Craft Masonry in Columbia County, New York - Onondaga and ...

Craft Masonry in Columbia County, New York 

Compiled by R.’.W.’. Gary L. Heinmiller 

Director, Onondaga & Oswego Masonic Districts Historical Societies (OMDHS) 

www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com 

July 2010 

Additions and corrections are Fraternally welcomed 

Note: Lodges with a “c” following the Number were ‘Country Lodges.’ Lodges in Blue type are currently active. 

1786 - Columbia County was formed from portions of Albany 

County. 

1799 - the southern boundary of Columbia County was moved 

southward to include that portion of Livingston Manor located in 

Dutchess County. 

SPENCERTOWN 

Columbia County 

No. Lodge Name Village Chartered Notes 

7, 13, 15 Hudson Hudson City 7 Mar 1787 43 No. 13, 1787, No. 15, 1823; No 12, 1831; No. 7 in 

1839 

9, 13, 17 Unity New Lebanon 18 Sep 1788 prev. No. 17 in 1817; No. 13 in 1830; No. 9 in 1839 

Springs 

44 Canaan Canaan 03-26-1796 forfeit 1833; successor to Canaan No 44 was 

Eureka No 98, 6 Jun 1844; surrendered ca 5 Jul 

1851; revived as Columbia No. 98, 24 Jun 1852 

98 Eureka Chatham 6 Jun 1844 successor of Canaan No. 44, 1798; Forfeit 1833; 

surrendered 6 Jun 1844; successor to Canaan No 

44 was Eureka No 98, 6 Jun 1844; surrendered ca 5 

Jul 1851; revived as Columbia No. 98, 24 Jun 1852 

98 Columbia Chatham Four 

Corners 

24 Jun 1852 successor of Canaan No. 44, 1798; Forfeit 1833; 

surrendered 6 Jun 1844; successor to Canaan No 

44 was Eureka No 98, 6 Jun 1844; surrendered ca 5 

Jul 1851; revived as Columbia No. 98, 24 Jun 1852; 

consolidated with Agawamuck No. 841, 27 Apr 

1999, retaining Columbia No. 98 

99 Vernon Hillsdale 06-04-1803 *** 

101 Columbia Claverack 06-30-1803 ceased to work [not in 1818 Monitor] 

125 Friendship Hillsdale & Copake 11 Jun 1847 **** no returns after 1849; surrendered 1862; succeeded 

by Hillsdale Lodge No. 612 ca 1866. 

159 St. Tammany Hudson 10 Jun 1807 warrant dated 2 Sep 1807; Listed in Jun 1817 & 

1818 but not on the 1819 Grand Lodge listing. 

192/168 Charity Spencer[town] 07-13-1810 * 

222 Clermont Clermont 07-14-1813 ‘ceased to work’ per 1817 & 1818 GL listings 

335 Widow's Son Clermont 29 Jun 1854 

362 Valatie Kinderhook / 22 Jun 1855 

Valatie 

374 Monumental Tivoli / Red Hook ca 1855 Dutchess Co.; Columbia District 

403c Columbia Taghionick 06-04-1824 30 Taghkanic or Taghkonic 

480 Webotuk Millerton ca Jun 1859 * aka Webutuck; Dutchess Co.; Columbia District; first 

1

Master was Dr. Lucius P. Woods. 

612 Hillsdale Hilldale ca 1866 prev. Friendship Lodge No. 125 

615 Stissing Pine Plains ca 1866 Dutchess Co.; Columbia District; 

surrendered 2009 

509 Lindenwald Styuvesant Falls 14 Jun 1861 *** 

700 Aquila Chatham ca 1870 

841 Agawamuck Philmont ca 1902 consolidated with Columbia No. 98, 27 Apr 1999, to 

become Columbia No. 98; rem. to Chatham, NY 

Hudson Lodge No. 7, Hudson City, New York 

CHARTER: Petition presented on March 17, 1787; in May following a warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge, and the first 

officers were installed at Albany in June, 1787, by the Senior Grand Warden, PETER W. YATES, as follows: 

Seth Jenkins, Worshipful Master. 

Jared Coffin, Senior Warden. 

David Lawrence, Junior Warden. 

Samuel Mansfield, Treasurer. 

Daniel Gano, Secretary. 

Thomas Frothingham, Senior Deacon. 

Simeon Stoddard, Junior Deacon. 

Shubal Worth, Steward. 

Benj. Chace, Steward. 

NUMBER: No. 13, 1787; No. 15, 1823; No. 12, 1831; No. 7, 1839. 

MINUTES: From December 4, 1797, to December, 1823, lost. Said to have been destroyed by fire. Names of Masters for those 

years, on list which follows, taken from an old copy of Lodge's by-laws. 

Published: December 23, 1871 - Copyright © The New York Times 

Capt. Paddock was a man of wealth, energetic and benevolent. He retired from the seas in 1807. Nearly every one is familiar with 

the narrative of his shipwreck on the coast of Barbary and subsequent confinement among the Arabs, published many years ago *, 

and recently re-published in the columns of the Hudson Gazette. Previous to this he was engaged in trade with the West Indies, 

afterwards with Liverpool and Russia. He died in the year 1822. Both Judah and Laban, who recently died, an old and greatly 

respected citizen, for almost four score years identified with the history of Hudson, were sons of Stephen Paddock, one of the 

original proprietors. There is preserved in the Masonic Lodge of this city, a sword presented prior to 1800, to Judah Paddock, by the 

Empress Catharine, of Russia, for rleeiving a Russian man-of-war when in distress, and by him presented to the Lodge, of which he 

was one of the earliest members, in 1807, "as a token of his high regard for masonry." 

* a copy of his account, “A narrative of the shipwreck of the Oswego, on the coast of South Barbary, and of the sufferings of the 

master and the crew while in bondage among the Arabs: interspersed with numerous remarks upon the country and its inhabitants, 

and the peculiar perils of that coast,” by Judah Paddock, 1818, 372 pages, may be read at: 

http://books.google.com/books?id=k2tGAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22JUDAH+PADDOCK%22+%22barbary%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s 

----- 

On his return to America, Joseph Brant became a key figure in securing the loyalty of other Iroquois tribes in fighting for the British 

against the ‘rebels', and it was during the war that Joseph Brant entered into Masonic legend. After the surrender of the ‘rebel' 

forces at the Battle of the Cedars on the St. Lawrence River in 1776, Brant famously saved the life of a certain Captain John 

McKinstry, a charter member of Hudson Lodge No.7 of New York, who was about to be burned at the stake. Remembering that 

Brant was a Freemason, and Mc Kinstry, certainly in distress, gave him a Masonic sign - that Brant recognized - which secured 

McKinstry's release and subsequent good treatment. McKinstry and Brant remained friends for life. His brother Col. Charles 

McKinstry was member of Vernon Lodge No. 99, Hillsdale, New York [q.v.]. 

MASTERS 

1787. Seth Jenkins. 




1791. Thomas Frothingham 





1796. Samuel Edmonds. 


1798. Benjamin Allen. 

1799. Daniel Fowler. 

1800. Daniel Fowler. 

1801. John W. Edmonds. 

1802. Thomas Blank. 

1803. A. G. Barnard. 

1804. Philip White. 


1806. Campbell Bushnell. 



1825. Thomas F. King. 

1826. Thomas F. King. 

1827. Cyrus Curtiss. 




1831. L. U. Lawrence. 

1832. E. C. Thurston. 

1833. E. C. Thurston. 




1837. Stephen A. Coffin. 

1838. Stephen A. Coffin. 

1839. Richard Carrique. 





1844. Peter G. Coffin. 

1845. Peter G. Coffin. 

1846. Ichabod Rogers. 

2

1847. Ichabod Rogers. 

1848. Cornelius Bortle. 



1851. James Batchellor. 



1854. George Barker. 

1855. William A. Carpenter. 


1857. George C. Tolley. 

1858. Cornelius Esselstyn. 










1868. Frederick M. Best. 



1871. Almon Snyder. 

1872. Almon Snyder. 

1873. Edward P. Magoun. 

1874. Edward P. Magoun. 

1875. Henry Kertz. 

1876. Henry Kertz. 

1877. Aaron Colton. 


1879. Richard Kidney. 


1881. Samuel G. Bowles. 





1886. Frank T. Punderson. 

1887. Frank T. Punderson. 

1888. George G. Miller. 



1891. Bert Speed. 


1893. H. A. Hallenbeck. 

1894. H. A. Halleubeck. 

1895. Morris Van De Bogart. 

1896. Morris Van De Bogart. 

1897. Ruluf Neefus. 



1900. Weasel Ten Broeck. 

1901. Wessel Ten Broeck. 

1902. Alonzo M. Briggs. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICIALS. 

Richard Carrique, Senior Grand Warden. 

Cornelius Esselstyn, Commissioner of Appeals. 

Edward L. Gaul, Commissioner of Appeals. 

Edward P. Magoun, District Deputy Grand Master. 

Samuel G. Bowles, District Deputy Grand Master. 

George G. Miller, District Deputy Grand Master. 

HISTORICAL NOTES: Copy of Minutes of meeting, December 18, 1786: 

"A number of Antient Free and Accepted Masons having removed to this city which is at so great a distance from the Lodges to 

which they belonged that it is impossible for most, and very inconvenient for others, to give a due attendance and are thereby 

deprived of the many benefits which result from an Intercourse with a well regulated Lodge; from a desire to remove these obstacles 

as well as the advancement of the Royal Craft they met at the house of BRO. JOHN McKlNSTRY and agreed to draught (and forward 

by BRO. DANIEL GANO) a petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, praying that a warrant be granted for the purpose of 

making, passing, and raising Free Masons." 

The second meeting was held at the house of BRO. McKlNSTRY, March 25, 1787. The following brethren were present: 

Jared Coffin. Wm. Wall. Theo. Worthingham. Thos. Worth. 

Joseph Hamilton. Dan'l Gano. Benj. Chace Shubal Worth. 

John McKinstry. Root. Worth. Joseph Olney. David Lawrence. 

John Thurston. Seth Jenkins. Samuel Jenkins. Samuel Mansfield. 

John Penoyer. Robert Folger. Isaac Bateman. 

There is in possession of the Lodge a Russian sword with the following inscription: "This sword was presented by the Empress of 

Russia in 1802 to Capt. JUDAH PADDOCK, for relieving a Russian man-of-war when in distress, as memento of honor and by him to 

Hudson Lodge, No. 7, in 1809 or 1810, as a token of his high regard for Masonry. Vivat Catharina." 

SAINT JOHN'S DAY: The first celebration of the Festival of St. John 

the Evangelist was in 1787. "An elegant oration" was delivered by EZEKIEL GILBERT, after which Lodge proceeded to the house of 

Br. JOSEPH GORDON, where dinner was served. The Festival of St. John the Baptist was first celebrated in 1788, "At which time, a 

sensible and well adapted oration" was delivered by Dr. LEVI WHEATON. 

Up to 1840, one—and some years both—festivals were observed. Since that date, we find but one record, 1842, when the 

Lodge joined with a Lodge in Troy, NY. 

ST. JOHN'S HALL: The corner-stone of St. John's Hall was laid June 12, 1795, by Br. EBEN RAND; W.'. THOMAS FROTHINGHAM 

delivered an oration and thirty-three brethren attended. The building was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, December 27, 1796. 

"After which procession moved to the Presbyterian meeting house, the use of which had been granted by the trustees after much 

hesitation, and not until after the Lodge agreed that an oration should be delivered instead of the preaching of a sermon as at first 

intended, where prayer was offered by Br. EBNEST; followed by an oration by Br. GARDNER. From church they proceeded to house 

of Br. GARDNER, where dinner was served; then to Lodge room, where the Lodge was closed. BRO. ANDREW MAYFIELD CARSHOBE 

was master of ceremonies for the day." In early years the installation of officers was public, always followed by a dinner. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/hudson2/lodge7.htm 

HUDSON LODGE, NO. 7, F&AM, HUDSON, COLUMBIA, NY, by Captain Franklin Ellis,1878. 

The petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, praying for the charter, which was afterwards granted to this lodge, was 

dated 18 Dec 1786, and was signed by: 

Seth Jenkins, 

Jared Coffin, 

Joseph Hamilton, 

John McKinstry, 

John Thurston, 

John Penoyer, 

Joseph Olney, 

Shubael Worth, 

Isaac Bateman, 

Thomas Worth, 

William Wall, 

Daniel Gano, 

Thomas Frothingham, 

Robert Folger, 

David Lawrence, 

Benjamin Chace, 

Lemuel Jenkins, 

Samuel Mansfield. 

The petition was presented by Daniel Gano on 17 Mar 1787. In the month of May following, a warrant, as prayed for, was issued by 

the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and the first officers were installed at Albany in June, 1787, as follows: Seth Jenkins, 

WM; Jared Coffin, SW; David Lawrence, JW; Samuel Mansfield, Treas.; Daniel Gano, Secy.; Thomas Frothingham, SD; Simeon 

Stoddard, JD; Shubael Worth, Benjamin Chace, Stewards. 

The first meeting was held 18 Dec 1786, at the house of John McKinstry.* First by-laws were adopted 28 Jun 1787. The lodge was 

chartered as No. 13 in 1787; became No. 15 in 1823; No. 12 in 1831;† and No. 7, as at present, in 1839. 

In 1795 the proprietors of Hudson granted to this lodge a lot of land on the southeast corner of Union and Third streets, for the 

purpose of erecting thereon a building suitable for their use; the conditions of the grant being that the building should be not less 

than 25 by 50 feet, that it should be completed within two years, and that it should never be used as a tavern. 

3

The corner-stone of the building was laid 12 Jun 1795, and it was dedicated with imposing ceremonies 27 Dec 1796. It was 

considered an ornament, and very creditable to the lodge and the city. On 4 Jul 1829, it was partially destroyed by fire, but was 

rebuilt as St. John's Hall, which still remains the property of the lodge and their place of meeting. 

The officers of the lodge for 1878 were Aaron Colton, WM; William H. Spanburgh, SW; William A. Spaulding, JW ; W. S. Wattles, 

Treas.; Charles S. Champlin, Secy.; John K. Vosburgh, SD; William T. Miller, JD; Frank A. Punderson, SMC; John K. Vosburgh, 

Organist; W. R. Elting, Marshal; J. W. Kenyon, Tiler. 

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* The same John McKinstry, who, having been taken prisoner at the battle of the Cedars, in 1776, was saved from torture and death 

by Captain Brant, the Mohawk chief. 

† Through the persevering efforts of some of its members (particularly Mr. Stephen A. Coffin) the lodge preserved its organization 

through the anti-Masonic warfare. 

‡ Richard Carrique was, at the time of his death (1849), Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. He was 

interred by the Grand Lodge, which body also erected a monument to his memory in the Hudson Cemetery. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/charles-best-benson/the-family-of-best-in-america-of-holland-descent--with-copiousbiographical-not-sne/page-6-the-family-of-best-in-america-of-holland-descent--with-copious-biographical-not-sne.shtml 

Frederick M. Best, son of Jeremiah Best; m. 3 Dec 1838, Margaret Dunspaugh, b. 28 Mar 1818, and had: 

i. Carry D. b. 24 Mar 1841; d. 2 May 1867; m. Charles C. Lester. 

ii. Alice G., b. 22 Mar 1848; m. 7 Oct 1869, Alonzo C. Waltermire, of NYC, b. 7 Nov 1845. Resided 2 E. Court St., Hudson, NY. 

Frederick was Past Master of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM. Enlisted from Taghkanick, 19 Sep 1862, 159th Regt., Co. G. He was 

Postmaster at Johnstown for some time. 

BEST, MARTIN.—Age, 41 years. Enlisted, 19 Sep 1862, at Taghkanick, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. G, 1 

Nov1862; discharged by order of supreme court, 19 Nov 1862, at New York city. [Note: Frederick M. is not listed in this Roster] 

Jeremiah Best, son of Johannes J. Best; m. at Claverack, 3 Jul 1808, Margaret Miller, of Claverack, b. 1 Jun 1789; d. 14 Dec 1873, 

in her 85th year. Issue: 

328 John Abraham, b. 01 Nov 1809; d. 4 Jul 1854. 

329 Elizabeth, b. 18 Apr 1811; d. Jan 1896; m. John H. Smith. 

330 Christiana, b. 03 Mar 1813; d. 21 May 1894; m. Samuel Bachman. 

331 Stephen E., b. 23 Jul 1815; d. 26 Sep 1898. Single. 

332 Frederick M., b. 29 Sep 1817; m. Margaret Dunspaugh; d. 12 Dec 1892. 

333 Gertrude, b. 27 Oct 1819; m. Baltus B. Van Slyke. 

334 Martin, b. 28 Apr 1821; m. Louisa Traver; d. 8 Nov 1877. 

335 Lucy, b. 16 Jul 1823; m. Wilson Ham; d. 15 Jun 1872. 

336 Andrew K., b. 05 Jan 1826; m. Emily Harrison; d. Sep, 1857. 

337 Margaret Jane, b. 29 Dec 1828; m. Stephen H. Shutts; d. 13 Oct 1883. 

Jeremiah Best took part in the War of 1812; was commissioned Ensign, in the 15th Regt., April, 1814. Of the military organizations 

existing in Columbia County prior to the War of 181 2, we obtain some idea from an old brigade order, signed by Joseph Lord, as 

Brigade-Major, and issued by command of Brig. -Gen. Samuel Ten Broeck, under date of Aug. 10, 1806, directing that a review and 

inspection of his brigade be held near the tavern of Jacob Moul, in Claverack, on the 2nd of September, in that year. 

The 15th Regiment, in which Jeremiah Best was, afterwards, an Ensign, was one of the commands mentioned in the order. The 

said brigade was still under the command of Gen. Ten Broeck at the opening of the war. 

Jeremiah Best was a resident of the town of Taghkanick, and a communicant of the Dutch Church at Johnstown. He was elected 

Deacon, Apr. 18, 1813; a delegate to the Classis at Hopeville, Sept. 26, 1835, as an Elder; chosen Treasurer of the church, in place 

of John Van Deusen, resigned, Apr. 8, 1837; Elder, again, 1837; delegate to Classis, at Poughkeepsie, April 8, 1837; Secundus to 

Claverack, Oct. 12, 1846; delegate to Mellenville, in the same year. From the Minutes, we have the following: "Resolved that 

Jeremiah Best and William Gardner be requested to act as a committee to collect funds to defray the expenses of the repairs of the 

church at Johnstown"; dated, May 4, 1831. On Sept. 3, 1830, Elder Robert I. Van Deusen was "appointed member of committee on 

Discipline," in place of (152) Jeremiah Best, whose term had expired. On Feb. II, 1832, (152) Jeremiah Best and others "were 

appointed a Committee to sell a lot of land belonging to the church and to purchase another lot and to build a parsonage." Under 

date of Dec. 10, 1831, we find: "Resolved that the Consistory make application to the Legislature of the State of New York, at the 

approaching session, for permission to sell the lot belonging to the Reformed Dutch Church of Linkthgow [sic] for the purpose of 

purchasing a parsonage and in case the petition is granted that the consistory proceed to sell the same." 

Jeremiah Best and another were appointed a committee to draw up the request. On Aug. 20, 1836, we find him, again, on a 

"committee to carry into effect the repairing and making presentable the church." Three of his sons served in the Civil War. Stephen 

E. enlisted at Hudson, Oct. 4, 1862, Co. I, 159th Regt. Martin enlisted at Taghkanick, Co. G, same Regt. Frederick M. enlisted at 

Taghkanick, at the same time, in same Co. and Regt. as his brother Martin. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/b2_surnames.htm 

Abram Frank Bogardus, son of Abram, and grandson of Richard Bogardus, was born in Hudson, 25 Nov 1865. Richard Bogardus 

was one of the pioneers of Claverack, where he was a lifelong farmer, and where his son Abram was born 6 Aug 1826. He was 

married to Helen Ten Broeck, and for thirty years, from 1855 to 1885, was one of the foremost business men of Hudson, carrying on 

a mercantile and river transportation business to a large extent. He died 6 Feb 1885. A. Frank Bogardus received his education in 

the public schools of Hudson, and began his business career in 1885 as a member of the firm of Van Wyck & Bogardus, who were 

engaged in the wholesale and retail coal trade, which they conducted until l894, when Mr. Bogardus purchased the interest of J. B. 

Jones and joined the latter's partner in the firm of Downing & Bogardus in dealing in flour, feed, hay, grain, and straw, doing a very 

4

extensive retail and wholesale trade. Mr. Bogardus is vice-president of the Columbia County Agricultural and Horticultural 

Association, is an ex-member of the 23rd Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y., a member of Hudson Lodge No. 700 [sic – No. 7 or 

Aquila No. 700?], F&AM, of the Lincoln Republican Club, and the Hudson Masonic Club. In 1890 he was married to Phoebe Bussey, 

who died in 1897. Mr. Bogardus is a young man of sterling character, active and honorable in business, and interested in every 

movement that promises to benefit his native city or its institutions. 

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Noah Harrison Browning, son of Charles Browning and Mary L. Harrison, born at Chatham, NY, 30 Jun 1863. Mr. Browning is of 

English and Huguenot descent on the paternal side and of English descent on the maternal side, the ancestors on the part of the 

father having settled in Rhode Island and on the part of the mother in Connecticut, long prior to the Revolution. The paternal 

ancestors for several generations have been Quakers or members of the Society of Friends. Noah was educated in the public 

schools at Chatham, NY, at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, and in the law department of the University of Michigan, and 

was admitted to the bar of the State of Michigan in June, 1886. In October, 1886, he removed to Hudson, N. Y., where he entered 

the law office of C. P. & F. J. Collier, and was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in Feb 1888. He immediately commenced 

the practice of law at Hudson, and remained with the firm of C. P. & F. J. Collier until Jan 1893, when he became a member of the 

law firm of Collier, Collier & Browning. The firm is engaged in the general practice of the law, and the firms of C. P. & F. J. Collier, 

and of Collier, Collier, & Browning, its successor, have always maintained a high professional reputation. Mr. Browning became 

secretary of the Columbia Agricultural and Horticultural Association in 1892 and has taken an active interest in the affairs of the 

society. He has not been active in politics, but has always been a consistent Republican. He is a member of the University Club of 

Hudson, of the Lincoln Republican Club, and of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM. 27 Jul 1893 he married Sarah Macy Rivenburgh, of 

Hudson, NY, d/o Jacob M. Rivenburgh and Elizabeth Macy; one child, a son, Philip Macy Browning, b. 15 Mar 1899. 

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Richard Carrique – see Appendix I 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/e_surname_bios.htm 

Peter Engel, of Ghent, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 20 Jun 1847, a son of Philip and Mary Ann Engle, who emigrated to this 

country in 1852 and to Columbia county two years later. They had five children: Barbara, Frederika, Philip A., Peter, and Margaret. 

By occupation Philip was a miller and a millwright which he followed until his death in 1877, at the age of 72 years. Peter Engel was 

educated in the schools of Stockport and Ghent and assisted his father in the mill. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of 

his brother Philip, with whom he was five years, then took charge of the mill. In 1890 he purchased a farm of 100 acres, and has 

greatly improved the sawmill; has also added a cider and vinegar mill. He is president of the Town of Ghent Insurance, of which he 

has been director five years; was highway commissioner one term, and town clerk one year. Mr. Engel is a member of Hudson 

Lodge No. 7, F&AM, and Chapter and Lafayette Commandery No. 7. 13 Sep 1870, he married Eliza C., d/o Jacob and Josephine 

Gearing; they have four children: Ida Annie, wife of Wilson E. Tipple; Margaret, wife of C. Ward Ostrander; Edwin T., and Henry. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/f_surnames_1900.htm 

George H. Finch, was born in the town of Ancram, 29 May 1863, son of George W. Finch and Olive Hayes, who had six 

children: Obed, Lebbeus, George H., May, wife of Fred B. Keller Augusta V., and Hugh, deceased. Mr. Finch was educated in the 

common schools of his town, and when eighteen years of age started in life for himself as a clerk in the general mercantile store of 

J. E. Strever and later entered the employ of A. C. Niver, of Ancram Lead Mines. In 1882 his father died and the three brothers, 

Obed, Lebbeus, and George H., formed a co-partnership and purchased the general store at Ancram, which was later owned by W. 

J. Edelman. In 1890 Mr. Finch disposed of his interest and purchased the store at Taghkanic, and dealt in general merchandise, 

farm implements, wagons, etc. He owned two farms, which contained about 350 acres, and made a specialty of dairy farming. On 

29 Apr 1886, he married Bertha Bashford, d/o Henry and Caroline (Sheldon) Bashford. He was active in town and county affairs and 

when 21 years of age was elected town clerk of the town of Ancram and served three terms as supervisor of the town of Taghkanic. 

Mr. Finch was a member of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM, and a liberal supporter of the Lutheran church at Taghkanic. 

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Thomas Frothingham 

http://www.frothingham.us/Thomas%20Frothingham%20Letter.htm 

The following transcription came from Don Frothingham, who received it from his grandfather, Donald Y. Frothingham. The elder 

Donald passed on a great deal of information about Thomas Frothingham and his descendants. This letter was in the possession of 

the Archbald family of Pennsylvania, probably through Thomas’s daughter, Augusta, who married James Archbald. It is believed to 

have been written by Thomas Frothingham (1755-1827) to his son Gideon, about 1810. 

My dear son: 

As an outline of the general course of my life may not, at some future time be unacceptable to you, you must know that I am the 

second son of William Frothingham and that I was born 27 th of January 1755. At or about seven years of age, I was put to a 

common reading school and soon after to writing and common arithmetic , where I continued until between 14 and 15, when I was 

put apprentice to Benjamin Frothingham to learn the trade of cabinet maker, with whom I remained until the 19 th April 1775. 

The public mind had been a long time much agitated at the oppressive acts of the British government and the youth of the country, 

everywhere alert to learn the military art, a number of my age and acquaintance had associated and formed a company of artillery, 

and to perfect ourselves in the exercises we got a wooden gun and had it mounted on a carriage, procured the necessary 

implements and deposited them in a secret place, where we held our meetings and got such instructors as were at that time to be 

procured, by whose instruction we had become some acquainted with the management of artillery. After the 19 th April hostilities 

having commenced and the country beginning to form themselves into the form of an army, my master having taken a commission 

as Lt. of Artillery under Capt. Chadwick, an old experienced engineer, I enlisted into the company for 8 months. In Jan’y 76, my term 

5

of office being out, I was entreated by Lt. Frothingham, who was then appointed Captain of the company, to enter for one year and 

was promised promotion, as on enlistment the most of the old company would enlist. The company was soon again formed, and in 

April following was marched to New York. In June I was placed in the laboratory, then conducted by Capt. Corsin, the most 

experienced fireworker to be found in the colonies. On the retreat of our army from N.Y. in the September following, I was appointed 

Conductor of Military Stores, which office I held until the month of Sep 1779, when I was appointed by the Board of War a Field 

Deputy Commissary of Military Stores, and the post assigned to me was West Point, which office I held until the close of the war. 

In 1784, then in New York, I formed a connection in trade with Benjamin Gorton, who told me of an intended mercantile settlement 

on the North River at Claverack Landing, afterward incorporated the City of Hudson. He immediately went forward and engaged a 

lot of ground and procured the materials necessary for a store, and on the 13 th September the same year, I joined him at the 

Landing, and we proceeded to erect the store. We continued the connection about six years and then by mutual consent, dissolved. 

The store and stock coming into my hands, I continued the business until 1805, when a number of gentlemen had associated 

themselves to establish a glass manufactory somewhere easterly from Albany, and I was invited by a worthy friend (one of the 

associates) to take the management of the establishment, and on the 5 th of July the same year, I commenced my agency. 

http://www.frothingham.us/ged/grpf0456.html 

Thomas Frothingham, b. 27 Jan 1755; d. 25 Jun 1827 in Sand Lake, NY; son of William FROTHINGHAM and Hannah HEWSON; 

m. 27 Sep 1785 in Cambridge, MA, Elizabeth FROST, b. 15 Nov 1760; d. 26 Dec 1843; d/o Gideon FROST and Sarah IRELAND; 

both bur. Sand Lake Cemetery, Sand Lake, NY 

Children: 

01 Elizabeth FROTHINGHAM b. 18 May 1787; d.14 Sep 1849; m. Howland FISH 

02 John Frost FROTHINGHAM b. 19 Feb 1789 in New York; d.30 Jan 1868; m.Jane Ann DODGE 

03 Walter FROTHINGHAM b. 04 Dec 1790; d. 9 Dec 1795 

04 Maria FROTHINGHAM b. 16 Oct 1792; d.12 Oct 1795 

05 Gideon FROTHINGHAM b. 06 Aug 1794 in New York; d.30 Jan 1871; m.Lucy Cutter FROST 

06 William Walter FROTHINGHAM b. 21 Sep 1796; d. 27 Jan 1876; m. Lucretia GREGORY 

07 Martha FROTHINGHAM b. 06 Apr 1800; d.17 Apr 1800 

08 Martha Ann FROTHINGHAM b. 28 Feb 1801; d. 9 Nov 1802 

09 Sarah Augusta FROTHINGHAM b. 14 Sep 1805 in Hudson, NY; d. 5 Jul 1874; m. James ARCHBALD IV 

----- 

Daniel Gano 

Ref: “Biographical memoirs of the late Rev. John Gano, of Frankfort (Kentucky ...,” by John Gano 

http://books.google.com/books?id=PFYwAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=fal 

se 

Daniel Gano was b. 11 Nov 1758 in NC, the son of Rev. John Gano. See Appenix II below for much more on this interesting family. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/g_surnames_1900.htm 

Thomas H. Gantley, of Hudson, b. in New York city, 7 Jan 1820, son of Daniel W. Gantley, a dry goods merchant, and grandson of 

Prosper Hosmer, who was one of the early settlers of the city of Hudson. Thomas H. Gantley came to Hudson in 1840, and has 

been engaged in farming and in railroading in the West. He served three terms as alderman in Hudson. For sixty years He has been 

identified with the growth and progress of Hudson, and has always maintained a reputation for enterprise, integrity, and excellent 

common sense, He was married to Martha A., d/o John Weir, of Hudson, in 1844. He is a member of Lodge No. 7, F&AM. 

----- 

Ibid. 

Peter Stalker Garvey, D. D. S, of Hudson, NY, was born in Chatham, Columbia, NY, 4 Nov 1850. His father, Allen Garvey, was 

also a native of Chatham, of which town his grandfather, Cornelius, was an early settler. Allen Garvey was married to Elizabeth 

Stalker, d/o Jesse Stalker. His lifework was devoted to paper manufacturing and farming. Dr. Peter S. Garvey was educated in the 

public schools. He studied dentistry and received from the State Dental Society the degree of Master of Dental Surgery. He first 

practiced his profession in Lebanon, NY, but in 1883 removed to Hudson, where he occupies a prominent position in the ranks of 

the dental profession, his experience of nearly a quarter of a century making him a skillful and thorough practitioner. He is a member 

of the Third District Dental Society of New York State, of the New York State Dental Society, and of Masonic Lodge No. 7, and Past 

Master of Unity Lodge No. 9, of Lebanon Springs. In 1878 he was married to Cynthia A., d/o Ripley and Hila Hunt, of East Nassau, 

Rensselaer, NY. 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/he_hu_surnames_1900.htm 

William H. Horton, of Claverack, was born in Mellenville, 12 Apr 1846, son of Mandeville Horton and Sarah Miller. His early 

education was received in the district school, the Hudson River Institute and the Academy at Hudson. At the age of fifteen Mr. 

Horton was appointed station agent of the Hudson branch of the B. & A. R. R. at Mellenville, and held that position till 1900. Mr. 

Horton is a member of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM, also Lafayette Commandery No. 7. He married Dora, d/o Frederic and 

Margaret (Osterhout) Lampman, who bore him three children: Louise, Charles M., b. 1 Jun 1875, m. Kathryn Redmond, of Philmont, 

and John M., b. 13 Dec 1887. 

----- 

6

Ibid. 

Jacob H. Hoystradt, was born in Ancram, NY, on the farm, 10 Nov 1858, son of Henry H. Hoystradt Maria Strever, who had four 

children: George W., Jacob H., Martin J., and Perry, all born on the homestead. Henry H. was a son of Jacob and Betsey (Smith) 

Hoysradt, whose three children were Maria Roraback, Henry H., and Julia Hinsdale, who were also born on the homestead where 

Jacob settled when a young man. Jacob attended the schools of Ancram and Gallatin. His father died when he was twelve years of 

age, and his mother seven years later, when he came into possession of the homestead, containing 191 acres of land, where he 

has since resided, and follows dairying. He has been an active participant in the political affairs of his town and county, serving as 

town clerk, supervisor nine years, four of which he was chairman of the board, and in 1893 was elected to the Assembly. He is a 

member of the Presbyterian church at Ancram, of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM, and of the Masonic Club of Hudson. 5 Mar 1880, 

he married Carrie Miller, d/o Jacob and Elsie Miller. Children: Henry, Elsie, Mabel, and Grace. 

----- 

Seth Jenkins 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/i_j_surnames_1900.htm 

Robert Jenkins, the son of Seth Jenkins, one of the founders of Hudson, NY, was born 29 Mar 1772, at Nantucket, MA. Early in the 

Revolution the whale fisheries of Nantucket, at one time the largest in the world, were broken up by the English marine, and in 1783 

a number of the inhabitants of the island determined to leave and make a settlement upon the Hudson river. The leaders of the 

enterprise were Seth and Thomas Jenkins, brothers, merchant princes who for many years carried on successfully every species of 

trade and commerce. They formed an association of merchants and navigators which was to consist of not more than thirty 

members, and in the spring of 1783 the Jenkinses left to orshipful the Hudson river for a new place of settlement, taking with 

them $100,000. They selected Claverack Landing as the site of the future city, and purchased the lands, Thomas Jenkins signing 

the deeds. In the fall of 1783 two families arrived from Nantucket, one of them, that of Seth Jenkins, consisting of his wife, Dinah 

Folger, four children, one of them Robert, a boy of eleven years, and Dinah Coffin, the mother of Dinah Folger. Seth Jenkins’ 

house was the first to be built and during its erection his family lived on the ship. In the spring of 1784 the other proprietors followed 

with their families. Nearly all were rich men and brought with them several vessels and in some cases the frames of dwellings 

prepared at Nantucket for erection on their arrival. 14 May 1784, the proprietors held their first meeting at the house of Seth 

Jenkins, who was one of the committee appointed to lay out the streets of the town. In 1785 he and three others were members of 

a committee to draft the petition to the Legislature to incorporate Hudson as a city, and he was also appointed one of the committee 

to go to New York and present the same to the General Assembly. Seth Jenkins was appointed the first mayor of Hudson and 

enjoyed the distinction from 1785 until his death 30 Jul 1793. For thirty-three years, with the exception of two years, the office of 

mayor was held by some member of the Jenkins family. 

Seth’s son, Robert Jenkins, held many positions of honor and of trust, and at the age of nineteen years was at the head of the first 

cotton mill in the State. He was assessor, 1795, secretary of first Turnpike Company, 1799, supervisor, 1799 to 1802, chamberlain 

1802, county treasurer, 1802-1809, alderman 1807, and mayor of Hudson ten years, 1808-1813, 1815-1820, Presidential elector 

1812, and one of three on Canal Company, 1812. He also took a prominent part in military affairs, and was major of the Fourth 

Regiment Columbia County Artillery in the War of 1812. Robert Jenkins married Christian Dayton on 19 Dec 1793, the issue being 

one child, Caroline Mayor Jenkins, b. 20 Feb 1803, m. 29 Jun 1825 Dr. Samuel Pomeroy White, a physician and surgeon of note. 

Christian Dayton was born in Providence 13 Jun 1774, d/o Judge Hezekiah Dayton, son of Lieut.-Col. Isaac Dayton and one of the 

original proprietors of Hudson. Robert Jenkins’ house, built in 1811, has been presented by his granddaughter, Mrs. Marcellus 

Hartley, to the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The dedication exercises were held 15 May 

1900, and were attended by many prominent guests. The house contains a public library and reading room, an auditorium, museum, 

the chapter room of the society and a large dining room and kitchen. It retains the Colonial lines and is papered and decorated 

accordingly. Robert Jenkins died 11 Nov 1819, in the 48 th year of his age. His funeral was attended by the largest assemblage of 

persons ever before witnessed in Hudson on a similar occasion. He lived an honored and useful life and was a worthy 

representative of a family who number among their ancestors three of the chief magistrates of Nantucket , including Thomas Macy, 

the hero of Whittier’s poem, “The Exiles.” 

http://www.nantuckethistoricalassociation.net/bgr/BGR-o/p710.htm#i21344 

Seth Jenkins, b. 10 November 1735, d. 1 August 1793; son of Thomas Jenkins b. 29 Sep 1707; d. 23 Jun 1756, and Judith Folger 

b. 18 Dec 1712, d. 10 Jun 1765; m. Dinah Folger, d/o Abishai Folger and Dinah Coffin, Dinah Folger b. 9 Jun 1745; d. 7 Sep 1821 

Children: 

Seth Jenkins Jun.+ d. 19 Aug 1831 

Sally Jenkins d. 1819 

Robert Jenkins+ b. 29 Mar 1772, d. 1819 

Ammial Jenkins+ b. 1775, d. 1795 

John F. Jenkins+ b. 10 Sep 1785, d. 28 Apr 1866 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/k_surnames_1900.htm 

Clarence Kittle, Stottville, was born in Ghent, 9 Aug 1865, a son of Nicholas Kittle and Catherine Stickles, who were the parents of 

four children: Andrew, Ina, Clarence and John E., all born on the old homestead near Omi, where six generations of the Kittle family 

have lived. Nicholas was a son of Andrew and Margaret (Philip) Kittle, a son of John and Margaret Kittle, a son of John and 

Margaret (Duyker) Kittle, whose children were John, Henry, Andrew, John I. and Nicholas. Clarence Kittle attended the common 

schools and assisted his father on the farm. When nineteen years of age he purchased the farm where he now resides and started 

out in life for himself. 24 Oct 1884, he married Ada, d/o Harmon D. Sagendorph. Mr. Kittle is a member of Hudson Lodge No. 7, 

F&AM, and takes an active part in the Reformed Church, of which he is treasurer and elder. 

