HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
The family and descendants of Abraham Wing, the pioneer, demand much more extended reference than we have accorded them in an earlier chapter, in referring merely to the first settlement of the Queensbury patent in its chronological order with contemporaneous events.
It is believed that Mr. Wing's circumstances in the latter years of his life were considerably straitened, owing largely to his losses from the war.
The following extract from his last will, furnished Dr. Holden by Judge Gibson, of Salem, N.Y., throws some light upon the extent of his estate:
"Wing, Abraham, of Queensbury, Wash. Co., last will and testament dated '20 day of 9 month' 1794."
"Give to my wife Anstis the sole use of my house and farm containing about 342 acres and all my stock, farming utensils and household furniture during her natural life."
"To my son Benjamin and to his heirs, etc., the above homestead with stock, etc., on farm at death of my wife, to my grandson Russell Lewis at my and his G. mother's decease, if he shall live with us till that time or when he shall be of age one yoke of oxen and two good cows, to the remainder of my children and G. children, viz.: Abraham Winge, Phebe Merritt, Patience Babcock, Content Hixon, Mary Lewis, Grd. children, Joseph, Mary and Deborah Merritt, Richard and Mary Jones, Russell Lewis and Willett Wing all the rest of my estate, viz.: 50 acres of land at the meadow, rear of first Division lots No. 87, 86, 85, 37, 19, 17, and half of 10 and 4, to divide among Abraham, Phebe, Patience, Content, Mary, Joseph, Mary, Deborah, Richard, Mary, Russell and Willett, and if any or either of Grd. children should die without a lawful heir, then their shares among the survivors."
"Appoints his wife Anstis exx. and his son Abraham, and friend Elisha Folger exrs."
"Witnesses: Warren Ferriss, John A. Ferriss, Reed Ferriss."
"Proved before the surrogate of Wash. Co., 27 May, 1795, and the same by Abraham Wing, qualified as exr."
Among the children of Abraham Wing, sen., was Abraham, jr., who was the youngest son.
He was born on the "29th of 6th month, 1757, and married Mary McKie.
They had seven children, the youngest of whom was born in Glens Falls on the 17th of August, 1791, and was also named Abraham.
The little settlement was then known as Wing's Falls.
Mr. Wing secured the elements of a sound business education and joined the late Josiah L. Arms in mercantile business in the town of Wilton, Saratoga county.
He was subsequently associated with several of the leading business men of Glens Falls in various enterprises.
Upon the opening of the northern canal Mr. Wing saw his opportunity and engaged heavily in the lumber business.
The extensive pine region in the Brant Lake Tract passed to the possession of parties in Troy, who sought out Mr. Wing to manage their extensive business.
"To his sagacity and clear-sighted judgment," wrote Dr. Holden, "do we owe the present system of river-driving and booming which annually replenishes our mills, furnishes employment to a vast array of labor and which has substantially helped in building up our village to its present urban proportions."
When he assumed this responsibility the lumber business in this vicinity was looked upon as nearly exhausted, and the water power here as nearly worthless; no one thought the extensive forests to the far northward would ever become tributary to this immediate vicinity.
But Mr. Wing instituted a new order of things and gave a vigorous impulse to the entire lumbering business on the Hudson River and its tributaries.
He soon became a partner in the business and ultimately sole proprietor of this and other large lumber interests, and accumulated a great fortune.
He was thrice married; first, to Abigail Barnard, of Townsend, Vt.; second to Angeline B. (Vail), widow of Alexander Robertson, of New York; third, to Mrs. Frances A. Glass (nee Bowman).
He had children only by his first wife, and two daughters only reached adult age.
He died in the entire respect of the community on the 13th of June, 1873.
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THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Daniel Wood Wing was the second child of Abraham, jr, and Polly McKie Wing, and was born on the 25th of July, 1780, at the paternal homestead, the log dwelling before mentioned, that stood in rear of the old McDonald mansion.
In October, 1780, "the year of the burning," as it was afterwards called in fireside story, while he was still a tender babe in his mother's arms, she fled at the approach of Carleton's marauding expedition and took refuge in the friendly recesses of the big Cedar swamp, that still borders, with its dense undergrowth and tangle of luxuriant vegetation, the eastern boundaries of the village.
The night following she lay concealed near the spring at the foot of Sandy Hill.
It is said of her that she emigrated to this country when she was but seventeen years of age.
She was a woman, if all accounts be true, of fine presence and rare personal attractions; of undoubted courage and heroism, well adapted to the rude times and rough border scenes of danger and peril in which she lived.
It is stated that in the early days of the settlement, while living in the old log tavern on the site of Kenworthy's hardware and variety store, she killed a large rattlesnake which she found coiled by a spring of water, still in existence under Vermillia's market, whither she had gone for her daily supply.
