HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY with illustrations, Portraits & Sketches of Prominent Families and Individuals. New York: W.W. Munsell & Co.; 1882. pp. 258-328. History of Queens County enter name and hit return
LONG ISLAND CITY.
Long Island City, the seat of justice of Queens county, comprises the localities long known as Astoria, Hunter’s Point, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Blissville and Middletown. The more populous of, these places are still geographically distinct, the spaces- intervening between them not having been built up as yet, and the new city name is by many ignored in consequence. The city is located on Long Island, opposite the upper part of New York. It is bounded southeast by Newtown, of which it was originally a part. On the south it is separated, from Brooklyn by Newtown Creek. The East River forms its western and northern boundary, and Blackwell’s, Ward’s and Randall’s Islands lie opposite this city. North Brother, South Brother and Berrien’s Islands are included within the city limits. Astoria, in the northern part of the city, extends along the shore of the East River. It was long known as Hallett’s Cove, and was afterward named in honor of John Jacob Astor. The place contains many charming suburban dwellings, some of which are old and almost all of which are very well located. The boulevard is a drive which extends through the village parallel with the shore, and which is skirted on the water side with residences having water front and between which delightful views of the river and the islands in it may be obtained. There are several manufacturing enterprises located here. Hunter’s Point is a great oil- refining depot and the locality of many manufacturing interests. The refineries extend more than a mile along the East River front. The depots of some of the Long Island railroads are located here, the place being the distributing point for travel by rail and railway freight traffic for Long Island. Ravenswood, lying between Hunter’s Point and Astoria, contains numerous suburban residences, many of which are surrounded by handsome grounds. Dutch Kills was an early Dutch settlement. The population is now small and somewhat scattered. Blissville, situated east of Hunter’s Point, hear Calvary Cemetery, the great Roman Catholic burying ground of New York and its suburbs, is a small and not very populous village, containing some manufacturing concerns of more or less importance. Middletown, near the eastern border of the city, is a small settlement which was more prominent years ago than it is now. The Bowery, at the northeast corner of the city, was an early Dutch settlement. Long Island City is connected with New York by a number of ferries, from 92nd street, New York, to Astoria (with horse railway connections with Ravenswood, Hunter’s Point and other parts of the city to the south), and from the foot of James slip and of East Thirty- fourth street, New York, to Hunter’s Point, with street railroad connections with various parts of the city. The population was 15,587 in 1875, and 17,096 in 1880.EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS;
RICHARD BRUTNELL.
Nearly two centuries and a half have elapsed since the beginning of the settlement by whites of the territory now included in the corporate limits of Long Island City. As early as 1640 the attention of colonists had been directed thither. As nearly as can now be ascertained the spot first occupied was at the junction of the kill of Mespat (Newtown Creek) and Kanapaukah Creek (Dutch Kills), on either side of the mouth of the latter. On the east side was the plantation of Richard Brutnell, nearly a hundred acres in extent. Brutnell was born in Bradford, England. A few years later he removed to Hempstead. This property was deeded to Brutnell in July 1643, and later passed into the possession of William Herrick, whose widow subsequently married Thomas Wandell, who became the purchaser in 1659, adding fifty acres to it for which Richard Colefax had obtained a patent in 1652. This estate later became known as the Alsop farm, having been inherited by Richard Alsop, a nephew of Wandell, in 1691, at the latter’s death. The name of Alsop has become extinct in the neighborhood and the farm has been sold, a large part of it now being known as Calvary Cemetery. The old Alsop house stood just outside the city limits.BURGER JORIS- THE DUTCH SETTLERS.
On the west side of Dutch Kills Creek, at its mouth, was the plantation of Tymen Jansen, who had been a ship carpenter in the employ of the West India Company and who received a grant of this land about the time of the grant to Brutnell. The farm of Jansen was purchased several years later by Joris Stevensen de Caper, the ancestor of the Van Alst family. To this estate he added subsequently a neighboring plantation, which had been granted March 23d 1647 to Jan Jansen, from Ditmarsen, in Lower Saxony, from whom the family of Ditmar descended. Next to the Tymen Jansen plantation, to the north, lay the land of Burger Jorissen, who took out his "ground- brief" July 3d 1643. According to Riker, "Burger Joris" (the name appears to have been abbreviated in time) was a native of Hersberg, in Silesia, and came to Rensselaerwyck in 1637, being by occupation a smith. There he lived for about five years, and then bought a vessel and became a trader on the Hudson, but he eventually settled on his farm at Dutch Kills. "During this absence it appears" he rented his bouwery and stock, consisting of goats, etc., to Robert Evans and James Smith. "Prior to 1654 he had erected a tide- mill on his farm, and the creek was on that account named Burger’s Kill. He died in 1671, aged 59. He was evidently a man of character and ability, as he was repeatedly called to assist in the civil government of the town. He married, in 1639, Engeltie Mans, from Compst, in Sweden, and had sons: Joris, born 1647; Hermanus, born 1652; Claes, born 1657; Johannes, born 1662; and Elias, born 1664. These took the patronymic Burger, and in fact the father was sometimes called Mr. Burger. They settled in New York, and from them the Burger family of that city is descended. Burger Joris’s farm was sold to John Parcell, the progenitor of the Parcell family, and. subsequently was owned by Abraham and William Paynter. The "out plantations" of this period, which fell within the territory of the present city, were farms lying along the East River at Hunter’s Point and above that locality (which was then called Dominie’s Hook). They had been granted by the government of New Netherland, on the prevailing conditions of tenure, to a number of planters, most of whom were Dutch. One of the most noted holders of "out plantations," however, was the Englishman William Hallett, who was granted a good sized farm at Hell Gate, and who is spoken of somewhat at length hereafter. "Dominie’s Hook" as early as 1643 gained its name from its owner, Dominie Everardus Bogardus, the first minister of New Amsterdam, whose widow, Annetie Jans (whose name slightly modified is very familiar to- day from its connection with certain famous real estate claims), obtained a deed for the property, which was then estimated at one hundred and thirty acres, on the 26th of November 1652.THE HUNTER HOMESTEAD.
CAPTAIN PRAA’S ESTATE.
The children of Mrs. Annetie Praa Bennett had originally inherited this estate from their grandfather Captain Peter Praa. This gentleman was of an ancient Huguenot family, but was himself born in Leyden, Holland, and came to this, country in 1659, the family having gathered their household effects and fled out of the reach of religious persecution, to which they, in common with all others of their faith, were at that time subjected. As a. military officer Captain Praa was especially distinguished. Being otherwise a man of considerable note in his time, and the possessor of a vast amount of real estate, his name was a prominent one among the patroons of that day. Not only upon the shores of Long Island was he the owner of an extended tract of land, reaching from Ravenswood to Williamsburgh (and including what is now called Green Point) on one side, and to the outskirts of Bushwick on the other; but he had much valuable property in New York city and the surrounding colonies and townships.A MISSING DEED- THE JANS ESTATE.
