yv - V \ _ X i 6 -n!^ V ^0^ >= ,^^ -^^^ 1^- v^^- ^.p .^^^' ^•^■' "-. < ' '* r. . . s .^v .^-^it^^. , ^^ / 4 o S ■7 0, '/• "^^.^^ % * A 8 i 1 " \VJ ^^" ^^. V^%^- •^c. #' ^^>.. ,''N vOo, .. ^^. .A V -p ■'h. 0> c " ^ " ^ O 0^ ^/^ * ^; O ^ \\<* .\. -r ^ '*:'^^^' ^ .o^ .•^• '^s^ STONT POI SIMTEE AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT? 01 THE PDSON -WITH- Traditions and Relics of the Revolution, AND SOME geneological records of the present inhabitants, Dedicated to the DesGendants of the RevohUionary Fathers. Edited and Published by Rev. W R. Kiefe lFER. NEW YORK : Z. R. Bennett, Printer, 76 Cortlandt Street. 1888. (^MAnPQ 388 4- CfpLa -2^ COPYRIGHT 1888, BY W. R. KIEFER. INTRODUCTION. BY J. J, SMITH D. D. It is not the object of the writer of tliis book to confine the attention of the reader to any one line of thought so as to make a specialty of any particular class of facts, as would a writer on com- mercial affairs make the national exchange of commodities and the laws of trade his theme ; or as would an ecclesiastical historian dwell exclusively upon matters connected with the church ; or as the military historian would confine himself to wars, campaigns, strategetical movements of armies, and battles upon land and sea; but in the selection of events the author has evidently sought to group and combine the leading local facts of this town, both his- torical and biographical, together with narratives, incidents, tradi- tions and illustrations that cannot fail to be deeply interesting, especially to the people of Stony Point and its vicinity, covering, as it does, more or less of the whole period of our national exist- ence. Besides, this work can hardly fail to interest the children also, inasmuch as it speaks of persons, many of whom they have already become more or less interested in as neighbors and friends, while some sustain the more endearing relationship of kindred. In ad- dition to this it treats of events that have occurred principally within a district with which they are themselves familiar, and which has already become endeared to them by their every day associations. INtRODUCTION. This consideration is of special importance to parents, because the human mind is so constituted that it must be, of necessity, oc- cupied in the pursuit of some object, and consequently if it is not directed by a guiding hand into proper channels, it Avill seek such amusements as may lead directly to indulgence and dissipation. Such a book as this, considered simply in the liglit of amusement, possesses a very great advantage over the numerous publications of mere liction, that in too many instances inflame the imagination and excite the worst passions. In this way the morals of tliousands of the rising generation are permanently corrupted, if not de- stroyed. It is because of this fact that parents should see to it that such books are put into their hands as will instruct as well as amuse, and which are morally pure. Such a book we have in the " Stony Point Illustrated." PREFACE. It is the purpose of the author of the following pages to pre- serve for the generations to come Revolutionary and home pic- tures of Stony Point; also, some of the characteristics of the peo- ple. If the descendants of the present families who shall live here an hundred years from this time shall read this book with as much interest as its author takes in the writing and publication, our labor will have been amply rewarded. Having spent four years on these Revolutionary grounds, which are sacred to every true American, and are being more and more visited by historians and military students for their classic and historic interest, we feel that we should do violence to the promptings ot our patriotic impulses not to note at least a few of the important features which have daily come to our notice. The map which forms the frontispiece to this volume is in part a reprint from the original British surveys, and which had been printed for Wm. Faden, Geoghrapher to the King, March 1st, 1781. A perfected survey was procured from field notes made by Prof. L. Wilson of Haverstraw. The improvements on the map were by the author after a special study of the entire field. How peculiarly fitting that the signal ofiicer of the day of the semi-centennial celebration of "The Storming" should be a man of the same name as the man who commanded the advance regiment that entered the main redoubt in company with Briga- dier General Wayne ! His name was Febriger, and when the colors were to be waved as a signal for the ships' guns to fire this PREFACE. same Febriger, a young and gallant Lieutenant, j)erfoi*nied that most honorable duty. General Ward, we are told, was here as chief director of the attempt to explain " The Storming." The day was so extremely hot that any attempt at an action which would require great exer- tion would have been hazardous. The writer was present and overheard the officers in a dispute as to who should command, and as to how to proceed. Tlieir ideas of the real assault were the most confused. There are persons still living here who shook hands with vet- erans of the capture of Stony Point. In a very few years these living witnesses will be silenced forever, and the important links of testimony which they can furnish will be missing, never to be recalled. We cherish with exalted respect and grateful memory the re- cital of these ti'aditional deeds of the departed heroes of the bril- liant achievement, and to record them in this volume is our proud- est work — purely, too, a labor of love. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of C. B. Story and E. A. Thompson in the preparation of the work which is now submitted to the reader. THE AUTHOK. CONTEIs'TS. Part I. Chapter I — Monuinental History. - - - . 9 H— Our Historic Ground. - - - - - 11 III — The Primitive Inhabitants. - - - 18 " IV —The First Wliite Settlers. - - - - i>] V — The Capture of Stony Point. - - . ;^o ^^^ — 'i'l^e Forgotten Monuments of our Heroes. - 42 ^^i^ — The Treason of Arnold. - - - - 4t> y I II— Operations on the Hudson. - - - - r)4 IX — Traditions of the Revolution. - - - fio X— Relics. ----.... " XI — The Celebration. - - - . . 1 ( 85 Part II. Chapter I— The Prospects of the Place. - - - - 101 '' II — Fisliing. --..._. iQ^ " III— The Geology of Stony Point. - . " IV— Music. --..... V— The Churches. ----.. n;^ " VI — Registration. - - _ _ . . ^23 ^11— Piogi-aphical Sketches. ----- 129 " VIII— Self-Made Men. - - . . . ^^j, 106 111 Stony Point Illustrated, PART I. • STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. CHAPTER I. MONUMENTAL HISTORY ITS GREAT UTILITY. ^1^3^-EFORE the introduction of writing, past events were re- dAp^ corded with the chisel on the rock. The ancient Egyptians and Mexicans represented ideas by the use of pictures or engrav- ings of celestial bodies, the human body, animals, &c. They were most commonly cut in relief on the face of rock, but sometimes they were traced out with a reed with coloring of vegetable and mineral inks, known in the Glyptic art as polychrome. Those representing simple ideas are called ideaographs, and those ex- pressing sounds are Q,dX\ed phonetics. In the days when men lived five hundred years, and nearly twice that length of time, writing and monumental engraving were not so essential to the preservation of events. The art of writing was more fully developed when mans' days were cut down to '' three score and ten." Monuments are the most convincing historians of all the mediums which men employ for the transmission of events. On the face of the rock in Kosciusko's Garden at West Point are engraved on the granite immortal words which are read by every visitor. All the epitaphs of the park are of peculiar inter- est, while in the cliff of the rock near by is still legible the mark of a cannon ball, which, it is said, was fired from an English gun on the river, -^hile the General lay sleeping on a narrow ledge only a few inches below the spot where the missile took effect. 10 STONY POINT ILLUSTBATED. On the Palisade of the Eocky Falls, on the beautiful Dela- ware River, about tifty miles north of Philadelphia, may still be seen an indenture with a piece of iron wedged in it, as the result of a floating wreck of some boat which was swept by on the wild and maddened stream daring the great freshet of 1861 ; that mark on the face of the rock will for all time, that the granite remains, indicate the height to which the river had risen. Monuments are still standing which prove the high-water mark of a freshet in the same river in 1841. These spots, chiseled in the natural rock, either by hand or by nature, mark certain events which the student of history reads with profoundest interest ; they form the very alphabet and lan- guage of his investigation of causes and events ; to him they pre" sent true historic beauty and are living imprints of artificial and natural causes. Many are the noble deeds which the faithful forefathers of our peo- ple wrought for their posterity. All about us are fruits which their hands have cultivated. Of few, if any, can a memoir l)e found. Why should not we record for genera- tions to come, the alfairs that oc- cupy our attention, the customs that enslave or enrich our citizens, the haps and mishaps that are incidental to our community — that excite us to sadness or pleasure — and thus preserve from decay what would otherwise remain unknown to those who shall follow us and know only that we once lived. OUK HISTOKIC GEOIJND. 11 CHAPTER II. OUR HISTOEIC GKOUND. >0 PLACE on the noble River of Hudson can more justly boast of important historic data, or more enchanting scenery, than our Revolutionary Stony Point ; and yet we fear that in all the records of our national civilization, or the annals of the struggle of our nation for independence, no place of similar historic value is more meagerly treated. A heritage so grandly sanctified by the bravery and true devotion of our patriot fathers should elicit the tenderest interest of the immediate descendants, if not, as well, of the most remote citizen of the land, A feeling of sadness steals over the writer as he approaches the duty of gathering the treasures of history which the departed fathers, and mothers, too, have earned for us. How much to be lamented that some kind survivor did not earlier write up their heroic deeds ! How deep and sad was the neglect of so tender a work ! How many a broken home would be cheered in their pilgrim- age if they could turn to some biographical cabinet and read the life of their departed ! Alas ! they can with the poet exclaim : " The departed ! the departed ! They visit us in dreams, And they glide above our memories Like shadows over streams ; But where the cheerful lights of home In constant luster burn. The departed, the dej)arted Can never more return ! " 12 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. How many a devoted mother, liaving failed to procure a pho- tograph of her darHng child, mourns the more bitterly over the unpardonable neglect in the event of the child's death ! Had she the opportunity to improve again, nothing would hinder her from the possession. Many valuable treasures of thought are buried in the grave. With a few remembered. sayings the obituary of many is completed ; whereas at the cost of a few hours of pleasant labor a volume of useful and comforting memoir could have been pre- served. It was to meet this want, in part, that these pages were prompted to be penned. The limit of our design and space forbid- ding anything more than a bare synopsis of such obituary of de- ceased persons as may incidentally be met with, our object shall be chiefly to record the prominent and worthy deeds of persons who live among us now. Of the character of the ancestors of these people we shall speak more full in succeeding chapters, especially of those of whom the poet said : " Fair Science frowned not on his humble birth. " (Nor would we) " Further seek his merits to disclose, "■ Nor draw his frailties from their dread abode, ^ Where they alike in trembling hope repose — '•'■ The bosom of his Father and his God." The shortness of the time since our village was founded or began its material development would allow us to embrace more persons in the memorial department of the geneological record ; and yet for want of space, and because many otherwise well-dis- posed persons failed to return the blanks sent them, our record must be brief in the case of many. THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. 13 CIIxVPTER III. THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS THE INDIANS. ^E WILL notice the natives of the primitive forests as ^ liaving prior claims. The Indians were ahead of us all. Before the colonists disputed, with sword and musket, the inva- sion of the enemy of our national freedom, the red man sat sur- rounding the fires of his rude wigwam on these sacred shores. Many generations of these nomadic people are probably entombed in our sandy hillocks. Long before our ancestors, devoted to immediate and future settlement on our beautiful bay, sauntering Indians from the banks of the Mohawk made their extended journeys to our sloping shores and drew their canoes on our silent beach. Here Powontonamo, the eagle of his tribe, with his laden canoe, broke the smooth sur- face of the " Tappan Zee," and held communion with the chief of the Algonquin tribe. During thousands of moons the delight- ed and simple natives danced beneath broad oaks which spread for canopy along these shores of the '' River of the Mountain ;" here tribe after tribe sung their warlike deeds to their children and har- vested the fruits of nature's orchards and vineyards of neighboring hills. Even here on these grounds where our temples stand and God is worshipped, the wild-man also bowed to the " Great Spirit." " The same stars that sank and reposed behind the primitive shelter of the dusky inhabitant, shine over us now. Beneath the same sun that shines on us the Indian hunter pursued the panting deer ; gazing on the same moon that smiles on you, the Indian lover wooed his dusky mate. Here the wigwams' blaze beamed on the tender and helpless, and the council fire glared on the wise 14 StOl?Y POINT ILLUSTRAfED. , and daring, l^ow they dipped their noble limbs in your sedgy lake ( bay ) and now they paddled the light canoe along your rocky shores. Here they warred ; the echoing whoop, the bloody grap- ple, the defying death song — all were here : and when the tiger strife was over, here curled the smoke of peace." Two hundred and fifty winters ago sledges laden with the skins of the otter and beaver glided over the ice of our Hudson, while but a few years later troops of New Amsterdam ( now !New York City,) ascended the river to protect Esopus from the attack of the Indians. The Iroquois Indians were early associated with the English government of New York State. As early as 1685, Governor Dongan opposed the enslaving of the Iroquois Indians to a religion which would have allied them to the French nation, with whom this same tribe afterward became seriously involved in war. In 1684 the governors of N^ew York and Virginia held a war council with the " Five Nations " at Albany, and secured a treaty of peace. Up to that time the most of the country around here was an unbroken forest and was part of the domain of the swarthy dwellers of the wood. Sachem after Sachem for centuries fished in our streams, shot his arrows across our ravine, and snared the grouse of the native glens. These shores, the most accessible from the sea and highland stream, and the most natural outlet to the great wooded district on the west, witnessed many an extraordinary Indian scene. This broad, wealthy, healthful plateau had for them, as for us, elysian charms. Here cupid's lustful eye looked long and insatiate ; here stranger than all, the halting trail encamped on soil which glacial ages had deposited only for the white man, while the unconscious " lords of the domain " were satisfied with their stone implements and humble ornaments gathered from the banks of the Shatemuc River as our Hudson was called. THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. 15 The Cliampac tree of India is probably not more sacred to the Buddhist worshipper than our veneral)le cedars were to the ca" noe builders, the Minsies of the l)ay shore. Many specimens of those durable barks were long- years after objects of common inter- est to the early white settlers. The Dutch called them Sanhecan barks. Here on rocks and terraces they knotted the meshes of the fisliing seine or counted wampum to mark the departing seasons or note the great events of their savage lives. Here the story of a man saved by a canoe foreshadowed the orthodox history of a gen- eral flood. In the grand forest which then shaded and beautified the beach from Grassy Point to Ilaverstraw, Indian boys and girls played at games so peculiar to their forest life. The bald vacancy of the present locality is in pitiful contrast to the green fringe of trees that then ornamented the noble river. But, alas ! these hunting lands and play grounds of the red race are here despoiled for savage and enlightened alike forever. The rocks of our minor Palisades and the towering "Thor" no longer send back the echoing of the laugh of the savage juveniles or the songs of the chase or gathering corn by the sons and daughters of the " Haverstroos " of these woods. Not even a tree or mound is left to mark the spot where the red man rested from the trail on the beautiful banks of the Dutch Mauritus. The winding Minescon- go still flowing in her primitive silence from eddy to eddy, from meadow to mead, meandering in the shadow of the June grasses, slowly moves to mingle at last with the waters of the great Hudson at the extreme north of the peninsular of Grassy Point; but the aboriginies, the old, the young, the playful, the grave, with their arts of the field and pastimes of the camp, are gone. Two centuries have changed the character of a great continent, and blot- 16 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. ted forever from its face nearly a whole peculiar people. They live only in the stories that charm our children. Their melan- choly sigh is heard dying across the plains of the far west. " They waste ns ; ay, like April snow, In the warm noon we slirink away : And fast they follow as we go Toward the setting day, — Till they shall fill the land, and we Are driven into the western sea." Bryant. Conquered, yet untamed, the American Indians were early provided with moral instruction. Who knows but chiefs walked these banks who saw Elliot's Indian Bible. Nearly a century and a liaK ago, David Brainerd preached to tribes in the State of New Jersey who occasionally gathered from the up23er Hudson. The dialects of the Esquimau and Algonquin stretched eastward from the Rocky Mountains, covering the vast region from Behring's Strait to Greenland, and southward to the St. Lawrence, and was according to good authority the main language along the Atlantic coast, while the earliest students of philology trace kindred meth- ods of exchange of thought among all the various Indian families. How wisely has it been said: " And all this has passed away. Across the ocean came a Pilgrim bark, bearing the seeds of life and death ; the former were sown for you : the latter sprang uj) in the path of the simple native." A few illustrations of the Indian language will be interesting to our youthful readers. The Sioux Indian draws the right hand across the throat ; by this he signifies " cut-throats " or murderers. One tribe touches the left breast, the region of the heart, and is understood even by another tribe to mean good-hearted. To de- scribe a chief, the mute native raises his finder above his head. THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. IT and with it makes a reverse motion, raising or lowering the finger according to the size of the person he is describing. An amusing sign to express a woman is for the speaker to draw the fingers slowly through the hair, something after the fashion of the hair exliibitors on Fourteenth street. New York, and then, by ad- ding the wave sign, a movement of the hand from front to the right, as one of us would do in depreciation of a thing, the person addressed understands the speaker to mean that the person he is describing is not a woman, but a man. He would be understood to be describing a female by the combing process, and a male by the sign of combing long hair and the depreciating sign of no or not added. Rivers are indicated by the moving along of the ex- tended hand, which conveys the idea of a running stream. If no water abounds the savage makes the sign of water, and follows it by the sign of no. If he wishes to own the garment or implement of another, he rubs the forefinger over the nose. If he wishes to show that he had a good crop of corn or fruit he gives the sign of the article, whether grain or fruit, and then proceeds to a motion of heaping up with the hands. The hollow hand brought to the lips, conveys the idea of thirst. Cleanliness is shown by rubbing the palm of the right hand over that of the left, in an outward di- rection toward the fingers. This sign language is common to all the tribes of the American Indians, and was pretty well read by the first settlers here. England early provided for schoohng the native Indians. A school called " Wheelock School," in New Hampsliire, was origi- nally instituted for the benefit of the Indians ; finally, Dartmouth College, from whose classic and scientific halls such men as Daniel Webster and Rufus Choate graduated, grew out of it. Grammar was taught the Rhode Island Indians as early as 1650. Thus the foundations of educational institutions were con- 18 STOlSfY POIlSfT ILLtTSTRATED. temporary with the introduction of civilization among the New England aboriginal tribes. They will rise in the judgment and bless the name of Roger Williams, who taught them the first rudi- mentary elements of the laws of their language, and through them the knowledge of the true God. ' Canadian Indians are still singing religious songs compiled in their language in the early days of mission work among the Mo- hawk natives, by the missionaries of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John Wesley labored among them in the south, in 1736. Wm. Bradford, publisher of the New York. Gazette^ about 1T15, printed the book of "Common Prayer" in the Indian lan- guage. The following soliloquy on the finding of an arrow-head, was compiled by the Rev, J, J. Smith, D. D. It is by his kind per- mission we insert two stanzas of the poem. " Thou relic of the long gone past. Memento of a race Now either gone or fading fast. Whose history none may trace, Thou tellest of a former day, When on hills, plains and all, The shadows of vast forests lay, Like a dark, dreary pall." Who can say but that one hundred and sixty years ago, these shores reverberated with the voice of prayer, wliich arose from the lips of the swarthy sons of those forest wilds, in utterance of the same petitions that to-day arise from our altars, and the lips of the red man said : "■ Our Father who art in heaven." But, alas, those infantile mutterings are stilled like the ripples of their ply- ing canoe. Shadows of long obhvion hang over that early forest geneology. The war-whoop of the maurauding Iroquois, the In- THE PRIMITIVE iJifllABrt^ANtS. 19 dian of Indians, who called themselves "People of the long house," have slept for ages in the narrow house of their forest graves. The Mohawks, the Algonquins, the Tappans, the Minsies, the Haverstroos and all the sub-tribes and families of the red men, have melted away forever. The foot that once lightly pressed our native heather and brushed the morning dew along Flora Falls, has long mingled with the dust to which we are all tending. Here on the sides of the canyons are still to be found the off- spring of the ancient pines of which Garland wrote in the beauti- ful stanza which follows, among which we may imagine we hear the voice of the departed American Indian : " O, sunless deeps of northern pines, O, broad snow laden arms of fir, Dim aisles, where wolves slip to and fro, And noiseless wild deer swiftly skirr. O, home of wind songs, wild and grand. As suits thy mighty strains, O harp, On which the north wind lays his hand, I walk thy pungent glooms once more. And shout amid thy stormful roar." 20 STONY POINT ILLtrSTRATED. 