The rocks and ledges by the river banks, and the numerous swamps and swales of the neighborhood, afforded shelter and refuge in those days to vast numbers of rattlesnakes, and their extermination is believed to be due chiefly to the active agency of swine running at large, rather than any other cause. 2
The records show that in 1802 Mr. Wing was keeping a tavern in the village of Glens Falls on the corner of Ridge and Warren streets, where he probably remained for a number of years as a landlord and merchant.
In 1809 he was in Sandy Hill keeping a tavern and in 1814 was again in Queensbury.
Not long after this date he removed to Fort Edward where he carried on mercantile and lumbering business and amassed a fortune.
He married first, July 25th, 1803, Rhoda Stewart, of Kingsbury, and second, August 18th, 1825, Almira Higby.
He died May 25th, 1856.
Other descendants of Abraham Wing and the prominent part taken by them in the building up of the town will be mentioned in the proper place a little further on.
2 Holden's History of Queensbury, p. 82.
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EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Daniel Wood Wing was the second child of Abraham, jr, and Polly McKie Wing, and was born on the 25th of July, 1780, at the paternal homestead, the log dwelling before mentioned, that stood in rear of the old McDonald mansion.
In October, 1780, "the year of the burning," as it was afterwards called in fireside story, while he was still a tender babe in his mother's arms, she fled at the approach of Carleton's marauding expedition and took refuge in the friendly recesses of the big Cedar swamp, that still borders, with its dense undergrowth and tangle of luxuriant vegetation, the eastern boundaries of the village.
The night following she lay concealed near the spring at the foot of Sandy Hill.
It is said of her that she emigrated to this country when she was but seventeen years of age.
She was a woman, if all accounts be true, of fine presence and rare personal attractions; of undoubted courage and heroism, well adapted to the rude times and rough border scenes of danger and peril in which she lived.
It is stated that in the early days of the settlement, while living in the old log tavern on the site of Kenworthy's hardware and variety store, she killed a large rattlesnake which she found coiled by a spring of water, still in existence under Vermillia's market, whither she had gone for her daily supply.
The rocks and ledges by the river banks, and the numerous swamps and swales of the neighborhood, afforded shelter and refuge in those days to vast numbers of rattlesnakes, and their extermination is believed to be due chiefly to the active agency of swine running at large, rather than any other cause. 2
The records show that in 1802 Mr. Wing was keeping a tavern in the village of Glens Falls on the corner of Ridge and Warren streets, where he probably remained for a number of years as a landlord and merchant.
In 1809 he was in Sandy Hill keeping a tavern and in 1814 was again in Queensbury.
Not long after this date he removed to Fort Edward where he carried on mercantile and lumbering business and amassed a fortune.
He married first, July 25th, 1803, Rhoda Stewart, of Kingsbury, and second, August 18th, 1825, Almira Higby.
He died May 25th, 1856.
Other descendants of Abraham Wing and the prominent part taken by them in the building up of the town will be mentioned in the proper place a little further on.
2 Holden's History of Queensbury, p. 82.
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Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Phineas Babcock was one of the earliest immigrants to this town and it is thought accompanied Abraham Wing when he made his first settlement here.
He married Patience Wing, daughter of Abraham, and raised a large family.
He held most of the town offices, and that of supervisor several times.
He suffered heavily from the war and received therefor little or no compensation.
He resided at one period at the head of the lake.
Not far from the year 1790 he removed to St. Albans, Vt, and located about a mile west of the site of that village.
There he erected the first framed house in that vicinity.
"Here," to quote the language of a member of the family, "by the practice of frugality, and cheered by the consolations of religion, he pleasantly passed the remainder of his days in the bosom of his devoted family, and literally amidst the fragrance and beauty of surrounding shrubs and flowers planted by the hands of his affectionate companion, a woman of elevated aspirations, and refined taste and culture."
He died about the year 1820.
His wife survived him about fifteen years.
She died at the house of her son-in-law, Willard Jewell, esq., St. Albans, Vt, in the month of February, 1836, aged eighty-four years.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Phineas Babcock was one of the earliest immigrants to this town and it is thought accompanied Abraham Wing when he made his first settlement here.
He married Patience Wing, daughter of Abraham, and raised a large family.
He held most of the town offices, and that of supervisor several times.
He suffered heavily from the war and received therefor little or no compensation.
He resided at one period at the head of the lake.
Not far from the year 1790 he removed to St. Albans, Vt, and located about a mile west of the site of that village.
There he erected the first framed house in that vicinity.
"Here," to quote the language of a member of the family, "by the practice of frugality, and cheered by the consolations of religion, he pleasantly passed the remainder of his days in the bosom of his devoted family, and literally amidst the fragrance and beauty of surrounding shrubs and flowers planted by the hands of his affectionate companion, a woman of elevated aspirations, and refined taste and culture."
He died about the year 1820.
His wife survived him about fifteen years.
