GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XIV.
PUBLIC EDUCATION, concluded ...
In the second commissioner district, comprising the towns of Ashland, Coxsackie, Durham, Greenville, New Baltimore, Prattsville and Windham, there are 79 common school districts and one union school, in 31 of which the time honored custom of the teacher boarding around is still continued.
In this district six school districts paid teachers’ wages while attending institute, to the amount in the aggregate of $88.55; library money to the amount of $115.56 was appropriated to the payment of teachers’ wages.
In regard to the compulsory education law and its execution, no action whatever was taken, though out of 1,401 children between the ages of eight and fourteen years, there were 235 who did not attend the district school 14 weeks during the year nor were instructed in private schools or at home for the same time.
There were 88 licensed teachers employed for 28 weeks or more, of whom nine taught under licenses from the State superintendent or Normal School.
There were 80 school-houses, 73 of which were frame buildings, four of brick and three of stone.
The public money apportioned to the schools of this district was $9,774.96, and the amount raised by tax in the districts, $11,347.06.
The amount paid for teachers’ wages was $19,269.66 which included $2,090.50 credited on account of boarding teachers.
There was expended for libraries $27.99; for school apparatus $60.56; for school-houses and sites, including appendages, repairs and furniture $2,448.14; altogether making the total expenses for school purposes, $23,896.25.
The average weekly wages paid teachers for the winter throughout the county was $6.57.
By an act of 1843, the office of county superintendent was created.
That officer was to be appointed by the board of supervisors.
Charles C.W. Cleveland, John Olney and William F. Terhune were appointed under it.
The office was abolished in 1847, and the school system returned to town superintendence.
Since the creation of the office of assembly district school commissioners, the following have been elected, and held office for terms of three years from the first of January of the year mentioned:
1858, John F. Ingersoll, Alexander Reynolds; 1861, Charles C.W. Cleveland, Martin L. Newcomb; 1864, Samuel S. Mulford, George C. Mott; 1867, Henry Wynans, Zina L. Newell; 1870, John Beardsley, Hiram Bogardus; 1873, Samuel S. Mulford, Robert Halsted; 1876, Clarence E. Bloodgood, Hiram M. Bouton; 1879, Clarence E. Bloodgood, George Townsend; 1882, Clarence E. Bloodgood, Lewis Litchfield.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The church history of the county will appear in detail in connection with the various localities.
The Dutch Reformed was the earliest and is to-day the strongest denomination in the river towns.
As early as 1650, and before any definite church organizations existed, the Dutch Reformed practices prevailed in religious worship.
The organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church at Athens in 1703 appears to antedate all others.
The English in later years established the Presbyterian and the Episcopal Church, and still later the Methodist Church planted itself in nearly every village in the county.
The Reformed Dutch Church has two societies in Athens, Catskill and Coxsackie, and one in Kiskatom, Leeds and Prattsville.
The Protestant Episcopal Church has societies in Catskil, Coxsackie, Athens, Oak Hill, Greenvile, Cairo, Palenville, Windham and Prattsville.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is represented in Ashland, Athens, Catskill, Cairo and Round Top, Coxsackie, Durham, East Durham, East Jewett, Greenville, High Hill, Hunter, Leeds and Sandy Plains, Lexington, New Baltimore, Norton Hill, Oak Hill, Palenville, Prattsville and Windham.
Baptist churches have been established in Athens Catskill, Lexington, Acra, Grapeville, Greenville, East Durham, Hervey Street and Gayhead.
The Presbyterian Church organization exists in Ashland, Cairo, Catskill, Durham, West Durham and Centerville, Greenville, Jewett and Windham.
There are Roman Catholic churches at Catskill, Leeds, Hunter, Ashland and Coxsackie.
The Lutherans have a church at Athens, and there is one of the Christian Connection at Freehold, and one of the African Methodist Episcopal at Catskill.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XV.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The church history of the county will appear in detail in connection with the various localities.
The Dutch Reformed was the earliest and is to-day the strongest denomination in the river towns.
As early as 1650, and before any definite church organizations existed, the Dutch Reformed practices prevailed in religious worship.
The organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church at Athens in 1703 appears to antedate all others.
The English in later years established the Presbyterian and the Episcopal Church, and still later the Methodist Church planted itself in nearly every village in the county.
The Reformed Dutch Church has two societies in Athens, Catskill and Coxsackie, and one in Kiskatom, Leeds and Prattsville.
The Protestant Episcopal Church has societies in Catskil, Coxsackie, Athens, Oak Hill, Greenvile, Cairo, Palenville, Windham and Prattsville.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is represented in Ashland, Athens, Catskill, Cairo and Round Top, Coxsackie, Durham, East Durham, East Jewett, Greenville, High Hill, Hunter, Leeds and Sandy Plains, Lexington, New Baltimore, Norton Hill, Oak Hill, Palenville, Prattsville and Windham.
Baptist churches have been established in Athens Catskill, Lexington, Acra, Grapeville, Greenville, East Durham, Hervey Street and Gayhead.
