t^^^^'^s-'.cO vOo '^. \ y •/> ^^. =,^' ^^' '^'- * / > V*'--V" ..X* 'Itf. - ^ TER I. FAQE. rning of Itecorcls, Patent of Incorpora- lon. Statistics, ...... Q CHAPTER TI. Indians, Indian Title, Colonial Incidents, &CO 38 CHAPTER, III. lievoliitionary an.d otlier Incidents, . . 56 CHAPTER, Z^V^. Com.mvin^ication. -with, tlie City, Sloops, Steam'boats, Railroads, -Appearance of tlae "Village, Eire and ^lilitar.v" Companies, Other A.ssociations, onghty-, Capt. John TJjiderhill, John. Bo-vvme and others, .... 105 CHAPTER A^II. Schools, Institutions, Ne-wspapers, N'nrse- ries, &c., ........ 1J34; CHAPTER ^III. Religions Denominations— Eriends, Episco- pal, IVIethodist, Dvitch Reformed, Congre- gational, Baptist, Catholic, Lxitheran— SaTobath Schools, 4. Appearance of the Town, Village, Sfc. — The sur- face of the town is moderately undulating. The soil is of very superior quality, and is in a high state of cultivation. Agriculture ** pays" with the farmers of Flusliing. There are very ma- 75 ny cL arming sites for genteel residences, and these are rapidly being taken up and occupied by gentlemen of leisure, or of business from the city, who prefer for their families and for themselves after their day's toils, the quiet comforts and en- joyments, and the health-imparting air, of a home in the country. About sixty years ago there were only from for- ty to fifty houses in the village. Where are now Bowne Avenue, Ailanthus Place, Amity, Union, Washington, Liberty, Madison, Cottage Row, Church, Locust, Cedar, Orange and Prince streets, thickly studded with residences and stores, there was only here and there a dwelling. It is not more than twenty years since a large orchard oc- cupied the grounds through which now run Ma- dison street and Cottage Eow. At that time the erection of a new house created quite an excite- ment, and people wondered whereunto it would grow. Then too there was no dock where the town dock now is; and all around where the lum- ber and coal yards now are, were low -marshy grounds. Where the Town Hall now stands, and the sur- rounding grounds, formerly was a sylvan lake, em- bowered in overarching trees with their beau- teous foliage, and emitting an ambrosial fragrance which the classic poets might have consecrated 76 to their Deities the village pond about seven- ty-five feet wide and two hundred feet long. In reference to this, one* of the Presidents of the Board of Trustees remarks : — " too filthy for frogs or fish, and only valuable for the amusement it af- forded the skaters during winter, and during sum- mer for the cattle to cool themselves and slake their thirst." But its glory is departed. " Sic transit gloria mundi." Just east of the pond, and in front of the old Friends' meeting-house, " arose a perpendicular bank some eight feet high, where the school-boy amused himself by leaping into the sand below." Bridge street was then so narrow as but just to admit the passage of two vehicles. The grade of Main Street, in front of the Epis- copal church was on a level with the top rail of the fence in front of Mr. Garretson's dwelling op- posite the church. None of the streets were flagged. Bridge street was paved in 1853. » Incorporation of Village, — The Charter of In- corporation of the village of Flushing bears date April 15th, 1837. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees was held June 6th, 1837. The first President of the Board was Robert B. Van Zandt. * Hon, John W, Lawrence, THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHUIICH. 77 The Charter has since been amended and the incorporated limits somewhat extended. Its pre- sent boundaries are, " All that certain tract of land in the town of- Flushing, county of Queens, embraced within the following bounds that is to say : Commencing at a point in the east side of Whitestone avenue, three hundred feet north of Bayside avenue ; thence north eighty -four degrees forty-five minutes east, seven hundred and fifty- six feet ; thence south four degrees twenty-five minutes east, two thousand four hundred and ninety-six feet to the south side of the street called Broadway ; thence south fourteen degrees east, three thousand five hundred and forty-four feet to a point in land of William Smart; thence south fifty-nine degrees twenty-five minutes west, two thousand six hundred and forty-nine feet to and along the Ireland avenue to a point near the small creek ; thence north eighty-three degrees ten minutes west, three thousand nine hundred and sixty-one feet to Flushing creek ; thence along the same about five thousand three hundred feet in a northerly course to the Flushing Mill Pond ; thence along the same Mill Pond about two thousand two hundred feet to or near another small stream ; thence south eighty-four degrees forty-eight minutes east, two thousand four hun- dred and fifty feet to the place of beginning, — 78 shall continue to be known and distinguished as the Village of Flushl\g." The Trustees of the Village for 1860, are John W. Lawrence, John S. Pittnian, Charles Miller, Alexander Parks, Joseph Harris King and Hen- ry Clement. In 1837 the number of real-estate holders was one hundred and three ; in 1857 there were over four hundred. The assessed value of taxable property was in 1837, $465,300 in 1857 $1,325,350 Increase in 20 years, $860,050 This growth and the various improvements have not been reached without commendable public spirit and enterprise. In the first seven years there were expended upon the public streets, for grading, paving, &c., $30,000. Of this $1,000 only could be raised annually by taxation; $50 of which was paid to the collector, leaving an ag- gregate of $6,650. The balance of $23,350 was wholly raised by voluntary contributions. The present village Hall was built in 1843, at a cost of $1,009. Previous to this the Board held its meetings generally in the houses of its members. Some idea of the business of the village, at 79 present, may be formed from the schedule from the Flushing Journal of January 1st, 1859, to be found in the appendix. To this we shall add a brief statement of some other matters. Owing to frequent robberies a night watch was estal)lished by private subscription in 1855. Sand Paper Factory. — This was built in 1851, by W. B. Parsons & Co., for the manufacture of Sand, Emery and Match paper. It formerly em- ployed fifty hands ; now, in consequence of im- proved machinery, employs ten. Present firm, Joseph T. More & Co. Gas Company — This was incorporated Oct. 6th, 1855, with a capital stock of $20,000 ; and the exclusive right of supplying the village with gas for twenty years. The length of the street mains laid is two and a-half miles. The quantity of gas made per month will average 100,000 cubic feet. The number of street lamps erected is eighteen. The company had fifty meters at the commencement; now they have more than double that number. The Stockholders are James R. Lowerre, President, Gilbert Hicks, Treasurer, Charles A. Willets, Secretary. Steam llaning and Saw Mill. — J. Milnor Peck, proprietor. The first mill was built June 13th, 1851. 80 It was a frame building, three stories high. The second and third stories were occupied by Messrs. Cox & Dumont for sash-making. In the first story, beside the planing and sawing, Messrs J. C. Quarterman and A. Lewis had turning lathes. The engine was the first stationary -steam engine in the place, and was purchased at the Novelty Works, New York. This building was destroyed by fire Nov. 21, 1853. June 8th, 1854, the present one story fire-proof building was erected with entire new machinery, for planing, sawing and moulding. In June, 1856, the three story, brick, fire-proof building adjoining was built. Employs from four- teen to twenty hands. A Turning and Scroll-Sawing Mill, with en- gine attached, was built by John H. Quarterman, in 1854. Since his death it is carried on by Geo. A, Stillwagon. Fire Companies. — One or two efforts were early made to sustain the fire companies in the village. Forty years ago a company was organized — one Stansbury was Captain. He was succeeded by Capt. Treadwell Sands, who had charge for twenty years; but it was not until April, 1854, that the pres- ent Fire Department was organized. William Post , Chief Engineer; Henry S. Hover and E. P. Van 81 Velsor, Assistants. It embraces four companies ; Mutual Fire Engine Co. No. 1 ; Young America, No. 2 ; Excelsior Hook and Ladder, and Empire Hose. The department is well equiped and efficiently manned. There are also several public cisterns or reservoirs of water for the extinguish- ment of fires. The whole cost of the Fire De- partment, including buildings, is about -$12,000. , Of No. 1, E. P. Creasy was first foreman, suc- ceeded by 0. W. Cox ; of No. 2, Adam S. Pen- fold was first foreman, succeeded by Joseph P. Stillwagon ; Hook and Ladder Co., Geo. A. Stillwagon was first foreman, succeeded by Geo. H. Quarterman, who was again succeeded by Geo. A. Stillwagon ; of Hose Co., Oscar W. Smith is foreman. Military. — The Flushing Guard, the first uni- formed military organization in this town, was commissioned Nov. 1st, 1839, as Light Infantry. It was attached to the 93d Eegiment, N. Y. S. M. as a flank company. It made its first parade with twenty-six uniforms, Jan. 16th, 1840. It attain- ed a high state of discipline. In Feb. 1843 its designation was changed to Artillery. In June, 1845 it was again changed to Light Horse Ar- tillery, and attached to Storm's famous 1st Bri- gade, L. H. A., in which it excelled. Its bril- liant appearance excited the admiration of its old 8 82 commander, Major General Jones, who, seeing/it with harnessed battery, careering over the field at a review, turned to his Brigadier, Heriman, and exclaimed, " You have lost the flower of your Brigade." In 1848 it had attained a State-wide reputation for excellency in the L. H. A. evolu- tions. Its parades called together the most cele- brated tacticians in the army, who styled it "the incomparable," and gave it the name of " Bragg's Battery," after the Hero of Buena Vista. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, its services were unanimously tendered to government, but not accepted. After varied fortunes for a period of twenty years, it still exists in gocd discipline, ready when its country needs its services, to again appear the foremost. The Flushing Guard was first commanded by Capt. Charles A. Hamilton ; then by Oapt. Wm. A. Mitchell. Since its change to Bragg's Bat- tery, it has been commanded by Oapt. Thomas L Eobinson. Company A, Hamilton Eifles, was organized January 24th, 1849. They are the first Battalion Company in the 15th Regiment, which is com- manded by Col. Charles A. Hamilton, and com- prises Queens Co. Its officers, commissioned by Gov. Fish, are Geo. B. Eoe, Captain ; Henry A. Peck, 1st Lieut.; Henry S. Barto, 2d Lieut. 83 ASSOCIATIONS. Rechahites. — The " Sons of Eecbab" were or- ganized for the promotion of total abstinence prin- ciples, March 14th, 1845. They surrendered their charter in 1855. Sons of Temperance — Were organized April l4th, 1843. They number forty members, and thirty female visitors, or ** Daughters of Temperance." The '' Pacific Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O- i^."— Was instituted April 19th, 1843. It has had various fortunes. It still continues, however, in effi- cient working order, numbering fifty members. It has disbursed, for weekly benefits to sick mem- bers, an aggregate of $13 50, and for burial ex- penses $135, Yaung Men^s Christian Association- — This was organized in 1858. It has a good library of re- ligious works for the use of its members : it holds a weekly prayer meeting, and a meeting for lit- erary exercises every two weeks. The members are actively engaged in conducting mission sabbath schools, distributing tracts and attending religious meetings. The association is thus accomplish- ing much good. May it have a long and prosper- ous career. Peter Gorsline has been president since its organization. Flushing Library Association — This was or- ganized shortly after the above. Its object is to 84 gather a circulating library of choice booksfor the use of its members. From its reports it has met thus far, witli decided success. The library already numbers 1,100 volumes. Number of members or annual subscribers, in 1 860, is 329. May its sun of prosperity continue to shine long. The Flushing Debating Society — Was organ- ized in the autumn of 1859. It numbers twenty- one members, and meets semi-monthly. The Y. M. 0. A., the F. L. A., and the F. D. S. have their rooms over the Drug store of 0. H. Hedges, M. D. Flushing Harmonic Society. — Established in 1854. Average number of members twenty-five. The objects of the society are the cultivation of musical taste, and proficiency among its members ; to raise the standard of church music in the vari- ous churches in the village ; and to collect a li- brary of valuable musical works for future prac- tice. The meetings for rehearsal are held weekly. The success ot the society in attaining the objects sought has been fully attested by their occasional public performances. Flushing Reading Association. — Organized in 1857. The object of this association is to cultivate rhetorical practice by the careful rehearsal of Po- etical and Dramatical selections. The number of active members is limited by the constitution to 85 forty. There are also honorary or associate mem- bers to the number of twenty. The latter, however, take no part in the exercises, and have no voice in the government of the society. The manage- ment is vested solely in a board of three persons, chosen by the association every six weeks, who have entire control of the selection and assign- ment of parts for reading, who conduct the meet- ings and manage all the financial concerns of the association. The meetings are held in rotation at the houses of the different members once in two weeks during the winter season. The Bay Side Reading Association — Similar in its object to the one already mentioned — origin- ated in 1S58. The Flushing Mutual Benevolent Burial As- sociation — Was organized in 1851, and numbers eighty members. It is composed mainly of Irish- men, who must be citizens of the United States, or have declared their intentions to become such. Its purpose is to create a fund for mutual support when overtaken by infirmities or sickness, and in case of the death of any member, to contribute the necessary means for his decent interment; and in solemn procession to accompany his remains to their last resting place. Flushing Sewing Society. — For the relief of the indigent, held weekly meetings, throughout the 8* 86 winter season, at tlie houses of the different mem- bers for more than twenty -five years Originally composed of members of the Episcopal Church only, as the village enlarged, members of other religious denominations became associated with it. During the later period of its existence, with the exception of one or two years, the society met at the hospitable mansion of a lady in the village, wlio, as President of the association, with true christian benevolence ministered to the wants of the needy, and relieved the necessities of the de- serving poor. Ladies' Union Aid Society. — In the winter of 1857 — 8 the wants of our village poor became so urgent that it was deemed best to make a more general and systematic effort for their relief by the formation of the above mentioned society. It numbers fifty members, and holds weekly meetings during the winter season in the saloon of the Flushing Institute. The Lawrence Boat Cluh — Was organized in 1855, and numbers eighteen members. This Club meets regularly each week, from May to Novem- ber, for the purpose of rowing. The club boat- house is on the premises of the Hon. John "W. Lawrence, by whom it was donated. The Naiad Boat Club — Was organized in the same year with the preceding. .?Tirtr 87 The Qttecn's Co. Savings Bank — Obtained its charter from the State Legislature in 1859, The Board of Directors organized in July of the same year, by the election of the Hon. John W. Lawrence, as President, and Walter Bowne, as Vice-President. We feel assured that this new institution will prove a means of great benefit to our community. Base Ball Cluls — Two organizations of thi^ kind exist in our village. It will be seen that our community are alive to the necessity of the cul- tivation of the physical, as well as the moral and intellectual parts of our nature. Flushing Bible Society. — A branch of the '* Long Island Bible Society" was established in 1S54. Its first work was to supply every family in our town with a copy of the Holy Scriptures. This was ac- complished through the efficient agency of their col- porteur. Its efforts were also directed to the estab- lishment of Sunday Schools in parts of our town remote from the village. Since its organization a large number of copies of the Bible and New Testament have been distributed in our midst. BURIAL