HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES, continued ...
3. Green Ridge Cemetery.
This was established thirty-eight years ago, and along its crowded avenues are the dead of more than a generation.
The earliest burials were those of remains transferred from other grounds.
The first regular interment was that of Wm. L. Stone, who died Aug. 15, 1844; this distinguished author having resided for many years at Saratoga Springs.
His father was a Congregational minister, and in his old age lived in Sodus, Wayne Co., N.Y.
The writer of this paragraph remembers his venerable form standing in the old church, close up to the minister, to catch the words of life and immortality.
He was a sturdy Puritan, and brought to Sodus neither ritualism nor democracy.
An enthusiastic politician having offered him on one occasion a Democratic vote, he took it in his trembling hand; but at the polls he thrust out the other hand, stout and strong, saying, "Here, gentlemen, is a good, solid Whig vote."
Wm. L. Stone, Sr., was often in Sodus, and in 1843, the year before he died, the writer remembers seeing him seated in the hotel there reading the Liverpool Times.
Few cemeteries connected with places similar to Saratoga Springs contain the remains of so many illustrious dead as Green Ridge.
A catalogue of the inscriptions would itself be history.
There would be found the names of poets and statesmen, of jurists, philanthropists, and representative business men.
Here are Cowen and Willard and Walworth, skilled in legal lore, and Margaret and Lucretia Davidson, those gifted children of song.
Here are gathered thickly the old standard names of Saratoga Springs, Putnam, Walton, Bryan, Beach, Westcott, North, Doe, Warren, Stevens, Rue, Griswold, Wayland, and a host of others.
The burials in this cemetery have been nearly three thousand, though this is probably an estimate rather than a known fact.
How simple and easy an affair for every cemetery to have a record showing the name and date of every burial, and yet how few can be found thus written up!
Jonathan Hammond has been the superintendent for many years, and to him as well as other village officers are the people greatly indebted for the orderly arrangement and for the beauty of the place.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES, concluded ...
4. The Catholic Cemetery.
This is located southwest of the village, not far from the glass manufactories.
It is a new enterprise, having been laid out only twelve or fifteen years.
Previous to this the Catholics had buried in Green Ridge cemetery, an entire acre having been bought by them at the time the cemetery was established.
The new grounds are nearly level, and are finely laid out.
The shrubbery already planted, and the ornamentation of the lots, give promise of the quiet beauty appropriate to the resting-place of the dead.
There are some fine monuments erected in this inclosure, and the story of Christian hope is eloquently told by the symbol of the cross upon every grave, whether carved in marble upon the graves of wealth or the simple wooden crucifix of the poor.
One stone, at a soldier's grave, attracts the passing stranger:
"James Deneffe, 77th Regt., Co. A, died Sept. 30, 1863; erected by his sister. May his soul rest in peace."
5. Kayadrossera Cemetery.
This is the new one located on the Waring farm, west of the village.
Removals have been made from the old Sadler's ground to this.
Avenues have been graded, laid out in beautiful winding curves.
A pedestal is laid for a central monument.
Shrubbery and trees have been planted, and considerable general progress made in establishing a cemetery of such an extent as will be ample for the necessities of a long series of years to come.
Delayed by legal difficulties, work is at present suspended.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
XI. - CEMETERIES, concluded ...
4. The Catholic Cemetery.
This is located southwest of the village, not far from the glass manufactories.
It is a new enterprise, having been laid out only twelve or fifteen years.
Previous to this the Catholics had buried in Green Ridge cemetery, an entire acre having been bought by them at the time the cemetery was established.
The new grounds are nearly level, and are finely laid out.
The shrubbery already planted, and the ornamentation of the lots, give promise of the quiet beauty appropriate to the resting-place of the dead.
There are some fine monuments erected in this inclosure, and the story of Christian hope is eloquently told by the symbol of the cross upon every grave, whether carved in marble upon the graves of wealth or the simple wooden crucifix of the poor.
One stone, at a soldier's grave, attracts the passing stranger:
"James Deneffe, 77th Regt., Co. A, died Sept. 30, 1863; erected by his sister. May his soul rest in peace."
5. Kayadrossera Cemetery.
This is the new one located on the Waring farm, west of the village.
Removals have been made from the old Sadler's ground to this.
Avenues have been graded, laid out in beautiful winding curves.
A pedestal is laid for a central monument.
Shrubbery and trees have been planted, and considerable general progress made in establishing a cemetery of such an extent as will be ample for the necessities of a long series of years to come.
Delayed by legal difficulties, work is at present suspended.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
X. - WATER SUPPLY.
The earliest successful attempt to supply water by means of works and conduits to the village of Saratoga Springs was made in 1832, by Dr. John Clark.
Dr. Clark erected a tower about fifty feet high in what is now Congress Springs park.
By means of pumps he raised the water through pipes to the top of this tower, where it entered a reservoir, or basin, prepared for it there, and from thence passed down other pipes into wooden pipes, or water-logs, made of pine, having a two-inch bore, which were laid throughout the village.
This system of water supply continued until the growth of the place demanded still larger supplies.
In 1847 a large reservoir was built at Greenfield, about two miles from the village of Saratoga Springs.
Iron pipes lined with cement were connected with this, and the village thus supplied with water.
But the supply from this source likewise proved inadequate.
At certain seasons of the year the supply was almost exhausted, and in times of fire the deficiency in supply was especially noticeable.
The necessity for other and fuller supplies became so important a subject, that various devices and plans were suggested to remedy the difficulty.
Among other things a second, or supplemental reservoir, was located between the main one and the village, being designed especially in the event of fire, but this experiment was unsuccessful.
In 1866 an act of the Legislature amending the charter of Saratoga Springs was passed, which also had reference to the establishment of competent water facilities for the village of Saratoga Springs.
In 1868 an act amendatory of the act of 1866 was passed.
By this act three commissioners of construction, to be chosen and appointed by a majority of the six trustees of the village, were empowered to make examinations and determine on the best mode of obtaining a supply of water, subject to the direction and control of the trustees; to cause the necessary surveys, estimates, and levels to be taken for that purpose, and to enter upon and take possession of any lands, springs, streams, brooks, lakes, and sources of supply of water for that purpose, first paying the owners all reasonable damages therefor.
They were further authorized to make contracts for the purchase of suitable machinery, and for the erection of dams, buildings, and other structures necessary to the construction, putting in order, and completing said works.
The trustees were authorized by this act to issue thirty-year seven per cent. bonds to the amount of $100,000.
On April 21, 1869, a further amendment to the acts of 1866 and 1868 was passed for the same purpose.
By section 3 of said act, Henry H. Hathorn, Charles H. Holden, Cornelius A. Russell, Cornelius Sheehan, and Charles H. Ballard were appointed commissioners of construction, with powers and duties similar to those provided for by the act of 1868.
On February 26, 1870, an act amendatory of the previous acts relating to water supply was passed, under and by which James M. Marvin, Henry H. Hathorn, Cornelius A. Russell, Charles H. Holden, Cornelius Sheehan, Walter J. Hendrick, William Bennett, Joseph D. Briggs, Charles H. Ballard, John W. Crane, Oliver L. Barbour, Richard L. Allen, Daniel O'Goerman, Myron N. Babcock, and Hiram C. Tefft were appointed commissioners of construction, with powers and duties as theretofore exercised and performed.
On March 28, 1871, an act was passed authorizing the trustees of the village to issue bonds, in the manner specified in section 1 of the act of 1868, to the amount of $100,000.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), continued ...
X. - WATER SUPPLY.
The earliest successful attempt to supply water by means of works and conduits to the village of Saratoga Springs was made in 1832, by Dr. John Clark.
Dr. Clark erected a tower about fifty feet high in what is now Congress Springs park.
By means of pumps he raised the water through pipes to the top of this tower, where it entered a reservoir, or basin, prepared for it there, and from thence passed down other pipes into wooden pipes, or water-logs, made of pine, having a two-inch bore, which were laid throughout the village.
