HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
VIII. - SOCIETIES, continued ...
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Post 92 was organized October 11, 1877.
The charter members numbered seventeen.
Within a year they have increased to seventy.
The post meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
The following officers were installed at the time of organization by Post-Commander Harris, of Ballston Spa:
Post Commander. - E. T. Woodward.
Senior Vice-Commander. - W. J. Riggs.
Junior Vice-Commander. - George H. Gillis.
Quartermaster. - John D. Crawford.
Chaplain. - D.F. Ritchie.
Officer of the Day. - John E.L. Deuel.
Officers of the Guard. - A. C. Butterfield.
Adjutant. - P. McDonald.
Quartermaster Sergeant. - J. E. Brainard.
Sergeant-Major. - O.M. Coleman.
Delegate to the State Encampment. - B. F. Judson; Alternate, J. J. Hyde.
Perhaps there is no order that equals this in the amount of its charities, there having been donated $70,000 by the posts throughout the State during the last year.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
VIII. - SOCIETIES, continued ...
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
The first lodge of this order was organized in the county March 9, 1878, at Saratoga Springs, by J.F. Lamberton, county deputy.
It is known as Putnam Lodge, No. 134, A.O.U.W.
The officers are J.F. Lamberton, P.M.W.; Robert A. Hemingway, M.W.; L.H. Cramer, G.F.; J. P. Haskins, O.; Lawrence F. Crosby, Recorder; George S. Stoddard, F.; C.D. Slocum, Receiver; Dr. W.H. Hall, M.E.; James H. Reagan, G.; S.H. Myers, J.W.; A. R. Walker, O.W.; Bomey Smith, B.J. Goldsmith, W.H. Hall, Trustees.
Other charter members were Simeon Brown, Frank Lee, B.H. Searing, J.S. Fasset, Z.C. Shonts.
The lodge starts with exceedingly fair prospects.
One other already exists at Ballston Spa, and others are just organized at Greenfield and Schuylerville.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
VIII. - SOCIETIES, continued ...
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
The first lodge of this order was organized in the county March 9, 1878, at Saratoga Springs, by J.F. Lamberton, county deputy.
It is known as Putnam Lodge, No. 134, A.O.U.W.
The officers are J.F. Lamberton, P.M.W.; Robert A. Hemingway, M.W.; L.H. Cramer, G.F.; J. P. Haskins, O.; Lawrence F. Crosby, Recorder; George S. Stoddard, F.; C.D. Slocum, Receiver; Dr. W.H. Hall, M.E.; James H. Reagan, G.; S.H. Myers, J.W.; A. R. Walker, O.W.; Bomey Smith, B.J. Goldsmith, W.H. Hall, Trustees.
Other charter members were Simeon Brown, Frank Lee, B.H. Searing, J.S. Fasset, Z.C. Shonts.
The lodge starts with exceedingly fair prospects.
One other already exists at Ballston Spa, and others are just organized at Greenfield and Schuylerville.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
VIII. - SOCIETIES, concluded ...
THE SARATOGA MUSICAL ASSOCIATION
Was first organized in February, 1869, with Samuel E. Bushnell, president; Lorin B. Putnam, secretary; Stephen H. Richards, treasurer; Dr. C.F. Rich, musical director; John A. Waterbury, organist; and a board of managers, consisting of the officers and Dr. L.E. Whiting, W.B. French, B.F. Edwards, C.W. Sterling, E. Holmes, and W.H. Gibbs.
Organized for the advancement of music, the association for about eight years was in a flourishing condition, and without doubt exercised during that time a great influence among the musical people.
For many years it occupied the rooms of the Y.M.C.A. in the town-hall.
The first grand concert was given on April 11, 1870.
The first grand musical convention was held in February, 1872, with Prof. L.O. Emerson as musical director.
Meeting with great success and encouragement, the association decided to hold conventions yearly, and to give them greater attraction musical talent from Boston was engaged.
The Temple Quartette, the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Spring, and Mr. J.P. Cobb, assisted at various times, and gave great satisfaction.
