N.Y. Oct. 19, 18O0 (retired) ; residence, Salem Street; P. , Greenwich. ' Iliram Corliss, son of John and Abigiil Cjiliss, b. Easton, Wasiiiiigton Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 179 i, Physician ; P. 0., Gieenw cli. Hiram K. Cornell, son of Abram and Mary E. Cornell, b. Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 182!, Liveryman ; P. 0., Gieeriw ch. David Crandall, son of Nathan R. and Silvia C andall, b. Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1842, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. Monroe C'onlee, son of James and Alcy Coulee, b. Greenwich, N. Y , Jaii.4. 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. Fdward A. Clark, son of Enos C. and Harriot Clark, b. Greenwich, N. Y., Oct. 2:i, 1841), Farmer and Teacher; P. O.JIidlle Falls. John C. Carswell, son of Nathaniel iiiul Betsey Carswell, h. Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., April :), 183:i, Farmer; P. 0., Bitten Kill. Ilii-am Clark, son of Thos. and Hannah Clark, b. Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 2.-1, 1811, Faimer, Grain Dealer, and Lumberm.iri, Clark's Mills; P. 0., Schuylerville. Elijah Clongh, son of Ardcn H. and Kezah Cbingli, b. Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., April 2, 181:i, Farmer; P. O., Lake. Bcnj. Delavergue, son of Seneca and Phui'.o Delavorgne, b. Troy, N. Y., s. April, 18fi6, Meat-Market ; P. 0., Greenwich. Alphonso Dwellc, son of Abner and Mariam Dwelle, b. Greenwich, Washington Co, N. Y., May :i, 18IM, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwicli. David T..Ensign, son of Stephen and Patty Ens gn, b. Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., March 22, I8.i:!, Merchant; P. 0., Gre.inwich. Edmund H. Gibson, son of Jonas and Susan Gibson, b. Ponltney, Vt., Oct. 5, 184cl,s. 18G4, Lawyer; P. 0., Greenwich. Horace Garette, son of John and Mabel Garettc, b. Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., Jnne 15, 181j, Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. F. A. Gale, son of John and R. M. Gale, b. Eastra, Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 181", Miller; P. C, Greenwich. -\lvir. 0. Gorhain, son of Josiah D. atid Caroline Gorham, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 18.^1, Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. Wm. M. Holmes, son of Henry and Ann Caroline Holmes, b. GrecJiwicli, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. Mra. J. M. Haskell, daughter of Win. H. and Angelina Mowry, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1834 ; residence. Park St.; P. O., Greenwich. Wm. M. Haskell, son of DeoJatus D. and Jennie E. Haskell, b. Washington Co., N. Y., July in, 18.iG; residenco. Park St. ; P. 0., Greenwich. Geo. W. Uillman, son of Matthew and Mary Uillraan, h. Cambridge, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1812, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwicli. Edward Hunt, son of James and Elizabeth Hunt, b. White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., March 9, 1812, Farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. Wm. Hutton, son of John and Margaret Hutton, b. Greenwich, N, Y., April 21, 1821, farmer; P. 0., Greenwich. Wm. K. HobbiH, son of Wm. Henry and Sarah C. Hobbie, b. Unity, Jle., s. Nov., 187(1, Paper Mannficturer, Battenville; P. 0., Greenwich. Wra. aartshorne, son of Ji'ilndiah and .lane Hartshorno, b. Greenwich, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., March 3, 1823. Farmer; P. 0., North Greenwich. Robert Hamilton, son of Joseph and Jane Hamilton, b. Schaghticoke, Rensse- laer Co., N. Y., 8. April 1, ISOC, Pi oprietor of Greenwich Hotel ; P. O., Greenwich. Harvey Hanks, son of Amos and Polly Hanks, b. Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 181G, Farmer ; P. 0., liiike. Allen E.Johnson, son of Mat bias and Elizabeth B. .lohnsnn, b. While Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 12, 184G, Dealer in Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Carpets, etc.; i*. O., tireenwich. James I. Lniirio, son of Go irge anil Mary ( Wlille.ide> Lourle, li. Jackson, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, ISlll. Lawyer; P. O., Gri-enwirh. Nathan S. Lungdon, son of Samuel and Plieb,. A. L I'ngdon, b. Glen's Fall-, S. Y, July 28, 18.i2, 8. 187.1, Mannfr. Agl. Implements .and Klal Ueai'er; P. 0., Greenwich. Archibald Lendrnni, son of George and Mary L"n.lrnra,b. Argyle, Washington Co , N. Y., May Hi, 1829. Farmer; P. O., ijist Greenwich. John T. Slasturs, son of Nicholas Merrill and Anna T. Miuters, b. Troy. N. V., March 2.^,, 1819, s. 1841, Culleclor U. S. Int. B«v, loth Dist., N. Y. • P O Gicenwich. Hill Miller, s Ml of Perry and Sally Miller, b. Washington Co, N Y., Stown, Mass., s. Dec. 1, 1847, Seed-Grower and Breeder of Ayrshire Cattle ; P.O., West Hebron. Mrs. E. L. Coy, daughter of John and Catliarine (Cooley) Carey, b. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 18:16. Lewis Chamberlin, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Ilagaman) Chamberlin, b. New Jersey, s. Jan. 18, 1801, Fanner; P. O., Hebron. James Craig, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Craig, b. North Hebron, Wiushington Co., N. Y., April 20, 182:i, Fanner; P. 0., North Hebron. Jbiry .lane Gilchrist, daughter of John S. and Laura (Baker) Northup, b. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. IG, 1815, Farming ; P. 0., West Hebron. Josep. H. Hays, son of Josep. H. and Sybil (Hastings) Hays, b. Rupert, Ben- nington Co., Vt., s. Oct. 10, 1806, Merchant; P. O., West Hebron. Nathan R. Hills, son of George and Mary (Reynolds) H lis, b. North Hebron, Washington Co , June 28, 1819, Fanner; P. 0., North Hebron. Stephen M. Ingersoll, son of Dr. Ebenezer and Huldah S. (Marlindale) Inger- soll, b. Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., June 8, 1810, Farmer; P.O., Hebron. Abraham Johnson, son of John and Mary (Graham) Johnson, b. Ireland, s. May, 1819, Farmer; P. 0., West HeliMn. John II. Madison, son of Job and Mabel (Andrews) Madison, b. Hebron, Wasli- ington Co., N. Y., May 2, 1812, Physician ; P. 0., West Hebron. Wm. J. McCIollan, son of John and Isabel (Cummings) McClellan, h. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., June 27, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. James McCloy, son of Moore and Martha (McClarty) McCloy, h. Ireland, a. June, 1860, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. ,Iohn A. McKnight, son of George and Jane (Macauley) McKnight, h. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1830, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. John JlcConnell, son of James and Jane (Dawson) McConnell, h. