Holden's History of Queensbury

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, continued ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., continued ...

The dilapidated condition of the old chapel, rendered it imperatively necessary that it should be thoroughly overhauled and repaired.

A new roof was put on, the walls papered, the seats and other wood work painted, and other necessary repairs effected.

In the mean time, before this renovation was completed, the Universalist church was again rented for another year, and the services were conducted therein, until the condition of the chapel, improved by the repairs above named, was such that the congregation was enabled to resume its devotions there, and from that time forward until the completion of the new church, and the sale of the old one, the services were held with but slight interruption, in this revered and time honored place.

The cost of these repairs was defrayed by the Ladies' Aid Society of the church, to whose self sacrificing efforts and laborious zeal, much of the success of the church enterprises in this parish have been due.

During a period of about fifteen years, dating from the reorganization of the church in 1852, an energetic and devoted band of women, scarcely a dozen in number, but brave with a spirit of Christian devotion, earned in various ways of hard working industry, a sum amounting to nearly, if not quite five thousand dollars, which whenever, and whatever the financial pinch might be, was always promptly available, and forthcoming to meet the needs of the pastor, the vestry, or the church, whenever a call was made or the occasion demanded.

Deficiencies in ministers' salaries, repairs of chapel, delinquent bank notes given by the building committee for work or material, and finally a large amount expended in finishing the interior of the new church, were among the channels of usefulness, to which this steady and unfailing stream of endeavor was applied.

A passing tribute to the worth and excellence of these Christian women, is without doubt worthy of commemoration in the annals of the church they helped to build.

During the greater proportion of the period of Mr. Noble's ministrations here, and, at his request, the Rev. John H. Babcock, a minister of the church, who was at the same time principal of the Glen's Falls Academy, was called by the vestry to the position of assistant minister of the parish.

In this capacity, he aided the rector in his services, besides officiating as missionary in visiting, and conducting worship at several contiguous points.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

Post by thelivyjr »

A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, continued ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., continued ...

Messrs. Noble, and Babcock 78 terminated their connection with the parish by resignation in June, 1857.

In their brief tarrying here, each of these efficient ministers and accomplished gentlemen, won for themselves a large measure of the esteem and attachment of the people.

Nearly a year elapsed before the parish was again regularly supplied, occasional services being held by Rev. Mr. Kenney, who had just been admitted to the diaconate, and other neighboring clergyman.

In the mean time, negotiations were carried forward with the bishop, and the missionary committee of the diocese, with a view to secure the services of another pastor.

This correspondence resulted in the call, and engagement, of the Rev. Henry H. Bates, of the diocese of Connecticut, who removed hither with his family, and commenced his pastoral duties on the first of May, 1858.

For a term of three years, his fidelity to the trusts thus assumed, his discretion and judgment, and Christain forbearance and charity, conspired to place the church on a prosperous footing, and to secure for himself the cordial good will, and respect of the entire community.

During his pastorate, another subscription was raised, the balance of indebtedness cleared off, and the walls of the church carried up a stage further towards completion.

On the 7th of June, 1859, the Rev. James E. Kenney, who had already served the church during its period of destitution, was called by the vestry to act as assistant minister of the parish without salary, his only compensation for his services being the missionary stipend.

The balance of his support was derived from the maintenance of the English and Classical school on the south side of the river already spoken of, in connection with Mr. Hawkins's ministrations. 79

During the greater portion of Mr. Bates's sojourn here, this parish was associated with the missionary station of St. James' church, Caldwell, and the Rev. Mr. Kenney contributed largely of his valuable aid in maintaining the mission services.

In 1860, the chapel was once more repaired, papered and painted.

The same year, the building committee reported to the vestry, "that but little had been done towards completing the new church building."

