Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 064 1979

ATTEMPTS AT MINING IN PLEASANT VALLEY

by Clifford M. Buck In an issue of the Red Hook Journal Star in 1878, there appeared the following item: "Mr. Michael Hernon, a farmer residing 2 miles east of the village of Pleasant Valley, while digging for iron ore on his farm formerly owned by Jacob Rice, at the depth of 20 feet discovered a bed of coal which has the appearance of being very extensive. The coal has been tested by some of the neighbors, and pronounced to be of very good Quality."

In deed Liber 188:471, July 25, 1877, Jacob Rice and Cordelia of Pleasant Valley for $16,000 sold to Rosanna Hernon of Rhinecliff 3 parcels of land in Pleasant Valley: Parcel 1. 88 acres, 1 rood, 21 perches.

Parcel 2. 134 acres, except 4 acres sold to Philo Rice.

Parcel 3. 37 acres, 37 roods.

In deed Liber 188:485, July 25, 1877, Michael and Rosanna Hernon of Rhinecliff sold for $10,000 to Jacob Rice property in Rhinecliff.

In deed Liber 199:415, March 1, 1880, Rosanna Hernon of Pleasant Valley leased to John H. Hebert of New York City the right to enter for searching for minerals and fossil substances and conducting mining and quarrying operations but not within 500 feet of buildings. Proceed at once on shaft number one 35 feet deep and shaft number two 40 feet deep.

She gives right to purchase for $46,000 within one year.

Will pay 50 a ton of 2240 pounds for metals or minerals except gold, silver, or copper, that to be 1/10 of profit.

To be weighed in Pleasant Valley. Royalty to be paid quarterly. Rent to be $300 per year.

Mortgage 173:485, August 26, 1879, Rosanna Hernon to Bridget Hernon of Saugerties $600 on land described in deed 188:471.

Mortgage 175:96, February 25, 1880, Bridget Hernon assigns this mortgage of $600 to John H. Hebert. (Note that both of these mortgages are before above lease.)

Deed 203:8, November 27, 1880, Benjamin Fowler, referee to Mary A. Sleight; court action October 7, 1880, of Mary. A. Sleight vs. Rosanna Hernon for debts owed which also involved rights of T. Van Wyck Brinckerhoff and Cordelia and Michael Hernon. Sold at auction November 22, 1880, and the highest bidder was Mary A. Sleight for $3700.

There are no transactions to indicate how or why Rosanna Hernon became indebted to Mary Sleight. It is known that Mary A. Sleight was active in the Poughkeepsie Iron Company.

Nothing further is heard of Mr. Hebert. Apparently the mining operation was not successful and it was realized in less than 8 months. Deed 219:300, November 17, 1884, Mary A. Sleight sold to william R. Van Keuren for $3200, 133 acres, 1 roods, 19 perches.

Deed 235:394, March 26, 1888, William R. Van Keuren of San Francisco and Nellie of Pleasant Valley sold to James Hadden for $3900, 133a.-1r.-19p.

Deed 295:190, February 26, 1898, James Hadden and Lucinda sold to Mary E. Goodsell of New York City, 133a.-1r.19p.