ALBANY CHRONICLES
A HISTORY OF THE CITY
ARRANGED CHRONOLOGICALLY

FROM THE EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE
PRESENT TIME
ILLUSTRATED WITH MANY HISTORICAL PICTURES
OF RARITY AND REPRODUCTIONS OF THE
ROBERT C. PRUYN COLLECTION OF THE
MAYORS OF ALBANY, OWNED BY
THE ALBANY INSTITUTE
AND HISTORICAL AND
ART SOCIETY

*

COMPILED BY
CUYLER REYNOLDS

ALBANY, NEW YORK
J. B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS
J906

Copyrighted, 1906.
CUYLER REYNOLDS.
Albany, N. Y.

DEDICATED

3*u>l MnmM
ALBANY'S CHIEF HISTORIAN
In grateful appreciation of his life-long, painstaking labors in the
preservation of local records.

He was born at Northfield, Mass., April 13, 1808, and died at No. 59
Lodge St., Albany, on Jan. 15, 1880. Compiled "Annals of Albany,"
" Historical Collections," etc., and was publishing proprietor of the
old "Webster's Calendar or The Albany Almanac" from 1841 to
the time of his death. There is a granite stone in the Albany Rural
Cemetery to show the passerby where his body now rests from its
labors ; but he has left an imperishable monument among those he
loved and strove to please, enduring for their children's children.

This is No.3-/'?''k"

This copy printed for . . UJA <& 'WlvUM* * 

prrfar?.

The history of Albany may be described as one of age, import
ance and interest. Upon the past the present is built, the future
building. Records enable individuals and aggregations of beings
to advance and improve, through studying motives, methods and
results, and were the people without a means of transcribing events,
or the inclination to place facts upon paper, it is doubtful whether
nations would have made advancement any greater than that of
wild tribes of the uncivilized, of aborigines who have made no
progress in a thousand years, or than the apes of the forest, it
being almost solely so' because they have never recorded how they
acted or why, and received no knowledge that might have been
handed down to them if their predecessors had recorded happenings.
In its boast of age Albany has assuredly the opportunity for a
large, comprehensive and exultant history, as it is the oldest
chartered city existing in the United States. In point of discovery
by civilized white men it dates back to 1540, when the French fur-
traders built their stone fort here, and although not an enduring
settlement then, it has been such since the arrival of the Dutch,
or Walloons, in May of 1624. As a city it has existed since Gov
ernor Dongan granted it a Charter on July 22, 1686. At one period
it was the metropolis of this country, and ever a city of the first
importance. But Albany's boasting of a remarkable age for an American city
might not define it, nevertheless, as a place of importance in a
world history. There are, however, besides this fact, two fields in
which it stands forth prominently, which other cities must take into
consideration to vie with it, — the first is its relation to the nation's
history; the second, its features that mark great steps or epochs in
the world's progress.
It was from the start one of the few places on the Western Hemi
sphere sought by Europeans in the period of adventure for wealth,
as being particularly worthy of settlement (1620-1630), contempo
raneous with the other American landmarks, — Jamestown, Man
hattan, Plymouth and Quebec.
It was the scene' of the first Congress of the Colonies, when
delegates convened in its Stadt Huis, or City Hall, on June 19,
1754, to form a unity for mutual protection against a common foe,
as the call to assemble here describes it.

VI PREFACE.
BORE WARFARE'S BRUNT.
Albany was the scene of forceful invasion time and again by the
French, who sought to possess the vast territory south of the St.
Lawrence by making armed raids down the two great Adirondack
lakes and the Hudson to Albany, as the first and chief point of
attack, there being few other places at the time so worthy of con
quering. It bore the brunt of the Indians' barbaric battling, being
directly in their path and considered a border town, and valiantly
held the hordes of savages from pushing to the weaker settlements
east and south.
When it became the great question of American Liberty, of the
creation and then maintaining the stand of a new Republic, the
British made Albany their objective point of attack throughout the
Revolution, sending armies of enormous size from the westward
under General St. Leger; from the south, a fleet by the Hudson's
course under General Howe, and from the north, 8,000 men coming
from Europe by way of Canada under General Burgoyne, — all con
verging upon Albany, — and when General Schuyler's well-laid plans
and exhortations to the colonies to co-operate had brought about
the latter's surrender at Bemis Heights ( Schuylerville, N. Y.) on
Oct. 17, 1777, the victory for American Liberty was practically
assured, for at once the Crown seriously discussed abandonment of
its American colonies and the fight was afterwards disheartening.
EVENTS MARKING EPOCHS.
Its epoch-marking events were when the first American passenger
train was operated by steam between Albany and Schenectady in
the late summer of 1831 ; when in the summer of 1829, Prof. Joseph
Henry demonstrated in the large room of the Albany Academy that
his theory of an electric telegraph was perfectly practical if it em
ployed his wonderful discovery of the " intensity " magnet, and
when the first steamboat to ply the waters of this hemisphere, the
Clermont, made its famous arid remarkably successful, trip between
Albany and New York in September of 1807.
Thus we perceive students of great events must turn to Albany
for records of the first steam passenger railroad, the first steamboat,
and the first electric telegraph. Other records in which the world
bears an interest, when Albany's name is given place in encyclo
pedias, add further distinction to the above. Here was celebrated
the opening of the Erie Canal, Nov. 2, 1825 ; the first settlement of
Shakers in America was located here, and its citizens have originated
ideas of practical and universal importance, such as the issuance of
weather forecasts to cities throughout the country, the recording
barometer. Many other discoveries and inventions have they added
to benefit mankind.

PREFACE. Vii
REASONS FOR THESE RECORDS.
Some books are prepared without reason and fill no need or
demand. This one started with a demand that gave reason for
its being written. The compiler had tabulated the answers he had
freely furnished to the miscellaneous queries of citizens during an
experience of ten years, and found that they numbered more than
one thousand replies each year. A repetition of certain questions
about the city showed that the most expedient course was to tabu
late various facts once they were acquired by tedious research. The
mass of material grew, was at the disposal of but one person, per
ishable in their form, and consequently, held in private, it was doing
a minimum of good, whereas publishing would bring about preser
vation of hidden civic history and wide service.
It was also found that many persons bothered city officials and
their clerks, by seeking to obtain- information, often believing that
they had a perfect right to expect a clerk to lay aside the work of
half a day to make a special search in order to satisfy somebody's
curiosity. While the seeker for facts might not have thought it
would require more than a minute, when addressing a query to a
department, it was not infrequent that a query would require more
than a day's time devoted to turning over the office records. Oc
casionally the questions had an important business bearing, or the
prominence of the questioner would be of sufficient weight to decide
in favor of allowing the matter to interfere with the city's work..
If the clerk gave but an hour each day to such concerns, it seriously
interrupted his routine ; on the other hand, if he refused, it boded
ill-report of that department, which was judged either unobliging
or ignorant of matters directly in its line, though happening fifty,
a hundred, or possibly two hundred years before. To this effect
was the message brought to bear on the compiler when appealed to
for assistance. He was practically alleviating the superfluous work
of city departments because it was known he had the material at
his command. SCOPE OF THE WORK.
It was the original intention to prepare a page or two about
each Mayor, when a publication was conceived, to include statistics
connected with the office and the man, together with a summary of
his official deeds, such as would show for what acts of general
public interest he was responsible during his term. These acts
included the erection of schools, steamer houses, public baths, reser
voirs and filter-plants, viaducts, opening of new streets and mani
fold miscellaneous civic improvements. The records were searched
for these, and it resulted in the discovery that he likewise acted, by
virtue of his office, in innumerable matters, as upon the extending

Vlll PREFACE.
of the public welcome or freedom of the city to notable visitors,
opening of several conventions each year, receiving delegations,
laying of corner-stones, dedication of buildings, accepting statues,
fountains and various gifts on behalf of the city, not to mention
the frequent calls made upon him to respond for the city at im
portant banquets.
In a word, the Mayor participated largely in the city's life,
which is the same as saying, acting conjointly with the citizens in
their life, and when it is considered that he is but the figure of the
people, representing all of them, his acts are a part of the citizens',
and the daily record of the doings of the people is actually the
thing that is important to the citizens themselves, — the two inter
twined so closely in interests that official civic acts are only a part
of the lives of the people and there is no need co differentiate.
Brevity has been an aim of the compiler. To gain this end he
has sacrificed all opportunity to achieve renown by employing the
usual fine phraseology of the historian. He has sought to make
the statements clear, transcribing them in a manner to tell as much
as possible within small compass. This has made the sentences an
abrupt series of phrases. The book has thus become, in reality,
an index to the city's past, and serves its purpose as a means to
point to the date of an event, which being found herein, the seeker
for full information may repair with facility to the newspaper file
and read there all particulars. Many a person has been obliged
to devote a week to. the tiresome task of turning pages of news
papers and attempting to read cursorily each article's heading.
With an approximate date in mind, these pages may be scanned
most rapidly. ATTAINING ACCURACY.
If it had not been certain that this book could be made more
accurate, more comprehensive in scope and contents, and more
up-to-date by a score of years than anything in the line of local
history ever produced, its writing would not have been attempted.
Above all else it sought accuracy at the expenditure of considerable
time, because seeking verification and weighing one authority
against another is a laborious undertaking that too many writers
.evade. It is safely estimating it to assert that some three hundred state
ments in other works have been condemned by discovery of their
error, and now printed with a due regard for the truth. Consulta
tion of the works of historians of renown, while preparing this
volume, has proved that even the best may be detected making
blunders, and so while it is hoped that this publication is an im
provement, it would be honest to style it simply that, an improve
ment upon others, and put forth no claims to absolute perfection.

PREFACE. IX
Thanks are due to Arnold J. F. van Laer, Esq., New York State
Archivist, for his courteous and valued co-operation along these
lines that seek for accuracy. He has disproved statements regard
ing the Dutch settlement of New York made by prominent histor
ians, and the changes he has suggested and which were made in
this work were agreed to because he was able to cite as his author
ity the original documents that are possessed by the State Library
and directly under his control. This acknowledgment, however,
does not commit him as sponsor for all that is printed herein about
the Dutch; but it places credit where it belongs for from fifty to
one hundred betterments regarding dates, names, proper transla
tions and the like. CONFUSION IN SPELLING.
In no other department of literature is the writer so non-plussed
as he prosecutes his work, as in preparing a history of early times,
when he discovers that the matter of correctly spelling names of
persons and places confronts him. The spelling of the early Dutch
settlers hereabouts was notorious. This promiscuous spelling of
their names could be straightened out by reference to their signa
tures if it were the way others wrote their names for them that
confused; but nearly every inhabitant wrote his name in several
styles of spelling. The handwritten records in the City Hall tower,
centuries old, have been examined closely, and numbers of auto
graph letters brought to bear in the effort to untangle.
The prime puzzler of them all was an Albany Mayor, the fourth.
It is more definite to mention him by number than by what lie
was called. When he was Mayor of Albany he was addressed and
wrote his own name Dirk or Dirck Wessels, while the name of his
own son, sitting as Alderman in his father's board, was written
Wessel Ten Broeck. Jacob Leisler the insurrectionist (who wrote
his name Leysler before coming to America) wrote it Vessel then
Broke, while Washington Irving called him Dirk Ten Breeches.
But the real difficulty, as one looks over a row of histories, is not
whether it was " Dirk " or " Dirck," nor yet whether it should be
written " ten " or " Ten ;" but to pick out the right one from
" Wessel," " Wessell," " Wessels," " Wessells " or " Wesselse."
In the preparation of this book, the signature at the end of a
man's will was accepted as standard, for in his absence to testify,
by his decease, the court gave official recognizance to the form ap
pearing there. But strange as it may seem, one could not be free
to accept such spelling as found printed in a book at the end of a
published will, for typographical error might destroy the force.
Also the writing may not appear the same to two persons. I cite
the case of G. W. Schuyler's " Colonial New York," where (Vol.

X PREFACE.
ii, p. 329) he states : " To land contracts, deeds, and to his will,
he wrote his name in full ' Dirk Wesselse ten Broeck ;' the ' ten '
always with a small ' t '." This will is on file with the Clerk of
the Court of Appeals. It was written by himself, in Dutch, dated
Feb. 4, 1715; he died Sept. 18, 1717, and the will admited on Feb.
6, 1718. The compiler examined it and was convinced that the
signature is not as affirmed above, (' Dirk') ; but reads Dirck Wes
selse ten Broeck, and such is the form followed on the nionument
to his memory at his ancient " Bouwerie," at Clermont, N. Y.
This example is an illustration of the pains taken throughout this
compilation. PECULIAR PERTINENCE.
The compiler has taken particular pains to become personally
acquainted with the scenes of almost all the places of importance
mentioned in this book. It was to enable him to write understand
ing^ of events with which Albanians were connected that trans
pired at such places as Bemis Heights, Schuylerville and Stillwater ;
Ticonderoga, Fort George, Bloody Pond, Schenectady, etc., that he
made special journeys. In taking up each period of history it is
essential to place oneself as nearly in touch with the event as it
is possible to do by abundant reading and then by acquaintance
with the scene itself. One must be carried back in mind to those
days long past while writing of them, to be able to judge of the
importance of the characters living then and of the occurrence.
The reader may wonder why the death of a certain individual is
stated; but taking the whole story of the book it will be found
that he had important bearing on some previous occasion, which
act his death-mention completes.
It is advisable to speak here of the reason for including any
events that occurred outside of the city limits. In the first place,
it seemed to rob Albany of a large part of its best history if the
iine were drawn so far as a record, at the city boundary. If a great
general or artist had spent most of his life here but latterly lived
and died elsewhere, it was deemed proper to make the entry as
extensive as though he breathed his last in this city. If General
Schuyler burned blockhouses and impeded Burgoyne near Lake
George, if Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck (the 28th Mayor) led his
command to Bemis Fleights and fought valiantly there, or if Gen.
Peter Gansevoort held Fort Stanwix during the bloodiest, bitterest
conflict of the Revolution, and if Peter Townsend (great-grand
father of Mayor Franklin Townsend) had constructed at his iron
foundry the mammoth chain that reached across the Hudson at
West Point to keep British ships away from Albany, the acts of
this nature deserved record equally as much as though the entire

PREFACE. XI
event transpired within gunshot of the City Hall. On this princi
ple, such matters happening remote from here, without an Albanian
as participant, but with direct bearing upon Albany, as when Wash
ington prevented Howe from proceeding up the river to storm
Albany, require a position in local history that the picture may not be
incomplete and as ' explaining what the resultant acts were here.
One cannot read a history with understanding if the why and
wherefore are omitted. REFERENCE READINGS.
The condensation by the writer of this book of the important
facts with local bearing as contained in twelve thousand pages
may be reversed by those who wish to gain the details by consulting
the list of books purposely perused in writing this one. They are
the sources of information, aside from unpublished documents con
sulted. The acknowledgment made here that the writer, in the
nature of events drew his information from the records or writings
of others likewise makes it clear that he vouches for the authen
ticity of no other incidents entered in this volume than those
coming directly to his personal knowledge, covered by a period
of the last two or three decades. However, he has been careful to
verify, and has consulted such works as were commonly considered
reliable. It may truthfully be said that only one history of the city has
ever been written, and that by a Trojan, a seeker for accuracy who
spared no pains, Arthur James Weise, whose " History of Albany "
(1885) is a most comprehensive volume and one to be relied upon
for statement of fact and the accompanying dates.
But to follow the city's events more closely, to be certain of
the facts, to gain the details and to be entertained by the quaintness
of it all, for the writer evidently allowed himself to be carried back
in mind to the periods of his yearly records, one must pore over
the faithfully-executed, ten plain volumes of Joel Munsell's "Annals
of Albany," — unappreciated, possibly, at the time they were printed
by him; but highly prized now, as is the way of the world. He
devoted days and nights that the people of coming generations might
learn without trouble to themselves all about the city's past. In
this act he made himself one of the city's greatest philanthropists.
Besides these books, there are his four large volumes of " Collec
tions," and other of his works. It may appear to those familiar
with the "Annals," that this book bears a resemblance to his pro
duction in scope and a little in its arrangement, for one diary must
be like another that deals with similar material ; but it is impossible
that there was the slightest intent or that the compiler of this book
was in any way influenced by the "Annals," for he started this

Xll PREFACE.
book early in 1904 and never read a page of Munsell's "Annals"
until, as a library record shows, he drew out the books but three
months previous to the completion of this book, and had made
nearly all of it before he checked the "Annals " for such items that
might have been omitted.
One cannot avoid Dr. Edward B. O'Callaghan's " Documentary
History of New York," (4 volumes; 4,317 pp.; Weed, Parsons &
Co., 1849) in writing about Albany, for it is cited in every history
written about this state, and if one does not obtain the facts direct
they are absorbed through any work consulted.
"A History of Albany and Schenectady Counties," George Rogers
Howell and Jonathan Tenney, editors, (997 pp., 1886) has aimed
to cover every department in which citizens take interest, and is
a work of great convenience. Some objection is made to the
form of index and the various writers who participated in the
text were not always accurate. Parts may be followed, but not
the volume in its entirety.
" Colonial New York," by the late George W. Schuyler (2 vols.,
1,408 pp., Scribner's, 1885) is not only carefully written and enter
taining; but it is largely about Albany and its people before the
state was formed. For the compiler of an untried new work to
praise a book that is so favorably known would be presumptuous or
unnecessary recommendation.
" Early Settlers of Albany County," by Prof. Jonathan Pearson
of Schenectady, is a work that every citizen of means who takes
pride in his city secures if he can afford the luxury of out-of-print
volumes; but despite its prominence the antiquarians of recent day
discredit its statement in parts. They claim that they have found
earlier records that its author did not have access to in his re
searches. "A History of St. Peter's Church," by Rev. Joseph Hooper, M. A.,
(The Brandow Printing Co., Albany, 556 pp., 1900) presents much
material throwing light upon early times at Albany. It shows
clearly that it was written with great pains, and the details of any
subject discussed, — fort, church, street or individual — are replete
and evidently the result of drawing records from musty retreats
into public notice.
" Centennial Celebrations," by Allen C. Beach, (Weed, Parsons &
Co., 459 pp., 1879) contains much that has a bearing on the more
important of local matters, a book that is widely and worthily
known. "A Godchild of Washington," by Mrs. Katharine Schuyler Bax
ter, (F. Tennyson Neely, New York, 651 pp., 1897) presents a
mass, of new material from old letters, while the familiar incidents
are written .in a style fascinating to the antiquarian. Unfortunately

PREFACE. Xlll
the printers did not do full justice in the spelling of names; but
their blunders are too glaring to be dangerous.
-"A Life of General Philip Schuyler," by Bayard Tuckerman,
(Dodd, Mead & Co., New York, 277 pp., 1903) places the reader
in touch with the stirring incidents of the Revolutionary campaign
as enacted here or affecting this city. Every citizen taking pride
in the great men of Albany's past should read it, and become
enthusiastic that Albanians played so important a part in national
history. " Letters and Journals of Madam Riedesel," translated ably by
William L. Stone of Saratoga in 1867, and published by Joel Mun
sell, is a work of absorbing interest because the writing is the
graphic description of an eye-witness of Revolutionary scenes that
transpired either in this city or near here.
" The Ten Broeck Family Genealogy," by Miss Emma Ten
Broeck Runk, now residing at Lambertville, N. J., (De Vinne
Press, 277 pp., 1897) is devoted in the main to this city's history
although styled a genealogy.
" Novum Belgium : an Account of New Netherland in 1643-4,
by Rev. Father Isaac Jogues," with notes by John Gilmary Shea,
(privately printed in 1862) is a faithful record of this place at this
early time, told in the words of the persecuted missionary.
" The Sexagenary," printed by Joel Munsell and the authorship
traced to John P. Becker of Revolutionary days although he gave
scarcely a clue to his identity, is valuable as the story of an observ
ant witness of the fight for liberty along the upper Hudson.
"A Story of Old Saratoga," by Rev. John Henry Brandow, (The
Brandow Printing Co., Albany, 396 pp., with maps, 1900) is com
prehensive in its narrative of Burgoyne's invasion and surrender,
and probably the best that has been written.
" Stories from Early New York Plistory,'' by Sherman Williams
of Glens Falls, (Scribner's, 320 pp., 1906) although planned for
the youth or for collegians, will give greater pleasure to' grown
readers ; deals in part with Albany, and is worthy of the attention
of the busy person who, hurriedly seeking to be informed regarding
his state's history, will be most delighted and remember what is read
because of the way the material is presented.
" Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America," by the late John
Fiske, (2 vols., Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1899) is told in an enter
taining way ; but this literary style has caused the elimination of too
many dates (which might have been placed in foot-notes) and serves
better as a picture of colonial days than as a volume of records to
consult for dates.
"The Hudson River from Ocean to Source," by Edgar Mayhew
Bacon, (590 pp., G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1902) deals extensively with
Albany and vicinity.

XIV PREFACE.
"Historic Towns of Middle States," (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 439
pp., 1899) has a section of merit contributed about Albany by Rev.
Dr. Walton W. Battershall, rector of St. Peter's.
Francis Parkman's works should be read for a general under
standing of Colonial and Revolutionary days hereabouts. There
are local works of biographies, Berthold Fernow's historical writ
ings, the large Bi-Centennial record book prepared by Andrew
Hamilton, Esq., under the chairmanship of Ex-Mayor A. B. Banks,
state papers prepared by State Historian Hugh Hastings, Gen.
Amasa J. Parker's " Landmarks of Albany," Mrs. Martha Lamb's
historical works ; Mrs. Grant's " Memoirs of an American Lady,"
and numerous other works of the nature of those cited.
The above list is not a bibliography of Albany. There are other
volumes and the miscellaneous booklets of institutions useful for
reference; but these particularly are deserving of credit for the
assistance they have been in compiling this one, and a collection of
works relating to Albany would have to contain these volumes.
Books were only a portion of the source of information. The
written records, Dutch and English, — ancient, musty, half illegible,
partly burned, — as contained in the tower rooms of the City Hall,
were made to yield their facts. It is well to preserve material of
this nature in such way that it is accessible, as by printing ; also, lest
a second conflagration remove what the City Hall fire of 1880 has
left to us. Besides this, from five to six thousand individual letters
had to be written, and six hundred of these, by count, were devoted
to the material about the Mayors alone.
APPRECIATIVE ASSISTANCE.
While the writings of others were essential in the production of
this work, the book would not have been written or given to the
public in the manner it is, without co-operation in its production.
Therefore, the compiler is not the only one to whom praise will be
due if the book deserves it, although he alone must suffer for its
shortcomings. He would express his thanks to Robert C. Pruyn,
Esq., for the way in which he has shown his appreciation of the
undertaking from the start and made the publication possible in
its completeness and form ; for sanctioning and bearing the expense
of making the collection of the Mayors' portraits and letters by the
compiler; for advice, encouragement and help, — testimonials that
his interest in the city, its people and institutions is sincere.
There have been others in sympathy with the project, for in
the course of three years of confining research many obstacles were
encountered which only those who sought its production could aid
the compiler to overcome. Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn is one who
placed what she had at the disposal of the writer, whether resulting

PREFACE. XV
in inconvenience or injury, and courteously insisted that anything
she could do should be requested.
In various helpful ways Mayor Charles H. Gaus, Mr. James
Ten Eyck, Mr. J. Townsend Lansing, Hon. William Barnes, Jr.,
and Mr. Dudley Olcott have taken a part that was needful and
resultant in a benefit to the work. Sup't James A. Burns, of the
Albany Rural Cemetery ; Secretary William B. Jones, of the Cham
ber of Commerce ; former Weather Forecaster Alfred F. Sims ;
Eben E. Olcott, President of the Hudson River Day Line ; Prof.
Lewis Boss, of the Dudley Observatory ; Albert E. Brainard, of the
N. Y. Central Railroad, Charles Munsell and William L. Marcy
Phelps, have cordially furnished information as often as it was
requested. It is with gratitude that the production of the work is closed, — a
gratification, also, that despite the pleasurable pursuit it is finally
ended and that it may prove a benefit to many.

" Pinxter Hill,"
Albany, Aug. 14, 1906.

5List of TOusttatfons.

(This is an alphabetical list of the illustrations and in no wise a reference
table to be used for the date of any object pictured, the dates listed here
referring simply to a reference to the picture in the text, hence, for definite
data see information under each picture.) A.
Albany  Frontispiece PAGE.
Albany in 1829  (1829) 444
Albany Map of 1614  (Oct. 11, 1614) 16
Albany Map of 1695  (1695) 134
Albany Map of 1765  (1765) 26°
Albany Map of 1794  (i794) 384
Albany Academy  (July 29, 1815) 416
Albany County Aims-House  (Sept. 20, 1826) 468
Albany County Building  (1875) 664
Albany Female Academy  (May 12, 1834) 510
Albany Hospital  (June 23, 1898) 742
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society  (Mch. 15, 1897) 708
Albany Orphan Asylum  (Dec. 2, 1829) 484
Albany Savings Bank  (Apr. 25, 1899) 750
Albany Seal  (1686) 112
Albany Seal of 1752  (1752) 246
Albany Trust Company  (Sept. 5, 1903) 774
All Saints' Cathedral  (June 3, 1884) 674
Andre Meeting Arnold  (Sept. 21, 1780) 352
Andre Pass and Portrait  (Oct. 2, 1780) 352
Angel at the Sepulchre  (Apr. 29, 1867) 646
Arnold, General Benedict  (Oct. 7, 1777) 316
Arthur's Tomb  (Nov. 18, 1886) 704
Artists of Albany  (Mch.- Apr., 1904) 778
B.
Bemis Heights Battle Well  (Sept. 19, 1777) 310
Bloody Pond  (Sept. 8, 1755) 216
Burgoyne, General John  (Oct. 18, 1777) 340
Burns Statue  (Aug. 30, 1888). 714
C.
Capitol of 1808  (Nov. 1, 1808) 404
Capitol of 1808 — Houses  (July 7, 1869) 660
Capitol of 1808 is Razed  :  (Dec. 1, 1883) 698
Capitol of 1878  (May 14, 1878) 686
Capitol's Western Staircase  (1898) 716
Central Railroad Station  (Dec. 17, 1900) 754
Chain Across Hudson  (Apr. 30, 1778) 346
City Hall of 1740  (June 19, 1754) 248
City Hall of 1831  (Aug. 31, 1829) 482
City Hall of 1881  (Oct. 13, 1881) 690

XV1U LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE.
Clarke Created Secretary  (Mch. 16, 1703) 166
Clermont  (Sept. 5, 1807) 402
Congress Hall  (July 1, 1825) 454
Constitution House  (Apr. 20, 1777) 288
Constitution Island  (Apr. 16, 1778) 342
Cruiser Albany  (Mch. 16, 1898) 740
Cruiser Albany Commissioned  (May 29, 1900) 752
Cruiser Albany Launched  (Jan. 14, 1899) 746
Cruiser Albany Silver Service  (Feb. 7, 1903) 770
Cuyler Mansion — Vlie House  (i77°) 268
D.
DeWitt Clinton Engine and Coaches  (Sept. 24, 1831) 500
De Witt Clinton Vases  (Mch. 21, 1825) 452
Dongan Charter  (July 22, 1686) 88
Dongan, Governor Thomas  (1686) 100
Dovegat House, South of Schuylerville  (Sept. 15, 1777) 306
Dudley Observatory — Old  (Aug. 28, 1856) 622
Dudley Observatory — New  (Nov. 4, 1893) 726
Duke of York and Albany  (Sept. 24, 1664) 66
Duke of York and Albany Charter  (Mch. 12, 1664) 62
Dutch Church  (June 2, 1656) 50
Dutch Church Interior.  (Nov. 25, 1717) 186
Dutch Church Pulpit  (Aug. 10, 1657) 52
Dutch Church Weather-Cock  (1700) 150
E.
Eagle Tavern  (1814) 418
Elm Tree Corner  (i73S) 220
Elm Tree Corner in 1837  (1837) S24
Erie Canal Completed  (Nov. 2, 1825) 456
Erie Canal Opening  (Sept. 25, 1823) 440
Exchange Building  (Nov. I, 1836) 518
E.
Father Isaac Jogues  (Aug. 4, 1642) 32
Federal Building   (Mch. 12, 1872) 652
Filtration Plant  '.  (Sept., 1899) 746
Gates, General Horatio  '.  (1732) 206
Fort Crailo  (1663) 58
Fort Frederick  (1676) 76
Fort Frederick Plans  (Aug. IS, 1702) 164
Fort Neilson  . (Oct. 7, 1777) 314
Fort Ticonderoga  (July 5, 1777) 292
Fort William Henry  (Aug. 28, 1755) 212
Fritz Villa — Wolfert's Roost  (June 15, 1891) 722
G.
Gansevoort, General Peter  (Aug. 6, 1777) 298
Gansevoort Flag  '.  (July 2, 1812) 412
Gates, General Horatio  (Aug. 19, 1777) 302
Governor's Mansion  (Jan. 25, 1876) 668
Grant's Dispatch Boat  '  (1863) 628
H.
Half-Moon Reaches Albany  (Sep. 19, 1609) 10
Hamilton's Marriage in Schuyler Mansion  (Dec. 14, 1780) 352

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XIX

PAGE.
Hawk Street Viaduct  (June n, 1888) 718
Henry, Prof. Joseph  (May 13, 1878) 682
Henry and the Telegraph  (July, 1829) 480
Henry's Albany Home  (Sep. 11, 1826) 464
Henry's First Magnets  ( 1828) 442
Henry's " Intensity " Magnet  (March, 1829) 476
Henry's Telegraph Bell  (July, 1829) 480
Home for Aged  ,  (1874) 654
Hudson, Henry  (Jan. 8, 1609) 8
Humane Society Building  ( 1901 ) 762
I.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral  (July 2, 1848) 594
Important Albany Institutions  (1899-1900) 750
Indian Land Deed  (May 31, 1663) 56
Indian Treaty  (June 14, 1701) 158
J-
Jail of 1810  (July 30, 1810) 408
Jane McCrea Tree  (July 27, 1777) 296
K.
King Fountain  (Sept. 29, 1893) 724
King Hendrick  (Sept. 8, 1755) 214
L.
Lady rlarriet Ackland  (Oct. 18, 1777) 340
Lake Bethesda, Rural Cemetery  (Oct. 7, 1844) 558
Lake Consecration, Rural Cemetery  (Oct. 7, 1844) 558
Lancaster School — Albany Medical College  (Mays, 1817) 426
Lansing — Visscher — Pemberton House  (1710) 182
Lord Howe's Burial  (Sept. 5, 1758) 254
M.
Mayor Banks (Anthony Bleecker)  670
Mayor Bleecker (Charles Edward)  656
Mayor Bleecker (Jan Jansen)  156
Mayor Bleecker (Rutger)  200
Mayor Blessing (James Henry)  748
Mayor Bloodgood (Francis)  496
Mayor Corning (Erastus) _  5°8
Maj'or De Peyster (Johannes)  204
Mayor Douw (Volckert Petrus)  258
Mayor Dudley (Charles Edward)  432
Mayor Gaus (Charles Henry)  ,  766
Mayor Godard (Charles Watson)  636
Mayor Humphrey (Friend)  552
Mayor Jenkins (Elisha)  424
Mayor Judson (Edmund Lewis)  662
Mayor Lansing (John)  370
Mayor Livingston (Robert, Jun.)  180
Mayor Maher (Edward Augustin)  712
Mayor Manning (James Hilton)  720
Mayor Nolan (Michael Nicholas)  680
Mayor Paige (John Keyes)  566
Mayor Parmelee (William)  572
Mayor Perry (Eli)  610

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.
Mayor Rathbone ( Jared Lewis)  S34
Mayor Sanders (Robert)  244
Mayor Schuyler ( David Davidse)  176
Mayor Schuyler (Johannes)  17°
Mayor Schuyler (Johannes, Jun.)  224
Mayor Schuyler (Pieter)  '.  HO
Mayor Spencer (Ambrose)  448
Mayor Staats (Barent Philip)  54°
Mayor Stevenson (James)  460
Mayor Swinburne (John)  696
Mayor Taylor (John)  .'  592
Mayor Ten Broeck (Abraham)  3SO
Mayor Ten Broeck (Dirck)  234
Mayor Thacher (George Hornell)  640
Mayor Thacher ( John Boyd)  702
Mayor Townsend (Franklin)  ; . . . 602
Mayor Townsend (John)  474
Mayor Van Alstyne (Thos. Jefferson)  738
Mayor Van Rensselaer (Philip Schuyler)  390
Mayor Van Schaick (Sybrant Gozen)  250
Mayor Van Vechten (Teunis)  522
Mayor Wilson (Oren Elbridge)  730
Mayor Yates (Abraham)  378
Mayor Gaus and Prince Henry  (Mch. 7, 1902) 768
Manning Boulevard  (Dec.. 24, 1887) 706
Marble Pillar Building  (1863) 632
Marcy's Grave, Governor William L  (d. July 4, 1857) 542
Marshall House, Schuylerville  (Oct. 11, 1777) 326
Mechanics and Farmers' Bank  (1814) 414
Morgan, General Daniel  :'.'.'..'.. (Oct. 7, 1777) 318
Mother Ann's Tomb  ;  (Sept. 8, 1784) 364
Mrs. Grant of Laggan  : . '. .'.'  : . (1808) 406
Munsell, Joel (Dedication page).
Museum Building  (Jan. 1, 1831) 498
N.
National Commercial Bank  (May 2, 1904) 780
North Dutch Reformed Church  (June 12, 1797) 354
North Market  (1791) 380
North Pearl Street  (1788) 374
O.
Odd Fellows' Hall  (July 18, 1894) 732
P.
Patroon's Office  ¦  ( 1678) 78
Penny Postman Winne  .:........ (1812) 410
Prince of Orange  - (May, 1624) 20
Printing by Primitive Methods  ; ( 1828) 470
Pruyn Altar and Reredos  (1885) 676
Pruyn Library  (Apr. 8, 1901) 756
Q.
Queen Anne Silver Service  (Nov., 1712) 184

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXI

R.
Rensselaerswyck Cannon of 1630  (July 1, 1644
Riedesel, Madame  (Oct. 18, 1777
Rural Cemetery  (Dec. 31, 1840
Rural Cemetery Buildings  ( 1882
Rural Cemetery Chapel  (1884
Rural Cemetery Grounds  (Mayi4, 1841
Rural Cemetery Lakes  (Oct. 7, 1844
Rural Cemetery Office  (1882
Rural Cemetery Statuary  (Nov. 18, 1886
Rural Cemetery Sup't's House  (1899
Rural Cemetery Vault  (1858
S.
Sanders-Glen Scotia House  (1752
Schenectady Massacre  (Feb. 8, 1690
Schuyler Flatts, Watervliet  (June 22, 1672
Schuyler, General Philip  (Jan. 29, 1784
Schuyler's- Grave  (Nov. 18, 1804
Schuyler Homestead, Schuylerville  (Oct. 10, 1777
Schuyler's Indian Sachems  (Dec, 1709
Schuyler Mansion  (1761
Schuyler Mansion Attacked  (Aug. 7, 1781
Schuyler Mansion Guests  (Oct. 18, 1777
Schuyler, Mrs. Philip  (Oct. 18, 1777
Schuylerville Monument  (Oct. 17, 1777
'Sloughter's Commission  (Jan. 4, 1691
Soldiers' Monument, Rural Cemetery 
South Dutch Church  (Apr. 30, 1806
Spanish War Souvenir  (Sept. 24, 1898
Staats House  ( 1667
Stanwix Hall  (1833
State Hall  (1842
State Library of 1851  (Aug. 24, 1851
State Normal College  (1885
State Street — North Side  (Mch. 10, 1804
Steamboat Albany  (July 3, 1880
Steamboat Clermont  (Sept. 5, 1807
Steamboat Hendrick Hudson  (Mch. 31, 1906
Steamboat Mary Powell  ( 1861
Steamboat Milton Martin  (1863
St. Agnes' School  (June 19, 1871
St. Mary's Church  (Sept. 13, 1797
St. Peter's Church — First Edifice  (Nov. 25, 1717
St. Peter's Church — Second Edifice  (May 7, 1802
St. Peter's Church — Third Edifice  (June 29, 1859
St. Peter's Church — Interior  (Oct. 4, i860
St. Peter's Church Tower  (Nov. 1, 1876
Stuyvesant, Director Pieter  (Jan. 15, 1652
Surrender of Burgoyne  (Oct. 17, 1777
Surrender Tree, Schuylerville  (Oct. 16, 1777

Ten Broeck's " Bouwerie "  (1697
Ten Broeck's Commission as Mayor  (Oct. 3, 1747
Ten Broeck's Mansion  (1798

38
340542
692 624 528558
692 704
692624

246 120 72
362362324 130
256354340340 334 124
398
400 744 70
504
548612678 396
68840280264462S650 356 188
394 626
642672 46
336332

140
236356

U.
United Traction Co.'s Office  (June 14, 1900) 750

XX11 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. V. PAGE.
Vanderheyden Palace  (1725) 196
Van Rensselaer Coach  ( 1818) 428
Van Rensselaer Manor  (1765) 262
Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1666  (1666) 68
Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1765  (Jan. 26, 1839) 536
Van Rensselaer Manor House of 1843  (June 3, 1843) 554
Van Rensselaer Manor House in 1893  (Oct.. 1893) 728
Van Rensselaer Manor House Hall  (Jan. 26, 1839) 536
Van Rensselaer Manor House Library  (May 25, 1868) 658
Van Rensselaer Manor House Parlor  (June 19, 1875) 666
Van Rensselaer, Patroon Kiliaen  (July 27, 1630) 24
Verrazano, Giovanni da  ,  (1524) 4
W.
War Map of Revolution  (July, 1777) 294
Washington's Headquarters  ( 1750) 242
Washington Park Lake  (July, 1875) 666
Washington Park Scene  (1894) 734
Waterworks Company Reservoir  (1802) 392
Welch's Grave, Rev. Bartholomew T  542
Whitehall Homestead  ( 1749) 240
Wolven-Hoeck  (1724) 192
Y.
Yankee Doodle House  (June, 1758) 252

Abators of Hlban^.

i. Col. Pieter Schuyler.
2. Judge Johannes Abeel.
3. Judge Evert Bancker.
4. Maj. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck.
5. Hon. Hendrick Hansen.
6. Capt. Pieter Van. Brugh (Verbrugge).
7. Capt. Jan Jansen Bleecker.
8. Lion. Johannes Bleecker, Jun.
9. Capt. Albert Janse Ryckman.
10. Capt. Johannes Schuyler.
11. Hon. David Davidse Schuyler.
12. Hon. Robert Livingston, Jun.
13. Lieut.-Col. Myndert Schuyler.
14. Hon. Johannes Cuyler.
15. Hon. Rutger Bleecker.
16. Capt. Johannes de Peyster.
17. Johannes ("Hans") Hansen, Esq.
18. Edward Holland, Esq.
19. Col. Johannes Schuyler, Jun.
20. Cornelis Cuyler, Esq.
21. Hon. Dirck Ten Broeck.
22. Judge Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck.
23. Capt Robert Sanders.
24. Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick, Esq.
25. Judge Volckert Petrus Douw.
26. Col. Abraham Cornelis Cuyler.
27. John Barclay, Esq.
28. Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck.
29. Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, Esq.
30. Chancellor John Lansing, Jun.
31. Sen. Abraham Yates, Jun.
32. Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, Esq.
33. Col. Elisha Jenkins.
34. Sen. Charles Edward Dudley.
35. Judge Ambrose Spencer.

XXIV MAYORS OF ALBANY.
36. James Stevenson, Esq.
yj. John Townsend, Esq.
38. Francis Bloodgood, Esq.
39. Sen. Erastus Corning.
40. Hon. Teunis Van Vechten.
41. Hon. Jared Lewis Rathbone.
42. Dr. Barent Philip Staats.
43. Sen. Friend Humphrey.
44. Col. John Keyes Paige.
45. Judge William Parmelee.
46. John Taylor, Esq.
47. Gen. Franklin Townsend.
48. Hon. Eli Perry.
49. Capt. Charles Watson Godard.
50. Hon. George Hornell Thacher.
51. Hon. Charles Edward Bleecker.
52. Hon. Edmund Lewis Judson.
53. Sen. A. Bleecker Banks.
54. Hon. Michael Nicholas Nolan.
55. Dr. John Swinburne.
56. Sen. John Boyd Thacher.
57. Edward Augustin Maher, Esq.
58. Maj. James Hilton Manning.
59. Oren Elbridge Wilson, Esq.
60. Judge Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne.
61. Hon. James Henry Blessing.
62. Maj. Charles Henry Gaus.

Note — Titles appearing here are given without reference to holding office
Mayors; " Hon." signifying the executive had held public office.

jfounbincj tbe (Tit\> of Hlban\\

MAQUAAS or Mohawk Indians  1524
FUR-TRADERS (French)  1540
HENRY HUDSON  Sept. 19, 1609
TRADING-POST (Dutch)  1615
FORT ORANGE (Walloons)  May, 1624
RENSSELAERSWYCK (Dutch)  June 1, 1630
BEVERSWYCK (Dutch)  April 1, 1652
ALBANY (English)  Sept. 24, 1664
WILLEMSTADT (Dutch)  Aug. 5, 1673
ALBANY (English)  Nov. 10, 1674
ALBANY CITY (Charter)  July 22, 1686

VERRAZANO'S DISCOVERY — 1524.
Giovanni da 'Verrazano, expert Italian navigator, in 1628 sails the La Dauphine, 50 men,
from Dieppe, France, commissioned by Francis I., seeking direct route to East Indies. He
enters New York Bay in April, 1524. "Without sailing up the river, lie notes that Indian
tribes inhabit both its shores, and departs. * * *
FRENCH FUR-TRADERS* CASTLE — 1540.
French fur-traders, bartering with Indians along the (Hudson) river, erect a stone
" castle " or fortified trading-post, 26 x 36 feet, on island at southern boundary of site of
Albany, in 1540. * * *
HENRY HUDSON'S ARRIVAL — Sept. 19. 1609.
Henry Hudson, an English navigator, is employed by the Dutch East India Co. under
contract dated Jan. S, 1609, to explore the Grande (Hudson) River, noted by him on a
French map. He sails the Half Moon from Texel, Holland, on March 25th; enters New
York Bay on Sept. 3rd (Old style) ; passes through The Narrows on Sept. 6th, and reaches
the site of Albany on Sept. J 9th. He anchors there four days while his men go northward
to sound, holding much intercourse with Indians ; starts cruising down the river on Sept.
23rd; sails for Holland on Oct. 4th, and arrives at Dartmouth, Eng., on Nov. 7, 1609.
* * *
DUTCH TRADING-POST — 1615.
The Lords States-General at The Hague, Holland, on Oct. 11, 1614, grant a license to fur-
traders to traffic with natives in New Netherland, who send Hendrik Corstiaensen, of Amster
dam, there in 1615, and he rebuilds the " Castle " the French fur-traders had built in
1540 on the island just south of site of Albany, calling it Fort Nassau; which is wrecked
by freshet in 1618 and abandoned. * * *
FORT ORANGE — THE WALLOONS — May, 1624.
The Dutch West India Co. is Incorporated under seal of Lords States-General of Holland,
June 3, 1621, Intending to colonize or trade in America. The Walloons, or persecuted
French Protestants who had fled to Belgium, liked by the Dutch because of their thrift,
petition this company Feb. 5, 1622, to be allowed to settle along the Hudson River. In
1623 they are given permission, and in March, 1624, 30 families sail on the New Netherland,
Capt. C. J. Mey; enter New York Bay in May, 1624, and proceed to site of Albany; building;
Fort Orange, near the river on main land, in June, in command of which they place Arien
Jorise; but in 1629 the company abandons sending settlers because of heavy expense to
maintain. » * *
RENSSELAERSWYCK — June 1, 1630.
The Dutch West India Co., abandoning settlement policy, adopts plan of allowing manorial
grants, which on June 7, 1629, is approved by Lords States-General at Amsterdam. Killaen
Van Rensselaer, Director of the Amsterdam Chamber and wealthy pearl merchant, obtains
on Nov. 19, 1629. the first concession to establish a colony. He writes at once to Sebastiaen
Jansen Crol, at Fort Orange, to purchase a tract from the Mohawks for him and associates.
The first lot of colonists sail on the Unity, Capt. Jan Brouwer, March 21, 1630. On July
27. 1630, Crol buys a tract on which Albany is built, extending it southward by buying along the
west shore from Reeren to Smacks Island, April 30, 1631. The Unity arrives at Manhattan Island
on May 24, 1630. and reaches Fort Orange on June 1. Indians' deed of Aug. 13, 1630, transfers
land (on which Albany is built) to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, and in 1631 he forms a partner
ship with other Hollanders. Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer is the first of the family to come
to America, 1651, and becomes Director of tbe Manor on May 8, 1652.
* * *
BEVERSWYCK — April 1, 1652.
Director- General Pieter Stuyvesant, chief official of the Dutch West India Co. in New
Netherland, with headquarters on Manhattan Island, while at Fort Orange on April 1, 1652,
proclaims the land built up about the fort near the river to be known as Dorpe Beverswyck.
* * *
ALBANY — English Rule — Sept. 24, 1664.
The English had coveted New Netherland, claiming it as a portion of the territory granted
by Queen Elizabeth in 1584 to Sir Walter Raleigh, and also of right by the discovery of
the Cabots in 1497. The Plymouth colony had grown jealous and influenced King Charles II.
of England, who made a grant of the territory embraced in New Netherland (and more
besides) to his brother, James, Duke of York and Albany, on March 12, 1664. The English
fleet entered New York Bay on Aug. 26th, and its commander, Col. Richard Nicolls, demands
of Director-General Stuyvesant the surrender of New Amsterdam. He resists, but signs the
capitulation on Sept. 8, 1664, and Vice-Director La Montague, for the Dutch West India Co.,
at Fort Orange, peacefully surrenders that place on order from Gov. Nicolls, Sept. 24, 1664.
* * *
WILLEMSTADT — Dutch Rule — Aug. 5. 1673.
King Charles II. of England breaks the peace of Breda (July 31, 1667) by declaring war
on March 17, 1672, against Dutch provinces. A Dutch fleet of 23, vessels and 1,600 men
enters New York Bay on July 29, 1673, demanding surrender of Fort James, which does so
later that day. and Lieut. Salisbury surrenders Fort Albany (that had been Fort Orange)
on Aug. 5, 1673. * * *
ALBANY — English Eule — Feb. 19, 16T4.
Willemstadt becomes Albany once more on the signing of the treaty of Westminster,
whereby the Dutch stipulate on Feb. 19, 1674, that all the lands, islands, cities and forts
that they had captured from the English, should revert to that nation.
* * *
ALBANY RECEIVES CHARTER.
Col. Thomas Dongan, Governor of the Province of New York, grants a charter to Albany, and
commissions Col. Pieter Schuyler to be the first Mayor, on July 22, 16S6.

GIOVANNI DA VERRAZANO.
Francis I. of France commissioned him to discover new lands, and he
anchored La Dauphine in New York Bay, summer of 1524.

*«y.:i ,,- .>¦'..;.

jfounbino of Hlban^.
1523.

Thirty-one years after Columbus had discovered America, Giovanni
da Verrazano, an expert Italian navigator of the high seas,
sets sail aboard La Dauphine with a crew of fifty men, from
Dieppe, on the northern coast of France, bearing the commis
sion of Francis I., King of France, to seek a western route to
India or discover new lands for the Crown.

1524.

Verrazano first perceives the North American continent at the 34th
parallel of latitude, being practically off Cape Hatteras, North
Carolina, (Old style) March 11.
Verrazano steers southward, exploring the coast for about fifty
leagues (150 miles, not far to the north of Charleston, S. C),
then turns northward, at times going ashore to make cursory
surveys of the country in search of a body of water opening
westward, March 15.
Verrazano arrives at New York Bay and enters it. Believing that
he is in a navigable strait that will conduct him to India, he
mans his small boat and rows into the upper bay, which he notes
in his journal as a beautiful lake formed by a large river.
Indians paddle from the shore in canoes to meet him, and
wonder at the strangeness of the faces of the foreign visitors,
the like of which they had never beheld, at the unusual cos
tumes and the peculiar vessel with oars and sail, and appearance
of a bird; but a gale arising, he and his men pull back to the
larger boat, which had ridden at anchor in the bay, and they put
to sea, April.
The La Dauphine arrives at Dieppe, France, and Verrazano immedi
ately sends a letter to King Francis describing the land he had
explored for nearly 1,200 miles, July 8.
King Francis I. terms the new land discovered by Verrazano, from
Florida to the St. Lawrence Gulf, La Nouvelle France or New
France, and the Hudson river he names the Grande river.

Founding.

1525-1607.

1525.

Estevan < Gomez, a Spanish navigator, having steered his vessel
across the ocean to Labrador, coasts southward until off the
Florida shore, and on his way notices and makes a record of
the Grande (Hudson) River.

1540.

Fur traders from France having sailed in barques as far up the
Hudson river as its confluence with the Mohawk, erect a
" castle " or fort, (a fortified trading-house) on the island south
ward of the site of the future Albany, and on the west side of
the river; but before completion the freshet carries the walls
away.

1542.

Jean Allefonsce of Saintonge sails across the ocean to New France
(Canada), and during the summer coasts southward, passing
through Long Island Sound and Hell Gate to the mouth of the
Grande (Hudson) River, writing in his record that French
fur traders had sailed far up that river to barter with the
Indians.

1607.

Henry Hudson, an English navigator, is sent in command of the
sailing vessel Hopeful by the Muscovy Company on his first
voyage of discovery, to sail across the pole to the Spice Islands.
He reaches the east coast of Greenland at 69 degrees north
latitude, and sails northward to latitude 73 degrees north, re
turning to England in June.

Founding.

1608-1609.

1608.

Henry Hudson makes his second voyage, trying to discover a north
east passage around the world.
Henry Hudson examines the rare French maps of New France, and
becoming deeply interested, plans a voyage to America.

1609.

The Dutch East India Company engages Henry Hudson to take a
vessel to seek the Grande (Hudson) river, to inspect its advan
tages, and if possible to steer through it to India. Hudson,
being unacquainted with the Dutch language, employs Jodocus
Hondius, a Dutch scholar, to draw a contract, which reads as
follows : " On this eighth of January, in the year of our Lord
one thousand six hundred and nine, the directors of the East
India Company of the Chamber of Amsterdam, of the ten
years' reckoning, of the one part, and Mr. Henry Hudson,
Englishman, assisted by Jodocus Hondius, of the other part,
have agreed in manner following, to wit : That the said direct
ors shall in the first place equip a small vessel or yacht of about
thirty lasts (about 6o tons) burden, with which, well provided
with men, provisions and other necessaries, the aforenamed
Hudson shall, about the first of April, sail, in order to search
for a passage by the north, around by the north side of Novaya
Zemlya, and shall continue thus along that parallel until he
shall be able to sail southward to the latitude of sixty degrees.
He shall obtain as much knowledge of the lands as can be done
without any considerable loss of time, and if it be possible
return immediately, in order to make a faithful report and rela
tion of his voyage to the directors, and to deliver over his jour
nals, log-books and charts, together with an account of every
thing whatsoever which shall happen to him during the voyage,
without keeping anything back; for which said voyage the
directors shall pay to the said Hudson, as well as for his outfit
for the said voyage as for the support of his wife and children,
the sum of eight hundred guilders ($325) ; and, in case (which
God prevent) he do not come back or arrive hereabouts within

Founding.

1609.

a year, the directors shall further pay to his wife two hundred
guilders in cash; and thereupon they shall not be further liable
to him or his heirs, unless he shall either afterward or within the
year arrive and have found the passage good and suitable for
the company to use; in which the directors shall reward the
aforenamed Hudson for his dangers, trouble, and knowledge in
their discretion, with which the before-mentioned Hudson is
content. And in case the directors think proper to prosecute.
and continue the same voyage, it is stipulated and agreed with
the aforenamed Hudson, that he shall make his residence in
this country with his wife and children, and shall enter into the
employment of no other than the company, and this at the dis
cretion of the directors, who also promise to make him satisfied
and content for such further service in all justice and equity.
All without fraud or evil intent. In witness of the truth,
two contracts are made hereof, of the same tenor, and are sub
scribed by both parties and also by Jodocus Hondius as inter
preter and witness. Dated as above : Dirk van Os, J. Poppe,
Henry Hudson. Jodocus Hondius, witness," Jan.. 8.
Henry Hudson sets sail in De Halve Maen (The Half Moon) with a
crew of twenty English and Dutch sailors, accompanied by
another vessel, the Good Hope, March 25.
Sailing out of the Texel, Holland, Hudson steers northerly, March 26.
The Half Moon doubles North Cape, at the northern end of Norway,
and steers for Nova Zembla; but encounters too much ice to
proceed, and he holds a council with his men as to whether it
would be better to cross at the 50th parallel or follow Davis's
strait, and they choose the former because of the greater
warmth and lesser likelihood of encountering icebergs, April.
The Good Hope mutinies and returns home, not caring to cross the
ocean, April.
The Half Moon secures a supply of fresh water at the Faroe Islands,
and stands out for its voyage westward to America, May.
The Half Moon meets some French fishing-boats on the cod banks,
and turns its course southward, July 3.
The Half Moon arrives at Chesapeake bay, August.
The Half Moon, having arrived in latitude 37 degrees, 45 minutes,
in the neighborhood of Virginia, turns northward and skirts the
coast until it finds a good entrance, 40 degrees, 45 minutes,
north latitude ; perceiving three great rivers at three o'clock in
the afternoon, he stands for the northernmost, finding there a
broad, deep channel, (Old style) Sept. 3.

HENRY HUDSON.
This English navigator signed a contract on Jan. 8, 1609, with the Dutch
East India Co. to sail the Half Moon from Holland to America.

Founding.

1609.

Henry Hudson aboard the Half Moon passes through the Narrows,
Sept. 6.
The Half Moon is attacked by Indians, and John Coleman, one of
his men, is killed. He is buried on Coleman's point at Sandy
Hook, Sept. 6.
The Half Moon enters New York harbor, perceiving it to be safe
from severe winds, and rides at anchor for the night,
(Old style) Sept. 9.
At 2 o'clock Henry Hudson weighs anchor in order to begin the
ascent of the river bearing his name. He proceeds two leagues
(about six miles) against the wind, and anchors again. Here
twenty-eight canoes, filled with Indians, squaws and pappooses
come out from the shore, smoking great tobacco pipes of yellow
copper and bearing earthen pots with meat therein. Hudson
secures oysters and beans by barter being wary of their actions
as savages, (Old style) Sept. 12.
Hudson weighs anchor at 7 o'clock in the morning, the day being f air
and the wind northerly, turning four miles into the river, when
the tide being done he anchors. Four canoes draw up close, but
he allows no one to come aboard. He buys great stores of
oysters for trifles. At night he sets the variation of the com
pass, finding it to be thirteen degrees. In the afternoon he
weighs anchor and drifts with the flood tide for two and a half
leagues, when, at a high point of land, with five fathoms of
water, he anchors for the night, the bottom being soft ooze,
(Old style) Sept. 13.
" The fovr teenth, in the morning being very faire weather, the
wind southeast, we sayled vp the Riuer twelue leagues, had flue
fathoms and fiue fathoms and a quarter lesse ; and came to a
streight between two points, and had eight, nine and ten fath
oms : and it trended north-east by north, one league, and we had
twelue, thirteene, and fourteene fathoms. The Riuer is a mile
broad : there is very high land on both sides. Then wee went vp
north-west, a league and an halfe deepe water. Then north
east by north fiue miles, then north-west by north two leagues,
and anchored. The land grew very high and mountainous. The
river is full of fish, (Old style) Sept. 14.
" The fifteenth, in the morning was misty vntil the Sunne arose :
then it cleared. So wee weighed with the wind at south, and
ran vp into the Riuer, twentie leagues, passing by high Mount
ains. Wee had a very good depth, as six, seuen, eight, nine,
twelue and thirteen fathoms, and great store of salmons in the

10 Founding.

1609.

Riuer. This morning our two Sauages got out of a port and
swam away. After we were under sayle they called to vs in
scorne. At night we came to other Mountains, which lie from
the Riuer side. There we found very louing people, and very
old men: where wee were well vsed. Our Boat went to fish,
and caught great store of very good fish." Sept. 15.
" The sixteenth, faire and very hot weather. In the morning our
Boat went againe to fishing, but could catch but few, by reason
their Canoes had beene there all night. This morning the peo
ple came aboord, and brought vs eares of Indian Come, and
Pompions, and Tobacco: which wee bought for trifles. Wee
rode still all day, and filled fresh water; at night wee weighed
and went two leagues higher, and had shoald water: so wee
anchored till day," Sept. 16.
" The seuenteenth, faire Sun-shining weather, and very hot. In the
morning as soon as the Sun was vp, we set sayle, and run up
six leagues higher, and found shoalds in the middle of the
channell, and small Hands, but seuen fathoms water on both
sides. Toward night we borrowed so neere the shoare, that
we grounded: so we layed out our small anchor, and heaued
off againe. Then we borrowed on the banke in the channell,
and came aground againe: while the floud ran we heaued
off againe, and anchored all night," Sept. 17.
" The eighteenth, in the morning was faire weather, and we rode
still. In the after-noone our Master's Mate went on land
with an old Sauage, a Gouernor of the Countrey; who carried
him to his house and made him good cheere," Sept. 18.
"The nineteenth, was faire and hot weather: at the flood, being
neere eleuen of the clocke, we weighed, and ran higher vp two
leagues aboue the shoalds, and had no lesse water than fiue
fathoms: we anchored, and rode in eight fathoms. The
people of the countrie came flocking aboord, and brought vf
Grapes, and Pompions, which we bought for trifles. And
many brought vs Beuers skinnes, and Otters skinnes, which
wee bought for Beades, Kniues, and Hatchets. So we rode
there all night," Sept. 19.
" The twentieth, in the morning was fare weather. Our Masters
Mate with four men more went vp with our Boat to sound the
Riuer, and found two leagues above vs but two fathoms
water, and the channell very narrow; and aboue that place
seuen or eight fathoms. Toward night they returned; and
we rode still all night," Sept. 20.

HALF MOON REACHES ALBANY.
Henry Hudson having sailed up the river as far as the site of Albany, anchors there on Sept. 19, 1609, for four days, and
barters with Indians, whilst his crew rows farther north to make soundings.

Founding. i i

1609.

" The one and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind all
southerly : wee determined yet once more to goe farther up
into the Riuer to trie what depth and breadth it did beare;
but much. people resorted aboord, so wee went not this day.
Our carpenter went on land and made a fore-yard. And our
Master and his Mate determined to trie some of the chiefe
men of the countrey, whether they had any treacherie in them.
So they took them down into the cabbin, and gave them as
much wine and aqua vitae, that they were all merrie ; and one
of them had his wife with him, which sat so modestly, as any
of our countrey women would do in a strange place. In the
end one of them was drunke, which had been aboord of our
ship all the time that wee had been there : and that was
strange to them; for they could not tell how to take it. The
canoes and folke went all on shoare ; but some of them came
againe, and brought stropes of Beades : some had six, seuen,
eight, nine, ten ; and gaue him. So he slept all night quietly,"
Sept. 21.
" The two and twentieth was faire weather : in the morning our
Masters Mate and foure more of the companie went vp with
our Boat to sound the riuer higher vp. The people of the
countrey came not aboord till noone : but when they came,
and saw the Sauages well, they were glad. So at three of
the clocke in the after-noone they came aboord, and brought
Tabacco, and more Beades, and gaue them to our Master, and
made an oration, and shewed him all the countrey round about.
Then they sent one of their companie on land, who presently
returned, and brought a great Platter full of Venison, dressed
by themselues ; and they caused him to eat with them : then
they made him reuerence, and departed all saue the old man
that lay aboord. This night at ten of the clocke, our Boate
returned in a showre of raine from sounding of the Riuer ; and
found it to be at an end for shipping to goe in. For they had
beene vp eight or nine leagues, and found but seuen foot water
and unconstant soundings," Sept. 22.
Henry Hudson's log makes the latitude of the location where he had
been at anchor for four days, about 42 degree 40 minutes.
The latitude of Albany, City Hall (Eagle street and Maiden
Lane) is 42 degrees, 39 minutes, 6 A seconds. Evidently he
rode at anchor, as his furthest north point on the Hudson
River, at a place somewhere near Cuyler or Pleasure Island,
if his bearings were accurate ; but one must remember that even
modern reckonings by sailors may be two miles from the true,

12 Founding.

1609.

and the ancient mariners were frequently one-fourth of a de
gree, or about 15 miles, out of the way. One must also bear
in mind that 42 degrees, 39 minutes, 6 -rV seconds at the City
Hall corner does not mean that latitude where Maiden Lane
ends at the river, for the street does not run true east and west ;
but would be nearer the foot of Steuben street, Sept. 22.
" The three and twentieth faire weather. At twelue of the clocke
wee weighed, and went downe two leagues to a shoal that had
two channells (Castleton?) one on the one side, and another
on the other, and had little wind, whereby the tide layed vs
upon it. So, there wee sate on the ground the space of an
houre till the floude came. Then wee had a little gale of wind
at the west. So we got our ship into deepe water and rode
all night very well," Sept. 23.
"The foure and twentieth was faire weather: the winde at the
north-west, wee weighed and went downe the Riuer seuen or
eight leagues : and at halfe ebb wee came on ground on a
bank of oze in the middle of the Riuer (The Plaaje, off Cats-
kill?), and sate there till floud. Then wee went on land, and
gathered good store of chestnuts. At ten of the clocke wee
came off into deepe water, and anchored," Sept. 24.
" The five and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south
a stiffe gale. We rode still, and went on land to walke on the
west side of the Riuer, and found good ground for Corne, and
other garden herbs, with great store of goodly oakes, and
walnut trees, and chestnut trees, ewe trees, and trees of sweet
wood in great abundance, and great store of slate for houses,
and other good stones," Sept. 25.
" The sixe and twentieth was faire weather, and the wind at south
a stiffe gale, we rode still. In the morning our carpenter went
on land with our Masters Mate, and foure more of our
companie to cut wood. This morning two canoes came vp the
Riuer from the place where we first found louing people,
and in one of them was the old man that had lyen aboord of
vs at the other place. He brought another old man with him,
which brought more stropes of beades, and gave them to our
Master, and shewed him all the countrey there about, as though
it were at his command. So he made the two old men dine
with him, and the old mans wife; for they brought two old
women, and two young maidens of the age of sixteene or
seuenteene yeeres with them, who behaued themselues very
modestly. Our Master gaue one of the old men a Knife, and
they gaue him and vs Tabacco. And at one of the clocke

Founding. 13

1609.

they departed downe the Riuer, making signes that wee should
come downe to them ; fore wee were within two leagues of the
place where they dwelt," Sept. 26.
"At seuen and twentieth, in the morning was faire weather, but
much wind at the north, we weighed and set our fore top-sayle,
and our ship would not flat, but ran on the ozie bank at halfe
ebbe. Wee layed out anchor to heaue her off, but could not.
So wee sate from halfe floud : then wee set our fore-sayle and
mayne top-sayle, and got down sixe leagues. The old man
came aboord and would have had vs anchor, and goe on land
to eat with him: but the wind being faire, we would not
yeeld to his request. So hee left vs, being very sorrowful for
our departure. At fiue of the clocke in the afternoone, the
wind came to the south-south-west. So wee made a boord or
two, and anchored in fourteene fathoms water. Then our
Boat went on shoare to fish, right against the ship. Our
Masters Mate and Boatswaine, and three more of the companie
went on land to fish, but could not find a good place. They
took foure or fiue and twenty Mullets, Breames, Bases, and
Barbils ; and returned in an houre. Wee rode still all night,"
Sept. 27.
" The eight and twentieth being faire weather, as soon as the day
was light, we weighed at halfe ebbe, and turned downe two
leagues belowe water; for the streame doth runne the last
quarter ebbe: then we anchored till high water. At three
of the clocke in the afternoone wee weighed, and turned downe
three leagues, vntil it was darke; then wee anchored," Sept. 28.
" The nine and twentieth was drie close weather : the wind at
south and south by west, wee weighed early in the morning,
and turned downe three leagues by a lowe water, and anchored
at the lower end of the long Reach; for it is sixe leagues
long. Then there came certain Indians in a canoe to vs, but
would not come aboord. After dinner there came the canoe
with other men, whereof three came aboord vs. They brought
Indian wheat, which wee bought for trifles. At three of the
clocke in the afternoone we weighed, as soon as the ebbe came,
and turned downe to the edge of the Mountaines, or the
northermost of the Mountaines, and anchored: because the
high land hath many points, and a narrow channell, and hath
many eddie winds. So wee rode quietly all night in seuen
fathoms water," Sept. 29.

14 Founding.

1609.

" The thirtieth was faire weather, and the wind at south-east a
stiffe gale between the Mountaines. We rode still the after
noone. The people of the countrey came aboord vs, and
brought some small skinnes with them, which we bought for
kniues and trifles. This is a very pleasant place to build a towne
on. The road is every neere, and very good for all winds, saue
an east-north-east wind. The Mountaynes look as if some
metall or minerall were in them. For the trees that grew on
them were all blasted, and some of them barren, with few or
no trees on them. The people brought a stone aboord like
to emery (a stone vsed by glasiers to cut glasse), it would
cut iron or Steele. Yet being bruised small, and water put
to it, it made a colour like blacke lead glistening; it is also
good for painters colours. At three of the clocke they departed,
and we rode still all night," Sept. 30.
" The first of October, faire weather, the winde variable betweene
the west and the north. In the morning wee weighed at seuen
of the clocke with the ebbe, and got downe below the moun
taynes, which was seuen leagues. Then it fell calme and the
flood was come, and wee anchored at twelue of the clocke.
The people of the Mountaynes came aboord vs, wondering
at our ship and weapons. We bought some small skinnes of
them for trifles. This afternoone, one canoe kept hanging vnder
our sterne with one man in it, which wee could not keepe
from thence, who got vp by our rudder to the cabin window,
and stole out my pillow and two shirts, and two bandeleeres.
Our master shot at him, and strooke him on the brest, and
killed him. Whereupon all the rest fled away, some in their
cairoes, and some leapt out of them into the water. We manned
our boat, and got our things againe. Then one of them that
swamme got hold of our boat, thinking to overthrow it. But
our cooke took a sword, and cut off one of his hands, and he
was drowned. By this time the ebbe was come, and wee
weighed and got downe two leagues, by that time it was darke.
So we anchored in foure fathomes water, and rode well," Oct. 1.
" The seconde, faire weather. At break of day wee weighed, the
wind being at north-west, and got downe seuen leagues ;
then the floud was come strong, so we anchored. Then came
one of the Sauages that swamme from vs at our going vp the
Riuer with many other, thinking to betray vs. But wee
perceived their intent, and svffered none of them to enter our
ship. Whereupon two canoes full of men, with their bowes

Founding. 15

1609.

and arrowes shot at vs after our sterne : in recompence whereof
wee discharged sixe muskets, and killed two or three of them.
Then aboue an hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot
at vs. There I shot a falcon at them, and killed two of them :
whereupon the rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned off
another canoe with nine or ten men, which came to meet vs.
So I shot at it also a falcon, and shot it through and killed
one of them. Then our men with their muskets killed three or
foure more of them. So they went their way; within a while
after, wee got downe two leagues beyond that place, and
anchored in a bay, cleere from all danger of them on the other
side of the Riuer, where wee saw a very good piece of ground :
and hard by it there was a cliffe, that looked of the colour of
a white greene, as though it were either copper, or siluer myne :
and I think it to be one of them by the trees that grow vpon
it. For they be all burned, and the other places are greene
as grasse, it is on that side of the Riuer that is called Manna-
hatta. There wee saw no people to trouble vs : and rode
quietly all night; but had much wind and raine," Oct. 2, 1609.
" The third, was very stormie ; the wind at east-north-east. In the
morning, in a gust of wind and raine, our anchor came home,
and wee droue on ground, but it was ozie. Then as we were
about to haue out an anchor, the wind came to the north-
north-west, and droue vs off againe. Then wee shot an anchor,
and let it fall in foure fathomes water, and weighed the other.
Wee had much wind and raine, with thicke weather, so wee
rode still all night," Oct. 3.
" The fourth, was faire weather, and the wind at north-north-west,
wee weighed and came out of the Riuer, into which wee had
runne so farre. Within a while after wee came out also of
the great mouth of the great Riuer, that runneth vp to the
north-west, borrowing vpon the norther side of the same, think
ing it to haue deepe water: for wee had sounded a great way
with our boat at our first going in, and found seuen, sixe, and
fiue fathomes. So wee came out that way, but wee were
deceiued, for wee had but eight foot and an halfe water : and
so to three, fiue, three, and two fathomes and an halfe. And
then three, foure, fiue, sixe, seuen, eight, nine and ten fathomes.
And by twelue of the clocke we were cleere of all the inlet.
Then wee took in our boat, and set our mayne-sayle and sprit-
sayle, and our top-sayles, and steered away east-south-east,
and south-east by east, off into the mayne sea: and the land
on the souther side of the bay or inlet, did beare at noone west
and by south foure leagues from vs," Oct. 4.

1 6 Founding.

1609-1614.

" The fifth, was faire weather, and the wind variable between the
north and the east. Wee held on our course south-east by east.
At noone I observed and found our height to bee 39 degrees
30 minutes. Our compasse varied sixe degrees to the west,"
Oct. 5.
" We continued our course toward England, without seeing any
land by the way all this moneth," Oct. I.
" On the seuenth day of November, stilo nouo, being Saturday,
by the Grace of God, we safely arriued in the Range of Dart
mouth, in Deuonshire," Nov. 7.

1610.
Some of Hudson's crew, impressed by the abundance of everything
they had seen along the Grande (Hudson's) river, persuade
Amsterdam merchants of the advantage of sending a vessel
there to exchange Holland manufactures for skins, and they
do so. The Maquaas (Mohawk Indians) pointing out to them
on their arrival the remains of the chateau on Castle Island
that had been started, they making notes of the measurements.
Henry Hudson sails on his third voyage across the Atlantic, hoping
to find a northwest passage, and he enters Hudson Strait and
Hudson Bay, the Discovery wintering in Jacques Bay.

1611.

Henry Hudson, when about to return to Holland, experiences a
mutiny on his vessel ; his crew bind him, and with eight others
he is set afloat in a small boat on Hudson Bay, never to be
heard from afterwards, June 23.

1614.

A manuscript map, three feet long, made this year (or possibly two
years earlier) probably by one of Henry Hudson's companions,
and styled the " Carte Figurative," is attached to a petition of
a number of Dutch merchants, syndicated together, requesting

MAP OF 1614.
On this map, made shortly after Hudson's voyage, one easily picks out Mauritius, or Hudson River,
Fort Nassau, Manhattan and Long Islands.

Founding. 17

1614-1615.

the States-General to issue a license granting to them the ex
clusive privilege of trading along the Mauritius (Hudson)
River. It shows " Fort Nassoureen " on an island far up the
" Riviere vanden Vorst Mauritius," to the east of a settlement
of the " Maquaas," or Mohawk Indians, on the river of that
name.
The Lords States-General of Holland grant a special license to a
number of Dutch fur-traders to make four trips within the
space of three years from Jan. 1, 1615, or earlier, to Nieu
Nederlandt, with exclusive right to traffic with the natives,
the Dutchmen uniting in one company for the purpose, and
stated in the document as follows : " Gerrit Jacob Witsen,
former burgomaster of the City of Amsterdam, Jones Witsen
and Simon Morissen, owners of the ship called Bet Vosje
(Little Fox), Captain Jam de Witt, master; Hans Hongers,
Paul Pelgrom and Lambrecht van Tweenhuysen, owners of
the two ships called the Tiger and the Fortune, Captains
Adriaen Block and Hendrick Corstiaensen, masters ; Arnoudt
van Lyberg, Wessel Schenck, Hans Claessen and Barens
Sweetsen, owners of the ship Nochtegael (Nightingale), Captain
Thuys Volckertsen, merchant in the city of Amsterdam, master ;
and Pieter Clementsen Brouwer, Jan Clementsen Kies, and
Cornelis Volkertsen, merchants in the city of Hoorn, owners
of the ship the Fortune, Captain Cornelis Jacobsen Mey,
master," given under seal and signature of the secretary at
The Hague, Oct. 1 1

1615.

The Dutch company of fur-traders send Hendrick Corstiaensen of
Amsterdam, an expert navigator, to the Grande (Hudson's)
river, now named De Riviere van den Vorst Mauritius, or
Prince Maurice's River.
Hendrick Corstiaensen removes the debris collected in the ruins of
the old French fur-traders' fort or store-house of 1540, on
Castle Island (Van Rensselaer) south of the city and bordering
the western bank, and rebuilds it, calling it Fort Nassouw or
Fort Nassau, in honor of Prince Maurice, Prince of Nassau-
Orange. Its length is 36 feet and its breadth 26 feet; around
it a strong stockade, 50 feet square, encircled by a moat 18

18 Founding.

1615-1620.

feet wide, the defense consisting of two pieces of cannon and
ii guns to hurl stone in default of cannon-balls, mounted on
swivels, the garrison consisting of 12 men.

1616.
Hendrick Corstiaensen is shot dead by a man named Orson, from
Holland, who had accompanied Adriaen Block, a Dutch navi
gator, to Fort Nassau and who had frequently manifested a re
sentment toward his superior, described by the historian, Nic-
olaes a Wassenaer, of Amsterdam, as " an exceedingly malig
nant wretch ; " but he is in turn shot as he seeks to get out of
range.
Jacob Jacobz Eelkens, subordinate officer under the late Corstiaen
sen, is given command of Fort Nassau.

1618.
The exclusive right to trade at Fort Nassau on the Mauritius
(Hudson) River, given on Jan. 1, 1615, by the Lords States-
General, expires, Jan. 1.
Fort Nassau, built by Corstiaensen on Castle (Van Rensselaer)
Island in 1615 is wrecked by the freshet, and is abandoned
forever by the Dutch.

1620.
Some English Puritans at Leyden make known to the Holland
merchants trading in America through Rev. John Robinson,
their desire to go to the new country as colonists if given
protection, and these merchants write to the Prince of Orange
expressive of the wish, and also forward a memorial to the
same effect to the Lords States-General, February.
The Pilgrims who desired protection of Holland if they settled
along the Hudson River at the sites of Albany or New York,
not receiving a reply to their petition, set sail for New England,
and arrive at Plymouth, Dec. 21.

Founding. 19

1621-1623.

1621.

The Dutch West India Company given charter under the seal of the
Lords States-General of Holland, June 3.
The charter given the Dutch West India Co. on June 3rd confers
on that corporation from this day, through a period of 24 years,
the exclusive privilege of trading on the African coast, in the
West Indies and in America ; the right to make contracts with
parties and alliances with nations concerned in the countries
named, and should troops be required the Lords States-General
would furnish, but the company pay the expense of the same,
July 1.

1622.
French Protestants at Amsterdam, called Walloons, who had
escaped persecutions of the Spanish Inquisition by fleeing and
settling in the southern Belgic provinces, Hainault, Luxemburg
and Namur, were an industrious lot and liked by the Dutch.
Their petition, that 60 families, or about 600 persons, be per
mitted to sail to the English colony in Virginia, is signed by
Jesse de Forest and is sent to the British ambassador at The
Hague, Feb. 5.

1623.

The Dutch West India Company, hearing of the desire of the
Walloons to settle in the English colony in Virginia, persuades
them that the opportunities are superior in New Nether
land, and they agree; but there is doubt whether the King of
Spain, claiming the whole country, will not oppose their land
ing, and fear it will be necessary to erect forts for their pro
tection.
The Dutch vessel, Mackerel, sails from Holland for New Nether
land, . June 16.
The Lords States-General approve the rules of the Dutch West
India Co. (chartered June 3, 1621) and the latter body legally
is prepared to proceed with colonization, June 21.
The Mackerel arrives on this side and anchors at the mouth of the
Mauritius (Hudson) River for the winter, Dec. 12.

20 Founding.

1624.

1624.

The Walloons, to the number of 30 families, embark aboard the
Nieu Nederlandt, a vessel of 130 lasts, of which Cornelis
Jacobsen Mey (or May), of Hoorn is captain, and sail from
Amsterdam, March.
The Nieu Nederlandt reaches the Canary Islands, and gaining the
trade winds, stands for the Bahamas, April.
The Nieu Nederlandt, having passed between the Bahamas and
Bermuda Islands, steered up the coast, and passes in at Sand-
punt (Sandy Hook), anchoring in the bay of the Mauritius
(Hudson) River, where Captain Mey is much surprised to see
a vessel with the flag of France near the Dutch vessel, the
Mackerel, May.
Captain Mey learns that the Frenchman had come to erect the arms
of the King of France at that place (Manhattan), and, asserting
the authority of the Charter of the Lords States-General of
Holland, he unites with the Mackerel in manning a yacht to
convoy the Frenchman from the river, May.
Captain Mey of the Nieu Nederlandt lands some of the Walloons
at the island of Mannatans (Manhattan) and with the rest,
about 18 families, sails up the river to the locality of the
Maquaas (Mohawks) and Mohegans, the former at the con
fluence of Mohawk and Hudson rivers, mostly on the south
side and on the islands, and the latter across the river opposite
the site of Albany, landing them on a plain north of Castle
(Van Rensselaer) Island, and to the east of gradually sloping
hills, May.
The newly arrived colonists hew trees with which to make humble
huts for temporary shelter, and plant their corn upon the sandy
plain, enriched by centuries of alluvial deposit from the river
in the spring, making a covenant of peaceful equity with the
neighboring Indians, June-
While some are building homes, others engage in constructing a
fort, which they name Fort Orange, in honor of Maurice,
Prince of Orange, a principality, 9x12 miles in area, in south
eastern France, situate along the east bank of the Rhone River,
then in possession of the House of Nassau, June.
Adriaen Jorise made commander of Fort Orange and Daniel van
Krieckebeek the commissary, July.
The Mackerel arrives back at Amsterdam, loaded with many furs,
and bearing the report of Captain Mey on the colony, also

PRINCE OF ORANGE.
No sooner had the colonists arrived on the Nieu Nederlandt from
Amsterdam, at site of Albany, in May, 1624, than they began erecting a
fort (Steamboat Square) named Fort Orange, after Prince Maurice.

Founding. 21

1624-1625.

letters from the Walloon settlers, an example of which, exciting
the interest of the Dutch to come to the new land, reads;
"We were greatly surprised when we arrived in this country.
Here we found beautiful rivers, bubbling streams flowing dowi'i
into the valleys, pools of running water in the meadows,
palatable fruits in the forests, strawberries, pigeon-berries,
walnuts and wild grapes. Acorns for feeding hogs are plenti
ful in the woods, as is also venison, and there are large fish
in the rivers. The land is good for farming. Here is especi
ally the liberty of coming and going without fear of the naked
natives of the country. Had we cows, hogs, and other animals
fit for food, (which we daily expect in the first ship,) we
would not wish to return to Holland, for whatever we desire
in the paradise of Holland is found here. If you will come
here with your 'family, you will not regret it," August, 1624.
During the fall, the colonists observe for the first time the workings
of the beavers in making their winter homes, which being in
streams, they make accessible to themselves during the coldest
of those months by damming the creeks, Normanskill, Foxen-
kill, Ruttenkill, and others coursing down the valleys, so that
the stream will not freeze to the bottom because of the depth
of water they secure, and thus, with an opening at the bottom
of the hut or dome-shaped lodge, they can follow an under
ground waterway to a convenient place on shore. In such
places where the current is swift, they notice that their dams
formed the letter " V," with the point upstream, thus to break
¦ the force of tiie water or ice, but otherwise in a direct line
from bank to bank. The trees of their lodges they perceive
were usually six Inches thick, posts which they had gnawed
pyramidal, until the tree would fall, and the mass usually
reached six feet, in which two couples would make their home,
and in the following May bring forth two to four young for
each mated couple, September.
The Nieu Nederlandt sails from Fort Orange, the harvest being
well advanced, with 1,500 beaver and 500 otter skins, November.

1625.

The Dutch West India Company constitutes William Verhulst resi
dent-director for the year, taking into account the river being
frozen over and Captain Mey absent on a voyage.

22 Founding.

1625-1626.

Forty-five emigrants, excited by the news of the wonderful pro
ductivity of the new land in America along the Hudson, register
with the Dutch West India Company, and they are sent over,
together with agricultural implements, horses, swine, etc., in
the spring.

1626.

The Dutch West India Company decides to plant a colony on the
island at the mouth of the Mauritius (Hudson) River, and
purchases the entire island (Manhattan) from the Indians for
6o guilders, equivalent to $24, April.
Peter Minuit, of Wesel, arrives from Holland and becomes fourth
director for the Dutch West India Company in New Nether
land, making his headquarters on Manhattan Island, May 4.
The southern point of Manhattan Island is selected as a site for a
fort, the company's engineer staking it out, and close at hand
thirty bark cabins are built by the Dutch settlers, the popula
tion of all the settlements in New Netherland at this time being
about two hundred, June.
Jan Huyck and Sebastiaen Jansen Crol (or Krol) act as the kranck-
besoeckers (sick-comforters) or clergy for the colony at New
Amsterdam (Manhattan, New York city), July.
The settlement of Fort Orange seriously thinned out this year be
cause of the scare resulting from a fight between the Mohegans
(Mohicans) on the top of the hill opposite (site of Albany)
and the Maquaas (Mohawks) to the west of Fort Orange, many
of the few inhabitants sailing down the river to dwell at New
Amsterdam. The Mohegans of the palisaded fort made over
tures to Van Krieckebeek, commander of Fort Orange garrison,
to aid them, which he did, taking 6 soldiers along with them;
but they were repulsed when a mile west of Fort Orange (about
the site of Buttermilk Falls, Beaver Park and Delaware ave.)
by a band of Mohawks in ambuscade, three of the Dutch com
mander's men and himself being among the many slain, and
one of these, Tymen Bouwensen, the Mohawks roasted and de
voured; the others they simply burned, and Commander Van
Krieckebeek is buried with the two others by his side. The

Founding. 23

1626-1629.

Mohawks " carry a leg and an arm to their home to be divided
among their families as a proof they had conquered their ene
mies." August.
Peter Minuit, in May of this year, succeeded William Verhulst as
the fourth to command the settlers at New Amsterdam, and on
this day The Arms of Amsterdam sails for Holland bearing a
letter with the statement that he had bought Manhattan Island
("manatey," island; " manhattanis," those who dwell on an
island) from the Delawares, a strong branch of the powerful
Lenni-Lenape confederacy, for 60 guilders in beads and ribbons,
equal in value to $24, Sept. 23.
P. Schagen writes to their High and Mightinesses that The Arms of
Amsterdam had arrived the previous day with the news that
Manhattan Island had been bought for $24 in beads from the
Indians by Peter Minuit, Director of New Netherland, Nov. 5.

1627.

The Mohawks and Mohicans continue their warfare between the
Mohawk (at Schenectady) and for a few miles east of the Hud
son River, opposite site of Albany, as far as Kinderhook, to the
east.

1628.

The Indian warfare at this place ceases, the Mohawks becoming the
conquerors, arid driving the survivors of the Mohicans to the
Connecticut River.

1629.

The Dutch West India Company decides that it had been at great
expense in establishing fur-trading settlement in New Nether
land (New York state), with forts, garrisons and ships con
suming the profits, and discontinues sending settlers.

24 Founding.

1629-1630.

The Dutch West India Company, forsaking the settlement policy,
adopts the idea of allowing patroons to divide the land into
manorial grants, and the Lords States-General at The Hague,
Holland, ratifies the plan, which provides that a person desiring
to establish a manor shall first notify the company and then,
within the space of four years, settle upon the land selected at
least fifty persons of at least the age of fifteen years; but the
land could not be taken possession of until the Indian owners
had received satisfactory compensation, whereupon he obtains
full ownership and the right to dispose of the same; the com
mand to be vested in the Patroon, and no one should be allowed
to hunt or fish, or own mills along the streams without obtain -
-•- ing the Patroon's consent; Patroons might trade along the
coast in merchandise other than skins, which the company re
served as a business to itself ; but their vessels on returning with
goods must pay a duty of 5% to the West India Company;
should the colonists weave woolen or other stuffs, they would
be banished, June 7.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, a pearl and diamond merchant, and director
of the Amsterdam chamber, is the first to take advantage of the
opportunity to develop a colony under the new privilege of the
Dutch West India Company, and it formally confers on him the
right to plant a colony in New Netherland, Nov. 19.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer writes from Amsterdam to Sebastiaen Jan-
sen Crol, at Fort Orange, to purchase a tract of land for him
from the Mohawks, November.

16 30.

Gillis van Schendel is paid by the Van Rensselaers 6 Rix dollars for
making one parchment map and four duplicates on paper, of
the place selected by Kiliaen Van Rensselaer for his colony,
which map Kiliaen Van Rensselaer uses in inducing people to
cross the water to form his colony, Feb. 8.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, having raised his quota of men required
by their charter to form a colony on his Manor, they sail from
Holland on the ship Unity, which Jan Brouwer commands, March 21.
The ship Unity arrives at Fort Amsterdam (Manhattan) and pro
ceeds up the river to Fort Orange to found Rensselaerswyck, May 24.

\ PATROON KILIAEN VAN RENSSELAER.
He bought from the Indians his important tract that included the site of
Albany, on July 27, 1630, through his agent here. (Oil portrait owned in
1906 by Dr. Howard Van Rensselaer, Albany.)

Founding. 25

1 63a.

Patroon Kiliaen Van Rensselaer having authorized Sebastiaen J.
Crol to buy land for him, he selects it on the west bank of the
Hudson (site of Albany), and signs papers with the Mohawks
acquiring land from Fort Orange northward to an east arid
west line a little south of the Indian Moenemines Castle, close
to the Cohoes* Falls, likewise for the large tract on the east
side of the Hudson River, opposite Fort Orange, " from Peta-
nock, the Molenkill, northward to Negagonse, in extent there
about three Dutch miles," July 27.
Commander Sebastiaen Jansen Crol points out the land he had
bought for Kiliaen Van Rensselaer from the Mohawks, where
the emigrants are to settle and found the Manor of Rensselaers-
wyck, June 1.
Roelof Jansen, with his wife Anneke Jansen (Anna, as she some
times wrote it, later the owners of the Trinity Church property
in New York city) comes to Rensselaerswyck with the emi
grants sent over by Patroon Van Rensselaer to be employed as
his farmer for a term of six years at 180 guilders (about $72)
a year.
The Patroon's first farm cultivated was placed in charge of Wolfert
Gerrittsen as opper-bouwmeester (chief farm-master), he re
ceiving 20 guilders ($8) and board per month, and he was to
be assisted by bouwknecht (farmhand), paid anywhere from
25 to 120 guilders ($10 to $48) a year, the poorer being obli
gated to pay the Patroon for clothing advanced a certain portion
of the produce, and they live in huts until the Patroon erects
ordinary dwellings, the rental of a farm with dwelling being
from about $120 to $200 yearly, payable in beaver-skins or
seawant, or a tenth of the grain raised with half the increase of
cattle, fat fowl, butter, also the cutting of a specified amount of
wood and certain number of days of labor; bargaining that
property of a tenant dying intestate reverted to the Patroon,
the Patroon had the right to purchase cattle or grain of tenants
before anyone else, and grain must be ground at the Patroon's
mill ; all disputes must be settled by court of the Manor without
right to further appeal, 2 gerechts-persoonen (magistrates) and
the commissary-general forming the court, its other officers
being the schout (sheriff) and scherprechter (hangman).
The Director and Council of New Netherland sign for Kiliaen Van
Rensselaer the deed by which the Indians transfer the land on
which Albany is built, in consideration of " certain parcels of
goods," Aug. 13.

26 Founding.

1631-1633.

1 631.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer forms a limited partnership with Samuel
Godyn. Johannes de Laet and Samuel Blommaert of the
Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch West India Company,
Gillis Hossett confers with the Indians encamped near Fort
Orange, and they convey to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer the Sanck-
hagag tract on the west bank of the Hudson, from Beeren
(Bears) Island northward to Smacks Island, " two days' journey
inland " broad, April 18.

1632.

John Mason writes to Secretary Coke that the Dutch at Fort Orange
and Manhattan Island will not heed the admonishings of the
English colony at Plymouth who had settled on the coast De
cember 21, 1620, but persist in making more and more Dutch
settlements, against all royal (English) grant, along the Hud
son River, villifying them when told that they must not do so,
and tauntingly praising Holland, April 2.

1633.

London merchants infringe upon the rights of the West India Com
pany by sending a ship under Jacob Eelkens, who had previously
commanded at Fort Nassau, April.
The Englishmen's ship, the William, arrives at the Fort Orange
wharf, and the commander of the fort, Hans Jorissen Houten,
sends an officer to inquire her object in coming, it being the
first English vessel to arrive at the Dutch colony, and learns
they propose to barter for furs, Captain Trevor claiming that
the territory belonged to Great Britain, based on the 1497 dis
covery of the Cabots as well as the grant by Queen Elizabeth in
1584 to Sir Walter Raleigh; but he is admonished to depart.
Captain Trevor appears to obey Commander Houten ; but sails
only a short distance down the river when he casts anchor
near the west bank, where he pitches a tent, and the Indians
who had known Eelkens in past years, flock there to trade, April.

Founding. 27

1633-1636.

The colonists of the West India Company are surprised at the act
of the Englishmen, and feeling unable to cope with their force,
conclude that the best means is to set up a tent nearby in com
petition, berating the quality of the English goods and selling
lower, April.
Wouter van Twiller arrives as the Director for the Dutch West
India Company at New Amsterdam (New York city) and as
sumes charge, April.

1634.

The trapping of beavers and otters for their skins is active at this
time, engaging the attention of everyone in the colony except
ing those who were occupied with tilling the soil, it being
necessary to produce crops. Sawmills, to provide timber for
building more houses, smithies and toolmakers or repairers like
wise finding much business, while the selling of liquor was con
ducted extensively, with possibly more customers among the
Indians coming into the settlements to trade than among the
Dutch themselves.

1635.

There is much reaching out for land by those who had the means
to purchase, but there are few sufficiently wealthy to attempt
to secure a tract, confining their immediate aspirations to a lot
or small farm. Among the rich, or those who represented
foreign capital, it becomes a question who will be able to secure
tracts measured by miles while it may be secured from the
Indians for a bagful of imitation wampum, knives or a few
axes, in fact a farm over which a man might not walk in a day
might be had not far from Fort Orange by going to the north
east or westward, for the equivalent of a thousand dollars.

1636.

Roelof Jansen and wife, Anneke, who had come from Maesterlandt,
Holland, and settled on a Rensselaerswyck farm as one of the
Manor colonists, obtain letters-patent for 31 morgens of farm

28 Founding.

1636-1638.

land at New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island (about 62 acres)
from Director-General Van Twiller. (Later this becomes con
tested ground by the Trinity Church Corporation and the mak:y
descendants of Anneke Janse.)

163 7.

The Patroon, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, sends authority to Jacob
Albertzsen Planck, Rensselaerswyck's first sheriff, to buy addi
tional land from the Indians, desiring an intervening tract that
should piece out his property on the east side of the river until
it joined the land that stretched to the east and west line run
ning through Moenemines Castle on Haver Island, at the mouth
of the Mohawk, being a district called Papsickenekaas or Paps-
skanea, extending south from opposite Castle Island (just below
Albany) to the point opposite Smackx Island, and including
the adjacent islands, and all the lands back into the interior,
belonging to the Indian owners, " for certain quantities of
duffels, axes, knives, and wampum, which additional purchase
places the Van Rensselaers of Holland interested in the Manor
of Rensselaerswyck in possession of a tract 24 miles long, up
and down the river and 48 miles broad, east and west, or 24
miles inland on both sides of the river, an area of about 700,000
acres, including therein the counties of Albany, Rensselaer and
a large part of Columbia, April 13.
It is alleged that Kiliaen Van Rensselaer visited his estate in this
country this year. (This is disproved by the continuity of the
letters sent by him from Holland to his colony, of which direct
copies were made and kept there by his children and secretary,
which letters existed in 1900.) He sends Arendt van Curler
(Corlaer), aged 18, as assistant to Commissary Planck, December.

1638.

Abraham Isaacs Verplanck, first ancestor of that name in America,
and later the owner of a large tract at Paulus Hook (Jersey
City) bought from the West India Company, arrives from
Holland, March.

Founding. 29

1638-1640.

William Kieft arrives at Fort Amsterdam (Manhattan Island) suc
ceeding Woulter van Twiller as the sixth director in New
Netherland for the West India Company, March 28.
Anneke Jans (Janse or Jansen), being the widow of Roelof Jansen,
marries Rev. Everhardus Bogardus, dominie of the first Re
formed Protestant Dutch Church of New Amsterdam (about
this time).

1639.

David Pietersen de Vries, a Dutch navigator, sails to Fort Orange
to visit Brandt Peelan on Castle Island, a little south of the
fort, and notices many Indians fishing at Beeren Island, and
records : " In the evening we reached Brandpylen's Island, that
lies a little below Fort Orange and belongs to the patroons,
Godyn, Ronselaer, Jan de Laet and Bloemart, who had also
more farms there which they had put in good condition- at the
company's cost, for the company had sent cattle from Father
land at great expense, and these individuals, being the commis
sioners of New Netherland, had made a good distribution
among themselves, and while the company had nothing but an
empty fort, they had the farms and trade around it, and each
farmer was a trader," April 28.
David P. de Vries experiences a disastrous flood, recording on the
second day after his arrival at Fort Orange : " There was such
a high flood at the island on which Brand-pylen lived, who was
my host at this time, that we were compelled to leave it and
to go with boats into the house where there were four feet of
water." April 30.
De Vries further describes the flood : " This freshet continued three
days before we could use the dwelling again. The water ran
into the fort, and we were obliged to repair to the woods,
where we erected tents and kindled large fires." May 2.

1 640.

Because of the dispute over various matters between the colony of
Rensselaerswyck and the Dutch West India Company, the
Patroons obtain a new charter of privileges and exemptions

30 Founding.

1640-1642.

from the Dutch West India Co., some of the provisions therein
being that all patroons, free colonists and inhabitants of New
Netherland should enjoy the privilege of selling articles brought
from Holland upon paying a io# duty ; that they pay io# export
duty on all furs shipped to Holland ; they were allowed to manu
facture woolen goods and cotton cloth which had been pro
hibited ; the person bringing five adults to New Netherland as a
colony would be entitled to 200 acres and might hunt in the
public woods or fish in public streams; no religion except that
of the Reformed Dutch Church was to be tolerated; the colo-
, nists were to be provided with negroes to help them on their
farms ; appeal from manorial courts might be made to director
and council of New Netherland provided the sum in dispute
was equal to forty dollars ; but the patroons' jurisdiction was
not affected by the new charter.
The Dutch settlers learn how to counterfeit the Indian wampum or
seawant (also spelled zeewan) that the Indians had produced
by shaping mussel-shells circular, burnishing them and piercing
so as to be strung; 2 beads having the value of one cent and 4
beads worth one stiver, or 2 cents ; the Dutch seawant accepted
after a time at the ratio of 6 for a stiver, or 3 for a cent.

1641.

Arendt van Curler, now the commissary-general of Rensselaerswyck,
arid Adriaen vander Donck, a graduate of Leyden University,
public prosecutor, the latter official kept busy with prosecutions
of those violating the innumerable provisions of the Patroon's
lengthy contracts.

1642.

Kiliaen Van Rensselaer requests the classis of Amsterdam to send a
' good, honest and pure preacher " to his Rensselaerswyck
Manor, and that body selects Rev. Dr. Johannes Megapolensis,
Jun., pastor of Schorel and Berg of the Alkmaar classis, who
accepts the call for a term of six years, conditioned on a salary

Founding. 31

1642.

of 1,000 guilders ($400) that he may not have to work as a
farmer, the same to be paid in meat, drink, and whatever he
might claim, and an annual donation of 30 schepels (90 bus.)
of wheat, 2 firkins of butter, or else 60 guilders, for the first
three years, and if satisfactory to the Patroon to be paid by
him 200 additional guilders annually, March 6.
Rev. Dr. Johannes Megapolensis duly accredited the Dominie for
Rensselaerswyck at Amsterdam by Adam Bessels, Rev. Jacobus
Laurentius and Pietrus Wittewrongel ; described in the docu
ment as being 39 years old, with wife, Machtelt, aged 42 years,
and four children under 15 years of age, March 22.
Hendrick Albertsen appointed by the Patroon at Amsterdam the
ferryman to transfer people across the river, departing from
the north side of Beverkill, which empties into the Hudson at
Arch street, June 3.
The Patroon sends instructions from Holland telling where colo
nists may build, stating : " As the church, the minister's house,
that of the officer, and also all those of the trades-people must
hereafter be established there, as Abraham Staes and Evert
Pels, the brewer, have undertaken, I do insist upon, and
consent that, with the exception of the farmers and tobacco-
planters, who must reside on their farms and plantations, no
tradesmen, henceforth and after the expiration of their service,
shall establish themselves elsewhere than in the church -neigh
borhood in the order and according to the plan of building sent
herewith ; for every one residing where he thinks fit, separated
far from the others, would be unfortunately in danger of their
lives, in the same manner, as sorrowful experience ha9 taught
around the Manhattans." June 3.
The Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch West India Company in
dorses the appointment of Dominie Megapolensis, although the
Patroon had seriously objected, not wishing interference with
a matter which he considered entirely within his right and not
a matter with which they had any authority, and he is ready
to sail on the De Houttuyn, June 6.
Anneke Jans (or Jansen), the owner pf what later becomes the
Trinity Church property in New York city, and who dies in
Albany, signs an obligation (Anna Ians) to provide for the
children of her first husband, Roelof Jansen, and to educate
them, namely, Sara, Tryntje, Sytje (or Fytje), Jan (who later
is massacred at Schenectady by the Indians) and Annatje, June 21.

32 Founding.

1642.

A party of about 70 Mohawks set out in July on a foray, and from
both sides of the St. Lawrence attack a party of Huron Indians
accompanied by French priests from Canada, among them
Father Isaac Jogues, who were going in twelve canoes to their
country near the big lake (Huron) and the Mohawks take 22
of them prisoners. The occurrences, of a most horrible nature,
transpiring then, and the tortures to which they were subjected
on their travel to the Mohawk river, when Father Jogues was
beaten senseless for displaying sympathy for a prisoner being
tortured, (as described in a letter written at Rensselaerswyck,
on Aug. 5, 1643, by Father Jogues himself) being as follows :
" Scarcely had I begun to breathe, when some others, attacking
me, tore out, by biting, almost all my finger-nails, and crunched
my two forefingers with their teeth, giving me intense pain.
* * * No trial, however, came harder upon me than to see them,
five or six days afterward, approach us jaded with the march,
and in cold blood, with minds nowise excited by passion, pluck
out our hair and beard, and drive their nails, which are always
very sharp, deep into parts most tender and sensitive to the
slightest impression." The day of the ambushed attack, Aug. 4.
Father Jogues, describing in his letter the cruelties perpetrated by
the victorious Mohawks, states : " On the eighth day we fell
in with a band of two hundred Indians going out to fight (on
an island in Lake Champlain) ; and as it is the custom for
savages, when out on war-parties, to initiate themselves, as it
were, by cruelty, under the belief that their success will be the
greater as they shall have been the more cruel, they thus re
ceived us : First rendering thanks to the sun, which they imag
ine presides over war, they congratulated their countrymen by
a joyful volley of musketry. Each then cut some stout clubs in
the neighboring wood in order to receive us. After we had
landed from the canoes, they fell upon us from both sides with
their clubs in such fury, that I, who was the last and therefore
the most exposed to their blows, sank overcome by their num
bers and severity before I had accomplished half the rocky way
that led to the hill on which a stage had been erected for us. I
thought I should quickly die there ; and therefore, partly because
I could not, partly because I cared not, I did not rise. How
long they spent their fury upon me He knows for whose love
and sake it is delightful and glorious thus to suffer. Moved at
last by a cruel mercy, and wishing to carry me to their country
alive, they ceased to strike. And thus half dead and covered
with blood, they bore me to the scaffold. Here I had scarce

mmrs

FATHER ISAAC JOQUES.
This zealous French Jesuit missionary was captured on the St. Lawrence
River, Aug. 4, 1642, by a band of savage Mohawks and brought here a prisoner
despite efforts of the Dutch to release him. He was put to death Oct. 18, 1646.

Founding. 33

1642.

begun to breathe, when they ordered me to come down to load
me with scoffs and insults, and countless blows upon my head
and shoulders, and indeed my whole body. I should be tedious
were I to attempt to tell all that the French prisoners suffered.
They burnt one of my fingers, and crushed another with their
teeth ; the others already thus mangled they so wrenched by the
tattered nerves that even now, though healed, they are fright
fully deformed." Aug. 12.
Dominie Megapolensis, wife and four young children arrive at
Fort Orange, and Arendt van Curler at once provides them with
a house, until he can build one, Aug. 12.
Father Jogues was not to escape with what severe tortures had been
his lot on the way south from the St. Lawrence River, to the
Mohawk village this side of the Cohoes falls, and describes in
his letter (of 1643) what transpired as they neared the Mohawk
village : " On the eve of the Assumption, about three o'clock,
we reached a river (the Mohawk) which flows by their village.
Both banks were filled with Iroquois, who received us with
clubs, fists, and stones. As a bald or thinly-covered head is an
object of aversion to them, this tempest burst in its fury on my
bare head. Two of my nails had hitherto escaped; these they
tore out with their teeth, and with their keen nails stripped off
the flesh beneath to the very bone." Then an aged Indian com
pelled a squaw to cut off his left thumb, Aug. 15.
The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and those dwelling near Fort
Orange, learning of the cruelties practiced by the Mohawks, fear
they may, outnumbering them, put them to tortures similar to
their French captives, and resolve to pacify the savages by gifts
and to seek to ransom the captives. They delegate Arendt van
Curler, Jan Labatie and Jacob Jansen to renew covenants and
to offer a reward for Father Jogues's liberty. Of what hap
pened Arendt van Curler relates : " I carried presents there,
and desired that we should live as good neighbors and that they
should neither harm the colonists nor their castle, to all of which
the savages of all three villages readily agreed. We were en
tertained there very well and very kindly. We had to stop
before each castle for about a quarter of an hour that the
savages could get ready and receive us with a number of salutes
from their muskets. They were highly delighted that I had
come there. Some men were immediately ordered to go hunt
ing and they brought home very fine turkeys. After thoroughly
inspecting their castle, I called together all the chiefs of the
three castles and advised them to release the French prisoners,
but without success, for they refused it in an eloquent speech,

34 Founding.

1642-1643.

saying: 'We shall be kind to you always, but on this subject
you must be silent. Besides you well know how they treat our
people when they fall into their hands.' Had we reached them
three or four days later they would have been burnt. I offered
them a ransom for the Frenchmen, about six hundred florins
in goods (about $250), which all the colony was to contribute,
but they would not accept it. We nevertheless induced them to
promise not to kill them, but to carry them back to their
country. The Frenchmen ran screaming after us and besought
us to do all in our power for their delivery from the savages.
But there was no chance for it. On my return they gave me
an escort of ten or twelve armed men who conducted us home."
August.
Although Arendt van Curler had been erecting a house for Dominie
Megapolensis, it being unfinished for winter use (west of Fort
Orange, Steamboat Square, some hundred feet), he buys one
of Maryn Adriaensen van Veere, of oak, already built, for 350
guilders (about $140), November.
Dominie Megapolensis begins the study of the Indian language in
order to be able to preach to the Mohawks, December.

1643.

Commissary Arendt van Curler writes to the Patroon in Holland
about the church that Dominie Megapolensis had expected to
use on his arrival in August of 1642, as follows: "As for the
church it is not yet contracted for, not even begun. I had writ
ten to your honor that I had a building almost ready, namely the
covenanted work, which would have been for Dominie Megapo
lensis, but this house did not suit Dominie Johannes ; in other
respects it was adapted in every way to his wants. On this
account I have laid it aside. The one which I intend to build
this summer in the pine-grove [greene bosch] will be 34 feet
long by 19 wide. It will be large enough for the first three or
four years to preach in and can be used afterward as a resi
dence by the sexton, or for a school. I hope your honor will
not take this ill as it happened through good intentions." June.
Adriaen vander Donck, the schout of Rensselaerswyck, decides to
establish a colony to the south, in the neighborhood of Catskill, June.

Founding. 35

1643.

Father Jogues, having been held a captive for the space of one year
at the Mohawk village a few miles north of Fort Orange, he i*
taken by them on a fishing excursion to a place about 24 miles
south of the fort (near the site of Hudson, N. Y.), Aug. 1.
Father Jogues having returned from the fishing-trip with his Indian
captors, tarries with them a few days at Fort Orange, and de
scribes the manner of his escape in a letter, as follows : " As
soon as it was day, I went to salute the Dutch governor, and
told him the resolution I had come to before God. [This was
as to the proprietry of stealing surreptitiously away from im
prisonment.] He called upon the officers of the ship, told them
his intentions, and exhorted them to receive and conceal me, in
a word, to carry me over to Europe. They replied that if I
could once get aboard their vessel I was safe, and would not
have to leave it till I reached Bordeaux or Rochelle. ' Cheer
up, then,' said the governor, ' return with the Indians, and this
evening, or in the night, steal off quietly and get to the river,
where you will find a little boat which I will have ready to take
you to the ship.' After most humble thanks to all those gentle
men, I left the Dutch, better to conceal my design. In the
evening I retired, with ten or twelve Iroquois, to a barn, where
we spent the night. Before lying down I went out to see where
I could most easily escape. The dogs, then let loose, ran at me.
and a large and powerful one snapped at my bare leg and bit it
severely. I immediately entered the barn, the Iroquois closed
the door securely, and to guard me better came and lay beside
me, the one who was in a manner appointed to watch me. See
ing myself beset with these mishaps, and the barn secured and
surrounded by dogs that would betray me if I attempted to go
out, I almost thought I could not escape. * * * This whole
night also I spent without sleep. Toward day I heard the cocks
crow. Soon after, a servant of the Dutch farmer, who had
received us into his barn, entered by some door I had not seen.
I went up to him softly and made him a sign, not understand
ing his Flemish, to stop the dogs from barking. He immedi
ately went out, and I after him, when I had taken up my little
luggage consisting of a little office of the Blessed Virgin, an
Imitation of Christ, and a wooden cross which I had made to
keep me in mind of my Saviour's sufferings. Having got out
of the barn without making any noise or waking my guards, I
climbed over a fence surrounding the house, and ran straight
to the river where the ship was. It was as much as my wounded
leg could do, for the distance was a quarter of a league. I
found the boat as I had been told, but as the tide had gone down

36 Founding.

1643.

it was high and dry. I pushed it to get it to the water, but
finding it too heavy, I called to the ship to send me their boat
to take me on board. There was no answer. I do not know
whether they heard me. Be that as it may, no one appeared,
and day was beginning to reveal to the Iroquois the robbery
which I had made of myself, and I feared to be surprised in
my innocent crime. Weary of hallooing I returned to my boat,
and praying to the Almighty to increase my strength, I suc
ceeded at last so well by working it slowly on and pushing
stoutly that I got it into the water. As soon as it floated I
jumped in and reached the vessel alone, unperceived by any
Iroquois. I was immediately lodged in the bottom of the hold,
and to hide riie they put a large box on the hatch. I was two
days and two nights in the hold of this ship, in such a state, that
I expected to be suffocated and die of the stench." This event
transpired between the middle and last of the month of August,
being described in a letter written at Rensselaerswyck by Father
Jogues, Aug. 30.
Father Jogues, is still in doubt as to whether he will be able to escape,
He has difficulty in escaping the vigilant watch for him by the
Indians. He writes : " The second night of my voluntary im
prisonment the minister of the Hollanders came to tell me that
the Iroquois had made much trouble, and that the Dutch settlers
were afraid that they would set fire to their houses and kill
their cattle. * * * I was taken to his house, where he kept
me concealed. These comings and goings were done by night,
so that I was not discovered." Aug. 30.
Father Jogues tells how he finally escaped, in a letter to Father
Charles Lalemant, while at Rennes, France (dated Jan. 6,
1664), as follows : " The Iroquois came to the Dutch post about
the middle of September, and made a great deal of disturbance,
but at last received the presents made by the captain who had
me concealed. They amounted to about three hundred livres,
which I will endeavor to repay. All things being quieted, I was
sent to Manhattan, where the governor of the country resides.
He received me kindly, gave me clothes and passage in a vessel
which crossed the ocean in midwinter." September.
The Patroon, in Holland, sends word to Nicolaas Coorn to fortify
Beeren Island, and to demand of each skipper passing up or
down, except those of the West India Company, a toll of five
guilders ($2) as a tax, likewise to see that every vessel coming
up the river lowers its colors at the fort as a sign of respect
to the Patroon. Coorn thereupon issues the following mani
festo : " I, Nicolaas Coorn, Commander of Rensselaer's

Founding. 37

1643-1644.

Castle and for the noble lord, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, under the
high jurisdiction of the high and mighty Lords States-General
of the United Netherlands, and the privileged West India Com
pany, hereditary commander of the colonies on this North River
of New Netherland, and as vice-commander in his place, make
known to you that you shall not presume to use this river to the
injury of the acquired right of the said lord in his rank as
Patroon of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck, the first and the
oldest on this river. * * * Protesting in the name of the
said lord, should you presume in defiance of law to attempt to
pass by contrary to this proclamation, I am directed to prevent
you. Under this manifesto, however, you are permitted to
trade with his commissary, but not with the Indians or his par
ticular subjects, as will be seen and read in the admonition and
instruction given by him, the Patroon, to Pieter Wyncoop, the
commissary, and Arendt van Curler, the commissary-general,
conformable to the restrictions of the regulations contained
therein," Sept. 8.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, at Amsterdam, Holland, learns of Van der
Donck's plans to establish a colony of his own south of his
Rensselaerswyck manorial lands, and commissions Pieter Wyn
coop to set out from that city with a vessel, The Arms of Rens
selaerswyck, and purchasing the lands at Catskill, to settle there,
while Arendt van Curler uses any force necessary to keep Van
der Donck from settling, Sept. 10.

1644.

Father Jogues arrives in France, and meets with honors at every
turn, people seeking all his little possessions as sacred relics,
and the Queen Regent summoning him to visit her at Paris,
which he does not care to do, being modestly disposed about
himself ; but does so on her third command, January-
Dominie Megapolensis writes an interesting sketch of the Mohawk
Indians, . February.
Govert Loockermans, skipper of the yacht the Good Hope, sails
from Fort Orange for New Amsterdam, and with studied con
tempt fails to salute the fort, Rensselaer's Castle, on Beeren
Island (Beeren, plural of Bear), as directed by the mandate
of September 8th, whereupon Commander Nicolaas Coorn
yells across the water to him : " Lower your colors ! " Loock
ermans answers back " For whom should I ? " Coorn tells him

38 Founding.

1644-1646.

" For the staple-right of Rensselaerswyck." To this the Good
Hope's indominable skipper replies, " I lower my colors for
no one except the Prince of Orange and the lords, my masters !"
Coorn applies a match to the fuse of his small cannon and a
shot rips through the Good Hope's mainsail, also cutting loose
the rigging. Another shot is fired but it passes over the vessel.
A third cannon is discharged by an Indian, and the ball passes
through the colors of the Prince of Orange, July 1.
Skipper Loockermans of the Good Hope lodges complaint against
Coorn on his arrival at New Amsterdam, demanding reparation,
and the Council of New Netherland issues an order for Coorn
to desist from such practice, July 5.
Commander Coorn, at Fort Orange, does not heed the order of
the powers at New Netherland located at New Amsterdam,
and continues to demand homage or recognition of the rights
of Rensselaer Manor, August.
A general thanksgiving is ordered because of the ratification of
several treaties with the Indian tribes, especially with those
on Long Island, who had warred continuously with the Dutch
settlers at Fort Amsterdam, Aug. 31.
Day of thanksgiving observed in the churches at New Amsterdam
and Fort Orange, Sept. 6.

1645.

Father Jogues has a strong desire to return to America again,
there to christianize the savage tribes of Indians, although he
had been shamefully treated by the Mohawk and Iroquois tribes
in 1642 ; but there is a great impediment in his way of his offi
ciating at the sacrifice in his mangled hands, the strict rules
of the church requiring a dispensation should he be permitted
to act. Pope Urban VIII., learning the true and full story of
Father Jogues's martyrdom, grants his petition, with excla
mations of the delight lie feels at the privilege of placing the
zealous Jesuit in full official capacity.

1646.

The house of Adriaen van der Donck, the schout of the Colony of
Rensselaerswyck, burns to the ground and he moves into a
cottage that is within the fort, Jan. 17.

CANNON OF RENSSELAERSWYCK.
This cannon was made in 1630, in Holland, and probably the one fired from " Rensselaer's castle " in 1644 to make
Loockermans lower his flag on sailing by. (Owned in 1906, by Wm. Bayard Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany.)

Founding. 39

1646.

Father Jogues, who had returned this spring from France to Canada,
having been in the former country since his escape from the
Iroquois at Fort Orange in September of 1643, sets out from
Three Rivers, Canada, with a French officer, named Bourdon,
four Mohawks and two Algonquins, on a mission of peace to
the Mohawks, who had previously fearfully maltreated him,
proceeding under the auspices this time of the Governor of
Canadaj May 16.
Father Jogues and his party reach Lake Andiatorocte (Lake
George) on the eve of the Feast of Corpus Christi, and he con
secrates that body of water Lac du Saint Sacrement, May 29.
Father Jogues arrives at Fort Orange and he pays the money in
return that had been given to the Iroquois by his Dutch friends
for his liberation from the savages in 1643. They welcome
him cordially, and he relates his travels abroad, and having
accomplished the object of his visit, freeing himself of debt to
his benefactors, he decides to go north once more, June.
Dominie Megapolensis conducting services in his own house at this
time; but the church was nearly completed for him (on what
was later termed Church street, to the north of Madison avenue
and south of Pruyn street, being but a short distance north
west of Fort Orange on the Steamboat Square, not distant in
1646 from the river) excepting to the seat for magistrates,
the seat for the deacon, the nine benches for the congregation,
corner-seats and the predickstool (pulpit), July-
Father Jogues, at Three Rivers, Canada, before starting out on his
missionary tour through the Mohawk valley, writes a descrip
tion of how Fort Orange looked at the time of his visit there
in the previous June, saying : " There are two things in this
settlement (which is called Rensselaerswyck, or in other words
the settlement of Rensselaer, who is a rich Amsterdam mer
chant), first, a miserable little fort called Fort Orange, built of
logs, with four or five pieces of Breteuil cannon and as many
swivels. This has been reserved and is maintained by the
West India Company. This fort was formerly on an island in
the river. It is now on the mainland toward the Iroquois, a
little above the said island. Second, a colony sent here by
this Rensselaer, who is the Patroon. This colony is composed
of about a hundred persons, who reside in some twenty-five
or thirty houses, built along the river as each one found most
convenient. In the principal house lives the Patroon's agent;
the minister has his apart, in which service is performed. There
is also a kind of bailiff here, whom they call the seneschal, who

40 Founding.

1646-1647.

administers justice. Their houses are solely of boards and
thatched, with no mason-work except the chimneys. The forest
furnishes many fine pines ; they make boards by means of their
mills, which they have here for the purpose. They found some
pieces of cultivated ground, which the savages had formerly
cleared, and in which they sow wheat and oats for beer, and for
their horses, of which they have great numbers. There is little
land fit for tillage, being hemmed in by hills, which are poor
soil. This obliges them, to separate, and they already occupy
two or three leagues of the country. Trade is free to all ; this
gives the Indians all things cheap, each of the Hollanders outbid
ding his neighbor, and being satisfied, provided he can gain
some little profit. This settlement is not more than twenty
leagues from the Agniehorons, [Mohawk Indian tribe], who
can be reached by land or water, as the [Mohawk] river on
which the Iroquois lie, falls into that which passes by the Dutch,
but there are many low rapids and a fall of a short half league,
where the canoe must be carried." Aug. 3.
Rev. Father Isaac Jogues, a Jesuit missionary who had suffered ex
treme cruelties at the hands of the Mohawk Indians in the
summer of 1642 and could not escape from them until at Fort
Orange, in September, 1643, when he sailed unawares to them
to France; born at Orleans, in that country, on January 10,
1607, entering the Jesuit order in 1624 and becoming an or
dained priest in 1636, whereupon he had at once proceeded to
Canada; being regarded by the Mohawks as a sorcerer he is
put to death by them at Caughnawaga, (N. Y.), Oct. 18.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer dies and his eldest son, Johan, becomes
his successor as Patroon (although neither one ever comes to
America) and not having reached his majority the management
for the colony in America is entrusted by the deceased's ex
ecutors (Johannes van Wely and Wouter van Twiller) to
Brandt Arendt van Slechtenhorst of the Van Rensselaer home
stead at Nijkerk, Province of Gelderland, Holland, who accord
ingly prepares to go the following year to Rensselaerswyck.

1647.

Fort Orange nearly swept away by a freshet of unusual propor
tions, broadening and deepening the river so that a school of

Founding. 41

1647-1648.

whales (it is said) swam up the Hudson as far as Lansingburgh,
one of which becoming stranded on an island opposite that place,
gives it the name of Walvish Eylant or Whale Island (a small
island in the Hudson River above Troy which disappeared on
construction of the state dam), March.
Petrus Stuyvesant arrives at Fort Amsterdam on Manhattan Island,
as the successor of Director Kieft, for the Dutch West India
Company, May ii.
Brandt A. van Slechtenhorst sails from Holland for Virginia on
his journey to Fort Orange, Sept. 26.
Carl van Brugge appointed commissary of Fort Orange, Nov. 6.
Rev. Everhardus Bogardus of New Amsterdam, the second hus
band of Anneke Jans (or Jansen), drowned, and she removes to
Beverswyck, purchasing a small house at the northeast corner
of Yonkers (State) street and Middle Lane (James street).

1648.

Brandt Arendt van Slechtenhorst arrives at Fort Orange, to be
Director of Rensselaerswyck, the river having been frozen he
did not attempt to come up before this with his family, March 22.
While the director of the Rensselaerswyck colony did not admit
any rule over his authority by Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch
West India Company's Director of New Netherland, still the
former official did pay him due respect on his first visit of in
spection to Fort Orange, south of the Manor, it being recorded :
" Whereas the council of the colony directed that the Heer
General Pieter Stuyvesant should be honored, on his arrival
and departure, with several salutes from the Heer Patroon's
three pieces of cannon, the Director employed Jan Dircksen van
Bremen and Hans Eencluys to clean the same, for they were
filled with earth and stones, and to load them, in doing which
they were engaged three days, to wit : one day in cleaning them,
the second day in firing, at the arrival, and the third at Stuyve-
sant's departure, for which Van Slechtenhorst purchased twenty
pounds of powder and expended ten guilders for beer and
victuals, besides having provided the Heer General at his de
parture with some young fowls and pork," July.
Director-General Stuyvesant seeks to keep all buildings back and
away from the fort by the river (on Steamboat Square) that no

42 Founding.

1648.

protection from its range of cannon may be afforded to the
Indians should they make attack, admonishing the authorities
at Rensselaerswyck : " We request, by virtue of our commission,
the commandant and court of the said colony to desist and re
frain from building within a cannon-shot from the fort, until
further orders or advice from our sovereigns or superiors, or
to present to us special consent and authority signed by our
sovereigns or superiors aforesaid, for both above and below
there are equally suitable, yea better building sites," July 23.
Van Rensselaer's Director, Van Slechtenhorst, writes a refutation
to the asserted rights of Stuyvesant, stating the claim of the
Van Rensselaer colony to use of land all about Fort Orange, —
that the Patroon's trading-house had stood a long time on the
edge of the fort's moat, and he ridicules the recent order of
Stuyvesant in view of the valueless quality of the fort as a
proper place of defence, saying : " So far as regards the re
nowned fortress, men can go in and out of it by night as well
as by day. I have been more than six months in the colony
and the nearest resident to the fort, and yet I have never been
able to discover a single person carrying a sword, a musket
or a pike, or have I heard or seen a drum beat, except when
the Director-General himself visited it, with his soldiers in
July," July 28.
Dominie Megapolensis, having completed his term of six years,
resigns his pastorate; but his congregation, endeared to him,
urge that he remain another year instead of going back to
Holland to attend to an estate, which he agrees to do, August.
Director Van Slechtenhorst commences erecting a house within
pistol-shot of Fort Orange, contrary to Stuyvesant's prohibition
of the previous month, August.
Director-General Stuyvesant learns about the action of the Director
of Rensselaerswyck and dispatches both soldiers and sailors
to Fort Orange with orders to demolish the house of Van
Slechtenhorst now under construction, and Carl Van Brugge,
commissary of Fort Orange, is directed to arrest him if he
offers resistance, September.
There is much excitement at Fort Orange and Rensselaerswyck
when Stuyvesant's orders are made known, asserting that if
Van Brugge attempt to take down the house they will fight
the garrison. Besides, the house having been intended for the
Indians as a shelter when remaining in town to trade, they
declare their readiness to help the people of Rensselaerswyck, September.

Founding. 43

1648-1650.

Commissary Van Brugge writes to Stuyvesant that it was useless for
him to attempt to take a stand against the inhabitants as they
outnumber his men, and with the Indians as allies would be
the victors, September.
Stuyvesant recalls the seven soldiers and five sailors, but sends an
order directing Van Slechtenhorst to appear before him on
April 4th, abandoning the idea for the time of enforcing his
regulations, October.

1649.

Dominie Megapolensis, having completed seven years as pastor of
the Dutch Reformed Church, or one year longer than his orig
inal contract called for, Director Stuyvesant persuades him to
assume charge of the congregation at Fort Amsterdam, and
he accepts, Aug. 15.
The Patroon's brewery turns out 330 tuns of beer during the year,
December.

1650.

The colonists of Rensselaerswyck subscribe money for a small
school-house, June.
Dominie Megapolensis' brother-in-law, Rev. Wilhelmus Grasmeer,
a former resident of Grafdyck, Holland, who had left there
without first obtaining consent of the classis, accepts the pulpit
vacated by the withdrawal of the former to New Amsterdam
the previous year, July.
The school-house is completed, August.
Andreas Jansen is chosen to teach the children of those who had
subscribed money for the school building, Sept. 9.
There being no regularly appointed dominie of the Dutch Reformed
Church, named by the classis in Holland, Philip Pietersen
Schuyler, who had arrived this year from Holland, the pro
genitor of the family of that name in America, and Margritta
van Slechtenhorst, the Director's daughter, are married at the
Manor House by the Rensselaerswyck's secretary, Anthonie
de Hooges, the officers of the fort and the manor attending
the affair, which is celebrated with much entertainment, Dec. 22.

44 Founding.

1651.

165 1.

Johannes Dyckman is stationed at Fort Orange as the Vice-Director
of the West India Company under Director-General Stuyvesant
who is located at New Amsterdam (New York city) with super
vision over the entire New Netherland, and those at the fort
(on Steamboat Square) are continuously at odds with the
colonists of Rensselaerswyck, grouped about the Dutch Church
on Church street, only a hundred yards to the northwest of it,
soldiers of the Fort Orange garrison going about at night dis
charging their muskets in the streets and in many ways ter
rifying the inhabitants.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer's third son, Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer,
the first of the name of Van Rensselaer to come to America
(it being conclusively shown by series of letters that Kiliaen
kept copied in a record book in Holland, inscribed by his chil
dren and secretary, that he never visited this country even for
a short time, as has often been suggested he did) arrives here
to see the colony that the Van Rensselaers had established.. As
the Rensselaerswyck directors of the past had not allowed the
soldiers of Fort Orange to hunt, fish or cut wood upon the
manorial lands it was not to be expected that they would be
any better disposed to him than they had been towards the
directors, and they looked upon him as an unfriendly, undesir
able personage, likely to be more severe than his officials.
It being a question whether the Dutch West India Company's
9fficers as represented by Pieter Stuyvesant or the Manor under
Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer was to be superior, the latter seeks
to strengthen his position and it is resolved by the Council of
Rensselaerswyck "that all householders and freemen of the
colony shall appear on the twenty-eighth day of November of
this year, being Tuesday, at the house of the honorable director,
and there take the ' burgerlijke ' oath of allegiance." Nov. 23.
Forty-five colonists take the oath of allegiance to the Patroon at
Director Van Slechtenhorst's house, in these words : " I prom
ise and swear that I shall be true and faithful to the noble
Patroon and co-directors, or those who represent them here,
and to the honorable director, commissioners and council, sub
jecting myself to the court of the colony; and I promise to
demean myself as a good and faithful inhabitant or burgher,
without exciting any opposition, tumult, or noise, but on the

Founding. 45

1651-1652.

contrary, as a loyal inhabitant to maintain and support, offen
sively and defensively against every one, the right and the
jurisdiction of the colony. And with reverence and fear of the
Lord, and the uplifting of both the first fingers of the right
hand, I say, So truly help me God Almighty." Nov. 28.
Joost Hartgers, bookseller of Amsterdam, prints the sketch written
about the Mohawk Indians by Dominie Megapolensis.

1652.

Soldiers from Fort Orange garrison, in rancorous spirit, make
hideous outcry and discharge their muskets at night in front
of the Patroon's mansion, a piece of burning wad falling on the
reed roof and setting it ablaze; but the burning thatch is dis
covered and extinguished, Jan. 1.
Director of Rensselaerswyck Slechtenhorst's son assaulted by sold
iers of Fort Orange garrison, who beat him mercilessly and
drag him through mire to Vice-Director Dyckman of the West
India Company, in command of the fort (on Steamboat Square,
between Broadway of 1900 and the Hudson River), who bids
them, " Let him have it, now, and the duivel take him ! " Dyck
man perceiving Philip Pietersen Schuyler running to aid his
brother-in-law, draws sword to head him off, and upon the
Rensselaerswyck colonists attempting to join in the affray, he
orders the cannon of Fort Orange loaded at once and trained on
the patroon's mansion, a dwelling to the west and not far from
the fort, Jan. 2.
Director-General Stuyvesant writes to Vice-Director Dyckman to
maintain the rights of the Dutch West India Company's gar
rison, Fort Orange, and allow none to .build or remain in houses
already erected near to it, which proclamation bearing his seal,
he orders to be read to the Rensselaerswyck colonists, Jan. 15.
Dyckman accompanied by an armed body-guard, goes to Jan Bap
tiste Van Rensselaer's Manor House where the colonial magis
trates are in session, and desires that the Patroon read the
proclamation from Stuyvesant to the inhabitants ; but Van Rens
selaer is angered, maintaining that Dyckman should not have
come with armed men upon his land, and asserting, " It shall
not be done so long as we have a drop of blood in our veins,
nor until we, receive orders from their high mightinesses and

46 Founding.

1652.

honored masters." Whereupon Dyckman orders the Patroon's
bell rung, and being refused, rings that of Fort Orange to call
together the inhabitants, and returns to Van Rensselaer's house
Here he orders his deputy to read the proclamation; but Van
Slechtenhorst snatches it away, and in tearing it the seals fall
therefrom. To Dyckman's threat that Stuyvesant will make
him suffer severely, he laughingly turns to his colonists, saying,
" Go home, good friends, it is only the wind of a cannon-ball
fired six hundred paces off." January.
Pieter Stuyvesant orders Vice-Director Dyckman to erect a number
of posts six hundred paces from the walls of Fort Orange (250
Rhineland rods of 12 Rhineland feet of 12 36-100 inches, being
about 3,083 feet), marking each with the West India Company's
seal and nailing to boards thereon, at each post, a copy of the
proclamation, March 5.
Vice-Director Dyckman plants several posts as directed by Stuyve
sant, some, to the north, at Orange street, others at a south
line, the site of the future Gansevoort street, March 17.
The Rensselaerswyck magistrates order the high constable to remove
the Fort Orange boundary-line posts set out by Vice-Director
Dyckman, and writes to Director-General Stuyvesant of what
he considers " the unbecoming pretensions and attacks," March 19.
Stuyvesant writes to Dyckman that he intends to visit Fort Orange
with such means as will enforce his proclamation, it being
rumored that Dyckman was to erect a gallows and hang Patroon
Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, Van Slechtenhorst and the co
lonial director's son, March.
? ? ?

Beversw\>cfe.

Pieter Stuyvesant, having come to Fort Orange to straighten out
matters between the West India Company and the Manor of
Rensselaerswyck, despatches Sergeant Litschoe with a squad
to lower the Patroon's flag, and upon Van Slechtenhorst re
fusing, the soldiers enter the Patroon's yard, discharge their
firearms and lower the colors. He then proclaims that the
area within the district that he had previously ordered staked
out about the fort be Dorpe Beverswyck, or the village of
Beverswyck, meaning where beavers gathered, April 1.

PIETER STUYVESANT.
He was the doughty Director-General in New Amsterdam for the Dutch
West India Co. and issued sundry proclamations here which aroused the
Rensselaerswyckians to wrath, in 1648 and 1652.

Founding. 47

1652.

Before leaving Fort Orange, Stuyvesant institutes a court and
names three justices, April 10.
Director Stuyvesant having had his proclamation posted at the
Rensselaerswyck Court-House, Van Slechtenhorst tears down
the placard and attaches his own in its stead, to maintain thus
the rights of the Van Rensselaer Manor, April 15.
Van Slechtenhorst is arrested by the Fort Orange soldiers for his
insubordinate acts, and is imprisoned therein with such solic
itous care that none might speak to him, April 18.
The Director-General conveys land south of the Fuyck kill (the
creek also known as the Rutten kill, emptying into the Hudson
River near Hudson avenue) as far south as the public high
road, and as far west as Jacob Jansen's farm, to be a site for
an almshouse and its supporting farm for workers or inmates,
April 23.
Gerrit Swart is commissioned at Amsterdam, Holland, to be the
schout, (sheriff) of Rensselaerswyck, the document signed by
Johan Van Rensselaer and Giacomo Bissels for the co-directors, April 24.
Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer, who was the first of that family name
to come to America (arriving at Fort Orange in 1651) becomes
the director of the Manor, his power of attorney bearing this
date, May 8.
Rev. Gideon Schaets having received the call sent from Rensselaers
wyck to take charge of Dominie Megapolensis' congregation,
he signs his acceptance, at Amsterdam, as do Johan Van Rens
selaer and Toussaint Mussart for the co-directors, and his term
of three years at 800 guilders annually, is to begin when he
arrives at his destination on the ship Flower of Gelder, on which
he was to enjoy free passage and board, May 8.
Holland and England wage war, because the latter had granted her
ship owners letters of reprisal to capture Dutch vessels found
sailing the seas. A naval engagement takes place between the
two fleets in the Straits of Dover, May 29.
The Dutch West India Company writes from Amsterdam a letter of
warning to Stuyvesant to beware of the English inhabitants,
and if they rise up in civil conflict he suggests that they employ
the Indians to subjugate the enemy. It is also advised that
the erection of palisades around all the principal settlements
of New Netherland may be a wise policy, Aug. 6.
As the vessel bearing the advice of the Dutch West India Company
to Stuyvesant, directing him to beware of the English, was
captured by the enemy, a duplicate is sent to him, Dec. 13.

48 Founding.

1653-1655.

1 653.

Pieter Stuyvesant waits until the river opens in the spring to send
the directions of the Dutch West India Company, regarding the
building of palisades and the strengthening of the forts against
an English uprising, to Vice-Director Dyckman, and the news
of a common danger brings at last a mutual co-operation of
those at Rensselaerswyck and Fort Orange, March.

1654.

Stuyvesant relents regarding his strict orders not to build settlers'
houses anywheres near the fort, between Fuyck and Beaver
kills, and grants a license to adrien Jansen Appel of Leyden
to build near Thomas Jansen's fence provided the place be not
used as a tippling house but as a tavern to accommodate
strangers, April 30.
News received at New Amsterdam of the establishment of peace
between England and Holland, July 16.
Fort Orange observes a day of thanksgiving because of the declara
tion of peace and the possibility of conducting business with
out fear of an unexpected molestation or expending further
money on fortifications, Aug. 12.

1 655.

Marcelus Jansen, being the highest bidder for the tapsters' excise
for the year and giving bonds that he will pay the sum of 2,030
guilders in good strung zewant, becomes the collector of ex
cise duties, and each tapster is expected to pay a revenue to the
Dutch West India Company of four guilders on a tun of home
brewed beer, and six guilders on a tun of the imported, April 23.
Johannes de Decker is appointed Vice-Director for the Dutch West
India Company at Fort Orange to succeed Dyckman, June 21.

Founding. 49

1655-1656.

Johannes Dyckman, a man little liked, pettish, surly and malignant,
incapacitated to continue his duties as Vice-Director at Fort
Orange for the Dutch West India Company because of in
sanity, July.
The public tapsters of Rensselaerswyck refuse to allow Vice-Director
de Decker of the West India Company to collect the liquor excise
or measure their wine in stock, being so advised by Jan Baptiste
Van Rensselaer, who held that money collected from his colony
would be used by the West India Company to benefit Fort
Orange but not Rensselaerswyck. He proposed that the matter
be adjudicated by the courts, but the Director-General at New
Amsterdam retorted that it would be lowering himself to enter
into disputes with vassals, — the Van Rensselaers. In the end
they had to appear and pay fines or be banished, July.

1656.

A general moving of the buildings from around Fort Orange (on the
Steamboat Square) to the new village growing at the north
ward, between the Fuyck or Rutten kill (opening into the
river at the foot of Hudson avenue) and the Foxen or Vossen
kill (being the stream pouring down Canal street ravine, empty
ing into the river at the foot of Columbia street) . As a result,
it was thought essential to have a place of defence nearer than
the one mentioned, and subscriptions are taken to erect at the
foot of Yonkers (State) street what would be a block-house in
time of hostilities and a church when things were peaceful.
Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck were united in the expense,
the magistrates of Beverswyck volunteering 1,500 guilders and
the Patroon of Rensselaerswyck subscribing 1,000 guilders, Feb. 18.
The Fort Orange and Beverswyck magistrates write a request to the
Director-General at New Amsterdam for a liberal contribution
to help build the new church that is required in place of the
small, old building (of 1646) a short distance northwest of
Fort Orange, March 10.
Some of the inhabitants prefer to worship according to the profes
sion of Augsburg, as Lutherans ; but the withdrawal of such
persons from the Dutch Church is regarded as unlawful, and
Vice-Director de Decker, acting in the interests of the Dutch
West India Company, interdicts them. However, the Luther
ans continue to assemble, March 10.

50 Founding.

1656-1657.

Having received no reply to the appeal of March ioth, from New
Amsterdam, the local magistrates again address themselves to
the officials on Manhattan Island, saying they " are much
suprised that no answer to our last letter, at least none on the
subject of our expected collection there, has been received by us
* * * in the event of a failure we should be very much dis
turbed and distressed ; even if everything should turn out for the
best, it would be very difficult to collect the remainder from
the church here," April 8.
The magistrates sign a contract with Jan Van Aecken " to set the
church so far on his smithy as the width of the door, on
condition that we set up his house according to the direction of
Rem Janssen and leave a suitable lot for the bakery and re
move the large house at our own expense," May 13.
Corner-stone of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church is laid by
Rutger Jacobsen, magistrate, Dominie Schaets officiating in
the presence of the civic authorities, its location being a little
to the west and up the incline of the hill, of the exact center
of intersection of Yonkers (State) and Handelaars or Market
(Broadway) streets, and the second religious edifice ever
erected at Fort Orange, is constructed like a block-house, with
loop-holes, on top are to be placed three small cannon, facing
the three roads, June 2.
Johannes de la Montagne appointed Vice-Director of Fort Orange,
Sept. 28.

1657.

Inhabitants of Beverswyck avail themselves of the privilege of
enrolling as great berghers or citizens (burghers recht) by
paying 50 guilders to the burgomaster, and thus were entitled
to hold office, and to exemption from confiscation of property and
attainder on conviction for a capital offence. Small burghers
paid 20 guilders and must be such as were native-born, had
resided in the place and kept fire and light therein one year
and six weeks, or had married a native-born daughter of a
burgher; these might engage in trade and could join guilds,
all according to the law passed at this date, Feb. 2.
Directors of the Dutch West India Company write from Amsterdam
to Director Stuyvesant regarding their interest in the comple
tion of the new Dutch Church at the foot of Yonkers (State)

DUTCH CHURCH.
The first congregation founded here was the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church,
1642, whpse first edifice was at Madison ave. and Church St., west of Fort Orange.
It removed to center of State st. and Broadway ; corner-stone June 2, 1656. A stone
building (picture) was made about the wooden one in 1715 ; removed 1806.

Founding. 51

1657-1658.

street: "In this vessel, Vergulde Meulen (Gilt Mill), is sent
a small kerk klockje (church bell) which had been solicited
by the inhabitants of Fort Orange and the village of Bevers
wyck for their newly-built little church. Whereas the twenty-
five beaver-skins which were brought here by Dirck Janssen
Croon were greatly damaged, which he intended to defray
from their sale the payment of a predickstoel (pulpit), and
by which misfortune this sum was not sufficient, so we listened
to his persuasion and advanced him seventy-five guilders pur
posely to inspire the congregation with more ardent zeal," April 7.
Several Mohawk sachems come to Fort Orange to request Vice-
Director La Montagne to aid them in the expected assault by
the Senecas. They desire horses to convey trees from the
woods, with which to make palisades, and also the promise
that in event of a conflict their squaws may find refuge at
Beverswyck. They also desire to borrow a cannon to be used
to summon their warriors from the forests in case of a sudden
battle with tomahawks, which mode of warfare would not
announce that a conflict was in progress, June.
The magistrates of Beverswyck reply that they have control over
no horses, but they could induce the inhabitants to rent them,
and would care for their women. Regarding the cannon, they
would address the Director-General at Manhattan, June.
Dominies Megapolensis and Drisius write to the classis of Amster
dam, Holland, that "the condition of the congregation there
(Fort Orange) is most gratifying; it grows stronger apace,
so as to be almost as strong as we are here at Manhattan," Aug. 5.
Dirk Ben Slick pays Francois Boon for his labor making the
predickstoel (pulpit) and hanging the bell in the Dutch Re
formed church at the foot of Yonkers (State) street, 32 florins,
Aug. 10.

1658.

Jeremias Van Rensselaer (the second son of Kiliaen) succeeds his
brother Jan Baptiste Van Rensselaer (who had come to America
in 165 1 ) as the Director of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck.
Beaver-skins numbering 37,640, and 300 otter-skins shipped from
the vicinity of Fort Orange during the year, December.

52 Founding.

1659.

1659.

The Mohawk nation fears an invasion of the French from Canada
and appeals to the Dutch at Fort Orange as follows : " The
Dutch call us brothers and declare that we and they are joined
together with chains, but that lasts only as long as we have
beavers; after that no attention is paid to us. * * * We
have heard of the coming of our enemies, the French. If we
drink too much liquor we cannot fight. We therefore desire
you not to sell any brandy to our people, but to put the bung
in our casks. * * * When we go away now, we shall
take away a considerable quantity of brandy, and after that
no more, for we will burn our kegs. * * * We desire
that the smiths should repair our things, even when our people
have no money, or let them have much or little wampum. *
*• * We ask that the gunmakers shall hurry making the guns
and not let us wait so long and lose time. When we come
from the country and the muskets are all repaired, we have
no powder. You must therefore give us some powder, and
when the enemy comes you must be willing to help us. You
are too timid. Send fifty or sixty men to assist us. * *
Look at the French and see what they do for their savages
when they are in distress. Do as they do and help us
repair our palisades. * * * Come to us with thirty men
and with horses to chop and carry wood to our stockades and
assist in repairing them. The Dutch can drag their wood-
sleds into the country," September 6.
The Dutch of Fort Orange, realizing the importance of retaining
the friendship of their Indian allies, present the Mohawks with
beaver-skin coats and the magistrates deem it a wise course
to distribute 50 guilders among the sachems, September.
It is determined that twenty-five men, among them Arendt Van
Curler, Philip Pietersen Schuyler, Jeremias Van Rensselaer,
Adriaen Gerritsen, Francois Boon and Volckert Jansen (Douw),
be delegated to go from Fort Orange and make a new treaty
with the Mohawks at Kaghnuwage, on Cayadutta creek where
it empties into the Mohawk (about 40 miles west of Albany)
while the savages are feeling agreeably disposed towards the
Dutch because of recent presents and their urgent need of
help from Fort Orange in their defense against the French,
September.

DUTCH CHURCH PULPIT.
It was shipped from Holland on April 7, 1657, on the Gilt Mill and was
placed in the church at foot of State st., Aug. 10, 1657. In 1906 it was in the
First Dutch Reformed Church on No. Pearl st.

Founding. 53

1659.

The twenty-five delegates from Fort Orange to the Mohawks at
Kaghnuwage present them with 15 axes, 11 boxes of wampum,
knives, 75 pounds of powder and 100 pounds of lead, and
while seated about the council-fire address them as follows :
" Brothers, we have come here only to renew our old friend
ship and brotherhood. You must tell it to your children. Ours
will know it for all time to come, and will be reminded of it
by the writings which we shall bequeath to them. We shall
die, but these will remain, and from them they will learn that
we have lived with our brothers in peace. Brothers, we could
not bring any cloth, for we could not get men to carry it.
Merchandise cannot buy friendship. Our heart has always been
good and still continues to be. If that is of no value to you,
then we come not to purchase friendship even if the land
were full of merchandise and beavers. * * * Brothers,
sixteen years have passed since you and the Dutch made the
first treaty of friendship and brotherhood that joined us together
with an iron chain. Since that time it has not been broken
either by us or by our brothers, and we have no fear that it
will be broken by either of us. We will, therefore, not speak
of it any more, but will always live as if we had one heart.
* * * Brothers, eighteen days ago you were with us and
made your proposals to your Dutch brothers. We did not
give you a definite answer then for we were expecting Chief
Stuyvesant and we promised to inform you when he should
have arrived. He is now sick and cannot come. What we
now say is ordered by Chief Stuyvesant, by all the other
chiefs, and by all the Dutch and their children. * * *
Brothers, we speak for this and all future time, in our own
behalf and in behalf of all the Dutch now in the country or
who may yet come, and in behalf of all the children, for we
cannot come here every day, as the roads are very bad for
traveling. Hereafter you must have no doubt of our remaining
always brothers. Whenever some tribe or any savages, who
ever they may be, come to incite you to war and say that the
Dutch intended to fight against you, do not regard them, do
not believe them, but tell them they lie. We shall say the
same of you if they tell the same of our brothers. We shall
not believe any prattlers, neither shall we fight against you,
nor will we leave you in distress if we are able to help you.
But we cannot compel our smiths and gunmakers to repair the
muskets of our brothers without pay, for the gunsmiths must

54 Founding.

1659.

earn food for their wives and children, who otherwise would
perish from hunger. If the smiths were to receive no wampum
for their work they would remove from our country, and then
we and our brothers would be much embarrassed. * * *
Brothers, eighteen days ago you requested us not to sell brandy
to your people and to bung our casks. Brothers, do not allow
your people to come to us for brandy and none shall be sold
them. Only two days ago we met twenty to thirty kegs on the
road all going to obtain brandy. Our chiefs are very angry
because the Dutch sell brandy to your people, and always forbid
our people to do it. Now forbid your people to buy brandy.
If you desire that we should take the brandy and the kegs
containing it from your people, say it before all these people,
and if we afterward do it you must not be angry. Brothers,
we now give you a present of powder and lead, which you
must not waste if you want to attack your enemies. Rightly
use it and divide it among your young men. Brothers, we
see that you are very busy cutting wood to build your fort.
You asked us for horses to haul wood, but horses cannot do
it, for the hills are too high and steep, and your Dutch brothers
cannot carry the wood because they have become too weak in
marching to this place, as you may perceive by looking at
them. * * * Inasmuch as our brothers sometimes break
their axes in cutting wood, we now present you with fifteen
axes. Brothers, as some of your people and some Mahicanders
and Sinnekus/sometimes kill our horses, cows, pigs and goats,
we ask our brothers to forbid their people to do it,"
September 24.
The Fort Orange delegates start on their return, and on reading a
letter just received from Vice-Director La Montagne, stating
that the River Indians were fighting the Dutch settlers at
Esopus, the Mohawk chief says to them that should the River
Indians apply to them for aid in waging warfare against the
Dutch, he will say to them, " Begone you beasts, you pigs ;
depart from us, we will have nothing to do with you,"
September 25.
The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck fearing an
attack by the River Indians, located about Esopus, Saugerties
and along the west shore of the river principally, commence
erecting an enormous stockade to comprise about the entire
settlement, October.

Founding. 55

1660.

1660.
Jacob Leyseler (Leisler, as commonly spelled later), a German of
Frankfort (by his own statement in writing, and who is to
occupy the most prominent role in the Province of New York,
particularly at Albany, in 1689), is sent over by the Dutch West
India Company from Amsterdam, in the ship Golden Otter,
too poor to pay 13.8 florins for his musket, and for a bed and
chest 3.10 florins, as well as being in debt to Hendrick Stend-
ericker for a ioan of 50 florins pledged on his soldier's pay,
as noted in an entry made on the books of the company, April.
The River Indians conclude a peace treaty with the Dutch at
Esopus, and thus terminates the warfare, the people of Fort
Orange becoming less timorous, July 15.
The enormous new stockade surrounding Rensselaerswyck and
Beverswyck, now completed, enclosing the area from Hudson
avenue northward along the river to a point about one hundred
feet north of the foot of Maiden Lane, to the northeast corner
of Broadway and Steuben street, to North Pearl street at a
place 192 feet north of Maiden Lane, to State street at about
the intersection of Lodge street, to South Pearl street at a
point near Beaver street, to a point on Green street 75 feet
north of Hudson avenue, to the corner of Broadway and
Hudson avenue, and thence to the river at the Fuyck kill's
mouth, all of which is to be paid for by a tax of 3 guilders
on each chimney, as agreed by ordinance this day, July 25.
Considerable trouble is experienced by the custom of Dutch fur
merchants sending out boschloopers (forest-runners) into the
woods as agents to buy up furs being brought to the settle
ments by the Indians, the runners often surrounding the owner
of a skin for sale and sometimes beat him into an unconscious
condition in the altercation over a barter between competitors.
The Indians complain as follows to Director Stuyvesant : " We
request that we may barter our beavers at pleasure and may
not be locked up by the Dutch, but may go with our beavers
where we please, without being beaten. When we are some
times in a trader's house and wish to go to another's to buy
goods which suit us, then we get a good beating, so that we
do not know where our eyes are. This conduct ought not to
continue ; each ought to be allowed to go where he pleases and
where the goods suit him best," August.

56 Founding.

1661-1662.

1661.
A movement is started by Arendt Van Curler to locate families
from Beverswyck on the Great Flat (Groote Vlachte, site of
Schenectady), provided he may be granted land by the Dutch
West India Company, believing secretly that they would be
the first ones to secure animal skins as they are being brought
to Fort Orange by the savages, May.
Director-General Stuyvesant grants the petition of Arendt Van
Curler and others to purchase land of the Mohawk Indians, to
found a settlement at site of Schenectady, June 23.
Arendt Van Curler and his friends at Fort Orange purchase the
land called Schonowe by the Mohawks, at site of Schenectady, July 27.

1662.

Three Frenchmen arrive at Beverswyck in famished condition,
having eaten only berries and bark for nine days after their
escape from a band of Mohawks and Oneidas, who had made
an attack upon an outpost near Montreal and killed 14 French
soldiers and 80 Indians, July.
Conferences held at Fort Orange between Director-General Stuy
vesant of New Amsterdam, two delegates sent by the governors
of Boston and Nova Scotia, and the Mohawk chiefs to inquire
why the latter had broken faith and allowed three hundred of
the tribe to foray about the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers,
killing cattle and burning barns. The promise is made not to
trespass on the English settlements, or go into Connecticut to
commit depredations there, as threatened, August.
The inhabitants of Rensselaerswyck and Beverswyck discover that
the new settlers on the Great Flat (Schenectady) are obtaining
all the furs that are daily brought from the westward by the
Indians, which greatly lessens the trade of those villages on
the Hudson, and forthwith formally petition Director-General
Stuyvesant at New Amsterdam to prohibit this procedure by
a law and penalty, that the trade may not be interrupted on
its course to Fort Orange.
Capt. Jacob Leisler, who had been sent over from Amsterdam by
the Dutch West India Company in April, 1660, on the Golden
Otter, marries Elsje Tymans, the daughter of Anneke Janse's
sister, Maritje, and widow of Pieter Cornelise Van der Veen.

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INDIAN LAND DEED.
Copied from the end of an original Indian deed for land near Albany, being purchase by Jeremias Van Rensselaer
of the island in the colony below the high hill Maneskesick, from Wappatoch (his mark the upright animal) signed
in presence of Aepie, May 31, 1663 ; also showing signatures of Arent van Curler and Dirck van Schelluyne.

Founding. 57

1663.

1663.
Dirk Van Schelluyne, notary public of Beverswyck, draws the will
for Anneke Janse (Bogardus), residing at the time in her
own home at the northeast corner of Yonkers (State) street
and Middle Lane (James street), she being sick in bed and
expecting to die, which is witnessed by Rutger Jacobsen and
Evert Janse Wendell. This will provides for the disposal of
her estate in New Amsterdam (New York city) which consists
of an enormous farm, reaching from Broadway to the Hudson
river and Warren to Christopher street (later to become the
property of Trinity Church and contested by innumerable
descendants), Jan. 29.
The West India Company's engineer, Jacques Corteljon, is directed
not to survey any land for those who would settle at the Groote
Vlachte (Schenectady) unless each tenant or purchaser signs
the following instrument : " We, the undersigned, proprietors
of land on the flat, * * * promise herewith that we will
have no dealings with the savages, whatever name they may
have, on the said flat or thereabouts, nor will we permit such
trade under any pretext whatsoever, neither directly nor in
directly, under the penalty that if we or any of us should
hereafter happen to forget this, our promise, we shall pay as
a fine, without any resistance whatever, the first time fifty
beavers, the second time one hundred, and the third time
forfeit the land allotted to and obtained by us on the aforesaid
flat. . This we confirm by our signatures at Fort Orange," January.
Arendt Van Curler and others who were to form a settlement at
the site of Schenectady object to abandoning the profitable fur
trade, since that had been their object in locating at the new
place, saying : " We bought the land with our own money
for the company (to be repaid at a convenient time), took
possession of it with much expense, erected buildings on it,
and stocked it with horses and cattle. If the proprietors are
to be treated in a different manner or with less consideration
than the other inhabitants, then all their labor has been unre
warded, and they are completely ruined. * * * Inasmuch
as the surveyor is now here, but has no order to survey the
land unless this pledge is signed, we request that the surveyor
be authorized to survey the land in order to prevent differences

58 Founding.

1663.

and disputes among us, else we shall be compelled to help
ourselves as best we can."
River Indians massacre 21 persons at Esopus, and make 42 prison
ers, June 7.
Stuyvesant sends orders to Beverswyck to take warning by the
Esopus massacre and adequately fortify the place, removing all
huts from near the fort by the river, June 12.
Stuyvesant requests that Beverswyck send to him four cannon,
needful in fortifying outlying settlements near Manhattan, 'and
suggests that some soldiers be sent to Esopus ; also, that the
Mohawks capture some of the River Indians in order that they
might be employed in an exchange for the Dutchmen captured
on the 7th at Esopus, June 15.
Stuyvesant sides with the inhabitants of Fort Orange, and orders
that no goods be forwarded to Schenectady and that the West
India Company's commissary proceed there with magistrates
to " take up the goods and merchandise already there," June 18.
Vice-Director La Montagne at Fort Orange writes to Stuyvesant
at New Amsterdam, that the removal of wooden dwellings from
near the fort would entail too severe a loss upon the inhabitants,
and as a consequence the Dutch West India Company would
have to indemnify them, June 23.
La Montagne writes that were he to send four cannon to New
Amsterdam there would be but two left in the fort as " Mr.
Rensselaer claims three of these pieces and demands them
immediately to place them in a little fort or fortification at
Greenbush that they have built there (Fort Crailo), and if your
honor takes four from those remaining not more than two
would be left us. It is true that there are still three light
pieces which the magistrates brought from Mr. Rensselaer's
place in 1656, and placed on the church," June 29.
The Dutch hold a colonial assembly (landts vergaderinge) at New
Amsterdam, with delegates from Breucklen, Bergen, Haarlem,
New Utrecht and other nearby places present; but none from
Rensselaerswyck or Beverswyck, it being too near the winter
for them to risk sailing down, with the object of complaining
about the many deplorable conditions to the Dutch West India
Company', and pointing out several promises made in 1629 in
the charter of privileges and exemptions, by maintaining their
individual rights to the lands settled upon, whereas the English
are secretly planning to overthrow these claims by obtaining
possession of the country under pretense of ownership under

FORT CRAILO.
This fortified residence (in good preservation in 1906) was built at Greenbush, by Hendrick Van Rensselaer previous
to 1663 (?) for Vice-Director Montagne speaks of such building in his letter of June 29, 1663. Signifies "The Crow."

Founding. 59

1663-1664.

the Cabot discoveries in North America in 1497, declaring:
" The English, to conceal their plans, now declare that there
is no proof, no legal instrument or patent from their high
mightinesses to substantiate and justify our rights and claims
to the possession of this province, and insinuate that by the
delay of their mightinesses to grant such patent, you seemingly
intended to place the people here on slippery ice, giving them
lands to which your honors had no right whatever; that this
is, indeed, the real cause of our being kept continually in a
labyrinth, and the reason why the well-intentioned English
settled under your government are at a loss how to perform
the obligations of their oaths. * * * There is no doubt
then, at least the apprehension is very strong, that we must
expect the loss of the whole of this province; or that it will
be circumscribed with such narrow limits that it will resemble
only a useless carcass, devoid of limbs and form, deprived of
all its internal parts, its head separated from its trunk, and
your remonstrants, consequently, so closely cooped up, if not
entirely crushed, that they at last will be compelled, to their
irreparable ruin, to abandon this country in despair, and become
outcasts with their families," Nov. 1.
Plague of smallpox at Fort Orange, with more than one death
daily in the small settlement (a large percentage), and it is
said that so many as a thousand Indians above New Amsterdam
had died of it, November.

1664.

King Charles II. heeds the counsel of those who, perceiving that
the Hudson River territory in America is yielding profitable
returns by its enormous fur trade with Holland, would assert
the right of previous discovery, and so to bring about the con
version of New Netherland to the English dominion he grants
New England, Long Island, the Hudson River and the land
west of Connecticut to the eastern bounds of Delaware Bay,
to his brother, James, Duke of York and Albany; allowing
him four men-of-war and 450 men under Col. Richard Nicolls,
to carry his plans of subjugation into effect, March 12.
A call is issued for a General Assembly of the Lords and Council
of New Netherland, to be held at New Amsterdam, March 19.
The court of Rensselaerswyck deputizes Director Jeremias Van

60 Founding.

1664.

Rensselaer and Secretary Dirck Van Schelluyne to attend the
General Assembly as the colony's representatives, April 3.
For the second time the General Assembly convenes, in the New
Amsterdam City Hall, because of the alarm that the English
are likely to possess the property of the Dutch of New Nether
land, the Fort Orange delegates to it being Messrs. Gerrit Van
Slechtenhorst and Jan Verbeck; those from Rensselaerswyck,
Dirck Van Schelluyne and Jeremias Van Rensselaer, and as
the latter colony was the oldest in New Netherland, the last-
named delegate is made president of the Assembly, April 10.
After a debate by the General Assembly as to methods to employ to
thwart the designs of the English and a recess of a week,
despatches are received from Holland that inform them that
on January 23rd of this year the Lords States-General had
reaffirmed the validity of the charter given on June 3, 1621,
by their high mightinesses to the West India Company, and
the company desires that they exterminate the Esopus Indians
and fight any incursion of the avaricious English, April.
Stuyvesant concludes that as the English outnumber the Dutch
six to one, it were best not to think of contending at arms
with them, and that regarding the Indians, the better part of
valor would be an amicable agreement, May 1.
Director-General Stuyvesant and the River Indians' chiefs sign a
peace treaty at Fort Amsterdam, May 16.
It is ordered by proclamation that the formation of a peace treaty
be celebrated throughout New Netherland, May 31.
A day of general thanksgiving because of the favorable outlook
for peace throughout New Netherland, June 4.
Indians, instigated by word sent from the English, kill nine cattle
on the Van Rensselaer farm in Greenbush, July 7.
Stuyvesant learns that the English fleet is on its way to New
Netherland, and writes to Vice-Director La Montagne and
Jeremias Van Rensselaer to warn the inhabitants of Fort
Orange and Rensselaerswyck, as well as to plead assistance to
protect Manhattan, which of necessity is prone to be the first
place of attack by men-of-war, as follows : " These few lines
only serve to communicate the information furnished to-day by
different persons concerning the English frigates that have so
long been spoken of. That they have already put to sea and
are manned and armed as was admitted and confirmed is
beyond a doubt, but their destination is still mere report as the
inclosed information implies, yet from the circumstances it
may be presumed without difficulty that they might indeed come

Founding. 6i

1664.

directly here to this river. We have thought it necessary to
give your honor and those of the colony of Rensselaerswyck
speedy notice and knowledge thereof, to the end that you and
we may be on our guard and prepare for all possible resistance,
and as it is apparent that this place may bear the first and the
severest shock, and if lost, little hope would remain for the
rest, we would therefore earnestly recommend you, with all
possible speed, according to the promise given at the General
Assembly, to furnish such assistance, especially powder and
lead, as circumstances may in any way permit, the sooner the
better, for the need is pressing. At the same time we would
recommend and pray you to negotiate a loan of five or six
thousand guilders in wampum for the honorable company, and
to send it down by the first opportunity to pay the laboring
people. The obligations, you may be assured, will be repaid
satisfactorily, either in negroes or other commodities, in case
the gracious God, as we hope and wish, will grant a favorable
result," July 8.
Indians burn the residence of Abraham Staats and himself, while
his wife and one negro are not to be found, July n.
A letter is sent to Pieter Stuyvesant by the magistrates, stating:
" We are in great trouble, peril and perplexity. Now in reply
to your honor's letter of the eighth of July, handed us this
day by Gerrit Virbeck, respecting what you have been pleased
to communicate to us concerning the frigates, we have scarcely
any doubt of the probability of their coming to attack us as
appears from the reports of the Indians and the declarations
made here to the court, according to the papers accompanying
this communication. Wherefore we request your honors to
aid us with your wise counsel. * * * Respecting the supply
of powder and lead which your honors have been pleased to
request, the Director and Council will be so good as to consider
that in this emergency we have the greatest need of what is
very scarce here," July n.
Affairs at Fort Orange are in the greatest uncertainty at this time,
and the inhabitants in mortal dread, not only of the approach
ing conflict with the English ; but discovering that the Indians
of the vicinity have been threatened with extinction unless
they murder and pillage at the Dutch settlements, a chief of the
River Indians coming up the Hudson to warn them in a spirit
of friendship, as follows : " Brothers, we will conceal nothing
from you since you have lived among us a very long time
and have had your wives and children among us, and you

62 Founding.

1664.

understand our language quite well. The English told and
commanded the savages to fight and kill the Maquaas and the
Dutch; and the English threatened, that if they did not do it,
to kill them. They further told that forty vessels are coming
from Europe to wage war and demand the surrender of the
country, and if we decline to surrender that they will kill us
to the last man, and then the English will fight against the
Dutch," July 12.
One of the four English frigates is seen off Sandy Hook entering
the bay, " July 26.
Three more English frigates enter the bay at Manhattan, join the
other, and all sail up the river, anchoring in Nyack Bay, July 27.
Stuyvesant writes of occurrences to the Fort Orange officials, add
ing : " Yesterday, being Thursday, three more arrived and
sailed up into Najack Bay, where they are still at anchor.
* * * Evidently it is to be inferred that they will endeavor
to reduce not only this capital but also the whole province
to obedience to England. The naval and military force from
old England is estimated at seventeen hundred; some say two
thousand men, in addition to the crowd daily expected from
New England. You can easily imagine in what a state of
embarrassment and anxiety we find ourselves without the hope
of any relief. Therefore this serves chiefly to warn your
honors and all friends particularly and mainly not to send
down any beavers nor peltries for fear of their falling into the
hands of the English. It is desired, and, indeed, it is most
necessary that your honors should assist us with some aid in
men and powder, in case any hope or means remain of trans
porting and bringing them here in season and safety," July 29.
Director-General Stuyvesant sails for Fort Orange to explain that
an amicable adjustment at this crisis is likely, as King Charles
II. of England was dealing with the people in Holland so as
" to bring all of his dominions under one form of government,
both in church and state," July 31.
Stuyvesant, who thought matters had quieted down before he
undertook to visit Fort Orange on the last day of July, ended
his visit at Fort Orange suddenly and sailed for New Amster
dam, because the people there had clamored that all business
was abandoned on the news that the English men-of-war had
reached Boston, and that they expected the Duke of York
and Albany to possess their city any day, and the Director
arrives back at Manhattan to assume the difficult task of con
tinuing the control of the place for the Dutch, Aug. 25.

Iwlffiffii *p r|ipvsD|i mi-iURtr

DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY CHARTER.
Charles II. of England made a present to his brother James, Duke of York and Albany, of
the land comprised now in State of New York: "Doe give and Graunt unto our dearest
Brother James, Duke of Yorke his heires and Assignes ALL that part, etc." Signed March
12, 1664. (Owned by N. Y. State Library. 24x30 in.)

Founding. 63

1664.

Col. Richard Nicolls, commander of the English fleet of King
Charles II., demands the surrender of New Amsterdam, Aug. 30.
Gen. Pieter Stuyvesant asserts the rights of the Dutch at Man
hattan and throughout New Netherland in an endeavor to per
suade Colonel Nicolls to depart, Sept. 1.
The Dutch and English commissioners seek an amicable adjust
ment, and draw up articles of surrender to the English, Sept. 6.
Director-General Pieter Stuyvesant, chief officer for the Dutch
West India Company of Holland in New Netherland (later
the Province and then the State of New York), that company
having a grant by which it had possession under the protection
of Holland, signs reluctantly the document of surrender to
the English. The articles of agreement read : " I. We con
sent that the States-General, or the West India Company, shall
freely injoy all farms and houses (except such as are in the
forts), and that within six months, they shall have free liberty
to transport all such arms and ammunition as now does belong
to them, or else they shall be paid for them. II. All publique
houses shall continue for the uses which they are for. III. All
people shall still continue free denizens, and shall injoy their
lands, goods, wheresoever they are within this country, and dis
pose of them as they please. IV. If any inhabitant have a mind
to remove himself, he shall have a year and six weeks from this
day to move himself, wife, children, servants, goods, and to
dispose of his lands here. V. If any officer of state, or pub
lique minister of state, have, a mind to go for England, they
shall be transported fraught free, in his Majesty's frigotts,
when these frigotts shall return thither. VI. It is consented
to, that any people may freely come from the Netherlands and
plant in this colony, and that Dutch vessels may freely come
hither, and any of the Dutch may freely return home, or send
any sort of merchandise home, in vessels of their own country.
VII. All ships from the Netherlands, or any other place and
goods therein, shall be received here, and sent hence, after the
manner which formerly they were before our coming hither,
for six months next ensuing. VIII. The Dutch here shall
injoy the liberty of their consciences in divine worship and
church discipline. IX. No Dutchman here, or Dutch ship here,
shall upon any occasion, be pressed to serve in war against any
nation whatsoever. X. That the townsmen of the Manhattans
shall not have any soldiers quartered upon them, without being

64 Founding.

1664.

satisfied and paid for them by their officers, and that at this
present, if the fort be not capable of lodging all the soldiers,
then the Burgomasters, by their officers, shall appoint some
houses capable to receive them. XI. The Dutch here shall
injoy their own customs concerning their inheritances. XII.
All publique writings and records, which concern the inherit
ances of any people, or the reglement of the church or poor,
or orphans, shall be carefully kept by those in whose hands
now they are, and such writings as particularly concern the
States-General, may at any time be sent to them. XIII. No
judgment that has passed any judicature here, shall be called
in question, but if any conceive that he hath not had justice
done him, if he apply himself to the States-General, the other
party shall be bound to answer for the supposed injury. XIV.
If any Dutch living here shall at any time desire to travaile
or traffique into England, or any place, or plantation, in obedi
ence to his Majesty of England, or with the Indians, he shall
have (upon his request to the Governor) a certificate that he is
a free denizen of this place, and liberty to do so. XV. If it do
appear, that there is a publique engagement of debt, by the town
of Manhatoes, and a way agreed on for the satisfying of that
engagement, it is agreed, that the same way proposed shall go
on, and that the engagement shall be satisfied. XVI. All in
ferior civil officers and magistrates shall continue as now they
are (if they please), till the customary time of new elections,
and then new ones to be chosen by themselves, provided that
such new chosen magistrates shall take the oath of allegiance
to His Majesty of England before they enter upon their office.
XVII. All differences of contracts and bargains made before
this day, by any in this country, shall be determined according
to the manner of the Dutch. XVIII. If it do appeare that the
West India Company of Amsterdam do really owe any
sums of money to any persons here, it is agreed that
recognition and other duties payable by ships going for the
Netherlands, be contiued for six months longer. XIX. The
officers, military and soldiers shall march out with their arms,
drums beating, and colours flying, and lighted matches; and
if any of them will plant, they shall have fifty acres of land
set out for them; if any of them will serve as servants, they
shall contiue with all safety, and become free denizens after
wards. XX. If, at any time hereafter, the King of Great
Britain and the States of the Netherland do agree that this
place and country be re-delivered into the hands of the said

Founding. 65

1664.

States, whensoever his Majestie will send his commands
to re-deliver it, it shall immediately be done. XXI. That
the town of Manhattans shall choose deputyes, and those
deputyes shall have free voyces in all publique affairs, as much
as any other deputyes. XXII. Those who have any property
in any houses in the fort of Aurania, shall (if they please)
slight the fortifications there, and then injoy all their houses as
all people do where there is no fort. XXIII. If there be any
soldiers that will go into Holland, and if the company of West
India in Amsterdam, or any private persons here will transport
them into Holland, then they shall have a safe passport from
Colonel Richard Nicolls, deputy governor under his Royal
Highness, and the other commissioners, to defend the ships
that shall transport such soldiers and all the goods in them,
from any surprizal or acts of hostility, to be done by any of His
Majesty's ships or subjects. That the copies of the King's
grant to his Royal Highness, and the copy of his Royal High-
ness's commission to Colonel Richard Nicolls, testified by two
commissioners more, and Mr. Winthrop, to be true copies, shall
be delivered to the Honourable Mr. Stuyvesant, the present
Governor, on Monday next, by eight of the clock in the morn
ing, at the Old Miln, and these articles consented to, and signed
by Colonel Richard Nicolls, deputy-governor to his Royal High
ness, and that within two hours after the fort and town called
New Amsterdam, upon the isle of Manhatoes, shall be delivered
into the hands of the said Colonel Richard Nicolls, by the ser
vice of such as shall be by him thereunto deputed, by his hand
and seal. John De Decker, Nich. Varleth, Sam. Mega
polensis, Cornelis Steenwyck, Jacques Cousseau, Oloffe.
S. Van Kortlandt, Robert Carr, Geo. Cartwright, John
Winthrop, Sam. Willys, John Pinchon, Thomas Clarke." Sept. 8.
Colonel Richard Nicolls, commander of the English fleet and repre
sentative of James, Duke of York and Albany, by grant of his
royal brother, King Charles II., assumes the office of Governor
of the new Province of New York, and re-christens the city of
New Amsterdam as New York and Fort Amsterdam as Fort
James, the Dutch relinquishing control of the fort and public
offices to the English this day, Sept. 8.
Johannes De Decker sails with all despatch from New Amsterdam
for Fort Orange, hoping to arouse the inhabitants there to
withstand the English should they next insist on turning the
fort over to their control, Sept. 8.

66 Founding.

1664.

Governor Nicolls sends Col. George Cartwright and Captains
Daniel Broadhead and John Manning, with a portion of the
militia, bearing a letter to the " magistrates and inhabitants of
ffort Aurania " (a Latin form of "orange," applied to Fort
Orange by the English), ordering a peaceful surrender in these
words : " These are to will and require you and every of you
to bee ayding and assisting to Col. George Cartwright in the
prosecution of his Majesty's interest against all such of what
nation soever as shall oppose the peaceable surrender and quiet.
possession of the ffort Aurania, and to obey him the said Col.
George Cartwright according to such instructions as I have
given him in case the Mohawks or other Indyans shall attempt
any thing against the lives, goods or chattells of those who are
now under the protection and obedience of his Majesty of Great
Britaine ; wherefore you nor any of you are to fayle as you will
answer the contrary at your utmost perills. Given under my
hand and seale att ffort James in New Yorke on Manhattans
Island, this tenth day of September, 1664. R. Nicolls." Sept. 10.
Vice-Director Johannes de la Montagne, for the Dutch West India
Company, surrenders Fort Orange, the fort itself and the settle
ment about it, to the English, as represented by Col. George
Cartwright, Sept. 24.
? ? ?

Hlban^.
EngUsb IRule
16 64.

The English being in absolute control of Fort Orange, Beverswyck
and Rensselaerswyck, the place is formally named Albany in
honor of James, Duke of York and Albany, brother of Charles
II. of England, Sept. 24.
Captain John Manning is placed in charge of Fort Albany (until
now known as Fort Orange) and Dirk van • Schelluyne made
clerk of the Albany court. Jeremias Van Rensselaer takes the
oath of allegiance to King Charles II., and is allowed to continue
the conduct of his Manor the same as before, provided that his
tenants also take the oath of allegiance and that within a year
from October 18th he will take out a patent under the king,
Sept. 25.

DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY.
The city was named in honor of James, Duke of York and Albany, when
the Dutch surrendered the place to the English, Sept. 24, 1664.

Founding. 67

1664-1665.

The Mohawks and Senecas make a treaty with Colonel Cartwright,
being given to understand that they are to enjoy the same bene
fits and rights as under the Dutch rule, October.
Johannes de la Montagne closes his term (since Sept. 28, 1656) as
vice-director at Fort Orange for the Dutch West India Com
pany, October.

1665.

Governor Nicolls comes to Albany, and while here relieves Captain
John Manning by placing Captain John Baker in charge of Fort
Albany, and he is made the schout (sheriff) of Albany, August.
Captain John Baker instructed, as commandant at Fort Albany, as
follows : " In matters capitall or treatyes with ye Indians you
are to sit in ye fort with ye shout and commissaryes as ye upper
court whereof you are to bee president and upon equall division
of voices to have the castinge & decisive voice. But in ye ordi
nary courts for civill affaires you have nothing to doe. You
are to keepe a faire correspondence with ye commissaryes and
towarde all ye inhabitants & endeavor to live as brothers to
gether, avoiding all occasion of publick controversy or falling
out. But if you have any greevance make it knowne calmly
without heate or passion to ye court. And if they do not give
redresse you are to remitt ye matter to mee as it was delivered
to ye court. Lett not your eares bee abused with private
storyes of ye Dutch being disaffected to ye English, for
generally wee can riot expect they love us. But when you have
any sufficient testimony against any Dutchman of words or
actions tending to ye breach of peace or scandalous defamcon
deliver, over the testimonyes to the comisaryes from whom I
expect justice shall bee done. You are to cause the guard
house to be repaired, as also other necessarye repaires to bee
made, with as little expence as is possible, knowing the narrow
ness of our present condition.. If it shall at any time happen
that ye Indyans committ any violence at or neare Albany, you
are to joyne in councell with ye comissaryes what is best to
bee done till my further directions can bee knowne." September.
Governor Nicolls, at New York city, licenses Jan Jurrianse Becker
to teach in the Dutch tongue, and appoints John Shutte to be
the first English school-teacher at Albany, giving the following
license: "Whereas the teaching of the English Tongue is
necessary in this Government ; I have, therefore, thought fitt to

68 Founding.

1665- 1666

give License to John Shutte to bee th ; English Schoolmaster at
Albany: And upon condition that the said John Shutte shall
not demand any more wages from each Schollar than is given
by the Dutch to their Dutch Schoolmasters. I have further
granted to the said John Shutte that hee shall bee the only
English Schoolmaster at Albany." Oct. 12.

1666.

Daniel de Remy de Courcelles leads 300 French militia and 200
Canadians to punish the Mohawks along the river of that name
and teach them to beware how they make any further raids into
Canada ; but when nearing Schenectady his party is ambuscaded
by the Mohawks, whose scouts had given timely warning, February.
Albanians, having just begun to realize a change of government to
the British realm from the Dutch, are surprised to learn that a
large body of French soldiers under De Courcelles is within
twenty miles of their city, and wonder whether they are to be
submitted to a rapacious conflict for territory to be added to
the French possessions, Feb. 19.
Three prominent citizens are delegated to go to Schenectady at once
and learn why De Courcelles had marched a French force into a
British dominion, and he explained, adding that he had not
heard about the change of government from Dutch to English.
He willingly agrees to return without delay to Canada, where
upon he is aided with provisions and some wine, Feb. 20.
The dispute as to whether Albany is in Rensselaerswyck or that place
in Albany, a matter of precedence in settlement and land grants,
continues, and becomes a mooted question now that there had
been a change of government for the village adjoining on the
south, Beverswyck or Fort Orange. Hence, Jeremias Van
Rensselaer seeks to discover the views held by Governor Nic
olls, writing an implication to the latter at New York that the
place Albany extended upon the Manor and that part was there
fore under the Rensselaerswyck court, Oct. 25.
Governor Nicolls tells Jeremias Van Rensselaer that he is in error
regarding the extent of the court of Rensselaerswyck's juris
diction, stating in a letter to him as follows : " By the date of
yr letter from Renzelaerwicke, in Albany, the 25th, I perceive

'%*«%,

¦^k

^m

a*s^3S^s^J

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE OF 1666.
The flood of 1665 carried away the house of Jeremias Van Rensselaer, about 150 ft. west of Fort Orange, and to avoid conflict
with Director-General Stuyvesant he built his Manor House two miles to the north, in 1666. It faced the east, just south of Tivoli
st., and when the Troy Road was straightened, after 1765, it had to be taken down.

Founding. 69

1666- 1669.

that you conclude the Towne of Albany to be part of Renzelaer-
wicke. I give you friendly advice not to grasp at too much
authority, and you may probably obtaine the post more to yr
profitt. * * * If you imagine there is pleasure in titles of
Government I wish that I could serve your appetite, for I have
found onely trouble. You seem to plead for a succession to yr
brother Baptista as of right belonging to you. * * * Sett
yr heart therefore at rest to be contented with the profitt not the
government of a Colony till we heare from His Royall High
ness." November.

1667.

The Staats residence erected at the south-east corner of Pearl and
Yonkers (State) streets,
Pleasanter relations established throughout the Province of New
York by the treaty of Breda made by the English, July 31.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer, second son of Jeremias, born at Rensse
laerswyck Manor, Oct. 23.

1668.

Sir Francis Lovelace succeeds Col. Richard Nicolls as the Governor
of New York, Aug. 28.
Ludovicus Cobes made clerk of the Albany court, September.

1669.

Rev. Jacobus Fabricius of Germany allowed to officiate for the
Lutherans throughout the entire province by Governor Love
lace, February.
Rev. Fabricius while enjoying his function of Lutheran pastor at
Albany, apparently infringes on the rights of the court, for after
he fined Helmer Otten 1,000 Rix dollars for being married to
Adriantze Arentz by a magistrate, Governor Lovelace heeds the
complaint of the magistrate and forthwith suspends him, April.
The Duke of Albany sends orders, having been appealed to, that the
Lutherans are to be given freest sort of tolerance at Albany, and

70 Founding.

1669-1672.

Governor Lovelace conveys this information in a letter to the
magistrates, as follows: " I have lately received Letters from
ye Duke wherein it is particularly signified unto me that his
Royall Highness doth approve of ye Toleration given to ye
Lutheran Church in these partes, I doe therefore Expect that
you live friendly & peaceably with those of that profession
giving them no disturbance in ye Exercis of their Religion as
they shall receive noe Countenance in, but on ye Contrary
strictly Answer any disturbance they shall presume to give unto
any of you in your divine Worship." Oct. 13.

1670.

Lieutenant Salisbury succeeds Captain Baker in the command of
the Fort Albany (formerly Fort Orange) garrison, July 13.
Gov. Francis Lovelace gives Robert Sanders of Albany letters-
patent to land (site of Lansingburg, N. Y.) called Tascamca-
tick> Sept. 1.
1671.
Heirs of Anneke Jans (Bogardus) under her will made at her home
(northeast corner of State and James streets), on Jan. 29, 1663.
convey much of the property left by her, known as the Duke's
Farm (the site of Trinity Church, New York city) to Lieut-
Governor Lovelace, March 9.
Rev. Jacobus Fabricius, the former Albany pastor, preaches his fare
well sermon to the Lutherans at New York city, and Rev. Ber-
nardus Arensius«is installed, Aug. 11.
Stephanus van Cortlandt and Gertrude Schuyler married in the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, Oct. 3.

1672.

King Charles II. of England declares war against the Dutch, and
thus is inaugurated a new disturbance in government at Albany,
March 17.
Philip Pietersen Schuyler, commandant of militia of Albany and
Schenectady, purchases a tract of land north of the Rensse-

STAATS HOUSE.
It was built in 1667 at s. e. cor. State and Pearl sts. ; was removed
in I887 to erect Albany County Bank. Mayor John Schuyler, Jun.,
lived in it and his son, Gen. Philip Schuyler, born here Nov. 11, 1733.
So. Pearl st. was widened and half the house cut away.

Founding. 71

1672- 1673.

laerswyck Manor from- Richard Van Rensselaer, who came to
America with his brother, Jan Baptist Van Rensselaer, in 1651,
. on the owner's return to Holland, which family estate is known
as "The Flatts." June 22.
Rev. Bernardus Arensius, the Lutheran minister at New York city,
is given a permit by Governor Lovelace to spend the winter at
Albany, as he contemplates erecting an edifice for his religious
society at the southwest corner of So. Pearl and Howard streets,
Oct. 18.

1673.

Rev. Nicholaus (also spelled Nicolaas) Van Rensselaer, the fourth
son of the Patroon, (becoming later a prominent figure in an
historic event at Albany) was educated in Holland as a minister
of the Dutch religion; but making a tour of England he con
tinued his studies there, and instead of taking a license from
the church classis in Holland was ordained a deacon, then a
priest, by Bishop Salisbury of the English Church, and offici
ates as chaplain of the Dutch embassy at London.
New York learns that a Dutch fleet, located at this time in the West
Indies, contemplates sailing northward, undoubtedly with the
intent of taking Fort James, New York city, from the English
control, May.
Lieutenant Salisbury, commandant of Fort Albany, ordered to report
with all speed for duty at Fort James, June.
Governor Lovelace, not fearing any attack and believing reports to
be greatly exaggerated, departs on a trip to New Haven, allow
ing most of the Albany soldiers to go back up the river, and
leaves Captain Manning in charge of Fort James, July.
A fieet of 23 Dutch vessels, carrying over 1,500 men, appears at
Sandy Hook, July 28.
The Dutch fleet sails into New York Bay, July 29.
Commodores Cornelis Evertsen and Jacob Binckes, commanders of
the Dutch fleet, peremptorily demand the surrender of Fort
James ; but Capt. John Manning cannot bring himself to reply
affirmatively. Thereupon the Dutch land Capt. Anthony Colve
with militia, who commence to storm Fort James. At sunset
the fort surrenders to the Dutch, July 29.
New York Province becomes once more New Netherland; New
York city becomes New Orange, and Fort James becomes Fort
William Hendrick, July 29.

72 Founding.

1673.

Capt. Anthony Colve is made Governor-General of New Netherland
by the Dutch commodores, supplanting the British official,
Governor Francis Lovelace, Aug. 2.
Lieutenant Salisbury surrenders Fort Albany to the Dutch, Aug. 5.
? ? ?

WUlemstabt. 2)utcb IRule.
1673.

Albany having been surrendered by the English becomes Willem
stadt under the Dutch rule, Aug. 5.
Willemstadt (Albany) delegates arrive at New York, their purpose
being to adjust their local government to the new conditions,
and they attend a council held by JDutch Commodores Tivertsen
and Binckes, the main points being that the inhabitants be
allowed to worship according to their .consciences, and the need
of a thousand florins to use in pacifying the Indians, Sept. 1.
The Dutch council at New Orange (New York city) formally orders
that the village of Beverswyck or Albany be called Willemstadt,
and Fort Albany (that had been Fort Orange) to be known as
Fort Nassau, September.
Lieut. Andries Draeyer commissioned to have charge of Fort Nassau
and also be the schout (sheriff) of Willemstadt and Rensse
laerswyck, by Governor Colve, Sept. 26.
Governor Colve appoints David Schuyler, Gerrit van Slechtenhorst,
Cornelis van Dyck and Pieter Bogardus schepens (magistrates)
for a term of one year, Oct. 6.
Governor Colve orders Martin Gerritsen, Pieter Vounen and Hen
drick van Nes to be schepens (magistrates) of Rensselaerswyck
" on the selection of Sr. Jeremias Van Rensselaer," who are not
to permit any sect save that of the Reformed Protestant Dutch
Church to hold gatherings in that place, October.
The Willemstadt court holds its sessions, as ordered by Governor
Colve, in the building at the northeast corner of Court (Broad
way) and Hudson (avenue) streets, November.
The Lutherans petition Governor Colve that they be allowed to wor
ship in Willemstadt, and have their own sexton to bury their
dead, and they are permitted to do so, provided they do so
"peaceably and quietly without giving any offense to the con
gregation of the Reformed Church."

SCHUYLER FLATTS.
Built in 1666, by Richard Van Rensselaer (east of Troy Road and four miles north of Albany) and
purchased by Philip Pietersen Schuyler (father of Mayor Pieter Schuyler) on June 22, 1672.

.N*

Founding. 73

1674.

1674.
Willemstadt becomes Albany once more upon the signing of the
treaty of Westminster, whereby the English and Dutch cease
their conflict and stipulate that all the " lands, islands, cities,
havens, castles and fortresses " that the Dutch had captured
from the English should revert to that nation, Feb. 19.
Sir Edmund Andros is commissioned at Windsor, Eng., the
Governor of the Province of New York, by James, Duke of
York and Albany, July 1.
Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer returns to Albany with a letter of
recommendation from the Duke of York to the newly appointed
Governor, Edmund Andros, to be placed in charge of a Dutch
church at New York or Albany, July.
James, Duke of York and Albany, refers a petition from the heirs
of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer to Governor Andros, in which that
family requests him to command the new English Governor to
recognize their claim, — that Albany was erected on their land,
theirs by virtue of several deeds to them from the Mohawks,
for land along the west bank of the Hudson River from Cohoes,
to " Beeren Island," a distance north and south of 24 miles, and
extending east and west also 24 miles, as added to by subse
quent purchases, the locality of Albany being practically in the
centre of the tract, July 23.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, son of the first Patroon and who had
charge of the Rensselaerswyck colony since 1658, dies, leaving
three sons, Johannes (dies unmarried), Kiliaen and Hendrick, Oct. 14.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer, the youngest of the three children (all
sons) of Jeremiah, second Patroon (being married to the grand
daughter of Anneke Janse and the father of four sons and five
daughters) inherits the Claverack patent, containing about
62,000 acres, also 1,500 acres out of the Manor proper, lying
opposite Albany and he erects there on the Greenbush river
bank a residence of brick, two stories and an attic, with a num
ber of- stone loop-holes, to serve as a fortified house against the
Indians, calling the same The Crailo.
Governor Andros gives a signed document to Rev. Bemardus Aren-
sius of the Lutheran Church that allows him to remove his
household to Albany and conduct services without any annoy
ance, Nov. 6.
? ? ?

74 Founding.

1674-1675.

Hlbann.
Etuiliab IRule.
1674.

Governor Colve, who had administered for the Dutch, turns over
the province to his English successor, Major Edmund Andros,
who had been commissioned Governor by James, Duke of York
and Albany, on July ist, under the treaty agreement of February
19th, to have the captured lands revert to the English, Nov. 10.
Governor Andros re-appoints the Willemstadt officers, magistrates,
clerk, etc., making hardly any change from the Dutch govern
ment, Nov. n.
Robert Livingston (born on Dec. 13, 1654) comes in the fall of
the year to America from Holland, whither his family had re
moved for political reasons.
Ensign Caesar Knapton is ordered to take Sergeant Thomas Sharpe
and eighteen men with him to Fort Nassau (formerly Fort
Orange and then Fort Albany) and formally receive its sur
render, November.

1675.

Governor Andros forms a Board of Indian Commissioners at Albany.
Robert Livingston, of Scotch parentage, and who arrived from Hol
land in the fall of 1674, buys a lot at the northwest corner of
Pearl and Yonkers (State) streets (where he resides until mov
ing to his manor some forty miles down the river and on the
east side) and is commissioned clerk of the Albany court, March.
Following the death of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (Oct. 14, 1674,
N. S.), his brother, Nicolaas, arrived and petitioned the
Governor and Council to be appointed Director of the colony
in his brother's place; but Jeremiah's widow (daughter of Olof
Stevense Van Cortlandt) objected. However, it was agreed
that he might be Director, but she act as treasurer, while her
brother act as book-keeper, setting aside 300 bushels of wheat,
one-half to the Director, one-fourth to the widow, one-fourth
to her brother.

Founding. . 75

1675.

Governor Andros comes to Albany and a new treaty is made with
the Mohawks, who swear fealty to the Duke of York and
Albany, August.
Robert Livingston assumes the duties of secretary of Albany, or
keeper of records for the commandant of the fort, who governs
the village (that later becomes Albany the city), Sept. 8.
Albanians alarmed at the news that the New England Indian tribes
under their celebrated chief, King Philip, had burned Spring
field, Deerfield, Hadley and Northfield, September.
Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer discovers that the orthodox Dutch
dominies do not recognize his ordination that took place in
England, for while in New York and invited to preach in
Dominie Nieuwenhuysen's (Newenhuysen) church, that person
absents himself from the service and Rev. Van Rensselaer is
forbidden by him to baptize, the next day calling on him to
explain, " I do not consider you to be a lawful minister." September.
Governor Andros and Council hear the case of Dominie Van Rens
selaer and Dominie Nieuwenhuysen, and the latter afraid to say
to the English Governor that ordination by the English form
was not lawful, first answers evasively by explaining his posi
tion by saying that although his opponent might have been or
dained by Rt. Rev. Earle, Bishop of Sarum, and have preached
to a Dutch congregation in England, he had no certificate from
a Reformed Church classis; but is graciously and most perti
nently given three days in which to bring in an " amended
answer," and does so, reasoning that any other course might
cause the revocation of his license to preach, September.
Because of the terror created at Albany by King Philip's Indian
raids, Governor Andros sends Capt. Anthony Brockholls and
some recruits to strengthen the garrison of Fort Albany
(formerly Fort Orange), October.
The Council orders that no lead or powder is to be sold to any
Indians except to the friendly Mohawks and Senecas, October.
Massachusetts Bay inhabitants hear a malicious rumor and accuse
Albanians of selling powder to King Philip's Indians, and ar
rests are made of suspects for spreading such report, November.
King Philip, commanding one thousand Indians, reported to be about
forty miles east of Albany, and the inhabitants greatly alarmed
because the river being frozen the savages might readily cross
and attack, December.
Messengers sent afoot to Governor Andros at New York for troops,
December.

76 Founding.

1676.