She died at the house of her son-in-law, Willard Jewell, esq., St. Albans, Vt, in the month of February, 1836, aged eighty-four years.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
The name of Truelove Butler appears as having been chosen to the office of pound-keeper at the first town meeting (1766).
Of him Dr. Holden says: "The only information the author has succeeded in obtaining in regard to this personage, is derived from the following, which is a copy of a paper contained in the Wing manuscripts."
"Memorandum this Ninth day of November in the year 1769, that I Jemima Butler widow, formerly wife to John Butler Deceased formerly both of Beekman's Precinct in Dutchess County and Province of New York Did Put and bind By Indenture our Son Truelove Butler an Apprentice to Abraham Wing him faithfully to Serve During the time the 2d Indentures specifyed which was about thirteen years and that time Being Expired ye 2d Apprentice is free and We the Said Butlers Did take and Receive an indenture of Abraham Wing, According to Custom and form obligating the Said Wing to Preform Sundry Duties and Preformances and Payments to our 2d Son, at the end of his Apprentice, which the 2d Abraham Wing has faithfully, honestly, and Compleatly fulfilled payed and don according to the Indenture, and our Satisfaction, and the Indentures which we had Being Not to be found and Lost, We the Subscribers Do By These Presents Acquit, Release and for Ever Discharge the 2d Abraham Wing from all agreements Promises Covenants and Payments in 2d Indenture Contained whatsoever."
"As Witness our hands the Day and Year above Written."
"Jemima Buttler,"
"Truelove Buttler."
"Witnesses."
"John Smith Jr.,"
"Aron Butteler,"
"Reed Ferriss."
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EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
The name of Truelove Butler appears as having been chosen to the office of pound-keeper at the first town meeting (1766).
Of him Dr. Holden says: "The only information the author has succeeded in obtaining in regard to this personage, is derived from the following, which is a copy of a paper contained in the Wing manuscripts."
"Memorandum this Ninth day of November in the year 1769, that I Jemima Butler widow, formerly wife to John Butler Deceased formerly both of Beekman's Precinct in Dutchess County and Province of New York Did Put and bind By Indenture our Son Truelove Butler an Apprentice to Abraham Wing him faithfully to Serve During the time the 2d Indentures specifyed which was about thirteen years and that time Being Expired ye 2d Apprentice is free and We the Said Butlers Did take and Receive an indenture of Abraham Wing, According to Custom and form obligating the Said Wing to Preform Sundry Duties and Preformances and Payments to our 2d Son, at the end of his Apprentice, which the 2d Abraham Wing has faithfully, honestly, and Compleatly fulfilled payed and don according to the Indenture, and our Satisfaction, and the Indentures which we had Being Not to be found and Lost, We the Subscribers Do By These Presents Acquit, Release and for Ever Discharge the 2d Abraham Wing from all agreements Promises Covenants and Payments in 2d Indenture Contained whatsoever."
"As Witness our hands the Day and Year above Written."
"Jemima Buttler,"
"Truelove Buttler."
"Witnesses."
"John Smith Jr.,"
"Aron Butteler,"
"Reed Ferriss."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Andrew Lewis was another of the several sons-in-law of the founder of Queensbury.
He came hither from New Milford, Conn., and married Mary Wing, the youngest daughter of the family, sometime previous to the Revolution.
He became a resident of the island at the falls, known as Wing's Island.
He was twice made a prisoner during the Revolution, and taken to Canada.
On the first occasion he was one of a fishing party at the head of Lake George at the time of the capture of Fort Anne; on the second occasion he was captured during Carleton's invasion and remained in Canada until the close of the war.
Descendants of Mr. Lewis still live in Warren county.
He held the office of constable in 1775 and down to 1780.
James Higson (spelled "Hixon" in Mr. Wing's will) came to Queensbury previous to the Revolution.
His name appears in the records as having held the office of assessor for nine years between 1777 and 1800.
On the 18th of January, 1777, he advertised that he had taken it upon himself to act as the "executor to the estate of Jacob Hix, [Hicks] deceased, in place of Ichabod Merritt."
"It is presumed from this, and other circumstances" says Dr. Holden, "that he had married a year or two previously, and perhaps longer, Content, the daughter of Abraham Wing, and the widow of said Hicks, who had died about the year 1774."
Higson was taken prisoner together with Andrew Lewis, his brother-in-law, and William Robards, while hunting strayed cattle or horses near the Blind Rock at the time of Carleton's raid, in 1780.
Another version of the affair states that they were preparing to go a fishing near East Creek, on Lake George, one of the number being engaged in chopping; the noise of which attracted the enemy, and they were surprised and captured.
They were all taken to Canada, and after running the gauntlet, were rescued from the savages, and confined in prison.
Robards afterwards escaped.
The other two remained until the close of the war, being provided for to some extent, and probably kindly treated through the influence of some of their kinsmen who were refugees in Canada at that time.
After his return Higson built upon and occupied the land known as the Rosa farm, about one mile north of the village on the Ridge road.