The Presbyterian Church organization exists in Ashland, Cairo, Catskill, Durham, West Durham and Centerville, Greenville, Jewett and Windham.
There are Roman Catholic churches at Catskill, Leeds, Hunter, Ashland and Coxsackie.
The Lutherans have a church at Athens, and there is one of the Christian Connection at Freehold, and one of the African Methodist Episcopal at Catskill.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.
The industries of Greene county are mainly agricultural.
Some manufacturing is carried on, and quarrying, the river commerce, fishing and the ice harvesting complete the list of the principal industrial interests.
The river towns and the northern section of the county abound in patches of rich and productive soil.
A large percentage of these sections has been cleared and appropriated to agricultural uses.
Hay and fruit are the principal productions.
The census of 1880 shows the productions of the leading farm crops for the previous year to have been as follows: -- barley, 3,533 bushels; buckwheat, 131,181 bushels; corn, 253,049 bushels; oats, 370,615 bushels; rye, 61,430 bushels; wheat, 10,251 bushels; value of orchard products, $167,282; hay, 84,335 tons; hops, 12,907 pounds; potatoes, 186,101 bushels; tobacco, 355 pounds.
Grazing and stock raising are also profitably carried on.
The last State census shows the dairy products to have been: butter, made in families, 1,591,224 pounds; cheese made in the towns of Durham, Greenville and Hunter, 1,330 pounds; milk, sold in market, 58,311 gallons.
There were, in 1875, 11,717 sheep shorn, yielding 49,668 pounds of wool; 8,943 lambs raised, and 13,343 hogs raised.
Cider made in 1874, 6,626 gallons; apples gathered, 315,078 bushels; grapes, 155,447 pounds; maple sugar (1875), 295,547 pounds; honey (1874), 25,597 pounds.
The cultivation of pears and strawberries is receiving much attention at present, with very encouraging results.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.
The industries of Greene county are mainly agricultural.
Some manufacturing is carried on, and quarrying, the river commerce, fishing and the ice harvesting complete the list of the principal industrial interests.
The river towns and the northern section of the county abound in patches of rich and productive soil.
A large percentage of these sections has been cleared and appropriated to agricultural uses.
Hay and fruit are the principal productions.
The census of 1880 shows the productions of the leading farm crops for the previous year to have been as follows: -- barley, 3,533 bushels; buckwheat, 131,181 bushels; corn, 253,049 bushels; oats, 370,615 bushels; rye, 61,430 bushels; wheat, 10,251 bushels; value of orchard products, $167,282; hay, 84,335 tons; hops, 12,907 pounds; potatoes, 186,101 bushels; tobacco, 355 pounds.
Grazing and stock raising are also profitably carried on.
The last State census shows the dairy products to have been: butter, made in families, 1,591,224 pounds; cheese made in the towns of Durham, Greenville and Hunter, 1,330 pounds; milk, sold in market, 58,311 gallons.
There were, in 1875, 11,717 sheep shorn, yielding 49,668 pounds of wool; 8,943 lambs raised, and 13,343 hogs raised.
Cider made in 1874, 6,626 gallons; apples gathered, 315,078 bushels; grapes, 155,447 pounds; maple sugar (1875), 295,547 pounds; honey (1874), 25,597 pounds.
The cultivation of pears and strawberries is receiving much attention at present, with very encouraging results.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, continued ...
An idea of the agricultural growth of the county may be obtained by a comparison of the two following paragraphs.
Agricultural products from census of 1855; the quantities, unless otherwise given, are in bushels: -- Winter wheat, 7,346; spring wheat, 3,175; hay, 58,525 tons; oats, 160,907; rye, 72,232; barley, 1,787; buckwheat, 33,913; corn, 116,871; potatoes, 116,871; peas, 1,532; beans, 693; flax lint, 10,620 pounds; flax seed, 14; hops, 26 pounds; tobacco, 75 pounds; apples, 192,184; cider, 3,954 barrels; honey, 32,940 pounds; wax, 2,202 pounds; neat cattle, 25,239; working oxen, 2,349; cows, 12,592; butter, 1,191,930 pounds; cheese, 21,317 pounds; horses, 6,203; mules, 23; sheep, 19,382; swine, 14,047; peaches, 14; pears, 232.
The county then had 100 stone dwelling houses, 163 brick dwellings, 4,964 frame dwellings and 145 log houses, making a total of 5,419 dwelling houses.
In its 3,145 farms there were 212,223 acres of improved land and a total of 362,828 acres.