----- 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~petelois/john/d3.htm#P3 

Captain John McKinstry was born in 1745 in Londonderry, NH. He died on 9 Jun 1822 in Livingston, NY. John saw some military 

service in the French war, though young; and at the commencement of the revolution joined the American army. He was a Captain 

then a Major in Colonel Peter Van Nesses regiment, New York militia, 1778. He served during the battle of Bunker Hill and was 

taken prisoner at "The Cedars" in Canada and came near losing his life to gratify savage revenge. He was bound to a stake and the 

7

faggots piled around him; when, it occurring to him that the Indian chief, Brandt, was a Mason, he communicated to him the Masonic 

sign, which caused his immediate release and subsequent good treatment. Subsequently he was promoted to a colonel in his 

regiment and served during the war. 

Capt. McKinstry also served in the campaign on the Mohawk, under Colonel Robert Van Rensselaer, of Claverack. During this 

service, while the command was marching to the relief of Fort Brown, which was invested and in most imminent danger, the captain 

took occasion to remonstrate with Colonel Van Rensselaer, on account of the very slow progress which they were making, assuring 

him that the people at the fort would be overpowered and massacred if they did not reach them soon, and that they were wasting 

time which was of priceless value. The colonel, instead of heeding McKinstry's protest, deliberately gave the order to halt for dinner, 

upon which the brave captain passionately broke his sword before the colonel's eyes, saying that under such a commander he had 

no need of a weapon. Whether he was place in arrest for this insubordination and insult or not we have no account. 

John's mother had a son by her first marriage who was an officer in the British army, and was in service at New York at the time of 

the Revolution. A meeting was concerted between John and his step-brother about the time the British were evacuating New York, 

but it failed by the fleet's sailing before John could reach the place of appointment. 

He was married to Elizabeth KNOX who died on 7 Apr 1833. She was born in Rumford, CT. 

Children: 

i. James MCKINSTRY b. 02 May 1767 in Blandford, MA; d. 1 Apr 1768. 

ii. Rachel MCKINSTRY. b. 16 Mar 1769 

iii. George MCKINSTRY. b. 20 Jan 1772 in Hinsdale, NY; d. aft. 1858; m. Susan Hamilton, d/o Patrick Hamilton, M.D. 

iv. Elizabeth MCKINSTRY. b. 24 Nov 1774 in Hinsdale, NY; d. 13 Nov 1841; m. Walter Tryon Livingston 

v. John MCKINSTRY. b. 05 Aug 1777 in Hinsdale, NY; d. 30 Sep 1846; m1. Elizabeth Smith; m2. Salome Root 

vi. William MCKINSTRY. b. 25 Dec 1779 in Hinsdale, NY; d. 2 Dec 1829; m. Rebecca Barnard. 

vii. Henry MCKINSTRY. b. 10 Oct 1782 in Hinsdale, NY; d. aft. 1858; m. Julia Day, widow of Captain Gardiner. 

viii. Sarah MCKINSTRY b. 05 Apr 1785 in Hudson, NY; d. 31 Oct 1786. 

ix. Ansel MCKINSTRY. b. 30 Sep 1787 in Hudson, NY; d. 1865 in Hudson, NY; m. Sarah McKinstry. 

x. Nathaniel Green MCKINSTRY b. 23 Apr 1791 in Hinsdale, NY; d. 4 Sep 1794. 

xi. Robert MCKINSTRY. b. 09 Oct 1794 in Livingston, NY; d. aft. 1858; m. Sally Hammond. 

John, and his brother Charles, were the sons of: 

Captain John MCKINSTRY b. 1712 in Armagh, Ulster, Ireland; d. 6 Oct 1776 in Hillsdale, NY. John, an officer in the British army, 

came to this country about 1740; remained near Boston awhile, then went to Londonberry in NH, where his first son was born. 

He was married to Jane DICKIE in Ireland. Children: 

i. John MCKINSTRY. 

ii. Thomas MCKINSTRY. 

iii. David MCKINSTRY. 

iv. Sarah MCKINSTRY. 

v. Charles MCKINSTRY. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=hkwwKWvozdQC&pg=PA311&lpg=PA311&dq=%22john+Patterson%22+%22claverack'%22&so 

urce=bl&ots=OTJHinEtr&sig=7b6s1uPYnchwu2Ur1W5dH7uO76c&hl=en&ei=dpMwTKi7MoGB8gbg58WoAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5& 

ved=0CCMQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22john%20Patterson%22%20%22claverack'%22&f=false page 311 

MCKINSTREY CORPS - The party here alluded to was doubtless John McKinstrey (or McKinster), a native of Londonderry, N. H., 

whose wife, Elizabeth Knox, was of Rumford, the old name of Concord, in that State. He appears to have been located, as early as 

1770, in Hillsdale, Colombia, NY, and on the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain, having had some experience in the 

French and Indian war, he, with his brother Thomas as first Lieutenant, raised a company from Nobletown and Sharon, probably the 

only body of men which marched from New York Colony after the Lexington alarm. On the army lists his name is given as of 

Nobletown, though he has been called occasionally of Spencer[town]; the first being a small tract in the south, and the latter in the 

north of Hillsdale township. Joined, by order of the Mass. Prov. Cong., June 25, 1775, to the regiment of Col. John Patterson, raised 

principally from neighboring districts in the Bay State, the company continued a part of that regiment till the close of 1770. 

Massachusetts, however, deciding to exclude from her forces all men not actually residing within her State limits, the two 

McKinstreys, thrown out of service, were recommended for military preferment within their adoptive State by the Hon. Robert Yates, 

in a letter from Claverack, NY, 20 Dec 1770, to Robert Harper, Esq., one of the committee at Fishkill for arranging the continental 

battalions to be raised in New York. Yates, who was chairman of the committee for cooperating with Gen. Schuyler, says: "I have 

understood they behaved (particularly at the Cedars, where the Captain was wounded) with distinguished bravery." But I fail to learn 

that either of the McKinstreys served again in the regular army after 1776. Released from captivity at the Cedars, by the cartel of 

May 27th, between Arnold and Capt. Forster, Captain John proceeded homeward. He was Major, 1778-9, in 9th Regiment, or 2d 

Claverack battalion of State militia, Col. Peter Van Ness; and, in the spring of 1781, he and Marinus Willet were Lieut. Colonel 

commandants of regiments raised for the immediate defense of the State. He died at Livingston, NY, June 9, 1822, aged 77. 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/ma_me_surnames_1900.htm 

Benjamin S. Mesick, is a son of Abram Jordan Mesick and Margaret Christina Shultz, and in early life attended the district schools 

of his native village and finished his education in the Rhinebeck Academy. In 1868 he came to Claverack and remained with his 

parents until he was thirty years of age, when he bought the Andrew Miller place and engaged in farming for himself. In 1888 he 

bought the place he now owns. Mr. Mesick is a member of Hudson Lodge No. 7, F&AM. On 21 Feb 1877, he married Caroline 

Livingston Lockwood, a d/o Ambrose and Julia Frances (Van Rensselaer) Lockwood. They had seven children: Francis I., Margaret 

S., Frederic N., Mary (deceased), Peter, Harriet Louise and John. 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/n_surnames_1900.htm 

David Carshore Neefus, of Claverack, was born in Claverack, 9 Sep 1818, a son of Ruluf and Ann (Carshore) Neefus. He attended 

the district school from the time he was four years old until sixteen years of age, when he left and went to Hudson to work as a clerk 

8

in the drug store of W. & G. Storrs. Here he remained about a year and returned to Claverack, where he was apprenticed to the firm 

of Herrmance & Skinkle, carriage blacksmiths. From 1835 till 1838 he was with this firm, then went to Hudson as clerk in the postoffice 

under Postmaster Wescott. In 1841 he started a grocery business and in 1842 moved to what was then called Smokey 

Hollow, which, by Mr. Neefus’ efforts, was later changed to Hollowville. Mr. Neefus followed blacksmithing until 1853, when he was 

elected county clerk, which office he held until 1859; he was succeeded in this position by Cornelius Bortle and remained with him 

as his deputy for three years. In 1862 Mr. Neefus gave up active business and in 1865 was appointed postmaster, which position he 

has held continuously since that time, making thirty-five years of service. In 1866 he ran a general store in connection with the postoffice, 

and in 1897 sold out to the present proprietor. Mr. Neefus was clerk of the board of supervisors for two terms and has been 

justice for several years, as well as notary for the past eight years. He is a member of Hudson Lodge, No. 7. 10 Nov 1840, he 

married Sarah, daughter of Philo and Abi (Johnson) Blakeman; they had a family of seven children: Jane C., Ruluf, Emma, Rachel, 

Ida, Antilla and David C., Jr. 

Ruluf Neefus, was born in Claverack 24 Sep 1843. His parents were David C. and Sarah Blakeman Neefus, and were both natives 

of Columbia county and of Holland descent. Ruluf obtained his early education at the district schools of his native town and in the 

Hudson Academy. His first business position was that of a copyist in the county clerk’s office, which position he held during the 

years 1859, 1860 and 1861. After four years of farming in Sparta, Wis., he took up his residence in Hollowville and entered his 

father’s mercantile establishment at that place, with which he was connected until 1883, when he withdrew to accept the assistant 

postmastership of the city of Hudson. In this capacity he served under Postmasters Bryan and Cady. Mr. Neefus next became 

bookkeeper in the Hudson City Savings Institution, remaining seven and one-half years; then bookkeeper for C. H. Evans & Sons. 

Several corporations have honored him with official positions, he having been secretary and treasurer of Hudson Light and Power 

Company, Hudson and Athens Ferry Company, Hudson Aqueduct Company and secretary of the Columbia Turnpike Company. In 

1870 he was census enumerator for the towns of Claverack, Greenport, Copake and Hillsdale; in 1869, 1870 and 1874 he was clerk 

of the town of Claverack; in 1873, 1875, and 1880 he was clerk of the board of supervisors, and from 1873 to the present time, with 

the exception of one or two years, he has assisted the clerks of the board of supervisors in levying the taxes; in the years 1878 to 

1881, during the legislative sessions, he was clerk in the New York State Senate and Assembly. Mr. Neefus is a member of Hudson 

Lodge, No. 7, F&AM, and was Master 1897 to 1899; and of Hudson City Council, No. 1,221, Royal Arcanum, of which organization 

he was for many years secretary. In 1884, Mr. Neefus married Ada Hallenbeck, of Greenport, and had, Wendover, born in 1885. 

David C. Neefus, Jr., was born in Hollowville, Claverack, NY, 3 May 1864. His father was a native of the same town and the family 

trace their line back to one Nevius, who came to this country early in the seventeenth century. David Jr., was educated in the 

district schools and the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, and in 1881 came to Hudson and entered the post office as a clerk, and 

as deputy postmaster he served eight years. In 1890 he entered the employ of C. A. Van Deusen, with whom he remained until 1 

Apr 1900, when he assumed the duties of bookkeeper in the Hudson City Savings Institution. Mr. Neefus has earned the confidence 

placed in him, he having served with unquestioned integrity in all the positions he has held. He is a member of Hudson Lodge, No. 

7, F&AM, and of Hudson City Council, No. 1,221, Royal Arcanum. In 1890 he married to Abbie P., d/o Benjamin F. Raught, and 

were the parents of two daughters, Roselyn and Laurie. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/wa_wh_surnames_1900.htm 

Capt. Volkert Whitbeck [brother of John V. [see Aquila Lodge No. 700], was born in Hudson, 28 Nov 1840. He is descended from 

John Thomase Whitbeck (1), born at Whitbeck, Holstein, who was an early settler of Albany. His wife was Margaret Gertrury 

Andriess Douchester, born in New Amsterdam. From 1652, when Beaverwyck (now Albany) was laid out, to 1678, he was the 

largest dealer in house-lots in the village; in 1664, in company with Volkert Jans Dow, he bought the islands (from the Indians) on 

the Schodack side of the river, and the main land opposite thereto. He had five sons and one daughter. His grandson, Volkert 

Whitbeck (3), of Red Hook, was born about 1720, and died in 1802. He held a commission as lieutenant in Capt. Hoffman's 

company, dated 27 Feb 1757, and signed by Henry Livingston, county clerk of Dutchess county. John Whitbeck (4), son of John, of 

Claverack, was married to Maria Decker. He was a major in the War of 1812. Volkert Whitbeck, M. D. (5), son of John, of Claverack, 

was born in 1802, and married Caroline Rockefeller, d/o Jacob Rockefeller and Gertrude Schermerhorn. He was a graduate of the 

Medical School at Pittsfield, MA. He practiced medicine in Hudson for many years, establishing for himself the reputation of being 

not only the "good physician," but also that of an exemplary citizen of sound common sense and excellent judgment. He died at the 

age of 86. His children were Jacob R., Ansel McK., Captain John V., Volkert, Ellogene, Charles, and Gertrude R. 

Capt. Volkert Whitbeck was educated in the schools of Hudson, and was approaching his majority when the first guns of the Civil 

War were fired. He promptly enlisted as a private in Company K, 14th Regiment NY Infantry, and served faithfully through his term, 

and receiving promotion that gave him the sergeant's strips. He was discharged in 1863 with his regiment and returned to Hudson, 

where he found employment in the photograph business of Frank Forshew, a business which he ultimately purchased, and has ever 

since successfully conducted. Capt. Whitbeck was one of the organizers of the Cowles Guard, 23rd Separate Company, was 

chosen lieutenant and afterward was promoted to captain. He is a member of Hudson Lodge No 7, F&AM, and of Hudson Chapter. 

Unity Lodge No. 9, New Lebanon, New York 

CHARTER September 18, 1788. “There was a tradition among the old Masons as long ago as 1800 that a Lodge existed in the old 

King’s District previously to 1780, and that the charter of 1788 was issued in lieu of one then surrendered.”—Manuscript History. 

NUMBER: Seems to have had no numerical designation at first, but in 1817 it appears on the roll as No. 17. In 1830 it received 13 

as its number. In 1839 it received its present number. 

MORGAN PERSECUTION: “The Master elected in 1827 was HARRY PIERCE, and the whole amount of work upon the minutes, done 

at seven Communications during the year succeeding was the balloting for and accepting LUTHER C. NORTON as a member of the 

Lodge. This was the last business done by the Lodge, by way of making members or initiations, standing upon the minutes up to 

November 6, 1845, at which time DAVID KENDALL was proposed for the degrees in Masonry. In 1828 there were but four meetings, 

ELISHA GILBERT being the Master, ELIAS GATES, S.W., and CHARLES W. HULL, J.W. In 1829 there was but one meeting, and that in 

December, when they proceeded to elect ELISHA GILBERT, Master, HARRY PIERCE, S.W., and JOHN MURDOCK, J.W. This practice 

continued from year to year until 1844, the same Master being annually elected, with occasional changes in the names of the 

Wardens In 1843, doubts existing respecting the legality of their proceedings and the lawful standing of the Lodge, a delegate was 

9

sent to the Grand Lodge with a petition asking the Grand Lodge to put Unity Lodge in good standing, which was granted on 

condition of payment of two years’ dues. This condition was complied with.”—Official Record of Lodge. 

OFFSHOOTS: 1796, twenty-three members of Unity petitioned for a charter, which was granted to Caanan Lodge, No. 44 at New 

Concord. It ceased to work about 1827, and the charter was declared forfeited in 1833. 

1798, thirteen members of Unity petitioned for a charter, which was granted to Schodack Lodge, No. 81, at Nassau Village. In 

1818 the name was changed to Wadsworth Lodge, its number became 78, and it moved to Brainard’s Bridge. Charter declared 

forfeited in 1835. In 1841 some of the old members of this Lodge uniting with former members of Yates Lodge formed the present 

Schodack Union Lodge, No. 87. 

1801, sixteen members of Unity Lodge, residing in or near Stephentown, petitioned for a charter, which was issued to 

Friendship Lodge. No. 96. It ceased to work about 1828, was revived in 1834; became No. 24 in 1839, but was afterward removed 

from Grand Lodge roll. 

MASTERS 

1788. Eleazer Grant. 


1790. Unknown. 




1794. Elihu Finney. 

1795. Ephraim Hunt. 


1797. Nathan Hand. 

1798. Elisha Gilbert, Jr. 


1800. Daniel Green. 

1801. Seth Hill. 

1802. Peleg Spencer. 

1803. Joseph Enos. 



1806. Ebenezer Wadsworth. 

1807. Peter Barker. 


1809. David W. Patterson. 



1812. Benjamin Enos. 

1813. John Bull, Jr. 


1815. Reuben Barker. 

1816. Reuben Barker. 

1817. David Johnson. 


1819. Abel Andrews. 



1822. Josiah Wait. 

1823. Elisha Gilbert. 

1824. William Tobey. 

1825. John Murdoch. 

1826. John Murdoch. 

1827. Harry Pierce. 


















1845. John Murdock. 

1846. John Murdock. 

1847. Josiah Wait. 

1848. Esek C. King. 

1849. Esek C. King. 

1850. Elias Gates. 

1851. Hampton C. Bull. 

1852. Henry D. Gay. 

1853. Henry D. Gay. 

1854. Nelson Tanner. 

1855. Nelson Tanner. 

1856. Loren S. Kingsley. 

1857. Loren S. Kingsley. 

1858. Joseph K. Royce. 

1859. Joseph K. Royce. 

1860. John C. Clark. 


1862. Hampton . Bull. 



1865. Jeriah H. Reed. 

1866. Samuel P. Skinner. 

1867. John G. Field. 



1870. Caleb C. Bedell. 

1871. Charles E. Seger. 

1872. Charles E. Seger. 

1873. Charles H. Chapin. 

1874. Cornelius J. Richmond. 

1875. Xyris T. Bates. 

1876. George B. Kendall. 



1879. Leonard Wagner. 

1880. Samuel J. Tilden, Jr. 

1881. Peter S. Garvey. 

1882. William E. Merry. 



1885. Amos H. Peabody. 

1886. Amos H. Peabody. 

1887. John C. Murdock. 

1888. John C. Murdock. 

1889. W. A. Morin. 




1893. W. H. McKeen. 

1894. J. C. McGonigal. 

1895. G. J. Richmond. 

1896. George W. Bristol. 

1897. John M. Adams. 



1900. H. P. Whitehead. 

1901. H. P. Whitehead. 


Hampton Champlain Bull, was the youngest son of Judge John Bull, Jr.*, and Anne Fitch, and grandson of John Bull, Sr., who was 

a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. Hampton was born in New Lebanon, NY, at the old homestead of the Bull family at Lebanon 

Springs, on 16 Sep 1814, just five days after the battle of Lake Champlain. He came into the world amidst the rejoicing over the 

splendid victory achieved by Commodore McDonough over the British flotilla. Perhaps that is the reason his parents added 

Champlain to his name when he was christened. 

* John Bull, Jr. is listed in the Transaction of the American Lodge of Research, Vol. XIII, No. 3, 1977, pg. 335 as being a 

member of Unity Lodge No. 9, New Lebanon (on 7 Dec 1820), NY to which Peleg Spencer also belonged, which see. 

Per the GL Proceedings of 1902, in which a brief history of Unity Lodge No. 9 appears, John Bull, Jr., was Master of the Lodge 

in 1813, 1814 and 1820. John Bull, Jr., died in 1846, having a Masonic Funeral service. He was Master of the Lodge in 1813- 

14 and with the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, as Grand Marshal, 1818-1847. He married 6 Oct 1844 as his second wife 

Mercia Spencer [5c4r], b. 2 May 1802, d/o of Peleg Spencer and Anne [Anna] Smith. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/stephen-b-miller/historical-sketches-of-hudson-embracing-the-settlement-of-the-citycity-govern-rel/page-6-historical-sketches-of-hudson-embracing-the-settlement-of-the-city-city-govern-rel.shtml 

John, settled at the [Lebanon] Springs in 1798, after a career as a sailor. He was supervisor in 1827, 1833-34 and 1836, and 

was appointed a justice of the peace and served from 1821 to 1831. It is said that his office was a “Gretna Green” * for parties 

seeking marriage, and that during his term he united at least 500 couples. He was elected judge in 1834, served three terms, 

and, although not educated in a legal science, is said to have made an excellent judicial officer. 

[Gretna Green is a village in the south of Scotland famous for runaway weddings.] 

He was a delicate and frail little boy, but was more than usually bright, and early evinced a disposition to study. At school he 

devoted his time to digging into all branches of science which would be useful in the after-transactions of his life. He had a wonderful 

memory. Before the age of nine he had his Latin grammar by heart, although he looked as if a breath of wind would blow him 

away. He was capable of performing mental labor far beyond the capacity of many of his schoolmates. As a student, his tastes were 

exacting and refined; his recitations displayed a most thorough master of the subject in hand. When quite a young man he studied 

law and intended settling in Detroit, Mich., with his oldest brother, George Guelf Bull, a talented lawyer, who was admitted to the 

Columbia county bar in 1832 (that the Columbia county bar can justly be proud of). But in 1843 their father’s (old Judge Bull) health 

began to fail. It was deemed necessary for one of his sons to return home to care for him. Mr. Hampton Bull gave up what was quite 

10

evident would have been a brilliant career in the West and returned to New Lebanon; but he manfully and willingly shouldered the 

responsibility and expense of the old homestead and family, devoting himself to the care of his dying father. He never applied for 

admission to the Columbia county bar, yet, being well versed in law, was chosen for justice of the peace in New Lebanon in 

1851. He was retained in that office almost continuously up to the time of his death, or for a period of 46 years. He dignified the 

office in New Lebanon, and his court was always one in which the decisions were consistent with the law and the judgments always 

tempered with mercy. In all acts of his public life he manifested a generous largeness and statesmanlike quality of mind which 

naturally led him to measure fairly the material interest of all classes of his fellowmen. The day laborer, the poor widow, the thrifty 

farmer as well as the capitalist, all were sure of unbiased decisions. He was elected judge of sessions in 1865. He was a man who 

kept constantly in touch with the affairs of State and Nation, and, moreover, being of a literary turn and a ready writer, he preserved 

his observations and opinions in writing and kept interesting records of events and happenings. He has compiled documents that 

have great value in history. He was a poet of no mean order and an author whose pen never tired and whose voluminous 

productions in essays, articles and papers have had a wide publication. 

Mr. Bull married* [28 Apr 1843 in Albany, NY] Miss Frances Lodemi [Lodema] De Lano, eldest d/o Major Amos Wendel De Lano 

and Marthe (sic) Goodrich De Lano, of Pittsfield, Berkshire, MA. Mrs. Bull was a fit mate for her talented husband–an earnest 

Christian, finely educated, beautiful and accomplished, with an exceedingly sweet disposition that endeared her to all who knew her. 

She was born 5 Jan 1818 [Hancock, Berkshire, MA], and died at Lebanon Springs, NY, 5 Jun 1879; she came from a distinguished 

family also. Her father, Major De Lano, was an officer during the War of 1812. He was a distinguished Christian gentleman of the old 

school. He had a fine mind and inventive genius, and was the inventor of the first screw propeller for steam boats, although he was 

defrauded of his patent. His model is still in existence and on exhibition in Pittsfield, MA, his birthplace. He was born 7 Feb 1788, 

and died 22 Nov 1871. Mrs. Bull’s mother, Martha Goodrich, was b. 15 May 1790; d. 30 Oct 1865. She was of true Puritan 

stock. Her grandfather, Daniel Hubbard, b. 3 Jun 1738, was one of the eight gentlemen who founded the village that is now the city 

of Pittsfield, MA. Another ancestor, Charles Goodrich, owned what is known as the “Keyes Grant,” which lays partly in 

Massachusetts and partly in New York State. In the western portion of the “Keyes Grant” a warm spring, always standing at a 

temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, bubbles up continuously. This is now widely known and celebrated as the Lebanon Springs 

that has never failed to yield 500 gallons of water each minute. This wonderful healing spring Charles Goodrich willed to the town of 

New Lebanon in “the love of God and the public good,” forever. Many of Charles Goodrich’s old papers and leases, with his 

signature, some dated in 1778, are treasured among the valuable papers of Judge Bull. 

* This may be his second marriage, as another source notes: Elizabeth Cornelia Cowles, b. 10 Mar 1819 in Adams, NY; d. 11 

May 1840 in Lebanon Springs, NY; m.24 Jan 1838 Hampton Champlain Bull, b. 16 Sep 1814 in Lebanon Springs, NY; d. there 

aft. 1894. [http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/k/r/o/Diana-L-Kroll-MN/GENE1-0056.html ] 

Mr. Hampton Bull was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and took great interest in the building of the little stone church 

at Lebanon Springs, called “The Church of Our Savior.” He was one of the vestrymen. Mr. Bull was also a member of the Masonic 

fraternity and stood high in the counsels of the order in the county. For many years he was Master of Unity Lodge No. 9, F&AM, of 

Lebanon Springs, and he served many terms as High Priest of Lebanon Chapter No. 13, R. A. M. He died 21 Dec 1897, aged 83 

years and was buried with Masonic honors. In appearance Mr. Bull was tall and fine looking–a man of commanding presence and 

kindly manners. “He was beloved by all who knew him, and when death claimed him his loss was mourned as children mourn for a 

father taken from them.” Mr. Bull had five children that survive him, one of whom was Frances Eliza Bull, b. 1844 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~george/b16393.htm 

Peleg SPENCER [4c5r] was born on 12 Feb 1758 in Wallingford, New Haven Co., CT. He died on 19 Jan 1841 in New Lebanon, 

Columbia Co., NY. [4c5r of the present compiler] 

Resided New Lebanon, Columbia Co., NY; will 11 May 1831, proved 5 July 1842. 

He came from CT and settled at New Lebanon; served in the Revolution for which his widow received a pension. 

For a son “Allen” (1783-1851), not named in his will, see “American Ancestry”, 2:119. In that he had this son, Allen, b. 1783, he must 

have had a previous wife. 

Rev. Pension W19393. 8 Aug 1832. Peleg Spencer, res. Of New Lebanon, Columbia, NY, ae 73. Resided in Richmond, MA, when 

he entered the service, services, etc, in MA and NY. In 1779 resided in New Lebanon; b. in Washington Co, NY, in 1759. 

17 Sep 1832, Samuel Jones of New Lebanon deposes that he knew Peleg Spencer in 1780 in New Lebanon which was then a part 

of the town of Cannan, etc. 

10 Sep 1832, Joseph Potter, Esq, 72, deposes … etc … [that] Peleg [was] a spinning wheel maker, -testified to- Susquehanna, PA. 

He is most likely the Peleg Spencer who belonged to Unity Lodge No. 9, F&AM, New Lebanon, NY, which met at the home of Elisha 

Gilbert there between 1794 and 1850. Peleg’s name appears in the Transactions of the American Lodge of Research, Vol. XIII, No. 

3 – 1977: “There are a number of letters on file at Grand Lodge with notification of lodge elections: . . . June 1, 1822 (Peleg 

Spencer on December 5, 1802 . . . ). Peleg was Master of Unity Lodge No. 9 in 1802, per the Grand Lodge Proceedings of 1902, 

in which a brief history of the Lodge is recorded. 

Prominent Members 

“The Lodge has numbered among its members many persons who have occupied honorable and prominent positions in the political 

world, as well as in the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. Those who have held offices in the National and State governments it is 

not necessary to note. But it is not improper at this time to mention those who have been prominent in Masonry. Our late BRO. Rev. 

SILAS CHURCHILL held the office of Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter during 1803, 1804, and 1805. He was made a Mason in 

Unity Lodge, in 1794. JOSEPH ENOS was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1822, 1823, and 1824. He was made a Mason in Unity 

Lodge in 1804. He also held the office of Grand Scribe in the Grand Chapter four years from 1815. He was also for many years 

Grand Visitor of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter. ELISHA GILBERT, Jr., was Junior Grand Warden of 

Grand Lodge from 1812 to 1821; Grand Marshal of the Grand Chapter in 1804 ; Grand King in 1805 ; and Grand High Priest in 

1845. EBENEZER WADSWORTH was Grand Scribe in 1800 and 1838, and Grand Secretary of Grand Chapter from 1818 to 1824. He 

was also Grand Visitor and Grand Lecturer of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter for many years. He was also Grand Secretary of the 

Grand Lodge in 1825 and 1827. BRO. WADSWORTH was made a Mason in Unity Lodge in 1802. JOHN BULL, Jr., was Grand Marshal 

of the Grand Chapter from 1818 to 1847, holding the office at the time of his decease. He was made a Mason in Unity Lodge in 

11

1810. BENJAMIN ENOS was Grand Scribe of Grand Chapter in 1828, and Grand High Priest in 1844. He was made a Mason in Unity 

Lodge in 1809.” — -Lodge History. 

CHARLES L. BEALE, representative of the district in Congress, and W. H. TOBEY, State Senator, were also members at one time of 

Unity. 

----- 

BIBLIOGRAPHY: “Brief History of Unity Lodge, No. 9, for 100 years, 1788-1888,” compiled by Lodge Committee. 

Manuscript history compiled in 1862, in possession of Grand Historian. 

Elisha Gilbert (1796-1852) 

1805), Elisha Gilbert gambrel-roofed house, oil on plaster, maker unknown. Route 20, New Lebanon. The most extraordinary part 

of Elisha Gilbert’s house is the orship meeting room in the garret. The entire third floor is a single open room. Its walls are covered 

with more than fifty Masonic symbols. The lodge met at Gilbert’s house from 1795 to 1850, when a dispute arose and the Lodge 

moved to new quarters. In return, according to tradition, the lodge agreed to pay him $800. 1813 to 1820 he was Junior Grand 

Warden under DeWitt Clinton and Daniel D. Tompkins. Member of NY State Assembly from Columbia County, 1806-07, 1821-22 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=swilliams10&id=I152 

Elisha Gilbert, Jr., b. 20 Feb 1745 in Bolton, CT; d. 12 Jan 1823 in New Lebanon, NY; res. In Amenia, NY; son of Elisha GILBERT 

b. 10 Dec 1717 in Hebron, CT; d. 23 Jul 1796 in New Lebanon, NY, and Hannah ADAMS b. 4 Jul 1722 in Colchester, CT; d. 21 JUL 

1806 in New Lebanon, NY; m. ca 1766 Sarah WHEELER b. 24 Oct 1749; d. 28 Mar 1825 in New Lebanon, NY; d/o Elisha Wheeler 

and Mary Loring. He was a captain in Col. W. B. Whiting’s regiment New York troops. His commission from Governor Clinton as 

captain therein is dated 26 Jun 1778, but he held the rank as early as 21 Sep 1776, and commanded his company at the battle of 

Saratoga, Sep 1777. His commission as “first major,” by Governor Clinton, is dated 13 Jun 1791. 

Children 

1. Hannah GILBERT 

2. Abigail GILBERT 

3. Samuel GILBERT b: New Lebanon, Columbia, NY 

4. John GILBERT 

5. Benjamin GILBERT 

6. Lydia GILBERT 

7. Polly GILBERT 

8. Joseph GILBERT b: 12 May 1766 

9. Elisha GILBERT b: 25 May 1768; d. 7 Dec 1857. 


Calvin T. Hemenway, Lebanon Springs, NY, was born in East Nassau, NY, 18 Sep 18, 1854, son of Thomas Hemenway and 

Phoebe A. Hoag, whose children were Clavin T., Alice (d. 1871), Lucy M. and William. Thomas Hemenway was born in Bethlehem, 

NY, was a mason and contractor, and a member of New Lebanon Lodge No. 9, F&AM. He died 3 Jun 1891. Clavin was given a 

common school education, and for a time worked with his father. Later he was clerk in a store at Lebanon Springs, and in 1874 

bought the store and stock, and is till continuing the business. He has been town clerk for fifteen yeas, and was appointed 

postmaster in 1885. He was married to Eva, d/o William Shumway. Children: Clayton, d. 30 Sep 1887, and Earl S. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/mi_mo_surnames_1900.htm 

William A. Morin, New Lebanon, NY, was born in New Lebanon, 24 Feb 1850, son of Lewis Morin and Maria Gates. Lewis Morin 

was a native of Canada, and removed to Columbia county in 1847, and was an engineer for a number of years. He enlisted during 

the Civil War in Company A, 159th New York Volunteers, and was killed in battle at Cedar Creek, VA. His widow died in 1892. 

William A. Morin was educated in the public schools, and at Fort Edward and Lenoxville. He has been in the drug business for 25 

years. He was married to Mary Haynes, d/o Erastus Haynes, and they are the parents of one daughter, Mae. Mr. Morin is past 

Master of Unity Lodge No. 9, F&AM, a past High Priest of Lebanon Chapter No. 13, R. A. M., and a member of Consistory No. 1. 

http://www.countryfederalmanse.com/BIO.htm 

Peace, a position he held from 1789 to1810. 

Samuel Wheeler was born in Stratford, Fairfield, CT, 30 Nov 1747. 

On 5 Feb 1766, he married Chloe Kidder (b. 10 Dec 1745) at Sharon, 

CT. There is a family account that he bought a bed warming pan in 

Albany in 1770 at the time he was establishing his home, the pan is 

still in the family. By 1772 he had moved to Columbia County, New 

York, where he was recorded as a founding settler of New Britain, 

attending in that year the first district meeting for the Kings District 

(now Canaan, New Lebanon, and ¾ Chatham, part of Austerlitz). 

There is mention of a Samuel Wheeler on a map at Kinderhook – 

actually at Valatie Village – ca. 1763 which likely is the same Samuel 

Wheeler. A private Samuel Wheeler in Capt. Claw’s company, 7 th 

Albany Militia Regiment of Col. Van Alstyne’s Kinderhook District, 

served during the Revolution). Settlers in the Kings District area 

petitioned King George III to recognize their claims to the land. The 

memorial, dated May 5, 1774, asked for appointment of Samuel 

Wheeler and other attorneys to treat with the royal commissioners for 

title. By 1786 Columbia County was separated from Albany County 

and shortly thereafter Samuel Wheeler was appointed Justice of the 

12

In 1788, he was a founding member of Masonic Unity Lodge No. 9, which met in Elisha Gilbert’s elegant new home (1795) 

not far from Wheeler’s. Wheeler and his wife had nine children between 1776 and 1794 while residing in New Britain . He evidently 

had a successful career as attorney because about the year after the last child was born he built the substantial brick Federal home 

[left]. Alas, his wife enjoyed her great home for only a short period, dying in 1803 and buried in an adjacent family plot (her 

gravestone resting by the willow tree). Samuel Wheeler died in 1818, having remarried. His will had been drawn in 1810 and 

approved in 1821 in which he mentions his children and wife Asenith. Curiously, despite being long residents and well established in 

Columbia County, all his children disbursed, most moving west into the Ohio Valley in later years. This farm was originally 200 

acres, 

http://fultonhistory.com/newspaper%2010/Chatham%20NY%20Courier/Chatham%20NY%20Courier%201924%20Grayscale/Chath 

am%20NY%20Courier%201924%20Grayscale%20-%200049.pdf 

Chatham Courier – 1924 

Masonry in the earlier days was beset by many troubles arid difficulties and some of these are referred to in an excellent story 

written for the Daughters of Columbia Historical Society by Constance Johnson, a student in the New Lebanon high school. The 

story is as follows: 

The beginning of Unity Lodge located at Lebanon Springs, Columbia County, New York, antedates the establishment of the United 

States. On September 18 th , 1788 a warrant was granted to twelve brethren empowering them to form and open a Lodge of Free- 

Masons. The members of the Lodge were Eleazer Grant, Master; John Darling, Senior Warden; Elihu Phiney, Junior Warden; John 

Noyes, Treasurer; William Powers Secretary; John W. Schermerhorn, James Wylie, Nathan Hand, Samuel Wheeler, Daniel Green, 

William Johnson, and Ephraim Hunt. 

The warrant bears the honored signatures of Robert R Livingston; Grand Master; ‘Richard Harrison, Deputy Grand Master; Peter. 

W. Yates, Senior Grand Warden; Peter McDougall, Junior Grand Warden; and Jacob Morton, Grand Secretary. This venerated and. 

Priceless document has been carefully preserved during all the one hundred and thirty-six years that have elapsed since it was 

signed. It was so zealously, guarded that it was in excellent condition when on the night of July 5 th , 1899, burglars entered the post 

office at Lebanon Springs, broke open the safe and stole this venerable Warrant among other things. It is to be hoped that the 

brethren may recover their lost treasure. 

There is no record to show when or in what Lodge the original twelve members received their degrees, but there was a tradition 

among the old masons, as far back as 1806, that a Lodge had been in existence, in old King’s District previous to 1780, and the 

warrant of. 17S8 was issued in place of the one then surrendered. 

As was the case with many of the old Lodges, Unity Lodge .was chartered without a number. Its first number was 17, given to it on 

June 4 th , 1819. Upon the readjustment of the numbers of Lodges in 1S39’, Unity Lodge became number 9. The work of the lodge at 

the beginning was very good and its growth satisfactory. During the first thirteen years 1655 members were added to the Lodge. 

In addition to maintaining its own position among the sisterhood of Lodges during the same period, it contributed material for the 

formation of three other Lodges in adjacent towns. 

In 1796 twenty-three members of Unity petitioned the Grand Lodge for a charier, which was granted arid a charter issued March 

26 th , 1796 for what was called Canaan Lodge, number 41, located at New Concord. The Lodge ceased to work during the Morgan 

excitement, about 1827, and its charter was declared forfeited in June 1833. 