Convention week became a feature in Saratoga during the winter, and always brought in a large number of singers from surrounding villages.
Owing to the hard times, the association was obliged to disband in 1877, but there is a prospect of its being revived within a short time.
The officers of the association during the last year were:
President. - E. Holmes.
Vice-President. - Prof. J. Winder.
Secretary and Treasurer. - E. R. Stevens.
Board of Managers. - E. Holmes, Prof. Winder, E.R. Stevens, C.W. Fuller, Rodney Churchill, J.H. Dineen, R.A. Heminway, J.H. Pardue, Dr. C.F. Rich, Dr. R.C. McEwen, L.B. Putnam.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
VIII. - SOCIETIES, concluded ...
THE SARATOGA MUSICAL ASSOCIATION
Was first organized in February, 1869, with Samuel E. Bushnell, president; Lorin B. Putnam, secretary; Stephen H. Richards, treasurer; Dr. C.F. Rich, musical director; John A. Waterbury, organist; and a board of managers, consisting of the officers and Dr. L.E. Whiting, W.B. French, B.F. Edwards, C.W. Sterling, E. Holmes, and W.H. Gibbs.
Organized for the advancement of music, the association for about eight years was in a flourishing condition, and without doubt exercised during that time a great influence among the musical people.
For many years it occupied the rooms of the Y.M.C.A. in the town-hall.
The first grand concert was given on April 11, 1870.
The first grand musical convention was held in February, 1872, with Prof. L.O. Emerson as musical director.
Meeting with great success and encouragement, the association decided to hold conventions yearly, and to give them greater attraction musical talent from Boston was engaged.
The Temple Quartette, the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Spring, and Mr. J.P. Cobb, assisted at various times, and gave great satisfaction.
Convention week became a feature in Saratoga during the winter, and always brought in a large number of singers from surrounding villages.
Owing to the hard times, the association was obliged to disband in 1877, but there is a prospect of its being revived within a short time.
The officers of the association during the last year were:
President. - E. Holmes.
Vice-President. - Prof. J. Winder.
Secretary and Treasurer. - E. R. Stevens.
Board of Managers. - E. Holmes, Prof. Winder, E.R. Stevens, C.W. Fuller, Rodney Churchill, J.H. Dineen, R.A. Heminway, J.H. Pardue, Dr. C.F. Rich, Dr. R.C. McEwen, L.B. Putnam.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The first bank at Saratoga Springs was started in 1848.
Its organization was under the general act of the Legislature of the State, passed in 1838, and known as the general banking law, and amended in 1844, making provision for organizing of private banks, with a capital of not less than $50,000.
The projectors and owners of this institution were Judge Thomas J. Marvin and James M. Marvin, of Saratoga Springs, and Rufus H. King and J.B. Plumb, of the city of Albany.
The nominal capital was $60,000, and the first officers were Thomas J. Marvin, president, and James M. Marvin, cashier.
The office of the bank was on the second floor of the old insurance building, which stood at the southeast corner of the United States Hotel property, on Broadway.
Soon after opening their institution, the owners discovered that the proper management of its officers required the employment of some regularly educated banker to conduct the details of the business, and John S. Leake, then of the New York State Bank, Albany, was appointed the cashier.
In 1852 the business of the village had increased so much that additional banking facilities were found necessary, and it was decided to increase the capital to $100,000, by opening their books for subscription to the stock, and to change the organization into an "associate bank," under the then existing laws of the State.
The first officers were J. Beekman Finlay, president, and J.S. Leake, cashier.
Mr. Finlay continued in office until 1856, when Dr. Samuel Freeman was elected in his place, who held the office until the time of his death, in 1870.
The national bank law having been passed June 3, 1864, and by its provisions prohibiting State banks from issuing bills (or rather taxing them so exorbitantly upon their circulating notes that it amounted to a prohibition), which, together with the well-remembered loyalty and patriotism of the then presiding officer, Dr. Freeman, the bank dissolved its connection with the banking laws of the State of New York, and reorganized under the general act of Congress of the United States.