Agricultural products from census of 1875; the quantities in this list are also in bushels unless otherwise stated: -- Hay, 100,032 tons; grass seed, 342; barley, 1,678; buckwheat, 87,101; corn, 149,933; oats, 306,561; rye, 138,273; spring wheat, 971; winter wheat, 1,202; beans, 793; peas, 640; hops, 6,180 pounds; potatoes, 226,801, apples, 315,078; grapes, 155,447 pounds; maple sugar, 295,547 pounds; honey, 25,597 pounds; colts of 1875, 325; colts of 1874, 335; horses two years old and older, 6,267; mules, 84; value of poultry, $43,922; value of poultry sold in 1874, $22,301; value of eggs sold in 1874, $39,453; neat cattle, including 1,346 working oxen and steers, and 13,987 milch cows, 24,986; butter, 1,591,224 pounds; cheese, 1,330 pounds; wool from 11,717 sheep, 59,668 pounds; lambs, 8,943; swine, 13,343; pork, 1,439,607 pounds.
The county then had 6,283 dwellings, of which 5,922 were frame, 236 of brick, 80 of stone, and 45 log houses, and 235,756 acres of improved land in a total acreage of 14,697,727 acres.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, continued ...
An idea of the agricultural growth of the county may be obtained by a comparison of the two following paragraphs.
Agricultural products from census of 1855; the quantities, unless otherwise given, are in bushels: -- Winter wheat, 7,346; spring wheat, 3,175; hay, 58,525 tons; oats, 160,907; rye, 72,232; barley, 1,787; buckwheat, 33,913; corn, 116,871; potatoes, 116,871; peas, 1,532; beans, 693; flax lint, 10,620 pounds; flax seed, 14; hops, 26 pounds; tobacco, 75 pounds; apples, 192,184; cider, 3,954 barrels; honey, 32,940 pounds; wax, 2,202 pounds; neat cattle, 25,239; working oxen, 2,349; cows, 12,592; butter, 1,191,930 pounds; cheese, 21,317 pounds; horses, 6,203; mules, 23; sheep, 19,382; swine, 14,047; peaches, 14; pears, 232.
The county then had 100 stone dwelling houses, 163 brick dwellings, 4,964 frame dwellings and 145 log houses, making a total of 5,419 dwelling houses.
In its 3,145 farms there were 212,223 acres of improved land and a total of 362,828 acres.
Agricultural products from census of 1875; the quantities in this list are also in bushels unless otherwise stated: -- Hay, 100,032 tons; grass seed, 342; barley, 1,678; buckwheat, 87,101; corn, 149,933; oats, 306,561; rye, 138,273; spring wheat, 971; winter wheat, 1,202; beans, 793; peas, 640; hops, 6,180 pounds; potatoes, 226,801, apples, 315,078; grapes, 155,447 pounds; maple sugar, 295,547 pounds; honey, 25,597 pounds; colts of 1875, 325; colts of 1874, 335; horses two years old and older, 6,267; mules, 84; value of poultry, $43,922; value of poultry sold in 1874, $22,301; value of eggs sold in 1874, $39,453; neat cattle, including 1,346 working oxen and steers, and 13,987 milch cows, 24,986; butter, 1,591,224 pounds; cheese, 1,330 pounds; wool from 11,717 sheep, 59,668 pounds; lambs, 8,943; swine, 13,343; pork, 1,439,607 pounds.
The county then had 6,283 dwellings, of which 5,922 were frame, 236 of brick, 80 of stone, and 45 log houses, and 235,756 acres of improved land in a total acreage of 14,697,727 acres.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, continued ...
The census of 1880 shows the number of farms in Greene county, 3,032; area of improved land, 240,734 acres; value of farms $12,603,215; value of live-stock, $1,296,268; value of fertilizers used, $31,864; value of farm products for the previous year, $1,878,451; barley, 3,533 bushels; buckwheat, 131,181 bushels; corn, 253,049 bushels; oats, 370,615 bushels; rye, 71,430 bushels; wheat, 10,251 bushels; value of orchard products, $167,282; hay, 84,335 tons; hopes, 12,907 pounds; potatoes, 186,101 bushels; number of horses on farms, 6,532; mules, 42; working oxen, 849; milch cows, 15,307; other cattle, 11,373; sheep, 16,684; swine, 9,004; wool produced, 74,875 pounds; milk, 98,719 gallons; butter, 1,757,110 pounds; cheese, 2,546 pounds.
There are, on the river shore of this county, about forty large ice houses, belonging to companies in New York city.
The ice crop annually stored in these houses is estimated, in round numbers, at 1,000,000 tons.
The leading companies represented here are the Knickerbocker, the New York, the New Jersey and the Consumers’.
Some difficulties having arisen between different companies in the gathering of ice, a bill, introduced by Senator Jones of this county, was passed in 1879, by which the owners of ice houses should be entitled to the ice in front of their premises to a line midway between the channel banks of the river.
It is estimated that the average cost of storing ice is 12 cents a ton, and the labor of breaking it out and shipping it on board of the barges which transport it to New York is about as much more.
About 50 per cent. of the ice gathered is wasted in handling, before it reaches the consumer.
The business gives employment to a large number of men, both in harvesting the ice in winter and breaking it out and loading barges in summer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, continued ...