78 The Rev. John H. Babcock, M.A., the third son of Deodatus Babcock, D.D., and Mary, {nee Hine) his wife, was born at Ballston Spa, N. Y., 11th Aug., 1826. He passed three years of an academical course under the supervision of the Rev. Dr. Hawks, at St. Thomas' Hall, Flushing, L. I. Graduated at Union College, July 1845, was ordained to the diaconate in 1853. Assisted his father, as a teacher in the Ballston Spa Institute, from 1846 to 1856, received to the priesthood the latter year. Took charge of the Glen's Falls Academy from May, 1856, to August, 1857, principal of Cheshire Academy, Conn., from Sept., 1857, to Sept., 1861: Principal of Yeates Institute, Lancaster, Penn., from Sept., 1862, to April, 1864; missionary in Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Oct., 1864, to Sept., 1867. Since then he has been engaged in teaching or ministerial work in the state of New York. Since May 1st, 1871, he has been occupied in parish work in Tioga co., Penn., where he is now located.

79 "The present incumbent took the charge of this congregation, on the first week in May; previous to which time, for the conventional year, the services were conducted by the Rev. James Kenney, deacon, who has also, for several months past, rendered us aid in our services in St. James' parish, Caldwell, and for the most part without compensation. —Extracts from Rev. H. H. Bates's report. Journal of Diocesan Convention, for 1858.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

Post by thelivyjr »

A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, continued ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., continued ...

Early in the spring of 1861, the church at Caldwell signified its intention of severing the connection hitherto maintained with this parish, and, for a while afterward, it was associated with the church at Warrensburgh in the employment of a clergyman.

Upon the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861, the Rev. Mr. Bates 80 was offered, and finally accepted the position of chaplain of the 22d Reg't N.Y. Vols., three companies of which were raised in this vicinity.

The regiment was commanded by Walter Phelps jr., a parishioner and member of the vestry.