1676.
The river being frozen and impossible for Governor Andros to send
soldiers to Albany, Captain Brockholls employs Mohawk
Indians, sending them eastward into Massachusetts to attack
King Philip with his thousand savages as he proceeds towards
Albany, January.
Three hundred Mohawks arrive back at Albany, having attacked
King Philip's band, numbering over five hundred qf the
bloodiest savages, who had pillaged and burned western Massa
chusetts settlements, killing many of his band and bringing a
number of prisoners to Albany, February.
Upon the river ice passing out, Governor Andros goes to Albany
from New York, with soldiers aboard six sloops, February.
Governor Andros returns to New York, leaving Sergeant Sharpe in
command at Fort Albany (formerly Fort Orange, on the river
shore), and the Governor orders a new fort, to be constructed
at the head of Yonkers (State) street, overlooking the village
of Albany and serving to protect it from roving tribes coming
from the westward, each of the four bastions to hold six guns
(defining the position of if so that standing in the center of
State street, the northeast bastion was placed on the site of the
tower of the future St. Peter's Church, at northwest corner of
State and Lodge streets), the laborers commencing work upon
the fort at once, March.
The newly constructed fortification at the head of Yonkers (State)
street is named Fort Frederick, and Ensign Silvester Salisbury
placed in command, June.
Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer preaches in the Dutch Reformed
Church, and the regular pastor, Dominie Schaets, declares that
he preached an heretical doctrine, the declarations being of an
ambiguous nature, Aug. 13.
Dominie Schaets writes to the above effect to the consistory at New
York, August.
Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milburne come to Albany from New York,
and listen to Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer's preaching at the
Dutch Church. They interpret his words as of " dubious or
doubtful doctrine," and on their behest he is ordered to prison,
September.
Rev. N. Van Rensselaer is tried at the Albany court before Captain
Salisbury for heresy, Sept. 28.

FORT FREDERICK.
Gov Andros making inspection here in March, 1676, found Fort Orange (on Steamboat Square) in deplorable
condition ; ordered new one made in middle of State St., just west of Lodge St.; started in June, 1676; reconstructed
several times, bearing various names ; removed spring of 1784.

Founding. 77

1676-1678.

Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer appeals to the Governor and gives
bond of 1,500 guilders to prosecute appeal. A bond of 5,000
English pounds is required of Leisler and 1,000 pounds of Mil
burne; the former on failing to furnish bond is ordered under
arrest, September.
The Governor takes the court's papers for reconsideration and the
court having agreed that the two dominies be reconciled and
forgive one another, the Governor orders a reconciliation be
tween the parties in dispute, Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milburne
to pay all costs of trial as they had given rise to the matter, October.

1677.

The hostile Indians of New York had terrorized the country even
so far to the south as Chesapeake Bay and throughout Mary
land, finding it quite easy to go by canoes from Oneida to a
creek emptying into the Susquehanna River, and being expert
rifle shots their forage was dreaded by the white people. For
this reason New York undertakes to put a stop to the excur
sions, and welcomes Col. Henry Coursey and Philemon Lloyd,
delegates sent by Lieut. -Gov. Notley of Maryland, to make an
Indian treaty at Albany. The commission, aided by inter
preters, meets with the Indian chiefs in the Court-House, Aug. 3.
The Indians make a compact with the Maryland and Virginia dele
gates that the Mohawks, Onondagas, Oneidas, Cayugas and
Senecas will commit no more depredations in those provinces, Aug. 5.
Governor Andros deposes Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer as a minis
ter of the Dutch Reformed faith.

1678.

A whipping-post, pillory and stocks erected in the New England
fashion; the law of this time commands that burglars be
branded on the head for the first offence, but put to death for
a crime committed a third time.

78 Founding.

1678-1680.

Male inhabitants, between 16 and 60 years, except physicians, minis
ters, justices, school-masters and the like, required to enroll in
the provincial militia.
The day set apart for celebration of the birthday of King Charles II.
May 29.
Governor Andros ordered to issue a patent to Kiliaen Van Rensse
laer's heirs, granting possession of Rensselaerswyck but not of
Fort Orange (now Fort Albany) or land in the immediate
vicinity of that fort, and directing tenants of houses to pay the
Manor yearly two beaverskins for a large house, one skin for a
house of medium size and half a skin for a small residence, this
agreement to endure thirty-one years, after which the tenants
may agree upon terms of rental, June 7.
Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer, Director of the colony and brother
of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (who died Oct. 14, 1674), dies,
leaving Alida Schuyler his widow, but no children, and the
widow of his brother, on crutches, too infirm to conduct affairs
of Rensselaerswyck, November.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer's widow notifies her brother, Stephanus
Van Cortlandt, at New York, of the death of Dominie Nicolaas
Van Rensselaer, her brother-in-law, who had directed the affairs
of the colony for her, and urges him to come to Rensselaers
wyck to manage the colony ; but he does not accept her offer,
December.

1679.

Jeremiah Van Rensselaer's aged widow, urges his younger brother,
Richard, to come from Holland and assist her in the manage
ment of Rerisselaerswyck, January.

1680.

The Lutheran society purchases a lot on the west side of South
Pearl street, between Fludson and Beaver streets (site of the
City Building) from Capt. Abram Staats, March 28.
Jasper Dankers and Pieter Sluyter, two Labadist missionaries from
Friesland, Holland, visit Albany on their travels in America,
and make notes of what they behold, arriving here by boat this
day and spending about a fortnight as the guests of various
citizens, principally of Robert Sanders, April 21.

PATROON'S OFFICE.
The oldest house in Albany in 1906 was the office of Patroon Van Rensselaer, built shortly
after 1666, just south of the Manor House that stood west of the Troy Road, south of Tivoli St.
Here tenants paid taxes to the wealthy landlord.

Founding. 79

1680.

The missionaries visit Cohoes Falls on horseback, and are objects of
curiosity, April 23.
The Labadist missionaries call at the Van Rensselaer Manor House,
describing their visit in their diary as follows : " We went to
call upon a certain Madam Rentselaer, widow of Heer Rentse-
laer, son of the founder of the colony of Rentselaerswyck, com
prising twelve miles square from Fort Orange, that is, twenty-
four miles square in all. She is in possession of the place, and
administers it as Patronesse, until one Richard van Rentselaer,
residing at Amsterdam, shall arrive in this country, whom she
expected in the summer, when he would assume the manage
ment of it himself. This lady was polite, quite well-informed,
and of good life and disposition. * * * The breaking up
of the ice had once carried away her mansion, and everything
connected with it. * * * She treated us kindly. * * *
We went to look at several of her mills at work, which she
had there on an ever-running stream, grist-mills, saw-mills, and
others. One of the grist-mills can grind 120 schepels of meal in
twenty-four hours, that is five an hour. Returning to the house,
we politely took our leave. Her residence is about a quarter of
an hour from Albany up the river." April 27.
The missionaries, having listened to the preaching of Dominic
Schaets in the morning, enjoy a walk to the island south of the
city, where they view, still in existence at this time, the old
" Castle " or stone fort built by the French fur-traders in 1540,
some 70 years ere Henry Hudson sailed up the river of his
name, making the following record : " In the afternoon, we
took a walk to an island upon the end of which there is a fort
built, they say, by the Spaniards. That a fort has been there
is evident enough from the earth thrown up, but it is not to be
supposed that the Spaniards came so far inland to build forts,
when there are no monuments of them to be seen down on the
seacoasts, where, however, they have been, according to the
tradition of the Indians. This spot is but a short hour's dis
tance below Albany, on the west side of the river." April 28.
The Labadist missionaries explain the name " Fuyck," as applied
to Fort Orange, as follows : " Before we quit Albany, we must
say a word about the place. It was formerly named the Fuyck
by the Hollanders, who first settled there on account of two
rows of houses standing there, opposite to each other, which
being wide enough apart in the beginning, finally ran quite
together like a fuyck (an expanding net, narrowing at one
end) and therefore, they gave it this name, which, although

80 Founding.

1680-1681.

the place is built up, it still -bears with many, especially the
Dutch and Indians living about there. It is nearly square,
and lies against a hill, with several good streets, on which
there may be about eighty or ninety houses. Fort Orange,
constructed by the Dutch, lies below on the bank of the river,
and is set off with palisades, filled in with earth on the inside.
It is now abandoned by the English, who have built a similar
one back of the town, high up on the declivity of the hill, from
which it commands the place. From the other side of this
fort, the inhabitants have brought a spring of water, under
the fort and under the ground into the town, where they have
in several places fountains always of clear, fresh, cool water.
The town is surrounded by palisades, and has several gates
corresponding to the streets. It has a Dutch Reformed, and
a Lutheran church." May.
Robert Livingston granted permission by Governor Andros to pur
chase of the Mohegan Indians a tract on Roelof Jansen's kill,
emptying into the river south of the site of Hudson, N. Y.,
(although he does not complete the purchase for three years)
contemplating the erection of his own manorial estate, Nov. 12.
Newton's comet appears as an apparition to superstitious Albanians
in the southwestern sky, Dec. 9.
The comet makes its nearest approach to the sun, and many become
greatly alarmed at the sight, Dec. 18.

1681.

Albanians so horrified by Newton's comet that the magistrates write
to Capt. Anthony Brockholls, New York, who was acting as
deputy for Governor Andros while that official is on a trip
to England, as follows: "Wee doubt not but yow have seen
ye Dreadfull Cornett wh appeared in ye southwest, on ye 9th
of Decembr Last, about 2 a clock in ye afternoon, fair sunn-
shyne wether, a little above ye Sonn, wch takes its course more
Northerly, and was seen the Sunday night after, about Twy-
Light with a very fyery Tail or Streemer in ye West To ye
great astoneshment of all Spectators, & is now seen every Night
wt Clear wether. Undoubtedly God Threatens us wh Dread-
full Punishments if wee doe not Repent. Wee would have
Caused ye Dominie Proclaim a Day of fasting and humiliation
to-morrow to be kept on Weddensday ye 12 Jany in ye Town

Founding. 81

1681-1683.

of Albany & Dependencies — if we thought our Power & author
ity did extend so farr, and would have been well. Resented by
Yourself, for all Persons ought to humble Themselves in such
a Time, and Pray to God to Withdraw his Righteous Juge-
ments from us, as he did to Nineve. Therefore if you would
be pleased to grant your approbation wee would willingly cause
a day of fasting & humiliation to be kept, if it were monthly." Jan. i.
Governor Andros, having left Manhattan for Sandy Point (Hook)
on the 7th, he sails for a visit to England, Jan. 11.
Captain Brockholls replies, to the magistrates at Albany, stating his
suspicions and superstitions : " Wee haue seen the Cornett not
att the time you mention only in the Evening The Streame
being very large but know not its predicts or Events, and as
they Certainly threaten God's Vengence and Judgments and
are prmonitors to us Soe I Doubt not of yor and each of yor
performance of yr Duty by prayer &c. as becomes good Chris
tians Especially at this time." January.

1682.

At this time a beaver-skin bears the value of two pieces of eight, of
40 stivers each, a " piece of eight " being a Spanish dollar or 8
reals; thus, a man might make payment in a beaver-skin or
$1.60 in coin or wampum. According to this, when the in
habitants entered their names on the subscription book for the
annual support of a new pastor of the Dutch Church, Dominie
Dellius, the richest, headed by Pieter Schuyler, signing for 6
" pieces of eight," and the poorer for 3, they promise about $10
and $5 respectively.
Col. Thomas Dongan (born at Castletown, County Kildare, Ireland,
in 1634) is commissioned by James, Duke of York and Albany,
to be Governor of the Province of New York, September.

1683.

Robert Livingston marries Alida Schuyler, who in November, 1678,
was left a widow by the death of Rev. Nicolaas Van Rensselaer.
Robert Livingston secures deed from the Mohegan Indians to his
tract of about 2,000 acres of flats and 1,800 acres of woodland
about Roelof Jansen's kill (site of the city of Hudson and
Claverack, N. Y), July 12.

82 Founding.

1683.

Dominie Gideon Schaets having become aged and unable properly
to fulfill the duties of his office, the magistrates had requested
the classis of Amsterdam to send an assistant, and the Rev.
Godfriedus Dellius arrives to fill the post, promised a salary of
900 guilders, and expected to " edify " the people of Schenec
tady once in six weeks, Aug. 2.
Col. Thomas Dongan arrives at New York to be Governor of the
Province of New York, Aug. 25.
Following out the order of Governor Dongan, Albany and Rensse
laerswyck elect two delegates of the eighteen representatives
to attend the first General Assembly of the province the follow
ing month at Fort James, Sept. 13.
William Penn's agents make offers to the Indians for lands in New
York bordering the headwaters of the Susquehanna River,
which Governor Dongan learns about while at Albany and does
not favor, September.
The Albany magistrates write to Governor Dongan that an in
terpreter named Arnout Cornelissen Viele arrived from the
Indians of the central part of the province, called the Western
Indians, the night before, bearing the information which is
narrated in the letter, as follows: "Ye four nations vizt
Cajouges, Onondages, Oneydes & Maquase are upon there way
hither and may be expected here to-morrow. Wee are credibly
Inform' d of there willingness to dispose of ye Susquehanna
River, being verry glad to hear off Christians intending to come
and live there, it being much nearer them then this place and
much easier to get thither with there bever. The River being
navigable wt Canoes till hard by there Castles, soe yt if Wm
Penn buys said River, it will tend to ye utter Ruine off ye Bevr
trade, as ye Indians themselfs doe acknowledge and Conse
quently to ye great Prejudice off his Royall highnesse Revenues
and his whole Territoryes in general, all. which we doe humbly
offer to your honrs serious Considracon. Wee presume that
there hath not any thing Ever been mooved or agitated from
ye first settleing of these Parts, more Prejudiciall to his Royal
highnesse Interest, and ye Inhabitants of this his governt then
this businesse of ye Susquehanna River. The french its true
have endevoured to take away our trade by Peace mealls but
this will cutt it all off at once. The day after your honr de
parted, wee sent a draught of ye River and how near there
Castles lie to it, drawne by our Scert [Robert Livingston] as
near as ye Indians could deskribe." Sept. 24.

Founding.

1683-1684.

A conference is held in the Court-House between the magistrates
and Onondaga and Cayuga sachems, one of the chiefs saying:
" I have slept but little through the night though I constantly
tried, and think that the land cannot be sold without Corker's
order [referring to the Governor] for we transferred it to this
government four years ago. Therefore we shall do nothing in
the sale without Corlaer or his order or those who represent
him. That land belongs to us Cayugas and Onondagas alone ;
the other three nations namely, the Sinnekes, Oneydes, and
Maquaas have nothing to do with it. * * * We now convey
and transport it again and give it to the governor-general or
those who now represent him," Sept. 26.
The Albany magistrates are delighted with the successful issue of
the conference, finding it impossible to secure the ratification
of the agreement whereby New York Province secures hun
dreds of square miles of territory in the central and southern
part of the Province by giving the Indians two blankets, four
coats, two guns, three kettles, 50 pounds of lead, 25 pounds of
powder and some duffel-cloth, Sept. 26.
First General Assembly of New York, allowing the freeholders of
the Province a voice in the conduct of affairs, composed of 18
delegates, convenes in Fort James at New York city, Oct. 17.
The General Assembly passes the " Charter of Libertys and Privi
leges," and decides to hold sessions at least once in three
years, the delegates to be elected by freemen and the majority
to be decisive, Oct. 30.
The General Assembly passes a law to divide the Province into the
regular English shires or counties, and twelve, are formed,
viz. : Albany, Cornwall, Duchess's, Duke's, King's, New York,
Orange, Queen's, Richmond, Suffolk, Westchester, Ulster,

Nov. 1.

1684.

King Charles II. of England dies, and by James, Duke of York
and Albany, succeeding to the English throne as King James
II., the Province of New York becomes property of the English
realm, Feb. 6.
Death of Philip Pietersen Schuyler, who came to this country in
1650 and married that year Margritta Van Slechtenhorst, buy
ing the Flatts at Watervliet for his own family estate, March 9.

84 Founding.

1684-1686.

Burial of Ph. P. Schuyler in a vault of the Dutch Reformed Church
at the foot of Yonkers (State) street, March 11.
Governor Dongan grants a patent for the 2,000 acres of land beside
Roelof Jansen's kill that had been secured to Robert Livingston
by deed of July 12, 1683, from the Mohegan Indians, Nov. 4.
Pieter Schuyler appointed lieutenant of a troop of horse, and Jan
Jansen Bleecker and Johannes Wendell commissioned infantry
captains, Dec. 15.

1685.

Robert Livingston petitions Governor Dongan for license to buy
from the Mohegan Indians an additional tract of 300 acres
along Roelof Jansen's kill, claiming the first tract was not
satisfactory, this tract, called Tackhanick, behind Potthook
(Claverack), June 3.
Mohegan Indians deed 300 acres at Tackhanick (Claverack) to
Robert Livingston, Aug. 10.
Albany called the House of Peace by a Mohawk chief addressing
commissioners from Virginia and sachems of the Powhatan,
Pamunkey, Matapony and Chickahominy tribes assembled here
to renew an important treaty with the Mohawks, Senecas,
Cayugas, Onondagas and Oneidas, August.

1686.

Governor Dongan grants a charter to New York, making it a
city, (which, however, remains in force only until 1730), April 27.
Governor Dongan comes to Albany and is requested by the most
prominent men to issue a Charter by which the village may
have larger boundaries and change from a village to a city,
which form of government would allow a higher guarantee
of property titles than that of magistrates, May.
Governor Dongan considers issuance of a Charter to Albany and
what its provisions shall be, especially as to the boundaries. He
is also obliged to obtain relinquishment of the Van Rensselaer
claims to that land that the people would include within the
bounds, and his decision (as reported Feb. 22, 1687, to the

Founding. 85

1686.

privy coucil of King James) is as follows : " The Town of
Albany lyes within the Ranslaers Colony. And to say the
truth the Ranslaers had the right to it, for it was they settled
the place, and upon a petition of one of them to our present
King (James II.) about Albany the Petitioner was referred to
his Matys Council at Law, who upon perusal of the Ranslaers
Papers, made their return that it was their opinion that it did
belong to them. Upon which there was an order sent over to
Sir Edmund Andros that the Ranslaers should be put in pos
session of Albany, & that every house should pay some two
Beavers, some more, some less, according to their dimensions,
Pr annum, for thirty years & afterwards the Ranslaers to put
what rent upon them they could agree for. What reason Sir
Edmund Andros has given for not putting these orders into
execution I know not. The Ranslaers came & brought mee
the same orders which I thought not convenient to execute,
judgeing it not for his Matys Interest that the second Town of
the Government & which brings his Maty soe great a Revenue,
should bee in the hands of any particular men. The town of
itself is upon a barren sandy spot of Land, & the Inhabitants
live wholly upon Trade with the Indians. By the means of Mr.
James Graham, Judge [John] Palmer & Mr [Stephanus van]
Cortlandt that have great influence on that people, I got the
Ranslaers to release their pretence to the Town and sixteen
miles into the Country for Commons to the King, with liberty
to cut firewood within the Colony for one & twenty years.
After I had obtained this release of the Ranslaers I passed
the Patent for Albany, wherein was included the aforemen
tioned Pasture, to which the People apprehended they had so
good a right that they expressed themselves discontented at
my reserving a small spot of it for a garden for the use of
the Garrison. That the people of Albany has given mee seven
hundred pounds is untrue. I am but promised three hundred
pounds which is not near my Prquisits, viz. ten shillings for
every house & the like for every hundred acres patented by
mee." June.
Col. Pieter Schuyler and Robert Livingston, being apprised of the
Charter being in readiness, repair to New York to procure it,
July-
Albany made a city, Governor Thomas Dongan issuing a Charter
in the name of King James II. of England, signed by Dongan
on July 22, 1686.
? ? ?

Charter,

The citizens of Albany commissioned PieteriSchuyler and
Robert Livingston to go to New York city and receive the Charter,
from the hands of Gov. Thomas Dongan of the Province of New
York. He signed this important document on July 22, 1686, and
thereupon delivered it unto them. The original is on file in the
City Hall, in the custody of the City Clerk.

Himgatt Charter.

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Charter.

Thomas Dongan, lieutenant and governor of the province of New
York, and dependencies in America, under his most sacred
majesty James the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scot
land, France and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c, and
supreme lord and proprietor of the said province of New York
and its dependencies, to all persons to whom these presents shall
or may come, or in any wise concern, sendeth greeting :
WHEREAS the town of Albany is an ancient town within the
said province, and the inhabitants of the said town have held,
used and enjoyed, as well within the same as elsewhere within the said
province, divers and sundry rights, liberties, privileges, franchises,
free customs, preeminences, advantages, jurisdictions, emoluments,
and immunities, as well as by prescription, as by grants, confirmations
and proclamations, not only by divers governors and commanders-in-
chief in the said province, under his said majesty, but also of several
governors, generals and commanders-in-chief of the Nether-Dutch
Nation, whilst the same was or has been under their powers and
subjection. And whereas divers lands tenements and heredita
ments, jurisdictions, liberties, immunities and privileges have hereto
fore been given and granted to the inhabitants of the said town, some
times by the name of commissaries of the town of Beverwyck;
sometimes by the name of schepenen of Williamstadt ; and sometimes
by the name of justices of the peace for the town of Albany;
and by divers other names, as by their several grants, writings,
records and minutes amongst other things may more fully appear.
And whereas the inhabitants of the said town have erected, built,
and appropriated at their own proper cost and charges, several
public buildings, accommodations, and conveniences for the said
town, as also certain pieces or parcels of ground for the use of the
same, that is to say, the town-hall, or stadt-house, with the ground
thereunto belonging; the church or meeting place, with the ground
about the same; the burial place, adjoining to the palisades at the
southeast end of the town; the watch house and ground thereunto
belonging; a certain piece or parcel of land, commonly called or
known by the name of the Pasture, situate, lying and being to the
southward of the said town, near the place where the old fort stood
and extending along Hudson river, till it comes over against the
most northerly point of the island, commonly called Martin Gerit-

90 CHARTER.
^en's isjand, having to the east Hudson's river, to the south the
manor of Rensselaerwyck, to the west the highway leading to the
town, the Pasture, late in the tenure and occupation of Martin
Gerritsen, and the Pasture late in the tenure and occupation of
Casper Jacobse, to the north the several pastures late in the tenure
and occupation of Robert Sanders, Myndert Harmense, and Evert
Wendel, and the several gardens late in the tenures and occupation
of Dirk 'Wessels, Killian Aran Rensselaer and Abraham Staats, with
their and every of their appurtenances ; and also have established
and settled one Ferry from the said town to Greenbush, situate on
the other side of Hudson's river, for the accommodation and conve-
niency of passengers, the said citizens and travellers. And whereas
several the inhabitants of the town, do hold from and under his
most sacred majesty respectively, as well by several respective
patents, grants and conveyances, made and granted by the late
governors and commanders-in-chief of the said province, as other
wise, several and respective messuages, lands, tenements, and here
ditaments, in the town of Albany aforesaid, and that the said
inhabitants of the said town of Albany and their heirs and assigns
respectively, may hold, exercise, and enjoy, not only such and the
same liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, royalties, free customs,
jurisdictions and immunities, as they anciently have had, held, used
and enjoyed, but also such public buildings, accommodations, con
veniences, messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in the
said town of Albany, which as aforesaid, have been by the inhabit
ants erected and built, or which have as aforesaid been held, enjoyed,
granted, and conveyed unto them, or any of them respectively.
Know ye therefore, that I the said Thomas Dongan, by virtue of
the commission and authority unto me given, and power in me pre
siding, at the humble petition of the justices of the peace of the
said town of Albany, and for divers other good causes and con
siderations me thereunto moving, have given, granted, ratified and
confirmed, and by these presents, for and on behalf of his most
sacred majesty aforesaid, his heirs and successors, do give, grant,
ratify, and confirm unto the said inhabitants of the said town, here
inafter agreed to be called by the name or names of the Mayor,
Alderman, and Commonalty of the City of Albany, all and every
such and the same liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, royalties,
free customs, jurisdictions, and immunities, which they have
anciently had, held and enjoyed, provided always, that none of the
said liberties, privileges, franchises, rights, free customs, juris
dictions, or immunities, be inconsistent with, or repugnant to, the
laws of His Majesty's Kingdom of England, or other the laws of
the general assembly of this province ; and the aforesaid public

CHARTER. 91
buildings, accommodations and conveniences, pieces or parcels of
ground in the said town, that is to say, the said town hall or stadt
house, with the ground thereunto belonging; the said church or
meeting place, with the ground about the same ; the said burying
place, the watch house, and ground thereto belonging; the said
pasture and the aforementioned ferry, with their and every of their
rights, members, and appurtenances, together with all the profits,
benefits and advantages that shall of may accrue or arise at all
times hereafter, for anchorage or wharfage in the harbor, port or
wharf of the said city, with all and singular the rents, issues, profits,
gains and advantages which shall or may arise, grow or accrue by
the said town-hall or stadt-house, and the ground thereunto be
longing; church or meeting-place, with the ground about the same;
burying-place, watch-house, pasture, ferry, and other the above
mentioned premises, or any of them, and also all and every the
streets, lanes, highways and alleys, within the said city, for the
public use and service of the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty
of the said city, and of the inhabitants of the places adjacent, and
travellers there ; together with full power, licence and authority to
the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors for
ever, to establish, appoint, order, and direct the establishing, mak
ing, laying-out, ordering, amending, and repairing of all streets,
lanes, alleys, highways and bridges, water courses and ferries in
and throughout the said city, or leading to the same, necessary,
needful and convenient for the inhabitants of the said city, and the
parts adjacent, and for travellers there: Provided always, that the
said license, so as above granted for the establishing, making, and
laying out streets, lanes, alleys, highways, ferries and bridges, be
not extended or construed to extend, to the taking away of any
person or persons right or property, without his or their consent, or
by some known law of the said province. And for the consideration
aforesaid, I do likewise give, grant, ratify, and confirm unto all and
every the respective inhabitants of the said city of Albany, and
their several and respective heirs and assigns, all and every the
several respective messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments
situate, lying and being in the said city, to them severally and
respectively granted, conveyed, and confirmed by any the late
governors, lieutenants or commanders in chief of the said province,
or by the commissaries or justices of the peace, or other magistrates
of Albany aforesaid, or otherwise howsoever ; to hold to their several
and respective heirs and assigns forever.
And I do by these presents, give and grant to the said mayor,
aldermen, and commonalty of the said city of Albany, all the waste,
vacant, unpatented and unappropriated land, lying and being within

92 CHARTER.
the said city of Albany, and the precincts and liberties thereof, ex
tending and reaching to the low water mark, in, by, and through
all parts of the said city; together, with all rivers, rivulets, coves,
creeks, ponds, water courses, in the said city, not heretofore given
or granted, by any of the former governors, lieutenants, or com
manders-in-chief, under their, or some of their respective hands
and seals, or the seal of the province, to some respective person or
persons, late inhabitants of the said city, or of other parts of the
said province; and also the royalties of fishing, fowling, hunting,
hawking, mines, minerals, and other royalties and privileges, belong
ing or appertaining to the city of Albany (gold and silver mines
only excepted.)
And I do by these presents give, grant, and confirm unto the
said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany,
and their successors, forever, full and free licence and liberty of
fishing in Hudson's river, not only within the limits of the said
city, but without, even so far northward and southward, as the
river does extend itself, within the said county of Albany, together
with free liberty, license, and authority to and for the said mayor,
aldermen, and commonalty of the city of Albany aforesaid, and their
successors, at all time and times hereafter, for and during the space
of one and twenty years, from and after the fourth day of Novem
ber last past, to be accomplished and fully to be compleat and ended,
to cut down and carry away, out of any part of the manor of Rens
selaerwyck (provided it be not within any fenced or inclosed land)
such firewood and timber, for building and fencing, as to them shall
seem meet and convenient.
And I do by these presents, grant unto the said mayor, aldermen,
and commonalty of the city of Albany, and their successors for ever
hereafter; all such strays as shall be taken within the limits, pre
cincts, and bounds of the said city.
And I do by these presents, give and grant unto the said mayor,
aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany, and their suc
cessors, full liberty and license at their pleasure, to purchase from
the Indians, the quantity of five hundred acres of low or meadow
land, lying at a certain place, called or known by the name of
Schaahtecogue, which quantity of five hundred acres, shall, and
may be, in what part of Schaahtecogue, or the land adjacent, as
they the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty, of the city of
Albany, shall think most convenient.
And I do by these presents, give and grant unto the said mayor,
aldermen and commonalty, full power and license at their pleasure,
likewise to purchase from the Indians, the quantity of one thousand
acres of low or meadow land, lying at a certain place, called or
known by the name of Tionnondoroge, which quantity of one thou-

CHARTER. 93
sand acres of low or meadow land, shall, ( and may be in what part
of Tionnondoroge, or the land adjacent on both sides of the river,
as they the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city
of Albany, shall think most convenient; which said several parcels
of low or meadow land, I do hereby in behalf of his said majesty,
his heirs and successors give, grant and confirm unto the said
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany aforesaid,
to be and remain to the use and behoof of them, and their suc
cessors forever. To have and to hold, all and singular the premises,
to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of
Albany, and their successors forever, rendering and paying therefor
unto his most sacred majesty, his heirs, successors and assigns, or
to such officer or receiver, as shall be appointed to receive the same,
yearly, forever hereafter, the annual quit rent or acknowledgement
of one beaver skin, in Albany, on the five and twentieth day of
March, yearly forever.
And moreover, I will, and by these presents for his said majesty,
his heirs and successors, grant, appoint, and declare, that the said
city of Albany, and the compass, precincts, and limits thereof, and
the jurisdiction of the same, shall from henceforth extend and reach
itself, and shall and may be able to reach forth and extend itself, as
well in length. and in breadth, as in circuit, on the east by Hudson's
river, so far as low water mark ; to the south, by a line to be drawn
from the southermost end of the Pasture, at the north end of the
said island, called Martin Gerritsen's island, running back into the
woods, sixteen English miles due northwest, to a certain kill or
creek, called the Sandkill, on the north, to a line to be drawn from
the post that was set by Governor Stuyvesant, near Hudson's river,
running likewise northwest, sixteen English miles, and on the west
by a straight line, to be drawn from the points of the said south and
north lines; wfierefore by these presents, I do firmly enjoin and
command, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs, and suc
cessors that the aforesaid mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
city aforesaid, and their successors, shall, and may freely and quietly
have, hold, use, and enjoy the aforesaid liberties, authorities, juris
dictions, franchises, rights, royalties, privileges, advantages, exemp
tions, lands, tenements, hereditaments, and premises aforesaid, in
manner and form aforesaid, according to the tenure and effect of
the aforesaid grants, patents, customs, and these letters patents of
grant and confirmation, without the let, hindrance, or impediment,
of any of his majesty's governors, lieutenants, or other officers what
soever; and that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
city aforesaid, and their successors, or any of them, in the free use
and enjoyment of the premises, or any of them, by the lieutenants or
governors of his said majesty, his heirs, and successors, or by any
of them, shall not be hindred, molested, or in any wise disturbed.

94 CHARTER.
And also I do for and on behalf of his most sacred, majesty, his
heirs and successors, ordain and grant to the mayor, aldermen and
commonalty of the city of Albany, and their successors, by these
presents, that for the better government of the said city, liberties
and precincts thereof, there shall be forever hereafter, within the
said city, a mayor, recorder, town clerk, and six aldermen, and six
assistants, to be appointed, nominated, elected, chosen and sworn,
as hereinafter is particularly and respectively mentioned, who shall
be forever hereafter, called the mayor, aldermen and commonalty
of the city of Albany, and that there shall be forever, one chamber
lain or treasurer, one sheriff, one coroner, one clerk of the market,
one high constable, three sub-constables, and one marshal or ser
geant at mace, to be appointed, chosen, and sworn in manner herein
after mentioned.
And I do, by these presents, for and on the behalf of his most
sacred majesty, his heirs and successors,, ordain, declare, constitute,
grant and appoint, that the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist
ants of the said city of Albany, for the time being, and their suc
cessors, forever hereafter, be, and shall be, by force of these pres
ents, one body corporate and politic, in deed, fact, and name, by
the name of, the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, of the city of
Albany; and them by the name of, the mayor, aldermen and com
monalty of the city of Albany, one body corporate and politic, in
deed, fact, and name ; and I do really and fully create, ordain, make,
constitute, and confirm by these presents, and that by the name of,
the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany, they
may have perpetual succession, and that they, and their successors,
forever, by the name of, the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of
the city of Albany, be, and shall be, forever hereafter, persons able,
and in law capable, to have, get, receive, and possess lands, tene
ments, rents, liberties, jurisdictions, franchises, and hereditaments,
to them and their successors, in fee simple, or for term of life, lives
or years, or otherwise ; and also goods, chattels, and also other
things of what nature, quality, or kind soever; and also to give,
grant, let, set, and assign the said lands, tenements, hereditaments,
goods, and chattels, and to do and execute all other things in and
about the same, by the name aforesaid ; and also, that they be, and
forever shall be, persons able in law, capable to plead, and be im
pleaded, answer, and be answered unto, defend, and be defended,
in all or any of the courts of his said majesty, and other places
whatsoever, and before any judges, justices, and other person or
persons whatsoever, in all and all manner of actions, suits, com
plaints, demands, pleas, causes and matters whatsoever, of what
nature, kind or quality soever, in the same and the like manner and

CHARTER. 95
form as other people of this province, being persons able and in
law capable, may plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered
unto, defend and be defended, by any lawful ways or means whatso
ever ; and that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
said city of Albany, and their successors shall and may forever
hereafter, have one common seal to serve for the sealing of all and
singular their affairs and businesses, touching or concerning the
said corporation. And it shall and may be lawful to and for the
said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany,
and their successors, as they shall see cause, to break, change, alter
and new make their said common seal, and as often as to them
it shall seem convenient.
And further know ye, that I have assigned, named, ordained and
constituted, and by these presents, do assign, name ordain and
constitute Peter Schuyler, to be the present mayor of the said city
of Albany, and that the said Peter Schuyler, shall remain and con
tinue in the office of mayor there, until another fit person shall be
appointed and sworn in the said office, as in and by these presents,
is hereafter mentioned and directed. And I have assigned, named,
ordained and constituted, and by these presents do assign, name,
ordain and constitute, Isaac Swinton, to be the 'present recorder of
the said city, to do and execute all things, which unto the office of
recorder of the said city doth, or may any way appertain or belong.
And I have assigned, named, ordained and constituted, and by these
presents do ordain, constitute, create and declare, Robert Livingston,
town clerk of the said city ; to do and execute all things which unto
the office of town clerk, doth or may belong. And also I have
named, assigned, constituted and made, and by these presents do
assign, constitute and make Dirk Wessels, Jan Jans Bleecker, David
Schuyler, Johannis Wendel, Lavinus Van Schaick, arid Adrian
Garritse, citizens and inhabitants of the said city of Albany, to be
the present aldermen of said city. And also I have made, assigned,
named and constituted, and by these presents do make, assign,
name and constitute Joachim Staats, John Lansing, Isaac Verplank,
Lawrence Van Ale, Albert Ryckman, and Melgert Winantse, citi
zens and inhabitants of the said city, to be the present assistants of
the said city. Also I have assigned, chosen, named and constituted,
Jan Bleecker, citizen and inhabitant of the said city, to be the present
chamberlain or treasurer, of the city aforesaid. And I have as
signed, named, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do
assign, name, constitute and appoint, Richard Pretty, one of the said
citizens there, to be the present sheriff of the said city. And I have
assigned, named, constituted and appointed, and by these presents
do assign, name, constitute and appoint, James Parker, one other of
the said citizens, to be the present marshal of the said city.

96 CHARTER.
And I do, by these presents, grant to the said mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors,
that the mayor, recorder, aldermen, and assistants of the said city,
for the time being, or the mayor and any three or more of the
aldermen, and any three or more of the assistants, of the said city,
for the time being, be, and shall be called the common council of
the said city; and that they, or the greater part of them, shall or
may have full power and authority, by virtue of these presents, from
time to time, to call and hold common council, within the common
council house, or city hall of the said city; and there, as occasion
shall be, to make laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions in writ
ing; and to add, alter, diminish and reform them, from time to
time, as to them shall seem necessary and convenient, (not repug
nant to the prerogative of the King's majesty, his heirs or suc
cessors, or to any the laws of the kingdom of England, or other the
laws of the general assembly of the province of New York afore
said) for the good rule, oversight, correction and government of
the said city, and liberties of the same, and of all the officers
thereof, and of the several tradesmen, victuallers, artificers, and of
all other people and inhabitants of the city, liberties and precincts
aforesaid, and for the preservation of government, the Indian trade,
and all other commerce and dealing, and for disposal of all the
lands, tenements and hereditaments, goods and chattels of the said
corporation : which said laws, ordinances and constitutions, shall be
binding to all the inhabitants of the said city, liberties and precincts
aforesaid ; and which laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions, so
by them to be made as aforesaid, shall be and remain in force, for
the space of one year, and no longer, unless they shall be allowed
and confirmed by the governor and council, for the time being.
And further, I will and grant to the said common council of the
said city, for the time being, as often as they make, ordain and
establish such laws, orders, ordinances, and constitutions aforesaid,
shall or may make, ordain, limit, provide, set, impose, and tax
reasonable fines and amerciaments, against and upon all persons
offending against such laws, orders, ordinances and constitutions
as aforesaid, or any of them, to be inade, ordained and established
as aforesaid, and the same fines and amerciaments shall and may
require, demand, levy, take and receive, by warrants, under the
common seal, to and for the use and behoof of the mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city, and their successors, either by
distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the offenders therein,
if such goods and chattels may be found within the said city,
liberties and precincts thereof, rendering to such offender and
offenders the overplus, or by any other lawful ways or means what
soever.

CHARTER. 97
And 1 do by these presents, for the King's majesty, his heirs and
successors, approve and ordain the assigning, naming and appoint
ment of the mayor and sheriff of the said city, that it shall be as
follows, viz: upon the feast day of St. Michael, the arch angel,
yearly, the lieutenant governor or commander in chief, for the time
being, by and with the advice of his council, shall nominate and
appoint such a person as he shall think fit, to be mayor of the said
city, for the year next ensuing; and one other person of sufficient
ability in estate, and capacity in understanding, to be sheriff of the
said city of Albany, for the year next ensuing ; and that such person
as shall be assigned, named and appointed mayor, and such person
as shall be assigned, named and appointed sheriff of the said city
as aforesaid, shall on the 14th day of October, then next following,
in the city-hall or stadt-house aforesaid, take the several
and respective corporal oaths aforesaid before the recorder,
aldermen and assistants or any three of the aldermen and
four of the assistants of the said city, for the time being,
for the due execution of their respective offices as aforesaid;
and that the said mayor and sheriff, so to be nominated and ap
pointed as aforesaid, shall remain and continue in their respective
offices, until another fit person shall be nominated, appointed and
sworn in the place of mayor, and one other person shall be nomi
nated, appointed and sworn in the place of sheriff of the said city,
in manner aforesaid: which oaths the said recorder, aldermen and
assistants, or any three or more of the aldermen, shall and may law
fully administer, and have hereby power to administer to the said
Mayor and the said sheriff, so nominated and appointed, from time
to time, accordingly.
And further, that according to usage and custom, the recorder
and town clerk of the said city, shall be persons of good capacity and
understanding, such as his most sacred majesty, his heirs and suc
cessors, shall in the said respective offices of recorder and town
clerk respectively appoint and commissionate ; and for defect of such
appointment, , and commissionating, by his most sacred majesty as
aforesaid, his heirs and successors, to be such persons as the said
governor, lieutenant or commander in chief of the said province, for
the time being shall appoint or commissionate; which persons so
commissionated to the said office of recorder and office of town clerk
respectively, shall have, hold and enjoy the said offices respectively,
according to the tenor and effect of the said respective commissions,
and not otherwise.
And further, I will, that the recorder, town clerk, aldermen, assist
ants, chamberlain, high constables, petty-constables, and all other
officers of the said city, before they, or any of them shall be admitted
to enter upon and execute their respective offices, shall be sworn

9° CHARTER.
faithfully to execute the same, before the mayor, or any three or
more of the aldermen, for the time being. And 1 do, by these
presents, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and suc
cessors, grant, and give power and authority to the mayor and re
corder of the said city, for the time being to administer the same
respective oaths to them accordingly.
And further, I will, and by these presents, do grant for and on
behalf of his most sacred majesty, his heirs and successors, that the
mayor, aldermen and recorder of the said city, for the time being,
shall be justices and keepers of the peace of his said majesty, his
heirs and successors, and justices to hear and determine matters and
causes within the said city, liberties and precincts thereof; and that
they or any three or more of them, shall and may forever hereafter
have power and authority, by virtue of these presents, to hear and
determine all and all manner of petty larcenies, riots, routs, oppres
sions, extortions, and all other trespasses and offences whatsoever
within the said city of Albany, and the limits, precincts, and liberties
thereof, from time to time, arising and happening, and which shall
arise or happen, and any ways belong to the office of justices of the
peace, and correction and punishment of the offences aforesaid, and
every of them, according to the laws of England, and the laws of
the said province; and to do and execute all other things in the
said city, liberties and precincts aforesaid, so fully and in as ample
manner as to the commissioners assigned, and to be assigned for the
keeping of the peace in the said city and county of Albany, doth or
may belong.
And moreover, I do, by these presents, for his majesty, his heirs
and successors, will and appoint that the aldermen and assistants,
within the said city, be yearly chosen on the feast day of St. Michael
the arch angel, for ever, viz: Two aldermen and two assistants for
each respective ward, in such public place in the said respective
wards, as the aldermen for the time being, for each ward, shall
direct and appoint, and that by the majority of voices of the in
habitants of each ward; and that the chamberlain shall be yearly
chosen, on the said feast day, in the city hall of the said city, by
the said mayor, aldermen and assistants of the said city, or by the
mayor or three or more of the aldermen, and three or more of the
assistants of the said city, for the time being. And I do, by these
presents, constitute and appoint Robert Livingston to be the present
town clerk, clerk of the peace, and clerk of the court of pleas, to be
holden before the mayor, recorder and aldermen within the said
city, and the liberties and precincts thereof.
And further, I do by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs
and successors, require and straitly charge and command, that the
sheriff, town clerk, clerk of the peace, high constable, petty con-

CHARTER. 99
stables, and all other subordinate officers in the said city, for the
time being, and every of them respectively, jointly and severally, as
causes shall require, shall attend upon the said mayor, recorder, and
aldermen of the said city, for the time being, and every or any of
them, according to the duty of their respective place, in and about
the executing of such the commands, precepts, warrants and process
of them, and every of them, as belongeth and appertaineth to be
done or executed.
And that the aforesaid mayor, recorder, and aldermen, and every
of them, as justices of the peace, and for the time being, by their
or any of their warrants, all and every person or persons, for high
treason or petty treason, or for suspicion thereof, and for other
felonies whatsoever, and all malefactors and disturbers of the peace.
and other offenders for any other misdemeanors, who shall be ap
prehended within the said city or liberties thereof, or without the
same in any part within the said county, shall and may send and
commit, or cause to be sent and committed to the common gaol of
the said city, there to remain and be kept in safe custody by the
keeper of the said gaol, or his deputy for the time being, until such
offender and offenders shall be lawfully delivered thence.
And I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs and
successors, charge and require the keeper and keepers of the said
gaol for the time being, and his and their deputy and deputies, to
receive and take into safe custody, to keep all and singular such
person and persons so apprehended, or to be apprehended, sent and
committed unto the said gaol, by warrant of the said justices, or
any of them as aforesaid, until he or they so sent and committed to
the said gaol, shall from thence be delivered by due course of law.
And further, I grant and confirm, for his said majesty, his heirs
and successors, that the said mayor of the said city for the time
being, and no other, shall have power and authority to give and
grant licenses annually, under the public seal of the said city, to all
tavern keepers, inn keepers, ordinary keepers, victuallers, and all
public sellers of wine, strong waters, cider, beer, or any sort of
liquors by retail within the city aforesaid, or the liberties and pre
cincts thereof, or without the same in any part of the said county ;
and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said mayor of the
said city, for the time being, to ask, demand, and receive for each
license by him to be given and granted as aforesaid, such sum or
sums of money, as he and the person to whom such license shall be
given or granted, shall agree for, not exceeding the sum of thirtv
shillings, current money of this country, for each license ; all which
money, as by the said mayor, shall be so received, shall be used and
applied to the public use of the said mayor, aldermen and common
alty of the said city of Albany, without any account thereof to be

100 CHARTER.
rendered, made or done to his said majesty, his heirs, successors or
assigns, or any of his lieutenants, or governors of the said province,
for the time being, or any of their deputies.
And further, I do grant for his said majesty, his heirs and suc
cessors, that the said mayor of the said city, for the said city, for
the time being, and no other, be, and forever shall be clerk of the
market within the city aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts,
thereof ; and that he and no other, shall and may forever do, execute
and perform all and singular acts, deeds and things whatsoever, be
longing to the office of clerk of the market within the city aforesaid,
and the liberties and precincts thereof, to be done, executed, and
performed. And that the said mayor of the said city for the. time
being, and no other person or persons, shall or may have assize or
assay of bread, wine, beer and wood, and other things to the office
of clerk of the market belonging or concerning, as well in the pres
ence as in the absence of his said majesty, his heirs, and successors.
or his or'their lieutenants or governors here. Also, I will and grant
for his said majesty, his heirs and successors, unto the mayor, alder
men and commonalty of the said city for the time being, and their
successors forever, that the mayor of the city aforesaid, for the time
being, during the time that he shall remain in the said office of
mayor, and no other, be, or shall be coroner of his said majesty, his
heirs and successors, as well within the city aforesaid, and the liber
ties and precincts thereof, as without the same, within the limits or
bounds of the said county: and that he, and no other, shall do or
cause to be done and executed, within the said city, limits and pre
cincts thereof, or without the same, within the limits and bounds of
the county, all and singular matters and things to the said office of
coroner belonging, there to be done. And that the said mayor of
the said city for the time being, shall take his corporal oath before
the recorder, or any three or more of the aldermen of the said city,
well and duly to execute the said office of clerk of the market and
coroner of the said city and county, before he take upon him the
execution of either of the said offices.
And also, I do by these presents, grant unto the mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, that if any of the citi
zens of the said city, or inhabitants within the liberties and pre
cincts thereof, that shall after be elected, nominated and chosen to
the office of mayor, aldermen, assistants, sheriff or chamberlain of
the said city as aforesaid, and have notice of his or their election,
shall refuse to deny to take upon him or them to execute that office,
to which they shall be so chosen or nominated; that then, and so
often it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, recorder, aldermen
and assistants of the said city, for the time being, or the mayor, or

GOVERNOR THOMAS DONGAN.
Col. Thomas Dongan, born at Castletown, Ire., 1634, became Governor of
the Province of New York Aug. 25, 1683, and served until succeeded by Sir
Edmund Andros on Aug. 11, 1688. He granted the Charter to Albany on July
22, 1686. Died at London, Dec. 14, 1715.

CHARTER. 101
any three of the aldermen, and three or more of the assistants of the
said city for the time being, to tax, assess, and impose upon such
person or persons so refusing or denying, such reasonable or moder
ate fines and sum of money as to their discretion shall be thought
most fit so as the said fine, penalty, or sum, for refusing or denying
to hold and execute the office of mayor of the said city, do not ex
ceed the sum of twenty pounds, current money of this country ; and
the fine for refusing or denying to hold and execute the place of an
alderman do not exceed the sum of ten pounds, like current money :
and the fine for denying or refusing to hold and execute the place
of chamberlain, assistant or sheriff, the sum of five pounds, like cur
rent money.
And I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, his heirs and
successors, authorize the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assistants
of the said city for the time being, and the mayor, and three or
more of the aldermen, and three or more of the assistants there for
the time being, to frustrate and make void the election of such per
son or persons so refusing or denying as aforesaid ; and then, and
in such cases, any other fit and able person and persons, citizen and
citizens, of the said city, or inhabiting within the liberties and pre
cincts thereof, in convenient times, to elect anew in manner afore
said, directed and prescribed to execute such office and offices so
denied or refused to be executed as aforesaid; and that if it shall
happen that such person or persons so to be elected anew, shall
refuse or deny to take upon him or them any of the said office or
offices unto which he or they shall be chosen and elected as afore
said ; then and in such case, the mayor, recorder, aldermen and assist
ants of the said city for the time being, or the said mayor, or three
or more of the said aldermen, and three or more of the assistants of
the said city for the time being, shall or may set, and impose upon
them so denying or refusing, such and the like moderate fines as is
before set down in the like cases to the respective offices, with such
limitations as aforesaid ; and also in such and the like manner as
aforesaid, to continue and make void such election and elections, and
make new elections as often as need shall be and require ; all which
said fines so set and imposed, I do, by these presents, for and on
behalf of his said majesty, his heirs, successor and assigns, grant to
be, and shall be and remain, and belong unto, and shall be put into
the possession and seizen of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty for
the time being, and their successors, to be levied and taken by war
rant under the common seal, and by distress and sale of the goods
and chattels of the several persons so refusing or denying as afore
said, if such goods and chattels may be found within the said city,
liberties and precincts thereof, rendering to the parties the overplus,

102 CHARTER.
or by any other ways or lawful means whatsoever, to the only use
of the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of
Albany, and their successors, without any account to be rendered,
made or done to the said king's majesty, his heirs successors, or
assigns for the same.
And know ye, that for the better government of the said city, and
for the welfare of the citizens, tradesmen and inhabitants thereof, I
do by these presents, for his said majesty his heirs and successors,
give and grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the
said city, and their successors, that the mayor, recorder and alder
men, or the mayor or any three or more of the aldermen, for the
time being, shall, from time to time and all times hereafter, have full
power and authority, under the common seal, to make free citizens
of the said city and liberties thereof; and no person or persons
whatsoever, other than such free citizens, shall hereafter use any
art, trade, mystery or manual occupation within the said city,
liberties, and precincts thereof, saving in the times of
fairs there to be kept, and during the continuance of such fairs
only. And in case any person or persons whatsoever, not being
free citizens, shall hereafter use or exercise any part, trade, mystery
or manual occupation or shall by himself, themselves or others, sell
or expose to sale any manner of merchandize or wares whatsoever
by retail, in any house, shop or place, or standing within the said
city, or the liberties or precincts thereof, no fair being then kept
in the said city, and shall persist therein, after warning to him or
them given or left, by the appointment of the mayor of the said
city, for the time being, at the place or places where such person or
persons shall so use and exercise any art, trade, mystery or manual
occupation, or shall sell or expose to sale any wares or merchandizes
as aforesaid, by retail; then it shall be lawful for the mayor of the
said city, for the time being, to cause such shop windows to be shut,
and also to impose such reasonable fine for such offence, not exceed
ing twenty shillings, for every respective offence; and the same fines
so imposed, to levy and take, by warrant under the common seal of
the said city, for the time being, by distress and sale of the goods
and chattels, of the person or persons so offending in the premises,
found within the liberties and precincts of the said city, rendering
to the parties the overplus, or by any other lawful ways or means
whatsoever, to the only use of the said mayor, aldermen and com
monalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors, without any
account to be rendered, made or done to his majesty, his heirs and
successors or to his or their lieutenants, governors, or commanders
in chief for the same. Provided always, that no person or persons,
shall be made free as aforesaid, but such as are his majesty's natural

CHARTER. 103
born subjects, or such as shall be first naturalized by act of general
assembly, or have obtained letters of denization, under the hand of
the lieutenant, or governor, or commander-in-chief for the time
being, and the seal of said province ; and that all persons to be made
free as aforesaid, shall and do pay for the public use of the said
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city, such sums of
money, as such person or persons, so to be made free, shall re
spectively agree for, not exceeding the sum of three pounds twelve
shillings, for the admission of each merchant or trader ; and the sum
of six and thirty shillings, for the admission of each handicraft or
tradesmen. And whereas, amongst other the rights, privileges, preheminences
and advantages, which the citizens and freemen of the said city of
Albany, and their predecessors, have for many years last past held,
used and enjoyed, the privileges, preheminences, and advantages of
having within their own wall, the sole management of the trade
with all the Indians living within and to the eastward, northward
and westward of the said county of Albany, within the compass of
his said majesty's dominion here, which hath been from time to time,
confirmed to them, and their said predecessors, as well by prescrip
tion, as by divers and sundry grants, orders, confirmations and
proclamations, granted, ordered, confirmed, and issued forth, not
only by and from divers governors, and commanders in chief in the
said province, since the same hath been under his said majesty's
dominion, but also of several governors, generals, and commanders
in chief of the Nether-Dutch nation, whilst the same was, or has
been under their power and subjection, which has always been found
by experience, to be of great advantage, not only to the said city in
particular, but to the whole province in general; and that by the
care, caution and inspection of the magistrates, of the said city, to
the well and orderly management and keeping the trade with the
Indians within their wallsi it hath returned vastly to the advance
ment of trade and the increase of his majesty's revenue, and been
the sole means, not only of preserving this province in peace and
quiet, whilst the neighboring colonies were imbrued in blood and
war ; but also of putting an end to the miseries those colonies labored
under from the. insulting cruelty of the Northern Indians. Whereas
on the other hand, it has been no less evident, that whenever there
has been any slackness or remissness in the regulation and keeping
the Indian trade within the walls of the said city, occasioned by the
incroachment of some persons trading with the Indians, in places
remote, some clandestinely, others upon pretence of hunting passes,
and the like, the trade not only of the said city, but of the whole
province has apparently decreased, the king's revenue has been much
impaired, and not only so, but this government has lost much of the

IO4 CHARTER.
reputation and management amongst the Indians, which it other
wise had and enjoyed; wherefore, for and on behalf of his said
majesty, his heirs and successors, I have given, granted, ratified and
confirmed, and by these presents, do give, grant, ratify and confirm
unto the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of
Albany, and their successors forever, the right, privilege, prehemi-
neuce and advantage of the sole and only management of the trade
with the Indians, as well within this whole county, as without the
same, to the eastward, northward and westward thereof, so far as
his majesty's dominion here does or may extend, to be managed and
transacted only by the freemen, being actual inhabitants within the
said city and within the now walls or stockadoes thereof, and not
elsewhere. And I do hereby, for his said majesty, his heirs and
successors, absolutely forbid and prohibit all and every the inhabit
ants of the said province of New York, (the inhabitants of the said
city of Albany, only excepted) to trade or traffic with any of the
five nations of Indians, called the Senekas, Cayonges, Onnondages,
Oneydes, and Maqueas, who live to the westward, or with any other
Indian or Indians whatsoever, within the county of Albany, or to
the eastward, northward or westward thereof, so far as his said
majesty's dominions here, do or may extend, or to have or keep in
their houses or elsewhere^, any Indian goods or merchandize, upon
the pain and penalty of the forfeiture and confiscation of such Indian
commodities, whether the same be beavers, peltry or other Indian
commodities, whatsoever, except Indian corn, venison, and dressed
deer skins, to trade for, and upon pain and penalty of the forfeiture
and confiscation of all such Indian goods and merchandizes, as guns,
powder, lead, duffels, rum and all other Indian goods and merchan
dize, which shall at any time hereafter be found, concealed, or kept
in any house or place without the walls of the said city, and within
the said county of Albany, and the other limits and boundaries
herein before set forth and prescribed; and in case any person or
persons whatsoever shall at any time hereafter, out of the walls of
the said city, and within the said county, or the other limits and
boundaries herein before set forth and prescribed, trade or traffic
with any Indian or Indians, for any beavers, peltry, or other Indian
commodities, (except before excepted) or there shall conceal and
keep any Indian goods, wares or merchandizes in any house or place
as aforesaid ; then it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, recorder,
or any of the aldermen for the time being, by warrant under their
or any of their hands, to cause such Indian commodities, so traded
for, and such goods or merchandizes so kept and concealed without
the walls of the said city, wheresoever they shall be found within
the said city or county, or without the same, within the limits and
boundaries before expressed, to be seized, and the same to be con-

CHARTER. 105
demned and confiscate, in the court of pleas, or common pleas in
the said city, or any other court of record within the said city or
province, one third part to the mayor of the said city for the time
being, one third part to such person or persons as shall inform or
sue for the same, and the other third part to the use of the mayor,
aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their suc
cessors forever. And also, that it shall and may be lawful to and
for the mayor, recorder and aldermen of the said city for the time
being, by a warrant under their or any of their hands and seals,
to cause such person or persons, as shall presume to trade or traffic
with the Indians contrary to the form and effect of these presents,
to be apprehended wherever they shall be found, within the limits
and boundaries herein before prescribed, to answer the same at the
court of pleas and common pleas in the said city, or any other court
of record within the said city or province, where being legally con
victed thereof, such person or persons, over and besides the for
feiture and confiscation of such goods, merchandizes and commodi
ties as aforesaid, shall be fineable, and fined in such sum or sums of
money, (not exceeding twenty pounds, current money of this
country) as at the discretion of such court, before whom he or they
shall be prosecuted, shall be thought reasonable and convenient;
which said fines shall be one-third part to the person who shall
inform and prosecute for the same, and the other two-thirds to the
use of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors
forever. And further, I do by these presents, for and on behalf of his said
majesty, his heirs and successors, grant and declare to the said
mayor/aldermen and commonalty of Albany, and their successors,
that his majesty, his heirs and successors, nor any of his or their
governors, lieutenants, commanders in chief, or other officers, shall
not, or will not, from henceforth forever, hereafter, grant unto any
person or persons whatsoever, any license or licenses, to hunt within
the said county of Albany, or to the eastward, northward or west
ward, so far as his said majesty's dominions here, doth, or may ex
tend, without the consent and approbation of the mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, for the time being, by
the said person or persons first to be had, and obtained.
And further, I do, by these presents, for his said majesty, and his
successors, grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of
the said city, that they and their successors be forever, persons able
and capable, and shall have power to purchase, have, take and pos
sess in fee simple, iands, tenements, rents, and other possessions.
within or without the same city, to them and their successors forever,
so as the same exceed not the yearly value of one thousand pounds
per annum, the statute of mortmain, or any other law to the con-

106 CHARTER.
trafy notwithstanding; and the same lands, tenements, heredita
ments and premises, or any part thereof to demise, grant,- lease, set
over, assign and dispose at their own will and pleasure, and to make,
seal, and accomplish any deed or deeds, lease or leases, evidences or
writings for or concerning the same or any part thereof, which shall
happen to be made and granted by the said mayor, aldermen and
commonalty of the said city for the time being.
And further, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and
successors, I do, by these presents, grant to the said mayor, aldermen
and commonalty, that they and their successors shall and may for
ever hereafter, hold and keep within the said city, in every week in
the year, two market days, the one upon Wednesday, and the other
upon Saturday, weekly forever.
And also, I do by these presents, for and. on behalf of his said
majesty, his heirs and successors, grant to the said mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city, that they and their successors and
assigns shall and may at any time or times hereafter, build a public
weigh-house in such part of the said city, as to them shall seem con
venient; and that they the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty
shall and may receive, perceive, and take to their own proper use
and behoof all and singular the issues and profits therefrom or
thereby arising or accruing ; as also, that they the said mayor, alder
men and commonalty of the said city of Albany, their heirs and suc
cessors, shall and may at any time or times hereafter, when it to
them shall seem fit and convenient, to take in, fill and make up, and
lay out all and singular the ground and lands within the limits and
precinct of the said city, and the same to build upon and make use
of in other manner or way as to them shall seem fit, as far into the
river that passeth by the same as low water mark aforesaid.
And further, and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and suc
cessors, I do, by these presents, give and grant unto the aforesaid
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and
their successors, that they and their successors, shall and may have,
hold and keep within the said city, liberties and precincts thereof,
once every fortnight in every year forever, upon Tuesday, one court
of common pleas for all actions of debt, trespass upon the case,
detinue, ejectment, and other personal actions, and the same to be
held, before the mayor, recorder and aldermen, or any three of them,
(whereof the mayor or recorder to be one,) who shall have power to
hear and determine the same .pleas and actions, accordingly to the
rules of common law, acts of the general assembly of the said
province, and the course of other corporations in the like nature.
And further, for and on the behalf of his said majesty, his heirs
and successors, I do, by these presents, give and grant to the said
mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and

CHARTER. 107
their successors forever, that the mayor of the said city for the time
being, shall and may determine all and all manner of actions, or
causes whatsoever, to be had, moved or depending between party
and party, so always as the same exceed not the value of forty
shillings, current money of this province.
And further, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs and
successors, I do grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty
of the said city, and their successors forever, that the mayor, recorder
and aldermen of the said city shall always be, so long as they shall
continue in their said respective offices justices of the peace for the
said county, and as such shall and may sit in the courts of sessions,
or county courts, and courts of oyer and terminer, that shall from
time to time be held and kept within the said county ; and that the
mayor, recorder, or some one of the aldermen of the said city for
the time being, shall and may always preside in or be president of
such county courts, or courts of sessions, to be held within the said
county, as aforesaid, and that the sheriff of the said city for the
time being, shall always be sheriff of the said county; also that the
town clerk of the said city for the time being, shall always be the
clerk of the peace, and clerk of the court of sessions, or county
courts for the said county.
And further, I do, for and on behalf of his said majesty, his heirs
and successors, by these presents grant to the said mayor, aldermen
and commonalty of the said city of Albany, and their successors,
that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city, and
their successors, shall have and enjoy all the privileges, franchises,
and powers that they have and use, or that any of their predecessors,
at any time within the space of twenty years last past, had, took, or
enjoyed, or ought to have had, by reason, or under pretence of any
further charter, grant, prescription, or any other right, custom
or usage, although the same have been forfeit or lost, or hath been
ill used, or not used, or abused, or discontinued, albeit they be not
particularly mentioned herein; and no officer shall disturb them
therein, under any pretence whatsoever, not only for their future.
but their present enjoyment thereof, provided always, that the said
privileges, franchises and powers be not inconsistent with, or re
pugnant to the laws of his majesty's kingdom of England, or other
the laws of the General Assembly as aforesaid, and saving to
his majesty, his heirs, successors and assigns, and his commanders
in chief, lieutenants, governors and other officers under him or them
in his Fort Albany, in or by the city of Albany, and in all the
liberties, boundaries, extents and privileges thereof, for the main
tenance of the said fort and garrison there, all the right, use, title
and authority, which his said majesty, or any of his said command
ers-in-chief, lieutenants, and other officers have had, used or exer-

108 CHARTER.
cised there, (excepting the said pasture herein before granted, or
mentioned to be granted, to the said mayor, aldermen and common
alty of the city of Albany, aforesaid,) and saving to all other
persons, bodies politic and corporate, their heirs successors and
assigns, all such right, title and claim, possessions, rents, services,
commons, emoluments and interest, of in and to any thing that is
theirs, save only the franchises aforesaid, in as ample manner as
if this charter had not been made.
And further, I do appoint and declare, that the incorporation
to be founded by this charter shall not at any time hereafter do or
suffer to be done, anything by which the lands, tenements or
hereditaments, stock, goods, or chattels thereof, or in the hands,
custody or possession of any of the citizens of the said city, such as
have been set, let, given, granted, or collected, to and for pious and
charitable uses, shall be wasted or misemployed, contrary to the
trust or intent of the founder or giver thereof. And that such, and
no other constructions shall be made hereof, than that which may
tend most to advance religion, justice and the public good, and to
suppress all acts and contrivances to be invented or put in use con
trary thereunto. In witness whereof, I have to these presents set my
hand, and thereto have affixed the seal of the said province, and
caused the same to be enrolled in the secretary's office of the said
province this two and twentieth day of July, in the second" year of his
said majesty's reign, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand six
hundred and eighty and six.
THOMAS DONGAN.

No. 1.
p?frr £>riju£ter.

July 22, 1686 — Oct. 13, 1694

No. i.
PIETER SCHUYLER.
Date of office: July 22, 1686-October 13, 1694.
Appointed by: Governor Thomas Dongan.
Date of birth: September 17, 1657.
Place of birth: Rensselaerswyck.
Parents: Philip Pieterse (S.) and Margaret Van Slechtenhorst.
Education: Common school.
Married to: (a) Engeltie Van Schaick (d. 1689).
(b) Maria Van Rensselaer.
Date: (a) Rensselaerswyck, 1681.
(b) Rensselaerswyck, September 14, 1691.
Children: (8-4 s. 4 d.) Margarita (b. 1682, m. Robert Livingston,
Jum., 12th Mayor), Philip (1684, d. y.), Anna (1686. d. aet.
12 years), Gertruj (1689, d. y.). (b) Gertruj (b. 1694, m.
Johannes Lansing), Philip (b. 1696, m. Margarita Schuyler),
Pieter (b. 1698, m. Catherine Groesbeck), Jeremiah (b. 1698,
twin, m. Susanna  ) .
Residence: East side Market street (Broadway) south of Yonkers
street (State) to river; also "The Flatts."
Occupation: Political offices and militia. Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: February 19, 1724.
Place of death: The Flatts (West Troy — Watervliet).
Place of burial: In Dutch Church, on February 22d.
Title: Colonel.
Remarks: Courageous and good organizer. Major and Colonel of
militia in King William's war. Member of the Provincial
Assembly. Indian Commissioner. Ex-officio Vice-Governor.
Appointed Lieutenant of cavalry by Governor Dongan, March,
1685. Appointed Judge, Court of Oyer and Terminer, by
Dongan, April, 1685. Justice of the Peace, October, 1685.
He was the " Quidor " of the Indians, much trusted by them,
and, accompanied by Col. Nicholson, escorted" five Mohawk
sachems to the court of Queen Anne, sailing December, 1709,
returning May 8, 1710.

i. PIETER SCHUYLER.
1686-1694.
From a photograph made by Col. Augustus Pruyn of Albany, from the oil
painting owned in 1886 by John C. Schuyler of Watervliet and in 1904 owned by
his children at The Flatts. Painted at London, 1710, by order of Queen Anne.

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. Ill
1686.

1686.
Albany becomes a city, being granted a charter by Colonel Thomas
Dongan, Governor-General of the Province of New York under
authority of King James II., of England, July 22.
" Pieter Schuyler, gent, and Robt. Livingston, gent., who were com-
missionated by ye towne of Albanie to goe to New Yorke and
procure ye Charter for this citty wh was agreed upon between
ye magistrates and ye right honl Col. Tho. Dongan, Gov.
Genii.," having brought the same along with them, it is " pub
lished with all ye joy and acclamation imaginable ; and ye said
two gent'm received ye thanks of ye magistrates and burgesses
for their diligence and care in obtaining ye same," July 22.
Pieter Schuyler is " appointed and commissionated to be Mayor and
Clerk of ye market and Coroner of ye citty of Albany as also
Coroner for ye sd county," and takes the oath of office of
Mayor as administered by one of the justices of the peace for
the county of Albany, the ordained aldermen also being sworn
in, as were Robert Livingston as town-clerk and Richard
Pretty as sheriff and James Parker as marshal, July 22.
Municipal officers enumerated by the charter include : Mayor, re
corder, chamberlain or treasurer, six aldermen, six assistant
aldermen, town-clerk, sheriff, coroner, clerk of market, high
constable, three sub-constables and a marshal or sergeant-
at-mace, July 22.
Charter, Common Council: Dirck Wesselse (tenBroeck), Johannis
Wendell, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Levinus van Schaick, II.
David Schuyler, Adrian Gerritse, III. July 22.
Governor Dongan names the first civic officers : Mayor, Pieter
Schuyler; Recorder, Isaac Swinton ; Town-clerk, Robert Liv
ingston ; Chamberlain, Jan Becker ; Sheriff, Richard Pretty ;
Marshal, James Parker; Aldermen, Dirck Wesselse (Ten
Broeck) , Jan Jansen Bleecker, David Schuyler, Johannes Wen
dell, Adrian Geritse, Levinus Van Schaick; Assistant Alder
men, Joachim Staats, John Lansingh, Isaac Verplanck, Law
rence van Ale, Albert Ryckman, Melgert Wynantse, July 22.
Boundaries of the City of Albany as set forth in the Dongan
Charter : " On the east by Hudson's River, so farr as low water
mark; * * * the south, by a line * * * drawne from the
southermost end of the Pasture at the north end of * * *

112 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1686.
Martin Garetson's Island, runneing back into the woods sixteen
English miles due 'Northwest to a certain kill or creek called the
Sand-kill ; on the North * * * by a line * * * drawne from
the post that was sett by Governor Stuyvesant near Hudsons
river, runneing likewise Northwest sixteen English miles ; and
on the west by a straight line * * * drawne from the points
of the said South and North lines," July 22.
Court of Common Pleas established in Albany county by Charter,
July 22.
Water furnished the city through long logs bored with a two-inch
hole, from a pond created at the head of Yonkers (State) street
by a dam, and called the " Fountain," whence it is distributed
to a city well in each of the three wards, August.
Island south of the city boundary known as Martin Gerritsen's
Island at this time ; but later becomes Van Rensselaer Island,
August.
Mayor Pieter Schuyler and Common Council hold first session,
among the minutes recorded appearing the following trans
action: "The court of (the) mayor and aldermen having
considered ye case of ye negroe of Myndert Frederikse called
Hercules, who hath stole a chest of wampum belonging to ye
poor of ye Lutheran parich out of ye house of his master,
where he went in at night throw ye window, all which he con-
fesseth, and considering how evil consequence it is and how
bad example it is for ye negers, the court have ordered ye sd
neger Hercules to be whipt throw ye towne att ye cart tale
by ye hands of ye hangman forthwith, for an example to oyrs,
and his master to pay ye costs,"
Common Council, looking to a quorum and prompt attendance,
orders that any member that shall " be absent at ye second ring
ing of ye bell, being in town, at any common council day,"
should forfeit six shillings (toties quoties), Sept. 11.
Common Council orders High Constable Isaac Verplanck to replace
the " rotted spouts " that convey water from " ye fountain
from ye hill into ye city," * * * " in ye space of a fortnight "
or forfeit 40 shillings, Sept. 14.
To defray expense of securing the Dongan charter, the Common
Council orders sale of " some lotts of grounds upon ye Plain
lying on ye south side of ye citty for gardens, as also ye
land lying on both sides of Ruttenkill for two pastures," Oct. 26.
Common Council appoints Dirck Wesselse and Robert Livingston
to go " with two other fitt persons " to inspect the "tract of
land above Schinnechtady, upon ye Maquaas river " for purpose
of purchase from the Mohawk Indians, Oct. 26.

ALBANY'S FIRST SEAL.
This is the design of the first seal that
was officially employed by the mayor when
authorizing important documents. In 1752
it was superseded by one showing a beaver
and date.

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 113
1686-1687.
Ordinance prohibiting people from watering horses from the pail
hanging at any city well or fountain, November.
Ordinance prohibiting cartmen to " fetch or digg any sand on ye
north side of ye Schennechtady path," because so much had
already been removed at the old burying-ground as to expose
coffins to view, November.
Law to compel strangers to add their names to the mayor's list
within 40 days, or the constable to be fined 20 shillings,
November.
All tavern-keepers required to give constable knowledge of name
of any guest who shall lodge therein two days, and explain the
business of such person in the city, November.
Carmen to " repair the breaches in the streets and highways "
gratis, and no negro or slave to " drive any carte within this
citty under the penaltye of Twenty shillings to be paid by the
owner," November.
Van Rensselaer family releases all title to vacant lands within cor
porate limits of new city as fixed by charter, portions of which
land are sold " att a publike vendu or outcry in ye Citty Hall,"
Dec. 1.
Seal of the city in use (as found two hundred years later on docu
ments) and affixed to deeds, December.

1687.

John Caspers commits the first murder in the city of Albany, killing
a negro girl.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, son of the second Patroon, Johannes Van
Rensselaer (who never came to America) having settled at
Albany and married his cousin, Anna (daughter of Jeremiah
Van Rensselaer) dies, without children, Feb. 22.
Governor Dongan seeks to prevent the French-Canadian priests
from drawing the Indians away from Albany to Canada,
whither seven hundred had been led from Albany, to the pre
judice of the government, by procuring " a peace of Land
called Sarachtague lying upon Hudsons river about forty
miles above Albany," February.
Ordered by the Common Council " that there be a pounde made
upon ye plain for ye use of this citty * * * to put all horses,
cattle, hoggs and sheep therein," April 11.

114 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1687-1688.
Common Council orders " yt ye sergeants of ye respective com
panies goe about to raise a half years sellary for ye ratel
watch," June 14.
On information that the French make preparations to exterminate
the Five Nations, the governor orders the mayor to bring the
wives, old men and children of the Mohawks down into Albany
for the winter, September.
Gov. Dongan helps defense of Albany by ordering " Every tenth
man of all ye Militia troupes & Companys within the Province
Except those who were out ye last yeare a whaling be Drawn
out to go up thither," September.
Gov. Dongan arrives at Albany to take charge of troops, October.
Charter election, Common Council: Hendrick Cuyler, Johannis
Wendell, I. Levinus van Schaick, Jan Jansen Bleecker, II,
David Schuyler, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
First deed of land, executed to Godfriedus Dellius, Nov. 1.
Beaver-skins annually exported reduced in number from 40,000
to 9,000.

1688.

Birth, in Ireland, of Cadwallader Colden, celebrated as physician,
botanist, astronomer, historian, and who becomes later on the
Governor of New York province, Feb. 17.
Gov. Dongan writes to Earl of Sutherland from Albany, he being
president of his majesty's privy council, " I have been here all
this winter with four hundred foote and fifty horse and Eight
Hundred Indians ;" speaks of heavy expense, and fears " when
I come to N. Yorke to impose another Tax upon ye people "
they will depart for other plantations, Feb. 19.
Governor Dongan returns from Albany to New York, March.
Governor Dongan recalled by King James II., April 22,
The expenses of troops, care of some French prisoners and gifts
to the Indians as paid by Robert Livingston, amount to about
$10,335, of which Albany is assessed for $1,200, from Aug.
11, 1687, to June 1.
Catalyn Trico (born in Paris in 1605) testifies to having been in
Albany in 1623 and the first white woman there.
Sir Edmond Andros, sent by King James II., to be Governor of the
Province of New York, arrives at New York city, and begins
at once his administration as successor of Governor Dongan, Aug. 11.

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 115
168 8.
Ex-Governor Thomas Dongan refuses the offer of King James to
make him a major-general, and he retires to his country-seat
on Long Island, August.
Gov. Andros proceeds to Albany that he may hold a conference
with the Indians in order to draw them into closer relationship
with England and alienate them from the French, and the
sachems of the Five Nations hasten also to Albany to bid Gov.
Andros welcome, whereupon at their council he is addressed
by the Mohawk chief, Sindachsegie, saying : " We resolved not
to come slowly; but to run with all speed to see and bid you
welcome," Sept. 18.
Gov. Andros writes to Denonville that he must release the English
and Indian prisoners taken in the 1687 expedition against the
Senecas, and placing Capt. Jervis Baxter in command of Fort
Albany, returns towards the end of the month to New York,
September.
Francis Nicholson begins his administration of the Province of New
York, in the absence of Gov. Andros, under the title of lieuten
ant-governor, Oct. 9.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Wendell, Levinus van
Schaick, II. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Albert
Ryckman, David Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
On news of William, Prince of Orange, son-in-law of James II.,
accepting invitation of the English people to come there to take
possession of the throne and his arrival in accordance in Eng
land with an army of 15,000 men, (King James II. fleeing to
France for protection) Gov. Andros of the Province of New
York happens to be in Maine, and on his return to Boston he is
arrested, later to be sent to England, November.
Inhabitants complaining that bakers sell bread at " dear rates," it
is ordered that they " take no more than one penny, half penny
, or five stuyvers zewant for a loaf of fine white bread,"
December.
Law passed fining anyone who shall cut down any part of the
stockade ten shillings, December.
On complaint that people use the town ladders, so that few are
found in time of fire, " ye fyremasters " are required to see
" yt in some convenient place of each ward," there be " at
least 2 good ladders of 25 foot, and 2 of 15 foot with iron
hooks fast to ye ladders and 2 fyrehooks," making 12 ladders
and 6 hooks in each of the three wards, December.

Il6 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1689.

1689.

Population of Albany county 2,016; consisting of 662 men, 340
women, 1,014 children, January.
Chevalier Hector de Callieres Bonnevue, the Governor of Mon
treal, planning for the French occupation of the 'Province of
New York, writes to Marquis de Seignelay : " The plan is to go
directly to Orange (Albany), the most advanced town of New
York, one hundred leagues from Montreal (230 miles) which
I would undertake to get possession of and to proceed thence
to seize Manathe (New York city) the capital of that colony
situated on the seacoast ; on condition of being furnished with
supplies necessary for the success of the expedition. * * * I
hope to seize in passing some English villages and settlements
where I shall find provisions and the conveniences for attacking
the town of Orange. This town is about as large as Montreal,
surrounded by pickets, at one end of which is a fort of earth de
fended by palisades, and has four bastians. There is a garrison
of one hundred and fifty men of three companies in the fort
and some pieces of cannon. The town of Orange may contain
about one hundred and fifty houses and three hundred inhab
itants capable of bearing arms, the majority of whom are Dutch,
besides a number of French refugees and some English people,"
January.
Anthony Lespinard appointed by the Mayor viewer of corn, Jan. 15.
Mayor Pieter Schuyler writes to Lieut.-Gov. Nicholson that the
Indians are very jealous and suspicious of the news and pro
ceedings, and there would be grave cause of mischief if these
suspicions were not relieved ; to which the latter replies that the
report of serious trouble over the crown and religious matters
in England was utterly false, and he should assure them of the,
friendship of the English by presenting each Nation with a
barrel of powder The people of Albany, in ignorance of the
fomenting revolution in England and the purpose of the French
king, feel great uneasiness, January.
Gov. Nicholson instructed by the Crown to employ at Albany only
British-educated school-teachers, Jan. 31.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer, who built Fort Crailo (supposedly about
1642) at Greenbush, marries Catrina Van Brugh, the grand
daughter of Anneke Jans, owner of the Trinity Church property
in New Amsterdam (New York city), March 8.

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 117
1689.
News of the French declaring war against England causes Lieut.-
Gov. Nicholson to guard Fort James at New York with militia
under Col. Nicholas Bayard, April 27.
Instructions sent to the officials of Albany " recommending them
to keep the people in peace," and the militia " well exercised
and equipped," April 30.
Capt. Jonathan Bull of Connecticut arrives at Albany to make a
league with the Five Nations, and Mayor Pieter Schuyler ex
presses belief that if the citizens heard the news of the day
(regarding the proposed attack by the French from the north
and the trouble between France and England), " it wolde make
them run all madd," May 18.
Leader of the Maquaas Indians renews peace covenant, saying to
Captain Bull : " Breatheren, we are now com as our grand
fathers used to doe, to renew our unity & friendship and
couenant made between us & you. We desier yt this house
being the couenant & proposition house (the City Hall), may
be kept clean, yt is, yt we may keep a clean, single, not a
double heart. We do renue the former couenant or chain
yt has been made between us & you, yt is to say, New England,
Vergenia, Mereland, & all these parts of America, yt it may be
kept bright on eauery side, yt it may not rust nor be for
got," May 24.
The citizen-soldiery working on the fort, having awaited official
notice of a change in the home government, sent word to Lieut.-
Gov. Nicholson by letter despatched by messenger, that they
intend to hold the " fort for the Power that now governeth
in England," and refusing to obey the Council or the colonel of
the regiment, demand the keys of the fort and Nicholson has
not the courage to refuse, May 31.
On Jacob Leisler's turn to watch at the fort with his company,
(Fort James, New York city), he enters with 49 men and
resolves to hold it until joined by all the militia, and at once
the five captains and about 400 soldiers place themselves under
his command, June 2.
Jacob Leisler, a captain of militia of the Province of New York,
issues a proclamation that he has assumed control of the ad
ministration in the province, taking advantage of the uncertainty
as to the ultimate result of who shall be the English sovereign,
and states that he will preserve the Protestant religion, holding
the position until the arrival of a governor appointed by Wil
liam, Prince of Orange, June 3.

Il8 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1689.

Citizens choose a committee of safety who commission Jacob Leisler
" Captain of the Fort," at New Amsterdam, and prepare an
address to the king pledging loyalty, June.
News of the accession of Prince William and Princess Mary to
England's throne, brought by riders from Fort James (at New
York) occasions great and manifested joy in Albany, as de
scribed in records of the time, as follows : " The Proclamation
for Proclaiming there Majs King William and Queen Mary
King and Queen of England, France, and Ireland &c, being
brought hither from N. Yorke Imediately upon ye Receit
thereof ye Mayr & Recorder caused ye Court of Aldermen and
Common Council to assemble who attended accordingly and
having considered of ye <greatest Solemnity yt could be used
in so short a Time, appointed ye Citizens to be in arms about
2 o'clock which having done they went in ordr from ye City
Hall up to there Majts Fort where there Majts were proclaimed
in solemn manner in English and Dutch, ye gunns fyreing from
ye fort & volley of small arms, ye People with Loude acclama
tions crying God Save King Wm. & Queen Mary, afterwards
they marched doune to ye City hall where there Majts were
again Proclaimed, ye night Concluding wth ye Ringing of ye
Bell, Bonefyres, fyreworks, and all oyr Demonstrations of
joy, July I.
Louis XIV., of France, instructs Louis de Buade, Comte de Fron-
tenac, to proceed to Canada and to carry out the plans of
Chevalier de Callieres regarding descent on Albany from
Montreal, June 7.
Inhabitants of Albany unwilling to acknowledge Jacob Leisler's
assumption of government of Province of New York, the mun
icipal officers, justices of peace and military officers assemble in
convention and resolve : " All public affairs for the preservation
of their majesties' interests " should be managed by the mayor,
aldermen, justices and other commissioners of city and county
until the orders of King William and Queen Mary are re
ceived, Aug. 1.
Because of fear of a French invasion, proclamation is issued that
no person able to bear arms (except masters of vessels) be
allowed to go away without a written permit from a justice of
peace, August.
At convention in City Hall it is resolved that Captain Leisler at
New York be requested to send speedily one hundred men and
munitions to protect Albany, Sept. 4.
Messenger returns from Capt. Leisler and reports to convention
that he disclaims any civil power and had sent a letter to

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 1 19
1689.
Captains Johannes Wendell and Jan Jansen Bleecker, informing
them that he had sent four small guns and two hundred pounds
of powder, and he wished Albany to send two persons to
represent the city in government, Sept. 7.
Charter election Cominon Council: Johannis Wendell, Levinus van
Schaick, I. Claes Ripse van Dam, Jan Jansen Bleecker, II.
David Schuyler, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Lieut. Sharpe and soldiers' in the fort take oath of allegiance to King
William and .Queen Mary, Oct. 19.
Inhabitants of Albany learning that Capt. Jacob Leisler had been
declared commander-in-chief of the Province of New York
by his followers and that he was sending a company to possess
the fort at Albany, thereupon reassemble in convention, and
resolve to keep command of the fort for their majesties, Wil
liam and Mary, Oct. 26.
The messenger sent to New Amsterdam (New York city) to learn
what is to be done regarding the control of the government of
the province, returns and reports that Capt. Leisler demands
the surrender of the city of Albany's Charter to him, October.
Alderman Van Schaick having been in New York describes what
he saw and learned there, that Jacob Leisler had asserted him
self commander-in-chief, of the Province of New York and
had control of that city as a start and desired to gain the same
unconditional control of Albany, whereupon the bell in the
cupola of the City Hall, at the northeast corner of So. Market
street (Broadway) and Hudson avenue, is rung and imme
diately an assembly is held there by the city fathers, the con
vention determining that Mayor Pieter Schuyler be placed in
command of the fort, with Lieut. Sharpe as his subordinate
officer, whereupon the members of the Council wait upon the
Mayor and escort him to the fort, which is delivered to
him, Nov. 8.
Three sloops reach Albany, bearing troops under Jacob Milborne,
and immediately Captains Wendell and Bleecker, Johannes
Cuyler and Reynier Barents go aboard to learn the object of
his visit. Jacob Milborne asks : " Is the fort open to receive me
and my men?" The reply is, " No, the Mayor is in command
and will hold it." He is disappointed by the resistance and be
ing invited to the City Hall to call upon the convention, he
accepts the offer and inflames the people by a long discourse,
stating that those things done under the unlawful King James
II. (such as the charter) are void, and that the people should
choose new civil and military officers. To this Dirck Wesselse

120 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1689.
Ten Broeck replies that the inhabitants will do nothing differ
ent until hearing from their majesties, and that Milborne had
no power to order a change of affairs at Albany, Nov. 9.
Milborne marches his soldiers into the city from Martin Gerritsen's
island, where they had bivouacked, Nov. 13.
Milborne marches his men from Martin Gerritsen's island to posi
tion before the fort at the head of the hill and demands that the
gate be opened, to which Mayor Pieter Schuyler replies that he
keeps the fort for William and Mary, and therefore commands
him to depart with his seditious company. Milborne secures
one foot within the portal but is mightily thrust back, and the
gate closed. Thereupon he withdraws a space that his men may
with safety load. On his second approach a protest is read
from the bastian. A band of Mohawk Indians encamped a
short distance to the north (site of Academy park) fearing
danger is intended to their friends, declare intention to fire
upon Milborne's army unless he departs. Pieter Schuyler at
once sends Rev. Dr. Dellius to pacify them, but is told that if
Milborne does not leave the place and intends to pitch battle
with the Albanians, the Mohawks will do their best to annihilate
them. When Milborne hears this he marches his men to the
three sloops, leaving a company under command of Joachim
Staats, a brother of Dr. Samuel Staats, a Leisler sympathiser,
and sets sail for New York, Nov. 15.
Captain Bull arrives with his company of 87 men from Connecticut,
is rousingly received, and camps in the city, Nov. 25.
Lieut. Talmadge takes 24 of Capt. Bull's 87 Connecticut men to
reinforce the garrison at Schenectady, against 'attack by
French, Nov. 29.
Jacob Leisler, having possession of the fort at Manhattan, writes
to the Council at Albany saying (feignedly) that he had re
ceived orders from " King William for taking care of the
Government," and by that authority he commissions Capt.
Joachim Staats to take over into his charge and possession
Fort Orange, and " doe hereby Order that free Elections be
forthwith made for a Mayor and Aldermen whom I have
Signified to Capt. Staats," Dec. 28.
Report made pursuant to order of Gov. Fletcher, shows in Albany
county 662 men, 340 women, 1,014 children, total 2,016, Dec. 31.
Indians in Albany county at this time, previous to the conflict,
number 270 Mohawks, 180 Oneidas, 500 Onondagas, 300 Cay
ugas, 1,300 Senecas, 250 River Indians, total 2,800, Dec. 31.

SCHENECTADY MASSACRE.
Albany had garrisoned Schenectady Nov. 29, 1689; but Indians and French entered gates and burned all but
two of its eighty houses the night of Feb. 8, 1690. Capt. Bull took his Albany company there next day to inter
corpses in trenches. Six of these (Nos. 1, 2, 3, Indians, and 4, 5, 6, Dutchmen), were exhumed June 24, 1902,
at site of North Gate.

No. 1. PIETER SCHUYLER. 121
1690.

1690.

Captain Wendell presents Leisler's letter of Dec. 28th to the
Council, and that body issues a ringing protest for trying to
disturb the community, resolving not to allow Joachim Staats to
possess the fort, and making much ridicule of the odd order of
Leisler to hold a " free election,"~yet voting by the inhabitants
for men " named by Leisler," Jan. 1 1 .
The French reach the trail leading to Corlaer (Schenectady) under
Sieur Le Moyne de Sainte Helene and Lieut. Daillebout de
"Mantet, and decide to attack that place first, rather than Al
bany, with about 100 men and as many Indians. At 11 o'clock,
it being decided because of the severity of the winter night to
wait no longer, detachments approach the various city gates,
which through laxity were found unprotected. The village was
stockadoed with pine logs ten feet high, with gates at the north
and south ends of Church street. It is stated that there were
within the wall about eighty houses shielding nearly four
hundred souls. A stockade fort at the north end of Church
street, where it meets Front street, held a garrison detachment
of 24 men of Capt. Jonathan Bull's Connecticut company, under
Lieut. Talmadge, sufficient to make repulse. The signal of
attack was given Indian fashion, when detachments were at
each gate, and the torch was applied, everyone being killed by
the sword as in midnight iear they rushed from their abodes.
Only two houses were standing at the end of two hours, — that
of Sander Glen, across the Mohawk, because of previous kind
ness shown to the French, and of the widow Bratt, whither
the wounded M. de Montigny was carried. Pieter Schuyler
(in his letter of the 15th, to Gov. Bradstreet of Massachusetts)
states : " The whole village was instantly in a Blaze. Women
with child (were) riped open, and their Infants cast into the
Flames, or dashed against Posts of the Doors. Sixty Persons
perished in the Massacre, and twenty-seven were carried into
Captivity. The rest fled naked towards Albany thro' a deep
Snow which fell that very Night in a terrible Storm; and
twenty-five of these Fugitives lost their Limbs in the Flight,
thro' the Severity of the Frost." It is said the invaders lost
but one Frenchman and one Indian during the massacre, but
twenty-one were lost on the road, Feb. 8.

122 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1690.
French depart from Schenectady at 1 1 o'clock on Sunday, taking 30
prisoners, fifty good horses being seized to convey the plunder ;
but of these only sixteen were to reach Montreal, the others
being required for food on return inarch, Feb. 9.
Simon Schermerhorn, wounded and blood-besmeared, arrives in the
early morn at Albany on his panting steed, and announces the
massacre; following him at intervals, other fugitives arrive
from the vicinity of Schenectady and give the alarm that Albany
is to be burned as was Schenectady, with the consequence that
instead of despatching all the militia at command to help the
Mohawk valley inhabitants or to pursue the French, they feel
impelled to make a defence at home, and messengers are sent
on horse with all speed to Kinderhook, Claverack and King
ston to procure assistance, Feb. 9.
Capt. Bull takes a detail of soldiers from Albany companies to Cor-
lear (Schenectady) and inters the bloody, blackened and frozen
bodies, at the same time, by orders received, invites the Mo
hawks to build castles of defence at that place and on the island
(Van Rensselaer) for the further protection of Albany, Feb. 9.
Convention commissions Robert Livingston and Capt. Geret Teunise
to go to Massachusetts and Connecticut to treat with their
governors regarding necessity of joining forces to invade
Canada, March 2.
Jacob • Leisler commissions Johannes de Bruyn, Johannes Prevoost
and Jacob Milborne to go to Albany with 160 soldiers to possess
Fort Orange and control King William's government, March 4.
Leisler's claim to administer the government of the province recog
nized by the city and Pieter Schuyler allowed to retain office
of mayor ; but Johannes Cuyler is appointed town-clerk instead
of Robert Livingston, April.
Leisler at council of war in New York, favors expedition against
Canada, May 1.
Board of Indian Commissioners constituted.
Four persons escaping, who had been taken prisoners at Schenectady,
arrive at Albany and relate terrible experiences on their jour
ney back with the French to Canada, they subsisting on dead
horses, eating mosses and bark of trees, June 9.
The famous "Ballad" of the burning of Schenectady (twenty
graphic stanzas) composed by Walter Wilie of Albany, June 12.
Leisler appoints his friend Milborne the commander-in-chief of the
expedition to be raised by the several provinces to invade Can
ada ; but the New Englanders of importance decry the appoint
ment for so important a post of one they say is only a trades-

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 1 23
1690-1691.
man of little intelligence, and the government of Connecticut
recommends Maj -Gen. Fitz John Winthrop, to which Leisler
finally agrees, June.
Gen. Winthrop arrives at Albany with his Connecticut troops,
commissioned to lead the American forces against the French
in Canada, and camps at the Schuyler Flatts, Watervliet, north
of city, July 21,
Gen. Winthrop, disgusted with the small quantity of men for his
expedition, finding that the colonies had not sent half of the
promised allotments, New York sending only 150 of the 400
men promised by Leisler, July 25.
Maj .-Gen. Winthrop departs for Wood Creek, at the southern end
of Lake Champlain, August.
Gen. Winthrop joins Col. Pieter Schuyler and his army at the
" Great Carrying Place " ( Fort Edward) whom he finds busily
engaged in making bark canoes for the expedition through the
two lakes; but much discouraged by reason of lack of proper
transportation for so many, they hold a council at which it is
determined to return to Albany, first commissioning Johannes
Schuyler (the youngest brother of the Mayor) a captain, who
proceeds to accept what militia will volunteer to join his inva
sion from among the Dutch and Indians, and in the end makes a
campaign that is successful in some measure, August.
Gen. Winthrop, being destitute of provisions for his army, proceeds
to return to Albany, the base of supplies, and encamps with
those who accompanied him at Greenbush, opposite Albany,
Aug. 21.
Leisler, in exasperation, hastens to Albany and imprisons Winthrop
along with his officers ; but because of tumult thereat releases
them, September.
Leisler appoints Joachim Staats, Johannes Wendell, Jan Jansen
Bleecker, Pieter Schuyler and Ryer Jacobse Schermerhorn to
control city and county government, Oct. 10.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Becker, Evert Bancker,
I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Claes Ripse van Dam, II. Gerrit
Ryerse, Eghbert Teunise, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1691.
Colonel Henry Sloughter arrives at New York from England, and
at once assumes the administration of the Province of New
York, March 19.

124 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1691.
Gov. Sloughter imprisons Jacob Leisler, and ends the revolt, - March 20.
Four more of those made captive at Schenectady massacre brought
back by a party of Christians and Maquaas, March.
Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck and Levinus van Schaick from Albany,
and Kiliaen Van Rensselaer from Rensselaerswyck, represent
Albany in the assembly convened in New York city, Apr. 9.
Assembly at New York directs that a court of sessions be held in
the City Hall at Albany on first Tuesdays in June, October and
February for the " increase of virtue and discouraging of evil
doers," under one judge and three justices, for the space of two
days, April.
Major Pieter Schuyler marches northward from Albany, headed for
Montreal, with soldiers and Indians, June 21.
Gov. Sloughter visits Albany, June 27.
Gov. Sloughter writes to governors of neighborly provinces : " I
need not relate unto you of how great import the preservacon
of this place (Albany) is, being the only bulwark and safeguard
of all Their Majesty's plantacons on the main (coast) of Amer
ica, and if, for want of strength, the, French should assault
and gain Albany how farr your Government and all the English
Colonys on both sides of us would be endangered, you can
easily judge . . . found our Plantacons and Schenectady
almost ruined. 1 have garrisoned Schenectady and Halfe
Moon with some of the 100 fusileers raised by our assembly," July 11.
Gov. Sloughter dies suddenly at New York city, July 23.
Maj. Richard Ingoldsby assumes control of affairs of Province of
New York (with title Commander-in-chief), July 26.
Maj. Pieter Schuyler attacks French settlement, La Prairie de la
Madeleine (near Montreal), kills 200, losing only 21 of his
Albany militia and 22 Mohawks, Aug. 1.
Bill dividing province into 12 shires (counties), and confirmation
of incorporation of Albany county, Oct. 1.
Charter election, Common Council : Levinus van Schaick, Evert
Bancker, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Gerrit
Ryerse, Johannis Abeel, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
Another of the prisoners captured at Schenectady massacre (Feb.
8, 1690) is brought back by an Oneida Indian, who is
rewarded with " Duffels - and Rom " to the amount of two
pounds, two shillings, November.
Courts of Common Pleas established in all counties.

GOVERNOR SLOUGHTER'S COMMISSION.
William and Mary of England on Jan. 4, 1689, created Col. Henry Sloughter " Captain-
General and Governor-in-Chief in and over our Province of New York and the territories
depending thereon in America." He began administration as fourth English Governor
March 19, 1691. (N. Y. State Library. 27x31 in.)

No. I. PIETER SCHUYLER. 12$
1692-1694.

1692.
Col. Benjamin Fletcher arrives from England at New York city,
Aug. 29.
Col. Fletcher begins his administration as governor of Province
of New York, Aug. 30.
Robert Livingston, who had arrived from Holland in 1674, builds
his Manor House beside the Roelof Jansen kiT, near the site
of Hudson.
French invasion feared and houses built outside palisades as quar
ters for Indians, who are relied upon as a defence, September.
Soldiers detailed at Schenectady, Half Moon and Niskayuna to
guard the fords in Mohawk river, October.
Charter election, Common Council: Levinus van Schaick, Evert
Bancker, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. "Johannis
Abeel, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1693.
Allotment of 560 new palisades at Fort Orange, to be 20 feet long
and 12 inches at smaller end, " of good smooth-barked pyne,
not of your black-barked pyne," Albanians to draw 200, those
of Rensselaerswyck 100, Schenectady 90, Kinderhook 85, Cats-
kill 35, Coxsackie 35, Claverack 30; the Government author
izing expense of $75, equal to 6 3-7 pence for each, September.
Charter election; Common Council : Evert Bancker, Peter Bogar-
dus, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Johannis
Abeel, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1694.

Case of Johannes Appel, sheriff, vs. David Keteleyn and Daniel
Bratt, in that " upon ye Lord's Day makeing ye Indians drunk
in so much yt the constable was in danger of his life," by the
redskins who came at him with their tomahawks upraised as
if to split his skull, March 6

126 PIETER SCHUYLER. No. I.
1694.
The above case postponed in the Mayor's Court because " the wit
nesses are at Green Bush ; but cannot come over, ye yse being
so rotten, prays that the business may be deferred," March 7.
Governor Benjamin Fletcher caring to appoint Johannes Abeel
to be the Mayor of Albany, Pieter Schuyler is notified of the
new appointment to succeed him, Oct. 6.
? ? *
(See No. 2.)

No. 2.

Uoiyamttsi Kbnl

Oct. 14, 1694 — Oct. 14. 1695.

, 1709  . 1710.

No. 2.
JOHANNES ABEEL.
Date of office: (a) October 14, 1694-October 14, 1695.
(b) 1709-1710.
Date of appointment: October 6, 1694.
Appointed by: Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher.
Date of birth: 1667.
Parents: Stoffel Janse (A.) and Neeltje Janse Croon.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Catlyna Schuyler.
Date: Rensselaerswyck, April 10, 1694.
Children: (7-2 s. 5 d.) Neeltje (1695), Christoffel (1696), Cata-
lyna (1698), Neeltje (1701), Jannetje (1703), David (1705),
Maria Duyckink (1726).
Occupation: Merchant and trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January 28, 171 1.
Place of burial: In " South " Dutch Church cemetery, Beaver st.
Title: Judge.
Remarks: Alderman. Justice. Sheriff. Recorder, 1702.

No. 2. JOHANNES ABEEL. 129
1694-1695.
(Continued from No. i.)
1694.

Johannes Abeel is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having been
commissioned as such on Oct. 6th, by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher, Oct. 14.
Charter election, Common Council: Evert Bancker, Jacob Staats,
I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II. Albert Ryckman,
Gerrit van Ness, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
City porter and Town-crier ordained the proper persons to open
and close the several city gates through the stockadoes.
Robert Livingston gives a deed to Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck
for two parcels of land from his Claverack estate that he had
bought July 12, 1683, from the Mohegan Indians, one situate
upon the Hudson river consisting of 600 acres, the other,
back on Roelof Jansen's kil, of 1,200 acres, for 15 English
pounds and an annual rental of 10 shillings. There were later
two theories concerning this transfer, one that Livingston had
been commissioned to buy the large Claverack tract for Ten
Broeck, and only after a threat consented to dispose of any
portion of it and had kept it when the deed had originally been
made in his name, or else that Ten Broeck was merely paying
his share in the deal as originally planned between the two weal
thy men, Oct. 26.

1695.

Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck erects a Manor House for himself at
Claverack, not far from the site of Hudson, N. Y., near Roelof
Jansen's kil on land bought from Robert Livingston, January.
Robert Livingston, on a trip to London to secure from the Crown
payments due him for sustaining the troops and as secretary,
meets Captain William Kidd, and they enter into a project
to capture pirates of the high seas, the English government
acquiescing to his skilfully conceived plan that those making
the capture of a pirate ship may become possessed of its cargo.

130 JOHANNES ABEEL. No. 2.
1695-1709.
" Whereas complaints are made yt ye streets of Albany are found
so unfitt yt it is most unable for any person to use them," it
is ordered that eight feet of ground be paved before each lot,
" and it is also ordered yt Claes Ripse van Dam and J. Gowyt
they shall be overseers yt ye sd streets may be orderly laid "
before June, March 12.
Mayor's Court — Proclamation : Being thought very requisite by
the Recorder and Aldermen for ye repairing of ye citty of Al
bany; every particular person that hath not sett there propor
tion of stockadoes belonging to ye citty, shall in ye space of
five days sett there stockadoes in a good and equall way, and
upon pain and penalty of ye sume of six shillings for each per
son yt doth not perform ye same, May 14.
Evert Bancker is appointed Mayor of Albany by Gov. Fletcher.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Jansen Bleecker, Jan Lansingh, II.
Albert Ryckman, Hendrick Hanse, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. '3.)
(Continued from No. 3.)
1709.

Johannes Abeel is sworn in as Mayor of Albany to succeed Evert
Bancker, having been commissioned by Gov. Richard Ingolds
by, October.
Charter election, Common Council: Myndert Schuyler, Robert
Livingston, Jun., I. Gerrit Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II.
Hendrick Hansen, Abraham Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29 •
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Col. Pieter Schuyler and Col. Nicholson, accompanied by Capt.
Abraham Schuyler as interpreter, sail for England with five
sachems of the Mohawks in order to show them the strength
of that country, that they may tell of the wonders seen to the
Five Nations, and also to secure aid from Queen Anne for an
expedition against Canada, December.
One of the five Mohawk sachems dies on the voyage, December.

HO NEE YEATH TAW NO ROW.
(John) u King " of the Generethgarich (Wolf
tribe).

TEE YEE NEEN HO GA ROW.
(King Hendrick) " Emperor " of the Six Na
tions (Wolf tribe).

ETOW OH KOAM.
" King " of the River Nation
(Turtle tribe).

SA GA YEATH OUA PIETH TOW.
1 King " of the Maquaas, or Mohawks (Bear
tribe)

SCHUYLER'S INDIAN SACHEMS.
Col. Pieter Schuyler, the first Mayor of Albany, took five Sachems to London in
December, 1709, one dying on the voyage over, and they were presented in state to
Queen Anne April 19, 1710, who had their portraits painted by I. Verelst before sailing:
back on the Dragon, May 8th.

No. 2. JOHANNES ABEEL. I3I
1710.

1710.
Col. Schuyler arrives in England with the sachems and they make
" a great bruit thro' the whole kingdom. The mob followed
wherever they went, and small cuts of them were sold among
the people. * * * Sir Charles Cotterel conducted them in
two coaches to St. James's and the lord chamberlain introduced
them into the royal presence " of Queen Anne. " They were
entertained at the public expense, and lodged in handsome
furnished apartments in the house of an upholsterer, named
Arne, in King street, Covent Garden. One was termed ' Em
peror of the Mohawks,' and the others ' Kings.' They were
dressed in rich apparel ; they were driven about the city and
adjacent country in coaches with livery; they visited the dock
yards and arsenals, were taken aboard the men-of-war and
heard the roar of their artillery. Nobles and statesmen enter
tained them at their tables. Their first audience with the queen
was with all the formality and courtesy conceded to princes of
the highest rank," January.
Rev. Godfriedus Dellius, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church,
dies, March I.
Gerardus Beeckman begins his administration of the Province of
New York as its President, April 10.
Sir Charles Cotterel conducts Pieter Schuyler, his companions and
the sachems to St. James's palace where the Duke of Shrews
bury presents them with the dignity observed with foreign po
tentates to Her Majesty, Queen Anne, April 19.
Queen Anne offers to confer knighthood upon Col. Pieter Schuyler
(who had been Albany's first Mayor) but he respectfully de
clines the honor. However, • he accepts tokens of her favor
upon bringing the sachems across the water to her; she orders
his portrait painted, presenting him with a gold snuff-box, a
silver punch-bowl, some pieces of silver plate, and for his wife
a diamond brooch and earrings, April.
The four sachems ride " in one of the Queen's barges, and took
a view of Greenwich hospital, as also the dock and yard at
Woolwich," April 21.
The sachems visit Banqueting Hall, then the Chapel at White
hall, April 22.
Review of the four troops of guards of horse with the grenadiers
at Hyde Park, by the Duke of Ormond, for the pleasure of
the saehems, April 26.

T32 JOHANNES ABEEL. No. 2.
1710.
Archbishop of Canterbury presents each sachem with a handsome
Bible. April 28.
Pieter Schuyler and his Mohawk sachems, Hendrick and John (who
sign their names with the mark of a wolf facing the right),
Brandt (who signs with the mark a pig) and Etawa Caume
(who signs with mark of a tortoise) depart from London for
home, sailing on the man-of-war " Dragon," May 8.
Brigadier Robert Hunter arrives from England at New York, and
at once begins his administration of the province of New York
as Governor, June 14.
Col. Pieter Schuyler and the four Mohawk sachems arrive from
England on board the " Dragon " at Boston, July 15.
Gov. Robert Hunter commissions Robert Livingston, Jun., Mayor
of Albany.
Charter election, Common Council: David Schuyler, Harmanus
Wendell, I. Abraham Cuyler, Gerrit Roseboom, II. Abraham
Schuyler, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? -k +
(See No. 12.)

No. 3.

Oct. 15. 1695 — Sept. 28, 1696.
* * *
— — . 1707  , 1709.

No. 3.
EVERT BANCKER.
Date of office: (a) October 15, 1695-September 28, 1696.
(b) 1 707-1 709.
Appointed by: (a) Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher.
(b) Governor Edward Hyde.
Date of birth: January 24, 1665.
Place of birth: Beaverwyck.
Parents: Gerrit (B.) and Elizabeth Dirkse Van Eps.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Elizabeth Abeel (sister of 2d Mayor).
Date: September 24, 1686.
Children: (11-7 s. 4 d.) Gerardus (1691), Elizabeth (1693),
Christoffel (b. 1695, m. Elizabeth Hooglant), Anna (1697),
Willem (b. 1699), m. Annatje Veeder), Jannetje (1701),
Adrianus (1703), Gerardus (b. 1706, m. Maria De Peyster),
Anna (1708), Johannes (1710), Johannes (m. Magdalena
Veeder).
Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street, 4th east of Pearl.
Occupation: Farmer. Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: July, 1734.
Place of death: Guilderland, N. Y.
Place of burial: Guilderland; on July 10th.
Title: Judge.
Remarks: Justice of Peace, 1692. Assembly, 1702. Master in
Chancery, October 13, 1705. Indian Commissioner, August
10, 1696; 1706; 1710; 1720; 1724; 1726; 1728. Farmed in
Guilderland.

JE

ALBANY MAP OF 1695.
Drawn by Rev. John Miller, British Army Chaplain ; boundaries, Hudson
River on east, Steuben st. on north, Fort Frederick at Lodge st. on west, Hud
son ave. on south. 1, Fort. 2, Dutch Church. 3, Lutheran Church. 4, Its
burial place. 5, Dutch Church burial place. 6, Handlaars st. (Broadway). 7,
Blockhouses. 8, Stadt Huis or City Hall. 9, Gun at waterfront. 10, Stockade.
11, Six city gates. 12, Yonkers (Gentleman's, or State) st. 13, Pearl st. 14,
Barrack (Chapel) st. 15, Court st. 16, Middle Lane (James st.). 17, Rom st.
(Maiden Lane).

No. 3. • EVERT BANCKER. 1 35
1695-1696.
(Continued from JMo. 2.)
1695.

Evert Bancker having been commissioned Mayor of Albany to.
succeed Johannes Abeel, he Is sworn into office, Oct. 15.
Rev. John Miller writes " A description of the Province and'
City of New York," printed in London " and published for the
enlightenment of such as would desire information anent the
New-Found-Land of America," stating of Albany: "It is irt
circumference about six furlongs, and hath therein about 200
houses, a fourth part of what there is reckoned to be in New
York. The form of it is septangular, and the longest line (is)
that which buts upon the river running from north to south.
On the west angle is the fort, quadrangular, strongly stocka-
doed and ditched round, having in it twenty-one pieces of
ordnance mounted. On the northwest side are two block
houses, and on the southwest as many; on the southeast angle
stands one block-house; in the middle of the line from thence
northward is a horned work, and on the northeast angle a
mount. The whole city is well stockadoed round, and in the
several fortifications named are about thirty guns. Dependent
on this city, and about twenty miles distance to the northward
from it, is the Fort of Scanectade, quadrangular, with a treble
stockado, a new block-house at every angle, and in each block
house two great guns."
Order for 450 new stockadoes passed by the Council in order to
improve the protection of the city against warring Indians
or invasion by the French from Canada, Dec. 17.
Citizens raise $250 for paving the city's streets.

1696.

Pirates in great number infest the Hudson river at its mouth and
waylay vessels on their way to Albany, speeding out from
coves and from behind islands, and again returning to the
rocky shores or ascending the mountains along the river to
conceal their plunder.
Governor Bellomont and Robert Livingston, having invested their
money as a partnership in a speedy craft to chase pirates, under

I36 EVERT BANCKER. No. 3.
1696, 1707-1708.

the English Crown's consent to allow them whatever cargo
is captured from the pirates, send their vessel to the West Indies
under command of the skilled Captain William Kidd, February.
Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck is commissioned Mayor of Albany by
Governor Benjamin Fletcher, September.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Lansingh, Jan Van Hagen, II. Albert
Ryckman, Hendrick Hanse, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

(See No. 4.)

(Continued from No. 11.)
1707.

Evert Bancker, having been commissioned by Governor Edward
Hyde to be the Mayor of Albany a second time, he is sworn as
such, October.
Charter election, Common Council : Evert Bancker elected, but
commissioned Mayor and not sworn, — Robert Livingston, Jun.,
Myndert Schuyler, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom,
II. Hendrick Hansen, Frans Winne, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1708.

Lord John Lovelace arrives at New York from England.
Rev. Thomas Barclay, chaplain of Fort Anne, begins services of
Church of England at Albany.
Col. Pieter Schuyler endeavors to persua~de administration of pro-
' vince of New York of necessity of subduing Canada.
The Schaihtecogue tract of land north of Albany (2x2x12x14
miles) that was purchased in February, 1707, of Indians,
surveyed, divided into farms and leased to settlers.
John Lovelace begins administration as governor of New York,
Dec. 18.
Charter election, Common Council : Robert Livingston, Jun., Myn
dert Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Nanning Harmense, II.
Hendrick Hansen, Frans Winne, III. Election, Sepr. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

No. 3. EVERT BANCKER. 137
1709.

1709.
Queen Anne writes to the governors of the provinces of New York,
Pennsylvania and New England that she is fitting out an ex
pedition against Canada, and has resolved to attack Montreal
and Quebec, the former by an army of 1,500 sent by way of
Albany and Lake Champlain, the second by a squadron of ships
and 1,200 Massachusetts militia, and she strongly expresses
her desire for the interest of Pieter Schuyler in the enterprise,
as he was " well qualified for the service, and a very proper
person to be employed in the expedition," March.
Pieter Schuyler made President of Province of New York, May 6.
Richard Ingoldsby begins his administration of Province of New
York as governor, May 9.
Pieter Schuyler made Councilor or President of New York, May 25.
Richard Ingoldsby begins administration as governor, June 1.
Col. Schuyler takes troops to invade Canada, but turns back at
Wood Creek because of failure of naval force to co-operate, July.
Centennial of Hendrick Hudson's arrival at site of Hudson, N. Y.,
Sept. 19.
Johannes Knickerbacker, miller, oldest of seven children of Her
man Jansen Knickerbacker "(the first of family in America)
leases farm in the Schaihtecogue tract, taking 30 morgens for
16 pounds 10 shillings, and contracting to pay yearly to the
Mayor of Albany 373/2 bushels of good merchantable winter
wheat, Oct. 13.
Governor Ingoldsby commissions Johannes Abeel to be the Mayor
of Albany a second time, September.
? ? *
(See No. 2.)

No. 4.
itrrk itesrte ®rtt Irorrk.

Sept. 29, 1696 — Sept. 28, 1698.

No. 4.
DIRCK WESSELSE TEN BROECK.
Date of office: September 29, 1696-September 28, 1698.
Appointed by: Governor (Col.) Benjamin Fletcher.
Date of birth: December 18, 1638.
Parents: Wessel Ten Broeck, of Munster, Westphalia. ( ?)
Education: Common school.
Married to: Christyna (Cornelise?) Van Buren.
Date: Albany,  , 1663.
Children: (13-6 s. 7 d.) Wessel (b. 1664, m. Cattryna Loocker
mans), father of 21st Mayor, Elsje (m. Johannes Cuyler,
14th Mayor), Catalyntje (m. Johannes Legget), Cornelia (m.
Johannes Wynkoop), Geertruy (m. Abraham Schuyler),
Christina (m. Johannes Van Alen), Elizabeth (m.- Antony
Costar), Lidia (m. Volckert Van Vechten), Samuel (b. 1680,
m. Maria Van Rensselaer), Ephraim and Manasse (twins,
b. 1681, d. y.), Johannes (b. 1683, m. Elizabeth Wendell and
Catryna Van Rensselaer), Tobias (b. 1689, m. Maritie Van
Stryen).
Residence: East side, corner Yonkers (State) street and Yaugh
(James) street-
Occupation: Exporter of beaver skins.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: September 18, 171 7.
Place of death: " Bouwerie," Clermont, N. Y.
Place of burial: By Roelof Jansen's Kil, on " Bouwerie," Clermont,
N. Y.
Title: Major.
Remarks: Appointed Commissary by Governor Andros, 1676.
Major of Militia, 1691. Captain. Indian Commissioner, 30
years, to October 2, 1716. Justice of the Peace, 1684, by
Governor Dongan. Alderman, July 26, 1686, first city board.
Assembly, 1st session, 1691, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th. Recorder,
October, 1686-1696. Deacon, 1673. Bought 1,800 acres of
Robert Livingston, October 26, 1694, on Roelof Jansen's Kil,
Clermont, N. Y., for i5£ Carried the truce of King James
II. to Governor of Canada, June 11, 1688.

TEN BROECK'S "BOUWERIE."
Mayor Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck bought 1,800 acres along " Roelof Jansen's Kil" at Clermont, N. Y.,
from Robert Livingston, Oct. 26, 1694, where he built his house soon after, part of which was standing in 1906.
Enlarged in 1762.

NO. 4. DIRCK WESSELSE TEN BROECK. I4I
1696-1698.
(Continued from No. 3.)
1696.

Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck is sworn into office as the Mayor of
Albany to succeed Evert Bancker, having been commissioned
by Governor Benjamin Fletcher, Sept. 29.

1697.

Population of the county enumerated as 379 men, 270 women, 803
children; total, 1,452 inhabitants, not counting Indians, and
mostly residing within the city itself, June 16.
Robert Livingston, Jun., manager at Albany for the Manor at Cler
mont of his uncle of same name, the first proprietor, and a few
years later to be the Mayor of Albany, marries Margareta
Schuyler, the niece of this uncle's wife and the eldest daughter
of Col. Pieter Schuyler, the city's first Mayor, the license bear
ing the date July 26.
John Ratecliffe named city porter, whose duty it is to close the
city gates and ring the bells at proper intervals, Nov. 23.
Charter election Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Lansingh, Jan VanHagen, II. Hen
drick Hanse, Wesselse tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1698.

Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, who had become an intimate
friend of Robert Livingston on his trip to England when he
sought payment from the Crown for feeding the troops, arrives
from England at New York, April 2.
Earl of Bellomont begins his administration as Governor of the
Province of New York, April 13.
Population of the county: 382 men, 262 women, 805 children, 23
negroes; total, 1,472 inhabitants (as reported by census ordered
by Gov. Fletcher), April 19.

142 DIRCK WESSELSE TEN BROECK. No. 4.
1698.
Indian census of the county shows no Mohawks, 70 Oneidas, 250.
Onondagas, 200 Cayugas, 600 Senecas, 90 River Indians ; total,
1,320 Indians, April 19.
Report shows 142 men, 68 women, 209 children had left the county
during hostilities; 16 taken prisoner, 84 killed, 38 died, April 19.
Gov. Coote visits Albany to meet sachems of the Five Nations in
assembly and is chagrined by their cool reception; takes ex
ception to what Gov. Fletcher had done and criticizes the work
of Dominie Dellius (in report to Commissioners of Council
of Trade) and makes changes in administration of affairs, July-
Captain Kidd, who had been commissioned by Robert Livingston
and the Earl of Bellomont to use their ship and capture pirates,
the Crown allowing them the possession of cargoes of all such
unlawful craft, being unsuccessful in capturing pirates, turns
pirate himself, and using the vessel of these men of high posi
tion becomes notorious as a terror of the seas.
Hendrick Hansen commissioned Mayor by Gov. Richard Coote,
September.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, Hendrick
Van Rensselaer, I. Jan Van Hagen, Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes
selse tenBroeck, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 5.)

No. 5.
ijttt&rtrk ifattHm.

Sept. 29, 1698  , 1699.

No. 5.
HENDRICK HANSEN.
Date of office: September 29, 1698-1699.
Appointed by: Governor Richard Coote.
Parents: Captain Hans (Hendrickse) and Eva Gmise-
Education: Common school.
Married to: Debora Van Dam.
Date: September 21 1692.
Children: (7-5 s. 2d.) Debora (1693), Hans (17th Mayor, b. 1695,
m. Sara Cuyler), Maria (b. 1697, m. David Schuyler),
Nicholas (1698), Pieter (1700), Rykaart (1703, m. Sara
Thong, 1727; Catharina Ten Broeck, 1738), Jefie (1705,
d- y.).
Residence: East side Market street (Broadway) next north of
Bleecker Hall site.
Occupation: Trader. Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: February, 1724.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Dutch Church,' on February 19th.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman. Assembly. Indian Commissioner.

No. 5. HENDRICK HANSEN. I45
1698-1699.
(Continued from No. 4.)
1698.

Hendrick Hansen is sworn into office as the Mayor of Albany to
succeed Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck, having been commissioned
such by Governor Richard Coote, Sept. 29.
Population of the Province of the New York 18,067.

1699.

Mayor, recorder, aldermen, Rev. G. Dellius and 166 citizens sub
scribe to the following new form of oath : " I-  , do hereby
Promise and Swear yt I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to his majesty, King William, so help me God. I,  — , do
swear that I do from my heart abhor, detest and abjure as
Impious and Heretical, yt damnable Doctrine and Position, yt
Princes Excommunicated or Deprived by ye Pope or any au
thority of ye See of Rome, may be deposed or murthered
by their subjects or any other whatsoever. And I doe declare
yt no foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State or Potentate, hath
or ought to have any Jurisdiction, Power, Superiority, Pre
eminence or Authority, Ecclesiasticale or Spirituall within
this Realm. So help me God." Jan. 4.
Land patents granted by Indians to Pieter Schuyler, William Pin-
horn, Rev. G. Dellius, Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck and Evert
Bancker (50 miles long and two miles in width each side of
the Mohawk river west of the site of Amsterdam, under Gov.
Fletcher) annulled by the Assembly, as recommended by Gov.
Coote, who seeks to overthrow all that Gov. Fletcher had
enacted, j May.
Rev. Godfreidus Dellius deprived of pastorate of Reformed Dutch
church by an Act suggested by Gov. Coote, and Rev. Johannes
Petrus Nucella appointed, May.
John Nanfan becomes lieutenant-governor of Province of New
York, May 17.
Lord Bellomont, smarting under criticism that he had been the
one to engage Captain Kidd in February of 1696 to capture
pirates and then possess their stealings in shares with Robert

I46 HENDRICK. HANSEN. No. 5.
169 9.
Livingston to cover the expense, and thereby break up piracy,
induces Capt. Kidd by a decoy letter to come to Boston, and
there arrests him, June.
Robert Livingston, accused at Boston before the Board of Trade by
Lord Bellomont, his former partner in a ship to catch pirates,
hastens to that city and exonerates himself of any ill-doing in
the fact that his vessel had been used by Captain Kidd as
¦-. , pirate, craft, July-
Pieter; Van Brugh (or Verbrugge) commissioned Mayor of Albany
by Lieut.-Governor John Nanfan, September.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, David
Schuyler, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Wes
selse tenBroeck, Albert Ryckman, III. Election, Sept. .29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 6.)

No, 6.

-, 1699  , 1700.

Nov. 9, 1720  , 1723.

No. 6.
PIETER VAN BRUGH (VERBRUGGE).
Date of office: (a) 1699-1700.
(b) November 9, 1720-1723.
Date of appointment: (a)
(b) November 9, 1720.
Appointed by: (a) Lieutenant-Governor John Nanfan.
(b) Governor William Burnet.
Date of birth: July 14, 1666.
Parents: Johannes Pieterse (Verbrugge) and Tryntje (or Catrina)
Roeloff se ( Rodenburgh ) .
Education: Common school.
Married to: Sara Cuyler (sister of 14th Mayor).
Date: New York, November 2, 1688.
Children: (1) Catherine (baptized November 10, 1689).
Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street west of Pearl
street.
Occupation: Holland trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: July, 1740.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Dutch Church, on July 20th.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Grandson of Anneke Jans (or Jansen).

No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. 149

1699-170 0.

(Continued from No. 5.)
1699.

Pieter Van Brugh (or Verbrugge) sworn as the Mayor of Albany
to succeed Hendrick Hansen, having been commissioned by
Lieut-Governor John Nanfan.
In order to economize, the 14 soldiers of the block-house near the
South gate, by a resolution of Common Council, are ordered
lodged in the fort, Nov. 29.
John Ratcliffe and Robert Barrett are appointed " rattle-watch "
(ratelwagh) and to patrol the city, beginning at the main
guard-house nearby the South gate, northward on Market
(Broadway) street to the Rutten kill bridge where lives Col.
Schuyler, then by Yonkers (State) street up the hill to the fort,
along the hill to Alderman Roseboom's residence, east of Par
rel (Pearl) street and north of Rom (Maiden Lane) street,
east on Rom street and back to guard-house, beginning at 10
o'clock and continuing until dawn, carrying lantern and rattle
to give alarm, Nov. 29.
Officers of the city regiment and county militia : Colonel, Pieter
Schuyler; major, Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck. First foot-
company: Captain, Johannes Bleecker; lieutenant, Johannes
Roseboom; ensign, Abraham Cuyler. Second foot-company:
Captain, Albert Janse Ryckman; lieutenant, Dirck Wesselse
Ten Broeck; ensign, Johannes Thomasse. County's first foot-
company: Captain, Martain Cornelisse; lieutenant, Andries
Douw; ensign, Andries Coeymans. County's second foot-
company: Captain, Gerrit Teunisse: lieutenants, Jonas Douw
and Joachim Lamerse ; ensigns, Volckert van Hoesen and Abra
ham Hanse. Troop of horse: Captain, Kiliaen Van Rens
selaer; lieutenant,. Johannes Schuyler; cornet, Bennony Van
Corlaer; quartermaster, Anthony Bries. December.

1700.

Cornelis Bogardus licensed school-teacher, Jan. 23.
Stephen de Lancey who, with other Huguenot families was' stripped
of his estate under the Edict of Nantes, and had arrived at

150 PIETER VAN BRUGH. No. 6.
1700.
New York on June 7, 1686, marries Anne Van Cortlandt, whose
mother was a Schuyler of Albany, Jan. 23.
Col. Pieter Schuyler, Robert Livingston and Hendrick Hansen go
on visit to Onondaga to address the Five Nations, hoping to
win them from the French cause, April 9.
The three Indian commissioners return, May 2.
Rev. Johannes Lydius succeeds Rev. Johannes Petrus Nucella as
dominie of Reformed Dutch church, July 20.
Richard Coote (Earl of Bellomont) again becomes governor, July 24.
Gov. Coote writes to England : " The soldiers in garrison at Albany
are in such a shameful condition for the want of clothes, that
the women when passing them are obliged to cover their eyes.
The Indians ask with significance, Do you think us such fools
as to believe a king who cannot clothe his soldiers can protect
us from the French with their 1,400 men all in good
condition?" July 26.
Witchcraft was introduced into Albany from Canada as related in
Gov. Coote 's letter to the Lords of Trade, wherein he states:
" Decannissore, one of the Sachems of the Onondagas, married
one of the praying Indians in Canada, this woman was taught
to poison as well as pray. The Jesuits had furnish'd her with
so subtill a poison, and taught her leger de main in using it;
so that whoever she had a mind to poison she would drink to
'em a cup of water, and let drop the poison from under her nail
(which are always very long, for the Indians never pare 'em)
into the cup. This woman was so true a disciple of the
Jesuits, that she has poison'd a multitude of our Five Nations
that were best affected to us. * * * 't was not fit she should
live any longer in the world to do more mischief ; and so made
up to her, and with a club beat out her brains," July 26.
Common Council agrees to permit " two churchwardens of Shin-
nechtady " to solicit alms here in order to make up a sufficient
sum as salary for Dominie Freman, Sept. 21.
Gov. Coote, in his letter to the Board of Trade, speaks of a confab
with the sachems as follows : " The Interpreter who was sent
to hasten the Sachems (to meet the governor at Albany) re
ported that their minds were so possess'd with a jealousy of
my intending them mischief as the French had suggested to
them, that they were all that while deliberating whether to
venture to meet me at Albany. My conference with the
Indians . . . lasted seven or eight days, and was the
greatest fatigue I ever underwent in my whole life. I was

w

DUTCH CHURCH WEATHER-COCK.
This is one of the most ancient souvenirs of the city.
It is made of beaten brass and bears marks of three
bullets. It stood on the church built in 1656 at foot
rf State st., removed in 1806, and in 1906 was on.
tower of Madison Ave. Reformed Church.

No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. 1 51
1700, 1720-1721.
shut up in a close chamber with 50 Sachems, who besides the
stink of bear's grease with which they plentifully dawb'd them
selves were continually either smoking tobacco or drinking
drams of rum. They seem'd sullen and out of humour at first,
but by degrees I brought 'em to perfect good temper. I am
told there never appeared so many Sachems at any conference
as at this," Oct. 17.
Jan Jansen Bleecker commissioned to be the Mayor of Albany by
the Earl of Bellomont, Governor of Province of New York,
September.
Charter election, Cominon Council : Johannis Schuyler, David
Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes
selse tenBroeck, Johannis Abeel, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 7.)
(Continued from No. 13.)
1720.

Pieter Van Brugh sworn as the Mayor of Albany a second time,
succeeding Myndert Schuyler and holding the commission of
Governor William Burnet, Nov. 9.

1721.
A school-teacher being necessary, the Common Council resolves :
" Whereas it is very requisite & necessary that a fitt and able
school master settle in this city for teaching and instructing of
the youth in speling, reading, writeing and cyffe.ring and Mr.
Johannes Glandorf haveing offered his service to setle here and
keep a school if reasonably encourage by ye Corporation, it is
therefore Resolved by this Comonalty and they do hereby
oblidge themselves and their successors to give and procure
unto ye said Johan's Glandorf free house rent for the term of
seaven years next ensueing for keeping a good and commend
able school as becomes a diligent Schoolmaster," April 8.
Beaver-skins valued at $33,295 exported in 1721,
Charter election, Common Council : Goose van Schaick, Harmanus
Wendell, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Johannis Pruyn, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

152 PIETER VAN BRUGH. No. 6.
1722.

1722.

Gov. William Burnet remonstrates at Albany with the River
Indians (Mahikanders) regarding their too free use of intoxi
cants, suggesting that they apply the money spent upon liquor
for clothing, to which one of the sachems replies : " We are
sensible that you are much in the right that rum does a great
deal of harm. We approve of all that you said on that point,
but the truth is this : When our people come from hunting to
the town or to the plantations and acquaint the traders and
people that we want powder, shot, and clothing, they first give
us a large cup or rum, and after we get the taste of it we crave
for more so that at last all the beaver and peltry we have
hunted goes for drink, and we are left destitute either of cloth
ing or ammunition ; therefore we desire our father to order the
tap or crane to be shut and to prohibit the selling of rum, for
as long as the Christians will sell rum, our people will drink it.
* * * We acknowledge that our father is very much in the
right to tell us that we squander away our Indian corn whieh
should subsist our wives and children, but one great cause of
it is that many of our people are obliged to hire land of the
Christians at a very dear rate and to give half the corn for rent,
and the other half they are tempted by rum to sell, and the
corn goes so that the poor women and children are left to-
shift as well as they can. * * * We have no more land.
The Christians when they buy a small spot of land ask us if
we have no more land. When we say yes, they wish to know
the name of it, and take a greater quantity than was to be sold
to them, and the Indians not understanding what is written
in the deed or bill of sale, sign it and are thus deprived of part
of their lands," Aug. 30.
Gov. Alexander Spotswood of Virginia and Sir William Keith,
Governor of Pennsylvania, confer with sachems of Five Nations-
at Albany, and renew covenants, September.
Beaver-skins valued at $41,665 exported in 1722.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Parent Sanders, II. Jo
hannis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14..

No. 6. PIETER VAN BRUGH. 153
1723.

1723.
Gov. Burnet writes to the Lords of Trade that he has at last suc
ceeded in inducing the far Indians to come to Albany to trade,
some coming " above a thousand miles to Albany from Mis-
limakenak, which lyes between Lac Superieur and Lac
Huron," June 25.
Myndert Schuyler commissioned to be Mayor of Albany by Gov
ernor William Burnet, x723-
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Johan
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 13.)

No. 7.
Jan Janant Mtnkn.

-, 1700  , 1701.

'-/

No. 7.
JAN JANSEN BLEECKER.
Date of office: 1700-1701.
Appointed by: (Gov.) Earl of Bellomont.
Date of birth: July 9, 1641.
j Place of birth: Meppel, Overyssel, Holland.
Parents: Jan (B.).
Education: Common school.
Married to: Margariet (or Greitjen) Rutse Jacobsen Van Schoen-
derwoert.
Date: January 2, 1667.
Children: (9-4 s. 5 d.) Johannes (8th Mayor, b. 1668), Catharine,
Jane, Rutger (15th Mayor, b. 1675), Nicholas, Margaret,
Hendrick (1686), Rachel (1688), Maria (1692).
Occupation: Trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: November 21, 1732.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Dutch Church, on November 24th.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Emigrated to Albany, 1658. City Chamberlain, 1686.
Indian Commissioner, 1691-4. Captain of Militia, Indian
War, 1689. Recorder, 1696-1700. Justice of Peace, 1697.
Member of Provincial Assembly, 1698-1701.

7. JAN JANSEN BLEECKER.
i 700-1 701.
From what is believed to be a life-size oil-painting of him, owned in 1906 by
Mrs. James B. Speyers, nee Katharine Van Vechten Miller, of New York city.

No. 7- JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. 157
1700-1701.
(Continued from No. 6.)
1700.

Jan Jansen Bleecker sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having been
commissioned by Sir Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, the
Governor of the Province of New York.
Albany county furnishes 371 militiamen of the 3,182 in the militia
of the Province of New York.
Col. Pieter Schuyler in command of the militia of Albany county,
with Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck the major.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer the captain of the troop of horse.
Beaver-skins numbering 15,241 exported in 1700.
Gov. Coote, in his letter to the Board of Trade, describes the condi
tion of the soldiers at Albany as follows : " I had the two
Companies, at Albany, vizt. Major Ingoldesby's and Capt.
Weeme's muster'd before me there. * * * I never in my
life saw so moving a sight as that of the Companies at Albany,
half the men were without breeches, shoes, and stockins when
they muster'd. I thought it shameful to the last degree to see
English soldiers so abus'd. They had like to have mutinied.
* ¦+ * I was in great hopes your Lordships would have
directed me to fall immediately upon fortifying at Albany and
Schenectady; these forts are not only scandalously weak, but
do us unspeakable mischief with our Indians, who conceive a
proportionable idea of the Kings power & greatness. The in
habitants came all about me at my leaving Albany and told
me in plain terms that if the King would not build a Fort there
to protect 'em they would on the very first news of a war be
tween England and France desert that place and fly to New
York rather than they would stay there to have their throats
cut. ; * * There are half a dozen at Albany who have
competent estates, but all the rest are miserable poor." Oct. 17.
Retailing of liquor prohibited, unless by Mayor's license, under
penalty of $25, and absolutely no selling of same to soldiers
after the 8 o'clock bell at night, Nov. 15.
Assessment of 1,200 f and 87 " loadwood " levied for "ye Rattle-
watch," Dec. 30.

1701.

Beaver-skins, formerly bringing 14 shillings per pound at London,
now selling for only five shillings,

158 JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. No. 7.

1701.

Sir Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, the Governor of the Prov
ince of New York, dies suddenly, and having heeded those who
had been jealous of ex-Mayor Pieter Schuyler it prevents the
carrying out of his plans to lower Schuyler's powerful influence
among the Indians and might have soon made him a man of
less importance, March 5.
Pieter Schuyler, William Smith and Abraham De Peyster made
councilors to act as administrators, Lieut.-Gov. John Nanfan
being absent in the West Indies, March 5.
The council appointed on the 5th administers the affairs of the
Province of New York until the return of John Nanfan from
Barbadoes, and who assumes control on his arrival at New
York, ' May 19.
Governor John Nanfan directs Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David
Schuyler (son of David Pieterse Schuyler) to go to Onondaga
and there notify the Five Nations of his desire for a conference
at Albany, as well as to observe with the skill he knows they
possess what influence the French have among those Indians,
and they set out, June 2.
Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David Schuyler arrive at Onondaga,
the council place of the Indians, June 10.
Johannes Bleecker, Jun., and David Schuyler attend the meeting
held by the Onondaga and Seneca sachems, and perceive that
the Protestant wampum belt sent to them by the Earl of Bello
mont, when Governor of New York Province, is hanging beside
the Catholic belt sent by Callieres of Canada, in the Indian
council-house, showing that the sachems had not yet decided
whether to be the allies of the French of Canada or of the
English colonies, and Dekanissora, the mourning hermit, told
in an eloquent discourse how Callieres had been kind to him
at the last audience granted at Montreal, kissing him with all
appearances of deep affection on both cheeks, ordering his
portrait painted, had dined him sumptuously at his own table
with the white people, had presented him with a double-
barrelled gun, with a laced coat and hat, a magnificent shirt
and an abundance of tobacco, and upon his departure for the
home of the tribes had ordered three Frenchmen not to allow
him to do any of the rowing of his bark canoe from Montreal
to Fort Frontenac, June 14.
A messenger announces at the council of sachems that M. Marin-
cour was approaching, being then but eight miles distant, come
from Canada to announce that the King of Spain was dead,
that the Governor of Canada desired the sachems of the tribes

INDIAN TREATY.
Albany was the scene of treaty-making with Indian sachems time and again.
Colonists came here even from Maryland for the purpose. The Dutch had the
advantage in that for trivial gifts they made the Indians allies. (Copyright by
C. Y. Turner.)

No. 7. JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. 1 59
1701 .
to come into his presence, as he wished to make it clear that
the French and not the colonists were their most able friends,
more willing to help them fight battles with hostile Indians, and
he desired some squaws sent to fetch his luggage into their
camp, June 18.
The council of the sachems having been in session for a week, the
time drew near when it was necessary to determine among the
chiefs which religious belt, the Catholic of the French implying
Canada's aid, or the Protestant belt, signifying alliance with
the English colonists, should be chosen, accordingly Dekanis-
sora sought Bleecker and Schuyler privately for their advice.
The Indian stated there was a vast difference of opinion among
the tribes, as some would agree to have a priest on one side
of the castle and a minister on the other. The Albany dele
gates said this would cause confusion, and above all they should
not cringe to the French ; but to this the chief answered : " We
fear the French will make war on us, and we shall then fade
away like the Mohawks. You may promise assistance, but
what does that avail, so long as you do not give it?" The
same night the old chief called at the tent of the Albanians
again, and said no decision had been reached and he had him
self been so troubled about the matter that for two nights he
had not slept, anxious to advise his tribe aright, June 21.
At the council meeting of the tribes at Onondaga, with envoys from
Canada and Albany present, Dekanissora states the situation
as follows : " We are desired by both parties to become
Christians, and we see the belts hanging before us. You make
us mad, and we know not which side to choose. But I will
now say no more about it, and take the belts down and keep
them, because you are both dear with your goods. We are
sorry we cannot pray, but we have come to this conclusion,
we will take a priest or minister of the party who sells his
goods the cheapest. Our sachems meantime are going, some
to Albany, others to Montreal, and we will think about it until
winter. We have a suspicion that there will soon be another
war between your nations, but we tell you both that we shall
keep the peace," June 22.
The sachems of the Five Nations divide, a set proceeding to Canada
with the idea that by telling Callieres what the New York
colonists will do he will be forced to make them presents of
great value and order goods sold cheaply to them, while other
sachems arrive at Albany to strike a bargain with Governor
Nanfan, July 1.

IOO JAN JANSEN BLEECKER. No. 7.
1701 .
It is reported that Callieres when visited by the sachems from
Onondaga in an endeavor to gain their tribes as French allies,
gives back the Iroquois prisoners held in Canada, July 15.
Gov. Nanfan's conference with the sachems from Onondaga held
at Albany for more than a week, results in a deed from the
Indians to King William III, of the hunting-grounds situate
between Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron, which these Indians
had taken sixty years previous from the Hurons, July 19.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, David
Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Wes
selse tenBroeck, Johannis Abeel, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, second Lord of the Manor, or the fourth
Patroon, marries his cousin, Maria, the daughter of Stephanus
Van Cortlandt, Oct. 15.
Johannes Bleecker, Jun., commissioned the Mayor of Albany by
Lieut.-Gov. John Nanfan,

(See No. 8.)

No. 8.
Jjifjann?0 Blmfor, Jun.

-, 1701  , 1702.

No. 8.
JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN.
Date of office: 1 701-1702.
Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor John Nanfan.
Date of birth: May 2, 1668.
Parents: Jan Jansen (B.), 7th Mayor, and Margariet Rutse Jacob-
sen Van Schoenderwoert.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Anna Costar.
Date: October 29, 1693.
Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Johannes (1694), Geertruy (1696, m.
Abraham Wendell), Hendrik (1699), Nicholas (b. 1702,
m. Margarita Roseboom), Hendrik (1706), Margarita (1709,
m. Gerrit Marselis), Anna (1712), Jacob (1715), Anthonv
(1718).
Residence: Northwest corner North Pearl street and Maiden lane
(to Chapel street).
Occupation: Interpreter to Indians.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December 20, 1738.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Dutch Church, on December 23.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Carried captive to Canada 1686; returned 1687.
Recorder, 1700. Member of General Assembly, 1 701-2.
Indian interpreter.

NO. 8. JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN. 163
1701 - 1702.
(Continued from No. 7.)
1701.

Johannes Bleecker, Jun., is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to
succeed Jan Jansen Bleecker, having been commissioned by
Lieut.-Governor John Nanfan,
John Collins, lieutenant of Captain Henry Holland's English gar
rison at Albany, marries Mrs. Margaret Verplanck, widow of
Jacobus Verplanck and the daughter of Philip Schuyler, Nov. 2.

1702.
Col. Wolfgang William Romer plans Fort Anne and has four hun
dred loads of stone and one hundred tons of cement drawn
for its construction, April.
Edward Hyde (Viscount Cornbury) succeeds Lt.-Gov. Nanfan in
administration of Province of New York, as governor, May 3.
Garrison, consisting of 176 soldiers, commanded by Maj. Ingoldsby, June.
Colonel Romer goes on a journey to Boston, June.
Queen Anne (born at London Feb. 6, 1665, daughter of James II.
and Anne Hyde) proclaimed queen of England, June 17.
Governor Hyde visits Albany and finds the soldiers eight weeks in
arrears of subsistence and clothed so they barely had " where
withal to cover their nakedness," July 5.
In continued absence of Col. Romer, Gov. Hyde tired of waiting,
changes the design of Fort Anne and lays the first stone of
the fort, Aug. 15.
Colonel Romer returns from Boston, Aug. 19.
The four hundred loads of stone entirely used in haste of construc
tion, fearing an attack by the French from the west of city,
Aug. 26.
Gov. Hyde writes to the Lords of Trade respecting the condition
of the fort at Albany: "The fort is in a miserable condition.
It is a stockadoed fort about one hundred and twenty feet long
and seventy foot wide, the stockadoes are almost all roten to
that degree that I can with ease push them down. There is
but three and twenty guns in the fort, most of them unservice
able, the carryages * * * so honey-combed that they
cannot be fired without danger, * * * Schenectady is

I64 JOHANNES BLEECKER, JUN. No. 8.
1702.
twenty miles from Albany upon another river by which the
french must come if they attempt anything on Albany. This
is an open Village. It was formerly stockadoed round but
since the peace no care having been taken to repair the stock
adoes they are all down. There is a Stockadoed Fort but
indeed it is more like a pound than a fort. There is eight
Guns in it, not above three fit for service, no Garrison in it
when I came, but a Serjeant and twelve men, no powder nor
shot, neither great nor small, nor no place to put it into.
* * * By Coll. Schuyler's care the Regiment of the Militia
of the County of Albany is in pretty good condition but that
is perfectly owing to his care." Sept. 24.
Albert Janse Ryckman commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov
ernor Edward Hyde
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Schuyler, David
Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Hen
drick Hanse, Johannis Mingael, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14-
? ? ?
(See No. 9.)

FORT FREDERICK PLAN.
The " Fort at Albany " built in 1676, later called Fort Frederick, in middle of State St. with its n. e. bastian on site
of St. Peter's Church tower, was rebuilt as Fort Anne by Lord Cornbury, Governor, laying corner stone Aug. 15, 1702.
No. 1, Governor's house. 2, Officers' lodgings. 3, Soldiers' lodgings. 4, Flag-staff mount. 5, Magazine. 6, Dial
mount. 7, Town mount. 8, Well. 9, Sentry. 10, Boundary. 11, Sally-ports. 12, Ditch and stockade. 13, Gardens.
14, Stockade. 15, Gate.

No. 9.
Albert Jans? Egrkman.
 , 1702  , 1703.

No. 9.
ALBERT JANSE RYCKMAN.
Date of office: 1 702-1 703.
Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde.
Date of birth: Before 1663.
Place of birth: Beverwyck.
Parents: Jan Janse (R.) and Tryntje Janse.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Neeltje Quackenbos.
Children: (12-5 s. 7 d.) Johannes, Albert, Tryntje, Pieter (m.
Cornelia Keteltas), Harmanus, Margaret, Catharina (m.
Anthony Bries), Maria (m. Barent Bratt), Magdalena
(1685), Tobias (b. 1686, m. Helena Beeckman), Magdalena,
(1689), Ragel (1692).
Residence: Near southwest corner Fltidson avenue and Broadway.
Occupation: Brewer.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January, 1737.
Place of death: Albany.
Date of burial: On January 12th.
Title: Captain.

GEORGE CLARKE CREATED SECRETARY.
Queen Anne commissioned Geo. Clarke to fill the " office or place of Secretary of our Colony of new yorke
in America, in the Room of Matthew Clarkson, Gentleman, deceased," on March 16, 1703. (Owned by N. Y.
State Library; size, 16x24^ in.)

No. 9. ALBERT JANSE RYCKMAN. 167
1 702- 1 703.
(Continued from No. 8.)
1702.

Albert Janse Ryckman is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed
Johannes Bleecker, Jun., having been commissioned such by
Governor Edward Hyde.
Robert Livingston's Manorial estate at Claverack described in a
letter sent to the Crown at this time as being " 16 miles long
and 24 miles broad, but four or five cottages, occupied by men
too poor to be farmers ; but are his vassals."
Lord Cornbury, on assuming control of the Province of New York,
reports to the home government at England on his examina
tion of affairs that of the entire militia in his province there
was one alone that was in serviceable condition and that was
Col. Pieter Schuyler's of Albany ; continuing : " In the whole
province beside there is nothing like militia. It is a thing
forgot."

1703.

Population of Albany counted stated as being 2,273, January.
Population of the Province of New York (the state), 20,665.
Work on the new Fort Anne ceases for the year, February.
Evert Ridder licensed a school-teacher, May 1.
The French king orders beaver fur introduced into the manufac
ture of hats in order to aid the beaver trade of New York
colony, May.
Robert Livingston, of the Claverack Manor, sails from New York
a second time, the object of this trip being to request Queen
Anne to commission him as secretary of Indian Affairs with
salary, which had been denied him by the Governor; also to
seek from the Crown payment for services in quartering the
British troops, although some jealous men of Albany had
asserted to the Governor that he had not furnished supplies
as contracted, and he also desired to secure Protestant clergy
to preach to the Indians, June 2.
Robert Livingston's ship is captured off the English coast by a
French privateer, and he is plundered of a large part of his
valuable documents, June.
Lord Cornbury (Gov. Edward Hyde) arrives at Albany for an
important conference with his allies, the Five Nations, July 5.

l68 ALBERT JANSE RYCKMAN. No. 9.
1703.
Col. Pieter Schuyler (ex-Mayor) is requested to visit Onondaga
and to learn, while arranging with the sachems for a conference
at Albany with the Governor, why the " black gowns " (French
priests) were allowed, contrary to agreement, to reside among
the Indians, July-
Col. Pieter Schuyler goes among the Indian tribes presenting a
number of peace belts that he requests distributed among the
Indian villages as tokens of friendship with the colonists,
hoping thereby to avert future scalping parties making raids on
the whites, August.
Johannes Schuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor
Edward Hyde, ? ? ?
(See No. 10.)

No. IO.

Joannes g>rfjnn>r.

, 1703  , 1706.

No. 10.
JOHANNES SCHUYLER.
Date of office: 1 703-1 706.
Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde.
Date of birth: April 5, 1668.
Place of birth: Rensselaerswyck.
Parents: Philip Pieterse (S.) and Margarita Van Slichtenhorst.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Elizabeth Staats (Wendell).
Date: April 25, 1695.
Children: (4-2 s. 2 d.) Philip (1695), Johannes (b. 1697, m.
Cornelia Van Cortlandt), Margarita (the "American Lady,"
b. 1701, m. Philip Schuyler), Catalyntje (b. 1704, m. Cornelis
Cuyler, 20th Mayor).
Residence: Southeast corner State and Pearl streets.
Occupation: Military. Trader. River transports.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: July 25, 1747.
Place of .death: Southeast corner State and Pearl streets.
Place of burial: Dutch Church, on March 2d.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Captain's commission, 1690. Attached to General Win
throp's army, 1691. Indian Commissioner, 1705-23. Mem
ber of Colonial Assembly, September 1, 1710-March 3, 1713.
Alderman, first ward, September, 1738 and 1739. Brother
of Mayor Pieter Schuyler. Brave in discharge of duties
with Indians.

io. JOHANNES SCHUYLER.
1703-1706.
Photograph made by William A. Cooper, of New York City, from oil painting owned in 1906 by Gen. Philip
Schuyler, of Irvington, N. Y., a great-great-great-grandson, who was killed in a railroad wreck in Virginia, Nov.
29, 1906. Authenticated by showing the portrait of his wife (Elizabeth Staats Wendell) as mentioned in his will.

No. 10. JOHANNES SCHUYLER. 17I
1703-1704.
(Continued from No. 9.)
1703.

Johannes Schuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed
Albert Janse Ryckman, having been commissioned such by
Lord Cornbury (Edward Hyde), Governor of the Province
of New York,
Charter election, Common Council ; David Schuyler, Evert Bancker,
I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hendrick Hanse,
Johannis Mingael, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14..

1704

Patent granted to Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, eldest son of Jeremiah-
Van Rensselaer, deceased, for entire Manor, including the
Claverack patent, May 20.
Common Council votes to erect a market-house in the middle of
Yonkers (State) street, " opposite to ye lane between ye house
of Maj. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck and Evert Wendell, Senr.
(Middle Lane, later James street) at ye Citty's charges," to be
open Saturdays, May 30.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer conveys to his younger brother, Hendrick,
the Claverack or Lower Manor, and 1,000 acres of the Upper-
Manor, on east side of the river, including the site of Green
bush (Rensselaer), on making an amicable division of the vast
estate, and to his sister, Maria, he gives a farm of a few
hundred acres adjoining the Schuyler Flatts; to his sister,
Anna, a farm situate at the site of Bethlehem, June 1..
Common Council directs property owners to lay a width of eight
feet of sidewalk before their houses or lots, or forfeit 15 shil
lings, September
Charter election, Common Council: Evert Bancker, David Schuy
ler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Hendrick
Hanse, Johannis Mingael,. III. Election, .Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
Rev. Thoroughgood Moor sent out by the Church of England to
instruct the Mohawks in religious matters, but is vigorously-
opposed and his work made difficult by fur-trading interests.

172 JOHANNES SCHUYLER. No. IO.
1704-1705.
Capt. Higby reporting to the Common Council that his command
requires quarters, it is resolved that lot be taken to see what
citizens shall house them, Nov. 21.

1705.

Slaves selling as high as $325, January.
Numerous slaves escaping to Canada, the justices of the peace solicit
the city administration to present to the assembly of Province
of New York the necessity of protecting owners of slaves by
passing a law, June 5.
Provincial assembly passes law : " All and every negro slave or
slaves belonging to any of the inhabitants of the city and county
of Albany, who shall from and after the first day of August
of this present year of our Lord, 1705, be found traveling forty
miles above the city of Albany, at or above a certain place
called Sarachtoge, unless in company of his, her, or their
master, mistress, or such employed by them, or either of them,
and be thereof convicted by the oaths of two or more credible
witnesses before the court of sessions of the peace of this city
and county * * * shall suffer the pains of death as in
cases of felony," Aug. 1.
Rev. Thoroughgood Moor, of England, returns to New York city,
from his services among the Mohawks, having met with too
much opposition by fur traders of Albany county.
Robert Livingston commissioned " town-clerk, clerk of the peace,
clerk of the common pleas, in our county and city of Albany,
and the secretary, or agent, of the government of New York
to the Indians " by Queen Anne, a cousin of Lord Cornbury,
Governor of New York Province, which confirmation of ap
pointments again made his what had been abrogated by Lord
Bellomont when he was nettled by the altercation at Boston
in July, 1699, when he was charged with employing Captain
Kidd as a pirate, Sept. 29.
Charter election, Common Council : David Schuyler, Evert Bancker,
I. Johannis Roseboom, Johannis Cuyler, II. Hendrick Flan-
sen, Johannis Mingael, IJI. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

NO. IO. JOHANNES SCHUYLER. 173
1706.

1706.
Slaves punished by whipping about the city by a paid man, May.
David Davidse Schuyler commissioned Mayor of Albany by Lord
Cornbury (Edward Flyde) Governor of the Province of New
York, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Evert Bancker, Thomas Wil
liams, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hendrick
Hansen,. Frans Winne. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 11.)

No. 11.
lamb iambs? &ripnjtar.

, 1706  , 1707.

No. ii.
DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER.
Date of office: 1706-1707.
Appointed by: Governor Edward Hyde.
Date of birth: June 11, 1669.
Place of birth: " The Flatts."
Parents: David (S.) and Catalyn Verplanck.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Elsje Rutgers.
Date: Albany, January 1, 1694.
Children: (6-4 s. 2 d.) Catrina (1694, d. v.), David (b. 1697, m.
Elizabeth Marschalk), Harmanus (b. 1700, m. Jannetje
Bancker), Catherina (1703), Myndert (b. 171 1, m. Elizabeth
Wessels), Anthony (1715).
Residence: South corner Broadway and Steuben street.
Occupation: Trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December 16, 1715.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman. Justice. County Sheriff, 1705. Indian Com
missioner. Delegate to Council of the Onondagas.

ii. DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER.
1706-1707.
From an oil painting made from life, owned in 1904 by Mrs. John V. L,
Pruyn, Albany.

No. II. DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. 177
1706- 1707.
(Continued from No. 10.)
1706.

David Davidse Schuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed
ing Johannes Schuyler, having been appointed by Lord Corn
bury (Edward Hyde) Governor of the Province of New York.
Fire department, known as fyre-masters, ordered to examine
chimneys each fortnight, the owners of unclean ones to be fined
three shillings, Dec. 7.
Dutch Reformed church of Albany celebrates its semi-centennial
of locating at Market street (Broadway) and Yonkers (State)
street,

1707.

Charter privilege, giving right to purchase five hundred acres of
land at " Schaihtecogue " of the Indians, taken advantage of,
and land purchased consists of a tract on east bank of Hudson
river, above Half-Moon, running on the south to lands of
Barent Albertse Bratt and Egbert Teunise, northward two
miles from Schagticoke creek, extending at the north line
twelve miles to the east, and on the southern line fourteen miles
eastward, for which payment is made as follows : " Two
blankets, 12 duffel-cloth coats, 20 shirts, 2 gunns, 12 pounds
of powder, 36 pounds of lead, 8 gallons of rum, 2 casks of
beer, 2 rolls of tobacco, 10 gallons of Madeira wine and a
number of pipes," and the Indian proprietors " to receive an
nually for ten years in the month of October, 1 blanket, 1 shirt,
1 pair of stockings, 1 lap or apron, 1 keg of rum, 3 pounds of
powder, 6 pounds of lead, and 12 pounds of tobacco," and
twelve acres of the tract to be fenced at city"s expense to be
set apart for use of the Indians selling the land, Feb. 28.
Lord Cornbury, nearing the end of his term as Governor of New
York Province, becomes very unpopular by such acts as prose
cuting two Presbyterian ministers for preaching without
licenses, and insisting that no one shall preach or teach without
obtaining his consent, and his ignoble character and habits,
sordid and avaricious in his dealings, culminate in the eyes of
the colonists when they behold him dressed in public like a

178 DAVID DAVIDSE SCHUYLER. No. II.
1707.
woman, in which sort of costume his portraits show him, which
peculiarity calls forth this passage in a letter from Lewis
Morris to the secretary of state in arraigning him for bribery
and corruption as Governor of New Jersey (holding similar
office in New York at the time), which reads: " I must say
something of him (Cornbury), which perhaps nobody else will
think it worth the while to tell. He dresses publicly in
woman's clothes every day, and puts a stop to all public busi
ness while he is pleasing himself with that peculiar but detest
able magot."
Evert Bancker commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Lord Corn
bury, September.
? ? ?
(See No. 3.)

No. 12.
IRntert Htntnnstnn, Jnn.
 , 1710  . 1719.

No. 12,
ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN.
Date of office: 1710-1719.
Appointed by: Governor Robert Hunter.
Date of birth: About 1663.
Place of birth: Scotland.
Parents: James (L.).
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Margarita Schuyler (dau. of 1st Mayor).
Date: August 26, 1697.
Children: (6-4 s. 2 d) James, Pieter, Johannus, Thomas, Angelica
(Van Rensselaer), Janet (Beekman).
Residence: Northwest corner State and North Pearl streets.
Occupation: Merchant of wealth.
Religion: Dutch Reformed (or Presbyterian).
Date of death: April 20, 1725.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: In Dutch Church, on April 21.
Title: Commissioner.
Remarks: Came to America in 1687, aged about 16 years. Mem
ber 14th and 15th Assemblies, 1711-15. Indian Commis
sioner, 1715-20. Secretary of City, 1721. Delegated by
Governor to visit Canada. Negotiated with Six Nations.

12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, Jun.
1710-1719.
From a photograph made by Austin Engraving Co., from an engraving
owned in 1904 by The Albany Institute.

No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. l8i:
1710.
(Continued from No. 2.)
17 10.

Robert Livingston, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
Johannes Abeel, having been appointed such by Governor
Robert Hunter, September.
Population of Albany county about 3,000.
Gov. Robert Hunter seeks a place for the exiled Palatines who had
come over from England, they having previously been driven
there from Germany, by persecutions, but found no work in
that country, and he buys of Robert Livingston 6,000 acres near
Claverack, paying 400 English pounds, settling a portion of
the exiles there and others on the west bank of the Hudson,
contracting also with Livingston to furnish them with " bread
and beer " for six months.
Rev. Thomas Barclay, the chaplain of Fort Anne, who had been
sent to Albany in 1708, writes to the secretary of the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts : " A great
many Dutch children, who at my first arrival were altogether
ignorant of the English tongue, can distinctly say our cate
chism, and make the responses at prayers. * * * I am
sorry to tell you, sir, that I am afraid the missionaries that are
coming over, will find hard work of it, and if the commander
of that fort be not a person of singular piety and virtue, all
their endeavours will be ineffectual ; these, here, that trade with
them, are loath that any religion (should) get any footing
among them ; besides, these savages are so given to drinking
of that nasty liquor, rum, that they are lost to all that is good.
I must tell you that the Masque (Mohawks) of whom one of
the four that were lately in England was a Sachem, have not
above fifty men. All the five nations cannot make two thou
sand, and of these, in number, the Senekas are near one thou
sand, and most of them are in the French interest. Hendrick,
the great prince that was so honoured in England, cannot com
mand ten men; the other three were not Sachems. How far
her majesty and the society have been imposed upon, I leave
it to you to judge. I beg leave to tell you, that the missionaries
that are sent over must have an honourable allowance and large
presents to give, otherwise they will have but few proselytes;
and great care must be taken that they be well used, otherwise
their mission will prove ineffectual as Mr. Moor's." Sept. 26..

l82 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12.
1710-1711.
Lansing (Visscher, later Pemberton) house erected at the north
east corner of North Pearl and Columbia streets, October.
Seven of the nine magistrates serving had been (or were to be)
mayors of the city, October.
Rev. Thomas Barclay preaches once a month at Schenectady to the
garrison of 40 soldiers, the sixteen English and about one hun
dred Dutch families, November.
After the reduction of Port Royal, Canada, in which expedition
Philip Livingston, the 2nd proprietor of Livingston Manor (son
of Robert Livingston, and husband of Catharine Van Brugh,
of Anneke Jans' family) took part, he started in October on a
journey by foot to Quebec to bear despatches, and living for
over a week on berries and leaves, does not reach there until
the winter snow, Dec. 16.

171 1.

Lieut. John Collins, commanding 30 soldiers of Captain Henry
Flolland's English garrison at Albany, quells the riot among
the exiled Palatines who had settled at Livingston Manor and
had become obstreperous at not earning a livelihood on their
farms, January.
Johannes Abeel, formerly the 2nd Mayor of Albany, dies, Jan. 28.
Gov. Hunter learns that there are two French officers and 30 men
building a fort at Onondaga, Apr. 25.
Col. Pieter Schuyler receives a commission from Gov. Hunter to go
at once and see the Onondaga Indians as to the reason they
permit the French to build a fort and a Catholic church in their
midst, which latter construction would indicate a leaning to
ward the French, Apr. 30.
Col. Pieter Schuyler starts for Onondaga, accompanied by Captains
Roseboom and Bleecker, Nicholas Schuyler (his nephew, aged
19 years), four men, nine Indians and Interpreter Van Eps,
May 1.
Col. Pieter Schuyler arrives at the Oneida castle of the Indians,
where three sachems and several warriors join his party, and
he learns that the French had made a present of ammunition to
the value of about $3,000, and when the French officer in charge
there heard that he was coming he had ceased work upon the
fort, and hurried to the lake where were the canoes of his
party, May 6.

LANSING HOUSE.
It was erected in 1710 outside the stockade, at n. e. cor. No.
Pearl and Columbia sts., and was taken down in 1886 for A.
Business College. Indians lodged therein while coming to trade.
Also occupied by widow Visscher, and last of all by Howard
Pemberton.

No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. 183
1711-1712.
Col. Pieter Schuyler arrives at Onondaga and is cordially received.
He discovers a blockhouse 30 feet long, with loopholes, in
process of construction, May 7.
Sachems of the Five Nations convene and say that they had heard
the English were to drive them out of their lands ; but Pieter
Schuyler overthrows the idea, and they accede to his request to
destroy the new French fort, May 8.
Pieter Schuyler and his party arrive back at Albany, after a journey
that might have resulted in his death had the French, greater in
number, turned the Onondagas against him; but he had suc
ceeded so well that everyone in the province of New York
spoke highly of his courage and sagacity, May 15-
Col. Pieter Schuyler's verbal request to Queen Anne, on his visit
in fore part of 1710, heeded, and she orders 5,000 troops sent
from England and Flanders to the provinces to subdue Canada,
Fleet of 12 men-of-war and 46 small vessels sail from Boston for
the St. Lawrence river, and 2,000 men, reinforced by 800
Indians, assemble at Albany, July 30.
Lieut.-Gov. Nicholson moves with his forces towards Lake Cham
plain, August.
The fleet, which was counted upon to co-operate, is driven upon
rocks of the St. Lawrence river in a fog, and eight trans-
- ports, with 800 men, are lost, resulting in the commander
ordering departure of remainder for England, Sept. 11.
News of the disaster is sent to Lieut.-Gov. Nicholson at Fort
George, and he returns to Albany, September.
Charter election, Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus
Wendell, I. Gerrit Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Wessell
tenBroeck, Hendrick Hansen, III. Election, Oct. 14 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

17 12.

Queen Anne of England presents silver communion service to the
English church at Albany, St. Peter's, January.
Dominie Dellius succeeded by Rev. Petrus Van Driessen as pastor
of the Reformed Dutch church.
Public well constructed on Market street (Broadway) north of
Yonkers (State) street, July.
Gov. Robert Hunter having used his private fortune and credit to
keep up the colonial militia because the several Assemblies had
refused appropriations through poverty of the Province, and

184 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12.
1712-1714.
the Crown allowing his drafts to be protested, as well as spend
ing his money in support of the exiled Palatines at Hudson, is
gladdened by the order to cease all military expeditions, Oct. 18.
Charter election, Common Council: David Schuyler, Harmanus
Wendell, I. Abraham Cuyler, John Visher, II. Hendrick
Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1713.

Ordinance to prohibit coasting on streets in winter, January.
England and France conclude peace by treaty of Utrecht, and latter
nation agrees not to molest the Five Nations as being subjects
of Great Britain, March 31.
Robert Barret appointed city bell-man with yearly salary of 21
pounds, 60 loads of wood and 2 candles each night, Oct. 31,
It being decided by the Common Council as "very necessary
and convenient " that a bell-man shall hourly patrol the city
streets from 10 o'clock at night until 4 o'clock in the morning,
to cry out the hours and the condition of the weather, Oct. 31.
Charter election, Common Council : David Schuyler, Harmanus
Wendell, I. Abraham Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1714.

Population of Albany county 3,029, of which number 458 are
slaves, January.
Population of the city's three wards 1,136, of which number 495 are
white males, 528 are white females, 47 male slaves, 66 female
slaves, January.
St. Peter's church (first edifice) granted license to build by Gov.
Robert Hunter, May 31.
Gov. Robert Hunter heeds petition of officers of Reformed Dutch
church to be allowed to replace former edifice because of its
wretched condition, and approves new building, June 18.
Mohawk Indians deed a tract of 2,000 acres on the north side of
the Maquaas (Mohawk) river, on the site of the ancient Indian
village of Caughnawaga (nearby the site of Fonda, N. Y.) to

QUEEN ANNE SILVER SERVICE.
Queen Anne sent a set of solid silver Communion plate of six pieces to Albany for use among the Onondagas, and
it arrived in care of Rev. Wm. Andrews in November, 1712. It was in use in 1906 at St. Peter's Church.

No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. 185
1714-1715.
Lieut. John Collins of the English garrison at Albany, to his
wife, Margaret Schuyler, and their son Edward, being partic
ularly pleased by the many kindnesses of Mrs. Collins, July 10.
Barent Pieterse Coeymans secures letters patent for land (Coey-
mans, N. Y.) from Queen Anne, Aug. 6.
Centennial of Hendrick Corstiaensen's occupation of Castle (Van
Rensselaer) island, as Fort Nassau, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Harmanus Wendell, Goose van
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
St. Peter's church granted land east of Fort Frederick at the head of
Yonkers (State) street, in centre of said street (east of site
of 3rd edifice) 90x60 feet, Oct. 21.
St. Peter's church erection opposed by the city at Council meeting
called to question the right of the crown (Queen Anne) to
convey land owned by municipality and enjoins the workmen, Nov. 8.
Common Council releases lot to Reformed Dutch church's officers,
December.

1715.

Reformed Dutch church (its 3rd edifice) being constructed of stone
built about its second edifice of brick, at Market (Broadway)
and Yonker (State) street, described then as to location : " The
Dutch Church Scituate, lying, and being in the said City of
Albany, in the high street otherwise called the yonkers street
nigh the bridge (over the Rutten kill). Containing in length
on the South side seaven Rodd three foot four inches, on the
North Side seaven Rood three foot one Inch Rynland measure,
in breadth on the East and West Side Sixty-one foot and five
Inches, wood measure."
St. Peter's church construction stopped by city corporation by filing
remonstrance against encroachment on rights of the city, writ
ing to the governor : " It seems to us, on their side, either as
an encroachment on ye rights of ye sd city or a disregard to
ye Comonalty, however to shew that we are not against that
pious design but reather to promite we have offered them a
more conveinent lott, and are still willing to grant the same
altho' they have refused to accept it," March 3.

l86 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12.
1715-1716.
The governor does not abrogate the rights of St. Peter's church to
build at the site assigned previously and the Common Council
resolves to prosecute Rev. Thomas Barclay, Col. Peter Mat
thews and John Dunbar for encroaching upon city land. The
men are enjoined, persist and are arrested; they secure bail
and continue to work on foundation, April 8.
Common Council sends an express messenger by canoe to see the
governor at New York to prevent further work on St. Peter's
church; but Governor Hunter does not abrogate his permit to
build, May.
Public wells constructed in each of the three wards, June.
Following a survey of Robert Livingston's Manor (Claverack)
near site of Hudson, N. Y., made in 1714, which showed his
tract contained 160,240 acres (Judge Smith in his History of
New York placing it at 300,000 acres) he is given a confirma
tory patent under Gov. Hunter to provide against the bound
aries being improperly stated in the Mohegan Indians' deed of
July 12, 1683, and it is passed and sealed, Oct. 1.
Charter election, Common Council: David Schuyler, Goose van
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Reformed Dutch church discontinues services for two weeks while
removing the wooden structure within new edifice, October.
Reformed Dutch church holds its first service in its new (the third)
edifice, Oct. 30.
Reformed Dutch church Market (Broadway) and Yonkers (State)
street, consecrated, Nov. 13.

1716.

Philip Livingston (Signer of Declaration) born at northwest corner
of State and Pearl streets, Jan. 15.
St. Peter's church being built in middle of Yonkers (State) street,
Charter election, Common Council : Goose van Schaick, Johannis
"'Schuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen
drick" Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

DUTCH CHURCH INTERIOR.
Rev. Petrus van Driessen became dominie of the Dutch Church built of timber in 1656 at the foot of State
st., in 1712, and finding it so decayed, petitioned Gov. Hunter to help build a new. It was constructed next
year of stone built aboui the one in use ; occupied Oct. 30, 1715 ; consecrated Nov. 13th ; removed in 1806

No. 12. ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. 187
1717-1718.

1717.

Act annexing Manor of Livingston to Albany county, May 27.
Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck, who had been Albany's fourth Mayor,
dies at Clermont, N. Y., on his estate known as " Bouwerie," Sept. 18.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Schuyler, Goose van
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Wessell tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer and Robert Livingston engaged in a
legal controversy respecting the north boundary line of the
latter's Claverack land patent (site of Hudson, N. Y.) Van
Rensselaer owner of the northern area, they agree on an inden
ture that Van Rensselaer's south line at its river -end be the
starting point, then " east by south in a straight line 24 English
miles, as far as it goes," Oct. 30.
St. Peter's church, the first English church west of the Hudson
river, the building 43 x 58 feet, opened by its rector, Rev.
Thomas Barclay, the location being at about the centre of State
street, where Barrack (Chapel) street would cross it, Nov. 25.
The beaver-skins exported from the colony of New York during
the year were calculated at a value of $53,520.00, December.

1718.

St. Peter's " Church Book,' being its written records, started,
Apr. 15.
Robert Livingston elected speaker of the Assembly, May.
Charter election, Common Council : Myndert Schuyler, Goose van
Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Johannis Pruyn, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.
Few leases existing at Albany or anywhere near excepting those
held by the Patroon of Van Rensselaer Manor, December.

l88 ROBERT LIVINGSTON, JUN. No. 12.
1719.

1719.
Pieter Schuyler begins administration of Province of New York,
July 21.
Myndert Schuyler is commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Pieter
- 'Schuyler as President of the Province of New York.
Charter election, Common Council: Myndert Schuyler, Goose van
Sehaick, I. John Roseboom, Abraham Cuyler, II. Johannis
Pruyn, Hendrick Hansen, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14
? * ?
(See No. 13.)

ST. PETER'S CHURCH -FIRST EDIFICE.
Gov Hunter issued license to build on May 31, 1714. and granted land, 60x90 ft., Oct. 21,
1714. It was built in 1714-15, in the center of State st., opposite Chapel St., and was of stone,
42x58 ft. ; opened November, 1716, and taken down in July, 1802.

No. 13.
iHgnbert j$rltnn>r.

-- 1719 — Nov. 8, 1720.
-, 1723 — Oct. 13, 1725.

No. 13.
MYNDERT SCHUYLER.
Date of office: (a) 1719-November 8, 1720.
(b) 1723-October 13, 1725.
Appointed by: (a) President Pieter Schuyler.
(b) Governor William Burnet.
Date of birth: January 16, 1672.
Place of birth: "The Flatts."
Parents: David Pieterse (S.) and Catalyn Verplanck.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Raj el Cuyler.
Date: New Amsterdam, October 26, 1693.
Children: (2) Raj el, Anna (b. 1697, m. Johannes De Peyster, 16th
Mayor) .
Residence: South side Yonkers (State) street, 3rd east from South
Pearl street.
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: October 10, 1755.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Dutch Church, on October 21.
Title: Lieutenant-Colonel.
Remarks: Member of Assembly, October 20, 1702-10; 1713-15;
1724; 1728-37. Church Master, 1706. Indian Commis
sioner, 1706-20; 1728-46. Captain of militia, 1710. Alder
man, first ward, 1718-19. Colonel before 1754. Deacon.
Bought land on Norman's Kil and Huntersfield (Schoharie)
Patent.

NO. 13. MYNDERT SCHUYLER. I9I
1719-172 3.
(Continued from No. 12.)
1719.

Myndert Schuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed
Robert Livingston, Jun., having been commissioned by Hon.
Pieter Schuyler, President of the Colony of New York.
Governor Robert Hunter returns to England.
Beaver-skins valued at $37,435 exported in 1719.

1720.

Irish first recorded in Albany, May.
Dutch Reformed church incorporated, Aug. 10.
William Burnet begins administration of Province of New York as
governor, Sept. 17.
Charter election, Common Council : Harmanus Wendell, Goose van
Schaick, I. Iiendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Hen
drick Hansen, Johannis Pruyn, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.
Pieter Van Brugh (or Verbrugge) is commissioned to be Mayor of
Albany by Governor William Burnet, Nov. 9,
? ? ?
(See No. 6.)

(Continued from No. 6.)
1723.

Population of the colony of New York 40,564, January.
Population of Albany county 6,501 ; consisting of 1,512 men, 1,408
women, 2,773 children, 808 slaves, January.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Johan
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

192 MYNDERT SCHUYLER. No. 13.
1723-1725.
Gov. William Burnet recommends building of small houses without
the stockade for Indians who should come to trade, which is
done, and city pays the cost, December.

1724.

Col. Pieter Schuyler who had been Albany's first Mayor, serving
eight years, and the most influential military man of the entire
colony of New York in prosecuting Indian wars and wars
with the French, yet most friendly with most of the tribes who
styled him " Quidor," or " the Indians' friend," beloved of the
Iroquois and feared by the French of Canada, born (the son of
Philip Pieterse) on Sept. 17, 1657, and married first to Engeltie
(Angelica) Van Schaick about 1681, and secondly to Maria
Van Rensselaer, daughter of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, manag
ing Director of Rensselaerwyck, on Sept. 14, 1691, dies Feb. 19.
Captain Pietrus Douw (the father of the 25th Mayor, Volckert
Pietrus Douw) the only surviving son of Jonas Douw and a
member of the 27th Council of the Province of New York
(his wife being Anna Van Rensselaer, born at the Crailo at
Greenbush, daughter of Hendrick Van Rensselaer who built it
about 1642) erects for himself and family a manorial home
at Douw's Point, opposite the southern end of Albany, naming
it Wolven Hoeck, because of the packs of wolves frequenting
the locality,
Hendrick Hansen, who had been the 5th Mayor of Albany, dies,
February.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Johan
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1725.

Robert Livingston, Jun., born about 1663 in Scotland, son of James
Livingston, who had been the 12th Mayor of Albany and a man
of great importance in the settlement of the colony and dealing
with the Indians, dies April 20.

WOLVEN-HOECK.
This house was built at Douw's Point oi wood and Holland brick in 1724, by Capt. Petrus
Douw, father of Mayor Volckert P. Douw, and so named because this point, opposite Albany,
was infested with wolves.

No. 13. MYNDERT SCHUYLER 193
172 5.
Capt. Henry Holland, commander of the English garrison at this
city, and Capt. Lancaster Symes, wardens of St. Peter's church,
write a request for a rector to be sent from England to officiate
as successor to Rev. Thomas Barclay, who is incapacitated, June 24.
Johannes Cuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor
William Burnet, September.
? * ?
(See No. 14.)

No. 14.
Jnltanntts &nu>r.

Oct. 14, 1725 — Nov. 7, 1726.

No. 14.
JOHANNES CUYLER.
Date of office: October 14, 1725-November 7, 1726.
Appointed by: Governor William Burnet.
Date of birth: 1661.
Parents: Hendrick (C.) and Anna Schepmoes.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Elsje Ten Broeck (dau. of 4th Mayor).
Date: November 2, 1684.
Children: (12-3 s. 9 d.) Anna (b. 1685, m. Anthony Van Schaick),
Christina (1.687, d. y.), Christina (1689-1755), Hendrik
(1692), Sara (b. 1693, m. Hans Hansen, 17th Mayor), Elsje
(b. 1695, m. Hendrick Roseboom), Cornelis (20th Mayor, b.
1697, m. Catalyntje Schuyler, dau. of 19th Mayor), Johannes
A. (b. 1699, m. Catherine Wendell), Maria (b. 1702, m. Cor
nelis Ten Broeck), Elizabeth (b. 1705, m. Jacob Sanderse
Glen), Rachel (1707, d. y.), Rachel (November, 1709).
Residence: East side North Pearl street, 2d south of Steuben street,
to Yaugh (James) street.
Occupation: Trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: July 20, 1740.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: In Dutch Church.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman. Deacon in Dutch Church, 1695 and 1700.
Elder in Dutch Church. Admitted freeman of New York
city, 1696. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1706.

VANDERHEYDEN PALACE.
It was built in 1725, by Johannes Beekman, of Holland bricks (w. side of No. Pearl st. about 50 ft. south of Maiden Lane), and
purchased by Jacob Vanderheyden in 1778 ; demolished in 1833, and Washington Irving took the weather-vane to " Sunnyside."
It had a frontage of 50 ft., 20 ft. deep.

No. 14. JOHANNES CUYLER 197
1725-1726.
(Continued from No. 13.)
1725.

Johannes Cuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany to succeed Myn
dert Schuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. William
Burnet, Oct. 14.
Vanderheyden " Palace " built on the west side of North Pearl
street, between Maiden Lane and State street, by J. J.
Beeckman, October.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis tenBroeck, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Johan
nis Pruyn, Dirck tenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1726.

Fyre-masters when found neglectful ordered by the Common
Council to be fined 30 shillings,
By reason of the continued illness and incapacity of Rev. Thomas
Barclay to officiate at St. Peter's church, a letter is sent to
England, requesting that a missionary be sent over for Albany,
pointing out that he should speak English plainly, as " Mr.
Barclay spoke so broad Scotch that it was difficult to under
stand him," June 24.
Bishop of London selects Rev. John Milne to be the missionary at
Albany, with headquarters as rector of St. Peter's church,
also serving among the Indians within forty miles around.
Rutger Bleecker commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Governor
William Burnet, September.
Charter election, Common Council: Hermanus Wendell, Johannis
dePeyster, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Dirck
tenBroeck, Peter Winne, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 15.)

No. 15.

Nov. 8, 1726 — Nov. IO, 1729.

No. 15.
RUTGER BLEECKER.
Date of office: November 8, 1726-November 10, 1729.
Appointed by: Governor William Burnet.
Date of birth: May 13, 1675.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Jan Jansen (B.), 7th Mayor, and Margareit Rutse Jacob-
sen Van Schoenderwoert.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Catlyna (or Catalina) Schuyler (widow of 2d Mayor)..
Date: May 26, 1712.
Children: (4-3 s. 1 d.) Johannes (b. 1713, m. Elizabeth Staats),
Margarita (b. 1714, m. Edward Collins), Jacobus (1716),
Myndert (1720).
Residence: Northwest corner North Pearl and Steuben streets.
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: August 4, 1756.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of 'burial: Dutch Church, on August 5th.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Recorder, 1725. Brother of Mayor Johannes Bleecker.
First presided at Council meeting, November 8, 1726.

15- RUTGER BLEECKER.
i 726-1 729.
From a. small water-color portrait owned by Morris S.
Miller of Utica in 1892.

NO. 15. RUTGER BLEECKER. 201
1726-1728.
(Continued from No. 14.)
1726.

Rutger Bleecker sworn as the Mayor 'of Albany to succeed Johannes
Cuyler, having been commissioned by Governor William
Burnet, Nov. 8.

1727.

Laws are passed regulating the sale of intoxicants of any nature to
the Indians when coming into the city to barter, who on return
ing to their tribes, either lead others in evil ways or antagonize
the desirable friendly relations that are so essential between
whites and redskins residing at such close quarters.
Discussion as to whether the city can afford the purchase across the
water of " an Enguin or Water Spuyt " to put out fires.
Charter election, Cominon Council : Harmanus Wendell, Ryer Gar-
retse, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Dirck ten
Broeck, Peter Winne, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,Oct. 14.

1728.

John Montgomerie begins his administration of the Province of
New York, Apr. 15.
Rev. John Milne succeeds Rev. Thomas Barclay as the Rector of
St. Peter's Church.
John Collins, who was lieutenant in Capt. Henry Holland's company
of the English garrison stationed at the fort here and who
stood high in the social life of the city, standing godfather for
two of Patroon Van Rensselaer's children, and having Lord
Cornbury and Colonel Ingoldsby (two of New York's Colonial
Governors) sponsors for his, admitted a practicing attorney
and a Commissioner of Indian Affairs from 1720 to 1728, dies
at His Majesty's Garrison of Schenectady, where he was in
command, Apr. 13.
Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerretse, Edward Hol
land, I. Hendrick Roseboom, Barent Sanders, II. Peter
Winne, Jacob Visger, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.

202 RUTGER BLEECKER. No. 15.
1729.

1729.
Rev. John Milne of St. Peter's Church receiving a stipend of 50
English pounds yearly, reports at end of his first year that the
number of " constant Hearers is at least 'a Hundred, the
number of communicants at Easter last 29."
St. Peter's Church pulpit and a special seat (probably a canopied
one with the usual curtains) built for the Governor of the
Province at a cost of 12 Eng. pounds, 2 sh. 7c!.
Johannes De Peyster commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov
ernor John Montgomerie, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Tobias Ryck
man, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Jacob Beeckman, II. Samuel C.
Pruyn, Jacob Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? * ?
(See No. 16.)

No. 16.

Jnljamu^ S? ^gater.

Nov. 11, 1729— Oct. 13, 1731.
* -X- -X-
Oct. 23, 1732 — Oct. 23, 1733.
¦X- -Jf -K-
Nov. 23, 1741 — Oct. 13, 1742.

No. 16.
JOHANNES DE PEYSTER.
Date of office: (a) November ii, 1729-October 13, 1731.
(b) October 23, 1732-October 23, 1733.
(c) November 23, 1741-October 13, 1742.
Date of appointment: (a)
(b)
(c) November 14, 1741, under commission
of King George II.
Appointed by: (a) Governor John Montgomerie.
(b) Governor (Col.) William Cosby.
(c) Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke.
Date of birth: January 10, 1694.
Place of birth: New Amsterdam.
Parents: Johannes (De P.) and Anna Bancker.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Anna Schuyler (dau. of 13th Mayor).
Date: Albany, November 24, 1715.
Children: (4-2 s. 2 d.) Anna (b. 1723, m. V. P. Douw, 25th
Mayor), Ragel (b. 1728, m. Tobias Ten Eyck), Myndert
Schuyler (b. 1734, d. y.), Myndert Schuyler (1739-45).
Residence: Yonkers (State) street.
Occupation: Political positions. Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: February 27, 1789.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: North of his pew, Dutch Church.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Son of Mayor J. De P. of New York. Born of Hugue
not parentage. Honorable, progressive, generally beloved.
Recorder, 1716-28. Lieutenant of foot, 1717. Indian Com
missioner, 1734, 1738, 1739, 1742, 1746. Member of Pro
vincial Assembly, 1744. Captain of horse, 1744. Inspector
of ordnance, 1754. First Surrogate of Albany county, April
3, 1756-82. Paymaster New York forces, 1775. Inspector
for the carrying on first expedition against Crown Point.

16. JOHANNES DE PEYSTER.
1729-31; 1732-33; 1741-42.
From an oil painting made in 1718, owned in 1904 by his great-great-grand
son, Charles Gibbons Douw, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

No. 1 6. JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. 205
1729-1731.
(Continued from No. 15.)
1729.

Johannes De Peyster sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed
Rutger Bleecker, having been commissioned such by Governor
John Montgomerie, Nov. 11.

1730.

Centennial of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer's colonization.
Van Rensselaer Manor bronze cannon, used to defend the Manor
and probably first fired from Castle island (below the city),
size 3 ft., 5 in. long, with 2,% in. bore, made in Amsterdam one
hundred years ago.
Common Council resolves that to make good the city's title to a tract
of land known as Tionondorogue, granted to it by the Charter,
Mayor De Peyster, Recorder Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck,
Aldermen Ryer Gerritse, Jacob Lansing and Cornelis Cuyler,
and Ass't Alderman John Visscher, Jun., go to the Mohawks
and agree on purchase of the tract located along the Schoharie
creek, Oct. 10.
The Mohawks sign a deed of land for the " flatts on both sides of
Tionondoroges (Schoharie) creek," j Oct. 12.
Charter election, Common Council: Ryer Gerritse, Tobias Ryck
man, I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II. Samuel
Pruyn. Jacob Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
Fire-hooks and ladders ordered by the Common Council to be made
and kept in convenient places, Nov. 24.
Mrs. Hendrick Van Rensselaer dies at her residence, Fort Crailo,
on the shore of the river at Green Bush (Rensselaer), being
the wife of the original owner of the large tract that included
the site of the villages opposite Albany, Dec. 6.

1731.

Population of the Colony of New York 50,824, January.
Population of Albany county 8,573, January.
Slaves in Albany county number 1,222, January.

206 JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. No. l6,

1731-1732.

 :  f 
St. Peter's Church damaged by a fire, March i.
Among the charges to repair damages caused by fire to St. Peter's
is the item " a pint and a half of rum, i s, 6 d., March 15.
Common Council permits erection of market-houses in 1st and 2nd
wards, June.
Rip Van Dam begins administration of Province of New York as
president, July 1.
Johannes ("Hans") Hansen commissioned the Mayor of Albany
by Rip Van Dam, President of the Province of New York,
Oct. 14.
Charter election, Common Council: Ryer Gerritse, Tobias Ryck
man I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, Jun., II. Samuel
Pruyn, Jacob Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 17.)

(Continued from No. 17.)
1732.

Johannes De Peyster sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, having been commissioned such
by Governor William Cosby.
Charter election, Common Council: Ryer Gerritse, Edward Hol
land, I. Cornelius Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Isaac
Fonda, Gose van Schayck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
Jan Jansen Bleecker, who was born at Meppel, Overyssel, Holland,
on July 9, 1641, the son- of Jan Bleecker, arriving at Albany in
1658, Captain of militia, city recorder, justice of peace, city
chamberlain, Indian commissioner, member of Provincial As
sembly and the 7th Mayor of Albany, dies, Nov. 21.
The engine " to spout water " having arrived from Richard New-
sham, its maker in London, and having been placed in a house
in the central part of the city, it is announced by the Common
Council that in case pf a fire the key might be obtained at the
home of Henry Cuyler, living nearby.

FIRE ENGINE IN COLONIAL DAYS.
The Common Council sought a more modern method of fighting fires than casting water from ladders upon the
flames and ordered one to spout water sent from England. It arrived in 1732 and was called the Richard Newsham
1 he inhabitants turned out to operate it, passing a line of buckets from the river.

NO. 1 6. JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. 207
1733, 1741-1742.

1733.

Centennial of the first English vessel, The William, coming up the
Hudson river,
Centennial of agents of the Dutch East India Company landing
settlers at Albany's site,
Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Hendrick Kos-
ter, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Goose V.
Schaick, Isaac Fonda. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Edward Holland commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov.
William Cosby, Oct. 15.
? ? ?
(See No. 18.)

(Continued from No. 19.)
1741.

Johannes De Peyster sworn as the Mayor of Albany a third time,
succeeding John Schuyler, Jun., having been commissioned by
Lieut.-Governor George Clarke, Nov. 23.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Marselis, Hendrick
Cuyler, I. Johannis Roseboom, Jun., Jacob Ten Eyck, II.
Gerret C. Van den Bergh, Gerret Lansingh, III. Election,
Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1742.

Freeholders number 204 in the city, January.
Centennial of the building of Fort Crailo on the east bank of the
river, opposite the lower end of Albany, by Hendrick Van
Rensselaer,
Aldermen again claim the sole right to use the city's great seal, con
taining the capital letters "ALB ", and the perquisites that
accompany its service, instead of the Mayor.

208 JOHANNES DE PEYSTER. No. l6.
1742.
Volckert Pietrus Douw (later to be the 25th Mayor) marries Anna
De Peyster, daughter of Captain Johannes De Peyster, present
Mayor of Albany and granddaughter of Col. Myndert Schuyler,
who had been the 13th Mayor, May 20.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, the second of the name (and later the 7th
Patroon) son of Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer, baptised, June 2.
Cornelis Cuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Lieut.-
Governor George Clarke,
Charter election, Common Council: Hendrick Cuyler, Johannis
Marselis, I. John Roseboom, Jun., Jacob Ten Eyck, II. Gerret
C. Van den Bergh, Gerret Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 20.)

No. 17.
•Dnijanneis ifansm.

Oct. 14, 1731 — Oct. 22, 1732.
* -x- -::¦
 , 1754-  , 1756.

No. 17.
JOHANNES ("HANS") HANSEN.
Date of office: (a) October 14, 1731-October 22, 1732.
(b) 1754-1756.
Appointed by: (a) President Rip Van Dam.
(b) Governor James De Lancey.
Date of birth: Baptized June 20, 1695.
Parents: Hendrick (H. — 5th Mayor) and Debora Van Dam.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Sara Cuyler (dau. of 14th Mayor).
Date: April 25, 1723.
Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Hendrick (1723), Elsje (1725), Johannes
(1727), Johannes (1729), Debora (1731), Johannes (b. 1732,
m. Margarita Kip), Pieter (1735, d. y.), Pieter (b. 1737, m.
Rachel Fonda).
Occupation: Trader.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December, 1756.
Place of burial: On December 6th, in Dutch Church.
Title: Honorable.

No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 211

1731-1754.

(Continued from No. 16.)
1731.

Johannes (" Hans ") Flansen sworn as the Mayor of Albany to suc
ceed Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned by Rip
Van Dam, President of the Province of New York.
Appointment of firemasters Isaac Fryer and Egbert Egbertse in
1st ward, Matheys van der Heyden and Frans Pruyn in 2nd
ward, Wilhelmus van den Berg and Matheys de Garmo in 3rd
ward, Nov. 6.
Fire-engines authorized by Cominon Council to be purchased (hand-
pumps on a small cart into which water was to be poured from
buckets passed from well by citizens) by resolution " that an
Enguin or Water Spuyt be sent for to England per the first
oppertunity in the Spring," Dec. 22.

1732.