'ML'^,^ * '' .^ .^ ^'■'^'i r^*^ C- 1 .'^-. 4 4^ V ^ / *» ^ 3 '/.. ■ -- » \- ■v". H O Ph Q Q <3 O I— I < Pi W pi; o H W FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 21 CHAPTER IV. FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. ^HgNTED ATIN G the Revolution we note some of the early characteristics of the first settlers from foreign shores; especially would we trace the origin of the religious and moral proclivities of the people. Their morals have a noble ancestral history of Puritan stock. The early settlers were deeply read in the divine book ; as inflexi- ble as their wills were their convictions of riijhteousness. Their nativities were Dutch, French and a few Swedes ; hence the stur- diness of many of the oldest inhal)itants when encountered by principles not founded in righteousness. Later, the people were leavened by English thought and habit, though the predominant bent of public thought was Hollandish. Out of their sentiments of supreme love of and loyalty to the great political principles of their day, they laid well the foundations of civil and moral excellence now seen so broad and deep in the present conglomerate people. Dutch were one of the trio of nations that settled on our ''North River," and traded with the savages in ''skins of the deer, the ot- ter and the beaver." Meantime settlements wei-e spreading with their leavening civilizations from the Atlantic sea-board to west- ward, southward and to the North Sea. The grants of foreign powers took each their own trend ; the English westward toward the golden shores ; the French from St. Lawrence to the Great Gulf, and the Spaniards to the dark, cold Arctic Ocean, " In the centre of the wild, trackless, shaggy continent lay our Empire ^^ STONY POINT ILLUSTKATED. State. The vast unexplored forests were wrapped in savage slum- ber, The following is a picture of our crude native land as drawn by Parknian : " On the banks of the James was a nest of woebegone Eng- lishmen, a handful of fur-traders at the mouth of the Hudson, and a few shivering Frenchmen among the snow-drifts of Acadia; while amid the still wilder desolation, Champlain upheld the ban- ner of France over the icy rock of Quebec. These were the ad- vance guard of civilization-the messengers of promise to a desert continent." Kew York was the architrave of the national building. It was more : it formed the base of the superstructure. While the composition of its moral granite was made of the sohd, plodding Holland character, the manufacturing genius of England, and the romantic sprightliness of French etiquette, its cementing religious virtues were extractions of French Hugunot, the quint essence of English formality, and the sturdiness of Dutch perseverance. Our present Stony Point society rests on pillars of the above construction, while ancestral names bear the image of the forego- ing progenitors. Ireland, so proliHc of noble genius and native wit and elo- quence, has likewise given of her purest and most honored sons to the development of our local resources, and the spread of our in- dustrial energies. As father Marquette, who died on the banks of the Arkansas in search of the - Father of Waters," in 1673, was buried near the mouth of the river which bears his name, and as Champlain, cap- tivated by the charms of Canada, longed to plant there an empire of his people, but died on the St. Lawrence and was buried on the soil he had won, so many of the sons of ''Erin" now sleep in FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 23 the midst of their toils hard by " Mt. Kepose," and rest in the soil which wooed them from their fatherland — the salubrious isle of their nativity — to seek the wealth and freedom of these lucrative shores. They found here the veritable "• Curragh Kildare " of the Hudson, with her broad, deep clay beds — the emerald '' Bog Al- len " of the Upper Netherlands. RILEY riKl't. l^::l, liv Harper- i limllu GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. CHAPTER Y. THE STORMING OR CAPTURE OF STONY POINT FORT. ^S WE look from the window of our study, wliicli commands a magnificent view of the entire promontory from west to east, on the cherished ruins of the old fort, and on the same placid waters at its base, where war ships once had anchored, and then THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 31 read the letter, which Wayne, in broken English, penned as his first report to General Washington, a few minutes after the carnage had ceased, and while dying captives and vanquished foes were begging dismantled at his feet, we copy for the readers of centuries to come, the^foUowing immortal words : " Stony Point, 2 o'clock a. m., 16 July, 1779. Dear General : The fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, are ours. Our officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free. Yours most sincerely, ANTHONY WAYNE." The reader is now sufficiently interested to want a fuller ac- count of the great event. It was at midnight. The hour was a sad token of the troubled condition of the country at that time. It was a time of terrible despondency. Much of the wealth and aristocracy of the colonies was almost prepared to compromise with the British. Congress was doubtful. Washington had been in command of the patriots with varying success, since his appoint- ment. May 10, 1775. He had had some decided victories, but more failures. Washington's faith never wavered, but sustained him, because he knew his cause was just. He had solidified his purposes by prayers and tears. During his stay at Valley Forge he was overheard, on bended knee, in a ravine, pleading with God for victory. Mr. Potts, who happened to overhear the prayer, re- lated the solemn incident to his wife, and remarked : If there was any one to whom the Lord would listen, it was George Washing- ton, and that under such a commander their independence was certain. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts had, through distin- guished delegations, sought to predjudice Congress against Wash- ington. England, tired and frightened, sought by overtures and costly bribes to ask reconcihation. 32 STONY POINT ILLtJSTRATEB. Benjamin Franklin was at that time embassador to France, and secnred assistance from that nation, but large numbers \^ of the colonists had joined the Tories with the hope that in the event of the victory of England, they would be spared. It was a question now of life and death. A company of natives, some of them citizens of our town, had united in the defence of the fort, after its evacuation by Washington, the last of May, less than two months before its re- capture, of which we are writing. As an index of the public feeling that Washington would fail, we quote from Wayne's letter to his brother-in-law, Sharpe Dela- ney, Philadelphia, penned at Spring Steels an hour before the as- sault, midnight, July 15, 1779, in which Wayne says as follows : " You have often heard me default the supineness and unworthy torpidity into which Congress were lulled, and that it was my de- cided opinion this would be a sanguinary campaign in which many of the choicest spirits and much of the best blood in America would be lost, owing to the parsimony and neglect of Congress. If ever any prediction was true, it is this ; and if ever a great and good man was surrounded with a choice of difficulties, it is General Washington. I fear the consequences. I see clearly that he will be impelled to make other attempts and efforts in order to save his country ; that his numbers will not be adequate, and that he may fall a sacriiice to the folly and parsimony of our worthy rulers P It is plain to see that a great and desperate hour had come. To meet the present emergency a gigantic stroke of military prow- THE CAPTtnsE OE STONY 1>01NT. "SS ess must be made. Washington saw that a crisis had arrived. Great and farseeing strategy was revolving behind the broad brow of the Herculean General. He looked about for generalship of the sturdiest type, on account of the heavy blow about to be struck, so that the British arm, which held in its grip of steel the redoubts of Yerplanck's and Stony Point, with their out works, might be broken. At high and commanding points above the garri- sons and out of reach of the unsuspecting Tories and foreign troops on the river fortifications, Gen. Washington had improvised tem- porary forts. Meanwhile the marshaling of selected troops had placed under the command of the gallant Wayne a certain num- ber of the most reliable men of the army. A reconnoitering sys- tem had been carried on for at least a month before the attack. The works, the contour of the land, the natural and artificial de- fences, the tide water obstructions of the point, together with the advantageous prospects for fleet attack from the north and south sides of the promontory, had received the careful personal investi- gation of the Commander in Chief, as well as of the head Engi- neers and the shrewdest Generals, even to the picked men who were to lead the van of the volunteers on the fatal night. Every precaution of a well planned campaign had been taken, and Gen- eral Wayne allowed his ovm set time when a " favorable opportu- nity for striking an advantageous stroke " should be presented. Washington had, on the 6th of July, made a personal exami- nation of the enemy's garrison, and pronounced the " works form- idable," but entertained the hope that on a further examination they might be " found accessible." His knowledge, however, in the nature of things, must be limited as to the enemy's fortifica- tion of the hill ; for as Wayne had offered to attend the General on the 2nd of July, in a personal inspection of the works, under a strong guard of the " Light Corps," it is pretty clearly evident 34 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. From Harper's Magazine, ( npyriglit, l&7;i, by Harper & Brothers THE BATTLE OF STONY POINT. that the examination was, to say the least of it, made under con- THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 35 siderable danger. Anyone acquainted with the geography of the elevation will see with what extreme difficulty an inspection by day-light must be attended. The extreme length of the land from the causeway and rivulet, which bound it on the west, to the bold, high, rocky face, which juts into the river toward Verplanck's Point on the opposite side, is probably a full half mile. On the ridge and undulating ground are a number of rough, rocky hills, which would form clever fortifications with the least engineering, while natural openings occurred between them. On careful study, some of these hills reveal traces of rifle pits and breast-works. Entirely contrary to the common opinion, the front of the enemy's fortification was to the west, and that the southern expos- ure of the garrison was the right flank ; and, as Washington states in his note of the 9th, to Wayne, a British deserter gave informa- tion of a "• sandy beach on the south side, running along the flank of the works, and only obstructed, 'at that point,' by a hght ahatis, which might afford an easy and safe approach to a body of troops." In accordance with this theory, as shown in the fuller report of Wayne to his superior, on the 17th, two days after the assault, the van of the right, under command of Lieut. Col. Fleury, "pre- ceded by twenty j)icked men," proceeded to remove the obstruc- tions on the south ; the van of the left, under command of Ma- jor Stewart, "preceded by a brave and experienced officer, with twenty men," was sent in for the same purpose, viz: "the removal of abatis," on the north side of the hill. Another remark occur- ring in General Wayne's report confirms this ; he says : " At twelve o'clock the assault was to begin on the right and left of the enemy's works, whilst Major Murfey amused them in front. But a deep morass, covering their whole front, and at this time overflowed by the tide, together with other obstructions, rendered the approaches more difficult than was at first apprehended, so that it was about S6 STONY J'OINT tLLtJSTllATED. twenty miimtes after twelve before the assault began ; previously to which, I placed myself at the head of Febriger's regiment, on the right column, and gave the troops most pointed orders not to fire on any account, but place their whole dependence on the bayo- net." !Neitlier the deep morass (which surrounds the whole bat- tle ground on the west and south), the formidable and double rows of abp,ti8, nor the strong works in front Siudijiank^ could damp the ardor of the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous fire of musketry, and from cannon loaded with grape shot, forced their way, at the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle ; both columns meeting in the center of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. From several well settled facts we are certain that the main attack was from the south. With this part of the army, Wayne and Fleury ascended the hill. (See map.) The "center" of the enemy's stronghold was undoubtedly in the low, flat surface, and immediately west of the spot where the lighthouse now stands, the entire garrison containing at least two acres of land. (See our cut of the battle.) This place, the light- house foundation, which all strangers naturally look upon as the center of the enemy's garrison, was, in our opinion, but the main redoubt for the storage of ammunition, weapons, etc., and occupy- ing the most commanding position, afforded the best view of the entire river, north, east and south. The cannon, which had been placed on eminences to the west of this supposed fort, best com- manded an effective range of the enemy's front, facing the " marsh," the "causeway" and the "ravine," across which Wayne had sta- tioned his reserves of three hundred men, under command of Gen- eral Muhlenburg. In another part of the same report, Wayne says, " the officers and privates of the artillery exerted themselves in turning the can- THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 37 non against Yerjplanckis Pointy and forced the enemy to cut cable of their shipping and run down the river." By this description, it is clear that the cannon must have been in position to sweep the western slope, and if they were to do execution eastward, they must be hauled to a high point to enable them to do effective work on the British ships which were anchored off Verplanck's. Besides, the General commanding, in giving a sketch of the ene- my's works, speaks of them as follows : " The sketch herewith transmitted will give you a general idea of the strength of their works on the west side, which, in my opinion, are formidable ; I think too much so, for a storm ; and to attempt to reduce it by regular approaches will require time, as there is no ground within less distance than half a mile hut what it commands.'''' The entire front and flanks of the enemy were posted with sentry. Batteries and earthworks were scattered around the en- tire circle. In his directions as to how to proceed. Gen. Washington especially requested that each commander should know in advance "precisely what batteries or particular parts of the line" they were "respectively to possess," that "confusion and the consequences of indecision " might " be avoided." An examination of the marsh, "sandy beach," and causeway, convinces one of this. The sentries had been taken, and the skir- mishers driven in. Anthony Wayne, at the head of the advance column, had successfully passed the first abatis, and was passing the second when he was wounded in the scalp by a nmsket ball, and falling to the ground, with considerable effort, in a partly erect posture, shouted : " March on ! carry me into the fort, for I will die at the head of my column." Captain Tishbourn and Mr. Archer, his aides-de-camp, supported him while he walked, bleed- ing and faint, into the works of the enemy. A general shout from the throats of the dying, the lips of the 38 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. victors and the entreaties of the vanquished, followed the boom- ing of cannon and the clattering of musketry. Honorable mention was made by the General in command of the great humanity of the brave soldiers who scorned to take the lives of a vanquished foe calhng for mercy, and states that this act reflected the highest honor on them, and accounted for the few of the enemy killed on the occasion. So high was the excitement that Lieutenant Colonel Fleury struck the British flag with his own hand. A remarkable fact is recorded, that while the British did all the firing of which they were capable and the Americans did none, the former lost in killed sixty-three men, and the latter but fifteen. The wounded, however, in the American army amounted to eighty- three. The number of the men holding the garrison, and who fell into the hands of the Americans, was about six hundred; while it was the opinion of the Engineer and Washington, and all the officers, who held a subsequent consultation as to the pro- priety of sustaining the fort, that it would require, at least, fifteen hundred men to make it completely defensible. This is also an ad- ditional evidence that the garrison contained at least several acres. Some allusion is made in the correspondence between Wash- ing and Wayne as to precautions in securing the Passes leading to Stony Point. Perhaps there is no word that will as well convey a correct idea of the roughness of the entire country surrounding the famous battle ground. So much of the land as was not heav- ily timbered was in great part covered, especially on the low grounds, with heavy, tangled undergrowth — alder, thorn and brier. Before its occupancy by troops. Stony Point was seldom visited except by hunters and the wood chopper. King's Ferry was built as a miUtary necessity, the wharf of the commerce of the river being located in the region of the present Penny Bridge. THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 39 i^4'5-#. THE WASHINGTON TREE. 40 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. A dozen houses would constitute the entire community. On the old Erskine map, six houses or buildings are shown — DeNoyelle's, Benson's, W. Smith's (The Treason House,) a house at the fork of the road near the " Washington Tree," of which we have an en- graving, Flora Krom, on the east slope of Kalebergh Mountain, a blacksmith shop at the corner where R. B. Marks' store is located and King's Ferry. These are land marks; others, no doubt, existed. Our chapter on the " Traditions of the Revolution " will de- scribe some of them. We add the following interesting quotations from the Maga- zine of the metropolitan publishing house. Harper Bros., dated the year of the centennial of the capture : " The struggle of the Rev- olution in reality, centered here. No strategic position any where in the thirteen colonies was more eagerly coveted on the one side or more sleeplessly watched on the other, than these same High- lands. They formed, as it were, the covered way between the strong New England section and the rest of the States to the south- ward, by which they all kept their chain of communication, sym- pathy and mutual assistance unbroken. It was to capture and oc- cupy this position that Burgoyne marched down with his formida- ble expedition from Canada, through the Horicon (silvery water), as named by Fenimore Cooper, and now known as Lake George; and it was for the same purpose that that infamous plot of treach- ery and desertion was concocted between Arnold and Sir Henry Clinton, in 1780. Throughout the long struggle the region was never for a moment bared of defences. Here fortifications had been commenced as early as 1775 ; here troops marched and coun- termarched in every campaign ; and here on the Hudson lay the last cantonment of the army of the Revolution when the soldiers were dismissed to their homes at the close of the war." THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 41 KIVER VIEW. Referring to the scene of the capture the same writer contin- ues : " Stony Point, a bold, rocky i3eninsular, 200 feet high at its summit, juts out far into the river; and when the water does not surround its base, a marsh seems to isolate it from the main. Ver- planck's, nearly opposite, sKghtly above, having not half this height. 42 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. nevertheless has a commanding range. Irving calls these prom- ontories "the lower gates of the Highlands, or miniature Pillars of Hercules, of which Stony Point is the Gibraltar." CHAPTER YL THE FORGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUR HEROES. ^OULD the everlasting hills and the granite peaks of our his- Im^ toric river break the silence of a century, they would speak of the deeds of the brave patriots; but their silence will never break ; they will wait for other tongues : " Mark — on the Highlands' frieze, the noted train, The victors' marshalled triumph, throng In bold procession to Liberty's fane. With many a federal symbol move along. Lone are thy pillars now ; each gale Sighs over them as a spirit's voice which moaned That loneliness, and told the jilaintive tale Of the bright Campus by Continentals owned. Weep, cherished ruins! parched on Highland Hill, Thy peers in other lands have shared The same neglect, and standing still, That wasting elements have yet in mercy spared. Each commemorative mark by valor made, Will treasures of patriotic love be laid. Yes ; in those fragments — those by time defaced, And rude, insensate conquerers — yet remains All that may charm the enlightened eye of taste I THE FOKGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUK HEROES. 