Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 050 1965

Year Book Dutchess County Historical Society Volume 50

1965

Amy Ver Nooy, Editor The year book is published after the end of the year and includes reports of the activities of the society during the year. Copies are mailed without charge to those members whose dues are paid for the current year. Single issues are sold for $3.00 each and may be obtained through the secretary or the treasurer.

Address The Dutchess County Historical Society, Poughkeepsie, New York.

Copyright 1966 by the Dutchess County Historical Society 1

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DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS — MEMBERSHIP — DUES Meetings: At least two meetings of the society are held each year, the annual meeting in the spring and a semi-annual meeting in the fall.

Other meetings and social gatherings are arranged on occasion during the year.

1VIembership : Anyone with an interest in the history of the area is welcomed as a member. Membership in the society may be had by election at a meeting of the society or at a meeting of the Board of Trustees and the payment of dues.

Dues: Annual dues, $3.00; Joint membership (husband and wife), $5.00; Life membership, $75.00.

Annual dues are payable on January 1 of each year. These payments carry with them the right to hold office, to vote and to take part in the proceedings of the society.

Payment of three dollars at time of election entitles a new member to a copy of the year book for that current year. Next payment falls due the succeeding January and covers a copy of the year book issued in the year ensuing.

Copies of the year book are mailed only to those members whose dues are paid to date. Only one copy of the year book is mailed to a joint membership.

DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Incorporated under the laws of the State of New York December 21, 1918 Certificate of Incorporation filed in the office of the Clerk of Dutchess County Book 10 of Corporations page 153

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Baltus B. Van Kleeck President Edmund Van Wyck Vice-President at Large Secretary Frank V. Mylod George M. Gill Treasurer Curator Term ending with the annual meeting, 1966 George A. Badgley Miss Ruth A. Halstead Mrs. J. Manfred Finkel Henry Noble IVIacCracken, Ph.D. Term ending 1967 Joseph -W. Emsley Mrs. Hardy Steeholm Smith Mrs. Stanley G. George E. Whalen Term ending 1963 Roscoe Balch, Ph.D. Frederic A. Smith Mrs. C. Robert Southworth Richard A. Dwelle-y Term ending 1969 Mrs. Robert W. Asher Ralph E. Van Kleeck Lieut.-Col. Samuel A. Moore Miss Valere S. Voorhees VICE-PRESIDENTS REPRESENTING Mrs. J. E. Spingarn Mrs. Irving Picard Mrs. F. Philip Hoag James Budd Rymph Thomas J. Boyce Mrs. Charles Boos Miss Edith Van W-yck Mrs. John Mulford Hackett Miss Hazel Skidmore Henry R. Billings Chester F. Eisenhuth Egbert Green Mrs. William B. Jordan Miss Agnes K. Bower Miss Annette Young Mrs. A. N. Mahoney Mrs. Donald E. Norton Miss Rachel Rynders

Mrs. Ronald F. Bogle Miss Louise H. Tompkins 3

TOWNS AND CITIES Town of Amenia City of Beacon Town of Beekman Town of Clinton Town of Dover Town of East Fishkill Town of Fishkill Town of Hyde Park Town of LaGrange Town of Milan Town of North East Town of Pawling Town of Pine Plains Town of Pleasant Valley Town of Poughkeepsie City of Poughkeepsie Town of Red Hook Town of Rhinebeck Town of Stanford Town of Union Vale Town of Wappinger Town of Washington

CONTENTS Secretary's Minutes

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Treasurer's Report

14

Our President Says • Baltus Barentszen Van Kleeek

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The Annual Pilgrimage

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A View of Tidewater Dutchess Henry Noble MacCracken

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Hammertown Charlotte Slingerland Tuttle Kester

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The Passing of the Dutchess County Bible Society The Editor

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Historical Societies of Dutchess County

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The Store Account Books of Hendrick Schenk Charlotte C. Finkel

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Bible Records of Dutchess County Families

50

The society cannot be responsible for statements made by contributors, although an effort is made for historical accuracy in the publication.

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SECRETA IL Y'S M NUTES MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES April 5, 1965 A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held on Monday afternoon, April 5, 1965, at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank. Present: President Van Kleeck, Vice-President Van liVyck, Dr. Balch, Dr. Davison, Mr. Dwelley, Miss Halstead, Mr. Frederic A. Smith, Mrs. Southworth, the treasurer and the secretary.

The meeting was called to order by the President who introduced the new members and reported that Mr. Bisbee had been ill but was very much improved.

The secretary reported that the society had lost eight members by resignation and the following by death: Miss Hazel J. Ball, Miss Irene M. Braman, Mr. LaVerne M. Bull, Mrs. Peter M. Cornell, Mrs. Paul DeGrofif, Mrs. Harry J. W. Ethal, Mrs. W. L. Hewson, Mr. Leon L. Jaminet, Mrs. Emlen T. Littell, Mrs. H. A. McLaughlin, Miss Jean E. IVIoehle, Dr. Frederick W. Muth, Miss Ann M. Platt, Mrs. Robert L. Smith and Mrs. Theodore Van Kleeck Swift.

The treasurer gave a report on the current state of the treasury, which was accepted as read. There was some discussion as to the use which might be made of the Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Memorial Fund.

The secretary proposed the following names as new members and they were elected: Mrs. Wilber T. Archibald, Mr. George H. Benedict, Mrs. Edward Buchanan, Mr. Brent B. Caldwell, Mrs. John H. Darrow, Mr. and Mrs. R. Dale Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Furlong, Mrs. John B. Hackett, Mr. Gilbert L. P. Knapp, III, Mrs. Bernard J. McCoy, Mr. Harold Mangold, Mr. G. Stuart Mansfield, Mrs. Joyce Rittgers, Mrs. J. Sheafe Satterthwaite, Mrs. Leonard A. Sibley, Mr. Elliott W. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. James B. Stevens, Mr. Michael J. Strong, Mr. Theron Van Scoter and Dr. Earle W. Voorhees.

It was reported that the material for the 1964 year book was ready for printing and there was some discussion with reference to the increased costs of printing. Mr. Dwelley offered to get some figures on other methods of reproduction.

The President reported that he and other members of the Board had received from the Dutchess County Planning Board a list of land5

marks in the county with requests for corrections and additions. The members present felt that many of these landmarks should be preserved.

It was the consensus of opinion that progress in the right direction was being made by the several planning boards. The trustees of the historical society were especially interested in the preservation of the City Hall building. Dr. Balch moved that a committee be appointed to confer with the urban renewal authorities, looking toward the preservation of that particular building. The President appointed Mr. Dwelley as chairman, with Dr. Balch, Mr. Smith and the President, as a committee with this end in view.

Mrs. Southworth read a very complete report of the progress in the several projects for the rehabilitation of the Glebe House. She especially mentioned the helpful services of Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Pearce and Mr. Ham. She reported that a very successful open house day was held on December 6, at which time 350 persons visited the house which had been attractively decorated with such materials as might have been available and used in the early 1800's as Christmas decorations.

She reported that a new caretaker would have to be employed and asked the trustees for assistance in obtaining a suitable person.

She reported that the pamphlets descriptive of the Glebe House had been placed in a number of locations, including the Van Cortlandt Manor House Restoration and Boscobel Restoration, where they would be available to interested tourists. Mr. Dwelley suggested that he be supplied with a quantity which could be included among the materials distributed by Community Greeters.

Mr. Van Kleeck reported that there had been no progress toward the settlement of the Wells estate.

A communication from Miss Elise Kinkead was read and, after discussion, the President was asked to explain to her that it is the current policy of museums and historical societies not to accept gifts upon which conditions are imposed and that it would be impractical for a present group of trustees to bind their successors in a program which might be difficult to maintain.

The President observed that the annual meeting would be held in May and that the terms of some of the officers would expire. He appointed a committee, composed of Dr. Davison and Mr. Bisbee, to select candidates to fill those offices which would be vacant.

There was some discussion as to where the spring meeting might be held and Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Gill and Mrs. Southworth were appointed a committee to make the arrangements.

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It was reported that Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry, Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, had recently been honored as one of six women named to receive the 1965 Federal Woman's award for outstanding contributions to government programs, the only award created to honor women in the Federal Government. It was suggested that the society congratulate Dr. Drewry and invite her to attend the Epr:ng meeting.

Mr. Van Kleeck told of a ceremony, held at the home of Miss Annette Young on August 27, 1964, at which time "Locust Grove" was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. He told of Miss Young's plans for the creation of the Samuel Finley Breese Morse Museum, which will insure the preservation of the property. Miss Young had been presented by the representatives of the governmental department with a certificate and a bronze marker.

The secretary showed a number of books and pamphlets which had been written by members of the society or had been compiled to commemorate anniversaries of institutions within the county or its environs.

They included the very comprehensive Data Book, compiled by the Dutchess County Planning Board; Prologue to Independence, by Dr. MacCracken ; LaFayette in America, by Hamilton Fish; Bernie Fitchett's Hudson Valley Recipe Book; Genealogy of the Birdsall Family; and a number of pamphlets, some of which were mentioned in the 1964 year book. It was decided that the Birdsall genealogy be placed on indefinite loan in the genealogy section of the Adriance Memorial Library, where it would be available to the public.

The secretary also reported that several gifts had been received and showed a small, framed engraving of the Poughkeepsie Collegiate School, the gift of Mr. Andrew W. Lent of Highland, and two reproductions of coats of arms of the Baldwin and the De La Vergne families, the gift of Mr. Leon C. Baldwin of Fulton, New York. She further reported the receipt of copies of the Pawling News-Chronicle which contained articles on local history by Mr. Ben Brown.

It was reported that back issues of the year book had been sent to the Fishkill Historical Society and to the Aldrich Library of Bennett College.

There was no further business to be considered and the meeting ad j ourned Amy Ver Nooy, Secretary 7

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 13, 1965 A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held on Thursday afternoon, May 13, 1965, at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank.

Present: President Van Kleeck, Vice-President Van Wyck, Mr. Badgley, Mr. Bisbee, Dr. Davison, Miss Halstead, Dr. MacCracken, Mr. Smith and the secretary and Mr. John A. Wolf.

The President called the meeting to order at 3 p.m.

The reading of the minutes of the meeting, held April 5, was omitted.

The secretary reported that the society had lost three members since the last meeting: Mrs. F. Irving Bower, Miss Alethea D. Halliday and Miss May Belle Williams.

The following names were proposed and they were elected annual members: Mrs. Margaret T. Lane, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel A. Moore, Dr. and Mrs. Peter R. Mund, Mr. Henry C. Reichert and Mr. Ralph E. Van Kleeck.

The President reviewed the history of the Caroline Thorn Wells estate and its provisional bequest to the historical society. He asked Mr. Wolf to report on recent developments.

There was considerable discussion and the meeting adjourned to May 20, when there would be more information available.

Amy Ver Nooy, Secretary.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 20, 1965 A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society, adjourned from May 13, was held on Thursday afternoon, May 20, 1965, at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank.

Present: President Van Kleeck, Vice-President Van Wyck, Mr. Badgley, Dr. Balch, Dr. Davison, Mr. Dwelley, Miss Halstead, Dr. MacCracken and Mr. Smith, the treasurer and Attorney John Wolf.

The President opened the meeting and explained that, for lack of up-to-date information, no decisions had been made at the previous meeting. He gave a brief review of the discussion held on May 13 and asked Mr. -Wolf to add further information.

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There was considerable discussion and Mr. Wolf was asked to notify the attorneys representing the Wells estate that the historical society trustees desired and expected a final settlement without further delay.

The President was pleased to report that Dr. MacCracken would be the guest speaker at the annual meeting to be held May 22.

It was reported that Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry, Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, had accepted the invitation to attend the annual meeting.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

George IVI. Gill, Acting Secretary

ANNUAL MEETING May 22, 1965 The annual meeting of the Dutchess County Historical Society was held on Saturday, May 22, 1965, in the Educational Hall of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie.

After a buffet luncheon, served to seventy-seven members, the President, Mr. Van Kleeck, called the meeting to order and expressed the appreciation of the society to the Reverend Mr. Sievert, Pastor, and to the other officers of the church for the use of the building.

The President stated that the secretary, Mrs. Ver Nooy-, was in Oklahoma and had sent regrets that she was unable to be present.

He said that Miss Edith Pearce would serve in her place for the meeting and he thanked Miss Pearce for her cooperation.

The minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees, held April 5, May 13 and May 20, 1965, were read and approved. (It had been impossible to carry out the plans for a semi-annual meeting in the fall of 1964 and that meeting had been omitted.)

The secretary's report, listing the loss of several members, had been given at a meeting of the Board of Trustees and there was nothing to add to that report.

Mr. Gill, the treasurer, reported a balance of $397 in the checking account; $7,819 in the permanent account; $3,570 in the Helen Wilkinson Reynolds Memorial Fund and $12,500 in the William Platt Adams Fund.

Mrs. Southworth reported for the Glebe House committee. She enumerated many of the improvements being made and stated that 9

gifts had been received from the Junior League, the Poughkeepsie Garden Club and the Dutchess County Historical Society.

She explained that the city owns the property and allows $1,200 per year for maintenance, which is being used this year for painting.

She described in detail the restoration work in the kitchen, which is a project of the historical society, and mentioned the gift of a crane

by Mr. Eugene Ham. She called attention to the fact that additional funds will be needed for other changes and also for the floors which will have to be replaced. She reminded the members that the use of the Glebe House is available to other organizations and suggested that requests be made at least ten days in advance.

She expressed thanks to the Junior League, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Pearce and Mr. Ham for their assistance.

In thanking Mrs. Southworth for her fine report, the ?resident called attention to the fact that the Glebe House is one of the very few houses in the city dating from 1767 and emphasized the importance of keeping it in good condition in order that it be preserved.

The President called for a report of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Joseph B. Bisbee and Dr. C. 0. Davison.

Mr. Bisbee reported that officers were to be elected for a term of two years and four trustees for a term of four years. He stated that, under the present bylaws, he and Dr. Davison and Mr. Newton D. Deuel were ineligible for re-election this year.

