Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol. 069 1984

DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY YEAR BOOK

19.84

Volume

69

Clinton House Museum - Box 88 €

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12602

The Dutchess County Historical Society YEAREcOK (ISSN 0739-8565)

has been published armually since 1915 by the Dutchess County Historical Society, Clinton House rmrseun -Box 88, Poughkeepsie, New York 12602.

It is distributed without charge to melTbers of the Society.

Individual copies may be purchased for $5.00, plus postage.

Selected earlier Yearbocks are also available. Requests for copies shoiild be sent to the abcIve address.

Marmscripts , bocks for review and other correspondence relevant to this publication should be addressed to:

Editor Dutchess Cbun±y Historical Society Clinton House Museurn - Box 88 Poughkeepsie; New York 12602

The cover and title page were designed by S. Ve]ma Pugsley.

The view of Clinton House Museum ca. 1765 on the title page is reproduced from a line drawing by A.S. Magargee, now in the possession of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mahwenarrasigh Chapter.

William P. Mc Dermott

Elitor Past editors: L. Gordon Halrmersley, Jr. 1972-1979. Baltus 81 Van Rleeck` 1967-1972. Any P€` Ver Ncoy 1943-1967.

Helen W: Reynolds 1925-1943. Mrs. Theodore

de I.a:porte & ccndttee 1923-1925. Henry Booth & cormnittee 1921-1923. John C. Sickley & ocrmittee 1915L1920j

The Society encourages accuracy but carmot assure reaponsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by contributors.

Cbpyright 1984 ~ky the- Dutchess Cbunty. Historical Society

All .rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Alexander Hamilton, Melancton Smith, and the ratification of the Cbnstitution in Poughkeepsie, New York

-bin Brcoks

The Great New Halfourg Fire-1877

John Perillo

33

South Amenia: An Oral History "-n Fed

37

Slavcholding on Ilvingston Manor and ClermDnt, 1686-1800

-beha Singer

47

Blizzard of 1888: Fkcerpt from the Diary of George Henry beuell

€rge Badgley

71

The mtchess county Fair

utlifford Buck

85

Iocal Burial Places of Prominent Dutchess county Citizens

-bat Fisch

99

Alfred Ackert and the Dutchess Cbunty Society of New York

±fred Ackert

115

The First Natural Resource Inventory of Dutchess Cbunty: The New York State Natural History Survey-1836-1842

|laude M. FPstein Ph.D.

131

The Turnpikes of Pleasant Valley

-Alson D. Van Wagner

153

The Famine Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsie+850 William P. Mc Der]rott

171

Zrmual Reports

185

List of Historians and Historical Societies

198

Index

209

Alexander Hamilton 1757-1804

From: Lamb, History

of the Citv of New York

AIHANDFR HAMIIiroN, MEENcroN SMITH, AND HH RATIFlcATION or HE CONSTITUTION IN pOucRECEFpslE, NET yoEK*

Robin B-ks I rnd_i-Fedepali,_sb detegclee i I.om Dru±chess Countg , M?Lc[ncton Srnd,th, pLeyed a s±g`Indfoca:n± I.oze bn

the rclefftccte+on of the Const;£twtton.

Robch

Br'ocks, Pr.of. of ELstony ct Sot:a Jose Stclee Unhoer.sbt7g. shoos how Srndth' s ccrmbri,bubbon has

been "underesttmcteed" uhil,e Hc(wi,tton' s I.ol,e 7ias been "eceaggeTcteed. "

J

Fermand Braudel has warned that we distort history when we ignore the losers in a conflict, because losing movements are forces ithich at every mcrment have influenced the final outcome.

The interpretation of the ratification of the Federal Cbnstitution in New York State exexplifies Braudel's dictum. enerations of historians have portrayed Alexander Hamilton as the

epic hero of the ratification struggle: like the legendary Horatius at the bridge, Hamilton is sh.own defending the infant republic and wirming a rmgnificent victory against overwhe]ing edds. If the apparent facts of the case seem to sustain such a treaiment, a deeper look front the point of view of the AItiFederalist losers rna:y suggest anotlrer interpretation.

According to the standard version, a badly outnumbered band of Federalists had employed an arsenal of oratory, parliamentary maneuvers, and extram]ral persuasion at the New York

convention, apparently to little avail. Halnilton, hjuself , confessed ruefully, "our arguments Confound but they do not convince."i But on July 23,1788, Melancton Smith, hither+o the chief spekesman for the Anti-Federalists , confessed hiluself convinced that his position was untenable. Not only did he

vote for unconditional ratification himself, but also he carried several of his friends with hin, providing a bare margin of victory for the Cbnstitution. Credit for this miracle went to *Fteprinted with permission from the WZzzfa7# a:7'zd fl4czz:z/ Gafczz.fez.Zgr ,

3rd Series, XXIV (1967) , 339-358.

5

Fbbin Brcoks

Halnilton 's matchless eloquence.

certainly conterrperary New York

City Federalists thought so, for they. gave the "federal ship" Z7cz77zzzto7e the place of pride in their victory parade.

It is

hardly surprising, then, that subsequent historians and biographers should cast Hanilton in the role of epic hero.

The Hamilton ITErty appears most fulsomely in John Fiske's classic stirdy of 27ze Cz?£tf cczz Period: "The opposition were too

nurrerous to be silenced, or cajoled, or bargained with. They rust be converted. With an eloquence scarcely equalled before or since jm America until Wchster's voice was heard, Hamilton argued weedc after week, till at last Melancton Smith, the foremost dchater of Clinton's party, broke away, and came over to

the Federalist side. It was ljJce crushing the center of a hostile any. After this the Antifederalist forces were confused and easily routed. "2 Andrew C. Mcl.aughlin wrote rrore chastely but to the salne effect in the A777Gr.4ccz7'z jvczt4o7c series ,

as have a nuter of Hamilton scholars,3 Irost recently Broadus Mitchell and Clinton Rossiter. Mitchell, in the first volulne of his Hamilton biography acknowledges that "it is meaningless to say that he wc)n the convention to the Constitution by sheer will newer, for this is resolvable . . . into particular words and decisions at particular tines in the course of weeks of dchate: Yet it is the truth,V Mitchell portrays ME±lancton Smith as Patrick Henry!s superior in both integrity and intellect, in order to show that Hamilton's feat in wirming New York outstripped Madison!s in holding Virginia.4 Clinton fIssiter wri:bes in Aleeeander. Hcmilbon cnd, the Consti±utLori., "flee co"Ner-

sion of Smith was the Irost notable success of Hamilton!s

checkered career as a politician, for at the beginning of the Cbnvention no one would have predicted , . . that the flcor leader of the anti-federalists would be counted wii]i the Federalists in each of three key votes at the end. Yet converted and counted he was, and it was hard to see what ageney other than the persuasive talents of Hamilton brought about this

Ratificati.on of the Constitution

astounding result. " fossiter, tco, stresses Smith's intelligence, liberality, and reasonableness.

Itossiter goes beyond Mitchell to stress that a majorweapen in Hamilton[s rhetorical arsenal was the threat that New York City would secede if the Convention rejected the Cbustitution. n^ro other scholars go considerably farther than Fbssiter in their emphasis upen objective factors leading to the Federalist vicfrory in New York.

Forrest MCDonald asse]ts in We tfee People

that "only the threat of secession forced New York to ratify," claining that "it was common with Hamilton to make a brilliant argument that was of little effect in influencing votes. "6 Having rejected Hamilton 's role explicitly, hcwever, Mchonald proceeds to accept it inplicitly. He says that the clintoniaus, seeing their defeat was inevitable, held a caucus the evening before the last day of the convention and assigned scne of their nunfoer to change their votes on the final ballot to guarantee ratification.

George Dangerfield, whose biography of Rc>ber+ R.

Livingston contains a brilliant interpretation of the struggle over ratification, repeats this tale.7 Their com[m source is a passage in Williari Dunlap's nineteenth-century j7Zstoz.gr . . . of New For.k:

It; u±u be seen that several of I;he Ayt±b-feder.alhsts voted Ln i;he Offomdeive chen the mcrin questi,on teas taken; in I.efer.once to chkch ctr.cu]'risbance Mr.. Geor.ge

F. Haphins i;eLLs Trie, thde when a bay, in the yeon

1788. he hecxpd the converscrdfons de the time I;he

eoavend;ton zbas sttttng, and l<novs that Fr.cmci,s Childs

Vac the short-hand repor.ter., a:nd has totd 7tin that he zbac cibsenb (or. toss) the most I.emackchze speech made on I;hde occasi,on; which zDas bg Alecacnd;er. Handtton3

and pr.odueed the vote Ln fonour of I;he edapti,on.

The

coavendfon had met for. the fLnal question, and the medor.big was l<moan I;o be for. I.ejectchg the const;£tutbon.

After. a time of si,1,once he ci;I.ose cnd, adds.essed

Fbbin Brcoks them for. thaee hours 3 br+;nging foriibond .everry ongurienb

c[nd appealing ±o the feeti,ngs of the cnd;kenee.

Marry

even rneLbed bo bear.s, chen he di)e7,± aeon the Tndser.bee

thde Tr[usb ensue3 i,i the constibutbon toac I.ejected, and dksunkon bccke pLace arriong the sbcties.

Ims±eed of

proceedi;ng to bccke the yeas clnd ncays, as 7Jas eapecbed, Gbtber.i LbvLmgsbon, ori,e of the apposition, moved an adiou:rri;menj;3 seying3 'TheTe i,s iTruch zbebghi i,n Mr. HandL-

bon's v]or.ds. I

That ndghi; the apposbtiondsbs heLd a

ccl;ueu§. a:nd bt uas dete]rmi;ned that Gbz;bert IjbvLngst;on3

M. Srnd,th ct:nd another., should vote for the constibutbon3

which they di,a, and made a majority of two.8

Because they accept this source for their story about the AntiFederalist caucus, it rna:y seem churlish of Mcltonald and Danger-

field not to have credited Hamilton's oratorical genius with making it possible. It is just as well that they did not, hcIVever, for i±re Hopkins narrative fails to stand up under scrur

tiny.

In the first place, the convention tot)k its decisive vote on duly 23, whereas Hamilton Inade the speech Hopkins describes

Inore tlran a week earlier, on July 14, in response to the threat of an irmediate vote for conditional ratification. A proFederalist eyewitness described the event in a letter frcm Poughkeepsie written that same day : The i;rr[porban± deck,sine question zbould hcroe been put this rrorrnbng3 had not the eLoquen± Hcn'rrttbon and Mr... Jay

pLeaded the posbponemenb (cte Least tilt bo=mor.I.oti) of a

questi,on the most ser.bows cnd, i;uter.es±ing ever. kmoun bo the peapLe of Ameri,ca ....

Mr. -Harndlbon ctppeoned ±o be

rrruch drripr.essed with a sense of bhis i,rripor.baird crisLs,

and chdie he eater.bed everry faculty to shots them I.the AndLs| the i:rr[pr.obchbzi,try thai theLr. adoption zbould be accepted3 entreci:bed them bo be verry dezi;her.cdse arid,

cooL3 i,n deberrrrrinbng pechaps nob .onz,y the fctee of the

Ratification of the Cbnstitution pr.esent, but of many goner.ctei,one.mar. Gi:I;bet.t Ijfrochgstan seened to coiincLde utth Mr>. Harrttton3 cnd, moved

tLkenbse for. a posapchemen± of the question3 although Mr.. Lanschg c[nd one. or. two others tl8ed every effor't,

but happftg Ln vat,n. _that the ques±±on ndgh± be br.ought foroond Lrmedicteetg .

Perhaps historians may be excused for overlooking the pertinence of this document, for it bears the date June 14, 1788, in its ptolished version. They should have kncrm, hcwever, that the convention had not yet begun on June 14, and that the letter checks perfectly with Gi]be]± Livingston's own narrative of the events of July 14 10 In the second place, as long ago as 1850, Isaac Q. Ijeake had expleded the caucus legend by shcwing how deep, bitter, and

lasting the split between ratifying and non-ratifying ZintiFederalists was.LL So bitter was the resendment of a full year later that it Cost Melancton Smith a chance to beer)ne a United States Senator. According to Federalist R]fus King, who eventually won the Senate seat with Anti support, Governor George Clinton told hin that the Antis 'twere not united in their man, . . . that ifelancton Smith had disgusted many of the intifeds.

by acceding to the ratification of the constitution."12 This is hardly consonant with the theory of a Clintonian caucus ! whether they depict the Federalists as "victors -... in a predetermined dchate, " as do Danger field and Mcconald,[3 or credit Hamilton 's oratory with magical powers of persuasion,

like Fiske, Mitchell, and Fbssiter, these scholars treat i=he Anti-Federalists as passive victins. This may in part be due to the difficulty of finding sources on the Poughkeepsie Convention that give the Anti-Federalist point of view,L4 in part because of a fascination with the victors as 'bnakers" of history.15 Professor Linda G. De Paun's newly published Ironograph, The Etevenj;h Pftl,ar: New York and the Feder.al Consti,tutfon, goes

Robin Brcoks

10

part of the way tcward rerrrdying these defects.L6 She sweeps away ITrmy of the half-truths and exaggerated inferences that

have cluttered up the story of ratification in New York. Her interpretation of the bapkground of New York pelitics in the 1780 `s is radically new: she argues persuasi.vely that there was no Clintonian party in New York before Septefroer 1787, and that

it came into being then only as a result of Hamilton's ulIvarranted preelTptive attack on the neutral governor. She suggests that Hamilton also played a negative role at the Poughkeepsie Cbnvention, by alienating the Anti leaders , and notes perceptively the jjxportance of John Jay 's conciliatory efforts during tire closing days. In other respects her discussion of the con-

vention is less satisfying. Her assertions that the only issue at the convention, when to amend, 'Lwas almost trivial," thatthe

Anti-Federalists intended to ratify in any event, and that the threat of secession by New York was without influence are questionable.L7 She also appears to be alfoivalent about whetherthe

split between ratifying and non-ratifying Antis was significant, and in a similar way she gives allrost no space to the dedates at the convention on the ground that they did not affect votes.L8 Thatever the reason, all these accounts are incoxplete to the extent that they fail to oonprehend the motives and interests of Melancton Smith and his fellcms.L9

Examining the strug-

gle over ratification through the eyes of Melancton Smith leads to other conclusions. Hamilton's role appears exaggerated and Smith's correspondingly underestimated. A truer statement of their relationship at Poughkeepsie may be that Hamilton's oratory did not convert Smith, but merely gave him an excuse to work out a preconceived strategy, ii=self rooted in Smith's recognition of obj ective circunistances.

I]et us review the sequence of events leading to ratification in New York.20

During Jtry 1788, many Anericans focused

their hopes and fears on Poughkeepsie.

Ten states had already

ratified the constitution, dissolving the Cbnfederation and

Ratification of the Cbustitution

11

establishing the Federal Union in its place. "The barrel has its hcop," Federalists exulted. But without the stave of New York, could the barrel stand or long endure?

New York Anti-Federalism was the ideology of self-

sufficient farmers whose existence was at worst tolerable.

Taxes were negligible thanks to state duties on ixpr+s. AItiFederalist strategy, therefore, was essentially to defend the

status quo-a pelitics of inertia. Necessarily, their spekesmen in the palTphlet war of 1787-1788, ifelancton Smith and

Abraham Yates , developed arguments against the new Cbnstitu-

tion, centered on states I rights and the fear of centralized pcIver. to preserve the middle class de]rocraey created by the Revolution they demanded checks against federal Fewer, such as

rotation in office, an expanded basis of representation, linited jurisdiction for the Supreme Cburt, and a written Bill of Rights. Underlying these specific points was a rhetorical appeal stressing the danger of aristocraey and the need to preserve the gains of the Revolution.

In contrast to Federalist "aristocrats" like Jay and Livingston, rrost of the Anti` leaders were "new men" who had

attained hath distinction and a measure of af fluence during the Revolution. This was especially true of the AIti delegates from the colrmercial farming areas close to New York City: those from Queens and Suffolk on Iong Islarid and frcm mtchess on the Hudson. These tended to be better educated and wealthier than

their fellcIVs, while their districts were less uniformly hostile to the Cbnstitution. New York City's merchants and mechanics were overwhelmingly in favor of the Constitution and brought heavy pressure to bear ixpon Anti leaders in the city, leading

theni gradually to tenper their hostility. In fact many AItis could live with the Constitu+ion, whereas Federalists could not or would not live without i±-factor which told in the end.2] The Anti-Federalists were much better organized in New York than in other states. aware of the hostility of New York City vot-

12

Robin Brcx3ks

ers, they decided to guarantee Govermor Clinton's election as a convention delegate by running him on two lists.: in his native Ulster Cbunty as well as from his official residence in the city. Clinton was the only governor the state had known since 1777. He was the lrost prominent Anti-Federalist in the state, but he was no orator. Tb fill that role, the Antis also guaranteed the election of Melancton Smith, by nominating him in Dutchess as well as New York. This proved a wise precaution, for the Federalists won in the city by better trian tirenty to one. But they were able to win in addition only the jrmediately adjacent counties"estchester, Kings , and RichmondT"hile the Antis swept the rest of the state by large margins. tthen the election was over friends of the Cbnstitution had good reason for anxiety, for at Poughkeepsie nineteen Federalists confronted forty-six Anti-Federalists. True, the nineteen, led by Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Foreign Secretary John Jay, and the brilliant young Hamilton, had an advantage in wealth, learning, and distinction. But the Antis saw their ideology at stake and would hardly abandon it at the urgings of the very "aristocrats" they distrusted, hcRTever well argued.

Melancton Smith was their principal spokesman. Raised in Dutchess Couni]r, he had been among the leaders of the Revolu-

tion there, and had served in various irporiant capacities including sheriff and judge. Between 1784, when he moved to New York Cii¥, and 1787, he was a New York delegate to the

Cbnfederation Congress.

Gc)ncurrently he had built up his stand-

ing in business, first as a revolutionary cormissary, and later as an independent merchant and land speculator, sometines associated with the great speculative ventures led by William Duer. But if many of his business associates were Federalists, Smith had never wavered in his loyalty to Clinton. Though he lacked formal schooling, Smith was intelligent and articulate, an able writer, and formidable debater. In the last capacii=yhe speke for the Dutchess yecrmanry with whom he had been raised.

Ratification of the constitution

13

For then the constitution was an urm7anted infringement upen the

ability of citizens to control their destinies through state legislatures in which they would be represented by men like themselves. Smith remained loyal to them until the end of June, when his understanding of events outside the convention th]ust statermanship upon him.

Although the Anti-Federalists had pledged not to accept the Cbnstitution without significant prior amendment, they had ccrmitted thanselves to intensive scrutin:y and dchate on its several articles. For tro weeks this debate had gone on, with + Melancton Smith and John I.ansing opposing I[ivingston and HalTri.i-

ton (Governor Clinton took the pul]licly neutral role of chairman of the convention, though of course he carried great weight in the Anti caucus) . On June 25, the convention received the news of New Halrpshire 's ratification, establishing the cbnstitu-

tion as the law of the land. no the Federalists' surprise, Melancton Smith coolly armounced that his party had long anticipated this event and that it made no difference to their view that the Cbnstitution was fundamentally deficient.22 But on June 28, Smith revealed himself in another vein to Nathari Dane of Massachusetts, with whom he had served in Cbngress: "I an favored with yours of the 24i=h last. The accession of New Haxpshire will have no other ef fect upon our Convention than softning [sfc3] then to Consider what is proper to be done in

the present situation of things, if it has that. Indeed I can scarcely perceive any effect it has had. And the Irost I fear is that there will not be a sufficient degree of moderation in some of our rest influential men, calmly to consider the circimstances in ithich we are, and to acoormodate our decision to these ciraustances. "23 Observing the influence that ``pride,

passion, and interested lrDtives" have in all ptolic bodies , Smith claimed that his oun situation, rather than any better principle, left hin free of any Irotive except "a wish to suppert the party with whom I am connected as far as is consistent with

Fbbin Brcoks

14

propriety." At the tilne Smith held no office and was not a candidate for any. In any case, he was a remarkably unselfish

pelitician-ontelrperaries and posterity alike paid tribute to his upright character. 24 Smith went on to state his plan: Mg gr.ecte obiecti,ve bs bo pr.oour.e such arriendmends Ln

this goverrliimen±s as i;o prevent i,bs at;baled;ng the ends for tohkch i,b appecurs bo iTie, and bo you3 calculated.Z5 I arri therefor.e ve]ay anatous bo pr.ocure good. arriendrnerles.

I hcid Tctrher. I.eco:rmriend sthsbc[Iii;ti,al cn'riendmen±s thcm

cdepb i,b condttionalty zbLth urii;rrrporbarte ones 3 Leoni;ng

our critical skbuati,on out of i;he question ....

Hkth-

er.bo the arriendmen±s pr.aposed cli.e s7ibsband,al3 they utLL condi;yne §o.

But as no questi,on i,s taken on curay3 Lb bs

questionable v]hether the most drr[por.tctnd ones 7j]btl nob be yLe?bed, under. the idea of rnahing pr.evkou;a cond;iti,onal arriendrnen±s ....

If we can agr.ee to make the

cond;kbLon a sthsequend one thab i,s bo icke pzace Ln one

or. two year.s after. edapti,mg or. the I.aitfocati,on bo become void. ue can accomodctee uLth the adDoectees of the constitw±i,on for. mor.e sthstc[yi;ti,al a]'riendlnerles.

The new strategy Smith outlined here involved abandoning the

Anti agreement not to ratify the Cbnstitution without previous amendments for the device of "sut]sequent conditions" : if con-

gress did not amend the Cbnstitution within a ce]±ain time limit, New York ' s ratification would automatically become void.

Smith cxxplained: "I do not find these endeavors sufficiently seconded. The principal labor of managing the controversy lies xpon me.."26 This see¥ns a fair assessment. Smithand John I.ansing, the young mayor of Albany who had served briefly

as a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention were the principal Anti spekesmen, but their contributions were not equal. Not only did Smith speak more frequently and at greater length than Iiansing, but also (though this must remain a value judgment) his

Ratification of the Cbustitution

15

speeches were Irore original and more consequential than hising,s.27 Referring to the recent dedates at the convention, Smith said: "The speech published for the aiancellor is the substance of what he delivered. He and I have cone in contact several tines. But he has ceased hostilities. He is a wretched reasoner, very frequently. Hamilton is the chalrpion. He speaks frequently, very long and very vehemently. He has like publius "ch to say not very applicable to the subject."28 chancellor Livingston, whose aristocratic manner angered the AIti-Federalists, had been worsted by Smith more than once, and had leftthe main burden of dchate to Hamilton. From his derngatory reference to "publius" (the nom de plume of the authors of the Federalist Papers) Smith was hardly lrore Expressed with Hamilton.

This distrust was shared by Irost Antis. Charles Tillinghast wrote: "You would be surprised did you not know the Man, whatan cz777czgd77g I?Gp2¢Z)Z4ccz7? Hamilton wishes to lnake hjuself be consid-

ered.

B#t 72e ds k7?ozd7t."29

Smith had opposed Hamilton as far

back as 1784 in a paxphlet he wrote against the decision in I?cttgez.s v. Vc!ddz7?gtc)7?.

Ih January 1789, he charged the Fed-

eralists with reneging on promises to support amendments , insisting "no reliance can be placed in any of then.'' He denounced Hamilton's excise tax in 1791, and in the follcIving

years tcok part in a Republican gossip mill passing on juiey bits of scandal about Hamilton, one of which found its way into Tefferson`s 477czs. It is hard to see that Smith would have been Very susceptible to Hamilton's persuasive powers at any time. 30

At the sane time that he expressed hjuself so contelTptuously regarding the Federalist leaders , Smith nonetheless acknowledged "our critical situation" and the need "to acconr crdate our decision to these circ`]mstances. "3L Even while he

asserted in public that New Haxpshire 's ratification made no

difference, he admitted in private that other AIti leaders lacked a sufficient degree of IrDderation to recognize the crisis

16

Robin Brcoks

that exclusion from the Union might produce. He referred to the real danger.that New York City and the surrounding counties might secede if New York did not oorne into the Union. 32

Smith's letter to Dane foreshadowed the strategy he adopted in the ensuing dedate. On July 11, in order to forestall an Anti plan for ratification i]pon the condition that Cbngress accept cer+ain amendinents , John Jay moved for unconditional adoption of the Cbnstitution. The Federalists hoped thereby to throw the onus for rejection of the Cbnstitution upon theAntis.

Smith and Hamilton made eloquent speeches on opposite sides of the question, with Hamilton warming of the possibility of civil strife, and making a pch7erful plea for Union. Perhaps in response to this plea, and in order to block Tay's motion, Melancton ,Smith brought forth a coxpromise resolution on July 14.

He proposed that New York ratify the Cbnstitution "upon condition, nevertheless" that until the amendrents proposed by the state had been suhaitted to and determined upon by a new con-

stitutional convention, as provided in Article Five of the constitution, congress would voluntarily suspend operation of sore of its ftwers in New York State.33 The difference between this lrotion and the former Anti position was that amendrents only had to be submitted to a second Constitutional Convention; they no longer had to be accepted by Cbngress as the condition of Nen7 York's ratification.

In the dedate on his motion Smith went even further. He admitted that none of the powers he proposed to withhold from

Cbngress (like limiting the state militia to service within the bounds of the state) was likely to be needed in the near future.

Federalist Richard Harrison quickly seized on this point. He charged that Smith'.s drbious form of ratification wo`fid risk the state's exclusion from the Union for the sake of merely hypethetical reservations. Iiansing and other Antis pressed for a vote on Smith's Irotion. In order to avoid this vote Hamilton pleaded eloquently and successfully for a postponement, in the

Ratification of the Cbnstitution

17

great speech of July 14 which gave rise to the caucus legend.

The Federalists now changed tactics. To avert a fatalvote on Smith's Irotion, they moved on ruly 15 to adjourn the convention for a few weeks so the delegates could consult their constituents (a strategy that had won ratification in New Halxp3shire) .

Hamilton spc)ke for adjourmnent on July 17.

Again he

warmed of the danger of civil strife, and in a moving peroration, called upon the ghosts of "departed patriots" as well as the living heroes of the Revolution as witnesses against fraternal strife, for the Cbnstitution and Uhion. This speechbrought tears to many eyes, the Anti-Federalist Ivezd Yoz.k Joanr.7zczZ report-

ed. It brought fran Melancton Smith the statement that "he Still wishes something may be brought forward to conciliate. "34 Smith had sonething specific in mind. After the nearunanfrous Antis had crushed the motion to adjourm, Smith introduced a new ccxpromise; he had circulated this motion alrong the Anti merfroers on July 16 and now introduced it as a substitute for his first motion of July 14. Essentially the new lrotion elTbodied the plan of "subsequent Conditions" Smith had

proposed to Nathan Dane ch June 28: in the event Congress failed to call a nah7 constitutional convention to Consider amendments within a given time (later set at four years) New York's ratification would beccme void and she would withdraw from the union.35 Introducing his Irotion, the normally ca]m Smith manifested rmch hesitation, betraying unusual anxiety. He expressed

the wish to conciliate both sides and the fear that neither would find his plan acceptable. This fear was realized. His Irotion threw the Antis into confusion. Young Dewitt Clinton attended the frantic Anti caucuses of July 17-18 and reported

then in great detail in notes hitherto unpublished. 36 Clinton's account allows us to distinguish four currents alrong the Anti-Federalists at Poughkeepsie. A silent but intransigent band of rank and file delegates had wished to reject the constitution out of hand at the beginning of the convention

18

Itobin Brcx]ks

but had been overborne by the majority favoring debate. This majority divided into three unequal segments. The largest bloc followed Governor Clinton in the aim of preserving Anti control of the state regardless of consequences; Ijansing spoke for them

in proposing conditional ratification so that the blame for rejection would fall upon the Federalists in Cbngress. A group of about ten delegates from Dutchess Cbunty and Iong Island followed Melancton Slnith. Like him in their sincere dislike of the

Cbnstitution, they nevertheless desired to find a form of ratification that would at once protect the rights of the pec)pie of New York and prevent the turmoil consequent upon expulsion from \ the thion. Finally, Sarmel Jones of Queens and perhaps one or

two others had capitulated to the Feder.alists, as shown by their votes in favor of adjourrment.

Iiewitt Clinton's oun syrrpathies were with his uncle, the governor, whose position he described as "the most dalicate of any man's in the Cc)nvention-I wish he had never been in it."

Pledged to the party rank and file and to the dichaHds in the convention not to accept the Cbnstitution unamended, Governor Clinton faced a revolt led by some of the party's leading spekesmen ilo believed rejection was inccxpatible with the welfare of the state.

(The response of the Ivezd yc)I.k Joz427?CZZ, the

nearest thing to an Anti organ in the state, is evidence thatin New York City, at least, Anti-Federalists had just about given xp the fight.)37 If the statesmanlike course was tc> follow Melancton Smith and Samuel Jones to ratification, yet that way

lay pelitical suicideHlinton could not afford to win frcm his enemies apprc>bation for stateslranship at the cost of alienating his faithful followers. Dewitt noted that "the Cbvermor and I.ansing appear to be against Smith 's 2nd proposal€rhaps this may be pelitical in order to keep in with the violent men+ bers.w38

At first young Clinton saw Considerable merit in Smith's second lrotion, noting that Anti-Federalists in Massachusetts and

Ratification of the Constitution

19

Pennsylvania wanted New York to ratify so as to be able to ooopr erate with thenL inside the Union to obtain amendrents. Butwith

party unity his paramount concern, his approval of the matter was outweighed by his dislike of the marmer: "Smith's proposal was brought on too rapidly. The minds of the mefroers ought to

have been prepared gradually for it. " Py July 18, Iiewitt Clinton's notes display increasing hostility tdr^7ard Smith and his supperters. He did not go as far as some in questioning Smith's Irotives: "Some of the most violent ungenerously suppose this was designed .... Some [of the Antis ncw] detest Smith as much as Halnilton." Dewitt had hith-

erto distinguished between Smith and Jones , accusing the latter of surrender to mere expedieney; now he lixped the i=ro as

responsible for any possible division in the party. He repo]ded that Smith had spent so rmch tine alTDng the Federalists as to arouse "jealousies" against hid. ShcIving that he shared these jealousies, Dewitt seized upon the same point that Richard Harrison had noted in the debate on Smith's first ration: Smith's observation that "Cbngress would not exercise the powers conditionalized until after a infeting of another Cbnvention. " He Contended that this concession gave "so manifest an advantage to the other party, that I cannot account for it unless it was to pave the way for the 2nd proposal." Clinton's notes end with his observation that Smith's Dutchess cohorts, Gilbert Livingston and Zephaniah Platt, had separately stated "that this last proposal of Smith[ 's ] would be their ultimatim"-to their own Party, let it be noted.39 Cm the other side of the convention, Federalist response to Smith's motion varied. In debate Jay called it "less evil" and wrote to Washington that he hoped it would succeed because it was "less objectionable than the other." Hamilton dashed off a note to Madison raising the possibility of allcwing New York to ratify according to Smith's plan; he suggested Cbngress could avoid the plan by adopting a few amendments and thereby, in

20

Robin Brcx]ks

tine, "break up the party. "4° Rank and file Federalistdelegate Abraham Bancker thought Smith's proposal was candid and a credit to its author. Bancker quoted a very remarkable concession Smith had made in introducing his Irotion: `'as he valued the Union, he was resolved that this state should not be excluded; he was therefore urm7illing to run the hazards of being rejected, and would not vote for any Adoption which might possibly prec|ude us.'.4L This was tantarrount to surrender, could the Federalists but show that conditional adoption would be unacceptable to Cbngress.

Thile the Antis quarreled and the Federalists wrote letters, the convention marked tine. Between July 19 and 22 it considered amendinents.

But on July 23, the storm broke.

Cinthe

floor was Smith's first motion of ruly 14, as renewed by hising on duly 19. Its first paragraph contained the key phrase "on condition" in expressing Confidence that Congress would call a general convention to consider amendrents.

Smiiin Iroved to

expunge the entire paragraph, and to substitute another using the phrase "in confidence." As this paragraph was merely explanatory, and the next, operative paragraph retained the key words "upen condition," fen Antis opposed it. The Irotionpassed easily, 40-19 , winning support from I.ansing and Governor Clinton. 42 I.ansing then brought fo]Th Smii=h 's crucial second para-

graph, in which ratification was conditional until the arRIidIIrm±s "shall have been submitted to and determined upen by a general Cbnvention. " Samuel Jones inediately rrDved that "Upc>7c CondftLon be stricken out. and ch fuu confidence ±user±ed."

Melancton Smith vias the first speaker in suppert of Jones\'s rrotion. Cnce again his forceful self , he made it crystal clear

that he had capitulated, stating flatly that he could "vote against any propesal which could not be received as a ratification of the constitution." Smith contended that he had not depa]ited from his conviction that the constitution was radically

Ratification of the Cbnstitution

21

defective, but he now believed it could be satisfactorily amended through the procedure prescribed by tire Cbnstitution itself . He adriLted that "from the reasonings of gentlemen oppesed to it, whose opinions alone would deservedly haveweight in the national Councils, as well as from persons abroad" hehad beoone convinced that New York would not be accepted with a

conditional form of ratification like the right to withdraw.43 Although Smith's mention of "the reasonings of gentlemen oppesed to it" is obviously a reference to Hamilton and his fellcH^7s, the co`]p de grace to Smith's plan to withdraw had been i=

given by "persons abroad." James Madison's reply had flatly

rejected Hamilton's notion that the Federalists might go along with Srrith`s second Irotion: "The Cbnstitution requires an adc)ption Z7e toto, and for ever . . . any condition whatever rm]st

viciate [sdc] the ratification. " Interestingly, Hamilton did not read this letter to the Convention until the follcwing day, July 24 (though Madison had replied by express from New York

City on July 20) , evidence that in this instance at least there was good ground for the Anti "jealousy" that Smith was tco in-

timate with the Federalists. 44 As a consequence of Mndison's argument Smith rejected

conditional ratification out of hand: "The thing Iust now be abandoned as falladous, for . . . it would certainly prove in the event only a dreadful deceptiori to those who were serious for joining the Union." Predicting the destruction of both state and party if Cbngress were to reject Nem7 York's ratificationL'Cbnvulsions in the Southern part, factions and discord in the rest"-Smith reiterated that unconditional adoption was the only solution. After a little more dchate Tones's amendrent passed, 31-29 , with t"elve delegates originally elected as AntiFederalists voting together with the nineteen Federalists. 45 That remained was in the nature of a mopping-up operation, although I.using 's desperate reintroduction of Smith I s second lrotion brought ch a sharp exchange between Smith and Governor

Robin Brcroks

22

Clinton, redolent with unspoken accusations of broken faith. On July 26, 1788, the Cbnvention adjourned the oc)rmittee of the whole, reconvened, and ratified the Cbnstitution, 3o-27.46 There can be little question that Smith 's vote for uncondi-

tional ratification represented acceptance 6f objective necessities rather than "conversion." Smith meant it when he

.I

declared his Conviction that the Constitution was radically. defective, as a letter between tiro of his friends, both Federalists, should prove: t'Nelrs came to town last night of this state's adopting the constitution by a Irmjority of 5. I believe rmch praise is due M. Smith. He found the jxprobability of having amendrents made by the states previous to its becoming a

goverlment, and gave ip his opinion to what he thought necessary to the tranquillity [s4c] and advantage of the states. I donot think he is any rrDre convinced than when he left tcRTi. His conduct has been displeasing to Inan:y of the Antisrdis rnderation and the abilities he has shch7n in Cbnvention has in some degree col[persated with the federalists for his opposition. "47 General Henry Thox wrote in the same vein to Washington.

Praising Jay, Hamilton, and the rest of the Nen7 YorkFederalists for tenperate and wise conduct during the dchates, REox added: `'Nor ought those gentlenen who were opposed to the Cbnstitution

in the first instance, but afterwards voted for tire Cbnstitution be deprived of their due share 9f praise for their candor and wisdc)in in assuring different conduct when it became apparent that a perseverance in opposition would most prc)bably terminate in Civil War for such and nothing short of it were the prospects."

Fthox's waning was one of man:y current in New Yorkcity

during the critical da:ys

48

So we came full circle.

Tb sun lip i=he argL]ment: Although

Melancton Smith had little love or respect for Alexander Hamilton, before, during, and after the New York Convention, the rroves he made in the convention to bring New York into theuhion came in respense to Hamilton`s speeches.

Hamilton's speech of

Ratification of the Constitution

23

July 12 very likely elicited Smith's first motion, that of July 14. Hamilton's plea for postporfement against a hasty vote on that day rna:y have allowed Smith to proceed to his second ration, of +uly 17. Hamilton's speech on July 17 may havedrawn Smith's concession of that da:y, that New York must be accepted, which led, via Madison's intervention, to Smith's surrender of July 23. Apparently Smith had been Converted, as the historians claimed, by Hamilton's oratory. But appearances, in this case, are deceptive. Smith's second motion, for ratification with subsequent conditions, made on July 17, had been forecast in his letter to Dane back on June 28. It see¥us likely, furtherlrDre, that Smith had already resolved then to get New York

into the Union at any hazard~"our situation is desperate, " he declared. If this assxption is correct, Hamilton's speeches only gave Smith the excuse ptolicly to do what he had long before determined Lxpn as necessary to preserve tire peace.

Clearly, it was no small contrjJ]ution that Hamilton made. Nev-

ertheless, it can be argued that, given i]re objective situntion, New York might have ratified without Hamilton. Others tcok the same line as he. did, if in less inspired language.

During the crucial July days, for instance, John Jay speke Irore often than Hamilton, and his notably conciliator:y tone may have

Proved as ilrper±ant as Hamilton's forensic ability.49 We rna:y turn the proposition around: would New York have

ratified without Melancton Smith? Possibly, but because of his unique role at the Convention, if he had not existed it right have been necessary to invent him. As the only New York City resident on the Anti side he undoubtedly knew Irore about the

rchellious tenper of the city and its probable consequences than the xpstate delegates. As the trusted and articulate spekeslTrm for that side, he was able to car]=y several friends with him when he changed sides.

Thus, Smith rna:y well have been in-

dispensable to successful ratification. 5° Anti-FederalisHn in New York, hcIvever valid as the ideology

Robin Brcbks

24

cjf middle class democrats, had been driven into a tacticallyuntenable position in July 1788. Success for Clinton`s men atthe convention meant isolation of the state, the probchle secession of New York Citi, and chaos in the state and party. ifelancton Smith saw this clearly.. Abandoning any stoterfuge after July l7, he laid bare the logic of this dilenna forcibly enough to carry with him his friends and fellcw delegates from Dutchess and Iong Island, if not the rest of the party. He therchy performed an act of high statesmanship and of the greatest jxportance to the successful establishment of the new Union. In the process Smith

gave up his political future; he should not be deprived of his reputation, too. If the drama of ratification in New Yorkneeds • a hero, Melancton Smith seems better suited than Alexander Ham-

ilton to the ironic taste of our time. Fliture historians, even Hamilton scinolars, can no longer tell the story of ratification of the Cbnstitution in New York without according Melancton

Smith an active and central role in that story.

Fhidnotes

[Hamilton to James Madison, July 2, 1788, in Harold C. fyrebL an!d Ja!cofo E. Ocoke, eds. , The Papers of Azeccander. HarndLton, V (New York, 1962) , 140.

25chn Fi;she, The Cr.Lti,cat Peitod of Amerytec[n at,storu ,1783Z789

(froston,1888) ,

343.

3prfuev C. Mc:Ij3:nginl:in, The Coniederedon and the Constibu±£o77, Z783-Z789 (New York, 1905) , 311.

See also Henry Cfrot

Lodge, Azea;cz7tde2o ffcz77zdzto7t (Boston, 1895) ,. 71-73; Frederick S.

Oiti:Nee , A rlettcnd;er Hal7rt-Zbon: Am Essay on Amex.£can Union (:to"dan, 1912) , 176-179; Iouis M. Hacker, Azea:cz7tdez. ffcz772Zzto77 477 tfee A777ez.£ccz7? Tr.czczztzo7e (New York,1957) ,124-126; Richard Be MJrris,

ed. , Alececnd;er. Harndtton and the Foundi,ng of the Nc[iton ("fEN York, 1957) , 176.

Nathan Schachner, 4Zea:cz7'2der jJczmzzto7e (Nen7

York, 1946) , 225-226, does not fit this pattern, asserting that objective circumstances actually caused the break in Clintonian rariks.

Jcinn C. Miller , Alettcmdep HarndLbon: Por.br.ciet Ln Paradoce

(New York,.1959) , 209-215, makes no explicit claim for Hamilton

Ratification of the Cbnstitution

25

but focuses exclusively i]pon him at the cx)nvention.

4B;roed]us Mi:bch!eLI , Aleaccnd;er HcndLbon.: Yowbh bo Maburi,by , 2755-Z788 (New York, 1957) , 431, 433.

5CLirfuon T3oEssLher , A rlettcmder HcmkLbon cnd, the Constibndon (New York, 1964) , 64, 68.

6Four.eat Mcfronalid, We the Peapze3 The Economic Origins of t7ze Co7cst;t24tzo7? (chicago,1958), 288, n.124; 284-285, n.118.

7IbLd. 284, 2881 George Dangerf±eLd, ChanceLZor Robert R. Ijfroingsbon of Nee Yor.k3 1746L1813 (Man York, L960) , 232. Mf3Do;rr

aid, We t7ze Peopze, 288, n.125, efroellishes his account withan

involved explanation of why particular Anti-Federalists were chosen to switch.

8Wi:lil:an DulET@, Hi,sborry of the Nee Nebheitands , ProvLnce . . .cz7?a Stczte of Ivezd Yoz.k. . .

(New York,1840) ,11, 2817t.

9David S. Bogart to Samuel 8. Wchb, June [ruly] 14,1788, in Worthington C. Ford, ed. , Coziz.espo7€de7tce cz7'2d 7oztz.7'zczZs of Scz77zztez BZczc7zzeg Webb (New York, 1893-94) , Ill, 104-105.

L°Gi]bert Iivingston Notes, Jtry 14, [1788] , G. I.ivingston Papers, New York Public Iiferary, New York.

LLTSELac Q. Leche, Memoir of the hi,fe and Tines of General Jo7z„ Z}c#7zb...

(A]bany,1850) , 316-325.

Ijeake presents lett:rs

Melancton Smith and others wrote soon after the Convention explaining the split at Poughkeepsie. See also MElancton Smith to Gilbert I[ivingston, Jam. i, 1789, M. Smith Papers, New York

State Iiferary, Athany.

L2Futus King Memorandum, June 12, 1789, in Charles R. King, ed. , The Ijkfe cmd Corr'espondence of Rufus King. . . ("f5n Yoirk,

1894-1900) , I, 355. Smith was prominently mentioned as acandidate: see Dewitt Clin:ton to [unknown], Jam.18,1789, Dewitt Clinton Papers, N. Y. St. Lib.; David Gelston to John Smith, Jam. 5, 1789, John Smith Papers, New York Historical Society, New York.

L3The words are Dangerfield's in C72cz7ccezzor Z}£zJ47tgstc>7?, 232.

L4Francis childs 's shorthand notes of the convention are excellent tintil July 2, after which they peter out. They rna:ybe

26

Ftobin Brcoks

consulted rrDst conveniently in ronathan Elliot, ed. , Tfee I)ez7cztes . . .o77 tfee. . ®Fedez.c¥Z Co77st4tz4tfo72. . .

205-414.

(Philadelphia,1836-59) ,11,

From July 14, to the end C>f the convention, Gilbert

Livingston' s highly condensed manuscript notes are Irost useful , but should be supplenented by newspaper accounts. fyrett and coc>ke discuss the probleni of sources in jzdr77£Zto7c Papez]s, V, 1113.

L5|t was a favorite doctrine of R. G. Cbllingwcod that We

Could not understand the thought of losers, because their ideas never became ehoodied in action.

L6linda G. De PETEN , The Ezeverwh PLLZctt.. Neti Tor.k. cend the

Feder.al Consbi,bu.tion (Iiha!ca, IN. I. , T966) .

L7Tb4d. ,2og, 2.32, 235-6, 265. For evidence that AIti-Feder.-

alist delegates leaving New York for Poughkeepsie pledged them-

selves not to adopt the Cbnstitution without prior amendrent, see Abraham Yates to A. G. Ijansing, June 15, 1788, and Iiansing to Yates, June.15,1788, Yates Papers, N. Y. Pub. Lib. Ql the lack of jxportance of the secession threat, De PaiIV, EzetJe77tfe PZZZczr., 232, n. 10, explains away Melancton Smith's mention of

this threat in his speech of July 23, by saying he 'has chiefly concerned with convulsions in-the 77c)z]t7zez.7'z par+ of the state. " (Italics are Dds. De Paun's.) See, hcIvever, IvezJ Yo2.k 4dzJez.t4ser., duly 28,1788, reprinted in Alfred Young, ed. , T72e Z)ez?c[te ozJez. tfee Cc>7ts±dtz4tdo77. Z787-2789 (chicago, 1965) , 36, in which

Smith says "southern. "

See also Dangerfield, C72cz7ecezzo2. I)+tj-

477gsto7e, 231-232, who makes the threat of the city to secede i::he

core of his interpretation of ratification, although Mrs. De Paun cites him to the contrary.

L8|n one paragraph she states that "there `vas little hard feeling displayed bei=^7een the AnEifederalists whc).. voted with i=he Federalists and those who continued to oppose them ..., " andalso "for many Ironths the party leaders worried lest tire division endure and deepen .... "

De Pairv, EzetJe7tt72 Pdzzczr, 250-251.

.

T9F3aner Air , The Rhebor.±c of AleSander HalndLton (men York,

1941) , deserves mention as an exception to the foregoing stric+ tures. Jis a rhetorician, Aly had to examine closely the AntiFederalist respense to Hamilton's oratory. His careful scrutiny of the sources and the insight of his cchclusions ought to be a Irodel for historians. Oddly, none of them save Miller and De Paur seenis aware of Aly's study (Miller cites "Ally" in his bibliography) .

Any conclusions are independent of Aly's and vary

significantly from them.

Ratification of the Constitution

27

2°condensed from R)bin Brcoks , Me|ancton Smith: Anti-Federalist,1744-1798 (unpubl. Ph.D. diss. , University of Ftochester, 1964) . An understanding of New York Anti-Federalism may best be obtained from Tackson T. Main, T7ze 47etdfeczez.czzfsts..

Cr.Ltbcs of the ConsbLtuti,on31781-1788 (caa:pet riiL1, NI. C. , T96T) ., Stpi!qkTton I]qud, AndL-Feder.cdism in Dutchess Country. New Yoz.k. . .

(Chicago, 1962) ; Danger field, C72cz77cezzoz. Z}£t)477gstc)77; and

Alfred F. Young's forthooming work, 27ze I)emoc3zac!tfc I?epztbzdccz77s bf Nee York.. The Or.i,gins. 1788-1797 (Chapel Hi+1, NI. -C. , T967) .

2LFor Antis who were "soft" on the Constitution, See St. Patrick [Tonathan Havens] to John Smith, Apr. 5-,1788, John Smith Papersuloth Havens and Smith were Anti delegates f com Suffolk who voted to ratify-and MDrgan Ijevis to Margaret 8. fivingston, May 4, 1788, Robert R. hivingston Papers, N. Y.

Hist. Soc. , for evidence that Clintonian Sheriff Marinus will-ett of New York City modified his original hostility.

22E||iot, ed. , I)ez7cztes,11, 323-324.

23Smith to Dane, June 28, 1788, Nathan Dane Papers, #7532,

Bcok 52, Beverly Historical Society, Beverly, Mass. Excerpts from this letter appear in Edrmmd C. Burnett, ed. , Z}ettez.s of Members of the Conbinenbal Congr.ess (mashiri!qton, D. C. , L92:I 36) , VIII, 757, n. 3; and in Young, ed., I)ez)czte ot7er t72e

Co7cs±4tzttfo77, 35.

I have silrplified the punctuation.

24GL:|man os±ran!der, Th,e ELghbs of Man in Ameri,ca, 1606-

J86J (Cblunbia, Dfo. ,1960) ,124, mistakenly asserts that Smith

stcod to lose his place in Congress if the Cbnstitution were adopted; but the rules of Cbngress stated that no person could serve Irore than three years in an:y six, and Smith had just completed three years of service.

Jabez D. Harmiond, T72e jzfstoz.gr c>f

PoLLticalL Par.ti,es Ln the Sbcte of New York (.AI]oai[ry , Tf342) , I,

61, called Smith "as pure a man as ever lived." For similar favorable judgments, see Matthew L. Davis , 4¢e777odz.s of 4czz'o7t Burp. . . (New York, 1837) , I, 330-331; William Kent, ed. , Ife77zc)Zz.s cz7?d Z}ettez.s o.i-c7-comes jfe7tt. . . (Boston, 1898) , 304-306; Willialn

A. Di]!er, RerrrinLscences of an OLd Porker. ("f5n York, T86-I) , 7-8., and I-eake, Z}czr7zb, 316-325.

25Dane had worked with Smith and Richard Henry Ijee on the

floor of Cbngress in Sept. 1787 for a written Bill of Rights and other amendrents to avert the danger that the Constitutionmight create despetism.

26smith to Dane, June 28, 1788, Nathan Dane Papers.

Fbbin Brcoks

28

27up to duly 2, when Childs stopped taking notes, Smithhad spoken 19 tines to I.ansing's 11; his speeches cover 58 pages to I.ansing's 32. Dfost historians concur about Smith's ilrpertance.

See, forr exanglhe, Ya\]n!q, efl. , The Debctee over. the Constibutfon, I, 23, and Cecilia M. Kenyon, ed. , T72e A7e±Zfedez.czzdsts (Indianapolis,1966) , 369.

28smith to Dane, June 28, 1788, Nathan Dane Papers.

29char|es Ti||inghast to rohn I.afro, June 21,1788, John I.alTb Papers, N. Y. Hist. Soc. (italics in original) .