PLACES. Private Graveyards. — Lawrence family, at Ba}^- side; Parsons, at Flushing; Skidmore, at Fresh 88 Meadows, on the Hoagland farm ; Loweree, on the Bowron Farm, Whitestone avenue. Church Graveyards. — These are connected sev- erally with the different churches in the village, viz : — St. George's Church ; St. Michael's (R. 0.) ; Friends' meeting house ; Methodist Church, at Whitestone, and formerly one was attached to the Methodist Church in Washington street, but was removed in 1857. In the Quaker bu- rial ground nothing was formerly allowed to mark the spot where lay the sleeping dust. A sister, whose husband was laid to rest in that place, was desirous in some way to mark the spot, that it might be identified by her descendants, and she accordingly planted a small walnut tree over his grave. But an old member of the so- ciety, staunch in the faith, and zealous in main- taining the integrity of Foxian customs, soon plucked up the tree by the roots. The affair cre- ated great excitement at the time and not a little ill feeling. Flushing Cemetery — Was incorporated May 5th, 1853. It contains twenty-one acr^, having a sur- face beautifully diversified and a soil well adapted to its purpose. It is situated one mile and a-half from the village, on the road to Fresh Meadows. It needs but the care and cultivation which affec- 89 tion for the departed is sure to call forth, from warm and loving hearts, to make it one of the most desirabWsleeping places for the loved and lost. Toivn Foot House — Was Luilt in 1851. The farm is located at Fresh Meadows and contains forty-four acres. Average number of inmates, in 1860, twenty-four. VILLAGES, &C. Whiteslone, was settled at a very early date, probably about the same time with Flushing vil- lage. The name is derived from a large white rock (referred to in the patent) which lies off the point where the tides from East Eiver and Long Island Sound meet. Many years ago, by a vote of the inhabitants at a public meeting, it was named Clintonville, after DeWitt Clinton ; but in 1854 the old name Whitestone was restored, and a Post Office established. A. H. Kissam was the first Post Master, who was succeeded in 1857 by Charles H. Miller, Part of the village of "Whitestone is familiarly known as " Cookie Hill," from the following cir- cumstance. Many years ago a cake and candy woman was carried away from New York, by accident, in a steamboat bound up the sound and was put ashore at this place. She, being disposed to make the best of her misfortune, walked boldly up to the town, and soon disposed of her toothsome 90 stock to the idle crowd, among whom the incident was the subject of great mirth and gossip. " Cookie " is the Dutch word for cake, and this trifling occurrence, it appears, was sufficient to give a name to the locality. Sixty years ago, within the circumference of one mile, there were only twelve houses in White- stone, and no business was done until 1853, when a large establishment for the manufacture of japan, tin and copper ware was erected by John D. Locke & Co. This factory employs 1^0 hands. The population of the village in 1860 is about 800. Several Hell Gate pilots have their residence here. In the early part of the century there was a ferry at this point to Throgg s Neck. Its princi- pal business was the conveyance of cattle. A sail boat was employed for the purpose, and H. Kissam was ferryman for fourteen years. Two years ago an unsuccessful attempt was made to re-establish this ferry. Francis Lewis, one of the immortal signers of the Declaration of Independence, had a farm at Whitestone. He was the father of Hon. Morgan Lewis, one of the Governors of the State, and Major General U. S. A. in the war of 1812. The " Macedonian," after her engagement, lay oif the point for several weeks with the sick and wounded. 91 Sfrattonj)ort — College Point. — Eliphalet Strat- toD, some seventy years ago, purchased about three hundred and twenty acres of land in this locality for dCSOO. About eight years ago his daughter, as trustee, sold that portion which now constitutes the village of Strattonport for $30,000, retaining the balance of one hundred and eighty acres in the family. College Point is the north westerly portion or that tract of land formerly known as Lawrence or Tew's Neck. Here was located St. Paul's College under the direction of Dr. Muhlen- bnrgh. Its corner stone was laid by Bishop Onderdonk, October 15th, 1846. The Institution was particularly designed for the education of young men for the ministry of the Episcopal Church. With the discontinuance of the establish- ment the property passed into private hands. The College edifice is now used as a private residence. Divine Service has been held in the chapel during the summer season ever since the foundation of the College. The village of Strattonport, Qr College Point, now contains two thousand inhabitants. Its rapid growth is due to the erection, in 1854, of a large factory by Popenhusen & Co., called the " Enter- prise Works," for the manufacture of India rubber combs, knife handles and whalebone. This estab- lishment in its various departments employs nearly 92 five hundred hands. The Fire Department was organized in 1856, and consists .of Hook and Lad- der Company No. 1, H. L. G. Gieck, Fore ?nan; and Union Engine Company No. 1, V. E C. Felt- hauss Foreman. The " Harmonie," a society for mutual benefit, has a library consisting of three hundred vol- umes. The Krakelia, a musical organization and two Turnvereins are also sustained. The College Point Post Office was established in 1857, H. Zuberbier Post Master. Within the past three years several very costly villa residences have been erected in the northern portion of the village. Perhaps it ill befits us to point out the delin- quencies of our sister village, but a due regard for historical truth, compels us to add that a rigid observance of the Sabbath is not one of its com- mendable excellencies. Two theatres are said to be in full blast every Sunday evening, and its twelve Lager Beer Saloons, are reputed to do a thriving business on this day. This favorite beverage of the German, is here made. In the summer months not unfrequently do we see flags flying from its many places of public resort, hear bands of music, and occasionally listen to the tread of military visitors from the city, on the Sabbath day. Are such innovations upon our American 93 customs consistent with the institutions of our land, or with the divine Law ? To Dr. Muhlenburgh must be credited the first effort to shorten the distance to the Point, by the road across the meadows. He first constructed a plank walk, at his own expense. A road was afterwards built, but it was hardly in a fit condition for travel until the construction of the causeway in 1855. Little Neck, The immediate lands surrounding Little Neck, possess many interesting reminis- cences of the past. Eelics of the Indian tribes are constantly found, and the innumerable quanti- ty of shells found imbedded beneath the surface too truly denote the spots where the Warrior Chief and the aged Prophet rested in their wigwam? in fancied happy security. Perhaps the most interesting of these lands is the portion now known as " Douglass Point." These lands were first owned by one Thomas Hicks, long prior to the revolution, who forcibly seized them from the Indian tribes, then the occupants. They retired to the south side of the Island, and located in the vicinity of Springfield. They have become so mixed that scarce one of pure Indian descent" can now be found, Stephen Burtis who resided at " Wigwam Pond," some sixty years ago, is the 9 94 last known to be of strictly pure descendency. This pond, now known as Success Pond, is situated on the ridge of hills, forming part of the chain commonly called the ''back bone " of Long Island. It has obtained much notoriety from the numerous fossil remains and Indian implements of war found in its vicinity. The old *' tomb stones," now in the last stage of decay, in its immediate locality, are painfully indicative of the final resting place of the brave hearts of those who fought for that home of which they were the first possessors. ** Point Douglass " passed successively from Thomas Hicks to •* Sheaf," a Hollander, thence to Thomas Weeks, by whom it was sold to Wynandt Van Zandt, who at his death bequeathed a portion to his children, by whom it was disposed of to its present owner, George Douglass. Prior to 1821, the only road between Little Neck and Flushing was through what is now known as " the alley," serpentine and hilly and increasing the distance more than two miles before reaching its terminus at the corner known as the *' Lonely Barn," near the residence of Mr. Ahlis. In 1824, the road from Little Neck Hotel was donated, the causeway constructed, and the bridge built by Mr. Van Zandt at his own expense. In 1834 the road was turnpiked under charter, to Koslyn, and three years subsequently as far east- 95 ward as Oyster Bay. A Post Office was estab- lished in 1859, J. A. Chapman Post Master. *' St. Ronan's Well." This singular wooded eminence, although not situated within the limits of our town is worthy of mention. It contains about twelve acres, and at high tide is entirely surrounded by water, In 1645 it was in the possession of Adrien Van der Doncli, that dis- tinguished " doctor of both laws." The Doctor was familiarly called the Yonker, a dutch title for a gentleman ; and from this circumstance this piece of upland was known until recently as Yonker's Island, Afterward it was called *' Snake Hill." For many years it has been a favorite place of resort for target and pic-nio excursions from the city and elsewhere. 96 CHAPTER. V. OBJECTS OF INTEREST— BOWNE HOUSE— FOX OAKS —FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE— &c. &c. The old Bowne House on Bowne Avenue was erected in IG61, by the first John Bowne. It has oak flooring, fastened to the beams by oak pins. In one of its rooms the early Friends held their meetings for nearly forty years. The family possess a number of interesting relics of antiquity, an old fashioned clock reaching from the ceiling to the floor, and still preaching as impressively as two hundred years ago, its solemn sermon of time's rapid flight ; a lounge on which the celebrated George Fox rested after his fatiguing labors when on his visit to Flushing in 1672 : (will modern lounges wear as long ?) ; an old table with legs of a thickness surprising to modern eyes, from which the Friends at their Quarterly Meetings have often- times partaken of " the good things of this life;" an old Bible, in black letter type, dated 1G22, and a scrap book, in which are preserved a large num- ber of manuscript letters, and papers, of which one is dated 1622, two hundred and thirty-six years old. In repairing the house a few years since a hole was discovered in one of the walls, which had been plastered over, and in which doubtless valuables 97 were once concealed. Yet this old house has been subjected to modern innovations, being heated by a furnace and illuminated by gas. Near by is another venerable relic, the large oak tree, known as the *' Fox Oak," which is sup- posed to be about four hundred years old. Another formerly stood a short distance from it. As com- panions they had stood side by side, and bade defiance to the fierceness of the tempest and the stroke of the thunderbolt. For centuries not an angry word passed between them, not a sullen look had darkened the brow of either. Their huge arms had been outstretched toward each other only for friendly embrace. But on 25th October, 1841, one of these sturdy brothers bowed his head and passed away. Here we must be permitted to insert the follow- ing articles, written at the time, by fellow towns, men and published in the first number of the Flushing Journal. Thompson in his history of Long Island, r. scribes the first to Col. Wm. L. Stone, Editor of the New York Commercial Advertiser, not a little complimentary to its true author, James B. Parsons. It is headed "A Veteran gone." ** The oldest inhabitant of Flushing, is no more. During the afternoon of the 2.5th iust. one of the 9* 98 venerable oaks, which for so many centuries have been a prominent object in Bowne Avenue, near the village of Flushing, was prostrated to the ground. To a stranger, this contains no higher occasion for regret than the removal of a noble tree, by the operation of the inevitable laws of nature ; but to those who have passed many a happy hour of childhood in gathering the acorns which fell from it, and have made it the scene of of their youthful sports, it seems like the removal of a venerated relative, as if one of the few visible links, which in this utilitarian land connects us with the past, was severed." To the members of the Society of Friends, these trees possessed a historical interest, from the cir- cumstance that beneath them about the year 1C73, the dauntless founder of their sect,* with that pow- er and eloquence of truth, which drew to his stand- ard Penn and Barclay and a host of men like them? preached the Gospel of Redemption to a mixed assemblage, among which might be seen many a son of the swarthy family, whose wrongs and suf- ferings elicit to this day the active eiforts of his * George Fox, in his wonderful journal, thus speaks of his visit to Flushing : - » i- " 1672." From Oyster Bay we passed about thirty miles to Flush- Ing, where we had a very large meeting, many hundreds of people being there ; some of whom came about thirty miles to it. A glorious and heavenly meetJng it was (praised be the Lord God !) and the peo. pie were much satisfied. 99 followers on their behalf. Some seventy years since these honored trees were threatened with demolition by the owner of the adjacent property ; but for the sake of the venerable past were pur- chased by John Bowne, a lineal descendant of the old worthy of the same name, who listened to the preaching of Fox and embraced his doctrines, for which he was afterwards sent to Holland in irons, where he was honorably liberated by the Dutch Government, and a severe reprimand administer- ed to Stuyvesant. The time-honored mansion, in which he entertained Fox, and accommodated the regular meetings of the Society for many years, is still standing and in good repair. — Oct. 25th, 1841. The other article is by Samuel B. Parsons, and is entitled " THE FLUSHING OAK." ** The Ancient Oak hes prostrate now, Its hmbs embrace the sod, Where in the Spirit's strength and might Our pious fathers trod ; "Where underneath its spreading arms And by its shadows broad, Clad in simplicity and truth. They met to worship God. " No stately pillars round them rose, No dome was reared on high ; The oaks their only columns were, Their roof the arching sky ; 100 No organ's deep-toned notes arose, Or vocal songs were heard ; Their music was the passing wind, Or song of forest bird. " And as His Spirit reached their hearts, By man's lips speaking now, A holy fire was in their eye, Pure thought upon their brow ; And while in silence deep and still. Their souls all glowing were With heart-felt peace and joy and love, They felt that God was there. " Those pure and simple minded men, Have now all passed away, And of the scenes in which they moved, These only relics lay ; And soon the last surviving oak, In its majestic pride. Will gather up its failing limbs, And wither at its side. " Then guard with care its last remains. Now that its race is run ; No sacriligious hand should touch The forest's noblest one ; And when the question may be asked, Why that old trunk is there ; 'Tis but the place, in olden time, God's holiest altars were." 101 The old Quaker meeting house, still in good preservation and used for religious meetings, was erected In 1695, and bears the marks of revolu- tionary occupancy. , The small building near the dwelling of G. R. Garretson, on a line with the street, is supposed to be nearly as old as the Bowne house. It was formerly one of the principal stores in the village, and was afterwards used jointly as a drug store and a silversmith shop. It is now occupied by Mr. Garretson as a seed storehouse. The old "Guard House" to which frequent reference is made in various records, and which we shall have occasion to mention hereafter, was a long, low, frame building, erected originally for purposes of defence, and used ultimately as a town jail. It stood at the corner of Union street and Broadway. The Whipping-post, an institution of the olden time, at which many a poor /^Z/oz^; expiated the crime of stealing and such minor offences against the majesty of the law, stood nearly opposite the Flushing Hotel, a few feet from the present curb stone. It was abolished fifty years ago. Another object of interest, about which every stranger, up^n coming into the village, is sure to make enquiries, is that noble specimen of architec- ture, with splendid columns upholding its portico, 102 with one room about sixteen by twenty feet, for the accommodation of the village Aldermen, and with its four smaller rooms underneath for the accom- modation of those who need the restraints of law. The Village Hall, while it was eminently credita- ble to the enterprise and liberality of the citizens, and answered all the necessities of the place at the time of its erection, is now wholly inadequate to our wants. It is itself a standing appeal to our enterprising citizens for its demolition, and the erection in its room of a building which will fur- nish accommodations for the Board of Trustees ; a place for holding elections ; a hall for public lectures ; rooms for Lyceum purposes, Library, &c. We know of no place of the size and wealth of Flushing which is not provided with something of this kind. Efforts have indeed been made from time to time to effect this object, but hitherto without success. We trust the day is not far dis- tant when we shall be able to point with becoming pride to a Village Hall worthy of our beautiful village, and commensurate with our wants. We scarcely know of any one thing by which our men of means could do more for the intellectual and moral benefit of the place, than by uniting their efforts and liberality, and determining that this "consummation so devoutly to be wished for" shall be reached m^ i ry<^ 4f^j v^S-I^ . % ^^^^ S7 MICHAELS CATHOLIC CHURCH % 103 One of the most beautiful characteristics of our village is the great number of ornamental trees that adorn its streets, and the grounds and gar- dens of its residents. This generation does, and succeeding ones will, hold in grateful remem- brance those public-spirited individuals, who ori- ginated and have encouraged this branch of home industry and internal improvements. We trust this work will be continued, and that not a street will be opened without these adornments studding its walks. It was commenced about forty years ago, by Samuel Parsons, father of the Messrs. Parsons.