Some curious and even romantic facts it is said have come to light in more recent years with regard to his ownership of a large district in an adjoining State, the title deeds of which were lost to the family for so many years that even their existence was forgotten, until one day a descendant of one of Captain Praa’s daughters, having occasion to destroy an old piece of furniture, found a secret drawer attached to it, covered by a piece of tin, and within it she most unexpectedly discovered the long lost title deeds of her forefather’s estate. This claim was also said to cover a large amount of property in the heart of New York city, and a goodly tract of land in Newburgh, N.Y., with about 50,000 acres of valuable land in New Jersey. Upon the basis of this discovery an association of the heirs of Peter Praa was formed, and the matter put into the hands of lawyers, who seemed, at least, eminently busy; but we have good reason to believe the lawsuits have never been satisfactorily settled, since the claimants are to this day as far off as ever from any pecuniary benefits which those long lost title deeds should legally have afforded them. It was in 1697 that Captain Praa became the purchaser of "Dominie’s Hook," which was the earliest name of "Hunter’s Point." He bought it from the heirs of Anneke Jans, widow of Dominie Everardus Bogardus, who in 1652 had received the grant of this land from Peter Stuyvesant, then governor of the colony of New York. This Dominie Bogardus was the first Dutch minister settled in New York city, and was afterward drowned on his return to Holland with Governor Kieft. The children and heirs of Anneke Jans Bogardus had afterward received a confirmatory patent from the English Governor Nicolls, dated March 1669. All of these ancient grants or patents have had the good fortune of being carefully kept and handed down from one generation to another. The original Nicolls patent is now to be seen in the library of Union College, Schenectady, having been presented by the late Hon. Clarkson N. Potter, a grandson, of Dr. Eliphalet Nott, who so long presided over that institution. In a letter to the writer Mr. Potter says: "Like all the papers which were issued when Matthias Nicoll was secretary of the province, it is a beautiful specimen of clerical work, and in perfect preservation." It was during his interesting researches into the early history of the "Old Farm," as it was familiarly designated, that Mr. Potter came into possession of many ancient papers, yellow- tinged with time, but important in the primitive history of Long Island City. From this gentleman’s records we have also a boundary of the demesne, which is likely to prove of historical value and interest in the future. "The original farm," wrote Mr. Potter "consisted of 212 acres. It was in its early days almost an island, bounded on the north by a ditch on the salt meadow south of Ravenswood, partly by a run of water called Jack’s Creek, which ran east and then curved to the south and thus formed the eastern boundary of the farm; south by Newtown creek, and’ west by the East River."THE NAME OF HUNTER’S POINT.
People in recent times have frequently desired to learn why this locality was called a point. The explanation is a very characteristic and natural one. It received the appellation from a prominent ledge of rocks which jutted out into the East River, the last one forming a distinct point, which could be seen from a distance and became a sort of landmark to vessels passing up and down the river. These rocks, which in days of modern progress were either built upon by the ferry owners or destroyed, were useful in early years as a private boat landing when the tide in Newtown Creek was too low for a nearer approach to the homestead by that more convenient water route. Captain Peter Praa at the time of his purchase of this farm (first called Dominie’s Hook, then Bennett’s Point and afterward Hunter’s Point) had his family residence on the opposite side of Newtown Creek, upon a portion of land bounded also by the East River, and which is now familiarly known under the name of Green Point. In 1684 Captain Praa married Maria, daughter of Jacob Hay and widow of a staunch Knickerbocker named Joost Molenaer. The Praa family consisted of five daughters, nearly all of whom survived their father. The eldest seems to have remained unmarried. The second sister, Maria, became Mrs. Wynant Van Zandt, and was widely known and admired in the social circles of the period as a belle and a very beautiful woman. The remaining sisters were married, one to a Messerole, and another to a Provost; and Annetie Praa, who was born in 1694, became the wife of William Bennett. To the children ‘of this daughter, whom he survived, Captain Praa bequeathed their mother’s home (the Dominie’s Hook purchase), which thereafter took the name of the resident family and was recognized as "Bennett’s Point." A peculiar and interesting feature of Captain Praa’s will was his thoughtful care of an old family servant. To this favorite negro, as he was called, was left a small piece of land originally belonging to the Dominie’s Hook territory, but which was in itself almost an island (for it bore the name of "Jack’s Island"), being situated on high ground nearly isolated from the mainland by a branch of Newtown Creek passing through and around the adjoining salt meadows. This bit of land was given to his favorite negro servant "as long as he lives, to maintain himself out of it." And Jack dwelt there as lawful sovereign of his little island for many years after his kind master was gone, and supported himself and family (as the records tell) by fishing and clamming, and finally died at an advanced age, leaving his name associated with creek, orchard and island, with its kindly memories to be handed down to posterity.JACOB BENNETT.
In 1767 Jacob Bennett, a son of Mrs. Annetie Praa Bennett (or rather Bodet, for, having early lost her first husband, she had married again), bought the family residence and adjoining land from his brothers and sisters, and he lived in the old homestead until his death, in 1817, at the ripe age of 94 years. That this gentleman of the olden time was contented never to roam very far from the delights of his own fireside may be inferred from the fact that, although in the habit of sending a boat every day to the city for marketing and other family purposes, he could never be persuaded to visit New York in person, having a natural unconquerable fear of catching the smallpox!CAPTAIN GEORGE HUNTER.
After the demise of Mr. Bennett the old farm by his will became again an inheritance in the female line, and Was given to his daughter Mrs. Anne Hunter and her husband Captain George Hunter, who some time after their marriage had settled in New York city. After some family troubles, arising out of an unsuccessful contest of Mr. Bennett’s will by the residue of his heirs, Captain Hunter and his wife returned to the old home, which they occupied for the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Hunter died there, March 10th 1833, leaving a family of eight children, three of whom, her sons Jacob, John B., and Richard B., were by her will appointed executors of the estate. The ancient homestead had now long been known as Hunter’s Point. Captain Hunter died in October 1825. He was a man greatly admired, esteemed and beloved. He was a model of manly virtues, and when after his marriage he gave up his seafaring vocation, to become a shipping merchant in New York, no name stood higher than his among the mercantile interests and community. In the city and land of his adoption he had thus become a highly honored citizen, and there is a true legend of his wedding day to the effect that upon that happy occasion the shipping merchants of New York celebrated the event by a universal hoisting of their bunting in the harbor and vicinity. It is one hundred and four years since that auspicious wedding day! New York city then only covered the lower part of Manhattan Island; but a vivid picture is before us of the fair young wife and her chosen partner in life’s journey, as, gazing adown the river from the windows of their ancestral home, they are made aware of the fact that the little city lying so pleasantly in the distance is decked with such gorgeous festal attire in honor of their union. From the windows of this time-honored family mansion, how many scenes of note and interest were previously and afterward witnessed! There were occasions of social and family festivities, when it was a cheering and pretty sight to behold the shores of Newtown Creek lined with the boats of neighbors and friends as they came from miles around, to attend a christening or a wedding. One reminiscence of this sort may be particularly mentioned: Upon the visit of the minister of that section (an event which in those days occurred only once in a prolonged period, on account of the wide circuit under a "dominie’s" charge and the difficulties of traveling) several affianced couples took advantage of the opportunity and were married under the friendly roof of the ancient homestead; and a number of children from households of the neighboring farm- houses received the sacred rite of baptism, the font used during the services being a silver bowl, still in existence and preserved by the family as a memorial of the occasion.NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.