3°Smith to Gilbert Livingston, Jam. i,1789, M. Smith PaEiers.,: Frand<l:in 8. SanveL, ed. , The Coixpzete Amas of Thomas Jeffe2oso7e (Nav York, 1903) , 96; Broadus Mitchell, .4Ze#cz7'adez. ffcz77?4Z-

ton: The Ncrdbonal Adeen±ur.e, 1788-1804 (Men York, T962) , 2:]5-, 651' n. 34.

3Lsarmei osgood, a prominent Anti-Federalist who served on Cbngress's Board of lTreasury and resided in NCHir York, wrote to Melancton Smith and Samuel Jones on July 11,1788: "I knCh7 very

well your situation is esdEremely delicate ..., " cited in DePairv, EzetJe7?t72 Pdzzczz., 252, n. 3.5.

Osgood rna:y have read Smith'`s

letter to Dane.: 32Hami|ton noted this theat, Hamilton to Madison, June 8, 1788, in Eprett and Cbcke, eds., jJcz77zdzto7c Pt2pez.s, V, 2-4.

See

below, n. 48, for rrore evidence that the possibility was real.

Cbntrary to Dtrs. De Paun7''s notion that the Antis did not take this threat seriously is Tay's statement: "The unaninity of the Southern District and their apparent determination to continue under the wings of the Union operate powerfully on the minds of the opposite party." ray to Washingtch;` July 4-8,1788, Washington Papers, Library of Cbngress, Washington, D. C. See also Hamilton to Dfadison, July 2, 1788,. in Syrett and Cooke, eds. , j7cz#zdzto7c Pape2®s, V, 140-141. Hamilton refers to Anti leaders "Convinced bar cdrczd77zstcr7tces" and desirous of a retreat (his

italics) .

33Ford, ed., Wez7Z7,Ill,lil; G. Livingston rtotes, July 14,.

[1788]; jvezJ Yc72.k Jo24ryzczz, July 22,1788.

34G. |ivingston Notes, July 14-17, [1788]; Ive„ Yc>z'k Jo2trap'zczZ, Jthy 22, 1788.

35M. smith papers; jvew Yo27% Jo"]r.„dz, duly 22, 1788.

Ratification of the Cbnstitution

29

36bemitt c|inton totes, [ruly 16-|9,1788], D. Clinton Papers, Cblihoia University Library, New York.

only four days.

The notes Cover They are in a clear hand ill:Jse Clinton's

characteristic scrawl, but internal evidence, including a ref-

erence to "ray father"+ames Clinton was present as an Anti delegate from Ulster-as well as the concern for Dewitt's uncle, the governor, and their presence in his papers, indicates they are his. It rna:y be that they were dictated or that they were stosequently transcribed. I am indebted to Alffed Young for revealing their existence in The Democratic Republican MDvernent in New York State,1788-1797 (unptol. Ph.D. diss. , torthwestem University, 1958) .

37Ivew york c7-ozfflccz editorials of dtry 21, dtry 22, July 23,

1788 , counsel aquliescence in ratification and praise Hamilton highly.

38Dewitt c|inton NIes. 39|bzd. smith, Gi]be]± Livingston, and Zephaniah Platthad led the Revolutionary movement in Dutchess from 1775 on. Livingston was Smith's lavyer; Smith and Platt were partners inthe

Plattsburgh land speculation.

4°G. Livingston N]tes, July 17, [1788]; any to Washington, July 17,1788, Washington Papers; Hamilton to Madison, [duly l9, 1788], in fyrett and Choke, eds. , j7cz77z£Zto7e Paper.s, V,177-178.

4LAbrahan Bancker to Evert Bancker, July 18, 1788, A. Bancker Papers, N. Y. Hist. Soc.

42G. Livingston Notes, ruly 19-23, [1788]; Minutes of the Cbnvention, July 23, 1788, rohn MCKesson Papers, N. Y. Hist.

Soc. fyrett's and Cbc]ke's editorial comment in jJcz77zdzto7e Pc2pez.s ,

V, 193-194, n. 1, that this vote on Smith's lrotion marked the

decisive break in the Anti ranks, does not stand up.

43jve„ roz.k I)cz£Zgr Ac!uertfsez., ruly 28, 1788 (italics in

original) ; G. Livingston Notes, July 23, [1788].

44Madison to Hamilton, [+uly 20,1788], in Syrett and Cooke, eds. , j7czmdzfci77 Papez.s,. V,184=185; Livingston Notes, July 24, [1788].

45Ivew yoz.k I)czdzgr Aduez]t4serL July 28, 1788; G. Livingston

N)tes, July 23, [1788]; Elliot, ed., Z)ez)cztes,11, 412.

R)bin Brooks

30

46G. ||vingston Notes, July 24-26, [1788]; Elliot, ed., I)ez)cztes, 11, 413,

47seth Johnson to Andrew Craigie, [July 27?,1788] , Craigie Papers, American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. On ruly 29, Tormson wrote to Craigie again: "Mr. Smith is returned to

tcrm-I could give you a fen lines on politics, but I am afraid

of being tco tedious." [.J.r]

48|thox to washington, ruly 28, 1788, Washington Papers.

Virginia Anti-Federalist George Mason observed that the New York Antis "thought themselves under the necessity of adc)pting also,.

for fear of being left out of the Union, and of civil conro-

tions," Sept. 2,1788, cited in Kate Afason Ftwland, T7?e Z}4fe of Geoz.ge 44czso7?.. 2725-2792 (New York, 1892) , 11, 301.

See also

letters from CbngressHnen Samuel cris and Paine Wingate in Burnett, Z}et±ers, VIII, 768-769, 770-771, 772; Seth Johnson to Andrew Craigie, July 19, 1788j Craigie Papers; Ezra L'Hcrmedieu

to Anti delegate John Sri.th, July 20, 1788, ,John Smith Papers; Evert Bancker to Federalist delegate Abraham Bancker, July 24, 1788, A. Bancker Papers; and the letters frcm Salmrel 8. Wchb to Miss Hogeboon, July 6, July 13,1788, in Ford, ed., Wez>Z),Ill,

111.

All of these letters were written from NeIV York City.

49See also De Paur, Ezeue7}t% P£ZZcz2fty 253.

Mrs. De Pa`JW

suggested, in a personal conrmmication, that Smith could have learned of Madison`s letter from some other Federalist rather than from Hamilton.

5°Sarmel Jones 's switch persuaded at Irost one or tco Antis; those who follch7ed Sinith included several wlro had long been

associated with hin in business and pelitics.

Erlap o§ PoughKeeps`e-iigo. houses inrmre\eax ttete bu.`\{ cltte``

`||o

From: Edmund Platt, The Eagle's History of PoughkeeDsie: from the Earliest Sett.1ement.s,1683 to 1905(Platt &

Platt,

PoughkeeDsie,1905) ,

p.

65.

TIH GREAT NET HZLnGURG FIRE - 1877

John Perillo .

This accourte o-i a fore zbhich bhaecc±ened the town of New Harfeurg Ln 1877 zbas corxpbz,ed fr.om conde:rr[porcaey newspaper.s.

John Per.Ltlo Ls a Local hisborLc[n zbho I.esecmches sLgliiefocc[Irte even±s Ln the

history of southoesbeen Dutchess County.

It was just past midweek, about 9 PM in the Riverside village of New Halfrourg.

The date was Ma:y 3, 1877.

A typical

spring in the Hudson Valley. The almual shad migration on the river had been in full swing, while those businesses and industries wiiich had closed or slcwed for the winter were, by now, geared up for the new season. The village was quiet at this hour. Many of the peqple had begim to settle in for the evening. Occasionally, a barking dog or the creak of a sloop, rocking at anchor, could be heard.

FTank Lnyster, a boarder at the Madison House, was suddenly awakened by a wornan boarder who told him that some-

thing was burning. Afte± hurriedly dressing, he searched for the fire, discc)vering it in the alley between the Madison House (a hotel) and FTank nyers' store, opposite the railroad depot.

It was a pile of discarded boxes and straw from egg barrels.

FTank ftyers` store, which was said to be one of the finest Country stores in Dutchess Cbunty, was an integral part of the cormJnii=r. The local citizens, as well as cormercial enterprises, had depended on it since 1860.

Lnyster tried in vain to stamp out the fire which had by then spread to the store. The kerosene room caught fire.

Suddenly there was a violent explosion! Uncontrollable flames raced throughout the building. A general alarm was sounded.

People raced from their hcmes to the conflagration andorganized a bucket brigade.

Numerous atterng?ts were made by Courageous

Inen in an effo]± to save some of the store's contents, but 33

John Perillo

34

EHroke and flanre were just tco intense.

Cbntainers of every

description were used to bring water to i±re fire, but to no avail. The fire had spread south to the Madison House, as well as north and around the corner to a two-story frame house on Main Street belonging to Frank fryers and o:cupied by I. E. Millard. A rider was sent to Wappingers Falls, two miles away, to slmron the nearest fire department, William T. Garner Fhgine

conpry.

Pfeal"hile, efforts were being rmde by guests at tire Madison House to save furniture and belongings. Items of every shape and size were being hurled from windows and the piazza.

The Madison House, which had just been purchased by Jacob mdison, former ouner of the Hughsonville Hotel, had been renovated for the spring and surrmer season. William Barker, who was renting a tip. and stove shop in the north end of the Madison House,

managed to save only a few items. Before the fire depa±t had arrived the fire had spread to a double-frame house in the rear, which was also crmed by fryers and occxpied by John W.

Ifflt and John Rafferty.

It then spread to another of ftyers'

houses, which was occupied by Patrick Evans, as well as fryers ' barn, store house and shed. In addition to ftyers' property, a twcrstory frame house belonging to John Brcoks and a one-story house ouned by Waiter Millard were also ablaze.

fry 9=45 PM,

all were beyond saving.

The fire departlrient arrived not a minute tco scon. The Prest)yterian Church stood next in the path of the flames. Hose was stretched from the river, and a stream of water was trained on the Church. The flagpole in the village square was inflarres and had to be cut dcNIi for fear that it would fi]rther spreadthe fire. Villagers worked frantically to help John Brooks and Waiter Millard save tw-hatever belongings they could. ChicxJkers were arriving from chelsea, Mar]boro and Wappingers Falls. It lcoked like the whole village would go up. The flames were beginning to spread across the street to Talrres bearin`s meat

New Halrburg Fire

market.

35

Friends and neighbors alike put wet blankets and

carpets on the front of the building in an effort to save it, while the fire department struggled to contain the blaze.

The fire had beoone quite a spectacle.

Sore factory

workers fran WaEpingers Falls v\fro had been drjcking run were beginning to get out of hand. Detectives Scanlon and I.awrence from the Hudson River Rail RDad managed to subdue the offend-

ers. In spite of all of the drafroacks, the fire was gradually brought under control. Dan Carroll, station Iuster of the railroad depot, allowed the victims to store their belongings at the warehouse for safekeeping while neighbors opried their doors to the homfless.

The area continued to slroulder throughout the night.

Although the railroad detectives and Irost of the crowd had gone on their way, the men who were drinking remained.

Around 3 AM,

they began to get rcrty. They broke into nyers' peddler wagon and stole sore goods. They also stole sore clothes from the Ijent family. They then demanded entry into the railroad depet, but Dan Carroll refused. They kicked and beat hin, breaking ti^7o of his ribs.

Tbrmspec)pie managed to drive then off and

bring Carroll to his horre in old Troy. The follcwing rrorring all returned to si]rvey the darmge, and perhaps to speculate on

the cause of the fire. Hank fryers believed that the fire sta]±ed in the store and spread to the alley. Others suspected arson. Dq7ers said that he would rebuild inediately.

John IIent and his wife were scmichat less ccxpsed. He became drunk, while she became hysterical. She ran to the river screaming that she would kill herself but then stopped, thLrev up her arms in despair, and collapsed. She was taken to a friend's home to calm dcrm. He was brought there to sleep it off. Except for poor Dan Carroll, no one was hut. All of the aninals were rescued. Some of the people Inanaged to rise from the ashes, while others were never heard from again.

The final tally of the damage was that the rtyers family

John Perillo

36

lost all of their clothing, a gold watch, fulmiture, four buildings, a barn, storehouse and a shed, valued at S17,000 in goods and $16,000 in buildings.

He was insured for S12,000.

1

John Brooks sustained losses valued at $3,000. He was partially insured. William Barker's losses were Sl,5do, but he was fully insured. Waiter Millard's losses were Sl,300, but he was not insured although his cow and barn were saved. The others involved sustained heavy losses, saving only some furniture.

Dfone were insured. Madison was wiped out, only some furniture remained. He cinose not to rebuild. It was a bitter lesson.

New Halfrourg did not have a fire department. The City of Poughkeepsie wanted to sell then "Perseverance Fingine". They didn't accept. They did, hc"ever, have to pay Wappingers Falls for

their services.

I. E. Millard married Frank fryers I daughter, but then died shortly after. flank fryers, who was also the New Halfourg Post

Master, remained in business until his retirement to Florida in 1895.

He served for several years as Tdim of Poughkeepsie

SuErervisor.

A visit to present day New Halfourg is an architectural trip back to the Nineteenth Century -until you get to the area around Main Street and the train station, where the buildings are somewhat rroderm. If anyone asks 'twhy?", tell them about that spring night in 1877.

SOUHI AMENIA: ch Oral History

N±n Reed I ELghieenbh-cenb:Wry sebbLeTs on

the Obzong Pcteeut near. the pr.esen± viLzage of Sowbh Anenda tier.e dksoussed Ln I;his ncttr.abi,ve reLcleed bn 1885 by Nenbon Reed bo Hen:]ey N. Wbmchester:.

Reed

c[nd wi;nchesber zber.e nknebeenthcendury I.esbdends of i;he ar.ea.

Scrmdedy will hereafter be enquiring about the earliest residents of the land near South Amenia Post Office. It is a reasonable curiosity. I have lately been turning over sonre old papers (to keep myself out of rischief ) that tell things which nobody now renefroers, and I send you some of then.

CENP 'S PZHRE

The South Amenia Post Office is not very far front the

ITiddle of Iot 47 of the Oblong. It fell in the distribution of the lots to Elias Clapp, one of the company that had purchased the Cfolong tract. It was often called Clapp's Patent. The Cblong was laid out in bra tiers of lots and the cx]d nurrbers were in the west tier, and the even nulfoers in the east. A lot was 290 rods square and was counted 500 acres.

Ptr. Clapp had

died and the land was inherited by his sons Joseph and Henry.

It rust have been as many as twenty years after the purchase of the Oblong, before there was any settlement on Iot 47. Daniel Castle, Esq. was here previous to 1758. His dwelling was a low broad struc±ure where the present Tavern House stands, and was also kept as a ptolic house.

Samuel Tudson also from Ro3foury had purchased the Barlow \

fern.

Thomas Wblcott, a blacksmith, bought land of Henry in 1760, which is the Mill property, nCh7 owned by George I,alTfoert. He

built a saw-mill on the north side of the river, obtaining to 37

38

Newhn Reed

build on the land of Esq. Castle. He owned t:he land (probably bought of joseph Clapp) , which is now occupied by M. F. Winchester`s house and others, to the Barlow land. His dwelling was there, and his bladksrith shop. I suppose i±re shop stcrd in the higha7ay where I remefroer it.

In 1774 Catherine tolcott, widow of Thcmas, and ljcke, son of Thomas, sold to James Reed the land on tire comer, including the dwelling and the blacksmith shop.

(Note: The blackenith shop stood on the Green in front of M. F. Winchester's house.)

Sjmcon Kelsey bought of Thomas froloott the mill s]..te and

privileges and land around it, and bun-1t a grist rill. The dan. and mill were up the river as far as the present mill house.

This mill and property was sold to .alnes Fieed in 1781, who re-

built on the present site. He used in the consirmction an old mill or some other structure which he owned at the steel works.

This was the one taken ds`m by abed Barlow (when he built the present stone mill in 1846) .

I.ast in brackets added to H.N. W.

The sal^mill privileges went with the rrill.

Gideon Castle, son of Daniel, had his dwelling where the store is and the old well. He had 40 i/2 acres of land which he sold to Captain Reed in 1773. He afterward ouned the Tarmer farmi for many years, which he sold to ]fahlon Wing.

(rote: In 1898 the foundation of the house can be plainly seen in dry weather, in front of the lane coming from M. F. W. 's

ban., The well is just at the head of said barn. In 1876 I tcok out the stone in the well, but the well was dry.` +I. N. W.).

Captain Terrres Rfed came here in 1760.

He passed through

the valley the fall before and was so pleased with the a]untry that he induced his father, Daniel Reed of Norva]k, Cbrm. , to bi+y hin a farmi here.

He bought of Thomas Clapp and gave a deed

of it to his son. Nearly all the land of Iot 47 wasuninproved, but it had been sold to Caled Q]rtis, Samuel Hitchcock, Samuel toty, Nathan Barlow, Samuel Tudson, and others.

Cbptain Reed

South Aneda

39

entered upen his purchase jrmediately, with the only capital he had, -his axe. He had the good sense,.hcwever, to take in a partner Toanna Castle, daughter of Esq. Castle, to whom he was married according to the old record, April 16, 1760. Captain Rfed put up a dwelling the sane season, where James Swift's house is. This dwelling was sold to Mr. Henry Winchester by Philo Reed and Iroved dch7n to his place, and became his residence, and was afterwards moved across i=he street and is now

near the church.

'

(Note: M. R. Winchester moved the house from the garden on

the north side of his house, to its present place, in 1872. The frame of the house was left intact. 11. N. W.) Captain Reed built a store and added to his acres and left in 1814 a gcod estate to his ten sons and two daughters.

(NI)te: The store was built north of J. H. Swift's house on the same side of the higtry.. +I. N. W.) Ezra Reed, brother of James, joined him in many of his enterprises.. He crmed the Burp land, where he built a house which remained 'til the time of the present one built by HerI[rm Burp in 1812.

(tote: The Swift tenant house first north of t];e District Dto. 4 schoolhouse, east side road. +I. N. W.) Ezra Reed rerroved to Hudson in 1788.

Gershom Bleed, a

nephew of James, married also a daughter of Esq. Castle. (rm. Kirfoloes' record says June 28,1770.)

He became the owner

of Esq. Castle's place and set up a tannery near where the blacksmith shc)p now stands, which he carried on very success` fully. Thether I.auncelot Jarvis succeeded Mr. Fieed jrmediately I cannot say, but he conducted the tamery many years and had a shoe shop also. Itr. Jarvis kept a ptolic house also, and built the present house for that purpose, in 1816. (ltote: Now the parsonage, and dug the well 60rodd feet deep, nearly all in hard pan. +I. N. W.) David Winchester I suppose was the last owner there and he

Newton teed

40

built in 1827 the house now ouned by Mr. Bevins.

Joseph Reed, brother of Gershon, was a resident of the

place a fen years.

His dwelling was near the place where

Mr. Winchester's-small ban stands (M. F. Winchester's barn) .

He was the father of Doctor Daniel REed, who spent a long life in i=he Southeast. That small house was occupied a while by

James Reed, Jr., the father of Nelson and others.

It was after-

wards I think occupied by Stevens and by Dtrs. Burp.

The residence of M. F. Winchester was built for a hat factory in place of one that had been burned in 1817. The store was built in 1818 by A. P. and E. H. Cline.

Mr. Reynold's house was built at bra different times by R. W. Stewens. There had been a small dwelling there owned by Mrs. Bixp, which she exchanged with Stevens for the one east of

Bassetts, and he rebuilt. Joseph Bassett built his house in 1827.

He came to to`m in 1817 when he was 21 years old, and

lived a while at Southend. The day he came into the place in April, 1817, he passed the srmking ruins of a small house just burned, which had stood by the elm tree. It belonged to Dtrs. REickerbocker, and was occxpied by Hugh Kyle and a large

family of children. He was a Protestant-Irishman, a man of learning and a schoolteacher.

(Note: The branches of the elm tree spread Irore than loo feet. +I. N. W.)

He had left Ireland on account of the rebellion. He had an interesting family. OneThalf of that elm treewas ccxpletely destroyed by the fire and now it is entirely renewed. Another house was placed there for Mrs. K.

The nesct one to that was

made by I[egrand Hall, one of Mr. Winchester's wor]rmen.

The

dwelling now of John rolan was placed there by Alfred Lineburgh, the miller. It had been the residence of Mrs. Betsy Delano and had stood in the south par+ of A]beft Cline's field and near the line of Tustus Reynolds' land. The schc>o]Jrouse was farther east on A. Cline's land and stood jn line with the wall. One

South Anemia

41

hundred acres of land which comes where fish brook enters Ten Mile River was sold by Nathan Barlow to Captain fteed. There is

it?

The Barlow land, as I have said, was purchased by Samuel Judson, and came into the possession of i±re BarlcIV's in this way. They had bought in 1756 the Swift farm of Ijathrop andwere

settled there. Then Judah Swift came they proposed to bay out the Barlow's, which the latter consented to, on condition that they could get Tudson's farm. So Swift bought Tudson's farm for the BarlcIV's and toc)k theirs. The Swift farm is on Iot 45, which fell to Cfov. Cadwalladar colden. The ftye farm also, which belonged to Joseph ChalTberlain. Joseph Chahoerlain died in 1760. Peleg Barlow died in 1759, Samel Judson in 1777, Daniel Castle in 1777; Mr. Tudson moved on to the farm now crmed by <,

Dtr. Shaffer and the family remained there till after 1800.

Peter Cline bought his farm in 1760, of Captain Delamater.

It

was half of Iot 49, divided by a diagonal line, the price of it was $2.50 per acre. The first owner of Henry Cline's farm that we know of was George Thite. That is the west part of it. The east part belonged to Jed.adiah Burp. The Irountain lot which Dtr. Winchester ouns was ouned by Isiah Thair, who had his dwelling there. He sold it to James and Ezra Reed, 105 acres for 200 peunds. It had belonged to the C. Van Vorhees, and was bounded on the north by land of George Follet. George Ijarrber+'s house was built in 1829 by Tesse Reed who with Lester hadhought

the mill.

It was a small building at first.

The Mill House

was occupied many years in ny early days by Richard Edwards, the miller, an Fhglishman with a large family. There Frack Cline's residence stands a small house had been made by ranes Reed, rr. who afterwards added the front part of i=ro stories.

The house on the hill was Jacob Reed's and was new when I was a

child.

I ought to mention a small dwelling at the foot of the hill nearly opposite the other road which belonged to that farm.

42

Newhn Fed

That dwelling in the hollow was constructed by Peleg Barlow out of one that had stood on Homfr Hitchcock's farm. It was covered with stucco which lasted many years. Peleg's wife was Dfargaret Hinchliffe, and they had a large family. Judge Barlow cwned that land and the wcod lot north of it called the Pool

lot.

The next house was Reuben Reed's.

It is evident enough

that Captain Reed had secured a large real estate that he could place his sons on good farms when they were old enough to manage them. It was sad that sore of them managed so poorly.

William R. Stevens was blacksmith on the corner for man:y

years. He had his brother m]ssell to help sometimes, and Elijah Halght, father of Castle Haight and Milo Haight. Ptr. Steveus tcok the blacksmith shop out of the highway to his oral land.

He died in 1845.

Mr. Harry Winchester's hat factory was a lively iustitution, and made business for a good man:y families.

Then

ur. Holly from Brookfield came into possession he put that building by the bridge, now the blacksmith's house, for one of his shops on account of the better water of the river. The bridge across the Wchatuck is the fifth bridge that I renelrber in that place. The first one, which was very low, was swept away by the flood about 1818. The first three had a pier under the middle. I find in one of the old papers mention of the buildings put xp near the mill for the purpese of kiln drying corn. It was sonetjme previous to 1819. Corn was dried in kilns and ground and put into casks of about 300 peunds, which found a good market in the West Indies.

There would be some

pep kernels which the children would get.

NI^7 these are old stories, but they may be new to you, so when you have nothing else to do and want to keep out of mischief , you rna:y be entertained by going back a hundred years or ITbre i

Ncton Fieed, _i-ani 28, 1885

South AIenia

43

Jottings continued.

I.et me give you another chapter. It is to escape the idleness which ny inpaired sight would enforce. I can write when I cannot read. The old land titles were held by rather remarkable men.

They Imist have had some snap in them to make

such a beginning of things. Captain Reed, Nathan Barlow, and Judah Swift gave shape to the whole society. And every genera-

tion since has had some individuals of more or less account, who have held a place in society for a while, and who had some prints of character that made them noted though they are now

entirely forgotten. There were also certain distinct traits of character in falnilies that came dcRE:I to the last generation. thcle Judah Swift was very apt to tell beforehand what he was going to do, but Captain Reed was very closemouthed.

There was

a little rivalry between them, and Captain Reed had the advantage of knowing what his rival intended, while he kept his own Inouth shut. The Barlow's were logical. They miist prove things by argument, which were self-evident, or they would quote some high authorities on questions of everyday life. The Cline's never argued. They jungped at a question by intuition and tried it by the rules of cormron sense. There has been a certain vein of wit rurming through the blood of the aialfroerlains. It sparkles out a little to this day. The Nase family had a staying quality and were not given to change.

There were cer+aim individuals in every generation who made their mark and seemed to belong to the place. Someof them were of no great account and are now forgotten, but they could not be spared very well. Others rose from enall beginnings to good social pesition. Cme of these was Jacob Dorman, who worked for Captain Reed many years and thrashed wheat for four cents a bushel. He laid up his wages and gained a very good

estate.

He married a daughter of Solomon chase, a sister of

Dtrs. Darrow, who was the mother of Elisha Barlow's wife.

Mr. norman went to Albany Cbunty and one of his sons, Daniel

Newton Reed

44

Itorman, was a merfroer of the Iiegislature in 1836.

Another made

a small beginning here and by his very rigid eoononry got a good estate, which his family is now enjoying.

That was Israel Tbtten who worked for old Mr. Peter Cline.

There was also a young woman named Esther Warren who lived in Ivy grandfather's family, and in Captain Reed's. There was some relation with then by marriage. Captain Reed's boc)k shcIVs .that in 1775 Esther Warren was exployed in his family at five shillings a weck and Israel Tbtten had a small charge in the same hot)k. Mr. Tbtten, I suppose, found Esther a thrifty young woman and toc)k her into partnership and they gave a good account of themselves. They were the ancestors of our friend, Miss Per IJee. (Note: Sarah Per I.ee. 11. N. W.)

ltrs. Tbtten lived to a good old age and made her christian influence use fiil to the end.

Thether the pecple were sick before the war or not, they did not seen to have a regular doctor before Dr. Allerton, who went with Col. Hopkins' Regiment, and after the war was settled here. There was a doctor, John Sackett, but he did not come to any high standing, and of Dr. De Ija Vergne I never heard anything except that doun at the lower end of Bog Hollow.

Dr. Allerton lived in the John Reed house a hundred years ago, when his son, Salmel, was born. After. that till his death he lived near the Old Meeting House. Nearby was a stubborn old Tory by the name of Peter Slawson, whom hanging by thepatriots could not make beg. His wife would have her cup of tea, not-

withstanding all the war against it.

There were in those days as now, who had their day and

place and are now forgotten. Kingsley and Olivet, who were of no account, but they left respectable descendants. There was a

curious fellow that we used to see darting along the river through the bushes with a fish pole. He was a Spanish Indian, a regular scout. I have heard Thomas W. Swift tell his name,

South Jirrala

45

which I have forgotten.

He was only called "Bill Skuks".

The

Indians had their regular migrations through the valley every summer with their fanny Colored baskets.

I si]ppose I am

correct in saying the store was built in 1817.

The occupants

whorl I rencher besides the Clines were Soutrlwcod and Williams, Bennet Birmeston, Fbbbins & Paine, Mccoy & Reed, IIevi Carman,

Horner Hitchoock, perhaps others.

N.R.

April, 1885.

You mirst excuse the writing. and the mistakes, as I cannot see well enough to make Corrections.

(Note by H. N. W.)

Nctrfeon Reed was born february 26, 1805, died Dfarch 19,, 1896 .

\

EDITOR' S NOTE:

Both Nehi)tcyn Reed and Hen:ry N. Wbnchesber> descended from

falnd,Lies who settled bn Amenka Ln the 1760's or. ecmL4ep.

Ne;robon Reed pubtLshed a history of A]nenda Ln 1875.

Th;ks

bock has become a pri;nckpal I.efer.once source for. Lnformdebon i : about the eaity period of Amend,a, bts eondy fcnd,ti,es cmd the the borurn. book. i,n Ls Amenda enittled Early `. ~- goner.al Hi:sto;rydeveLapmenb Of Pimeni.a byofNenb&n Reed, The pubtLshed i,n 1875. =\."

Hen:rry N. Wbnchesber., son o.i th:Lo, u)as 13o]en Ln Anenda i,in

1850.

HLs personal hisbo]ey zbas cidmosb bdend,cat bo his fc[ther.'s. Im busbness he zbas Lndtialtg a fc[rmer. c[nd then oaned a mer.earl;tiLe bust;ness. As a piibti,a servari;± he serlved Amenda as Justice of the Peace cand Tc/ijfn Saper.visor..

He beccn'rie

Deputy Posinasber. of the South Ameni,a Post; Office i;n 1886.

SLAVHlomlNG oN LlvlNGSTON MINOR AND clEREONI, 1686-180o

Ftoberta Singer .

A conci,se histo]ay of staveny Ln cotond,al New Y_ock pr.ecedes a discussi,on of the stave's ptace

i,n the Labor. for.ce, his tivchg condbti,one cnd the degr.ee of fr.eedem pe]rmi,bbed him.

Rober.ba

Sch_ger..1,i,for'ard,an cnd Mt. St. Mccny's Couege, £s

a I,ocal hisborlLcm.

Many people are surprised to learn that slavery was practiced in Colonial New York and in New York after it became a

state until the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Many history bcoks pass over the subject in silence or give it short shrift. This "peculiar institution" was not peculiar to the South, hcwever. It occurred in all of the original colonies and persisted in the North for a time after independence, especially in New York and New Jersey.

Cbnsider these exalrples , none of which would have been

exceptional to our colonial ancestors : i.) In 1735 John Van Zandt of New York City was prosecuted

for lashing his slave to death. The Oc)roner's Fury decided that the slave's demise was an act of God and therefore acquitted him.

2.) In the 1740s a Negro slave was convicted of arson and burmed at the stake in Red Hook.

3.) In 1748 the following notice was placed in the Ivezd-Yc)I.k Post-Bc>gr= "RIm away frc)in John Pell of the Manor of PeThan, a

Negro wench named Bell, a Boy named Tanneau, a Girl named Tamer,

another named Dinah, and another named Isabel; also a Negro man nanrd I.ewis . " 4.) In 1762 chancellor Livingston's grandfather coxpiled a

"shopping list" of itens he wanted his agent to procure for him in New York City. The list included wine, coarse salt, tea, and sundry other things including "2 Negro young men from 16 to 20 years not above fl]60 a head. . . " 47

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5.) In 1773 Johannes D. Schertz of Livingston Manor made

the following bequest in his will: "I leave to ny wife Anna three horses and i]iro Negroes. "

Slavery flourished in both urban and rural parts of colonial New York. In 1790 there were, in the supposedly free and independent State of New York approxinately 21,000 black slaves.

Slaveowners were from all social classes except the destitute.

Dfost masters were quite ordinary middle-class folk: farmers , craftsmen, clerks, and shopkeepers. As for the bondsmen, they were considered a species of property.

They were a commodity

that could be bought and sold, used to settle debts, and bequeathed to heirs. Then they expressed displeasure about their enslavement, the law regarded slaves as dangerous criminals. Sometines draconian punislrments were inflicted on them to frighten theni into submission. Witches were not burned at the stake in colonial Massachusetts but rebellious Negroes were burned at the stake in colonial New York.

Dfost studies of slavery in New York focus on the New York

City area. Relatively little has been written about slavery in the rural regions. This paper concentrates on Ijivingston Manor and Clermont. These large estates, par{= of which were in Dutchess county before 1717 , cover an area now the southern third of present-day CbluITbia Cbunty. Before describing the

slavcholding practices of the Livingstbn- family and the people who rented land from them, it will be necessary to briefly explain how slavery arose in New York in the first place and to descrjJ3e the forms it tot)k.

Background and Foreground.

The Imtch, who founded the Colony, were largely a corrner-

cial pewer,_ rrDre interested in obtaining desirable comTdities such as beaver pelts than in settling families. Even so they needed a work force to support the small pc)pulation of iraders and merchants. Since most of the settlers calne to join in this

Slaveholding 1686-1800

49

great enterprise, a severe labor shortage resulted. The Dutch were during that period heavily involved in the slave trade and so, a ready solution was at hand.

The first slaves in New Netherland alfived in 1626 under the aegis of the Dutch West India Cbxpan:y, whose property they were. They worked on farms owned by the Cbrrprry and on such

ptolic works as roads and forts. The cxxpany also rentedslaves out to settlers. The lot of a Cbxpany slave is often described as "mild" because of the semi-emancipation systen instituted in the 1640s. A slave could be freed after a lengthy period of service provided he agreed to pay an annual tribute in grainand livestock. The nunfoer of individuals affected was small. Pforeover, their offspring were still Considered to be slaves. This "inild" eysten of slavery was the basis of an entrenched systen of racially-based bondage.

The white pc>pulace became accustomed

to being a master class.

During the last years of Dutch rule, slave ownership was opened to the ordinary settler.

The Oc]Ii[ipany directors reasoned

that trading in slaves would be profitable and that making then ITDre widely available would be a boon to settlement (a matterof belated concern) . Slaves were sold at public auctiors. Terms were made easy so people of modest means Could afford i=heni.

After the Eiglish conquest, the legality of slavery was upheld and the practice grew.

Though the English were far Irore

interested in settling families than the Dutch, the population did not grow as rapidly as the authorities had hoped. Sluggish pepulation growth was the rule in the English colonies but the situation was especially severe for New York. Prospective settlers found rmch of the land tied up by large landcrmers and opted to bi]y cheap land outright elsewhere.

Also, New York was

the frontier betl^7een tro rival expires. Periodic warfare broke out and the prospect of alli)ut invasion by the French andtheir Indian allies discouraged settlement in the u.pper Hudson and M)hawk Valleys. Settlement increased in the frontier regions

Rober+a Singer

50

after the FTench and Indian War Concluded in 1763.

Similar reasons probably contributed to the relatively sparse mfroer of indentured servants in New York. Thus New Yorkers became more dependent on slave labor than settlers in

other ltorthern colonies.

The Concentration of .slaves in the

colony reached a peak of 15% in 1723.

In some areas, notably

New York City and its environs, the mrfuer of slaves reached as high as 25%.

Dfost of the slaves were put to work on farms. The cultiva-

tion of cereal crops and the raising of livestock were the chief agricultural activities in New York. Neither recruires a constant Contingent of large nuTbers of laborers. while farmers relied on family labor there were some jxporiant occasions , notably harvest-time, when they found themselves short of help.

Hired hands were few and oorrmanded a high wage.

Therefore, the

purchase of a slave or two was a worthwhile iAvesiment for a farmer even of moderate means. Contrary 'to some ac6ounts, Negroes were able to adapt to the clinate and were kept busy

mJch of the tine, especially if the family practiced a craft.

Undoubtedly there were periods of unproductive idleness during the winter months but on the whole the slaves were considered a profitable cormrodity.

Cia large estates laborers were needed to tend the home farmis and assist in rural industries such as the milling of grain. There the proprietors engaged in oonmerce, men were needed to transport goods. Their large houses required staffs of domestics. A New York man of substance might have ten to iIventy slaves to fulfill these labor needs. This was considered a very large holding by northern standards. Py way of contrast some large southern plantation crmers possessed more than one hundred slaves.

In New York, slavery was especially pervasive in urban areas. Urban slavery was more informal than rural slavery.

They had rrDre personal autonony, more unsupervised free tine,

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51

and a greater oppertunity to socialize with one another, with free blacks, and with lcIver-class whites. Urban slaves also had some economic independence.

They cultivated gardens and sold the produce to the public. They sonetines rented thentselves to persons in need of extra help. In these instances the slave was able to keep pa]± of the rental fee. In rural areas supervision tended to be closer and the slaves ' social contacts were Irore limited. Sxpervision was not total, however, for slaves were often trusted to run errands alone. On such occasions the slaves did have some chance to meet other slaves in the cormmity. An elite family like the I[ivingstous was falriliar with hath realms since they had residences and business enterprises in both city and Country.

Everywhere slavery was practiced, some means of social control was necessary. In a society of laws a "slave code" was dral^7n up.

New York's slave code had much in cormnon withshilar

legislation elsewhere. Man:y of the regulations restricted the personal autonomy of slaves in the towns. Trading with slaves, selling them liquor, allcwing then to go about in groups of three or IrDre without supervision were all against the law. In practice these laws were not enforced except sporadically, during tines of dire emergency. Enforcement was inpossjble without the cooperation of the white pc)pulace. The masters found it profitable to trade with slaves. There were too many taverns to regulate. Above all, the master class preferred not to devote their time to marming slave patrols.

Other aspects of the slave code covered punishment of slaves convicted of crimes. Slaves, like other offenders, were publicly whipped. Masters were held liable for cr:imes their bondsmen committed. If a slave was convicted of a capital offense, such as rmrder or arson, he stood to be executed, fre-

quently in barbaric fashion. The law provided for colmpensating the comers. Masters were given legal sanction to use corporal

punishment on their slaves but they were not to maim or kill

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them. In spite of this, obtaining Convictions of excessively brutal masters was difficult.

Throughout the English colonial period, comers of slaves were not encouraged to set them free. A master had to pest a hefty security bond of fl,200 for each nianunitted slave. It was widely believed that free blacks were a subversive, idle, and lawless element. Prior to the Revolution mammissions were rare ®

New Yorkers like other Amaricans had alrbivalent feelings

about slavery. Thile outright opposition was rare and linited to certain despised religious groups (notably the Quakers) , some people felt slavery was a deterrent to the gro\rfu of the free white pc>pulation. The laboring classes hated the unfair competition of an unpaid, unfree work force.

Cm the other hand,

they believed if the slaves were ljJ]erated, free blacks would work for a lower wage. Virtually everyone lived in-fear of slave uprisings. It was no secret that slaves resented their Condition.

Running away was the most pc>pular form of rebellion

but on occasion slaves Im]rdered or assaulted their masters or burned and damaged their masters' property.

There was in New

York City a genuine slave conspiraey which took the lives of several whites jm i.712. In 1741 there was a great hysteriawhen

the activities of an interracial ring of thieves was believedto be a grand plot conceived by slaves to burn New York City. Many

innocent slaves were executed or deported to the Indies.

Attitudes began to change with the coming of the Revolution. Some of the leaders of the Revolution in New York and elsewhere became painfully aware of the great contradiction between fighting for liberty and keeping black people in bondage. Such abolitional thinking was controversial. At no time was there a mass movement to free the slaves. Slavery remained

profitable to most of those who practiced it. Slaveholderswere quick to clamor for their "property rights. " Advocates of enancipation succeeded in legislating a systen of gradual eman-

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53

cipation which coxpensated slavcholders by permitting then the use of their slaves until age 25 for famales and 28 for ndes.

In 1817 a law was passed declaring slavery illegal and ordering all slaves born before July 4, 1799 to be freed by July 4,1827.

Slavery and the Rise of rivingston Manor.

The early history of Livingston Manor is shrouded in Irystery. Little in the way of documentary evidence from the first tIventy or so years has survived. Ecisting evidence does suggest

efforts were made to develop and settle the vast tract of land.

If a lease from 1687 was typical of the terms offered, it appears the chief agricultural activity during i±re early period was raising livestock. The tenant's coxpensation was a periion of the increase in the herds of cattle and sheep he raised. As part of the deal, the landlord, Robe]± Livingston, provided his tenant with "a strong young Negro of 14-15 years. "

The tenant

was respensible for providing clothing for the slave. Thus, from the outset, additional labor was needed and the use of slave labor was the only solution. It is not known how many tenants there were during this early period. It is not unreasonable to assime that there were several who found these terms acceptable. Thatever progress i=he first lord of Ijivingston Manor had made in those days was probably lost during his exile after I]eisler's Rebellion. Recovery came because he was short of capital after that tilrre.

The settlement of the Palatines did Inuch to reverse this dismal situation. The Palatines themselves were a source of labor, especially skilled labor. Slaves were still needed to assist in the construction and maintenance of such facilities as the mills and dams, the bakehouse, and the brewery. Also a home farm was started around this time. Slaves were put to work clearing land, planting and harvesting crops, etc. A much clearer picture of how the Manor functioned from 1710 to 1726

exists in the extensive correspondence between the first R)bert Livingston and his wife Alida. Alida was responsible for the

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Robeata Singer

day-to-day management of the estate while her husband was in New York. Her letters touch upon many matters great and small including "servant problems. " Grcwi.ng grain gained in jxporiance over raising livestock.

As a result tenants were Irore willing to settle permanently and raise families. Slaves were no longer provided to them. It was assumed they were able to provide their ouri labor needs.

Indeed, some of thenL were able to bi]y slaves. Robert shipped slaves to the Manor from New York, both to work on the estate under his wife's supervision and, on occasion, to sell to the farmers .

The task of supervising the slaves was initially overwhelming to Alida.

She lamented, in a letter to her husband on

Nbvelfroer 9, 1711, "It is too much for me to oversee so many

Negroes." All indications are that she carried out this responsibility as effectively as anyone Could under the circun+ stances. She dutifully reported to her husband any difficulties which arose. Praise for a slave's good behavior is absent in the Correspondence.

Good behavior was expected.

If all

went well, she sjxply reported that a given task was being done: "We have soon 90 bushel of wheat, 8 bushel of rye."

`We

are now driving the hay out. . .and [are] busy repairing the flc5r in the barn as well as we can." (Alida to R]bert, Septerfoer26, 1711, and July 7,1721) .

On the other.hand, problems were

described in scrme detail: I arri having ±r.othze enough herle veLth our.

P3apte._ Tom does not do anything a:nd fs fat and gr.easy .... I arri air.al,a he zbLZ,7, do s_a.mething evil tck.p_ sett;i,ng soTnet;himg on for.e, so I nlri sendi,ng hid bo be sol,a or. .to b3 send enlJcay. for he Ls nob toorkLmg

cnd. I.efuses to Zock after. a:Iiaythimg. (Ali;da to Rc]ber+, NDvendDer 5, 1720)

our_ Joe 7}as been out of or.der. so bed:dy for.

9 _days thcde toe had enough i;I.oiibz,e tofih

h+in.

And he had been ccmrded out of the

fore_st pz4rez,g mad ....

And I gcroe 7Lin a

vornd± dri;nk. cnd, made 7ivm bzei;a and then

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55

stoecit so thab he i,s now cowl,ng bo leis se7?ses so777ezd72czt.

(Alida tQ Ftobert,

June 13, 1722)

Alida apparently had no difficulty feeding and clothing the slaves. However, providing shoes presented problenrs, for the services of a shoemaker were hard to come by. aplairing "our people" go barefcot, Alida requested ltober+ send the shoes he no longer wore.

Since several drafts of R]bert fivingston's will are edant, it is pessjble to estinate how man:y slaves he crmed at this time. Slaves are listed by nana, both those "now at ye manor house" and those kept at his New York City residence.

There were ten to twelve slaves, nearly all adult males, at the Manor. Ifost of the additional eight to ten "city slaves" were worlRIi and young children.

Nbne of the womeri who were sent to

work in the manor house worked out successfully.

Though slaves

were readily available, it was not always possible to obtain an individual with certain desired characteristics. Evidently it was hard to find a woman who could speak Dutch, do housework

passably well, adjust to .the rigors of life in the wilderness, and, one might add, get along wii=h the I.ady of the Pfuor.

In Itobert's will the afdrementioned Joe is referred to as "Joe ye miller, " the only slave to have an occupational epithet.

Then Joe is first mentioned in the letters, he is the object of fobert's wrath because the flour he made was tco coarse. In tins such caxplaints ceased. Joe's bad performance may have been due to inexperience rather than incarrpetence or deliberate sabotage. Eventually he mastered milling well enough to be

entrusted with the respeusibility of being in full charge of the gristmill.

There are three interesting incidents from the tine of Fbbert and Alida that deserve to be presented in some detail.

The first cmcerns t{ro slaves that ran away from the Manor in

the fall of 1711. At first Robert was optinistic that they would return owing to the Expending arrival of cold weather.

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56

Apparently Indians friendly to the French ultintely conveyed therm safely to Canada.

Rbbeft was determined to get them back.

He tried unsuccessfully to send other Indians to catch then.

In April of 1713 he had the governor write to the "Govermor of Canada" to plead for the returm of his property, In the fall of 1713 his son Philip was able to get a pass to Canada. while there he made inquiry about the runaway slaves and was evenable to speak with then. The results were dismal for his parents: "[1] could not manage to get our Negroes to Consent to go home.

They said they wanted to stay there [i.e. , in Canada] and as long as they say that there is no means to get iriem from there but to have then abducted by Indians which will cost cTuite a

bit for the Indians are quite afraid of the French."

Livingston to Alida, Ck=tober 28, 1713)

(Philip

Interestingly theFrench

authorities allowed the slaves to decide their own fate.

Their

desire to remain free men in Canada was honored.

It was not uncormron for slaves to run away even if itmeant

the risk of fleeing through a wildemess tcward an uncertain destination. The Fhglish authorities tried to deter slaves from rurming to Canada for security reasons and jJxposed the death

penalty on any who were caught. Such legislation had little, if any ilxpact. Clearly, Itoberi was not about to surrender his slaves to the gallows had he succeeded in getting then back.

The second incident concerned a more drastic expression of disaffection. In the winter of 1714/15, a slave belonging to Johannes Pykenian, a tenant of the Manor, made an atterrpt on his master's life. He was quickly apprehended. Iiespite this,

Itobert was fearful that there was more to this incident and was anxious to lean if tom, the guilty party, had been in contact with his crmi slaves. A record of the interrogation of Tom survives. It reads as follows: I,eeender.t Conyn, Constal3te3 maketh the

9ckfa urpon the hal;g Evangettsts that

b_eLn_g _sen± for. bg Mr.. invL:ngston the 23rd day of Jal'i;ucaey chen Jch Dyl<enan's

Negr.o uas taken ap a:nd appr.ehended a±

Slaveholding 1686-1800

57

his house, Mr. Ijfroingsbo:n asl<'d the lflegr.o

after he had confessed the fact whether. leis Negr.o Ben or. any other of h;¢s Negros tier.e pr.ivy bo this bar.bcmous rITurder., but Jo,homes Dykeman's Negr.o made c[n arisoer thcrd Ben nor. c[iiay other. of Mr.. havingsbon's

Negr.os knee nothi;ng of hi,s desLg.n of kkLLing his Master. rior arty other. Person

but bhde he had done Lt alone3 thde Ben had never. scrid araythi,ng but bhcle he roas sor.]ey his Master. had sent his da:ughier. to „z.. Vetc72 [Robeft's son-in-law] A7ed 2tpo7?

his tryalL Mad . Wesse7|s asked the Malefactor Tom whether Ben or c[iray other. Ndgro werle Pr.ivy i;o the Murder. zDhkch he had re77zdttecz

[i.e., attexpted]

b2t± fee scz¢d

thcte he had done i,b cidone & thde ri,o Negro knew of Lb & further. scribh not.

Ben was unhappy because he was separated from his daughter.

Masters often disregarded family ties in their disposition of their human property. The resultant heaJThreak brought by such destruction of family life was one of the least tolerable aspects of enslavenient. IE is interesting to note no further mention of Ben is found in any of the surviving records. Rc)beit rna:y have sold him so as to be on the safe side. It is possible that Ben was conveyed to Mr. Vetch and thereby reunited with

his daughter but, alas, the historical record is silent on this print.

There is a family legend surrounding the "awarding" of the periion of the Manor that was to beccrme Clermont to REber+'s son Robert, Tr. Supposedly it was his reward for foiling an

Indian plot. Another version of this tale exists with Negroes in place of Indians. There is good reason to doubt theveracity

of either version but there is a kernel of truth in the latter.

Einslaved Negroes had good reason to be unhappy and the Liv-

ingstons, like all slave comers, had cause to be fearful, even if most of their bondsmen did not run away, cause mischief , or try to kill then. Cme act of violence could not be colrplacently dismissed whilst fear of conspiraey was in the air.

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Finally, there is an incident concerning a slave named Dego. Itobert received a letter from his other son-in-law, Cbrmelis Van Home, waning Robert about a story circulating about this slave: I hccoe also been cr.edi,bchz;g inf6]erled thcde there i,s one Thomas Ccmdlo of Long Iszcaiid when Lcrfee7;g curpived fr:om

I,ondon and has been gorie for. 15 or. 16 yeclrs c[nd si;mce his I.e±ulrn posbtivetg

stays thai he has good evidence bo

pr.ove bhde your Negro man Dego bo be his own for. 7i)hen he zbenb onc[y he Left

hi,in i,n hc[nds of Mr.. Faueoner. tizL his I.eb:ulti c[nd rneeti;ng u)£i;h Caps. Congr'ove

in some par.b of Eurape gcwe strid Congr.ove c[n or.der. for. scrid boy on Mr. Fcr:lit

corLer. dez,i,vex.ed scrid boy cnd, bock the

Nobe> and sad,a Congr:ove zbac bo l<eep

thi,s Negr.o for. scied ConT.d.|to thtz, his Te±urn, and sad,a Congr.ove3 nob expecti,ng scitd Car.dlo i;o I.eburm or. being in v]aut of money sol,a acrid Negr.o bo you.

(Cbrnelis Van Home to Rc)ber(= Livingston, March 10, 1723/4)

Van Home warned that Catdlo might try to take Dego back by

force.

foberi did not take the threat seriously.

In the end

no such atterrpt was ever made to abduct Dego. The unfortunate Cardlo committed suicide in the debtor's prison.