Mr. Van Kleeck added that the name of Mrs. Ver Nooy would not be included in nomination for secretary as she had notified the Board of Trustees that she did not wish to continue in office. He stated that she had been elected a member in 1928 and during the same year was appointed assistant secretary, serving in that capacity until 1947 and thereafter as secretary. In addition, since the death of Miss Helen W. Reynolds in 1943, she had edited the year book and had written many of the articles published in it. He said that the trustees were pleased that she had consented to continue as editor of the publication.

Mr. Bisbee then presented the following nominations: for President, Mr. Baltus B. Van Kleeck; Vice-President, Mr. Edmund Van Wyck ; Secretary, Mr. Frank V. Mylod ; Treasurer, Mr. George M. Gill; Trustees for a term of four years: Mrs. Robert W. Asher, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel A. Moore, Mr. Ralph E. Van Kleeck and Miss Valere S. Voorhees.

Mr. Bisbee took the chair and it was moved and seconded that the report of the Nominating Committee be accepted. The candidates so nominated were unanimously elected.

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The President asked for nominations of new members, but no names were presented.

The President called upon Dr. Balch who introduced Dr. Elizabeth B. Drewry, Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. He stated that she had been recently honored as one of six women named to receive the 1965 Federal Woman's award for outstanding contributions to government programs and that this was the only award created to honor women in the Federal Government.

Dr. Drewry expressed her appreciation of the privilege of attending the meeting. She spoke of the rich history of Dutchess County and President Roosevelt's deep interest in the historical background of the area. She also told of the room in the Roosevelt Library where members of the historical society had met with President Roosevelt and she expressed the hope that they would continue to take advantage of the facilities of the library.

Mr. Van Kleeck thanked Dr. Drewry and invited her to attend future meetings of the society.

In introducing the speaker, Mr. Van Kleeck stated that Dr. MacCracken had been a member of the society since 1915, had served as president and is currently one of the trustees. He spoke of the many books and articles concerning Dutchess County which Dr. MacCracken had written and of the numerous broadcasts he had made on the history of the area. The President said that Dr. MacCracken would speak today on "Tidewater Dutchess—Yesterday—Today—Tomorrow ?"

The address was most interesting and was enthusiastically received by the audience.

Mr. Van Kleeck thanked Dr. MacCracken for having appeared again as the speaker at the annual meeting and for his continuing interest in the county and the society.

The meeting closed at 3 :15 p.m. with a rising vote of appreciation for the speaker.

Edith M. Pearce, Acting Secretary

SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING October 23, 1965 On the overcast, chilly Saturday morning of October 23, 1965, members of the Dutchess County Historical Society congregated at the Harris-Rusted house at Hammerto-wn, about one mile east of the 11

historic village of Pine Plains, on Route 199, where they were welcomed by the officers of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society.

Commemorative trees were planted in honor of the occasion by Mrs. William B. Jordan, its president, for the host society; Mr. Baltus B. Van Kleeck, president, for the Dutchess County Historical Society; Mrs. Charlotte Slingerland 'Tuttle Kester for the donors of the land, and Mr. Richard Bliss for the founding officers and trustees of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society.

After a talk on Hammertown by Mrs. Kester, those assembled inspected the pre-Revolutionary house which is being restored by the host society.

Members and their hosts then proceeded to the Methodist Church hall in the village and partook of their picnic lunches; coffee and cookies being served with the help of local Girl Scouts.

The business meeting of the Dutchess County Historical Society was called to order by the president. Upon proper motion, the reading of minutes of prior meetings was dispensed with.

The secretary reported that Mrs. Gladys Hall Murray of Mount Vernon had given to the society, for the Glebe House, a well preserved blanket, handwoven about one hundred and fifty years ago from the wool of Dutchess County sheep. There had also been received a copy of the History of the Red Hook Methodist Church of Red Hook, Dutchess County, N. Y., from its pastor, the Reverend Russell E. Sargent.

The secretary reported that the society had lost the following members by death: Mrs. George L. Nickerson, Mr. Everett E. Rowe and Dr. Edwin R. Van Kleeck.

Mr. George M. Gill, treasurer, reported on the state of the treasury. He also reported the receipt of $200, the bequest of Miss Alethea D. Halliday.

In the absence of Mrs. Southworth, Mr. Van Wyck reported for the Glebe House Committee, stating that considerable work had been done in the restoration of the chimney and fireplace in the kitchen and that progress was being made in the numerous repairs to that part of the house.

Mrs. Ver Nooy reported that the 1964 year book had been much delayed and was still at the printer's.

It was reported that space for the society in one of the library buildings had been sought but that the request had been rejected.

A plea was made to the members present to endeavor to interest new members.

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The following names were presented and they were accepted and elected annual members of the society: Mrs. Walter Averill, Mrs. Henry R. Bollinger, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Case, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Harry Hanley, Mrs. John F. King, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. William Liesenbein, Mrs. William D. Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCabe, Mrs. Verna Mingley, Mr. and Mrs. Victor E. Nelson, Mrs. Chalmer B. Strain and Mrs. Robert F. Wilkinson.

Upon motion, a rising vote of appreciation was given to The Little Nine Partners Historical Society and its committees for its invitation to join them in their activities.

After the business meeting, Mrs. Jordan gave an interesting talk on the history of Pine Plains and some of its early inhabitants, following which Mr. Richard Bliss, vice-president, gave the story of their society, its endeavors and ambitions.

A tour of some local places of interest was made: the Episcopal Church, the Stissing National Bank, the Moravian Mission Monument and the Isaac Huntting Homestead, where Mrs. Palmatier augmented her talk on the IVIoravians by maps of the locality.

The members then went home by various routes through the breathtakingly beautiful Dutchess County countryside.

Frank V. IVIylod, Secretary

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Alderman Welch, of the Flag Committee [Aldermen Welch, Mullen and Raldeanol, reported that a design had been selected for the Municipal Flag, after consultation with Judge Frank Hasbrouck, Dr. J. W. Poucher and others. The flag is 8 x 12 feet and consist of three vertical stripes, each four feet wide. The colors are orange, white and blue, arranged in the order named. In the white bar is embroidered a bee hive and bees and the letters, "City of Poughkeepsie, 1799-1854."

On motion, the flag was adopted as the Municipal Flag of Poughkeepsie, after incorporating an amendment by Alderman Raldeano that the design be copyrighted.

Official Minutes of the Common Council, Poughkeepsie, New York, June 7, 1909

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REPORT OF THE TREASURER January 1, 1965 - June 30, 1965 PERMANENT ACCOUNT

Poughkeepsie Savings Bank

Balance on hand, January 1, 1965 Interest Balance on hand, June 30, 1965

$ 7,819.85 167.02 $ 7,986.87

Dutchess Bank and Trust Company Receipts $ 397.38 Balance on hand, January 1, 1965 1,020.00 Received from dues 42.00 Received from sale of books 11.50 Miscellaneous income CHECKING ACCOUNT

$ 1,470.88 Disbursements Secretary Treasurer Office supplies Postage Glebe House expenses

50.00 50.00 1.60 18.12 1,047.36 $ 1,167.08

Balance on hand, June 30, 1965 $ 303.80 THE HELEN WILKINSON REYNOLDS MEMORIAL FUND Poughkeepsie Savings Bank Balance on hand, January 1, 1965 $ 3,570.45 Interest 76.26 Balance on hand, June 30, 1965 $ 3,646.71 THE WILLIAW PLATT ADAMS FUND Poughkeepsie Savings Bank Balance on hand, January 1, 1965 $12,500.00 Interest 267.02 Balance on hand, June 30, 1965 $12,767.02 Respectfully submitted, George M. Gill, Treasurer 14

REPORT OF THE TREASURER July 1, 1965 - December 31, 1965 PERMANENT ACCOUNT

Poughkeepsie Savings Bank

Balance on hand, July 1, 1965 Interest

$ 7,986.87 170.60

Balance on hand, December 31, 1965

$ 8,157.47

CHECKING ACCOUNT — Dutchess Bank and Trust Company Receipts Balance on hand, July 1, 1965 $ 303.80 Received from dues 20.00 Received from sale of books 23.00 Bequest of Miss Alethea D. Halliday 200.00 546.80 Disbursements Secretary Treasurer Office supplies Postage Glebe House expenses

$

50.00 50.00 17.60 43.12 272.58

Balance on hand, December 31, 1965

$

433.30

$

113.50

THE HELEN WILKINSON REYNOLDS MEMORIAL FUND Poughkeepsie Savings Bank $ 3,646.71 Balance on Hand, July 1, 1965 Interest 77.88 $ 3,724.59

Balance on hand, December 31, 1965

THE WILLIAM PLATT ADAMS FUND Poughkeepsie Savings Bank $12,767.02 Balance on hand, July 1, 1965 272.72 Interest Balance on hand, December 31, 1965

$13,039.74

Respectfully submitted, George M. Gill, Treasurer 15

OUR PRESIDENT SAYS: The Historical Society is greatly indebted to the pastor and the members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church for allowing us to hold our meeting on May 22, 1965, in the Educational Hall of the church. *

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The officers and many members of our society attended the dedication of the new County Office Building on September 18, 1965.

County Clerk, Mr. Frederic A. Smith, a trustee of the society, has used an interesting display of rare old Dutchess County maps which adds to the attractiveness of the building. *

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Plans are being made for a visit to Dutchess County by Mr. Lawrence F. O'Brien, United States Postmaster General, on January 30, 1966, when the new 6-cent postage stamp honoring former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the "Prominent American" series will be issued at Hyde Park. *

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Dover Publications, Inc., of New York, has reproduced Nliss Helen Wilkinson Reynolds' Dutch Houses in the Hudson Valley before 1776. The original edition was published in 1929 under the auspices of the Holland Society of New York and was soon exhausted. *

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The annual Open House at Glebe House was held on December 12 and once more was very well attended, not only by members of the society and city officials but also by many others. The Glebe House Committees of the society and of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie acted as hostesses and the guests were received by the officers of both organizations. Restoration of the kitchen is nearing completion and the work in this area of the old house promises to be of great interest.

The committees of the Junior League and of our society are to be congratulated for their untiring work in the project. *

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During the past year the officers of our society have addressed the members of several organizations on subjects of local historical interest. Your President was the guest speaker at a meeting of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society. He and Mrs. Van Kleeck were honored by election to Honorary Life Membership in that society.

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The President calls your attention to the listing in this year book of the several publications sponsored by your society, some of which are still available. Your library should contain a copy of each of these valuable historical volumes. *

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It is with deep regret that we record the deaths of many prominent members of our society during the year. Included in the list are Dr. Edwin R. Van Kleeck, Mrs. Theodore V. K. Swift and Mrs. F. Irving Bower. Dr. Van Kleeck was the New York State Assistant Commissioner of Education for Pupil Personnel Services and Adult Education for the past fourteen years. He was a trustee of the Albany County Historical Society and a former vice-president of the Dutch Settlers Society of Albany. He will be remembered as the speaker at our annual meeting in 1953 on "Shaking the Family Tree." Mrs. Swift, a member since 1931, had served several terms as a trustee of the society and at the time of her death was a trustee and the chairman of the Glebe House Committee. Mrs. Bower was the speaker at the fiftieth anniversary meeting of the society, held at Pleasant Valley in 1964. Others who were members for twenty-five years or more included Miss Irene M. Braman, Mr. LaVerne M. Bull, Miss Alethea D. Halliday, Mrs. Harold A. McLaughlin, Miss Jean Earl Moehle, Mrs. George L. Nickerson, Miss Ann M. Platt, Mr. E. Everett Rowe, Mrs. Robert L. Smith and Miss May Belle Williams. *

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As the year book goes to press, announcement is made of the appointment of Dr. Louis Leonard Tucker as the new State Historian.

Dr. Tucker, a native of Connecticut, received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Washington, specializing in colonial history. He has taught in colleges, is the author of several books and articles and, since 1960, has been director of the Cincinnati Historical Society.

Baltus Barentszen Van Kleeck

'We call the reader's attention to the excellent address before the Ulster County Historical Society by Hon. Abraham Bruyn Hasbrouck. We intended to offer some remarks concerning the formation of a Dutchess County Historical Society, but shall defer them until another time.

Poughkeepsie Telegraph, May 1, 1860

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THE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE On Saturday, October 23, 1965, members of the Dutchess County Historical Society were guests of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society at Pine Plains, New York.

A most interesting program had been arranged and members of both organizations assembled at the Harris-Husted House at Hammertown. This house was rescued when plans were made for the rebuilding of Route 199 and the erection of a new bridge over the Shekomeko Creek. The house, which had formerly stood in the path of the new road, has been moved to a nearby location, overlooking the creek, cn land donated for the project, and the local historical society is rehabilitating the old building for use as a headquarters. The society is making of it an excellent example of an old farm house of the early nineteenth century.

The land about the house has been graded and, on the occasion of this visit, four Commemorative Trees were planted by representatives of the four sponsors, with the expressed hopes that they will thrive and continue their benign influence on their new surroundings.

Mrs. Charlotte Slingerland Tuttle Kester, a former resident, told about the neighborhood, the scythe works and the tannery, which formed the nucleus of a settlement at Hammertown and gave it its name. She read an old poem, written by Charles Knickerbocker, son of Jonas, describing Hammertown as he remembered it, as a boy in the 1850's, when it was really a hammering place.

Mrs. Klare showed a scythe, made in the old factory and bearing the trademark "S.H." inscribed in a heart, which had been handed down in the family from the first John Harris in Hammertown, her great-great-great-grandfather.

The members of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society answered many questions. The visitors, guided by Girl Scouts, were permitted to go through the house, which is being restored and gives promise of an attractive home for the "Partners."

At lunch-time, the group gathered in the social room of the Pine Plains Methodist Church, where basket lunches were disposed of and coffee and cookies were served by the local committee, with the assistance of the Girl Scouts.