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Ang. 15, 1828, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. Jennet McConnell, daughter of John and Isabel (Cummings) McClellan, b. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 1:!, 1825. Wm. Reid, son of James and Jane (Cnmmings) Reid.b. West Hebron, Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Ang. 3, 1827, Manufacturer; P. O., West Hebron. Geo. Rca, son of John and Isabel (Dick) Ilea, h. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1827, Farmer ; P. 0., West Hebron. Joshua J. Rogei-s, son of Benj. and Sarah Ann Rogers, b. West Hebron, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1835, Fanner; P. 0., West Hebron. Benjamin Rigers, son of Samuel and Ruth (Gardner) Rogers, b. West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1805, Farmer; P. 0., West Hebron. Sylvester E. Spoor, son of Elijah and Eunice (Soutllwick) Spoor, b. Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 2. 1814, Farmer; P. O., Hebron. Arlhiir L. Smith, son of Whedoii and Dolly A. (Dibble) Smith, b. North Hebron, Washington Co , N. Y., Feb. 22, 1884, Farmer; P. O., North Hebron. l^ HISTORY OF WASrUNGTOX COUNTY, NEW YORK. /iiighii, son of Wni. A. iiiul S imh (V^.nslow) V^iiighn, b. V^.iahiiigtoii Co., ,": v.. 18:i8, Fiirmer; 1'. ()., Kiiigsl.^ry. [Vunglm, son of John iinil HKrinair.(5Inrlhi) Vaughn, b. Wusliington Co., I\ Y., ISail, Fiirnier; I' , King-Sbury. ■£, Vanghn. son of Caleb an.l .\nnH (Bscon) Vanghn, b. Wiinhlngton Co., \^Y., 1814, FarniiT; I>. 0., Kingsbury. J v'mij;hn, son of Joscphns ami .Ii'niiina (Crilllii) Vauxlin, h. Warren ,- Co., N. v., 8. 18G4, Farmer; I". 0., Sanily Hill. ^^ Vanghn, si-n of Wliitnmn nnrt lietsoy (Draper) Vanghn, li. Washington Co., N. Y., 18U6, Farmer; P.O., Kingsbnry. T. WiiKbt, son of Abner and I'anielia (Trninbnll) Wriglil, I. Washington Co., N. Y., ISil, Fanner; P. 0., SniithV Basin. /miJlia Wiltse, danghter of Wni. and Lncy (Nelson) ftise, b. Washington C.)., N. Y., 1813; P. 0, Adamsville. Jliram Willie, son of Ncliemiali and Jernsha (Webster) Wiltntractor. l;e.;-I'. Terry, son of Thom.as and Sarah (Adams) Terry, b. Saratoja Co., X. Y., s. lljlO, Attoruey-al-Law. M, S. Teller, Kou of D. F. nud Ell/ab<'lli (Dubois) Toller, b. Greene Co., X. Y., ». 18III, Driiggisl. F. M. V.iii Woiiuer, sou of Henry F. ami Jane M. (Fuller) Van Wormer, b. Wiishinglon Co., N. Y., 1845, M.icliinisl. RossWilaiui, M.D., son of David and Sl.iry E. (l!o9<) Wilson, b. Wuahinglou Co., N. Y., 1847, Pliyaiciau. George Weston, son of Koswell and Ly.lia (W.llongliby) Wclon, b. Sandy Hill, 18IW, Kelired Farmer. N. W. Wait, son of Wm. T. and Pamclln (Barker) Walt, b. S.iralopi Co., N. Y., 8. 1S5U, Paper Manufacturer and President Kir-t Naliiuial lliuk. Chas. Wilpeu, son of John and Kll/ji Witpen. b. New York ciiy, ». 1870, 5Ian- nfacturer of Wagons, Carrlag «, Sleighs, ele. J. B.Wilson, son of H. W. and Eli/ji (Van Valkenbnrgli) M'ilsou, b.iVan.