That was the truth in this matter? Was Dego really secu-

rity on a dcht that Cardlo failed to pay or was he disposed of illegally by Captain Cbngrove? It would seam that if Cardlo had any solid clain on the negro he would sue Robert in a cout of law rather than make threats. Even so, no one could bequite sure what one was getting in a private sale. The incident prints xp the sordidness of the entire business of slavery.

Slave Ships and Iron.

Tb gather material on New York slaves, i]re historian is

obliged to sift through letters and accounts in search of evidence. Then the sources are lacking or contain large gaps, the

story of slavery lacks detail. Unfortunately relatively little

Slaveholding 16 86-1800

59

survives from the time of Philip Livingston, Second lord of the Manor, and the first of tw7o proprietors of Clermont. It is ]moun he was heavily involved in the slave trade.

Until the 1740s the chief source of slaves for New Yorkers was the West Indies, especially Jamaica. The leading merchants of the Colony regarded dealing in slaves as a profitable sideline. Philip was one of the most successful merchants. He, in

partnership with his sons or with other merchants , was the third leading inperter, bringing sore 219 blacks from the Indies to New York. The ships involved in these voyages were small craft such as the sloops that were used in the Hudson River traffic.

The slaves had shared the available cargo space with other

goods. Sometines only a handful of slaves were jxpofted inthis fashion but on occasion fifty or more would be brought in during the course of a voyage. It is not clear whether this was a reflection of the supply or the demand. In the 1740s New York merchants greatly increased their trade with Africa. The Liv-

ingstons pa]±icipated in this trade. Philip invested in four Africa-bound slavers .

In the course of his far-flung enterprises, Philip did not neglect the developrnent of the Manor. A notable addition to the estate was the iron-works established at Ancram in the 1740s.

This project required a great deal of labor. Aside from the workers involved directly with the manufacture of pig iron, castings, and bars, men were also needed to dig ore, make charCoal, and to transpo]± both raw material and finished products to required destinations. Dfost of the wc)rkers were hired hands, principally from Cbnnecticut. They were housed atAncram during the iron-making season.

In iron-works elsewhere in the Colonies, slaves were a

principle source of labor. This does not appear to have been the case at Ancram. Philip was a latecomer to this business.

His competitors had a vested interest in keeping skilled slaves and free workers off the labor market. Flirthermore, he had to

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Robeuta Singer

expend capital on the physical plants , nalnely the furnace, refinery, and other facilities. The business was risky as well as expensive. He lacked the capital to acquire and train a large contingent of slaves. Although he Constantly beroaned the dubious quality of his free workers, who bargained well for wages, the expenditure and risk was far less than investing in an all-slave labor force. Another Consideration was that some of the operations, especially the manufacture of charcoal, were dangerous, and it was jxprudent to risk the lives and lirfos of valuable slaves.

This does not mean that there were no slaves at Ancram.

Philip introduced some slave labor at the works, most likely to reduce somewhat his dependence on his unreliable and inexperienced free laborers. "I think I shall in ye spring," Philip wrote to his son Robert, "have occasion for Dane to help the blacksmith. I hope you can spare hin then. I rust continue to have a Negro to lean somewhat about ye Iron Works. I have now 5 at Ancram and want 10 more with a good overseer" (Philip to Rc)bert, January 30, 1744/5) .

In a subsequent letter (Ma:y 15, 1745) he informed Fbbert that "I want to bi]y two Negro boys of 16 or 18 years to put to a smith of harmierman." It appears slaves played a secondary role at Ancram, although a few of

them did become skilled irol"orkers.

The fragmentary records from this period provide only a

little information about individual slaves. In a letter dated Ma:y 15, 1745 there is a glinpse at an uncooperative slave named Caesar. Philip wrote: "I send you Ivy Negro Caesar. He hasbeen troublesome and quarrelsome with our Negroes and discontented.

[He] wanted to be sold out of the country.

He is a goc)d work-

ing fellcw and has learnt the oooper's trade but is surly and ill-hunored. Sell hin if you can for most you be able. He is worth upmards of fl]50 - but if you cant sell him nor send hin to Madera, put him on board of any vessel at what you can agree for TJer rronth. "

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61

RenDving trotolesone slaves by means of sale or renting then seers to have been the preferred Way .in the Ijivingston family. Thile one carmot entirely rule out the use of corporal

punishment because no mention of it is made in the farily letters, it is probably safe to say,. the Livingston family did not try to break the wills of slaves such as Caesar. However there is one rather drastic exception. In an April 22,1721 letterto her husband, Alida reported her son Gi]bert had beat a slave severely to punish him for ]rmning away. The slave "died outof doggedness" and Gilbe]± had "a lot of damage by it." It is a curious twist to blame the slave for his own demise by attrjJ3uting it to his stuhoorness. NDnetheless, her tone is hardly approving of her son's action.

Returning to Caesar, he may very well have kncRTi the exact

effect of his actions. How else could a slave legally change his situation except by making his presence unpleasant for all concermed and making explicit his desire to be sold? In a situation where outright brutality was absent, such a ploy stcxrd a gcod chance of success.

The slave reasoned a nevmaster

might be rrore tolerable. . At any rate, despite his father's warnings, REbert seened inclined to keco Caesar for himself.

Caesar may have found the less restrictive clinte of New York City Irore congenial than that of the Manor and therefore ceased misbehaving. Unfortunately there is no clue as to whether this was a permanent change for Caesar or not, and there the matter must rest.

Slaves and Tenants.

Between 1750 and 1775 both Livingston Manor and Clerl[rmt

enjoyed a great influx of settlers. On both estates fandand was rented to tenants for a stipulated quantity of wheat, four fcwls, and a day or two of labor armually. At the rmor two days of labor was required while at Clerl[rmt, one day was asked.

In practice the system was quite flexible. Tenants vere prmitted to schstitute one form of rent for another. If they fell

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Fbberta Singer

behind, they could make ap any arrears by agreeing to work. ifenants who were skilled craftrmen sometimes paid their entire rent in labor. For exalrple, a shoemaker named Jacob Saltbox agreed to pay fl,5 cash armually for his ten acre Clermont farm.

Because he was unable to raise the necessary cash, he was allcwed to pay in shoes.

Tenant labor gren7 in jxporiance during this period. The

traditional assignment was "riding, " the transport of lLrfeer or other itaus in a cart si]pplied by the tenant. Since ltobert, the third lord of the Manor, having expanded the iron-works and nuter of furnaces and forges, expected his tenants to fulfill their labor obligations by transporting pig iron, ca]±ing hearfustones, sawing wood, etc. Those indebted to the manor store could pay by digging ore or by working at one of the

gristrills .

At CleHront there were no iron-works but the grist and saw mills provided plenty of work. -On one occasion Mathias Cryslar was put to work "riding stones and tinfoer" for a new mill.

Another time he was sent to Ancram to pick up a crack chancellor Livingston had ordered. Toharmis Cooper made a partial payment of his back rent by working nine da:ys at one of Clerlront's mills . ..

However, the use of tenant labor did not diminish the need for slave labor. Cn both estates slaves continued to be employed as farmi laborers on the proprietors' hone farms, as domestics in the mansions, occasionally as skilled craftsmen, and to fill in when other sources of labor were lacking or insufficient for a given job. A contingent of slaves always available made for a flexible work force. Although tenants were conscious of their dependent status, they did not serve the manor at the lord's whim as slaves were expected to do.

The tenants theruselves found it wo]Th their while to invest in slaves. At least a quar+er of them were slaveholders, putting their bondsmen to work as field hands, donestics and when

Slavcholding 1686-1800

63

needed slaves also ran errands. For a tine the daybcok kept at the Manor Store in the 1770s recorded the iterus purchased, the cost, the customer's name, and the person picking xp the gcxrds.

Frfu this source is learned tenants sent out their slaves unsupervised to fetch a variety of purchases. For exaxple, Petrus Shuts sent his Negro to pick up a quart of run. Jacob Petrie asked his Negro to get a peund of ground ginger. Sarunel Halenbeck sent his man out to get an expty hogshead. Casparus Kcol

needed two peunds of nails and sent his slave to get then.

Abraham Shuts entrusted his slave with the task of picking up three ccfros, an almanac, and a knife. on the roads ancestral to today`s county roads, one would have found alrong the general traffic a number of slaves going hither and yon on such missions. The slaves undoul3tedly associated with one another, although on the whole they were not as "free" as their urban counterparts. Then these estates became pc>pulated, sons of the

isolated, frontier quality of the area dirrhished.

Gljxpses of how the slaves ' needs were Inet are scattered through the accounts of the Manor and Clerlrrmt in the invoices of tailors and shoemakers who made apparel and fcotwear for the slaves. Both the Third Iord and his Clerlrrmt cousins tcokpaius

to provide their slaves with the best of medical care. foth engaged the services of Dr. William Wilson, who settled on Clerlront scmetine before 1785. His records show that he was kept busy bleeding, medicating, and operating on slaves and finily mehoers alike. The Third Iord also dealt with a ltoctor Ctoper of REincheck. We have this account of the treatment given a slave named rack: I tasb e_vewi,ng received uow{.s of the 26th

lnst. utth_ a I.equest to send Jack home i,i Pe pas ueu or. In a Mends,mg uag. If you had not; v)I.ote I chtended io hiDEe| -Si;nt P1;_in hone i,n clout ei,ghi Days. I send v)tth livm a Boce of pbu,s for. rtin to take 3 MorrnLug_ & _evendr!g c[nd to DTLnk a Duoctfon of

r'ed:Elm Back after. them .... Besbdes twie disagr.eeable er.apitons. the son:rie acri,a

Itoberta Singer

64

Humour. of the er.apti,on had Fell on his Ijapgs3 cor.oded them, and broughE±| on the cough & spbbti;ng of BLood. I send

him akmost; uett.

I hape utth I;he pbus

& DLr.ecbkons above Mention3 I zbttL Corr[pLecte his cure. Imcz,osed I .send grc>z4z. 4c3ct.

[Postscript] I zdc)atzd czd2;4se

thcde Jack bs nob put ±o arty hard wock bo hecte 7edm inch or. Sbr.civn hbmsezf for feon of 7tks Spi,tttng btood agckm3 ctzl tfae pqrbs hcroe I.eeover.ed Ssr.ength.

(Ananias Cboper to Rc)beft Livingston, June 30, 1783)

Not surprisingly there were limits on how rmch of the goes life msters were willing to provide. Chancellor Livingston's grandfather had a slave who (if the old gentleman is to be believed) was in the habit of getting all the clothing andother itenis he could and then seeking a change of situation. He instructed his agent to oblige him: "nqyr Negro man Fbbin, it seems,lives too well...[S]ell him for n]110.

He is a gcod

Smith. His fault is he loves to change Masters often. Heshall have no Irore than his cloths on his back, for when I bought hin he was quite naked. Take him jrmediately in your custody. If

you thick the price tco high, I shall give you your usual armissions. " (Haft of letter from Itobert Ijivingston of ClerIront to Jacob Schermerhorne, april 8, 1760) .

The price asked was high indeed, even for a gcxrd srith.

Perhaps he thought to recover i=he losses in all he sFent onthis

slave by trying to sell hin at the highest price he could get.

EE± |€gaey of the Revolut±g±.

Rural New York was attracting settlers in the latter part of the eighteenth century.

Free labor was gradually becoming

plentiful and slaves were becoming Irore of a convenience and less of a necessiiry. Cme crould extrapolate from this that

slavery, if left to itself , would have weakened its hold and died a slow death. The "peculiar institution" profited those who partcck of it. Slavcholders had Inade a considerable investment in their human prc)pert=y and were not likely to

Slaveholding 1686-1800

65

divest therriselves of it without a fight..

Then NCHn7 Yorkers, like other Amer'icaris, were caught in the

struggle for Independence, thoughtful nan became aware of the hypocritical position in which they found themselves. If the minions of King George were figuratively enslaving Alnericarrs , what right did Americans have to literally enslave the sore and daughters of Africa? If all men were created equal, why were black men uniquely fitted to be the drudges of society? Sore ITrders of the elite grew to oppose slavery on these grounds.

In 1785 several prominent New Yorkers, including chancellor Livingston, formed the New York Manunission Society.

Although

he and the other founders continued to oun slaves, they advocated the abolition of slavery. They became pesthurrous

liberators .

The Chancellor, his Irother, and his mother-in-lan exenplified this new spirit by providing for manunission of their slaves in their wills. The terms exexplify the terrsion between the need for free labor in slaves and the pangs of conscience. rlhe Chancellor's will, dated 1796, directed the executors "to

manunit all ny slaves that rna:y chuse it who have attained the age of thirty years within thro years after Iny decease or as rrmch earlier as rna:y be convenient to Ivy dear wife." the Chancellor 's Irother, Margaret Bee]enan Livingston, left the follcIVLI

ing instrmctions in her will, also from 1796:

"cnd in cousid-

eration of the faithful services of ny slaves I direct ny executors to manunit those among them above the age of thirty years who rna:y desire it.

And whereas Rc)bin, Scipio, Pfriah,

and Nan are now far advanced in life and unable to suppert

themselves by their labour, ny will is that it be at their option to chuse with whom of ny children they prefer to live. " She also provided a legaey of twelve pounds per year for the elderly slaves. Finally, the 1800 will of the Chancellor's rrother-in-law Elizabeth Stevens directed: "T`o niy daughter ntry Livingston I leave all ny clothing except the conron ones which

Jto- Singer

66

I leave to Iny blackTh7omen Nanny and Silvia to be equally divided between them.

I leave to ray black-Th7onan Dasny the

interest of forty pounds yearly during her natural life to be paid her half yearly by Iny Executors. I also give and bequeath to Iay blacklwonan Nanny fifteen acres of land .... and five pounds in rroney. I leave all ny slaves their freedom."

Bibliographical Essay This paper is a revised version of a lecture I delivered on Ijabor Day, Septefroer 3, 1983, at Clermont State IIistoric

Park. I am grateful to the staff at the Park for allch7ing me to share Ivy research with the pul]lic.

The study of slavery in New Yordc is difficult because the relevant data are scattered widely in a variety of sources.

Since separate accounts were rarely kept for slaves, the

investigator rust sift through large quantities of family letters, ledgers, and other items before finding material mentioning the slaves. Since holdings were small, the expenses incurred in caring for slaves Could be handled casually with other incidental business. The information that does emerge fleshes out the rather thin accounts we have of slavery in the rural parts of NIw York.

Needless to say, more studies are need6d

for other localities.

For Livingston Manor the collection of Iivingston family material, often referred to as the Livingston-Redhond Papers , housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, was a principle resource. The early records and correspondence were written in Dutch and researchers traditionally had to hire their oun translators. A translation project fended by Mrs. Katheryn Johnson Lie-urance provides for the translation of these papers her Adrian Van der Iiinde. The translations of tire Alida-Rbbert correspendence and of Philip 's letter to his rather have been used in this paper. The translation of the 1687 lease was nrfe by rms. R]th Piwonka, and I am most grateful to her for sharing

Slaveholding 1686-1800

67

it with ITre.

material on Clerlront (and a great deal of Manor rraterial as well, notably the Livingston Manor To±L for 1770-1773) rna:y be found in the Fbbert R. Livingston pepers, a collection kept at the New York Historical Society. Recently a set of microfilm reels of that collection was purchased for the Research Library at Cleront State Historic Park with funds raised by the FTiends of Clermont. (The Friends also made

possible the purchase of microfiJlned cxpies of the IivingstonRefrond Papers.) hocurnents which are part of the Cle-ntstate

Historic Park's collection, notably the First Iord's find (1728) will and the Chancellor's REnt frok, which dates from the 1780s, was also used. The texts of the wills of Chancellor Livingston, his Irother, and his Irother-in-law are from Bcok 8 of Wills in the Cbltmfoia Cbunty Oc>urthouse in Hudson, N. Y.

Tiro contenaprary first-hand accounts of slavery in New York (marred by sonE2 sentinentality) Inay be found in fine Cirant's 44e7#ofz.s c>f cr7'z 47#er]£ca:7'2 Z}czdgr (New York: hodd, lfead,

1909) , which focuses on the Schnyler fatly, and St. John de C±ev©eur` s Sketches of E±gheeenth Centuryg America: Mor.e Z}et±ez.s fz]om cz7? Ame]?Zccz7? j'czr?mer (New Haven: Yale University

Press, 1925) , which focuses on life in rural areas generally.

The references to slavery are scattered throughout both works.

A work which inadvertently reveals rmich about the lives of slaves in New York City is Daniel Horsmanden's account of the 1741 hysteria over a purported slave conspiraey. Horslundenwas one of the judges in the trials generated by the "plot" and his

remarks also are quite enlightening on the attitudes of the master class.

The account has been published as 2'fee IvezJ Yoz.k

Co7csp4z]czcgr (Boston: Beacon Press, 19.71) .

The best study of slavery in New York may be found in SErmeL ulf5ELee, Jr.`s Labor ch CoLondal Nev. Yor.k, 1664-1776 (Port

Washington, N. Y.: Ira J. Friedman,1965) .

'Ihis work, orig-

inally published in 1935 has an entire chapter devoted to slave

68

Itoberfe Singer

labor, and provides a good, oonprehensive picture of the entire labor situation. The decline of slavery is Covered in the New York chapters of Arthur Zilversmit's Z7ze Fdrs± E}77cz7ecfpcztzc)7€.. tfee

Abotktion of SLave]ey bn the IVor.th (Chiea!qo.. TJniversi:ty Of

Chicago Press,1967).. Zilve]rmit emphasize; ideological causes rather than eooncmic ones.

Tt^7o Irore general studies of slave]=y that I have found useful are David Brion Davis 's cross-cultural analysis T7ze Ppctz),Ze77z of SZczt;e]r¥/ £.7€ Weste2r7'z C'ztzz;zAr.e (Ithaca, N. Y`.: Cbmell universi.ty

Press, 1966) and "inthrop D. Tordan's W73Zi;e O,I;er BZczck,.. j4meri-

can AttLbndes Tcoonld the INegr.o3 1,550-181.2 (Baltiroiire.. Penguin

Bcx)ks, 1968) ,, which focuses on the racial attitudes which made

pessjble the justification of Negric) slavery and the contradic+ tions of enancipation.

Among the increasing mrfeer of Irore specialized studies that have been put)lished recently, the follcwing provided information for this paper: Thomas I. DavisTs analysis of the denDgraphics of slavery in New York, nNev York's Iong Black line: a Ptote on the Growing Slave Population, 1626-1790," 4J2'oAmeri,ccms i;n New rock I,kfe o[:nd RI,sboey 2..4+-5F) , Janmary lJ978.,

Joyce D. GoodfriendJs account of the oouseauences of even a "mild" regime of slavery, "Burghers and Blacks.= the Evolution of a Slave Society at New Amsterdam," Ivezo York ZFdstozry 59: 124-

144, April 1978`; Ieopold S. I.auniEz-Schurer, Tr. 's study of Horsrrrmden`s account, "Slave Resistance in Cblonial New York: an Interpretation of Daniel Horsrrrmden's New York Couspiraey.,, " P72grzo7e 41:137-152, J.one 1980; James G. Ijydon`'s account of the

involvenren± of New York merchants in the slave trade, "New York and the Slave Trade,1700-1774., " h7£ZZZczm `cz7ccZ fl4cz23g Gztcar.fez.Zg ,

3rd series, 35,:375-394, April 1978`; Carl Nordstrcm's analysis of the slave legislation, "The New York Slave code," j4froAmerdcans Ln New Pork I,tie a:nd ELstoey 4`=7-25 (5amary T980) `.,

and oscar R. Williams's stutty of the jlrpetus bchjnd and lack of consistent enforcement of lmmicipal slave legislation, "The

Slaveholding 1686-1800

69

Regilnen±ation of Blacks on the Urban Frontier :in Cblorrial A]bany, New York City and Philadelphia,." Jooryzczz of Ivegro

Hfstc>zry 63:329-338, Fall 1978.

This last-narnd article also

posits the dichotalny between rural and urban life for slaves.

An older study which contains many interesting tidbits on slaves ' diet, clothing, medical care, recreation, and punishmEnts rna:y be found in Echwin Olson's "Social Aspects of Slave li:fe ill men York," Journal of Negr.o ELsborry 26..66-]7 , JarNIary 1941.

Finally I would like to mention Helen Wilkinson Reync>lds 's account, "The Negro in Dutchess Cbunty in the Eighteenth Centi]ry ," Yeonbock of the Dukchess County IIfstorLcal Sochedy 26..

89-99, 1941. This article is based on newspaper advertisenrents and stories, court proceedings, and family sources and gives a

gcrd, if brief, picture of slavery in a rural couni¥. The 1714 census she cites on pages 89-90 lists four slav±iers who were residents of Iivingston Manor. Toharmes nyckman Sr. , Jacob Vosburgh and Roelof Dtryster each owned one slave. Dirck Wesselse ctwned five slaves.

BLIZZARD OF 1888

Excerpt from the diary of Georg.e Henry Deuell

Prepared by George Badgley The ceLebr.creed btLzzord of Mooch 188.8 zbas reeor.bed try the 14-yeon oLd GeongJ Hen:Jay ..Deu6tl i;n i;he cia:rrg he l<epb d:using his eaity yecms. Geor.ge Bedg7,ey,

I,ocal hisboitan chose Tnother. zbas the utdow of George H. DeueLL3 pr.eponed this eeecer'pb fr.om the diary.

urch 11 John [Grover]L only, went to meeting.2 Yesterday and toda:y the sap ran. In the afternoon it snowed, commencing at ncon.

nfuch 12 Blizzard.

We woke i]p and found there was Irore snow on the

ground than there had been any tine before in this winter. And what is core it continued all da:y with unabated vigor. The wind ble=^7 like everything, blowing the fine dry snow in great drifts and through every possible crevice. It even penetrated through the cracks in our windch7 .sashes and under doors until the amount collected was several inches deep. I didn't go out at all.

John went out but little and Pa3 [George S. Deuell] couldhardly get to the barn and back. Walter4 [Haight] bravely struggled thro the drifts or walked on the tops of the fences. It continued to get colder oorrmencing at 18° in the Irorning and at night it was 13°. It was the day for farmers to go to .the Wasaic (sic) factory to sell their milk. Pa started with his and before he got there he got stuck and had to take his cans out and go for help from Flanigans. Then he got to Flannigans their team had gone on intending to reach Wassaic if such a thing was possible.

Beri Haight5 changed teams with Pa andwen±

to fight the storm. Pa tried to coms back but the horses wouldn]t go off a walk, and his ulforella turned inside out and the sncIV came into his eyes so that it (was) jxpossible to see 71

George Badgley

72

anything. After a while he managed to get through as far as Hor±ens.6 There he had to turn around cone over the fences through the long meadcRT. Then he got here he was covered with snCh7 from head to foot, half-frozen and wet through. Be]±waded

dcrm from Fitches7 at night and said that I;itches was as far as he could get and our horses are taken care of there. He is go-

r ing to try to get to Bangall tonight to telegraph to the fac-

tory. I wrote a letter to Herbert8 [Birdsall] but I don't know when it will get to Bangall. Pasted selections in Ivy scrapbcok.

rich 13 Chiy 5° above and the storm continues.

It did not seem

quite as bad in the Irorning aning to there being less wind, but the wind increased so that it was just as bad, beside it was so cold. Pa ate breakfast before going to the ban. He could hardly get there and when he came back he clilfoed along the fence with milk cans and fell off hitting his back against a stone hurting hin badly. The men have trouble getting water for the oCh7s.

Yesterday Walt. managed to get over to the brcok and

get water for then. Today in the forenoon with a great deal of shovelling through huge banks and making tunnels got .the ocm7s

over to the brook but the wind blew so that they did not take much comfort drinking.

We carmot get well water because tire

well is filled with snow so that the Pail will not sink. We have to melt s.nCh7 on the stove.

The drifts are so at the back door that we can't go out there and there i-s a monstrous drift in front of the steps sowe have to go off the end of the stoop. I went up to the henhouse after putting one of I>a's old pair of pants over mine. The hen house has one pen that is dry. Upstairs has one foot of slrm and Irost of the places dawn stairs there is from one to too feet of snow. It began to get lighter and the sun actually shone for one minute then it retired behind the clouds and it showed no Irore signs of clearing off than it did yesterday. Pa doesn`t

Blizzard Of 1888

73

knch7 what to do with his mi]Jc as he cannot take it off and it shows no signs of clearing off and even. if . it does clear off there is no knowing how soon we can get through the drifts. He would gladly give it to the och7s if they would drink it. They will not drink it. He hasn't got enough cans now. that so many are filled with mi]Jc. Yesterda:y we called it the worst storm this winter. today Pa says it's the worst snow storm he ever saw or ever expected to see. We have all got bad colds, even Waiter has one. John pasted a lot of cards I gave him into his scrapbock. Scot9 [George Henry's dog] likes it. He goesaround on the tops of the drifts tormenting the poor birds who can't

find a place to light.

rich 14 Snowed all night last night without lrmch wind. It continues this rroming but it comes softly and it is warmer. At 9:30 A.M. John armfd with a shovel attacked the snav rountainon our front stoop steps. Then he dug through it it was found to be higher than his head. Then he attacked the deep drift bythe back door. That is from the door to the hen house. There he ocrmenced his famous tunnel several yards long front the outside

of the drift to the door. At about half past nine it began to get lighter and the sun faintly shone through the clouds and began to let a little light on the subject. But the storm struggled on until noon when the sun fairly triumphed and the clouds dispersed. Thus ended one of the worst storms, if not the v\7orst one this County has ever seen. So says the oldest inhabitant. I,asting three da:ys and as many nights. In the afternoon as soon as I could get out after dinner I fixed upand measured all the drifts in our dooryard and some in the barnyard wading over thorn all.

(Cbntinued jm a second noteboc}k) :

Of course they all had sunk since it stopped sto]rmingprc)bably a foot but I will give theni as I measured then. The great

George Badgley

74

mountain by the kitchen south window, 8 ft. 21/2 ins. , the back door drift by the tunnel 4 ft. 11 ins. and half way between the house and henhouse, the ridge 6 ft. & 7 ins. In the yard a

drift southwest of the stcop from BarLlett Pear to pear tree east and from there to Gage Plim trees & to cherry .trees and from there to 8. P. again (Barilett Pear) . The place inclosed within these boundarys (sic) , one great bank 6 ft. 2 i/2 inches deep. Great ridge from Red Gage trees to Bough Apple a ridgeat

highest point 7 ft.

Bank by fence northeast of Haights Black Walnut tree 7 feet in depth. West of Bough Apple tree from Maple to old wagon house is a large place 4 ft. deep.

Also Dtorfu, N.E. & N.W. of

our house a plateau 4-5 ft. deep. Huge drifts and turmels south of barm in the barn:yard, 5 1/2; 6 i/2; 5 i/2; 8 ft. re;pectively. Drift very deep south of Carriage House, also two paralel (sic) ridges frcm Old Wagon House eastward to fence, one

31/2 ft. & the other 5 ft. There are drifts scattered allover the yard a great many of whiich I have not mentioned and theroad

is one great `drift. I think if it was leveled off it would be at least 3 ft. deep. In the forenoon John and I cormnenced cleaning out the henhouse. We cleaned and cleared out theupper

par+ before dinn-er & after dirmer cleared out the north pen and front part. There were sore places where it was 3 ft. deep.

John shelled some corn. It is warm and the drifts are sinking fast. At night Pa came in and told what he and Walter had been doing. In the forenoon while it was yet sncwing they had shoveled a way through the orchard and this aftermoon they got i]p to Husteds.

They took Diamond and Haight`s horse and one bob

(sleigh) when they went. to get in the road someone mentioned ocrming down the steep bank jn front of Horten's, so after some discussion Walt got on and dchm he went. Pa said I ought to have seen him do it. Then they got to Horien's they found that Sam and Husted and his man had been shovelling trying to open the road too. Sam had been trying every day to get over andget

Blizzard of 1888

75

some milk but couldn't do it until tonight. rmcin 15 I had shovelled a path and Come to the house when mother

told ne there were four men out by the barn shovelling out the road.

They were Mr. Husted and his man and Mr. Bie]ke and Will

Bielke. The road crosses our orchard and goes ap our lane to the gate and dcrmi through the lcRTer gate into the road. Soon they were joined by Waiter, Diamond, Haight's horse and a bdb.

Waiter and Husted rode on the bob. They shovelled through the

drifts until they came to the gate that goes through the lcwer orchard. There they struck off through that gate to the northwest. Then with no snobanks to speak of they went over the stone wall and down though the west meadow across i±re pond and

goes over the fence into Charley'sL° just a little way south of the springs (willows) . The road goes south of its old paththro tin7o of Charley's lots then out of the bars into the old road as far as Charley's barm, then it goes thro his pear orchard and lot next to it and out thro the bars into the old road. After that it goes where it did with the exception of a fen7 rods just north of the woods int6 John Bullises lot. After they got to C. H. D. 's [Charles H. Deuell] they found the road open therest of the way. They got back here from Bangall by noon. Theysaid that CharleyL° [Charles H. Deuell] had been through with his milk for bra days. They said there were about 50 menshovelling

out the roads around Bangall. They have just got the lane (Bangall) shovelled out. Walt said that Ijewis Carman had got caught in Poughkeepsie with this storm and he walked up to Pleasant VAlley M)nday and stayed there Dfonday night and Thesda:y he walked all the way front P. V. up to Bangall through the storm and sncw.

In the aftermcon Pa and Walt and the horses and all .themen

there was in the forenoon started to digging out a road to Flannigans. But the drifts were terrible 10-14 ft. deep and there was a strike alrong the men who said they would not work no (Sic)

George Badgley

76

more without wages so they got only to Bielkes a half mile farther than they got yesterday.

Dtow we have lots of milk to drink and use.

We churned ti^ro

churmings, large churnings, and got quite a lot of butter.

In the aftermcon John Ctokingham, Burri (Bumett) Dforris , Theodore Davis, tiro Haights, and Frank Davis (there were probably more persons) and five yoke of oxen (so John said) cane lip

the road to break it and they were going on to Bangall if itwas not already broken. But I told them it was broken and they tiurned around and went back except bra persons that went on to Bangall.

About four o'clock Beri Haight came i]p and helped the men shovel and when he went back took his horse that we had been

keeping until he could get it. And all the tine Duke andprince our horses are at Hcmfr Pitches. In the afternoon John and I made our great tunnels one thro the grainery bank so we can go directly from the grainery to the hen-house and one that is twenty feet long from the maple tree to the grainery so as to lessen the distance from the house to the latter. I tell you that last one is an old 'twhopper"! (please excuse the expression) . The hens have found a dry spot out doors where they go and enjoy themselves.

16

In the moming Pa & I went dotm to Bangall on the bdb sled with Dialrrmd and one of Husted's horses. Haight has got his horse so we had to borrow one of Husted. We tcok dcRTn fivecans of skim milk to Dfosher to feed to his pigs. There were lots of bays and men around Bangall with shovels. There has been no train through since Monday. The roads are very poor to Bangall although we marmged to get through without tipping ovah (sic) .

The worst place is where the road goes in Bullis's lot. There it is very sloping and dangerous. We cane back just behind Charley. It seerms so queer to go thro the lots and over the fences. After we got back as soon as he could Pa started for

Blizzard af 1888

77

the Stanfordville mill to get feed for his cows. On the way back he had some trotole and had to go .for Charley for help. It is Ironthly neetingLL day today at Stanfordville. I guess there "aint" many there. We had another churning toda:y. I learn a Botany lesson every day now & eypher.

In the afternoon Tohnand

I changed our tunnel into fort by knocking the top in and widening it and closing the ends. Then Pa got back fromshovelling he said that he reached Flarinigans and that Flann&c (sic) had got back from Wassaic and that Flan gave him the pleasant news (?) that a lot of men had been thrCh7n out over to the Wasaic

factory and Pa is one of then. After all our trothle getting water for the Cows, keeping the milk back, opening roads, we

find that after April lst we can send milk to the factory no lrDre. Pa had to go to Bangall ±i the evening. Sap ran. Iread some of "Cfoiter Dicta" aloud to MD.t:her in the evening while he vus gone.

17

This Irorning Pa and Sam H. staJ±ed for Wasaic with flour cans of milk. H got back about halfpast th7o having found .the

road all shovelled out. Then they got to Pitches they changed teams and put in Prince and Duke to go over to Wasaic. Coming back lthen they got to Pitches Sam took Dialrond and Husted`s horse and our sled that was ap there and Pa toc)k Duke andprince

(our horses that have been sta:ying at F's) and the hobs and so brought thenL all home.

In the forenoon we had tin7o more churn-

ings to churn. John and I attend to ihat business. It was a very bury day in the house. Then I went out to the barn to get milk Terone Ferris gave me a telegram from the factory saying they "carmot take our mi]Jc." So that settles that question.

The Pokeepsie road is open up beyond Stanfordville and trains are going.

The N. D. & C. road is open to Shunpike they

say front Imtchess Junction. A frightful accident has occuredon the Harlem railroad near Sharon Station. A train of five engines and snow plow started no]Th from Dc)ver Plains to clearthe

Cforge Badgley

78

track of snow. They had little difficulty until they reached a bank about 30 ft. high. They we]=e going so fast that theycould not stop until the snowplow and one of the engines were sLfoIrerged and as the paper says the "rear engine and cabooses were telescxped into a confused mass. " (This was written Sunday the l8th after we had bought the S2fl'zdczgr Cc>2ff4GZJ) .

Four men were

instantly killed and others wounded.

On Bangall lane there were deep drifts. Scme say theywere from ten to fifteen feet deep and some drifts in Po'keepsiewere 20 feet in depth. I hope to paste accounts of the storm which are found in papers in Ivy large black scrapbcfok. Husted says this storm will Cost the tarn 1000 dollars. Men shovelling out the roads get from two i=o four dollars a day.

After he got back from Wasaic Sam took dinner here. About as soon as Pa had finished his dinner it was time for him to start with his mi]Jc again. T`oday is the first day Pa has been able to send his milk to Wasaic. John went to Bangall`in i=he afternoon. I sold him lny old knife. Got a postal from Willie

saying everything was all right and they are making butter. is quite Cold or ccol today so that sap didn't run at all.

It

|8th It was cold this morning, down to loo above. Mother, Pa, John, and I went to meeting. A]most all of the road o`n Bangall lane has had to be shovelled out and there are scme IrDnster drifts there. Then you meet a team you have to stop in some

place where you can pass and wait for the other team to comeon.

Then Iieonard Carman met us he said that the first trainhad

gone through Bangall and after this the cars will go regularly on the N. D. & C. R. R.

since Dfonday until today.

No trains had been through Bangall

He also informed us of the fact that

mi]k i=rain would go doun this afternoon.

So we sent To]m down

to tell Willie about it so that he could send his mi]Jc on it.

John calre back when Willie brought his milk up. We got a paper on the way dcH^7n and heard about the general ef fects of the

Blizzard .of 1888

79

storm7. The road has been shovelled out where we went in John Bullis's lot and we follow the old road from tire topof.Charles D's [beuell's] hill to Bangall.

|9th.

Pa got up very early in the morning and started for New York via fokeepsie. There is splendid crust and Scot takes me all over on the sled. I have fixed it so that he draws by a collar around his neck and as he has to have something in his mouth or he won't go I have fixed a stick with line attached to it which he carries in his Irouth and I guide him with the lines.

Walter told me about this arrangement. That Pa went to NevYork (for) was to sell his milk. He doesn't kncw when he will be back. Waiter took him dch7n (to the train) . We had two chumings to churn in the forenoon. I held open bags for Walt. John and I gave a lecture in the Irm. Soot catches mice in thebarn.

Then he hears one in the hay he digs down and brings it out.

20th.

John went to Willies. Pa got back fran New York at noon and said he had not as y.et sold his milk but probably could sell it to either John Miiller or Joseph Abraham. Then he consulted the directory he found there were 63 John Mullers in New York.

2|st.

So far this enorlrous quantity has gradually passed away until rmn7 there is but a heap of snow 6 ins. deep for one of the sides of the grainery tunnel. At others iE has not been so

great and there are places where it has not sunken half or perhaps a third of its original height. The melting and sinking has certainly been very great and I think im7o thirds of this great depesit of snow has disappeared. But today finds an ordinary storm's depth on the ground and the warm weather and

rain turn to slosh at least that nesri (to) the ground which is from 6 inches to a foot in depth. Brooks are rurming all over increasing the ponds to an enormous size while the creek by

George Badgley

80

C. D. 's [Deuell's] is but a few inches from the bridge. But it is not ve]=y bad; not rmch worse than we ordinarily have in the

springtrfe.

22nd.

The old road is used again now.

The road .tcIvards Husteds,

after the storm, went thro our orchard and the lot south of the birch swamp and goes out into the old road in front of HortenTs. 23rd, 24th, 25th

(There are no references to the snow or weather.)

26th.

It storms nearly all of the tinre lately. In the aftermoon I went to the barn where Pa and Waiter were mixing food for the cows and I played with Scot.

27th.

The sncIV went fast today.

quite fast.

Dfother is much better.

Sapruns

It is delightfully warm though darp. John Muller

and I. Abraham both want Pals milk.. We don't ]mow whidi tosend

to although Abraham has scme claim to it or pretends to have.

28th.

Snow is nearly all gone in the lots but our dooryard has plenty yet. The grainery tunnel has no remains to mark its formEH existence. There is a lot of snow around the back door and the 8 ft. drift south of the house is still entitled to i=in7o

feet of depth. tote=

On March 31 this entryL-Pa took his milk to Bangall to go to Abraham in New York for the first tine.

[Editor's note: The follcwing excerpt is included, although it makes no reference to the blizzard. Hch7ever, it is an exalTple of the kinds of c]bservations Irrde and the hLrmor of the 14-year old George Henry Deuell. ]

Blizzard of 1888

81

March 31, 1888

In the warm sLrmer-like Irorning a great lot of flies were collected on the east side as well as the south side of the carriage house. The hens or at least several of theln made it their business to catch and eat such of them as would fall victims to their ourming and quickness. Che hen in particular was very successful and continued at her remmerative pastime for several hours. She would step along just as noiselessly as

possible so as not to attract the attention of the dull lazy flies basking in the intoxicating sunshine. Begirming we will suppose at one end she glided softly until she saw a nicelrorsel and in a minute it was in her beak. Then she would, as the rule in arithmetic says, proceed as before. She rarely allch7ed afly to escape. After she has devoured or frightened away all of the flies on one side within her reach she would stand perfectly still for perhaps five minutes until more came to fall victins to the ingenuity of a hen and her allyLrsunshine. If one had the jxpertinence to light on her she would viciously peck at it as if aggravated by its boldness.

Brief Biography of George Henry Deuell (1873-1906)

George Henry Deuell was born August 29, 1873 near Bangall, New York, in the Deuell farmthouse on Deuel Itoad which in recent

years has been known as the Safety First Research Center.

George Henry's parents, George S. (born 1836) and Maria (Haight)

Birdsall Deuell (Isorn 1838) , were active and ardent mehoers of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) . George S. andMaria were first Cousins once removed. They were related through the Upton family. Maria's mother was Anna Upton who married Zefoulon IIaight. George S. 's moi=her was Sarah Upton who married Abner

Deuell. Anna tJpton Haight's father was George Upton, brotherof Sarah tJpton Deuell. , George Henry`s mother was married twice. Her firsthusband was William Merritt Birdsall by whom she bore bra sons; Herbert

Cforge Badgley

82

A. Birdsall, born Nov. 3, 1860, died Itec. 12,1892; and William

Pferritt Birdsall, Jr. , born 1862. After some years of widowhood Maria married George S. Deuell. George Henry was their only child. He attended a school near Bangall run by the Sackett sisters. later he went to Oa]arood Seminary, a Quaker Boarding School at Union Springs in Cayuga Cbunty, N. Y. (In 1920 that school Iroved to Poughkeepsie and has since been known as Oa]arood School. )

George Henry's higher education was pursued at Haverford College near I>hiladelphia where he was elected to the lthi Beta Ka:ppa honor society. He graduated in 1896. After finishing

college he returned to Bangall to help in the operation of the fruit farm which his father had established. It was known at that tine as Outlook Orchards and was recognized as a place where fine apples and pears were groun. The Deuells also were apiarists. They sold a considerable amount of honey. Early in the l900s George Henry and his moiiner contracted typhoid fever on drinking the water from a well in the yard. Maria Deuell]s sister, Charlotte Haight Underhill, calne to care for theni but she contracted typhoid and died. It was then that Agnes Goerke, a young Quaker from Brooklyn, New York who with her mother and

siblings was boarding for the summer at William M. Birdsall's near Salt Point, went to Bangall to care for George Henry and his mother (William Birdsall 's mother and half-brother) . She apparently nursed them well because they survived!

In February 1905 George Henry Deuell and Agnes Goerke were married.

They had one son, Francis Pczz4Z Deuell, who was born

Decerrber 30, 1905.

Sorrow and sickness struck again!

Cm Ap-

ril 26, 1906 Maria Deuell died of pneimonia. The followingsaturda:y George Henry died from the same illness. They are buried in the Upton liake Cemetery near Clinton Oc)rners. On June 4, 1907 Agnes Goerke Deuell married George Corliss Badgley of Salt Point, New York. They lived at the Deuell farm until April, 1918.

They linen Iroved to a farmi jn the Dch7n of I.aGrange where

Blizzard of 1888

83

F. Paul Deuell and his six Badgley half-bro.thers and halfsisters grew to adulthood. Note: Other families in the early Stanford era with whom George Henry Deuell was cormected and in direct descent include Hull, Hoag, MDtt, Hicks, Haight (a different line than Zchulon's) , Yeonans, Allen, and Crego.

Fhdnotes LTohn|robably John Grover, a teenager who seems to have

lived with, at least part-tine and worked sore, for the Deuells. fr±

ting-FTiends meeting at Stanfordville. The meeting-

house was located on the property now anied by ftobert and Margery Willis. Their present house was formerly a Friends meetinghouse and was built in 1889 or 1890 and replaced the one

used at the time of this diary.

3Parfeorge S. Deuell, son of Abner and Sarah Upton Deuell.

4w

terLiwalter Haight, a neighbor, born 1872, son of John and fylvia Foster Haight. Lived where Stanley Willig now lives.

5Beri Haight-This was prhaps Ade]beri Haight, son of Isaac and .Elvira Preston Haight. At one tine (later in his life) Ade]bert Haight was station agent at Bangall or Stanford-

ville.

6Hortes7Fitchesrdved on a farm at the comer of the road that runs frcm the Shunpike to Mabbettsville.

8HerberLHerbert A. Birdsall, half-brother of George Henry , beuell .

9scot©rge IIeny 's dcxp.

L°Charles H. DeuellTh neighbor and first cousin of George Heny. lithe nfonthly Meeting--The business meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) .

HH DUTCIIESS COUNTY FAIR

1841-1844

Clifford Buck .

Tfa_e far.st thaee tlear.s of the Dutchess County Fair., 1841-1844, are tr.aeed thr>ough ecece]apts from newspaper. accoun±s btl Cttffor.a J3uek, Local 7vi,st;or.Lan. A corrrp.Let_e qceouri;±chg of the third c[:nrmal fat,r ch 1844 bs Lnctnded.

The Dutchess Cbunty Fair is the oldest and largest countywide annual meeting. Although the 1984 Fair is nndered the

139th, there is evidence agricultural fairs were held in rmtchess Cburty as early as 1806.i The seeds for the Fair, as it is currently known, were firmly planted in 1841 and here fruitwhen the first of this annual event was held on October 5 and 6,1842 at Washington Hollow. It is interesting to note i=hat mtchess Cbunty received $157.00 from New York State in 1841 for thepur-

pese of prorroting agriculture and household manufactures. This was part of an $8,000 appropriation the New York State ngislation had made available to all New York Cbunties onMay 5-,1841.2

A brief history of the Fair`s beginnings is tracedbelow through excerpts from the Po2{g%keepsde Jc>24zo7'zczZ from the years 1841-1844.

Since 1841 the Fair was held every year except 1916-1918 during frorld War I and in 1942 during W]rld War 11.

Septerrber 8, 1841

Agricultural Meeting In pursuance of the direction of an Act of the I-egislature of the State of New York entitled "Zin ACE to prorrote Agriculture" passed May 5, 1841, and at the request of numerous citizens of the County of

Dutchess Notice is hereby given that a meeting will be held at the house of Daniel P. Fmigh in the town of Washington, in said Cbunty of Dutchess on Saturday the 16th day of Octc)ber next at 11 o'clock in the forenoon for the purpose of organizing a County Ag85

86

Clif ford Buck

gricultural Society for said County under said Act. Itobt Mitchell, Clerk of Cbunty of Dutchess

This notice continued to appear in the issues of Septerrber 15, 22, 29, and Cietober 6 and 13, 1841. ex=tober 20, 1841

Agricultural Cbnvention At a meeting convened at the house of Daniel P. Enigh in the Tbun of Washington on Saturday the 16th inst, pursuant to the call made by i±re Cbunty Clerk for the purpese of forming as an Agricultural Society for the Cbunty, George Wi]kinson of Poughkeepsie was called to the Chair and Sherman Barrett of North East was appointed Secretary.

On Irotion it was resolved To form a Society in the County to be called The Agricultural Society of Dutchess Cbunty.

Resolved that Henry Staats of Red Hook, be ap-

peinted President; John Wilkinson of Uhion Vale, Thomas Swift of Amenia, and Stephen S. Thorn of Fish-

kill, Vice Presidents; George Wi]kinson of Poughkeepsie , Treasurer; and Obadiah Ti±us of Washington, and Fidgar Sleight of Fishkill; Secretaries of said Society.

Resolved, that the officers of said Society, and a committee of three from each town, be a]apointed to

solicit stoscriptions and merfroers in aid of the Society.

Resolved, that the following persons be appointed committees in the various towns to obtain stoscriptiolrs AIenia Beekrrm George W. Ingraham

Henry Rundell Ndron Fieed

Joseph C. Itoughty Elnathan Hardon Egberi Cary

Dutchess Cbunt:y Fair

Clinton Dalriel Sands Rich'd S. Davis

REj arfu Cbnger

Pine Plains Zforahan Dibble Backus Culver John AIlen Thcxpson

hover Alexander Grant Joseph Butler Heny Ward

pleasant Valley

Fisrkiii

Poughiceepsie

Richard Fapa|ye John Zdriance Theodore I. Vanrtyck +

87

Hyde Park William W. Woodworth

Edrund H. Pendleton Augustus T. Cbrwin I.aGrange

Peter R. Sleight James H. Pettitt Joseph Potter Milan Stephen Thorm

Fphrain Herrick John Wilson

rortheast Walter Wckerun

Tulius Winchell William Hoag

Pawling

Alberi jth

Ektward Merritt Cyrus Tweedy

Vincent M. Dchmsend Isaac Variwagner Salrunel M. Thurston George TtJmrsend

William A. Davies George RAeeland lied Hcx]k

Jacob B-er

Edlmmd E]mendorf Micinael S. Ma]Iin

ELcheck Fkivard Bird Helny Ijalfroert

Frechorn Garretson

Stanford John Thcxpson Henry Vall Phineas R. Sackett

thion Vale Gilbert V. Wilkenson mvid H. Holder Joseph R. Skidmore Washington Talnes Mabbett

Step 'n Haight Jacob Sisson

Resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary and published in all the papers in this Cbunty.

Resolved, that this meeting adjourn to meet again at this house on Thursday the 25th Day of Novelhoer ne2d= at 11 o'clock A.M. at which time and place it is

hc)ped the corrmittees will all be present with their

Clifford Buck

88

subscriptions; and all other persons who feel interested in the advancenent of agricultural pursuits are respectfully solicited to attend.

George Wilkinson , Chairman

Sherman Barrett , Secretary Decelfoer 8, 1841

The Agricultural Cbnvention met at Daniel p. Emigh 's. James _1 Sheif was added to Vice Presidents. Edward Kalames was made corresponding Secretary. The following Cormittees were named for the tChus: AIenia Pawling John Belden Eivard Merritt BeedqrLan

Elnathan Haaton

Clinton David Sands

lbver Alexander Grant

Fishkill H. Mesier

Hyde Park E. H. Pendleton I.aGrange P. R. Sleight

hilan Stephen Thorn North East Wcher Wckerun

Pine Plains Baccus Culver

Pleasant Valley S. M. Thurston

Poughkeepsie George Theeland RE Hook S. Nelson

RIinedeck

H. De-ter

Stanford H. Peck

tJhion Vale David H. Holder Washington S- Haight

Henry Staats , President obadiah Titus , Secretary Fidgar Sleight, Secretary Another meeting was held on becelfroer 16,1841.

Afrch 16, 1842

The Cbnstitution of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society is printed consisting of thirteen paragraphs. The mehoership fee is to be Sl.00. There is to be a Isoard of rrrmagers of at least fifteen. TWo are to be chosen from each tcrm but are

Dutchess County Fair not named.

89

They are to hold a Fair of Dc>mestic AIjmals, Manu-

factures and Articles, the produce from Farm and Garden to be held the first Wednesday in Ck=tober. Signed by President and Secretary, Henry Staats and George RAeeland.

Announcements of the Fair to be held on cetc)ber 5th and 6th at Washington Hollow appeared on May 4, 1842, Septefroer 28, 1842 and Cttc>ber 5, 1842. A list of premiums to be awardedwere

included in these armouncements.

Ck=tober 12, 1842

The Fair was held at the home of Daniel P. Enigh, Washington Hollow, and lists names of people and premirus they received. New officers are elected and a person from each town appointed.

June 21, 1843

The Fair is to be held the first Wchesday in October in Town of Poughkeepsie.

Besides the usual premiurus there is to

be a preniun for the best jlTproved and cultivated farm over loo acres. The judges for this are to be Samuel M. Thurston of Pleasant Valley, George Cc>11ins of Union Vale, Peter R. Sleight of I.aGrange, Henry Mfsier of Fishkill and Elnathan Haxton of Beekrrm.

August 30 and Octc)ber 4, 1843, announced the Fair and premiums and mentioned a meeting held becelhoer 20,1842.