The census of 1880 shows the number of farms in Greene county, 3,032; area of improved land, 240,734 acres; value of farms $12,603,215; value of live-stock, $1,296,268; value of fertilizers used, $31,864; value of farm products for the previous year, $1,878,451; barley, 3,533 bushels; buckwheat, 131,181 bushels; corn, 253,049 bushels; oats, 370,615 bushels; rye, 71,430 bushels; wheat, 10,251 bushels; value of orchard products, $167,282; hay, 84,335 tons; hopes, 12,907 pounds; potatoes, 186,101 bushels; number of horses on farms, 6,532; mules, 42; working oxen, 849; milch cows, 15,307; other cattle, 11,373; sheep, 16,684; swine, 9,004; wool produced, 74,875 pounds; milk, 98,719 gallons; butter, 1,757,110 pounds; cheese, 2,546 pounds.
There are, on the river shore of this county, about forty large ice houses, belonging to companies in New York city.
The ice crop annually stored in these houses is estimated, in round numbers, at 1,000,000 tons.
The leading companies represented here are the Knickerbocker, the New York, the New Jersey and the Consumers’.
Some difficulties having arisen between different companies in the gathering of ice, a bill, introduced by Senator Jones of this county, was passed in 1879, by which the owners of ice houses should be entitled to the ice in front of their premises to a line midway between the channel banks of the river.
It is estimated that the average cost of storing ice is 12 cents a ton, and the labor of breaking it out and shipping it on board of the barges which transport it to New York is about as much more.
About 50 per cent. of the ice gathered is wasted in handling, before it reaches the consumer.
The business gives employment to a large number of men, both in harvesting the ice in winter and breaking it out and loading barges in summer.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, concluded ...
The great hemlock forests that covered the sides of the mountains invited the tanning business at an early period of the English settlement.
The first tannery is said to have been established by Nicholas Perry, at Athens, in 1750.
Here and there others were established during the latter half of that century, but it remained for the early part of the present century to develop those resources with any considerable activity.
About the year 1817 this business began to increase.
Large tracts were purchased by enterprising speculators, and the hills denuded of their forests to supply the tan-vats.
This continued until in 1830 this county produced more leather than all the State besides.
Whole villages were built up in the mountain regions by this stimulus.
Hides were imported from the countries of South America and brought here to be treated.
The Catskill and Canajoharie Railroad was materially assisted in its struggle for existence by the freighting of hides and return of leather, which this business on the northwestern borders of the county called for.
In 1844, the tanneries about Prattsville manufactured about 110,000 sides of sole leather.
But the forests could not stand the strain upon them, and the timber failing, the business about the date last mentioned began to decline, and in a few years it had almost entirely disappeared from the county.
The deserted ruins of these establishments now mark the sites of former active scenes of thriving labor.
Brick-making is extensively carried on along the river.
A number of quarries of limestone are worked at different points along the Kalkberg.
Their products are used for building, for ornamental works, for smelting iron and for making lime.
Other quarries produce flagging stone which is sent from Catskill to New York and eastern cities.
Ship-building has been carried on to a limited extent from an early period.
The business has declined in latter years.
Saw-mills have been established from an early period upon the numerous streams, and a large quantity of lumber for the local markets is still produced.
Other manufactures consist of cooperage wares, woolen and cotton goods, foundry products and ice tools.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVI.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS, concluded ...
The great hemlock forests that covered the sides of the mountains invited the tanning business at an early period of the English settlement.
The first tannery is said to have been established by Nicholas Perry, at Athens, in 1750.
Here and there others were established during the latter half of that century, but it remained for the early part of the present century to develop those resources with any considerable activity.
About the year 1817 this business began to increase.
Large tracts were purchased by enterprising speculators, and the hills denuded of their forests to supply the tan-vats.
This continued until in 1830 this county produced more leather than all the State besides.
Whole villages were built up in the mountain regions by this stimulus.
Hides were imported from the countries of South America and brought here to be treated.
The Catskill and Canajoharie Railroad was materially assisted in its struggle for existence by the freighting of hides and return of leather, which this business on the northwestern borders of the county called for.
In 1844, the tanneries about Prattsville manufactured about 110,000 sides of sole leather.
But the forests could not stand the strain upon them, and the timber failing, the business about the date last mentioned began to decline, and in a few years it had almost entirely disappeared from the county.
The deserted ruins of these establishments now mark the sites of former active scenes of thriving labor.
Brick-making is extensively carried on along the river.
A number of quarries of limestone are worked at different points along the Kalkberg.
Their products are used for building, for ornamental works, for smelting iron and for making lime.
Other quarries produce flagging stone which is sent from Catskill to New York and eastern cities.
Ship-building has been carried on to a limited extent from an early period.
The business has declined in latter years.
Saw-mills have been established from an early period upon the numerous streams, and a large quantity of lumber for the local markets is still produced.
Other manufactures consist of cooperage wares, woolen and cotton goods, foundry products and ice tools.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The Greene County Agricultural Society was organized sometime in the year 1819.
The earliest scrap of historical evidence we can find touching it is a circular addressed by Elkanah Watson of Albany, April 19th, to the president of the Greene County Agricultural Society, or, in the absence of such a society, to whomsoever should “assemble for that purpose.”