During the stirring events of the Revolutionary war here was a "Point Lookout" from which could be distinctly viewed the maneuvers of the enemy. Gazing forth from their airy hill-top the household beheld with sorrow the capture of New York city by the British, September 13th 1776. History tells us that the first division of the royal army, under Cornwallis and others, embarked from the head of certain waters called Newtown Bay, where they were out of sight of their opponents. Numbering five ships of war, on their entrance into the East River they went over to Kipp’s Bay. Forts were already erected there by the Revolutionists and troops stationed for their defense, but the firing from the ships caused them to be abandoned, and the British took possession. This locality, called "Kipp’s Bay," is now that part of New York city lying opposite and above Hunter’s Point ferry. It was afterward offered to Captain Hunter for a few hundred pounds purchase money, and he was tempted to risk the speculation; but his prudent helpmate dissuaded him from it, being firmly persuaded in her mind that this proposed acquisition of real estate would never prove a paying investment. A daring robbery took place in the old Hunter homestead shortly after the close of the Revolution. As one of the members of the Bennett family was rowing homeward one evening he observed a strange boat on the shore, a little distance from the house. An old negro servant who accompanied him immediately scented danger, remarking to his master, "There must be robbers in our house- let us scuttle the boat!" This praiseworthy precaution was at once taken. As they neared the dwelling the marauders had already tied in his chair old Mr., Bennett, father- in- law of Captain Hunter, and were threatening to burn him unless he revealed where his money was kept. After successive efforts they succeeded in finding about $6,000, together with some other valuables and articles of family silverware, when the signal of alarm was given by the observing party without, and soon a multitude of friends and neighbors were seen hastening by creek and shore to the rescue. In dismay the daring intruders now sought their boat as a means of speedy flight, but as they put off from the land it filled with water, and hurriedly jumping from it they followed a track across the meadows, in their hasty exit leaving behind them, hidden in the sedge, the money they had stolen and the silverware. One of them was arrested soon after the occurrence. A large reward was offered by Captain Hunter for the capture of the whole party, but they were never found. The whole of this story we think has never before been told. As it gives an instance of a woman’s bravery under peculiarly trying circumstances, we think it deserving of notice in the present record. At the time of this bold robbery the wife of Captain Hunter Was lying ill in a room adjoining that of her father. She dared not make any outcry for fear of instant butchery to herself and aged father; and in seeming quietly submitted to their depredations. But while these ruffians were joyfully inspecting the treasures they had gained, weak, ill and terribly frightened as she was, Mrs. Hunter managed to leave her sick couch and possess herself of another large sum of money that was lying in a drawer near by. This she secreted more securely in a corner of the bed curtain. This duty effected she became unconscious, just as she had realized the flight of the robbers and that help was close at hand. She afterward described this marauding party as men who were handsomely equipped in military accoutrements, such as were worn at that time by British officers. An officer’s sword, which was found in the meadows at the time, gave assurance of a higher rank in rascality than the outward circumstances of life might have warranted.THE HUNTER HEIRS AND ESTATE.
After the death of Mrs. Anne Hunter, in 1833, her family continued to occupy the old homestead about two years. The daughters with one exception had married, and resided in their own homes in the adjacent city. The elder sons, Jacob and John B., had also long since been recognized as prominent citizens in New York, while their youngest brother, Richard B., had located on an adjoining section of the Van Alst farm lands, which he had purchased from his father-in-law, Henry Van Alst. This locality at present forms an eastern district of Hunter’s Point, and is still owned and resided upon by Jacob B. and George H. Hunter, the sons of Richard, who died about twenty- one years ago. In the natural division of family interests and the changes induced by time and progress- and also by the will of Mrs. Hunter, which provided that her estate should be divided among her children within three years after her death- it most fortunately happened that an offer of purchase came about this period (1835) to Jacob Hunter, the eldest son and acting executor, from General Jeremiah Johnson, who proposed to buy Mrs. Hunter’s farm in behalf of Dr. Eliphalet Nott, president of Union College, Schenectady. The business arrangements were concluded between General Johnson and Jacob Hunter June 13th 1835, and with the deed thereby given the ancient homestead and its broad adjacent lands passed forever out of the possession of the old- time owners. It was a change necessitated by the march of progress and modern improvements. . The picturesque hill- top, with its antique homestead and the characteristic rocky (though evermore mystical) "Point," stretching out its stalwart arm as if in mute prophecy toward the opposite friendly shores of New York city, have all disappeared from human vision. Yet, the thoughtful spirit cannot but ask while musing over the history of Hunter’s Point- was not that rocky ledge jutting far out into the river intended as an omen to the multitudes of travelers and pleasure- seekers who in coming years should cross and recross certain ferries, hereafter to be planted upon the spot where nature had previously stationed these rocks as sentinels of the past and sybils of the future? Daily, hourly from these ferries at the present day, what busy excited throngs are coming and going- some to the gardens and farm lands of Newtown, Flushing, Whitestone and the adjoining "north side" region, others to Jamaica, Rockaway, Coney Island, Long Beach, Shelter Island and the Hamptons, with their tempting allurements to the enjoyment of the seashore!JACOB HUNTER.
Jacob Hunter, who was the last representative in the original family line of ownership associated with Hunter’s Point, was a gentleman of quiet, genial nature, possessed of excellent financial abilities and a soundness of judgment that caused him to be much valued as an adviser and friend. In personal appearance he was exceedingly fine looking, with a dignity of manner that betokened a gentleman of the olden school. His life proved a singularly fortunate one in every respect. He seemed one of those who are born to success in whatever they undertake. At the time of his death he was the possessor of a goodly share of real estate in the city of New York. Honorable and benevolent in all his dealings, his popularity was often shown by the avidity with which his fellow citizens would have placed him in offices of trust and responsibility, whose honors he invariably declined; not because he did not appreciate the high esteem in which he was held by his coadjutors, but from a modesty peculiar to his nature which fain would have thrown the official mantle upon shoulders which he deemed better, fitted to wear it. The only public position which he was ever induced to accept was an office in the eleventh regiment New York State artillery, of which he became commander at an early period of his life. He seems thus to have been the only one of his family who had inherited the proclivities of their ancestor, Captain Peter Praa. Born in the year 1791, we find him when scarcely out of his boyhood serving actively in the war of 1812. When the war was ended he continued to belong to the military corps, serving in an official capacity with such men in his ranks as Prosper M. Wetmore, Thomas M. Adriance and Joseph Hopkins, who, continuing to serve until toward the close of his life, became commander- general of all the forces of New York city. In the year 1821 the cares of business obliged Mr. Hunter to resign his position as captain in the eleventh regiment of artillery, which was in later years merged in Company D of the New York seventh. His sincere regret on leaving is expressed in a letter which has been carefully preserved, and in which he says: "Circumstances over which I have no control oblige me to take this step, while inclination strongly pleads to detain me in the ranks. But rest assured that while absent from my accustomed post I shall still watch with interest from the distance, and should any emergency occur I can only add that when my country calls it will ever find me ready to follow." That pressing hour of need came not again until the war of the Rebellion, when Mr. Hunter was 70 years old, and consequently too far advanced in life to take any active part in the contest. Thus the antique sword rested in its scabbard, watched over and cared for as a family relic, until about a year ago, when it was thought best to accept an honorable abiding place offered it in the relic- room of the veterans of the New York seventh regiment at their new and elegant armory at the corner of Sixty- seventh street and Fourth avenue, New York city. In the year 1815 Mr. Hunter married Miss Charlotte Lahy, a young English lady of ancient and noble family connections, her father being the nephew and adopted son of General Gwynn, who was aide de camp in the courtly retinue of King George III. Outliving his wife ten years, Mr. Hunter died September 30th 1875, when he had attained to the advanced age of 84 years. A family of four children survived him, one of whom still resides in the old family mansion in Twenty- ninth street, purchased by her father more than a quarter of a century since. These, with their own especial connection and descendants, were from the only family of the name known in connection with the earlier history of the metropolis and its immediate vicinity.WILLIAM HALLETT.