Fire-engine named the Richard Newsham (operated by hand) and
40 feet of leather hose, ordered by the Common Council, and
to be housed in a shed at the corner of Beaver and South
Pearl streets, Feb. 22.
St. Peter's Church vestry passes a resolution, " resolved by ye above
written church wardens & vestry that ye minister shall receive
for the marriage of any two of his congregation ye sum of
twelve shills & ye dark for recording and bringing water for
baptism one shillin & six pence," Apr. 10.
William Cosby begins his administration of the Province of New
York as its Governor, Aug. 1.
Johannes De Peyster commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gover
nor William Cosby,
? ? ?
(See. No. 16.)

(Continued from No. 23.)
1754.

Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc
ceeding Robert Sanders, having been commissioned by Gov.
James DeLancey,

212 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. 17.
1754-1755.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Gerrit Marcelis, II. Johannis
H. Ten Eyck, Abraham Douw, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

1755.

English crown assumes control of Indian affairs.
Old seal (the first, with letters ALB.) ordered to be used by Com
mon Council to license carmen and tavern-keepers, and nothing
else, and to be known as the " publick seal of this city," May 3.
Because of resumption of hostilities by the English and French, at
tempt is made to capture the forts at Niagara, erected to con
trol route between Canada and the Mississippi, and Maj. -Gen.
William Shirley (governor of Massachusetts) makes Albany
his rendezvous of his troops, then marching to Oswego, where
he halts, leaves a garrison of 600 men and returns to Albany.
Regiment of Col. Ephraim Williams encamped at Greenbush, June.
Col. Ephraim Williams makes his will at Albany, and in it makes
bequest for establishment of a school (Williams college, at
Williamstown, Mass.), July 22.
This year marked the great conflict between France and England,
not alone across the water, but in New York, and the latter
deepl)' concerned Albany as it was both the place whence men
were sent to conduct the fight, but the objective point of the
incursions of the large army of the French coming down from
the north by the route of Lakes Champlain and George. The
French sent Baron Ludwig August Dieskau with an army of
size to Canada, which he was to lead south and capture Albany.
Of four expeditions planned when the governors of five of the
colonies met to consult, — to Nova Scotia, Niagara, Ohio valley,
and to capture Crown Point (fifteen miles from the southern
end of Lake Champlain, on its west side, held by the French),
the latter task was designated as the work for Col. William
Johnson. He sent wampum belts ,at once to all the Indian
castles to indicate that he had been made Superintendent of
Indian Affairs for all of British North America by General
Braddock. Immediately, because of the esteem in which he was
held by the Six Nations, 1,100 Indians gathered at Johnson

FORT WILLIAM HENRY.
Col. William Johnson arrived at the southern end of Lake George Aug. 28, 1755, and set his 3,400 men at work
constructing a fort, expecting the French under Baron Dieskau, who were marching on Albany. The baron was
wounded in the battle of Sept. 8th, conveyed to that city by Col. Philip Schuyler, where Mrs. Schuyler nursed him,
thus delaying their honeymoon trip a week. (Copyrighted by S. R. Stoddard. )

No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 2I3
1755.
Hall, and he asked for one thousand picked men to help him
take Crown Point. They agreed, and King Hendrick, although
nearly eighty years old, was made their chief. There was
jealousy when Massachusetts, claiming to have furnished more
men . than New York, demanded a leader selected from that
colony instead of Johnson,, and her governor, William Shirley,
diverted many of King Hendrick's Iroquois to his expedition
to expel the French from Niagara. Early in August, Colonel
Lyman, commanding the Massachusetts troops, reached Fort
Edward, known as the Great Carrying Place, for here every
thing in traveling camps had to be transferred by land for 15
miles, from the Hudson to the head of Lake George, and here
he erected a fort which gave the name to the place, Fort Ed
ward, in honor of a brother of King George II. of England.
Here Colonel Johnson with his forces, backed by King Hend
rick, who had young Joseph Brant with him (an Indian youth
of 13 years, educated at Dartmouth) joined Colonel Lyman,
August.
Colonel Johnson arrives at the head of Lake George (Caldwell)
with 3,400 men, including between four and five hundred In
dians, and sets his men at work to construct Fort William
Henry, named in honor of a brother of King George II. (The
hotel of that name facing directly down the lake, was built on
the site of the fort and the ditches of the fort were to be seen
in the contour of the grove in 1906.) He desires a fortification
to hold the situation until he may construct a fleet to convey
his army north to Ticonderoga, August 28.
Colonel Lyman proceeds from Fort Edward to join Colonel Johnson
at Fort William Flenry, bringing the heavy artillery and leav
ing five companies and about 250 New Englanders to hold
the place, August.
Sir Charles Hardy succeeds James De Lancey as Governor of the
Province of New York, Sept. 3.
Colonel William Johnson, residing about forty miles northwest of
Albany at Mount Johnson, is placed in control of troops that
are gathered to take Crown Point, and writes to Lords of
Trade : " About 250 Indians have already joined me, and as
small parties are evry day dropping in, I expect, before I can
be able to leave this place, to have 300 * * * Our Indians
appear to be very sincere and zealous in our cause, and their
young men can hardly be withheld from going out a scalping.
* * * I am building a Fort at this lake (Ft. William
Henry) which the French call lake St. Sacrament, but I have

214 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. I/.

1755.

given it the name of Lake George, not only in honour to His
Majesty but to assertain his undoubted dominion here. I
found it a mere wilderness, not one foot cleared. I have made
a good waggon Road to it from Albany, distance about 70
miles. We have cleared land enough to encamp 5000 Men.
The Troops now under my command and the reinforcements
on the way will amount to near that number," Sept. 3.
Baron Dieskau schemed to thwart Johnson's plans by taking 1,600
men, Indians, Canadians and French up Lake Champlain and
then by land to Fort Edward so as to follow the capture of
that place by an attack on Johnson's rear, after which success
he would march southward to Albany. By mistake in calcu
lating distances in a densely wooded region east of Lake
George, he found himself near Fort William Henry instead of
Fort Edward. On his nearing there, Johnson had suspected
his coming into the region and had immediately sent a courier
to warn Fort Edward; but Dieskau captured him and thereby
learned of Johnson's plans. Johnson had wished to send out
three detachments of 1,200 men each, to relieve Fort Edward;
where he thought Dieskau would be, and not suffer the loss of
all his army; but King Hendrick explained the weakness of
such a move when, holding three sticks together he could not
break, while taking one at a time he broke each and threw them
all at Johnson's feet. (This anecdote of an important move in
the state's history, which might have lost Albany to the French,
was adopted and idealized in the monument erected just east
of the site of Fort William Henry, on a knoll overlooking Lake
George, Sept. 8, 1903.) Sept. 5.
The relief forces start out from Fort William Henry for Fort Ed
ward in three detachments, Colonel Williams leading the ad
vance ; but after proceeding to the south of the fort about two
miles, he halts to wait for the others, and all move on the march
without scouts and entirely unsuspicious that Dieskau had en
circled the road at a place four miles south of the lake, where
were hills and dense forests, with an ambuscade arrangement.
Before all the English had entered the doomed circle a careless
shot is fired which is taken as a signal by the French, and one of
the bloodiest slaughters on record in New York begins, the In
dian forces on both sides lending a savage fury to the fracas. At
the outset, Col. Ephriam Williams is killed, and the men fall
back to a long, narrow pond, hemmed in by low, steep-banked
hills. The English retreat with speed to Fort William Henry,
and Dieskau's men do not have the courage to attack it, al-

KING HENDRICK.
He was leader of the Iroquois allies of Col. Wm. Johnson, and
although aged four-score, went up from here to Fort William Henry
on Lake George, where he was killed fighting the French on Sept.
8, 1755. He attended important pow-wows in this city.

No. 17. JOHANNES HANSEN. 21 5
1755.
though a bloody fight is put up near there, General Dieskau
being wounded in the leg (so that he had to be carried to'
Albany for careful treatment by his enemies) and Colonel John
son is wounded in the leg. The French being repulsed, start
a retreat southward, when they are met at the same spot near
the pond where they had started the day's fighting, by Captain
McGinnis, he having had a small scouting party out with him
since the early morning march began and had hurried back on
hearing the noise of battle. He routs the French with a deter
mined onslaught, who flee through the forests, caring for neither
their arms nor clothing. So many had been killed at these two
encounters that graves could not be dug for them by the wearied
troops, and hundreds of bleeding corpses had to be cast into
the pond, whose waters were turned a deep crimson, giving to
the pretty sheet of water the name of Bloody Pond. King
Hendrick being among the slain, his Indian bands seek revenge
upon the wounded Dieskau, held prisoner by the Americans ;
but Col. William Johnson firmly interposes for his preservation, Sept. 8.
General Johnson writes : " Our expedition is likely to be extremely
distressed & I fear fatally retarded for the want of waggons.
The People of the County of Albany & the Adjacent Counties
hide their Waggons & drive away their Horses," Sept. 16.
Gen. Philip Schuyler and Catherine Van Rensselaer, only daughter
of Col. John Van Rensselaer of the Claverack Manor, and
granddaughter of the original owner of the vast tract along
the east side of the Hudson, after the first division of the Van
Rensselaer patent, Hendrick Van Rensselaer, married by
Dominie Theodoras Frielinghuysen of the Dutch Reformed
Church of Albany, the ceremony taking place at Greenbush,
opposite this city, Sept. 17.
King George II. gives General Johnson 500 English pounds in
cash, and rewards his efforts by bestowing upon him and " his
heirs male, the dignity of a baronet of Great Britain," September.
Myndert Schuyler, -the son of David Pieterse Schuyler and Catalyn
Verplanck, born at the Flatts, north of Albany, on Jan. 16,
1672, and who had been alderman of the First Ward, Indian
Commissioner, captain of militia, member of Assembly and the
13th Mayor of Albany, dies at his home on the south side of
Yonkers (State) street, the third door east of So. Pearl street,
Oct. 10..

2l6 JOHANNES HANSEN. No. I7.
1755-1756.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Gerrit Marselis, II. Abraham
Douw, Johannis Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1756

Population of Albany county 14,805 whites, 2,619 blacks; total
J7>S24 at this time, January.
Population of the colony of New York 96,790, January.
Drinks of the rich consist of Madeira, cider, punch and beer, May.
Physicians practice without examination or license, June.
Gen. James Abercrombie arrives at Albany with two regiments
preparatory to attack on forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga,
held by the French, June 25.
The Flatts, historic home of the Schuylers at Watervliet, north of
the city, partly burned.
Common Council grants St. Peter's Church a piece of ground for
a burial-place north of Fort Frederick, July 10.
Soldiers numbering about 10,000 continually drilling at Albany, July-
Earl of London arrives at Albany to command the army, July 27.
French make the English garrison at Oswego surrender and this
brings about cessation of hostilities for the time, August.
The Flatts, originally built by Richard Van Rensselaer at Water
vliet, and used for generations by the Schuyler family, partly
burned earlier in the year,, reconstructed along practically the
same lines, September.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis van Sante, Volckert
P. Douw, I. John R. Bleecker, Johannis Beeckman, Jun., II.
Abraham Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept.
29; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick is appointed the 24th Mayor of Albany
by Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of the Province of New York,
September.
? ? ?
(See No. 24.)

BLOODY POND.
No struggle during the Revolution was fiercer or of more concern than that which transpired in the early
morning of Sept. 8, 1755, two miles south of Lake George, and at sunset this sheet of water was so filled with
bleeding corpses that its waters were of crimson hue. (Copyrighted by S. R. Stoddard.)

No. 18.
lEontarn ijtiUanft.

Oct. 24. 1733 — Oct. 30, 1740.

No. 1 8.
EDWARD HOLLAND.
Date of office: October 24, 1733-October 30, 1740.
Date of appointment: October 15, 1733.
Appointed by: Governor (Col.) William Cosby.
Date of birth: Baptized September 6, 1702.
Parents: Captain Henry (H.) and Jenny Sehly (or Seely).
Education: Common school.
Married to: (a) Magdalena  (bur. March 26, 1737).
(b) Frances Nicolls.
Children: (a) Magdalena Mary (1727), Ann (1732).
Residence: Corner Market (Broadway) and Beaver streets.
Religion: English Church.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: English Church.
Remarks: First English Mayor. His father commanded Albany
garrison, 1732.

No. l8. EDWARD HOLLAND. 219
1733-1734.
(Continued from No. 16.)
1733.

Edward Holland is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed
Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned such by Gov.
Wm. Cosby, Oct. 24.
City ordinance " to prevent Negroes or Indian slaves appear in the
streets after eight at night wtout a Lanthorn and lighted candle
in it," Nov. 5.
Birth of Philip Schuyler (later, to be General commanding the
Army of the North in the Revolution) the fourth in descent
from Philip Pieterse Schuyler who was the original settler at
the Flatts, the grandson of Captain Johannes Schuyler, who
was the 10th Mayor, son of John Schuyler, Jun., who became
the 19th Mayor, and " nephew in second degree " to Col. Pieter
Schuyler, the first Mayor, Nov. 11.
Common Council passes an ordinance fining aldermen 1 shilling
if they fail to come to the meeting within one hour of the
ringing of the bell, unless provided with a reasonable excuse,
Nov. 15.
Jeremy Van Rensselaer, Esq., and Capt. William Deck presented
with the freedom of the city, Nov. 24.
Governor Cosby writes to Lords of Trade that on going to Albany
to hold conference with Mohawk sachems, he had sent a mes
senger to bring him a certain deed for Schoharie lands, and
believing what the Mohawks told him, on ascertaining that it
was a quit-claim deed he had handed it to their chief who had
torn it into bits and angrily cast them into the fire, much to
the surprise and dismay of the city authorities who had ex
pected to return it to the City Hall after he had examined it,
Dec. 15.

1734.

Ordered advertised that the key to the house were the water-engine
stands is lodged with Mr. Henry Cuyler, March 9.
Common Council bargains " with Gerrit Lansingh and Anthony
Bratt to sett up 400 Stockadoes at 9 d. a piece . . . with
Tennons of good dry oakwood of one and a half inch thick,
to be drove in five inches, the Stockadoes to be 13 foot long,
three foot in the ground, to have loop holes at proper
distances," June 24.

220 EDWARD HOLLAND. No. 1 8.

1734-1737.

Evert Bancker, who had been the 3rd Mayor of Albany, a justice
of the peace, member of Assembly, Indian Commissioner,
Master in Chancery and farmed at Guilderland, (born Jan. 24,
1665) dies, July.
Charter election, Common Council : Ryer Gerritse, Hendrick Kos-
ter, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Leendert
Gansevoort, Johannis Vischer, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

1735.

Elm tree at the northwest corner of Yonkers (State) and Parrel
(Pearl) streets, (which later gave the cognomen "Elm Tree
Corner ") supposed to have been planted by Philip Livingston,.
Fort Anne, started by Lord Cornbury at Albany in 1703, completed.
Charter election, Common Council : Hendrick Koster, Tobias Ryck
man, I. Cornelis Cuyler, Johannis E. Wendell, II. Leendert
Gansevoort, Johannis Vischer, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

1736.

Col. William Cosby, Governor of the Province of New York, dies.
George Clarke begins administration of the Province of New York
as its President, March 10.
George Clarke, having administered as President of the Colony, ii
commissioned Lieut-Governor, July 30.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Tenbroeck, Gerrit v.
Benthuysen, I. Hans Hansen, Johannis Roseboom, II. Leen
dert Gansevoort, Ryckart Hansen III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
George Clarke sworn as Lieut-Governor, Oct. 30.

1737.

Albert Ryckman, who had been the 9th Mayor of Albany, dies-
January.
Population of Albany county stated as 10,681, January.
Population of Colony of New York given as 60,437, January..

ELM TREE CORNER.
Robert Livingston (Scotchman) arrived here from Holland in 1674, and bought n. w. cor.
State and Pearl sts. 1675. It is said his son (Philip, the " Signer ") planted it about 1735. Here
the Websters had the first printing shop in Albany. It was cut down June 15, 1877, to permit
paving.

No. l8. EDWARD HOLLAND. 221
1737-1740.
Lord De La Warr appointed Governor of Province of New York, June.
Mayor and Aldermen summon Mrs. Kitchener and bargain to pay
her 2 shillings and sixpence for every man that eats at her
house during the entertainment of the Governor, June 27.
Lord De La Warr resigns as Governor of the Province of New
York, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Tenbroeck, Johannis
Vanderheyden, I. Hans Hansen, Johannis Roseboom, II.
Leendert Gansevoort, Ryckert Hansen, III. Election, Sept. 29 ;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1738.

Rev. Henry Barclay, a graduate of Yale and son of Rev. Thos.
Barclay, appointed rector of St. Peter's Church, Jan. 20.
Rev. Petrus van Driessen, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church,
dies, February.
Rev. Cornelis van Schie succeeds the late Dominie Petrus van
Driessen as pastor of the Dutch Church.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis Tenbroeck, John
Schuyler, I. Hans Flansen, Johannis Cuyler, II. Leendert
Gansevoort, Ryckart Hansen, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1739.

George Clinton, son of Col. Charles Clinton (and later New York
State's first Governor) born in Ulster (later Orange) county,
July 26.
Charter election, Cominon Council : John Schuyler, Jun., Gerrit v.
Benthuysen, I. Johannis Cuyler, Jun., Johannis Roseboom, II.
Leendert Gansevoort Ryckart Hansen, III. Election, Sept. 29 ;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1740.

Hendrick Van Rensselaer begins enlargement of his residence, Fort
Crailo at Greenbush, by the addition of a wing, original house
measuring 20 x 60 feet.

222 EDWARD HOLLAND.. No. l8.
1740.
Ordinance providing for the erection of fire-engine house, May 13.
Common Council forbids use of the great seal except during session,
because the clerk carries it in his pocket and so it is unobtain
able at other times.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer, youngest of the three children of Jere
mias Van Rensselaer, the second Patroon, and who married a
granddaughter of Anneke Jans by whom he had four sons and
five daughters (all of whom save one raising large families)
dies at his residence, the Crailo, at Greenbush, (opposite
Albany) bequeathing that estate to his eldest son Johannes, and
is buried east of his house (in its rear) in the family burial-
ground (remains removed later when the railroads required
room for tracks) and news 'of his death sent at once this day
by messengers to all his relatives, July 2.
Hon. Pieter Van Brugh, who had been the 6th Mayor (born July
14, 1666, the son of Johannes Pieterse Verbrugge and Tryntje
Roeloffse and a grandson of Anneke Jans) dies July 20.
Johannes Cuyler, who had been the 14th Mayor of Albany, and
Alderman, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, deacon of the Re
formed Dutch Church, and admitted " freeman " of New York
city in 1696 (born in 1 66 1, the son of Hendrick Cuyler and
Anna Schepmoes, marrying Elsje Ten Broeck, daughter of
Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck, 4th Mayor, on Nov. 2, 1684) dies
at his residence, on the east side of North Pearl street, the
second door south of Steuben street, running through to the
street on the east, July 20.
John Schuyler, Jun., is commissioned the Mayor of Albany by
Lieut.-Gov ernor George Clarke,

(See No. 19.)

No. 19.
Jnljann^ ji>rijnn>r, inn.

Oct. 31, 1740 — Nov. 22, 1741.

No. 19.
JOHANNES SCHUYLER, JUN.
Date of office: October 31, 1740-November 22, 1741.
Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke.
Date of birth: October 31, 1697.
Place of birth: " The Flatts."
Parents: Johannes (S.— 10th Mayor) and Elizabeth Staats (Wen
dell).
Education: Common school.
Married to: Cornelia Van Cortlandt.
Date: October 18, 1723.
Children: (11-8 s. 3 d.) Geertruj (b. 1724, m. Pieter Schuyler,
Jun., and 2d Dr. John Cochran), Johannes, Stephanus (1727,
d. y.), Catherine (1728), Stephanus (1729, d. y.), Philip
(1731, d. y.), Major-General Philip (b. 1733, m. Catherine
Van Rensselaer),- Cortlandt (b. 1735, m. Barbara  ),
Stephanus (b. 1737, m. Lena Ten Eyck), Elizabeth (1738,
d. y.), Oliver (1741, d. v.).
Occupation: Mercantile.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: November 7, 1746.
Place of death: "The Flatts."
Place of burial: "The Flatts," West Troy (Watervliet), N. Y.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Father of Major-General Philip Schuyler. Indian Com
missioner, 1733. Alderman first ward, 1738 and 1739.

ig. JOHANNES SCHUYLER, Jun.
1740-1741.
From a photograph made by Bradley, of New York, from the miniature
owned in 1906, by Mrs. Katharine Schuyler Baxter, of New York city, a
great-great-granddaughter.

No. 19. JOHANNES SCHUYLER, JUN. 225
1740-1741.

(Continued from No. 18.)
1740.

Johannes Schuyler, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed
Edward Flolland, having been commissioned as such by Lieut. -
Governor George Clarke,
Fort Crailo, a Holland-brick building of two stories and dormer
attic, built by Hendrick Van Rensselaer (grandson of Kiliaen
Van Rensselaer the ist Patroon, but of the generation that
actually came to America) supposedly about 1642, but more
probably 20 to 30 years later, at that time with nine stone
musket or port-holes through which to project a rifle and then
with dimensions 20 x 60 feet, increased during the summer and
fall by an addition of some size. October.
Charter election, Common Council : Gerrit Van Benthuysen, Johan
nis Marselis, I. Johannis Cuyler, Johannis Roseboom, II.
Ryaert Hansen, Gerret C. Vanden Bergh, III. Election, Sept.
29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1741.

The Mayor allowed the use of city seal to affix same to " tavern
keepers lycences," there being much dispute as to who may use.
Assembly passes an Act enabling the county and city of Albany to
erect a new court-house and gaol.
Child named Oliver born to Mayor Johannes Schuyler, Jun. and
wife, Cornelia Van Cortlandt ; but died young.
Johannes De Peyster commissioned to be the Mayor of Albany a
third time, by Lieut. -Governor George Clarke, Nov. 14.

(See No. 16.)

No. 20.
(ten?lt0 Cngbr.

Oct. 14. 1742 — Sept. 28, 1746.

No. 20.
CORNELIS CUYLER.
Date of office: October 14, 1742-September 28, 1746.
Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke.
Date of birth: (Bap.) February 14, 1697.
Place of birth: New York, N. Y.
Parents: Johannes (C. — 14th Mayor) and Elsje Ten Broeck (dau.
of 4th Mayor).
Education: Cominon school.
Married to: Catharina (or Catalyntje) Schuyler (dau. of 10th
Mayor) .
Date: December 9, 1726.
Children: (9-6 s. 3 d.) Johannes (1729), Elizabeth (1731), Philip
(1733), Hendrick (1735), Elsje (1737), Margarita (1738),
Cornelis (1740), Col. Abraham C. (26th Mayor — b. 1742),
Dirck (1745)-
Residence: South side Steuben, 4th west of Chapel street.
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: March 14, 1765.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Father of Mayor Abraham Cuyler. Indian Commis
sioner 14 years.

NO. 20. CORNELIS CUYLER. 229

1742-1744.

(Continued from No. 16.)
1742.

Cornelis Cuyler sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
Johannes De Peyster, having been commissioned such by Lieut. -
Governor George Clarke.

1743.

Johannes Myndertse is paid 7 shillings by the city for repairing the
stocks wherein criminals are exhibited to the public gaze,
April 11.
George Clinton begins his administration of the Province of New
York as Governor, Sept. 2.
Common Council appoints Robert Lansingh, Bernardtis Hartsen and
Michael Basset to take charge of fire-engines at time of fire,
ever to be ready, to make keys with which to open engine shed,
and to hang the same in their houses when absent, to receive
annually six schepels of wheat for these services.
Common Council contracts with Anthony Bratt for removal of old
block-house (then located near the City Hall) to the site of the
old powder-house oh sand plains south of city ; supplying all
labor and material, for 13 pounds, 4 shillings.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis Marselis, Jacob C.
Ten Eyck, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Nicholas Bleecker, II. 
 , III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1744.

Albany hears of declaration of war between England and France,
and it seriously affects the colonists, who fear attack from
Canada, June.
Gov. George Clinton holds a conference with sachems of Six
Nations and advises them to beware of the French, June 18.

23O CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 20.
1744-1745.
Charter election, Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, John Mar-
selis and Sybrant G. Van Schaick, tie vote ; subsequently John
Livingston, I. Nicholas Bleecker, Jun., David V. D. Heyden,
II. Jacob Visher, Jacob Wendell, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1745.

Jeremias Van Rensselaer, the son of Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, being
the 5th Patroon and the 3rd Lord of the Manor, dies unmar
ried, and Stephen his brother and the second son of their father
Kiliaen, succeeds in the lordship as the 6th Patroon.
Charter election, Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, John
Livingston, I. Nicholas Bleecker, Jun., David Vanderheyden,
II. Jacob Vischer, Gerrit Van Ness, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Gov. George Clinton writes to Lords of Trade that he is planning
to secure the fort at Crown Point, held by the French in the
Indians' own lands, and is sending to Albany " six pieces of
Cannon of 18 pounders with carriages, and* a proportion of
powder, Ball, Match and other Implements," November.
The home of Philip Schuyler, a nephew of Mayor Pieter Schuyler
and the uncle of Gen. Philip Schuyler, situate on the lands of
his father, Johannes Schuyler, is attacked at night by a force of
Canadians and Indians under Marin, an officer named Beauvais
commanding the squad that surrounds his residence. The
French manuscript sent back by these men as a report states :
" We went to the house of a man named Philip Skulle ( Schuy
ler), a brave man who would have given us much trouble if
he had had with him a dozen men as valiant as himself. The
other (Schuyler) replied that he was a dog, and that he would
kill him, and then fired upon him. Beauvais repeated his re
quest to surrender, to which Philip answered by firing again.
At last Beauvais, weary of receiving his fire, shot and killed
him. We entered immediately, and everything was pillaged
in an instant. The house was of brick, pierced with loop-holes
to the ground floor," Nov. 17.
Governor Clinton hears of the French burning a settlement ( Schuy
lerville) near a place called " Saratoge," two days previous,
which sacking included the fort, the scalping and killing of
thirty, and taking about sixty prisoners, Nov. 19.

No. 20. CORNELIS CUYLER. 23 1

1745-1746.

Governor Clinton orders the " Six Nations of Indians to take up the
hatchet against the Enemy immediately," November.
Albany terrorized and filled with refugees, the three market-houses
being converted into barracks, December.
John Jay (who later becomes first Governor of New York to reside
in Albany) the 8th son of Peter Jay, born in New York city,
Dec. 12.

1746.

Expedition against Canada, New York sending i,6oo men.
Col. William Johnson (Indian Agent) hoping to enlist the Mohawks
against the French brings them to Albany from west of the city,
putting himself at their head " dressed and painted as an Indian
war-captain. The Indians followed him painted for war. As
they passed the fort, they saluted by a running fire, which the
governor answered by cannon. The chiefs were afterwards
received in the fort-hall, and treated to wine. A good deal of
private manceuvering with the individual sachems was found
necessary to make them declare for war with France before a
public council was held," Aug. 8.
Col. William Johnson appointed " chief manager of the Indian War
and Colonel over all the Indians by their own approbation," September.
Dirck Ten Broeck commissioned the Mayor of Albany by George
Clinton, Governor of the Province of New York,

(See No. 21.)

No. 21.
itrrk Gfcnlnutfk.

Sept. 29, 1746 — Oct. 1. 1748.

No. 21.
DIRCK TEN BROECK.
Date of Office: September 29, 1746 — October 2, 1748.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of birth: December 4, 1686.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Wessel (T. B. — son of 4th Mayor) and Caatje (or
Cattryna) Loockermans.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Margarita Cuyler.
Date: November 26, 1714.
Children: (12-5 s. 7 d.) Catryna (b. 1715, m. John Livingston),
Anna (1717), Christina (b. 1718, m. Philip Livingston, Jun.),
Maria (b. 1721, m. Gerardus Groesbeck), Wessels (1722),
Sara (b. 1725, m. Johannes Hendrick Ten Eyck), Margarita
(1727-29), Abraham (1729-32), Margarita (b. 1731, m. Ger
ardus Lansing), Abraham (b. 1734, m. Elizabeth Van Rens
selaer — 28th Mayor), Dirck (1736-7), Dirck (b. 1738, m.
Anna Douw, dau. of 25th Mayor).
Residence: Third Ward (of that period).
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January 3, 1751.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: On January 7th, in Dutch Church.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: City Inspector of Skins, March, 1715. Deacon in
Dutch Church, 1720. Alderman, July, 1722. Commissioner
of Indian Affairs, 1728, for 15 years. City Recorder, 1728.

21. DIRCK TEN BROECK.
September 29, 1746-October 2, 1749.
From a photograph made by Austin Engraving Co., from an old engraving
owned by The Albany Institute.

No. 21. DIRCK TEN BROECK. 235

1746-1747.

(Continued from No. 20.)
1746.

Dirck Ten Broeck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding Cor
nelis Cuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. Geo. Clinton.
Population of the colony of New York 61,589.
Five companies of militia sent from New York city to protect
Albany during the winter, in fear of attack from the north by
the French, September.
Common Council orders that every property owner upon hearing
the hight alarm set candles in their windows to illumine the
way for those running to the fort, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Sybrant
G. Van Schaick, I. Johannis Roseboom, Jacob H. Ten Eyck,
II. Gerrit Van Ness, Ahasueris Roseboom, III. Election,
Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Johannes Schuyler, Jun., who had been the 19th Mayor of Albany,
born on Oct. 31, 1697, the son of Johannes Schuyler (the 10th
Mayor) and Elizabeth Staats (Wendell), who married Cornelia
Van Cortlandt on Oct. 18, 1723, a valiant colonel of militia
during troublous times, Alderman of the 1st Ward, Indian
Commissioner and father of Gen. Philip Schuyler, dies at " The
Flatts," Nov. 7.

1747.

Col. William Johnson sends several bands of Indians into Canada,
and they bring back a number of scalps and many prisoners.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had succeeded his brother on his
death in 1745 as the 6th Patroon, dies, aged 40, leaving two
sons and a daughter (the elder son, Stephen, aged 5, becoming
later the 7th Patroon, John Baptist, the younger son, to die a
bachelor, and the daughter, Elisabeth, to marry Mayor Abra
ham Ten Broeck on Nov. 1, 1763),
Charter election, Cominon Council : Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Sybrant G.
Van Schaick, I. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, John Roseboom, Jun., II.
Gerrit Van Ness, Coenraet Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

236 DIRCK TEN BROECK. No. 21.
1748.

1748.
City clerk authorized to use the city seal in the presence of three
aldermen, or the Mayor may use it in absence of the clerk, the
fight being renewed as to what official should derive the fees
and perquisites from its application to documents.
Death of Margaret Schuyler Collins, widow of Lieut. John Collins,
of Capt. Henry Holland's English garrison at Albany, an im
portant name in transactions for years to come because of the
large tract of lands the Indians had given to her (2,000 acres,
July 10, 1714) situate near the site of Fonda, N. Y., through
friendship for her, May 15.
Peace restored between England and France and quietude obtaining
in the Province of New York by reason of the treaty of Aix-
la-Chapelle, October.
Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck commissioned the Mayor of Albany by
Governor George Clinton of the Province of New York,
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Jacob C.
Ten Eyck, I. Hans Hansen, John Glen, II. Coenraet Ten
Eyck, Abraham Douw, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 22.)

DIRCK TEN BROECK'S COMMISSION.
George II. of England commissioned " Dirck Ten Brook to be Mayor, Clerk of the
Market ot our City of Albany and Coroner of our said City and County of Albany for the
Year Ensuing," from Oct. 13, 1747; signed Oct. 3, 1747. (Owned by N. Y. State
Library; size, 8^x15 in. ; seal, 4^ in.)

No. 22.

Jamb (Enatra?nt SfcnSEgrk.

Oct. 2, 1748 — Oct. 14, 1750.

No. 22.
JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK.
Date of office: October i, 1748-October 14, 1750.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of appointment: October 3, 1749.
Date of birth: April 21, 1705.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Coenraedt (T. E.) and Geertje Van Schaick.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Catharyna Cuyler.
Date: August 17, 1736.
Children: (4-3 s. 1 d.) Anthony (b. 1739, m. Maria Egbertse),
Coenraedt (b. 1741, m. Charlotte Ten Eyck; then Geertje
Ten Eyck, 1781), Abraham (b. 1743, m. Annatje Lansing),
Catarina (1746).
Residence: First Ward and on Troy Road.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: September 9, 1793.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: A man of wealth and strict integrity. Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, November 16, 1752-June 15, 1754. Member
of Committee of Safety, 1775. Judge of Court of Common
Pleas.

No. 22. JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. 239
1748-1749.

(Continued from No. 21.)
1748.

Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed
ing Dirck Ten Broeck, having been commissioned by Gov.
George Clinton,
Philip Schuyler (later becoming the famous general) having been
taught at his home by a Huguenot tutor until 15 years old,
is sent to New Rochelle, the home of the Huguenot re'fugees,
and is placed in care of Rev. Mr. Stouppe, pastor of the French
Protestant Church.

1749.

Population of Albany county (after drainage of the inhabitants
by King George's War) stated as 9,154 white, and 1,480 black;
total population, 10,634, May 10.
Population of the Colony of New York given as 73,348, May 10.
Peter Kalm, collecting seeds and plants for the University of Upsala,
Sweden, sails from New York for Albany, and among the
incidents recorded in his journal may be found the following:
" We saw a whole fleet of little boats returning from New
York, whither they had brought provisions and other goods
for sale. * * * All the yachts which ply between Albany
and New York, belong to Albany. * * * They come
home almost empty, and only bring a few merchandises with
them, among which rum is the chief. * * * The people
in it do not row sitting (canoes with the yachts) but commonly
a fellow stands at one end, with a short oar in his hand, with
which he governs and brings the canoe forward. * * *
Battoes are another kind of boats, which are much in use at
Albany. * * * The bottom is flat that they may row the
better in shallow water. * * * They are chiefly made use
of for carrying goods, by means of the rivers to the Indians.
* * * They sow wheat in the neighborhood of Albany with
great advantage. From one bushel they get twelve sometimes :
if the soil be good they get twenty bushels from one. * * *
The wheat flour from Albany is reckoned the best in all North
America, except that from Sopus. * * * They are un
acquainted with stoves, and their chimneys are so wide that
one could drive through them with a cart and horses. The
water of several wells in this town was very cool about this

24O JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. No. 22.
1749.
time, but had a kind of acid taste which was not very agreeable.
* * * I think this water is not very wholesome for people who
are not used to it, though the inhabitants of Albany who drink
it every day, say that they do not feel the least inconvenience
from it. Almost every house in Albany has its well, the water
of which is applied to common use; but for tea, brewing and
washing, they commonly take the water of the river. * * *
There are two churches in Albany, an English one and a Dutch
one. The Dutch church stands at some distance from the river,
on the east side of the market. It is built of stone ; and in the
middle it has a small steeple, with a bell. It has but one
minister, who preaches twice every Sunday. The English
church is situated on the hill, at the west end of the market,
directly under the fort. It is likewise built of stone, but has
no steeple. * * * The town-hall lies to the southward of
the Dutch church, close by the riverside. It is a fine building
of stone, three stories high. It has a small tower or steeple
with a bell, and a gilt ball and vane at the top of it. The
houses in this town are very neat, and partly built with stones
covered with shingles of the White Pine. Some are slated
with tiles from Holland, because the clay of this neighborhood
is not reckoned fit for tiles. Most of the houses are built in
the old way, with the gable-end towards the street; a few
excepted. * * * The gutters on the roofs reach almost to
the middle of the street. This preserves the walls from being
damaged by the rain ; but is extremely disagreeable in rainy
weather for the people in the streets, there being hardly any
means of avoiding the water. The street-doors are generally
in the middle of the houses ; and on both sides are seats, on
which, during fair weather, the people spend almost the whole
day, especially on those which are in the shadow of the houses.
In the evening these seats are covered with people of both
sexes; but this is rather troublesome, as those who pass are
obliged to greet every body. * * * The streets upon the
whole are very dirty, because the people leave their cattle in
them during the summer nights. * * * The fort lies higher
than any other building, on a high, steep hill on the west of the
town. It is a great building of stone, surrounded with high
and thick walls. Its situation is very bad, as it can only serve to
keep off plundering parties, without being able to sustain a
siege. * * * The river Hudson, which flows by it, is from
twelve to twenty feet deep. There is not yet any quay made
for the better lading of the yachts, because the people feared
it would suffer greatly or be entirely carried away in spring

WHITEHALL HOMESTEAD.
Built by British before 1755 as headquarters here, and used by Gen. John Bradstreet. It faced Delaware avenue
to east, opposite Second avenue, frontage no feet ; stables in rear for 150 cavalry horses, part standing in 1906.
Hon. Leonard Gansevoort (bro. of Gen. Peter Gansevoort) bought it about 1780 ; descended to Jacob Ten Eyck, a
son-in-law and grandson of Mayor J. C. Ten Eyck ; burned in 1883. (From a sampler made by Hester Gansevoort
Ten Eyck, 1810.)

No. 22. JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. 24I
1749.

by the ice, which then comes down the river. The vessels
which are in use here, may come pretty near the shore in order
to be laden, and heavy goods are brought to them upon canoes
tied together. * * * There is not a place in all the British
colonies, the Fludson's Bay settlement excepted, where such
quantities of furs and skins are bought of the Indians as at
Albany. * * * Many people have assured me that the
Indians are frequently cheated in disposing of their goods,
especially when they are in liquor ;. and that sometimes they do
not get one-half, or even one tenth of the value of their goods.
I have been a witness to several transactions of this kind. The
merchants of Albany glory in these tricks, and are highly
pleased when they have given a poor Indian a greater portion
of brandy than he can bear, and when they can after that get
all his goods for mere trifles. The Indians often find, when
they are sober again, that they have been cheated ; they grumble
somewhat, but are soon satisfied when they reflect that they
have for once drank as much as they are able of a liquor which
they value beyond anything else in the whole world and they
are quite insensible to their loss, if they again get a draught of
this nectar. * * * The greater part of the merchants at
Albany have extensive estates in the country and a great deal
of wood. If their estates have a little brook, they do not fail
to erect a saw-mill upon it. * * * Many people at Albany
make the wampum of the Indians, which is their ornament and
their money, by grinding some kinds of shells and muscles :
this is a considerable profit to the inhabitants. * * * If a
Jew, who understands the art of getting forward pretty well,
should settle amongst them, they would not fail to ruin him.
* * * The inhabitants of Albany are much more sparing
than the English. The meat which is served up is often in
sufficient to satisfy the stomach, and the bowl does not circulate
so freely as amongst the English. The women are perfectly
well acquainted with economy ; they rise early, go to sleep very
late, and are almost over nice and cleanly in regard to the
floor, which is frequently scoured several times in the week.
The servants in the town are chiefly negroes. Some of the
inhabitants wear their own hair, but it is very short, without
a bag or queue, which are looked upon as the characteristics of
Frenchmen; and as I wore my hair in a bag the first day I
came here from Canada, I was surrounded with children, who
called me Frenchman and some of the boldest offered to pull at
my French dress. Their meat and manner of dressing it is
very different from that of the English. Their breakfast is

242 JACOB COENRAEDT TEN EYCK. No. 22.

1749-1750.

tea, commonly without milk. About thirty or forty years ago,
tea was unknown to them, and they breakfasted either upon
bread and butter or bread and milk. They never put sugar into
the cup, but take a small bit of it into their mouths whilst they
drink. Along with the tea they eat bread and butter, with
slices of hung beef. Coffee is not usual here : they breakfast
generally about seven. Their dinner is buttermilk with bread,
to which they sometimes add sugar, and then it is a delicious
dish for them ; or fresh milk and bread ; or boiled or roasted
flesh. They sometimes make use of butter-milk instead of fresh
milk to boil a thin kind of porridge with, which tastes very
sour, but not disagreeable in hot weather. To each dinner they
have a great salad, prepared with abundance of vinegar and
very little or no oil. They frequently eat butter-milk, bread
and salad, one mouthful after another. Their supper is gen
erally bread and butter, and milk and bread. They sometimes
eat cheese at breakfast and at dinner : it is not in slices, but
scraped or rasped, so as to resemble coarse flour, which they
pretend adds to the good taste of cheese. They commonly
drink very small beer or pure water," June 10.
Rev. John Ogilvie, preparing to be the rector of St. Peter's Church
and having studied under Dr. Samuel Johnson, takes a letter
of recommendation from him to the Bishop of London, who
forthwith ordains him and issues a license authorizing him to
officiate in the " Plantations" (American colonies), June 30.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Isaac
Staats, I. Hans Hansen, John Glen, II. Abraham Dow
(Douw), Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1750.

Rev. John Ogilvie, D. D., first officiates at St. Peter's Church, as
its new rector, Feb. 27.
Robert Sanders commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov. Geo.
Clinton.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Johan ni;-.
van Sante, I. John Glen, Jacob Ten Eyck, II. Abraham
Douw, Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in.
Oct. 14.
? ? ?
(See No. 23.)

WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS.
This old stone house was built in 1750, at Newburgh, overlooking the Hudson, and the Commander-in-Chief
made it headquarters during the Revolution.

No. 23.

Unhurt #anfar0.

Oct. 15, 1750  , 1754.

No. 23.
ROBERT SANDERS.
Date of office: October 15, 1750-1754.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of birth: July 11, 1705.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Barent (S.) and Maria Wendell.
Education: Common school.
Married to: (a) Maria Lansing, (d. Feb. 16, 1743).
(b) Elizabeth Schuyler.
Date: (a) December 6, 1740.
(b) January 11, 1747.
Children: (10-4 s. 6 d.) (a) Barent (b. February 4, 1743; d.
October 30, 1743). (b) Maria (b. August 21, 1747; d. Sep
tember 6, 1747), a son (b. and d. July 20, 1748), Maria
b. October 15, 1749; m. Philip Van Rensselaer), Catrina
b. February 18, 1752 ; d. July 26, 1771 ; m. Henry Ten Eyck),
Barent (b. December 14, 1753; d. October 15, 1756), Pieter
(b. December 2, 1755; d. May 4, 1774), Deborah (b. Feb
ruary 8, 1858; d. November 28, 1798; m. John Sanders of
Scotia), Elizabeth (b. July 9, 1760; d. August 13, 1760),
Elizabeth (b. December 18, 1761 ; d. April 25, 1786).
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: May 24, 1765.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Beneath pew in Dutch Church ; removed to San
ders family cemetery, Scotia, N. Y., 1805.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Acted most important parts in dealings conducted with
the Indian tribes.

23. ROBERT SANDERS.
1750-1754-
From a photograph made by Knapp, Albany, of the oil painting made i:i
1722, hanging in 1904 in the house of his great-great-grandson, Charles P.
Sanders. Scotia, N. Y.

No. 23. ROBERT SANDERS. 245
1750-1751.
(Continued from No. 22.:)
1750.

Robert Sanders sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding Jacob
Coenraedt Ten Eyck, having been commissioned by Gov. George
Clinton, Oct. 15.
Common Council orders the bell of the City Hall rung at noon as
well, as, formerly, at 8 o'clock at night.
No docks at this period, vessels loading cargoes by pontoons of
canoes, while anchored in deep water from shore,
King George 11. gives silver medals or tokens, twice the size of
silver dollars, bearing the likenesses of himself and wife, Queen
Caroline, suspended on long chains, to the chiefs of the five
Indian tribes of the Iroquois confederation of New York, be
cause of aid rendered the British arms in fighting the French.

1751.

Dirck Ten Broeck, who had been the 21st Mayor of Albany, born
Dec. 4, 1686, the son of Wessel Ten Broeck and Caatje Loocker
mans, and who married Margarita Cuyler, on Nov. 26, 1714,
an Alderman, Commissioner of Indian Affairs for 15 years
following 1728, the City Recorder in 1728, and a deacon of the
Dutch Church, dies, Jan. 3.
Corporation, by order of the Common Council, sells at auction the
exclusive one-year's right to Cornelius Van Vechten to ferry
from Greenbush to Albany for 3 pounds 19 shillings, and to
Jeremiah the sole right to ferry from Albany to Greenbush for
one year, for 3 pounds 4 shillings, March 2.
Agitation started by the vestry of St. Peter's Church to reconstruct
it largely by the erection of a tower or spire rising at the gable
nearest Fort Frederick, further up Yonkers (State) street, and
by placing a bell in the tower, one purchased at London from
Warner & Co. (erroneously styled in the next century " the
Queen Anne bell ") and now first hung, March 6.
Thirty-three canoes, holding about two hundred of the Six Nations,
come to Albany for conference with Gov. George Clinton,
whereat are also present the Indian Commissioners from Massa
chusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina, the Governor of the
last-named province sending six Catawba- sachems to make
peace with the Six Nations; wampum belts are exchanged,
tomahawks buried and the calumet smoked, July-

246 ROBERT SANDERS. No. 23.
1751-1753.
Charter election, Cominon Council : Johannis de Peyster, Johannij
van Sante, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham
Douw, Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1752.

New city seal (showing the beaver) adopted, the old one (with
letters ALB) being declared null and void and dead in law, and
the new one declared for the use of the Common Council, April 28.
Massachusetts disputes her western boundary line with New York,
the former claiming by Charter the lands from the eastern
boundary of the colony (Massachusetts seaboard on the At
lantic) westward to the Pacific Ocean, and consequently
seriously encroached on the manors of Hendrick Van Rensselaer
and of Robert Livingston to the south of it, sometimes the
Massachusetts officers being captured and hurried off to the
Albany gaol, and again the Albany sheriff being captured and
taken to the Springfield lock-up, — hence, Livingston writes to
Governor Clinton to complain strenuously to Massachusetts'
Governor, April.
New city seal used on all public documents, the Mayor or Aldermen
to be paid 3 shillings, in fees, and the clerk 6 shillings, for
placing seal to any instrument, June 30.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis de Peyster, Johannis
van Sante, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham
Dow (Douw), Harme Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1753.

Philip Ryley given charge of the town-clock by the Council.
Common Council draws up a petition to Gov. George Clinton, re
questing him to levy a tax on the Province in order to raise
$30,000 with which to build a stone wall about Albany, claiming,
as a frontier town, it should be fortified at expense of the colony,
May 29.
Ferry charges fixed by the Common Council at 3 coppers per head.
Lords of Trade address letters to the governors of Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and

ALBANY SEAL OF 1752.
The first city seal of 1686, with letters
*' ALB," declared dead in law and this
one adopted on April 28, 1752.

SANDERS-GLEN SCOTIA HOMESTEAD.
One of the oldest houses in Albany county in use in 1906 and occupied by the Sanders family for two centuries. It was built on the
bank of the Mohawk at Scotia, nearly opposite Schenectady, by Alexander Glen, in 1713. Here hangs the original painting of Mayor
Sanders.

No. 23. ROBERT SANDERS. 247

1753-1754.

Virginia, requesting commissioners to assemble at Albany in
Colonial Congress, in order to discuss and if possible con
federate the colonies for their mutual defense against a common
enemy, Whitehall, Sept. 18.
Sir Danvers Osborne begins the administration of the Province of
New York as its Governor, Oct. 10.
Governor Danvers Osborne, overcome by the difficulties and vexa
tions of his new office, quarrels and criticisms, commits suicide,
Oct. 12.
James de Lancey (born in New York city on Nov. 27, 1703, the
son of Stephen de Lancey, who arrived there on June 7, 1686,
and married Anne Van Cortlandt on Jan. 23, 1700) succeeds
Sir Danvers Osborne in the administration of affairs of the
Province of New York, .but cannot be made its Governor be
cause born in the limits of the colony, Oct. 12.
Charter election, Common Council: Johannis de Peyster, Johannis
van Sante, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, John Glen, II. Abraham
Dow (Douw), John H. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1754.

The provinces deciding to send commissioners to Albany, the same
gather in Colonial Congress at the court-house, located at the
northeast corner of Court (Broadway) and Spanish streets
(Hudson ave.), and proceed to discuss the proposition of peace
ful co-operation with the Indians, Wednesday, June 19.
Commissioners at the Colonial Congress include : For Massachu
setts — Samuel Welles, John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson,
Oliver Partridge, John Worthington ; for New Hampshire —
Theodore Atkinson, Richard Wibird, Meshech Weare, Henry
Sherburne, Jun.; for Connecticut — William Pitkin, Roger
Wolcott, Jun., Elisha Williams ; for Rhode Island — Stephen
Hopkins, Martin Howard, Jun. ; for Pennsylvania — John
Penn, Richard Peters, Isaac Norris, Benjamin Franklin; for
Maryland — Col. Benjamin Tasker, Maj. Abraham Barnes, June 19.
Rev. Richard Peters (commissioner to Colonial Congress from
Pennsylvania) preaches the sermon at service at St. Peter's
Church, attended by the delegates, on Sunday, June 23.
Motion is made before the Colonial Congress that the commissioners
state their various opinions as to the formation of a union of the

248 ROBERT SANDERS. No. 23.

1754.

colonies as being gravely necessary for their future security,
which motion being passed unanimously a committee is named
. consisting of Thomas Hutchinson, Theodore Atkinson, William
Pitkin, Stephen Hopkins, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin
Tasker, " to prepare and receive plans or schemes for the union
of the colonies, and to digest them into one general plan " to
be announced to the convention so soon as formulated, June 24.
Colonial Congress having had an extended debate on the matter,
accepts by vote the " Plan of a proposed Union of the several
colonies of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire. Connecticut,
Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary
land,. Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, for their
mutual defence and security," and it is then proposed that the
colonies make humble application to be granted by Act of Par
liament the right to form one general government in America,
under which each colony might retain its constitution excepting
in those particulars which the government of the crown might
wish to change, in order that the general government so created
might be administered by a president-general appointed by the
crown and the grand council chosen by the representatives of
the several colonies, convening in their assemblies, and the
proportionate representation was to be : Massachusetts Bay, 7 ;
New Hampshire, 2 ; Connecticut, 5 ; Rhode Island, 2 ; New
York, 4 ; New Jersey, 3 ; Pennsylvania, 6 ; Maryland, 4 ; Vir
ginia, 7 ; North Carolina, 4 ; South Carolina, 4 ; total, 48 mem
bers, July.
Colonial Congress adjourns, designating Philadelphia the place for
the next assembling, July 11.
French violate the Aix-la-Chapelle treaty, a band of French Indians
burning houses at Hoosick and about sixty Schaghticoke In
dians going with the invaders to Canada, Aug. 28.
Lieutenant-Governor De Lancey orders new stockades placed at
Albany and the militia of the nearby counties to be held ready
to proceed thither, September.
Johannes ("Hans") Hansen commissioned the Mayor, of Albany
by Lieut. -Governor James De Lancey.

(See No. 17.)

CITY HALL OF 1740.
Erected on site of old Stadt Huis of Nov., 1673, at n. e. cor. Broad
way and Hudson ave., Oct. 29, 1740; law amended Apr. 29, 1743, to
provide $2,000 to complete. First Colonial Congress met herein June 19,
1754; vacated Nov. 1, 1808, and offices moved into Capitol just completed.
at head of State St. Destroyed by fire Apr. 30, 1836.

No. 24.
^ghrant (&nzm lanl^rljatrk.

-, 1756 — Sept. 28, 1761.

No. 24.
SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK.
Date of office: 1756-September 28, 1761.
Appointed by: Governor (Sir) Charles Hardy.
Date of Birth: December 19, 1708.
Parents: Gozen (V. S.) and Catarina Staats.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Alida Roseboom.
Date: December 11, 1735.
Children: (7-4 s. 3 d.) Gozen (b. 1736, m. Maria Ten Broeck),
Maria (1738), Ryckie (1741), Myndert (1743), Catharina
v (1745), Maria (b. 1745, m. Philip Conyn), Myndert (1751).
Residence: South corner Market street (Broadway) and Exchange
street.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Title: Honorable.

24. SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK.
1756-1761.
From an old oil painting hanging in 1904 in the building of the Albany
Institute and Historical and Art Society.

No. 24. SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. 25I
1756-1757.

(Continued from No. 17.)
1756.

.Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc
ceeding Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, having been commis
sioned such by Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of the Province
of New York.
Small-pox epidemic, October.
Johannes (" Hans ") Hansen, who had been the previous Mayor
(the 17th) of Albany, born in June, 1695, the son of Hendrick
Hansen, the 5th Mayor of Albany, and Debora Van Dam, and
who married Sara Cuyler, the daughter of Johannes Cuyler,
the 14th Mayor on April 25, 1723, dies at his residence in this
city, December.

1757.

Birth of Alexander Hamilton (who on Dec. 14, 1780, marries Gen.
Philip Schuyler's second daughter, Elizabeth, at the Schuyler
Mansion in the southern part of the city) in the island of Nevis,
West Indies, Jan. 11.
Sir Charles Hardy resigns as Governor of the Province of New
York, preferring naval life as an Admiral of the British Navy,
and James de Lancey again administers as Lieut.-Governor, June 3.
Hendrick Van Rensselaer's Claverack patent involved in the Massa
chusetts-New York boundary dispute, a matter so serious along
the line that wherever there were dwellers riots occurred with
such frequency as to make it unsafe to own a farm near the
boundary, and in one of these pitched battles between mobs two
men were killed, and threats made to take both Hendrick Van
Rensselaer and Livingston dead or alive, July-
Duncan McVicar, father of Mrs. Anne MacVicar Grant (born at
Glasgow, Feb. 21, 1755) who wrote of Mrs. Philip Schuyler
in " Memoirs of an American Lady," (pub'd at London in
1808) comes to America as an officer of the 51st British
Regiment, his wife and daughter remaining at home (another
year before joining him).
Montcalm's French troops succeed in massacring the English gar
rison at Fort William Henry at southern end of Lake George,
August.

252 SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. No. 24.

1757.

Elizabeth Schuyler, the second daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler
and Catherine Van Rensselaer (to marry Alexander Hamilton
at the Schuyler Mansion in the southern part of the city on
Dec. 14, 1780), born at the southeast corner of Yonkers (State)
street and Pearl (house removed later to widen Pearl street),
Aug. 7.
Albanians fear an attack from the French and refugees flock thither
and with the soldiers arriving for defence crowd the city. Of
the latter Mrs. Anne Grant in her " Memoirs of an American
Lady " writes : " Those polished strangers now began to make
a part of general society. * * * By this time the Anglo
mania was beginning to spread. A sect arose among the young
people, who seemed resolved to assume a lighter style of dress
and manners, and to borrow their taste in those respects from
their new friends. * * * The colonel of the regiment, who
was a man of fashion and family, and possessed talents for
both good and evil purposes, was young and gay, and being
lodged in the house of a very wealthy citizen, who had before,
in some degree, affected the newer modes of living, so capti
vated him with his good breeding and affability, that he was
ready to humor any scheme of diversion which the colonel and
his associates proposed. Under the auspices of this gallant
commander, balls began to be concerted, and a degree of flutter
and frivolity to take place, which was as far from elegance as
it was from the honest, artless cheerfulness of the meetings
usual among them."
The first theatrical performance given at Albany, a private affair
by the British officers quartered here for the winter, is criticised
by Mrs. Grant in her " Memoirs " as follows : " Now the very
ultimatum of degeneracy, in the opinion of those simple good
people, was approaching ; for now the officers, encouraged by
the success of all their projects for amusement, resolved to
new-fashion and enlighten those amiable novices whom their
former schemes had attracted within the sphere of their influ
ence; and for this purpose a private theatre was fitted up and
preparations made for acting a play. * * * The play
* * * was acted in a barn and pretty well attended.
* * * It was the Beaux' Stratagem, no favorable specimen
of the delicacy or morality of the British theatre ; and" for the
wit it contained very little of that was level to- the comprehen
sion of the novices who were there first initiated into a knowledge
of the magic of the scene. * * * They laughed very heartily
at seeing the gay young ensigns, whom they had been used to

" YANKEE DOODLE HOUSE." (REAR)
Fort Crailo, erected on the Hudson's bank opposite Albany by Hendrick Van Rensselaer about
1663, has been so styled because while Gen. Abercrombie was recruiting there in June, 1758, to
march against Montcalm at Ticonderoga, Dr. Shackburg composed the humorous song while seated
by the well at the rear.

NO. 24. SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. 253
1757-1758.
dance with, flirting fans, displaying great hoops, and, with
painted cheeks and colored eyebrows, sailing about in female
habiliments. * * * The fame of their exhibition went
abroad, and opinions were formed of them no way favorable
to the actors or to the audience. In this region of reality,
where rigid truth was always undisguised, they had not learned
to distinguish between fiction and falsehood. It was said that
the , officers, familiar with every vice and every disguise, had
not only spent a whole night in telling lies in a counterfeited
place, the reality of which had never existed, but that they
were themselves a lie, and had degraded manhood and broken
through an express prohibition in Scripture by assuming female
habits ; that they had not only told lies, but cursed and swore
the whole night, and assumed the characters of knaves, fools,
and robbers, which every good and wise man held in detesta
tion, and no one would put on unless they felt themselves easy
in them. Painting their faces, of all other things, seemed
most to violate the Albanian ideas of decorum, and was looked
upon as a most flagrant abomination. Great and loud was the
outcry produced by it. Little skilled in sophistry, and strangers
to all the arts ' that make the worse appear the better reason,'
the young auditors could only say ' that indeed it was very
amusing, made them laugh heartily, and did harm to nobody/
So harmless, indeed, did this entertainment appear to the new
converts of fashion, that The Recruiting Officer was given
out for another night." Winter of 1757.-
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert
P. Douw, I. John R. Bleecker, John Beekman (Beeckman.
Jun.), II. Abraham Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Elec
tion Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1758.

Lord Howe and his 56th Regiment pitch camp at Wolven
Hoeck, opposite the lower end of Albany, between Volckert
Petrus Douw's one-and-a-half-story wood and brick house
and the river shore, the holes where the soldiers suspended
their camp-kettles, remaining visible evidence for many years
(until 1875), and while breaking in his troops surprises his
brother officers by his abandonment of much useless extrava
gant paraphernalia for the march, such as table service, also

254 SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. No. 24.

1758.

while awaiting orders to march northward through the woods
to Canada, he introduces the novelty of blackening the muskets
to prevent glitter and shows the men how to make woolen
leggins to prevent underbrush from cutting their lower clothing,
meanwhile riding on horseback daily to breakfast with the
Schuylers at the Flatts, June.
Gen. James Abercrombie's British army encamped in " the Pasture "
south of the city and some across the river, June.
It was at this time that an event of national renown transpired, —
the composing of the satirical song, " Yankee Doodle." While
Gen. James Abercrombie's British army is encamped across the
river, pitching tents along the Greenbush shore from Fort
Crailo southward to Douw's Point, preparatory to first recruit
ing and then marching northward to Ticonderoga to attack
Montcalm who had been advancing with French troops from
Canada, the various sorts of local troopers pouring in to join
his ranks amaze and amuse the British officers, among whom is
Dr. Shackburg (or Shuckburgh) the surgeon. Tfie rough
farmers from hereabouts and adjacent colonies, of all ages and
conditions, are a motley throng as they stand beside the British
troops, some wearing long coats, some abbreviated, and others
none at all ; the color of their raiment of all hues ; their hair
cropped, or on some falling to the shoulder. The surgeon
(seated by the well in the rear of Fort Crailo, it is said) who
was a musician as well as the wit of the army corps, grasps the
humorous situation at pnce and composes a tune that he calls
" Yankee Doodle," which he recommends to the British music
corps as good martial music to march by, and it is played by
them to the amusement of the British particularly, who little
think of the chagrin to be theirs when the same tune is played
and sung later at Bunker Hill to thrill American' troops fighting
against the British, and again when Lord Cornwallis marched
his army into the American lines to surrender, June, 1758.
Lord George Augustus Scrope, Viscount Howe (born in 1724),
commanding the 56th Regiment of the British army, killeH in a
sharp engagement against the French at Fort Ticonderoga, July 6.
General Abercrombie defeated at Ticonderoga by Montcalm, July 8.
Capt. Philip Schuyler (later General) brings the body of his inti
mate and beloved brother officer, Lord Howe, to his home at
the Flatts, at Watervliet, July 10.
Gen. James Abercrombie makes a successful attack on Fort Carillon,
held by the French at Ticonderoga, and falls back on Fort
William Henry, July.

LORD HOWE'S BURIAL.
The record in St. Peter's old " Church Book ", made on Sept. 5,
1758, shows that Lord Howe was buried there. He was killed at Trout
Brook on July 6th.

No. 24. SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. 255

1758-1759.

Col. John Bradstreet, having left with 3,000 soldiers, the two Albany
companies commanded by Capts. Peter Yates and Goosen Van
Schaick, Fort Frontenac, at the eastern end of Lake Ontario,
surrenders, Aug. 27.
George Augustus Scrope, Lord Viscount Howe (born in Ireland,
1724) buried in St. Peter's Church (according to veritable
entry in the " Church Book") expense of burial for pall, etc.,
5 pounds 6 shillings, Sept, 5.
New Scotland settled by Teunis Slingerland (9,879 acres).
Birth of Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter Margarita (who later
marries Stephen Van Rensselaer, the Patroon), Sept. 19.
Mrs. Duncan McVickar leaves Laggan, Scotland, to bring her
daughter Anne to join Mr. McVickar in America, to locate at
Albany (the daughter later becoming Mrs. Grant, writing of
Mrs. Philip Schuyler in " Memoirs of an American Lady,"
published in London in 1808), he being an officer in the British
army and arriving the previous year.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Volckert
P. Douw, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Ja. Lansing, II. Abraham
Douw, Johannis H. Ten Eyck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

1759.

'City raises $5,000 by lottery, January.
Uord Amherst's army encamped at Albany, May.
French forces abandon forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point! before
the advance of Lord Amherst's army, and he takes posses
sion, July.
Montreal falls to the British arms and General Wolfe, on the Plains
of Abraham, overcomes the French army of General Montcalm
at Quebec, thus ensuring British dominion from Quebec to
New York city, Sept. 13.
Rev. Theodoras Frielinghuysen resigns pastorate of the Dutch
Church and sails for Holland, in the fall.
Albany society (with a library), organized.
Charter election, Common Council : Johannis van Sante, Sybrant
(G.) Van Schaick, Jun., I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Lansing,
Jun., II. Abraham Douw, Volckert (P.) Douw, III. Election,
Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

256 SYBRANT GOZEN VAN SCHAICK. No. 24.
1760-1761.

1760.
Common Council agrees to issue a license on petition of Presby
terians for establishment of a church at Albany, April 3.
Lieut.-Gov. James de Lancey, who had been the acting Governor
of the province for many years, found expiring in his librarv
chair at his home in New York city, July 30.
James de Lancey is buried beneath his pew in the middle aisle of
Trinity Church at an imposing ceremonial at night, July 31.
First municipal act to obtain a piped water-supply, Aug. 3.
Following the death on the 30th ult. of Lieut.-Gov. James de
Lancey, Cadwallader Colden (b. Ireland, Feb. 17, 1688), being
senior member of the Council, is called to administer the
affairs of the Province of New York, Aug. 4.
Birthday of King George II. celebrated by a bonfire towards which
the city contributes wood valued at $15, Oct. 30..
Rev. Eilardus Westerlo succeeds Rev. T. Frielinghuysen as pastor,.
in the fall of this year.
Rev. Thomas Brown, deputy-chaplain of the 60th Regiment of
Royal Americans, supplies the pulpit of Rev. John Ogilvie
(a graduate of Yale and who was made rector of St. Peter's
Church in March, 1749) while the latter is with his army,.
commencing Dec. 21.
Charter election, Common Council : John Henry Lydius, Barent H.
Ten Eyck, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Jacob Lansing, II. Cornells-
Ten Broeck, Harmanus Wendell, III. Election, Sept. 29;,
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1761.

Schuyler Mansion, at the head of Schuyler street, the scene later
of visits from Washington, Lafayette, Baron Steuben, Count
De Rochambeau, Benjamin Franklin, Aaron Burr and other
notables (and where occurred the marriage of Alexander Ham
ilton and Elizabeth Schuyler on Dec. 14, 1780, as well as that
of President Fillmore), built by Col. John Bradstreet for the
wife of Gen. Philip Schuyler while he is in England.
Fine of $50 for allowing slaves to beg.
Volckert Petrus Douw commissioned the Mayor of Albany, by
Lieut.-Gov. Cadwallader Colden.
? ? ?
(See No. 25.)

SCHUYLER MANSION.
It was built in 1761 at the head of Schuyler street in the midst of a park that extended to the river. Among the guests here have
been Washington, Hamilton, Franklin, LaFayette, Burgoyne, Lauzan, Barons Steuben and Riedesel and Count de Rochambeau.

No. 25.

Hnlrtei ffetrns innm*

Sept. 29, 1761 — Sept. 9, 1770.

No. 25.
VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW.
Date of office: September 29, 1761-September 9, 1770.
Appointed by: Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Colden.
Date of birth: March 23, 1720.
Place of birth: " Wolven-Hoeck," Greenbush (Rensselaer).
Parents: Petrus (D.) and Anna Van Rensselaer.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: (a) Anna De Peyster (dau. of 16th Mayor).
(b) Marytje Cadwees.
Date: (a) May 20, 1742.
(b) 1762.
Children: (9-3 s. 6 d.) Anna (b. 1743, m. Dirck Ten Broeck, 21st
Mayor), Ragel (b. 1744, m. Hendrick J. Van Rensselaer),
Myndert Schuyler (b. 1746), Magdalena (b. 1748, d. y.),
Magdalena (b. 1750, m. John Stephenson), Catarienna (b.
175 1, m. Harmanus Hoffman), John De Peyster (b. 1754,
d. y.), Johannes De Peyster (b. 1756, m. 1st Debora Beeck
man, 2d Margaret Livingston, 3d Catherine D. Gansevoort),
Maria (b. 1760, m. John De Peyster Ten Eyck).
Residence: " Wolven-Hoeck," Greenbush.
Occupation: Public offices. Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: March 20, 1801.
Place of death: Wolven-Hoeck.
Place of burial: Wolven-Iioeck; later Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Alderman, 1749. Recorder, 1750-60. Captain of
militia, 1755 (Battle of Lunenburg). Presiding Judge
Court of Common Pleas, October 2, 1757-May, 1775.
Colonial Assembly, 1759-66. Indian Commissioner, 1774-
Committee of Safety, May 4, 1775. Member of first Provin
cial Congress, May 23, 1775 ; Vice-President. First Judge
of County Court, 1778-March 26, 1781. Commissary of
Northern Army, 1779. Senate, 1785-93.

25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW.
1761-1770.
From a wax medallion owned in 1904 by Mr. J. Townsend Lansing of
Albany.

No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 259

1761-1762.

(Continued from No. 24.)
1761.

Volckert Petrus Douw sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
Sybrant Gozen Van Schaick, having been commissioned such
by Lieut.-Gov. Cadwallader Colden.
City corporation resolves to tax making of freeman or the permission
to do business as a merchant, 3 pounds, 12 shillings, and to tax
those wishing to manufacture 1 pound, 16 shillings, of which
the mayor is to retain 12 shillings and the clerk, for affixing
seal to the license, 1 shilling; but those born in Albany, on
attaining 21 years, to be allowed license on paying 2 shillings.
Presbyterians of Albany organizing as a society and petition for
right to erect a church.
Philip Reyley engaged to care during one year for the town clock,
for 6 pounds.
Charter election, Common Council: Barent Ii. Ten Eyck, Peter
Lansing, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Frans Pruyn, II. Cornelis Ten
Broeck, Volckert (P.) Douw, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn
in, Oct. 14.
Old (or first) city seal (octagonal and bearing letters ALB.) aban
doned by Common Council, Oct. 16.
Maj .-Gen. Robert Monckton begins his administration as governor
of the Province of New York, Oct. 26.
Cadwallader Colden administers as lieutenant-governor, Nov. 18.

1762.

North bounds of city marked by Patroon's street (Clinton ave.).
Common Council orders a new fire-engine of the fifth size, made by
Richard Newsham, of London, Eng., March 6.
Presbyterian society given permission by Lord Amherst to use
forage-house, near the fort, as place of worship, March 7.
Common Council resolves to take down the gallows standing on
Gallows hill (south of th° fort and west of South Pearl st.)
and the land being divided into acre lots, sold at a public vendue
for a term of 21 years, July 26.
Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt (who marries Catherine, eldest daughter
of Gov. George Clinton) born, Aug. 29.

260 VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. No. 25.
176&-1763.
City grants to Presbyterian society for purposes of erecting a church,
a lot at northwest corner of Hudson avenue and William street,
by Rynland measure, along the north side 30 feet, west side
192 feet, east side 132 feet, south side 148 feet, being in the
First ward, Sept. 2.
Charter election, Common Council: Sybrant (G.) Van Schaick,
Jun., Peter Lansingh, I. Jacob Ten Eyck, Hendrick M. Rose
boom, II. Cornelis Ten Broeck, Volckert (P.) Douw, III.
Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Maj. -Gen. Robert Monckton administers again as governor of the
Province of New York, June 14.

1763.

Common Council resolves that five tickets of the New York lottery
be purchased for the benefit of the city's funds and that Mayor
Douw take them to New York to present on the day of drawing.
He does so, and receiving 4 pounds 5 shillings as the proceeds
of one ticket (the other four proving to be blanks) he pays this
sum to the city clerk, Jan. 10.
City purchases James Nox, a bond-servant of William Brefit for 9
pounds, that he may serve as the public whipper for remainder
of his term of service, February.
Fire-engine, to be operated by hand-pumping (the second — first
in 1732) purchased by Harmse Gansevoort in England at cost
of $397.50, and arrives at Albany, March.
Common Council directs that the sum of 58 pounds 19 shillings and
6 pence be paid for the new fire-engine, April.
Thirty-one firemen in the city, May.
Cadwallader Colden a 3rd time succeeds to office of Lieut. -Governor,
and begins administering affairs of the Province of New York
as its executive, June 28.
Birth of Gen. Philip Schuyler's son, John Bradstreet Schuyler,
(named after his intimate friend) on whom the General later
bestows his Saratoga (Schuylerville) estate, on marriage
(marrying Elizabeth, daughter of Patroon Stephen Van Rens
selaer in 1787), July 12.
Charter election, Common Council: Sybrant (G.) Van Schaick,
Jun., Peter Lansingh, I. Johannis Cuyler, John R. Bleecker,
II. Cornelis Ten Broeck, Abraham Yates, Jun., III. Election,
Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

SI
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ALBANY MAP OF 1765.
Reproduced from "A Set of Plans and Forts in America, reduced from Actual Survey, 1765" ; published in London by Mary Ann
Rocque, topographer to the Duke of Gloucester.

No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 26l
1763-1764.
Common Council buys 48 leather fire-buckets to be passed from
wells at time of fire, each one of the six aldermen and six assist
ants to keep four at his house in readiness to bring forth,
November.
Dutch Reformed Church established at Berne.

1764.

Mrs. Anne Grant writes her " Memoirs of an American Lady,"
meaning Mrs. Philip Schuyler (to be published in 1808 at
London) being located at Albany several years although of,
Laggan, Scotland.
Stephen Van Rensselaer (second of the name and the 7th Patroon)
marries Catherine Livingston, daughter of Philip Livingston a
Signer of the Declaration of Independence (who have three
children born to .them — Stephen, b. Nov. 1, 1764; Philip
Schuyler, b. April 15, 1766, becoming the 32nd Mayor of
Albany; Elizabeth, marrying John Bradstreet Schuyler, 1787,
the son of Gen. Philip Schuyler), January.
Volckert P. Douw buys a negro woman, Phoebe, and three children,
paying Benjamin Ashley, on the Delaware, $500 for them.
Gallows Hill, at head of State street, 11 acres, sold to Capt. Cort
landt Schuyier for $1,000 and quit rent of 50 shillings yearly
forever, July 3I.
Rev. Thomas Brown succeeds Rev. John Ogilvie (who becomes
rector of Trinity Church in New York city) as the rector of St.
Peter's.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansingh, Sybrant (G.)
Van Schaick, I. John Cuyler, John R. Bleecker, II. Abraham
Yates, Jun., Cornelis TenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Birth of Stephen Van Rensselaer, third of the name and son of the
7th Patroon who had in January married Catherine Livingston, Nov. 1.
Common Council declares the deed to Capt. C. Schuyler for Gallows
Hill null and void, and sells the property to Abraham Wendell, Dec. 20.

262 VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. No. 25.

1765.

1765.
Van Rensselaer Manor House (the 3rd edifice of the family at
Albany) built by Stephen Van Rensselaer under the direction
of his guardian, Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, on the east side of
the Troy Road at the head of Broadway, as a home to which to
bring his bride, Catherine, daughter of Philip Livingston
(Signer of the Declaration), and to be in keeping with the
Estates of a Lord of the. Manor.
Union Lodge, the first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons con
stituted at Albany, organized by warrant from the Provincial
Grand Master, George Harrison, installing Peter W. Yates as
its worshipful master, paragraphs from its by-laws reading:
" Every one who shall be made a Mason in this Lodge is to pay
three pounds 4s for the Fund and one Dollar to the Tyler, for
which he shall be entitled to the three degrees without further
expence. * * * The Senior warden shall every lodge night
acquaint the master when it is fen o'clock, then ye lodge is to
be closed unless in cases of extra business, and on lodge even
ings no member under a fine of one shilling shall have more
drink than for six pence in the lodge-room without the Master's
consent," Feb. 27.
Ordinances passed fining owner of a chimney that catches afire 40
shillings; any member of the city guard discovering a fire
entitled to a reward of 3 pounds; that two persons in each
ward be appointed to view chimneys, hearths and ash-places;
that each house-holder having two fire-places own two buckets
marked with initials, and that anyone retaining the bucket of
another 48 hours after a fire be fined 10 shillings ; furthermore,
that all persons place 3 candles in the front windows during
progress of a fire, riot, or other night alarm, or suffer penalty
of 3 shillings, and no one be allowed to clean any chimney
except an authorized city-sweep, Oct. 14.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansingh, Sybrant (G.)
Van Schaick, I. John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lansing, II. Corne
lius TenBroeck, Abraham Yates, Jun., III. Election, Sept. 29 ;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Stamp Act passed by Parliament in 1764, requiring notes, deeds,
bonds and all business documents to be written or printed on
paper stamped by the British government, angers the people
of the Province of New York, as on the day of its becoming

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR.
The residence of the Patroon, on west side of the Troy Road, built in 1666 was unsuited and a new one erected by Stephen
Van Rensselaer II., the third Lord of the Manor, in 1765, east of the Troy Road.

No. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 263
1765-1767.
operative the citizens of New York city burn an effigy of
Lieutenant-Governor Colden, the administrator of the Province
of New York, Nov. i.
Sir Henry Moore begins his administration of the Province of New
York as governor, Nov. 13.
Sir William Johnson, by letter, warns Lords of Trade that the
"Stamp Act" has created anew the strong desire of the
colonists for a democratic system of government, such as had
been proposed at the Colonial Congress at Albany in 1654, and
unless this spirit be checked the idea of liberty and independence
would gain ground beyond control, Nov. 22.

1766.

Common Council determines to erect three stone docks, the north
one 80 feet long and 40 feet broad ; the middle one, at foot of
Maiden Lane, to be 80 feet long and 30 feet broad ; south dock,
about off the City Hall, to measure same as the middle one,
March 4.
Followers of the Swiss reformer, Ulric Zwingli, organize a society
of German Reformed church and are granted land for edifice on
the Wouts Burgh (the hill north of the fort), Oct. 13.
City deeds to Samuel Stringer for the purpose of erecting thereon
a lodge-building, a plat of ground " on the Hill near the Fort
adjoining the English Burying place " (north-west corner of
Lodge street and Maiden Lane), Oct. 18.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansing, Henry I. Bo-
gert, 1. John R. Bleecker, Jacob J. Lansing, II. Abraham
Yates, Jacob Van Schaick, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1767.

Right to use and rent the city's new stone docks until Jan. 1, 1768,
sold at public vendue to Gysbert Marsells and John Alen for
70 pounds, March 28.
General refusal to purchase English goods because of duties.
Albany families number 148 on the Patroon's map.
Jack, negro of James Sterling, indicted for murder.

264 VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. No. 25.
1767-1768.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansing, Henry I. Bo-
gert, I. Jacob J. Lansing, John R. Bleecker, II. Abraham
Yates, Jun., Abraham TenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Warrant given by Henry Andrew Francken, deputy grand inspector-
general of all the superior degrees of Masons in the West In
dies and ' North America, constituting " William Gamble,
Francis Joseph von Pfister, Thomas Swords, Thomas Lynott
and Richard Cartwright into a Regular Lodge of Perfection,
by the name of Ineffable," Dec. 20.
Union Lodge makes a procession, with four of the Ineffable Lodge,
through the main streets, Dec. 28.

1768.

Masters' Lodge, Number 2, York Rite, organized, with William
Gamble as its first Master ; Samuel Stringer as Senior Warden,
and Jeremiah Van Rensselaer as its Junior Warder, March 5.
Union Lodge does not accede to the proposition made by the In
effable Body to construct and have a joint right in a lodge
building (the latter occupying rooms in the inn of Richard
Cartwright, to whom each member paid one shilling on lodge
night, the society providing candles) and it is agreed to accept
the proposal of Peter Sharp to construct a lodge-building at a
cost of 300 pounds, Feb. 23.
Samuel Stringer buys of Union Lodge the lot obtained from the
city in 1766, 74 feet on west side of Lodge street and 79 feet
along north side of Maiden Lane, for 4 English pounds, Feb. 27.
City conveys to Samuel Stringer 6 feet additional, along east side
of the plat, which measures 70 feet along its north side, and
work on building is begun, April I.
Corner-stone of Masters and Ineffable Lodge laid, May 12.
Masters and Ineffable (styled Union while building) Lodges' edifice
completed, June 24.
Charles Newman & Sons (woolen merchants) established on South
Market street (Broadway) by Charles Newman.
St. Peter's church granted a charter by Gov. Henry Moore, July 13.
Rev. Thomas Brown removes from Albany and is succeeded by Rev.
Henry Munro as rector of St. Peter's church.

MO. 25. VOLCKERT PETRUS DOUW. 265

1768-1770.

Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansing, John Rooreback,
I. Jacob J. Lansing, John R. Bleecker, II. Abraham Yates,
Jun., Abraham TenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1769.

Professional theatrical performers allowed by Governor Moore to
come to Albany to play during one month, and the hospital or.
Pine street (near site of Lutheran church) having been fitted
with a stage, the first play, " Venice Preserved," is given by
Lewis Hallam, Jr., John Henry, Mr. Woods, Miss Cheer and
others, July 3
Death of Gov. Iienry Moore.
Cadwallader Colden begins his administration as lieutenant-gov
ernor of the Province of New York, Sept. 12.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John Rore-
back, I. John R. Bleecker, Abraham C. Cuyler, II. Abraham
Yates, Jun., Abraham Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14..

1770.

Gloucester county partitioned from Albany, March 16.
Abraham Cornelis Cuyler commissioned the Mayor of Albany bv
Lieut.-Gov. Cadwallader Colden.
? ? ?
(See No. 26.)

No. 26.
Abraham dimwits (Enn>r.

Sept. IO, 1770 — April 16, 177S.

No. 26.
ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER.
Date of office: September 10, 1770-April 16, 1778.
Appointed by:- Lieutenant-Governor Cadwallader Colden.
Date of birth: April 11, 1742.
Parents: Cornelis (C. — 20th Mayor) and Catharina Schuyler (dau.
of 10th Mayor).
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Jannetje Glen.
Date: April 10, 1764.
Children: (5-3 s. 2 d.) Cathalina (b. 1765), Jacob (b. 1766), Elisa
beth (b. 1767), Cornelis (b. 1769), Jacob Glen (b. 1773).
Residence: West side No. Pearl st., site of " North " Dutch Church.
Occupation: Military.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: February 5, 1810.
Place of death: Yorkfield, Canada.
Title: Colonel.
Remarks: Colonel of militia. Zealous in his dealings and of integ
rity. Last Mayor by Royal Commission.

CUYLER MANSION— VLIE HOUSE.
This house, so called to signify '' House by the Marsh," was erected by Hendrick Cuyler
on the Greenbush shore, about 1770 (some records place it 50 years earlier), and was standing,
south ot Fort Crailo, in good preservation in 1906.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 269

1770-1771.

(Continued from No. 25.)
1770.

Col. Abraham Cornelis Cuyler is sworn as the Mayor of Albany,
succeeding Volckert Petrus Douw, having received appoint
ment from Lieut.-Gov. Cadwallader Colden, Sept. 10.
Survey of the city made by Robert Yates.
Four docks built along the river.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter Lansingh, John Roor
back, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, John R. Bleecker, II. Abraham
Yates, Jun., Abraham TenBroeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, made Governor of New York
Province, Oct. 19.
Sloop Olive Branch, the first to sail from here for the West Indies,
sets out, Nov. 3.
City sells all remaining land (a few farms having been released 1
of the tract bought by Hendrick Van Rensselaer, six miles
square along Hoosac river, from the Schaghticoke Indians, for
less than $1,000, to Johannes Knickerbaker, bargaining, "for
which the said Knickerbaker is to find the said corporation
and their successors with Meat, Drink, and Lodging once a
year at his house at Schactacook."

1771.

Public lighting of the streets attempted by the placing of twenty
oil lamps at various points.
Population of the Colony of New York at this time 163,337.
Population of Albany county (before greatly reduced in area by
forming several other counties from it at later dates) 38,829
white, 3,877 black and a total of 42,706 at this time.
William Tryon made Governor of New York Province, July 9.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, Peter Silves
ter, I. Guysbert Marselis, Robert Yates, II. Abraham Yates,
Jun., John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

27O ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26,
1771-1772.
First Albany newspaper, " The Gazette," published by Alexander
and James Robertson, one-fourth the size of the newspaper
sheet of a century later, Nov.
Milestones placed along the highway to Schenectady as far as the
Half- Way House, beginning at the Reformed Dutch Church
standing in the middle of the street, a little to the west of
the intersection of Yonkers (State) street and Market street
(Broadway).

1772.

The printers of the " Albany Gazette " apologize to the public for the.
non-appearance of the publication because the paper was not
supplied by the New York stage with any regularity, and also
because the paper was frozen into one mass by the heavy fall
of snow, Jan. 13.
Tryon and Charlotte counties formed from lands set off from Al
bany county as a means to expedite public business, such as
attention of court duties, which forced the inhabitants to come
several hundred miles to Albany when attending to causes or
filing documents, Charlotte county being established between
the northern boundary of Albany county and Canada, Tryon
becoming as Montgomery county, March 12.
"Albany Gazette " starts publication of meteorological tables.
Manor of Rensselaerswyck erected into a district, March 24.
Col. Philip Schuyler and Gen. John Bradstreet jointly interested in
the purchase, with Rutger Bleecker and Gen. John Morin Scott,
of a tract of 22,000 acres in the Mohawk valley, known as
Cosby's Manor (the city of Utica later built within it), origi
nally granted to William Cosby, Provincial Governor of New
York, by royal patent, sold by the sheriff to the four in Schuy
ler's name.
General Tryon, Governor of the Province, visits the city, and the
corporation banquets him at Cartwright's Tavern, July 20.
A book store established at the " Elm Tree Corner " by Stuart
Wilson, to be converted later into the Blue Belle Tavern, north
west corner of Pearl and State streets.
Charter election, Common Council: Gerrit Van Sante, Peter W.
Yates, I. Guysbert Marselis, Robert Yates, Jun., II. Abraham
Yates, Jun., John' Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 14.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 27 1
1773-1774.

1773.
Vlie House, " The House by the Marsh," built by Hendrick Cuyler
on the east bank of the Hudson river half a mile above Douw's
Point, two stories and an attic of brick, Colonial architecture,
its fireplace tiled with Biblical scenes of Holland production
and huge oaken beams extending across the main hall (later
occupied by a Van Rensselaer family) .
Charter election, Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van
Sante, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, Robert Yates, II. John Ten
Broeck, Thomas Hun, III. Election, Sept: 29 ; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1774.

Mother Ann Lee arrives here from Manchester, Eng., and settling
about four miles to the west of the city, founds the Shakers.
Cadwallader Colden again made Lieutenant-Governor of the
Colony, April 7.
Sir William Johnson (b. at Warrentown, County Down, Ireland,
1715), frequently a conspicuous figure in this city bearing on
transactions with the Indians in the warfare against the French
of Canada, dies near Johnstown, N. Y., July 4.
First Continental Congress held at Philadelphia to consider griev
ances against the British rule, Sept. 5.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit van
Sante, I. Robert Yates, Guysbert G. Marselis, II. John Ten
Broeck, Thomas Hun, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
In accordance with the views of the Continental Congress held at
Philadelphia on September 5th where the discussion was of the
grievances of the colonists at Great Britain's policy of impos
ing taxes upon them without their consent, the freeholders of
Albany assemble, and John Barclay having been made chair
man, proceed to appoint a Committee of Superintendence and
Correspondence, November.
Although by Act of the Assembly of Nov. 11, 1692, it was ordained
that two fairs be held yearly in the county of Albany, one in
the city of Albany and one at Crawlier in Rensselaerswyck, the

272 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1774-1775.

records do not show that any had been held until the Common
Council's order that the High Constable appoint two constables
to attend the ferry during the time of the fair, Nov. 7.
Gen. John Bradstreet (buried in Trinity churchyard, New York
city), an intimate friend of Col. Philip Schuyler, at whose
house he had frequently made lengthy visits and after whom
Schuyler named his son (Schuyler also named as his executor),
feeling his end approaching sends for Colonel Schuyler and his
daughter Margarita, who arrive in time and he breathes his
last held by her arms, Sept. 25.
Rev. Thomas Brown, rector of St. Peter's Church; having moved
from this city, he is succeeded by Rev. Henry Munro.

1775.

In the House of the Assembly (previous to the Colonial Legislature)
Col. Philip Schuyler moves declaratory resolutions that the
Act IV of King George III., imposing duties for raising a
revenue in America and depriving His Majesty's subjects in
the colonies the right of trial by jury were great grievances,
and his resolution is carried by a vote of 7 to 2 by the 9
present of the 24 members, many being kept away by the hard
ship of attending at so great a distance, March 3.
The Committee of Safety and Correspondence of Albany city and
county meet at Richard Cartwright's Inn and select Col. Philip ,
Schuyler, Abraham Yates, Jun., Col. Abraham Ten Broeck,
Col. Peter R. Livingston and Walter Livingston the deputies
to represent the city and county at the Provincial Congress to
be held on April 20th at New York, which is to select dele
gates for the next Continental Congress to be held in May
at Philadelphia, March 21.
Battle of Lexington fought between the British army and the
American colonists, eleven miles northwest of Boston in Mid
dlesex county, Massachusetts, the first bloodshed of the Ameri
can Revolution, 800 British soldiers under Colonel Smith hav
ing left Boston the previous night to take the military stores of
Concord, the advance under Major Pitcairn confronted at Lex
ington Green by about fifty minute-men under Captain Parker,
and this force dispersed with the loss of eight Americans

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 273

1775.

killed, the British proceeding to Concord where they are re
pulsed at the Concord bridge by the minute-men, whereupon
Colonel Smith orders a retreat, and a running fire is kept up to
Charlestown, the American forces in the meantime augmented
constantly as they pursue the British along the highroad; the
total British loss of the engagements amounting to 273 and
of the American colonists 93, history recording the fighting
at Concord as the Battle of Concord and of the entire day's
engagements as the Battle of Lexington, April 19.
Col. Philip Schuyler chosen among the delegates selected to rep
resent the Province of New York in the Continental Congress
at Philadelphia in the following May, by New York's Colonial
Congress held at New York city, April 20.
News of the engagement of the British at Lexington on April 19th
reaches Albany and stirs the entire population to action im
mediately, who seem to comprehend that this first bloodshed
against the mother country was but the beginning of the great
struggle for liberty that had been a cherished idea for some
years, and the citizens determine at once that they must act
a vigorous part. Accordingly a meeting is held without delay
at John J. Lansing's Inn .by the sub-committee of Corre
spondence, with Abraham Yates, Jun., acting as the chairman,
the result of which gathering was the posting of a notice
about the city reading as follows : " Whereas the various ac
counts that have been received of the extraordinary Commo
tions both in the Province of Massachusetts Bay and at New
York made it indispensably necessary that the sense of the
Citizens should be taken on the line of Conduct they propose
to hold in this Critical Juncture, every Person therefore is
most earnestly intreated to attend at the market-House in the
third Ward (Broadway, near Maiden Lane, in centre of the
street) at four o'clock this afternoon to give his Sentiments.
It is expected that no Person whatever able to attend will be
absent. Secondly. Resolved That the Chairman (Abraham
Yates, Jun.,) sign the several Papers relative to this Day's
Transaction. Thirdly. Resolved That the following Proposals
be read to the Citizens at their intended meeting this after
noon : Are you willing to co-operate with our Brethren in New
York and the several Colonies on the Continent in their oppo
sition to the Ministerial Plan now prosecuting against us?
Are you willing to appoint Persons to be Conjointly with others
to be appointed by the Several Districts in this County a Com
mittee of Safety, Protection, and Correspondence, with full

274 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1775.

Power to Transact all such matters as they shall conceive may
tend to the weal of the American Cause? If yea, who are tfie
Persons you chuse to appoint?" May i.
Following the meeting held at the Market-House, Lucas Cassidy is
despatched to beat a drum through the streets, and John Os-
trander to ring loudly a bell, summoning the inhabitants to the
Market-House on No. Market street. The people coming there
prove enthusiastic in the cause, and with one accord reply
affirmatively to the appeal, whereupon a Committee of Safety,
Protection and Correspondence is formed of Jacob Coenraedt
Ten Eyck, Henry I. Bogart, Peter Silvester, Henry Wendell,
Volckert Pietrus Douw, John Bay, and Gysbert Marselis, of the
ist Ward; John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lansing, Jun., Jacob Cuyler,
Henry Bleecker, Robert Yates, Stephen De Lancey and Abra
ham Cuyler, in the 2nd Ward; John H. Ten Eyck, Abraham
Ten Broeck, Gerrit Lansingh, Jun., Anthony E. Bratt, Samuel
Stringer, Abraham Yates, Jun., and Cornelis Van Santvoordt,
in the 3rd Ward, May 1.
The Committee of Safety having been legally formed, it writes to
the Boston Committee, at the present seat of war, as follows :
" Gentlemen — While we lament the mournful event which has
caused the Blood of our Bretheren in the Massachusetts Bay to
flow, we feel that satisfaction which every honest American
must experience at the glorious stand you have made, we have
an additional satisfaction from the consequences which we trust
will [result] in uniting every American in Sentiments and Bonds
which we hope will be indissoluble to our Enemies. This after
noon the Inhabitants of this City convened and unanimously
renewed their former agreement that they would co-operate
with our Brethren in New York and in the several Colonies
on the Continent in their opposition to the Ministerial Plan
now prosecuting against us, and also unanimously appointed a
Committee of Safety, Protection, and Correspondence, with full
power to transact all such matters as they shall conceive may
tend to promote the weal of the American Cause. We have
the fullest Confidence that every District in this extensive
County will follow our Example. On the twenty-second In
stant a Provincial Congress will meet when we have not the
least doubt but such effectual aids will be afforded you, as will
teach Tyrants and their Minions that as we were born free,
we will live and die so, and transmit that inestimable Blessing
to Posterity. Be assured Gentlemen that nothing on our Parts
shall be wanting to evince that we are deeply impressed with a

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 275

1775.

sense of the necessity of Unanimity, and that we mean to Co
operate with you in this arduous struggle for Liberty to the
utmost of our Power." May i.
The patriots of Albany assemble and organize companies only three
days after the announcement of the first hostilities of the
Revolution, constituted of i captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign,
4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer and 51 privates, a total of
64 in each company. The formation as follows : First Ward,
3 companies; 1st Company, Capt. John Barclay, Lieuts. John
Price and Stephen Van Schaick, Ensign Abraham I. Yates ;
2nd Company, Capt. John Williams, Lieuts. Henry Staats and
Barent Van Alen, Ensign Henry Hogen; 3rd Company, Capt.
Thomas Bassett, Lieuts. Abraham Eights and Mattheus Viss
cher, Ensign John Hooghkerk. Third Ward, 1st Company,
Capt. John Beeckman, Lieuts. Isaac De Freest and Abraham
Ten Eyck, Ensign Cornelis Wendell; 2nd Company, Capt.
Harmanus Wendell, Lieuts. William Hun and Peter Ganse
voort, Jr., Ensign Teunis T. Van Vechten, May 4.
Volckert P. Douw chosen a delegate to meet in General Congress on
the 22nd at New York city, May 5.
British surrender their fort at Ticonderoga to Col. Ethan Allen with
his 150 undisciplined troops styled the " Green Mountain Boys,"
he being from henceforth one of the heroes of the Revolution
(b. Litchfield, Conn., Jan. 10, 1738; d. Burlington, Vt., Feb. 13,
1789), and this unexpected joyous news gives an impetus to
the fighters for liberty, May 10,
Two companies of volunteers are despatched at once to the fort at
Ticonderoga in order to retain possession of the large number
of cannon and other military stores taken by Col. Ethan Allen, May.
Volckert Pietrus Douw, the next previous Mayor of Albany, elected
Vice-President of the Provincial Congress by 70 present of the
80 delegates, convened at New York city, May 23.
The following compact being universally signed by the citizens of
Albany : "A General Association agreed to and subscribed by
the Members of the Several Committees of the City and County
of Albany. — Persuaded that the Salvation of the Rights and
Liberties of America depends under God on the firm Union of
its Inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the Measures neces
sary for its Safety ; and convinced of the necessity of preventing
Anarchy and Confusion which attend a Dissolution of the
Powers of Government, We, the Freemen, Freeholders, and

276 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1775.
Inhabitants of the City and County of Albany, being greatly
alarmed at the avowed Design of the Ministry to raise a Rev
enue in America; and shocked by the bloody scene now acting
in the Massachusetts Bay, Do in the most Solemn Manner
resolve never to become Slaves ; and do associate under all the
Ties of Religion, Honor and Love to our Country, to adopt
and endeavour to carry into Execution whatever Measures may
be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon
by our Provincial Convention for the purpose of preserving our
Constitution, and opposing the Execution of the several arbi
trary and oppressive Acts of the British Parliament until a
Reconciliation between Great Britain and America on Consti
tutional Principles (which we most ardently desire) can be
obtained: And that we will in all things follow the Advice of
our General Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the
preservation of Peace and good order and the safety of Indi
viduals and Private Property," May 25.
The Provincial Congress, in session at New York, unanimously
resolves to recommend Col. Philip Schuyler to the Continental
Congress as " the most proper person " in the Colony of New
York to be appointed a major-general, June 7.
Col. Philip Schuyler and Gen. George Washington appointed a com
mittee of the Constitutional Congress to prepare rules and regu
lations for the government of the army, June 14.
Gen. George Washington appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental forces, by the Continental Congress, June 15.
The Continental Congress appoints Col. Philip Schuyler of Albany
the third major-general of the United Colonies, June 19.
Maj. -Gen. Philip Schuyler arrives at New York city to take com
mand of the Army of the Northern Department, June 25.
William Tryon arrives at New York city, having been sent over by
the British government to be the Governor of the Province of
New York, and receives the Great Seal; but forthwith writes
to the home government that troublous times are ahead and he
perceives a decided coolness, as well as noting that no one may
move about without a pass, June 25.
William Tryon made the Governor of the Province, June 28.
Negroes made subject to military duty by Congressional Act,
General Washington arrives at Cambridge, Mass., and takes com
mand of the Continental army, July 2.
Gov. William Tryon writes to the Earl of Dartmouth in England
that he believes the inhabitants of New York city are satisfied
with hirn to a certain extent, and explains the delicacy of his

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 277
1775.
position as follows : " The general revolt that has taken place
in the Colonies has put his Majesty's civil Governors in the
most degraded situation, (being) left in the exercise of such
feeble executive Powers as suit the present conveniences of the
Country, and this dependant on the caprice of a moment. To
attempt coercive measures by the civil aid would hold up (the)
Government to additional contempt by the exposure of the
weakness of the executive and civil Branches. * * * The
communications through the Province, and, I understand,
through the Continent are stopt. Every traveller must have a
Pass from some Committee or some Congress," July 4.
The Continental Congress appoints as a committee to treat with the
Indians of the Six Nations, either to win them to the cause of
the American colonists or to hold them neutral, Maj. -Gen.
Philip Schuyler, Maj. Joseph Hawley, Talbot Francis, Oliver
Wolcott and Volckert P. Douw, . July 13.
The committee appointed in July by the Continental Congress in
vites the Indian sachems to come to Albany for consultation,
and a series of conferences is held in the Dutch Church at the
foot of Yonkers (State) street, Aug. 15.
At one of the conferences with the sachems a member of the Indian
Commission for the Northern Department of the United Colo
nies addresses them in the Dutch Church in the following words
(as narrated in Documentary Colonial History of New York,
Vol. viii, pp. 616-619) : " Brothers, sachems and warriors of
the six united nations, we, the delegates from the twelve united
provinces now sitting in general congress at Philadelphia, send
this speech to you, our brothers. We are sixty-five in number
and have been appointed by the people throughout all these
provinces and colonies to meet and set together in one great
council to consult together for the common good of this land,
and to speak and act for them. * * * We will now tell
you of the quarrel between the counselors of King George and
the inhabitants and colonies of America. Many of his coun
selors are proud and wicked men. They persuaded the king
to break the covenant chain and not to send us any more good
speeches. * * * They tell us now that they will slip their
hands into our pockets, without asking, as if they were then-
own pockets, and will take at their pleasure from us our chart
ers, * * * our plantations, our houses and goods, when
ever they please, without asking our permission. * * * We
desire that you will hear and receive what we have already told

278 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1775.

you, and that you will now open a good ear and listen to what
we shall further say to you. This is a family quarrel between
us and Old England. You Indians are not concerned in it.
We do not want you to take up the hatchet against the king's
troops. We desire that you remain at home and join neither
party, but keep the hatchet deeply buried. * * * We are
now twelve colonies united as one hand. Brothers, this is our
union belt. By this belt we, the twelve united colonies, renew
the old covenant chain by which our forefathers in their great
wisdom thought proper to bind us and you our brothers of the
six nations together when they first landed at this place. If
any of the links of this great chain should have received -any
rust, we now brighten it, and make it shine like silver." August-
Men straggling into the city from all over to form the Army of the
North under Gen. Philip Schuyler ; but poorly prepared to con
stitute a fighting army,- Aug. 20.
Lieut. -Col. Philip Van Cortlandt arrives at Albany, Aug. 26.
Lieut.-Col. Philip Van Cortlandt of the 4th N. Y. Regiment,
Dutchess Co., describes graphically in a letter written from
Albany the miserable outfits of the soldiers quartered here,
as follows : " Dear Sir : — Agreeable to verbal orders received
from Col [James] Holmes [of the Fourth Reg't], when last
in New York, I made all the dispatch in my power to this
place, where I arrived the 26th inst., finding Capt. Henry B.
Livingston with his company in a small house in town. He
wants many things — such as shoes, stockings, shirts, under
cloths, haversacks and cash, having advanced all himself that
has been paid his men as yet. The day I arrived came up the
following captains with their companies : Capt. Herrick, Capt.
Palmer, Capt. Horton and Capt. Mills — all without blankets,
except Capt. David Palmer — many of the men wanting shirts,
shoes stockings, under cloths, and in short without any thing
fit for a soldier, except a uniform coat, and not more than thirty
guns with four companies fit for service. They are now on
board of the small boats that brought them up, having no
place for them to go into, as there is not one tent that I can find
for our battalion; and three companies without blankets, and
none to be had at this place. I do not know how to act, or
what to do with them. They began to ask for cash and better
lodgings, being much crowded in the small boats in which I
am obliged to keep them. I this morning made application to
the committee of Albany, who will do all in their power for me,

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 279

1775.

which I believe, is but very little. I shall be much obliged to
the Honourable Congress to send me with all convenient speed,
arms, blankets, tents, shoes, stockings, haversacks, and cash by
all means. I want to be going forward, where, by what I can
learn, we shall be wanting if we can go soon, or not at all.
The men say, ' give us guns, blankets, tents, &c, and we'll fig1it
the devil himself, but do not keep us here in market-boats, as
though we were a parcel of sheep or calves.' In short nothing
can give me more pleasure than the arrival of the aforesaid
articles." Aug. 28.
The chairman of the Albany committee encloses the letter of Lieut.-
Col. P. Van Cortlandt in one of his to Peter Van Brugh Liv
ingston, President of the Provincial Congress sitting in New
York, writing as follows : " We expected when the army was
once organized, we should not be so frequently called upon
about matters not in our province. But the situation of Col.
Van Cortlandt, and the men under his command, in a meas
ure obliges us to give him all the assistance in our power —
not, however, that it is to be made a precedent of. The en
closed letter from Col. Van Cortlandt will show you the posture
he is in, and the necessity of a speedy relief." Aug. 29.
Col. Goose Van Schaick, in command of the 2nd N. Y. Regiment
(Albany county militia) writes to the Provincial Congress that
General Schuyler has stationed him at Albany in order to for
ward troops that arrive to Ticonderoga, and after describing
how blankets and other essentials had to be furnished to Col.
James Clinton's 3rd N. Y. Regiment, adds : " I should ever
accuse myself of inhumanity and want of love to my country,
should I be backward in giving you a true account of the situa
tion and distress of these companies, when I consider how much
they are wanted at the forts above. I therefore look up to you,
and beg that you will, without delay, send up such or so many
arms, tents, blankets and other necessaries, as will supply those
companies so that they may be forwarded with the greatest
dispatch. * * * I am very happy, however, to inform you
that notwithstanding the clamours and discontents of my men
at first, there are at present nine of my companies up at Ticon
deroga, with the other two field officers (Lieut.-Col. Peter Yates
and Major Peter Ganesvoort, Jun.) in actual service, and the
last will march to-morrow." Aug. 29.
The hospital and barracks up to this time filled with the Indians
, attending the conferences, the barns about the town too loaded
with crops to accommodate any men, and the city crowded with
a numerous concourse of strange people, but now the Indians

28o ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1775.
return to their castles bearing presents in order to maintain
friendly relations between the tribes and the colonists, Aug. 30.
Gen. Richard Montgomery proceeds from Albany on his invasion
of Canada, his main object being the capture of Montreal, August.
Gen. Philip Schuyler receives orders to invade Canada with the
Army of the Northern Department, September.
An epidemic of disease among the Indians gives opportunity to the
British to lead them to believe that the Great Spirit was scourg
ing them for not taking part with King George, as they had
been taught to " fear God and honor the King ;" this deceptive
suggestion actually causing a deflection to the British among
some tribes, Sept. 3.
General Schuyler ill, embarks on a boat upon which he had im
provised a bed, and has himself taken to Isle aux Noix, 12
miles south of St. John's, where, in a weak condition, he joins
Gen. Richard Montgomery's expedition, Sept. 5.
General Montgomery writes to his wife (Janet, the eldest child of
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, of Clermont) at their Rhine-
beck farm : " Poor Schuyler is in so miserable a state of health
as to make him an object of compassion," September.
General Montgomery places St. John's, the fort protecting Montreal
from invasion from the south, in a state of siege, Sept. 14.
General Schuyler leaves General Montgomery and returns south
ward to the fort at Ticonderoga, Sept. 18.
General Schuyler writes to General Washington : " I find myself
much better, as the fever has left me, and hope soon to return
where I ought and wish to be, unless a barbarous relapse should
dash the cup of hope from my lips," Sept. 20.
Despite his malarial illness, caused by unhealthy living in the forests
without blankets or shelter at a rainy season, General Schuyler
busily engages in collecting and forwarding supplies to the
army marching under Montgomery to capture Montreal, Sept. 22.
General Schuyler writes to the Continental Congress : " The vexa
tion of spirit under which I labor that a barborous complication
of disorders should prevent me from reaping those laurels for
which I have so unweariedly wrought, since I was honored
with this command, the anxiety of mind I have suffered since
my arrival here lest the army should starve, occasioned by a
scandalous want of subordination and inattention to my orders,
in some of the officers that I left to command at the different
posts ; the vast variety of disagreeable and vexatious incidents
that almost every hour arise in some department or other, not

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 28l

1775.

only retard my cure, but have put me considerably back for
some days past. If Job had been a general in my situation his
memory had not been so famous for patience. But the glorious
end which we have in view, and which I have a confident hope
will be attained, will atone for all." Sept. 25.
General Montgomery writes to his wife : " General Schuyler's return
to Ticonderoga has been a most fortunate affair. We should
most certainly have been obliged to return half starved, and to
leave the unfortunate Canadians to take care of themselves." September.
General Montgomery writes to General Schuyler : " Your residence
at Ticonderoga has probably enabled us to keep our ground.
How much do the public owe you for your attention and
activity." September.
General Schuyler writes to the Provincial Congress : " My disorders
have taken such deep root, that I now begin to have little hope
of recovery so as to take an active part in the future operations
of the campaign. I hope, however, that I shall not be obliged
to leave this place, unhealthy and unfavorable to my recovery
as it is, lest it should involve General Montgomery in irremedi
able inconveniences." October.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van
Saute, I. Guysbert G. Marselis, John Jacob Beeckman, II.
Thomas Hun, John TenBroeck, III. This board suspended
action, during war, until new board was elected (on April 17,
1778; from April 18, 1776), October.
General Montgomery, in a discouraged spirit, writes repeatedly dur
ing the month to General Schuyler about the insubordination
of his troops, and finally : " I am exceedingly well pleased to
see General Wooster here, both for the advantage of his service
and upon my own account. For I must earnestly request to be
suffered to retire, should matters stand on such a footing this
winter as to permit me to go off with honor. I have not talents
nor temper for such a command. * * * I will bear it for a
short time, but I cannot stand it long." Oct. 31.
General Schuyler informs the Congress of General Montgomery's
intentions to resign should he be able to do so with honor,
because of insubordination of officers, and adds : " My senti
ments exactly coincide with his. I shall, with him, do every
thing in my power to put a finishing stroke to the campaign.
This done, I must beg leave to retire." November.
St. John's, the fort protecting Montreal to the south, surrenders to
General Montgomery after a siege of 50 days, Nov. 3.

282 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1775.
Numbers of General Montgomery's soldiers, disliking a winter
campaign, the sleeping without tents amid snow in the forests
among wild beasts, refuse to go further, giving as excuse
homesickness, their health and expiration of enlistment, the
latter being a very common plea because of the uncertainty
among an army of its poor construction to determine when
enlistments had been made and for what term, and some he
discharges as evil influences and being mutinous; but by
promising to discharge them at Montreal he holds most of his
army together, Nov. 5.
General Schuyler, at Ticonderoga, experiences difficulty in forward
ing troops, writing from there : " About three hundred of the
troops raised in Connecticut passed here within a few days.
An unhappy homesickness prevails. These all came down as
invalids, not one willing to re-engage for the winter's service;
and unable to get any work done by them, I discharged them
en groupe. Of all the specifics ever invented for any there is
none so efficacious as a discharge for this prevailing disorder.
No sooner was it administered but it perfected the cure of nine
out of ten; who, refusing to wait for boats to go by way of
Lake George, slung their heavy packs, crossed the lake at this
place, and undertook a inarch of two hundred miles with the
greatest good will and alacrity." November.
Montreal falls to Gen. Richard Montgomery, who had been prose
cuting the invasion of Canada with Schuyler since August, Nov. 12.
General Schuyler writes his last letter to General Montgomery be
fore that officer's death : " Adieu, my dear sir ; may I have the
pleasure soon to announce another of your victories, and after
wards that of embracing you." November.
General Montgomery writes to General Schuyler : " An affair hap
pened here yesterday which had very near sent me home. A
number of officers presumed to remonstrate against the in
dulgence I had given some of the officers of the King's troops.
Such an insult I could not bear, and immediately resigned.
However, they have to-day qualified it by such an apology as
puts it in my power to resume command with some propriety,
and I have promised to bury it in oblivion." Nov. 24.
Generals Montgomery and Arnold resolve to storm the works of
Cjuebec from opposite sides of the town at night, as General
Carleton would not come out to fight, Dec. 30.
At 2 o'clock in the morning, amidst a driving snowstorm, Mont
gomery and Arnold storm Quebec, during which severe en-

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 283
1775-1776.
gagement Arnold wounded and Montgomery's body found at
daybreak, pierced by three bullets, between the corpses of his
aides, MacPherson and Cheeseman, nearly hidden in the snow,
and General Carleton, who had been Montgomery's fellow-
officer in Wolfe's army, orders his friend's body buried within
the walls, Dec. 31.

1776.

Gen. Philip Schuyler feels deeply the blow of the death of his
intimate friend and co-fighter, Gen. Richard Montgomery, shot
at (juebec in the early morning of December 31st, and for
warding the sad intelligence to General Washington, says : " I
wish I had no occasion to send my dear general the enclosed
melancholy accounts. My amiable friend, the gallant Mont
gomery, is no more ! The brave Arnold is wounded, and we
have met with a very severe shock in an unsuccessful attempt
on Quebec. May Heaven be graciously pleased to terminate
the misfortune here. I tremble for our people in Canada." January.
General Schuyler is ordered to disarm the Tories at Johnson Hall,
dispossessing them of all military stores, and he accomplishes
this with 2,000 men, January.
Preaching in the English tongue commenced in the Dutch Re
formed Church, January.
Ann Lee (born at Manchester, Eng., in 1736) takes up her residence
in the Niskayuna woods to the west of the city, and founds the
Shaker settlement, having arrived here the previous year.
Volckert P. Douw, as Indian Commissioner, allots the deputies of
the seven tribes of Canadian Indians, who came on from Onon
daga, where they attended the meeting of the Six Nations, each
1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of buckles and a hat, they being in sore
need of clothing, February
Continental Congress orders General Schuyler to remain at Albany
and keep the army General Montgomery had under him in
Canada well supplied with stores, March.
British compelled by General Washington to evacuate Boston, March 17.
Several citizens, among them the Mayor, celebrate the birthday of
King George III., as had been customary in the city, by a
banquet of a private nature at Cartwright's Inn, and are set

284 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1776.

upon by those holding opposite views on the propriety of the
occasion, June 4.
The handsome swinging sign outside the King's Arms Tavern,
northwest corner of Green and Beaver streets, forced from its
hinges by patriots, carried to Yonkers (State) street and there
burned, June.
Col. Goose Van Schaick, commanding the 5th N. Y. Regiment, es
tablishes detachments between Lake Champlain and Albany, June.
The Declaration of Independence signed at Philadelphia, among
those affixing their signatures being Philip Livingston of
Albany, born at the northwest corner of State and Pearl streets,
on Jan. 15, 1716, and the news is sent at once by post-riders to
the various Provincial committees that the inhabitants of the
country may hear and rejoice, July 4.
New York Provincial Congress assembles at White Plains, N. Y.,
to act on the Declaration of Independence and at once change
the title of the Province of New York to State of New York,
July 9.
Delegates Matthew Adgate, Robert Yates and Abraham Yates, Jun.,
at the Provincial Congress in session at White Plains, forward
a transcription of the Declaration of Independence to the Com
mittee of Correspondence at Albany, July 14.
The Albany Committee of Correspondence on receiving the copy
of the Declaration of Independence, meets at the City Hall (a
brick building three stories high, two windows on either side of
the central door, and two windows deep, surmounted by a
cupola, at the northeast corner of South Market street (Broad
way) and Hudson (avenue) street and there passes the fol
lowing resolution: "Resolved that the Declaration of Inde
pendence be published and declared in this City to-morrow at
Eleven O'Clock at this place, and that Colonel Van Schaick be
requested to order the Continental Troops in this City to appear
under arms at the place aforesaid, and Farther that the Captains
of the several Militia Companies in this City be requested to
warn the Persons belonging to their respective Companies to
appear at the place aforesaid." July 18.
The Declaration of Independence is read aloud at the City Hall to
an immense throng, who crowded Market street in both direc
tions and Hudson street down to the river, the inhabitants and
Continental troopers receiving its message with satisfactory ex
pressions, and their fervor, aroused by the deep interest in the

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 285
1776.

nation's vital matter, was such as to be comparable with the
estimate placed by the future century on the act giving birth to
a new country, -the applause, sincerity of expression and a
mingling of hilarity borne of reliance and bravery, being such
as the ancient city had never before witnessed, July 19.
The Provincial Congress now known as the Convention of Repre
sentatives of the State of New York, having cast off the yoke
of a home country and all semblance of a colony, July 20.
At the Convention of Representatives a committee is appointed to
draft a state constitution, consisting of the following : John Jay,
John Sloss Hobart, William Smith, William Duer, Gouverneur
Morris, Robert R. Livingston (the Chancellor), John Broome,
John Morin Scott, Abraham Yates, Jun. (ex-Mayor of
Albany), Henry Wisner, Sen., Samuel Townsend, Charles
DeWitt, and Robert Yates, James Duane being added later, Aug. 1.
Gen. Schuyler finding that half the men at Crown Point were sick
and that a large number were also withdrawn in order to row
these to the hospital at Fort George, at the southern end of
Lake George, called a council of his officers, and it was agreed
that as Crown Point was a low and insalubrious situation, lack
ing buildings of any sort and the men sleeping under brush
huts, the wisest course was to move to the higher land of
Ticonderoga, where the fortress was more healthily situated.
It seemed best to them then, and likewise proved so in the end.
The men had been exposed to the hot sun of the summer there,
living on raw salt pork, often rancid, and hard biscuit. Some
of the lesser officers, all New England men and not liking those
of another colony, held a separate council, passing resolutions
that by abandoning Crown Point the lake was left open to
the enemy. These they sent to officers of Washington's army,
signed by them, and General Washington, learning but one
side of the case, expressed his disapproval. Schuyler became
nettled by his inferior officers passing censure upon several of
those above them, including Arnold, Gates and himself, and he
writes to the Congress requesting a court of inquiry, August.
Hearing of no compliance with his request for a searching inquiry
by Congress, Gen. Schuyler resigns, stating that by so doing
it was not his intention to elude an inquiry ; but " on the con
trary, it is a duty I owe to myself, to my family and to the
respectable Congress of this State, by whose recommendation,
unsolicited by me, Congress, I believe, was induced to honor

286 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1776.

me with a command, that I should exculpate myself from the
many odious charges with which the country resounds to my
prejudice. I trust I shall be able fully to do it, to the confusion
of my enemies and their abettors. But, aggrieved as I am,
my countrymen will find that I shall not be influenced by any
unbecoming resentment, but that I will steadily persevere to
fulfill the duties of a good citizen, and try to promote the weal
of my native country by every effort in my power, Sept. 14.
Cadwallader Colden, who had been appointed and began his term of
office as lieutenant-governor in 1774 (b. Ireland, Feb. 17, 1688,
N. S.), dies, Sept. 21.
Congress acts on General Schuyler's resignation in this manner:
" That the President write to General Schuyler and inform him
that Congress cannot consent, during the present situation of
their affairs, to accept of his resignation, but request that he
continue the command that he now holds; that he be assured
that the aspersions which his enemies have thrown out against
his character have had no influence upon the minds of the mem
bers of this house who are fully satisfied of his attachment to
the cause of freedom, and are willing to bear their testimony of
the many services which he has rendered to his country; and
that, in order effectually to put calumny to silence, they will, at
an early day, appoint a committee of their own body to inquire
fully into his conduct, which they trust will establish his repu
tation in the opinion of all good men." Oct. 2.
Charter election did not take place this year because of the war with
Gt. Britain, Oct. 14.
Anxious to bring about an inquiry as to his acts, General Schuyler
had often requested permission to call upon the Congress, and
hears from General Washington : " The situation of the north
ern army being at this juncture extremely critical, and your
services in that department of the highest use and importance,
the Congress wish for a continuance of your influence and abili
ties on behalf of your country. They have, however, agreeably
to your request, consented that you should repair to this city
whenever, in your opinion, the service will admit of your ab
sence." November.
General Schuyler desired to visit the Congress at Philadelphia dur
ing the fall in order to explain matters ; but had found too much
to occupy him, and finally writes : " Much as I wish to do my
self the honor to pay my respects to Congress, yet so much is
to be done here, and no other general officer in the department,
that it would not be prudent for me to quit in this conjuncture." December.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 287

1777.

1777.
General Schuyler writes to George Clinton : "lam closely engaged
in preparation for the next campaign, and shall hope that if we
can be furnished with men, cannon and ammunition, that the
enemy will not be able to penetrate by the north." January.
General Gates spending much time at Philadelphia seeking by the
help of his New England friends in the Congress to better his
grade as officer, January.
General Schuyler had secured the services of Dr. Samuel Stringer
of Albany to help among the numerous sick cases at Crown
Point, and the doctor had volunteered to go, supplying much
medicine at his own expense. Schuyler later appointed him as
medical director. He was much surprised when a note of dis
missal arrived at the fort from Philadelphia, stating no reasons.
Whereupon he expresses his sincere sympathy for the patriotic
doctor, using this phrase in a letter he sends to the Congress :
"As Dr. Stringer had my recommendation to the office he has
sustained, perhaps it was a compliment due to me that I should
have been advised of the reasons for his dismissal." Feb. 4.
The friends of General Gates grasped this letter as an opportunity
to bring censure upon Schuyler, pointing out that he had criti
cized the acts of the Congress, and at a session when the New
York delegates were absent passed the following resolution
which they trusted would bring about Schuyler's resignation
and the elevating of General Gates : " Resolved, That as Con
gress proceeded to the dismission of Doctor Stringer, upon rea
sons satisfactory to themselves, General Schuyler ought to have
known it to be his duty to have acquiesced therein. That the
suggestion in General Schuyler's letter to Congress, that it was
a compliment due to him to have advised him of the reasons of
Dr. Stringer's dismission, is highly derogatory to the honor of
Congress ; and that the President be desired to acquaint General
Schuyler that it is expected his letters, for the future, be written
in a style more suitable to the dignity of the representative body
of these free and independent states, and to his own character
as their officer. Resolved, that it is altogether improper and
inconsistent with the dignity of this Congress to interfere in
disputes subsisting among the officers of the army ; which ought
to be settled, unless they can be otherwise accommodated, in a
court-martial, agreeably to the rules of the army, and that the

288 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

expression in General Schuyler's letter of the 4th of February,
that he confidently expected Congress would have done him
• that justice, which it was in their power to give, and which
he humbly conceives they ought to have done, were, to say the
least, ill advised and highly indecent." February.
General Gates directed to go to Ticonderoga and to employ under
him such officers as he thinks proper, being virtually given
command of the Army of the Northern Department, if not offi
cially designated such.
General Schuyler seeks vindication and desiring to meet his accusers
face to face at Philadelphia, proceeds to Kingston where the
New York convention is in session ; there he explains the situa
tion and they appoint him a delegate to the Continental Con
gress, March.
The New York convention of Representatives, receive the draft of
the new state constitution as framed by the special committee
appointed Aug. 1, 1776, and discuss its provisions, March 12.
George Clinton (later becoming New York state's first governor)
appointed a United States brigadier-general, March 25.
The convention adopts the state constitution at Kingston, April 20.
George Clinton (b. July 26, 1739, at Little Britain, Ulster Co.,
N. Y., the son of Charles Clinton) elected the first Governor of
New York, April 21.
As a member of the Continental Congress, General Schuyler arrives
at Philadelphia, and seeks the identity of those who had been
spreading malicious reports as well as operating against him,
but found this difficult as the members generally gave him a
cordial greeting, the result of which he describes in a letter to
his secretary, Colonel Richard Varick, telling him " that there
were no complaints against me, and they have never believed
in any of the malicious reports propagated to my disadvantage.
They have, however, gone too far, and all that stands on their
journals injurious to me must be expunged or I quit the ser
vice." April.
The Congress appoints a committee of one delegate from each state
to consider Schuyler's case, consisting of Messrs. Thornton,
Lovell, Ellery, Wolcott, Duer, Elmer, Clymer, Sykes, W. Smith,
Page, Burke, Hayward, Brownson, and to them he recites the
entire story of his command, April.
The Continental Congress withdraws the resolution of censure,
passed because of the letter Schuyler had written to it on Febru
ary 4th, and officially informs him that that august body " Now

CONSTITUTION HOUSE, KINGSTON.
This, New York's first Capitol, is one of the most interesting houses in the state and standing in 1906. In
it the State Constitution was adopted April 20, 1777, and Geo. Clinton sworn in as the first Governor, July 30,
1777- The Assembly adjourned prematurely Oct. ist, and Senate, Oct. 7, 1777, on news of British advancing
up the river on Albany. Kingston burned by enemy Oct. 13, 1777.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 289
1777.
entertain the same favorable sentiments concerning him that
they had entertained before that letter (of Feb. 4th) had been
received," and further vindication is found in the report of the
Board of Treasury, which had examined his accounts upon his
solicitation, stating he is clear " of all demands of the United
States against him." April.
Report is made to the Congress by the special committee that com
pletely exonerates Schuyler, as follows : " Resolved, That
Albany, Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix and their dependencies be
henceforward considered as forming the Northern Department,
and that Major-General Schuyler be directed forthwith to pro
ceed to the Northern Department and to take command there."
May 22.
Lovell, who had been an adherent of General Gates to forward his
cause before the Congress, perceives the uselessness of further
effort, and informs him by letter : " Misconception of past re
solves and consequent jealousies have produced a definition of
the Northern Department, and General Schuyler is ordered to
take command of it." May 22.
General Burgoyne arrives from England at Quebec, under strict
orders to march on Albany and not to deviate from this course
much as he had hoped would be preferable from certain plans
he had conceived and laid before the home government, his
transports landing 8,000 men, mostly English and German
trained veterans, May.
General Schuyler returns to Albany, again in full command of the
Department of the Northern Army, June 8.
General Schuyler learns that the supplies in the northern part of the
state, while General Gates was supposedly supervising affairs,
had been greatly exhausted instead of being built up in prepara
tion for the expected invasion of Burgoyne, for Gates had been
either at Albany or negotiating at Philadelphia for control of
the highest position in the department, held by Schuyler, June 10.
The capture of a British spy discovers to General Schuyler the first
definite information of the British plans, that General Burgoyne,
then at Quebec, intended to attack New York province by way
of Lake Champlain, while Sir John Johnson with an army of
Canadians and Mohawks descends the Mohawk valley to join
Burgoyne near Albany, June 15.
Burgoyne's army concentrates at St. John's fort, located at the
northern end of Lake Champlain, and 400 Indians join with
him, June 18.

290 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
The Congress, sitting at Philadelphia, informed by Roger Sherman
(Connecticut's delegate) that General Gates waits at the door
for admittance. William Paca inquires, " For what purpose?"
Sherman replies, " To communicate intelligence of importance."
William Duer describes the tumultuous scene, wrought of jeal
ousy of Gates over Schuyler's position, as follows, he being a
delegate and present : " The intelligence he communicated was
that the Indians were extremely friendly, much delighted with
seeing French officers in our service, and other commonplace
stuff. * * * Having thus gone through the ostensible part
of the plan, he took out of his pocket some scraps of papers con
taining a narrative of his birth, parentage, and education, life,
character, and behavior. He informed the House that he had
quitted an easy and happy life to enter their service, from a pure
.zeal for the liberties of America; that he had strenuously ex
erted himself in its defence; that in some time in May last he
was appointed to a command in the northern department, and a
few days since, without having given any cause of offence, with
out accusation, without trial, without hearing, without notice,
he had received a resolution by which he was in a most dis
graceful manner superseded in his command. Here his oration
became warm, and contained many reflections upon Congress,
and malicious insinuations against Mr. Duane, whose name he
mentioned, and related some conversation, which he said had
passed between him and that gentleman on his way to Albany.
Here Mr. Duane rose, and addressing himself to the President,
hoped, that the General would observe order, and cease any per
sonal applications, as he could not, in Congress, enter into any
controversy with him on the subject of any former conversa
tion. Mr. Paca caught the fire, and immediately moved that
the General be ordered to withdraw. I seconded the motion,
observing that the conduct of the General was unbecoming the
House to endure, and himself to be guilty of. Mr. Jerry Dyson,
Mr. Sherman and some others of his eastern friends rose, and
endeavored to palliate his conduct and to oppose his withdraw
ing; on this Mr. Middleton, Mr. Burke, Colonel Harrison and
two or three others arose, and there was a general clamor in
the House that he should immediately withdraw. All this while
the General stood upon the floor, and interposed several times in
the debates which arose on this subject; however, the clamor
increasing, he withdrew. * * * The want of candor in Mr.
Sherman, who asked for his admittance on the pretence of his

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 29I
1777.
giving the Flouse intelligence, was much inveighed against, but
he bore it all with a true Connecticut stoicism. Congress at
length came to the determination that General Gates should not
again be admitted to the floor, but that he should be informed
that Congress was ready and willing to hear, by way of memo
rial, any grievances which he had to complain of. Here this
matter ended. Not, as you will observe, to his credit or ad
vantage. It is impossible for me to give you an idea of the
unhappy figure which G. G. made on this occasion. His man
ner was ungracious, and totally devoid of all dignity; his de
livery was incoherent and interrupted with frequent chasms,
in which he was peering over his scattered notes ; and the tenor
of his discourse was a compound of vanity, folly and rudeness.
I can assure you that notwithstanding his conduct has been
such as to have eradicated from my mind every sentiment of
respect and esteem for him, I felt for him as a man, and for
the honor of human nature wished him to withdraw before he
had plunged himself into utter contempt." June 18.
General Schuyler arrives at Ticonderoga and inspects the troops
and the defences, the two forts at either side of the passage
connecting Lake George with Lake Champlain, the one taken
by Ethan Allen from the British on May 10, 1775, and the
other a star fort, built under Schuyler's orders in 1776, the two
connected by a floating bridge, composed of heavy timbers
chained end to end, 1,200 feet long, supported by 22 sunken
piers. While in defending the location he had men sufficient
to man these two forts he had not enough to garrison Sugar
Loaf Hill and Mount Hope in the immediate vicinity, June 20.
General Schuyler, at Albany, arranging for the defence of this
city from the anticipated John Johnson expedition through the
Mohawk valley, despatches messengers to General Washing
ton and the governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, also to the Committees of Berkshire and of New
York city, imploring re-inforcements to be sent to the northern
part of the state, as the enemy was coming, June 27.
General Schuyler receives word from Major-General St. Clair, at
Ticonderoga, that the British are advancing southward, Gen
eral Burgoyne's army then ascending Lake Champlain on its
way to Ticonderoga, June 27.
Burgoyne's army having been moved in boats from St. John's fort
to Crown Point, is there reviewed by him, his address to his
men ending thus: " This^ army must not retreat," and he
begins the march to Ticonderoga, another step towards Albany,
June 27.

292 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
General Washington writes to General Schuyler that he is endeavor
ing to " keep General Howe below the Highlands," lest the
British army ascend the Hudson to Albany, and the best he
could do at this time to help the Northern army is to order
some troops, then at Peekskill, to march to Albany, July 2.
Brigadier-General George Clinton is elected the first Governor of
New York state to carry out the provisions of the new con
stitution, July 3.
General Heath writes to General Washington that General Bur
goyne is within three m(iles of Ticonderoga, and Jhat the
British are about to test their strength against the Americans, July 3-
General Phillips, of the British forces, surveys Sugar Loaf Hill,
less than a mile south of Ticonderoga and 600 feet high, saying
to a brother officer, " Where a goat can go, a man can go,
and where a man can go, he can haul up a gun," realizing
that if he can place cannon there he can command the situation
against the Americans in the two forts on the lower land,
accordingly that night he places a battery on the top of Sugar
Loaf Hill, renaming it then Mount Defiance, July 4.
Looking upward at daybreak from their two forts on either side
of the narrow passage connecting Lakes George and Champlain,
the American army beholds with great dismay the British
artillery frowning down upon their position, their location safe
from assault on the level but as an open book before the
position the British had acquired upon Sugar Loaf Hill, and
to remain any time meant extermination in a death trap, so
in order to save his army General St. Clair follows the only
course consistent, that of slipping out and making a very quick
march southward, thus to render the elevated position of the
British no advantage over their own, July 5.
General Schuyler impatiently awaits at Albany the Peekskill rein
forcements that General Washington had promised, to take
them to Lake Champlain, and having sent sloops down the
river in search of them, writes to the Congress : " If they
do not arrive by to-morrow, I shall go on without them and do
the' best I can with the militia." July 5-
General St. Clair having no boats with which to convey his army
southward by the way of Lake George, strikes southeasterly
through the forests and across mountains of wild underbrush
and impenetrable woods; but his rear guard, is attacked by
General Frazer and his 1,000 men at Hubbardton, east of Lake

FORT TICONDEROGA.
Scene of conflict between Samuel Champlain and the Mohawks, July 30, 1609. Built
by the French under Baron Dieskau in 1755-6, and named Fort Carillon. Gen. Aber
crombie defeated here by Montcalm, July 8, 1758. Lord Amherst took it from the French,
July 26, 1759. Americans evacuated it to Burgoyne, July 5, 1777.

No. 2b. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 293
1777.
George, and just as the Americans are beating them back,
General Riedesel arrives with his Hessian troops, so that the
Americans retreat, leaving 300 killed and wounded, July 6.
The expected troops from Peekskill not arriving at Albany, General
Schuyler departs without them for • Ticonderoga, and when
between Saratoga and Stillwater meets Colonel Hay, bearing
the news that General St. Clair had evacuated Ticonderoga,
but he does not know whither he was now proceeding, July 7.
While Generals Frazer and Riedesel pursue General St. Clair along
the land to the east of Lake George, Burgoyne advances south
ward on that lake, July 8.
Brig.-Gen. George Clinton officially announced Governor of New
York state by the convention, July 9.
Burgoyne's army only 20 miles behind General St. Clair's, which
is hurrying southward, making for Fort Edward, July 10.
General Schuyler continues northward and joins General St. Clair
at Fort Edward, July 12.
Burgoyne at Skeensborough, east of Lake George, approaching Fort
George, July 14.
General Schuyler realizing the great disadvantage he is placed in
if required to protect Albany from the army of Burgoyne, and
wondering whether those at Albany and at the seat of the
nation, the Congress, are truly aware of the frightful conditions,
writes to Colonel Lewis, deputy quartermaster-general at
Albany that the citizens here must at once supply the necessities
and urges that " recourse must therefore be had to the com
mittee, begging their interposition to collect such lead as is in
the city; the lead windows and weights may, perhaps, afford a
supply for the present. As soon as it is collected, Mr. Rens
selaer will have it made into ball, and send it up without a
moment's delay. Should a wagon be sent off with one box, as
soon as it is ready it must be pushed off; also all the buck
shot." July.
If at all needful, in the face of remark by any historian that
Schuyler was too fond of retreating (as a dispute of this nature
was aroused a full month later by Gates) or of any imputation
of lack of courage, the letter written at this time by him, a
month previous to a retreat, must show he imposed with reason
the condition of something like adequate aid by the government
before he thought it safe or proper to meet such a powerful
army as Burgoyne's, and this letter to General Washington,
in part, reads : " Desertion prevails and disease gains ground ;

294 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
nor is it to be wondered at, for we have neither tents, houses,
barns, boards, or any shelter except a little brush; every rain
that falls, and we have it in great abundance almost every day,
wets the men to the skin. We are besides in great want of
every kind of necessities, provisions excepted. Camp kettles
we have so few, that we cannot afford one to 20 men." July.
At this time the friends of Gates particularly active in urging the
Congress that he be given charge of the Northern Army, all
the New Englanders spitefully decrying the actions of the
various New York officers, and loth to send their men into
another colony to fight under men of the place whither they
go and reaping battles for the credit of officers not of their own
state, the talk going so far as to suggest that both St. Clair
*> and Schuyler were traitors, even Adams voicing the sentiment
that no victories could be won until they had shot an officer or
two, whereas when the matter was later considered in the
light of facts it was shown that the Congress had not sent
an army of size to man the mountains at the outlet of Lake
George (Mount Defiance) and the enemy simply took advan
tage of this, July 15.
While it was a definite fact that Burgoyne's army numbered between
eight and nine thousand, five hundred being Indians, the " re
turn " of the American brigade of Albany County militia under
Brig.-Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, made this day at Fort Ed
ward, shows 1,755 men, July 18.
General Washington on hearing of the disaster at Ticonderoga,
writes to General Schuyler : " I will not condemn or even
pass a censure upon any officer unheard; but I think it a duty
which General St. Clair owes to his own character to insist
upon an opportunity of giving the reasons for his sudden
evacuation of a post which, but a few days before, he, by his
own letters, thought tenable, at least for a while." July 18.
General Burgoyne makes his headquarters at Fort Edward with
8,000 men and 500 Indians, slowly proceeding southward, July 25.
Creneral Schuyler had made it difficult for Burgoyne to move with
any rapidity, not so much as two miles a day, busying himself
with the policy of delaying the enemy all possible, that prepara
tions might be made to meet him effectually before long, and
his object was to make it hard for Burgoyne to obtain supplies
the further he went from his base in Canada. With this end
in view he had burned Fort George at the head of the lake and

jKrVFS Do RoiftH

OrJil"*^

WAR MAP OF REVOLUTION.
It shows the route followed by Burgoyne's army on its march from Montreal
to Albany, and location of battles at Forts Ticonderoga, George, Edward, Ann,
and Stanwix, Oriskany and Bemis Heights.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 295
1777.
Fort Anne to the southeast, having moved their stores first to
Fort Edward, the first two named being hardly more than forti
fied storehouses, and although Fort Edward was the most
important of the three it was in no wise defencible against an
army like Burgoyne's, for when the Marquis de Chastellux
visited it soon after he reported that it could be taken with 500
men and four guns ; but the news that he had burned them
was received at Philadelphia with blame, some saying he had
given up two more forts to the British, whereas he had harbored
their stores elsewhere and the British found the forts empty.
Schuyler had sent out a thousand men to fell trees that would
fall across the roads and navigable streams, in fact with trunks
and branches intersecting they formed a tangle that men could
not penetrate, likewise choking the creeks and destroying the
bridges across them. So well did he carry out his plans that
although the British had taken only four days to come from
Ticonderoga to the head of the lake (Caldwell), a distance of
40 miles, the . next twenty days were required to proceed the
20 miles to Fort Edward, and these twenty days were of vast
importance in collecting an army that could cope with Burgoyne
ere it came to Albany, July-
General Schuyler tells General Washington of the need of assistance,
men and ammunition, in these words : " I have indeed written
to Springfield for the cannon which were there. But the answer
I got was that they were all ordered another way. I have
also written to Boston, not that I expect anything will be sent
me, but that I may stand justified ; for I have never yet been
able to get much of anything from there. In this situation I
can only look up to your Excellency for relief; and permit me
to entreat you to send me a re-enforcement of troops and such
a supply of artillery, ammunition, and every other necessary
(except provisions and powder) which an army ought to have,
if it can possibly be spared." July-
General Washington replied that to detach any considerable number
of men from his own army would be to weaken himself too
much, as he is occupied with thwarting General Howe's plans
of a serious invasion ; but will help him when possible, July.
Jane McCrea proves a martyr by advancing the American cause by
the seemingly small incident in time of war, the sacrificing of
one life and that of a mere country girl, far more than could
the appeals of Schuyler or even of General Washington, foi
help through New England troops to co-operate with the New

296 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

York militia. Burgoyne had had a great dislike of Indians as
allies, although ordered by the home country to employ them,
and had issued orders to them at the start that they were to
fight after the method of civilized nations, an argument that
he was roundly ridiculed about, and this alliance proves a
boomerang. Panther, a chief, with his marauding band cap
tures Jane McCrea, the young daughter of a Scotch clergyman,
near Fort Edward, and she was visiting at the home of Mrs.
McNeil : Both women were captured by the Indians and were
being taken to the British camp when pursued by Americans.
The two women become separated and the elder woman arrives
in safety; but Jane McCrea does not and her safety causes
alarm as she was engaged to a Tory officer in the British
army, July 27.
Panther, the Indian chief, comes into the British camp dangling the
scalp of a woman who had long hair and expects to be ap
plauded for his bravery and activity in taking the life of an
enemy; but Mrs. McNeil recognizes it as the hair of her dear
friend, Jeanie McCrea and a search in the forest reveals this
to be only too true, for they find her body pierced by three
bullets, f: July 28.
General Burgoyne issues a strict order that no party of Indians
shall pass out of the lines unless accompanied by a British officer
to preserve orderly warfare. The Indian allies resent the order,
load themselves with all the provisions they can carry and
decamp into the Adirondacks, July 29.
The story of Jane McCrea's sad fate spreads into New England,
where the inhabitants had been slow to arouse to the necessity
of aiding Schuyler in the New York struggle against Burgoyne ;
but the details of Panther vaingloriously striding into the
British camp swinging the scalp of the young and innocent girl
quickens the impulse of every New England home, and they
proceed enthusiastically to muster regiments in Massachusetts
and Connecticut, which prove a boon in fighting Burgoyne,
but had been tardy in coming to Schuyler's aid when appealed
to in the most ardent language, July 31.
Receiving no intimation that his force will be augmented sufficiently
and within a short time to meet Burgoyne's, General Schuyler
thinks it best to move his army south as far as Saratoga, that
he may the more readily be reached with reinforcements and
also being nearer his base of supplies, be the better able to
make a determined stand, and writes to the Committee of Safety

JANE McCREA TREE.
Few realize the momentous effect of the barbaric slaying of Jane McCrea
in the Ft. Edward woods by " Panther." It is likely that Burgoyne would
have captured Albany had not the New England colonies been shocked to a
realization of danger and speedily sent militia to Bemis Heights. Remains
removed to Ft. Edward cemetery April 23, 1822.

Uo. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 297
1777.
at Albany : " I have been on horseback all day, reconnoitring
the country for a place to encamp on, that will give us a chance
of stopping the enemy's career. I have not yet been able to
find a spot that has the least prospect of answering the purpose,
and I believe you will soon learn that we are retired still
farther south." Aug. i.
The Congress giving heed to those who had spread the opinion that
General Schuyler was not the proper person to have charge of
the Northern Army, recalls him, and asks General Washington
to name a new general-in-chief. A memorial in the hand
writing of Samuel Adams, a New Englander, is signed by
all the New England delegates to the Congress, who embrace
the opportunity that had specifically been made, requesting Gen
eral Washington to appoint general Gates in Schuyler's stead,
Aug. 1.
John Jay and Gouverneur Morris, delegates from New York to
Philadelphia and two of the most respected delegates of the
entire Continental Congress, arrive there in order to explain
the situation in their state and the impossibility of Schuyler
maintaining his position against so great odds ; but learning that
Gates had been appointed to supersede him the previous day,
each writes as follows to General Schuyler, — from Gouverneur
f Morris : " You will readily believe that we are not pleased
at this resolution, and I assure you for my own part I feel
exceedingly distressed at your removal, just when changing
fortune began to declare in your favor. Congress, I hope, will
perceive that our successes have been owing to the judicious
plans adopted previous to your removal;" and from John Jay:
"Washington and Congress were assured that unless another
general presided in the Northern Department the militia of
New England would not be brought into the field. The Con
gress, under this apprehension, exchanged their general for the
militia — a bargain which can receive no justification from the
supposed necessity of the times ;" from James Duane, another
delegate, coming from New York city : " Your enemies, relent
less, and bent on your destruction, would willingly include you
in the odium of losing Ticonderoga. The change of command
was not, however, founded on this principle, but merely on the
representation of the Eastern States that their militia, suspicious
of your military character, would not turn out in defence of
New York while you presided in the Northern Department." Aug. 2.

298 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
So many of the persons living in the country near Albany, in dread
of the expected attack seek the protection of the city, bringing
their live stock, and the. authorities not caring to aid the
foe by having them taken by the enemy's scouting parties
for provender, the Committee of Safety provides that the pas
ture land in the southern part of the city that is owned by tories
may be used by any refugees for grazing, Aug. 4.
General Washington having refused to interfere in the action taken
by the Congress and being unwilling to appoint a man in the
place of Schuyler, leaves the matter at the disposal of the
Congress and that body appoints Gen. Horatio Gates, who was
born at Maldon, Eng., 1728, and was a resident of New
England after coming to this country, Aug. 5.
General Schuyler writes to General Washington, having moved his
army from Saratoga southward to Stillwater as follows : " By
the unanimous advice of all the general officers, I have moved
the army to this place. Here we propose to fortify a camp, in
expectation that reinforcements will enable us to keep the
ground and prevent the enemy from penetrating further into
the country; but if it should be asked whence I expect these
reinforcements, I should be at loss for an answer, not having
heard a word from Massachusetts on my repeated application,
nor am I certain that Connecticut will afford us any success.
Our Continental force is daily decreasing by desertion, sickness,
and loss in skirmishes with the enemy, and not a man of the
militia now with me will remain above one week longer, and
while our force is diminishing that of the enemy augments by a
constant acquisition of Tories; but if, by any means, we could
be put in a situation for attacking the enemy and giving them
a repulse, their retreat would be extremely difficult, that in all
probability they would lose the greater part of their army." Aug. 5.
General Burgoyne carrying out the plan of marching southward to
Albany while Gen. William Howe moves up the Hudson from
New York with his 5,000 men, thus opposing a combined
army of disciplined soldiers of more than 14,000 British soldiers
to General Schuyler's less than 2,000, sends a despatch to
General Howe telling him that he is satisfied with his advance
on Albany and impatient to reach the mouth of the Mohawk,
when he could make nine miles to Albany whenever ready
to take that city, which he calculates should be in about sixteen
days, Aug. 6.

GENERAL PETER GANSEVOORT.
He was born at Albany, July 17, 1749; successfully defended
Fort Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.) against British and Indians
under Gen. St. Leger, August, 1777, and died July 2, 1812.
(From the painting by Gilbert Stuart.)

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 299
1777.
General Schuyler bears his supreme trial as a man and evinces his
thorough patriotism in his letter to President Hancock : " I
am far from being insensible of the indignity of being ordered
from the command of the army at a time when an engagement
must soon take place. It, however, gives me great consolation
that I shall have an opportunity of evincing that my conduct
has been such as deserved the thanks of my country." August.
General Nicholas Herkimer is at Oriskany, on the Mohawk eight
miles below Fort Stanwix where Col. Peter Gansevoort had
been pluckily holding the little garrison against General St.
Leger of the British force coming from Oswego, and he plans
to attack that general from the rear, thus giving Gansevoort
an opportunity to make a sally, and sends word that on the
firing of three guns from the fort he will co-operate, Aug. 5.
Herkimer does not hear the three guns at the time specified and
waits, but on being accused by his officers with treachery yields
and leading his men up the Mohawk's bank he is attacked sud
denly in an ambuscade, St. Leger having been advised by Indian
scouts, and his Royal Greens spring out engaging Herkimer in
the most bloody battle of the Revolution. Herkimer, wounded
by a shattered leg, sits upon a tree stump and while smoking
his pipe to relieve the pain, gives orders to his men ( from which
wound by unsuccessful operation he dies later) and they fight
hard though losing many. Gansevoort, a native Albanian
(b. July 17, 1749), on hearing the noise of battle, makes an im
petuous sally and takes Sir John Johnson's men by surprise, they
rushing across the Mohawk. Gansevoort loots the British
camp of all Sir Johnson's papers and places the five British flags
he captures beneath one that he improvises for the American
army, for in the exigency of the case the Americans required
some sort of a national flag, (although the Congress had taken
action a month or two before to provide a flag) composing it of
a portion of Captain Swarthout's cloak, Aug. 6.
General Philip Schuyler, having been at Albany attending to some
important matters regarding the relief of Fort Stanwix, is
about to mount his horse, standing before his mansion in the
southern part of this city, and ride back to his army near
Saratoga, when an officer comes up, who hands him a dispatch.
He breaks the seal, and a flush spreads over his noble face as
he reads a copy of the resolution of the Congress relieving him
of his command. The sacrifice must have aroused powerful
sentiments of sorrow in his mind ; but he smothers all ideas of
resentment that may be intermixed with patriotic duty, mounts

3°0 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
his horse and starts for Stillwater, just the same as had been his
intention before the unpleasant message arrived, Aug. 10.
General Schuyler writes to James Duane, New York delegate to the
Congress from whom he had received a cordial letter condoling
the circumstances of his removal : " Last night I was advised
that General Gates is on the point of arriving to relieve me.
Your fears may be up, lest the ill-treatment I have experienced
at his hands should so far get the better of my judgment as to
embarrass him. Do not, my dear friend, be uneasy on that
account. I am incapable of sacrificing my country to a resent
ment however just, and I trust I shall give an example of what
a good citizen ought to do when he is in my situation." August.
General Schuyler's estimable wife, Catherine (daughter of John Van
Rensselaer of the Greenbush Manor, born at his home, Fort
Crailo, on Nov. 4, 1734), a very beautiful woman as well as a
most kindly character, often sending her milch cows from her
farms to relief of the needy, goes up to their Saratoga (Schuy
lerville) homestead (on the west bank of the Hudson, 12 miles
northeast of Saratoga Springs) in her chariot drawn by four
horses, in order to remove the household articles, fearing the
early approach of the British. She is attended by a single
armed man on horseback. When she reaches a point of dense
woods two miles south of her home, she meets a crowd of
panic-stricken people who are hurrying along the highway to
Albany, and who tell her of the tragic death of Jane McCrea
as a warning to her of the great dangers of being overtaken
by the enemy if she does not turn about. In reply she tells
them : " The General's wife must not be afraid." While at
her home she receives explicit instructions from her husband
that she must burn their fields of ripening grain, that the
enemy may not receive any benefit therefrom. She goes to the
river flats east of their homestead, where hundreds of acres of
wheat are growing, and herself applies the torch. It is the
intention of General Schuyler to set an example to other patriots
along the route to Albany. She also sends all her horses for
use of the American army, intending to make use of oxen to
draw her back to the city, August.
In order to obtain provisions and horses to transport the same,
General Burgoyne, being advised by his scouts of the stores
collected for warfare by the Americans at Bennington, sends
Lieut.-Col. Baum there with instructions to meet him again at
Albany, the better prepared thus to move on to New York, Aug. 11.

IMO. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 301

1777.

At this time New England, fearing Burgoyne's army might turn
into that section and having been posted by Washington that if
this happened the horde of Indians allied with the enemy would
proceed to terrible slaughter, fully aroused to the necessity of
answering Washington's appeal and advice to lend some of its
militia at once, is gathering reinforcements to co-operate with
Schuyler; but he is in ignorance of these facts, Aug. 12.
Lt.-Col. St. Leger, who had been sent from Canada to go by way of
Oswego through the Mohawk valley and attack General Schuy
ler's rear while Burgoyne was engaging the front, now at Fort
Stanwix (site of Rome), laying siege to it, Aug. 12.
Even with so small a force as he has at his command, opposed by
the enemy four to one, General Schuyler is appealed to by the
inhabitants of the Mohawk valley to protect them by giving up
a part of his little body of men or move westward instead of
engaging Burgoyne, and to the Committee of Tryon County he
writes : " I am sorry, very sorry that you should be calling upon
me for assistance of Continental troops when I have already
-spared you all I could ; when no army has yet made its appear
ance ; when the militia of every county in the state except yours
is altogether called out. For God's sake do not forget that you
are an over-match for any force the enemy can bring against
you, if you will act with spirit. I have a large army to oppose,
and trust I can do it effectually, and prevent their penetrating
to any distance into the country. Keep up your spirits ; show
no signs of fear; act with vigor; and you will not only serve
your country, but gain immortal honor." August.
General Schuyler orders Gen. Benedict Arnold to hasten to the relief
of Fort Stanwix, Aug. 13.
General Schuyler sends word to General Washington that because
of the number of Tories joining Burgoyne's army as it marches
southward, "and which will be doubled if General Burgoyne
reaches Albany, which I apprehend will be very soon," he is
forced to give way, and to move further south, Aug. 13.
General Schuyler, despondent to a degree upon receiving neither
reinforcements nor word to the effect that any will come, and
finding it becoming daily more essential to be near his base of
supplies, moves his small army along the highway beside the
west bank of the Hudson from Stillwater to the junction of that
river with the Mohawk, and forms a camp on both Haver and
Van Schaick islands in the Hudson, Aug. 14.
The several movements southward of General Schuyler and his
army had now. created the idea among those who did not know
the reasons, that he was loath to meet Burgoyne, Aug. 15.

3°2 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
General Schuyler orders a line of formidable breastworks thrown
up along the northeastern and northwestern sides of Haver
island, Chief Engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko of the Northern
Army superintending the work, the intention being to defend
the fords at Half Moon Point (the site of Waterford) where
Burgoyne would necessarily try to cross over, Aug. 15.
On August ist the Congress, giving heed to those who had spread
the opinion that General Schuyler was not the proper person to
have charge of the Northern Army, recalled him and had asked
General Washington to name a new general-in-chief, and a
memorial in the handwriting of Samuel Adams, signed by all
the New England delegates, requested him to appoint General
Gates, a New Englander, in Schuyler's stead. Washington had
refused to interfere and left the matter at the disposal of the
Congress, which on August 5th had appointed Gates, and he
now takes command at Albany, Aug. 19.
On General Gates' arrival at the camp on Van Schaick island, bear
ing his commission as commander-in-chief, General Schuyler
receives him with politeness and gives him all the information
in his power regarding the enemy and his army, proffering all
assistance he may be able to render in any capacity; but Gates
ignores him most brusquely, and although Gates invites every
body to his first council of war, even sending for Gen. Abraham
Ten Broeck, at Albany, he does not ask, Schuyler to attend,
which action (later on) elicits from Gouverneur Morris this
trenchant utterance : " The new commander-in-chief of the
Northern Department may, if he please, neglect to ask or dis
dain to receive advice ; but those who know him will, I am sure,
be convinced that he needs it." Aug. 19.
General Burgoyne repairing bridges over the Hudson between Sara
toga (Schuylerville) and Ft. Edward, for his advance or in
readiness for a retreat, Aug. 20.
General Gates is helped by the acquisition of Col. Henry Beekman
Livingston's 4th N. Y. Regiment and Col. Philip Van Cort-
landt's 2nd N. Y. Regiment, which arrive and join General
Poor's division on the south bank of the Mohawk at Loudon's
ferry; Gen. Arnold also counted upon to go there from Fort
Stanwix, Aug. 21.
General Schuyler has a narrow escape from death at the hands of a
savage while at his country-place (Schuylerville), whither he
had gone to gather and remove his personal effects ere the
British approach. The incident is described by J. Watts De
Peyster in these words : " Before the mansion was evacuated,

GEN. HORATIO GATES.
A New Englander ; born at Maldon, Eng., in 1728;
appointed by the Congress major-general commanding
Northern Army, Aug. 5, 1777 ; arrived at Albany, Aug.
19, 1777, and assumed command at Van Schaick Island
that day. Received Burgoyne's surrender Oct. 17, 1777.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 303
1777.
however, the General himself had a narrow escape from assas
sination by the hand of a savage, who had insinuated himself
into the house for that purpose. It was the hour of bedtime
in the evening, and while the General was preparing to retire
for the night, that a female servant, in coming in from the
hall, saw a gleam of light reflected from the blade of a knife
in the hand of some person, whose dark outline she discerned
behind the door. The servant was a black slave [Meg], who
had sufficient presence of mind not to appear to have made
the discovery. Passing directly through the door into the
apartment where the General was standing near the fireplace,
with an air of unconcern she pretended to arrange such articles
as were disposed upon the mantelpiece, while in an undertone
she informed her master of her discovery, and said aloud, ' I
will call the guard.' The General instantly seized his arms,
while the faithful servant hurried out by another door into a
long hall, upon the floor of which lay a loose board which
creaked beneath the tread. By the noise she made in tramping
rapidly upon the board, the Indian — for such he proved — was
led to suppose that the Philistines were upon him in numbers,
sprang from concealment and fled. He was pursued, however,
by the guard and a few friendly Indians attached to the person
of General Schuyler, overtaken and made prisoner." August.
Reports reach Lieut.-Colonel Barry St. Leger, commander of the
British army coining from the west by way of Oswego to
attack Albany, at the same time that Burgoyne and Howe form
a juncture from the north and south of that city, and who has
been laying siege to Fort Stanwix for twenty-one days, that
V. General Benedict Arnold is advancing on him from Albany, and
is approaching with great rapidity of forced marches with his
army of a thousand men. Arnold had taken particular pains
that rumors of his coming in great haste should reach the ears
of St. Leger, and these had the desired effect just at a time
when his forces were becoming almost unmanageable. On the
20th, he had reached Fort Dayton, his army increasing in size as
he marches through the Mohawk valley by the American patri
ots dropping their work of harvesting and joining the ranks of
the army moving westward to relieve Fort Stanwix. St. Leger,
too scared to maintain his position, although Arnold still at
Utica, raises the siege and flees with his army in a retreat to
Oswego, his Indian allies treacherously looting his baggage
train and scalping both the American prisoners and the laggards
of St. Leger's frightened army, Aug. 22.

304 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
General Gates writes to Washington in full regarding conditions and
plans for meeting Burgoyne, from his newly established head
quarters in Van Schaick's homestead on Van Schaick island, in
which letter he says there is a brigade at Loudon's Ferry, a
brigade under General Lincoln with General Stark's forces at
Bennington, and a brigade under General Arnold helping to
raise the siege of Fort Stanwix, and he thanks him for propos
ing to send Col. Daniel Morgan's rifle corps to him, as it is the
most skilled in the country, Aug. 22.
General Gates has by this time acquired an army of about 6,000 men,
forces that were gathering while Schuyler was in command,
arriving now in numbers, Sept. 1.
The Legislature of the State of New York convenes at Kingston,
the Assembly holding its inaugural session, Sept. 1.
General Gates, believing he has a force sufficiently powerful to meet
General Burgoyne, advances northward from the island at the
mouth of the Mohawk to Stillwater, and begins throwing up
intrenchments there, Sept. 8.
State Senate first convenes, holding its session at Kingston, Sept. 9.
Kosciusko, having discovered a superior place for a position of
defence to the north, Gates moves to Bemis Heights, known
as Saratoga at this time, although hardly a farmhouse to each
square mile for the next ten miles northward along the west
shore of the Hudson river. The army begins intrenching itself,
Gates' right flank on the river near Bemis' Tavern, and the left
on the high ground to the west, Sept. 12.
Not only does Gates fortify his position by erecting breastworks and
very strong batteries ; but his position is more impregnable by
reason of the virgin forest about him, the high ground and the
ravines. The intrenchment that he orders under Kosciusko's
survey and advice runs from Bemis' Tavern at the west shore
of the Hudson, all the way to the top of the hills. At the
former terminal he places a battery, and throws a floating bridge
across the river, which he also defends at its landing on the
east bank, Sept. 13.
General Burgoyne's army (but not himself) on Saturday morning,
crosses the Hudson river from the east to the west shore, just
north of where the Battenkill creek flows into it from the east,
intending to march down the highway along the western shore,
and makes thus his first direct move into the vicinity of the scene
where is to occur his fierce conflict, siege, final struggle and sur
render. This fording place was to the north of the Battenkill's

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 305

1777.

mouth and about three miles to the north of where in Saratoga
(later Schuylerville) he is shortly to yield to the Americans. In
crossing over, General Fraser leads, Colonel Breyman following
closely in order to cover the left wing. Long impatient to hear
from General Howe as' to the probability of his being able to
make a successful juncture with him at Albany, Burgoyne re
ceives the first message from his co-patriots far to the south,
Howe writing that he is on the Delaware; but the dispatch
makes no reference to a meeting of their forces, and Burgoyne
wonders whether the home government has duped or deserted
him by not carrying out the original scheme when he was sent
on the campaign. Burgoyne was now in a densely wooded
region, the only place where one may see any distance being the
river, and fearful lest at any moment the next mile might bring
him face to face with his foe. While he could hear the morning
drum beat, yet he gained no idea of how many there are to
oppose his march, or where the enemy is located. The Ameri
cans are not in such ignorance. They have a valiant watchout,
a Mr. Willard, on the crest of the highest hill of the range
paralleling the east shore of the Hudson, and he signals every
movement of the British army to the American camp directly
opposite, on the- flats and heights of the west side, Sept. 13.
Generals Burgoyne and Phillips cross from the east to the west shore
of the Hudson with the artillery train, Burgoyne by the pontoon
bridge and the 20th Regiment fording below the rapids to
relieve crowding of the bridge. This bridge was constructed
upon rude boats or scows, and being at a narrow part of the
river was only 425 feet long. Fraser had made a cut through
the west bank to facilitate the army's ascent, and also excavated
a roadway down the east bank (on property in 1906 of John A.
Dix, Esq., and still showing) which he protected with breast
works, a battery behind it. Burgoyne. recognizes the danger of
camping at night on the wooded hills of the west bank before
his center crosses, and he inspects the heights, to plan where
to post divisions in case of attack. At night the advance wing
encamps on the western heights in battle order of three columns.
and Burgoyne makes his quarters at the Schuyler homestead,
about two miles further south. This mansion is a broad wooden
house with high columns, and is but a few hundred feet west
of the Hudson. Apast its northern end, not more than a hundred
feet distant, runs Fish Creek on its way to the river, and some
hundred feet up this creek General Schuyler has his mills. This
creek has its source in the eastern end of Saratoga Lake, twelve

306 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
miles to the west. It is so shallow below the dam, and near
Schuyler's house, that it is there a pohit selected for fording
except at times of. freshet. About the house - are great elms
and wild woods, almost sheltered to view from the highway two
hundred feet from its western front. Many notable guests had
he entertained there, and it was well provided with handsome
mahogany furniture of the period. Not far to the east is a lower
level of ground, known as the flat, where he raises wheat, corn
and provender. It was particularly productive because the
spring freshets deposited annually a mass of rich soil, in fact
the flats were but an accumulation of alluvial richness, Sept. 14.
General Gates makes use of the Neilson farm and the farmhouse on
a knoll about a mile west of the river, constituting it the north
west angle for his encampment. He throws up thick earth
works about the barn, to which he applies a double lining of
logs, and he names the place Fort Neilson, Sept. 14.
General Riedesel, in command of the German troops, crosses the
river with his left wing, whereupon Burgoyne gives an exhibi
tion of his determination to win a victory, or rather displays his
own convictions, by breaking up the pontoon bridge over which
his army had been passing for three days. These Germans, in
the end, prove themselves stubborn fighters,- although they were
properly termed hirelings, having been secured by German
princes who, in need of money, had collected them for England
at so much a head. England had first tried to hire Russians,
George. III. having applied to Catherine II., Empress of Russia;
but she made a flat refusal to the nefarious bargain he would
make with her. It is said that all Europe cried " For shame !"
when the Hessians were secured from their masters of Hesse-
Cassel at a bounty of an equivalent of $32.50 per head ; Freder
ick the Great of Prussia gave contemptuous utterance, and the
Americans heartily detested these pay-men, or soldiers hired
to shoot them. Burgoyne's advance-guard fords Fish Creek
(sometimes called Fish Kill) and starts southward on its search
for the Americans. Strange to say, he employs no scouts at
this time, and penetrating the wilderness of forests stands w
chance of being entrapped. His army proceeds in three
columns, the artillery and camp baggage using the highway;
the right wing penetrating the woods half a mile up the hill
side, and the left wing progressing along the river flats half a
mile east of the center column. Keeping abreast of the army
ashore, the batteaux, loaded with supplies, float down the river.
These movements are all observed by the keen eyes of Willard.

DOVEGAT HOUSE.
Burgoyne made it his headquarters previous to the Bemis Heights Battle of Sept. 19,
1777. It stood two miles south of Schuylerville; but about 1890 was torn down lest tramps
burn it.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 307
1777-
stationed on the high hill across the Hudson, who signals to
the American army at its encampment on Bemis Fleights, only
a few miles south of where Burgoyne's entire army is marching.
Reaching Dovegat (written Dovegot by Burgoyne and others
of the time ; duivenkot, Dutch for dove-cote ; called Coveville in
1906), Burgoyne halts his army, using the Sword's one-story
wooden farm-house for his own resting-place, while his army
pitches tents on the low hills to the west of it. (This house was
standing in 1888, in good condition ; but some time previous to
1900 it was removed — an act of historic vandalism — because
it was ramshackle and harbored tramps who were likely to set
a newer building, near it, afire. It was about two miles south
of the present Schuylerville and close to the Champlain canal,
on the property of Charles H. Searles, just west of the sbuthern
abutment of his canal bridge, the canal here running east and
west.) Sept. 15.
General Gates is now commanding the right or eastern flank of the .
American army and using Bemis' Tavern as his headquarters.
Gen. Benedict Arnold is in command of the left or western
wing, over Generals Morgan and Poor, and using the Neilson
farm-house or fort (standing in 1906) for headquarters, Sept. 15.
Burgoyne's army remains in the neighborhood of the Dovegat house
while he conducts several regiments to protect about two hun
dred workmen who go out to repair bridges, and he also tries
to discover the locality of the enemy. They proceed about three
miles, or to a point about five miles to the south of Fish Creek
(south end of Schuylerville), and when there hear to the south
of them the beating of drums, Sept. 16.
The entire British army is now encamped in regulation order at the
Sword's farm, Dovegat, when they are fired on by the Ameri
cans, quite a few being killed and about twenty soldiers carried
off as prisoners, Sept. 17.
Burgoyne had often wondered why General Howe had not, long-
before this, shown some sign of co-operation with his own
movements. He had accepted the proposition to assume charge
of the campaign proceeding south from Canada, when he was
in England, on the condition that either Howe or another equally
valorous general should be given explicit orders to progress
northward from New York and form a combined attack at
Albany from above and below, that place having been regarded
as the strongest fortified place to be encountered and the most
obstructive locality to the British hopes of possessing free pas-

308 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

sage up the entire valleys of the Hudson and the Mohawk, for
from there they wished to direct their armies westward as far
as Niagara, northward to hold complete possession to the St.
Lawrence, and from there to start eastward through the New
England states to subjugate the hotbed of American patriotism.
Burgoyne had felt that he was carrying out the scheme not only
to the best of his abilities, but with great success. He was
accomplishing all that he had set out to do and was within forty
miles of Albany, positive, as he told his men, that they should
eat their Christinas dinner at Albany. But whenever he heard
from Howe or learned about his movements he was always
leading his men in other directions, into other colonies, in fact
mostly in an opposite direction. All this is because Howe, un
like Burgoyne, did not receive absolute orders. They were
written, but not sent from England, and he assumed the posi
tion that he was practically free to carry out plans as he saw
best at the time. Lord George Germaine, the colonial secretary,
at London, had stopped at his office one day when orders were
prepared for his signature, to be sent to Burgoyne and Howe.
The manner in which "the papers for Flowe were written did
not suit his fancy, and giving directions to have the set for
Howe recopied, he had driven off to a social function. The next
day they were forgotten and pigeon-holed by mistake, not to
turn up until the matter of American independence was finally
settled. Free to act, General Howe had sent Sir Henry Clinton
to the north with a portion of the troops, while he turned south
to the Delaware, and Burgoyne received little or no attention, at
least not what he had been led to expect at the start, Sept. 18.
Albany Aldermen order lead taken from all windows, Sept. 18.
The Americans are anxious to learn the number of the enemy, so
Lieut.-Colonel Colburn (New Hampshire) goes out with a
scouting party, and crossing to the east bank of the Hudson,
they climb trees to gain a view of Burgoyne's camp. They esti
mate its largeness as some eight hundred tents, and perceive
much action in the neighborhood, which they interpret to indi
cate preparations for an advance. When Gates learns these
facts he likewise makes ready for a battle. Burgoyne arranges
his army in three columns, General Fraser commanding the
right, furthest from the river; Burgoyne in charge of the cen
ter with the 9th, 20th, 21st and 62nd Regiments, Canadians and
Indians. Generals Riedesel and Phillips were to march south,
as the left wing, by the river road, to within half a mile of the
Americans. At 11 a. m., Burgoyne advances towards Gates'

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 30y
1777.
line on Bemis Heights. The intention of Gates, being apprised
of the British plans by scouts, is to keep his army inside his
fortifications; but Arnold perfectly construes the plan of the
enemy to form a juncture of its forces at the Middle ravine, and
urges Gates to allow him to go out and engage the enemy
before it could reach their camp with the artillery, explaining
that then, if driven back, they could rally at the breastworks of
the fortified position, whereas if they were unsuccessful in the
first encounter and were overpowered by numbers and arma
ment they would be forced to flee pell-mell down the river road
to Albany. Gates yields finally to the extent of allowing General
Morgan, and later General Dearborn, to go out with their ex
pert riflemen. Burgoyne had been hampered at the start by
having to make a bridge and clearing the road of obstructions,
and it is 12 :30 p.m. when Morgan and Dearborn meet his Indians
under Major Forbes, as a scouting party near the Freeman
farm-house. The conflict between Americans and British,
Gates pitted against Burgoyne, begins. The Americans suffer
a terrible loss, but Morgan's men pursue until they are in con
tact with the main body, when he again suffers severely. Never
theless he rallies his men with the " turkey-call " whistle. lie
is reinforced by regiments under Cilley and Scammel. and at
one o'clock they attack unitedly. Burgoyne forms his line of
battle at the north side of Isaac Freeman's farm, a clearing of
about fifteen acres, all the rest being dense woods. General
Fraser was leading Burgoyne's right wing, to the west of the
farm, at the start ; but wheels with the purpose of flanking Mor
gan at the left, when suddenly he finds Arnold in the Middle
ravine with New York and New Hampshire regiments, who
had set out to separate him from the rest of Burgoyne's army.
It is now, 4 o'clock, that the action of the day is becoming
general and furious. Fraser, for the British, was the courage
ous, inspiring spirit, and Arnold was the same, — intrepid, en
thusiastic and encouraging — on the American side. These
indomitable leaders, each anxious in the face of death to be
the victor, are now pitted against each other. Neither gives
thought to personal safety, and each gallops hither and thither
up and down the field issuing orders in a ringing voice, while
exhorting the various bodies as they rush apast on horseback.
At 5 o'clock Burgoyne's army is in mortal peril; but the Ger
man grenadiers under Colonel Breyman force Arnold's troops
back. One moment the Americans rush after the British, and
almost the next they meet with an assault at the point of the

310 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
bayonet that hurls them back, to sweep across the field to a
point of safety, the British after them. Morgan's sharpshooters,
scattered all over in the branches of trees, take steady aim in
their unnoticed vantage points, and pick off numbers of British
officers, doing valorous work throughout the afternoon.
Finally, as dusk sets in, Riedesel hastens upon the scene from
where he had been busy down by the river, and strikes the
Americans' right a bad blow with his German or Hessian troop
ers, and has the hardihood to post Pausch's battery to the south
of the Freeman farm-house. The Americans withdraw, and
had not Burgoyne ordered the fight to cease, Riedesel and Fra
ser might have accomplished a victory for the British; but as
it is, both sides claim a victory. So deadly had been the after
noon's work that the Americans lost ten per cent, of those par
ticipating, or 319 men either killed or badly wounded. But
this was not so poor a record as the British made. Their loss
was 600 men, or twenty per cent, of those engaged, and to illus
trate it more forcibly it may be noted that of the 500 men in
the 62nd British regiment only 60 reported, Sept. 19.
The British, down the Hudson below Albany, take the river forts,
and clearing away the log boom and mammoth iron chain
stretched across the river in April, their vessels sail into New
burgh Bay, Sept. 19.
Burgoyne, immediately after the battle's close on the previous day,
had planned to keep the fighting continuous, and at night had
sent orders for a renewal of hostilities at daybreak. As a result
rations are served in early morning light. The unusually heavy
fog rolling up from river and creek does not lift at the time the
troops had previously been ordered to march, and they are told
to wait until they will be able to see the enemy at half a mile's
distance. General Fraser suggests that the men be allowed to
rest and that they be given the entire day for the purpose. Had
Burgoyne known that the Americans had very nearly exhausted
their ammunition the day before and were counting on Mr. Van
Rensselaer moulding the. lead into bullets, that the inhabitants
of Albany had been ordered by the Council to obtain by remov
ing the lead from the windows, and which General Schuyler
was so busy shipping to the front, box by box, as rapidly as
the lead is cast, the British general could have ordered his men
to attack the forces of Gates with full impunity, and readily
have driven them from their camp, possibly all the way to
Albany. Burgoyne, therefore, consents to rest the men for
that day, to allow repairs, and to succor the wounded as well as

BEMIS HEIGHTS BATTLE WELL.
To this well on the Freeman farm of Bemis Heights the wounded crawled by scores to
slack their death thirst after the great battle of Sept. 19, 1777, and next day a mass of corpses
was found there. This spring still in use in 1906.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 3II

1777.

to bury the dead. Gates had been advised by a spy about the
early morning orders of Burgoyne, and is all the forenoon in
mortal dread lest the British appear; but to his surprise none
of the regiments comes his way. The day is spent in burying
the dead, almost a thousand interments taking place before
sunset. Most of the killed have to be placed in shallow trenches,
and about all are left even without markers. A large propor
tion of the dead is found near a well or spring on the Freeman
farm. This was because the wounded soldier in his death thirst,
caused by the loss of blood, had crawled to this spot, to allay
his thirst, a pit of cold water bubbling in the field where they
had fought so valiantly. Some are found at the brink, where
they had supped and breathed their last; others had crawled
that far and in order to reach the water had dragged them
selves over the dead bodies of their comrades, when they, too,
had succumbed, unable to move away. In fact there are about
a score in the space of a few yards, and others sprawled in
that direction, the cold, stiffened hand grasping shrubs or
clutching the grass, in dragging themselves along, the inference
being that one and all in this vicinity had been intent upon
quenching an inexpressible thirst by gaining the Freeman well.
(This spring w* used for farm purposes then and was to be
seen in 1906.) Despite the covering of the bodies with earth,
the hungry wolves scent their prey, and come out in numbers
from the wilderness woods at night, Sept. 20.
Burgoyne receives a message sent by Sir Henry Clinton, telling him
that he is prepared to leave New York and ascend the Hudson,
capture Albany and come directly to his aid. Of course this
had been written a week or ten days previous, the British army
being some one hundred and sixty miles north of New York
city. Consequent upon this despatch he decides to take no
initiative in the fighting; but is resolved to wait in camp until
Gates is forced by Clinton's attack to lessen his army by
dispatching a goodly portion of his troops to succor Albany,
Sept. 21.
Burgoyne, counting upon Washington ordering the Americans
southward, for the British coming up the Hudson are burning
dwellings, barns and fall crops that no one had dared to harvest,
spends his time in improving the strength of his fortifications
on Prospect Hill, north of Fish Creek, half a mile at the most.
He also occupies now a part of the Freeman farm. To the
northwest of the farm-house, not more.than sixty rods, he con
structs a strong redoubt. Fifteen rods north of that house he

312 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 2d.
1777.
builds another. Only a few rods southwest of the battle well
on the Freeman farm he erects the Great Redoubt. He believes
his position well-nigh impregnable, Sept. 22.
More redoubts are constructed by Burgoyne. He does his best to
make his camp hard to reach from the south, where are the
Americans. Having fortified the southwest angle' of his camp,
he turns his attention to the southeast and builds smaller re
doubts, connected by intrenchments running eastward to the
bluff on the west shore of the Hudson. Some of these are
made by filling earth between parallel tiers of rails held upright
by posts driven into the ground. The three hills north of Wil
bur's Basin also receive redoubts. His hospital and magazines
he places on the flats, and he extends a pontoon bridge across
the river at Wilbur's Basin for the benefit of foraging parties.
The northern limits of his camp he also protects, causing a line
of breastworks to be constructed, Sept. 23.
W°lves, in enormous packs, had been attracted by the scent of the
innumerable dead, and congregate at the battlefield so that even
the soldier feared life at such a place. Sometimes they prowl
near the camp at night. Their howls, fighting over corpses,
send thrills through the trooper as he tries to sleep, for he
knows it may be his turn to be their food Before another sunset.
They sleep in their clothes, ready for a summons at any moment.
Altogether they wish they were away from the place, Sept. 24.
At this time the armies are so closely encamped that orders given by
the officers in one are heard distinctly at the other. Occasionally
¦a soldier may exchange words or call names to another. Only
a dense woods makes them seem apart. The pickets of each
are continuously being shot at by those serving the enemy in
the same capacity, and one hardly dares to depart from the
protected encampments for water or to gather food, Sept. 25.
The British army's position at this, time is laid out with Riedesel
and his German troops on the level above the river, with some
companies below on the river flats to guard the hospital. Fraser
is to the west with the right wing, with Colonel Breyman at
the redoubt to the extreme right, and the Indians protected by
the breastworks, Sept. 26.
All the American officers had noticed that following the battle of
the 19th, when Arnold by his exploit was considerably praised
by the men in common, he had been shown a decided coolness
by Gates, and this has developed into open rupture by Gates
relieving him of his command. No mention had been made of
Arnold by Gates in his report of the fight to the Congress,

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 313

1777-

although the former had rendered the most valiant service in
rallying the forces when the tide was turning in marked favor
of the British. Some suppose the slight was the outcome of
jealousy because Arnold in his courageous work in the north
had received the admiration of Schuyler, and that Gates was
acting thus toward Arnold because a friend of Schuyler, Sept. 27.
In the early evening Burgoyne calls a council of his officers, stating
to them at the conference that he has provisions for but sixteen
days, and no news from Sir Henry Clinton to tell whether he
was making progress on the lower Hudson. He is in ignorance
that General Howe had succeeded at Germantown, and that the
Americans along the river's two banks were fleeing in alarm,
northward to Albany for safety. General Riedesel advises a
hurried retreat, falling back to Lake George, by abandoning the
artillery and avoiding Fort Edward, pass up to the west of the
lake. General Fraser is opposed to retreating, as it is his
nature to fight and to battle courageously on every opportunity
offering, although he sees the wisdom of what Riedesel sug
gests, while General Phillips ventures no suggestion. Burgoyne
does not look with favor on a retreat. He had come to con
quer, he had much to expect by returning victor to England,
and he had uttered the famous remark that the British army
never retreats. He therefore decides upon a reconnoitre in
force in order to perceive whether there is an elevation to the
west of General Gates from which to gain a vantage ground
for a conflict, and if unsuccessful order a retreat, Oct. 5.
The Assembly having suddenly adjourned at Kingston, Oct. ist,
fearing approach of enemy, the Senate speedily does the same,
Oct. 7.
General Burgoyne stands committed to make a determined fight
before considering a retreat to the north, and the most critical
day of the campaign opens. Everything is bustle in both
camps, — Burgoyne's troops making active preparations to en
gage the enemy ; Gates learning of the intentions of the British
and making ready to receive an assault. At 10 o'clock, 1,500
of the most expert troopers under Burgoyne, led by four ex
perienced generals, taking two 12-pounders, six 6-pounders and
two howitzers, the skirmishing van composed of Canadian
rangers and Indian allies, move in three columns toward the
west wing or the left of the American position on Bemis
Heights, the locality being a wheat-field, where they attempt
to cut forage. Burgoyne is accompanied by Generals Fraser,
Riedesel and Phillips in his reconnaissance. They proceed two-
thirds of a mile to the southwest, and deploy in the clearing

314 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
of the farm, where they seat themselves while Fraser's brigade
forages in the wheat. They are on a slope bordering Middle
Ravine on the north, and the highway connecting Bemis
Heights with Quaker Springs, further west, runs through the
British position to the left of the center. The Earl of Balcarras
is stationed with the light infantry on the right; the Hessians,
under Riedesel, and a battery of two 6-pounders, under Pausch,
at the center; Majors Ackland and Williams, with artillery and
grenadiers, on the left. General Fraser had already been sent
out with a force of five hundred grenadiers to a high piece of
ground with the hope of stealing to the left of the Americans,
so as to engage the enemy while the British managed to gain a
vantage point of slight elevation west of the American position,
and several officers climb to the top of a roof to observe the
lay-out of the enemy's camp with spy-glasses. The British ad
vance is announced at the American headquarters and Gates,
taking it to mean that the British offer battle, asks of Colonel
Wilkinson, his aide, "What would you suggest?" To this
query of moment the latter replies, " I would indulge him."
Gates then tells him, " Order out Morgan and begin the game.' "
General Morgan and his Virginia sharpshooters are the pick of
the Americans. They had an excellent record, and had been
sent north by Washington on purpose to insure success to a
faltering and critical cause. Morgan is told to circuit to the
west and strike at the enemy's flank, being allowed time to
reach the location, and while General Poor and his brigade are
assailing the left flank, Dearborn's rifles and Learned's brigades
are to engage the center. At 2 :30 o'clock, General Poor, with
New York and New Hampshire troops, moves steadily through
the woods in the direction of the British left. When prepared,
the Americans dash forward, open fire right and left, flank the
enemy, and blast him with a deadly fire, closing and grappling
hand to hand, in this manner five or six times in the first hour
taking and retaking a single cannon. The Virginians rush im
petuously, seemingly careless of life ; but withal acting with
preciseness, as those realize who receive their deadly aim, and
the British right wavers. A great struggle takes place near
Williams' battery, and six times one of his 12-pounders is cap
tured and retaken ; but Major Williams is at last made prisoner,
and Major Ackland is badly wounded. This disaster creates a
panic among the grenadiers of the British, who, with leaders
lost to them, turn and flee. Colonel Cilley leaps upon a British
cannon and proclaiming it dedicated to the cause of patriotism.