This circular was put into the hands of Mr. John Bagley of Durham, and an organization was effected with Mr. Bagley for its president.
The first annual cattle show and fair of the society was held at Cairo on Tuesday, November 2nd 1819.
The animals were placed in a field belonging to Daniel Sayre, and specimens of domestic manufacture, fruits and vegetables were placed in an unoccupied store.
The society assembled at Osborn’s tavern at 12 o’clock, and each member received his diploma and placed in his hat a head of wheat with a piece of green ribbon tied around it for a badge.
A large number of new members signed the constitution at that time.
The company then sat down to a good farmer’s dinner which had been prepared for them, and for which they were charged 31 cents each.
The committee then proceeded to the award of premiums.
We give the entire list:
1st best 2 acres Corn, 165 bushels, to Ezra Post of Durham …......... $10.00
2nd do., 146 bushels, to Eliakim Reed, Greenville …………................ 5.00
1st best half acre of Potatoes, 215 bushels, William Tuttle, Windham $6.00
2nd do., 180 bushels, Truman Lewis, Cairo ………………….................… 3.00
1st best lot of Cheese, 100 lbs., to Silas Lewis, Windham …............. 3.00
2nd do., 100 lbs., John Balis, Cairo ……………………………....................… 2.00
1st best lot of Flannel, 20 yards, Deborah Hawley, New Baltimore...... 5.00
2nd do., Harriet Hamlin, Durham ………………………….................……… 3.00
Best piece of carpeting, Sally Van Hoesen, Catskill …..............……. 5.00
Best hearth rug, Eliza Barker, Durham …………………................……….. 3.00
Sole leather, 12 sides, J. White, Durham; J.T. Day, Cairo …......... 2.50; 2.50
1st best Bull, 3 years old, Charles Johnson, Durham ………….......... 10.00
2nd do., 2 years old, Daniel Morrison, Cairo ………………….............….. 6.00
3rd do., 1 year old, John Howell, Durham ………………………............... 4.00
1st best yoke fat Oxen, John Bagley, Durham ……….............…………… 10.00
2nd do., Eli Paine, Durham ……………………………..................………….. 6.00
1st best 3 year old Steers, H. Austin, Durham ……...........……………… 6.00
2nd do., James Webster, Cairo ………………………................……………. 4.00
1st best 2 year old do., Truman Lewis, Cairo ……...............…………….. 5.00
1st best 2 year old Heifer, D. Lake, Windham ………...........……………. 3.00
2nd do., John Bagley, Durham ………………………...............……………. 2.00
1st best yearling Steers, J. Bagley, Durham ………...........………………. 4.00
2nd do., John Howell, Durham ……………………………………............... 3.00
1st best Bull Calf, age 6 m., 16 days, weight 574 lbs, Underhill Budd, Greenville ........................................................................ 3.00
2nd do., 4 m., 16 days, weight 462 lbs., Jabez Hubbard, Durham .....… 2.00
1st best Heifer calf, J. Bagley, Durham …………………………................. 2.00
1st best Merino Ram, Cyrus Field, Durham ……………………..........….. 5.00
2nd do., Elkanah Percival, Durham ………………………………...........… 3.00
1st best 5 Ewes, Elkanah Percival, Durham ………………….........……... 5.00
2nd do., Moses Austin, Durham ………………………………............……. 3.00
1st best common Ram, An. Strong, Durham ………….........……………. 5.00
2nd do., John Balis, Cairo ……………………………………...................…... 3.00
1st best Boar, Z. Teed, Cairo ……………………………..................……….. 3.00
2nd do., Garret Becker, Cairo ………………………………..............………. 2.00
Special mention was made of a crop of rutabaga turnips raised by C. Benton, which produced 86 bushels from less than one-eighth of an acre, and one specimen measured 22 ¾ inches in circumference.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The Greene County Agricultural Society was organized sometime in the year 1819.
The earliest scrap of historical evidence we can find touching it is a circular addressed by Elkanah Watson of Albany, April 19th, to the president of the Greene County Agricultural Society, or, in the absence of such a society, to whomsoever should “assemble for that purpose.”
This circular was put into the hands of Mr. John Bagley of Durham, and an organization was effected with Mr. Bagley for its president.
The first annual cattle show and fair of the society was held at Cairo on Tuesday, November 2nd 1819.
The animals were placed in a field belonging to Daniel Sayre, and specimens of domestic manufacture, fruits and vegetables were placed in an unoccupied store.
The society assembled at Osborn’s tavern at 12 o’clock, and each member received his diploma and placed in his hat a head of wheat with a piece of green ribbon tied around it for a badge.
A large number of new members signed the constitution at that time.
The company then sat down to a good farmer’s dinner which had been prepared for them, and for which they were charged 31 cents each.
The committee then proceeded to the award of premiums.