On the death of Dr. Freeman, Jas. M. Marvin was elected president, and has continued in office up to this time.
Mr. J.S. Leake has held the office of cashier from the time of his first connection with the old bank.
Since the commencement of business of this corporation, in 1852, twenty-six years ago, it has paid to its stockholders, in dividends, $227,000, or $45,000, over seven per cent., per annum upon their investment.
The present board of directors are Jas. M. Marvin, J.S. Leake, Robt. McDonnell, Jas. Baucus, Jas. C. Hulbert, Jas. R. Chapman, A.S. Hays, J.H. Farrington, Jas. Woodbridge, N.D. Morehouse, and C.H. Hulbert.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The first bank at Saratoga Springs was started in 1848.
Its organization was under the general act of the Legislature of the State, passed in 1838, and known as the general banking law, and amended in 1844, making provision for organizing of private banks, with a capital of not less than $50,000.
The projectors and owners of this institution were Judge Thomas J. Marvin and James M. Marvin, of Saratoga Springs, and Rufus H. King and J.B. Plumb, of the city of Albany.
The nominal capital was $60,000, and the first officers were Thomas J. Marvin, president, and James M. Marvin, cashier.
The office of the bank was on the second floor of the old insurance building, which stood at the southeast corner of the United States Hotel property, on Broadway.
Soon after opening their institution, the owners discovered that the proper management of its officers required the employment of some regularly educated banker to conduct the details of the business, and John S. Leake, then of the New York State Bank, Albany, was appointed the cashier.
In 1852 the business of the village had increased so much that additional banking facilities were found necessary, and it was decided to increase the capital to $100,000, by opening their books for subscription to the stock, and to change the organization into an "associate bank," under the then existing laws of the State.
The first officers were J. Beekman Finlay, president, and J.S. Leake, cashier.
Mr. Finlay continued in office until 1856, when Dr. Samuel Freeman was elected in his place, who held the office until the time of his death, in 1870.
The national bank law having been passed June 3, 1864, and by its provisions prohibiting State banks from issuing bills (or rather taxing them so exorbitantly upon their circulating notes that it amounted to a prohibition), which, together with the well-remembered loyalty and patriotism of the then presiding officer, Dr. Freeman, the bank dissolved its connection with the banking laws of the State of New York, and reorganized under the general act of Congress of the United States.
On the death of Dr. Freeman, Jas. M. Marvin was elected president, and has continued in office up to this time.
Mr. J.S. Leake has held the office of cashier from the time of his first connection with the old bank.
Since the commencement of business of this corporation, in 1852, twenty-six years ago, it has paid to its stockholders, in dividends, $227,000, or $45,000, over seven per cent., per annum upon their investment.
The present board of directors are Jas. M. Marvin, J.S. Leake, Robt. McDonnell, Jas. Baucus, Jas. C. Hulbert, Jas. R. Chapman, A.S. Hays, J.H. Farrington, Jas. Woodbridge, N.D. Morehouse, and C.H. Hulbert.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, continued ...
THE COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK.
This reliable monetary institution is located on the corner of Broadway and Phila street.
It does a regular banking business, and deals in municipal and government bonds.
Its business is managed by the following able corps of officials: John T. Carr, president; Joseph G. Cooke, vice-president; S.H. Richards, cashier; Directors, Chas. S. Lester, Jno. T. Carr, Joseph G. Cooke, Henry B. Hanson, Walter J. Hendrick, Jared Ingersoll, Alexander Cherry, Stephen H. Richards, Taber B. Reynolds, and John T. Daniels.
These gentlemen are all well-known, enterprising, and esteemed citizens of Saratoga.
This bank has a large capital, and has an enviable reputation for soundness and honorable dealing.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, continued ...
THE COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK.
This reliable monetary institution is located on the corner of Broadway and Phila street.
It does a regular banking business, and deals in municipal and government bonds.