FORT NEILSON.
In this building, standing in 1906, south of Schuylerville, Gen. Gates jealously
held Gen. Arnold back " lest he do something rash " ; but Arnold heard the roar of
cannon, mounted his charger and dashed out of a sally port.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 315

1777.

orders it turned and fired on the British. At this juncture the
New Englanders sweep up and break the British line. The
enemy flees, but reforms and again advances. The entire
American force having impelled itself upon the British center
held by the Germans, one side or the other but needs a little
more help to win. Morgan now takes note of Fraser in his
advanced position, gains the western ridge and like a mighty
avalanche his troops impel themselves upon the Fraser forces
with such vehemence that they move back to the main body,
after which he flanks the British right, and presses it directly
back. Gen. Benedict Arnold had not only been relieved of his
command by Gates a few days previous, but held at the Neilson
fort, he had asked Gates to allow him to serve in the ranks as
a common soldier. Gates had refused. Arnold hears the noise
of conflict half a mile away, cannot stand the strain of military
inactivity at such a time, his strenuous spirit strains at such
restraint, and leaping upon his fiery bay charger, puts spurs to
his steed and dashes through a sally port, off for the scene of
activity of which he craves to become a part. Gates on per
ceiving this act hurriedly sends a rider, Major Armstrong, after
him, with orders to bring Arnold back lest he injure the Ameri
can cause by doing " some rash thing." Some might term it
rashness, but it is the sort of rashness that wins the day for the
Americans and brings them the credit of one of the fifteen
greatest victories in the world's history instead of defeat.
Arnold places himself at the head of a detachment of Learned's
brigade. This he would under ordinary circumstances have a
perfect right to do as Learned was below him in rank, and it
is but his first move, for it is not long before he is rallying all
the American forces on his wild dashes up and down the entire
line, vehemently exhorting the troops to take courage, renew
their vigor and fight their best. He leads them in a charge
against the center, held by the Hessians. He even conducts
his followers, with shouts that encourage men who had wavered
under their other leader, right through the lines of the British.
Major Armstrong, sent by Gates to head him off and bring him
back to Fort Neilson, dares not follow him in his courageous
charge; but waits at a respectful distance, possibly realizing
that he would endanger the success which is coming the Ameri
cans' way. Fraser feels it imperative to rally his men to the
relief of the Germans, realizing that Arnold is waging the dead
liest fight of the day. He leads the 24th Regiment valiantly,
and the. reliance of the British is restored. He is the inspiring

316 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
genius for the British upon whom Burgoyne now relies, as he
had depended on him throughout the entire campaign in
America. .Morgan notices that Fraser is likely to place the
day's fight to the credit of the British unless the effective work
begun by Arnold is reinforced, and believes that by combining,
or rather co-operating with Arnold, the two will save the day.
Morgan, therefore, opposed directly against Fraser's brigade,
calls a few of his sharpshooters about him, and (possibly as
suggested to him by Arnold, as some think) tells them : " That
gallant officer on the gray horse is General Fraser. I admire
and respect him, but it is necessary for our cause that he should
die. Take your station in that clump of trees and do your
duty." (Some critics of the fight have found it to their whim
to criticise this act as murder ; but it would seem to be ridicu
lous if each side were continuously picking out that portion of
the opposition which the enemy can spare the most readily, in
stead of thinking that the quickest result will ensue by crippling
the enemy at its strongest parts if that be as easily accomplished
as injuring its ineffective points that are doing a minimum of
damage. Surely one must be thinking of sparing the men of
his own side by doing the greatest harm to the enemy in the
shortest time so that he surrenders. The fight might be brought
to a halt by removing the leader. ) It is not many minutes after
this incident that General Fraser falls from his horse, mortally
wounded in the intestines by a ball delivered by Timothy Mur
phy, sharpshooter, perched in a tree about one thousand feet to
the southwest. (A solid granite tablet, in 1906, marks where
he fell. From an examination of the wound later, it is believed-
by the surgeons that had he partaken of a less hearty meal be
fore the fight, the bullet would not have pierced the intestine,
which was inflated when shot.) He is tenderly carried from
the field by his comrades, and Burgoyne in person takes his
place in command of the brigade. General Abraham Ten
Broeck, from Albany (not long afterwards elected the city's
28th Mayor) leading three thousand fresh troops, comes upon
the scene, and the American column, now greatly encouraged,
shouts exultingly. Burgoyne abandons his guns and retreats
northward to his camp. Scarcely had the British reached their
redoubts when the courageous, impetuous Benedict Arnold,
spurring his horse's flanks until the animal 'seems to skim the
sward without touching it, rides up, and galloping from one
end of the American line to the other, urges the men on to the
enemy's redoubt, and they drive the British in wildest disorder

GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD.
It was almost entirely due to his valiant leading in the furious charges
that the Americans won the Battle of Saratoga. In many previous
instances he had been seriously slighted by superiors and given inferior
commands.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 317
1777.
at the point of the bayonet. Then, galloping to the extreme
right, he bids the Massachusetts troops to follow, and leading
them he advances to the breastworks, where his bay charger is
shot from under him; he is himself shot in the leg and sinks
to the ground amidst a surging mass of humanity that is madly
beating one another with the butt of musket or giving deadly
thrusts with bayonet. At one of the times that Colonel Wilkin
son returns to Gates at his headquarters, a locality not within
the danger range of gunshot, for he never exposed himself to
any possibility of risk, to report the progress of the fighting,
he wonders at the placidity of the American general in remain
ing so far absent while such an important engagement is at its
height and conditions changing each moment so as to need a
guiding spirit, in fact the battle is manoeuvred by the generals
independently of the one at headquarters. Wilkinson finds that
Sir Francis Clarke, a wounded British officer, had been brought
to headquarters as a prisoner in Gates' care. With this royal
ist Gates had spent upwards of an hour, with the battle raging
meanwhile, in a heated argument over the relative merits of
the British and patriotic cause, and Gates, unable to conquer
the spirit of Sir Francis Clarke, turns petulantly to Wilkinson,
saying, " Did you ever see such an impudent son of a b  h ?"
It was now possible for Gates' aide, Major Armstrong, to
come up to him ; but his orders to have Arnold return to Fort
Neilson before he did anything " rash," were to be carried out
in any event, for the wounded general is borne away to the
American camp. The disaster to the right flank by the British
army induces Lieut. -Cdlonel Speht to recover Colonel Brey-
man's lost position ; but he accepts poor advice and he, with his
four officers and fifty men, is taken prisoner by an American
detachment. Burgoyne, on perceiving his right flank to be as
an open gate, is glad that darkness offers a good excuse for
both sides to stop fighting. The Americans had suffered 150
killed and wounded, with Arnold the single commissioned officer
wounded. The British had 700 killed and wounded, with
General Fraser, Sir Francis Clarke and Colonel Breyman fatally
wounded; Colonel Speht, Majors Williams and Ackland held
prisoners, the latter also badly wounded. Colonel Wilkinson
makes a record of the appearance of the battlefield as it appears
on his leaving it that day, in the following words : " The ground
which had been occupied by the British grenadiers presented a
scene of complicated horror and exultation. In the square space
of twelve or fifteen yards lay eighteen grenadiers in the agonies

3l8 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

of death, and three officers propped up against stumps of trees,
two of them mortally wounded, bleeding, and almost speechless.
With the troops I pursued the flying enemy, passing over killed
and wounded until I heard one exclaim, ' Protect me, sir, against
this boy.' Turning my eyes, it was my fortune to arrest the
purpose of a lad in the act of taking aim at a wounded officer
who lay in the angle of a worm fence. Inquiring his rank, he
answered, ' I had the honor to command the grenadiers ;' of
course I knew him to be Major Ackland, who had been brought
from the field to this place by one of his men. I dismounted,
took him by the hand and expressed hopes that he was not badly
wounded. ' Not badly,' replied the gallant officer ; ' but very
inconveniently; I am shot through both legs. Will you, sir,
have the goodness to have me conveyed to your camp?' I di
rected my servant to alight and we lifted Ackland to his seat,
and ordered him to be conducted to headquarters." It is to be
noted that while Gates, a mile from the scene of battle, had won
the battle, insofar as his generals proved the better generals
and his men marksmen superior to the British, Burgoyne was
present on the field, exposed to the fury of the fight, his hat
and clothing pierced by shot and torn by bayonet. Gates, at
the close of the day, learns of the valor of Morgan and realizes
that he is likely to stand high with the Congress after this day,
so he suggests to Morgan (possibly fearing in his jealousy of
spirit that he may be superseded by him in rank) that he desert
Washington and help supplant him as chief in command of the
American army. Morgan will not listen to such a scandalous
proposition, and replies, " I will serve under no other man but
Washington." Gates is piqued. He writes a report of the
day's battle, telling how he ( ?) won it, and hardly mentioning
Morgan's name. So anxious is he to hold the place of Wash
ington that he ignores his commander-in-chief and forwards
his report to the Congress. At night, Burgoyne moves his
army to the low ground near the river. His generals urge him
to leave useless baggage behind and make for Canada ; but Bur
goyne has thirty carts laden with his wines, his manifold
changes of gorgeous costumes, and many personal effects which
he refuses to relinquish, Oct. 7.
Baron Friedrich Adolph von Riedesel, commander of the Brunswick
contingent, had brought his wife With him from Germany, a
brave little woman, of education and marked ability for closely
observing affairs and making good literary record of them.
While the fight was in progress this day she occupied one of

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GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.
He led the sharpshooters at Bemis Heights, the flower
of the American army, and rendered valiant service Oct.
7, 1777- His men shot the British General Fraser upon
whom Burgoyne relied for success.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 319

1777.

the very few houses of the place, the Sword's house on the
river bank. It is two and one-half miles northeast of the Free
man farm-house, where the fighting was so severe, and four
miles northeast of the place where Gates has his headquarters,
which latter spot is about a mile south of the Freeman farm
house. She had expected Generals Burgoyne, Fraser and Phil
lips to dine with her in the afternoon, should the conflict be
over in time ; but was disappointed in a most sorrowful way, as
she relates in her own words, as follows : " About four o'clock
in the afternoon, instead of the guests who were to have dined
with us, they brought in to me upon a litter poor Fraser, mort
ally wounded. Our dining table, which was already spread,
was taken away, and in its place they fixed up a bed for the
general. I sat in a corner of the room, trembling and quaking.
The noises grew continually louder. The thought that they
might bring in my husband in the same manner was to me
dreadful, and tortured me incessantly. The general said to the
surgeon, ' Do not conceal anything from me. Must I die ? '
The ball. had gone through his bowels precisely as in the case
of Major Harnage. Unfortunately, however, the general had
eaten a hearty breakfast, by reason of which the intestines were
distended, and the ball had gone through them. I heard him
often, amidst his groans, exclaim, ' O fatal ambition ! Poor
General Burgoyne ! My poor wife !' Prayers were read to
him. He then sent a message to General Burgoyne, begging
that he would have him buried the following day at six o'clock
in the evening, on the top of a hill which was a sort of redoubt.
I knew no longer which way to turn. The whole entry was
filled with the sick, who were suffering with the camp sickness
— a kind of dysentery. I spent the night in this manner; at
one time comforting Lady Ackland, whose husband was
wounded and a prisoner, and at another looking after
my children, whom I had put to bed. As for myself, I
could not go to sleep, as I had General Fraser and all the other
gentlemen in my room, and was constantly afraid that my chil
dren would wake up and cry, and thus disturb the poor dying
man, who often sent to beg my pardon for making me so much
trouble." Oct. 7.
Madam Riedesel inscribes in her diary a graphic description of the
death of British General Fraser and of the seriousness of the
attempt to leave the shelter of the house to bury him, while
under fire of the Americans. (As it pictures the seriousness
of war and shows what both sides underwent in the Revolution,

320 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
it is here given in her words as translated, in 1867, by William
L. Stone, Esq., from her " Letters," who performed the same
act a year later regarding the records of her husband, the
general.) The account is as follows : " About three o'clock in
the morning they told me that he could not last much longer.
I had desired to be apprised of the approach of this moment.
I accordingly wrapped up the children in the coverings, and
went with them into the entry. Early in the morning, at eight
o'clock, he died. After they had washed the corpse, they
wrapped it in a sheet and laid it on a bedstead. We then again
came into the room, and had this sad sight before us the whole
day. At every instant, also, wounded officers of my acquaint
ance arrived, and the cannonade began. A retreat was spoken
of, but there was not the least movement made toward it. About
four o'clock in the afternoon I saw the new house which had
been built for me, in flames ; the enemy, therefore, were not far
from us. We learned that General Burgoyne intended to fulfill
the last wish of General Fraser, and to have him buried at six
o'clock in the place designated by him. This occasioned an un
necessary delay, to which a part of the misfortunes of the army
was owing. Precisely at six o'clock, the corpse was brought
out, and we saw the entire body of generals with their retinues
assisting at the obsequies. The English chaplain, Mr. Brude-
nell, performed the funeral service. The cannon-balls flew con
tinually around and over the party. (The American General,
Gates, afterward said that if he had known that it was a burial,
he would not have allowed any firing in that direction.) Many
cannon-balls also flew not far from me, but I had my eyes fixed
upon the hill, where I distinctly saw my husband in the midst
of the enemy's fire, and therefore I could not think of my own
danger." Burgoyne's own description of the funeral of Fraser
is told in the following words : " The incessant cannonade dur
ing the solemnity ; the steady attitude and unaltered voice with
which the chaplain officiated, though frequently covered with
dust which the shot threw up on all sides of him ; the mute but
expressive mixture of sensibility and indignation upon every
countenance — these objects will remain to the last of life upon
the mind of every man who was present. The growing duski
ness added to the scenery, and the whole marked a character of
that juncture that would make one of the finest subjects for the
pencil of a master that the field ever exhibited. To the canvas,
and to the faithful page of a more important historian, gallant
friend, I consign thy memory. There may thy talents, thy

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 32 1
1777.

manly virtues, their progress and their period, find due distinc
tion ; and long may they survive, long after the frail record of
my pen shall be forgotten !" So soon was the funeral service
concluded, Burgoyne issues orders for a retreat, and is com
pelled to steal away, northward, at night, leaving nearly four
hundred British soldiers in the hospitals to the mercies of the
Americans. At 9 o'clock the army begins its retrograde move
ment in a pouring rain, Riedesel leading the van and Phillips
bringing up the rear. Burgoyne sends Lieut.-Colonel Suther
land and a scout, in the shadow of the complete darkness of a
stormy night, to observe the position of the enemy, who find
General Fellows with 1,300 men occupying the hill just north
of Fish Creek (site of the monument erected in 1877) and about
one mile west of the Hudson. He had been sent there previous
to the battle of the day before by Gates, to prevent the British
from crossing north of the creek. Sutherland passes around
Fellows' entire camp unobserved, a hazardous undertaking, and
on his return begs Burgoyne to allow him to make an attack ;
but the latter, realizing that he has not a man to lose and no
means of supporting many more prisoners, refuses to consent, Oct. 8.
Two hours before 'daybreak, Burgoyne arrives at Dovegat, three or
four miles south of Fish Creek (Schuylerville) and orders a
halt. Everyone is of the opinion that he is making a serious
mistake not to continue his reatreat with the utmost speed, for
in another hour he might have overtaken Fellows, annihilated
his command, and marched to the ford at the Battenkill, two
miles beyond. Riedesel makes a note in his record to the effect :
" Everyone was, notwithstanding, even then of the opinion that
the army would make but a short stand, merely for its better
concentration, as all saw that haste was of the utmost neces
sity, if they would get out of a dangerous trap." It was the
final opportunity for Burgoyne to escape from the Americans,
and his protracted halt here (and at Schuyler's homestead later
in the day) costs him his army. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
the British army moves northward along the highway and be
cause General Fellows had destroyed the bridge not a hundred
yards from Schuyler's house, wades the Fish Creek, where,
without tents because they had abandoned thefn and much
equipage that afternoon at Dovegat, the army bivouacs on the
wet ground. As they ford the stream, they notice the rear of
General Fellows' detachment ascending the eastern bank of the
river on their way north along the east shore, to take position

322 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777-
north of where the Battenkill empties into the Hudson. This
would prevent General Burgoyne from making use of the ford
there should he attempt a retreat to Canada. He can now go
in no direction without fighting. Burgoyne and his staff, with
their wives, repair to the Schuyler homestead, although the
General and his wife had some weeks before removed most of
their valuables. It is a far better shelter through the stormy
evening than that provided for his men, who sleep under trees
covered with oil-cloth. Madam Riedesel has the following ac
count in her diary as to what transpires there : " I was wet
through and through by the frequent rains, and was obliged
to remain in this condition the entire night, as I had no place
whatever where I could change my linen. I therefore seated
myself before a good fire and undressed my children, after
which we laid down together upon some straw. I asked
General Phillips, who came up to where we were, why he did
not continue our retreat while there was yet time, as my hus
band had pledged himself to cover it and bring the army
through. ' Poor woman,' answered he, ' I am amazed at you.
Completely wet through, have you still the courage to wish to
go further in this weather? Would that you were our com
manding general! He halts because he is tired, and intends
to spend the night here, and give us a supper.' " To relieve
his mind of the pressing anxiety, Burgoyne and his companions
set out to enjoy the night as far as in their power, and manage
to have a rollicking time in the mansion of General Schuyler,
as the " Brunswick Journal " relates : " The illuminated man
sion of General Schuyler rang with singing, laughter, and jing
ling of glasses. There Burgoyne was sitting with some merry
companions at a dainty supper, while the champagne was flow
ing. Near him sat the beautiful wife of an English commissary,
his mistress. Great as the calamity was, the frivolous general
still kept up his orgies. Some were even of opinion that he had
merely made that inexcusable stand for the sake of passing
a merry night. Riedesel thought it his duty to remind his
general of the danger of the halt, but the latter returned all
sorts of evasive answers." Oct. 9.
Lady Harriet Ackland had accompanied her husband, Major John
Dyke Ackland of General Burgoyne's grenadiers, on the ex
pedition, and shared his' tent with him no matter what the
danger, until he was mortally wounded on the 7th and carried
into the American camp. Instead of being one of Burgoyne's
dinner party at the Schuyler house, she has a fearful experience

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 323
1777.
for a woman. For two days she had worried about his fate,
and finally accepted the suggestion of Baroness Riedesel to
apply to Burgoyne for permission to go to the enemy's camp
to nurse him. When she broached the subject to him he
thought the idea preposterous for so frail a person to carry
out, as shown by this entry in his records : " Though I was
ready to believe that patience and fortitude in a supreme de
gree were to be found, as well as every other virtue, under
the most tender forms, I was astonished at this proposal. After
so long an agitation of spirits, exhausted not only for want of
rest, but absolutely want of food, drenched in rains for twelve
hours together, that a woman should be capable of such an un
dertaking and delivering herself to an enemy, probably in the
night and uncertain of what hands she might fall into, appeared
an effort above human nature. The assistance I was enabled
to give was small indeed. All I could furnish to her was an
open boat, and a few lines, written upon dirty wet paper, to
General Gates, recommending her to his protection." General
Burgoyne's note to enable her to pass into the enemy's lines
reads as follows: "Major-General Gates, Sir: — Lady Harriet
Ackland, a Lady of the first distinction by family, rank, and by
personal virtues, is under such concern on account of Major
Ackland, her husband, wounded and a prisoner in your hands,
that I cannot refuse her request to commit her to your pro
tection. Whatever general impropriety there may be in persons
acting in your situation and mine to solicit favors, I cannot
see the uncommon perseverance in every female grace, and ex
ultation of character of this Lady, and her very hard fortune,
without testifying that your attentions to her will lay me under
obligation. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. Burgoyne."
She sets out at night, amidst a blinding downpour of rain, in
in a small open boat, with a crew, accompanied by Rev. Edward
Brudenell, chaplain to the artillery, her maid and her husband's
valet, and at 10 o'clock reaches the American pickets, whom
she answers herself on being hailed. They pass ashore, and she
is welcomed by Major Henry Dearborn, who serves her a
supper and offers her his room in a log cabin (some records
say a tent) for the night, he first assuring her of her husband's
more hopeful condition, Oct. 9.
In the morning, General Gates courteously receives Lady Harriet
Ackland bearing Burgoyne's letter to him, and she is given
escort to the tent of Joseph Bird to see her husband. Bur
goyne's aide, Adjutant-General Wilkinson, describes the inci-

324 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

dent in his record in these words, which also furnish another
light on the character of Gates : " I visited the guard before sun
rise. Lady Ackland's boat had put off, and was floating down
the stream to our camp, where General Gates, whose gallantry
will not be denied, stood ready to receive her with all the ten
derness and respect to which her rank and condition gave her
a claim. Indeed, the feminine figure, the benign aspect and
polished manners of this charming woman were alone suffi
cient to attract the sympathy of the most obdurate; but if an
other motive could have been wanting to inspire respect, it was
furnished by the peculiar circumstances of Lady Harriet, then
in that most delicate situation which cannot fail to interest the
solicitudes of every being possessing the form and feelings of
a man." (Unfortunately, Major Ackland appreciated the
kindness of the enemy so deeply that on his return to England
he defended American courtesy and kindness in an argument
with a companion, who took offense, challenged him to defend
his honor for speaking so highly of the King's enemy, and was
killed.) Oct. 10.
Burgoyne and staff leave General Schuyler's homestead in the
morning, following his night of revelry, and wade Fish Creek,
not much more than a hundred feet to the north of the mansion.
As it is impossible now to lead his artillery out by way of the
Battenkill ford, because of General Fellows and his 1,300 men
who had gone there the previous afternoon, he ascends Prospect
Hill (site of the monument on Saratoga Heights, known in 1906
as Schuylerville) and erects a large, fortified camp. At noon
Gates' army is ready to march, and the front reaches Saratoga
(Schuylerville) about 4 o'clock, when the camp of Burgoyne
is discovered on the heights across Fish Creek, consequently
the Americans stop in the forest oh the high ground about a
mile south of the kill, with Colonel Morgan to the front.
General Gates makes his headquarters ' in the small, wooden
farm-house of the Widow Kershaw, a mile south of Schuyler's
mansion, on the highway. Major Stevens, of the American
forces on the east bank, attempts to place cannon on the plain'
by the river to fire at Burgoyne's men at work on the landing
on the west shore ; but no sooner does he discharge a shot than
the British discover his whereabouts and return the fire, strik
ing Stevens' ammunition wagon which bursts and causes a
mighty cheer to go up from the whole British army. Bur
goyne sends two regiments under Lieut.-Colonel Sutherland
to follow the road directly north along the west shore of the

SCHUYLER HOMESTEAD.
Gen. Philip Schuyler had his country seat at Saratoga (Schuylerville, N. Y.), not half a mile v/est of the
Hudson. Gen. Burgoyne occupied it the night of Oct. 9, 1777, and gave a champagne supper. The next day he
burned it and retreated north. Rebuilt soon after on same site, similar to original, and standing in 1906.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 325

1777.

Hudson to Fort Edward to learn whether there was any enemy
likely to impede a retreat, and to repair bridges. (General Stark,
was holding that place.) It had nearly reached that locality
when a message is received from Burgoyne ordering a hurried
return, as he was in fear of attack. By error, Gates is told
that evening that Burgoyne's army had retreated to Fort Ed
ward, leaving only a small detachment to guard the camp bag
gage, and with no further investigation issues orders that
the Americans assault this guard before the fog of the
river and of the kill separating the two armies, lifts in the
morning. Upon the two armies approaching so closely, Bur
goyne, late in the day, orders the mansion of General Philip
Schuyler, together with his mills, barns and all other buildings
about the homestead, to be fired. There is a conflagration that
illumines the skies for miles around, and property of the valiant
American general valued at $50,060 goes up in smoke, Oct. 10.
At two o'clock on the same afternoon that the British army had
moved northward beyond Fish Creek, Madam Riedesel drives
with her young daughters about three miles northward along
the river road to the Marshall house, the experience described
in her own words follows : " About two o'clock in the afternoon.
the firing of cannon and small arms was again heard, and all
was alarm and confusion. My husband sent me a message
telling me to betake myself forthwith into a house not far
from there. I seated myself in the calash with my children,
and had scarcely driven up to the house when I saw on the
opposite side of the Hudson river five or six men with guns,
which were aimed at us. Almost involuntarily I threw the
children on the bottom of the calash and myself over them.
At the same instant the churls fired, and shattered the arm of
a poor English soldier behind us, who was already wounded
and was also retreating into the house. Immediately after our
arrival a frightful cannonade began, principally against the
house in which we had sought shelter, probably because the
enemy believed, from seeing so many people flocking around it,
that all the generals made it their headquarters. Alas ! if har
bored none but wounded soldiers, or women ! We were finally
obliged to take refuge in a cellar, in which I laid myself down
in a corner not far from the door. My children lay down on
the earth with their hands upon my lap, and in this manner we
passed the entire night. A horrible stench, the cries of the
children, and yet more than all this, my own anguish, pre
vented me from closing my eyes." Oct. 10.

326 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
General Gates is not a little nettled by the actions of the British in
burning and devastating American estates, an'd on receipt of
Burgoyne's letter to him takes occasion to refer to this in most
striking terms in a letter that he sends back to the British gen
eral, as follows : " Sir : I have the honor to receive your Ex
cellency's letter by Lady Ackland. The respect due to her
ladyship's rank, and the tenderness due to her person and sex,
were alone sufficient securities to entitle her to my protection,
if you consider my preceding conduct with respect to those of
your army whom the fortune of war has placed in my hands.
I am suprised that your Excellency should think that I could
consider the greatest attention to Lady Ackland in the light of
an obligation. The cruelties which mark the retreat of your
army, in burning gentlemen's and farmers' houses as they pass
along, is almost, among civilized nations, without a precedent.
They should not endeavor to ruin those they could not conquer.
This conduct betrays more of the vindictive malice of the
bigot, than the generosity of a soldier. Your friend, Sir Fran
cis Clarke, by the information of the director-general of my
hospital, languishes under a dangerous wound. Every sort of
tenderness and attention is paid to him as well as to all the
wounded who have fallen into my hands, and the hospital,
which you were obliged to leave to my mercy. * * * I am,
Sir, Yours, Horatio Gates. To General Burgoyne, Saratoga." Oct. 11.
That the Americans kept harassing Burgoyne's army whenever an
opportunity offered, and proved themselves good marksmen,
is borne out by what Madam Riedesel notes as she goes on
with her diary. "On the (following) morning, the cannonade
again began, but on a different side. [On the former day the
shots came from Furnival's battery which was north, of the
Battenkill Creek, and on this day from Fellows' battery op
posite Schuylerville, the former from the northeast and the
latter from the southeast, both batteries across the Hudson
river, which is comparatively narrow, a quarter of a mile, at
this locality.] I advised all to go out of the cellar for a little
while, during which time I would have it cleaned, as otherwise
we would all be sick. They followed my suggestion, and I at
once set many hands to work, which was in the highest degree
necessary ; for the women and children being afraid to venture
forth, had soiled the whole cellar. After they had all gone out
and left me alone, I for the first time surveyed our place of
refuge. It consisted of three beautiful cellars, splendidly arched.

MARSHALL HOUSE.
Madam Riedesel made this farmhouse her home for several days, sleeping in the
cellar with her three children, while eleven cannon balls, fired by Americans across
the Hudson from the east bank passed through its walls. It was standing in 1906, but
modernized in part by repairs.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 327
1777.
I proposed that the most dangerously wounded of the officers
should be brought into one of them; that the women should
remain in another; and that all the rest should stay in the
third, which was nearest the entrance. I had just given the
cellars a good sweeping, and had fumigated them by sprinkling
vinegar on burning coals, and each one had found his place pre
pared for him. — when a fresh and terrible cannonade threw us
all once more into alarm. Many persons, who had no right to
come in, threw themselves against the door. My children were
already under the cellar steps, and we would all have been
crushed, if God had not given me strength to place myself
before the door, and with extended arms prevent all from
coming in ; otherwise every one of us would have been severely
injured. Eleven cannon-balls went through the house, and we
could plainly hear them rolling over our heads. One poor
soldier [Jones, a British surgeon] whose leg they were about
to amputate, having been laid upon a table for this purpose,
had the other leg taken off by another cannon-ball, in the midst
of the operation. His comrades all ran off, and when they
again came back they found him in a corner of the room,
where he had rolled in his anguish, scarcely breathing. I was
more dead than alive, though not so much on account of our
own danger, as for that which enveloped my husband, who,
however, frequently sent to see how I was getting along, and
to tell me that he was still safe. The wife of Major Harnage,
a Madam Reynels, the wife of the good lieutenant who the
day previous had so kindly shared his broth with me, the wife
of a commissary, and myself, were the only ladies who were
with the army [although about three-score soldiers brought
their wives along and there were, all-told, some three hundred
women accompanying Burgoyne's campaign] . We sat together
bewailing our fate, when one came in, upon which they all
began whispering, looking at the same time exceedingly sad. I
noticed this, and also that they cast silent glances toward me.
This awakened in my mind the dreadful thought that my hus
band had been killed. I shrieked aloud, but they assured me
that this was not so, at the same time intimating to me by signs,
that it was the lieutenant — the husband of our companion —
who had met with misfortune. A moment after she was called
out. Her husband was not yet dead, but a cannon-ball had
taken off his arm close to the shoulder. During the whole
night we heard his moans, which resounded fearfully through
the vaulted cellars. This poor man died toward morning. We

328 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
spent the remainder of this night as the former ones. In the
meantime my husband came to visit me, which lightened my
anxiety and gave me fresh courage." Oct. n.
Before the dawn, Burgoyne has learned that Gates had been uninten
tionally fooled by his sending two regiments off to Fort Edward
the day before, and prepares for a sunrise attack. General
Morgan had been led to believe that he was to find only a
small body of men on Saratoga Heights (site of the monument,
Schuylerville), and leads his men across Fish Creek under pro
tection of a heavy fog. It is now that a picket shoots down
a lieutenant and two privates, and Morgan has misgivings as
to the reliability of the news about a deserted camp that had
been told him by Gates. Down by the river, the Americans'
right, is Colonel Wilkinson. From thirty-five British prisoners
just made he learns that Burgoyne had not gone; he was anx
iously awaiting an attack in his fortified position, so he sends
an aide with all dispatch to Gates with the message : " Tell
the general that his own fame and the interests of the cause
are at hazard ; that his presence is necessary with the troops."
Evidently he knows that the matter must be placed plainly and
urgently before the commander of the Americans to get him
to leave his quarters some distance to the south. Gates does
not appear nevertheless; he never had come within a mile of
any fighting, and does not now. The only things he knows
about a conflict is what is brought by word of aides.. The fog
lifting, the American line perceives the British and beats a
precipitate retreat to the south of Fish Creek, excepting far up
on the hill from the river, in the woods, where are Morgan
and Learned, not more than five hundred feet to the south
of the British stronghold on Prospect Hill. Both of these
generals are loth to accept Wilkinson's urgent admonition to
retreat, and would maintain that they had started out with
orders from Gates to make an attack; but realizing that Gates
did not know anything about the actual situation, they cautiously
move away, as they are told the right wing has already done.
An officer and several men are sacrificed before they have
decided what to do. If Gates' subordinate officers had not acted
on their own initiative, Gates would have suffered a defeat, Oct. 11.
The care of the sick had become a serious question. Madam Riede
sel did what she could to alleviate; but no conveniences or
facilities being at hand, her limit is to offer succor and comfort
in conjunction with her tender ministrations. She tells about

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 329
1777.
her self-appointed task this day in these words : " However,
we got things better regulated. Major Harnage, his wife, and
Mrs. Reynels made a little room in a corner, by hanging cur
tains from the ceiling. They wished to fix up for me another
corner in the same manner, but I preferred to remain near
the door, so that in case of fire I could rush out from the room.
1 I had some straw brought in and laid my bed upon it, where
I slept with my children — my maids sleeping not far from us.
Directly opposite us three English officers were quartered —
wounded it is true; but, nevertheless resolved not to be left
behind in case of a retreat. One of these was Captain Green,
aide-de-camp of General Phillips, a very valuable and agreeable
man. All three assured me, upon their oaths, that in case of
a hasty retreat, they would not leave me, but would each take
one of my children upon his horse. For myself, one of my
husband's horses constantly stood saddled and in readiness.
Often my husband wished to withdraw me from danger, by
sending me to the Americans; but I remonstrated with him
on the ground that to be with people whom I would be obliged
to treat with courtesy, while perhaps my husband was being
killed by them, would be even yet more painful than all I was
now suffering. He promised me, therefore, that I should
henceforward follow the army. Nevertheless, I was often in
the night filled with anxiety lest he should march away. At
such times I have crept out of my cellar to reassure myself, and
if I saw the troops lying around the fires (for the nights were
already cold), I would return and sleep quietly. On the third
clay I found an opportunity for the first time to change my
linen, as my companions had the courtesy to give up to me a
little corner; the three wounded officers meanwhile standing
guard not far off. Our cook saw to our meals, but we were
in want of water ; and in order to quench our thirst I was
often obliged to drink wine, and give it also to the children.
The continued danger in which my husband was encompassed,
was a constant source of anxiety to me. I was the only one
of all the women whose husband had not been killed or wounded,
and I often said to myself — ' shall I be the only fortunate one ? '
As the great scarcity of water continued, we at last found a
soldier's wife who had the courage to bring water from the
river, for no one else would undertake it, as the enemy shot at
every man who approached the river. This woman, however,
they never molested, and they told us afterward that they
spared her on account of her sex. I endeavored to divert my

33° ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
mind from my troubles by constantly busying myself with the
wounded. I made them tea and coffee, and received in return
a thousand benedictions. Often, also, I shared my noon-dav
meal with them. One day a Canadian officer came into our
cellar who could scarcely stand up. We at last got it out of
him that he was almost dead with hunger. I considered myself
very fortunate to have it in my power to offer him my mess.
This gave him renewed strength, and gained' for me his friend
ship. One of our greatest annoyances was the stench of the
wounds when they began to suppurate. One day I undertook
the care of Major Bloomfield, adjutant to General Phillips,
through both of whose cheeks a small musket-ball had passed,
shattering his teeth and grazing his tongue. He could hold
nothing whatever in his mouth. The matter from the wound
almost choked him, and he was unable to take any other
nourishment except a little broth, or something liquid. We had
Rhine wine. I gave him a bottle of it, in hopes that the
acidity of the wine would cleanse his wound. He kept some
continually in his mouth, and that alone acted so beneficially
that he became cured, and I again acquired one more friend."
Oct. 12.
Burgoyne begins to doubt seriously whether he will be able to win
a victory. He also wonders whether it is still possible to retreat
to the north. So convinced is he that a crisis has been reached,
as he studies the diminishing provisions and the American
regiments taking new fortified positions about him, he decides
to hold a consultation with his officers. Late in the afternoon,
he summons them to a council, and tells his staff that he has
heard no news from Sir Henry Clinton regarding his approach
up the Hudson to Albany, which he had counted on to influence
a withdrawal of a large part of the troops from the Saratoga
field. Accordingly, Burgoyne issues orders that they break
camp that night, provided the distribution of provisions could be
made before n o'clock. At 10 o'clock he is notified by General
Riedesel that everything was in readiness, and astounds his
staff by announcing that he considers it too late and that the
army is to remain until the morrow, Oct. 12.
General Burgoyne's decision of the previous night, not to move
north until this day, postponed the action until too late for
accomplishment. Fie is now surrounded. The one gap that
had been open to his escape from the circle of American
troops had been to the north of his camp, and this was closed
by General Stark sending his troops during the night from the

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 331
1777-
east to the west shore of the Fltidson on rafts above the mouth
of the Battenkill, whereupon they had erected a battery on the
hill. Moreover, the Americans had cast a floating bridge
across the river, north of Fish Creek, to Fellows' regiment on
the east bluff, so that Gates' army could march about Burgoyne's
position at will. The Americans now have fortified places at
the four sides of the square that has the British army boxed, —
Gates to the south, Stark to the north, Morgan to the west,
Fellows on the east bank of the river. This box was hardly
more than from two to three miles on either side, each general
not three miles distant from the one on his right or left. As
a matter of fact, not a British soldier can now hope to pass in
safety from any part of the square. A shot from Fellows'
battery carries the ham from Burgoyne's table and is an un
comfortable incident of the meal. He later stands outside
beneath an oak and a cannon-ball speeds across the river and
lodges in the tree. He calls another general council of his
officers, including the captains, and.it takes but a short time
to decide unanimously, for rifle-balls continually perforate his
tent, and an 18-pound cannon-ball sweeps across the table where
the generals are seated. Burgoyne is convinced that to sur
render is not only the wisest course, but honorable. Arriving
at this conclusion, he sends a flag of trace to Gates to inquire
whether he will receive a " field officer on a matter of high
moment to both armies," and to this Gates sends answer that
he would, naming 10 o'clock the next morning as a time agree
able to him, Oct. 13.
General Burgoyne selects Major Robert Kingston to bear his mes
sage to General Gates. At 9 o'clock he descends the eastern
slope of Prospect Hill from the British camp, and turning
southward less than half a mile, crosses Fish Creek by the few
rafters remaining thrown across. On the other side, he is met
by Colonel Wilkinson, Gates' representative, who blindfolds
him and conducts him afoot southward a mile or more. Gen
eral Gates reads Burgoyne's letter, requesting a cessation while
arranging terms for an honorable surrender. Gates replies that
fighting will cease while they negotiate, and he outlines his
terms ; that the British must surrender as prisoners of war and
must lay down their arms in their entrenchments, on command
of their adjutant-general. Burgoyne reads these terms aloud
to his officers, and all agree that such terms are incompatible
with their views of an honorable surrender. Accordingly, at
sunset, Gates' terms are returned with a message that his men

332 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
to a man would die ere his army accept such a proposition.
He accompanies his answer with an outline of what terms would
be acceptable to the British. By this time Gates has received
word from Putnam that Sir Henry Clinton, with his British
army, had broken the chain across the Hudson, had passed
north of the forts with his vessels, and having destroyed King
ston, he was on his way to Albany, burning all the houses on
his way and devastating the farms. He realizes that he will be
called upon in another day to move his army down to protect
Albany from Clinton's army, and thus he consents readily to
permit his enemy to dictate his terms, Oct. 14.
In order that all details of the treaty might be adjusted to suit
both parties, two men are chosen by each general, and for the
accommodation of the four a tent is pitched south of the Fish
Creek. Burgoyne is desirous to arrange that the army shall
be returned to England in order that they may still be of
service to the crown, on condition, of course, that they fight
no more in North America. The Americans raise no objection,
and with the serious news from Putnam that the British under
Clinton are coining up the Hudson, hope to hasten matters and
allow their army to move without a day's delay back to Albany.
At 8 o'clock in the evening the four men have reached a com
promise, largely in the wordings, that should not injure Bur
goyne's most sensitive feelings, and they separate, pledging
that their generals will sign the following day. Late at night
Burgoyne's spy succeeds in getting back to the British camp,
having been ferreting for news in Gates' quarters. He breaks
the news to Burgoyne that Clinton, with his large army, is
proceeding up the Hudson to Albany, then to harass Gates in
his rear. This creates hope that by bringing about a delay in
the negotiations Gates will fall away within twenty-four hours.
He spends the night in deep thought, planning his course, and
sends a messenger to awake Riedesel and tell him that he is
considering the breaking of the agreement reached by the repre
sentatives that afternoon, Oct. 15.
Early in the morning Burgoyne summons his generals to an im
portant council. He announces what the spy had narrated to
him after dark the night before, and he asks their opinion,
whether in view of the likelihood that Gates must surely aban
don his position in order to succor Albany, or at least greatly
weaken his force by detaching all the regiments he estimates
he can spare, they think he is justified in repudiating the agree
ment as now drawn up and awaiting signature. He tells them

¦

SURRENDER TREE, SCHUYLERVILLE.
Burgoyne yielded to the Americans when he signed the "Articles of
Convention " here on Oct. 16, 1777, and between this tree and the river
the British laid down their arms. It was destroyed by fire about 1890.
The formal surrender took place two miles south on Oct. 17th.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 333
1777.

that he had sent a message to Gates, in order to make such a
course feasible, saying he had heard it stated that he had
reduced his army for certain good reasons (meaning to rein
force the fortifications at Albany) since they had begun nego
tiating, and he had made the request that before he decided
to sign the articles he be allowed to send two officers to view its
size. Gates was greatly angered at this delay, and Colonel
Wilkinson was forthwith dispatched with a statement on the
subject that sets Burgoyne's apprehension at rest, and when the
parley continues he becomes so impatient that he sends word
to Burgoyne that he must either sign at once or fight. Riedesel
and Phillips had finally convinced Burgoyne that to recede
would be in the highest degree dishonorable. Not knowing
what determination Burgoyne is arriving at, Gates orders
his army to line up in battle array. At 9 o'clock Burgoyne
descends Prospect Hill, and standing beneath a tall elm growing
beside the highway, signs the Articles of Convention. The
important document is then taken over to General Gates for
his signature, Oct. 16.
The Articles of Convention, being the surrender of the British to
the Americans at Saratoga battlefield, as signed the morning of
this day by Major-General Horatio Gates and Lieutenant-
General John Burgoyne, reads as follows : "ARTICLES OF
CONVENTION between Lieutenant-General Burgoyne and
Major-General Gates. I. The troops under Lieutenant-General
Burgoyne, to march out of their camp with the honors of war,
and the artillery of the intrenchments, to the verge of the
river where the old fort stood, where the arms and artillery
are to be left; the arms to be piled by word of command from
their own officers. II. A free passage to be granted to the
army under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne to Great Britain, on
condition of not serving again in North America during the
present contest; and the port of Boston is assigned for the
entry of transports to receive the troops .whenever General
Howe shall so order. III. Should any cartel take place, by
which the army under General Burgoyne, or any part of it.
may be exchanged, the foregoing article to be void as far as
such exchange shall be made. IV. The army under Lieutenant-
General Burgoyne, to march to Massachusetts Bay, by the
easiest, most expeditions and convenient route ; and to be
quartered in, near, or as convenient as possible to Boston, that
the march of the troops may not be delayed when transports
arrive to receive them. V. The troops to be supplied on their

334 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.

1777.

march, and during their being in quarters, with provisions bv
General Gates' orders at the same rate of rations as the troops
of his own army; and if possible, the officers' horses and
cattle are to be supplied with forage at the usual rates. VI.
All officers to retain their carriages, batt-horses and other
cattle, and no baggage to be molested or searched; Lieutenant-
General Burgoyne giving his honor that there are no public
stores secreted therein. Major-General Gates will, of course,
take the necessary measures for the due performance of this
article. Should any carriages be wanted during the march for
the transportation of officers' baggage, they are, if possible, to
be supplied by the country at the usual rates. VII. Upon the
march, and during the time the army shall remain in quarters
in Massachusetts Bay, the officers are not, as far as circum
stances will admit, to be separated from their men. The officers
are to be quartered according to rank, and are not to be hindered
from assembling their men for roll call, and other necessary
purposes of regularity. VIII. All corps whatever, of Lieuten
ant-General Burgoyne's army, whether composed of sailors,
bateaumen, artificers, drivers, independent companies, and the
followers of the army, of whatever country, shall be included
in the fullest sense and utmost extent of the above articles and
comprehended in every respect as British subjects. IX. All
Canadians and persons belonging to the Canada establishment,
consisiting of sailors, bateaumen, artificers, drivers, independent
companies, and any other followers of the army, who come
under no particular description, are to be permitted to return
there; they are to be conducted immediately by the shortest
route to the first British post on Lake George, are to be supplied
with provisions in the same manner as the other troops, and
are to be bound by the same condition of not serving during
the present contest in North America. X. Passports to be
immediately granted for three officers, not exceeding the rank
of captain, who shall be appointed by Lieutenant-General Bur
goyne, to carry dispatches to Sir William Iiowe, Sir Guy Carle
ton, and to Great Britain, by the way of New York; and
Major-General Gates engages the public faith, that these dis
patches shall not be opened. These officers are to be set out
immediately after receiving their dispatches, and are to travel
the shortest and in the most expeditious manner. XI. During
the stay of the troops in Massachusetts Bay the officers are to
be admitted on parole, and are to be allowed to wear their
side-arms. XII. Should the army under Lieutenant-General

SCHUYLERVILLE MONUMENT.
This granite obelisk, 154 ft. high, commemorates the battles at
Bemis Heights on Sept. 19th, at Schuylerville (Saratoga in 1777) on
Oct. 7th, and surrender of British under Burgoyne on Oct. 17, 1777.
Corner stone laid on the centennial; completed, June, 1883; base, 40 ft.
Bronze statue in east niche (left) of Gen.. Philip Schuyler, facing the
Hudson and his home that Burgoyne burned.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 335
1777.
Burgoyne find it necessary to send for their clothing and other
baggage to Canada, they are permitted to do it in the most
convenient manner, and the necessary passports granted for
that purpose. XIII. These articles are to be mutually signed
and exchanged to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, and the
troops under Lieutenant-General Burgoyne are to march out of
their intrenchments at three o'clock in the afternoon. ( Signed)
Horatio Gates, Major-General; (Signed) J. Burgoyne, Lieu
tenant-General. Saratoga, Oct. 16th, 1777." Oct. 16.
Charter election did not take place this year because of the war with
Gt. Britain, Oct. 16.
Kingston, N. Y., where the Legislature had been holding sessions
up to October 7th, burned by the British, ¦ Oct. 16.
General Schuyler at Albany, living in the Schuyler Mansion in the
southern part of the city, has all the news brought to him from
Saratoga in order to follow events. Before coming here his
own wife had applied the torch to the fields of grain at their
home at Schuylerville (known as Saratoga) in order that no
relief might be afforded the enemy, this after he had been re
placed by Gates, and the British had burned his fine country-
place, the house, barns, granaries and stables, the result of years
of economy, thought and solicitude, Oct. 16.
General Schuyler receives the news of surrender while at Albany,
and about to depart for the scene, writes to Colonel Varick, his
former secretary, having at the same time learned of the de
struction of his home by the enemy : " The event that has taken
place makes the heavy loss I have sustained sit quite easy on
me. Britain will probably see how fruitless her attempts to
enslave us will be. I set out to-day." Oct. 17.
General Schuyler arrives at Saratoga ( Schuylerville, his home,) and
is introduced to General Burgoyne. (What transpired is best
narrated in the words of Burgoyne, speaking later before the
House of Commons) . " I expressed to General Schuyler my
regret at the event which had happened, and the reasons which
had occasioned it. He desired me to think no more of it, saying
that the occasion justified it, according to the rules of war.
* * * He did more: he sent his aide-de-camp to conduct
me to Albany, in order, as he expressed it, to procure me better
quarters than a stranger might be able to find. This gentleman
conducted me to a very elegant house, and, to my great sur
prise, presented me to Mrs. Schuyler and her family ; and in this
General's house I remained during my whole stay at Albany,
with a table of more than twenty covers for me and my friends,
and every other possible demonstration of hospitality." Oct. 17.

336 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
As soon as the morning breaks on this important day in American
history, fraught with so great direct concern to Albany's safety,
Colonel Wilkinson arrives at Burgoyne's tent. He has been
sent by Gates to wait on him in any way he may require, as
a courtesy of military life. Dressed in showy regimentals,
Burgoyne rides with him on horseback to select a place at
which to surrender the British arms. They go to the flats
bordering the left shore of the Hudson and select the site
of the ruins of Fort Hardy, which had been built in 1755.
Burgoyne asks Wilkinson whether the _ river at this spot is
fordable, and is told, " Certainly, sir, but do you observe the
people On the opposite bank ? " If Burgoyne entertains the
idea of making a break for liberty either by himself or upon
his army coming there to lay down their arms, taking the
Americans off-guard, he dissuades himself of such a scheme,
and wheels his charger about, Oct. 17.
At 11 o'clock the British army marches to the site of Fort Hardy
to lay down their arms. There is to be no scene of humiliation
for the conquered. Gates has ordered all Americans to stay
away. The only Americans to view the surrender are the two
aides of Gates, Colonels Morgan Lewis and James Wilkinson.
Many of the men are in tears, some kiss their muskets ere
they place them in rows that reach from Fish Creek, opposite
Schuyler's homestead, northward to the Marshall house, about
two miles, while others purposely, in anger, break them, kicking
in their drum-heads and hurling their muskets against rocks.
Of the scene Lieutenant Digby's journal says : " As to my own
feelings, I cannot express them. Tears (though unmanly)
forced their way. I could have burst to give myself vent."
Before the royal army is ready to march away, Burgoyne ex
presses the desire to meet the American general. Colonel
Wilkinson departs to arrange an interview. Meanwhile, Bur
goyne bestows scrupulous attention upon his toilet, and when
he emerges from his tent is attired in full court costume, his
chapeau astream with gorgeous plumage. On the other hand,
Gates dons his simple, blue overcoat, with very little thereon
to iridicate his rank. Burgoyne, with his entire staff and his
generals with their suites in full dress, rides with Colonel Wilk
inson to the head of the American camp, where they are met
by General Gates. Of this notable presentation, Colonel Wilk
inson's description is as follows: "When they approached
nearly within sword's length they reined up and halted ; I then
named the gentleman and Burgoyne, raising his hat most

SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE.
As the British army passed by on its march to the sea, Oct. 17, 1777, Gen. Burgoyne handed his swgrd
to Gen. Gates. In the center stand Generals Riedesel, Burgoyne, Gates, Schuyler (in black) and Morgan.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 337
1777.
gracefully, said : ' The fortune of war, General Gates, has
made me your prisoner ;' to which the conqueror replied, ' I shall
always be ready to bear testimony that it has not been through
any fault of your Excellency.' Major-General Phillips then
advanced and he and General Gates saluted and shook hands.
Next Baron Riedesel and the other officers were introduced in
their turn, and as soon as the ceremony was concluded I left
the army and returned to the British camp." (It is also reported
that on General Burgoyne being presented to General Gates,
the latter used the customary English greeting of the day, " I
am very happy to see you," to which the British general replied,
"I believe you are; the fortune of the day is entirely yours.")
General Philip Schuyler, who had ridden hurriedly up from
Albany, has been among those to receive Burgoyne, clad in
citizen's costume, and he is presented, as are the officers of
General Gates. They then enter the marquee of the American
general and seat themselves at dinner. The banquet on this
occasion is served upon boards laid across barrels ; they drink
rum mixed with water. Burgoyne proposes a toast to General
Washington, and Gates in turn courteously asks all to drink to
the health of the king. The conversation -following is uncon
strained and even jovial. While dinner is in progress, the
British army, without arms and on its way to the seaboard,
intending to make Stillwater before dusk, it now being 3
o'clock, is heard approaching". The American army is drawn
up in line and its band is playing " Yankee Doodle " with much
unfeigned spirit. Upon a staff floats a flag of the American
colors, adopted by the Congress on June 14th of this year, and
improvised as an earliest use of them, from pieces taken
from the coats of the officers the day before, that the victorious
army might not be without its national flag. By a precon
certed arrangement, Generals Burgoyne and Gates step out
from the marquee and in the presence of the two armies, Bur
goyne draws his sword and presents it to General Gates. He
receives it with a courteous bow, and returns it to General
Burgoyne. The surrender is consummated, Oct. 17.
In the evening (it is related, 1900, by John W. Koons of Quaker
Springs, Saratoga county, a grandson of the participant) Bur
goyne slept in a tent at Wilbur's Basin, with Jacob Koons as
sentinel. Koons was a Dutchman by descent, born in Dutchess
county and married to Polly Wheeler of Brunswick, Rensselaer
county. He had been captured in an earlier engagement in
Canada, and recalling how Burgoyne had made the American

338 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
prisoners watch his army on parade and had told them they
were to eat their Christmas dinner and make merry at Albany,
he embraces the opportunity as he patrols apast the entrance
to the tent, to stick his head in and ask the general about his
vaunting promise, Oct. 17.
General Schuyler's attitude the day of the surrender is well described
by the wife of the German General Riedesel, who accompanied
her husband with their three children and wrote a very readable
account of the happenings of that important day : " In the pas
sage through the American camp, I observed with great satis
faction, that no one cast scornful glances. On the contrary,
they all greeted me, even showing compassion on their counte
nances at seeing a mother with her little children in such a situ
ation. I confess that I feared to come into the enemy's camp,
as the thing was so entirely new to me. When I approached
the tents, a noble looking man came toward me, took the chil
dren out of the wagon, embraced and kissed them, and then
with tears in his eyes helped me also to alight. ' You tremble,'
said he to me ; ' fear nothing.' ' No,' replied I, ' for you are
so kind and have been so tender toward my children, that it
has inspired me with courage.' He then led me to the tent of
General Gates, with whom I found- Generals Burgoyne and
Phillips, who were upon an extremely friendly footing with
him. Burgoyne said to me, ' You may now dismiss all your
apprehensions, for your sufferings are at an end.' * * * All
the generals remained to dine with General Gates. The man
who had received me so kindly came up and said to me, ' It may
be embarrassing to you to dine with all these gentlemen; come
now with your children into my tent, where I will give you, it
is true, a frugal meal, but one that will be accompanied by the
best of wishes.' ' You are certainly,' answered I, ' a husband
and a father, since you show me so much kindness.' I then
learned that he was the American General Schuyler. He enter
tained me with excellent smoked tongue, beef steaks, potatoes,
good butter and bread. Never have I eaten a better meal. I
was content. * * * As soon as we had finished dinner he
invited me to make my residence at his house, which was situ
ated in Albany, and told me that General Burgoyne should be
there." Oct. 17.
By the surrender, the Americans acquire at a critical time an excel
lent train of brass artillery, consisting of 42 guns of various
calibre ; 4.647 muskets ; 400 sets of harness, together with much
ammunition. At this time Gates was in command over 17,091

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 339
1777.
effective militia men and 9,093 Continentals, making a total
of over 25,000 men and a startling increase over the 2,000
soldiers that had been sent to General Schuyler to make the
same campaign. The British troops surrendering number 5,804
men, Oct. 18.
Committee of Safety at Albany resolves : " That the Quarter Master
and the Committee appointed to take the Lead out of the Win
dows do immediately enter upon that necessary business." Oct. 18.
General Burgoyne, General Riedesel, his wife with their three chil
dren, and several others of their party, arrive at Albany and
are escorted to the Schuyler Mansion. General Riedesel's
wife's account, as written by her, is as follows: "We arrived
at Albany, where we had so often longed to be. But we came
not, as we supposed we should, as victors ! We were, neverthe
less, received in the most friendly manner by the good General
Schuyler, and by his wife and daughters, who showed us the
most marked courtesy, as also General Burgoyne, although he
had — without any necessity, it was said — caused their mag
nificently built houses to be burned. But they treated us as
people who knew how to forget their own losses in the mis
fortunes of others. Even General Burgoyne was deeply moved
at their magnanimity, and said to General Schuyler, ' Is it to
me, who have done you so much injury, that you show so much
kindness ?' ' That is the fate of war,' replied the brave man ;
' let us say no more about it.' " Oct. 18.
De Chastellux relates : " The British commander (Burgoyne) was
well received by Mrs. Schuyler, and lodged in the best apart
ment in the house. An excellent supper was served him in the
evening, the honors of which were done with so much grace
that he was affected even to tears, and said with a deep sigh,
' Indeed, this is doing too much for a man who has ravaged
their lands and burned their dwellings.' " Oct. 18.
In the morning, while Burgoyne and his party were visitors at the
Schuyler Mansion, De Chastellux relates, in speaking of the
commander of the British forces, " He was reminded of his
misfortunes by an incident that would have amused anyone else.
His bed was prepared in a large room ; but as he had a numer
ous suite, or family, several mattresses were spread on the floor
for some officers to sleep near him. Schuyler's second son
(Philip J.), a little fellow about nine years old, very arch and
forward, but very amiable, was running all the morning about
the house. Opening the door of the saloon, he burst out

340 ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. No. 26.
1777.
a-laughing on seeing all the English collected, and shut it after
him, exclaiming, ' You are all my prisoners !' This innocent
cruelty rendered them more melancholy than before." Oct. 19.
Alexander Hamilton visits Gen. Philip Schuyler at the Mansion in
the southern part of the city, to consult about taking part of
General Gates' army away to help General Washington, Gates
at this time being advised by his own friends to try and super
sede Washington, using the popularity of his victory to progress
his object, and he now meets General Schuyler's daughter,
Elizabeth, (whom he later marries) for the first time, October.
News is received in Albany of the burning by the British of the old
original stone Manor House of the Livingston family at Cler
mont, because they had been strong advocates of American
liberty, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston being one of five to
draft the Declaration of Independence, October.
General Gates is made president of the Board of War and Ordnance,
" a position," says the Century Encyclopedia of Names, " which
he used to further an intrigue with the clique known as the
' Conway Cabal,' consisting of Thomas Conway and others, to
supplant Washington in the chief command of the army." November.
Gen. Philip Schuyler seeks exoneration or condemnation at the
hands of the Congress respecting his career at the head of the
Army of the North, particularly in regard to his conduct of
the Ticonderoga campaign, and his request reads : " When a
man of sentiment labouring under odious and injurious suspi
cions has in prospect a period which promises to afford him re
lief and restore quiet to his mind, it is natural that he should
anxiously wish for its arrival. The conviction of a good and a
clear conscience leaves not a doubt in my mind that the result
of the inquiry into my conduct will have that effect and restore
me to the full confidence of such of my honest countrymen as
have been led away by popular clamor, and that I shall stand
confessed the sincere and affectionate friend of my country.
Congress will therefore pardon me if I am importunate on this
subject. I have suffered so much in public life that it cannot
create surprise if I anxiously wish to retire and pay that atten
tion to my private affairs, which the losses I have sustained by
the enemy and the derangement occasioned by devoting all my
time to the duties of my office have occasioned, and yet the im
propriety of resigning them before the inquiry has taken place
or the committee reported my innocence, is too striking to need
dwelling on." December.

MADAM RIEDESEL.

GENERAL BURGOYNE.

MRS. PHILIP SCHUYLER. LADY HARRIET ACKLAND.
SCHUYLER MANSION GUESTS.
General Burgoyne, Madam Riedesel, Lady Harriet Ackland, and many others
of prominence in the British commander's party, while on their way to the seaboard
were entertained by Mrs. Philip Schuyler in their Mansion at head of Schuyler St.,
Oct. 18, 1777.

No. 26. ABRAHAM CORNELIS CUYLER. 341

1778.

1778.
The Legislature convenes at Poughkeepsie and completes organiza
tion of the State government, January.
Legislature passes an act to allow the citizens to reorganize the
municipal government, it having lost its power of its perpetuity
by the institution of the Committee of Safety, Protection and
Correspondence, entitled " An Act to remove doubts concerning
the corporation of the city of Albany " Feb. 17.
Volckert Petrus Douw, a former Mayor, represents the Congress
at the Council held at Jamestown to secure co-operation of the
Six Nations, or at least neutrality, March.
The Americans, realizing that the British must be prevented from
coming up the Hudson or they will be able to carry all before
them, Albany, the Mohawk Valley and the entire route to Mon
treal, fortify West Point and make that the line of demarcation
that must not be passed. The river being confined by the.
rocky Constitution Island to a width of only 1,400 feet, it
had been decided to throw a mammoth iron chain from shore
to shore. It was made at Peter Townsend's Sterling Iron
Works in Orange county and weighed 70,000 lbs. On this day
the work (occupying two weeks) of placing it in- position com
menced, April 16.
John Barclay, having . a commission under the great seal of the
state of New York, appointing him Mayor, clerk of the market
and coroner of the city, is sworn, taking the oath of office as
prescribed by the Charter, April 17.
Charter election, Common Council : John Price, John Roorbach, I.
Jacob Lansing, Jun., Abraham Cuyler, II. John M: Beeckman,
Harmanus Wendell, III. This board elected at close of war
with Gt. Britain (to serve until regular fall election) . Election,
April 17.
? ? ?
(See No. 27.)

CONSTITUTION ISLAND.
In order to prevent the British warships sailing up to Albany a mammoth iron chain was stretched across
the Hudson from West Point to Constitution Island, the work began April 16, 1778.

No. 27.

April 17, 1778 — April 8, 1779.

No. 27.
JOHN BARCLAY.
Date of office: April 17, 1778-April 8, 1779.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Place of birth: St. Peter's Rectory.
Parents: Rev. Thomas (B.) and Anne Dorothea Drauyer.
Education: Common school.
Married to: Margaret Ten Eyck.
Date: September 8, 1771.
Children: None.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: 1779.
Remarks: First Mayor appointed under State authority. First
President City and County Committee of Correspondence
and Safety, 1774-79. Zealous, patriotic, exercised good judg
ment.

JSTo. 27. JOHN BARCLAY. 345
1778.
(Continued from No. 26.)
1778.

John Barclay sworn as the Mayor of Albany, to succeed Abraham
Cornelis Cuyler, having been commissioned by Gov. George
Clinton, April 17.
Newspapers of the day bristling with advertisements of slaves for
sale.
Common Council establishes by ordinance the selling-price at which
city taverns, inns, ordinaries and ale-houses may sell, designat
ing: "Good West India Rum, genuine French brandy, Hol
land Geneva, Lisbon, Sherry, Port, red and white Mountain
French Claret common sort, French white Wine, Spanish red
Wine, Rhenish, at 10 shillings per quart, and one shilling and
four pence per gill, * * * Strong Beer and Cyder brewed or
made in this state, one shilling per quart." The same ordinance
also established other rates for the taverns (as hotels were
then called), such as price for a breakfast, 2 shillings; dinner,
3 shillings and six pence ; for stabling horse one night, 2 shil
lings ; for rooming man or woman one night, 1 shilling, April 25.
The work of stretching the mammoth iron chain, that had been
made at the Sterling Iron Works of Peter Townsend (of
Albany) in Orange county, across the Hudson River, from
West Point to Constitution Island, completed to-day. Placing
it from shore to shore, buoyed by huge logs, had commenced
on April 16th. The river is confined here to a width of 1,400
feet, and to allow for sagging the chain was made 1,700 feet
long. Each link, of 2^ inch iron bars, was 30J/2 inches long
with 26 inches hole, and the' whole weighing 70,000 lbs., or 35
tons. The idea was to keep the British fleet from proceeding
up the Hudson to Albany, April 30.
In a private letter to Colonel Varick, Gen. Philip Schuyler says : " 1
thank you for your favor by Mr. Fonda & for the intelligence
you have given me — I had a hint some time ago, that Gates
would take command in the highlands as soon as all was pre
pared ; he has the luck of reaping harvests sown by others."
Saratoga, May 3.
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, being informed by letter from General
Stark that the troops at Albany are ordered to Fishkill, the
Common Council meets and frames a letter to General Stark
stating that through the number of its men already away on

346 JOHN BARCLAY. No. 27.
1778.
duty it would not be safe to leave the city protected by only
150 militia, particularly as there were more than ioo prisoners
to watch, 10 of them condemned to death, and a second letter is
prepared to send to General Gates, telling him that there are so
many men left behind from General Burgoyne's vanquished
army, deserters with no means of support, that robberies of fre
quency demand the maintenance of at least the regular body,
not to speak of the necessity of having the men prepare their
crops lest the inhabitants of the city be without food, — " If the
British prisoners could be moved to another place it would
break up the connection which is now apprehended is kept up
between them, the Tories and Negroes." May 20.
Philip Livingston, Signer of Declaration as Member of Congress
from New York, and the father of Patroon Stephen Van Rens
selaer's wife, Catherine, (b. at N. W. corner State and Pearl
streets), dies at York, Pa., June 12.
George Clinton presides at the convention being held at Pough
keepsie for deliberating on the federal constitution, which he
does not think safeguards the sovereignty of each state, June 17.
Common Council's request to allow the local militia to remain in the
city is not granted, and the troops are sent to Fishkill, June.
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston's widowed mother rebuilds the
Manor House at Clermont that had been burned by the British
in October 1777, making use of the same stone walls, July.
Inhabitants of Albany discouraged by the news that a large part,
possibly 2,000 men, of the Continental army is to be quartered
here for the winter, realizing that the men of the city and
county having been in the armies had had no chance to work
for their families or operate their farms, the Common Council
writes to Gov. George Clinton : " From this state of Facts we
beg leave to inform your Excellency that however willing we
have always been and still are to risk our all in supporting the
Freedom and Independence of our Blessed Country, yet it is
our earnest request (and we deem it no more than reasonable)
that in the distribution of the Troops for Winter Quarters, due
respect may be had to the former distresses and present suffer
ings of the Inhabitants of Albany." September.
Charter election, Common Council : John Price, John Roorbach, I.
John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, II. John M. Beeckman,
Samuel Stringer, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
The Colonial Congress acquits General Schuyler of any bad judg
ment in his conduct of the campaign against Burgoyne in

CHAIN ACROSS HUDSON.
Three of the huge iron links of the chain made at Sterling Iron Works
of Peter Townsend, gt. -grandfather of Mayor Franklin Townsend, each 2^
inches thick, 30 inches long; length 1,700 ft. Stretched shore to shore on April
30, TT78

No. 27. JOHN BARCLAY. 347
1778-1779.
northern New York, acknowledges that he had exhibited no
lack of energy and had shown but sagacity and valor in all he
had done, the court-martial that he had requested, acquitting
him on every count, and Congress approving the verdict " with
the highest honor." December.

1779.

Stage line to New York city charging ten dollars each person.
Rensselaerswyck subdivided into east and west districts, March 5.
Gen. Philip Schuyler having sent in his resignation after the fullest
manner of exoneration by the Congress, John Jay writes to
him : " Congress has refused to accept your resignation.
Twelve states were represented. New England and Pennsyl
vania against you. The delegates of the latter are new men
and not free from the influence of the former. From New
York south you have fast friends. * * * Were I in your
situation I should not hesitate a moment to continue in the
service. I have the best authority to assure you that the Com
mander-in-chief wishes you to retain your commission. The
propriety of your resignation is now out of the question. Those
laws of honor which might have required it are satisfied. Are
you certain they do not demand a contrary conduct? You have
talents to render you conspicuous in the field ; and address to
conciliate the affections of those who may wish you ill. Both
these circumstances are of worth to your family, and, inde
pendent of public considerations, argue forcibly for the army.
Gather laurels for the sake of your country and your children.
You can leave them also the reputation of being descended
from an incontestably great man — a man who, uninfluenced
by the ingratitude of his country, was unremitted in his ex
ertions to promote her happiness. You have hitherto been no
stranger to these sentiments, and therefore I forbear to en
large." March.
Captain Machin engaged in taking a water level between Albany
and Schenectady, with the idea of supplying this city by means
of an aqueduct, which design he submits to the Common
Council.
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck is appointed the Mayor of Albany by
Governor George Clinton of the State of New York.
? ? *
(See No. 28.)

No. 28.

Abraham Gfcttiterk.

April 9, 1779— June 26, 1783.
Oct. 15, 1796 - Dec. 31, 1798.

No. 28.
ABRAHAM TEN BROECK.
Date of office: (a) April 9, 1779-June 26, 1783.
(b) October 15, 1796-December 31, 1798.
Date of appointment: (a)
(b) September 29, 1796.
Appointed by: (a) Governor George Clinton.
(b) Governor John Jay.
Date of birth: May 13, 1734.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Dirck (T. B. — 21st Mayor) and Margarita Cuyler.
Education: Good schooling in New York city.
Married to: Elizabeth Van Rensselaer.
Date: November 1, 1763.
Children: (5-1 s. 4 d.) Dirck (b. 1765, m. Cornelia Stuyvesant),
Elizabeth (1765-7), Elizabeth (b. 1772, m. Rensselaer Schuy
ler), Margarita (1776), Maria Van Rensselaer (1779).
Residence: (a) Northwest corner Columbia street and Broadway.
(b) West side Ten Broeck street, north of Third street.
Occupation: Lawyer. Banker.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January 19, 1810.
Place of death: No. 9 Ten Broeck place.
Place of burial: Vault in rear ; later Rural Cemetery.
Title: General.
Remarks: Member of Colonial Assembly, 1760-65. Member of
Provincial Congress, April 20, 1775. Delegate to Continen
tal Congress at Philadelphia, May, 1775. Colonel of militia,
October 20, 1775. General, January, 1776. Brigadier-
General, 1776-March 26, 1781. President State Convention,
1776. President of Committee of Safety, December, 1776.
State Senator, 1780-83. Justice Court of Common Pleas,
1781-94. President Bank of Albany, 1792-98. Member
Committee of Safety. Zealous, able, courageous, patriotic.
Trustee for Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer 16 years.

28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK.
1779-83; 1796-98.
From the oil painting presented to the city of Albany by Mr. Frederic P.
Olcott of New York city.

No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 351
1779-1780.

(Continued from No. 27).
1779.

Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc
ceeding John Barclay, having been appointed by Gov. George
Clinton, April 9.
Gen. Philip Schuyler having pressed his resignation from military
life, it is accepted and he takes his seat as a delegate to the
Continental Congress, April.
Legislature holds an important session at Kingston, August.
Charter election, Common Council : John Price, John Roorbach, I.
John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, II. Samuel Stringer,
John M. Beeckman, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Senate and Assembly, in session at Kingston, pass a resolution that
the Legislature when it next convenes assemble at Albany, Oct. 25.
Gov. George Clinton proclaims a meeting of the Legislature to be
held on Jan. 4th at Albany, Dec. 1.

1780.

First meeting of the State Legislature to be held at Albany, which
had been set for January 4th by Governor Clinton, but post
poned by heavy snows, convenes at the City Hall and Court
House at the northeast corner of So. Market street (Broadway)
and Hudson (avenue) street, Jan. 27.
Mohawk valley devastated by the Six Nations under Brant.
Shakers located at Niskayuna, west of the city a few miles, now
agree to give testimony in public when called upon to do so.
The first Legislative session held in Albany decides on its first ad
journment, March 14.
Schuyler Mansion in the south part of the city, brilliantly illumi
nated in the evening on announcement that New York State
had ratified at Poughkeepsie the American Constitution, which
in parts had been drafted in one of the rooms of this house
by Alexander Hamilton, July 29.
General Gates totally defeated by Lord Cornwallis at Camden, S. C,
(soon to be superseded by. General Greene), Aug. 16.

352 ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. No. 28.
1780-1781.
Major John Andre (b. London, 1751 ) is rowed to the shore from
Lhe Vulture and makes arrangements near Stony Point on the
Hudson, as representative of Sir Henry Clinton, with Gen.
Benedict Arnold of the American army, for the surrender of
West Point, and talking till midnight they repair to the house
of Joshua Hett Smith for further consultation, Sept. 21.
Major Andre arrested as a spy by John Paulding, David Williams
and Isaac Van Wart, on his returning, when half a mile north
of Tarrytown, and in his boots are found papers that reveal the
defence of West Point and positions to be occupied in case of
attack. Fruitlessly he offers much money to be liberated, Sept. 23.
Benedict Arnold learns of the discovery of his plans to have the
British capture West Point and General Washington and hur-
liedly bidding adieu to his fainting wife, hastens to the Vulture
and sails off down the Hudson, Sept. 24.
Major Andre, having been tried and appeals made to spare him, ii
executed as a British spy, at Tappan, N. Y., Oct. 2.
Charter election, Common Council : John Roorbach, Peter W
Yates, I. John Ja. Beeckman, John N. Bleecker, II. Samuel
Stringer, John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct.. 14.
Alexander. Hamilton and Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Philip Schuy
ler, married at the Schuyler Mansion in southern part of the
city, Dec. 14.

1781.

Legislative session held a second time in this city, convening in the
City Hall on So. Market street (Broadway), Jan. 17.
George Washington acts as godfather (so it is narrated) of Cathe
rine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler
and Catherine Van Rensselaer; godmother, Mrs. Washington,
the baptism performed by Dominie Eilardus Westerlo, recorded
as performed in the register of the Reformed Dutch Church
standing in the centre of Yonkers (State) street a little west
of its intersection with Market (Broadway) street, March 4.
Gen. Philip Schuyler appointed State surveyor-general, March 30.
The second Legislative session ever held in this city adjourns, March 31.

ANDRfi MEETING ARNOLD.
Washington had placed Gen. Benedict Arnold in charge of fortifications at West Point. On the night of Sept. 21, 1780,
Joshua Hett Smith rowed Maj. John Andre from the British frigate Vulture to meet Arnold at Smith's house, two miles below
Haverstraw, where they discussed surrender of West Point. (From a pen sketch by Andre on Oct. 1, 1780.)

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ANDRfi PASS AND PORTRAIT.
Gen. Benedict Arnold issued a pass to Maj. John Andre of the British Army in
name of "John Anderson," on Sept. 22, 1780, in order to protect his return, after
his purchase of plans of West Point's defences. Andre was halted by Paulding,
Williams and Van Wart, north of Tarrytown, Sept. 23rd ; papers discovered in stock
ings ; tried, and executed as a spy at Tappan, Oct. 2nd. Pen sketch made of himself
night before death.
HAMILTON'S MARRIAGE IN SCHUYLER MANSION.
Alexander Hamilton married Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter, Elizabeth, in the
drawing-room of her father's mansion on Dec. 14, 1780. They met here when Hamilton
was consulting with Schuyler and it was while his guest that he framed parts of the
Constitution.

No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK.

353

1781-1782.

Mother Ann Lee, head of the Shaker settlement at Niskayuna, to
the west of Albany a few miles, sets out with her followers for
Harvard on a missionary tour.
Rumor circulated for some weeks that the British intended to burn
Albany and carry off Gen. Philip Schuyler, Col. Philip Van
Rensselaer and Col. Peter Gansevoort, as prisoners. A band
of Tories, Canadians and Indians break into the Schuyler Man
sion. General Schuyler, with family, seated in the evening ir
the front hall with doors open on account of. the extreme heat, is
apprised of a person to see him at the back gate. The doors
and windows are immediately barred; but are broken in, and
the family rush upstairs. Discovering that the infant, Catherine
Van R. Schuyler, the godchild of Washington, had been for
gotten, asleep on the main floor, Mrs. Schuyler would rush back
to save it, but the General intercepts, and the child's sister,
Margaret (who later marries Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer)
rushes with the sleeping babe only in time to escape up the
stairs, while the Indian tomahawk misses its human mark and
buries its blade in the balustrade. General Schuyler suddenly
opens a door and trying a subterfuge, shouts : " Come on, my
brave fellows ! Surround the damn'd rascals," whereupon
Walter Meyer collects his men and they beat a precipitate re
treat, Aug. 7.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, John Price, I.
John Ja. Beeckman, John Hansen, II. Thomas Hun, Abraham
Schuyler, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1782.
Church services held in Dutch language only until this year.
Aaron Burr (b. Newark, Feb. 6, 1756, and who mortally wounded
Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, N. J., on July 11,
1804) opens a law office on the north side of Norton street, the
second door east of So. Pearl street.
Creditors of the United States hold a session here.
Stephen Van Rensselaer (third of that name) having left Princeton
because the British interrupted the continuation of the college
course, at the age of 18 graduates at Harvard.
Bank of Albany, the first organized in the city, with a capital of
$75,000, opened, July 16.
First issue of " The New York Gazetteer, or Northern Intelli
gencer," by Solomon Southwick and Charles R. Webster.

354 ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. No. 28.
1782-1783, 1796.
Charter election, Common Council: Cornelis Cuyler, Peter W.
Yates, I. John Ja. Beeckman, Philip van Rensselaer, II.
Thomas Hun, Abraham Schuyler, III Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

1783.
Lord Stirling, prominent figure in the American Revolution, (known
commonly as William Alexander) dies in this city, aged 57,
having been born in New York city and considered the rightful
heir to title and estates of an earldom in Scotland; major-
general in the United States service, Jan. 15.
Andrew Elliott of Albany made lieutenant-governor, April 17.
Johannes Jacobse Beeckman appointed Mayor of Albany by Gov.
George Clinton. .? * *
( See No. 29.)

(Continued from No. 31.)
1796.

Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeed
ing Abraham Yates, Jun., having been appointed by Gov. John
Jay, Sept. 29.
Whipping-posts abolished in the city.
Newspapers comment upon the alacrity with which communication
is had, only 3 days to Philadelphia, but four days for a letter to
reach Boston, and to the uttermost point of the Union about 12
days.
Charter election, Common Council : Arie Lagrange, Philip S. van
Rensselaer, I. Volckert Douw, Peter E. Elmendorf, II. Jere
miah Lansingh, Peter W. Douw, III. Election, Sept. 27 ; sworn
in, Oct. 11.
A balloon, 54 feet in circumference, with small car, being made, in
this city, Oct. 27.
Arch Street Brewery (later the Albany Brewing Co., existing in
1906) is established by James Boyd, on Arch street.

s

SCHUYLER MANSION ATTACKED.
On the night of Aug. 7, 1781, a band of Tories and Indians broke
into Gen. Schuyler's Mansion intending to kidnap him. They hurled
a tomahawk at his daughter and it cut the balustrade.

"NORTH" DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH.
This congregation is a continuation of that established in 1642 on Church St., west of Fort Orange ; removed to
foot of State St. in 1656, and corner-stone laid, site of Mayor A. C. Cuyler's house (w. side No. Pearl St.), June 12,
1797; dedicated Jan. 27, 179); Putnam & Hooker, architects.

No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 355
1796-1797-
Volney, celebrated traveler and philosopher, on his way from the
West to the Southern states, visits Albany, Nov. 2.
First camel ever brought to this city, exhibited by Messrs. Hewitt &
Muller, November.
John Jacob Beeckman advertises for proposals to build a new Dutch'
church building on west side of No. Pearl street, November.
River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 26.
United States stores, ammunition and cannon shipped to West
Point from the public stores on Court street, Nov. 27.
Buildings at this time in the city number 1,093, Dec. i_
Thermometer 20 degrees below zero, Dec. 24..
Lighting the city during previous year required 344 gallons of oil,
Dec. 31.

1797.

Legislature convenes at the City Hall, Jan. 3..
Ten Broeck Mansion, to the west of Ten Broeck street, erected for
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, the Mayor, by his ward, Stephen
Van Rensselaer, the work thereon being commenced.
Temple Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar, instituted.
Union College founded principally by a number of Albanians, Feb. 25..
Stage line to New York reduces charges to $8.
Temple Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., instituted.
Common Council bestows reward of $2.50 upon Barent De Rider
for being the first at a fire on previous night with a hogshead
of water, Jan. 10..
Albany made the permanent seat of state government as the capital,
March 10.
The Mayor lays the corner-stone of a building being erected for
state offices at the southwest corner of State and Lodge streets,
May 30.
Benjamin Prescott endeavors to supply water from Maezlandt kill,
in logs bored, and is given a grant by Stephen Van Rensselaer.
Robert R. Livingston's small boat goes up the river under head of
steam at the rate of three miles an hour.
Fire destroys fifty houses on Montgomery,- Dock, Steuben, North
Market (Broadway), Columbia and Middle Lane (James
street), Aug. 4.

356 ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. No. 28.
1797-1798.
Corner-stone of St. Mary's Church on Barrack (Chapel) street at
the n. w. corner of Pine street, laid by Thomas Barry, a promi
nent merchant, Sept. 13.
Subscription books of the turnpike road between Albany and Sche
nectady opened, Sept. 23.
Isaac Robbins is imprisoned for life for passing a false receipt for
money, September.
Charter election, Common Council : Philip S. van Rensselaer, Henry
J. Bogart, I. Peter E. Elmendorf, John N. Bleecker, II. San
ders Lansingh, Peter Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 26;
sworn in, , Oct. 10.
Temple Lodge, No. 53 (later No. 14) of Masons, organized, Nov. 11.
River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 23.
Albany Museum established at the corner of Green and Beaver
streets, opp. Denniston's Tavern that is on the n. w. corner, Dec. 11.
Lighting the city during year required 698 gallons of oil.

1798.
Legislature convenes, Jan. 2.
Schenectady incorporated.
Han Joost, an Oneida warrior who was a distinguished, volunteer
under General Gansevoort at siege of Fort Stanwix, dies sud
denly, Jan. 14,
Warrantee deeds granted on slaves in Albany.
Methodists make this city a station.
North Dutch Reformed Church being built.
Lebanon & Albany Turnpike company chartered.
Philip Van Rensselaer, of Cherry Hill, south of city bounds, dies,
March 12.
Robert McClannan of this city appointed state treasurer, March 15.
Ten Broeck Mansion completed, westward of Ten Broeck street, by
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, the Mayor.
Bank of Albany elects Jeremiah Van Rensselaer its (2nd) president,
to succeed Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck.
St. Mary's church completed to permit roofing it, Sept. 10.
Eliphalet Nott ordained and installed pastor of the Presbyterian
Church (First) at. n. e. corner of So. Pearl and Beaver streets, Oct. 3.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
The congregation was organized in 1796 in Margaret Cassidy's house; city gave the
land; Thos. Barry raised funds; cornerstone of ist edifice, facing Pine St., n. w. cor. of
Barrack (Chapel) st. laid Sept. 13, 1797; built of brick in 1798; cornerstone of 2nd edifice laid
Oct. 13, i82\ and of 3rd edifice on Aug. 11, 1867.

TEN BROECK MANSION.
Gen Abraham Ten Broeck will be remembered not alone as the 28th Mayor, but as the valiant commander during the Revo
lution, particularly at Bemis Heights, Oct. 7, 1777. He built his mansion in 1798, facing Ten Broeck St., so named July 25, 1831.

No. 28. ABRAHAM TEN BROECK. 357
1798.
Charter election, Common Council : Philip S. van Rensselaer, Henry
J. Bogart, I. Barent G. Staats, Jeremiah Lansingh, II. San
ders Lansingh, Enoch Leonard, III. Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn
in, Oct. 9.
New North Dutch Church on west side of No. Pearl street, Putnam
& Hooker the architects, completed, November.
Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer appointed the Mayor of Albany by
Governor DeWitt Clinton, Dec. 27.

(See No. 32.)

No. 29.
Jlfljjamtta Jaatte Smkmatu

June 27, 1783 Oct. 8, 1786.

No. 29.
JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN.
Date of office: June 27, 1783-October 8, 1786.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of birth: August 8, 1733.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Jacob (B.) and Debora Hansen.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Marie Sanders (gd. dau. of 23d Mayor), d. Nov. 2,
1794-
Date: November 22, 1759.
Children: (7 — 3 s, 4 d.) Jacob (b. Aug. 7, 1761 ; m. Ann McKin-
ney, Sept. 30, 1784; d. 1817), Debora (b. Nov. 26, 1763; m.
Johannes DePeyster, Dec. 22, 1787; d. July 23, 1791), Bar
ent Sanders (b. May 2, 1767; d. Dec. 2, 1767), Machtel (or
Matilda, b. Nov. 21, 1768; m. Douw Fonda, Nov. 23, 1794;
d. Oct. 3, 1837), Sarah (b. Dec. 9, 1771 ; d. March 15, 1792),
Evje (or Effie, b. July 24, 1774; d. Dec. 6, 1792), John San
ders (b. Aug. 23. 1781 ; d. Aug. 13, 1791?).
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December 17, 1802.
Titw: Honorable.

"No. 29 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 361
1783-1784.
(Continued from No. 28.)
1783.

Johannes Jacobse Beeckman sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc
ceeding Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, having been appointed by
Gov. George Clinton, June 27.
" The Gazette," first newspaper published at Albany, enlarged, and
Mr. Webster withdraws to go to New York, Mr. Ballantine
continuing it.
Mr. Ballantine prints the first copy of the " Pocket Almanac," for
the year 1784, the first of its kind in the city, a copy of which
is preserved in the State Library.
George Washington a visitor, presented with freedom of the city at
Hugh Denniston's tavern (first stone house in Albany — n. w.
cor. Green and Beaver sts.), Aug. 4.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Cornelis Cuy
ler, I. Peter W. Douw, Philip van Rensselaer, II. Thomas
Hun, John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.

1784.
Displaying the strongest affection and confidence towards Gen.
Philip Schuyler, General Washington, Commander-in-Chief,
writes to him from Mount Vernon, as follows : " Dear Sir —
Your favor of the 20th of Dec. found me as you conjectured,
by that fireside from which I have been too long absent for my
own convenience; to which I return with the greatest avidity,
the moment my public avocations would permit; and from
which I hope never again to be withdrawn. While I am here
solacing myself in my retreat from the busy scenes of life, I
am not only made extremely happy by the gratitude of my
countrymen in general but particularly so by the repeated
proofs of the kindness of those who have been intimately con
versant with my public transactions, and I need scarcely add
that the favorable opinion of no one is more acceptable than
that of yourself. In recollecting the vicissitudes of fortune we
have experienced, and the difficulties we have surmounted, I
shall always call to mind the great assistance I have frequently
received from you, both in your public and private character.
May the blessings of peace amply reward your exertions ; may

362 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29.
1784.
you and your family (to whom the compliments of Mrs. Wash
ington and myself are affectionately presented) long continue
to enjoy every species of happiness the world can afford. With
sentiments of sincere esteem, attachment and affection, I am,
Dear Sir, your most obedient very humble servant, G. Wash
ington." Jan. 21.
The position held by General Schuyler in the public mind at this
time may be shown in no clearer method than by excerpts from
the writings of a few of this country's most highly respected
men, characters who had no ulterior motive for uttering what
sounds the keynote of praise in the very sincerity and forceful-
ness of statement. In Washington Irving's " Life of Washing
ton " appears the following : " When the tidings reached
General Washington of the action of the Congress in supersed
ing Schuyler (by Gates) he wrote him immediately 'that he
looked upon the whole scheme as diabolical,' that he re
garded it ' with sentiments of abhorrence, having the utmost
confidence in your integrity and the most incontestible proofs of
your great attachment to your country.' Schuyler asked for a
court-martial to sit on the case and was fully acquitted, the in
formation being forwarded to General Washington by the court
with an expression of hope that ' Schuyler's name might be
handed down to posterity as one of the pillars of the American
cause.' " On finishing his " Life of Washington," Washington
Irving regretted that he was " too old " to undertake that of
Schuyler. Daniel Webster also expressed a desire to add at
least "a chapter on General Schuyler to the History of the
Revolution." He writes as follows : " I was brought up with
the New England prejudices against him; but I consider him
as second only to Washington in the services he rendered to
the country in the War of the Revolution. His zeal and devo
tion to the cause under difficulties that would have paralysed
most men, and his fortitude and courage when assailed by mali
cious attacks upon his public and private character, every one
of which was proved to be false, have impressed me with a
strong desire to express publicly my sense of his great quali
ties." Horatio Seymour, once the Governor of New York, in
his address delivered on the occasion of the Centennial celebra
tion of Burgoyne's surrender, held at Schuylerville in 1877, on
the very spot where Schuyler's house and property had been
destroyed by the British, gave testimony again to General
Schuyler's patriotism and unselfishness — " as the one figure
¦which rises above all others, upon whose conduct and bearing
we love to dwell. There was one who won a triumph there

GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER.
No writer of American history and the Revolution omits the
name of this famed Albanian. He was born at s. e. cor. State and
Pearl sts., Nov. n, 1733, son of Mayor Johannes Schuyler, Jun. He
built his fine mansion at head of Schuyler st. in 1761, and defended
Albany against Burgoyne in 1777. He died Nov. 18, 1804.

NO. 29 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 363
1784.
which never grows dim, one who gave an example of patience
and patriotism unsurpassed on the pages of history, one who did
not, under cutting wrongs and cruel suspicions, wear an air of
martyrdom; but with cheerful alacrity served when he should
have commanded." Mrs. Lamb, in her History of New York,
writes : " In this connection the figure of Philip Schuyler rises
grandly above all others — he uttered no complaint at seeing
his laurels won by another ! He even congratulated Gates who
had displayed no professional skill whatever."
" Webster's Calendar " or the " Albany Almanac " first published.
Agricultural Society formed.
Regents of the University of the State of New York created by Act
of Legislature, May i.
Post-Office first established on the east side of North Market street
(Broadway), north of Maiden Lane, May.
Simeon DeWitt appointed State surveyor-general, May 13.
Henry, McClallen & Henry, next door north of City Hall (northeast
corner of Broadway and Hudson street) advertise that for pay
ment of the formidable array of goods named they will accept
wheat, corn, pease, flax, seeds, board, planks and any sort of
furs.
" The Albany Gazette " of 1771, that was discontinued about 1776,
started again by Charles R. Webster, as a weekly, May 28.
Dr. Samuel Stringer advertises that he has received an importation
from Europe of an assortment of medicines at his medicinal
store, west side of Broadway above Maiden Lane.
John McClintock advertises that in June he will open a school at
the southwest corner of Maiden Lane and James street.
Luther Society incorporated, using edifice of 1668 on the west side
of So. Pearl street, between Howard and Beaver streets.
Elder William Lee, of the Niskayuna Shakers, dies, June.
In celebration of independence a salute of thirteen guns was fired
from Fort Orange at sunrise, and there were illuminations at
night, July 4.
Mons. Duonpres opens a school for dancing " on the most modern
terms of one guinea entrance, and one guinea a quarter." July 14.
The Dutch Ambassador, Haere P. J. Van Berckel, accompanied by
the governor, arrives and is received at the City Hall amid a
discharge of cannon (to be given a banquet the next day at
Lewis tavern) and numerous citizens call, July 22.
Governor Clinton leaves Albany to attend the Indian treaty to be
held at Fort Schuyler, where the chiefs were assembling, August.

364 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29.
1784-1785.
School opened by Nicholas Barrington and announces " money being
very scarce, at the low prices of 10, 12 and 14s. per quarter, for
spellers, writers and scypherers, and three pounds for bookkeep
ing and navigation." Sept. 8.
Funeral of Mother Ann Lee, (Mrs. Lee), known as the Elect Lady,
or Mother of Zion, head of the Shakers, who died on Sept. 8th
at Nisqueunda, (Niskayuna), Sept. 9.
Elder James Whittaker succeeds Mother Ann Lee at the Shaker
settlement of Niskayuna, a few miles west of the city, September.
The Governor and Indian commissioners return from Fort Schuyler,
having concluded a treaty with the Six Nations, Sept. 13.
Marquis of Lafayette returns from Fort Stanwix, to depart next day
for Boston, whence he is to sail for France, Oct. 7.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Robert
McClallen, I. Philip van Rensselaer, Peter W. Douw, II.
Thomas Hun, John Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Isaac Arnold and James Stewart return from a trading expedition
to Detroit, having lost three companions, Jacobus Teller, Daniel
Barclay, Isaac Van Alstyne, who were murdered on Lake Erie
by Delaware Indians, Oct. 18.
" A likely negro wench " offered for sale at auction by the execu
tors of Mrs. Margaret Schuyler, held at Lewis' Tavern, Oct. 21.
City authorities propose the demolition of Fort Frederick, at head
of Yonkers (State) street.
First copy of " Webster's Calendar," or " The Albany Almanac,"
ready for sale, Nov. 8.
Alexander Robertson, publisher of the first Albany newspaper,
" The Gazette," dies at Port Roseway, Nova Scotia, Nov. 8.
Annual fair for vending cattle inaugurated, Nov. 19.
Wendell and Trotter engage in sale of drygoods at southeast corner
of So. Market street (Broadway) and Division.

1785.
Shakers of Niskayuna build west of Albany the first edifice ever
used by the society for worship, —
Health of the city so good that there was but one burial, and that
a child accidentally fun over by a sleigh, in the Dutch church
yard; from Dec. 9th to March 10.

"MOTHER ANN'S" TOMB. '
Mother Ann Lee was the founder of Shakers in America. She was born
at Manchester, Eng., Feb. 29, 1736; illiterate; married a blacksmith
named Standley, 1762, and began preaching celibacy ; established colony
in Niskayuna woods, west of Albany, and died there Sept. 8, 1784.

No. 29. JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 365

1785.

Close of session of Supreme Court at which Christian Cooper and
Petrus Cooper are sentenced to death on conviction of robbery.
Elihu Goodrich and John Ely open a school in Michael lioUenbake's
house, teaching Greek and Latin for 40s a quarter; grammar,
arithmethic and writing for 30s, and reading for 20s.
Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Flail and John Kinney given exclusive
right to drive stage on roads east of the Hudson.
Common Council decides to abandon the names of streets that savor
of the English rule and appoints a committee to consider new
titles and a plan for numbering, March 19.
Volckert Petrus Douw sent to the U. S. Senate, his appearance at
the time being a man of 6 feet 2 inches, erect, handsome, clean
shaven, firm mouth, piercing eye, wearing a long-waisted coat
with skirts to ankles, adorned with -'silver buckles made of Span
ish coins, buckles on shoes set with rhinestones, a cocked hat,
silver-headed cane, hair in a queue and powdered.
Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kinney granted exclusive
right to run a stage line between Albany and New York, for 10
years, on agreeing to provide two stages properly covered,
drawn, by four horses, and to charge not more than 4 pence per
mile, allowance for 14 pounds of baggage free, April 4.
Common Council hears report on new names for the streets, and a
map is ordered made to show the titles as altered, April 9.
City authorities authorize the demolition of Fort Frederick at the
head of State street, and using of the stone for public improve
ments, and the clergy of various churches to be allowed material
of the walls with which to build their churches.
Sloop Experiment, Captain Stewart Dean, (after whom Dean street
was to be named) sails on his memorable voyage to China.
Common Council passes an ordinance for extermination of all dogs
within two days, fixing a penalty of $40, July 12.
Charter election, Common Council: Peter W. Yates, Robert
McClallen, I. Philip van Rensselaer, Peter W. Douw, II. John
Ten Broeck, Thomas Iiun, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in,
Oct. 14.
Rev. John McDonald installed by the First Presbyterian Society, Nov. 8.
Preparations for a theatrical performance begun, carpenters fitting
up the old hospital as a theatre, a thing unknown at Albany,
and the following appears in " The Gazette :" " By authority.
On Friday Evening, the 9th of December, 1785, The Theatre
in the City of Albany, will be opened with an Occasional Pro-

366 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29.
1785-1786.
logue, by Mr. Allen. After which will be presented, A Comedy
in Two Acts call'd Cross Purposes. . . . After the comedy,
An Eulogy on Free Masonry, by Brother Moore. To be fol
lowed by a Dance called La Polonese, by Mr. Bellair. To con
clude with a Comedy of Three Acts written by Shakespeare,
call'd Catharine and Petruchio, or, The Taming of the Shrew.
. . . Doors will be opened at Five o'Clock and the perform
ance to begin precisely at Six. Tickets (without which no
person can be admitted) to be had at Mr. Lewis's Tavern — as
no money will be received at the door. Box 8 s. Gallery 4 s.
No person to be admitted behind the scenes. N. B. Stoves are
to be provided for the boxes." Dec. 5.
The Theatre not in readiness, and the religiously inclined inhabitants
having written an acrid petition to the Mayor and Common
Council demanding that the performance be not permitted, end
ing with the reason that it " will drain us of our money, if
not instil into the minds of the imprudent, principles incompati
ble with that virtue which is the true basis of republican liberty
' and happiness," consequently the performance is postponed, Dec. 9.
Common Council votes 9 to 4 to allow the comedians to act, resolv
ing : " That in the Opinion of this Board, they have not a
Legal Right to prohibit the Company of Comedians in this
City from exhibiting their Theatrical performances." Dec. 12.
Those who opposed the performance aroused by the action of the
Common Council write to The Gazette denouncing the giving
of theatricals in Albany, saying the people were too poor after
the war to go to them, and " when we find this darling vice
encouraged in the first, and patronized in the second city of
the state, and rearing its ensigns in each corner thereof, is it
not high time for considerate inhabitants, to step forth and
oppose the increasing evil with firmness and resolution, ere
it be too late." December.

1786.
Houses in the city number 550, January.
The first professional comedians play during December and Jan
uary, into February, two performances each week, The Gazette

No. 20. JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. 367
1786.
saying editorially: "In justice to the Company, we cannot
omit mentioning, that their conduct has been such as to meet
with the approbation of the city in general," and they leave for
Montreal, . Feb. 20.
Common Council appealed to by Lutherans, who had been worship
ping with the Episcopalians, through Rev. Heinrich Moeller
(receiving salary of $250 and firewood) for the right to solicit
funds to erect a church, which is granted, March.
River open to navigation, March 23.
Columbia county formed by partition from Albany county, April 1.
Act passed by the Legislature erecting the southeast part of the
County of Albany into a new county to be known as Columbia, April 4.
Supreme Court sessions close, Caleb Gardner having been sentenced
to hang for passing counterfeit Spanish dollars, July 5.
Sheriff advertises for some one to hang on Sept. 15th, the recently
convicted Caleb Gardner, July 19.
Albany celebrates the centennial anniversary of its chartering as
a city. The Cominon Council on July 15th appointed the fol
lowing as a committee to formulate a program, Philip S. Van
Rensselaer, Peter W. Yates, aldermen, and John W. Wendell,
Richard Lush and Jellis Winne, assistant aldermen, who re
ported on the 1 8th and the following ceremony was carried
out: The Common Council convenes at 10 a. m., at the City
Hall on So. Market street (Broadway) and Hudson avenue, and
proceeds up Yonkers street (State) to the hill westward of the
city, with all the bells ringing, in the order — ist, the High
Sheriff; 2nd, the Under Sheriffs; 3rd, Constables with their
Staffs; 4th, Mayor Johannes Jacobse Beeckman and Recorder
Leonard Gansevoort; 5th, Aldermen; 6th, Common Council;
7th, Chamberlain and Clerks ; 8th, Marshal ; 9th, Corporations
of the several churches ; 10th, Judges of the several courts ; nth,
justices of the peace; 12th, Legislative members; Attorneys at
law ; 13th, Militia officers ; 14th, The Engine & Fire Company ;
15th, Citizens at Large. Arriving at the place designated the
officials named drink thirteen toasts and one for the Charter,
while is heard the discharge of thirteen cannon. At 6 p. m. the
Board partakes of an elaborate banquet at Lewis' City Tavern,
being supplied with " a Barrel of Good Spirits for the purpose,"
as voted by the Council on July 18th, so that, as The Gazette

368 JOHANNES JACOBSE BEECKMAN. No. 29.
1786.
states, " The countenances of the inhabitants bespoke great sat
isfaction on the occasion." July 22.
City employs workmen to remove the embankments of earth that
had been cast up about Fort Frederick, that Yonkers (State)
street might be widened now that the fort was gone, Sept. 15.
Caleb Gardner hanged in the City Hall for passing counterfeit
money, Sept. 15.
John Lansing, Jun., commissioned the Mayor of Albany by Gov.
George Clinton, Sept. 29.
* ? ?
(See No. 30.)

No. 30.

Juljtt KJattmng, Jfmt.

Oct. 9, 1786 — Oct. 18, 1790.

No. 30.
JOHN LANSING, JUN.
Date of office: October 9, 1786-October 18, 1790.
Date of appointment: September 29, 1786.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of birth: (Bap.) February 3, 1754.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Gerrit J. (L.) and Jannetje Waters.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Cornelia Ray.
Date: April 8, 1781.
Children: (10-2 s. 8 d.) Robert (1783), Jane (1785), Sara (1787),
Robert Ray (1788), Frances (1791), Elizabeth (1793), Sara
and Cornelia (twins, 1795), Sara (1797), Mary (1800).
Residence: North corner Broadway and Steuben street.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December 12, 1829.
Place of death: New York, N. Y.
Place of burial: Unknown. Accidently drowned boarding boat to
Albany, or waylaid.
Title: Chancellor.
Remarks: Delegate to convention framing United States Constitu
tion, March 6, 1787. Member State Constitutional Conven
tion, 1788.

30. JOHN LANSING, Jun.
1786-1790.
From the etching by Albert Rosenthal in 1888 made from the oil painting
owned by Thomas Addis Emmet in 1885.

No. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 371

1786-1787.

(Continued from No. 29.)
1786.

John Lansing, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, having been appointed by Gov.
George Clinton, Oct. 9.
Charter election, Cominon Council : Robert McClannen, John Price,
I. Peter W. Douw, Henry Ten Eyck, II. Thomas Hun, Leon
ard Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Lutherans raising funds to build edifice on So. Pearl street.
Ferry rights bring the city $650 for the year, December.

1787.
Population of the state 220,000 whites, 18,889 slaves and 12 Indians
who paid taxes.
Assize of bread fixed in this city at 1 lb. 12 oz. for 4 coppers January.
Regiment of militia raised in the eastern part of Rensselaerswyck
Manor under command of Lieut.-Col. John Van Rensselaer, the
officers taking the oath of allegiance before Clerk Matthew
Visscher, June 28.
Election of Aldermen changed to the last Tuesday in September
every year by Act of Legislature, March 21.
Sloop Enterprise returns from its long journey to China, April.
Rev. John Bassett made a colleague of Rev. Eilardus Westerlo at
the Dutch Reformed Church, July.
Lutherans erect their church on the west side of So. Pearl street,
north of the Ruttenkill, between Beaver and Nail (Howard)
streets.
Rensselaerswyck militia provided with uniforms as follows: Com
missioned officers, dark blue coats faced with white, and white
under-clothes ; non-commissioned officers and privates, a white
linen hunting-shirt and overalls, a round hat three inches in the
brim, bound with white tape and covered with a piece of bear
skin four inches wide over the crown; a good musket, bayonet
and cartouch-box, 24 cartridges suitable to the bore of the
musket, two spare flints, one knapsack and blanket, August.

372 JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30.
1787-1788.
Charter election, Common Council : Robert McClannen, John Price,
I. Peter W. Douw, Henry Ten Eyck, II. Thomas Hun, Leon
ard Gansevoort, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 14.
First academies incorporated at Albany by the Regents, Erasmus
Hall at Flatbush and Clinton Hall at Easthampton, Nov. 20.
John Bradstreet Schuyler, son of Gen. Philip Schuyler, marries Eliz
abeth Van Rensselaer, daughter of Stephen Van Rensselaer,
Jr., the Patroon, and Catherine Livingston, who was the daugh
ter of Philip Livingston, the " Signer."
Gen. Philip Schuyler gives his country seat in Saratoga county to
his son John Bradstreet Schuyler. Dec. 3.

1788.

Leonard de Neufville, Jan Fleefke and Ferdinand Walfahrt, who are
endeavoring to manufacture glass at Douwsburg (or Dowes-
borough) make an appeal to the state for support, claiming that
too much money is being sent away for glass that might be given
to home labor, and that their product is superior to the English,
January.
Albany Journal, or Montgomery, Washington and Columbia Intelli
gencer published first by Charles R. and George Webster, Jan. 26.
Claxton & Babcock come from Lansingburg and publish The Federal
Herald, Feb. 11.
Watervliet organized, March 7.
Legislature authorizes city to raise $10,000 for new Jail, March 11,
Newspaper called The Albany Register begun by Robert Barber.
Thaddeus Lawrence being confined in the top floor of the City Hall
because of back rent of $100 due to a wealthy citizen, sends out
a petition that as he is an expert shoeman he desires repairing
to do in order that he may liberate himself.
New York state ratifies in convention the articles of the Constitution
by a vote of 30 to 27, seven not voting, July 26.
Citizens meet to consider celebrating the ratification of the United
States Constitution by the New York convention, July 28.
Public celebration at Albany of the ratification of the Constitution, a
gun fired at sunrise, at 10 a. m., n guns fired to assemble to the
fields near Water-Vliet ; at 10:30, one gun for forming proces
sion; 11 a. m., procession moves, saluting the Constitution;

NO. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 373

1788.

parade formed as follows : Albany Troop of Light-Horse com
manded by Captain Gansevoort, officers and men uniformed,
music, Constitution engrossed on parchment suspended upon a
staff and borne by Maj .-Gen. Philip Schuyler on horseback;
standard of the United States carried by Col. John H. Wendell ;
n citizens representing each state that had ratified the Consti
tution, bearing a parchment scroll with name of the state in
large letters; axe-men with garlands of laurels; an elegant
plough guided by Stephen Van Rensselaer ; sowers, John Cuy
ler, and Capt. Jacob Lansing ; a neat harrow guided by Francis
Nicoll ; farmers neatly dressed with implements of husbandry ;
Gerrit Witbeck carrying the Farmers' flag bearing the motto
" God speed the Plough ;" Brewers with a dray carrying a butt,
astride of which is Master Van Eensselaer in the character- of
Bacchus, with a silver beaker in his hand ; following which were
printers, watch-makers, weavers and various tradesmen. The
procession moved through Water- Vliet street, Market (Broad
way) and State street to the Federal Bower, reached at 12 :30
o'clock, erected on the highest land of the hill west of Fort
Frederick, and the flags of the divisions were struck in the
battlements, the edifice being 154 feet long and 44 feet broad,
raised upon four rows of pillars 15 feet high, composing n
arches wreathed in flowers, the centre medallion of all inscribed
" New York." Here the tables had been spread with viands
and American cheer by William Van Ingen, and as each toast
was given a gun was fired; the Marshal was James Fairlie and
assistants, Thos. L. Witbeck, Casparus Flewson, John Cuyler,
Jun., and John Bleecker. On returning to disband, when the
column had reached Green street a party of anti-Federalists ran
out and assaulted the procession, and as a cannon was about to
be discharged upon it Jonathan Kidney drove the end of a file
into the fuse and prevented disaster, whereupon the Light-Horse
charged upon the mob and disbursed it; but so fierce had been
the struggle that a prominent citizen, James Caldwell, was hurt
by a brick that struck his head and a part of the Stone House
was torn away to furnish missiles, Aug. 8.
Stage line started to Springfield, Mass.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter W. Yates, Peter Lan
singh, I. Henry Ten Eyck, Theodoras V. W. Graham, II.
Thomas Hun, Leonard Gansevoort, Jun. Election, Sept. 24;
sworn in, Oct. 14.

374 JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30.

1789.

1789.
Thermometer 24 degrees below zero, Jan. 2.
The freeholders of Vanderheyden's or Ashley's Ferry, a place situ
ated some six miles above Albany and upon the east bank of the
Hudson, meet and by a majority vote decide to call the place
Troy, Jan. 5.
Council orders Town Whipper to conduct executions at $100 yearly,
Jan. 30.
Johannes De Peyster, who had been Albany's 16th Mayor (b. Jan.
10, 1694, at New Amsterdam), holding many offices and among
them Member of Provincial Assembly, Indian Commissioner,
Recorder, Inspector of Ordnance, first Surrogate of Albany
county, Paymaster of New York's forces in the Revolution,
Captain of Horse, the son of Mayor Johannes De Peyster of
New York, dies at Albany, Feb. 27.
Legislature grants Ananias Piatt exclusive right to conduct a stage-
line to Lansingburg, April 21.
The Albany Gazette, begun six years previous, now published twice-
a week, May 25..
Publication of the Albany Journal and Columbia Intelligencer dis
continued, May 25.
State Legislature convenes the third time at Albany, July 6.
The Common Council desiring to group the church burial-grounds
at one location appointed Thomas Hun and T. V. W. Graham a
committee to select a common cemetery, for at this time the
Episcopal churchyard extended from Yonkers (State) street
northward across Maiden Lane, the Lutherans had theirs at the
corner of Washington (So. Pearl) and Beaver streets, that of
the Presbyterians was east of its church which was near the
corner of Grand street and Hudson avenue, and the Dutch Re
formed was about its church on the south side of Beaver, near
Green street. The committee reports in favor of a plat border
ing on Eagle, Lancaster and State streets, the site of the burned
barracks, and on which there was a vault, the strip to the east
to be used by the Presbyterians, one acre, the next acre strip to
the Episcopalians, the next westward to the Lutherans, half of
the next strip to the Reformed High Dutch or German Re-

NORTH PEARL STREET.
This is a view of the west side above Maiden Lane, the first three houses on left removed in 1833 to erect Female
Academy, the middle one of these being Uranian Hall, built by Society of Mechanics as a school for their children.

No. 30. JOHN LANSING, JUN. 375
1789-1790.
formed, and the remaining half acre with the most western acre
strip to the Dutch church, Sept. 19.
At a term of the Supreme Court held here beginning in July, six
were convicted and ordered to be given 39 lashes each at the
public whipping-post before the City Iiall (Broadway and Hud
son ave.) and- Francis Uss, convicted of robbing a store at
Poughkeepsie to be publicly hanged, September.
Ferry street in south part of city opened to Washington (So. Pearl)
street.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John de Pey
ster Ten Eyck, I. Henry Ten Eyck, Abraham Cuyler, II.. Leon
ard Gansevoort, Philip Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29;
sworn in, Oct. 13.

1790.
Methodists erect a small building for their services at the southeast
corner of No. Pearl and Orange streets (standing in 1906)
called the chapel of the society, organized by Capt. T. Webb of
the British army.
Population of the city about 3,506.
Albany county's population (with larger limits than in 1900) about
75,180; New York, 30,032; Dutchess, 42,235, being the three
largest in the state at the time, with Albany the greatest and
larger than the next two largest combined.
Population of New York state 340,120.
Slaves in this state at this time number 21,324.
First licensed auctioneer's office opened, Cornelius J. Wynkoop, at
No. 8 Market street, January.
Rensselaerville formed from Watervliet, March 8.
Legislature allows proprietors of Mills and Papskni islands to erect
a dam to shut out the water course between them and by direct
ing the water into the main channel clear the Overslaugh, April 2.
Gypsum is introduced as a fertilizer by Chancellor Livingston.
Synod of New York and New Jersey erect a new Presbytery in this
part of the state to be known as the Presbytery of Albany and
to convene for the first time in November.

376 JOHN LANSING, JUN. No. 30.
1790.
Names of streets changed at this time: Canal from Howe to Fox,
Orange from Wall to Hare, State from Prince to Deer, Knox
from Gage to Swallow, Elm from Pitt to Otter, Park avenue
from Monckton to Mink, Madison avenue from Wolfe to Wolf,
Robin from Schoharie to Duck, Washington avenue from King
to Lion, Hudson avenue from Quiter to Buffaloe, Hudson ave
nue from Schenectade to Snipe, Lancaster from Predeaux to
Tiger, Elk changed from Queen, Eagle from Duke, Hawk from
Hawke, Swan from Boscawen, Dove from Warren, Lark from
Johnson, Sept. n.
St. Peter's church deeded site of its third edifice at fhe northwest
corner of State and Lodge streets by the city, in exchange for
land formerly used by the church and required for street pur
poses.
Seal of the city with arms, (since discovered affixed to records) in
early use on a map of a portion of Albany made by Simeon De
Witt, made this year.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John de Pey
ster Ten Eyck, I. Henry Ten Eyck, Abraham Cuyler, II.
Philip Lansingh, Leonard Gansevoort, Jun. Election, Sept. 28 ;
sworn in, Oct. 12.
Abraham Yates, Jun., appointed the Mayor of Albany, Oct. 13.

(See No. 31.)

No. 31.

Abraham fate, Jun.

Oct. 19, 1790 — Oct. 14, 1796.

No. 31.
ABRAHAM YATES, JUN.
Date of office: October 19, 1790-October 14, 1796,
Date of appointment: October 13, 1790.
Appointed by: Governor George Clinton.
Date of birth: August 23, 1724.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Christoffel (Y.) and Catalyntje Winne.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Antje De Ridder.
Place: Albany.
Children: (4 s.) Christoffel (1747), Christoffel (1748), Tanneke
(1750), Cornelis (1753).
Occupation: Financier.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: June 30, 1796.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Albany County Sheriff, 1754-55. Deputy to Provincial
Convention of New York, April, 1775. President pro tern.
ist Provincial Congress, 1775. Deputy to 2d and 3d Pro
vincial Congresses, 1775, 1776. Member of committee,
Provincial Congress, to prepare form of government, com-
' mittee of thirteen, 1776-77. Member of Council of Appoint
ment, 1777. Member of Council of Safety, 1777-78. State
Senator, ist to 13th sessons, inclusive, 1777-92. City
Receiver, 1778-79. First Postmaster of Albany, 1783. Dele
gate to Continental Congress, 1787-88. Patriotic, energetic
in city affairs.

31. ABRAHAM YATES, Jun.
1790-1796.
From a photograph of the oil painting by Robert, that was owned in 1890
by Senator Abraham Lansing of Albany.

No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 379
1790-1791.
(Continued from No. 30.)
1790.

Abraham Yates, Jun., sworn as the Mayor of Albany, succeeding
John Lansing, Jun., having been appointed such on Oct. 13th,
by Gov. George Clinton, Oct. 19.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 8.
Dominie Eilardus Westerlo, who came to this country from Holland
in the latter part of 1760 to be the pastor of the Reformed Dutch
Church of this city, which office he held for 31 years with great
respect for his piety and learning and had married the widow
of Stephen Van Rensselaer, aged 53 years (buried in the Van
Rensselaer family vault) dies, Dec. 26.
Population of the towns of Albany county at this time: Albany,
3,506; Ballston, 6,823; Cambridge, 4,967; Cattskill, 1,988; Cox-
sakie, 3,416; Duanesburgh, 1,495; Ea'ston 2,502; Freehold,
1,748; Iialfmoon, 3,607; Hosack, 3,033 ; Pittstown, 2,425 ; Rens-
selaer-ville, 2,777; Rensselaerswyck, 8,048; Saratoga, 3,081;
Schaticook, 1,617; Schenectady, 4,317; Schohary, 2,069; Ste-
phentown, 7,042; Stillwater, 3,052; Water- Vliet, 7,667; total,
75,180, (from which transcription of the list of the time stated,
in 1900 seems odd that some of the small towns had twice the
population of Albany.), Dec. 31.

1791.
Troy chartered as a village, having at this time some 70 shops.
By Act of Legislature Albany loses a large portion of her territory
as a county in the formation of Saratoga and Rensselaer coun
ties being formed therefrom ; the part east of the Hudson named
Rensselaer, with 29,634 inhabitants ; that north of the Mohawk
named Saratoga, with 17,463 inhabitants; and what is left of
Albany county with 28,192 inhabitants, and at the same time
the town of Rensselaerswyck was divided into two towns, Feb. 7.
Coeymans formed from Watervliet, March 18.

380 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 31.
1791-1792.
First mail route by stage-coach established with Bennington, Vt., on
its 30th anniversary of its settlement, March 25.
River open to navigation, March 27.
Colonie set apart as a district, March 31.
Sloop Nancy makes trip to New York and back in 7 days, April.
Printers refuse to buy rags because of smallpox epidemic, April 18.
Earthquake shock felt at 10 a. m., May 16.
Paving of No. Market street (Broadway) uses so many thousand
loads of cobbles that there is a dearth of that sort of stone, June.
Many emigrants to the " Far West," as the Genesee valley is termed,
passing through the city from New England states, June.
Samuel Cook, aged 84 years, condemned to be hanged for forgery, June.
Market built on No. Market street (Broadway) between Yonkers
(State) street and Maiden Lane, costing $1,110.
Fredenrich meat market (of 1900) established by John C. Freden-
rich on No. Market street near Maiden Lane.
John Stewart, famous English pedestrian who had toured on foot
Europe, Asia and Africa, arrives here on his way to Canada, July 28.
Methodists erecting their first edifice at the s. e. cor. Orange and No.
Pearl streets, a wooden building, August.
Dominie John Bassett publishes his collection of "Psalms, Hymns
and Spiritual Songs," for the use of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch Church in North America, September.
Erie canal conceived by Elkanah Watson, who explores the ground
from Schnectady to Geneva.
Charter election, Common Council : Peter Lansingh, John W. Wen
dell, I. Jacob Bleecker, Jun., John N. Bleecker, II. Abraham
Schuyler, Samuel Stringer, III. Election, Sept. 27; sworn in,
Oct. 11.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 6.
Citizens hold a meeting and form an association they style the
Albany Library, each subscribing $25, Dec. 20.

1792.

Citizens of this city start subscriptions to erect a college on a public
square in Albany to be selected (resulting in establishment of
Union College), Jan. 4.

NORTH MARKET.
It was built by the city in 1791, in center of North Market st. (Broadway) bet. State st. and Maiden Lane at cost of $1,100.
The street has been known as Handalaers (Traders), also as Brewer's and Cow; changed to Broadway Aug. 3, 1840. (Engraved
on stone by E. Sintzenich.)

No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 381
1792.

Fire-engine to be pumped by hand (the second had been bought in
1763) purchased of John Mason of Philadelphia and installed
in a shed at the n. w. corner of the old English church in Yonk
ers (State) street.
Post-road established by Congress from this city, through Sche
nectady to Canajoharie and fixing the rate of postage that may
be charged, Feb. i.
Men of wealth assemble at Robert Lewis' City Tavern (s. e. cor.
State and Pearl streets) to discuss ^establishing a bank in this
city, there never having been any institution of the sort, at which
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer presides, and a committee is named
to formulate the plans, consisting of Cornelius Glen, John Tay-
ler, Daniel Hale, Ger'rit W. Van Schaick and Abraham Van
Vechten, Feb. 3.
The financial men hold a second meeting at Lewis' Tavern and de
cide to call the proposed institution the " Albany Bank." Feb. 10.
Subscription books for the proposed Albany Bank opened at the
City Tavern, with deposits of $15 per share, which are over
run in less than three hours, Feb. 17.
Presbyterian, first church in Rensselaerville, Rev. Samuel Fuller,
established.
Incorporation of the Albany Library as " The Trustees of the
Albany Library," which had been organized on Dec. 20th, 1791,
naming as such trustees : Abraham Ten Broeck, John Lansing,
Jun., Philip Schuyler, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, Thomas Ellison, John McDonald, James Fairlie,
Daniel Hale, Hunloke Woodruff, Goldsbrow Banyar, and
Stephen Lush, with Abraham Ten Broeck as president, James
Van Ingen as treasurer and first librarian, Feb. 24.
Because of the insurrection of the blacks on plantations of island of
Hispanola a society is organized here to manufacture maple
sugar, and 8,000 kettles, holding 100 pounds, are made to be
sold here and throughout the state, Feb. 25.
Albany Bank elects directors : Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck,
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Goldsbrow Banyar, Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, Cornelius Glen, Daniel Hale, John Maley, James
Caldwell, John Stevenson, Stephen Lush, Albert Pawling and
John Sanders, Feb. 27.
River open to navigation, March 17.
Bank of Albany incorporated, April 10.
Greenbush (Indian term Tuscameatic-Aet, or Green Bosch, Pine
Woods), a town, April 10.
Bank of Albany elects Abraham Ten Broeck president, June 12.

382 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 3 1.
1792-1793.
Joseph Brant, celebrated Indian warrior, on his way to transact busi
ness of national import at Philadelphia, passes through, June.
Bank of Albany opens at the third house from State street on east
side of No. Pearl street (No. n in 1900) with Gerrit W. Van
Schaick its first cashier, July 16.
Third Albany newspaper, Norther Intelligencer, started by Sol. Bal-
lentine and C. R. Webster.
Mineral spring with supposedly great mineral value discovered
on the hill across the river, July.
Directors of the Northern Inland Lock Navigation Co., with Philip
Schuyler president, meet and discuss making a survey between
the Hudson and the streams leading to Lake Champlain, assisted
by a Scotchman named Nesbit who understood the science of
canals, July 27.
Western Inland Lock Navigation Co., organizes, choosing Philip
Schuyler president and Barent Bleecker the treasurer, intending
to improve the Mohawk to Little Falls, Aug. 11.
South ferry pays the city for year's lease, $5,890.
Charter election, Cominon Council : Peter Lansingh, John W. Wen
dell, I. John N. Bleecker, Isaac D. Fonda, II. Abraham
Schuyler, Samuel Stringer, III. Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn in,
Oct. 9.
Stage line started to Whitestone in Oneida county, 100 miles, leaving
from the office of the Gazette, and Messrs. Webster offer to for
ward letters gratuitously, December.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 12.

1793.
Fire ranks, a line of men, women and youths, ordered to pass up
and return fire-buckets, each house required to hang three
buckets in its hall way and attend fires, the engines being filled
by these buckets and then thrown by handpumping.
Albany Mechanics Society organized with John W. Wendell presi
dent, for relief of the widows and orphans, which for many
years was to do good service, Jan. 10.
Regents recommend establishment of common school system.
Specimens of maple sugar product shown before the Legislature,
and bill introduced to grant premiums on sugar from the maple
of from 2 to 4 cents per pound, February.
Ref'd Dutch Church (Rev. Jacob Sickles) established, Coeymans, March 5.

NO. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 383
1793.
Chains stretched across So. Pearl street by consent of the Common
Council barring vehicles passing the First Presbyterian Church
during services.
River opened to navigation, March 6.
Society for Promotion of Agriculture, Arts and Manufactures (the
original of one of the bodies later forming the Albany Insti
tute) chartered.
Bethlehem erected a township and is taken from Watervliet, March 12.
Common Council passes ordinance that no gutters henceforth shall
project as they had since ancient times, far out into the street
from the eaves, drenching passersby, May.
Legislature grants a loan of 3,000 Eng. pounds for eight years to
the glass manufactory at a place called the Glass House, eight
miles west of the city, owned by McClallen, McGregor & Co.,
in which firm were James Caldwell and Christopher Batterman.
Bank of Albany after a year in operation declares a dividend of
$4.25 per share, the shares selling originally by subscription for
$I5> May 14.
First stage line connection with Ballston, opened by John Hudson
of Schenectady and John Rogers of Ballston, but running to
this city, July 10.
Moses Beal starts a stage line to Schenectady, Johnstown and Cana-
joharie, leaving twice a week, fare 3 cents per mile, July.
River front leases in perpetuity started.
Methodist church erected at Coeymans.
Ezra Ames, celebrated local portrait painter, opens a studio in Mark
Lane, August
Reverdy Randolph and Timothy Pickering, two of the commission
ers who had been sent to treat with the far west Indians, hostile
in nature, return and report that the Indians had insisted that
the western boundary of the United States be the Ohio river,
Sep. 6.
Hon. Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck, who had been the 22nd Mayor of
Albany, (1748-1750)^ man of wealth and integrity of char
acter, Member of Committee of Safety, Commissioner of In
dian Affairs, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and who
was born at Albany on Apr. 21, 1705, the son of Coenraedt
Ten Eyck and Geertje Van Schaick, dies, Sept. 9.
Citizens agitate the matter of lighting the streets with lamps, Sept. 12.
A committee of physicians call upon " Col. Alexander Hamilton
and his lady " who had come from Philadelphia and were guests
at the Schuyler Mansion, because of the prevalence of yellow

384 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 31.
1793-1794.
fever in that city, and report them to be in excellent health and
unlikely to spread the pestilence among citizens, Sept. 23.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the six wards, Sept. 24.
Charter election, Common Council: Abraham Ten Eyck, Philip S.
van Rensselaer, I. John N. Bleecker, Jacob J. Lansingh, II.
Jeremiah Lansingh, Dirck Ten Broeck, III. Election, Sept. 24;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
Stage line inaugurated to Northampton " crossing mountains that
had hitherto been considered an insurmountable route," November.
One of the largest fires ever experienced at Albany, starting in the
stable of Leonard Gansevoort and consuming most of the block
bounded by Broadway, Maiden Lane, James and State streets,
principally along Broadway, and the Gazette office at No. 36
State street, John Maley the chief loser, loss about $250,000
and 26 houses destroyed, Nov. 17.
Slaves having been known to fire buildings about the city, and sus
pected as the incendiaries of Nov. 17th, the Common Council
passes a law that no slave shall be abroad after 9 o'clock at
night under penalty of confinement in the jail, Nov. 25.
Common Council ordains that " no butcher or other person shall
sell or dispose of any lamb, mutton, veal, pork or other dead
victual for more than four pence per pound, under a penalty
of eight shillings for very such offence," Nov. 25.
Volckert P. Douw's slave Dinah executed on Pinxter Hill for setting
fire to Leonard Gansevoort's barn on Nov. 17th, thus starting
the large conflagration with $250,000 loss, November.
Common Council passes a law establishing a night watch, consist
ing of 24 persons each night, drawn from male inhabitants over
16 years of age, to assemble at 8 p. m. on notice of the mar
shal and serve until daybreak under penalty of 6 shillings, and
those over 60 years of age might send a substitute, Nov. 27.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 26.

1794

Negro slave named Pomp is charged with setting fire to Leonard
Gansevoort's stable, causing the disastrous conflagration of
November 17th, found guilty and ordered to be hung on Janu
ary 24th, also Bet and Dan, two female slaves, found guilty
and ordered hanged at same time, Jan. 6.

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ALBANY MAP OF 1794.
An interesting map of the city, with former names of streets, made for the Mayor.
Aldermen and Commonalty, by Surveyor Simeon De Witt in 1794.

No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 385
1794.
The three negro slaves who were to be hanged this day for setting
fire to Leonard Gansevoort's stable, granted a respite of six
weeks of grace, Jan. 24.
Citizens send $866.40 to Philadelphia fire sufferers, Jan. 28.
Mr. Holt of Cherry Hill, near south bounds of the city brings a cow
weighing over 1,100 pounds to market, February.
Those in jail imprisoned for debt petition the Legislature for a law
to compel their creditors to support them while imprisoned,
which would have the effect that no creditor would wish to
press a man for money due lest he be imprisoned and become
a charge, February.
Dock association formed, Maiden Lane to State street.
Sufferers by fires of importance recently here and at Lansingburg,
petition the Legislature to be allowed to recoup their losses by
a lottery and the committee considering the matter of J:he opin
ion the cases were meritorious and according bring in a bill,
February.
Bank of Albany increases its capital from $75,000 to $540,000 (135
shares $400 each), February.
The two negro female slaves hanged for setting fire to Leonard
Gansevoort's stable, which spread disastrously, March 14.
River open to navigation, March 17.
Proposals for building the First Presbyterian church at the n. e.
corner of So. Pearl and Beaver streets, 64 x 76 feet, March 28.
Solomon Van Rensselaer, son of Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer of
Rensselaerswyck promoted to captaincy in U. S. cavalry, March.
Pomp, charged with firing Leonard Gansevoort's stable, Nov. 17,
1793, confesses, which confessions are sold at No. 2 Pearl street,
and he is hanged accordingly, April 11.
Stephen Van Rensselaer elected member of Williams College cor
poration, May 19,
Anna De Peyster Douw, wife of ex-Mayor Volckert P. Douw
(burial at Wolven Hoeck, Douws Point) dies at her home
aCiOss the river, June 14.
Bank of Albany builds -on west side of Broadway, six doors north of
State street.
Jacob J. Lansing, an alderman and magistrate, a " God-fearing man
and valuable friend," dies, June 21.
Western Inland Lock Navigation Co. contracts with four companies
of laborers to dig the canal, June 22.
Trade in wheat very extensive, July-
James Caldwell's chocolate mill, one mile north of the city, burns
with loss of $65,000, being entirely consumed, July 12.

386 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 31.
1794-1795.
Jacob Waldron and wife, who had been captured by Shawnee In
dians with a part of Gen. Wayne's army, but escaped in March,
arrive from Detroit and helped financially on their way by
Humane Society, October.
Charter election, Common Council: Abraham Ten Broeck, Philip
S. van Rensselaer, I. Barent G. Staats, Kunloke Woodruff, II.
Theodoras V. W. Graham, John Jauncey, III. Election, Sept.
30 ; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Teunis Visscher dies, Oct. 16.
Fare to New York by stage-coach $7.25, time two days, October.
Common Council advertises for proposals to supply the city with
water by an aqueduct from the spring at Five-Mile House on
the Schenectady turnpike, Nov. 10.
Bank of Albany pays semi-annual dividend of 4j4%, Nov. 14.
Extensive glass factory eight miles west of city in full 'and success
ful operation, giving employment to numerous citizens, Dec. 2.
Abraham Bloodgood sells to Mayor Abraham Yates, Jun., and the
Commonalty " a certain Negro Male Slave being a Chimney
Sweep, called Caesar," for 85 Eng. pounds of lawful money of
the State of New York, Dec. 5.
Stephen Van Rensselaer prohibits any further cutting of firewood
upon his estates, excepting those who had permit by deed, end
ing a custom that had been in vogue a century and a half, Dec. 15.
Albanians having suscribed 6,900 Eng. pounds towards erection of
a college are disappointed upon the Regents voting 11 to 3 to
establish it at Schenectady, Dec. 22.

1795.
City seal, the third ever used and bearing arms, is first used as a seal
, with wax (as far as since discovered).
Streets first lighted, January.
Lansingburg known as New City at this time, being designated by
the Dutch " de nieuwe stad," Albany being referred to as "de
oude stad."
Postmaster at Albany at this time George W. Mancius, January.
John Hudson running two stages daily to Schenectady, drawn by
four horses, January.
River closed to navigation for the season, Jan. 12.
So much emigration to the western part of the state (called the Far
West) that 500 sleighs pass through the city in one day and a

No. 31. ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. 387
1795.
count shows 1,200 sleighs, mostly from New England states
passing westward through this city in three days, containing
families with their household goods, February.
Union College founded, John Blair Smith, President, Feb. 25.
Arent Van Curlaer, aged 107 years, dies at Mapletown, Rensselaer
county, March 1
Legislature passes bill subscribing for 200 shares of the Inland Lock
companies now building canals, March.
Legislative Act dividing Rensselaerville and forming the new town
to be called Berne, March 17.
Schoharie county formed from Albany county, April 6.
Legislature appropriates $100,000 annually for 5 years to encourage
the schools of the state, Albany county being allotted $3,750, April 7.
Fifty sailing vessels arrive nere on the beginning of the open season.
The MacGregor & Co. Glass works firm dissolved and formed under
the title of Thomas Mather & Co., April 17.
At the election John Jay chosen governor, Stephen Van Rensselaer
of Albany the lieut.-governor and Gen. Philip Schuyler senator,
April 28.
Thermometer 14 degrees below z-^ro, unusual for this season, April 30.
Flour selling for $10 a barrel in New York and in France, shipped
there, from $15 to $20 per barrel, June 15.
Davis Hunt of Watervliet gives a deed of sale of his negro slave
Pompey to the Mayor, Alderman and Commonalty of the City
of Albany for the sum of 65 Eng. pounds of lawful money of
the state, June 22.
John Jay, elected in April, becomes governor, July 1.
Bank of Albany moves into its new building on west side of Broad
way, six doors north of State street, July 20.
Cohoes bridge opened, July 24.
Sloops running regularly to Albany number ninety, July 30.
Jacob Kidney, many years high constable, dies, Aug. 19.
Henry Ten Eyck, a highly respected citizen, dies, Sept. 14.
Captain John, an Oneida sachem and one who had usually spoken
for his tribe in making treaties, dies here and numerous Indians
attend his burial, with their rites, in the Presbyterian cemetery, Sept. 15.
Henry Wendell, former sheriff, aged 63, dies, Oct. 1.
Mayor Yates is again appointed Mayor of Albany, Oct. 2.
Charter election, Common Council : Arie Lagrange, Philip S. van
Rensselaer, I. Barent G. Staats, Kunloke Woodruff, II. Peter

388 ABRAHAM YATES, JUN. No. 31.
1795-1796.
W. Douw, Jeremiah Lansingh, III. Election, Sept. 29; sworn
in, Oct. 13.
Francois Alexandre Frederic, due de la Rochefoucault Liancourt, a
noted French officer, visits Albany and makes notes for his book
" Voyage dans les Etats-Unis."
Lighting of the city required during the year 257 gallons of oil,
Dec. 31.

1796.
Morse's American Geography, printed this year, declares Albany
water to be " extremely bad, scarcely drinkable."
John Clark and Reuben King start stage line to Boston, January.
River closed to navigation for the season, Jan. 23.
Stage fare to New York at this time $10, February.
Legislative Act allowing Albany to obtain water by conduit, February.
Rev. John B. Johnson made colleague of Rev. John Bassett, March 23.
Gen. Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck, Daniel Hale, Jeremiah
Van Rensselaer and Teunis Van Vechten appointed commis
sioners to build a state prison at Albany, March 26.
Glass in large quantities produced in Colonie, March.
Yonkers (State) street ordered paved from Broadway to public
square on the hill, March.
Messrs. Beeckman, Van Vechten, Van Rensselaer and Bleecker ap
pointed by the Dutch Church consistory to procure materials
for a new edifice to be erected on west side of No. Pearl street,
May 10.
Subscriptions started to erect a Roman Catholic chapel at the n. w.
corner of Pine and Barrack (Chapel) streets, to face upon the
former street, by Thomas Barry and Louis Le Coulteaux, June.
Abraham Yates, Jun., Mayor of Albany, dies, June 30.
The commission to erect a state prison buys six acres at Broadway
and Lawrence street, that later becomes site of state arsenal
and then School No. 13, July.
Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck appointed the Mayor of Albany.
? ? ?
(See No. 28.)

No. 32.

p IfUtp £ripfljl*r Ian Hettaariaflr.

Jan. 1, 1799 -July 7, 1816.
* * *
July 3, 1819 — Feb. 18, 1821.

No. 32.
PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER.
Date of office: (a) January 1, 1799-July 7, 1816.
(b) July 3, 1819-February 18, 1821.
Date of appointment: (a) December 27, 1798.
(b) July 3, 1819.
Appointed by: (a) Governor John Jay.
(b) Governor DeWitt Clinton.
Date of birth: April 15, 1766.
Place of birth: Van Rensselaer Manor House.
Parents: Stephen (V. R.) and Catherine Livingston.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Anne De Peyster Van Cortlandt. (d. Jan. 10, 1855.)
Date: 1787.
Children: None.
Residence: North side State street, east corner Chapel street.
Occupation: Banker.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: September 25, 1824.
Place of death: No. 85 State street.
Place of burial: Van Rensselaer Manor Ground (later Rural Ceme
tery).
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Grandson of Philip Livingston, " Signer." Public
spirited. Moral. Promoter of education. President of the
Bank of Albany.

32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER.
1799-1816; 1819-21.
From an oil portrait owned in 1904 by Mrs. Alexander Wells of Grove
Hill, N. Y.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 39I
1799.
(Continued from No. 28.)
1799.

Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, having been appointed Mayor of
Albany on Dec. 27, 1798, by Governor John Jay, to succeed
Mayor Abraham Ten Broeck. he assumes the office of Mayor, Jan. 1.
The State Hall or Capitol, ordered built for the state officers and
the filing of state documents and as a place for transaction of
state matters, completed at the southwest corner of State and
Lodge streets.
Cayuga chiefs arrive prepared to arrange with the Legislature for
the sale of all lands remaining to them in the state, January.
Great Western Turnpike Company incorporated.
Steps taken to erect a state arsenal by Henry I. Bogart advertising
for proposals to erect the same on a lot bought by the state for
a state prison, southeast corner of No. Market (Broadway) and
Lawrence streets (which property the city bought in 1858 for
purposes of School No. 13), January.
Company incorporated to establish a turnpike from Albany to
Lebanon Springs.
First drawing of the N. Y. State Road Lottery, consisting of 6,458
prizes amounting to $125,000, and 18,542 blanks, a total of
25,000 tickets at $5 apiece, considered a most worthy public ob
ject, commenced according to laws of 1797, May 14.
Western Inland Lock Navigation Co. declares 3$ dividend, May 17.
Common Council passes a law requiring constables " to stop all
manner of persons who shall be riding for pleasure, or who-
may expose any articles for sale on Sunday," June 21.
Channel made in the river between Troy and Lansingburg 30 feet
wide and 5 feet deep at low water, doing away with " Lower
Reef," June.
Churches raise $555.87 for New York city yellow fever sick, June 19.
Ordered that a loaf of superfine flour weigh 12 oz. and of tail flour
to weigh 1 lb. and sell for 6 pence, June.
Barber & Southwick open a circulating library with 400 volumes,
charging $4 per annum to subscribers, July.
Second or South Dutch Reformed Church being erected on south
side of Beaver, through to Hudson street (avenue), midway
between So. Pearl and Green streets, July.

392 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1799-1800.
Charter election, Common Council :_ George Merchant, Isaac Bo-
gart, I. Jeremiah Lansingh, Barent G. Staats, II. Enoch
Leonard, Peter Dox, III. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8.
Directors of the First Company of the Great Western Turnpike
Road advertise for contractors to begin at Schoharie creek and
work westward, the width to be 28 feet, the material to be stone
or gravel, Charles R. Webster, secretary.
City taxed $4,184 for night-watch, whale-oil for street-lighting
lamps, maintenance of the poor and public schools, for one year.
Death of George Washington at Mount Vernon on Dec. 14th an
nounced at Albany on the arrival of post-riders in 9 days after
it transpired, and immediately the Cominon Council resolves that
the bells be tolled that afternoon from 3 to 5 o'clock and that
aldermen wear crape upon the arm for six weeks, Dec. 23.

1800.

Population of the city 5,349 and of state. 586,756, Jan. 1.
Slaves in the state at this time number 33,343, Jan. 1.
River closed (since spring of 1799), Jan. 3.
First local letter-carrier, William Winne, delivering, Jan. 5.
Albany observes funeral solemnities in honor of the late President
Washington, suspends all business and participates in a parade
by civic, military and masonic bodies, as well as the law, physic
and divinity, all uniting in one grand pageant the like of which
had never been witnessed at Albany, Thursday, Jan. 9.
City streets lighted at night by whale-oil lamps which extend at no
spot further than half a mile back of the river, the rest of the
land being unsettled upon, Feb. 1.
The Legislature having determined to set apart Washington's birth
day as a fitting time to commemorate his great deeds and many
virtues, it is observed by an oration at 9 a. m. at St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church by Rev. Matthew O'Brien, a procession
starting from the City Hall (So. Market st., Broadway) moving
through State and up No. Pearl street to the North Dutch
Reformed Church, where Rev. John B. Johnson, pastor, deliv
ered a sermon, Revs. Bassett and Nott assisting in the exercises,
followed in the afternoon by an oration from Maj. Michael
Gabriel Houdin in the City Hall, Feb. 22.

WATERWORKS COMPANY RESERVOIR.
Stephen Van Rensselaer granted use of the Maezlandt Kill in 1797, for consideration, as supply for city.
Albany Waterworks Co. was incorporated in 1802, capital $40,000, which laid wooden logs bored as pipes to
conduct the water to a reservoir built in 1811 at Eagle, Columbia and Steuben sts. Its Egyptian style of archi
tecture was much admired, being then in vogue, and proved attractive place for children. It was removed in
1875 that the High School might be erected there, and its stone used in basement.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 393
1800-1801.
.Harmanus P. Schuyler succeeds John Given as county sheriff.
Scow drawn by a rope used as a ferry and the only means of com
munication with lands across the Hudson river.
John V. Henry appointed state comptroller, March 12.
Greene county, named after Gen. Nathaniel Greene, formed from
Albany and Ulster counties, March 25.
John Maude, an English tourist, declares in a description of the city
that Albany water is " a pleasant, wholesome beverage."
Ground to the westward of Middle Public Square ( State, Knox and
Willett streets) made a public burial-place. •
Charter election, Common Council: George Merchant, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Rensselaer Westerlo, James Caldwell, II. Peter
Dox, John Jauncey, III. Gerrit Bogart, Abraham Bloodgood,
IV. Election, Sept.; sworn in, Oct. 14.

1801.

River open to navigation, Feb. 28.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer elected lieutenant-governor, on Demo
cratic ticket, although in Albany county (his locality) he had
but 789 votes in comparison with his opponent, J. Watson, on
Federalist ticket, who had 2,048 votes, and George Clinton was
elected governor, with 24,808 votes, to Stephen Van Rensse
laer's 20,843 votes.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaret Schuyler (bap. Sept.
24, 1758) dies, • March.
Death of Volckert Pietrus Douw, the 25th Mayor of Albany, at his
home on Douw's Point, Wolven-Hoeck, opposite the lower end
• of the city, and at the funeral held subsequently the guests im
bibe so freely of the delicious concoction he had prepared with
spices in a keg some time before in celebration of this event,
that they were transported to their homes on ox-sleds, March 20.
Watervliet village incorporated, March 30.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, the Patroon of the Manor, (born Nov. 1,
1764) made a major-general of cavalry.
Tontine Coffee House, on State street, where so many public meet
ings had been held and where were organized some of the city's
largest institutions, taken over from Ananias Piatt, who had
conducted it for the past three years, by Mat. Gregory from
Waterford, May 12.

394 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1801-1802.
Gen. Benedict Arnold, who had been located here and led troops
from here to Ticonderoga, dies in London, June 14.
George Clinton, elected in April, becomes Governor of New York,
July 1.
Gov. George Clinton arrives at Albany and takes up his residence-
in the house vacated by Gov. John Jay, Nos. 66 and 68 State-
street, July 11.
Corner-stone of the United Presbyterian Church laid by Rev. John
McDonald, Oct. 5.
Convention held at the Capitol to revise the state's Constitution,.
convening this day, Aaron Burr presiding, Oct. 13..
Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Rensselaer Westerlo, John Cuyler, II. John
Jauncey, Richard S. Treat, III. Gerrit Bogart, Abraham
Bloodgood, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13.
Constitutional convention adjourns, Oct. 27..
Organization meeting to discuss project of the Schenectady Turn
pike at City Tavern, at which a committee of nine is named to-
digest a plan and report particulars, Nov. 3.
Special committee reports details of organizing the Schenectady
Turnpike road, deciding for 2,000 shares of $50 each, this city
immediately subscribing for 1,600 shares and leaving 400 shares
for Schenectady, no person being allowed to hold more than 10
shares, Nov. 10.
Stockholders of the Schenectady Turnpike Co. meet and elect the
first board: Hon. John Lansing, Jr., president; Stephen Van
Rensselaer, Stephen Lush, Daniel Hall, John Tayler, Garrett W.
Van Schaick, Dudley Walsh, Abraham Oothout and Joseph
C. Yates, directors, Nov. 24.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 6.
For lighting the city during the year 1,187 gallons of oil used, cost
ing 320 Eng. Pounds (about $1,600), and for cleaning and
lighting the oil-lamp posts 97 Eng. pounds (about $485). Dec. 31.

18 0 2.

United Presbyterian Church's new edifice opened at the corner of
Canal (Sheridan ave.) and Chanel streets, Jan. 3.
Lawton Annesley (later Annesley & Vint, then Annesley & Co.,
Richard Lord Annesley head of the firm in 1906 and James

ST. PETER'S CHURCH — SECOND EDIFICE.
The first edifice, built in middle of State st. (opposite Chapel St.),
1714-15, size 42x58 ft., was taken down in July, 1802. On May 7,
1802, the corner-stone of the second building (n. w. cor. State and
Lodge sts.) was laid. Consecrated Oct. 4, 1803.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 395
1802.
Vint with an independent store in 1906) establishes an art
store.
Contract signed to build the second St. Peter's church of stone, be
tween " the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of Albany, &c."
and Philip Hooker (architect), Elisha Putnam, Garrett W. Van
Schiack and Samuel Hill, Jan. 26.
Albany Waterworks Company organized, making use of large trunks
of trees bored through the centres with a hole of about two
inches, jointed with iron pipes ; capital $40,000 : securing supply
from the Maezlandt kill, northwest of the city, Feb. 2.
Rev. Andrew Wilson installed by the Associate Reformed Pres
bytery of Washington over the united congregations of Albany
and Lansingburg, April 20.
Killian K. Van Rensselaer elected Congressman by 1,306 votes over
Abraham C. Lansing with 793 votes, April.
Rev. Thomas Ellison of St. Peter's Church (appointed rector May 1,
1787) dies without beholding the completion of the new edifice,
the fund for which he had labored assiduously to raise, aged 42,
April 26.
Waterworks Company pays a dividend of 3%, April.
Corner-stone of the new (2nd edifice) St. Peter's church laid at its
northeast corner by John Stevenson, vestryman, the building
being erected at the northwest corner of State and Lodge
streets, with its southeastern corner, at intersection of these
streets, on the site of the northeast basion of the removed Fort
Frederick, stone being the material and eventually costing
$26,767.31 (consecrating on Oct. 4, 1803) Philip Hooker, ar
chitect, May 7.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer marries (a second time) Cornelia
Paterson, daughter of. Judge William Paterson of New Jersey, May.
Bass weighing 55 lbs. caught opposite the city, June 9.
Common Council ordains that no bells shall be rung or toll during
funerals for a longer time than 20 minutes under $25 penalty, June.
St. Peter's church, its first edifice (erected in 1715) standing in the
centre of State street opposite Barrack (Chapel) street, taken
down, the work starting, July 1.
Adam Todd, sexton of St. Peter's church is paid $17.50 for " raising,
removing and interring the remains of 35 persons from the in
terior of the old Church in State street," which he inters in the
basement or foundation of the new edifice being built, and
among them those of Lord Howe, who fell at Trout Brook, in

396 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1802-1803.
the campaign against the French at Ticonderoga on July 6, 1758,
as shown by church records, July-
Ground set apart at State and Willett streets for powder-house.
Albany & Schenectady Turnpike Co., makes contract for clearing
road 14 miles long, erecting fences 58 feet apart, arch 42 feet
broad with 8-foot ditches on both sides, in depression or ele
vation not to exceed more than 4 degrees from the horizontal
at any place, at cost of $26,000.
Charter election, Common Council: Sebastian Visscher, Georg-:
Merchant, I. John Cuyler, Douw Fonda, II. John Jauncey,
Harmanus P. Schuyler, III. Abraham Bloodgood, Gerrit Bo
gart, IV. Election, Sept. 28; sworn in, Oct. 12.
Rev. Frederick Beasley of Elizabeth Town, N. J., accepts a call to
come to St. Peter"s Church, Nov. 15.
Johannes Jacobse Beeckman, the 29th Mayor of Albany and born
here on Aug. 8, 1733, dies, Dec. 17.

1803,

Albany Medical Society gives notice that its members will inoculate
free the poor for the kine-pock, January.
Abraham G. Lansing appointed state treasurer, Feb. 8.
Comedians styled the Old American Co., entertain at Thespian
Hotel on east side of No. Pearl street, near Patroon st. (Clin
ton ave.)
Guilderland (named from Guilderlandt, Holland) formed from
Watervliet, Feb. 26.
Legislative committee reports in favor of erecting a capitol of some
pretensions adequate to the importance of the state, March 7.
New York State Bank chartered, capital $500,000, and John Tayler
elected president on organization of board, John W. Yates,
cashier, March 25.
Customs-house established here, William Seymour deputy.
Vessels quarantined south of city because of yellow fever, May 19.
St. Peter's church, while building (its 2nd edifice) being pressed for
funds, sells three lots between the church and the jail fence
to the west, on State street, June.
Gen. Philip Schuyler makes his will (he dies at Albany Nov. 18,
1804) leaving 6,697 acres of land in seven different land com
panies, appraised at $52,445 ; executors are his two sons Philip
Jeremiah and Rensselaer, sons-in-law John Barker Church,
Alexander Hamilton and Stephen Van Rensselaer, June 20.
Water street changed from River street.

STATE STREET (NORTH SIDE).
This shows the block from Pearl to James st. The left corner house built as parsonaee in 1657, occupied
by Dominie Balthazar Lydius, standing until 1832. Near center is the State Bank, first occupied May 10 1804.
East of James st. the house where Anneke Jans died, 1663. (Original sketch pwned by late Gen. John Tayler
Cooper.)

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 397
1803.
Resolved at General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of the United
States that the Presbyteries of Albany, Oneida and Columbia
be constituted to form a synod to be known as Synod of Albany,
to hold first meeting at this city, August.
Rev. John B. Johnson, former pastor of the North Dutch Reformed
Church, dies of consumption at Newtown, L. I., aged 33,
Aug. 7.
Rev. Frederick Beasley assumes duties as rector of St. Peter's,
though not installed, holding services in the Dutch churches, August.
New York State Bank (the 2nd bank chartered in Albany) com
mences business (not yet in its own building) with a capital of
$460,000 ; John W. Yates, cashier ; hours 9 to 12 and 2 to 4 p. m.
Sept. 7.
Consecration of the second edifice of St. Peter's Church, erected at
the northwest corner of State and Lodge streets (its first edifice
having been built in 1715 in centre of State street opposite
Barrack or Chapel street) this one being of stone with a tall
tower terminating in a spire over the entrance, Philip Hooker
the architect, and costing $26,767.01, by Bishop Benjamin
Moore, followed by an appropriate discourse by Rev. J. H.
Hobart of New York city, the Prot. Episcopal Church in the
State of New York opening its convention there the same day,
Oct. 4.
Rev. Frederick Beasley, from Elizabeth Town, N. J., instituted
rector of St. Peter's Church, Oct. 5.
St. Andrew's Society holds its first meeting and adopts a constitu
tion, resolving to celebrate on (Nov. 30th) the nativity of its
patron saint, Oct. 10.
Charter election, Common Council: George Merchant, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Sybrant Bleecker, Peter E. Elmendorf, II. Rich
ard S. Treat, Harmanus P. Schuyler, III. Gerrit Bogart,
Abraham TenEyck, IV. Election, Sept. 27 ; sworn in, Oct. 1 1 .
The Gazette prints : " Those who wish to buy one of the most
valuable negro wenches, one free from ever having had a hus
band or child, and one not in the least used to ' black ' com
pany, and free from every vice of any moment; will please to
inquire of the editors of this paper, from whom they may know
the price, and the present owner." Oct. 20.
Daniel Steele advertises a circulating library of 400 books, Oct. 25.
Burns Society holds its first election, choosing John Stephenson its
president, George Ramsey, vice-president, Nov. 10.
River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 13.

398 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.

1804.

1804.
The Capitol, City Hall and Court House, as well as the County
Building, at this time being all in the one old building, three
stories high, five windows wide, of brick, surmounted by a
cupola containing an alarm-bell, at the northeast corner of So.
Market street (Broadway) and Hudson street (avenue), a
movement is inaugurated to erect a suitable building at the
head of State street, and abandon this ancient edifice, for
although hallowed by the most stirring events of the Nation
it was also the scene of trials and executions, while before it
had been the whipping-post, Jan. i.
Erie canal proposed by Elkanah Watson in letter to Gen. Peleg
Wadsworth.
Society for Promotion of Christian Arts incorporated.
John Woodworth of Albanv appointed State attorney-general, Feb. 3.
David Banks establishes Banks & Co., law books.
New York State Bank begins business in its own building on the
north side of State street, next door west of the corner of Middle
Lane, (James street) Philip Hooker, architect; John Tayler,
president, March 10.
Dr. Nott preaches sermon in Presbyterian Church and nets $327
for the Flumane Society, March 18.
Legislature charters Albany & Bethlehem Turnpike Co.
Construction of a Capitol building at the head of State street author
ized, creating as commissioners to execute the same, Philip S.
Van Rensselaer, the Mayor ; John Tayler, president of the
N. Y. State Bank; Simeon DeWitt, surveyor-general, Nicholas
N. Quackenbush and Daniel Hale, by Act passed April 6.
River open to navigation, official record, April 6.
Colonie incorporated as a village in Watervliet, April g.
State st., So. Pearl st. and Washington ave. ordered paved.
Morgan Lewis, elected in April, becomes Governor, July 1.
Alexander Hamilton, who as an attorney had cases frequently in
Albany, and who married Elizabeth, second daughter of Gen.
Philip Schuyler at the Schuyler Mansion at the head of the
street of that name, in 1780 (b. on the island of Nevis, West
Indies; Jan. 11, 1757; entered the Continental service as captain
of artillery in 1776; on Washington's staff 1777-81; member
of Continental Congress 1782-83; of the Constitutional Con-

SOLDIERS MONUMENT.

MAJOR-GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER.

GENERAL SCHUYLER'S GRAVE.
Maj. -Gen. Philip Schuyler died at Albany on Nov. 18, 1804, and this
granite shaft, 36 ft. high, was erected over his grave in the Rural Cemetery in
1871 . 1 he " Soldiers' Monument' ' erected in a plat devoted to Civil War soldiers.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 399
1804.
vention 1787; New York ratifying Convention, 1788; first sec
retary of U. S. Treasury 1789-95; commander-in-chief of the
U. S. Army 1799) engages in duel with Aaron Burr, who had
a law office at one time on Norton street, Albany, and is shot
on the first fire, at Weehawken, N. J., July 11.
Alexander Hamilton dies at New York city as result of wound
received the previous day at Weehawken, July 12.
Teunis Van Vechten presides at a meeting of law students, which
resolves that the members wear crape upon left arm for six
weeks in respect of 'the memory of late Alexander Hamilton, July 13-
Stage line to New York inaugurated that makes journey in three
days, stopping at night at Rhinebeck and Peekskill, fare $8,
July 15-
Rev. Eliphalet Nott delivers discourse on life of Alexander Hamilton
at the No. Dutch Church, which was later printed, July 29.
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, elected
president of Union College, to succeed Dr. Marcy, Aug. 21.
Albany Bethlehem Turnpike Co. directors meet for organization
at City Tavern and elect F. Nicoll president, Oct. 2.
Cost of lighting the city for year ending this day, 1,652 gallons of
oil, $1,739.21; night-watch, $1,008.44; wood and candles, $50;
lighting lamps, $390.68; 8 lbs. of wick, $4.98; total, $3,193.32, Oct. 8.
Charter election, Common Council : Charles R. Webster, William
Fryer, I. Sybrant Bleecker, John Cuyler, II. Harmanus P.
Schuyler, Richard S. Treat, III. Abraham Ten Eyck, Gerrit
Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 26; sworn in, Oct. 9.
Legislature convenes, electing Solomon Southwick, Albany, clerk,
Nov. 6.
Death of Maj. -Gen. Philip Schuyler who was born in this city at
the southeast corner of State and Pearl streets, on Nov. 11,
I7vS3> tne 5th son of Johannes Schuyler, Jr., and Cornelia Van
Cortlandt; captain in the Colonial wars, 1755; member of Pro
vincial Assembly, 1768-74; delegate to Continental Congress,
1775; maj. -general, commanding the Army of Northern De
partment, 1775; member of the State Senate, 1780-90; Com
missioner of Indian Affairs, 1775-97; surveyor-general, 1782-
88; president of Northern Inland Lock Navigation Co. and of
Western Inland Lock Navigation Co., 1792; first U. S. Senator
from New York, 1790-92, re-elected, 1792-97, greatly mourned
by city, Nov. 18.

400 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32,
1804-1805.
Military funeral of Maj. -Gen. Philip Schuyler, with burial in family
vault of Hon. Abraham Ten Broeck (many years later body
removed to Rural cemetery), Nov. 21.
City officials and a multitude of citizens attend the opening of the
Union Bridge across the Hudson at Waterford, 800 feet long
and 33 feet above the water, cannon firing, parade and banquet,
December.

1805.

River first closed to navigation since spring of 1894, Jan. 9.
Albany & Delaware Turnpike Co. chartered, January.
Name of Bone lane changed to Division street.
South ferry conducted this year for city's profit.
Cow lane changed to Liberty street.
Rev. John Melancthon Bradford installed at Middle or 2nd Dutch
Church, Aug. 11.
Nail street changed to Lutheran, being near the church of that
denomination, (later to be known as Howard street).
Samuel Hill, of St. Peter's Church vestry, reports as treasurer of
the building fund for the second edifice that had been conse
crated on Oct. 4, 1803, that the total receipts had been $26,816
and expended for construction in all its parts, $25,767.31, Aug. 22.
Barrack street, formerly Berg, or Hill street, changed to Chapel.
Common Council prohibits vessels sailing further north than Van
Rensselaer island because of yellow fever in New York city,
Sept. 14.
Collection for Humane Society at Middle Dutch Church nets $114,
September.
Charter election, Common Council: William Fryer, George Mer
chant, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, Douw Fonda, II. Stewart
Dean, Theodorus V. W. Graham, III. Gerrit Bogart, Abra
ham Ten Eyck, IV. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8.
The name Hamilton street given to Kilby street.
The expense for the year to light the city and provide a night-watch
to announce the safety of the city at intervals until morning,
amounts to $5,454.36, Oct. 1.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 11.

SOUTH DUTCH CHURCH.
This was its common appellation until 1835, when it was styled
" Middle." It stood on south side of Beaver, midway Green and
So. Pearl sts.; cornerstone laid Apr. 30, 1806 ; material of the old
1715 church at foot of State st. used ; Philip Hooker, Architect ;
dedicated Feb. 17, 1811 ; abandoned 1881 for new edifice n. e. cor.
Swan and Madison ave.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4OI

1806

1806.

Cemetery established at State and Knox streets (later the site of
Washington Park), January.
Albany County Medical Society, (oldest in New York state in 1905),
established by leading medical men, January.
Schuyler Mansion, at head of street of that name, owned by Gen.
Philip Schuyler who died Nov. 18, 1804, offered for sale, with
the four acres enviponing, Jan. 30.
Troy & Schenectady Turnpike Co. incorporated.
Cominon Council passes law to prevent forestalling, fixing a penalty
of $5 to purchase any kind of poultry to sell again, Feb. 3.
Albany Mechanics' Society elects Chas. R. Webster president, Feb. 4.
River open to navigation, official record, Feb. 20.
Archibald Mclntyre appointed state comptroller, March 26.
Capitol corner stone laid s. e. corner of State and Park Place, by
Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer, acting as a Masonic master
of ceremonies, in the presence of state and city officials, April 23.
Second, or Middle Dutch Church corner-stone, south side of Beaver
between So. Pearl and Green streets, extending through to
Hudson ave., laid by Rev. John Melancthon Bradford, bearing a
resemblance to St. Paul's in New York city, April 30.
Bank of Albany elects Philip S. Van Rensselaer its (3rd) president, May 14.
Elisha W. Skinner admitted into partnership by Charles R. and
George Webster as publishers of the Gazette, and booksellers, May 19.
Goldsborough Banyar, Jr., dies in New York, June 6.
Albany and Montreal turnpike along west side of Lake George laid
out by surveyors as far as the 112-mile mark, Plattsburg, with
22 miles more of their road to complete, Aug. 1,
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church standing in the middle of State
street a little west of the Broadway crossing, removed.
Grounds embraced by Madison avenue, Knox, State and Willett
streets, set apart and dedicated as Middle Public Square, Oct. 6.
Charter election, Common Council : George Merchant, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Douw Fonda, Derick Van Schelluyne, II. Har
manus P. Schuyler, Jacob Ten Eyck, III. Matthew Trottet,
John Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 30; sworn in, Oct. 14.

402 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1807.

1807.
Thermometer 20 degrees below zero, unofficial, Feb. 9.
St. Patrick's Society of Albany incorporated.
River open to navigation, April 8.
Daniel D. Tompkins, elected in April, becomes Governor, July 1.
New York state called upon by the president to furnish 12,000 to
prevent British aggression, and John Van Ness Yates tenders
immediate service of his company of Light Infantry, July.
The Albany volunteers of Capt. Gerrit Bogart also tender their
services to the president, July.
South ferry scow capsizes and 33 drown,
First navigation by a steamboat, Robert Fulton making a successful
trip aboard the Clermont from New York to Albany. He and
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of Clermont, on the east bank
of the Hudson, had met in Paris in 1806, where Fulton was
experimenting, and as he had also been working on a similar
project, they became interested in perfecting the one invention,
and the outcome was this vessel made on their return at the
shipyard of Charles Brown on the East river, where it was
launched in the spring and moved to the Jersey shore for com
pletion. Her hull, 100 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 7 feet deep
had been made by David Brome of New York, the engine by
Watt & Bolton of England. Upon fitting her engine the people
began to ridicule his hopes, and curiosity was raised to a high
pitch when the day for its trial arrived, as advertised. The
wharves and house-tops swarmed with people, many warning
friends not to dare go aboard. At 6:30 a. m. she was ready
to start. There were 24 passengers and the 12 berths were
taken. The fare was $7. Thick clouds of black smoke issued
from the tall chimney. There was a little delay due to machin
ery requiring adjustment, and on a passenger expressing doubt
of a successful result, Fulton replied : " Gentlemen, you need
not be uneasy; you shall be in Albany before 12 o'clock to-mor
row." When everything was ready she made a circle three
times, then steadily headed up the river, while tens of thousands
cheered vociferously, Fulton all this time standing erect upon
the deck, his eyes flashing as though the magic wand had been
waved over his creation. Gerrit H. Van Wagenen agreed to
keep account of the time and John Q. Wilson, (afterwards an
Albany banker) wrote it in the log. This paper was drawn
up from that and given to The Albany Register for publication :

CLERMONT.
This is the first steamboat to ply American waters, the invention pf Robert Fulton. It was ioo ft. long,
and its stack 30 ft. high. It left Paulus Hook ferry wharf (Jersey City) early Friday, Sept. 4th, and arrived at
Albany about noon, Saturday, Sept. 5, 1807, making the trip in 30 hours, at 5 miles an hour.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 4O3
1807.
" On Friday morning at 18 minutes before 7 o'clock, the North
River steam boat left New York; landed one passenger at
Tarrytown (25 miles), and arrived at Newburgh, (63 miles) at
4 o'clock in the afternoon; landed one passenger there, and
arrived at Clermont (100 miles), where two passengers, one
of whom was Mr. Fulton, were landed at 15 minutes before
2 o'clock in the morning; and arrived at Albany at 27 minutes
past 11 o'clock, making the whole time twenty-eight hours and
forty-five minutes; distance 150 miles. * * * Selah Strong,
G. H. Van Wagenen, Thomas Wallace, John Q. Wilson, John
P. Anthony, Dennis H. Doyle, George Wetmore, William S.
Hicks, J. Bowman, J. Crane, James Braiden, Stephen N. Rowan,
Sept. 4.
At 11 :27 a. m. the Clermont, the first steamboat ever to land
at Albany, ties up at the wharf at the foot of Lydius street
(Madison ave.) much to the excitement of the inhabitants who
had been on the lookout. On the way a farmer had hastened
out to the steamboat in his skiff and having tied to her, wanted
to know from Fulton how a mill could grind itself upstream
as this was doing and insisted on being shown the millstones.
It was also told that at West Point as the vessel steamed past
the whole garrison came out and cheered, and the crowds at
Newburgh, enthusiastically waving hats and cloths, seemed as
though all Orange county had flocked thither to see the wonder
ful craft, Sept. 5.
Townsend Furnace & Machine shop established on the west side of
Eagle near Jay street, by Isaiah and John Townsend.
The Clermont leaves for New York with 60 passengers, fast becom
ing popular as a mode of rapid travel (28 hours to New York)
and people losing their fear of trusting themselves on a craft
of unheard of principle, considered foolhardy by so many
scoffers, Sept. 30.
The Clermont runs afoul of a small sloop and loses one paddle-
wheel, following which accident 18 miles above New York, she
proceeds with only one wheel and against a wind so strong as
to cause the small boat to plunge considerably, Oct. 3.
Charter election, Common Council: George Merchant, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, John Cuyler, II. Har
manus P. Schuyler, John Brinckerhoff, III. John Bogart,
Matthew Trotter, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13.
The steamboat advertised to afford dressing-rooms for women, there
being no other steamboat in existence it was not thought neces
sary to mention the name when speaking or writing of the
Clermont, October.

404 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1807-1808.
The Clermont drawing crowds on each trip, this day starting from
Albany with ioo passengers, Nov. 6.
Bridge over Mohawk river below the falls completed, Nov. 25.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 9.

1808.

Rev. Dr. William Linn, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, aged
56, dies, Jan. 8.
Obadiah Van Benthuysen establishes a large printing house on lower
Broadway (known in 1.906 as Charles Van Benthuysen's Sons).
Joint resolution to make an accurate survey of a canal route between
tide waters of the Hudson and Lake Erie passes, February.
Common Council elects John Cuyler City Comptroller, Feb. 9.
River open to navigation, official record, March 10.
Commissioners to erect a new Capitol and City hall combined, at,
head of State street in the western end of the park, report
receipts: Tax levied on Albany, $3,000; tax on both city and
county, $3,000; from the corporation of Albany, $10,000; from
sale of former Capitol and City Hall on Broadway and Hudson
avenue, $17,000; proceeds of lottery, $12,000; state to be reim
bursed by a lottery, $20,000 ; donation this winter from Corpora
tion of Albany, $4,000; total, $69,000, and requesting $25,000
additional, to complete, which sum the state appropriates, March 11.
Humane Society receives $371.32 as proceeds of Rev. Dr. Nott's
sermon, March 13.
Gerardus Lansing, a highly respected citizen, aged 84, dies, March 24.
Simeon De Witt's wife, Jane, aged 47, dies, April 10.
Ground opposite the city, divided into lots and offered for sale,
April 15.
The Clermont arrives for her second season of river navigation,
having been lengthened from 100 to 150 feet, and her breadth
extended from 12 to 18 feet, with her name changed to North
River, tonnage 165 tons, April 27.
Col. Philip P. Schuyler, an efficacious officer of the Revolution, aged
73, dies, June 3.
The late Gen. Philip Schuyler's daughter, Mrs. Cornelia Lynch
Morton, aged 32, an estimable lady, dies at Philadelphia, July 5-

IB'^...

CAPITOL OF 1808.
It stood at southwest corner of the park, facing down State st. Albany made capitol Mch. 10, 1797, and first
session held in Stadt House (B'way and Hudson ave.) Jan. 27-Mch. 14, 1780. Cornerstone laid by Mayor P. S.
Van Rensselaer Apr. 23, 1806, first occupied November, 1808. City contributed $34,200 and Council occupied n. e.
corner. Removed July-Dec, 1883.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 405
1808-1809.
John Barber, state printer and publisher of the Albany Register,
aged 50, dies of consumption, July 10.
Mayor receives $400 for the city poor from Pepin & Breschard,
circus performers, July 11.
Common Council orders old hospital sold at auction, Sept. 1.
Death of Judge Ambrose Spencer's wife, Mary Clinton, age 36,
Sept. 4.
The North River, formerly the Clermont, makes her best record
from New York, 27 hours, Oct. 2.
Cost of lighting the city with oil for one year $3,560.44, and for
the city watchman to call the hours and safety, $2,454.60, Oct. 10.
Charter election, Common Council: Charles R. Webster, William
Fryer, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, Douw Fonda, II. John
Brinckerhoff, Richard S. Treat, III. Matthew Trotter, John
Bogart, IV. Election, Sept. 27; sworn in, Oct. 11.
Dr. Wilhemus Mancius, the most respected physician of his day and
who had practiced nearly fifty years here, aged 70, dies, Oct. 22.
Death of Susan Robinson, wife of Isaiah Townsend, the prominent
iron manufacturer, aged 26, Oct. 29.
The new Capitol recently erected in the southwest corner of the
public park at the head of State street, completed at a cost of
$34,200 to the city, $3,000 to Albany county, and $73,485.42 to
the state, a total of $110,685.42, and used for first time at
special sessions, the Mayor and Albany's Common Council oc
cupying n. e. corner of the second floor, Nov. 1.
Ralph Letton establishes a museum of curiosities next door to
corner of Chapel and State streets, Nov. 2.
Rev. James Burke, pastor of St. Mary's (R. C.) Church, dies of
consumption and is mourned as an energetic worker, Nov. 1 1 .
The first tigers ever in Albany, a male and female from Asia,
exhibited at the Thespian Hotel hall on No. Pearl street, Nov. 24.
Philip Wendell, a citizen of prominence, aged 75, dies, Dec. 9.

1809.

At the former City Hall, which was also the Capitol, n. e. corner
of Broadway and Hudson ave., vacated Nov. 1, 1808, for the
new building at the head of State st., J. Scudder exhibits a
" grand panorama,"- Jan. 19.

406 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1809.
River closed to navigation since spring of last year, Jan. 19.
Legislature grants permission to reporters to attend sessions and The
Gazette first publishes proceedings, Jan. 21.
Corporation of Schenectady enters a petition for division from
Albany as a separate county, Jan. 25.
Thermometer 12 below zero on west side of Pearl street, Feb. 12.
Assembly votes with a majority of 8 in favor of partitioning off
Schenectady county from Albany, Feb. 12.
Dr. Peter Gansevoort, a prominent physician, aged 83, dies,
March 14.
Schenectady county created by Act of Legislature, March 7.
Abraham Weaver, aged 100 years, dies, March 23,
Bastejan T. Visscher, who had performed useful services during the
Revolution, aged 82, dies, May 9.
News that the embargo against Great Britain had been raised creates
so much enthusiasm that the bells are rung nearly all day,
addresses are delivered by Philip Van Vechten and John Lovett,
the attorney, and a wonderful procession is quickly improvised, June 10.
Name of Swallow changed to Knox street, July 17.
Henry Trowbridge first advertised a museum, which is believed the
starting of the great Albany Museum, so prominently known
all over the country for years, Sept. 18.
Steamboat Car of Neptune, the second in America, put on; 295
tons, 175 feet long (25 ft. longer than the Clermont of 1807
after she had been lengthened in 1808 from 100 to 150 feet
and then known as the North River) 24 feet broad, or 6 feet
broader than the North River ; 8 feet deep, 33 x 52 in. engine ;
built by Charles Brown of New York, Sept. 28.
Charter election, Common Council: Charles R. Webster, William
Fryer, I. Douw Fonda, Derick Van Schelluyne, II. John
Brickerhoff, Flarmanus P Schuyler, III. Matthew Trotter,
Thomas Gould, IV. . Election, Sept. 26 ; sworn in, ' Oct. 10.
Christopher A. Yates, prominent citizen, aged 71, dies, Nov. 28.
Common Council ordains that as the bell had been removed from
the discarded City Hall and Capitol on lower Broadway, which
rang at noon and at 8 o'clock by ancient custom, the bell of the
North Dutch Reformed Church be struck at those hours and
that Barent Bogart be the ringer with salary of $40 yearly, Nov. 27.
River closed, official record Dec. 10.
Hon. William Cooper, aged 55, of Cooperstown dies, and remains
taken there for burial, • Dec. 22.

MRS. GRANT OF LAGGAN.
Mrs. Anne Grant of Laggan, Scot., (b. Glasgow, Feb. 21,
1755) came to Albany in 1758 with her mother, Mrs. Duncan
Mac Vicar, and was a visitor of Margarita, wife of Col. Philip
Schuyler (uncle of the General) at The Flatts, Watervliet, of
whom she wrote in 1807 in " Memoirs of an American Lady,"
pub'd London, 1808. She returned to England in 1768, and
died at Edinburgh, Nov. 7, 1838.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 407
1810.

1810.
Middle Public Square, bounded by Madison avenue, Knox, State and
Willett streets, changed in name to Washington 'Square, January.
Death of Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck, who had been the 28th Mayor
of Albany, born here on May 13, 1734, the son of Dirck Ten
Broeck (the 21st Mayor) and Margarita Cuyler, and husband
of Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, only sister of the Patroon, whom
he married on Nov. 1, 1763, while he was acting as guard
ian of the Patroon who had not reached his majority and
for whom the last Manor House was built; colonel of militia,
Oct. 20, 1775; general, January, 1776; brigadier-general, 1776
to March 26, 1781 ; member of Colonial Assembly, 1760-65 ;
Member of Provincial Congress, April 20, 1775 ; president of
state convention, 1776; state senator, 1780-83; justice of court
of common pleas, 1781-1794; president of Bank of Albany,
1792-98; delegate to Continental Congress at Philadelphia, May,
1775, patriotic in war, energetic in city affairs, honest in his
dealings, benevolent and advocate of his church's welfare, Jan. 19.
Daniel Hale of Albany appointed state secretary 2nd time, Feb. 2.
Abraham Van Vechten of Albany appointed state attorney-general, Feb. 2.
Bank of Albany removes to n. e. corner State and Broadway, Feb. 3.
Death of Hon. Abraham Cornelis Cuyler, who had been the 26th
Mayor of Albany, at Yorkfield, Canada; born on April 11, 1742,
the son of Hon. Cornelis Cuyler, the 20th Mayor of Albany,
and Catharina Schuyler, the daughter of Johannes Schuyler, the
10th Mayor of Albany ; had been a colonel of militia, but desired
the continuance of the British rule as for the century previous
and by whom he had been appointed the Mayor, and he was the
last to be the city's executive by Royal commission ; had resided
after the Revolution on the site of the North Dutch Church
on west side of No. Pearl street, Feb. 5.
Abraham G. Lansing, of Albany, 2nd time appointed state-treasurer, Feb. 8.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, late lieutenant-governor and a Revolu
tionary patriot, aged 69, dies, Feb. 19.
Baptists of the city organize, Feb. 20.

408 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1810.
Albany County Bible Society organizes.
Edmond C. Genet's wife, Cornelia Tappan, the daughter of
former Vice-President George Clinton, aged 35, dies at Green
bush, March 23.
Legislature sanctions a lottery to raise $30,000 for deepening the
river between Troy and Waterford, March.
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's mother, Catherine, widow of Rev.
Eilardus Westerlo, aged 65, dies, April 17.
Steamboat North River, formerly the Clermont, makes record trip
from New York in 19 hours, May 13.
City police office located at corner of Montgomery and Steuben
streets, holding sessions Tuesdays and Fridays, with Richard
S. Treat as the judge, May.
James Caldwell, wealthy merchant of this city lays corner-stone of
the First Presbyterian meeting-house that he has given to
Caldwell, Lake George, May 26.
Pierre Briare, " late Pastry Cook to one of the Princes of the Royal
Family of Bourbons and to the Viceroy of Mexico " opens a
place at No. 12 Green street, June.
Mayor Van Rensselaer lays the corner-stone of the new jail at the
s. e. corner of Eagle and Howard streets (later the Albany Hos
pital and after that the Humane Society's Building) , the Com
mon Council also present, July 30.
Leonard Gansevoort dies at his country-seat, Whitehall, west of
Delaware avenue, Aug. 26.
Keeper of the jail discloses on visitation of the county sheriff that
there are none imprisoned for debt, which is remarked as most
unusual for a city the size of Albany, Aug. 25.
City Clerk William P. Beers dies, Sept. 13.
Charter election, Common Council: Charles R. Webster, George
Pearson, I. Derick Van Schelluyne, James Gourlay, II. Rich
ard S. Treat, John Brickerhoff, III. Charles D. Locker, Eb
enezer Loote, IV. Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 9.
Bank of Albany elects Dudley Walsh its (4th) president, to suc
ceed Philip S. Van Rensselaer.
Sum of $242 netted for the Humane Society by sermon preached at
St. Peter's Church by Rev. Mr. Clowes, Dec. 15.
River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 20.
Census of the year shows population of the city to be 10,762 ; of the
state, 959,049; slaves 15,017; population of the county, 34,661.
Dec. 31.

~^.f-:

ALBANY JAIL.
The jail was first located in original City Hall on Broadway.
Cornerstone of this building (s. c cor. Eagle and Howard sts.)
laid July 30, 1810, by Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer; a bell ordered
placed in cupola June 10, 1839; sold to City Hospital for $9,000,
Mch. 19, 1852; prisoners removed to Maiden Lane jail June 2, 1853,
and to the Penitentiary Sept. 1, 1904.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 409
1811.

1811.
Baptists in Albany having come together as a body last year, 23 of
them now seek a meeting-house, Jan. 23.
At this time no house standing at site of Cohoes, January.
John Tayler of this city becomes president of the state senate, on the
death of Lieut.-Gov. John Broome, by election, Jan. 29.
Col. Elisha Jenkins, of Hudson, N. Y., (the succeeding, 33rd, Mayor
of Albany) appointed secretary of state, Feb. 1.
Albany Bible Society forming (the first in the United States estab
lished at Philadelphia about 1809) Rev. Samuel Blatchford
addressing it at the North Dutch Reformed Church, Feb. 12.
Middle or Second Dutch Reformed Church, on south side of Beaver
street, being a direct continuation of the congregation of the
first church in Albany, its fifth edifice, dedicated, Feb. 17.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank (3rd bank in city) incorporated, March 4.
Albany Insurance Company organized, March 8.
The third steamboat to ply the Hudson river, the Hope, 280 tons,
launched, March 19.
Albany Bible Society incorporated, April 8.
Common Council prohibits Pinxter Day celebration because of too
much boisterous rioting and drunkenness, reading : " No per
son shall erect any tent, booth or stall within the limits of this
city, for the purpose of vending any spirituous liquors, beer,
mead or cider, or any kind of meat, fish, cakes or fruit, on the
days commonly called Pinxter; nor to collect in numbers for
the purpose of gambling or dancing, or any other amusements,
in any part of the city, or to march or parade, with or without
any kind of music, under a penalty of ten dollars or confinement
in jail." It had long been customary to gather the quantities of
fragrant pinxter flowers growing on the hill at the head of State
street, and flourishing southward to the ravine, and especially
among the negroes was it turned into a bacchanalian revel,
Whitsun-Monday being the day, April 28.
Stage line started running to Niagara Falls in 3 days, charging
$20.50 to Canandaigua and from there to Buffalo 6 cts. a mile,
May.
A small boat named Trial, operated by machinery invented by Abra
ham Randal of Colonie, which had made experimental trips the
previous fall, commences regular trips to Troy, twice daily,
2 sh., May 14.

4IO PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32,
1811-1812.
John I. Bleecker, many years Indian interpreter, aged 80, dies, June 19.
Steamboat Hope makes experimental trip in New York harbor, with
guests, Capt. Bunker, June 22.
Dr. Hunloke Woodruff, prominent physician, aged 57, dies, July 4.
Steamboat Perseverance, Capt. Sherman, 280 tons, the fourth Hud
son river steamboat, commences running in conjunction with
Hope, July,
Reservoir erected behind a high stone wall, Eagle, Columbia and
Steuben streets, opening into iron pipes and deriving supply
from the Maezlandt kill.
Steamboats North River (the Clermont reconstructed) and the
Hope engage in a spirited race from Albany and when opposite
Hudson the Hope rounding the marsh land collides with the
other and older boat with a light draft that had proceeded
through a shallow cut, July 27.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, Solomon Southwick, president, opens
on Court street (Broadway) on site of the future Post-Office,
opposite the foot of broad State street, July 29.
Steamboat Paragon, the fifth to ply on the Hudson, 331 tons, 173
feet long, 27 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 32 x 48 in. engine, built
by Chas. Brown of New York city, Capt. Wiswall, commences
running, July.
Elbert Willett, many years City Chamberlain, aged over 70, retires,
Sept. 24.
Charter election, Common Council: George Shepherd, Charles R.
Webster, I. Isaac Hansen, Elisha Jenkins, II. John Brinck-
erhoff, Teunis Van Vechten, III. Matthew Trotter, John
McMillan, IV. Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8.
River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 21.

1812.

War of 1812 prevents project of a canal across the state, January.
Dr. William McClelland, who had been president of Albany County
and the State Medical societies, and of St. Andrew's society,
aged 43, dies, Jan. 29.
Wheat selling at $2 and $3 per bushel, February.
George Clinton, New York State's first Governor, while vice-presi
dent, aged 72, dies at Washington, D. C. (Gouverneur Morris
delivering the oration), April 20.
Abraham Schuyler, respected citizen, aged 76, dies, May 27.

PENNY POSTMAN WINNE.
Wm. B. Winne was a familiar figure here delivering letters half a century
before stamps were used, about 1795 and possibly until 1832. This " physiog-
notrace " (silhouette) made by I. Wood, $1, Green and Beaver, 1812. (From
the original at Albany Post-Office in 1506.)

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 41 1
1812
Ezra Ames' portrait of late Vice-President Geo. Clinton hung in
Philadelphia's Academy of Fine Arts and is greatly admired, May.
Robert Barber, founder of the Albany Register, aged 42, dies, May 31.
First election of directors of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank held at
the Columbian hotel on Court street (Broadway) and very
spirited because of the candidacy of two federalists, all. the
directors named in the incorporating law being democrats, June 1.
There being neither a canal nor a railroad across the state (or any
railway in any country) interest is taken in a pamphlet with the
title, "Documents tending to prove the superior advantage of
Rail Ways and Steam Carriages over Canal Navigation, par
ticularly from Lake Erie to Hudson's River," June.
Lancastarian School, to be erected on west side of Eagle street be
tween Jay and Lancaster streets, incorporated.
Brigadier-General Peter Gansevoort, one of the most distinguished
Revolutionary officers, aged 63, dies, July 2.
Robert R. Livingston gives one share of the Albany & Troy Steam
Boat of $500 value to Society for Relief of Indigent Women
and Children, July 10.
Rev. John Watkins, present at some of the most trying Revolution
ary scenes, a Christian patriot, aged 66, dies, Aug. 5.
Steamboat Fire Fly commences running between here and Troy,
Sept. 25.
Leading the American troops to the attack on Queenstown Heights,
Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer is shot four times, and while his
forces carried the assault, a large portion of his militia refused
to cross over to sustain the victory against the British, with the
result he is driven from his position, Oct. 13.
Charter election, Common Council: George Shepherd, George
Pearson, I. Isaac Hansen, Joseph Russell, Sr., II. John
Brinckerhoff, Teunis Van Vechten, III. John Bogart, Thomas
Gould, IV. Election, Sept. 29; sworn in, Oct. 13.
From Greenbush to Niagara a military express line is established,
men ready to be dispatched on horse and guaranteeing the de
livery of a message from one end of route to other in 44 hours,
Oct. 15.
Capt. R. C. Skinner, commander of the artillery in the Albany Vol
unteer regiment, recruits eight companies at Ladd's Coffee
House, corner of Green and Beaver streets, Oct. 20.

412 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.

1812-1813.

Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had resigned his commission of
major-general following the Battle of Queenstown, is met out
side the city by many citizens and escorted to his home, Oct. 31.
Green Street theatre erected.
Two new barracks in Greenbush, each 250 ft. long, blown down,
Nov. 24.
Companies of Captains Bulkley and Walker return from Staten
Island, where they had been on duty for three months, Nov. 28.
Alfred Billings Street, the Albany poet who was N. Y. State Libra
rian for 10 years and died at his home, n. e. cor. Washington
ave. and Dove sts. on June 2, 1881, born at Poughkeepsie, Dec. 18.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 22.

1813.
Troy volunteer militia inarch into Albany with the British colors
they had captured at St. Regis, passing up State street to 'the
Capitol, where, in absence of the Governor, his aide, Colonel
Lush, makes reply to the address of Major Young on delivering
them, and they are placed in the Council Room, , Jan. 5.
Notice sent out that citizens interested in establishment of an Albany
Academy should assemble at the Capitol on the 28th, as the
corporation had offered a good site along the public square,
whatever sum might be raised by sale of the lot and materials
of the old jail (estimated at $12,000) and it remained necessary
to raise $30,000 by public subscription, Jan. 18.
Green Street theatre, John Bernard, manager, opened first, Jan. 18.
Albany Argus established (as semi-weekly), Jan. 26.
Parties interested in erecting Albany Academy meet in Capitol and.
Archibald Mclntyre is chosen chairman of a committee of 14
men to devise plans for its erection, Jan. 28.
Charles Z. Piatt, of this city, appointed state treasurer, Feb. 10.
Watervliet Arsenal established on west side of Troy Road.
Abraham Van Vechten appointed state attorney-general 2nd time,
Feb. 13.
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston dies at his country-seat, Clermont,
near Hudson, N. Y., Feb. 26.
Albany Boys' Academy incorporated, charter signed and trustees ap
pointed, March 4.

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GANSEVOORT REVOLUTIONARY FLAG.
Gen. Peter Gansevoort of Albany dauntlessly sustained the siege of Fort
Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.), in August, 1777: This flag of his was carried at
the head of the Third N. Y. Regiment at the surrender of Cornwallis, York-
town, Va., Oct. 19, 1781. Later, it was used as the basis for the arms of the
State of New York. He died July 2, 1812. (Photographed by John E. Boos.)

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 413
1813.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Isaac Iiutton its (2nd) pres't.
River open to navigation, official record, March 12.
Albany Boys' Academy trustees organize ; Gen. Stephen Van Rens
selaer, president, March 23.
The Albany Register advocating a six million dollar bank, a large
part of its constituency urges a newspaper to advance its ideas,
and Samuel R. Brown comes from Ballston, where he pub
lished the Saratoga Republican, and starts the Albany Republi
can, April 11.
Cornelius Van Schelluyne, foremost citizen, aged 76, dies, April 16.
Common Council proposes opening Spring street, to run back of the
Capitol about half a mile, April.
Methodists erect their second edifice on Division st.
James Goold establishes a carriage works at foot of Maiden Lane,
(where some 20 years later he made coaches to act as cars on
the first railroad operated by steam in America, the Mohawk &
Hudson).
Col. John Mills shot while leading an attack on the British army at
Sacketts Harbor at the head of the Albany Republican Regi
ment (and his remains were first interred in Capitol Park, later
removed to the Rural cemetery), May 29.
Steamboat Lady Richmond, commonly called Richmond, the sixth
steamboat to ply the Hudson between Albany and New York,
constructed by Charles Brown of New York city, 370 tons, 154
feet long, 28 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 20 x 45 in. engine.
Albany Directory issued, first of its kind at Albany, compiled by
Joseph Fry, a printer and at this time city gauger, collected and
alphabetically arranged by him " at the request of the Common
Council," a work of 60 pages, containing 1,638 names, the
population at the time supposedly about 11,000, the type set at
three establishments to issue on time, but bearing imprint of
Websters & Skinners ; for sale at 50 cents, June 10.
Colonel Cutting's handsome corps of 400 men marches from Green
bush July ist, and having spent the night encamped west of the
Capitol, are first treated by the citizens and then depart for the
western frontier, July 2.
Two hundred British soldiers pass through to camp at Greenbush, Aug. 15.
Common Council meets on hearing the news of Commodore Oliver
Hazard Perry's glorious victory near Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie,
when on Sept. 10th his fleet of 9 vessels, 54 guns, 490 men, van
quished the British fleet of 6 vessels, 63 guns, 502 men, under

414 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1813.
Barclay, and resolves that when he passes through Albany the
city shall present him with an elegent sword, that the bells ring
for one hour beginning at noon, that a salute be fired and that
the freedom of the city be presented to him, Sept. 17.
Sloops running at this time to New York number 206, Oct. 1.
Second Presbyterian Church, on west side of Chapel street and run
ning through to Lodge street; a corner-stone laid by Rev. Dr.
Neill, in the presence of the first board of trustees, James Kane,
John L. Winne, Nathaniel Davis, Joseph Russell and Roderick
Sedgwick, Oct. 11.
Charter election, Common Council : James Warren, George Pear
son, I. John Bleecker, . Joseph Russell, Sr., II. Teunis Van
Vechten, John C. Cuyler, III. John Van Zandt, Aaron Hand,
IV. Election, Sept. 28 ; sworn in, Oct. 12.
Notice given by Gilbert Stewart, Richard Lush and James Warren
that at next session of the Legislature they intend to incorporate
a bank by the name of the Merchants, Oct. 18.
Notice given of application to the Legislature to charter the Albany
Commercial Bank with a capital of $1,250,000, by John Bogart,
George Webster, E. F. Backus, Joseph H. Webb and Vinal
Luce, Oct. 20.
John Cook conducting a reading-room and circulating library,
charging $6 to the former and $10 to join both, Oct. 28.
Citizens and all the local military commands go to Schenectady to
meet Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, styled the " Hero of
Lake Erie " by reason of his complete victory there over the
British fleet on Sept. 10th, who was on his way to his native
city, South Kingston, R. I. (b. Aug. 23, 1785) being but 28
years old at the time. He is met at Douw's Tavern on the turn
pike, and after partaking of refreshments there the procession
proceeds to the Capitol, where he is presented with an elegant
sword and the freedom of the city encased in a gold box, after
which ceremony the procession escorts him to the Eagle Tavern,
n. e. corner of Broadway and Hamilton street, where the Mayor
and Recorder escort him to a specially prepared suite of rooms.
At night he attends a grand ball and notes the illuminated trans
parency over his hotel, " We have met the enemy and they are
ours," Nov. 8.
Elaborate entertainment given to Commodore Perry at the Eagle
Tavern, Nov. 9.
Commodore Perry leaves for his home in Rhode Island, Nov. n.
Common Council resolution passed offering $1,000 to anyone dis
covering a strata of coal of not less than 4 feet within five miles
of the navigable waters of the Hudson river, Dec. 6.

MECHANICS AND FARMERS' BANK.
This third bank in the city was chartered March 4, 1811 and entered its
building in 1814. In 1875 it was removed to make a site for the Federal Building
or Post-Office.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 415
1813-1814.
Common Council attempts to make the assize of bread correspond
with $9 per barrel, being a loaf of 2 lbs. 10 oz. for 1 shilling, and
the bakers issue a manifesto declaring their intention to starve
the inhabitants into better terms, Dec. 13.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14.
Methodist Episcopal meeting-house in Division st. dedicated, Dec. 19.

1814.

Agitation of project to build a bridge across the Hudson, but meets
with opposition from Troy, fearing injury to sloop traffic, Jan. 11.
Common Council appropriates $1,000 for relief of people in want on
the western frontier following the war that had hurt their farm
ing industries, Jan. 17.
Humane Society benefited by $474 received as proceeds of sermon
delivered by Rev. Dr. Nott at North Dutch Church, March 6.
Assembly committee reports adversely on a bridge across river ; but
the House disagrees with report and grants petitioners' right to
introduce a bill incorporating Hudson River Bridge Co.,
March 11.
Projectors of Albany Female Academy purchase a lot on Montgom
ery street, Ebenezer Foot leading the movement, May 1.
Steamboat Fulton, the seventh steamboat to ply the river to New
York, makes her first departure from this city, although origi
nally intended to run to New Haven ; but British cruisers ren
dered navigation on the sound unsafe ; 327 tons, Capt. Bunker, May 9.
Albany Female Academy opened under Horace Goodrich on Mont
gomery street, May 21.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, its ist edifice, erected north of the site
of the Post-Office building there in 1906 and which was to be
removed some 70 years later to allow a roadway for mailcarts.
Bank of Albany elects John Van Schaick its (5th) president to suc
ceed Dudley Walsh,
News of the Battle of Lundy's Lane received, July 25.
Citizens meet at the Capitol and recommend suspension of specie
payments following a step taken by New York and Philadelphia
banks, . Sept. 3.
Charter election, Common Council: James Warren, Kilian Van
Rensselaer, I. Isaac Hunter, Chauncey Humphrey, II. Teunis

416 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1814-1815.
Van Vechten, John Brinckerhoff, III. Gerrit Bogart, Aaron.
Hann, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, Peter Dox, V Election, Sept 27;
sworn in, Oct. 11,
Geo. W. Mancius removed as postmaster after a long term and Peter
P. Dox appointed.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 2.

1815.
Legislature passes law dividing towns of Rensselaer and Coeymans
to form the town of Westerlo, \ March 16.
Census shows 4,860 free white males, 5,063 females, 100 slaves,
total 10,023 in the city and 33,945 in the county.
Colonie annexed to city of Albany as its fifth ward, March.
Greenbush incorporated as a village, April 14.
Washington avenue still known as Lion street.
Building of the Albany Boys' Academy progressing on the park so
far as digging of foundations, May 1.
There being two Dutch churches in the city, holding much property
in common, the members not agreeing on division of income
derived therefrom, reach a determination to allow the North
Dutch Church erected in 1797 on west side of No. Pearl street
to continue the ancient title as " First," and continue under Rev.
John Melancthon Bradford, the one on south side of Beaver
street, midway between So. Pearl and Green streets, running
through to Hudson avenue, to be known as the Second Re
formed Protestant Dutch Church, and continue under pastorate
of Rev. Dr. John DeWitt, May.
Common Council appropriates 50 acres of land at the south bounds
of the city, half a mile west of the river, for an alms-house and
farming purposes for support thereof, June.
Albany Boys' Academy corner-stone laid by Mayor Philip S. Van
Rensselaer, with great ceremony before a vast concourse, Seth
Geer, architect, July 29.
James Ladd, keeper of the celebrated " Coffee House " on Green
street, dies, Aug. 2.
Movement to have No. Pearl street opened to north boundary, Aug. 11.
Albany Boys' Academy elects Benj. Allen, LL. D., 1st principal, August.

ALBANY ACADEMY.
This military school for boys was incorporated March 4, 1813. City donated site and $20,000 towards
its cost, which was $90,000. Cornerstone laid July 29, 1815 ; Seth Geer. architect ; school removed
there September, 1817.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 417
1815-1816.
Second Presbyterian Church, on west side of Chapel street, dedi
cated by Rev. Dr. Neill, having cost $75,000, Sept. 3.
Albany Boys' Academy opens in Air. Van Rensselaer's building at
the s. e. corner of State and Lodge streets, Sept. 11.
Albany Daily Advertiser, first daily in city, appears, Sept. 25.
Charter election, Common Council : Killian Van Rensselaer, James
Warren, I. Chauncey Humphrey, Isaac Hansen, II. Teunis
Van Vechten, Richard S. Treat, III. Benjamin Knower,
Charles D. Cooper, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, John A. Goeway, \ .
Election, Sept. 26; sworn in, Oct. 10.
Goldsborough Banyar, who came when young from England to this
city and was deputy-secretary of the province of New York
previous to the Revolution, aged 91, dies, Nov. 4.
Death of Balthazar Lydius, suddenly, an eccentric character and
last of his ancient line in city, aged 77, Nov. 17.
Death of Postmaster Peter P. Dox, late county sheriff, Nov. 21.
River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 16.
Common Council, in view of past experiences, finds it necessary to
pass an ordinance to double watch the streets during Christmas
and New Year's celebration, enforcing the law prohibiting firing
of guns days or nights of Dec. 24th, 25th and 26th or from
Dec. 31st to Jan. 2nd, December.

1816.

Gerrit L. Dox made postmaster of Albany to succeed his brother,
Peter P., who died on Nov. 21st last, January.
Specie as low as 6% at Albany, and brokers decline at price, January.
Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 16.
Sudden thaw breaks the ice between here and Troy, and it carries
down a sloop laden with wheat, which sinks opposite the city,
Jan. 18.
Expense of conducting the Lancaster school for past year, including
rent because the building on west side of Eagle street is un
finished, salaries, heating, etc., $1,204.53, f°r 4°° scholars, W.
A. Tweed Dale, prin., Feb. 1.
At a meeting held in Tontine Coffee House a number of the most
prominent citizens divide into committees to visit inhabitants of
each ward and secure signatures to a petition to the Legislature
urging the construction of a canal from the Hudson to Lake
Erie, Feb. 7.

4l8 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1816-1819.
Legislature passes bill erecting the village of Troy into a city, with
Albert Paulding its first Mayor and William L. Messey its first
Recorder, April 9.
Legislature provides for a school here for colored children, April 10.
Fire starts at the " commons " in the north end and extends to Guil
derland and Watervliet, doing damage untold to crops, April 28-
Col. Rensselaer Westerlo elected to Congress by a majority of 800
over Col. Elisha Jenkins, May 2.
Dudley Walsh, late president of Bank of Albany, who came here
from a foreign land and created his own fortune until he was
a prime and important mover in nearly every great enterprise
undertaken, aged 55, dies, May 24.
John Godfrey Saxe, prominent American poet, who was to spend
most of his life in this city, born at Iiighgate, Vt., June 2.
Memorial presented to the Common Council by Dr. William Bay,
suggesting the division of the city into five districts regarding
relief of the poor, giving a physician to each, as : 1st, William
Bay ; 2nd, James Low ; 3rd, Charles D. Townsend ; 4th, Peter
Wendell; '5th (Aims-House), Piatt Williams, with salary of
$200 each, acted on as outlined above, July 1.
Independence Day celebrated, oration by Rev. Dr. John DeWitt, Lt-
Col. John O. Cole reader, ¦ July 4.
Council of Appointment now being Democratic, it removes Mayor
Philip S. Van Rensselaer, who had been decidedly popular for
17 years as the city's executive, and Col. Elisha Jenkins, who
was born at Hudson and resided there until he came to Albany
in 1801 as a merchant, having served as state comptroller,
1801-6; as secretary of state, 1806-9 and was quartermaster-
general of the Northern Department during War of 1812, is
appointed to assume the office of Mayor, July-
? ? ?
(See No. 33.)
(Continued from No. 33.)
1819.

Philip S. Van Rensselaer assumes the office of Mayor of Albany,
having been named by the Council of Appointment to succeed
Col. Elisha Jenkins, who resigned in order to take up business
at his native city, Hudson, N. Y., July 3.

EAGLE TAVERN.
This famous old-time Albany hostelry conveniently near boat landing was established in
1814 and kept by Leverett Cruttenden until 1830, at s. e. cor. Broadway and Hamilton St.,
known as No. 73 Court St., and because of the galaxy of distinguished guests, foreign,
judicial and legislative, styled " House of Lords ; " destroyed in great fire of Aug. 17, 1848.

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 419

1819-182 0.

City built up only one mile westward of the city, beyond that a dense
forest of pine trees with here and there an opening of sandy
plains, July.
A sign of early medical colleg;e at Albany given by an advertisement
of Dr. James Low, who offers to instruct a class of ten or twelve
men in pharmacy, practical botany as applied to medicine and
chemistry, August.
Board of Agriculture organized here.
Rev. William B. Lacey installed at St. Peter's Church, Sept. 6.
Charter Election of aldermen and assistants for 5 wards, Sept. 28.
George Reelman, a German, aged 1 123/2 years, born at Landau on
March 8, 1707, and a fighter in the Battle of Prague on May 6,
1757, dies at Settle's Hill, Guilderland, Oct. 2.
Charter election, Common Council : John Stilwell, John I. Ostran-
der, I. Charles E. Dudley, Isaac Flamilton, II. Nicholas
Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, III. Matthew Trotter, Adonijah
Moody, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept.
28; sworn in, Oct. 12.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer appointed Regent of University.
John E. Lovett appointed attorney to the Common Council to suc
ceed Teunis Van Vechten who had resigned, Oct. 25.
River closed to navigation, official record, Nov. 13.
The Message delivered by the president at Washington at noon on
Tuesday, Dec. 7th, arrives at New York city at 6 o'clock the
next morning, and reaches this city in time to be published in
Daily Advertiser on Friday, and is pronounced " unprecedented
speed," Dec. 10.
Lieut.-Gov. John Tayler, of Albany, presides at a meeting held in
the Capitol to consider the prohibition "of the extension of
slavery in the United States, addresses by Dr. Chester and
Judge William A. Duer, and the latter's resolution was for
warded later to the Congress, Dec. 21.

1820.

Population of the city set forth as 12,541 and of the state 1,372,812,
with slaves numbering 10,088 in New York state, January.
Stage-coaches first allowed to carry the mail.
Abraham Eights, highly respected citizen, aged 74 years, dies, Jan. 10.