We give the entire list:
1st best 2 acres Corn, 165 bushels, to Ezra Post of Durham …......... $10.00
2nd do., 146 bushels, to Eliakim Reed, Greenville …………................ 5.00
1st best half acre of Potatoes, 215 bushels, William Tuttle, Windham $6.00
2nd do., 180 bushels, Truman Lewis, Cairo ………………….................… 3.00
1st best lot of Cheese, 100 lbs., to Silas Lewis, Windham …............. 3.00
2nd do., 100 lbs., John Balis, Cairo ……………………………....................… 2.00
1st best lot of Flannel, 20 yards, Deborah Hawley, New Baltimore...... 5.00
2nd do., Harriet Hamlin, Durham ………………………….................……… 3.00
Best piece of carpeting, Sally Van Hoesen, Catskill …..............……. 5.00
Best hearth rug, Eliza Barker, Durham …………………................……….. 3.00
Sole leather, 12 sides, J. White, Durham; J.T. Day, Cairo …......... 2.50; 2.50
1st best Bull, 3 years old, Charles Johnson, Durham ………….......... 10.00
2nd do., 2 years old, Daniel Morrison, Cairo ………………….............….. 6.00
3rd do., 1 year old, John Howell, Durham ………………………............... 4.00
1st best yoke fat Oxen, John Bagley, Durham ……….............…………… 10.00
2nd do., Eli Paine, Durham ……………………………..................………….. 6.00
1st best 3 year old Steers, H. Austin, Durham ……...........……………… 6.00
2nd do., James Webster, Cairo ………………………................……………. 4.00
1st best 2 year old do., Truman Lewis, Cairo ……...............…………….. 5.00
1st best 2 year old Heifer, D. Lake, Windham ………...........……………. 3.00
2nd do., John Bagley, Durham ………………………...............……………. 2.00
1st best yearling Steers, J. Bagley, Durham ………...........………………. 4.00
2nd do., John Howell, Durham ……………………………………............... 3.00
1st best Bull Calf, age 6 m., 16 days, weight 574 lbs, Underhill Budd, Greenville ........................................................................ 3.00
2nd do., 4 m., 16 days, weight 462 lbs., Jabez Hubbard, Durham .....… 2.00
1st best Heifer calf, J. Bagley, Durham …………………………................. 2.00
1st best Merino Ram, Cyrus Field, Durham ……………………..........….. 5.00
2nd do., Elkanah Percival, Durham ………………………………...........… 3.00
1st best 5 Ewes, Elkanah Percival, Durham ………………….........……... 5.00
2nd do., Moses Austin, Durham ………………………………............……. 3.00
1st best common Ram, An. Strong, Durham ………….........……………. 5.00
2nd do., John Balis, Cairo ……………………………………...................…... 3.00
1st best Boar, Z. Teed, Cairo ……………………………..................……….. 3.00
2nd do., Garret Becker, Cairo ………………………………..............………. 2.00
Special mention was made of a crop of rutabaga turnips raised by C. Benton, which produced 86 bushels from less than one-eighth of an acre, and one specimen measured 22 ¾ inches in circumference.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
The first annual meeting of the society of which we have any knowledge was held at the house of Lewis Hine in Cairo, March 4th 1820, at which time, the record states, most of the officers and a large number of members of the society were present.
An address was delivered by Moses I. Cantine, Esq., which called forth the thanks of the society and a request for a copy for publication.
The following officers were then elected: Anthony Van Bergen, president; Eliakim Reed and Thomas E. Barker, vice-presidents; William Post, secretary; Amos Hamlin, treasurer; John Bagley, Ezra Post, Caleb Benton, Aaron Hall, James Renne, Seth Hawley, William Edwards, Henry Adams and Silas Lewis, agricultural committee; Moses Austin, William W. Edwards, Perkins King, Francis Sayre, John Ely, Jeremiah White, William Tuttle, Lemuel Hotchkiss and Ira T. Day, mechanical committee, and Benjamin W. Dwight, Thomas O’H. Croswell, Tallmadge Sutherland, John Ely and Amos Hamblin, chemical committee.
The same president was elected for the ensuing year at the annual meeting, the time of which was changed from spring to the time of the fair in the fall.
This for 1820 was held at Hines’ tavern, Cairo, October 18th.
The first treasurer’s report, dated March 13th 1820, will give some interesting hints:
“Greene County Agricultural Society to Treasurer, Dr.
“Aug. 1817, To Cash paid for Secretary & Treasurer’s Books ………. $1.50
“28 Oct. 1819, To going to Albany for State’s money ………………….. 5.00
“To Cash paid for Diplomas & Certificates ……………………………………..... 25.00
“Nov’r, To Cash paid in premiums ……………………………………………...... 149.00
“7 Dec’r. To Cash paid Croswell & Son for printing ………………………….. 13.00
_____
193.50
Cr.