The "out plantations" received a valuable accession to their population in the person of William Hallett, who, December 1st 1652, obtained a brief for a hundred and sixty acres of land which had previously been in possession of Jacques Bentin (Bentyn) a member of Director- general Van Twiller’s council. It was described as "a plat of ground at Hellegat, upon Long Island, called Jacques’s farm, and, beginning at a great rock that lies in the meadow, goes upward southeast to the end of a very small swamp, two hundred and two rods; from thence northeast two hundred and thirty rods; on the north it goes up to a running water, two hundred and ten rods." Mr. Hallett was born in Dorsetsllire, England, in 1616; he emigrated to New England, settling at Greenwich, Conn.; thence he removed to Hell Gate about the date mentioned. In 1655 his house and other buildings there were destroyed by the Indians and he removed to Flushing. The next year he was appointed sheriff, but "was deposed by Stuyvesant," says Riker, fined and imprisoned for entertaining the Rev. William Wickenden from Rhode Island, allowing him to preach at his house, and receiving the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper from his hands. Disgusted at this treatment, Mr. Hallett, on the revolt of Long Island from the Dutch, warmly advocated the claims of Connecticut; and, being sent as a delegate to the general court of that colony, he was appointed as commissioner or justice of the peace for Flushing. Afterward he again located at Hell Gate." The date of his return is perhaps indicated quite nearly by an additional land purchase which he made later.LAND PURCHASED AT HALLET’S COVE AND ELSEWHERE.
Mention is made of the "purchase by William Hallett sen., of the town of Flushing," August 1st 1664, of "a large tract of land near Hallett’s Cove, from Shawestcont and Erramorhar, Indians residing at Shawcopshee, upon Staten Island, upon authority of Mattano, then sagamore, and in the presence of two Indians, Warchan and Kethcanaparan, and Randell Hewitt, John Coe, Jonathan Rite and Edward Fisher." It is described as "beginning at the first creek, called Sunswick; westward below Hell Gate, upon Long Island, and from the mouth of the aforesaid creek south to a markt tree fast by a great rock; and from that said markt tree southward, fifteen score rods, to another markt tree, which stands from another little rock a little westward, and from that markt tree east right to the point of an island which belongs to the poor’s bouwery; and from the point of the island belonging to the poor’s bouwery round by the river, through Hell Gate, to the aforesaid creek westward, where it began. Also an island which is commonly called Hewlett’s Island, which island the aforesaid Hewlett did formerly live upon; as also all other islands within the tract of land aforementioned." December 5th 1664 the sagamore Mattano, "chief of Staten Island and Nyack," confirmed- the above sale and acknowledged to have received in full payment for the land "fifty- eight fathom of wampum, seven coats, one blanket and four kettles." This transaction is recorded in the office of he secretary of state, Albany (Deeds, II., 74, 75.) This tract was called by the Indians "Sintsinck," and it embraced nearly the whole of Hell Gate Neck. It (or so much of the aforesaid Indian deed or purchase as bad not been disposed of to others by ground- brief or patent) was afterward confirmed to Hallett by the English governors Nicolls and Dongan. Therefore this sale did not affect the several grants to individuals lying within the limits of this territory described. In 1667 Mr. Hallett began a suit against Captain Thomas Lawrence for the recovery of Berrien’s Island, which the latter had obtained a patent for, but Hallett’s claim was not admitted. As Mr. Hallett no longer held himself amenable to the government of New Netherland, it is improbable that he consulted Stuyvesant in making this purchase.ABRAHAM RYCKEN- THE HEWLETT FAMILY.
That he did not do so is indicated by the fact that on August 19th 1664 Abraham Rycken, a planter on the northern border of the town, obtained from the director-general a patent for Hewlett’s Island. This island was so named in honor of the ancestor of the Hewlett family of Long Island (probably Lewis Hewlett, a native of Buckinghamshire, England), who at an earlier day had been driven from it by the Indians, who destroyed his house and other property. Recognizing the authority of the Dutch governor to dispose of the island, Governor Nicolls confirmed it to Rycken, December 24th 1667. It was afterward owned by the descendants of the original patentee, and has long been known as Riker’s Island, the old name having gone out of use.THE SITE OF ASTORIA- INDIAN OWNERS.
Hallett’s purchase at Hell Gate Neck included much of the territory later incorporated as the village of Astoria. The original proprietor lived there to the age of about ninety, and was foremost in many early improvements. He divided his property at that point in 1688 between his sons William and Samuel, the former receiving the lands south of the road Since forming Greenoak Street, St. George’s Place, Welling and Main streets and Newtown avenue, the latter the lands lying north of that road. It is probable that the Indians who sold Hell Gate Neck to William Hallett were of the Canarsie tribe, a clan of reputed power whose jurisdiction extended over the whole of Kings county, the islands in Hell Gate, and, O’Callaghan says, some part of Newtown. A large tract of land including the southwestern portion of the present city was deeded "to the inhabitants of Newtowne, alias Middleburg," by Pomwaukon and Roweroenesteo of the above tribe, July 9th 1666.PLANTATIONS AT GREEN HOOK.
In the direction of Newton’s Point, or the Green Hook, thirty years ago the property of Mr. Woolsey, were the small plantations owned by Jan Jacobson Carpenel (otherwise called Jan Van Haerlem) Adrian Derickse Coon, Hendrick Jansen Van Dueren, Lieven Jansen and Simon Joost. These five lots, contained in strips of about fifty acres each, abutted on the river or meadow, and extended back west- southwest some three hundred Dutch rods, to the Great Swamp, also called Lubbert’s Swamp. The briefs for these lots all bore date in 1653 or 1654, and were afterward bought up by Major Thomas Lawrence, who also obtained from Governor Nicolls, August 23d 1665, a patent for the small island adjoining, commonly called "Round Island," now known as Berrien’s Island; which, together with "a neck of land" included in the patent to Adriaen D. Coon, was afterward possessed by Ezra N. Berrien. Thomas Lawrence was the youngest of three brothers. The others were John and William, who came to America from England in 1635, landing in Massachusetts but soon removing to New York. Both were men of ability and enterprise. Thomas came at a later date and became, as has been seen, a somewhat extensive landowner in the northern part of the present city. H was very prominent in military matters, locally, during the stormy times consequent upon the removal of Governor Andros. Berrien’s Island was purchased a Timothy Wood, in 1727, by Cornelius Berrien, and has since been known by his name.GERARDY- CRAYE- THE GREENOAKS- OTHER PIONEER NAMES.