43 On shores where still inspiring freedom reigns. As vital fragrance breathes from every part Of the crushed myrtle, or the bruised rose — E'en thus the essential of art, There in each wreck imperishably glows. The soul of Washington lives in every line, Pervading brightly still the spirit of his time." Temples of religions antiquated, towers of human ambition, have mouldered to dust ; images of savage nations have fallen to the earth ; but why should those fortresses of our Revolutionary achievement be allowed to level to the earth and be overgrown by forests, or fall into the oblivion of the ordinary furrows of the field, and be looked for in vain and with sadness by the sons of our pat- riot dead ? On many — yes, sadly many — a spot where fell the martyrs of our freedom, some to rise no more, others to bear their honorable scars to future graves, not a common stone of the great multitude on the ground, is reared. The poet has pictured never so truly and vividly of these as in the following words : " The thousands that, uncheered by praise. Have made one offering of their days For Truth, for Heaven, for Freedom's sake — Resigned, the bitter cup to take ; And silently, in fearless faith, Bowing their noble souls to death, Where sleep they, Earth? By no proud stone Their narrow couch of rest is known. The still sad glory of their name, Hallows no mountain unto Fame ; No ; not a tree the record bears. Of their deep thoughts and lonely prayers." 44 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED, True; of the spot wliere> Imndred brave men fell before an equal number of the foe, some to rise no more, not even a stone, of the many available on that rocky promontory, has chiseled upon its face the important event. With what patriot pride and sol- emn emotion would our grateful people, whose pilgrimages to these sacred grounds are annually increasing, look upon such a worthy shrine of American devotion ! Standing, a few days ago, on the same old ground once press- ed by our intrepid, assaulting patriots, we were overcome by the emotion of the hour. The following poem rose in beautiful si- lence, but awful meaning : " O, that the many rustling leaves. Which round our homes the summer weaves. Or that the stream, in whose glad voice Our own familiar paths rejoice, Might whisper through the starry sky To tell where these blest slumberers lie ; But the old woods and sounding waves Are silent of those hidden graves." No spot on the wide field, over which the Kevolutionary fathers fought, is of greater historic interest, or more deserving of national fame or monumental marking, than these consecrated Stony Point battle grounds; and yet we question, prompted by patriotism, that no spot of land of similar fame, has fewer visitors to mourn at its shrine or plant an ivy against the rugged rocks. While many do come, many more would come if the Government grounds were made more intelligible and inviting. Then the thousands from our cities, and the multitudes that pass by on the steamers, and tens of thousands that speed by on the Expresses of the great West Shore Kailroad, would feel induced to halt for a few hours and ramble among the scenes made precious by the THE FORGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUR HEROES. 45 daring and sacrifice of our patriot dead. Children would come with songs "To bless the band, Amidst whose mossy graves we stand." Jn the absence of man's monument to the departed, the gray bald rocks like sentinels are still there. " Thej saw the princely crest, They saw the kingly spear, The banner and the mail-clad breast Borne down and trampled here. They saw ; and glorying there they stand Eternal records to the land. Long-even a whole century-the bold rocks have kept intact and bared the foundations for the projected "Wayne Monument " which our tender and grateful Republic are to rear upon It was a matter of pride and joy that our lamented Congressman, Beach had so nearly secured the national appropriation of $25 000 for Its erection. We hope that his worthy successor, Hon. Henry Ba eon, will, by all lawful means, fulfill the wishes of our people May we not confidently indulge in the hope that with the usher mg m of the Monumental Age this most worthy, yet hitherto un- honored spot, may yet be immortalized by enduring and pohshed granite, that the traveler passing by may remember that on yon- der promontory our fathers fought for our common liberty? j^Q STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. CHAPTER VII. THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. BY C. B. STORY, ^OU will not fail me now! On to the fortress, my brave soldiers, yon and you, on again! Yon know me well. sSwere the words that rang ont amidst the din of battle, Octo- ber 7, 1777. A black horse and rider are seen pushing forward through the smoke and shot from a thousand guns, and Benedict Arnold is carried bleeding and wounded from the field, shouting, " The Battle is ours ! Saratoga is won !" If the shadowy curtains of life had then closed over that bleeding form and some good angel borne away that heroic spirit, the darkest chapter in the annals of our American Revolution would never have been written. But the mystery of human destiny is great, and often beyond the control of man. In the following pages the writer will endeavor to give a plain and trnstworthy account of that painful event, so intimately associated with the scenes around us. Benedict Arnold was born at Norwich, Conn., on the third day of January, 1740. His early life, like that of most boys, was uneventful until his enlistment in the army, when 16 years of age. In March, 1775, he was chosen the head of a body of troops. He went to Cambridge, and while there proposed to go and capture Ticonderoga and Crown Point. On the way he overtook Ethan Allen ; and together they took the above named forts, also St. John's. In the same Autumn he was put in command of 1200 men with instructions to ascend the Kennebec and Chandice rivers, and thence to attack Quebec. He marched to the plains of Abraham, THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. 4^^ but was not strong enough to be successful, even with Montgomery's help. '^ In July, 1777, he joined the army under Schuyler, and en- gaged in the battle of Saratoga, there showing that extraordinary darmg recorded at the beginning of this article. After this he resigned his command under General Gates, came to Albany and whde there, on account of his great bravery, was commissioned a Major General, dated back. His wounds being sufficiently healed, he proceeded to Valley Forge, in May of the following Spring, and again joined the army. Washington gave him the command of Philadelphia, which city had lately been evacuated by the British. It was during this command, that his manner of living became extravagant, and his business affairs complicated. For a short time he lived a wild and dissipated life, and, under appre- hension of charges, resigned his command, and a Court Martial soon followed, Washington reprimanding him for his conduct. He felt the injury of this keenly, and probably at this time the infa- mous plot of treason began to take root in his mind. During his command in the city, he had met with a beautiful and accomphshed Tory lady, to whom he joined himself in marriage His wife being an intimate friend of John Andre, Brigadier General of the British army, under Sir Henry Clinton, the way now seemed opened whereby his scheme of treachery could be carried out. For some time a correspondence was carried on between Arnold and Clinton through the means of Andre, each of them as- suming a fictitious name, and thus concealing their identity. The treason was not long in gaining serious proportions Arnold applied to Washington for the command of West Point, on the Hudson, which was then the strongest post in the American lines, it being a bond between the Eastern and Middle 48 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Colonies and containing the snpply of ammunition for the whole army. Arnold took up his headquarters at the house of Beverly Robinson, now known as the " Robinson House, " about two and one half miles south from West Point, on the east side of the river. Everything was now in readiness for the final transactions and for consummation of the plot. A personal interview only seemed necessary for its completion. This was arranged to take place between Andre and Arnold, Andre having been selected for the purpose by Sir Henry Clinton. The question now presented itself, where shall the meeting take place? Several places seem to have been thought of, but that of Dobb's Ferry was given precedence, that being neutral ground. The meeting was to take place on the night of September 11th. Arnold accordingly left the "Robinson House," and pro- RtSmtNOE OF J -J1i-S7»UTH, \-770. ceeding down the river, crossed at King's Ferry (which at that time afforded passage between Verplanck's and Stony Point,) and thence over the King's Highway toward Haverstraw. The night of the 10th he spent at the house of J. H. Smith, now known as the " Treason House," occupied by E. B. Weiant, and owned by B. J. Allison. The next day he pushed on to the place appoint- ed for the meeting. THE TREASON OP AKNOLD. ig Tl>e British man-of-war "Vulture" had come up the river i:,t near this place. The meeting, howevl, did not take place as was expected, and Arnold returned to his head- quarters at the Robinson House. He again made arrangements to meet on the night of the 20th, pronnsmg to^nd a mes.,enger on board the VuLre, who STAIRWAY IN THE TREASON HOUSE wouH conduct Andre, under a flag of truce, to a place of safety In the meantime the Vulture had received orders to proceed up as far as Teller's Point, nearl, opposite to Have^traw. ^^2 50 STONY POINT ILUJSTRATED. came down again, went to the Smith House, and engaged J. H. Smith to meet Andre, and bring him on shore. Smith did as directed, and in the still hours of night landed him in a lonely spot at the base of the mountains, just below Haverstraw, near what is known as Long Clove. Arnold was there to meet him, and silently they crept away into the bushes. Hour after hour passed away until Smith and his boatmen, weary of waiting, told them they must leave, as it was nearing daybreak. Their plans were not yet completed, so the boatmen were ordered to return, and Arnold, with Andre, went up to the Smith House, there to complete their secret work. While engaged in their business, sitting at a table in an upper room, they were suddenly startled by the booming of a cannon. Andre ran to the window, which commands a full view of the river in the direction where the Yulture had lain. After the firing Andre returned to the table, and they renewed their work. The Vulture dropped down the river. All this, while Andre had doubtless entertained the hope of making his way back to the boat from which the Smith crew had brought him. Meantime, Smith saw the situation, and refused to con- duct Andre back to the sloop; whereupon, the unfortunate spy resolved upon a return to the British lines by land. Arnold had taken his leave of him, and having furnished him with a proper pass, supposed, of course, he would have no trouble to return. Just before evening, on the 22d, Andre, accompanied by Smith, who had loaned him a suit of his citizens' clothes, started up for King's Ferry, where he crossed. They rode until nine o'clock in the evening, and put up at the house of one Andrew Miller. Early the next morning he was on his way to I^ew York, and had arrived within a few miles of the British lines, when he was confronted by three men. The capture is best told in the words of the men themselves. Mr. Sparks quotes them as follows : THE TREASON Ot ARNOLt). 51 " Myself" said Paulding, "Isaac Yan Wart, and David Williams, were lying by the side of the road, about half a mile above Tarry- town, and about fifteen miles above Kingsbridge, on Saturday morning, between nine and ten o'clock, the 23d of September. We had laid there about one hour and a half, as near as I can re- collect, and saw several persons we were acquainted with, whom we let pass. Presently, one of the young men who was with me, said, ' There comes a gentleman-like looking man, who appears to be well dressed, and has boots on, and whom you had better step out and stop, if you dont know him.' On that, I got up and pre- sented my firelock at the breast of the person, and told him to stand; and then I asked him which way he was going. 'Gentle- men,' said he, ' I hope you belong to our party.' I asked him what party. He said 'The Lower Party.' Upon that, I told him I did; then he said, 'I am a British oflicer out in this country on partic- ular business, and I hope you will not detain me a minute;' and to show that he was a British ofiicer, he pulled out his watch ; upon which I told him to dismount. He then said, ' My God ! I must do anything to get along !' and seemed to make a kind of laugh of it, and pulled out General Arnold's pass, which was to John Anderson, to pass all guards to White Plains and below. Upon this he dismounted. Said he : 'Gentlemen, you had best let me go, or you will get yourselves into trouble, for your stopping me will detain the General's business;' and said he was going to Dobb's Ferry to meet a person there and get intelligence for Gen- eral Arnold. Upon that I told him I hoped he would not be of- fended ; that we did not mean to take anything from him; and I told him there were many bad people on the road, and I did not know but perhaps he might be one." "We took him into the bushes," said WiUiams, "and ordered him to pull off his clothes, which he did ; but on searching him 52 STONY POINT iLLtJSTRATED. narrowly we could not find any sort of writings. We told him to pull off his boots, which he seemed to be indifferent about ; but we got one boot off, and searched in that boot, and could find noth- ing; but we found there were some papers in the bottom of his stocking, next to his foot, on which we made him pull his stock- ing off, and found three papers wrapped up. Mr. Paulding look- ed at the contents, and said he was a spy. We then made him pull off his other boot, and there found three more papers at the bottom of his foot, within his stocking. Upon this we made him dress himself, and I asked him what he would give us to let him go. He said he would give us any sum of money. I asked him whether he would give us his horse, saddle, bridle, watch and one hundred guineas. He said 'yes,' and told us he would direct them to any place, even if it was that very spot, so that we could get them. I asked him whether he would not give us more. He said he would give us any quantity of dry goods or any sum of money, and bring it to any place we might pitch upon, so that we might get it. Mr. Paulding answered 'No; if you would give us ten thousand guineas, you should not stir one step.' I then asked the per- son, who called himself John Anderson, if he would not get away if it lay in his power. He answered, ' Yes ; I would.' I told him I did not intend he should. While taking him along we asked him a few questions, and we stopped under a shade. He begged us not to ask him questions, and said when lie came to any com- mander he would reveal all." The three men, with their captive, proceeded to the nearest military post, which was at North Castle. Colonel Jameson, the commander in charge, examined the papers of the prisoner, and at once pronounced him a spy. Not believing Arnold implicated in the treachery, although the papers were signed by his name, he immediately ordered him sent to Arnold's headquarters, which THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. 53 order, however, was countermanded by Major Tallniadge, and the prisoner taken to Lower Salem. Arnold was at breakfast when the news arrived that Andre had been taken prisoner. He ex- cused himself without emotion, called his wife aside, and in a few words told her of his danger. She fell at his feet in a swoon, but without hesitation, he quickly left the scene, hurried to the river where his boat was moored, and ordered his men to row him to the Vulture, promising them a good allowance of whiskey for their extra efforts. Washington had just returned from the east, and was inspect- ino- the works alon^ the river when the traitor made his flight. On crossing to West Point a little later in the day, Hamilton met him and told him all. Washington feared the worst, but with re- markable self-possession, gave orders that every possible precau- tion be taken to prevent an attack. Instruction was given that Andre should be sent to the Eob- inson House, and the next day, September 28tli, he was sent from there down to Tappan. Washington followed, and the next day ordered a hearing of Andre's case before several general officers. Their report was as follows : " That Major John Andre, Adjutant General of the British army, ought to. be considered as a spy from the enemy ; and that, agreeably to the laws and usage of nations, it is their opinion he ought to suffer death." The sentence was approved by Washington, and Andre sentenced to be hanged Oc- tober 2d, at 12 m., which sentence was executed at the appointed hour. Arnold accepted an office in the British army, and about $50,000, for his treason. He afterward went to England, and there lived out a miserable existence, '' Arnold, the Traitor " hav- ing become a name despised on both continents. The treason of Arnold w^as a most dastardly attempt to ruin 54 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. the hopes of the American army, but, on the whole, really con- tributed to its fidelity and strength. The " Treason House " still stands on yonder " Treason Hill," and the record given in these pages shows its historical association. CHAPTER yill. OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. ^ ^R. J. COE, writing to Gen. Washington under date of ^"'" "Haverstraw, July 16, 1776," says: "• In consequence of Your Excellency's desire to receive timely information of every maneuvre which the enemy on Hudson's River may make, to distress the inhabitants at this extremely busy season, we can inform Your Excellency that this morning, be- tween the hours of ten and eleven, the whole fleet, consisting of two men-of-war and three tenders, made sail from Nyack, and at about twelve, came into Haverstraw Bay, forty miles up the river from New York, when, after the shipping came to anchor, the tenders continued parading the bay half an hour. They all came to anchor opposite the house of Captain Thiers, when four barges, fully manned, attempted to land with a view, as we conjecture, to take ofE some sheep and cattle which we had previously driven oif. Notwithstanding, they brought their tenders so nigh the shore as to cover the landing of the men in the barges, yet, having bat a few men, we savored a firm countenance to them, and with a few shot, being well leveled, they thought proper to retreat, without doing any damage with their cannon." OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. 55 Gen. Hays, writing to Washington under date of "July 19, 1776," said: " The enemy now He in Haverstraw Bay, and are using every effort to land and destroy the property of the inhabitants. The great extent of shore I have to guard obliges me to keep the great- est part of my regiment on duty, in order to prevent their depre- dations. I have received a reinforcement from Gen. Clinton, at Fort Montgomery, of about 80 men, and hope when he receives Your Excellency's letter he will send me further relief, as the en- emy seem to direct their operations against the west shore. We are in want of powder and ball. If I had two or three small can- non I should have been able to have destroyed one of the cutters that grounded near Stony Point, and laid there six hours." On the " 17th of July, 1776," in a letter by Washington to Congress, the following occurs : " They were sounding the water up towards the Highlands, by which, it is probable, they will attempt to pass with part of their fleet, if possible." Of the men raised for the defense of the shore. Col Hays writes in a letter to his Chief as follows : " My regiment consists of but 400 men, one-fourth of whom, with eighty men sent me by Gen. Clinton, I And necessary to keep on constant duty. This precinct has already raised two compa- nies for the Continental service. The vicinity of the mountains, being poor, is thinly inhabited, by people of small estates. This, together with the great extent of shore we have to guard, is ex- tremely burdensome to the people, and, I suppose, is the true rea- son that has induced Captain Parker (of the British) to fix his sta- tion in Haverstraw Bay." Gen. Greene writes Gen. Washington from King's Ferry, Nov. 5, 1776. In that letter he speaks of using boats to transport 56 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. flour from Dobb's Ferry to Peekskill, and that there were sufficient troops along the shore to protect the passage of vessels up the river. The King's Ferry was a prominent point. Its water front was most advantageous on account of its abrupt and yet sandy shore. Gen. Sterling speaks of it under date of Nov. 10, 1776. He found landing on the coast (probably of Grassy Point) very difficult, " as at half tide the vessels are obliged to lay at the distance of live or six hundred yards from the shore, which makes tedious work with the few boats that are here ; besides, it is open to any insult the enemy is pleased to commit. About half a mile fur- ther north and on the north side of Stony Point, is a good land- ing place in deep water, ami easily secured by placing two can- non on the end of the point. It will require about half a mile of new road, a short causeway and a small bridge," From the fore- going description, we infer that King's Ferry was, at an earlier day, lower down the river. As it was before it could not have been protected by cannon ; this is one reason for its removal fur- ther north. Mention is made of its being desirable to move it one-half mile farther north. It may be that two landings were used, and according to present appearances this was so. The mihtary operations in this section undoubtedly gave great significance to the Ferry ; but it must also be borne in mind that all communication between the opposite sides of the Hudson had to be carried on by boats. The names of boats used at that early date give us some idea of their construction. They were barges, schooners, sloops, brigs, galleys, lighters, flat boats, pon- toons, traders, etc. In one of Gen. Heath's Orders of Nov. 17, 1776, he says : " Sir, You will repair with your detachment and boats to King's Ferry, where you will remain until further orders. You will order your boatmen to ferry over the Hudson river all such officers and OPEEATIOIS'S UN THE HUDSON. Oi soldiers belonging to the army of the United States of America, as may from time to time have orders or permission to pass the river, and also all horses, wagons and baggage belonging to the Army. . . You will also observe such directions as have been given in charge to the officer whom you relieve." Colonel Hays dates a letter from King's Ferry on the 25th day of November, 1776, The Colonel had a landing of his own, but it was on the Minnescecongo Creek at the foot of the lane on his farm, and in order to get to the Hudson by row boat must follow the winding stream to its outlet at the end of the " farther neck," as Grassy Point was then called. Undoubterlly many years prior to the Revolution a landing at the mouth of the Minnescecongo was used for shipping purposes. It was, until the erection of the N. J. & N, Y, Railway and the West Shore Railway, the only way of travel except when the river was frozen up, at which time the very infrequent journeys to ]^ew York City were by private con- veyance and public stage. But " Hay's landing " was also on the river lower down in Haverstraw. As Gen. Lee writes to Gen. Heath, Dec. 4, 1776 : " Sir, The troops here are so distressed for rum this rainy weather that I must request you'll immediately forward ten hogs- heads of rum down to Colonel Hay's landing in Haverstraw." An interesting social event took place. A vessel, under flag of truce, came up in the interest of a Rev. Mr. Inglis and one Mr. Moore in search of their respective families, who had been left in the vicinity of Peekskill, but Gen. Heath, shrewd and cautious, stopped the vessel just opposite our place. Row boats were kept moving round the schooner all night ; and not until an order reached the General from the Commander-in-Chief, who was then at the convention in Trenton, would the distinguished rever- end and his friend be allowed to pass. 58 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. The difficulties with which the brave Gen. Hawkes Hays, who was defending tliese shores and his native lioniestead, were surrounded, are set forth in tlie following quotation : " Yesterday afternoon I received your order to send down to Tappaii 30 bar- rels of Hour, and to Paranius 80 barrels of Hour and thirty barrels of pork. I have myself, and two hands that I hired, been out all night, and cannot get any teams to convey the Hour to Paranius. All the wagons and horses are already in the service with General Lee. We found a few ox teams, but their owners will not let them go, and I have nobody here to take them away by foi'ce. I am at a loss what to do. I must beg your advice in this affair. As for pork, I have none. If you want beef, I can send you plenty of that article. This day Captain Hyatt set out to Paranius with a drove of cattle. — A. Hawkes Hay." This natural opening of country between the Palisade and the Highlands seems, by nature, to have been fitted for an im- portant arena of the great Revolution. All the important movements from the northern and from the southern sections seem to have moved like a mighty trail of battalions for the long eight years of the bloody struggle. Mt. " Thor," on the south, gazed often on the surging troops of the opposing forces, on what seemed sometimes to be neutral ground ; while the belching cannon of West Point, Port Montgomery, Fort Clinton. Fort Independence, Dunderburg, Verplanck and Stony Point drove fear, fire and death into the ascending fleets of the King. Great military stores and ammunition were at times housed and guarded between the passes of these gigantic arms of the mountains which surround us. Andre, the spy, saw our shore to covet it, l)ut passed over it for the last time on the errand to his execution at Tappan. OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. 