“By Cash received from the State ………………….................…… 200.00
“1819, By fees, taxes & diplomas from Members ………………...…105.25
“ By Cash received for Certificates on premiums ………....……………. 5.00
“ By Cash rec’d from Treasurer for diplomas ………………..…………… 8.37 ½
“ By Cash from Orrin Day Esq. a donation to Society ………………….. 1.00
_______
$ 319.62 ½
. 193.50
_______
“1820, March 13, Balance Due Society ………………………………….... $126.12 ½
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
The first annual meeting of the society of which we have any knowledge was held at the house of Lewis Hine in Cairo, March 4th 1820, at which time, the record states, most of the officers and a large number of members of the society were present.
An address was delivered by Moses I. Cantine, Esq., which called forth the thanks of the society and a request for a copy for publication.
The following officers were then elected: Anthony Van Bergen, president; Eliakim Reed and Thomas E. Barker, vice-presidents; William Post, secretary; Amos Hamlin, treasurer; John Bagley, Ezra Post, Caleb Benton, Aaron Hall, James Renne, Seth Hawley, William Edwards, Henry Adams and Silas Lewis, agricultural committee; Moses Austin, William W. Edwards, Perkins King, Francis Sayre, John Ely, Jeremiah White, William Tuttle, Lemuel Hotchkiss and Ira T. Day, mechanical committee, and Benjamin W. Dwight, Thomas O’H. Croswell, Tallmadge Sutherland, John Ely and Amos Hamblin, chemical committee.
The same president was elected for the ensuing year at the annual meeting, the time of which was changed from spring to the time of the fair in the fall.
This for 1820 was held at Hines’ tavern, Cairo, October 18th.
The first treasurer’s report, dated March 13th 1820, will give some interesting hints:
“Greene County Agricultural Society to Treasurer, Dr.
“Aug. 1817, To Cash paid for Secretary & Treasurer’s Books ………. $1.50
“28 Oct. 1819, To going to Albany for State’s money ………………….. 5.00
“To Cash paid for Diplomas & Certificates ……………………………………..... 25.00
“Nov’r, To Cash paid in premiums ……………………………………………...... 149.00
“7 Dec’r. To Cash paid Croswell & Son for printing ………………………….. 13.00
_____
193.50
Cr.
“By Cash received from the State ………………….................…… 200.00
“1819, By fees, taxes & diplomas from Members ………………...…105.25
“ By Cash received for Certificates on premiums ………....……………. 5.00
“ By Cash rec’d from Treasurer for diplomas ………………..…………… 8.37 ½
“ By Cash from Orrin Day Esq. a donation to Society ………………….. 1.00
_______
$ 319.62 ½
. 193.50
_______
“1820, March 13, Balance Due Society ………………………………….... $126.12 ½
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
In 1821 the awarding committee on farms and orchards made the following awards: -- For the best farm, to Eliakim Reed, $75; for the second best farm, to Ezra Post, $75; for the third best farm, to John Bagley, $62; for the best orchard, to Amos Hamlin, $62.
Premiums on crops were also awarded the same year to Coenradt Houghtaling for 41 bushels of 48 lbs. winter wheat to the acre; Eliakim Reed for 39 bushels, 10 quarts summer wheat to the acre; James M. Sanford for 78 bushels corn to the acre; Nathaniel Stimson for 42 bushels, 18 quarts rye to the acre; Eliakim Reed for sunflower seed, 15 bushels from ¼ acre; and the same man and Hardy Rundle and Anson Strong each a premium for 480 lbs. flax to the acre.
It is probable that this organization continued in operation but a few years.
The next record we find is an account of a meeting held at the house of Amasa Keith, on the 18th day of August, 1841, pursuant to notice given by the county clerk, in the newspapers published in the county.
William Salisbury was chosen chairman, and Richard Van Dyke secretary.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and report at a future meeting.
The second meeting was held at the same place (Cairo) August 28th, at which time the constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: Anthony Van Bergen president; William Salisbury, Timothy S. Miller, George Griffin, Christopher L. Kiersted, vice-presidents; Almeron Marks, recording secretary, and Richard Van Dyke, corresponding secretary.
These officers, with eleven additional members – one from each town – constituted an executive committee.
This committee met on the 11th of the following September, and adopted rules and regulations for the government of the society.
No fair was held that year, but the first annual fair of the re-organized society was held October 19th 1842.
Anthony Van Bergen was still president and Almeron Marks was secretary of the society.
Mr. J.B. Nott, ex-president of the State Agricultural Society, delivered an address.
The fair that year, and with few exceptions all through the existence of the society, was held at Cairo.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
In 1821 the awarding committee on farms and orchards made the following awards: -- For the best farm, to Eliakim Reed, $75; for the second best farm, to Ezra Post, $75; for the third best farm, to John Bagley, $62; for the best orchard, to Amos Hamlin, $62.
Premiums on crops were also awarded the same year to Coenradt Houghtaling for 41 bushels of 48 lbs. winter wheat to the acre; Eliakim Reed for 39 bushels, 10 quarts summer wheat to the acre; James M. Sanford for 78 bushels corn to the acre; Nathaniel Stimson for 42 bushels, 18 quarts rye to the acre; Eliakim Reed for sunflower seed, 15 bushels from ¼ acre; and the same man and Hardy Rundle and Anson Strong each a premium for 480 lbs. flax to the acre.