This system of water supply continued until the growth of the place demanded still larger supplies.
In 1847 a large reservoir was built at Greenfield, about two miles from the village of Saratoga Springs.
Iron pipes lined with cement were connected with this, and the village thus supplied with water.
But the supply from this source likewise proved inadequate.
At certain seasons of the year the supply was almost exhausted, and in times of fire the deficiency in supply was especially noticeable.
The necessity for other and fuller supplies became so important a subject, that various devices and plans were suggested to remedy the difficulty.
Among other things a second, or supplemental reservoir, was located between the main one and the village, being designed especially in the event of fire, but this experiment was unsuccessful.
In 1866 an act of the Legislature amending the charter of Saratoga Springs was passed, which also had reference to the establishment of competent water facilities for the village of Saratoga Springs.
In 1868 an act amendatory of the act of 1866 was passed.
By this act three commissioners of construction, to be chosen and appointed by a majority of the six trustees of the village, were empowered to make examinations and determine on the best mode of obtaining a supply of water, subject to the direction and control of the trustees; to cause the necessary surveys, estimates, and levels to be taken for that purpose, and to enter upon and take possession of any lands, springs, streams, brooks, lakes, and sources of supply of water for that purpose, first paying the owners all reasonable damages therefor.
They were further authorized to make contracts for the purchase of suitable machinery, and for the erection of dams, buildings, and other structures necessary to the construction, putting in order, and completing said works.
The trustees were authorized by this act to issue thirty-year seven per cent. bonds to the amount of $100,000.
On April 21, 1869, a further amendment to the acts of 1866 and 1868 was passed for the same purpose.
By section 3 of said act, Henry H. Hathorn, Charles H. Holden, Cornelius A. Russell, Cornelius Sheehan, and Charles H. Ballard were appointed commissioners of construction, with powers and duties similar to those provided for by the act of 1868.
On February 26, 1870, an act amendatory of the previous acts relating to water supply was passed, under and by which James M. Marvin, Henry H. Hathorn, Cornelius A. Russell, Charles H. Holden, Cornelius Sheehan, Walter J. Hendrick, William Bennett, Joseph D. Briggs, Charles H. Ballard, John W. Crane, Oliver L. Barbour, Richard L. Allen, Daniel O'Goerman, Myron N. Babcock, and Hiram C. Tefft were appointed commissioners of construction, with powers and duties as theretofore exercised and performed.
On March 28, 1871, an act was passed authorizing the trustees of the village to issue bonds, in the manner specified in section 1 of the act of 1868, to the amount of $100,000.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), concluded ...
X. - WATER SUPPLY, concluded ...
On May 17, 1872, an act was passed appointing James M. Marvin, William Bennett, Henry B. Hanson, John W. Crane, and James H. Wright water commissioners for the village of Saratoga Springs, setting forth at length the duties of said board, and authorizing the issue of further bonds of the village, to the extent of $50,000, for extending and completing the new water-works at Loughberry lake.
By the same act James M. Marvin, Henry H. Hathorn, Cornelius Sheehan, John W. Crane, William Bennett, Charles H. Holden, Charles H. Ballard, Walter J. Hendrick, and Oliver L. Barbour were continued in office as commissioners of construction until Sept. 1, 1872.
Since that time the following persons have held the office of water commissioner, one being selected by the trustees each year to fill a vacancy then occurring: Caleb W. Mitchell, 1873; Seymour Ainsworth, 1874; John W. Crane, 1875; Jerome Pitney, 1875; John T. Carr, 1876; Benjamin W. Clapp, 1877; Robert F. Knapp, 1877; Hiram Owen, 1878.
The board is at present composed of Seymour Ainsworth, John T. Carr, Benjamin W. Clapp, Jerome Pitney, and Hiram Owen.
Samuel F. Corey is secretary to the board, Henry W. Keith is superintendent of the water-works, and David L. Holland engineer.
In the year 1870, after considerable agitation of the question of where the best water-supply for the village of Saratoga Springs could be obtained, the commissioners of construction decided to establish the Holly system of waterworks at Loughberry lake, the same which are still in use at that point, and from which the water-supply of Saratoga Springs is obtained.
These works are located in the northeast section of the village, within the corporate limits, and on the borders of Loughberry lake.
The buildings are of brick.
The main part - that in which the engines are located - is eighty feet square.
The boiler-room is thirty by forty feet, the coal-shed forty feet square, and the chimney, which is octagonal in form, eighty-five feet high.
The system employed is that known as the Holly, whose manufacturing works are located at Lockport, N.Y.
The distinguishing feature of this plan is that it throws the water directly into the pipes.
A large double Holly engine is used in the works, having a capacity of one hundred and fifty horse-power.
There are two large water-wheels, one sixty inch and one thirty inch, which are run by a thirty-foot head of water, the surplus water from the lake being used about one-third of the year to run the works, instead of steam.
The variation in elevation of the streets of the village above the pumps is from forty-one to one hundred and thirty-three feet.
There are twenty-six miles of pipe laid throughout the village, and one hundred and thirty-three double-nozzled hydrants.
There are two hundred and ten gates in the various pipes.
The water was formerly taken from the canal, but not proving satisfactory, pipes were laid to the middle of Loughberry lake, one hundred and fifty feet from the shore, and the water is taken twelve feet from the surface and eleven feet from the bottom of the lake.
The works were first set in motion on July 10, 1871, and cost $250,000.
Since their establishment, a full supply of pure, wholesome water has been assured to the village.
David L. Holland has been in charge of the works as engineer since they were started.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 4), concluded ...
X. - WATER SUPPLY, concluded ...
On May 17, 1872, an act was passed appointing James M. Marvin, William Bennett, Henry B. Hanson, John W. Crane, and James H. Wright water commissioners for the village of Saratoga Springs, setting forth at length the duties of said board, and authorizing the issue of further bonds of the village, to the extent of $50,000, for extending and completing the new water-works at Loughberry lake.
By the same act James M. Marvin, Henry H. Hathorn, Cornelius Sheehan, John W. Crane, William Bennett, Charles H. Holden, Charles H. Ballard, Walter J. Hendrick, and Oliver L. Barbour were continued in office as commissioners of construction until Sept. 1, 1872.
Since that time the following persons have held the office of water commissioner, one being selected by the trustees each year to fill a vacancy then occurring: Caleb W. Mitchell, 1873; Seymour Ainsworth, 1874; John W. Crane, 1875; Jerome Pitney, 1875; John T. Carr, 1876; Benjamin W. Clapp, 1877; Robert F. Knapp, 1877; Hiram Owen, 1878.
The board is at present composed of Seymour Ainsworth, John T. Carr, Benjamin W. Clapp, Jerome Pitney, and Hiram Owen.
Samuel F. Corey is secretary to the board, Henry W. Keith is superintendent of the water-works, and David L. Holland engineer.
In the year 1870, after considerable agitation of the question of where the best water-supply for the village of Saratoga Springs could be obtained, the commissioners of construction decided to establish the Holly system of waterworks at Loughberry lake, the same which are still in use at that point, and from which the water-supply of Saratoga Springs is obtained.
These works are located in the northeast section of the village, within the corporate limits, and on the borders of Loughberry lake.
The buildings are of brick.
The main part - that in which the engines are located - is eighty feet square.
The boiler-room is thirty by forty feet, the coal-shed forty feet square, and the chimney, which is octagonal in form, eighty-five feet high.
The system employed is that known as the Holly, whose manufacturing works are located at Lockport, N.Y.
The distinguishing feature of this plan is that it throws the water directly into the pipes.
A large double Holly engine is used in the works, having a capacity of one hundred and fifty horse-power.
There are two large water-wheels, one sixty inch and one thirty inch, which are run by a thirty-foot head of water, the surplus water from the lake being used about one-third of the year to run the works, instead of steam.
The variation in elevation of the streets of the village above the pumps is from forty-one to one hundred and thirty-three feet.