On the authority of the late Mr. McDonald, Higson's wife was an intimate friend and confidant of Jane McCrea; they often exchanged visits, and after the atrocious massacre, the Indians exhibited Jenny's scalp, with its long tresses of golden hair, at her father's house near the lower freight house, back of the McDonald mansion.
Higson had three children, two daughters and a son John.
The latter removed west.
From Betsey the second child, are descended the Burnhams of this village.
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EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Andrew Lewis was another of the several sons-in-law of the founder of Queensbury.
He came hither from New Milford, Conn., and married Mary Wing, the youngest daughter of the family, sometime previous to the Revolution.
He became a resident of the island at the falls, known as Wing's Island.
He was twice made a prisoner during the Revolution, and taken to Canada.
On the first occasion he was one of a fishing party at the head of Lake George at the time of the capture of Fort Anne; on the second occasion he was captured during Carleton's invasion and remained in Canada until the close of the war.
Descendants of Mr. Lewis still live in Warren county.
He held the office of constable in 1775 and down to 1780.
James Higson (spelled "Hixon" in Mr. Wing's will) came to Queensbury previous to the Revolution.
His name appears in the records as having held the office of assessor for nine years between 1777 and 1800.
On the 18th of January, 1777, he advertised that he had taken it upon himself to act as the "executor to the estate of Jacob Hix, [Hicks] deceased, in place of Ichabod Merritt."
"It is presumed from this, and other circumstances" says Dr. Holden, "that he had married a year or two previously, and perhaps longer, Content, the daughter of Abraham Wing, and the widow of said Hicks, who had died about the year 1774."
Higson was taken prisoner together with Andrew Lewis, his brother-in-law, and William Robards, while hunting strayed cattle or horses near the Blind Rock at the time of Carleton's raid, in 1780.
Another version of the affair states that they were preparing to go a fishing near East Creek, on Lake George, one of the number being engaged in chopping; the noise of which attracted the enemy, and they were surprised and captured.
They were all taken to Canada, and after running the gauntlet, were rescued from the savages, and confined in prison.
Robards afterwards escaped.
The other two remained until the close of the war, being provided for to some extent, and probably kindly treated through the influence of some of their kinsmen who were refugees in Canada at that time.
After his return Higson built upon and occupied the land known as the Rosa farm, about one mile north of the village on the Ridge road.
On the authority of the late Mr. McDonald, Higson's wife was an intimate friend and confidant of Jane McCrea; they often exchanged visits, and after the atrocious massacre, the Indians exhibited Jenny's scalp, with its long tresses of golden hair, at her father's house near the lower freight house, back of the McDonald mansion.
Higson had three children, two daughters and a son John.
The latter removed west.
From Betsey the second child, are descended the Burnhams of this village.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
William Robards, who was born in Canaan, Conn., February l0th, 1749, and married Phebe Fuller in 1774, came to Queensbury before the Revolution and probably soon after his marriage.
His name appears in the records in 1786 and from 1790 to 1794, in which years he held the office of supervisor.
He purchased a valuable farm on the Ridge and was a large land owner in other parts of the town.
Dr. Holden writes of him as follows: "He was merchant, farmer, manufacturer and magistrate; a man of large influence and wide popularity."
"During the war he was twice made a prisoner and conveyed to Canada."
"The first time was in 1777 at the date of Burgoyne's advance, when, with his wife's brother, Andrew Fuller and two of Wing's sons-in-law, Andrew Lewis and James Higson, a flying party of Tories and Indians made them prisoners, and conveyed them to Montreal, where they all had to run the gauntlet."
"Robards, being fleet of foot, made his escape, but was afterwards recaptured."
"He afterwards succeeded in escaping again from his prison house by breaking through the windows and scaling the wall, and after terrible exposures and sufferings reached his home."
"He was again made prisoner while hunting for stray horses in the neighborhood of the Blind Rock at the time of Carleton's advance and was exchanged at the end of the war."
He died August, 9th, 1802, and was buried in the family burying ground by the Round Pond at the Oneida. 3
Asaph Putnam was a pioneer of Queensbury and must have immigrated very soon after Mr. Wing's advent.
It is thought he was related by marriage to Mr. Wing.
He held the office of town clerk from the year 1766-1777 inclusive, and was, like most of the pioneers, a member of the Society of Friends.
While he resided here he lived in a log house which faced South street, on the estate of the late Roger Haviland, near the big dam.
3 What was known as "Oneida Village" as early as 1818, and as "The Oneida" in later years, was a settlement on the Ridge road about five miles north of Glens Falls. It derived its name from Tom Hammond, a half-breed Oneida Indian, who kept a store here prior to and during the last war with Great Britain.
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EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
William Robards, who was born in Canaan, Conn., February l0th, 1749, and married Phebe Fuller in 1774, came to Queensbury before the Revolution and probably soon after his marriage.