Its business is managed by the following able corps of officials: John T. Carr, president; Joseph G. Cooke, vice-president; S.H. Richards, cashier; Directors, Chas. S. Lester, Jno. T. Carr, Joseph G. Cooke, Henry B. Hanson, Walter J. Hendrick, Jared Ingersoll, Alexander Cherry, Stephen H. Richards, Taber B. Reynolds, and John T. Daniels.
These gentlemen are all well-known, enterprising, and esteemed citizens of Saratoga.
This bank has a large capital, and has an enviable reputation for soundness and honorable dealing.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, continued ...
UNION SAVINGS BANK.
Union Savings Bank of Saratoga Springs was chartered by special act of Legislature of New York, passed March 28, 1873.
Charles S. Lester, James M. Marvin, J.C. Hulbert, J.S. Leake, W. J. Hendrick, S.H. Richards, W. Bennett, C. Sheehan, and S. Ainsworth were named in the act as incorporators, and were the first trustees.
J.S. Leake was chosen president, and S.H. Richards, secretary and treasurer.
The bank commenced business April 1, 1873.
Deposits were received at the First National and Commercial National Banks.
Upon the resignation of S.H. Richards from the office of treasurer and trustee, April 16, 1874, Charles H. Hulbert was elected to the vacancy.
On June 1, 1874, the business was removed temporarily to Perry's building, west side of Broadway, and on July 1, 1875, permanently removed to rooms very handsomely fitted up for their use at the south end of the United States Hotel.
On Nov. 7 of that year John Woodbridge and Nelson D. Morehouse were elected trustees, in place of C. Sheehan and Seymour Ainsworth resigned, and T.B. Reynolds, H.B. Hanson, C.E. Leland, and Hiram Palmer were elected trustees to conform to the general savings bank act passed May 17: making the number of trustees thirteen.
The present trustees and officers are as follows: Charles S. Lester, John S. Leake, Walter J. Hendrick, Charles E. Leland, Hiram Palmer, Nelson D. Morehouse, James M. Marvin, John C. Hulbert, William Bennett, Henry B. Hanson, John Woodbridge, Taber B. Reynolds, Charles H. Hulbert; John S. Leake, president; Charles H. Hulbert, secretary and treasurer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, continued ...
UNION SAVINGS BANK.
Union Savings Bank of Saratoga Springs was chartered by special act of Legislature of New York, passed March 28, 1873.
Charles S. Lester, James M. Marvin, J.C. Hulbert, J.S. Leake, W. J. Hendrick, S.H. Richards, W. Bennett, C. Sheehan, and S. Ainsworth were named in the act as incorporators, and were the first trustees.
J.S. Leake was chosen president, and S.H. Richards, secretary and treasurer.
The bank commenced business April 1, 1873.
Deposits were received at the First National and Commercial National Banks.
Upon the resignation of S.H. Richards from the office of treasurer and trustee, April 16, 1874, Charles H. Hulbert was elected to the vacancy.
On June 1, 1874, the business was removed temporarily to Perry's building, west side of Broadway, and on July 1, 1875, permanently removed to rooms very handsomely fitted up for their use at the south end of the United States Hotel.
On Nov. 7 of that year John Woodbridge and Nelson D. Morehouse were elected trustees, in place of C. Sheehan and Seymour Ainsworth resigned, and T.B. Reynolds, H.B. Hanson, C.E. Leland, and Hiram Palmer were elected trustees to conform to the general savings bank act passed May 17: making the number of trustees thirteen.
The present trustees and officers are as follows: Charles S. Lester, John S. Leake, Walter J. Hendrick, Charles E. Leland, Hiram Palmer, Nelson D. Morehouse, James M. Marvin, John C. Hulbert, William Bennett, Henry B. Hanson, John Woodbridge, Taber B. Reynolds, Charles H. Hulbert; John S. Leake, president; Charles H. Hulbert, secretary and treasurer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, concluded ...
SARATOGA GAS COMPANY.