There are twenty-six miles of pipe laid throughout the village, and one hundred and thirty-three double-nozzled hydrants.
There are two hundred and ten gates in the various pipes.
The water was formerly taken from the canal, but not proving satisfactory, pipes were laid to the middle of Loughberry lake, one hundred and fifty feet from the shore, and the water is taken twelve feet from the surface and eleven feet from the bottom of the lake.
The works were first set in motion on July 10, 1871, and cost $250,000.
Since their establishment, a full supply of pure, wholesome water has been assured to the village.
David L. Holland has been in charge of the works as engineer since they were started.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5).
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
HON. THOMAS J. MARVIN.
Among the honorable names and benefactors of Saratoga none have been held in more justly deserved esteem than the subject of this brief memoir, Hon. Thomas J. Marvin.
He was the son of William Marvin, and brother of Hon. James M. Marvin, and was born in Malta, Saratoga Co., N.Y., on the 26th of June, 1803.
He graduated at Union College, and commenced the study of law in the village of Saratoga Springs, in 1824, in the office of Hon. Wm. L.F. Warren.
During the four years following he qualified himself for the legal profession, and in 1828 was admitted to practice in all the courts of the State.
At the second election of such officers by the people, he was chosen with great unanimity justice of the peace, and discharged in a faithful manner the duties of his office during the succeeding four years.
In 1833 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the State, and a better or more useful member of that body was never returned from this county.
He was subsequently one of the judges of the county court, and upon the retirement of Colonel Young was made first judge, which place he filled with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the public, until superseded by the Constitution of 1846.
He was appointed postmaster at Saratoga Springs during President Tyler's administration, and continued as such during the administration of James K. Polk.
He faithfully represented his town in the board of supervisors in 1851 and 1852.
He was the first to establish a bank at Saratoga, in connection with his brother, James M. Marvin, and as soon as he saw that the citizens were sufficiently united and willing to take portions of the stock, he cheerfully consented to open the books and make it an associated institution, retaining but a small amount of the stock for himself, although it was known to be a profitable investment, and declining to occupy any other position than that of a director.
The first charter in this State for a fire insurance company upon the mutual plan was procured by Judge Marvin in 1835.
He organized the Saratoga County Mutual, which was one of the best and safest fire insurance companies in the State, of which he became the secretary, and held the office till the time of his death.
He repeatedly filled the office of trustee of the village, and president of the board, and for three years he discharged the trying and responsible duties of town assessor with more intelligence and independence than are usually found in town officers of this description.
In all these stations he ever commanded the confidence, respect, and good-will of all with whom he associated, imparting character and dignity to office rather than taking anything from it.
His sound and comprehensive views upon all questions which came before him, were the theme of admiration by his friends, and pointed him out as the safe counselor, the discreet and prudent legislator, the firm, unbiased, and consistent judge, and the faithful guardian of every trust committed to his hands.
As an energetic, enterprising, and useful citizen he had no superior and few equals.
His active and benevolent mind was not confined to objects of mere self, but he was always foremost in stimulating and promoting enterprises and undertakings designed to benefit the community and the age in which he lived.
To his efforts and exertions, more perhaps than to any other man's, the village of Saratoga is indebted for its most valuable improvements and its prosperity.
He gave his life and vitality to the business of the place, and many are the men who are reaping and enjoying the advantages resulting from his labors; many, too, owe their first successful beginnings in life to his indomitable energy in pushing forward enterprises calculated to benefit all.
As a friend he was ever reliable, liberal, and warmhearted.
No man would go farther or do more to aid a friend in distress, while his heart and hand were ever open to the needy, and he seemed to take as much delight in making others comfortable and happy as to be so himself.
His impulses and acts were always in the right direction, and that sordid selfishness often manifest in the career of a successful, money-making man, found no place in his character.
As a companion he was always cheerful and pleasant, and although during the latter years of his life he was often precluded by ill health from mingling in the pastimes of his neighbors, his house was always open to all who desired to enjoy his hospitality, and he was ever the centre of the social circle.
In his domestic relations his life furnishes a bright example of all that adorns the character of a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, a true and fraternal brother, and a warm-hearted, faithful friend.
A singular instance of the attachment of a domestic is illustrated in the death of Clarissa C. Evans, a colored woman, who served in his family.
It is reported in the same paper which announced the death of Judge Marvin.
This faithful servant had been several years employed in the family, and when the intelligence of his death reached them she was apparently as well as usual, busily engaged in taking care of her little children.
On hearing that he was no more, she fainted, and in an instant life was extinct.
Judge Marvin died on the 29th of December, 1852, at Havana, in the island of Cuba, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5).
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
HON. THOMAS J. MARVIN.
Among the honorable names and benefactors of Saratoga none have been held in more justly deserved esteem than the subject of this brief memoir, Hon. Thomas J. Marvin.
He was the son of William Marvin, and brother of Hon. James M. Marvin, and was born in Malta, Saratoga Co., N.Y., on the 26th of June, 1803.
He graduated at Union College, and commenced the study of law in the village of Saratoga Springs, in 1824, in the office of Hon. Wm. L.F. Warren.
During the four years following he qualified himself for the legal profession, and in 1828 was admitted to practice in all the courts of the State.
At the second election of such officers by the people, he was chosen with great unanimity justice of the peace, and discharged in a faithful manner the duties of his office during the succeeding four years.
In 1833 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the State, and a better or more useful member of that body was never returned from this county.
He was subsequently one of the judges of the county court, and upon the retirement of Colonel Young was made first judge, which place he filled with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the public, until superseded by the Constitution of 1846.
He was appointed postmaster at Saratoga Springs during President Tyler's administration, and continued as such during the administration of James K. Polk.
He faithfully represented his town in the board of supervisors in 1851 and 1852.
He was the first to establish a bank at Saratoga, in connection with his brother, James M. Marvin, and as soon as he saw that the citizens were sufficiently united and willing to take portions of the stock, he cheerfully consented to open the books and make it an associated institution, retaining but a small amount of the stock for himself, although it was known to be a profitable investment, and declining to occupy any other position than that of a director.
The first charter in this State for a fire insurance company upon the mutual plan was procured by Judge Marvin in 1835.
He organized the Saratoga County Mutual, which was one of the best and safest fire insurance companies in the State, of which he became the secretary, and held the office till the time of his death.
He repeatedly filled the office of trustee of the village, and president of the board, and for three years he discharged the trying and responsible duties of town assessor with more intelligence and independence than are usually found in town officers of this description.
In all these stations he ever commanded the confidence, respect, and good-will of all with whom he associated, imparting character and dignity to office rather than taking anything from it.
His sound and comprehensive views upon all questions which came before him, were the theme of admiration by his friends, and pointed him out as the safe counselor, the discreet and prudent legislator, the firm, unbiased, and consistent judge, and the faithful guardian of every trust committed to his hands.
As an energetic, enterprising, and useful citizen he had no superior and few equals.
His active and benevolent mind was not confined to objects of mere self, but he was always foremost in stimulating and promoting enterprises and undertakings designed to benefit the community and the age in which he lived.
To his efforts and exertions, more perhaps than to any other man's, the village of Saratoga is indebted for its most valuable improvements and its prosperity.
He gave his life and vitality to the business of the place, and many are the men who are reaping and enjoying the advantages resulting from his labors; many, too, owe their first successful beginnings in life to his indomitable energy in pushing forward enterprises calculated to benefit all.
As a friend he was ever reliable, liberal, and warmhearted.
No man would go farther or do more to aid a friend in distress, while his heart and hand were ever open to the needy, and he seemed to take as much delight in making others comfortable and happy as to be so himself.
His impulses and acts were always in the right direction, and that sordid selfishness often manifest in the career of a successful, money-making man, found no place in his character.
As a companion he was always cheerful and pleasant, and although during the latter years of his life he was often precluded by ill health from mingling in the pastimes of his neighbors, his house was always open to all who desired to enjoy his hospitality, and he was ever the centre of the social circle.