-n Co., N. Y., ». ISOi, Dealer in Groceries and (•..nfeclioMCry. ■It, li. Pi , Wash PUTNAM. J. Dallas Burnett, ».m of Geo. and Ann (W' rigid ington Co., N. Y, July 0, 1840, Fan •; P. tl,. Piiliiani. George G. Burnett, son of Geo. anil Ann (Wiiglil) Burnett, b. Putnam, Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1819. Farmer; P.O., Pntnani. David Cummiugs, sou ol Thomas and Christie (Scott) Cummiugs, b. Pnliiam, Washington Co., N. Y., Nov, 11, 1834, Farmer; P, O., Pulmnn, Wm. M. Cummings, son of Wm. and Margaret (Scott) Cumniings, b. Pntmiln, Wa-hington Co., N. Y,, May 7, 1827, Farm-r; P. 0., Putnam, Wm, A, Cummings, son of Thomas and Cliristic (Scott) Cnuiniiugs, b. Putnam, Washington Co , N. Y., Fell. 28, 1831, Farmer; P. 0., Putnam. Henry D. Eastou, son of Robert and Cliristiami (Doilrok) Ewton, b, Putnam, Wash ngt.ui Co , N, Y,, April 10, 1810, Farmer; P. , Putnam. Robert P. Graliam, son of Thompson T. and Agues (Sinipn of Wm. and Nancy (Eiaton) Hiltt.ui, b. Putnam, Washing- ton Co., N. Y., Julyil, 1812, Farmer; P, O., Pntnani. Wm. Lillie, son of Thomas and Mary (Scjtl) Lillic, b. Scotland, s. 1814, Farmer; P. O., Putnam. Thomas Lillii', son of Thomas and Ma'-y (Scott) Lillie, b. Putnam, Washington C.I., N. Y., May 25, 1S2.!, Farmer; I'. O., Putnam. James 1), Leigh, s.n of R chard and Jenelt (SIcArlhur) Leigh, b, Putnam, Washiiiglon Co,. N. Y., Fell. 22, 1840, Farm-r; P. I),, Putnam. A,G. Meiklejolin,s.iuorAndrewnndEli7.dietli (Kialiui) Meiklejolin.b. Piitnim, Washington Co,, N. Y,, Aug, 22. 1828, Farm-r; P. O., Pull James McLanglilili,soii of Alexander and .loanna (C.rbel) McLaughlin, b, Put- nam, W.iRliiiigt..n Co, N. Y., Aug 2S, 1814, Fauier; P, 0„ Putnam. James A. McLaughlin, son of James and Isabel (Anderson) Mcljinglilin, b. Pnliiam, Wa-hinglon Co., N. Y,, Feb, 12, 18.-in, Merchant ; P. O., Pufn on. D. Bay Williamson, son of Andrew and Sarah A. (Hice) Willinmsou.b. Pntnani, Washington Co., N. Y., July -23, 18.J3, Furnior; P. 0., Putnam. WHITE CREEK. Stephen Barker, son of Jolin and Sus.innali (Slociim) B.iker. b. Wasliinglmi Co., N. Y., I79i>, Farmer and Wool Dealer; P. O,, While Civek. George Haiker,son of Slocuin and Hannah (ll.irrett) Barker, b. Wasliington ('..., N. Y., 1820, Farmer and Wool Dealer; P. O., While Cioc'k. Charles C. Cottrell, son of Nathaniel and Emma (B.>oth) Cotti oil, b. Ueuaselaer Co.. N. Y., 8. 1835, FariniT ; P. 0., Centre White Creek. Asa L. Darby, son of Leonard and Eli/,abelh (Weir) Darby, b. Waahiugbm Co., N. Y., 1821, Machinist and Engineer; P. O , Cambridge. Alviii Fi-h, son of Kphniim and Lucy Ann (Wood) Fish, b. Washington C,, i. Y,, 1S20, Miller; P. 0., Eagle Bridge, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. John 11. llanna, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (ll.ikcr) llalina, b. Washington Co., X. Y,, 1824, Fanner; P, O,, Cambriilge, John P, Hunt, sou of John I", and Anna (Porter) Hunt, b, Washington Co.. N. Y,, 1831, Farmer and Pioduco Dealer; P. O,, Eagle Bridge, Reu-selaer Co., N. Y. John James, son of Randall and Sally (Kddy) Jnme«, b. Uensselaer Co,, N. V.. 8. 1S75, Farmer; P. 0., Centre While Creek. Clarence D. Konyou, Bon of Ben|. B. and Ihinniili (Br.i\vnell) Kenyon,!.. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 18 a, Farm.'r ; P. O., Centre While Creek. Lafayette laiko.eon of James and Lydia (Cross) Uke, b. Wiuihinglon C., N. Y., 1824, Fanner; P. 0., White Creek. Wm. McKie, son of John and Catharine (Wliiteslde) JIcKie, b. Washiiiglon Co., N. Y.,1828, Farmer; P. O., Cambriilge, Uriah N. Pratt, son of Jesse and K.Uli (Sli.iw) Pratt, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1805, Fanner ; P. 0., Cambridge. Jonatll in H. Palmer, son of John nud Cliarlolte (Hill) Palmer, h. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 1814, Farmer; P. O., Eagle Bridge, Rensselaer IVi,, N. V. John II. Pitney,s.m of B. 11. and Mary Ann(ltowen) Pilm-y. b. WasliiiiKt.'U Co., N. Y., 18 U, Mail Araail ; P. <>., Ea;:!.