The Green Hook, since known as the G.M. Woolsey farm, was patented to Jean Gerardy, November 5th 1653. On the same day Teunis Craye took out a brief for the Polhemus estate, and another had been granted three days earlier to Philip Gerardy for the Dr. Ditmars farm. March 7th 1654 Annetie Jans Bogardus obtained a patent for forty- two morgen and fifty- four rods of land lying adjacent to the Pot Cove, and which later was included in the estates of Squire John and Major Richard Lawrence. John Greenoak, the ancestor of the family of that name, came to Newtown early in the eighteenth century, from England, and in 1717 married Mary Lawrence, who after his death married Joseph Hallett in 1728. His son John Greenoak located on the farm near Hallett’s Cove afterward owned by the Messrs. Higgins, carpet manufacturers. He was three times married, his first wife having been Jemima Hallett. His son John Greenoak came into possession of an estate at Hallett’s Cove, afterward known as the H.F. Blackwell place. His wife was Lydia Hallett. Nothing more has been attempted in the foregoing sketch than to give some account of the early settlement of the territory now included within the borders of Long Island City. No effort has been made to pursue the subject beyond what may properly be termed the pioneer period. The date of beginning was so remote and the sources of information have been found so meagre that no claim is made that all who deserve mention in the preceding pages have been referred to. What has been written is offered with the explanation that it is as nearly complete as it can be made, and in the hope that it will in some measure add to the interest of an article which has been prepared more especially to trace the growth and development of Long Island City than to give an account of early affairs of old Newtown. Among the more prominent families in different portions of what is now Long Island City in the past may be mentioned the Blackwells, Halletts, Lawrences, Lents, Ditrnars, Suydams, Greenoaks, of Astoria; Bennetts and Hunters, of Hunter’s Point; Paynters, Tottens, Millers, Delafields, Gibbses, Parcells, at Ravenswood; Van Alsts, Bragaws, Rapelyes, De Witts, Brinkerhoffs, De Bevoises, Duryeas, Morrells, Alsops, Polhemuses, Van Marters, of Dutch Kills, Willings, of Middletown. Of many of these families descendants are now living in the city, and some of them rank among its most prominent citizens.EARLY LAND TROUBLES.
The year 1700 gave, says Riker, "publicity to a dissatisfaction of certain inhabitants of Hell Gate Neck because they were excluded from a voice in the disposal of the common land of the town; a right which the original purchasers, their heirs or assigns, had hitherto continued exclusively to enjoy. A bill was accordingly brought before the Assembly, on the 30th of October 1700, entitled ‘An act for quieting, settling and confirming the legal rights and possessions of Thomas Lawrence, William Lawrence, Robert Burgess, Bergoon Bragaw, Henry Martensen, George Van Alst, John Lawrence, Andrew Van Alst, Johannes Van Alst, John Parcell and other ancient freeholders, possessors of land and inhabitants of Hell Gate Neck, within the bounds of Newtown, on Long Island, now called the Island of Nassau; and vacating all under patents, privately obtained, of any of the said land, against the just rights of said freeholders, and other the inhabitants of Newtown having rights.’ After the third reading this bill was rejected on the first of November. "The same bill, or one with a similar title, was introduced to the Assembly September 23d 1701 and submitted to a committee, which reported in favor, provided that nothing therein contained should be understood to affect the patents of the towns of Flatbush and Brooklyn, with which the people of Newtown were yet at issue. The bill accordingly passed the Assembly, on the 14th of October, but it met with defeat in the council. Upon this second failure a bill was filed in the court of chancery. The purchasers of Newtown took prompt measures to resist this procedure, and met on February 9th 1702; the record of which meeting states that Captain Thomas Lawrence and certain other persons have put a bill in chancery against several of the freeholders’ patents within the township of Newtown, and, as is supposed, against the patent that includes the whole town, in order to destroy the said patents and make them void and of no effect; to prevent which the town chose a committee of three to employ counsel and act in their defense. The means thus taken were successful, and the residents of Hell Gate Neck, determined not to be thwarted in their purpose, drew up the following petition, and presented it to the governor and council on the 11th of May 1703: "To his excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury, Her Majesty’s Captain- General and Governor- in- Chief of the province of New York, and territories depending thereon, in America, and Vice- Admiral of the same, &c., in council: The humble petition of several of the free holders and inhabitants of the town of Newtown, in Queens county, on the Island of Nassau, sheweth: That Richard Nicolls, Esq., in the year 1666, being governor- general of this province under the Duke of York, granted unto Captain Richard Betts, Captain Thomas Lawrence, and others, as patentees for and on behalf of themselves and their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of said town, their heirs, successors, and assigns, a parcel of land then commonly called by the name of the town of Newtown, bounded as in the said patent is more particularly expressed, given to the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever. That your excellency’s petitioners, or those they claim under, being at and before the time of the granting of said patent actually possessed of and entitled to houses, lands tenements, and hereditaments within the bounds of the said patent, as well as several other persons, and thereby entitled with them to such lands which were then d and remained in common, hoped and behave had the advantage of said patent in common amongst the rest of the patentees; but so it is, may it please your excellency, that Samuel Moore, Thomas Stevenson, Joseph Sackett, Edward Hunt and John Way, with several of the inhabitants of the said town, of their own heads, without any power or authority for their so doing, have from time to time, as they think fit, assembled and met together, and given away, sold and disposed of great parts of the said town lands lying in common, as aforesaid, without the consent of your excellency’s petitioners, or without any allowance to them for their right and interest therein, contrary to all justice and equity. Your excellency’s petitioners therefore humbly pray that your excellency in council will please to order the said persons to be summoned before your excellency, and require them to bring with them all such books, papers or other things- as are in their or either of their custody, possession or power, relating to the premises, in order that the same may be fully discovered, and that your excellency, being particularly informed of the hardships your petitioners lie under, may grant them such redress as in your wisdom you may think fit. And your excellency’s petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. "This petition was signed by William Lawrence, John Lawrence, John Van Alst, George Van Alst, William Parcell, John Parcell, Jacob Fyn, Roelof Pietersen, Thomas Skillman, Cornelius Bries, Andrew Van Alst, Peter Praa, Daniel Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence, Syrach Titus, Peter Lott, Teunis Titus, William Post, John Coe, Jacobus Harcks, John Hart, Rebert Coe, Jonathan Coe, and David Coe. "Pursuant to the prayer of the petitioners the council summoned the clerk of Newtown to produce the books and papers of the town, which were given into the hands of three gentlemen of the council to examine the same and report how far the said books and papers do make out the allegations contained in the petition. These gentlemen rendered a report on January 6th 1704, upon which the council directed a second examination of the records to be made by a new committee." The members of the first committee were Rip Van Dam, Gerard Beekman and Caleb Heathcote. The second was composed of Sa. Sh. Broughton, Thomas Wenham and Matthew Ling. They rendered a report to Lord Cornbury, dated New York, February 3d 1704, in which, after referring to the report of the former committee and the "allegations of the petitioners and those petitioned against," they stated: "We find that before the granting of Colonel Nicolls’s patent to the town of Newtown a society of people had purchased and did occupy and enjoy a parcel of land commonly called and known by the name of the town of Middleburg, and that the said Colonel Richard Nicolls, by his patent bearing date the sixth day of March one thousand six hundred and sixty- six, did confirm to them the said purchase, and adjoin certain out plantations, not any ways concerned in the purchasing of the aforesaid tract of land, and made them all one township without any distinct reservation of the properties of the said purchasers entire to themselves; notwithstanding which the inhabitants of Middleburg (afterward called Newtown) have acted distinct as to the sale and disposal of the lands purchased by them, or those under whom they claim, and have by themselves, at their own proper charges, maintained suits at law to maintain the bounds and title of their said purchase, without any contribution from the out- plantations. And we do further find that the Lawrences and Coes and some few others of the petitioners were original purchasers of the said town of Middleburg, and have had their proportionable shares of the said purchase laid out to them; and particularly that the father of William Lawrence, one of the petitioners hath transferred his right in the said purchase to one George Wood, as appears by the books of said town that it appears to us that the matters complained of now by the petitioners were stirred in Colonel Dougan’s time, who, by his patent dated the five- and- twentieth day of November one thousand six hundred and eighty- six, likewise makes them one township, but reserves to the original purchasers of the town of Middleburg their distinct right to the said lands to them and their heirs only. And we do further find that the books of the town of Newtown have been very imperfectly kept, but that on the whole it does appear to us that the said patent granted by the said Colonel Dongan was issued on mature consideration, and that ever since the granting thereof the patentees have acted according to the settlement of the said patent, and that all parties have rested satisfied under the said grant without any complaint made by them until the exhibiting of the said petition. They do not seem to us to be guilty of the matters therein alleged against them." February 10th 1704 a final hearing of the case before the council was had, when it was decided that "the subject matter of the petition was frivolous" and it was rejected. This seems to have been one of those unfortunate disagreements which seem almost inseparable from the process of settling new sections and vesting the title to the land in individuals after it has long lain in a body under the ownership of a company or association. That the inhabitants of Hell Gate Neck imagined themselves really wronged is more than indicated by the persistency with which they all and severally urged their claim. Once settled, the disagreement was soon lost, sight of in the march of improvement.A TRAGEDY OF LONG AGO.