In 1789 Brother John W. Schermerhorn and twelve other member’s of Unity Lodge living in Rensselaer County, applied for a 

charter, which was recommended by Unity Lodge. The petition was granted and a charter dated January 9 th , 1799 was issued 

constituting Schodack Lodge, number 81, located at Union Village, now Nassau, where it continued to exist until 1818 when the 

name was changed to Wadsworth Lodge number 78, and its place of meeting to Brainards Bridge., The charter of Wadsworth 

Lodge was forfeited in 1835. In 1811 some of the old members of this Lodge united with former members of Yates Lodge, formed a 

Lodge called .Schodack. Union Lodge number 87 which is still in existence at East Schodack, Rensselaer County. 

The third Lodge formed by Unity Lodge was Friendship number 96, located at Stephentown. Sixteen members of Unity Lodge 

petitioned the Grand Lodge for a-charter, which “was granted on October 8 th , 1802. This Lodge also succumbed to the opposition to 

Masonry caused by the Morgan mystery, and ceased active work in 1828. It was, however; revived in 1834 and was number 24. It 

has since gone out of existence. 

The record of the first thirteen years from 1788 to 1801 shows, that out of the 165 members whose names had been enrolled upon 

the lists fifty-two had withdrawn for the purpose of forming other Lodges, sixty eight had moved away, died and dimitted, leaving a 

membership of forty-five in good standing on the 27 th of December 1801. The Masters during that period were Eleazer Grant, Elihu 

Phiney, Ephraim Hunt, Nathan Hand, Elisha Gilbert, Jr., Daniel Green and Seth Hill. All but two of these, Elisha Gilbert,. Jr. and Seth 

Hill were charter members. Gilbert and Hill were both made Masons in 1791. 

After 1801 the territorial jurisdiction being reduced by the formation of other Lodges, the growth of the Lodge was somewhat slower, 

although it enjoyed a measure of prosperity until the Anti-Masonic crusade began in 1S26. The result of the work of the period of 

twenty-five years was one hundred and twenty-two initiations. 

From 1826 to 1844 the Lodge was in a state of inactivity and meetings were held only occasionally. Harry Pierce was Master in 

1827 and the whole amount of work done at seven communications was the balloting for and accepting one candidate and that was 

the last work done until November 6 th , 1845, when another candidate for membership was proposed. Four meetings were held in 

1828. In 1829 but one meeting was held, and that in December when Elisha Gilbert was elected Master. The same course was 

pursued each year until 1841, the Lodge meeting once and electing officers. The same Master was chosen, every year, but she’ 

Wardens were, occasionally changed. 

In 1843 the members being, in doubt respecting the legality of their proceedings sent a delegate to the Grand Lodge with a petition 

asking that the Lodge be placed, in good standing. This was .done by the Lodge paying two years dues, and Unity Lodge once more 

went actively to work. Every year has been marked by more or less prosperity. 

13

Unity Lodge has numbered among its members many who have occupied prominent positions in the political world, as well as in 

Masonry. Those who have distinguished themselves, in the fraternity deserve to have their names recorded as faithful workmen. 

Rev. Silas Churchill was Grand Chaplain of the .Grand Chapter in 1803, 1S04 and 1805. He was made a Mason in Unity Lodge in 

1794. Joseph Enos, who was raised in Unity in 1804, was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1822, 1S23 and 1824. He was also 

Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter four years, from 1815 and for many years Grand Visitor of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Lecturer 

of the Grand Chapter. Elisha Gilbert, Jr., was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge from 1812 to 1S20, Grand Marshal of the 

Grand Chapter, in 1803, Grand King in 1805, and Grand High Priest in 1845. He was made a Mason in Unity Lodge in 1791. 

Ebenezer Wadsworth was Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter in 1800 and 1808, and Grand Secretary from 1818 to 1824. He was 

also Grand Visitor of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter for a number of years. He was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in 

1825, 1826, and 1827. He was raised in Unity in 1S10. John Bull, Jr., made a Mason in 1810, served as Grand Marshal of the 

Grand. Chapter from 18IS to 1817, occupying the position at the time of his death. Benjamin Enos was also prominent in the Grand 

Chapter, serving as Grand High Priest in 1S44. He was made a Mason .’in Unity Lodge, in 1809. . 

The years have quickly passed and they have been more or loss prosperous for Unity Lodge. For awhile it was not very active, but 

of late has added many members, and all wish it may become even more successful and prosperous in the years to come. 

In order to complete this composition,1 must add” a few remarks regarding the Major Gilbert residence, for the third floor of that 

house was decorated and devoted exclusively to the use of Unity Lodge. 

Elisha Gilbert was a prominent and wealthy citizen of this town. During the’ Revolution he raised a Company and joined the 

Continental Army. After several years of active service he returned with the rank of Major. He was a slave holder until slavery was 

abolished in the state, had extensive farms, a grist mill and saw mill and lived in a kind of baronial style. He built the beautiful 

mansion, now owned by, Mr. Charles Haight. At the first meeting of the he then gave to the Lodge the use of the. third floor, a room 

twenty four by fifty feet with four anterooms. 

The beauty of that room, the way in which it was decorated can hardly be surpassed in our present day. As they stepped into the 

room, they stood on a finely varnished floor partly covered with blue carpet. Then they could not but notice the harmony of colors, 

for the chairs, some built along the wall and the large oblong table were painted blue. There rare two fireplaces, one at each end of 

the room. Above the mantelpiece on one is the picture of Washington, as a Mason, and on the other a picture of Benjamin Franklin 

taking the Masonic Oath. 

Upon the table are two tall lamps of ‘the same size and shape which are of great interest to us of ‘the present day. Also in each 

corner on a shelf are two or three beautiful copper urns; no two are alike nor of the same size. 

Surpassing all this are the beautiful paintings on the walls. There are ten in number. Seven wreaths enclose emblems and signs 

which the Masons use and which they alone can interpret. One consists of Noah’s Ark with the Rainbow above. Another a copy of 

the Ten Commandments written upon two tablets of stone. The remaining paintings are pictures of the globe above the mantle 

piece. A painted border surrounds the room. 

This room remains, the same as when’ the Masons first occupied it. Mr. Haight has only retouched it and, has kept it in excellent 

condition. Major Gilbert died in 1825. Many delightful and pleasant evenings were spent at the Lodge. The influence of and respect 

for the Masons are shown by the number who joined in the early years. 

Eureka Lodge, No. 98, Chatham, New York 

Note: Lodge No.98 was originally held by Onondaga Lodge No. 98, Onondaga Hollow, Onondaga Co., NY, chartered 21 Jan 1803; 

Forfeit 7 Jun 1833. 

Warrant: 12 Jun 1844. 

Surrendered: 05 Jul 1851 

Successor of Canaan No. 44, 1798; forfeit 1833; surrendered 6 Jun 1844; successor to Canaan No 44 was Eureka No 98, 6 Jun 

1844; surrendered ca 5 Jul 1851; revived as Columbia No. 98, 24 Jun 1852. 

The successor of Canaan Lodge. No. 44, was Eureka Lodge, No. 98, which received its warrant June 12, 1844. It will be noticed 

that this occurred within a few days after the former warrant had been surrendered. 

The officers named in the warrant were: William Wheeler, Master; Darius Cole, Senior Warden; Peter Groat, Junior Warden. 

William Wheeler. 

Samuel P. Lee. 

Charles C. C. Mower. 

James Wittse. [Wiltsie] 

Samuel Marshall. 

MASTERS OF EUREKA LODGE. 

Eureka Lodge continued to work until July 5, 1851, when a regular communication was held and the following resolution was 

adopted: “That this Lodge surrender its charter, with the books, papers, jewels and clothing, together with all other property of this 

Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York or to its deputy or agent by them duly authorized 

to receive them.” 

The minutes contain the following: 

“The minutes were then read and approved, and the W. M. proceeded to take possession of the charter, books, papers, jewels, 

clothing and property of the Lodge for the purpose of carrying out the motion of BRO. MESSICK as voted by the Lodge according to 

the true intent and meaning thereof. “ 

E. PAYN,Secretary.” 

Scarcely had the old Lodge extinguished its lights and closed its labors when a movement to organize a successor was begun, as 

will be noted by the following; the original is on file in the Grand Secretary’s office: 

14

“The undersigned begs leave to represent that the charter of Eureka Lodge, No. 98, located at Chatham Four Corners, Columbia 

County, was surrendered to this Grand Lodge during the past year and a dispensation for a new Lodge at the same place was 

obtained from the Grand Officers, to be styled Columbia Lodge, for which the sum of thirty dollars was paid with the understanding 

that it should be refunded and a charter granted for said Columbia Lodge at this Annual Communication. Your petitioner therefore 

prays that said charter may now be granted and said sum of thirty dollars be refunded to said Lodge. 

“DAVID G. WOODIN, 

“Past Master.” 

The foregoing facts clearly show that Columbia Lodge, No. 98, is the legitimate offspring and successor of these two Lodges. The 

first was no doubt forced to succumb to the conditions which prevailed during the “Morgan period.” The causes which prompted the 

surrender of the charter of Eureka Lodge are unknown, but the fact that a new Lodge was immediately organized is of itself 

sufficient evidence of the spirit of loyalty to the Fraternity which actuated these brethren and prompted them to again unite and open 

the Great Light upon the altar of Freemasonry. 

Members of Eureka Lodge 

Allen, R. J. 

Yeoman; b. in Livingston, Columbia, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Allendorph, George Inn Keeper; b. in Red Hook, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Ambler, Benjamin Stone Mason; b. in South Salem, Westchester Co., res. Austerlitz; member of old Charity Lodge. Designed 

and built the Spencertown Academy, ca 1847. 

Bidwell, Alfred G. Farmer, b. and res. Hillsdale; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Bishop, Philetus W. Lawyer; b. in Canaan, Columbia, NY; res. Ghent; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Brown, Albert Painter; b. in Nassau, Rensselaer Co.; res. Austerlitz; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Buck(a)bee, Ezra Yeoman [Stone Mason]; b. ca 1800 in Canaan, Columbia, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Clark, Harry S. Cordwainer; b. and res. New Concord; member of old Canaan Lodge. 

Clark, Sylvester C. Carpenter; b. and res. In Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Cole, Darius Ghent farmer; native of Hillsdale; former member of Charity Lodge, Spencertown. 

Collins, Charles H. Merchant; b. in Ghent; res. Chatham; Raised in Hudson Lodge No. 7. 

Cornwell, David H. Stone Mason; b. and res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Davis, Jonathan Housewright; b. in Kingston, NH; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Dugan, Archibald Tailor; b. in Ireland; res. Chatham; Raised in Olive Branch No. 1011, Antrim Co., near Belfast, Ireland. 

Dutcher, Charles B. Attorney; native of Salisbury, CT; lived in Austerlitz; delivered an address before Charity Lodge in 1829. 

Everit, Thomas Painter; b. in Ireland; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Fellows, William H. Carpenter; b. in New Canaan, CT; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Groat, Captain Peter Ghent farmer; one of first settlers of Groat’s Corners [Chatham Four Corners]; member of Canaan No. 44. 

Groat, David B. Inn Keeper; b. in Chatham; joined St. John’s Lodge No. 13, Dayton, Ohio. 

Groat, William T. Inn Keeper; native of Chatham; joined Eureka. 

Healy, John 

Painter; b. in Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Hicks, Charles C. Cordwainer; native of Queens Co., res. Spencertown; member of old Charity Lodge. 

Hogeboom, Cornelius “Gentleman:” res. Ghent; member of old Canaan No. 44. 

Holmes, Joseph W. Cabinet Maker; b. in Dalton, MA; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Kellogg, John J. Yeoman; b. in Canaan, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Kenyon, Pierpont Carpenter; b. 1825 in Newport, RI; d. 1911; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge; m. Ruth Palmer. 

Kraft, Theodore W. Farmer; b. in Varrel, Grand Dutchy of Oldenburgh, GY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Lee, Samuel P. Merchant; b. in Springfield, MA; res. Chatham; Raised in Trinity Lodge No. 39, NYC. 

Marshall, Samuel b. in Clinton, Dutchess Co.; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Mather, Hiram B. Joiner; b. in Whitely, MA; res. Austerlitz; member of old Charity Lodge. 

Mesick, John H. Inn Keeper; b. and res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Miller, Sylvester Joiner; b. in Livingston, Columbia, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Mower, Charles C. C. Saddler; native of Charlestown, NH; Initiated in Jerusalem Lodge, Northampton, MA. 

Osborn, Henry P. Merchant; b. in Westerloo, Albany, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Revival Lodge 114, Windham, Greene, NY. 

Parsons, Chester Tinsmith; native of Chatham; res. Austerlitz; member of old Charity Lodge. 

Payn, Elijah Lawyer; b. in Hinsdale, MA; res. Ghent; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Pomeroy, James S. Paper Maker; b. and res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Pomeroy, Theodore Farmer; b. in Canaan, CT; res. Ghent; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Rexford, Leonard S. Watch Maker; res. Kinderhook; joined Eureka Lodge. 

Rose, Jacob Blacksmith; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Rosengardner, J. Traveling Merchant; b. in Germany; res. Albany; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Sharp, John H. Machinist: b. in Greenwich, NJ; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Smith, Joseph W. Joiner; b. in Greene Co., NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Strever, John B. Farmer; native of Ancram; res. Chatham; Initiated in Warren Lodge No. 157, White Plains, Dutchess Co. 

Strever, LaFayette Joiner; b. in Ancram; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Toben, Richard C. Paper Maker; b. in Germany; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Tompkins, States D. Miller; b. in Greene Co., NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Vorley, Stephen B. Farmer; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Wheeler, Alonzo Machinist: b. in Athens, Greene, NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Wheeler, Thomas R. b. in Westerloo, Albany Co., NY; res. Chatham; Raised in Eureka Lodge. 

Wheeler, William Chatham farmer; native of Washington, Dutchess Co.; Initiated in Friendship Lodge No. 116, Durham, NY. 

WIltse, James Joiner; native of Hillsdate; res. Chatham; member of Hudson Lodge No. 7. 

Philetus W. Bishop, b. 5 Apr 1816; d. 2 Mar 1882; bur. Red Rock Cemetery, Red Rock, NY. Member of NY State Assembly, 

Columbia County 2nd District, 1851. 

15

Charles B. Dutcher, Columbia County, NY. in 1851 was a charter member of Columbia Lodge No. 98 F&AM. In 1829 he was 

admitted to the bar, 1836 elected to the assembly, in 1842 was supervisor of Spencertown and in 1847 elected Judge in County 

Court-Surrogate. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/cuyler-reynolds/hudson-mohawk-genealogical-and-family-memoirs-lyu/page-83-hudsonmohawk-genealogical-and-family-memoirs-lyu.shtml 

Ebenezer Leach Payn, son of Stephen Paine, was born in Andover, CT, 21 Sep 1762. When eleven years of age he removed with 

his parents to Partridgefield, and at the age of fourteen became a soldier in the revolution as a substitute for his father, who was ill. 

He was present at Ticonderoga when the English under General Burgoyne compelled the evacuation of that fort by the patriots, and 

took part in the retreat of the latter, which involved the crossing of Lake Champlain on rafts of logs. He participated in the battle 

fought at Hubbardton, Vermont, where the overwhelming number of the British forces again compelled the American troops to 

retreat. He married 12 May 1783, Keziah Kenny, born in New Milford, CT. 18 Jun 1766. They settled in that part of Hinsdale known 

as the "North Woods," about two miles from the center of the town. Children: .Alpheus. born, 1787; Daniel, 1789; Stephen, 1791; 

Bushnell, 1793; Noah, 1795; Chauncey, 1798: Sally, 1800; James, 1803: Elijah, 1806. mentioned below; Keziah. 1809; Lyman, 

1811: Elvira, 1813. 

Judge Elijah Payn, son of Ebenezer Leach Payn, was born 1806, died in Hudson, New York. He married Rachel Dunspaugh. 

Child, Louis Frisbie. mentioned below. 

Louis Frisbie Payn, son of Judge Elijah Payn, was born in Ghent. Columbia. NY, 27 Jan 1835. He was educated in the schools of 

Chatham, NY. He has always been active in business and political life, and has given much time to the public service. In 1872 he 

built a mill for the manufacture of paper at Chatham, and in 1890 added machinery for the manufacture of box board. He is 

president of the Stony Brook Box Board Mills, and president of the Louis F. Payn Oil Company of West Virginia, and has interests in 

silver mines in Colorado. From youth he has been an ardent member of the Republican party and an influential supporter of its 

interests. Since 1864 he has attended as a delegate every national convention, but has never been a candidate for any elective 

public office of importance. He achieved a national reputation in 1880 on account of his strong support of General Grant as a 

candidate to the presidency for a third term. He has, however, made the political fortunes of many other men now high in public life, 

and is still active and alert in politics. He has held several important appointive offices in the state: 28 Jan 1856, he was appointed 

deputy sheriff of Columbia county; 1866 harbor master of the port of New York City: in 1877 he was appointed by President Grant 

United States marshal for the southern district of New York: 2 Feb 1897, he was appointed by Governor Black state superintendent 

of insurance and served until 21 Jan 1900. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM. He married (first) 1857, Margaret 

Stafford, d/o John Stafford, and niece of General Worth, of Mexican war fame. She died in 1898. He married (second) Dec 1902, 

Marion K. Heath, of Albany, New York. He resided at Chatham, NY, where he lived for over seventy years. 

http://www.strever.org/Joel/JoelBook2.html 

John B. Strevel b. 24 Jan 1796; d. 25 Jun 1869; bap. Ancram Vedder Church; bur. family cemetery at Chatham; m. 1817 Morrecca 

Dings (b. 13 Aug 1797; d. 24 Jun 1854), d/o Adam Dings II and Eva Kilmer. Parents of eleven children. He served in war of 1812. 

Lived at Ancram. In 1835 moved to Chatham. Of their 11 children "two were blind, two had very poor eyesight." These 4 and 1 more 

"died before their time." He had his name changed from Strevel to Strever about 1817. m. 2nd ca 1860 Annis Reynolds. 

Children: 

i. AARON STREVER, b. 15 Apr 1818; d. 15 May 1898. 

ii. WILLIAM H STREVER, b. 26 Feb 1820; d. 27 Mar 1908. 

iii. TAMMY STREVER, b. 13 Aug 1821; d. 26 Mar 1856. 

iv. BENJAMIN STREVER, b. 21 Feb 1823; d. 09 May 1876. 

v. LAFAYETTE STREVER, b. 09 Oct 1824; d. 26 Oct 1856. 

vi. HIRAM STREVER, b. 02 Oct 1826; d. 22 Oct 1856; m. Margaret Cooper; b. 22 Nov 1831; d. 18 Jan 1903. 

vii. ADAM STREVER, b. 24 Jul 1828; d. 05 Jan 1893. 

viii. MARY STREVER, b. 15 Jul 1830; d. 13 Jun 1907. 

ix. ALMIRA STREVER, b. 15 Jun 1833; d. 23 Dec 1861. 

x. JOHN W STREVER, b. 06 Sep 1834; d. 30 Dec 1908. 

xi. PHOEBE STREVER, b. 13 May 1838; d. 04 Jan 1880. 

Lafayette Strever b.. 9 Oct 1824 in Ancram; d. 26 Oct 1856 in Chatham; m. 9 Sep 1845 Mary N. Tyson, d/o Joseph and Sarah of 

Ghent NY, (b. 5 Aug 1828; d. 10 Jan 1913), Round Lake, MN. Lafoyette learned the building trade from his father. At the time of his 

death he operated an inn on the old Boston-Albany turnpike near Chatham Center. Early in their marriage they must have lived at 

Round Lake, MN, as their 1st two children were born there. Parents of six children. Lafayette died "Mysteriously" at age 32 (per his 

grandson). Mary Tyson Strever remarried Alonzo Burton and moved to Round Lake, MN. in 1858 possibly had 2nd family. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/t_surnames_1900.htm 

States D. Tompkins, was born in Chatham, 15 May 1816. He was engaged as a miller and afterward in the manufacture of 

paper. He served his town as supervisor, which office he filled very acceptably to his townspeople. His first wife was Mary Mesick, 

and his second wife, Harriet M. Parks; they had one son, Edward States D. Tompkins, who married Rebecca R. Fitch. Mr. 

Tompkins died in 1867. 

Columbia Lodge No. 98, Chatham (Chatham Four Corners], New York 

Note: Lodge No.98 was originally held by Onondaga Lodge No. 98, Onondaga Hollow, Onondaga Co., NY, chartered 21 Jan 1803; 

Forfeit 7 Jun 1833. 

For a more detailed history of this Lodge and its predecessors see this Lodge’s well written, “History of Columbia Lodge No. 98, 

F&AM,” 1932. 132 pages, a copy of which was kindly donated to the OMDHS Library by R.’.W.’. Gerald R. French in 2010, via Bro. 

George A. Laird, III, of Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501 who visited Columbia Lodge No. 98 and was warmly received by them. 

16

WARRANT: 24 Jun 1852. 

MINUTES: Intact. 

The first officers under warrant were: 

Samuel P. Lee, Master. 

John H. Messick, Senior Warden. 

Albert Brown, Junior Warden. 

Columbia Lodge is the successor of two Lodges which formerly existed at Chatham. 

Canaan Lodge, No. 44, was organized in the year 1796; the following is the petition: 

”To the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of the State of New 

York. 

The Petition of the subscribers most respectfully showeth that the number of members of Unity Lodge No. 17 have been and now 

are upwards of sixty; that from the local circumstances of the members their work in Lodge is rendered very difficult as well as 

expensive to individuals, by which the benefits of our craft is not only retarded, but very materially injuries accrue to the Lodge, that 

your petitioners have for some time experienced these difficulties to their great disadvantage and to the particular hindrance of the 

growth and increase of Masonry in their vicinity. That by the mutual agreement of the members of our Lodge we have thought best 

to divide the members into two Lodges, and accordingly do hereby recommend our well-beloved and faithful Brother NATHAN 

NOYES as Master, our well-beloved and faithful Brother LEVI PRESTON for Senior Warden and our well-beloved and faithful 

Brother ALEXANDER SMITH for Junior Warden of a new and regular constituted Lodge by the name of Canaan Lodge No. —, and 

our petition is that they may be by the Grand Lodge constituted and appointed as a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons agreeable 

to the rules and customs of the Grand Lodge, and your petitioners will, as in duty bound, ever pray. Respectfully, by unanimous vote 

of Unity Lodge, January 7, 1796. A. L., 5796. 

“ELEAZER GRANT, Master. 

ELISHA GILBERTSON, Senior Warden. 

DAVID GREENE, Junior Warden. 

“NATHAN NOYES, Sec’t’y P. T.” 

Endorsed on the petition is the following: 

“A warrant ordered to be issued by JACOB MORTON, D.G.M., and DEWITT CLINTON, J.G.W.” 

The last return made by the Lodge was for the year 1825. It contains the names of nineteen members. 

The officers elected for 1826 were: 

Sylvester Van Volkenburgh, Master. 

Henry S. Clark, Senior Warden. 

Cornelius Goes, Junior Warden. 

Frederick Y. Waterman, Secretary. 

Peter R. Crandall, Treasurer. 

Among the papers on file relating to this Lodge is the following bill: 

“R.’. W.’. Grand Lodge of the State of New York 

“To David Smith Jun Dr. 

”For attendance at the Annual Communication as Representative of Canaan Lodge No. 44. 

6 days $9.00 

280 Miles travel 7 Days 10.50 

$19.50 

NEW YORK, June 11, 5821. 

“Rec’d payment, “D. SMITH JUN.” 

MASTERS OF CANAAN LODGE No. 44. 

Nathan Noyes. 

Benjamin Cook. 

David Leavenworth. 

Alexander Smith. 

Calvin Thompson. 

Augustin F. Hayden. 

Philo Kilborn. 

Andrew Lovejoy. 

David Smith Jr. 

Sylvester Van Volkenburgh. 

The warrant was declared forfeited in 1833. The Grand Lodge Register contains the following: “The warrant of No. 44 was 

surrendered June 6, 1844, and deposited by R.’. W.’. ELISHA GILBERT, P. J. G. W.” 

The successor of Canaan Lodge. No. 44, was Eureka Lodge, No. 98, which received its warrant June 12, 1844. It will be noticed 

that this occurred within a few days after the former warrant had been surrendered. 

The officers named in the warrant were: 

William Wheeler. 

Samuel P. Lee. 

Charles C. C. Mower. 

William Wheeler, Master; 

Darius Cole, Senior Warden; 

Peter Groat, Junior Warden. 

James Wittse. 

Samuel Marshall. 

MASTERS OF EUREKA LODGE. 

Eureka Lodge continued to work until July 5, 1851, when a regular communication was held and the following resolution was 

adopted: “That this Lodge surrender its charter, with the books, papers, jewels and clothing, together with all other property of this 

17

Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York or to its deputy or agent by them duly authorized 

to receive them.” 

The minutes contain the following: 

“The minutes were then read and approved, and the W. M. proceeded to take possession of the charter, books, papers, jewels, 

clothing and property of the Lodge for the purpose of carrying out the motion of BRO. MESSICK as voted by the Lodge according to 

the true intent and meaning thereof. “ 

E. PAYN,Secretary.” 

Scarcely had the old Lodge extinguished its lights and closed its labors when a movement to organize a successor was begun, as 

will be noted by the following; the original is on file in the Grand Secretary’s office: 

“The undersigned begs leave to represent that the charter of Eureka Lodge, No. 98, located at Chatham Four Corners, Columbia 

County, was surrendered to this Grand Lodge during the past year and a dispensation for a new Lodge at the same place was 

obtained from the Grand Officers, to be styled Columbia Lodge, for which the sum of thirty dollars was paid with the understanding 

that it should be refunded and a charter granted for said Columbia Lodge at this Annual Communication. Your petitioner therefore 

prays that said charter may now be granted and said sum of thirty dollars be refunded to said Lodge. 

“DAVID G. WOODIN, 

“Past Master.” 

The foregoing facts clearly show that Columbia Lodge, No. 98, is the legitimate offspring and successor of these two Lodges. The 

first was no doubt forced to succumb to the conditions which prevailed during the “Morgan period.” The causes which prompted the 

surrender of the charter of Eureka Lodge are unknown, but the fact that a new Lodge was immediately organized is of itself 

sufficient evidence of the spirit of loyalty to the Fraternity which actuated these brethren and prompted them to again unite and open 

the Great Light upon the altar of Freemasonry. The Lodge has prospered, and has had among its adherents some of the most 

prominent men in the community. 

The first meeting-place was in Odd Fellows’ Hall, where it remained until June, 1874, when it moved to its present quarters in the 

building known as the “Masonic Building.” These rooms were dedicated June 24, 1874, by M.’. W.’. JESSE B. ANTHONY, who, at 

that time, was Junior Grand Warden. 

It was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Capitol at Albany, June 24, 1871; at the laying of the corner-stone of the 

Home at Utica, May 21, 1891; at the laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple, Albany, June 24, 1895; it was also present at 

the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Hudson in 1896. 

On June 26, 1902, it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. 

John Cadman, County Judge. 

Hugh W. McClellan, County Judge, Assemblyman. 

Wright H. Barnes, Assemblyman. 

Charles D. Beckwith, Congressman. 

Louis F. Payn, Superintendent of Insurance. 

Henry M. Hanor, Sheriff. 

MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE. 

Sanford W. Smith, County Judge, State Senator. 

Frank H. Wood, Chief Inspector, Department of Education. 

Robert Hoes, Assemblyman. 

William C. Daley, State Senator. 

W. Porter Darrow, Secretary N. Y. State Grangers. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

William C. Daley, District Deputy Grand Master. 

Calvin D. Hicok, District Deputy Grand Master. 

Sanford W. Smith, District Deputy Grand Master. 

Charles M. Burrows, Assistant Grand Lecturer. 

Simeon R. Hatfield, Assistant Grand Lecturer. 

MASTERS 

1852 Samuel P. Lee. 

1853 David G. Wooden. 

1854 Samuel P. Lee. 

1855. Hugh W. McClellan. 

1856. David G. Wooden. 

1857. David G. Wooden. 

1858. Abram Ashley, Jr. 

1859. Hiram D. Ford. 

1860. John Cadman. 


1862. James T. Shufelt. 

1863. James T. Shufelt. 



1866. Charles A. Belden. 

1867. Hiram D. Ford. 

1868. Charles M. Burrows. 



1871. William C. Daley. 


1873. John W. Boright 

1874. John W. Boright. 

1875. Wright H. Barnes. 

1876. Wright H. Barnes. 

1877. Simeon R. Hatfield. 

1878. Simeon R. Hatfield. 

1879. Milford Ii. Bates. 

1880. Charles H. Bell. 

1881. James E. Traver. 



1884. Perry C. Miller. 




1888. Azro C. Hanor. 

1889. Azro C. Hanor. 

1890. William S. Higgins. 

1891. William S. Higgins. 

1892. Calvin D. Hicok. 

1893. Calvin D. Hicok. 

1894. Philip W. Mull. 

1895. Henry W. Niles. 

1896. Henry W. Niles. 

1897. Enos C. Montross. 

1898. Sanford W. Smith. 

1899. Sanford W. Smith. 

1900. Henry J. Baringer. 

1901. Frank H. Wood. 

1902. David H. Gage, Jr. 

1903. Charles D. Higgins. 

1904. Charles D. Higgins. 

1905. Augustus N. Van 

Deusen. 

1906. Charles B. Hatfield. 

1907. Edward G. Johnson 

1908. Edward G. Johnson 

1909. William F. Pratt 

1910. William F. Pratt 

1911. Jerry Browning 

1912. Jerry Browning 

1913. Egbert D. Couch 

1914. Egbert D.Couch 

1915. John O. Moul 

1916. William H. Housman 

1917. William P. Boright 

1918. Peter C. Christensen 

1919. Charles D. Harder 

1920. Clarence W. Gearing 

1921. Frank E. Vosburgh 

1922. F. Carlton McQuade 

1923. Harry C. Ashley 

1924. Sherman L. Stahl 

1925. George Dennis 

1926. Chris T. Christensen 

1927. John C. Berninger 

1928. John H. Shermerhorn 

1929. Charles B. Rivenburgh 

1930. Robert E. Miller 

1931. Henry L. Alvord 

1932. Roscoe W. Blashfield 

18

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/b_surnames.htm 

Milford L., Bates, M. D., of Canaan, was born in the town of Fairfield, ME, 3 Oct 1846. Thomas Bates, grandfather of Milford L., 

was a native of West Waterville, ME: he married Fanny Stillman, of Petersburg, NY, and carried on an extensive agricultural 

business until his death. Asa S. Bates, father of Dr. Bates, was born and educated in West Waterville, ME. He worked on the farm 

and for three years served an apprenticeship with J. M. Frost as blacksmith. Becoming proficient in his trade, he established himself 

in business at Fairfield, ME, where he remained for four years, then moved to Pownal, VT, and worked at his trade until 1850. In that 

year he came to Columbia county and bought a farm in Canaan Center, where he built a blacksmith shop adjoining his house, and 

there successfully carried on farming and blacksmithing until his death in 1888. For many years he served as town clerk and held 

other offices of trust. He was three times married, first to Abbe Lyford, of St. Albans, VT, who died when her son, Dr. Milford L., was 

three years old. He married second, Amy L. Corey, of Hancock, MA, who died in 1875; his third wife was Emeline E. Blinn, of 

Canaan. 

Milford L. Bates was educated in the schools of Canaan and the academy there, and taught school for three years. He began the 

study of medicine with Dr. Noah Cresey, of Canaan, and W. W. Green, of Pittsfield, MA; later he attended lectures at the Berkshire 

Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1867; he attended the Harvard Medical College (Boston) and practiced at the 

Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1868 Dr. Bates began his professional career in Canaan Center, where he built up a large 

practice and remained there five years. In 1878 he spent some time in Bellevue Hospital, New York city, receiving private 

instruction; the following year he resumed practice in Columbia county, settling in Canaan Four Corners. In 1870 Dr. Bates was 

married to Augusta G. Pierson, of Canaan, who died in 1888, leaving four children, two living; Arthur P. and Nellie F. In 1890 the 

doctor married, second, Mrs. Nellie Barton, of Canaan. Dr. Bates served his town as supervisor for fourteen consecutive years, and 

was chairman of the board for three. He is a member of Columibia Lodge, No. 98, F&AM; the Columbia County Medical Society, of 

which he has been president and secretary, and is a permanent member of the Medical Society of the State of New York. 

Charles D. Beckwith, Chatham Center, NY, was born in Stillwater, NY, 22 Oct 1838. His father was Franklyn C. Beckwith, who 

spent the early part of his life in connection with railroads and afterwards engaged in the manufacture of iron in Paterson, NJ. His 

wife was Esther Ann Clarke, and their children were Charles D., Joseph A., and Julia Frances Beckwith. Mr. Beckwith died in 1875. 

Charles attended the district schools and New Haven Military School. After leaving school he engaged with his father in the iron 

business. He was a prominent man in Paterson, serving two terms as mayor of the city, and one term as member of the Fifty-first 

Congress. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, is a Knight Templar, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was 

married to Frances C. Jaqua, d/o Sherman Jaqua, of Connecticut. Their children are Charles E., Fanny J., George A., Claude S., 

Marion C., and Florence C. 

Mrs. Abby J. Bell, Chatham, NY, is the d/o Sherman C. and Eliza A. (Reed) Dickerman, of Spencertown, NY, whose only other child 

is Mary E., (Dickerman) Hand. Abby J. Dickerman was married to Charles H. Bell, son of Aaron Bell, of Austerlitz, NY. For some 

years Mr. Bell was in mercantile trade, but during the later years of his life he was connected with the State Bank. He was a member 

of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, of which he was Master. Mr. Bell was well and favorably known, and died in 1897, regretted by 

a wide circle of friends and associates. His life record was one of unsullied integrity and praiseworthy usefulness. The children of Mr. 

and Mrs. Bell are Mary A., Camilla (Bell) Pulver, and Charles R. 


E. Pratt Birge, Chatham, NY, was born in Chatham in 1839. He is a son of Elijah Birge, b. 22 Jan 1792, a farmer and native of 

Chatham, who was married, 28 Nov 1815, to Mary Richmond, born 10 May 1796, and they became the parents of these children: 

Mrs. Lydia B. Stearns, George R., Chester D., Josiah R., Linneus Dwight (d. 6 Mar 1826), Warren E., Edward D., Mary E., Harvey 

M. (d. 11 Aug 1856), and E. Pratt. Mr. Elijah Birge died 24 Mar 1876, and his widow survived until 18 Mar 1879. E. P. Birge was 

educated in the public schools and at Spencertown Academy. He is a farmer, a worthy citizen, and a member of Columbia Lodge 

No. 98, F&AM. He was married to Sarah A. Ashley, 16 Dec 1868, d/o Henry Ashley. They had two children: Wallie P. (d. 13 Aug 

1888), and Henry Edson. 

John W. Boright, Chatham, NY, was born in Chatham, NY, 16 Dec 1836. His father was Ralph Boright, a native of Chatham, a 

farmer and a captain in the militia. His wife was Sally Hunt; they had children: Hannah, Andrew, Samuel, John W., Eunice, and 

Lydia. Mr. Boright died in 1883, and his wife in 1861. John W. Boright, after securing his education in the common schools, engaged 

in farming. In 1866 he removed to Chatham village and went into the lumber business. By the aid of his own industry and natural 

ability he has achieved success, and is looked upon as one of the substantial citizens of Chatham. He has been a trustee of the 

village seven years and was president one year. He is a director of the State Bank, and a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, 

F&AM, and has been Master of the lodge. He was married to Jennie L., d/o Hosea B. Parsons. They are the parents of William P., a 

civil engineer, and Julia L. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/ca_cl_1900bios.htm 

Nicholas W. Cady, of East Chatham, NY, was born in Rayville, town of Chatham, NY, 11 Aug 1852. He is a son of William H. Cady, 

who was a farmer until 1862, when he entered the employ of the Boston and Albany Railroad Company at East Chatham. His wife 

was Elmira Wilbor, and their children were Mrs. Elvira (Cady) Bradley, Allen P., and Nicholas W. Cady. The latter gained his 

education in the common schools, after which he engaged in farming in Michigan for a time. 12 Apr 1876, he returned to East 

Chatham and became an employee of the Boston and Albany Railroad Company. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 

church, and of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, and has been school trustee for seven years. His wife was Ella Kipp, who has 

borne him one daughter, Ada May. 

William H. Clark, Chatham, NY, was born in New Concord, NY, 7 Jan 1830. His father, Henry S. Clark, a native of Columbia 

county, born in 1795, was a manufacturer of leather and boots and shoes. He was a charter member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, 

F&AM, and assisted in the organization of Lebanon Chapter. His wife was Susan Beebe, and their children were Bartlett B, 

Caroline, Sylvester, Mary, William, Ludlow V., William H., Elijah B., Eveline, and John. William H. Clark attended the common 

19

schools. He learned the trade of machinist and for a number of years was in business in Cleveland, returning to Chatham, where he 

has conducted business for 33 years. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, and is one of the oldest members of that 

body. He was married to Catherine Tompkins Niles, daughter of David Niles. They had sons, Harry and Harvey. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/co_cu_bios.htm 

Homer Crandell, Chatham, NY, was born in Chatham, 14 Jun 1836. He is a son of Solomon Crandell, a native of the town of 

Ghent, NY, who removed to Chatham in 1829, and was one of the pioneer merchants of the village, was justice of the peace eight 

years and postmaster twelve years. His wife was Mary E. Wheeler; their children were Homer, and Frank, a resident of Detroit, 

MI. Solomon Crandell died in 1879; his wife in 1878. Homer Crandell attended the common schools and closed his schooling at the 

Albany Academy. He was eight years bookkeeper with the Wheeler & Melick Company. In 1864 he returned to Chatham and 

engaged in mercantile trade in the village, which he carried on for 28 years. He is serving his second term as justice of the peace, 

and is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, and of Chatham Lodge No. 211, I. O. G. T. He was united in marriage with 

Mary Hawley, d/o Ezra Hawley, who has borne him children: Mrs. May (Crandell) Page, Fred H., and Walter S. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/d_bios.htm 

William B. Daley, Chatham, NY, was born in Chatham, NY, 2 May 1872, son of William C. Daley and Kittie Bailey. William C. 