59 In an order dated at Newburg, April 18, 1783, the Comman- der-in-Chief uses tlie following beautiful language : '• While the General recollects the almost inllnite variety of scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure, astonishment and gratitude ; while he contemplates the prospect before us with rapture, he cannot help wishing that all the brave men (of whatever condition they be) who have shared in the toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing mil- lions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the foundation of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea of the dignified part they have been called to act (under the smiles of Providence) on the stage of human affairs. For happy, thrice happy, shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed anything, who have performed the meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of freedom and empire on the broad basis of independency ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of hu- man nature and establishing an asylum for the poor and ojDpressed of all nations and religions." These same shores which, in the first period of the Revolution, witnessed the going out of volunteers to prescribe a dubious war, were the first to hear the tramp of " veteran soldiers, covered with laurels, returning from the field to their peaceful abodes." 60 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. CHAPTEK IX. TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. ?HE following chapter is traditional, and is published as a feature of the work for just what it is said to be. The statements contained in the chapter are reliable, as thej relate to what old people have said. Their sayings are interesting reading for the young, and awaken in such a taste for the study of history. There are persons still living here w^io heard their ancestors speak of the great sufferings of the soldiers, and that citizens had bound up their feet, which had become sore from excessive march- ing and exposure. Mr. Samuel Goetchius, over eighty years of age, recollects hearing an old lady describe the fear the jDeople were in during those dark days. He was acquainted, when a young man, with a Revolutionary soldier by the name of Frank Sayres, and says that he lived with his son, Abraham Sayres. He knew another man 1>y name of Capt. Wm. Conklin. His wife survived him, and lived for many years where Jas. Keesler now resides. She drew a pension during her widowhood. She often spoke of having been driven into the woods for the protection of herself and her live children. She lies buried opposite the Potter's iield on the Lowland Hill. The grandfather of Samuel Goetchius was about eighteen years old during the war, and drove team in the Revolution. This TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 61 same man relates that he was well acquainted with Aunt Polly James, who lived near " Bucklebur^;!!." She heard the firing of the fort, and visited the grounds afterwards. She related that the Americans, on capturing the place at night, turned the guns upon the enemy, whose ships were anchored off Verplancks. Tradition says that a few days before the final assault of the fort, detailed soldiers went about from house to house and des- troyed the dogs, so as to compel the utmost secrecy and quietness, in view of the expected surprise. The place known as '' Crickettown " had a resident family who was visited by a squad of soldiers and asked to deliver up their dog on the evening before the assault. G. B. Weiant, sixty-live years of age, distinctly recollects when young helping to pull down the old John Ch'om House, which stood immediately south of the Washington Tree. Though probably an inferior house, yet it was important enough to ])e marked on the map made by an engineer in the Revolution. Several previous histories have made allusion to the large walnut tree under which it is said Washington halted his troops during a march over the King's Highway, and that he had here made a payment to his men. That the tree as shown in our cut is the same tree that stood there then there is no reason to doubt. We have known trees in our youth that were very large and had very ancient records as monuments of land surveys. Pear trees have been known to attain the age of two hundred years. Many of tlie forest trees on our native hills would have marked two centuries if not cruelly cut down by the axe of the lumberman. The walnut tree we are writing of was formerly surrounded by a small grove of the same species. A mammoth one was cut down some years ago. Its logs were drawn to Esquire Beebe's saw mill, which was located near John A. Bulson's store, and con- m STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. TRADITIONS OF THTI RKVOLTTTION. STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. THE CELEBKATION. 87 the Assembly will beat, when these brigades are immediately to march and embark by the right, proceeding in one column to Yer- planck's Point in the following order: 1st Conn,, 2d Conn., 1st Mass. and 2d Mass. Brigades. " The leading regiment of the 1st Connecticut Brigade is to advance 200 yards as a vanguard, and detach one company, which is to keep abreast and far enough apart to keep from interfering. The companies will embark as they are found on the parade, and observe that order ; the Colonel to be on the right, the Lieuten- ant-Colonel on the left, and between each regiment there is to be a space of 75 yards ; between the brigades, 130 yards ; and be- tween the divisions, 250 yards. The general officers commanding divisions and brigades are to be at the head of their respective columns, the Major-General 50 yards, and the Brigadier 25 yards in advance of them. " As soon as the troops have embarked and taken their distances (the van opposite Little Dick's Ferry or Meigs' Redoubt) the rear brigade will beat March, which will be repeated to the front as a prejjarative ; three cannon will be tired from the park at West Point, and the column will immediately get under motion, the music of the different regiments playing alternately if the situa- tion of the boats will admit of it. The Inspector of Music wil- regulate the beat. " If any boat should prove too leaky, break its oars, or from any other cause is unable to keep the line, it is to turn out and fol- low after in such manner as the prudence of the officer command- ing shall see tit. " No batteaux are to be without a commanding officer in them. The general staff' of the army, except the Inspector, Adjutant and Quartermaster-Generals (who may assist in preserving order and regularity in the movement) and all the baggage which is not in 88 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. boats with the troops, are to follow at a distance of half a mile in the rear, agreeably to the order that they may receive from the Quartermaster-General. " Guards, Generals and Staff officers are not to join their corps in the movement, but they may assist in transporting the baggage by water, in order to prevent the necessity of wagons. This by no means to be drawn as a precedent in future. " 1^0 woman to be admitted into the boats on any pretence whatever. " If the Ijoats are insufficient to transport the troops, with their baggage, without crowding or overloading, the surplusage will march by land under proper officers. The soldiers will take care to till their canteens with water before they embark, as they will have no landing for water afterwards. " The artillery annexed to brigades will proceed by land and join their respective corps at Yerplanck's Point. "signals by day. " Ist. If any brigade or regiment in the rear is unable to keep up, the Brigadier commanding it is to be informed and will cause a white Hag to be hoisted in the boat where he is, which will be repeated by every Brigadier (and com.) ahead, on which the lead- ing Brigade is to move slower. " 2d. If the rear would move faster, the front will be notiiied by a blue flag hoisted and repeated as above. " 3d. For landing, the regimental colors will be hoisted by the landing regiment, repeated throughout the line, and kept displayed till the landing is effected, and the troops get to the ground. "4th. If a halt should be found necessary on the passage by the Commander-in-Chief, or officer at the head of the column, it will be communicated by hoisting both flags (blue and white) on board of the boats of the Brigadiers ahead so as to be distinctly THE CELEBRATION. 89 seen, and repeated as quick as possible to the rear, upon which the boats will lay by on their oars, and take great care to preserve their place and distance in line. : "signals by night. " 1st. For moving slower, a musket will be fired and repeated by the Brigadiers, as in the day signal. " 2d. For moving faster, two guns in like manner. " 3d. For landing, three ditto. "4th. For halting, a halt must be called, beginning in the front, and repeated from one Colonel to another distinctly, three times to the rear, to prevent mistakes and the confusion which would consequently follow. " When the signal for landing is given, the boats are to close up without crowding, and row for the shore, and fall in by the left of each other, in which order they are to debark at their re- spective landing places assigned to them on the bank, and form in brigade columns as usual. In this order, the head of each column will be conducted by the Brigade Quarter-master to the right of its encampment, when it will display to the left, and each regi- ment repair to its own camp, stack their arms, bring up their tents and baggage, and establish themselves. " The Quartermaster-General will furnish the commanding offi- cers of brigades with the signal flags, which are carefully to be preserved by the Brigade Quartermasters. " The General persuades himself that the officers will exert themselves to have the movement made with grand order and reg- ularity." THE great celebration OF THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, APRIL 19, 1783. The following is a copy of the orders of Washington, dated April 18, 1783, and explain themselves : o o ;> o M Ph O H THE CELEBRATION. 91 " Tlie Commander-in-Chief orders the cessation of hostilities between the United States and the King of Great Britain to be publicly proclaimed to-morrow, at twelve, at the JSTew Building ; and that the Proclamation which will be communicated herewith be read to-morrow evening at the head of every regiment and corps of the army ; after which the Chaplain with the several Brigades will render thanks to Almighty God for all His mercies, particu- larly for his overruling the wrath of man to His glory, and caus- ing the rage of war to cease among the nations, " Although the Proclamation before alluded to extends only to the prohibition of hostilities, and not to the annunciation of a gen- eral peace, yet it must afford the most rational and sincere satis- faction to every benevolent mind, as it puts a period to a long and doubtful contest, stops the effusion of human blood, and opens the prospect to a more splendid scene, and, like another Morning Star, promises the approach of a brighter day than has hitherto illuminated the Western Hemisphere. On such a happy day, which is the harbinger of peace, a day which completes the eight years of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice ; it would be insensibility not to participate in the general festivity. " The Commander-in-Chief, far from endeavoring to stifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom; offers his most cordial con- gratulations on the occasion to all the officers of every denomina- tion, to all the troops of the United. States in general, and in par- ticular to those gallant and persevering men who had resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war should continue. "• For these are the men who ought to be considered as the pride and boast of the American army, and who, covered with well-earned laurels, may soon withdraw from the field of glory to the more tranquil walks of civilized life. 92 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. " Whilst the General recollects the almost infinite variety of scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure, astonishment and gratitude ; while he contemplates the prospect before us with rapture, he cannot helj) wishing that all the brave men (of whatever condition they may be) who have shared in the toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing millions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the founda- tion of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea of the dignified part they have been called to act (under the smiles of Providence) on the stage of human affairs. For happy, thrice happy shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed anything, who have performed the meanest office, in erecting this stupendous fabric of freedom and empire on the broad basis of independency ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of hu- man nature, as establishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions. " The fflorious task for which we first fiew to arms beiiiii; thus accomplished; the liberties of our country being fully acknow- ledged and firmly secured by the smiles of Heaven on the purity of our cause, and the honest exertions of a feeble people deter- mined to be free, against a powerful nation disposed to oppress them ; and the character of those who have persevered through every extremity of hardship, suffering and danger, being immor- taUzed by the illustrious appellation of the Patriot Army. "Nothing now remains but for the actors of this mighty scene to preserve a perfect unvarynig consistency of character through the very last act, to close the drama with applause, and to retire from the military theater with the same approbation of angels and men which has crowned all their former vii'tuous actions. "For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must be toler- ated. Every considerate and well-disposed soldier must remember THE CELEBRATION. 9$ it will be absolutely necessary to wait with patience until peace shall be declared, or Congress shall l)e enabled to take proper measures for the security of the public stores. " As soon as these arrangements shall be made, the General is confident there will be no delay in discharging, with every mark of distinction and honor, all the men enlisted for the war, who will then have faithfully performed their engagements with the public. "■ The General has already interested himself in their behalf, and he thinks he need not repeat the assurance of his disposition to be useful to them on the present and every other proper occa- sion. In the meantime, he is determined that no military neglects or excesses shall go unpunished while he retains the command of the army. "The Adjutant-General will have such working parties detailed to assist in making the preparation for a general rejoicing as the Chiof-Eiigineer with the army shall call for ; and the Quarter- master-General will also furnish such materials as he may want. The Quartermaster-General will, without delay, procure such a number of discharges to be printed as will be sufficient for all the men enlisted for the war ; he will please apply to Headquarters for the form. " An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man to-mor- row to drink perpetual peace, independence and happiness to the United States of America." The following is a poem which its author had prepared to be read on the centennial celebration, but being taken sick he was obliged to return home before he could read it. We regret that our space would not allow of its insertion entire : 94 STONT POINT ILLfSTRATEB. THE STOKMING OF STONY POINT. July 16th, 1779. an epic, by j. l. de noailles. ' Twas in the sunny month — July — That month of all the year. The nearest to Columbia's heart, To Freedom's sons most dear ; The natal-month of Liberty, Whose banners then unfurled, Have waved o'er brilliant deeds of War, That ring throughout the word. Upon a lonely, ' Sandy Beach,' That skirts a beetling height, Which throws a shade on Hudson's stream, A gloom almost of night, Had gathered then a trusty Band, One sultry afternoon, For, ere another dav should dawn. Must Stony Point be won. Of stalwart frames and sturdy limbs. With souls to do and dare, They onward march in single file. No craven spirit there ; Each face reflects a willing heart, Each heart as true as steel ; Each man a host in righteous cause As soon the foe shall feel. THE CELEBRATlO]Sr. 9^ While at their head a noble form Strides on in martial pride, The hero, Wayne ! Mad Anthony Wayne ! With Fleuky by his side; His brow iirm-knit with stern resolve, Before to-morrow's sun, Shall yon proud Fort be taken back, Shall Stony Point be won ! O'er crags, through streams and miry fens, Undaunted wend their way. This Patriot band though Summer's sun Pours down its tiercest ray ; The 'Dunderberg' deters them not And soon is safely passed, The foe's in sight, huzza ! huzza ! The foe's in sight, at last. His 'men-of-war,' the evening gun Have tired with lordly brag, While o'er the Fort defiant waves Great Britains' blood-red flag ; The sight has stirred each Patriot's blood The flint struck from each gun, Shows by the deadly bayonet, Will Stony Point be won. The drowsy watch reclines his head. His thoughts far o'er the deep, And all is still but Hudson's wave Against the frowning steep ; But hark ! the sentries challenge ! The sharp, quick, ' who goes there V ^6 STONY POINT ILLrSTRATEtV. The 'Fort's our own,' (the countersign,) Rings on the midnight air. The startled sentry's quickly seized, His musket's loud rejDort Alarms the slumbering garrison Within that fated Fort ; Loud beat the drums, to arms ! to arms ! Half -clad the Britons rush, Roused from their dreams they wake to meet The bayonet's deadly thrust. The ' forlorn hopes ' their axes ply. The cannon loudly roar. Awake the echoes of the dells, Resound from shore to shore ; The gallant Wayne, though wounded. Is heard amid the din, March on! 'at my column's head Let me be carried in.' In frantic haste the Britons arm, And strike the random blow. The sulph'rous smoke envelopes all, Enshrouds both friend and foe ; As o'er the walls the Stormers leap They read in each stern face, Revenge for every murdered sire. For every home laid waste. Despairing cries and muttered curse Burst out the right along. As Febigee's men with bayonets fixed Come rushing madly on ; THfi CELEBltATtoN. &7 For ' Quarter,' beg the vanquished foe, ]Nor ask for it in vain. The 'Fort's Our Own!' the victors shout, And shout, and shout again ! Aye, Fleury ! pull that banner down, It has waved o'er many a fight. And trailed through many a sea of blood But here it has no right ; ' St. George's Cross' is in the dust. The gallant work is done. Up go the brilliant ' Stars and Stripes,' And Stony Point is won ! Now friend and foe, in soldier-graves, " In one red burial blent," Proud Wayne, to his waiting Chief, Laconic word has sent ; " The fort's ours ; with Colonel Johnson Six hundred prisoners be. And all our men behaved as men. Determined to be free." Speak softly ; 'neath yon rising mound Lies many a gallant heart, Who on this great, triumphant day. Did bravely act his part ; Tread lightly : every foot of earth Has drunk the crimson tide. So freely shed this glorious morn That Freedom might abide. When centuries have come and gone Since that eventful day, 9S STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. And age on age forever flown Like them have passed away ; This statued-Bronze, a Nation's gift, When Empire's conrse is run, Will mark this spot and tell the tale How Stony Point was won. Thongh 'storied Urn,' triumphal Arch, Or yet sepulchral Fanes, Are meet upon this hallowed ground. To glorify their manes ; This stern old rock ! a grander Pile The Almighty Hand hath done, Aye trumps their fame who fought the morn When Stony Point was won. Stony Point Illustrated. PART II. C CHAPTER I. THE PROSPECT OF THE PLACE. iTONY POINT occupies a plateau on the west bank of the niagnihcent Haverstraw Bay, and is distant from New York City about thirty-five miles by rail. The morning sun gilds no lovlier landscape or descends over no healthier clime. The Adirondacks and Green Mountains fade to tameness in comparison with some features of our picturesque scenery. The Highlands to the north and left, the angle of the Palisades on the south and right, mirror themselves on the bosom of our mighty Hudson, while the gentle undulations, mingling with the ravines and lesser highlands westward, add most roman- tic Ijeauty to the whole. The West Shore Railway, which, for equipment, management, comfort and popularity has no superior, runs through the entire length, not only of our village, but over all the sediment plain from the Clove Tunnel, five miles to the south, to the cut in Stony Point Promontory, and through it passes in beautiful meandering to the slopes of the lower Highlands. Its long trains of elegant passenger coaches and immense continuous lines of freight cars emerging from beneath Mount " Tlior's " lower Alp, move, for the first time since their depart- ure from Weehawken, in full view of the upper '• Tappan Zee ;" but its station, which commands the grandest survey of the magnificent Haverstraw Bay, is the one engraved as the frontis- piece of the 4th chapter of this volume. 