* With his own hand he planted the first shade trees along the Bay Side road. His exam- ple was followed extensively, and the result is * Samuel Parsons is represented to us as " a fine specimen of a Christian gentleman, of polished manners, and liberal classical educa- tion. His benevolent and religious qualities were such that he wa ^ always iu demand when trouble, sickness or death came upon the vil- lagers. No one probably ever lived in the place more generally mark- ed and beloved than he." That such was his character, I find support- ed by the testimony of all of whom I have made enquiry who were acquainted with him, and cherish his memory. 1 will therefore, be pardoned for quoting a few lines which record with filial tenderuess the grateful remembrance of a father's worth, " Our Father was so thoroughly imbued With all the Christian graces, grafted on A nature gentle as a woman's eoul, That all the people loved him, and they came To him for counsel, and they sent for him When death's dark ehadowa gathered o'er their heads , 104 W seen in the beauty of our place. Without these it would be shorn of much of its attractiveness. For well they knew that with the Holy One He held communion ; and in silent awe, They listened to his fervent loving prayers That faith in Christ, and in his wondrous love, Might light the pathway of the dying one, And lead him to the realms of endless day. And sometimes, in a twilight hour like this, He'd gather us around him, kneel in prayer, And pour out for us such beseeching words, That all the room seemed full of Angel's wings, And, to our youthful hearts, a Presence seemed Hovering around, as visible to sense As the Shekinah which the Hebrew saw." 105 CHAPTER VI. PERSONAL IXCIDEXTS— REMINISCENCES-REV. FRAN- CIS DOUGHTY, CAPT. JOHN UNDERUILL, REUBEN BOWEN, AND OTHERS. In this chapter our original purpose was to have given a brief sketch of those whose names are found in the charter of incorporation, and whose descendants are still living among us. But we find the materials so scanty, at least such as we can collectin the limited time at our command, that we have abandoned that intention, and present such as we have under another form. For many of the facts stated we are indebted to papers collect- ed by Peter S. Townsend,M. D., and now in posses- sion of Robert Townsend, Esq., of Albany, who kindly permitted us their use. Rev. Francis Doughty. SomiC obscurity exists concerning this person. The following is the most connected account we can gather : — ■ It appears he " came to New England at the commencement of the troubles in England, and found that he had got out of the frying pan into the fire.*' He seemes to have preached at Taun- ton, Mass., and " for declaring that Abraham ought to have been baptised," he was bv order of 10 106. the Magistrates dragged by the Constables out of the public assembl5^ and soon after was compell- ed to leave with his children. He also preached at Linn, Mass., where he de- nied baptism to infants. This doctrine could not be tolerated in that puritanical atmosphere. He consequently betook himself to New Neth- erlands. He settled at Mespath, Long Island, and as agent for some families who were to fol- low, obtained a patent, "with manorial privile- ges," of considerable land of which he was to have " a bouerie" in return for his services as Preach- er, and from which he was to obtain his liv- ing. About one year after his settlement began, war broke out, and the colony was scattered. He, with most of the colony, went to the city, and ministered there. After peace was established he was required to return, which, after some time, he did, and remained half a year, when he again re- moved. In 1645, or soon after, he became the minister at Vlissengen. A few years subsequently he had some difficulty with them touching the amount of his salary. In a Report to Olassis of Amsterdam, dated Aug. 5th, 1657, by Eevds. John Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius, they say, " At Flushing they heretofore had a Presbyterian Preacher who 107 conformed to our Church, but many of them be- came endowed with divers opinions, and it was with them quot liomines tot Sententice. They ab- sented themselves from preaching, nor would they pay the Preacher his promised stipend. The said preacher was obliged to leave the place and to repair to the English Virginias," " Last year a fomenter of errors came there. He began to preach at Flushing and then went with the people into the river and dipped them." He was arrest- ed and banished the province. Which of these two refers to Rev. Mr Doughty we can not de- termine. The Baptist views would indicate the latter; but the dates, the removal to Virginia, and the refusal to pay, point to the former, which we are inclined to favor. In 1653 — 4 we find him before the Bergomas- ter's Court, in New Netherlands, in an action versus John Lawrence, defendant, with reference to his salary as Clergyman. He is dissatisfied with the amount paid him and declares what was promised to him. He is recommended to lay his case before the Director-General and Council. In 1656 he went to Virginia, and in 1659 he was in Maryland. What became of him is not known. He was unquestionably the first religious teacher in Flush- ing, and had adopted Baptist views of the ordi 108 nance of Baptism. He was the progenitor of the Doughty family on the Island. John Marston, Sr. His will is dated Feb. 14th, 1670 — 1. " I will my two sons, John and Cor- nelius, to my well beloved friend John Hinch- man,* to live with him, and to be wholly at his disposing, till they come of age according to law." After payment of his debts the estate all goes to his two sons, "Except one gold ring and one sil- ver thimble. I give to my daughter Elizabeth the ring, and to my daughter Catharine the thimble." Wm. Thorne Jr. purchased the land called after him, 'I'horne's Neck, afterwards called Willet's Point, and lately sold to the Government of the United States. He is the progenitor of this numerous and respectable family. He removed from Sandwich, iMass. to Flushing in 1642. Tra- dition gives him two brothers. One of them set- tled at Cow Neck, and was an enthusiastic sports- man, bringing his hounds with him from England. Walking over his fields one day, dejected and melancholy, it is supposed, over his difiiculties and prospects in the new world, he committed suicide by twisting a sappling round his neck. * He was first owner of a large estate at Bay-Side which he sold to Thomas Hicks, Junr. 109 Edward Ffarrington was brother-in-law of Jolm Bowne. His will is dated " 14th day of the 4th month, 1673." He wills, after the decease of his wife Dorothy, to his ** eldest son John," all his * housing, land, orchard, gardens in the town of Fflushing, &c, to returne to the next heire, male, of the blood of the Ffarringtons, and soe from generation to generation for ever." The pride and prejudice in favor of primogeniture are very conspicuous. Captain John Underbill. This famous individ- ual, ** one of the most dramatic persons in our early history," came from England to Massa- chusetts, shortly after the commencement of the colony. He appears to have been of a bold, daring, restless, reckless temper, and was in almost constant difficulties, sometimes with the church, sometimes with the government. He was frequently employed in the engagements between the whites and the Indians. He was in the war against the Block Islanders, and received an arrow through his coat and another against the helmet, on his forehead — which helmet he was induced to wear by the advice of his wife: "therefore" he says, " let no man despise the advice and counsel of his wife, tliough she be a ivoman. It were strange to nature to think a man should be bound to fulfil the humour of a woman, what arms he should 10» no carry, but you know God will have it so, that a woman should overcome a man. "What with De- lilah's flattery, and with her mournful tears, they must, and will have their desire." He was ex- communicated upon his own confession of adul- tery, but by his repeated confessions, many tears and prayers was restored to membership and re- leased from banishment. In 1644 he came to Long Island, and for a time resided in Flushing. He wanted military em- ployment. But as the colonies refused to take part in the difficulties between England and Hol- land, he applied to Hhode Island, which gave a commission to him and William Dyre " to go against the Dutch, or any enemies of the common- wealth of England." A guard of soldiers was sent by the Dutch authorities to apprehend him ; but he promised to be faithful to the Dutch, and was thereupon set at liberty. In 1667 the Matiue- cock Indians conveyed to him a large tract of their lands. A part of this, appropriately named Kil- lingworth, situate at Oyster Bay, remained in the family for nearly two hundred years. He died in 1672. We find the following quaint, interesting, and characteristic declaration of Independence, which must have been proclaimed about the time of his commission by Ehode Island, to fight the Dutch : Ill <• May 20th, after the birth of Christ 1653. " Vindication of Capt. John Underhill in the name of as many Dutch and English as the mat- ter concerns, which justly compels us to renounce the iniquitous government of Peter Stuyvesant over the inhabitants living and dwelling on Long Island, in America. " We declare that it is right and proper to de- fend ourselves and our rights, which belong to a free people, against the abuse of the above nam- ed government. " We have transported ourselves hither at our cost, and many among us have purchased their lands from the Indians, the right owners thereof. But a great portion of the lands which we occu- py, being, as yet, unpaid for, the Indians come daily and complain that they have been deceived by the Dutch Secretary, called Cornelus, whom they have characterized, even in the presence of Stuyvesant, as a rogue, a knave, and a liar ; assert- ing that he himself had put their names down in the book, and saying that this was not a just and lawful payment, but a pretence and fraud similar to that which occasioned the destruction of Jo'^s Hutchinsen and Mr. Collins, to the number of nine persons. ''III. He hath unlawfully retained from several persons their lands which they had purchased 112 from the natives, and which were confirmed io them under the hand and seal of the previous Governor. " IV. He hath unlawfully imposed taxes con- trary to the privileges of free men ; namely, six stivers per acre, chimney money and head mo- ney ; the tenth part of all our grain, flax, hemp and tobacco ; the tenth part of butter and cheese from those who pasture cattle ; excessive duties on exported goods, fifteen stivers for a beaver ; all of which taxes aie to be paid by the poor far mers to maintain a lazy horde of tyrants over in nocent subjects. " V. He hath, in violation of liberty of con science, and contrary to hand and seal, enforced articles upon the people, ordering them otherwise, against the laws of God and Man, to quit the country within two months. '* VI. He hath imprisoned both English and Dutch, without trial, setting them at liberty again, after the manner of a Popish inquisition to their great Sorrow, damage and loss of time, himself not having any patent from James, King of England, the right grantor thereof "VII. He hath also imposed general laws forbid- ding the inhabitants to sell their goods or to brew their grain, without the approbation of the gov- ernment. 113 " VIII. He hath neglected to avenge English and Dutch blood shed by the Indians since the peace. " IX. He hath treacherously and undoubtedly conspired, as proved, to murder all the English. '* X. He hath been guilty of barbarous cruelty towards Mr. Jacob Wolfertsen and his wife, at the time of the birth of their child. " XI. He hath acted treacherously towards Thomas Miton, f(3r, notwithstanding the govern- ment hath promised him safe and secure conduct, he hath ordered his arrest and extradition. " XII. He hath been guilty of the unheard-of act of striking, with his cane, an old gentleman, a member of his Council, and had publicly threat- ened every freeman who does not conform to his pleasure. " XIII. He hath, moreover, imposed magistrates on freemen without election and voting. This great autocracy and tyranny is too grievous for any brave Englishman and good Christian any longer to tolerate. In addition to all this, the Dutch have proclaimed war against every Eng- lishman who live wherever he may wisli or like. " The above grounds are sufficient for all honest hearts that seek the glory of God and their own peace and prosperity, to throw off this tyrannical yoke. Accept and submit ye, then, to the Parlia- 114 ment of England, and beware ye of becoming traitors to one another, for the sake of your own quiet and welfare. Written by me, John Underbill." Michael Milnor. It was at his house that the Flushing people met to draw up the famous remon- strance, which we have elsewhere given, against the oppressive acts of Gov. Stuyvsant towards the Quakers. Jonathan Wright, Sr. The only notice we have seen of him is that he had children, named as follows : — Jonathan, David, John, Charles, Job, Samuel, Eichard, Henry, George, Elizabeth, Sa- rah, Mary, Hannah. Richard Cornell was Justice of the Peace at Flushing, Feb. 17th, 1668. Wm. Hallett was Scout or Constable, in 1668. The inhabitants presented to the Governor Gen- eral the following petition : — *' Right Honorable, Wee your humble petitioners, having some hopes and confidence in your clem- ency and favor, are boulde to present you with a few lines in behalf of our Scout, Mr. William Hallett, &c." And particularly, it would appear, in behalf of his children who '* depend on him for meate, drinke, and clothing, &c. ;" "the man 115 having great loss in the late warres, therefore out of human pity and commisseration wee are boulde to supplicate your honor, for his release and ac- quittance, what offence he hath committed wee are ignorant of, therefore we can neither justifye nor condemn. However we take you for the preserver of our liberties, and if through v^eakness wee doe offend wee hope you will be instructive, not de- structive to us. Therefore as christian petition- ers wee despaire not to find peace and favor from you and humbly desire your Lordship to have compassion on our friend and neighbour with re- spect to his family, and we shall ever, &c," But the petition was unsuccessful, and the Scout was banished March 9th, 1648. His crime was it is said, adultery. John, William, and Thomas Lawrence, three brothers, of which John was the eldest, were among the earliest English settlers on Long Isl- and. Thomas, the youngest brother, by purchase from the Dutch settlers, became proprietor of the whole of Hell-gate, where he resided, and from whom the Newtown branch of the family have descended. John soon removed from Flushing to New Am- sterdam, where he held various important public stations, both under the Dutch and English rule He died in 1699, when over eighty years of age IIG William continued to reside at Flushing during his life. He was a very extensive landed pro- prietor; and at his death his sword, plate, and other personals, were valued at ^£4,432 sterling. He was a man of superior mind, liberal educa- tion, great energy and decision of character, as his letters to Stuyvesant and council show. He' held civil and military offices under both Dutch and English. His descendants are very numer- ous. Part of his lands are now occupied by de- scendents from his third son Joseph, by his se- cond wife, viz : — James, Wm. Augustus, and Charles Crummeline Lawrence. From his first son, William, by his first wife, are descended Judge Effingham W. Lawrence and Hon. John W. Lawrence, whose father seems to have left Flushing at an early age, returned in 1794, and purchased the property where his sons now reside. The residence of the first Wm. Lawrence was at Lawrence's or Tew's Neck. He died in 1680. His son Joseph, mentioned above, while residing We do not give a more detailed genealogy of the Lawrence family, aBit is given in full in works expre-ssly devoted to it, and accessible to all interested in the matter. There must have existed a very strong conservative element in the family to have preserved so large a land- ed property among them through several generations, in this country, where lands are not entailed. It certainly manifests a stability of haracter not frequently observed in our population. 