420 PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. No. 32.
1820.
Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer's flouring-mills on the Normanskill
creek at the crossing of the Bethlehem turnpike, burned clown,
Jan. 19.
Common Council's ordinance operative prohibiting sale of wood in
State street east of Middle Lane (James st.), the object being
to concentrate the selling of grain east of that lane, dealers
notifying that they would sell nowhere else, Jan. 21.
John Van Schaick, president of Bank of Albany, aged 47. dies, March 1.
Levi Solomon establishes a tobacco factory in Tivoli Hollow (suc
ceeded by B. Payn Tobacco Co., which firm name existed in
1906).
Legislative Act incorporating the Albany Savings Bank with
Stephen Van Rensselaer its first president, March 24.
River open to navigation, official record, March 25.
Steamboat Paragon, Capt. Roorback, arrives from New York, the
fare reduced to $6, March 27.
Bank of Albany elects Barent Bleecker to succeed John Van Schaick
as its 6th president.
Christopher Dunn, occupant of the old stone house on Green street,
opens the famous Albany Coffee Flouse at corner of Green and
Beaver streets, a daily resort of the famous men coming to
Albany or resident, May.
Albany Savings Bank, first in the city, opens, and sum of $527 re
ceived from 21 depositors the first day, Jos. T. Rice, silver
smith, leaving first deposit, $25, June 10.
Prof. Theodric Romeyn Beck makes first (by 16 years) geological
and agricultural survey of its kind in the state, selecting Albany
county for his first field, Aug. 10.
Albany firemen go to Troy to aid in fire that sweeps down River
street, doing damage amounting to a million dollars, June 20.
Apprentices' Library founded to aid young mechanics, Aug. 24.
Albany Library removes from Chapel street to building of Mr. John
Pruyn, one door north, on Broadway, of Exchange Building,
later the site of the Post-Office of 1906, September,
Abraham Van Vechten's wife, Catherine, aged 54, dies, Sept. 10,
Capt. David Van Der Heyden, an officer in the War of 1812, dies at
his residence, No. 85 No. Pearl street, Sept. 20.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer elected president of N. Y. State Agri
cultural Society.
Charter election, Common Council : Theodore Sedgwick, Sebastian
Visscher, I. Charles E. Dudley, Chauncey Humphrey, II.
Nicholas Bleecker, Richard S. Treat, III. Matthew Trotter,

No. 32. PHILIP SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER. 42I
1820-1821.
Estes Howe, IV. James Gibbons, Richard Dusenbury, V.
Election, Sept. 26 ; sworn in, Oct. 10.
Legislature convenes and listens to Message of Gov. DeWitt Clinton,
and Derrick L. A^ander Heyden elected clerk of Assembly, Nov. 7.
A majority of the Cominon Council recently elected being Demo
cratic, Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer tenders his resignation to
take effect at the pleasure of the Board, having served 19 years
as the city's executive, Nov. 13.
A chamber of commerce formed with Nicholas Bleecker, Jr., sec
retary, November.
John Cook appointed librarian of Apprentices' Library, Nov. 30.
Isaiah Townsend elected president of Chamber of Commerce, Dec. 5.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 13.
Common Council deems it unwise to continue assize of bread, Dec. 18.
New York mail-coach breaks through ice in crossing to Greenbush
and sinks in 15 feet of water, loss of $500, Dec. 21.
Rev. Dr. Chester preaches special sermon at celebration of the
second centennial of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Dec. 22.

1821.
Board of Agriculture import's a library from England which is
placed in charge of Solomon Southwick, editor of The Plough
Boy, Jan. 25.
Benjamin Knower, of Albany, appointed state treasurer, Jan. 29.
Henry C. Southwick, brother of Solomon, dies at New York, Jan. 29,
Ice-boat arrives from Athens, 30 miles, 1 hour, 32 mins., Feb. 2.
Reorganization of city officers by Council of Appointment, Feb. 13.
? ? ?
(See No. 34.)

No. 33.

IBx&tytx Jenkins.

July 8, 1816 — July 2, 1819.

No. 33.
ELISHA JENKINS.
Date of office: July 8, 1816 — July 2, 1819. (Resigns).
Appointed by: Governor John Jay.
Place of birth: Hudson, N. Y.
Parents: Thomas (J.) and Mary Barnard.
Education: School at Hudson.
Married to: (a) Sarah Green.
(b) Hannah 
Residence: No. 121 Lion street. (Washington ave.).
Occupation: Merchant.
Date of death: 1851.
Place of death: New York, N. Y.
Title: Colonel.
Remarks: State Senator, 1798. Came to Albany in 1801. State
Comptroller, 1801-6. Secretary of State, 1806-9. Quarter
master, General Northern Department, War of 1812. Colonel
on staff of Governor George Clinton. Regent. Noted for
strict integrity.

33- ELISHA JENKINS.
1816-1819.
From a photograph by Floyd, made from an old engraving in O'Callaghan's
Documentary History of New York.

No. 33. ELISHA JENKINS. 425
1816.
(Continued from No. 32.)
18 16.

Col. Elisha Jenkins is sworn as Mayor of Albany, the Council of
Appointment being Democratic having removed Mayor Philip
S. Van Rensselaer, who had officiated for the past 17 vears, 'July 8.
Watervliet Arsenal's first building, a brick structure, being erected, July.
James Dexter, Welcome Esleeck and John E. Lovett admitted as
attorneys by the Supreme Court, all three proving later men of
ability, the second mentioned serving as alderman many years
and the last for several terms as city attorney, July 20.
Common Council names a committee (McKown, Cooper and Van
Vechten) to prepare an address expressive of indignation of
the Board at the removal of Mayor Van Rensselaer for political
teasons, July 29.
Albany Academy building completed.
Capt. Roorback makes the experiment on the Car of Neptune of
burning coal instead of wood, as there was much complaint that
the woods of the city were being denuded of trees to satisfy
the requirements of the steamboats, and the price had risen, Sept. 1.
Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer, aged 72, dies, Sept. 9.
The steamboat Chancellor Livingston, built by Henry Eckford at
New York, 495 tons (Munsell's Annals, Vol. VI., p. 40. 526
tons) 157 feet long, 33 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 44x60 in.
engine, first runs.
The Albany Reading Room and Library opened in 1809 by John
Cook (later the first N. Y State Librarian) with 82 subscribers,
James Kent allowing free rental of room, has 131 subscribers,
and he appeals, for more patrons or he must abandon it,Sept. 24.
First Lutheran Church's new edifice (n. w. corner of Pine and Lodge
streets) corner-stone laid, Philip Hooker, architect, by Rev.
Mr. Mayer, Sept. 26.
Stage fare to Canandaigua $16.25.
Charter election. Common Council: Isaac Denniston, John V. N.
Yates, I. Chauncey Humphrey, Peter D. Beeckman, II. Rich
ard S. Treat, Nicholas Bleecker, III. Charles D. Cooper,
Solomon Allen, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Elec
tion, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 8.

426 ELISHA JENKINS. No. 33.
1816-1817.
Legislature convenes and listens to D. D. Tompkins' Message, Nov. 5.
Gerrit W. Van Schaick, first cashier of the Bank of Albany
(1792-1814), a Revolutionary soldier at Burgoyne's surrender,
and alderman, dies at Lansingburg, aged 59, Dec. 13.
Police office established at s. w. corner of State and Pearl streets, Dec. 15.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 16.
Methodists start one of the first Sunday schools in the city.
Debtors confined in the jail petition the rich " for such broken meats
and vegetables as the opulent have it in their power to spare "
during the inclement season, Dec. 28.

1817.
Local Legislative bill introduced to encourage search for coal be
tween Albany and Troy, Feb. 5.
Citizens meet at the Capitol to discuss plans for the speedy and
effectual abolition of slavery, Feb. 7.
Gerrit L. Dox appointed State Treasurer, Feb. 12.
Governor Tompkins presents swords, awarded by the Legislature of
1814, to Maj. -Gen. Brown, U. S. Army, and Maj .-Gen. Mooers
of the state militia, Feb. 19.
Henry Trowbridge, at his Museum, gives the first exhibition of illu
minating-gas before a cultivated audience, March 22.
John Tayler nominated lieutenant-governor, March 25.
Legislature passes a law to abolish slavery in New York state, to be
operative on and after July 4, 1827, providing that every negro,
mulatto or mustee, born before July 4th, 1797, shall from and
after the 4th day of July, 1827, be free, and that all negroes,
mulattoes and mustees born after the 4th day of July, 1799,
shall be free, males at the age of 28, and females at the age of
25, March 31.
Bill for the construction of the Erie canal passes the Legislature, April 15.
Charles D. Cooper appointed secretary of state, April 16.
Lancaster school removes to its own new building west side of
Eagle, between Lancaster and Jay streets, Dr. Theodric
Romeyn Beck delivering the formal opening address, May 5.

LANCASTER SCHOOL— ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE.
The Lancastarian Society was incorporated in 1812, and city erected the school on west side of Eagle, bet. Lancaster
and Jay sts., on plan of Joseph Lancaster, the great educator; cost, $23,918.93; opened May 5, 1817; closed Mch. 28, 1836,
on city establishing public schools; Albany Medical College incorporated May 16, 1838, leased it Apr. 16, 1838, and opened
there Jan. 2, 1839.

No. 33. ELISHA JENKINS. 427

1817.

Martin Van Buren and Benjamin F. Butler form a partnership in
law, and establish their office at No. 1 1 1 State street, May 26.
Thos. W. Olcott made cashier of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, June.
Work inaugurated on Erie canal with public ceremonial, July 4.
Dr. Samuel Stringer, born in Maryland and educated in Philadel
phia, received appointment in British army in 1755, present
when Lord Iiowe fell at the siege of Ticonderoga, after which
he settled in Albany and was prominent in erecting the first
Masonic Lodge here, aged 82 years, dies, July 1 1.
Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck elected the 2nd principal of the Albany
Academy and to instruct in mathematics, Aug. 14.
About the first steam vessel to ply between this city and Troy, the
Stoudinger, Captain Fish, put on the route, Aug. 21.
Benjamin Knower elected (3rd) president Mechanics & Farmers'
Bank.
People were issuing private " shinplasters " ad libitum at this time,
and one of the most active was Calvin Cheeseman, whose pri
vate banking-house had issued $150,000 when he assigned to
John Van Ness Yates and C. Humphrey, Aug. 25.
Captain Bartholomew goes to Lake George to command the first
steamboat operated on that body, Caldwell to Ticonderoga, August.
South ferry propelled by two horses working a treadle, the invention
of Langdon, of Whitehall, August.
Forty-five miles of the new Erie canal under contract, Sept. 13.
Rev. Arthur Joseph Stansbury installed at ist Presbyterian Church,
Sept. 30.
Charter election of aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, Sept. 30.
James Geddes, an engineer, advertises for proposals to excavate the
canal connecting the Hudson with Lake Champlain, Oct. 10.
Citizens meet at Moody's Tavern, So. Market st. (lower Broadway)
to discuss methods of abolishing smaller currency bills than one
dollar unless issued by the city, Oct. 7.
Robert McClellan, former state treasurer, dies, Oct. 8.
Casparus Pruyn, a highly respected citizen, dies, Oct. 8.
Charter election, Common Council : John V. N. Yates, Isaac Den-
niston, I. Chauncey Humphrey, Charles E. Dudley, II. Nich
olas Bleecker, Richard S. Treat, III. Matthew Trotter, Samuel
Harring, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election,
Sept. 30; sworn in, Oct. 14.

428 ELISHA JENKINS. No. 33.
1817-1818.

Dr. James MacNaughton, one of the most prominent physicians the
city ever had, starts practice at No. 91 No. Pearl st., Oct. 15.
Fire burns 21 houses, from No. 142 to 186 Washington street, Nov. 8.
Whale exhibited at State and Lodge streets, Nov. 28.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14.

1818.
Postmaster Theodore Bailey, of New York, sends word that with
the river closed the mail would be sent once daily by stage to'
New York on the east side of the river, Jan. 17.
Thermometer 13 degrees below zero, which is likely inaccurate, as
that of Simeon DeWitt registered 26 degrees below, Feb. 11..
Freshet so high that water stood over 2 'feet deep in the barroom
of the Eagle Tavern, s. e. corner So. Market (Broadway) and
Hamilton streets, the ferry carried half way to Pearl street and
sailing vessels floated over the dock, one family carried in its-
house across the river to Bath, ¦ March 3.
River open to navigation, official record, March, 25.
Bell for South Dutch church, 2,500 lbs., made in Holland, placed in
the belfry of the Beaver street edifice, March 30.
N. Y. State, Library founded by Act of Legislature, April 21.
John Van Ness Yates appointed state secretary, April.
Macfarlane's dye-house established by Robert and William Martin
on Hudson avenue (on Norton street in 1906).
Green street theatre, erected in 181 1, being unused, sold to the Bap
tist Society and funds raising to furnish it, June 1.
Rev. William B. Lacey accepts the call of St. Peter's Church to con
duct services for one year, proposing mutually the prospect of
becoming the rector, July 2.
Remains of Gen. Richard Montgomery (born at Swords, County
Dubin, Ire., Dec. 2, 1736; killed before Quebec while fighting
for the Americans' cause against the British, Dec. 31, 1775)
having been brought to Troy on the 3rd, where they rested in
the Court House, were conveyed the next morning to this city,
being met at the northern bounds of the city by the corpora
tion's officers and military bodies under Lieut.-Col. LaGrange,
the United States troops commanded by Majors Birdsall and
Worth, marching through upper Broadway, Columbia and No.
Peai I street to Gov. DeWitt Clinton's residence at the southeast.

VAN RENSSELAER COACH.
This antiquated equipage was used by Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer before trains were known, and when going long distances
was drawn by four horses, employing postillions. In 1906 was owned by Mrs. Thos. Barber of New York, stored by Goold Carriage
Co., Albany.

No. 33- • ELISHA JENKINS. 429
1818-1819.
corner of No. Pearl and Steuben streets, thence to the Capitol,
where they were deposited in the Council Chamber, the hono
rary pallbearers being local Revolutionary officers, July 4.
General Montgomery's remains guarded over Sunday at the Capitol
by Captain Lansing's artillery company, July 5.
General Montgomery's remains escorted by a vast concourse made
up of the city officials and military bodies to the steamboat
Richmond, whereon Cols. H. Livingston and Peter Gansevoort,
governor's aids, and Col. L. Livingston accompany the body to
New York, to be deposited on July 8th, in St. Paul's Episcopal
Church near the monument erected by the United States, July 6.
Joseph Lancaster, a noted advocate of public instruction, arrives and
visits the school named in his honor, delivering address, Sept. 4.
Charter election, Common Council: John Stilwell, John I. Os-
trander, I. Charles E. Dudley, Isaac Hamilton, II. Nicholas
Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, III. Matthew Trotter, Adonijah
Moody, IV. Isaac I. Fryer, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept.
29; sworn in, Oct. 13.
State Library, pursuant to law passed Apr. 21st, opened under John
Cook as the first librarian, in a room in the Capitol, November.
Common Council determines that proceedings shall be in public and
that provision be made for spectators, Nov. 16.
Stage line established to Montreal on west side of Lake Champlain,
running three times weekly, Dec. 5.
River closed, official record, Dec. 13.

1819.
Governor reports in Message to the Legislature the expense of
erecting the Capitol as completed Nov. .1, 1808, at the head
of State street, west of the park, fronting on a line with Park
Place and bordering State street upon the south, paid by the
State, $73,485.42; by City, $34,200; by County, $3,000; total,
$110,685.42; the city using the northeast corner for the Com
mon Council Chamber, on the first floor, the Mayor's Court
using the room on floor above, Jan. 1.
Baptists dedicate the renovated Green street theatre, Jan. 1.
Proposition to establish a stage line to Niagara Falls, to cover the
distance in four days, thus making it feasible to reach Detroit
in eight days by rapid traveling, Jan. 25.

43° ELISHA JENKINS. No. 33.
1819.
Loaf of bread required by law to weigh 2lbs. 8oz., Feb. I.
Gould Hoyt acts as chairman of a meeting at Bement's Inn, No.
55 State street, to advocate abolishment of law imprisoning for
debt, Feb. 24.
Up to first of this year, since 1797, the sum of $148,707.94 had been
raised by lottery for improvement of navigation near city.
Albany Chamber of Commerce organized, April.
River open to navigation, official record, April 3.
Jeremias Van Rensselaer, the last of the original line in Holland
to bear the name, direct descendant of the founder of Rens
selaer, three miles southeast of Nykerk, had married Julie
Duval ; but had no children, and in his will stating he has no
heirs except the Van Rensselaers living in America, dies at
Nykerk, Holland, April 11.
Benj. Whipple, many years Assembly door-keeper, aged 64, dies,
April 30.
Mail sent by post-riders done away with, May.
Academy park or common excavated to use soil in grading Lydius
street, (Madison ave.) causing a pond in the depression, May.
Mayor Elisha Jenkins decides that he intends to move to Hudson
to live and resigns his office, taking effect, July 2.

(See No. 32.)

No. 34.
QLh[WcU& IBnimtb Infoteg.

Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822.
Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823.
Feb. 20, 1823 — Mar. 9,1824.
-X- * -X-
May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828.
Jan'y 1, 1829— Jan. 19. 1829.

No. 34.
CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY.
Date of office: (a) Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822.
(b) Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823.
(c) Feb. 20, 1823 — March 9, 1824.
(d) May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828.
(e) Jan. 1, 1829 — Jan. 19, 1829 (resigned)
Date of election: (a) Feb. 19, 1821.
(b) Feb. 16, 1822.
(c) Feb. 20, 1823.
(d) May 29, 1828.
(e) Jan'y 1, 1829.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) Unanimous.
(b) Unanimous.
(c) Unanimous.
(d) Unanimous.
(e) Unanimous.
Opponent: (a) None.
(b) None.
(c) None.
(d) None.
(e) None.
Date of birth: May 23, 1780.
Place of birth: Johnson Hall, Staffordshire, England.
Parents: Charles Dudley and Catherine Crook.
Education: Newport schools.
Married to: Blandina Bleecker.
Children: None.
Residence: No. 54 North Pearl street.
Occupation: Merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January 23, 1841.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Senator.
Remarks: Presidential elector, 1816. Came to Albany in 1819.
Alderman, 1819-20. State Senator, 1820-24. Council of
Appointment, 1822. United States Senator, 1829-33. Vice-
President Mechanics and Farmers' Bank, February 3, 1834.
Public spirited. His widow endowed Dudley Observatory.
His father under British Collector of Port, at Newport, R. I.,
previous to the Revolution.

34- CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY.
1821-24; 1828-29.
From an oil painting made from life that was presented to the city of
Albany by Mr. Dudley Tibbits of Troy.

No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 433
1821.

(Continued from No. 32.)
1821.

Charles Edward Dudley, having been unanimously elected Mayor
of Albany, by the Common Council, assumes office, Feb. 19.
Pierre Van Cortland's wife, Ann, dies at her home, corner of North
Market street (Broadway) and Steuben street, Feb. 20.
John O. Cole appointed a police justice, Feb. 22.
Welcome Esleeck appointed superintendent of Common schools in
place of Gideon Hawley, Feb. 22.
Washington's Birthday observed, address by Hooper Cumming, Feb. 22.
William Caldwell, prominent merchant, No. 64 State street, retires,
March 5.
Legislature reduces pay of members from $4 to $3, March 20.
River open to navigation, March 25.
Solomon Van Rensselaer elected congressman, April 26.
Martin Van Buren and Benj. F. Butler remove their law office to
No. 353 North Market st. (Broadway) from No. 11 1 State st.,
May 11.
Capitol Square or park having been improved in fall of 1820, citizens
propose a fund to improve Academy Square, the commons, in
same manner, with the idea of rendering the vacant and use
less lots north of it, on Elk street, worthy of building houses
there, May 15.
Complaint that city salaries are too large, especially that of police
justice at $300, when formerly it was $80 annually, May 27.
Albany Academy trustees advertise for removal of 10,000 loads of
earth from the Square, and to dump on Elk street hollow, north,
June 4.
Negro found in State Bank when Cashier Yates was about to re
tire to his room in the building to go to bed, secured by struggle, June 21.
Female Academy building corner-stone, Montgomery street, its sec
ond edifice (site of N. Y. Central railroad station) laid at 11
a. m. by Rev. John Chester before a vast concourse, June 26.
Henry J. Bogart, many years alderman, aged 92, dies, June 28.
Steamboat fare to New York raised to $8 for one person, but the
steamboat United States was put on and charged only half,
June 29.

434 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1821.
Independence Day celebrated, Dirck Vander Heyden, orator, July 4.
Constitutional Convention meets at " Old " Capitol and Hon. Daniel
D. Tompkins is chosen president of the body, August 28.
Steamboat Chancellor tries the innovation of a band of music aboard
for delectation of its passengers, Aug 30.
Henry Trowbridge adds the New Haven museum to his collection
in the " Marble Pillar," n. w. corner of Broadway and State
street, and announces his collection surpasses any in country,
save Peal's, Philadelphia, August 31.
Dirck Van Schelluyne, an alderman, advertises for sale a lot of two
acres, used as a woodyard by steamboats, Madison avenue and
Hamilton street, Sept. 1.
Rev. John McDonald dies at residence, No. 41 No. Pearl st., Sept. 1.
Theory of rotary and progressive motion of storms expounded by
William C. Redfield, scientist, Sept. 3.
Dr. Alden March, who had come here from Massachusetts to live,
instructs a class of fourteen young men in medicine in a build
ing on Montgomery street, Sept. 15.
Albany County Agricultural Society holds third anniversary, Hon.
Stephen Van Rensselaer, president, and awards Jesse Buel
prize of $10 for the best two acres of wheat raised in the city,
39 bushels 12 qts. of wheat being raised on one acre, Oct. 10.
Charter election, Common Council : Theodore Sedgwick, John
Stillwell, I. Chauncey Humphrey, John Cassidy, II. Nicholas
Bleecker, Robert Davis, III. Philip Phelps, James L'Amou-
reux, IV. James Gibbons, Richard Dusenbury, V. Election,
Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 19.
Francis M. Southwick oldest son of Solomon Southwick and an
officer of a local command, aged 23, dies, Oct. 21.
Col. John Visscher, aged 85, dies, Oct. 24.
The Chancellor Livingston runs aground on the Overslaugh and re
mains so for 29 hours, Oct. 29.
Steamboat Richmond aground on Overslaugh 4 hours, and causes
universal indignation among citizens at condition of channel, Oct. 30.
Constitutional Convention, after session of 75 days adjourns, and
final vote on adoption is 98 to 8, with 18 absent at voting, Nov. 10.
Albany Female Academy building, on Montgomery street, com
pleted at a cost of $3,000.96, November.
Cominon Council abolishes all previous laws regarding weight of
bread; but insists that bakers stamp on loaves initials and
weight, . Nov. 5.

No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 435
1821-1822.
Yoke of oxen weighing 3,000 lbs. each, raised by Hartford, Vt.
farmer, largest ever in city, exhibited at Fly Market, 6 So.
Pearl, Nov. 28.
River closes to navigation, Dec. 13.

1822.
Legislature convenes, in Assembly from Albany, James McKown,
William McKown, Volckert Douw Oothout and John P. Shear ;
in Senate, Charles E. Dudley and Archibald Mclntyre, Jan. 1.
Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 5.
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer resigns seat in Congress to become
postmaster at Albany, Solomon Southwick removed, and Gov
ernor' orders an election for Feb. 5th to fill vacancy in Con
gress, Jan. 14.
Thermometer 15 degrees below zero throughout the city, Jan. 14.
Voting on adoption of the new constitution completed Nov. 10,
1821, city of Albany votes 690 in favor and 614 against; county
voting 1,905 in favor and 1,981 against, Jan. 15.
Dr. James Low, aged 40, dies (burial at Charlton, Saratoga Co.)
and the Medical society members resolve to wear crape on left
arm for next 30 days, Feb. 3.
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer's handsome home, Cherry Hill, just
south of the city line, burned by incendiaries. The Governor
offers reward of $500. General Van Rensselaer $500 and Com
mon Council $250, ' Feb. 16.
Mayor Charles E. Dudley reappointed by the Common Council, Feb. 16.
? ? ?
Mayor Charles Edward Dudley, having been reappointed at an
election held by the Common Council on Feb, 16th, resumes
office, Feb. 16.
Valuation of real and personal property in Albany county for 1821
is placed at $7,484,647, Feb. 21.
Abraham A. Lansing, living at Cherry Hill, below city line, aged
70 years, dies there, Feb. 21.
River open to navigation only before the city, Feb. 28.
Knox, named after Rev. John Knox, formed from Berne, Feb. 28.
New state constitution is adopted by a vote of 116,919.

436 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1822.
Ice breaks up but passage not clear to New York, March 6.
John street changed from Sturgeon Lane.
Meteor of extraordinary brilliancy and size passes southwest, March 9.
Rev. John Bassett completes translation of Vander Donk's history
of New Netherland, he having removed to Bushwick, L. I.,
March 10
Legislature adjourns after a session of 107 days, April 17,
Jane McCrea's remains having been removed to the Fort Edward
cemetery, Rev. Hooper Cumming preaches the special sermon.
April 23.
Much silver plate found in a field at west end of city while a
person was- ploughing, tea and coffee-pots, sugar-bowls, spoons,
etc., buried there during 40 years after robbery of Thos. Ship-
boy. Survivor of this robbery of 1778 now living is Col.
Sebastian Visscher's wife, April 29.
Rev. Henry W. Weed installed at First Presbyterian church, May 7.
Barent Bleecker unanimously re-elected president Bank of Albany,
May 14.
Canal loan, $600,000, taken at a premium of i*4% by New York
State Bank and Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, on 6% stock, May 22.
St. Peter's Church vestry advertises to build a steeple, May 29.
Websters & Skinners, publishers, dissolve partnership, consisting of
George and Charles R. Webster, Hezekiah and Elisha W.
Skinner, June 1.
No debtor confined in the jail at this time,— unusual, June 13.
Steamboats introduce cotillions to entertain passengers, June 15
Harrowgate spring, discovered in Greenbush in 1792 half a mile
back from river and frequented much by " the genteel " until
militia post was established there in 1813, again comes to
notice with a bath-house, June 17.
Martin Van Buren and Benj. F. Butler, prominent attorneys who
had moved into No. 353 No. Market st. (Broadway) on May
11, 1821, now remove to No. 109 State st.
Joseph Caldwell, a prominent and respected citizen, 85, dies June 23.
Erie canal work being rapidly progressed and freightage to Utica
greatly increased, 350 wagons loaded with flour passing on the
turnpike from Albany to Schenectady in one day. July 1
Citizens meet at Capitol and nominate Solomon Southwick for gov
ernor, Ju'Y 24-
Oriental Star, religious, published by Bezaleel Howe, Aug. 3.

No. 34- CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 437

1822.

At this time the Albany (Boys) Academy has 4 teachers and 130
students, Albany Female Academy has 4 teachers and 138
students, Mechanics' Academy has 1 teacher and 40 students,
Lancaster School has 1 teacher and 390 students, Aug. 8.
Newspapers boast of the unheard of rapidity of mail serivce, letters
mailed in New York on July 19th were received at Rochester
on 23rd, a distance of 390 miles, by stage, Aug. 9.
Yellow fever raging in New York, merchants convey their stock to
Albany and rent stores here during the epidemic, Aug. 10
Joseph Bonaparte, Spain's ex-King, arrives at Albany on his travels,
and takes rooms at Eagle Tavern, s. e. cor. Broadway and
Hamilton, Aug. 15.
Wheat sells at $1.22 a bushel, loaves of 4 lbs. at 1 s., Aug. 27.
Steamboats from New York quarantined at Van Rensselaer Island
below the city, fearing yellow fever, order by proclamation, Aug. 28.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants in five wards, Sept. 19.
Harmanus P. Schuyler, former sheriff and chamberlain many years,
dies at his home in Niskayuna, aged 53 years, Oct. 13.
Dr. Alden March starts second course of his anatomical lectures,Oct. 14.
Charter election, Cominon Council : John Townsend, Friend
Humphrey, I. John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, II. Eben
ezer Baldwin, Jacob Ii. Ten Eyck, III. James L'Amoureaux,
Welcome Esleeck, IV. James Gibbons, Benjamin Wilson, V.
Election, Sept. 24; sworn in, Oct. 18.
Hawthorn McCulloch of So. Ferry street, exhibits a beet 2 feet,
3 inches long, 17 inches in circumference, four feet being the
entire length of plant, Oct. 25.
New York merchants here during yellow fever spell, return, Oct. 27.
James Denny, quartermaster aboard U. S. Schooner Alligator, aged
30, killed in engagement with pirates, Nov. 9.
Greek war for emancipation from Turks engages sympathy of
citizens and meetings are held to raise funds to help Greeks,
Nov. 19.
President's Message arrives on third day after its delivery, Dec. 7.
River closes to navigation, Dec. 24.
John Ten Broeck, who was a member of the state convention
framing the state constitution of 1777, also a Revolutionary
patriot, aged 83, dies Dec. 26.
Aaron Thorpe & Co. advertise a stage line to Canandaigua and
guarantee to arrive at Utica day of starting out, Dec. 27.

4.38 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1823.

1823.
Joseph C. Yates sworn in as Governor and Legislature convenes, Jan. 1.
A new theatre opened at No. 140 State street, the other one at
this time being the Albany Theatre at Thespian Hotel, No.
Pearl st., Jan. 12.
James Dexter and Richard Van Rensselaer admitted by Supreme
Court to practice as counselors, Jan. 17.
Moses I. Cantine, one of the proprietors and editors of the Argus,
also the state printer, aged 49 years, dies Jan. 24.
Nicholas N. Quackenbush, prominent lawyer, dies at his residence,
No. 272 No. Market st. (Broadway), aged 59 years, Jan. 26.
Tobias Van Schaick, foremost dry goods merchant, retires, Jan. 31.
William A. Tweed Dale, principal of Lancaster school, makes annual
report, showing 311 scholars, and income of .$1,611.56, which
had covered all the expenses, Feb. 3.
Jeremiah Waterman opens a large dry goods store on No. Market
st. (Broadway) opp. Mechanics & Farmers' Bank, Feb. 5.
Thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Feb. 7.
Simeon DeWitt appointed state surveyor-general, second time, Feb. 8.
Thorpe's stage makes record to Utica, leaving there at midnight
and arriving here at 9:10 a. va., six passengers, the 96 miles
in practically 9 hours, and covering the turnpike from Schenec
tady (16 miles) in 67 minutes. This coach, same six pas
sengers, returned to Utica that afternoon, arriving at 7 p. m.,
went to New Hartford and back to Utica at 8 p. m., thus
covering 200 miles in 20 hours, Feb. 8.
William L. Marcy appointed state comptroller, Feb. 13.
Benjamin Wright reports to canal commissioners, as consulting
engineer, that a basin for boats leaving the canal at Albany
would be an advantage to the city and might be constructed
for $100,000, and it would help shipments to river boats without
storage, Feb. 11.
Chas. R. Webster elected president Albany Mechanics' Society, Feb. 11.
Charles E. Dudley unanimously re-elected by the Common Council
Feb. 20.
? ? ?
Charles Edward Dudley having been unanimously re-elected by the
Common Council on this day, resumes his duties as Mayor,
Feb. 20.

No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 439
1823.
Geo. Webster, a proprietor of Daily Advertiser, aged 61, dies, Feb. 21.
Apprentices' Library having 350 readers on its roll and 1,585 books,
is benefited to extent of $137 by Rev. H. Cumming's lecture,
Feb. 23.
Benjamin F. Butler, partner of Martin Van Buren, lawyers, ap
pointed district attorney for Albany county, March.
Albany Lyceum of Natural History incorporated; Stephen Van
Rensselaer, president.
James Wasson and Major C. Humphrey, acting for Wasson &
Jewell, livery, drive into town with fifty horses attached to a
single sleigh, having procured them in Montreal, March 21.
River ice breaking up, March 24.
River so free of ice that the Fire Fly arrives, March 26.
Ira Porter, merchant tailor, dies at Ballston, March 31.
Legislature passes bill authorizing Albany basin, April 5.
Law passed instructing supervisors to construct a treadmill near
the Albany jail, to cost not more than $1,100, and commission
ing Friend Humphrey, James McKown and Philip Hooker to
provide it, April 15.
Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck's wife, Harriet, daughter of James Cald
well, a prominent merchant, dies, April 18.
Gibbonsville (later to be West Troy, — Watervliet) incorporated, April 23.
Tobias Van Schaick's wife, Jane, aged 40, dies, April 25.
Legislature adjourns, having passed 269 laws, April 25.
State engineering corps locates Erie canal lock to open into the
river, and stakes out the pier forming the basin, May 15.
John Cook, first state librarian, located in "Old " Capitol, announces
that he will keep the library open for those citizens who might
desire to consult the books, until late in the fall, June 17.
Funeral of Dirck Van Schelluyne, July 24.
Grown near the city, eighty-seven headed stalks of rye from a single
head of grain, July 24.
New series of Literature Lottery drawn in Albany under supervision
of C. A. Ten Eyck, William Gould and Ebenezer Baldwin, July 26.
Windmill near " Old " Capitol disrupted by severe gale, July 27.
Albany bar meets to testify respects to Hon. James Kent on retiring
from office as chancellor, Estes Howe presiding, July 29.
New steamboat James Kent arrives, passage in 20 hours, built by
Smith & Dimon at New York city, 364 tons, 140 ft. x 48 ft.,
Aug. 19.

440 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1823.
John V. Henry, lawyer, receives " LL.D." from Middlebury college,
Aug. 20.
Rev. John Ludlow installed at North Dutch Church, Aug. 20.
John Cook, first State Librarian, originator of the Albany Library
and reading room, aged 59, dies, (Calvin Pepper succeeding), Aug. 21,
Graham Klink, publisher of Albany Directory, aged 30, dies, Aug. 29.
Alfred Conkling and Jabez Iiammond form law firm, 65 State St.,
Sept. 2.
Dam and lock in the Hudson above Troy completed and Waterford
and Lansinburg people celebrate, the Fire Fly taking passengers
through the lock to Waterford at $1 a head, — dam's length
1,100 feet, 48 feet high from foundation and 58 feet broad,
Sept. 10.
T. Romeyn Beck's "Medical Jurisprudence" printed, Sept. 15.
First water passes from Erie canal into Albany basin, and an eel
three feet long, as the first living thing to come through, caught
and preserved in the Lyceum of Natural Iiistory, Sept. 25.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, Sept. 30.
Erie canal ceremoniously opened, from the Genesee river eastward
to the Hudson river, and the canal-boat DeWitt Clinton tra
verses this completed portion, Governor Yates, May,or Charles
E. Bleecker, Common Council and other guests aboard; Dr.
Mitchell mingling waters from the West and waters from the
ocean as it passes amid hussas and booming of cannon through
the first lock and into the Hudson, Oct. 8.
Charter election, Common Council : John Townsend, Friend Hum
phrey, I. John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, II. James Van
Ingen, Ebenezer Baldwin, III. Philip Phelps, Hawthorn
McCulloch, IV. James Gibbons, Benjamin Wilson, V. Elec
tion, Sept. 30; sworn in, Oct. 14.
One foot of snow falls, thunder and lightning, Oct. 25.
Elisha Jenkins advertises for construction of the Pier, to be 1,700
feet long, 80 feet wide and 18 feet high, Oct. 29.
Rev. Jos. Hulburt installed at Third Presbyterian Church, Oct. 29.
Incorporation of Commercial Bank applied for by Joseph Alexander,
George W. Stanton, David E. Gregory, and Alexander David
son, to have a capital of $500,000, Nov. 27.
Samuel Vander Heyden, a founder of Troy, dies, Nov. 27.
Apprentices' Library removed to Bank of Albany building, and Paul
Hochstrasser appointed librarian, Nov. 27.

ERIE CANAL OPENING.
The canal having been energetically advocated by De Witt Clinton, was authorized April
15, 1817; water first flowed into Hudson, Sept. 25, 1823; completed to Genesee River and the
De Witt Clinton towed to Albany, Oct. 8, 1823; opened to Buffalo, the Seneca Chief leaving
there Oct. 26, 1825, and with Governor and Mayor Spencer aboard passed into the Hudson Nov.
2, 1825.

NO. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 441
1823-1824.
River closes (but opens later), Dec. i.
Common Council holds that city will no longer be responsible for
accidents happening at ferry, sunrise to sunset, Dec. 2.
George W. Mancius, former postmaster, aged 56, dies, Dec. 4.
Watervliet Arsenal's second building, of stone, west of canal, built.
Robert Dunlop's malt house and 5,000 bushels of barley, burnt, Dec. 15.
River closes to navigation, Dec. 18.
Ice in river breaks up, caused by rain, and freshet ensues, Dec. 25.

1824.

A political disaffection in the Common Council seeks the overthrow
of Mayor C. E. Dudley, and on balloting to declare the office
vacant the vote stood 11 to 11, inclusive of the Mayor's vote,
Jan. 1.
Legislature convenes, John Van Ness Yates administering oaths, Jan. 6.
Twelve Niskayuna Shakers brought to town jail on refusing to
perform military duty as incompatible with their doctrine; but
the colonel of the regiment recognizes their plea, Jan. 8.
Albany Regency, a political clique of great power in the state and
also extending to control the presidency and governmental
positions, prominent movers in which were John A. Dix, Martin
Van Buren, William L. Marcy and Silas Wright, all of whom
served as New York governors at some timej commenced to
gain in strength from 1820 (existing until about 1854) and an
important factor onward from 1824.
Ice moves down the river leaving it open to New York city, Jan. 11.
John S. Van Rensselaer confirmed by Senate as County judge, Jan. 16.
New York State Literature Lottery tickets sold from store of
Chauncey Johnson, No. 393 So. Market st. (Broadway), Feb. 5.
"Religious Monitor" issued by Chauncey Webster, Feb. 5.
Common Council ballots ten times for mayor, the 22 votes being
divided between John N. Quackenbush and Ambrose Spencer,
whereupon someone proposing adjournment and the vote being
11 to 11, the Mayor cast a deciding vote. Eleven members

442 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1824, 1828.
remained after adjournment and organizing cast n votes for
Ambrose Spencer, whom they declared elected Mayor; but this
was later not considered lawful, Feb. 9.
Dr. Robert Kerr, physician in British army in Canada who had been
kind to the Americans in the War of 1812, aged 69, buried
from Cruttenden's hotel (later known as Congress hall) having
died, Feb. 25.
Philip S. Van Rensselaer elected president of the Bible and Prayer-
Book Society of Albany and vicinity, Feb. 24.
River opened to navigation (Gov't record), March 3.
Common Council ballots for Mayor, the vote on first ballot standing
11 to 11. On second ballot John Lansing, Jr., had 10, 1 blank,
and 11 for Ambrose Spencer, who was declared duly elected,
March 8.
? ? ?
(See No. 35.)
(Continued from No. 36.)
1828.

Charles Edward Dudley, after a lapse of four years, a fourth time
becomes Mayor, having been unanimously elected by the Com
mon Council on this day because of the resignation on May
23rd of Mayor James Stevenson, May 29.
Steamboat DeWitt Clinton launched at the Albany builders' clock
of Hand & Kenyon, near the south ferry, of 571 tons, 233
feet long, 28 feet broad and 10 feet deep in hold, with engine
66x120 inches, the fourth steamboat built at this city; but
stated in Munsell's "Annals of Albany," (Vol. IX, p. 169) to
be 143 feet long and 27 feet broad, May.
First successfully steam-driven printing-press in America (probablv
made by R. Floe & Co.) operated at n. w. corner Green and
Beaver streets, to print " The Temperance Recorder."
City maintains 586 oil lamps this year.
The late DeWitt Clinton's property sold by sheriff to satisfy a
judgment of $6,000, at which the large and magnificent silver
vases presented to him by the merchants of New York in recog
nition of his successful efforts in instituting the Erie canal, are
sold for $600, and nothing left of his once fine estate save a few
old carriages. Truly was it written in Clinton's City Directory
by Marcus T. Reynolds, deposited later in the State Library,

HENRY'S FIRST MAGNETS.
While Prof. Joseph Henry was teaching at the Albany Academy he began experiments
resulting in the discovery of new forms of magnets in 1828, and these were the first he made.

No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 443
1828.
" He who added millions to the State of New York has himself
died poor." June 3.
Extensive stone dykes being built along the west bank of the river
a few miles south of the city, July.
William Duffey converts Albany Circus into Summer Theatre, July 26.
Solomon Southwick declines being candidate for governor, July 28.
Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, of St. Peter's Church, publishes for use of the
schools, " An Illustration of the Principles of Elocution," Aug. 1.
Albany Savings Bank's business conducted by the Commercial.
Albany Female Seminary opens for inspection at 65 Division St.,
Aug. 22.
Proposition to level Robinson's Hill by building a stone wall at low
parts and leveling, Eagle, Hudson to Madison avenue, and
honoring DeWitt Clinton by giving the new square his name,
Aug. 22.
Common Council receives bids for leveling Robinson's Hill and
carting the earth to the low pasture land south of So. Ferry
St., one contractor agreeing to perform the work if allowed
three quarters of the land made suitable for building, Aug. 25.
Common Council estimates that its property on Robinson's Hill
contains about 44 lots, requiring removal of 150,700 cubic
yards at 9 cents, amounting to $13,500, and agrees to contract
with Clark & Rose to allow the firm three out of four lots
excavated, Aug. 28.
Common Council allows Clark & Rose to lay tracks from Madison
avenue, through So. Pearl and So. Ferry streets in removing
Robinson's Hill, Sept. 8.
Israel Smith and Joseph Alexander, commissioners improving the
Hudson, report excavating for 1,500 feet through the Over
slaugh, at uniform breadth of 160 feet, so as to afford 10 feet
at high tide during lowest stage of water in river, by depositing
1,100 scowloads, 24 cubic yards each, behind the dyke on west
bank, and they urge a further appropriation to continue the
work Sept. 8.
Legislature convenes at " Old " Capitol to revise laws, Sept. 9.
Steamboat North America accomplishes trips to and from New
York by daylight, making it in 10 hrs. 53 mins., Sept. 11.
Albany and Troy boat running at this time, the Carolina, Capt.
H. Keeler, charging 123^ cents, Sept. 15.
Israel W. Clark, in 1812 editor of the " Watch Tower," and who
revived the "Albany Register" in 1818, aged 39, dies at
Rochester, Sept. 20.

444 CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. No. 34.
1828.
Steamboat DeWitt Clinton completed at Hand & Kenyon's yards
near South .ferry, and under Capt. Thos. Wiswall fakes 350
guests to Hudson and back, Sept. 27th, and commences regular
N. Y. trips, Sept. 29.
John I. Van Rensselaer, aged 66, dies at Greenbush, Sept. 29.
Charter election for alderman and assistants of the five wards, the
Jackson party (Dem.) pitted against the (Rep.) Adams party,
Sept. 30.
State street paved from Eagle to Lark street.
Charter election, Common Council: Friend Humphrey, John
Townsend, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Gerrit
Gates, Isaac W. Staats, III. Philip Phelps, Hathorn McCul
loch, IV. Francis I. Bradt, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept.
30; sworn in, Oct. 14.
Steamboat North America while coming to Albany, springs a leak
and runs ashore at West Point, with stern in 90 feet of water;
but 300 passengers are put aboard Constellation and DeWitt
Clinton, Nov. 25.
Common Council enacts that bread must be made in loaves weighing
one, two and three pounds, Nov. 25.
Abraham Van Vechten elected president of St. Nicholas Society,
Nov. 25.
Common Council decides to establish a market on west side of
So. Pearl street, between Howard and Beaver streets, Nov. 27.
Fourth Presbyterian Church incorporated, Dec. 1.
Erection of second edifice of St. Mary's (R. C.) Church.
John Maley Cuyler removing from city, William L. Osborn (Dem.)
is elected assistant alderman of First ward, Dec. 16.
River closed to navigation, Government record, Dec. 23.
Albany Times and Literary Writer, edited by Simeon DeWitt
Bloodgood, issued by Daniel McGlashan, No. 44 Dean street,
Dec. 27.
Common Council applied to by Messrs. Archibald Campbell, David
Newlands, Jacob F. Sternbergh, J. Smith, Daniel Carmichael,
Duncan Robertson, James Carmichael and Peter Mcintosh for
permission to erect a vault where bodies might be kept a time
before burial to prevent dissection by doctors, and would pur
chase a part of Potter's field, Dec. 29.
Common Council requested by Samuel Pruyn, Israel Smith and
others to improve No. Pearl from Orange to Patroon st. (Clin
ton ave.) which was suited only to the miserable hovels there,
Dec. 29.

..'•»*-

*%^:~4,

ALBANY IN 1829.
As the city appeared looking northward from the Overslaugh; Kenwood on the west shore and Wolven-Hoeck, or Douw's
Point/upon the right. Drawn in 1829 by J. R. Smith for M. Malte-Brun's " System of Geography."

No. 34. CHARLES EDWARD DUDLEY. 445
1829.

1829.
Common Council assembles at 9 a. m., the entire body of 21 members
present, and Charles Edward Dudley is unanimously re-elected
the Mayor of Albany, Jan. 1.
Members of the Common Council order carriages at the public
expense to make the customary New Year's calls, Jan. 1.
Gov. Martin Van Buren inaugurated, Enos T. Throop, Lieut. -Gov
ernor, while cannon fire 33 guns, denoting each thousand of
majority vote, the cannon used being the " Clinton," dis
charged at Robinson's Hill by the famous Jonathan Kidney, Jan. 1.
Forty-four pews of St. Mary's new (R. C.) Church sell for $1,475, Jan. 1.
Clinton Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F., instituted, Jan. 9.
Rev. John Chester, (b. Weathersfield, Conn.) aged 43 years and
pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, dies at Philadelphia, Jan. 12.
Gen. Goze Van Schaick's widow, Mary, aged 79 years, dies, Jan. 15.
.Mayor Charles E. Dudley chosen U. S. Senator by Legislature, Jan. 15.
Mayor Charles Edward Dudley resigns his office to become United
States Senator, Jan. 19.
? ? ?
(See No. 37.)

No. 35.
Ambrose &nmtn.

March IO, 1824 — Dec. 31, 1824-
Jan. 1, 1825-Jan. 1, 1826.

No. 35.
AMBROSE SPENCER.
Date of office: (a) March 10, 1824-December 31, 1824.
(b) January 1, 1825- January 1, 1826.
Date of election: (a) March 8, 1824.
(b) January 1, 1825.
Vote: (a) 11.
(b) Unanimous.
Opponent: (a) John Lansing, Jr.
(b) None.
Vote: (a) 10.
(b) None.
Total vote: (a) 21.
(b) 21.
Date of birth: 'December 13, 1765.
Place of birth: Salisbury, Conn.
Parents: Philip (S.) and Mary Moore.
Education: Harvard, 1783.
Married to: (a) Laura Canfield.
(b) (Mrs.) Mary Clinton (Norton).
(c) Catherine Clinton, (d. Aug. 20, 1837.)
Date: (a) February 18, 1784.
(b) 1808.

(c)
Children: (6) (a) John Canfield, Abby, William, Theodore,.
Ambrose, Laura.
(b) None.
(c) None.
Residence: No. 119 Washington avenue.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: March 13, 1848.
Place of death: Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Judge.
Remarks: Came to Albany from Hudson, 1802. Attorney--
General, 1802-4. Judge of Supreme Court, 1804. Chief"
Justice, 1819-23. Member Constitutional Convention, 1821.
Congress, 1829-31. Most capable, honest. Capitol and3
Academy parks laid out, fenced, trees planted.

35- AMBROSE SPENCER.
1824-1826.
From a photograph by Clifford of an old engraving, owned in 1904 by his
great-granddaughter, Mrs. Augustus H. Walsh, of Albany.

No. 35. AMBROSE SPENCER. 449

1824.

(Continued from No. 34)
1824.

Judge Ambrose Spencer is sworn into office as Mayor of Albany
at the meeting of the Common Council, having been elected
on May 8th, by a vote of 11 to 10, following Mayor C. E.
Dudley, March 10.
Supreme Court decides that the Fulton Steamboat Co. has no right
to the monopoly of Hudson river passenger and freight traffic
by steamboat because of its original charter, given when it
seemed as though it were a matter of steam navigation and
one company alone.
Albany Sovereign Consistory and Albany Sovereign Chapter Rose
Croix instituted.
Legislature adjourns, March 12.
South ferry leased for one year at $5,890 to Mr. Wendell, March 30.
National Democrat, Solomon Southwick editor, William McDougal
publisher, ceases; but former asserts he will later revive it,
April 7.
Merchants' Insurance Company of the City of Albany incorporates,
with Charles E. Bleecker president, April 7.
Merchants' Insurance Co. organizes, Thos. Herring, president, April 12.
Common Council directs the chamberlain to purchase 1,000 gallons
of oil for lighting the city at 36 cents per gallon of T. & J.
Russell, April 19.
Common Council petitioned to erect a weighing house on State
street between Green and Broadway (Market st.) that farmers
may weigh hay and shelter teams while trading in town,
April 19.
Solomon Southwick resumes publishing the National Democrat op
posite the Fly Market, April 20.
Lewis Aspinwall starts a bell foundry at No. 18 Beaver St., April 27.
The Circus, Green and Division streets, sold at auction, May 3.
Notice given of consolidation of useful aft- societies that will be
known as The Albany Institute, May 3.
The Albany Institute formed, with Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer
president. The Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts
having consolidated with the Albany Lyceum of Natural His
tory, the latter incorporated in 1823. resolved to be known as

450 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35.
1824.
The Albany Institute, upon forming a third department or
section to cover History and General Literature, the president
of each of the three sections holding position of vice president
of the main organization, May 5.
Mrs. Susan DeWitt, wife of Surveyor-General Simeon DeWitt,
dies, May 5.
Albany County Medical Society announces by resolution full con
fidence in vaccination, for smallpox, and endorses the theory,
May 5.
Maj. Elias Buel, father of Judge Jesse Buel and a Revolutionary
soldier, aged 87 years, dies, May 12.
Citizens desiring a new theatre meet in the " green room " of the
theatre on Green street to subscribe for shares, June 3.
Fare to New York reduced to $5 by the North River Steamboat
Company, operating the Chancellor Livingston, Richmond and
James Kent, June 24.
Opposition steamboat line starts, putting on the Olive Branch, which
causes the fare to drop to $2, until, owners of the other line
secure an injunction to prevent the Olive Branch running, June 27.
Chancellor Sanford decides that the Olive Branch may not run direct
from New York city to any other city as a trip; but may sail
from a port in another state and land at any place in this state;
This steamboat then made her start at Jersey' City and New
York became a way landing on her trip to Albany, July 9.
The persons who desired a new theatre buy several old buildings cm
So. Pearl street, west side below Beaver street, near Crosby's
hotel. S. Wilcox owned the property taken, which was 114
feet deep and had a frontage of 60 feet, July 15.
Opposition steamboat lines reduce fare to $2 to New York, July 16.
Legislature convenes for extra session called by Gov. Yates, Aug. 2.
John Spencer, of John Spencer & Co. dies, aged 44, and Erastus
Corning, his partner, continues it alone, Aug. 13.
Common Council directs Aldermen Matthew Gregory and John H.
Wendell to visit Gen. Lafayette at New York and invite him
to visit the city as its guest, Aug. 19.
Steamboat Chief Justice Marshall launched at New York to run
in conjunction with the Olive Branch, Jersey City to Troy,
Aug. 21.
Rev. John Bassett, former pastor of Dutch Reformed Church, aged
59, dies at Bushwick, L. I., Sept. 3.
General Lafayette arrives at Albany by steamboat from New York,
and is accorded a rousing welcome by new faces who knew 01

No. 35- AMBROSE SPENCER. 45 1
1824.
 s  , 
his great acts for the Americans during the Revolution as well
as by those who had seen him on his passing through the city
when he arrived Oct. 7, 1784, on his way from Fort Stanwix
and setting out for Boston the next day. Every expression of
gratitude possible was shown, Sept. 17.
General Lafayette leaves Albany, Sept. 18.
Ex-Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer dies at his residence, a three-
story red brick double house at the northeast corner of State and
Chapel streets, a foremost citizen, given to acts of benevolence
and promotion of education by every token, one who had been
the chief executive of the city for more years than any other
mayor, 19 years, and as such had given universal satisfaction, Sept. 25.
Funeral of Ex-Mayor P. S. Van Rensselaer attended by city officials,
Common Council and a vast concourse of friends and members-
of organizations with which he had been connected, Sept. 28.
Charter election for alderman and assistants of the 5 wards, result
ing in the success of the entire Republican ticket, Sept. 28.
Michael Connoway, Revolutionary officer, tiies, Oct. 7.
Charter election, Common Council: John Townsend, Willard
Walker, I. John Cassidy, Jeremiah Waterman, II. Gilbert F.
Lush, James Van Ingen, III. Giles W. Porter, Charles D.
Cooper, IV. James Gibbons, Benjamin Wilson, V. Election,.
Sept. 28; sworn in, Oct. 12.
Rev. Issac Ferris installed by Second Reformed Dutch Church, Oct. 27.
The first curbstones used in the city introduced by John Maley
Cuyler, the newly elected alderman, starting along No. Market
st. (Broadway) from Maiden Lane to Mark Lane (Exchange
st.), October.
John Gansevoort made police magistrate by Common Council, Oct. 31.
In the election of a governor, Albany county gives DeWitt Clinton
a majority of 1,032 over Samuel Young ; in Albany city the vote
for Clinton, 1,195; f°r Young, 563; Clinton's majority, 632,
Nov. A-
Rev. Dr. Neill, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church,
made president of Dickinson College, Nov. 11.
Robert Owen, from Lanark, bound for New Harmony to try in
America his experiment of a social settlement, passes through
city, Nov. 17.
Rev. Michael O'Gorman, lately pastor of St. Mary's (R. C.) Church,
dies in New York city, Nov. 18.

452 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35.
1824-1825.
State electors meet at Capitol and balloting for president results:
John Quincy Adams, 26 ; Wm. H. Crawford, 5 ; Henry Clay, 4 ;
Andrew Jackson, 1 ; total, 36 ; for vice-president : John C. Cal
houn, 29; Nathan Sanford, 7.
Mechanics' Society property at n. w. corner of Columbia and Chapel
streets, offered for sale by John Meads, Dec. 23.
River closed (temporarily) to navigation, Dec. 24.
Albanians contribute $1,200 towards work of New York State
Tract Society, which proves six times what the entire state
raised, Dec. 25.
The city desiring to pay its indebtedness, the Common Council
decides by resolution to apply to the Legislature to authorize
a lottery for the purpose of raising a fund, Dec. 28.
The comptroller reports that Albany county real estate is valued at
$6,748,072, and of personal property, $3,438,962, Dec. 29.
Simeon DeWitt elected president of the Lancaster school, and
Principal William A. Tweed Dale reports 947 scholars attend
ing, ' Dec. 30.
Close of term of office of Ambrose Spencer as Mayor, Dec. 31.

1825.

Judge Ambrose Spencer unanimously re-elected Mayor of Albany
at a meeting of the Common Council, and he is sworn in Jan. 1.
DeWitt Clinton inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
River closes a second time in winter, Jan. 5.
Population of the city stated as 15,971 at this time, Jan. 1.
Legislature applied to for incorporation of Albany Gas Light Co.,
Jan. 10.
John A. Lansing, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 76, dies at his home,
No. 33 So. Pearl st., at corner Hudson avenue, Jan. 30.
Erastus Corning, formerly John Spencer & Co., until death of head
of firm, forms a partnership with John T. Norton, to conduct n
general hardware and iron business on east side of Broadway.
north of State street, March 2.
John Humphrey leases the Greenbush ferry of the city at yearly
rental of $5,900, for term of three years, March 2.
River open (Government record), March 6.
Steamboat Richmond first to arrive from New York, March 7.
Mrs. Laura J. Gilchrist, daughter of Mayor Spencer, aged 22, dies,
March 13.

DE WITT CLINTON VASES.
In gratitude to Gov. De Witt Clinton for successfully prosecuting the Erie Canal to completiou,
the merchants of New York had two mammoth silver vases made, which they presented to him at his
home (s. e. cor. N. Pearl and Steuben sts.) on March 19, 1825, and March 21st they were exhibited at
Knickerbocker Hall. Each weighed 400 ounces, standing 24 inches high and 21 inches broad ; value
$3,500. He died there Feb. ti, 1828, and remains removed to New York June 21, 1844. (Vases at
Metropolitan Museum in 1906.)

No. 35- AMBROSE SPENCER. 453
1825.
The DeWitt Clinton mammoth silver vases, presented to him by
merchants of New York in recognition of his successful efforts
in behalf of making the Erie canal a reality, exhibited at Knick
erbocker Hall, -^ March 21.
Common Council enacts that at public sales no one shall ring a bell
or cry aloud, or be subject to fine of five dollars, March 21.
Hudson River Line of steamboats established, putting on the Con
stitution, Constellation and Chief Justice Marshall, the Consti
tution being built by Brown & Bell of New York, 275 tons, 145
feet in length, 27 feet in width, with 42 x 108 inch engine, March.
The Theatre located on the west side of So. Pearl street, south of
Beaver street, opened for inspection, the cost having been pro
vided by subscription among citizens, March 26.
Kline & Gott's large tobacco house in Middle Lane (James street)
burns with a loss of $20,000,. April 4.
Commercial Bank chartered, with Joseph Alexander its first presi
dent, April 12.
Stephen Lush, Revolutionary patriot and who was a prisoner in the
Jersey prison-ship, a legislator and private secretary to George
Clinton, the first Governor of New York, aged 72, dies at his
residence, No. 311 No. Market street (Broadway) deeply
mourned by all, April 19.
Legislature adjourns, having passed 328 laws, April 21.
Lafayette changed from Sand street to Fayette street, April 25.
Twelve horses used at one time to propel the South ferry, April.
Cominon Council appoints Messrs. Cooper, Stevenson, Townsend
and City Chamberlain to deal with Yates & Mclntyre with the
view of purchasing their Albany City Lottery company for
$200,000, May 2.
The deputy excise officer, Mr. Hochstrasser, reports licensing during
year past 49 taverns, 209 ordinaries, 53 groceries, 20 victualers
and 65 cartmen, yielding in fees for license $3,662, May 5.
Arguments advanced proving the advantages of a railroad if pro
pelled by steam power on rail's between Albany and Schenec
tady, as Troy was becoming a serious business competitor and
Albany needed some new advantage, as set forth in The Argus,
May 9.
Steamboat Commerce built by C. Bergh of Brooklyn, 371 tons, 130
feet in length, 24 feet broad and engine 16 and 30 x 49 in., with
8 feet depth of hold, May.
The " Theatre " on west side of So. Pearl street, below Beaver
street (later Trimble Opera House, then Leland Opera House,

454 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35.

-0-

1825.

afterwards Proctor's) opened for the first time by Gilfert play
ing " Laugh When You Can " and " Raising the Wind," acted
by Barrett, Anderson and Spiller, Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Stone
to a rapturous audience, May 18.
Common Council orders Academy, and Capitol parks surrounded by
iron fences about 9 feet high, the thick iron rods stuck into a
continuous marble base about one foot above sidewalks, May.
The Pier, authorized by Act of April 5, 1823, completed; length,
4,400 feet; breadth, 80 feet; height, 20 feet; basin's area, 32
acres ; capacity, 1,000 canal-boats and 50 larger vessels, May.
Steamboat Constitution makes first trip, May 26.
Philip McCready, in the War of 1812 under Maj. Birdsell, wounded
at Fort Erie and prisoner of war, aged 29 years, dies, May 31.
Commercial Bank's stock books for a subscription of $300,000, hav-
.iig been open for three days, show on closing over $1,500,000
had been subscribed, which was more than satisfactory, June 2.
Antagonism to the new Commercial Bank engendered by those who-
thought the shares of stock subscribed for should have been
allotted to men of moderate means in business and at a meeting
held in the " Old " Capitol to give view to opinions, John S. Van
Rensselaer gave his opinion that a law should be passed that
commissioners in distributing stock should not allot more than
25 shares to one individual, $25 a share, and if anyone secured
50 shares he should be guilty of a misdemeanor, and he favored
organizing another bank, June 10.
General Lafayette a third time in Albany, coming from the west,
June 11.
General Lafayette attends church in Albany, June 12.
General Lafayette leaves for Boston, June 13..
New stage line opened to Rochester, via Cherry Valley, June 14.
Steamboat Constitution's boiler bursts when off Poughkeepsie, and
among the many scalded three die, June 21.
'¦ Safety barge " Lady Clinton arrives, towed by Steamboat Com
merce, a new method to allay the fears of river travelers, the
Dutch minister a passenger aboard, July 1.
General Lafayette comes to Albany for the fourth time, coming from
Vermont with the Governor of that state, and escorted from
Troy by the military. He lodges at Crittenden's Hotel (later
called Congress Hall) at southwest corner of Washington-
avenue and Park Place, (used as the site of approach to " New "
Capitol and park) and at 4 p. m. a dinner is given for him in
the " Old " Capitol, Elias Kane presiding, Rev. John Chester
asking the blessing. The toasts were: Lafayette, "Albany as

CONGRESS HALL.
This famous hotel was the resort of Legislative members and noted men and for over half a century stood at s.w. cor. Park PI.
and Washington ave. It was removed in 1878 for new Capitol site. Leverett Crittenden kept it. Gen. LaFayette banquetted here
on July 1, 1825. Built in 1815, as Park Place House.

No. 35- AMBROSE SPENCER. 455
1825.
I have known it, and Albany as it is now;" Daniel Webster,
" The State of New York, the National link between the East
and the West ;" Judge Story, " The Judiciary of New York,
its past glory set in unclouded brightness; may its rising sun
beam in a clear sky ;" Recorder Ebenezer Baldwin, " General
Lafayette, When our country numbered but three millions of
citizens, he imposed upon it a national debt, that thirteen mil
lions in vain attempt to discharge." He was the honored guest
and centre of all eyes at the Theatre (So. Pearl street below
Beaver street) and at midnight went aboard the steamboat Boli
var for New York, July i.
Rev. Dr. John Chester delivers address at first annual meeting of
The Albany Institute, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer presiding,
held in Albany Academy, July i.
Independence Day oration by Flenry G. Wheaton, Salem Dutcher,
reader, and a military parade, July 4-
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer given a public banquet at Detroit,
Alderman Rowland's toast : " General Van Rensselaer, our es
teemed guest; on the banks of the Miami and the Heights of
Queenstown his blood flowed with no stinted tide; may the
gratitude of his country flow as freely," July 12.
Obadiah Van Benthuysen's wife, Johannah, aged 75, dies, July 17.
Pier lots sold at auction under an elaborate canopy topped by flags,
the cost of construction having been $130,000, the sale was most
gratifying as all but the one reserved, numbering 122, ranging
from $1,200 to $2,625, brought $199,410, July 27.
New Steamboat Saratoga, built by North River Co., arrives, July 27.
New steamboat Swiftsure, Captain Stocking, arrives for first time,
towing the " safety barge " Lady Van Rensselaer, July.
Steamboat Constellation, Capt. Robert G. Crittenden, built by
Albanians, makes her first appearance at the dock, and is greatly
admired for the elegance of her fittings, Aug. 7.
" The Albany Patriot and Daily Commercial Intelligencer," being
the second city issued daily, first published by George Galpin,
Aug. 8.
Dr. Barent P. Staats' wife, Maria, aged 24, dies, Aug. 16.
Steamboat Constitution, Captain Bartholomew, built by Brown &
Bell of New York city, 275 tons, 145 feet long, 27 feet broad,
42 x 108 in. engine, makes her first appearance since explosion
i i in June, Aug. 16.
The Shakers at Niskayuna at this time number 265 souls, being 112
males and 153 females, of whom 4 are heads of the families, 74

456 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35.
1825.
entitled to vote, 13 aliens, 3 colored race, and their property
consists of 899 acres of improved land, 22 horses, 475 sheep;
their produce consisting among other things of 1,450 yards of
fulled cloth, 1,945 yards of flannel and 4,464 yards of linen and
cotton made during past year, as shown by returns of census
marshal, Aug. 16.
Award made for building a new alms-house to Fassett & Halen-
bake for $9,875, Aug. 22.
Major Edward Cumpston, a Revolutionary soldier who had been
directed by Lafayette to execute the duties of adjutant-general
and a former Albanian, burial with military honors, dies at
Auburn, 72, Aug. 22.
Steamboat New London commences running to New York, and
because of the horror of iron boilers, hers were said to be of
copper, Aug. 26.
Dr. Samuel Dexter, aged 69, dies at his residence, 57 State street,
Aug. 29.
Prison Discipline Society organized at Knickerbocker Hall, with
Samuel M. Hopkins its first president, Sept. 3.
John Gates, who accompanied Arnold through the wilderness to
Quebec, and also a fighter at Saratoga, aged 74, dies, Sept. 9.
Meeting held at " Old " Capitol to prepare for celebration of the
opening of the Erie canal, Col. Elisha Jenkins presiding, Sept. 14.
Steamboats running to New v^rk at this time : Bristol, Capt.
Young; Chancellor Livingston, Capt. Lockwood; Chief Justice
Marshall, Capt. Sherman ; Constellation, Capt. Crittenden ; Con
stitution, Capt. RiGketson ; Henry Eckford, Capt. Drake ; Hud
son, Capt. Brooks ; James Kent, Capt. T. Wiswall ; Olive Branch,
Capt. Moore ; Richmond, Capt. Cochrane ; William Penn, Capt.
Fountain, Sept. 17.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the 5 wards, Sept. 27.
Masonic pageant of unusual brilliance in honor of the installation of-
Stephen Van Rensselaer as Grand Master to succeed DeWitt
Clinton, Sept. 29.
Charter election, Common Council: John Townsend, Isaac Den-
niston, I. John Cassidy, Jacob J. Lansing, II. Gilbert F. Lush,
Herman V. Hart, III. ' Charles D. Cooper, Welcome Esleeck,
IV. James Gibbons, Francis I. Bradt, V. Election, Sept. 27 ;
sworn in, Oct. n.
Common Council names Aldermen Denniston, Cassidy, Esleeck, Cos-
tigan and Lush to prepare celebration for opening of the Erie
canal, Oct. 17.

ERIE CANAL COMPLETED.
It was opened for its entire length with great public celebration when the Seneca Chief arrived at Albany
with the Governor, Mayor and officials aboard, Nov. 2, 1825, and at once became a far more popular method of
travel than the stage-coach.

No. 35- AMBROSE SPENCER. 457
1825.
Gov. De Witt Clinton issues a proclamation, believed to be the first
of its kind, to observe a day of public thanksgiving, Oct. 18.
Albany Argus begins to publish daily, Oct. 1 8.
Erie canal completed from Lake Erie to the Hudson river, entire
route, and the first canal-boat to essay the journey, lake to river,
the Seneca Chief, leaves Buffalo, Oct. 26.
First canal-boat to go west, " Benjamin Wright," arrives at Buffalo,
Oct. 29.
Erie canal's first boat, Seneca Chief, arrives at Albany, with the
governor, lieutenant-governor, Mayor Spencer and other dig
nitaries aboard. It was acclaimed all along the route, and in
the morning as it approached Albany its coming was made
known some time before by the booming of cannon. At 10 :57
it passed through the first lock into the Albany basin, which was
as a bay of the river. Immediately a series of cannon reaching
from Albany to New York took up the message, and at 11 -.55
the return of the announcement was fired at this city. At 11
a. m. the local celebration began with a procession of mammoth
proportions, the city gaily decorated throughout, Francis I.
Bradt, marshal. On its reaching the capitol special services
were held, consisting of an ode written by John Augustus Stone,
sung, and addresses by Philip Hone of New York, William
James, chairman of the Citizens' committee, and Lieut.-Gov.
Tallmadge. After these exercises a collation was served at the
Columbia street bridge to the Pier, elaborately decorated, and
at night a grand ball at Knickerbocker Hall, at which all the
fashion and wealth of the city and from around about were
gathered, Nov. 2.
Miss Kelly, looked upon as the greatest stellar attraction in theatri
cal lines at this time, appears in "The Belle's Stratagem," as
" Letitia Hardy," at The Theatre, Nov. 7.
John Gansevoort resigns as police magistrate and John O. Cole
unanimously elected to succeed him, Nov. 14.
St. Peter's Church lottery drawing takes place, Nov. 17.
Canal frozen for the first time, Nov. 18.
Col. Peter Schuyler, nephew of Gen. Philip Schuyler, who entered
the army at age of 18 as ensign and distinguished himself under
Wayne, dies at Natchez, whither he had removed and became
Mississippi's state treasurer, aged 48, Nov. 20.
Announcement made to the public at the next session of the Legisla
ture application would be made for right to construct a rail line
to be operated by steam to Schenectady from this city, or else
to Troy, if deemed advisable, Nov. 22.

458 AMBROSE SPENCER. No. 35.
1825.
Circus Building being erected on site of the old brewery on No.
Pearl street by a Mr. Parsons, building 66 x in feet, Nov. 30.
John Vernor, deputy commissary of military stores during the Revo
lution, aged 80, dies at his home on No. Market street (Broad
way), opposite the state arsenal, Dec. 1.
Kean, the great tragedian, first appears here, acting " Richard III "
before a large refined audience, Dec. 5.
John T. Norton elected president of the Fire department, Dec. 12.
Census returns show population of city 15,971 and of the entire
county 42,821, Dec. 15.
Rev. Hooper Cumming, former pastor of Third Presbyterian
Church, dies at Charleston, S. C., whither he had gone for his
health, Dec. 18.
River closed (Government record), Dec. 23.
Expiration of the term of Judge Ambrose Spencer as Mayor, Dec. 31.
? ? ?
(See No. 36.)

No. 36.

Jan. 2, 1826 — Dec. 31, 1826.
Jan. 1, 1827— May 23, 1828.

No. 36.
JAMES STEVENSON.
Date of office: (a) January 2, 1826-December 31, 1826.
(b) January 1, 1827-May 23, 1828 (resigned).
Date of election: (a) January 2, 1826. ,
(b) January 1, 1827.
Political party; Whig.
Vote: (a) Unanimous.
(b) Unanimous.
Opponent: (a) None.
(b) None.
Vote: (a) None.
(b) None.
Total vote: (a) 20.
(b) 18.
Date of birth: November 25, 1788.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: John (S.) and Magdeline Douw.
Education: Graduate Williams, 1807; Yale.
Residence: No. 146 State street.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: July 3, 1852.
Place of death: No. 146 State street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Resigned office May 23, 1828. Warden of St. Peter's
Church, 1832-42. Trustee of Albany Boys' Academy. One
of the first governors of Albany City Hospital. Wealthy,
zealous in public affairs, a polished gentleman.

36. JAMES STEVENSON.
1826-1828.
From a photograph made from life, owned in 1904 by his grand-niece, Mrs.
Augustus H. Walsh, of Albany.

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 461
1826.
(Continued from No. 35.)
1826.

Mayor Ambrose Spencer having declined a re-election, the Common
Council at a meeting this day elects James Stevenson Mayor, Jan. 2.
Albany Insurance Co. elects Isaiah Townsend president, Jan. 2.
Merchants' Insurance Co. elects Charles E. Dudley president, Jan. 2.
Edwin Forrest, one of the greatest actors America ever produced
(born at Philadelphia, March 9, 1806), who had made his debut
upon the stage in 1820 in " Douglas," (died there Dec. 12,
1872), appears in Albany for the first time at The Theatre in
" Timour the Tartar," Jan. 9.
River opens temporarily to navigation, Jan. 11.
Office of street inspector created to have charge instead of Mayor.
Nathan Sanford resigns as Chancellor and is elected by the Legis
lature a U. S. Senator for six years, Jan. 14.
Gerrit L. Dox and others propose to the Legislature to form a com
pany with capital of $250,000 to deepen the west shore channel
from the island south of the city southward, satisfied that exca
vations have proved futile. This was the beginning of an im
provement that endured a century, the suggestion resulting in
the elaborate stone embankments some years later, Jan. 26.
Judge Conkling, father of U. S. Senator Roscoe Conkling, com
mences his first term as the presiding judge of the United States
Court for this district, located at the Capitol, Jan. 31.
Thermometer 12 degrees below zero, Feb. 1.
Cooper, great tragedian, makes first appearance here, " Macbeth," Feb. 2.
Dirck L. Vanderheyden, master in chancery and former clerk of the
Assembly, aged 37, dies, Feb. 8.
James Gibbons, long time alderman of 5th Ward, honored for the
humanity and honesty he ever displayed, dies, Feb. 8.
The Circus, a building for all sorts of entertainment, No. Pearl
street, north of Columbia street, opened by its owner, Powers,
with an equestrian troupe, Burton, Gates and West, famous at
this time, followed by comedy acts, Feb. 14.
Grand jury raises a purse of $19.50 for the benefit of debtors they
found confined in the jail, Feb. 18.
River open to navigation, . Feb. 26.

462 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36.
1826.
Ebenezer Baldwin having resigned as City Recorder, James
McKown is appointed to the position, March 3,
John N. Quackenbush, a prominent citizen, elected alderman of the
5th ward, in place of James Gibbons, deceased, March 7.
Cominon Council orders the bell of the South Dutch Church, south
side of Beaver street, west of Green, to be rung at noon and 8
p. m., March 8.
Bill before the Assembly to permit construction of a railroad to be
operated by steam power between Albany and Schenectady, to
be known as the Mohawk & Hudson railroad, is discussed vigor
ously, Mr. Lush arguing to change that part which allowed the
eastern terminal to be at any point along the river within three
miles north or south of the city, he being the Albany member
and fearing that if located away from the city speculators might
secure the land and erect a city to rival Albany. Mr. Hoffman
asserted he did not see why the interests of Albany were para
mount to those of the state, and he hoped nothing would prevent
the experiment in America, at so advantageous a locality, of
making a road run by steam power. The Lush amendment lost,
March 10.
The large windmill operated by Mr. Harris, on the hill just south of
the capitol, burned, March 12.
Another discussion over the eastern terminal of the proposed steam
road, and G. W. Featherstonhaugh writes to Mayor Stevenson.
to use his influence in aiding passage of the incorporating act,
citing that it requires a day to convey goods to Schenectady,
whereas by a steam train it is promised to make the trip in
three hours, setting forth : " In truth, this is an experiment to
test the fact whether this economical mode of transportation will
succeed in this country." March 13.
Conway, tragedian, makes first appearance here, in " Hamlet," March 17.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad incorporated by the Legislature ; capital
$300,000, provided it is constructed within six years, the incor
poration to endure fifty years, March 27-
Hope Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., instituted, April 24.
Tragedian Forrest given a benefit at The Theatre, Hyatt playing
" Richard III " and Forrest " Buckingham," later events in
their lives proving the absurdity of Forrest receiving a benefit
by Hyatt, April 28.
Joseph Henry enters the employ of the Albany Academy, as pro
fessor of mathematics, taking the place of Michael O'Shaugh-
nessy, April 28.

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 463

1826.

Application made to constitute Albany a port of entry, brought about
by the government collector at New York, Jonathan Thompson,
holding the Enterprise, a schooner with cargo for Albany, de
siring to remove the cargo for weighing, May 2.
Common Council meets to elect a city clerk according to the new
law, the clerk formerly acting also for the county, and Lawrence
L. Van Kleek receives 8 votes, as incumbent of the dual position,
and Paul Hochstrasser 8 ; but Mayor Stevenson casts a vote for
the former and he is declared elected, May 8.
Steamboat Sun, Capt. Ii. Drake, advertises to make the trip to New
York by daylight, and so starts at 6 a. m., May 12.
Yates & Mclntyre agree to manage the Albany Lottery and pay the
city for five years $48,159 annually, amounting to $240,795,
while the valuation of city property forming the basis of the
lottery was $254,395, the plan being to pay off the city debt of
$250,000 by the lottery, and both parties agreed, May 15.
Commercial Bank organized, May 23.
Common Council receives petition to continue Lodge street north
ward through Steuben street, May 29.
Common Council decrees that for everv loaf not stamped with
baker's initials and the weight he shall be fined 25 cents,
Steamboat Sun arrives from New York in 12 hours, 13 minutes,
including 13 landings, and people marvel at the great speed, June 6.
Common Council authorizes First Presbyterian Church to stretch
chains across So. Pearl street and Store Lane during the Sab
bath, June 12.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad stock subscription books opened, and
eagerly subscribed by citizens, June 26.
State Street House, south side of State street and three doors east
of So. Pearl st., opened by a French copperplate engraver
named Louis Lemet, who tastily furnished the place, June 26.
Common Council applied to bv trustees of African Baptist Church
who desired a permit to raise funds, but matter laid on table
because of a desire to investigate as the last time this was al
lowed the same trustees spent the funds raised on hot suppers,
June 26.
Mayor lays before the Common Council draft of law creating the
office of street inspector, June 26.
Semi-Centennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,
observed by an unusually large parade, which passed to the
" old " Capitol, where Richard Varick DeWitt read that docu
ment and.T. Atwood Bridgen delivered the oration, whereupon

464 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36.
1826.
all the militia companies were invited to drink of " Corporation
Punch," and banquets at several of the inns and taverns, July 4-
News of the deaths of ex-President John Adams (b. at Quincy,
Mass., on Oct. 30, 1735, and President in 1796) at Quincy,
Mass., and of ex-President Thomas Jefferson (b. at Shadwell,
Va., on April 2, 1743, and the 3rd President, 1801-1809) at
Monticello, Va., both on the same day, July 4th, received in
Albany by steamboats Sun and Kent, July 9.
A novelty on the canal, the sloop St. Clair from Mackinac for New
York, with masts unshipped, arrives in tow of a steamboat, July 21.
National Observer first published by Solomon Southwick, July 25.
Proposition before Common Council to cut Eagle street through
from Lancaster street to Lydius street (Madison ave.) July 25.
Steamboat Sandusky makes her first, appearance, July 30.
Albanians pay tribute to memory cf. ex-Presidents John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson, who died on July 4th, uniting in the largest
procession ever undertaken here, formed at the " Old " Capitol
and marching to Second Presbyterian Church, where Judge
Duer delivers a eulogy, July 31.
Daily Chronicle first published by Chas. Galpin and M. M. Cole,
August 2,
The Cohoes Company to supply water to factories, running by small
canal cut in slate rock from the Mohawk above Falls, organ
ized, August.
Common Council decides that finances will not permit pui chase of
clock to be placed in South Dutch Church west side Beaver st.,
August 21.
Joseph Henry delivers a public address upon beginning his duties
as the professor of mathematics at the Albany Academy, Sept. 11.
Waterworks Company seeking a supply for city by boring at junc
tion of the Schenectady and Cherry Valley turnpikes, Sept. 15.
Alms-house, costing $14,000, completed and open to inspection,
Henry W. Snyder the architect, 123 occupants, Sept. 2C.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants of the 5 wards, Sept. 26,
Brewers Boyd & McCulloch, So. Ferry street having bored 294
feet for water without success strike supply of sulphuretted
hydrogen, Sep. 28.
Charter election, Common Council: John Townsend, Isaac Den-
niston, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Richard S.

HENRY'S ALBANY HOME.
Prof. Joseph Henry became teacher of the natural sciences at the Albany Academy
on Sept. u, 1826, and resided at No. 105 Columbia st. (Middle one in Picture.)
It was taken down in 1898.

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 465
1826-1827.
Treat, Andrew Kirk, III. Welcome Esleeck, Moses Kenyon,
IV. John N. Quackenbush, John L. Winne, V. Election, Sept.
26; sworn in, Oct. 10.
Common Council petitioned by liugh Robinson and others to change
the name of Dock to Dean street, Oct. 30.
Law passed changing Dock street to Dean street in honor of Capt.
Stewart Dean, famous deceased navigator to foreign ports, Nov. 6.
Common Council considers raising the vast area of low ground
between So. Pearl street and the river, south of So. Ferry st.,
Nov. 11.
Common Council decides to pave Howard, Eagle to Lodge street,
Dec. 11.
Common Council determines by resolution that plat of ground known
as Delaware Square, on expiration of term of occupant, be
hereafter a public square of the city, Dec. 18.
Common Council decides to appoint a forester and names Jeremiah
Cutler, with salary of $25 monthly, Dec. 18.
River closed (Government record) to navigation, Dec. 24.
Canal report for the season shows 12,856 boats had arrived and
departed, tolls collected amounting to $120,354.12, Dec. 30.
End of the term of Mayor James Stevenson, Dec. 31.

1827

James Stevenson unanimously re-elected Mayor of Albany by the
Common Council, casting 18 votes, Jan. 1.
DeWitt Clinton inaugurated Governor of New York, Nathaniel
Pitcher as Lieut.-Governor, for two years, Jan. 1.
Unusually cold month, thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Jan. 21.
Meeting in Knickerbocker Hall to organize the Athenaeum, an im
portant literary establishment, Chandler Starr, chairman, 160
enrolling and paying $1.25 each, Jan. 20.
William Mascraft appointed city superintendent, Philip Hooker
having declined, Jan. 22.
Law passed to pave No. Pearl State to Columbia street, Feb. 12.
Butchers of Albany .contribute 53 barrels of beef for Greeks, Feb. 15.
Philip P. Van Rensselaer, aged 44, dies at Cherry Hill residence.
just south of the city line, Feb. 17.
City purchases from Dutch Church land adjoining the Watering
Place at Steamboat Square, providing that a space 45 feet broad
be kept open from Broadway to river to allow cattle to water,
Feb. 19.

466 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36.
1827-
Literary Department of Albany Athenaeum opened with Paul Hoch
strasser acting as librarian, Feb. 20.
Gen. Philip Schuyler's will (made June 20, 1803, and died Albany
Nov. 18, 1804) admitted to probate, March 2.
Common Council condemns project to pave a road from Albany to
Gibbonsville (West Troy, later Watervliet) with macadam, March 6.
Common Council decides in favor of selling land along the river
south of the South Ferry as much of it is under water at times
of high tides or freshets, March 12.
Dr. Elias Willard, aged 71, (b. Harvard, Mass., Jan. 1756) a sur
geon during the Revolution, first at hospitals of Boston and then
at White Plains, German Flats and Ticonderoga, dies, March 20.
River closed (Government record) to navigation, March 20.
John V. Henry and James McKown dissolve law partnership, the
former taking Peter Seton Henry as a partner, March 30.
Steamboat Sun put on by the Fludson River Line, Captain Living
ston, April 11.
Charles Gould, son of late Thos. Gould, 25, dies in New York,
April 13.
Steamboat Albany, put on about this time, in trying to " go through
by daylight" breaks down about her piston-rod; built by J.
Vaughn of Philadelphia; 298 tons, 212 ft. long, 26 ft. broad,
9 ft. deep, 65 x 108 in. engine, April 19.
John Meads forms partnership with William Alvord in cabinet-
making and they receive recognition at fairs for excellence, May 1.
John Whipple fatally shot at 10 o'clock at night while at his home
in Cherry Hill, just south of city line, by Jesse Strang, the
former seated within and writing, the latter outside the window.
At the time he was executing a large contract on the Delaware
& Hudson canal and was a most estimable citizen, May 7.
Albany Christian Register begins publication by L. G. Hoffman,
and the Antidote by Solomon Southwick, Webster & Wood,
printers, May.
Steamboat Victory built by Kenyon & Hand of this city, launched
at the South Ferry where she had been constructed, the interior
woodwork superior to anything seen executed by John Meads,
engine by Birbeck & Co. of New York, Capt. Sanford Cobb,
May 19.
The Standard, a weekly, first published by Matthew Cole, May 22.

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 467
1827.
Common Council, following the example of the citizens, holds a
meeting to consider establishing a market at the Watering
Place, or Steamboat' Square, with strong arguments on both
sides, May 28.
Albany Exchange Association organized, May 30.
Common Council having decided on securing a ferry to be operated
by steam, as urged by John Townsend at its last meeting, Alder
man Gibbons moves to reconsider and tries to prove that pro
pulsion by a horse working a treadle is more economical than
steam was likely to prove. Mr. Townsend's proposition was
sustained, June 6.
John L. Winne proposes to Common Council that Independence
Day be kept with a religious spirit and that parades be aband
oned, June 6.
St. Peter's Church vestry advertises for sale the lots bounded by
Eagle, Maiden Lane and Pine street, site of City Hall, June 19.
Steamboat Independence makes her first appearance and is admired
for her superior elegance; Hudson River Line, Captain Wm.
J. Wiswall, June 25.
Those of African descent at Albany celebrate emancipation befitting
the event, the law becoming operative in New York state that
was enacted on March 17, 1817, bargaining that every negro,
mulatto or mustee in the state, born before July 4, 1799, should
be free from and after July 4, 1827, July 4.
Steamboat North America arrives for the first time ; built by William
Capes, New York city (Munsell's Annals, Vol. IX, p. 157 gives
, Stevens) 497 tons, 218 feet long, 30 feet broad and 8 feet depth,
(2) 30x72 in. engine, (Munsell 175 feet long), Capt. Cochran, July 23.
Trial of Jesse Strang for the killing of John Whipple at his Cherry
Hill home (south of city line) on May 7th, begun at a special
term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, held at the " Old "
Capitol before Judge Duer, the commission consisting of Judge
William A. Duer, Mayor Stevenson, Recorder James McKown
and Aldermen Richard S. Treat and Welcome Esleeck. The
room is thronged. The murdered man's widow, Elsie D.
Whipple, is also arraigned as an accomplice, it being thought
that she had an attachment for Strang. Counsel for Strang,
Calvin Pepper and J. T. Oakley; Edward Livingston, district-
attorney assisted by S. A. Foote, July 25.
Jury finds Jesse Strang guilty of the murder of John Whipple on
May 7th, after deliberating but a few minutes, July 27.
James Caldwell's wife, Elizabeth, aged 73, dies July 29.

468 JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36.
1827.
Mrs. John Whipple, wife of the murdered man, placed on trial as an
accomplice of Jesse Strang who was pronounced guilty on 27th ;
defended by Abraham Van Vechten, Elisha Williams and Azor
Taber, July 30.
Mrs.. John Whipple found not guilty of being accomplice in murder
of her husband on May 7th, jury not leaving their seats, al
though the universal opinion at the time happened to be that
she was connected with the fatal shooting, Aug. 3.
Judge Duer sentences Jesse Strang to be hanged, Aug. 4.
Steamboats Ohio and DeWitt Clinton put on during summer.
The Comet first published at office of Daniel McGlashan, Aug. 4.
Steamboat Victory, built at the South Ferry docks by Moses Kenyon
& Hand, 143 feet long, 25 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 310 tons,
Capt. Sanford Cobb, the first boat furnished with piano, makes
her first trip, regarded as the finest steamboat afloat, Aug. 18.
John Robinson, foremost merchant for years, with business at n. w.
corner Broadway and State St., dies at his residence, No. 34
Dean st, aged 88 years, Aug. 24.
Hanging of Jesse Strang who murdered John Whipple at his Cherry
Hill home on May 7th, draws immense crowds to see the execu
tion which takes place according to the custom in the open,
the gallows being built in the Hudson street (avenue) ravine
not far above Eagle street. Rev. Wm. B. Lacey of St. Peter's
Church prayed with him on the scaffold and the rope drop cut
by Sheriff Conrad A. Ten Eyck. Crowds came to town at sun
rise, no less than 1,100 vehicles coming from the north were
counted, and about as many from other directions. It was the
last public execution in the city, Aug.' 24.
Steamboat Emerald, Capt. R. G. Livingston, commences running.
Aug. 24.
Steamboat Independence lowers record from New York; II hours,
Sept. 5.
Charter election, Common Council: John Townsend, Isaac Den-
niston, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Richard S.
Treat, Andrew Kirk, III. Welcome Esleeck, Moses Kenyon,
IV. John L. Winne, John N. Quackenbush, V. Election,
Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 9.
G. V. S. Bleecker's wife. Margaret, aged 38, dies, Oct. 10.
The 27th Regiment (later the 7th Regiment of New York city)
encamps for one week at Bull's Head Tavern on Troy Road.
Philanthropic Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., instituted, Nov. 7.
John Knickerbocker, aged 76, dies at Schagticoke, and on same date
one year previous, same hour and moment, his wife died,
. Nov. 10.

ALBANY COUNTY ALMS-HOUSE.
Director-General Pieter Stuyvesant on April 23, 1652, conveyed site for an alms-house and farm, bounded on north by Fuyck or
Rutten kill that entered river at Hudson ave. Present institution was established in 1806 ; award for building made to Fassett &
Hallenbake, Aug. 22, 1825, for $9,875; first occupied (123 occupants) Sept. 20, 1826; Henry W. Snyder, architect ; cost $14,000;
south of New Scotland ave.

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 469
1827-1828.
St. Paul's Church on So. Ferry st., organized, Nov. 12.
John T. Norton, Jared L. Rathbone, Edward C. Delavan, Rufus H.
King, Chandler Starr, James Goold and- others announce inten
tion of applying to next Legislature to incorporate the Canal
Bank, capitalizing at $500,000, Nov. 21.
River closes to navigation (Government record), Nov. 25.
St. Mary's (R. C.) Church trustees petition the Common Council
for an additional plat of land, adjoining present edifice, intend
ing to erect a new church, Dec. 10.
Robinson's corner, merchandise store, n. w. corner State and Broad
way, sold at auction for $33,500 to Thorpe & Sprague in order
to build there a handsomer place for their stage coach line
station, Dec. 17.

1828.

Common Council petitioned by John S. Van Rensselaer and others
to pave State street from " Old " Capitol west to Lark st.,
Jan. 7.
Albany Steamboat Association, owning the Victory, at a directors'
meeting, decide to construct another steamboat, give Capt.
Sanford Cobb of the old boat command, appointing Thomas
Wiswall captain of the Victory, which was launched last year,
Jan. 14.
Steamboat Saratoga arrives from New York, but hastens away in
an hour, the river freezing shut, Jan. 20.
River closed to navigation, Jan. 21.
Captain McDonald, aged 55, dies, Jan. 24.
River open to navigation (Government record), Feb. 8.
Gov. DeWitt Clinton dies at his residence, s. e. corner of No. Pearl
and Steuben street, greatly mourned, aged 59 years, Feb. 11.
Nathaniel Pitcher assumes reins of state government, Feb. 11.
Military funeral of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, one of the most beneficial
executives the state enrolls in its history, an indefatigable worker
and chief promoter of the building of the Erie canal, Feb. 15.
Solomon Southwick nominated for Governor by Batavia citizens, Feb. 27.
Lieutenant-Governor Tayler presides at a meeting, John F. Bacon
acting as secretary, at which it is urged that citizens boycott
on week-days those stages, hacks and other vehicles operating
on Sunday; this also was made to include steamboats and all
vessels, and 60 signed, Feb. 29.

47° JAMES STEVENSON. No. 36.
1828.
George Vernon, from Theatre Royal, London, assumes management
of The Theatre on So. Pearl street, March 18.
Cominon Council directs the city attorney to prepare a law that
Frelinghuysen street may be changed to Franklin, March 24.
Common Council, on petition of John S. Van Rensselaer, directs
that the small street running diagonally from Hudson street
to Liberty, be named Diagonal, March 24.
John W. Yates, first cashier of New York State Bank, graduate of
- Columbia in 1787, student for bar, 24 years cashier, aged 58,
dies, March 29.
Common Council changes name of Frelinghuysen to Franklin st.,
March 31.
Clara Fisher, celebrated actress, at Theatre, " Maid of Milan," April 9.
Cornelius Brower, who resided on site of Female Academy on west
side of No. Pearl st., north of Maiden Lane, aged 90, dies,
April 13.
Many women busily engaged in making clothing for the Greeks
fighting to overthrow the Turkish rule, April 16.
Largest fire in years, starting in bell foundry of Lewis Aspinwall,
on south side of Beaver, midway So. Market (Broadway) to
Green st., and burning several buildings through to Hudson St.,
$40,000, April 17.
Gerrit Yates Lansing, alderman, resigns on leaving the city, April 22.
Drs. J. Eights and S. S. Treat form partnership, May 1.
Enthusiastic meeting of citizens crowds the Athenaeum to organize
plans for a monument to the late DeWitt Clinton, Judge Will
iam A. Duer presiding, and Peter Gansevoort its secretary,
expecting to raise funds by subscription committee; but (as
common experience in Albany • when a monument to a great
man is in view) nothing came of it, May 5.
Election for supervisors and assessors, and Gerrit Gates elected
alderman in the 3rd Ward to replace Gerrit Y. Lansing, who
had left the city, May 6.
Daniel Skinner, of firm Webster & Skinners, printers, dies at Hart
ford, Conn., May 12.
Sale of lots in the low land south of So. Ferry street, much of
time under water, nearly one hundred sold, bringing $21,000,
May 13.
Nathaniel S. Skinner's Mansion House, No. 402 No. Market street
(Broadway) secured by Sidney Chapin and Hugh Cruikshank
and named City Hotel, May 16.

PRINTING BY PRIMITIVE METHODS.
Type of press to which steam power was applied in 1828 by Packard & Van
Benthuysen (n. w. cor. Green and Beaver sts.), on which the " Temperance
Recorder" was printed, and believed the earliest application in America of
steam power to a printing-press. (From original wood-cut owned by Charles
Van Benthuysen & Sons, est'd 1807.)

No. 36. JAMES STEVENSON. 471
1828.
Building at n. e. corner No. Market (Broadway) and Steuben
streets, recently used as the Post-office, fitted up by Samuel
Fuller and named by him Clinton Hotel, May 19.
To the mortification of citizens who cherished the memory of the
late Gov. DeWitt Clinton, the sheriff advertises the sale of
all his property, May 23.
Mayor James Stevenson sends his resignation to the Common
Council, on the ground that pressure of his business demands it,
May 23.
* ? ?
(See No. 34.)

No. 37.

Feb. 9, 1829 — Dec. 31, 1829.
Jan. 1, 1830 — Dec. 31, 1830.
# # -:<-
Jan. 1, 1832 — Dec. 31, 1832

No. 37. ,
JOHN TOWNSEND.
Date of office: (a) Februrary 9, 1829-December 31, 1829.
(b) January 1, 1830-December 31, 1830.
(c) January 1, 1832-December 31, 1832.
Date of election: (a) Succeeded Dudley, resigned.
(b) December 21, 1829.
(c) December 29, 1831.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) Unanimous.
(b) Unanimous.
(c) Unanimous.
Date of birth: June 14, 1783.
Place of birth: Sterling, N. Y.
Parents: Henry (T.) and Mary Bennett.
Education: Popular.
Married to: Abby Spencer (daughter of 35th Mayor).
Date: July 7, 1810.
Children: (13) Laura Spencer, Ambrose Spencer, Mary, Theo
dore, John Henry, Catherine Clinton, Julia, Julia Isabella,
Theodore, Abby Eliza, John, Marianna, Edward.
Residence: No. 142 State street.
Occupation: Iron founder and merchant.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Date of death: August 26, 1854.
Place of death: No. 142 State street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: During cholera plague, 1832, was indefatigable to check
it, and was highly esteemed therefor. Organized Albany
Insurance Company. President National Commercial Bank.
Incorporator and Vice-President Albany Savings Bank.
Adviser of DeWitt Clinton in canal matters. President of
Albany Exchange Company. President of Water Com
mission.

37- JOHN TOWNSEND.
1829-1832.
From a photograph made by Albany Art Union of the oil painting by
Alexander, owned in 1904 by his son, Theodore Townsend, of Albany.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 475
1829.
(Continued from No. 34)
1829.

John Townsend becomes Mayor of Albany, receiving the unanimous
vote of 18 ballots by the Common Council, Mayor Charles E.
Dudley having resigned the office on January 19th in order to
become United States Senator from New York, and the two
ballotings at the Common Council meeting of February 2nd
having been 10 for Townsend and 10 for Bloodgood; but the
latter within the week sent a letter declining to be a candidate
at the meeting this day, Feb. 9.
Stages running from New York to Albany on the ice, Feb. 13.
Proposition to construct a railroad to be operated from Boston to
the Hudson river at Albany given impetus by the Massachusetts
Legislature voting 120 to 115 that it was expedient for the
commonwealth to aid construction by its funds, Feb. 20
Rev. Asa T. Flopkins called to Second Presbyterian Church, Feb. 20
Estimate of 42,000 barrels of beer made here, 30,000 exported, Feb. 22
Dr. Barent P. Staats elected Alderman of 1st Ward in place of
John Townsend who had become Mayor, Feb. 24
Mohawk and Hudson railroad advertises for lumber for the road
Feb. 25
Albany Institute granted a charter, Feb, 27
Firm of Corning & Norton dissolved, March 3
Governor Martin Van Buren resigns to become secretary of state
under President Jackson, March 12
Enos T. Throop becomes Governor, March 12
John Tayler, former Lieut.-Governor and first president of the
New York State Bank, aged 87, dies, March 19
James Maher, of this city, succeeds Calvin Pepper as State Librarian
by appointment, March 30
John Pruyn, hardware merchant, sells to Lansing Pruyn & Co.,
March 31
Prof. Joseph Henry, instructor in mathematics and the natural sci
ences at the Albany Academy since Sept. 11, 1826, devoted his
spare hours in the fall of 1828 until late each night in produc
ing what he termed his " intensity " magnet, the first ever made
in the world, in order to operate an electric current over a long
stretch of wire and to be able thus to accomplish what foreign

476 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1829.

scientists had declared utterly impracticable to solve, the elec
tric transmission of signals or an electric telegraph. Then (as
ever afterward) no electric telegraph would work without it,
and upon it practically every form of electric propulsion is
based. As a fact, had this been covered by patent by him, mil
lions of machines for various uses throughout the world would
have been forced to pay him heavy financial tribute. Professor
Henry's own words are : "After repeating the experiments of
Oersted, Ampere, and others, and publishing an account in 1828
of various modifications of electro-magnetic apparatus, I com
menced in that year the investigation of the laws of the develop
ment of magnetism in soft iron, by means of the electrical
current. The first idea that occurred to me in accordance with
the theory of Ampere, with reference to increasing the power
of the electro-magnet, was that of using a longer wire than had
before been employed. A wire of sixty feet in length, covered
with silk, was wound round a whole length of an iron bar, either
straight or in the form of a U, so as to cover its whole length
with several thicknesses of wire. The results of this arrange
ment were such as I had anticipated, and electro-magnets of this
kind, exhibited to the Albany Institute in March, 1829, pos
sessed magnetic power superior to that of any ever before
known. The idea afterwards occurred to me that the quantity
of galvanism, supplied by a small galvanic battery, might be
applied to develop a still greater amount of magnetic power in
a large bar of iron. On experiment, I found this idea correct-
A battery of two and a half square inches of zinc developed
magnetism in a large bar sufficient to lift fourteen pounds. The
next suggestion which occurred to me was that of using a
number of wires of the same length around the same bar, so as
to lessen the resistance which the galvanic current experiences
in passing from the zinc to the copper through the coil. . To
bring this to the test of experiment, a second wire, equal in
length to the first, was wound around the last mentioned mag
net, and its ends soldered to the plates of the same battery.
The magnet with this additional wire lifted twenty-eight pounds,
or, in other words, its power was doubled. A series of experi
ments was afterwards made, to determine the resistance to con
duction of wires of different lengths and diameters, and the
proper lengths and number of wires for producing, with differ
ent kinds of galvanic batteries, the maximum of amount of
magnetic development with a given quantity of zinc surface.
For this purpose a bar of soft iron, two inches square and

HENRY'S "INTENSITY" MAGNET.
It was this wonderful discovery by Prof. Henry, in 1829, at the
Albany Academy, showing how a magnet could be wound with
insulated wire, that made operation of telegraphs, motors, etc.,
possible.

No. 37. JOHN townsend. 477

1829.

twenty inches long, weighing twenty-one pounds, and much
larger than any before used, was bent in the form of a horse
shoe. Around this were wound nine strands of copper wire,
each sixty feet long, the ends left projecting so that one or
more coils couid be used at once, either connected with a battery
or with each other, thus forming several coils with several
battery connections, or one long coil with single battery con
nections. The greatest effect obtained with this magnet, using
a battery of a single pair, with a zinc plate of two-fifths of a
square foot of surface, and all the wire arranged as separate
coils, was to lift a weight of six hundred and fifty pounds ; with
a large battery the effect was increased to seven hundred and
fifty pounds. In a subsequent series of experiments, not pub
lished with the preceding, the same magnet was made to sustain
one thousand pounds. When a compound battery was em
ployed of a number of pairs, it. was found that the greatest
effect was produced when all the wires were arranged as a
single long coil. I subsequently constructed electro-magnets on
the same plan, which supported much greater weights. The
above mentioned experiments exhibit the important fact that
when a galvanic battery of intensity (that is to say, a battery
consisting of a number of pairs) is employed, the electro-magnet
connected with it must be wound with one long wire, in order
to reproduce the greatest effect; and that when a battery of
quantity (that is, one of a single pair) is employed, the proper
form of the magnet connected with it is that in which several
shorter wires are wound around the iron. The first of these
magnets, which is the one now employed in the long or main
circuit of the telegraph, may be called an intensity magnet ; and
the second, which is used in the local circuit, may be denomi
nated the quantity. The quantity of electricity which can be
passed through a long circuit of ordinary sized wire is, under
the most favorable circumstances, exceedingly small, and in
order that it may develop magnetism in a bar of iron, it was
necessary that it should be made to revolve many times around
the iron, that its effects may be multiplied ; and this is effected
by using a long coil. Hence it will be seen that the electro
magnet of Mr. Sturgeon was not applicable to telegraphic pur
poses in a long circuit. Previous to making the last experi
ments above mentioned, in order to guide myself, I instituted a
series of preliminary experiments on the conduction of wires
of different lengths and diameters, with different batteries.
* * * After this the battery of a single pair was removed

478 john townsend. No. 37.
1829.
and its place supplied by one of intensity, consisting of twenty-
five pairs. With this the important fact was observed, that no
perceptible diminution of the lifting power took place, when
the current was transmitted through an intervening wire be
tween the battery and the magnet of upwards of one thousand
feet. This was the first discovery of the fact that a galvanic
current could be transmitted to a great distance with so little
diminution of force as to produce mechanical effects, and of the
means by which the transmission could be accomplished. I saw
that the electric telegraph was now practicable." March.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 1.
Citizens organize a state temperance society at the " Old " Capitol,
Reuben Walworth elected president, April 2.
A Canadian named Malhiot visits the city, his weight 619 pounds
and measuring around body 6 ft. 10 in., around leg 3 ft. 4 in.,
April 6.
Joseph Lancaster, a prominent educator of the day and advocate of
certain public school systems, visits Albany and lectures at the
" Old " Capitol on effect of education on nations, April 9.
Freshet in river higher than any time since 1818 record, April 22.
The city receives $67,500 from Yates & Mclntyre on account of the
lottery that firm undertook to manage, and the sale of city
lots, which was applied to reduce the corporation's debt, it
being the popular opinion that with the expense added the
following year for the erection of a new city hall it would be
a generation before the city debt would be as low again, May 1.
Clinton Insurance Co., capital $300,000, incorporated, May 4.
First city election in which antimasonic candidates figure, May 5.
Legislature adjourns having passed a law that the citv of Albany
shall be paid the sum of $17,500 by the state for releasing all
right and interest in the Capitol building and the park in front
thereof before the following June ist., May 5.
New York State Bank elects Francis Bloodgood its (2nd) president,
by reason of the death of John Tayler, May 13.
Museum exhibits Susan and Deborah Tripp, born at Freedom,
Dutchess Co., former 5 years and 8 months weighing 203
pounds, latter 2 years and 10 months weighing 119 pounds, May 15.
Mrs. Mary Hawkins, famous as the keeper of the Molly Scott tavern
on Patroon street (Clinton avenue) hill, aged 80, dies, May 21.
J. & Archibald McClure open drugs and medicines at No. 70 State
st., May 23.

No. 37. JOHN TOWNSEND. 479
1829.
City engaged erecting public markets on South Pearl st., between
Howard and Beaver streets and at the Watering Place (Steam
boat Square), the latter named Clinton market, May 25.
Board of supervisors at a special meeting agree to the law passed at
the last session of the Legislature regarding the purchase of all
interest in the Capitol and park, and further agree to devoting
$15,000 towards erection of a county building, May 28.
Cominon Council appoints a committee to purchase a site for a
building to be used for city and county purposes, and selecting
the land owned by St. Peter's Church, Eagle and Pine streets
and Maiden Lane, pay $10,259.95 for it when deeds are ready,
May 28.
Residents along Columbia street, above Chapel, allowed to fence
grass plats before their houses by the Common Council, pro
vided the line was not carried beyond that east of Chapel street,
June 8.
Duffey & Forrest assume management of Pearl Street theatre, June 9.
Second Presbyterian Church calls Rev. Dr. William Buel Sprague
to pulpit left vacant by death of Rev. Dr. John Chester, June 14.
New steamboat Ohio makes first appearance; 157 feet long, 30 feet
beam, g]/2 feet hold, bearing 150 berths, Capt. Martin Barthol
omew, June 21.
On closing the subscription books of the Canal Bank it was found
that the shares subscribed for in excess numbered 6,488. The
capital is $300,000 at $20 each, John T. Norton elected presi
dent, June 24.
Independence Day observed by parade, Thos. W. Harman orator, July 4-
High street ordered extended from Lancaster to Hudson st., July 20.
Common Council having advertised for a competition of architects to
build the new City Hall, offering an award of $100, the com
mittee adopts the cupola and attic windows of Mr. Cutts of
Boston, and the remainder of the building as designed by Philip
Hooker of this city, dividing the premium mentioned, July 28.
Charles Gilbert, who had been the first manager of The Theatre, So.
Pearl street, while managing the Bowery theatre in New York,
age 42, dies in that city, July 30.
The New York Journal of Commerce having published a number
of trenchant articles affecting seriously the character of Joseph
Lancaster, the celebrated educator after whom the street and
Lancastrian School (later the building of the Albany Medical

480 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1829.
College) are named, he appeals to his friends in Albany to
investigate the several charges most searchingly and then either
blame him or exonerate his name, as it was a matter deeply
affecting the progress of his educational work, July 31.
Prof. Joseph Henry (born at Albany on Dec. 17, 1797, and made
the teacher of the natural sciences at the Albany Academy on
Sept. 11, 1826) had commenced his studies of electricity during
his free hours as early as 1827 and in 1828, as described by him
in a paper read before The Albany Institute in March of 1829,
had discovered the principle of what he termed his " intensity "
magnet. It was one that, for the first time in the world's de
velopment, could be operated at any distance by an electric -cur
rent, and by means of it he could hold a weight of 1,000 pounds,
when by opening the circuit it would be instantly released and
would fall. In 1828, he conceived the idea of making a lever
of metal fall upon something creating sound, such as a bell, and
thereby transmit signals at a great distance, or in fact to tele
graph. His paper on the subject was printed in Silliman's
American Journal of Science in January, 1831, and refuted the
idea of the great minds of Europe, notably Barlow of England,
that the idea of electrically communicating must be abandoned
because the current was too weak to travel any distance with
sufficient power to be of service in this way. It remained to put
his theory into practice, and his words are : " I arranged around
one of the upper rooms of the Albany Academy a wire of more
than a mile, in length, through which I was enabled to make
signals by sounding a bell. The mechanical arrangement for
effecting this object was simply a steel bar, permanently mag
netized, of about ten inches in length, supported on a pivot, and
placed with its north end between the two arms of a horse-shoe
magnet. When the latter was excited by the current, the end
of the bar thus placed was attracted by one arm of the horse
shoe and repelled by the other, and was thus caused to move in
a horizontal plane and its further end to strike a bell suitably
adjusted." Says A. M. Mayer : " This was the first electro
magnetic telegraph which had worked through so great a length
of wire ; it was the first electro-magnetic telegraph in which an
electro-magnet had worked successfully ; it was the first ' sound
ing ' magnetic telegraph." Henry further says : " In arriving
at these results, and announcing their applicability to the tele
graph, I had not in mind any particular form of telegraph, but
referred only to the general fact that it was now demonstrated
that a galvanic current could be transmitted to great distances
with sufficient power to produce mechanical effects adequate to

HENRY AND THE TELEGRAPH.
Prof. Joseph Henry, having discovered his " intensity " magnet applied it
to operate an electric telegraph and demonstrated its practicability at the
Albany Academy in 1823. This statue by Sculptor John Flanagan.

STATIC DISCHARGE JAR.
It was lined with a tinfoil spiral to prove the
induction of the static discharge.

HENRY'S TELEGRAPH BELL.
Reproduced the exact size. It was used in
1829 in his demonstration of the telegraph.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 481

1829.

the' desired object. The investigations above mentioned were
all devised and originated, and the experiments planned, by my
self. In conducting the latter, however, I was assisted by Dr.
Philip Ten Eyck, of Albany. An account of the whole was
pubhshed in the 19th volume of Silliman's Journal, in 1831."
He further has this to say regarding his discovery of the tele
graph, which is so succinctly stated that the matter becomes
clear to those unfamiliar with the wonderful discovery at Al
bany : " From a careful investigation of the history of electro-
magnetism in its connection with the telegraph, the following
facts may be established: 1. Previous to my investigations the
means of developing magnetism in soft iron were imperfectly
understood, and the electro-magnet which then existed was in
applicable to the transmission of power to a distance. 2. I was
the first to prove by actual experiment that, in order to develop
magnetic power at a distance, a galvanic battery of intensity
must be employed to project the current through the long con
ductor, and that a magnet surrounded by many turns of one
long wire must be used to receive this current. 3. I was the
first actually to magnetize a piece of iron at a distance, and to
call attention to the fact of the applicability of my experiments
to the telegraph. 4. I was the first actually to sound a bell at
a distance by means of the electro-magnet. * * * The only
reward I ever expected was the consciousness of advancing sci
ence, the pleasure of discovering new truths, and the scientific
reputation to which these labors would entitle me. * * * I
never myself attempted to reduce these principles to practice or
to apply any of my discoveries to processes in the arts. My
whole attention was devoted to original scientific investigations,
and I left to others what I considered in a scientific view of
subordinate importance, the application of my discoveries to
useful purposes in the arts. Besides this, I partook of the feel
ing cominon to men of science, which disinclines them to secure
to themselves the advantages of their discoveries by a patent." July-
Mansion built by deceased Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck on Arbor
Hill, house 44 x 52 feet, lot 292 x 759 feet, sold at auction, and
is occupied by Thomas W. Olcott, a banker, Aug. 1.
Common Council decides on laying out Clinton Square, area about
60x200 feet, as a small city park, Aug. 17.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, corner of So. Ferry and Dallius streets,.
consecrated by Bishop Hobart, and at sale of pews (on 25th}
$3,482 is realized for 16 of them, Aug. 24.
On petition of Isaiah & John Townsend, who purchased the land in

JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.

1829.

1807, the Common Council decides to open Jay st., Eagle to
Hawk. Aug. 24.
Rev. Dr. Wm. Buel Sprague installed by 2nd Presbyterian Church,
Aug. 26.
City Hall corner-stone laid by Mayor John Townsend with full
ceremonial at which a large concourse gathers. He met with
the recorder and Common Council at the " Old " Capitol, and
with Architect Hooker and prominent citizens proceeded in
procession to the site on Eagle st. The stone was in readiness
at the northeast corner and in the leaden box with a massive
inscription plate thereon, were placed the City Directory, a copy
of the Charter and maps, Aug. 31.
Tearing down of old St. Mary's Church at the n. w. corner of Pine
and Chapel streets begun, in order to erect the second edifice,
which was to be replaced about 30 years later by the one in use
in 1900. This first one was of brick, was small, not extending
half the distance to Lodge street, Sept. 14.
Justices Court convenes for first time in the new building on So.
Pearl street, David Hosford, as senior member of the bar, de
livering the principal address, Sept. 14.
John T. Norton's wife, Mary Ii., aged 27, dies, Sept. 21.
The new Centre Market stalls sell for $158.50 and those of the new
South Market for $628, Sept. 23.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 Wards, Sept. 29.
Sam Patch, famous for his diving from bridges, stops in this city
on his way to Niagara, Sept. 30.
City surveyor submits plans to Common Council for paving Hallen-
bake (Grand st.) from Hudson street (avenue) to Hamilton
street, that way never having been in use for street purposes, Oct. 5.
Universalist meeting-house on Herkimer street, (bet. Green and
Franklin) dedicated, Oct. 11.
St. Mary's (R. C.) second edifice, northwest corner of Chapel and
Pine streets, corner-stone laid by Alderman Cassidy, president
of board of trustees, Oct. 13.
Charter election, Common Council: Barent P. Staats, Erastus
Corning, I. John Cassidy, Daniel McGlashan, II. Herman
V. Hart, Gerrit Gates, HI. James Maher, Lemuel Steele, IV.
James Gibbons, William Stilwell, V. Election, Sept. 29 ; sworn
in, Oct. 13.
John V. Henry, one of the city's greatest lawyers, falls on the street,
apoplexy, on October 20th, aged 64, and dies, Oct. 21.

OLD CITY HALL.
Cornerstone laid with great ceremony August 31, 1829. Cost, $92,336.91. First meeting of Common Council therein July
25, 1832. Destroyed by fire the morning of February 10, 1880.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 483.
1829.

Frances Wright delivers first lecture before Albany Athenaeum, Oct. 22.
Vault built near Presbyterian burial-ground that bodies might remain
there a time and guard against dissection. On depositing the
first body this day, the person in charge returns for something
and hears a noise within, which thoroughly alarms him; but
he opens the portal and calls to the supposed ghost to come
out, whereupon he is surprised to see a human being emerge,
who had remained inside not knowing the iron door was being
closed upon him, and the sexton's return saved his life, Nov. I.
Peter Gansevoort, Democrat, elected to the Assembly, Nov. 5.
Streets illumined at this time by 586 oil lamps, 100 of which held
half a pint and the others a gill, Nov. 17.
Steamboats DeWitt Clinton and Victory sold at auction at New
York city, the latter having cost $56,000 and her engine $20,000,
brings $17,000; the Clinton having cost $44,000, and her engine
$25,000, sells for $5,000, Nov. 17.
Albany Orphan Asylum opened in a small way, in a building where
Mrs. Heely cares for eight children, Dec. 1.
St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum opened.
Most rapid transmission of President Andrew Jackson's " Message "
to the Congress which is published in this city in less than two
days after its reading at the Capitol. By messenger it was
carried to New York city in 15J4 hours, and up the river by the
steamboat Albany, delivered at noon on Tuesday, printed in
Albany Daily Advertiser on Thursday morning, Dec. 10.
Gen. John H. Wendell, 21 years county treasurer, resigns, 'Dec. 10.
Sad and mysterious case of Chancellor John Lansing, Jun., the 30th
Mayor of Albany. Fie was in New York city on important
business and disappeared so that he was never thereafter heard
from or his disappearance explained. It is thought that in going
aboard the steamboat for Albany in the dark he fell into the
water, or else had been waylaid on his way there. He studied
law in the office of Robert Yates, (who became chief justice)
and was closely identified with Gen. Philip Schuyler during the
Revolution, at which time he was one of the most active mem
bers of the state convention that conducted the military opera
tions of New York. He was delegated by the state a member
of the convention that drew up the Constitution of the United
States. He was last heard of on this day, Dec. 12.
Council passes ordinance to restore hogs captured at large and for
not being ringed taken to the Aims-House, Dec. 14.

484 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1829-1830.
Circus property on No. Pearl street, north of Columbia St., ordered
sold at auction, Dec. 17.
Superintendent of Aims-House reports 420 inmates, Dec. 20.
Mayor John Townsend re-elected unanimously by Common Council,
Dec. 21.
? ? ?
1830.

John Townsend begins his second term as Mayor, Jan. 1.
River clear of ice and steamboats running to New York, charging
only 50 cents for passage. ; New Year's callers receiving coffee
and cake in place of hot drinks and liquors because of the
temperance movement sweeping over the state and strong in
the city, Jan. 1.
Population of the city stated as 24,238, January.
Population of the State of New York announced as 1,918,608, January.
Slaves in the state at this time number only 75, January.
Legislature convenes; Message from Gov. Enos T. Throop read, Jan. 5.
The Albanian, literary paper, semi-monthly, issued for the first time
by Arthur N. Sherman, Jan. 5.
Dr. Alden March delivers introductory lecture to his course of
anatomy, speaking of the urgent necessity of establishing a
hospital and a medical college in this city, Jan. 11.
Gov. Lincoln, of Massachusetts, in his Message, urges means to
establish a railroad operated by steam from Boston to Albany,
Jan. 11.
River closed for first time since last spring, the Philadelphia coining
to within 26 miles of city and turning back, Jan. II.
Reuben H. Walworth, president, addresses the New York State
Temperance Society on its first anniversary, in Assembly Cham-
. ber, Jan. 19.
Estimate by the local temperance society gives 415 taverns and
groceries selling liquors, 200,000 gallons sold annually in Al
bany, 500 habitual drunkards, 4,000 tipplers, 200 deaths by
intemperance, and $100,000 expended for liquor during past
year Jan- 31-
Thorpe & Sprague's stage leaves the " Marble Pillar," n. w. corner
of State and Broadway, at 9 :20 a. m., 9 passengers, and arrives
at Utica at 5 :35 p. m., traveling in 8 hr. 15 min., including stops,
at 12 miles an hour throughout, Feb. °-

ALBANY ORPHAN ASYLUM.
It was started Dec. 2, 1829, in a cottage, by Mrs. Crissa Heely and Miss Eliza Wilcox; land at Western ave. and Robin st.
deeded May 1, 1832, and building 40 x 80 ft. erected that summer, W. L. Wollett, Architect; frontage increased to no ft. in
1852; E. C. Delavan first president; incorporated March 30, 1831; abandoned 1907.

JSTo. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 485

1830.

Lancaster School (west side of Eagle st.) annual meeting held in
" Old " Capitol, Archibald Campbell, president, Joseph Henry
secretary, report 1,300 children instructed during year at ex
pense of not more than $1,700; Simeon DeWitt president, Feb. 6.
Rev. Mr. Thompson, the pioneer of Unitarians in Albany, preaches
first sermon here, Feb. 21.
Anti-masonic state convention assembles, Feb. 24.
Rev. Mr. Thompson preaches in " Old " Capitol morning and night,
Feb. 28.
Gerrit T. Bradt, superintendent of South Ferry, reports two years'
receipts as $17,013.96; balance, $12,786.34, Feb. 28.
City Hall building commission reports contracting with Sing Sing
agent for the marble for $11,500, Feb. 28.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 15.
'Steamboat Constellation first to arrive here, March 20.
Albany Evening Journal, edited by Thurlow Weed, first published,
by B. D. Packard & Co., March 22.
Snow falls to depth of 28 inches, overwhelming quantities of pigeons
which are picked up at Buttermilk Falls in numbers, March 25.
Farmers', Mechanics' and Workingmen's Advocate first published,
by McPherson & McKercher, April 3.
Paul Hochstrasser resigns as city clerk and John W. Hyde is ap
pointed to fill the vacancy by Common Council, April 5.
Alderman Daniel McGlashan, at times overseer of poor and police
justice, aged 39, dies April 13.
Public schools provided for by Legislative act, April 17.
Legislature adjourns, passing 300 laws, April 20.
Calvin Edson, known as " Living Skeleton," at Museum, age 42
years, and although 5 ft. 2 in., weight only 60 pounds, April 20.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank declares 50% dividend, April 21.
Kilian K. Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaretta, aged 66, dies,
April 21.
Explosion aboard steamboat Chief Justice Marshall near Newburgh
on up trip, injuring many and six die, April 22.
Alderman John Cassidy, holding that office, in 2nd Ward many years
and active in advancing city interests, aged 46, dies, April 23.
The " Old " Capitol having been placed in control of trustees, they
appoint Henry Weaver superintendent, April 23.
Steamboat Victory withdrawn from Hudson river to ply between
New York and Hartford on East river, April 24.

486 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1830.
Report to Common Council in favor of changing Capitol to Park St.,
May 3.
Election for town officers, (supervisors and assessors) when Edwin
Croswell, editor of The Argus, gave forth the saying that " as
goes the Fourth Ward, so goes the state," May 4.
Dr. Barent P. Staats' wife, Maria A. Winne, aged 26, dies, May 9.
Albany Orphan Asylum organizes, electing Edward C. Delavan
president, May 19.
Banks of the city depreciate the value of pistareens to 16 cents, the
former value, before being worn, having been 20 cents, May 29.
John O. Cole's wife, Eleanor, aged 37, dies, June 5.
One of the speediest stage-coach runs, made from Whitehall to this
city, 81 miles in 8 hrs. 30 mins., June 5.
First Presbyterian Church calls Rev. John N. Campbell, of Wash
ington, offering annual salary of $1,600, considered liberal) June 7.
Fourth Presbyterian Church completed, size 60 x 90 feet, extending
from No. Market street (Broadway) to Orchard street (No.
Pearl st.), between Patroon (Clinton ave.) and Wilson streets;
Architect, Philip Hooker; Pastor, Rev. Edward N. Kirk. June 10.
North Dutch Reformed Church on west side of No. Pearl street,
enclosed by an iron picket fence, which is a novelty, June 10.
Mayor John Townsend's house robbed of silverware ; recovered, June 10.
Ox weighing 4,000 pounds exhibited here, June 12.
Independence Day celebrated; William Parmelee the orator, July 4-
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, with a silver spade, breaks the ground
at Schenectady in starting work upon the Mohawk and Hudson
new railroad to be the first in America operated by steam, July 29.
Marshall reports the census of the city as 11,533 white males and
11,632 white females; total 23,165; colored males, 421, colored
females 630, total 1,051 ; grand total, 24,216 persons, July 30.
George Merchant, classmate of President Madison and who came to
Albany to open an Academy next door south of the Vander
heyden Palace, (west side of No. Pearl st., and south of
Maiden Lane), in war of 1812 a paymaster in U. S. Army,
aged 73, dies, Aug. 14.
St. Mary's Church, second edifice, at n. w. corner of Chapel and
Pine streets, first opened, Aug. 29.
Henry C. Southwick's wife. Mary (dau. of Capt. Isaac Wool), dies,
Sept. 3.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 487
1830.
St. Mary's Church trustees hold first session in new edifice and
pass resolution of thanks to citizens and the Lancaster school
for allowing use of building while work was going on, Sept. 8.
Charter election in the 5 wards for aldermen and assistants, Sept. 28.
Nathaniel P. Willis, the author, at Titus' Hotel, Troy, gives vent
to much discussion by his remark on catching a glimpse of this
city, (becoming later a current phrase), "Albany, looking so
well in the distance, that you half forgive it for its hogs, offals,
broken pavements, and the score of other nuisances more Dutch
than decent," Sept. 28.
Steamboat Ohio makes world sailing record, arriving from New
York in 9 hours and 58 minutes, about 14]^ miles an hour, Oct. 1.
Christopher Dunn, keeper of the famous City Coffee House, a tavern
or hotel at the corner of Green and Beaver streets, and whose
place was cut in two on widening Green street, aged 67, dies,
Oct. 9.
Common Council orders Lodge street paved, Pine to Maiden Lane,
Oct. 11.
City expenses $174,442.93; receipts $156,546.02, year ending, Oct. 12.
Charter election, Common Council : Ralph Pratt, Willard Walker,
I. William Seymour, Seth Hastings, II. Gerrit Gates, Gerrit
Yates Lansing, III. James Maher, Lemuel Steele, IV James
Gibbons, Stephen Van Rensselaer, V. Election, Sept. 28;
sworn in, Oct. 12.
P. V. Shankland appointed Common Council clerk in place of John
W. Iiyde, removed, Oct. 25.
Citizens subscribe as follows for gilding the dome of the new
marble City Hall: ist Ward, $73.50; 2nd Ward, $161.75 ; 3rd
Ward, $120.75 ; 4* Ward, $98.25 ; the total, $454.25, and the
committee having been limited to $2 subscriptions, now author
ized to accept smaller sums, Nov. 17.
Lydius street (Madison ave.) ordered to have a sidewalk from So.
Pearl to Flallenbake (Grand) street on south side as the road
was now coming into use, Nov. 22.
Common Council authorizes finance committee to rent the old Court
House (City Hall) at n. e. cor. Broadway and Hudson avenue,
Nov. 22.
Second Presbyterian Church Annex erected.
River closes (Government record), Dec. 6.

488 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1830, 1832.
Thanksgiving Day observed by Gov. Throop's proclamation, Dec. 9.
Gen. Matthew Trotter, Revolutionary officer with General Ganse
voort and Colonel Willett at Fort Stanwix, afterwards aid to
Lord Stirling, a river captain and then in mercantile business,
dies, Dec. 9.
Orchard street (No. Pearl st.) ordered paved north of Patroon
street (Clinton ave.), Dec. 13.
David Williams, a surviving captor of Major Andre during the
Revolution, is escorted to The Theatre on west side of So. Pearl
street by Captain Watson's Artillery company and gives a narra
tion of the historic incident, receiving considerable applause, Dec. 18.
River closed, (according to Munsell's Annals, Vol. IX, p. 221), Dec. 22.
" Marble Pillar " building of Thorpe & Sprague, proprietors of
stage- coach lines, receives the museum collection of exhibits, by
which the edifice took name for half a century, being completed, Dec. 28.
Marshals make known result of a canvass of the city showing : ist
Ward, 6,855; 2nd Ward, 6,266; 3rd Ward, 2,011; 4th Ward,
5,878; 5th Ward, 3,206; total, 24',2i6 persons, Dec. 28.
Common Council ballots for Mayor, John Townsend receiving 9
votes, and Francis Bloodgood 12 votes; whereupon the Board
of Aldermen pronounce Francis Bloodgood elected Mayor of
Albany, Dec. 29.
? ? ?
(See No. 38.)
(Continued from No. 38)
1832.

John Townsend having been elected Mayor of Albany at the annual
election held by the Common Council on Dec. 29, 1831, assumes
office as the successor to Mayor Francis Bloodgood, Jan. 1.
Daily Craftsman first issued by Roberts & James, editors, Jan. 7.
Philip Hooker resigns as city surveyor, and Dr. B. P. Staats at
Cominon Council meeting offers amendments to the law insti
tuting thus two surveyors, — for northern and southern districts,
which is passed, and George W. Carpenter and William M.
Cushman are thereupon appointed, Jan. 23.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 489
1832.
Several hundred firemen petition the Common Council to prohibit
the miscellaneous ringing of bells for week-day evening worship,
because they frequently accepted fire-alarms as church-bells and
received fines for non-attendance, resulting in the law that bells
for church sounded after twilight be tolled, unless rung for
fire, Jan. 23.
Cuyler Staats, aged 25 years, dies, Jan. 24.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad reports to the Legislature that $483,215
had been expended for construction, and that to complete it
$156,693 was required, Jan. 28.
Centennial of the birth of George Washington celebrated, the 89th
and 246th Regiments banqueting at Crosby's Long Room and
Albany Republican Artillery at Foot's Fort Orange Hotel, Col.
Peter Gansevoort presenting to the latter command a large
brass drum captured from the British by his father, Gen. Peter
Gansevoort, on Aug. 22, 1777, at Fort Stanwix (site of Rome,
N. Y), Feb. 22.
Erastus Youngs, whose stage-coaches ran in every direction from
Albany doing the most extensive business of any, age 48, dies,.
March 11.
Common Council petitioned by Hugh Robinson and others to open
Dean street to Maiden Lane, March 12.
Joseph Alexander and James L'Amoreux petition to have Hamilton
street opened from Eagle to Hawk street, March 12.
Freshet the most extensive in years, carrying away several buildings-
on the Pier and basin bridges thereto, March 12.
Steamboat Fame of Hudson able to come to Albany ; but river closed
at Redhook, March 15.
Washington Centennial (birthday) celebration committee presents a
silver pitcher with inscription and a handsome silver salver
engraved with a likeness of Washington in the centre, to John
Meads in recognition of his artistic skill in decorating the
City Hall on the occasion of the grand ball, which had sur
passed anything before attempted in the city, (the two pieces
passing in 1904 to Dr. Iioward Van Rensselaer under the will
of Sarah Meads, sister of the recipient), March 23.
Ice passes out at Kinderhook, open navigation to New York,
March 25.
Constitution arrives, the first of season from New York, March 26.
Jury for assessing property required to open State street from
Broadway to the river report damage estimate as $98,708.55,. April 3.

49° JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1832.
Common Council undertakes to amend the law that allowed hogs to
run the streets at large since the city was chartered, a practice
that drew from Nathaniel P. Willis, the author, the expression
" more Dutch than decent." The recorder called up the law
that had been tabled for a year, and Alderman Maher adhered
to the idea that at large they acted as scavangers for the city,
while penning them would inflict disease among the poor who
kept them, while Dr. B. P. Staats thought it unwholesome to
have them feed so, and garbage would be collected by men.
Amendment to ring the pigs lost 8 to n, and motion to confine
prevailed, to take effect June ist, or imposition of a fine of $2,
April 4.
'Committee advertises for building Albany Orphan Asylum, April 16.
Bank of Albany charter extended to 1855.
Common Council grants quit claim deed to Methodist Church in
Division street for land the city had given for new edifice at
corner of Plain and Flallenbake (Grand) street, and the church
now desired to sell the lot, April 20.
New Scotland erected from Bethlehem, April 25.
Town election for supervisors and assessors, May 1.
Stone House Tavern, in Beaver street, torn down, May 5.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad's first train, the first passenger railroad
operated by steam in America, over the entire route, the train
that ran first on Sept. 24, 1831, was operated from the brow of
the hill east of Schenectady and to the " Junction," Lydius
street (Madison avenue) and Western avenue; but this time
the journey was over a completed route and terminated in
Albany at Gansevoort street. The train on coming from Sche
nectady was greeted by cannon, and people from all over flocked
beside the track the whole distance, May 14.
Houses on Lodge street, between Howard and Beaver streets, occu
pied by noisy disreputable blacks and whites torn down by in
dignant citizens, Mayor Townsend and constable looking on,
but unable to quell the riot, the people determined to raze it as
the only remedy likely to abate a long-continued nuisance, May 14-
Catherine Maley Hunter, wife of Henry D. Hunter and daughter of
the late John C. Cuyler, dies at Congress Hall hotel, May 16.
Cenotaph of marble in two colors placed in Second Dutch Church in
memory of Rev. John DeWitt, its earliest pastor, May 16.
Steamboat Novelty makes record trip, 9 hr. 47 min. from New York,
May 31.

No. 37- JOHN TOWNSEND. 491

1832.

Joseph Alexander resigns presidency of the Commercial Bank and
is succeeded by Hon. John Townsend as its second executive, June 7.
Rumored that Asiatic cholera had appeared at Montreal and Quebec,
accordingly the Common Council is convened to take precau
tions, and directs James D. Wasson to proceed to^Whitehall to
observe condition of emigrants coming that way,1 and guards
stationed at all roads entering the city to order quarantine, June 13.
Legislature convenes in extra session, June 21.
Special Legislative session ends, July 2.
Mayor Stevenson issues a proclamation forbidding the approach of
any river vessel with anyone sick aboard nearer than one mile
below the South ferry, because of a rumor there were cholera
cases in New York, July 3.
John Bradford, aged 22, the first case of death by cholera, July 3.
The Theatre, opened for a summer season on the 4th, closed because
of the cholera scare, one person afraid to approach another, July 10.
Quantities of tar burned in streets, creating gloominess, with the
hope of abating the plague. The streets and stores deserted, July 10.
Gen. John H. Wendell, captain under Colonel Van Schaick and com
manding a company at Battle of Monmouth during the Revolu
tion, wearing a costume of that period up to this time, aged 80,
dies, July 10.
David Tinker, despite temperate habits, aged 30, dies of cholera, July 10.
Citizens requested to be about at 9 a. m. to burn tar, July 13
Foxen kill, mostly an open creek and used as a sewer, complained of
as a nuisance, July 13
Board of health reports 28 new cases and 7 deaths, July 13
New cases of cholera 27 and deaths 6, on 14th ; 6 deaths on July 15
Common Council meets in daytime fearing night assemblages, and
churches abandon evening services, July 15
Cholera continues to rage, on 16th, 29 new cases and 7 deaths ; on
17th, 23 new cases and 8 deaths ; on 18th, 21 new cases and 5
deaths; on 19th, 20 new cases and 6 deaths; on 20th, 22 new
cases and 7 deaths; on 21st, 40 new cases and 11 deaths; on
22nd, 19 new cases and 14 deaths; on 23rd, 27 new cases and 5
deaths; on 24th, 19 new cases and 10 deaths; on 25th, 27 new
cases and 7 deaths ; on 26th, 32 new cases and 7 deaths ; on 27th,

492 JOHN TOWNSEND. No. 37.
1832.
40 new cases and 13 deaths; on 28th, 28 new cases and 18
deaths, being the greatest in one day ; on 29th, 35 new cases and
17 deaths; on 30th, 26 new cases and 10 deaths; on 31st, 29
new cases and 6 deaths ; total, 387 cases of cholera and 136-
deaths during (28 days) July, in a population of about 26,000,.
July 31-
Mayor John Townsend issues a proclamation calling for a day of
prayer, fasting and humiliation, Aug. 1.
Majority of the stores closed and half the population in mourning,
the undertakers hardly able to cope with the situation, steam
boats and stage-coaches running practically empty, and farmers-
fearing to come to the city, a dearth in provisions, potatoes
rising from 25 cents to $1 a bushel for that reason, Aug. 2.
Day observed as period of prayer, with all stores closed, Aug. 3.
Salem Dutcher, a prominent citizen, aged 60, one of the 8 deaths,.
Aug. 3.
" Old Jail property" bounded by State (80 ft.), Eagle st. (116 ft.)
and Maiden Lane (84 ft.) sold for benefit of Albany Academy, Aug. 11.
Steamboat Champlain makes record trip of 9 hrs. 49 mins. up,
Aug. 26,
Wells examined by Drs. T. R. Beck and Philip Ten Eyck, but they
are declared to be free from impurities, Aug. 28.
Cholera having been almost as severe in August as during July, the
situation had become even more distressing ; cases in this month-
numbering 525 and the deaths 193, making a total for the two
summer months alone, 1,147 cases and 401 deaths, average of
one-third of the cases proving fatal, Aug. 31.
Lancaster school on west side of Eagle street used as a hospital for
cholera patients, the Arsenal far north on Broadway also, Sept. 1.
Steamboat Westchester built by Smith & Dimon of New York, 230-
tons, 134x23x8 feet.
Ruttenkill creek (through Hudson ave.) filled in, Eagle to Hawk.
Albany's first band of music organized.
Lydius House, the residence of Dominie Lydius, built 1657, at the
11. e. corner of State and No. Pearl streets, removed.
Academy Park iron railing, about 9 feet high, set in a coping of
marble blocks about one foot high, with gates at the four sides,
in position and work of grading completed, the gutters from
Lafayette street crossing near the centre as a stream in wet
weather, Sept. 15.
New York State Agricultural Society organized here.

No. 37- JOHN townsend. 493
1832.
Cholera plague over, the last death on this day, Sept. 15.
Prof. Joseph Henry leaves Albany Academy faculty for Princeton.
Steamboat Erie built by Brown & Bell of New York, 471 tons,
180 x 28 x 9 feet.
Steamboat North America, racing with the Champlain, makes a
record, coming from New York in 9 hrs. 18 mins., Sept. 22.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants in the 5 wards, Sept. 24.
Daniel L. Van Antwerp, aged 60, dies, Oct. 2.
Charter election, Common Council : Erastus Corning, Jesse G.
Brush, I. John T. Norton, Dyer Lathrop, II. Elisha W Skin
ner, Teunis Van Vechten, III. Friend Humphrey, James P.
Gould, IV. James Gibbons, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., V.
Election, Sept. 25 ; sworn in, Oct. 9.
Joshua Cotrell establishes a fur store (Cotrell & Leonard in 1900)
at No. 38 So. Market street (Broadway).
Bank of Albany building east side of Broadway at foot of State
street, removed to permit widening of latter street to river, and
moves into No. 42 State street.
Temperance societies in the city number 14, with membership of
4,164, and statistics are announced to show that with about 400
deaths, caused by cholera only two of the fatal cases were mem
bers of temperance societies, Oct. 15.
Peter S. Schuyler dies, Nov. 1.
Close of three days' election of a governor, Albany county giving
Gov. Wm. L. Marcy a majority of 49 over Francis Granger,
and for the President Jackson electoral ticket 104 majority, Nov. 7.
Meeting of citizens at the City Hall results in subscription commit
tees to raise money for famine sufferers Cape Verde islands, Nov. 13.
William James, public-spirited merchant, aged 63, dies, Dec. 19.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 21.
City Hall's cost of construction (marble edifice with gilded dome)
reported to the Cominon Council as $92,336.91, the county
paying $7,500 of this amount, Dec. 27.
Francis Bloodgood elected by the Cominon Council to succeed John
Townsend as Mayor of Albany, Dec. 27.
? ? ?
(See No. 38.)

No. 38.

Jfranris Unnftgnno.

Jan. 1, 1831— Dec. 31, 1831.
* * #
Jan. 1, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1833.

No. 38.
FRANCIS BLOODGOOD.
Date, of .office: (a) Jan. 1, 1831 - — Dec. 31, 1831.
(b) Jan. 1, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1833.
Date of election: (a) December 29, 1830.
(b) December 27, 1832.
Political party: Democratic.
Vote: (a) 12.
(b) 14.
Opponent: (a) John Townsend.
(b) John Townsend.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) 9.
(b) 3-
Total vote: (a) 21.
(b) 17.
Date of birth: July 18, 1768.
Parents: James (B.) and Lydia Van Valkenburgh.
Education: Yale.
Married to: (a) Eliza Cobham.
(b) Anna Shoemaker (Morris).
Date: (a) September 15, 1792.
(b) November 3, 1823.
Children: (a) (2) Margaret (Hall), Anna Maria (Paige), m.
44th Mayor (2nd husband, Major William).
(b) None.
Residence: No. 11 1 State street.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: March 5, 1840.
Place of burial: Vale Cemetery, Schenectady.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Clerk of Supreme Court. The 2d President of New
York State Bank. President Albany Insurance Company.
Noted for integrity.

38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD.
1833-
From a photograph made by Floyd from the oil painting by Ames, owned
in 1904 by his grandchildren (Paige) in Schenectady.

NO. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 497
1831.
(Continued from No. 37.)
1831.

Francis Bloodgood having been elected Mayor of Albany on Dec.
29, 1830, he is sworn into, office and signalizes the event by
paying all the .debts of those confined in jail as debtors, Jan. 1.
Applications made to the Legislature for the construction of a bridge
across the Hudson at Albany and to incorporate a medical col
lege and hospital, Jan. 1.
Museum removed from the old City Hall building, n. e. corner. of
Broadway and Iiudson avenue, to the new marble pillar build
ing of Thorpe and Sprague, n. w. corner of Broadway and
State street, Jan. 1.
Soup-house opened in City Hall basement and 200 apply, Jan. 28.
William L. Marcy resigns position of Judge, of Supreme Court and
Legislature elects him United . States Senator for 6 years, Feb. 1.
Abraham Keyser is elected State Treasurer, Feb. 1.
Common Council authorizes city chamberlain to issue licenses to
four chimney-sweepers, Feb. 7.
Proposals for excavating Patroon street (Clinton avenue), Feb. 7.
Partial eclipse of sun witnessed, Feb. 12.
Common Council orders paving of Lydius street (Madison avenue)
from So. Pearl street westward, Feb. 21.
Fires during year ended numbered only two, seven alarms, March 1.
Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan born in this city, on Canal street (Sher
idan avenue), March 6.
B. P. Staats and others petition the Common Council to widen
Green street between State and Beaver streets ; Margaret
Cooper objects, March 7.
Mr. Seymour recommends that lots be set aside for building of
schoolhouses, as 1,694 scholars had attended district schools
during the previous year, March 7.
Resolution by Barnum Whipple passed by Common Council, that
the City Chamberlain advertise a reward of $500 to the person
discovering a coal mine of good and sufficient quantity to
supply the city, within five miles of the river north of Pough
keepsie, March 7.
Effort made to have Pine street opened from Broadway to Chapel
street, the expense estimated at from $45,000 to $60,000; but
it was compared with the stupidity of opening Clinton Square,
March 9.

498 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38.
1831.
Common Council decides to widen Green street by taking a certain
width from the east side, March 10.
Resolved to raise money by tax for support of schools, March 10.
Rev. William B. Lacey 's wife, Hannah, aged 38, dies, March 11.
River opens, March 15.
Swiftsure and Constitution first boats to arrive, March 17.
Rutger Bleecker dies, March 17.
Common Council resolves to widen Green, State to Division street,
March 24.
Citizens meet at " Old " Capitol and advocate a branch of the new
Mohawk & Hudson railroad running down Washington avenue
to State street from a junction out on Western avenue, Har
manus Bleecker introducing a resolution to that effect. The
turnpikes were represented by John L. Wendell, who was voted
down, March 28.
Paul Clark, keeper of the famous tavern called Paul Clarke's Cor
ner, aged 67 years, dies, March 28.
Albany Orphan Asylum incorporated, March 30.
Jonah Scovel, Revolutionary soldier, who raised a company of
yeomanry in Connecticut and marched them to Stillwater, aged
81, dies, April 1.
Common Council grants two acres at north end of Washington
square for an orphan asylum building, April 4.
Albany Pier covered by two and a half feet of water, April 7.
Military men meet at Crosby's Hotel, s. w. corner So. Pearl and
Beaver streets, and name committee to remonstrate with Com
mon Council against use of any part of Washington Parade
Ground for orphan asylum, April 9.
Professor Joseph Henry's paper on an electric telegraph printed.
Firemen's Insurance Co., Jas. Stevenson, Pres., incorporated, April 23.
Legislature adjourns, session of sixteen weeks, passing act abolish
ing imprisonment for debt, April 26.
Broad street changed from Malcolm street.
South Ferry first operated by steam.
Isaac J. Fryer, long an alderman, aged 64, dies, May 10.
William Thornburn (later becoming Price & Reed and in 1900 Geo.
H. Reed) establishes a seed store corner Broadway and Maiden
Lane.
Fur shop of Packer, Prentice & Co. on the Pier destroyed by fire
with loss of $12,000, ¦ May 12.
Mechanics & Farmers' bank stock selling at $141 -5° and United
States Bank, New York city, stock at $128.36, the latter being
the highest quoted in the metropolis, May 19.

MUSEUM BUILDING.
The "Albany Museum " was founded by Henry Trowbridge about 1809, occupying old City Hall on Broadway.
Thorpe & Sprague bought " Robinson's Corner " (n. w. cor. B'way and State) Dec. 17, 1827, to erect their stage
office, and museum moved in Jan. 1, 1831 ; bad fire Mch. 2, 1839; discontinued Apr. 28, 1855; Trowbridge died
Dec. s, 1844.

No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 499
1831.
Gerrit G. Lansing, a brother of Chancellor Lansing, born in Albany
in 1761, and a lieutenant under Colonel Flamilton at the battle
of Yorktown, moved to Oriskany in 1802 and dies there, May 29.
William Landon takes over the Park Place Iiouse, later known as
Congress Hall, 40 rooms, June 10.
The steam ferry procured by John Townsend proves its usefulness
by carrying on this day 344 teams and 8 stages, 180 crossing's, June 24.
Reformed Presbyterian Church applies to Common Council for per
mit to solicit subscriptions for a new edifice in Westerlo street,
June 27.
Petition to Common Council by John H. Wendell and William B.
Winne to change name of No. High street to Ten Broeck
street, June 27.
Hallenbake (Grand street) ordered pitched from Beaver street to
Lydius street (Madison avenue), June 27.
During celebration of Independence Day a canister placed before
the door of Mayor' Bloodgood's residence exploded and broke
the windows; reward of $100 offered, perpetrators caught and
punished, July 4.
Dome of the new City Hall having been elaborately gilded by Joseph
Davis, the scaffolding is removed amidst loud cheering, July 4.
William Barney and others petition to have Lydius street (Madison
avenue) paved from Eagle to Lark street, July 11.
Population of Cohoes at this time nearly 150 persons, July 15.
New City Hall, marble with a gilded dome (Eagle and Pine streets
and Maiden Lane) first used for a meeting of the Common
Council, previous to this time rooms in the ("Old") Capitol
had been used, the city having borne part of building expense, July 25.
Name of No. High street changed to Ten Broeck street in honor of
the distinguished General Abraham Ten Broeck, July 25.
Paving ordered on Lydius street (Madison avenue) from So. Pearl
to Lark street, and Hudson avenue from Pearl to Eagle street,
July 25.
Locomotive De Witt Clinton arrives for use on the Mohawk & Hud
son, the first passenger railroad in the country, July 25.
Mansion House, formerly Rockwell's, re-opened by J. P. Bradstreet, July 27.
A bell cast at Aspinwall's foundry on Beaver, east of Green, weight
2,600, and 4 ft. 2 in. diameter, said to be the largest in western
part of the state, being destined for Episcopal church, Roches
ter, July 27.

500 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38.

1831.

Locomotive DeWitt Clinton placed on rails, July 27.
DeWitt Clinton locomotive tested on Mohawk & Hudson railroad, Aug. 9.
Albany Literary Gazette published by James D. Nicholson and
edited by John P. Jermain, Sept. 7.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad between Albany and Schenectady, first
steam passenger railroad in America, and at other places only
tram-cars drawn by steam propulsion, first tested, ordinary
horse coaches, made by James Goold at his factory at the foot
of Division street, drawn by locomotive DeWitt Clinton, Sept. 12.
Justus Wright applies for the Society of Friends (Shakers) to Com
mon Council for grant of land for house of worship, Sept. 19.
Wm. M. Cushman makes a survey for the Schenectady turnpike
company with the view of converting the same into a railroad
route, Sept. 22.
Excursion given over the Mohawk & Hudson railroad to Schenec
tady to state and city officials and a few prominent citizens, in
cluding Gov. Enos T. Throop, Mayor Francis Bloodgood,
Lieut.-Gov. Edward P. Livingston, Senator Charles E. Dudley,
Comptroller Azariah C. Flagg, ex-Gov. Joseph C. Yates, Chan
cellor Reuben H. Walworth, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Thurlow
Weed, Simeon DeWitt Bloodgood, Erastus Corning, Lewis
Benedict John Townsend, Joseph Alexander, John Meigs.
Judge Jesse Buel, John I. Boyd, William Bay, L. H. Tuppev
and Willi? m B. Winne. The chief engineer was John B. Jer-
vis, resident engineer was John T. Clark, who officiated as con
ductor, and John Hampson was fireman. Start was made from
what was long known as the Junction, converging point of
Western and Madison avenues, Sept. 24
Common Council appoints Peter V. Shankland chamberlain, Sept. 27.
James E. Thompson, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 71, dies, Sept. 30.
Mayor's Court first held in the new City Hall (marble exterior)
with Recorder James McKown presiding, John Van Ness
Yates was attorney in the cause, Oct. 4.
Commercial Bank made depository for state funds.
Meeting at City Coffee House (site of Delavan House, later Union
station) to bring about closing of stores at 8 p. m., Oct. 7.
Common Council receives petition to widen State street between
Broadway and the river frr>m 35 to 70 feet, and at Quay street
from 43 to 70 feet, as it was bordered by wooden buildings
only, Oct. 11.

DE WITT CLINTON ENGINE AND COACHES.
Charter was granted the Mohawk & Hudson Railway, first steam passenger road in America, March 27, 1826 ; ground broken
July 29, 1830; engine arrived July 25, 1831 ; placed on rails 27th; tested Aug. 9th; train tested Sept. 12th, and grand opening
excursion Sept. 24, 1831.

No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 501
1831.
Charter election, Common Council : Barent P. Staats, Erastus
Corning, I. William Seymour, Seth Hastings, II. Elisha W.
W. Skinner, Isaac W. Staats, III. James Maher, Lemuel
Steele, IV. James Gibbons, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., V.
Election, Sept 27 ; sworn in, Oct. 1 1 .
Rev. John DeWitt, former pastor of Dutch Church on Beaver street,
born at Catskill, dies at Brunswick, N. J., aged 42 years, Oct. 12.
The state requiring an active militia and drills, the plan is ridiculed
by a mock parade with a burlesque regiment, Oct. 15.
A vessel constructed as a packet for Havre but entered into the
government service, on completion at New York is christened
Albany, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer breaking a bottle of wine
upon her bow as he pronounces the name, Oct. 25.
Mayor Bloodgood proposed the purchase of firewood for the poor
to use in winter and on Mr. Coming's resolution $600 was
appropriated for the purpose, Oct. 25.
Grand jury having visited the jail recommends a new one, the
present building having been in use since 1809 and was fast
decaying, the prisoners numbering at the time 56, Nov. 1,
Common Council resolves to take 33 feet from the Arsenal lots and
14 feet from property of Gilbert Davis, to open a street from
Broadway to Montgomery and name it DeWitt street, Nov. 3.
Common Council decides to widen State street, below Broadway, Nov. 14.
Mayor Bloodgood, Recorder McKown, and aldermen make formal
presentation of the set of colors to the packet Albany, as pro
vided by resolution of Oct. 24th, and partake of a bountiful
repast, Nov. 17.
Hosford & Wait unite the " Christain Register " with the " Journal "
of Utica, issuing the "Journal and Telegraph," Nov. 21.
Common Council orders crosswalk over State street on east side oi
Lodge street in spite of considerable opposition from those who
thought the " Church and State " walk (so called because paid
for by St. Peter's church and the state) was sufficient there,
Nov. 28.
Common Council authorizes construction of Academy Park, with
iron fence, citizens having subscribed $3,200 for the purpose,
the movement being agitated by Dr. Barent P. Staats and Jas.
Maher, Nov. 28.
Apportionments confirmed for paving Lydius street (Madison ave)
from So. Pearl st. to Hallenbake (Grand) street, Nov. 28.
Capt. Peter Dox, born at Albany in 1742, a participant in French
and Indian War and later in the Revolution, dies at Hopeton,
Yates co., N. Y., aged 89 years, Nov. 28.

502 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38.
1831-1833.
John Stilwell, many years alderman, assemblyman in 1824, major-
general of artillery, aged 52, dies, Dec. 2.
Francis Bloodgood and Gideon Hawley officiate at meeting dis
cussing sending delegates to Leedsville to promote a railroad to
New York, Dec. 2.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 5.
Fifth Presbyterian Church organized, Rev. Alfred Welton, pastor,
Dec. 5.
Thomas Kendall, first manufacturer of thermometers in this country
and celebrated the world over, dies, Dec. 11.
Common Council elects John Townsend Mayor, Dec. 29.
? ? ?
(See No. 37.)

(Continued from No. 37.)
1833.

Francis Bloodgood, having been elected by a vote" of the Common
Council on Dec. 27, 1832, to be Mayor of Albany, takes the oath
of office and delivers an address in which he speaks of the
growth of the city in material prosperity, and presents an elabo
rate statement of its financial condition, Jan. 1.
Legislature meets and hears message of Gov. Wm. L. Marcy, Jan. 1.
Steamboat arrives from New York with mails, Jan. 5.
Mohawk & Fludson railroad cars commence running from the head
of State street, the station being within about fifty feet of n. e.
corner of State and Eagle streets, whence each car or carriage
was drawn by single horse to the Junction, (Western and Madi
son avenues) with the track running down to Gansevoort street.
Locomotives were attached at the Junction, where they received
wood and water. Stock at this time selling at $1.25, Jan. 8.
Steamboat Wadsworth departs and river closes again, Jan. 10.
Robert Dunlop's malt house on Orange street burned, Jan. 21.
Reported to Cominon Council cholera expenses were $18,000, Jan. 21.
Anna Pruyn, much esteemed, 70 No. Pearl and Maiden Lane, dies,
Feb. 3.
Yates & Mclntyre announce to discontinue lottery next year, Feb. 6.
Dr. T. Romeyn Beck reads paper showing by his records that mean
temperature here is 49.4, during 17 years, and less snow than
¦vicinity, Feb. 7.

No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 503
1833.
Benjamin Knower's wife, Sarah, mother-in-law of Gov. Marcy, dies,
Feb. 19.
Reported to Legislature that cost of constructing Mohawk & Hud
son railroad was $42,600 per mile ; Schen. & Saratoga $22,000, Feb. 19.
Archibald McClure and Geo. Dexter form a drug firm, March 1.
Subscriptions raising for new Female Academy, No. Pearl st.,
March 4.
River open before the city, March 21.
Paul Cushman, aged 78, dies, March 28.
John Wilson, maker of geographical globes that were acknowledged
by the foreign manufacturers to be best in the world, aged 39,
dies, March "18.
Athenaeum closes for lack of patronage, April 22.
Rev. Horatio Potter installed rector of St. Peter's Church, May 11.
Greatest freshet of years; lower Broadway navigated by scows to
State st. Damage to 11 farms on Van Rensselaer Is. $6,000,
May 14.
Freshet subsides, showing all vegetation gone, May 17.
Benjamin D. Packard, bookseller ; had recently begun publication of
The Albany Evening Journal, aged 54, dies, May 18.
Hudson River Association Line formed by consolidation.
Cornelius Van Rensselaer's wife, Eveline, dau. of Leonard Ganse
voort, aged 40, dies, May 25.
Common Council raises chamberlain's salary to $1,000 and that of
the poormaster to $500, June 4.
Vanderheyden house demolished as site for Baptist church, west side
of North Pearl st., south of Maiden Lane, June 5.
Albany Female Lundy Society organized, June 19.
John B. Southwick, son of Solomon Southwick, aged 28, dies,
- June 23.
Spring street directed to be opened Hawk to Swan street, June 24.
Independence Day oration by Adj.-Gen. Levi Hubbel, and Declara
tion read by John V. L. Pruyn, 24 Schenectady girls depicting
states, July 4.
Subscription books opened for a railroad to connect with New York,
July 11.
Considerable difficulty between the city and those who owned swine,
and particular attention given to it by suit of the chamberlain
against James Blackall to recover $6 as a fine for allowing
them to roam. The defense claimed it was a greater evil to
have pigs confined near dwellings instead of roaming and
eating garbage, and furthermore that the city's employee, " Pig

504 FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. No. 38.
1833.
Baker," connived to liberate pigs from the pound that he might
again impound them, July 16.
Universalist Church, Green street, corner-stone laid, July 25.
Grand Jury recommends converting Lancaster school into work
house, Aug. 6.
Grain worm and weevil constitute serious plague.
New York & Erie railroad commenced.
Stanwix Hall being erected at s. e. corner Broadway and Maiden
Lane, named in honor of Brig-Gen. Peter Gansevoort who had
distinguished himself at Fort Stanwix (Rome, N. Y.) and died
in 1812. The name first carved on the stone tablet on Broad
way side was The Pavilion.
Chas. F. Durant ascends 5,000 feet in balloon, alights at New Scot
land, Aug. 8.
City surveyor reports cost of $60,000 to raise grade of that territory
between the river, So. Ferry and So. Pearl streets, Aug. 19.
Philip Van Rensselaer, who lived at Cherry Hill, southern part of
city, was commissary during Revolution and had charge of
stores for the Northern army which he kept on east side of
Middle Lane (James st.) about 100 feet north of State st.
While digging foundation for new livery of Wasson & Jewell,
many loaded bombs found there, ¦ Aug. 20.
Charter election for aldermen and assistants, Sept. 24.
Albany Burgesses' Corps organized, Oct. 8.
Charter election, Common Council : John E. Lovett, Levi Cornell,
I. Seth Hastings, James D. Wasson, II. Teunis Van Vechten
(Isaac W. Staats, vice T. Van Vechten, resigned), III. Israel
Williams, III. Lemuel Steele, James Maher, IV. John N.
Quackenbush, James Gibbons, V. Election, Sept. 24; sworn
in, Oct. 8.
Albany Library released from all debt by contributions, makes
agreement to use rooms in Female Academy building on No.
Pearl st. Later these books became merged with the school's
library, Nov. 1.
Adam and Eve, great moral paintings, exhibited at City Hall, at
tracting unusual attention, the profits of one day ($38) desig
nated for any charity the mayor might select, Nov. I.
Common Council decides not to open Hudson avenue above Eagle,
Nov. 4.
Albany Orphan asylum, Western ave. and Robin st., opened.
Dr. March secures promise of gift after death to Albany Medical
College of body of Calvin Edson, " Living Skeleton," age 45
years and his weight only 45 pounds, exhibited at the Museum.

STANWIX HALL.
Erected at s. e. cor. Broadway and Maiden Lane in 1833, under the name " Pavilion," on
site of Harme Gansevoort's brewery ; but shortly named Stanwix by its owner, honoring his
father, Gen. Peter Gansevoort. On opening of the new railroad route down Tivoli Hollow,
with terminus at Boston ferry, Sept. 30, 1844, it became the city's most popular hostelry'
Altered in 1844.

No. 38. FRANCIS BLOODGOOD. 505
1833.
Attempt made again (first time in 1825) to introduce gas into
Albany by a company ; but once more a failure.
Hibernia Providential Society incorporated.
Albany Female Academy site on North Pearl street, between Maiden
Lane and Steuben street on west side (No. 40) procured.
Henry Clay, great American statesman, arrives and is escorted to
the Eagle Tavern, s. e. cor. Broadway and Hamilton st., where
he is addressed by the Mayor on behalf of the city, by Ambrose
Spencer for the older men and John B. Van Schaick for young
men, Nov. 14.
Henry Clay visits the City Hall in the morning, where Amos Dean
presents him with a splendid cloak made by Relyea & Wright in
three hours, and seeing places of interest leaves in afternoon, Nov. 15.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad extends tracks down centre of State
street in order to comply with charter and shut out turnpike, Nov. 15.
Triangle of land formed by Washington ave. and the Bowery ( Cen
tral ave.) is fenced in by nearby dwellers and given the name
of Washington park with the idea of erecting a Washington
statue therein; but the name is changed later by the city to
Townsend park in honor of Mayor John Townsend, Nov. 20.
Benj. F. Butler, recent law partner of Martin Van Buren at No. in
State, (formed May 26, 181 7) leaves city for govern't position,
Nov. 26.
Israel Smith reports as treasurer of Infant School Society that there
were 400 scholars at the three schools and the six teachers
were paid a total of $1,050 as salaries, sundries $100, Dec. 4.
Young men meet in the Mayor's Court Room on the call of Amos
Dean, and form the Young Men's Association for mutual im
provement, contemplating a library and courses of lectures; a
constitution adopted and 750 young men enroll, Dec. 10.
Amos Dean elected first president of the Y. M. A., 220 present,
Dec. 13.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 13.
Erastus Corning elected Mayor at a meeting of the Common
Council, the vote being : Erastus Corning, 12 ; Francis Blood
good, 8, Dec. 23.
? ? ?
(See No. 39.)

No. 39.
Irastns (toning.

Jan. 1, 1834 — Dec. 31, 1834.
Jan. 1, 1835— Dec. 31, 1835.
Jan. 1, 1836 — Jan. 1, 1837.
Jan. 2, 1837 — May 14, 1837.

No. 39.
ERASTUS CORNING.
Date of office: (a) January 1, 1834-December 31, 1834.
(b) January 1, 1835-December 31, 1835.
(c) January 1, 1836- January 1, 1837.
(d) January 2, 1837-May 14, 1837. (resigns).
Date of election: (a) December 23, 1833.
(b) December 30, 1834.
(c) December 21, 1835.
(d) December 19, 1836.

Political party: Democrat.

Political party:

Wh

Vote: (a) 12.

Vote:

(a)

8.

(b) 14.

(b)

0.

(c) 10.

(c)
8.
(d) 10.
(d)
7-
Opponent: (a) Francis Bloodgood.
Total
vote:
(a)
20
(b) None.
(b)
14
(c) Francis Bloodgood.
(c)
18.
(d) Teunis Van Vechten.
(d)
17
Date of birth: December 14, 1794.
Place of birth: Norwich, Conn.
Parents: Bliss (C.) and Lucinda Smi
th.
Education: Academies at Norwich and Chatham.
Married to: Harriet Weld.
Date: Roxbury, Mass., March 10, 1819.
Children: (5) Benjamin Smith, John Spencer, Erastus, Joseph
Weld, Edwin Weld.
Residence: No. 102 State street.
Occupation: President of Iron Works at Troy.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: April 8, 1872.
Place of death: No. 102 State street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Chancellor.
Remarks: Came to Albany in 1814. Alderman, 1828. Projector
of the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad in 1831, one of the first
railroads in the United States. Vice-President New York
State Bank, 1833. Regent, February 5, 1833-72. State
Senator, 1842-46. Delegate to National Democratic Conven
tions, Baltimore, 1848 and 1852. First President of the
Utica and Schenectady Railroad, to 1854. On consolidation
of New York Central Railroad, its first President, 1854-65.
Delegate to Peace Convention, Washington, February, 1861.
Delegate to Constitutional Convention, 1867. Vice-Chan-
cellor, April 21, 1870. 38th Congress. Philanthropist.
Lover of art. Descended from French De Cornu family.
Proprietor of rolling mills at Troy providing plates for the
historic " Monitor."
39- ERASTUS CORNING.
1834-1837-
From a photograph by Floyd of the oil painting made by Asa W. Twitchell,
and owned by him in 1904.

No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 509
1834.
(Continued from No. 38.)
1834.

Common Council meets and Erastus Corning qualifies as Mayor, Jan. 1
Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivers first address before Young Men's
Association at Knickerbocker Hall, Jan. 7
Legislature meets, receiving message of Gov. Wm. L. Marcy, Jan. 7
Albany City Bank petitions for incorporation by Legislature, Jan. 8
Azariah C. Flagg appointed State Comptroller, Jan. 11
Abram Covert's morocco factory, Fox st., destroyed, $7,000, Jan. 21
Chancellor Lansing's widow, Cornelia, aged 76 years, dies, Jan. 24,
Hezekiah Sage, contractor for excavating Gallows Hill, (Eagle and
State) petitions Commom Council to release one-eighth to him,
Jan. 27.
St. Mary's (R. C.) church deed granted by city, for its lot, Jan. 27.
George W. Welch appointed superintendent of Aims-House, Jan. 27.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Charles E. Dudley president
pro tern, Feb. 3.
Fire in upper room of City Hall that was at n. e. cor. Broadway and
Hudson ave., and two cadavers for dissection discovered, Feb. 8.
River opens, Constellation arriving next day, Feb. 24.
William Forrest, sometime associated with Wm. Duffy managing
the Albany theatre, brother of Edwin Forrest, actor, dies at
Philadelphia, March 3.
Peter Allenson petitions Common Council, being old resident and
poor, to make coffins (for paupers) and city lamp-posts, March 10.
Aid. Wasson introduces bill to penalize $3 for hogs running at large
unless ringed, objected to by the poor as hardship, March 10.
Daily News issued first by Hunter & Hoffman, non-partisan, April 5.
George W. Carpenter elected city surveyor by Common Council,
April 7.
Albany City Bank incorporating bill passes, Senate 23 to 7,
April 23.

510 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39.
1834.
Solomon Southwick publishes "A Layman's Apology for the Ap
pointment of Clerical Chaplains by the Legislature," to refute
arguments of Thomas Hertell who wished chaplains excluded
from Legislature, April 25.
Publishing firm of Webster & Skinners dissolved, Chas. R. Webster
retiring and E. W. & C. Skinner continuing, May 1.
Legislature adjourns, a session of 4 mos., 6 days, May 6.
Albany Female Academy's third building (west side of No. Pearl
st., bet. Maiden Lane and Steuben st.) opened and dedicated, May 12.
Wesley Chapel (M. E.) Church, Dallius and Bleecker, organized, May.
People's Line of steamboats established as a day line, May.
West Chester, first boat of People's Line, put on, May.
Albany City Bank's subscription books opened, and $283,300 towards
its capital of $500,000 subscribed, June 9.
Albany City Bank stock subscriptions run to $678,200, June 10.
Albany City Bank stock books close, amounting to $1,142,990, June 11.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Ezra Ames its (4th) president, June.
Pruyn street (of 1900) changed from Embargo alley to Denniston, June 16.
Common Council elects Harmanus Van Ingen fire chief, June 23.
Beaver creek, being an open creek for its entire length, a law is
passed to construct a stone arch over it at Johnson street, June 23.
Albany Burgesses' Corps makes its first parade, 50 men, July 4.
Second Dutch Reformed church's new bell rung for first time, largest
in city, weight 2,737 lbs., made by Lewis Aspinwall at corner
of Beaver and Grand streets, recasting from material of the
second bell, weight 2,430 lbs., which was cast by Julius Hanks
of Gibbonsville, (W. Troy) in Dec, 1818, which was a recast
of the first bell imported from Holland, weight 2,842 lbs., earlier
in 1818, at a cost of $2,000; but cracked, July 4.
Steamboat Helen, built by Burden, makes first appearance, July 7.
Citizen Edmond Charles Genet, who had been most active in advo
cating extensive river improvements, dies at his Greenbush
farm, July 14.
James Hunter, editor Albany Daily Advertiser from 1823 to Oct.,
1832, later editing the Albany Daily News, dies, July 15.
Charles R. Webster, founder of Albany Gazette, dies Saratoga, July 18.

ALBANY FEMALE ACADEMY.
Originally opened on Montgomery St., May 21, 1814*. Corner
stone of 2nd edifice, same street, laid June 26, 1821. This (3rd)
building on west side of N. Pearl st. (Nos. 38-42) dedicated May 12,
.1834; Jonathan Lyman, architect; $30,000; abandoned for 4th
location, No. 155 Washington ave., Jan. 1, 1892.

No. 39- ERASTUS CORNING. 511
1834.
Lafayette funeral ceremonies performed here with great splendor,
military and firemen parading under Maj .-Gen. Stephen Van
Rensselaer, Jr., as marshal, pallbearers nine Revolutionary com
panions, — Gregory, Winne, Hilton, Van Rensselaer, Ryckman,
Kidney, Van Alstyne, Shields and Russell, the Yorktown ord
nance, 12-pounder captured by Lafayette, borne in parade;
eulogy by Rev. Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, July 25.
Hudson River Steam Boat Co. reduce fare to N. Y. city to $2,
July 28.
John Preston urges Common Council to plant elm trees, Aug. 11.
Cholera breaks out, starting epidemic, Aug. 11.
Fifteen cases and 3 deaths from cholera, Aug. 12.
Fourteen new cases and 9 deaths in past three days, Aug. 18.
Five new cases and one death, Aug. 19.
Seven new cases of cholera and six deaths, Aug. 20.
Universalists' new house in Green street dedicated, Aug. 21.
The Theatre remodeled, opened by Wm. Duffy, Sept. 8.
People's Line of Steamboats started with Nimrod and Champion, Sept. 8.
Cholera epidemic ceases, and cholera hospital closed, Sept. 16.
Universalists of United States convene on Green street, Sept. 17.
Rebecca, wife of Schuyler Van Rensselaer, dies at Huron, O.,
Sept. 17.
Mathias, a wandering impostor on " divine mission," arrested, Sept. 22.
Common Council addressed by P. Norton and two hundred others
who petition to prevent burning of tar barrels, throwing of
fire-balls and bonfires at election times, Oct. 6.
Common Council controversy over the new law, passed May 1st by
Legislature, changing date of election as prescibed in charter
to be the last Tuesday in September, to first Tuesday in May,
Oct. 6.
Burgesses' corps celebrate first anniversary by excursion to Troy,
Oct. 8.
Gilbert Ackerman, prosperous and prominent citizen, dies, Oct. 11.
Baptist Church pews (N. Pearl st.) sell for $19,000, 70 unsold, Oct. 11.
Rev. Mr. Ide preaches first sermon in Green St. Baptist Church,
Oct. 12.
Charter election, Common Council : John E. Lovett, Levi Cornell,
I. Seth Hastings, James D. Wasson, II. Isaac W. Staats,
Israel Williams, III. James Maher, Jared Lewis Rathbone, IV.

512 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39.
1834.
James Gibbons, John N. Quackenbush, V. Election, Sept. 30;
sworn in, Oct. 14.
James King petitions to have Ten Broeck street excavated, Oct. 20.
John Meads remonstrates on behalf of waterworks company against
opening a square adjacent to contemplated State House on
Eagle st, Oct. 20.
Steamboat Novelty with load of Nott's stoves sinks on Over
slaugh, Oct. 23.
Pearl Street Baptist church opened by Rev. Mr. Ide, Green St. ch.
pastor, Oct. 26.
Killian H. Van Rensselaer dies, aged 23 years, Oct. 27.
Daniel Sickles dies, Oct. 27.
City vote for governor, Seward, 1,523; Marcy, 1,434, Nov. 5.
Gerrit Y. Lansing elected to congress by majority of 123 votes
over Daniel D. Barnard, having received 4,944 votes, Nov. 5.
Isaac Hamilton, repeatedly alderman and supervisor, dies at St.
Mary's Ga., aged 55 years, Nov. 16.
Abraham Van Vechten elected president St. Nicholas Benevolent
Society, Nov. 19.
J. Sheridan Knowles and Miss Watson at Albany Theatre, Nov. 25.
Simeon DeWitt, surveyor of the state, in the line of the Con
tinental army at capture of Burgoyne, Oct. 17, 1777, man of
science, dies, Dec. 3.
Elisha Kane, a prominent citizen, dies aged 64, at Philadelphia, Dec. 4.
Methodist Protestant Society's new " House of Prayer," Hallenbake
(Grand st.) bet. Beaver and Hudson, dedicated, Dec. 7.
Fire Department elects Elias A. Brown president, Dec. 8.
" The Cultivator " first published, Judge Jesse Buel.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 13.
Half Way House of Peleg Noyes on Watervliet Turnpike having
been burned he is given a benefit, by friends at the Theatre, Dec. 14.
Leonard Gansevoort, 30 years member of the Common Council and
for many years a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, aged
81, dies, Dec. 16.
Third Dutch Church, Green and Ferry streets, organized, Dec. 19.
Secession in Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. S. R. Wilson,
, pastor, leaving for former field in Orange county, Dec. 22.
Mayor Erastus Corning unanimously re-elected by Common Council,
Dec. 30.
? ? ?

No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 513

1835.

1835.
Mayor Erastus Corning takes oath of office a second time, Jan. i.
Population of the city at this time reported as 28,109, Jan- 1-
Richard Van Rensselaer's wife, Elizabeth, dies, Jan. 1.
Aims-House superintendent reports 435 paupers therein, Jan. 31.
Meeting at Eagle Tavern to discuss bridging the river, Feb. 4.
Apprentices' Library, having existed 14 years, now contains 2,200
books and 900 volumes are drawn out each month, Feb. 8.
German Colonial Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F., instituted, Feb. 13.
Peter^ Lansing, Jr., a founder of the St. Nicholas Benevolent
Society, aged 46 years, dies, Feb. 17.
Boardman & Gray piano factory established on North Pearl street.
John DePeyster Douw, in youth an officer in commissary depart
ment, 1777, resident on the estate that had been kept in the
Douw family during 140 years, dies at Douw's Point, Green
bush, Feb. 22.
Discusssion by Common Council of grading of the vast unbroken
area below So. Ferry street, between So. Pearl st. and river,
March 8.
Young Men's Association incorporated by an Act of this day,
March 12.
William Patterson Van Rensselaer's wife, Eliza Bayard, dies at Ma-
tanzas, Cuba, whither she had gone for her health, March 20.
Master Bakers meet at Rising Sun Tavern and decide to sell bread
to retailers at $9 per hundred and 9 pence to families, March 21.
Cholera relief committee reports disbursing $3,507.30 during 1832
and to 1835 m aid of sufferers, March 23.
John T. Norton resigns presidency of Canal Bank on removing from
city, and Joseph Russell is elected to fill the position, March 24.
River open to navigation, official record, March 25.
People's Line puts on steamboats Nimrod and Champion.
People's Line sold to Hudson River Association Line.
Fire breaks out m Rising Sun Tavern, s. w. cor. So. Pearl and
Beaver Sts., and extends southward to the Theatre, April 24.
Charter' election, Common Council: G. V. S. Bleecker, John S.
Walsh, I. William Seymour, James D. Wasson, II. Israel
Williams Arnold Nelson, III. Lemuel Steele, James Maher,
IV. John Van Ness, Jr., John N. Quackenbush, V. Election, May 5.

514 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39.
1835.
Legislature passes bill chartering Troy & Schenectady railroad, May 6.
James P. Van Benthuysen, aged 62, dies, May 10.
Legislature, having passed 311 laws, adjourns, among them to incor
porate the Young Men's Ass'n, allowing Albany & Schenectady
turnpike to lay blocks of stone as vehicle tracks ; removing bulk
head in basin; incorporating Albany Orphan Asylum, May 11.
Steamboat Robert L. Stephens begins to ply, May 25.
Infant schools suspended for lack of funds, May 25.
Edward Artcher contracts to supply oil to city at 80 cts. gal.,
May 25.
Siamese twins, Chang and Eng, make first appearance here in
Museum, being 18 years of age, June 1.
Grand street (known as Hallenbake st.) contains only one house
(n. e. cor. Hamilton and Grand streets).
Steamboat Highlander built by Lawrence & Sneden of New York,
313 tons, 175x24x8 feet, 41x120 in. engine.
Middle Dutch church bell to be rung at 8 a. m. hereafter, June 8.
Steamboat Belle put in commission.
Store Lane changes name to Norton street, June 22.
The Zodiack begins publication by Erastus Perry, July 25.
Common Council names committee to study expediency and cost
to translate the city records from Dutch, Aug. 3.
City Tract Society organized with Rev. Dr. Welch in chair, and
elects Stephen Van Rensselaer president, Aug. 4.
Jeremiah Waterman, aged 45 years, dies, Aug. 14.
Annual Sabbath school celebration in Capitol park by 4,000 children, Sept. 8.
Daniel Shields, Revolutionary soldier, aged 70, dies, Sept. 20.
North America arrives in fast time of 10 hrs. 7 mins., including all
15 landings, or 8 hrs. 41 mins. running time, Sept. 23.
Common Council appropriates half expense to enclose ground Mad
ison ave., between Eagle and Philip streets, limit $1,000, Sept. 28.
Mayor directs chamberlain to pay on warrant $10,000 to improve
river navigation below city, Sept. 28.
The Albany Transcript, first city penny paper, published by C. F.
Powell & Co., Oct. 12.
Commercial Bank suffers loss of $130,000 by absconding cashier,
Oct. 13.
Steamboat Champlain, Captain Gorham, arrives in 8 hrs. 45 min.
running time, Oct. 21.
Champlain makes trip in 9 hrs. 31 mins. including 16 landings, Oct. 23.

No. 39. ERASTUS CORNING. 515
1835-1836.
Joice Heth, said to be nurse of Washington and 161 years old, at
the Museum, Oct. 27.
William Seymour, 12 years alderman, elected to Assembly, 3,888
votes to 3,620 for Friend Humphrey, Nov. 4.
Afong Moy, Chinese girl, explains at Museum how feet are made
small in that country, Nov. 11.
Edward S. Willett's silk hat factory, first in city, burned out at
cor. Green and Bassett streets, Nov. 13.
Stanwix Hall (s. e. cor. Broadway and Maiden Lane) erected.
River closed to navigation for season, Nov. 30.
Boats that arrived and departed by canal past year 10,960, Dec. 1.
Capt. Stephen Stilwell, ship Rosalie, dies off Cape Horn, Dec. 7.
Thermometer 12 degrees below zero, Dec. 16.
Connecticut Coffee House, So. Market and Hamilton, burned, Dec. 18.
Fire department expenses $3,477.16.
Common Council re-elects Erastus Corning, Mayor, receiving 10
votes, and Francis Bloodgood 8 votes, Dec. 21.

1836.
Common Council assembles and Recorder James McKown admin
isters Mayor's oath to Erastus . Corning, who was re-elected, on
December 21st, to succeed himself, Jan. 1.
State Museum is organized and occupies the old State Hall, January.
Opening of the Pier at Maiden Lane authorized, January.
Clerk of Common Council Rufus W. Peckham resigns, and Peter
Carmichael is elected in his stead, Feb. 1.
Survey made for bridge over the Hudson and canal to Schenectady, Feb. 1.
Isaac D. Verplanck, the last survivor of original proprietors of
Coeymans patent and a Revolutionary soldier, aged 77, dies
there, Feb. 4.
Stark's New England Tavern, opp. Steamboat landing, burned, Feb. 9.
Wm. Duffy, manager of Albany Theatre, fatally stabbed by actor,
John Hamilton, who is arrested, Feb. 10.
Citizens meet at City Hall, Erastus Corning in chair, and resolve
that the ferries being inadequate there should be a bridge, Feb. 11.

516 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39.
1836.
Jared Holt's leather store, south side of Hudson ave. east of Green
st., burned, loss $15,000, thermometer 18 below zero, . Feb. 18.
Rev. Wm. Linn Keese, former pastor of St. Paul's, aged 33, dies
Cuba, Feb. 19.
Ezra Ames, prominent portrait artist, aged 68, dies, Feb. 23.
Hon. Alfred Conkling publishes " Young Christian's Manual," March 1.
Assembly committee reports against a bridge over the Hudson, March 11.
Wm. Duffy, manager of the Albany Theatre, stabbed Feb. 10th,
aged 33, a native of Albany and intimate of Edwin Forrest,
dies, March 12.
Albany Bethel Union society formed to furnish moral improvement
among boatmen and elects Stephen Van Rensselaer president,
March 12.
Stages still running to Poughkeepsie on the river ice, March 27.
Lancaster school, on Eagle st., closes doors by order of Common
Council, being replaced by new district school system, March 28.
Common Council decides to open space in the Pier between the
small Columbia and State street bridges thereto, March 28.
Common Council decides to allow Mohawk & Hudson Railroad to
extend its tracks Gansevoort to So. Ferry street, March 28.
Rev. Isaac Ferris resigns from Middle Dutch church, March 28.
Mr. Bloodgood reports to the Common Council in favor of making
a translation of the City's Dutch records, March 28.
Ezra Ames' widow, Zipporah, aged 61, dies, April 9
Application to Legislature to incorporate Medical college, April 10.
Pier opening authorized by Legislative Act, April 14.
First State geological and mineralogical survey ordered, April 15.
River open to navigation, April 15.
Steamboat Swallow built by William Capes of Brooklyn, 426 tons,
224 x 22 x %y2 feet, 46 x 120 in. engine.
People's Line revived, as a night line, by Daniel Drew, April.
Steamboat Rochester built by Smith & Dimon of New York, 491
tons, 209 x 24 x 8y2 feet, 43 x 120 in. engine, April.
Hon. Erastus Corning imports expensive highly bred cattle, April.
City Hall, formerly used, at n. e. corner of So. Market st. (Broad
way) and Hudson street (avenue) so completely wrecked by
fire that its removal became necessary. It was here that the
Colonial Congress assembled to discuss a new government of
States, April 3°-
Gibbonsville assumes name of West Troy, April 30.

NO. 39- ERASTUS CORNING. 517
1836.
Pearl street theatre managed (until Oct., 1837) by Dinneford &
Blake, May 4.
Consolidation of small railroads assuming title of Albany & West
Stockbridge railroad, electing Marcus T. Reynolds president, May 5.
Schuyler Van Rensselaer dies at Marietta, Ohio, May 5.
Dr. Ebenezer Emmons conducts survey of Northern New York.
Albany Mutual Insurance Co. formed, Dr. B. P. Staats, pres't, May 10.
Fur stores of Packer, Prentice & Co., and Geo. C. Treadwell, burn,
May 19.
While improving north area of Dutch church on south side of
Beaver st., gravestone of Mayor (2nd) Abeel thrown out,
May 19.
Legislature adjourns, session of 143 days, May 26.
Subscriptions opened for the Albany Exchange, May 26.
Mechanics & Farmers' Bank elects Thomas W. Olcott its (5th)
president, June 7.
Pye tavern on Watervliet turnpike burned badly, June 13.
Capt. Samuel Wiswall, associated with Fulton and, Livingston in
steamboat navigation, aged 63, dies in N. Y. city, (burial Hud
son), June 27.
Stage line on Broadway (first street transfers) operated by Josiah
Webster.
Benj. Allen, former Albany Academy principal, age 65, dies at Hyde
Park, July 20.
Steamboat Norwich built by Lawrence & Sneden of New York, 255
tons, 160 x 25 x 9 feet, 40 x 120 in. engine.
Capt. Stewart Dean, famous world navigator, of Albany, after whom
Dean street was named, aged 90, dies in New York city,
Aug. 5.
Common Council petitioned to subscribe to Albany & West Stock-
bridge railroad stock, and deliberates thereon, Aug. 20.
Mrs. Gertrude Tremper, dau. of late Moses Cantine, dies, Aug. 20.
Harmanus H. Wendell dies, Aug. 20.
Trial of omnibus line through North and South Market streets
(Broadway) at 6 cts., made by Jos. Webster, but walking pre
ferred, Sept. II.
Hudson River Rail Road subscription books opened, Sept. 15.
New steamboat Rhode Island first appears, Sept. 29.
Rev. Isaac N. Wyckoff,' Catskill, accepts call 2nd Dutch church, Sept. 29.

518 ERASTUS CORNING. No. 39.
1836-1837.

Steamboat Swallow, Captain McLean, makes first appearance, Oct. 4.
Common Council by vote of 17 to 1 resolves to subscribe $250,000 to
Albany & West Stockbridge road, Dr. Bay in negative, Oct. 4.
Albany Military Ass'n elects Lt.-Col. John B. Van Schaick president, Oct. 4.
Steamboat Swallow makes record trip, in 8 hrs. 42 mins., Oct. 8.
Albany Exchange building corner-stone laid at noon by John Town-
send, address by John Q. Wilson, Ruel Clapp, builder, con
taining current coin in vase, papers and names of 367 sub
scribers, Nov. 1.
Steamboats Rochester and Swallow race from New York, latter 6
miles ahead breaks down at Coxsackie, other's time 8 hrs. 20
mins., Nov. 1.
The " New York Express " prints in morning news from " Albany
Evening Journal " sent by boat at night, considered rapid news
service, Nov. 15.
Abraham Van Vechten elected pres't St. Nicholas Benevolence Soe,
Nov. 20.
James Hilton, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 84, dies, Dec. 7.
River closes to navigation and last tow departs, Dec. 7.
Evening Journal furnishes President's Message 24 hours in advance
of the mail, coming from New York by boat to Rhinebeck, by
stage to Hudson, messenger carrying it from there, 32 miles,
in 2 hrs., Dec. 8.
St. Paul's Church fair by ladies at Stanwix Hall nets $1,200, Dec. 18.
Hon. Erastus Corning is re-elected Mayor by the Common Council,
receiving 11 votes, and Teunis Van Vechten 7 votes, Dec. 19.

1837.

Hon. Erastus Corning again assumes office of Mayor, Jan. 2.
Legislature convenes, Jan. 3.
Theodore Olcott's wife, Eliza, aged 25 years, dies, Jan. 3.
Abraham Van Vechten, a most prominent citizen, dies, Jan. 6.
Dr. Alden March applies to Legislature for use of Lancaster school
building, (west side of Eagle, bet. Lancaster and Jay sts.) as a
medical college, providing charter is granted the college, Jan. 9.

lif'illll $

' ;'f

*S* f*K SB

EXCHANGE BUILDING.
Merchants and bankers transacted business in this prominent building, which was removed in 1873 as site for new Post-Office.
Subscriptions opened May 26, 1836, and on Nov ist, cornerstone was laid by ex-Mayor John Townsend. First telegraph office in
city opened herein, Feb., 1845.

No. 39- ERASTUS CORNING. 519
1837.
Robert Gray, first librarian of Y. M. A., aged 35, dies, Feb. 19.
Mrs. Rachael Bleecker, widow of James Bleecker and mother of
G. V. S. Bleecker, aged 79, dies, March 22
Ice moves out and navigation commences, March 28.
The Daily Advertiser sold by J. B. Van Schaick & Co. to Rensselaer
Van Rensselaer, this paper printing in the morning news from
evening" New York papers brought by boat, April 18.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer by his will of this date bequeaths the
manor and lands on this side of river to eldest son, Stephen,
those on east side to second son, William Patterson, April 18.
Third Dutch Reformed Church corner-stone, corner of Green and
So. Ferry streets, laid by Rev. Drs. Ferris, Vermilyea and I. N.
Wyckoff of the Dutch Reformed churches and Rev. Dr. Wm.
B. Sprague of the Presbyterian Church, the act performed by
the venerable Christian Miller; ground given by Hon. Stephen
Van Rensselaer, April 20.
Experiment with steamboat N. Cobb, using Bennett's improved
steam generator, to reach New York using only 3^ cords of
wood ; but ran only two-thirds of the distance with that amount, May 8.
Hon. Erastus Corning, Mayor, resigns the office which he had filled
for several years with universal satisfaction, May 8.
Banks cease specie payments, New York banks day previous, May 11.

(See No. 40.)

No. 40.
Gfcnnia Han Iferljfrn.

May 15, 1837 — Dec. 31,1837.
Jan. 1, 1838 — Dec. 31,1838.
Jan. 1, 1839 — Jan. 21,1839.
May 11, 1841 — May 9,1842.

No. 40.
TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN.
Date of office: (a) May 15, 1837 — December 31, 1837.
(b) January 1, 1838 — December 31, 1838.
(c) January 1,1839 — January 21, 1839 (resigns).
(d) May 11, 1841 — May 9, 1842.
Date of election: (a) May 15, 1837.
(b) December 27, 1837.
(c) December 27, 1838.
(d) April 13, 1841.
Vote: (a) 14.
(b) Unanimous.
(c) Unanimous.
(d) 2,449.
Opponent: (a) John Woodworth.
(b) None.
(c) None.
(d) Gerrit Yates Lansing.
Vote: (a) 1.
(b) o.
(c) o. ,
(d) 2,339, blank and scattering 40.
Total vote: (a) 15.
(b) 21.
(c) 21.
(d) 4,828.
Date of birth: November 4, 1785.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Teunis (V. V.) and Elizabeth De Wandelaer.
Education: Union College.
Married to: Catherine Cuyler Gansevoort.
Date: December 4, 18 10.
Children: (10) Elizabeth Anna, Leonard Gansevoort, Hester Eliza
beth, Samuel, Teunis, John Beekman, Cuyler, John, Catherine
Cuyler, Cuyler.
Residence: No. 15 Montgomery street.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: February 4, 1859.
Place of death: No. 725 Broadway.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman. Supervisor. President Albany Insurance Co.
Attorney for Patroon (Gen.) Stephen Van Rensselaer. Noted
for integrity, industry, economy, hospitality. Admitted to the
bar in 1870.

40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN.
1837-39; 1841-42.
From a photograph by Brown, Albany, from an oil painting by Asa W.
Twitchell, owned in 1904 by his granddaughter, Miss Anna Van Vechten,
Albany.

NO. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN, 523
1837.
(Continued from No. 39.)
183 7.

Teunis Van Vechten elected Mayor by Common Council, 14 votes,
May 15.
Charter election, Common Council : Gerit Van Sant Bleecker,
Charles S. Olmstead, I. Ichabod L. Judson, Josiah Winants,
II. John W. Bay, John Groesbeck, III. Henry A. Williams,
Seth Jarvis, IV. James Gibbons, Daniel D. Shaw, V. Election,
May 2; sworn in, May 15.
Legislature adjourns, session of 134 days, passing 478 laws, May 16.
Richard S. Treat, alderman many years, aged 68, dies, May 22.
Elisha B. Janes, late principal Pearl street Academy, 36, dies, May 22.
At Common Council meeting John Townsend and others petition
Board to issue bills under five dollars to supply change ; but it
was later on adversely reported by finance committee, May 29.
Grocers meet and protest that they are merely collectors for bakers,
and would take no more bread for sale until a reform, June 6.
Francis C. Pruyn dies, June 14.
Steamboat Utica built by William Capes of Brooklyn, 340 tons,
180 x 21 x 8*4 feet, 43 x 120 in. engine.
Benjamin Van Benthuysen's wife, Susan, aged 52, dies, June 22.
Gen. Robert Dunbar, Jr., more than 30 years principal agent for the
Patroon, aged 64, dies, June 30.
Pier Company refused by Common Council permission to widen the
Pier by 15 feet, July 13.
Five large lines of steamboats to New York in operation, namely
Old Line, People's Line, Night Line, Day Line, and Eagle Line,
some days the rate, 50 cents, then $3 for passage per person,
July 15-
Steamboat Utica built by People's Line, July.
Eagle Tavern, made famous by Landlord Leverett Cruttenden, taken
over by H. H. Crane of Rochester, July 20.
Disastrous fire in So. Market street (Broadway) sweeping block
bounded by that street, Hamilton, Division and Quay streets, July 21.
Leonard Gansevoort Van Vechten, aged 25, dies, July 24.
Catherine Clinton, wife of ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer, aged 58,
dies, Aug. 20.