In his domestic relations his life furnishes a bright example of all that adorns the character of a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, a true and fraternal brother, and a warm-hearted, faithful friend.
A singular instance of the attachment of a domestic is illustrated in the death of Clarissa C. Evans, a colored woman, who served in his family.
It is reported in the same paper which announced the death of Judge Marvin.
This faithful servant had been several years employed in the family, and when the intelligence of his death reached them she was apparently as well as usual, busily engaged in taking care of her little children.
On hearing that he was no more, she fainted, and in an instant life was extinct.
Judge Marvin died on the 29th of December, 1852, at Havana, in the island of Cuba, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
WILLIAM HAY.
Among the many eminent citizens who have lived and died in the county of Saratoga during the present century, no one is more justly entitled to a prominent place in these biographical sketches than Judge William Hay.
Yet perhaps no one among them all cared less or strove less for what men commonly call success in life or fame and fortune than he; and perhaps no one among them all, laying aside mere selfish considerations, cared more or strove more than he for what he thought to be the best good of his fellow-men.
Able, eloquent, and learned in his profession, and early commanding a large and lucrative practice, yet he was more of a scholar than a lawyer, and was always only too glad to turn aside from what doubtless seemed to him to be the hard-trodden dusty pathways of the law into the greener and more inviting fields of literature.
In his character there always seemed to be a strange mingling of manly sternness and womanly tenderness; kind and gentle almost to a fault, yet when he thought the occasion required, he could rebuke with severity.
In his life and aims he was more the philanthropist than the philosopher.
His aims and motives were not always quite understood by those with whom he had daily intercourse.
Yet they always knew that he was purely good at heart and true, and if what he said and did did not always meet with their approval, yet he always commanded their highest esteem and love.
William Hay was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, on the 10th day of September, 1793.
His father was James Hay, who emigrated from near Paisley, Scotland.
His mother was Katy McVicker, a cousin of the celebrated author, Mrs. Grant, of Laggan.
When quite young his father removed to Glen's Falls, and embarked in business.
It was here that he improved to the utmost the somewhat meagre educational facilities which the schools of the country afforded.
What could not then be taught him at school his eager thirst for knowledge induced him to seek in the study of books at home, and he soon became quite proficient in English literature and history.
In 1808 he began the study of the law in the office of Henry O. Martindale, of Glen's Falls.
In 1812, having in the mean time been admitted to the bar, he opened an office in Caldwell, at the head of Lake George, and such were his talents and ability that he soon acquired a large and lucrative practice.
In the War of 1812 he raised a rifle company, and marched at the head of it as lieutenant commanding to Plattsburg, but did not arrive in time for the battle.
He was also one of the volunteers in the expedition to Carthagena, in consequence of which he spent a winter in Philadelphia, where he learned the printer's trade.
In 1819 he became the publisher of the Warren Patriot, the first and only paper ever published at Lake George.
In 1822 he removed to Glen's Falls, and was elected member of Assembly from Warren county.
About this time he issued a small volume of poetry, entitled "Isabel Davolos, the Maid of Seville."
In the spring of 1837 he removed to Ballston, and in 1840 removed to Saratoga Springs, where he resided until his death, which occurred on Sunday, the 12th day of February, 1870.
Judge Hay was in many respects a most remarkable man.
"He was," says Dr. Holden, the learned historian of Queensbury, "a man of extensive reading and vast erudition, not a little tenacious of his opinions and views, some of which bordered upon eccentricity."
"But few of the sterner sex ever possessed more delicate sensibilities, keener perceptions, or more rapid intuitions.
"In the latter decades of his life he became a bold and fearless advocate of temperance."
"His delight and recreation, however, were drawn through the flowery, though not thornless paths of poetry and romance."
"His memory was something extraordinary, his industry in research indefatigable, and his mind was stored with the choicest cullings from the wide fields of literature and belles-lettres."
"In American history he was a standard authority, to whom it was safe to refer at a moment's warning, and in the matter of local history his mind was an exhaustless treasury."
Indeed, at the time of his death he had collected and arranged in order, in his own methodical way, several large scrap-books of valuable historic matter, in contemplation of publishing a history of this county.
Alas, the task has fallen upon less competent hands.
Judge Hay married Miss Sophia Payne, daughter of Stephen Payne, of Northumberland.
The children of this union were De Witt C., John G., Catharine McVicar, now Mrs. McKean, Mary Payne, now Mrs. Bockes, Sidney, Frank, Agnes, Henry, Alice, and William Wirt.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
WILLIAM HAY.
Among the many eminent citizens who have lived and died in the county of Saratoga during the present century, no one is more justly entitled to a prominent place in these biographical sketches than Judge William Hay.
Yet perhaps no one among them all cared less or strove less for what men commonly call success in life or fame and fortune than he; and perhaps no one among them all, laying aside mere selfish considerations, cared more or strove more than he for what he thought to be the best good of his fellow-men.
Able, eloquent, and learned in his profession, and early commanding a large and lucrative practice, yet he was more of a scholar than a lawyer, and was always only too glad to turn aside from what doubtless seemed to him to be the hard-trodden dusty pathways of the law into the greener and more inviting fields of literature.
In his character there always seemed to be a strange mingling of manly sternness and womanly tenderness; kind and gentle almost to a fault, yet when he thought the occasion required, he could rebuke with severity.
In his life and aims he was more the philanthropist than the philosopher.
His aims and motives were not always quite understood by those with whom he had daily intercourse.
Yet they always knew that he was purely good at heart and true, and if what he said and did did not always meet with their approval, yet he always commanded their highest esteem and love.
William Hay was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, on the 10th day of September, 1793.
His father was James Hay, who emigrated from near Paisley, Scotland.
His mother was Katy McVicker, a cousin of the celebrated author, Mrs. Grant, of Laggan.
When quite young his father removed to Glen's Falls, and embarked in business.
It was here that he improved to the utmost the somewhat meagre educational facilities which the schools of the country afforded.
What could not then be taught him at school his eager thirst for knowledge induced him to seek in the study of books at home, and he soon became quite proficient in English literature and history.
In 1808 he began the study of the law in the office of Henry O. Martindale, of Glen's Falls.
In 1812, having in the mean time been admitted to the bar, he opened an office in Caldwell, at the head of Lake George, and such were his talents and ability that he soon acquired a large and lucrative practice.
In the War of 1812 he raised a rifle company, and marched at the head of it as lieutenant commanding to Plattsburg, but did not arrive in time for the battle.
He was also one of the volunteers in the expedition to Carthagena, in consequence of which he spent a winter in Philadelphia, where he learned the printer's trade.
In 1819 he became the publisher of the Warren Patriot, the first and only paper ever published at Lake George.
In 1822 he removed to Glen's Falls, and was elected member of Assembly from Warren county.
About this time he issued a small volume of poetry, entitled "Isabel Davolos, the Maid of Seville."
In the spring of 1837 he removed to Ballston, and in 1840 removed to Saratoga Springs, where he resided until his death, which occurred on Sunday, the 12th day of February, 1870.
Judge Hay was in many respects a most remarkable man.
"He was," says Dr. Holden, the learned historian of Queensbury, "a man of extensive reading and vast erudition, not a little tenacious of his opinions and views, some of which bordered upon eccentricity."
"But few of the sterner sex ever possessed more delicate sensibilities, keener perceptions, or more rapid intuitions.
"In the latter decades of his life he became a bold and fearless advocate of temperance."
"His delight and recreation, however, were drawn through the flowery, though not thornless paths of poetry and romance."
"His memory was something extraordinary, his industry in research indefatigable, and his mind was stored with the choicest cullings from the wide fields of literature and belles-lettres."
"In American history he was a standard authority, to whom it was safe to refer at a moment's warning, and in the matter of local history his mind was an exhaustless treasury."