Q=tober 11, 1843

The Second Armual Fair of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society was held at Poughkeepsie on the Corner of Mill and Catherine Streets. They also used the Village Hall and the Cbngregational Church.

auctioned off livestock.

On Thursday moming at 11 A.M.. they

Premiums given are listed.

may 4, 1844

At a meeting of the Ifutchess Cbunty Agricultural Society held April 17th at the Poughkeepsie Hotel, it was decided to hold the Annual Fair at the house of Daniel P. Emigh at Wash-

Clifford Buck

90

ington Hollow on Thursday and Friday Septefroer 12 and 13.

The

premiums were listed. A premium for the best farml was to be awarded and the judges for the award were David Harris of Poughkeepsie, GiThert V. Wilkinson of Union Vale, Benjamin H. Har+of I.aGrange, Thonas Tiber of Dover and John Bodden of Poughkeepsie.

The executive oc)rmittee from the Tbtms were listed follows =

AIenia

Beek-

George W. Ingraham,

John K. Mead

Elnathan Haxtun

hiel Schultz

Egberi Cary

Clinton

Itover

Thonus Tal3er

Hyde Park

Henry Mesier Dudley 8. Fuller

hiGrange

Peter R. Sleight

Benjarin H. Har+

Stephen Thorn

John Wilson

Fishiill hilan

North East Pavling Pine Plains Pleasant Valley Pouglkeepsie

Wcher Wck-

Ifavid Sands

Isaac Teller Joseph Theeler Zforchan Brcrm

Eiva]± Merritt

Jonathan Taber

Baccus Culver Samuel M. Thurston

Samuel Russel Jr.

David Harris

RE Hcok

S-el Nelson

Fthincheck

Andrew Hermance

Stanford

huron Vail

Oliver Divine Richard V. Gi]berf Peter Itockefeller William Kelly Mathias I. Miller

Union Vale Gilbert V. Wilkinson Edwin Holden Washington Stephen Haight rmiel P. Enigh Cm May 11 and June 22, 1844 a list of premiums to be awarded was included in the announcement of the Fair. Beginning July 27, 1844 a brief announcement of the Fair was in-

cluded weekly until the Fair was held. A colxplete accounting of that Fair, the third annual, as excerpted from the Po7w.g72keeps4e Jo"r.7rzczz of Septefroer 21, 1844 follows.

CotJNTY FAIR

The Fair of the Dutchess Cbunty Agricultural Society, was held on Thursday and Friday the 12th and 13th days

of Septefroer inst, and was highly satisfactory to the merlfoers of the Society, and to all taking an:y interest in its future success. The show of fine cattle, sheep, horses &. , was considered by many excellent judges supe-

rior to anything seen at our former Fairs; and the I.adies showed their usual taste and skill in the arrange-

mtchess Cbunty Fair

91

ment of the room in which were exhibited the Fruits, Flowers , articles of ltomestic Manufacture &.

The Ploughing Match took place on Friday morning, and was manfully Contested by the different ooxpetitors.

In the aftermoon a very interesting address was delivered in the church near the grounds by Doctor John P. Berkman, President of the State Agricultural Society after which the premiums were awarded, followed by the election of officers, and the Executive Committee for the following year.

It is to be hc)ped that the Fair of the State Agricultural Society now being held in the Village of Poughkeepsie, will give a new stim]lus to the farming and Irmufacturing oormmity of old Imtchess by bringing forcibly before them the great benefits to be derived from this meeting together once in the season to see the irprovenents which are constantly taking place in the raising of fine stock, and in the manufacture of ag-

ricultural ixplements, and all other articles useful

and o-ental.

G. Kneeland, Sec. PREMltJMS

AIIARI]ED By HH DUTclEss cOuNTy AGRlcul+TURAL saclEly sEp 13, 1844, AT VASHINGTON Horlrmv

ON FARE

Thomas Swift of jmenia for the best jlTproved and

best ultivated fa]m

$25

HORSES, MARES, AND COIJTS

Sidney Tharrpson lst premiunl for the best

stud horse Jonas Cboper

silver oap

2nd premium for the best

stud horse Israel F. Vincent lst for the best mare and colt Philip Taber 2nd for the best mare and colt

$5

5 5

Clifford Buck

92

Platt Sutherland for the best 3 year old -colt Daniel 8. Haight, for the best yearling

$5

colt

5 BUIIS, COWS, CATRE, &

James Mabbett, 1st premiim on best bull Thomas swift,

2nd

5

Will`m T. Merritt, lst premium on best

silver oap

milch cx3w

George wilkinson,

silver oap

"

2nd

"

5 5 5 5 5 5

Barclay Haviland for best 2 year old Heifer Geo Dakin

"

yearling

"

Clement Haight for four best yearling heifers Philip Enigh, for best bull calf Nelson Haight, for best heifer calf Isaac Vanwagner, lst premium on best

working cattle

silver oap

Isaac Doty, 2nd " G. 8. & E. Noxon for best pair steers 3 years old well brc)ken

5

silver oap Thos Swift, lst premiim on best pair fat oxen silver cup Alfred Underhill, 2nd " Waiter Wakeman exhibited a very beautiful heifer 3 years old Stephen Haight & Thos Swift offered two very

f ine steers

ON SWINE

Benjamin H. Hart, lst premium on best boar Daniel Grant , 2nd " Daniel 8. Haight, for the best sow Benjamin H. Hart, for the best sow and pigs ON IioNG WCX)IED SIRE

Edward P. Thoxpson, lst premium on best long wcx)led Buck Elias L. Barlow, 2nd " Elias L. BarlcIV, lst premiim on 5 best long wcx]led ewes Oliver Devine , 2nd " James C. Haviland, lst premiuri of best

5 f at wethers Elias L. Barlcw, 2nd " Elias L. Barlow, lst premium on 5 fat Lincolnshire lalTfos A. 8. RAapp,

2nd

"

cotswold lalTbs

Clenfnt Haight exhjJ]ited very fine long wcoled lahos Conrad Ham offered 5 remarkably fine ewes , .l=here

were besides a nirfuer of fine lots of lalTbs

5 3 5 3 5 3

Dutchess County Fair MIDDI.E Woolm SIRE

Clenrent Haight, lst premiuri on best Southdown Buck Robert S. Vanrtyck, 2nd

"

Daniel 8. Haight, lst on 5 best Southdown eves Daniel 8. Haight, 2nd " Clement Haight, for best 5 middle wooled lalrbs Daniel 8. Haight also offered 10 Southdown laITbs well worthy of notice FlnH WoolED SlnRE

Cbnrad Ham, 1st premium on best Saxony Buck Nelson Haight, 2nd "

Israel F. Vincent, lst prenin]m on 5 best Saxony eves Cbnrad Ham, 2nd

5 `'

3

Daniel 8. Haight for best 50 fine wooled eves silver cup Nelson Haight, for 5 best fine wooled laITbs 5 FAFonNG IMplE4ENTS

John frooley, for best thrashing machine 10 E]gar Sleight, lst premiun on a volume of Transactions Rfvenue Cutter plough of the State Society Gordon Tripp, 2nd premium on a plough

Benjamin H; Hart, for best drill barrcw Horace Gibbs, for 6 potato hooks and 5 butcher knives Seymour Tbmlinson, for a very fine

land roller

diplc2

diploma

vol. Tras oN BtjTrm

Fi]Jcins Cheesman; lst premium on butter Oliver Divine, 2nd premium on butter

5

silver med.

Dch4ESTIC MZENUFACTURES

Joseph Bower, lst premiim on a very fine

piece of blue broad cloth C. M. Pelton for best piece of carpeting Same, for Fug

Sane, for fug 2nd Miss Mary Sjxpson, best table cover Miss Arietta Thomas, best Laxp mat Miss Sarah Ann Enigh, for a I beautiful worsted work Sherman Bassett, lst premium on woolen

silver medal silver oap silver medal

diplodiplo-

diploma

silver medal

stockings Dtrs. Enigh, for a pair of fine stockings

silver medal

spun and made at home C. M. Pelton, for a fine saITple of pins Mrs. Sarah Sands, lst premium on

silver medal

best counterpane Miss Sarah Ann Enigh, for a beautiful white counterpane

silver medal

diploma

silver medal

Clifford Buck

94

Miss Tuckerman, a lady 70 years, a very

fine quilt

silver medal

Besides the above mentioned a]±icles , there were exhibited a very pretty piece of Patchwork, by Miss Henrietta Vail, age 12 years. Also a pair of worsted mittens, by some lady, name unknown, and two

musical instruments called Dulciners , very neatly made by Stephen Flagler and G. C. Sharpsteen. oN FRulTs, FTouFs, vEGETnelEs, &

Joseph T. Adriance, 4 best varieties of melons " , best variety of vegetables "

, best sarrple sweet corn

3 vols.

Trams.

" , best sample field com Daniel P. Enigh, 2nd best variety vegetables silver medal Seymour Tbmlinson, for a lot of fine vegetables vol. TrEus. Robt S. Vanwyck, for a beautiful model of a bee hive vol. Tr-.

John R. Cbmstock, for best variety of pears vol. Tr-.

Isaac Merritt, for best variety of grapes

Miss Deborah Sharpsteen, beautful variety

of wax fruit

vol. Tr-. diploma

John Wilkinson, exhibited a handscrme sarple of maple sugar Mrs. Andrew Merritt, exhibited some elegant

standard flowers Benjamin Briggs, for best variety of peaches and best salTple of apple . vol. Trans.

Isaac Smith, for sample of largest pears, a

fine lot of vegetables and for best variety of f lcIvers vol.

The Ladies of Harisville presented a large and splendid collection of flowers& Andr-ew Merritt, for 20 varieties of fine apples

Barclay Haviland, 40 varieties of beautifin

Tr-.

vol. Trams.

apples vol. Trans.

Daniel Sands, for 5 varieties of fine apples vol. Trams.

Russell Comstock, for some beautiful apples raised from the seed in four years and pears raised frcm seed in six years a new process of culdvallou

Mr. Afontgomery offered a beautiful salxple of IIxperial Oats

Cornelius Comell offered a beautiful salxple of Tfrothy seed George Williams, for a fine scarlet radish, weigh 14 lbs.

diploma

Dutchess. County Fair

95 plouGHING MAmcll

Nelson Haight, lst premium for ploughing

one eighth of an acre in the best

manner, tine 29 minutes 30 seconds Sfron Vall, 2nd premium, ploughing sa]ne

quantity of land in 26 minutes

silver cup $5

Henry Staats , President Geo REeeland, Secretary Septefroer 13, 1844

TREASURER ' S REPORT

The Dutchess County Agricultural Society was organized October 16th 1841.

We have now held our

third armual Fair. Our prospects are to me extremely flattering. There was yesterday a large Concourse of peQple in attendance, there is a decided jxprove-

ment in the quality and quantity of stock offered for ccxpetition. Surrounded as we are at this time by the active and practical Farmers of our Cbuntry. encouraged too by the presence and smiles of their wives and daughters, our progress rust be onward, it could not be otherwise. As ny duties are Irore particularly cormected with our financial crmdition ny renlarks (which will be very brief ) will be confined

principally to a sinple statement of our receipts and disbursenents with a few suggestions which I believe might be beneficial to us. We have received from the State Treasury under our apportiorment made by our Ijegislature in 1841, four hundred and seventy one dollars. The State appropriated to this Cbunty S157

per year, for five years, providing we raised armually an equal amount by voluntary stoscription. There has been received from voluntary subscription, during the three years, $796, making the sim total of receipts S1267 .

Clif ford Buck

96

D. c. A. saclETy, cR

Py Cash received from the State ny cash from voluntary subscriptions Dr

Do cash premiums paid in 1842

294

To cash paid for plate engraving and diplonus 1843 Ilo cash paid for premiims 1843 To cash paid for premiims 1844 Tc) cash paid for plate in 1844

Tc) cash paid for printing duting the three years To cash paid for preparing the Fair ground & Tc) Cash paid State Society for 60 volumes Transactions

200

119 192 94.75 80 . 25

29 . 33

15 . 00

$1124 . 33

AmoLmt of funds on hand

S142.67

It is estimated that there are about 370,000 acres of jxproved land in this county, which divided into farms of 200 acres each would give us 1850 farms on an extensive scale.

If out of i=his nurfroer 500 would become merfroers

of this Society and pay armually the sunl of one dollar each, it would constitute a fund in connection with that which we drew from the State of $657 per year, which would enable us to enlarge our list of preniims to a considerable edent, likewise to establish a reading room in the village of Po'keepsie to which every Farmer might have access and an opportunity of obtaining much valuable information, such room might likewise be used as a place of deposit for samples of all kinds of grain, seeds, tools, models of fa]rming ixplements, &, &. with a

register of the name and residence of the owner of each article, so that persons desiring to purchase would know where to apply.

These suggestions are made hoping that the public mind rna:y be turned tcIvards this si]bject, and that all

Dutchess Cbunty Fair

97

will be eventually Convinced of the benefits to be derived from this and similar institutions Conducted LIE

in a propr rRErmer.

All of iwhich is respectfully si]initted GEORGE WIIKINSON, TREASURE

Sept 13, 1844

FNENcus

LHelen W. Reynolds in discussing the Dutchess County Fair refers to the nen7spaper article in the Pozd±ZcczZ Bczz7c>me±ez.,

Fchruary 25, 1806, in which a meeting to organize the Dutchess Cbunty Agricultural Society held on Fchruary 15, 1806 was noted.

A fair (the first?) was held in 1809. CTher fairs were held jn subsequent years. Yeczr?Z7ook , Dutchess Cbunty IIistorical society, Vol. 13 (1928) , 54-63. Also note nen7spaper notices about the Agricultural Society and Armual Fair in the Yecz2.Z7c7ok, Dutchess Cbunty Historical Society, Vol. 32 (1947) , 14 & 30. "The

Dutchess County Cattle Show and Fair of 1820" discusses the fair held that year and lists the prizes awarded. Yeczz.I)oc)k, Dutchess Cbunty Historical Society, Vol. 47 (1962) , 39-43.

2|,aws of the State of New York, Sixty-Fourth Session, Cfiap. 169 (A]bany, 1841) , p. 138.

Fr. JoseTJh Sheahan 1861 .- 1934

Largest cross in Dutchess County. Biographical note was printed in. Dart 1 of this-article in-the 1983 Yearbook .

Morg.an Lewis 1754-1844

Two of many notable, some quite unusual, headstones found in Dutchess Countv.

Illustrations supplied by the authoi.

IacAL BURIAL plAcas OF planflNENT DUTaHss cOuNTy REslDENTs

Itobert Fisch Local hisbor.Lan, Rober.b Fksch3 i,derat,foes some of the mc[ny pr>ondnend i,ndi,vLdIAals

bur.Led in Dutchess Coun;dy i,n this second

port of a two-par.t ortic7,e, the for.sb

chstaltmehi of ij)hi,ch appear.ed Ln the 1983 yearfeook..

The purpose of this project is to select many of the outstanding citizens buried in Dutchess County and to identify some of their Contributions. A list of the places in which these prominent individuals are buried is appended at the end of this

article.

Artists and A]tisans Among Imtchess County ' s handful of accxxplished painters was Millbrcok's Waiter Beck (1864-1954) . He painted twenty rmrals in the "Life of Christ" series, which hang in the Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Sciences and the National Gallery, Washington, D. C. Together with his wife, he designed the "Garden of the Seven Gates" at Innisfree, Millbrook, from 1929-1935. He

died in 1954, and his ashes are scattered in his favoritegarden at the well-knotm county tourist site. hover Plains I George Glenn Newell (1877-1947) and Arthur

I. E. Pcwell (1864-1956) were Hudson River School artists with

national reputations. Their paintings captured a feeling for the environment of eastern Dutchess Cbunty.

Newell specialized

in painting cattle or landscapes with cattle in then. He belonged to the National Acadelry of Design, New York Wateroolor Society, and the American Society of Animal Painters. Hisworks

hang in the National Gallery, Detroit Institute, Art Association of Texas, and he painted a rural for the U. S. Post Office in Crawford, Nchraska. PcIvell also belonged to the National Academy, Watercolor Society, and Sa]magundi Clifo. His paint-

ings can be seen in the Milwaukee A]± Institute, library in 99

loo

Itober+ Fisch

Boise, Idaho, National Art ClulD, New York City, and one of his rmrals hangs in the Dover Plains Methodist Churcin.

Amenia folk and portrait painter Armi Phillips (1788-1865)

travelled and painted throughout the country; his most familiar stcxping grounds were Dutchess , Ulster, and Rensselaer coun-

ties, where he skillfully painted ex-governors , judges , and other prominent figures.

Poughkeepsie silversmith Andrew Billings (1744-1808) engraved the seals for the cii]r of New York in 1784. He also

made silv€r for George Washington, Iord Stirling, and George and De Witt Clinton. Billings was a Poughkeepsie village trustee, president, and Dutchess Cbunty coroner.

Hyde Park gold and silversmith Peter De Riemer (1737-1811)

made a handsome three-piece tea service originally for Philip Schnyler Van Rensselaer of Albany; the priceless set later went to the Museurn of the City of New York.

Fiducators Poughkeepsie brewer Matthew Vassar (1792-1868) was a firm

believer that women deserved the sane educational opportunities as men. Toward that goal he began the Construction of Vassar college in 1861. Vassar's dream has been Irore than realized, and today both men and women attend this nationally prestigious schcol .

Pawling's Dr. Angelo Patri (1877=1965) was a New York City

public school teacher, principal, and noted child psychologist.

He authored '`Pinocchio in Africa, " "Child Training, " "The Parents' Cbunsellor," and "How to Help Your aiild Grow tJP."

He

also wrote syndicated articles for newspapers.

Bronx school principal and humanitarian Sinon Hirsdansky (1877-1956) was a pioneer in the development of services to children. He introduced playgrounds and free lunches in New York pthlic schools, and helped ixplement the concept of surrmer schcol .

Rev. Dr. Frederick Luther Gamage (1860-1947) was the

Iocal Burial Places

101

founder and for 25 years headmaster of the Trinity-Pavling Schcol, a Protestant Episcopal boarding scflcol for bays. Itwas ` one of the best known boys I private boarding schools in the country.

Fanus Pets ro aninal in county history was as widely kncrmi as Fala .(1940-1952) , Franklin D. foosevelt's Scottish terrier.

Thedog,

originally from a Cbnnecticut kennel, was presented to the president in 1940 as a gift frcm his Cousin. Though FDR actually ' named hin Murphy of Fala Hill (after a Scottish ancestor) , the

Bcosevelts sinply called hin Fala. During tire turbulent war years, Fala travelled throughout the world with the President, and proved to be both a loving ccxpanion and an escape from FDR's daily problems.

After FTanklin's death, Fala was texporarily taken by ELs. Stuckey, wire had originally given him to the Roosevelts; but the dog was later returmed to Eleanor, who loved and cared for hid in his last years. Fala died in 1952, just §hor+ of his 12th birthday, and was laid to rest in the Rose Garden behind FDR's grave.

Falrous Relatives Dutchess Cbunty has had a mrfuer of citizens who were related to prominent Zmericans. James (1828-1900) and Sara Delano (1855-1941) roosevelt, the parents of FDR, are buriedin St. Tarm=s Cenretery, Hyde Park. Tarrres' first wife, Rebecca Hcwland Roosevelt (1831-1876) , is also interred there.

Philip Hamilton (1802-1884) , the son of Alexander andEliz-

abeth Hamilton, has a large, flat gravestone in the Poughkeepr sie Rural Cemetery. Another flat stone marks the grave of I'hilip I. Schnyler (1768-1835) , son of New York Ccheral Philip SchLryler.

He served as an assefrolyman, oongressHnan (15th Con-

gress) , and major in the state militia.

George Washington Clinton (1779-1813) was the son of George

Fbbert Fisch

102

Clinton, former Uhited States Vice President and the first governor of New York. His burial place is the Prestyterian Cemetery in New HalTburg.

Srnd.th Van Buren (1817-1876) , the son

of our eighth U. S. President, Martin Van Buren, is buried in St. IJuke's Cemftery, Beacon. Ogden Livingston Mills (18831937) , son of Ogden and R]:th Mills (1854-1920) , held the positions of New York assefrolyman and U. S. Secretary of the Treas-

ury under Herbert Hoover.

The tiro sons of John Vassar were John G]y (1840-1904) and Matthew Vassar, rTr. (1809-1881) (the "Tr." was unusual since he

was not the son of Matthew, Sr.) . They founded Vassar Brothers Hospital in 1882. Irving Grinnell (1840-1921) , the grandnephev of author Washington Irving, served as oormodore of the New York Yacht Clul], and with his wife, donated the Wappingers Falls Library in 1888.

Colonel William Barker (1740-1820) , who once

oc)rmnarrded an Amenia reginent, was the great uncle of Louisa Ma:y

Alcott.

Financier, ship owner, and fireman Oliver H. Booth (18241896) was the nephav of Matthew Vassar, Sr. He built the steamer Josep% F. Bczz.7'zczr]d, served as ccrmiodore of the Pough-

keepsie Yacht Clto, and was the organizer and chief engineer of the Phoenix Hose Fire Oorrpan:y in 1844.

The Oliver H. BoothHose

was established in 1851.

Rev. Dr. Itobert Fulton Crary (1835-1914) , a Protestant Fpisoopal clergyman and grandson of stealrboat inventor Robe]± Fulton, was an acccxplished a]±ist whose sketches can be seen in the Madame Brett Homestead, Beacon.

Judges The Honorable Smith Thcxpson (1768-1843) was a prominent

jurist on both state and national levels. His credits included Puisne Justice of the New York State Supreme Cburi, Chief Justice of the State Suprerrie Court, U. S. Secretary of the Navy,

and his Irost prestigious office, thited States Supreme Court Judge in 1823.

He and his wife, Sarah, are buried in .the Liv-

Iocal Burial Places

103

ingston family plot in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cfrotery. the daughter of Gilbert and Cbtherine. Hvingston.

Shewas

Onetjne Cblirfuia law professor races Kent (1763-1847)

reached the pinnacle of his career when he became thief Justice of the New York State Sxpreme Cburt.

He introduced the custom

of siinitting opinions of ±xpo]±ant cases in writing. He was a founder of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at Yale, and once served as Chancellor of New York.

fougH{eepsie jurist and horticulturist Sevard Barculo (1808-1854) , the nephew of Tacobus Swarfrout, worked his way xp

the judicial ladder as a Dutchess county judge, circuit judge, and finally State Suprene Cbu]± judge. He wrote at length on

the stoject of fruit culture, and his strawherries, pears, peaches, and grapes were widely celchrated.

rurist, livestock breeder, and horticulturist John E. Mack (1874-1958) served the state well as a New York Suprenre Cbur±

judge.

In 1932 and 1936 he placed his friend, Franklin D.

Ftosevelt, in nomination for President. His other interests included breeding prize "Arlington Reds" (peultry) and growing dahlias and roses.

Nathaniel Pendleton (1755-1821) was an aide to General Greene during the Revolution. He later held the offices of

Georgia attorney general, U. S. District Judge for the state of Georgia, and Dutchess Cbunty Cburt of com[m Pleas Judge. He also had the dtoious honor of being Alexander Hamilton's seco7ed in the falrous 1804 duel with Aaron Burr at ifeehavken, N. I. + Needless to say, Hamilton shch7ed \]p for the duel and thus Pen-

dleton was able to continue his judicial career. mincheck's Ernest H. Crosby (1856-1907) , an author and

social reformer, was appeinted judge of the international coat at Alexandria, Egypt. He once visited his friend Cbunt Tblstoy in Russia, and under Tblstoy's influence, he developed a very strong attitude toward social reform in this country. He was a founder of the Social Reform Cltfo in 1894, and president of the

Itobert Fisch

104

New York Anti-tryerialist I.eague.

Media Innovators

Truly one of the most celebrated personalities in the history of broadcasting was Pawling`s Ectward R. Murrow (1908-

1965) . A former chief of the Uhited States Information Agency, he set the standard for all T\7 docunrentaries with his "See It Ncw" series of nars docurnentaries (1951-1958) .

Cm "Person Tb

Person," he invited the viewing public into the livingrooms of celebrities for his armchair interviavs. Murrcw was the first Allied correspondent inside the Nazi concentration camp at Buchermaid; he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964; and he won four Peabody Z!m7ards for excellence

in broadcasting.

Noted county resident Benson John tossing (1813-1891) edited the Poz4gfekeepsze Tezegz.ap% in 1835, as well as thepo,2{gfe-

keeps4e Cczsket literary journal.

In 1839 he was the editor and

illustrator of Fcz77z£Zgr „crgczzz77e in Nen7: York City.

As an accom-

plished author, tossing wrote the Pfc3tc)I.£czZ. Fzezcz Book of t72e Revotubkon .

A marble cutter by trade, James E. Dean (1831-1914) established the Fts7zk4Z=Z Weekzgr T£777es nen7spaper and bought the Fds72-

k¢ZZ Joztz.7`acEZ in 1862.

He served as Fishkill tatm clerk, justice

of the peace, and postmaster, and was one of the earliest and strongest promoters in organizing the .Fishkill Riral Cenetery, where he is buried.

Editor of the 44cztteczh7cz7'z c7loz4r.7'zczZ, Peter H. Vosburgh (1850-

1921) was appointed Matteavan postmaster by President Harrison in 1890, and reappointed by Presidents MCKinley and Roosevelt.

Nicholas Pcltrer (1760-1811) was Poughkeepsie 's first postmaster in 1792.

He also edited the Cozt7ctz¥/ Jo24z.7'zczZ cr7'zd Po%g72kGeps4e

Adzjez.fzsez., the city's first home nen7spaper, which later became the Poztgfekeepsfe 7oztr.7`zczZ, 1785.

Isaac PlatE (1803-1872) was

founder and for forty-five years editor of the Po2tg%keeps4e Eczgze, which united with the Joz4r.7'zczZ in 1844.

Iocal Burial Places

105

one of the Irost renowned naval officers in tJhited States military history was Pawling 's Admiral Join Iorjner Worden (1818-1897) . He served in the South Atlantic Blockade Squadron at the Battles of Fort MC=Allister and charleston, and becanre superintendent of the U. S. Naval Acadeny at Zhapelis in 1869. frorden is best remefroered as the Civil War armander of the ironclad warship "c>7?£±oz3, which sailed into battle against the Cbnfederate 44ez.I.Z77zczc.

REincheck resident General John A]ustrong -(1758-1843)

served in the Revolution as aide-de-cali[ip under Horatio Gates ,

the victor at Saratoga. He later efroarked on a long pelitical career that included federal positions as senator from NevYork, Minister to FTance, and Secretary of War in 1813.

Iiespite his

generally fine pelitical track record, Armstrong did suffer sonre lrrmDrable notoriei=r. He si]aposedly contributed to the outbreak of the French-British War in 1812, and was respeusible for the

failure of the.M)ntreal and Plattsburgh capaigrs, and the British capture of Washington, D. C. , in 1814.

colonel of the lst RegjJrrmt, Dutchess county Militia minutemen, Fishkill `s racobus Swartrout (1734-1827) was one of

our Irost patriotic and prominent citizens.

In 1780, he led the

ndlitia as brigadier-general. In his later years, Jacobus was a New York assefrolynrm, senator, council of appeini-t, and Dutchess county coroner. He was buried in ike Swartwout family vault, and his second home still stands on All chgels Ftoad in Wappingers .

Cmetine infantry major-general John Watts Pe Peyster (18211907) assisted in organizing the present police eysten in New

York; he also made the first reports favoring a paid fire department in 1852.

His son, Tohnston I.ivingston be Peyster

(1846-1903) , not only was a New York assenfolyman, but as aide-

dercarp under BrigadierLGeneral George Shepley, he raised the first Zmerican flag over Richmond in 1865.

Fbbert Fisch

106

Beelrman farmer James Vanderburgh (1730-1794) served as tcnm

supervisor, deputy to the 3rd provincial Congress in 1776, and colonel of the 5th regiment of Dutchess County militia in the Revolutionary War. He was a personal friend of George Washington, and entertained the general many times in his Bee]enan home.

Cbl. Nathan Beckwith (1778-1865) , a state civil engineer who commanded a local regilnent in the War of 1812, had thehonor of being marshal of the da:y on General I-a Fayette's 1824 visit to Dutchess Cbunty.

MusiciSome well-knoVli local Irmsicians stilrmlated the cultural growth of Dutchess Cbunty. During his productive career, accon+ panist and pianist Earyle Bro`me (1890-1980) performed for Queen Elizabeth and his close friend, Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII of Fingland) . He also played duets with President Thman and at Carnegie Hall. For many years Browne taught

piano locally. He died in 1980 and is buried in Fishkill RIfal cenetery.

Musical ooxposer and acooxpanist charles GiThert Spross (1874-1961) was the organist at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church, Poughkeepsie, and at the First Presbyterian Church. He accompanied many world-rencrmed performers , and ccxpsed over 450 coxpsitions, songs, sacred cantatas, and piano and violin pieces .

Poughkeepsie's Adolph Kuehn (1831-1917) , director of the

Germania Singing Society for over forty years, was the oldest conductor of any musical society in tire tJhited States. Charles Easirmead (1865-1941) was a prominent rmsical director overseas,

conducted church choirs, and had charge of choral work in the Y. M. C. A. calrps. Iocally he conducted the Mendelssohn Glee Clto, Orpheus ClulJ, and the St. Cecelia Society for wonen's

voices .

Cbrnet, flute, and piccolo virtuoso Frank L. Scofield (1856-1947) was the leader of Scofield's 2lst Regiment Band in

Iocal Burial Places

107

Imtchess Cbunty for sixty years. His band played at the hcneof General Daniel Butterfield in Cbld Spring in honor of visiting FL]ssian Grand Duke Alexander. Scofield performed at Vassar Cbllege, Bard Cbllege, and was quite well-kncrmi throughout the

state.

Politicialrs Probably the IrDst rencrmed resident of Dutchess county was Franklin Delano ltosevelt (1882-1945) , who served ahost four terms as President (the longest in our history) from 1932 tohis death in 1945. He helped bring this country out of the Depression with his New Deal programs, and was instrumental in the creation of the united Nations at i±re Yalta Cbnference. Early

in his pelitical career Roosevelt was Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson, as well as Governor of New York in 1928.

IIevi Parsons rorton (1824-1920) , who lived in RIincheck, was a New York banker who later became a congressman, New York

governor, and ulthately Vice President under Benjamin Harrison in 1889.

He was also Minister to France, and accepted the

Statue of Liberty on behalf of the united States.

A longtine resident of Pawling, Thc>mas E. Devey (1902-1971)

ran unsuccessfully for the Presideney in 1944 and 1948 against Itoosevelt and Thrman; but his illustrious career did include three terms as New York governor and a successful run as New York Cbunty 's tough prosecutor fighting organized crine.

Dforgan Ijevis (1754-1844) , a signer of the Declaration of Independence, held Irmy New York goverlment positions , includ-

ing senator, attorney-general, supreme court justice, and

goveror.

Perhaps the county's Irost notable congressman was Dover's John Henry Ketcham (1832-1906) .

He was elected to iine House of

Representatives in 1864 and served 34 years in 17 different sessions of Cbngress. His tenure ran from the tine of lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt. Ketcham helped raise the Dutchess county )

Robert Fisch

108

150th Infantry Reginent which, as a colonel, he led into battle at Gettysburg and Sherman's march through Georgia.

John Watts (1749-1836) , forliner New York Asserfoly speaker

and U., S. CbngressH[rm, was First Judge of Westchester county in 1796. He is buried in St. Paul's Cemetery, Tivoli.. Honor A. Nelson (1830-1891) was a New York Secretary of State and he

chaired the Judiciary Oc]rmittee in the state senate., He stosequently was elected U. S. Congressional representative from Dutchess Cbunty. In 1859 he occupied Poughkeepsie's Nelson House, vthich was named after him.

Ralph Civirm's (1885-1962) political life spanned lrmch of i=his century. He represented New York in the House and was at

one time general counsel for the I. C. Permey store chain.

Gwinn lived jm Pawling.,

Over the years Dutchess has had numerous state legislators whose acccxplishments should be noted. State senator John Bowdish Dutcher (1830-1911) was a delegate to the national convention that re-nominated Iiinoo]m jm 1864, and again in 1880 althe nomination of James Garfield. Dutcher served as a lbver town supervisor, justice of the peace, and director of the New York and Harlem Railroad,_and indeed was a man of distinction in county history.

Patriot Gi]beri Livingston (1743-1806) , of Poughkeepsie, was a New York asseholyman and a deputy to all four provincial congresses, begirming jm 1775-.

Abiah W. Pa]ner (1835-1881) sat

in the General Assefroly, and later became quite an active state senator. He was once p`resident of the First National Bank of Amenia.

Isaac Smith Carpenter (1828-1898) was chairman of the

Stanford Board of Supervisors and a rrrder of the Ways andMeans committee jn the state asselrbly.

Benjamin Platt Carpenter (1837-1921) had a versatilepolit-

ical existence whicfi included posts as state senator, internal revenue assessor, and county judge. He attended the Reptolican national Conventions in Cflicago, 1868, and Philadelphia, 1872.,

local Burial Places

log

Millbrook state senator Frederic Bontecou (1893-1959) was a

director of the First National Bank of .Poughkeepsie, president of Vassar Brothers Hospital , Dutchess County Reptolican chairman, and well-kncRTi as a breeder of prize Aberdeen-Angus cattle.

Asserrblyman John A. Hanna (1859-1946) , a mercantile busi-

nessman in hover Plains , was appointed posi]]naster ky President Harrison, and reappointed by Presidents MdKinley and Rcosevelt.

Pawling state asselTblyman HCRTard Allen (1874-1953) chaired the

Agriculture Crmittee and cx3-authored t:he Rogers-Allen Milk lfa±keting Bill of 1937.

Senator Tosiah NencaITb (1869-1944)

formerly worked on the New York Et;e7e47tg Post staff ; he was also

a delegate to the Repthlican national convention in 1912. He is buried in Freedom Plains Presbyterian Cemetery, La Grange.

Fishkill IIanding (Beacon) president and state assermb|yman rohn T. Smith (1841-1920) was one of the chief promoters of the

association that built an incline railway up Mt. Beacon in l900.

Atfomey John Dfulford Hackett (1882-1954) , while serving in

the Asseholy, spensored bills leading to the construction of the Mid-Hudson Bridge at Poughkeepsie. Since its incorporation as a city in 1854, Poughkeepsie has had man:y rna:yors of distinction.

The very first was James Ffrott, Tr. (1823-1884) , whose father was a prominent New York asseholyman. During his career, Ffrott

was a Dutchess Cbunty district attorney and state supreme Court judge.

The hardware business was a forte of James Bcune (17981883) , who dabbled in many enterprises, among them politics. He built the Orphan Hone and Hc)me For The Friendless, set ap a

ti]berculosis hospital at what is now Dutchess Oormlnity Cbllege, and helped organize the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank. Bcrme was elected mayor of Poughkeepsie in 1861.

George Innis (1822-

1903) , a dye manufacturer by trade, served as Poughkeepsie village president, trustee, supervisor, and rna:yor in 1863. He was

a presidential elector at the first election of Ulysses S. Grant in 1868.

A staunch Union Arlny supperter, Irmis furnished

Itobert Fiscb

Ilo

$30,000 for the first troops who went to the Civil War. Harvey Gridley Easirman (1833-1878) operated his farDus

business colleges in Oswego, St. Iouis, and Poughkeepsie in 1859.

He was the cii=y's rna:yor in 1871 and 1877, and has a hand-

some Ironirment in the Poughkeepsie R]ral Cemetery.` Financier Edwa]]d Elswo]th (1840-1911) , the rna:yor of Poughkeepsie in 1887 and 1891, was a former supervisor, scinool

oc)rmissioner, and president of both the Fal]kill National and Poughkeepsie Savings Banks.

Charles Nathan Amold (1838-1918)

had a hand jm other activities besides his lucrative lirfeer business.

He was a sLxpervisor, president of the Merchants '

National Bank, and Ira:yor jn 1895.

George M. Hire (1850-1910) , shoe store proprietor, became

the first vice president of the Ieague of American Municipalities. Also, by order of the state supreme cour+, he was made president, Orange Cbunty Board of Water Cbrmissioners for the cats-kill Aqueduct of the New York Water Si]pply. Hine was elected rna:yor of Poughkeepsie jm 1900.

"The oldest continuous ice cream manufacturer jn the

-

U. S.", a 1936 testirorial from the National Association of Independent Ice cream Dfanufacturers , was wellndeserved by recipient William H. Schrauth (1875-1945) .

He worked diligentlywith

his father, Jacob, in a successful ice cream business.

Inl940,

Schrauth became the rna:yor of Poughkeepsie. roseph G. Frost (-1839-1917) managed to take enough tjmf

from his Poughkeepsie funeral parlor to become city chalfoerlain, treasurer, collector, coroner, and sxpervisor. Attorney Horace Hufcut (1837-1905) was a Dover Plains totm clerk and

sTxpervisor, recruiting agent for the first county asselTbly dis-

trict, Cbunty surrogate and district attorney.

FTank Hasbrouck (1852-1928) , son of Dr. Alfred Hasbrouck,

held several political offices including Poughkeepsie treasurer, justice of the peace, corporation Counsel, county judge, and pesimaster. He was a founder of the Amrita Club. Hasbrouck

lil

Iocal Burial Places

anfhor:ed The ELsboxpj of Dutchess County , ir!deed a th!o;roingh anld

informative reference boc}k.

Writers Pawling author and nevspaperlnan Prosper Buranelli (18921960) was an aide of writer-explorer Iowell Thomas. He ooedited the first bcxjk of crossword puzzles in 1924, and played

an ilrpertant part in the development of Cinerama, the widesc¥een mDtion picture process. Buranelli was a successful ''ghost writer, " and he Collaborated on bedks and scripts wit:h boxer Gene Turmey, Governor Nelson Rockefeller, ccxpser Dinitri Ticndcin, and many others.

Explorer and authc)r Dillon Wallace (1863-1939) conducted

expeditions to Labrador and was chief of the I]eek-Wallace calrp for boys in vyoming.

His adventure bocks included 272e Zizdr.e of

the Labr.cidor WbLd, The Wttdeeness Cast;oni)eye , The Lost Mi;ne , The Sbor'y of GT'enfeLt of the Lchr.cidor., an!d The Ccn'r[per.'s Hc[:ndbook.

A fa^7 local writers captured the true flavor of early Dutchess Cbunty, and provided future generations with interesting insights and historical background on the area. Founder of the Pczct7Z£7tg Z*o7eeez. nedspaper in 1870, Philip H. Smith (18431916) wrote his popular j7ds±oz¥/ c>f I)zttc7zess Cozt7'ztg in 1875.

Henry Du Bois Bailey (1814-1907) authored I;occzZ Tczzes cz7'zcZ

ELstor.Lead S.ketches of FLst[hiLZ, in Tg]4.

Piri!e PLains' fsaa!c

Huntting (1825-.? ) caITpiled his jzdstcur:g/ oj. t72e Z}tttze jvj77e

Par.bners of North Easb Pr.ecbmcb c[nd Pi;me PLcrins3 N. I. , an

interesting bdek about a little-kncmai part of northeasterm mtchess .

BtJ- INDEX Itnm

Amenia

Cemetery

Name

Amenia

Pa]mer, Abiah

Island

Phillips , Armi

Red Meeting House

Barker, Cbl. William

Date of REth

Age

1/20/1881 7/11/1865

46 77

11/i/1820

80

Itobert Fiscin

112

mte of Ttrm

Cemetery

Name

neath

Beacon

St. Ijcke's

Crary, Dr. Rc>beri F.

11/15/1914 T2/T2/IfBIrti 12/10/1876

Kent, J-

Van Buren, Smith

Beelrman Vanderburgh Vanderburgh, Cbl. James

4/4/1794

Dc)ver

Valley Viav Harma, John A.

Plains

Htifcut , Horace

5/yfJ/Tf!fJFj

Ketcham, john Henry Newell, George Glenn

11/6/1906

Powell, Arthur I. E.

7/T5/Tf:ffFJk>

Bailey, Henry Du Bois

1/rJL/T!yJil

Fishkill Dutch

64

8/4/3:fJ4!f.

5/7/Tf:f]grti

Churchyard

Fishicill

heal

I]yde

Park

RefoHned

Dutch

Rcosevelt

Estate

St. JEnes

Brcrme, Earyle A. bean, Tarres E.

slrith, John T. Vosburgh, Peter H. Wallace, Dillon

be RI€, Peter

10/2/1811

Roosevelt, F±ankljn D.

4/T2/T34f.

Fala Ijevis , torgan

Mills, Ogden L.

hills, Ruth L. Pendleton , Nathaniel Rcosevelt , TEnes Roosevelt, Rchecca H. F{oosevelt, Sara Delano

4/T5:5/YffF;2: 4/7/UBtyA

10/14/1937 10/14/1920 10/20/1821 12/8/1900 8/TA/Tffiffn6 9/7/Tf:f]pri

IIaGrange Methodist Cook, Rev. Cbrnelius Presbyterian Nencofro , Tosiah T.

8/7/T|#J3 i/4/19 4 4

Pawling Pawling R]ral

1/8/Tf!ffF;A 3NfJ/YSITiJ-

St. Tohn's

Allen, Howard Devey, Thomas E.

74

Dutcher, John 8.

Gamage, Dr. Frederick Chirm, ELph Patri, Dr. AIgelo Smith' =hilip H.

1/2:fJ/5!ffJJ!f.

Worden, Adr. John L.

10/18/1897

Buranelli, Prosper

6/prf./TS:Sffj

8/29/1911 9Nfj/T9!94:I

2/Tn/Tflf;2 9/T2/YfffJFi

75

Iocal Burial Places Date of

Ttrm

Pine

Plains

113

Evergreen

Nalne

mth

Carpenter, Isaac Smit:h

7/28/1898

70

4/17/1977

=

Huntting, Isaac Wilcox, Irene

tough- Calvary keepsie pougrkeepr

sie Fdral

mck, John E. Armold, Charles Natiian Barculo, Seward

Billings , chdrev

Etoth, Oliver H.

-e, Jams

Carpenter, Benjamin P.

Fist-, H~ey G.

Eastmead, Charles M. Elsworth, Fktward

Hrott' J- Jr.

Frost, Joseph G. Gill' Dina Hackett, John Mulford

Harilton, Philip Hasbrouck , FTack Hine, George M.

Ihis, George

4/19/1918 6/prfj/Tff!ffFA

4/28/1808 3/13/1896 7/rJi_/Iffffff 12/24/1921 7/T3NffIT8 5/4/Tf!f3Iri

2/2/TffAIl 9/11/1884

6/3NfITJ 1823

1/3/TSF)4 7/9/THJHRA

12/18/1928 11/21/1910 11/26/1903

1/3NffA:I

tossing, B±on I.

9/14/1806 6/3NffffiJ.

Nelson, HCHner A.

4/2:5Nffffh

ENer, Nicholas

9/21/1811

6/5Nffn2

Schrauth, William H.

4/T]/rf34!F.

ScDfield, Frark L.

11/10/1947 12/23/1961 12/18/1843 I/29/1904 8/10/1881

Schnyler, Philip I.

Spross , charles Gilbeft Thapson, Smith Vassar, John Gnp Vassar, Matthew Tr. Vassar, Matthew Sr.

2/TANff#F.

6/2:3/Iffyfff3

Presbyterian Clinton, Cforge W.

3/THNffI3

Terrple

Hirsdansky , Sinnon

7NfJ/Tf:ffFJf.

Beckwith, Col. Nathari

3 / 4 Nf yf;F>

grf]

Armstrong, Gen. John Ctosby, Ernest H.

4/1/184 3 I/3/19 0 7 5/16/1920

85 51 96

Path-E| RE Hcok Dutch

Churchyard Rhinebeck

2/2:2/3:ffFJR.

Kudr, zfroiph Livingston, Gilbert

f'latt, Isaac

Age

ELcheck jtssn,

torton, Ijevi P.

Fbber+ Fisch

114

Ttrm

Cenretery

Name

Date of neath

Tivoli

St. Paul 's

De Peyster, John Watts De Peyster, Tohnston L. Watts, John

5/7/YSNil 5/TH/yfrfjR 9/3/Uff#f.

Wappin- Swartrout gees Vault Wappingers

Grirmell, Irving

5/11/1921

81

Washing- Indsfree

Beck, Walter

9/5/19 54

90

Bontecou, Frederic

9/T]/Yf IFf3

CJf.

Ftral

ton

Garden Nine

Partners

Swartwc)ut , Jacobus

1827

93

E=

FtEFEENCES

Bears, 5. H. , Corrmemor.cleive Bb.ographic3al Recor.a of Dutchess Counby, New York

Hask>:ro"ck, Fralik, The ELsbory of I)ui;chess Cou]iitry3 Nee rock

Hun:ftin!q, TSElac, ELsborrg of L4btze Nine Pcttbners of Nor.th East Pr.eat;net and Pi;me PZ,ckns3 New rock Ma!crcra!ckeen, iLenry NIobLe, BLLthe Dutchess : the FZo:iber.ing of an Amer.i,can Coun:ty From 1812

Ma!ccrauchen, Her.ry NIobhe, OLd Dw±chess Forever... the Sborlry of an Amer.i,can County

Flat:i, Edmm!il, The Eagte's Hfsto]ey of Poughi:eepsbe= Fr.om the

Ear.7,best Settlenen±s Poucher, Dr. .. Wilson and Reynolds, Helen Wi]Jcinson, Old GrczzJestones of Dutchess County Reeil, Tfielitoin, ELstony of Anenda Reylrolds , Helen Wi]Jcinson, #czz.I.£czges cz7?d I)eczt72s, I)zftc72ess Cow,idys

N.

I.31778-1825

Smi:Th, James H. , RI,sborry of Dutehess County, New rock hifeo '9 hifeo Z7e 4mericcz, various volimes

Po2tg7zkeepsze 7ozArap'2czZ obituaries , Adriance Memorial Library ,

Poughkeepsie, microfilms and various nen7spapers

AIFRE AC± AND HE DUTCIIESS cotJNTY SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

alfred Ackeri 4 .paper on lp?h and 19th cendu:Jay Dw±chess County has+vony I.ead dy Alfr.ed T. Aekert Ln 1899 cde the eel;n:ual Teebdr}g ?i _the Du±chess Cou]!rty socbedy of

New York.

The bri,ef in±r.oducbory notes zbhich

pr._e_Cede the ciddres.a wer.e pr.epar.ed by the Ye:arloc)ck

edkbor.

Alfred T. Acker± was an energetic organizer, charter melfoer and the principle speaker of the Dutchess Cbunty Society during its first three years, 1897-1899. Eton in RIincheck on April 15, 1840 and educated in Amenia Seminary, Mr. Ackert pursued his

legal education at Albany University. After serving one term in the New York State Asserrbly in 1868 representing the Second Asserrbly District of mtchess Cbunty, he moved to New York City

to Practice lan.i Mr. Ackert and several other former Dutchess Cbunty residents, then residing in New York, formed, in 1897, a society which they called the Dutchess County Society of New York. The Society was a fraternal organization whose merfoership was individuals born in Dutchess Cbunty or interested in Dutchess Cbunty's heritage. Mr. Ackert, the speaker at i=he first three annual meetings, spoke on Dutchess Cbunty history. Using his legal background as the foHTiat for the papers he read, Mr. Ackeri discussed the early history of Dutchess Cbunty from the

perspective of those legislative acts passed by the New York State Legislature which affected Dutchess Cbunty.

The first armual meeting was held on March 26, 1897 at the Murray Hill Hotel; the second was held on February 28, 1898 at the Waldorf Astoria.2 The paper presented below was read atthe annual banquet held at De]monioo's Restaurant on February 24,

1899.

It is presented in its entirety except where noted.

115

alfred Ackert

116

Mr.. Pr.esbden± and Gen±7,emen:

AIother year has passed into history since our last banquetTa year fraught with wonderful achievements in the advancement of our national prowess on land and sea.

The world has no record of a like success. FTom a Nation but little kncma:1 to the people of the world, outside of thelrost enlightened, to-day we are the subject of consideration armng

all nations and peqples.

The very thoughts that press apon the mind in realizationof what is our duty at this tine, are bewildering in ccxprchension of the responsibilities resting apon us as a Nation.` "God works in a Inysterious way his wonders to perform. "

The ignoranca, superstition and barbarism of this world I believe will yet be dissipated by the ormard march of truth and justice, carried forward by us as a pec)pie to every land and over every sea beneath that elrblem that personifies all that is good and brave and true+the flag of our Republic-nd wherever that flag shall be raised there may it continue to wave, until another Republic, with a flag of its own, representing the same

principles of liberty and tnith, justice and merry, shall take its place.

I will not trespass on what rna:y be the thought and expression of others who are our quests. Dry province is to read a

paper relative to the history of our native County.

The paper I had the honor and pleasure to read at our last banquet.was a summary of provincial legislation during our Cblonial period. Do-night I desire to esd=end the same so as to cover a period under our Cbnstitutional goverlrment.

The first and second sessions of the I.egislature were not

all that were held at Poughkeepsi;. I find that thel-egislature convened there in 1780,1781, 1782,1788, 1789, and in 1795.,

Poughkeepsie was then only a settlement within the tcRTi of that name.

The village was formed March 27,1799, and a special

charter granted by the I-egislature april 8, 1801.

The Dutchess Cbuni=y Society

117

In ny paper of last year I referred to a statement Inade by Stone, in his History of New York, that ripting existed in Dutchess Cbunty in 1766, as having been started by same Indians, who were joined ky worthless ithites, and which extended to Albany Cbunty (now Cblunbia) . That the Comrmder-in-Cflief of his rajesty's forces in America, Gen. Gage, ordered up the 28th Regiment, lately arrived front Fingland, to meet the insurgents, who were brought to reason, and the ring-leaders brought to New York .