Following lunch, Mrs. William B. Jordan, a member and officer of both societies, spoke on the history of Pine Plains. Mr. Richard Bliss told of the history and the work of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society.

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The Dutchess County Historical Society held a short business meeting and, in conclusion, Mr. Van Kleeck thanked the sister society and its officers for their kind hospitality and congratulated them on their accomplishments.

The gathering then broke up into small groups. They visited the Episcopal Church of the Regeneration, which had recently celebrated an anniversary; the Stissing National Bank, where a number of old documents and a painting of the Harris Scythe Works were displayed.

They stopped at the Eno Law Office, a small building, erected in 1814 and used for three generations as a law office, and peeked in at the Pine Plains Free Library, established in 1798, the first free library in Dutchesss County.

After visiting the points of interest in the village the groups gathered at Bethel, at the monument erected to the memory of Gottlob Buttner, Moravian missionary to the Shekomeko Indians in the eighteenth century. Some years ago the monument was moved from the site of the grave to a spot beside the road, where it is more accessible to interested tourists. Mrs. Robert Palmatier told, at this site, the story of the Moravians and the work they had done at the mission.

A last stop was made at the Isaac Huntting Homestead, now the home of Mrs. Robert Palmatier, where the callers enjoyed their visit and the opportunity to admire the restoration of the old house.

Late in the afternoon, the pilgrims scattered, some to return to their homes and others to prolong a most pleasant day sightseeing in the neighborhood and stopping for dinner at one of the many excellent eating places in the county.

The program for the very enjoyable and sucessful day, arranged by the officers of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society, was as follows: THE LITTLE NINE PARTNERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Pine Plains, N. Y. WELCOMES THE DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY for its ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE AND FALL MEETING Saturday, October 23, 1965 19

PROGRAM OF EVENTS 11:15

Meet at the Harris-Husted House, Hammertown

11:30

Planting of Commemorative Trees: Mrs. William B. Jordan for the Little Nine Partners Historical Society Mr. Baltus Van Kleeck for the Dutchess County Historical Society Mrs. Charlotte Slingerland Tuttle Kester for the donors of the land Mr. Richard Bliss for the founding officers and trustees

12:00

Talk on Hammertown by Mrs. Kester

12:15

Informal walks and talks on the Hammertown site and the HarrisHusted House

1:00

Lunch and Business Meeting, Methodist Church Talks by Mrs. Jordan on the history of Pine Plains and by Mr. Richard Bliss on the history and work of the society

2:30

Tour begins Walk to Episcopal Church; walk to Stissing National Bank; walk to Eno Law Office

3:30

Ride to the Moravian Mission Monument

3 :45

Ride and visit Isaac Huntting Homestead, Mrs. Palmatier, hostess

4:15

Formal pilgrimage is over. Visitors are reminded at this time of year that a ride across Northeast Dutchess can be breathtakingly beautiful and instructive. There are the views from Silver Mountain, the Whitefield Oak at Smithfield Church, the restored Rowe Church in Milan, and Patchin's Mill, among others worthy to visit.

Talk by Mrs. Robert Palmatier on the Moravians

We thank the Girl Scouts for their help in Hammertown.

The old fashioned cookies were baked at Lucy's Farm Kitchen in Pine Plains.

Visitors should also know that the Cock 'n Bull will be open for dinner from 6 p.m. Reservations would be helpful.

*

On Saturday last, a bass, weighing sixty-two and a half pounds [62'4] was caught in the Hudson river opposite this place. This is one of the largest, we presume, ever taken here, where they are seldom found weighing over ten or fifteen pounds. The noble fellow was brought up in a shad net, and on Monday afternoon was served up in proper style by Capt. W. Skinner of the Exchange House.

Poughkeepsie Eagle, May 26, 1838

20

A VIEW OF TIDEWATER DUTCHESS Henry Noble MacCracken*

The story of the Hudson is a twice-told tale, though to others it is the latest sensation, the subject of debate in our houses of legislature, the tug of war between industry and landscape. My apology for bringing the subject up once more is that it was at your request that I set down the substance of my talk to you. Since then, I have had five months of pretty complete leisure, in which to consider what I should say; and you will forgive me, I am sure, if your memory of what I said so long ago does not quite agree with the words of this text.

I want to go a little deeper into the subject, deeper even than the circle of ancient rocks that rim our river basin, all the way from the Old Appalachian with its most ancient rocks, through the Ramapos and Shawangunks of the Younger Appalachian, on to the great Appalachian Plateau, of which our Catskills are the tassels of its fringe.

I want to go beyond the shadows of an autumn afternoon a century ago that provided the scene for the Extraordinary Case by Henry James, for my journey is rather to the Hudson of the memory and of the mind.

You may notice that I have called this talk "A View of Tidewater Dutchess," and since I am going to be over on the philosophical side for a bit, I must clear the way in the matter of the word view, even though I should seem a little pedantic.

What indeed is a "view?" The dictionaries make it out to be a triple substance. It is something, in the first place, that a viewer does, an inspection; a considered and deliberate measure of something; not just a conceit, a vision or a look. It takes a little work. It culminates in a conviction.

It implies, of course, a viewer, and as no two viewers are the same, so no two views can be the same. The view itself may be either the physical observation, the outward glance, or it may be what I shall take it to be, the inward impression and the opinion, even the decision, to which that opinion may drive.

A superficial view, of course, would be one of quiet and ease, and I have no quarrel with that. Such a Hudson was viewed from the Dutchess shore by the painters of the Hudson River School, Paulding's novels, The Dutchman's Fireside or The Old Continental, perhaps even the transplanted legends from the Harz Mountains to the Catskills * Dr. MaeCracken, President Emeritus of Vassar College, former president and presently a trustee of the Dutchess County Historical Society, has written out the substance of an address made before the society at its annual meeting, May 22, 1965.

21

by such skilled hands as Washington Irving's, or The Culprit Fay of Joseph Rodman Drake.

Tidewater Dutchess runs for some sixty miles, from the mouth of the Roeloff Jansen Kill to Verplanck's Point at the end of the Highlands. As we picture in our minds the three centuries of its history, we shall treat it surrealistically as an air pageant with its viewers seated in a vast movie theatre in the Boxes, the Reserved Seats or the General Admission. in the Boxes, then, we shall find the viewers of the eighteenth century, the patentees and the great landlords. In the Reserved Seats we shall find the viewers of the nineteenth century, the political and social leaders and the practitioners of the professions and the arts. In the General Admission we shall find the viewers of the twentieth century, among whom we must class ourselves, the Hudson of the great community.

The viewers of the eighteenth century were looking for the answer to the question, "What is going to become of this colony of ours?"

Their view looked upon the great river, whose shores for much of that century comprised the entire colony. Only their determination preserved the larger view.

They saw the river as the artery of a great state to come. From its shores they resisted the encroachments of New England and Pennsylvania, of the Iroquois and the Canadians. They penetrated in their trade all the way to Michili-Mackinac, the prairie capital of the great fur trade. They brought their trade down the Hudson to the market wharves in New York City. With it they sent the wheat they grew in the valley fields, the lumber they cut from the hills. From New York they brought back the tools of industry and the instruments of government. Had their view been confined to the Hudson shore, our patentees and landlords would have been submerged and absorbed into the neighboring colonies. It was the view of the great river as their avenue of industry that saved them from such a fate, and that created an Empire State. That view was carried on by George Clinton of Clinton Point and DeWitt Clinton of New Windsor, with their creation of a great canal and waterway to the Far West. Incidentally, their passengers filled up the state to the full line claimed first in the treaties with the Indians.

The Reserved Seats took a broader view. They looked first of all to their own ingenuity to create their commerce and their capital; they added to the pleasures of the Tidewater view a new culture of the arts and sciences. Just beyond the northern end of the Dutchess shore 22

lived Martin Van Buren. He organized our party system; he was the first to prove that it was the obligation of government to provide for the safety of its citizens' earnings. Our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and our Federal Reserve Banks were in great part his work, and it was due to him that the Hudson shore viewed the coming of Astor and of Vanderbilt, of Rockefeller and of Harriman.

The fruits of wealth are the occupations of leisure. .Art and industry, and sometimes both, were the reoccupation of our capitalists.

Thus the first commercial steamboat was designed here. The art of landscape gardening was developed in a preferred seat on the Beacon shore of Dutchess.1 The Great Alliance between Virginia and New York was the treaty that resulted from a conference of Chancellor Livingston and Governor Clinton with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in their historic journey up the North Road in 1791. Other products of the farseeing views that came to birth on the Hudson were the Missouri Compromise, in the motion by James Tal1madge2 in 1820 that hustled the great river first into legislation, then, at last, into arms.

The ladies and gentlemen of those hundred places on the Hudson River brought style to the rural county. Some will think this a doubtful benefit; it did not prove so. The people welcomed it. In taste, if not in politics, we Americans are still aristocratic; no people are so anxious to be "with it," as our young folks say.

The drive from .Poughkeepsie to Red Hook, "the costliest lane in the world," was proudly visited as the holiday hide-out of our millionaires.3 Astors and Vanderbilts drove their four-in-hands on the highroad. Yachts tacked to and fro on the river. Robert R. Livingston drove his white four-in-hand to church on a bright Sunday, a black four when it rained. Nobody was the worse for that.

But these aristocrats did not keep within their purchases. Living quietly, bringing up their children in the rural sports, they became interested in the country fairs4 and soon began to breed a better stock of cattle, sheep and horses. They went into local politics so successfully that "a purchase on the river" was thought to be a valuable political asset.

Their wives brought music, painting and architecture to the county. They loved and tended their gardens. They built churches, schools and hospitals.

And, now and then, a scion of this American aristocracy married into the county, so often, indeed, that of the best known families some forty branches have been county.

Thus, in rural America, our county kept abreast of fashion, taste 23

and manners, and a metropolitan countryside evolved as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century. Thorne and Ryan have made our stock famous; Chanler, Aldrich, Morgan, Roosevelt have lived for the public welfare. Our river teems with it, from the Northern Dutchess Health Center to the Sharpe Reservation.

But this has been mostly the product of the twentieth century, the century of science and research, the century of sociology and universal education, the century of affluence and the philosophy of abundance.

The pace of our Hudson view, for every view has its own rhythm, has quickened with these new instruments of power and we know not whither they will lead us. They have created new problems almost as fast as they have solved the old ones. What would the farmer of the eighteenth century have said if he had been told that with one-tenth of the farmers we should produce on these old acres ten times as heavy crops, ten times as many cattle and other stock?

This has been our history, the result of the long view of Tidewater Hudson. We are still the center of great events. If I have led you too far, or claimed too much, I offer my apologies; I shall trouble you less frequently in time to come.

I shall add only my answer to a friend's question "could you put in a single word?" My word would be ease. It may seem strange but ease and its concomitant attribute, the easy life, seem to me after more than fifty years of dwelling among you to be the leading characteristics of this Tidewater shore. I do not refer to hours of idleness or life upon the level of triviality. I am thinking of the better meaning of this word. From overuse it has perhaps lost its value.

The first meaning of ease, (and I quote from the Oxford English Dictionary), is opportunity, means or ability to do something. The second meaning is convenience; to do a person ease is to give assistance to that person; to be advantageous. Ease is again defined as absence of pain, and painful effort. Its adjective easy is even more productive; it means first to be at liberty; second, quiet characterized by rest, freedom from pain and constraint; free from mental anxiety and hurry.

Of persons, it means not difficult to get on with, or to do business with.

These I have found, taking it all in all, to be the characteristics of Tidewater Hudson. Dutchess County never had a duelling ground.

Dutchess politicians find it difficult to discover issues of any consequence.

Only occasionally does a popular tremor or a racial tension reach us.

The century of General Admission has done much, and will still do more, to give the river back to its people. There is first the private 24

philanthropy which has given Norrie Park, the Mills and Vanderbilt estates which invite the public. State and nation have added to the gifts, giving the Palisades, the Catskill National Forest, and much more—marinas dot the shores and three thousand motorboats plow the waters. Vistas of surpassing beauty appear on the Franklin Delano Roosevelt shrine and elsewhere.

Now come the commissions, with comprehensive plans for a river drive. It is only to be hoped that too many cooks will not spoil the broth of all these good intentions.

Next to the parks come the colleges and hospitals, which are public in character; the convents, children's camps and aged people's homes. All these have audiences no less grateful for the River view.

Latest of all are the plans of urban renewal, which will bring the Hudson into our daily lives.

All these are the fruits of that early thought for general welfare, iivhich provided views that pierced far into the future.

Such, in brief, has been our experience on Tidewater Hudson in years of labor and leisure. Our studies of its history reveal no great divergence from the experience; yet with all its ease, it has been by no means lifeless. The calm and quiet Hudson, as we who live upon its shore all know, is capable of violent storms. Even the good-natured Dutch labeled the promontory which serves as the gate to the southern Highlands "The Tedious Hook." It took a good sailor to get through the gusty highlands and our history, in spite of all the good nature, has not been without its acerbity. But this is only to give a spice to the meat, for if there is no more favored spot, "Of a' the airts the wind can blaw." we have not heard of it. Nor, like Burns, would we change even if we had found it.

NOTES 1.j. E. Spingarn, "Henry Winthrop Sargent and the Early History of Landscape Gardening and Ornamental Horticulture in Dutchess County, New York," Year Book, Dutchess County Historical Society, XXII (1937), p. 26.

2john D. Gindele, "The Public Career of James Tallmadge," Chap. 4, Y ear Book, DCHS, XLV (1960), p. 69.

3Helen Wilkinson Reynolds, "Country-Seats on Hudson's River in Dutchess County," Year Book, DCHS XX (1935), p. 60.

4Reynolds, "Sheep-Raising in Dutchess County," Year Book, DCHS, XXVI (1941), p. 71; Amy Ver Nooy, "Dutchess County Cattle Show and Fair of 1820," Year Book, DCHS, XLVH (1962), p. 39.