80 Henry H. Bates was born in the town of Benson, Rutland co., Vt., on the 23d November, 1808. Here in the secluded quiet of a rural neighborhood, with scant advantages in the way of education or mental culture, he passed his childhood and youth. Stirred by those brave impulses which seem to germinate with uncommon thrift in the Yankee breast, at his majority he pushed out to acquire an education, and fit himself for the great, earnest struggle of life. His preparatory studies were pursued mainly at the Phillips' Academy, Andover, Mass. Of the difficulties he had to surmount, and the trials and struggles to which he was subjected in those early days, we get only a brief hint. His collegiate course was commenced in 1832, at Union College, Schenectady, and terminated in 1836, graduating with honor. Two years of his theological course were spent at the General Theological Seminary New York. The third year of his divinity studies was completed at Northampton, Mass. He was admitted to deacon's orders in the city of Boston, Mass., in 1839, being ordained by the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, bishop of what was styled the eastern diocese. Mr. Bates's ministerial career was commenced immediately afterward, at Blanford, Hampden co., Mass., where, in 1841, he was ordained to the priesthood by the same venerable prelate. In 1840, he was married to Miss Eunice S. Bascom of Orwell, Vt., by whom he had two sons and one daughter. In 1844, he received a call, and removed to Warehouse Point, Hartford co.. Conn., where he rapidly built a thriving parish, and large congregation, by his industry, zeal and tact, many still living bearing witness to his faithfulness and efficiency. In 1852, he removed to Tarriffville, in the same county, and state, where he built up another new parish, in the heart of a manufacturing village, whose chief population consisted of laborers and operatives. In this respect, his success was so striking, that when, in the winter of '57-8 applications was made to the missionary committee of the diocese for a recommendation of some clergyman suited to the wants of this parish, the name of Mr. Bates was promptly suggested and heartily endorsed by the bishop, as the man preeminently fitted for the place if his services could be secured. Mr. Bates assumed the rectorship of this parish in May, 1858, and from that date, until May, 1861; he was assiduously, earnestly, and industriously devoted to the interests of the parish. A large debt which had been incurred in carrying up the walls of the present church edifice, was paid off, and the way thoroughly cleared for the completion of the building at a more favorable moment. The financial crisis of '57, had but just passed by, and this, like many other manufacturing villages, had its energies paralyzed and its industries crippled to that extent, that, for the time being, an attempt to complete the church would have been impolitic and injudicious. During Mr. Bates's ministry here, the accessions to the church were numerous, and its prospects flourishing. While in the midst of his success, looked up to, and beloved on every hand, the nation was suddenly convulsed with the throes of civil war. Sumter was attacked, and simultaneously, the united North arose as one man to the defense, the maintenance, the salvation of our government. In response to the call for troops the 32d Regt. N.Y. Vols., sprung into existence, and within two weeks of its organization the chaplaincy was tendered to, and accepted by Mr. Bates. Throwing aside all questions of ease and personal comfort, he went forward to the field with the regiment, and from that time until it was mustered out at Albany, Mr. Bates probably passed more time with the regiment and participated more thoroughly in its vicissitudes and hardships and dangers, than any other officer either field, line or staff. It is not my purpose in this place, to recapitulate the deeds and sufferings of the 23d Regiment, but it may be appropriately stated, that many of its survivors from the fields of Gainesville, 2d Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericsburg and Chancellorsville, have reason to remember with gratitude, the kindness and attention, the indefatigable labors, and earnest devotion of their chaplain, while in camp and quarters, There was what he was busy in some genial act of charity, writing letters for the boys, visiting the sick in hospital, sending money home to the waiting wives, and a thousand nameless acts of goodness, scarcely appreciated at the time, but which contribute largely to make up the Christian life. The remains of the 23d Regiment were mustered out at Albany on .the 17th of June, 1863, and Mr. Bates returned to the quiet walks of his ministerial duties in civil life. Through his patriotism he had lost his parish here, but another opening very speedily presented. For in the month of July following, he assumed the rectorship of St. Paul's church, Oak Hill, Greene co., N. Y., where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred on the 14th of January, 1868. His final illness was brief, but little more than a week elapsing from the date of his attack to the time of his death, although his health had been giving away for the last two or three months of his life. His last sermon was preached on Christmas day, up to which time he had performed all his parochial and ministerial duties in full, and thus, with his armor on, almost to the very verge of life, he passed away to his reward.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

Post by thelivyjr »

A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, continued ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., continued ...

During the autumn next ensuing, services were held for six or eight weeks by a Rev. Mr. Van Antwerp, a candidate for the vacant pulpit.

His irregularities of conduct were such as would reflect little credit to himself or honor upon the church, and he was at length quietly got rid of.

He was subsequently deposed from the ministry, for conduct debasing, and unworthy his sacred calling.

In view of the destitute condition of the church, and, in order that the vestry might in no degree be hampered by the nominal relations existing between them, Mr. Bates tendered his resignation of the parish here, while the regiment to which he was attached, was still in barracks at Albany.

This was brought before the congregation, at a special meeting convened on 9th of Jane, 1861, on which occasion, a series of resolutions was adopted, expressing in handsome terms, its appreciation of Mr. Bates's services and patriotism, but declining for the present to act upon his proposition.

This resignation was renewed, and accepted in June, the following year, and on the 12th of July, 1862, the Rev. Edwin E. Butler, was called to the vacancy, and remained uninterruptedly in charge to July, 1871, at which time his resignation was accepted.

During two or three years of this period, the Rev. J.A. Russell, a presbyter of the church, being at the time principal of the Glen's Falls Academy, occasionally officiated in the absence of the rector, and in a few instances on other occasions, assisted in the ministrations.

In the journal of the convention for 1863, Mr. Butler reports that the "stone church commenced in 1854, is nearly completed."

* * *

"Within the past six months, the parish has raised the sum of $6,500 for its completion."

Nevertheless, the work crept along as it were at a snail's pace.