Daley was born at East Chatham, NY, 8 Nov 1839. As a boy he attended the district schools in summer and worked in his father’s 

shop in winter. He taught school for a time, employing his leisure hours in studying law. Later he read law in the office of Van 

Schaack & Beale, in Kinderhook, and with A. C. Benton of Valatie. In 1863 he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his 

profession in the village of Chatham, where he always was a prominent figure in public affairs. He gave conspicuous service in 

preparing the charter of Chatham village, and served as the first police justice under its provisions; he also served as trustee and 

later was president of the village. He rendered his party excellent service as chairman of the county committee and was a member 

of the State committee. He was appointed supervisor in his district when the last National census was taken, and was congratulated 

upon the efficiency of his work. He was elected State Senator from his district in 1895, declining a renomination at the expiration of 

his term in 1898. He was prominent in Masonic circles, having been past Master of Columbia Lodge No. 98 [1871-72], and District 

Deputy Grand Master. His whole professional and public life was one of spotless integrity. He was married to Kittie, d/o Dr. W. C. 

Bailey. Children: Mrs. F. E. Moore, of Williamstown, MA; W. B. Daley, Dr. Robert M. Daley, of New York city; Mrs. Fletcher Williams, 

of Chatham Center., NY, and Misses Blanche and Pauline, and De Witt Daley. William C. Daley died on 6 Jul 1899, leaving a 

vacancy in the circle of Chatham’s best citizens. William B. Daley received his preparatory education in the schools of Chatham, and 

was graduated form the Law School of Cornell University with the degree of Master of Laws. He began practice in Chatham in 

1893. He holds membership in Lodge No. 98, F&AM, and in the Knights of Pythias. He was married to Agnes, d/o Charles Bell, of 

Hillsdale, NY. They have one son, William B. Daley, Jr. 

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Ashley, B. Howes, East Chatham, NY, was born in Canaan, NY, 12 Oct 1852, a son of Rev. Rufus D. Howes and Mary (b. 1826) 

Kellogg. Rev. Rufus D. Howes was born in the town of Austerlitz, NY, in 1820, and was a minister of the Christian denomination; he 

died in 1860. Ashley was given a common school education, and engaged in carpentering and farming. He was town clerk fifteen 

years, was the founder of the Grange of Canaan, of which he was master three years, and is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 

98, F&AM. He is now (1900) picking and packing fruit for the Pan-American Exposition, and also form time to time is engaged at the 

Farmers' Institute under the direction of the Bureau of State Farmers' Institutes. He was married to Helen M. Ford, d/o Joseph C. 

Ford. Children: Elfreda, Ellen, and Burton Rufus. 

------ 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/i_j_surnames_1900.htm 

Charles H. Johnson, East Chatham, NY, was born in New Lebanon, NY, 6 Apr 1849, son of William Henry Johnson, a native of the 

same town, born 30 Jul 1821, a farmer and merchant, who was married to Mary S. Gale and had children: Charles H., Eugene, 

Carrie E., b. 5 Aug 1857, and David, b. 27 May 1862. Mr. W. H. Johnson died in 1886, and his wife Mary in 1867. Charles, after 

obtaining his education in the public schools, came to East Chatham in 1865 and engaged in the mercantile trade with Mr. E. G. 

Palmer. He has been town collector, notary public fifteen years, and in 1890 was appointed postmaster at East Chatham. He was 

married to Hattie E. King; they had one son, Edward C., who is a clerk in his father's store, and who was married to Alice E. 

Bradley; they have one daughter, Gladys May, b. 18 Mar 1899. C. H. Johnson and his son are both members of Columbia Lodge, 

No. 98, F&AM, and the latter is assistant postmaster and was elected town collector of Chatham in 1899. 

---- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/k_surnames_1900.htm 

Edward P. Kirby, East Chatham, NY, was born in Canaan, NY, 22 Oct 1853, a son of William P. Kirby and Sally Campbell, parents 

of Edward P. and William S. William P. Kirby was a native of Canaan, and was a farmer all his life; he died in 1880. E was educated 

in the public schools and at Claverack Academy, and with his brother is engaged in the commission and meat business in East 

Chatham, and also in farming. He is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 98, F&AM. He was married to Leta Pratt, d/o O. B. Pratt; 

she died 20 Jan 1895, leaving one son, Perry W. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/ma_me_surnames_1900.htm 

Theron R. Marshall, Chatham, NY, is a native of Columbia county, born, 20 Dec 1832. His father, Samuel Marshall, came from 

Dutchess county, where he was born, to Columbia county, where he was a farmer, served as commissioner of highways, and was a 

20

member of Columbia Lodge, No. 98, F&AM; his wife was Sarah Wagoner, and their children were James W., Anna Eliza, Julia M., 

Theron R., and Samuel. Theron, after obtaining his education in the public schools, followed farming until 1858, when he went to 

California and was connected with a water company for six and a half years. In 1865 he returned to Chatham and entered the 

employ of the Boston and Albany Railroad as yardmaster, in which capacity he served 33 years. His wife was Ella, d/o Herman 

Knickerbocker. They have three children: Fred A., Charles H., and Louise G. 

------ 


John P. Mickle, Chatham, NY, was born in Canaan, NY, 20 Sep 1845. He is a son of Daniel J. Mickle and grandson of John Mickle, 

who was born 27 Apr 1773, died 10 Dec 1848, and was one of the pioneer farmers of Columbia county. Daniel J. Mickle was a 

native of Columbia county, born 12 Mar 1819, and was a farmer. He came to Chatham 1 Apr 1859, where he served as deputy 

sheriff. His wife was Malinda M. Clarke, who bore him two children: John P. and Anna E., who died in 1859. D. J. Mickle died 6 Nov 

1883, and his wife in 1873. John P. attended the common schools and finished his schooling at Chatham Academy. Since 1 Mar 

1863, he has been connected with railroading, and is now a conductor on the Harlem Division of the New York Central Railroad. He 

has been president of the village of Chatham one year, and a trustee for five years, president of the Columbia County Agricultural 

Society, member of school board nine years, and is now president of the Chatham Water-Works Company. He has been a member 

of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM, for 28 years, and is a member of Friendship Lodge No. 95, K. of P. He was united in marriage 

with Minnie Deleyer; children: John D., Theodore B. (d. 1876), Harry (d. 1876), Minnie T., Anna E., and Mary A. 

------ 

Frank C. Oles, of Austerlitz, was born in Alford, MA, 9 May 1854, a son of Herman Oles (b. in Alford, MA, 1816; d. Feb 1898), and 

Martha Snyder; they had nine children, Frank C., being the fifth. Mr. Oles received his education in the public schools and has since 

followed farming; he also conducts a grist and sawmill at Spencertown. 14 Oct 1875, he married Mary Jane Brownell, d/o Erastus 

Brownell and Mary J. Rundell; children: Newman F., b. 28 Jun 1876; Roy A., b. 1 Jun 1877; Elmira L., b. 15 May 1879, and Merton 

R., b. 8 Sep 1880. Mr. Oles is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 98, F&AM, of Chatham. 

----- 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/cuyler-reynolds/hudson-mohawk-genealogical-and-family-memoirs-lyu/page-83-hudsonmohawk-genealogical-and-family-memoirs-lyu.shtml 

Ebenezer Leach Payn, son of Stephen Paine, was born in Andover, CT, 21 Sep 1762. When eleven years of age he removed with 

his parents to Partridgefield, and at the age of fourteen became a soldier in the revolution as a substitute for his father, who was ill. 

He was present at Ticonderoga when the English under General Burgoyne compelled the evacuation of that fort by the patriots, and 

took part in the retreat of the latter, which involved the crossing of Lake Champlain on rafts of logs. He participated in the battle 

fought at Hubbardton, VT, where the overwhelming number of the British forces again compelled the American troops to retreat. He 

married 12 May 1783, Keziah Kenny, born in New Milford, CT. 18 Jun 1766. They settled in that part of Hinsdale known as the 

"North Woods," about two miles from the center of the town. Children: .Alpheus. b. 1787; Daniel, 1789; Stephen, 1791; Bushnell, 

1793; Noah, 1795; Chauncey, 1798: Sally, 1800; James, 1803: Elijah, 1806 [below]; Keziah. 1809; Lyman, 1811: Elvira, 1813. 

Judge Elijah Payn, son of Ebenezer Leach Payn, was born 1806, died in Hudson, NY. He was a member of Eureka Lodge. He 

married Rachel Dunspaugh. Child, Louis Frisbie [below]. 

Louis Frisbie Payn, son of Judge Elijah Payn, was born in Ghent. Columbia. NY, 27 Jan 1835. He was educated in the schools of 

Chatham, NY. He has always been active in business and political life, and has given much time to the public service. In 1872 he 

built a mill for the manufacture of paper at Chatham, and in 1890 added machinery for the manufacture of box board. He is 

president of the Stony Brook Box Board Mills, and president of the Louis F. Payn Oil Company of West Virginia, and has interests in 

silver mines in Colorado. From youth he has been an ardent member of the Republican party and an influential supporter of its 

interests. Since 1864 he has attended as a delegate every national convention, but has never been a candidate for any elective 

public office of importance. He achieved a national reputation in 1880 on account of his strong support of General Grant as a 

candidate to the presidency for a third term. He has, however, made the political fortunes of many other men now high in public life, 

and is still active and alert in politics. He has held several important appointive offices in the state: 28 Jan 1856, he was appointed 

deputy sheriff of Columbia county; 1866 harbor master of the port of New York City: in 1877 he was appointed by President Grant 

United States marshal for the southern district of New York: 2 Feb 1897, he was appointed by Governor Black state superintendent 

of insurance and served until 21 Jan 1900. He is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM. He married (first) 1857, Margaret 

Stafford, d/o John Stafford, and niece of General Worth, of Mexican war fame. She died in 1898. He married (second) Dec 1902, 

Marion K. Heath, of Albany, New York. He resided at Chatham, NY, where he died.24 Mar 1923. 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/pi_pu_surnames_1900.htm 

Henry C. Pierson, Chatham, NY, is a native of Columbia county, born 24 Jan 1845. His father, Charles Edwin Pierson, was born in 

Bridgehampton, Suffolk, NY, and through life was a farmer. He was married to Marietta Halsey in 1844, and Henry C. was their only 

offspring. Charles Edwin died in Apr 1867, and his widow in Apr 1895. Rev. Abraham Pierson of Yorkshire, England, who came to 

America in 1640, landing in Boston, was the first American ancestor of this family, and his son, also named Abraham, was the first 

president of Yale College. The latter married Abigail, d/o George Clark, of Milford, and they had two sons, Abraham and John. John 

was the father of Abraham, of Bridgehampton, L. I, who was born in 1755, died in 1825, and who married Phebe Hunting. Their son, 

Samuel Hunting, of Canaan, was born in 1789; he married Mary E. Pierson in 1815, was the father of Charles Edwin, referred to in 

the foregoing, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch; he died in 1867. Henry C. Pierson was educated in the common 

schools of his native place and at the Albany High School. In September, 1873, he established a hardware business in Chatham, 

21

which, after a time, he sold, and engaged in the coal trade; at present he deals in coal, wagons and agricultural implements. He was 

elected supervisor of Austerlitz in 1876 and served two terms, and is a member of Columbia Lodge No. 98, F&AM. His wife was 

Clara E., daughter of Daniel Clark. 

Vernon Lodge No. 99, Hillsdale, New York 

Petition: 18 Apr 1803 

Recommended: 02 May 1803 by Washington Lodge No. 22 and Hudson Lodge No. 7; 12 May 1803 by Temple Lodge No. 10. 

Warrant granted: 01 Jun 1803 

Warrant dated: 04 Jun 1803 

Forfeit: 

07 Jun 1833; 10 ½ years arrears. 

Surrendered: 1843 

Petition to Revive: 14 Jan 1843; signed by 10 brothers. 

Recommended by: Richard Carrique, SGW. 

Denied by GL: 10 Jun 1843 

Petition of 1803 signed by 27 Brothers: 

Benedict, Ezra 

Case, Manning 

Birdsall, Benjamin 

Conklin, John C. 

Birdsall, Benjamin Jr. Decker, Jacob C. 

Blackman, Enos 

Gilbert, Wm. ? 

Bogardus, Jas. 

Gould, Gordon 

Bogardus, Peter 

Heath, Jonathan 

Booth ?, John 

Jewell, Joseph 

Kellogg, Nathan 

Martin, Agrippa 

McKinstry, Charles 

Patterson, John * 

Snyder, Anthony W. 

Snyder, Dederick F. 

Stebbins, Gaius 

Steward, John 

Truesdell, Thomas 

Tanner, Capt. William 

Turner, Conrad 

Turner, Jonathan 

Wright, Daniel D. Jr. 

* The present compiler cannot place a ‘John Patterson’ in Hillside in April 1803. About 12 miles east of Hillsdale [as a crow flies over 

the Berkshire Mountains], at Lenox, MA, there resided Maj. Gen. John Patterson [aka Paterson] and his son John Peirce Patterson, 

b. at Lenox 5 May 1787. The Petitioner, John Patterson, does not appear on any of the many extant returns for Vernon Lodge, so it 

may be ‘presumed’ that he only signed the petition, but did not ‘join’ or affiliate with the Warranted Lodge in June 1803. Maj. Gen. 

Patterson was PM of Washington [traveling] Lodge, was known to attend Lodge with Gen. Washington, had a quite remarkable life, 

is the subject of separate biographical sketch by the present compiler [7 pages], and whose further biography be read in: The life of 

John Paterson: Major General in the Revolutionary Army, by Thomas Egleston. 1894. 293 pages, at: 

http://books.google.com/books?id=OpYBAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=%22john+Paterson%22+%22elizabeth+lee%22&sour 

ce=bl&ots=KPlJl8- 

Op9&sig=WZHglbY6rQqE4hcUzDSf5kArvGA&hl=en&ei=RtIwTMuOEMP38Ab29MX_Bg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum= 

4&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22john%20Paterson%22%20%22elizabeth%20lee%22&f=false 

http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofhillsda00coll/historyofhillsda00coll_djvu.txt 

Benjamin Birdsall married a Miss Acker, Their children were: Morris [Maurice], George, Lewis, Benjamin, James, Sarah, Lizzie and 

Judith. Sarah married George Amigh; Judith married Joseph Hageman ; Lizzie married Joseph Pixley, the brother of John and son 

of Ephraim Pixley, and Morris [Maurice] married Anna Pixley, the sister of John and Joseph Pixley. 

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:UKe8sbvx5lcJ:www.gnibo.com/maurice%2Bgreene+%22benjamin+birdsa 

ll%22+%22hillsdale%22&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us 

Colonel Benjamin BIRDSALL came to Greene from Hillsdale, Columbia county, in 1816, accompanied by his three sons, Benjamin, 

George and Maurice, all middle-aged men, with families, who also became residents of the town. James Birdsall, another son, 

settled at Norwich a few years previous, and was engaged in legal and banking business. He was an active politician and 

represented the 15th district in Congress from 1815 and 1817, and this county in the Assembly in 1827. 

Maurice, son of Colonel Benjamin Birdsall, was a farmer and lived in the village of Greene. He was a man of high social standing, 

upright and universally esteemed. He died 7 Jan 1852, aged 77. His first wife was Ann(a) PIXLEY, of Columbia county, who died 12 

Jun 1829, aged 51. He subsequently married Ann PURPLE, of Greene, who survived him. 

James Birdsall, son of Colonel Benjamin, of Revolutionary fame, settled in Norwich, as before stated. His children were: Henry, an 

attorney in Addison, Steuben county; Benjamin and Maurice, merchants at Fentonville, Mich.; Adelaide , who married William 

FENTON, of Norwich, who was subsequently Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan; Sarah, wife of Henry DILLAYE, of Syracuse; and 

Elizabeth, Rispah and Catherine, who reside in San Francisco . 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=akin&id=P-311701999 

Lt. Col. Benjamin Birdsall, b. 4 Oct [Aug?] 1743 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess, NY; d. 8 Oct 1828 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

Fought in Revolutionary War. Col. William Humphrey's Regiment of the Dutchess County Militia. He came to Greene, Chenango 

County, NY from Hillsdale, Columbia County in 1816 accompanied by his three sons: Benjamin, George, and Maurice and their 

families. James, another son, settled at Norwich and represented the 15th district in Congress fm 1815-1817. Col. Benjamin Birdsall 

was a colonel in the Revolutionary War and represented Columbia County in the Assembly in 1792, 93, 96, and 1804. He was the 

son of Nathan Birdsall b. 1705 in Nassau, NY, and Jane Langdon b. ca 1705 in Nassau, NY; m. 1766 in Quaker Hill, NY, Elizabeth 

Akin b. 19 Dec 1746 in Oblong, Dutchess, NY. 

Children: 

1. Lewis Birdsall b. 22 Jan 1770 

22

2. Mary P. Birdsall b. 1772 

3. George W Birdsall b. 1774 in Albany, NY 

4. Maurice Birdsall b. 28 Nov 1774 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess, NY 

5. Albert Birdsall b. ca 1776 

6. Judith Birdsall b. ca 1776 

7. Henry H. Birdsall b. ca 1780 

8. Benjamin Birdsall b. ca 1781 in New York; d. 1818. 

9. James Birdsall b. 1782 in Hillsdale, Columbia, NY 

For further of Col. Benjamin and Maj. Benjamin (Jr.) see Appendix III. 

----- 

James Bryan second, married Nellie Pixley, the sister of John and Joseph Pixley. James Bryan had three sons and one daughter 

(Eveline), a girl distinguished for intelligence, vivacity and beauty. A monument is erected to her memory near the graves of the 

Pixleys in the grounds of the Hillsdale Rural Cemetery Association. 

------ 

http://awt.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=flakey&id=I567151802&ti=5542 

Nathan KELLOGG , b. 30 Jan 1764 in Tryingham, Berkshire, MA; d. 4 Jul 1838; son of John KELLOGG b. 1726 West Hartford, CT, 

and Union STODDARD b. 1732 in Newington, Hartford, CT; m. Clara BRYANT b. ca 1764 

Children: 

1. Ambrose Bryant KELLOGG b: 24 May 1801 in Hillsdale, Columbia, NY 

2. Chester Curtis KELLOGG b: 1785 in Great Barrington, Berkshire, MA; 16 Jul 1859, Starkey, Yates, NY 

3. George KELLOGG b: 10 Aug 1798 in Little, Utica, Oneida, NY 

4. Nancy KELLOGG b: ca 1803 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY 

5. Laura KELLOGG b: ca 1805 in Auburn, Cayuga, NY 

NATHAN KELLOGG, A Soldier of j the Revolutionary War | Died July 4, 1838, Aged 72 Years. 

CLARA BRYANT, his Wife, Died Sept. 1824, Aged 54 Years. 

Jacksonville cemetery. Cayuga, NY. In Ridgefield, Ct., in 1790. He may have been in Col. Canfield's Ct. Regt., at West Point, '81, 

but seems too young for Capt. David Olmsted's Co., of Ridgefield, in '79. The name occurred in the service there in '76, and it may 

have been his father's. [sic] 

----- 

Colonel Charles McKinstry represented the town of Hillsdale in the Board of Supervisors, and then for two years represented the 

county in the State Legislature. Residing at the easterly foot of the Cakeout Hills, his home was near the centre of the town, while it 

was composed of the Nobletown and Spencertown sections. Of course all the prominent public business of the town, civil and 

military, was done there, to accommodate which, he kept a noted tavern, and, while occupying prominent civil offices, was the 

colonel of the town regiment. Charles married as his second wife Nancy Norton in 1790. One of his daughters [Nancy b. 1796] 

married Judge John [Bowen] Whiting, of Geneva, Ontario county, NY, and one [Sally b. 1780] married Judge Augustus Tremain, of 

Hillsdale, and one [Melinda b. 1794] married Judge Henry Loop, of Great Barrington, MA, and his son Justus was successively the 

partner of three of the most prominent lawyers in Columbia county. 

CHARLES McKINSTRY: Born in Blandford, MA, in 1755; died in Hillsdale, NY, 31 Dec 1819 ; Second Major in the 2d Claverack 

Battalion, 9th Albany County Regt., New York State Militia, Col. Peter Van Ness commanding, 28 May 1778. {of which the present 

compiler’s 5th gr. grandfather was Captain of the 2d Company). 

He was the brother of [Bro.] Captain John McKinstry, a charter member of Hudson Lodge No.7 of New York, who was about to 

be burned at the stake. Remembering that Brant was a Freemason, and John Mc Kinstry, certainly in distress, gave him a Masonic 

sign - that Brant recognized - which secured McKinstry's release and subsequent good treatment. McKinstry and Brant remained 

friends for life. 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~petelois/john/d27.htm 

Charles McKinstry was born in 1755 in Blandford, MA; d. 13 Dec 1819 in Hinsdale, NY; m1. 1774 in Hillsdale Tabitha PATTERSON 

d.1787 (probably in childbirth.) 

Children: 

i. Jane MCKINSTRY. d. in Greenfield, NY; m. Asahel PORTER in 1796. 

ii. David Charles MCKINSTRY. b. 12 Aug 1778; d. 9 Sep 1856 in Ypsilanti, MI; m. Nancy Whiting BACKUS in 1805. 

iii. Sally MCKINSTRY. b. 18 Aug 1780; d. 17 Apr 1845 in Hinsdale, NY; m. Augustus TREMAIN in 1798. 

iv. Olive MCKINSTRY b. 09 Jun 1783; d. 1788. 

v. Justus MCKINSTRY b. 27 Oct 1785; d. 21 May 1849 in Astor House, NY. 

vi. infant MCKINSTRY b. 1787; d. 1787. 

m2. 1790 Nancy NORTON, b. in Farmington; d. 24 May 1798. 

Children: 

vii. Charles Norton MCKINSTRY b. 16 Jan 1792; d. 1794 in Hinsdale, NY. 

viii. Melinda MCKINSTRY. b. 12 Jun 1794; d. aft. 1858; m. to Henry LOOP in 1829. 

ix. Nancy MCKINSTRY. b. 28 Jul 1796; d. 24 Jul 1847 in Geneva, NY; m. Bowen WHITING on 18 Sep 1819. 

x. Marianne MCKINSTRY b. 16 May 1798; d. 24 May 1798. 

m3 18 Jan 1803 in Great Barrington, Bernice EGLISTON, d. 2 Apr 1845 aged 76. 

23

Children: 

xi. Edward Whiting MCKINSTRY b. 24 Jun 1804; d. 9 Apr 1805. 

xii. Edwin MCKINSTRY 

b. 10 Nov 1805; d. 9 Mar 1849 in Metamoras. 

----- 

Gaius [sometimes misspelled ‘Gains’] Stebbins, 5 Oct 1763 in Wilbraham, MA; d. 27 May 1834 in Hillsdale, NY; son of Moses 

STEBBINS b. 4 DecEC 1718 in Springfield, MA, and Dorcas HALE b. 26 Aug 1725 in Enfield, CT . m. ca 1790. One of the first 

merchants Murray's Corners 

Children 

1. Gaius Seymour STEBBINS b. aft. 1790 

2. Robert STEBBINS b. aft.1790 

----- 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=csb&id=I22095 

Thomas Truesdell, b. 2 Feb 1759 in Redding, CT; d. 10 Apr 1822 in Wilmington, OH; son of John TRUESDELL b. 1 Jul 1720 in 

North Branford, CT, and Sarah WAKELEE [Sneadwell] b. ca 1717 in Stratford, CT; m. 3 Oct 1781 in Hillsdale, NY, 1 Hannah 

COLLIN b. 7 Jun 1763 in Hillsdale, NY; d. there 25 Jun 1817. 

Children; all born and died in Hillsdale, NY, except as noted: 

1. John W TRUESDELL b. 07 May 1783 

2. Sarah TRUESDELL b. 17 Jun 1785 

3. Harry TRUESDELL b. 01 Mar 1788 

4. James TRUESDELL b. 13 Sep 1790 

5. Son TRUESDELL b. 01 Aug 1792 

6. Beebe TREUSDELL b. 10 Jan 1794; d. 5 Dec 1866 in Wilmington, Ohio. 

7. Arnold TRUESDELL b. 15 Sep 1796; d. 28 Mar 1835 in Wilmington, Ohio 

8. Son TRUESDELL b. 11 Feb 1800 

9. Grove TRUESDELL b. 14 May 1802 

Friendship Lodge, No. 125, Hillsdale and Copake, New York 

Petition: 

Signed by: 

Becker, Philip 

Bidwell, Alfred E. 

Bingham, Jefferson B. 

undated; recommended by Hudson Lodge No. 7, 31 May 1847. Ichabod Rogers, WM; Wm. A Carpenter, SW; 

John Hamlin, JW. 

Dorchester, Walter 

Judson, Samuel 

Sharts, John 

Warrant granted: 03 Jun 1847 

Warrant dated: 11 Jun 1847 

No returns after 1849. 

Motion to surrender Warrant: 09 May 1862; 8 members present 

Vote to surrender Warrant: 22 May 1862: “ “ “ 

Southworth, Charles 

White, James Wells [ex. 7 

Nov 1848]. 

Woodin, David G. 

Chartered with seven members, and the first officers were David G. Woodin, Master; Samuel Judson, S. W.; Jefferson B. Bingham, 

J. W.; James W. White, Sec.; Alfred G. Bidwell, Treas.; Philip Becker, S. D.; John P. Sharts, J. D. 

Henry A. Collin was the first initiate, and among the other prominent members were Richard H. Bartlett, Allen Sweet, John Miller, 

and Frelin Van Deusen. The Masters were Philip Becker, Henry A. Collin, William Elton. 

The lodge met in Hillsdale for some time, and flourished to a marked degree; then the place of meeting was changed to Copake for 

two or three years, and returning again to Hillsdale. 

Following their vote to surrender their charter on 22 May there was additional correspondence as follows: 

24 Jun 1862 to James M. Austin [Grand Secretary] 

Enclose we send you a copy of a resolution of our Friendship Lodge No. 125 pet[it]ioning for a new charter & you will please inform 

us what to do with the Books Papers &c. 

Please send us the necessary blanks & forms for pet[it]ining for a Dispensation and any other information you deem advisable. 

7 Jul 1862 to James M. Austin 

Yours Truly & Fraternally 

E. Dimmick Sect 

Yours of June 26yh was duly received and contents noted. You think we had better pay up our dues and apply for a dispensation. 

We have now [sic] money on hand. 

A notice was sent to all the members to meet and pay up their dues & to take into consideration the propriety of surrendering our 

charter. There was but Eight in attendance and we passed the resolution. 

We can find you by laws signed by any of the members and cannot tell how many we have or who they are. 

24

We have a few good ones who will advance the money for a dispensation & the prospect is fair of rebuilding & of our doing 

considerable business of the right kind & we would like to get a new start & keep matters as they should be as they have been at 

loose ends in the old lodge for some time past 

We supposed our charter was forfeited last fall but were advised by well informed members of other lodges to hold our election who 

said our lodge was in good standing on the grand lodge Books. 

This is just the conditions we are now in & if you will give us any information how to proceed it will be thankfully received. 

15 Sep 1864 to the MW Grand Master . . . 

A petition was drafted for a lodge to be held in Hillsdale to be called Hillsdale Lodge and signed by 

D[avid] C. Baird 

Philip Becker 

E[liphalet] Dimmick 

Samuel Judson 

John Sharts 

Walter Shaver 

This lodge became Hillsdale Lodge No. 612, which see below. 

Officers 

Martin L. Smith 

M[artin] J. Wagner 

Erastus Wolcott 

Truly & fraternally 

E. Dimmick Sect 

Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Secretary Treasurer 

1847 David G. Woodin Jefferson B. Bingham Samuel Judson John Wells White Alfred G. Bidwell 

1848 “ Philip Becker “ Henry A. Collin, PT “ 

1849 Philip Becker Henry A. Collin “ David G. Woodin 

1850 David G. Woodin 

1851 “ Charles Southworth John Sharts Richard H. Bartlett Walter Dorchester 

1852 Philip Becker 

1853 “ Allen S. Sweet Walter Shafer 

1854 Henry A. Collin “ Julius Snyder 

1855 Allen S. Sweet Julius Snyder James J. Snyder 

1856 Lee Chamberlin 

1857 Julius Synder James J. Snyder Lee Chamberlin 

1858 William M. Elton William H. Jenks Artemus A. Austin 

1859 “ John J. Langdon “ Martin L. Smith 

1860 “ “ “ 

1861 

1862 Philip Becker Eliphalet Dimmick 

Honorary Member: Charles Southworth so listed 1 Jun 1859 

Grand Lodge Officer: David G. Woodin; Grand Sword Bearer 1849-1852 

Other Members: 

William W. Millen, Tyler 1848 

John G. Shurts [Sharts] 

Martin Shurts [Sharts] 

John Foote 

Azariah Judson 

Jacob Kisselbrack Init 25 Jun 1858 Passed and Raised 20 Aug 1858; farmer, age 25 [son of John; of Boston Corners] 

Jacob Wiltsie Init 22 Jul 1858 Passed and Raised 20 Aug 1858; farmer, age 30 

Oscar E. Vosburgh Init 19 Nov 1858 Passed 10 Feb 1859 Raised 15 Apr 1859; Railroad Agent; age 29 

John F. Chatterton Afil 17 Sep 1858 Carpenter & Joiner 

John F. Chatterton, Copake; 1st Lt., 30 Aug 1861; 91st Regt., Co. H; resigned Aug 1863; re-enlisted 24 Aug 1864. 

CHATTERTON, JOHN F.—Age, 39 years. Enrolled, 30 Aug 1861. at Copake Flats, to serve three years; mustered in as 1Lt., Co. H, 

8 Dec 1861; discharged for disability, 22 Jul 1863. Commissioned 1Lt., 20 Dec 1861, with rank from 3 Oct 1861, original. 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/d/u/n/Thomas-L-Dunne/BOOK-0001/0005-0002.html#CHILD3 

Capt. Artemas A. Austin (James 1 ) b. 7 Apr, 1823 in Copake, Columbia, NY; d. there 9 Sep 1896; m. Clara Kilmer, d/o Peter Kilmer 

and Elizabeth. She was b. 25 Nov 1827 in Copake; d. there 24 Oct 1911. In 1872 Artemas was the Town Clerk for Copake. 

On the census for 1860 Clara is shown as Clarifsa [Clarissa] Austin. He served as a Captain in the New York State Militia . 

Children of ARTEMAS AUSTIN and CLARA KILMER are: 

i. MILLARD G AUSTIN, b. 1848; d. 1919; m. MARY E WHITBECK; b. 1856; d. 1921. 

ii. ALIDA AUSTIN, b. 1851. 

iii. SARAH E AUSTIN, b. 1852; d. 1911; m. DANIEL J DUNNE, 2 Jan 1871, b. 1850, Ireland; d. 1922, NY. 

iv. JAMES AUSTIN, b. 1853. 

v. HARRIET ANN AUSTIN, b. 1854. 

vi. ADAH AUSTIN, b. 1859. 

25

http://books.google.com/books?id=qwN_i3tIDIYC&pg=PA242&dq=%22james+wells+white%22&hl=en&ei=3ocyTOuiN4P_8Abo97H 

JCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22james%20wells%20white%22&f=false 

page 242. 

James Wells White, son of [Sea] Capt. Lemuel White was born in East Hartford, CT., 21 Sep 1800. He was a merchant in 

Hillsdale, Columbia, NY; and later an insurance agent in Albany, NY, He married, 21 Oct 1828, Catharine Reed Garner of Hillsdale, 

b. 21 Dec1808. 

Children: 

1. James Reed, b. 22 Sep 1829; d. 11 Aug 1849. 

2. Wells Pitkin, b. 10 May 1831; d. 24 Jun 1834. 

3. Henry Garner, b. 12 Oct 1832; d. 08 Oct 1849. 

4. Sarah Bathsheba, b. 19 Nov 1835; d. 28 Jan 1837. 

5. Thaddeus Reed, b. 24 Nov 1837. 

6. Samuel Wells, b. 22 Apr 1841; d. 02 Apr 1842. 

7. Mary Elizabeth, b. 30 Jan 1843. 

8. Sarah Louisa, b. 05 Feb 1849. 

----- 

David G. Woodin, b. 8 Jul 1798, d. 24 Feb 1879 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/b/u/r/Marilyn-Burch-ny/GENE1-0011.html 

http://genforum.genealogy.com/woodin/messages/12.html 

LAURA ANN FORD (ISAAC 5 , JACOB 4 , JACOB 3 , MATTHEW 2 , MATTHEW 1 ) b. 11 Jun 1803; d. 30 Sep 1831. Austerlitz, NY; bur. in 

Ford family plot; m.25 Apr 1822, DAVID G. WOODIN, who bought the Ford homestead in Austerlitz, Columbia, NY. 

Children of LAURA and DAVID: 

i. ELIZA A. WOODIN, b. 1823. 

ii. MARY A. WOODIN, b. 1826. 

iii. JOHN L. WOODIN, b. 18 Sep 1828. 

iv. ISAAC FORD WOODIN, b. 1831; d. October 15, 1834. bur. Austerlitz, Columbia Co., NY in Ford family plot 

David was the first superintendent of schools in Kinderhook, NY, where his gravesite is located within 100 feet of President Martin 

VanBuren's grave. Sarah Roraback [aka Roarbach or Rohrbach] was his second wife, b. ca 1808; d. 15 Aug 1870. Between the two 

wives there were at least eleven children. 

v. Laura E. Woodin, b. 01 Jan 1836; d. 20 Jan 1916 

vi. Kate Woodin b. 1839; d. 11 Feb 1901 

Judge Reuben Moore Benjamin was married at Chatham, NY, 15 Sep 1856, to Miss Laura E., d/o David G. Woodin, who for many 

years was County Superintendent of Schools of Columbia County, NY. Hon. Benajmin, the youngest son of Darius and Martha 

(Rogers) Benjamin, was born at Chatham Center, Columbia NY, 29 Jun 1833. His father was a private in the War of 1812, and his 

grandfather, Ebenezer Benjamin, was a Captain in the Revolutionary War. He is descended from English and Welsh ancestry, who 

in the colonial days lived in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Mr. Benjamin of this notice lived on a farm until he was fourteen years 

old and was prepared for college at Kinderhook Academy, NY, whence he entered Amherst College, Mass., and was graduated in 

1853, receiving the third honor of his class. He soon afterward became Principal of Hopkins Academy at Hadley, near Amherst, and 

in 1854 entered the Law Department of Harvard University. In 1855-56 he was tutor in Amherst College. In Apr 1856 he came to 

Bloomington, IL, and in Sep ‘56 was licensed to practice law, his examination certificate being signed by Abraham Lincoln. 

Charity Lodge No. 192 / 168, Spencertown, New York 

Organized: 21 Jul 1808 

Petition: Signed by: 

W.’. Israel A. Baldwin 

James Bump 

Schuyler Day 

Matthew Fitch 

W.’. Isaac Ford 

Matthew Griswold 

W.’. Horace Jones 

George Lawrence 

William Miller 

Jonathan C. Olmstead 

George Penny 

Samuel Shaw, Jr. 

5 Aug 1808 Officers Elected: Horace Jones, Master; Israel A. Baldwin, SW; George Lawrence, JW; Isaac Ford, Treas.; Jonathan C. 

Olmstead, Secy.; Samuel Shaw, SD; Matthew Fitch, JD. 

Masters 

1808-09 Horace Jones 

1810 Israel A. Baldwin 

1811-12 Jonathan C. Olmstead 

1813 Matthew Griswold 

1814 Jonathan C. Olmstead 

1815 Isaac Ford 

1816-19 Uel Lawrence 

1820-21 Darius Cole 

1822-26 Benjamin Austin 

1827 David C. Woodin 

1828 Darius Cole 

1829 William A. Murdock 

1830 Darius Cole 

1831 John Tibbitts 

http://www.bumpusgenealogy.org/LAB/L_100-24.htm 

James Bump b. 23 Feb 1775; d. 9 Apr 1834; son of Benjamin Bumpus; m. Elizabeth Stever b. 19 Oct 1784; d, ca 1865 

Children: 

Jacob Stever Bump (unm.) b. 1804; d. ca 1891 

26

Eliza Bump (m) b. 1805; d. 1887 

Patty Bump (unm.) b. 1808; d. 1892 

James Allen Bump (m) b. 24 Jun 1817; d. 9 Oct 1880 

Richard Henry Bump (m) b. 1820; d. 1895 

James b. in NY; d. at Spencertown, N.Y; m. Elizabeth the d/o Jacob and Dorthea (Polly) (Schmidt) Stever of Milton, Saratoga, NY. 

Jacob Stever b. 17 Dec 1795; d. 18 Jan 1849. Doretha d. 23 Jun 1845. Burials at Spencertown, NY. He was a farmer. 

Land transfers at Hudson, NY, show that James Bump purchased land of Salomon Tipple, 54 acres "on the north side of the road 

leading from Spencertown to Kinderhook, 9 Apr 1805, in the Town of Chatham." This was the original home of this family and is 

located in what is now known at the Town of Austerlitz. James d. 9 Apr 1834. 

Land records at Hudson also show that Eliza and Patty Bump purchased of Charles H. and Rachael Skiff, 30 Mar 1840 for $935, 

one half acre in the village of Spencertown east side of the road, Chatham and Hillsdale turnpike. 