Indeed, at the time of his death he had collected and arranged in order, in his own methodical way, several large scrap-books of valuable historic matter, in contemplation of publishing a history of this county.
Alas, the task has fallen upon less competent hands.
Judge Hay married Miss Sophia Payne, daughter of Stephen Payne, of Northumberland.
The children of this union were De Witt C., John G., Catharine McVicar, now Mrs. McKean, Mary Payne, now Mrs. Bockes, Sidney, Frank, Agnes, Henry, Alice, and William Wirt.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
HON. WILLIAM L.F. WARREN.
William La Fayette Warren was born at Troy, N.Y., Feb. 4, 1793.
He was graduated at Union College, in 1814, when he came to Saratoga Springs and entered the law offices of Judge Esek Cowen as a student.
Three years afterwards they formed a partnership, which continued until 1824.
In 1819 he was appointed district attorney of Saratoga County, which office he filled till Sept. 6, 1836, when he was succeeded by Nicholas Hill, Jr., who had also been a student in the office of Judge Cowen.
It was during their connection with that office that a new edition of Phillips' Evidence, "With Cowen and Hill's Notes," was prepared, an elaborate work, in four volumes, of great value to the profession for many years, in which Mr. Warren assisted; and he prepared the last volume of the series himself.
The latter was issued from the press without giving the name of the author, but simply "By a Counsellor-at-Law."
Subsequent to the elevation of Judge Cowen to the bench of the Supreme Court, Mr. Warren formed a law partnership with his nephew, William A. Beach.
Up to 1824, Judge Warren held various town offices.
In that year he was appointed by the Governor and Senate "master in chancery, injunction and taxing master," a responsible office, which he held until 1848, when the court of chancery was abolished by the constitution of 1846.
At the same session of the Senate, in 1824, he was appointed to another office peculiar to those times, viz.: "justice of the peace, performing judicial duties," which were, on the common-law side of the judiciary, something like those of a master in the court of chancery.
In 1823 he was appointed, by the Governor, judge-advocate of the 15th Division of Infantry of the State of New York, the active duties of which office he discharged till 1831.
In 1828 he married Miss Eliza White, only daughter of Epenetus White, of Ballston Spa.
In 1845 he was made judge of the court of common pleas, and held the office till it was abrogated by the judiciary act of 1848.
The many records and files which bear his well-known signature, "Wm. L.F. Warren," will keep his name alive long after this generation shall have passed away.
In politics he was a Democrat until the Rebellion, when he became a Republican, and so continued to his death.
In 1848 he ran as one of the presidential electors on the ticket with Cass and Butler, but the Van Buren and Adams movement - the so-called Free-Soil ticket - so divided the Democratic party that the Whig ticket for electors was successful, including the late Dr. Samuel Freeman, of Saratoga, giving the election to Gen. Taylor and Millard Fillmore.
From that time forward Judge Warren was not active in politics.
He ever took a lively interest in public affairs, and fulfilled the duties of every office he held with credit to himself and satisfaction to the community.
He was one of the originators of the railroad from Saratoga to Whitehall, and the Schenectady Bank, and Bank of Saratoga Spring, and for a long time one of the directors in each of these corporations.
He never relinquished the practice of the law, a profession he pursued with diligence and success.
His clientage was large and of the best class.
He was familiar with the history of all important litigations in the county for more than half a century, and was long the standing source of information in respect to estates and titles.
He was a safe lawyer, one of the best practitioners, an impressive advocate before a jury, and an influential counsel in argument before the bench.
In social life he was noted for his hospitality and good nature.
He possessed in a rare degree that quality of bearing and manner - united with a comeliness of person and a fine presence - which not only favorably impressed the stranger, but endeared him to those who enjoyed his society.
He was genial, patient, and forbearing, and was actuated by those higher motives which are always recognized and felt when systematically and constantly exercised as they were during the whole of his long life.
But he will be longer remembered for his genial faith in the Christian religion, which he held from a child.
Soon after the organization of the First Presbyterian church of Saratoga Springs, he became a member, and was an earnest; and devoted supporter of it during his life.
In a letter to an old college classmate, he says, "As far back as I can remember, I avoided profanity, revered the Sabbath, and attended its ordinances, as I supposed, conscientiously, but did not profess the faith of Jesus Christ until the year 1819, since which time I have, as I could, though imperfectly, tried to walk in the footsteps of the flock of the Great Shepherd of souls; how short of perfection my friends and contemporaries are all aware."
"In 1842 I was chosen a corporate member of the board of commissioners for foreign missions, and continued such member about twenty years, when my age and infirmities induced me to resign, that others more efficient might be appointed in my place."
"My heart still remains attached to that institution."
"The time employed in its blessed service is remembered by me among my happiest and sweetest recollections; and, if my life is spared, I hope to continue the devoted friend and abettor of the missionary cause, both foreign and domestic, believing that its heavenly teachings can alone prepare the soul for its eternal destiny."
"In January, 1844, I was promoted from a deaconship in the church to an elder, and have been a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church in this place, and have continued such ever since."
"I note this not as a sign of merit, but as a mark of the confidence of my Christian brethren."
Judge Warren departed this life at his residence in Saratoga Springs on Sunday evening, May 23, 1875, aged eighty-two years.
Mrs. Warren still survives him, as also his two daughters and their families.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
HON. WILLIAM L.F. WARREN.
William La Fayette Warren was born at Troy, N.Y., Feb. 4, 1793.
He was graduated at Union College, in 1814, when he came to Saratoga Springs and entered the law offices of Judge Esek Cowen as a student.
Three years afterwards they formed a partnership, which continued until 1824.
In 1819 he was appointed district attorney of Saratoga County, which office he filled till Sept. 6, 1836, when he was succeeded by Nicholas Hill, Jr., who had also been a student in the office of Judge Cowen.
It was during their connection with that office that a new edition of Phillips' Evidence, "With Cowen and Hill's Notes," was prepared, an elaborate work, in four volumes, of great value to the profession for many years, in which Mr. Warren assisted; and he prepared the last volume of the series himself.
The latter was issued from the press without giving the name of the author, but simply "By a Counsellor-at-Law."
Subsequent to the elevation of Judge Cowen to the bench of the Supreme Court, Mr. Warren formed a law partnership with his nephew, William A. Beach.
Up to 1824, Judge Warren held various town offices.
In that year he was appointed by the Governor and Senate "master in chancery, injunction and taxing master," a responsible office, which he held until 1848, when the court of chancery was abolished by the constitution of 1846.
At the same session of the Senate, in 1824, he was appointed to another office peculiar to those times, viz.: "justice of the peace, performing judicial duties," which were, on the common-law side of the judiciary, something like those of a master in the court of chancery.
In 1823 he was appointed, by the Governor, judge-advocate of the 15th Division of Infantry of the State of New York, the active duties of which office he discharged till 1831.
In 1828 he married Miss Eliza White, only daughter of Epenetus White, of Ballston Spa.
In 1845 he was made judge of the court of common pleas, and held the office till it was abrogated by the judiciary act of 1848.
The many records and files which bear his well-known signature, "Wm. L.F. Warren," will keep his name alive long after this generation shall have passed away.
In politics he was a Democrat until the Rebellion, when he became a Republican, and so continued to his death.
In 1848 he ran as one of the presidential electors on the ticket with Cass and Butler, but the Van Buren and Adams movement - the so-called Free-Soil ticket - so divided the Democratic party that the Whig ticket for electors was successful, including the late Dr. Samuel Freeman, of Saratoga, giving the election to Gen. Taylor and Millard Fillmore.
From that time forward Judge Warren was not active in politics.
He ever took a lively interest in public affairs, and fulfilled the duties of every office he held with credit to himself and satisfaction to the community.
He was one of the originators of the railroad from Saratoga to Whitehall, and the Schenectady Bank, and Bank of Saratoga Spring, and for a long time one of the directors in each of these corporations.
He never relinquished the practice of the law, a profession he pursued with diligence and success.