102 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Here the passenger, halting to visit the classic grounds of the Revolution, views with enraptured emotion the high battle ground of Mad Anthony Wayne on his left, and the expanse of Bay in which the '^ Vulture " of the British fleet lay while on her das- tardly mission of treason, on the right. Here, in close proximity to the " Causeway " and "• S wail,". over which Wayne's intrepid veterans pushed on to the storming of the Fort, as by a special monumental designing, the West Shore's beautiful station is erected out of the bricks made from the very clay which was con- secrated by the blood of the patriots who fell on that memorable night. Exhumed war missiles, such as ball and grape shot, are preserved in the cabinets of some of our families. Many have been removed to military museums, while down sunken in the marsh at the base of the side of the bold promontory are still remnants of the outer line of " Abatis." Every inch of these grounds is sacred in the annals of history, and a thousand years hence will be visited equally and as eagerly as are the Pantheon of Rome or the Temples of Concord and Jupiter of Agrigentum of Gi-reece. Standing on these grounds the transient habitue, as well as the permanent dweller, feels that he is on sacred soil. None visit our quiet hamlet but to laud its physical beauties and resort to its classic scenes ; while the natural scenery is a subject of like in- terest to foreign and native artists. Here the moral tone is elevated, and the sanctuary privileges are equal to those of any rural village. The natural advantages are proverbial. The great Metropolis of the C/Ontinent would be seriously retarded in her material pro- gress without us. Manhattan would be bleaker and less substan- tial without " Our tempered clay in moulded brick complete." 104 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Hundreds of millions of bricks are annually sent from our shores. It is truly enchanting to sit on a cottage balcony on a Summer evening and see the great steamers, like brilliant floating castles, move up and down the river. In the silvery light of the moon, or under the star-lit sky, how different from the " Low sound of leaves and splash of oars, And lapsing waves on quiet shores," of some inland wood-bound lake. CHAPTER II. FISHING. THE fishing of the Bay, once a business yielding a fair income to those who fol- lowed it, has of late become less profit- able. Among the early fishermen were John Leet, David Lawrence, John Bul- son, John Ten Eyck, Hiram Phillips, Patrick and Thomas Reilly, Eugene Piero and Caleb Gilleo, who did more or less fishing. A good record is also made by Harris and Jacob Lent. Those engaged particularly in shad fishing were Wm, Weiant, Geo. B. Fowler, and their assistants. Wm. I. Owen has tried various devices, and has disturbed the happiness of many fishes of many kinds. FISHING. 105 Shad are caught iii large quantities in the Spring from April to June. Once or twice in a season a sturgeon gets entangled in the (Jrift net. Tliej have been caught measuring 9 feet in length, weighing 200 to 400 lbs. Seines are from 600 to 900 feet long.' The set line or - trawl" is used for catching striped bass and eels. The drift net is a popular device. The length of it is sometimes 2000 feet, and has a depth of 25 feet. The net is kept in an up right position by a row of buoys of wooden blocks fastened to the top line 18 ft. apart. Iron rings, from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, are fastened to the bottom or ground line to correspond with the floating blocks. The meshes of this kind of net are 4| to 5 inches. The nets are allowed to float with the tide for several hours, during which time the shad, in attempting to pass up the river,' And themselves fast by the gills in the meshes of the net. In olden times the gill net was fastened to poles set in the mud of the river. Some have been driven as deep as 14 ft. Poles 60 ft. in length were sometimes used. The timber being green would na- turally sink. When conveyed by boat to the spot where they were to be driven, the buts, which had been previously sharpened, were allowed to sink while the tops were held on to. By fasten- ing a cross-beam to this top, the weight of a number of men would force the stick down into tlie mud of the river bottom. These poles were usually set 20 ft. apart. Our cut shows one of the most unique nets for catching bass and perch. This style is called T net. We accompany the engraving with tlie followinir description, viz. : A stick of hemlock, chestnut or other light lum- ber, about 16 ft. long, is anchored at one end by a cable and stone ; the other end is allowed to stick up in the water. Within a few feet of the top are bored two holes to receive hickory withes, which suspend the floating stick, to which the net is attached al seen in the picture. The net is usually about 15 ft. square, and. 10f> STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. being well weighted, it stands in an upright position, the entire fixture being held in position in low water by the heavy sinkers at the end of the long hemlock timber. As the tide moves up or down, the net can freely adapt its position to its movement. The fish are caught, in the meshes as they are in drifts. Sometimes 15 or 20 of those T nets are set across the river by one fisherman. This same style of net is also used in fishing on ice. Long open- ings are cut in the ice, and the nets let down through these aper- tures. Common fikes are set with wings 8 to 10 feet long. Eel pots, made up of splints about 4 feet long, and l:)aited with " menha- den," or herring, or scraps of fish, etc., are useful devices to catch certain kinds of fishes. As high as 30 lbs. have been caught in a single fike. The angler still goes fishing for sport. In the season of shad fishing persons from the country come long distances to purchase a supply of shad. ISTewburgh and New York City are the prin- ciple markets. CHATER III. THE GEOLOGY OF STONY POINT. BY PROF. J. F. KEMP. ^HE triangular area of Stony Point Township includes a series of diflierent kinds of rocks, whose diversity is quite surprising when the attention is closely directed to them. Their general relations are as follows : The great ridge of the Palisades ceases where the Haverstraw tunnel of the West Shore Railway breaks through. Tlie hard, compact rock of which it is formed gives place to red sandstones, shales and conglomerates, which GEOLOGY OF STONY POINT. 107 stretch away to the north, underlying Haverstraw and the south- ern portion of Stony Point. On the river bank they are covered up by the clay beds, but inland they reveal their presence by the red color of the soil, which results from their disintegration. They reach north well into Stony Point, forming the cliffs along the brook below the main street of the village. Their northern limit runs from a point southwest of the old M. E. Church, diagonally northeast to the small cut on the West Shore Railway between Stony Point Station and the Point itself. N^ear the above-named church the red sandstone is succeeded by a tough, dark-gray rock, and this again by the light-gray gneiss on which the church itself is built. Along the highway from Stony Point to Tompkin's Cove, the red sandstone is succeeded by the blue limestone, which is probably a continuation of the dark gray rock above referred to. But, on the West Shore track, we meet first a contorted mica schist, whose twisted layers afford some surfaces in the cut like the grain of curly maple, and, second, the heavy black rock of which the greater part of the Point is formed. Strange to say, on the top of the j^i'omontory are some stray pieces of limestone entirely surrounded by this black rock, exactly as if it had picked them up when flowing in a melted condition like lava. Following the railroad track, a lighter colored brown gran- ite succeeds, and then, after crossing the Cove, a few feet of slaty rock, and then the quarries in the blue limestone. Along the highway the red sandstone is succeeded, as has been already stated, by the blue limestone. The limestone gives place, just north of Connor's Hotel, to the gneiss, which stretches unbroken to the Highlands. Further inland, however, we meet, just north of the St. George's M. E. Church, along the roadside near the old parsonage. 108 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. a dark, black rock similar to Stony Point, wliicli runs along the gneiss in an irregular line north east to Henry Keesler's, appear- ing also in small amount to the east of his house. At the black- smith shop of Warren Brooks on Duck Cedar Brook a good ex- posure is seen. But a short distance north the gneiss again reap- pears, and stretches away to the Highlands. West of the brook at the lime kiln is a bed of fine white and veined marble, which might furnish a beautiful ornamental stone if properly prepared. The hills, however, are gneiss. RILEY & rose's brick YARD. This brief description details the rocks fairly well, and it simply remains to say a word about their relations to the neigh- boring region. The red sandstone does not cross the Hudson. The country there is chietiy formed of the gneiss and the black rocks of Stony Point and the blue limestone. aEOLOftY OF STONY POINT. 109 Back of Verplanck's Point, along the contact between the black rock and the gneiss, some eniery has been mined, and also inland near Colebangh Pond. Similar emery may be found in Stony Point north of the St. George's M. E. Church, but it is to be said that the mines across the river are no longer worked, and were never much of a success. The clay beds of Grassy Point and the beach are, however, of great value, and will furnish employment and livelihood for many people for many years to come. They are sediments which have been deposited by the Hud- son River on the rocks already mentioned, when the river was larger than now, and set back on its banks as far as the clay beds are found. If any leaves or shells should be found in the clay beds they should be preserved, as they are of great interest to those familiar with them. The Tom2:)kin's Cove limestone is a valuable stone, and use- ful for a great variety of purposes. The other rocks, however, are of no practical value, and are interesting only from their diversity. There is no probability of anything being found in them val- uable enough to pay for digging it out. The " clay dogs " found in the clay bed are curious. There were found by Enos Jersey some iine specimens. Mtrsic. Ill CHAPTER lY MUSIC. ^HE morals and refining arts have received due attention. Yet it was not always so. The early mnses of poetry and and music did not seem, at tlie first, to find this fairy land, but passed right on through the lower gates of the Highlands in search of broader, but, alas ! less fruitful fields, to ply their shrilling pibrochs among the Highlanders of the Hudson. They searched only for the hire of the chivalrous knights of Revolu- tionary fame, while here in "Mohammed's Paradise," or this veri- table Pantheon of the gods, lived true earls of inoral luxury and noted barons of undoubted wealth. Had the provincial settlers counselled with the sages of the ennobling art of lyric nmsic, a softer pathos and more refining imagery would have filkd the minds of our otherwise intelligent populace. Happy, however, for the present generation that the incipient love of the sacred science of vocal music, and the elevating and evangelizing art of instrumental harmony, have been recently introduced, and that noteworthy contributions of promising talent are being made to this very commendable passion and accomplish- ment. Show me the community devoid of love for music, and you have pointed to a sure evidence of degrading superstition. Music is an antidote to all forms of it. Hazlitt never said a truer saying, respecting the mission of music, than the following : "• The sound which the stream of high thoughts carried down the future VIEWS ON HUDSON STREET, MtTSTC. 113 ages makes as it flows — deep, distant murmuring evermore like the waters of the mighty ocean." Thoughts that would perish like diamonds dropped into the sea, are borne aloft and conveyed to the chambers of the higher intellect by the fragrant air of music. How many precious interpretations of Eternal Truth are uncon- sciously imbibed in song and melody ! It was born in Heaven. The morning stars sang together at Creation's dawn. Harps of gold are used in Paradise. David, the ancient sweet singer of Israel, may now be teaching the infant millions the song of right- eousness, and Miriam leading the choir of the one hundred and forty-four thousand in the rendering of the poem commemorative of Israel's escape at the Arabian Gulf. Only her leadership, per- chance, could guide the sonata of that immortal song of Moses, before whom the ancient Celtic bards, Sappho and Horace, with lyre and guitar, may mingle with the harpers of the Great King led in their celestial music by her once rude timbrel but now hea- venly instrument. How vividly the memory of those sounds must revive the images of the past. All ages and peoples, of any hue and condition, had their music. CHAPTEE V. THE CHURCHES. THE TOMPKIn's COVE M. P. CHURCH. ^HE Tompkin's Cove M. P. Church (see page 29) was or- ganized June 3rd, 1843, Eev. E. W. Griswold, pastor. Of those who were then members only four survive, and only one (Sally Odell) is still a member, the other three having moved awav. 114 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. For the first six years following the organization, there is no detailed account that has been preserved of the deaths and re- movals, etc. Since that time, including the original members organized, 412 persons have been received into full membership. Of these 46 have died meml)ers of the church in liojie, 175 have moved away with letters of dismissal, 68 liave dropped from tlie rolls as backsliden, 8 have withdrawn by request of the j)astor, 1 has been expelled, 112 are still members of the church. This leaves 10 unaccounted for in consequence of the imperfection of the record for the first six years. The Society is in a good condition, financially and otherwise. When taken ahogether, perhaps, it was never stronger than it is to-day. CHURCH OF THF: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. This building was erected in the year 1861 during the pas- torate of the late Rev. Patrick Mahoney, of Haverstraw. It is a brick structure, situated at Tompkin's Cove, about five miles from the village of Haverstraw. Before its erection in 1861 the Catholics of this place were accustomed to hold their religious services in the old store of the Tompkin's Cove Lime Company, in which the family of an Irish- man named John McGrath then resided. Here Mass was cele- brated about once a month by a priest well-known to the citizens of Haverstraw as Fatlier McKeown. This was about tlie year 1847. This zealous priest remained about two or three years in Haverstraw, and was succeeded by Rev. J. Scullen, who also min- istered to the wants of the Catholic portion of his fiock in Stony Point, and conducted the religious services on Sundays in the house of John Caffray, one of the few Catholics now surviving who were obliged at one time to walk from here to New York if THE CHIJRCHES. 115 they desired to receiv^e the consolations of tlieir religion from a Catholic priest. Rev. Patrick Mahoney succeeded Father ScuUen as pastor of Haverstraw, and he, seeing the need of a commodious and suit- able place of worship for the increasing Catholic population of Stony Point, commenced the erection of a church. The building was commenced on the 13th day of April, and the first Mass was celebrated on the 15th day of August, 1861. During the pastoral charge of Father Mahoney, a day school ll(l STOXY POIlSfT ILlAtsTRATED. for children was started in the liasenient of the church, but, owing to the limited means of, and the gradual decrease in, the Catholic population of this vicinity, the school was not of very long dura- tion. In the year lfiT6 the Rev. Henry P. Baxter was appointed pastor at Haverstraw, and whilst under his guidance the Catholic people of this vicinity attended religious services in their church every second Sunday until the year 1886, when they resolved up- on possessing a resident priest. Encouraged by their pastor to raise funds for the purpose of erecting a pastoral residence, the Catholics of this place, though few in numbers, set to work with a will. Thinking that their efforts would be more successful if they had a priest to direct them in their noble undertaking, they petitioned for a priest, and the assistant priest of Haverstraw, Rev. J. P. Brennan, was appointed as their first resident pastor. The present flourishing condition of the j^arish, which numbers only 75 families, bears ample testimony to the generosity and re- ligious zeal of the Catholics in the upper portion of Stony Point. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STONY POINT. In connection with the Presbyterian Church of Haverstraw, a congregation of people alike in religious views grew up within the present limits of our town, Sunday school was flrst estab- lished in 1845, meeting in the house of worship which had been built the previous year. From this a strong and flourishing church was soon developed. The Haverstraw Church relinquished all claims to their legal title, and the people became a separate charge. The church was rebuilt in 1869, and now stands a commodi- ous house of worship, as seen in our cut. The following pastors have officiated since its organization : The Revs. Abijah Green, David Egan, Frederick King, J. J. Mc- THE CHURCHES. ur PRESBYTEKIAN CHURCH. Malion, R. B. Mattice, T. C. Straus, and the present pastor. Rev. Mr. Gilniore. Rev. J. S. Gilniore is tlie son of William and grandson of William Gilniore. Mr. Gilniore is a native of West Virginia, and was born Sept. 2, 1880. His father was born near Carlisle, Pa., in 1773. The grandfather was a native of Ireland. Mr. Gilmore's mother was Agnes Scott, the place and date of her birth being Washington Co., Pa., February 14, 1 797. She was the daugh- ter of Mary Hamilton, who was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1772. The brothers of Mr. Gilniore are William, Robert and Joseph ; the sisters, Marv, Sarah Ann, and Margaret. His wife's name before marriage, April 27, 1859, was Catha- rine, the daughter of George Sloaiie. The daughters are Mary S., Sarah A., Martha L. and Florence H. Rev. Mr. Gilmore was called to the pastorate of the Presby- terian Church of this place October, 1884, having served formerly the following churches : The First dmrcli of Indiana; Sullivan, Indiana ; Keinett Square,^ Pa. ; Titusville, I*^. J. In mission 118 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. work, New York city, Fredonia Plains, IST. Y., and Stony Point, N. Y., making an average of fonr years in seven charges. His graduations were from Jefferson College and Princeton Seminary. THE HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. In the year 1866 there was established, under the care and direction of the Rev. Ebenezer Gay, Jr., an Episcopal institution known as the House of the Good Shepherd. Mr. Gay first came to Haverstraw in 1859 and again in 1862, when he entered upon his duties as rector of Trinity Parish. He had spent his early years in teaching in various schools, and by laborious work had succeeded in obtaining an extended education. His experience had fitted him well for the lifework before him. While ministering in his parish at Haverstraw he formed plans which matured in the establishment of a home for the orphans in the parish. Later on, this was developed into a mission house, home and training school. At hrst located at Haverstraw, then moved to Garnerville, it is now located in a beautiful and commanding view upon the Hudson, a short distance above Tompkin's Cove. The buildings consist of the home, school-house and church, all constructed under the supervision of Mr. Gay, and still under his charge. ST. George's methodist church is situated about one mile west of the West Shore Rail Road Sta- tion at Stony Point. Its origin is dated to 1807, when Daniel Phillips opened his house for a class and became its hrst class leader. Among the early Methodists were Mr. Wandell, John Thiell and Rev. James Sherwood. The regular itinerants who, under God, assisted in planting early Methodism in this region, were Rev. Peter Vannest, Daniel Fidler, John Finley, Phineas ^' •¥,' ^//OTCr J.1.1. t /(/ ST. GEORGES M. E. CHURCH. 