- Bridge, Rens3.1.ier Co., N. Y. H117 80 / I ; HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK. Goo. M. Wilpy. son of .Mexnlider and Mnrgar<-« (Ciimminaii) Wili-y, li. riitni Wii, 18.-. 1, Karnior; P. O., Coila. CHias. A. Bilnip, son of Alford and Aila (Lnnon) Bnnip, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8. ISill, Karniir; P. O., Cambridge. - Henry Billings, sou of Elinlia and Catharine (Perine) Billings, h. Waal.ington J Co., N. Y., ls:!n, Fanner; P. O., East S.ilern. Herbert R. Cleveland, son of F. S. and Francis K. (Sliepard) Cleveland, b. Wasli- ( ington Co., N. Y., 1805, Fanner ; P. 0., Salem. r. S. Clev.lanil, s..n of James and Fannie (Sliepard) Cleveland, b. Washington ( Co., N. Y., 1818, Fanner ; P. 0., Salem. Geo. W. CB.nplioll, son of David and Isabella (McLean) Caniiibell, I.. Wa-liing- ton Co., N. Y., 1815, Farmer; P. 0., Fast Salem. James Colter, son ..f Geo. and Cath.irine (Switzer) Colter, b. Wa.shington Co., N. Y., 1700, Faiiner ; P. O., Coila. Lewis C.le, sun ..f Curtis and Ann (Ford) Cole, 1). Washington Co., N. Y., 1812, Firmer; P. O., Battenville. Benj. Curtis, son of Joel and Hannah (Sharp) Curtis, b. Washington Co., N.Y., 182.1, Manfi. Wagons, Carriages, Sleiglis, eir. ; P. IP., East Greenwich. John H. Olarli, son of Thomas and Rebecca (Harwood) Clark, b. llillsborough Co., N. H., 8. 1S:!2, Retired Fanner; P. O., Shilshan. John Cowan, Bon of James and Margaret (Green) Cowan, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1821, Farmer; P. O., Battenville. Peter Cowan, son of James and Margaret (Green) Cowan, b. Wa.shington Co., N. Y., 18.15, Fanner; P. 0., East Greenwich. Henry 111 Cuiihaui. sou of Samuel D. and Mary (Norton) Dunham, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1842, Farmer; P. O., Sliiislian. Wm. J. Doig, son of Paul and Abbin Maria (Tii I) Doig, b. Washington Co., N. Y., Iftio, Farmer; P. 0., Siileni. Geo. H. Edie, son of Wm. and Jcnuelt (Maxwelll EJie, b. Sandgale, Vt., s. 184:1, Farmer ; P. 0., Shushan. James C. Ferguson, son of Duncan and Mary H. (Tilfor.1) Ferguson, b. Wash- ington Co., N. Y., 18.11, Farmer; P. O., East Greenwi. Ii. Morris Green, son of Samuel and Sanih (Water.-) Green, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1801, Retired Farmer; P. O., Caniliridge. II. T. Hedges, son of Samnel B. and Mary (Baker) Hedges, b. Wa-shingtoti Co., N. Y., 1839, Farmer and Miller; P. 0., Shushan. Wm. Hedges, son of Samuel B. and Mary (Bake:) Hedges, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 18.11, Farmer; P. 0., Shushan. Will. HoldeP, eon of John and Abigail (Chipmaii) Ilolden, b. Arlington, Vt., s. 1822, Leather Manufacturer; P. O., East Salem. Wm. H. Holden, son of Wm. and Eveline M. (K.-lly) Holdcn, b. Wa-^hiiigton Co.. N. Y., 18:17, Leather Manufacturer (Supi'rvisoi) ; P. 0., East Salem. Peter Henry, son of Adam and Dora Ueury, b. Geniiany,s. 1854, Faimor ; P.O., Camtiridgo. Betsey Hastings, daughter of Riifiis and Catharine (Boice) Wilder, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1840; P. O., East Salem. John Hastings, son of Theodore and Rachael (For.l) Ilastir gs, b. Washington Co., N.Y., 1824. James Hill, son of Peter and Mary (Macauley) Hill, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 18:18, Farmer; P. O , Coila. Isaac Merilt llillnian, son of Mathew and Delinda (Ballon) llillman, b. Wiish- ington Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer; P. O., Gieenwiih. John Jordan, son of .loseph and Lucy (Wood) Joiilin, b. Kssex Co., N. Y., 8. 