The following account of the cold- blooded murder of seven people, committed within the present borders of Long Island City nearly a century and three quarters ago, is extracted from Riker’s "Annals of Newtown": "Very near the present settlement of Middletown there lived a thrifty farmer, William Hallett jr., who held a portion of the land which his paternal grandfather had purchased of the natives. Near neighbors there were few or none, but his domestic hearth was enlivened by the presence of five children and a fond wife who was expected soon to add another to their store of conjugal comforts. In the family were two colored slaves, a man and wife, the former an Indian. Incensed, as was said at the time, because they were restrained from going abroad on the Sabbath, the woman meditated revenge and assured her husband that if he would only kill the whole family then the farm and everything pertaining to it would become his own. He at last yielded to the wicked suggestion and accomplished the atrocious deed while his victims were asleep. It was on Saturday night, the 24th of January 1708. Hoping to screen, themselves from suspicion they concluded to be the first to announce the tragedy, and with this intent the female fiend, the prime instigator of the deed, set out early the next morning for Hallett’s Cove. Entering a house, her first exclamation was: "Oh, dear! they have killed master and missis and the children with an axe, and only Sam and I have escaped." The truth, however, was too palpable and the guilty creature soon confessed who was the real murderer. Both were straightway arrested and lodged in Jamaica jail. Tidings of the affair were at once sent to Governor Cornbury, who immediately issued a special warrant to the judges, before whom, at Jamaica, the prisoners were arraigned for trial, and being found guilty they were executed on the plains east of that village on Monday February 2nd in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The woman was burnt at the stake. Her accomplice was hung in gibbets and placed astride a sharp iron, in which condition he lived some time; and in a state of delirium which ensued, believing himself to be on horseback, would urge forward his supposed animal with the frightful impetuosity of a maniac, while the blood oozing from his lacerated flesh streamed from his feet to the ground. How rude the age that could inflict such tortures, however great the crime committed. Mr. Hallett was a son of Captain William Hallett, then one of His Majesty’s justices of the peace. He was in the prime of life and had served the town in various public capacities. The event which so prematurely terminated his life and those of his family produced a strong sensation in the province, and a law was passed shortly after, making mention of the occurrence and entitled "An act for preventing the conspiracy of slaves." The dwelling where the murder was committed is still (1852) remembered by many, it having remained until the beginning of the present century. It was built of brick and stood in the hollow on the west side of the road, opposite the late residence of Mr. Marks and within a few feet of the small house now erected there. The well which belonged to these premises remains still in use. With this spot the juveniles were wont to associate the idea of ghosts and hobgoblins; it was noted as the scene of marvelous appearances witnessed by the timid traveler at the dim, mysterious hour of twilight, and was often pointed at by’ the passing school boy as "the haunted house." By some it is stated that the assassination of the Hallett family was only part of a plot among the slaves of the vicinity to possess themselves of the property of their masters. There must have been some evidence in support of this theory, for it is related that on Tuesday, February 10th, a week and a day after the execution of the murderers, two negro men were put to death for complicity in the crime and several others had been arrested and were awaiting trial. Yet, had the murderous movement been a general one it would doubtless be recorded that still others were punished. In the absence of such a statement it is fair to presume it was not.REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS.