117 on his estate, on Little Neck Bay, became inti- mate with Lord Effingham, a commander of a British frigate, anchored in the Sound, near his mansion. In compliment to so distinguished a stranger, his grand"Son was named Effingham. This, we believe, was the introduction of that name in the family. John Bowne was born at Matlock in Derby- shire, England, in 1627. He came to Boston in 1649, and shortly after settled at Flushing. He married in 1656, Hannah, daughter of Robert Field, and sister of the wife of Oapt. John Underbill. His wife attended the meetings of the Quakers, and within a short time joined the Society. He soon followed her example. For adhering to the So- ciety and attending their meetings, he was ar- rested, tried and fined twenty-five Flemish pounds ; and refusing to pay, was cast into prison, and at length, in 1663, was transported to Holland, '* for the welfare of community, and to crush as far as it is possible that abominable sect, who treat with contempt both the political magistrates and the ministers of God's holy word, and endeavor to undermine the police and religion." Upon "ma- nifesting his case" to the West India Company, at Amsterdam, they did not utter ** one word tending to the approval of any thing" that had been done by way of religious persecution. In 11 118 their next despatch to Gov. Stuyvesant they re- buked him as follows : — " Although it is our de- sire that similar and other sectarians may not be found there, yet as the contrary seems to be the fact, we doubt very much whether rigorous pro- ceedings against them ought not to be discontinu- ed ; unless, indeed, you intend to check and de- stroy your population, which, in the youth of your existence, ought rather to be encouraged by all possible means. Wherefore, it is our opinion that some connivance is useful, and that at least the consciences of men ought to remain free and un- shackled. Let every one remain free as long as he is modest, moderate, his political conduct irre- proachable, and as long as he does not offend others or oppose the government. This maxim of moderation has always been the guide of our magistrates in this city ; and the consequence has been that people have flocked from every land to this asylum. Tread thus in their steps, and we doubt not you will be blessed." Ah ! those lib- eral-minded, far-seeing Dutchmen in the Father- land, amid all the clouds which rolled up grace- fully as " divinest incense" from their smoking pipes, understood the value of civil and religious liberty ; and they maintained it too at a sacrifice of treasure and a baptism of blood, such as no 119 other nation has ever paid for a like priceless possession. The following paper, without date or direction, was doubtless presented at some stage in these proceedings, probably, to the West India Com- pany, in the year 1662. " Friends — The paper drawn up for me to sub- scribe I have perused and weighed, and doe find the same not according to that engagement to me through one of your members (viz) that hee or you would doe therein by me as you would be done unto, and noe otherwise. Ffor which of you being talien by force from your wife and ffamillie (without just case) would be bound from return- ing to them, unlesse upon termes to Act Contra- rie to your Consciences, deny your faith and Reli- gion, yet to this (in effect) doe you require of mee and noe lesse. But truly I can not think that you did in sober earnest ever think that I would subscribe to any such thing ; it being the very thing for which I rather chuse freely to suffer want of the Company of my dear wife and chil- dren, imprisonment of my person, and the ruien of my estate in my absence there, and the losse of my goods here, than to yield or consent unto such an unreasonable thing, as you thereby would injoyn mee unto ; ffor which I am persuaded, you will not only be judged in the sight of God, but 120 by good and Godly men, rather to have mocked at the oppressions of the oppressed and added afflictions to the afflicted, than herein to have done to mee, as you in the like case would be done unto, which the Eoyal Law of our God requires. " I have with patience and moderation waited severall weekes, expecting Justice from you, but behold an addition to my oppression is the meas- ure I receive. Wherefore I have this now to re- quest for you, that the Lord will not lay this to your charge, but to give eyes to see, and hearts to doe Justice, that you may find mercy with the Lord in the day of Judgment. John Bovine." The exile returned to his home after an absence of two years, and persecution ceased in New Netherlands. His wife, who was a preacher in the Society, left for England on a preaching tour in 1675. He followed her in 1676. She died in 1677. Shortly after he returned and married a second time in 1679. This wife died in 1690. He mar- ried a third wife in 1693. He died in 1695, aged sixty-eight years. After his death, the Society at their yearly meeting, made this record : ** he did abundance of good, and died beloved by all sorts of people." 121 Six John Bownes have successively occupied the "old Bowne house;" the last dying in 1804, aged sixty-four years. Ann Bowne, a daughter of the last, still resides in the family mansion. Here we may relate an anecdote of the first John Bowne, which tradition has preserved in the family. He was journeying with a brother Friend to the city. At some point along the road when passing a piece of woods, a huge black bear rush- ed out of the thicket with an evident intention of regaling his palate with the blood and flesh of the non-resisting Friends. But Bowne had no thought of being so summarily served up. So on the prin- ciple of self defence he watched Bruin's approach and thrust his cane down the throat of his antago- nist, who had murder in his looks, with such effi- cient though Quakerly force that after a moment's struggle, poor Bruin fell and expired. Francis Bloodgood. Among the Dutch fa- milies, who very early settled at Flushing, was the Bloodgood, January 13th 177G. Letters of administration were granted by Gov. Andros to Elizabeth, wife of Francis Bloodgood, of Flushing. The following account of this person and his descendants is condensed from a statement fur- nished by Simeon De Witt Bloodgood, Esq., of IP 122 New York, and by Dr. Abr'm Bloodgood of Flush- ing. He emigrated from Holland, but in what year is not known. In Sept. 1673 he was chosen Magistrate of Flushing. March 22d, 1674 ; *' a Commission was this day given by the Governor General to Francis Bloetgoet, Chief of the inhabit- ants of the Dutch Nation residing in the Villages Vlissengen, Heemstede, Rusdorp and Middle- bergh, and the places belonging to these districts, by which the aforesaid F. B. is Commanded to Communicate to said inhabitants that they on the first notice of the enemy's arrival, or on the arri- val of more ships than one, at once shall march well armed towards the city upon the penalty," &c. A farther commission was issued to him to sit as " Privy Counsellor," in consultation with the Governor as to the surrender of the colony to the English. He was also appointed Commis- sioner to visit the Swedish settlement on the Delaware. From these facts it is evident he was a man of no little distinction. Of his next immediate descendents little is known. He had grandchildren, Abram and James. At an early age they were left orphans under the care of a relative, but made their way in the world for themselves. They emigrated to Alba- ny, engaged in business and accumulated hand- some fortunes. 123 Abraham was bora in 1 741 in the town of Flush- ing. He became a merchant in Albany, and mar- ried Mrs. Lynott, who had two daughters at the time ; one of whom married the celebrated Sime- on De Witt. He was frequently elected to the Common Council of Albany — was a member of the Convention which accepted the Constitution of the United States, and was one of ten who met in the old Vanden Heyden House, in Pearl street, and founded the Democratic party of this State. He had four sons, Francis, James, Lynott and Joseph. The latter chose the Medical pro- fession. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1806, and .was appointed Trus- tee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York in 1811. Upon the strength of an in- vitation from a number of the most prominent citi- zens of Flushing he came to this place in 1812. He was for many years an eminent practitioner. He died March 7th, 1851, aged sixty-seven years six months and twenty-one days. He had four daughters, one married Wm. Boardman, formerly minister of the Presbyterian church at Newtown, Long Island. He had eight sons, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, William, Frances, Lynott, John T. and De Witt C. Four only are living, Isaac, Wil- liam, John and Abraham. ]9A CHAPTER VII. SCHOOLS— INSTITUTIONS— NURSERIES AND NEWSPAPERS. Schools. — Of the early schools I have obtained but little information. Lindley Murray Moore kept a school for several years, in a building which stood on the site of the present Flushing Hotel. He left about 1827, and was succeeded by the late Joshua Kimber ; he was succeeded by William Chase, who relinquished the school in 1858. A school was also kept, we are informed, for many years in the old Friends' meeting house. The old Lecture Room of the Episcopal church, lately removed, was built for an academy, and was the first in the village. It cost $1,250. The ex- pense, we learn from William R. Prince, was borne mainly by five persons, viz : — Hutchins Smith, (father of D. Thorne Smith,) William Prince, John Aspinwall and two others whose names are not known. In this building, William A. Houghton, now of New York, taught a school from 1819 to 1825. Rev. Charles Carpenter, a Methodist minister, kept a boarding and day school about four years. ^±^ -^-^^^/ I 125 from 1820 to 1824. He resided in the old Far- rington house, and his school-room was in Wash- ington Street, a few doors above James Ewbank's store. Flushing Institute. — This was incorporated April 16th 1827. The corner stone of the edifice was laid August 23d, 1827. It contained a Greek Testament, Newspapers, names of county officers etc. It was at first occupied by Eev. Dr. William A. Muhlenburg for ten years as a school for boys. Then under the name of St. Ann's Hall, it was a school for young ladies of which Ilev. Dr. Schroe- der was principal. It was again changed into a school for young gentlemen, under the principal- ship of the late Elias Fairchild. His son, E. A, Fairchild, still continues it, as principal and pro- prietor. The success which has crowned his earnest, well-directed eflTorts attests its character for instruction and discipline. St. ThomaslHall. — This was erected by Eev. Francis L. Hawks in 1839. His buildings and ar- rangements were probably as perfect as ever were designed for such purposes. Connected with the present edifices, formerly, was a large circular brick building having eight school-rooms with small re- citation rooms and other conveniences. The doors were constructed of glass. In the centre was an elevated platform, which commanded a view of 1:26 all the class rooms. A circular stairs led to tbe dome of the building, up which refractory boys were sent. Dr. Hawks relinquished it in 1843. It remained vacant about a year. The property was then purchased by Gerardus Beekman Doch- erty, L. L. D. and Dr. Oarmichael, then of Hemp- stead. The latter remained about a year. Dr. Docherty continued until 1848. Rev. Wm. H. Gilder purchased and took possession July 1st, 1848. It is now a regularly chartered Female College, being one of three in the State. It con- fers degrees and diplomas to those young ladies who pursue the entire course of study as prescribed.* The late Jemima Hammond had a private school for several years in her residence in Ailan- thus place. In the same building Mrs. Sarah K. Roberts now conducts a school designed both for young ladies and small children.! Miss Blake has also successfully conducted a school for young children, in the Lecture Room of the Methodist Church. In the Fall of 1859, Rev. Henry Dana Ward, and Mrs. Ward opened a school for young ladies in the building on the corner of State and Linnseus Streets. * Since writing the above this school has been discontinued. t Mrs, Roberta has since removed to the comraodioiis building on the comer of State and Farrington Streets. 127 Public School, — The system of Free Schools originated in Geneva, and in parishes of Scotland. John Calvin was "the father of popular education. It is the glory of our Fathers to have established in the laws the equal claims of every child to the public care of its morals and its mind."* The only Public School in Flushing for many years was that under the care and patronage of the •' Flushing Female Association." This useful society was organized Feb. 2d, 1814. The school was opened in a dwelling which stood near the site of the present school-house, in Liberty street, April 6th, 1814, with nineteen scholars. It was at first taught gratuitously by members of the As- sociation in turn, two serving at a time. This plan was not long continued. In the report of July 1st, 1814, it is stated a teacher had been engaged at a salary of sixty dollars per annum, with two dollars a week for board ; the members visiting in turn, two a week. The first examina- tion occurred June 10th, 1815, " to the satisfac- tion of the audience, several being present from the city of New York, one of whom evinced his entire approbation by transmitting a donation of twenty dollars to the institution, and ten dollars to the teacher, for her becoming behaviour on the George Bancroft. 