1854, Black-mith ; P. 0., East Greenwich. Warren Kenyon, son of Zobulon and Anna (Woodard) Kenyon, b. Washington Co., N. y., 1814, Farmer; P. , Sliu.ilian. Phebe Esther V. Kenyon, daughter of Levi H. a Washington Co., N. Y., 1817; P. 0., Shilsha T. B. Lourie, son of Georgo and Jennett (Beveridgt Co., N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. O., Coila. Wm. McMillan, son of John and Elizabeth (Livingsto ton Co., N. Y., ISlfi, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. Geo. McGeoch, son of Wm. and Jennettc (Small) McGe N. y., 1815, Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. John A. McClellan,sonof Wm. and Margaret (Randies) McClellau, b. Wasbiiig- toii Co., N. Y., 1828, Farmer ; P. 0., Caiiibi idge. Henry C. Mayn.ard, son of Xurry and Polly (Thompson) M.iynaid, b. Washing. ton Co., N. Y., 1827, Farmer; P. 0., Cambridge. Andrew W. McLean, son of Louis and Either (Coll.ns) McLean, b. Washingtm Co., N. Y., 1824, Farmer ; P. O., Shushan. Geo. L. Marshall, son of Bobt. and Margaret (Law) Marshall, h. Washington Co., N. y., 1841, Fai-mer, Town Clerk ; P. 0., Cambridge. James McArthur, son of John and Jane (McMorris) McArthur, b. Washington Co., N. Y,, 1842, Farmer; P. 0., Coila. Geo. Maxwell, sou of Walter and Jeniiette (Livingston) Maxwell, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1791, Retired Farmer; V. 0., Battenville. nd Lois (Clougli) Kenyon, b. ■idgo) Lourie, b. Washington n) McMillan, b. Washing- ich, b. Washington Co., ; -j^ \ Alex. Maxneii, km of Walter and Jlixabetli (Skellie) Maxwell, b. Was* Co., N. Y., 1809, Farmer; P. 0., Battenville. """ ^-t Robert Miller, son of James and Mary Ann (Johnston) Miller, b. Was! ; Co., N. Y'., 1809, Farmer; P. O., Coila. I" '^°> Wm. McClellan, son of John and Sarah (Thomiison) McClellan, b. Wnsii'. Co., N. Y , 1812, Farmer; P. O., Coila. /ashing. Wm. Rich, son of Ebenezer and Maria (Smith) Rich, b. Washington Cf T*' '■"'' 18211, Farmer ; P. 0., Shnshan.' James W. R'lhertson, Ron of Geo. and Nancy (Woods) Robertson, b. Washingt" » Co., N. Y., 1841, Fanner; P. 0., East Salem. »• Charles Stevens, son ofliaC. and Julia A. (Brown) Stevens, b. W.ishiogton Ci N. Y., 1828, Farm r; P. O., Greenwich. " Allen Stewart, son of Wm. and Sarah (Green) Stewart, b. Wa-hiiigton Co., N Y., 18.18, Farmer ; P. 0.. Greenwich. James Small, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Maxw.ll) Small, 1.. Washingloi Co., N. Y., 1845, Farmer; P. 0., East Greenwich. James K. Shaler, son of Timotliy and Mary (Duel) Shaler, h. Washington Co., N. Y., 1811. Fanner; P. O., Sabni. Henry Thompson, son of Wm. and Orra (Buck) Thompson, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1840, Farmer; P. 0., East Salem. Chas. Thc.mps'.n, son of Chas. and Cynthia (Packard) Thompson, h. Hadlcy. Mass., s. 18:12, Prop. Planiiig-Mill, Manufacturer of Sash, Doore, Blind.s, etc.; P.O., East Greenwich. Chas. 0. Valentine, son of Harvey and Elizi (Broiighton) Valentine, I.. Wash- ington Co., N. y., 18:12, Fanner ; P. 0., Calnl.ri.lge. Jonathan Warner, son of S>domon and Elizabelh (WoodinlT) Warner, b. Wah- ington Co.. N. Y., 1802. Farmer; P. O., Cambridge. James