Darius Cole 

http://books.google.com/books?id=cBdWAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA223&dq=%22Darius+Cole%22+%22spencertown%22&hl=en&ei=2XQ 

0TLdew7vyBvvP4bMD&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Darius%20Cole%22 

%20%22spencertown%22&f=false page 223. 

Charlotte Augusta Matilda King, (Amos* Benjamin* Benjamin,3 James,2 William1), b. New Marlboro, MA, 3 Oct 1790; d. Ghent, NY, 

15 Dec 1851; m. in Green River, NY, 5Mar 1816, Darius Cole, b. 5 Jul 1793; d. 29 Nov 1873. Resided at Green River, Spencertown 

and Ghent, NY. 

Children: 

i. Harriet Augusta Cole, b. 11 Dec 1816; d. 17 Sep 1845; m. 22 Dec 1836, Chester Griswold Loomis. 

ii. John King7 Cole, b. 24 Apr 1819; d. 10 May 1839; unmarried, 

iii. Ulyses Perkins Cole, b. 21 Jun 1825; d. 05 Sep 1837. 

iv. William Darius Cole, b. 05 Apr 1828; d. 05 May 1828. 

----- 

Uel Lawrence, b. 11 Jun 1786 in Spencertown; d. there 28 Jun 1875; son of Judah Monis Lawrence, the first settler in what is now 

known as Austerlitz; he having come there from Connecticut in 1754. 

http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/VRB.2ACE/2329.1 

Judah Monis Lawrence b: Sep 1734 in Plainfield or Harwinton, Litchfield, CT; d. 06 Jun 1810 in Spencertown, Columbia, NY; 

m1. Hannah Wells d. 15 Nov 1760 in Columbia, NY; both bur. St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Spencertown, NY. 

m2. ca 1756 Content ____ b. Oct 1734; d. 3 Apr 1759. 

Children: 

i. Joseph Lawrence b. ca 1756 in CT; d: bef. 1810 in Spencertown, NY 

ii. 2 Hannah Lawrence b. 24 Dec 1758 in Unadilla, Otsego, NY; d. 13 Feb 1829 in Macksburg, OH; bur. Regnier Mound 

Cemetery, Macksburg, Washington, OH; m. Gurdon Chamberlain b.: 27 Jan 1755 in Colchester, New London, CT; d. 10 Dec 1810 

in Unadilla, NY; m: 1778 in Unadilla, NY 

iii. 2 Judah Monis Lawrence b. 03 Apr 1761 in CT; d. bet. 1850-75 in Spencertown, Columbia, NY; m. 6 Dec 1780 in 

Spencertown, NY Elizabeth Wetmore b. 03 Oct 1762 in Middletown, Middlesex, CT. 

m3. ca 1784 Elizabeth Doolittle b. ca 1742 in Stratford, Fairfield, CT; d. 16 Dec 1823 in Spencertown, NY 

Children, b. in Spencertown: 

iv. Uel Lawrence b. 11 Jun 1786; d. there 28 Jan 1875; bur. St. Peter's Presbyterian Cem. 

v. Obedience Lawrence b. ca 1788; d. there 30 Sep 1867; bur. St. Peter's Presbyterian Cem. 

vi. Elizabeth Lawrence b. ca 1793. 

m4. ca 1761 Rachel ____ b. ca 1734 in Spencertown, NY; d. there 10 Jan 1778; bur.: St. Peter's Presbyterian Church Cemetery 

Children, b. in Spencertown: 

vii. Elizabeth Lawrence b. ca 1763; d. there 17 Nov 1814; bur. St. Peter's Presbyterian Cemetery 

viii. Monis Lawrence b. ca 1764; d: bef. 1810 in Canada; m. ca 1784 Abigail _____. 

ix. Eleanor Lawrence b. ca 1766; d. bet. 1810-75 in Peru, Clinton, NY; m. bef 1875 Stephen Starks b. 20 Jan 1766 in 

Colchester, New London, CT. 

x. Ira Lawrence b. 30 Aug 1773; d. 27 Jun 1837 in Peru, Clinton, NY; bur. Allen Cemetery, Ausable, Clinton, NY 

xi. George Lawrence b. 03 Apr 1776; d. there 5 Jan 1862; bur. St. Peter's Presbyterian Cemetery 

xii. Rachel Lawrence b. ca 1778; d: bet. 1810-1865; m. Hernarde Howard 

xiii. Abigail Lawrence b. ca 1764; d. ca 1796 

The above is in part based on three wills of Judah, George and Uel Lawrence. This Lawrence Line goes back to 1474 via Robert 

2.John 3.John 4.John 5. Henry 6. John Joseph 7.George 8.Joseph 9. Judah Monis. 

Widow's Son Lodge, No. 335, Clermont / Livingston, New York 

Warrant: 29 Jun 1854 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/pi_pu_surnames_1900.htm 

David S. Proper, was born in the town of Livingston, NY, 8 Jan 1846, the only son of Jacob H. Proper and Mary Ann Stall. Jacob H. 

Proper was also a native of Livingston and a son of David and Helen (Weaver) Proper, who had four children: Jacob H., Ursula, 

Rensselaer and Norman S., all born in Livingston. David was a son of Jacob, and was born in Milan, Dutchess county, NY. The 

27

family settled in Columbia county, where David was married in 1823, and they have all been farmers. David was active in the antirent 

rebellion, working with the Livingstons. Jacob H. Proper served as supervisor many years, refusing, however, to take the 

"ironclad oath," but nevertheless, serving his term. He served in the Assembly two terms, and one term as sheriff. David S. Proper 

was educated in the schools of Livingston and at the Hudson Academy. He was associated with his father until the latter's death in 

September, 1899, at the age of 75 years. He served under his father as under-sheriff. He was twice married; his first wife was 

Mahala Smith, d/o John P. Smith, who died, leaving one son, Jacob. His second wife was Madeline, d/o Samuel Ferguson, of 

Virginia. They had four children: Edith C., Miles G., Madeline F., and Irving F. Mr. Proper is a member of Widow's Son Lodge, No. 

335, of Livingston, and Royal Arch Chapter, of Great Barrington, MA. He resided at present on the old Livingston place, operating as 

a general farmer, and controlling the Linlithgo Mills. 

Valatie Lodge No. 362, Kinderhook / Valatie, New York 


http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/g_surnames_1900.htm 

Aaron B. Gardenier, Chatham, NY, is a native of Kinderhook, NY, b. 26 Sep 1848. He is a son of David Gardenier, also born in 

Kinderhook, and who there spent his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Elizabeth A. Benedict, and their 

children were Aaron B., Sarah, and Mary R., wife of John Holland. Aaron was educated in the public schools, and pursued his legal 

studies at the Yale Law School. After his admission to the bar he began the practice of his profession in Valatie, whence he 

removed to Chatham in 1890, where he is the senior member of the law firm of Gardenier & Smith. Mr. Gardenier was elected 

district attorney in 1880 and held the office three terms. In 1890, 1891 and 1895 he served as member of Assembly, establishing an 

excellent record and receiving the unqualified approval of his constituents. He is a member of Valatie Lodge, No. 362, F&AM, is a 

Knight Templar and a Knight of Pythias. He was married to Elizabeth G. Rathborn. Children: Holland R. (d. 1897), and David W. 

----- 

Ibid. 

Charles E. Gildersleeve, Niverville, NY, was born in Hillsdale, NY, 15 Sep 1838. His father was Allen Gildersleeve, a native of 

Dutchess county, who came to Columbia county in 1835, was a farmer, and married Lois Hart; their children were John P., Allen H. 

and Charles E. The father died 3 May 1881, and the mother 22 Aug 1866. Charles E. Gildersleeve secured his education in the 

district schools and at Claverack Seminary, and since leaving school has followed the vocation of farming. He has been collector of 

his town, and in 1885 was elected supervisor. He is a member of Lodge No. 362, F&AM. His wife was Annie L. Champion, who has 

borne him one daughter, Lovina 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/pa_ph_surnames_1900.htm 

Charles, E. Packman, Valatie, NY, son of Jacob P. and Caroline (Dakin) Packman, was born in Kinderhook, NY, 1 Jan 1857. His 

father was a lifelong farmer and served his town nine years as assessor. He was the father of two children, Charles E. , and Mary 

Packman Smith, of Schodack. Mr. Packman died in 1880 and his widow survived until 1896. The district schools and Kinderhook 

Academy furnished Charles E. Packman his education; he has always been a farmer and had filled the office of assessor for six 

years; he is a Mason, a member of Lodge No. 362. His wife was Anna, d/o Albert Demyer; children, Carrie and J. Jay. 

----- 

Webotuck Lodge No. 480, Millerton, New York 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/dutchess/dutch/Hist/northeast5.htm 

Organized 11 Jun 1860. 

Charter officers: Lucius P. WOODS, WM; Samuel L. BAGLEY, SW; J. Curtis SMITH, JW. 

Secretary Levi P. HATCH. 

------ 

WOODS, LUCIUS P.—Age, 29 years. Enrolled, 12 Dec 1861, at Annapolis, MD; mustered in as assistant surgeon, 24 Dec 1861, to 

serve three years; mustered in as surgeon, 14 Jul 1862; mustered out, 3 Jan 1865. Commissioned surgeon, 4 Aug 1862, to rank 

from 14 Jul 1862, original. 

1856 and 1861, Town Clerk of Northeast, Dutchess Co., NY 

http://books.google.com/books?id=5b9EAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA231&lpg=PA231&dq=%22Lucius+P.+Woods%22&source=bl&ots=Ds9L 

gQCv51&sig=2taGLN1IhipJaHPtbtZPcC47rLs&hl=en&ei=b5c1TN- 

QB8P98AbU9vTfAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false page 231. 

Surgeon Lucius Preston Woods. 

b. 12 Mar 1831 Barnard, Windsor, Vermont; d. 30 May 1865 Winsted, Winchester, CT; son of Winslow Woods and Lydia Newton; 

m. ca 1858-59 Ellen E. Monson 

Headquarters Fifth New York Cavalry 

Winchester, Va., July 10th, 1865 

Intelligence having been received of the death of Dr. Lucius P. Woods, late surgeon of this regiment, a meeting was this day 

convened, and a committee, consisting of Major H. A. D. Merritt, Chaplain L. N. Boudrye and Capt. L. C. Abbott was appointed to 

prepare fitting. resolutions expressive of our sorrow. The following were submitted and approved. 

28

Resolved, That we, the officers of the Fifth Regiment of Cavalry, New York State Volunteers, have heard with most profound sorrow, 

of the death of our late surgeon, Dr. Lucius P. Woods, at Winsted, CT, May 30th, 1865, and desire to convey to his bereaved wife 

and friends our sympathy, and to express our sentiments of esteem and respect for the 

memory of our late comrade and friend. Appointed to this regiment, December 24th, 1861, 

he shared with us, during three years' active service, its vicissitudes, dangers and 

privations. Devoted to the duties of his vocation, he added to rare professional skill the 

most untiring industry. Insensible to fear, indefatigable to alleviate suffering, he was ever to 

be found where the battle raged most fiercely, ministering to the wounded, shunning not 

the post of danger, if it were but the post of duty. 

Conscious of declining health, and viewing with calmness and resignation the rapidly 

approaching termination of his life, ne persevered, until strength failed him, in the 

discharge of his responsible and arduous duties. Finally, enfeebled and dying, he returned 

to the peaceful scenes of home, and to the loved home circle, to meet the final change. 

Happily his earnest patriotism was rewarded with a knowledge of the triumph of the cause 

to which he gave his life. 

Resolved, That in the several positions of surgeon of the Fifth New York Cavalry, surgeonin-chief 

of the First brigade, Third cavalry division, surgeon-in-chief of the Third cavalry 

division and medical director of the Cavalry corps, Army of the Shenandoah, Dr. Woods 

earned the commendation, respect and affection of all who knew him, from the soldier in 

the ranks to the major general commanding. 

Resolved, That as a friend we found in him every quality that could endear him to us and embalm his memory in our minds. To the 

refinement of the gentleman he added social and Christian virtues rarely equaled, and while his loss will be deplored by all, to 

ourselves, peculiarly his friends, it is irreparable. We will cherish his memory and strive to imitate his example. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the officers of the regiment, be transmitted to Mrs. L. P. Woods, to whom we 

tender our sincere condolence. May "He who tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb," comfort and sustain her; and may the blessed 

thought that he has given his life for his country mitigate the anguish of her bereavement. 

Interesting extracts from Dr. Woods' letters from the army, are here inserted. 

"HARTWOOD CHURCH, VA., Sept. 5th, 1863." 

"I returned yesterday after a three days expedition after gun-boats! We all laughed at the order, sending cavalry after such craft, but 

I am happy to say, that the object of the expedition was accomplished. We left camp at two o'clock A. M., marched all day and all 

night, till three o'clock next morning, when we made a furious charge upon Rebel infantry. They ran so fast as to disarrange the 

general's plan of attack. The morning was so dark we could not see one rod in advance. We captured twelve or fourteen prisoners, 

and Gen. Kilpatrick gave orders in their hearing to have the whole command fall back, stating that the gun-boats would be alarmed 

and the expedition be a failure. The general took particular pains to allow half the prisoners to escape and get across the 

Rappahannock. After falling back two miles, we were counter-marched toward the river, near which we were formed in line of battle. 

We sat there on our horses waiting for daylight. Then the flying artillery of ten guns, supported by the old Fifth New York and First 

Michigan, dashed at a full run down to the river bank, wheeled into position and gave the Rebels a small cargo of hissing cast iron, 

which waked them up more effectually than their ordinary morning call. They soon came to their senses, and for half an hour sent 

over to us what I should think to be, by the noise they made, teakettles, cooking stoves, large cast iron hats, &c. But our smaller and 

more active guns soon silenced theirs and drove their gunners away, when we turned our attention to the boring of holes in their 

boats with conical pieces of iron, vulgarly called solid shot. I assure you I can recommend them as first class augers, for they sank 

the boats in time for all hands to sit down to breakfast at half past nine o'clock. The repast consisted of muddy water, rusty salt pork 

and half a hard cracker, termed by us 'an iron clad breakfast.' We were absent from camp three days and had only nine hours' 

sleep." 

"August 29th, 1864." 

"I was quite astonished yesterday at receiving a paper, signed by nearly all the officers of the regiment and approved by Gen. 

Mcintosh, offering me the colonelcy of the regiment. I am now surgeon-in-chief of the division." 

"February 12th, 1865." 

"To Colonel Hammond: My official business is done by a clerk and I simply sign my name. The reason: a terrible cough, drenching 

night sweats, swollen feet and limbs and diarrhoea. Are not these sufficient to palsy the brain and hand? Often have I tried with my 

will to arouse my system to action and my mind to its duty, but as I crawled to bed I almost cursed the sluggish brain that balked my 

efforts." 

We gladly insert the following tribute to Dr. Woods, in a letter from Col. Hammond to Dr. H. M. Knight, of Lakeville, Conn. 

"It will be impossible for me to think of writing anything that would do justice to the memory of one I loved so much. I could but poorly 

give you an idea of the many trials and hardships as well as incidents of a pleasing character, through which myself and dear friend 

have passed together. 

"His frankness and determination won him a host of friends wherever he went. He was ever quick to appreciate worth and kindness, 

and ever as ready to resent a wrong or injury. ****** I will close by saying that Dr. Woods was ever in my mind the most perfect typo 

of a man I ever met." 

Dr. Woods graduated at the medical college of Pittsfield, MA, in Nov 1855. 

29

------ 

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dclassifieds?Dato=20100501&Kategori=obits&Class=1&Type=CAT2000&Lopenr 

=5010104&Selected=1 

Howard J. Brusie Sr., age 77 of Millerton NY passed away on Tuesday, 27 Apr 2010 at Sharon Hospital, Sharon CT after suffering 

from heart disease for several years. Born in Hillsdale, NY, 23 Feb 1933, he was the first son of John and Minnie Brusie. On 10 Mar 

1954; he married the love of his life, Marguerite C. Brusie who survives at home. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage. He was a 

loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Howard J. Brusie Jr and wife, Nancy W. Brusie of Millerton, NY, two grand daughters, 

Melissa Dipper of Ancramdale, NY, Amanda Hurn and her husband Scott, three great grand children, grandson Byron Hurn, twin 

great grand daughters, Savannah and Lucia Hurn, all of Millerton NY. Survived by his brothers, Richard Brusie and wife Carolyn of 

Copake Falls NY, Gerald Brusie and wife Karen of Hillsdale NY, sister Sheila Finger of Lincolndale, NY, two brothers-in-law, Gerald 

Cooper of Glendale, MA and William R. Clum of Ancramdale, NY. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Besides his 

parents, Howard was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Cooper of Glendale MA and a sister-inlaw, Jeannette Clum of Copake NY. 

Howard was an avid wood worker, spending numerous hours in his shop making many wood projects for family and friends. He was 

also a great reader. Howard enjoyed gardening and working around his yard, always maintaining a meticulous yard and grounds. 

He received much joy from bird watching and feeding the birds, hanging as many as 20 feeders at one time. He spent many hours 

building and flying radio control airplanes with his son. In Howard's younger days, he enjoyed hunting, snow mobiling, boating and 

water skiing. He worked as a volunteer for the Denny Memorial Pool and was a town constable for the Town of North East. Howard 

was a member of the Webutuck CB radio club where he served as Vice President for several years. He was a member of the 

Copake Fire Department. After moving to Millerton, he then joined the Millerton Fire Department where he was also a fire 

policeman. In addition, Howard was a member of the Webutuck Lodge 480 of Millerton and a life time member of the American 

Legion Post 178. He was also a previous member of Sharon Legion Post 126. Howard was employed by Amenia Sand & Gravel, 

Amenia NY for 21 years as a pay loader operator. He worked for Brewer's Mower Service for 10years and finally retired from Sharon 

Hospital after being Chief of Security for 17 years. 

Howard served in the United States Army at Fort Devins MA, then Ft. Story, Virginia, where he was an instructor on the Amphibian 

Ducks. He was also stationed in the Transportation Corp 355 2nd Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia. In 1954, he served in Operation Pine 

Tree which was the installation of the Distant Early Warning line, also known as the DEW line, which was a system of radar stations 

in the Arctic North, including Nova Scotia, New Foundland and Greenland. The DEW line became a cornerstone for the new 

NORAD operation. Howard was given an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Sgt. Internment was at the Copake Methodist 

Cemetery, Church Street, Copake NY. 

------ 

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=19014538 

John W. Pulver b. 23 Jul 1830; d. 22 Feb 1915. Mr. Pulver was a resident of Millton since 1877. He 

was born at Red Hook in 1830. His father, Zachariah Pulver, moved to Chatham in 1835, where he 

and his brother Peter operated a large farm. John W. remained at home till he was twenty two years of 

age, after which, he engaged in farming, milling and merchandising till 1871 when he moved to 

Amenia. There he conducted a bottling business during summers and manufactured sausage in the 

winter time, till 1877 when he moved his business to Millerton. 

Mr. Pulver was for many years known as an especially able mathematician. Early in life he was 

considered the best mathematician in Columbia county. He was a sturdy member of the Democratic 

party and took much interest in political matters. He was supervisor of this town in 1888 and 1889. The 

following year he was again a candidate but was defeated by one vote. He was also trustee of the 

village of Millerton for twelve or thirteen years. In 1852 Mr. Pulver was married to Abbie Middlebrook 

Six children were born to them but only two, Mrs. Luella Barton widow of Collins Barton, and Andrew 

Pulver survive him. His wife died several years ago. In 1892 he became a member of the Webotuck Lodge, 480, F&AM. 

Lindenwald Lodge No. 509, Stuyvesant Falls, New York 

Petition: 

undated 1860 or 1861; signed by: 

Carhart, John Wesley St. Patrick’s No. 4 

Coventry, Edwin M. Ark No. 48 

Mandeville, W. G. Ark No. 48 

Note: Ark No. 48 was in Coxsackie, Greene Co.. NY 


Messick, Abram J. Ark No. 48 

Thomas, Henry D. Ark No. 48 

Vosburgh, B. C. Ark No. 48 

Officers 

Warren, John F. Valatie No. 362 

Wilson, F. Ark No. 48 

Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Secretary Treasurer 

1861 John Wesley Carhart E. M. Coventry 

1926 Ralph Thomas 

1928 William Thomas 

1933 Earle R. Shufelt Earl F. Haigh Martin C. Van Alstyne Charles H. Best Dorr Allen 

1935 Martin C. Van Alstyne Clifford Van Alstyne, Jr. Charles H. Best Dorr Allen 

30

1937 Clifford Thomas William Coonrod Edward La Brie Charles H. Best Dorr Allen 

Other PMs 

Dorr Allen 

Edward Tarbell 

Note: the above three Thomases were brothers of one another. 

Instituted at Stuyvesant Falls about 1860, with John W. Carhart, WM, and E. M. Coventry, Secretary. William Whitehead is the 

present [1878] WM, and W. G. Mandeville the Secretary; 86 members, who meet in a well-appointed hall, devoted to the purpose, in 

Connor's block. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/h_surnames_1900.htm 

Edward B. Harder, Stockport, NY, was born in the town of Stuyvesant, Columbia, NY, 15 Dec 1859, son of Robert Harder and 

Catherine Shufelt. Robert Harder is the son of Robert Harder, who was the first of the family of that name to settle in Columbia 

county. Robert had three sons: Richard, lived in New Jersey at the age of 86 years; William, of Springfield, MA, aged 84 years, and 

Robert, 76 years of age, who carried on blacksmithing and wagon-making at Stockport for many years. Robert was the father of four 

children: Frank, George, Edward B. and Gertrude, wife of Edward Tinker. He is a member of Stuyvesant Falls Lodge, F&AM. 

Edward B. was educated in the common schools of the town of Ghent and when about 18 years old began blacksmithing and 

wagon-making with his father. This vocation he followed about fifteen years, when he purchased of L. J. Rossman what was known 

as the Brookside property and carried on a general store, under the style of E. B. Harder & Co. In 1898 he retired from business. 

He has served several terms as town clerk of Stockport, and in other ways has been a useful man in his town and county. He is 

esteemed as a citizen of integrity, modern ideas and general worth. 

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/l_surnames_1900.htm 

Charles E. Leggett, Omi, NY, b. in the southwestern part of Ghent, 29 Aug 1839, d. 28 Nov 1919; son of John Tobis Leggett and 

Maria Vosburgh, who had six children: John Tobia [b. 22 Oct 1821, d. 25 Jul 1836], Abram [b. 12 Sep 1823, d. 1922], Franklin R. [b. 

21 May 1829, d. 03 Apr 1914], Elizabeth [b. 25 Jan 1823, d. 19 Nov 1861], Alidia M. [b. 05 Sep 1830, d. 1863] and Charles E. John 

T. m2. 1848 Maryette Sargent Hermance, who bore him one child, Willis Sargent. John T. Leggett was born in the town of Ghent 

about 1800, a son of John and grandson of Capt. Henry Leggett, of Holland descent, and who settled on the old Leggett homestead 

about 1750. Charles was educated in the schools of Ghent and Claverack Academy. He was associated with his father on the farm 

until 1861, when he enlisted in the 14th NY Militia as a private and attained the rank of corporal. He was taken prisoner at the battle 

of Gettysburg and was detained at Belle Isle prison [in the James River at Richmond] from Jul 1863, until the following November; 

he was discharged in 1864. Mr. Leggett is a member of the Veterans' Association of Brooklyn, No. 14. In 1869 he married Julia M. 

Kittle [28 Oct 1845-1916], daughter of George and Catherine (Smith) Kittle. Mr. Leggett has been active in town and county affairs 

and educational work; he has been deacon and elder in the Second Reformed church and is a member of Lindenwald Lodge. 

Children: 

i. Francis Eugene Leggett, b. 01 Jul 1871. 

ii. Alma Gilbert Leggett, b. 09 Feb 1876. 

iii. Clarence Charles Leggett, b. 26 Aug 1885. 

LEGGETT, CHARLES E.—Age, 23 years. Enlisted [84th NY Infantry Vols.] at Hudson, to serve three years, and mustered in as 

private, Co. G, 1 Dec 1861; mustered out. 27 Jun 1864, at New York city. 

----- 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=pete_witze&id=I26530 

Abraham Jordan Mesick, b. 20 Sep 1811 in Columbia Co., NY; d. 24 May 1886 in NY; bur. Claverack RDC C., Claverack, 

Columbia, NY; son of Jacob P. Mesick b. 13 Nov 1778 in Columbia Co., NY, and Elizabeth Nase b. 6 Dec 1784 in Dover, Dutchess, 

NY; m. 3 Jan 1841 Margaret Christina Schultz b. 25 Mar 1816 in NY 

Children: 

1. Elizabeth Nase Mesick b. 24 Dec 1844 in Columbia Co., NY 

2. Benjamin Shultz Mesick b. 06 Mar 1848 in Columbia Co., NY 

3. Catharine Hannah Mesick b. 3 Jun 1851 in Columbia Co., NY 


George Morrell, Stuyvesant, NY, son of Edward and Annie (Lloyd) Morrell, was born 19 Jul 1843, one of a family of eight children: 

Mary E., deceased wife of Joseph C. Jones; Edward, Jane, wife of Thomas Wiley. George was educated in the district schools and 

Ballston (NY) Academy, which latter institution he attended two years. After leaving school he was employed two years as a clerk in 

a general store in Cohoes. In 1862, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in Company G, 128th NY Volunteer Infantry, and served 

three years and was discharged as first lieutenant. His record in the military service proves him to have been a faithful, brave and 

active solider. Returning from the army, he purchased the hotel property at North Chatham, which he conducted for two years. In 

1869 he removed to Kinderhook, where he established a general merchandise business, which he conducted for five years, 

disposing of the same in 1874. He then located in Stuyvesant, where he opened a general store, which was destroyed by the 

disastrous fire of May 13, 1880, together with his entire stock of goods. He then engaged in the livery business and also dealt in 

wagons, sleighs, carriages, horses, agricultural implements, etc., up to 1899, when he disposed of his interests and at the present 

time (1900) is living as a retired farmer on the farm formerly occupied by Jacob G. Sickles -- one of the finest locations and best 

farms on the river -- half a mile south of Stuyvesant village. Mr. Morrell is considered one of the best business men of the town and 

31

since coming to Stuyvesant has won the good will and respect of the entire community. He was married to Kate Acker, d/o Isaac 

Acker and Sarah A. Pickett of Stuyvesant. She is deceased. Mr. Morrell is a member of Lindenwald Lodge No. 509, F&AM, and 

Kinderhook Chapter No. 264, R. A. M. 

http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/Infantry/128th_Infantry_CW_Roster.pdf 

MURRELL, GEORGE.—Age, 19 years. Enrolled, 18 Aug 1862, at Stuyvesant, to serve three years; mustered in as corporal, Co. G, 

19 Aug 1862; promoted sergeant, 25 Jul1863; mustered in as second lieutenant, 5 Nov 1863; mustered out with company, 12 Jul 

1865, at Savannah, Ga.; also borne as Morrell. 

Commissioned second lieutenant, 6 Oct 1863, with rank from 21 Aug 1863, vice R. J . Palen promoted major 19th Regiment, Corps 

d'Afrique; first lieutenant, not mustered, 28 Feb 1865, with rank from 5 Dec 1864, vice J . L . Holt resigned. 

Hillsdale Lodge, No. 612 

Petition: 15 Sep 1864 

Recommended: 

Warrant: ca 1866 

16 Sep 1864 by Columbia Lodge No. 98; John Cadman, Master. 

http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofhillsda00coll/historyofhillsda00coll_djvu.txt 

The first Masonic society in Hillsdale antedates the century, though the exact date of its organization is not now known [sic]. It was 

called Mount Vernon Lodge [No. 99] [see above], and flourished until the anti-Mason excitement swept over the country, when it 

was wrecked by that storm. Prominent among its members were John B. Sharts, Samuel Judson, Artemus Johnson, John Collin, 

Joel Blackman, David Persons, Thaddeus Reed, John Pixley, and James Bryan. Several years afterward another lodge was 

instituted, known as Friendship Lodge No. 125. It was chartered with seven members, and the first officers were David G. Woodin, 

Master; Samuel Judson, SW Jefferson B. Bingham, JW; James W. White, Secy.; Alfred G. Bidwell, Treas.; Philip Becker, SD; John 

P. Sharts, JD. Henry A. Collin was the first initiate, and among the other prominent members were Richard H. Bartlett, Allen Sweet, 

John Miller, and Frelin Van Deusen. The Masters were Philip Becker, Henry A. Collin, William Elton. 

The lodge met in Hillsdale for some time, and flourished to a marked degree; then the place of meeting was changed to Copake for 

two or three years, and returning again to Hillsdale, it flourished for a time, and in 1858 surrendered its charter. 

The present lodge was instituted in 1867, but had been working under a dispensation for some months previous. The first officers 

were Philip Becker, M; David C. Baird, SW; Martin J. Wagner, JW; Eliphalet Dimmick, Secy; John B. Sharts, Treas.; Samuel 

Judson, SD; Walter Shaver, JD. 

The Masters who have passed the chair are Philip Becker, Philip Becker, Jr., George M. Bullock, and Charles M. Bell. The 

present officers are Piatt Rogers, M; Theodore P. Melius, SW; Gilbert A. Deane, JW; Grosveuor A. Knox, Treas.; Jacob L. Spade, 

Secy.; George M. Bullock, SD; Latting Bixby, JD; David Brusie, SMC; William Atkinson, JMC; William Coons, Chaplain; Ezra J. 

Beardsley, Tyler ; H. G. Westlake, P. Van Deusen, Charles M. Bell, Trustees. 

The lodge has fitted up the hall at an expense of several hundred dollars, meets regularly twice each month, and is in a prosperous 

condition, with a membership of 96. 

Philip Becker was the son of John P. Becker, of Harlemville, and the brother of Stephen C. and David L. Becker, and of Margaret 

Caroline Becker, who married Orrin M. Sawyer, of Austerlitz, and of Lovina Becker, who married Orville McAlpin, of Hillsdale Centre, 

and of Elizabeth Becker, who married Sylvanus Smith, of Pen Yan, and of Julianne Becker, who married Samuel Voak, of 

Waukegan, Illinois, and Catharine Becker, who married Peter J. Becker, of Hillsdale village, and Polly Becker, who married Gains 

Truesdell, of Benton, Yates county, NY, and Almira Becker, who married Isaac Coon, of Harlemville. 

Philip Becker was born 22 Jun 1805; m. Elizabeth DeGroff 22 Jul 1827. His son Henry L. was b. 15 Jul 1828; James M. b. 29 Jun 

1831; Luman P. b. 20 Dec 1833; Jane b. 16 Apr 1836; Julia b. 12 Oct 1837; Emma H. b. 28 Sep 1840; Philip b. 10 Dec 1813; 

Charlie b. 28 Apr 1846; Hiram H. b. 10 May 1848; Mary b. 20 Dec 1850. 

Philip Becker was ever distinguished for intelligence and integrity. He was long a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 

which he held an official position. He was for a time the Master in a Masonic Lodge. As a carpenter and joiner he had many 

apprentices, who all have made good workmen and respectable men. He established the furnace in Eastern Hillsdale, and 

cultivated a farm, and employed in his business a sawing and planing mill. In the discharge of his duties as a magistrate he gave 

universal satisfaction. 


Napoleon T. Benedict, was born in the town of Hillsdale, in Sep 1851, a son of Isaac Benedict and Hannah Hunt. After receiving a 

common school education Mr. Benedict engaged in farming. He has served his town as collector and is a member of Hillsdale 

Lodge, No. 612, F&AM. Mr. Benedict married Lavina Sweet, d/o Martin J. and Althea Sweet; their children are Ray M. and Carrie A. 


George M. Bullock, was born in Hillsdale, 27 Nov 1839, and educated in the public schools of Hudson. He adopted farming as a 

vocation, returning to and settling in Hillsdale. In 1867 he engaged in the lumber and coal business, which he is still operating under 

the firm name of Bullock & Herrington. 31 Dec 1860, Mr. Bullock married Elizabeth S. Downing, d/o William H. Downing of Hillsdale, 

32

their children being: William C., b. 1862; Mary A., b. 1865, d. Aug 1898; Grace M., b. 1867; Major M., b. 1876, d. Nov 1894, and 

George M., Jr., b. 1884. Mr Bullock held the following offices: Commissioner of highways in 1862; supervisor in 1872 and 1873, and 

represented the town in the board of supervisors (1900). He has held several important positions in the Assembly, being chief clerk 

of the engrossing department and deputy clerk form 1879 to 1887. Mr. Bullock is a charter member of the Hillsdale Lodge No. 612, 

F&AM, of which he was the first Master. Mr. Bullock’s parents were Major M. Bullock, b. 20 Mar 1805, and Sally Ann Rodman, his 

wife, b. 17 Jan 1810; d. 16 Jan 1890. They were married 27 Mar 1829, and had children: Caroline (deceased), Mary A. (deceased), 

and George M., as above. Mr. Bullock Sr., was engaged in the lumber business in Hudson for a number of years; was a member of 

the board of alderman; a member of the building committee which erected the city hall; also held a commission in the old State 

militia. After disposing of his business in Hudson he returned to Hillsdale and took up farming. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/co_cu_bios.htm 

Adelbert Conklin, of Copake, was born in the eastern part of the town of Taghkanic, NY, a son of Jacob Conklin and Polly Link, 

who had ten children: Mary, Jacob, Walter, James Henry, Allen, Morgan, Minnie, Adelbert, Adella, and Emma, all born in the town of 

Taghkanic. Jacob Conklin was a son of James Conklin and Patty Covert, and was a farmer and dealer in sheep and cattle. Adelbert 

was educated in the common schools of Taghkanic, and was associated with his father in farming until the latter’s death in 1887, 

with the exception of two years spent in Philmont in mercantile trade. At the age of 27 he removed with his father to the town of 

Copake and settled on the old Conklin homestead, where he remained four years, and went thence to Craryville, where he 

remained till 1891, when he purchased his present property, known as the Beach House, on the shore of Copake Lake, and the 

finest summer resort in this section of the State. He is a member of Hillsdale Lodge No. 615, F&AM. He is a progressive man, and 

awake to measures benefiting the general good. 

Joel G. Curtis, was born in North Hillsdale, 12 May 1845, a son of Alfred (b. 26 Dec 1822), and Mary Charlotte (Palmer) (b. 20 Aug 

1814) Curtis. His father was engaged in farming and was supervisor of Hillsdale for two years; also commissioner of highways for 

two years. He died in Dec 1884; his wife on 10 Apr 1864. Joel was educated in the common schools and Hudson River Institute. 

After leaving school he engaged in farming and stock raising until 1876, when he engaged in the hay, straw and live stock business. 

In 1897 he opened a wholesale commission business in live stock at New York city. He was supervisor of Hillsdale in 1881, serving 

eight years in succession and was chairman of the board three terms. He is a member of Hillsdale Lodge No. 612, F&AM. Mr. 

Curtis married Philena Althea Downing, d/o George W. and Betsey Downing; they have one son, Alfred Downing Curtis, who was a 

member of the firm of J. G. Curtis & Son, wholesale commission dealers in live stock at Union Stock Yards, 60 th St., New York city. 


Delbert Dinehart, was born in Orleans county, NY, 1 Jan 1854, son of John W. Dinehart and Elisabeth Snyder, she a d/o Adam 

Snyder, a native of the town of Copake, NY. John W. Dinehart was a native of Copake and a son of William C. Dinehart, who was 

of German descent. The children of John W. and wife were Maria, William, Charity Ann, Melvina, Abram, John C., Alfred, Franklin, 

and Delbert, and one, Sarah, who died in infancy – all natives of Columbia county except Delbert. When Delbert was nine yeas old 

his parents removed from Orleans to Red Hook, Dutchess county, where they lived nine years, and then came to Copake and 

settled on a farm at West Copake. Delbert was educated in the schools of Orleans and Dutchess counties and Washington, D. C., 

and at the age of nineteen entered the employ of Henry Astor as business manager. In 1896 he purchased what is now termed the 

Empire Farm, located near Copake village, and established thereon a racing stable, which has developed, under his management, 

into one of the best-known stables on the turf. Delbert has always shown a practical interest in school matters, and was a liberal 

contributor toward the fund for erecting the new school building at West Copake. He is a member of Hillsdale Lodge No. 612, 

F&AM., and of Hudson chapter and Lafayette Commandery. 20 Oct 1875, he was married to Hattie L. (b. 7 Jun 1854; d. 30 Jan 

1899), d/o Henry and Polly Niver. They had one son, Henry A., educated at Seymour Smith Institute, Pine Plains, Dutchess county, 

and Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT. In Jul 1898, he enlisted in the 28 th Separate Company as a volunteer in the Spanish War, and 

was discharged in February, 1899. He was later in the employ of the Farmers’ National Bank of Hudson. 


William De Forest Fabyan, Philmont, was born in Lancaster, NH, 8 Jan 1858, a son of Horace G. Fabyan and Luella Cargill, and 

grandson of Horace G. Fabyan, a native of New Hampshire, and owner of the Fabyan Farm, on which is now the popular summer 

hotel, known as the Fabyan House, at Fabyan's NH, in the White Mountains. In early life Dr. Fabyan attended the public schools of 

his native village and in 1870 he went to Nebraska with his father and stayed on a ranch with him until 1874, when he returned to 

Brooklyn and took up the study of dentistry in the office of James H. Race. Here he remained twelve years, then removed to 

Philmont, where he opened an office for himself, and, with the exception of about fourteen months, which he spend in the West, he 

has been in active business ever since. Dr. Fabyan is a member of Hillsdale Lodge, No. 612, F&AM, Cascade Lodge No. 197, K. 

P., and K. O. T. M. No. 553. 