128 occasion." It was first supported by voluntary contributions; the scholars, both white and color- ed, being admitted free of charge, except a few whose parents were able and willing to pay. Oct. 1st, 1829 the scholars were required to pay two cents a week. It has received assistance from the state. The prosperity of the school has varied, at times over one hundred have been in attend- ance. At times it has been closed altogether; once for twenty months. When the present Pub- lic School was opened this was closed, but was reopened the following year. Since April 1st, 1855, it has been in charge of the trustees of the Public School, the association meanwhile retain- ing its special care and oversight. It is now ex- clusively for colored children. Its annual rent is about three hundred dollars, derived from the trus- tees of the Public School, fees of its members, and interest on the following bequests : — Thomas Tom, $250 Thomas Lawrence, - - - - 100 Matthew Franklin, - - - - c€150, *' the interest to be applied to the use of finding poor negro children books, and also toward paying their schooling, them that their parents did belong among the people called Quakers." Nathaniel Smith, ... - $500 James Byrd, ------ 200 129 Charles and Scott Hicks furnished wood for the school, gratuitously, from its first year to 1825. The present school-building was erected in 1819, at a cost of $SU 73. In 1844 the school, of which we have just given an account, was considered unequal to the neces- sities of the place. The public funds were there- fore taken from it, and another school established in a new school-house. But the attempt was a failure. '- Parents would not send their children to this school, nor did they feel able to pay for their education at any of the private schools." Another effort was made. Several public meet- ings were held. Much discussion ensued. Dec. 26th, 1847, at a public meeting it was resolved, by a vote of thirty-seven to five, to raise three thou- sand dollars by tax, and to authorize the trustees to sell the old building, to contract for a new one on the plan of the New York public schools, and to report a suitable site. Jan. 4th, 1848 a second meeting was held. The question upon changing the site was proposed and lost. This in reality reversed the action of the preceding meeting. Feb. 4th another meeting was held, nearly all the legal voters of the district being present. This, by a vote of ninety-nine to fifty eight, sustained the action of the first meeticg. The Legislature was petitioned, and an act was passed authorizing 12 130 *' the Board to raise six thousand and five hundred dollars by tax or mortgage for the erection of a building, and limiting the annual assessment to one-fifth of one per cent, on all the taxable property in the District." March 29th this act was approv- ed by a vote of one hundred and forty to eighty-sev- en. June 13th a plan and estimate for building was presented and adopted, and at a subsequent meet- ing the present site on Union street was ordered to be purchased. July 18th ground was broken. Nov. 27th, 1848, the school was opened with seven teachers and three hundred and thirty-one schol- ars. Previous to this time in all the schools of the village there were in attendance only two hun- dred and thirteen children. It has been in suc- cessful operation to the present time. An Even- ing School was startedin the winter of 1859. It numbered fifty-one scholars. Board of Education.— E^. E. Mitchell, S. B. Parsons, George C. Baker, C. H. Hamilton and C. W. Cox. Number of teachers, nine. Num- ber of pupils, three hundred and sixty-seven. St, MichaeVs Catholic ScJiool — The following statement of this school was furnished by the pres- ent Pastor, Hev. James O'Bierne :— Was organized Aug. 1st, 1853, under the patronage of Rev. John McMahon, then Pastor. For some time previous the Catholics of Flushing were beginning to tire 131 of the Public School for which they were heavily taxed, and in which, of course, it was impossible their children could receive any religious instruc- tion. The Sunday School, too, was found to be entirely insufficient " for that purpose. The pa- rents were in many cases unable, and in most ca- ses unwilling to instruct their children at home ; and thus it was, that the children were growing up, not only ignorant of the mysteries and tenets of their own Faith, but indifferent to every form of religious belief. Such was pretty much the state of the Catholic mind in Flushing, when an incident occurred, trifling in itself, but which led to a total rupture with the Public School. One of the Catholic children when saying her night prayers aloud for her mother, added to the Lord's prayer, " For thine is the kingdom, &c. &c " which is not found in the Catholic Bible. The mother became alarmed, and reported the mat- ter to the Rev. John McMahon, who wrote to one of the Public School trustees, requesting that the Catholic children might not be required to be present at the reading of the Protestant bible. This request, it was stated, could not be granted. Immediately a meeting of the Catholics was held, and it was unanimously resolved to build a school- house as soon as possible. In the course of a few weeks funds were raised, and the present school- 132 house was built. The average attandauce is about three hundred children. The school is entirely a free school. There are three teachers whose salary amounts to about nine hundred dollars per year. Besides the usual branches taught in the school, the children receive religious instruction every day ; many of them also receive lessons in vo- cal and instrumental music on two days of the week. At first it was supposed, even by some Catholics, that the school would prove a failure, and that the children would again return to the Public School, but the supposition proved to be groundless. The school is at present in a most prosperous condition. In 1857 a Public School was established in Whitestone. Though strongly opposed in its com- mencement, it is now firmly established and pros- perous. It employs four female teachers. The average number of scholars in attendance is one hundred and seventy. The alteration and en- largement of the building cost fifteen hundred dollars. The night school has forty pupils. J. D. Locke, Esq., with characteristic liberality, pays one dollar for each pupil from his factory. Not a little credit is due to those who originated and established this enterprise ; Messrs. Samuel L. Shotwell (teacher,) A. H. Kissam, T. H. Leg- gett, C. H. Miller, J. Fowler, H. Lowerree, &c. College Point Public School. — This was organi- 133 zed in 1859, and employs three male and female teachers, and has an average attendance of one hundred and fifty scholars. The first night school established in this, town was in connection with this school. Of schools in other parts of the town we have not been able to gather statistics. Nurseries.— The first nursery, called " the Lin- n^ean Botanic Garden," was commenced by Wm. Prince, about 1737. This garden had two entran- ces, one in front of his residence, which was the long one and a-half story, round shingled house in Lawrence street, the other on the south side of Bridge street, about where E. Krieg's fur- niture store now stands. At the time the Revolu- tion broke out his business was so extensive that three thousand cherry trees, for which there was then no sale, were cut down and sold for hoop-poles. When the British troops entered Flushing Gen. Howe stationed a guard of troops at both gates to protect the property from depredation ; and this was continued as long as their services were required. We find also the following advertisement :— *' Dec. 10th, 1798, For Sale 10,000 Lombardy poplars from 10 to 17 feet in height by Wm. Prince, L. I." The Messrs. Prince from 1819 to 1835 "formed and continued an experimental vineyard," as W. 12* 184 R. Prince writes me, *' comprising four hundred varieties of foreign vineyard grapes, obtained from the Government Nursery of the Luxembourg at Paris ; and they collected from every part of our country all the native varieties possible." Wm. Prince was also engaged in the '* silk cul- ture." His cocoonery, (the building is still so called) was situated in the rear of Peck & Fair- weather's store, and " yielded large quantities of cocoons, and he planned a filature which was highly successful." He had gloves and stockings woven from his own silk at the manufactory in Philadelphia. The Garden and Nursery is still conducted by Wm. R. Prince & Co. — the grounds comprising " one hundred and thirteen acres, of which sixty are within the corporate limits of the village." Bloodgood Nursery — Was established by James Bloodgood, in the year 1798. The hands employ- ed vary from twelve to thirty, not as many being employed in winter and mid-summer as in the spring and early summer and autumn. The proprietors at this time are Joseph Harris King and George B. and Horace Ripley, under the firm of King & Ripley. Commercial Garden and Nursery of Par- sons & Co. was commenced in 1838. It com- prises about ninety-five acres, and at certain sea- 135 sons employs over sixty men. Its green-houses, graperies, and entire arrangements are very com- plete, and well worthy of a visit from every con- noisseur in horticultural pursuits. Part of the grounds on which this nursery is located has been in that family for five generations. Higgins' Nursery — Daniel Higgins proprietor, was established in 1836. It covers forty acres and employs from ten to fifty hands. Kimher's Nursery — George D. Kimber proprie- tor, was commenced in the Fall of 1853 ; covers ten acres ; employs from three to twelve men, and is devoted chiefly to the leading varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, etc. Sillitnan^s Nursery — Is located at Bay Side, and covers about six acres. Proprietor, Justice A. G. Silliman. Seed Business. — Formerly the Shakers posses- sed an almost entire monopoly of this business. Garret E. Garretson was the first to break into this exclusiveness. About sixteen years ago he sent out as an experiment fifty boxes of seeds. He now cultivates about fifty acres, and sends out over three thousand boxes annually. His business extends over our whole country. News-papers. — The first paper printed in Flush- ing was called " the Repository," a royal octavo, 136 edited by the students of St. Thomas' Hall. It was commenced in the winter of 1840 and contin- ued about a year and a half. Cotemporaneous with this was "the Church Record," edited by Dr. Hawks ; Charles R. Lincoln, Publisher and Printer. It was an Episcopal paper, a quarto, handsomely printed, issued with a cover, and lived about two years. Flushing Journal, — Charles R. Lincoln, Editor and Proprietor. The first number was issued as a specimen sheet in October, 1842. Its regular publication was commenced in March, 1843. It still continues its prosperous course. It has always been the unflinching advocate of improve- ment and progress in village matters, giving fear- less expression to the views of its editor. The Public Voice — Was commenced in 1853, and continued about a year and a half. G. W. Ralph Editor and Proprietor. The Long Island Ti?nes—'WaiS established Feb- ruary, 1855. Walter R. Burling, Editor and Proprietor. It still continues its onward way — having the " largest circulation of any paper on the Island outside of the city of Brooklyn." Sanford Hall — Is located on Jamaica Avenue, near the northern limit of the village. The build- ings were erected in 1836, by Hon. Nathan San- ford, (generally known as Chancellor Sanford) at 137 an expense of nearly $130,000. Mr. Sanford intended the place for his private residence, but died shortly after its completion, and the house stood for several years vacant. In the fall of 1844, Dr. James Macdonald and his brother Gen. Allan Macdonald purchased the property. At that time Dr. Macdonald and his brother were the proprietors of a private institution for the treat- ment of nervous diseases, located on Murray Hill, in the city of New York. In May 1845 they removed their patients to Sanford Hall, which was then opened as a private asylum. In May 1849, Dr. Macdonald* died, and the establishment has since been conducted by Gen. * The professional eminence of Dr. Macdonald, his enthusiastic benevolence, and the exalted purity of his private character, entitle him to a more extended notice than a mere historical mention. He was born in Westchester County, New York, in 1803. He was the youngest son of Dr. Archibald Macdonald, a native of Scotland, who came to this country in his childhood, and served as Surgeon in the British Army during the Revolution. In 1824 James graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, ia the City of New York. Haviug determined to devote himself to the practice of mental disease as a specialty, he appHed for aud obtained the office of Jlesiden t Phy- sician of Bloomingdale Asylum. In 1831, having resigned this office, he was commissioned by the Governors of the New-York Hospital, to visit the European Asylums, and report improvements, with a view to their introduction at Bloomingdale. He spent sixteen mouths iu visiting the various Institutions of England, France, Germany and Italy. On bis return he was invited to take charge of Bloomingdale 138 A. Macdoiiald and the widow of his late brother employing the services of a Resident and Consult- ing Physician. This institution enjoys a most enviable reputa- tion both at home and abroad. Patients are sent hither from all parts of the Union, and also from the West Indies. Average number under treat- ment in 1860, forty-eight. Resident Physician from 1849 to 1854, Dr. Henry W. Buel, now proprietor of Spring Hill Private Asylum, Litchfield, Connecticut. From 1 854 to present time, Dr. J. W. Barstow. Consulting Physician, Benjamin Ogden M. D. New York City. Asylum aa Resident Physician and Superintendant. Here he remained until 1837. In 1839, he made a second visit to Europe. lu 1841 he opened, in connection with his brother, the Asylum on Murray Hill. In 1845, as above stated, the institution was removed to Flushing, On Way 5th 1849 in the prime of his mature manhood, and in the height of his usefulness, Dr. Macdon aid, by a most mysterious Providence, after three days illness, was removed by death ; leaving a widow and six children. His disease was pleuro-pneumonia. His funeral took place on May 8th from St. George's Church, of which he had been a vestryman. The shops in the village were closed, and it was a day of sincere and general mourning. Rev. Dr. Ogilbie of New York, preached the funeral sermon from the words " mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace." Thus passed away from earth, one of God's noblest men, beloved in life and lamented in death by all who knew him. /e^ /^-.vi-.'^^ 3 I i (1 ^^ •^•^ ^ v^' ^_c^i-M' 339 CHAPTER IX. RELIGIOUS DENOMIXATIONS-SABBATH SCHOOLS, &c. What ecclesiastical relations the early settlers of the town sustained is not certainly known. They were, however, in all probability, Indepen- dents, not connected with the Church of England. For most of the early English emigrants were ; and their first preacher, Mr. Doughty, with his views of the ordinance of baptism, would hardly have been retained within the bosom of the es- tablished church. Society of Friends. — In what year this was or- ganized cannot be ascertained with certainty; but it was probably between 1665 and 1669. Previous to the building of the Bowne house, in 1661, we have statements of meetings held in the woods. After its erection they worshipped in it for nearly forty years. The tenets of George Fox were adopted by very many, and Flushing was for ma- ny years a strong hold of this society. Its first Yearly Meetings in this country were held here. In the early part of the last century its members were so numerous and able that they could pro- vide, not only for their own necessities, but also 140 for their less favored brethren. In New York city the Friends were so few and feeble that they were unable to furnish themselves with a meeting- house, accordingly the Flushing Friends framed one here, shipped it to New York in a sloop, and had it erected in Green street, a small street ex- tending from Maiden Lane to Liberty street, on the site where subsequently was Grant Thorburn's seed store. The following interesting article appeared in the New York Observer in connection with this subject. The building sent from Flushing was taken down about the time of the Revolution, and a school-house erected on the site. The Friends owned one hundred feet on Liberty street, and on this was erected a substantial brick building to which reference is had : — " THE friends' meeting-house." ''Mr. Printer: — In the Observer of 20th April last, I remarked, that during the last sixty-four years, in all my doubts, trials, and straits, — not knowing whither to return, to the right hand or to the left, on doing as directed in Proverbs iii. 6, I soon found written on the guide posts, " This is the way ; walk ye in it." The following is a case in point: — In 1824, the Friends' Meeting-house and burying ground stood on the corner of Little Green and 141 Liberty streets, fronting on Liberty street nearly one hundred feet, filling all the space to the rear of the lots fronting on Broadway, and to the rear of the lots fronting on Maiden Lane. All the fami- lies, with one exception, had removed to the upper part of the city, where several new meeting-houses were erected, and this one in Liberty street had been shut up nearly two years. The society re- solved to sell the premises at private sale. Before the matter became public, I waited on certain of the Friends and was kindly received. I told them I would not remove a stone from the building, nor a shovel full of earth from the ground, — that I would make a seed store in the building, and gar- nish the sepulchre of their fathers with the roses of Sharon and the lily of the valley. They had not yet fixed on the price. Many of the members were loath to see the meeting-house demolished, but when they heard of my proposi- tion, and the use I intended, they gave a willing consent, Sept. 25, 1824. I now sat down to consider the aspect of Provi- dence in the matter. Psalms 107, verse 43. 1st. Being a private sale, and a fixed price, there was no competition; had it been a public sale it would have gone beyond my reach. 