II. Weir, son of Thos. I. and Matilda (Howland) Weir, b. Wasbiiig!oii Co., N. v., 1816, Farmer; P. O., Greenwicll. Earl P. Wright, son of George and La Vendee (Woodard) Wright, b. Washing- ton Co., N. Y., 1817 (ex-Teicher;, Farmer; P. O., Salem. KINGSBURY. j M. L. Andrews, son of Jer. and Esther (Beach) Andrews, b. Wiwhinglon N. Y., 18:l.', Fanner; P. 0., Patten's Mills. James Bnnihiim, son of Ashbel ami Lydia (Agrin) Bornham, b. Washi. Co., N. Y., 180:i, Ret.red Fanner; P. 0:, Sandy Hill. J. H. ftildwin. son of Thomas and Polly (Lamphere) Baldwin, b. MantI Conn., B. 1841, Fanner and Cooper; P. 0., Fort Ann. James H. Blown, son of James S. and Sarah (llerron) Brown, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1811, Facmnr (retired) and Boalnmn : P. O., Sandy Hill. Ainasa Burt.iii, son of Davi.l and Lydia (Buck) Burton, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 1800, Retired Farmer; P. 0., S.iiidy Hill. S. 0. Cross, son of Theodore and Pamelia (Kidder) Cross, b. Wa-hington Co., N. v., 1820, Farmer and Insurance Agent; P. O, Sandy Creek. Ilol-ace Dibble, son of Huttoii and P.dly (Buck) Dibble, b. Washington Co., K. Y., 180:t, Farmer ; P. O., Sandy Hill. J.diii Duers, son of John and Naomi (Beadle) Doers, b. Washington Co., N. V., ISIC, Farmer; P. O., Sandy Hill. Seth Divine, son of Abel and Hannah (Losee) Devine, b. Dutchess Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, Fanner; P. 0., Kingsbury. Chas. C. Dunham, son of Samuel and Laura (Dibble) Dunham, b. Washington Co., N. y., 1824, Farmer; P. 0., Sandy Hill. T. M. Groosheck, son of David and Phebe (Barnelt) Groesbcck, b. Reiissi laer Co., N. Y., B. 18:17, Farmer; P. 0., Fort Ann. Daniel Holley, sim of Benj. and Eunice (Weatherby) Uolley, b. Washingli] Co., N. Y., 1807, Farmer; P. 0., Sandy Hill. A. F. Hitihcock, son of Collins and Eunice (Porter) Hitchcock, h. Washingt.. Co., N. Y., 1803, Farmer; P. O., Kingsbury. J. H. Harris, son of Ebenezer and Mary S. (Stearns) Harris, b. Washington Co N. y., 1820, Farmer; P. 0., Smiths Basin. W. S. Hoskin, son of Samuel and Freelove (Tucker) Hoskin, b. Washingto Co., N. Y., 18:19, Farmer; P. O., Smith's Basin. Elzada Hoskin, daughter of John and Deborah (Bantley) Miller, b. Washins ton Co., N. Y., 1840. ; Lewis Johnson, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (High) Johnson, b. Washingtoi , Co., N. Y., 1817, Farmer; P. 0., Dunham's Basin. Jesse King, son of Solomon and Susan (ItaUpli) King, b. Washington Co., N. v^ Y., 1805, Retired Fanner; P. 0., Sandy Hill. 0. B. Meid, son of M.ithew and Cynthia Mead, b. Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1872 Fanner; P. 0., Patten's Mills. Isaiah Miller, son of John and Minerva (Paddeu) Jliller, b. Washington Co., ' N. Y., 1840, Farmer ; P. 0., Sandy Hill. ' Ilonry Stewart, son of Wm. and Rebecca (Vaughn) Stewart, b. Washington Co,, ' N. Y., 1808, Fanner ; P. O., Fort Ann. \ Harvey Smith, son of Ezekiel and Nancy (Campbell) Smith, b. Washingtoi. Co., N. Y., 181.5, Farmer; P. O., Kingshury. John Tefft, son of Joseph and Chl.e (Heath) Tefft, b. Washington Co., N. \'., I 1812, Farmer; P. O., Sandy Hill. I E. D. Vaughn, son of Do Wilt C. and Maria (WaUace) Vaughn, b. Washington I Co., N. Y., 1848, Fanner; P. 0., Sandy Hill. ^ _ I Wm. D. Vaughn, son of James B. and Smyrna (Stewart) Vaughn, b. Wa-A»lig. ^ "•\ ton Co., N. Y., 18:14, Far I'. 0., Kil.gsbniy. \