His clientage was large and of the best class.
He was familiar with the history of all important litigations in the county for more than half a century, and was long the standing source of information in respect to estates and titles.
He was a safe lawyer, one of the best practitioners, an impressive advocate before a jury, and an influential counsel in argument before the bench.
In social life he was noted for his hospitality and good nature.
He possessed in a rare degree that quality of bearing and manner - united with a comeliness of person and a fine presence - which not only favorably impressed the stranger, but endeared him to those who enjoyed his society.
He was genial, patient, and forbearing, and was actuated by those higher motives which are always recognized and felt when systematically and constantly exercised as they were during the whole of his long life.
But he will be longer remembered for his genial faith in the Christian religion, which he held from a child.
Soon after the organization of the First Presbyterian church of Saratoga Springs, he became a member, and was an earnest; and devoted supporter of it during his life.
In a letter to an old college classmate, he says, "As far back as I can remember, I avoided profanity, revered the Sabbath, and attended its ordinances, as I supposed, conscientiously, but did not profess the faith of Jesus Christ until the year 1819, since which time I have, as I could, though imperfectly, tried to walk in the footsteps of the flock of the Great Shepherd of souls; how short of perfection my friends and contemporaries are all aware."
"In 1842 I was chosen a corporate member of the board of commissioners for foreign missions, and continued such member about twenty years, when my age and infirmities induced me to resign, that others more efficient might be appointed in my place."
"My heart still remains attached to that institution."
"The time employed in its blessed service is remembered by me among my happiest and sweetest recollections; and, if my life is spared, I hope to continue the devoted friend and abettor of the missionary cause, both foreign and domestic, believing that its heavenly teachings can alone prepare the soul for its eternal destiny."
"In January, 1844, I was promoted from a deaconship in the church to an elder, and have been a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church in this place, and have continued such ever since."
"I note this not as a sign of merit, but as a mark of the confidence of my Christian brethren."
Judge Warren departed this life at his residence in Saratoga Springs on Sunday evening, May 23, 1875, aged eighty-two years.
Mrs. Warren still survives him, as also his two daughters and their families.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
CHARLES S. LESTER
The subject of this sketch, was born at Worcester, Mass., on the 15th day of March, 1824.
His paternal ancestors for several generations were natives of Connecticut and Vermont.
His father was a graduate of Vermont University, and subsequently became a leading merchant in Montreal.
The business failures which followed the War of 1812 swept away the capital of the firm with which Mr. Lester was connected, and overwhelmed him with reverses from which he never recovered.
Young Lester, who at an early age was left to the care of his mother, was educated at the Washington Academy, in Salem, N.Y.
In September, 1841, he entered the law-office of Crary & Fairchild as a clerk, and in October, 1843, removing to Saratoga Springs, he continued his studies in the office of his uncle, the Hon. John Willard, then circuit judge and vice-chancellor of the Fourth Circuit.
In May, 1845, he was admitted as attorney in the Supreme Court, having previously been admitted as solicitor and counsellor in chancery by the late Chancellor Walworth.
In 1859 he was elected district attorney on the Democratic ticket by a handsome majority, although the Democrats were then in political minority in the county.
He discharged the duties of public prosecutor for three years in an able and fearless manner, and tried the causes on the part of the people with a skill and careful preparation which met with marked public approbation.
In 1870 he was elected county judge, and filled that office for six years with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.
While on the bench he was distinguished for the rapidity with which he dispatched business, and the impartiality and urbanity with which he discharged all his duties.
Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he joined what was known as the War Democrats, and since that time has been thoroughly identified with the Republican party.
In 1849 he was married to Miss Lucy L. Cooke, and under her admirable management an estimable family of children have grown up around him.
Mrs. Lester, wherever known, is esteemed as a lady of rare worth and of high mental and personal accomplishments.
His two eldest sons, Charles C. Lester and John Willard Lester, are graduates of Union College, and having studied law in their father's office and been admitted to the bar, are now connected with him in business.
He has two other children, Susan Lester and James Westcott Lester, the latter of whom is now in Union College.
Judge Lester has a large and varied practice, and being of an ardent and sympathetic temperament, becomes deeply interested in the causes of his clients, making their interests his own.
His fidelity and devotion to his clients has made him a popular and trusted as well as successful advocate.
Like all men of positive character, he has intrenched himself in the hearts of many devoted friends, and as a consequence has encountered bitter personal attacks from disappointed opponents.
He has occupied many positions of trust and honor, such as supervisor of the town, president of the village, president of the board of education, and president of the Commercial Bank, and under his wise and prudent management the latter institution attained its highest success.
In the midst of a laborious profession he has not neglected literary pursuits, and in 1854 the corporation of Yale College conferred upon him the honorary degree of A.M.
In 1872, when the late Alexander T. Stewart purchased the Grand Union Hotel, he selected Judge Lester for his local agent and counsel, and continued on intimate friendly relations with him until his death.
The estimation in which he was held by that gentleman may be gathered from the following graceful note, which was addressed to him as the writer was about leaving for Europe:
"NEW YORK, July 15, 1873.
"MY DEAR JUDGE, I cannot leave without thanking you for all your kindness and attention to my interests and wishing you and yours health and happiness."
"I hope I may have the pleasure to meet your son in Paris, and to have the opportunity to pay him some attention."
"With kind regards to Mrs. Lester, believe me, I am,"
"Sincerely your friend,"
"ALEX. T. STEWART."
Nor would this sketch be complete were not allusion made to Judge Lester's oratorical powers.
While he is a direct and forcible speaker, he has the happy yet rare gift of so mingling the adornment of a pleasing delivery with homely argument, as to add to the picturesqueness of his speeches without weakening their effect.
This was strikingly illustrated at the Centennial celebration of Burgoyne's surrender, where, as president of the day, he delivered the opening address, and, in his usual felicitous manner, introduced the several orators of the occasion.
A brief biographical sketch of a living person is necessarily a compilation of statistics, and a full and just tribute to his honorable character will belong more appropriately to his obituary.
The residence of Judge Lester, on upper Broadway, shown on another page, is a model of taste and elegance.
It is of the domestic Gothic style, with a slight infusion of French in its details.
The brick-work is laid up in black mortar in the Flemish header-bond mode, with bands of saw-tooth work and stone trimmings.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
CHARLES S. LESTER
The subject of this sketch, was born at Worcester, Mass., on the 15th day of March, 1824.
His paternal ancestors for several generations were natives of Connecticut and Vermont.
His father was a graduate of Vermont University, and subsequently became a leading merchant in Montreal.
The business failures which followed the War of 1812 swept away the capital of the firm with which Mr. Lester was connected, and overwhelmed him with reverses from which he never recovered.
Young Lester, who at an early age was left to the care of his mother, was educated at the Washington Academy, in Salem, N.Y.
In September, 1841, he entered the law-office of Crary & Fairchild as a clerk, and in October, 1843, removing to Saratoga Springs, he continued his studies in the office of his uncle, the Hon. John Willard, then circuit judge and vice-chancellor of the Fourth Circuit.
In May, 1845, he was admitted as attorney in the Supreme Court, having previously been admitted as solicitor and counsellor in chancery by the late Chancellor Walworth.
In 1859 he was elected district attorney on the Democratic ticket by a handsome majority, although the Democrats were then in political minority in the county.
He discharged the duties of public prosecutor for three years in an able and fearless manner, and tried the causes on the part of the people with a skill and careful preparation which met with marked public approbation.
In 1870 he was elected county judge, and filled that office for six years with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.
While on the bench he was distinguished for the rapidity with which he dispatched business, and the impartiality and urbanity with which he discharged all his duties.
Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he joined what was known as the War Democrats, and since that time has been thoroughly identified with the Republican party.
In 1849 he was married to Miss Lucy L. Cooke, and under her admirable management an estimable family of children have grown up around him.
Mrs. Lester, wherever known, is esteemed as a lady of rare worth and of high mental and personal accomplishments.