The church was but little more than enclosed at this time; and it remained for nearly two years longer in an unoccupied state.

Over eleven years had now elapsed since the ground was broken and work commenced.

Through the active exertions of the building committee in the fall of 1865, a vigorous and finally successful movement was instituted to complete the building.

Fresh subscriptions were made, the contract taken, and the work rapidly pushed forward to its consummation.

The first service conducted in the new edifice was the marriage of Mr. James W. Schenck, one of the building committee, and vestry.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, continued ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., continued ...

The church was formally consecrated in June, 1866, by the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, bishop of the diocese, assisted by a large number of visiting and neighboring clergy.

In 1867, a committee was appointed at the diocesan convention, which reported in favor of a division of the diocese.

The following year the preliminary steps were taken, and the act of separation finally consummated, by which the diocese of Albany, was erected.

It is greatly hoped that this act will work salutary results for the smaller and feebler parishes.

On the 29th of May, 1869, the Hon. Stephen Brown, in behalf of the executors of the estate of John J. Harris, deceased, offered the vestry a deed of gift of a fine stone chapel, situated near his late residence at Harrisena, in the north part of Queensbury.

This structure was built up in great degree of the beautiful Ottawa limestone, imported by the founder, specially for the purpose, from Canada.

Its erection and completion was one of the last acts of the testator's life; his funeral the first service held within its walls. (Sunday, March 14th, 1869.)

On the 3d of July following, the gift was formally accepted by a vote of the vestry.

Six days later the building was consecrated by the bishop of the diocese, several of the neighboring clergyman being present and assisting in the ceremonial.

Since that date up to the first of July, 1871, services have been held regularly during the summer months on every alternate Sunday afternoon, in this little chapel, by the rector in charge of the church at Glen's Falls.

On the 17th of July, 1869, the vestry passed a vote relinquishing the missionary stipend, of which this parish had been nearly a constant beneficiary from the beginning; and in addition to which, large appropriations have been received from time to time from the Parochial Aid Society, and the Northern Convocation, for the maintenance of the services.

Thus for the first time, during all these years, and without any appreciable increase in the wealth, resources or membership, the church became self supporting; and though still feeble, and weak, yet with a substantial if not attractive church edifice, and no debt to hamper or impair its energies, it is to be hoped that its day of grace and prosperity is not now far removed.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

Post by thelivyjr »

A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

CHURCHES OF QUEENSBURY, concluded ...

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, GLENS FALLS., concluded ...

The statistics of the church will be found annexed in a tabulated form.

Supplementary to the foregoing, which was written some years since, the writer considers it proper to add that Rev. Mr. Butler's relations to the parish were dissolved by his resignation on the 20th of June, 1871, taking effect on the first of July following.

For two years, the church languished without a pastor.

Occasional services were held by neighboring and visiting clergymen.

An attempt was made in the fall and winter of 1872 to establish lay services.

Through the kindness and laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr. Cookson of Fort Edward, lenten services were held in the spring of 1873, and two were confirmed at the bishop's next visitation.

During all this period, negotiations, more or less actively prosecuted, were in progress with various clergymen to fill the vacant pulpit.

The vestry were critical, and the outlook in a run down parish, with a people difficult to please, was not so enticing to the clergy, that there was much of a scramble for the vacant pulpit.

At length, however, the man for the place was found, and a formal call was made and accepted by the Rev. Russell A. Olin 81 of Manlius, Onondaga co., N.Y., who came in the early summer of 1873, and removed with his family to the parish, in the early part of July following.

Since then, the services of the church have been systematically and regularly conducted, and services established with steadily increasing congregations, across the river at South Glen's Falls, and at the chapel in Harrisena.

At the first confirmation held during his incumbency, in March, 1874, a class of twenty-seven was added to the church, the largest number ever received into its fold, at any one time since the parish was organized.