Stissing Lodge No. 615 


Robert Bachman, of Ancram, was born in Gallatin, NY, 10 Apr 1834, son of Fite Bachman and Charity Baker, who were the 

parents of nine children: Peter, Lyman, Robert, and Amelia Wolf; Eliza, Sylvester, John, Harmon, and Mary are deceased. Fite 

Bachman was a son of Jacob F., a native of Taghkanic and a blacksmith by trade. Robert was educated in the common schools of 

Gallatin. When fifteen years of age he began for himself as a farm laborer, continuing as such three years, when he went to 

Jackson’s Corners, where he devoted three years to learning the blacksmith trade. From there he went to Union Corners, where he 

worked one year as a journeyman, going thence to Spaulding’s Furnace for a year, and then working at his trade thirty years at 

Ancram, when he formed a partnership with his brother Sylvester and purchased the shop in which he had been employed, and 

carried on the business until 1870, when he purchased the farm where he now lives, located near the village of Ancram, and 

containing 244 acres. Mr. Bachman has served as town clerk six years and assessor three years, and was formerly a member of 

Stissing Lodge No. 615, F&AM. In 1866 he was married to Maryette, d/o Benjamin Miller; they had two children: Emma and Annie. 

33


John S. Niver, was born in the town of Ancram, NY, 14 Jan 1844, son of Dr. Conrad and Jane (McIntire) Niver, who had three 

children: Caroline, John S., and Albert C. After the death of his first wife, Dr. Niver was married to her sister, Roxana, d/o Daniel 

and Christiana McIntire, who bore him three children: Walter, Loda, and Herman B. Dr. Conrad Niver was born in Bethlehem, 

Albany, NY. He was educated at Fairfield Seminary and was graduated for Albany Medical College. He began practice of medicine 

when about 21 years of age, which he continued until his death; he was also interested in farming, owning a farm of 200 acres in 

Ancram. He was a public spirited man, served as supervisor, as school trustee, and was a member of the Presbyterian church at 

Ancram Lead Mines. John S. Niver was educated in the district schools and at Eastman’s Business College. At the age of 21 he 

began farming in Dutchess county, where he resided ten years, when he returned to Ancram to the farm and carried on dairying, 

and was a dealer in agricultural implements. He was assessor two terms, was active worker in the Presbyterian church, one of its 

trustees and was been superintendent of its Sunday school. He was a member of Stissing Lodge No. 615, F. & A. M., of Pine 

Plains, for about thirty years, and held most of the offices in the lodge. 5 Oct 1865, he was married to Ruth Pulver, d/o Anthony and 

Catherine Pulver, who died 25 Apr 1894; they had two children: Fred and Anthony. In 1896 he was married to Jane Silvernail. 


Henry Buerman, of Gallatin, was born in Hanover, Germany, 18 Nov 1843, son of George and Frederecka Buerman. His early life 

was spent with his parents and his education received in the common schools. When a young man, he learned the miller’s trade 

under the instruction of his father in Germany, where he later superintended a mill. When twenty-six years of age, he came to 

Columbia county and worked on a farm for one year as a laborer, then started in the milling business, at first working for H. A. Van 

Valkenburgh, and afterward running it on shares. He purchased the mill, 6 Jul 1878 and deals in grain, flour and feed, also coal. 

1875 he married Martha C., d/o John Keeler; they have three children: George H., Charles A., and Nellie E. George H. is associated 

with his father in the mill and Charles is station agent on the C. N. E. R. R. at West Winsted, CT. Mr. Buerman is interested in town 

and county affairs, though he has never aspired to political honors. He also takes an active interest in school and education work 

and has been a member of the Vedder Reformed Church of the southern part of the town of Gallatin for about 25 years. Henry and 

his son George are members of Stilling [sic] Lodge No. 615, F&AM, of Pine Plains. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/e_surname_bios.htm 

William J. Edelman, of Ancram, was born in Gallatin, NY, 4 Aug 1866, a son of Jacob Edelman and Maryette Wheeler Edelman, 

who had two children: Libbie and William J. Jacob Edelman was born in Baden, Germany, and came to this country in 1848, when a 

young man, and settled in Hillsdale, where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing and wagon making until 1852, when he moved to 

Ancram, where he remained till 1854, removing thence to Gallatin, where he lived until 1895, when he, with his son, returned to 

Ancram. He died 1 May 1896. William, after leaving school, and when about fourteen years of age, began clerking in a general store 

in Gallatinville, where he was employed for nine years, and then purchased the store of his employer, Ellsworth J. Brandt. This 

business he carried on until 1895, when he sold out and purchased the general store at Ancram. He was postmaster while at 

Gallatinville, and deputy postmaster at Ancram, is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 615, at Pine Plains, NY, a member of the 

Masonic Protective Association of Worcester, MA, and of the Methodist Episcopal church, Ancram, NY. 7 Aug 1899, he was married 

to Cora B., only d/o John S. and Agnes Williams; two children: Floyd W., b. 1892, and Florence C., b. 1894. 


Obed Finch, of Ancram, was born at Nassau, NY, 18 Feb 1852, son of George W. Finch and Olive Hayes, who were the parents of 

six children: Obed, Hugh (deceased), Lebbeus B., George H., May (wife of Fred B. Keller), and Augusta Virginia, all born in 

Columbia county except Obed. George W. Finch was a millwright and machinist, and for twenty years before his death was 

employed as superintendent of the paper mills at Ancram. Obed attended the common schools of Ancram and completed his 

studies at Sand Lake Collegiate Institute; he also is a graduate of the Lowell Business College. His entry into business life was as a 

clerk in the paper mill at Ancram, where he was employed from 1873 to 1883, when he purchased the general store at Ancram 

village; in this business he remained until 1895, when he bought the farm of 207 acres, and carried on dairying. He has performed 

the good citizen’s part in public duty, having been elected town clerk for 1873-1874, supervisor for 1888-1889, and for 1899, 1990- 

1901. He has always been an ardent adherent of the Republican party. He was a member of Stissing Lodge N. 615, F&AM, of 

Pine Plains, NY; of the Masonic Club of Hudson, Masonic Veterans’ Association of Troy, NY, and was a licensee of the State Board 

of Pharmacy sine 1884. 11 Jul 1883, he was married to Hannah, d/o William S. Thompson; two children: Susan and Thompson. 

Aquilla Lodge, No. 700, Chatham / Hudson, New York 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/hudson2/aquila_lodge.htm 

AQUILA LODGE, NO. 700, F. AN A. M., HUDSON, COLUMBIA, NY, by Captain Franklin Ellis, 1878. 

Aquila lodge, No. 700, F&AM, was instituted in 1870, with the following charter members, who were also the first officers of the 

lodge: Cornelius Bortle, WM; Cornelius Esselstyn, SW; John T. Burdwin, JW; Leonard Geiger, Treas.; Edgar Remington, Secy.; 

Ezra V. Byrne, SD; Charles Malcher, JD; [and John Kenyon, Tyler]. 

The officers for 1878 were William Bostwick, WM; Abram J. Gifford, SW; Charles Whitbeck, JW; William H. Scovill, Treas.; Edward 

J. Hodge, Secy.; E. Spencer Elmer, SD; Nelson F. Boucher, JD; Mason I. Crocker, SMC; Edward H. Lisk, JMC; Seth C. McArthur, 

Dubois Collier, Stewards; Aaron C. Macy, 3d Marshal; Rev. Charles W. Tomlinson, Chaplain; Bernard Chase, Organist; John V. 

Whitbeck, Trustee; William C. Niblett, Tiler. The lodge meets in Masonic temple. Its present membership is 116. 

Note: Cornelius Bortle was Master of Hudson Lodge No. 7 in 1848-50 and 1856; Cornelius Esselstyn was Master there 1858-67. 

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9905E3D7103DE53BBC4151DFB166838B669FDE 

July 29, 1870 Copyright © The New York Times 

34

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/1900_bios_a.htm 

Richard A. Aitken, of Hudson, is a native of New York city, b, 8 May 1851. His father, Walter Aitken, was born in Harwick, Scotland, 

and emigrated to New York in 1847, and for many years was engaged in merchandising. He was married to Margaret E. Atwill, d/o 

Richard Atwill, of Hudson. In 1856 he removed to Hudson and purchased what was known as the Hawthorne farm. Here he resided 

until his death in 1885. Richard was educated in the public schools, and soon after leaving school, in 1869, embarked in the dry 

goods business in New York city, where he remained until 1883, when he returned to Hudson and took up his residence on the 

home farm. Mr. Aitken has been always much interested in musical matters, and upon coming to Hudson became actively identified 

with the lovers and students of the art, and is recognized as a capable critic and refined connoisseur. Mr. Aitken was the first union 

warden of All Saints’ Church, Hudson, NY, when it became an independent parish in 1887; was chairman of the board of assessors 

in the town of Greenport for three consecutive terms, and is a member of Aquila Lodge No. 700, F&AM, of Hudson Chapter No. 6, 

Lafayette Commandery No. 7, and of St. Andrew’s Society of New York. 

http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/Infantry/14th_Infantry_CW_Roster.pdf 

CHACE, A. FRANK B.—Age, 24 years. Enlisted [14 NY Inf. Vols.], 30 Apr1861, at Hudson; mustered in as private, Co. K , 17 May 

1861, to serve two years; discharged, 11 Oct 1862, at Baltimore, MD, for wounds received in action. 

http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924103378711/cu31924103378711_djvu.txt 

A. Frank B. Chace born in Hillsdale, Columbia, NY, 13 Feb 1837, is the son of John McGonegal Chace and Eliza Ann Becker, 

daughter of John L. Becker. In the paternal line his family is of English descent. His mother's ancestors, on both sides, were natives 

of Holland. During his infancy his parents removed to New York City, where his father engaged in business; but six years later, 

influenced by considerations of health, the family returned to Columbia county, purchasing a large farm near Spencertown. Here 

young Chace was reared to manhood. He attended the district school and Spencertown Academy, and, looking forward to a college 

education, completed his preparation for it at the New York Conference Seminary (Charlotteville). He then passed a creditable 

examination for admission to the junior class of Union College. But the death of his father in the summer of 1856 compelled him to 

35

abandon his plans and devote himself to the care of the family and the farm. While pursuing his academic studies he obtained 

employment as a teacher in the country and village schools, continuing in this occupation for four winter terms. 

In 1859, having decided to fit himself for the legal profession, he entered the law office of Martin H. Dorr, at Hillsdale. At the time of 

the firing on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, he was nearly prepared for admission to the bar. Early in that month a meeting to promote 

the enlistment of volunteers had been held in Hudson, as the result of which, and of a subsequent meeting, Company K. of the 14th 

Regiment of NY State Volunteers was recruited, composed of members of some of the most prominent families of the city and 

county. In this company Mr. Chace enlisted as a private on April 23, eleven days after the firing on Fort Sumter. On the 17th of May 

following he was mustered into the United States service, and one month later the regiment was sent to the front. He participated 

with his regiment and company in the battles of Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, and Malvern Hill, having 

meantime been promoted to the rank of corporal, in charge of the colors. 

At the bloody battle of Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862, he was wounded in the left thigh by a rifle ball, suffering a fracture of the femur. 

McClellan's army, retreating to Harrison's Landing, was forced to leave its thousands of wounded on the field. Here Mr. Chace lay 

for twenty-four hours, when he was removed by a cavalry squad of the rear guard to an old barn. His leg was straightened, 

bandaged, and splinted, but it was not until six days after receiving his wound that he was examined by a surgeon. This, however, 

proved a fortunate circumstance. Up to that time it had always been assumed by the medical profession that amputation of the limb 

was the only recourse in a case such as his; and undoubtedly if he had been placed in an army hospital promptly after being 

wounded his injured leg would have been taken off. But when, six days subsequently, he was put under surgical treatment, it was 

decided not to amputate, and, much to the surprise of the medical and surgical department of the army, he was able not only to 

preserve the leg, but gradually to regain the use of it. His case attracted much attention, being the subject of articles by specialists in 

the leading medical journals. Mr. Chace has always attributed his successful endurance of this ordeal largely to his vigorous 

constitution and to his perfectly temperate and careful habits of life as a youth and young man. 

After being removed, as already related, from the battlefield to a place of temporary shelter, Mr. Chace, in common with the other 

union wounded, presently fell into the hands of the enemy. He was then (July 8) taken in a rude wagon over a rough corduroy road 

to Richmond and placed in Libby Prison, where he remained for fourteen days. Being exchanged at the end of that time he was 

transported to the United States army hospital at Baltimore, from which he was discharged (also being honorably discharged from 

the military service) on the 11th of October. 

Upon his return home he zealously devoted his abilities to the union cause, frequently addressing war meetings while yet on 

crutches. Resuming his legal studies he opened a law office in Hillsdale in the spring of 1863. He did a successful office business 

and in the Justice's Court until his admission to the bar (December, 1863), when he engaged regularly in his profession, enjoying a 

steadily increasing practice. From the spring of 1864 to the spring of 1866 he was in partnership, at Hillsdale, with Edgar L. Snyder, 

in the firm of Chace & Snyder. On July 8, 1867, he removed to the City of Hudson and formed a professional association with Judge 

John O. Newkirk. The firm of Newkirk & Chace soon took a prominent place at the bar of Columbia county and the judicial district, 

transacting a large and profitable business until its dissolution, by mutual consent, in November, 1889. Mr. Chace thereupon 

succeeded to its clientage. He has recently established the new firm of A. Frank B. Chace & Sons, in which two of his sons, Alfred 

Bruce Chace and J. Frank Chace, are associated with him. His youngest son, William Wallace Chace, is at present (1897) a student 

in the office. 

From the outset of his professional career Mr. Chace's abilities have been widely recognized and abundantly rewarded. Still in the 

vigor of life, he is now, at the age of sixty, admittedly the leader of the bar of Columbia county; and his extensive reputation and 

clientage have gained for him also a high rank at the bar of the state. For many years he has done an especially large counsel 

business, trying suits for many of the young lawyers of the county, as well as for practitioners in surrounding counties. He has 

always given his attention mainly to litigated civil cases, having little taste for the criminal branches of the profession. Thoroughly 

read in the law, he is conspicuous among the lawyers of his part of the state for judgment and discrimination in all matters involving 

fundamental principles and constructions. He is equally well known for conscientious and exact devotion to details. A considerable 

part of his practice has been in connection with wills and other instruments; and it is said that no legal document drawn by him has 

ever been broken or even in any manner questioned. He is, moreover, prominent as an advocate; and although of late years his 

duties as a counselor have engaged most of his time, he still takes part with zest in the contests of the forum. 

Of the many important suits tried by Mr. Chace in his thirty-three years of practice, a few may be instanced as involving certain 

fundamental or otherwise particularly interesting questions of law. 

He was associated with Eufus W. Peckham (now one of the justices of the United States Supreme Court) in the case of Chrysler vs. 

Kennedy, as counsel for the defense. This was an action for damages. The judge held that the defendant was liable for a breach of 

warranty if the jury found that, in a real estate transaction with the plaintiff, he had made exaggerated statements as to value — the 

plaintiff having seen and examined the real estate. Upon the trial the presentation of the law of the case was, by agreement of 

counsel, left to Mr. Chace. The jury rendered a verdict of $30,000, which was affirmed in the general term. But the Court of Appeals 

ordered a reversal, and the case was subsequently settled for $1,000. 

Mr. Chace's firm obtained the first discharge for debt granted in Columbia county under the national bankrupt act, and also 

interposed the first successful opposition to a discharge applied for under the terms of that statute. 

In the peculiar will case of McGiffert et al. vs. McGiffert et al., Mr. Chace obtained a notable victory for his clients. John McGiffert, a 

resident of Hudson, upon his decease left considerable property, which he disposed of by a holographic will, containing a provision 

prohibiting the distribution of the estate among the beneficiaries until a period of ten years should elapse. The court held this 

provision to be a void limitation and not a trust term, and preserved the will without the limitation; Mr. Chace, by a very able 

argument, having disproved the contention that the provision was a void trust term, which, if established, would have caused the 

court to hold that the entire will consequently failed. 

36

In Groat vs. Gile, his firm procured a very interesting decision concerning the right of a purchaser to the increase or produce of 

personal property in cases where possession of the property had not been changed. Gile, a farmer, entered into a contract in the 

month of April to sell to Groat and another, speculators, a flock of ewes with about the same number of lambs, and received $25 on 

the contract, it being agreed that the ewes and lambs should run on the farm until October, when the balance of the purchase 

money was to be paid. At shearing time the seller sheared the sheep against the protest of the purchasers, who thereupon sued him 

for the value of the wool. A decision was rendered in favor of the purchasers, Mr. Chace's clients, which was reversed by the 

general term; but upon appeal to the Court of Appeals the original decision was sustained. 

In the suit of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Village of Philmont vs. the Forest Lake Club and others, he secured a 

construction of the law of damages upon a point at that time involved in some confusion. This action was brought by the authorities 

to condemn a portion of the water of Forest Lake for the use of the village. The commissioners held, with Mr. Chace, that as the 

village was a customer for the rights claimed in the suit, this fact should be taken into account in determining the amount of 

damages to be awarded. 

In the notable divorce case of Younghanse vs. Younghanse, in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Chace was counsel for the wife, 

charged by her husband with desertion. A counter-plea of desertion was preferred by the defense, and the court decided in favor of 

the wife, granting a divorce and alimony. It was said by Judge Hamilton, who held the term, that this was the first divorce case in the 

State of Ohio in which a counter-claim had been allowed and prevailed. 

Mr. Chace, though born and bred a democrat — his father having been attached to the Freesoil wing of the Democratic Party, — 

has always, since attaining his majority, been an ardent and active republican. He has supported the principles of the republican 

party, on the stump and otherwise by his influence, in almost every campaign for thirty years. He has frequently been a delegate to 

county, congressional, and state conventions. He has always refused, however, to take nominations for public offices not in the line 

of his profession, and twice he has declined to become a candidate for district attorney of the county. 

As a public speaker he has long been distinguished for effectiveness and eloquence. He has frequently been selected to deliver 

addresses on occasions of especial importance and interest. 

He is prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic and in the Masonic fraternity. In the former organization he has held the office of 

commander of K. D. Lathrop Post, No. 138, and he is at present an aide-de-camp on the staff of the state commander. In the 

Masonic order he has served three terms as Master of Aquila Lodge, No. 700. 

While uniformly declining to accept ordinary political offices, he has been active and influential in all matters related to the welfare of 

the City of Hudson, of which he is one of the most prominent citizens, equally respected and esteemed for his abilities and for the 

honesty and integrity of his character and life. From June 1, 18S1, to June 1, 1886, he was a member of the local board of 

education, and during the last year of his service was its president. 

August 16, 1865, he was married to Mary Z. Bruce, only daughter of Alfred Bruce, a successful merchant. Mrs. Chace is the only 

sister of Wallace Bruce, of Brooklyn, the well-known poet and lecturer, and formerly United States consul to Leith, Scotland. Mrs. 

Chace is a graduate of the Hudson River Institute and Claverack College. Their only children are the three sons above named, to 

whom they have given a liberal education, including a course at Yale College. Each of the young men has chosen the profession in 

which their father has made so great a success. 


Richard Arthur Measom Deeley, of Hudson, NY, was born 3 Aug 1861, in England, of American parents. His father, Richard J. 

Deeley, formerly of the United States navy (ship “Vandalia,” Captain, afterward Admiral, Gardner), was married to a sister of Sir 

George Samuel Measom, J. P. & F. R. G. S. Richard A. M. Deeley was educated in Brussels, Belgium, and thoroughly mastered the 

science of brewing in Europe. In 1883 he came to Philadelphia, and in 1888 to Hudson, as superintendent of the well known 

brewing firm of C. H. Evans & Sons. Mr. Deeley has proved the value of his citizenship in Hudson by serving for nearly five years as 

a member of the board of health, president of the board of trade, and from 1 Jan 1897, to 1 May 1899, as mayor of the city. He is 

quite prominent in Masonic circles, a member of Aquilla Lodge, No. 700, F&AM, past high priest of Hudson Chapter No. 6, RAM, 

served five terms as eminent commander, Knights Templar, and at present is grand representative of the Grand Commandery of 

Colorado, K. T.; also a member of Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and a trustee and secretary of the Masonic Hall 

Association. He has held several positions in the National Guard of the State of New York, having served on the staffs of the 11 th 

Battalion, the First Battalion, the First Regiment, and is now on the staff of General Robert Shaw Oliver, Third Brigade. From Aug 

1898, to Apr 1899, he was detailed commanding officer of the 23 rd Separate Company of Hudson; he has been manager for nine 

years of the Hudson Players’ Club, is a charter member of the University Club of Hudson, of the building committee of the Hendrick 

Hudson Chapter House, D. A. R.; a vice-president of the Columbia County Agricultural and Horticultural Association; a vestryman of 

Christ church, and a trustee of the Hudson City Hospital. In 1879 he was married to Mary Theresa Wyld. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=04IDAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA100&dq=%22cornelius+Esselstyn%22&hl=en&ei=USM3TMz0JoP98Aa 

W3LjMAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22cornelius%20Esselstyn%22&f=fa 

lse page 100. 

Cornelius Esselsttn, died July 3, 1881. 

Cornelius Esselstyn was the eldest son of Charles Esselstyn, Esq , deceased, for many years surrogate of Columbia county. He 

was born 21 Mar 1833. He, at the age of sixteen, entered the sophomore class of Rutger's College, where he at once took rank as a 

scholar, and although the youngest man among his associates, he bore off the highest honors in his class, graduating with the 

valedictory in 1851. A few years since he was elected by the corporation a trustee of Rutgers, and held this position at the time of 

his death. 

37

Upon graduation he entered the Albany Law School, being at the same time a clerk in the office of the then well known firm of 

Reynolds, Cochran & Harris. At the completion of his studies he again carried off the highest honors in his class. In Jun 1855, he 

formed a co-partnership with the late John Gaul, Jr., Esq., at Hudson, a partnership which lasted for twenty-four years, and was only 

terminated by the death of the senior partner, in 1879, since which time he continued in business with the son of Mr. Gaul, the old 

firm name being reversed and changed to Esselstyn & Gaul. 

Politically he was a Republican, joining the party at its inception 1856. Although never holding an office, his advice in political 

matters was frequently sought, and by his conservative and judicious counsel he was able to make his influence felt. For many 

years he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee. 

In the Masonic Order, Mr. Esselstyn took high rank, and probably few men were better known among the Masons of the State. For 

twenty consecutive years he was representative to the Grand Lodge in New York city. 

His knowledge of the law, the result of long experience and assiduous study, was deep and varied and held in perfect control and 

readiness for instant application to the exigencies of his profession. His mind was distinguished by strong reasoning power, 

quickness of perception, great capacity for keen and correct analysis, and by sound and steady judgment. His professional brethren, 

who knew him best, loved and esteemed him for his manly qualities of character. He was the soul of honor in all his dealings with 

them, and, although earnest and strenuous to the last degree in defending the interests entrusted to his care, he never uttered a 

word which left any pain to rankle in the bosom of his opponents. 

---- 

Cornelius Esselstyn, Esq., an energetic Trustee and a loyal friend of the College, died suddenly at his home in Hudson. NY. on 3 Jul 

1881. He was born in the house of his maternal grandfather, Rev. Herman Vedder, in Gallatin, on 21 Mar 1833; was prepared for 

college at the Claverack Academy, and at the age of sixteen entered Rutgers College, where he graduated with the highest honors 

in 1851. Immediately after his graduation he entered the Albany Law School, where again he carried off the highest honors of his 

class. In 1855 he became the partner of .John Gaul, Jr., Esq , a relation which continued for 24 years, until the death of Mr. Gaul, 

when his place was taken by his son. Mr. Esselstyn won the name of the best practice lawyer at the bar of Hudson, and was greatly 

beloved by the profession on account of his generosity, quick and warm sympathy, his readiness to aid others, and genial qualities. 

His interest in young men was exceptionally deep and earnest. They always found hi him a warm-hearted as well as clear-headed 

adviser. At the time of his death he had been for many years a member of the Republican State Central Committee: for ten years a 

Commissioner of Appeals in the Masonic Grand Lodge of the State; and for twenty years a representative to the Grand Lodge. 

Always active for the welfare of his Alma Mater, Mr. Esselstyn was elected in 1869 one of her Trustees. He was an ardent supporter 

of her best interests, and in his decease the College loses a tried and valued friend. 

In 1860 he married the daughter of the late Peter Van Deusen, Esq., who with two children survives him. Mr. Esse!styn had a 

profound reverence for religion and a deep seated love for the Reformed Church, and was rarely absent from his pew on the 

Sabbath, although not a communicant. He was highly esteemed for his ability, integrity, and genial, kindly nature, and was greatly 

beloved by a large circle of friends. 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clifflamere/OLists/Bios-ColCo.htm 

"Biographical Review of Columbia County, New York," 1894. page 515 

Frank Harder is the senior member of the firm of Frank Harder & Co, dealers in flour, feed, grain, hay, and straw, at 729 and 731 

Columbia Street, Hudson, NY, who succeeded about thirteen years ago to the business established five years previously by Messrs. 

Potts & Parsons. Mr. Harder was born in the town of Claverack, 31 Jan 1851, son of Robert Harder and Catherine Shufelt. His 

father, son of Robert Harder, Sr., was born in the neighboring town of Stockport, about 66 years ago. The elder Robert Harder, who 

was an industrious farmer, married a Miss Trainer; and they reared a large family of children. The mother died in middle life, when 

her youngest child, Robert, Jr., was but an infant. Her husband died in 1856, nearly ninety years of age. The living children are: 

Richard Harder and a widowed sister, occupying with him the old home farm; William, residing in Springfield, MA; and Robert, above 

named. The graves of the grandparents are in Claverack cemetery. Robert Harder, the second of the name, married Catherine 

Shufelt, daughter of Cornelius Shefelt and Gertrude Holsapple, both of Ghent, Columbia County, by whom he had four children: 

Frank; George, a physician at Troy, NY; Edward, a merchant of Stockport; and Gertrude, wife of Edward Tinker, of Stockport, who is 

in company with Edward Harder. 

Frank Harder was reared to farm life on rented farms. His father was a blacksmith, and worked to that trade till failing health induced 

him to become a farmer. Having received a good common-school education, young Harder learned the carpenter’s trade, and 

worked at it for six years, at the end of which time he took up his present business. He married in Jan 1874, to Henrietta Dedrick, his 

partner’s daughter, who died in 1877, leaving one child, Etta B., now a young lady of fifteen, living with her grandfather. Frank 

married for a second wife Emma Rosever, of Hudson, by whom he has three sons: Frederick, thirteen, a bright boy in school; Frank 

Gordon, nine; and John D. Harder, four. They reside in a pleasant home at No. 19 Eighth Street, which Mr. Harder bought in 1885. 

He also owns a farm of sixty acres, beautifully situated on the banks of the Hudson, 3 ½ miles north of the city, affording a view up 

and down the river for about fifteen miles. Here he has a fine country home adjoining his uncle’s farm, on which his greatgrandfather 

Harder settled a century and a half ago, in the wilderness. 

Mr. Harder is a Past Master of Aquila Lodge, No. 700, F&AM. He is a Republican in politics, and now holds the office of Street 

Commissioner of the Third Ward of the city. Mr. And Mrs. Harder are members of the Dutch Reformed church. Both the father and 

mother of Mr. Harder were of Low Dutch stock; that is, they were descendants of Hollanders, sturdy Knickerbockers, to whom this 

country is indebted for some of its best blood. Having a proper respect for the memory of his worthy ancestors, he may be trusted to 

exemplify and to transmit their robust and forceful virtues. 

38


William Henry Neal, was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, 19 Mar 1857, a son of Emerson Harwood Neal and Marietta Smith. His father 

died when he was small and his mother moved to Troy, where William H. finished his education and then was employed in a bakery 

for a year and a half. He was next employed by Hildreth & McCune four years, with Knowlson & Kelley four years, and then went 

with Burdette, Smith & Co. as engineer, but was only with them a short time when his health failed him, he went west. Returning 

from the west he engaged with Knowlson & Kelley, but was only with them a short time when he engaged in business for himself; 

not caring to continue his business he returned to his old employers again, Knowlson & Kelley, this time remaining with them seven 

years. In 1887 he came to Philmont and engaged as machinist in the Aken Mill, which position he filled for three months, when he 

was promoted and had charge of the entire machinery; in 1897 he was made superintendent of the mill. In 1897 Mr. Neal was 

elected trustee of the village, and in 1900 re-elected to the same position, and was made president of the board. He is a member of 

Aquilla Lodge, No. 700, F&AM. 26 Nov 1880, Mr. Neal married Emma G. Aken, d/ of Robert and Emily (Hilton) Aken; they have 

four children: Estella, b. 1881, Emma Grace, in 1884; William Earl, in 1889, and Ernest Avery, in 1892. 

------ 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/pa_ph_surnames_1900.htm 

Richard Clark Payne, eldest son of Horace Payne and Harriet Hall Macy, was born in Hudson, 26 Nov 1860. His early education 

was obtained at the famous public school, "Old No. 3," under Professor Wilcox, and later at the Hudson Academy. At the completion 

of his school life, he entered the employ of his father, who was engaged in the grocery business, but soon resigned to make a 

business connection with S. C. & G. P. MacArthur, dealers in mill supplies. In this line of trade he is still engaged, at the present time 

being a member of the firm of E. W. Murphey & Co. In Aug 1884, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., 

and has served successively as private, corporal, sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain, which office he holds at 

the present time. During the Spanish-American War he was in command of Company I, 203rd Regiment, NY Volunteers, and 

was stationed at Camp Black, NY, Middletown, PA, Conewango, PA, Greenville, SC. He was mustered out at the latter place on 25 

Mar 1899. Mr. Payne is a member of No. 700, F&AM, and is a past eminent commander of Lafayette Commandery, K. T., having 

been elected in May 1899. 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/columbia/1900bios/wa_wh_surnames_1900.htm 

Capt. John V. Whitbeck {brother of Volkert Whitbeck of Hudson Lodge No. 7], of Hudson, was born in Rhinebeck, NY, 18 Apr 

1838. He is descended form John Thomase Whitbeck (1), born at Whitbeck, Holstein, who was an early settler of Albany. His wife 

was Margaret Gertrury Andriess Douchester, born in New Amsterdam. From 1652, when Beaverwyck (now Albany) was laid out, to 

1678, he was the largest dealer in house-lots in the village; in 1664, in company with Volkert Jans Dow, he bought the islands (from 

the Indians) on the Schodack side of the river, and the main land opposite thereto. He had five sons and one daughter. His 

grandson, Volkert Whitbeck (3), of Red Hook, was born about 1720, and died in 1802. He held a commission as lieutenant in Capt. 

Hoffman's company, dated 27 Feb 1757, and signed by Henry Livingston, county clerk of Dutchess county. John Whitbeck (4), son 

of John, of Claverack, was married to Maria Decker. He was a major in the War of 1812. Volkert Whitbeck, M. D. (5), son of John, of 

Claverack, was born in 1802, and married to Caroline, daughter of Jacob and Gertrude (Schermerhorn) Rockefeller. He was a 

graduate of the Medical School at Pittsfield, MA. He practiced medicine in Hudson for many years, establishing for himself the 

reputation of being not only the "good physician," but also that of an exemplary citizen of sound common sense and excellent 

judgment. He died at the age of 86. His children were Jacob R., Ansel McK., John V., Captain Volkert, Ellogene, Charles, and 

Gertrude R. 

John V. Whitbeck was educated in the schools of Hudson and was graduated from the law department of the Albany University (the 

Albany Law School) in 1859, and, after being admitted to the bar, began practice in Hudson. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, 

128th NY Volunteer Infantry, being commissioned 2Lt and receiving promotion to the rank of captain. He participated in the siege 

of Port Hudson and in several other engagements, in the Departments of the Gulf, being detailed for staff duty on the staff of Gen. 

Banks at New Orleans, LA, and was honorably discharged in Aug 1864. Returning to Hudson, for forty years he has stood in the 

front ranks of the legal profession in Columbia county. For several years he served as clerk of the board of supervisors, and four 

years was city judge; in 1895 he was elected surrogate for a term of six years. He served as a member of the Board of Education 

from 1883 until 1888, and was President of the Board during a portion of such time. He was a member of the Masonic order, 

belonging to the Aquila Lodge, in which he served as Master, being the fourth in the order of the Lodge's Masters. He was 

also a member of Masonic Club. For many years he was active in the work of the Reformed Church, being a member of the 

Consistory. He belonged to the University Club, and was a member of Lathrop Post, G. A. R., and he was frequently called upon to 

deliver addresses at the annual reunion of the veterans. 

In all these official positions Mr. Whitbeck's record is unstained, and his course has been characterized by courteous dignity, 

unfailing geniality and unquestioned integrity. In 1868 Mr. Whitbeck married Harriet A. Ham, d/o Henry Ham and Antoinette 

Vedder. They have two sons and two daughters: Harry H., John V., Jr., Mrs. Antoinette V. Benedict, and Miss Ellogene R. Whitbeck. 

He died on 29 Jun 1907, at his residence in the city of Hudson. 

------ 

http://books.google.com/books?id=IZpPAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=%22captain+john+v.+WHITBECK%22&source=bl&o 

ts=8Ld1aCCCq8&sig=nps3rpQOxoCyc_J4R- 

6kasmN6aQ&hl=en&ei=xps9TMLgMYK78gaP6sWTBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onep 

age&q=%22captain%20john%20v.%20WHITBECK%22&f=false page 36. 

John V. Whitbeck, fifth in descent from Diell Rockefeller, and son of Volkert Whitbeck and Caroline Rockefeller, his wife, was a 

soldier in the Civil War. A certificate of his service shows that John V. Whitbeck enlisted from Columbia County, NY, in Aug 1862, to 

serve three years or during the war, and was mustered into the United States service at Camp Kelly, Hudson, NY, in Aug 1862, as 

39

2nd Lieutenant of Captain Edward Gifford's Company "A," 128th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, Colonel D. S. Cowles 

commanding. 

This regiment was organized under authority granted 19 Jul 1862, to David S. Cowles, who became its first Colonel upon muster in 

of the regiment at Hudson, where it was organized and mustered into the United States service for three years, 4 Sep 1862, the 

command being chiefly recruited from Columbia and Dutchess counties of the Empire State. The regiment left the State, 5 Sep1862; 

it served in the middle Department at and near Baltimore, MD, until December; later in the 1st Brigade, Sherman's Division, 

Department of the Gulf; 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 19th Corps; 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division; 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, and 3rd Brigade, 

2nd Division, of the same Corps, until 2 Apr 1865, after which it was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Army Corps, until 

it was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Savannah, GA, 12 Jul 1865, under Captain Thomas N. Davis. The 

regiment at all times performed gallant and meritorious service, and took part in the following engagements, viz.: Gainesville, Miss., 

Ponchatoula, Siege and Assault of Port Hudson, Red River Campaign, Cana River, Alexandria, Mansura, LA; Halltown, Opequon or 

Winchester, Berryville, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek (Sheridan's Ride), Campaign of the Carolinas, Bennett House, Johnston's 

surrender and a number of skirmishes. The regiment lost three hundred and ten in killed, wounded and missing while in the service. 

The said John V. Whitbeck was promoted to Captain, 27 May 1863. He was injured, by fracturing left collar bone, but was constantly 

with his command, bearing a loyal part in all its engagements as above outlined, winning high commendation as an officer, and for 

soldierly bearing. He was honorably discharged at New Orleans, LA, on 10 Jul 1864, by reason of resignation. 

Captain John V. Whitbeck was a member of R. D. Lathrop Post, No. 138, Department of New York, Grand Army of the Republic, of 

which he was Commander; also a member of Aguila Lodge, No. 700, F. & A. M., of which he was Master. 

Appendix I 

Rev. Richard Carrique 

1777-12 May 1849 

Master, Morning Sun Lodge No. 18 (now No. 5), at Bridport, Addison, VT – 1809 and 1811 

Assistant Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Vermont – 1811 

Member, Fayette Lodge, Sturbridge/Charlton, MA – ca 1813 

Solomon’s Chapter, RAM, Carlton, MA – 1814-1816 

Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter, East Attleborough, MA – First High Priest – 1816 

‘Honorary’ member of Hudson Lodge, No. 7, in 1804; Master 1840-1844 

Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New York 1842-1843 

Senior Grand Warden 1844-1849. 

Affiliated with Hudson R. A. Chapter in 1825; Secretary 1830-1844; High Priest 1845-1848 

Lafayette Encampment of Hudson, NY; Prelate for ten years; Commander 1844-1848; Grand Generalissimo 1845-1846. 

First High Priest. 

History of Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter 

http://www.archive.org/stream/celebrationofcen00roya/celebrationofcen00roya_djvu.txt 

The story of this Masonic organization began in the village of East Attleboro in October 1816 in the Tavern of Capt. Benjamin 

Balkcom amid a distinctive colonial environment. Within a short distance were the Congregational Meeting House, the Cemetery 

and the Village Green. The railroad had not then been imagined, but highways radiated to all surrounding towns. 

The promoter of the new association was Rev. Richard Carrique, the minister over the Universalist Church, and the Chapter 

members belonged mostly to Bristol Lodge, which was formed in Norton in 1797, moved to Attleboro in 1811, and in 1831 to North 

Attleboro. 

It is noticeable that the prominent men in the local Universalist Society were also members of Bristol Lodge and Adoniram Chapter. 

When the Lodge met in East Attleboro its headquarters were in a hall in the Tavern owned and conducted by Capt. Benjamin 

Balkcom where public assemblies convened. 

In those days jurisdictional lines were not so strictly observed as later. Hence the members of Bristol Lodge were allowed to take the 

capitular degrees in Providence R. A. Chapter. 

In Eddy’s History of Universalism it is stated that Richard Carrique, 1777-1849, was son of an Army officer and was himself a 

lieutenant in the English Army in Canada and commenced preaching about 1802 in New Haven, VT, and was ordained in 1805. 