120 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Rice, Joseph Lybrand, Charles Pitman, George Benghart, Law- rence McCombs, Manning Force, Win. Hibbard, Anthony At- wood, David W. Bartine. The subsequent pastors were Revs. L. M. Prettynian, Wni. Hanly, I. K. Felch, Benj. Reed, Matthew Mattison, Alex. Gilinore, Josiah F. Cantield, Mulford Day, L. R. Dunn, Joseph Ashbrook, Geo. F. Brown, Wm. M. Burrows, Fletcher Lunnnis, Garret Van Horn, S. D. Longheed, M. C. Stokes, W. G. Wiggins, Walter Chamberlain, F. S. Wolf, Rod- ney Winans, Gilbert H. Winans, J. W. Seran, David Walters, J. W. Barrett, Richard Johns, Isaac W. Cole, A. S. Campton, H. J. Hayter, J. P. Fort and E. V. King. The present edilice was rebuilt in 1882, under the pastorate of Rev. E. V. King. It is at present connected with the charge of Thiells, Rev. C. Clark, pastor. THE STONY POINT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized according to the law governing religious societies, Jan. 13, 1885, and assumed the above-named title because the church building or tabernacle was built in the village of Stony Point. There was no church of the name in the place. The cor- porate name of the old church from which the new came out had been and still is known in law as " St. George's M. E. Church of North Haverstraw." Ecclesiastically, the new society was not recognized until the following Spring, when the annual Conference set it apart as a separate charge, giving its pastor the oversight at the same time of Garnerville. Previous, however, to the organization of this church, a few ladies, whose residences were in this part of the charge, met at the house of the late W. J. Weiant, on the evening of Oct. 9, 1884, and organized a Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Wei- ant presided by request of the meeting. The lirst prayer meeting 122 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. held in the place by this society was held in the Tabernacle, Dec. 30. There were sixteen persons present. The Sunday School was or- ganized in the Tabernacle, Jan. 11, 1885, with 38 scholars, 5 offi- cers and 9 teachers. The lirst meeting of the new Board of Trus- tees took place Jan. 17, 1885. There were 9 trustees, and all present. The temporary structure in which the society worship was erected July 4, 1884, but was not enclosed until November. The cost of the building entire was about $800, and the lot was $1000. The society was duly incorporated on the day of its organization. Its present pastor, the Author, is closing a pastorate of three years, having spent a year on the old charge, which would make four years in the same community. The membership at the opening of the new church was Y9. The number of names on the Record since has been 175, beside the probationers. The aggregate amount of money raised for all purposes during the writer's pastorate is $10,800. Before leaving the church, we have, at no expense to them, left an engraving of a prospective edifice with the hope that in the near future the society may be able to erect sometliing similar to it. The one shown in the cut can be built for about $5,000, and would accommodate, when properly seated, 500 persons. REGISTRATION. 123 CHAPTEK VI. REGISTRATION, HE following is a list of names of the voters of Stony Point Townshij) : Askew, George Stony Point Ambrey, Arthur " Ambrey, Willis " Abrams, Edward " Abrams, George " Able, Daniel " Aiken, Henry " Ayers, Thomas " Allison, Wilbur " Allison, Frank Grassy Point Allison, Brewster J Stony Point Ambrey, William " Anderson, James. . . .Tompkin's Cove Allison, Charles Grassy Point Allison, John W " Applegate, Benj Tompkin's Cove Burd, Chas. W Stony Point Basley, Wm " Balson, Duane " Bobb, John Tompkin's Cove Basley, Eobert Stony Point Basley, Henry " Basley, Aaron " Basley, Thomas " Basley, Garrett " Brooks, John " Bulson, Jackson " Burd, Wm. H Tompkin's Cove Burris, Thomas Stony Point Bulson, Levi " Bulson, James " Barton, Daniel Stony Point Brush, William " Bulson, Richard Grassy Point Babcock, Moses Stony Point Babcock, Alfred ' ' Bobb, Louis, Jr " Bowman, Eugene Grassy Point Babcock, Augustus Stony Point Babcock, Isaac " Brooks, O. B " Basley, John W " Babcock, Josiah " Bulson, Sylvester " Burris, Abram " Brennan, Michael " Burris, Thomas '' Brooks, Thomas • ' Brooks, William " Belden, Wm. R " Brooks, M. V. B " Bulson, Jonas Tompkin's Cove Bower, David Stony Point Barns, Joseph " Blauvelt, William Barton, Warren " Blauvelt, Thomas " Blauvelt, Samuel '' Blair, John " Blair, William " Barton, James " Barton, Hanford " Bu'd, Charles " Burd, Pludson .Jones' Point Barton, James K Grassy Point Ballard, Sylvester R St^ny Point Bulson, Alexander " Bower, Louis " 12-1: STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Brownell, Jacob E Stony Point Brightmyre, Jacob Bower, George Bower, Stephen H Bulson, John A Bulson, Hiram Burris, Wm. H Beebe, Richard Bulson, Wm. J Bulson, Henry Bulson, John Fort Montgomery Byard, Andrew Stony Point Byard, Henry " Babcock, Thomas Thiells Brophy, Patrick Grassy Point Benson, Michael Brooks, Warren Stony Point Bobb, Louis, Sr " Brooks, Brewster " Bonner, Thomas . . .Tompkin's Cove Burke, Thomas Grassy Point Boldt, Christian Stony Point Boldt, John " Ballard, Alvin S " Ballard, Andrew " Ballard, Nelson " Breunan, Ilev. Fr Tompkin's Cove Burris, Sherman Stony Point Burris, Ellsworth Corwin, Josiah Clark, William Clark, Peter Coe, George Clancy, Frank Costello, James Clark, James Clark, Frank Caffery, Peter Cole, Jacob Coe, Isaac Call, Everet Call. Jacob Call Wallace Courtney, John Connell, Patrick Casscles, Albert Casscles, Chas. H Casscles, James Casscles, Jeremiah Cavel, William B Crum, Spencer Crum, Henry Cuuklin, Edmund Stony Point Conklin, Leonard " Conklin, Joseph " Caton, Elsworth Call, Wm. J " Champan, Theodore " Casscles, King W " Casscles, John " Casscles, Joseph " Casscles, Alonzo P " Casscles, Joseph, Jr " Coe, Henry Grassy Point Coe, Gabriel Call, Jacob Tompkin's Cove Clancy, Felix Connell, John " Connor, John '• Caffery, John •' Crawley, Richard Grassy Point Crum, George Stony Point Crum, Earnest " Clark, John Clark, Matthew. . . .Tompkin's Cove Coleman, H. M Stony Point Crum, Chester '' Duffney, Miles " Decker, Austiu " Dutcher, Brickenridge . .Jones' Point Delanoy, Calvin Stony Point Dykius, Alonzo " Deronde, Theodore.., Tompkin's Cove Doyle, Thomas Grassy Point Degroat, John. " Deronde, William Stony Point Decker, William, Jr '• Davis, Henry Grassy Point Delaney, Jerry, Jr " Dockerty, John " Dreddin, John " Delanev, Jeremiah, Sr. . . " De Groat, Chas " De Camp, John, Jr Stony Point Drout, George, Jr Jones' Point Drout, Henry " Dunn, Michael Tompkin's Cove Dennison, Alexander. . . .Stony Point Degau, John Tompkin's Cove Dunn, Martin " Dunn, John Stony Point Dunn, William Tompkin's Covt Duffney, Wm. H Stony Poine De Camp, Aaron " EEGISTRATIOIsr. 125 Point Decker, Abram G Stony Point De Camp, John M " De Camp, Mattliew " Decker, Wm " Dykins, Abram '• Deronde, Jacob Tompkin's Cove De Groat, James A Jones' Point Duel, Prof Tompkin's Cove Dinan, Thomas Grassy Point Dykens, Alonzo Stony Point Dykens, Charles Easton, John Engle, Jacob Engle, Peter Forrest, Jackson Finnigan, Phillip Finnigan, Irving Fagan, Terrance Grassy Fox, Hugh Finn, James Flyn, Michael Fay, Patrick Farland, Mike Fovpler, William Stony Frank, Herman Frank, Julius Fowler, Gin)ert Grassy Fowler, John Stony Fowler, James W ' Finn, Edward ' Frank, Jacob ' Fales, George ' Fonda, Bayard ' Fonda, Howard ' Fonda, Clinton ' Gannon, S. B Jones' Point Goetschius, Roswell Stony Point Golden, John Garrison, William. . .Tompkin's Cove Gay, Rev. Ebeuezer.. Gee, Charles Stony Point Gallagher, Chaiies J . . . . Grassy Point Goldrick, Phillip Gallagher, Thomas Gallagher, B. J Gallagher, Daniel Stony Point Gilleo, Caleb " Gilleo, Eugene . '' Gilmor, Rev. J. S ■' Goetschius, Nelson " Goetschius, Eugene " Gallagher, Patrick. ..Tompkin's Cove Point Point Point Garrison, Prince Stony Point Gallagher, William. .Tompkin's Cove Goetscliius, Samuel Stony Point Goetschius, Henry D " Goetschius, Joseph " Goetschius, James H '' Garrison, JS. A., Dr " Grady, James Tompkin's Cove Grady, Martin " Hoeck, John Stony Point Herbert, Samuel Jones' Point Herbert, Joseph " Holt, Thomas Stony Point Hurd, Wm. J " Hoyt, Charles " Hill, Calvin T Tompkin's Cove Herbert, Nathaniel Jones' Point Hulse, James Stony Point Hurd, Jackson " Higgins, William. . ..Tompkin's Cove Hurd, Hudson Stony Point Hannigan, Patrick " Hogan, James " Hurd, Mathew " Hill, Silas " Halt, Albert Hoyt, Dennis M " Hoyt, George " Hoyt, James B Tompkin's Cove Halt, William F Stony Point Halley, Ferdinand. ..Tompkin's Cove Halley, David G. . . . Herbert, Hiram Jones' Point Herbert, Isaac " Hurd, Abram Stony Point Holly, Hiram Tompkin's Cove Hoyt, William H Stony Point Hastings, Jacob B " Hammond, Wm. K " Hilton, Henry '' Harrison, C. S Hazard, Daniel " Hazard, James " Hazard, Frank F Hurd, David J Hill, Henry June, Caleb Jones' Point June, Lemuel " Jones, James Stony Point Jones, William " Johnson, Harrison " Jones, Johu J '' 126 STONY POINf ILLUSTEATBO, June, Andrew Jones' Point Johnson, George Stony Point June, Peter " Jones, William F " June, Ddvid " Jones, Edward " James, Ambrose Tompkin's Cove June, Abraham " Johnson, Arthur Stony Point June, Baxter Jones' Point Jones, John R Stony Point Jones, Charles " James, Paul '" James, William H. . .Tompkin's Cove Johnson, W. N Stony Point Jersey, Enos Grassy Point Kemp, Charles Jones' Point Kempi Theodore " Keiser, John Tompkin's Cove Keiser, John, Jr " Keenan, Patrick Stony Point Keesler, Alexander. .Tompkin's Cove Keenen, John Kearny, Michael Kelly, Michael ... Kelly, Michael Keenan, James Kearny, James Knapp, Jacob P Stony Point Keesler, Henry " Knapp, Hiram G " King, John " Keesler, Edward Keenan, Arthur ' • Keesler, Bradley. . . .Tompkin's Cove Keeaan, Edward " Keenan, John " Keenan, Thos " Krusie, William Stony Point Krusie, Hiram " Krusie, Charles Tompkin's Cove Knapp, David J Stony Point Knight, William "" Keesler, James " Keesler, Daniel " Keesler, Henry Tompkin's Cove Keesler, Theodore. . . " King, William E. ... " Knapp, John Stony Point Knowlton, James " Kochler, Chas. H Jones' Point Lewis, Oliver Grassy Point Lent, Moses Tompkin's Cove Lent, George " Lent, Abraham '' Lemon, J. N Jones' Point Linkletter, James Stony Point Linkletter, John J Jersey City Lanegen, Patrick Grassy Point Long, Patrick " Long, William " Lynch, William Tompkin's Cove Lent, William H " Lent, Leonard *' Lent, Harris " Lent, Jacob " Leonard, Patrick Stony Point Lent, Augustus Tompkin's Cove Lynch, James Stony Point Leach, Elijah " Lilburn, Adam Haverstraw Lawrence, David Stony Point Leet, James " Lent, Alfred J Jones' Point Lent, Richard Tompkin's Cove Lent, William " Lent, Joshua " Lynch, William Stony Point Leach, John T " Lynch, Daniel " Leach, Charles '' Leach, George '' McElroy, Roswell " McCanley, Lewis " Morgan, George " Meehan. Martin Tompkin's Cove Muray, Thos Stony Point Mackey, Ja tnes H " Mulhail, John " Mahon, John " Miller, Joseph " Martin, Hai son Tompkin's Cove Mackey, Edward Stouy Point Miller, William " Marsh, Nelson '' Morrisey, Patrick Grassy Point Mackey, Aaron " Mulhail, Garrett Stony Point May, Jacob Grassy Point Mossieur, Paul " Mackey, William Stony Point Munderville, John Grassy Point Merritt, Jeremiah " Miller, Archibald " REGISTRATION, 127 Mulvale, Martin Stony Point Marsh, Stephen " Marsh, Alexander " Mackey, Isaac Tompkiu's Cove Mead, Joseph Stony Point McBride, Walter Miller, John '' McMahon, Rev. J. J " Marks, Abraui D " Marks, Richard B • ' Marks, Charles Marks, George H " Mackey, David Haverstraw Mackey, Everet Stony Point McCauley, William " Msehan, Patrick. . . .Tompkin's Cove Martin, Charles Stony Point Meusell, Antone " Nally, James " Nolan, James " Neilley, John H " Odell, Miles Odell, Lascelle.. . . . .Tompkin's Cove Odell, Sidney Thiells Ogier, Wm. C Stony Point Odell, Nelson Thiells Olive, James Stony Point O'Malley, Thos Grassy Point O'Keef, Cornelius " Odell, James Stony Point Odell, William Odell, Henry " O'Brien, Michael. . . .Tompkin's Cove Ossman, Louis Stony Point Ossman, John " Oakley, Charles B Jones' Point O Keef, John Grassy Point O'Brian, Martin Stony Point Odell, Charles Thiells Odell, Jacob. " Odell, Rutledge Tompkin's Cove Ossman, Joseph Grassy Point Osborn, Daniel Stony Point Olive, Benjamin " Owen, William I " Phillips, John W " Paul, William H " Phillips, Harrison " Price, William Penny, Fred., Attorney.. " Phillips, Thos " Phillips, John W., Jr.... U H u u Phillips, Hiram Stony Point Phillips, Nelson " Phillips, William " Payne, A. T., Attorney.. Penny, Joseph Phillips, Daniel Phillips, Edward J Peterson, Samuel Pymm, Stephen Pymm, Melville Peterson, Charles. . ..Tompkin's Cove Peterson, Rock Grassy Point Palmer, James Thiells Paul, Harry Stony Point Paul, Samuel " Phillips, Nelson, Jr " Phillips, Nelson R " Quelch, William " Rose, David W " Rose, Daniel " Reed, Alexander " Rose, Alfred " Rhodes, George W Jones' Point Rose, John Stony Point Rose, George A . " Rose, Leonard " Rider, Oliver Tompkin's Cove Rose, Oscar Stony Point Rose, James, Jr " Ryan, Thomas Grassy Point Rose, William Stony Point Rose, Charles B " Rose, Benjamin " Rose, Charles " Rose, George " Rose, Alfred Tompkin's Cove Rose, Isaac Stony Point Riley, Thomas " Rose, Abram H " Rose, Daniel " Rose, Augustus " Rose, Benton " Rose, Blister " Rose, Henry H " Rose, Richard Rose, Jacob A Rose, Brewster Rose, Calvin Rose, John R Rose, Walter Rose, Wilmer Rose, James H u 128 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATE©. Rose, E. O., Store Stony Point Rose, Henry, Jr " Rose, Nelson " Rose, Paul " Rose, Peter " Rose, Thomas W Rose, Wm. A Rose, William Rose, Alexander '* Rose, Newman " Rose, David W Rose, William H Rose, Warner " Rose, Milton " Rose, William A., Jr Rose, Edward " Rose, Abram " Rote, Alonzo Dutchess Junction Ryan, William Grassy Point Rhodes, George Jones' Point Roderman, — Tompkin's Cove Rose, Albert Stony Point Riker, John '' Reiley, Patrick " Reiley, Michael Ryder, Egbert Ryder, William " Stalter, James K " Shair, Conrad " Sillsbury, Archie Grassy Point Springsteed, Geo Stony Point Springstced, Edw'd.. Tompkin's Cove Stalter, Elbert Stony Point Springsteed, W. A Smalley, Samuel " Stalter, Nathaniel " Stalter, John " Stalter, R. B., Store Springsteed, Jacob " Springsteed, Joseph " Springsteed, Samuel " Stalter, Nicholas " Springsteed, Wm. . . Tompkin's Cove Springsteed, George.. " Secor, Josiah B Thiells Secor, Samuel Stony Point Smith, John " Smith, John " Skerry, William Scannell, Howard Jones' Point Scannell, Isaac " Searing, Walter T. . . Tompkin's Cove Stalter, Jacob Stony Point Smith, J. J., Rev. ..Tompkin's Cove Timothy, Frank Stony Point Theill, Matthew " Thorpe, Cornelius Jones' Point TenEyck, Allison, Jr.... Ten Eyck, Edwin Stony Point Ten Eyck, Charles... Tompkin's Cove Tompkins, Watson IStony Point Ten Eyck, Alfred . . .Tompkin's Cove Ten Eyok, John Stony Point Ten Eyck, Thomas Jones' Point Thompson, John Stony Point Thompson, E A., Mason Tomlins, William Tomiikin's Cove Tomlins, Newton ... . " Tompkins, Calvin. . .. " Thorne, Robert Stony Point Termansen, Lawritz " Thorne, Albert " Toole, John Van Wort, John W " Van Valer, John K " Valentine, Benj. C Garnerville Van Wort, Arthur Stony Point Vredenburg, Peter " Vredenberg, Charles " Van Wart, AugustU'^. Tompkin's Cove Van Wart, Calvin Stony Point Van Wart, Theodore.... " Ward, John Grassy Point Wheeler, George " Waldron, Belden Stony Point Wiles, Frank Grassy Point Wood, William Stony Point Ward, Edward Grassy Point Ward, George " Ward, Irving " Williams, Wesley Stony Point Wright, Charles " Weyant, William " Weyant, Hiram " Waters, John " Waters, James " Welch, Andrew " Wood, William Wood, George " Weyant, E. B Wood, Christie .Stony Point Watkins, Augustus Jones' Point Watkins, Ishmael " Watkins, James " feiO&RAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1^0 Waldron, Resolvert Stony Point Waldron, Washington.. . . Haverstraw Weiant, Wolsey T Stony Point Weiant, Geo. B "■ Whalen, Gregory Grassy Point Wilcox, Stephen Stony Point Wiles, Charles J " Washburn, U. F Williamson, George.. Tompkin's Cove Wicks, George L Grassy Point Weiant, Geo. W., Att'ny. Haverstraw! Wa-ihburn, Mordicai Stony Point Wiles, William H Stony Point Wright, William " Wiles, Alfred M West, James Garner Haverstraw Winter, George Grassy Point Weiant, .James Tones' Point Wood, George S . . . . Tompkin's Cove Washburn, Lucien Wood, David G. Young, John ... Young, Lewis. . . Young, Charles. Young, William. CHAPTEE VII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. |f^|lIE biograpliic sketches in connection witli the names of some of tlie citizens are samples of the sketclies which it was the purpose of the Author to make, but, owing to the fact that persons did not fill the blanks sent them, but few of the people have been thus recorded. The alphabetical list appended will be of great value for a number of purposes. "We think the plan of recording families, as indicated in the following brief outline, is suggestive at least, and we indulge the hope that the work of the Author, or some such method, to pre- serve the genealogy of the people, will be carried to comjjletion by some one in the near future. GEORGE ASKEW, for 18 years one of our leading public instructors, is the son of James Askew, of England. His grandfather was named George. His mother was Carolina L., the daughter of George W. Burr, of Philadelphia. Mr. Askew's children are James, George, Alpha L., Carrie B. (Frank, deceased), Ambrose A., Harry G., Laura G, and Edith E. He is, at present, under a good salarj' in the UO sToiifY Point illusteated. United States service, as storekeeper in the Custom House — Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church. BREWSTER J. ALLISON, the son of Judge George S. Allison, was born July 5th, 1821. He spent his early years in school, and, after completing his edu- cation, entered business with his father, at iirst in a store and afterwards in the manufacture of brick. For a time he was also engaged in land surveying. He is a large land owner, and has held many important offices in tlie town and county. He was member of the Legislature in 1850. At jiresent he is engaged extensively in the brick industry, and in superintending his per- sonal and landed estate. He is a man of remarkable business tact and integrity, and noted for his liberality. CHARLES ALLISON, native of Tompkin's County, IST. Y. ; born Dec. 16, 1888 ; dealer in sand ; son of William Allison, of Haverstraw, and Ruth Brad- bury ; grandfather, Benjamin, son of Michael Allison ; brother's name, John Wesley AlKson ; second wife, Susie Terwilliger, daughter of John R. Terwilhger. His family consists of two children, Melissa by first wife and Clarence by second wife. Son- in-law, John Jones, father of one child named Bertha. Mr. Alli- son adheres to the Methodist Church, and is a Republican in politics. HANFORD BARTON, a butcher by trade, was born at Cornwall, Orange County, Feb. MoGEAtTItCAL SKETCHES. IM SO, 1832, and is the son of Gilbert C. Barton and grandson of Roger Barton, of the same county. His mother was Ann P. E-jer ; his brothers and sisters were Wilham, Alanson, Charles, Mary and Adaline. Mr. Barton married Martha, the daughter of James Hazard, Feb. 10, 1864, and the children living are Ella M., Emma J. and Bertha. James is the son of a former wife. Mr. Barton is a Republican, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. STOKY rOINT AVENUE, LOOKING WEST. LOUIS BOWER, an experienced moulder in Wiles' manufactory, is the son of John Bower (deceased), and was born Sejjt. 15, 1852. His mother was Elizabeth Boldauf . Both parents are natives of Germany. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Bower are John, George, Charles, David, Catharine, Elizabeth, Carrie and Amelia. March 3rd, 18Y5, Mr. Bower married Miss Cassie, daughter of Jacob Dins- dorf (deceased). The living children of these parents are John J. and Willis D. Bower. Mr. Bower is a Methodist. ALEX. S. BULSON, a boat captain of great experience, and one of the most worthy 1S2 Sl-ONY POINT il.LtJSTRATEt). citizens, was born April 13, 1821. His father's name was John, and his grandfather's, Alax. His great-grandfather was a native of Holland, and assisted in the erection of the first chnrch in New York city, the brick and tiling having been bronght from Holland. His mother was Catherine Dykens, and was French. Tlie name of Mrs. Bulson is Martha, the daughter of Andrew Rose. The children are John, Edgar, Henry, Edmund and Dora. The grand- children are Alonzo, Mattie, William, Edith, Martha, Alfred, and Eva K. (deceased.) WM. B. CAVEL was born Sept. 14, I860, in the town of Marquette, Mich. His father, Wm. Cavel, died in the late war. Mr. Cavel is a telegraph operator, and at present engaged in keeping a meat market on corner of Hudson Street and Stony Point Avenue. JAMES CONKLIN, a man of sterling moral and l:>usiness integrity, commenced life without means, and is now, in good circumstances, residing at Dutchess Junction. Mr. Conklin was early connected with the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was Miss Charlotte Knapp, the daughter of Colonel Robert Knapp. Mrs. Conklin is one of nine children, and of a family widely known. ALONZO DYKENS, a clerk in the store of D. Tomkins & Sons, is the son of Abra- ham Dykens. He was born Feb. 19, 1854. His father was born E^ovember 11:, 1826 ; and his mother, Nancy McLary, was born January 4, 1826. The brothers of Alonzo are George W, and Edgar (deceased). Mr. Dykens was married to Miss Elma C, the daughter of James B. Hoyt, Dec. 31, 1879. The children's names are Elma C. and Susie Dykens. Republican in politics ; churcli, Methodist Episcopal. DR. N. GAEBISON is a practising physician of the town. By careful attention to business he has acquired considerable estate. His residence is one mile north of the village of Stonv Point. He has an extended BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 133 practice, having traveled tlie same parish for thirty years. His father, an eminent practitioner, preceded him here. WM. E. GARRISON, native of Fort Montgomery, born April 7, 1818 — son of James Garrison and Elizabeth House, Mr. Garrison is a sailor by pro- fession, and has been a life-long resident of this county. His grandfather, Isaac Garrison, lived at Quemans, near Albany, and his great-grandfather came from Low Dutch. His grandmother, Elizabeth Koofort, also of Dutch descent. He had but one brother and no sister. Brother's name, Moses ; dead three years. Wife's name, Elizabeth Cronk. Fam- ily consists of Elizabeth, Emily, Martha and Mary Ann ; son-in- law, George I. ; grandchild, Addie Georgia I. He adheres to the Episcopal Church, and a Democrat in politics. Mr, Garrison has furnished a short sketch as tradition. JAS, H, HAZAKD, born Orange Co., Aug. 15, 1837, is a butcher by trade. His father is James Hazard ; his grandfather was James, and his grand- mother's name was Martha Gould, of Blackrock, Conn., of Eng- lish descent ; his mother's maiden name was Sarah Cornell, a rela- tive of Gov. Cornell ; tlie grandmother, on mother's side, was Ellenor Hunt. His brothers are Benjamin and William Daniel. Neither of them ever " smoked, chewed, or drank." His wife's name was (Emma) Weiley, daughter of James Weiley, of Corn- wall. They were married Nov. 18, 1863. Their children are Mary, Alice, Lizzie, Robert and William. Republican, adheres to Friends (Quakers). WM. F, HOLT, a shopkeeper and confectioner on Stony Point Avenue, was born in Kew York city, and is the son of Thomas P. Holt (deceased), who was a native of Ontario and born 1821, His grandparents were B, F, Goodspeed, of New York city, and Alma Parker ; his brothers are Albert M., Thomas and Edwin. Prohibitionist ; Methodist Episcopal Church. CHAS, S. HARRISON, an extensive furniture dealer in Jersey City, born in Kent, Eng., 134 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. ...■'"' v.