81 Russell A. Olin was born in the town of Madrid, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., on the 22d of January, 1839. His mother died when he was but three years of age. His father followed the pursuit of farming. When the subject of this sketch was nine years of age his father married again, after which, the child sojourned awhile with relations in the adjoining town of Canton, finding his home with various connections and friends in the vicinity, up to his twentieth year. From his thirteenth year, he taught in the district schools, and the village academy, winters, working at farm labor, or attending school, during the summers, until the fall of 1859, when he entered Brown University, Providence, R.I. Here he remained for nearly two years, when he left college for a while to teach. For a few months following, he held an appointment as tutor in a private family. Succeeding this engagement, he was induced to accept a position as teacher of mathematics in Burlington College, New Jersey, which he held for nearly two years. In the summer of 1863, he enlisted as a private in the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, a regiment, esteemed in Philadelphia, much as the seventh is in New York city. He was in active service in Kentucky and Tennessee, participating in the battle of Stone River, Dec. 30, Jan. 1st, 1863. After this, in consequence of ill health, he was detailed for light duty at Brigade head quarters in Nashville, and for the same reason, was discharged from the service during the following month. Having recovered sufficiently to admit of resuming his studies, he entered Hobart College the following May, last term sophomore, and graduated with first honor, in July, 1865. Became candidate for holy orders in the Protestant Episcopal church. While studying for the ministry, he held the position of first assistant teacher in De Veaux College for boys, Suspension Bridge, N.Y. He was ordained deacon, June 16th, 1867. Continued his theological studies for another year, holding an adjunct professorship of Latin in Hobart College. Was assigned charge of the parish of St. James' church, Clinton, Oneida county, N.Y., and entered upon its duties in the July following. Was married 16th September, 1868, ordained presbyter 3d June, 1869, was appointed head master of St. John's school for boys in Manlius, Onondaga county, N.Y., in January, 1871, where he remained for something more than two years. In July, 1873, he returned to parish life, by accepting the rectorship of the church of the Messiah at Glen's Falls. Since coming here, although the period of his relation with the church has been comparatively brief, he has greatly endeared himself to his congregation whose numbers are constantly increasing. Of genial disposition, fine presence, and high culture, he has the indescribable faculty of winning friends, and adherents in every walk of life. His duties, arduous and exhaustive, are discharged with punctilious fidelity, and he takes rank with the most active and zealous priests of the diocese. A fluent, offhand speaker, a close reasoner, an impassioned advocate, he is, slowly perhaps, but surely bringing the church up to its normal standard and level in the estimation of the community, and there is but one voice in the parish in regard to his usefulness, ability, and worth.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

PART II

HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.

CHAPTER I.


Discoveries by Samuel Champlain — Engagement between the Algonquin and Iroquois Indians — Mohawk Claims to the Territory around Lake George — Treaty Held There — Explorations by Henry Hudson in this Region — Fort Anne and Fort Nicholson built — Jesuit Missions among the Mohawks — First Discovery of Lake St. Sacrament by Father Jogues — His tortures and death — Old French War — Treaty of Aix la Chapelle — Declaration of War — Advance of Gen. Johnson — Council of War at Fort Edward.

IN the early part of the year 1608, two vessels were fitted out in one of the ports of France, and placed under the command of Samuel Champlain,1 a bold and experienced navigator.

On the thirteenth of April these vessels sailed for the New World, and in less than two months arrived in safety at a trading 2 post, which had been established in a previous voyage.

Thence he sailed up the St. Lawrence river, and erected barracks at the mouth of the St. Charles river, where he and his people wintered, suffering much from the intense severity of the climate.

Early in the spring, eager for adventure, and desirous of exploring the country, he, with two of his companions, joined a war party of Hurons and Algonquins at the embouchure of the Richelieu river.