It is probable that this organization continued in operation but a few years.
The next record we find is an account of a meeting held at the house of Amasa Keith, on the 18th day of August, 1841, pursuant to notice given by the county clerk, in the newspapers published in the county.
William Salisbury was chosen chairman, and Richard Van Dyke secretary.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and report at a future meeting.
The second meeting was held at the same place (Cairo) August 28th, at which time the constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: Anthony Van Bergen president; William Salisbury, Timothy S. Miller, George Griffin, Christopher L. Kiersted, vice-presidents; Almeron Marks, recording secretary, and Richard Van Dyke, corresponding secretary.
These officers, with eleven additional members – one from each town – constituted an executive committee.
This committee met on the 11th of the following September, and adopted rules and regulations for the government of the society.
No fair was held that year, but the first annual fair of the re-organized society was held October 19th 1842.
Anthony Van Bergen was still president and Almeron Marks was secretary of the society.
Mr. J.B. Nott, ex-president of the State Agricultural Society, delivered an address.
The fair that year, and with few exceptions all through the existence of the society, was held at Cairo.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, NY
GENERAL HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, continued ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
In 1843, the fair was held at Cairo, October 18th and 19th.
The record of it states that there was an increasing interest manifested, and an unusually large attendance.
A public dinner was given, after which the company assembled in the Episcopal church, where an address was delivered by Rev. Mr. Romeyn.
The main exhibition of articles of domestic manufacture, grain, fruits, vegetables, &c., was held in the Baptist church, where addresses were also delivered by Messrs. R. Van Dyke, P. Sylvester, Zadoc Pratt and A. Marks.
Premiums were given for the best field crops; to Edward Johnson for the best acre of spring wheat, 28,30-32 bushels; to George Budd for the best acre of corn, 113 bushels 19 pounds; to C.L. Kiersted for the best acre of rye, 38, 14-32 bushels; to William Salisbury for the best half acre of Mercer potatoes, producing 161 bushels, and the best quarter acre of sugar beets, producing 228 bushels; and to James Van Dusen for the best half acre of Rohan potatoes, 112 bushels.
A committee appointed for the purpose then visited farms in different parts of the county, and examined them with a view to awarding a premium for the best managed.
The committee was James Van Dusen, Theodore L. Provost and George Griffin jr.
They visited and examined the farms of General William Salisbury, Catskill, 200 acres; Stephen Hotchkiss, Cairo, 88 acres; Richard Van Dyke, Cairo, 100 acres; C.L. Kiersted, Durham, 140 acres; Almeron Marks, Durham, and Peter Roggen, Oak Hill, 140 acres; Lewis Sherrill, Greenville, 170 acres; and Anthony Van Bergen, New Baltimore, 700 acres.
The first premium was awarded to Anthony Van Bergen.
The committee found cause for grave apprehensions on account of the prevalence of noxious weeds, “particularly the Canada thistle and white daisy.”
A plowing match was one of the interesting features of the exhibition.
William Salisbury was president and George Wickes secretary.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONS, continued ...
In 1843, the fair was held at Cairo, October 18th and 19th.
The record of it states that there was an increasing interest manifested, and an unusually large attendance.
A public dinner was given, after which the company assembled in the Episcopal church, where an address was delivered by Rev. Mr. Romeyn.
The main exhibition of articles of domestic manufacture, grain, fruits, vegetables, &c., was held in the Baptist church, where addresses were also delivered by Messrs. R. Van Dyke, P. Sylvester, Zadoc Pratt and A. Marks.
Premiums were given for the best field crops; to Edward Johnson for the best acre of spring wheat, 28,30-32 bushels; to George Budd for the best acre of corn, 113 bushels 19 pounds; to C.L. Kiersted for the best acre of rye, 38, 14-32 bushels; to William Salisbury for the best half acre of Mercer potatoes, producing 161 bushels, and the best quarter acre of sugar beets, producing 228 bushels; and to James Van Dusen for the best half acre of Rohan potatoes, 112 bushels.
A committee appointed for the purpose then visited farms in different parts of the county, and examined them with a view to awarding a premium for the best managed.
The committee was James Van Dusen, Theodore L. Provost and George Griffin jr.
They visited and examined the farms of General William Salisbury, Catskill, 200 acres; Stephen Hotchkiss, Cairo, 88 acres; Richard Van Dyke, Cairo, 100 acres; C.L. Kiersted, Durham, 140 acres; Almeron Marks, Durham, and Peter Roggen, Oak Hill, 140 acres; Lewis Sherrill, Greenville, 170 acres; and Anthony Van Bergen, New Baltimore, 700 acres.
The first premium was awarded to Anthony Van Bergen.
The committee found cause for grave apprehensions on account of the prevalence of noxious weeds, “particularly the Canada thistle and white daisy.”
A plowing match was one of the interesting features of the exhibition.
William Salisbury was president and George Wickes secretary.
TO BE CONTINUED ...