- STONY POINT AVENUE, LOOKING EAST. February 7, 1837, is tlie son of John, who was born in Norwich, March 10, 1S02, and the grandson of Charles Harrison of the same place in England, the birth of the latter being 1756. Mr. Harrison's mother was Sarah Parker, of Canterbury ; one of the grandmothers was a Scoiield, born in Norwich, Eng,, April 7, 1777. The brothers are John, George and Henry ; the sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth ; children of Mr. Harrison, by iirst marriage, are Charles, John, William and Alice ; daughters-in-law, Kate and Francina ; the grand-children are Charles, Mabel, Ella, May. The second marriage, to Miss Abbie H., daughter of Peter Lyke, oc- curred July 4, 1883. Prohibitionist ; adherent Methodist Epis- copal Church. .lOHN A. HELVIN, a native of Prince George County, Va., was born June 1(), 1847. His father was G. W. Helviii, who was born in Sussex Co., Va., Sept. 22, 1818, and was the son of an Englishman by name of George Thadeous Helvin. The great-grandfather's name was also George. No record remains of the locality of the birth of the two last named. BIoaRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 135 Mr. Kelvin's motlier, Harriet R. Perkins, wlio still resides with him in Haverstraw, was the daughter of Lucy Clayton Per- kins, and was born in Dinwiddle Co., Va,, Aug. 13, 1818, her mother, Lucy Clayton, having Ijeen horn in the same county, Oct. 22, 1789. Mr. Kelvin's great-grandmother was Ann Robertson liirby, of Brunswick Co., Va. The brothers of Mr. John K. Kel- vin are James F. and George W., and his sister is Lucy Ann. Mrs. J. K. Kelvin was Miss Martha L., daughter of Samuel P. Foster, and took the hand of Mr. Kelvin, March 15, 1871. The children are Alfred Lee, Gracie E., Mamie, Nellie, Ernest, Leslie, and Jas. Kerbert. Prohibitionist and Methodist in earnest. JAS. E. HAMMOND, a contractor and mason, has a Hberal education, is a good clerk, and is succeeding in business. Ke resides in his own house near West Shore, West Kaverstraw. Ke is a brother of William K. Kammond, and the son of Edmond J. Kannnond and Rachel Knapp. Ke married Phoebe, the daughter of Oscar Wood, Nov. 30, 1882. Ke is identified with the M. E. Church, being one of its honored and faithful supporters. DANIEL HAZARD, a successful butcher of the place, was born in Orange Co., April 17, 1844, is the son of James Hazard and the brother of Benja- min, William and James. His sisters are Mary W., Charlotte C, Elenor, Martha and Sarah Jane. His wife, Augusta 11., whom he married Aug. 30, 1865, was the daughter of Foster D. Birdsall and Mary Ann Young. The sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hazard are George B., deceased, and Frank Foster, who is in business with his father. Republican, voted Prohibition ; brought up Quaker ; attends M. E. Church. ABRAHAM HURD, an experienced brick maker and foreman, was born Nov. 13, 1838, and is the son of Wm. Kurd and the grandson of John Kurd. His mother was Catharine Odell. His grandmother, Ruth Con- ley, of Orange County. His l)rotlier and sisters are Wm. Kurd, Adelia March and Catharine Wood. His wife's name was Ann, 13f> STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. the daughter of John C. Miller. The marriage of Mr. and Mi-.s. Hurd is dated Oct. 24, 1860 ; their children are Matthew, Wni. J., David, Sarah and Carrie. Republican; P. Metliodist, ADDISON JOHNSON, deceased, was born in the town of Haverstraw, Jan. 20, 1841, and married Adeha, the daughter of Wm. Ilurd, March 29, 18()2. His father was Charles and his grandfather James Johnson ; his mother's maiden name was Fanny Adams ; his brothers are Har- rison, Walter and Wesley ; the sisters, Louise and Abigail. Mr. Johnson's children are Cassie, Agnes and Charles. Miss Agnes married Samuel Blauvelt. The grandchildren are Lillian M. and Edward Blauvelt. The politics of Mr. Johnson were Republican. He was a member of the M. E» Church. WM. J. JONES, born in Hempstead, Rockland Co., N. Y., and is about 69 years of age. His father was John B. and grandfather Benjamin Jones. The mother of Mr. Jones was Gersiah Odell, of Canterbury, Orange Co. ; the brothers are Alfred, Clinton, Benjamin ; the sisters, Sally, Ann, Betsy, Emeline and Rebecca. He married Abigail, daughter of Abraham Jones, July 5, 1847 ; the children are Daniel, Wm. L., Benjamin, Susan, Rebecca, Emeline ; sons- in-law, Wm. Yeomans, Ed. Hoyt. Democrat. DANIEL KEESLER was born in Newark, IST. J., July 25, 1839. His trade is that of house, sign and ornamental painter, and keeps supplies for house furnishing, hardware, etc. His mother's maiden name Mary E. (luiler ; her birthplace was Amsterdam, Germany ; she is a wo- man of rare intellect and business capacity. The sisters of Daniel are Julia, Mary, M argaret and Elizabeth. Mr. Keesler was married to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Nicholas Stalter, July 3d, 1860. The children are H. Louisa, Lizzie, Edward D., Freddie and Harry. In politics Prohibitionist, and a Presbyterian. KNAPP is German. Albert Knapp, the German poet, was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. Chauncey L. Knapp, editor of the Ver- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 137 mont State Journal^ held many prominent positions of State. Geo. Christian Knapp was a German Tlieologian, and an author of " Lectures on Theology." Jacob Knapp was a second Moody, having, during 12 years, made 100,000 converts to religion. John Knapp, son of Abraham Knapp, was the son of Lebius, who was a native of Horseneck, Conn. Mr. Knapp was born July 17, 1810. He followed the butcher business for 30 years. His brothers are Samuel, Henry and Levi; the sisters are Kachel, Elizabeth and Adelia. Mr. Knapp enjoys a comfortable income, and is remarkably vigorous for a man of his age. COL. ROBERT KNAPP was a man of some note in Rockland. He died Feb. 19, 1859, aged 65 years. His military career extended to a command of the Regiment of Rockland County. At his funeral the Stony Point Guards turned out in a body. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. F. S. Wolf, pastor of the Creek Church. JOHN p. LINKLETTER, a native of Stony Point, born Aug. 29, 1836; son of George J. Linkletter, born at Haverstraw, Sept. 5, 1795, and Rachel Weiant, also of Haverstraw, born April 11, 1799. His grandparents were John Linkletter and Susan Yanhorne, both of Ramapo ; great- grandfather probably Scotch ; his brothers names are William and George, brothers to Catherine, Martha and Mary Elizabeth. He married Emma Knowlton, daughter of James Knowlton, Jan. 12, 1858 ; his family consists of two sons, James K. and William R. ; he has one daughter-in-law, Cassie Hoyt, and one grandchild, Pearl, lie adhere to the Methodist Church, and is a Republican Prohibitionist. ISAAC N. LEMMON, born at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, July 24, 1851. Mr. Lemmon is a farmer by profession, and has a family consisting of two children, Mary Adelia and Catherine Estella. He married Rebecca A. June, daughter of Ethiel June, in Sept., 1872. His ancestors were — father, Moses Lemmon, born in Harrison Co., Ohio, 1818 ; grandfather, Jacob Lemmon ; great-grandfather, Abraham Lem- 138 STONY POINT ILLUSTBATED. RESIDENCES ON STONY POINT AVENUE, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 139 moil ; mother, Mary Ann Allen, born in Harrison Co., Ohio ; grandmother, Mary Marqnhart, born in Virginia in 1785. His brothers' names are Allen B., William, Chas. S. and Edgar, with one sister, Clara. Independent Republican in politics. JOHN T. LEACH, of Welliiigham, Cambridgeshire, England, a skillful mechanic and woodworker in the extensive machine manufactory of A. M. tk; "W. H. Wiles, was born Nov. 5th, 1832. His father was Richard Leach, of the same place, and his mother's name was Rntli Fen, also of Wellingham. The brothers of Mr. Leach are Charles and Elijah ; the sisters, Eliza, Lizzie and Anna. Jnly 2, 1860, he married Martha, the daughter of James Miller. His children are Charles R. L., Martha E., George A., Frederick J., Frank, Maggie and Sarah. Martha E. married Charles Convoy. Politics, Republi- can ; chnrch, Presbyterian. JEREMIAH MERRITT was born at Monroe, Orange Co., N. Y., June 25th, 1836. He is a blacksmith and an anthracite furnaceman. His father's name was Abraham ; his grandfather's name was Jeremiah ; his great- rii leather's name was Abraham; his mother was Ehzabeth Conklin, daughter of Elizabeth Odell, of Orange Co., N. Y. ; his brothers are Abram, Peter D., William, Samuel and Charles ; sisters, Caroline, Sarah and Alice, two of whom are deceased. He married Lucy Ann, daughter of Isaac Coe, July 3rd, 1857 ; his children are Sarah J., Mary M., Martha A., Francis D., Emma v., Libbie, Annie A., Wm. H. ; sons-in-law, Wm. A. Dare, Jas. Hillard, Wm. Quelch. Joseph Washburn, Daniel Barton, and William Allen, deceased. ABRM. D. MARKS, born Westchester Co., March 19, 1822 ; painter ; son of Moses I. Marks, of Sing Sing, 1792; his mother's name was Rebecca Clark, who was born in Delaware, 1794. He married Jane V., daughter of Benj. Colter, April, 1841, and has children, viz., Anna, Richard and Adaline ; sons-in-law, Joseph F. Umpleby and Geo. W. Farmer. Politics, Republican ; church, Presbyterian 140 STOXY 7'OINT ILLFSTKATED. Enlisted in late war, Aug. 29, 1861. In battles on Potomac, Han- cock, Bolivier Heights, Charleston, Slaughter Mountain, on the Rapahannock ; in Libby and Belle Island Prisons 37 days ; with the writer in Cliancellorville, May 1, 2, and 3, wliei-e he lay wounded on the Held 12 days ; in hospital 11 months ; discharged, April 8, 1864 ; Sept., 1877, had a ball taken from his side, having carried it, under much suffering, for 14 years. He is worthily pensioned. RESIDENCE OF MR. R. B. MARKS. K. B. MAKKS was born July 12, 1830 ; he is the son of Alfred Marks, who was born at Peekskill ; the grandfather of P. B. was Michael, of Lon- don, Eng.; the mother of Mr. Marks was Mary Brewster, a native of Stony Point, and descended from one of the iirst families of the Revolutionary days ; a grandmother's maiden name was Johaveth Isaacs, (jf (N)nnecticut. Mr. Marks married Miss Catherine Marks, the daughter of Sampson Marks, Nov. 12, 1851 ; the children are Charles and George, who are in business here, and BIOGRAl'lIICAL SKKTCIIKS. • 141 Annie J., tlie wife of Sidney Witkowsky, resident and in mer- cantile business, C^hicago, 111. Mr. George married Estelle Lent, and Charles, Miss Johannali Ossman. The grandchild is Annie J. Mr. Marks has done vahmhle services as overseer of the poor and commissioner in the county. WALTER M. MC BRIDE, son of Walter McBride, Avas born in New York city, March 27, 1824- ; his grandparents were from Virginia ; l)rotliers, Andrew Jackson McBride and George Washington McBride ; he married Amelia, daughter of David Johnson, in IS-tT; the children's names are Elizabeth, Susan and Walter ; son-in-law, George M. Raymond. M. E. Church, and is a Prohibitionist. WM. I. OWENS, born at Newburg, June 18, 1828, and is the son of Jonathan Owens, who was born June 28, 1786, and grandson of James. Mr. Owens' mother was Elizabeth, the daughter of Keriah Innis, of Scotland, and born Oct. 12, 17B<>. The brothers were Reuben H. and Jas. H. ; the sisters, Elizabeth, (Catherine H., Sarah L. and Keriza A. Mr. Owens and Miss Rachel A. Phillips, the daughter of James E. Phillips, were joined in marriage Aug. 4, 1849 ; the names of their children are George S., Susana E., Alsi M. and Justien A. The only survivor is Alsi, who married Miss Annie Babcock ; the names of the grandchildren are John M. and Lucretia. Politics, Temperance ; church, M. E. JOHN W. PHILLIPS, SR., born April 19, 1831, a boatman by trade, is the son of George Phillips and grandson of Daniel P. Phillips and J. L. Knapp, and great-grandson of Daniel Phillips. His mother's name was Knapp, and grandmother's Hannah Osborn ; he married Sarah, daughter of Wm. Hill, Nov. 11th, 1852 ; the children are Daniel, Hannah, Alonzo and John W. ; son-in-law, John W. Webber ; grandchildren, Arthur, Harry and Albert. Politics, a Jackson Democrat ; Protestant. JOHN W. PHILLIPS, JR., a salesman, son of J. W. Phillips and Sarah Hill, and brother to Daniel and Alonzo, and Hannah. Politics, neutral ; Protestant. 142 STONY POINT ILLUSTKATElfi. WM. PHILLIPS, born Haverstraw, 1819, biitclier, tlie son of Jas. E., grandson of Eli, and great-grandson of Jolm, of Holland ; liis mother was Susanna Burd, his grandmother Rachel Ilalsted ; the brothers were Charles, John and Thomas ; sisters, Esther, Hannah, Ann Elizabeth, Rachel. His first wife was Maria, daughter of Henry Essex; the second wife, Lizzie Blauvelt, Children by first wife, James, Henry, Mary Ann, Ellen Maria, Selina, George ; son-in- law, Jacob Engle, whose son, Willie, is the only grandson of Mr. Phillips. Prohibition (Rep.) ; adheres to M. E. Clrarch. ROSE is from Dutch Rozee, the favorite name of a female. The French word Rozet is pronounced ro-ze^ ALAX. ROSE, the son of Alax. Rose and Nancy Springsteed, is a member of the firm of Reilly & Rose, who are successful brick manufacturers. He is a grandson of Jacob Rose, and his great-grandfather was of Revolutionary notoriety ; his mother is the faithful keeper of the Lighthouse, and has been so for 31 years ; he is a descendant of the Parkerson and Storms families ; his sisters are Lavinia and Melinda. Republican ; Presbyterian. WM. A. ROSE, son of Elester Rose, was born Dec. lOtli, 1860, and is the grand- son of Moses Marks ; his mother's maiden name was Frances M. Marks. Sept. 5th, 1885, Mr. Rose was married to Miss Maggie, the daughter of ]*^elson Cropman ; the name of their child is Helen, Mr. Rose's brothers and sisters are Oscar E., Edwin O., Louis A., Robt. F., Lottie R., and Edith A. Prohibitionist ; M. E. Church. THOMAS REILLY, born in Ireland in 1843, is the son of James Reilly, who was born in the same country in 1 79 1 ; his mother's maiden name was Mary Fitzsimmons, born 1806 ; Phillip, Michael, James, Patrick, Julia and Bridget are his brothers and sisters. Mr. Reilly is in the pro- fitable business of brick making, and forms a part of the firm of Reilly & Clark. Democrat ; Rom. Catholic. BIOftRAPIITCAL SKETCHES. 14?> WM. ROSE, brother of James H. Rose, tlie linsband of Catlierine E. Linklet- ter, who was the daughter of George J. Linkletter. The marriage of Mr. Rose occm-red April 1?>, IS^T ; the children are Ada M. Wanamaker, Laura Ferguson, Arnold B., and Wm. W. Rose ; the son-in-law is John Ferguson, children are Willie and Johnnie. Church, M. E. KEV. OLIVER RYDER, born in Orange County, July 18, 1828; received local preacher's license, 1857 ; connected with Tompkin's Cove Protestant Metho- dist Church. He is son of William Ryder, whose father was Jacob, and grandfather's name was Linous ; Mr. Ryder's mother's name was Frances .1. Clark, of same county, and she was the daughter of IJalherin Potter ; the l)rothers were Jacob, Clark, William ; the sisters, Sarah, Jane, Martha His wife was Mary, daughter of Charles Yan W art ; the children are William, Eg- bert, Oliver, Cecilia, Laura ; son-in-law, T. F. Macmannas ; daugh- ters-in-law, Josephine and Ida S. ; the grandchildren are Lillie, Lulu, Oeorge, Edith, Oscar, Oliver B. Prohibitionist. ALONZO ROSE, a native, but now residing at Duchess Junction, was born 1840, and is the son of J. 11 Rose and Rebecca Knapp. The names of his grandfathers are Henry Rose and Abel Knapp; Mrs. Abbey Phillips was his grandmother. His only brother is IS^ewman ; the sisters are Almira Fales, Abby, wife of Capt. Jas. Leet, and Mary. Mr. Rose married Miss Emma J. Wilkins, Nov. 22, 1865 ; the children born to them are Irving J. and Alonzo Iv. He is a success- ful brick manufacturer. The citizens of Stony Point reluc- tantly parted with the family when they removed to Dutchess Junction. Prohibitionist ; Methodist. .TAMES ROSE, born July 4, 1855, is the son of Alfred Rose, who was the son of Henry ; his mother's maiden name was Rachel Jones ; the grand- mother of Mr. Rose was Mary Dykins ; the only brother of James is Alfred ; the sisters are Anna, Carrie and Minnie. He married 144 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATE!). Miss Dora Bulson, the daugliter of Alax. J. Bulson ; the wedding day was July 4, 1878 ; the children are Martlia, Alfred, Eva K., deceased. Politics, neutral ; church, M. E. NELSON ROSE, a native of this town, was born in the year 1846 — Oct. 27. He is a captain of a schooner, having earned the reputation of a good boatman. He is the son of Henry H. Rose, who was born in 1807 ; the grandfather was also Henry H., and was the descendant of Jacob Rose, the Revolutionary patriot boy. The maiden name of his mother was Catherine Jones, whose birthday dates back to 1819. Mr. N. Rose and wife, Jane Stalter, were married Feb. 2, 1870 ; the children born to them are Marvin and _Elbert Rose. Prohibitionist, and belongs to the M. E. Church. WM. H. ROSE, born at Stony Point, i IST. Y . ; son of William Rose and Rachel Walton. He was at first engaged in the brick industry of our town, and later on abandoned it and became a carriage maker in the metropolis. He has had charge of the Presbyterian Sabbath School about fifteen years, having been absent but one Sabbath, except when kept away by sickness. About five hundred scholars have been connected with the school, and of this number about ninety per cent, are or have been connected in the churches of this or other places. His brothers are Edward, Samuel P., Hi- ram, Walton and Thomas ; sisters, Catherine, Caroline, Phoebe and Elmira ; wife, Hannah Rebecca Bourse. H is family consists of three children, Miriam, Martha and Sarah Elizabeth. Sons-in- law, Rev. Julius L. Banner and Minott M. Govan ; grandchildren, Edgar Wm., Henry Rose, and Julius L. Banner, Jr., Edith. Louise and Jennie Govan. Belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and is a Rej)ublican. WALTER T. SEARING, a successful merchant, is the son of Warren Searing, a native of IS^ewark, N. J., who was born there July 1st, 1810, being the son of James Searing, of Lyons Farm, N. J. Walter was born at Tompkin's Cove, his residence, July 13, 1846. His mother's BtOGRAl^tliCAt SKETCHES. 145 name before marriage was Mary Machette, also of ISTewark, and born Nov. 1st, 1818. The name of one of liis grandmother's was Elizabeth Dunham, of Westfield, N. J. Mr. Searing has one brother, Edwin, his sisters being Cornelia, Mary, Laura, Cassie, Cecilia, Anna. First wife was Mintie Kirby, daughter of Daniel Kirby. The marriage to Miss Kirliy occurred Sept. 10th, 1868. Second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Kev. Wm. W. AIcNair, the wedding day having been May 10, 1876. The last wife has also died recently. The children of Mr. Searing are Esther, Mary, Louise, Miutie and Earnest. Rep. ; M. P. Chnrch. NICHOLAS STALTER, an experienced brick burner, is the son of Nicholas Stalter, who was a native of Nova Scotia. His mother was Rachel Baislev, the daughter of Wm. Baisley. The brother of Mr. Stalter is Brewster ; his sister's name is Catherine. The present wife, whom he married Feb. 3, 1864, is the daughter of Mr. Bnlson. The children by his first wife are Eliza, the wife of D. Keesler ; Theo- dore, Amelia, Brewster, Jane, the wife of Nelson Rose ; R. B., the storekeeper, and Elbert. An only son of the last wife is Fred. There are three sons-in-law, five danghters-in-law, and 21 grand children. In politics, Democrat ; church adherent, Metho- dist Episcopal. RICHARD B. STALTER, native of Stony Point, born JaiL 12, 1852. Mr. Stalters' j)arents were Nicholas, son of Nicholas Stalter and Hannah Brewster, both of Stony Point, N. Y. His brothers' names are Theodore Brewster, Elbert and Freddie ; sisters, Eliza A., Margaret, Jane and Amelia. He took the hand of Abbie, daughter of William Cosgrove, in marriage April 29, 1872 ; their four children are Maud, Hattie, Walter and Jennie. Mr. Staltar is a merchant of our village, and a Democrat in politics ; and a Presbyterian. JOHN TEN EYCK resides on Stony Point, overlooking King's Ferry He was born Jan. 22, 1814, and was the son of David Ten Eyck. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Babcock. One of his grandmotliers 146 STONY POINT ILLrSTRATP^D. was an Allison. His hrothors are Thomas and James ; sister, Harriet Gains. He married Sept. 24, 1846, Hannali W , the daughter of Lewis Constant. Mr. Ten Eyck has had the advan- tage of travel and extensive observation. Has a good memory ; is a son of one of the early settlers. A Repnhliean ; Protestant. LAURITZ TERMANSEN, born in Denmark, Jnly 12, 1847. He is an extensive honse decor- ator, doing business in N^ew York city. His father's name is Lauritzen, the grandfather and great-grandfather bearing the same name. Mr. Termansen's mother was Amy Larsen, the daughter of Karen Neilsen, the daughter of Amy Mortensen. The brother and sister of Mr. Termansen are Peter and Karen Termansen, all of Denmark. Mrs. Leine Termansen is the daughter of Conrad Young, deceased, their marriage having taken place April 20, 18Y8. The child's name is Clare Adeline. In politics, Independent ; Presbyterian Church. WATSON TOMKINS is a native of Newai'k, N. J.; born May 5th, 1829. He is the son of Daniel Tomkins, and considered one of the representative busi- ness men of our town. His father first settled at Tompkin's Cove, and it was here that Watson began his business career. A few years later he engaged in the manufacture of brick, and is now the possessor of valuable clay beds along the beach. It was through his influence and zeal for the welfare of the public that our beautiful West Shore Station was built. He gives employ- ment to a large number of men, and is a man of generous impulses. HON. WESLEY .T. WEIANT, deceased, was born in 1811, and was of French and German ex- traction. He was the son of George Weiant and Catherine Wal- dron, his father having died in the year 1855. In 1836 he mar- ried Miss Catherine Rose, daughter of Jacob, the son of the Re- volutionary Jacob Rose, a sketch of whose experience we have preserved. Mr. Weiant was intimately acquainted with the af- fairs of the jjublic, and served as supervisor in 1857 and was elected to the Legislature of New York in 1859, where he served fiiOGteAtlltcAL SR1?TctTEi?. 