524 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 40.
1837.
Common Council refuses license to a circus that had been erected on
Kane's Walk, advocated by Aid. John Groesbeck, Aug. 26.
Common Council repeals a law prohibiting circus exhibitions in the
city, by a vote of 11 to 6, Sept. 4.
Common Council appropriates $1,000 to improve river channel,
which could not have resulted in extensive good, Sept. 5.
Eagle street, still unopened, directed to be pitched and paved from
Hudson street (avenue) to Lydius street (Madison ave.), Sept. 5
Albany City Bank sued for extending building beyond street line.
judgment of $25 ; but continue to build, Sept. 5
Robert Martin, proprietor of Albany Daily Advertiser, 39, dies, Sept. 8
Wife of Rev. Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, Mary L., aged 33, dies, Sept. 16.
Common Council elects Sanford Cobb city chamberlain in place of
P. V. Shankland, who resigned, Sept. 29,
Albany Water-works Co. uses Middle creek (in conjunction with
the Maezlandt kill).
Common Council discusses instituting a city comptroller, as about
$400,000 passes annually through the chamberlain; referred, Oct. 2.
Simeon DeWitt Bloodgood, Britton B. Tallman and Isaac N. Com
stock elected commissioners under Legislative act to attend to
the erection of district school houses, Oct. 2.
Douw Fonda's wife, Matilda, dies, Oct. 3.
Pearl Street Theatre (Leland, Proctor) managed (until March 30,
1839) by Thomas Fuller, Oct. 5.
Obadiah R. Van Benthuysen's wife, Sarah, aged 52, dies, Nov. 7
Daniel D. Barnard elected to Assembly, and John B. Van Schaick
to the Senate; Michael Artcher, sheriff, Nov. 9.
Albany Evening Journal for first time displays the cut of an eagle,
reaching across the top of the front page, which for fifty years
afterwards was used by it or loaned to Argus, depending on
results of the political victories ; and on this occasion sarcas
tically queried the old saying of the Democrats, " As goes the
Fourth ward, so goes the state." Nov. 9
American Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 5.
River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 13.
Mayor Teunis Van Vechten re-elected by Common Council, Dec 27.
? ? .?

ELM TREE CORNER IN 1837-
The mammoth elm, believed to have been planted in i73S by Philip Livingston, at n. w. cor. State and T>earl
sts was a landmark giving name to the locality, at this time occupied by Boardman & Gray, previously by the
Websters, printers, latterly by Tweddle Hall and Building. At northern end of block stood Baptist church,
afterwards I. O. O. F. Hall, then site of Albany Savings Bank. Tree removed June 15. 1877-

No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 525
1838.

1838.
Mayor Teunis Van Vechten again assumes office, Jan. i.
Firemen's Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., instituted, Jan. 4.
The Family Newspaper first issued by Solomon Southwick, weekly, Jan. 6.
Medical fraternity meets, Dr. Jonathan Eights presiding, and passes .
a resolution advocating a city hospital, Jan. 7.
O. M. Coleman, local mechanic of ingenuity, displays his automaton,
a female figure playing a musical instrument, Jan. 10.
Commercial Bank, ahead of others, resumes specie payments, Jan. 11.
Packer, Prentice & Co.'s fur manufactory on Water street de
stroyed by fire, with loss $5,000, Jan. 29.
Alms-house superintendent reports 639 paupers therein, Feb. 5.
Superintendent of alms-house salary raised to $550, Feb. 5.
Orville L. Holley appointed State surveyor-general, Feb. 5.
Common Council petitioned to open Colonie street from No. Market
(Broadway) to Orchard (No. Pearl) street, Feb. 5.
Mail from east lost by ice of river breaking, Feb. 5.
Isaiah Townsend, native of Orange county, senior member of I. &
J. Townsend, iron founders and metal merchants for 36 years,
enterprising and liberal, aged 61, dies, and at a meeting of
merchants that clay, Erastus Corning presiding, it was resolved
to close all the stores of the city and attend his funeral, Feb. 17.
Columbia Distilling Co. (John Tracey, — existing in 1906) Dean
street, established.
Common Council orders Fifth ward burial-ground closed, March 19.
River opened to navigation, March 29.
Sloops running to New York number 249, schooners 129, April 1.
Common Council passes law to have excavated the enormous mound
on north side of Hamilton street, west of Eagle street, April 2.
Common Council unanimously adopts resolution of John Davis to
lease the Lancaster school building on west side of Eagle street
free of rent for five years to the Albany Medical College, April 16.
E. C. Delavan's mother, Mrs. Hannah Delavan, dies, April 20.
Bank of Albany recovers from recent panic and pays out again its
own bills, made from new plates, April 26.
Benjamin Lattimer, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 78, dies, April 30.
City expenses for past year were $240,426.92, reported, May 1.

526 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 40.
1838.
Charter election, Common Council : G. V. S. Bleecker, Charles S.
Olmstead, I. Ichbold L. Judson, Josiah Winants, II. John W.
Bray, John Davis, HI. Henry A. Williams, Seth Jarvis, IV.
Thomas McElroy, Andrew Kirk, V. Election, May 2.
Albany Daily Advertiser passes into hands of former owners, E. W.
and Chas. Skinner, and is edited by John B. Van Schaick, May 8. '
Common Council orders paving of Hallenbake (Grand) street from
Hudson avenue to Lydius (Madison ave.) street, on petition of
Abram Koonz, owner of first house so far south in the city as
northeast corner of Grand and Hamilton streets, standing as an
outpost, May 8.
Douw Fonda, aged 74 years, dies, May 17.
Albany Medical College founded by Drs. Alden March and James
H. Armsby, with the following professors: Dr. Alden March,
surgery; Prof. E. Emmons, chemistry and natural history; Dr.
J. H. Armsby, anatomy and physiology; Dr. Henry Green,
obstetrics and diseases of women and children ; Dr. David
McLachlan, materia medica and pharmacy; Dr. Thomas Hun,
institutes of medicine; Amos Dean, medical jurisprudence;
David M. Reese, theory and practice of medicine ; fees for the
course $75, May 16.
James Goold & Co.'s coach factory destroyed by fire with loss of
$45,000, and being considered a public calamity citizens loaned
him $20,000 without interest for five years to build anew ; insur
ance having been but $19,000, May 25.
Common Council removes John O. Cole, police magistrate and a
terror to evildoers, appointing thereto Hazael Kane, June 4.
Erastus Corning is elected president of the new Utica. & Schenec
tady railroad, later to be part of N. Y. Central road, June 4.
The state purchases the residence of Edwin Croswell, No. 29 Elk
street, as a home for its governors, paying $19,000, June 8.
Celebration of Independence Day, Thomas W. Harman, orator;
John B. Van Schaick, reader, Philadelphia State Fencibles
parading, July 4.
J. Silk Buckingham, famed traveler, delivers course of lectures on
Egypt at Female Academy, July 4.
The Daily Patriot, abolition, started by J. G. Wallace, July 4.
Death of Leverett Cruttenden at Bridgeport, Conn., aged 67, long
the landlord of Congress Hall, and subsequently of the Eagle
Tavern. His establishment known as the House of Lords be
cause of the prominent characters stopping there, was started
in 1814 and conducted by him with great eclat for sixteen
years, July 14

No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 527
1838-1839.
Third Presbyterian Church, Montgomery street, opened on repair
ing, July 22.
Watts Sherman's wife, Sarah L., aged 22, dies, Aug. 4.
Third Dutch Church receives new bell, weighing 3,123 lbs., Aug. 23
Second Methodist Church opens meeting-room, No. 2 Green street,
Aug. 31.
Navigation committee of Common Council reports expending
$96,090.55 improving the basin, and requiring $36,250 further,
Sept. 17.
Harmanus Bleecker given public dinner on going abroad, Sept. 25.
Common Council passes law for paving of Eagle street for first
time between Hudson avenue and Lydius street (Madison ave.),
Oct. 14.
Daniel D. Barnard elected to Congress and John Davis to Assembly ;
the vote for Governor Marcy 518 less than Wm. Seward's, Nov. 7.
Mrs. Anne Grant, author of " Memoirs of an American Lady," re
ferring to Mrs. Philip Schuyler, dies at Edinburgh, aged 84,
Nov. 7.
Elsie Van Rensselaer, aged 79, dies, Nov. 21.
River closed (official record), Nov. 25.
Hector H. Crane, keeper of Eagle Tavern, aged 44, dies, Nov. 27.
Albany Exchange Bank formed with capital of $100,000 and John
Q. Wilson its first president*; Geo. W. Stanton, vice-president, Dec. 12.
Joseph Russell, president of Canal Bank, aged 62, dies, Dec. 25.
Barnum Whipple, harbor-master, reports that exclusive of canal-
boats, 6,180 vessels had arrived and departed during season, Dec. 26.
Teunis Van Vechten re-elected Mayor, Dec. 27.

1839.

Mayor Teunis Van Vechten again assumes office, Jan. 1.
William H. Seward inaugurated Governor, Jan. 1.
Albany Medical College opened by Dr. David M. Reese lecture, Jan. 2.
Col. John B. Van Schaick, cultured in literature and editor of the
Albany Daily Advertiser, aged 35, dies, Jan. 3.

528 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 40.
1839, 1841.
Common Council discusses at a special meeting propriety of assum
ing all expense constructing Albany & West Stockbridge rail
road, Jan. 3.
Erection of a hospital advocated at meeting by Dr. Jonathan Eights
and Dr. John Mason F. Cogswell, former presiding, latter sec
retary, Jan. 7.
John Van Ness Yates, son of Chief Justice Yates, and who came
to city at age of 14 to study law in office of John V. Henry,
60, dies, Jan. 10.
Mayor Teunis Van Vechten resigns, Jan. 21.
? ? ?
(See No. 41.)

(Continued from No. 41.)
1841.

Teunis Van Vechten, following J. L. Rathbone, again assumes office
of Mayor, May 11.
Charter election, Mayor, Teunis Van Vechten; Common Council:
John Simpson, Francis Bryan, I. Thomas Blank, William P.
Malburn, II. G. V. S. Bleecker, William Stead, III. John D.
Hewson, Charles S. Olmstead, IV. John Q. Wilson, Robert
C. Russell, V. Thomas McElroy, Thaddeus Joy, VI. Charles
Chapman, John Kenyon, VII. John McKnight, William B.
Stanton, VIII. George Merrifield, Thomas Kirkpatrick, IX.
Michael Artcher, Joshua I. Jones, X. Election, April 13 ; sworn
in, May 11.
Albany Gaslight Co., incorporated March 27th, plans building a
plant, May 12.
Steamboat Troy makes trip to New York in 8 hrs. 10 mins., claimed
fastest trip on record, May 13.
Albany Rural Cemetery site selected, four miles north of city, to
west of Troy Road, May 14.
George Pomeroy inaugurates first express line in America, his com
pany, with headquarters here, running to Buffalo, May 15.
Common Council resolves to remove the South Market located at
the Steamboat Square, formerly called the Watering-Place
when owned by the Dutch Church, and to lease the same as a
steamboat landing, May 21.

LAKE BETHESDA.

CYPRESS WATER.

RURAL CEMETERY GROUNDS.
The place is noted throughout America as being unsurpassed for scenery of
natural beauty ; site to west of Troy Road, midway Albany and Troy, selected
May 14, 1841 ; grounds laid out by David B. Douglas, LL. D. There were 400
acres and 30 miles of drives in 1906; interments to 1907 about 65,000.

No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 529
1841.
Beth Jacob congregation dedicate new synagogue at No. 8 Rose
(Mosher) street, the first of the kind in the city, May 25.
Albany Gaslight Co. subscription books opened, May 25.
Legislature adjourns after session of 140 days; 352 laws, May 26.
Trinity Church built, Franklin and Herkimer streets, June.
Common Council elects Robert Hewson Pruyn city attorney, June 14.
James King, eminent attorney, member Board of Regents and
Chancellor since death of Simeon DeWitt, aged 52, dies, June 20.
Samuel S. Lush, assemblyman and leading lawyer, aged 58, dies,
June 21.
btate Agricultural Society re-organized.
Common Council passes law to fill in Hudson street pond, June 28.
Independence Day orator, John A. Dix ; reader, Thos. McMullen, July 4-
A North ferry operated by steam power, July 10.
Bethel Church opened on Pier near Hamilton street bridge, July 14.
Mechanics opposed to state prison labor system meet at City Hall,
George Vance presiding, address by H. H. Van Dyck, nothing
accomplished by the heated discussion, July 22.
Board of Trade organizes, George W. Stanton acting as chairman,
Daniel Fry as secretary, and constitution adopted, July 27.
Henry Van Benthuysen's widow, Cathline, aged 79, dies, Aug. 13.
Albert Ryckman, long an alderman, aged 77, dies, Aug. 24.
Ambrose Spencer Townsend, aged 28, dies, Aug. 24.
St. John's cemetery on Delaware avenue purchases site, Aug. 28.
State Fair first held.
Citizens favoring protection to American industry by government
hold meeting in ("Old") Capitol, Thomas W. Olcott pre
siding, and resolutions presented by Marcus T. Reynolds, John
V. L. Pruyn, Stevens, and from New York city Joseph Blunt,
Sept. 2.
Mechanics hold state convention to oppose prison labor, Sept. 2.
Board of Trade fully organizes, John Townsend, president; Sept. 9.
Sheriff Adams goes to the Helderbergs with a posse in order to ac
complish sale of farms for back rentals, Sept. 9.
State Fair of N. Y. State Agricultural Society, (Joel B Nott,
Pres't.) first held, Syracuse.
Board of Trade condemn the change of terminus of the Mohawk &
Hudson railroad to foot of So. Ferry street, abandoning head
of State street station for passengers, Sept. 16.

530 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 40.
1841.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad commencing to remove tracks leading
to the station from junction on Western avenue to head of
State street, citizens organize a stage line and begin transfer
ring about 200 passengers daily to the Junction, Sept. 22.
Elizabeth Bayard Campbell dies at Van Rensselaer Manor, Sept. 25.
Rev. Hodge, Green street Baptist church pastor, preaches farewell,
Se'pt. 26.
Third, or South, Dutch Reformed Church, So. Ferry and Green
streets, erected 1837 at cost $13,000, burned to the walls, Sept. 28.
Line of 12 stages from Schenectady, 112 aboard, pass down State
street, Oct. 9.
John A. Dix elected to Assembly, 535 majority over Azor Taber,
and Erastus Corning State Senator, majority 571, Nov. 2.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington avenue and Swan street,
corner-stone laid ceremoniously by Rev. Wm. B. Sprague of
the Second Presbyterian church, exercises being held in " Old "
Capitol, under the pastoral charge of Rev. James Rawson, Nov. 9.
Common Council accepts proposition of directors of Mohawk &
Hudson road offering the city for $150,000 their State street
property, city to bear expense of doing away with inclined
planes at both ends of the road, the Albany terminal to be by
locomotive power as near centre of city 'as possible, Nov. 16.
Jacob N. Clute, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 82, dies, Nov. 21.
David Wood, president of Canal Bank, aged 48, dies, Nov. 26.
Common Council petitioned by J. Hall and 42 others to remove
Arbor Hill burial-ground, as a nuisance to vicinity, Dec. 13.
First locomotive arrives from Boston on Western Railroad Com
pany's line, thus opening a winter route to New York by way
of Hartford and New Haven, in 32 hours without night travel,
passengers leaving train at Greenbush and crossing on ferry,
Dec. 19.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 19.
Rev. Duncan Kennedy installed pastor North Dutch Church, Dec. 23.
Margaretta Wright, wife of (future Mayor) William Parmelee,
aged 23, dies at Lansingburg, Dec. 24.
Celebration in honor of first train from Boston and completion of
the Western Railroad, bringing 125 Massachusetts guests, who
are escorted by the military from Greenbush ferry Lo Stanwix
Hall for a banquet given by Mr. Landon, Dec. 28.

No. 40. TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. 53H
1842.

1842.
Lyman Root, an eminent and wealthy citizen, identified with city's
commercial enterprises forty years, aged 63, dies, Jan. 1.
Abraham Cuyler's widow, Elizabeth, dies, Jan. 17.
First Presbyterian Church gives concert participated in by famous
English singer, Braham, Jan. 24.
Gideon Hawley chosen Regent, vice late James King, Feb. 1.
River open to navigation, Feb. 4.
Steamboat Telegraph arrives despite great freshet, Feb. 6.
Azariah C. Flagg appointed State Comptroller a second time, Feb. 7.
Mr. Samuel F. B. Morse, of New York city, had invented a practical
form of machine by which to operate an electric telegraph, its
primitive form intended to make use of movable type, to print
characters on a paper tape, employing the " intensity " magnet
that Professor Henry, of Albany, had discovered in 1828, and
which he had publicly described in his paper read before The
Albany Institute in March, 1829, and also published, without
which peculiar magnet and until its application was pointed out
to Morse by his assistant, L. D. Gale, he could not make an
electric current operate (by Gale's own testimony) doing the
' best they knew how, for a distance any greater than from 15 to
40 feet, at which distance the current was so weak as to be
barely discoverable. Morse had come to Professor Henry at
Princeton several times, while the former was perfecting his in
vention, about 1837, seeking scientific advice in relation to his
machine that he was inventing, and Henry had freely accorded
it to him, placing all his knowledge at his disposal. It is inter
esting to note (in view of a published attack of Morse of 90
pages printed in a work for which he was responsible, in 1845)
that when the Government was deciding the advisability of ap
propriating the sum of $30,000 to allow Morse to run an experi
mental line between Washington and Baltimore, it had sought
first the knowledge, as to whether it was likely to work, from
Professor Henry, and on him the decision as to making an ap
propriation rested. (Henry endorsed Morse's machine as prac
tical ; the bill for the appropriation was introduced by Hon. C.
G. Ferris of New York, in December, 1842 ; passed the House
Feb. 23, 1843, and the Senate on March 3rd, to be operated
under Morse's patent filed April 7, 1838, issued June 20, 1840;
the four wires extended between the two cities, 40 miles, and

532 TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN. No. 40.
1842.
the first message was sent on May 24, 1843.) This letter, writ
ten by Professor Henry to Morse (described by Morse's biogra
pher as " the most encouraging communication Professor Morse
received during the dark ages between 1839 and 1843,") was
appended to the Congressional bill to influence its passage, and
shows Henry's willingness to help even those working along
similar lines, and for which aid Henry was never accorded any
thing but jealous antagonism by Morse : " My Dear Sir : I am
pleased to learn that you have again petitioned Congress in
reference to your telegraph ; and I most sincerely hope you will
succeed in convincing our Representatives of the importance of
the invention * * * Science is now fully ripe for this ap
plication, and I have not the least doubt, if proper means be
afforded, of the perfect success of the invention * * * and
unless some essential improvements have lately been made in
these European plans, I should prefer the one invented by your
self. Yours truly, Joseph Henry, Princeton, N. J.," Feb. 24.
Common Council by vote 10 to 6 agrees to widen So. Pearl street
by taking 15 feet from west side, from State to Howard street,
March 7.
State Flouse on Eagle street, Pine to Steuben street, completed,
costing $350,000.
Charter election: Mayor. — Barent P. Staats, Democratic, 2,868
votes; John Townsend, Whig, 2,532 votes; total votes cast,
5,400; Staats' majority being 336 votes, April 12.

(See No. 42.)

No. 41.

Jan. 24. 1839— Dec. 31, 1839.
Jan. 1, 1840— May 1 1. 1840.
May 12. 1840— May 11, 1841.

No. 41.
JARED LEWIS RATHBONE.
Date of office: (a) January 24, 1839 — December 31, 1839.
(b) January 1, 1840 — May 11, 1840.
(c) May 12, 1840 — May 10, 1841.
Date of election: (a) January 21, 1839.
(b) December 30, 1839.
(c) May 5, 1840.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) Appointed by Common Council, Van Vechten resigned.
(b)  .
(c) 2,466.
Opponent: (a) None.
(b) None.
(c) Erastus Corning, (cc) Barent Sanders.
Political Party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) None.
(b) 
(c) 2,099, (cc) 4, blank and scattering 19.
Total vote: (a) None.
(b)  .
(c) 4,588.
Date of birth: August 2, 1791.
Place of birth: Salem, Conn.
Parents: Samuel (R.) and Lydia Sparhawk.
Education: Good schooling.
Married to: Pauline Noyes Pinney.
Date: June 26, 1834.
Children: (2) Henry Reed, Jared Lawrence.
Residence: No. 28 Eagle street, corner State street.
Occupation: Provision merchant, 51 Quay street,.
Religion: Baptist.
Date of death: May 13, 1845.
Place of death: No. 28 Eagle street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Last Mayor chosen by Common Council. Elected to
complete Van Vechten's term. First Mayor elected by popu
lar vote. President Albany Medical College. Alderman.
Benevolent.

41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE.
1839-1841.
From the water-color painting, made from life by John Godin of Wash
ington, and owned in 1904 by his granddaughter, Mrs. Buckner M. Randolph,
of Philadelphia.

No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 535
1839.
(Continued from No. 40.)
1839.

Jared Lewis Rathbone, having been elected Mayor by the Common
Council on January 21st, Mayor Teunis Van Vechten having
resigned, assumes the duties of that office, Jan. 24.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, III., aged 75 years, Patroon of the Van
Rensselaer Manor, dies. He had lived a life that had brought
him honor and esteem of his fellow citizens, and his reputation
as a cultured, liberal and virtuous man extended well beyond
his city. He was fifth in descent from the original founder or
patroon, and was born Nov. 1, 1764, in New York city, his
mother being Catherine, daughter of Philip Livingston. He
married Margaret, third daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler, at
Saratoga, before twenty years of age, and, as a widower, he
married Cornelia, only daughter of William Paterson, in May,
1802. Was' member of State Assembly and State Senate, Lieu
tenant-Governor, and Congressman ; in military affairs dis
tinguished himself as major-general by placing the American
flag victoriously on the Heights of Queenstown, Canada, in the
War of 1812, on Oct. 13th. Daniel D. Barnard's discourse, a
complete sketch of life and character, delivered before The
Albany Institute, of which Gen. Van Rensselaer was its first
president, delivered April 15, 1839, will be found occupying 46
pages in Munsell's Annals, Vol. Ill, p. 281, Jan. 26.
Express messenger, Dimmick, despatched by Baker & Walker at
5 146 p. m., within two hours after death of Patroon Van Rens
selaer, to convey the intelligence to New York, after swimming
two rivers where the bridges had been swept away by floods,
Redhook and Fishkill, arrives at Carlton Flouse, a distance of
more than 150 miles, in 14 hrs. 31 mins., at 8:20 a. m., Jan. 27.
John Townsend elected to succeed Stephen Van Rensselaer as presi
dent of Albany Savings Bank, January.
Soup house opened in the City Hall for those driven from homes
by unusually high freshet, Jan. 27.
Number of paupers in the alms-house at this time is 532, Jan. 31.
Profits of the Greenbush ferry for past year were $1,081.92, Feb. 1.
Rev. Edward Allen installed at Fourth Presbyterian- Church, Feb. 6.
Aid. Richard S. Treat's widow, Gertrude, dau. of Dr. Stringer, dies,
Feb. 15.

536 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 41.
1839.
John Tayler Cooper appointed major-general ist Division of New
York State Cavalry in place of late Gen. Stephen Van Rens
selaer, Feb. 15
James Boyd, aged 77, dies, Feb. 22.
Chamberlain reports to Common Council that the cost of the new
steam ferry to Greenbush is $8,688.25, Feb. 26.
Common Council passes resolution allowing the Mohawk & Hudson
railroad to extend tracks from Gansevoort to So. Ferry st.,
Feb. 26.
Museum Building greatly damaged by fire, March 2
H. W. Preston announces that owing to the sudden transfer of the
Theatre to St. Paul's Church vestry he should build a new one,
March 16.
River open and the Swallow arrives, March 25.
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, postmaster 17 years, removed and
succeeded by Azariah C. Flagg, March.
Pearl Street Theatre, Ii. W. Preston manager, last performance be
fore being converted into St Paul's Church, March 30.
Pearl Street House afire and greatest conflagration in years, burn
ing the block, Pearl, Madison ave., Hamilton and Rose streets,
April 20.
Relief committee reports expenses of soup kitchen since Jan. 28th,
and supplying 1,530 persons at one-third of a cent each, April 30.
Dr. John F. Townsend, aid to Gov. Seward, unanimously elected
brigadier-general, ist Brigade of Horse Artillery, May 6.
Legislature adjourns, May 8
Charter election, Common Council : G. V. S. Bleecker, Ralph
Pratt, I. Ichabod L. Judson, George Merrifield, II. Elisha
W. Skinner, John Groesbeck, III. Stephen T. Thorn, Joel R.
Dickerman, IV. Adolphus Colburn, Timothy Spears, V. Elec
tion, May 8.
North Dutch Church relinquishes rights to the Watering Place,
(Steamboat Square) in payment of a claim of the corporation, May 13.
Election to decide whether to authorize Common Council to borrow
$400,000 to aid construction of Albany & West Stockbridge
railroad, resulted in its favor, 3,245 votes for the loan and 625
in opposition to the movement, May 20.
Gen. H. V. Du Coudray Holstein, distinguished diplomat and officer
under Bonaparte, native of Germany, teacher of French in
Female Academy, aged 76, dies, May 23.

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE OF 1765.
This shows how the residence erected in 1765 by Stephen Van Rensse
laer, II., the Patroon, looked until reconstructed in 1843. Portico was small and
wings octagonal. From a painting made in 1839. His son, Gen. Stephen Van
Rensselaer, III., died here on Jan. 26, 1839.

No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 537
1839.
ft
Common Council appoints George Weed clerk and Robert H. Pruyn
city attorney, Hazael Kane police justice, May 27.
Bell directed placed in cupola of the jail for fires, June 10.
Committees appointed to conduct the city loan to the railroad com
pany, Marcus T Reynolds, Thomas W. Olcott and Lewis Bene
dict for the Albany & West Stockbridge railroad and Pratt,
Ten Eyck, Skinner and McMullen appointed by mayor for the
city, June 10.
Francis Bloodgood elected president of New York State Bank, and
Rufus H. King vice-president, June 12.
Common Council resolves to borrow $650,000 with which to purchase
stock of the Albany & West Stockbridge railroad to amount of
$300,000, and to loan remainder to subscribers to stock, July 1 .
Independence Day celebrated, Solomon Southwick orator, July 4
Smith Weed, native of Stamford, Conn., a commissary during the
Revolution, wounded at Battle of Danbury, a merchant, aged
85, dies, July 10.
President Martin Van Buren arrives and is addressed by Gov.
William L. Marcy before immense audience before City Hall,
July 24.
Henry Clay, great American statesman, arrives and puts up at Eagle
tavern on So. Market street (Broadway), arriving by way 01
Troy in a barouche, accompanied by John Townsend, Daniel
D. Barnard and John Bay, and when nearing the city joined by
a large procession, Gen. Townsend, marshal, to act as escort, Aug. 17.
Henry Clay leaves in morning by steamboat for New York, Aug. 19.
Benjamin Knower, prominent in commercial life, aged 64, dies,
Aug 23.
Steamboat Albany, Capt. Jenkins, makes 15 landings and makes the
trip in 9 hrs. 7 mins. from New York, Aug. 23.
Francis Bret Harte, famous author (dies in England, May 5, 1902)
born here, Aug. 25.
Steamboat Rochester arrives, without landing, 8 hrs. 35 mins., Sept. 2.
Trinity Church, third Episcopal congregation in city, organized,
services held in Westerlo, between Church and Dallius streets,
Rev. Isaac Swart subsequently chosen rector, Sept. 4.
State street bridge to Pier gives way and 21 drown.
Steamboat North America built by Devine Burtis, 494 tons, 48 x 132
in. engine.
Steamboat Albany makes speed record, arriving in 8 hrs. 49 mins.,
less 10 landings, running time 7 hrs. 49 mins., never equaled, Sept. 25.

538 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 41.
1839.
Judge Jesse Buel, native of Coventry, Conn., originally a printer,
came to Albany in 1814, established The Argus, state printer
1 8 14 to 1 82 1, many years in Assembly, a regent, candidate for
governor in 1836, retired in 1821 to his farm, Albany Nursery,
and became world-known as an agriculturist, dies at Danbury,
Conn., age 63, Oct. 6
Dr. Rensselaer Gansevoort dies in Louisiana, aged 39, Oct. 19.
James D. Wasson's wife Harriet E., dies, Nov. 3.
Friend Humphrey elected Senator, FI. G. Wheaton Assemblyman, Nov. 6.
Solomon Southwick, prominent publisher, aged 66, dies, sketch of
his life printed in " Annals of Albany," Vol. V, p. 104, Nov. 18.
County Sheriff Michael Artcher resisted by anti-renters in several
Helderberg towns, calls out the posse comitatus, and about one
thousand citizens accompany him to the Flelderbergs, Nov. 30.
Sheriff Artcher's posse sets out for Reidsville and meets with oppo
sition four miles beyond Clarkesville, several hundred farmers
on horseback forcing the sheriff and posse to turn back, and
they arrive at their homes at Albany at 9 p. m., worn out with
fatigue, Dec. 2.
Sheriff Artcher, reinforced by a number of military companies from
Albany, Troy and other places, marches to Clarkesville and
maintains military jurisdiction, Dec. 9.
Governor issues a proclamation declaring supremacy of laws, Dec. 10.
Gen. Averill, with 500 men arrives in Albany from Montgomery
county, for invasion of the Helderbergs against the anti-renters ;
but they find they are outnumbered and capitulate. He serves
the summonses without opposition, Dec. 11.
Sheriff and the military companies, worn with trudging twelve miles
in a deep snow, arrive back at Albany and Troy, the commands
being the Albany Burgesses' Corps, Capt. Bayeux ; Albany
Union Guards, Capt. Brown ; Albany Republican artillery, Capt.
Strain; ist Company Van Rensselaer Guards, Capt. Kearney;
2nd Company Van Rensselaer Guards, Capt. Berry; Troy Ar
tillery, Capt. Howe; Troy Citizens' Corps, Capt Pierce; Troy
City Guards, Capt. Wickes. They were composed of the edu
cated men of the respected families, Dec. 15.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 19.
Jared Lewis Rathbone re-elected Mayor by Common Council, Dec. 30
? ? ?

No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 539
1840.

1840.
Jared L. Rathbone again assumes office of Mayor, Jan. i.
Population of the city at this time 33,762.
Population of the State of New York 2,428,921.
Slaves in New York State number only four.
Female Academy obtains a fine collection of busts from George
Combe, of Edinburgh, who lectures there on phrenology, Jan 6.
Meeting held in St. Peter's church vestry to consider providing a
place of worship for boatmen of the harbor, Jan. 31.
Solomon Van Rensselaer's wife, Arriet, aged 65, dies, Feb. 3.
Wm. E. Bleecker elected president of Young Men's Association, Feb. 4.
American Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., re-instituted, Feb. 11.
St. Paul's Church, So. Pearl street, formerly the Theatre, (west
side, bet. Beaver st. and Fludson ave.) consecrated by Bishop
Onderdonk, Feb. 22.
River open to navigation, Feb. 25.
Kosciuszko, famous Polish patriot (born in Lithuania, Russia, Feb.
12, 1746) who served with the Americans in the Revolution,
and commander-in-chief and dictator in the Polish insurrection
of 1794, arrives by boat from New York as a visitor to the
city, Feb. 26.
Post-Office moved into the Exchange Building, Feb. 27.
Grade of Lodge between Howard and Beaver streets established, March 2.
Francis Bloodgood, former Mayor, a graduate of Yale, lawyer,
many years clerk of Supreme Court, a founder of New York
State Bank and president at this time, a man of unusually fine
disposition, kindliness and integrity, aged 72, dies, March 5.,
Teunis Van Vechten elected president of Albany Insurance Co. to
fill vacancy caused by death of Francis Bloodgood, March 16.
Rufus H. King elected president of the New York State Bank to fill
vacancy caused by death of Francis Bloodgood, March 16.
Oratorio of " The Creation " at 2nd Presbyterian Church, April 9.
Y. M. A. removes from No. 45 1 Broadway to Exchange Building.
" The Cutivator " and " Genesee Farmer " consolidated by Luther
Tucker.
Common Council appropriates $50 towards purchase of a bell for the
Third Dutch Reformed Church in So. Ferry street, April 13..

54° JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 41.
1840.
Chamberlain reports city expenses past year as $246,055.47, April 21.
Jared L. Rathbone resigns office of Mayor, April 27.
Charter election, at which Jared L. Rathbone, Whig, receives 2,466
votes ; Erastus Corning, Democrat, receives 2,099 votes ; ma
jority for J. L. Rathbone, 372 votes, May 5.
? ? ?
Jared Lewis Rathbone assumes office of Mayor, May 12.
Charter election, Mayor, Jared Lewis Rathbone ; Common Council :
G. V. S. Bleecker, John D. Hewson. I. George Merrifield,
Visscher Ten Eyck, II. John Groesbeck, Arnold Nelson, III.
James Robinson, Joel R. Dickerman, IV. Thomas McElroy,
Charles Chapman, V. Election, May 5 ; sworn in, May 12.
Legislature adjourns, having passed 318 laws, May 14.
A count made on So. Market street (Broadway) corner of Hudson
avenue, shows that on this day there passed 9,762 persons on
foot, 407 wagons, 146 stages and 234 other vehicles before
night, May 14.
Expenses of Fire Department for year to May ist, $10,950, May 15.
Barent Bleecker, some years president of Bank of Albany, 80, dies,
June 1.
Edward Livingston, distinguished citizen, Assembly clerk, district-
attorney, speaker of Assembly, dies, June 16.
Log cabin erected at corner of Maiden Lane and Dean street by
followers of the party of " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," built
by hundreds of voters in one day, as a rallying point, June 27.
Independence Day orator Uriah Marvin, Jr., reader, Geo. Vance,
Jr., July 4-
Robert Packard, of the printing firm of Packard & Van Benthuysen,
aged 66 years, dies, July 15-
Common Council receives petition signed by Dr. Charles D. Town-
send and 180 others requesting that the name of North Market
street be changed to Broadway, Teunis Van Vechten opposed, July 20.
Name of Capitol street changed to Park street, July 20.
Bank of Albany elects Jacob H. Ten Eyck its (7th) president, to
succeed Barent Bleecker, deceased.
Common Council resolves to change name of North Market street
to Broadway by a vote of 9 to 3, Aug. 3-
Draw of the bridge at foot of State street, leading to the Pier, falls,
and 21 persons in the crowd watching an insane man escape
are drowned because of the number overwhelmed and strug-
g-Hng, Aug. 22.

GOVERNOR W. L. MARCY.

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REV. BARTHOLOMEW T. WELCH.
RURAL CEMETERY.
Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch, D. D., publicly advocated a common burial-
ground outside the city at a meeting held in Exchange Building, Dec. 31, 1840.
Archibald Mclntyre presiding; chartered April 2, 1841. Gov. Marcy died July
4, 1857. In 1868 about 40,000 removed here from State and Knox sts.
No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 541
1840.
Elizabeth Ann Dexter, wife of lion. Marcus T. Reynolds, residing
in Park Place, later site of the new Capitol, dies, Aug. 30.
Steamboat Eureka, Capt. Sherman, using boilers transferred from
the Novelty, makes her first appearance, Sept. 9.
Van Rensselaer Manor House at head of Broadway and east about
200 feet of Troy Road, being remodeled by Architect Upjohn,
east and west wings added, addition of a stone porch of the
Corinthian order, the cream-colored bricks covered with sanded
mastic and the whitestone replaced by New Jersey sandstone.
Steamboat South America built by Devine Burtis, 638 tons, 260 x 26
x 9 feet, engine 54 x 132 in.
Jacob L. Lochner, fruit merchant, continues the firm established by
August Wolenman on No. Market st. (Broadway).
Van Alstyne & Son, hardware merchants (conducted by Alexander
Davidson in 1845, afterwards by Maurice E. Viele and later by
Albany Hardware & Iron Co.) establish business at corner
State and Green sts.
Elisha Kane, long a prominent citizen, dies Washington, 63, Oct. 3.
Phoenix Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., instituted, Oct. 3.
Harmanus Bleecker elected president of St. Nicholas Society, Nov. 18.
Thaddeus Kingsley, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 82, dies, Nov. 29.
City canvassers report the population as follows : White males,
15,729; white females, 17,021; colored males, 378; colored
females, 499 ; total population, 33,627, Dec. 4.
River closes to navigation, Dec. 5.
Common Council, seeking a good source of water for city, reports
consent of Mr. Van Rensselaer to lease the flow of Patroon's
creek for $800 per annum, Dec. 21.
Benjamin Covell, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 88, dies, Dec. 24.
Albany Rural Cemetery first projected at a meeting of citizens held
at Young Men's Ass'n rooms, Archibald Mclntyre presiding and
Ira Harris serving as secretary, addressed by Rev. B. T. Welch,
D. D., of the Baptist Church. Resolutions reported by a com
mittee consisting of Marcus T. Reynolds, Amos Dean, Thomas
Worth Olcott, Teunis Van Vechten, Geritt Yates Lansing and
Lewis Benedict. A committee on organization and to select
site was named as follows: Rev. B. T. Welch, Stephen Van
Rensselaer, John A. Dix, John Q. Wilson, James Horner, An
thony M. Strong, Peter Gansevoort, Ezra P. Prentice, Ira
Harris, Thomas W.' Olcott, Ellis Baker, Otis Allen and John
Y. Wendell, Dec. 31.

542 JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. No. 41.
1841.

1841.
Express stage run from Albany to New York by the New York
American publishers in the speediest time ever made, 12 hrs.
40 mins., Jan. 5.
Freshet within a few inches as high as the great freshet of 1839, Jan. 9.
James McKown resigns office of Recorder of the city, occupied fif
teen years, and is succeeded by William Parmelee, Jan. 10.
Charles E. Dudley who had been the 34th Mayor, dies. His father,
Charles, had been the King's collector of customs in Rhode
Island, and the son, born at Johnson Hall, Staffordshire, Eng.,
May 23, 1780, was educated at Newport and came here in 1819,
engaging in mercantile pursuits and making several trips to
India; was State Senator 1820-24, and United States Senator
_ J 829-33, Jan. 23.
Citizens meet at Y. M. A. Hall and discuss making application to
Legislature for a bridge across river because of the many days
of no communication, when neither sleighs upon the ice nor
ferries are able to run, the Mayor presiding and Messrs. Samuel
Stevens and John V. L. Pruyn speaking. A committee named
to apply, Jan. 30.
Peter Gansevoort's wife, Mary Sanford, aged 27, dies, Feb. 5.
James G. Brooks, former editor of Daily Advertiser, dies, Feb. 20.
Alderman McElroy reports favorably to Common Council dividing
the city into 10 wards and holding annual charter election on
second Tuesday in April, the same date as observed by New
York, and thus shut' out traveling voters, Feb. 23.
Ezra P. Prentice and others petition Common Council owning prop
erty in Fox street to change the name to Canal street, March 1.
Fire chief reports that during past six months there were only three
fires, and the total loss not over $250, March 3.
Cannon fired at sunrise and general celebration until evening, closed
with fireworks in honor of inauguration of President William
Henry Harrison, March 4.
River ice passes out from before the city, March 23.
Assembly committee on a bridge over Hudson reports adversely, March 26.
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer reinstated as postmaster, March 26.
Henry G. Wheaton appointed district attorney, March 27.

No. 41. JARED LEWIS RATHBONE. 543
1841.
Albany Gas Light Company incorporated, Henry L. Webb, presi
dent, March 27.
Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, wife of John Bleecker, aged 73, dies,
March 29.
Timothy Powers, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 90, dies, April 2.
Albany Gas Light Co. locates at Arch and Grand streets, capitalized
at $100,000 ; President, Henry L. Webb ; Thomas W. Olcott,
James Stevenson and Joel Rathbone, directors, April 1.
Albany Rural Cemetery Association chartered, April 2.
Steamboat Troy built by William H. Capes, 724 tons, 295 x 30 x 9
feet, engine 44 x 120 in.
Steamboat Columbia put in commission.
News of the death of President William Henry Iiarrison on April
4th, received at Albany on April 6th, and the day of the funeral
was observed by exercises in the Second Presbyterian Church ;
but the firemen's torchlight procession postponed until following
night because of inclement weather, April 10.
Low buildings at s. w. cor. State and Broadway being removed for
erection of a 4-story block to be known as Douw Building, April 12.
Charter election in which the vote for Mayor results : Teunis Van
Vechten, Whig, 2,449 ; Gerrit Yates Lansing, Democrat, 2,339 I
blank and scattering, 40; total, 4,828; Van Vechten's majority
over Lansing, 110, and he is declared elected Mayor of Albany,
April 13.
? ? ?
(See No. 40.)

No. 42.
laratt Pjtitn Staats.

May IO, 1842 —April 17. 1843.

No. 42.
BARENT PHILIP STAATS.
Date of office: May 10, 1842 — April 17, 1843.
Date of election: April 12, 1842.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 3,031.
Opponent: (a) John Townsend, (aa) Wm. Mayle.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: 2,429, (aa) 54, blank and scattering 18.
Total vote: 5,532.
Date of birth: September 25, 1796.
Place of birth: Staats Island, Rensselaer county.
Parents: Philip (S.) and Annatje Van Alstyne.
Education: Medical College.
Married to: (a) Maria Gourlay.
(b) Maria Ann Winne (d. May 9, 1830).
(c) Caroline Porter.
Date: (a) (b) November 24, 1825.
(c) 1835.
Children : ( a ) Helen ( d. y. ) , Helen ( Stokes ) .
(b) John (d. y.), Anna Sickler.
Residence: No. 53 North Pearl street.
Occupation: Physician.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: July 9, 1871. ,
Place of death: No. 61 North Pearl street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Doctor.
Remarks: Alderman. Assembly, 1834. Supervisor, old fifth ward.
First penitentiary physician. Strictly temperance, genial,
generous, and possessed of a strong sense of justice.

42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS.
1842-1843.
From a photograph made from life by J. H. Abbott, Albany, owned in 1904
by his granddaughter, Mrs. Charles W. Abrams.

No. 42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 547

1842.

(Continued from No. 40.)
1842.

Dr. Barent Philip Staats assumes the office of Mayor of Albany,
having been elected at the Charter election held on April 12,
1842, when as the Democratic candidate he received 2,868 votes
to the 2,532 votes cast for the Whig candidate, ex-Mayor John
Townsend; majority 336, May 10.
James R. Rose elected clerk of the Common Council by that board,
Andrew J. Colvin city attorney, John Bratt surveyor and S. V.
R. Ableman alms-house superintendent, by vote 12 to 10,
May 10.
Charter election, Mayor, Barent Philip Staats ; Common Council :
William Chambers, William L. Osborn, I. William P. Mal-
burn, David Burhans, II. Bradford W. Hand, Argalus W.
Starks, III. Chauncey Whitney, Abram Koonz, IV. Visscher
Ten Eyck, Andrew White, V. Cornelius Ten Broeck, Jacob
L. Winnie, VI. Charles Chapman, John Van Volkenburgh,
VII. John McKnight, Jacob Downing, VIII. Hazael Kane,
William R. Ford, IX. Michael Artcher, Joshua I. Jones, X.
Election, April 12; sworn in, May 10.
Common Council discusses the case of Engine Company No. 9,
which at the recent fire dragged its engine up the hill and
left it standing before the City Hall because of certain remarks
by the previous Common Council, and expecting to be exon
erated by the new board ; but decision went-against the company
by vote of 10 to 9, May 16.
Captain Samuel Schuyler, aged 61, dies, May 16.
Methodist Church, Washington ave. and Swan St., dedicated, May 22.
Capt. David Olmstead, native of Ridgefield, Conn., who came to this
city in 1798, and for many years prominent as a river navigator
and city superintendent, aged 72 years and surviving his wife,
Dorcas, aged 71, by only four days, dies, May 31.
City treasurer reports expenditures of past year as $193,877.50 and
the receipts as $197,639.16, June 1.
Case of Engine Company No. 9 again before the Common Council
and a vote to adjourn without action resulting in a tie, 8 to 8,
the Mayor cast a vote against adjourning; but the Whigs with
drew and left the board without a quorum, June 22.
People's Line first operates its boats as a night line, June.
Schuyler & Brainerd Towing Line formed, June.

548 BARENT PHILIP STAATS. No. 42.
1842.
Independence Day celebrated ; Rev. John N. Campbell, orator, and
William N. Strong the reader. The temperance societies and
the Young Men's Association also hold ceremonies, each with
orator and reader, and the Germans hold a celebration of their
own, July 4.
Forbes Mansion built at Bath-on-the-Hudson .(opposite the north
end of this city) a mile above Greenbush on an elevation over
looking the Hudson river, by William Patterson Van Rensse
laer, younger brother of Stephen Van Rensselaer, the patroon
residing in the Manor House at the head of Broadway.
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's century plant that he had owned
more than fifty years, having purchased it soon after the Revo
lution at an auction sale of a confiscated estate in New York
city, when it was full-grown, advanced to maturity by artificial
heat in his extensive conservatory and exhibited for a small
fee for the benefit of the Albany Orphan Asylum building, July 23.
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's century plant putting forth a high
stalk and about to bloom, growing at rate of 18 to 24 inches
in a day, now 21 feet in height, persons coming specially to
view it even so far as from Ohio, Sept. 13.
Citizens assemble at the Capitol, Erastus Corning presiding, in
opposition to grading of State street at a time of financial dis
tress, Sept. 17.
South Market, erected in 1829, at the ancient Watering Place, later
the Steamboat Square, taken down and the place graded for
steamboat wharfage, leased to Isaac Newton at $1,000 a year for
term of three years, Sept. 17.
Oliver Teall, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 84, dies, Sept. 19.
Mrs. Christina Heaxt, oldest citizen, aged 102 years, dies, Sept. 20.
State Fair held for the second time, James S. Wadsworth it<=
president, and the first time exhibiting at Albany.
Musical instruction given in city schools for the first time, Prof.
Ferdinand I. Ilsley.
Boston & Albany or " Middle " ferry established.
State House, east side of Eagle street, Pine to Steuben st., costing
$350,000, completed.
Herkimer street ordered excavated from Eagle to Lark st., Oct. 3.
Common Council accepts invitation to attend celebration of the
Croton aqueduct extended by New York's Common Council, Oct. 3-
Capt. Franklin Townsend and his Washington Artillerists go on
first target practice excursion, Oct. l°-

STATE HALL.
The intent of this building of admirable classic design was to relieve crowded condition of the (old) capitol of
1808-1883. Facing on Eagle St. for 138 ft., its north and south walls run back 88 ft. on Steuben and Pine sts,
Started in 1835, white stone from Sing Sing ; used in part in 1840; completed in 1842; cost, $350,009,

No. 42. BARENT PHILIP STAATS. 549

1842-1843.

The Patroon's century plant having come to maturity and reaching
a height of 26 feet, is sent to New York to be exhibited, Nov. 1.
Daniel D. Barnard receives 6,327 votes in Albany county, for Con
gressman, and James M. French 5,980, Nov. 8.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Nov. 28.
Rev. Edward F. Allen, pastor 6 years of Fourth Presbyterian
Church, aged 28, dies, Dec. 20.
Rev. Frederick George Mayer, pastor 37 years of the First Lutheran
Church, dies, Dec. 31.

1843.

William C. Bouck becomes Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
Gov. Bouck's message transmitted to New York by messenger on
a horse in 10 hours and 25 minutes, lacking still any railroad
to that city, Jan. 2.
Thermometer 13 degrees below zero, Jan. 4.
Benjamin W. Wooster's furniture store established (continued until
1905).
Thermometer 15 degrees below zero, Feb. 17.
George Vance, Jr., a publisher of Albany Atlas, dies, Feb. 23.
The Emigrant Society organized at a meeting held in the " Old "
Capitol, Garret L. Dox presiding, John Tracey, secretary, and
Bradford R. Wood is elected president, Feb. 23.
Van Heusen & Charles (Theodore V. Van Iieusen and Daniel D.
Tompkins Charles) establish a large crockery and glassware
business (existing by such name in 1905), March 1.
Perry Stove Works, famous- the world over, started.
Robert Hunter, owner of several stage-coaches known as " Pennsyl
vania six-horse wagons," and who placed his savings in the
Pilot Line of canal-boats on completion of the canal, and on
his death president of the Canal Bank, aged 50, dies, March 2.
Common Council outlines duties and creates office of Fire Chief
and fixes his salary at $600, March 6.
Leonard Gansevoort's widow, Mary, aged 82, dies, April 2.
Solomon Van R.ensselaer removed as postmaster and is succeeded
by James D. Wasson, April 2.

550 BARENT PHILIP STAATS. No. 42.
1843.
Friend Humphrey elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 3,210 votes as the Whig candidate, and Peter Ganse
voort 2,984 votes as the Democratic candidate ; Nathan Colburn,
32 votes, and scattering, blank, etc., 14 votes ; total number of
votes cast, 6,240; his majority over Peter Gansevoort being
226 votes, and he is declared elected, "April 11.
? ? ?
(See No. 43)

No. 43.
3Tronn ijnmnljmj*

April 18, 1843 — April 15. 1844.
April 16, 1844 — April 14, 1845.
-::- # *
April 17. 1849 —April 15, 1850.

No. 43.
FRIEND HUMPHREY.
Date of office: (a) April 18, 1843-April 15, 1844.
(b) April 16, 1844-April 14, 1845.
(c) April 17, 1849-April 15, 1850.
Date of election: (a) April 11, 1843.
(b) April 9, 1844.
(c) April 10, 1849.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) 3,210.
(b) 3^68.
(c) 3>i42-
Opponent: (a) Peter Gansevoort, (aa) Nathan Colburn.
(b) George M. Stanton, (bb) Thaddeus Joy, (bbb) Na
thaniel Safford.
(c) Thomas Hun.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 2,984, (aa) 32, blank and scattering 14.
(b) 2,638, (bb) 143, (bbb) 30, blank and scattering 7.
(c) 2.925-
Total vote: (a) 6,240.
(b) 6,086.
(c) 6,072.
Date of birth: March 8, 1787.
Place of birth: Simsbury, Conn.
Parents: Noah (H.) and Margaret Case.
Education: School at Simsbury.
Married to: (a) Hannah Hinman (d. about 1822).
(b) Julia Ann Hoyt (d. April 24, 1851).
Date: (a) Troy, about 181 1.
(b) Utica, about 1825.
Children: (a-3) Gideon, Harriet Louisa (married Clark B. Greg
ory), Aaron Burr.
(b-5) Mary Elizabeth (d. y.), Theodore Friend, James
Hoyt, Correl, Alexander Beebee.
Residence: No. 14, North Pearl street.
Occupation: Leather merchant.
Religion: Baptist.
Date of death: March 15, 1854.
Place of death: No. 14 North Pearl street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Senator.
Remarks: Came to Albany in 181 1. Popular, energetic, advanced
morality. Closed public markets on Sunday. Senator, 1839.

43. FRIEND HUMPHREY.
1843-45; 1849-50.
From a crayon portrait owned in 1904 by his son, Theodore Friend Humphrey,
New York.

No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 553

1843.

(Continued from No. 42.)
1843.

Friend Humphrey assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, he having
been elected at the Charter election, held on April nth, as the
Whig candidate, receiving 3,210 votes, to the 2,984 votes cast
for the Democratic candidate, Peter Gansevoort; Mayor Hum
phrey's majority being 226 votes, April 18.
Common Council organizes and appoints Sylvanus H. H. Parsons,
clerk; PI. Ii. Hickox, deputy chamberlain; Horace B. Webster,
city attorney ; Wm. McC. Cushman, surveyor ; Isaac M. Com
stock, police justice, and John Morgan superintendent of alms
house, April 18.
Charter election, Mayor Friend Humphrey ; Common Council :
William Chambers, Peter Carmichael, I. William W. For
syth, William W. Monteath, II. M.  Hendrickson,
John M. Hughes, III. William Adams, Denison Worthington,
IV. Visscher Ten Eyck, Andrew White, V. William McElroy,
Edward M. Teall, VI. Rensselaer West, Robert McCullom,
VII. John McKnight, Jacob Dowling, VIII. John S. Van
Rensselaer, Ichbold L. Judson, IX. Joshua I. Jones, Thomas
Kirkpatrick, X. Election, April n ; sworn in, April 18.
The river season in activity, the ice having passed out on April 13th
after remaining intact since Nov. 28th, the longest closed season
(136 days) on record, the Utica being the first steamboat to
arrive on the first date mentioned, April 19.
Albany Hospital having been incorporated on April 14th, funds are
raised, April 20.
Pomeroy & Co. establish Hudson River Express Line.
Elisha Dorr, a Revolutionary soldier and native of Lyme, Conn.,
who was stationed on Long Island during war, aged 80, dies,
April 30.
Wm. A. Tweed Dale elected president of Sailors' Bethel, May 30.
Van Rensselaer Manor House (erected in 1765) having been ex
tensively remodeled by Upjohn since 1840, first occupied by-
Stephen Van Rensselaer, Jr., the " Young Patroon," June 3.
Ex-Mayor B. P. Staats presides at a meeting in the " Old " Capitol
where Irish repeal is considered at a meeting of Irishmen, June 21.

554 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43,
1843.
Independence Day celebrated, Willis Hall the orator and Edward
S. Willett reading the Declaration, July 4,
Utica & Schenectady railroad, later on incorporated with other lines
to form the New York Central, elects John V. L. Pruyn its
secretary and treasurer to succeed Gideon Hawley, resigned, July 4.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints John Varley the first superin
tendent.
John Keyes Paige elected president of the Canal Bank, July 12.
Steamboat Express put on Schuyler's Albany Passenger Line.
Ex-President John Quincy Adams (President 1825-1829) visits Al
bany and is heartily received, Aug. 2.
Samaritan Lodge, No. 93, I. O. O. F., instituted, Aug. 4.
Steamboat Empire built by William H. Brown, 936 tons, 307 feet
long, 30 feet broad, 9 feet deep, (2) 48 x 144 in. engine.
John C. Yates, son of late John Van Ness Yates, aged 29, dies,
Aug. 12.
Steamboat Knickerbocker makes her first appearance here in 7
hours, 33 minutes, running time, and a record, built by Smith
& Dimon, 1,000 tons, 291 feet long, 31 broad, 9 feet deep,
65 x 120 in. engine, Aug. 18.
Wilmarth Southwick, brother of Solomon, aged 65, dies, Aug. 19.
Common Council orders that farmers expose for sale no more meat
on State street; but use lower part of Howard street near
Market, Aug. 27.
Daily Knickerbocker first issued by Hugh J. Hastings, Sept. 4.
George W. Merchant, aged 53, dies, Sept. 5.
Rev. Henry N. Pohlman installed by First Lutheran Church, Sept. 24.
James Vanderpoel, long a state circuit judge, aged 57, dies, Oct. 3.
Rev. Samuel Fisher, of W. Bloomfield, N. J., installed by the
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Oct. 13.
Common Council appropriates $150 for an ornamental steering-
wheel for, the new United States frigate Albany, Oct. 16.
James McClure of James & Archibald McClure, an alderman, and
who sought to introduce gas into Albany by giving a series of
demonstrations, aged 45, dies, Nov. 16.
Common Council sanctions contract with the Mohawk & Hudson
railroad, making a loan to the road of $125,000 for 20 years
at 5%, the city to expend $60,000 upon track and depot, to be
leased to the road for 20 years at nominal rent, when railroad
is to have option of buying the same, paying 5% for past

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE OF 1843.
This shows how the building of 1765 looked after it had been considerably altered by Architect Upjohn, and opened again on
June 3, 1843.

NO. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 555

1843-1844.

use, and the company agreeing to proceed at once to construct
a rail route along Patroon's creek, to connect with the Boston
ferry at foot of Maiden Lane, Nov. 27.
River frozen over on the 5th and closed to navigation, Dec. 10.
Abraham Van Vechten elected city attorney to succeed Florace B.
Webster, deceased, Dec. n.
South Baptist Society dedicates new edifice on west side of So.
Pearl street at head of Herkimer street, Dec. 25.

1844.

Gerrit V. S. Bleecker's wife, Jane Shepherd, aged 43, dies, Jan. 1.
Otis Dimmick, renowned as a rapid messenger on horse, carries the
Governor's Message to Troy in 24 minutes, Jan. 2.
Nicholas Bleecker, aged 86, dies, Jan. 8.
Anthony Rhoades Armington, aged 37, dies, Jan. 22.
Thermometer 14 degrees below zero, Jan. 28.
Charles Smyth, first agent of tow-boats on river, aged 60, dies, Feb. 6.
Benjamin Austin, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 87, dies, Feb. 14.
Washington Rifle Company organized, Feb. 22.
Salem Dutcher, a prominent merchant, aged 41, dies in New York,
Feb. 25.
Col. Robert Elliott, assistant postmaster quarter of century, dies,
March, 10.
John V. Henry, Jr., who had been postmaster at Ann Arbor,
Mich., dies at Jackson, Mich., March n.
Ice in river breaking up, no communication with east shore, March 14.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 18.
Third Presbyterian Church sells its place on Montgomery street and
buys a lot on Clinton Square and Chapel street, March 29.
Common Council takes steps to aid establishment of a State Normal
school in this city, April 1.
Albany Hydrant Co. formed by John Townsend, John Keyes Paige
and some others.
Law for incorporation of the Albany Penitentiary on April 13th, is
prepared by the city attorney, April 10.
Albany Waterworks Co. increases capital, $40,000 to $80,000.

556 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43.
1844.
Mayor Friend Humphrey re-elected at the Charter election, receiving
3,268 votes as the Whig candidate; George W. Stanton, 2,638
votes as the Democratic candidate; Thaddeus Joy, 143 votes;
Nathaniel Safford, 30 votes; blank and scattering, 7; total,
6,086 votes cast; Humphrey's majority over Stanton, 630 votes,
April 9.
? ? ?
Mayor Friend Humphrey again assumes office, he having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th by a majority
of 630 votes, as the Whig candidate, April 16.
Common Council elects Sylvanus H. H. Parsons clerk of board;
Ii. H. Hickcox, deputy chamberlain; Abraham Van Vechten,
city attorney, April 16.
Common Council lets contract to Kirkpatrick & LaGrange to supply
the alms-house with meat at 2j4 cents per pound, April 16.
Charter election, Mayor Friend Humphrey; Cominon Council:
William Chambers, Homer R. Phelps, I. Peter Carmichael,
Packard Van Benthuysen, II. Robert Freeman, G. V. S.
Bleecker, III. William Adams, Denison Worthington, IV.
Thomas McMullen, George Dexter, V. William McElroy,
Edward M. Teall, VI. John Van Ness, Jr., Timothy Spears,
VII. John McKnight, David D. Ramsey, VIII. Alfred B.
Street, Christopher Adams, IX. Michael Artcher, Philander
Coley, X. Election, April 9; sworn in, April 16.
Hugh Humphrey, for 26 years superintendent of the Water Works
Co., resigns, April 25.
Montgomery Hall demolished, April 30.
City chamberlain reports for past year expenditures, $303,344.98,
and receipts, $322,809.65, May 1.
New York State Normal School established at Albany (David B.
Page its first principal) by Legislative Act, May 7.
Remains of Col. John Mills, who fell in the Battle of Sackett's
Harbor on May 29, 1813, interred in centre of Capitol Park, on
a line with centre of State street ; Robert E. Temple delivering
a glowing eulogy in his memory, May 29.
Steamboat South America makes record trip from New York, run
ning time only 7 hours, May 30.
Capt. Thomas Bayeux, aged 43, dies, June 4.
Stanwix Hall, renovated, opened by Wheeler & Bromley, June 10.
Common Council petitioned by John L. Winne, Joseph Hall and
others to do away with the Arbor Iiill burial-ground on Ten
Broeck street, as adjacent land had been graded lower and
falling soil revealed coffins ; decision to remove remains to Rural
Cemetery, June 10.

No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 557
1844.
A hospital for the city demanded by twelve clergymen writing to
The Argus, June 12.
DeWitt Clinton's remains, interred in the burial-ground on Swan
street, removed to New York for burial, June 21.
Independence Day celebrated ; oration by Charles L. Austin ; A. D.
Robinson, reader of the Declaration ; Col. Sam'l Van Vechten
marshal of the parade, July 4.
Westerlo Van Rensselaer dies, July 8.
Resolutions passed on " repeal movement " in Ireland, at a meeting-
held in the " Old " Capitol, John L. Schoolcraft presiding, July 8.
Hope Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., (instituted April 24, 1826) re-in
stituted, July 15.
Delavan House (Broadway, Steuben, Montgomery and Columbia
streets) being erected by Edward C. Delavan, July 20.
Third Presbyterian Church, facing Clinton Square at southwest
corner of Patroon street (Clinton ave.) corner-stone laid,
July 29.
Philomathean Lodge, No. 711, G. U. O. of O. F. granted dispensa
tion, July-
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer's wife, Cornelia, aged 64, dies at
New York, Aug. 6.
Wm. L. Stone, former editor of Daily Advertiser, aged 52, dies,
Aug. 15.
Hudson Avenue Methodist Church dedicated, Sept. 27.
Col. Nicholas Van Rensselaer's wife, Eliza, aged 85, dies at Green
bush, Sept. 28.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad trains first pass down new tracks of
Tivoli Hollow to depot at foot of Maiden Lane adjacent to the
Boston ferry, which makes Stanwix Hall a most popular
hostelry, Sept. 30.
Albany Rural Cemetery consecrated, military, fireman and civic
bodies uniting in an imposing procession, the clergy carrying-
out religious exercises, and Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivering
address, Oct. 7.
John Cook organizes the second band Albany ever had.
Henry G Wheaton elected Congressman and Ira Harris Assembly
man, Nov. 5.
Albany Gas Light Co. (incorporated March 27, 1841) subscribed
for successfully in the sum of $100,000, Nov. 13.
Albany Savings Bank first open daily in the Fall.
Henry Trowbridge, Albany Museum's founder, aged 69, dies, Dec. 5.

558 FRIEND HUMPHREY'. No. 43,
1844-1845.
Christian Miller, present at the inauguration of Washington when
an artillerist, coming to Albany in 1789, agent for John Jacob
Astor in fur trade (born in Hanau, Ger., Mch. 7, 1767) aged
78, dies, Dec. 6.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 17.
New York State Normal School opened in building formerly the
Mohawk & Hudson depot, near the northeast corner of State
and Eagle streets, and later Van Vechten Hall, David Perkins
Page created its first principal, paying rental of $1,200 to rail
road, Dec. 16.
Mayor, recorder and supervisors directed to secure site for the
Albany Penitentiary, (authorized by Act of April 13th), Dec. 19.
First Methodist Church, south side of Hudson street (avenue) be
tween Grand and Philip streets, dedicated, Dec. 25.
Albany Burgesses' Corps, Emmet Guards, Van Rensselaer Guards
and Washington Riflemen iprotect Hudson, N. ;Y.i, against
Anti-renters, Dec. 31.

1845.
Silas Wright inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
Population of the city at this time 41,152 persons, Jan. 1.
Townsend House, on site of Montgomery Hall, opened as hotel, Jan. 1.
Common Council directs that the morning bell be struck from Feb.
ist, at sunrise instead of at 8 a. m., and that the bell of the
Fourth Presbyterian also be struck, Jan. 6.
David V. P. Colvin, aged 45, dies, Jan. 7.
Telegraph line first completed from Albany to Utica, Jan. 31.
First telegraph office in city opened under O. S. Wood, in Exchange
Building, Feb. I.
John Van Buren appointed state attorney-general, Feb. 3.
River open (Government record), and steamboat Norwich arrives,
Feb. 24.
The city having obtained possession of Arbor Hill cemetery, on Ten
Broeck st., which was conveyed to Dirck Bradt and 11 others by
Stephen Van Rensselaer Oct. 31, 1764, to bury corpses of Rens
selaerswyck, decides to convey the property to Stephen Van
Rensselaer, March 25.
Steamboat Swallow wrecked near Athens, and among the 35 persons
drowned three from this city, April 6.

lake bethesda.

consecration lake.

RURAL CEMETERY LAKES.

The cemetery was consecrated on Oct. 7, 1844, there being a large parade o'. civic and military bodies and address by
Hon. Daniel D. Barnard ; John Varley, first superintendent, 1843 ; first interment, May, 1845.

No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 559
1845, 1849.
John Keyes Paige elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 3,148 votes as the Democratic candidate; Friend
Humphrey receiving 3,110 votes as the Whig candidate; Jacob
Lansing receiving 160 votes as the Native American candidate ;
Nathaniel Safford receiving 12 votes as the Abolition candidate ;
blank and scattering, 9 votes ; total 6,439 votes ; J. K. Paige's
majority over F. Humphrey, 38 votes, and John Keyes Paige is
declared elected, April 7.
? ? ?
(See No. 44.)
(Continued from No. 46.)
1849.

Friend Humphrey sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 10th, when he
received 3,142 votes as the Whig candidate ; Thomas Hun re
ceiving 2,925 votes as the Democratic candidate; total, 6,072
votes; Humphrey's majority over Hun being 217 votes, he was
declared elected Mayor, April 17.
The Albany Hospital having been incorporated on April 14th, those
agitating a building begin soliciting subscriptions, April 17.
Law establishing a court of special sessions goes into force, April 17.
Charter election, Mayor, Friend Humphrey; Common Council:
William L. Osborn, Lucien B. Laney, I. John W. Harcourt,
Edward Satterlee, II. Charles W. Godard, Garret V. S.
Bleecker, III. John D. Hewson, George T. Ladue, IV. Henry
Bleecker, James McNaughton, V. Charles M. Jenkins, James
A. Wilson, VI. William Gillespie, Henry B. Hewitt, VII. Pat
rick M. McCall, Chauncey P. Williams, VIII. Richard H.
Thomson, William Cumming, IX. Michael Artcher, George
M. Sayles, X. Election, April 10; sworn in, April 17.
Pier opening between State and Columbia streets having been found
too narrow to admit vessels readily into the Basin, an Act was
was passed on April 14th, authorizing the space to be enlarged
from 60 to 126 feet, work commences thereon, April 18.
New York State " Herbarium " organized by Dr. Torrey, April.

560 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43.

1849.

Albany & Schoharie Plank Road Co. organized at a meeting, Teunis
Van Vechten presiding, April 20.
Court of Special Sessions first opened by the Recorder and Justice
Cole, April 24.
Novel form of car, built at the James Goold carriage factory in
this city, placed on the track of the Champlain & St. Lawrence
road, April 28.
Boy born of German parents on up trip of the Isaac Newton, May 3.
Friends' Meeting-house, south side of Plain St., burned some, May 12.
Rev. Dr. Dewey preaches farewell at Unitarian Church, May 13.
Common Council appoints John Osborn captain of fire police, May 14.
Albany Daily Messenger, one cent paper, issued first time, B. F.
Romaine, editor, May 15.
Ground broken at southeast corner of No. Pearl and Colonie streets
for Holy Innocents' Church, May 16.
Steamboat Empire wrecked on way to this city, May 18.
Albany & Cohoes railroad stock, $18,000, subscribed by eight per
sons, May 23.
Common Council receives report that hogs running the streets at
large number four thousand, May 24.
Propeller named Marcus T. Reynolds, for canal navigation, arrives
in the Basin, May 25.
Work begun planking the Great Western Turnpike from Snipe
street westward, May* 29.
Retiring Postmaster Wasson presented with a silver pitcher by the
corps of clerks, May 31.
Iron Bridge built by F. Townsend & Co. swung across the Basin
at foot of Hamilton street to the Pier, June 1.
District school on Arbor Hill opened, June 1.
Mayor Humphrey directs physicians to report to him each day at
noon any cases of cholera, as Henry Husthouse had died two
days previous of that dread disease, June 6.
Holy Innocents' Church corner-stone laid by Bishop Whittingham
of the bishopric'of Maryland, June 7.
Isaac Matson, from New York, stopping at Northern Hotel, dies of
cholera, June 8.
An emigrant dies of cholera, June 9.
Conrad A. Ten Eyck, a justice of Justice's Court, bursts blood-vessel
and dies, June 10.
Steamboat New World, a day boat, makes first appearance, June 11.

No. 43- FRIEND HUMPHREY. 561
1849.
Albany Hydrant Co. dissolved, June 12.
Five deaths from cholera in past three days, June 13.
Mr. Van Wagner, " The Poughkeepsie Blacksmith," addresses a
pressing throng at the " Temperance Pavilion " erected in No.
Pearl St., June 14.
Many arrests made of merchants having signs protruding more than
18 inches from their stores, June 15.
Thermometer 98 degrees, (being within two degrees of the Govern
ment record at Albany up to 1906), June 21.
Cholera fatal cases were 2 on 26th, 1 on 27th, 3 on 28th, 2 on
29th, 5 on 30th; deaths by cholera during June number 22 out
of 41 cases, a percentage of one in two, fatal, June 30.
The Sunday Dutchman, weekly paper, first appears, June 30.
Cholera becoming almost as serious an epidemic as was the plague
in this city in 1832, seven cases on the 2nd with five of them
fatal, and 11 cases, four deaths, July 3.
Independence Day celebrated by three processions, July 4.
Canal Bank receiver announces that on the 16th 40 cents, the final
dividend and full amount of circulating bills, would be paid, July 7.
Marcus T. Reynolds confirmed by Senate as Justice of Supreme
Court, July 7.
Cornelius J. Cuyler, aged 51 years, dies, July 10.
Sixteen new cholera- cases and three deaths, July 12
Riot among firemen while six houses burn on Broad street, July 12.
Thermometer 96 degrees at noon, (4 below record of July 3,
1898), July 12.
Steamboat Alida, making first appearance this year, equals the record
trip made by the South America on May 30, 1844, running
time from New York 7 hours. July 18.
Thirteen cases of cholera, six fatal, July 19.
Harmanus Bleecker, an attorney of great prominence throughout
the State and one of the greatest philanthropists Albany ever
produced, dies at his residence, the southeast corner of Chapel
and Steuben streets. He was born Oct. 19, 1779, in the house
one door south of where he died, the fifth in descent from Jan
Jansen Bleecker, the progenitor of the widely distributed family
in America, who came from Meppel, province of Overyssel,
Holland, in 1658 and was 7th Mayor of Albany. Mr. Bleecker
studied law in the office of John V. Henry, none greater versed
in the law at the time, and was admitted in 1801. More than
two score lawyers of prominence were his students, among

562 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43.
1849.
them David Dudley Field. Several times elected to the Assem
bly; in 1810 elected to Congress; Regent of the University;
commissioner to settle New York-New Jersey boundary; de
clined Governor Clinton's offer of adjutant-general; appointed
Minister to The Hague by Van Buren, and for his many good
qualities sincerely mourned, July 19.
Steamboat Alida makes record run from New York, 6 hours, 51
mins., July 20.
Gen. Matthew Trotter's widow, Margaret, (Trotter's Alley from
Broadway to river, south of Hudson ave., named after him)
aged 80, dies, July 23.
Large, brilliant halo about the sun, forenoon, July 25.
State Normal school first occupies its own building erected for the
purpose at northwest corner of Lodge and Ploward streets, July 30.
Cholera cases during the month numbered 343 and deaths 125,
July 31.
Alms-house has 405 inmates, Penitentiary has 173, Aug. 1.
National day of fasting and prayer, following the President's proc
lamation, because of cholera and plague ; all stores closed, Aug. 3.
Board of Health orders, under penalty of $25, that sextons report
a" burials, Aug. 10.
Ex-Mayor John Townsend's wife, Abby, daughter of ex-Mayor
Ambrose Spencer, aged 60, dies, Aug. 17.
Seventy-six cases of cholera in 48 hours reported; 11 deaths, Aug. 27.
Cholera cases during month numbered 348; causing 154 deaths, Aug. 30.
President Zachary Taylor arrives at Albany from the West, and
departs on a steamboat for New York, Sept. 6.
Hon. Henry Clay, after a visit to Martin Van Buren at his home
in Kinderhook, comes to Albany, and in the afternoon leaves
for a trip to the West, Sept. 8.
Townsend's Furnace casts an enormous iron kettle for Syracuse salt
works, weight 12 tons, 9 feet deep and 9 feet across brim,
Sept. 13.
Hose Depot, south side of Plain street near Philip, construction
begun on site of haymarket, Sept. 18.
Baron Hecker, exiled German patriot, arrives from New York with
50 companions and leaves for Illinois, Sept. 18.

No. 43. FRIEND HUMPHREY. 563
1849.
First passenger train runs on the Hudson River railroad, New York
to Peekskill, * Sept. 19.
Pier Company and the city have understanding regarding the Basin
and bridges, the latter paying the company $30,000 and the
concern to maintain the bridges, Sept. 21.
Amos P. Palmer's wife, Hannah B., dies at Newton's Corners, Sept. 26.
Erastus Corning suffers loss (Corning, Winslow & Co.) of $40,000
by fire at the Albany Nail Works, south of Troy, Sept. 27.
Albany Medical College opened by Dr. T. R. Beck lecturing, Oct. 2.
Telegraph line ("telegraphery ") operating to Catskill, Oct. 4.
Telegraphic communication with New York and Buffalo, Oct. 6.
Albany, Rensselaerville & Schoharie Plank Road Co. organized,
Lansing Pruyn president, Oct. 10.
Following heavy freshet caused by continued rainy spell, T. Carman
went above the Troy dam and caught 7,000 suckers, which he
brought back to the city with him, towed in scows, Oct. 11.
Old Cherry Valley turnpike planked to Guilderland, Oct. 17.
Anti-rent convention, Oct. 18.
David B. Douglas, LL.D., who laid out the grounds of Albany Rural
Cemetery, dies at Geneva College, where engaged as professor
of Natural philosophy, Oct. 21.
Peter Wendell, M. D., born here in 1786, one of the foremost prac
titioners, Regent of the University in, 1823 and its Chancellor
in 1842, dies, Oct. 29.
Robert Hewson Pruyn elected Assemblyman, receiving 292 more
votes than ex-Mayor B. P. Staats, Nov. 6.
Boardman & Gray, piano makers, receive a medal at American Insti
tute exhibition in New York, Nov. 8.
Severe freshet past three days, much damage, caused by rain,
Nov. 11.
Thanksgiving Day celebrated, Nov. 29.
Albany & Mohawk Plank Road Co. organized, capital $25,000,
William McElroy its first president, Dec. 1.
Thos. Turner, former resident, U. S. Consul to Brazil aged 30,
dies at Bahia, Brazil, Dec. 2.
Corps of men sent to dig for coal 6 miles west of Coeymans, Dec. 10.
First Presbyterian Church edifice, at northeast corner of So. Pearl
and Beaver streets, sold for $17,550 to James Kidd, Dec. 13.
Mayor Friend Humphrey elected president Albany City Tract Soc'y,
Dec. 14.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 26.

564 FRIEND HUMPHREY. No. 43.
1850.

1850.
Legislature convenes, Jan. i.
Population of the city 50,762, New York state, 3,097,394, Jan. 1.
Rensselaer Van Rensselaer, commander-in-chief of forces on Navy
Island in recent Canadian Rebellion, dies at Syracuse, Jan. 1.
Ralph Waldo Emerson lectures before the Young Men's Association
at the North Methodist Church, Jan. 10.
Ruel Clapp, of Clapp & Townsend, proprietors of Townsend's Sar-
saparilla, dies of heart failure, Jan. 17.
Holy Innocents' Church first opened for service, Feb. 3.
Thermometer 12 below zero, Feb. 6.
Rufus G. Beardsley elected president of the Y. M. Association, Feb. 7.
River open to navigation temporarily, Feb. 10.
Albany Daily Times makes its first appearance, Jacob T. Hazen
editor, published by Heron, Furman & Thornton, Feb. 16.
Erastus Corning, Thomas W. Olcott, James Kidd and others peti
tion the Legislature for right to extend Cohoes railroad to the
Vermont line near Bennington, Feb. 21.
First Presbyterian church, n. e. corner So. Pearl and Beaver streets
used for last time, Rev. Dr. J. N. Campbell delivering a fare
well, March 3.
First Presbyterian Church, s. e. corner of Hudson avenue and
Philip street, used for the first time, March 10.
River open to navigation (official record), March 10.
Congregationalists occupy former ist Presbyterian church, n. e. cor.
So. Pearl and Beaver streets, hoisting a bell weighing 2,058 lbs.,
March 22.
Democrats in convention nominate Eli Perry for Mayor, April 2.
Whigs in convention nominate Franklin Townsend for Mayor, April 4.
Congregationalists first use building n. e. cor. So. Pearl and Beaver,
April 7.
Water commissioners created, chapter 235, Act of, April 9.
Franklin Townsend elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 3,229 votes to 3,217 cast for Eli Perry, Democratic
candidate, and 10 blank and scattering; total number of votes
cast, 6,456; Franklin Townsend's majority over Eli Perry, 12
votes, April 9.
? ? ?
(See No. 47.)

No. 44.
Jnljn Ifcjjra JIauj?.

April 15, 1845— April 13. 1846.

No. 44.
JOHN KEYES PAIGE.
Date of office: April 15, 1845-April 13, 1846.
Date of election: April 8, 1845.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 3,148.
Opponent: (a) Friend Humphrey, (aa) Jacob Lansing, (aaa)
Nathaniel Safford.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) 3,110, (aa) 160, (aaa) 12, blank and scattering 9.
Total vote: 6,439.
Date of birth: August 2, 1788.
Place of birth: Plardwick, Mass.
Parents: Winslow (P.) and Clarissa Keyes.
Education: Williams College.
Married to: Helen Yates (dau. of Gov. J. C. Yates).
(b) Anna Maria Bloodgood (dau. of 38th Mayor).
Date: (a) October 15, 1817, at Schenectady.
(b) November 20, 1833, at Albany.
Children: (a-i) Joseph Christopher Yates.
(b-6) Anna Bloodgood, John Keyes, Clara Antoinette,
Frances Cobham, John Keyes, Alonzo Winslow.
Residence: No. 17 Washington avenue Schenectady.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: December 10, 1857.
Place of death: No. 17 Washington avenue, Schenectady.
Place of burial: Vale Cemetery, Schenectady.
Title: Colonel.
Remarks: War of 1812. President of the Canal Bank. Clerk of
the Supreme Court 19 years. Regent, 1826.

44- JOHN KEYES PAIGE.
1845-1846.
I'rom a photograph made by Floyd of the oil painting by Inman, owned in
1904 by his grandchildren in Schenectady.

No. 44. JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 567
1845.
("Continued from No. 43.)
1845.

John Keyes Paige having been elected Mayor of Albany at the
Charter election held on April 8th, at which he received 3,148
votes as the Democratic candidate, Friend Humphrey 3,110
votes as the Whig candidate, Jacob Lansing 160 votes as the
Native American candidate, Nathaniel Safford 12 votes as the
Abolition candidate, and blank and scattering 9 votes, a total of
6,439, assumes office at the meeting of the Common Council
as the successor of Mayor Friend Humphrey, April 15.
Common Council elects Sylvanus H. H. Parsons its clerk and Lewis
Benedict, Jr., city attorney, April 15.
Charter election, Mayor, John Keyes Paige; Common Council:
Patrick B. Rooney, Homer R. Phelps, I. Benjamin Thomas,
Samuel Westcott, II. G. V. S. Bleecker, Henry B. Haswell,
III. James Goold, John D. Hewson, IV. Jacob H. Ten Eyck,
Robert Hewson Pruyn, V. John A. Livingston, Robert McCul-
lom, VI. Timothy Spears, Stephen Van R. Ableman, VII.
John McKnight, David D. Ramsey, VIII. Eli Perry, Thomas
Coulson, IX. Michael Artcher, Philander Coley, X. Election,
April 7 ; sworn in, , April 15.
Hon. Jared Lewis Rathbone, the 41st Mayor of Albany and head
of the firm of Rathbone & Chapin, merchants, born at Salem,
Conn., on August 2, 1791, dies at his residence, southwest cor
ner of State and Eagle streets, May 13.
Albany Rural Cemetery first interment, May.
Ira Harris' wife, Louisa, aged 35, dies, May 17.
Second Presbyterian Church receives its bell, weighing 2,800 pounds, June 9.
Common Council petitioned to restore State street pumps, June 15.
Killian K. Van Rensselaer, son of Killian Van Rensselaer of Green
bush, born in 1763, attorney of high rank, many years alderman
and member of Congress, 1801 to 1811, and member of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church consistory, aged 82 years,
dies, June 18.
Penitentiary building commenced, Amos Pilsbury, superintendent, June.
Funeral obsequies of General Jackson carried out by military and
civic organizations ; but interfered with by heavy rain, June 30.

568 JOHN KEYES PAIGE. No. 44.
1845.
Independence Day celebration, Isaac Vanderpoel the orator, and R.
S. Cushman the reader. The Young Men's Association and
the temperance societies likewise carried out similar programs, July 4-
Steamboat Oregon built by Smith & Dimon of New York, 1,050
tons, 330 feet long, 35 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 72x132 in.
engine.
Steamboat Rip Van Winkle, Capt. L. D. Abell, makes her first ap
pearance; 220 feet long, 26 feet broad, drawing 3 ft. 10 inches
of water, Lighthall's horizontal and half-beam engine, 44-in.
cylinder with 10-ft. stroke,  July 16.
Robert Van Rensselaer's wife, Margaret, dies, July 17.
Obadiah R. Van Benthuysen associated himself with Robert. Pack
ard in the printing business in 1813, and became a leader in the
profession, quick to add improvements or to conceive them
himself, and was the first in the country to apply the power of
a steam engine to printing, and likewise the first to apply steam
in the casting of types for printing; associated himself with
Edwin Croswell of the Argus from 1824 to 1839. as managing
editor, at which time the state printing was done by them ; aged
59, dies, Aug. 15.
Charles B. Lansing's wife, Catherine Clinton, dies, Sept. 8.
Post-Office removed from basement of the City Hall to the Centre
Market by order of the Common Council, Sept. 8.
Census announcement shows a population of 41,152 persons, Sept. 15.
Steamboat Oregon makes first appearance and is greatly admired
for the improvements over previous vessels, Sept. 21.
Steamboat Hendrik Hudson of the People's Line makes her first
appearance; 1,170 tons, 320 feet long, 35 feet broad, 9 feet
deep, 72 x 132 in. engine, Oct. 9
Albany Gas Light Co. works completed, October
Angus McDuffie, former sheriff, aged 54, dies, Nov. 2
Ira Harris elected assemblyman, Nov. 4
Penitentiary walls, built as high as roof, blown down, Nov. 9
Albany Gas Light Co. makes a test of street lighting, Nov. 10
William Clark, his team and cart sink out of sight while drawing
clay at the Hudson street (avenue) pond and all drown, Nov. 13.
Albany Gas Light Co. supplies residents with gas through four miles
of pipes as an experimental test, Nov. 25.
Dr. James H. Armsby's wife, Anna L. H., daughter of Hon. Gib
son Hawley, aged 25, dies, Nov. 30.

No. 44- JOHN KEYES PAIGE. 569
1845-1846.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 3,
Third Presbyterian Church dedicated, Dec. 3.
Troy and Greenbush railroad opened.
Francis Dwight, editor of District School Journal, dies, Dec. 15.
During the year 42 fires, total loss $57,232, Dec. 31.

1846.
Albany Gas Light Co., Harmon Pumpelly its first president, secures
136 consumers and lights 90 street lamp-posts, Jan. 1.
Common Council receives report that there are 1 1 engine companies,
2 hook and ladder companies, 1 hose and 1 axe company, Jan. 12.
William Gould, head of the firm of Gould, Banks & Gould, law
booksellers, who came to Albany in 1809 from Caldwell, N. J.,
aged 72, dies, Jan. 20.
Stephen P. Schuyler, aged 66, dies, Feb. 5.
Casparus F. Pruyn, aged 54, dies, Feb. 11.
River open to navigation, steamboat Columbia arriving, March 17.
Steamboat St. Nicholas put in commission, March.
Law drawn for the acquisition of greater water supply for the
city, the cost having been estimated at $100,000 to accomplish
plans set forth by Alderman Haswell, April 5.
William Parmelee elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election
held on this day, he receiving 3,105 votes as the Whig candi
date, John Keyes Paige receiving 2,513 votes as the Democratic
candidate, Chauncey Pratt Williams 22 votes, Edward Hunter
5 votes, blank and scattering 40 votes ; total 5,685 votes, Will
iam Parmelee receiving a majority of 592 votes over John K.
Paige and is declared elected Mayor of Albany, April 14.
Charter election, Mayor, William Parmelee ; Common Council :
Richard Parr, Patrick B. Rooney, I. Henry C. Whelpley, John
W. Harcourt, II. Henry Greene, James H. Pease, III. John
D. Hewson, James Goold, IV. Andrew White, Robert Hew
son Pruyn, V. Thomas McElroy, John A. Livingston, VI.
Charles Chapman, John Van Ness, Jr., VII. John Harrison,
Elkanah Hunter, VIII. Arthur H. Root, Theodore Watkins,
IX. Joshua I. Jones, Edmund Dorr, X. Election, April
14; sworn in April 14,
? ? ?
(See No. 45.)

No. 45.
HItUtam flarmHrc.

April 14. 1846 — April 19. 1847.
April 20, 1847— April 17, 1848.
# # #
Jan. IO. 1854— April 16, 1855
April 17. 1855 — MarcK 15, 1856.

No. 45.
WILLIAM PARMELEE.
Date of office: (a) April 14, 1846-April 19, 1847.
(b) April 20, 1847-April 17, 1848.
• (c) January 10, 1854-April 10, 1855.
(d) April 17, 1855-March 15, 1856. (death).
Date of election: (a) April 14 1846.
- (b) April 13, 1847.
(c) November 8, 1853.
(d) April 10, 1855.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: (a) 3,105.
(b) 4,088.
(c) 3,o73-
Opponent: (a) John Keyes Paige, (aa) C. P. Williams, (aaa) Ed
ward Hunter.
(b) James Goold, (bb) Matthew Hendrickson, (bbb)
John G. Woodruff.
(c) Eli Perry, (cc) Chauncey P. Williams, (ccc) Wm.
Eggleston.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 2,513, (aa) 22, (aaa) 5, blank and scattering 40.
(b) 1,168, (bb) 606, (bbb) 78, blank and scattering 39.
(c) 2,692, (cc) 1,165, (ccc) 6, blank and scattering 36.
Total vote: (a) 5,685.
(b) 5,979-
(c) 6,972.
Date of birth: November 28, 1807.
Place of birth: Lansingburg, N. Y.
Parents: Elias (P.) and Fanny Fitch.
Education: Yale, 1826.
Married to: (a) Margaretta Wright, (d. Lansingburg, Dec. 24,
1841).
(b) Helen Louisa Beck.
Date: (a) Washington, D. C, 1838.
(b) Albany, November, 1848.
Children: (a-i) Margaretta Wright (Homans) d. Paris, 1874.
(b-2) Harriet Caldwell (Nivert, Paris), William Cald
well (1853-1856).
Residence: Mansion House.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Date of death: March 15, 1856.
Place of death: Albany.
Place of burial: Caldwell, N. Y.
Title: Judge.
Remarks: City Attorney. County Judge, 1839 ; 1847-52. Recorder,
1840-46.

45- WILLIAM PARMELEE.
1846-48; 1854-56.
From a photograph made at Paris, France, by M. H. Fontes from an oil
painting by Elliott, owned in 1904 by his daughter, Mme. Harriet Caldwell
Parmelee Nivert.

NO. 45- WILLIAM PARMELEE. 573
1846.
(Continued from No. 44.)
1846.

William Parmelee assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, having
received 3,105 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, John
Keyes Paige, receiving 2,513 votes as the Democratic candidate,
Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 22 votes, Edward Hunter
receiving 5 votes, and 40 votes counted as blank or scattering;
total number of votes cast, 5,685 ; Parmelee's majority over
Paige being 592 votes, April 14.
Penitentiary's south wing nearly ready for occupancy, April.
Ira Harris elected a member of Constitutional Convention, April 28.
Benjamin Knower, aged 33, dies at Marseilles, France, May 18.
Albany portion of National Guard enrolled in Third Division.
Constitutional Convention assembles, June 1.
Peter Boyd, whose father came to this city from Scotland in 1774,
a merchant of upright dealing, dies, July 3.
Telegraph line completed between Albany and New York, July 3.
Walter Whitney, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 87, dies, July 17.
Steamboat Thomas Powell built by Lawrence & Sneden, 585 tons,
231 feet long, 28 feet broad, 9 feet deep, 48 x 132 in. engine.
Feudal tenure abolished by Constitutional Convention, July.
Clinton Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F., re-instituted, Aug. 26.
Largest fire in eight years, destroying brewery and malt-house of R.
Boyd & Co. and Mineral Spring Garden, also dwellings, Ferry
and Arch streets, Sept. 8.
Mohawk & Hudson railroad elects John T. Norton president to suc
ceed Isaac Newton, who had resigned, Sept. 8.
Rev. James Martin, a divine and writer, born in this city in 1796,
dies at Cannonsburg, Pa.
Telegraph line completed between Albany and Buffalo, Sept. 9.
Roman Catholic diocese of Albany (Bishop John McCluskey, later
to be the first American cardinal) formed.
N. Y. Encampment No. 1, I. O. O. F., re-instituted, Sept. 23.
Constitutional Convention, after a session of 131 days, ends, Oct. 8.
Steamboat Isaac Newton makes her first appearance, built by Wm.
H. Brown of New York, 1,332 tons, 338 feet long, 40 feet
broad, 10 feet deep, 81 x 144 in. engine, Capt. W. H. Peck,
running on the People's Line, Oct. 9.
Henry L. Webb, a founder of the Canal Bank and at this time presi
dent of the Albany Gas Light Co., dies at Hartford, Conn., Oct. 12.

574 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.
1846-1847.
Death of Eliza, widow of Samuel Dexter, formerly a citizen of
great prominence, aged 84, Oct. 18.
One of the city's large conflagrations, consuming McCoy & Clark's
stove manufactory in Montgomery street, John Gibson's
planing-mill, the fur manufactory of George C. Treadwell and
Wm. H. De Witt's stave and lumber yard, Oct. 21.
Cost of operating district schools the past year $12,280.89, Oct- 31.
Marcus T. Reynolds elected to the Assembly, and John I. Slinger-
land to the Congress, Nov. 3.
Professor Joseph Henry of Albany, where he was born on Dec. 17,
1797, and was instructor in the natural sciences at the Albany
Academy from Sept. 11, 1826, until he went to Princeton to
be a member of the faculty, in November, 1832, is invited to be
come the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at Wash
ington, now being organized for the promotion of science and
the diffusion of knowledge under the liberal bequest of James
Smithson, of London, Eng., (born in England about 1765) who
had died at Genoa on June 27, 1829. The original sum was
105,000 English pounds, and it had increased by wise invest
ment to $703,000, before it was ready for use as designated.
By the Act of Congress, approved Aug. 10, 1846, it was
founded. He was asked within thirty days to be its directing
head and organizer, with the title of Secretary. He was loth
to leave Princeton University, where he was at times free to
conduct his researches in the electrical realm, and at the time
wrote: "If I go, I shall probably exchange permanent fame
for transient reputation," meaning that fame signified a certain
gain for scientific knowledge. (As a matter of record, in one
year he became so satisfied that he was accomplishing great
results, that he declined twice the salary of the government,
offered by the University of Pennsylvania to accept the chair
of natural philosophy there) . He accepts the offer and becomes
the head of the Smithsonian Institution, its Secretary, Dec. 3.
Common Council decides to light the City Hall with gas, Dec. 14.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 14.

1847.
John Young inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
River open at this date before city, warm and springlike, Jan. 1.
Common Council resolves to subscribe $100,000 so soon as indi
viduals take $150,000 more of the waterworks stock, Jan. 11.

No. 45- WILLIAM PARMELEE. 575
1847.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Low Weatherwax its (2nd) su
perintendent.
Firm of E. Corning & Co. moves into its new store, finest in the
city, No. 467 Broadway, east side north of State street, Jan. 15.
Hudson River Railroad Co. stock now being subscribed, Feb. 1.
Odeon, a new theatre on Broadway, opened, Feb. 1.
Starving Ireland the subject of a meeting in the Capitol, Feb. 12.
Schenectady & Albany road becomes Albany & Schenectady.
Three Roman Catholic churches raise $5,329 for Ireland's aid,
March 7.
Funeral honors paid to the remains of Capt. Lewis N. Morris, March 9.
25th Regiment, Col. Edward Frisby, organized here.
Dr. William Bay given a banquet on completion of 50 years of
practice, by Dr. T. Romeyn Beck and others at Congress Hall,
March 30.
Jakey Jackson, famed as a cleaner of lawyers' offices, dies, April 7.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 7.
Mohawk river breaks up, causing a flood so that storehouses on the
Pier are swept away, and an enormous quantity of grain lost,
April 10.
John Tweddle's wife, Sarah, aged 51, dies, April 12.
William Parmelee re-elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec
tion, receiving 4,088 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent,
James Goold, receiving 1,168 votes as the Democratic candi
date; Matthew Hendrickson receiving 606 votes; John G.
Woodruff receiving 78 votes ; blank and scattering, 39 votes ;
total number of votes cast, 5,979; Parmelee's majority over
James Goold being 2,920, Parmelee is declared elected Mayor,
April 13.
? ? ?
William Parmelee assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, having
been re-elected at the Charter election held on April 13th, when
he received 4,088 votes as the Whig candidate, being a majority
of 2,920 votes over James Goold, the Democratic candidate, April 20.
Charter election, Mayor William Parmelee; Common Council:
Richard Parr, Samuel W. Harned, I. George B. Riggs, Wil
liam W. Forsyth, II. Henry B. Haswell, George A. H. Engle-
hart, III. , Franklin ¦ Townsend, Daniel Fry, IV. Andrew
White, Robert Hewson Pruyn, V. John A. Livingston, Charles
M. Jenkins, VI. Rensselaer West, Uri Burt, VII. John Har-

576 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.
1847.
rison, Patrick McCall, VIII. George Traver, William Cum
ming, IX. Roswell Steele, Daniel B. Bassett, X. Election,
April 13; sworn in, April 20.
John Hoy, Jr., and E. D. Goodrich of Boston establish a tin goods
business (continuing there in 1905) at No. 15 Green street,
April 21.
Second Presbyterian Church (built at cost of $75,000 in 1816) reno
vated at an expense of $9,000 in its interior, April 25.
Mrs. John Van Ness Yates dies in New York city, April 29.
Rev. James McDonough, pastor of St. John's, So. Ferry street,
preaches farewell on departing for Brooklyn, May 9.
Rev. Dr. Schneller, pastor of St. Mary's for 12 years, transferred
to a Brooklyn parish, May 10.
Rev. Horatio Potter's wife, Mary Jane, dies at Schenectady, June 7.
Amasa Junius Parker and Ira Harris elected Justices of the Su
preme Court, June 7.
Mount Hermon Lodge, I. O. O. F., instituted, June 18.
Col. James McKown, a highly respected attorney, who had studied
law under John V. Henry and had been City Recorder for
more than 15 years, assemblyman and regent, aged 58, dies,
June 26.
Gerrit L. Dox, who had held responsible political positions, dies at
Waterloo, aged 62, Aug. 2.
Steamboat New World, built by Wm. H. Brown of New York, 1,418
tons, 385 feet long, 35 feet broad, 1 1 feet deep, 76 x 180 in.
engine, commences running.
John Erskine Lovett, many years city attorney, later an alderman
and for last 14 years of his life the Albany Insurance Co.'s sec
retary, an amiable, refined and learned man, aged 52, dies, Aug. 19.
Steamboat Alida, built by William H. Brown of New York, 640
tons, 265 feet long, 30 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 56 x 144 in.
engine, commences running.
Board of Trade organized.
Sixty teams with carts employed since 1844 filling in and grading
the Hudson avenue ravine, the Ruttenkill creek, between Lark
and Hawk streets, about complete the extensive work, August.
Munsell's " Annals of Albany " begin at this date, 10 volumes, con
taining back from this date " Notes from the Newspapers," as
a diary, to 1771 ; but first 20 years only a dozen items yearly,
Sept. 7.
Albany Morning Express, penny daily, James Stanley Smith, editor,
first issued by Stone & Henly, Sept. 13.

No. 45- WILLIAM PARMELEE. 577
1847.
Capt. Abram Van O'Linda, an officer of the Albany Republican Ar
tillery, killed at Battle of Chapultepec, Mexico, Sept. 13.
Rev. John McCloskey instituted first Roman Catholic bishop of
Albany by Bishop Hughes, Sept. 19.
Democratic county convention results in a split, the Barnburners
choosing Peter Cagger as delegate to the state convention at
Syracuse, and the Old Hunkers delegating Henry Rector, Sept. 24.
Steamboat Armenia built by Thomas Collyer, 398 tons, 185 feet
long, 28 feet broad, 8 feet deep, 40 x 168 in. engine, put on.
Corn amounting to 20,000 bushels arrives by canal this day, Sept. 27
Robert Hewson Pruyn nominated by Whigs for Assembly, Sept. 29
Catherine Van Benthuysen, aged 33, dies, Oct. 1
George Dexter's wife, Mary Magdaline Cuyler, dies, Oct. 4
Anti-renters hold convention and nominate, Oct. 13
Common Council and citizens depart on the Hendrick Hudson to be
present at laying of corner-stone of Washington monument on
the following day in New York, Oct. 18.
Omnibus line started from Exchange building on east side of Broad
way, above State street, to Newton's Corners on Shaker Road,
Oct. 19.
V. M. A. membership numbers 1,300 persons, Oct. 20.
First Presbyterian Church foundations begun, Philip street and
Hudson avenue, J. R. Hays and Iienry Rector contracting for
$50,000, Oct. 23.
St. Joseph's Church collection for new Cathedral $4,500, Oct. 24.
Common Council committee reports in favor of removing the bodies
from Arbor Hill Cemetery, Ten Broeck street, but no action.
Oct. 25.
Barnburners' party holds stirring meeting in " Old " Capitol, Oct. 29.
Crawford Livingston, who opened in this city the first express com
pany's office here, Pomeroy's, dies of consumption, Nov. 4.
Millerites disappointed here that the world does not come to an
end on this date as they had calculated, Nov. 9.
Riot at a fire between Companies 5 and 6, breaking skulls of fire
men with hose nozzles, caused by jealousies, Nov. 20.
Benjamin F. Butler delivers opening annual lecture of Y. M. A.,
Nov. 23.
Thanksgiving Day observed, Indian foot-race at Bull's Head, Nov. 25.
Beth Jacob synagogue corner-stone laid, Madison avenue and Fulton
street by Rabbi Isaac Wise, Dec. 1.

578 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.
1847-1848.
First Presbyterian Church, (Philip street and Hudson avenue) cor
ner-stone laid, Dec. 6.
Fire chief first popularly elected, James McQuade receiving 240
votes and John Niblock 208 votes, Dec. 7.
Dr. Charles D. Townsend, eminent practitioner, aged 69, dies, Dec. 17.
First telegraphic communication with St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 23.
Burgesses' Corps escort remains of Mexican War veterans to Buf
falo.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 25.

1848.
David Perkins Page, first principal of New York State Normal
School, aged 38, dies, Jan. 1.
Legislature convenes, now limited to 100 days' session, Jan. 4.
Gov. John Young's (second) annual message, 12,000 words, tele
graphed to New York in 8 hours, Jan. 4.
Thermometer 18 degrees below zero, Jan. 11.
William Chapman elected president of Board of Trade, Feb. 2.
Major-General Quitman, arrived from Mexico, escorted about the
city by the military bodies and enthusiastically received, Feb. 7.
Sheriff, on going to Berne to sell property for rents, is followed by
forty men on horseback, who hoot and blow tin horns at him
and his posse, insulting them in various ways, Feb. 17.
River line survey for a railroad from Albany to New York adopted
by the directors by a vote of 10 to 2, Feb. 19.
Aurora borealis so intense as to lead to a fire alarm, Feb. 21.
Announcement of the death on Feb. 23rd of ex-President John
Quincy Adams (born at Braintree, Mass., July 11, 1767, the
6th president, 1825-29) made in this city, Feb. 24.
Prof. Louis Agassiz commences course of lectures at Female
Academy on natural history topics, Feb. 29.
St. Vincent de Paul Society organized.
N. Y. State Normal School elects George R. Perkins its 2nd prin
cipal to succeed the late David Perkins Page.
Albany Academy elects Rev. Wm. H. Campbell, D. D., its (3rd)
principal.
Ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer, Judge of the Supreme Court in 1804
and holding numerous positions of prominence (born at Salis
bury, Conn., Dec. 13, 1765) dies at Lyons, N. Y., March 13.

No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 579
1848, 1854.
Odd Fellows' Hall, Cooper Building, corner of Green and State
streets, dedicated, March 15.
Funeral of ex-Mayor Ambrose Spencer at St. Peter's Church, the
procession one of the most impressive in years, March 18.
Capt. John Cook escorted to the station by his artillery company on
his departure to join the army in Mexico, March 18.
Penitentiary chapel dedicated by Rev. Dr. Wyckoff, March 19.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 22.
Assembly passes bill providing for a bridge across the Basin, full
width of State street, and street of same width across the Pier,
March 24.
Albany & Cohoes railroad bill passes Senate, March 28.
Nicholas Van Rensselaer, who fought in the Revolution at storming
of Quebec, Ticonderoga, Fort Miller, Fort Ann and Bemis'
Heights when Burgoyne surrendered, deputized to convey the
news of Burgoyne's surrender to Albany, aged 94, dies,March 29.
William Caldwell, respected retired merchant, succeeding his father,
James Caldwell, at No. 58 State street, residing largely at his
place at Caldwell on Lake George, aged 72, dies, April 1.
Rufus H. Peckham's wife, Isabella Adeline (dau. of Rev. Wm. B.
Lacey of St. Peter's Church) dies, April 3.
Hon. Wm. Ii. Seward delivers eulogy on late President John
Quincy Adams in the North Dutch Church, April 6.
John Taylor elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, re
ceiving 3,120 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, Dr.
Thomas Hun, receiving 2,991 votes as the Democratic candi
date; blank and scattering, 4; total, number of votes cast, 6,115 ;
Taylor's majority over Hun being 129 votes, John Taylor is de
clared elected Mayor of Albany, April 11.
? ? ?
(See No. 46.)

(Continued from No. 48.)
1854.

William Parmelee assumes the office of Mayor of Albany, having
been elected at the Charter election held on Nov. 8, 1853, re
ceiving 3,073 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, Mayor
Eli Perry, receiving 2,692 votes as the Democratic candidate;
Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 1,165 votes; William Eggle-

580 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 4=;.
1854.
ston receiving 6 votes; blank and scattering, 36 votes; total,
6,972 votes; Parmelee's majority over Perry being 381 votes,
Jan. 10.
Charter election, Mayor, William Parmelee; Common Council:
John McEvoy, Stephen Harris, I. Thomas B. Morrow, Eben
ezer G. Chesebro, II. John B. Rossman, Gerrit V. S. Bleecker,
III. John C. Feltman, John McB. Davidson, IV. Gilbert L.
Wilson, Richard Van Rensselaer, V. Thomas McElroy, Henry
Russell, VI. Thomas Higgins, George R. Vanderlip, VII.
William Jones, Patrick M. McCall, VIII. Richard. H. Thomp
son, David H. Cary, IX. Charles W. Godard, Theodore Town-
send, X. Election, Nov. 8, 1853 ; sworn in, Jan. 10.
Albany Burns Club organized, Jan. 13.
Hendrick Insurance Agency (continuing in 1906) established.
Ice moves from before the city carrying two ferry-boats, which col
lide and stave in the sides, Jan .13.
Mrs. Elizabeth Bayard dies at the Manor House of Stephen Van
Rensselaer, aged 92 years, Jan. 17.
Capt. J. W. Harcourt presented with a sword costing $200 by the
Cavalry Corps, Jan. 20.
Joseph Fearey establishes a shoe manufactory (the firm existing in
1906), and makes the city famed for those goods.
River again frozen so as to impede navigation of ferries, Jan. 23.
Price of commodities high, coal at $8 a ton, flour at $10 a barrel,
and potatoes selling at $1.25 a bushel, Jan. 25.
Paul Cushman's wife, Mary Jane, dies, Jan. 27.
Reuben H. Bingham appointed city engineer and surveyor, imme
diately inaugurating the city's first sewerage system.
John Mead's wife, Louisa, aged 69, dies, Jan. 31.
German element gathers in Capitol Park and burns an effigy of
Bedini, the pope's nuncio, as at other cities, Feb. 1.
George C. Lee elected president of the Young Men's Asso'n, Feb. 3.
Bill introduced before Legislature providing for a bridge across the
Hudson, as had been previously often attempted, Feb. 18.
Legislature presented with a petition by women desiring right to
vote, signed by more than ten thousand, Feb. 20.
Common Council petitions Legislature for right to loan $300,000 to
the Northern Railroad to aid construction, Feb. 24.
Hudson Street Temperance House, south side of Hudson street
(avenue) between Broadway and river, taken down, March 6.
Ice moving from before city causes dam at the Overslaugh, March n.

No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 581
1854.
Ex-Mayor Friend Humphrey dies, born at Simsbury, Conn., March
8, 1787, started at Lansingburg in the leather and tannery busi
ness and coming to this city in 1811 continued it until he had
amassed a considerable fortune; of such integrity and moral
strictness that he closed markets on Sunday; senator, 1839,
March 15.
River open to navigation, the Hoboken arriving from New York,
March 16.
Henry Yates, who conducted the mammoth State lotteries, aged 84,
dies at his home on Westerlo street, March 20.
Dr. Asa Fitch, of this city, made the first entomologist of this (as
well as of any other) State.
Strong south wind clears ice obstructions at the Overslaugh, where
the large steamboat Oregon had been held there a week, March 31.
German opera, a title not understood because of the novelty here,
introduced at the Green Street theatre, April 3.
Opponents of temperance reform call out the governor and he is
addressed by the editor of the Freie Blatter, following which a
serious riot ensues, April 4.
Pier submerged by the seventh freshet of this spring, April 28.
Water so high that canal weighlock is inoperative, May 1.
John Hendrickson, Jr., of New Scotland, who had been sentenced at
the City Hall on April 7th before a vast concourse, by Judge
Harris, for murdering his wife by poison, hanged in the Maiden
Lane jail, May 5.
The six -penny savings bank connected with the Bank of the Capitol,
first of its kind in the city, begins business, May 8.
River improvement inaugurated by Major Frazier, carrying out the
work between this city and Castleton under the government
appropriation of $50,000, May 10.
Joel Rathbone, one of the most respected of citizens, knocked down
by an unknown while walking up Elk street in evening, and
reward of $100 offered for arrest of assailant, May 15.
John C. Spencer, an able lawyer, dies, May 20.
Common Council votes a loan of $300,000 to Northern Railroad, May 23.
Immigrants numbering 2,000, in 34 cars, pass through to West,
May 24.
Eclipse of the sun observed, May 26.
One hundred arrests by police for Sunday liquor selling, May 29.

582 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.

1854.

Law enforced preventing swine from running loose in streets, re
sulting in the capture of 15,000 hogs before the people believed
it was a movement in earnest against the ancient custom, June 10.
Joel Munsell's wife, Jane C, aged 42, dies, June 17.
Cattle traffic by rail growing extensive, 69 cars bearing 1,380 cattle,
leave across the river for the metropolis, June 25.
Independence Day celebration, including a company of about fifty
veterans of the War of 1812 under Gen. John S. Van Rensse
laer, July 4.
Thermometer 98 degrees (being only 2 degrees below the city's
record up to July 3, 1898), July 4.
Lumber District's activity leading all other city enterprises, on this
day 44 vessels loading at the dock, July 8.
Co. B, of Tenth Battalion, known as Washington Continentals,
organized as an independent company, July 4.
Thermometer report at places 100 degrees in shade, July 21.
Health board reports 29 cases of cholera and 1 1 deaths in past three
days, July 25.
Health board reports 60 cases of cholera and 26 deaths during the
past four days, Aug. 2.
Thomas B. Washington, grandnephew of President George Wash
ington, about to return to Virginia, aged 40, dies here suddenly, Aug. 2.
Health board reports 86 cases of cholera, 28 of them fatalities, dur
ing the past three days, Aug. 5.
President Pierce vetoes appropriation of $50,000 to improve navi
gation near this city, Aug. 5.
Common Council decides to widen Patroon street (Clinton ave.)
from No. Pearl street to Broadway, Aug. 7.
Albany City Hospital first opened at the southeast corner of Eagle
and Howard streets, the old jail being fitted to suit the pur
poses, which institution since its start in 1851 had treated 417
cases, Aug. 8,
Former Albany Hospital on Lydius street (Madison ave.) opened
as a cholera hospital, Aug. 10.
Evert Van Allen, surveyor for city, whose ancient maps proved of
good service in settling lot boundaries, dies, Aug. 14.
Edwin Croswell, editor of The Argus since about 1824, retires, hav
ing had a stroke of paralysis on Jan. 5th in New York, Aug. 18.
Ex-Mayor John Townsend dies. He was born June 14, 1783, at
Sterling, Orange Co., N. Y., and came to this city in 1802 as

No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 583
1854.
clerk to his brother, Isaiah, in the old iron foundry; with
William James of this city was the first to manufacture salt at
Syracuse by the solar evaporation process ; was the 37th Mayor
and elected for three terms, during one of which (1832) he
was most energetic in holding the cholera plague in check;
married daughter of Mayor Ambrose Spencer ; at time of death
was president of Commercial Bank, Water Commissioners,
Albany Exchange Co., Albany Savings Bank, Albany Pier Co.,
Syracuse Coarse Salt Co., Albany Insurance Co., and Water
vliet Turnpike Co., and is greatly mourned by citizens, Aug. 26.
Rev. Wm. B. Lacey, former rector of St. Peter's, after absence of
22 years, returns from Jackson, Miss., preaching twice, Aug. 27.
Rev. Dr. Wm. B. Sprague preaches on 25th anniversary of his
coming to the Second Presbyterian Church, the only pastor of
that time now in the city, Aug. 27.
Ex-Mayor John Townsend's funeral, stores closing meanwhile, Aug. 28.
Wm. A. Tweed Dale, the only principal (and for long period) of
the Lancaster school on west side of Eagle st., aged 79, dies,
Aug. 28.
Commercial Bank elects John Lawrence Schoolcraft its (3rd) presi
dent, because of death of ex-Mayor John Townsend, Aug. 31.
Gerrit Yates Lansing elected president of Albany Savings Bank,
vice John Townsend, deceased.
Painting for the Capitol at Washington by Powell, representing
DeSoto's discovery of the Mississippi, exhibited here, Sept. 7.
Samuel Stevens, eminent lawyer, aged 56, dies at Rochester, Sept. 11.
Office of Albany Northern railroad changed from Steuben and
Water sts. to Maiden Lane .and Dean street, Sept. 18.
Juliet Lewis, last of descendants of Robert Lewis who started
Lewis' Tavern corner of Pearl and State streets, aged 75, dies,
Sept. 20.
Common Council elects C. W. Bender city chamberlain, Sept. 29.
Rev. Dr. Horatio Potter, rector of St. Peter's, elected provisional
bishop of New York diocese, Sept. 29.
Burgesses' Corps banquet in the Capitol in celebration of 21st anni
versary, and present a cane to the first captain, John O. Cole,
Oct. 9.
Congregational Church uses new bell, 2,020 lbs. to replace the one
cracked the preceding Sunday, Oct. 18.
Widow of Isaiah Townsend, Hannah, aged 71, dies at West Point,
Oct. 31.

584 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.
1854-1855.
Hon. Alexander Hamilton's widow, Elizabeth Schuyler (dau. of
Gen. Philip Schuyler, born at Schuyler Mansion in south part
of city, on Aug. 7, 1757, married Alexander Hamilton in same
house in 1780, he being one of Gen. Geo. Washington's aids
and later the first Secretary of the Treasury, shot by Aaron
Burr in duel at Weehawken, July 11, and died July 12, 1804,
at New York city) dies at Washington of old age, her life
having been spent largely in New York after her illustrious
husband's death, and where she founded the New York Orphan
Asylum ; but had another home at the National capital in which
she was wont to receive notable guests and wherein she peace
fully dies, Nov. 7.
Rev. Dr. Horatio Potter of St. Peter's Church instituted bishop of
the New York diocese with imposing ceremonial, Nov. 22.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 8.
Schuyler Mansion experiences slight fire, Dec. 9.
Old State Hall (Capitol) at southwest corner State and Lodge
streets, work of taking down begun, Dec. 18.

1855.

Myron H. Clark inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
Bank of Albany declares extraordinary 50% dividend in the form
of stock raised from $240,000 to $360,000, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office for this year: Mayor, William Parme
lee ; Common Council : John McEvoy, Cornelius McCloskey, I.
Thomas B. Morrow, George B. Johnson, II. John B. Rossman,
Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, III. John C. Feltman, Erastus H. Pease,
IV. Gilbert L. Wilson, Richard Van Rensselaer, V. Thomas
McElroy, Henry Russell, VI. Thomas Higgins, John Benson,
VII. William Jones, Hiram Gilbert, VIII. Richard H. Thomp
son, Plenry J. Wells, IX. Charles W. Godard, Andrew M.
Bullock, X. In office on, Jan. 1.
Legislature convenes, Jan- 2-
Sixty-nine sheep crossing river on ice to trains, drowned, Jan. 6.
Rev. Ezra A. Huntington's farewell sermon at 3rd Presbyterian, Jan. 7.
Theodore V. Van Heusen's wife, Catherine C, aged 32, dies, Jan. 9.
Widow of Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Anne DePeyster Van
Cortlandt, (married in 1787) the youngest daughter of Pierre

No. 45- WILLIAM PARMELEE. 585
1855.
Van Cortlandt, first and for 18 years lieutenant-governor of
New York, who was born at the Van Cortland Manor House
at Croton, N. Y., in 1766, dies at the home where she and her
husband had entertained with splendor while he was Mayor
for 19 years, northeast corner of State and Chapel streets, Jan. 10.
Sleighload of persons in crossing on the ice to the train across the
river, break through and escape, but horses drown, Jan. 19.
Herman Knickerbocker, lawyer, who studied under John V. Henry,
(born July 27, 1779, grandson of Col. Knickerbocker who se
cured the land at Schaghticoke from the city, when a tract
[site of village] six miles square was sold for $1,000) dies at
the homestead, Jan. 30.
Legislature elects Wm. H. Seward U. S. Senator for 6 years, and
300 guns fired in celebration, Feb. 6.
Thermometer 20 degrees below zero (unofficial), Feb. 7.
Gas Light Co. to reduce from 4 to 3 cents per foot, Feb. 7.
Ralph P. Lathrop elected president of the Young Men's Ass'n, Feb. 8.
Capt. Amos Pilsbury, superintendent of Penitentiary, presented
with gold-headed cane on 50th birthdav by his many friends, Feb. 8.
Washington's Birthday celebrated by parade of Colonel Frisby's
25th Regiment, and oration by Samuel G. Courtney in the
Capitol, Feb. 22.
Gen. Sam Houston lectures before Y. M. A. on " Indian Race,"
Feb. 26.
Murderer Phelps escapes in early morning, caught on tow-path, March 8.
River open, steamboat Oregon coming up during night, March 19.
Governor Clark commutes sentence of Phelps (murder) to life,
March 27.
Lewis Clark, who died on 27th, senior partner of Clark & Blake,
an officer of the War of 1812, buried with military honors,
March 29.
St. Joseph's Church robbed of sacramental vessels, worth $300,
April 1.
Teunis Van Vechten's farmhouse on plank road beyond alms-house,
destroyed by fire, April 1.
Cross on St. Mary's Church carried away by the windstorm, April 1.
Delavan House, n. e. corner Broadway and Steuben, brilliantly
illuminated because of passage of the temperance bill, Mr.

586 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.

1855.

Delavan being one of the staunchest advocates of temperance,
much to the disgust or displeasure of those stopping at his
famous hostelry, April 10.
William Parmelee re-elected Mayor of Albany, April 10.
Cohoes incorporated, as village of Watervliet, April 12.
Legislature adjourns after session of 103 days, April 14.

William Parmelee resumes official duties of Mayor of Albany,
having on April 10th been re-elected, April 17.
Albany Dime Savings Bank, John Winne, president, organized, April 17.
Occulation of Venus observed at 8 :38 p. m., April 18.
Dyer Lathrop (b. Norwich, Conn.,) who came to this city in 181 1,
an industrious, upright merchant, alderman, supervisor, treas
urer from start of Albany Orphan Asylum and when that insti
tution was in need used his own money for its relief, aged 67,
dies, April 19.
Albany Museum, n. w. corner Broadway and State St., conducted
many years by Henry Trowbridge, closed, the curiosities trans
ported to form a floating museum on the Mississippi, and the
building converted into offices, April 28.
Total eclipse of moon beginning at 9:20 p. m., May 1.
Green Street Theatre opened by recent manager of Museum,
Charles T. Smith, May 2.
Rev. Samuel T. Seelye installed at Fourth Presbyterian Church, May 3.
Rev. Ebenezer Hailey commences pastorate of 3rd Presbyterian, May 6.
Sturgeon ioy2 feet long, 350 lbs., shown at Centre Market, May 8.
Policeman on patroling bounds of city, Lydius (Madison ave.) and
Hawk streets, attacked by wild animal, proving a mink, May 8.
John D. Chism's -wife, Hannah M., aged 34, dies, May 10.
Common Council passes law prohibiting martial music on Sunday,
providing a penalty of $10, May 14.
Ezekiah C. Mcintosh, who placed the Albany & Schenectady road
on a good financial basis when embarrassed, as its president,
dies, May 23.
William Mayell, who came here from London in June, 1795, and
conducted a prominent hat manufactory on east side of Broad
way below State st., an active member of Mechanics' Society,
aged 83, dies, May 28,
Dr. H. D. Paine's wife, Eliza Hale, dies, May 31.

NO. 45- WILLIAM PARMELEE. 587
1855.
State Hall or Capitol, from 1797 for about 35 years, at s. w. corner
State and Lodge streets, removed for new building site, June 6.
Azor Tabor, very able lawyer, dies, June 10.
Rev. Duncan Kennedy preaches farewell at No. Dutch Church, June 24.
Residence of Chancellor John Van Ness Yates, No. 106 State street,
being torn down by workmen, June 26.
Rev. Ebenezer Hailey installed at 3rd Presbyterian Church, June 27.
Thermometer 99 degrees, within one degree of century record, June 30.
Luke F. Newland, a man of fine literary and social attainments
that had endeared him widely in the city, aged 63, dies, July 18.
Last building (dwellings) on east side of Montgomery street, de
molished to allow laying Central Road's tracks, July 21.
North River steamboat Commerce sinks off Iiarlem Flats, July 24.
Reservoir on Lydius (Madison ave.) street, above Eagle, supplied
by a spring, caves in, much earth disappearing, July 28.
Athenaeum Building, west side of Broadway above State street,
being demolished to form site for Exchange Bank and Bank
of the Union, July 30.
July 30.
Basements of houses throughout the city inundated and causing
people to mount chairs on the hill streets, caused by downpour, Aug. 23.
David Pruyn's widow, Hebertie Lansing, a woman of superior
benevolence and piety, aged 83, dies, Sept. 2.
Steamboat New World, one of the largest afloat, made by Isaac
Newton, a native of this city, rebuilt with the first gallery tiers
of rooms, makes first appearance at Albany, Sept. 6.
A hundred persons watching a canal-boat afire from the State street
bridge to Pier precipitated into water by falling of the side,
Sept. 23.
Mrs. Catherine Schuyler dies, aged 92, at Watervliet, Sept. 28.
Samuel Wilkeson becomes editor of Evening Journal' in place of
Thurlow Weed, retiring, Oct. 1.
First diocesan synod of the Roman Catholic See at Albany, Oct. 7.
Sacred Heart convent removed from So. Pearl to the Hillhouse
property on the Troy Road, some miles above city.

588 WILLIAM PARMELEE. No. 45.
1855-1856.
Seth Crapo, merchant of great probity, aged 54, dies, Oct. 24.
National Express Co., formed from several Albany concerns.
Steamboat Diamond's hull, being used as coal barge, run into and
sunk at foot of Hamilton street, with 200 tons of coal, Oct. 31.
All the candidates of the Know Nothings win at election, Nov. 7.
Stephen Clark elected State Treasurer, Nov. 7.
Dr. Theodric Romeyn Beck, (b. Schenectady, Aug. 11, 1791) who
received the degree of Doctor Medicine in 181 1 and was prin
cipal of the Albany Academy from 1817 to 1848, made president
of its board of trustees in 1852, (his daughter, Helen, married
Mayor Parmelee) dies after a long illness which he bore
bravely, Nov. 19.
Rev. Thos. Clapp Pitkin, New Haven, chosen rector of St. Peter's,Dec. 2.
Jos. Alexander, former president Commercial Bank, liberal, 91, dies,
Dec. 17.
Louis D. Pilsbury made superintendent of the Penitentiary to suc
ceed his father who had resigned, Dec. 20.
River closed to navigation for season (Government record), Dec. 20.

1856.

Legislature convenes, Jan. 1,
Thermometer 10 degrees below zero, and a lunatic escaped from
alms-house frozen to. death in nearby graveyard, Jan. 10.
Albany City Tract & Missionary Society incorporated, January.
Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, alderman 16 years, aged 65, dies, Jan. 12.
German Lutheran Church on State street dedicated, Jan. 13.
Washington Continentals go to Newburgh to parade at funeral of
Usual Knapp, last of Washington's Life Guards, Jan. 16.
Teunis Van Vechten commissioned captain of Co. B, Jan. 28.
Four thousand citizens sign remonstrance against a bridge, Feb. 2.
Rev. Thos. C. Pitkin formally installed at St. Peter's by Bishop
Potter, Feb. 3.
Richard Merrifield elected president of the Young Men's Ass'n, Feb. 7.
Albany Daily Argus and Albany Evening Atlas combined as Atlas
and Argus, by Comstock & Cassidy, Feb. 18.

No. 45. WILLIAM PARMELEE. 589
1856.
Capt. George Monteath, born at Dumblane, Scotland, in 1778 and
who came to this city when seven years old, where he engaged
in sloop traffic and later adopted steam on his " Albany and
Canal Line " of boats, thereby acquiring a fortune, dies,
March 10.
Mayor William Parmelee, who was born at Lansingburg, N. Y., 011
Nov. 28, 1807, the son of Elias Parmelee and Fanny Fitch, and
married lielen, the daughter of-Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, principal
of Albany Academy; a lawyer by profession, serving as City
Attorney, County Judge and Recorder, dies of a cancerous
affection of the throat, March 15.

(See Xo. 49.)

No. 46.
Jnijn Gfanto.
April 18, 1848- April 16, 1849.

No. 46.
JOFIN TAYLOR.
Date of office: April 18, 1848- April 16, 1849.
Date of election: April 11, 1848.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: 3,120.
Opponent: Thomas Hun.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 2, 991, blank and scattering 4.
Total vote: 6,115.
Date of birth: March 13, 1790.
Place of birth: Chester, England.
Parents: John (T.) and Phoebe Burnop.
Education: Common school.
Married to: (a) Mary Richmond.
(b) Esther E. Wiltse.
Date: (a) May 13, 1819.
(b) May 15, 1844.
Children: (a-5) Joseph Burnop, Anna Gascoigne (Gilbert), John
Richmond, Edmund Briggs, William Henry.
(b-i) Elizabeth Ellison.
Residence: No. 73 Lydius street (Madison avenue).
Occupation: Brewer.
Religion: Episcopalian. •
Date of death: September 13, 1863.
Place of death: No. 257 State street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: N'oted for his charity, integrity, industry, and possessed
finest private library.

46. JOHN TAYLOR.
1848- 1 849.
From a photograph made from life by McDonnald & Sterry, and owned in
1904 by- his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth E. Taylor.

No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 593
1848.
(Continued from No. 45.)
1848.

John Taylor is sworn in as the Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April nth, when he
received 3,120 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent,
Thomas tlun, receiving 2,991 votes as the Democratic candi
date; blank and scattering, 4 votes; total, 6,115 votes; Taylor's
majority over Iiun being 129 votes, April 18.
L. D. Holstein elected Clerk of the Board of Aldermen; Hooper C.
Van Vorst, City Attorney; Geo. W. Carpenter, Surveyor;
Nelson W. Scovel, Marshal; John McBride, Overseer of Poor;
Henry B. Fay, Alms-Iiouse Physician, April 18.
Charter election, Mayor, John Taylor ; Common Council : William
L. Osborn, Lucien B. Laney, I. George B. Riggs, John W.
Harcourt, II. Charles W. Godard, Stephen T. Thorn, III.
George T. Ladue, Abram Koonz, IV. Henry B. Bleecker,
James McNaughton, V. John A. Livingston, Charles M. Jen
kins, VI. John Benson, William Gillespie, VII. Patrick M.
McCall, John Harrison, VIII. William Cumming, Richard H.
Thompson, IX. Michael Artcher, Daniel E. Bassett, X. Elec
tion, April n; sworn in, April 18.
Steamboat Armenia makes first appearance, leaving New York at
7 a. m. and arriving at 4 o'clock, making usual landings, April 22.
Two large fires, one bounded by Church, Westerlo, Dallius and
John streets, destroying 20 buildings, loss $30,000; other start
ing at Green and Beaver, destroying 20 buildings, loss $60,000,
April 24.
Beth Jacob, Jewish synagogue, Fulton st., consecrated, April 28.
Harmanus P. Schuyler's widow, Sarah, dies, April 30.
Common Council offers reward of $100 for discovery of anyone
setting any building in the city afire, May 1.
Steamboats Alicia and Hendrik Hudson race from New York to
Albany, both leaving at 7 a. m., the former arriving at 2 :55
p. m., and the latter at 3:10 p. m., never more than a mile
apart, May 5.
Steam propeller named Albany, built in Philadelphia, passengers
and freight, 140 feet long, 240 tons, arrives from Hartford, May 8.
Severe frost, injuring buds, May 14.

594 JOHN TAYLOR. No. 46.
1848.
Board of Trade starts operations in Rotunda of the Exchange, May 15.
Joy & Monteath's office on the, clock robbed of $800 in counterfeit
money that had accumulated in business, May 20.
Matthew Gregory, Revolutionary officer, merchant, age 91, dies,
June 4.
Application made to Albany County Court for incorporation of
Cohoes village, (under Act of 1847) area, \V\ sq. miles; pop
ulation, 4,200, June 5.
Boys fight with cobbles at a fire on Arbor Hill for honor of drawing
the hose-cart, June 0.
Edward C. Delavan's wife, Abby M., aged 47, dies, June 17.
Datus E. Frost's provision store, Lydius street (Madison ave.) and
Swan street afire and firemen fail to attend, engaging in a
pitched battle because of rivalry, at State and Pearl streets,
during which all the windows of the neighborhood are broken
by missiles, June 22.
Bishop Hughes lays the corner-stone of the Cathedral of the Im
maculate Conception, July 2.
Capt. Abraham Van O'Linda's remains arrive from Mexico and are
given military escort to the City Hall, July 4.
Capt. A. Van O'Linda buried, eulogy by Col. John Sharts, July 7-
Workman killed working on foundation of new Cathedral, July 7.
Canal Bank closed by Comptroller, investigation ordered, July 11.
Hon. Erastus Corning presides at the " Old " Capitol at an enthusi
astic meeting of the Friends of Ireland, July 13.
Workmen numbering 300 engaged in erecting a new depot. 750 x 133
feet, to accommodate the Boston trade, July 17.
Rev. Benj. N. Martin installed at 4th Presbyterian Church, July 19.
Ex-Mayor Barent P. Staats presides at a meeting of the Barn
burners in the Capitol to aid nomination of Martin Van Buren
for President, July 19.
Co. H, ist Reg't N. Y. Volunteers under Capt. John G. Farnsworth,
who succeeded the late Capt. Abraham Van O'Linda, killed,
arrive on the Hendrik Hudson on return from war in Mexico,
only 45 of the 70 privates surviving, and are escorted by a
dozen military bodies in a parade in which they are loudly
cheered, July 25.
District school children numbering 2,000 hold anniversary exercises
in Capitol park and proceed to Kane's Walk, So. Pearl and
Westerlo sts. for an enjoyable time, July 28.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL.
Organized in 1847; corner-stone laid July 2, 1848; Patrick
C. Keely, architect; dedicated November 21, 1852.

NO. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 595
1848.
Middle Dutch Church (Second) operates its new organ, costing
$4,000, and largest in the city, July 31.
Mayor John Taylor presides at a meeting of the Friends of Ireland
held in the "Old" Capitol, to advocate freedom, July 31.
Dr.- Jonathan Eights, a foremost physician of his day and who
had practiced with eminent success for half a century, dies at
his residence corner of No. Pearl and Columbia streets, aged
75, ^ Aug. 10.
Dr. Morrell ascends in a balloon from Mineral Spring Garden on
So. Ferry street and sails northward, Aug. 15.
Thomas Maher, 8 years old, drowned in the Foxen kill pond at the
head of Canal street, being the sixth similar fatality there in
past two years, Aug. 15.
" The Great Fire " started by a washerwoman's bonnet at the Albion
Hotel, corner of Broadway and Herkimer street, the flames
spreading to the north by a strong south wind, sweeping both
sides of Broadway and Church street, and crossing the water
to the Pier, devastating everything to Maiden Lane and along
Broadway to Hudson avenue ; but at night lessened by heavy
rainfall; 600 buildings burned, including the Eagle Tavern on
Broadway; loss $3,000,000 ; burnt area 37 acres ; greatest width
being 700 feet west from the river on Herkimer st., and greatest
length on one street being 1,600 feet along Quay st., Aug. 17.
Jealous fire companies engage in riot at So. Pearl and State streets,
and many of the firemen are seriously injured, Aug. 19.
Common Council ordains that no wooden building or one covered
with wood be erected' east of Lark street, and that cornices
must be of metal or incombustible material, Aug. 21.
James Hanley who was shot on the 19th at the riot among jealous
fire companies at State and Pearl streets, dies, Aug. 26.
Common Council determines to improve the grade of streets in the
recently burned area, especially raising the level of Broadway
between Hamilton street and Lydius street (Madison ave.)
which was under water each spring, Aug. 28.
Schuyler Steamboat Tow-line started.
Col. Robert E. Temple returns from the Mexican war, Sept. r.
Rev. Elias Vanderlip, patriach of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in this city, dies. Born at Carl's Neck, Staten Is., Feb. 10,
1765, he came to Albany fatherless in 1796, and opened a
shoe shop; ordained deacon in 1800 and elder in 1804, preach
ing here 1805 to 1836, when he rested from his labors because-
of his age, Sept. 3.
Mulford & Wendell's jewelry store, Samuel Stevens' law library and
Gavit's daguerreotype studio burned; loss $12,000, Sept. 9.

59^ JOHN TAYLOR. No. 46.
1848.
New steam ferry, T. W. Olcott, put on for the Boston road, Sept. 12.
Gen. John A. Dix nominated at Utica for governor by the Barn
stormer or Free Soil party, Sept. 13.
Common Council determines to extend the steamboat landing to
Lydius street (Madison ave.), Sept. 18.
City officers and Common Council call in a body upon General
Worth, who is staying at Congress Hall, Sept. 19.
New York city remits $12,035 to sufferers from the great fire that
devastated the southeastern part of the city on the r7th of last
month, Sept. 19.
The new rails of the Mohawk & Hudson railroad being completed
and the coaches fitted with india-rubber springs, the trip from
Schenectady made in 24 minutes, a record for 42 miles per
hour, Sept. 22.
Rufus W. Peckham address the Old Hunkers at a ratification of
Democratic nominations in the " Old " Capitol, Sept. 26.
Anti-renters endorse nomination of John A. Dix for governor, Sept. 28.
Common Council committee reports in favor of paying firemen $30
per annum, and a fire chief, to devote his entire time to fires,
$700 a year as salary, Oct. 2.
Nicholas Van Schaack's widow, Jane, dies, Oct. 4.
Rev. F. W. Ingmire installed at Pearl street Baptist church, Oct. 8.
Steam propeller Hartford, to run in conjunction with the propeller
Albany to Hartford, passengers and freight, first arrives, Oct. 14.
Geo. C. Treadwell's fur shop and Clement Warren's saw-mill in
Water street burn with a loss of $10,000, Oct. 15.
Rev. John Bassett's widow, Ann (he was .pastor of Ref'd Dutch
Church) at Penn Yan, Pa., aged 86, Oct. 17.
Under the new regime a train arrives from Buffalo, reducing the
record from 24 to 17 hours, Oct. 23.
Odd Fellows' Hall, s. w. corner Green and Beaver streets, dedicated
with ceremonial, Oct. 26.
William Annesley, aged 81, dies, Nov. 3.
Rev. B. T. Welch of the ist Pres. Church, called to Pierrepont
Street Church in Brooklyn, Nov. 5.
Plan to supply the city with water at public expense receives 4,405
votes in its favor and 6 against, Nov. 7.
Major Lewis N. Morris' grave in Rural Cemetery marked with a
monument, he having fallen at the Battle of Monterey, Nov. 21.

No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 597
1848-1849.
Common Council passes law organizing the fire department, Nov. 27.
Firemen hold an indignation meeting in the Capitol, being wrought
up over the new fire department organization, Nov. 28.
Teunis G. Visscher's widow, Alida, aged 82, dies, Dec. 5.
New York's presidential electors meet at Capitol and cast unani
mous vote for Gen. Zachary Taylor for President, Dec. 6.
River traffic competition causes reduction of fare to New York to
50 cents by the opposing steamboats, Isaac Newton and Rip
Van Winkle, Dec. 7.
Death in the Capitol of Dr. John H. Douglass of Troy, who was
there on business, Dec. 9.
Charles R. Webster's widow, Cynthia (he a foremost publisher and
bookseller at n. w. corner of State and Pearl streets) at Albion,
N. Y, aged 78, Dec. 22.
Rail communication established with New York, the Housatonic
railroad opened, promising its passengers to get them through
by daylight, or 8 hours from Albany to New York city, Dec. 25.
Rev. Rutger Van Brunt installed at Third Ref'd Dutch Church, Dec. 27.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 28.
Jane Ann Boyd, daughter of the late Peter Boyd, dies, Dec. 29.
General Wool, of Mexican war fame, presented with a sword -cost
ing $1,700, the gift of the State, Gov. John Young making the
presentation in the Capitol, Dec. 30.
Trinity Church, Franklin and Herkimer streets, first used by the
South Baptist Society, its purchaser, Dec. 31.
Commitments to penitentiary during year, 363; jail, 1,961, Dec. 31.

1849.
Hamilton Fish inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
Governor Fish's message transmitted during delivery very success
fully by the new invention called the telegraph, one wire con
veying it to New York city, and another to western part of the
State, Jan. 2.
Petition to Legislature for power to remove Hallenbake Cemetery
from the vicinity of So. Pearl and Hamilton streets, Jan. 5.
City real estate valuation, $8,209,957 ; personal $2,729,881 ; total.
$10,939,838, Jan. 1.

59^ JOHN TAYLOR. No. 46.
1849.
Rev. Orville Dewey engaged by Unitarian Society, Jan. 7.
St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum fair by Sisters of Charity nets the
handsome sum of $3,144.64, Jan. n.
Albany California Company, gold-seekers, afterwards known as the
Albany " Forty-niners," sail from New York in the Tarolinta, Jan. 13.
Hon. Daniel D. Barnard delivers address on the late Mayor Am
brose Spencer (Chief Justice) at the City Hall, Jan. 15.
Trinity Episcopal Church on Broad street (later Trinity Place)
first used for service, and consecrated, Jan. 21.
John Battersby establishes a meat market (which existed until
closed in 1905 at n. w. corner of Clinton ave. and No. Pearl
st), January.
Rapid travel from Albany to New York, accomplishing the trip by
the Housatonic road in 9 hours, leaving New York at 8 a. m.,
and arriving here at 5 p. m., Jan. 25.
At caucus in Assembly Chamber Hon. William H. Seward is nomi
nated for U. S. Senator in plade of John A. Dix, Feb. 1.
Ship Robert Browne sails with 20 prospective gold-miners of
Albany, from New York, around the " Horn " to California, Feb. 6.
Medical library of late Dr. Jonathan Eights sold, Feb. 7.
Announcement made by the governor to the Legislature of a gift
of many .engravings by the best masters from Pope Gregory, in
return for a Natural History of the State sent to him, Feb. 13.
Pair of oxen from Wyoming county weighing 5,000 lbs. shown, Feb. 15.
Thermometer n degrees below zero, Feb. 16.
Hog weighing 949 lbs. (dressed) shown by Jennings, Green street,
Feb. 24.
Duff's Broadway House, Broadway, near the old depot, where
many famous men had stopped, totally destroyed by fire, Feb. 25.
Mrs. Leslie, residing corner of Lumber (Livingston ave.) and
Water streets, gives birth to four children, March 3.
President Zachary Taylor's message received by telegraph, which
is considered a great feat, March 5.
River open, steamboat Columbia arriving through floating ice,
March 17.
Sloop Miriam,- under Captain Johnson (colored) makes a record
trip from New York, covering fully 150 miles in 17 hours, March 21.
Bill to establish a hospital here passes the Assembly, March 26.

No. 46. JOHN TAYLOR. 599
1849.
Jonathan Kidney, Revolutionary soldier, who prevented firing of
cannon into a procession in lower part of city because of a
difference regarding ratifying" the Constitution, 1788, dies,
March 28.
First machine " for sewing and stitching " exhibited at the Man
sion House, Broadway, above State street, and causes wonder
ment, March 31.
Common Council appropriates $100 for alarm-bell, Little Basin, April 4.
Wives of boatmen present an extraordinarily elaborate quilt of their
handiwork to Rev. John Miles, pastor of Sailors' Bethel, April 5.
Legislature given a banquet at Congress Hall by the city, April 7.
Geo. W. Stanton, president of Exchange Bank, aged 69, dies, 1
April 8.
Rensselaer Van Schelluyne, leaving a brother as the last of a line of
men distinguished in city management, dies, April 8.
Charter election, at which Friend Humphrey is elected Mayor, re
ceiving 3,142 votes as the Whig candidate ; Thomas Hun, M. D.,
receiving 2,925 votes as the Democratic candidate ; total, 6,072
votes; Humphrey's majority being 217 votes he is declared
elected Mayor, April 10.

(See No. 43.)

No. 47.

April 16. 1850 — April 14, 1851

No. 47.
FRANKLIN TOWNSEND.
Date of office: April 16, 1850-April 14, 1851.
Date of election: April 9, 1850.
Political party: Whig.
Vote: 3,229.
Opponent: Eli Perry.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 2>'2l7' blank and- scattering 10.
Total vote: 6,456.
Date of birth: September 28, 1821.
Place of birth: No. 146 State street.
Parents: Isaiah (T.) and Hannah Townsend.
Education: Albany Boys' Academy.
Married to: Anna Josephine King.
Date: January 15, 1852.
Children: (2) Rufus King, Franklin.
Residence: No. 144 State street.
Occupation: Iron founder and banker.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Date of death: September 11, 1898.
Place of death: No. 4 Elk street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: General.
Remarks: Adjutant-General, January 1, 1869-January 1, 1873;
January 1, 1875-April 7, 1879. Alderman. Assembly. Su
pervisor. President New York State National Bank. Vice-
President Albany Savings Bank.

47. FRANKLIN TOWNSEND.
1850-1851.
From a photograph made from life by Pirie Macdonald, and owned in 1904
by his dau°rhter-in-law, Mrs. Franklin Townsend.

No. 47- FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. 603.
1850.
(Continued from No. 43.)
1850.

Gen. Franklin Townsend assumes the office of Mayor, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th, when he re
ceived 3,229 votes as the Whig candidate, his opponent, Eli
Perry, the Democratic candidate, receiving 3,217 votes, blank
and scattering 10 votes; total votes cast, 6,456; Franklin.
Townsend's majority over Eli Perry, 12 votes, April 16.
Charter election, Mayor, Franklin Townsend; Common Council:
William L. Osborn, Bernard Lynch, I. Edward Satterlee,
Joseph Courtney, II. Garret V. S. Bleecker, Levi Phillips, III.
John D. Hewson, Alden March, IV. Iienry Bleecker, Visscher
Ten Eyck, V. James A. Wilson, George Dexter, VI. Henry
B. Hewitt, Joseph Clinton, VII. Chauncey Pratt Williams,
William B. Scott, VIII. William Cumming, Richard J. Grant,
IX. George M. Sayles, Daniel E. Bassett, X. Election, April
9; sworn in, April 16.
American Express Co. formed by consolidation of the several
small companies doing an express business at this city.
Division street the southern end of So. Pearl street now.
Albany, Bennington & Rutland Railroad Company organized, elect
ing following directors, all Albanians : Marcus T. Reynolds,
John Tayler Cooper, Samuel Pruyn, Charles Van Benthuysen,.
Franklin Townsend, James Kidd, Wm. W. Forsyth, James A.
Wilson, John B. James, Wm. V. Many and John L. School
craft, April 25.
O'Reilly telegraph poles, surmounted by gilded eagles, erected
through the city, April 26.
Rev. M. Van Waggoner preaches farewell at Universalist Church,
April 28.
Lydia Collins, wjfe of Eli Perry (48th mayor), dies, April 28.
Marcus T. Reynolds elected president of the Albany & Rutland
Railroad Company at a meeting of directors, April 30.
Van Rensselaer island, just south of the city, under water for the
eighth time this spring and greatly damaged, April 30.
Recently appointed water commissioners meet to consider an in
creased supply, and name Wm. J. McAlpin to study various
projects, May 1.
Ex-Mayor B. P. Staats presides at a meeting in " Old" Capitol at
which flogging in the navy is condemned, May 6.
Omnibus line starts running from North to South ferry, May 6.
Holy Cross (German R. C.) Church corner-stone laid, s. w. corner

604 FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. No. 47.
1850.
Hamilton and Philip streets, by Bishop McCloskey, Western
New York, May 12.
Albany City Savings Institution, recently chartered, opens, May 22.
Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York formed.
Journeymen Printers' Union meets at Clinton hotel on So. Pearl
street and elects Giles K. Winne president, June 1.
Steamboat Kosciusko leaves for New York, charging only 6%
cents for passage, June 12.
O'Reilly telegraph line connected with New York, June 25.
Horticultural exhibit at Geological Hall shows 50 varieties of
strawberries, June 26,
Independence Day celebrated with processions, William Barnes de
livering the oration and Walter R. Bush reading the Declara
tion, July 4.
Grace (Episcopal) Church corner-stone laid, corner of Washington
avenue and Lark street, by Bishop Whittingham, July 8.
Gen. Zachary Taylor's death on July 9th announced in this city
(born in Orange county, Va., Sept. 24, 1784, 12th President,
inaugurated on March 4, 1849), July 10,
City draped in mourning, all stores closed, in honor of the funeral
of President Zachary Taylor at Washington, July 14.
Funeral procession in this city honoring memory of the late Presi
dent Zachary Taylor, July 17.
Anshe Emeth synagogue organized by Rabbi Isaac Wise, South
Pearl and Herkimer streets.
Albany Burgesses' Corps returns from an excursion, started on the
5th, to New York, Providence and Boston, and banquet at
John McCardel's refectory on Beaver street, Aug. 10.
City Water Commission purchases Patroon's creek, with sufficient
land, for $150,000, including water leases, which paid about
$8,000 annually, Aug. 23.
Thomas W. Olcott's wife, Lucia Marvin, aged 25, dies, Aug. 25.
City decides to adopt gas instead of oil, Sept. 2.
Home for the Friendless established by Mrs. Lee.
Holy Innocents' Church consecrated by Bishop Whittingham, Sept. 3.
Frederika Bremer, Swedish authoress, comes to the city, Sept. 3.
New York State Fair held at Albany for the second time, the tenth
annual exhibition, Ezra P. Prentice of this city, president, at
the Bull's Head on the Troy road, Sept. 4.
Hon. Daniel D. Barnard appointed U. S. Minister to Berlin, Sept. 5.
State Fair closed, having sold 40,000 admissions, 6,000 vehicles
there, net income $10,465.10, Sept. 7.

No. 47- FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. 605
1850.
Water commissioners award work on projected waterworks sys
tem at West Albany amounting to about $600,000, Sept. 17.
Sanders Lansing prominent in Revolutionary scenes, and a brother
of Chancellor John Lansing, county judge and register of the
court of chancery, dies at Manheim, aged 85, Sept. 19.
James Kidd appointed postmaster to succeed Lewis Benedict, Sept. 28.
Contract closed for construction of the Albany & Rutland railroad,
conditioned on the work being completed in one year, Oct. 1.
Steamboat Reindeer built by Thomas Collyer, 260 feet long, 34
feet broad, 9 feet deep, 56 x 144 in. engine.
State Library building being erected on north side of State street,
opposite High street.
Colored citizens meet in the City Hall to discuss the " fugitive
slave " law, Oct. 3.
Eagle Tavern site built upon by Mr. Delavan, for stores, east side
of Broadway, from Hamilton street southward, Oct. 8.
Benjamin R. Spelman elected captain of the Burgesses, Oct. 8.
East Albany freight traffic increased to 250 cars loaded daily, Oct. 12.
Matthew Trotter, after whom Trotter's Alley named (Broadway
to the river, south of Hudson avenue) dies at sea returning
from France, Oct. 17.
Greenbush horse-boat, in tow of ferry, sinks, and four horses are
drowned, Oct. 29.
House's Telegraph Line, the third, begins working, Oct. 31.
Albany & Mohawk plank road completion celebrated, Nov. 9.
James H. Armsby, M. D., elected president Albany County Medical
Society, Nov. 14.
Hon. Erastus Corning, first president of the Utica & Schenectady
Railroad Co., voted a silver service, having long given freely
his valuable services, Nov. 19.
Scho-negh-ta-da Lodge, No. 87, I. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 1.
Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 1.
New York State Bank's building, on reorganizing under new
charter to be issued in January, sold at auction for $19,000, Dec. 4.
Thomas McCredie's wife, Helen, daughter of Robert Dunlop, dies,
Dec. 6.
Reuben Dunbar, having been on trial for two weeks, is convicted
of the mysterious and brutal murder of two Lester boys in
' the woods at Westerlo, on Sept. 28th, Dec. 10.
Rev. Ray Palmer installed pastor First Congregational Church, Dec. 10.

606 FRANKLIN TOWNSEND. No. 47.
1850-1851.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 17.
New York State Bank's original charter expires, Dec. 31.
Thermometer 15 degrees below zero, Dec. 31.

1851.

Washington Hunt inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
New York State Bank, with new charter, reorganizes with capital
of $350,000, as the New York State National Bank, Jan. 1.
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception fair, to aid building fund,
nets $7,"6oo, closed, Jan. 4.
First Baptist Church holds last service at its Green street building,
which it sells to the People's Church, newly organized under
Rev. Geo. Montgomery West, Jan. 5.
Reuben Dunbar, for killing the two Lester boys in the Westerlo
woods on Sept. 28th, is executed in the jail, Jan. 31.
Dr. James P. Boyd's residence, n. e. corner of Hudson avenue and
Grand street, burned with loss of $6,000, Jan. 31.
Several railroad lines extending across the State combine as the
New York Central road.
Albany Weekly Express appears, issued by Stone & Henly, Feb. 1.
Freshet carries away 200 feet of the Government embankment ex
tending to the island opposite North Albany from mainland, Feb. 12.
Albany & Northern Railroad Co. incorporated for purpose of con
structing a road to Eagle Bridge, Feb. 20.
William Allen, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 94, dies, Feb. 23.
River open to navigation, Oregon arriving, Feb. 25.
John C. Feltman, born at Osnaburgh, Hanover, Germany, Oct. 8,
1775, and emigrated here in 1806, a prominent citizen, dies,
March 1.
Common Council decides to increase the Mayor's salary to $1,000,
beginning with the next incumbent, Feb. 3.
Anti-renters convene at Beardsley's hotel to revive party, March 19.
Regular police department established by Laws of 1 851.
City divided into four police precincts.
Eli Perry elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election, receiv
ing 3,542 votes as the Democratic candidate; Franklin Town-
send receiving 3,176 votes as the Whig candidate; blank and
scattering, 14 votes ; total votes cast, 6,732 ; Perry's majority
over F. Townsend, 366 votes, and Eli Perry is declared mayor-
elect, April 8.

No. 48.
Sit P^rrg.

April 15, 1851 — Jan. 12, 1852.
Jan. 13, 1852 — Jan. 9, 1854.
May 6, 1856 — May 3, 1858.
May 4, 1858 — April 30. I860.
May 6, 1862 — May 2, 1864.
May 3, 1864 — April 30, 1866*

No. 48.
ELI PERRY.
Date of office: (a) April 15, 1851-January 12, 1852.
(b) January 13, 1852-January 9, 1854.
(c) May 6, 1856-May 3, 1858.
(d) May 4, 1858-April 30, i860.
(e) May 6, 1862-May 2, 1864.
(f) May 3, 1864-April 30, 1866.
Date of election: (a) April 8, 1851.
(b) November 4, 1851.
(c) April 8, 1856.
(d) April 13, 1858.
(e) April 8, 1862.
(f) April 12, 1864.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 3,542. 4,022.
2,990. 4,702.
5,635-5-375- (a) Franklin Townsend.
Thomas McMullen.
John V. P. Quackenbush, (cc) Visscher Ten Eyck.
Dr. John Quackenbush.
George W. Luther.
Gen. John F. Rathbone.
(a) Whig.
(b) Whig.
(c) Republican.
(d) Republican.
(e) Republican.
(f) Republican.
Vote: (a) 3,176, blank and scattering 14.
(b) 3,050, blank and scattering 22.
(c) 2,172, (cc) 1,100, blank and scattering 14.
(d) 4,601, blank and scattering 26.
(e) 3,146, blank and scattering 40.
(f) 3,462, blank and scattering 42.

(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
Opponent: (b)(c)
(d) (e)
(f)
Political Party:

Total vote: (a) 6,732.
(b) 7,094-
(c) 6,276.
(d) 9,329-
(e) 8,821.
(f) 8,879.
Date of birth: December 25, 1799.
Place of birth: Washington county, N. Y.
Parents: John (P.) and Jeannie Searles.
Education: Country schools.
Married to: (a) Elizabeth Clark.
(b) Lydia Collins.
(c) Matilda Caroline Todd.
Date: (a) (b)
(c) New York, June 22, 1853.
Children: (a-4) Oliver Hazard, (3 dau. d. y.).
(b-i d. y.)
(c) None.
Residence: No. 85 Washington avenue.
Occupation: Live stock and provisions.
Religion: Baptist.
Date of death: May 17, 1881.
Place of death: No. 85 Washington avenue.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman, April 2, 1845. Assembly (fourth district)
1850—51. Contracted to supply provisions in Civil War and
fulfilled, although he lost his fortune in so doing, by raise in
prices. Offered Congress Park for State Capitol site, Febru
ary 23, 1865. Livingston avenue railroad bridge opened Feb
ruary 22, 1866; 21 piers, 4,253 feet. Secured $350,000 for
new Federal building, February 13, 1872. Congressman,
1870-72. Presidential elector, 1876. School Commissioner.
President Board of Trustees Pearl Street Baptist Church.
Member of Masters Lodge, No. 5, F. and A. M. ; Temple
Commandery, No. 5, R. A. M. ; Albany Burgesses Corps ;
life member of Albany Jackson Corps. Organized personally
43d Regiment. Organized Albany Orphan Asylum. School
No. 13 completed 1859, built in 1779, State Arsenal until 1859.

48. ELI PERRY.
1851-54; 1856-60; 1862-66.
From an oil painting made from life and owned in 1904 by The Albany
Institute.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 6ll
1851.
(Continued from No. 47.)
1851.

Eli Perry sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having been chosen at
the Charter election held on April 8th, when he received 3,542
votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, Gen. Frank
lin Townsend, receiving 3,176 votes as the Whig candidate;
blank and scattering, 14 votes; total number of votes cast,
6,732 ; Perry's majority over Townsend being 366 votes he was
declared chosen mayor of Albany, April 15.
Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard
Lynch, Thomas Leonard, I. Joseph Courtney, William P. Mal-
burn, II. Levi Phillips, Garret V. S. Bleecker, III. Alden
March, Jacob Hendrickson, IV. Visscher Ten Eyck, Alfred
Van Santvoord, V. George Dexter, William Eggleston, VI."
Joseph Clinton, John J. Jarvis, VII. William B. Scott, Elias
Vanderlip, VIII. Richard J. Grant, James D. Wasson, IX.
Daniel E. Bassett, George M. Sayles, X. Election, April 8;
sworn in, April 15.
Twelve Democratic senators resign refusing to sanction the bor
rowing of $9,000,000 for enlargement of the Erie canal, and
Legislature adjourns, April 17.
Large Democratic meeting in the Capitol because of the Erie canal
discussion and sudden adjournment of the Legislature, April 18.
Albany & Susquehanna railroad incorporated, April 19.
Water mains in the city at this time measure 29 8/10 miles, April 20.
Albany Law School organized, Chief Justice Greene C. Bronson,
Pres't, April 21.
Great meeting of Whigs in the Capitol to denounce action of the
Democrats in attacking the constitutionality of law planning
enlargement of the Erie canal, April 23.
Bleecker reservoir, west of Ontario street, being constructed, April 25.
Frederick W. Ridgway, prominent citizen, aged 34, dies, May 2.
Thomas Hurst falls from railroad bridge over Patroon's creek,
aged 55, and dies, May 3.
Steamboat New World, trip in 7 hrs., 43 mins., commissioned, ¦May.

6l2 ELI PERRY. No. 48.

1851.

President Millard Fillmore arrives at 3 p. m. from the West and
is taken about the city, escorted by military bodies, amid great
enthusiasm, and is escorted to the night boat at 7 p. m.,
May 22.
Steamboat Reindeer makes record trip in 7 hrs. 44 mins., May 31.
N. Y. Central railroad leases Troy & Greenbush railroad, June 1.
Weekly Knickerbocker commenced by Hugh J. Hastings, June 8.
Legislature meets in extra session, June 10.
Patroon's creek being dammed six miles west of the city to form
Rensselaer lake, also known as the Tivoli lakes, the Upper
and Lower, covering an area of 40 acres, capacity of 200,000
gallons, William J. McAlpine, engineer, June 15.
Legislature passes a bill for the erection of a fireproof building on
State street, opposite High street, west of the Capitol, June 18.
Strike of laborers at work on constructing waterworks, contractors
agreeing to pay 873/2 cents for 10 hours, or $1 for 12 hours,
June 23.
Demolition of No. Pearl street Methodist Church, originally a
circus, begun, June 24.
Independence Day celebrated, oration by S. Ii. Hammond, Dudley
Farlin the reader, and poem by William H. Green, July 4.
Jenny Lind gives her first vocal concert here as the greatest living
singer, at Third Presbyterian Church, July g.
Ojibway Indians make encampment on shore across river, July 10.
Legislative extra session adjourns, July 11.
Jenny Lind gives second concert in Third Presbyterian Church, July 11.
Albany Hospital board of governors organizes, choosing John C.
Spencer president, and naming a committee to procure build
ing, .>¦_. July 14.
Albany Academy students present Rev. Dr. William H. Campbell,
principal, on retiring, with a gold watch; George H. Cook
elected (4th) principal in his stead, July 15.
Steamboat Trojan, owned here, burns at New York city dock,
Aug. 7.
Jenny Lind arrives on steamboat Reindeer and takes rooms at
Congress Hall, Aug 8.
American Association for Advancement of Science meets in hall
of Albany Institute in the Albany Academy, Aug. 18.
Ground broken for State Library building, rear of Capitol, Aug. 24.

STATE LIBRARY OF 1851.
Established by Act of Apr. 21, 1818, and opened in old Capitol (1808), John
Cook, Librarian, in July ; bill for a building passed June 18, 1851 ; ground broken
Aug. 24, 1851 ; erected on north side State st., adjoining rear of old Capitol, two
stories, 45 x 114 ft., of brownstone ; removal authorized July 19, 1883, and books
placed in new Capitol in September, occupying western end 25 years.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 613
1851.
Excavating for water-pipes at foot of State street, two graves of
the old Dutch Church opened and bodies exhumed, Aug. 28.
Albany Daily Eagle first issued by John Sharts, editor, Sept. 1.
Central railroad starts excavations for Maiden Lane bridge, Sept. 9.
Father Matthew, Apostle of Temperance, arrives from Utica,
Sept. 12.
Jews having purchased the So. Pearl Street Baptist Church, at the
head of Herkimer street, Rev. Mr. Iioward. preaches parting
sermon, Sept. 28.
Bishop McCloskey of the Roman Catholic diocese, preacnes parting
sermon, receives a gift of $1,500 and leaves for Europe, Sept. 29.
First train on the Hudson River railroad arrives from New York,
Oct. 1.
Jews consecrate the former So. Pearl Street Baptist Church at the
head of Herkimer street as the Anshe Emeth Synagogue, Oct. 3.
Mrs. Blandina increases contribution to erect the Dudley Observ
atory to $13,000 and Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer donates
the hill at North Albany, to the west of his Manor House estate,
October.
Great celebration of Hudson River railroad, 1,100 sitting down
to dinner here, a train coming from New York on the new
road in 3 -.24 hours running time, Oct. 8.
City Temperance Society organized, Hon. Bradford R. Wood, presi
dent, Oct. 14.
Water let in the new aqueduct at Rensselaer lake at 9:19 a. m.,
reaching the weir at head of Washington street at 11 :3i a. m.,
Oct. 24.
Methodists occupy building erected on site of the old circus on No.
Pearl street, near Clinton avenue, Oct. 26.
Albany City Hospital dedicated at the corner of Dove street and
Lydius street, (Madison avenue) addresses by President John
C. Spencer of the board of governors, followed by remarks by
Rev. Dr. Potter and prayer by Rev. Dr. Pohlman, Nov. 1.
William J. McAlpine of this city elected State engineer and sur
veyor, Nov. 4.
Eli Perry re-elected the Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 4,022 votes as the Democratic candidate; his op
ponent, Thomas McMullen, receiving 3,050 votes as the Whig
candidate ; blank and scattering, 22 votes ; total number of
votes cast, 7,094; Perry's majority over McMullen being 972
votes he is declared elected Mayor of Albany, Nov. 4.

614 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1851-1852.
Holy Cross Church, organized by German Catholics, dedicated at
the s. w. corner of Hamilton and Philip streets, by Very Rev.
John Conroy, cost, $9,000, Nov. 23,
Young Men's Association enters new rooms in the recently erected
Commercial Bank building on south side of State street, Dec. 10.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14.
Robert Dunlop, eminent merchant of this city who had acquired a
fortune, dies at his home in Watervliet, aged 75 years, having
come here from Scotland in 1806, Dec. 15.
Law Department of the University of Albany opens, Judge Amasa
J. Parker delivering a course of lectures in the Y. M. A.
rooms in the new Commercial Bank building, Dec. 17.
William L. Marcy presides at a meeting in the Capitol before the
friends of Louis Kossuth and Hungarian freedom, Dec. 19.
Margaret Whetten widow of the late Captain Stewart Dean, the
navigator of this city after whom the street was named, aged
95 years, dies in New York city, Dec. 21.
Canal commissioners award large contracts for enlarging the Erie
canal, Dec. 30.

1852.
Rain causing high water, the ice sweeps down, bearing past the
city a canal-boat with woman and child aboard, who cannot
be rescued because of the swift current and water filled with
huge cakes of ice; but at Castleton they are rescued, Jan. 1.
Rev. W. W. Moore begins pastorate of South Baptist Church,
corner of Herkimer and Franklin streets, Jan. 4.
The fair held for the benefit of the new Orphan Asylum at Bleecker
Hall, No. 527 Broadway, nets $3,249, Jan. 7.
New North Methodist Church, erected on site of the old No. Pearl
street, circus, dedicated, Jan. 11.
? ? ?
Hon. Eli Perry is sworn a second time as the Mayor of Albany,
at his home because of sickness, having been chosen at the
Charter election held on Nov. 4, 185 1, when his majority as
the Democratic candidate, over Thomas McMullen, the Whig
candidate was 972 votes, Jan. 12.
Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry; Common Council: Thomas
Leonard, John McEvoy, I. William P. Malburn, Richard
Godley, II. Garret V. S. Bleecker, John A. Sickles, III. Jacob
Hendrickson, Charles Gay, IV. Alfred Van Santvoord,

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 615

1852.

Visscher Ten Eyck, V. William Eggleston, George Dexter,
VI. John J. Jarvis, Thomas Higgins, VII. Elias Vanderlip,
Richard Stafford, VIII. James D. Wasson, Thomas W. Valen
tine, IX. George M. Sayles, Philip Fredenrich, X. Election,
Nov. 4, 1851 ; sworn in, Jan. 13.
The first train on the Harlem Railroad, invited guests aboard, comes
through to Albany and all dine at Congress Hall, Jan. 19.
The Police Department succeeds the constabulary system.
Third Police Precinct occupying building on Jackson street.
Fourth Police Precinct station located n. w. Lancaster and Dove.
Enormous procession of Temperance societies marches to the Cap
itol, but not all can be accommodated and some proceed else
where, Jan. 28.
John Gott, born in Vermont in 1786, removed to this city in 1799,
and engaged in tobacco business, described as " a fine old gentle
man," aged 68 years, dies, Feb. 2.
Sylvanus J. Penniman, coming here from Lansingburg in 1823
and opening the drug house that was bought out by J. and
Archibald McClure in 1832, which firm continued it under
similiar name (McClure & Co.) for half a century, aged 71,
dies, Feb. 7.
William Gould's (law-book seller) wife, Mary, aged 75 years, dies,
Feb. 7.
A posse of 22 policemen visit the scene of the anti-renters in the
Helderbergs, where Mr. Fish had been tarred and feathered,
returning with two prisoners, after being attacked with weap
ons, Feb. 23.
The Bethlehem Washington Guards, attacked while on parade by .1
mob of young ruffians, necessitating the visit of police, March 6.
Albany City Hospital's board of governors purchase the old jail at
s. e. corner of Eagle and Howard streets for purpose of con
verting it into a hospital, ' March 20.
River open to navigation, official record, March 28.
Hugh Denniston, prominent citizen, dies aged 57 years, March 30.
Legislature adjourns after a session continuing through 24 hours,
April 13.
After a session of 102 days the Legislature adjourns, April 17.
Foundations of the First Baptist Church, (Hudson ave., Philip and
Plain streets) commenced, April '20.
Mount Moriah Lodge (Ancient City) No. 143, instituted.
Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, a distinguished fighter and leader
at the battle of Queenstown on Oct. 13, 1812, congressman,

6l6 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1852.

son of Gen. Henry K. Van Rensselaer, (b. Greenbush, in the
old Genet Mansion) aged 77, dies at his Cherry Hill mansion
south of the city, April 23.
Funeral of Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer attended by military
honors, April 26.
Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian exile of note, arrives by eastern
train, is received by military bodies and escorted to Congress
Hall (hotel) where he is addressed by Gov. Washington Hunt,
May 18.
Louis Kossuth makes an address at Third Presbyterian Church, May 20.
Kossuth leaves by railroad for Niagara, having received a fund of
$2,000 here to aid the Flungarians, May 21.
Lots sold north of Madison avenue for opening Steamboat Square,
May 27.
Meeting of the trustees of the proposed Dudley Observatory,
Thomas W. Olcott chosen president, plans of Mr. Downing
examined and a building committee named, May 28.
Louis Kossuth, on second visit to the city, addresses a large audi
ence at Association Hall, stating that he was through traveling
in this country, Rabbi Wise opening the exercises, June 5.
Kossuth departs for New York aboard steamboat Alida, June 7.
New express train starts running to Buffalo, making the trip in the
fast time of 14 hours, June 14.
New Steamboat, Francis Skiddy, built by George Collyer, 1,235
tons, 322 feet long, 38 feet broad, 11 feet deep, 71 x 168 in.
engine, arrives for first time, making trip in 7 hrs., 24 minutes,
record, June 21.
Nail works of Erastus Corning, below Troy, burn with a loss of
$50,000, June 27.
The Freie Blaetter, a German newspaper, Aug. Miggael editor,
No. 44 Beaver street, established.
New steamboat Francis Skiddy makes record trip from New York,
6 hrs., 55J/2 mins., deducting landings, June 30.
James Stevenson, former mayor, lawyer, estimable citizen and ever
working assiduously to advance the city's interests, a member
of a number of large business interests, aged 65 years, dies,
July 3-
Independence Day celebrated, J. I. Werner the orator, July 4.
Remains of Hon. Henry Clay arrive at night and are escorted by
a torchlight procession to the City Hall by military companies, July 5-
Green Street theatre opened after being used by the Baptists as a
church for 40 years, July 5-

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 6l7

1852.

Remains of Henry Clay escorted to the railroad station by the
Burgesses' corps, who accompany them to Syracuse, July 6.
A. McClure's large paint and drug-store on State street consumed
by fire resulting from alcohol, July 23.
Steamboat Henry Clay burned on its way to New York and nearly
one hundred lives lost, July 28.
New York & Erie railroad completed.
First public procession of the Turn-Verein and Sing-Verein, Aug. 16.
Ferry-boat capsizes and 20 of 25 passengers drown, Aug. 22.
Steamboat Reindeer bursts a flue at Bristol (40 miles south of this
city) and seven persons are killed, Sept. 4.
City authorities take possession of the South Ferry, Sept. 7.
Copper kettle of Taylor & Son's brewery, containing 200 barrels of
beer, falls, doing great damage, Sept. 10.
Akin & Schuyler take ferry rights, paying city $2,200 annually, Sept. 29.
Steamboat Mary Powell first in commission.
Sacred Heart convent or academy opened in Westerlo building on
So. Pearl street, with 30 scholars.
Normal School elects Samuel B. Woolworth its (3rd) principal,
succeeding George R. Perkins who came into that office in 1848.
Gen. Winfield Scott arrives here and is escorted to the Capitol by
military bodies, where he is addressed by Judge John C.
Spencer, Oct. 16.
General Scott departs for New York, Oct. 18.
Gen. Chauncey Humphrey, former prominent citizen, dies at
Middlebury, Vt., Oct. 18.
Albany City Volunteers organize, John Arts captain, Oct. 21.
Citizens assemble at the City Hall to express resolutions on the
death of Daniel Webster, Oct. 26.
On Mayor Perry's recommendation, citizens close all places of
business out of respect to Daniel Webster, at noon, during
his funeral at Marshfield, Oct. 29.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception dedicated by Archbishop
Hughes, in presence and assisted by another archbishop, 5
bishops and 50 priests, with an audience of 4,000 persons, Nov. 21.
Rev. A. A. Thayer installed at Universalist Church, Dec. 1.
City Volunteers, under Capt. John Arts, makes first appearance, Dec. 9.
John Taylor's malt-house partly destroyed, loss $15,000, Dec, 10.
Grace Episcopal Church dedicated by Bishop Wainwright, Dec. 14.

6l8 ELI PF.RRY. No. 48.
1852-1853.
The steamboat Flendrik Hudson frozen in while going to New
York, Dec. 22.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 23.
New edifice of First Baptist Society, Hudson ave., Plain and Philip
sts. first opened for service, Dec. 26.
Steamboat Isaac Newton, having been sheathed with iron, forces
her way to Coeymans, and liberating the Hendrik Hudson,
brings that steamer to this city, Dec. 29.

1853.
Horatio Seymour inaugurated Governor of New York. Jan. 1.
'" Country Gentleman " assumed as name of L. Tucker's farm
journal, Jan. 1.
Charter officials, Mayor, William Parmelee; Common Council:
John McEvoy, Stephen Iiarris, I. Richard Godley, Ebenezer
G. Chesebro, II. John A. Sickles, Gerrit V. S. Bleecker, III.
Charles Gay, John McBride Davidson, IV. Visscher Ten Eyck,
Richard D. Van Rensselaer, V. George Dexter, Henry Russell,
VI. Thomas Higgins, George Vanderlip, VII. Richard
Stafford, Patrick M. McCall, VIII. Thomas W. Valentine,
David H. Cary, IX. Philip Frederich, Theodore Townsend,
X. In office on, Jan. 1.
Legislature convenes, . Jan. 4.
In row at Green Street theatre policeman stabbed by bayonet in
hands of one of a dozen who had forced entrance to take
possession for Mr. Preston, Jan. 11.
Anna Maria Saltus, wife of Lansing Pruyn, dies, Jan. 29.
L. R. Brock appointed keeper of almshouse, vice Halliday, Jan. 31.
Evening Transcript first published by Cuyler & Henly, the seventh
city paper at this time, Feb. 1.
Survivors of campaign of 1812 arrive from New York and are
joined here by thirty-eight Albany comrades who parade under
Col. Haight, escorted by Republican Artillery, Feb. 3.
Survivors of 1812, one hundred in number, joined by thirty-eight
of Albany, addressed by Gov. Seymour at Capitol, Feb. 4.
Green Street theatre sold for $6,975 under sheriff's hammer, Feb. 8.
Mr. Forsyth presents petition to Legislature for establishment of
a House of Refuge at Albany, Feb. 18.
Bill to consolidate the various railroad lines between Albany and
Buffalo passed by Assembly, March 23.
River open to navigation, official record, March 23.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 619

1853.

Last rail of the Northern Railroad connecting Albany and Cohoes,
laid, March 24.
Green Street theatre opened by Edmund S. Connor, March 28.
Bank of the Capitol goes into operation, April 1.
New York Central Railroad organized on plans by Edwin Dean
Worcester of this city, April 2.
Experimental trip on the Albany Northern Railroad as far as Cohoes,
April q.
Albany Northern Railroad commences regular trips to Cohoes, April 11.
Legislature adjourns, April 13.
Meeting held to organize Albany County Agricultural Society, April 14.
Mary, wife of Daniel Boughton, dies, April 19.
Dr. Lewis C. Beck, aged 55, chemistry professor in Medical College
and engaged in scientific enterprises, dies, April 20.
Albany Northern Railroad open to Waterford, May 7.
Capt. John Bogart, aged 92, in command of a vessel transporting
officers on the Hudson in 1776, dies, May 22.
Prisoners in the jail, s. e. cor. Eagle and Howard streets, removed
to the new lockup on north side of Maiden Lane, east of City
Hall, June 2.
Members of Legislature accept trip on the Consolidated Railroad
to Niagara Falls, June 4.
Legislative train returns from Niagara in 7 hrs. 44 min., June 6.
Last rail laid on Albany Northern Railroad connecting at Eagle
Bridge with the Vermont road, June 29.
First locomotive passes over Albany Northern from Eagle Bridge,
June 30.
Boiler of steamboat New World explodes, killing four, July 1.
Directors of the consolidating railroad to Buffalo elect first officers,
Erastus Corning, Pres., J. V. L. Pruyn, Sec. and Treas., July 7
New York Central railroad and the Fludson River railroad consoli
date under plan of Edwin Dean Worcester of this city, Aug. 1.
Deaths by heat during the week number 28, Aug. 13.
First passenger train on Northern Railroad comes through from
Eagle Bridge, Aug. 16.
Woman weighing 764 pounds and her daughter, aged 15 years,
weighing 340 pounds, shown at Bleecker Hall, No. 527 Broad
way, Aug. 17.
Worth Guards on an excursion to Coxsackie attacked by ruffians
who had come along, and villagers drive the boat away, Aug. 22.

620 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1853, 1856.
John Morgan, chief of police since organization of present force,
resigns, Sept. 4.
Ground broken for the Albany & Susquehanna railroad, Sept. 5.
First of the enlarged Erie canal boats arrives, with .3,720 bushels
of wheat, Sept. 10.
Albany forwards $1,535.25 to New Orleans yellow fever sufferers, Sept. 20.
Albany Academy elects Rev. Wm. A. Miller, D.D., its (5th) presi
dent.
Edmund Marcy, aged 22, youngest son of Gov. W. L. Marcy, dies
at sea on July 5th and is buried from father's house on State
street, Sept. 29.
County Fair held on Troy Road, receipts $2,000, Oct. 6.
Miss Catherine Springsteed award a silver cup at County Fair here
for equestrianism, Oct. 7.
Green Island village incorporated, Oct. 14.
Rev. Wm. Ingraham Kip of St. Paul's Church (rector and author)
appointed missionary bishop to California, Oct. 22.
First train of cars comes down from Rutland over the Albany
Northern Railroad Co.'s line, Nov. 5.
William Parmelee chosen the Mayor a third time at the Charter
election, receiving 3,073 votes as the Whig candidate; his op
ponent. Eli Perry, receiving 2,692 votes as the Democratic
candidate; Chauncey Pratt Williams receiving 1,165 votes;
William Eggleston receiving 6 votes; blank and scattering, 36
votes ; total number of votes cast, 6,972 ; Parmelee's majority
over Perry being 381 votes, he is declared elected the Mayor
of Albany, Nov. 8.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. it.
? ? ?
(See No. 45.)

(Continued from No. 56.)
1856.

Hon. Eli Perry is sworn as the Mayor of Albany a third time,
having been chosen to succeed Mayor William Parmelee at
the Charter election held on April 8th, when he received 2,990
votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent, John V. P.
Quackenbush, receiving 2,172 votes as the Republican candi
date; Visscher Ten Eyck receiving 1,100 votes; blank and

NO. 48. ELI PERRY. 621

1856.

scattering, 14 votes; total number of votes cast, 6,276; Perry's
majority being 818 votes, he was declared chosen the Mayor
of Albany, May 6.
Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Cornelius
McCloskey, Michael Cassidy, I. George B. Johnson, Thomas
S. Knight, II. George A. Ii. Englehart, John Hurdis, III.
Erastus Ii. Pease, Richard Merrifield, IV. Richard Van Rens
selaer, Joseph C. Y. Paige, V. Henry Russell, Henry Lansing,
VI. John Benson, Thomas Kearney, VII. Hiram Gilbert,
James Jones, VIII. Henry J. Wells, Henry Crandall, IX.
Andrew M. Bullock, Robert Harper, X. Election, April 8;
sworn in, May 6.
The 76th Regiment organized by Col. Frederick Townsend.
Funeral of Cyrus Edson, killed with two others, by explosion on
the 15th at his distillery at lower end of Broadway, May 18.
Corner-stone of St. Joseph's Church laid, June 1.
Workmen tear down the old City hotel, June 16.
The old Yates Mansion on Broad street sold to Thomas W. Olcott
for use of the principal of the Female Academy, $16,000, June 19.
Albany Bridge Co. stock subscribed for $500,000 in few hours,
June 25.
The 25th Regiment erecting a high flagstaff at Steamboat Square,
General Frisby raises the national flag while a salute of 13
guns is fired, July 2.
Common Council changes name of Patroon street to Clinton ave.,
July 7-
John I. Boyd, a founder of St. Andrew's Society, aged 76, dies,
July 12.
Archibald Campbell, prominent citizen, born at Glenlyon, Scotland,
in 1779, and coining here in 1798, a founder of St. Andrew's
Society, aged 77 years, dies, July 14.
One of the earliest torchlight parades for a political candidate,
transparencies and Roman candles, ratifying the nomination
of Millard Fillmore for President, Aug. 14.
American Society for the Advancement of Science meets in the
Capitol, Aug. 20.
Total amount raised for the Dudley Observatory, $98,850, Aug. 21.
Robert M. K. Strong, one of the brightest in the legal profession,
aged 44 years, dies, Aug. 24.
State Geological Hall opened by the famous Louis Agassiz and the
American Scientific Association, Aug. 27.

622 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1856.
Co. B of the 10th Battalion joins State militia, attached to 76th
Reg't, Aug. 28.
Imposing and enthusiastic ceremonies at the dedication of the
Dudley Observatory, exercises held in an immense canvas tent
erected in the Academy Park, ex-Governor Washington Hunt
speaking a forceful eulogy of the late Mayor Charles E. Dud
ley, after whom it is named, and then the youthful astronomer,
Benjamin Apthorp. Goold speaks, followed by Prof. Bache.
At this point Judge Harris reads a letter from Mrs. Blandina
Dudley, his widow, offering the additional sum of $50,000,
which news is received with uproarious applause. Edward
Everett of Boston then delivers an oration in polished phrasing,
and at its close. the assemblage calls for Mrs. Dudley, who rises
and. bows, while shedding tears of deep emotion, Overcome by
the compliment, Aug. 28.
Albany Academy elects David Murray, Ph.D., its (6th) president.
Albany Evening Union first published by James Macfarlane, Sept. 8.
Albany Exchange Bank incorporated.
City Tract and Missionary Society incorporated.
Westerlo Mansion on Pearl street sold at auction, $17,000, Sept. 18.
Hudson River Bridge Co. organizing elects Erastus Corning presi
dent, Sept. 24.
Fire destroys the Argentina works of Smith & Co., Kenwood,
$50,000, Oct. 2.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints James W. Green (3rd) superin
tendent.
Steamboat America sunk by collision with a sloop, Nov. 1.
Albany County Medical Society celebrates semi-centennial, Dr. U.
G. Bigelow presiding, and Dr. S. D. Willard reading a history,
Nov. 11.
Maria Banyar, widow of Goldsborough Banyar and daughter of
John Jay, aged 75, dies in New York city, Nov. 21.
Children's Friendly Society organized, November.
Mansion House on west side of Broadway north of State street,
sold at auction and bought for $60,000 by Van Heusen &
Charles, Nov. 22.
Two immense stones, weighing 16 tons each, arrive for the Dudley
Observatory from Kingston, Nov. 25.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 14.
Samuel Pruyn reports the Penitentiary earnings for year as
$3,178.04, Dec. 19.

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY— OLD.
Erected on a N. Albany hill given by Gen. S. Van Rensselaer, and named in honor of
late Mayor Chas. E. Dudley. His widow (Blandina, died Mch. 6, 1863) gave $13,000 on
Oct. 1, 1851, and $50,000 in 1856. Organized, T. W. Olcott, Pres't, May 28, 1852 ; dedi
cation ceremony in Academy Park, Edward Everett, Orator, Aug. 28, 1856 ; abandoned
(for new) 1893 ; burned May 16, 1904.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 623
1857.

1857.
John A. King escorted from Congress Hall by Albany Burgessesr
Corps, to the Capitol, where he is inaugurated Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office for this year : Mayor, Eli Perry ;
Common Council : Michael Cassidy, Owen Golden, I. Thomas
S. McKnight, Thomas B. Morrow, II. John Hurdis, Samuel
W. Gibbs, III. Richard .Merrifield, John D. Serviss, -IV.
Joseph C. Y. Paige, John Winne, V. Henry Lansing, James
B. Sanders, VII. Thomas Kearney, John Benson, VII. James-
Jones, Charles Snowden, VIII. Henry Crandall, Richard Bar-
hydt, IX. Robert Harper, Isaac Vanderpoel, X. In office on,
Jan. 1.
Folsom's Business College established by H. B. Bryant and H. D.
Stratton.
State Medical Society celebrates semi-centennial with banquet at
the Delavan House, Feb. 4.
Clinton Cassidy elected president of the Y. M. A., Feb. 5.
Water so high that it enters stores on west side of Broadway, Feb. g.
Subscriptions to flood sufferers here reach $5,100, Feb. 12.
Convention of abolitionists at the Young Men's Association rooms,
Wm. H. Topp, a colored man presiding, and Miss Susan B.
Anthony speaking with great earnestness, (she died in 1906),
Feb. 20.
Capt. Barnum Whipple, who projected the series of dykes and
sought to overcome the Overslaugh, (buried here), 60 years a
resident, dies at Staten Island, aged 77 years, Feb. 28.
River open to navigation, official record, March 18.
Y. M. C. A. (No. 124 State st.) organized, March 23.
Henry H. Van Dyke appointed (the 2nd) State superintendent of
public instruction, . April 7.
Albany Morning Express established by Stone & Henly, May 4.
Pioneer Rowing Club, the first in the city, founded.
Ex-Gov. William L. Marcy, for 40 years a resident of the city,
born in Worcester county, Mass., Dec. 12, 1786, graduate of
Brown University in 1808, studied law at Troy, served with
ability in War of 1812, appointed recorder of Troy in 1816,
moved to Albany in 1821, made judge of supreme court in
1829, elected to U. S. Senate in 1831, elected Governor in 1832,
and served six years] in 1845 made secretary of war by Presi-

624 ELI PERRY. No. 48.

1857-1858.

dent Polk, made secretary of state by President Pierce, dies
at Ballston of heart trouble, aged 71 years, July 4.
Ex-Gov. Wm. L. Marcy's funeral, 27 military companies, July 8.
Albany & Vermont railroad chartered, Oct. 17.
Lyman Tremain of this city elected State attorney-general, Nov. 3.
John Keyes Paige (ex-mayor) dies at Schenectady, Dec. 10.
Beck Literary Society of Albany Academy founded, Dec. 11.
River closes to navigation, Government record, Dec. 27.

1858.

State Museum collection placed in Agricultural Hall, s. w. corner
State and' Lodge streets.
River open to navigation, official record, March 20.
Hon. Eli Perry elected the Mayor of Albany a fourth time, at the
Charter election, receiving 4,702 votes as the Democratic candi
date; his opponent, Dr. John Quackenbush receiving 4,601
votes as the Republican candidate; blank and scattering, 26
votes; total number of votes cast, 9,329; Perry's majority over
Quackenbush being 101 votes, he is declared elected the Mayor
of Albany, April 13.
State Armory site, s. w. cor. Eagle and Hudson ave. bought, April 17.
? ? ?
Hon. Eli Perry is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having been
chosen such at the Charter election held on April 13th, when
his majority, over Dr. John Quackenbush was 101 votes, May 4.
Charter election, Mayor, . Eli Perry : Common Council : Owen
Golden, James Schuyler, I. Thomas B. Morrow, Michael Dele-
hanty, II. Samuel W. Gibbs, Nehemiah Osborn, III. John D.
Serviss, Philip Wendell, IV. John Winne, Albion Ransom, V.
James B, Sanders, James A. Wilson, VI. John Benson, Thomas
Kearney, VII. Charles Snowden, John Evers, VII. Richard
Barhydt, Ichabod L. Judson, IX. Isaac Vanderpoel, Christo
pher W. Bender, X. Election, April 13 ; sworn in, May 4.
Albany Rural Cemetery receiving vault erected.
Knickerbocker Rowing Club founded.
Ancient Order of Hibernians organized.
Atlantic cable laying celebration, Sept. 1.
Firemen's jubilee for three days, 3,000 coining from six other States,
Sept. 29.

RECEIVING VAULTS.

RURAL CEMETERY CHAPEL AND VAULT.
The vaults, for convenience in winter, were constructed in 1858, and the
Chapel, for free use at burials, in 1884. They are conveniently near each other
on opposite sides of the main driveway.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 625

1858-1859.

Common Council minutes first printed, Oct. 6.
Union Musical Ass'n (R. L. Johnson, Pres.) organized, October.
Joel Munsell's "Annals of Albany,", consisting of 10 volumes, be
ginning with " Notes from the Newspapers " at about 1770, a
very few notes at the start, but a source of much information
furnished thereby up to Sept. 7, 1847, at which time the
"annals" (or daily chronicle) commence, and terminate at
this date, December.

1859.

Edwin D. Morgan becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office for this year — Mayor, Eli Perry ;
Common Council : James Schuyler, Henry Mix, I. Michael
Delehanty, Thomas Schuyler, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Isaac N.
Keeler, III. Philip Wendell, Horace L. Emery, IV. Albion
Ransom, Charles B. Redfield, V. James A. Wilson, George
Thacher, VI. Thomas Kearney, Thomas Mattimore, VII. John
Evers, Martin White, VIII. Ichabod L. Judson, Charles Bell,
IX. Christopher W. Bender, William P. Brayton, X. In office,
Jan. 1.
River closed to navigation, Government record, Jan. 17.
Teunis Van Vechten (ex-mayor) dies, Feb. 4.
Piccolomini at Association Hall, Feb. 14.
Commerce Insurance Company of Albany, capital $200,000, (Silas
B. Hamilton, Pres.) organized.
River opens to navigation, Government record, March 13.
Nicholas Hill, (able lawyer) dies, May 1.
Hiawatha and Excelsior Rowing Clubs founded.
St. Peter's church (2nd edifice) demolished and work on new one
commenced, Richard M. Upjohn, architect; Rev. Thomas Clapp
Pitkin, rector; length, 136 ft.; breadth, 68 ft.; height, 64 ft.,
Gothic; corner-stone laid, June 29,
Sacred Heart Convent remvose to its thir quarters, from Hlilhouse
property on Troy Road, to Joel Rathbone estate, Kenwood.
First match rowing race at Albany.
Tabernacle Bap. Ch. organized, Clinton ave. and Ten Broeck, October.
State Fair, the 19th (Abraham B. Conger, Pres.) held at Albany
3rd time.
School No. 13 occupies State Arsenal, Broadway and Lawrence.
River closes to navigation, Government record, . Dec. 10.

626 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1860, 1862.

1860.
Population of the city 62,367.
Population of New York State 3,880,735.
William Barnes, Sr., appointed the first State superintendent of
insurance, Jan. 12.
St. George's Benevolent Society re-organized, Jan. 27.
River opens to navigation, Government record, March 3.
Kerdsene oil introduced in Albany.
Time-ball dropped on Capitol by Dudley Observatory.
George Hornell Thacher elected the Mayor of Albany at the
Charter election, receiving 4,825 votes as the Democratic candi
date ; his opponent, John Taylor, receiving 4,090 votes as the
Republican candidate ; Hiram Perry receiving 334 votes ; blank
and scattering, 19 votes; total number of votes cast, 9,268;
Thacher's majority over Taylor being 735 votes, he is declared
elected the Mayor of Albany, April 10.
? ? ?
(See No. 50.)

(Continued from No. 50.)
1862.

Hon. Eli Perry is sworn as the Mayor of Albany a fifth time, suc
ceeding Mayor John Taylor, having been elected at the Charter
election held on April 8, 1862, when he received 5,635 votes
as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent George W. Luther,
receiving 3,146 votes as the Republican candidate; blank and
scattering, 40 votes ; total number of votes cast, 8,821 ; Perry's
majority over Luther being 2,489 votes he was declared chosen
Mayor of Albany, May 6.
Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry; Common Council: John
Tracey, Bernard Reynolds, I. Lemuel M. Rodgers, Thomas
McCarty, II. John W. Harcourt, John Kennedy, III. William
Hastings, William Orr, IV. Erastus Corning, Jr., James I.
Johnson, V. Samuel Anable, Abraham A. Wemple, VI. Ed
ward Mulcahy; Terrence J. Quinn, VII. Michael A. Sheehan,
Thomas J. Cowell, VIII.' John Phillips, George I. Amsdell,
IX. Joseph T. Rice, Edward Wilson, X. Election, April 8;
sworn in, May 6.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH — THIRD EDIFICE.
The second edifice, built in 1802 at N. W. cor. of State and Lodge
sts., was taken down, and the cornerstone of this one laid on June 29,
1859 ; Gothic style ; Richard M. Upjohn, Architect ; first service
Sept. 16th, and consecrated by Bishop Horatio Potter, Oct. 4, 186c.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 627
1862-1863.