25

HAMMERTOWN Charlotte Slingerland Tuttle Kester*

This roadway, on which we are standing, to the old house is the result of fill dumped into the old sluice, or ditch, which carried water from the Shekomeko Creek, on my left, to the water wheel, giving power to run the trip hammers in the old scythe factory which stood just about where the new bridge is located. The new highway construction eliminated the great, sturdy wall which was a part of the original building. The noise of the hammers gave the name to this little industrial settlement, similar to the many which sprang up in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Across the road stood the large four-story tannery of Peter Husted. The Harris family built and operated the scythe works and thus gave the name to the old house.

The Indians fished the creek for its abundant eels, numerous still in 1900, but gone now. They must also have hunted up the Mill Hill, densely wooded, on my right. The first white settlers here, and probably the builders of the house about 1760, were the Snyders, who came from the Palatine camp on the Hudson. Adam and William owned the land just upstream, the former selling the house and mill in 1783 to John Harris, the first of the Harris family here. He started the scythe works and was assisted by his cousin Seth and Seth's two sons, Silas and John. Their first shop was across the creek, back of our house (the Slingerland house).

The Harris family is a very interesting one, of Welsh descent.

They brought with them an ability in mining and metal working.

From Newton, to Cornwall, to Sharon, to Northeast (about 17401750), came this branch of the family. John and Seth had both pioneered and made homes in the wilderness, the former in upper New York State, the latter in Vermont, but returned here. They were all responsible citizens, leaders in industry, church, school and civic affairs.

The Husted family established ownership and industry here in Hammertown and they, likewise, became civic and cultural leaders in the emerging township. They were of Huguenot descent and came from Greenwich in the 1750's to Charlotte Precinct, then a part of Crum Elbow Precinct. Peter purchased land here in 1796 and started * Mrs. C. Bryan Kester is the Assistant Secretary of the Connecticut League of Historical Societies and is the librarian at Falls Village, Connecticut. She was born at Hammertown and lived there for some years and is a descendant of the Harris and Husted families. She has written out the substance of a talk given on the occasion of a pilgrimage made by the Dutchess County Historical Society to the Pine Plains area as guests of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society on October 23, 1965.

26-

his tannery. This was as vital an industry as that of scythe making in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, in that leather was essential for harness, for boots, for shoes, and even for some work clothing. In addition to long and arduous labor, tanning required great skill. Much of the business was carried on by barter; the animal hides were exchanged for the cured skins. And there were by-products, glue, tallow candles and plaster (made with the hair from the hides).

The road through Hammertown, now Route 199, was then the Salisbury Turnpike, a much-traveled route from western Connecticut, with its extensive iron industry, to the Hudson River. Produce and supplies were hauled for river transport, and even to centers of trade and social import across the river and on to Pennsylvania. The Harrises had scythe works in Salisbury and one of the Husteds, with Joshua Culver, had an interest in an iron furnace beyond Irondale. Spencertown was a social and civic center, necessitating much travel back and forth over Winchell Mountain.

The Joshua Culver family were residents and land owners in Hammertown for about thirty years; he was a worker and, for a time, part owner in the tannery. He enlarged the old Slingerland house, on the south side of the road across the road from the Silas Harris house, just as Peter Husted had enlarged his.

This Harris-Husted house, which is being restored and which had belonged to Philip Snyder, was occupied by John Harris (the younger), who married a neighbor to the east, Hannah Righter. It was later occupied by Jonas Knickerbocker, superintendent of the scythe factory. In the years since, many families have lived in it, but the only known owners have been Harris and Husted, or Husted descendants.

All of the land in this little valley is still owned by descendants of the Husted family. Mrs. Betty Jordan Klare and her children descended from the Harris family and still live in the town. Mrs. Julia S. Jordan, a resident in the village of Pine Plains and an officer of the two historical societies gathered here today, is a descendant of both the Harris and the Husted families.

Members of these old families, along with the Joshua Culver family and others, who lived and worked together in this neighborhood, are still neighbors in the Evergreen Cemetery, as they were in Hammertown.

Hammertown was always a happy place. The Husteds and the Harrises never exploited their laborers,—proof being that neither family was wealthy nor did they leave large estates other than their land and some small investments.

27

THE PASSING OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY At a meeting of the Dutchess County Bible Society, held in June of 1964, at the Bangall Methodist Church, the organization celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary. A year later, having served its one hundred and fifty years in good measure, the Council meeting was held in May at the home of Mrs. Arthur James and, after prayerful consideration and much sadness of heart, it was voted that the society become inactive.

The Reverend Eli Hyde came to the town of Amenia as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Smithfield in 1812. His wife, Mrs. Sally Hyde, was much concerned with the fact that many families in the neighborhood did not possess a Bible and, in January of 1814, she called together several of her friends and neighbors and they organized a society for the distribution of the Scriptures in their immediate vicinity. The group was called "The First Female Bible Society of Dutchess County and Vicinity." They drew up and signed a constitution to be circulated among neighbors and friends to recruit members.

At a second meeting, held March 1, at the home of Mrs. Hyde, forty-one members were present. They came from miles around, some on horseback, and one of them came a distance of twelve miles. They elected officers: Mrs. Sally Hyde, president; Miss Elizabeth Reynolds, secretary; Mrs. Sally Wilson, treasurer and seven others to complete a board of managers: Mrs. Mary Thompson, Mrs. Rachel Barton, Miss Cornelia M. Thompson, Mrs. Sally Boyd, Miss Susan Goodrich, Mrs. Sally Sanford and Miss Susan D. Nye. Disregarding the inconveniences of travel, the group met regularly in increasing numbers at the homes of the members. Two meetings were held each year, in May and October, and the members paid fifty cents each as annual dues. (Later any sum was accepted in payment.)

The members were urged to send out letters to ministers and female societies and individuals in outlying districts, urging them to form similar organizations. The announced primary object of the society was to lay out its funds in the purchase of Bibles to be distributed under its immediate direction.

Within six months the membership had increased to more than one hundred and contributions amounting to $77.66 had been made.

The first Bibles were purchased from the Connecticut Bible Society, 104 of them at 62Y2 cents each (the price charged to booksellers), 28

and the Connecticut society gave them an additional forty. It was reported that "more than one hundred families who had been destitute of a whole copy of the Bible have had the Word of God put into their hands." It was also reported that the Bibles were generally received with thankfulness. Most of them were given away but some few were sold at cost, or less.

The American Bible Society was organized in New York on 1\/lay 11, 1816 and thereafter the Dutchess County society made annual contributions to that institution and purchased most of its supply of Bibles from that source. The books were sent to Poughkeepsie by boat and were taken out to the Amenia church when convenient.

In addition to purchasing and distributing Bibles, the society made contributions for translations into many foreign languages. By the time the society was celebrating its 25th anniversary the list of places in need of the Scripture included not only the western states, the Mississippi valley, Texas and Canada, but many foreign lands: the Sandwich Islands, Armenia, Turkey, Russian Finland, Ceylon and India. On this occasion it was reported that 1,836 volumes, at a cost of $1,224.61, had been purchased from the American Bible Society and $88.57 had been given to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, during the first three years of the existence of the latter organization. In 1851, every cent raised was sent to the American Bible Society.

Up to 1879, the membership, especially the workers, were mainly from the Methodist and Presbyterian churches and a special invitation was extended to women of some of the other sects to join with them.

In 1897 the society was commended for "being broad-minded enough to embrace all denominations."

A fiftieth anniversary was celebrated during the Civil War. A particularly happy occasion marked the seventy-fifth anniversary in 1889 with the presence of the Reverend Hiram Hamilton, an officer of the American Bible Society, and the Reverend George Seeley, a missionary to India at home on furlough, among those who participated. Both Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Seeley were natives of the area.

It was reported that the membership of the society had reached more than four hundred and the Bible was then in print in excess of three hundred languages and dialects.

The Dutchess County Female Bible Society celebrated its centennial in 1914 and two years later the American Bible Society was observing a like anniversary. At intervals there was discussion in the local society concerning the inclusion of the word Female in the name 29

but it was not until 1928 that is was officially changed.

The centennial in 1914- was an occasion for great rejoicing at the Smithfield Church. It was reported that during the one hundred years of its existence the society had purchased $6,000 worth of Bibles and Testaments and, in addition, had sent $20,000 to the American Bible Society to help in its world-wide work.

Over the years the society had never lost sight of its primary object, the distribution of Bibles. When this country was at war, Bibles had been supplied to the men in services; they had been furnished to Sunday Schools, hospitals, camps and homes in the county. Hundreds of copies of the Ten Commandments had been placed in all of the schools in the district; members had helped staff a booth at the county fair and had secured a copy of the Bible in Braille for a young man who was blind.

Having established an extraordinary record of service the organization voted to become inactive. It was decided to place the records of the society in the keeping of the Little Nine Partners Historical Society in its newly acquired Harris-Husted house. Miss Ruth E. Barlow, a long-time officer, was asked to compile a history of the society and it was voted that any funds remaining in the treasury be sent to the American Bible Society. (That organization is planning a sesquicentennial observance in May of 1966.)

Miss Barlow has prepared a most comprehensive history of the one hundred and fifty years of endeavor, during which time literally thousands of copies of the Scriptures have been distributed at a cost of nearly $12,000, and further contributions of nearly $70,000 have been sent to the American Bible Society for its work in translating and distributing the Bible throughout the world. The history is a tribute to the local women who set a precedent for interdenominational effort which has helped in the translation of at least one book of the Scriptures into more than 1,200 languages, complete Bibles in 230 languages and the New Testament into about 300 others.

Miss Barlow's mimeographed story of the organization has been made available to all cooperating churches and individuals. A copy in the files of the Dutchess County Historical Society has been the basis for this historical sketch.

The Editor 30

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF DUTCHESS COUNTY Over the years, the Dutchess County Historical Society has enjoyed the hospitality of some of the other historical societies of the county and has always been impressed with the wealth of information which is avaliable and has been gathered in the rural areas. After visiting the Little Nine Partners Historical Society of Pine Plains in the fall of 1965, the trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society have thought that its members would be interested to learn of the activities of some of the other groups and have asked the officers of the seven existing societies within the county to tell something of their organizations, their aims and accomplishments.

In the local newspapers of 1845 and 1846 there are references to the organization of a Dutchess County Historical Society. A number of prominent residents of Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park and Fishkill were interested and became members and officers. It is a matter of regret that the organization which got off to a good start in the 1840's seems to have left no record, other than a few newspaper items, but it is assumed that it was absorbed into the Lyceum, which already owned a cabinet of minerals and a library. The present active society was organized in 1914 and celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1964.

A brief account of each of the other historical groups has been furnished through the cooperation of officers of the organizations: Mrs. Oakleigh T. Cookingham, Sr., president of The Historical Club of Upper Red Hook; Mrs. Fred C. Daniels, a trustee and former president of the Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Vicinity; Mr. Albert McClure, secretary of the Hyde Park Historical Association; Mr. Theron Van Scoter, president of the East Fishkill Historical Society; Mr. Howard H. Cramer, president of the LaGrange Historical Society; Mrs. Willa Skinner, Town of Fishkill Historian and Mrs. William B. Jordan, president of The Little Nine Partners Historical Society.

THE HISTORICAL CLUB OF UPPER RED HOOK was founded in 1901.

The first year was devoted to the study of Holland. The histories of many foreign countries have since been studied, as well as our own country, New York State and Dutchess County. In addition to history, the club has studied Shakespeare for two years, Biographies, Sciences and Inventions, and other subjects. So, while we are called an historical club, we are more accurately a study club.

Our list of members includes one charter member, four honorary members, ten associate members and twenty-four active members. The active members write papers on subjects assigned to them by the Program Committee. Occasionally, we have a speaker, or slides to supplement our papers, and we have made pilgrimages to places of historic interest.

31

For several years we have contributed to CARE, American Field Service, the Red Hook Library and the Red Hook Central School Student Loan Fund.

The President is Mrs. Warren W. Rockefeller; First Vice-President, Mrs. John Katrulya; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Terence Thompson; Secretary, Mrs. Arvine Bathrick; Treasurer, Mrs. George Michael. There are several committees: Program, Social, Sunshine, Pronunciation, Legislation, Publicity and History. *

*

*

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUAKER HILL AND VICINITY (Pawling), is the outgrowth of the Quaker Hill Conference meetings which were held annually in August from 1898 to 1908. Beginning on Tuesday evening, the program each year covered five days of religious, educational, agricultural and social functions. Saturday was known as "Quaker Hill, or Old Home Day," with papers of historical interest and displays of local Americana. The papers were published as the "Quaker Hill Series."

In 1909, the Akin Hall Association offered the large room on the second floor of Akin Library to be used as an historical room and museum. The next year the historical society was organized and in due time it was incorporated.

By 1920, the "Historical and Old Home Day," held in August, had become an annual event. Programs on local history and related subjects were arranged.

The society had assumed custody and made repairs to the Oblong Friends Meeting House, which was erected in 1764. In 1936, the society accepted from the Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, New York City, title to the above premises situated on Quaker Hill.

During the ensuing years many speakers of note have added special interest to the meetings. There have been numerous benefits, including a pageant in 1932, for the Meeting House Repair Fund. In 1960, the society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with an evening program at the Quaker Hill Country Club.

In 1965, the land directly across from the Oblong Friends Meeting House, on which the first meeting house was built in 1742, was acquired, landscaped and appropriately marked. There was a formal dedication.

The organization has continued the "Quaker Hill Series" with its occasional publications of historical monographs. The twenty-first pamphlet, My Reminiscences, by Annie M. Thomas, will be issued in 1966.

Meetings are held from May to September, inclusive. Mrs. Geoffrey O'Hara is president of the society which has a membership of about one hundred and fifty.

The Dutchess County Historical Society has held meetings in Pawling township in 1920, 1939 and 1953. *

*

*

THE HYDE PARK HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION was organized in 1947 and received a permanent charter in 1949. The members of the board of trustees are as follow: The Reverend Gordon L. Kidd, Mr. Erden Ackart, Mr. Arthur Smith, Mr. Benjamin H. Davis, and Mr. Albert McClure.