147 on important committees and made an address which produced a profound impression. He was a man of more tlian ordinary legal mind, and was an able man in address in the various services in the M. E. Church, to which he was zealously attached for many years. He died during the summer of 1886 from an accident of falling from a tree. His line property, now occupied by the widow, is offered for sale. An engraving of it appears in one of our groups. sam'l p. wood, a carpenter, the son of Jacob Wood of Westchester Co., was born in this town. His mother's name was Mary Peterson, also of Westchester. One of the grandparents was Francis Walker, who was born in Grantham, England, in 1789. The brothers of Mr. Wood are Eenj. F., Wm. E., Geo. A. ; the sisters are Sarali F. Lucinda and Mary E. Prohibition and Methodist. E. B. WEIANT, painter, born Sept. 20, 1848. Jan. 29, 1867, he was married to Miss Maggie L. Stephens, the daughter of Stephen Stejjhens, an Englishman. The living children of Mr. Weiant are Elizabeth, Eva L., Yioletta and Gerald Edward. Mr. Weiant served in the late war ; received injuries, from which he has suffered, and on which account he is now a pensioner He is in active relation with the M. E. Church, and Sunday School superintendent. Re- publican and Prohibition. SPENCER J. WEIANT, born Dec. 6, 1864, is the son of Spencer J. and grandson of Abrm. Weiant, and great-grandson of Geo. Weiant. His mother's name was Annie E. Yan Pelt ; his grandmother and great-grand- mother were Clarisa Weiant and Mary Hazard, both of Orange Co. His brothers are Alfred and Frank. Mr. Weiant is a suc- cessful railroad clerk in the employ of the great West Shore. GEO. L. WICKS, an enterprising boat builder at Grassy Point, is the son of Geo. L. Wicks and Clarsie Thing, all of Long Island. Mr. Wicks was 14S STONY POINT ILLtTSTRATEB. GRASSY POINT, LOOKING WEST. born Feb. Ifi, 184H. His grandfather was Robt. L. and great- grandfather Lewis Wicks. They were English. Tlie brothers of Mr. Wicks are Thomas W. and Wm. Wicks ; the sisters, Mary and AHce. His second marriage was Jan. 2, 1873, to Henrietta L., the danghter of John Mahan. The snrviving children are Lucy, Ella and Geo. L. Wicks. Independent ; a member of the M. E. Church. ALFRED M. WILES, born in London, England, Jan. 13, 1829. His father was John J. Wiles, and his mother Ann M. Kames ; she was born February 3, 1796. The brothers and sisters are Joseph K., Wm, H., Freder- ick J., Elizabeth, Emma S. and Harriet. Mr. Wiles married Miss Catherine, the daughter of Jacob Blauvelt, Nov. 26, 1853. The children are Rhoda A., Edwin L. and Maggie. Mr. Wiles is jDopularly known as the head of the firm known as A. M. & W. H. Wiles. Their manufactory is without a peer in their line. A Democrat. W. H. WILES, of the firm of A. M. & W. H. Wiles, is a brother of Alfred M., whose birth and ancestry will explain his. Mr. Wiles is a genius and well read, as is his brother Alfred. Li the year 1850, Aug. 11, Wm. Wiles married Mary E., the daughter of Jacob Fredrick. SELF-MADE MEN. 149 The children are John J., Fredi-ick J , Mary S., Francis E , Lydia A., Martlia L , Emma L. and Fannie J. The sons-in-law are the Hon. Alonzo Wheeler and David R. Wadsworth ; danghters-in- law, M. Clara Hazard, Kate M. Brooks, Mary B Hose ; the grand- children are Jeanie S., Jessie L , Ethel M., Jay B. and Florence A. Democrat ; Presbyterian. CHAS. J. WILES, born April 8, 1846, at Balmville, near Newburgh ; l)y profession a pattern maker, employed at Wiles. He is the son of Jos. K, Wiles and Elizabeth Thomas. His father is English ; his mother a native of Orange Co. The grandfather was John J. Wiles. His sisters are Eliza J., Mary E., Ella and Hattie. His marriage to Miss Adelia B., daughter of VV. F. B. Gurnee, occurred Oct. 10, 1873. The children are Joseph K., Ella B. and Susie D. Republican ; adheres to Pres. Church. (See cut of house.) CHAPTER YIII. SELF-MADE MEN. J. J. SMITH, M. A., D. D., ^ASTOR of the Tonipkin's Cove Methodist Protestant Church, is spending a fourth term of pastorate with his present church, making in all eleven years. Mr. Smith is a man of literarv attainments, and has written extensively on travel and science. He was elected, without his knowledge, a meml)er of "• The American Institute of Christian Philosophy," in New York. The high honor of his election was on account of his wn-itings, which appeared from time to time in the SclejitifiG Arena. More recently he was^ officially notitied of his having been 150 STONl' POINT ILLUSTRATED. elected, for the same reason, to a Fellowship in the Society of Science, Letters and Art of London. He was born in Atlantic Co., N. J., Feb. 3d, 1817. Con- verted Sept. 10, 1832, and joined his present denomination. Pie was licensed May 9th, 1835, and joined the Itineracy in 183H. Has been a member of his Conference 48 years, and its president altogether over 9 years. He represented his Conference in Gen- eral Conference and Conventions 12 different times. He appeared among the fraternal delegates in the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnatti, 1880. He has been an honored Trustee of Adrian College since 1866. In 1884 the Doctor was elected to a Professorshij) in Florida University, but preferred the regular ministry. WILLIAM GO VAN, A. M., M. D., was born at Barnet, in Vermont, August 12th, 1818, His father, Andrew, son of William Govan, was a native of Scotland, and came to America about 1815. His mother was Jane, the daugh- ter of Robert Stark. His early years were spent in striving for an education. A graduate of Dartmouth College in 1839, he afterwards received the degree of M. D. from the New York Med- ical College in J 854, and soon after came to Stony Point, the chosen field of his life-work. He has held many worthy offices in both town and county, and is a member of several Medical Societies. He is at present a member of the Rockland County His- torical Association and President of the Board of Education here. He married Lucia J. Mitchell, the daughter of Chaucey R. Mit- chell, late of Peekskill, N. Y. Their children have been two sons and a daughter. WM. K. HAMMOND, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Haverstraw. His father, Edmund J., who was born in 1822 at Croton, West- chester Co., and died when William K. was young. At 10 years of age young William engaged to work for a farmer. The fol- lowing season he followed boating, and worked on the brick yard one year later. Seeing the business qualities in the boy, his uncle, SKLF-MADE MEN. 151 Wm. R. Knapp, took him into liis store at Kni2;lit's Corner. By the recommendation of Wni. R. Knapp, Mr. Hammond received a sitnation with the iirm of Hoagland tfe Bell, 'No. 330 West Street, New York, where he remained six years, and having re- ceived their conlidence, was promoted to a managing clerkship of the lirni. He was then sent for by the firm of (.^andee, Smith & Co., which was at that time the largest mercantile iirm in the build- ing material business in New York city. With this company he remained two years. In 1873 Mr. Hammond married Miss Elizabeth C. Taylor, the daughter of Wm. Taylor and Elizabeth C^raig, of New York city. Wm. R. Knapp, having established in New York city a large agency for the sale of l)rick, employed Mr. Hammond, with the express understandiug that he should become a partner in the business at the end of the year. Before the close of the year Mr. Knapp died, and the aspii'ing young man returned home with sad prospects ; but Mr. Knapp's partners continuing the l)usiness, re- tained Mr. Hammond. But, through improper methods of busi- ness, the iirm came to ruin in less than eighteen months, when, the consignees of the goods, knowing the business qualities and integrity of the clerk, arranged at once with him, and Mr. Ham- mond began business for himself in 1ST5, in which he has con- tinued until the present. The secret of his success is that in early childhood he obeyed his mother, who faithfully taught him the value of economizing every hour in the attainment of a preparation for business. He, during the period of his clerkship in New York, attended an even, ing high school, where he took up mathematics, bookkeeping and Latin. Mr. Hammond is a great reader. In 1878 Judge Shand- ley, and others connected with Tammany Hall, desii-ed him to ac- cept the nomination for Senator of his district in New York city. Although nomination was sure to be an election, he had his own reasons for declining. In his own native town he was elected supervisor, being re-elected without opposition the second time. Mr. Hammond is greatly interested in the moral and mental 152 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. improvement of the young people, and in 1S86 organized a LyJ cenm in St. George's Cliurcli, with tlie following by-laws : "■ The objects of this association are to improve and cultivate the Sunday School of the St. George's M. E. Church of Stony Point, IS". Y. ; to foster acquaintances and promote friendships ; to reform abuses of criticism, or gossip ; to acquire, preserve and disseminate valu- able information pertaining to Sniiday schools, literary societies and such further matter as will tend to the improvement of the minds of the youth of this community." I HON. SAMUEL HARKISON EVERETT. Among the men of note of the present day who have sprung from sturdy Putnam County stock, none has carved out for him- self a more noble record than the gentleman described in these pages. Mr. Everett was born in the town of Carmel, April 3rd, 1836. When he started in life on his own account, his capital consisted of correct habits, untiring industry, a will that scorned reverses, and the sum of thirteen cents. He made fortune after fortune during his lifetime, and lost them through no fault of his own ; but this did not dampen his spirits, and to-day he is a large real estate owner and derives a heavy income from his business. His ancestors, who came from Scotland about the middle of the seven- teenth century, were among the early settlers in America. They landed on Long Island in the year 1746, and soon after some of the family eifected a pennanent settlement in Carmel, Putnam County. Before the Revolutionary War, Isaac Everett, a mason by trade, was engaged in l)uilding blast furnaces. The record in Putnam CVmiity shows that his ancestors had early become large real estate owners in a district tliat was constantly improving. Abraham Everett had live sons, Charles, Amos, Samuel, Leonard and Abraham. The family were the pioneers in the Western cattle trade, and drove their fatted steers to niarket long before railroads were built. Charles was the eldest son and the father of Samuel H. Soon after young Samuel was born, he moved to the south-east and purchased 105 acres of land, which he continued to add to until he acquired an extensive territory. He had four sons, JBnqfhy HB Balls Sons. ITew 'ibi'h SELF-MADE MEN. 153 Oscar, Samuel Harrison, Charles Edwin, Francis Henry, and seven daughters. At a very young age Samuel showed great ambition, and at eleven years was able to cope with the workmen on his father's farm. He went to the district school in winter and worked on the farm in summer, and at the age of eighteen entered Ray- mond College, where he pursued a course of two years study, under the presidency of Rev. H. G. Livingston. Severe studying in- jured his health, and he returned home to the farm, where he quickly recuperated. Yearning for a wider field of action, he turned his face to the Metropolis. When he left the home- stead, his mother tenderly embracing him, said, " God speed you, Samuel." He had $36 in money when he left, but when he came to face life in New York, he had nothing but the capital men- tioned at the opening of this sketch. His heart never failed him, and soon he was master of a rich bank account. Disaster over- took him in the inclement weather of 1862, and his business was literallv ruined. The stroke fell with severer force, for he had then become a husband and father. His wife was Margaret, daughter of James Percival, and their eldest daughter was Ida Bell Everett. He accepted an engagement as hotel clerk for himself and family, and four years later his second daughter, Evelyn Percival Everett, was born. Both of these daughters are graduates of Drew Seminary at Carmel. He sustained a severe blow on March 12th, ISYO, in the loss of his affectionate wife. Her father proved his benefactor, and loaned him $6,000, with which he purchased the old People's Hotel at 106 Vesey Sti'eet. He speedily transformed it into a first-class hotel, and finished the grand dining room in a style equal to any in the city. The Everett Hotel now occupies parts of nine city lots, and extends from Vesey to Barclay Street. They were purchased in fee simple for $450,000, and the chief ownership is in Mr. Everett, who is conducting a hotel business second to none in the city. Mr. Everett is not selfish ; he lives to do good to others and to better the world. He served for five years as a school trustee for the Third Ward of this city, and resigned to take a seat in the 154 STOXY POINT ILLUSTRATED. Assembly as the representative of his native county. His labors in Albany in the Winter of 1881 for the protection of the Putnam County lakes, and for procuring a plentiful supply of pure water for New York, are too well known to require recapitulation here. He took an active part in the defeat of Koscoe Conkling and Thomas C Piatt, who resigned their seats in the United States Senate and sought to be again returned for their vindication. Al- though a Republican, he persistently voted against them, and re- mained in his seat hfty-six consecutive days for that purpose. He declined the liepublican nomination for a second term for the Assembly, but, under the pressure brouglit to bear by his friends, he accepted the nomination for State Senator for the Fourteenth District. He made an unequaled run, being beaten by but 208 votes, his opponent being the Hon. Hoi'iier A. Nelson, a jDopular and well-known Democrat. Recently, on account of a large busi- ness, he has taken no active part in politics. Mr. Everett is now president of the Board of Trustees of the Rev. T. De Witt Talmage's Tabernacle. His gifts to the poor and the church are munihcent. His present wife is the daughter of A. H. Todd, of Katonah, N. Y., and is the itiother of two sons, Samuel H., Jr., and Chas. E. (2nd), and one rlaughter, Susan Mary. Mr. Everett is tall and of wiry and athletic build, with dark, but benevolent features. The record of his life is a chapter young men could study with profit. CALVIN TOMKINS was born at Orange, N. J., Jan. 31, 1793. His ancestors had emi- grated from Connecticut to Newark, N. J., several generations previous, and was part of that ultra-Puritanical colony which made a last attempt to set up a Theocratic form of government in America. From Newark the colony spread gradually back to the Orange Mountain, and at the base of this hill Enos Tomkins, born 1770, the father of the subject (jf this sketch, lived and carried on the business of tannino; leather and manufaeturiiii!^ shoes. His busi- SELF-ArADE MEX. 155 ness was extensive for that time, and his factory gave employ- ment to many people of the neighborhood. Joseph Tomkins, his grandfather, the son of John Tomkins, lived here also, and was remarkable for liberality in gifts and edu- cation. His influence among the farmers was considerable. Calvin was brought up to work on the farm, and learned his father's trade. He became dissatisfied with this mode of life, and at the age of 16 or lY years he went to Newark with his pack on his back, where he engaged himself to the managers of the " Bridge Dock " Line of Packets, which plied between Newark and New York, For several years he continued boating on the Passaic and Hudson Rivers. During the war of 1812 he entered the service, and was sta_ tioned for some time at Sandy Hook. After peace was declared, he returned to boating, and ran for some time between Richmond, Va., and New York city. During one of these voyages he was shipwrecked off Sandy Hook, and suffered temporary illness, brought on by exposure. About this time (1819) he married Esther Tuers, daughter of Cornelius Tuers, of Barbadoes Neck, as East Newark was then called, and this event put an end to his deep water voyages, al- though for some time he continued in conmiand of one of the Bridge Dock Packet boats. Domestic ties and business opportu- nities soon conspired to keep him constantly at Newark. The introduction of anthracite coal attracted his attention, and he engaged himself in building up a business in the sale of this article. This led him to set up a kiln for burning lime on the pro- perty of the Bridge Dock Co., utilizing the fine coal which at that time was of little value. Both business ventures proved suc- cessful. The coal business increased rapidly, and his efforts to intro- duce it were rewarded by special concessions from the Pennsyl- vania Coal Co. The farmers from the surrounding country came in for land lime, and his sales were increased. He also added to his business the manufacture of plaster and 156 STONY POIKT ILLUSTRATED. cement, and since it now assumed projjortions too large for his o-s^ni immediate supervision, lie associated several of his friends with him and formed " The Newark Lime ^^^^ DAVID M. TORREY. The life of the subject of the following sketch is probably, in some respects, the most remarkable of any in the memory of the reader, so much so that we feel justified and fortunate in having procured the facts for special use in our delineation of self-made SELF-MADK MEN. IT)!) men, hoping that the pnhhcation of tliis brief outline will be an incentive to a determined application of the talent and time to worthy pursuits of other young men. Mr. David M. Torrey, our esteem e^^'G^ American Roller Organ, |^/f£ which is the greatest contri- wIS? ^^^^1(^6 in the music of this ' age. It plays any tune ar- ranged for it. The rolls of music are in cylinder shape, 1 and have only to be lifted ^rS^ 1 o^^t when another tune is to Ki^§o/t<3^es I $6^ M0s>em1^^-^c^^-vx.v^^^= ^^^ inserted. It plays 260 tunes, sentimental and sacred. The customer can select. They are all one price. Special agents wanted in every town. Price $6 Address— World Manuf. Co., 122 Nassau St., N. Y. 1^° Lavalette Wilson, A. M., Civil Engineer and Sur- veyor, has had over twenty years experience in Rockland County. Surveys, measurements and estimates of all kinds made with ac- curacy and despatch. Distant points at early hours by trains on the West Shore and N. J. & N. Y. Rail Roads.^^^l Literature. Harper & Bros, is the most popular, if not the largest pub- lishing house in the city. Its publications are known over the 164 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATEr). globe. Any M-ork bearing the imprint of Harper tfe Bros, will sell and be read. J. Leach, stationer, printer and blank book manufacturing, S6 Nassau Street, ]N^ew York. Writing inks, letter, note, foolscap, bill and legal cap ; all sizes of casli boxes ; standard American and spring back diaries on hand all the year ; all kinds of Esterbrook's Gillott's, Perry's Spencerian, Washington medalion steel pens, ball pointed, etc ; Leach's falcon and law pens. One price only. Es- tablished 1856. For cheap, new and desirable books call at the immense book emporium of Phillips & Hunt, 805 Broadway. Just out, " Prin- ciples of Church Goyernment," by Perrine ; " Christianity in the United States from the First Settlements down," by D. Dorches- ter ; " The Life of Punshon," by McDonald Christopher ; and " Other Stories," by Amelia E. Barr ; " Gold and Dross," by J. W. Spear; -The Life of John Wesley," by Telford; ''Proba- tioner's Hand Book," '' Days and Nights on the Sea ;" a superb work entitled " The Modern Sunday School," by Dr. Yincent. Medical. Dr. E. Marquez, of Bogota, U. S. of Colombia, South Amer- ica, stands deseryedly high in the profession and practice of den- tistry, and during the time he has been established here in Haver- straw, he has won a leading and prominent rank. Dr. Marquez has commodious rooms, located on Main Street, formerly occupied by Dr. Crawford, there being every convenience which modern science has invented for the speedy and accurate performance of all operations required. Gas is given to those whose constitutions are strong enough to endure it, and as little pain is inflicted as the nature of the case will allow. The doctor attends to all branches of his profession, executing orders for false teeth, in the manufacture of which he excels pre-eminently. He has made and placed in the patient's mouth full and entire sets of teeth, which have all the beauty and usefulness of natural teeth. He is sym- BUSINESS NOTES. 165 patliiziug in his nature, and shrinks from causing more pain than is absohitely necessary. In every respect his estabhshment is de- serving of the confidence of the public. — W. R. Kiefer. The Linament used with such wonderful results since we have introduced it in this place is now sold by J. B. Hastings, at Tom- kins' Bros, store. Inquire for Townsend's '' V. P. D." Linament. The trial of a bottle is all the notice we need make of it. Its sale is wonderfully increasing. — PiMisJter of History. 1^^ An Important Xotice ! To any one suffering from par- alysis, a disease for which the ordinary physician has no remedy, the announcement of Mrs. Dr. E. C. Baikd's opening the " Cor- nell Rest " will be hailed as a special ]>rovidence in behalf of suf- fering humanity. Spacious apartments will be added to the Bird- sail House, at Cornwall Landing, where Mrs. Baird has made a large purchase for her establishment and hospital. Her treatments are oils, food and rest. No parent need fear to leave in the ten- der care of Mrs. Baird an infant that is a paralytic or constitu- tionally weak. Its recovery is almost a positive certainty. Ad- dress — Mrs. Dr. E. C. Baird, Cornwall Landing, N. Y. Financial. Haverstraw People's Bank, whose charter dates from Feb. 19, 1887, has had a prosperity unparalleled in the history of the coun- try. Its annual statement will be a genuine surprise to all who were so fortunate as to get stock in this new and popular institu- tion. For business purposes address U. F. Washburn, Presi- dent, or H. C. Yer Yalen, Cashier, Haverstraw, N. Y. Real Estate. Now for sale, at a great bargain, a house on IStli Street, Brooklyn. House cost $4,500 ; will sell for $3,600. Apply to BuRRiLL ife Driver, 5th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Agencies. W. T. Weiant, agent for Cleveland Paper Co.'s tiour sacks, Delphu's Paper Co.'s XX straw, Peasley's Stone Ridge and grocers Ififi STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. straw papers ; paper bags, Manila paper, butter dishes, flour sacks, straw paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, tea paper, skewers, twines, printing, stationery, etc. Address — W. T. Weiant, Haverstraw, K Y. Refreshments. Fuller's Broadway Restaurant, Haverstraw, N. Y. Ladies' and gents' oyster and dining rooms. Oysters and clams by 100 or 1,000. Ice cream, wholesale and retail ; church fairs, festivi- ties, excursions and the trade supplied at short notice. B. A. Ful- ler. Mrs. Minnie Linch keeps confections and ice cream at Con- ner's Corner. Mr. Henry Hahn, the Broadway grocer, Haverstraw, will take your order and deliver your goods twice a week and oftener. His wagon makes regular trips through Stony Point. Goods just as cheap as they can be had in the store. Try him to satisfy your- self. A. Mayers, confectioner, wholesale and retail, complies with New York prices. Churches, picnics, Sunday schools and social gatherings supplied at short notice. Be sure to call before going elsewhere. Broadway, Haverstraw, N. Y. Hfh % ,^^ v^ ^0^. y^^\ •J- , V o:^ -^ct :'^ = \0 °x ,>0 ^* .-^' .■^ •^ * ., . ■ ^"^ ■^' ' •> a '^ rS , V */-^b. 1,0 =< \ \^^\.^'-, '- z^^. r // > .* .*". <^ .->': •^<.. Z ^ ^ 'f -7-.-- -^NVvi =• tV J SS C> -i ^ ^1 nO°x. .^^^ / a\ , n c . -5^ ' * <■ ' O"^ «■ ' " * '% A*^ c ° '^ "^ «^ ^O- ,.0" N "*. -•^"^ .v.«, ---^ ^>/* 1^ <-. .^- H ^\^ St, ^ i^^^%t „ 'i^^ A J. ^- ■* ^ "^ A^ ^ - i: '■ * V ^ O, ■ '.-is OO ,0o^ ^ -a aV J^„ = "'-.>^^^ .* ,^^' *. '^9. i\ "^^- ■# . ,