2d. From the first conversation on the subject with one of the com- mittee, and on every occasion when I called in fur- 13 142 therance of my object, I found my man at home, and did the business I intended to my satisfaction. I therefore looked on it as a step which the Lord would bless. On the 27th of September I met one of the committee in Wall street, who said they had concluded to sell, price twenty-five thousand dol- lars; immediate possession to be given of the meeting-house; the money to be paid on the 1st of May ensuing, when the deed would be given with full possession. Here was another bright spot in my path, which was growing brighter every day. I had all winter to fix the meeting-house for the spring business, and seven months to gather the money. Isaac Wright called next morning, and asked me to meet the committee in his office at 2 P. M., stat- ing the terms as above. Hitherto I had kept the matter in my heart : now I consulted my friends. Every one of them said the price was double its worth, and I would be ruined for certain. We dined at half past twelve. I laid the matter before my family — three of my children were of age. My wife and all of them said I would be ruined. I stated my reasons for believing that it was a field which the Lord would bless. They could not see as I did. I was in the office ten minutes before two. The members of the committee were all there before 143 me. " Friend Grant," said Isaac, " if we sell thee the premises, will thee be able to fulfil the contract on the 1st of May V Says I, " if alive and well, to-morrow I'll pay. you one thousand dollars, and take a receipt part payment. If I don't fulfil my contract on the 1st of May, the $1,000 will be the forfeit." "All fair!" was the response. I paid the $1,000 next day, which clinched the bargain. Next day the whole city was moved. Grant had bought the meeting-house for $25,000, — double what it was worth,— contrary to the advice of his friends and family ; he was a stiff-necked Scottish copperhead, and would be ruined to all intents and purposes. In two days I was offered Ten, and before a month expired I was offered Twentij Thousand Dollars for my bargain. I was now dubbed a canny Scotsman, who could see as far through a brick-bat as any hair-splitter or note-shaver in Wall street. In 1834 I sold the premises for one hundred and five thousand dollars. Grant Thorburn, Sen. New Haven, June dth^ 1S58." In 1827 occurred the separation of the So- ciety, — the two branches being subsequently known as the Orthodox and Hicksite Friends. The lat- ter retained .possession of the old building- The 144 Orthodox shortly after occupied another house of worship just east of the old one, which in 1854 gave place to the neat building in which they now worship. We give copies of a couple of papers from the Bowne collection, connected with the early his- tory of the Friends, evidencing their watchful care over their members and their regard for church government. They may be interesting to those unaccustomed to read communications of this nature in those early times : — " From our Monthly Meeting of Women Friends at Fhiladelphiay 2^th Stli mo. 1708, To the Monthly Meeting of Women Friends at Flushings L. I. — Greeting: Dear'Friends, — To you is the Salutation of Love in our Lord Jesus Christ desiring your prosperity and Wel- fare in the unchangeable Truth. And these may allso further certify you that Request was made to this meeting in the Behalfe of our friend Mary Guest for a Certificate and according to the Good order established amongst us due Inquiry hath been made and we doe not find but that She hath been of a Sober and Honest Conversation and that she may witness a Growth and Prosperity in the truth of which she hath made profession is the desire of our Souls so Committing her to your 145 Care we remain your friends and sisters in the near relation and fellowship of the Gospel of Peace. Signed in the behalfe of our said Meeting by Sakah Goodson" and others. " From Our Yearly Meeting held at PJiiladelphia for Pennsylvania and New Jersey foom the 20th to the 24:th day of Seventh month inclusive 1735, To the next Yearly Meeting to be held in Flush- ing on Long Island. Dearly Beloved Friends,— In the fellowship of the Gospel of our Christ our Head and High Priest we tenderly Salute you, desiring that you and wee and his Gathered Churches as well as particular Members every where may walk worthy of the Manifold and Re- peated blessings which he mercifully vouchsafes unto his people, amongst which the visitation and attendance of his Living Presence in our assem- blys Calls for our Particular and grateful acknow- legement, as well as a Suitable Circumspection in Conversation and Zeal for the promotion of His Glorious Truth in the Earth to the Honour of his Great and worthy name. Such a Perseverance would infallibly draw down and continue the Di- vine and Heavenly Blessing upon the Churches. And now dear Friends wee hereby acquaint you that this our Anniversary Meeting was large and Comfurtable wherein many living Testimonys 13* 146 were born and our Lord according to His Promise to those that should meet in his name was with us to the great encouragement and consolation of the faithfull, begetting in them fresh resolutions to go in the way that is cast up for the Ransom- ed to walk in, and such will be as Lights in the world and Good Examples to the youth or others who take undue Liberty's and we know that Ex- ample goes before Precept. By the accounts from our several Quarterly Meetings it appears that Love and unity is generally maintained amongst Friends and the Discipline in a good Degree put into practice ; the affairs of the Church were transacted in Peace and Oondecsension according to the Apostles Advice. Wee received your Last yearly meeting Epistle and were glad to under- stand you had a comfortable meeting and now wee conclude remaining your friends and Brethren in the unity and Fellowship of a blessed Truth. Signed by order and on behalf of our said meet- ing by John Kimley, Clerk.^' Of the preachers we can of course give no con- nected history. They left no record of Seminary Diplomas ; of ordination by laying on of hands, either by Bishop or Presbytery; of call, settle- ment and departure. Their commission to pro- claim the Gospel of Truth, they claimed, was ob- tained immediately from the great Bishop and 147 Head, without the human intervention of eccle- siastical courts. Their qualifications for their work were imparted by the Inspiring Spirit, with- out the help of theological institutions. How much truth their claims express it is not our pro- vince here to discuss. We give a condensed narrative of an interest- ing series of events in the history of one of their preachers, Samuel Bownas. He was an English- man by birth; a man of considerable note and preaching power, travelling from place to place, making religious visits to Friends in this country . He landed in Maryland " about the 29th of Fifth month, 1792." Here he met George Keith, of whom a more full account will shortly be given, who challanged him to a public dispute in tTlie following letter : — '* To the Preacher lately arrived from England, Sir,— I intend to give Notice after Sermon, that you and myself are to dispute To-morrow, and would have you give Notice thereof accordingly. Sir, I am your humble Servant, George Keith. Dated the \st Sunday in August, 1702." To this the following reply was sent : — ** George Keith, — I Have received thine, and think myself no way 148 obliged to take any Notice of one that hatli been so very mutable in his Pretences to Religion ; be- sides, as thou hast long since been disowned, after due Admonition given thee by our Yearly-Meeting in London, for thy quarrelsome and irregular Prac- tices, thou art not worthy of my Notice, being no more to me than a Heathen Man and a Publican ; is the needful from Samuel Bownas." Dated same day. He prosecuted his journey until he reached Long- Island. Gr. Keith followed and appointed meet- ings in the same places with himself, and was con- sidered the chief instigator of the persecution to which he was subjected. On the 29th of Nov. 1702, he was present at half-yearly meeting at Flushing, which was very largely attended. " When the Meeting was fully set," he says, " the High-Sheriff came with a very large Company with him, who were all armed ; some had Guns, others Pitchforks, others Swords, Clubs, Halberts, &c., as if they should meet with great opposition in taking a poor silly harmless Sheep out of the Flock." Stepping up to him the Sheriff took him by the hand, saying, "You are my Prisoner." "By what authority V* He showed his warrant to ar- rest Samuel Bowne. " That is not my name. That Friend's name is so." ''We know him; 149 that's not the man, but you are the man : pray then, what's your name?" " That is a question that requires consideration, whether proper to an- swer or not." At length the ofiScer and his reti- nue were invited to remain till the services were ended ; which they did, depositing their arms out- side the building. Bownas, *' finding the Word like as a fire," preached with more than his usual power. After meeting an arrangement was made with the Sherifi", by which he remained from Sat- urday until the next Thursday. On Wednesday there was a funeral of an influential Quaker, which was attended by nearly two thousand people. He then went.to Hempstead. The court required him to give bail in two thousand pounds, — himself in one thousand pounds, and two Friends in five hundred pounds each. This he refused, saying, " if as small a sum as three half fence would do, I should not do it." He was accordingly com- mitted to " the common goal." On the 2Sth of Dec. court met; his case was submitted to the Grand Jury, who returned the bill ** indorsed ignoramus." The presiding Judge was exceed- ingly angry, and uttered severe threats against the Jury ; to which he was appropriately answer- ed by James Clement, one of their number. At length they again retired to deliberate and the next day returned the same answer. Upon which 150 they were dismissed, and the prisoner remanded into custody. He was refused a copy of the in- dictment against him. He was by trade a black- smith, but this he could not pursue within his prison-bars. Preferring to earn his support, to re- ceiving it from the liberality of Friends, he learn- ed the trade of a shoemaker, through the kind- ness of one Charles Williams, a Scotch church- man, who pursued that business near by. He soon became so skilful that he could earn fifteen shillings a week. During his imprisonment he was visited by an Indian King and three Chiefs, with whom he held a long conversation. At length, Sept. 2d, 1703, court again assembled, and his case was presented to another Grand Jury, who in a short time returned the papers endorsed " ig- noramus ;" " which gave some of the Lawyers cause to say, in a jocular way, they were got into an Ignoramus Country y On the next day he was set at liberty by proclamation, " and a large Body of dear Friends had me with them in a kind of Triumph." He had been in jail over eleven months. Henceforth he gave up shoemaking and resumed his old business of preaching, visiting the Island and other portions of the country, and reached England in October, 1706. Protesant Episcopal Church. — Rev. George Keith, of whom previous mention has been made 151 was horn at. Aberdeen, Scotland. He was not of Quaker ])arentage. In what year he joined the so- ciety of Friends is not known. He was a man of learning. His talents were of a high order. His mind was acute and logical. His temper was fear- less and unyielding. Hence, what he undertook he prosecuted with unflagging zeal ; his feelings often carrying him far beyond the limits of christian courtesy and charity. He first appeared in this country in East Jersey, in 1682. He was then a Quaker, and held the office of Surveyor General. In 1689 he removed to Philadelphia as tutor to the children of some wealthy families, ** at the same time exercising his preaching faculty." In 1691 he began to dispute with the Quakers, and finally separated from them after being a preacher among them twenty-eight years. In 1694 he went to England and was admitted to orders in the es- tablished Church. In April, 1702, he sailed for America. In August, 1704, he again arrived in England and became Rector of Edburton, in Sus- sex, where he died. It was while on his visit to America that he visit- ed Flushing. He came as a missionary, appoint- ed by '" the Society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts." He first attempted to deliver his message in Flushing, to Friends when assembled for their worship. But, because 152 of his apostacy from their society, his determined opposition to them, and his supposed, if not known instigation of persecution against their preacher, Bownas, he was met by a very decided resistance and was not allowed to deliver his message. On his first visit he was accompained by Rev. Mr. Vesey of New York, Rev. John Talbot, and sev- eral Episcopal gentlemen from Jamaica. He says, " After some time of silence I began to speak, standing up in the gallery where their speakers use to stand when they speak; but I was so much interrupted by the Clamour and Noise, that several of the Quakers made, forbid- ding me to speak, that I could not proceed." Then a Friend followed with an address " about an hour.*' Then ensued a discussion in which he was charged with defrauding the poor of fifty pounds, which he denied with indignation. " Dec. 3d, 1702. I visited again the Quaker meeting at Flushing, Long Island, having obtained a letter from Lord Oornbury, to two Justices of Peace to go along with me, to see that the Quakers should not interrupt me as they had formerly done. But' notwithstanding the two Justices that came along with me to signifie my Lord Corn- bury's Mind, by his Letter to them, which was read to them in their Meeting by Mr. Talbot, they used the like iaterruption as formerly, and took no no- 153 tice of my Lord Cornbury's Letter, more than if it had been from any private person." But his efforts were unsuccessful. He was in all proba- bility the first Episcopal minister who attempted to perform the service of that church in Flush- ing. In what year the present church was or- ganized cannot be determined. In a report by Rev. Mr. Vesey, to the Society at home, dated Oct 5th, 1704, he says, at " Flushing there is no Church." It " is inhabited by Quakers." Eev. Mr. Urquhart of Jamaica " Preaches on the third Sunday, and prays twice at Newtown and Flush- ing once a month on the week days, and by the blessing of God, the Congregations in the respec- tive towns daily increase." C. Congreve in a report to the society, in 1704, says, "Flushing is another Town in the same County, most of the inhabitants thereof are Qua- kers, who rove through the Country from one vil- lage to another, talk Blasphemy, Corrupt the Youth, and do much mischief" Rev. James Honyman, in a letter to the society, of April 15th, 1704, says, "Newtown and Flush- ing famous for being stocked with Quakers, whither I intend to go upon their meeting-days on pur- pose to preach Lectures against their errors." Whether he carried his charitable "purpose" into 14 154 execution is not known, as he continued at Ja- maica but a short time. In 1705, Rev. W. Urquhart was settled at Ja- maica, bestowing part of his time upon Flushin,^ and Newtown. Of him John Talbot writes, '* Mr. U. is well chosen for the people of Jamaica, and indeed I think none fitter than the Scotch Episcopal to deal with Whigs and Fanaticks of all sorts," July 18th, 1710, Rev. Thomas Poyer was in- ducted into the church at Jamaica. When he arrived the dissenters had possession of the church and parsonage. The latter they retained, but the former Mr. Poyer soon preached in again. A brief account of the works of this early laborer in this field may properly be inserted in this place. He entered the service of the society, September 29th, 1709. He embarked for America October 31st, but owing to various delays the ship did not sail until April 10th following. Meanwhile his wife had been twice delayed by sickness, and it was necessary to take her ashore to secure the ser- vices of a Physician. Their voyage lasted from April lOth to July 7th. On that day they were shipwrecked on Long Island, about one hundred miles from Jamaica, to which place he was ap- pointed. His parish, he writes, " is fifteen miles long and six and a half broad," and his salary 155 thirty-nine pounds sterling. This was paid to the Presbyterian minister. Tedious and expensive law-suits resulted. His bauds were filled with work and bis heart with sorrows. He was re- duced to circumstances of extreme necessity. He writes to the society that " their poor mis- sionary is laboring under many difficulties, and re- duced to the want of a great many necessaries; two Gowns and Cassocks I have already worn out in their service, a third is worn very bare and my family wants are so many and pressing that I know not how I shall procure another." Upon this the society presented him with a gown and cas- sock and ten pounds " in money or goods as he preferred." Again he writes, *■ now to do this and to visit my people which I am often obliged to who live distant from me many of them about twelve miles I am necessitated to keep two horses which is very expensive and troublesome to me and consumes me more Clothes in one year than would serve another who is not obliged to ride for three or four. In Newtown and Flushing for want of the convenience of private houses I am forced to make use of Public ones which is a very great charge to me for I bring some of my family generally with me. If I did not they would be one-half of the year without opportunities of Public Worship." Again> " Our poor Church 156 has been in great distress ever since I came here, and myself, the unworthy Minister of it threaten- ed to be starved and denied victuals for my money, and my corn sent me home from the Mill with this message from the Miller, *I might eat it whole as the hogs do, he would not grind for me' " — that the people threatened if the Constables attempted to collect the assessment for the Sa- lary, "they will scald them ; they will stone them ; they will go to Club-law with them, and I know not what." Again, after stating his arrearages in salary : " & a great deal of sickness I had my- self & and in my family all of us being seldom in health at the name time, I have buried two wives & two children in less than five years and am now eleven in family the eldest of my family being little more than 16 years of age, there is the expense of every other Sunday when I go to Newtown & Flushing to be borne for myself and those of the children I take with me, then all other necessaries to be bought, <£16 to be paid yearly for house rent & all this to come out of my stipend, no one of them (his children) be- ing able to get & indeed too young to know how to save what is gotten ; this my Lord is too groat burthen upon me." Finally the church itself by suit at law is taken from them, and he writes, ** tho' I have endeavoured as patiently as I could 157 to bear up under all these trials besides the loss of two wives & several children yet the infirmities of old age bear very hard upon me insomuch that I feel myself almost unable to officiate at the three churches of Jamaica, Newtown and Flushing as I have hitherto done and which is absolutely ne- cessary for the Minister of the Parish to do." He then requests permission to leave his mission and return to England. Against this a Rev. Mr. Campbell protests, in a letter to the Society, in which he says, Mr. Poyer " is a grandson of Coll. Poyer who died in the gallant defence of Pem- broke Castle in the time of Oliver Cromwell ; that he is a good natured honest man and is bene- ficent to his neighbors," and that his recall "would infallibly ruin the poor Gentleman and his nu- merous family." At length it pleased the Great Master to call his tried and afllicted servant to his rest and re- ward. He died January 15th, 1731, (0. S ) Eev. Mr. Thomas, of Hempstead, in writing to the Society of the troubles in Jamaica, concludes with the following flourish :— " All the rest of the Missionaries are settled in peace, and if these people are nipped in the bud and Mr. Poyer re- stored to his right, I presume they will scarce offer to flutter again as long as there is a crowned head that sways the Sceptre of Great Britain." 158 Rev. Thomas Oolgan succeeded. In 1735 he writes, " Several of the Quakers of Flushing do as often as it is my turn to officiate there attend upon Divine Service. This it is that opens a clear prospectus for the conversion of many souls which God in his own time will make to the true Church of Christ." Sept. 29th, 1744, ** The several Churches belonging to my cure (Jamaica, Newtown and Flushing) are in a very peaceable and growing state." Sept. 29th, 1746, ", In my letter of the 26th March last I gave information to the Society of our being in a very likely way of having a Church erected in the town of Flushing." Previous to this they had worshipped in the Old Guard House. He then requests the Society to " bestow upon it a Bible & Common Prayer Book according to their usual bounty for certainly there can be no set of People within this Province who are greater objects of the Society's pity and cha- rity than those belonging to the town of Flushing of which I have been so truly Sensible that it has brought me (if I may be permitted thus to ex- press it) to double my diligence in that place where error & impiety greatly abound." From this it appears the first church edifice was erected in 1746. It was a small building with a spire. The ground was donated by Capt. Hugh Went- 159 worth, who had his country seat on what is now known as the Redwood property. It stood just north of the present building in the same yard. The expense of the spire was defrayed by Messrs. John Aspinwall and Thomas Grennall. Mr. As- pinwall also presented the church with " a very fine bell of about five hundred weight." This same bell rang its notes for nearly a century when its materials were recast and incorporated in the present one. The old chancel rail, the old Bible given by the society, and the prayer books used in the church, the oldest bearing date 1746, are now in possession of the Rector. The number of communicants at that time was about twenty. So that the church must have been organized some time previously, but when or by whom there is no record. March 28th, 1749, Oolgan writes :— " I have great hopes that our Church at Flushing will in a little time gain ground among the Quakers who are very numerous there, and it is somewhat re- markable and may be thought worty of notice, that a man who had for many years strictly ad- hered to the principles of Quakerism, when that new church was opened and a collection made he gave money for the use of that church, but thinking he had not put enough in the Plate, went immediately after service and gave more to the 160 Collector." A thousand pities he had not told his name, that such an example of liberality in sentiment and purse might have been perpetuated for the benefit of succeeding generations. Mr. Colgan died in 1753, and was succeeded in 1757 by Rev. Samuel Seabury. Oct. 10th, 1759, he writes, " Flushing in the last generation the ground seat of Quakerism is in this the Seat of Infidelity." In 1761, a Mr. Tredwell, a gradu- ate of Yale College, acted as lay reader to the church. In this year also the charter of incorpo- ration, by the name and style of " St. George's Church," was granted by Lieut. Gov. Golden, In what year Seabury died we do not know. But after his death *' a handsome house'' was built and presented to his widow. Feb. 17th, 1770. Rev. Joshua Bloomer writes, "I preach at the three churches of Jamaica, Newtown and Flushing alternately, and generally to crowded assemblies, who behave during divine service with the utmost decency and decorum, the churches are neat, well finished buildings. But those of Newton and Flushing rather small for the Congregations." April 9th, 1777. On account of political trou- bles " my church was shut up for five Sundays when the King's troops landed whose success has 161 restored us to those religious principles of which we were deprived by tyranny and persecution " The church at Flushing was subsequently en- larged, but in what year is not known. For much of what follows we are indebted to Eev. J. C. Smith. 1795. Much discussion existed between the vestry of Jamaica and those of Newtown and Flushing, relating to the arrangement of services. The unhappy controversy waxed warm, and the old chronicler pathetically observes, " the church wardens and vestry of Newtown and Flushing went off in a very abrupt manner and left the church wardens and vestry of Jamaica to them- selves." A separation was demanded, but did not then take place. 1797, January 15th. Jamaica called a minister, but the other churches did not unite. 1797, May 10th. Flushing called Hev. E. D. Eattoone, in which Jamaica united but New- town withdrew from the union. Rev. Mr, Rat- toone resided midway between Flushing and Ja- maica. He was to preach in Flushing every other sabbath in winter and every sabbath afternoon du- ring the remainder of the year. His salary per annum was the interest of nine hundred pounds, and one hundred pounds additional were pledged, if it could he raised ! He presented the present 162 corporate seal to the church, though by vote of the vestry he was subsequently reimbursed for it, and blank-books amounting to four pounds and four shillings. Oliver Bowne was sexton on a salary of six pounds per annum and the privilege of cutting the grass in the church yard. The clerk was al- lowed the same sum, but instead of grass extra was to receive an admonition for past irregular conduct. 1800. There appears this very singular and anomolous statement in ecclesiastical history, " both churches experienced a want of funds." 1802. As a consequence of this deficiency in the treasury Flushing and j'amaica again disa- greed. The former complained that the latter obtained subscriptions from her members and re- solved to withdraw if not discontinued. This threat weighed very seriously with the Jamaica brethren, who sagaciously resolved that "it would not be for the advantage of this church to support a clergyman separately," and determined to dis- countenance the solicitations. Meanwhile Mr. Rat- toone resigned and removed, and left the belliger- ents to fight their own battles. Flushing was not pacified with the pacific submission of Jamaica, and resolved to separate. Communications were 163 opened witli Newtown, and an agreement to unite was effected. 1803, April 20th. Newtown and Flushing called Kev. Abm. L. Clark. 1S09, October 3d. Mr. 0. confined his services to the former and the church at Flushing became vacant. 1809, November 4th, Eev. Brazilla Buckley was called, sole Rector of St. George's Church, who remained until his death, March 9, 1820. 1820, August 7th, Eev. J. V. E. Thorne was called, and it was " Resolved, that a new church be erected. " Thomas Philips, James Blood- good and Isaac Peck were appointed a building committee. It was consecrated to the service of God May 2.5th, 1S21. 1826. Rev. W. A. Muhlenberg, D. D. was called. 1829, Feb. 6th, Rev. W.H.Lewis, D.D. was called. 1833, Sept. 3d, " J. M. Forbes was called. 1834, •' 6th, " S. R. Johnson was called. 1835, Oct. 20th, " R. B. Van Kleek was called. 1837, Dec. 6th, •' Fred. Goodwin was called. 1838. The church edifice was enlarged at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars, and twenty- six new pews added. 1844, in March, Rev. George Burcher was called. He died in May, 1847, and in 164 1847, Nov. Eev. J. Carpenter Smith, the present Eector, entered upon his duties. 1853, May 18th, the corner stone of the present edifice was laid with the customary ceremonies. The building was consecrated in June, 1854. In the meantime the old building was removed to its present site, and during 1858 was rejuve- nated, and is now used for a sunday school and lecture room. The new building cost, including fixtures, thir- ty-three thousand dollars. Isaac Peck, Allan Mac don aid and Wm. H. Schemerhorn were the building committee. Zion Church at Little Neck. This was erect- ed in 1830, by Alderman Wynaut Van Zandt. Its Rectors have been Eevd. Messrs. Eli Wheeler, Ralph Williston, Christian F. Cruse, and Henry M. Beane, the present incumbent, who was settled in May, 1842. Grace Church at Whitestone. This building was erected by Samuel Leggett, a member of the society of Friends, for the use of all religious de- nominations, with the hope of bringing about a reformation in the neighborhood. Services were conducted from time to time by Rectors of the Episcopal Church at Flushing. In 1 855 the build- ing was rented from the executors of Mr. Leggett, 165 and Eev. Wm. Short was called by the vestry of St, George's Church, and commenced regular ser- vice in July of that year. The connection with the old parish was dissolved September 6th, 1858, and Rev. Wm. Short was chosen Kector by the war- dens and vestrymen. The congregation contem- plate the erection of a new edifice, to be built of brick, in Gothic style, and to cost 6,000 dollars. The first officers were Ab'm B. Sands, John D, Locke, Wardens ; A, H. Kissam, Henry Lower- ree, Henry Smith, Peter F. Westervelt, Griffith Rowe, Charles H. Miller, Ab'm Binninger and John Barrow, Vestrymen. Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first Methodist church in the village was the Afri- can Macedonian church in Liberty street. It was organized in 1811. This edifice was rebuilt in 1837. Rev. Benjamin Griffin, a white preacher, in his circuit officiated for them. At that time there was not a single white family of Methodists in the place, so that this self-denying brother was accom- modated with food and lodghigs by his colored brethren. Eev Samuel Cockrance was the first Methodist minister that preached in Flushing to a white ••-ongregation. His audience numbered about twelve persons. The meeting was held in a house adjoining Garretson's seed store, in Liberty street. 15 166 His text was " fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." They afterwards worshipped in two different pla- ces in Main street. In 1822 they purchased lots in Washington street, and erected the building in which they wor- shipped until 1843, when they entered into their present edifice in Main street. In 1859 they repaired their building, erected a toweri purchased an organ, and made other improve- ments, at a cost of 3,500 dollars. 1824, August 14th, Flushing Circuit was orga- nized. The following is the list of preachers in their church : — 1824, Eevds. John Luckey and J. W.Le Fever, 1825, Ivobert Seeny and Luman Andrews. 1826, Richard Seaman and B. Creagh. 1827, '* " *' and 0. V. Amerman. 1828—9, Rev. Ira Ferris, 1830 1, Joseph D. Marshall, 1832—3, Charles F. Pelton, 1834, Alexander Hulin, 1 835, David Plumb, 1836, John L. Gilder, 1837—8, William Thatcher, 1839, Daniel Wright, 1840, (( George Brown, 167 ]841, Eev. Elbert Osborn, 1S42, " John J. Matthias, 1843—4, '* Beujamin Griffin, 1845—6, " David Osborn, 1847, " John W. B. Wood, 1848—9, " John B. Merwin, 1850, " Samuel W. Law, 1851, " Abra'm S. Francis, 1852—3, " Ira Abbott, 1854—5, " William F. Collins, 1856—7, " Thomas H. Burch, 1858, *' J. L. Peck, 1860, " E. M. Hatfield, There is also a Methodist church in AVhitestone, which was organized March 28th, 1850. The edi" fice was erected the same year at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. In 1853 the basement was finish- ed, costing three hundred dollars. In 1852 Eev. A. Van Rensalear Abbott was appointed Pastor. In 1855 Rev. Richard Wake was appointed, and remained one year. For two years subsequently Rev. Mr. Fitch, then Principal of the Public School at Flushing, preached on Sabbath evenings, and Orange Judd had charge of the Sabbath school. In 1858 Rev. David Tuthill was appointed Pas- tor, lemaining nine months and then leaving as Missionary to Arizona. In 1859 Rev. D. A. Goodsell, the present Pastor, was appointed. 16S Protestant Reforined Dutch Church. — Hey. William E. Gordon commenced to preach here while still settled at Manhasset as Pastor. The meetings were first held in a hajl in Bridge street ; afterwards in a school house in Church street. The church was organized in 1S42, with six mem- bers. The church edifice was erected in 1844. It cost about twelve thousand dollars. The build- ing committee were Gardiner G. Howland and William Henry Roe. The stone came from Black- well's Island. In 1850 Mr, Gordon resigned and removed to New York. After an interval of near- ly eighteen months, the Eev. G. Henry Mande- ville was called July 28th, 1851. In the spring of ]859 the church was enlarged and repaired, and an organ purchased at an expense of about three thousand dollars. In August of this year Rev. Mr. Mandeville removed to Newburg. In September Rev. W. W. Halloway was called and settled as Pastor. Congregational Church — This church was or- ganized early in the spring of 1851. They first worshipped in a school house in church street. In the fall^of 185 j, Eev. Charles O. Reynolds was called and settled as Pastor. In 1852 they built at the head of Washington street, in Union street, the Chapel which has since been removed to Ailan- thus place. This church edifice was built in 1856, 169 at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. Building committee, D. S. Williams, E. Treadwell, Eobert B. Parsons, Edward Roe and W. Phillips. In December, 1854, Rev. S. Bourne was called, who resigned in the spring of 1859, and was suc- ceeded in Feb. 18G0, by Rev. Henry Staats . Baptist Church. — This was organized January 17th, 1857. They held their meetings at tirst in the school room of the late Jemima Hammond. The present church edifice was built in the spring of 1857, and dedicated October 15th of the same year. Rev. Howard Osgood was the first Pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Oscar Greaves, who officiated for a few months, and was , followed by the present Pastor, Rev. John Bray. It is a singular circumstance that a church of this denomination should not have existed here at an earlier date ; particularly when we remember that the first religious teacher in Flushing entertained their views in relation to the ordinance of Baptism. Roman Catholic Church. — The following state- ment of this church was kindly furnished by its present Minister : — St. Michael's Church.