The elected officers for the current year are: President, Miss B. Fredriksen; Vice-President, Mr. Arthur Smith; Treasurer, Mrs. Robert Drabble; Membership Secretary, Miss A. Van Curen; and Executive Secretary, Mr. McClure.

The purpose of the association is (a) to conduct and coordinate information and interpretive services for visitors to Hyde Park and adjacent areas, (b) to foster the preservation of historic sites in Hyde Park and vicinity, and (c) to provide facilities for historical research and the publication thereof.

The association has been designated by the National Park Service as a "Cooperating Association" and as such is in a position to implement the Service's interpretive program in various ways.

Future plans of the association call for continued assistance to the National Park Service in its Interpretive Program.

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THE EAST FISHKILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY was granted its provisional charter in 1961 and application has been made for an absolute charter. It has a membership of 155 persons. It has regularly held six meetings each year, most of them open to the public, and on a rotating basis in the several communities of this town of fifty-two square miles, with the purpose of sharpening the interest of our entire constituency.

The society has sponsored an annual field trip to historic sites of the town, one of which was repeated as its annual pilgrimage for the Dutchess County Historical Society, in 1961. Over the years, meetings have been held in cooperation with other nearby societies, or with these groups as guests, in what is believed to be a growing network of organizations in this area to promote greater enthusiasm in its historical heritage.

In addition to close liaison with other historical societies, a number of meetings have been organized to include special cooperation with Boy Scouts, farm groups, local veterans and, most particularly, the Wappingers Falls Central School District. Noteworthy in this last respect was the invitation proffered by the school board in 1964- for the society to submit names for two new schools being constructed in the town. The names "Van Wyck Junior High School" and "Gayhead Elementary School" were recommended, with supporting historical evidence for the choice. They were unanimously accepted by the school board. When the schools opened in September 1965, the society sponsored a flag-raising ceremony at each school which met with such signal success that the school board voted to make it a permanent custom. Interest in the ceremony has been expressed by school boards and historical societies in other counties and it is reported that the Daughters of American Colonists in New York State is planning an effort to make it a state-wide requirement for new public schools. When the schools were dedicated the society, with the assistance of several museums and organizations, arranged an historical exhibit of considerable educational value.

As an important aid in its work, the society in its early days obtained a tape recording machine and now has a valuable collection of recordings made by the old-timers of the town. It has also a rapidly growing file of pictures, scrapbooks of clippings and a reference library with sources of local material card-indexed for quick availability.

A periodic newsletter keeps the membership informed of the society's activities and plans.

Another focus of the society is the preservation and protection of early-day cemeteries. In a community threatened by the dislocations of rapid industrial development, this responsibility has involved considerable alertness and interpretation.

During the course of these several years, a wide variety of historic documents and articles have come into the society's possession. Explorations are constantly under way as to a permanent home and exhibition hall for the society, a strong possibility for the future.

Other future plans include continuing most of the current activities, but it is particularly hoped that the sociey may be even more helpful to a rapidly growing population of children.

The present officers of the society are: President, Mr. Theron Van Scoter; Vice-President, Mr. Elton V. V. Bailey, Sr.; Treasurer, Dr. George Stringham; Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Douthett; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Mary Alley; Finance Officer, Mr. Victor E. Nelson; Librarian-Curator, Mr. Jeremiah D. Fowler; and Trustees: Mrs. Bertha Van Anden, Mr. Wright Jackson, Mrs. Frederick Heaney, Mr. Frank Denning, Mrs. Barbara Nicoll, Mr. Kurt Von Brand and Mrs. J. Manfred Finkel. *

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THE LA GRANGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY is an outgrowth of the LaGrange pageant presented at Baird State Park in 1959. The event was the town's contribution to the Hudson-Champlain celebration in that year.

After the event, one of the original objectives was to keep vivid the history, past, present and future, of this community.

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The constitution of the LaGrange Historical Society was adopted by provisional charter, granted the society by the New York State Board of Regents in 1962.

The purposes for formation are: (a) To promote and encourage historical research and to foster interest in the history of the town of LaGrange and surrounding area; (b) To gather and preserve records, documents and relics related to the history of the town of LaGrange and to the inhabitants thereof; (c) To present, in the form of plays, dialogues, pantomimes, manuscripts and essays, events and episodes relating to the history of the area.

The society meets and holds its activities in the old red schoolhouse near 'Wade's market in Freedom Plains. This landmark was acquired in 1962 and now, after rehabilitation, accommodates the events of its present 125 junior and senior members.

The most recent contribution of the society to the community was the designing of the official seal of the town of LaGrange. Dr. Karl Sandbank and Mr. Arthur Sudler, both instrumental in the origin of the society, share with pride the seal which is displayed in the LaGrange Town Office and in the Dutchess County Office Building.

The society looks forward to a continued expansion of membership and activities through its extension or replacement of an absolute charter in 1967.

The present officers are: President, Mr. Howard H. Cramer; VicePresident, Mr. Arthur E. Sudler; Treasurer, Mrs. Fred Policastri; Secretary, Mrs. Edwin A. Sprague. * * * THE FISHKILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY was founded in July of 1962, after widespread interest was aroused by the finding of Revolutionary War artifacts when construction of Route 84 was undertaken a few miles below the village of Fishkill. There are at present 133 members in the society, including a number of junior members, ages 12 to 18. One of the aims of the group is to work closely with schools and PTA's in order to stimulate interest among young people.

Projects undertaken by the society have been a tour of historic homes in the southern Dutchess area, a costume ball and a musket shoot, held last summer.

Uppermost on the list of projects is the eventual restoration of the historically important Wharton-Van Wyck House at Routes 9 and 84-, built 1732

by Cornelius Van Wyck and used as gEcerE' cua-t-2rs during the Revolutionary War. A sizeable collection of Revolutionary War material has come into the possession of the society through the efforts of the "dig" crew, who have continually worked with pick, shovel and trowel at the Fishkill encampment site on the Albany Post Road, south of the village. Items found include military buttons, coins, pottery, pewter buckles and cooking utensils used by the soldiers. It is hoped that a permanent display site can be found for these treasures.

Officers of the Fishkill Historical Society are: President, Mr. Radford Curdy; Vice-President, Mr. Alexander Rogers; Treasurer, Mrs. Alexander Rogers; Finance Officer, Mr. George O'Donoghue; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Donald Yellen; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. George O'Donoghue ; Curator, Mrs. William Brandt; and nine trustees: Mr. Laurence Hancock, Mrs. James Brockway, Mr. John Matte°, Mr. Foster •Ortman, Mr. Robert Guex, Mrs. Donald Lachowicz, Mrs. Joan Sullivan, Mr. Kenneth Kreuz and Mr. Henry Mosher.

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THE LITTLE NINE PARTNERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY was organized in the spring of 1963 under a charter from the New York State Board of Regents in order to ensure that the study of the history and tne preservation of the landmarks of the L:ttle Nine Partners Patent area would continue.

In commemoration of the original patentees, nine founding trustees were elected to carry the organization through its critical first years: Mr. Huntting Winans, Miss Muriel Pulver, Mrs. 'William B. Jordan, Jr., Miss Natalie Barton, Mrs. Lester Aroh, Mr. David Mann, Mrs. Philip Lyons, Mr. Robert Palmatier and Mr. Richard H. Bliss.

Since that first spring, the soc'ety, under the able leadership first of Mrs. Lyons and at present under Mrs. Jordan, has grown to a membership of about 160. In its second year, it acquired by gift the old lip rris-Hustcd house of Hammertown and moved it about one-quarter of a mile south to a beautiful site, also a gift, st.addling the old mill run and fronting on Shekomeko Creek.

A considerable number of members have donated time to the restoration of this house, as a typical small farm house of the early nineteenth century. The house will be the headquarters of the society and wi:1 provide spare for a growing collection of records and artifacts in special work and exhibit rooms on the ground floor.

Just ahead of the bulldozer, which tragically olorterated all that was lea of the old scythe works at Hammertown, members of the society, under the guidance of Professors Harry Shapiro and Junius Bird of the American Museum of Natural History, worked carefully through the debris in an effort to make sure that all materials available at the s:te would be saved. The old works which manufactured bayonets for Washington's army and scythes for hundreds of surround'nfz, fa - mers was carefully surveyed and mapped so that its correct position would always be known.

A beginning has been made in tape recording the reminiscences of some of our older citizens and an editorial committee plans to publish the first set of research papers on cur area next spring. Work on genealogical records and family histories has, of course, gone forward and several collections of letters and records have been calendared and preserved in our bank deposit vaults.

We have had excellent papers and talks by Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken on "James Alexander," Gould Colman, director of the Cornell Oral History Program, and Walter Davis on "George Clark," one of the original patentees.

In four joint meetings with the Pine Plains Garden Club, we have undertaken to discover something about the natural history of the area. These talks were given by Maxwell MacPherson, Dr. Harry Shapiro, Dr. Phyllis Busch and Miss Grace Hoysradt.

Over the past three years, we have sponsored two antique shows and two tours of the historic houses of our area. In October of this past fall, we were host to the Dutchess County Historical Society on its annual pilgrimage.

Next June we will present our fi rst annual Henry Noble MacCracken essay award to a student in our area for original research. Judges for this research essay award will be Mrs. James Bourne of Rhinebeck, former Dean and Professor of Sociology at Bard College; Clyde Griffen, Dean of Students and Assistant Professor of History at Vassar College; and Mr. Clifford M. Buck of Salt Point, local historian. It is hoped that this award idea for local research will spread to the other societies and that eventually it will be sponsored by all the historical societies in the county.

To finance the various projects, the society has organized and carried out three annual Stissing Mountain Music Festivals (1963, 1964, 1965). These festivals, largely under the leadership of Mrs. Lyons and Mr. Frank Buckhout, have not only brought a great deal of pleasure to the people of northern Dutchess, but have also carried us immeasurably further along toward our project goals.

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THE STORE ACCOUNT BOOKS OF HENDRICK SCHENK FISHKILL LANDING, DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK, 1763-1768 Charlotte C. Finkel*

Many of you are no doubt familiar with the account book of Francis Filkin, Account Book of a Country Store Keeper in the 18th Century at Poughkeepsie, published in 1911 by Vassar Brothers Institute, Poughkeepsie. Francis Filkin kept a store in Poughkeepsie between 1738 and 1746 and his account book, as the introduction correctly states, provides a "tolerably complete list of what people living in and around Poughkeepsie ate, drank, who made their shoes, what clothes they wore, . . . the cost of each article . . . at that time."

However, Francis Filkin's native tongue was Dutch, and his mixture of Dutch and phonetically-spelled English creates difficulties for us as we try to interpret it today. His system of bookkeeping was also highly informal. Sometimes it was simply a matter of exchange,— you give me so much wheat and I give you two pounds of tea and our accounts are clear as of this day. Then, again, the value of the wheat and the tea may be converted into pounds, shillings and pence and a running account established. Probably a C.P.A. would call it a primitive single entry system.

An interesting contrast may be found in the account books of the store of Hendrick Schenk of Fishkill Landing. These consist of double-entry ledger books, as well as day books in which daily store transactions were recorded. Ledger book "A" and several day books were in the Madam Brett Homestead when Melzingah Chapter National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, purchased it in 1953. Ledger book "B" is in the Manuscript Room of the New York Public Library.

Like the Filkin book they provide fascinating information about daily life in Dutchess County in the eighteenth century. The records begin in 1763 and are easier to study because, while the spelling is often phonetic, the base is English. Also, the double-entry bookkeeping system is accurate and the figures are legible. Hendrick Schenk consistently spelled his name Schenk, although others of the same name have spelled it Schenck. * Mrs. J. Manfred Finkel is the official Historian of the Town of East Fishkill: Historian of the Melzingah Chapter, N.S.D.A.R.; a founder of the East Fishkill Society and of the Fishkill Historical Society. The address was given before a meeting of the Dutchess County Chapter of the Daughters of American Colonists, November 23, 1965.

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For the most part, these books are a record of barter or exchange of goods and services, with a fixed cash value invariably placed upon these goods or services in the account books. For example, let us take the account of the schoolmaster, John Brown, who purchased various items at the Schenk store within a four-year period: sugar, soap, books, a pen knife, tea, snuff, etc. Apparently, he taught the children of Goris, Petrus and Derrick Storm, among others. When the Storms brought wheat to the store, they would have Hendrick Schenk (or his clerk) credit John Brown's account with the amount they owed him for teaching their children, this being deducted from the amount they received for their wheat. Hendrick Schenk, in turn, no doubt sent the wheat down-river to New York City where it was credited to his account with the merchants from whom he purchased imported manufactured goods to sell in his store. Perhaps actual cash did not often change hands in these transactions, but it was a methodical, businesslike system.

Now to describe Hendrick Schenk. He was born in 1743, son of Judge Abraham Schenk and Elsie Vandervoort. He was raised in Bushwick, Long Island, and we first find a record of him in Rombout Precinct (the original town of Fishkill) when his name appears in the 1763 tax list. In April of that year he married Hannah Brett, daughter of Madam Catharyna Brett's oldest son, Francis. In November of the same year he built a "barracks" and his store records begin.

Somehow, Francis Brett immediately became heavily indebted to his young son-in-law. There are indications that Francis Brett himself operated a store earlier—perhaps he became indebted to New York City merchants and Hendrick Schenk was sent up-river to clear the debts. In any event, even before the death of Madam Catharyna Brett, Francis Brett and his wife, Margaret Thorne Van Wyck, executed a deed conveying to Hendrick Schenk and their daughter Hannah "all our right & title, interest and property, claim and demand, whatsoever we have got, as shall fall to us by our Mother's last will and testament."

However, Madam Brett conveyed considerable property to Francis in earlier years which would not have been included in this deed. But as she left him the Homestead by will, we assume that upon her death in March, 1764, it came into the ownership of Hendrick and Hannah Schenk. It is family tradition that Francis Brett, his wife and younger zhildren, continued to occupy it with the Schenks. In fact, their youngest daughter, Margaret, married Hendrick Schenk's younger brother, Peter A. Schenk, in 1779. Francis Brett died in 1787, aged 80.