Moved to Charlton, MA, 1812, where he preached and taught school. Was pastor over the Universalist Society in Attleboro 1815 to 

1821; then he moved to Hartford and edited a Religious periodical; in 1824 went to Hudson, NY, where he engaged in newspaper 

work and was Clerk of the Court. His first residence in Hudson was to take charge of the Universalist Society of that city. 

Richard Carrique, later pastor in Shoreham, was a New Haven resident from 1802 to 1806 

http://midddigital.middlebury.edu/SharingVTHistory/BooksPamphlets/HAC/chap13HAC.html 

Note: John Strong was the first master of the Morning Sun Lodge No. 18 (now No. 5), at Bridport, Addison, VT. He was 

succeeded in 1804 by Joel Barber, and he by Benjamin Skiff in 1806; Henry Hall was Master in 1808; Richard Carrique in 

1809; John N. Bennett in 1810; Richard Carrique in 1811 . . . 

http://books.google.com/books?id=SdCetmdkOGYC&dq=%22Morning+Sun+Lodge+No.+18%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s 

In 1811 he was appointed Assistant Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Vermont. [g.l.h.] 

The previous career of Richard Carrique in Capitular Masonry is somewhat obscure and must depend on inference. He was in 

Charlton 1812-1815, where King Solomon Chapter was chartered in 1805, although all records before 1800 are lost. Numerous 

40

complaints were made to the Grand Chapter for different delinquencies until 1840 when its charter was revoked. At the date when 

Adoniram Chapter received its charter the record curiously states “it was reported that John Wilder of King Solomon Chapter had 

received the degree of High Priesthood and was High Priest of that Chapter.” Then Adoniram Chapter was constituted. This record 

of the Grand Chapter suggests that in some way John Wilder and King Solomon Chapter were connected with the consecration of 

Adoniram Chapter. The only explanation must be that Carrique had been High Priest of King Solomon’s Chapter and by virtue of 

some ancient principle, he remained High Priest until his successor had been duly qualified and installed [he removed from the area 

ca 1817]. It became necessary that this should be accomplished before he could be installed High Priest of Adoniram Chapter. He 

received the Encampment Degrees in Boston Encampment in 1811. 

The Masonic history of Richard Carrique in Hudson has been furnished by Ex. Comp. Wm. Graf of that city, an enthusiastic student 

of local Masonic history. “Rev. Richard Carrique became ‘Honorary’ member of Hudson Lodge, No. 7, in 1804 and later affiliated 

with this body and was Master 1840-1844; was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New York 1842-1843 and Senior Grand 

Warden 1844-1849. He affiliated with Hudson R. A. Chapter in 1825, was Secretary 1830-1844 and High Priest 1845-1848.” 

At the organization of Lafayette Encampment of Hudson he was chosen Prelate, which office he held ten years and was 

commander 1844-1848, and Grand Generalissimo 1845-1846. 

He died May 12, 1849, aged 71 years, and was buried in the Hudson City Cemetery by the Grand Lodge of New York, which also 

erected a monument to his memory. 

Hudson, New York – 1837 

Evidently he was a successful organizer of men, a zealous member of the Masonic Fraternity and his labors were highly valued by 

his contemporaries. 

Preliminary consent having been received from St. Andrews Chapter of Boston, the nearest organization in Massachusetts, the 

Grand Chapter granted the petition of Carrique and associates and a dispensation was issued, dated October 4, 1816, to open and 

conduct Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter, and they paid $110 for the same. 

The first meeting was held October 8, 1816 in the Hall of Bristol Lodge, called Capt. Balkcom’s Hall, for which the Lodge was to 

receive $6.00 per year. 

Balkcom ‘s Tavern owned by Capt. Benjamin Balkcom, Gentleman, was established before the Revolution in the village of East 

Attleboro on the southeast corner of Park and South Main Street, across the street from the present Masonic Hall. 

The code of By-Laws adopted Oct. 15 th contain some quaint provisions. The initiation fee was fixed at $31.00, and visitors and 

members were to pay 12 ½ cents [one ‘bit’] each meeting “for refreshments brought into the hall.’’ Meetings were to begin at two P. 

M. and continue not later than nine at night, on Tuesday of each month after the full moon. Petitions should not be acted on the 

same meeting when received, but frequently the By-Laws were suspended to do this very thing, and then at the same meeting the 

candidate often received all the Degrees. It should be noted that while U. D. the Chapter received petitions from Edward Foster and 

Wm. W. Grossman of Taunton. 

The examination of the committee of the Grand Chapter in May 1817 resulted in a conclusion to consecrate Adoniram Chapter on 

St. John’s Day of the succeeding June. 

“At a special meeting of the Grand Chapter at Attleborough, June 24, 1817, at the house of Comp. Balkcom it was reported that 

John Wilder of King Solomon’s Chapter had received the Degree of High Priesthood and was High Priest of King Solomon’s 

Chapter. A procession was then formed and proceeded to the meeting house where Adoniram Chapter was solemnly consecrated 

41

and its officers installed in due and ancient form, and an instructive and impressive address was delivered by the Grand Chaplain, 

Rev. Paul Dean. The procession was again formed and the Grand Chapter conducted to their room and being closed in due form 

partook of an excellent repast, prepared by Comp. Balcom. Several Masonic sentiments were given and songs sung and the 

company separated at an early hour much pleased with the proceedings of the day.” 

Bristol Lodge and the public in general were invited to the constitution and it is recorded that six lady singers and a brass band were 

provided to assist in the ceremony. 

It must have been a great day in the East Village for the residents to witness the imposing procession move from Balkcom ‘s Tavern 

along the street to the meeting house, and then return to complete the exercises. 

The only public appearance of Adoniram Chapter took place in May 1818, when it attended the laying of the Corner Stone of the 

Universalist Church building in the Old Village of Attleborough, where Richard Carrique was the minister. This society located in 

North Attleboro in 1841. 

The members joined with King David’s Lodge of Taunton in celebrating St. John’s Day in June 1820. 

A significant item is recorded in 1823 when it was reported that the Chapter owed rent for seven years, amounting to $42.00. Clouds 

had already appeared and it remains to explain the causes that finally led to the removal of Adoniram Chapter from Attleborough. In 

February 1820 a petition was presented from members in Taunton to see if the Chapter would agree to meet half the time in 

Taunton. The move seems to have been premature and the petition laid on the table. 

An examination of the list of members before leaving Attleborough discloses the elements that brought about the change. After the 

organization had proceeded a few years the members from Attleborough numbered twenty and from Taunton the same number. 

The other 33 were much scattered, eight residing in Rhode Island. In 1820 a Chapter was started in Stoughton and another in 

Medway in 1824. Although Taunton and Attleborough had each only one Lodge, yet Taunton had the largest population. There may 

have been local causes of unrest because in 1831 Bristol Lodge moved to North Attleborough. Possibly the Puritan theology of the 

East village did not take cordially to the Freemasons who were largely Universalist in their belief and church affiliations. 

At the annual meeting in October 1818 George Ellis was elected H. P.; Wm. Fisher, King, and Edward Richardson, Scribe. The last 

meeting Rev. Richard Carrique attended was in 1821 and there was no one to assume the leadership which he had so skillfully 

exercised. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=BhBLoIFLN9gC&pg=PA182&lpg=PA182&dq=%22Richard+Carrique%22+%22hartford%22&sour 

ce=bl&ots=d1viXzFVL_&sig=6QKXF2cgM1xAl5p6cosBPErdkr4&hl=en&ei=2YqsTK- 

2C4H98AaaluCWDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCMQ6AewBg#v=onepage&q=%22Richard%20Carrique 

%22%20%22hartford%22&f=false page 184. 

1821 – Dr. Flint . . .had sustained severe bodily injuries by being violently thrown from a wagon, and was unable to preach much, or 

to go abroad in the discharge of his duties. Taking advantage of this fact, the Committee arranged to put Rev. Mr. Carrique, a 

Universalist minister, into the pulpit on a Sunday evening. The project became known, and the sanctuary was filled at an early hour, 

and a scandalous scene occurred. The choir (in which were several persons with whom the writer has conversed about the matter) 

did what they could to hinder the outrage. They sang on, tuning up with ever new ardor, as if they would “occupy the whole time,” 

until they were finally silenced by authority. The following account of what then and there happened was written down the same 

evening by an eye-witness of the proceedings, and whose name is a sufficient guarantee of the trustworthiness of his statement: — 

“Rev. Mr. Carrique, a Universalist preacher, came into the house before the bell rung, accompanied by Dr. Wells and Elisha 

Shepard, and Mr. C. went into the pulpit. The house was well filled. There had been a meeting appointed by Dr. Flint; the Rev. Mr. 

Smith had been invited to preach by Dr. Flint, who was absent; the choir had been singing for some time. Soon after the bell 

commenced ringing Mr. Smith came in and went up into the pulpit. Dr. Wells followed him up. After some whispering between Dr. 

Wells and Mr. Smith, he got up and stated to the people that he had come there to preach, that he was a stranger and did not 

understand the difficulties in the Society, but had been requested by Dr. Flint to preach for him in that place, and he should preach 

unless he was forbidden. He told the Committee (Dr. Wells and Mr. Shepard) that he could preach in the chapel or out of doors, if he 

could not preach there. Dr. Wells then arose in the pulpit and paid that the Society ought to know that the time for which the 

agreement was made with Dr. Flint, that he might use the house Sabbath evening, ended in March; that Dr. Flint had been informed 

on Saturday afternoon that a large number of the Society were desirous to hear Mr. Carrique preach, and that Dr. Flint had notified 

his people to meet here when he knew that Mr. Carrique was to preach! Rev. Mr. Smith then said, ‘Do you forbid my preaching?’ 

‘No,’ said Dr. Wells, ‘I did not say so.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘then I will preach if I am not forbidden.’ He then took hold of the Bible. Dr. 

Wells then said, ‘We expect Mr. Carrique to preach.’ Mr. Smith then said, ‘I will go to the chapel and preach there, as I cannot 

preach here.’ There was now great commotion in the house, many voices calling on Mr. Smith to preach. Mr. Smith said, ‘If I am 

forbidden to preach by the Committee, I wish them to say so.’ Mr. Shepard said, ‘I wish you would not preach, I wish you would go 

away.’ 

The noise and confusion were very much increased, and Mr. Smith soon left the house, the people following him. Dr. Wells then 

called for Squire Niles, and he came into a pew near the pulpit. Dr. Wells requested Mr. Carrique to begin the service. He began by 

reading a Psalm, and then there was so much noise made by the people going out, that he was obliged to stop. Dr. Wells then, in a 

loud voice, said that religious services had commenced, and any person who made a disturbance would be prosecuted according to 

law; Squire Niles had the Statute Book, and, if necessary, would read the Riot act. Three-fourths of the people then went to the 

chapel, headed by the good old Deacons Hempsted and Tileston. 

“Thus ended the attempt of the Universalists and infidels to obtain possession of the good old South Church and its fund. After this 

the people came out in their strength, and their enemies were scattered. 

“I was present, and wrote the preceding account at the time. 

42

“Signed B. HUDSON, JR.” 

Ref: 

http://virgobeta.lib.virginia.edu/catalog?q=Carrique%2C+Richard%2C+1777-1848. 

“A sermon, and an address, delivered in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, June 21, 5813. [electronic resource]: At the celebration of St. 

John the Baptist, before the brethren of Fayette Lodge and others,” by the Rev. and orshipful.[sic] Richard Carrique, member of 

Fayette Lodge. 

“A discourse, delivered in Providence, before the officers and members of Mount-Vernon Lodge [microform]: at their hall, February 

22, A.L. 5816, it being their anniversary election … ,” by Richard Carrique. 

http://www.parkwoodbaptistchurch.us/baptist_history 

------ 

Appendix II 

Daniel Gano, Rev. Samuel Gano and Rev. John Gano 

Rev. John Gano, pastor of the First Baptist Church in New York City was one of the most influential chaplains of the entire war. He 

crossed the Delaware with Washington. He helped pray down the amazing victory at Trenton. He helped the suffering men at Valley 

Forge. When the 8th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington was commemorated at New Windsor, New Your with the official 

proclamation by Congress of a formal cessation of hostilities, it was Washington’s request that prayer be offered by John Gano. 

Three of Gano’s children testified that their father baptized George Washington in the Hudson River at the close of the war. 

Citing the Baptism of George Washington as recorded in the archives of the First Baptist Church of New York, E. Wayne Thomas 

writes that Washington declared to Rev. Gano, “I have been investigating the Scripture, and I believe immersion to be the baptism 

taught in God’s Word and I demand it at your hands. I do not wish any parade made or the army called out, but simply a quiet 

demonstration of the ordinance.” 

Daniel Gano, one of Gano’s sons and a Captain of the artillery was present and said that he, with about 40 officers and men 

accompanied the Chaplain down to the Hudson River where the Reverend John Gano baptized George Washington. 

Dr. James Norwood, an associate of Dr. J. Frank Norris cites from a History of the First Baptist Church in the city of New York by I. 

M Haldemann, “While in camp at Newburgh, General Washington requested Pastor Gano to baptize him according to the 

Scriptures. He did so immersing him in believer’s baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.” 

Capt. Daniel Gano was a noted officer in the Revolutionary war in 1775, having served as a lieutenant with Montgomery in the 

memorable winter campaign against Quebec and being near the hero when he fell on the Heights of Abraham. He was a member of 

the Order of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Frances Belden, wife of our subject, has the original diploma of membership bearing the signature 

of Washington. 

Daniel Gano. First lieutenant 1st N. Y. regiment 1775-76; second lieutenant Knox's regiment Continental artillery 1776; captainlieutenant 

2d Continental artillery 1777-78; afterwards captain N. Y. levies; pioneer settler Kentucky. Born N. C., 1758; died Scott 

co., KY, April 8, 1849. Brown University - 1776 

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA357&dq=%22Daniel%20Gano%22&ei=7dUsTL65HMGB8gby6KDzDA&ct=result&id=rbHRAA 

AAMAAJ&output=text 

The last (it may be) of the Cincinnati!—Another of the officers of the revolution, another of the Cincinnati, if not, indeed, the last of 

that noble band, has just passed away from earth. Died calmly and consciously, in the faith of the gospel, on the 8th inst., at his 

residence in Scott county, Kentucky, Capt. DANIEL GANO, in the ninety-first year of his age. His birth place was on the Yadkin, in 

North Carolina To complete his education, his father, Elder John Gano, (the Baptist preacher) had placed him in Brown University, 

at Providence, R. I. Full of promise, and about to graduate with high honor, although only seventeen years of age, the cause of his 

oppressed country fired his soul, and he laid aside his books and enlisted as an ensign of artillery in 1775 ; he marched under Gen. 

Montgomery to Quebec, and was with that lamented officer when he fell ; enduring all the rigors of that first and severe winter 

campaign. He bravely discharged his duty. After three years hard service he was promoted, and continued, despite hardships, 

reverses, toils and sufferings, one of the faithful few, until the glorious termination of a seven years' war. He was a member of the 

Society of the Cincinnati, and left at his death, suspended in his room, his highly prized diploma.. signed by his beloved Washington, 

President of that honorable Society. Nearly sixteen years since ho heard, believed and obeyed the gospel. Blessed to the last with 

astonishing health and vigor of mind and body, regulating his life most scrupulously by the heavenly volume, enjoying its spirit, 

cheered by its precious promises, and comforted by its divine consolations, his last days were truly his best days. A violent paralytic 

attack, leaving him conscious, and with but very little suffering, terminated, in about forty-two hours, Ms eventful life. He has left 

seven children, an aged widow, and many grand-children and other relatives, to mourn his departure. Several of his children had 

crossed the Jordan before him. The Millennial Harbinger, of which he was a reader, was greatly instrumental in leading him to Christ 

the Redeemer. 

43

Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati: formed by the ... - Page 207 

http://books.google.com/books?id=L5YLAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA207&dq=%22Daniel+Gano%22&hl=en&ei=tdcsTNSfD8P- 

8Ab9uajSCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBzhk#v=onepage&q=%22Daniel%20Gano%22&f=fals 

e page 207 

DANIEL GANO 

Captain-Lieutenant New York Artillery. 

Born in North Carolina on the nth of November, 1758. He was the second son of the Reverend John Gano, the Brigade Chaplain. 

Appointed Second Lieutenant of the 1st Regiment New York Continental Infantry—Colonel McDougall's—on the 28th of June, 1775, 

and served in the Canada Campaign with it. Recommended to the New York Convention by Captain Richard Varick on the 28th of 

October, 1776, for continuance in the army on its reorganization. 

Lieutenant Pelton, in his report, alludes to him as follows : 

"AT ' POINT LEVI.'—Battery began to play 3d April, four 12 pounders, now three, a Bomb Battery on Heights of Abraham, snow seven 

feet deep. Mott well. Hughes with him. Gano well. Goforth very fat, at Three Rivers,—not more than a Company there in the 

Regiment,— Goforth more respected and feared than any man there. Heard at Camp that Troops left Boston 14th April—Canadians 

expect vessels from 4th to 10th May, this year 20th May. That General Schuyler is driving with great spirit, has seen nothing like 

him. Nicholson at Quebec when he came away—Arnold recruiting, Clinton well. Must storm, 350 in all, winter Blockade—Carleton 

12 or 14. Met General Thomas 22d April between Ticonderoga and Crown Pt. General Wooster paid hard money at Montreal. 

Yorkers paid in paper before Quebec, that they are very cautious how recommendations (for promotion) are given to New York 

officers. Nicholson appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Canada Regiment. Passed Romans at Stillwater, Captain Sloan last 

thursday week, left about 400 there, about 600 at Ticonderoga—nothing new at Crown Point. Captain Tew lent his boat to bring 

Colonel Arnold to Ticonderoga—Captain Tew was sent to Crown Point and remains on board of Sloop ' Enterprize,' under command 

of Halsey a lawyer, and Commodore Matthews in the Schooner ' Atkinson,' who is now with Sloan, has been 12 or 13 years at the 

Lake." 

Appointed Second Lieutenant 5th Regiment, New York Continental Infantry —Colonel Lewis Du Bois—on the 26th of June, 1776, 

but resigned, with Lieutenants Aorson, Platt, Pearse and Van Wagenen, in July, 1776, on finding that they would be ranked by 

juniors.* 

Reappointed Second Lieutenant—Colonel Henry Knox's Regiment of Continental Artillery—14th of September, 1776. 

Honorably discharged, with his regiment, by expiration of service, 31st of December, 1776. 

He was subsequently appointed Captain-Lieutenant 2d Regiment Continental Corps of Artillery—Colonel Lamb—1st of January, 

1777, and again honorably discharged at his own request. His name appears on the Half-Pay Roll. 

------ 

JOHN GANO 

Brigade Chaplain New York Brigade. 

Born at Hopewell, N. J., 22d of July, 1727. Died at Frankfort, Kentucky, 10th of August, 1804. 

His ancestors, Francois Ganeaux and son Stephen, French Huguenots, emigrated from Guernsey, and settled at New Rochelle, 

NY, where the name became Anglicized. Daniel, the son of Stephen, was the father of the Chaplain. He commenced his career in 

Virginia, and continued his calling in New Jersey and the Carolinas. In December, 1760, he was called to the Baptist Church in 

Philadelphia, and in 1761 collected the first Baptist Congregation together in New York City, and became their pastor. 

* Sec the biographical sketch of Aorson. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution he was appointed the Chaplain of the 7th Connecticut Continental Infantry— Colonel Charles 

Webb—on the 1st of January, 1776. This regiment, at the request of Washington, volunteered for six weeks additional service, when 

he was offered by its Colonel and officers and those willing to serve again an appointment in the new regiment in which they were 

seeking to enlist; but having been tendered the Chaplaincy of Colonel Lewis Du Bois' 5th New York Continental Infantry, already 

completed and stationed at Fort Montgomery, he accepted it, and was commissioned on the 21st of November, 1776. 

The following from Leake's Memoirs of -Colonel Lamb shows his ability as a soldier as well as a Chaplain: 

"Colonel Lamb, after the investment of the Fort, was ordered by Governor Clinton to the water batteries where a heavy attack had 

begun, sustained by a part of the enemies flotilla which had approached within striking distance. While busily engaged in the 

defence a drummer boy— afterward General Godwin, of Paterson. N. J.—finding his vocation of little use accosted Colonel Lamb 

and begged that he might have a musket. On account of his youth, and presumed inexperience, he was at first refused, but the little 

fellow cried so with vexation and disappointment that Colonel Lamb ordered him to be supplied with arms, and side by side, with the 

Reverend Mr. Gano the Chaplain, he waited the advance of the storming party. * * * * The defenders of the Fort were much 

scattered, and part of the parapet on the opposite side had been scaled and in possession of the enemy. The Reverend and valiant 

Chaplain having ascertained this, and that the defences, on Lamb's side, would soon be assailed in the rear, advised him of the fact: 

* * * * orders were given to cut their way through the enemy. This was done and rushing down the outside of the parapet a part of 

the garrison, Lamb sword in hand at their head, escaped." 

Promoted on the 18th of August, 1778, Chaplain of General James Clinton's New York Continental Brigade, and marched with it, 

cooperating with General Sullivan in his expedition to rebuke the ravages of Brant and Butler's followers in the victory of Newtown. 

44

He prepared a narrative in 1790 of his own career, which was published by his son, the Reverend Stephen Gano, an honorary 

member of this Society, from which Mr. Henry T. Drowne has furnished me the following: 

"Dr. Gano was delayed from terminating his military services at the surrender of Yorktown, tarrying on the way, by General Clinton's 

orders, to minister to a sick Aide de-Camp." 

When peace was agreed upon by Congress on the 11th of April, 1783, General Washington, on the 21st, through Colonel David 

Humphrey, announced its general proclamation to Sir Guy Carleton, the British commander, but General Heath, in his Memoirs, 

says : 

"It was settled exactly eight years after the battle of Lexington, and its announcement, before the army, on the 19th April, at noon. 

The proclamation of Congress for a cessation of hostilities was read at the door of the New Building followed by three huzzas, a 

prayer by the Reverend Mr. Gano, and an anthem sung and performed by vocal as well as instrumental music." 

Honorably discharged November 3d, 1783, with his brigade. In 1784 he was elected a member of the Standing Committee of this 

State Society. He subsequently became a Regent of the New York University and a Trustee of Columbia College. In the year 1778, 

removing to Kentucky, he labored for the Lord until he was called away by his Maker. His name appears on the Half-Pay Roll. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=qPsTAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA640&dq=%22Daniel+Gano%22&hl=en&ei=m9osTPOZHIT48AaUr7CV 

Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBjh4#v=onepage&q=%22Daniel%20Gano%22&f=false page 

640. 

Capt. Daniel Gano was born in North Carolina in 1758, and died in this county, in 1849. at the age of ninety-one years. He served in 

the Revolutionary war, enlisting as an ensign of artillery when seventeen years of age. He participated in many battles of the 

Revolution, and was with Gen. Montgomery in his winter march to Quebec in 1776, which, in severity of weather and climate, found 

an awful parallel, a little more than a quarter of a century later, in the disastrous retreat of Bonaparte from Moscow. He came to 

Kentucky with Gen. Wilkinson, as a captain in the regular army, and was among the first settlers of Frankfort, and assisted to lay off 

that town. He was of the order of Cincinnati, and his diploma was signed by George Washington. His name is an honored one in 

Kentucky, and he has many representatives living throughout the central part, of the State. 

------ 

Biography of Rev. John Gano 

http://books.google.com/books?id=PFYwAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=fal 

se 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bhusler/Bill/Reunion/Web%20Cards/ps03/ps03_408.html 

Rev John Gano, b . 22 Jul 1727, Hopewell, Mercer, New Jersey Colony; d. 10 Aug 1804, Frankfort, Franklin, KY, Age: 77. 

Pastor of First Baptist Church In New York; Princeton University; Chaplain In The New York Continental Infantry; son of Daniel 

Gano (b. ca 1681) and Sarah Britton, (1692-1785); m1. 1755, Morristown, Morris Co, NJ, Sarah Mary Stites, b. 22 Jun 1737, 

Elizabeth, Union, NJ Colony; d. 23 Apr 1792, Frankfort, Franklin Co, KY *; d/o John Stites Sr, (1706-1782), and Margaret Hampton, 

(1715-1784) 

Children 

i. John Stites, b. ca 1757; d. 1765 

ii. Daniel, b. 11 Nov 1758 in Yadkin, NC; ; died Scott co., KY, 8 Apr 1849. 

iii. Peggy, b. 23 Dec 1760 in NC 

iv. Stephen, b. 25 Dec 1762 in NYC: 

http://books.google.com/books?id=ckgZAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22stephen+gano%22+%22lodge%22&source=gbs_navlinks_s 

In 1800 the Rev. Dr. Gano, for many years the minister of the First Baptist Church, in this city, widely known and revered as one 

of the ablest and most devoted ministers of that denomination in the country, delivered the address in this place, before the 

Grand Lodge [of Rhode Island – extract of the address appears on page 111]. He was not, at that time, a member of the 

Fraternity. He was initiated in Mount Vernon Lodge, Providence, on 10 July 1801, and delivered an address before that 

Lodge, 15 Feb 1802. On 5 Jan 1826, the Rev. Dr. Gano, and the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, took the Knight Templar's degree 

in the Providence Encampment.” See further at Appendix regarding his biography and marriage to Joanna Morehouse. 

v. Sarah, b. 1764 

vi. John Stites, b. 1766 

vii. Daughter, b. 1768; d. ca 1771 

viii. Isaac Eaton, b. 1770 

ix. Richard Montgomery, b. 1776; d. 1815 

x. Susannah, b. 08 Nov 1777 in New Fairfield 

xi. William, b. ca 1781; d. 1799 

m2 ca 1789 in North Carolina, Sarah Hunt, dau. of Jonathan Hunt, and widow of Capt. Thomas Bryant. 

Capt. Thomas Bryan(t), who inherited Morgan Bryan Sr.'s house and plantation in the Bryan Settlement. Thomas died intestate prior 

to 1778 and his widow, Sarah HUNT, later married the Baptist minister John GANO and moved with him to Lexington, Kentucky, 

with most of the children. Morgan Bryan Sr. had seven sons. Of these, Joseph, Morgan Jr., James, and William went to Kentucky 

with Daniel Boone. Joseph Bryan's daughter Rebecca was the wife of Daniel Boone, and William Bryan was married to Daniel 

Boone's sister. Samuel Bryan also went to Kentucky but came back and commanded a company of Tories (Loyalists) during the 

Revolution. 

The Bryan Settlement lay near a well-used crossing of the North Yadkin River known as Shallow Ford. Morgan Bryan Sr. had over 

5,000 acres of land, more than anyone else in the backcountry, extending from Dutchman's Creek in what is now Davie County, 

north to the Yadkin River and Deep Creek in what is now Yadkin County. According to History of Surry County by J.G. 

Hollingsworth, "The most extensive land holder [in Surry County] prior to the coming of the Moravians was Morgan BRYANT 

45

(BRYAN) who according to records obtained a grant under date of 20 

Aug 1752 and other places under date of 28 Oct of the same year. As yet 

the full grant of this man has not been unearthed but there is sufficient 

evidence to state the holdings were very extensive and well chosen." 

The Bryans' close neighbors included Squire Boone, father of the famed 

Daniel Boone. Daniel Boone married Morgan Bryan Sr.'s granddaughter 

Rebecca Bryan, and three of Morgan Bryan's sons accompanied Daniel 

Boone on his expedition to Kentucky, where they founded the settlement 

called Bryan's Station. [Ref. 

http://www.moonzstuff.com/bryan/francis1770.html ] 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Boone 

Rebecca (Bryan) Boone (9 Jun 1739 – 18 Mar 1813) was wife of 

famed frontiersman Daniel Boone. She was born near Winchester, VA. 

Her parents were Joseph Bryan and Hester Hampton. Later Joseph 

remarried Alice (or Ayiee) Linville Bryan who raised her. Rebecca 

married Daniel Boone 14 Aug 1756 in Yadkin River, NC at the age of 17. She was brought up as a Friend or Quaker. Her 

grandfather Morgan Bryan (1671 Denmark to 3 Apr 1763 in Yadkin River, Rowan, NC) , immigrated to the United States from 

Denmark with Irish and Welsh background, for religious reasons. when his parents died. He and his brother took the mares his 

father had left them with them to America. He settled in North Carolina he was buried 1763 Mocksville, Rowan, NC, Joppa 

Cem. 

* Obituary for Sarah Mary Stiles reads: Mrs. Sarah Gano, consort of Rev. John Gano. Died at Frankfort, Apr. 17, 1792; buried near 

the Baptist meeting house at the Forks of Elkhorn. KY 4/28. 

from the Kentucky Gazette vol 5, no. 33, 4/28/1792: Mrs. Sarah Gano, wife of Rev. John Gano, died 23 April 1792, at Frankfort, 

buried near the Baptist Meeting house at the forks of Elkhorn Creek. Sermon by Rev. Lewis Craig and eulogy by Rev. Mr. Hickman. 

http://dl.lib.brown.edu/clocks/renderclock.php?xmlfile=lane.xml 

John Gano married Sarah Stites, sister-in-law of Brown University's First President James Manning. After Sarah's death, John Stites 

Gano married Mary "Polly" Talmadge, on 4 Aug 1789. One of their daughters, Maria Talmadge Gano was born 22 Apr 1794 in 

Providence, RI. In 1822, Maria, married Rev. Henry Jackson, son of Richard Jackson, donor of the Manning clock, now in the 

President’s office of Brown University. Indeed, it is interesting to note that this clock is in fact related to the one across the hallway in 

the Provost's office, donated by the Gano family. It should be noted that President Manning had graduated from Princeton, NJ in 

1763 before taking up office at Brown in 1765. 

------ 

Notes for Rev John Gano 

Information on this family comes from the Bible of John Gano 

Occupation: Rev, Gano was George Washington's Chaplain at Valley Forge 

From the Kentucky Gazette Vol. 10, no. 486, 7 Jan 1797: 

Married: John Price to Miss Susannah Gano, daughter of rev. John Gano, married on 1 January 1797 near Frankfort by the Rev. 

William Hickman. 

Francis Gerneaux was a Huguenot on the Isle of Guernsey, in the British Channel, according to family tradition, and was marked out 

for assassination, getting word of which the night before the day set for his death, he secured a vessel and got out of the harbor with 

his family before morning. (As Guernsey had long been a stronghold of Protestantism, it is probable that Gerneaux fled to that 

island, from the French mainland.) He came thence to America, and settled at New Rochelle, New York, where he survived to the 

great age of 103 years. The family name was transformed in time to its present form. He brought to this country his son Stephen, 

then a child, who. m. Ann Walton, it is believed, and had nine children who grew up and married. 

The first was Daniel, who m. Sarah, dau. of Nathaniel Britton, of Staten Island. They had two children b. there, and then removed to 

Hopewell, NJ, where six more children were born to them, among them John Gano, b. 22 Jul 1727. He was ordained to the ministry 

29 May 1754, at Hopewell, entering immediately upon the charge of the infant Baptist church at Morristown, which he served for two 

years, with considerable intervals of missionary tours in the South. In 1756 he accepted an urgent call to Yadkin, NC, where he 

remained two years and a half, when he returned to New Jersey, taking up his residence at Elizabethtown. He preached alternately 

at Philadelphia and New York, but in 1761 accepted a call to the latter place, where he continued until 1776. 

He now acted as Chaplain of a Connecticut regiment, through the battles in and about New York, the retreat across New Jersey, and 

the battles of Trenton and Princeton. He was subsequently Chaplain of Gen. George Clinton's brigade, composed of New York, New 

England and New Jersey regiments. He accompanied Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the Indians, in 1779, and continued in the 

service until the close of the war. He then gathered his scattered congregation together again, and the church flourished greatly. 

In 1787 he accepted a call to Kentucky, where he arrived with his family in 17 Jun1787. He remained a year at Lexington, and then 

removed to Frankfort. He preached continually, frequently going on extensive missionary tours, until afflicted with a paralytic stroke, 

in the latter part of 1798. He d. 10 Aug 1804, at Frankfort. 

Mr. Gano m1. Sarah Stites, d/o John Stites, Mayor of the Borough of Elizabethtown, in 1756; she d. at Frankfort, KY, ca 1788; he 

m2., ca 1789, in or near Rowan, NC, d/o Jonathan Hunt, and widow of Capt. Thomas Bryant. 

Children: 

1. John Stites, b. ca 1757; d. 1765; 

2. Daniel, b. 11 Nov 1758, at Yadkin, N. C.; died Scott co., KY, 8 Apr 1849. 

3. Peggy, b. 23 Dec 1760, at Philadelphia; 

4. Stephen, b. 25 Dec 1762, in New York City, afterwards a distinguished Baptist clergyman in Rhode Island; 

46

5. Sarah, b. 24 Feb 1764, in New York; 

6. John Stites, b. 14 Jul 1766, in New York; 

7. A daughter, b. 15 Aug 1768; d. in her 3d year; 

8. Isaac Eaton, b. 1770; 

9. Richard Montgomery, b. 1776, in New York; 

10. Susannah, b. 08 Nov 1777, at New Fairfield, CT; 

11. William, b. 1781 or 1782; d. ca 1799. 

Ref. Biographical Memoirs of the late Rev. John Gano, NY. 1806; 

Edwards's Hist. of the Baptists of NJ, 74. 

Misc. Notes 

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 41, page 135 

Mrs. Lizzie Tandy Meacham; DAR ID Number: 40356; Born in Hopkinsville, KY; Wife of Charles M. Meacham. 

Descendant of Rev. John Gano, William Henry, John Stites and Mathew Flournoy. 

Daughter of Charles M. Tandy and Mary M. Henry, his 2nd wife. 

Granddaughter of Col. William Henry and Cornelia V. Gano, his wife. 

G granddaughter of Richard Montgomery Gano and Betsy Ewing, his wife; William Henry and Elizabeth Julia Flournoy, his wife, 

m. 1786. 

GG granddaughter of John Gano and Sarah Stites, his wife; Mathew Flournoy and Elizabeth (Pryor) Smith, his wife, m. 1755. 

GGG granddaughter of John Stites and Margaret Hampton, his wife. 

John Gano, (1727-1804), served as chaplain in the New York Continental infantry and was 

made brigade chaplain 1778. He was pastor of the First Baptist Church, New York City, 1762-88, when he removed to Kentucky, 

where he died. 

William Henry, (1761-1824), served as a private in the regiment of Col. Harry Lee. He was born in Charlotte Co., Va.; died in 

Christian Co., Ky. 

John Stites, (1706-82), was a member of the Provincial Congress 1775 from Essex county, New Jersey. 

Matthew Flournoy, (1732-85), served as a soldier in Virginia. He settled Flournoy's Fort in Kentucky and was killed there by Indians. 

He was born in Henrico Co., Va. 

----- 

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Volume 81, page 266 

Miss Nelly Virginia Odel; DAR ID Number: 80710; Born in Evansville, Ind. 

Descendant of Rev. John Gano, Major William Goforth, and John Stites. 

Daughter of Isaac Henry Odell (b. 1845) and Anna Virginia Iglehart (b. 1853), his 2nd wife, m. 1879. 

Granddaughter of Nicholas Pindell Iglehart (1811-77) and Frances Mary Gano (1819-86), his wife, m. 1837. 

G granddaughter of Aaron Goforth Gano (1798-1854) and Frances Bell Burley (Burleigh) (1795-1837), his wife, m. 1818. 

GG granddaughter of John Stites Gano (1766-1822) and Mary Goforth (1768-1857), his wife, m. 1787. 

GGG granddaughter of John Gano and Sarah Stites (1737-93), his wife, m. 1755; William Goforth and Catherine Meeks (1744- 

1827), his wife, m. 1763. 

GGGG granddaughter of John Stites and Margaret Hampton (1715-84), his 2nd wife. 

William Goforth (1731-1807) served on the Committee of Safety and was a member of the famous Committee of One Hundred of 

New York City. He commanded a company in the 1st New York regiment, under Col. Alexander McDougall; was engaged in the 

battle of Three Rivers, and was promoted major for service on the field. He was appointed by Washington judge of the Northwest 

Territory, where he died. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. 

John Stites (1715-82) was a member of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey, 1775, from Essex County, where he died. He was 

born in Springfield, NJ. 

http://www.sluiceboxadventures.com/learn_history/JohnGano_02.htm 

Note: “No historian or biographer of Washington accepts the following tale.” 

The John Gano Evidence of George Washingtons Religion 

Research performed by Richard St. James at William Jewell College Library in Liberty, 

Missouri, March 21, 2008 

The following is intended by this editor to be a copy [except for spelling update and/or 

conversion corrections] of the Bulletin of William Jewell College, Series No. 24, September 15, 

1926, No. 1, By L.C. Barnes, "Entered April 2, 1909, at Liberty, Missouri, as second-class Matter 

under Act of Congress of July 16, 1894." 

THE DIRECT EVIDENCE 

In the first of the three lines of transmission there are two testimonies, as follows: 

Georgetown, Ky. 

Aug. 16, 1889 

“I am the grandson of Rev. John Gano, now in my eighty-third year, and the brother of Mrs. 

Margaret Ewing. I was raised from my fifth year to manhood by Mrs. Margaret Hubbell (nee 

Gano), I have heard her say that her father baptized (immersed) General Washington. 

S. F. (?) Gano, M.D. 

Subscribed and sworn to in my presence this 16th day of August, 1889. 

Stephen Gano Long 

Notary Public 

State of Kentucky.” 

To whom it may concern: I, Margaret Ewing (nee Gano) aged 90 years last May, being of 

sound mind and memory, make this statement: I have often heard my aunt Margaret Hubbell (nee Gano), the eldest daughter of 

47

Rev. John Gano, say that her father told her that be baptized General George Washington, at Valley Forge, to the best of my 

recollection. She, Mrs. Hubbell, also said that General Washington, for prudent reasons did not desire that his baptism should be 

made public. Rev, John Gano was a Chaplain in the Revolutionary War and an intimate personal friend of General Washington. 