His name appears in the records in 1786 and from 1790 to 1794, in which years he held the office of supervisor.
He purchased a valuable farm on the Ridge and was a large land owner in other parts of the town.
Dr. Holden writes of him as follows: "He was merchant, farmer, manufacturer and magistrate; a man of large influence and wide popularity."
"During the war he was twice made a prisoner and conveyed to Canada."
"The first time was in 1777 at the date of Burgoyne's advance, when, with his wife's brother, Andrew Fuller and two of Wing's sons-in-law, Andrew Lewis and James Higson, a flying party of Tories and Indians made them prisoners, and conveyed them to Montreal, where they all had to run the gauntlet."
"Robards, being fleet of foot, made his escape, but was afterwards recaptured."
"He afterwards succeeded in escaping again from his prison house by breaking through the windows and scaling the wall, and after terrible exposures and sufferings reached his home."
"He was again made prisoner while hunting for stray horses in the neighborhood of the Blind Rock at the time of Carleton's advance and was exchanged at the end of the war."
He died August, 9th, 1802, and was buried in the family burying ground by the Round Pond at the Oneida. 3
Asaph Putnam was a pioneer of Queensbury and must have immigrated very soon after Mr. Wing's advent.
It is thought he was related by marriage to Mr. Wing.
He held the office of town clerk from the year 1766-1777 inclusive, and was, like most of the pioneers, a member of the Society of Friends.
While he resided here he lived in a log house which faced South street, on the estate of the late Roger Haviland, near the big dam.
3 What was known as "Oneida Village" as early as 1818, and as "The Oneida" in later years, was a settlement on the Ridge road about five miles north of Glens Falls. It derived its name from Tom Hammond, a half-breed Oneida Indian, who kept a store here prior to and during the last war with Great Britain.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
The preceding personal sketches embrace most of the pioneers of Queensbury who settled here prior to the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, as far as records are now accessible.
They came here and labored in the wilderness, hopeful and confident of the future, to build for themselves and their posterity homes which they believed would rapidly increase in value and advance in attractiveness under the shelter of the peace then resting on the country.
How these illusions were disturbed we shall endeavor to describe.
Of the region of Queensbury as found by these pioneers, it may be said that it presented an undulating surface of wilderness, which was, in the language of Dr. Holden, "but slightly broken by the numerous streams and ponds within its circuit, whose volume has been greatly diminished by the clearing up of the forests and swamps from whence they derived their supplies."
Three small clearings at the three picket forts previously named barely served to break the monotony of the old military road which led from near the intersection of Glen and Warren streets, in an almost direct line to the lot well known in the early part of the century as the Mallory place.
The banks of the river, fringed with forest verdure, the island, the falls, then appeared in their native and undisturbed grandeur.
The site of the village was broken by three deep gullies, or ravines, stretching for some distance from, and running at right angles with the river.
One of these ravines now forms the principal sewer of the village, running down past the old foundry, and in that early day opening upon the river precisely at the point occupied by the Glens Falls Company's grist-mill.
In the upper part of this ravine John A. Ferriss constructed a fish pond of considerable size, which in 1802 was well stocked with trout, and was then considered one of the ornaments of the place.
The second ravine may to this day be distinctly traced, commencing at Cross street and running parallel with Elm, crossing Park street, reissuing through the old Berry estate, and finding its outlet in the river just at the head of the falls.
At a later period Judge Hay built a fish pond in this ravine, and Mr. Cushing erected a diminutive water power in connection with the old red market, on the old Spencer place.
The third followed the course of Basin street, and after effecting a junction with two small rivulets at the basin, opened on the river nearly opposite the steam saw-mill.
Each of these ravines were in those primeval days the channels of rivulets, which, fed by springs, and supplied by the wash and drainage of the adjacent table lands, lent their constant supply to feed the waters of the Hudson.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
The preceding personal sketches embrace most of the pioneers of Queensbury who settled here prior to the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, as far as records are now accessible.
They came here and labored in the wilderness, hopeful and confident of the future, to build for themselves and their posterity homes which they believed would rapidly increase in value and advance in attractiveness under the shelter of the peace then resting on the country.
How these illusions were disturbed we shall endeavor to describe.
Of the region of Queensbury as found by these pioneers, it may be said that it presented an undulating surface of wilderness, which was, in the language of Dr. Holden, "but slightly broken by the numerous streams and ponds within its circuit, whose volume has been greatly diminished by the clearing up of the forests and swamps from whence they derived their supplies."
Three small clearings at the three picket forts previously named barely served to break the monotony of the old military road which led from near the intersection of Glen and Warren streets, in an almost direct line to the lot well known in the early part of the century as the Mallory place.
The banks of the river, fringed with forest verdure, the island, the falls, then appeared in their native and undisturbed grandeur.
The site of the village was broken by three deep gullies, or ravines, stretching for some distance from, and running at right angles with the river.