I find in the Jvezd Yc)2.k 44ez.c3z4r:g/, of the issue of Monday,

July 28, 1766, this statement: "The l9th inst. a ocxpany of the 26th Regiment, nonr

quartered here, with a detachment of i=he train of artillery and three field pieces, elTbarked at the NDrth River and

sailed directly for Claverick, in order, as 'tis reperted, to settle some affairs there beiIveen some tenants and their landlords .

Friday morming last Hon. Daniel Horfmanster and ltobert R. Livingston, Esqrs. , bra of the Judges of .{=he Supreme

court of this Province, with some of his Majesty's Cbuncil and several gentlernen of the law, sailed from hence for Poughkeepsie, in order to try sundry people that delivered thernselves up there on account of the late troubles in that \county, and ltr. Prendergrass, who delivered himself xp also on the sane account, and was lately brought to our goal, is gone xp likewise to take his trial for some misdemeanors laid to his charge. " (From the Jyew Tor.k „erc24z.gr of the issue of Monday, August 18, 1766 . )

"Letters front Dutchess Cbunty dated one day last week

advise that at the special Cburt then sitting there, William Pendergrass was found guilty of High Treason

after a trial of twenty-four hours, and received sentence accordingly . "

alfred Ackert

118

(Frcm the IvezJ Yoz.k 44ercztz?g/ of the issue of Dfonda:y, Angust 25, 1766 . )

"From Dutchess Cbunty we learn that Pindergast has been condemned for High Treason, and was sentenced to

suffer death for the same jm six weeks. 'Tis said it was proved to the jury that the said Pindergast before the misdemeanor happened for which he was tried, was always esteened a sober, honest, and industrious farmer, rmch beloved by his neighbors, but stirred up to act as he did by one Dfonro, who is absconded."

(Ftom the Ivezd Yo2ok 44ez.cz4z¥/ of the issue of Septefroer 15, 1766 . )

"On M3nday, the first inst. , his Excelleney, Sir Henry Afoore, Bart. , left A]bany for Qrmm Point, having

before he set out been pleased to send a reprieve to the Sheriff of Dutchess Cbunty respecting the execution of Th. Pendergast until his Majesty's pleasure should be kncrm. "

FTorn these statenents, ptolished at line tine, I am of the belief that these white persons and Indians, who were engaged in rioting, were not so worthless as some historians cinaracT terize thorn. They were, dototless, honest, laborious farmers, goaded to revolt by the system of rent oppression, and these Indians clained, no doubt, sore rights to the soil also. Icoking back nearly a century and a half , and considering the history and surroundings of these people, and the land system in vogue, do we wonder that so little opposition was Irade inthe apparent attexpt to drive the Indian fric)in the homes of his ancestors and in oppressively taxing the new settler for .t=he

right to cultivate the earth.

Stage Through the Cbunty.

The Iiegislature by an Act passed April 4, 1785, grantedunto Isaac Van tryck, Tilrmge Hall and John Kenney, the exclusive

The Dutchess Cbunty Society

119

right of keeping stage wagons on the east side of Hudson's fiver, between the cities of New York and.Albany, for the term of ten years from June i, 1785. The act states that they were to provide at least ti^7o good and sufficient Covered stagewagous to be draun by four able horses, and the price for each passen-

ger was not to. exceed four pence per mile, with the privilege of carrying four+een pounds weight of baggage, and a like sun of four price per mile for one hundred and fifi=y' peunds weight, and a like Proportion for any greater or less quantityLliney were to start at least once a week f]=cmi each city unless prevented by the badness of the road or some unconmon accident.

Pta other

Person or persons were allowed to erect, set up, carry on, or drive any stage wagon or wagons, or any other carriage or carriages, for the like purpose, from said cities respectively, under a penalty of ti^7o hundred pounds, to be recovered dy any

person who shall prosecute the same, besides cost.

Division of State and Oc)unties.

The I-egislature on March 7, 1788, passed an Ziet dividingthe State into sixteen counties. Dutchess was bounded as follows:

"All that part of this State bounded easterly by the State of cormectiout, southerly by i±re County of Westchester, westerly pa]±ly by the County of Orange and partly by the Cbunty of Ulster, and northerly by the Manor of Livingston, including the whole of the oblong to the northward of i±re Cbunty of Westchester. " On the same day an Act was passed dividing the counties of the State into to`ms. The tarns in Dutchess were named as follcRE i

Philips Tb`m, `Frederick T]crm, Southeast T]crm, Fishkill , Beekman, Pawling, Poughkeepsie, Clinton, RIiinebeck, Washington, Zmenia, and Dto]Th East Ttrm.

"Another Act was passed April 3, 1801, dividing

the State into thirty counties, the Cbunty of nitchess to contain all that part of this State bounded easterly

alfred Ackert

120

by the east bounds of this State, southerly by the Cc)unty of Westchester, westerly by the counties of orange and Ulster, and northerly by a due east line drawn from the south bank of Savyer's Kill on the west side of Hudson's River, continued due .east till

it meets with a line settled and established betireen Itobert R. Livingston and Zachariah Hoffman, deceased,

and others, as their rrmtual boundary, so far as it runs, and thence the same course continued to the southerrrost bend of Itoeluff Tansen's Kill, and thence along the south and east line of the Manor of liivingston to the division line bei]reen the State and the

-IIvealth of Massachusetts, including the whole of the oblong to the northward of the County of Westcinester . "

By an Act passed the same day Dutchess Cbunty was divided

into fifteen tons, the boundaries of which are practically the sams as jn the Act of 1788. And it will be noticecl in this Act that the westerly boundaries of the tcrms of Philips Town, now in Putnam Cbunty, Fishkill, Pc>ughkeepsie, Clinton, now Hyde Park, RIincheck and what is now Rfd Hock, is to the 77zdddze of Hudson's fiver.

The Town of Stanford was created March 12, 1793.

The Tcmm

of Ibver was taken frcm Pawling and created a town Feb. 20, 1807. The Tb`m of Red Hook was taken from Ithinebedc andcreated a tChm June 2, 1812. The TtJtm of Milan was taken from North-

east and created a to`m Mardi 6, 1821.

The Tbun of Pleasant Valley was taken from Clinton and created a torn January 26, 1821. The Tomm of Hyde Park was taken frcm Clinton and created a tarn January 26,. 1821. The Tb`m of Pine Plains was taken frcm NJrtheast and created a tch7n Dfarch 26, 1823.

The TtJtm of Freedom was taken fricJD:n BedcREm and

Fishkill Fch. 9, 1821.

The ltRAm of Union Vale was taken frori Beetrman and FTeedam

The Dutchess Cbuut]r Society and created a to`m March i, 1827.

121

The name of Freedom was

changed to Ijagrange in 1828. The Tcrm of East Fisrkill was taken from Fishkill and created a tcon Nov. 29, 1849. The Item of Patterson, organized as Franklin, now in Putnam Cbunty, was taken from Southeast and created a tcrm March 17, 1795.

The Town of Carmel, now in Putnam County, was taken from

Frederickstom and created a town March 17, 1795. The Tth of Kent, now in Putnam county, was taken from Fredericksi- and created a torn March 7, 1788. The Torn of Philips Item, now in Eutnam Cbunty, was enlarged from Fishkill in 1806. The ± of Southeast, now in Putnam Cbunty, was taken from FTedericksiand Southeast Tcnm March 17,1788.

The Cbunty of Putnam was created and taken from Dutchess June 12th, 1812.

Measure of IIand in Dutchess.

An Act for ascertaining the measure of land was passed by , the Legislature Fed. 7th, 1788, which required "that an acre of land shall contain one hundred and sixty square prches or reds, each rod being in length five yards and one half of one yard, each yard three feet, and each foot tIvelve inches, so that when

an acre of land shall be sixteen rods in length it shall be ten rods in breadth. " frolves and Panthers . [ *]

The Revolution had not driven wolves and panthers from the county, for by an Act passed April 3, 1790, the Supervisorswere required to pay to cz77gr pe2oso77 who shall kill a wolf or panther

the sun of three pounds, and for a wolf or panther under one

year old thirty shillings, and if killed by an Indian, free negro, or rmlatto or slave, the same ooxpensation was directed, but the master' or mi,str.ess of the sZcwe r'ecebved the I.erocund.

*[Editor's note: The speaker Alfred T. Ackert speke at length about laws regarding bounties for wolves and panthers in his first address to the Society in 1897. ]

Alfred Ackert

122

Thile the larmiakers had enlarged their liberality by making the reward the same jm all cases, it is, nevertheless, curious that they had not yet advanced far enough in their conception of mankind to regard an Indian, free negro, rmlatto or slave as a pez.so77, or it would not have been thought necessary to distinquish therm in the Act. A general law was passed Fch. 22d,1799, giving to the

Boards of Supervisors of the respective counties authority to give rewards for the killing of wolves or panthers, but the award was not to exceed the sum of ten dollars.

On Fed. 9,1822, an Act was passed repealing all formerlaws

respecting awards for the killing of wolves, panthers andbears , and a bounty of ten dollars was authorized for killing a full grouri wolf, and five dollars for each wolf 's whelp, to be paid by the Cbunty Treasurer out of an:y moneys not otherwise appro-

priated. Tb obtain such bounty the person killing such wolf or whelp shall take the salne or the head thereof, the skin andears entire thereon, to a Justice of the Peace of the toiv\7n in which such wolf was taken, and make oath and submit to an examina-

tion, and if the Justice was satisfied, the said Justice shall thereupen c3#t off and I)z4r.7`z the ears and scalp of said wolf or

whelp, and give a certificate without fee or reward.

And further, there shall be associated with such justice in all the duties required by the Act o77e of the Assessors or Overseers of the Poor, or Cbrmissioner of Highways of said to`m, whose duty it shall be to attend when called on for that purpose, who shall also subscribe the certificate. But no bounty shall be paid to any person for taking such wolf or whelps, unless it shall appear on such examination that the lrother of such whelp was not taken before she brought forth such whelp. The State was to pay half the bounty. It will be observed that in this Act of 1822 the word pe2.so77 covers the LciLlin!q dy any oirue-ch thi,s dctee c[n Indi,an, fr.ee negr.o, rrrulclei;o or. sZcwe had become per.sons.

The Dutchess Cbunty Society

123

Slaverv Abolished. ny Act of March 31, 1817, every negro, rmlatto or I[ustee

within this State, who is now a slave, shall continue such, unless manunitted according to law. Every child born of a slave within this State after the fourth day of July, 1799, sfeczzz Z)e

fziee, but remain the servant of the comer of his or her rrother, and the executors, administrators and assigns of such anler in such marmer as if such child had been bound to service by the Overseers of the foor, and shall continue in such service, if a male, until the age of twenty-eight years, and if a feniale, until the age of twenty-five years. And every child horn of a

slave within this State after the passage of this Act shall remain a servant as aforesaid until the age of twentyi)ne years, and no longer.

Highways .

Public roads or highways in a new country is a matter of

great inpertance to the new settler. Py a general Act passed Ma:y 4, 1784, commissioners and Overseers of Highways were au-

thorized to be chosen by the freeholders and iinabitants of the touns, and I believe that the present rules and regulations respecting highways have their foundation from this Actlhe laying out of road wheredy several roads which had been used as public highways had been closed-it was enacted May 16, 1785, "that all pi]blic highways which have been used as such for the

space of twenty years last past, shall be taken, deened, and adjudged in law to be public highways. " Thmpike Roads.

The first turnpike corporation in the county was created by Act of March 30, 1802, for ixproving and making a road called

"the Quaker Hill turnpike road," from Quaker Hill, at the endof

Cbrmecticut, near the house of Jeptha Sabins to the fcot of the lrountain called Fishkill, near where the old road crossed, and from thence by the Irost convenient route to Peter Brills, inthe

Alfred Acker±

124

TbThm of Beelman.

On April 2, 1802, another turnpike corporation was created for ixproving and making a road from the west line of the Tchm of Salesbury, in the State of Cbnnecticut to the Susquehannah River; at or near the Tch7n of Jericho-=to commence near the house of Alexander Spencer, deceased, in the ltHm of Northeast; thence by the Pine Plains to the ferry of John Radcliff and Afoses Cbntine over the Hudson's River to the Village of Kingston, and by the nearest route to the Susquehannah River near said ltltm of Jericho. The legal title of this road was "The President, Directors and Goxpany of the Ulster and Delay.are Tumpire Fbad. " From reading the title of the Act it would not be Conceived that it created a road through the present torms of RIinebeck, Milan, Pine Plains and N)rth East, but such, hcIvever, was the fact. Market s'treet, in the Village of RAinebeck, is a part of said turnpike road. The ferry mentioned ran from the present ice docks of the Cbnsolidated Ice Cbxpany, called the REinebeck IjJng cock and Kingston Point.

"The Dutchess County Turnpike Cbxpany" was created by Act

passed April 5, 1802, for the purpose of making a road frc]m the

Cburt House in the Village of Poughkeepsie, to or near thehouse of Tilrothy Beadle, in the Tout of Clinton, to pass through

Pleasant Valley settlenent, to be continued on easterly by the IrDst convenient and direct route to the boundary line between the State of New York and the State of Cbrmecticut, to terrfuate in vicinity of the Town of Sharon or Salesbury, also to branch out from the rrDst convenient pa]± of said road to pursue generally as near as may be judged most conducive to the public good the then route, by Plymouth Hill to the Dover Itoad leading north and south at or near the house of Ijaurence Belding, to pass through the settlement known by the name of ifechanic. [*]

*[Fiditor's note: The description of the turnpike, its tollgates, fees and related matters discussed by Mr. Ackert are

The Dutchess Cbunty Society

125

also Contained in an article in this put)lication by Alson Van Wagner.

Therefore, this section has been deleted from

Mr. Ackert`s address. ]

By Act of July i, 1851, this Goxpan:y was authorized topzcz77k

their road or paJ± thereof .

The road from the steel works in

the tChm of Amenia on the Dutchess turnpjJce road to Hibemia mills, in the tcrm of Clinton, authorized April 4,1804, was by Act of April 11, 1808, deczczz.ed to Z)e a pthlic highway. ''The Deep Hollow Branch Turmpike Road Cbxpany" was incor-

perated by the I-egislature April 27,1829. They were authorized to make a turnpike road commencing at or near the store of

rorthrup and Merritt on the Dutchess turnpike road, in the town of Washington, about brenty miles east of Poughkeepsie, and to run through that pa]± of the couni=y called Deep Hollow, and to end at or near the store and furmace of Reed, Griffin and Oc)m'

pany in the toum of Amenia.

The New Halfourgh Turnpike Road was declared a ptolic highway April 16, 1830. The Highland Turnpike ftoad was declared a pi]blic highway April 8, 1833.

The Ifutchess Union Turnpike conpany was incorporated April 9, 1813. The road to cormnence at a line dividing the

States of Cbrmecticut and Near York, at the termination of a turnpjJce in said State of Cbnnecticut, near Bull's Bridge, in the tcn^m of Kent, from thence to the house of Brice Shove, in the tch^m of ltover; thence to or near the house of Tackson Wing, said tavli of Itover; thence to or near the house of Caleb SjJq+ son, tomi of Bee]enan; thence to or near the house of Adamcrons, said to`m+hence to or near the house of Thomas Potter.

The Fishkill M3untain Tirmpike Cc)xpany was authorized by Act passed March 31, 1817, to run from the Corner of the road near the house of Jonathan Squires, of the town of Patterson, Putnam

Cbunty; thence westerly crossing the Philipstawn tumpjJce near the house of Hezekiah Pecks, and thence to the house of Jacob I. Adreance, of the tcnm of Fishkill, Dutchess Cbimty.

The Pawling and Beelrman TumpjJce Ooxpany was incorporated

126

Alfred Ackert

April 3, 1818, to oormlence at or near the house of Joseph Armold, tarn of Pawling; thence westerly across the mountain to or near the house of Nathan Miller, Tr. , totm of Beedrman.

The Itover and Uhion Vale Turnpike Road was incorporated April 19, 1828, to run frc>m the State line between connecticut and New York, near Bulls Bridge, in Dover, and thence through

said to`m westerly to the Poughkeepsie market road, near the lands of Ephrajm Duncan, in town of Union Vale.

The Dover and Union Vale TLmpike toad Cbxpany was incor-

perated April 23., 1835, the road to run from or near the house of Edward Ward, in the to`m of Dc)ver, to or near the house of Calch Sirrpson; thence to the clove road at or near the house of Andrew J. Skidlrore, in the tcrmi of Union Vale. On April 26, 1836, the law was amended estending the road from the house of

said Skidrrore to the comer of the road east of the meeting house near the dwelling house of William R. Potter, in the tch7n of union Vale.

On May 8th,1835, an Act was passed appointing Gormissioners

to lay out a put)lic highway of three rods wide from Mainstreet, in the Village of Poughkeepsie; to the Village of Pine Plains.

The expenses of the Crmissioners were to be appertioned upon the touns through which said highway should pass. This Act was repealed April 5, 1836.

The I.egislature on Feb. 17, 1848, authorized the Board of

Supervisors to appoint inspectors of turnpike roads.

Horse facing.

A society was authorized by an Act passed April 5, 1828, whereby a Fczrp77e2.s ' cz7?cZ C'£tfze7?s ' 4ssc7c3Zcztfo7? could be organized

for the purpese of jxproving the breed of horses, and to establish a market for their sale, the Society to have Courses for trial of speed. Six days only, between the loth of May and loth of June, and between the loth of October and loth of ltoverrber were allowed in each year,.

No races were to take place on public roads or highways, nor

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127

unless under the control and direction and upon the courses of said Society or Association.

RE cards, dice, galfoling tables or devices were to be suffered or permitted within two miles of said courses.

The Sheriff was directed by the Act to be in attendance, and to be paid by the Society three dollars per day for each day's attendance .

All races and matches in the county, other than authorized by said Act, were prohibited in said County.

The Act was amended April 20, 1829, and racing was limited

to six days in each year.

The armual Cbunty Fair, which was held at Washington Hollcw, Torn of Washington, for man:y years, dototless originated from

this jtot.

whale Fishig.

Tto companies were created by I-egislative Act for the purpese of engaging in the whale fishing in i±re Atlantic and Pacific Ck=eans and elsewhere, and in the manufacture of oil and sperlmceti candles.

The first passed April 20, 1832, called the "Poughkeepsie Thaling coxpany" to be located in the Village of Poughkeepsie.

The other passed April 30, 1833, called iine "Dutchess whaling Cbxpany," to be located in the Village of Poughkeepsie.

Cme provision of the law in each Act was that no foreigner should ever be a stockholder or in any way interested therein.

Historical Society.

On May 13, 1845, Ftoberi G. Rankin, Charles Bartlett, Henry

G. Ludlow, Abraham Bockee, Ftoberi Wilkinson, John Johnston, Henry A. Livingston, John W. RAevels and Freeborn Garrettson and

others, were created a body Corporate by the name of the "Dutchess Cbunty Historical Society, " for i=he purpose of collecting and preserving all matters and things in any way oormected with

or relating to the natural, civil, literary or ecclesiastical history of Dutchess Cbunty.

I have not been able to learn when

128

Alfred Ackert

this corporation began to live or when it died.

It certainly is

not now in existence.

ropulation.

The grchth in pqpulation has been slow .and at times decreased.

In 1790 it was 45,266.

In 1800 it was 47,775.

In 1810 it was 51,434.

In 1820 it was 46,615, of whom 52 were lavyers.

(Putnam

Cbunty was not ncw included) .

In 1835 it was 50,704.

In 1840 it was 52,398, of whom 42 were lavy'ers, a decrease

of ten in twenty ye=s.

In 1845 it was 55,124.

In 1850 it was 58,992.

In 1855 it was 60,635.

In 1860 it was 64,194.

In 1865 it was 65,192.

In 1870 it was 74,041.

In 1875 it was 76,334.

In 1880 it was 79,184.

In 1890 it was 77,879.

Prarrinent rm.

In ancient and lrodern times were preserved in various ways by inscriptions on marble or bronze the names of those who were

noted in the service of their State and country, and so in our own tines do we recall from History the services of those who from our own native county have in many instances rendered conspicuous services to our State and Nation.

Dfen who represented Dutchess Couni]r in Independence Hall in

Philadelphia, in the Cbntinental Cbngress, in the Cbngress of the United States, who have represented us abroad, and who occupied other eninent station were the peers of any in the land.

We can recall the names of Itobert R. Livingston, Chancellor Edward Livingston, Cbdifier of I.aws.

Gilbert Benson, Attorney General.

Peter R. Livingston, Speaker.

Melancton Smith, CbngressHnan.

The Dutchess Cbunty Societ:y

129

Gilbert Iiivingston , Surrogate.

M)rgan hais, Governor. .

Philip Scrtyer, General.

Fphriam Paine, Continental Cbngress.

Richard Dfontgomery , General.

Jacob Radcliff, Judge.

Zephaniah Platt , Cbnstitutional Cbnvention.

James Kent, Jurist.

John Armstrong, Secretary of War. Abraham Bockee, Senator.

Charles H. REggels, Gourd of Appeals.

James Tal]madge, Lieutenant Govermor.

Thomas Tillotson, Secretary of State.

James Erott, Judge.

John A. Quitman, General.

Sarrmel F. 8. Aforse, Philosopher.

EL. Federal Vanderberg, Physician.

Benson J. tossing, Historian.

Rev. Dr. Frederick H. Quiirman, Lutheran Divine.

Rev. Dr. Horatio Potter, Bishop.

Rev. Dr. Alonzo Potter, Bishop.

Rear-Adriral John R. Worden, Hero.

That a galaxy of names made famous ky great deeds and bril-

liant services.

In statesmanship+in the Judiciary--in war--in diplomacyin the church-in medicineTThey were unrivalled in their several vocations.

They were wise men.

They helped to shape and mould the

goverrment under which we live.

They interpreted it vwhen

established.

They were conspicuous actors on the stage of life, in war and peace.

Many of them are already cormnemorated in marble and

bronze. Their epitaphs are inscribed on the pages of .the world 's history.

Tb properly present the life and character of each and every one I have namfd would require Irore evenings than I have mentioned names.

They are dead and yet live.

I.et us honor their menory and strive to ermilate their virtues, and so live "that when thy sLrmnons Comes to join the innurneral caravan that IrDves to that Inysterious realm+there

Alfred Ackert

130

each shall take his charfoer in-the silent halls of death, thou go not like the Qui]=y, slave at night scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trmstTipproach thy grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies dolm to pleasant dreams. "

Fhdnotes LEihliard M. Smi:Th, Doculrienda:]ey thstorry of RhLnebeck, Du.bchess Co2477tgr, Ivezj yoz.k (REinedeck, 1881) p. 195; Ivezd Yo2.k Tfmes,

April 17, 1901, p. 9, Col. 5; Poztg72keeps4e jvezJs Pz.ess,

April 17, 1901, p. 9, Col. i; Po24g7zkeeps4e Eogze, April 17, 1901, p. 8.

2NI

Ackert read at the first annual meeting a paper

entitled "The Dutchess Cbunty Society of the City of New York. "

At the second armual meeting the paper he gave was entitled "Dutchess Cbunty in Cc]lonial Days. "

HIE FIRST NAI'uRAL REsOuRca INVENTory OF DUTCREss cOuNTy:

HH Den yoEK STATE NATURAL HlsTOFy suRI7Ey 1836-1842

Claude M. FPstein Ph.D. The Ndeural ELsbory Sw[.vey of New rock ii)as esbch-

t±shed to assess i;he ncteur.al resour.ees pr.esent tin i_he s±ctee _dun[.cog the 1830's.

Sappor.i of mctny

tocal I.esfdends to i,deed,fy and I,occlee resources u.as esseuti,al. The devezapmend of this sue.vey and i,I;s I.esults cot.e discussed bg Dr.. Epst;ei,n, As;oe.

Pr.ofessor. ct Stoek±on Sbcdee Cottege3 Pomona, N. J.

Intrduction An inventory of the natural resources of Dutchess Cbunty has recently been cxxpleted by the County Plarming Department to help determine which of the county's natural resources to conserve and which to develop. This is not the first time such an inventory has been conducted for in the period from 1836 to 1842, the State of New York undertoc)k the first natural resource

inventory of the entire state. The results of this survey were pud.Listed in The Ncleural ELsbor.y of New-York, a serf.es oEtweLve

volunfs containing over 5,000 pages of text and aJmost 600

lithographed plates.

Natural resource inventories represent mc>re than a list of resources and management principles.

They involve public partic+

ipation from start to finish. There rust be a public need for therm in order for goverlrment to enact and finance .them.

The

citizens of the areas surveyed rrust Cooperate for they provide not only access to i=he resources thc¥nselves but provide the transportation and lodging services required by the state exployees undertaking the survey. Finally, the results of the inventory Irmst get back to the public that initiated the process in the first place. consequently, the natural resource inventory of 1836-1842 provided the citizens of that era with tec±mical information they required but it also provided us with information al3out the social framework of Dutchess County in the late 1830 , s .

131

Claude M. FPstein

132

Establishment of the Natural History Survey Chiy the state could provide the funding necessary for a survey of the entire region. But in order to get the enabling legislation through the legislature, it had to have widespread supper+.

Early attexpts in 1828 and in 1830 failed.

The scope

of the enabling legislation only benefited the potential coal producing regions of the state. Dutchess Cbunty asselTblymen derronstrated their lack of enthusiasln on both occasions wheel

three out of the four county representatives failed to vote.['2 But in 1836 when new legislation was presented, its scope was

greatly expanded to provide benefits to each county.

It was

passed unanilrously by the asselfroly3 and by a I[`ajority in the state senate.4 The Dutchess County asselTbly representatives included Stoddard Tudd, Abijah G. Benedict, Cbmelius H. Cbrnell and William Fho. State Senator Ijeonard Maison voted with the minority. In any event, Governor William L. Dfrey signed the enabling legislation into law on April 15th,1836.5 The legislation of 1836 passed for many reasons. First, New York State was in a "resource race" with other states and New

York was not in the lead. Governor Marty referred to this in his address to the legislature on January 5th,1836.6 I.n. se?er.al.of the_ eta_±es3 _surveys of this descitpbfon .have been air.eady made, a:nd ch other.s they are_ ch pr'ogr.ess. Fr.om the pontfal ecearrrincritov;s whi,eh hcroe been made of I;his stcrde3 there i,s reason t.o b.ettepe. thc[_i LE i s cle Least equal I;o any other.

Ln the Union Ln the ri,chness and- vainetry .;i its I.esources .

Results from the surveys of other states were reperied in the Poz!gfekeepsze 7oz4z7'zczZ and other papers throughout 1836 telling of

new found gold and copper mines.7 Energy resources were a problem then as now.

[frod was the Irost cormrmly used fuel but was becoming scarcer. In addition,

the use of wood as fuel was resulting in the deforestation of the landscape and the exposure of the surface to soil erosion.

Cbal was a gcod alternative but it had to be jJTperted from

Natural Resouroe Inventory

133

Penneylvania. Thus the profits of New Yedc industry were lost inperting Penneylvania Coal. Governor Marcy, in the addess previously mentioned, cormnented: . . .Lt. may_ be ascer.tciened bg eitt;heal cnd, schenti,ft,a eeecmi;mation that coal fo]aricnd,one discover]ed i,n nebg7[bori;ng di,sbricbs of Permsy7,vand,a3 7j)hkch haDe a.ondri:bated so Trruch to the zbecidth of thai en±eriprbscog sbctee, edeend u)bthim our cyibn boundches.

Mary natural resources were alreacly kncrm and exploited in New York but on a small scale. In addition, Imch capital had been lost on resource investments primarily due to the lack of

information on the geological conditions of the state. With the survey, much capital Could be risked wi.th a greater ch.ance of

return. The natural resources involved included iron and other metals; building materials such. as marble, granite, slate, flag stone and brick clay; agricultural si]pplements such as lime and natural fertilizers; medicines from springs and mineral deposits; and water resources, especially springs.

Many people in the state had a strong interest in natural science. These people siJEpofted the various scientific societies throughout the state but few actually supported themselves in the process. Fen professorships existed, so many of the natural scientists of that tine were physicians or clergymen though sore were engineers or in the military. The natural science crmrmnity of the 1830 `s had much to gain fromthe survey.

First of all, an enormous amount of new information on Botany, Geology, Mineralogy and Zoology would become available to a large

mrfuer of people. Scientists f]rm allied disciplines would be brought together to discuss these findings , therdry stiniulating the development of American scientific thougivt. Finally, it would provide a new source of errplc>yment in the developrnent of a

new professionthe natural scientist.

Too Surveyed Dutchess Cbunty?

Cbvermor Marty hired the staff for the survey. These included a botanist, a mineralogist and a zoologist. Each was

Claude M. FPstein

134

responsible for the entire state and each had an assistant and an a]±ist. He also hired four geologists, each responsible for about one quarter of the state. Each geologist had at leastone assistant and could hire other support staff .8 Cdry the mineralogist and one of the geologists left evidence of visiting Dutchess Cbunty.

William Williams Mather, a graduate of West Point and an

instructor there and at Wesleyan University,9 was in charge of the first geological district which included mtchess Cbunty.

This district stretched from Washington county in the north to RichrrDnd in the south and from Delaware Cbunty in the west to Suffo]Jc county in the east. Mather's assistants included Caleb Briggs, a trained physician who was associated with REnsselaer

Polytechic Institute,L° Frederick Mgrrick, a student of rather's at WesleyanL[ and principal of the Amenia Seminary at the tine of the survey, and I. L. Cassels, another trained

physician.L2 They visited mtchess courty in the s`rmer of l837 and had, at Irost, four Ironths to survey both Dutchess and cblunr bia Counties. L3

Ijevis Caled Beck, graduate of Union Cbllege and instmctor at Rutgers Cbllege, Albany Medical College and New York Univer-

sity,L4 was the state mineralogist.

His assistant was the Rev-

erend Dr. William Horton of orange county.L5 They visited the county from the 26th to 30th of September 1836, on the loth and 2lst of May 1839, and from the l9tli to 23rd and 26th to 28th of August |839.L6

Dutchess Cbunty Citizeris ' Si]ppo]± of the Survey

The surveyors were, for the most part, strangers to the regions they surveyed. They knew few, if any, of the inhabitants and little of the local terrain. They needed to establish contacts within these regions in order to locate and identify its resources and sinply to find out how to get around.

Cfovemor Marry issued a circular to each survey errployee

that served as a letter of introduction and which requested frcm

Natural Resource Inventory

135

each "public spirited individual" info]±ration about localities of interest and any other sort of assistance.L7 Peck andrmther had other means of gaining contacts.

Iewis Beck had developed many crmtacts in A]barry previous to his survey activities. His brother, Theodoric REneyn Beck, provided Secretary of State John A. Dix with many of thereferences used in the enabling legislation of 1836.L8 Beck graduated frmi Union college and had addressed the A]bany Institute in 1832 on the need for a state survey.L9 Thus, when Beck disefroarked from the stealrhoat I?. S. Steue7es on the 26th of Septefroer 1836, he

had a letter of introduction to General Waiter amringham of foughkeepsie and was met at the slip dy i]ro prcinent Poughkeepsie citizens, Judge Charles H. REggles and a ltr. S. A. Van Vranken. The next da:y, he met other prominent citizerrs at the Dutchess Cbunty Bank building. These included Ccheral a]nringhan, U. S. Senator Nathaniel Pt Tal]rmdge, Judge dares Ffrott and other unnaned gentlenen. These gentlemen, in turn, provided

Beck with letters of introduction to people in the interior.

Cme of these was Dr. Stoddard Tudd of Union Vale, who had voted

while in the state assefroly for the survey and who providedBeck with lodgings the following da:y. In addition, Beck was introduced to several iron cxpan:y agents. These included a Mr. Martin and a ntr. Spooner of the Fishkill Iron Cbxpany, a Mr. Stockholm of Hc>pewell, Elisha Sterling of the Clove Iron forks, and a EL. Itober±s (perhaps Elder P. Roberts) of the Itover Iron Ctryany..20 Years later, Beck wrote in his reminiscences how "inining mania was quite rife" in poughkeepsie.21

Mather developed a different chain of contacts. He infornd Cbvernor Marty that he intended to use local nevspepers and rmgazines.22 He published a questiormaire, one of which apr peared in the June loth and 17th issues of the Ge7eessee Fczz"ez. cz77d Gcz2.de77ez.'s c7c)ztz.7'zczZ of 1837, which was to be filled in by the

local pepulus and sent to hin in Albany prior to his survey visit. This questiormaire was divided into fourteen categories,

Claude M. FPstein

136

each with several questions , that would provide information on strictly geological phenomena and on practical natural resource matters. The questionnaire also provided detailed information on the collection of saITples and their shipment to A]bany free of pestage. 23 riather's assistants also provided contacts. Merrick, as principal of the Amenia Seminary, was already familiar with sore of the county and scrmf of its more helpful citizenry. Cassels and Briggs, both physicians, prc)bably had oontacts with the local nedical societies. In addition, people.,who were already exploiting the oounty's natural resources or people known to be nature enthusiasts were sought out by the surveyors for help and information. Mather acknowledged six Dutchess county residents in his preliminary report as having provided their "hospitality and attention." These were Dr. Luke(?) Stanton of Amenia, Judge Abraham Bockee of N]rtheast, Walter Reynolds and Dr. Jacob I. H. (?) Davis of Pine Plains, Ch=is Bormian of Milan, and Edward

• 24 K. (?) James of Poughkeepsle.

(The question marks are added

because Mather did not always cite his informants first names.)

In all, the names of sjrty-three citizens of Dutchess Cbunty were recorded in various survey documents. They provided

information, access to property, hospitality, contacts or pelitical support for the surveyors (Appendix, Table I) . Thus the survey, which needed local pul31ic support, developed the contacts necessary to survey the natural resources of the county

in a relatively short period of time.

The S©eyor's Itinerary Field work jm the 1830's was Irore difficult thari it is today.

The arrangements for travel, food and lodging had to be

worked out well before the surveyors visited their areas of study. MJreover, the regions to be studied were enorlrous.

Careful preparation about where to visit, how to get there and how to retrieve and ship specimens back to Albanywas necessary.

Beck's itinerary has survived in his field notes.25 But that

Natural Resource Inventory

137

of Mather and his assistants had to be reconstructed front various sources. First, the location of places visited and the people he and his staff conferred with are lnentioned in his prelininary reper+ to the legislature and in his final repert.26 Second, the probable routes taken can be inferred from the stage routes of that tine27 and from old maps of the county.28 Figure i.)

(see

Indgings were handled differently by the different surveyors.

Beck sta:yed in hotels. Thile in Dover, he stayed at

C. H. Belden's, Wing's Tavern, and the Stone Church Hotel. In Clove, he lodged at the hona of Stoddard Tudd and at Skidmore's

Im.

He lodged at Cbpley`s StorlrIville House in Storlwille and

dined at Stone's in Fishkill Village. He even recorded receiving "uncivil treatment" dy Bram the Irmkeeper in Alneniaville causing him to take his business to Belden's. Mather traveled by small boat along the banks of tire Hudson.

I speft±_ a consi,der.chLe bLme i;n meanderi;mg and e^3T~btry~]^tLh?`].S_}_o_::_:_ ?,i_ _th3e_ _Pr4_s_o_n, 3nc,arngchg z9

every ndgh± wher.ever the dan.knees overtook. me.

Little else is known of his travel arrangements hcIvever. Men rick lived in Ameniaville and Ira:y have provided lodging to the others at one time or another.

Beck and Horton, being mineralogists , restricted their

visits to jxportant mineral localities. They toured the iron furmaces and iron ore beds near Hopevell (East Fishkill) , Clove Furnace (Bee]enan/thion Vale) , Dover Plains and Zineniaville (Amenia) in 1836 and again in 1839.

They visited the plunbago

deposit (graphite) on the farm of Peter Dewint south of Fishkill lianding at the base of the Hudson Highlands and the talcr

iron ch©ate--actinolite deposits south of Peckville (East Fishkill) . Finally, they visited the marble quarries in Dc)ver Plains stopping at Stone church on the way.

The geologists had to visit lrDre of the county. Each looked at different areas but there was sore overlap. Mather traveled by boat along the Hudson River front Red Hook to Fishkill.

He

Claude M. FPstein

138

tot)k a route Irore or less parallel to the Post Ftoad from Fishkill I-anding to beyond Upper Red Hook, traveling frcm the Post ltoad to the Hudson at Hyde Park, REinebeck, haer Red Hook and tkyper Red Hook.

He traveled on the Dutchess-Sharon TurmpjJce

from Poughkeepsie to Ameniaville passing through Pleasant VAlley, Washington Hollcw, Harts Village, Mabbetsville and Lithgcw.

He also traveled the route from Thinebeck to Ameniaville passing through I-afayetteville, Pine Plains , Bethel, Shekoneko, and "The City."

He 777czgr have taken two other routes.

These are the

route front Fishkill to Bee]rman passing through Hopeavell and Stormville and the route from Washington Hollow to Pine Plains

passing through Stanfordville and Attlebury. He made geological cross sections of his transects along the Hudson and on the Sharon Tumpjke.

Calch Briggs also tock the Dutchess-Sharon TumpjJce butwent beyond Ameniaville to rortheast Center, Salisbury and Sharon.

He traveled the route from Barnegate (Poughkeepsie) on the Hudson to Pawling passing along the southern border of I.aGrange and the norfuerm border of Bee]man. In addition, he traveled over Winchell MOLmtain (ltortheast) with Mather.

I. L. Cassels and Frederick Merrick traveled the Haarlem VAlley front Northeast Center to Pawling, passing through rmeniaville, Wassaic, Itover Plains, and Hurd's Cbmers. He traveled the Sharc>n Turnpike. In addition, he covered two general regions of the county. Cme was central and easterm Hyde Park east of the Post ltoad and that part of the county where Pawling, Dover, Uhion Vale and Beedrman ccme together from Hurd's Cbrners over Pawling ifeuntain and Depot Hill to Bee!rmanville.

Frederick Merrick visited rare places in the County than the other geologists. He surveyed the Post RDad front below RIinebeck to Upper Red-Hook. He traveled from tpper Red Hook, skirting Cblunfoia county border, to Pine Plains via Tackson Comers and nfount ltoss. He passed along the road front lower Red Hcokto Pine Plains passing through Rock City and I+afayetteville. He

Natural Resource Inventory

139

traveled from Pine Plains to Ameniaville by way of Bethel, Shekoncko and "The City." He surveyed the northern pertious of union Vale and I.aGrange from Chestnut Ridge to Clove, Verback

and Freedcm. He surveyed the route frc)in Fishkill to Toheville to StorlrIville (East Fishkill/Fishkill) . Finally, he toured the Haarleni Valley with Cassels.

Thus, the division of the county by Mather and his assistants allcIved for a survey of most of its area, although the thc)roughness of the survey varied from place to place.

The Natural Resources of Dutchess Cbunty The results of the survey promised many things to many

people. How well did it fulfill their expectations? The survey concluded the resources available for agriculture included freshwater peat, shell marl, river and delta depesits and linestone.

These were found in abundance in the couni¥.

River and

delta deposits, rich in organic matter, existed near the Irouids of the major streams along the Hudson River.

rather recxrmiended

that these depesits be either drained by dikes and fa± ordug lip and used as manure on sterile soils. (It is an historical irony that many of these locations are now left unexploited and protected as freshwater wetlands. ) Freshwater shell marls were found in a]rost every fan in the couni=y. Shell marls consist of whole and decaITpesed pieces of clam and snail shells from

organisrms that once iinabited the lakes of the county. At the time rmch Ironey was being spent jxporting gypsum from Nova scotia

to lime the soils of the county. The substitutionof local shell marls for the same purpose would have greatly reduced that expr]se. Notable deposits of this resource were found on the plains east of Stissing M)untain, in tJpton`s and Hunn's I,ake (Stanford) , in Iong Pond (Red Hook) , in Chalk and found Ponds

(jmenia) , and in many other par+s of the county. Freshwater peat was even Irore abundant. It was found along the lake lurgins and in the peat bogs of the county. This peatcouldbeused

in two ways.

lil

It could serve as a fertilizer andsoil conditioner

Claude M. FPstein

140

or could be dried and used as fuel. Major peat deposits were found on the plains east of Stissing M)untain, in the Haarlem VAlley north of. Pawling, in the wetlands near lbver Plains and Ameniaville, in south central Hyde Park, and scattered throughout the County in many locations. Finally,.1inestone, when burned in kiins, becomes line which can be used as a soil conditioner. Six kiins actively produced lime at Barmegate (Poughkeepsie) at the time of the survey. I]arge quantities of ljmeT

stone were available around those kilns for future exploitation.

The survey revealed a wealth of natural resources suitable for const]action purposes. These resources included brick clay, slate, graywacke, granite, gneiss and marble. Clay deposits existed in abundance along the Hudson. Brick manufacturies existed in Poughkeepsie and also in Upper Red Hook and rowerRed Hook I.anding. Slate, largely used for roofing tiles, existed throughout the county but was largely unexploited at the time of the survey. Mather cxrmented: Indeed, the qualiiitdy of slclee3 sulbcbze for. roofi;ng3 condckmed i;n this I.c[nge of rnow'teal;ns and hiLLs,

cc[n bqe esttxpa.bed, only ,by .seyLng, th bs suf f tchend to sappLy a ndei,orn's zbands for. ages.

Graywacke, a kind of sandstone, was abundant in Red Hook and in

RIinebeck.

It too was largely unexploited and could be used,

depending on its internal characteristics , for such things as stone walls and foundation blocks to jeweller's touchstones and whetstones. Granite and Cineiss (a rock of similar oc)r[position to granite) existed in abundance in the Hudson Highlands along the southern border of the county. It was also found on Stissing MJuntain, East Mountain (Dover) and along the PawlingBee]rman border. It too was hardly exploited. But marble was another matter. Mather and Beck found marble quarries in operation when they reached Dc)ver Plains.

But there was much more

available. Dutchess Cbunty marble had a distinct advantage, it did not have to be shipped long distances over rough terrain like marble frun Ve]zrrmt and Massacinusetts.

Natural Resource Inventory

141

Mather ccrm`ented : B_eds of mar.bLe_, .zs good as those..of Sbockbridge and Egrenond. . .undethbed:ly eocksb. . .Ln N.or.theasb, A]menda3 Dover., Ponttmgs 3 Bee:l<man and FLchhiLL, i;n Dutchess Coun:ty. The oec:uar.once of beds swk+vcifeLe for mconbLe West of the lrountains., £s dxpoz.tcz7'zt, 47? GCJ7eseqz4e7?ce

a+iA. 3t_h=` ~dLk_prm:_kAshLf_a_ egiv.a_n_Se 3ftf bTanspoutation bh the

ti,de v)cdeer of the Hudson.

He ftrfuer oonmented.: The mar.bte bprsbness fs one thai wttl alroa:gs e:rrqptoy marry inch card rrruch capkbal3 c[nd bhks vaLudeLe rna:±erial i,s so _chundan;± thcde kb bs peTfectty Lneeehausti;bLe in

anungfarf%nbhntgespoeurndc°edo°ffwteLamke3h.g32dLbzj)i-Ltckdeagsbean

The major industrial resources sought by i=he survey were the Inetal ores and coal. Iron ore was the most mined mineral inthe county at the time of the survey. The iron industry errplcryed many people in mining, smelting, transporting and forging. Ten furmaces existed wi+Erin twelve miles : of Zmeniaville with another in nearly Ancram and still another in Hopewell.33 IronEnelting used limestone and coal (or dharcoal) thereby supporting those industries as well. fyferricEc and Beck studied the ore beds at Hopenell, Clove, Itover`Flrmace, "Squabble Hole" (Amenia) , aia]k Pond (AIenia) , and Indian Pond (Northeast) . Beck spent ]mch tine examining the furmaces at Beelrmanville, Hopewell , Dover FIJr-

nace and Ameniaville to ascertain which had the most productive operation. Fton these observations, he oorrmented on the best

procedures to be utilized in future furnaces. rather stated that the ore beds being used at that tine represented a smallproportion of the ore available.34 Further, he corrmen;tedon the fortuitous location of adjacent limestone and fuel deposits that could

allcw for even greater nuters of furnaces for iron manufature.35 He was rmch Irore cautious with respect to lead ore depesits .

Although rl;uner.ous Locahiti,es zber.e ecacwi;ned3 none toer'e seen v)her.e i,t zbas deemed admLschLe bo expend rrruch money i;na pr.oseoubing nd;ndmg enberrprises 3 `stiLZ,. i,b Ls

Claude M. FPstein

142

bhoughi highig pr.obchz,e.,thai vcdruchz,e rrrines of this or'e -meg b; dire;overed.36

The only location that seened promising was on the farm of Abrahari Bockee jm northeast where lead had been mined in the past.37

The one industrial resource not found by the survey was coal. There had been hope of finding anthracite in Dutchess county but it was not found in exploitable quantities. Mather suggested peat might serve as a siJbstitute fuel source. As mentioned previously, wcod as a fuel was beconing scarcer and having deleterious side effects on the environment.

Springs constituted an jxpoftant natural resource for man:y reasons. First, they provided a year round source of potable water. In addition, man:y of the springs were rich in minerals that could be used for medicinal purposes. Finally, man:y min-

erals carried ky the spring water precipitated the formation of concentrated mineral deposits that could be used for agriculture and industry. Merrick, in particular, and Mather, to a lesser extent, examined many of these springs in Dutchess County. They examined the springs at Cozd Spzri77g, on the southwest side of Stissing M3untain, and at C'Zo2;e Spzri7eg, in Clove VAlley.

These

produced constant, large quantities of potable water. They visited springs that produced deposits of alLm in NDrtheast, Amenia and Pal^7ling.

They examined springs that produced iron

precipitates at tpton`s I.ake (Stanford) and at Kline 's Cormers (AIenia) . They also observed sulfur springs near Ameniaville, gas springs near Shckorrcko, and iron sulfate springs in Ameniaville and in a region south of Poughkeepsie.

The reaction of some citizens of Dutchess county to all this surveying was, at tines, irrational. Beck had encountered the "mining mania" in Poughkeepsie but rather encountered Iinan:y more

episodes of irrationality. For exalrple, the premise of sudden wealth lead sore to land fraud. Mather reports tire case of a fry. Adsett, who purchased worthless land prior top i]re survey

Natural Resource Inventory

143

visits and sold it at inflated prices jxplying that itpossessed scon to be discovered mine]al deposits.:38 Mather reported the case of a large lump of anthracite being recovered in Peekskill.

An account of this discovery was reperted in the Po2{gfekeepsde 7cJz4zapeczz on January l8th, 1837.39

rather deterdred:

This teas afteroar.ds aseerbcitned bo hove been buryted by a. desi,gndng per.son._ utth a vfe:iJ to get ap an i:cachi6inenuf:--deJ-;i;i;rfei;;V;e~oni::iigvi;oozi;gwife;'6oal.40

iferrick told Mather that several pits he had encountered in rortheasterm I.aGrange had been dug, according to local tradition, in the search for silver some tine in the l8th century. uerrick saw no evidence of silver at the location.4[ Finally, rather encountered, on several occasions , individuals believing in the nystical pewers of divining rods and polished glass talislrrms as means of locating lead deposits. The reputedly, rildmarmered Mather reacted strongly to these practices which, to hin as a practioner of the science of Geology, Inust have-been

akin to witchcraft.

(Incidently, his ancestor Cotton hither

would probably have disagreed with hid. ) Too_ marry _one sbbu beuever.s ch the Trrt;ner.al rod. Gnd. s_rffer themse_I_v_t3s to be a:u:pea dy the desfgndmg3 but ther.e cme stiLL sorrie who use the Ted;ner.al -I.od,--and

czz.e ignorant of the cause of its Irotion, zd72o fzz"Zg

b.eueve i.n bbs_ vi,r±ues.

It fs time thde i;hi; faltih

Lp the_ wi;ner.al rod chould be eapzoded. cnd thde all shout_d ]Anqprstcnd, thde those vho pr.ofess bo be chLe bo i?nd Tndner.ale, or.es3 e±c.. bg a uttch haete3 peach3 _or allay other. for.ked twfgs3 or. sbri;ps of b]haleb^o^.n+eL ^u_Lf3_~3._S_£t_:^erL]^O_r I:t_h_e_r +AinoL2_ _O_.r_ i;f if_ givd._ -ore

42

either kn;aN:Nes or the a:apes of their ovn bg'nor.once.

The overall goals of the Natural History Survey of thestate of NI^7 York i]nder±aken f]:on 1836 to 1842 was i.) to shed light

on the natural resources found within the state, 2.) to suggest which resources would provide a likely return, and 3.) to in-

dicate the potential pitfalls likely to arise in the search for these resources.

They docunented the plants, aninals and min-

erals of the state but hardly stressed Conservation of those resources.

That would occur at a later time when i±re limits of

Claude M. FPstein

144

those resources were more~ keenly felt. Nevertheless, the resources encountered by the survey in Dutchess Cbunty had different histories. Peat was never e2rfeeasively used for fuel while wcod and jxporied Coal were. Shell marl and burnt lime-

stone,like all agricultural products, were exploited for a tine but have declined in the twentieth century with the decline of agriculture. Dutchess Cbunty did not produce much lead but iron was significant i]p to the twentieth century. Brick and marble

production has also declined in this century. today's lrost valued natural resources are water, sand and gravel and the scenic beauty of the land itself . The first was onlymarginally examined while the last tiro were ignored entirely by the first natural resource inventory. The natural resources of the ningr teenth century are now only of historical interest. New ages require new resources.

Fhchotes LNen York State Ijegislature, Assembzgr 7o2unczz , 51-s:t: Session, 1828 (A]bany: Croswell, 1828) , Fp. 10-11.

2Nev York State I.egis,lature, Asse77zbzgr c7-ozfflczz , 53rd Session, 1830 (A]bany: Cfoswell, 183.0) , pp. 474-475.

3New York State I.egislature, AssG77zbzgr 7c)z4z7eczz. 59th Session,

1836 (Albany: Croswell,1836) , p. 507.