The Saratoga Gaslight Company was organized in 1854, having the following-named officers, with a capital of $75,000: L.H. Tupper, J.M. Corliss, T.M. Lockwood, S.S. Dauchy, John S. Manning, S.G. Clements, R.D. Bardwell.
In 1876 the company was reorganized, with a capital of $40,000, having the following-named officers: William Bennett, James R. Chapman, Charles H. Holden.
It has about eight miles of mains, and is considered in point of buildings and equipment superior to any gasworks in the country of its size.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
IX. - BANKS AND GAS COMPANY, concluded ...
SARATOGA GAS COMPANY.
The Saratoga Gaslight Company was organized in 1854, having the following-named officers, with a capital of $75,000: L.H. Tupper, J.M. Corliss, T.M. Lockwood, S.S. Dauchy, John S. Manning, S.G. Clements, R.D. Bardwell.
In 1876 the company was reorganized, with a capital of $40,000, having the following-named officers: William Bennett, James R. Chapman, Charles H. Holden.
It has about eight miles of mains, and is considered in point of buildings and equipment superior to any gasworks in the country of its size.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
X. - PROTECTION FROM FIRE.
There appear to be no records extant of the earlier fire companies.
The first arrangement was the simple appointment of fire-wardens, and the requiring each store, business place, and residence to have one or more buckets in readiness for instant use.
In case of fire, lines of citizens were formed, one to pass full buckets from the reservoir, and another to return them empty.
The next step of advanced protection was the formation of fire companies and the purchase of old-fashioned hand fire-engines.
These were supplemented by a hook-and-ladder company, and in later years by the steam fire-engines of modern times.
We add the following brief statement of the fire department and the officers for 1877:
Wm. B. White Engine Company, No. 1 - President, Thomas Flanigan; Vice-President, James McLaughlin; Foreman, Robert Swanick; Assistant Foreman, Jacob Haas; Secretary, David Quinlan; Treasurer, John Cothrel; Engineer, Lawrence Coon.
Hathorn Hose Company, No. 2 - President, J.W. Dane; Vice-President, George A. Seaner; Foreman, F.M. Boyce; Assistant, William Connelly; Secretary, John Ernst; Treasurer, Henry Eaton.
C. E. Durkee Steamer Company, No. 3 - President, Wm. Shoemaker; Vice-President, Elisha Isbell; Foreman, C. E. Durkee; Assistant, Thomas Nevins; Treasurer, C.M. Avery; Secretary, Frank A. Phillips; Engineer, John T. Mains.
C.E. Leland Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1 - President, D.W. Eddy; Vice-President, W. Gailor; Secretary, J. H. Simmonds; Foreman, W.S. Snyder; First Assistant, J. Ayer; Second Assistant, C.H. Van Dorn; Third Assistant, T. Robbins; Treasurer, F. Wells.
Morrissey Hose Company, No. 4 - J. Lynch, president; J. Gaffney, vice-president; J. Reynolds, foreman.
Knickerbocker Hose Company, No. 5, - J.S. Ingram, president; D. Allen, vice-president; J.N. Wonhart, foreman; M.S. Cummings, assistant foreman.
Exempt Steamer, No. 2 - President, J. Manuel; Vice-President, H. Getty; Secretary, James Fitzpatrick, Treasurer, James Brean; Foreman, John H. Dinnen; Assistant-Foreman, Patrick H. Hulahan.
S.H. Richards Hose Company, No. 3 - President, B.H. Searing; Vice-President, C.W. Plowman; Secretary, F.M. Jenkins; Foreman, J.H. Darrow; Assistant-Foreman, W.L. Graham.
Boyce Protectives - President, J. Merris; Vice-President, W. Fenton; Treasurer, T.H. Chase; Foreman, C.O. Salsbury; Assistant-Foreman, J. Fenton.
Walter B. Hendricks states that the first engine was bought in 1826 or 1827.
The first hook-and-ladder company was formed about 1838, and Ransom Cook was foreman.
The C.E. Durkee Company was formed about 1848.
Mr. Durkee, for whom it is named, has been foreman since 1862.