One of these ravines now forms the principal sewer of the village, running down past the old foundry, and in that early day opening upon the river precisely at the point occupied by the Glens Falls Company's grist-mill.
In the upper part of this ravine John A. Ferriss constructed a fish pond of considerable size, which in 1802 was well stocked with trout, and was then considered one of the ornaments of the place.
The second ravine may to this day be distinctly traced, commencing at Cross street and running parallel with Elm, crossing Park street, reissuing through the old Berry estate, and finding its outlet in the river just at the head of the falls.
At a later period Judge Hay built a fish pond in this ravine, and Mr. Cushing erected a diminutive water power in connection with the old red market, on the old Spencer place.
The third followed the course of Basin street, and after effecting a junction with two small rivulets at the basin, opened on the river nearly opposite the steam saw-mill.
Each of these ravines were in those primeval days the channels of rivulets, which, fed by springs, and supplied by the wash and drainage of the adjacent table lands, lent their constant supply to feed the waters of the Hudson.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
With the exception of Jeffrey Cowper, as previously mentioned, the first settlers of Queensbury were members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, and after the little community was established, one of the first acts of the inhabitants was the inauguration of religious services after the simple forms of that faith.
These services, it is supposed, were first held in the humble dwelling of the founder, Abraham Wing; later the old log Quaker church was erected on the south side of Half-way Brook, on the west side of the Bay Road.
Following is a copy of the first permit:
"Minute of a monthly meeting held at Nine Partners in Dutchess county and Province of New York the 19th of the 3d month, 1767."
"At this meeting Abraham Wing in behalf of friends at Kingsbury 4 and Queensbury (and by way of Oblong preparative meeting) requested liberty to hold a meeting for worship there once a week, and its allowed at present to be held each first day at twelve o'clock."
"And said Abraham Wing and James McKenney are appointed to have some care and oversight thereof and make report to this Monthly Meeting once in three months, or as often as they can, how the meeting is kept up and conducted, and what satisfaction they have in meeting together in that GREAT, and necessary duty."
"True Copy,"
"Pr. Zebulon Ferris, Clerk."
The old town records for the year 1767 bear the following record:
"At the annual town meeting held in Queensbury on Tuesday, ye 5 day of May, 1767, for the township of Queensbury."
"1 voted, Abraham Wing, Moderator."
"2 voted, Asaph Putnam, Town Clerk."
"3 voted, Abraham Wing, Supervisor."
"4 voted, Abraham Wing, and Asaph Putnam, Assessors."
"5 voted, Asaph Putnam, Constable."
"6 voted, Ichabod Merritt, Collector."
"7 voted, Benager Putnam, Pathmaster."
"8 voted, Benjamin Wing, Pound-keeper."
"9 voted, Abraham Wing and Ichabod Merritt, Overseers of the Poor."
"10 voted, Benjamin Wing and Phineas Babcock, Fence-viewers."
The town records of olden times contain not alone matters of importance to the historian, but many entries so quaint in themselves as to render them worthy of transcription and preservation.
Under date of May 5th, 1772, we find that it was voted that "a Pound be Built about 10 rods North East from the house of Abraham Wing and to meet at the house of s'd Wing on monday the first day of June at Eight o'Clock in the fore Noon to Build said pound on the penalty of Six Shillings each man for non-appearance."
Again, in 1786, it appears that another pound was needed in another locality, the entry concerning which reads: "Voted that their shall be a pound built west of the brig [bridge] over the half-way brook near the publick road on the forty acres left for such purposes to be built on Saturday the third day of June next Ensuing, each man to pay six shillings for his nun appearance on said day."
4 James Bradshaw and other petitioners for and settlers of the Kingsbury patent, were residents of New Milford, in the colony of Connecticut, whence, also, some of the patentees and first settlers of Queensbury also came. In both of these towns the Quaker element was originally very strong, and in the latter for many years predominant; spreading hence to various parts of Warren county. — Holden's History of Queensbury.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
With the exception of Jeffrey Cowper, as previously mentioned, the first settlers of Queensbury were members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, and after the little community was established, one of the first acts of the inhabitants was the inauguration of religious services after the simple forms of that faith.
These services, it is supposed, were first held in the humble dwelling of the founder, Abraham Wing; later the old log Quaker church was erected on the south side of Half-way Brook, on the west side of the Bay Road.
Following is a copy of the first permit:
"Minute of a monthly meeting held at Nine Partners in Dutchess county and Province of New York the 19th of the 3d month, 1767."
"At this meeting Abraham Wing in behalf of friends at Kingsbury 4 and Queensbury (and by way of Oblong preparative meeting) requested liberty to hold a meeting for worship there once a week, and its allowed at present to be held each first day at twelve o'clock."
"And said Abraham Wing and James McKenney are appointed to have some care and oversight thereof and make report to this Monthly Meeting once in three months, or as often as they can, how the meeting is kept up and conducted, and what satisfaction they have in meeting together in that GREAT, and necessary duty."