National Commercial Bank obviates calling extra Legislative session
by paying bounties amounting to $3,500,000, July.
Dr. John Swinburne, appointed chief of Gen. John F. Rathbone's
medical staff at the beginning of the war, given full command
by Major-General McClellan of all surgical cases at Savage -
Station sick camp, near Richmond, Va., one of the most im
portant hospital stations throughout the war, June 20.
Ex-President Martin Van Buren, who had had a law office in this
city; born at Kinderhook on Dec. 5, 1782, Governor of New
York, 1828-29 > Secretary of State under President Jackson ; U.
S. Minister to Gt. Britain, 1831 ; Vice-President, 1833-1837; 8th
President, 1837-1841 ; dies at his home, Kinderhook, July 24.
Steamboat Mary Powell starts first trip, July-
Departure of 113th Reg't, Col. Lew O. Morris, for Washington,
D. C, Aug. 19.
Recruiting offices kept open on Sunday because of the stress, the
clergy delivering stirring patriotic addresses on State st.,
Aug. 31.
Tenth Regiment's services accepted, Sept. 2.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church (its 3rd edifice) south side of Lan
caster, west of Swan St., first occupied, Sept. 21.
State Street Presbyterian Church (south side, west of Swan) dedi
cated, Oct. 12.
Trinity Place ordered so designated, Oct. 20.
Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A) mustered into U. S. service as Co.
A, 177th N. Y. Vols., Nov. 21.
Departure of the 10th Regiment for seat of war, crowds standing
in the streets and swarming in windows and upon roofs, women
crying and flags waving, which in conjunction with the patri
otic martial music makes a stirring scene, remembered by all
long years after, Dec. 16.
River closes to navigation, official record, Dec. 23.

1863.

Horatio Seymour becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office for the year, but not the result of
election this year — Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : John
Tracey, Bernard Reynolds, I. Lemuel M. Rodgers, Thomas
McCarty, II. James Mclntyre, John Kennedy, Jr., III. Fran
cis N. Sill, William Orr, IV. Erastus Corning, Jr., James I.
Johnson, V. John R. McCollum, Charles E. Bleecker, VI.
Edward Mulcahy, Terrence J. Quinn, VII. James C. Nolan,

628 ELI PERRY. No. 48.

1863.

J. Cowell, VIII. Richard Barhydt, George I. Amsdell, IX.
Edward Wilson, William Gould, X. In office on, Jan. 1.
First fire steamer house, No. 4, " the McQuade," opened.
Post-office opened in the Exchange Building, Jan. 24.
Rufus FI. King elected president of Albany Savings bank, because
of death (1862) of Gerrit Y. Lansing.
Albany Academy celebrates semi-centennial, March 4.
Mrs. Blandina Dudley, widow of late Mayor Charles E. Dudley
and founder of the Dudley Observatory, dies, March 6.
River open to navigation, official record, April 7.
Children's Friend Society incorporated, April 7.
Resolution of Senator James A. Bell to erect new Capitol, April 24.
Capt. Wm. James Temple, aged 22, dies of wounds at Chancellors-
ville, May 1.
Clinton avenue changed from Patroon street, May 4.
Board of Lumber Dealers organized, Henry Q. Hawley, president.
John Meads, prominent citizen, aged 60, dies, May 11.
Adjt. Richard Marvin Strong dies at Camp Bonnet Carre, La., of
typhoid, May 12'.
Recruiting tents again erected in the middle of State street, May 12.
Third Regiment returns, having left here May 16, 1861, with 780
strong, under Col. Frederick Townsend, only 422 coming back
alive, May 15.
Gen. Geo. B. McClellan a visitor of the city, May 23.
Steamboat St. John of People's evening line, built by John Englis,
New York, to run following year, 2,645 tons, 420x51 x 10 ft.
Steamboat Milton Martin (General Grant's dispatch boat on James
river) built at Jersey City, put on Newburgh line.
Steamboat Thomas Cornell built by E. S. Whitlock, 1,256 tons, 310
feet long, 34 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 72 x 144 in. engine.
Steamboat Berkshire built by Morton & Edmonds, 253 x 37 x 10
feet, 54 x 132 in. engine.
Strike of formidable proportions, dock laborers and Central railroad
employees seeking advance of 3754 cts., mob ruling city and
marching with clubs to all workshops, requiring services of
25th Reg't, June 15.
Horse-cars start running on Broadway, June 22.
Albany Boys' Academy celebrates semi-centennial, Orlando Meads
the orator, at Tweddle hall, June 23.
Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. operates horse-cars from
, Broadway and S. Ferry st. to 25th street in Watervliet, July 4-

GRANT'S DISPATCH BOAT.
It is said that the steamboat Milton Martin was Gen. Grant's dispatch boat on the James
river during Civil War. For half a century it has been familiar here running Albany to New
burgh. Built in 1863.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 629
1863-1864.

Fire engine operated by steam authorized by Common Council to
be purchased, July 13.
Return of 10th Regiment. Sept. 1.
Academy of Music (Trimble, Leland) opened.
Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A) mustered out of U. S. service, Sept. 10.
Albany Academy elects James Wier Mason, A. M., its (7th)
principal.
Formation of Albany Railway allowed by Act of Sept. 12.
John Taylor (ex-mayor) dies, Sept . T3.
Joel Rathbone dies at Paris, Sept. 13.
Albany & Susquehanna road open to Central Bridge (35 miles),
Sept. 16.
James Kidd elected first president of Albany Railway, Sept. 17.
Albany Railway organized, Sept. 24.
Albany -railway contracts with James Brady, John and W. H.
Phelan for single tracks at $8,500 per mile (failing, later to
N. H. Decker at $9,500 per mile), Oct. 16.
First bridge over the Hudson begun, Oct, 19.
Work begun on State st. horse railway, Nov. 2.
Steamboat Isaac Newton's boiler explodes, Dec. 5.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 16.
Pearl Street theatre (Leland) converted from St. Paul's Episcopal
church into Academy of Music by John M. Trimble and
opened, Dec. 22.

1864.

First grand opera given in Albany, " Lucrezia Borgia," Jan. 4.
Adam Blake, brought to New York a slave by Jacob Lansing and
sold to the Patroon, dies, Jan. 10.
Ash Grove property sold by E. S. Stearns to Samuel Schuyler for
church erection, $24,000, Jan. 11.
Rev. Peter Bullions, D.D., instructor in Albany Boys' Academy and
noted writer of Latin text-books, (b. Moss Side, Perthshire,
Scotland, Dec, 1791) dies at Troy, Feb. 13.
Albany Railway Co. operates horse-cars (12 feet long, 3 miles per
hour) from Broadway and State street to Central avenue and
Northern Boulevard, Feb. 22.
Army Relief Bazaar opens in Academy Park, Feb. 22.
First horse-cars of Albany railway begin running, Feb. 22.
Army Relief Bazaar in Academy Park reports receipts $111,493.49;

630 ELI PERRY. No. 48.

1864.

expenses, $29,584.99; balance, $81,908.50, sent to U. S. Sani
tary Commission.
Close of the Army Relief Bazaar in the Academy Park, March 10.
River opens to navigation, Government record, March 11.
Steamer St. John, People's Line, starts running, March 17.
Rev. John N. Campbell dies, March 27.
First fire steamer arrives, March 31.
Brig.-Gen. Lewis Benedict (b. Albany, Sept. 2, 1817) killed at
battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9.
Hon. Eli Perry chosen the Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 5,375 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo
nent, Gen. John Finlay Rathbone, receiving 3,462 votes as the
Republican candidate ; blank and scattering, 42 votes ; total
number of votes cast, 8,879; Perry's majority over Rathbone
being 1,913 votes, he is declared elected the Mayor, April 12.
Senator Laimbeer introduces a bill providing for a new Capitol,
appropriating $100,000 as preliminary, April 13.
Strike at Joel Munsell's printery because of the introduction of two
girls to work, through the lack of printers because of the war,
April 21.
Beaverwyck Steam Fire Engine Company organized, April 25.
Military funeral of Col. Lewis Benedict, a hero of the war, May 2.
? ? ?
Hon. Eli Perry sworn a sixth time as the Mayor of Albany, having
been chosen such at the Charter election held on April 12th,
when he received a majority of 1,913 votes over Gen. John F.
Rathbone, his Republican opponent, May 3.
Charter election, Mayor, Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard
Reynolds, John Tracey, I. Thomas McCarty, Lemuel M.
Rodgers, II. John Kennedy, James Mclntyre, III. LeGrand
Bancroft, Francis N. Sill, IV. James I. Johnson, Erastus Corn
ing, Jr., V. Lemon Thomson, John R. McCollum, VI. Bar
tholomew Judge, Edward Mulcahy, VII. Edward J. Kearney,
James Nolan, VIII. George I. Amsclell, Richard Barhydt, IX.
Edmund L. Judson, William Gould, X. Election, April 12;
sworn in, May 3.
Ground broken for a horse railroad on Pearl street to run to Ken
wood, May 9.
Nationals (baseball) club (Captain Edward A. Ross) organized, May.
Colonel Lewis Owen Morris (b. Albany, Aug. 14, 1824,) killed at
Battle of Cold Harbor, June 3.
Albany Zouave Cadets furnish 75 commissioned officers to Civil
War.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 63I

1864-1865.

Major Charles E. Pruyn killed near Petersburg, June 15.
Co. B, of Tenth battalion, furnishes Civil War forces with 60
officers.
Steamboat Chauncey Vibbard of Fludson River line, built by Law
rence & Sneden of New York, 1,158 tons, 281x35x9 feet,
62 x 144 in. engine, in commission, June.
Steamboat Dean Richmond of People's line, built by John Englis
of New York, 2,525 tons, 348 x 46 x 10 feet, 75 x 168 in. engine.
Marcus T. Reynolds, one of the most prominent lawyers of the
State, (b. Minaville, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1788) dies at his resi
dence, s. e. cor. Pearl and Maiden Lane, July 11.
Bounties paid by county $1,074,217.28, Dec. 4, 1863, to July 18,
1864.
Bishop McCloskey leaves for N. Y. city, July 23.
Ash Grove (M. E.) Church corner-stone laid, August.
Normal school elects Oliver C. Arey its (5th) principal (succeeding
D. H. Cochrane of 1856) .
Return of 44th Regiment, Sept. 28.
Hay crop of Albany county 74,133 tons.
Board of Trade (est. 1847) No. 40 State st., incorporated.
St. Peter's Church Orphans' Home organized.
Steamboat Francis Skiddy wrecked on rock off Staats dock, Nov. 25.
River closes to navigation, Government record, , Dec. 12.
Sleighs substituted for street cars because of heavy snow, Dec. 23.
New bell raised in Middle Dutch church, 3,230 lbs., Dec. 24.

1865.

Population of the city 62,613.
Reuben E. Fenton becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Chief James McQuade reports to Common Council that steam-
operated fire-engines must in time supersede those operated
by hand, and that horses should draw them and not gangs of
men, January.
Rev. Dr. W. B. Sprague officiates at funeral of Edward Everett
at Boston, Jan. 18.
Rev. Mr. Ludlow succeeds Rev. Dr. John N. Campbell at First
Presbyterian church, Jan. 19.
Dr. Mason Cogswell's funeral, Jan. 24.
Washington Ave. Baptist Church changes .to Calvary, Feb. 4.
Lt.-Col. Fred L. Tremaine killed in cavalry fight at Hatcher's Run,
Feb. 8.

632 ELI PERRY. No. 48.
1865.

Fire engineers of each steamer company to be paid $75 per month,
Feb. 19.
Mayor offers State Congress Hall site, value $125,555, f°r Capitol,
Feb. 23,
River opens to navigation, Government record, March 17.
Negroes admitted to Y. M. A., April 8.
Charter election at which the second named alderman in each ward
was elected this day, but not the others or the mayor — Mayor,
Eli Perry ; Common Council : Bernard Reynolds, Timothy Sul
livan, I. Thomas McCarty, Thomas Mulhall, II. John Ken
nedy, Jr., John C. Ward, III. Le Grand Bancroft, H. D. Bur-
linghame, IV. James I. Johnson, John N. Parker, V. Lemon
Thomson, William Dalton, VI. Bartholomew Judge, Andrew
Kean, VII. Edward J. Kearney, Charles T. Shepard, VIII.
George I. Amsdell, Richard Barhydt, IX. Edmund L. Judson,
John B. Sturtevant, X. Election, April 11.
President Lincoln's body here in state in old Capitol, April 26.
New Capitol building authorized by Act of May 1.
Major George S. Dawson (b. Rochester, Nov. 7, 1838) dies from
wounds received before Petersburg,- June 6.
Return of 91st Regiment, June 15.
Western ave. changed from Gt. Western turnpike, June 27.
Return of 42nd Regiment, July 1.
Ash Grove (M. E.) Church, $100,000, dedicated, July 6.
Steamer Dean Richmond, People's Line, starts running, July 20.
Albany Railway Co. operates horse-cars on North and South Pearl
street and on Bethlehem turnpike from Van Woert street to
Kenwood.
Central avenue paved.
Mutual Boat Club organized, Aug. 1.
Henry G. Wheaton (able lawyer) killed by a train, Aug. 26.
Hops extensively produced in the county, 46,585 lbs.
Co. A of Tenth regiment makes excursion to Rochester, Sept. 5.
Fourth Presbyterian Church corner-stone laid, Sept. 12.
Return of 81st Regiment, Sept. 14.
Albany Evening Times first issued as evening paper, .Sept. 25.
Evening Pest, No. 7 Hudson ave., R. M. Griffin, editor, established, Oct. 23.
Fire steamers in use at this period, the James McQuade, the Putnam
and the Thomas Kearney.
Albany county war expense, gross $4,485,276.45, reported, Nov. 28,
Steamboat St. John's boiler explodes, killing 15, Nov. 29.
River closes to navigation, Government record, Dec. 12.

MARBLE PILLAR BUILDING.
After the " Museum " of Henry Trowbridge was discontinued at this site, Apr. 28, 1855, Thorpe &
Sprague's stage-coach office abandoned, and the serious injury by fire in 1861, it was reconstructed and
known as "Marble Pillar," or "Western Union BTg" latterly. Abandoned May 3, 1902, as site for
Albany Trust Co.

No. 48. ELI PERRY. 633
1866.

1866.
Ladies' Army Relief Association that had a large " Bazaar " in
Academy Park, reports having raised $19,712.30. Jan. 1.
Board of Public Instruction created by Chapter 444. Laws of
1866.
Board of Public Instruction elects John O. Cole its first president.
Board of Public Instruction appoints Henry B. Haswell the first
superintendent of schools.
Prof. James Hall made director of N. Y. State Museum.
Dr. Eliphalet Nott, some time an Albany pastor, (b. Ashford,
Conn., June 25, 1773) president of Union College, 1804-1866,
dies at Schenectady, Jan. 29,
Caecilia Singing Society (John Waas, Pres.) organized, Feb. 3.
"Upper" (Lumber street or Livingston ave.) bridge, 21 piers, 1,953
ft., a total of 4,253 ft., opened, Feb. 22.
River opens to navigation, Government record March 20.
George liornell Thacher elected the Mayor of Albany a second
time, being chosen at the Charter election when he receives
5,600 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent, Robert
Hewson Pruyn, receiving 4,867 votes as the Republican candi
date; blank and scattering, 18 votes; total number of votes
cast, 10,485 ; Thacher's majority over Pruyn being 733 votes,
he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, April 10.
? ? ?
(See No. 50.)

No. 49.
ffiljarbii Hatsmt (MiartL

April 28, 1856 — May 5, 1856

No. 49.
CHARLES WATSON GODARD.
Date of office: April 28, 1856-May 5, 1856.
Date of election: Appointed by Common Council to fill vacancy.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: Unanimous.
Opponent: None.
Vote: None.
Date of birth: July 23, 1817.
Place of birth: Granby, Conn.
Parents: Drayton (G.) and Achsah U. Gaines.'
Education: School at Sauquoit, N. Y.
Married to : Lydia Lorraine Wilson.
Date: Canastota, N. Y., March 17, 1841.
Children: (4) Helen (Powell), Clara, Lillie (Rietz), Josephine
(Crosman).
Residence: No. 79 Hawk street.
Occupation: Agent for lake boats, 98 Pier.
Religion: Baptist.
Date of death: February 19, 1883.
Place of death: Brooklyn.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Captain.
Remarks: Appointed by Common Council, on the death of Mayor
Parmelee. Captain of the Port of New York, Governor Fen-
ton's administration. First Vice-President of the Union
League of America. Prominent lecturer and philanthropist.
Warm friend of Garfield, Blaine, Greeley, Fenton and Thur-
low Weed.

49. CHARLES WATSON GODARD.
1856.
From a photograph made from life by B. Grey, Bloomington, 111., and
owned in 1904 by his daughter, Mrs. Josephine G. Crosman, Rochester.

No. 49. CHARLES WATSON GODARD. 637
1856.
(Continued from No. 45.)
1856.

Mayor William Parmelee's funeral attended by a vast concourse of
sorrowing friends, members of the bar, political officers and
those who had been connected with him by those institutions
with which he had been associated, despite a blinding snow
storm, March 19.
Tannery on lower Broadway destroyed by fire, loss $16,000, March 20.
Albany Morning Express discontinued, March 22.
Albany Daily Statesman, advocate of "American " party, started,
March 24.
Gorham A. Worth, former cashier of Mechanics & Farmers' Bank
and author of " Random Recollections of Albany," aged 73
years, dies in New York city, April 3.
Ice moves from before city front, April 4.
At the Charter election, held to fill the office of Mayor, William
Parmelee having died on March 15th, the count showed Dr.
John V. P. Quackenbush had 20 votes more than Eli. Perry,
but notice of contest given, April 8.
Hudson River Bridge Co. incorporated, April 9.
Legislature adjourns, April 9.
River open to navigation, official record, April 10.
Wadsworth Lodge, No. 417, instituted.
Joseph Fry, prominently known as the publisher and collaborator
of the first Albany City Directory (1813), born at East Green
wich, R. I., in 1774, and came to this city in 1796, where two
years later he joined with Solomon Southwick in publishing
the Albany Chronicle ; but gaining most of his competence from
tobacco business, dies, April 11.
Recent charter election declared fraudulent, and an indignation
meeting is held in the " Old " Capitol, followed in the evening
by a meeting of the Common Council at which the returns of
the 7th and 8th wards are asserted to be fraudulent, and the
Board votes 1 1 to 9 that Eli Perry is elected mayor, April 14.
Normal school elects David H. Cochrane its (4th) principal, suc
ceeding S. B. Woolworth.

638 CHARLES WATSON GODARD. No. 49.
1856.
Albany Evening Times (Dem.) founded by Stone & Co., April 21.
Common Council elects Charles Watson Godard Mayor of Albany
to fill the unexpired term of the late William Parmelee, April 28.
Common Council (newly elected board) elects Dr. John V. P.
Quackenbush to be Mayor; but as the previous Board had
chosen Eli Perry, the city was in a quandary with its two
mayors, May 6.

(See No. 48.)

No. 50.

May 1, I860 — May 5, 1862.
* -x- *
May 1, 1866 — May 5, 1868.
* * «¦
May 6. 1870 — May 6. 1872.
May 7, 1872— Jan. 28, 1874.

No. 50.
GEORGE HORNELL THACHER.
Date of office: (a) May 1, 1860-May 5, 1862.
(b) May 1, 1866-May 5, 1868.
(c) May 6, 1870-May 6, 1872.
(d) May 7, 1872-January 28, 1874. (resigned).
Date of election: (a) April 10, i860.
(b) April 10, 1866.
(c) April 12, 1870.
(d) April 9, 1872.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 4,825.
(b) 5,600.
(c) 7,221.
(d) 6,588.
Opponent: (a) John Taylor, (aa) Hiram Perry.
(b) Robert H. Pruyn.
(c) Edmund L. Judson, (cc) John Fair.
(d) Edmund L. Judson, (dd) John McCarty.
Political party: (a) Republican.
(b) Republican.
(c) Republican.
(d) Republican.
Vote: (a) 4,090, (aa) 334, blank and scattering 19.
(b) 4,867, blanks and scattering 18.
(c) 5,983. (cc) 489-
(d) 6,387, (dd) 2,157.
Total vote: (a) 9,268.
(b) 10,485.
(c) 13,693.
(d) 15,132-
Date of birth: June 4, 1818.
Place of birth: Hornellsville, N. Y.
Parents: Samuel Olney (T.) and Martha Hornell.
Education: Academic; Union, '43.
Married to: Ursula Jane Boyd.
Date: Schenectady, June 15, 1843. . *
Children: John Boyd (Mayor, 1886), George Hornell.
Residence: No. 729 Broadway.
Occupation: Car- wheel manufacturer.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Date of death: February 5, 1887.
Place of death: St. Augustine, Fla.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Came to Albany in 1849. Alderman, 1859. School No.
14 completed, 1861. Work begun on New York Central
Maiden Lane bridge, May, 1870; opened 1872; 22 piers;
length, 2,665 feet- School No. 15 completed, 1871. School
No. 11 completed, 187-.

50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER.
1860-62; 1866-68; 1870-74.
From a photograph made from life by J. N. McDonnald, and owned in 1904
by his son, Hon. John Boyd Thacher.

No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 64I

1860.

(Continued from No. 48.)
1860.

George Hornell Thacher is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having
been elected at a charter election held April ioth, when he re
ceived 4,825 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent,
John Taylor, receiving 4,090 votes as the Republican candi
date; Hiram Perry receiving 334 votes; blank and scattering,
19 votes; total number of votes cast, 9,268; Thacher's major
ity over Taylor being 735 votes, . May 1.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church consecrated, May 13.
Weather observations started methodically by Prof. Geo. W. Hough
at the Dudley Observatory; 13 years previous to establishment
of the Government weather bureau at this city, May.
Charter election, Mayor, George H. Thacher; Common Council:
Henry Mix, Owen Golden, I. Thomas Schuyler, Michael Dele-
hanty, II. Isaac N. Keeler, John C. Feltman, III; Horace L.
Emery,- Philip Wendell, IV. Charles B. Redfield, James I.
Johnson, V. Henry A. Allen, Alanson A. Sumner, VI. Thomas
Mattimore, Terrence J. Quinn, VII. Martin White, John
Evers, VIII. Charles Bell, William J. Humphrey, IX. Wil
liam B. Brayton, George W. Luther, X. Election, April 1 ;
sworn in, May 1.
Steamboat Daniel Drew (which was td run for next 20 years as a
, day boat between New York and Albany) built by Thos. Coll-
yer, 880 tons, 251 feet long, 30 feet broad, g]A\ feet deep,
60 x 120 in. engine.
Tenth Regiment, Col. Ira W. Ainsworth, organized.
Co. A, Tenth battalion, organized as Albany Zouave Cadets June 7.
Albany & Vermont railroad leased to Rensselaer & Saratoga road,
June 12.
National Commercial bank elects Ezra Parmelee Prentice (fourth)
president, because of death of J. L. Schoolcraft, June 13.
Schreiber's Albany Cornet band organized.
Tweddle Hall, site of Philip Livingston's house, opened, June 29.
Congress street changed from Spring street, Aug. 6.
St. Peter's Church (3rd) building consecrated, Oct. 4.
Lord Howe's remains (believed to be) placed in foundation of St.
Peter's church vestibule.
Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII.) visits Albany, Oct. 16.
River closes to navigation (official record), Dec. 14.

642 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50,
1860-1861.
Jephthah Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., constituted, Dec. 26.
Co. B, of Tenth battalion, assigned from 76th to 29th Reg't, Dec. 26.
Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A) joins the National Guard and 10th
Regt, Dec. 29.

1861.
United Presbyterian Church, Lancaster near Eagle street, occupied, January.
Albany was made notable throughout the country when, during the
State Anti-Slavery Convention (Feb. 4 and 5, 1861) the right
of free speech was here first vindicated. Frederick Douglass,
Lucretia Mott, Gerrit Smith and other Abolitionists, after fail
ing in securing a hearing in Buffalo and several other cities,
decided to come here. At this time a petition was presented
to the Mayor requesting him to use his authority to suppress
free speech and prevent the meeting of the Abolitionists. The
answer of the Mayor was a noble one, and closed as follows:
" Let at least the Capital of the Empire State be kept free
from the disgraceful proceedings which, in other localities, have
brought dishonor upon our institutions. At all events, come
what may, mob law shall never prevail in our good city with
my consent and connivance, George H. Thacher, Mayor." The
meeting was held in the Young Men's Association Hall, and a
riot ensued ; but Mayor Thacher, with the police, drove • out
the toughs who had instigated it, and a full and peaceful hearing
was obtained,— the first in New York State, Feb. 4.
Grace (Epis.) church institutes first boy choir in city.
Third Precinct police station uses dwelling, No. 799 Broadway.
Freshet carries away three bridges leading to' pier, Feb. 13
President Lincoln welcomed as guest, Feb. 18
Albany Evening Times united with Courier, March 1
Burgesses corps acts as escort at inaugural of Lincoln, March 4
River open to navigation (official record), March 5
Emerson W. Keyes appointed State superintendent of public in
struction, April 9.
Charter officials holding office for one year from this date (the
second named alderman of each ward being elected on this
date) the mayor holding office at this time being Eli Perry;
Common Council: Owen Golden, John Tracey, I. Michael
Delehanty, Lemuel M. Rogers, II. John C. Feltman, John W.
Harcourt, III. Philip Wendell, William Hastings, IV. James

ST. PETER'S CHURCH — INTERIOR.
This is the interior of the 3rd edifice as originally constructed ;
length, 136 ft.; breadth, 68 ft.; height, 64 ft.; Rev. Thos. C. Pitkin,
rector; first service herein, Sept. 16th and consecrated Oct. 4, i860.

No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 643
1861.
I. Johnson, Erastus Corning, Jr., V. Alanson A. Sumner,
Samuel Anable, VI. Terrence J. Quinn, Edward Mulcahy,
VII. John Evers, Patrick M;. McCall, VIII. William J.
Humphrey, John Phillips, IX. George W. Luther, Joseph T.
Rice, X. Election of April 9.
Departure of 25th Regt. for Washington, April 22.
Firemen engaging in military duty granted full pay during ab
sence, - April 23.
Bank of Albany fails through unsettled state- of. the country and
stagnation of business, surprising everyone, May 11.
Burgesses corps leave for seats of war on first call.
Failures of Bank of the Capital, Bank of Interior, and National
Bank, May.
Col. Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth (b. Mechanicville, N. Y., April 23,
1837, and well-known as a young man of spirit at Albany)
having been to Chicago as a patent solicitor, he accompanied
Lincoln to Washington in March, and imbued with his patrio
tism, organized in April a company of firemen which he styled
Zouaves (known as the nth New York Regiment), and de
parting with these for the scene of conflict he was among the
first to participate in the struggle for emancipation. On May
24, 1861, at Alexandria, Va., seeing a Confederate flag flying
from the roof of the Marshall House, he ascended to remove it,
and while coming down the stairs with it in his arms was shot
in the left breast (as to be seen in his long army coat preserved
in the Bureau of Army Relics in the Capitol, 1906) by the
proprietor, James T. Jackson, and died. His body was sent
on for burial at his native town, and reached Albany on the
steamboat Francis Skiddy at 4:30 a. m., accompanied by the
delegation of firemen that had been sent from this city to escort.
the remains here. At the wharf it is met by a military pro
cession numbering 2,000 soldiers under Maj -Gen. John Tayler
Cooper, who escort the casket to the (old) Capitol at the head
of State st., where it remains until 9 o'clock. The procession
then reforms, the body is escorted through the streets with
funeral dirges playing, is placed aboard the Troy boat, and
from that city taken to Mechanicville for burial, May 27.
Steamboat Mary Powell of the New York & Newburgh line
(yearly plying to Albany) built by M. S. Allison, 983 tons,
260 x 34 x 10 feet, 72 x 144 in. engine, many years the record
boat of the river.
Co. D organized as Co. D of 10th Regiment, July 2.
Steamboat James W. Baldwin built by M. S. Allison, 710 tons,
242 x 34 x 9 feet, 60 x 132 in. engine.

644 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50.
1861-1862, 1866.
Henry H. Van Dyke appointed State superintendent of banks, Aug. 16.
School No. 14 completed.
Robert Hewson Pruyn appointed U. S. Minister to Japan by Presi
dent Lincoln September.
De Witt Clinton Council No. 22, R. & S. M., instituted.
Ladies' Army Relief Association organized, November.
Albany City Curling club incorporated.
River closes to navigation (official record), Dec. 28.

1862.

First fire-engine bought was the McQuade.
Internal Revenue office established at Albany.
Burgesses corps move to Bleecker hall (No. 527 Broadway) as
armory.
Recording - barometer (first in the world) invented by Prof. Geo.
Washington Hough, director of Dudley Observatory.
River open to navigation (official record), April 3.
Anshe Emeth (Hebrew) Cemetery opened.
Eli Perry elected the 48th Mayor of Albany at a Charter election,
receiving 5,635 votes as the Democratic candidate; George W.
Luther receiving 3,146 votes as the Republican candidate;
blank and scattering, 40 votes; total number of votes cast,
8,821 ; Perry's majority over Luther being 2,489 votes he is
declared elected, April 8.
Hudson River Day Line established.
Enlargement of the Erie canal completed.
Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. chartered, April 15.
? ? ?
(See No. 48.)

(Continued from No. 48.)
1866.

George Hornell Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at a Charter election held on April 10th, at which he
received 5,600 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo
nent, Robert Hewson Pruyn receiving 4,867 votes as the Re
publican candidate; blank and scattering, 18 votes; total

STEAMBOAT MARY POWELL.
In early steamboaling days on the Hudson there were thrilling races which had to be prohibited bylaw.
Among the fleetest was this one, built in 1861 by Allison, and although her lines were copied time and again she
equalled the best records up to 1907.

No. 5Q. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 645
1866-1867.
number of votes cast, 10,485 ; Thacher's majority over Pruyn
being 733 votes, May 1.
Charter election, Mayor, George Hornell Thacher; Common
Council: Timothy Sullivan, Michael Murphy, I. Thomas
Mulhall, Thomas Farrell, II. John C. Ward, William FI. Tay
lor, III. H. D. Burlingame, William M. Gregory, IV.
John N. Parker, Peter Carmichael, V. William Dalton, Lemon
Thomson, VI. Andrew Kean, Bartholomew Judge,' VII.
Charles T. Shepard, James D. Walsh, VIII. Richard Barhydt,
Borden H. Mills, IX. John B. Sturtevant, Edmund L. Judson,
X. Election, April 10; sworn in, May 1.
Merchants' Union Express Co. organized by Albanians.
Steamboat Drew of People's line built by John Englis of New
York, 2,902 tons, 336X.47X 10 feet, 80 x 168 in. engine.
Anti-rent war necessitates militia in Knox, July-
Mutual Boat Club wins from the Atalantas of New York city, at
Albany, July 12.
Anti-rent troubles, 10th Regt. called out, July 18.
Dean Richmond dies, Aug. 27.
Burgesses corps banquet President Andrew Johnson at Congress
Hall, Aug. 30.
Horse-cars first run on No. Pearl street, Sept. 17.
Fourth Presbyterian Church (w. side Broadway) dedicated, Sept. 18.
Mastodon found in a pot-hole by excavators at Harmony Mill,
Cohoes, September.
Albany Railway elects Abraham Van Vechten (first) president, Oct. 11.
Wheat selling at $3.45 per bu., Nov. 1.
River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 15.

1867-
First Police Precinct occupied rented dwelling on Arch street until
Jan. 1.
First Police Precinct station No. 59 So. Ferry street, purchased by
city.
Gen. Geo. W. Cole shoots fatally H. L. Hiscox, of Syracuse (mem
ber of Constitutional Convention) in corridor of Stanwix Hall,
for alienation, Jan. 4.
Dr. Howard Townsend (school commissioner), age 43, dies, Jan. 16.

646 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50.
1867-
Rev. William Croswell Doane, of Hartford, Conn., accepts rector
ship of St. Peter's Church, Jan. 23.
Lew Benedict Post, No. 5, G. A. R., (Morgan L. Filkins, Com.),
formed, Jan. 30.
Jackson Association (Dem. club) formed.
Homeopathic Free Dispensary opened.
River opened to navigation (official record), March 23.
Charter election at which the newly elected officials are the first
named aldermen in each ward — Mayor, George H. Thacher ;
Common Council: Timothy Sullivan, Michael Murphy, I.
Thomas Mulhall, Thomas Farrell, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Wil
liam H. Taylor, III. Adam Cook, William M. Gregory, IV.
John N. Parker, Peter M. Carmichael, V. Abraham A. Wem-
ple, Lemon Thomson, VI. Oscar L. Hascy, Bartholomew
Judge, VII. George E. Latham, James D. Walsh, VIII.
Robert Lenox Banks, Borden H. Mills, IX. John B. Sturte
vant, Edmund L. Judson, X. Election, April 9
New York State bank elects Franklin Townsend its (4th) presi
dent, on death of Rufus H. King.
Steamer Drew, People's Line, starts running, April 24.
Hudson Amateur Rowing Association organized.
St. Agnes' cemetery incorporated, May 9.
St. Agnes' cemetery consecrated, May 19.
Madison avenue changed from Lydius street, May 20.
Constitutional Convention, June.
John M; Trimble, owner of Academy of Music (Leland) dies, June 7.
Madison place, Eagle to Philip, changed from Madison avenue, July 1.
Jacob H. Ten Eyck elected president of Albany Savings bank, be
cause of death of Rufus H. King, declined, and Harmon Pum
pelly elected, July.
Name of Bowery changed to Central avenue, July 15.
St. Mary's Church (its third edifice, and the first time fronting on
Lodge street), corner-stone laid, Aug. n.
Fire (paid) Department instituted, Sept. 1.
Academy of Music (later Trimble, Leland, Proctor's) opened by
daughter of John M. Trimble (who dies June 7, 1867), Sept. 2.
Normal School elects Joseph Alden its (6th) principal, succeeding
O. C. Arey (who had begun to serve in 1864).
Fourth Presbyterian Church, west side of Broadway, dedicated, Sept. 18.

"ANGEL AT THE SEPULCHRE."
This work of art in marble has been greatly admired and is one of America's
noted pieces of statuary. Sculptor Erastus D. Palmer completed it April 29, 1867,
and it was placed on the lot of Gen. Robert Lenox Banks in Rural Cemetery.

No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 647
1867-1868, 1870.
Albany Musical Ass'n (T. S. Lloyd, Cond., John B. Marsh, Pres.)
organized, Sept. 30.
N. Y. State National bank elects Franklin Townsend its (4th) pres
ident, Oct. 28.
Common Council votes $15,000 for fire alarms, December.
River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 9.
Anos Dean, originator of the Young Men's Association and its

1868.

first president (b. Barnard, Vt., Jan. 16, 1803), dies, Jan. 26.
Academy of Music (afterwards Trimble Opera Flouse, then Leland
Opera House and Proctor's Theatre in 1906) burned to ground
excepting the front wall, Jan. 27.
Proposals advertised for City Building on So. Pearl street, March 16.
River opened to navigation (official record), March 20.
John G. White's big malt-house, north side Fludson avenue,
burned, March 23.
Charles Edward Bleecker elected the 51st Mayor of Albany at a
Charter election, receiving 6,979 votes as the Democratic can
didate, his opponent, John N. Parker, receiving 4,143 votes as
the Republican candidate ; blank and scattering, 28 votes ; total
number of votes cast, 11,150; Bleecker's majority over Parker
being 2,836 votes, he is declared elected mayor, April 14.
Erastus Dow Palmer, Albany's famous sculptor, completes his
statue entitled " Angel of the Sepulchre " for the Rural Ceme
tery lot of Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, April 29.
? ? ?
(See No. 51.)

(Continued from No. 51.)
1870.

George Hornell Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 12th, when he
received 7,221 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent,
Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 5,983 votes as the Republi
can candidate; John Fair receiving 489 votes; total number of
votes cast, 13,693 ; Thacher's majority over Judson being 1,238
votes, May 6.
Mayor given the power to veto.

648 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50.
1870-1871.
Home of the Friendless (n. e. cor. Clinton ave; and Perry st.) dedi
cated (May 5) previous day, May 6.
Charter election, Mayor George Hornell Thacher; Common
Council: John Burke, I. James H. Simmons, II. James
Quinn, III. John Stuart, IV. Matthew Quinn, V. Royal
Bancroft, VI. John N. Parker, VII. James Morris, VIII.
Terrence J. Quinn, IX. John Loughlin, X. William B. Scott,
XI. James Allen, XII. Albert C. Judson, XIII. Charles Sen-
rick, XIV. Benjamin V. Z. Wemple, XV. Cornelius Hill,
XVI. Philip Fitzsimons, William M. Van Antwerp, Robert
H. Moore, John Evers, aldermen-at-large ; Philip Fitzsimons
(alderman-at-large), president. Election, April 12; sworn in,
May 6.
City limits reduced from Dongan Charter limitations (16 miles
westward) to 4% miles from the river.
Young Men's Asso'n moves from Commercial Bank building to
Martin Hall.
Sunday Press first issued. May 15.
Cabbage- worms first found here by State Entomologist J. A. Lintner.*
Washington park construction begun, July.
Hudson avenue paved with wooden blocks, Broadway to Willett
street.
Green street paved with wooden blocks, State street to Madison
avenue.
Lew O. Morris Post, No. 121, G. A. R. (Geo. H. Treadwell com
mander) organized, Aug. 21.
Fire steamer No. 6 has runaway down Hudson avenue and plunges
into river, but driver Andrew McGraw rescued, Sept. 2.
Albany Academy elects Merrill Edwards Gates, LL. D., L. H. D.,
Ph. D., its ninth principal.
Oscar David Robinson succeeds John Edwin Bradley as principal
(the 2nd) of the Albany High School.
Boston & Albany railway chartered, Nov. 2.
Beverwyck Lodge, No. 261, I. O. O. F., instituted, Dec. 9.
River closed to navigation (official record), Dec. 25.

1871.

Charter officials holding office this year (not resultant of an election
this year) — Mayor, George H. Thacher ; Common Council :
John Burke, I. James H. Simmons, II. James Quinn, III.
John Stuart, IV. Matthew Quin, V. Royal Bancroft, VI.
John N. Parker, VII. James Morris, VIII. Terrence J. Quinn,

NO. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 649
1871.
IX. John G. Burch, X. William B. Scott, XI. James Allen,
XII. Albert C. Judson, XIII. Charles Senrick, XIV. Ben
jamin V. Z. Wemple, XV. Cornelius Hill, XVI. Robert H.
Moore, William M. Van Antwerp, John Evers, Philip Fitz
simons, at-large; Philip Fitzsimons (at-large), president. In
office on, Jan. i.
Martin Hall (theatre), n. w. cor. State and Pearl streets, completed.
Broadway changed from Troy road, Feb. 13.
No. Pearl street, North Albany, changed from No. Pearl avenue,
Feb. 13.
Genesee street changed from Watervliet avenue, Feb. 13.
Mohawk street changed from Hudson River avenue, Feb. 13.
Emmet street changed from Broadway avenue to Laughlin, Feb. 13.
Albany street changed from Albany avenue, Feb. 13.
Martin Hall opened by Burgesses corps ball, Feb. 21.
Martin Hall's first performance, benefit of Frank Lawlor, March 2.
St. Agnes' School incorporated, March.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 13.
Weed, Parsons & Co. printing house burned (loss $500,000), April 7.
Home Savings bank chartered, May 4.
St. Agnes' School building, north side Elk street, commenced, May 8.
Local board of steamboat inspectors established.
Germans celebrate peace after defeat of French (Friedens Fest),
Wm. Schneider grand marshal, 25th and 10th regiments in
line, May 29.
St. Agnes' School corner-stone laid, June 19.
Capitol corner-stone laid, June 24.
Albany Savings bank separated from National Commercial bank,
Henry H. Martin made treasurer, July 1.
Dr. Barent Philip Staats (ex-Mayor) dies, July 9.
Washington park " burial ground " part opened.
First Lutheran Church (4th edifice), n. w. cor. Pine and Lodge
streets, built.
N. Y. Encampment, No. 58, I. O. O. F. instituted Aug 23.
Board of Public Instruction elects Charles P. Easton its (3rd)
president (succeeding G. W. Carpenter of 1869).
School No. 15 completed.
Sixth Presbyterian Church erected, Second street.
State Fair, the 31st (Richard Church, Pres.) at Albany (4th time).
River closed to navigation (official record), Nov. 29.

650 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. ' No. 50.
1871-1872.
Monument erected over the grave of Gen. Philip Schuyler in the
Rural Cemetery by his granddaughter, Mrs. Miller (daughter
of Cornelia Schuyler) and Washington Morton, a granite shaft
36 feet high.
First train crosses Maiden Lane railroad bridge, Dec. 28.

1872.

Homeopathic Hospital chartered.
People's Gaslight Co. organized.
Corning Foundation for Christian Work incorporated, Feb. 1.
Citizens' Steamboat Line of Troy formed, February.
Nilsson sings " Lucia " at Martin Hall, February.
Hudson avenue changed from Hudson street, formerly Buffalo, March 4.
Martin Hall damaged by fire, March 1 1 ,
Federal building authorized by Act of Congress, March 12.
River opened, March 27.
Erastus Corning (ex-mayor) dies, April 8.
G. H. Thacher elected Mayor (contest by Judson), April 9.
Albany Gaslight Co. (capital $1,000,000) establishes works on Troy
Road (re-incorporated 1880), incorporated, April.
Greenbush, or South Ferry st. bridge authorized by Act of April 18.
Troy to West Troy bridge authorized by Act of April 23.
? ? ?
George H. Thacher sworn a fourth time as Mayor, May 7.
Charter election, Mayor, George Hornell Thacher ; Common
Council: George Krank, I. Robert H. Moore, II. William
Casey, III. Thomas Mulhall, IV. Richard Bortle, V. David
N. Glazier, VI. H. S. Van Santford, VII. Philip Matti-
more, VIII. John G. Burch, IX. James A. Fahy, X. Robert
Aspinall, XI. Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. Townsend Fondey,
XIII. Royal Bancroft, XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Albert M.
Brumaghim, XVI. John G Burch, (IX), president. Election,
April 9; sworn in, May 7.
Mountaineer Lodge, No. 321, I. O. O. F., instituted, May 14.
William H. DeWitt presents $10,000 to Albany City hospital.
Homeopathic Hospital (No. 123 North Pearl street) opened.
Albany Fire Protectives organized, June.
Washington Park opened, Wm. S. Egerton made superintendent.
Fire in car-shops at West Albany, loss $100,000, July 6.
N. Y. Central railroad lays four tracks during summer.

«? §1$

ti^mto

*> *> ^

SAINT AGNES' SCHOOL.
This boarding and day school for girls on Elk St.", accommodates no boarders.
It was founded in 1870 ; cornerstone was laid by Bishop Doane on June 19, 1871 ;
incorporated March 14, 1871 ; building occupied Hallowe'en, 1872.

No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 65 1
1872-1873.
Amos Pilsbury, superintendent of penitentiary, July 14.
John G. Treadwell appointed first superintendent of school buildings.
Martin Flail reopened (after March 11 fire) by John E. Owens, Aug. 15.
Charlotte Cushman plays at Martin Hall, fall of year.
Martin Hall becomes Martin Opera House (Gen. John S. Dicker-
man, manager).
Union depot at Montgomery and Steuben streets opened, Oct. 6.
Unconditional (Rep.) club organized.
Waterford bank robbery, $308,000 stolen, Oct. 14.
St. Agnes' School formally opened, Hallowe'en.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 10.

1873.

John A. Dix becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — Mayor,
George H. Thacher; Common Council: George Krank, I.
Robert H. Moore, II. William Casey, III. Thomas Mulhall,
IV. Richard Bortle, V. David N. Glazier, VI. H. S.
Van Santford, VII. Philip Mattimore, VIII. John G. Burch,
IX. James A. Fahy, X. Robert Aspinwall, XI. Thomas
Cavanaugh, XII. Townsend Fondey, XIII. Royal Bancroft,
XIV Joseph McCann, XV. Albert M. Brumaghim, XVI.
John G. Burch (IX), president. Holding office, Jan. 1.
Constitutional Convention assembles, January.
Post-office opened, e. side North Pearl street, s. of Columbia street.
Fifth Police Precinct established (Central ave. above Perry st.).
Second avenue changed from Whitehall Road, Jan. 20.
Third avenue changed from Van Vechten street, Jan. 20.
Fourth avenue changed from Nucella street, Jan. 20.
William Cassidy, editor of The Argus, dies, Jan. 23.
Daniel Manning made president of Argus Co. (death of William
Cassidy) .
Adelphi Literary Ass'n (Adelphi club later) organized, Jan. 26.
Charles Edward Bleecker (ex-mayor) dies, Jan. 31.
Adelphi club engages rooms on South Pearl street.
American Express Co. formed from Merchants' Union Express Co.
of Albany, Feb. 1.
Burgesses Corps participate in Grant's second inaugural, March 4.

652 GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. No. 50.
1873-1874.
Board of Underwriters incorporated, March 20
River open to navigation (Government record), April 14.
Albany Medical College becomes part of Union University, April.
Albany Yacht Club (31st recorded in United -States) organized at
No. 12 James street (S. G. Paine, Jr., Commodore), April 16.
Legislative exercises in memory of Wm. H. Seward, C. F. Adams
the orator, April 18.
Washington Park lake excavated.
Third Division Rifle Association organized.
Engineers determine on the Hudson river as available water supply.
United Irishmen of America organized in Albany.
Albany Mutual IBenefit Ass'n organized.
W. C. T. U. branch organized in Albany.
Board of Public Instruction elects Addison A. Keyes its (4th) presi
dent (succeeding C. P. Easton of 1871).
State Fair, the 33rd (Benj. F. Angel, Pres.), held at Albany (5th
time).
Sylvanus -H. Sweet elected State engineer and surveyor, Nov. 4.
Trimble Opera House (Leland later) leased from the Lelands by
John W. Albaugh:
Gen. J. Meredith Read named U. S. minister plenipotentiary to
Greece, November.
Judge and Mrs. Rufus W. Peckham, Sr., drowned at sea on sinking
of the steamship Ville de Havre, following a collision, Nov. 22.
Trimble Opera House named Leland Opera House, and managed by
Aaron Richardson, Nov. 26.
Weather service established at Albany officially at Dudley Observa
tory (Prof. Alois Donhauser, forecaster), Dec. 22.
River closed temporarily, Dec. 22.

1874.

Albany Caledonian Club organized, January.
Mayor George H. Thacher resigns, Jan. 28.
River closed to navigation (official record), Jan. 30.
Albany Medical College Alumni Asso'n organized, Jan. 20.
River opened to navigation, shortest season, 51 days, March 21.
Lowenstein hanged for the murder of Weston, April 10.
Edmund Lewis Judson elected Mayor of Albany at a Charter elec
tion held on April 14th, receiving 8,762 votes as the Republican
candidate, his opponent, Thomas McCarty, receiving 7,270
votes as the Democratic candidate; John C. Feltman receiving

FEDERAL BUILDING.
Post-Office opened in Exchange Building, this site, Feb.
23, 1840; new office authorized March 12, 1872, hence it left
this site in 1873 ; building razed Dec. 1, 1875 ; the M. and F.
Bank, bought March 3, 1873, for part of site ; Italian Renais
sance ; cost $627,148 ; Post-Office moved in Jan. 1, 1884.

No. 50. GEORGE HORNELL THACHER. 653
1874.
58 votes as the American People's candidate; total number of
votes cast, 16,090; Judson's majority over McCarty being 1,492
votes, April 14.
Troops sent from Albany to protect Catskill jail from angry mob,
murderer Joseph Waltz having killed his keeper (Ernst) previ
ous day to his execution on forenoon of April 30.

(See No. 52.)

HOME FOR THE AGED.
Its work was started modestly in 1S72 and organized as a local charity in November,
1874; incorporated Oct. 5, 1876; building, designed by Wm. L. Woollett, built to west of
Troy Road at Menands, and dedicated March 28, 1878 ; first inmate, April, 1878.

No. 51.
Olljartea ©mrarft llmfor.

May 6, 1868 — May 5, 1870

No. 51.
CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER.
Date of office: May 6, 1868-May 5, 1870.
Date of election: April 14, 1868.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 6,979.
Opponent: John N. Parker.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: 4,143, blank and scattering 28.
Total vote: 11,150.
Date of birth: July 15, 1826.
Place of birth: Albany.
Parents: Gerrit V. S. (B.) and Margaret Van Der Voort.
Education: Albany Boys' Academy. «"
Married to: Grace Strover.
Date: Schuylerville, July 15, 1857.
Children: None.
Residence: Delavan Hotel.
Occupation: Wine merchant.
Religion: Dutch Reformed.
Date of death: January 31, 1873.
Place of death: No. 736 Broadway.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman (sixth ward). Planned Washington Park.
Masters Lodge. Albany Burgesses Corps. Albany Jackson
Corps. Veto power conferred on the Mayor in 1869.

51. CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER.
1868-1870.
From an oil painting made from life, and owned in 1903 by his sister, Mrs.
Jacob H. Ten Eyck.

No. 51. CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. 657
1868.
(Continued from No. 50.)
1868.

Charles Edward Bleecker sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having
been chosen at the Charter election held on April 14th, when
he received 6,979 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his op
ponent, John N. Parker, receiving 4,143 votes as the Republican
candidate ; blank and scattering, 28 votes ; total number of
votes cast, 11,150; Bleecker's majority over Parker being 2,836
votes, May 6.
Charter election, Mayor, Charles Edward Bleecker; Common
Council : Timothy Sullivan, Hugh McCann,\I. Thomas Mul-
hall, Alexander Kennedy, II. Nehemiah Osborn, Jonathan B.
Herrick, III. Adam Cook, Charles D. Mills, IV. John N.
Parker, George Evans, V. Abraham A. WemP^e, James E.
Walker, VI. Oscar L. Hascy, Michael- Lyman, VII. George
E. Latham, Michael S. McGue, VIII. Robert Lenox Banks,
Adam W. Smith, IX. John B. Sturtevant, Charles G. Craft, X.
Election, April 14; sworn in, May 6.
Centre Market on west side of So. Pearl st., demolished to form
site for City Building, s. w. corner of So. Pearl and Howard
sts.
Dr. Charles Ii. Peck of this city made N. Y. State Botanist.
James Edwards, an able lawyer, dies, May 21.
Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, IV., (b. 1789) the last Patroon and
resident of the Manor House (exceptinghis widow and family)
dies there, May 25.
St. Vincent's asylum opened on Elm street, for girls.
Fire alarm telegraph system instituted, 75 boxes, June 1.
West street changed from DeWitt st., June 1.
Seventeen-year locusts appear.
Peter Cagger (able lawyer) dies, July 6.
Gen. J. Meredith Read named consul-general at Paris (and remains
during two sieges of that city).
Albany Railway elects Henry Crandall (second) president, Aug. 1.
Albany Jackson Guard (Dem. political club) organized (Capt. James
Macfarlane), Aug. 13.
Charles Loring Elliot (eminent artist) dies, Aug. 25.
St. Patrick's (R. C.) Church consecrated, Aug. 30.
Albany Free Academy opens in Van Vechten hall (n. side of State-
near Eagle street) with John E. Bradley its principal, and four
teachers, Sept. 1.

658 CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. No. 5 1.
1868-1869.
Albany Academy elects Rev. Abel Wood, A. M., its 8th principal.
Congregational Church corner-stone laid, Sept. 22.
Episcopal Diocese of Albany set off from New York Diocese at the
convention held in New York city, Bishop Horatio Potter
presiding, September.
Broadway wood-paving begun, Sept. 30.
Unconditional Republican Club formed.
Benjamin F. Butler, former law partner of Martin Van Buren at
No. 111 State street, dies, Nov. 8.
Dana Natural History Society organized Nov. 19.
Eintracht Singing Society organized, Nov. 19.
Convention of Episcopal Church assembles at St. Peter's Church '
to elect a bishop of the newly formed diocese, Dec. 2.
William Croswell Doane, (b. Boston on March 2, 1832) who had
been instituted rector of St. Peter's Church on March 1, 1867,
elected bishop on the 9th ballot by 41 clerical and 31 lay votes,
Dec. 3.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 9.
St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church consecrated, Dec. 20,

1869.
JohnT. Hoffman becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Gen. John Meredith Read appointed U. S. consul to France.
A. & S. railroad open to Binghamton, Jan. 14.
Rt. Rev. Wm. Croswell Doane consecrated bishop, in St. Peter's
Church, Feb. 2.
Sherman street changed from Sand st., Feb. 15,
Dr. Jacob S. Mosher appointed surgeon-general by Governor Hoff
man.
Burgesses Corps at Grant's first inaugural, March 4.
John M. Bailey appointed collector internal revenue.
St. Mary's Church, 3rd edifice (first time facing Lodge st.) dedi
cated, March 14.
River open to navigation, official record, April 5.
Charter election at which of those enumerated only the second
named of each alderman was of this date elected — Mayor,
Charles E. Bleecker ; Common Council : Hugh McCann, John
Burk, I. Alexander Kennedy, Thomas Mulhall, II. Jonathan
R. Herrick, Nehemiah Osborn, III. Charles D. Mills, Peter
Foland, IV. George Evans, John N. Parker, V. James E.
Walker, Ralph W. Thacher, VI. Michael Lyman, Terrence J.

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE LIBRARY.
This was one of the handsomest of the seven or eight large rooms on the main floor, occupying the rear of
the east wing, and with a broad door opening into the parlor made a charming vista. Gen. Stephen Van
Rensselaer, IV, last Patroon, died May 25, 1868. His portrait over fireplace.

No. 51. CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. 659
1869.
Quinn, VII. Michael S. McGue, William B. Scott, VIII.
Adam W. Smith, Albert C. Judson, IX. Charles G. Craft,
Andrew M. Combs, X. Election, April 13.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Jeffrey P. Thomas (4th) super
intendent.
Ash Grove Place, changed from Westerlo st., May 4.
Park commission created by act of, May 5.
Cohoes incorporated a city, May 9-
Maiden Lane railroad bridge authorized by act of, May 10.
Washington Park provided for (acquiring Washington Parade
Ground and burial ground property adjoining) by act of,
May 5.
Board of Lumber Dealers incorporated.
Albany Turn Verein incorporated.
Trinity Place changed from Davidson St., June 14..
National Savings Bank first opened, June 28.
State Constitutional Convention in " Old " Capitol.
Capitol foundation stonework begun, J. V. L. Pruyn laying first
stone, July 7.
Broadway (Hudson ave. to Wilson st.) paved with wooden blocks
of Canada pine.
Christian Brothers' Academy incorporated, Aug. 3.
Henry B. Haswell (ist superintendent of schools) dies, Aug. 10.
Emmanuel Baptist Church corner-stone laid, Aug. 14.
Division Street Theatre opened, Oct. 4.
John O. Cole (ist president of Board of Public Instruction, organ
ized in 1866) resigns, Oct. 4.
Board of Public Instruction appoints John O. Cole the (2nd) super
intendent of schools (succeeding H. B. Haswell of 1866).
Board of Public Instruction elects Geo. W. Carpenter its (2nd)
president (succeeding J. O. Cole of 1866).
Rev. Dr. William Buel Sprague (Second Presbyterian Church) re
tires.
Congregational Church, cost $130,000, dedicated, Oct. 14.
N. Y. Central and the Hudson River Road consolidated, Nov. 1.
Schreiber's Albany Cornet Band disbanded.
St. Peter's Hospital (Stephen Van Rensselaer's house, N. Ferry
st.) occupied, November.
River closed to navigation, official record, Dec. 4.
Sixth Presbyterian Church, s. side Second st., organized, Dec. 8.
Trimble Opera Flouse (Leland later) formerly Academy of Music,
and burned Jan. 27, 1868, erected by Lucien Barnes, husband
of Miss Trimble (and so conducted until November 26, 1873),
on, Dec. 31.

660 CHARLES EDWARD BLEECKER. No. 51.
1870.

1870.
Population of Albany 69,422.
Population of New York State 4,382,759.
Albany Law Journal established.
Second Police Precinct station located in City Building.
Fire alarm boxes number sixty.
Parepa Rosa sings at Tweddle Hall, Jan. 8,
Albany Musical Association incorporated, Feb. 19.
Beaverwyck Rowing Club organized, Feb. 22.
A. & S. railroad to Binghamton leased to D. & H. line, Feb. 24.
Martin Hall (opera house) erected by George Martin, n. w. corner
of So. Pearl and Beaver streets.
Rev. Anson Judd Upson installed, Second Presbyterian Church.
Capital City Chapter, No. 242, R. A. M., instituted.
St. Agnes' School founded.
River open to navigation, (official record), March 30.
Bethlehem increased by s. e. part of Albany, April 6.
Albany News Company organized, April 11.
George Hornell Thacher elected Mayor at the Charter election, re
ceiving 7,221 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent,
Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 5,983 votes as the Republican
candidate ; John Fair receiving 489 votes ; total number of votes
cast, 13,693; Thacher's majority over Judson being 1,238 votes,
he is declared elected Mayor, April 12.

(See No. 50.)

SENATE CHAMBER.

ASSEMBLY CHAMBER.

CAPITOL OF 1808— HOUSES.
The old Capitol was first used Nov. 1, 1808, and its fate was sealed when
Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn placed first stone of new building on July 7, 1869,
followed by cornerstone laid on June 24, 1871 ; razed in fall of 1883. Scene
'(1874) in Senate, Lt. Gov. Wm. Dorsheimer presiding; Assembly, Speaker
Jas. Husted presiding.

No. 52.

April 14-. 1874 — May 1, 1876.

No. 52.
EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON.
Date of office: (a) April 14, 1874-May 4, 1874.
(b) May 5, 1874-May 1, 1876.
Date of election: (a) April 9, 1872, (followed by successful court
contest).
(b) April 14, 1874.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: (a) 8,762.
(b) 8,761. , ,
Oppvnent: (a) Thomas McCarty, (aa) John C. Feltman.
(b) Thomas McCarty, (bb) John C. Feltman.
Political party: (a) Democrat, (aa) American People's.
(b) Democrat, (bb) American People's.
Vote: (a) 7,270, (aa) 58.
(b) 7,265, (bb) 195.
Total Vote: (a) 16,090.
(b) 16,221.
Date of birth: November 13, 1830.
Place of birth: No. 134 Washington avenue.
Parents: Ichabod (J.) and Parthenia Conde.
Education: Albany Academy; Grey lock, Williamstown, Mass.
Married to: Martha Letitia Wright.
Date: December 26, 1854.
Children: (2) Albert Post, Elizabeth Wright (Griswold).
Residence: No. 62 Jay street.
Occupation: Flour and provision merchant.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: April 8, 1890.
Place of death: No. 287 Lark street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Alderman, 1862-66. Contested election of April 9, 1872 ;
court ruled in his favor. On resignation of George H.
Thacher, January 28, 1874, President of Council John G.
Burch acted until double election, April 14th. School No.
22 completed 1874; school No. 21 completed 1875. President
Young Men's Association. President Board of Trade.
Master of Master's Lodge; Grand Master of New York
State.

52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON.
1874-1876.
From a photograph made from life by Horton, and owned in 1904 -by his
daughter, Mrs. Clarence M. Griswold.

No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 663,
1874.
(Continued from No. 50.)
1874.

Edmund Lewis Judson is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 14th, when he
received 8,761 votes as the Republican candidate, his opponent,
Thomas McCarty, receiving 7,265 votes as the Democratic candi
date ; John C. Feltman . receiving 195 votes as the American
People's candidate; total number of votes cast, 16,221 ; Judson's
majority over McCarty being 1,496 votes; but since April 14th
Judson had been adjudicated Mayor in contest with Mayor G.
H. Thacher, following the Charter election held on April 12,
1872, Thacher nearly completing the entire term of two years
before settlement, May 5.
Bath-on-the-Hudson incorporated as a village, May 5.
Trial of steam canal-boats on the Erie, City of New York and
Baxter, proves a success, May.
Ralph P. Lathrop appointed collector of internal revenue.
The Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth monument unveiled at Mechanicville,
Capt. Wm. E. Fitch of this city acting as grand marshal, the
G. A. R. posts of Albany and Academy cadets attending and
filling 20 cars, May 27.
Memorial Day parade with M. H. Donovan as grand marshal, May 30.
Albany County Eclectic Society organized, Robert Listen, M. D.,
elected its first president, June 1.
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston's statue completed in plaster by
Erastus Dow Palmer (to be placed with that of Gov. George
Clinton as the two from this state in the old Hall of Repre
sentatives of the capitol at Washington) and ready to be cast
in bronze by Barbedienne at Paris (another made for the
Court of Appeals Chamber in the capitol at Albany), June 6.
Albany County Bank organized.
Dr. James MacNaughton, Albany's prominent physician, dies, Paris,
June 12.
Hydrophobia epidemic alarms and scientists seeking remedy, June.
Albany Boatmen's Relief Association organized.
Colorado potato-beetle, (Doryophora 10-lineata) first appears.
¦ Amoskeag fire steamer manufacturers and city engage in lawsuit
over repairs to steamer No. 5, July 15.
Broadway (Hudson ave. to Wilson st.) paved with granite block.

664 EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. No. 52.
1874.
Steamboats J. B. Schuyler and G. E. Wynants collide at night, July 28.
Hudson avenue park plans and specifications completed, July 31.
Ellsworth (44th N. Y.) Veteran association triennial reunion, Aug. 1.
Mechanics & Farmers' bank work begun by demolishing building
corner of James and State streets, Aug. 3.
Sacred Heart Church (R. C.) founded, Aug. 5.
Watervliet turnpike toll-gate ordered open until road is re-oaired. Aug. 5.
Albany Yacht Club starts on first annual cruise to Newport, Aug. 6.
Steamboat Dean Richmond runs aground north of Van Wie's point
and the Jacob Leonard removes passengers, Aug. 11.
Perry Stove Company strike, Aug. 20.
Interest manifested in report of investigating committee in the
Flenry Ward Beecher and Theodore Tilton case announced, Aug. 27.
Home for aged men proposed by letter to newspaper, Aug. 29.
Beaverwyck Rowing Club wins 4-oar race at Saratoga regatta, Aug. 31.
G. A. R. sham battle at Fair Grounds, Aug. 31.
Beaverwyck Rowing Club welcomed by ovation and parade, Sept. 1.
Albany Medical College opened by lecture by Dr. James Ii. Armsby, Sept. 2.
Beaverwyck Rowing Club wins National Regatta, Troy, Sept. 4.
Clynics inaugurated at Albany Medical College by Dr. Armsby, Sept. 5.
Albany Institute " field " trip on steamboat Granite State to Newport,
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Sept. 7.
Boston & Albany railroad freight house, 20 cars and oil tanks burn,
Chief McQuade rendering assistance with 6teamers 3, 4 and 5,
Sept. 7.
Col. John McArdle (caterer) dies, Sept. 10.
Gen. John Meredith Read on return as minister to Greece, honored
with an elaborate dinner at Delavan House, Sept. 14.
Charles W. Reynolds (lawyer) dies, Sept. 14.
Rev. Dwight Kellogg Bartlett becomes minister Madison Avenue
Reformed Church.
School No. 22 completed.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 12.

ALBANY COUNTY BUILDING.
It was erected by the Albany Savings Bank, which entered
it May II, 1875; county bought it in 1898, and commenced
alterations when the bank removed to its new edifice on No.
Pearl St., Apr. 25, 1899.

No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 665

1875.

1875.
Samuel J. Tilden becomes Governor, Jan. I.
Charter officers : Mayor, Edmund Lewis Judson ; Common Council :
Frederick Andes, I. John G. Schneider, II. William Casey,
III. William Ii. Keeler, IV. James N. Brady, V. Robert K.,
Oliver, VI. Jacob H. Ten Eyck, VII. Philip Mattimore, VIII.
Peter C. Lauder, IX. James A. Fahy, X. John A. Luby, XI.
Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. William H. Bailey, XIII. John P.
Bradt, XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Hiram Bender, XVI.
William Casey (III), president. Holding office, Jan. I.
Population of the city, 86,541.
Irish-born in Albany (by state census) number 14,184 of 86,541.
James Martin, Jr., poet (b. Albany, Sept. 28, 1828), dies at Albany, Feb. 7.
William Cullen Bryant given reception by Gov. S. J. Tilden, Feb. 8.
Babies' Nursery founded at No. 562 Clinton avenue.
Governor Tilden commences attack upon canal ring, March.
American District Telegraph Co. of Albany (messenger service)
chartered.
John Tweddle (malt-house proprietor) dies, March 9.
Child's Hospital opened, March 26.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 12.
Charles Sumner Benevolent Association organized.
Albany 10th Regiment band mustered from Capital City band.
St. Peter's Church parish house, e. side Lodge street, erected.
Albany Savings Bank building, w. corner State and Chapel streets
(becoming later County building) erected at cost of $247,808.22.
Albany railway contracts for stable on Central avenue, near Quail
street, May 24.
Albany County Medical Society admits Miss Mary Du Bois, June 8.
Death of Harriet Elizabeth Bayard at the Manor House (b. 1799),
widow of Stephen Van Rensselaer, IV. (d. May 25, 1868) the
last Patroon, June I9-
Albany railway operates horse-cars on Hamilton, Grand and Beaver
streets, July 3.
Mechanics and Farmers' Bank building, State and James, erected.
Washington Park bridge and lake house erected.
School No. 21 completed.
Pumping station established at foot of Clinton avenue, first operated
to pump river water, Sept. 14.
New York city papers first arrive;by fast mail at 8 a. va., Sept. 16.

666 EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. No. 52.
1875-1876.
Mozart Singing Society (Prof. Wm. Boehm, director) organized,
Sept. 20,
Capital City Lodge, No. 440, I. O. O. F., instituted, Sept. 23.
Trinity (M. E.) Church corner-stone laid, n. w. corner Lark and
Lancaster, Oct. 10.
Albany railway elects Delavan Peck (third) president, Oct. 11.
Board of Public Instruction elects Charles P. Easton (2nd time) its
(5th) president (succeeding A. A. Keyes of 1873).
Catherine Maley Cuyler, wife of Dexter Reynolds, attorney (b. Cuy-
lerville, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1842) dies at Rochester, N. Y. (burial in
Rural Cemetery), Oct. 23.
Charles S. Fairchild elected State attorney-general, Nov. 2.
National Commercial Bank elects Robert Hewson Pruyn (fifth)
president to succeed E. P. Prentice, Nov. 24.
George S. Dawson Post, No. 63, G. A. R. (Charles D. Rathbone,
commander) organized, Nov. 25.
Steamboat Sunnyside sinks, with eleven drowning, Dec. 1.
Federal building erection commenced, Dec. 1.
River closed to navigation, Dec. 1.
Ira Harris, able lawyer, dies, Dec. 2.
Dr. James H. Armsby, founder of Albany Hospital, dies, Dec. 3.
Cattle cars unloading at West Albany market number 24,937 °f
cattle, 3,507 of sheep, 8,455 °f h°gs, 945 of horses; total. 37,844
cars ; daily average, 103 cars, during 1875.
Charles Sumner Benevolent Association founded Dec. 13.
John M. Crapo's rug store robbed, Dec. 23.
St. Peter's church tower and chimes given by George Tweddle in
memory of his father, John (died March 9, 1875) and his
mother, Sarah Tweddle, Dec. 25.

1876.
Centennial year celebrated by midnight parade, Jan. 1.
Northern Boulevard begun (between Western and Central avenues), Jan. 1.
Savings banks of Albany reduce interest from 6 to 5$, Jan. 1.
South Ferry running and first tow of year leaves for New York, Jan. 3.
Legislature convenes and Governor Tilden's voluminous message is
read, Jan. 4.
Peter Gansevoort (87th year) dies at his home, No. 115 Washing
ton avenue, Jan. 4.

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE PARLOR.
This room was beautifully furnished and had welcomed many a prominent guest ; but after the death of Gen.
Stephen Van Rensselaer's widow, June 19, 1875, it was never occupied again. It was the southern half of the
east wing.

g%&l&£»atesS&. 1 ^Jw^i&s

j...

WASHINGTON PARK LAKE.
The park was established by Act of May 5, 1869; work progressed during 1870-71; lake constructed to Englewood Place in 1873
and continued westward and bridge built in 1875; length, 1,750 ft.; depth, 7 to 10 ft.

No. 52. EDMUND LEWIS JUDSON. 667
1876.
Dr. John V. P. Quackenbush dies, Jan. 8.
Mayor Judson appeals for subscriptions for the poor, Jan. 10.
Lillie Devereaux Blake addresses judiciary committee of Assembly
on woman suffrage, Jan. 18.
Col. A. J. Parker gives a reception for Edward Bowditch on being
elected major of ioth regiment, Jan. 21.
Agur Wells (86th year) dies, Jan. 22.
Governor Tilden, assisted by Mrs. Pelton, gives first public reception
at Executive Mansion on Eagle street, Jan. 25.
Wallace Bruce lectures before Y. M. A. (" Landmarks of Scotland,") Jan. 27.
Ex-Gov. John T. Hoffman lectures at Martin Hall before the Y. M.
A, Feb. 3.
Mrs. Howard Townsend organizes movement for women to send
magnificent state banner to Centennial at Philadelphia, Feb. 22.
Y. M. O. ball at Martin Hall, ' Feb. 24.
Murderer Joseph Waltz's body exhumed on the family farm at Cats-
kill and appeal made to Bishop McNeirney to prevent burial in
Jefferson cemetery, Catskill, Feb. 28.
Western avenue land owners appeal to park board to pave with
granite, thoroughfare being in wretched condition, March 1.
Fifth Police Precinct station house erected at 270 Central avenue.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 1.
Firemen's Relief Association organized, April 4.
Anthony Bleecker Banks elected Mayor of Albany at a Charter elec
tion, receiving 9,377 votes as the Democratic candidate; his
opponent, Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 7,912 votes as the
Republican candidate; total number of votes cast, 17,289;
Banks' majority over Judson being 1,465 votes, he is declared
elected mayor, Apriln.
* ? ?
(See No. 53.)

GOVERNOR'S MANSION.
Albany was made seat of state government Mch. 10, 1797. Gov. John Jay that year and Geo. Clinton in 1801
leased James Caldwell's residence, Nos. 58-60 State st. In 1875 the state bought Rob't L. Johnson's property,
No. 138 Eagle St. and the Hoyt house, Eagle and Elm sts., in 1877. Opened by Gov. S. J. Tilden's public recep
tion on Jan. 25, 1876.

No. 53.

May 2, 1 876 — May 6, 1 878.
* * *
May 6. 1 884- — May 3, 1 886.

No. 53.
ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS.
Date of office: (a) May 2, 1876-May 6, 1878.
(b) May 6, 1884-May 3, 1886.
Date of election: (a) April 11, 1876.
(b) April 9, 1884.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 9,377.
(b) 10,098.
Opponent: (a) Edmund L. Judson.
(b) John Swinburne.
Political party: (a) Republican.
(b) Republican.
Vote: (a) 7,912.
(b) 9,848; scattering, 51.
Total vote: (a) 17,289.
(b) 19,998.
Date of birth: March 7, 1837.
Place of birth: New York, N. Y.
Parents: David (B.) and Iiarriet Lloyd.
Education: New York city schools.
Married to: Phoebe Wells.
Date: July 6, 1866.
Children: (2) Harriet Lloyd (Green) and Bleecker Wells.
Residence: No. 327 State street.
Occupation: Publisher of law books.
Religion: Episcopal.
Title: General.
Remarks: Member of Assembly, 1862. State Senator, 1868-69;
1870-71. High school completed 1876. President Green
bush Bridge Co., begun 1876; length, 1,669 ^eet- School
No. 2 completed 1884. Member Constitutional Convention,
1896. Progressed Washington Park. Cobblestone pavement
replaced with granite block.

\

53. ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS.
1876-78; 1884-86.
From a photograph made from life in 1898 by Pirie Macdonald, and owned
by The Albany Institute.

No. 53- ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 67 1
1876.

(Continued from No. 52.)
1876.

*

Anthony Bleecker Banks sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April nth, when he re
ceived 9,377 votes as the Democratic candidate, his opponent,
Edmund Lewis Judson, receiving 7,912 votes as the Republican
candidate; total number of votes cast, 17,289; Banks' majority
over Judson, 1,465 votes, May 2.
Charter election, Mayor, A. Bleecker Banks; Common Council:
George Krank, I. John G. Schneider, II. James H. Simmons,
III. William Ii. Keeler, IV. Henry Van Hcesen,- V. Robert
K. Oliver, VI. Sylvanus H. H. Parsons, VII. Thomas A.
Becket, VIII. Patrick Dillon, IX. Conrad Degen, X. John
A. Luby, XI. Thomas Cavanaugh, XII. Christian Schurr,
XIII. John P. Bradt, XIV. Michael J. Gorman, XV. Hiram
Bender, XVI. John A. Luby (XI), president. Election, April
1 1 ; sworn in, May 2.
Albany High School dedicated, Eagle, Columbia and Steuben streets,
May 4.
Rev. William Buel Sprague, D. D., long the pastor of Second Pres
byterian Church and author of the 6 volumes, "Annals of the
American Pulpit," 1857, (b. Andover, Conn., Oct. 16, 1795),
dies at Flushing, N. Y., May 7.
Albany Yacht Club organized, May.
Third Division Rifle Ass'n, range at Forbes, chartered.
Steamboat City of Troy, Citizens' Line of Troy, built by John Englis
of New York; 1,527 tons, 300 feet long, 36 feet broad, 10 feet
deep, 60 x 144 in. engine, June.
Deed from Great Western Turnpike Road Co. to Board of Commis
sioners of Washington Park, conveying that portion of turnpike
between Snipe street and Manning boulevard, dated June 15.
Carpet-beetle, (Anthrenus scrophularice) appears, June.
Prof. Lewis Boss made director of the Dudley Observatory, July 1 .
Pizra Parmelee Prentice, banker and owner of the handsome hillside
estate, Mount Hope, north of Kenwood, dies, July 10.
Beaverwyck Rowing Club wins the Centennial International regatta,
August.
Lexington avenue changed from Snipe street, Sept. 4.
State Fair, the 36th (Edwin Thorn, Pres.) held at Albany (6th
time) .
Ten Broeck place changed from Third street, Sept. 18.

672 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53.
1876-1877.

St. Peter's tower, memorial of John Tweddle, dedicated, Sept. 29.
Home for Aged Men, Troy road, incorporated, Oct. 5.
Western avenue construction begun, Nov. 16.
Adelphi Club moves from South Pearl street to Adelphi Hall on
Green street.
Charles Fetcher plays at Leland Opera House, Nov. 22.
Division street theatre burned, Dec. 8.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 10.
Trinity (M. E.) Church, n. w. Lark and Lancaster, dedicated, Dec. 28.

1877.
Lucius Robinson (elected Nov. 7, 1876) inaugurated Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — Mayor,
A. Bleecker Banks ; Common Council : George Krank, I. John
G. Schneider, II. James PI. Simmons, III. William PL Keeler,
IV. Henry Van Hcesen, V. Robert K. Oliver, VI. Sylvanus
H. H. Parsons, VII. Thomas A. Becket, VIII. Patrick Dillon,
IX. Conrad Degen, X. John A. Luby, XI. Thomas Cava-
nagh, XII. Christian Schurr, XIII. John P. Bradt, XIV
Michael J. Gorman, XV. liiram Bender, XVI. John A. Luby
(XI), president. Jiolding office on, Jan. 1.
Executive Mansion property, west side of Eagle and south of Elm
street, bought by the State for Governor's residence.
Child's Hospital opened in dwelling, south side of Elk street, Feb. 12.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, n. w. corner Ten Broeck street and Clin
ton avenue, dedicated, Feb. 14.
John F. Smyth appointed State superintendent of insurance, Feb. 16.
Louis D. Pilsbury appointed (the first) superintendent of State
prisons, Feb. 17.
" Daily Press " first issued by Farrell, Rooker and Macfarlane, , Feb. 26.
Charles street changed from Johnson alley, March 19.
West End Presbyterian Church dedicated, March 25.
River opened to navigation (Government record), March 26.
Y. M. A. moves from Martin Hall to s. w. corner Pearl and Steuben.
St. Agnes' cemetery (Peter Cagger, pres.) incorporated, May 9.
Argus first issues Sunday edition, May 13.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH TOWER.
The tower was erected in 1875-6, to the memory of John Tweddle, a
prominent citizen and warden, who died Mch. 9, 1875 ; designed by
Richard M. Upjohn ; French Gothic ; height, 180 ft. ; dedicated Nov.
1, 1876. Chimes given by Geo. Tweddle, Dec. 25, 1875.

No. 53- ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 673
1877.

Steamboat Wm. M. Whitney, of Troy line, put on.
Steamboat Saratoga, of Citizens' Line of Troy, built by John Englis
of New York, 1,438 tons, 300 x 36 x 10 feet, 60 x 144 in. engine.
Post-office removed from North Pearl street to north end of Dela
van House, May 26.
Albany Medical College purchases Lancashire School, Eagle street.
South Pearl street, Gansevoort street to Prentice place, changed
from Bethlehem Turnpike, June 18.
Elm tree of enormous proportions, (n. w. corner State and Pearl
streets) supposedly planted by Philip Livingston, 1735, removed
on paving the street.
Rifle range leased (until June, 1880) on Genet farm, Greenbush
(Rensselaer).
Albany Fair Grounds, on Troy Road, laid out.
Albany Baseball Club (of no league) plays at Fair Grounds on Troy
road.
Railroad riots at West Albany, July 23-28
Tenth Regiment serves at Black Rock cut, West Albany, during
strike of Central railroad employees, July 24.
Jackson Corps guards upper bridge during railroad riots.
John H. Farrell buys " The Knickerbocker " and consolidates it
with "The Daily Press," Aug. 11.
The Press Company buys "The Knickerbocker," Aug. 15.
Albany Railway extends tracks of horse-cars on Madison avenue as
far westward as Quail street, Oct. 10.
Police department telephones first in operation, Oct. 15.
Saratoga Monument coroner-stone laid on centennial anniversary of
the surrender of Burgoyne, of rock- faced granite, 154 feet high,
obelisk in form, 40 feet square at base, staircase to summit,
places for four statues, one of which occupied by an equestrian
statue of Gen. Philip Schuyler ; orators on the occasion, Hon.
Horatio Seymour and George William Curtis, Oct. 17.
Western avenue improvement completed, Oct. 18.
Excessive rainfall of 7.86, local average being 3.17 in. monthly, October.
" Nicky " De Freest killed by train at the Broadway crossing, Nov. 1.
Death of Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn at Clifton Springs, N. Y.,
whither he had gone in October for his health. He was a man
of rare attainments and most beneficent, born at Albany on
June 22, 181 1, of a Dutch family resident here two centuries;
admitted to bar Jan. 13, 1832, and forming a partnership with
Henry H. Martin in 1833 ; appointed Regent May, 1844, serving
33 years, and made Chancellor January, 1862, serving 15 years ;

674 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53.
1877-1878, 1884.
first president State Board of Charities ; for 25 years president
of The Albany Institute; elected (Dem.) to State senate, 1861,
giving salary to poor; Congressman, 1863-65, 1867-69; a
director of the first railroad, Moh. & Hud. ; drew up the articles
consolidating several railroads to form the N. Y. Central, 1853 ;
one of original commissioners of new Capital and laid the first
stone, July 7, 1869; earliest public advocate of Washington
Park; residence at No. 13 Elk st., Nov. 21.
Unique baby show of wide interest at Tweddle Hall, Dec. 21.
First Lieut. Horatio P. Stacpole made captain, Dec. 19.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 29.

1878.
John O. Cole, the first president of Board of Public Instruction and
the second superintendent of city schools, dies, Jan. 4.
Extra pump-engine for Prospect reservoir first operated, Feb. 6.
Charles W. Cole (later to be superintendent of city schools) ap
pointed a teacher in the High School.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 7.
Home for Aged Men, west side of Troy road, Menands, dedicated,
March 28.
Michael Nicholas Nolan elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter
election, receiving 8,916 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his
opponent, Nelson H. Chase, receiving 5,358 votes as the Inde
pendent Labor Democrat ; William A. Young receiving 4,540
votes as the Republican candidate ; total number of votes cast,
18,814; Nolan's majority over Chase being 3,558, he is declared
elected mayor, • April 9.
? ? ?
(See No. 54.)

(Continued from No. 54.)
1884.

A. Bleecker Banks sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been
elected at the Charter election held on April 9th, when he re
ceived 10,098 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent,
John Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,848 votes as the Republican

ALL SAINTS' CATHEDRAL.
Instituted by Rt. Rev. Wm. Croswell Doane on becoming bishop of the
Episcopal Diocese of Albany, Feb. 2, 1869 ; service first held in chapel
(n. w. cor. Elk and Hawk sts.) Nov. 1, 1872 ; incorporated Mch. 27, 1873 ;
R. W. Gibson s plans adopted Apr. 30, 1883 ; land at Swan, Elk and
Lafayette sts., valued at $80,000, given by Mayor Erastus Corning, Nov.
28, 1883 ; cornerstone laid June 3, 1884 ; dedicated Nov. 20, 1888.

No. 53- ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 675
1884.
candidate ; blank and scattering 52 votes ; total number of votes
cast, 19,998; Banks' majority over Swinburne being 250 vote;?,
May 6.
Charter election, Mayor, A. Bleecker Banks ; Common Council :
Augustus Whitman, I. Jeremiah Kieley, II. Thomas F Cor
coran, III. James Lyons, IV. Thomas E. Dearstyne, V.
Galen R Hitt, VI. John Million, VII. John Judge, VIII.
Patrick Cahill, IX. James Rooney, X. George S. Tice, XI.
Patrick McCann, XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. David J.
Norton, XIV. James Thornton, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI.
John H. Adams, XVII. Norman L. Snow, Robert H. Moore,
(at-large) ; Norman L. Snow (at-large), president. Election,
April 9 ; sworn in, May 6.
Tweddle Building, n. w. corner State and Pearl streets, opened as
office building with stores opening on street, having been a hall,
May.
James L. Hyatt commissioned captain of Co. C (Co. K of 10th Reg.),
June 2.
All Saints' Cathedral corner-stone laid by Bishop Doane at its north
eastern end, in presence of the Governor and officials, June 3.
Gov. Grover Cleveland serenaded by Tenth Reg't band on night of
his nomination at Chicago to Presidency, July 11.
Companies D and K (C) of 10th Battalion participate in State camp
service near Peekskill under Edgar V. Denison and James L.
Hyatt, July 5-12.
John Maloy, chief of police many years, dies at his home, 57 Maiden
Lane, July 22.
Isaiah Page, proprietor of a large iron casting manufactory and
foundry on east side of Liberty street, dies at home, No. 775
Madison avenue, July 22.
Salvation Army leases and holds its meetings at Hidley Hall, s. w.
corner Broadway and Steuben street, Captains Osborn and Ren-
nick, speakers, and Lieutenant Levick, cornist, at army's first
opening in city July 27.
Gov. Grover Cleveland notified at Executive Mansion of his nomi
nation at Chicago as Presidential nominee on Democratic ticket,
W. F. Vilas, president of the committee, notifying, at 3 p. m.,
July 29.
Thomas Willard appointed chief of police to succeed John Maloy,
who died on the 22nd, July 29.

676 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53.
1884-1885.
Steamboat Eagle (Albany & Newburgh line) burns to water's edge
while bound north near Milton (built at Brooklyn in 1852, of
338 tons), Aug. 2.
Albany Institute secretary as delegate, invited, attends laying corner
stone of Bartholdi's statue of " Liberty Enlightening the
World," on Bedloe's island, William Allen Butler (former Al
bany iawyer) delivering American address, Aug. 5.
Gen. John A. Logan, on his vice-presidential (Rep.) campaign tour
(Blaine and Logan), welcomed at depot, Aug. 11.
Adam Van Allen (president of First National Bank) dies at his
home (No. 40 Lancaster street), Aug. 11.
Wheelmen's meet of considerable importance held at Island Park by
the Albany Bicycle Club, Sept. 10,
Ex-Secretary of State James G. Blaine, on his Presidential cam
paign tour, stops here for 20 minutes on way New York city
to Ohio, and 7,000 hear him speak at depot, Sept. 24.
Gen. Benjamin F. Butler on campaign tour, speaks in Capitol park
at 3 p. m., and in evening in tent erected on Fludson avenue, Sept. 29.
Albany Philharmonic Society (orchestra) organized, fall of year.
Co. K of 10th Battalion changed to Co. C.
Schuyler Mansion sold by Auctioneer Dickerman for $5,500 to Lan
sing Pendleton, Jr., Oct. 30.
Gov. Grover Cleveland (following his election as President on Nov.
4th) serenaded at Executive Mansion, Nov. 10.
Albany Hospital for Incurables incorporated, Nov. 14.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 19.

1885.

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected at this date — Mayor, A. Bleecker Banks ; Common
Council : Augustus Whitman, I. Jeremiah Kieley, II. Thomas
F. Corcoran, III. James Lyons, IV. Thomas E. Dearstyne, V.
Galen R. Hitt, VI. John Mullon, VII. Thomas J. Judge, VIII.
Patrick Cahill, IX. James Rooney, X. George S. Tice, XI.
Patrick McCann, XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. David J.
Norton, XIV. James Thornton, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI.
John H. Adams, XVII. Norman L. Snow, Robert H. Moore,
(at-large), Samuel C. Harris (XIII), president. Holding office
on, Jan. 1.
Gov. Grover Cleveland resigns to become President, Jan. 6.

PRUYN ALTAR AND REREDOS.
This is one of the works of art in the city and was placed in St. Peter's
Church- in 1885 by the late Charles Lansing Pruyn. Designed by
Richard M. Upjohn ; figures sculptured by Louis St. Gaudens.

No. 53. ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. 677
1885.
Lieut.-Gov. David B. Hill becomes Governor, Jan. 6.
Average rainfall 38.04 inches for ten years previous to this year.
Average temperature 48.23 for ten years previous to this year.
Steamer St. John burned at New York city, Jan. 23.
Albany Press Club (No.' 25 Beaver street) organized.
Jackson Corps participates in inaugural parade of Cleveland, March 4.
Driven well system on flats north of city authorized.
Daniel Manning made secretary of treasury by Cleveland, March.
Board of Public Instruction elects Oren E. Wilson its (10th) presi
dent (succeeding P. J. Flinn of 1884).
Hugh J. McDonald appointed (3rd) superintendent of school build
ings (succeeding A. Sayles of 1879).
Andrew S. Draper appointed State superintendent of public instruc
tion, April 6.
" The Cue," first published by Albany Academy students ( Cuyler
Reynolds, editor-in-chief), April 9.
Holland Society (Albert Vander Veer, M. D., vice-pres.) founded.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 8.
Ronan Towing Line started.
Seventeen-year locusts, (Cicada-Septemdecim).
Albany Rifle Association (J. W. Freschknecht, pres.) organized.
National Commercial Bank elects Robert Clarence Pruyn (seventh)
president (D. Manning, resigned), May 23.
Ridgefield Athletic Club grounds opened, June 16.
Boardman & Gray piano factory (North Pearl street, e. side n. of
Wilson street) burned, July 12.
Companies A and B participate in State camp service near Peekskill
Capts. John H. Reynolds and Horatio P. Stacpole), July 11-18.
Gen. U. S. Grant dies in Drexel cottage on Mount MacGregor,
Saratoga, July 23.
Gen. U. S. Grant's body in state in Capitol (Senate entrance), Aug. 4-5.
State Fair, the 45th (James W. Wadsworth, pres.) held at Albany
(8th time).
Normal School building on Willett street first occupied, September.
Albany Railway lays tracks on Lark street from Washington avenue
to Hamilton street, November.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 8.
St. Peter's Church Pruyn memorial altar and reredos (angels sculp
tured by Louis St. Gaudens and remainder executed by Richard
M. Upjohn) in memory of Elizabeth McClintock Pruyn (died
Dec. 20, 18S4) presented by Robert C. and Charles L. Pruyn.

678 ANTHONY BLEECKER BANKS. No. 53.
1886.

1886.
lion. John A. McCall resigns as State superintendent of insurance
(appointed April 23, 1883), to become on this day comptroller
of Equitable Life Insurance Co. in New York, Jan. 1.
Hugh J. McDonald (3rd superintendent of school buildings) dies,
Jan. 21.
Albany Chess Club organized, February.
Albany Press Club (John A. Sleicher, pres.) organized, March.
Albany County Wheelmen organized, March 17.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 27.
Albany Savings Bank elects Joshua Howard King its (7th) presi
dent (succeeding Henry H. Martin of 1882), April 10
John Boyd Thacher elected Mayor of Albany at the Charter election,
receiving 10,510 votes as the Democratic cadidate; his opponent,
Edward A. Durant, Jr., receiving 8,981 votes as the Republican
candidate ; Frederick F Wheeler receiving 55 votes as the Inde
pendent candidate ; blank and scattering, 14 votes ; total number
of votes cast, 19,560; Thacher's majority over Durant being
1,529 votes, he is declared elected mayor, April 13.

(See No. 56.)

STATE NORMAL COLLEGE.
This building, designed by Edward Ogden & Son, stood on the east side of Willett st., between Madison and Hudson aves., and
was first occupied in September, 18S5. Destroyed by fire Jan. 8, 1906.

No. 54.
Mutyntl Nirfalaa Nolan.

May 7, 1878 — May 3. 1 880.
May 4. 1880— May 1. 1882.
May 2, 1 882— June 24. 1 883.

No. 54.
MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN.
Date of office: (a) May 7, 1878-May 3, 1880.
(b) May 4, 1880-May 1, 1882.
(c) May 2, 1882-June 24, 1883. (resigns).
Date of election: (a) April 9, 1878.
(b) April 13, 1880.
(c) April 11, 1882.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 8,916.
(b) 12,275.
(c) 9*339-
Opponent: (a) Nelson H. Chase, (aa) William A. Young.
(b) George A. Birch, (bb) Scattering.
(c) John Swinburne, (cc) Scattering.
Political party: (a) Independent Labor Democrat, (aa) Repub
lican.
(b) Republican.
(c) Republican.
Vote: (a) 5,358. (aa) 4,540.
(b) 7,582. (bb) 31.
(c) 9,221. (cc) 18.
Total vote: (a) 18,814.
(b) 19,888.
(c) 18,578.
Date of birth: May 4, 1834.
Place of birth: Carlo w, Ireland.
Parents: Lawrence (N.) and Anne Plealey.
Education: Public schools.
Married to: Anne Elizabeth Quinn.
Date: Albany, September 8, 1861.
Children: (7) Maria Teresa (liawke), Katharine, Anne Elizabeth
(Haubold), Helen Jennings, Jane Elizabeth (Riddle), Fran
cis Joseph, Blanche Mary.
Residence: No. 53 Ten Broeck street.
Occupation: President Beverwyck Brewery.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Died: May 31, 1905.
Place of burial: St. Agnes' Cemetery.
Remarks: School No. 17 completed, 1878. School No. 25 com
pleted, 1878. School No. 20 completed, 1880. City Hall
destroyed by fire, February 10, 1880. School No. 8 com
pleted, 1881. Broadway viaduct under New York Central
Railroad tracks. Congress, 1881-83.

54- MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN.
1878-1883.
From a photograph made from life by The Albany Art Union, and owned
in 1904 by The Albany Institute.

No. 54- MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 68l

1878.

(Continued from No. 53.)
1878.

Michael Nicholas Nolan sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been
chosen at the Charter election held on April 9th, when he re
ceived 8,916 votes ; his opponent, Nelson H. Chase, receiving
5,358 votes as the Independent Labor Democrat; William A.
Young receiving 4,540 votes as the Republican candidate ; total
number of votes cast, 18,814; Nolan's majority over Chase being
3,558 votes, May 7.
Charter election, Mayor, Michael N. Nolan; Common Council:
John Zimmermann, I. Thomas B. Franklin, II. William A.
Donahoe, III. John T. Gorman, IV. Isaac Brilleman, V
William Manson, VI. James McKinney, VII. James H. Han-
nigan, VIII. Patrick Dillon, IX. Conrad Degen, X. David
M. Alexander, XI. Thomas Cavanagh, XII. Theodore M.
Amsdell, XIII. William Dey Ermand, XIV. Michael J. Gor
man, XV. Allston Adams, XVI. Thomas Cavanagh (XII),.
president. Election, April 9; sworn in, May 7.
Telephone " exchange " first established, with one hundred members,
the first to have machines installed at their houses being about
seven doctors, for up to this time it had been seen here only
in public halls where it was shown as an object of curiosity, May 8.
Agitation begun to do away with the New York Central railroad's
crossing at Broadway near Colonie street, by the construction
of a viaduct, this place having been rendered extra hazardous
by the constantly increasing traffic and switching of freight,
the route being that taken by funerals on their way to the-
Troy Road and the crossing a scene of numerous acci'dents and'
annoying delays, May ic
The end- came to Prof. Joseph Henry, Albanian and America's
greatest scientist, after about a year of illness, while living at
his home in Washington, D. C, where he was Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution. His death and funeral are of national
concern, the latter participated in by the President, his cabinet
and all the official foreign representatives. Two weeks previ
ously he had said, in contemplating his illness : " I hope I
have been able to do some good," and spoke of the amount of
work awaiting his accomplishment. Although he had perfected'
more than one thousand actual experiments that tended to the

682 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1878.

world's advancement, he felt that he had accomplished but the
half of what he felt his capable brain competent to bring forth,
and although aged, of but the prime of life in his endeavors.
It is peculiar that only on April 12th, he had written to Mr.
Joseph Patterson of Philadelphia about the encouragement that
his physician had held out to him in that he hoped to be able to
go abroad the coming summer, and then, for nine-tenths of his
long letter, barely able to manipulate a pen, the uremic acid
affecting his limbs, he wrote as the great scientist he was, con
sidering the fact that his mind had solved the most wonderful
problems of his age, his thoughts on death and a future condi
tion, in the following vein, so well worthy of dwelling upon:
" We live in a universe of change : nothing remains the same
from one moment to another, and each moment of recorded time
has its separate history. We are carried on by the ever-chang
ing events in the line of our destiny, and at the end of the year
we are always at a considerable distance from the point of its
beginning. How short the space between the two cardinal
points of an earthly career ! — the point of birth and that of
death ; and yet what a. universe of wonders is presented to us
in our rapid flight through this space ! How small the wisdom
obtained by a single life in its passage, and how small the
known, when compared with the unknown, by the accumulation
of the millions of lives, through the art of printing, in hundreds
of years ! How many questions press themselves upon us in
the contemplations whence come we, whither are we going,
what is our final destiny, the object of our creation? What
mysteries of unfathomable depths environ us on every side!
But, after all our speculations, and an attempt to grapple with
the problem of the universe, the simplest conception which
explains and connects the phenomena is that of the existence
of one Spiritual Being — infinite in wisdom, in power, and all
divine perfections, which exists always and everywhere — which
has created us with intellectual faculties sufficient, in some
degree, to comprehend His operations as they are developed
in Nature by what is called " Science." This Being is unchange
able, and, therefore, His operations are always in accordance
with the same laws, the conditions being the same. Events
that happened a thousand years ago will happen again a thou
sand years to come, provided the condition of existence is the
same. Indeed, a universe not governed by law would be a
universe without the evidence of an intellectual director. In
the scientific explanation of physical phenomena, we assume the

/*$** Ss

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o C5J jf&jf

i 9
K1V% V
^aB
¦lIIl^k. ° J^
^wB^^tnni^^"'
JOSEPH HENRY, SCIENTIST.
When this illustrious Albanian, the discoverer of the
electric telegraph, died at Washington, on May 13, 1878,
it was universal judgment that he was the greatest scientist
of the age in America.
No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 683
1878.

existence of a principle having properties sufficient to produce
the effects which we observe ; and when the principle so assumed
explains, by logical deductions from it, all the phenomena, wo
call it a theory. Thus, we have the theory of light, the theory
of electricity, etc. There is no proof, however, of the truth of
these theories, except the explanation of the phenomena which
they are invented to account for. This proof, however, is suf
ficient in any case in which every fact is fully explained, and
can be predicted when the conditions are known. In accord
ance with this scientific view, on what evidence does the exist
ence of a creator exist? First. It is one of the truths best
established by experience in my own mind, that I have a think
ing, willing principle within me, capable of intellectual activity
and of moral feeling. Second. It is equally clear to me that
you have a similar spiritual principle within yourself, since
when I ask you an intelligent question you give me an intellectual
answer. Third. When I examine the operations of Nature, I
find everywhere through them evidences of intellectual arrange
ments, of contrivances to reach definite ends, precisely as I find
in the operations of man ; and hence I infer that these two classes
of operations are results of similar intelligence. Again, in my
own mind, I find ideas of right and wrong, of good and evil.
These ideas exist in the universe, and, therefore, form a basis
of our ideas of a moral universe. Furthermore, the concep
tions of good which are found among our ideas associated with
evil, can be attributed only to a Being of infinite perfections, like
that which we denominate ' God '." He was born on the south
side of Division street, west of Green street, of Scotch ancestors :
his father, William Flenry, dying when he was a boy, and his
mother bringing him up in accord with the strictest of Presby
terian doctrines. He studied at the Albany Academy, taught
a district school at Selkirk two years, was apprenticed to a
jeweler for a time and was a tutor at the Van Rensselaer Manor
House. On Sept. n, 1826, he became professor of natural
sciences at the Albany Academy, and in 1828 discovered the
principle of his wonderful " intensity " magnet which made it
possible to operate electrical mechanism at any distance over a
wire. He exhibited his magnetic " spool " or " bobbin," that
useful form of coil in electro-magnetism, before The Albany
Institute in March, 1829, and perfecting it to exert greater
power, had his paper, descriptive of it, printed in Silliman's
American Journal of Science in January, 1831. He saw the
value of the discovery in that by being able to attract by

684 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1878.
magnet at a distance, hold a weight even of a thousand pounds
and release it by opening of the circuit, he could make an elec
trical telegraph, or communicate signals by this method. Fol
lowing his conception of the telegraph in 1828, he strung about
two miles of wire, which he had insulated from contact, about
the large room, second floor, of the Albany Academy in July,
1829, and by a metal lever striking upon a small bell, operated
through this long stretch of wire, he demonstrated to his class
the feasibility of an electric telegraph, and the " sounder " of
the century following is but a commercial form of this original
instrument. Prof. James Hall, late State geologist, testified to
seeing this apparatus working successfully there in August,
1832. He left Albany in November, 1832, to join the faculty
of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and made discoveries
there that were of great practical benefit. He became first
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C,
on Dec. 3, 1846, and organized it on his plan, as submitted
Dec. 8, 1847, on lines he believed the late James Smithson in
tended under his will. He established the Lighthouse Board.
at the head of which he was for twenty-five years ; studied the
laws affecting signals by sound at sea to avert danger; inaug
urated the system of mapping the weather and sending out fore
casts all over the country. He was elected president of these
bodies : American Association for the Advancement of Science,
1849; United States National Academy of Sciences, 1868; Phil
osophical Society of Washington, 1871. President Hayes, his
cabinet and all the ambassadors with their suites attended the
funeral and he was buried in Oakhill Cemetery, Georgetown, on
the 16th. A public commemoration service was held in the
House of Representatives, Vice-President Wheeler presiding,
and the President among the auditors, on May 17th. The ad
dresses delivered on this memorable occasion were gathered and
printed in a volume of large size, containing 528 pages, and
"published by order of Congress" in 1880. A list of a line
index of his scientific publications, covers ten pages in this
book. A bronze statue by Sculptor W. W. Story was erected
later in the Smithsonian's grounds by the U. S. Government,
and when each State was requested to present two statues to
the collection of the House of Representatives, his likeness was
one of the two chosen from the Empire State. The day before
his death he rested in slumber but awoke when his friend, Prof.
Simon Newcomb, the astronomer, was standing by his bed, and

No. 54- MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 685
1878-1879.
not only asked whether the observation of the' transit of Mercury
had been a success, but inquired about the chance for an ap
propriation for future observations. On the day of his death,
his mind reverted to experiments at sea, and the last thing he
gave utterance to was to ask the direction of the wind. He was
then in a semi-conscious condition, and died at 12:10 o'clock,
May 13.
New edifice declared officially the State Capitol, May 14.
Rifle range leased on Genet farm, Greenbush Fleights (Rensselaer),
opened in the spring.
Kenmore Hotel opened at s. w. corner North Pearl and Columbia
streets.
Telephone exchange established here, the 3rd in United States, May 22.
Albany Baseball Club of Professionals, Greenbush grounds, or
ganized.
Steamboat J. G. Sanders put on Albany & Troy Line.
Albany Tennis Club organized.
Gasworks at North Albany blown down during gale, and parts car
ried across the river. July 21.
Prospect Hill reservoir, north of Central avenue and east of Colby-
street, containing 7,000,000 gallons, built.
Gen. John Tayler Cooper, a most prominent citizen, dies, Aug. 13.
Mutual Rowing Club wins at National regatta, Newark, N. J.,
Aug. 20.
Jackson Corps (organized in 1867) becomes military body.
School No. 17 completed.
School No. 25 completed.
Board of Public Instruction appoints Charles W. Cole the (3rd)
superintendent of schools (succeeding J. O. Cole of 1869).
Albany Railway elects Abraham Van Vechten (fourth) president, Oct. 14.
Temple Tabernacle No. 5, U. S. A. K. T. P., instituted.
Ancient Order of United Workmen organized in Albany.
Lyman Tremain (prominent lawyer and State attorney-general)
dies, Nov. 30.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 21.

1879.

Charter officials holding office at this time for the year — Mayor,
Michael N. Nolan; Common Council: John Zimmermann, I.

686 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1879.
Thomas B. Franklin, II. William A. Donahoe, III. John T.
Gorman, IV Isaac Brillemari, V William Manson, VI.
James McKinney, VII. James FI. Hannigan, VIII. Edwin V.
Kirtland, IX. Conrad Degen, X. David M. Alexander, XI.
Thomas Cavanagh, XII. Theodore M. Amsdell, XIII. William
Dey Ermand, XIV. Michael J. Gorman, XV. Allston Adams,
XVI. Thomas Cavanagh (XII), president. Holding office on,
Jan. 1.
New Capitol opened in part formally by reception,' Jan. 7.
Peter Monteath, prominent wholesale grocer for half a century,
(b. Albany, Oct. 30, 181 1) dies, Jan. 13.
Gilbert & Sullivan's " Pinafore " first produced, a craze, Leland, Feb. 17.
John G. Treadwell (ist superintendent of school buildings) resigns,
March 3.
Alexander Sayles appointed (2nd) superintendent of school build
ings (succeeding J. G. Treadwell of 1872).
Isaac Edwards (school commissioner) dies, March 26.
Albany Railway's Central avenue stables burned, March 28,
River open to navigation (Government record), March 29,
Livingston avenue changed from Lumber street, April 21.
Forester Gun Club organized, May 6.
Federal Building (Post-Office) corner-stone laid, May 7.
James Kidd, first president of Albany Railway and donor of site of
Home for the Friendless, dies at his home, No. 7 Elk St.,
May 20,
Gen. J. Meredith Read leaves Greece (as U. S. minister), May 28.
Hudson River Line (formed in 1862 as the New York & Albany
Day Line, later Hudson River Day Line) incorporated.
National Encampment of G. A. R., . June 17-18.
Swimming-school of Garrett J. Benson opened on east shore.
Commercial Telephone Co. in operation, July-
Mutual Rowing Club wins 6-oared at National regatta, Saratoga, July 9.
N. Y. State National Bank elects J. Howafd King its (5th) presi
dent, July 21.
Grant (Rep.) Club with 3,000 members organized.
Emmet street changed from Laughlin street, Sept. 22.
Episcopal Church Congress, Oct. 20.
Nathan D. Wendell elected State treasurer, Nov. 6.
Albany Musical Ass'n, Conductor John G. Parkhurst, re-organized.
Dr. Jas. H. Armsby Memorial, Washington park, unveiled, Nov. 25.

_-„- . _ ¦ ¦= ---

II II SI B g.tti'i'j

I

I

CAPITOL OF 1878.
Sen James A Bell presented a resolution April 24, 1863, providing for a building to replace that of 1808 ; authorized by Act of
May 1 1865 • first stone laid July 7, 1869, by Hon. John V. L. Pruyn ; cornerstone laid June 24, 1871 ; officially declared the Capitol
on M-iy 14 1878 • opened in north side by reception Jan. 7, 1879 ; occupied in 1884 ; completed in 1898 ; cost about $30,006,000.

NO. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 687
1879-1880.
Ex-Prisoners of War Ass'n organized at Albany, December.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 20.
Crops in Albany county during season amount to 159,200 bushels
of corn, 23,128 bushels of wheat, 158,600 bushels of rye, 17,952
bushels of barley, 787,529 bushels of oats, and 95,137 tons of
hay, Dec. 31.

1880.

Alonzo B. Cornell becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Savings banks of Albany reduce interest to 4%, Jan. 1.
Population of the city 90,758.
Population of New York state 5,084,173.
Horses number 9,469 in Albany county.
Farms number 3,325 in Albany county.
Farms in Albany county valued at $19,898,866.
Farm implements in Albany county valued at $1,047,171.
Farm products in Albany county valued at $2,783,028.
" Game of Fifteen " interesting everyone, January.
Republican Club (Hon. Hamilton Harris, Pres.) organized, Jan. 8.
Albany Phalanx (Dem. political club) organized.
Joel Munsell, noted local historian, collector and publisher of gene
alogies, author of "Annals of Albany" (b. Northfield, Mass.,
April 14, 1808), dies at Albany, Jan. 15
LeGrand Bancroft (lawyer) dies, Jan. 20
Charles Stewart Parnell given a reception, Jan. 27
Fort Orange Club organized (Erastus Corning, Pres.), Jan. 31
People's Gaslight Co. (incorporated 1872) reincorporated (capital
$500,000), Jan. 31
City Hall on Eagle, Pine and Maiden Lane, marble building with
a dome, destroyed by fire, , Feb. 10
People's Gas Co. organized, March 1
River open to navigation, Government record, March 3
Pest-house, on Alms-house grounds, accepted, March 6
Dr. Edward Reynolds Hun dies, aged 38, March 14.
Thomas Worth Olcott (5th Pres. M. & F. Bank) dies, March 23
Dr. Charles A. Robertson, oculist, dies, April 1
Mechanics & Farmers' bank elects Dudley Olcott its (6th) presi
dent, April 20
Y. M. C. A. railroad reading-rooms established, May 4

688 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1880.
Charter election, Mayor, Michael N. Nolan; Common Council:
Peter Snyder, I. Philip J. McCormick, II. William A. Don-
ahoe, HI. John T. Gorman, IV. John Carey, V. Michael A.
Murphy, VI. James Carlisle, VII. Vacancy, VIII. Michael
H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X. William McEwan, XI.
Robert Bryce, Jr., XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Theodore D.
Smith, Jr., XIV. Joseph McCann, XV. Albert Gallup, XVI.
Henry C. Burch, XVII. Albert Gallup (XVI), president.
Election, April 13; sworn in, May 4.
Steamboat City of Catskill built by Van Loan & Magee, 250x35
x 10 feet, 56 x 144 in. engine. -
Steamboat Evans put on Castleton line.
Sacred Heart (R. C.) Church dedicated, May 23.
Thomas Fearey (shoe manufacturer) dies, June 2.
Rensselaerwyck Rifle range secured at Bath-on-Hudson, June.
Our Lady Help of Christians (R. C.) Church corner stone laid,
June 27.
Tweddle Hall remodeling begun, June 28.
Fort Orange Club opened in 1810 house of Samuel Hill, July 1.
Steamboat Albany of the Hudson River Day Line, running between
Albany and New York city, built by Harlan & Hollingsworth
Co., Wilmington, Del., one of the handsomest and largest river
steamers afloat ; hull of iron ; 325 feet long, breadth of beam
75 feet overall; tonnage, 1,415 gross tons; engine by W. & A.
Fletcher Co. with stroke of 12 feet and diameter of cylinder
73 inches ; steam steering-gear to insure precision ; interior
woodwork of carved mahogany, ash and maple ; making 24.06
miles per hour on trial trip, arrives here for the first time, July 3-
Mutual Rowing Club wins 6-oared at National regatta.
Calvary Baptist Chuch, High and State sts., erected.
Gen. James A. Gar-field, President, passes through, Aug. 2.
Albany Bicycle Club organized, Aug. 24,
Salvation Army, Captain D. Ray, commences work in Albany, September.
State Fair, the 40th (N. Martin Curtis, Pres.) held at Albany (7th
time).
Physicians declare Beaver creek a dangerous nuisance and petition
board of health, Sept. 15.
School No. 20 completed.
Grace (M. E.) Church corner-stone, Ten Broeck st., laid, Sept. 21.
Business Men's Association organized, Oct. 7.

STEAMER ALBANY.
This handsome steamer of the Hudson River Day Line, named in honor of this city, made its first trip to
Albany on July 3, 1880. It is 325 ft. long, with speed of 25 miles an hour.

No. 54- MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 689
1880-1881.
Albany Railway elects John W. McNamara (fifth) president, Oct. 11
William M. Woollett (architect) dies, Oct. 17.
Steamer No. 5 suspended for neglect to report, by Chief McQuade Nov. 22
River closed to navigation, Government record, Nov. 25
Irish-born in Albany (state census) number 12,575 °f 9V>57&-
Railroad Y. M. C. A. organized.
Adelphi Club moves from Green street to No. 101 Hudson ave.
Fire causes nine deaths in Albany during year.
Austin Graves rag-shop, s. w. cor. Arch and Church sts., burned,
Dec. 22.
Roller skating inaugurated (No. 69 N. Pearl st.), Dec. 25.

1881

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year — Mayor,
Michael N. Nolan ; Common Council : Peter Snyder, I. Philip
J. McCormick, II. William A. Donahoe, III. John T. Gor
man, IV. John Carey, V. Michael A. Murphey, VI. James
Carlisle, VII. Thomas A. Becket, VIII. Michael H. Murray,
IX. James A, Fahy, X. William McEwan, XI. Robert
Bryce, Jr., XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Theodore D. Smith,
Jr., XIV. Vacancy, XV. Albert Gallup, XVI. Henry C.
Burch, XVII. Albert Gallup, (XVI), president. Holding
office on, Jan. 1.
College of Pharmacy (Union university) organized.
Seventh Heavy Artillery Ass'n organized.
Mercantile Mutual Accident Society of Albany organized.
Electriqty first illuminates streets, Jan. 14.
Gen. and Mrs. U. S. Grant guests of Gov. A. B. Cornell, Jan. 17.
Order of United Friends organized in Albany.
Anneke Jans case decided by Court of Appeals, February.
Physicians a second year declare Beaver creek a menace to health,
February 11.
John M. Bailey appointed U. S. Consul at Hamburg.
Albany Zouave Cadets (Co. A of 177th N. Y. Vols.) having been
Co. A of 10th regiment, becomes Co. A of 10th Battalion, Feb. 17.

69O MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1881.
Companies A, B, D and K organize as ioth Battalion and ioth
Regiment disbands, Feb. 17.
River open to navigation, Government record, March 21.
Albany Electric Illuminating Co. (Trinity Place) organized, April.
Leland Opera House leased by Mrs. Rosa M. Leland, April 7.
Eli Perry (ex-mayor) dies, May 17.
Steamboat Lotta (Crabtree, California actress) put on New Balti
more line.
Alfred Billings Street, poet, (b. Poughkeepsie, Dec. 18, 1811), dies
at his residence, n. e. cor. Washington ave. and Dove street, June 2.
Y. M. C. A. reorganized (No. 20 N. Pearl st.), June.
Mohican Canoe Club organized.
Conkling-Platt senatorial case ends, June 10.
Rev. Dr. Darling, of 4th Pres. Church, goes to Hamilton College,
June 10.
Abbey hotel, Kenwood, secured by Henry Parr.
West Shore railroad chartered, June 14.
Albany Yacht Club erects house on Hudson island south of Middle
bridge, on east side of river, opened, June 15.
Albany Electric Illuminating Co. contracts with city, June 21.
Savings banks of Albany reduce interest from 4 to 3j4%, July 1.
Citizens shocked by the news on the Western Union bulletin board
late in the forenoon that President James Abram Garfield
(20th President, b. Orange, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1831) had been
shot by Charles Jules Guiteau while awaiting departure of his
train in the ladies' waiting room of the Pennsylvania depot at
Washington, bells tolling, July 2.
Dutch Reformed church, " The Middle," Beaver st., abandoned.
Hudson avenue (Broadway to Pearl) widened at cost of $74,965.
Bath house opened on Columbia st. pier front by Garret J. Benson,
. Jul>''
Dutch Reformed Chuch, Madison ave. and Swan st, occupied.
Captain Willard Glazier discovers source of Mississippi river, Lake
Glazier, Minnesota, July 22.
Adam Blake, proprietor of Kenmore hotel (b. Albany, April 6,
1830), dies, Sept. 7.
George Edgar Oliver made manager of Martin Opera House, September.
Martin Opera House becomes Music Hall, September.
School No. 8 completed.

CITY HALL OF 1881.
. H. H. Richardson, of Boston, Architect. Cornerstone laid by Masonic
fraternity on October 13, 1881 ; cost, $325,000 ; tower 202 feet.

No. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 69I
1881-1882.
Board of Public Instruction elects Herman Bendell its (6th) presi
dent (succeeding C. P. Easton of 1875).
President Garfield's death at Elberon, N. J., announced at night by
ringing of the church bells, Sept. 19.
City Hall corner-stone laid by Masons ceremoniously, Oct. 13.
Rev. Dr. James Ii. Ecob made pastor Second Presbyterian Church.
Charles Van Benthuysen (publishing printer; b. Albany, May 6,
1817), dies in New York, Oct. 19.
Tenth and Twenty-fifth regiments disbanded.
Woman's Exchange organized, Nov. 3.
Adelphi Club moves from No. 101 Hudson ave. to n. e. cor. Division
and S. Pearl streets.
Capt. Horatio P. Stacpole made brevet-major, Dec. 31.

1882.
Charter officials holding office at this time, (but not as result of
election held on this date) are as follows: Mayor, Michael N.
Nolan ; Common Council : Peter Snyder, I. Jeremiah Kieley,
II. William A. Donahoe, III. James Lyons, IV. John Carey,
V. George W. Beck, VI. James Carlisle, VII. Michael A.
Nolan, VIII. Michael H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X.
Austin S. Kibbee, XI. Vacancy, XII. Samuel C. Harris,
XIII. Charles W. Mead, XIV. James Thornton, XV. Will
iam H. Murray,- XVI. Henry C. Burch, XVII. William H.
Murray (XVI), president. Jan. 1.
Greenbush bridge draw operated for first, Jan. 3.
River closes to navigation, Government record, Jan. 5. .
State flag provided for by " an act to establish the original arms,
. . . and to provide for the use thereof on the public seals,"
Chap. 190, Laws of 1882.
State flag and flag of the United States ordered displayed from the
capitol during hours when Legislature is in session.
Senator Wagner and other members killed on way to New York
city, Jan. 13.
South Ferry street bridge across Hudson opened, Jan. 24.
Farewell dinner to Wm. Ii. McElroy, leaving Journal, Jan. 29.
Deadlock in Legislature until Feb. 2.
Comet of importance discovered by Charles S. Wells, at Dudley
Observatory.
Robert Hewson Pruyn, President of National Commercial Bank,
late U. S. minister to Japan, dies, Feb. 21.

692 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1882.
National Commercial bank elects Daniel Manning (sixth) president,
because of death of R. H. Pruyn, March 4.
River open to navigation, Government record, March 5.
Principal M. E. Gates, Albany Academy, elected President of Rut
gers College, March 7.
Charter election resulting in contest in court between M. N. Nolan
and Dr. John Swinburne, April 11.
Open-Door Mission (Mrs. Frederick Townsend, Pres.) incorpo
rated, April 14.
Capital City Benefit Ass'n incorporated.
West Shore railroad contract let, May.
Henry H. Martin elected president of Albany Savings Bank, vice
Harmon Pumpelly resigned, May.
Steamboat Kaaterskill built by Van Loan & Magee, 1,361 tons,
281 x 38 x 10 feet, 63 x 144 in. engine.
Michael Davitt speaks at Music Hall, June 21.
Albany Rural Cemetery office (Robert W. Gibson, architect) erected.
N. Y. Central freight brakemen return to work (advance conceded), June 30.
News of hanging of Charles J. Guiteau (for shooting of President
Garfield on July 2, 1881) at Washington jail, interests citizens,
June 30.
Judge Westbrook hears argument at Kingston on motion of defend
ant irf mayoralty case for stay pending appeal to general term,
July 1.
Fire-alarm bell contracted for by fire board with Meneely & Co.,
West Troy, July 6.
Judge Westbrook grants stay of proceedings in mayoralty case until
the September term, July 7.
Barclay Jermain, lawyer (son of James Barclay Jermain) dies at
Cooperstown, July 7,
Broadway viaduct work, under Central road's tracks, begun July 7-
John W. Viggers of Albany saves from drowning Anson Phelps
Stokes, two sons and one seaman (one drowning) from cap
sized yacht Cyphie, Newport bay, July.
Mount MacGregor railroad at Saratoga runs first train, address by
James Arkell, formerly of the Albany Evening Journal, July 17.
Longest %-in. rod ever made (263 ft.) rolled at Coming's Iron
Works, South Troy, without flaw, July 17.
Public bath at foot of Columbia street opened, July 20.
Old oak canal lock gate ( 1826) used at southern end of basin, raised

OFFICE ON MAIN THOROUGHFARE.

SUPERINTENrENT S RESIDENCE.

RURAL CEMETERY BUILDINGS.
The Office, or Lodge, stands to the west of the main entrance, and was
erected in 1882; Robert W. Gibson, Architect. The Superintendent's Resi
dence was erected in 1899, Marcus T. Reynolds, Architect.

NO. 54. MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. 693
1882-1883.
by dredge between Hamilton and Hodge streets and conveyed
to Greenbush shore, July 22.
N. Y. Central freight house (Columbia, Quay, Orange and Water
streets) falls, Aug. 3.
William Christman kills Charles Trinkley at Alexander and Eliza
beth streets, Aug. 5.
Swinburne dispensary treats 300 cases (60 cases at clynic on Aug.
5th) during week ending, Aug. 5.
Wm. Christman found by Sergt. Buchanan, Aug. 10.
Test of incandescent electric lights at the capitol, Aug. 22.
Sullivan & Ehlers awarded contract ($98,962.81) for iron in roof
western end of capitol and pavilions, Aug. 25.
Harmony mills strike of 18 weeks, Cohoes, ends, Aug. 28.
Swinburne dispensary treated 1,200 cases during the month, Aug. 31.
Fire-alarm bell purchased from Meneely & Co., of West Troy
(Watervliet). (70 in. at mouth, 50% in. high, 5 1-10 in. thick,
7,049 lbs. in weight) hoisted into City Hall tower, Sept. 28.
Harmon Pumpelly, President Albany Gaslight Co., the Albany Sav
ings Bank and the Albany Insurance Co., senior warden St.
Peter's Church, (b. Salisbury, Conn., Aug. 1, 1795, coming to
Albany in 1841) dies at his home, No. 1 Elk st., Sept. 28.
Normal school elects Edward P. Waterbury its (7th) principal (suc
ceeding J. Alden of 1867).
Albany Academy elects James Cassety, Ph.D., its (ioth) principal.
Cricket popular in Albany.
Board of Public Instruction elects Alden Chester its (7th) president
(succeeding Herman Bendell of 1881).
Lake ave. changed from Perry st. (s. of Western ave.), Oct. 2.
German Young Men's Democratic Club organized.
Rainfall exceedingly light (A. average 3.17 in. per month), 0.27 in.,
October.
Rev. Wesley Reid Davis becomes minister Madison avenue Re
formed Church.
Thurlow Weed, founder of Albany Evening Journal, dies, Nov. 22.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 4.

1883.
Grover Cleveland inaugurated Governor of New York State, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected at this date — Mayor, Michael N. Nolan; Common
Council : Peter Snyder, I. Jeremiah Kieley, II. William A.

694 MICHAEL NICHOLAS NOLAN. No. 54.
1883.
Donahoe, III. James Lyons, IV. John Carey, V. George W.
Beck, VI. John Greer, VII. Michael A. Nolan, VIII. Michael
H. Murray, IX. James A. Fahy, X. Austin S. Kibbee, XI.
Patrick McCann, XII. Samuel C. Harris, XIII. Charles W.
Mead, XIV. James Thornton, XV William H. Murray, XVI.
William H. Murray (XVI), president. Holding office on,
Jan. 1.
Dudley Observatory (Prof. Lewis Boss) completes an International
Zone (Leipsic, No. 14, International Catalogue), 8,241 stars
measured and recorded.
Electric illumination of the city streets.
Hudson River Telephone Co. begins operations.
Mme. Albani sings at Music Hall, Jan. 15.
Tweddle Hall (theatre), n. w. corner of State and Pearl streets,
completely demolished by fire, Hannibal A. Williams, elocution
ist, obliged to abandon entertainment, Jan. 16.
George Dawson, proprietor of Albany Evening Journal, dies, Feb. 17.
School No. 5 completed.
Charles Watson Godard (ex-mayor) dies at Brooklyn, Feb. 19.
Albany Evening Union first issued, Feb. 20.
Equal Rights Life Ins. Ass'n of Albany chartered, Feb. 28.
Dunlop grain elevator on Quay street near Hamilton burned, March 3.
Salvini, the elder, plays " The Gladiator," March 5.
New York Central's viaduct crossing Broadway excavation begun.
River open to navigation (Government record), April i-
John A. McCall appointed State superintendent of insurance, April 23.
City Hall completed, May 1.
Safe Deposit & Storage Co. building (s. e. corner Lodge and Maiden
Lane) erected.
Col. John Mills' remains exhumed from Capitol park and re-interred
in Albany Rural cemetery, May 30.
Board of Public Instruction elects George B. Hoyt its (8th) presi
dent (succeeding Alden Chester of 1882).
Albany Zouave Cadets organized as Old Guard of Co. A, June 7.
Mayor Nolan resigns office, the court deciding the Charter election
contest of April 11, 1882, in favor of seating Dr. John Swin
burne, and that he was properly mayor, entitled to salary, from
the previous time when his term rightfully should have begun,
June 24.
? ? ?
(See No. 55.)

No. 55.

May 2, 1882 — May 5, 1884.
Seated J-une 25, 1883.

No. 55.
JOHN SWINBURNE.
Date of office: May 2, 1882-May 5, 1884.
Seated June 25, 1883.
Date of election: April 11, 1882.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: 9,221.
Opponent: M. N. Nolan.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 9,339; scattering, 18. (Contested.)
Total vote: 18,578.
Date of birth: May 30, 1820.
Place of birth: Farm on Black river, Lewis county, N. Y.
Parents: Peter (S.) and Artemesia.
Education: Lowville Academy and Albany Medical College, 1846.
Married to: Harriet Judson.
Date: 1847.
Children: (3) John, Jr., Louis Judson, Frederick.
Residence: No. 57 Eagle street.
Occupation: Surgeon.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Date of death: March 28, 1889.
Place of death: -No. 57 Eagle street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Chief medical officer on staff of General Rathbone in
Civil War, losing by death only 12 of 1,470 in his care.
Surgeon-in-Chief of American Ambulance Corps, Franco-
Prussian War, 1870-71. Knight of Legion of Honor. Red
Cross of Geneva. President Medical Society of Albany
County, 1872. Lower bridge (South Ferry street) opened,
January 24, 1882. Contested election of April 11, 1882, and
awarded salary. School No. 5 completed, 1883. Congress
man. Conducted a free dispensary at No. 57 .Eagle street
that was attended by multitudes. Successfully reduced
fractures by his new extension method, discarding splints
and bandages. One of four surgeons to found the Albany
Medical College.

55- JOHN SWINBURNE.
1882-1884.
Fropi a painting made from life, and owned in 1904 by the city of Albany.

No. 55- JOHN SWINBURNE. 697
1883.
(Continued, from No. 54.)
1883.

John Swinburne, M. D., is sworn as mayor of Albany, the courts
having decided that he was properly chosen to the office at the
Charter election held on April 11, 1882, when he received ac
cording to the count made at that time 118 less votes as the
Republican candidate, than Michael N. Nolan as the Demo
cratic candidate, June 25.
West Shore railroad open to Albany from New York, July 9.
Decision to close State library on State street, preparatory to tear
ing it down to make room for new Capitol, July 19.
Adrian O. Mather (aged 48) dies at Isle of Wight, L. I., July 18.
Western Union operatives strike here and elsewhere, July 19.
Rev. W. Ii. Griffith, D. D., rector (Israel) African M. E. Church,
dies, July 22.
Old Capitol building sold (edifice of 1808), James W. Eaton's bid
of $1,000 accepted, July 25.
Co. B participates in State camp service near Peekskill (under Capt.
Horatio P. Stacpole), July 21-28.
Justice Bockes denies writ of mandamus to compel State officers
(as ex -officio members) to attend meeting of Union College
trustees on Aug. 2nd, in the presidency imbroglio, July 30.
John Walter's table oil-cloth factory (No. 338 Central avenue)
burned (loss about $12,000), July 31.
Deadlock in Union College board of trustees, Potter and Webster
factions, Aug. 2.
Dr. Jacob Simmons Mosher (b. Coeymans ; March 19, 1834) dies of
heart failure in early morning at his home, No. 3 Lancaster
street, Aug. 13.
S. R. Stoddard, well-known photographer of Glens Falls, passes
southward in his canoe Atlantis (18 feet) on a 2,000-mile tour
making pictures, Aug. 14.
Gen. Robert Lenox Banks, as president State Forestry Association,
reports that only 14 of more than 200 islands in Lake George
are held by individuals by legal state right, Aug. 16.
Western Union operatives' strike (Manager Sabold) ends, Aug. 18.
Lord Chief Justice Coleridge of England visits Capitol and park,
and is dined at Fort Orange Club, Aug. 28.
Beaver creek declared a public nuisance by health board, Aug. 28.
State library books removed to new quarters in Capitol, Sept. 1.
Pons' comet of 1812 attracts attention of local astronomers, September.

698 JOHN SWINBURNE. No. 55.

1883.

Jackson Corps go to Boston, Sept. 3.
Dexter building (n. e. corner State and Pearl streets) the scene of a
thousand anti-rent cases, remodeled, with entrance changed
from State to North Pearl street, Sept. 8.
Normal School building (east side of Willett street), plans by Ed-.
ward Ogden & Son, burned Jan. 8, 1906), begun.
Martin Opera House managed by Mrs. Rosa M. Leland, September.
Hugh J. Hastings (b. Maguire's Bridge, Fermanagh, Ire., Aug. 20,
1820), the organizer of "The Knickerbocker" newspaper in
September, 1843, dies at Monmouth Beach, N. J., Sept. 12.
St. Luke's (M. E.) Church corner-stone laid, Sept. 18.
Nelson Lyon's large furniture factory, No. 4 Central avenue, burns
with a loss of about $30,000, Sept 20.
Steamboat Block Island, of Columbia opposition line, inaugurates a
passenger rate of 10 cents to New York, Sept. 26.
Albany Bicycle Club holds its 2nd large race-meet at Island Park,
Sept. 26.
Tugboat John S. Robinson's boiler explodes, foot of Westerlo street,
killing three men, Sept. 27.
Two-cent postage for ist class mail inaugurated, Oct. 1.
Steamboat Block Island, having tried to introduce 10-cent fare to
New York city, abandons Hudson river traffic for New London, Oct. 1.
Actor Joseph K. Emmet, Sr.'s St. Bernard dog, Bayard, recently
purchased for $2,500 (7% feet long, 34 inches high, weighing
175 pounds), dies at New York city, Oct. 1.
Jay- Eye-See (having made world trotting record of 2:14 on Aug.
16th at Rochester) races against time at Island Park (Director,
Phallas, and Trinket at the meet) and scores 2:17, Oct. 4.
Loren B. Sessions bribery (1881) case commenced before Judge
Osborn in Oyer and Terminer, Oct. 8.
Albany Burgesses Corps begins two-day celebration of its semi-cen
tennial by parade on Oct. 8th, dinner at Delavan, Oct. 9.
West Shore Railroad open to Syracuse, October.
Gates Literary Society of Albany Academy founded, October.
Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan (b. Albany, March 6, 1831, and who-
dies at Nonquitt, Mass., Aug. 5, 1888) resigns from United
States army, issuing such as General Orders No. 17, at Chicago, Nov. 1.
New " Standard Time " adopted, November.
Elnathan Sweet elected State engineer and surveyor, Nov. 6.
Albany Zouave Cadets organize as " Old Guard," Dec. 6.
Y. M. A. celebrates semi-centennial, Dec. 12.

¦ CAPITOL OF 1808 IS RAZED.
Legislature met at Albany first in City Hall on Broadway ; cornerstone laid Apr. 23, 1806 ;
first used Nov. 1, 1808 ; cost, $110,685.42 ; sold to Jas. W. Eaton, contractor for $1,000 on July
25, 1883, and removed by him before Jan. 1, 1884.

No. 55- JOHN SWINBURNE. 699

1883-1884.

Federal building (post-office) occupied, December.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 16.
John B. Rossman, M. D., dies, Dec. 23.
Old Capitol, in s. w. corner of Capitol park, demolished, Dec. 31.

1884.
Post-office opened in Federal building, Jan. 1.
West Shore railroad open to Buffalo, Jan. 1.
Court of Appeals moves into new Capitol, Jan. 14.
Orlando Meads, an attorney of high standing, partner of Dexter
Reynolds, a man of rare attainments and long the president of
board of trustees of the Albany Academy, dies, Feb. 1 1 .
Apollo Singing Society (J. Grundhoeffer, dir.) organized, Feb. 18.
Judges of Court of Appeals adopt silk robes, Feb. 25.
Prof. Lewis Boss (Dudley Observatory) appointed State superin
tendent weights and measures, Feb. 29.
Harmonia Singing Society (Prof. Charles Koch, dir.) organized, March.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 24.
Music Hall (n. w. corner South Pearl and Beaver streets) opened
by H. R. Jacobs as the Royal Museum, March 31.
Board of Public Instruction elects Peter J. Flinn its (9th) president
(succeeding G. B. Hoyt of 1883).
John J. Gannon appointed (first) clerk of Board of Public Instruc
tion.
School No. 2 completed.
State Dairy Commission organized at Albany.
Island Park Racing Ass'n (E. Corning, pres.) incorporated.
Ridgefield Athletic Club organized, April 28..
Albany Bicycle Club incorporated, May 1..
Steamboat City of Kingston built by Harlan & Hollingsworth, 1,117
tons, 250 x 33 x 12 feet, 30 x 56 x 36 in. engine.
A. Bleecker Banks is a second time chosen mayor of Albany, at the
Charter election, receiving 10,098 votes as the Democratic can
didate; his opponent, John Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,848
votes as the Republican candidate; scattering, 52 votes; total
number of votes cast, 19,998; Banks' majority over Swinburne
being 250 votes, he is declared elected mayor, April 9.
? ? ?
(See No. 53.)

No. 56.
3Mjn Ufanb 5fyarij?r.

May 4-, 1886 —April 30, 1888.
* * *
Jan. 1, 1896 — Dec. 31, 1897.

No. 56.
JOHN BOYD THACHER.
Date of office: (a) May 4, 1886-April 30, 1888.
(b) January 1, 1896-December 31, 1897.
Date of election: (a) April 13, 1886.
(b) November 5, 1895.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 10,510.
(b) 11,030.
Opponent: (a) Edward A. Durant, Jr. (aa) Frederick Wheeler.
(b) William J. Walker, (bb) Oren E. Wilson.
Political party: (a) Republican, (aa) Independent.
(b) Republican, (bb) Independent (Rep.).
Vote: (a) 8,981. (aa) 55. Scattering, 14.
(b) 6,752. (bb) 4,314. Defective, 118.
Total vote: (a) 19,560.
(b) 22,214.
Date of birth: September 11, 1847.
Place of birth: Ballston Centre, N. Y.
Parents: George Hornell (T.) and Ursula J. Boyd.
Education: Williams College, 1869.
Married to: Emma Treadwell.
Date: Albany, September 11, 1872.
Children : None.
Residence: No. 5 South Hawk street.
Occupation: Author.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Title: Senator.
Remarks: State Senator, 1884-85. School No. 7 completed, 1886.
School No. 3 completed, 1887. Bibliophile. Chairman Com
mission of Awards, Columbia Exposition. Author of
" Christopher Columbus," " Continent of America," " Cabot-
ian Voyages," " Charlecote," " Little Speeches," etc.

56. JOHN BOYD THACHER.
1886-88; 1896-97.
From a photograph made from life in 1900 by Pirie Macdonald, and owned
by The Albany Institute.

No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 703
1886.
(Continued from No. 53.)
1886.

John Boyd Thacher is sworn in as Mayor of Albany, having been
chosen at a Charter election held on April 13th, when he re
ceived 10,510 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent,
Edward A. Durant, Jr., receiving 8",98i votes as the Republican
candidate ; Frederick F. Wheeler receiving 55 votes as the Inde
pendent candidate; scattering, 14 votes; total number of votes
cast, 19,560; majority, 1,629 votes, May 4.
Charter election, Mayor, John Boyd Thacher; Common Council:
Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II. William A.
Donahoe, III. James Lyons, IV. James O. Woodward, V.
George L. Thomas, VI. Charles E. Van Zandt, VII. Thomas
J. Judge, VIII. Michael F. Conners, IX. Frederick Stack-
man, X. Howard N. Fuller, XI. Arthur F. Corscadden, XII.
William H. Bailey, XIII. David J. Norton, XIV. John J.
Greagan, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr.,
XVII. Patrick McCann, Galen R. Hitt (at-large) ; Patrick
McCann, president. Election, April 13 ; sworn in, May 4.
School No. 7 completed.
Board of Public Instruction elects James M. Ruso its (nth) presi
dent (succeeding O. E. Wilson of 1885).
Robert Parker appointed (4th) superintendent of school buildings
(succeeding H. J. McDonald of 1885).
Steamboat Newburgh, running to Albany, built by Neafie & Levy
Co., 1,033 tons) 210 feet long, 32 feet broad, 12 feet deep,
26 x 45 x 36 in. engine, May.
Bi-Centennial Loan Exhibition in Chapel of the Albany Academy,
with J. Howard King as chairman, opened with ceremonies, July 5-
Bi-Centennial festivities inaugurated on Sunday by religious ob
servance, Mayor John Boyd Thacher and a band of visiting
Caughnawaga Indians attending St. Mary's Church, escorted by
Jackson Corps; Bishop Wadhams pontificating, Rev. C. A.
Walworth preaching sermon, Parlati's orchestra assisting Prof.
Peter Schneider at organ, at 10 40 a. m. In afternoon special
services at St. Peter's Church, Bishop Doane preaching, Prof.
F. W. Mills at organ playing special composition, "Ancient of
Days," words by Bishop Doane, music by Dr. J. Albert Jeffery.
and at Reformed Dutch Church on Madison avenue Rev. David
D. Demorest, of New Brunswick, preaching. Sunday, July 18.

704 JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56.
1886.
Bi-Centennial " Educational Day," opening of elaborate city gate
erected on Broadway, north of Hudson avenue, by Mayor John
Boyd Thacher, announced by Town Crier Jacob D. Pohlman;
parade of trades and manufactures, Col. John S. McEwan,
marshal; canoe races; 1,000 school children sing ode written by
Hon. Howard N. Fuller ; fireworks and triple band in Washing
ton park. Monday, July 19.
Bi-Centennial " Day of All Nations," Parade of Nationalities, Col.
M. J. Severence, grand marshal, in morning; regatta on Pleas
ure (Lagoon) Island course in afternoon. Tuesday, July 20.
Colored people of Albany plant an elm (Rev. Derrick) in Washing
ton park, July 20.
Germans plant memorial oak in Washington park, July 20.
Bi-Centennial "Civic Day," Wednesday, July 21.
Bi-Centennial Day observed with enthusiasm. Thursday, July 22.
Bi-Centennial medal, from which had been struck off 10 gold, 8
silver, 36 bronze gilded with Florentine finish, 1,300 bronze,
11,000 white metal of ^ in. and in 3-16 in., 1 copper, 3 bronze,
36 bronze struck up in gold, defaced to prevent further use,
July 22.
Bi-Centennial "Trades and Manufactures Day," Friday, July 23.
Steamboat Daniel Drew burned while resting at Kingston as extra,
Aug. 29.
B. P. O. E., No. 49, (s. e. cor. State and Lodge sts.) instituted, Sept. 18.
Albany Academy elects Henry Pitt Warren, L. Ii. D., its (nth)
principal.
Y. M. C. A. Central building corner-stone laid, Sept. 20.
Jermain Hall corner-stone laid, Sept. 20.
Ex-President Chester Alan Arthur (b. Fairfield, Vt., Oct. 5, 1830;
buried at Albany) dies at No. 123 Lexington ave., New York
city, Nov. 18.
Albany Historical and Art Society formed, Nov. 24.
River closed, Government record, Dec. 4.
Empire Curling Glub organized.
Toboggan chute built by Ridgefield Athletic club, December.
Woman's Diocesan League of Albany Episcopal diocese (Mary
Parker Corning, Pres.) clears $13,500 year of organizing, December.

PRESIDENT CHESTER A. ARTHUR S TOMB.

THE ANGEL AT THE SEPULCHRE.

RURAL CEMETERY STATUARY.
In 1868 wholesale removals were made from cemetery at State and Knox
sts., that the grounds might be converted into Washington Park. "Angel at
Sepulchre" completed by E. D. Palmer, April 29, 1867 for lot of Gen. Rob't
Lenox Banks. Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President, died Nov. 18, 1886 and
his sarcophagus attracts universal attention.

No. 56. john boyd thacher; 705
1887.

1887.
Albany railway reduces fares on Pearl street line to 5 cents, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected at this date — Mayor, John Boyd Thacher ; Common
Council: Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II.
Vacancy, III. James Lyons, IV. James Otis Woodward, V.
George L. Thomas, VI, Charles E. Van Zandt, VII. Thomas
J. Judge, VIII. Michael E. Conners, IX. Frederick Stack-
man, X. Howard N. Fuller, XL Arthur F. Corscadden, XII.
William H. Bailey, XIII. David J. Norton, XIV. John J.
Greagan, XV. Richard Hunter, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr.,
XVII. Patrick McCann, Galen R. Hitt (at-large) ; Patrick
McCann (at-large), president. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter (6th Bishop of New York Episcopal diocese)
for 22 years from 1833 rector of St. Peter's Church (b. Feb.
9, 1802, at LaGrange, N. Y. ; consecrated, Nov. 22, 1854) dies
at LaGrange, N. Y., Jan. 2.
Winter carnival of parade of bob-sleds and coasting on Madison
avenue, band and fireworks, (Beverwyck, 28 feet long, and
Brooklyn Bridge, 40 feet),
George Hornell Thacher (ex-mayor) dies at St. Augustine, Fla.,
Feb. 5.
Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond made pastor of Fourth Presbyterian
Church, March io.
John Godfrey Saxe, poet of renown, (b. Highgate, Vt., June 2,
1816) dies at Albany, March 31.
River open to navigation, Government record, April 6.
Ex-President Chester A. Arthur memorial ceremonies, Assembly
Chamber, (Att'y-Gen. Benj. H. Brewster and Hon. Chauncey
. M. Depew orators), April 20.
Board of Public Instruction elects William P. Rudd its (12th) presi
dent (succeeding J. M. Ruso of 1886).
Steamboat Homer Ramsdell built by T. S. Marvel & Co., 1,181 tons,
240 x 32 x 12 feet, 28 x 52 x 36 in. engine.
Albany County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
incorporated, June 9.
John H. Oliver appointed (5th) superintendent of school buildings
(succeeding R. Parker of 1866).
Tenth battalion participates in state camp service near Peekskill
(Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch), July 23-30.

706 JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56.
1887-1888.
National Commercial Bank building (No. 40 State st.) rebuilt.
School No. 3 completed.
Steamboat New York of Hudson River Day Line built by Harlan
& Hollingsworth, 1,974 tons, 35OX4OX 11 feet, 75 x 144 in. en
gine put in commission, July 18.
Y. M. C. A. Central building dedicated, Sept. 22.
Jermain Hall dedicated, Sept. 22.
Catholic Union organized, Oct. 15.
Albany Camera Club organized, Oct. 21.
Henry Rusell, largest flaur merchant in the state, elected senator,
Nov. 8.
Michael Rickard appointed State Railroad Commissioner, Nov. 14.
River closed to navigation, Government record, Dec. 19.
Hon. Daniel Manning, ex-Secretary of Treasury, (b. Aug. 16, 1831)
dies at Albany, Dec. 24.
James H. Manning appointed State Civil Service Commissioner, '
Dec. 29,
George Ii. Treadwell appointed State civil service commissioner, Dec. 29.

1888.

Ice palace of considerable size in design of . a fort, erected on the
plateau at the corner of Madison and Lake avenues, east of
tennis grounds, and dedicated with display of fireworks, Jan. 15.
Commencement of the terrible 3-day blizzard, March 11.
Water commission recommends additional pumps, April 5.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 7.
Edward A. Maher chosen Mayor at the Charter election, receiving
11,766 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent, John
Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,013 votes as the Republican
candidate; scattering, 22 votes; whole number of votes cast,
20,801, and Maher's majority over Swinburne being 2,753 votes
he is declared elected Mayor of Albany, April 10.
Post-office robbed of $3,500 in stamps, April 26.

(See No. 57.)

MANNING BOULEVARD,
This handsome driveway with its bridle-paths in western part of city is 1,300 feet long and was named in honor of the
late Daniel Manning of Albany, who succeeded Edwin Croswell as editor of The Argus, chosen president of Nat'l Com
mercial Bank, Feb. 21, 1882, and Secretary of U. S. Treasury under Cleveland. Born Aug. 16, 1831 ; died Dec. 24, 1887.

No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 707
1896.
(Continued from No. 59.)
1896.

John Boyd Thacher sworn as Mayor of Albany a second time, having
been chosen at the Charter election held on Nov. 5, 1895, when
he received 11,030 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo
nent, William J. Walker, receiving 6,752 votes as the Republican
candidate; Oren E. Wilson (the mayor in office then) receiving
4,314 votes as the Independent candidate; defective, 118 votes;
total number of votes cast, 22,214; Thacher's majority over
Walker being 4,278 votes, Jan. 1.
Charter election, Mayor, John Boyd Thacher ; Common Council :
Jacob Wirth, Jr., I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John F. Donovan,
III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. Theodore P. Bailey, M. D., V.
Hugh J. Slattery, VI. William G. Sheehan, VII. James J.
McKiernan, VIII. John J. Brady, IX. George W. Smith, X.
Elmer H. Havens, XI. John E. Corscadden, XII. Fred Ebel,
XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy, XV.
William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. John
M. Collins, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John F. Donovan
(III), president. Election, Nov. 5, 1895; sworn in, Jan. 1.
Soup kitchens, to help the numerous poverty cases, established in
many parts of the city, January.
Mme. Albani given a large public reception at Albany Club, Feb. 4,
Albany Whist Club formed, and unites with Albany Chess Club,
February.
Albany Railway installs 1,000 h. p. engine and generator of same
capacity in S. Pearl street power house, Feb. 27.
State dog license, Chap. 448, Laws of 1896.
Albany Railway increases capital from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000, March
River opened (Government record), April 7
Police signal-box system instituted (in 2nd precinct), May
Dog-shelter contributors provide drinking basin before post office
Northern Boulevard viaduct erected, May
St. Margaret's House (Elk and Hawk streets) erected, May
James W. Cox, M. D., most prominent homeopath, dies, June 9
Dr. Thomas Hun, most prominent physician, Dean of Albany Med
ical College, President Albany Academy trustees, founder of
the Kappa Alpha at Union, where he graduated in 1825, (b.
Albany, Sept. 14, 1808) dies at his home, No. 31 Elk st.,
June 23.

708 JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56.
1896-1897-
Steamboat Drew, of People's Line, goes out of commission, June 29.
Steamboat Adirondack of People's Line built by John Englis of New
York, 3,644 tons, 410x50x12 feet, 81x144 in. engine, first
put in commission, leaving New York, June 29.
Albany Railway carries 9,511,556 passengers, year ending, June 30.
Captain Charles Gould (Co. A, ioth Battalion) dies, July 4.
Masonic temple dedicated, Oct. 26.
Ernest J. Miller (A. Card & Paper Co.) dies, .Nov. 2.
Albany Boys' Club incorporated, November.
River closed (Government record), Dec. 16.
Gen. John Meredith Read, diplomat, U. S. Consul at Greece, his
torical writer, (b. Philadelphia, Feb. 21, 1837) dies at Paris,
Dec. 27.

1897.

Hon. Frank S. Black, of Troy, becomes Governor, Signal Corps
acting as escort in inaugural parade, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date 7- John Boyd Thacher ; Common Council :
Jacob Wirth, I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John F. Donovan, III.
Michael J. Hogan, IV. Theodore P. Bailey, M. D., V. Hugh
J. Slattery, VI. William G. Sheehan, VII. James T. McKier-
nan VIII. John J. Brady, IX. George W. Smith, X. Elmer
H. Havens, XI. John E. Corscadden, XII. Fred Ebel, XIII.
George H. Stevens, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy, XV. William H.
Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. John M. Collins,
XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John F. Donovan (III), president.
Holding office on, Jan. 1.
The estate of Rensselaerwyck, at Rensselaer, 3 miles southeast of
Nykerk (Nieuekerke) Holland, whence the Van Rensselaers
came originally, at this date a farm denuded of buildings.
Founders & Patriots Society of. America ( Albany Chapter) organ
ized, Jan. 8.
Death of Herman Russ Palmer, son of Gen. John Palmer, (b.
Albany, Sept. 9, 1869), Jan. 22.
Beaver park funds further provided by Chap. 776, Laws of 1897.
Swinton street changed from Maple st., March 1.
Albany Historical and Art Society purchases No. 176 State St.,
March 15.
River open to navigation. (Government record), March 11.

LANSING PICTURE GALLERY.

ALBANY INSTITUTE AND HISTORICAL AND ART SOCIETY.
The Albany Institute traced its existence to 1791 ; the Albany Historical and Art Soc'y organized Nov. 24, 1886 ; they
united May 14, 1900. No. 176 State St. purchased Mch. 15, 1897; dedicated Mch. 3, 1898; plans for new building adopted
Apr. 27, 1906. (From Photographs made by The Levi Moore Studio.)

No. 56. JOHN BOYD THACHER. 709
1897-
First three chemical fire engines purchased, April 3.
Albany Country Club constitution adopted, April 3.
Home Savings' Bank new building, No. 13 No. Pearl st., opened,
April 12.
George H. Treadwell appointed manager N. Y. State Women's
Relief Corps Home at Oxford, April 23.
Steamboat Daniel Drew, of the Hudson River Day Line, goes out
of commission.
Rensselaer becomes a city, Dr. C. S. Allen (president of village of
East Albany, formerly Greenbush) becoming mayor ; bill passed,
April 23.
Mrs. John C. Cruger (nee Euphemia W. Van Rensselaer, third
daughter of the Patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer, who died
1839) dies at Croton, N. Y. April 27.
Lutheran Tabernacle Church (Clinton avenue north side, west of
Northern Boulevard) erected.
State dog license law case decided against by Court of Appeals.
Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill
(Major H. P. Stacpole), June 26- July 3.
Col. Henry T. Sanford (16th Reg't, N. Y. Vols.) dies, July 19.
Liederkranz Singing Society incorporated.
Johnnie Conway, 5-year-old son of Michael J. Conway, a train
despatcher living at No. (59 Colonie st., kidnapped by Joseph M.
Hardy (an uncle) and H. G. Blake, and held for ransom of
$3,000, ' Aug. 16.
Mayor J. B. Thacher's proclamation offering $500 reward for return
of Johnnie Conway and apprehension of kidnappers, Aug. 17.
George Theodore Greeker, agent of The Times-Union, discovers the
persons who kidnapped Johnnie Conway and gives notification, Aug. 18.
John F. Farrell, Police Commissioner Phelan, Captain Riley (private
detective) and Matthew Greagan drive out on Schenectady
turnpike and secure Johnnie Conway near the Methodist church
where he was held in confinement by Warner, 3 a. m., Aug. 19.
Erastus Corning (b. Albany, June 16, 1827) striken with apoplexy
while driving on Troy road, and dies at home of Dean Sage.
Menands ; head of the Corning Iron Works at Troy and Breaker
Is., prominent Democrat and philanthropist, with summer home
and stock farm at Kenwood, Aug. 30.
Police signal boxes placed in the 4th precinct, October.
Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne chosen Mayor of Albany at the
Charter election, receiving 8,172 votes as the Democratic candi
date; his opponent, Selden E. Marvin, receiving 6,014 votes as

¦io

-JOHN BOYD THACHER. No. 56.

1897-

the Republican candidate; George H. Stevens receiving 6,012
votes as Independent Municipal Party candidate ; Robert H.
Moore receiving 1,754 votes; George DuBois receiving 108
votes ; blank, etc., 932 votes ; total number of votes cast, 22,992 ;
Van Alstyne's majority over Marvin being 2,158 votes he is
declared elected mayor, Nov. 2.
Rensselaer holds first municipal election and elects Bradford R.
Lansing, mayor. Nov. 2.
Albany Railway first operates cars into Rensselaer, Nov. 4.
Carrie Turner (wife of John Mack) a graduate of Albany High
school, leading lady at Madison Square theatre, New York, and
starring in " Niobe," " Young Mrs. Winthrop " and " Crust of
Society," dies, Nov. 13.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 20.

? ? ?
(See No. 60.)

i**W

f: feS3^

a^fe

MASONIC TEMPLE.
Erected by the fraternity of Albany under supervision of Masonic Hall
Association, James Ten Eyck, President; corner-stone laid June 24, 1895;
dedicated Oct. 26, 1896; on site' of first Lodge House owned by a Masonic
Lodge in America (n. w. cor. Maiden Lane and Lodge st.) purchased
Oct. 17, 1766, by Bro. Samuel Stringer, and erected in 1768; remaining
property of Masters' Lodge until presented to Masonic Hall Ass'n in 1895.

No. 57.
l£bmuxb Auguattn Mtxtyx.

May 1. 1888 — May 4, 1890.

No. 57.
EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER.
Date of office: May 1, 1888-May 4, 1890.
Date of election: April 10, 1888.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 11,766.
Opponent: John Swinburne, M. D.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: 9,013 ; scattering, 22.
Total vote: 20,801.
Date of birth: May 20, 1848.
Place of birth: No. 87 Canal street.
Parents: Thomas (M.) and Julia Pendergast.
Education: Christian Brothers Academy and Normal School.
Married to: Jennie M. Tiernan.
Date: Albany, July 20, 1869.
Children: (8) Thomas A., Edward A., Julia M. (Geraghty), Jane
Tiernan, Robert, Kathleen, Florence, John A.
Residence: No. 270 Madison avenue.
Occupation: Manager Albany Electric Illuminating Company.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: President Union Railway Company, of New York city.
General manager Albany Electric Illuminating Company.
President South End Bank. School No. 1 completed.

57- EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER.
1888-1890.
From a photograph made from life in 1903 and owned by The Albany
Institute.

No. 57. EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. 713
1888.
(Continued from No. 56.)
1888.

Edward Augustin Maher sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been
chosen at the Charter election held on April ioth, when he
received 11,766 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent,
John Swinburne, M. D., receiving 9,013 votes as the Republican
candidate; scattering, 22 votes; total number of votes cast,
20,801 ; Maher' s majority over Swinburne being 2,753 votes,
May 1.
Sir Thomas Henry Grattan Esmonde, M. P., received in Senate and
Assembly, and honored with a recess for his reception ; speaking
at Union Iiall in the evening, May 1.
Charter election, Mayor, Edward A. Maher ; Common Council :
Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II. John Bowe,
III. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. James Brennan,
VI. Edward F. Duffey, VII. Thomas J. Judge, VIII. Michael
F. Conners, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. John'R. Park,. XI.
Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII. Gar
ret A. Van Allen, XIV. John J. Greagan, XV. James G.
Cummings, XVI. Jeremiah Harris, Jr., XVII. John V. L.
Pruyn, Louis W. Pratt (at-large) ; John Bowe (III), president.
Election, April 10; sworn in, May 1.
Arcade proposed from Broadway, through Meads-Duer property to
N. Y. Central station, May 1.
Strike of Knights of Labor employees of breweries, May 5.
Emma Abbott sings opera " Martha " at Martin Opera House, May 7.
Architects protest against removal of the stone ceiling of Assembly
chamber, May 7.
Roscoe Conkling memorial legislative meeting at Lark street rink.
Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, orator, May 9.
Legislature adjourns, May 11.
Y. M. C. A. secures Riverside park, Greenbush, for evening athletics, May 14.
Albany County Bank opens new building (s. e. corner Pearl and
State streets), May.
Public Market site (Hudson avenue, Grand and Beaver streets),
buildings sold at auction by Wm. D. Dickinson, May 24.
Sir Thomas H. G. Esmonde presented with silver casket containing
the freedom of the city (as voted by Common Council May ist) ,
Mav 26.

714 EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. No. 57.
1888.
Y. W. C. A. established (No. 128 State street), May.
Memorial Day parade with James Macfarlane grand marshal, May 30.
Patroon's creek sewer completed by Contractor Patrick McCann, June.
Hawk street viaduct bill, No. 512, signed by Gov. D. B. Hill, June 11.
Dog show of good proportions in Academy of Music (old skating-
rink on west side of Lark street), Wm. C. Hudson, president, June 12.
Steve Brodie, professional jumper of note since plunging from
Brooklyn bridge, starts swimming from this city on June 24th,
and beats the world's swimming record between Albany and
New York, making it in 6 days and 1 hour, which is 9 hours
superior to Capt. Paul Boyton's record, arriving in good form
at New York, June 30.
Komuk Club organized and leases the handsome brown-stone resi
dence at s. w. corner of Washington avenue and Dove street, June.
Albania Orcnestra of expert amateurs organizes for instrumental
work.
Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan, born at Albany on March 6, 1831, a
graduate of West Point in 1853 ; promoted to captain at out
break of Civil War in 1861 ; appointed quartermaster of the
army in southwestern Missouri, December, 1861 ; colonel of
cavalry, May, 1862; brigadier-general of volunteers, July 1,
1862; major-general of volunteers, Dec. 31, 1862; commander
of cavalry corps of Army of Potomac, April, 1864; brigadier-
general in regular army, September, 1864; major-general, Nov.
8, 1864; commander Department of Gulf, 1865-67; commander
Department of Missouri, 1867; made lieutenant-general and re
signed by his General Orders No. 17 on Nov. 1, 1883 ; succeeded
Sherman as general-in-chief, 1883 ; rank of General conferred
by the Congress in 1888; celebrated successful campaign in
Shenandoah Valley and his famous victory of Cedar Creek
(Sheridan's Ride), Oct. 19, 1864; dies at Nonquit, Mass., Aug. 5.
Burns statue (MacPherson bequest) unveiled, Aug. 30.
Board of Public Instruction elects Herman W. Lipman its (13th)
president (succeeding W. P. Rudd of 1887).
Hon. James G. Blaine speaks before 20,000 at Fair Grounds, Troy
road.

¦:£L&£f$$feL. ¦

_.,. .:;¦;.' 'c'

BURNS STATUE.
This, handsomest of monuments given to the city, was the gift of Miss Mary Mac Pherson. The sculptor was Charles
Calverly, former native Albanian, student of E. D. Palmer ; cost, about $24,000 ; pedestal of Scotch granite from Aberdeen ;
dedicated in Washington Park, Aug. 30, 1888. To Citizen Peter Kinnear thanks are due for his very successful efforts in the
entire matter.

No. 57- EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. 715
1888-1889.
Melvil Dewey appointed secretary of Board of Regents and director
of N. Y. State Library, Dec. 12.
Albany Club (No. 102 State street) incorporated, Dec. 14.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 14.

1889.

Inaugural parade of Gov. D. B. Hill, G. A. R. posts and ioth Bat
talion under Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch, and address, Jan. 1.
Electrocution in force, Jan. 1.
Savings banks of Albany change from 3^ to 4$, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, Edward A. Maher; Common
Council: Frederick W. Klarr, I. Christopher Fleming, II.
John Bowe, III. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V.
James Brennan, VI. Edward F. Duffey, VII. Michael F.
Conners, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. John R. Park, XI.
Arthur F. Corscadden, XII. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII. Gar
ret A. Van Allen, XIV John J. Greagan, XV. James J.
Cummings, XVI. Jeremiah Iiarris, Jr., XVII. John V. L.
Pruyn, Louis W. Pratt (at-large), John Bowe (III), president.
Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Police department, to this time, governed by board of 5 commis
sioners.
Two women murdered (Mrs. Lottie Lyons, at No. 53 Division street,
and " Italian Alice " or Mrs. John Fletcher, at No. 39 Hamilton
street), Jan. 2.
Decision to organize Park Bank (Grange Sard, pres.), Jan. 7.
School No. 4 site (corner Madison avenue and Ontario street)
adopted, Jan. 21.
Alderman John V. L. Pruyn, Jr., reports to Common Council that
the committee has been able to secure but two portraits of
mayors for the city's collection, Jan. 21.
Albany Female Academy building portico standing on North Pearl
street sidewalk discussed by aldermen, contemplating removal
as nuisance, Jan. 21.
John McEwen resigns as superintendent of penitentiary (to take
effect on May ist), Jan. 22.
Union College Alumni Association organized at Delavan Iiouse, Jan. 22.
Assembly ceiling of papier mache or mahogany discussed, Jan. 25.

7l6 EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. No. 57.
1889.
John M. Peck, at No. 85 Clinton avenue, is swindled out of $10,000
by two men claiming to be real estate agents named Corning, Jan. 26.
Hygeia baths, the first of the kind of any importance in city, opened
at No. 132 State street, Jan. 31.
Coasting or "bobbing" carnival races on Madison avenue, illumi
nations and music by band, the long bob Alderman Connors
killing young Charles O'Hara, Feb. 2.
Telephone pay stations inaugurated, Feb. 10.
Penitentiary contracts (shoes) terminating, Feb. 15.
Albany Kennel Club's 2nd bench-show, Academy of Music, March 5.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 20.
Dr. John Swinburne, ex-mayor and one of the greatest benefactors
ever in Albany, through his free dispensary on Eagle street,
dies, March 28.
Centennial celebration of inauguration of George Washington takes
Governor Hill with State troops and numerous Albanians to
New York for parade and ball in Metropolitan Opera House, April 30.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society assumed as its changed
title of Albany County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to
Children, May 3.
Charles Gottlieb Fasoldt, prominent manufacturing jeweler, cele
brated widely as maker of finest chronometers, inventor of the
hairspring stud screw regulator, maker of the first 8-day watch,
awarded medals for ruling 1,000,000 lines to the inch on glass
to test microscopic lenses, (b. Dresden, Ger., 1818) dies,
May 13.
Johnstown, Pa., flood sufferers aided by city subscription, forwarded
by the mayor, the Conemaugh valley dam bursting and 15,000
drowning, May 31.
Death of Harriet Langdon Roberts Parker, wife of Judge Amasa
J. Parker, (third dau. of Edmund Roberts, b. Portsmouth, N.
H., March 28, 1814; married there, Aug. 27, 1834) dies at the
family home, No. 143 Washington ave., June 27.
Albany Railway carries 4,047,473 passengers, year ending June 30.
Savings banks of Albany increase interest from 3^2 to 4$, July 1.
School No. 1 completed.
Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill
(Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch), July 6-13.
Florence Quinlan murdered in stable on Herkimer street by James
P. Grace, July 31.

CAPITOL'S WESTERN STAIRCASE.
It is one of the handsomest features of the costly building, and carvings of the heads of prominent persons adorn the pillars.
It was designed by Henry H. Richardson of Boston, architect of the City Hall, and was completed about 1898.

No. 57. EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. 717
1889.
Samuel H. Ransom, stove manufacturer (b. Lyme, Conn., 1818),
dies, Aug. 17.
Leland Opera Flouse opened with " Lost in New York," inaugurat
ing cheap rates, and known as H. R. Jacobs' Opera House, Aug. 19.
Electric car on Troy & Lansingburg line runs from latter place to
city line of Troy, Aug. 27.
Gen. James M. Warner appointed post-master (succeeding Dr. D. V.
O'Leary), Aug. 28.
John M. Bailey appointed surveyor of the port, Aug. 28.
Edward P. Waterbury (principal of N. Y. State Normal School)
dies, Aug. 28.
Y. M. A. deeds building (s. w corner North Pearl and Steuben
streets) for $70,000 to D. & H. Railroad Company, Aug. 30.
Normal College elects William J. Milne its (ist) president, (succeed
ing Principal of Normal School E. P. Waterbury of 1882).
Armory stonework commenced (Washington avenue), Sept. 1.
Albany Theatre opened as Proctor's Albany Theatre, Sept. 2.
Maj. Charies H. Gaus one of team winning silver bowl trophy at the
large rifle match at Sea Girt, N. J., September.
Board of Public Instruction elects Charles H. Gaus its (14th) presi
dent (succeeding Ii. W. Lipman of 1888).
State Fair, the 49th (James Wood, pres.) held at Albany (9th and
last time) .
P. J. McArdle junk-shop (iron and rags), Arch and Church streets,
burned and several killed, Sept. 9.
Hon. M. N. Nolan's steeple-chaser, Bourke Cockran (in 9 years won
44 of 123 starts ; $21,732 in prizes), killed at Island Park course,
Sept. 10.
Samuel N. Bacon (head of Bacon, Stickney & Co., Dean and Ex
change streets, coffee and spices), born at Harvard, Jan. 25,
1829, dies, Sept. 11.
Electric cars of Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. given a trial,
Sept. 13.
Assembly ceiling (material) case before Grand Jury, Sept. 13.
Albany Railway granted franchise to erect trolley poles, Sept. 16.
Assembly ceiling case closed, Sept. 19.
Electric cars (8 motors) given a trial from West Troy bridge to
barns at North Albany on Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad line
(Wm. B. Van Rensselaer, pres.), Monday, Sept. 23.
Electric cars of W. T. & R. R. Co. run (five cars) regularly from
North Albany through West Troy (Watervliet), Sept. 26.
Bradford R. Wood, lawyer (b. Westport, Conn., Sept. 30, 1800)
dies, Sept. 26

7l8 EDWARD AUGUSTIN MAHER. No. 57.
1889-1890.
Armory corner-stone (Washington avenue and Lark street) laid by
Grand Master James Ten Eyck and Grand Lodge of Masons ;
address by Gov. D. B. Hill; Col. Wm. E. Fitch commanding
military, Sept. 26.
Harmanus Bleecker Hall opened, addresses by Bishop Wm. C.
Doane, Judge Amasa J. Parker and Chancellor Henry R. Pier
son; poem by Wm. D. Morange; ode by Irving Browne set to
music by Geo. E. Oliver, with Parlati's orchestra; anthem,
Haydn's "Achieved is the Glorious Work," (Fuller & Wheeler,
architects), Oct. 9.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 4.
West End Gun Club organized, Dec. 6.
Albany Railway elects Robert C. Pruyn (sixth) president, Dec. 6.
James A. Gray, piano manufacturer (b. in New York, 1815), dies,
Dec. 9.
John A. Sleicher appointed State civil service commissioner,
 Dec. 16.
1890.

Population of Albany 94,923.
Population of the State (New York State) 5,997,853.
Police department (by White charter) placed in Department of
Public Safety, under a commissioner.
Board of Public Instruction elects Michael F. Walsh its (15th) pres
ident (succeeding C. H. Gaus of 1889).
Col. Robert G. IngersoU the orator at State Bar Association's annual
meeting, Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Jan. 21.
Beaver park provided for by Chap. 449, Laws of 1890.
Normal School chartered as a college, March 13.
River opened (Government record), March 19.
Albany Police Beneficiary Association organized, March 26.
Edmund Lewis Judson (ex-mayor) dies, April 8.
Albany Railway operates its first electric car, from Quail street car-
house to Broadway and back, Sunday, April 28.
James Hilton Manning chosen mayor of Albany at the Charter elec
tion, receiving 13,552 votes as the Democratic candidate; his op
ponent, Howard N. Fuller, receiving 6,316 votes as the Repub
lican candidate ; scattering, 8 votes ; total number of votes cast,
19,876; Manning's majority over Fuller being 7,236 votes he is
declared elected mayor of Albany, April 8.
? ? ?
(See No. 58.)

HAWK STREET VIADUCT.
The bill (No. 512) was signed by Gov. D. B. Hill on June 11, 1888, and it was erected in 1890 by the Hilton
Bridge Construction Co. of Albany, connecting Elk st. and Clinton ave.

No. 58.
Jfatn^ iftlfcm Harotfttg.

May 5, 1890 — May 2, 1892.
May 3. 1892 — April 30, 1894.

No. 58.
JAMES HILTON MANNING.
Date of office: (a) May 5, 1890-May 2, 1892.
(b) May 3, 1892-April 30, 1894.
Date of election: (a) April 8, 1890.
(b) April 12, 1892.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 13,552.
(b) 12,781.
Opponent: (a) Floward N. Fuller.
(b) James M. Warner.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: (a) 6,316; scattering, 8.
(b) 7,528; scattering, 30.
Total vote: (a) 19,876.
(b) 20,339.
Date of birth: September 22, 1854.
Place of birth: No. 16 First street.
Parents: Daniel (M.) and Mary Little.
Education: Public schools, Albany Free Academy.
Married to: Emma Jane Austin.
Date: Albany, October 22, 1879.
Children: (1) Beatrice.
Residence: No. 409 State street.
Occupation: Publisher.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Title: Major.
Remarks: Major Third Brigade, N. G. N. Y. On first election
received almost as large a majority as opponent received votes.
School No. 10 completed, 1890; school No. 4 completed, 1892;
school No. 6 completed, 1893; school No. 24 completed, 1893.
President Weed-Parsons Printing Company, President Hud
son River Telephone Company. President National Savings
Bank, January, 1904.

58. JAMES HILTON MANNING.
1890-1894.
From a photograph made from life by Brown in 1903, and owned by The
Albany Institute.

No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 721
1890.
(Continued from No. 57.)
1890.

James Hilton Manning sworn as Mayor of Albany, having been
chosen at the Charter election held on April 8th, when he re
ceived 13,552 votes as the Democratic candidate ; his opponent,
Howard N. Fuller, receiving 6,316 votes as the Republican can
didate ; scattering, 8 votes ; total number of votes cast, 19,876 ;
Manning's majority over Fuller being 7,236 votes, May 5.
Charter election, Mayor, James Ii. Manning; Common Council:
George Krank, I. Christopher Fleming, II. John Bowe, III.
Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. Tames Brennan, VI.
Edward F. Duffey, VII. James F. Martin, VIII. , John F.
• Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. Benjamin Mulderry,
XI. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII. Garret A. Van Allen, XIV.
John J. Greagan, XV. James G. Cummings, XVI. Thomas
J. Giliooly, XVII. Louis W. Pratt, Thomas F. Mason (at-
large) ; John Bowe (HI), president. Election, April 8; sworn
in, May 5.
Duncan Campbell, highly respected attorney, with office in Tweddle
building and a private collector of Indian curios, dies at his
residence, No. 11 Washington avenue, (funeral attended by the
bar on ioth), May 6.
Legislature adjourns, May 9.
Telephone Company vs. Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Company's
final testimony (because of injury by electric current to tele
phone service) before Referee Isaac Lawson, May 10.
Judge Amasa J. Parker, foremost jurist and organizer of the Albany
Law School, dies at his home, No. 143 Washington ave., May 13.
Albany Railway Co. offers 200 horses for sale at Central avenue
stables, May 15.
Grand Master Workman Terence Powderley in Knights of Labor
parade, May 22.
Albany Railway Co. equips Hamilton street with electric poles, May 25.
Madison avenue (Lark to Eagle) paving contract, asphalt, $45,155.45,
let, Aug. 3.
Hawk street viaduct erected (Hilton Bridge Construction Co.).
School No. 10 completed.

722 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58.
1890-1891.
Empire Curling Club chartered incorporated.
Philip Livingston Chapter, Sons of American Revolution, organized
at house of Maj. Harmon P. Read, No. 236 State st.
State Fair, the 50th, held at Syracuse and continuously thereafter.
River closed (Government record), Dec. 3.

1891.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, James H. Manning; Common
Council : George Krank, I. Christopher Fleming, II. John
Bowe, III. Thomas Ansbro, IV. Philip Russ, V. James
Brennan, VI. Edward F. Duffey, VII. James F. Martin, VIII.
John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. Benjamin Mul-
derry, XI. Thomas Jones, XII. Clifford D. Gregory, XIII.
Garret A. Van Allen, XIV. John J. Greagan, XV. James
G. Cummings, XVI. Thomas J. Gillooly, XVII. Louis W.
Pratt, Thomas F. Mason (at-large) ; John Bowe (HI), presi
dent. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Empire Curling Club rink (south side of Yates street, west of Lake
avenue) opened, Jan. 5.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 25.
Albany Camera Club (No. 72 Chapel street) incorporated, April 27.
Joseph Kline Emmet, originator of German dialect comedy on the
stage, combining it with graceful dancing, singing of senti
mental or comic songs and yodling, born at St. Louis, Mo., the
son of William B. Emmet and wife Evelina, on March 13, 1841,
married Elizabeth Webber of that city, July, 1864, attempted his
original comedy in well-known character of " Fritz," at Academy
of Music, Buffalo, Nov. 22, 1869, giving the second perform
ance in this city and continuing it here for two weeks because
of its great popularity; bought property on Van Rensselaer
Boulevard and erected " Fritz Villa" (later " Wolfert's Roost"
of Senator David B. Hill), traveling extensively abroad acting,
and acquiring considerable wealth, dies at Cornwall-on-Hudson, June 15.
Horatio Potter Stacpole made major of the ioth Battalion, June 20.
Fourth Police Precinct station house plans by F. H. Janes, Dove and
Lancaster streets, accepted, July 1.
Adam Cook (ex-alderman, leather merchant) dies in New York, July 17.

, , .^iHU '*•
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|K >lj
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F T* " "HWW*
^^
'
FRITZ VILLA — WOLFERT'S ROOST.
J. K. Emmet, actor, originator of German dialect comedy in conjunction
with yodling songs and dances in 1869, made Albany his home about 1882 and
erected a handsome residence on Van Rensselaer Boulevard which he named
" Fritz Villa." He died June 15, 1891, and Sen. David B. Hill secured the estate,
--- — \-r- ;t " W^'fart's Roost." (From ohotoerraphs by Cuyler Reynolds.)
No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 723
1891-1892.
Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill,
Lieut.-Col. William E. Fitch commanding, July 25-Aug. 1.
Gen. John Palmer elected commander-in-chief of the G. A. R. at
the National encampment at Detroit, Aug. 7.
Gen. John Palmer escorted from depot to his home, No. 728 Madi
son avenue, by military bodies, Grand Marshal Shoemaker, illu
minations, Aug. 10.
George W. Van Slyke, tobacco merchant at No. 471 Broadway (b.
New Baltimore, Sept. 5, 1831), dies at home, No. 756 Madison
avenue, Aug. 11.
President Benjamin Flarrison arrives here in afternoon and is es
corted by military bodies to stand before the City Hall where he
is welcomed by Mayor Manning and speaks, Aug. 18.
John G. Mills' residence, No. 921 Madison avenue, robbed of jewelry,
Aug. 19.
Rev. Dr. J. Livingston Reese, St. Paul's Church, resigns, Aug. 24.
Simon W. Rosenclale elected State attorney-general, Nov. 3.
' Judge William L. Learned dined on approaching retirement of 14
years as Supreme Court justice (Dec. 31) by Lawyers' Club,
Nov. 10.
Times-Union first published, Nov. 17.
State armory (Washington avenue and Lark street) opened.
River closed (Government record), Dec. 25.

1892.

Roswell P. Flower becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Population of Albany 97,120.
Albany Chamber Music Club organized, January.
Harmanus Bleecker Hall floored over and used as ball-room by
Misses Huybertie Pruyn, Grace Marvin and Louisa Parker, Jan. 5
Mrs. Scott-Siddons plays "' Check and Mate" at Leland, Jan. 7.
Consolidated Car-Heating Co. (Robert C. Pruyn, pres.) incorporated
Campanini sings at Jermain hall, Jan. 11
Albany Burns Club reorganized, Jan. 19
Emma Eames and De Reszke sing " Romeo and Juliet," Grau Opera
Co., at Iiarmanus Bleecker Hall, Jan. 25.
Beaver park law (providing for) amended by Chap. 134, Laws of
1892.
Church of the Assumption on Hamilton street destroyed by fire, Jan. 27.

724 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58.
1892.
Mme. Emma Albani and Mme. Sofie Scalchi sing " Les Hugue
nots," Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Jan. 30.
Grand opera (Grau Co.) at Harmanus Bleecker Hall throughout
week ending Jan. 30.
Albany Railway erects electric car barns at North Albany, Feb. 1.
Bishop Wm. Croswell Doane appointed member of Board of Re-
, gents, Feb. 10.
Albany Railway leases Watervliet Turnpike & Railroad Co. March 1.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals incorporated, March 8.
Thomas McCredie, proprietor of large malt houses, No. 34 Clinton
avenue, dies, March 25.
River opened (Government record), March 31.
Seneca street changed from Ontario square, April 18.
Hon. John A. McCall (b. Albany, March 2, 1849), who had been
made State superintendent of insurance April 23, 1883, and re
signed to become comptroller of the Equitable Life Insurance
Co., in New York, Jan. 1, 1886, becomes president of the New
York Life Insurance Co., Feb. 12.
James H. Manning re-elected Mayor of Albany in recognition of his
admirable, energetic administration, at the Charter election, re
ceiving 12,781 votes as the Democratic candidate; his opponent,
James M. Warner, receiving 7,528 votes as the Republican can
didate ; scattering, 30 votes ; total number of votes cast, 20,339 ;
Manning's majority over Warner being 5,253 votes he is de
clared to be elected mayor, April 12.
? ? ?
James Hilton Manning is sworn as Mayor 9f Albany, having been
re-elected at the Charter election held on April 12th, when his
majority as the Democratic candidate over James M. Warner,
the Republican candidate, was 5,253 votes, May 3,
Charter election, Mayor, James H. Manning; Cominon Council:
Henry J. Pflantz, I. Edward A. Durning, II. John F. Dono
van, III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. Philip Russ, V. Charles
Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, VII. James F. Martin, VIII.
John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X. Benjamin
Mulderry, XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Edward B. Cantine,
XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers, XV.
Michael T. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII.
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large), Charles H.
Armatage (at-large), president. Election, April 12; sworn in.
May 3.

KING FOUNTAIN.
Gift to the City by will of Henry L. King in memory of his father, Rufus H. King; J. Massey Rhind, Sculptor;

ceremoniously unveiled in Washington Park, Sept. 29, 1893.

No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 725
1892-1893.
Steamboat General, named in honor of Gen. Daniel Butterfield, put
on the passenger-freight line to Catskill, May.
Marcus T. Hun, John J. Maas and E. Kearney appointed commis
sioners to appraise laud for Beaver park, by Supreme Court, May 9.
New water board, advocates of Kinderhook supply, appointed, May 12.
Board of Public Instruction elects Judge William L. Learned its
(16th) president (succeeding M. F. Walsh of 1890).
Thomas H. Dwyer appointed superintendent of school buildings
(succeeding J. H. Oliver of 1887).
Tenth Battalion goes to Buffalo and serves in railroad riots,
Aug. 18-25.
School No. 4 completed.
Howard J. Rogers appointed superintendent of N. Y. educational
exhibit at World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, October.
Albany Railway reduces fare on hill lines 6 to 5 cents, Dec. 1.
Fort Orange Mills on Columbia street pier burned, Dec. 19.
Albany City Band incorporated.
River closed (Government record), Dec. 22.

1893.

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, James FI. Manning; Common
Council : Henry J. Pflantz, I. Edward A. Durning, II. John
F. Donovan, III. Michael J. Flogan, IV. Timothy J. Sullivan,
V. Charles Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, VII. James F.
Martin, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX : John J. O'Connor, X.
Benjamin Mulderry, XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Thomas F.
Mason, XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers,
XV. Michael J. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII.
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large) ; Charles H.
Armatage (at-large), president. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Charles B. Woolverton dies, Jan. 2.
Rev. Edward G. Selden becomes minister Madison Avenue Re
formed Church.
Third Brigade Signal Telegraph Corps organized, Feb. 15.
River opened (Government record), March 31.
Rt. Rev. Wm. Ingraham Kip, former rector of St. Paul's Church and
author, (b. New York, Oct. 3, 1811), dies at San Francisco, April 7.

726 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58.
1893.
Albany Free Library No. 322 South Pearl street (John A. Howe)
incorporated. i
Albany Female Academy, Washington avenue, work commenced. April 20.
Edwin Young, attorney for D. & H. railroad, dies (as result of fall
from saddle-horse on Willett street), April 24.
Monroe Crannell dies, April 26.
N. Y. Central road's celebrated Columbian Exposition engine, "No.
999," draws " Empire State Express " train at world's record
rate of ii2j^ miles per hour, near Crittenden, N. Y., April 28.
Argus trouble over control by factions culminates, April 29.
Tivoli Terminal Warehouse, North Albany (Marcus T. Reynolds,
architect), erected, May.
Officers of the Holland warship Van Speyk, in New York waters
attending Columbian naval pageant (Capt. Wm. Arnold Arri-
ens), visit Albany, are given a luncheon by Mrs. John V. L.
Pruyn and reception at Fort Orange Club, May 9.
J. B. Lyon Fund for public improvement closed with 100th sub
scriber making $100,000, on May 10.
Rev. James H. Ecob, long pastor of Second Presbyterian Church,
resigns because of dogmatic differences (parallel to the Dr.
Briggs case), June 4.
Theodore V. Van lieusen (b. Albany, Nov. 11, 1818; Van lieusen
& Charles, crockery) dies at residence, No. 6 Madison place,
June 15.
Albert D. Fuller, superintendent of the Albany Orphan Asylum
since 1879 (b. West Flenrietta, Monroe county, N. Y. Sept. 27,
1850), dies of angina pectoris, having given universal satisfac
tion, June 18.
Duke De Veragua, lineal descendant of Columbus,. extended freedom
of the city and given public reception by Mrs. James Kidd, No.
7 Elk street, June 26.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints Marion Randolph (5th) superin
tendent.
Lemon Thomson & Co. burglary in Lumber District, July 6.
Tenth Battalion participates in State camp service near Peekskill,
Lieut.-Col. William E. Fitch, commanding, July 8-15.
Rural cemetery interments number 78,081 (40,000 of which were
brought from burial-ground, site of Washington park), July 15.
Sir Walter Besant (British author) visits the city and Masonic
lodges, July 17.
Y. M. C. A. receives Edmund W. Booth as secretary, Aug. 1.
Police patrol wagon in service, Aug. 14.

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY — NEW.

The observatory built in 1856 being badly located near railroads, a new one was built on
Lake ave. The new R. H. Pruyn Memorial telescope first used Aug. 31, 1893, and on Noy. 4th
the building dedicated in presence of National Academy of Science. Designed by duller &
Wheeler.

No. 58. JAMES HILTON MANNING. 727
1893-1894.
Beaver park appraisers report, Aug. 16.
Beaver park awards ($336,051.50) confirmed, Aug. 29.
Pruyn (Robert Ii.) Memorial telescope first used at new Dudley
Observatory, Aug. 31.
Gov. R. P. Flower and staff leave for Chicago to attend New York
Day at Columbian Exposition, Sept. 2.
King fountain of Moses Striking the Rock, in Washington park, J.
Massey Rhind the sculptor, the gift of Henry L. King, dedi
cated with most imposing ceremonial, Gen. Florace K. Portet
the orator, William D. Morange the poet, city officials present,
a military parade and an orchestra discoursing music, Sept. 29.
Van Rensselaer Manor House that had been erected in 1765 under
the guardianship of Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck for the young
Patroon, Stephen Van Rensselaer, II., to the east of the Troy
road and facing directly down Broadway, a few hundred feet
to the north of Patroon's creek, whereat was the Lodge, taken
down, stone by stone, to make room for business sites and rail
road tracks, the stones freighted, each numbered, to Williams
town, Mass., where to be re-erected in somewhat similar design
as the fraternity house of the Sigma Phi Society, under Marcus
T. Reynolds as architect, October.
Schools Nos. 24 and 6 completed.
Dudley Observatory, south of Lake avenue and north of New Scot
land avenue, dedicated in presence of the National Academy of
Science, holding national convention here at this time purposely, Nov. 4.
National Academy of Science convenes in Senate Chamber, Nov. 7
River closes to navigation (Government Record), Dec. 5
Albany Female Academy on north side of Washington avenue (No
155) formally opened, Dec. 11
Public hearing before crowded audience in Common Council cham
ber agitating the bringing on of the pumps (which had been a
political slogan for more than a year), ordered from Milwaukee
for pumping station at Quackenbush street, Dec. 15.

1894.
Albany Theatre (n. w. corner South Pearl and Beaver streets),
James j. Dowling in " Captain Heme " there, burned, Jan. 6.
Albany County Wheelmen (organized in 1886) incorporated, March 17.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 19.

728 JAMES HILTON MANNING. No. 58.
1894.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society (combining societies for
care of maltreated children and animals) incorporated, first of
its kind in the State, Chapter 292, Laws 1894.
Oren Elbridge Wilson chosen Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec
tion, receiving 13,145 votes as the Republican candidate; his op
ponent, James Rooney, receiving 9,636 votes as the Democratic
candidate; blank, 10 votes; total number of votes cast, 22,791;
Wilson's majority over Rooney being 3,509 votes he is declared
elected mayor, April 10,
District Attorney James W. Eaton institutes proceedings against
Albany Evening Journal for contempt of court in the matter of
reporting the Hughes Doyle case before Justice Clute, April 24.
Methodist bishops of America hold convention and are given recep
tion in evening at the State armory, April 26.
Legislature adjourns, April 27.
Gov. Roswell P. Flower dines Methodist bishops at Mansion, April 30.
? ? ?

(See No. 59.)

19

VAN RENSSELAER MANOR HOUSE.
The last Patroon, Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, having died on May 25, 1868, and his widow, Harriet Elizabeth Bayard, on June
1875, the Mansion had no occupant after, and was removed in October, 1893.

No. 59.
(§xm ?Elbr%? Htlsum.

May 1, 1894 — Dec. 31, 1895.

OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON.
No. 59.
Date of office: May 1, 1894-December 31, 1895.
Date of election: April 10, 1894.
Vote: 13,145.
Political party: Republican.
Opponent: James Rooney.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 9,636; blank, 10.
Total vote: 22,791.
Date of birth: October 10, 1844.
Place of birth: Boston, Mass.
Parents: Thomas (W.) and Louisa Manson.
Education: New York public schools and Columbia University.
Married to: (a) Martha Emma Brooks.
(b) Josephine Julia Fourqurean.
Date: (a) New York, November 8, 1867.
(b) Providence, R. I., August 21, 1901.
Children: (a) (4) Ernest Brooks, Carrie, May, Elsie.
Residence: No. 20 Lancaster street.
Occupation: Chief accountant Whitney's Dry Goods Company.
Religion: Universalist.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: School Commissioner, 1884. President Board of Edu
cation, 1886. Conducted a strictly business administration.
Secured the powerful new Allis pumps for reservoir. Ap
pointed Water Board favorable to filtration plant. Materially
increased paid fire department.

59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON.
1894-1895.
From a photograph made from life by Pirie Macdonald, and owned in 1904
by The Albany Institute.

No. 59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 73 1

1894.

(Continued from No. 58.)
1894.

Oren Elbridge Wilson is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, -having
been chosen at the Charter election held on April ioth, when
he received 13,145 votes as the Republican candidate; his oppo
nent, James Rooney, receiving 9,636 votes as the Democratic
candidate; blank, 10 votes; total number of votes cast, 22,791 ;
Wilson's majority over Rooney being 3,509 votes, May 1.
Charter election, Mayor, Oren Elbridge Wilson ; Common Council :
Henry J. Pflantz, I. Edward A. Durning, II. John F. Dono
van, III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. Timothy J. Sullivan, V.
Charles Tiernan, VI. Michael J. Brown, VII. James F.
Martin, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. John J. O'Connor, X.
Benjamin Mulderry, XI. Thomas S. Jones, XII. Thomas F.
Mason, XIII. George H. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers,
XV. Michael J. Coleman, XVI. Kenneth J. Ferguson, XVII.
Joseph Fisher, Charles H. Armatage (at-large) ; Charles H.
Armatage (at-large), president. Election, April 10; sworn in,
May 1.
International Brotherhood of Bookbinders of America convenes in
the City Hall, May 1.
Beaver park work begun, May 1.
Mayor Wilson abolishes, with a view to economy and reform, the
positions of second clerk to mayor, assistant city clerk and clerk
to civil service commission, May 4.
Arbor Day celebrated, May 4,
Constitutional Convention called to order by Secretary of State John
Palmer, Joseph H. Choate elected president, May 8.
Board of Supervisors elects Darius Rundell president, May 8.
Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke, of St. Joseph's, nominated bishop, at
Rome, May 18.
Rev. James H. Ecob's resignation accepted by 2nd Presbyterian
Church, May 21.
Chief Thomas Willard orders removal of all slot machines, May 26.
Jacob Leonard presents 19 acres to city for Beaver park, May 30.
Seventeen-year locusts discovered by Entomologist J. A. Lintner in
numbers in Rural Cemetery, building strange white chambers of
soil above ground, June 1.
Woman Suffragist Association introduces measure through Mr.
Moore's resolution to Constitutional Convention, June 7.
Rev. Andrew V. V. Raymond, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church
since March 10, 1887, becomes president of Union University, June 8.

732 OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59.
1894.
Gov. J. S. Hogg of Texas calls on Governor Flower (absent) and
speaks by request to Constitutional Convention, seated beside
President Choate, June 21.
Paul Jones, globe-trotter, having started nude and penniless from
Boston, visits Press Club, June 22.
Judge Herrick rules against Sunday baseball at Riverside park, June 23
Economic Power & Construction Co. (to use compressed air as
motor power) incorporated by Messrs. J. B. and George H.
Thacher, June 25.
Rev. E. A. Watkins exposed in Albany, as a disturber, by letter from
Judge S. Woodhouse of Morris Run, Tioga, Pa., June 27.
Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke, pastor of St. Joseph's (R. C.) church,
consecrated bishop, July 1.
Donnelly-McArdle trial in general sessions in New York (both Al
bany parties and "case celebre"), July 2.
Hon. Galen R. Hitt (of Albany) sums up in defense of notorious
"Bat" Shea case; (indictment for murder in Troy election), July 3-
Independence Day parade with Joseph Fisher grand marshal, Wed
nesday, Julv 4.
Knights of Labor United Brotherhood of Railroad Men strike at
Chicago, led by Eugene V. Debs (Federal troops ordered to
scene by President Cleveland because of interruption of mail),
raises price of meat considerably in Albany, July 5.
Hebrew Free School proposed, July 9.
Dog-shelter provided on Elk street by benefactors.
Y. W. C. A. buys No. 5 Lodge street.
Irish-American League re-organized with John T. McDonough
president, July 17.
Odd Fellows' new hall (east side Lodge street) corner-stone laid,
oration by Mayor Wilson (Wm. Barnet, pres.), July 18.
Chu Hing, Chinese laundryman at No. 103^2 South Pearl street,
shot by Chu Noug, laundryman on Washington avenue, dying
instantly, Aug. 3.
Chamberlain Charles A. Flills dies, Aug. 14.
Contract for laying 30-inch pipe from new pumping station, Mont
gomery street to Prospect Hill reservoir, let, Aug. 14.
Albany Railway operates electric express plant (depot, s. e. corner
State and Dean streets), Sept. 1.
Labor Day parade and oration at Fair Grounds on Troy road by
T. V. Powderly of Knights of Labor, John C. Seaman grand
marshal, Sept. 3.