4Nev York State I.egislature, Se7?czte 7o#z77czZ, 59th Session, 1836 (Albany: Croswell, 1836) , pp. 350-351.

5Fisher, mnald W.,1981, "Hmons, Hall, mther, and Vanuxen+-the four `horsemen' of the New York State Geological Survey (1836-1841) ", jvoz.±feeczstezp7+a GGoZc>grz/, v. 3, pp. 29-46.

6Poftgfekeeps4e Jc>2fflczz, January 13th, 1836.

7Po#g%keepsze 7o2unczz, april 13th, 1836, Septefroer 14th,

1836, ct=tober 26th, 1836, Decerrber 17th, 1836.

An echaustive

treatlnent of the New York State Natural History Survey (18361845) is presented in the doctoral dissertation of Michele Aldrick, 1974, "Nemr York Natural History Survey, 1836-1845",

Uhiversity of TIExas at Austin, University Microfilms Interrmtional ,

Natural Resource Inventory

145

8_Tflen.York eta:±e Sta:thhes, Lou)s of :the Sbcdse of New-Yor.k,

59th Session, 1836 (Albany: Croswell) , p. |95; Poafgfekeepsde 7oezr.7'aczz, August 3rd, 1836.

9Vqute, _danes I. , T900 , The Nedonal EheycLapedi,a of Amer'+Can Bi,ogr.ap7ay , v. VI:rl, p.140.

L°Wilson, James Girant & John Kiske, editors, 1888, 4ppZGton's Cyctapaedia of Amerrdcan Bi,ogr'apdy , v. I, E>. 5]4.

LLREds , Cthristina, 1984 , pez7sc>7tc[Z cormz#qfccz±do77.

L2Nen York State Iegislature, Asse77zZ)Zgr I)c)c3z#'ie7zt IVc>. ZOO,

6lst Session, 1838 (A]bany: Croswell) , p. 142.

13Ibid.' p.121.

L4cb|e, william H. ,1967, "That amazing Inan Beck", Jc>enczz of the Rutgers Undver.skby hi:br.c[ny , v. 2EE1, p@. 33-39.

L5Beck, |]eds C. , "Personal narrative of Dr. Ijevis C. Beck, covering the period of 1819-1849", Beck Papers, REtgers Uhiver-

sity' fox 11.

L6Beck, I.evis C.,1836 & 1839, "Journal of travels through the state of New York`', Beck Papers, REgers University, Box 11.

L7Ge7?esee Fczz"ep a Gczz.de77ez.'s Jozfflczz, August 26i±„ 1836,

p. 256.

L8Beck, I.ah}is C. , "Personal narrative...", P. 77.

L9Beck, |jewis C. ,1832, "Armual address delivered before the A]bany Institute, 1832'', Beck Papers, Fhatgers University, Box

Ill.

2°Beck, Ijewis C. , ''Toumal of travels...", entries for 26th29th September, 1836.

2LBeck, |fflis C., "Personal narrative...", P. 97.

2hather, william w. , letter to W. L. Marty dated 24th of Ck*ober 1836, GraEz Cbllection, Historical Society of Pennslyvania.

23Genesee Farmer & Gardener's JouenaL, J`]ne L6th, L837 ,

pp. 177-178; June 17th, 1837, p. 188.

24"en..Hck Sta:be ±jeq±slature, Assemg Doeunent No. 200,

"Reperi of W. W. Mather, Geologist of the first geological

Claude M. EPstein

146

district of the state of New York", 6lst Session, 1838 (A]bany: Ctoswell) , p. 142.

25Beck, |jewis C., "Journal of travels...", Tournal No.I (6/24/1836-10/23/1836) ; Tourml No. 6 (11/i/1836-3/i/1837) ;

Jo± to.. 21 (5/9/1839-5/22/1839) ; Journal No. 24 (7/13/18398/22/1839) ; To± to. 25 (8/23/1839-6/22/1840) , Beck Papers, RIItgers University, Box 11.

26same as Ehd|rote 24; mther, William W„ 1843, Geozoggr of Nee York, Pcont I. corrrpr.i,si,rig I;he survey of the fi,I.st geotogbcal czfstzJdc±, 653 pp., 35 figs., 46 pis. (including colored map and

cross-sections ) .

27pokgfekeepsde 7oor77czZ, Decelfroer 14th, 1836.

28Map of Dubchess Coundy3 Nev York fran actual survegs ,

1858, John E. Gillette, Pi]blisher, Ithiladelphia, Pennsylvania.

29rather, william w.,1843, Geozoggr. . .IVY I, p. 428.

3°New York State I.egislature, Asse7rfezgr I)ocz#He77t IVo. ZOO,

"Report of W. W. Mather ,... ", 6lst Session, 1838 (Albany: Crosoell) , p. 162.

31Ibid., p.171.

3hather, william w.,1843, c;ec7Zoggr. . .jvy I, p. 446.

33New York State I.egislature, Asse77zZ)Zgr I)ocz#He7?i IVo. ZOO,

"Rfpo]± of W. W. rather ,... ", 6lst Session, 1838 (A]bany: Crc)swell) , p. 181.

34Mather, william W. , 1843, Cec)Zog#. . .rvF I, p. 497.

35|bid., pp. 497-498.

36|bid., p. 498.

37Ibid., p. 5ol.

38foid., p. 393.

39po#gfekeeps4e c7.oa4z%czZ, January l8th, 1837.

4°mther, william W.,1843, Geozc)ggr. . .JprY I, p. 507.

4L|bid., p. 503.

42|bid., p. 503.

Natural Resource Inventory

147 APPENDIX

Table I.

Putchess Cbunty Citizens I Participat±_o±

in the New York Natural History Survey (1836-1842)

Cbunty Resident & location

Slxppori Provided

Fiesource fry

Natural Reported

Property

Cbpper

Cdssels

Ore Sulfur

Mather

AITnda=

can. John Brush, "The city"

Access Prop. Acc.

Thc)mas Ingraham, AIeniaville

rm^Ifence smith, east Amenia beacon Sanford, east jmenia

"

''

p::=±ng ctsse|s Shell Mather

rml

Dr. Luke Stanton, Ameniaville

IieacoTEAmeniT

"

'`

Inforlration Peat

Stanton, northeast

"

Prop. Acc. Peat

Van Benschoten,

?

"

"

fock

Theeler ,

7

"

''

"

" Briggs

Striations "

Beeklrm:

Elisha sterling, Clove Furnace

Beck

pany Agent Ore

Clinton:

i-er=+:::;

Iron com-Iron

3

iro=iiAcc. E::|e Cperator

Joseph I.eroy, near Pleasant Pins. Prop. Acc. Unde]m7ood, "

"

''

"

"

Lilrre-

stone

mther Beck

rather

Peat

Ibver=

Elder Job Foss , Dover plains

Quarry Cperator

Marble

*The first names underlined have been inferred based on information from the New York Census of 1830 and j7dstoz.# of Dztc7zess Coz4'z±2/, James H. Smith, assisted by H. H. Cble and W. E. foscoe

(Syracuse, N. Y.,1882) .

be inferred.

In a fen7 cases no first nalnes could

Claude M. FPstein

148

county Resident & Location

Suppert Provided

Natural Fieperted Resource by

(Itover, continued) : James Ketchaln, Dover Plains

Quarry

NIble

John M. Ketcham, "

"

John Preston, near Wassaic Elder P. Fbberts, Ibver Fu]mace

Fbenezer Stevens , cover Plains

Qperator

Beck

„

Beck '

mther IIead Ore Mather Iron Ore Beck

Prop. Acc.

Iron com

pany Agent rmble Quarry

curator '

Beck,

mther

"

Beck

«

Mather

Fishkill _._ (ins]+]€ir]g_ Fast Fishkil| and wappinger=) : Arman, ?

Prop. Acc. Cbal

Mather

Mahlon Wing, Dover Plains Nailorwing, " "

I,

5EtTter bewint, southeast Fishkill Mine

Spener ,

Cperator

Iron -

?

Stoc]tho]m, Hopcin7ell

Vanwyck, near Tohnsville

Plunhago dyierrick, Bealc

Iron ore BecEc

pany Agent I

,,

Prop. Acc.

,I

,,,,

Oc)pper Ore

Merrick

IIyde Parks

Peat

Elias TbIlpkins , Union Cbrmers

Gas s els

ELlan=

Ch=is C. Barman, Iiafayetteville

John I. Iink'

„

REland story,

"

Information various Mather Prop. Ace. Iron "

Cited by

Spring Shell Marl, "

Barman

Peat

northeast: Abraham Bockee , Shekomeko

Political Limestone Mather Sxppert , Spring Prop. Acc. ,

Information, IIead Ore

hue oner Ward Bryan, Shetsomeko

Major

Prop. Acc.,

tie oner

Denton, Winchell Mtn. Prop. Acc.

Ijead cn=e

Itock

"

Briggs

Striations

Daniel I.ee, Northeast Center E. (Fphraim) Merritt, i

Zinc ore Mather Marble ME]rick

Isaac Smith, Shekomeko

Gas Spring rather

frorster Theeler, coleman Station

Marble

Merrictc

Natural Resource Inventory Cbunty Resident & Iocation

149

Suppeit Provided

Natural Reported REource lay

Pine Plains : Dr. Jacob I. H. Davis, Pine Plus. Information various Mather Waiter Reyrolds , near Pulver corners

Pleasant Villev : William Thorn, Pleasant Valley Gen. Welter Cmninghan, City

Fossils Briggs

Provided

BecHc

Cbntacts

J- Erott, City

iEd K. _H. J-, City Charles

"

Ru99les, City

Nathaniel P. Talmadge, City

Andrew Underhill, East Bough.

Information various Mather Provided

BecEc

Cbntacts Political SLPpert' Provided Cbntacts Brick Manu-Brick fac±urer Clay

Peter Vanvoorhis , eastern sector Prop. Acc. Peat S. A. Vanvranken, City

Provided

Charles Vassar, East Bough.

Brick Manu-Brick

Beck

Mather Cassels BecEc

Cbntacts

fac±urer

Clay

Prop. Acc.

Cbpper Ore

Mather

RE Hcx3k:

Nathan Bec]awith, northeast RE Hcx)k

Rev. Cbrnelius Gates, southern RE Hcok

"

Information shell

"

Walker, Im7er Red Hook Idg. Brick Manu-Brick

`'

rml

facturer

Clay

ELdeck: Major

Pultz ,

P

R. (RItsen) Suckley, northerm

I.and cited Shell EEL

"

I,,

thcheck

Stanford: E. 8. Hoag, Attlchury

Property Access (?)

Peat

"

Claude M. EPstein

150

Cbunty Resident & Iocation

Natural Reper+ed Resource by

SLPpert Provided

(Stanford, Continued) : Asa Thcxpson, near Hunns I.ake

Asa Thorne, Attlchury

I.and Cited IIead Ore Mather I

''

.

''

,I

''

union vale: Dr. Stoddard Judd, Clove Spring

Political superfe,

Bedc

raging

Unce]±ain Iocations :

Zdsett

Ijand

Ores

Mather

Pay

Quarry

Marble

Beck

Speculator Cwher

Martin Qtrig, clove (?)

Info-tion the Cwher

Flees, Clove (?)

rfue Oner

Beck

Figure i.

PROBABLE

ROUTE

OF

Ma'her

iiii ? I :H Merrick Cassels

Briggs

Beck & Horton

®oooooo

SELECTED

NATURAL RESOURCES

*

Iron ore

+

Leadore Marble

a

Graywacke

Js

Limestoi7e

b

Brick

s

Springs

+,.---'', Clay

Towns

Probable routes of the Natural History Surveyors and selected natural resources encountered. Author's. map.

i

TIE TUREIItis Or3' plEASANT VAIIEy

Alson D. Van Wagner Turri;pi;kes condri;bated consider.abz;ey bo the econornde arid soar,al devedapmen± of Jin±chess Cou]ri:dy Ln i;he 19th cent:Wry. Alson T/art Wagner.3 Local hisborrtan. discusses two of these drripor.balite LLnks bo the

Hudson ELver., the pri;nci;pie comection tobth other. pcmbs of New Tor.k.

Th:y on earth irould an:yone be interested in the history of turmpikes? Curiosity al3out roads is often aroused by houses,

fences and lines of old trees which have illogical relationships to present day roads. fry cRTi curiosity reaches to Ivy early years, wiren frcm the age of six I walked to school with Iny friends across abandoned and rerouted old roads. Research into

the reasons for the relocation of a road and the resultant illogical locations of house, fences and trees often pointed to the work of a turnpike .cxxparry.

These cxpanies built new roads

during the nineteenth century for the convenience of travellers and for income for the oonpan:y. The intent of this paper is to discuss the development of turnpikes in Dutchess Cbunty during the nineteenth century. The Dutchess Turnpike and the Salt lbint Turnpike, both of which travel through Pleasant VAlley and should be seen as a unit, will be the focus for this discussion.

The principle histories of Dutchess Cbunty, written while some of the turnpikes were extant or shortly after their demise, make only brief and passing note of their existence. Philip Smith, in his treatment of the totm of Pleasant Valley, says "The Duchess Tirmpjke runs diagonally through this torn, meeting '

the Amenia and Itover TLirmpikes a short distance east of the

Hollow. It was built about the beginning of the present century.]`L In the torn of Washington section he locates bra landowners on this turnpike but makes no other lrmtion of it. He does not mention the Salt Point turnpike at all. James H. Smith makes little reference to either turnpike.2 Hasbrouck sixply 153

Alson D. Van Wagner

154

mentions the Highland Turnpike (i.e. the A]ban:y Post Road) and

the Dutchess Turmpike in describing their jxporiance to the freighting business. He also mentions tiro other turnpikes in the southern Dutchess county.3 Edm]nd Platt devoted only one paragraph to plank roads and the Poughkeepsie and Salt Point Plank toad Company. He made brief reference to the Dutchess Tunpike in the cii]r of Poughkeepsie.4 Henry REble Mccracken devoted a few sentences to "Pikes" in Ozd I)#±c7zess For.eue2..5

Until the tine of the Revolution and for a few years after New York was oriented to the sea and the streams that flowed into the sea. Settlement was directed to those areas whichwere served by navigable streams. New York State's developrnent was favored by the Hudson River, navigable by sea-going ships some 150 miles up to Albany. For example, the area near Kingston along the Wallkill and the ltondout Rivers which fed into the Hudson was soon settled jm spite of problems with the resident Indians. With no navigable streams reaching into fertile farmr ing areas settlenent in Dutchess Cbunty was delayed. Nevertheless Dutchess did rapidly beocrme settled in the l8th century.

After the expulsion of the British from New York City Dutchess became a lrDst jxportant provider of grains, fndts, and aninal

products to that grcwhg pepulation in spite of mommental obstacles to getting the produce to the landings at Fishkill and foughkeepsie. These obstacles were soon to be challenged by the enterprising businessmen and farmers of Dutchess Cbunty and the

rest of the state.

The first measure required to transport heavy loads to the river landings seened to be changing the rough, mirddy trails to roads to allow faster transport of larger loads hauled byhorses and oxen. But the State had little revenue or credit to undertake such a costly project. Thus by 1797 the State I.egislature authorized a private corporation to construct a turnpike between A]bany and Schenectady.6 In return for providing this ptolic service the corporation was given limited eminent domain to

"mpikes . of Pleasant VAlley

155

chtain old roads and land needed for construction of the in proved road. Also it was allowed to e:Sect toll gates to gather tolls for its use. For the next twenty years a sizeable nuter of the acts of the legislature were concerned with the incorporation and regulation of turnpike corporations.

In Dutchess Cbunty, during this period, the increasing agricultural production of the interior section frapuently found

that the easiest, if not the shortest, route to a river landing was along a trail called the Oswego ltoad that led to Fishkill Ijanding.

The businessmen of Poughkeepsie viewed this developr

lrrmt with alarm and decided to obtain the cooperation of the farmers and merchants of the tcrm of Washington to jxprove the route that had been ]mclm as the Filkintcrmi Road to divat ITore business to the lbughkeepsie lahding. Accordingly legislation introduced on April 5th, 1802. was passed incorperating the Imtchess Turmpjke axpany.7 Inaxprators named were William Thorm, Itobert Ahoatt, Fhifus Park, Daniel S. Dean, George 8. Eversen, Joshua Ward, Thc]mas Nevoofro, William Shipley, Gilbert Livingston, William Erott, John Newoofro, Stephen Hendrickson,

Hulet Peters, Fbenezer Mott, Isaac Smith, Willialn lathrop, Benjamin Herrick, Philip Hart, Fbenezer Haight, William Ttry, Richard Davis and perhaps others.

The authorized route of the turnpike was from the foughkeepsie court House passing through "Pleasant Valley settlement" to "near Tjmc)tky Beadle's" at Washington Hollow and frcm

there to be divided in th7o sections, one easterly to the State of Cbnnecticut near Sharon, and the other passing through Dfechanic (present South Millbrook) via Plylrouth Hill at ±ence Belding's to Itover. The capitalization authorized was 2,000 shares of $30 each. A few months later a supplementary act raised the total capitalization to $75,000. It seems that even in 1802 costs had a way of exceeding early estintes.

The act is quite specific in regard to election and term of officers, taking of land, settlenent techniques between turnpike

Alson D. Van Wagner

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Corporation and landcrmer, etc. The road was to be at least 4 rods wide (66 feet) "except where valual]le buildings inter- . fere!", 28 feet "of which shall be bedded with stone, gravel or other hard sifostance one foot thick and faced with gravel, or stone pounded, or other small hard si]bstance. . ,rising towards the middle by a gradual arch, and not so steep. . .as that a waggon. . .loaded with hay will not be overturned by moving on any

part. . . ; and the waterways on each side. . .as that in tines of sncw they will form a gcod path for sleds." mrthermore the turnpike lmst be kept in good repair. If six freeholders corr plained of the condition of the road to any judge of corrmon

pleas the latter appointed three freeholders to ascertain the facts. If they found the ccxplaint justified the judge scrmetrfes directed one or more of the five gates to be kept open

until repairs were certified.

For purposes of toll collection the turnpike was divided

into five districts with one gate in each district. The first gate was to be "jrmediately belcw the road from Swego" (i.e. in present-day Arlington on Main Street just east of Ra:prtond Avenue) , with another gate before Timothy Beadle's, two gates on the Sharon section, and one on the Itover section. The specified rates, in view of the value of the 1802 dollar, seem quitehigh.

Sample rates for each 10 miles, shorter distances proportionately less were: score of sheep or hogs

6¢

score of cattle horse and rider chariot, coach, phaeton

121/2¢ 4¢ 25¢

4wheeled vehicle drawh7n ky 2 horses or oxen salne dralm by 1 horse

121/2¢ 6¢

Those going to or front a funeral, an election, worship on Sunda:y, a mill with grain or flour for family use were exeapt from

paying tolls. Also wagons or carts "the wheels of which shall be Irade with felloes of the breadth of eight inches on .t=he face or out side of then, shall and Imay use said road, and pass said

Turnpikes. of Pleasant Valley

157

gates free frcm any toll or expence whatsoever, for five years after the gates are erected." Natura]|y there we]=e also penal-

ties for failure to pay tolls, for detouring through the fields to get around the toll gates, and on the toll gatherers for collecting excessive tolls. Reports of the Corporation were to be made annually to the State Ctrytroller: .

Then the Ctrytroller found that all expenses of construction and repair of the road had been recovered and the return on the investlnent exceeded 14% per armun the Corporation was to

be dissolved. It never happened. Strikingly, while the act provided ap to sir years for oorlpletion the project was near enough ccxpleted in tlro years so that operation sta]ded in l804, a lronunent to the energy and diligence of the incorporators.

A]rost jrmediately there was scineduled stage service frcmpoughkeepsie to Litchfield, Cormecticut, rurming over the pike. Irms established along the route, such as those in Washington Hollow and the village of Pleasant Valley testify to the heavy. use of the route by drovers and haulers. Old maps show that Arlington, then knCh7n as Bulls Head, was the location of stockyards that were used to hold cattle, sheep, and swine, that had come over the turmpjke, awaiting opportunity to be driven da{m Main

Street to meet ships at the landings for transport to New York.

In later years there were at least eight lrDre legislative acts dealing specifically with the Dutchess Turnpike before it came under the general turnpike law of 1847. This law will be discussed Irore fully when the Salt Point Turmpike is discussed.

In 1851 there was an act specifically allcIving the Dutchess Th]mpike to "plank" all or part of that road with one or t"7o

tracks.8 At present it is trot clear if the ocxpany actually did plank any section but in 1853 they secured special legislation that permitted them to "macadamize" an:y or all portions of their road.9 Here "macadarize" is used in its original nearing of ]'cover and ifeed with small broken stone" and does not include a binding of asphalt as is usually meant toda:y. This

Alson D. Van Wagner

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treal]ment of the road rna:y have been applied only to Pleasant Valley. Additional toll houses were permitted as long as they

were at least three miles apart and that the rates charged were Ire higher per mile than previously provided.

In 1830 there was

an act permitting removal of the first gate` fran the Arlington location to an:ywhere west of the 7-mile marker.10 From themaps of 1850 and later a toll house was located just east of Bower toad in the tchm of Pleasant Valley. IIcwever these maps also

show a toll gate at the original location, as would bepermitted by the 1853 act, right up to the time of cessation. In fact PTErlt ±n The EagLe's ELs±orry of Poughkeepsbe 1683-1905 spealFs

of the "last toll gate in Arlington" being abandoned in 1888.

Maps help in locating other toll houses. There was one in

each district and all were on the northerly side of the road.

District #2 had its gate just a little east of present Fbssway ltoad. District #3, the weste]m end of the Sharon brancin, had a toll house on the Pleasant Valley/Washington tch7n line in Washington Hollow. District #4 's gate was just beyond wherepresent RDute 82A branches off , where at present there is advertised "Tbll House Antiques." District #5, the Dover branch, shov\7s a

toll house beyond the road to Lithgow but before the lbver tcx^7n line in the ta`m of Washington.

Er action of the Dutchess Cbunty Board of SI]pervisors on Novcher 2, 1868, a petition of the Initchess Turnpike Cxpanyto abandon that section of the Sharon division of the pike beyond 24 miles from the Cbut House was granted.LL Also the lbver section was abandoned beyond the 16-mile point. This meant the eastern ends of the turnpike was at Amenia and South Mil]brook rather than at the Connecticut line and the foot of Plylrouth Hill. In 1869 that pa]± of the turnpike within the City of Poughkeepsie was turned over to the city.L2 As indicated earlier, the enterprise never did become so outrageously profitable that the State Oc}r[ptroller had to end it as a toll road.

The weekly Pc)ughkeepsie nen7spaper, T72e

Turmpikes .of Pleasant Valley

159

Coztz.fez., explains in its issue of May 6,1888: "In the future

the toll gates on the old Dutchess Cbun.ty Turnpike will be done away with. For a long time past the stocTholders have received only bra percent on their stock, and the suits for damages, eta. , often reduced this amount. To all persons who have been aHrpelled to stop and pay toll in unpleasant weather, the news

of the abandorment of the toll gates on this turnpike willprove exceedingly pleasant, and it is to be hoped that in a shoritine there will not be any one left in the county, as they are a nuisance at best ....

The marmgenent of the old turmpike in the

future will be under the care of the several tcrms through

dich it passes."

The great interest and enterprise of the early years of the century in building better roads soon was redirected to .the building of canals, another way of getting the products of farms and mines to the navigable streams. while many such waterways were built throughout the state none of an:y consequence was built in Dutchess even though an afroitious plan for the Harlem Valley was being advanced before the coming of i:he railroads.

Just before interest ti:]rmed to the rails and realizing that canals had practical limits, ixproving the roads again came to the forefront. In reaponse to denands of the farmers and merchants of the tcrms of Clinton, Stanford, and Pine Plains, a bill was introduced in the New York State Iiegislature by Senator FTancis Seger on february 23rd, 1835 to have carhissioners appointed to lay out a road from Pine Plains to Poughkeepsie.

Passed by the Senate in March the bil.1 was sent on to the House where Asselrblymen Stoddard Tudd and Stephen Thorn presented

petitions for and against the bill including one against that

'twas signed by the principal business men of Poughkeepsie, wi.in-

out distinction of party. " Another opposition petition was signed by residents of Pleasant Valley. Neve]Theless the bill passed on Ma:y 8th.

Apparently opposition and obst]rmction to

the measure did not stop with passage of the bill. An article

Alson D. Van Wagner

160

in the Po#g7zkeepsde Joe¢z.7'zczZ dated January 13, 1836, under the

heading "Meeting of the inhabitants of the townr..of Pine Plains

relative to the new road lately laid out by the Gcrmissioners under the Act passed Ma:y 8th, 1835" printed the resolution

passed at that meeting.

Resoz,ved.

In pa]±, this reads:

Thcrd bn the apinkon of this meeting,

the Corrm:kssLo`ners hcroe Zakd ou:i scied ri,eti I.ciad Ln

the most dkreeb c[nd etkgi;bLe ;oute, chkch wiL7, best sex.ve the pthtLc3 and zbhich cc[n be rriade tobbh tess expenses than an;g other. I.oute fr.on Pine pLctins bo poughheapsbe.

Resotved.

Thde ti)hen zbe recoTleck that the Agen±

of the rnc[I'iager.s of the Dutchess Turri:pike Co. u)erie

bo AVban;ay zbhkLe the bbbl authorizchg tfae canst;ruetion of the new roes zbas pending be for.e the ZegbsLabur'e, for' the cwonj)ed pu]apose of pr.eventi,ng passage,.

that this Agenb has figured zbi,bh his acousbomed modesbg burn[pik!e Eul:qerian de most of the meetings chkch hcroe been since heLd in opposLti,on bo the I.oad3 coe cc[n have no deubb thcit bo the efforts tan i:ITeqibLe line on the miarofiche] c)I ±fee I)z4±c37zess r2tz>7'zp4ke Cc>.

may justtg be ascri:bed for. the gr.e.cleer. par.b of the hosti,tktry which has been mc[yi;kfesbed bcrocttds the new I.ocid.

Resolved.

Thai Ln the apt;ndon of this meeti,ng the

marLc[gex.s of acrid bweri;pthe bJould hcroe rrruch better.

fulfaLLed the obtLgc[tion L:rriposed apon then by thei,r

chcmber., Lf they had a:rripLoyed their money cnd, ecaer.bkons Ln mahi;ng I;heLT scitd I.oad fi,b bo be br.aveLted, Lmsbead of spendi;mg them i,n &ffor.bs bo fr.wsbr.clee the

uJ4shes of those who cme seehing bo pr.ovbde for thensetDes cmd neLgfubor.a a shor.ber. cnd, better. I.oed bo mcmkef; than the b:urlii;pthe corripalii;y ever have, or prob`-

city ever. zbttz, furviesh thorn.

In the JozAz37`aczz th7o weeks later was printed the resolution of a

meeting at the hcme of F. P. Ham, jm the tChm of Pleasant Val-

ley with .Ijevis Ring as chairman. It endorsed the action of the Pine Plains meeting and stated `'That we. . .believe that the conterrplated road ,... is i]pon the most direct and eligible route, avoiding hills , and very judiciously avoiding all unnecessary expense, particularly through this torn ,... and will be, when finished a great ptolic iaprovement, that had been anxiously sought `for and generally advocated for years. "

Turnpikes .of Pleasant Valley

161

The tcrm records of Pleasant Valley unfortunately burned early in this century. As a result there is no evidence to indicate if the road surveyed by the Ccrmissioners ever was constrmcted. His.tory does tell us that after the Panic of 1837

practically all public projects were halted. The records of the ta`m of Hyde Park show a refusal of the town road commissioners

to lay out the road. Finally they were directed to do so ky order of the Cbunty Court as result of a suit. But then inl852 the Hyde Park Tbun Board refused to provide $300 for the new road.L3 It seen`s the torn of Poughkeepsie did jlxprove the route as laid out after scme adjusirments in response to landowner caxplaints.L4 Thile there is no cx)ncrete evidence, it would

appear that Construction along the route in the tours of Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley awaited the efforts of the Poughkeepsie and Salt Point Plank toad Cblrpany and that the 1835 survey was follc"ed for the most part. It was the Poughkeepsie and Salt Point PZcz7ek toad Cbxpan:y that applied to the Dutchess Cbunty Board of Supervisors for authority to lay out and construct a Plank ltoad frcm the Village of Poughkeepsie to the Village of Pine Plains passing through the towns of Poughkeepr sie, Pleasant Valley, Clinton, Washington, Stanford, and Pine Plains to be an estimated 24 miles in length in 1850. The ap-

plication was made on June 2lst and authorization given on August 7th, i85o.L5

In 1807 a general law to govern the forrm±ion and opration of corperations to make turnpike roads was passed dy the New York State Legislature. HCIvever each new undertaking still

required a special act of that body. Apparently tiring of spending so rmch of its tine to incorporation and incidental affairs of turnpike ccxpanies the State Ije9islature on May 7th, 1847, passed another general law, aiapter 210 of the laws of 1847 , which provided that applications to oonstnrot turnpikes were to be made to county boards of supervisors instead of to

the State I.egislature. It was entitled '`An Act to provide for

Alson D. Van Wagner

162

the incorporation of companies to construct plank roads , and of ooxpanies to construct turnpike roads. " There is little indication how plank roads were to be constructed other than the

provision in the Act which indicated they were to be laid out 4 rods wide ".and shall be so constructed as to make, secure and maintain a slrooth and permanent road, the track of which shall be made of tifroer, plank, or other hard material. . .to permit

carriages and other vehicles conveniently and easily to pass each other." At any rate it seems that the plank road idea became extrenely pc>pular for a short tine with many conpanies chartered to build then-but few such roads ccxpleted and those were soon abandoned. Apparently the only plank road built in Dutchess Cc)un:ty was the Poughkeepsie and Stormville R)ad that was dedicated on Novehoer 28th, 1851 at a cost of $2,400 per

mile to construct.L6 Testilrony to the early realization of the jxpracticality of plank roads is found in legislation passed in 1853 permitting theni to nearly double their rates. Also an l855 plfovision permitted then to revert to or change to the turnpike type of surface.L7 Thile the 1847 law seems to indicate that both plank roads and turnpikes were to be 4 rods wide, amendInents specify that land takings may not be for more than 4 rods and survey oormissioners were given discretion in specifying the width.L8 The Car+ificate issued for the Salt Point Turnpike stated that it was 3 rods wide.L9 Itoad beds of turnpikes were

to be "at least eighteen feet wide, and shall be so constructed as to permit carriages and other vehicles conveniently to pass each other .... "

The Act of 1847, and acts to correct oversights or mistakes

in the original, go into great detail as to land taking, settlement procedures, exelrptions, rates, etc. Amazingly the rates of 1847 are nearly identical with those 45 years earlier in the 1802 charter of the Dutchess TurmpjJ[e and the classes of vehicles and groi]ps of aninals were largely the same except that derrocratic America no longer needed to make provision for char-

mrnpikes of Pleasant Valley

163

lots and phaetons. Slightly higher rates were allowed for the plank roads than for turnpikes. Cxpitilization for each IIdleof road had to be at least $500.

Cn April 25th, 1853 announcement was published that the office of Silas Vfodell on Market Street, Poughkeepsie, was open

for receiving subscriptions to the Poughkeepsie and Salt Point Plank toad Cbxpany.20 Perhaps schscriptions did not come as rapidly as intended because on the 23rd of Septerrber, 1853, the

Cmpany applied for a new authorization only to the village of Salt Point with the privilege of extending the road to Clinton comers.2L Another factor that may have led to this sonrfuat less alfoitious project than envisioned in 1850 was the continued opposition of the Dutchess Turnpike Cblrpany to any coHpetition

from a parallel route draining c;ff business from their road. rust thirteen days before opening of si]bscription for the Salt feint project the Dutchess Turnpike Cbxpany had secured passage (in the same law which permitted them to macadamize part of their route) which permitted them to contribute up to $2,000 to inprove the road from Pine Plains to Washington Hollow. Nat-

urally this would have decreased the hopes of the incorperators of the toll road through Salt Point to capture the business from the Stanford and Pine Plains area.

In Decerrber the repert of the oormissioners appointed by the Board of Supervisors only laid out the route from the line of the village of Poughkeepsie, near the Ijalxpblack Factory, to a print mid-way bei]reen the tiro bridges in the village of Salt Point, a distance of ten miles. The application and authoriza-

tion was still for a plank road, but perhaps difficulty in raising IrDney or even reports that the new plank roads were not

profitable led the Oapany to think instead of a turnpike. In any case the State I-egislature, on March 28,1854, passed enact for relief of the Salt Pc>int Plank Road Oc)ITpany to allow it to

operate as a turnpike until such tine as it plalked its road.

This act also gave an extra five years for ccxpletion of the

Alson D. Van Wagner

164

road. another act in 1859 extended ccxpletion tine another five years. This latter extension apparently was to allow planking if that was to be done because Inspectors of Thrmpike toads appeinted by the Supervisors ceriif led the road cxpleted on ZSril 15th, 1854. The final capitalization. of the Capany was S12,048.50 exclusive of repairs.

In addition to obtajring agreements from landcrmers to take land where routes had to be changed, the turnpike or plank road ccxparies had to obtain agreements from the towns whose roads were being used partially or wholly for rae toll road.23 Thile Tch of Poughkeepsie Sxpervisor and toad crmissioners agreed with no stipulations, the officers of the tovli of Hyde Park edracted $5 for the sho]± stretch of old road bed to be

used plus the prohibition of erection of a toll gate along this section.

Isaac Van Wagner, Si]pervisor, and David P. Frost, Paul Flagler, Ijevi MCFarlin, Cormissioners of Highway, drove a some-

what harder bargain on behalf of the tanm of Pleasant Valley.

In addition to requiring the payment of S125 they stipulated "that said ccxpany shall not cinarge or Collect toll for the use

of their road. . .from the northern terminus thereof at the village of Salt Point...[to] the residence of Charles Brch7n. „ [and] from the foot of I.attin hill. . .to the public highway. . . conmonly called the Thorn Road near the residence of Ffoenezer Allen." These stretches of toll-free use are today from the bridge in Salt Point to NDrth Avenue at Alfred Hasbrouck's, and from the west end of Wigsten Road to the north end of Van Wagner Fbad.

Thile the general law governing turnpikes would have

permitted as many as three toll gates on the Salt Point Turnpike the directors chose to erect only two. From the various old maps these toll houses can be located with reasonable accuracy .

Originally the first toll house from Poughkeepsie was

Turnpikes. of Pleasant valley

165

located on the right side of the Turnpike :in the swal[ny area just before the Hyde Park tcrm line. I-ater ITBps show the toll house on the left side almost opposite the end of Bedell Itoad.

It was obviously relocated after Bedell Ftoad was opened to ccfroat "shunpiking" via Van Wagner and Bedell roads.

The other

toll house was always at the intersection of the m]rmpike at Smith and Sherow roads, north of Pleasant Valley. A pleasing

oil painting of this toll house, painted shortly after it closed, is in the Iocal History Room of Adriance Dfrorial Iiibrary , Poughkeepsie.

The act of 1847 plfovided for a thirty-year authorization of

plank road and turnpike cxpanies with the provision that authorization could be extended for ten year stretches beyond that.

In 1883 William Bedell of Clinton Cbmers, in his capacT

ity as president and treasurer of the ccxpany, applied to the Board of Supervisors and received an extension for ten years.

The office of the ccxpalry, after having been Iroved a coaple of tines, had been moved in 1877 to tire hone of William Bedell, who was then secretary of the ccxpany. The other stockholders listed in 1883 were: William P. Foster, George ±ree, William Herrick, Est. of Charles Brcrm:I, G. T. Pearsall, Jane jim Pearsall, William H. Pearsall, George P. Smith, and Ptry 8.

Smith. In 1892 another e2rfeension was sought and granted with Irost of the same stockholders. Probably bowing to the same

financial problems and pchlic sentiment as had the Dutchess Turnpike eight years earlier, the Poughkeepsie and Salt Point Plank Fbad caxpany on NC>vefroer 13, 1896 issued a "declaration

of surrender of the road".23 Iife the turnpike, the stockholders were aging as evidenced by several shaky signatures and one signed only with an ''X" .

In accordance with "The Highway Ifw" of 1890 the Ebard of Si]pervisors consented to the abandorment on December 2, 1896.

For the first tine in 92 years residents traveled these roads free of tolls.

166

Alson D. Van Wagner

ELlestones *

Casually passing over the routes of these old turnpjJces today there is little to remind us of their existence. The old toll houses have long ago disappeared and the never road covering, asphalt pavement, leaves nothing to distinguish the old turnpikes from any other county or state road. However, the observant travellor will find some hard and picturesque evidence that these early roads did indeed exist. The act incorporating the Dutchess Turmpike coxpany in 1802 required a stone monument

to be erected at each mile begirming at the Cburi House in foughkeepsie. As a result along both the Dutchess and Salt Point turnpikes there are a nunfoer of narrcw stone monunnents with a number and scme letters on each that stated the distance in miles from the begilming of the road. Along the Dutchess Tumpjke some are of a reddish sandstone where the engraving is becoming indistinct, along the Salt Point Turnpike the stones are gray, harder and the engraving is quite clear. Typical of the former is the one in front of the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church which is marked "7 Miles from P. C. House" where

the "P. C." is the abbreviation for "Poughkeepsie coat." Of the Salt Point stones we find one just south of Salt Point, near the stone steps near Alfred Hasbrouck's mailbox, a gray stone which sixply says "9 P. C." In this case the "P. C." tells us that the "9" is the mfroer of miles from the Poughkeepsie corporation limits, which is toda:y at the same place as it was in 1854 and which was the begirming of the toll road.

In 1979 the New York State Department of Transportationmade an inventory of those remaining. Remarkably, nearly 180 years

after their erection and over 90 years after abandorment of the route as a toll road, fifteen markers were found between the Cburt House and the Connecticut state line. The firstmilestone *NOTE.:

Clifford Buck contributed Considerably to this

pertion of the paper and acted in an advisory capacity on other aspects of this research.

Turnpikes of Pleasant Valley

167

would have been located near the Glebe House on Main Street in

Poughkeepsie. Until very recently th; third stone was standing on the north side of Route 44 a fen hundred feet east of Adaus' Falracre Farms. Other stones as found ky Clifford Buck in 1983 and 1984 include (all on the northerly side of the highway unless lroted otherwise) : No.

No.

4 -a fen-.houses southwest of HormbecEc Road

5 -by the sign of Hart's Apples

ro. 7 -on the south side, by the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian aiurdi to. 8 --by old Methodist cerrtetery NO. 9 -short distance east of ltossway Road NJ. 10 -halfway dcrmi hill east of Tinkertcrm Fbad NJ. 11 -east of Parkway before old Barren farlthouse

ro. 12 -just east of Pleasant Valley/Washington line No. 20 -near New York State mileage marker #4482022191

to. 21 -loo feet east of marker #442022201 No. 22 -near Eel Air Farm to. 27 -one mile before No. 28 RE. 28 -opposite road to I-eedsville off Rte. 343 There seems to have been no provision in i±re ljaw of 1847

renJiring the erection of milestones but i=he Poughkeepsie and Salt Point Plank ltoad Cxpany perhaps felt it would be wise to avoid argrnents with their custcmers dy erecting them anyway.

Clifford Buck has photographs of four of them, but at least one has been lost ky a developer recently. Stone No. 3 may be seen by a driveway a fen hundred feet west of the a. 0. C. E. S. schcol, Stone NO. 4 is just east of the high terrsion newer line near Feldweg & FTeeman's shop, Stone No. 8 is a mile west of

Salt Point, and Nb. 9 was noted previously.

Thile we are fortunate to have kept for our enjeyment a considerable nunfoer of these evidences of our history, I fear we rna:y scon lose many of them. Careless operators of bulldozers, rushed developers, and errant Irotor vehicles keep taking

Alson D. Van Wagner

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their toll (excuse i]re term) . Additional effor+s of preservation cannot be begun too soon.

Tbll Gatherers who were the men and wc]men who tended the toll gates and

toll houses? How were they selected, what were they paid, were they on duty 24 hours a day? We do know that the Dutchess Turnpike Oori[ipan:y advertised for purpose "of receiving propesals and rrcking contracts wii=h Gate-keepers and receivers of tolls" when opening its first i=ro gates in 1804. whether such contracts were for a percentage of the tolls collected or on some other basis we do not ]enow. Doubtless one who was a toll gathererhad a difficult time pleasing both the turnpike owners and the travelling pthlic. They were accused by the owners of doing

favors for friends, not always being at their pests, or even keeping Ironey collected but unreperted.

The pulJlic accused then

of collecting excessive toll or too strict interpretation of exerrptions.

A Cbnnecticut turnpike ooxpany met the problen of

travellers waiting to pass through the gate until after the gatekeeper went to bed by providing that tolls collected after 9 P. M. could be kept by the gatekeeper.

Clifford Buck has identified some of the persons engaged in this task by aid of the censuses where occupation was designated. The 1865 census shcIVs that the toll gatherer at thegate near BCIver Fbad was John Moe, a shoenaker, who was 61 years old,

had a wife Palnelia, aged 52, and three children, 12 to 23. At the toll gate east of present Rossway Road was Charles Roe, aged 49, with a son Herman, aged 17. In 1850, at the toll gate on i=he town line in Washington Hollow, was Abraham Van Vlack, aged

42, with wife Phebe, aged 43, and four children aged 4 to 16.

For the Salt Point Turnpike we find Benjamin M]rey Collect-

ing tolls in 1865 at the Smith/Sherow road toll house and

apparently living alone. The toll keeper at the gate near the end of Bedell ltoad jm 1892 was Daniel 8. Itobinson, aged 45,

living with his wife, dennie. According to his obituary in l926

/

TurnpjJces .of Pleasant VAlley

169

he rust have begun that task shortly after 1870 and continuedto the closing of the pike when he became crossing guard for the i]ro railroads which crossed the road just a couple hundred feet Irorth of the toll house. He is renefroered by his grandnieceand by ljuey Baright Kraayenbrink as a friendly Inan who lived in the house standing in the corner of Bedell toad and the turnpike.

Mrs. Kraayelforink exchanged waves with him each Inorning on her

railroad trip from Van Wagner Station to Poughkeepsie High School and her father bought tobacco and si]pplies for Mr. Fbbinson to retail from his guard house.

Fhchotes Lprhi:L±D H.. sm±:ap, General msto]{.y of Duchess Country from

2609 to Z876 (Pavling, N. ¥.: Philip H. Smith,1877) , p. 327.

2J.acres H. Smi:th, ELstor.i! of Duchess County, Nev ror'k3 1683Z882 (apracuse, N. Y.: D. Mason & Oc>.,1882) .

3F.rarfe_Tasha?"ck, ed. , The ELsboey of Dutchess Counby , Nets roz.k (Poughkeepsie, N. Y.: S. A. Matthieu,1909) , pp. 234, 391, 478.

4FF]nF_PlatF, The Eagte 's ELsbony of Pougivkeepsbe,1683-

2905 (Poughkeepsie, Platt & Platt, 1905) , pp. 76-77, 143, 218.

5Her}ry Tfoble McC±acker+ OLd Dutchess Forever... the Sboey of cz77 A777erzccz7`z Cc)z47'ztgr

(New York: Hastings House, 1956).., pp. 450,

469-70, 473.

6Lons of the Stclee of Nero York31797317983179931800 (A+

bany: Secretary of State, 1887) Vol. IV, pp. lil-121.

7z;czzjs cif jv. y., J8oZ-o4 (A]bay,1804) , Vol.Ill, 25th Ses-

sion, chapt.lil, pp. 128-36.

8Z}czzjs of jv. r., Z85Z (Albay,1851) , 74th Session, Chapt.

356.

9Z}cm)s oj] JV. y.. J853 (A]ban:y,1853) , 76th Session, Chapt.

202.

L°ZJcos of JV. r.. Z830 (Albany,1830) , 53rd Session, Chapt.

121.

Alson D. Van Wagner

170

LLDutchess Cbunty Clerk, I)eeds, Liber 147, PP. 301-3.

L2z}czzos of jv. r., Z869 (Albany,1869) , 92nd Session, Cflapt.

455.

L3Frank|in D. Rcx)sevelt, ed. , Cozzec±4c)its, Vc>Z. +TT,. I?ecoz'cis

of the Town of dyde Pacck, Dutchess Counby, N. I. (D\rdchess Co.

Historical Society, 1928) , pp. 124-5, 138-44.

L4Recor.de of the Roads of the To:i"i of Poughiheapsfe (AdrLar.Jce

MenDrial Iiibrary, Poughkeepsie, Iocal History Fbom) , pp. 12, 143-52.

L5Dutchess couni]7 Clerk, I)Gec!s, Liber 92, P. 420.

L6c|i.fford M. Buck, "Account of the Poughkeepsie and Stormville Plank Road", copied from Po2tg72keepsfe Eczgze, Dec. 6, 1851, (Yeczz.Z>cJok, Dutchess Cb. Historical Society, 1980) , pp. 2128.

L7Z}cm;s of IV. y., J853, 2855 (Albany,1853,1855) , 76th Ses-

sion, chapt. 245; 78th Session, Chapt. 546.

L8z;caps clf IV. y., Z849 (A]bany,1849) , 72nd Session, Chapt.

250.

L9Dutchess Cbunty Clerk, 4fty Z32, X J5.

2°Dutchess County Clerk, 44;sc. I)oc24»?e7?ts, File No. 36.

2LDutchess Cbunty Clerk, I)Beds, Iifeer 100, pp. 446-7.

22Dutchess courty Clerk, Z)Geds, Liber 101, pp. 238-41.

23mtchess Cbunty Clerk, „£sc. I)oc24He72ts, File ND. 36.

TIIE EAMDH IRISH AREIVE IN POUCHKEEPSIE - 1850

William P. Mc Der]n[10tt The I_I.tsfa L:rmndgr.cctton bo Pougttkeepsi,e Ln 1850 bs

eunri.i;ne_a. The nunper. of i,rmkgr'onies3 thei,I. ages, mori,b.a.1 stc[bu_s 3 size of fcwi,I,i,es a:nd ei'rrpLeyTrfent ere di,sc¥ssed. the ¥earfeook..

Win. P. Me Derrrriobt fs edkb;r of

It was like a tidal wave. In 1850 the plain of Poughkeepsie was flooded from across the Irish Sea by many newly arrived Irish jrmigrants who chose to settle on the shores of theHudson River. Poughkeepsie residents lrmst have been alarmed by the swift and dramatic changes these new arrivals brought to their tcrm. Although settled for Irore than a century and grcIving ata steady rate, Poughkeepsie, suddenly, was required to absorb large nunfoers of Irish strangers. In one of every three Pough-

keepsie households there resided an individual or filly born in Ireland. Surely, foughkeepsie had experienced change brought about dy earlier jrmigration. But the tcrm had long ago accom ndated to the new ways of the German Palatines and English who

had arrived in the early decades of the l8th-century. After that tine Irost of the new arrivals had been horn in New York or New Fingland. As a result by 1850 Poughkeepsie had become truly an American town.

The nurhoer of Irish ilrmigrants who arrived between 1845 and 1850 from famine-troulDled Ireland changed the character of

Poughkeepsie.

Suddenly one of every five individuals was an

Irish jrmigrant or a child of an jrmigrant Irish farily. Although these foreigners spoke Eiglish, frequently their brogue was so pronounced they could barely be understood.

The followL

ing fictional account published in the I/Zs±ez. I?eprfezzccz77, a

Kingston nevspapEr, illustrates the language as it was often spoken by the Irish jrmigrant. Then an Irish indgrant mother was asked by the census marshall in 1850 if any of her children had died, she replied, 171

172

William P. Mc Derlrott And i,s bb the gr.alf av me hecttt3 ye would nonjJ be riahi;ng ap cifeout me

chitderl thai bs dead, v]aked c[nd buried Ln ould Iretcnd,I Hcrv'nt I Lto°assb b%°rmur.Las Sticlee bches as iver

The custcus of the Irish, their habits, their dress, their poverty and even their religion was different. But Irost ilrpertantly, their presence could not be ignored. one could notwaJk the familiar streets or roads of Poughkeepsie without passing one of these strangers. Yes, they were foreigners in every sense of the word. And they were different in yet another way.

They had had a brush with death which fen families in Poughkeepsie Could understand. A letter written by a IrDther from cork Cbunty, Ireland, dated April 13,1847, asking a relativein America to take care of her daughter, Norry, expressed the desperation many Irish had experienced. '` .... the tines have brought us down so low that we are hardly able to exist. There is Plague and Famine in Ireland. We would all leave our wretcined country if we Could."2 Norry died of "Ship Fever`' in the a]]ms house at her port of entry on July 3, 1847 shortly

after her arrival. This is one exarple of thousands of sirrilar accounts of suffering experienced by the new jrmigrants of the 1840's. America, the newly arrived Irish believed, was their chance to escape the starvation which had swallowed men, women, and children in their native land. And those who believed America, the land of "inilk and honey," would open her arms to them were poorly prepared for the reception they received.

The irrmigration of the Irish precipitated many fears. A contexporary writer, Sarmel Busey, speaking about differences between jrmigrants and the native population, believed, as did many during the period, that the nurfoer of jrmigrants would destroy America's culture., As a result he explained, "the nation will soon cease to exist." These jrmigrants were, »inferior specimens of these degenerated races. " Busey also warned of a secret arlry of Irishmen many believed was organized at an

The Famine Irish Arive in Poughkeepsie-1850

173

Irish convention held in New York City in 1856 which was "for

the purpose of colrmencing hostilities against some friendly goverrmen±[Canada] , or against this[USA]."

Intending to add

credibility to his argument he cited George Washington, Ill do Irost devoutly wish that we had not a single foreigner al[rmgus. " And finally provoking the ultirrate fear, that from within, Busey quoted President James Madison, "Foreign influence to Zinerica, is like the Grecian Horse to Ttoy; it conceals an enemy in the heart. "3 Undototedly, soma of Poughkeepsie's citizerrs believed

these arguments and considered the Irish to be a threat to the tranquility of the tcrm and perhaps to the country.