"True Copy,"
"Pr. Zebulon Ferris, Clerk."
The old town records for the year 1767 bear the following record:
"At the annual town meeting held in Queensbury on Tuesday, ye 5 day of May, 1767, for the township of Queensbury."
"1 voted, Abraham Wing, Moderator."
"2 voted, Asaph Putnam, Town Clerk."
"3 voted, Abraham Wing, Supervisor."
"4 voted, Abraham Wing, and Asaph Putnam, Assessors."
"5 voted, Asaph Putnam, Constable."
"6 voted, Ichabod Merritt, Collector."
"7 voted, Benager Putnam, Pathmaster."
"8 voted, Benjamin Wing, Pound-keeper."
"9 voted, Abraham Wing and Ichabod Merritt, Overseers of the Poor."
"10 voted, Benjamin Wing and Phineas Babcock, Fence-viewers."
The town records of olden times contain not alone matters of importance to the historian, but many entries so quaint in themselves as to render them worthy of transcription and preservation.
Under date of May 5th, 1772, we find that it was voted that "a Pound be Built about 10 rods North East from the house of Abraham Wing and to meet at the house of s'd Wing on monday the first day of June at Eight o'Clock in the fore Noon to Build said pound on the penalty of Six Shillings each man for non-appearance."
Again, in 1786, it appears that another pound was needed in another locality, the entry concerning which reads: "Voted that their shall be a pound built west of the brig [bridge] over the half-way brook near the publick road on the forty acres left for such purposes to be built on Saturday the third day of June next Ensuing, each man to pay six shillings for his nun appearance on said day."
4 James Bradshaw and other petitioners for and settlers of the Kingsbury patent, were residents of New Milford, in the colony of Connecticut, whence, also, some of the patentees and first settlers of Queensbury also came. In both of these towns the Quaker element was originally very strong, and in the latter for many years predominant; spreading hence to various parts of Warren county. — Holden's History of Queensbury.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Scarcely less quaint is the following entry made in the next year: "Voted that hogs shall be Free Commoners by warein a yok the debth of the Neck above the neck and half the depth blow, and the Cross peace twice the Length of the thickness of the Neck."
In the same year it was "Voted that there be a bounty of Forty Shillings For Cilling each wolf killed in The Town of Queensbury, To be paid by the Town Treasurer if it be collected before the seting of the assessors, otherwise to be maid in a Tax."
The prevailing absence of fences and the difficulty of keeping domestic animals sufficiently within control to even enable their owners to recognize his own without distinguishing marks, is indicated by the numerous entries in the records describing "ear-marks," as they were generally called.
There is a quaintness and flavor of unintentioned humor about some of these that is enjoyable.
In the year 1792 is noted, "Shadrack Hubble's ear-mark," which is tersely described as "a Crop in the Rite ear and a hole in the same."
"David Sealye's ear mark, a Crop of the left ear and two half pennyes the under side of the same."
Other marks were "a swallow fork of the right ear," "a slantin crop of the upper side of the left ear," "a double U in the end of the left ear," etc.
The same absence of fences mentioned led to the annual recording of numerous stray animals, a practice which came down to as late as 1850 in some parts of the town.
In 1802, according to the records, there "came into the inclosure of the subscriber about the 1st of Jan. inst. a redish brindle Cow with a bell on a white spot in her pate, on her left side behind her fore shoulder is a large white spot, all her feet white, some white under her belly, about three or four years old."
"Wm. Robbards."
One more of these entries which occurs in the year 1833: "The undersigned whose place of residence is in said town has on his enclosed lands in said town, one Stray Cow, and the following is a description of the colour and marks natural and artificial of the said stray, a Red and white cow with a white spot in her fore-head and the ends of her horns sawed off, four years old."
"Isaac Fleweling."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
Scarcely less quaint is the following entry made in the next year: "Voted that hogs shall be Free Commoners by warein a yok the debth of the Neck above the neck and half the depth blow, and the Cross peace twice the Length of the thickness of the Neck."
In the same year it was "Voted that there be a bounty of Forty Shillings For Cilling each wolf killed in The Town of Queensbury, To be paid by the Town Treasurer if it be collected before the seting of the assessors, otherwise to be maid in a Tax."
The prevailing absence of fences and the difficulty of keeping domestic animals sufficiently within control to even enable their owners to recognize his own without distinguishing marks, is indicated by the numerous entries in the records describing "ear-marks," as they were generally called.
There is a quaintness and flavor of unintentioned humor about some of these that is enjoyable.
In the year 1792 is noted, "Shadrack Hubble's ear-mark," which is tersely described as "a Crop in the Rite ear and a hole in the same."
"David Sealye's ear mark, a Crop of the left ear and two half pennyes the under side of the same."