J.J. Hyde has remained in connection with it since 1859, and has been chief engineer of the fire department one or more terms.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
X. - PROTECTION FROM FIRE.
There appear to be no records extant of the earlier fire companies.
The first arrangement was the simple appointment of fire-wardens, and the requiring each store, business place, and residence to have one or more buckets in readiness for instant use.
In case of fire, lines of citizens were formed, one to pass full buckets from the reservoir, and another to return them empty.
The next step of advanced protection was the formation of fire companies and the purchase of old-fashioned hand fire-engines.
These were supplemented by a hook-and-ladder company, and in later years by the steam fire-engines of modern times.
We add the following brief statement of the fire department and the officers for 1877:
Wm. B. White Engine Company, No. 1 - President, Thomas Flanigan; Vice-President, James McLaughlin; Foreman, Robert Swanick; Assistant Foreman, Jacob Haas; Secretary, David Quinlan; Treasurer, John Cothrel; Engineer, Lawrence Coon.
Hathorn Hose Company, No. 2 - President, J.W. Dane; Vice-President, George A. Seaner; Foreman, F.M. Boyce; Assistant, William Connelly; Secretary, John Ernst; Treasurer, Henry Eaton.
C. E. Durkee Steamer Company, No. 3 - President, Wm. Shoemaker; Vice-President, Elisha Isbell; Foreman, C. E. Durkee; Assistant, Thomas Nevins; Treasurer, C.M. Avery; Secretary, Frank A. Phillips; Engineer, John T. Mains.
C.E. Leland Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1 - President, D.W. Eddy; Vice-President, W. Gailor; Secretary, J. H. Simmonds; Foreman, W.S. Snyder; First Assistant, J. Ayer; Second Assistant, C.H. Van Dorn; Third Assistant, T. Robbins; Treasurer, F. Wells.
Morrissey Hose Company, No. 4 - J. Lynch, president; J. Gaffney, vice-president; J. Reynolds, foreman.
Knickerbocker Hose Company, No. 5, - J.S. Ingram, president; D. Allen, vice-president; J.N. Wonhart, foreman; M.S. Cummings, assistant foreman.
Exempt Steamer, No. 2 - President, J. Manuel; Vice-President, H. Getty; Secretary, James Fitzpatrick, Treasurer, James Brean; Foreman, John H. Dinnen; Assistant-Foreman, Patrick H. Hulahan.
S.H. Richards Hose Company, No. 3 - President, B.H. Searing; Vice-President, C.W. Plowman; Secretary, F.M. Jenkins; Foreman, J.H. Darrow; Assistant-Foreman, W.L. Graham.
Boyce Protectives - President, J. Merris; Vice-President, W. Fenton; Treasurer, T.H. Chase; Foreman, C.O. Salsbury; Assistant-Foreman, J. Fenton.
Walter B. Hendricks states that the first engine was bought in 1826 or 1827.
The first hook-and-ladder company was formed about 1838, and Ransom Cook was foreman.
The C.E. Durkee Company was formed about 1848.
Mr. Durkee, for whom it is named, has been foreman since 1862.
J.J. Hyde has remained in connection with it since 1859, and has been chief engineer of the fire department one or more terms.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES.
In connection with Saratoga Springs, as a village, there are five cemeteries.
1. The old Sadler burial-place, on the hill in the northeast part of the village.
This is now (June, 1878) a desolate place.
The monuments are nearly all removed.
At the grave from which the remains of the grandfather of President Hayes were taken in 1877 may still be seen the original stone bearing the inscription, "In memory of Roger Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., who died August 22, 1805, in the forty-eighth year of his age."
This yard is now abandoned, and, under a contract by the trustees of the village, the remains are being removed to the new cemetery on the Waring farm.
It seems a desecration of the sacred resting-place of the dead.
Here came the earliest funeral processions of Saratoga Springs, bearing their loved ones to burial.