The attitude of the residents of Poughkeepsie toward the Irish may have been reflected in a report and editorial in 27ze Journal c[nd Pougfuk.eepsLe Eagz,e , .Fdc};r:u:ary 2 , T850 , wri:then afber

a riot between Blacks and Irish. Although the Irish fared

perly during the riot, the anger of the local citizens propelled then to form a v-igilante group to punish the Irish.

A nunfoer of Irish were forced from their homes and were beaten

with clubs and finally were forced to march to their ounarrest. frong those arrested were a nunfoer of Irishmen who were falsely charged and incarcerated. The editorial which appeared after the arrests charged the judicial system with judging these nan harshly, silrply because they were Irish. n;iring the two weeks which followed the editor had to answer sharply critical rer[ur:ks directed at him personally by the editor of a corrpeting news-

paper. Finally, in defending his position he said, "For guilty rrRIi we have no syTrpathy, but for the persecuted and irmocent,

whatever their birth, iine press is bound to speak, and speak

loudly. "4 How pervasive this prejudicial attitude was -ng the citizens of Poughkeepsie is difficult to determine. Clearly, the editor, in his role as observer in the oormimity, believed there were prejudicial attitudes. Ftegardless of how pervasive they were, these attitudes affected .the Irish jrmigrant as he attexpted to settle into his new corrmmity.

William P-.. Mc Dermlott

174

The failure of the potato crop during the years 1845-1847

and later, the fifth failure in little over a century, precipr itated an enigration which had not been seen before or since.

FTances Dforchouse, discussing the Irish migration between 1840 and 1850 indicated it had unusual consequences for the people in Ireland. "The great significance of the famine of 1845 and

the following years is that it was the first in which emigration was shostituted for death."5 Too were these Irish? Hadlreland sent its young or old? That work did they do? Did those who had traveled across the sea Cone as families or separate individuals? How large were their families? These questionswill be discussed through i=he following demographic portrait of the Irish who resided in Poughkeepsie in 1850. Fortunately, the federal census of 1850 recorded for the first tine the place of biriin of eacin individual. As a result a clear assessment of the earliest Irish jrmigration to Poughkeepsie can be made. The manuscript schedules of the 1850 federal census served as the

principle source of information for this study.

Poughkeepsie in 1850

Poughkeepsie, which had been settled Irore than 150 years

earlier, had grown to be one of the sixty largest cities in the thited Siates.6 MDst of the i,859 dwellings in Poughkeepsie in 1850 were clustered near the Hudson River or on either side of the road which stretched fricm the river one and a half miles tct the rural environs east of Poughkeepsie village. In the 2,569 Poughkeepsie households lived 13,944 individuals. Five years

earlier, just at the tine when the Irish were beginning to leave Ireland,11,791 individuals lived in Poughkeepsie.. Although l5% of Poughkeepsie's population in 1845 were foreign born, Irore than half were frmi E]gland or Scotland. only about 5% of its

residents were jrmigrants from Ireland, having arrived in the previous tro decades. Poughkeepsie was a grch7ing torn ready for additional change frcm familiar sources, but beooning host to a

large groxp of jrmigrants had not been anticipated.

The Famine Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsie-1850 The

175

Irish higrant

The foreign born Irish who lived in Poughkeepsie in 1850 mnd3ered 2,750 individuals which was 20% of the total population in that growing tChm. Children, 17 years of age and under,

nutered 1,062. Table I presents a statistical portrait of the Irish jrmigrant. The mrfeer of males and females were approxinlately equal. The table suggests the average Irish jrmigrant was young and single. Note, individuals age 16 & 17 are tah ulated separately. Although they are Counted as children for the purpeses of this research, most of them were also part of

the labor force.

Their presence in the labor force is noted at

a later point in this paper.

TABH I

Age and Marital Status of the Irish: Poughkeepsie - 1850

me

Female

Single

Age Single Ma]ried Parent Total

Single Single Married Parent Tbtal

0-15 16-17

Tbtals 18-19 2o-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+

Totals

Table 11, wherein the distribution of several age ranges are coxpared with Dutchess Cc)unty as a whole, shows a high con-

centration of Irish in the 20-39 year-age range. The slightly fever nuter of Irish children, those under 20 years, was offset by the larger nurfoer of Irish young adults. This finding supperts the general belief that it was the younger adult who

william P. Mc Dermott

176

left the Irish countryside to find relief and perhaps, success in herici. In this regard the Irish coo came to Poughkeepsie were similar in age distribution to Irish in other parts of New York State and Amarica.

TRERE 11

Age Distribution - Irish and Dutchess County Residents

Irish

mtchess County

Age

Male

0-15 16-19

18.0%

2.7

5.0

20-29 30-39

10.9

14.3

9.9

8.0

40-49 50-59

4.6

60-69 70+

2.i

Female 16.8%

.8.9 .4.3

Female

Total

18.7%

18.2%

42.5%

4.i

4.5

45.5 %

43.i-%

9.0 6.6

10.0 6.8

32.4 %

12.0 %

4.9 3.2

4.7 3.2

16.0 %

2.4%

i.8 1.i

i.9 i.3

6.1%

3.5

i.8

Male

The median age of the Irish adult, 18 years and older, was 30.4 years conpared to 34.0 years in Dutchess Ooimty as a whole.

This confirms the youthful character of the Irish born resident of Poughkeepsie in 1850 suggested in Table I.

Irish wormen, me-

dian age 28. 6 years, were significantly younger than Dutchess women, median age 33.5 years. Irish men, median age 32.5years, were younger than Dutchess Cbunty men, median age 34.5 years.

Cme particularly jxporfant finding was the_ gender ihoalance beiIveen Irish males and females in the 18-29 age category.

There were 40% Irore Irish fenales in this age range than there

were Irish males. Perhaps the exployment opportunities for the Irish female as donestics , suggested by Hasia Diner attracted

then in larger nuters.7

The famine .Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsie-1850

177

The Irish Farily There were 501 Irish families in Pougheepsie in 1850.

Of

that nuter 423 were married couples with 6i without children.8 The renaining 78 families, or 16%, were headed by single parents, many of whom were widowed. In a few cases the reason for the absent mate could not be determined. This finding is fewer

than the nuter of single parent housch-olds found in cohoes, New York, 28.8%, in 1860 but is similar to the 15% found in Troy,

New York, at that tine.9 The Irish married ahost exclusively within their own ethnic groLxp.

Many of those who were married

had been married before they arrived in America. But whether they married in Ireland or America, 88% of the marriages, 370 couples, were between individuals who were born in Ireland. tost of the remaining marriages Were between the Irish inrmigrant and a speuse born in New York, Great Britain or one of its pessessions.

Five marriages were to spouses from Germany (3) ,

FTance (1) and Panama (i) .

Hcwever, it carmot be assumed that marriage was .the typical state in the Irish colrmmity. In fact, 49% of men 18 years and older and 48% of women 18 years and older were single.

Then

marriage did occur, it was frequently at a later age. For exaxple, 75% of men in the 18 to 29 age group were single.

And

a striking nuter, 32%, of men 30 years and older were single.

Similar statistics are found among women. Sixty-four percent of wcmen in the 18 to 29 age group were single and 29% of women 30

years and older were single at the tine the census was taken in 1850. A rare detailed review of age and marriage can be found in Table I above.

There were i,062 children 17 years and younger in the Irish families. This nuter includes 55 children, 15 years and

yc)unger living with other families and 42 individuals 16 or 17 years of age born in Ireland and living independently. For the

purpeses of this study, any child born to an Irish jrmigrant, whether the child was born jm Ireland or New York, was Considered an Irish child. children represented 38.6% of .the total

William P. Mc Derlrott

178

nuTfoer of Irish in Poughkeepsie in 1850. This is sinilar tothe ratio of children, 41.4%, to adults in the pc]pulation of mtchess county as a whole. However, children in the Irish family were younger than those in the rest of Dutchess Cbunty.

Seventy-three percent of Irish children were 10 years or younger as ccxpared to only 63% in the county.

The average nurrber of children in the Irish falily was i.93. Table Ill illustrates the nulfroer of families jn each of nine categories, 0 to 8 children.

TZBIE Ill NI]nfoer of Children in Each Family

Nuterof

°

i

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

farrilies:

116

138

97

50

51

25

15

8

1

The table notes 116 Irish families or 23% had no children at all and 138 families had only one child. This is a fevernuter of children per family than is commonly believed. Irish families usually are believed to have had man:y IrDre children during

that period. Interestingly, it appears the newly arrived Irish jrmigrant bore no more children than the average family in the Hudson Valley. Blunin four_d in other Hudson Valley towns of Kingston, Mar]borough and Troy in 1860, "TWo or 3 childrenunder

one roof was the rule rather than the exception in the countryside as well as the city."L° Cme argument Inight be that the Irish family was still quite young and when the family was

coxpleted it would, in fact, contain large nuTbers of children.

This was examined by tabulating the average mrfeer of children in families whose mothers were between 35 and 50 years of age.

About 30% of all Irish families fell into that age category.

The average mrfeer of children in those families was 3.08. This conpares well with Blunin's findings in iine same age range.

He

found the average mrfeer of children in families in Kingston, Mar]borough and Troy was 2.85, 3.33 and 3.13 children respec-

The Famine . Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsierl850

179

tively.11 A serious problem which faced the Irish jrfugrant in 1850 was aployment. Dfost of the Irish came from rural Ireland. Few were trained in the crafts, business or in i±re professions.

Farming on a small scale, in most cases at the stosistence level, was their only occupational preparation. The Irish fen male was even lrore peorly prepared.

Finding elTpleyment was

essential for survival but in what kind of work! Of the 865 Irish men, 16 years and older, 717 had become part of the work force in Poughkeepsie in 1850. Table IV lists the nunfoer of Irish males in the labor force, their occupations, and the percentage of the total nunfoer of Irish errployed in each of the occupations listed. Also noted are 148 males not errployed and the category into which they fell, blind, insane, pauper or no employment recorded.

TRERE IV

Irish Males by Occupation - 1850

Blind

I

Insane

23

2. 7

Porter

50

5. 8

I.ahorer

Pa-s fret

Ftorded

Blacksrrith CarErmter Clerk Cbndmaker

Gardener

.1%

Hostler22

459

2.5%

53.I

Mason

19

2. 2

Dferchant Shoemaker

13 15

1. 5 i. 7

Tailor Various

15

i. 7

crafts

*probab|y most Were unempL°yedTbtais:

865

loo.3%

Although the Irish were found in virtually every craft, their nurfoers were quite small. The greatest number of Irishrrm, 53%, were laborers. The table also notes those occupational activities in v\hich the Irish had at least 1% of their nulfroer represented. There was some representation in crafts such as blacksmiths , carpenters , candmakers , masons , shoemakers and

180

William P. Mc Dermott

tailors. Under "various crafts" 109 Irish men are noted but in no one of these crafts were their nurfoers large enough to reach the 1% level established as the mininm for this study.

It is interesting to compare these findings with those of Clyde Griffen in his study of exployment in Poughkeepsie as a whole.L2 For exaxple, in that study 38% of the total work force were laborers. Then the findings in Table IV are ccxpared with Griffen's work, iL is apparent the Irish accounted for overhalf of all the laborers in Poughkeepsie in 1850. This is especially notable because the Irish represented only 20% of poughkeepsie's total pc)pulation. Although only 2% of Irish males were gardeners, they were well represented in the general labor force.

According to Griffen there were 43 gardeners in Poughkeepsie in 1850 and it appears 17 of them, as noted in Table IV above, or 40%, were Irish. Vthile the Irish accounted for 26% of the blacksmiths and 25% of the masons in Poughkeepsie in 1850, they only accounted for 10% of the carpenters and 8% of the clerks.

The Irish as shoemakers and tailors accounted for only 12% and 20% respectively, of all men in those crafts in Poughkeepsie.

In only a few crafts, blacksmiths, masons, and tailors did the mnd3er of Irish errployed ccxpare well with the percentage of Irish in the total pc>pulation. But among merchants and the professions the Irish had limited representation. Although 9% of the merchants of Poughkeepsie were Irish, there was only one professional man, a physician, among then. Thile Irishmen were represented in small mmfoers in a few crafts, they were significantly under-represented in most other occupations. Tb be a laborer, while the least attractive kind of errpleyment, was the principal avenue for income open to the Irish male. The nesdr highest occupational Condition was that of unenployment. As indicated in Table IV 14% of Irish males, 16 years and older, were paupers or unerrployed.

"WOuEN WENrm. -Do do general housework . . . English,

Scotch, Welch, Germans, or any Country or color except Irish. "L3

The Famine. Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsie-1850

181

This classified advertisement which appeared in a New York City newspaper in 1853 was typical of the at'titude of marry nativehom Americans to the newly arrived Irish jlrmigrant, male or fenale. The words "except Irish" or "Irish need not apply" have become well kncNIi exaITples of the discrjlninatory attitude of the

period. However, in spite 6f the blatant discrimination noted in classified advertisenents, women may have had an easier ±iJne than men in seeking errpleyment.

while men were in direct con+

petition with an alreatly existent labor force which had its hierarchical structure and defined requirements , Irish v\7omen sought elxpleymen± in occupations where ccxpetition rna:y not have

been so apparent. Willing to accept the role of a dcmestic, an unskilled occupation on the lctwest level of the exployment hierarch:y, kept wcmen from direct confrontation with nativehorn lthite women or black wcrmen in the labor force.

Because thel850

census did not record occi]pations of women, direct information about wcmen's enployment is unavailable. However, the census of 1860 sheds sore light on women's expleyment.

It indicates 50%

of the domestic labor force in Poughkeepsie in 1860 were Irish 1romen, whereas blacks and nativeTborn white women accounted for only 16% and 19% respectively. In fact, according to Griffen, E|

84% of Irish working women in 1860 reported themselves as domestics.L4 Even when errpleyment of women was recorded as it was in

1860 and thereafter, the accuraey of the data was limited. For example, Griffen cites the 1860 pc)pulation schedule which lists 32 women as chair seaters and caners whereas the manufacturing schedule for the same year lists 168 wcmen errployed in chair factories.L5 conclusions The Irish jrmigrant who resided in Poughkeepsie in 1850 accx)unted for 20% of the tch7n's population.

On the average the

adult Irish jrmigrant was almost four years younger than the adult pepulation in Poughkeepsie. Although a great man:y of .the Irish were single, Irish families accounted for 20% of Pough-

William P. Mc Derlrott

182

keepsie's families.

Cbntrary to i=he general view, the nurrberof

children in these Irish families was , on average, slightly fever than arrong younger Poughkeepsie families.

Further, the nuhoer

of children in completed Irish families was no greater than the nurfoer found alrong colripleted families in the Hudson Valley. The

Irish, for the rrost part occupationally untrained, were required to accept the least desirable expleyment. Over half of the Irish males were laborers.

Irish women in great nurrbers,

perhaps 80% or more, accepted elrployment as domestics.

Prej-

udicial attitudes toward the Irish rna:y have retarded their efforts to adapt to their newly adopted hcme in Poughkeepsie.

Their ability to persist and adapt occupationally during the succeeding decades has been treated fully in a well researched effort by the Griffeus.16 E=

Fhdnotes

Lstuart M. 81±, "Rip Van Winkle's Grandchildren: Family and Household in the Hudson Valley,1800-1860 , " Jc>2tr77czZ cJf Urz7cz77 #£s±02ey,1(1975) ,

302.

2.Porfukeapsbe Jowrmal and Eagte, J`]ly ro ,1:84] , p. 2, col. 4.

3SanreL S. B;`]sey , IiTmkgr.canon.. Its EVLLs cnd, Consequences (New York, 1856; reprint Armo Press and T7?e IvezJ YCJz.k Td777es, New York,1969), 7, 23, 37, 91, 96.

4The Jour.rnal cnd: Pougfukeepsfe Eagte , Fed;rm;ary 2, L850 ,

p. 2, cx?i. 7 & 8; Fchmary 9, 1850, p. 2, col. 7; Fedrmary 16, 1850, p. 2, Col. 8.

5Frances M]rehouse, "The Irish higration of the 'Forties " 477?erifcc!7? jzzsforzcczz I?eu£Gzt), XXXIII, no. 3(1928) , 579, 581.

6Clyde Griffen and Sally Griffen, IVcz±dues cz7td Ivezt)co77?e2.s..

Or.der.ing of Opportwriby in Mbd-Nineteenth Cenbuny Poughheapsbe (Cfroridge, MA, 1978) , 2.

7tLasLa R. Diruer: , Eitm's Danghi;ere in Amer.i,ca.. Ir.i,sh Imrnd,gr.cut Women ch the Nineteenth Cenbw:riy (Bal±frore, ro, T983) , 31' 71.

The Famine Irish Arrive in Poughkeepsierl850 183 8The 1850 census schedule did not specify the relation-

ship between individuals. In this study individuals were designated as married if they shared the same nalne and lived inthe same household and one or more children were also listed or if there were no children, the census enunerator had assigned a family mfroer to the couple.

9Daniel J. Wa]Jqowitz, `Working Class .itomen in ike Gilded Age: Factory, cormmity, and Family Life Among Oc)hoes, New York, ,Cbtton torkers," 7o2#7'zczZ of Sc>cfc{Z ZJZstozey, 5 (1972) , 480.

L°B|un`en, "Rip Van Winkle's Grandchildren, " 301.

LLB|unen, "Rip Van Winkle 's Grandchildren, " 300.

L2c|yde Griffen, 'frorkers Divided: The Effect of Craft and Ethnic Differences in Poughkeepsie, New York, 1850-1880," in JW£7ce±ee7¢±72 Ce7et%z.gr C'£±£es

(New Haven, CT, 1969) , Stephen Therm-

strorn and Richard Sennett, eds. , 54.

L3Da£Zgr Sac, Ma:y 11, 1853, .as cited in Robert Emst, T777ndgr.ant Ijbfe ch New For.k. Cbdy. 1825-1863 ("jEN Tork, T949) , 6] .

L4Griffen, jvc[±£z7es cz7?d jve2t)co77?e2.s , 248-249 , 223.

L5c±±ffen, NabLves and Newcomers , 230.

L6Griffen, JVc}±£z;es area jvezt7comez.s , chapters 3, 6-11.

ANNUAL REPORTS of the Dutchess County Historical Society

Zfroual Reports

186

President ' s Report The year 1984 marks the seventieth armiversary of the Dutchess Cbunty Historical Society. Since 1914 this Society has been oormiitted to excellence in the areas of research, education and ptolication. The newly refurbished Clinton. House stands as tan-

gible proof of this oormitment, pardcularly since the creation

of the Franklin A. Butts Research Library. This library, when cxxpleted, will be a valuable asset to the many researchers of Dutchess cbunty history. a

Diligent work on finances has resulted in a stronger fiscal

position for the Continued work of the Society. However, as Costs continue to rise, the search for funds must keep pace.

Work on the endorment phase of the Capital Caxpaign will be continued.

The expansion of programs-lecture series , trips , wG)rkshops , gala dirmers, plus the venerable pilgrirmge, was well received and attracted both melTbers and non-merrbers. Fhthusiastic suppo]± marked the respense.

As interest in tire history of Dutchess Cbunty increases, the

opportunity for the Society to be an active leader in theprorotion of local history rust be firmly seized. In this regard, expanded relationships with town societies are .essential, as is involvement in cormmity issues and activities. In addition, publication of timely original scholarship and reprints of earlier works will be undertaken. is also plarmed.

A merrbership expansion program

Careful reading of the Director's repert, along with the reports of the standing oormittees , will reveal an organization headed into the future with the vitality and vision of its founders very much intact.

Eileen ftylod Hayden

President

Capital Caxpaign Report

Chce again I have the pleasant duty to prepare a report on our Capital Fund Drive. The past year has seen the fund growby Sloo,000 to reach its current total of S166,900. This total represents 324 donations and includes a previously reported Mccann Foundation gift of $25,000, an IBM gift of $25,000, anda

$4 , 000 contribution front the GannetL Foundation.

Also included are pledges of S12,120 to the FranklinA.Butts Research Library for the development and sappo]± of a research center to be opened in the Clinton House jm Septelfroer of 1984.

This library was established by the 136ard of Trustees as amerro-

rial to former Society President, Franklin A. Butts and gifts in

his honor may still be made.

rmual Reperi=

187

In June, 1984, our second Phonathon yielded pledges totaling $3,017 and provided an opportunity for' continued contact with

the rrrdership.

CalTpaign expenditures for the period from March 1982 to duly of 1984 total S17,489.25. This sun covers the costs of the

opening reception, printing, postage, telephone and Wade Associates, the firm errployed to assist the Society with its fund

raising.

At this print, I would like to thank the lnore than thirtyfive volunteers who participated in this drive. Their work on

the Phonathons, corporate and mehoership gifts were. vital .to the success of the campaign.

I wish to thank Mr. Frank Andrew, Mr. Frederick Stutz and ur. Edward Hch7ard for their assistance. A special word of thanks Irmst.go to Thomas Wade and Melodye Kaltz for their advice, encouragement and support.

Eileen ftyled Hayden

Cb-Chai-

Volunteers AIlred, Tirothy AIdren ; - Frank

ZELev, ELie Baitinger, dorothy Eienton, Ezra Benton, Fdrth

Birch, Rlchard Carter, Elizabeth Chiaralronte , Arlene Dellavergne, Charles M.

Frickson, Helen

Gellert , Elizabeth Hasbrouck , Alfred Heaton, Jane

Capital Calxpaign capital CalTpaign

rfuis, Iou ifeck, John E. MCDermott, Dr. William P.

ifeFmtee , Austin M)ran, Judy O'Shea, E. Richard

Peters , Barbara Srith, Cbnstance Spratt, James Stevenson, Dr. Jean Strang, Cbllin Stutz , Elizabeth Stutz , Frederick Ttole, Kemeth

Hoe, Marilyn

VahKleeck, NOHra

Howard, Edward V. Hunger, Dr. Edwin*

Varmeeck, Peter

*Deceased

Vanzanten, Frank Wager, Richard wolf , ]Oha A.

Franklin A. Butts Research Library Fund Mrs. Frankljm A. Butts The Butts Family: Dtr. Alfred M. Butts

ltr. Allison Butts Dtr. Fbland E. Butts Mr. William A. Butts Dtrs. Catherine 8. Hanley

(cant.)

froual Reports

188

Mr. Clifford M. Buck

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur 8. Mccoho

Mrs. E. Sterling Carter

Mrs. Tessie Mae Morris Mr. & Mrs. Ftobe]± Pantridge

M=. & Mrs. Charles M.

-Vergne

Mr. Edrrmnd G. Rawson, Tr.

Mr. & Mrs. Silas Frazer

Miss Alida E. REesch

Mr. & Mrs. Melvjm C. Linder Mr. & Mrs. Alfred M. Madsen

Mrs. Dorothy Thatcher Mrs. Archie Thornton

Special Gifts : The Area Fl]nd of Dutchess Cbunty

Mccann Foundation

Gannett Foundation International Busjmess

Nav York State Office of Parks , Recreation and

Machines Cbrporatic)n

Historic Preservation

Cbrperate Gifts : Bank of New York

FFCO

Central Hudson Gas & Electric

New York Telephone Poughkeepsie Savings Bank

Cbrmrrmd hirvays Dutchess Bank & Th]st

Business Gifts : Alfa-Ijaval , Inc. C. fros, Inc. Brownell Motors

Cavalier Electronics Co., Inc. E3erhard Builders , Inc. Effron Fuel Oil Corporation Errpire Bank of America

The First National Bank of rmenia Fishkill National Bank Gretna ELterprises H. W. Guernsey Realtors, Inc.

I. D. C. Industries, Inc.

Marshall & Sterling, Inc. Mechanical Cbntractors Association of Dutchess and Ulster Cbunties Merrill Ijynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Miron Building Products

•H. G. Page & Sons, Inc.

Peaslee-Titus Ageney Stephen J. Sipes & Sons, Inc. Vail & Sutton, Inc.

Individual Gifts Up To S1500 : John & Nancy Alden`

(nylod Family , continued: )

Waiter Averill

John I. nyiod

Mr. & Mrs. Ezra R. Benton Dr. & Mrs. Gregory

Dtrs. Eleanor M. Pizzani

Chiaralronte Mrs. Dorothy F. amningham Atrs. Alice T. Hemroth ltoy C. Ketcham Dtr. & Atrs. Iou I]evis

The Family of Frank V. ftylod: Atrs. Mary M. Brockway EL. & Mrs. Benjamin

Hayden Ill

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Wolf Dtr. & Atrs. willis L. M.

Reese Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Fbig

Cbllin M. Strang Mr. & Mrs. Frederick L.

Stutz Norma W. VanKleeck

Peter VanKleeck

Zinual Reports

189

Individual Gifts Up nD $500:

Tilrothy AIlred

Eiting jthoid

ltrs. Itobert W. Asher George W. Badgley

-s -, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Huntington W. Mr. & Mrs. G. Vincent

Dtrs. Horace Graham

Kenneth E. Hasbrouck, Sr. Dtrs. Rc]be]± Hoe, Tr. Ech^7ard Van A. Howard

Individual Gifts up uo $250: Mrs. Iou Ah]badi John Winthrop Aldrich Fflgar A. AIderson

Peter Arhorio

Elton Varmtyck Bailey, Tr. Dr. & Mrs. Edward H. Bastiari Mr. & Mrs. David W. Bealrrm

Betty M. Beta Fric & Shirley Bergman

Charles Beust Bar Biszick Itonald & Mary Bowman

A. my Bradley NIs. Iouis Braig in. & Mrs. James R. Breed

Beatrice S. Buchanan in. FTanklin A. Butts

Barbara Srith Bays

Mar}1ou and John Tearmeney ltrs. William 8. Mair

Grayson 8. Mitchell Mrs. Katherine I. D. MDore Dr. & Mrs. Edward Nenman Dr. & Mrs. Felix A.

Scardapane, Tr. Helen Hill Schoonmaker

Iorraine I. Solen

ltr. & Mrs. James Spratt Dtrs. John E. Tessieri

Gail Degan Mr. & Mrs. John DeGraff Mr. & Mrs. Jerame Deyo

Frank I. Itoherty Olive H. Ibty Tanet L. Dunke]barger froa Mary Dunton

Nathan ftyk-

Mrs. Raymond Eaton

ltr. & ltrs. Tesse Effron Ijester M. Eisner Mr. & Mrs. Newton Erickson

Helen L. Fairbairen Mrs. Ijeah P. Fenner Mrs. Mapledoram Fink

AEson M. & charlotte Fitchett Atrs. Bernice Fitchett James V. Forster

Mrs. Steele Cameron Harlan R. Calxpbell

itr. & Dtrs. Rbberi Foutry

thldred E. Calxpbell

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen L.

Iiea Etta Canter ZThur Cfroer Jacques Chaput

Bettina P. French

Friediand

Dtr. & Mrs. Ijeon Froats ltr. & Mrs. John R. Gardner Miss Mildred E. Cblter Dtr. & Mrs. Robert Gay Dtr. & Dtrs. Raymond I. Cbrmelly Dtr. & Mrs. Alton Germel ltrs. Anne D. Cbnrad Glen & REth George George E. Cbokingham Joyce C. Ghee rms. Rfuin Cbrning Diane M. Cbetz The Cbterie Mr. & Mrs. Irving H. Goldin Mrs. A]be]± Cbve]± Dr. Jack Goodman Fayrrond G. Chess Mr. & Dtrs. Henry Grant

ltrs. Barbara Davenpo]t

James H. Hatpin

Dtrs. Dorothy H. Da:vies

Dtr. & Atrs. L. Cordon

ltrs. Cbnstance DeBold

Hamersley, Tr.

rmual Repeds

190

(Individual Gifts Up Tb $250, continued) : Mrs. 8. G. Hansen

Gonnor & Sharon Haugh Mr. & Mrs. Ari±iur E.. Hauser Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Heaney

Claire M. Hirst Alice & Anita Hoecker Mrs. Edii±i Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Artirmr Holdin Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Hoskins Nanny Hall Hoyt nth. & Mrs. E. Stuart

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald E.

M)erschell Roy & Elizabeth Mbger Judith T. Dforan .

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pfosher Mr. & Mrs.t Jesse Pfotes Mr. & Mrs. Charles ftylod Helen Cc)1e Netter E. M. Netter, Tr. Howard & Sue Nisgor rm=. & Mrs.. Stanley J. Norris

Hthbard, Tr.

Itoris I. O'Brien

Mrs. A. Seaman Hunt

George O'Itonoghue

Iona Barton Ingersoll

Ellen Maire O 'Neill

Mrs. William Tanson Mrs. John F. Fefferis

Sandra & I.eo apdycke Mrs. Anna Jean Pascoe

Michael I. Keupp, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Harold V. Klare Hcward C. RAauss Mrs. John R. Kraus E. Peter Knilewitch

Barbara E. Peters Mildred Peterson Joseph Petz Rc)be]± Pierce Mr. & Mrs. R. W. Pomeroy

Lawrence Ialjberte George 0. Prout Mr. & Mrs. Clifford I.attin, Sr. Josephine Pultz Rev. James E. Lindsley 8. Jordan Pulver Dr. & Mrs. Jack I. Lipprnan Mr. & Mrs. Solomon Litt

Dtrs. David A. Radovsky Mrs. FTancis Raymo

Iocust I.awn Joseph & Margaret lohoardi Mr. & Mrs. John Iosee Ethel Sue nco Joseph P. nrfu Clara Lucus Ijynn

Herbe]± H. Redl Mr. & Mrs. Edward Reillv Nathaniel R]bin Theodora C. Sarmis Ijynn Scharfroerger Beatrice E. Scheninan

Lucinda S. Ijyon Mrs. R. 8. MacGuinness

Mr. & Mrs. C. 8. Schmidt 11 £ Mrs. Karl F. Schoch

Darlyne & Frank Maranto Virginia 8. Marks Mrs. Henry S. Marshall Joseph W. Marshall Clarence W. Ma2tw7ell Zinas Mavedones Adrienne A. MCGalley Patricia H. MCGurk Elizabeth M. Meadows Mrs. Manson Meads Helen Meserve Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth 8. Mesler

Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Smith Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Somers M=. & Mrs. David Stairs Rc>be]± E. Steams William R. Steichaus Mrs. France W. Stehoerg Mrs. Waiter W. Stevens Dr. Jean K. Stevenson Chauncey Stil]man Irena Stolarik Mrs. Rachel S. Supple David S. Taber

Mr. & ltrs. Richmond F. Meyer

I.aura M. TholTpson

Dtrs. Clyde K. Miller, Tr. Karen E. Milrdurn Dtrs. Edward N. Mitchell

Ruth M. Tjrm Mr. & Mrs. Theodore H. Traver John F. Tynan

Zhaual Reports

191

(Individual Gifts tJP qo $250, continued) : Dtr. & Mrs. John VanBenschoten col. R. Thomas VanKleedc

William T. VanKleedc Mrs. Ralph Vanvoorhis Alson & Irene Vanwagner

Ida v. vartyck

Dr. & Mrs. John Welsh

Catherine M. Werder Mr. & Mrs. William R. white

Jean Wilcox

Dtr. & Mrs. FTank Vanzanten

Mrs. Iouis I. Velletri

Mr. & ltrs. Timothy Walters Ruth M. Washburn Mr. & Mrs. William Washburn

Helen Watkilrs

donald & Patricia "eber Mrs.. Allen Webster

Dtr. & Dtrs. Stanley Willig George N. Wilson Dtrs. James Woh]badi ltr. & Mrs. Paul M. Young Mr. & Dtrs. John ZamiercJwski

Iouis Zuccarello Director ' s Repert

1984 marks the 70th Armiversary of the founding of the Dutchess Cbunty Historical Society. As i±re year draws to a close, we can look back with pride on the many acoolrplislrments

that have kept the Society Enre to the goals and objectives of

the "Founding Fathers. " Working with The New York State Office of Parks, Rfcreation and Historic Preservation, .t:he Board of Trustees of the Society has continued to advance projects designed to make the Clinton House a suitable rmseun, research center and repository, and Society headqua]±ers. The first phase of the landscaping

and parking project has been ccxpleted. It is anticipated that the entire project will be finished during the fall of 1984.

This spring the Clinton House was reroofed and the exterior tr:im was painted. Plans have been drarm up for the addition to the House of a handicapped rallp and restroom facilities. On the interior, several of the rooms in the Clinton House have been refurbished. A second-floor kitchen has been adapted to serve as a workroom for volunteers. The do`mstair's hall has beerl

enhanced by the addition of track lighting and it is hoped that in the near future this space will be used for exhibits. New library shelving has been installed in the Franklin A. Butts Library and air Conditioners and fans have been placed in tire building. Physically, the Society has rude great progress at the Clinton House.

Society involvement jm the Glche House Continues to be one

of the organization's Irost jxpoitant activities. Our ccrmitment to the House was formalized this year by a contract with the Juror League of Poughkeepsie. The Society was also instrumental in the formation of the Friends of Glebe House, a

stxppert group organized to assist in the activities of the

House .

Aside from the preservation and interpretation activities

associated with historic houses, the Trmstees of the Society have renewed their efforts to better serve the mendsership. Pro-

Zrmual Recorfe

192

grarming for 1984 included an ahoitious schedule that offered some.thing for everyone : pilgrirmges , meetings , special dinners , conferences, lectures, workshops , bus trips and river excursious , The Society's collections have groun at a remarkable pace since the lrDve to the Clinton House. Our ability to catalogue and make available these materials has not, unfortunately, grown as rapidly. Rfcognizing the need to address this problen, the Trustees of Jut- e Society have contracted with a technical serv-

ices librarian to begin to put the printed collection of the

Society in order.

This is only one segment of the Society's

holdings, but it is a start. Full cataloguing of the collections is a Board-recognized priority.

As Director, I have frequent occasion to represent the soci-

ety in the cormmity. In the last-year I have addressed numerous historical societies and cormmity and professional groups.

I always do so with great pride in whathas been accoxplishedand with boundless enthusiasm for the work that lies ahead. At the Conclusion of its seventieth year the Board of Trustees of the Society should be congratulated for consolidating the achieveInents of the past into a balanced, active present and a bright and promising future.

Melodye Kaltz

Accessions fepert August 1983 - ruly 1984

As in past years the Society`s collections have grown as a result of the thoughtfulness of our mehoers and friends. The Board of trustees of the Imtchess County Historical Society would like to acknch7ledge the generous contributions of the fo||cIving= Mrs. Dave Alexander Tim AIlred The AsseITbly, State of New York, Speaker's Regional

Gerda Winslow Dupilka Mrs. Iinus DURocher

Dutchess Cbunty Department

Of Planing

Office Bard Cbllege Center

Dutchess couni=r Eirivonmental

Byron Baimigartner

Dutchess Cbuni]7 Genealogical

Clifford & Ijenora Buck

Dutchess Oouni2r Historian Georgia Storm Edwards

Beacon Historical Society

Fadford Oudy Elizabeth A. Daniels

rmagenent Cbuncil

Society

Ethelpr a. Fell

Department of The Arny, U. S. Charles Fisher ArrrTir Milita]ry History Inst. Talrres Gold

Design X Gc)rmTunica.tions , Inc. Virginia Cfolden Dtrs. James DiMaso Mrs. W. H. Halfoleton

Irene Donaldson

in. & Mrs. Benjamin Hayden

froul Reports

193

HeartTof-the-I.akes Publishing New York State Office of Clenent S. Henry, Tr., & Parks , Recreation and ftyder Henry 11

Historic Preservation

Anna l¢itchell Hill Estate Pauline Stockton Ho ff Huguenot Historical Society Indiana University Press

Afrs. R. W. Pomeroy, Tr.

Thcmas I. I.aforest James Duane Livingston

Henry Reichert John K. Rinaldi Stechen Cbunty Historical Society

Charlotte Slingerland "ttie Kester

Clara Iosee Stephanie Maori rm. William P. MCDermrfett

Katherine ifere

NIwhurgh Free Library

Sheila N-

Nen7 York State Historical Association

Thomas E. Parker

LHcille P. Pattison

John Perillo

Irene Stolarik

Cbllin Strung

Florence S. Tabor Peter VanKleedc

Vassar Brothers Hospital Vassar Cbllege Art Gallery Hilda R. Watrous Yakjma VAlley Museum

Glche House Chairlran 's Repo]± - April 1984

This year was an eventful one for the Glebe House Ormittee.

It started off by jointly succeeding with our neighbors in pre-

venting a proposed Social Clto from opening next door, and ended

ky adopting the first formal ccrmittee structure for the Glebe House committee.

The year in between was full of challenges and

fun for a very bury ccrmittee.

The caITmittee was reduced in size from past years, but with only a fen exceptions was staffed by very capable and hardworking people. Man:y of the oormittee menfoers also held rulor Ieague Board pesitious. This year there were twelve cx3ndttee nfroers appointed dy the Junior I]eague of Poughkeepsie, and ten of theni actually worked on the cormittee: Cindy Dean, Sarah FTedrickson, Roberta Tamin, Sally MacDonald, Arm-Margaret Parker, Cara Prieskorn, Ethel Fichardson, Ijyrm Scharfroerger, Sally Wanless, aind Arme Wendt. Melodye Kaltz was the cro-chairman from the Dutchess county Historical Socie.ty, . and Evangeline Reilly was the Guide/Caretaker. Nor[na VanKleeck front the Historical SocietyLGlede House Furmishings Oc>rmittee also

assisted. In addition, ccrmmity people and other nmior Ijeague rrrders assisted with the School Tours and Spring Crafts Fesi tival. Because of the small number of people actively working on the Glche House, many pec)pie had to do double and triple

duty. In order to operate effectively, the Glebe House needs a marmgenen± candttee of ten people, and at least ten additional active pepple organizing program events and fund-raising. This year our lack of adequate staff and extra burden of rerorganiz-

194

Thual Reperfe

ing prevented us from addressing fund raising and program enhancenlent, both of which deserve Considerable effort.

At the beginning of this year iL was apparent that the Glebe House committee was in financial straights.. During the surrmer it became apparent that both the decision to and ilrplenentation of separating the Glebe House finances front the Dutchess Cbunty IIistorical Society was a grave error. As usual, the JIB Board, especially Nanny Armold, Grace Deitz, and Ieis Stewart, lent their time and considerable talents to helping us get the mess straightened out. We have a contract between the Ttmior League of Poughkeepsie and the Dutchess Ooun:ty Historical Society negotiated, adc)pted by the Glebe House Committee, and agreed to in principle by both boards. Dhav the lavyers have to translate it into formal language, review iE for both organizations and iL needs to be signed. Assuring this happens, it will be the first. time the Glche House Crmittee and the reaponsjbilities of both organizations have ever been officially defined. Cmce this is ccxpleted, the Glade House Cbrmittee should be in a position to be able to do some fund raising so they do not have to Continue

to operate on a deficit budget. This nesri year is the lastyear that operations can continue without additional income.

In light of the oc)ntrac±, a managenent committee organlza-

tion for the Glebe House Committee was adopted consisting of ten

pesitions. The organization included job responsibility lists, but detailed job descriptions need to be developed for these positions as well as program and fund raising sto-committee positions. Juror I.eague Placement then needs to revamp their questiormaire to reflect these job descriptions.

Spring Festival 1983 was a roaring success in spite of being sncIved out and having to reschedule one day. Twenty-four classes from 72 schools for a total of 478 students and 53 adults enjoyed leaning about l8thtentury crafts from 17 area craftspeaple with the able assistance of 10 JIB and cormmity volunteers. During the past year a total of 2,862 individuals visited Glefoe House.

The ever-pc)pular School Health Cot)king Tours started up in Septerhoer,. Classes from various schools visited the Glebe House

for an historical `tour, health ccoking demonstration, and a taste of history, thanks to the efforts of our School Tour

chairman, Anne Wendt, Jljp, and ccrmmity volunteers.

Decerrber apen House made slightly Irore profit than lastyear

in spite of a terrible ice storm on Decerrber 4th, thanks to the efforts of Cara Prieskorn, our apen House Cflairman; Dorothy Brown, a caITrmrii]r craftswcrman who donated a lot of tine and

many darling items to the boutique; Van Reilly; Tina Allen; and Inyself , who picked apples and made applchutter and herbed vimegar; Iny family who made many itenis for the boutique; the volunteers who came to the craf ts workshops during the spring and fall; the members of the JIB who si]pplied "goodies" for thebake sale; and all of the volunteers who came out in the storm to work at Cpen House.

rmul Reperts

195

The craft workshops were held on ten Sunday afternoons during April, Ma:y, June, Septefroer, October, and Noverfroer to make

boutique itelns. There was a very small turnout for these events, but the people who came were very productive. If the Boutique is to be developed as a true fund raiser, sonie method of getting lrore hands involved will have to be found. In the future this rna:y beoone a function of the Friends groxp, but certainly 1984 and probably 1985 Boutiques will have to rely on the JIB and ocrmittee. Cne thought rna:y be to interest the

sustainers in this project.

Spring Crafts Festival 1984 plarming is progressing smcothly thanks to the efforts of Van Reilly, Sally MacDonald, and Sara FTedrickson. This is the third and prc>bably last year that we will run this program. Though it is very pepular with both the

school classes and area craftspepple, it takes an inordinate amount of plalming and volunteer resources.

The only real meg-

ative is that the children get to spend very little tine with

each craft area. As an alternative to this annual event, Van Rfilly, Sally Witless and I have begun to plan a new series of School Tours which would provide for lrore depth in each craft area. We plan to have these defined this spring, apply to IBM for a grant to cover the cost of new equipment early this sunr mer, begjm training volunteers at the end of the sLrmer, and offer the new series to the schools starting in Septerfroer. Initially we plan to offer a choice of five programs. Hopefully these will be modified and/or expanded upon by future commit-

tees . i. An historic house tour focusing on the history and furnishings of the Glche House.

2. A food preservation and preparation tour including drying fruits , and handsron hearth ooc]king.

3. A clothing related tour to include the costumes of the l8th century, natural dying, spirming and weaving.

4. A crafts tour to learn about activities which are craft hobbies today but were necessities of l8thcentury life. It would include candle making, quilting, woodcarving, and potentially rug hooking 5.

and elforoidery.

A colonial school class which would include writing

with a quill pen, map reading, exanples of old texts and newspapers, and "current" events of the late 1700 , s c

Chiy the basic house tour would be free. Fees for the other tours would be set to cxxpletely cover the costs of the tour.

The Future of Glebe House Committee was in abeyance during

this year because of the efforts required to establish a clear defjrition of the Glebe House Oc)rmittee.

The boamd of the JIB

inual Reper+s

196

appointed a new Future of Glche House committee and charged iE

with creating a Friends of Glede House organization this nesri year. This new conmittee is independent of the Glche House Oc)rmittee, but will, I`m sure, work closely with the new Glebe

House Chai-.

Our treasurer, Sally Waless , deserves special recognition for her efforts in organizing the Glebe House finances and setting up reasonable accounting procedures.

Flespectfully, Ijylm Schalfoerger7 chairman Glebe House Oc)rmittee

Yearfrok lth. P. Mc De]rmott

The authors who VI=ote for the 1983 Yearboc}k made ilrportant

contributions to areas of Dutchess County history which-have

received too little attention. A fine article bv Prof . William 8. RAoads discussed 20th-century architecture. -in it he also revealed the working relationship between local historians who understood the earliest period of Dutchess County architecture , Franklin D. Roosevelt and Helen W. Reynolds.

Also focused on

the arts was a well researched article by Barbara Biszick in which she discussed the rmisical heritage of Poughkeepsie, par-

ticularly during its earliest period.

Although the contributions of individuals are jxportant, the history of a conrmmity is revealed in proper perspective through understanding the role of its average citizens. Julian Solcrmn and Joshua Hinerfeld, individually, contributed valued information about ethnic groups , the Native-Zmerican and the Black-Zmerican.

These works were balanced well with biographies of individuals contributed by fouanna Elya, who discussed Sybil Ludington, and Robert Fisch, who sketched the contributions of seventy county residents. And John Ferris investigated and disclosed fully the esrient of Franklin D. Roosevelt's interest

in local history.

Two works examined l9th-century Dutchess County frcm quite

different perapectives. John Perillo described a single event, a railroad disaster in a EHnall village. Andrea Zinerman discussed manufacturing in Dutchess County as it moved frcm craft

to industry in a sixty year period.

The earliest Period of Dutchess County history always holds special interest. -Radford Curdy treated this period well in his research into the earliest settlement in the Fislikill area during the 1680's.

Additional information about this I)eriod was made

available in a irork on falily size and constell-;tion ky William

P. in lieHrDtt.

froul Reports

197

Ways and Mean July 1984

As lrost nfroers kncw, this is the first year that the Sociei=r has had an active Ways and Means Cc]rmittee in quite sorretjne. We were assessed quite a high goal of $7,500.00, and we

have been lcoking for the coiroperation of hath the Ebard arid the Merfoership to help raise i=hese funds for the operating exExases of our organization.

Three main "events" were proposed by the carhittee, and approved by the Boaifd:

I.) a Benefit Dirmer at the ariinary Institute of Zherica, 2.) Bus Tours outside i=he area, and 3.) Clearwater Sails.

As of July, the follcwhg can be reported: i.) The Benefit Dirmer was held on March 29th, and was

very interesting, delicious, and a great success.

2.) The Bus tours for Ma:y and June scheduled to.:...travel to

Penneylvania Dutch Cbuntry and Williamsburg, Virginia,

respectively, had to be cancelled due to lack of reservations.

Trips are plarmed on Septerrber 12th and 13th to Nequrt, RIede Island, and on cotober 9th and loth to Boston. Both lcok to be promising.

3.) Clearwater Sails were plarmed for august llth (evening sail) and August 12th (afternoon sail) . Thei lcok to be

interesting, informative, and fun!

I hope that you have helped us by participating in one of these events, to support our Society and the historical ideals for which it stands, and I hope that you have enjoyed yourself wile doing so.

Sincerely,

Jtry lforan Ways ancL Means Chairperson

Annual Treasurer I s Repert - 1983

(Available at the Society's Headquarters -Clinton House, Box 88, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602)

198

AppOINTED HlsroRIANs Or31

DUTCIESS CC)UNTY

cOuNTy HlsroRIAN

royce Ghee Cbunty Office Building Poughkeepsie, New York 12601

clTy HlsroRIANs

pouca©slE

BEztycoN

Alexander D. Rogers

Elizabeth I. Carter

12 W. Willow Beacon, NI 12508

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

40 Randolph Avenue

TChunt HlsroRIANs

EAST FISRIEL

juqFrm

Catherine Ijeigh Flir].t Hill load

Heny Cdssidy

Jinenia, NI 12501

Storlrville, NI 12582

REhore I®ad

FISHKIIL

BFHEEN

Lee Eaten Clove Valley Road Hopevell runction, NY 12533

-N

Willa Skirmer Charlotte Fbad Fishkill, NI 12524 FISFRIIL (Village)

William Benson Tr. Hollow toad Salt Point, NI 12578

IrovA

Ptrgaret Somers Rapalje Itoad Fishkill, NI 12524 IrmE PZRI

Mrs. Donald 8. Dedrick

rmiErme Grace

N.ellie Hill Road lbver Plains, NI 12522

hill Ftoad, PO Ebx 554 Hyde Park, NI 12538

+

199

TChIN HIsroRIENS (Cbntinued)

IA CENGE

ELly Jbhuson nfoore ltoad, MDores Mills Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 MIIJEN

-ara W. Iosee RE #2, Ebx 171

Red HOok, NI i257i

Nor-T

Chester Eisenhuth Sfrons St., Ebx 64 hillerton, NI 12546

PztyENG

Ply- Feron Old Route 55 Panling, NI 12564

PINE P-S in. Eyrne R. D. Fone Mt. Fbss toad Pine Plains, NY 12567 PIEASANT VAIIEY

Gall ctotty Quaker Hill Itoad Pleasant Valley, NI 12569 pouGHEillsIE nchmi

Mrs. Virginia Ferris 6 Kingsway Circle

Chelot Village

Fun HcoK (Village)

ItoselTny E. ctons

34 Garden Street Red Hcok, NI 12571

REINEBECK

Ikwitt Ghaell 38 MUTherry Street

ELdeck, NI i2572 sTjrmRE Mrs. Elinor Beckwi.th

stissing toad

Stanfordville, NI 12581

=kv¥)

2 Friendship Street

Tivoli, NI 12582

unoN -

Ir- Stolarik

N. Srith ltoad

I]aGrangeville, NY 12540 VREPINCER

Mrs. constance Smith RI) #3, Ftoute 376

Wappingers Falls , NY 12590 TmpplNCERs FAIIs (Village)

Miss Caroline P. W-ixson

86 East Maim St. Wappingers Falls, N¥ 12590

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 RED HcOK

John Winthrop Aldrich "RJkchy"

Barrytchm, NY 12508

usHINGroN

Iouise H. Ttrykius Dutchess Cbunty Infirmary hillbrcok, NI 12545

200

pREslDENrs cF HlsroRICAL scx=IHIEs IN DIE Tc»INs cF DUTceEss cOuNTy jHMFrm

George E. Phillips 317 Folan I®ad Jtrrala, NI 12501 BEAcON

NO-T

Mrs. William Warren Fieservoir Road Millerton, NY 12546

PZHflENG

Joan K. Van Voorhis

res. roha C. Dariels

82 torifi Walnut St.

cOx 99

Beacon, NI 12508

Paeling, NI 12564

BFEEEN

Mrs. Dorothy M3ntgornery Waucer Fbad Hopen7ell Junction, NY 12533 ChlNroN

Julia Buglion Hollcw RDad Clinton Cbrmers, NY 12514

IX)rna

€. Caroline Reichehoerg

PIEASANT VAIIEY

Alfred Hasbrouck Salt Point, NI 12578 POUCHuesIE (Bchrdoin Park

Historical Association) rms. joan Pun 4 Mesier Avenue, South Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

poucaEenslE clTy Tfrothy Allred

ife Carthy toad

3 Easiman Terrace

Itover Plains, NY 12522

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

FasT FlsERIIL

Joseph 8. Wells

Wrdcrest Hive Hopevell Junction, NY 12533 FISHKII|

Carl Erts 19 Broad St. Fishicill, NI 12524 HYPE PARK ASSCCIATION

I]eon Froai= 3 Watson Place IIyde Park, NI 12538 IrmE PARK scx=IETy

Katrqu Stea±

Hollow Ridge Itoad Staatsburg, NY 12580 IA GENGE

William M. Dederer Skidmore Road, Box 298

Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 LlmE NIDH pARrmrms Mr. Edwa]rd Schoeikardt

RE HOOK (E9beri Benson Historical Society of Red Hook) Mary O'Neill Etox 1776

red Hcok, NI 12571

-ECK

rmilys Hatch RI) 2, fox 150A RIincheck, NY 12572

sTzrmRE Mrs. W. I. Arbuoo Box 154, South Anson Itoad

Stanfordville, NY 12581

UNION Mrs. Helen Manson PO fox 100 Verbark, NI 12585 vueplNGER

Mrs. Katherine Ijyons 15 W. Acadey St. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

usHINGroN

Fairview Avenue

Charles Hipp

Pine Plains, NY 12567

PO fox 592

ELllbrcok, NI 12545

DUREEss couNTy HlsroRICAL soclETy

201

Mfroership - Septenbe 1984

Buck, ciifford M. Carter, Mrs. E. Sterling

beyo, JeAIarrs, Almon & Ton

Adaus, rink & Sue

Adriance lfroorial Library AIerm, Ibrothy

°Ah]13ach, Mr. & Mrs. Iouis

AIquist, Iby T. jifeinder, Lueil Alden Place Elementary School Allen, Mr. & Mrs. Edward C.