Other marks were "a swallow fork of the right ear," "a slantin crop of the upper side of the left ear," "a double U in the end of the left ear," etc.
The same absence of fences mentioned led to the annual recording of numerous stray animals, a practice which came down to as late as 1850 in some parts of the town.
In 1802, according to the records, there "came into the inclosure of the subscriber about the 1st of Jan. inst. a redish brindle Cow with a bell on a white spot in her pate, on her left side behind her fore shoulder is a large white spot, all her feet white, some white under her belly, about three or four years old."
"Wm. Robbards."
One more of these entries which occurs in the year 1833: "The undersigned whose place of residence is in said town has on his enclosed lands in said town, one Stray Cow, and the following is a description of the colour and marks natural and artificial of the said stray, a Red and white cow with a white spot in her fore-head and the ends of her horns sawed off, four years old."
"Isaac Fleweling."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
In 1770 the enterprise of Abraham Wing prompted him to the erection of better facilities for sawing lumber and he entered into a contract with Daniel Jones, of Fort Edward for the erection of what they termed a Dutch saw-mill, with fourteen saws, which was the joint property of the two men.
The original contract was preserved among the Wing papers.
The first clause of the contract was as follows:
"Whereas, the said Daniel Jones and Abraham Wing, are this day become joint owners and proprietors of a certain fall or stream of water and a saw mill with ten acres, two quarters and fifteen rods of ground adjoining the same with their appurtenances by deeds between them this day executed; and, whereas it is proposed that the said Daniel Jones shall erect and build another saw mill little below the said saw mill there already standing, for the joint use and benefit of them the said Daniel Jones and Abraham Wing their executors, adm'rs and assigns."
Other provisions of the contract were to the effect that the parties and their assigns should "at all times hold and keep or cause to be holden and kept in good, proper and sufficient repair the said two saw mills with their sluices, dam and appurtenances at their equal and joint costs and expense."
The parties bound themselves to the fulfillment of the contract "in the penalty of the sum of one thousand pounds lawful money of New York."
The saw-mill to be built was forty-seven feet in length and eighteen feet in width.
The contract was witnessed by Chris. Yates and John Glen.
Previous to the erection of the grist-mill at the Falls (a date which is not definitely known), the settlers were forced to go to Stillwater for their grinding; that place was reached partly by boat and partly by the old military road which was constructed ten or twelve years previously.
The date of erection of the first grist-mill is placed previous to 1771 by the following document, also, which indicates that Samuel Brownson was a partner to some extent in the business of Abraham Wing:
"Queensbury the 4th day of February, 1771."
"We the subscribers have this day settled all our accounts on book excepting the saw mill and grist mill affairs and there remains due to Abraham Wing to balance book account, nine pounds, fifteen shillings York currency as witness our hands."
"Samuel Brownson,"
"Abraham Wing."
"Witness"
"Asaph Putnam,"
"Job Wright."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
In 1770 the enterprise of Abraham Wing prompted him to the erection of better facilities for sawing lumber and he entered into a contract with Daniel Jones, of Fort Edward for the erection of what they termed a Dutch saw-mill, with fourteen saws, which was the joint property of the two men.
The original contract was preserved among the Wing papers.
The first clause of the contract was as follows:
"Whereas, the said Daniel Jones and Abraham Wing, are this day become joint owners and proprietors of a certain fall or stream of water and a saw mill with ten acres, two quarters and fifteen rods of ground adjoining the same with their appurtenances by deeds between them this day executed; and, whereas it is proposed that the said Daniel Jones shall erect and build another saw mill little below the said saw mill there already standing, for the joint use and benefit of them the said Daniel Jones and Abraham Wing their executors, adm'rs and assigns."
Other provisions of the contract were to the effect that the parties and their assigns should "at all times hold and keep or cause to be holden and kept in good, proper and sufficient repair the said two saw mills with their sluices, dam and appurtenances at their equal and joint costs and expense."
The parties bound themselves to the fulfillment of the contract "in the penalty of the sum of one thousand pounds lawful money of New York."
The saw-mill to be built was forty-seven feet in length and eighteen feet in width.
The contract was witnessed by Chris. Yates and John Glen.
Previous to the erection of the grist-mill at the Falls (a date which is not definitely known), the settlers were forced to go to Stillwater for their grinding; that place was reached partly by boat and partly by the old military road which was constructed ten or twelve years previously.
The date of erection of the first grist-mill is placed previous to 1771 by the following document, also, which indicates that Samuel Brownson was a partner to some extent in the business of Abraham Wing:
"Queensbury the 4th day of February, 1771."
"We the subscribers have this day settled all our accounts on book excepting the saw mill and grist mill affairs and there remains due to Abraham Wing to balance book account, nine pounds, fifteen shillings York currency as witness our hands."
"Samuel Brownson,"
"Abraham Wing."
"Witness"
"Asaph Putnam,"
"Job Wright."
TO BE CONTINUED ...