1 Champlain, Samuel De, governor of Canada, and founder of Quebec, from whom Lake Champlain takes its name, was born at Bronage in France. The first attempt to establish a French colony in Canada, after being prosecuted by Cartier from 1534 to 1542 was abandoned, but the enterprise was resumed about the beginning of the 17th century, and Champlain, who had obtained a reputation as a naval officer in the East Indies, was appointed pilot to De Chatte, the Lieut. General of Canada. In 1603, he ascended the St. Lawrence as far as the Falls of St. Louis, explored the country, and returned to France. The years 1604 and 1605 were spent in further explorations of the coast, and in 1607 went to Tadoussac. Quebec was founded by him in 1608, and the same year he discovered and suppressed a dangerous conspiracy which had for its object his murder, and the abandonment of the expedition. The early part of 1609 was occupied with contests with the Indians, in which he proved successful. He went to France in September, leaving the colony under the care of Peter Chavin, but returned in the spring of 1610. He again engaged in war with the Iroquois with similar success. In 1611 he went again to France, but returned in 1612, as lieut. governor under Charles de Bourbon. The winter of 1615 was spent among the Hurons. For many years he was actively employed in promoting the interests of the colony, which, however, was taken by the English in 1629, and Champlain, who had capitulated to Sir David Kirk, carried by him to France. In 1633, Canada having been restored to France the previous year by the treaty of St. Germain, he was appointed governor, which office he retained till his death in December, 1635. He published, in 1632, a history of New France, or Canada from its first discovery to 1631, containing a minute account of his voyages. He deserves credit for his fidelity as an historian, and his skill and courage as an officer. — Appleton's Cyclopedia of Biography.

2 Tadoussac, where in 1603 Pontgrave and Champlain had left their ships, and in a small open boat had pushed their discoveries up the great river as far as Sault St. Louis, which had been visited by Cartier many years before.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

PART II

HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.

CHAPTER I.
, continued ...

This expedition, consisting of sixty savages, commanded by two distinguished chiefs, Yroquet and Ochasteguin, embarked in twenty-four canoes, and ascended Lake Champlain to Ticonderoga, 3 where they lauded, and through the aid of their allies, the French, with their fire arms, now introduced for the first time into their savage warfare, met, and defeated a large party of their ancient enemies the Iroquois.

Some writers do not hesitate to assert that, during this excursion, Champlain explored Lake George, and even visited that point on the Hudson river, now known as Glen's Falls.

However this may be, there is little doubt but what this adventurous pioneer in the pathway of civilization, became fully informed in regard to the topography of the country.

This region was in the direct pathway of the aggressive parties of the red warriors of the great Algonquin nations at the north; the formidable Iroquois Confederacy at the south and west, and the allied tribes of the great Mohican stock, including the Schaghticoke Indians to the east.

The elevated wilderness plateau, 4 bounded by the St. Lawrence, Lake Champlain, the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, was the favorite hunting ground of these various tribes, where, according to tradition, more than one struggle for conquest and supremacy had taken place, before the white man had made his advent upon these western shores.

Amid the dense forests and stupendous mountain ranges embraced in this territory, the red man to a period within the memory of those now living, has reigned the paramount chief.

3 It is but proper to say that some authors have reached the conclusion that the headland of Crown Point was the scene of the engagement here recorded.

4 The Beaver Hunting Place, is the name given in the English charts to the deserts between Lake Ontario, the river St. Lawrence, and the Lakes George and Champlain, and the river of Soree. — Chastellux's Travels in North America, Eng. Translation, vol. I, p. 390. Translator's note.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

PART II

HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.

CHAPTER I.
, continued ...

As lately as the year 1792, the Cahnawaga, and St. Regis Indians, as the heirs and representatives of the ancient Mohawks, 5 sent a deputation to the government of the state of New York, claiming compensation for the tract of country embraced between Lake Champlain and the river St. Lawrence, and whose eastern and southern boundaries were defined by a line drawn from a point between Fort Edward and Lake George to the junction of Canada creek with the Mohawk near the village of Little Falls in Herkimer county, and thence to the head waters of the Mohawk on the west.