Hendrick Schenk died in 1799.

Just where Hendrick Schenk's store was we really don't know.

Perhaps it was at the Frankfort Storehouse, a site now occupied by 37

the Beacon plant of the National Biscuit Company. More than likely, it was near the grist mill which Hendrick Schenk and his brother, Abraham, built on the Fishkill in 1764, east of the Brett Homestead.

-Wherever it was, it must have been near other stores because many customers came from a considerable distance, (the Storms came from Old Hopewell; there were numbers of customers from Oswego, in Beekman Precinct; some from Amenia and Dover and from Sharon and Canaan in Connecticut), and came infrequently, but they often boug-ht very little, perhaps half a pound of tea or a paper of tobacco.

Obviously, they were trading with other merchants in the vicinity as well as with Hendrick Schenk.

Judging by the number of daily transactions recorded in the day book, there can be no doubt that the store was a busy place. It was open six days a week, including Christmas and New Year's Day. Very occasionally, a single sale would be entered on a Sunday and we can imagine the store opening for a few minutes to accommodate a favored customer who found himself in need of an item such as sugar or tea.

The majority of early southern Dutchess family names appear in the books. However, it must be noted that some names are conspicuous by their absence: Van Wyck, Brinckerhoff, DePeyster and Verplanck aren't found at all. This leads one to suspect that these families operated their own stores, in fact, we know there was a Brinckerhoff store at that time.

1Vlost accounts are in the names of heads of families, though there are quite a few accounts for women, perhaps designated "widow" or "young woman." If a man were other than a farmer, his occupation is usually given in the ledger books. The neighborhood in which he lived is shown if he were a distant customer, perhaps even the name of his father as a means of further identification.

The day books always show (in the upper right-hand corner of an account) the name of the person who actually received the merchandise charged. If the person to whom it was charged happened to be the purchaser, the entry is "self" or, perhaps, "self and wife." Zebulon Townsend, for example, often made purchases himself but on some occasions they were made, as indicated, by his wife alone or his son or his daughter.

As one examines entries in the ledger books and day books for a particular family, such as that of Zebulon Townsend, considerable information develops. We have proof that Zebulon was living here in 1764, that he was married and had a son and a daughter old enough to shop for him. We know he lived quite near the store because the 38

entries are frequent, almost daily, From the items charged we learn a good deal about how he lived. From his credit page in the bi ledger book we learn his occupation; he was the head miller at the Schenk grist mill, receiving a yearly salary of 46 pounds, a substantial sum in those days.

The variety of things which were brought up-river to be sold in the store is astonishing, though it takes a little effort to translate the prices into present values. Currency was based on 20 shillings (s.) to the pound, and 12 pence (d.) to the shilling, just as English currency is today. At this time a farmer received from Hendrick Schenk an average of five shillings a bushel for wheat. A carpenter of average skill received five shillings a day for his work (no doubt, a twelvehour day).

If we keep these figures firmly in mind, five shillings for a bushel of clean wheat, five shillings for a day's labor by a skilled carpenter, we will easily understand that rice at six shillings a pound was expensive! And, that tea, at 9/6 per pound, cost almost the equivalent of two bushels of wheat, or two days' work as a carpenter.

On the other hand, we would consider rum, at 4./6 per gallon, cheap indeed. It was a very popular purchase. Most customers bought it by the gallon or half-gallon, or even a single serving for a penny in the store. Tavern keepers bought it by the hogshead, 103 gallons for 20/12/0.

Other food prices were: 7 d. a pound for sugar; 3 s. a pound for pepper; salt was 3/6 a bushel; chocolate, 2/6 a pound; molasses, 2/6 a gallon; and coffee was 1/6 a pound, unground. A coffee mill could be had for 9/6.

A variety of tableware was available: sets of cups and saucers, knives and forks, spoons and pewter plates, the latter at 11/8 the half dozen. Also teapots, decanters and pocket bottles. For the kitchen one could buy iron pots, earthenware and wooden trenchers, or a long-handled frying pan for 7 s.

The store carried several types of hats and caps. The most luxurious purchase one could make in this line was a beaver hat at 2/13/0. A castor hat was a fine hat, too, but less luxurious than top quality beaver. Then there were felt hats, ranging in price from 3/6 to 11/9; worsted caps for 2 s. and, during the summer, cotton caps for 1/11. One could even buy hatband crepe by the yard. Handkerchiefs came in cotton, linen or silk, and many plain black handkerchiefs were sold.

There were gloves for 4/4 (leather, we assume), mittens and 39

mitts; garters for 4 d. a pair, and gartering. Stockings were rather expensive; a pair for a woman cost 5/6; black stockings cost 8/6.

Some shoes were sold but more often people must have purchased direct from the cordwainer or made their own. Many pairs of wooden heels were sold, also shoe buckles.

Leather breeches could be had at 1/15/0, but suits and dresses were either made at home or by a "taylor." Fabrics in great variety were available by the yard: flannel, calico, chintz calico, "taffety," velvet, oznabrig, bombazine, fairnought, striped Holland, "Swanskin ;" plush, in red, green, blue and white; wool, plain or checked; flowered lawn and cambric. Most elegant of all was "scarlet cloth," at 25//6 a yard. Anyone buying a length of scarlet cloth was clearly planning an elegant cloak or coat. With it he also bought 3 2 yards of cord, some buckram and silk thread.

Every kind of sewing necessity was here: pins by the paper, needles, knitting needles, scissors, ribbons and various threads. All kinds of buttons,—pewter, bone and silver. Occasionally someone bought a ‘`rannent," probably a remnant of yard goods.

A few people bought blankets; a striped wool blanket cost 15/6, as did an Indian blanket. A rose blanket cost a full pound. Samuel Smith bought two of them in November, 1764.

Clay pipes cost 6 d. a dozen, tobacco 4 d. a paper, a pack of cards 1/6, and chamber pots at 1/3 each. Gabriel Dutcher bought a trunk for his son for 6 s. (Was the young man planning a trip?).

A month later Mr. Dutcher bought 477 pounds of feathers for 7/6/0!

However would one weigh or transport 477 pounds of feathers?

Stationery supplies and books were available—"spelding books and primmers." Writing paper was sold by the bonnet or quire, ink by the cake. Almanacs were bought in November and December. Dutch Testaments and Psalters usually cost around 6/6, but Johannes Van Deusen paid the great sum of 4/16/0 for a Dutch Bible. It must have been very large, with a heavy, tooled leather cover, brass clasps and perhaps a wooden case. It may well be in existence still.

Even lottery tickets could be bought at the store. Hendrick Van Voorhis bought half a ticket in the New York Stamp Lottery for £1, on May 8, 1765. "Spectacals" cost 4 s. but they were not infrequently returned a few days later. A "Pocket Looking Glass" was sold for 1/3, larger sizes were 17/4.

A "pain" of glass cost 6 d. and a variety of colors were available for painting one's home; the base was "oyl" and one mixed it with white lead, red lead, "verdigresse," vermillion, Spanish brown, Prus40

sian blue or indigo. Much hardware was sold, plain hinges, H-hinges and locks. All sorts of tools, hammers, axes, saws and chisels. A particularly expensive item in this line was a cross-cut saw at 1/15/0.

A rattrap cost 3/5. Everyone, at some time or other, seems to have bought a "gimblet" at 5 d. At the other end of the scale, a pair of mill wheels could be had for ten pounds.

How were all these items paid for? Terms were one year of credit, after which interest was charged. The most common way to settle an account was, of course, to bring in farm products: wheat, beef, hogs, fowl, butter, buckwheat, a bushel of turnips or a dozen heads of cabbage, etc. Also, lumber products,—cut boards, shingles, logs and fence posts. Some brought in homespun linen, flannel or linsey-woolsey, a yard of the latter bringing about 5 s.

A cooper would trade barrels for merchandise and a cobbler, shoes. Some people brought in starch they had made themselves from some root or tuber. A few brought in mink skins and red fox. Occasionally partridges, turkeys or a "fatt goose" appear on the credit pages. The blacksmith received credit for making axes to be sold in the store, also for hooks and eyes, fishhooks, or for "shewing a slay."

Others paid off their store accounts in labor or services, as was earlier described in the case of the schoolmaster, John Brown. Abraham Boice was paid 5 s. for "a half day he spent looking for takels and bringing of them from Poughkeepsing here." Hannah Smith was paid 4 s. for "altering a rapper." Doctor Cornelius Osborn was credited 5 pounds "for attendance at my wife's illness in January, 1764."

And, finally, the local merchant not only kept store—everything from papers of pins to rum, axes and beaver hats—but he was also the local banker. He was called upon almost daily to advance credit or cash against future crops or wages. It might be just a few shillings or it might be many pounds.

As one reads eighteenth century court cases on record in the Dutchess County court house, he may wonder how a man could immediately pay off a 25 pound judgment in a damage suit brought by his neighbor. Ledger books such as these give the answer; it was borrowed from merchants like Hendrick Schenk. Some times, years passed with the debt unpaid and interest accumulating. If a borrower owned property, a foreclosure eventually occurred. In fact, there are quite a few foreclosures by Hendrick Schenk (or Major Henry Schenk, as he was later known) in the records at the county court house. But we must remember that he was not a free agent in Dutchess County by any means. Down-river, in New York City, were the merchants to 41

whom he, in turn, was indebted for his merchandise. The perils of this relationship are well summed up in a handwritten memo to be seen inside the back cover of a ledger book kept by Stephen Duryea at his Hopewell store in 1771-1772: Tayke Good Care or you will son have Done Wane you Come into newyork Donte Buy no Goods Dane you tinck you Kone make sale of and wane you come Home Dont spand your money for finnere But wane avor you have a small Some of money sand it to newyork to pay of Wat avor you do Tray to cape Your Deth good your Cradit The A Bove Advise a trador most Tayek fore a note in our Country or pore hime.

Dat Jany 5 1772 *

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Mrs. Finkel has listed in alphabetical order all of the names which appear in the account books. The Madam Brett Homestead (50 Van Nydeck Avenue, Beacon, New York) will send a copy of the items connected with any particular name upon receipt of a written inquiry. A modest charge is made for the service and will be added to the fund for the maintenance of the Homestead.

The names are as follows: Adgett, Benjamin Samuel Aitken, John Albright, John Alger, Judah Silas Allen, Elisha Encrease James John Othniel William Ames, Nathan, of Swago Robert Archibal, David Arm, John Ash, William Ashby, John, at Adrian Van Anden's Atherton, Cornelius Backes, Adam John, of Swago Badgley, Anthony Bailey, John, Jr. Baldwin, Elisha Banker, Goris Barker, Francis Thomas

Barlow, Moses Barnes (Barns) Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Henry Johannes, s. of Richard John (cooper) John (taylor) Richard William Barnhart, John, of Stishing Bartly, Abraham Daniel Jacob Bart°, B.:njamin John Samuel Barton, Calep Lewis Becket, Daniel Beckwith, Abijah Daniel Bedell (Bedall), see also Begall Daniel, brother to William Isaac 42

Timothy William William, s. of William Bedford, David (carpenter) Beeman, Samuel, of The City Begal, see also Bedell Daniel Begell, John Belding, Silas Bell, Harmon Henry (Hendrick) Ben, John Benneway, Martha (young woman) Bergen, Jacob Beverly, Gedion Bloodgood, Joseph, Jr. Joseph, Senior Bockes, William Boice, Abraham, s. of Abraham Peter, of Swago William, at Ostrum's Bolden, Andrew Bond, Barrent Joseph, s. of Barrent Sarah

Bostwick, Andrew, of Salsbury Bowerman, Ecabord, of Swago Brett, Catherina Cornelius, s. of Francis Francis Mathew Robert Rumbout, s. of Francis Briggs, Jobe (carpenter) Britton, Claudius Brotherton, Isaac Brown, Benedick John (schoolmaster) Josiah, of Amina Nathaniel, near Js. Germond's Rebechah Sarah, near Cornl. Humphreys Thomas, of Amenia Prect.

Brumidgum, James Brush, Israel Buck, Ashael, of The City, near Bloons Bull, Aaron, s. of Nathen Jacob Josias, Jun. Josias, Sen. Nathen Page Bulless, Elizabeth, dau. of John, Jr. Jessey John, Jr. John, Sen. Peter Robert Thomas Bullock, Coomer Ellis, near Southerlin Ephraim Richard, Senior Burlingam, Israel Burnit, James Bush, Daniel Hendrick Hendrick, Jr. Johannis Button, Charles John Butts, Samuel Cadman, Richard, of Swago Cain, Philip Calloe, Stephen

Cameron, Daniel Cammell, Lewis Caner, Joseph Canniff (Canaph) .Abrm Cannon, Calep Carl, Jacob Carman, Caleb Carpenter, Daniel, Junr.

Danial, Senior William Case, The Rey'd Wheeler Casey, Thomas, of Chestnut Ridge Cash, Jacob Casten, Joseph Chapman, Abenezer Sarah (young woman) Chatterdon, Joseph Chuchel, Robert Clap, Thomas Clark, John Wright (schoolmaster) Clarke, Benjamin Clossen, Timothy Coapman, Jacob, s. of John John, Jr., of Poghkeepsing John, Senr., (wheelwright) Coe, Mathew Coenly, Johannes Cole, Arie Isaac Peter Teunis Colhoun, Alexander (taylor) Collins (Collens) Hezekiah, at Hopkins town Hezekiah, Junr.