Margaret Ewing 

Subscribed and sworn to in my presence this 10th day of August, 1889. 

Stephen G, Long Notary Public , State of Kentucky” 

These testimonies were obtained for the present writer, in 1889, by the courteous aid of Rev. R. M. Dudley, D, D., President of 

Georgetown College, Kentucky. The fact that they have lain 37 years unpublished is but an illustration of how easily “perishable 

the remembrance” of such a fact might be, even in the hands of one who had taken a real interest in preserving it. 

This two-fold testimony seems to make it certain that Chaplain John Gano told his eldest daughter that he baptized General George 

Washington. There is no known reason for doubting the competence or the veracity of any of the links in this evidence. In fact, there 

is only one link between the witnesses and the man who performed the service. Such evidence is not to be whiffed away. It is either 

to be accepted or disproved. If disproved, it must be by something more substantial than conjectural hypotheses. 

But it does not stand alone. The testimony in the second independent line was originally printed in some paper, the name of which is 

not known. It was reprinted in the “Watchman” of Boston 1889. It contains two or three slight errors, or rather slips, to be noted in 

the reading, which have however no bearing on the point in question. The incidental facts of geography and of personal history 

introduced have been carefully and fully verified and found correct. The statement reads: 

“Being requested by my brother, Joseph W. D. Creath of Texas, who is now at my house, I make the following statement of facts: In 

1810 Daniel Benedict [It must have been as late as 1818, and was David instead of Daniel Benedict.] the author of the history of the 

American Baptists, staid at my father’s house in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, some ten days, during which time I distributed his 

history, to which my father obtained a number of subscribers; and while he was at my father’s house he gave my mother the life of 

Doctor John Gano, who, he told mother, was Chaplain to General Washington’s army during the revolutionary war and that he, 

Gano, immersed Washington during the war privately, and that Washington did not wish it known; and this statement he, Benedict, 

received from his father-in-law Stephen Gano of Rhode Island, and he received it from his father who moved from the Eastern 

states and settled in Town Fork, in Fayette County, Ky., near Lexington, and had the care of the Baptist church there; and my uncle, 

Jacob Creath, Sr., succeeded him in the pastorate of said church, as he told me and as I believe he did and as I heard others say, I 

saw and read the life of Gano which Benedict gave to my mother, and I beard her often relate what Benedict told her respecting the 

baptism of Washington by Doctor Gano, who died in Kentucky. 

Jacob Creath 

Palmyra, Mo. August 11, 1874.” 

The only reason known for hesitation as to this statement is the wonder that David Benedict, the Baptist historian, should have told 

this in Virginia and not, so far as is recorded, elsewhere. That his common reticence on the subject should have been broken at this 

one point only, could not be effectually denied, however, unless one knew all the outward and psychological conditions of the case. 

Exceptional action is not unnatural. To Miss Maria Benedict, living in Providence, R. I., in 1889, the daughter of David Benedict, the 

account of her father’s statement seemed reasonable and trustworthy. That Stephen Gano, who had been a surgeon in 

Washington’s army and was like his General a devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity, and who believed in private baptism, 

should not have published the matter to the world is only what we should expect. The line of evidence, therefore, reaching back to 

Chaplain Gano, through David Benedict and Stephen Gano, is especially strong. Could anything but a fact have run that gauntlet 

and survived? 

The third independent line of evidence is through General R. M. Gano of Texas. His affidavit reads as follows: 

”Dallas, Texas 

March 27, 1891 

The tradition in our family of the immersion of George Washington by my great-grandfather near Valley Forge I have heard from my 

childhood, and never had any knowledge of any one doubting it until my attention was called to the fact, that was due to the fact, 

partly that General Washington demanded in a quiet way and wished no demonstration made over it, and partly to the fact that it 

was not according to Baptist usage to immerse any one who was not received into the Baptist church. But the Gano and Ewing and 

Beal and many other families with whom I have conversed both in Kentucky and in Virginia have the tradition in their Families. 

But among all with whom I ever conversed, old uncle Daniel Gano, the oldest son of John Gano, the minister who immersed 

Washington, knew most. Said Daniel Gano was a captain of artillery in the Revolutionary War, at which time his father was 

Chaplain. He died in Scott County, Kentucky, at about the age of 94 years, when I was a youth. I remember his appearance and 

conversational manner well. But being about a half a century since I cannot recollect exactly what he said about the immersion of 

General Washington by his father. 

But I do remember the impression made upon my mind that he knew more about it than any one I had ever seen. But I cannot say 

at this remote date that he was an eye witness of the immersion, I have talked with some who were eye witnesses. I have the 

impression that there were about forty-two witnesses present. 

R. M. Gano 

State of Texas, County of Dallas 

This day personally appeared R. M. Gano, who being duly sworn, said the foregoing was true to the best of his knowledge and 

belief. 

Witness my hand and official seal of office, this 27th day of March, 1891. 

S. B. Scott, County Clerk 

Dallas, Texas by W. E. Keller, Dep’ty” 

The most doubtful point in this testimony is as to the number of witnesses. Exactly that point Gen. Gano states in a doubtful way. His 

doubt on this point is therefore confirmatory of the reliability of his memory. A similar remark is true of Margaret Ewing’s way of 

referring to Valley Forge as the locality. Gen. Gano however refers to Valley Forge without using any mark of less certain 

48

ecollection in that particular. There is a natural presumption in favor of the vicinity of Morristown or Newberg. But there is no 

impossibility in its having been at Valley Forge. The place is a matter of no consequence. 

If incidental features of the testimony were in much greater doubt than they are, the validity of the evidence as to the main fact would 

not be thereby shaken. There is no conflict in the testimonies. Three distinct lines of transmission assent that three children of 

Chaplain Gano, his eldest daughter, his eldest son, and his physician-minister son, the two sons having been fellow-officers with 

their father in General Washington’s army – that these three children believed that their father baptized Washington. 

With two of the children our sworn witnesses have personally talked. By one of these children two of our witnesses were reared from 

childhood. One of these two witnesses is a physician who may be supposed to know something of the value of evidence. With the 

daughter of Chaplain Gano he was reared to manhood. 

How did time children of the chaplain who were adults at the time in discussion come to believe, so as to instill it into others without a 

question that their father baptized Washington? The evidence makes the interrogation insistent. How would this answer do, the 

baptism was a fact? 

The Circumstantial Evidence - The John Gano Evidence of George Washington’s Religion 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Gano 

Appendix III 

Stephen Gano (1762–1828) was an early pastor of the First Baptist Church in America in 

Providence, RI. He was the third son born to Rev. John Gano, a prominent Baptist 

evangelist, and Sarah Stites. Gano was born in New York City while his father was 

pastoring Gold Street Baptist Church. Stephen Gano planned on attending Brown 

University where his uncle, James Manning, was President, but the Revolutionary War 

prevented him from enrolling. So at the age of thirteen Gano went to study medicine with 

his uncle, Dr. Stites. At age 17 in 1779 Gano served briefly as a surgeon's mate in the 

American army, then resigned to become a surgeon's mate on a privateer. Shipwrecked, 

marooned, and then taken prisoner by the British, he was confined in leg irons on a 

prison ship for some time. His father had previously joined the military as a chaplain, and 

a Gano family legend holds that John Gano baptized George Washington. No historian or 

biographer of Washington accepts this tale. 

After the War Stephen Gano practiced medicine in Orangetown, NY, and in 1782 married 

Cornelia Vavasour, daughter of a British officer in New York City. In 1783 he had a 

conversion and turned to the ministry, and in 1786 he was ordained in the Gold Street 

Church by his father, Dr. Manning, and other clergy. He served as a Pastor of the Baptist 

Church at Hillsdale, NY, and then Hudson, NY. In Hudson, his wife died leaving Gano 

with several young children, and in 1789 he married Polly Tallmadge, daughter of Colonel 

Tallmadge in Stamford, CT. They had several more children. Gano then served as a 

missionary to the Old Northwest Territory and is credited with establishing a church at 

Columbia, OH, near present-day Cincinnati, the first Baptist church in the territory. 

In 1792, Dr. Gano became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in America in Providence, RI, where he remained until his death. 

Many revivals took place throughout his tenure at the church with expanding church membership and baptisms. 

In 1797 Polly died, and in 1799 he married Mary Brown, daughter of Professor Joseph Brown, of Brown University, but Mary died in 

December 1800. Next Gano married Mrs. Joanna Latting, of Hillsdale, NY, but they separated permanently in 1803 when she 

accused him of being a worshiper of the Devil because he was a Freemason. Mrs. Joanna Latting was the daughter of Lt. Col. 

Andrew Morehouse, born 7 Mar 1726 at Saybrook, CT; d. died 1801 in Johnstown, NY. He was a member of Independent Royal 

Arch Lodge No. 2 (8), New York, 1798. Andrew’s great grand daughter, Deborah Morehouse, married Nathan Rose, grandson of 

Ithamar Spencer, the 5th grgrandfather of the present compiler. See further of Andrew’s biography below. 

Dr. Gano received the honorary degree of M.A. from Brown University in 1800 and was an Overseer of Brown University from 1794 

until his death. He also served on the Providence School Committee for many years. Gano published several of his sermons and 

other writings. Gano Street in Providence takes its name from Gano's surname. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=5hMSAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=gan 

o&f=false page 229. 

STEPHEN GANO 

1786—1828. 

Memoir in connection with the list of members of the First Baptist Church in Providence.— Dr. Sharp's Fun. Serm.—MS. from Rev. 

Henry Jackson, D. D. 

STEPHEN GANO third son of the Rev. John and Sarah (Stites) Gano, was born in the city of New York, 25 Dec 1762,—his father 

being at that time Pastor of the Gold Street Baptist Church. His early advantages for education were the best which his father was 

able to command. It was fully intended that he should take the regular course at the College of Rhode Island, of which his uncle, the 

Rev. Dr. Manning, was then President; but, in consequence of the troubles which the Revolutionary War brought with it, his father 

found it impossible to carry out this purpose; and, as the best thing he could do for his son, then thirteen years of age, placed him 

under the care of his maternal uncle, Dr. Stites, to be educated for the medical profession, while he himself entered the army as a 

Chaplain. The son, having at length made honourable proficiency in his studies, and being also very anxious to enter the public 

service, received the appointment of Surgeon. His mother, who had been the principal agent in procuring the appointment for him, 

having buckled on his regimentals, said to him, as they parted, (concealing her tears,) "My son, may God preserve your life and your 

49

patriotism—the one may be sacrificed in retaking and preserving the home of your childhood : but never let me hear that you have 

forfeited the birth right of a freeman." 

Young Gano was at that time nineteen years old. He continued in the service of his country about two years, and then retired to 

settle as a Physician in Tappan, now Orangetown, Rockland County, NY,—having been married, on the 25th of October, 1782, to 

Cornelia, daughter of Capt. Josiah Vavasor, an officer in the English Navy, then a resident of New York city. In 1783, one year after 

his marriage, he became hopefully pious, and soon after was impressed with the idea that it was his duty to preach the Gospel. On 

the 2d of August, 1786, he was ordained in the Gold Street Church, by his father, Dr. Manning, and some other clergymen. His first 

ministerial labours he performed in the character of a missionary on the Hudson; and wherever he went, his preaching awakened a 

deep interest. He was, successively, for some time, the Pastor of the Baptist Church at Hillsdale and at Hudson. At the latter place 

he lost his wife by death, after she had become the mother of two sons and two daughters. On the 4th of August, 1789, he was 

married at Stamford, Conn., to Polly, daughter of Colonel Tallmadge, father of the late Colonel James Tallmadgo of the city of New 

York. By this marriage there were three daughters and one son. 

In 1792, Dr. Gano received a unanimous invitation to the Pastorate of the First Baptist Church in Providence, RI,—the oldest Baptist 

Church in America. This call he accepted, and here, in the faithful and acceptable discharge of his ministerial duties, he spent the 

remainder of his life. His church was one of the largest in the country, and few enjoyed more frequent or powerful revivals. The 

years which were signalized by the largest additions to its communion, were 1793 and '94, 1801, '05, '06, '08, '12, '16, and '20. In 

this last year, the number added by Baptism was one hundred and forty-seven, making the whole number of communicants 648. 

In 1797, Dr. Gano was again afflicted by the death of his wife. On the 18th of July, 1799, he was married a third time to Mary, 

daughter of Professor Joseph Brown, of Brown University. She was spared to him but a very short time, and died, leaving one 

daughter. On the 8th of October, 1801, he was married to Mrs. Joanna Latting [Morehouse], of Hillsdale, NY, who survived 

him many years. In each of his wives he found a companion eminently suited to his tastes, and an efficient auxiliary to his 

usefulness. At his death, he left six daughters, four of whom have married clergymen: namely, the Rev. John Holroyd, the Rev. 

Peter Ludlow, the Rev. David Benedict, D. D., and the Rev. Henry Jackson, D. D. 

Dr. Gano was an invalid during several of his last years; but he continued to preach until within about three months of his death. His 

disease proved to be a dropsy of the chest, and was attended with the most acute physical suffering. But his confidence in his 

Redeemer was so strong as to disarm death of terror, and to enable him to even greet its approach with a joyful welcome. On the 

18th of August, 1828, just after he had stated that his sky was without a cloud, he passed gently away, with a cheerful smile upon 

his countenance, which lingered after the spirit was gone. The event was immediately made known by the tolling of the city bells, 

and the children who had just assembled in the several schools, were permitted, out of respect to his memory, to retire. His Funeral 

was attended on the third day after, by an immense concourse, and with every demonstration of affectionate respect. A Sermon 

appropriate to the occasion was preached by the Rev. Dr. Sharp of Boston. 

Dr. Gano received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Brown University, in 1800. Though he usually bore the title of Doctor, 

it was only in reference to his having been in the medical profession. He was one of the Overseers of Brown University from 1794 till 

his death. 

Dr. Gano published a Sermon on the death of Washington, 1800; a Sermon at the Ordination of Mr. Joshua Bradley, Newport, 1801; 

a Sermon at the Funeral of the Rev. Gardiner Thurston, Newport, 1802; a Sermon entitled "The Christian Crowned," occasioned by 

the death of the Rev. Joseph Snow, Congregational minister of Providence; a Sermon at the Ordination of Mr. Peter Ludlow, 

delivered in the Second Baptist Church in Providence, 1823; and a Sermon on the Divinity of Christ, 1827. 

------ 

http://www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com/sites/default/files/history/Freemasons%20in%20the%20Revolutionary%20War%202.pdf 

Moorehouse, Andrew, Ind. Royal Arch, 2 (8), 1798; Lt. Col, NY Militia. died 1801. 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nywestch/sar/ances-M.htm 

Born about 1727; lived in South Dover, NY, recorded in a letter from the Dutchess County, NY, Committee, dated 6 May 1777, as 

nominated to be Lieutenant-Colonel of Dutchess County Militia; on June 22, 1788, the Council of Appointment made changes and 

he became Lieutenant Colonel of the third regiment of Pawling's Precinct. 

Col. Andrew Morehouse was of Saybrook, CT, before 1747, afterwards of Dover (Fredricksburg Precinct) Dutchess, NY. His first 

wife was Phebe Kurd, his second Sarah Sherill. He was Col. of the 3d Regt, Dutchess Co. Militia during the Revolution, and 

proprietor of the "Morehouse Tavern," at South Dover, NY, where many noted officers, (including George Washington) were 

entertained during the war. 

“Settlers of the Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, New York,” by Frank J. Doherty, New England Historic Genealogical Society 

http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:NZ4lIKa9EngJ:www.newenglandancestors.org/research/database/beekman/%3Ffile%3Drese 

arch%255Cdatabase%255Cbeekman%255Ccontent%255Cvol.01.488.htm%26anchor%3D+%22andrew+morehouse%22+%22colo 

nel%22&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us 

He had been referred to as a Col. in the minutes of the Committee on Correspondence, as early as 27 Feb 1777. He was active in 

the anti-Tory campaigns of the Pawling-Dover area and was the man that helped Enoch Crosby escape after he had been captured 

with a band of Tories near the Colonel's house. He knew Crosby and worked closely with him on the Tory problem. 

Andrew Morehouse was born 7 Mar 1726 at Saybrook, CT, the son of Thomas and Joanna (Denison) Morehouse. He m1. Phebe, 

the daughter of Josiah and Phebe (Buell) Hurd; m2. 1783, Sarah, dau. of Henry and Jane (Conkling) Sherrill. He was a poor master 

in the Dover area of Beekman in 1768, Pawling Supervisor in 1774 and 75 and a member of the NY Assembly from 1777-79. He 

signed an oath 17 May 1769 as a justice in DC. In May 1781 the Public Records of Connecticut record that he was considering 

removing to Saybrook. His memorial reads as follows: 

"Upon the memorial of Andrew Morehouse, of Dutchess County in the State of New York, representing to this Assembly that he is 

removing his family and effects to Saybrook in this State where he intends to reside and become an inhabitant, and that he has 

50

emoved part of his effects to Ripton Landing; praying for the liberty to transport the same by water to Saybrook and some floor to 

New London, as per memorial on file: 

Resolved by this Assembly that liberty be and liberty hereby is granted to the said Andrew Morehouse, to transport by water from 

Ripton Landing to Saybrook his implements of husbandry, household furniture, twenty barrels of flour, four barrels of pork and beef, 

thirty bushels of oats, and thirty bushels of indian corn to Saybrook, and twenty barrels of flour to New London, under the inspection 

of the authority and selectmen residing in the parish of Ripton in the town of Stratford, and to land the same at Saybrook under the 

inspection of the commanding officer at Saybrook Fort, and the twenty barrels of flour at New London under the inspection of the 

commanding officer at that post." The Colonel was still in Dutchess County in 1790, or had returned to it by then. Col. Andrew 

Morehouse died 1801 in Johnstown, NY. 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/c/c/Dallas-G-Mccolley/GENE2-0012.html#CHILD67502595 

Andrew Morehouse, born 7 Mar 1725/26 in Saybrook, Middlesex Co, CT. He was the son of Thomas Morehouse, Jr. and Joanna 

Denison. He married Phebe Hurd, born 29 Jan 1726/27 in Killingsworth, Middlesex, CT; died 6 Feb 1783 in South Dover, Dutchess, 

NY. She was the daughter of Josiah Hurd and Phebe Buell. 

Children of Andrew Morehouse and Phebe Hurd are: 

i. Abraham Morehouse, d. 16 Oct 1813; m.1 Eleanor Hook in Miss; m.2 Abigail Youngs 13 Sep 1790 in Cold Spring Harbor, 

Long Island, NY. 

ii. James Morehouse (Sr.) b. 12 Jun 1747 in Saybrook, CT; d. 28 Jan 1853 in Maryland, Otsego, NY; m. Keziah Benson. His son, 

James Jr. married Jane Burnside and had a daughter Deborah who married Nathan Rose, grandson of Ithamar Spencer, the 5th 

grgrandfather of the present compiler. Ithamar was a Captain in the 9th Albany Militia (buried in Maryland, Otsego, NY), but not a 

Freemason. The Spencers also married into the Burnside family. 

iii. Lucy Morehouse, b. 01 Feb 1747/48 in Saybrook, CT; d. 18 Oct 1847 in Rome, NY; m.1 John Langdon; b. ca 1740; d. 26 

Sep 1787; m.2 Ross; m.3 John LeDroit DeBusse 

iv. Andrew Morehouse, Jr, b. 06 Nov 1750 in Salisbury, Litchfield, CT; d. 6 May 1806 in Half Moon, NY; m. Judith Lake v. Reuben 

Morehouse, b. ca 1752; m.1 Elizabeth; m.2 Elizabeth King 

vi. Phebe Morehouse, b. 03 Sep 1754; d. 1825 in Claverack, Columbia, NY; m.1 James Martin; m.2 Fite Rossman 

vii. Joanna Morehouse, b. 27 Nov 1756 in South Dover, Dutchess, NY; d. Mar 1849 in Claverack, NY; m.1 Ambrose Latting; b. 

11 Jan 1749/50; d. 1798; m.2 Rev Stephen Gano. 

viii. Sarah Morehouse, b. 17 Nov 1758 in South Dover, NY; d. in Chatham, Columbia, NY; m. Ebenezer Burgess 8 Mar 1774; 

b. 17 Jun 1749; d. 16 Mar 1812. 

ix. David Morehouse, b. 02 Feb 1761, South Dover, NY; d. 1 Sep 1833, Chatham, NY; m. Jane Belden 1 Nov 1781; b. 25 Apr 

1763; d. 14 Aug 1844. 

x. Samuel Morehouse, b. 1767; d. 8 Apr 1772. 

xi. Aaron Morehouse, b. ca 1770; d. 24 Jan 1851 in Carlisle, Lorain Co, Ohio; m. Anne Patchen. 

Appendix IV 

Colonel Benjamin and his son Major Benjamin Birdsall 

http://awt.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=dal-jdl8cc&id=I2847&ti=5542 

Maj. Benjamin C. BIRDSALL, b. 1781 in Albany, NY; d. 1818 in Greenbush, NY; bur. Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY; son of Col. 

Benjamin BIRDSALL b. 4 Aug 1743 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess, NY, and Elizabeth AIKEN b. 19 Oct 1746 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess NY; 

m. ca 1795 of Greene, NY, Lydia BUSHNELL b. ca 1774 

Children 

1. George C. BIRDSALL b. 12 Aug 1796 in Hillsdale, Columbia, NY 

2. Elizabeth BIRDSALL b. ca 1800 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

3. William BIRDSALL b. 1802 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

4. Samuel BIRDSALL b. ca 1804 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

5. Melinda BIRDSALL b. ca 1806 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

6. George A. BIRDSALL b. ca 1808 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

----- 

Col. Benjamin BIRDSALL, b. 4 Aug 1743 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess, NY; d. 8 Oct 1828 in Greene, Chenango, NY; son of Nathan 

BIRDSALL b. 1705 in Matinecock, Nassau, Long Island, NY, and Jane LANGDON b. 1711 in of Mantinecock, Queens, Long Island, 

NY; m. 1766 Quaker Hill, NY, Elizabeth AIKEN b. 19 Oct 1746 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess Co., NY. Represented Columbia County in 

the Assembly. NYS Legislature for the years 1792, 1801, 1803, 1804 and 1806. Left Hillsdale, Columbia County in 1816, with three 

sons - Benjamin (C.), George, and Maurice, Sr. - all of whom were middle aged men at the time, and had families. James and 

Lewis, other sons, settled in different parts of the country 

Children 

1. Lewis BIRDSALL b. 22 Jan 1770 in Hempstead, Nassau, Long Island, NY 

2. Mary BIRDSALL b. 10 Jul 1772 in Hempstead, Long Island, NY 

3. Maurice BIRDSALL b: 1774 in Quaker Hill, Dutchess, NY 

4. George W. BIRDSALL b. 1776 in Albany, NY 

5. Judith BIRDSALL b. 1778 in Albany, NY 

6. Henry H. BIRDSALL b. 1780 in Albany, NY 

7. Albert BIRDSALL b. 1780 in Greene, Chenango, NY 

8. Benjamin C. BIRDSALL b. 1781 in Albany, NY 

9. James BIRDSALL b. 1783 in Albany, NY 

51

http://books.google.com/books?id=KRkOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA65&dq=%22colonel+benjamin+birdsall%22&hl=en&ei=BawvTN_0EcG7 

8gbW2vD2Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22colonel%20benjamin%20bird 

sall%22&f=false page 63. 

Soon after my [Thulow Weed’s] arrival in Albany two events occurred which attracted general interest. On the 4th of July [1818], the 

remains of General Montgomery, on their way from Quebec to New York, passed through the city. The procession, consisting of the 

military, civic societies, and citizens of Albany, Troy, and Schenectady, was imposing, impressive, and solemn. The Grand Marshal 

of the day was Major Benjamin Birdsall of the United States army, who had served gallantly in the war of 1812, and who appeared 

on that day for the first time without the dressing upon a severe wound in the face that he received in the sortie at Fort Erie, in 1814. 

On the 12th of the same month, as he was, on a Sunday afternoon, about to review his rifle battalion, he was shot by one of his 

soldiers. He had passed two hours of that afternoon in our office chatting with two or three friends. After he left the office, I went with 

a friend for a walk, and returning near sundown, between the patroon's and the old arsenal, I heard a rifle shot, and saw a 

commotion in the cantonment which lay between North Pearl Street and what is now known as the Little Basin. I ran to the spot, and 

assisted in removing the major (who was my intimate friend) on a litter to his residence in North Pearl Street, where he soon 

expired. 

The excitement against the soldier was so intense that it was difficult to prevent the populace from lynching him. He was committed 

to the jail, but the feeling ran so high that the civil authorities requested the officer in command at the Greenbush cantonment to 

receive and protect the prisoner. 

Major Birdsall at the commencement of the war resided on a farm which he rented from the patroon, near the Shaker village. He 

went with a volunteer rifle company, of which he was an officer, to Plattsburgh, where, in the battle that ensued, his gallantry 

attracted the attention of General Macomb, on whose recommendation, along with that of Governor Tompkins, he was appointed an 

officer in the United States Rifle Corps, and served subsequently on the Niagara frontier, again distinguishing himself in several 

battles, until, at the close of the campaign of 1814, he received his desperate wound in leading, under General Peter B. Porter, the 

assault upon Fort Erie. He had risen. against adverse circumstances, by intelligence and energy, to position and fame, and was 

justly appreciated by Albanians. 

The prisoner, [Private James] Hamilton, was soon indicted, arraigned, tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged. The trial (which 

I reported for the " Register") was in the Assembly Chamber, and although Hamilton himself always admitted the charge, and 

manifested no solicitude for the result of the trial, somebody (his father, it was supposed) employed counsel for him, who 

strenuously urged an acquittal on the ground of temporary insanity occasioned by liquor, but of course producing no effect. 

After his conviction, at the request of Sheriff Hempsted, I went to Hamilton's cell, with a strong feeling of repugnance, which, 

however, after two or three visits, was, by a revelation of all the circumstances, changed to a sorrowful sympathy. Hamilton was the 

natural son of a man engaged successfully in a business that ultimately made him wealthy in the city of New York. His mother, 

turned adrift in disgrace and destitution, struggled as well as she could for a few years, and then left him to the world's charity. 

At the commencement of the war of 1812, then about twenty years old, he enlisted, and it was shown on his trial that he served 

faithfully and gallantly, receiving at the close of the war an honorable discharge. He had known and greatly admired Major Birdsall 

during the war. After a year or two of irregularities, with uncertain and precarious employment, he sought Major Birdsall's recruiting 

rendezvous and reenlisted. For more than a week before the fatal rifle was fired Hamilton had been intoxicated. On Saturday, a 

light-colored mulatto, a fine, soldierly-looking young man, who had served during the war, 1817.] A SOLDIER'S EXECUTION. 65 

also reenlisted, and was sent to camp to be mustered in; after which, the major intended to take him to his house as a waiter. At 

mid-day on Sunday Hamilton was told that a negro had been recruited, and as he was, like Hamilton, a tall fellow, was to be put into 

his platoon and mess. This, maddened as he already was with a mixture of bad whiskey and sour cider, exasperated him beyond 

control. He loaded his rifle, and went prowling about in search of the " negro," who, informed of Hamilton's threats, kept out of his 

way, — until at six o'clock Hamilton, with rifle in hand, saw him dodge behind a tent, and started after him. At this moment the major, 

who was approaching, called, " Hamilton, take your place!" and the rifle, which was ready to be discharged at the soldier, was 

instantaneously aimed and fatally discharged at the major. In his sober senses, he would have defended Major Birdsall at the risk of 

his own life. 

As a coincidence entitled to be remembered, it is proper to say that Major Birdsall, like the man who assassinated him, was an 

illegitimate child, unacknowledged until after he had distinguished himself in the war. His father, Colonel Benjamin Birdsall, an officer 

in the revolutionary army, and an influential citizen of Columbia County, then sent for the major and acknowledged him as a son. 

After Hamilton was convicted and sentenced to execution [Nov 1818], he requested me to write his "Life and Confession." He told 

me that he was the natural son of a wealthy New Yorker, from whom he had received nothing, and whom he never saw; but 

although he owed him neither affection nor duty, he did not want his father's name made public. The day before his execution he 

asked permission of the sheriff to walk to the gallows instead of riding, as was usual, on a cart with his coffin. His request was 

granted. He then asked me to walk near him and witness his execution, that I might see and say that he died like a soldier. It was 

more than a mile from the jail to the place of execution. The sheriff's posse was escorted by a military company. I walked with the 

sheriff directly behind Hamilton, whose bearing was that of a soldier, proud of the attention he attracted. He ascended to the scaffold 

with a firm step, talked cheerfully with the clergyman for a few minutes, said goodbye to the multitude, and told the sheriff he was 

ready. At the fatal moment, when the drop fell, the rope parted, and, to the horror of all present, Hamilton lay stretched upon the 

ground. But instantly springing to his feet, he stood erect until the sheriff approached him and said, "This is hard, Hamilton." "Yes," 

he replied, "but it is my own fault; I asked you for too much slack." The sheriff then took a cart-rope, and, handing it to Hamilton, 

inquired, "Do you think this strong enough?" Hamilton replied, with a smile, "It is large enough to be strong." It was then adjusted to 

his neck, when he re-ascended, and placed himself upon the drop with a firm foot. Again the fatal cord was cut, and in a few 

seconds all was over. That was the first and last execution I ever attended. 

52

http://mymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2009/05/rifle-regiments-officer-sketches.html 

Major Benjamin Birdsall (NY) - 4th Rifle Regiment 

Capt 4th Rifle. 17 r 1814: brevet Major for distinguished service in defence of Ft Eric, Upper Canada 16 Aug. 1814 (Sept 1814): 

retained. May 1815, Rifle; died (killed by a soldier) 12 July, 1818, at Greenbush, N. Y. 

"The battle now raged with increased fury on the right while on the left the enemy was repulsed at every point and put to flight 

Thence and from the centre Gaine6 promptly ordered re enforcements They were quickly sent by Ripley and Porter while Captain 

Fanning kept up a spirited cannonading on the enemy now to be seen approaching the fort for the day had dawned The enemy still 

held the bastion in spite of all efforts to dislodge them Hindman and Trimble had failed in their attempts to drive them out when 

Captain Birdsall of the Fourth Rifle Regiment rushed in through the gateway and with some infantry charged the foe They were 

repulsed and the captain was severely wounded Then a detachment from the Eleventh Nineteenth and Twenty second Infantry 

under Captain Foster of the Eleventh was introduced into the interior bastion for the purpose of charging the enemy..." p. 834 

- The pictorial field-book of the war of 1812 by Benson John Lossing, 1868 

NARA records show him mustering his company out at end or War of 1812..and two others sources state he was murdered in 1818. 

Fredriksen's "Green Coats and Glory" page 70, relates the essentials of Birdsall's murder on 12 July, 1817 in Albany by "drunken 

soldier" Hamilton and subsequent hanging of the "Irishman" - a 19th century ethnic slur (notused by Fredriksen). I had recalled 

seeing Birdsall's name in conjunction with a former Riflemen's pension and land claims at: 

http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~ladd/bouland.htm 

"Sketches of the life, and a narrative of the trial of James Hamilton who was tried and convicted, and sentenced to be hung ... for the 

murder of Major Benjamin Birdsall" - - by James Hamilton; Hooper Cumming, Publisher: Albany [N.Y. : s.n.], 1818. - 

http://worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/a86aa37891b9bef9a19afeb4da09e526.html 

Subjects: Hamilton, James, -- 1791-1818 -- Trials, litigation, etc. | Birdsall, Benjamin, -- d. 1818. 

Trials (Murder) -- New York (State) -- Albany. According brief entry descriptions for an August 1818 story in the Detroit Gazette and 

for October and November 1818 stories in the Cherry Valley Gazette (Otsego County), major Benjamin Birdsall died Sunday, July 

14, 1818, having been shot by James Hamilton, "an Irishman." The major had been with the U.S. Rifle Corps and was survived by a 

wife and four children. Hamilton was convicted at a trial in Albany County Court of Oyer and Terminer in October and executed the 

next month. July 14, 1818 Birdsall, Major Benjamin died Sunday; shot by James Hamilton, an Irishman. He was of US rifle corps & 

leaves a wife & 4 children Detroit Gazette, August 7, 1818, Friday - http://www.geocities.com/histmich/detdeath.html 

The Life and Dying Confessions of James Hamilton, Executed for the Murder of Major Benjamin Birdsall, Nov. 6, 1818, Albanyreview 

by DE Graves 

"in early 1818, he joins Major Benjamin's Birdsall's company of the Rifle Regiment stationed at Albany. Six months later, so drunk 

that he cannot even remember the act, he commits the crime which leads to his eventual execution. James Hamilton's story is a 

meandering but engrossing odyssey through the underworld of the early American republic. Hamilton seems to have been a literate 

and intelligent man and, although his story probably contains inevitable exaggeration, it does include enough detail in terms of 

dates, names, incidents and even the prices paid both for liquor and stolen goods to make it a creditable historical source." 

----- 

http://www.napoleon-series.org/military/Warof1812/2006/Issue5/c_Hamilton.html 

The Life and Dying Confessions of James Hamilton, Executed for the Murder of Major Benjamin Birdsall, Nov. 6, 1818, Albany 

In November 1818, Private James Hamilton of the United States Rifle Regiment was executed for the murder of Major Benjamin 

Birdsall, which had taken place the previous July. Shortly before his death, Hamilton dictated his life story to one Calvin Pepper who 

published it as a pamphlet in New York in 1819. Hamilton was not only a soldier who served in the American army during the War of 

1812 but a lifelong criminal and his personal story is a fascinating insight into the lower strata of American society in the early 19th 

century. 

James Hamilton was born in New York in 1791. His mother died shortly after his birth or abandoned him -- it is not clear from his 

account -- and his father was an alcoholic who gave his child to another family to be raised but this family seems to have passed 

him along and he grows up in a succession of what would today be called foster homes. Hamilton did receive some schooling and 

was literate but early evinced criminal tendencies, committing his first theft at the tender age of four! Between 13 and 18 he was 

apprenticed to a series of tradesmen in the outskirts of New York but these apprenticeships never lasted long as Hamilton either 

beats his masters or fellow apprentices, steals money from them, or simply runs off. At age 18 in 1809 he marries one Catharine 

Pullis of New York and attempts to settle down, 

But, alas! vice had at that time taken such deep root in my bosom that I could not (though I dearly loved my wife) refrain from visiting 

prostitutes. I found at length I was diseased by this course of dissipation, and daring not to visit my wife, I did (unknown to her) ship 

in a schooner ... bound to Norfolk. 

Hamilton eventually returned to his wife but did not tarry long and, for the next three years lived an itinerant life, sometimes shipping 

out as a sailor (making at least one voyage to Europe) and sometimes living on shore "doing no business, constantly gambling, 

drinking, and visiting houses of ill repute." In between wanderings, his home base is not with his wife (who conceived two children by 

him) in New York but in Boston at the house of one Richard Connelly in the "Tin Pot" district of that city. It is at this house that 

Hamilton becomes acquainted "with a prostitute, named Sally Smith, and she, together with one Charlotte Hatch, handsomely 

supported me, they often contending and fighting on my account." By the spring of 1812 Hamilton has moved to Albany where he 

works for short periods but falls into debt. Learning that soldiers are exempt from the bailiffs, he promptly enlists in the 6th U.S. 

Infantry Regiment for a term of five years. 

Surprisingly, Hamilton seems to have been a good soldier when he was sober. He fights with the 6th Infantry at York and Fort 

George in the spring of 1813 although he does not provide too much detail of these actions. In June of that year he is captured at 

53

the battle of Beaver Dams and confined in prisons at Quebec City and Halifax until released on parole in November. Hamilton notes 

that the rations in British POW camps were better than those he received in the U.S. army. He is paroled in November 1813 and, 

arriving back in Boston, finds he cannot serve with his unit as he has not been formally exchanged. Unsure what to do with him the 

army simply permits him to do as he pleases and he promptly takes up residence in his friend Connelly's house, renews his 

relationship with Sally Smith and revels in a life of "vice & dissipation" until he has spent the five months back pay he received for 

his time as a prisoner. He then enlists in the U.S. Navy to get the $30 recruiting bounty with which he plans to desert. He signs on 

with the crew of the USS Congress but when he learns that he will not be permitted ashore, informs the local army authorities of his 

situation and is taken off the frigate and sent to Fort Independence as a deserter. 

At this point, early 1814, Hamilton's story becomes a catalogue of drunkenness, escapes from the guardhouse, minor thefts, living 

off the avails of prostitution, assaults and brawls, gambling, both civil and military arrests and general debauchery that lasts nearly 

three years. He deserts numerous times but is retaken or voluntarily turns himself until, finally, he is honorably discharged (!) from 

the army in 1817 with a land grant in the western territories. He travels to New York, sells his land grant for drink, marries a 

dedicated thief (his long suffering first wife having given up on him and remarried) but the newlyweds are unfortunately caught in 

possession of stolen goods and spend their honeymoon in prison. On his release, Hamilton tries twice to re-enlist in the army but is 

refused because he is lame but a third attempt is successful and, in early 1818, he joins Major Benjamin's Birdsall's company of the 

Rifle Regiment stationed at Albany. Six months later, so drunk that he cannot even remember the act, he commits the crime which 

leads to his eventual execution. 

James Hamilton's story is a meandering but engrossing odyssey through the underworld of the early American republic. Hamilton 

seems to have been a literate and intelligent man and, although his story probably contains inevitable exaggeration, it does include 

enough detail in terms of dates, names, incidents and even the prices paid both for liquor and stolen goods to make it a creditable 

historical source. 

54

Craft Masonry in Columbia County, New York - Onondaga and ...

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