AIlred, Tfrothy Amenia Historical Society chderson, E]gar A.

Alerson, tontgamery dson, Shirley V. AIdhjlrrde , Claudia Arlington Elenentary Schcol

*Armrrmld,Elting

*Asher, Mrs. Itobert W.

Jtshford, I- R.

Auser, EL. Cbrtland Pell

Averill , Walter

Ayres, Rlchard G.

*Badgley, George A.

Bailey, Elton V. V., Tr. •Baker, EIEen & James

REer, M-ell

+Bank of Nair York Banta, Mr. & Mrs. George E. Banta, Mr. & Mrs. I. Edward

Bard Cbllege Iiferary Ba]Iesi, Arlene Bartlcw, Mrs. A]bert F. Bartholf , Elizabeth 8.

Basonne, W. REdford, Tr.

Beacon Historical Society Beck, Dtr. & Mrs. William C.

Becker, Mr. & Dtrs. Stephen P.

*fife MoFTiend

+Patron

Mc De]±rott, Dr. Williarn P.

Etwers, Mrs. Albert Tdrrpkius , louise BecEtw7ith, Mr. & Mrs. Asa T.

Beedrman Elementa]]r School

Beelrman Historical Society

-, Betty M.

Bchrens, Mr. & Mrs. Manley

Bell, ltrs. Claude R.

°Bell, M=. & Mrs. Harold L. Benton, Mr. & Mrs. Ezra R.

Berger, fen & higuerite Bergmann, Mr. & Mrs. Eric A.

Berry, June Beust, charles E.

Birch, richard Biszick, a. A.

Blair, Alice L. Blakley, Mrs. E]mer

Blodgett Memorial IIibrary Blooner, Mrs. F. Irving Bogie, William F. , rr.

Ecos, C. Inc.

Bcndoin Park Historical Assoc.

Bchrman, Mr. & Mrs. Donald F.

Braig, Mrs. Iouis J. Bralxpton, Hazel Brill Brands , James Vinoent Brearley, David Breed, Mrs. James R. Breed, Mr. & Mrs. Rc)bert 8.

Bresee, Mr. & Dtrs. I.aurence A.

*Briggs, M=. & prlfs. Kermeth

Brock, James P. Brockway, Mary M.

Buchanan, Beatrice S.

Burke, Wiha I. ButhmErm, Eleanor

Butts, Alfred M. Butts, Dtr. & Mrs. Charles A.

202

Butts, Mrs. FTankljm A. Butts, Mr. & Mrs. John Bays , EELbara Srrith

fyster, Linda U. Cadyell, Dorothy P. Capozzi, Mr. & Mrs. Richard V.

Cbprcol, Itorma

carl, zfrold

Canoll, William Carter, Mrs. Itormian

began, Gall DeGraff, Mr. & Mrs. John G. Deliavergne, Mr. & Mrs. C. M.

depaur, Marlin Marie Diddell, Mildred D. Itohos, p. mvid Dcx]ge, Bchce F.

mherty, Frank J. Iiesio, Mary I. coty, Olive H.

CELer, Itobert P.

Dover Historical Society

Case, Barbara A. Cassidy, Henry

Itoyle, Harriet T.

C~er, ZThur H. Celtruda, Mrs. Catherine Cflalley, Jim & Marianne

chancellor Livingston

Elerrmtary Schcol chaput, racques Cfliararronte , Arlene

Cibelli, Ernest I. , Sr. Ciolko, Mr. & Mrs. William

Dcrmey, Mr. & Mrs. Augustus M.

*make, Marjory H. Droege, Susan Jane

Dunton, jhe Mary Dipilka, Gerda Winslch7

*DURocher, Mrs. Linus F.

Dutchess Oorrmmity Cbllege

Library Dutchess Cbunty Genealogical

Society

Clinton Corm]nity Library

nyk-, Nathan

Cbaprrrm, mvid Cble, Helen C. Oc)mstock, Joseph 8. , Tr.

East Fishkill Historical

Clinton IIistorical Society

Cbnnelly, Mr. & Mrs. Raylrond I. Connevey, Mr. & Mrs. Cfiarles H. Cbnklin, ltr. & Mrs. John R. Oonnolly, Dr. & Mrs. John I.

East Fishkill Cc-miry Library Society Easi]rood, Itoberi S. Eaton, Mrs. Raymond

Ebling, Mrs. Clyde Effron, rm=. & Mrs. David

courad, Helen conte, Mary

Effron, Jesse Eggeri, Betty 8.

Cook, Mr. & Mrs. Rc)be]± H.

Eidle, Mrs. M. Kenneth

*Oook, Mrs. Turmer

Cbolrs, roseCb]ming, Mrs. Edwin

costello, Mrs. Hazel Cbvert, Mrs. A]J3e]± C. Cross, REyrond G. Crun, Mrs. Raymond P. Cunningham, Mrs. Edward

Eisner, deter M.

Eisenduth, Chester Elting Memorial Iiferary

*Ensley, ELs. Joseph W. Ensley, Mr. & Mrs. I. W., rr.

FPstein, Claude & Iinda Erickson, M=. & Mrs. Newton

Fai±bairm, Helen L.

Curdy, Fadford

Fermer, IIeah P. a]]±is, Mr. & Mrs. Huntington W. Feron, ftyrma *Fink, Mrs. Mapledoram Daniels , Elizcheth A.

mvis, Inez W. Davis,, Dtrs. Putnam Dean, Mr. & Mrs. G. V., Tr.

DeBold, Cbnstance R. DecHcer, ltrs. Harry Decbrdova, Dtoel, Tr.

Fiori, Giov-a

Fishkill Historical Society Fitchett , Bernice FlcRIers, corge S.

*Floyd, Rith Van ngrdc

+Forster, James V.

203

Fbrtino, Helene C.

Hayden, Dr. & Mrs. Benjamin

Fo\in:y, Mr. & Mrs. foberi C.

Heaney, Mrs. Frederick W.

Francke, touis I.

*Francke, Mrs. Spraker Frazer, Mr. & Mrs. Silas FTedrickson, Edward & Sarah French, Mrs. Fbank I. FTiedland, Dr. & Mrs-. S. L.

*FTincke, M]riel E.

Froats, Mr. & Mrs. I.eon A.

Frost, Barbara V. Frost, Benson R. Garcher, Mrs. James E.

Heaton, Mr. & Mrs. Iiawrence

Heidgard, William Hernroth, Alice T. Hevenor, Robe]± 8.

Hill, Dr. & Mrs. charles L. Hinkley, Mr. & Mrs. David R. *Hoag, Mrs. F. I>hillip Hoe, Mr. & Mrs. Edwa]rd L.

*Hoe, ELs. Itoberi Hoecker, Alice M.

Hoeaker, hita

Gardner, Mr. & Mrs. JQhn R. Ho ff, Dtr. & Dtrs. Frederick I. Gartland, EL=. & Mrs. John J. , Fr. Hoffnagle, G. F.

Gavin, John

Hollerfoeck, Dr. Kenneth L.

Gay, Mf. & Mrs. Fbbe]± C.

Howard, Mr. & Mrs. Edwardvanfi.

Geisler, Mr. & Mrs. John

Ht]bbard, Dtrs. E. Stuart, Tr.

GRIe, William F.

Huguelrot Historical Society

Gellert, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur L.

Hunt, Mrs. A. Seaman

Genmel, Mr. & Mrs. Alton N.

Hunter, Mary Alice IIyde Park Free Library IIyde Park Historical Assoc.

Genealogical SocietyLialt I]ake George, Mr. & Mrs. Glen

enee, Joyce C.

*Gill, George M.

Glover, J-y H. Glover, Ptria A.

Cbetz, Diane M. Goldin, Mr. & Dtrs. Irving H. Goodman, Dr. & Mrs. I.. William Grant, Mr. & Mrs. Henry A. Cireene, Mae

Grinnell Library Association

Hyde Park Historical Society *Ingersoll , Iona Barton Institute of Ecosystem Studies IJibrary Isbirian, Armine A. Jacob, Mrs. Thomas F. Tacobs, Claudia & Itouglas James, Spencer C., Tr.

raminet, Ioretta T.

Tanson, Mrs. William H.

Guernsey, H. Wilson

Taycox, Herbert L.

Gumell, lfr. Dewitt Gustafson, Julia 8.

Teanneney, John & Mary Iou

Teffries, Mrs. John F.

Hager, William D.

*Tohnson, Mr. & Mrs. I. Edward

Hahn, Mr. & Ms. Thornas G.

Jones, Hark *Kaltz, ifeledye K.

Haight, Imhores Halght, Ijysdon A. Haight, Itobert 8.

OHa|pin, Tarres H.

Halstead, Mrs. Purdy A. Halrbleton, Mrs. William H. HamErstry., Dtr...a... ltrs. L. Gordon

Hane, ltrs. Milton T. Harden, Helen

*Ha]rnelink, Rev. & Mrs. H. H.

Kane, Mr. & Mrs. John V.,Ill

Kapusta, Alvim & Carolyn Kelly, Arthur C. M. Kelley, Ijysdon L. Key, Mr. & Mrs. ramfs

Kingston, Elva Kirkead, Elise H. *Kirby, Helen cormell RTare, Mrs. Harold V.

Hasbrouck , alfred

Klein, Barbara 8.

Hasbrouck, Kenneth E. , Sr. Hatch, Vemon D.

Knauss, Mr. & Mrs. Howard C.

Hauser, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E.

Koloski, Dr. & Mrs. Ra:yrrond

REickerbocker, Mrs. William

204

*Krulewitch, E. Peter

haffin, Rosenny I.aGrange Elementary School

*MCGutk, Patricia H. MCHoul, Mr. & Mrs. Itouglas MCKee, Jean

IiaGrange Historical Society

dyrfe-, Itonald

I.alijbe]±e , I.awrence

hue, mgaret T.

Meadcws, Elizabeth M.

Iarrabee, lfarshall, Ill

Meads, Mrs. Manson Meagher, `Ra:ymond E. , Tr.

I-awlor, Ihise M.

ifeserve, Helen

I.awson, Mabel V.

rfeyer, Mr. & Mrs. Ricfrond F.

Ijeigh , Catherine

Mill ltoad School Library Mil]brook Central School Millbrcx]k Library Mil]brook School Iiibrary

liermox, Gall M. IIeRDy, Mrs. Hctward I. *IIenis, Mr. & Mrs. Iou

I,evittes, Mr. & ltrs. David I. Lindsley, Rev. James E.

Lirk, David

*Miller, Elliot

*Miller, Mr. & Mrs. John M.

Miller, ±a S.

Lipprnan, Jack

rfullet, Stephen C.

Litt, Mr. & Mrs. Solomon

Mills, Mrs. Harold S.

Little Nine Partners Historical Society

Iogan, Nanny A. Iafroardi, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph T.

*Iosee, Byron Vincent Ij3see, Clara W.

Iossing, Dr. John H.

Iossing, Melvin love, Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Incas, Mr. & Mrs. Lucas I.

Millspaugh, Mr. & Mrs . Stanfiey C.

Minturn, Mrs. Gerald *Mitchell, Grayson 8.

Mitchell, Mrs. N. Edward Dfoerschell, Mr. & Dtrs . Gerald E.

Ifoger, Rep a Elizabeth

tolteni, Iois A. .

MDngoven, Mr. & Mrs. Edward R. *Dfoore, Mrs. Samuel A.

M)ran, Judith

Ludwig, charlotte E. Ijufo, ELel Sue

Mosher, prim. & Mrs. Charles Dfulvey, Mrs. Edward A.

Lut, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen P.

Mund, Dr. & Mrs. Andren7'.-L.

Lund, Mr. & Mrs. David

Munderback, Mr. & Mrs. C. Oc)beri

*Lpr, Clara L.

Murphy, Briar

Ijyon, Lncinda S. MacGuinness, Dfrs. foberi 8.

Miirphy, Mrs. I. A. Mii]±augh, Edward J.

Madsen, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred M.

nyled, Catherine M. ftylod, Mrs. Charles I. rtylcrd, John I.

Marist College Ijibrary Marshall, Dr. & Mrs. Henry S.

Marshall, Joseph N. Mather, Cbnstance Mauri, Stephanie W.

*Mavadones, Zinas M. Mccalley, Mrs. Adrierme A. rmcarrc>n, ThonrLas

Nalle, Mrs. John M.

Navins, Mrs. Charles I. *Nestler, Harold R. Netter, Mrs. Matthew Nevers, Frances G. Newi3urgh Free Library

Mcclure, Mr. & Mrs. Walter, Jr. *Ne`man, Dr. & Mrs. Edward Mcooho, Mr. & Dtrs. Arthur 8. *MCDe]rmott, Mrs. William P.

M=Fhoe, Jack A.

New York Pchlic Library Norris, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley I. Noriineast Historical Sociei]r

REinds, Peter C.

Norton, Mrs. Itonald E. Noxon ltoad Elcrmentary Scinool

MCGlauflin, Teresa I.

O'Brien, coris I.

MCGinnis, Mr. & ltrs. I.awrence

205

O'Ibnnell, Katherine O'Itonnell, Mr. & Mrs. Ra:ymondv.

O`conoghue, George

Olivett, Frank, Tr. O'Neill, Ellen ltrie

RIincheck Historical Society Ftoberts, Mr. & Mrs. John W.

REber±s, Father Kennedy K. *fodenburg, Mrs. Carl A. *foig, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert S.

quycke, Te-e 8.

roosevelt, FTanklin Delano,

O`Shea, Mr. & Mrs. E. Richard

Fbosevelt, Franklin Delano , Library

Cpperman, Mrs. Martin

°oulmette, Itoberi A. Overlook Elelnentary School

Parker, ms. Clyde Parker, Mrs. Thomas E.

Pearce, I- E.

°Pearson, Mr. & Mrs. Randall F.

Pells, Ijt. Cbl. Harrison W.

Perillo, John

High Schcol Rose, M=. & ltrs. Alfred

foseholatt, Mrs. A]bert foselifeld, Eric D. fottwell, William F. , Tr. REesch, Alida E.

Fhoin, Nathaniel

Perreault, Adrian N.

RE, Ludwig *REh, Mr. & rm=s. Carlton I.

Peterson, ELldred

*Rylrph, ltr. & Mrs. Harvey I.

Pet± , Barbara

Petz, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph E.

Phillips, Christina & Peter Picard, ELs. Irving Pierce, Madelene E. Pierce, R]ber± Piwonka, ruth

Pleasant Valley Free Itjbrary Pleasant Valley Historical society Plunkett, Gap;thia E. Podmaniczky, Charles 8.

Po]herm]s, Mrs. Norman

Policastri, Mrs. Barbara

*FylTph, M=. & Mrs. Ernest A.

Sadlier, Mrs. William I. Saint lfary's Schopl, Fishkill Saltford, Mr. Herbe]± Salvato, Mr. & Mrs. Donald *Salrmis, C. Theodora

*Sarmis, rms. Lloyd Sanford, Mr. & Mrs. David N.

Satterthwaite, Mrs. I. Sheafe Saye, ELian V.A.

Schafroerger, Ijpr Scheninan, Beatrice E. Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. C. a., IE

Schoonmaker, Mrs. Helen H. Ermeroy, Mr. & ltrs . fobe]± W. , Tr. Schultz, Andrey & Richard

*Poucher, John L.

Sctweizer, Eleanor N. foughkeepsie Historical Sociei=y *Scott, Henry L.

Psaltis , Peter

Prmtting, rm=s. William C.

Secher, Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Seeger, Mr. & Mrs. Peter

Pultz, Dtrs. Frank H.

Seylrour, Barbara I.

Pulver, 8. Jordan Quaker Hill IIistorical Society Rack, Mrs. I.awrence L. Radovsky, Mrs. David A.

Randolph Schcol Ralmson, Edrmmd G. , Tr.

Red Hook Historical Society

*Reese, Mr. & Mrs. Willis L. Rchbach, Mrs. RJbe]± W.

Reichenberg, Caroline Fleichert, Henry C. Reifler, Mr. & Mrs. Aa]son Reilly, Mr. & Mrs. Edward

Seylrour Smith Elementa]ry School Shaughnessy, Edward, Jr.

Shelby , Charlotte

*Sherman, Mr. & Mrs. Jonah

Siepietoski, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sinpson, AIanson G. SkidrDre, Hazel

Skirmer, Willa +Slusarz, Honald, Tr. Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Smith, Cbnstance 0.

Smith, Mrs. Earl E. Smith, Mrs. Ech7jm A.

206

Smith, Elizabeth M.

Srith, Ehice H. Solen, Iorraine I..

Sormners, ltr. & Mrs. A]Ihur

*South, Paul

ScIvada, Alfous

Space, Dtrgaret H. Spencer, Peter T.

Spingler , rmgaret Spratt, Mr. & Mrs. James, Jr.

*Spross, Mr. & Mrs. charles,G. ,11 Spross, Mr. Hdee]± C.

Staino, Itocco Stairs, Mr. & Mrs. David S.

Stanford Historical Society

si± iferary

Steams, Mr. & Mrs. RichardTay Steams, Rc)be]± ED.

VanKleeck, Cbl. R. Thornas

VanKleeck, Williari T. Vansanten, Garmet R.

Vanvliet, H. Richard Vanvoorhis, Joan K. Vanwagner, Alson D. & Irene H. *Vanwagoner Genealogical &

Historical Research Library Vanzanten, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Varian, Ruth W.B.

Vassar Cbllege Library

Velletri, Mrs. Iouis I. Verven, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo

Vinall, ltrs. Harry E. Vogel, ms. Craig Voorhees, Dr. Earl W.

Voorhees, Valere S. Wade, William 8.

Steinhaus , William R.

Wade, Dtr. & Mrs. Thomas W.

Stehoerg, FTance W. Stevens, Mrs. Welter W.

Wager, Hcward C. Wagner, Gordon G.H.

Stevenson, Dr. Jean Stolarik, Mrs. Karel Strain, Mrs. Richard C. Strung, Cbllin Strang, Mr. & Mrs. Robe]± M. *Stringham, Mr. & Mrs. Itober(= M.

Sturchen, hildred Stutz, Mr. & Mrs. FTed

Suckley, Margaret L. Supple, Mrs. Iieonard I. Swift, Fhath P. Taber, David S. Takacs, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Taylor, Mrs. Frances M. Thayer, Tag Thcxpson, I.aura M.

"alpuck, K-eth

walsh, Robin Wanless , Sally

Wappinger Falls Historical Society Washburn, Mrs. Orlin G. Washburn, Mr. & Mrs. William F.

Washington Historical Society Watson, Mr. & Mrs. E. Vail "eder, RE=. & Mrs. Donald H.

Webster, Mrs. Allen Welsh, Dr. & Mrs. John I.

Werder, Catherine West Road Intermediate Scinool

Thalen, Olive

Ttole, Kermeth -R.

Thite, Mr. & Mrs. William R. Wickes, Robert S. Wilcox, Dean & Jean Wiles, Dr. Richard C.

Traver, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore H. Tschudin, Mr. & Mrs. ELil, Tr.

Williams , Mary Elizabeth

Thornton, Mrs. Archie Tirm, Fmth M.

Trefz, Betty

"celing, William Thmold, Marjorie S. Tyrrel, Mrs. Nelson M. Ulrich, Fktwin A.

Union Vale Historical Society VanKleeck, Mrs. Baltus 8.

VinKleeck, Baltus 8. , Jr.

ftyandeeck, Peter VAnKleeck, Mrs. Ralph E.

Willi-, Itorothy

Williamson, George D. Willig, Atr. & Mrs. Stanley 8.

Wilson, George N.

Wilson, frona V. Winsor, Kathleen Vtoh]back, Mrs. James frolf, Mr. & Mrs. John A. Wolfson, Mr. & Mrs. William

tolgast, fisa

Wood, Mr. & prlfs. William R.

207

fror]master, Wallace F. "]nderly, Mrs. R)bert E. Yellen, rms. Iola Young-MJrse Historic Site Young, Mr. & Mrs. Paul M.

Zamiercwski, Mr. & Mrs. John

ZirmeHun , AIdrea Zoytak, Edrrard & Florence Zuccarello, Iouis C.

Index*

209

Abbatt, Itobert, 155 Bancker, Abraham, 20 Abraham, Joseph, 79, 80 Bangall, N¥, 72f Ackert, Alfred, 115f Barculo, Seivard, 103 Adriance, Jacob I.,125 Barker, William; 34, Adsett, rm.,142,150

agriculture, Dutchess

co. Fair, 85f; Outlcx)k Orch., 82 Zthany, NI, 13, 43

BarlcIV F-, 37f Barlov, Elisha, 43; Judge, 42; Nathan, 43; abed, 38;

Allen, -, 83; E3enezer, Peleg, 41' 42 164; Hc~d, 109 Barnegate (Poughkeepr AIlefron, Dr. , 44; sie) , 138, 140 S-el, 44 Barrett, SheHrrm, 86 Anenia Seminary, 134, Barilett, charles, 127

Bassett, Joseph, 40

136

AInenia, "the city", 138, 139; Trfu of, 86, 102, 125, 136

108,

119,

Zirnalaville, 137f American Revolution ,

Broks, John, 34 Brcxm, Charles, 164, 165

Brcrm, the irmkeeper, 137 Brctwne, Earyle, 106

Bush, John, i47 Buck, Clifford, 167, 168 Bullis, John, 75, 76, 79 Bulls Bridge, Itover, 126 Bulls Head, NI, 157 Bixp, Herman, 39; Jed-

155' 156

Beck, Ijewis C.,134f; Thecx]oric R. ,135;

"alter, 99

Bedell, "illian, 165

AIlington, I"Swego" ,

Beelrman, Margaret (Livingston) , 65 Bee]rman, "m of, 89,

106; Nathan, 149

106, 119, 120, 125, 138

124,

Beedman/Uhionvale , 137 Beelrmanville, NY, 138

Bei]ke, Will, 75, 76 Agricultural Society, Belden's, C. H.,137 86f; Amrita Clul3, ilo; Belding, I.aurence, 124 Farmer's, 126; Ge]rma- Belding, I,awrence, 155 nia singing,106; Benedict, Abijah G. ,

MEmdelssohn Glee,106;

B-kfield, 42

Bryan, Ward, 148

Anti-Federalist, 5f

artists & artisans, 99 as sociatiorrs :

138

Brills, Peter, 123

Beadle, Tilrothy, 124,

Bectwith, Col. Nathan,

Armstrong, Gen. John, i05; John, 129 Armold, charles N. , ilo; Joseph, 126 .

Brett, Madame, 102 Briggs,. Caleb, 134, 136,

Beacon, NY, 102, 109

52' 105' 106 Ancram, NY, 59, 62

156, 157, 158

BCHrman, Otis C.,148

±e, Jalnes, 109

102

38, 41,

Bontecou, FTederic, 109 Booth, Oliver, 102 ENlan, Otis, 136

132

NYS Agricultural Soc. , Benson, Gilber+,128 91; Orpheus Clch, 106; bethel, NY, 138, 139 Pough. Yacht Club, Bevins, Mr. , 40

adiah, 41; Mrs., 40

Buranelli, Prosper, lil

business :

Clove Iron Womk5, 135;

Clove Furnace, 137; Oonsol. Ice Cb.,124; Dutch. Cb. Bank Bldg.,

135; cover Iron Cb. , 135; rmtchess whaling,

127; Falkill Bark, ilo; Fishkill Iron, 135; ice cream, Ilo; I..C. Penn:y, 108 ; I.alTpblack Factory, 163; Merchant's Bank,

ilo; Northrup & Merr. , 125; Pough. Savings Bank, log, ilo; Reed, Griffin C.,125; Wing's Tavern, 137

102; Safety First Re- Billings, Andrew, loo Butterfield, Gen. Daniel, search, 81; St. Cecel- Binneston, Bennet, 45 107 ia Soc.,106; Social Birdsall, Herbe]±, 72, Reform Clto, 103;

82; William M. , 81,

Cardlo, Thomas, 58

YMCA caxps, 106

82

blacks, slavery, 47f ,

Ca]rman, I]eonard, 78; Ijevi, 45; I.ewis, 75

121, 122, 123f Bockee, Abraham, 127,

Carmel, Tbtm of , 121

Attlchury, NI, 138

authors, lllf

Badgley, George Cbrliss , 82; John, 73f

129, 136, 142, 148

Ebdden, John, 90

Bailey, Henry DUBois , lil fog HollcIV, 44

Carpenter, Benjamin P. , 108; Isaac Smith, 108

c©1, rm, 35

Cassels, I. L.,134f

*Names of participants at the mtchess Cbimty Fair .(1841-1844) are listed on pages 86-95.

Index

210

Castle, Daniel, 37f ; Esq., 39; Gideon, 38; TOErma, 39

cerfeteries : Amenia Island, lil; Calvary, 113; Dutch Church, 112, 113;

Evergreen, 113; Fishkill REal, 104, 106, 112; freedom Plains, 109; 112; Innisfree

Cline, (oont.), E. H., Davis, (cont.) , Richard, 155; Theodore, 76 40; Frark, 41; Henry, Dean, James E.,104 41; Peter, 41, 44

Clinton Cbrners, NY, 82,

163, 165

Clinton, DEwift, 17f ,

±Vergne, Dr., 44

120, 124, 125, 159

rmton, raj.,148 beret Hill, 138

Clove Valley, 142

Clove, NI, 137, 139

ling REal, 112;

Cbld Spring, NI, 107 Golden, Gov. Cadwal-

103, ilo, 112; Pough.

RE ifeeting, lil;

Reform Dutch, 112;

ence, 107

101; Gov., Party of, 6f; tRrm of, 119,

Methodist, 112; Nine Partners, 114; Paihr

Presbyterian, 112; Presbyterian, 102;

Declaration of Independ-

100; Gov. George,`6f, Delamater, Capt. , 41 100,102; George W., belano, Sara, 101

Garden, 114; IjaGrange Clove Fl]]mace, 137

Pough. Ftral, 101,

Dearin, I-s, 34

|adar' 41 colleges : Bard, 107; Dutciness corrmimity, 109; Vassar, loo, 107

Cbllins, George, 89 ELcheck Assoc. , 113; Itoosevelt Estate, 0c)lLmfoia County, 117; natural history, 134; 112; St. James, 101, slavery, 47f 112; St. Lcke's, 102, 112; St. aohn's, 112; Confederation Cbngress ,

Dennison, -, 147

Depression Era, 107 DeRiemer, Peter, loo Deuell, Abner, 81; Agnes Goerke, 82; CharlesH. , 75, 79, 80; F±ancisp., 82, 83; George S., 71f;

George Henry, 71f ; George A., 81; Maria, 81; Sarah tJpton, 81 Dewey, Thcmas E.,107

Itewint, Peter, 137, 148 Dix, John A., i35 Iblan, John, 40 Itorman, Daniel, 43; JaaJb, 43

12 St. Paul's, 108, 114; toty, S-el, 38 SwartIVout, 114 ; Terrple Cbngrove, Capt. , 58 Cc)nstitution , ratifica- Dover, Bulls Bridge,1!26; Beth-El, 113; Upton

tion, 5f

112; Vanderburgh,1112; Oc>ntine, M]ses, 124

East lfountain, 140; Stone Church Hotel,

Wappingers REal, |14 conpr, Leenderi, 56

137; Ttrm of, 90, 120,

fake, 82; Valleyview, Chalk Pond, 139, 141

Chokingham, John, 76

Cfialfoerlain , Joseph ,

caper, Dr. Zinanias,

41, 43

Chase, Solomon, 43

a::=:: #-dge, NI, 139 churches : Cbngregational , 89 ;

Ibver Plains Meth-

cdist, loo; First

cover Iron Calrpany, 135 64; Tohanrins, 62 Ibver Plains, NY, 77, 99, copley, -, 137 107' 108' 109' 110' Cbrnell, Crmelius H. , 132

Crary, Dr. Fbberi F. , 102

106.

Henry, 37; Joseph, 37; Thorrus, 38

Cline, +, 43; A. P., 40; A]foert, 40; (oonL.)

137, 138, 140, 137

Itover Ftoad, 124

mer, William, 12

Crego, -, 83 Duncan, Ephralm, 126 Crosby, Ernest H.,103 Dutcher, john 8. , 108

Cryslar, ratinas, 62 Presbyterian, 106 ; Old ifeeting House, CunningharL, Gen. Wal44; Presbyterian, 34; ter, 135, 149 .

St. Paul's Episcopal, c±s, catch, 38 Clapp's Patent, 37 ctapp, Elias, 37;

125, 126, 137, 155, 15_6' 158

Dangerfield, George , 7f

-' ife., 43 Davis, FTank, 76; Dr.

mtchess Cbuni¥: 1lf,118, 24, 33, i42,144;bino-

raphies , 99f; blizzard, 7lf; boundaries, 119, 120; bounties, 12lf; Fair, 85f , 127; Fair

participants , 9lf;

Historical Sociei]r ,

127; fafayette's visit,

Tacc)b I.,136,149;

106; natural resources ,

(conL )

131f; (conE.)

Index

211

Dutchess Cbunty (cent. ) 150th Rfgjlrmt, 108;

Fredericktcrm, Flown of , Herrick, Benjamin, 155; 119' 121 Willian' 165 Orphan House, 109; Freedcm Plains, Ny, log Hibernia, NI, 125 population, 7lf , 128; Freedcm, Hcrmi 6f, 120, Hicks, -, 83 Reptolicans , 109; 121,. 139 Highland Turnpike, 154 slavery, 47f ; Society Frost, David P.,164; Hinchliffe, Margaret, 42 of N. Y. C.,115f; JOseph' ilo Hine, George M.,ilo tcnus, 119 Fulton, Itobert, 102 Hirdansky, Sjmon, loo Dutchess Junction, NY, Hitchcock, Homer, 42, 45; 77

IMcenan, Johannes, 56

Gamag, Rev. Dr. Fred-

erick' loo GaLmer, William T. , 33

East Fishkill, Tbun of , Galfettson, Freeborn,

SErmel, 38 Hoag, -, 83; E. 8.,149

Hctffman, Zachariah, 120 Holly, EL., 42

121, 137, 139 127 Hoi"ell, NY, 135, 137, Eastman, Harvey G.. ,ilo Gates, Rev. cornelius, 138 Eastlnead, Charles, 106 149 Hopkius, col., 44

educators, loof

FHrards, Richard, 41 Elsworth, Edward, ilo Fmigh, Daniel P., 85, 88

Glde House, poughkeepsie, 167

Horfmanster, Eon. Daniel ,

Cberke, Agnes, 82

Horten, -, 72, 74, 80; Rev. Dr. William, 134,

Great Depression, 107

Grinell, Irving, 102

Erott, James, 129, 149; Grover, John, 71 Jalres Tr.,log; Judge Ctwirm, REph, 108 James, 135; William, 155

Era, William, 132

Evens, Patrick, 34

Everitt, Peter, 147 Faucooner, Mr.,. 58 .

Far, i, 150

Federalists , 5f ferries, RAinebeck, 124

Felfis, Ferone, 77 Fishkill Iron Cc>.,135 Fishkill IIanding,. NY, 109, 137, 138, 155

Fishkill lfountain, - 123

Fishkill: tales & sketches, lil; qbwn

H ..., Sam, 7lf

Haarlem Valley, 138, 139' 140

Hackett, John M.,109 Haight, -, 83; Anna tJpton, 81; Bert, 71, 76; Castle, 42;

137

137

hospitals: Bchme, log; Vassar Brothers, 102, log hotels : Inn (Zineniaville) , 137; Nelson House , Poughkeepsie ,

Fhaezer, 155;

108; Poughkeepsie, 89; Skidrrore's Inn, 137; Stone church, 137; Stormville House, 137 Hudson Highlands, 137,

Elijah, 42; ELlo, 42; Waiter, 7lf;

Hudson Valley, 49

140

mifcut, Horace, ilo Hughsonville Hotel, 34 Hall, IjeGrand, 40; Tal- Hull' -' 83 Zedulon, 81, 83 Halenbeck, Samuel, 63

rage, 118

Han' F. P.' 160

Hatilton, Alexander,

of, 86, 89, 104, 105, 5f, 101' 103 119, 120, 125, 137, Hanna, John A.,log

139, 154; village,

117

Harlem Valley, 159 Harris, David, 90

H-'s ELe, 139 Huntting, Isaac, lil

Hurd's Cbrners, NY, 138 Husted, -, 74f ,..

Ifyde Park, TCHm of,loo, 101' 120, 138' 140' 161' 164

Pitch, -, 72, 77 Hart, Benjamin, 90; Flagler, Paul, 164 Philip, 155 jrmigration, Irish, 171f Flannigan, -, 71, 75, Harts Village, NI, 138 Indian, "Bill Skids", 77 Hasbrouck, Dr. alfred, 44' 45 Follet, George, 41 Ilo, 164; Frark, ilo indians, 49, 56, 57, Fbss, Elder Job, 147 Haxton, Elnathan, 89 117, 118, 121, 122, Foster, william p. , Iiendrickson, Stephen, 154 165

FTanklin, TbThm of , 121

155

Henry, Patrick, 6

Ingraham, Thomas, 147 Irmis, George, 109

Index

212

Innisfree Gardens , MilThrcok, 99

Ireland, 40, 171f

Iriin jrmigrants, 17lf Jackson Cbmers, NY, 138

I.ansing, John, 13f ;

ifesier, Henry, 89 Milan, Hcltm of, 120, 124,

Mr.' 9

Lathrop, 41; William, 155

Ijattin Hill, 164 Iiawrence , Detective , 35

James, Edrrard K.,136, I.eake, Isaac Q„ 9

136

rfullard, I. E., 34; Walter, 34

Millbrcok, Innisfree, 99 rfulthrcok, NI, 109 Milhorook , South

Lee, Daniel, 148 (ifechanic) , 158 Miller, Nathan Tr. , 126 I]eedsville, NY, 167 hills family, 102 Ijent, John W., 34f Mitchell, Fbbert, 86 IjeRoy, joseph, 147 Ijewis, MJrgan, 107, 129 Afoe family, 168; John, 168; .Panelia, 168 Linedurgh, Alfred, 40 Dfontgomery, Richard, 129 Jones, Sarmiel, 18f I±nk, John I.,148 Tudd, Dr. Stoddard, Lithgow, NI, 138, 158 M)rey, Benjamin, 168 132, 135, 137, 150, IIivingston Manor, 47f , nforrisj, Burmett, 76 lforse, Salmrel F. 8„ 129 159 119' 120 Judson, Samuel, 37, Livingston, Alida, 53f; M)rton, Ijevi Parsons, 107 38, 41 Chancellor, 62, 64; M)sher,-,,76 Edward, 128; family, Dfott, -, 83; Ffoenezer, 149

Tarvis, I.auncelot, 39 Jay, John, 8f Jefferson, 15 Tohnston, John, 127 |ohnsville, NY, 139

Kalames, EdwaJ=d, 88

Kelsey, Simeon, 38 Kermey, John, 118 Kent, Jaries, 103, 129 Kent, Tbtwm of , 121, 125

Ketcham, James, 148;

|Oha H., i07; Foha M.,148

Kilfoloe, Mr., 39

King, REus, 9 Kingsley, -, 44

higston, NI, 124 Kline's Corners, 142

103; GiTher+, 8, 61, 155 108, 129, 155; Henry lfount floss, NY, 138

A. ,127; Margaret

miller, John, 79, 80

Bee!rman,

Marrow, Ecitrard R. ,104

65; Mary,

65; Peter R.,128;

PELip, 56, 59; Robert R., 7f,12f, 53f, 117, 120, 128

dyers, Frank, 33f Nase, -, 43

natural resources , iron,

Iong Pond, 139 59 Iossing, Benson I. ,104,Nelson, Homer A. , 108 129

New Hahourg, 33f , 102

IndlcIV, Henry G. ,127

New Halrpshire, 13f

Inyster, FTank, 33

New York City, llf ;

Federalists, 5f; Cbnvention, 5;. Journal, 17; I-egislature-1700 ,

RAeeland, George, 89 REevels, John W. , 127

Mabbetsville, NI, 138

Khickerbocker, Mrs. ,

Madison House, 33f 116 Madison, Jacob, 34f; Nevccfro, John, 155; Sen. James, 6 Tosiah, 109; Thomas, Maison, I-eonard, 132 155 Marqr, Gov. William L., Nevell, Cieorge, 99 132f newspapers :. Cbunt]]/ TourrmThro., 34 nal& P. ,104; 'Evening Marlin, in.,135,150 Post, 109; Family `Maga-

40

Thox, Gen. Henry, 22

Kcol, Caspanrs, 63 RTaayehorjck, Luey Baright, 169

Kudr, AIoiph, i06 Kyle, Hugh, 40

Afack, rohn E.,103

=, 104; FisELill

Pfassacfusetts , 13 I.afayette, General, 106 Mather, William W. , Iafayetteville, NY, 138 134f

Times, 104; Mateawan

IIaGrange, Tb`m of, 82, Matteawan, NY, 104 89,1109; (Freedom) , Mccby, i, 45 120, 121; 138, 139 MCFarlin, Ijevi, 164

rotrmal, 17f ; Pawling Pioneer, lil; Pch-g-h-=

Iafroert, George, 37, 41 ME!chanic, NY, 124, 155 Iianc>ree, George, 165 Dferritt, Fphraim7 148

rournal, 104;. Fishkill Journal, 104,; New York Casket, 104;. Pough.

Eagle-, 104; ffi.)

Index newspapers (cant. ) :

Philipstcrm, Hcnm of ,

tough. Found, 85f, |o4, 132; RE.

119, 120'.121

phiiiips, rfu, loo

telegraph, 104; Sun-

Pine Plains, nchm of,

day courier, 78;The

lil, 120, 124, 136,

Cburier, 159 New York State Agri-

138,

Zephaniah, 19, 129

Dtortheast Center, NY,

Pleasant Valley, DChm

138

of,

NI]rtheast, N¥, Winchell

fountain, 138 119, 120, 124, 136

Oblong, The, 37, 119+ 120

Plymouth Hill, 124,

keepsie, 104 Potter, Rev. Dr. Horatio, 129; Rev. in.

Ctrange county, 134 0swego, NI, 156 Ctswego toad, 155

Alonzo, 129; William R.' 126 75,

121' 125 104' 105' 107, 108,

109, lil, 119, 120, 126, 138, 140; TrmpjJce, 123

Pearsall, G. T.,165; Jane Ann, 165; Williar,H.,165 Pedks, Hezekiah, 125

Pedille, N¥, 137

Pell, John, 47 Pendergast, William, 117' 118

Pendleton, Nathaniel , 103

PerLe, Sarah, 44 Peters, Hulet, 155 Peirie, Jacob, 63 Thiladelphia Cbnvention, 13 Philipstcrm, .(cont`. ).

Harleni RE, 108; Sharon Sta. , .77; Van Waqner Sta.,169 Rankin, Rbberf G. ,127 Red Hook IIanding, 138, 86, 120, 137, 139, 140

kes, -, 150 religion, Quakers , 52 Fteynolds, Tustus, 40; rm., 40; Waiter,136, 149

Rhincheck long Dock, 124 RIinebeck, Tdim of, 103, 105, 107, 115, 119, 120, 124, 138, 140

Poughkeepsie: 5, 8, 36, ring, I]evis, 160

Paine, Fphriam, 45, 129

Pawling lfountain, 138 Pawling, Tbun of, loo,

Hudson River RE, 35; Mt. Beacon,.109; N. D. & C. RE, 78;-New York &

feed family, 38f

155' 158

ford, NE, 99; Pough-

old froy, 35 01ivet, -, 44

railroads: Harlem, 77;

89, 120, 138, 140 Red Hook, Hcxm of, 47,

pelitics, Dutchess Co. Reptolicans , log pest offices, Craw-

ftye, -, 41

Park, REus, 155 Patri, Dr. Angelo, loo Patterson, Tchm of , .

75,

153f

ltortheast, HChm of , 86,

Pa]mfr, Abiah W. , 108

139,159,160

Platt, Isaac, 104;

cultural Soc. , 91

Palatines, 53

213

89,{91,

96,108,rivers:

109,116f,119' 120, 136, 154, 157, 159,

160, 161; Cbnvention, 9f; court House, 124,

i55, i58; Gide House, 167; Irish1850, i7if; mdHudson Bridge, log; ndning, 135, 142; streets, 156, 157; Turnpike, 158; T\oll House, 164; whaling, 127

inell, jThur, 99 Power, Nicholas, 104

Preston, rohn, 148 Pultz, major, 149

Put© county, 120

Quaig, -, 150 Quakers, 52, 81 Quitman, John A. ,129; Rev. Dr. FTederick, 129

Radcliff , Judge Jacob, 129; John, 124

Rafferty, rohn, 34f railroads, 159 (cont.)

Hudson River, 59;

Hudson, 5f, 59, 117, 124,137,138,139,

140, 154; North fiver, 117; Ten Mile River, 41; "edatuck, 42 roads, "The Highway IJaw"' 165

roads : Amenia Turnpike, 153f; Bch7er RE.,158;

Clove RE.,126; Deep Hollcw Tpke. ,125; hover, 124; Dc)ver &

Uhionvale, 126; Dover Turnpike, 153f; Dutchess-Sharon Tpke. , 138; Dutchess Tpke. ,124, 125; Dutchess County, 153f; Fi]kintcun, 155; Fishkill Tpke Cb. ,125; Highland Tpke. , 125;

rilestone Iurkes ,

166f ; New Hahourgh Tpke. , 125; No]Th Awe. , 164; Oswego Rd.,155;

Pawling & Bedqlm Tpke.,125; Pine Plains to Washington Hollow, 163; Place, 125;

(cent.)

Index

214

roads: (cx)nt.) ,

.•153f,164; Plesant Valley, Post RE., 138; Pough.-Salt Pt. Place, 161, 162;

Pough.-StoHIville Place, 162, 163;

Quaker Hill Tpke. , 123; Itossway RE. , 158; Itoute 82A, 158;

Salt Point Tpke. , 153f ; Salt Point Plank, 154; Shunpike, 77; Thorn Iid.,164;

toll gatherers, 167;

schools : Amenia Senr

southwnd, 45 16.9 ; Trinity-Pawling , Sencer, Alexander, 124

Pough. High Schcol, 101-

Schrauth, Jacob, ilo; William H. , ilo

135' 148

fobinson, Daniel 8. , 168; Jade, 168 Rock City, NI, 138 Itoe, Charles, 168;

He-, 168

Roosevelt , Eleanor ,

Seger, Sen. Francis, 159

Shaffer, Mr., 41 Sharon, er, 124, 138 Sheif, James, 88 139' 142

Shipley, William, 155 ships, R. S~ Stevens, 135; Merrimac, 105;

M3rfror, 105 Shove, Brice, 125 Shuts, Abraham, 63;

Pet-, 63

SilTpson, Caleb, 125, 126

Skidmore's Inn, 137

103' 107

slavery, 121, 122,

Fafony, 37 Ruggles , Charles 135,

-H.'..129' 149.

Sabiris, Jeptha, 123

Sackett, -, 82 Sackett, John, 44 Salisbny, er, 138 Salisbury, Tfro of (CT) ' 124

Salt Point, NI, 82, 163, 164

Salt Point Tu]mpjke, 153f

Skds, Bill, 45 123f ; New York Manu-

mission Society, 65 slaves, Bell, 47j Ben, 57; Caesar, 60, 61; Dane, 60; Dasny, 66; Dego, 58; Dinah, 47;

64

Schertz, Tohannes &

A-, 48

120,139,159

Stanfordville, NY, 77, 83' 138

Stanton, EL. Iju]se, 136, 147

Sterling, Elisha, 135, 147

Stevens, -, 40; Fbenezer, 148; Elizabeth, 65; R. W., 40; R]ssell, 42';

William R., 42

Stissing ifeuntain, 139 , 140

Stoc±cho]m, -,148; Mr., 135

Stone's, 137 Storrrwille, NI,137, 138, 139

Story, RDwland, 148

strealns , Roeloff Tansen, 120; Savyer's Kill, 120

Stuckey, ltrs. ,101 Suckley, futsen, 149 Swartcout, family, 105.;

JacQbus, 103, 105 Isabel, 47; Jack, 63; Tanneau, 47j Joe, 54; Swift, James, 39; Judah,

rfus, 47; rmiah,

65; Nan, 65; Nancy,

41, 43; Thomas W., 44; Thc)mas, 86

66; Scipio, 65;

Silvia, 66; Tamer, 47; Tom, 56

Slawson, Peter, 44 Sleight, Fflgar, 86; Peter, 89

Salibox, Jacob, 62 Smith, George, 165; Sanford, Deacon, 147 Isaac, 148, 155; John T. , 109; I]awScanlon, Detective, 35 ScheHrier:borne, Taoc)b ,

106

Staats, Henry, 86, 89 129 Scofield, FTank L. ,106 Stanford, TIch7n of, 108,

101; family, 101; FrarELin D. , 101,.

Round Pond, 139

Spooner, -, 135, 148

Splioss , charles Gilbert,

Schnyler, Philip, 101, Squires, Jonathan, 125

toll House, 164; turnpikes, 124, 125, Shekameko, N¥, 138, 153f Fbbbjus.,-,45 Rc)berts, 'Elder P.

South AIenia, 37f

inary, 115, 134, 136; Southeast, Tb`m of, 119, 121 Oakwcod Seminary, 82.;

Tfror, Thomas, 90 Tal]madge, James, 129;

Sen. Nathaniel, 135, 149

TErmer F-, 38 taverns, Tavern House, 37 Terry, William, 155

Thair, Isiah, 41

rence,147; Mary 8., Thcrmas, Iawell, lil Thoxpson, Asa, 150; 165; lfelanc±on, 5f, Sarah, 102; Honorable 128; Philip H.,lil; Philip, 153Slrith' 102

Index Thorn, Stephen S., 86; WaTher, -, 149 Stephen, 159; WilWappingers .Falls , 34 liar, 149, 155; Asa, Wappingers Falls , Hewn 150

Of , 102' 105

Thurston, Salmel M. , 89 Warren, Esther, 44

Tillinghast , charles , 15

wars , American Revolution, 105; Civil War,

Tillotson, Thomas, 129 105, 108; French & Titus, Obadich, 86 Indian, 50; War of Tivoli, NI, 108 1812' 106 Toll House, 164; paint- Washington, George, 22, ing of ' 165 106 Tbxpkins, Elias, 148 Washington Hollcw, NY,

totten, Israel, 44

turnpikes in Dutchess Cbunty, 124, 125, 153f

85f, 127, 138, 155, 157, 158,

163

Washington, T]Chm of , 86, 119, 124, 153f Wassaic, NY, 71, 77,

Ulster Cbunty, 12.

78, 138 Underhill, Andrew, 149; Watts, John, 108 charlotte H. , 82 Wfoatuck River, 42 Undervcod, -, 147 Wessells, raj., 57 Uhionvale, HChm of, 86, Westchester county, 12 , `_

89' 90' 120, 121, 108 126,135,137,138, whaling, 127 139

Upper Red Hook, NY, 138' 140

Upton family, 81 Upton's I.ake, 139, 1.42

tJpton, Cforge, 81

Theeler, -, 147; frorster, 148

Rite, George, 41 Wilkinson, Geor\ge, 86;

Gilbert, 90; John, 86; Itobert, 127

Williarrs, 45 VanBenschoten, +, 147 VanDerBurgh, Dr. ,129;

J-' 106

Vanllorme, Cbrnelis , 58 Vanvlack, Abraham, 168; Phede, 168

Vanvoorhis, Peter, 149

"illie' -, 79' 80 Winchester, David, 39; H. N., 37f; Harry, 42; Henry, 39; Milo F.,

38

Wing, Tackson, 125; Mahlon, 148; Mahon,

Vanvochees, C. , 41 38; Nallor, 148 Vanvranken, S. A.,135, Wing's Tavern, 137 149 frodell, Silas, 163 VarRTagner, Isaac, 164 WJloc)tt, Catherine, 38; Valvityck, -, 148; Isaac, Luke, 38; Thomas, 37, 118

Vanzandt, John, 47 Vassar, charles, 149; Vassar family, 102;

ratthev' loo

Verbark, NI, 139 Vetch, rm., 57 Vosburgh, Peter H. , 104

38

frorden, Adr. John L. , 105, 129

Yates, Abraham, 11 YcoREans, -, 83

215