Joshua Conklin, David Deliverance John Consaulen, Jacobus, Junr., of Swago Joseph Peter Cooke, Mathias, of Swago Doctor Samuel Seth Cooper, Ebenezer (blacksmith) Corey, Benjamin Cosgrew, Ruth Cotten, Tunis, son-in-law to Isaac Lamb Craig, John

Cramer (Creemer) Johannes Crandell (Crandel, Crandle) Doctor Henry James, Sen. John (cord winder) Laban Samuel, Jr. Samuel, Sr. Crapo, Peter Crego, John Richard Cristy, Dennis, of Swago Crocker, Oliver, of Sharon Cronkrite, John Crowning, Daniel Curtis, Thomas, of Swago Dailey, Owen Darling, Aaron Davis, David Elamuel John, s. of David John (cordwainer) Richard William, son-in-law t3 Hoag Davison, Peter Dean, Evans, s. of Solomon Jacob Robert Samuel, s. of Jacob Solomon Stephen DeGraff, Abraham, s. of John, Jr. Abraham, Senior Jacobus John, Jr. John, s. of Abraham Michael Moses De La Meter, Isaac, Jr. Martha De La Verge (De La Ving) Lewis Nicholas DeLong (DeLange) Arie Cornraat Elias, s. of Arie Francis (blacksmith) Deming, Doctor Elias Dewe, Jedidiah DeWitt (Dewit) Johannes Peter (merchant) Deyoe, Peter, of Swago

Dickson, Samuel Dodge, Hezekiah, near Silvester Hays Dop, Johannes, s of Peter Peter Doty, David (constable) Joseph Doughty, Charles Elias James *William, Jr. Senr.

Drake, Cornelius (sadler) John (sadler) Driskill, Timothy DuBoic, Jeremiah Dunkin, John Thomas Dutcher, Barrent Cornelius David, near Mathis Lysters Gabriel Gedion Johannis D. Lawrence Rulef, of Canan Duzenbery, John Eagelston, Mary, of Swago Earl, Clement John Joseph (carpenter) Joseph, s. of John Easterly, Martin (wheel maker) Eastus, Richard, Senior Edward, William Ellis, Hendrick, of Poughkeepsie Robert (taylor) Ellod, John Elsworth, Charles Janitie William, of Poughkeepsing Emans, John Emory, Rowlen, of Swago Esmonds, Isaiah, son-in-law to Arey DeLong Everitt, Clear Everson, Jacob (merchant) Every, Richard Robert Samuel (prentice to Mathew Cole) Fairies, Judediah

Fealie (Felie), see also Viele Baltus, father of Minert Barent Cornelius Mindart Peter Fergeson (Ferguson, Forgason, etc.)

Epherum, of Swago Ferrington Jeremiah John, Junior John, Senior Phebe Richard Samuel Feries (Ferris), see 'also Fairies Obediah Elijah Fetchet, Isaac Filkin, Abraham, s. of Isaac Barnardus Henry, s. of Isaac Henry, Junior Henry, Senior Isaac Isaac, Junior Finch, Jacob, of Nine Partners Fish, John Fisher, Eleanor (young woman) George Nelly • William Flaglor, Jos. Simon Simon, Junr, s. of Simon Zacharias Force, Thomas Ford, Joseph Foreman (Furman) Doctor William Fowler, William Fraer, Joh's Frasher, Daniel Freer, Abr'm (wagon maker), of Poughkeepsie French, Jeremiah Gail, Joseph Ga;sley, John (miller) Galor, Martin, of Swago Gansey, Peter Gardner, Benj'm Calep, s. of Benj'm upon the Ridge 44

Nathaniel Garretson, Jones Gay, William, near Poughkeepsie Germond (Germon) Isaac, s. of John James John Peter Gidley, Henry, of Swago Gidney, Joshua Gifford, John, near David Southerlin's Gold, James William Gosline, Richard Grant, John, near John Albright's Peter Green, Augustus Israel Joseph Joseph, s. of William Richard, Jun. Richard, Sen. of Swago William, Senr.

William, s. of William Zopher (blacksmith) Griffen (Griffin) Amey Barth'w Edward Harris Isaiah James Jonathan, s. of Obediah Joseph Mical Obediah Obediah, s. of Edward Griggs, S1lick Griswould, Benj.

Guile, William Haff (Hoff), see also Huff Jacob Jacob (cooper) Joseph Joseph, s. of Jacob Nancy Haight, Jacob, Senior John Moses Solomon Stephen, s. of Jacob William Hail, Aaron Hair, Danial William Hall, James, at Dan'l Carpenter, Jr.

Samuel, of Swago Hallack (Helleck, Hallock) Edward Gershon John Thomas ZebuIon Ham, Frederick Hammel, Nathaniel Hammon, Benjamin Harrington, John Harris, Alexander Daniel (carpenter) Ebenezer James John Joseph (blacksmith) Joseph (cooper) Joseph, near Corn.

Van Wycks, Fishkills Nicholas (schoolmaster) Peter, of Poughkeepsie Hart, John Hauxey, Joseph Hays, Selvester Hegbe, James (carpenter ?)

Hegeman, Cornelius Hendrick Isaac Janetie, dau. of John (cooper) Johannis John John, Junr.

John, s. of Joseph Joseph, s. of Hendrick Joseph, s. of Joseph Sarah Hemson, Caleb Hendy, David Zebulon Hewitt, Collins Hicks, Bernard, s. of Stephen Jacob, s. of Stephen Joseph Stephen Thomas, s. of Joseph Timothy Hill, Abenezer Hoag (Hoog) Elijah Ezekial Jonathan Nathan Hoalms (Hoams) Zephaniah Hoffman (Huffman) Cardl

Jurrie Michael Pierre Hogan (Hogin) Thomas Hogeboom, Barthalomew, near Maddagh Hogens (Hogins) Daniel Hogg, Lewis, of Poughkeepsie Hoghteling, Hezekiah Hollister, Gurdin, of the Oblong Holmes, see also Hoalms Nathaniel Nicholas Hopkins, Capt. Michael Horton, Jonathan Joseph, s. of Jonathan Howard, Mathew William Hubbell, Ickabod (carpenter in Dover) Hudson, Elijah Silvenus Huested, see also Hustead Ebanezer Huff, see also Haff Angel Anne Ellis Huls, James Humphrey, Cornelius John Huntly, John at Joseph Greens Hurlbut, Sam'l Hustead, David Hyatt, Moses Roger Ingrum, Moses William, s. of Moses Irish, (David (tavern keeper) Camuel, of Swago Smiten, s. of Samuel William Jackson, Samuel Stephen William Jewel (Jewil) Herman John, Junr.

John, Senr., of Fishkill Johnson, Robert (carpenter, 45

millwright) Samuel, of the Oblong Judson, Samuel Kelcey, James Kerley, John, near Mabbits Kershow, Famitie, widow of Jacob, of L.I. Ketchim, Epharim Ketchum, Benjamin, near Southerlin Keys, John Kiblar, Johan'es Kinyon, Benjamin James, Junr.

Samuel Kip, Baltus Kline, Hendrick Peter, of Sharon Klink, Jacob Klump, Peter (taylor), of Fishkills Kneckerbacker, Hare nmus Jn's (choolmaster) Knickerbacker, Will'm, of Cannan Kronkright, Jacob John Lake, see also Leake Crappo, s. of Sam'l J amcs, Senior of Swago Patience (young woman) Peweler (widow) Rebeckah Samuel Lamb, Isaac Lane, Alexander Langdon, John, at Jacob Eversons Sarah (young woman) Langfear, Asa Lapham, Benjamin Lawrence (Lawrance) Cornel's (blacksmith) Ezekel Jacob, Junr.

Jacob, Senr.

Stephen Leake, see also Lake Ephraim, at Allen Moores, Swag() Henry, at Daniel Bush John Jonathon Leavens, Peter LeRoy, Francis, s. of John

Francis, s. of Simeon Francis P. John Petrus Simeon Lester, Enoch Mordecai, Esq. Lewis, Barrent, near Poughkeepsie Elemuel Fealix Isaac John (miller) I`VIorris Livingston, Henry James Loomis, Hezekiah Lord, John Losie, James Lott, Gedion (carpenter) Hester Lovett, John, of Poughkeepsie Low, Jacobus, Junr.

John Petrus William (blacksmith), of Poughkeepsie Mabbett, Samuel (merchant) Mabe, Casparus Macca, John Mace Henry of Dover McCleave, John William McClenny, Sarah McCord, Samuel Mackie, David McLaughlin, James (schoolmaster) McNicoll, John Macomber, John Mainger, John Mallar, Samuel Mandego ( ,4andigo, Mendego) John Manning, Charles John Marming, John Marringer, John Marston, Corn's George, s. of Corn's Mashel, Nathaniel Mashon, Mathias Masten (Mastin) Art, s. of Cornelius Art, near Dewitts Cornelius George Hendrick, s. of Maria Maria (widow)

Petrus (cooper), near Poughkeepsie Maxfield, James John Mead, Zebulon Meade, Daniel Metter, Robert Merrihew, John, of Swago Merrit, Thomas, near Esq. Smith's Middagh, Art Jacobus Jores Miller, Encrese Hendrick Jacob James Mills, Amis Isaac John, s. of Amis Mitchel (Mitchil) Hannah (widow) Hannah, dau. of Hannah Mercy Nathan Monfort, Albert Menicus Montgomery, John Moore, Allen Samuel William Morey, Benjamin Caleb George Joseph, near John Buttons Philomon, at John Buttons, Swago Morris, Powlas Moshere, Silas Moshier, Adley Moshure, Enus, at Goris Storm Moss, Joshua Mathias Mott, Jonathan Joseph, Jr. Samuel, s. of Jonathan Samuel, s. of Joseph Munger, Billy, in Salisbury Murrey, John Myers, Christopher Jeremeus, of Stissing Nase, Philip Neal, Aron Samson Newcomb (Nucomb) 46

Judath, (young woman) Simon Zacheus r>L•wberger, John Lawr's, of Swago Newton, Jacob Nichols, William Nicholson, John Richard Nights, Richard Niles, Miss Noostrant, Garret No:thrup, Daniel Enus Jonah Noxon, Bartholamew, Junr., of Swago Odle, Joseph Okely, Solomon Oley, Christopher, (glov'r ? ) Osburn, Doctor Cornelius Ostrander, Christopher Gedion Thomas, (prentice to Amos Mills) Ostrum (Osterum) Andris Barent Blandean, (widow) Denne, (taylor ? ) Hendrick, s. of Rulif Henry, s. of John John, (miller) John, s. of Henry John, s. of Rulef Rulef, s. of Rulef Rulif, Senr.

Rulif, s. of Hendrick Rulif, s. of John Simon, s. of Blandean Overacher, Martins Overhiser, Bernhert, s. of Casper Casper Owens, Josua Paign, Epharim Palmateer, Michael Peter Palmatier, Dorman Palmer, John, Esq. Jonathan (near Arrie Delang's) Joseph, Jr. Lucas (Lucias) Parker, Elisha Nathaniel Parks, Joshua Paterson, Joseph Pattock, William

Pearse, Daniel Isaac Pealie, Elizabeth (widow) Peele, Hendrick Pelen, Johannis (taylor) Pelie, Benjamin Powles Pels, Hendrick Simeon Perkins, Valentine Perry, Joseph at Joseph Potters Peters, George of Nine Partners Pettet, Seth (cordvvainer) Pinney, Nathaniel, of Amenia Platt, Zephaniah Post, Abraham, near Bartows Israel, near David Southerlins Richard Potter, Joseph Powel, Israel (taylor) Pugsley, Samuel Stephen Purdy, Silas Quick, Garardus (Gerardus) Randel, Joseph Ray, Stephen Read, Leonard Relyea (Relyee) David Reyley (Ryley) John Reynolds (Reonals), see also Runalds Gilbert John Rhyne, Cornelius Richmond, Silvester Ricketson, Benjamin Jonathan, of Swago Rinders, Herma's Johannes Mindert Robelyer, John Roberts, Danial Robinson, Culbert Rogers, Ickabod (constable) Romer, John, near Yelverton's Romine, Alias Casparus John Rose, Daniel David

Elisan (Elesau), brother to David Samuel Zebulon Row, David, of Dover Rowland, Robert, s. of Samuel Samuel Smith (carpenter) Ruger, John Moses, s. of John Runakls, Lucias

Sliter, Dirck William, near Bryant's Smith, Caleb Hannah Isaac (constable) John, Junr.

John, s. of Joseph Joseph, of Swago, s. of John Joseph, s. of Richard of Swago Martha (widow) Samuel, of Poughkeepsie Sackett, Ezekel, of Sharon Samuel, s. of Thomas Joseph Thomas, s. of Thomas Sawyer, Daniel, Junr.

Zebulon Scharpstein, Sneethin, Joseph see also Sharpston Snider, Baltus Henry Jacob Schenk, Abraham Joh's Jost Paul Philip, of Swago Schenk & Duryea Sole, Rodey Schermerhorn, (young woman) Cornelius, of Dover Soper, Henry Schoonmaker, Hend'k Moses (minister) Solomon, s. of Peleteah Schott, Joseph, William in the Clove S3pus, John, s. of Scouten, David, Peletiah, Senior at Timothy Hicks Peletiah, Junior John Peletiah, Senior Joh's Timothy Seaman, Nathaniel Soule, see also Sole (merchant), Benjamin of Poughkeepsing Daniel Seamons, Edward, George, Jun. of Pou,ghkeepsing George, Sen. Sebery, John, Nathaniel, Junr. of Poughkeepsie Nathaniel, Senior Sewil, Joseph Southerd, Benjamin Sharman, Jeremiah Joseph Sharps= (Scerpenstien, Southerlin, David Scherpstme) John, Junr.

Jacob John W. Shear, Joh's.

Sparling (Sperling) Shelden, Ezekiel Andrews (Andris), Sheldon, Benjamin (carpenter) Sherman( Shereman), Squire, Garden see also Sharman Stephens, Thomas Jobe (clothier) Sherwood, Stephen William, at Peter Shiff, Joseph, Deyou's, Swago of Connecticut Steinbugh, Wilhelmus Shipman, Michael Stienberg, see also Siluernails, Nicholas Van Stienberg Simson, Cathrena Jacobus (wheel right) (widow) Johannes Phebey Petrus Sisson, Giles Tobias James Stilwill, Stephen Thomas Storm, Daniel Skidmore, John 47

Derrick (Derick), father of James Dirck Goris Goris, s. of Dirck Goris, s of Peter James, s. of Derick John Lenah Margaret Petrus Story, James Zachariah Stoutenborough, Jacobus John, brother to Jacobus Stright, Frederick, Junr.