ODD FELLOWS' HALL.
The organization occupied the old Baptist Church building
(s. w. cor. No. Pearl St. and Maiden Lane) until this building was
erected at n. e. cor. Lodge and Howard sts.; corner stone laid
July 18, 1894, with Wm. Barnet, President.

No. 59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 733
1894-1895.
Comptroller Roberts and Secretary of State Palmer conflict in pay
ment of veterans in State employ under new law, Sept. 6.
Senator David B. Hill nominated, for Governor by Democrats at
Saratoga, Sept. 26.
Unconditional (Rep.) Club, organized some years, incorporated.
Golf introduced into Albany.
Hon. William McKinley speaks before the City Hall.
Signal Corps assigned quarters in rear of armory, October.
Horse-show held at Ridgefield (first time), Oct. 29.
Historical pageant for Albany Historical and Art Society building
fund, at Harmanus Bleecker Hall ($4,209.73), Dec. 19.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 24.
Delavan House destroyed by fire, Dec. 30.

1895.
Levi Parsons Morton becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Legislature convenes ; inaugural address by Gov. Levi Parsons Mor
ton, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, Oren E. Wilson; Common Coun
cil: Henry J. Pflantz, I. Emil C. Rosche, II. John F.
Donovan, III. Michael J. Hogan, IV. John Wagner, V.
Francis J. Dunn, VI. John V. Hennessey, VII. Stephen J.
Coffey, VIII. Daniel J. Murray, IX. George W. Smith, X.
Thomas Wilson, XL John E. Corscadden, XII. Isaac D. F.
Lansing, XIII. George Ii. Stevens, XIV. James H. Powers,
XV. Howard Hendrickson, XVI. John T. Cook, XVII.
Robert H. Moore, Patrick McCann (at-large) ; Howard Hen
drickson (XVI), president. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Search for Delavan House fire victims begun, Jan. 3.
Electric lighting by city plant agitated at public hearing in City Hall,
Jan. to.
Jacob D. Pohlman, court crier for many years (b. Albany, Dec. 12,
1807)., dies, Jan. 12.
Delavan House fire victims numbering seven buried and two found,
Jan. 12.
Governor Morton given large reception by Adjutant-General
McAlpin at No. 1 Elk street, Jar.. 15.
Albany Society (N. Y. city) organized.

734 OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59.
1895.
Albany branch (Mrs. W. W. Crannell, pres.) of Indian Association
decides to educate Sophie High Dog of Rosebud Agency, Jan. 18.
Gen. Ballington Booth (commander of Salvation Army) speaks at
First Reformed church at 3 p. m., given reception at Madison
Avenue Dutch Reformed Church and delivers address at Har
manus Bleecker Hall in evening, Jan. 19.
William F. Rathbone in Supreme Court makes test of law forbid
ding State officials to use pass on railway, Jan. 19.
Tenth Battalion under orders because of Brooklyn trolley strike, Jan. 22.
Frederick P. Easton made State superintendent of public buildings
(succeeding Hon. Michael Delahanty), Jan. 22.
Charles Bleecker Staats commissioned captain of Co. B, Jan. 25.
Governor Morton given reception by Fort Orange Club, Jan. 22.
Driver Robert F. Gilmer thrown from Truck One, at Green and
Herkimer streets, and killed, Jan. 23.
Mohawk Chapter, D. A. R., organized, Jan. 31.
Signal Corps' quarters in rear of armory furnished and occupied.
Food exposition at Lark street rink, Feb. 4.
Snow blizzard delays traffic (14.2 in.), Feb. 8.
Executive Mansion robberv of Governor Morton's dinner service, Feb. 8.
Gov. William McKinley of Ohio guest of Governor Morton a day
and night at Executive Mansion, and guest of Unconditional
(Rep.) Club at Kenmore hotel in evening, Feb. 12.
Albert Vander Veer, M. D., appointed member of Board of Regents, Feb. 13.
New waterworks pump arrives from Allis & Co., Milwaukee, Feb. 15.
Major James Macfariane (an owner of Press Co.) dies, Feb. 16..
Allis pump tested, Feb. 17,
New Allis pump in service, Feb. 20.
Delavan House remaining portion to be fitted up as hotel, Feb. 20.
Speedway on Washington avenue agitated, Feb. 21.
Gansevoort Chapter, D. A. R., organized at home of Mrs. Abraham
Lansing, Feb. 22.
Governor Morton signs bill prohibiting floating of foreign flags on
public buildings, Feb. 22.
Bradley Martin jewel-box searched for in Delavan Flouse ruins, Feb. 22,
Albany Road Improvement Association organized (Oscar L. Hascy,
pres.), Feb. 25-

WASHINGTON PARK SCENE.
Corner of State and Willett streets occupied by powder-house in 1802 and west of it a burial-ground 1800-1868 ; dedicated as Middle
renamed Washington Square, 1809 ; later as Parade Ground ; park established by Act of May 5, 1869 ;
William S. Egerton Ass't Sup't., 1869-72; Superintendent, 1872.

Public Square, Oct. 6, 1806
designed by Bogart & Cuyler

No. 59. OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. 735
1895.
Adelphi Club makes test case of excise law affecting clubs (serving
drinks on Sunday) Court of Sessions, March 4.
Rathbone railroad pass test case before Court of Appeals, March 11.
Speedway bill introduced in Assembly, March 15.
Beaver park funds provided for by Chap. 781, Laws of 1895.
Living-picture bill (to prohibit) introduced by Senator Mullin, March 26.
Hon. Hugh Reilly appointed presiding judge of State Board of
Claims, April I.
Albany Country Club buys property on Gt. Western Turnpike, April 1.
River opened to navigation (Government record), April 3.
Howard J. Rogers completes publication " New York at the World's
Columbian Exposition," April.
Floward J. Rogers appointed State deputy superintendent of public
instruction, April.
Subscriptions started for a Speedway, Washington avenue (Quail
to Manning Boulevard), April 10.
Mrs. John V. L. Pruyn and Bishop Doane head movement against
woman suffragist agitators, meeting at former's house, No. 13
Elk street, April 11.
Captain John N. Foster of Insurance Patrol dies, April 13.
Charles H. Van Benthuysen (b. Albany, June 1, 1842; partner in
the Charles Van Benthuysen's Sons printing-house) dies at his
home, 19 Lafayette st., April 15.
Argus loaned for one day by Editor Wm. McMurtrie Speer to
women to issue edition for benefit of the Child's Hospital, April 18.
Northern Boulevard viaduct over N. Y. Central railroad specifica
tions approved, April 18.
Hugh Hastings appointed State Historian, April 25.
Steamboat General (Butterfield) of the Catskill line purchased by
Newport News, Va., parties.
Bender Bacteriological Laboratory erected.
Signal Corps successfully heliographs to Altamont (17 miles).
Speedway, upper Washington avenue, from Quail street westward,
nearly one mile to Manning Boulevard, turf surface rolled and
graded, opened by the Albany Road Improvement Association,
Oscar L. Hascy president, expending over $4,000. July 4.
Signal Corps successfully heliographs from Capitol to Prospect
Rock, North mountain, Catskills (37 miles), July 4-
Tenth Battalion participates in field service (Lt.-Col. Wm. E. Fitch),
Aug. 19-24.

736 OREN ELBRIDGE WILSON. No. 59.

1895.

Horse-show of imposing proportions opened a second year on Ridge
field Athletic Club's grounds, Oct. 7.
John Boyd Thacher chosen Mayor of Albany a second time, at the
Charter election, receiving 11,030 votes as the Democratic can
didate ; his opponent, William J. Walker, receiving 6,752 votes as
the Republican candidate ; Oren E. Wilson receiving 4,314 votes
as the Independent Republican candidate; defective, 118 votes;
total number of votes cast, 22,214; Thacher's majority over
Walker being 4,278 votes he is declared elected Mayor of Al
bany, v Nov. 5.
Albany Railway fly-wheel of its Cooper-Corliss engine at South
Pearl street power-house bursts, by accelerated speed, Nov. 12.
Rufus William Peckham appointed an associate justice of United
States Supreme Court, December.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 10.
Albany Railway runs cars into Rensselaer, Dec. 18.
Albany Academy Alumni Association organized, Dec. 28.

? ? ?
(See No. 56.)

No. 60.
3Hpmt&£ Jteffiraim Han Ateigtt*.

Jan. 1, 1898 — Dec. 31, 1899.

No. 60.
THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE.
Date of office: January 1, 1898-December 31, 1899.
Date of election: November 2, 1897.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 8,172.
Opponent: (a) Selden Erastus Marvin.
(b) George H. Stevens.
(c) Robert H. Moore.
(d) George DuBois.
Political party: (a) Republican.
(b) Independent Municipal party.
(c)(d)
Vote: (a) 6,014.
(b) 6,012.
(c) 1,754-
(d) 108; blank, etc., 932.
Total vote: 22,992.
Date of birth: July 25, 1827.
Place of birth: Richmondville, N. Y.
Parents: Dr. Thomas B. (Van A.) and Eliza Gile.
Education: Moravia Academy; Flartwick; Hamilton, 1848.
Married to: (a) Sarah Clapp.
(b) N. Louise Peck.
(c) Laura Louisa Wurdemann.
Date: (a) Albany, September 3, 185 1.
(b) Albany, October 25, 1876.
(c) Washington, February 17, 1886.
Children: (a) (2) Thomas Butler, Charles Edwin.
(b) None.
(c) (1) William Thomas.
Residence: No. 289 State street.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Religion: Baptist:
Date of death: October 26, 1903.
Place of death: No. 289 State street.
Place of burial: Albany Rural Cemetery.
Title: Judge.
Remarks: Entered Mount Vernon Lodge, F. A. M., October 4,
1855. Master Mason, November 19, 1855. Master, 1858-61.
Marshal, 1865. Judge County Court, 1871-82. Congress,
1883-84. Albany Institute trustee. •

6o. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE.
1898-1899.
From a photograph made from life by Sterry, and owned in 1904 by The
Albany Institute.

<5
No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 739
1898.
(Continued from No. 56.)
1898.

Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne sworn as Mayor of Albany, having
been chosen at the Charter election held on Nov. 2, 1897, when
he received 8,172 votes as the Democratic candidate; his oppo
nent, Selden Erastus Marvin, receiving 6,014 votes as the Re
publican candidate; George H. Stevens receiving 6,012 votes as
the Independent Municipal Party candidate; Robert H. Moore
receiving 1,754 votes; George Du Bois receiving 108 votes;
blank, etc., 932 votes ; total number of votes cast, 22,992 ; Van
Alstyne's majority over Marvin being 2,158 votes, Jan. 1.
Charter election, Mayor, Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne; Com
mon Council : John A. R. Kapps, I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John
Franey, III. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, IV. Justus H. Davis, V.
Elsworth Carr, VI. Henry F. Tammany, VII. James J.
McKiernan, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. Robert H. McCor-
mic, Jr., X. Daniel Casey, XI. John E. Corscadden, XII.
Fred Ebel, XIII. Frank Sisson, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy, XV.
William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII. Frank
Naukam, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John E. Corscadden
(XII), president. Election, Nov. 2, 1897; sworn in, Jan. 1.
Robert G. Scherer appointed miscellaneous court reporter, Jan. I.
Filter-plant work of construction commenced, Jan. 4.
Alton B. Parker, of Esopus, N. Y. (in 1904 the Democratic candi
date for President), first presides as Chief Justice Court of
Appeals, Jan. 10.
T. Henry Dumary awarded Albany's largest contract, $300,000, for
work of constructing the filtration plant at North Albany, Jan. 15.
Lieut-Commander Daniel Delehanty, son of former Capitol Com
missioner Michael Delehanty, appointed governor of Sailors'
Snug Harbor, Tan- I5-
Bicycle side-path bill for Albany county introduced by Senator Myer
Nussbaum, representing Albany, Jan. 21.
Snowstorm of unusual magnitude, precipitation 13.6 inches, blockad
ing traffic on railroads several days, Feb. 1.
John G. Ward appointed U. S. collector of internal revenue, February.
Albanians shocked by the dispatch telling of the blowing up of the
U. S. S. Maine at night in Havana harbor, Captain Charles

74° THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 6o.
1898.
Dwight Sigsbee (b. at Albany on Jan. 16, 1845, and a graduate
of Albany Academy) in command, Feb. 15.
Albany Gallery of Fine Arts (established some fifty years previous
and forming a gallery of oil paintings) absorbed legally by the
Albany Historical and Art Society, Feb. 17.
Albany Historical and Art Society's building, at No. 176 State street
(opposite the s. e. corner of the Capitol), opened for inspection, Feb. 22.
Capt. James Levinus Hyatt becomes chief of police, Feb. 24.
Albany Historical and Art Society building at No. 176 State street
dedicated; Mayor T. J. A^an Alstyne, Bishop Doane, Rev. Dr.
Walton W. Battershall and George Douglas Miller, Esq., ora
tors, March 3.
Secretary of Navy John D. Long appealed to by citizens to name
one of the two cruisers building for Brazil after Albany, March 15.
United States purchases from Brazil the protected cruiser Almi-
rante Abreu (the Albany) building at the Elswick Works of
Messrs. Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd., at
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Eng., for $1,205,000; length, 354 ft. 4 in.;
beam, 43 ft. 9 in. ; mean draft, 16 ft. 10 in. ; displacement (nor
mal), 3,430 tons; tonnage (Suez canal), 1,121 tons; speed, 20.5
knots; engine, 7,400 h. p.; protection deck, ij4 in- at center,
2,l/2 in. on the slopes, and hull sheathed with ^y2 in. teak,
March 16.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 16.
Capitol Commissioner (State Architect) Isaac G. Perry completes
plans for creating or reconstructing Capitol park, by removal
of extensive sheds wherein the work of stone-cutting had been
conducted for twenty years, and advertises for bids, March 21.
Decision by Secretary of Navy Long to name the cruiser Almirante
Abreu in honor of Albany, March 21.
Citizens concur with universal public opinion that the time is ripe
to proceed in warfare against Spain, and rumored that McKin
ley is holding back through lack of ammunition, March 25.
Albany Fresh Air Guild (conducting Vacation Home at Canaan-
Four-Corners, N. Y., where twenty children are sent for fort
night at a time) incorporated.
Albany Chemical Co. (Gustavus Michaelis, pres.; Wm. T. Mayer,
treas.), located Nos. 2-24 Broadway, corner of Vine street,
doubles the capacity of the plant and runs night and day pro
ducing a chemical essential in the manufacture of gunpowder,
testing the highest in the country, for which the government de
lays in declaring readiness to engage in war, April 1.

CRUISER ALBANY.
The U. S. S. Albany, a protected cruiser, was purchased from Brazil on Mch. 16, 1898, while building at Elswick Works of Sir
W.G.Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd., at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Eng., as the Almirante Abreu; cost, $1,205,030. Length over all,
354 ft. 4 in. ; beam, 43 ft. 9 in, ; mean draft, 16 ft. 10 in. ; displacement (normal) 3,430 tons ; tonnage (Suez Canal), 1,121 tons.

No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 74I
1898.
Newspapers issue extras on receipt of cable that U. S. Minister to
Spain Stewart L. Woodford had received his passports, and in
danger of his life is departing from Madrid, and announcing
thus a state of war between the United States and Spain, April 21.
Crowds thronged before the bulletin-board of the Evening Journal
on State street, next door east of James street, all day, raise a
shout when the intelligence appears that the first shot has been
fired, being in the capture by the United States of a sailing
vessel, the Bucha Hura, with cargo of lumber off Florida, by
the Nashville, April 22.
Activity at the State armory in recruiting, physical examinations
being conducted day and night, April 25.
The First Regiment organized preparatory to entering the United.
States service in war against Spain, Companies A, B, C and D
of the 10th Battalion becoming Companies A, B, C and D of the
new regiment, April 28.
Citizens joyously surprised by cabled news that Commodore George
Dewey entered Manila bay aboard the U. S. S. Cruiser Olympia
despite the fact that the entrance to the harbor had been mined,
May 1.
The four companies that had enlisted in the ist Provisional Regi
ment leave the armory shortly after 9 a. m., and marching down
Washington avenue and State street, northward along Broad
way between crowds reaching to the centre of the street, take
special train for Hempstead, Long Island, to await orders at
Camp Black, so named in honor of the Governor, May 2.
Dr. Joseph Albert Lintner, State entomologist and an officer for
years of The Albany Institute (b. Schoharie, Feb. 8, 1822),
dies at Rome, Italy, whither he had gone for his failing health,
May 5.
Elm-tree beetle seriously ravages the leaves, and wagon with exten
sion hose employed in checking it, many trees throughout the
city bearing an odd appearance encircled by bands of cotton, May 10.
Steamboat Onteora built by T. S. Marvel & Co. ; 1,213 tons, 250 feet
long, 35 feet broad, 10 feet deep, 55 x 120 in. engine, May 15.
Albany Country Club's house on Great Western Turnpike, north
side of road and about four miles from City Hall, entirely re
constructed and enlarged, half-timbered style, Marcus T.
Reynolds, architect, May 20.
Spanish war revenue stamps in use here, but only limited quantities
to be had, headquarters at First National Bank, June 17.

742 THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 60.
1898.
Dog tax or license (city ordinance) passed on 20th, approved, June 22.
Albany Flospital corner-stone laid by Grand Lodge of Masons, New
Scotland avenue, June 23.
Lieut. Thomas A. Wansboro, 7th U. S. Infantry, shot through the
heart at the battle of El Caney, Cuba, and dies heroically, July 1.
George Edward Graham, of Albany, witnesses the sinking of Ad
miral Cervera's Spanish fleet on leaving Santiago harbor, while
standing on the bridge of the Brooklyn beside Rear-Admiral
W. S. Schley, July 3.
Corporal William Keeshan, 4th Infantry, killed at Santiago, July.
Albany Savings. Bank (w. corner State and Chapel streets) sold to
Albany county for $100,000.
Captain Marvin B. Harriott raises fund to purchase delicacies for
the Albany soldiers at Ft. Wadsworth, July 4.
Henry Martindale Kidd (lawyer) goes down on French liner La
Bourgoyne in collision with the Cromartyshire, going eastward,
60 miles south of Sable island, in dense fog, 5 a. m., July 4.
First N. Y. Vols. (Cos. A, B, C, D and G) leave Ft. Wadsworth for
San Francisco, July 7.
Captain John B. Rodman, located at Governor's Island (formerly
recruiting officer at Albany), member Fort Orange Club, dies,
July 7-
Albany soldiers reach Chicago, July 9.
Legislature convenes in extraordinary session to consider funds for
Spanish war necessities and soldier vote provision, July 11.
Albany Whist Club team leads in opening bout of national congress,
Boston, July 12.
Albany soldiers arrive at San Francisco, July 13.
" Albany Rangers " (organized by Col. J. Meredith Read) parade,
July 13.
Santiago surrender creates enthusiasm, 2 :30 p. m., Thursday, July 14.
Legislature passes bill appropriating $500,000 to provide State fund
for military expense in connection with war with Spain, July 14.
Albany Rangers learn that Governor Black will not accept their ser
vices ; that T. Estrada Palmer of the Cuban junta cannot pro
perly allow them to go from the United States to join Cuban
forces and that Secretary of War Russell A. Alger telegraphs
there is no authority of law to allow mustering into U. S. army,
and forthwith disband under Commander J. Meredith Read, July 15-

ALBANY HOSPITAL.
First advocated by Dr. Alden March on Jan. n, 1830 ; discussed at meeting Jan. 7, 1838 ; incorporated Apr. 14, 1843 ; commit
tee to procure site named July 14, 1851 and opened Nov. ist at s. w. cor. Madison ave. and Dove st.; bought old Jail (Eagle &
Howard sts.) Mch. 19, 1852 ; (prisoners removed to Maiden Lane June 2, 1853) and opened there Aug. 8, 1854 ; cornerstone of new
building on New Scotland ave. laid June 23, 1898, and first patient admitted May 15, 1839. A. W. Fuller, Architect.

No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 743
1898.
Legislature adjourns extraordinary session, July 16.
Capitol park improved, following its use by Capitol stone-cutters, July-
Albany soldiers, ist N. Y. Vols., leave San Francisco on transports
Lakme and Charles G. Nelson, for Honolulu, July.
Myron Ii. Rooker (president of Press Co.) dies, July 19.
Centennial Hall of St. Mary's Church erected.
Prof. James Hall, State geologist (b. Hingham, Mass., Sept. 12,
181 1 ) long a resident on property used for Beaver park, dies at
Echo Lake, Bethlehem, N. H., Aug. 7.
Capitol front approach beautified by bronze electroliers, Aug. 8.
Albany Press Club occupies quarters on State opposite Chapel street,
Aug. 10.
Protocol with Spain (signed by M. Cambon, French Ambassador,
and William R. Day, Secretary of State) creates enthusiastic
excitement 4 123 p. m., Aug. 12.
St. Mary's school (Centennial building) corner-stone laid by Bishop
Burke, Aug. 14.
I. O. O. F. Grand Lodge convenes in Odd Fellows' hall, Aug. 16.
Albanians in bad wreck at Chester, on B. & A. road, Aug. 19.
War correspondent of Associated Press, George Edward Graham,
who was on the bridge of the U. S. cruiser Brooklyn during the
destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet at Santiago on July 3rd,
arrives at Albany and is welcomed by a band and newspaper
men, Aug. 22.
Fly-wheel of T. Henry Dumary's stone-crusher plant, Fourth ave.,
bursts, Aug. 22.
Rev. E. A. Watkins (reviler during sojourn here of Roman Catholic
faith) suddenly absconds, Aug. 25.
Capitol electroliers about the main approach first lighted, Aug. 29.
Delavan hotel closed forever, to make room for new railroad station,
Sept. 2.
New York regiments ordered by War Department to Washington to
muster out, Sept. 5.
Troy City railway motor-car and D. & H. train collision, 18 killed,
at crossing in Cohoes, Sept. 5.
Gen. Franklin Townsend (ex-mayor) dies, Sept. 11.
Empire Theatre (No. 102 State street) opened by Maude Adams
in "The Little Minister," Sept. 12.
Pump station at new filter plant construction commenced, Sept. 19.
Mayor names a committee to secure fund to purchase handsome
sword for Lieut-Commander Daniel A. Delehanty of the Suwa-
nee, Sept. 24.

744 THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 60.
1898-1899.
Albany Rangers presented with souvenir medals by their former
commander, J. Meredith Read, Sept. 24.
Harmanus Bleecker Flail, after remodeling, opened for inspection, Sept. 28.
New York Central railroad station work commenced, October.
Knox street viaduct erected.
William B. Page, head of Isaiah Page & Son, iron castings foundry
on east side of Liberty street (b. Ghent, N. Y.), aged 49 years,
dies, Oct. 30.
Judge John T. McDonough (Rep.) elected State secretary, and
Curtis N. Douglas (Dem.) State senator,- Nov. 8.
Lieut. Thomas A. Wansboro's body (arriving at Albany Nov. 9)
placed in Co. B's quarters at armory, and military funeral held
at St. Mary's Church, burial in St. Agnes' Cemetery, Nov. 10.
Captain Charles Dwight Sigsbee (captain of U. S. S. Maine) and
Commander Daniel Delahanty (commander of the Suwanee)
given reception by the Albany Flistorical and Art Society, Nov. 13.
Vacation Home at Canaan-Four-Corners, N. Y., purchased by Fresh
Air Guild.
Hon. Flamilton Harris' wife dies, Dec. 11.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 11.
Tenth Battalion arrives home from Honolulu, H. I., Dec. 21.

1899.

Theodore Roosevelt inaugurated Governor of New York, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, Thomas J. Van Alstyne ; Com
mon Council : John A. R. Kapps, I. Malachi F. Cox, II. John
Franey, III. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, IV. Justus F Davis, V.
Ellsworth Carr, VI. Henry F. Tammany, VII. James J.
McKiernan, VIII. John F. Fitzgerald, IX. Robert FI. McCor-
mic, Jr., X. Daniel Casey, XI. John E. Corscadden, XII.
Fred Ebel, XIII. Frank N. Sisson, XIV. Joseph A. Clancy,
XV. William H. Golden, XVI. Charles A. Pritchard, XVII.
Frank Naukam, XVIII. John Pauly, XIX. John E. Corscad
den (XII), president. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Entomological Society organized, Ephraim P. Felt, pres., January.
The United States Protected Cruiser Albany launched, being the
first warship of the U. S. Navy when in the possession of the

• SPANISH WAR SOUVENIR.
At the outbreak of the War with Spain both the State National Guard and private citizens were fired with patriotism,
and none gave stronger evidence of a desire to serve his country than John Meredith Read, Esq., who recruited and drilled
several hundred men in his command styled Albany Rangers, tendering service to both President McKinley and Gov. Black.

No. 60. THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. 745
1899.
United States Government ever launched abroad, and chris
tened by the wife of Lt. J. C. Colwell, Naval Attache to the
U. S. Embassy in London, Jan. 14.
Death of Gen. Selden Erastus Marvin, the Republican nominee for
Mayor Nov. 2, 1897, while on a visit to New York; born at
Jamestown, N. Y., on Aug. 20, 1835 ; Paymaster-General and
then, in 1865, Adjutant-General under Gov. R. H. Fenton;
participated two and a half years in the Civil War; secretary
and treasurer many years of the Coming Iron Works at So.
Troy; president of Hudson River Telephone Co., and treas
urer of 27 religious funds, with residence No. 344 State St.,
Jan. 19.
Howard J. Rogers appointed director Educational and Social
Economy exhibition for the United States commission to the
1900 Paris Exposition, January.
Harry Iiamilton Bender appointed State superintendent of public
buildings, Feb. 1.
William Manning Van Heusen, lawyer, son of Theodore V. Van
Heusen (b. Albany, May 5, 1865) dies at Pasadena, Cal, Feb. 3.
Simon W. Rosendale appointed commissioner State Board of Chari
ties, March 8.
River opened to navigation (Government record), March 24.
Mrs. Erastus Corning (Miss Mary Parker, daughter of Judge A. J.
Parker), philanthropist and president of Women's Diocesan
League, dies at No. 23 Elk street, Easter, April 2.
George Rogers Howell, State Archivist, an author, and secretary
of The Albany Institute (b. Southampton, N. Y., June 15, 1833)
dies at Albany, April 5.
Charles H. Turner appointed manager of N. Y. State Reformatory
for Women, Bedford, April 6.
Albany Academy receives fund of $50,000 from Frederick P. Olcott, April.
Marion Randolph (superintendent of Rural Cemetery), dies, April 21.
Albany Rural Cemetery appoints James A. Burns (6th) superin
tendent.
Albany Rural Cemetery superintendent's residence (Marcus T.
Reynolds, architect) erected.
Albany Savings Bank (s. w. corner North Pearl street and Maiden
Lane) completed and first occupied, April 25.
Ten Eyck Hotel opened, May 8.
Albany City Hospital's first patient, May 15.
Hudson River Line changed to Hudson River Day Line.

74^ THOMAS JEFFERSON VAN ALSTYNE. No. 60.
1899.
Emory Worth Howell (coal) dies, Aug. 3.
Water filtration plant on Troy road in operation, September.
Joseph Smith, author (b. Charleston, S. C, March 9, 1832), dies at
Saratoga, Sept. 14.
United Traction Co.'s office, Broadway and Columbia (Marcus T.
Reynolds, architect), erected.
James Henry Blessing chosen Mayor of Albany at the Charter elec
tion, receiving 12,364 votes as the Republican candidate; his
opponent, Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne (the present mayor),
receiving 9,995 votes as the Democratic candidate; Oren E.
Wilson (ex-mayor) receiving 332 votes as an independent can
didate ; others, 157 votes; total number of votes cast, 22,848;
Blessing's majority over Van Alstyne being 2,369 votes, he is
declared elected, , Nov. 7.
Dr. Charles Edmund Jones, a prominent homeopathic physician and
formerly president of the State Iiomeopathic Society, dies at
the Albany City Hospital following an operation upon him,
Dec. 1.
Mayor Van Alstyne appoints a Sheridan Memorial committee, Dec. 18.
Steamboat Lotta that had run for about twenty years from Albany
to New Baltimore, sold to parties at Charleston, S. C.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 23.
First Automobile brought to Albany, by Archibald M. Dederick, Dec. 26.
Albany Railway and the Troy Street Railway consolidated, becom
ing the United Traction Company, Dec. 30.

(See No. 61.)

CRUISER ALBANY LAUNCHED.
This was the first warship of the U. S. Navy, when owned by this
Government to be launched abroad. Christened at Newcastle-on-
Tyne, Eng., Jan. 14, 1899, by wife of Lieut. J. C. Colwell. Arma
ment : 10 five-inch, R. F. G. ; 10 three-pounders, S. A. G.; 2 one-
pounders, R. F. G.; 2 of .30 Cal. aut. g., and 1 three-inch field gun ;
protective deck 1% in. at center, 3>£ in. on slopes ; hull sheathed 2%
in. teak. (Photograph by Cuyler Reynolds.)

FILTRATION PLANT.
Work of construction was started at North Albany flats Jan. 4, 1898; building the pumping station began September
19, 1898; plant first in operation in September, 1899, and showed marked results in health records at once.

FILTRATION PLANT.
This shows how the underground vaults look.

No. 61.
Mnwz ifcnnj Hosing.

Jan. 1. 1900— Dec. 31, 1901.

No. 61.
JAMES HENRY BLESSING.
Date of office:. January i, 1900-December 31, 1901.
Date of election: November 7, 1899.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: 12,364.
Opponent: Thomas J. Van Alstyne.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: 9,995; O. E. Wilson, 332; others, 157.
Total vote: 22,848.
Date of birth: September 14, 1837.
Place of birth: French's Mills, Albany county, N. Y.
Parents: Frederick I. (B.) and Lucinda Smith.
Education: Common school.
Married to: (a) Martha Hutson (d. July 17, 1866).
(b) Mary Gilson.
Date: (a) Albany, September 15, 1857.
(b) Pittsfield, November 9, 1870.
Children:- (a) (2) Lucinda, Martha (Backus), d. Jan. 5, 1907.
(b) None.
Residence: No. 107 Eagle street.
Occupation: Inventor and manufacturer of steam traps.
Religion: Baptist.
Title: Honorable.
Remarks: Supervisor (fifth ward), 1854-55. President of Board
of Supervisors, 1855. Construction department, New York
Navy Yard, 1862-64. Under Commodore Porter as 3d
Assistant Engineer, March 29, 1864. First Mayor under the
new charter. School No. 12 completed, 1901, and erection of
first public bath.

61. JAMES HENRY BLESSING.
1900-1901.
From a photograph made from life in 1899 by The Albany Art Union, and
owned by The Albany Institute.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 749
1900.
(Continued from No. 60.)
1900.

James Henry Blessing is sworn as the Mayor of Albany, having
been chosen to succeed Mayor Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne
at the Charter election held on Nov. 7, 1899, when he received
12,364 votes as the Republican candidate ; his opponent, Thomas
J. Van 'Alstyne, receiving 9,995 votes as the Democratic can
didate ; Oren E. Wilson, receiving 332 votes as the independent
or business men's candidate; others, 157 votes; total number
of votes cast, 22,848; Blessing's majority over Van Alstyne
being 2,369 votes, Jan. 1.
Charter election, Mayor, James Henry Blessing; Common Council:
Joseph Besch, I. John. W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III. John
J. Howe, IV. Peter FI. Reynolds, V. Ellsworth Carr, VI.
William H. Hiues, VII. Thomas F. Martin, VIII. oseph F.
Leddy, IX. Peter Keeler, X. John Andrews, XI. James
Maloy, XII. Newton W. Thompson, XIII. Frank N. Sisson,
XIV. Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI.
Richard Hughes, XVII. Frank Naukam, XVIII. Mathias E.
Keim, XIX. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, president. Election, Nov.
7, 1899; sworn in, Jan. 1.
Opening of the new century generally observed by special exercises
in many of the churches, the firing of cannon, ringing of the
chimes of St. Peter's Church and the Cathedral of the Immacu
late Conception and a " midnight mass " celebrated before an
immense audience in the latter by Bishop Burke, Jan. 1.
Population of the city at this time 94,151 ; of the county, 165,571 ;
of the State, 7,268,894; of the United States, 75,568,686, the
latter figure including 91,219 persons in the military and naval
service of the United States (civilian employees, etc.) stationed
abroad, not credited to any state or territory, Jan. 1.
Savings banks change rate of interest from 4% to 3>^%, Jan. 1.
Albany city real estate valued at $59,790,690; personal at $9,237,194 ;
rate of taxation per $1,000 fixed at $21.40, Jan. 1.
Maiden Lane bridge of the Hudson River Bridge Co. (N. Y. Cen
tral road) reconstruction completed by Pencoyd Bridge Co., ex
cepting the draw, Jan. 3.
Legislature convenes and listens to the reading of Gov. Roswell P.
Flower's "Message," Jan. 3.
Howard P. Foster becomes chief of police, Jan. 6.

75° JAMES HENRY BLESSING No. 6l.
1900.
Chamber of Commerce organized (Joel W. Burdick, pres,; Wm. B.
Jones, sec), Jan. 9.
Albany Society dinner held at Delmonico's in New York, Louis
Stern elected president, Jan. 10-
Statue of Dr. Edward Austin Sheldon, "Father of Normal School
System," executed by Geo. Francis Brines in bronze, unveiled
in rotunda of Senate stairway of Capitol, Jan. 11.
Methodists hold jubilee in First M. E. Church, having freed all
churches of denomination in Albany of debt, Jan. 11.
Edwin S. Sterry, photographer, dies, Jan. 14.
State Bar Association annual meeting, Justice Brown of U. S. Su
preme Court delivering address, " Liberty of the Press," in
Assembly chamber, followed by reception at Fort Orange Club,
Jan.16.
United Traction Co.'s Troy division motor-men and conductors go
out on strike, Jan. 22.
Gorge at Cedar Iiill becomes solid and alarming, Jan. 27.
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons holds 103rd convocation at
Temple, Feb. 6.
Freshet (greatest in 43 years), 20 feet above normal level, causing
great suffering in southern section of city, Feb. 14.
John D. Whish appointed secretary of State Forest, Fish and Game
Commission.
Capt. Angus McD. Shoemaker, Civil war hero and school com
missioner (born Albany, April 9, 1844), dies, Feb. 27.
Rev. William D. Prall assumes rectorship of St. Paul's (Epis.)
Church, March 2.
Y. M. A. accepts tender of " Pruyn Library," March 5.
St. Agnes' Cemetery acquires 75 acres, estate of late Wm. Howard
Hart, south of its property, March 9.
Sloan's hotel, famous hostelry on Western turnpike, destroyed by
fire, March 14.
Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, author (b. Steingrub, Bohemia, March 28,
1819.) Dies at Cincinnati, March 26.
Painters and Decorators Union No. 201 institute strike, April 1.
River open to navigation, (Government record), April 2.
Legislature adjourns, April 6.
Maj. Frank Rockwell Palmer, ioth Battalion, city comptroller, (mili
tary funeral), dies, April 21.
Thomas D. Coleman, proprietor of brewery, dies, April 23.
Albany Trust Co. organized, May 1.
Carpenters and Plumbers unions start building trades strike. May 2.

ALBANY SAVINGS BANK.

The fir
June ioth ;
1875 ; new
1899.

st savings bank at Albany, incorporated March 25, 1820, opened
entered its own building (11. w. cor. State & Chapel sts.) May 11,
building (s. w. cor. Pearl & Maiden Lane) opened Apr. 25,

UNITED TRACTION CO. OFFICE.
The Albany Railway and other local electric street
lines were consolidated Dec. 30, 1899, and the office
building (n. w. cor. Broadway & Columbia St.;
M. T. Reynolds, Architect) opened June 14, 1900.

IMPORTANT ALBANY INSTITUTIONS.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 751
1900.
Maj. James L. Hyatt elected • commander Tenth Battalion, May 5.
Last spring snow of season, May 5.
Steamboat Alice May put on the New Baltimore line.
Last killing frost of the season, May II.
Albany Institute unites with the Albany Historical and Art Society,
electing Judge William L. Learned its president, and Cuyler
Reynolds its curator, May 14.
Children's playground in Beaver pork inaugurated, May 15.
Canal street changed to Sheridan avenue, ordinance passed, May 21.
John Blackburn, coal dealer, dies, May 24.
George M. Bender, donor of Bender Bacteriological Laboratory,
dies, May 24.
Because of the war with Spain (declared on Apr. 21, 1898.) the
U. S. Protected Crusier Albany which had been bought from
Brazil for $1,205,000 on March 16, 1898, could not be placed
in commission until the close and although launched from the
ship-yards of the Armstrong Co. at Newcastle-on-Tyne on Jan.
14, 1899, was n°t placed in commission until this day, when
a crew from this country was put aboard. Her complement
consists of 19 officers and 329 men; her speed 20.5 knots, by
one engine of 7,400 h.p. ; her armament consists of 10 five-
inch, R. F. G. ; 10 three-pounders, S. A. G. ; 2 one-pounders,
R. F. G. ; 2 of .30 Cal. automatic guns, and 1 three-inch field
gun; hull sheathed with teak 3J/2 inches thick, May 29.
Albany Railway opens its new office building at the northwest corner
of Broadway and Columbia sts., Marcus T. Reynolds, architect, June 14.
N. Y. Central Railroad reconstructs viaduct over N. Broadway, June 15.
Joshua Floward King, president Albany Savings Bank, N. Y. State
National Bank and Albany Ins. Co., dies, Ridgefield, Conn., July 18.
Grape-root worm ravages fruit.
Col. James Hendrick, insurance, with office for many years in the
Museum or Marble Pillar Building at northwest corner of
Broadway and State streets, dies at his country-seat, Font
Grove, Slingerlands, July 24.
Rev. George P. Wilson dies, Aug. 10.
Miss Matilda Douw of Albany, confined during the critically serious
" Boxer " uprising with the United States legation at Pekin,
having been besieged for several weeks by the riotous Chinese,
is liberated with the others, Aug. 15.

752 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1900.
Louis Menand, noted horticulturist and author, the original founder
of Menands, three miles north of Albany, (b. Burgundy,
France, on Aug. 2, 1807), dies at his home at Menands, Aug. 15.
Albany Savings Bank elects Wm. Bayard Van Rensselaer its (8th)
president to succeed J. Howard King who died on July 18th,
having been its president since 1886, Aug. 15.
Tenth Battalion participates in field service under Mai. Horatio P.
Stacpole, Aug. 18-25.
Peter Gantz, with the 7th Heavy Artillery during the Civil War,
dies, Aug. 25.
Garrett Vander Veer, a popular young man, the son of Dr. Albert
Vander Veer, dies, Aug. 27.
Hon. William J. Morgan, State Comptroller and for about a score
of years the deputy (b. Canada, 1840) dies at his home. No.
1 Maine ave. (burial at Buffalo), Sept. 5.
Stephen White Whitney, many years connected with the Albany
Gas Light Co., the basso of St. Peter's Church, dies at his
home, No. 487 State st., aged 78 years, Sept 11.
Lansing Merchant's widow, Isabella, dies at her home. No 30
Willett st., Sept. 11.
Cantine Tremper for a great many years connected with the office
of the Albany Railway (b. Kingston, N. Y., on May 26, 1882),
dies at his home, No. 695 Broadway, Sept. 14.
Rev. Clarence Arnold Walworth, pastor of St. Mary's Church and
author, (b. Plattsburg on May 30, 1820), dies at the s. w. cornei
of Chapel and Steuben streets, parish house, Sept. 19.
Edward Ogden, architect of the Albany High School, the N. Y.
State Normal College on east side of Willett near Madison
ave., of Hotel Kenmore (erected in 1878) and several other
prominent buildings, (b. Sandgate, Eng.) aged 73 years, dies
at his home, No. 252 Hamilton street, Sept. 21.
New York State National Bank elects Vice-Pres. Ledyard Cogswell
its (6th) president, to succeed J. Howard King, deceased, Sept. 27.
John D. Parsons, publisher of prominence (Weed & Parsons on
north side of Columbia, next n. w. corner of Broadway) born
at New Baltimore on April 27, 1815, dies at his home, No. 8
Hall Place, Sept. 28.
Coal famine caused by strike in the anthracite region of Pennsyl
vania, and a consequent doubling of prices, Sept. 30.

CRUISER ALBANY COMMISSIONED.
Because of war declared with Spain on April 21, 1898, this vessel, bought on stocks March 16th, was held at English ship
yards until the close. It was commissioned May 29, 1900, by a crew sent over. Her complement consists of 19 officers, 329
men. (Photographed by Cuyler Reynolds.)

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 753
1900.
Captain Robert Davidson, of the 2nd Precinct police force, a most
popular citizen and for 41 years connected with the Depart
ment, dies of heart failure at his desk of the 2nd Police Precinct
station in the n. w. corner of the first floor of the city budding
on So. Pearl street, Oct. 9.
" Count " Max Shinburn, a notorious bank robber, sometime resi
dent of the Maiden Lane jail released from Ointon prison, Oct. 9.
Albany County Bar Association incorporated, Oct. 12.
Racquette Club organized, with building on Yates, west of Lexing
ton ave.
Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 20.
Large Republican parade and address by Postmaster-General Charles
Emory Smith, formerly of Albany editorial work, at Harmanus
Bleecker Hall, Oct. 29.
Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 9.
Miss Lina Bartlett Ditson, class poet of the Albany High School
and the author of three historical novels (b. Albany, Jan. 15,
1879) dies at New York city, Nov. 14.
Albion Ransom, famous as a manufacturer of stoves, (b. Albany)
aged 77 years, dies suddenly in New York city, Nov. 15.
John H. Rathbone, son of Gen. John F. Rathbone, dies at Oxnard,
Cal., Nov. 16.
James T. Story, prominent brewer and Mason, (b. Albany, Feb. 19,
1836) dies, Nov. 18.
Curfew law advised by action of Ministerial Association, Nov. 19.
Ex-Alderman John E. Corscadden becomes superintendent of the
Albany Penitentiary, Dec. 1.
River closed to navigation, (Government record), Dec. 10.
Miss Ellen Campbell dies, leaving $50,000 to Albany Hospital, and
sums to other charities, Dec. 11.
Hon. Hamilton Harris, prominent lawyer, attorney for the N. Y.
Central railroad at Albany, one of the original new Capitol
commissioners, (b. Preble, Cortland co., N. Y., May 1, 1820)
dies at his residence, No. 723 Broadway, Dec. 14.
Michael Mead, captain of detective force, dies, December.
N. Y. Central Railroad's new station formally opened, Dec. 17.
Albany Hospital learns of bequest of $50,000 from Miss Ellen
Campbell of this city, recently deceased, Dec. 22.
Rev. Fidelis M. Voight, former pastor of Our Lady of Angels'
Church, (b. Indiana, Feb. 21, 1855) dies at Trenton, N. J.,
Dec. 26.

754 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1900-1901.
First automobile owned in this city (steam motor-power) arrives
for Archibald M. Dederick, Dec. 2b.
Geological Society of America's 13th convention heid in the Albany
Academy building, Dec. 27.
Capt. Edgar V. Denison, connected many years with the R. G. Dun
Mercantile agency and a military enthusiast, (b. Brookfield,
N. Y., 1850) dies at his home on Leonard Place, Dec. 30.

1901.
Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., of Newburgh, becomes Governor, Jan. 1.
Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, James H. Blessing ; Cominon
Council : Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III.
John J. Howe, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Ellsworth Carr,
VI. William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin, VIII. Joseph
F. L'eddy, IX. Peter Keeler, X. John Andrews, XI. James
Maloy, XII. Newton W. Thompson XIII. Frank N. Sisson,
XIV. Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI.
Richard Hughes, XVII. Frank Naukam, XVIII. Mathias E.
Keim, XIX. Thomas D. Fitzgerald, president. Holding office
on, ' Jan. 1.
Albany & Hudson electric road, by third rail system, opened, January.
Albany Society banquet at Dehnonico's, New York, electing Louis
Stern president, Jan. 9.
Rev. David L. Schwartz, former rector of Grace Episcopal Church,
dies at Lakewood, N. J., Jan. 14.
Third Brigade Signal Corps disbands and Troop B organizes, Jan. 15.
Stephen Van Rensselaer Townsend, attorney, moved since starting
practice to New York city, the son of the late Howard Town-
send, M. D., of No. 15 Elk st., dies at Hempstead, L. I.,
Jan. 15.
Chinese Minister to the United States Wu Ting-fang, LL.D. Har
vard graduate, guest of the N.' Y. State Bar Association, a
visitor to the city and entertained at the home of Col. William
G. Rice (n. e. corner of Washington ave. and Dove st.) delivers
an address at Harmanus Bleecker Hall in the evening, Jan. 15.
Bishop Doane addresses the N. Y. State Bar Association on " Uni
form Divorce Laws," jan. -17.

CENTRAL RAILROAD STATION.
Erected on site of the old Delavan House (n. e. cor. Broadway and Steuben St.), which was
destroyed by fire Dec. 30, :

designed by Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge of Boston; waiting-room

103x134 ft., 52 ft. high; opened Dec. 17, 1930.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 755

1901.

Ezra Parmelee Prentice, lawyer of Chicago, resident of Albany until
nearly of age, marries John D. Rockefeller's daughter, Alta, at
New York, Jan. 17.
Joseph C. Yates Paige, chief clerk of the U. S. Comptroller of
Currency, (b. Albany) aged 51 years, dies at Washington,
D. C, ' Jan- 21.
Warren Leland, Jr., dies in New York city, Jan. 21.
Gansevoort DeWandelaer Huriburt, attorney with office in Van
Vechten Hall, his country-seat at Glenmont, upon the eminence
west of " The Abbey," son of Elisha W. Huriburt, (b. Newport,
N. Y., Nov. 8, 1857) dies, Jan. 22.
Queen Victoria's death this day recognized by liberal decorations of
mourning, Jan. 22.
William Cagger dies in Brooklyn, January.
Albany Racquet Club buys land for house on north side of Yates
st., west of Lexington ave., Jan. 30.
State Medical Society banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, Jan. 30.
Harry H. Bender re-appointed State superintendent of public build
ings, Feb. 1.
John Henry Farrell, proprietor of The Times-Union, which papers
he consolidated in 1891, and previously a member of the Press
Co., as a proprietor and editor issuing the Press & Knicker
bocker in 1877, (b. Kenwood, Sept. 1, 1839) dies at his home,
No. 598 Madison ave., and is widely mourned as one of the
city's energetic men who have its interests at heart, Feb. 2.
Queen Victoria memorial service conducted in All Saints' Cathedral
by Bishop Doane and Dean Wilford L. Robbins, at hour of
funeral, Feb. 2.
Mrs. Celestia Sigsbee, mother of Admiral Charles Dwight Sigsbee
(captain of the U. S. S. Maine when blown up at Havana, Feb.
15, 1898), who was born to her at No. 20 Spring St., this city,
(Jan. 16, 1845), dies at Otego, N. Y., Feb. 4.
John Marshall centennial ceremonies in Assembly Chamber by the
N. Y. State Bar Association, Hon. John F. Dillon, of New
York, orator, Feb. 4.
Robert C. Pruyn, President of the National Commercial Bank and
of the Albany Railway, chosen Regent at joint session of
Legislature, Feb. 13.
Ex-Gov. Alonzo B. Cornell visits Governor Odell at the executive
chamber, the last time before his death, Feb. 14.
Ten Broeck B. Mayell, rubber goods, dies, Feb. 19.
Governor Odell gives the annual public evening reception, Feb. 18.

756 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1901.
Bath annexation (to Rensselaer) bill passed by Sepate, Feb. 19.
Livingston avenue railroad bridge of the N. Y. Central road offered
for sale at $40,000 to prospective organizers of a traffic bridge,
Feb. 20.
" White Rats" (theatrical vaudeville union) strike spreads to Al
bany and creates trouble in the city, Feb. 22.
Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) speaks for the Society of Osteo
paths in the Assembly Chamber, crowding the immense room,
on " Should Osteopaths Practice without Passing State Medical
Examination ? " Feb. 27.
Sections of History and Literature organized by The Albany In
stitute and Historical and Art Society, reviving working de
partments of the old Institute, lectures and collections, Feb. 27.
Maude Gonne, Irish agitator, speaks at the Empire theatre, Feb. 28.
Three Syrians asphyxiated by gas on Grand street, March 2.
Benjamin Gillespy Myers, brother of John G. Myers (b. Saugerties,
1829), dies at 'his home on Clinton ave., March 5.
Bath annexation (to Rensselaer) bill passed by Assembly, March 6.
Citizens shocked by the news posted on bulletin boards announcing
the death of ex-President Benjamin Harrison, arbitrator of the
Venezuela-Great Britain dispute, at his Indianapolis home of
affection of the lungs, March 13.
Solomon Strasser, wholesale tobacco at n. w. corner of Green and
Beaver streets (site of the tavern at which George Washington
was banquetted), dies, March 17.
Gen. John Finlay Rathbone, head of the mammoth stove manufac
turing plant here, Detroit and Chicago, president of the Albany
Academy board of trustees many years, president of the Al-
Dany Orphan Asylum, president of the Albany Rural Cemetery
ana president of Mutual Fire Insurance Co., a city benefactor
and philanthropist (b. Albany, Oct. 9, 1819), dies at his hand
some residence, No. 1 19 Washington avenue, March 20.
University Club organized in the Albany Academy, planning to oc
cupy the Matthew Hale residence, No. 99 Washington avenue
(north side, second door west of Swan street) electing Russell
M. Johnston its first president, March 21.
River open before southern part of the city, March 21.
Rev. Clarence Arnold Walworth memorial service ('ate pastor of
St. Mary's) at Odd Fellows' Hall on Lodge street, Bishop
Doane the speaker, March 21.
Pruyn library transferred to the Young Men's Association manage
ment, by deed, March 25.

PRUYN LIBRARY.
The John Van Schaick Lansing Pruyn Free Library was erected by his
family in 1901, on the site of house in which he was born in 1811 (s. e. cor.
No. Pearl st. and Clinton ave.) ; accepted by the Y. M. A., March 25,
1901, transferred by deed March 28th, and dedicated April 8, 1901. (From
photograph by Gustave Lorey.)

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 757
1901.
River clear of ice before the city, March 23.
Old New York Central station, Montgomery and Steuben streets,
lowered to the ground, giving way fot new edifice, March 25.
Robert Strain, oils (b. Albany, Nov. 30, 1832), dies at Philadelphia, March 28.
River open to navigation, City of Troy coming up, March 29.
Albany & Hudson electric road runs cars into Albany, March 30.
Ex-Congressman Martin H. Glynn appointed by President McKin
ley a St. Louis Exposition commissioner for the government, March 30.
Hon. Neil Gilmour (b. Paisley, Scotland, Jan. 8, 1840) dies,
March 31.
Adirondack of People's Line leaves New York on first trip of season,
April 1.
Latest spring snow of the season, April 1.
Governor Odell signs Senator Ellis' bill changing the color of the
New York State flag from buff to blue, the former having
proved hard to distinguish from that of the quarantine, April 3,
Bath-on-Hudson annexed to Rensselaer, Bradford R. Lansing be
coming the first mayor, April 5.
Marcellus B. Waters, general passenger agent of People's Line (b.
Duxbury, Mass., 1831) dies at Troy, April 5.
Several smallpox cases on Schuyler street cause alarm, April 5.
The Mary Parker Corning organ, most costly in the city, dedicated
at All Saints Cathedral, April 6.
Pruyn Library at southeast corner of North Pearl street and Clinton
avenue, dedicated, Mayor Blessing delivering the oration, April 8.
Hon. Francis H. Woods, former postmaster, surrogate, assembly
man, judge (b. Albany, 1843), dies at his home, No 46 Willett
street, April 8.
Rev. Francis N. Stuart (b. Albany, Feb. 8, 1865), while pastor ot
St. Mary's Church at Coxsackie, dies, April 9.
Latest killing frost of the season, April 13.
Jared FI. Armatage dies, April 22.
Water over the docks, extending to Dean street, caused by rain,
April 22.
Hon. Martin H. Glynn elected vice-president by the U. S. Commis
sion of the St. Louis Exposition of 1903, April.
Legislature adjourns, April 23.

75§ JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1901.
Dana park, at Madison and Delaware avenue, opened and dedicated
by an address by Mayor Blessing, in presence of the Dana
Natural History Society (organized in 1868), Arbor Day, May 3.
Fruit trees in bloom, May 5.
Strike inaugurated by United Traction Co. employees on differing
over a new schedule presented the first of the month, May 7.
No electric cars in five cities operated in by United Traction Co.,
and lines of carryalls in common service, May 8.
Co. A of Albany Academy Cadets wins guidon drill at aimory, May 10.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects Judge Wm.
L. Learned its president a second time, at annual meeting, May 13.
Tenth Batallion and Third Signal Corps ordered out by the Gov
ernor to preserve order and they patrol the routes of the trac
tion company on most of the streets, May 14.
Albany Law School of Union University celebrates semi-centennial, May 15.
Local troops preserving order reinforced by the 23rd Regiment of
Brooklyn, which camps at B.everwyck park on Washington
avenue beyond Quail street, a squad of soldiers riding on each
car, and the city placed under martial law, May 15.
Violent mob attacks a motor car, hurling missiles at it, as it passes
a few hundred feet north of Columbia street on Broadway.
Lieutenant Wilson and companions of the 23rd Brooklyn regi
ment fire and fatally wound E. LeRoy Smith, standing upon
the steps of his store, and William M. Walsh, at 4 -.30 p. m.,
May 16.
Death of E. LeRoy Smith at 4 a. m., shot in riot on previous after
noon, head of the wholesale shoe manufacturing firm of Smith
& Herrick, and president of Albany Whist Club, May 17.
Close of the Albany Railway strike, May 19.
Robert Geer, wholesale salt, with office on the pier to the south of
State street basin bridge, treasurer of Home for Incurables
and a member of Temple Lodge, dies at his home, No. 33
Pine avenue, south, May 22.
Fatal collision, rounding curve, on Albany & Hudson electric road,
May 26.
Steamer New York of Hudson River Day Line first to arrive, May 28.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 759
1901.
Acors Rathbun, dealer for many years in hardwood lumbers in the
Lumber District and man of wealth (b. Aug. 28, 1827), dies at
his home, No. 28 Willett street, May 31.
Col. Horatio Potter Stacpole, commander of the ioth Battalion,
dies at his home, No. 240 Hudson avenue, June 3.
Albany Academy 88th commencement, Cuyler W. Lush valedicto
rian, June 13.
Jeremiah Jewell Van Bramer, prominent veteran fireman (b. Al
bany), aged 76 years, dies, June 13.
William FI. Johnson, president of The Argus Co. (b. Syracuse,
Jan. 20, 1834), dies at his home, No. 121 Lancaster street,
June 28.
American Express Co. occupies new building on site of old depot
on Montgomery street, July 8.
Rev. Dr. Ezra R. Huntington, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church,
dies at Auburn, July 14.
Frederick A. Schifferdecker, Jr., supervisor (b. Albany, July 19,
i860), dies, July 14.
Commodore Alfred Van Santvoord, president of Hudson River
Day Line, a former Albanian (b. Utica, 1819), dies aboard
his yacht Clermont at the mouth of the Hudson, July 20.
Body of Commodore Van Santvoord arrives at this city on board
his yacht and burial takes place at the Rural Cemetery, July 24.
Hudson River Day Line elects Eben E. Olcott president, July-
Hon. James Webster Eaton, ex-district-attorney (b. Albany, May
14, 1856), dies at his home on Madison avenue (opposite the
park lake), Aug. 1.
Steamer Drew, for many years a most popular night boat of the
People's Line, towed to Raritan Bay to be broken up for junk,
Aug. 14.
Howard J. Rogers appointed chief of the Department of Education
for the St. Louis, 1903, Exposition, Aug. 15.
Samuel Anable dies, prominent citizen, Aug. 15.
J. Townsend Lansing collection of paintings brought by him from
Europe and valued at more than $25,000, presented by him to
the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, August.
Clifford A. Iiand, lawyer, brother of the late Samuel H. Hand and
-a prominent member of the State Bar Association, dies at his
home in Elizabethtown, N. Y., Aug. 17.
School No. 12, Robin street, completed.
Richard Varick De Witt, ex-fire commissioner and insurance agent
(b. Albany, 1832), dies at his home, No. 202 Lancaster street,
Aug. 21.

760 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1901.
Steamboat Ticonderoga, popular steamer for many years and
familiar to thousands of Albanians, burns at the northern end
of Lake George, Captain White, Aug. 29.
Labor Day, showers in the morning, Sept. 2.
Gen. James G. Grindlay, who captured two Confederate flags at
Five Forks, Va., while commanding the Fifth Army Corps
under General Sheridan, and who was awarded a medal of
honor by the U. S. Government, elected president of the Army
of the Potomac Association, Gettysburg, September.
Albanians shocked by the news of the shooting at 4:10 p. m. of
President William McKinley, while in the Temple of Music
on the Pan-American Exposition grounds at Buffalo. At 4:25
o'clock he is conveyed by the Exposition ambulance to the
Emergency hospital at the West Amherst street gate to the
grounds, where Dr. Mann performs the operation of washing
the intestines and extracting one bullet from the right chest;
at 7:30 p. m. he is conveyed through the grounds, the exposi
tion having closed purposely at sundown, to the home of John
G. Milburn, president of the Exposition, Delaware avenue,
where he meets his wife, and despatches sent all over the
country, Sept. 6.
President McKinley shows increased strength, and city bulletin
boards the scene of a crowd day and night here, Sept. 9.
The President able to read the newspapers, the wound having been
washed with antiseptics, but temperature at 102 degrees, Sept. 10.
The New York Automobile Club on its tour, having left New York
yesterday, arrives at Albany, Sept. 10.
New York Automobile Club departs for Herkimer at 8 a. m. from
Empire rink, Sept. II.
George W. Carpenter, one of the city's early engineers, and in
charge Of the waterworks half a century previous (b. Albany,
May 17, 1811), dies at Fisher's Island, Long Island Sound, Sept. 12.
The President's case becomes grave, being unconscious most of the
morning, and through the afternoon is kept alive only by medic
inal means. At 7 p. m. he faintly tells his sorrowing wife, " It's
His way," and breathes a farewell, ere at 9 p. m. he sinks into
an unconscious condition that continues to the end, Sept. 13.
President William McKinley's death at 2:15 a. m., at the home of
John G. Milburn at Buffalo, announced by the papers in the
morning, which bear dark borders, and citizens begin draping
their houses and places of business, Sept. 14.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 761
1901.
No house without its mourning drapery in respect for President
McKinley. The main portico, as well as the north and south
entrances to the Capitol completely concealed by heavy folds
of black cloth, the Post Office, Albany Club, County building,
City Hall and Albany Railway building sombrously decorated
with elaborate artistic skill. The remains, on the previous day
following the n o'clock private service at the Milburn resi
dence, taken to Buffalo's City Hall, where, until 1 1 p. m. 90,000
pass about the casket, and to-day the funeral train left that
city at 8:30 a. m., to be respectfully greeted along almost the
entire route of 420 miles to Washington, the bells tolling in the
cities as the train passes through. It arrives at Washington at
8 :40 p. m., and the casket is placed in the " East Room " of the
White House, Sept. 16.
The McKinley cortege leaves the White House in the morning,
passes along Pennsylvania avenue to the Capitol, where the
State funeral is held at 11 a. m. in the rotunda; the special
funeral train starting for his late home in Canton, Ohio, at 8
p. m., Sept. 17.
The Albany Law School, where McKinley was a student and gradu
ated, is a special object of attention and comment. The cortege
reaches Canton at 11 158 a. m., the casket conveyed to the court
house, and at night rests in his old home, Sept. 17.
Services held in a great many Albany churches at the hour of the
McKinley funeral, with special discourses and solemn music,
1 130 p. m., and at this hour practically all machinery in the city
ceases to move, the boats in the river and trains pausing for a
space, Sept. 19.
Considerable interest taken in the trial of McKinley's assassin in
Buffalo's city hall, defended by Justices Lewis and Titus before
Judge Truman C. White, commenced this day, Sept. 23.
Schenectady Railway runs cars into Albany for first time, Sept. 23.
McKinley's assassin found guilty of murder, Sept. 24.
John W. Wallace, city editor of Press & Knickerbocker (b. Albany,
Jan. 29, 1872), dies, Sept. 25.
McKinley's assassin sentenced to be electrocuted and is taken same
day to Auburn, Sept. 26.
Democratic city convention held in the City Hall, nominating Gen.
Amasa J. Parker for mayor, Sept. 27.
Albany Baseball team wins State League pennant, Wm. Quinlan,
owner, September.
Filtration plant statistical record started, Sept. 28

762 JAMES HENRY BLESSING. No. 6l.
1901.
Completion of laying asphalt pavement on Madison avenue, a
second time, Sept. 29.
Miss Alida G. Radcliff, formerly of No. 708 Broadway, dies at her
home in Rhinecliffe, N. Y. (burial in Rural Cemetery), Oct. 3.
Rev. Jacob Henry Enders, pastor of City Mission, dies at Fort
Hunter, N. Y, Oct. 6.
Republican city convention nominates Major Charles H. Gaus for
mayor, Oct. 9.
Annual parade of police and fire departments, • Oct. 9.
Trevor McC. Leutze, many years a most popular attache of the
State engineer's office (head of a division) and of the Camera
Club (b. Duesseldorf, Germany), dies at his home, No. 11 Pine
avenue, North, Oct. 14.
Stanwix Gansevoort, with the U. S. Navy in the Mexican War (b.
Albany), aged 80 years, dies at South Glens Falls, Oct. 16.
Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 20.
Many Albanians attend Yale's bi-centennial celebration, Oct. 20.
George Edward Graham, having been on the bridge of the U. S. S,
Brooklyn with Admiral Winfield Scott Schley during the sink
ing of the Spanish fleet at Santiago on July 3, 1898, he testifies
before the naval court at Annapolis in the determination of the
action of that officer at that time as being proper under the cir
cumstances, the case being brought about by the partisans of
Admiral Schley and Admiral Sampson of the New York, Oct. 21.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society secures former City
Hospital building at the southeast corner of Eagle and Howard
streets.
Completion of the re-laying of asphalt on Madison avenue, Oct. 23.
Electrocution of Leon F. Czolgosz, assassin of President McKinley
on Sept. 6th, conducted at Auburn at 7:12 a. m., and burial in
quicklime and acids at 2 o'clock, Oct. 29.
Park settees removed, plank board-walk laid, King Fountain cov
ered in Washington park, Nov. 1.
Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 5.
Major Charles H. Gaus elected the Mayor of Albany at the Charter
election, receiving 13,027 votes as the Republican candidate;
his opponent, Gen. Amasa J. Parker, receiving 10,673 votes as
the Democratic candidate; others, 123 votes; blank and void,
463 votes ; total number of votes cast, 24,286 ; Gaus' majority
over Parker being 2,354 votes, he is declared elected Mayor of
Albany, Nov. 5.
Ice for 15 feet from borders of Washington Park lake, Nov. 15.

HUMANE SOCIETY BUILDING.
The site (s. e. cor. Howard and Eagle sts.) was that of old jail of 1810, its thick walls serviceable in 1906. Occupied
1854-1899 by Albany Hospital ; secured by Humane Soc'y, 1901. Albany Co. Soc'y for Prevention of Cruelty to Children
incor'd June 9, 1887 ; became Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society May 3, 1889 ; incor'd Mch. 8, 1892.

No. 6l. JAMES HENRY BLESSING. 763'
1901.
Yale football team, with Charles Gould of Albany captain, beats
Princeton, io-o, at New Haven, Nov. 16.
Local McKinley Memorial committee organizes, Nov. 26.
First and unusually early sleighing, Nov. 26.
Ice on park lake and canal bears a person ; much snow on ground,
Nov. 28.
Steamboat Adirondack makes last trip southward, and river closes
to navigation (Government record), Nov. 30.
John Gillespy Myers, head of the large dry goods firm of that name,
an exceptionally good business man, honest and kindly, a bene
factor of many institutions and of unostentatious charity, dies
at his handsome home at the southeast corner of State and
Swan streets, Dec. 1.
Merchants' National Bank, located on the ground floor of Tweddle
Building at the n. w. corner South Pearl and State streets, ab
sorbed by National Commercial Bank, Dec. 14.

(See No. 62.)

No. 62.

Jan. 1, 1902 — Dec. 31, 1903.
Jan. 1. 1904-Dec. 31. 1905.
Jan. 1, 1906 —

No. 62.
CHARLES HENRY GAUS.
Date of office: (a) January 1, 1902-December 31, 1903.
(b) January 1, 1904-December 31, 1905.
(c) January 1, 1906-
Date of election: (a) November 5, 1901.
(b) November 3, 1903.
(c) November 7, 1905.
Political party: Republican.
Vote: (a) 13,027.
(b) 14.175-
(c) I5>9i5-
Opponent: (a) Amasa J. Parker.
(b) William Gorham Rice.
(c) William J. Wansboro.
Political party: Democrat.
Vote: (a) 10,673; others, 123; blank and void, 463.
(b) 9,612; others, 232; blank and void, 557.
(c) 7.379J others, 11 ; blank and void, 513.
Total vote: (a) 24,286.
(b) 24,576.
(c) 23,818.
Date of birth: September 1, 1840.
Place of birth: Zanesville, Ohio.
Parents: John H. (G.) and Agnes Boehm.
Education: Public schools.
Married to: Bertha Kirchner.
Date: August 15, 1866.
Children: Edward Leo, Edith Agnes (Russell).
Residence: No. 185 Lark street.
Occupation: Pharmacist.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Title: Major.
Remarks: Appointed Inspector Rifle Practice, Third Brigade
(Major), October, 1886. Appointed on Governor Black's
staff, Assistant Inspector Small Arms (Colonel). Commis
sioned Colonel by brevet, 1901, under new code. School No.
9 completed, 1903. School Commissioner and Street Com
missioner.

62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS.
1902-1905.
From a photograph made from life in 1903 by Lloyd, and owned by The
Albany Institute.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 767
1902.
(Continued from No. 61.)
1902.

Major Charles Henry Gaus sworn as the Mayor of Albany, suc
ceeding James Henry Blessing, having been chosen at the
Charter election held on Nov. 5, 1901, when he received 13,027
votes as the Republican candidate; his opponent, Gen. Amsaa
J. Parker, receiving 9,612 votes as the Democratic candidate;
others receiving 123 votes; blank and void, 463 votes; total
number of votes cast, 24,286; Gaus' majority over Parker being
2,354 votes, Jan. 1.
Charter election, Mayor, Charles H. Gaus; Common Council:
Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III.
Thomas F. Nolan, IV. Peter FI. Reynolds, V. Herbert E.
Bugden, VI. William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin,
VIII. Joseph F. Leddy, IX. . Michael McAuliffe, X. Tames
E. Borthwick, XI. James Maloy, XII. George Holler, XIII.
Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick J. Barends, XVI. Richard
Hughes, XVII. William C. Carland, XVIII. Frank Naukam,
XIX. William P. Hoyland, president. Election, Nov. 5, 1901 ;
sworn in, Jan. 1.
The Albany City Bank, doing business at No. 47 State street, ab
sorbed by the National Commercial Bank, Jan. 2.
Thomas W. Stevens appointed harbor master for port of Albany, Jan. 8.
Edward A. Callahan of " The Country Gentleman " staff appointed
a member of the board of control of State Agricultural Experi
ment Station at Geneva, N. Y., Jan. 9.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society establishes a branch
in Schenectady, by Act of Legislature.
Dog license (State Law, Chap. 294) passed.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society consolidates with the
Rensselaer County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children, of Troy (chartered April 5, 1893) by Act of Legis
lature.
Howard K. Payn, continuing the store of B. Payn's Sons' Tobacco
Co., at s. e. corner of Maiden Lane and James streets, dies at
Albany Hospital, Feb. 8.
President McKinley memorial exercise held in the Assembly
Chamber, March 4.
Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Emperor William of
Germany, a guest of the city, arriving in fhe morning is es-

768 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1902.
corted in the mayor's carriage along Broadway from the depot,
up State street and to the City Hall by military bodies and the
city officers in many carriages, as well as the special reception
committee of prominent citizens, March 7.
Senator McEwan's bill to remove bodies from St. John's Cemetery
on Delaware avenue, March 12.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 18.
Andrew Carnegie offers the city $150,000 for a library building, April 13.
Calvin W. Edwards becomes the first president of the Board of
Education upon its organization as the successor of the Board
of Public Instruction, April 17.
Western Union telegraph office opens at No. 53 State street, April 25.
Albany City Savings Institution's new building opened at No. 100
State street, Marcus T. Reynolds, architect, May 1.
Francis Bret Harte, noted novelist (b. Albany, on Aug. 25, 1839),
and who had spent much of his life in California, writer of
" The Luck of Roaring Camp," and the poem, " The Heathen
Chinee," both of which became extremely popular, dies at Cam-
berley, Eng!, May 5.
The Aurania Club, formed for social pleasure among the prominent
men of Pine Hills section of the city who desire a club-house
in their vicinity, located on Allen street, incorporated, May 7.
Steamboat Ursula put on the Catskill line, May.
Latest killing frost of the season, May 11.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects Judge William
L. Learned its president a third time, at annual meeting, May 12.
Mrs. Olivia Campbell-Shafer, soloist at times at First Dutch Re
formed and Fourth Presbyterian Churches and Temple Beth
Emeth (b. Perth, Can.), dies at her- home, No. 750 Broadway, May 17.
Entomological Society becomes a section of the Albany Institute
and Historical and Art Society, May.
Latest spring snow of the season, May 28.
Mrs. Delphine Marie Pumpelly Read, a former Albanian and widow
of Gen. John Meredith Read, former U. S. minister to Greece,
dies at her home in Paris, No. 128 rue La Boetie, May 29.
Harry Hamilton Bender appointed State fiscal supervisor, June 9.
Rev. John Hanlon, pastor of St. Vincent's Church, dies, June 12.
Dean Sage, wealthy lumber merchant of the Albany Lumber Dis
trict, a writer of books on angling, and possessing the most
complete collection of books on angling in America, and owner

FREEDOM OF ALBANY.
It was engrossed on parchment and presented to Prince Henry in a silver
tube, at the City Hall.

MAYOR GAUS AND PRINCE HENRY. 4
When Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Emperor William of
Germany, visited Albany on March 7, 1502, Mayor Gaus drove with him to the
/-It-,, rr^ll

NO. 02. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 769
1902.
of valuable Charles Lamb collection of rare editions, etc. (b.
Albany, 1841), his residence "Hillside," Menands, dies at
his camp on the Restigouche, Canada June 23.
Charles Bridge, prominent citizen, dies, June 27.
Robert W. Lockhart appointed superintendent of bureau of water,
June 30.
Smallpox at the alms-house, July.
Seventeen-year locusts appear.
Automobile first brought to this city for professional purposes by
Dr. William E. Milbank, July.
John Pennie, manufacturer of barrels, with large and long-estab
lished cooperage on north side of Arch street, a poet of quaint
and classical ideas, and an author (b. Tavistock, Eng., March
24, 1824), dies at his home, No. 149 Madison avenue, July 20.
Fire destroys the Lansing factory and office building built on the
site of old Second Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on south
side of Beaver, west of Green street, at which Fireman Donald
K. Bishop loses his life, July 25.
George W. Yerks, head of the large produce commission house at
No. 369 Broadway, .dies, Aug. 9
Labor Day, John C. Donovan grand marshal, Sept. 1
Martin Ii. Glynn becomes managing editor of The Times-Union Sept. 5
Albany Baseball team of State League wins the pennant, September
Albany Polo team organized at Loudonville and Menands, September
Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 10
Earliest autumn snow of the season, Oct. 29.
Carnegie proposition, offering the city $150,000 for a public library
building, receives the following votes at the election: total
number of votes cast, 23,948; in favor of accepting, 7,192;
against accepting, 12,260; void, 71; marked for identification,
1 ; blank, 4,425 votes, Nov. 4.
Floward J. Rogers appointed Director of Congresses for the 1903
St. Louis Exposition, November.
Ezra G. Benedict, retired millionaire lumber merchant and collector
of paintings, dies at his home on Ten Broeck street, Nov. 20.
Sixteen-inch rifle, largest cannon in the world, shipped from Water
vliet Arsenal where it had been in the making for past three
or more years, to Indian Flead, Government proving station,
N. J., Nov. 26.
Coal prices excessively high because of anthracite coal strike, and
factories making use of bituminous largely, dealers selling to

770 CHAKLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1902-1903.
residents in small lots only and the poor applying in numbers
for aid to the Bureau of Charities, November.
River closed to navigation, (Government record), Dec. 8.
Albany Public Bath (No. i) opened at No. 665 Broadway, December.
Robert P. Thorn, many years proprietor of jewelry store on south
side of State street, east of Pearl street, dies, Dec. 14.
The B. P. O. Elks No. 49, purchases No. 34 Beaver street, December.

1903.

Charter officials holding office at this time, for the year; but not
elected on this date — Mayor, Charles H. Gaus ; Common Coun
cil : Joseph Besch, I. John W. Griggs, II. John Franey, III.
Thomas F. Nolan, IV. Peter H. Reynolds, V. Herbert E.
Bugden, VT. William H. Hines, VII. Thomas F. Martin,
VIII. Joseph F. Leddv, IX. Michael McAuliffe, X. James
E. Borthwick, XI. James Maloy, XII. George Holler, XIII.
Charles E. Shelley, XIV. Edmund A. Walsh, XV. Frederick
J. Barends, XVI. Richard Hughes, XVII. William C. Car-
land, XVIII. Frank Naukam, XIX. William P. Hoyland,
president. Holding office on, Jan. 1.
Home Telephone Co., starts service in its new building at s. w.
corner of Lodge and Howard streets, Feb. 1.
Salvation Army opens its Industrial Home for men, February.
Cruiser Albany, that had been purchased from Brazil at the com
mencement of hostilities with Spain, spring of 1898, which
was then nearing completion at the shipyard in England, pre
sented at the New York Navy Yard at Brooklyn with an
elaborate and typically decorated silver service, inclusive of
a mammoth punch-bowl, the whole costing $10,000, subscribed
by citizens generally; Mayor Gaus making the presentation,
Capt. John A. Rogers accepting, Sec'y Wm. B. Jones repre
senting Chamber of Commerce, Curator Cuyler Reynolds rep
resenting Albany Institute and Bishop Burke offering prayer,Feb. 7.
Samuel L. Munson, proprietor of shirt manufactory on Hudson
avenue, a passenger on steamship Maidiana, wrecked on coral
reef at night, 16 miles from shore, being 24 miles off course
because of inoperative lighthouse, Feb. 10.

CRUISER ALBANY SILVER SERVICE.
A complete set of silver service costing $10,000, made by Meriden Britannia Co., each piece massive and decorated
with symbolical designs, was presented by citizens Feb. 3, 1903, at the N. Y. Navy Yard, Brooklyn, Mayor Gaus repre
senting the city and Capt. John A. Rodgers the cruiser, Bishop Burke offering benediction.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 771
1903.
Dr. Willis G. MacDonald appointed a trustee of the N. Y. State
Hospital for Treatment of Incipient Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Feb. 11.
Dr. Arthur G. Root appointed a manager of N. Y. State Industrial
School at Rochester, to which truant school-children from all
over the State are sent, Feb. ii.
American Institute of Mining Engineers, Eben E. Olcott (president
of the Hudson River Day Line) its president, and Hon. Ver-
plank Colvin of this city chairman of entertainment committee,
convenes in annual session at the building of the Albany
Institute and Historical and Art Society, for three days, Feb. 17.
Judge John T. McDonough (lawyer with office in Tweddle bld'g
and former secretary of State for several terms) appointed by
President Roosevelt associate judge of the 'Supreme Court
of the Philippine Islands, Feb. 18.
Maurice E. Viele, proprietor many years of the large hardware
store at Nos. 39-41 State street (bought by Albany Hardware
& Iron Co.) an active participant on boards of charitable in
stitutions and the Albany Academy, dies at his home, No. 6
Elk st., Feb. 19.
Chauncey E. Argersinger (formerly Huyck & Argersinger, woolen
blanket mills at Kenwood below the highway, on Normanskill
creek) appointed postmaster of Albany, Feb. 26.
Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, for 35 years janitress of the High School
and living in basement on Columbia street, dies, Feb. 26.
Ralph W. Thacher, grain merchant and later president of the
Albany Art Union, photographers on east side of N. Pearl
st., dies, Feb. 27.
Ex-County Judge Jacob H. Clute (b. Guilderland, March 16, 1827),
dies, March 6.
Military exposition and carnival opens at the Armory, Capt. James
E. Roach, chairman, March 11.
William Thompson Fondey, formerly connected with the large
hardware firm of Corning & Co., on east side of Broadway, a
few doors north of the post-office, (b. Albany, June 30, 1854),
dies at Morristown, N. J., March 12.
Watson DuBois, city assessor and previously in the D. & H. office
as chief of telegraph department, dies at Plattsburg suddenly, March.
River open to navigation, (Government record), March 15.
Hon. Bernard Stark, who had been appointed by Gov. Odell, Jan.
17, 1901, State arbitration commissioner in the department

77% CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1903.
of labor, previously a dry goods merchant on the east side of
No. Pearl street, (b. Albany, Jan. i, 1847) dies at Petersburg,
Va., March 18.
Samuel T. Hull, attorney, dies, April 2.
William M. Van Antwerp, retired banker and man of means,
dies at his residence, No. 162 Washington avenue, April 8.
Ezra Prentice Treadwell, art designer (b. Albany) aged 55 years,
dies at White Plains, N. Y., April 8.
Miss Mary Anne Henry, daughter of the late Professor Joseph
Henry, who was an instructor in the Albany Academy where
he demonstrated the principle of the electric telegraph, and re
moved later to Princeton, then to Washington to become the
secretary of Smithsonian Institution, her home in that city,
dies while touring Europe, at Seville, Spain, April 10.
Michael Francis Carey, humorous poet and writer under the name
"Rambler," (b. Albany, Feb. 18, 1866), dies, April 15.
Hon. Hugh Reilly, former district-attorney and chief of the State
Board of Claims, (b. Albany, March 14, 1853), dies at his home,
No. 81 Columbia street, April 16.
Dean Wilford Lash Robbins of All Saints' Cathedral for many
years, elected dean of the General Theological Seminary of
the Episcopal Church in New York City, succeeding the late
Dean Hoffman, April 17.
Matthew O'Neill, styled "Albany's Oldest Newsboy," who had
earned a sufficient sum by selling papers and miscellaneous
reading matter on the streets, between the post-office and the
depot, to support and educate a number of brothers and sisters,
yet remaining himself in hard circumstances, (b. Albany, June
17, 1851), dies, April 21.
Frederick Harris, attorney with office in Tweddle bld'g (b. Albany,
June 14, 1854, son of Hon. Hamilton Harris), dies, April 22.
Henry Moeslein, a popular musician and pianist, (b. Germany)',
aged 58 years, dies at the Homeopathic Hospital, April 24.
Henry Parish Kernochan, president of the Taylor Brewing Co., on
Broadway, below the South Ferry, dies at his home, No. 243
State street, April 25.
Home for Incurables (new edifice) opened at Kenwood Heights,
below the city, with extensive grounds and favorable outlook,
April 26.
Latest spring snow of the season, May 1.
Latest killing frost of the season, May 2.
Mrs. Lydia Lush Martin, wife of Flenry Townsend Martin, die's at
their residence, No. 152 State street, May 2.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 773
1903.
New York State National Bank entirely remodeled within by re
moval of the second story which had been devoted to law
offices, reached by the western entrance, and six-story addition
erected at the rear, extending in an L to James street, Marcus
T. Reynolds, architect, May.
Herman J. Tenney, son of Jonathan Tenney, local historian, dies at
New York City, May n.
Ferdinand Neunian, jeweler 'for many years, (b. Berlin, Ger.,
1820), dies at his home, No. 194 State street, May 11.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects Judge
William L. Learned its president a fourth time, annual meet
ing, May 11.
Edward Callahan, connected with the Country Gentleman and the
State Experimental Station at Geneva, N. Y., dies, May 14.
Steamboat New York of Hudson River Day Line makes record
run from 22nd street, New York city, to Poughkeepsie, 75
miles in 3 hours, 5 minutes and 37 seconds, at times 25^
miles per hour, May.
William T. Rudd, formerly of the N. Y. Central road and father
of William P. Rudd, former corporation counsel, (b. Cherry
Valley, N. Y., 1816), dies at his home, No. 373 State street,May 17.
Bishop ' Thomas Alfred Starkey, Episcopal bishop of New Jersey
and the rector of St. Paul's Church in this city, 1854-58, (b.
Philadelphia, 1819) dies at East Orange, N. J., May 17.
Matthew W. Bender, donor of the Bender Bacteriological Lab
oratory on east side of Lake avenue, former grain merchant,
dies at his home, No. 195 Madison avenue, May 21.
Eugene P. Gross, of the wall-paper firm on west side of No. Pearl
street, Chas. M. Skinner & Co., and a man of great popularity,
dies at his home, No. 16 Ten Broeck street, May 21.
Robert James Waddell, president of investment company, with office
in the Tweddle Building, (b. Albany, Nov. 13, 1829), dies,
May 23.
Gen. Rufus FI. King, paymaster-general on the staff of Gov. John
A. Dix, and brother of the late J. Howard King, bank president,
(b. Albany, Jan. 22, 1835), dies at his residence, No. 2 Elk
street, May 26.
Memorial Day parade, Daniel J. O'Brien grand marshal, Saturday, May 30.
Tenth Batallion, under Maj. Clarence Strevell, participates in field
service near Crescent, N. Y., with the 3rd Brigade, under
Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver, June 13-20.

774 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1903.
Mrs. Eleanor Spensley, widow of John R. Spensley and the philan
thropic founder in 1884, of the Home for Incurables at No.
390 Madison ave., (b. in this State, Oct. 22, 1848), dies there,
June 23.
Alexander M. Scott, contracting carpenter, an elder and influential
member of Third Presbyterian Church, (b. Canobie, Dumfries
shire, Scot., March 31, 1832), who came to America in 1853,
and soon to this city, dies, July 6.
St. John's Cemetery on east side of Delaware avenue abandoned
to provide more advantageous building sites, and bodies being
removed, July-
John T. Johnson, merchant tailor at No. 35 Maiden Lane, dies,
July 19.
Mrs. J. Hampden Robb, a granddaughter of the late Gen. Stephen
Van Rensselaer, the last to live at the Manor House at the
head of Broadway, dies at her home, No. 23 Park ave., New
York City, July 19.
Malachi F. Cox, former supervisor (1895) and alderman, (1896),
dies at Snyder's Lake, July 29.
Nathaniel Hyatt, many years connected with the State Insurance
Department, (b. Ossining, N. Y.. Dec, 1851), dies, July 30.
Nathan B. Perry, president of the widely known Perry Stove Co.,
dies suddenly in New York City, Aug. 2.
Charles L. Blakeslee, founder and head of the firm of woodwork
specialties, doors, blinds, etc., at the head of Broadway, dies
at his home at Menands, Aug. 2.
Miles W. Vosburgh, proprietor of the old Vosburgh Steamship
Agency, established at No. 645 Broadway years before by his
father, Fletcher Vosburgh, dies, Aug. 2.
School No. 9 completed, August.
John Henry Ward, telegraph editor of The Times-Union and a
most popular, upright young man of the West End, dies at
Utica, Aug. 16.
Capt. Thomas Noonan, commander of local steamboat Lotta, dies
at Manchester, N. H., Aug. 23.
George Norman Cuyler, aged insurance agent, dies, Aug. 23.
Robert C. Blackall, consulting mechanical superintendent of the D.
& H. Railroad, dies at his home, No. 68 Philip St., Aug. 31.
Riverside Park, Broadway to the river, having been formed with
retaining-wall, sodded and planted with small trees, is opened,
August.
Albany Trust Co. opens new building erected on site of the Old
Museum or Marble Pillar Building, lately styled the Western
Union Building, Marcus T. Reynolds, architect, Sept. 5.

ALBANY TRUST COMPANY.
The site (n. w. cor. Broadway & State St.) was widely known
for years as the "Museum Building" (1831), also as " Marble
Pillar." Organized Mch. 20, 1900, with John D. Parsons, Jr.,
president, and entered its building (Marcus T. Reynolds, Archi
tect) on Sept. 5, 1904.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 775
1903.
Walter Dickson, architect, (b. Albany) formerly residing at the
residence at the acute junction of State st. and Washington
ave., opposite Washington Park, aged 65 years, dies at Brook
lyn, Sept. 4.
Fernwood Lake in St. Agnes' Cemetery the scene of drowning of
three little girls, Sept. 5.
Labor Day parade, Michael J. Sullivan grand marshal, Sept. 7.
Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver (of Rathbone, Sard & Co.) appointed
first assistant secretary of war by President Roosevelt, September.
Sir Frederick Pollock, eminent English jurist, law reporter and
writer, guest in America of American Bar Association, ad
dresses Albany Law School and is given a reception at Fort
Orange Club, Sept. 24.
Judson Hoit, father of Benton S. Iioit (a proprietor of Albany
Business College), dies, Sept. 30.
Consul Booth-Tucker of the Salvation Army delivers address in
Cavalry Baptist Church on State street, Oct. 1.
Capt. James H. Scott, half a century a river captain and proprietor
of " Scott's Float " for rental of small boats at foot of State
street, in the Basin, dies at his home in Upper Rensselaer, Oct. 2.
Albany Art League organized, October.
Bryan Sheehan, prominent West Albany live-stock dealer of the
West Albany stock-yards, dies suddenly, Oct. 13.
Stephen Griffin Merrill, son of Dr. Cyrus S. Merrill, dies at Am
herst, October.
Nicholas J. Hussey, long the discount clerk of the National Com
mercial Bank, dies, Oct. 19.
William Clemenshire, for 50 years with the Little Sisters of the
Poor on Central avenue, dies, Oct. 19.
Edwin S. Sterry, many years the leading photographer of the city,
studio on west side of Broadway, midway between Maiden
Lane and Steuben St., (b. Cornwall, Eng., 1822), dies in New
York City, Oct. 21.
Death of the wife of ex-Congressman John M. Bailey, Oct. 25.
Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 25.
Judge Thomas J. Van Alstyne, Albany's 60th mayor, judge of
Albany County Court, 1871-11882; congressman, 1883-1884,
a prominent mason, upright in dealings and energetic in actions
(b. Richmondville, N. Y., July 25, 1827), dies at his home,
No. 289 State street, Oct. 26.
Earliest autumn snow of the season, Oct. 26.

77° CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1903.
Albany Yacht Club secures quarters on the river front, No. 108
Pier, at eastern terminal of State street Basin bridge, south
side, having moved from their own building on the opposite
shore, Nov. i.
Mrs Sarah White King, widow of Gen. Rufus H. King, dies at
her home, No. 2 Elk street, Nov. 1.
Charles H. Gaus re-elected the Mayor of Albany to succeed him
self, at the Charter election this day, receiving 14,175 votes
as the Republican candidate; his opponent, Col. William Gor
ham Rice, receiving 9,612 votes as the Democratic candidate;
others, 232 votes; blank and void, 557 votes; total number
of votes cast, 24,576; Gaus' majority over Rice being 4,563
votes, he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, Nov. 3.
Gen. John Palmer elected secretary of State a second time, Nov. 7-
Theodore M. Amsdell, head of the Dobler Brewing Co., dies, Nov. 8.
Ashbel King Shepard, civil engineer of the first steam railroad
entering City of Mexico, (b. Albany), dies, Denver, Nov. II.
Steamboat Evans of the Castleton Line, sold to Georgia parties,
November.
Dr. Charles H. Porter, a prominent physician of standing for many
years, (b. Columbia Co., Nov. 11, 1834), dies at Canandaigua, Nov. 21.
Jacob Holler, prominent contractor for years, (b. Unosten, Ger.,
May 24, 1821), dies, Nov. 23.
River closed to navigation, (Government record), Nov. 30.
Christopher Burlingham, many years fish-dealer at n. w. cor. Ham
ilton and Philip streets, dies, Dec. 4.
Dr. Horace M. Paine, most prominent homeopathic physician of
his day in the city, with office on site of St. Peter's Church
rectory on State street, and widely known in the State as
president, of the State Homeopathic Medical Society, (b. Paris,
N. Y, 1827), dies at Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 6.
James Burnside Hendrick, insurance agent, son of Col. James Hen
drick who conducted an insurance office in the Marble Pillar
building, n. w. cor. Broadway and State st., for many years,
dies at Colorado Springs, Dec. 12.
John H. Van Antwerp, former president of National Savings Bank
and v.-p. N. Y State Nat'l Bank, (b. Albany, Oct. 12, 1823)
many years a resident at No. 2 Lodge st., dies (at his new
residence, No. 270 State st.), Dec. 14.
Nelson H. Salisbury, lumber merchant at No. 1, Lumber District,
of the firm of Hughson & Co., aged 55, dies, Dec. 17.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 77J
1903-1904.
Matthew Henry Robertson, connected since the inauguration of the
State Insurance Department with it (43 years until resigning),
first as chief clerk and then as deputy, dies at his home, No.
445 State st., Dec. 20.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society during year cares for
10,000 cases of children and animals, and prosecutes 644 cases,
Dec. 31.
* ? ?

1904.
Major Charles H. Gaus assumes the office of Mayor of Albany a
second time, having been chosen by the people at the Charter
election held on Nov. 3, 1903, when his majority was 4,563
votes, Jan. 1.
Charter election, Mayor, Charles H. Gaus ; Common Council : Val
entine Komfort, I. James J. McGraw, II. James J. O'Leary,
TIL Morris Koplon, IV. James J. Gorman, V. Herbert E.
Bugden (appointed) superintendent of school buildings and
succeeded by Alva L. Austin), VI. Joseph B. Stevens (died
and succeeded by George W. Hart), VII. Thomas F. Martin,
VIII. James J. Welch, Jr., IX. Philip Bender, X. John
Boos, XI. James J. Tiernan, XII. George Holler, XIII.
Charles E. Shelley, XIV. William F. Reilly, XV. Samuel H.
Tallmadge, XVI. Richard Hughes, XVII. Rollin B. San
ford, XVIII. Isaac La Grange, XIX. William P. Hoyland,
president. Election, Nov. 3, 1903; sworn in, Jan. 1.
Police department at this time consists of a chief, 5 captains, 16 ser
geants, 121 patrolmen, 1 captain of veterans, 2 veteran ser
geants, 11 veteran patrolmen; total, 157, January.
Crusade started in vigorous manner against a few Mormons who
had settled here to prosecute evangelical work and had made
a somewhat systematic canvass of the city, holding services and
meeting with some success, January.
Capt Cornelius C. Cusick, a valiant fighter during Civil War and in
conflicts with the Indians, bearing a badly battle-scarred coun
tenance, the possessor of many medals for bravery, and a
resident here for a number of years after retirement, (b. Lewis-
ton, N. Y., Aug., 1835), dies at Niagara Falls, Jan. 2.
Horace S. Bell, merchant of long standing, forming partnership in
1866 of Bell & Coffin, dies, Jan. a.
Rev. Samuel F. Morrow, D. D., forty years pastor of United Pres
byterian Church, this city, dies, Jan. 12.

7/8 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
 1
1904.
 ,  .  -,
Hon. Charles Emory Smith, a former Albany editor on Albany
Evening Journal and' ex-postmaster-general of the United
States, speaker at the annual banquet of the Chamber of Com
merce, Donald McDonald presiding, at Fort Orange Club,
Jan. 14.
Rev. Samuel F. Morrow, D. D., for 40 years pastor of the United
Presbyterian Church here, dies, funeral held, Jan. 16.
Albany Medical College Alumni Association's 9th annual banquet
at Manhattan Hotel, New York City, Jan. 21.
Maj. -Gen. George H. Treadwell, prominent figure among local
military men, late major of the 7th N. Y. Vol. Artillery, con
ducting the fur business that his family had carried on for
about a century previous, aged 66 years, dies at his home, No.
735 Broadway, Jan. 21.
Ned Howard Fowler, for three years with the Proctor theatre stock
company recently, in a nervous condition shoots himself fatally
at Columbus, Ohio (b. Salem, Mass.) and many friends here
are shocked by the news, Jan. 22.
Sir Henry Irving's last appearance here before his death, Harmanus
Bleecker Hall, Jan. 23.
Adolph Gerber, former treasurer of the Leland Opera House and
afterwards first manager of Empire Theatre, dies at New York
City, Jan. 23.
Mrs. John H. Rathbone killed in an automobile accident at Cannes,
France, (body brought to Albany for burial in the Rural
Cemetary), Jan. 27.
Mary Young Myers, widow of the late John G. Myers, proprietor
of the large dry goods store of that title, a most charitable
woman, dies at her home, No. 240 State street, Feb. 9.
Rev. Richard H. Nelson of Philadelphia accepts the call extended
by the recent Episcopal convention held here, to be bishop
coadjutor of the Albany diocese with Bishop Doane, Feb. 21.
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society allowed by law to re
ceive children committed to its house of detention from any
county within its jurisdiction, also allowing it to consolidate
with the Schenectady branch.
-Rev. Francis D. McGuire, rector of the Cathedral of the Immacu
late Conception, aged 57, dies, March 4.
Erastus Dow Palmer, sculptor of note, born at Pompey, N. Y.,
April 2, 181 7, his early life spent at Dunkirk, then Utica, a
graduate of Union, in the '40's removing from Utica to Albany
where he begins the carving of cameos, numbering several
hundred, as recorded in his carefully kept note-book, during

ARTISTS OF ALBANY.
Erastus Dow Palmer, sculptor, and Asa Weston Twitchell, artist, were eminent Albanians in their lines.
had been close friends half a century and died within a month.

They

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 779

1904.

the succeeding 20 years, >when he began on larger works,
modeling statuary, with a studio at the east angle of the north
ern end of Eagle street, formed with the eastern end of Spruce
street, known as No. 3 Columbia place, a large brick residence,
in 1900 the building of the Open-Door Mission; his leading
works in statuary, the companion medallions in marble, for
hanging on the wall, " Morning " and " Evening," " The Infant
Ceres," " The White Captive," in the Metropolitan Museum,
New York city ; the statue of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston,
of Clermont, completed in plaster and ready to be cast in
bronze by Barbedienne at Paris, June 6, 1874, for the old Hall
of Representatives in the Capitol at Washington as one of the
two statues allowed each State to be placed therein, a second
copy of which was made also in bronze for the Court of Ap
peals, at the Capitol, Albany ; " The Angel at the Sepulchre,"
completed April 29, 1868, for the Rural Cemetery lot of Gen.
Robert Lenox Banks, and he remodeled the State Arms; his
most intimate friend for the last score of years was the artist,
Asa W. Twitchell, living on the Hurst road to Slingerlands ;
he had a country place, with lake, in the vicinity of Cedar Hill,
and about 1870 removed to his new residence with studio at
No. 5 Lafayette street, where he died, March 9.
William Fleadlam, connected early in life with his father in lumber
business, an active Republican and a worker in the labor cause
towards the end of his life, connected with and organizer of the
Business Men's Association, aged 69, dies, March 15.
Isaac G. Perry, appointed capitol commissioner by Gov. Grover
Cleveland in 1883, acting as State architect, accomplishes much
of the work of completing the building of the Capitol, prin
cipally the Library, the Western approach and the Grand West
ern staircase, in that portion, and at the front the extensive ap
proach, for two years removing to the foundations the work
started there by predecessor, (b. Bennington, Vt., June, 1822)
dies at Binghamton of heart failure, March 16.
James Lawrence, skilled decorator, painter of coats-of-arms and
delicate work, (b. Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scot., Aug. 27,
1826,) came to America and this city in 1871, dies at his home,
No. 103 Eagle st., March 24.
Andrew S. Draper, recent president of the University of Illinois
and formerly of this city, becomes State Superintendent of
Education upon the reorganization of the departments, suc
ceeding Charles R. Skinner at the termination of a conflict be
tween State boards extending over several years, April 1.

780 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1904.
Barent B. Sanders, commission merchant at No. 343 Broadway,
aged 82, dies at his home, No. 143 Madison avenue, April 1.
River open to navigation, (Government record), April 5.
Howard J. Rogers appointed first assistant commissioner of State
Department of Education, April.
Albany City Free Dispensary Association opens its building at Ash
Grove and Trinity places, April.
National Savings Bank's new marble building at No. 72 State
street, the site of the Douw H. Fonda drug store for a score
of years, Marcus T. Reynolds architect, James H. Manning
president, opened, April 19.
Latest spring snow of the season, April 21.
Latest killing frost of the season, April 23,
Asa Weston Twitchell, portrait and landscape artist of repute, born
Swanzey, N. ii., on Jan. 1, 1820, beginning painting of por
traits in 1839, coming to this city in 1843, his studio over An
nesley & Co.'s art store at No. 57 No. Pearl street, and in the
country in his home to the east of the road to Slingerlands,
at Hurstville, near the Normanskill creek, though not border
ing; painted the portrait of Judge Rufus W. Peckham (the
elder, who was lost at sea) which hangs in the Court of Ap
peals, a likeness of Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, principal of the
Albany Academy and hanging in its chapel, which won for
him admission to the National Academy, a portrait of Prof.
Martin L. Deyo also in that building, his last work, and fan
ciful pictures, a group and landscape hanging in the Albany
Institute and Historical and Art Society gallery, a close friend
of the late Erastus Dow Palmer, a man of singularly beautiful
character and lover of nature in its naturalness, dies at his
country studio south of Hurstville, after an illness of some
months, April 26.
National Commercial Bank, Robert C. Pruyn, president, opens its
new granite building at No. 60 State street, York & Sawyer,
architects; its main banking room 60x60 feet, with a general
altitude of 45 feet, wainscoted with the choicest marbles most
elaborately matched, May 2.
John DeWitt Peltz, attorney of prominence and an active Republi
can, a man highly respected for his integrity of character, dies,
May 7.
St. Peter's Hospital, s. e. corner Broadway and No. Ferry street,
being remodeled within and greatly enlarged, also adding a
new stone entrance, May 8.

-Oy;1

NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK.
Charter granted Apr. 12, 1825 ; opened Sept. 5, 1826, at Nos. 38-40
State st. under Pres't Jos. Alexander, with capital of $300,000 ;
increased in 1906 to $2,500,000 capital and surplus, under Pres't
Robert C. Pruyn, and its new building, Nos. 58-60 State St., opened
May 2, 1904.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 78 1
1904.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society re-elects Judge
William L. Learned a fifth time its president at annual meet
ing, May 9.
William J. Walker, head of the firm of Walker & Gibson, wholesale
druggists, the successors of Archibald McClure & Co. at Nos.
74-76 State street, land a former Republican candidate for
mayor, thrown from his horse in Washington Park in early
morning, dies immediately, May 9.
New York Savings Banks Association (of the State) elects William
Bayard Van Rensselaer its president, May 12.
Henry Townsend Martin, (son of the late Flenry H. Martin, presi
dent of the Albany Savings Bank) real estate investments of
private nature and part owner of the Globe Hotel (with brother
Bradley Martin) aged 67 years, dies at his home, No. 152
State street, May 16.
Dudley Observatory building at No. Albany, on hill west of No.
Pearl street, abandoned for the new one on Lake avenue,
seriously damaged by fire, May 16.
Rev. Richard Henry Nelson, of Philadelphia, consecrated bishop
coadjutor of All Saints' Cathedral, assisting Bishop Doane, May 19.
The Emerson Centenary, being celebrated all over the country,
observed at the building of The Albany Institute and Historical
and Art Society, there being souvenirs of his association and
ownership on exhibition and speakers Rev. Dr. Walton W.
Battershall, Rev. J. Walter Sylvester, Prof. Henry P. Warren
and Mrs. Salome Cutler Fairchild, vice director of the State
Library, May 25.
Albert J. O'Neill, former assistant county clerk and U. S. deputy
marshal, (b. Albany, Oct. 31, i860) dies, May 27.
Steamboat Dean Richmond of the People's Line, built in 1864 by
John Englis, 2,525 tons, 348 feet long, 46 feet broad and 9 feet
deep, taken out of commission, May 28.
Steamboat Charles W. Morse put into commission by the People's
Line, night boat, built by Harlan & Hollingworth ; 4,307 tons,
427 feet long, 50^2 feet broad, 14 feet deep, May 28.
Edwin M. Chamberlain marshal of Memorial Day Parade, May 30.
Michael B. Sherman, proprietor for many years of shoe store at
n. e. cor. No. Pearl st. and Maiden Lane, a founder of the
Round Lake Camp-Meeting Association, who had within
decade purchased the Leland Opera House on So. Pearl street
and Prospect House overlooking the Hudson at Catskill vil
lage, dies at Nyack, June 2.

782 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1904.
Rev. Edward Griffin Selden, pastor of the Madison Avenue
(Second) Dutch Reformed Church, and an author of religious
works, dies at his summer home at Saratoga, June 2.
Spiers Falls on upper Hudson (neighborhood of Glens Falls) sends
electric power to Albany, June 3.
Thomas H. Dwyer, many years city superintendent of buildings,
of Co. 11 in the old fire department of 1859, and a volunteer
of 43rd N. Y. Vols., dies at his home, No. 132 Elm st., June 9.
Edwin Dean Worcester, of New York City, formerly and for many
years a resident of Albany, who had completed 50 years of
service as official of N. Y. Central Railroad, performing with
rare ability the consolidation of the small railroad lines be
tween Albany and Buffalo into the N. Y. Central Railroad
in 1853, when they were 10 separate corporations, later becom
ing secretary of the Vanderbilt system and a vice-president
of some of the more important lines, (burial in the Rural
Cemetery) dies, June 13.
Dudley Walsh DeWitt, son of the late Richard Varick DeWitt,
connected with the Albany Insurance Co., dies, June 20.
Independence Day celebrated ; Capt. James E. Roach grand mar
shal, Maj. Clarence Strevell commanding Tenth Battalion,
Monday, July 4.
United Traction Co. erects new car-barns west side Quail St.,
July 5-
Perry street, northward from Western avenue, changed to Lake
avenue to correspond with southern part of same street, July 7.
North marble approach to the State House removed and the high
iron fence about the grounds to the east, taken down, July 10.
Van Rensselaer and Dudley parks at No. Albany improved, July 12.
Gen. John P. Masterson, ex-surveyor of the port of Albany, dies,
July 19.
Theophilus E. Roessle, who assumed control of the Delavan House,
n. e. cor. Broadway and Steuben street, with his father in 1849
(also being the original owner of Fort William Henry Hotel
at Caldwell, at head of Lake George), the proprietor of the
Arlington at Washington of late, dies at Paris, Aug. 10.
Spanish War Veterans of New York State hold first convention at
Albany, Aug. 15.
First Police Precinct new station-house at Arch and Broad streets,
officially inspected to determine acceptance, Aug. 19.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 783
1904.
Theophilus E. Roessle, former proprietor of the Delavan House,
who died at Paris on Aug. ioth, buried in Rural Cemetery, Aug. 26.
Basin, from Maiden Lane to Columbia street, cleared of the last
sunken scow in the work of improvement to channel, endeavor
ing also to improve health conditions of a place that had been
allowed to deteriorate for years, Aug. 30.
Jail on north side of Maiden Lane, connected across the paved
court-vard with an upper floor of the City Hall by a " Bridge
of Sighs " for convenience of bringing prisoners into court,
abandoned, and prisoners removed to Albany County Peniten
tiary to the west of Delaware ave., Sept. r.
Robert Lockhart, superintendent of the bureau of water, dies,
Sept. 2.
Tenth Battalion leaves on a 3-day trip to Boston, Sept. 3.
J. Irving Wendell, former cashier of the Merchants' National Bank,
dies at New York City, Sept. 5.
Labor Day parade, James L. McHale grand marshal, Sept. 5.
State Fair's 64th exhibition, held at Syracuse, Sept. 5.
Hiram L. Washburn, real estate agent, dies, Sept. 7.
Packing-house strike of union butchers that was begun in the west
July 1 2th, seriously affects price of meats during the period,
terminates, Sept. 9.
National Humane Alliance presents animal drinking fountain to
the city, which is erected in Townsend park, Sept. to
Michael Leonard Morgan, manager of the Western Union telegraph
office at n. w. cor. State and Broadway, dies, Sept. 16.
PI on. Zeb. A. Dyer, district-attorney (b. Berne, Albany Co., Dec. 1,
i860) dies of typhoid fever at his home in Delmar, Sept. 18.
German Day first celebrated at Albany, commemorating the coming
of Germans to America (Oct. 6, 1683) Mayor Gaus chairman
of general committee and Anton Hafner grand marshal of the
parade, Sept. 19.
Hon. William Law Learned, LL.D., born -at New London, Conn..
July 24, 1821 ; Yale salutatorian, 1841 ; appointed justice of
Supreme Court by Governor Hoffman to succeed Justice Rufus
W. Peckham (lost at sea on Ville de Havre) and then elected
justice for 14 years, presiding judge, 1875 > serving many years
as the president of the following organizations, Albany Rural
Cemetery Association, Albany Boys' Academy,, Albany Female
Academy, Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society,
Board of Education and Fort Orange Club; owner of a sum
mer home at Selkirk, N. Y., and residence at No. 208 State

784 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1904-1905.
street; a man of fine parts, well-read and philanthropic; is
found dead in his office, seated by his desk, No. 80 State street,
having come to town in forenoon to attend to business, Sept. 20.
John V. L. Pruyn, son of the late Chancellor J. V. L. Pruyn, lawyer,
former Alderman-at-Large and writer, aged 45 years, dies in
New York City (burial in Rural Cemetery), Sept. 22.
Chamber of Commerce organizes Hallowe'en fete, George D. Bab
bitt president of committee, Sept. 23.
Archbishop of Canterbury (Randall T. Davidson), Mrs. Davidson
and J. Pierrepont Morgan arrive from Bar Harbor. Me., and
dine with Bishop Doane at the Bishopric, No. 29, Elk St.,
Sept. 23
Burial of Judge Learned, Rural Cemetery, Sept. 23
Earliest killing frost of the season, Sept. 23
Earliest snow of the season, Oct. 12
Rev. George Galen Carter, S. T. D., who was made chancellor of
All Saints' Cathedral in 1900 (b. Brooklyn, Nov. 8, 1840)
dies at his home, No. 62 South Swan street, Dec. 3
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 4,
William E. Walsh, hat store and gentlemen's goods, long conducted
by him at No. 58 State, and lately at No. 2-4 No. Pearl st.
dies, Dec. 15
John D. Parsons, Jr., president of Albany Trust Co. from start.
and of the Albany Exchange Bank many years, the son of
the late John D. Parsons of Weed & Parsons, printers on
Columbia st., graduate of Albany Academy and Union College,
member of Masters' Lodge, a man of wealth and liberality,
collector of rare books and autographs, with summer residence
on shore of the Hudson at Selkirk, dies suddenly at his home,
No. 233 State St., Dec. 16.

1905.

Frank W. Higgins sworn in as Governor, Jan. 1.
Heavy precipitation of snow, registering as water 9 inches, Jan. 2.
Prof. James Weir Mason (b. Albany, 1836) principal of the Albany
Academy and instructor in mathematics, 1863-68, dies at
Easton, Pa., Jan. 10.
William J. Quinlan, owner for several years of the victorious Al
bany Baseball team of State League (1902) dies, Jan. 14.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 785
1905.
George Henry Boughton, artist of national repute, whose boyhood
was spent in this city where his family were residents ; taking
up his abode in New York in 1858, later in Paris, and after
that, in 1862, at London, Eng., elected a National Academician
in 1871, an associate of the Royal Academy in 1879, and becom
ing an Academician in 1896 ; elected vice-president of the Royal
Academy; found dead in his studio at Campden Hill, London,
Jan. 19.
Cephas W. Cureton, past commander of Lew O. Morris Post, No.
121, also of William A. Jackson Post, No. 644, aged 60
years, dies, Jan. 20.
Thermometer 6 degrees below zero, coldest of the month, Jan. 26.
Lewis Benedict Hall, attorney at No. 25 No. Pearl st., former presi
dent of Albany Academy Alumni Association, frequently called
upon to address gatherings because of liis dry, infectious
humor, dies, Feb. 12.
Dean Henry R. Talbot of All Saints' Cathedral, gives a public
reception at the Deanery in honor of Bishop Doane's departure
the following day to Sicily, to be gone six months, Feb. 22.
Funeral at St. Peter's Church of Mrs. Richard Lord Annesley,
who had died while traveling with her husband, the head of
the art firm of that name, in Europe, the previous month, March 5.
King Fountain winter covering removed and lake now free from ice,
March 5.
Dr. David Murray, an educator of world-wide repute, principal of
the Albany Academy, 1857-1863 ; becoming professor of math
ematics at Rutgers College, 1863 ; Mikado of Japan accepts
him on recommendation of the President as the best man to
inaugurate a school system for that nation, 1873-1879; made
secretary of Board of Regents, 1880-1889; returns to Rutgers
College, dies at New Brunswick, N. J., March 6.
Charles McAulay, a valiant fighter in the Civil War, who had long
conducted a religious book-store at No. 13 Plain st., dies,
March 10
Heavy snowstorm, 8 inches, March 21
Investigation ordered by the city of gaseous odors in the water
March 23
Preusser trial completed, March 24
Ex-Congressman Charles Tracey, president of Columbia Distilling
Co. (No. 924 Broadway) General of the Papal Guard, (b
Albany, May 27, 1847) dies at his home, No. 20 Willett st.,
March 24
Ice breaks up before the city, water over D. & H. tracks, March 27

7^6 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1905.
Gen. Charles Tracey buried from St. Ann's Church, crowded with
his many friends, Bishop Burke delivering eulogy, burial St.
Agnes, March 27.
Safe blown on an upper floor of the Drislane Building on No. Pearl
St., by two men. March 28.
River clear of ice before the city, March 28.
Disastrous fire in Hisgen Bros.' axle-grease factory on Tivoli street
at 5 a. m., believed incendiary, March 30.
River open to navigation (Government record), April 1.
Capt. Howard Udell McMillan of Co. A, Tenth Battalion, elected
major, April 12.
Gen. John Palmer, twice elected secretary of State, a prominent
Republican, valiant service in the Civil War, wherein he was
critically injured and a sufferer for life, commander-in-chief
of the Grand Army, (born March 22, 1842), dies at his home,
No. 728 Madison ave., April 15.
Snowfall covering the ground completely, April 16.
Latest snow of the season, April 18.
State barge canal work commenced at Fort Miller, ¦ April 24.
Water let into the Erie canal, April 26.
Col. Willard Glazier, Civil War fighter and prisoner, author of a
dozen books of enormous circulation, discoverer of the source
of the Mississippi river, Lake Glazier, explorer of Labrador,
dies, April 26.
Byron Travers, guest at Kenmore Hotel, departs for New York,
having been handed the wrong satchel containing $5,000 in
diamonds, April 26.
First Lieutenant William B. Coates elected captain of Co. A, ioth
Battalion, to succeed Howard U. McMillan previously chosen
major, April 29.
Latest spring frost of the season, . May 2.
Albany Medical College commencement, May 2.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society elects James Ten
Eyek president for first time at its (6th) annual meeting held
in its building at No. 176 State St., . May 8.
William Goodwin and Louis Himmell, safe-breakers of the Dris
lane Building, saw their way from cells in the Penitentiary
and are caught in the attic, May 9.
William Minott Whitney, head of the dry goods firm of Wm. M.
Whitney & Co., one of the two largest business houses of the
kind in this city or part of the state, conducted by him for
more than half a century on the east side of No. Pearl St.,
dies of apoplexy at his handsome home, No. 158 Washington
ave., s. w. cor. of Dove street, May 10.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 787
1905.
Albany Academy Cadets' competitive drill in Washington Park,
May 12.
Local Masons attend funeral obsequies of M. W. Jesse B. Anthony,
for 14 years superintendent of the Home at Utica, burial at
Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, May 25.
Close of Brotherhood of St. Andrew's 12th annual convention at
St. Paul's Church, May 29.
Rev. R. H. Rollins, having leased the Manor House and grounds
north of Rensselaer (built by Wm. Patterson Van Rensselaer
about 1841) and later purchased (1850) by Paul Forbes as a
country-seat, thus becoming known popularly as Forbes Manor,
opens it as Van Rensselaer Park for the benefit of Sunday
school excursions and picnics generally, May 30.
St. Agnes' School commencement, Bishop Nelson reading annual
address to the graduates by Bishop Doane, because of his ab
sence in Europe, May 31.
Dr. Henry Wadsworth Giles, organist of the Second Presbyterian
Church for more than a score of years, a graduate of Albany
Medical College, (b. Cherry Valley, N. Y.) dies at his home
on So. Allen st., June.
Brig.-Gen. Charles W. Flobbs, U. S. A., given a banquet at the
Hampton by military men, admirers and former Albany friends,
June 6.
William C. McHarg, connected with the Callanan Road Improve
ment Co., dies at his home, No. 193 Lancaster St., June 6.
Light frost, temperature 44 degrees, June 8.
Tenth Battalion returns from camp, June 10.
Empire Opera Co. disbands suddenly at Empire theatre, the man
ager leaving the members in distress and they appeal for city
aid, June 13.
Flag Day quite generally celebrated with displays, June 14.
Safe-blowers Louis Himmell and William Goodman, for breaking
into an office in Drislane Building on night of March 28th,
sentenced to serve more than 4 years at Dannemora, June 14.
Miss Harriet L. Gaylord, niece of the late Edwin Croswell (the
prominent editor of The Argus in its early existence) and who
conducted a private school at Catskill, attended by a dozen
or more prominent Albanians (b. Catskill, Aug. 6, 1824) dies
at Rutherford, N. J., yune I4.
Bishop Burke receives life-size portrait of Pius X., painted by
Commendatore Enrico Scifone, June 14.
Albany Academy Commencement, held in its Assembly room, Clar
ence T. Graham, valedictorian, June jc.

7^8 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
 —  _  , — _,
1905.
Rev. John Townsend, son of the late Mayor John Townsend,
graduate of the Albany Academy and Union College, for some
time in the past a Chancellor of All Saints' Cathedral and
holding rectorships outside the city, dies at Middletown, Conn.,
aged 72 years, on June 13th, and funeral held at St. Peter's
Church, burial at Rural, June 16.
Grace Episcopal Church celebrates its 59th anniversary, June 18.
Christian Brothers' Academy commencement at Empire Theatre,
June 19.
Judge Jerome B. Fisher elected Supreme CoUrt Reporter to suc
ceed Marcus T. Hun, who had most creditably held the office
since 1874, June 19.
Temperature drops from 84 to 54 degrees during the day, June 20.
Robert Hewson Pruyn's oil portrait presented to Rutgers College
by his son, Robert C. Pruyn, Hon. Andrew S. Draper making
the presentation address, June 21.
James F. Tracey, prominent Albany attorney (Tracey & Cooper, 25
No. Pearl) appointed associate justice of the court in the
Philippine Islands by President Roosevelt, July 1.
John A. Hand, many years in office of the Thacher Car Wheel
Works, dies, July 2.
Albany Yacht Club's building on east shore, opposite State street,
burned to the ground, July 3.
Independence Day celebration, Second Battalion and other military
bodies parade, Capt. William F. Wheelock grand Mnarshal;
Rev. John Lynch the orator and Rev. A. M. Vander Wart the
chaplain ; orphans entertained, in Washington Park ; fireworks
in Beaver Park, July 4.
Capt. Charles A. Bailey, office on the Pier at the foot of State
street bridge, prominent resident of Rensselaer and known to
all river men, (b. London, Eng., coming to Bath-on-the-Hud
son in 1856) president of Bath two terms and concerned in
barge and tow lines, dies, July 6.
Dr. N. Emmons Paine's wife, Harriet Gould (daughter of the
late William Gould), both long residents of this city, removed
to West Newton, Mass., dies there suddenly, July 8.
Frederick B. Hubbard, insurance agent with office in Tweddle
Building (b. Watertown, Nov. 24, 1844), dies suddenly, July 9.
Legislature in special session, opening of the trial of Judge Warren
B. Hooker before both houses in Assembly Chamber. Lieut.-
Gov. Bruce presiding, July 10.
Wm. B. Gore, many years conducting an antiquary book-store at
No. 103 So. Pearl st., prostrated by heat, dies at Homeopathic
Hospital, July 11.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 789

1905.

Highest temperature of the month, 96 degrees, mean for 32 years
for this month being 73 degrees, record of July 3, 1898, being
100 degrees, July 18.
Legislative trial of Justice Hooker ends in his favor, 76 to 67,
July 20.
Rear-Admiral Charles Dwight Sigsbee (b. Albany, at No. 20 Spring
st., Jan. 16, 1845) arrives at Virginia Capes, commanding the
U. S. Cruiser Brooklyn, with the remains of Admiral John Paul
Jones, America's first admiral (born at Kirkbean, Kirkcud
brightshire, Scotland, July 6, 1747, son of John Paul, a Scotch
gardener, going to Virginia under assumed name of Jones in
1773, in 1775 being appointed ist lieutenant of the Alfred, a
30-gun frigate in American navy, on April 24, 1778; aboard
the Ranger, captured British sloop-of-war, Drake; sailed on
Aug. 14, 1779, in command of the Bonhomme Richard, with
four other war vessels about Ireland and Scotland, falling in
with the Serapis and others on Sept. 23, 1779, when ensued
one of the greatest naval battles ever fought, the Serapis sur
rendering to him; returned to Paris in 1790 and died at Paris
on July 18, 1792), the United States government desiring to
inter the. remains in this country, July 22.
Col. Daniel Scott Lamont, whom Gov. S. J. Tilden brought to this
city in 1874 to be deputy clerk of the Assembly, becoming
connected with The Argus in 1875 as reporter, later managing
editor, made Gov. Grover Cleveland's private secretary, and in
his first term was secretary to the president, during his second
presidential term, 1893-97, the U. S. secretary of war, dies at
his summer home at Millbrook, Dutchess Co., of heart failure,
being a resident of New York City at the time and connected
with its largest enterprises, July 23.
Rev. Dr. J. Wilson of Philadelphia addresses certain Episcopalians
who oppose the so-called " high church "' service at Sprague
Chapel, with the view of organizing a Reformed Episcopal
church here, Tuly 23.
Milton S. Hoag, prominent liveryman on Willett street, dies, July 24.
Albion W. Floyd, expert photographer for illustrative work and
collector of numerous negatives of old Albany, dies, July 24.
William Mullen burned to death, asleep in stable, No. 154 Church
street, Aug. 1.
Theodore Townsend, many years the treasurer of Albany Savings
Bank (appointed 1882), an alderman in 1853 and 1854 (b. Al
bany, Oct. 9, 1827), the son of former Mayor John Townsend,
dies at Westport Inn, Westport, on Lake Champlain, Aug. 3.

79° CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1905.
The John G. Myers Dry Goods Co. store, Nos. 39-41 North Pearl
street, collapses at the time the clerks, are arriving to open the
store, the roof of the immense. 6-story building crashing
through the cellar, bearing everything with it, entombing about
80 persons and killing 13 clerks, due to insecure underpinning
and shoring in the cellar while extensive ' improvements were
under way ; the streets immediately guarded by a cordon of
police and all ambulances of the city summoned, at noon the
railroads sending up an army of men with picks to remove the
debris, and the city officials rendering assistance under direc
tion of Mayor Gaus in person on the scene, Aug. 8.
Partial eclipse of the moon visible here, clouding later, Aug. 14.
Michael Daley, contractor on many large buildings here, dies at his
home, No. 221 North Pearl street, Aug. 19.
Cosimo Biele, indicted for murder in February of Edward Red
mond, and Thomas Mart, burglary, saw way out of peniten
tiary, Aug. 20.
Inquest of Myers dry-goods store collapse begun by Coroner W. S.
Van Guysling, Aug. 21.
Albany County Fair opens at Altamont, Aug. 22.
Judge John J. Brady elected 2nd vice-president Catholic Young
Men's Union at the convention being held in this city, Aug. 22.
Census enumeration of last June made public, at this time 98,362,
an increase of 4,211 over U. S. Census of 1900, then 94,151,
and for the county 171,497, Aug. 23.
Stove-mounters' strike at Rathbone, Sard & Co., Aug. 25.
John W. Rogers and wife, stopping at Hotel Ten Eyck abandon
6-year-old son and baby, " Rex," who are taken to Lathrop
Memorial, Aug. 25.
Attorney Frederick E. Wadhams elected treasurer of American
Bar Association at convention at Narragansett, Aug. 25.
German Day celebration begun by sacred concert in evening at
Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Aug. 27.
Body recovered on east shore of river near middle bridge of Frank
G. Powers, who on 24th jumped from Troy- Albany boat, Aug. 27.
German Day parade of fanciful floats in morning, picnic at Dobler
Park in afternoon; Anton Hafner grand marshal and Gustave
Zinserling his chief of staff, Aug. 28.
Wage scale dispute started on July ist between employees of United
Traction Co. and the officers, opens before arbitrators in City
Hall, Judge John T. McDonough, Lewis E. Carr and Judge
J. Rider Cady of Fludson, Aug. 29.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 791
1905.
Carl Hagenbeck trained animals here, Aug. 31.
Offer of $50,000 made for the Albany horse, Major Delmar, trained
by Alta P McDonald on Troy Road stables, by H. M. Hanna
of Cleveland, Aug. 31.
Flon. William Barnes, Sr., delivers important address on arbitration
at a peace conference held at the Shaker colony, Mt. Lebanon,
N. Y, Sept. 1.
Labor Day parade of diminished proportions because of heavy
downpour, Sept. 4.
Judge Judson S. Landon, president of Union College 1884-1888, a
familiar figure for years in this city, aged 75, dies at Schenec
tady, Sept. 7
Deaconess Leonard of Troy appointed to place vacated by Mrs
Ellingworth upon her marriage, whose post had been for years
at the Union Railroad station, Sept. 9
Albany Baseball team, its first year under President Charles M
Winchester, Jr., terminates the season, fourth in State League
Sept. 10
High and all public schools open, attendance of 1,011 at former, Sept. 11
Printers inaugurate strike in publishing plants on demanding sign
ing of agreement to go into effect first clay of new year, Sept. 11.
James Brennan, ex-assemblyman, 1893, and proprietor of Brennan
Flouse, No. 5 Green street, dies, Sept. 11.
Compositors of The Argus go out because of affiliation with its
job department, but the newspaper issues as usual, Sept. 12.
Fletcher Barber, of Barber & Bennett, grain, formerly conducting
elevator in pier, with office on lower Broadway, dies at Berne
Sept. 16.
Albanians testify at New York city before the Armstrong Legisla
tive special committee investigating State life insurance com
panies, which assumes intense interest in its development, Sept. 21.
Capt. George H. Atkinson, organizer of Albany branch U. S. Vol.
Life Saving Corps, aged 53 years, dies, Sept 18.
Republican General Committee organizes, electing Senator James
B. McEwan president, Luther C. Warner secretary, and George
Haswell treasurer, Sept. 22.
Wife of Dr. Cyrus S. Merrill, prominent among local D. A. R.
societies, and charitable, dies after brief illness, Sept. 22.
Albany Association of National Guard Officers organizes at armory,
electing Gen. Frederick Phisterer, of adjutant-general's office
(assistant) its president, Sept. 23.

792 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1905.
Gideon Hawley dies, Sept. 23.
Head-on collision on Albany & Hudson electric road, north of Nas
sau, immediate death of Thomas Loftus, of Rensselaer, motor-
man, Sept. 24.
Grand jury given J. G. Myers Co. building collapse case, Sept. 25.
Republican county convention held at noon in City Hall, . Sept. 26.
Archibald McGarvey, son of late Michael McGarvey (stove m'f'r),
dies, Sept. 26.
Democrats hold ist Assembly district convention, Sept. 27.
Taylor and Amsdell Brewing companies' stockholders ratify agree
ment to enter Hudson River brewery syndicate, Sept. 27.
George C. Van Tuyl, treasurer of Albany Trust Co., testifies before
the Armstrong insurance investigating committee at New
York, Sept. 27.
Democrats hold 3rd Assembly district convention, Sept. 28.
Democrats hold 4th Assembly district convention, Watervliet, Sept. 29.
Flebrew New Year's celebrated, Sept. 30.
Wheeler H. Peckham, prominent New York City attorney (born at
Albany, Jan. 1, 1833, son of late Judge Rufus W. Peckham,
Sr. (who was lost at sea on the Ville de Havre), dies in that
city, Sept. 27, and Albany Bar Association attends his funeral
at Rural Cemetery, Sept. 30.
Fourth Reformed Church, Rev. Fr. Mueller celebrates Golden Jubi
lee, Oct. 1.
Ancients and Honorables arrive from Boston and parade, Oct. 2.
Hallowe'en committee of Carnival appoints Miss Catherine Hess to
be " Queen Titania ;" Anna Stolz, " Goddess of Liberty ;" Eliz
abeth Gregory, " Cinderella," and Ellis J. Staley as " Prince
Charming," Oct. 2.
Ancients and Honorables banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, Oct. 3.
Republican city convention held at City Hall, renominating Major
Charles H. Gaus for mayor, Oct. 3.
Hon. John Battersby, elected county treasurer in 1884, re-elected
1887, butcher for many years at n. w. corner North Pearl and
Clinton avenue, and known throughout the county as "Honest"
John Battersby, dies, Oct. 3.
Usual large fall excursion from Boston arrives, and Ancients and
Honorables military body departs on the day boat, Oct. 4.
Republican Third Judicial district convention held at noon at Un
conditional Club's building on south side of Beaver street, nom
inating Surrogate George H. Fitts to succeed Judge George D.
B. Hasbroiick, Oct. 5.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 793
1905.
Louis Ziriax of this city, acting as chauffeur, fatally injured by his
automobile colliding at West Newton, Mass., with motor-car, Oct. 8.
Hebrew feast of Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, celebrated, Oct. 9.
Veteran Fireman's Ass'n of Philadelphia arrive and parade, Oct. 9.
Democratic city convention held at evening in the City Hall, nomi
nating Dr. William J. Wansboro for mayor, Oct. 10.
Second large fall excursion party this year from Boston, Oct. 11.
Annual parade of fire and police departments, commanded by Fire
Chief Michael E. Higgins and Chief of Police James L. Hyatt,
Oct. 11.
Veteran Firemen's Ass'n depart for Newburgh and Philadelphia, Oct. 11.
Dr. William Olin Stillman elected president of the American Hu
mane Society in convention at Philadelphia, Oct. 12.
Democratic county convention held at noon at City Hall, nominat
ing ticket headed by Harry FI. Walsh for county treasurer, Oct. 12.
Italian societies parade in commemoration of the 413th anniversary
of the arrival of Columbus in America, Oct. 12.
Legislative funeral train passes through at 2:15 a. m. from New
York to Westfield, Chautauqua county, to attend funeral of
Speaker S. Fred Nixon, and Governor Higgins joins the party,
Oct. 13.
First registration day's figures: 9,432; in 1904 was 12,568; in 1903.
was 8,492; in 1902 was 7,896, Oct. 13.
Total registration for first Friday and Saturday registration in
city, 15,662; in 1903 (last municipal election) was 14,399, being
an increase of 1,263 registrations, Oct. 14.
John P. Bailly, merchant tailor of No. 77 North Pearl street, dies
at his home, No. 133 Eagle street, after illness of four years,
Oct. 14.
Grand jury fails to indict in Myers building disaster, Oct. 16.
George Roark, many years conducting lumber-yard and planing-
mill at foot of North Ferry street, for past 20 years a resident
of Fladley, N. Y., aged 86 years, dies there, Oct. 18.
Alexander Selkirk, inventor and patent lawyer of many years, No.
31 North Pearl street (b. Bethlehem, July 18, 1830, living on
farm of his grandfather, James Selkirk, a Revolutionary
fighter, after whom town is named), dies at his home, No. 284
Clinton avenue, after illness, Oct. 18.
James Farrell, prominent contractor, dies at Albany Hospital, Oct. 19.

794 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1905.
Gov. Frank W. Higgins appoints Wm. Bayard Van Rensselaer, Dr.
Samuel B. Ward, Senator David B. Hill and Donald McDon
ald (pres. Chamber of Commerce) on the ter-centennial com
mittee to celebrate 300th anniversary of discovery of the Hud
son river, Oct. 19.
Edward F. liughes thrown from wagon at South Pearl and Beaver,
in a runaway, and dies at Homeopathic Hospital, Oct. 23.
Work begun on new river intake for water supply, Oct. 23.
King Fountain covered for winter and park made ready for cold,
Oct. 23.
William Sautter, prominent druggist at No. 8 North Pearl street,
dies of heart failure at Hoffman Flouse, New York City,' aged
47. °ct- 24-
Death of widow of Capt. Edgar V Denison, No. 101 Columbia
street, Oct. 24.
New York State Supreme Court eulogizes Marcus T. Hun on com
pletion of his 30 years as court reporter, and orders resolution
printed in the last volume issued under his supervision, Oct. 25.
Earliest killing frost of the season, Oct. 25.
Archibald J. McClure's residence, No. 483 State street, robbed of
considerable jewelry by fictitious telephone lineman, Oct. 25.
Hon. Robert G. Scherer, graduate of Cornell, admitted lawyer,
1882 ; member board of public instruction, assemblyman two
terms, miscellaneous court reporter; board of examiners
general term (b. Albany, March 20, 1861), dies at his home,
No. 618 Madison avenue, Oct. 28.
John G. Burch, who opened grocery, coal and wood yard in West
Albany in 1873, elected alderman in 1871, re-elected and
chosen president of Common Council, and during mayoralty
contest between George H. Thacher and E. L. Judson, Feb. 2-
April 20, 1874, acting mayor, aged 78, dies at his home, No. 2
Watervliet avenue, Nov. 1.
Albany Garage Co., recently organized, buys Nos. 28-30 Howard
street, Nov. 1.
President Roosevelt proclaims Nov. 30th set apart as a day of
Thanksgiving, Nov. 2.
Major Charles Ii. Gaus re-elected the Mayor of Albany at the
Charter election held this day, receiving 15,915 votes as the
Republican candidate; his opponent, Dr. William J. Wansboro,
receiving 7,379 votes as the Democratic candidate; void, 199
votes; blank, 314 votes; others, 11 votes; total number of votes
cast, 23,818; Gaus' majority over Wansboro being 8,536 votes,
he is declared elected the Mayor of Albany, Nov. 7.

NO. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 795

1905.

Gov. Frank W. Fliggins sets apart Nov. 30th as Thanksgiving, Nov. 8.
Earliest autumn snow of the season, Nov. 9.
Myers building disaster case given to grand jury 2nd time, Nov. 13.
Ground covered with snow, Nov. 13.
John G. Myers Dry Goods Co., having been open temporarily at
No. 69 North Pearl street, entirely burned out by fire starting
in engine room in the basement at 1 a. m., Nov. 15.
Sale of United Traction stock at $150 to D. & Ii. railroad interests,
Nov. 18.
Unitarian meeting-house on south side of Lancaster, near Eagle
street re-dedicated after serious fire, Rev. Robert Collyer of
New York officiating, Rev. Thomas S. Robjent, pastor, pre
siding, Nov. 19.
Rev. Joseph Addison Jones preaches his initial sermon at Madison
Avenue (Second) Dutch Reformed Church, Nov. 19.
Coating of ice on Washington Park lake, Nov. 19.
Bishop Doane opens annual convention of the Episcopal diocese of
Albany at Cathedral of All Saints, characteristic address, Nov. 21.
Board of County Canvassers report returns of Charter election held
on November 7th, completing tabulation, Nov. 21.
Reformed Episcopal Church, having organized here, extends a call
to Rev. Dr. Frederick H. Reynolds of Philadelphia, Nov. 19.
Ice solid across Washington Park lake, Nov. 22.
Discovery of the dead body of Mrs. Ella Wilbur-Cramp Hammond
crowded into a trunk in the fireplace of her parlor of their
home, No. 42 South Ferry street, near Green, Nov. 23.
Celebration throughout the country of the 250th anniversary of the
settlement of Jews in America, Nov. 24.
Messrs. Dyer and Daggett arraigned on charge of negligence for
the Myers building collapse disaster, pleading not guilty, Nov. 27.
Erie canal closed for the season, Nov. 28.
Thanksgiving Day observed, following proclamations of President
Roosevelt and Governor Higgins, Nov. 30.
The John G. Myers Dry Goods Co., having been burned out of
temporary quarters at No. 69 North Pearl street, opens in The
Boston Co.'s dry goods store at s. e. corner North Pearl and
Steuben streets, site of the home of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, who
died there Feb. 11, 1828, Dec. 2.
The Rogers children who had been abandoned by parents at Hotel
Ten Eyck during summer and cared for at Lathrop Memorial
Home, adopted legally by man and wife of New Jersey, Dec. 2.

796 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1905.
Last tow of the season departs southward, Dec. 2.
The B. P. O. Elks, No. 49 of Albany, holds anniversary service at
Harmanus Bleecker Hall, honoring the memory of the year's
deceased, John M. Davis, treasurer of The Albany Evening
Journal Co. ; Julius Fish, tobacco ; and Harry K. Morris, Dec. 3.
Stuart G. Speir, who had conducted for some years a typewriter
agency in this city, removed recently to Schenectady, dies
suddenly there, Dec. 4.
Hon. James Russell Parsons, Jr., appointed consul-general to
Mexico by President Roosevelt, following long service as sec
retary to the Board of Regents, with residence at No. 22 Elk
street, killed in a collision between his vehicle and train at the
City of Mexico, Dec. 5.
Old Guard of Co. A banquet at Fort Orange Club, George Has
well, toastmaster, Dec. 6.
Rev. Roelif Hasbrouck Brooks of Poughkeepsie accepts the rector
ship of St. Paul's Church, Dec. 9.
Edwin H. Anderson, of the Carnegie Library at Pittsburg, ap
pointed State Librarian (director), Dec. 15.
Steamboat C. W. Morse leaves on last trip of the season, Dec. 15.
River closed to navigation (Government record), Dec. 15.
Arthur Strong, who had accompanied J. C. Hammond to the west
after the body of Hammond's wife was found in a trunk at
their residence, No. 42 South Ferry street, on Nov. 23rd, ar
rives at Albany and tells of their adventures on the Pacific
coast, Dec. 18.
Frank B. Gilbert appointed State Law Librarian by Commissioner
Draper, Dec. 20.
Rt. Rev. Mon'r Francis Maguire dons the purple robe of his new
office, at St. Patrick's Church, Bishop Burke officiating, Dec. 21.
Lester W. Bloch appointed United States commissioner, Dec. 22.
Suit instituted before Justice Hasbrouck against Quayle & Son, en
gravers, by Brandow Printing Co., for $100,000, Dec. 23.
John L. Godley resigns as superintendent of Albany Hospital, which
office he had held since opening of new building, Dec. 24.
Rumor that Miss Elsie Smith, former " Queen Titania " of Hallow
e'en carnival, had been sent poisoned candy, Dec. 26.
James W. Wadsworth arrives to contest with Assemblyman Edwin
Merritt the appointment of speaker of Assembly, eliciting much
speculation because of the alleged split in Republican party,
' Dec. 28.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 797
1905.
John De Peyster Townsend, who had conducted a drug store for
more than a score of years at s. e. corner of Eagle street and
Maiden Lane (b. Albany, June 4, 1839), the son of John Fonda
Townsend and Catherine Louisa Douw, dies at his home, same
location, Dec. 28.
Charity ball held at Odd Fellows' Hall, Dec. 29.
Newton B. Vanderzee appointed surrogate of Albany county, Dec. 30.
? ? ?
1906.
Major Charles Ii. Gaus assumes office the third successive time as
the Mayor of Albany, having been chosen by the people at the
Charter election held on Nov. 7, 1905, when a majority of
8,536 votes of a total of 23,818 votes were cast in his favor,
and he was declared properly elected by the board of can
vassers, Jan. 1.
The body of Hon. James Russell Parsons, who was killed on Dec.
5th, last, in a railway accident in the City of Mexico, where
he was the U. S. consul-general, having previously been for
some years the secretary of the Board of Regents, arrives at
Albany and is placed in the Rural Cemetery vault, Jan. 1.
George C. Lee, assistant cashier of Albany County Bank (b. Al
bany), aged 42 years, dies suddenly at his home, No. 471 State
street leaving a number of liberal charitable bequests, Jan. 1.
Common Council convenes at noon at the City Hall, President Wil
liam F. Burnham in the chair, and the board listens to the
message of Mayor Gaus; electing Frederick U. Bresler clerk,
and Alderman Rollin B. Sanford chosen Republican party
leader at the caucus, Jan. 2.
Hon. John A. McCall, former Albanian and State superintendent,
in failing health, resigns as president of the New York Life
Insurance Co., which he had made through his energy one of
the greatest business institutions in the United States, Jan. 3.
Excitement throughout the city over contest for speaker of Assem
bly, results in the election of James W. Wadsworth, Jr., follow
ing rumors of President Roosevelt exerting his influence in
State politics, Jan. 3.
Funeral of Hon. James Russell Parsons, accidentally killed in
Mexico, Dec. 5, 1905, conducted by Bishop Doane at All Saints'
Cathedral, Jan. 6.

798 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1906.
Rev. Frederick H. Reynolds assumes rectorship of the newly organ
ized Reformed Episcopal Church of the Atonement, a deflec
tion from St. Andrew's, in Cameron Hall on Central avenue, Jan. 7.
Rev. E. R. Allen made pastor of Hope Baptist Church, Jan. 7.
N. Y. State Normal College destroyed totally by one of the most
spectacular conflagrations in years, the wind spreading the
flames rapidly from the Willett street front to the rear near
Lark street, part of the residence of President William J. Milne,
in southern portion of the building, being only part of structure
saved; building erected in 1885; Edward Ogden & Son, archi
tects ; loss over $200,000, insurance about $80,000 ; started at
8:15 p. m., probably caused by electric light wires, and burned
until forenoon following day, witnessed by thousands of citi
zens, who aided in removal of valuable papers, books and
pictures, Jan. 8.
Charles J. Buchanan elected president of Albany County Bar Asso
ciation, Jan. 9.
Second Battalion opens poultry show at the armory, Jan. 10.
Daniel G. Curtis, who entered the employ of the New York State
National Bank on April 9, 1853, and was paying teller for more
than a quarter of a century, retiring on Thanksgiving Day,
1903, with a present of $1,000 in gold, because of a serious
accident, aged 69 years, dies at the home of his son-in-law at
Cooperstown, Jan. 10.
Captain George W. Oliver of the Third Police Precinct (b. Bethle
hem, May 19, 1844); dies, Jan. 10.
Thomas H. Craven, supervisor of 5th ward 1871, clerk board of
supervisors 1877-1885, city marshal June I, 1886, clerk of
Common Council, 1889-1893, aged 64, dies in New York City,
Jan. 15.
Franchise and property of the United Traction Co. passes to the
D. & H. Railroad valued at $7,500,000, Jan. 15.
N. Y. State Ass'n of School Commissioners and Superintendents
holds first annual meeting at Capitol, addressed by Thomas E.
Finegan of State Dep't of Education, Jan. 15.
Alumni Ass'n of State Normal College elects officers, choosing John
A. Hill, Schenectady, president, Jan. 15.
Mrs. A. H. Noble, mother-in-law of Governor Fliggins, dies at his
Olean home, and he departs for there, abandoning public recep
tion, Jan. 16.
State Bar Association addressed in Assembly Chamber by Hon.
Charles E. Littlefield, congressman of Maine, Jan. 16.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 799
1906.
Sons of Helderberg War annual banquet, F. F. Crannell, Jr., toast-
master, Jan. 17.
Capt. Frank DeWitt Ramsey, U. S. A., who was highly commended
for his efficiency in forwarding stores from Florida to the
troops in Cuba during the Spanish-American war and who set
an example for executive ability, precision and efficiency in
supplying American troops during the " Boxer " troubles in
China, superior management to that of any of the other armies
forcing the relief of the besieged at the legations at Pekin, a
graduate of the Albany Academy and of West Point on June
14, 1885, dies at Washington, D. C, Jan. 18.
Burns Club's annual meeting, electing Chas. H. Turner president, Jan. 18.
Lumber-yard of F. F. Crannell, Jr., North Ferry and Lawrence
streets, burned at 9 p. m., with loss of about $40,000, Jan. 20.
Hon. Franklin M. Danaher, attorney, elected vice-president of
American-Irish Flistorical Society, Jan. 21.
Rev. James N. Knipe assumes charge of Park United Presbyterian
Church, s. e. corner Western and Lake avenues, Jan. 21.
Capt. Frank DeWitt Ramsey's body arrives at 2 :30 a. m., from
Washington, with family and Major Francis H. Schoeffel,
U. S. A., and accompanied by former Albany friends is taken
to Cobleskill for burial, Jan. 22.
Unconditional Republican Club sells its house, No. 46 Beaver street,
Jan. 23.
Robert R. Topping, formerly with the Albany Brewing Co., dies at
Amsterdam (burial in Rural Cemetery), his previous home, Jan. 22.
Dr. Mary Walker, in customary male attire throughout, addresses
Assembly Codes committee in favor of Eagleton bill abolishing
capital punishment, Jan. 24.
State Superintendent of Public Works Franchot calls attention in
report to Legislature that Albany needs a system of sewage
disposal, Jan. 24.
Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at Hotel Ten Eyck, James
F. McElroy, president; William H. McElroy of New York
(former Albanian), toastmaster, Jan. 27.
Towboat George B. Cooley succeeds in arriving from New York,
Jan. 28.
Ex-President Grover Cleveland and wife (Frances Folsom) arrive
and are guests of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Ward at No. 281
State street, Jan. 29.

800 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1906.
Edward Sayles, who organized a company of volunteers during
Civil War (b. Albany, Oct. 30, 1847, and graduate of Albany
Academy), dies here, Jan. 29.
Ex-President Cleveland addresses Legislature in Assembly Cham
ber at noon, and the State Medical Society in Emmanuel Bap
tist Church in evening, also attending dinner given by Mrs.
Daniel Manning at her home, No. 153 Washington avenue, Jan. 30.
Hyacinths in bloom, because of the warm, unseasonable weather, in
yard of Albert Burgess, No. 642 Central avenue, Jan. 30.
Mme. Sarah Bernhardt, leading French actress, in " Camille " and
" La Sorciere " at Harmanus Bleecker Hall, Feb. 5.
J. G. Myers Co. commences building foundations of the new dry
goods store at same site as the previous one, Nos. 39-41 North
Pearl street, Trowbridge & Livingston, architects,. February,
F. Hopkinson Smith, author, speaks on " Plantation Days " at The
Albany Institute to a crowded assembly-room, Feb. 8.
Albany Hospital elects J. Townsend Lansing president, Feb. 11.
Leonard Kip, author of ten or more novels written with greatest
delicacy of thought and language, principal among them " The
Dead Marquise," Putnam, 1873 ; attorney with office former
years in Tweddle building, graduate of Trinity College, presi
dent of The Albany Institute several years, and at time of
death president of Albany Academy trustees (b. New York
City, Sept. 13, 1826, son of Leonard and Maria Ingraham Kip),
a " Forty-niner " from Albany to California gold fields then
booming, dies at his home, No. 20 Elk street, Feb. 13.
Frank Lasch, police headquarters sergeant,, promoted grade of cap
tain, Feb. 14.
Alfred Booth, known as "Angel," veteran doorkeeper at Central
Railroad station for 15 years, dies of heart failure, Feb. 15.
George I. Amsdell, head of Amsdell Brewing Co. (b. Kinderhook,
Sept. 3, 1827), dies at his home, No. 141 Washington avenue,
Feb. 17.
Hon. John A. McCall, born at Albany on March 2, 1849, made
State superintendent of insurance on April 23, 1883, resigning
to become comptroller of the Equitable Life Insurance Co. on
Jan. 1, 1886, and becoming president of the N. Y. Life Insur
ance Co. on Feb. 12, 1892, a resident of New York City, with
new summer place, " Shadow Lawn," at Long Branch, N. J.,
dies after a serious illness of three months, at the Laurel
House, Lakewood, N. J., Feb. 18.
Funeral of the late Hon. John Augustine McCall at Church of the
Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Thomas M. A. Burke of Albany,

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 8oi
1906.
officiating, following a brief service at his home, No. 54 W.
72nd street, and burial at Chestnut Hill, Woodlawn Cemetery, Feb. 21.
Mohawk river ice breaks up and passes down before the city, Feb. 22.
Parade of Co. B, " Washington Continentals," and banquet, Feb. 22.
Charles E. Leland, former proprietor of Delavan House, after whom
theatre on South Pearl street named, dies, Feb. 27.
Chester F. Dearstyne, tobacco dealer, made superintendent Albany
County Penitentiary in 1896 (b. Berne, July 22, 1851), dies,
March 7.
Charles Flitte, local welterweight of some note, wins on foul from
Matty Mathews at a Troy road resort, 12 rounds, March 7.
Fort Orange Club elects Charles L. Pruyn its president, March 10.
Hiram J. Rockwell, proprietor of Hotel Ten Eyck, former proprie
tor of Hotel Kenmore and of Wayside Inn at Lake Luzerne
(b. Luzerne, 1834), dies in his apartments in Hotel Ten Eyck,
March 10.
William Lane, owner of a string of fast horses, dies, March.
Judge Andrew Hamilton delivers a forceful philippic before the
Armstrong insurance investigating committee in Assembly
Chamber, March 15.
Dr. Samuel Ii. Freeman, practicing here more than half a century,
president board of curators of Albany Medical College, dies
at his home, n. w. corner Columbia and Chapel streets, March 15.
Herman W. Vanderpoel, son of the late Dr. Samuel Oakley Vander-
poel, graduate of Albany Academy in 1873 ; Rutgers, 1877,
dies at Boston, March 16.
Irish societies go to Cohoes to parade, March 17.
Steamer C. W. Morse leaves New York on first trip of season,
March 22.
River open to navigation (Government record), March 23.
Oliver A. Quayle elected president of N. Y. State Automobile As
sociation, March 24.
Mrs. Bridget Coleman, widow of John Coleman, oldest woman in
city, aged 105 years and 11 months (b. Westmeath, Ire., April,
1800), dies at her home, No. 31 Spruce street, March 25.
Lewis E. Carr, the orator at the Speaker Samuel Frederick Nixon
memorial exercises in the Assembly Chamber, March 27.
Judge Andrew Hamilton re-elected president of the Albany Club
and presented with a silver loving-cup by his club friends, March 29.

802 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1906.
Isaac J. Hungerford dies at home, No. 324 Hudson avenue, aged
41, March 30.
Col. Freeman Connor, one of the original Zouaves under Colonel
Ellsworth, enrolled in 44th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 8, 1861, mustered
as captain of Co. D, Sept. 3, 1861, dies at Valparaiso, Ind., March.
Old Lumber District firm of Douglas L. White & Co. dissolved, March 31.
Steamboat Hendrick Hudson, Hudson River Day Line, launched at
Newburgh, March 31.
Robins in Washington Park, but lake ice solid, April 3.
Ice out of lake in Washington Park, April 6.
Mrs. Oralie Bartlett Ditson, widow of George Leighton Ditson,
(mother of late Lina Bartlett Ditson, Albany author of three
historical novels) dies at her home, No. 259 State street, April 7.
Leonard Gansevoort Ten Eyck, head of the insurance underwriting
firm of Ten Eyck & Lansing at No. 48 State street (b. Albany,
1838), graduate of Albany Academy, with summer residence
at Castleton, dies suddenly at his home, No. 9 South Hawk
street, April 8.
Heavy snow all day, latest spring snow of the season, April 9.
Albany College of Pharmacy commencement, April 10.
Albany Academy Cadets guidon drill at armory, Co. C, under Capt.
William Herrick, awarded guidons by Adj. -Gen. Nelson H.
Henry, April 11.
King Fountain winter covering removed, April 11.
Governor Higgins signs bill (Good Friday) of Senator Mead, in
corporating the William Croswell Doane Fund for Christian
Work, April 13.
Mayor Gaus orders removal of the brass inlaid in the marble of the
meridian line, some forty feet in length, laid down by Mayor
Thacher touching the southwest corner of the City Hall, be
cause of numerous accidents caused by it in winter, resulting
in suits against the city, April 13.
William J. Weaver, real estate agent, elected supervisor, 1868-
1871, appointed city assessor by Mayor Thacher and holding
the position until 1900 (b. Coeymans, Jan. 27, 1835), dies at
his home, No. 121 Hamilton street, of heart trouble, April 14.
Flenry C. Littlefield elected president of University Club, April 14.
Easter, rain all day creating a 4-ft. freshet in river, so that steam
boat Morse takes on passengers at Gansevoort street, April 15.
Memorial windows unveiled at special Easter service of music and
euiogy in memory of Rev. Edward Griffin Selden, pastor of

STEAMBOAT HENDRICK HUDSON.
A steamboat of this name appeared first on the river Oct. 9, 1845, proclaimed in Munsell's " a perfect wonder of steam
boat architecture" ; 320 ft. long, 35 ft. broad, 9 ft. depth, 1,170 tons. This one was launched for Hudson River Day Line
at Newburgh, March 31, 1906 ; capacity, 5,000 persons ; speed, 25 miles per hour ; length, 400 ft. ; breadth, 82 ft. ; depth,
14 ft. ;' tonnage, 2,847 gross, 1,598 net ; first trip, Aug. 20, 1906.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 803
1906.
Madison Avenue Protestant Dutch Reformed Church, 1893 to
1904 (b. June 9, 1847, died at Saratoga, June 2, 1904), Rev.
Joseph A. Jones speaking of his life and ministry, April 15.
New steamboat of Hudson River Day Line, Henry Hudson, taken
in tow at Newburgh by the Cornell Line, to the C. W. Fletcher
Co., Hoboken, to have engines installed, April 15.
Joel Rathbone Ransom, formerly of Albany, eldest son of late
Samuel H. Ransom, stove manufacturer, dies at Elizabeth,
N. J., April 15.
Adj. -Gen. N. H. Henry reviews F. R. Palmer United Spanish-
American War Veterans at the armory, April 16.
Water high in river, submerging wheels of West Shore trains, April 16.
The James B. Lyon Co., largest printing firm in the city, astonishes
people by blowing whistle loudly at 11 a. m., as announcement
of completion in entirety of the printing in eight days, by three
shifts, of the seven large volumes containing report of the
Armstrong Legislative committee investigating insurance com
panies, comprising 7,000 pages, being over 12,000,000 ems in
8 working days, April 16.
Superintendent of Schools Charles W. Cole recommends a second
High School, to be located in western part of city because pres
ent building on Eagle street seats 7!9, with 981 students at
tending and an average daily attendance of 883 pupils, April 16.
Master Plumbers' Association yields to demands of Plumbers'
Union No. 7, ending a serious strike of two weeks' duration,
April 17.
Latest- killing frost of the season, April 17.
Earthquake disaster at San Francisco of great seriousness, a score
of Albanians present, and relief fund is started here at once,
April 18.
Report that Robert P. Murphy, formerly hotel-keeper of Washing
ton, D. C, of recent years proprietor of the Kenmore
(" New "), disposes of this hotel to J. A. Oakes of Buffalo for
about $117,000, April 19.
Chamber of Commerce seriously discusses establishment of a new
freight line by river to New York because of the alleged high
rates, April 20.
Albany Baseball team starts spring tour at Toronto, Canada, April 21.
Mayor Gaus transmits $10,000, subscribed by citizens for relief of
San Francisco earthquake sufferers, April 23.

804 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1906.
Severe killing frost at night, this also being the average date for
latest killing frost for 30 years, April 24.
Public Market locations sold to farmers for the year, bringing a
total of $1,370, at auction, April 24.
Dr. Albert Vander Veer's nomination as a Regent confirmed by
both houses of the Legislature, April 26.
Mayor Gaus transmits $5,000 raised by citizens, as first contribution
to relief of San Francisco earthquake sufferers, April 2b.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society, being in need of
larger building and having a fund of $60,000, raised in $1,000
gifts, accepts the plans of Fuller & Pitcher for new building to
be built on north, side of Washington avenue, east of Dove
street, April 27.
Henry E. Hawley, general manager of Hudson River Telephone
Co., a prominent member of Masonic bodies and popular mem
ber of Albany Club, dies, April 27.
The Albany fund for San Francisco earthquake sufferers reaches
$17,524, April 28.
Open motor cars put on for this day only, April 29.
Rev. F. A. Line installed at All Souls' Universalist Church, April 29.
Senate in session until 2 a. m. on mortgage tax bill because of dead
lock, May 2.
Legislature adjourns, May 3.
Arbor Day celebrated, with fair weather, school exercises, May 4.
John G. Mills, son of Charles D. Mills, lover of horses, coin col
lector, pigeon fancier, dies at his home, No. 921 Madison
avenue, May 7.
Albany Baseball team opens season at Syracuse, Charles M. Win
chester, Jr., manager, May 10.
Joseph A. Lansing, former banker (pres. Albany Exchange Savings
Bank), dies at home in Menands, aged 78, May 11.
John Hungerford dies at his home, No. 338 Hudson avenue, May 13.
Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society holds its annual
meeting at its building, No. 176 State street, electing James
Ten Eyck president a second time, May 14.
State contracts let amounting to about $3,000,000 for work on
barge canal near this city (Waterford, Scotia and Rotterdam), May 14!
Reported that Robert P. Murphy pays $150,000 to the Mac Naugh-
ton estate for the New Kenmore hotel property on North Pearl
street, May 14.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 805
1906.
Steamer New York arrives, inaugurating day line season, May 15.
Open cars put on street lines for season, May 15.
Col. Charles E. Davis leaves the armory with the Second Battalion
for scene of strike at Sutton & Sudderly's brickyards at Coey
mans, where one of the employees had been shot and brought
to Albany Hospital, and at 9 :53 p. m. Lieutenant Demi takes
members not arrived in time to go with Battalion, May 16.
Dr. Flenry Hun elected secretary of Association of American Phy
sicians, convening at Washington, D. C, May 16.
Troop B leaves on horseback for scene of strike at Coeymans, 4 :30
p. m., May 18.
Second Battalion returns by boat and Troop B by river road on
horseback, from scene of the brickyard strike at Sutton & Sud
derly's plant at Coeymans, differences being settled by arbitra
tion in the face of the State militia, May 21.
First engine runs into the Lumber District, May 23.
Schuyler Egerton, son of Superintendent of Parks Wm. S. Eger
ton, dies, May 26.
United Traction Co. has record in passenger traffic, Decoration
Day, carrying 175,080 passengers ; receipts, $7,929.76, May 30.
Law School commencement, Gen. A. J. Parker presiding, May 31.
Dr. Simon F. Cox, of Boston, appointed superintendent of Albany
Hospital, succeeding John L. Godley (who resigned Dec. 24th,
the first to hold the office in the. new building on New Scot
land avenue), June 1.
Young baseball players arrested in Beaver Park at behest of a few
of the city clergy, Fourth Presbyterian Church in particular,
for playing ball on Sunday, June 3.
Death of Cornelia Hubbard, wife of Oscar L. Hascy, retired lumber
merchant, and mother of Mrs. Horace G. Young, a woman
whose life was devoted to her home and relief of the unfortu
nate, at her residence, No. 2 Englewood Place, June 3.
Barnum & Bailey circus, No. Albany grounds ; downpour, June 5.
William A. Humphrey, chief detective of N. Y. Central road, with
office in this city, elected president of Ass'n of Railway Police
of the U. S. and Canada Secret Service, convening at Wash
ington, June 6.
William Stetson Corliss, who after graduating at Albany Academy
in 1888, became an amateur actor and developed into a come
dian of prominence, playing first with the amateurs locally in
" The Buccaneers " and " Peter Stuyvesant ;" then with De
Koven & Smith in " The Highwayman ;" afterwards with
Frank Daniels, appearing in leading role in his popular comic

806 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.
1906.
operas as understudy, while in New York preparing for lead
ing role in " The Student King," dies there suddenly, June 6
Judge Gregory discharges the Sunday amateur baseball players
who were arrested as a test case at Beaver Park ball grounds
previous Sunday, June 7
Mayor Gaus signs ordinance for paving with macadam Western
avenue from termination of present pavement to the city line
June 7
Rev. Edward P. Johnson of First Reformed Dutch Church accepts
the chair of church history at the New Brunswick Seminary June 9.
Judge John J. Brady discharges Sunday amateur ball players, June 11
Albany Academy, 93rd commencement, Theodore D. Walser vale
dictorian, June 14.
Sunday baseball by amateurs in city parks resumed without inter
ference by the police, following Judge Gregory's decision, June 17.
William A. Rice (father of Col. William G. Rice) formerly of the
A. McClure & Co. drug firm, and chairman Albany County
Democratic Committee, (b. March 18, 1820), dies at his home,
Worthington, Mass., June 17.
Local automobile club starts on tour to Boston via Vermont, June 21.
Superintendent William J. Wallace of the Albany Orphan Asylum,
dies there, June 22.
Rev. Thos. S. Robjent resigns as pastor Unitarian Church, June 24.
The extensive collection of fossils and minerals made by the late
Prof. James Hall, head of the N. Y. State Museum and paleon
tologist of widest note (decorated by almost every country
with honors) sold to agent of John D. Reckefeller for the Uni
versity of Chicago, at the rumored sum of $30,000, July 2.
Mrs. Harriette Delavan, wife of John W. McHarg and daughter
of the late Edward C. Delavan (owner of Delavan House on
Broadway), dies at her home, No. 23 Elk st., July 4.
Independence Day parade by military bodies, exercises attended
by the orphans in Washington Park, and fireworks in evening
at Beaver Park, July 4.
Maj. William Henry Paddock, many years connected with the
staff of the Albany Evening Journal, and establishing repu
tation writing " The Vagrant " humorous sketches, a popular
member of Albany Burgesses' Corps and of the Albany Press
Club, dies at his home, No. 107 Lark st., July 6.

No. 62. CHARLES HENRY GAUS. 807
1906.
Charles Lansing Pruyn, president of the Albany Embossing Co.
on Pruyn street, of the Albany Forge Co., and of the Fort
Orange Club, a trustee of a number of educational, art and bus
iness organizations, the son of U. S. Minister to Japan Robert
Flewson Pruyn, born at Albany Dec. 2, 1852, graduate of Albany
Academy and of Rutgers College in 1871, with residence at
No. 1 Park Place, facing on Academy Park, dies after brief
illness at his summer home at Altamont, July 7.
Mayor Gaus writes official letter to Gov. Higgins voicing the senti
ments of citizens that the State in considering a site for the
proposed new library and museum building allow the Albany
Academy to remain and suggesting the block bounded by
Washington avenue, Hawk, and Lafayette streets and Park
Place, as the one preferred by citizens to be so used, July 11.
Races for the season inaugurated at Woodlawn Park south of
New Scotland road, July 11.
State Engineer Van Alstyne submits plans affecting neighborhood
of Albany in construction of the barge canal, Contract No. 14,
proposing a dam at Crescent 1,200 feet long, 28 feet, high,
costing about $1,100,000, to flood 3,000 acres as a lake by back
ing up the Mohawk for 10 miles to Visscher's Ferry; it being
intended to extend the Loudon Road thereto, July 11.
Electric trolley line to Altamont discussed, July 15.
Rev. Edwin F. See, pastor of Third Reformed Dutch Church 1883-
1886, then for 20 years the general secretary of the Brooklyn
Y. M. C. A. over its 15 branches, (b. Tarrytown, educated at
Rutgers College and seminary at New Brunswick, N. J.) aged
46 years, dies at Northport, N. Y., July 18.
Albany & Hudson electric road plans to double-track to Kinder
hook to avoid dangerous switches, July 19.
Mary Elizabeth Manning, daughter of the late Daniel Manning
(secretary of treasury under Cleveland and previously editor
of the Argus) and wife of Jules Von der Oudermeulen, of
Holland, dies in New York city, July 20.
Mrs. Mary A. Low, widow of Edwin Dean Worcester (to whom
extensive credit is due for the executive work of combining
the original railroads from New York city across the state into
one road, and secretary of the N. Y. Central & Hudson River
railroad for a long period), aged 66, dies at Stonington, Conn.,
(burial in Rural Cemetery), July 20.
Natural gas well discovered on James Hilton's farm near Voor-
heesville, while boring 150 feet, throws stone and earth 200
feet into the air, July 20.

808 CHARLES HENRY GAUS. No. 62.

1906.

Fifth U. S. Infantry from Plattsburg barracks encamps on its
march to Mt. Gretna, Pa., at Stuyvesant Falls, July 22.
Two Flundred and Twentieth Anniversary of Albany as a city,
July 22.
Death of Dexter Reynolds, at his home, No. 98 Columbia street;
well-known attorney and inventor; born Dec. 22, 1828, (only
son of the late Marcus T. Reynolds and Elizabeth Ann Dexter)
eighth in descent from John Reynolds who came to America in
1634 and settled at Watertown, Mass. ; Sigma Phi and Latin
salutatorian, Union College, 1848, Harvard Scientific School
and Harvard Law School, 1850; admitted to the bar at Albany,
Dec. 2. 1851 ; author of ah authoritative legal work on life
insurance, 1853, Aug. 19.

/ envy not the man whose honest glance
Takes in our past — war, business or romance —
Our martial annals, or the large display
Of genius, beauty, serious life or gay,
Who cannot recognize all through our story,
Our genuine claim to real substantial glory."
Bi-Centennial Ode, 1886.
WM. D. MORANGE.

Abators' Successive {Terms.

(Appointed by Governor.)
ist. Pieter Schuyler; July 22, 1686 — Oct. 13, 1694.
2nd. Johannes Abeel; Oct. 14, 1694 — Oct. 14, 1695.
3rd. Evert Bancker; Oct. 15, 1695 — Sept. 28, 1696.
4th. Dirck Wesselse ten Broeck; Sept 29, 1696 — Oct. 13, 1698.
5th. Hendrick Hansen; Oct. 14, 1698 — 1699.
6th. Pieter Van Brugh (Verbrugge) ; 1699 — 1700.
7th. Jan Jansen Bleecker; — Nov. 5, 1701.
8th. Johannes Bleecker, Jun.; Nov. 6, 1701 — 1702.
9th. Albert Janse Ryckman; 1702 — Oct. 25, 1703.
ioth. Johannes Schuyler; Oct. 26, 1703 — Nov. 10, 1706.
nth. David Davidse Schuyler; Nov. n, 1706 — Oct. 31, 1707.
3rd. Evert Bancker; Nov. 1, 1707 — Oct. 22, 1708.
3rd. Evert Bancker; Oct. 23, 1708 — Nov. 28, 1709.
2nd. Johannes Abeel; Nov. 29, 1709 — Nov. 23, 1710.
12th. Robert Livingston, Jun. ; Nov. 24, 1710 — !7I9-
13th. Myndert Schuyler; 1719 — Nov 8, 1720.
6th. Pieter Van Brugh (Verbrugge) ; Nov. 9, 1720 — 1723-
13th. Myndert Schuyler; 1723 — Oct. 13, 1725.
14th. Johannes Cuyler; Oct. 14, 1725 — Nov. 7, 1726.
15th. Rutger Bleecker; Nov. 8, 1726 — Nov. 10, 1729.
16th. Johannes De Peyster; Nov. n, 1729 — Oct. 13, 1731.
17th. Johannes ("Hans") Hansen; Oct. 14, 1731 — Oct. 22. 1732.
16th. Johannes De Peyster; Oct. 23, 1732 — Oct. 23, 1733.
18th. Edward Holland; Oct. 24, 1733 — Oct. 30, 1740.
iqth. Johannes Schuyler, Jun.; Oct. 31, 1740 — Nov. 22, 1741.
16th. Johannes De Peyster; Nov. 23, 1741 — Oct. 13, 1742.
20th. Cornelis Cuyler; Oct. 14, 1742 — Sept. 28, 1746.
21st. Dirck Ten Broeck; Sept. 29, 1746 — Oct. 13, 1747.
2 1 st. Dirck Ten Broeck; Oct. 14, 1747 — Oct. 13, 1748.
22nd. Jacob Coenraedt Ten Eyck; Oct. 14, 1748 — Oct. 14, 1750.
23rd. Robert Sanders; Oct. 15, 1750 — T754-
17th. Johannes ("Hans") Hansen; 1754 — 1756.
24th. Sybrant Gozen (or Goosen) Van Schaick; 1756 — Sept.
28, 1 761.
25th. Volckert Petrus Douw; Sept. 29, 1761 — Sept. 9, 1770.
26th. Abraham Cornelis Cuyler; Sept. 10, 1770 — April 16, 1778.

8lO MAYORS' SUCCESSIVE TERMS.
(Elected by Board of Aldermen.)
27th. John Barclay; April 17, 1778 — April 8, 1779.
28th. Abraham Ten Broeck; April 9, 1779 — June 26, 1783.
29th. Johannes Jacobse Beeckman; June 27, 1783 — Oct. 8, 1786.
30th. John Lansing ( Lansingh), Jun. ; Oct. 9, 1786 — Oct. 18, 1790.
31st. Abraham Yates, Jun.; Oct. 19, 1790 — Oct. 14, 1796.
28th. Abraham Ten Broeck; Oct. 15, 1796 — Dec. 31, 1798.
32nd. Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer; Jan. 1, 1799 — July 7, 1816.
33rd. Elisha Jenkins; July 8, 1816 — July 2, 1819.
32nd. Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer; July 3, 1819 — Feb. 18,1821.
34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822.
34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823.
34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Feb. 20, 1823 — March 9, 1824.
35th. Ambrose Spencer; March 10, 1824 — Dec. 31, 1824.
35th. Ambrose Spencer; Jan. 1, 1825 — Jan. 1, 1826.
36th. James Stevenson; Jan. 2, 1826 — Dec. 31, 1826.
36th. James Stevenson; Jan. 1, 1827 — May 23, 1828.
34th. Charles Edward Dudley; May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828.
34th. Charles Edward Dudley; Jan. 1, 1829 — Jan. 19, 1829.
37th. John Townsend; Feb. 9, 1829 — Dec. 31, 1829.
37th. John Townsend; Jan. 1, 1830 — Dec. 31, 1830.
38th. Francis Bloodgood; Jan. 1, 1831 — Dec. 31, 1831.
37th. John Townsend; Jan. 1, 1832 — Dec. 31, 1832.
38th. Francis Bloodgood; Jan. 1, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1833.
39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. 1, 1834 — Dec. 31, 1834.
39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. 1, 1835 — Dec. 31, 1835.
39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. 1, 1836 — Jan. 1, 1837.
39th. Erastus Corning; Jan. 2, 1837 — May 14, 1837.
40th. Teunis Van Vechten; May 15, 1837 — Dec. 31, 1837.
40th. Teunis Van Vechten; Jan. 1,1838 — Dec. 31, 1838.
40th. Teunis Van Vechten; Jan. 1, 1839 — Jan- 2Ij i^39-
41st. Jared Lewis Rathbone; Jan. 24, 1839 — Dec. 31, 1839.

(Elected by Vote of the People.)
41st. Jared Lewis Rathbone; Jan. 1, 1840 — May n, 1840.
41st. Jared Lewis Rathbone; May 12, 1840 — May 10, 1841.
40th. Teunis Van Vechten; May n, 1841 — May 9, 1842.
42nd. Barent Philip Staats; May 10, 1842 — April 17, 1843.
43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 18, 1843 — April 15, 1844.
43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 16, 1844 — April 14, 1845.
44th. John Keyes Paige; April 15, 1845 — April 13, 1846.
45th. William Parmelee; April 14, 1846 — April 19, 1847.

MAYORS' SUCCESSIVE TERMS. 8ll
45th. William Parmelee; April 20, 1847 — April l7> J848.
46th. John Taylor; April 18, 1848 — April 16, 1849.
43rd. Friend Humphrey; April 17, 1849 — April 15, 1850.
47th. Franklin Townsend; April 16, 1850 — April 14, 1851.
48th. Eli Perry; April 15, 1851 — Jan. 12, 1852.
48th. Eli Perry; Jan. 13, 1852- — Jan. 9, 1854.
45th. William Parmelee; Jan. 10. 1854 — April 16, 1855.
45th. William Parmelee; April 17, 1855 — March 15, 1856.
49th. Charles Watson Godard; April 28, 1856 — May 5, 1856.
48th. Eli Perry; May 6, 1856— May 3, 1858.
48th. Eli Perry; May 4, 1858 — April 30, i860.
50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 1, i860 — May 5, 1862.
48th. Eli Perry; May 6, 1862 — May 2, 1864.
48th. Eli Perry; May 3, 1864 — April 30, 1866.
50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 1, 1866 — May 5, 1868.
51st. Charles Edward Bleecker; May 6, 1868 — May 5, 1870.
50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 6, 1870 — May 6, 1872.
50th. George Hornell Thacher; May 7, 1872 — Jan. 17, 1874.
52nd. Edmund Lewis Judson; April 14, 1874 — May 1, 1876.
53rd. Anthony Bleecker Banks; May 2, 1876 — May 6, 1878.
54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 7, 1878 — May 3, 1880.
54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 4, 1880 — May i, 1882.
54th. Michael Nicholas Nolan; May 2, 1882 — June 24, 1883.
55th. John Swinburne; May 2, 1882 (seated June 25, 1883) —
May 5, 1884.
53rd. Anthony Bleecker Banks; May 6,-1884 — May 3, 1886.
56th. John Boyd Thacher ; May 4, 1886 —April 30, 1888.
57th. Edward Augustin Maher;" May 1, 1888 — May 4, 1890.
58th. James Hilton Manning; May 5, 1890 — May 2, 1892.
58th. James Hilton Manning; May 3, 1892 — April 30, 1894.
59th. Oren Elbridge Wilson; May 1, 1894 — Dec. 31, 1895.
56th. John Boyd Thacher; Jan. 1, 1896 — Dec. 31, 1897.
60th. Thomas Jefferson Van Alstyne; Jan. 1, 1898 — Dec. 31, 1899.
61st. James Flenry Blessing; Jan. 1, 1900 — Dec. 31, 1901.
62nd. Charles Henry Gaus; Jan. 1, 1902 — Dec. 31, 1903.
62nd. Charles Flenry Gaus; Jan. 1, 1904 — Dec. 31, 1905.
62nd. Charles Henry Gaus; Jan. 1, 1906 —

Barnes of flDayors anb Germs of ©fftce.

ABEEL — Johannes  2nd. Oct. 14, 1694 — Oct. 14, 1695
Nov. 29, 1707 — Nov. 23, 1710
BANCKER — Evert  3rd. Oct. 15, 1695 — Sep. 28,1696
Nov. 1, 1707 — Oct. 22, 1708
Oct. 23, 1708 — Nov. 28, 1709
BANKS — Anthony Bleecker  53rd. May 2, 1876 — May 6, 1878
May 6, 1884 — May 3, 1886
BARCLAY — John  27th. Apr. 17, 1778 — Apr. 8, 1779
BEECKMAN — Johannes Jacobse 29th. June 27, 1783 — Oct. 8, 1786
BLEECKER— Charles Edward ... 51st. May 6, 1868 — May 5, 1870
BLEECKER — Jan Jansen  7th- 1700 — Nov. 5,1701
BLEECKER — Johannes, Jun  8th. Nov. 6, 1701 — 1702
BLEECKER — Rutger  15th. Nov. 8, 1726 — Nov. ,10, 1729
BLESSING — James Henry ....'... 61st. Jan. 1, 1900 — Dec. 31, 1901
BLOODGOOD — Francis  38th. Jan. 1, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1831
Jan. I, 1833 — Dec. 31, 1833
CORNING — Erastus  39th. Jan. 1, 1834 — Dec. 31, 1834
Jan. 1, 1835— Dec. 31,1835
Jan. 1, 1836 — Jan. I, 1837
Jan. 2, 1837 — *May 14, 1837
CUYLER — Abraham Cornelius . . 26th. Sep. 10, 1770 — Apr. 16, 1778
CUYLER — Cornelius  20th. Oct. 14, 1742 — Sep. 28, 1746
CUYLER — Johannes  14th. Oct. 14, 1725 — Nov. 7, 1726
DE PEYSTER — Johannes  16th. Nov. 11, 1729 — Oct. 13, 1731
Oct. 23, 1732 — Oct. 23, 1733
DOUW — Volckert Petrus  23th. Nov. 23, 1741 — Oct. 13, 1742
Sep. 29, 1761 — Sep. 9, 1770
DUDLEY — ¦ Charles Edward  34th. Feb. 19, 1821 — Feb. 15, 1822
.Feb. 16, 1822 — Feb. 19, 1823
Feb. 20, 1823 — Mch. 9, 1824
May 29, 1828 — Dec. 31, 1828
Jan. 1, 1829 — *Jan. 19, 1829
GAUS — Charles Henry  62nd. Jan. 1, 1902 — Dec. 31, 1903
Jan. 1, 1904 — Dec. 31, 1905
Jan. 1, 1906 —
GODARD — Charles Watson  49th. Apr. 28, 1856 — May 5, 1856
HANSEN — Hendrick  5th. Oct. 14, 1698 — 1699
HANSEN — Johannes ("Hans").. 17th. Oct. 14, 1731 — Oct. 22, 1732
1754— I7q6
HOLLAND — Edward  18th. Oct. 24, 1733 — Oct. 30, 1740
HUMPHREY — Friend  43rd. Apr. 18, 1843 — Apr. 15, 1844
Apr. 16, 1844 — Apr. 14, 1845
Apr. 17, 1849 — Apr. 15, 1850
JENKINS — Elisha  33rd. July 8,1816— *July 2,1819
JUDSON — Edmund Lewis  52nd. t Apr. 14, 1874 — May 1, 1876
LANSING — John, Jun  30th. Oct. 9. 1786 — Oct. 18, 1790
LIVINGSTON — Robert, Jun  12th. Nov. 24,1710— 1719
MAHER — Edward Augustin  57th. May 1, 1888 — May 4, 1890
MANNING — James Hilton  58th. May 5, 1890 — May 2, 1892
. May 3, 1892 — Apr. 30, 1894
NOLAN — Michael Nicholas  54th. May 7, 1878— May 3, 1880
May 4, 1880— May 1, 1882
May 2, 1882 — *June 24, 1883
PAIGE — John Keyes  ' 44th. Apr. 15, 1845 — Apr. 13, 1846

NAMES OF MAYORS AND TERMS OF OFFICE. 813
PARMELEE — William  45th. Apr. 14, 1846 — Apr.
Apr. 20, 1847 — Apr.
Jan. 10, 1854 — Apr.
Apr. 17, 1855 — JMch.
PERRY — Eli  48th. Apr. 15, 1851 — Jan.
Jan. 13, 1852 — Jan.
May 6, 1856 — May
May 4, 1858 — Apr.
May 6, 1862 — May
May 3, 1864 — Apr.
RATHBONE — Jared Lewis  41st Jan. 24, 1839 — May
May 12, 1840 — May
RYCKMAN — Albert Janse  9th. 1702 — Oct.
SANDERS — Robert  23rd. Oct. 15, 1750 —
SCHUYLER — David Davidse .... nth. Nov. 11, 1706 — Oct.
SCHUYLER — Johannes  ioth. Oct. 26, 1703 — Nov.
SCHUYLER — John, Jun  19th. Oct. 31, 1740 — Nov.
SCHUYLER — Myndert  13th. 1719 — Nov.
1723 — Oct.
SCHUYLER — Pieter  ist. July 22, 1686 — Oct.
SPENCER — Ambrose  35th. Mch. 10, 1824 — Dec.
Jan. I, 1825 — Jan.
STAATS — Barent Philip  42nd. May 10, 1842 — Apr.
STEVENSON — James  36th. Jan. 2, 1826 — Dec.
Jan. 1, 1827 — *May
SWINBURNE — John  46th. t June 25, 1883 — May
TAYLOR — John  46th. Apr. 18, 1848 — Apr.
TEN BROECK — Abraham  28th. Apr. 9, 1779— June
Oct. 15, 1796 — Dec.
TEN BROECK — Dirck  21st. Sep. 29, 1746 — Oct.
Oct. 14, 1747 — Oct.
TEN BROECK — Dirck Wesselse .. 4th. Sep. 29, 1696— Oct.
TEN EYCK — Jacob Coenraedt .. 22nd. Oct. 14, 1748 — Oct.
THACHER — George Hornell .... 50th. May, 1, i860 — May
May 1, 1866 — May
May 6, 1870 — May
Mav 7, 1872 — Jan.
THACHER — John Boyd  56th. May 4. t8S5 — Apr.
Jan. 1, 1896 — Dec.
TOWNSEND — Franklin  47th. Apr. 16, 1850 — Apr.
TOWNSEND — John  37th. Feb. 9, 1829 — Dec.
Jan. 1, 1830 — Dec.
Jan. I, 1832 — Dec.
VAN ALSTYNE — T. Jefferson.. 60th. Jan. 1, 1898 — Dec.
VAN BRUGH or VERBRUGGE —
Peter  6th. 1699 —
Nov. 9, 1720 —
VAN RENSSELAER — Philip S.. 32nd. Jan. 1, 1799 — *July
July 3, 1819 — Feb.
VAN SCHAICK — Sybrant Gozen . . 17th. 1756 — Sep.
VAN VECHTEN — Teunis  40th. May 15, 1837 — Dec.
Jan. 1, 1838 — Dec.
Jan. I, 1839 — *Jan.
May 11, 1841 —May
WILSON — Oren Elbridge  59th. May 1, 1894 — Dec.
YATES — Abraham, Jun  31st. Oct. 19, 1790 — Oct.
t Seated.
* Resigned.
% Died.

19,

1847

17.

1848

16,

18.55

IS,

1856

12,

1852

9,

1854

3.

1858

30,

i860

2,

1864

30,

1866

II,

1840

10,

1841

25,

1703

1754

31,

1707

10,

1706

22,

1741

8,

1720

1.3,

172.S

13,

1694

31,

1824

1,

1826

17,

1843

31,

1826

23.

1828

S,

1884

16,

1849

26,

178.3

31,

1798

13,

1747

13,

1748

13,

1698

14.

1750

S,

1862

S,

1868

6,

1872

17,

1874

30,

1888

31,

1897

14,

185 1

31,

1829

31.

1830

31,

1832

31.

1899

1700

1723

7.

1816

18,

1821

28,

1761

31,

1837

.31,

1838

21,

18.39

Q,

1842

.31,

1895

14,

1796

flfoa^oralt^

This Count Begins with the First

Elected the Mayor.

opponent.

J. L. Rathbone . . .
T. Van Vechten...
B. P. Staats 
F. Humphrey 
F. Humphrey 
J.K.Paige 
W. Parmelee 
W. Parmelee 
J. Taylor 
F. Humphrey 
F. Townsend 
Eli Perry  ' 
Eli Perry 
W. Parmelee 
C. W. Godard (a) .
Eli Perry 
Eli Perry 
G. H. Thacher, . . .
Eli Perry 
Eli Perry 
G. H. Thacher . . .
C E: Bleecker 
Geo. H. Thacher. .
E. L. Judson 
A. B. Banks 
M.N. Nolan 
J. Swinburne (b) . .
A. B. Banks 
J. B. Thacher 
E. A. Maher 
J. H. Manning. . . .
J. H. Manning. . . .
O. E. Wilson 
J. B. Thacher 
T. J. Van Alstyne.
J. H. Blessing. . . .
C. H. Gaus 
C H. Gaus 
C H. Gaus...

Whig.Whig.Dem. .
Whig.Whig.
Dem. ,
Whig.
Whig. Whig.Whig.
Whig.
Dem. .
Dem. .
Whig.

Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem. Rep.
Dem.Dem.

Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem.Dem. Rep.
Dem. Dem. Rep.Rep.Rep.Rep.

2 ,466
2,4492,868
3,2103,2683,1483,io54,088
3,1203,1423,2293,542
4,022 3,°73

2 ,990
4, 7°2
4,825 S,63S5,3755,600
6,979 7,221
8,7629,3778,916

10,09010,51011,76613,55212 , 781
I3.H5
11 ,030
8,172
12,364 13,02714,17515,915

E. Corning 
G. Y. Lansing ....
J. Townsend 
P. Gansevoort. . . .
G. W. Stanton . . .
F. Humphrey. . . .
J. K. Paige 
Jas. Goold 
Thos. Hun 
Thos. Hun 
E. Perry 
F. Townsend 
T. McMullen 
E. Perry 
J. Quackenbush . .
J. Quackenbush . .
J. Taylor 
G. W. Luther 
J. F. Rathbone....
R. H. Pruyn 
T. W. Parker 
E. L. Judson 
T. McCarty 
E. L. Judson 
N. H. Chase 
J. Swinburne 
E. A. Durant, Jr. .
J. Swinburne 
H. N. Fuller 
J. M. Warner 
J. Rooney 
W. J. Walker 
S. E. Marvin 
T. J. Van Alstyne .
Gen. A. J. Parker.
Col. W. G. Rice . .
W. J. Wansboro . .

a To supply vacancy by death.
b Contested canvass.

Canvass.

Election of Mayors by Popular Vote.

majority. per c

ENT.

op to

TAL.

372

540

no

5°9

336

531

14

5H

143

537

38

4«9

592

549

2 ,920

684

129

5io

217

517

12

500

366

526

972

566

3»i

441

818

476

roi

5°4

735

526

2 ,489

6,39

i,9i.3

605

733

534

2,836

627

1,238

542

1,492

544

1,465

542

3,558

473

¦.250

5°5

1 ,629

537

2,753

566

7,236

682

5,253

629

3,5°9

577

4,278

497

2,158

355

2,369

54i

2,354

532

4,563

577

8,536

668

total vote.

ELECTION.

Dem. .
Dem. .
Whig.Dem. .
Dem. .
Whig. Dem. ,
Dem .
Dem. .
Dem. Dem.Whig.Whig.Dem.

Rep.Rep.Rep.Rep. Rep.
Rep. Rep.Rep.
Dem.Rep.Rep.

Rep.Rep.Rep.Rep.
Rep.
Dem. Rep.
Rep.
Dem. Dem.
Dem.Dem.

2 ,099
2,399^,532 2 ,984
2,638
3,no 2,5.13 1,168
2,991^,925
3,2173,!763,°5o 2 , 692

2 , 172
4, 601
4,0903 , 146
3,4624,8674,143 5,983

7 , 270
7,9125,358

9,848

013 316528
636 752
014
9,995
10,673 9,612 7,379

4,565 4,828 5,4oo
6,2406,086 ",439

5,6855,979
6,1156,072 6,4566,732 7,094
6 ,972
6,2769,329 9,2688,8218,879
10,485n , 150
J3,69316 ,090
17,289 18,814
18,57819,90819,560
20,801 19,876
20,339
22 , 791
22,214 22 ,992
22,84824, 286
24,57623,818

May 5
April 13
April 12
April 1 1
April 9
April 7
April 14
April 13
April 11
April 10
April 9
April 8
Nov. 4
Nov. 8
Mar. 19
April 8
April 1 3
April 10
April 8
April 1 2
April 10
April 14
April 12
April 14
April 1 1
April 9
April 1 1
April 9
April 13
April 10
April °
AprilAprilNov.Nov.Nov.Nov.Nov.Nov.

1840
•1841 1842
1843 1844
1845 1846
1847 1848
1849 1850 1 85 1
18511853185618561858 i860
18621864 1866186818701874187618781882188418861888
1890189218941895 189718991901
i9°3i9°5

flfca^oralt^ Dote percentage.

It must be noted that on the occasions when there were three
prominent candidates voted for, the percentage of the nominee elected
was considerably reduced. This list starts with the first election of
a Mayor by a vote of the people, May 5, 1840. No candidate up to
1906 has received three-fourths of a total votes cast, but three have
received two-thirds of all votes cast at an election. In further dis
section of this table, the Whig (W) nominee may be included in the
Republican list.
William Parmelee (W)
James H. Manning (D)
Charles H. Gaus (R)
Eli Perry (D)
James H. Manning (D)
Charles E. Bleecker (D)
Eli Perry (D.)
Oren E. Wilson (R)
Charles H. Gaus (R)
Edward A. Maher (D)
Eli Perry (D)
William Parmelee (W)
Edmund L. Judson (R)
A. Bleecker Banks (D)
Geo. H. Thacher (D)
James H. Blessing (R)
Jared L. Rathbone (W)
John Boyd Thacher (D)
Friend Humphrey (W)
Geo. H. Thacher (D)
Charles H. Gaus (R)
Barent P. Staats CD)
Geo. H. Thacher (D)
Eli Perry (D)
Friend Humphrey (W)
Friend Humphrev (W)
John Taylor fW)
Teunis Van Vechten (W)
A. Bleecker Banks (D)

.684

1872

.682

1890

.668

i9°5

.639

1862

.629

1892

.627

1868

.605

1864

¦577

1894

•577

1903

-566

1888

566

1851

549

1846

•544

1874

¦542

1876

•542

1870

•54i

1899

¦540

1840

¦537

1886

¦537

1844

•534

1866

•532

1901

¦53i

1842

.526

i860

.526

1851

•5i7

1849

514

1843

.510

1848

•S09

1841

•505

1884

MAYORALTY VOTE PERCENTAGE.

8l7

Eli Perry (D)
Franklin Townsend (W)
John Boyd Thacher (D)
John Keyes Paige (D)
Eli Perry (D)
Michael N. Nolan (D)
William Parmeleee (W)
Thos. J. Van Alstyne (D)

¦504

1858

.500

1850

•497

1895

.489

1845

.476

1856

•473

1878

.441

1853

•355

1897

Election IDates.

Election.

Sworn in.

Election.

Sworn

in.

May 5, 1840. .

. .May 12, 1840

April 14, 1868

. . . May

6,

1868

April 13, 1841. .

. .May 11, 1841

April 12, 1870

. . . May

6,

1870

April 12, 1842. .

. .May 10, 1842

April 9, 1872

. . . May

7,

1872

April it, T843. •

. .April 18, 1843

April 14, 1874

. . . April

14.

1874

April 9, 1844. .

. .April 16, 1844

April 11, 1876

. . . May

2,

1876

April 7, 1845..

. .April 15, 1845

April 9, 1878

. . . May

7,

1878

April 14, 1846. .

. .April 14, 1846

April 13, 1880

. . .May

4.

1880

April 13, 1847..

. .April 20, 1847

April 11, 1882

. . .May

2,

1882

April 11, 1848. .

..April 18, 1848

April 9, 1884

. . . May

6,

1884

April 10, 1849. ¦

. .April 17, 1849

April 13, 1886

. . . May

4,

1886

April 9, 1850.

. .April 16, 1850

April to, 1888

. . . May

1,

1888

April 8, 1851..

..April 15, 1851

April 8, 1890

. . . May

5,

1890

Nov. 4, 1851 . .

. Jan. 13, 1852

April 12, 1892

. . . May

3,

1892

Nov. 8,1853..

..Jan. 10,1854

April 10, 1894

. . . May

1,

1894

April 8, 1856. .

. .May 6, 1856

Nov. 5, 1895

. . .Jan.

1,

1896

April 14, 1857. .

. .May 6, 1857

Nov. 2, 1897

. . Jan.

1,

1898

April 13, 1858..

. .May 4, 1858

Nov. 7, 1899

. . . Jan.

1,

1900

April 10, i860. .

..May 1,1860

Nov. 5, 1901

. . Jan.

1,

1902

April 8, 1862. .

. .May 6, 1862

Nov. 3, 1903

. . . Tan.

1,

1904

April 12, 1864. .

. . May 3, 1864

Nov. 7, 1905

 Jan.

L

1906

April 10, 1866. .

. .May 1, 1866

Previous to the earliest date given in this table the Mayor was
elected by the Board of Aldermen for some years previous, and
before that was commissioned by the Colonial Governor.