In common with other portions of Long Island the territory now embraced within the limits of the city was the scene of stormy, events during the Revolutionary war. Some of the more prominent of these are referred to herein. On the morning of August 29th 1776 the British light dragoons from Jamaica scoured Newtown, "and while it was yet early," wrote Riker, in his "Annals of Newtown," "guided by one George Rapelye, a loyalist, came along the poor bowery and halted at Jacobus Lent’s (late Isaac Rapelye’s) to get some bread. Brandishing their naked swords they declared that they were in pursuit of that d- d rebel, Dr. Riker. The doctor had spent the night in visiting different sections of the town and tearing down Howe’s proclamations, that none might be mislead and induced at this critical juncture to remain and accept British protection instead of hastening to the support of the American arms. The females at Mr. Lent’s were terrified at the ferocious appearance of the light horse, and, observing the greediness with which they broke and ate the dry bread, Balche, a colored woman, innocently inquired of her mistress whether they would not eat them. They dashed off toward Hell Gate, but the doctor had escaped in a boat to Barn Island and thus eluded the demons in human form." August 31st General Robertson, in command of a British force, was marching from Brooklyn, via Bedford and Cripplebush, to Hell Gate to oppose General Lee, who was reported to be landing there with an army. When he arrived at Hallett’s Cove, finding no enemy, he took up his quarters at William Lawrence’s place (known later as Whitfield’s and Halsey’s) and encamped his army of 10,000 in tents on the hill and in Hallett’s lot. At that time nearly the whole English army was within a few miles of there. Says Riker: "The East River now only separated these hostile legions of Britain and the army of Washington. Two such combatants were not calculated to remain inactive in such close juxtaposition longer than was required to recover from the confusion of the recent battle. Indeed, no sooner had General Robertson made an encampment at Hell Gate and his cannon arrived than a battery was planted on a point of land at Hallett’s Cove, which opened on Sunday September 1st at Horn’s Hook, on New York island, and being returned in a spirited manner an incessant firing was kept up on both sides the whole day, during which the enemy threw above a hundred shells, killing one of our men and wounding several. Some of the American shot fell on the land of William Lawrence, but it is not known what damage the British sustained. This cannonading continued for several days, by which the enemy were so emboldened that on Tuesday they crossed in considerable numbers to Blackwell’s Island, but the shot from our batteries proving too warm for them they soon recrossed the river." In the meantime the British troops made frequent incursions upon the contiguous portions of the island and a number of residents of Whig proclivities were made prisoners and subjected to detention and indignity. General Robertson’s army, a little after the middle of September, vacated Hell Gate, which was invested by the Hessians under General De Heister, who in company with General Clark was quartered in the house of William Lawrence. The Hessians remained three weeks and then left to join in the movement against New York. Late in the fall of 1780 the British frigate "Hussar," bound for New England with pay for the British army, in attempting to pass Hell Gate, struck the Pot Rock, and, floating as far as Morris Island, "there filled," according to Riker, "and sunk in deep water, carrying down several of the crew, who were drowned." In a note he added: "Since the Revolution several attempts have been made to raise and search this vessel, under the impression that the military chest had not been removed. As far as disclosed nothing has been recovered except fragments of the wreck, a few pieces of cannon, some cases of bottled wine spoiled by the sea water, etc. A specimen of canister shot taken up from the ruins is in possession of the compiler, who visited the spot during a recent attempt to explore the wreck. She lies in very deep water, has fallen to pieces, and is nearly imbedded in mud. It is said that this vessel lay anchored in Hallett’s Cove one or two days before she attempted to pass the gate, and that circumstances favored the belief that the money she contained was smuggled ashore during that time and then the vessel purposely run upon the rocks to sink her and conceal the embezzlement. If this be true, much useless labor has been expended upon the wreck." The Prince of Hesse’s infantry, under Captain Aldenberg, were quartered in the fall of 1779 at John Morrell’s at Dutch Kills. Another force of Hessians was quartered near Jacobus Riker’s, with orders to supply itself with fuel from the lands of William Lawrence and Peter Rapelye, both of whom were patriots. The next fall and winter that part of Long Island City at Dutch Kills, once the land of John Bragaw, later William Gosman’s, was the camping place of Lord Cornwallis’s regiment, the thirty- third, who are known to have occupied huts on Bragaw’s domain. "There is an order," wrote Riker, "dated December 20th 1780, demanding John Bragaw and five of his neighbors to cart the provisions of said regiment till further orders. Very likely, too, they were the grenadiers called ‘Macaronies,’ for their neatness, who, according to Mr. Onderdonk, lay at the Kills. They are represented as large, noble- looking fellows; one of their captains, Hildebrand Oakes, was billeted in Mr. Bragaw’s family, a portly, handsome man, who after the war returned to England and became a distinguished officer in the British service. The members of this regiment were destitute of the usual facings upon their coats, of which they had been deprived, it was said, for having lost their colors in an engagement. Their huts were fifty feet long and of a rectangular form, thus being open at the south to admit the sun’s rays, the roof thatched and the three sides sodded up to the eaves to keep off the northwest wind. The inner wall was of square hewn logs, and in the center of the enclosure formed by the huts the soldiers were wont to parade and perform military evolutions. Those huts were also occupied for a time by the new raised corps," as were called the provincial forces mustered by order of Sir William Howe, "to suppress the unnatural rebellion." During the spring of this year the 37th regiment of grenadiers, under Colonel Sir Eyre Coote, K.B., was encamped at Hell Gate. In the Tall of 1781 the Royal Foresters, under Colonel John Connolly, were stationed near Hell Gate. Lieutenant Barry, one of their officers, died of fever in October 1781, and was buried with the honors of war at Hallett’s Cove. The Foresters passed the winter there. Also during this fall a part of the British Legion lay at Hell Gate, and a division of the Queen’s Rangers went into winter quarters, on the farm owned by George Brinckerhoff and later by William Bragaw. Thus it will be seen that some portions of the present city were long under the sway of the British forces, and patriot residents participated in the effects of the general depredations visited by the soldiers and tories on persons of their way of thinking throughout Long Island. That the constant presence of the enemy was oppressive may well be imagined, yet it must not be forgotten that many leading citizens were allied to or at least favored the British cause, and that opinion was much divided in those days upon subjects of public interest. It is safe to say that royalists and patriots alike gladly hailed peace after the long period of war through which all had unhappily passed, and the absence of the soldiery was regarded as a cause for rejoicing. One point in the present city was one of unusual interest in those days. That was the tavern of Peter Fitzsimmons, in widow Betts’s house at Hallett’s Cove, a hostelry much resorted to by soldiers, refugees and royalists.EARLY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
The business center of the present city was at first at Astoria, or Hallett’s Cove, as that locality was long called, At a quite early day William Hallett established a lime- yard at Hallett’s Cove. In the same vicinity, on the north side of the ridge, clay was dug from which the Halletts made bricks in considerable quantities. In 1753 Captain Jacob Blackwell and Joseph Hallett put up a grist- mill on Sunswick Creek, Hallett’s Cove, which was furnished with two runs of stones and bolting appliances. Whether the bolting machinery was propelled by water or hand power cannot now be ascertained, As the dam necessarily obstructed the passage of boats on the creek, a canal, the course of which was traceable more than a century later, was opened some distance above, across to the river, with a gate at either end for the convenience of George Van Alst, John McDonough and John Greenoak, who found it necessary frequently to pass by boat. In 1756 Captain Blackwell became sole proprietor of this mill, and some years later he sold it to Hendrick Suydam, who operated it for many years after the Revolution. Among the many refugees who came to the section during the Revolutionary war was one Peter Fitzsimmons, a merchant, who after the war retired to St. John, New Brunswick. In the spring of 1782 he opened a tavern at the house of the widow Betts, on the Grant Thorburn property of a later day, which was announced in Rivington’s Gazette. He informed the public that he also had the ferry on the opposite side, at Horne’s Hook, and kept "horse- boats and small boats for passengers. Ferriage for man and horse, 2s.; horse and chaise, 4.s.; cattle, 2s.; passengers, 1s." Henry F. Blackwell was for many years the only merchant in the village. Later the business which he established was carried on by Blackwell and Curtis. The first postmaster in the village was Daniel Andrews. The present manufacturing interests of the city are considered elsewhere. Former enterprises at Astoria not now in existence were Blackwell & Co.’s turpentine manufactory, Smith, Stratton & Co.’s varnish factory, John Hunt & Co.’s hat factory. The old carpet factory which was long well and widely known. This was established about 1840, perhaps a little earlier, by Richard Clark, who occupied the stone building now a portion of the works of the "Hyde. Manufacturing Company," and some wooden buildings. Soon afterward the business passed into the hands of Mr. Higgins, who conducted it until late in 1851 or early in 1852, when the wooden buildings were burned. John McAloney, who had been superintendent of the works for Mr. Higgins, re-established the business on a small scale very soon afterward, and in 1853 built the brick building yet standing, together with other buildings and improvements. Arthur Donnelly was his partner until the spring of 1854. From this date until the fall of 1857 Mr. McAloney carried on an extensive business alone; but he became embarrassed financially and did only a very small business until the fall of 1858, when he resumed the enterprise on an extensive scale, and continued it with more or less success until the year 1873. This establishment was for years a very prominent business interest.PROFESSIONAL AND WELL KNOWN PEOPLE.