From this level summit there swelled up to heaven the notes of the funeral hymn and the words of Christian hope/
"I am the resurrection and the life" fell upon the hearts of mourning families with the same divine power a hundred years ago as now.
Among the upturned hillocks, mingled with the wild shrubs struggling for life in the midst of death, are still growing bunches of "everlasting," and flowers still bloom in this neglected spot, planted long ago by loving hands.
There seems to be no record of the earliest burial at Sadler's.
William L. Stone, in "Reminiscences," gives several names and inscriptions, and we infer they were the earliest dates to be obtained.
Those mentioned by him are "Constant Jameson, 1792;" "Justus Jameson, 1804;" "Patience Jenkins, 1805;" "Increase Matthews, 1790;" "Blumy, daughter of Jotham Holmes, July 3, 1796;" "Eli Taylor, Sept. 14, 1797, aged sixty-four years two months and twenty days;" "Martha, wife of Richard Flagler, April 10, 1792, aged twenty-six;" "Fenn Wadsworth, died June 21, 1785."
We add, also, "Alexander Thomas, of Walpole, Vt., died July 2, 1809, aged thirty-five;" "Abel Brown, Aug. 31, 1810, aged thirty-four;" "Joanna E., daughter of Alexander Stimson, died Nov. 8, 1805, aged three."
Mr. Stone alludes then (1874) to the rumored intended removal of the remains from this place in the following earnest words: "Old grave-yards ought to be venerated as holy ground."
"Men should no more consent to such changes than they would consent to sell the bones of their own fathers and mothers for knife-handles."
"If it is thought best to have no more grave-yards within corporate limits, well and good; but let those which are there stand as a memorial to the old and good men who sleep beneath."
"Let them sleep."
"There is no excuse for the removal, and no palliation of the offense against propriety."
"If necessary, prohibit any further burials, but let not a spadeful of the dust of the fathers be sold for gold."
His fears have been realised.
Thc removal is going on; the work of destruction is nearly complete, though many of the remains will probably never be found.
The present season (1878) will witness the last of the Sadler cemetery.
Will the "village fathers" or the new proprietors spare even the two old pines that still stand, silent witnesses of the earlier and the later years; of the burial and of the removal?
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES.
In connection with Saratoga Springs, as a village, there are five cemeteries.
1. The old Sadler burial-place, on the hill in the northeast part of the village.
This is now (June, 1878) a desolate place.
The monuments are nearly all removed.
At the grave from which the remains of the grandfather of President Hayes were taken in 1877 may still be seen the original stone bearing the inscription, "In memory of Roger Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., who died August 22, 1805, in the forty-eighth year of his age."
This yard is now abandoned, and, under a contract by the trustees of the village, the remains are being removed to the new cemetery on the Waring farm.
It seems a desecration of the sacred resting-place of the dead.
Here came the earliest funeral processions of Saratoga Springs, bearing their loved ones to burial.
From this level summit there swelled up to heaven the notes of the funeral hymn and the words of Christian hope/
"I am the resurrection and the life" fell upon the hearts of mourning families with the same divine power a hundred years ago as now.
Among the upturned hillocks, mingled with the wild shrubs struggling for life in the midst of death, are still growing bunches of "everlasting," and flowers still bloom in this neglected spot, planted long ago by loving hands.
There seems to be no record of the earliest burial at Sadler's.
William L. Stone, in "Reminiscences," gives several names and inscriptions, and we infer they were the earliest dates to be obtained.
Those mentioned by him are "Constant Jameson, 1792;" "Justus Jameson, 1804;" "Patience Jenkins, 1805;" "Increase Matthews, 1790;" "Blumy, daughter of Jotham Holmes, July 3, 1796;" "Eli Taylor, Sept. 14, 1797, aged sixty-four years two months and twenty days;" "Martha, wife of Richard Flagler, April 10, 1792, aged twenty-six;" "Fenn Wadsworth, died June 21, 1785."
We add, also, "Alexander Thomas, of Walpole, Vt., died July 2, 1809, aged thirty-five;" "Abel Brown, Aug. 31, 1810, aged thirty-four;" "Joanna E., daughter of Alexander Stimson, died Nov. 8, 1805, aged three."