His two eldest sons, Charles C. Lester and John Willard Lester, are graduates of Union College, and having studied law in their father's office and been admitted to the bar, are now connected with him in business.
He has two other children, Susan Lester and James Westcott Lester, the latter of whom is now in Union College.
Judge Lester has a large and varied practice, and being of an ardent and sympathetic temperament, becomes deeply interested in the causes of his clients, making their interests his own.
His fidelity and devotion to his clients has made him a popular and trusted as well as successful advocate.
Like all men of positive character, he has intrenched himself in the hearts of many devoted friends, and as a consequence has encountered bitter personal attacks from disappointed opponents.
He has occupied many positions of trust and honor, such as supervisor of the town, president of the village, president of the board of education, and president of the Commercial Bank, and under his wise and prudent management the latter institution attained its highest success.
In the midst of a laborious profession he has not neglected literary pursuits, and in 1854 the corporation of Yale College conferred upon him the honorary degree of A.M.
In 1872, when the late Alexander T. Stewart purchased the Grand Union Hotel, he selected Judge Lester for his local agent and counsel, and continued on intimate friendly relations with him until his death.
The estimation in which he was held by that gentleman may be gathered from the following graceful note, which was addressed to him as the writer was about leaving for Europe:
"NEW YORK, July 15, 1873.
"MY DEAR JUDGE, I cannot leave without thanking you for all your kindness and attention to my interests and wishing you and yours health and happiness."
"I hope I may have the pleasure to meet your son in Paris, and to have the opportunity to pay him some attention."
"With kind regards to Mrs. Lester, believe me, I am,"
"Sincerely your friend,"
"ALEX. T. STEWART."
Nor would this sketch be complete were not allusion made to Judge Lester's oratorical powers.
While he is a direct and forcible speaker, he has the happy yet rare gift of so mingling the adornment of a pleasing delivery with homely argument, as to add to the picturesqueness of his speeches without weakening their effect.
This was strikingly illustrated at the Centennial celebration of Burgoyne's surrender, where, as president of the day, he delivered the opening address, and, in his usual felicitous manner, introduced the several orators of the occasion.
A brief biographical sketch of a living person is necessarily a compilation of statistics, and a full and just tribute to his honorable character will belong more appropriately to his obituary.
The residence of Judge Lester, on upper Broadway, shown on another page, is a model of taste and elegance.
It is of the domestic Gothic style, with a slight infusion of French in its details.
The brick-work is laid up in black mortar in the Flemish header-bond mode, with bands of saw-tooth work and stone trimmings.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
JAMES B. McKEAN
James Bedell McKean was born at Hoosic, Rensselaer Co., N.Y., Aug. 5, 1821.
His father, Rev. Andrew McKean, died some years since, in the eighty-seventh year of his age.
His mother, Mrs. Catharine Bedell McKean, is still living, and is eighty-seven years of age.
The late Hon. Samuel McKean, of Pennsylvania, some time the colleague of Mr. Buchanan in the United States Senate, was his uncle, and the Rev. Samuel McKean, of Fort Edward, is his only brother.
On his father's side he is descended from the MacIans, of Glencoe, Scotland.
His branch of the family came to our country through Ireland, about the middle of the last century.
John McKean, his great-grandfather, was the immigrant, and settled in Cecil Co., Md.
There was born his grandfather, James McKean, who was cousin to Thomas McKean, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
On his mother's side, Mr. McKean's remote ancestors, the Bedells, of France, were Huguenots, he being descended from a branch of the family that settled near New York city about two hundred and fifty years ago.
Mr. McKean has been heard jocularly to insist that it was his duty to raise a regiment, because, through his mother, he escaped the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day; through his father, he escaped the massacre of Glencoe.
The spot where he was born was on the battle-field of Bennington, midway between the positions taken up by the opposing armies.
In his infancy his parents removed with their family, and settled down upon the battle-field of Saratoga, midway between the point where Burgoyne was defeated and that where he surrendered; and, lastly, because he thought he could raise a regiment when almost everybody else thought he could not.
After residing some years in the town of Saratoga, the family removed to a farm in Half-Moon, near and southeast of Round lake.
The subject of this sketch is indebted for his education to common schools, academies, and to self-teaching.
In his youth he taught in the district schools, and was for some time one of the professors in Jonesville Academy.
While teaching and studying he gave some attention to Blackstone, Kent, and other sages of the law.
When twenty-one years of age he was elected town superintendent of common schools for Half-Moon.
When twenty-three years of age he was elected colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment of New York State militia, was commissioned by Governor Silas Wright, and commanded that regiment for some years.
In June, 1847, he entered the law office of Bullard & Cramer, at Waterford, and devoted himself to the law.
On March 5, 1849, he was admitted to practice in all the courts of the State, and opened an office at Ballston Spa.
On June 20, 1850, he married Katharine Hay, daughter of the late Judge William Hay. and sister to Mrs. Judge Bockes.
In June, 1851, he removed to Saratoga Springs.
In the fall of 1854, he was nominated for county judge by a Republican Convention, held at Ballston Spa, believed to have been the first Republican Convention held in the State.
The Whig candidate for county judge was Gideon Putnam; one wing of the Democrats nominated John A. Corey, and the other Henry W. Merrill.
The "Americans" or "Know-Nothings" had no ticket distinct from the other parties, but selected from these candidates such as they chose.
Some of them voted for McKean, some for Putnam, etc.
McKean was elected county judge, and served four years.
Several of his judicial opinions can be found in "Howard's Practice Reports."
In 1858, the Republicans of the Fifteenth district elected him Representative in Congress, and re-elected him in 1860.
In the War of the Great Rebellion, Judge McKean took a prominent part, as has been already seen in these pages.
In the spring of 1865, believing that it would benefit his health, President Lincoln sent him to Spanish America, to exchange the ratifications of a treaty with the government of Honduras.
Afterwards, Mr. Seward, as Secretary of State to President Johnson, tendered him the appointment of consul to San Domingo, which, however, he declined.
In the year 1870 President Grant appointed him chief justice of the Supreme Court of Utah Territory, a position for which he was not a candidate.
He was induced, however, to accept the office, and served in it five years.
Judge McKean is now practicing law at Salt Lake City.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
JAMES B. McKEAN
James Bedell McKean was born at Hoosic, Rensselaer Co., N.Y., Aug. 5, 1821.
His father, Rev. Andrew McKean, died some years since, in the eighty-seventh year of his age.
His mother, Mrs. Catharine Bedell McKean, is still living, and is eighty-seven years of age.
The late Hon. Samuel McKean, of Pennsylvania, some time the colleague of Mr. Buchanan in the United States Senate, was his uncle, and the Rev. Samuel McKean, of Fort Edward, is his only brother.
On his father's side he is descended from the MacIans, of Glencoe, Scotland.
His branch of the family came to our country through Ireland, about the middle of the last century.
John McKean, his great-grandfather, was the immigrant, and settled in Cecil Co., Md.
There was born his grandfather, James McKean, who was cousin to Thomas McKean, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
On his mother's side, Mr. McKean's remote ancestors, the Bedells, of France, were Huguenots, he being descended from a branch of the family that settled near New York city about two hundred and fifty years ago.
Mr. McKean has been heard jocularly to insist that it was his duty to raise a regiment, because, through his mother, he escaped the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day; through his father, he escaped the massacre of Glencoe.
The spot where he was born was on the battle-field of Bennington, midway between the positions taken up by the opposing armies.
In his infancy his parents removed with their family, and settled down upon the battle-field of Saratoga, midway between the point where Burgoyne was defeated and that where he surrendered; and, lastly, because he thought he could raise a regiment when almost everybody else thought he could not.
After residing some years in the town of Saratoga, the family removed to a farm in Half-Moon, near and southeast of Round lake.
The subject of this sketch is indebted for his education to common schools, academies, and to self-teaching.
In his youth he taught in the district schools, and was for some time one of the professors in Jonesville Academy.