No result following this application, a similar effort was made in 1793, and again in 1794.

During the following year this claim was brought to the attention of the New York legislature by a special message from the governor, and a commission was appointed to investigate the claim.

At the same session a joint resolution passed the legislature, indemnifying the deputies for their expenses, and also providing for them suitable presents or gratuities.

No satisfactory conclusion being reached, an arrangement was entered into for a treaty to be held at the head of Lake George the ensuing fall.

Commissioners were accordingly appointed, notices sent to the tribes interested, and provision made for defraying the expenses of the council, including the customary appropriation for presents.

In addition to the barracks, storehouses and other buildings connected with old Fort George, which were placed in readiness for the expected guests, an ample supply of tents and camp equipage was despatched from Albany, together with provisions and other supplies, and for three weeks a carnival of amusement was held, so striking and impressive that for a half a century the memory of it was vividly borne in the minds of the surviving witnesses.

Daily horse-back parties from the Corners, as Glen's Falls was then often called, and visitors from all the adjacent settlements and villages, visited the scene, attracted by the unique display, or to witness the ball play, the mock fights, the mimic dances, and other athletic sports and amusements of the young braves, and fledgeling warriors.

5 Properly speaking these tribes represented what are known in the Catholic Annals as "the domiciliated Indians," namely those who had become converts to the Romish faith, and were associated at the several mission stations along the border, partly for religious and partly for civil purposes, but chiefly as a protection against the incursions of savages in the English interest from the south. They are frequently spoken of as the Seven Nations of Canada.

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Re: Holden's History of Queensbury

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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...

A. W. Holden, M.D.

PART II

HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.

CHAPTER I.
, continued ...

During the progress of the treaty, which was conducted with all the ceremonious gravity, characteristic of the deliberations of the aborigines, the council was visited by Gov. Jay, and his military staff and some of the principal official dignitaries of the state.

What with the glittering and showy uniforms of that day; the gaudy trappings and bizarre decorations of the chiefs; the stately and sedate bearing of the deputies, this assemblage constituted an imposing and memorable event which Lake George has probably never paralleled from that day to the present.

Although nothing was positively accomplished by this treaty, 6 it was another step in the progress of events, which ended in a final and satisfactory adjustment of the points at issue.

At a treaty held in the city of New York, in the month of May following, these long contested claims were finally extinguished, by the agreement of the agents to pay the claimants in the month of August following, the sum of one thousand two hundred and thirty pounds, six shillings and eight pence, "lawful money of said state," and on the third Monday in August, yearly, forever thereafter, the like sum of two hundred and thirty pounds six shillings and eight pence.

In addition to this annuity, were certain small reservations of laud in the neighborhood of their settlement.

The Mohawk title proper to this territory, was ceded to the state by a treaty held at Albany on the twenty-ninth of March, 1795, the consideration being one thousand dollars, besides the expenses of the deputies and certain presents for distribution among the tribe. 7

6 The results (of this treaty) were communicated by the agents of the state to Governor Jay, who, in the month of January, transmitted the following message * to the legislature. "Gentlemen: I have now the honor of laying before you the proceedings at a treaty with the Indians, denominated the seven nations of Canada, comprising those usually denominated the St. Regis Indians, held at the south end of Lake George, in this state, on the twenty-sixth day of September last, with a letter of the second inst., from the agents who were appointed to attend it on the part of the state." "It appears from the above mentioned letter, that the expenses incident to the said treaty have been paid, and the accounts duly audited and passed, except the allowance usually made by the United States to the commissioners whom they employ lor holding treaties with the Indians." "The compensation due to the said agents for their services, still remains to be ascertained and ordered by the legislature." "New York, 23d January, 1796." "John Jay." * Taken at length from Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, p. 134

7 See Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, p. 125 to 146.

TO BE CONTINUED ...
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