Mr. Stone alludes then (1874) to the rumored intended removal of the remains from this place in the following earnest words: "Old grave-yards ought to be venerated as holy ground."
"Men should no more consent to such changes than they would consent to sell the bones of their own fathers and mothers for knife-handles."
"If it is thought best to have no more grave-yards within corporate limits, well and good; but let those which are there stand as a memorial to the old and good men who sleep beneath."
"Let them sleep."
"There is no excuse for the removal, and no palliation of the offense against propriety."
"If necessary, prohibit any further burials, but let not a spadeful of the dust of the fathers be sold for gold."
His fears have been realised.
Thc removal is going on; the work of destruction is nearly complete, though many of the remains will probably never be found.
The present season (1878) will witness the last of the Sadler cemetery.
Will the "village fathers" or the new proprietors spare even the two old pines that still stand, silent witnesses of the earlier and the later years; of the burial and of the removal?
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES, continued ...
2. The Putnam Burial Place.
At this ground we pause to note the gratifying fact that the work of selling graveyards in Saratoga has evidently come to an end.
This place, in which so many of the prominent early families were buried, and around which so many early memories cluster, has recently been protected by a plain strong fence.
To the onward march of commercial greed, to the demands of gain, the town authorities have said, "Thus far, - no farther."
Situated near the railroad, in the heart of the village, it may seem to some as an unsightly affair that ought to be removed.
A few years' protection and care will, however, easily give to it a beautiful and neat appearance, and the hallowed associations of the past will render it a precious spot to the families whose ancestors slumber there.
Of this burial-place the same writer before quoted says, "This piece of ground was given to the village in 1810 by Gideon Putnam, and in it many of the 'forefathers of the hamlet' slept until, in recent years, they were removed by their relatives to the present Green Ridge cemetery."
"Still a number of the original settlers yet remain where they were originally laid to rest."
"Here is Dr. Clark, and here, too, lie a part of the family of Nathan Lewis, who built the second brick house ever erected in the village."
There are several fine monuments in this inclosure.
The place already begins to put on a new appearance, thoroughly protected as it is from intrusion.
It is a fair specimen of what ought to have been done with all the old cemeteries of the county, inclose them - save them; let nature cast upon the graves its annual wealth of flowers and foliage; let even the wild shrubs supplant the roses trained by hands long since themselves folded for the rest of the grave, but spare the graves themselves.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES, continued ...
2. The Putnam Burial Place.
At this ground we pause to note the gratifying fact that the work of selling graveyards in Saratoga has evidently come to an end.
This place, in which so many of the prominent early families were buried, and around which so many early memories cluster, has recently been protected by a plain strong fence.
To the onward march of commercial greed, to the demands of gain, the town authorities have said, "Thus far, - no farther."
Situated near the railroad, in the heart of the village, it may seem to some as an unsightly affair that ought to be removed.
A few years' protection and care will, however, easily give to it a beautiful and neat appearance, and the hallowed associations of the past will render it a precious spot to the families whose ancestors slumber there.
Of this burial-place the same writer before quoted says, "This piece of ground was given to the village in 1810 by Gideon Putnam, and in it many of the 'forefathers of the hamlet' slept until, in recent years, they were removed by their relatives to the present Green Ridge cemetery."
"Still a number of the original settlers yet remain where they were originally laid to rest."
"Here is Dr. Clark, and here, too, lie a part of the family of Nathan Lewis, who built the second brick house ever erected in the village."
There are several fine monuments in this inclosure.
The place already begins to put on a new appearance, thoroughly protected as it is from intrusion.
It is a fair specimen of what ought to have been done with all the old cemeteries of the county, inclose them - save them; let nature cast upon the graves its annual wealth of flowers and foliage; let even the wild shrubs supplant the roses trained by hands long since themselves folded for the rest of the grave, but spare the graves themselves.
TO BE CONTINUED ...