While teaching and studying he gave some attention to Blackstone, Kent, and other sages of the law.
When twenty-one years of age he was elected town superintendent of common schools for Half-Moon.
When twenty-three years of age he was elected colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment of New York State militia, was commissioned by Governor Silas Wright, and commanded that regiment for some years.
In June, 1847, he entered the law office of Bullard & Cramer, at Waterford, and devoted himself to the law.
On March 5, 1849, he was admitted to practice in all the courts of the State, and opened an office at Ballston Spa.
On June 20, 1850, he married Katharine Hay, daughter of the late Judge William Hay. and sister to Mrs. Judge Bockes.
In June, 1851, he removed to Saratoga Springs.
In the fall of 1854, he was nominated for county judge by a Republican Convention, held at Ballston Spa, believed to have been the first Republican Convention held in the State.
The Whig candidate for county judge was Gideon Putnam; one wing of the Democrats nominated John A. Corey, and the other Henry W. Merrill.
The "Americans" or "Know-Nothings" had no ticket distinct from the other parties, but selected from these candidates such as they chose.
Some of them voted for McKean, some for Putnam, etc.
McKean was elected county judge, and served four years.
Several of his judicial opinions can be found in "Howard's Practice Reports."
In 1858, the Republicans of the Fifteenth district elected him Representative in Congress, and re-elected him in 1860.
In the War of the Great Rebellion, Judge McKean took a prominent part, as has been already seen in these pages.
In the spring of 1865, believing that it would benefit his health, President Lincoln sent him to Spanish America, to exchange the ratifications of a treaty with the government of Honduras.
Afterwards, Mr. Seward, as Secretary of State to President Johnson, tendered him the appointment of consul to San Domingo, which, however, he declined.
In the year 1870 President Grant appointed him chief justice of the Supreme Court of Utah Territory, a position for which he was not a candidate.
He was induced, however, to accept the office, and served in it five years.
Judge McKean is now practicing law at Salt Lake City.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY
HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, continued ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
HENRY WALTON.
The subject of this sketch was descended from one of the old and celebrated families in the colonial history of New York State.
His granduncle, William Walton, built, in 1754, what is now known in New York city as the "Old Walton House," on Franklin Square, where "he gathered around his table such of the famous men of the Old World as officially, or in pursuit of pleasure, visited the New."
"His lavish entertainments, dazzling display of massive silver, the forest of decanters which graced his sideboard, and the costly wines that flowed free and fast, were prolific subjects for criticism in England."
Henry Walton was born in the city of New York, Oct. 8, 1768.
In 1780 he was sent to England under the guardianship of Peter Van Schaick, to be educated.
From his twelfth to his twentieth year he studied in Great Britain, after which he returned to New York city, and began the study of law with Aaron Burr.
In 1790 he went to Ballston, purchased some land, and erected a house.
This place is now known as the "Delavan Farm."
During his residence in Ballston he officiated as surrogate of the county, 1794 to 1808.
Subsequently he resided in Albany and New York; at the former place - In 1815 - he erected "Pine Grove," subsequently the residence of Chancellor Walworth.
In 1816 he came to the village of Saratoga Springs, and took possession of the real estate descended to him from his father and uncle Gerard.
In a few years he became one of the largest landholders in the place.
He built a beautiful country-seat, which he named "Wood Lawn."
His possessions in Saratoga Springs included all of the present village, except that portion lying south of Congress street and the mineral fountains.
During the early years of his residence in Saratoga, he was associated in legal partnership with Mr. Leavett.
He excavated and tubed many of Saratoga's numerous and noted mineral springs, and erected a Chinese pagoda over one of them, the "Flat Rock Spring."
The several residences he built, as well as the Pavilion Hotel, show that he inherited his uncle's architectural tastes.
In person Henry Walton was a tall, fine-looking man.
Gentlemanly in manners and feelings, he had the faculty of binding to him in close ties the educated and refined.
Although warmly attached to the Church of England, he was free from bigotry, as his many gifts to the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Universalist churches, etc., bear evidence.
Mr. Walton, or, as he was usually called, Judge Walton, was a man of high culture, refined tastes, and public spirited.
He was three times married.
His first wife was a French lady, of which the following copy of the inscription on her tombstone in Briggs' cemetery gives us genealogical data:
"TO THE MEMORY OF"
"PERNETTE SARA DE MAFFEI,"
"WIFE OF HENRY WALTON,"
"Who died 22d August, 1798,"
"aged 39 years."
His second wife was a Mrs. Yates, whose maiden name was Miss Cruger.
By her he had the following children, viz., Jacob: Mary, Henry, Jared, William, Cruger, and Matilda.
His third wife was Mrs. Margaret Kearney, sister to General Phil. Kearney.
The result of this union was three children, viz., Susan, Jared, and Susan K.
He died in New York city Sept. 15, 1844, aged seventy-six years, and was buried in the family vault, in Trinity churchyard.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER
1878
HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.
VILLAGE OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Part 5), continued ...
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, continued ...
HENRY WALTON.
The subject of this sketch was descended from one of the old and celebrated families in the colonial history of New York State.
His granduncle, William Walton, built, in 1754, what is now known in New York city as the "Old Walton House," on Franklin Square, where "he gathered around his table such of the famous men of the Old World as officially, or in pursuit of pleasure, visited the New."
"His lavish entertainments, dazzling display of massive silver, the forest of decanters which graced his sideboard, and the costly wines that flowed free and fast, were prolific subjects for criticism in England."
Henry Walton was born in the city of New York, Oct. 8, 1768.
In 1780 he was sent to England under the guardianship of Peter Van Schaick, to be educated.
From his twelfth to his twentieth year he studied in Great Britain, after which he returned to New York city, and began the study of law with Aaron Burr.
In 1790 he went to Ballston, purchased some land, and erected a house.
This place is now known as the "Delavan Farm."
During his residence in Ballston he officiated as surrogate of the county, 1794 to 1808.
Subsequently he resided in Albany and New York; at the former place - In 1815 - he erected "Pine Grove," subsequently the residence of Chancellor Walworth.
In 1816 he came to the village of Saratoga Springs, and took possession of the real estate descended to him from his father and uncle Gerard.
In a few years he became one of the largest landholders in the place.
He built a beautiful country-seat, which he named "Wood Lawn."
His possessions in Saratoga Springs included all of the present village, except that portion lying south of Congress street and the mineral fountains.
During the early years of his residence in Saratoga, he was associated in legal partnership with Mr. Leavett.
He excavated and tubed many of Saratoga's numerous and noted mineral springs, and erected a Chinese pagoda over one of them, the "Flat Rock Spring."
The several residences he built, as well as the Pavilion Hotel, show that he inherited his uncle's architectural tastes.
In person Henry Walton was a tall, fine-looking man.
Gentlemanly in manners and feelings, he had the faculty of binding to him in close ties the educated and refined.
Although warmly attached to the Church of England, he was free from bigotry, as his many gifts to the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Universalist churches, etc., bear evidence.
Mr. Walton, or, as he was usually called, Judge Walton, was a man of high culture, refined tastes, and public spirited.
He was three times married.
His first wife was a French lady, of which the following copy of the inscription on her tombstone in Briggs' cemetery gives us genealogical data:
"TO THE MEMORY OF"
"PERNETTE SARA DE MAFFEI,"
"WIFE OF HENRY WALTON,"
"Who died 22d August, 1798,"
"aged 39 years."
His second wife was a Mrs. Yates, whose maiden name was Miss Cruger.
By her he had the following children, viz., Jacob: Mary, Henry, Jared, William, Cruger, and Matilda.
His third wife was Mrs. Margaret Kearney, sister to General Phil. Kearney.
The result of this union was three children, viz., Susan, Jared, and Susan K.
He died in New York city Sept. 15, 1844, aged seventy-six years, and was buried in the family vault, in Trinity churchyard.
TO BE CONTINUED ...