Stringham, Owen Strong, David Svvaid, Peter Swartwout, J. Joha's Swartwout & Parks

Townsend, Elijah Uriah Zebulon Tripp, Jabez Tryon, Ezra (fuller) Tubbs, Samuel

Vail (Veal) Aaron Arthur, s. of Isaac Hannah (widow) Isaac, s. of Moses Israel Samson Valentine, John Vallance, Oliver Van Amburgh, Joseph, of Cold Spring Van Anden (Van Enden) Adrian (Adryan) (cooper) Johannes Paul (shoemaker and cobbler) Taylor, Ezekial Paulus (Powel) (blacksmith) Van Arsdalen, Dirck Terpennengh, Johannes Van Bunschoten, Elias Terry (Terrie) (Alias) William Jacob Ter Willegen, Jurreyan Van Bunsoten, Isaac Thomas, John (sadler), Van Camp, John of Swago Van de Bogart, Art Thomson, Amos Cornel's Asa (Ezra) Peter Enus Van De Burgh, Henry William Richard, Thorn, Ebenezer, of Poughkepsie brother to William William Isaac, near Mabbats Vandenburgh, John Jacob Van Deusen, Dirck John (cordwinder) Jacob John (taylor) Johannes Jonathan Martha Joseph (cooper) Melcheizedeche Joseph (sadler) Robert Nathaniel Van de Water, Peter Robert Van Dyke, John Doctor Steaphen Van Kleeck, Barent William (carpenter) (Barrent) Thurston, George, Jacobus of Swago Leonard Titsworth, Cornelius Peter P. Nicholas Van Kleek, Peter B. Titus, Gilbert Van Name, Moses Israel Van Noostrant, Tobias, Doctor Christian see also Noostrant Christian, Senr.

Peter (carpenter), Frederick s. of Garret Jacob Van Stienberg, Todd, John see also Stienbergh Tompkins, William Joh's (blacksmith), Torvall, Henry, of Poughkeepsie near Capt. Platt's Van Velen, Hester 48

Van Vleck, Teunis Van Vleet, Arey, Senr.

Benjamin Tunis Van Voorhees, Zacherias Van Voorheese, Court Hendrick Johannis Van Wagenen, Evart Evert, s. of Nicholas Garret (Ganet) Garret, s. of Evart Nicholas Van Wyck, Cornelius Vaughan, Benjamin Verge, see De La Verge Viele, see also Fealie, Felie Minert Viershous, see also Werhouser Jost Henry Vincent, Ambros Charles Leonard Levy Philip Ving, see De La Ving Visong, John (Frenchman) Waker, James Walbridge, Amos Walbrige, Zebulon Walker, .Andris Benj'n Wanser, Isaac, near Barkers Ward, Anthony Ashael, of Dover Daniel John Warden, Abenezer Warner, Richard Warren, John (taylor) Washbon, Jonathan Way, John of Amenia Precinct John, of Fishkills Weaver, John Welden, Michael Weld'ng, James Weldy, see also Whildy, Wildey Richard Obediah Wellen, William Welour, Basteyan Epha'm Werhouser, see also Vierhous George Hendrick Weyer, Jacob

Whildy, John, Jun'r.

John, Serf r White, Abner Caleb, of the Clove George, Jun'r, near Mr. Reads Wickham, Benjamin (blacksmith) Jonathen Wildey, see also Weldy, Whildy David near M. Lester's Isaiah Jacob Obediah Phebe (young woman) Samuel Wilkeson, John Williams, Isaac, of the Oblong

John Richard (blacksmith) Winant Wilsey, Richard Wilson, James, near Mr. Scutt's John Wiltsey, Jacob, at Poughquaik Winans, James Wolley, see also Wooley Joseph (hatter), near Mabbett Porter Wolsey, Israel John, Jun'r John, Sen'r Sammons Wood, Jeremiah Steaphen, at Soper's

Woodwarth, William Wooley, see also \Volley John Woolsey, see also Wolsey Isaac Worden, see also Warden John Wright (Right) Gabriel James Jab, near Aron Veal's Samuel Yalverton, Gale, of Poughkeepsing Yarrington, Hannah Yates, Peter, of Oswago Yeomans, Peggy Young, Elijah

Herbert Chaffee of Ellsworth and A. E. Cline of South Amenia have come home with their diplomas from Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Massachusetts. Both of them received valuable prizes for superior attainments.

One goes to join his father in Amenia, Dakota, and the other joins his father in the hay field.

Amenia Times, July 6, 1885

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Upwards of two hundred thousand bushels of Grain are stored at the landings of our village awaiting the opening of the Hudson navigation. It has been reckoned that not less than five millions of bushels of Grain are similarly circumstanced at the various ports on our river, taken collectively.

Poughkeepsie Journal, March 11, 1812

49

BIBLE RECORDS OF DUTCHESS COUNTY FAMILIES VAN ANDEN AND GAY FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE; Containing the Old and New Testaments, . . . Edinburgh: 1793. Printed by Mark & Charles Kerr, His Majesty's Printers.

The Bible is owned by Margaret DeGroff King (Mrs. John F. King, Jr.) of Pleasant Valley, New York. It was the family Bible of Paul and Sarah Van Anden and handed down through their daughter, Jonehee [Jeney], who married Barnet Gay; through Barnet Gay's daughter, Sarah Gay, who married Robert DeGroff; through Robert DeGroff's youngest son, Edward Roosevelt DeGroff; through Edward Roosevelt DeGroff's youngest son, Joseph Paul DeGroff; to his only child, Margaret DeGroff King.

BIRTHS Paul Van Anden was born January the first day in the year 1736.

Sarah Van Anden was born December 19,1744, Hanah, my Daughter, was born March the 7, 1764-.

Sarah, my Daughter, was born June the 15, 1766.

Jonehee, my Daughter, was born August the 25, 1768 [Jeney or Jane].

Joseph, my son, was born September the 8, 1770.

Abraham, my son, was born December the 3, 1772.

Mariah, my Daughter, was born April the 7, 1775.

John, my son, was born December the 30, 1776.

Aron, my son, was born October the 6, 1779.

Jacob, my son, was born March the 26, 1782.

Barnet, my son, was born March the 10, 1785.

Stephen, my son, was born September 16, 1787. * B * MARRIAGE Barnet Gay and Jeney Vananden was married on monday the 13 Day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1790 BIRTHS Barnet Gay (son of John Gay) Was born on February the 24, in the year of our Lord, one thousand Seven hundred and forty four Jeney Van Anden Was born in august the 25, in the year of our Lord, 1768 John Gay Was Born in october the 11, in the year of our Lord, 1794 Sarah Gay Was Born in January the 29, in the year of our Lord, 1793 Jonechee Gay Was Born in January the 2, in the year of our Lord, 1797 'William Gay Was Born December the 3, 1802 Herret Eliza Gay Was Born march the 19, 1804 DEATHS Jane Gay, Wife of Barnet Gay, departed this life March the 25, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six, in the thirty seventh year and seven months of her age.

John Gay departed this life on Wednesday, the 14th day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1817; aged 25 years, 7 months and 3 days Barnet Gay departed this life on Wednesday, the 16th day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1817; aged Seventy three years, five Months and twenty two Days.

Note: Below the entries of the Van Andens and the Gays are inserted the names and dates of the children of Robert DeGroff and Sarah Gay, identical with the entries in the DeGroff family Bible owned by Mrs. King.

50

FAMILY

RECORD OF ROBERT DEGROFF

The following record of the family of Robert and Sarah (Gay) DcGroff is copied from a handwritten paper inserted in the family Bible of Robert DeGroff, owned by Margaret DeGroff King (Mrs. John F. King, Jr.) of Pleasant Valley, New York MARRIAGES Robert DeGroff and Sally Gay was married on Satterday, the 10 day of August 1811 William DeGroff was married on the 30th of September 1854 [Note: The name of his bride, Malyina 'White of Millbrook, Dutchess County, New York, was omitted.]

Robert DeGroff was born February 12, 1790 Sarah Gay was born January 29, in the year of our Lord, 1793 Barnet DeGroff Was Born August 3, 1812 Charles DeGroff Was Born September 22, 1814 Jane Ann DeGroff Was Born October 24, 1816 Charlott DeGroff Was Born April 15, 1819 Robert DeGroff* Was Born August 6, 1821 William DeGroff Was Born December 25, 1823 Jane DeGroff Was Born February 14, 1826 Ann Mariah DeGroff Was Born June 27, 1829 Lucinda DeGroff Was Born September 21, 1831 Edward DeGroff Was Born March 15, 1834 Harriet DeGroff Was Born July 19, 1837 DEATHS Jane DeGroff Departed this life February 22, 1826; Aged 9 yrs, 4 mos and 1 day Lucinda DeGroff Departed this life February 8, 1840; Aged 8 yrs, 4 mos, 18 days Sarah De Groff Departed this life June 29, 1851; Aged 58 years, 5 months Robert DeGroff Departed this life May the 18, 1865; Aged 75 yr, 3 mos, 6 days Sarah, wife of R. DeGroff, departed this life June the 29th, 1851; aged 58 years, 5 mo.

B. DeGroff departed this life Nov. 4, 1866; aged 54. yrs., 3 mo.

C. DeGroff departed this life Nov. 18, 1874; aged 64 yrs.

W. DeGroff departed this life Mar. 26, 1856; aged 32 yrs., 3 mo., an 1 da.

Jane DeGroff died Nov, 14, 1895, in her 70th year, 69 years, 10 months Charlotte DeGroff, wife of Edward Flagler, departed this life in her 60th year.

Annie DeGroff, wife of Abner Seaman, Departed this life March 11, 1888; aged 58 yrs., 9 mo., 16 da. *A small piece of paper, also found in this Bible, contains the following informatIon: Robert DeGroff was born August 6, 1821, in the Town of Hyde Park; Died July 28, 1818, in the Town of Pleasant Valley.

VELIE FAMILY BIBLE THE HOLY BIBLE; Containing the Old and New Testaments, . . . Hartford: S. Andrus and Sons, 1843.

The Bible is owned by Margaret DeGroff King (Mrs. John F. King, Jr.) of Pleasant Valley, New York.

MARRIAGES Minard M. Velie and Ann Eliza Brown was married September 30th, 1834 Samuel A. McCord and Mrs. Ann Eliza Velie Married September 1852 51

BIRTHS Minard M. Velie born December 14, 1808, Town of Lagrange, Dutchess Count, N.Y. Ann Eliza Brown born June 23, 1814, at Peekskill, Westchester County, N.Y. Edgar Brown Velie born December 11, 1835, Town of Pleasant Valley, Dut. Co., N.Y. Ann Eliza Velie born November 2, 1837, Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York George Washington Velie born February 20, 1839, Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York Emma S. Velie born April 9, 1840, Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York Cordelia Ann Velie born July 22, 1842, Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie, New York Joseph W. Velie born October 4, 1843, 671 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. Frank Velie born September 1, 1845, 37 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie, New York Charles Velie born March 2, 1847, 37 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie, New York Augusta and Anna McCord, twin sisters, born May 20, 1855, Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N.Y. DEATHS Minard M. Velie Died December 28th, 1848; aged 40 years, Pleasant Valley, N.Y. George W. Velie Died November 25, 1863; Aged 25 years, Fort Magruder, Va. Samuel A. McCord Died December 25th, 1874; Aged 64 years, Pleasant Valley, N.Y. Joseph W. Velie Died Saturday, August 17th, 1878; Aged 34 yr. 10 mo. 13 da., at Chappaqua, New York Charles Velie Died September 20th, 1878, in the 31st yr. of his age, at New Orleans.

Rena DeGroff Died Ash Wednesday, 1886, at One O'clock, March 10th; Aged 18 yrs., at Pleasant Valley.

Ann Eliza Brown McCord Died October 3rd, 1891, at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., N.Y.; Aged 77 Years, 10 months, 5 days Anna McCord Died October 4, 1897, at Salt Point, N.Y., in the 42nd year of her age.

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Stephen Briggs on Thursday drove a velocipede from this city to Washington Hollow in one hour and fifty minutes, including a stop at Pleasant Valley.

Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, September 18, 1869

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Mechanic Society. The members of the Mechanic Society are requested to meet this evening at the house of Ebenezer Baldwin at early candle lighting.

Political Barometer, September 23, 1807

52

OCCASIONAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE

DUTCHESS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1916—PAMPHLET, Troutbeck, A Dutchess County Homestead; by Charles E. Benton. Out of print.

1924—CoLLEcnoNs,VoL. I; Poughkeepsie, The Origin and Meaning of the Word; by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $5.00) 1924—CoLLEcTioNs, VoL. II; Old Gravestones of Dutchess County, New York; collected and edited by J. Wilson Poucher, M.D., and Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $20.00) 1928—COLLECTIONS, VOL. III; Records of the Town of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York; edited by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Edition exhausted.

1930—COLLECTIONS, VOL. IV; Notices of Marriages and Deaths in Newspapers printed at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 1778-1825; compiled and edited by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. (Price $5.00) 1932—COLLECTIONS, VOL. V; Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of New Hackensack, Dutchess County, New York; edited by Maria Bockee Carpenter Tower. (Price $10.00) 1938—COLLECTIONS, VOL. VI; Eighteenth Century Records of the portion of Dutchess County, New York that was included in Rombout Precinct and the original Town of Fishkill. Collected

by William Willis Reese. Edited by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds.

(Price: $10.00) 1940—COLLECTIONS, VOL. VII; Records of Crum Elbow Precinct, Dutchess County. Edited by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

(Price: $15.00) 1958—COLLECTIONS, VOL. VIII; Family Vista, the Memoirs of Margaret Chanler Aldrich. (Price $1.00) A few copies of some of the above publications are available at the prices listed. For information address: Dutchess County Historical Society, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 53