— In October, 1826, the Catholics of Flushing, then only twelve in number, invited the Rev. Father Farnham of Brooklyn to come and minister to them the consolations of 15* 170 their holy religion. Accordingly, their first meet- ing was held, and the first Mass oflTered up in a small house on Main street, adjoining the Post Office. It was soon found to be too small, and it was deemed expedient to purchase a larger house in Liberty street, where they were attended regu- larly once a month by the Rev. Mr. Curran of Astoria. This, too, after being twice enlarged, became insufficient to accommodate the congre- gation, now rapidly increasing. In order to meet the wants of the people, it became a matter of necessity to purchase a new site, and erect a new church. On the 28th of June, 1841, four lots were purchased on the corner of Union and Madi- son streets, where the present church now stands, and a frame building seventy-two by thirty-five feet was erected. As soon as it became known that there was a Catholic church in Flushing, the congregation increased amazingly ; and appli- cation was made to Bishop Hughes for a resident pastor which was immediately acceded to, and the congrgation entrusted to the pastoral charge of the Eev. Mr. Wheeler, who, after a few years was succeeded by the Rev. John McMahon.. Again in 1854, the church being found entirely too small to contain the congregation, and in too dilapidated a condition to be enlarged, a meeting was held, and it was unanimously resolved to 171 build a church of larger dimenRious and of some architectural pretensions. Accordingly, the pres- ent beautiful Gothic structure was erected under the direction and superyision of the Eev. James O'Beirne. present pastor, aided and encouraged by the most hearty and zealous cooperation of the con- gregation. The corner stone was laid on the 24th of June, 1854, and on the following Christmas Day, the holy sacrifice of the Mass was off.-red up in the Church, though yet in an unfinished state. Not- withstanding the great exertions of the pastor and people, and the munificent donations of many ladies and gentlemen of difi"erent persuasions, it was found impossible for want of funds to com- plete the work before the end of Sept. 1856. On the 4th of Oct. of the same year it was solemnly dedicated to the service of Almighty God by the Bight Rev. Dr. Loughlin, Bishop of Brooklyn. St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church at College Point was erected and dedicated in 1856. It is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Joseph Huber, a native of Austria. The Lutheran Church at College Point. — In the spring of 1857 the Lutheran families of Strattonport established a school and employed Mr. G. Soeler, a candidate for the ministry, as teacher. He also preached for them from time to time. In October, 1S57 their present church 172 edifice was completed at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. Iti April, 1S58 Eev. August Heitmuller was called as Pastor, who also conducted the school. They have no sabbath school. The whole con- gregation are catechized every sabbath afternoon. St. Paul's Free Chapel at College Point. — In 1859 the Flushing Bible Society discontinued the services of their colporteur, Mr. Caldwell, who had been faithfully laboring at Strattonport and College Point for two years. With the increase of the population of the village was a correspond- ing increase in the attendance at the Sunday school, which had been held hitherto in the dis- trict school house. It was determined to erect a Free Chapel, and Mr. W. O. Chisolm of College Poir^t, and Messrs. F. A. Potts, C. W. Whitney, Spen- cer H Smith, W. H. Stebbins, Jr. and H. A, Bogert, were appointed a committee to carry out the plan. Mr. Poppenhusen generously donated a plot of ground, and nearly three thousand dollars was raised by subscription in the town. The building was completed January 1st, 1860. The Mission Chapel at the Head of the Vleigh was erected in 1S5S, at a cost of upwards of one thousand dollars, a great part of which was gen- erously contributed by a lady of the village, whose many acts of unostentatious charity have caused her name to be often breathed with a 173 blessing at the lonely he artb of the suffering poor, The plot of ground upon which the building stands was donated by Thomas Whitson. A fair in aid of the Chapel, held in 1859, realized five hundred and forty dollars. Sahhath Scoools — The first school held on the Sabbath was for instructing colored people in the elementary branches of education It wjtS con- ducted mainly by Friends, assisted by Wm. A. Haughton. This was about 1819 — 20. The Sabbath school connected with the Episco- pal church was commenced in 1820. Mr. Haugh- ton. was its superintendant. He was assisted by Messrs. Richard Peck, Isaac Peck, James Morrell and others, together with a number of ladies. Messrs. Haughton and Richard Peck also made the first efforts to institute a Sabbath school at Whitestone, at about the same time. They were joined by some of the inhabitants, principally ladies. They labored there about three years, and exerted a very happy influence. The colored Sunday school in connection with* the Episcopal church was commenced about nine years ago. It had its origin in a class taught by a young lady, a member of that church. The class became too large for the room where they met, and was transferred to the Episcopal Sabbath school room. 174 The school of the Methodist Church was organ- ized about 1823. The schools of the other churches were organized about cotemporaneously with the churches. A Mission Sabbath School was commenced at the District School House in College Point in 1855, by members of different religious denomina- tions in the town. It still continues in successful operation at the Mission Chapel recently erected. Sabbath Schools have also been establis'hed with- in a recent period at the Mission Chapel at the Head of the Vleigh, Black Stump, the Alley and Bay Side. COi\cLUsioN. — Thus have we presented such facts as we have had opportunity to collect. We might have entered into further details concerning the later period of our history. But our object has been to gather, not so much the late as the early incidents. Of these we think we have ob- tained all now accessible. We offer it to our fellow-townsmen in the hope that they will be •interested in the narrative, imperfect as it neces- sarily must be. How greats changes have tran- spired since, a little over two centuries ago, our fathers settled in this pleasant and beautiful spot. Then the Indian was " Monarch of all he surveyed" " to the manor native born." Then the wolf and the bear had their favorite haunts in the wild 175 forests that threw tljeir solemn shadow over all the land, What prophetic eye can look down the vista of the future and discern the changes which the chronicler two centuries hence will have to record. In the review with what pathos and solemnity does the question appeal to every reflective mind and sensitive heart, "Our fathers, where are they?" From tliis mortal scene, Gone with the dream of things that were, As if they n'er had been, Beyond the wanderings of the morn, Beyond the portals of the day, Unto a land whence none return, Om* fathers, where are they ? The vanished comet, long deemed lost, And absent for a thousand years, Again, amid the starry host, From darkness reappears. Seas ebb and flow upon the shore, Moons wax when they have waned away. But they who go to come no more, Our fathers, where are they ? Thou Sun, that light'st the boundless skies, Where are the Earth's departed gone ? Ye stars, to your all-seeing eyes, Is the great secret known ? 176 Ye breathe not of their place of rest, But roll ill silene&on your way, And the lorn echoes of the breast. Still answer where are they ? " " 'Tis thus, in future hours, some bard will say, Of you who read, and him who sings this lay. They are gone — they all are gone.'' TVoul 1 we leave a record which we would desire future generations to read, then let each one " Seek to slay The rank and fatal errors of the day : Battle upon the side of truth and right, "War for the good and beautiful — the fight May be thy last, but it will be thy best, For every blood-drop on thy brow or breast, Shall sanctify the issue, and shall be Transformed to goms, by heaven's strange alchemy, That shall bedeck thy forehead." FIJS^IS. 177 APPENDIX. List of Jieads of Families in Flushing^ {French^ Dutch and Eng- lisTi) from 1645 to 1698, gathered from various old records and documents. By Henry Onderdonk, Jr. John xldams ; Poulas Amerman ; Thomas Applegate ; Derick, John and Elbert Areson ; Anthony Badgley ; Cornelius Barne- son; William Benger; Rudolf Blackford ; George Blee ; John, Elizabeth and Francis Bloodgood ; Barnardus Bloom ; Samuel, Mary, John and Thomas Bowne ; Derick Brewer ; Charles Bridges ; Moses Brown ; Lyman Bumptell ; Francis Burto ; Widow Cartwright; Wm. Chadderton ; Richard Chew; James and John Clement; Rebecca Clery ; Nathaniel Coe; Francis Colley ; Hugh Cowperthwaite; Adrian, John and Patience Cor- nelius ; Jacob and Richard Cornell; Jlindert Corten ; William Dauford ; Thomas Davis ; Obadiah Demilt ; John Depre ; John Dewildie; Lawrence (or Dutch,) Douse; Elias, Sarah, Francis and Charles Doughty ; Deborah Ebell ; John Embree ; John Esmond; Edward, Dorothy, John, Matthew and Thomas Farrington ; Edward, James and Tobias Feake; Anthony, Ben- jamin, John, Thomas, Joseph and Robert Sr. and Jr. Field; Ro- bert Firman ; Esther, John and Thomas Ford ; William, weaver, William, carpenter, Fowler; Henry Franklin; John Furman ; John Furbosh (or Forbush;) John Genung ; John Gelloe (or Gilime;?)Wowter Gilbertson ; John Glover; Edward Sr. and Jr., Richard and John Griffin; Lorus HafF; Sam'l Kaight j Thomas Hall ; Garrit Hanson ; Edward Hart ; John Harring- ton ; John Harrison ; Mr. }.Iatthias Haroye ; Benjamin, John and William Haviland; John Heeded; Joseph and Thomas Hedger ; Gerrit Hendricks ; Thomas, Justice, and John Hicks ; John, Robert and Thomas Hinchmau ; Powell HofF; Dennis Holdren ; John Sr. and Jr. Hopper; Samuel Hoyt; Benjamin 16 178 Hubbard; Nathan Jeffs; Josiah Jenning; John Jores; Thos. Kimsey ; Harmanus King ; George Langley ; John, Joseph, Thomas, and Major William Lawrence ; Madalin Lodew ; John Man; John Marston; Michael Millner (or Millard;) Charles Morgan; William and Ann Noble; Phillip Odall ; William Owen; Elias and Joseph Palmer; Nicholas Parcell (or Per- sells ;) Daniel Patrick ; Mary Perkins ; Wm. Pidgeou ; Derick Ponies ; Arthur Powel ; Edward Ranse (or Reurt ;) Abm. Rich ; John Rodman; David and Nathaniel Rowe; Thomas Run- ley; John Ryder; Walter Salter; Henry Sawtell; WiUiam Salsbee; Thomas Saul; (?) Jasper, Morris and Margery Smith; Nicholas and Robert Snethen; Mary Southick; Thomas, and Mirabel Stevens ; Wm. Charles Stiger ; Thomas Stiles ; Rich- ard Stocton, John Talman ; Samuel Tatem ; Dr. Henry Tay- lor; John and Robert Terry; Simon Thewall(?) ; Richard Tindal ; Henry and John Townsend ; Joseph, Samuel, William Jr., and John, Sr. and Jr., Thorne; Phillip Udal ; Edec. Van Skyagg;(?) Ellen Wall; Wm. Warde: Richard Weller; James and Thomas Whittaker ; Richard Wieday; Edec. Wilday;(?) Thomas Willde ; Col. Thos. Willet ; Thos. Williams ; Martin Wiltse; George, David, Henry and Joua., Sr. and Jr., Wright; William, Thomas and John Yeates. Analysis of the Chalybeate Mineral Spiing, on tVie farm of Gen. Edward VV. Bradley, Whitestoue Avenue. One gallon contains the followina ingredients : Chloride of Sodium ].45 t^ulphate of Lime 12 Chloiide of Calcium > „, ?ulpate of Soda \ _„ Chlorideof Magnesium 5 ^'^ Sulphate of Magnesia 3 Bicarbonate of Magnesia 1.08 Organic matter 32 Bicarbonate of Lime 86 Silicia, Alumnia, &c 14 Protocarbonate of Iron 3.20 Grains, 8.86 Free Carbonic Acid, 4.268 Cubic Inches. Some years ago the distinguished Dr. Samuel L, Mitchell, of New York, drew public attention to this water. In 1852, James R. Chilton, M. D , the well known Chemist, remarked, after the analysis of the water : — " This is a purely tonic water, and commends itself to the attenlion of rnedical men having patients under their charge who re- quire tlie invigoFHting effects of Iron, whuu administered in its most efficient state of combination-" 170 MOUVT VERNON FUND. Received, New York /*pril 27th, 1849, of Miss. Isabel C, Potts, of Flushing, L. I. (the appointed Lady Manager of that town) Three hundred and four dollars and thrre cents, being the full amount col- lected by her towards the " Mount Vernon Fund" as per subscription book this day returned to the office. Elizabeth J. Montgomery, Secretary, $304 03. for M. M. Hamilton. DIRECTORY OF THE VILLAGE OF FLUSHING. Auctioneers.— Charles P. Lowree and Coles W. White. Amhrotypists. — Seabrook E. Willett and Sylvester Roe. Balers.— }o\\n S. Pictman, M. Caveny. F. Thorp, Walter Schenk, Ira Ellis and Mrs. Wright. Barbers. — William Howard and F. Klages. Bell Hanger — Aslop Lawrence, who is also a Locksmith and Gun- smith. tilacksmitha and Wagon Makers — George Van Ostrand, Alexander Parks, James Keefe, Thorn and Joseph Wright. Boots and Shoes. — Jacob Roemer. Van Ostrand & i ornell, Henry Warner, John GrifBn, Wilson Mitchell, Pearsall Wright, John Flem- ing, John Flinn and Lawrence Blahar. Boat Builder — A. Hamilton. Building Materials — Isaac Peck (fe Son, Peck & Fairweather and George B Roe it Co. Carmen.— Thomas Farrington, Thomas Webb, Robert Smith, Squire ti^raith, Robert Roe, John Kelly, Peter Hade, and others. Carpenters and Builders. — William Post, Benj. L. Fowler, Ebenezer West, .Silvester Roe, Thomas L. Robinson, David T. Waters and Wm, Van Ostrand. Clothier. — D. Wasters. Confectionery. — Caleb Smith, Mrs. Quarterman, and others. Coal, JFooa, 6fC. — Isaac Peck & Son, Peck & Fairweather and Wm. Hamilton & Son. De?itJsts. — Dr Fredericks and Dr. Dodge Dress and Cloak Making. — Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Lewis, Miss Stretch, Miss Wright and Miss Todd, Drugs and Medicines. — Clement & Bloodgood, Dr. C. H, Hedges. Dry Goods, Groceries, <^-c. — Isaac Peck & Son, Alfred C. Smith, Peck &. Fairweather, Clement & Bloodgood, Benj. Griffin, I. V, A. Paynter, C. Lever, James Ewbank ic Son, Patrick Darcy, P. Delehanty, Samuel Foster, Thorn Hmith, James Mimnaugh, Stephen Lee, Abigail Brown, James O'Brien, Walter Tobin, Richard Owen, Andrew Ryan, W. S. Braszaw, and others. Expresses. — Church's Express, George Foster; Flushing E.vpress, W. B. Conklin. Florists. — Patrick Darcy, James Dent and George Johnston. 180 Fancy Work. — Mrs. C, Lever, teaches embroidery, stamping and various kinds of fancy work. Furniture, — Ernest Kreie. Saninel W. Fowler. Flanr and Feed. — Wm. Henry Roe, Wm Hamilton & Son. Gas Fitter. — Richard Wallace. Hardware — Eglee & Scott. Hats and Caps.—V. T. Smith. Hotels. — Flushing Pavilion, John Mahar ; Flushing Hotel, Isaac Edwards; Farmers and Mechanics Hall, C. P. Lowerre; Deutches Hotel, C. Weber. Harness MnJeers. — Richard rnrnell, Ebenezer A. Lewis and B. Zuzi. Hides and Fat. — Quinby & Field. Insurance — Coles W. White and George C. Faker. Law. — George W. Ralph, Charles Van Nostraiid and B. W. Downing. Livery Stables — William Sammis, Augustus G Boerum, Wilson B. Lawrence and Charles E. Hunt. Markets — George Pop'.e, E R. Byrd, Patrick Clark, Thomas Dow- ling, Van Velsor & Gildersleeve, Thomas J. Qaarterman and William Stanton, deal in Poultry and Vegetables. Masons and Builders — Corns \V. Howard, Edward F.Smith, Hend- rickson .larvis, Addison Smith, James Carroll, IJenry S. jiarto aud C. Powell. Marble and Stone Yards — George Weaver and Daniel McCormack. Mineral Waters. — J^amuel B. Nicholls. MHUnfry — Mrs. E. V Van Velsor, Mrs. Marshall & Mrs. Jane Gilligan Music. — William Baldwin. Nurseries. — Wm. R. Prince & Co , King & Ripley, Parsons & Co., Daniel Higgins, George D. Kimber and A. G. Silliman. Painters. — James Quarterman & Sons, Piichird Sanders, Edvdn Hitchins, Thomas Gosling and J. Wm Quarterman. Periodicals — J. B Stillwaggon, deali-r in periodicals and newspapers. Physicians. — Abraham Rloodgool, C. H. Hedges, <^. P. Leggett, J. VV. Barstow, Joseph H. Vedder, C. M. Allin and 0. Strauch. Printers. — C. R Lincoln and VV. R. Burling. Real Estate Agents — Willett .0 ,^^ c ' " * - ^ .-.^^ % K n:?^ ^.;=^ ■■■^%^ ,0 o %<^, ,^ -. -^ ^■\ ^\N , N C , ^- ^ ' » fi ^ -^ ^o 0^ . x^^.. i ■^ O .* ,0-^ •x^^ •^^ I H'i