The first physician at Astoria was Dr. Hersey Baylies, who died there after a practice of thirty- five years. A homoeopathist came later, who in time inherited some property in Canada and removed thither. Dr. Connor, a well remembered local practitioner, died during an epidemic of ship fever. Dr. Hutton, who also died in Astoria, was well known in his time. Drs. Trask sen. and jr., Dr. Baylies jr., and Drs. Chamberlain, Taylor and Baur are the later and present physicians. Samuel Stevens, Mr. Bartow, Robert Benner and A.P. Ditmars were early lawyers in Astoria. The present resident members of the legal profession are Messrs. Shipman, Larocque, Benner & Son, F.E. Blackwell & Brother, Foster, Conkling and Stearns. Mrs. Mary Cornell, widow of Isaac Cornell, is a daughter of Richard Cheeseman, the second sheriff of Queens county, and now resides in Astoria. Her husband served in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Fort Greene. Mrs. Cornell is the recipient of a pension on account of said service. Any extended reference to Astoria would be incomplete without mention of Stephen A. Halsey, who did so much toward the improvement of the village that by many he is spoken of as having been its "father." He was born in New York city, in 1798. In 1834, having purchased a house in Flushing, he took up his residence there, and having almost daily to pass Astoria on his way to and from the city, he was led by the beauty of its situation to buy land and remove there, which he did in 1835. As soon as he was located he devoted himself vigorously to the work of public improvement. He built dwellings, put up buildings for factories, stores, carpenter and blacksmiths’ shops, and induced the mechanic, the tradesman, the baker and the butcher to occupy them and settle in the place. It was through him that the locality was called Astoria, in honor of John Jacob Astor, he proposing to Mr. Astor so to name it on condition that the latter would make a donation to a young ladies’ seminary then in course of erection there, which Mr. Astor did. Mr. Halsey was prominent in the movement which led to the incorporation of Astoria, and he was elected a trustee of the village for many consecutive years. In the building of most of the churches in the village, notably those of the Reformed and Presbyterian denominations, Mr. Halsey was liberal and helpful. The large stone mansion on Fulton street near the ferry, now the residence of Judge Monson, was built by Mr. Halsey, of stone quarried within a few yards of where the building stands, and was finished in 1840. He purchased the ferry to 86th street, New York, called in old times Home’s Hook ferry, and improved it for the better accommodation of the public. The numerous trees which beautify that portion of Long Island City were most of them planted by Mr. Halsey or through his influence. He was instrumental in securing the passage of the bill for the public school of Astoria and in putting it in operation. He died in 1875. An early physician at Hunter’s Point was Dr. L. Graves, who died there about two years since. Dr. Z.P. Dennler came at a comparatively early date, and is still living there. Dr. Burnett is a prominent resident physician. The first resident practitioner at Dutch Kills was Dr. Byer, who was succeeded by Dr. De Witt Hitchcock some three years ago. Early attorneys at Hunter’s Point were William E. Pearse and D.B. Penfield. Solomon B. Noble came early and is still practicing there. Other resident lawyers are Ralph Burnett, Lucian N. Manley, A.T. Payne and Isaac Kugelman,REMINISCENCES OF THE LATE EDWIN MILLS.
The following, called "A Little Sketch of what Astoria was Twenty- five Years Ago," and dated October 1st 1866, was found among the papers of the late Edwin Mills, long prominently identified with the leading local interests: "Twenty- five years ago to- day I moved to Astoria, and I have occupied the same house ever since. There are now but six families living in the same houses they then occupied, to wit: Henry Smith, Mrs. R.M. Blackwell, Mrs. Blossom (then Mrs. H.F. Blackwell), Miss Bragaw (where C.W. Strang now lives), Miss Davis, in Greenoak street, and Captain Bounty. "There were two churches, the Episcopal, Rev. J.W. Brown rector, and the Reformed Dutch, Rev. A.H. Bishop pastor. Both pastors long since died and both churches have been cut in two and enlarged. There were two hotels, both at the ferry. Captain How kept the house now occupied by Mr. Wilson; Captain Tinker the stone house opposite. Both were well kept for those days, and did a prosperous business. At that time Eighty- sixth street and Third avenue were in splendid traveling condition; the teams from Flushing all coming this way, it was no uncommon thing to see ten or twenty hay and market wagons waiting for their turn to cross the ferry. It was customary then for many of the best citizens, middle- aged and even old men (not boys), to spend a portion of almost every evening at one of the hotels, play a few games of dominoes and take one or more of Captain Tinker's celebrated brandy punches (not half a dozen glasses or a pailful of lager or ale, as is the custom nowadays). They went home and spent the balance of their evening with their families. These were all respectable, temperate men. On Christmas and New Year’s eves they invariably had a raffle for poultry and would stay a little later and indulge a little more freely. This custom would probably be condemned at the present day as setting a bad example to the rising generation, but it had this good effect- it rendered the hotels more respectable, better kept and more quiet and orderly, and kept boys from frequenting them; in fact boys at that time had not got the idea that hotels, strong drink and cigars were meant expressly for them. "I think of but two families living west of Perrott avenue. There were living in that part of the village at that time Dan Tuttle and Sammie Fagan. Mr. Halsey was living in the house now occupied by Captain Munson; Mr. Bolles was living with him. Mr. Bishop lived in the house now occupied by Mr. Tier; a Mr. Mount in Mr. Reboul’s house. There were no other houses in Perrott avenue."REMINISCENCES OF JOHN BRAGAW.
"The ‘water- side,’ now Ravenswood, was owned by William Payntar 2nd, Joseph Totten and Colonel Gibbs. The place of the latter was known as the Delafield homestead. The owner from whom it received this name was known as Lord Delafield, and, as the stately mansion, still standing, would indicate; the farm was then a lordly place. "Dutch Kills, which lay on both sides of the creek of that name, was as choice a spot of earth as any one need wish for. On the east side of the creek the farms extended from its bank back from half to three- fourths of a mile and comprised about 100 acres each. Commencing at Newtown Creek on the south, they were owned successively by Francis Duryea, whose farm is now included in Blissville, Charles Debevoise and John Debevoise, until the De Witt or Brinckerhoff place was reached, and beyond that were the farms of Abraham Payntar and Abram Rapelyea. All of these places are now held by Messrs. Thompson and Foster, Union College, and R. Lennox Kennedy. In the progress of city improvements the steam plow has made sad havoc with these farms, having lowered the grade of portions of them from 30 to 40 feet. Next was the farm of William Payntar 1st. North of that was the Richard Bragaw place. On the west side of the creek were the two Van Alst places and the James Lorremore, the Gardner and the Jacob Polhemus farms. "In those days Dutch Kills was an Arcadia. Each family owned and cultivated its own farm and each owned from two to four slaves. The latter were practically members of the family to which they were attached. They were reared with the children of their masters, and in sickness or health had a certain home and plenty to eat and wear; were well taken care of and required to do only a reasonable amount of work. The negroes had their Sunday preaching by their own preacher, gathering regularly for service in large numbers. When a slave was dissatisfied with his master he demanded a ‘pass’ for a certain number of days to look for a new place, and if he found one his old master and his prospective one settled the matter between them and the ownership of the negro changed. When the emancipation act went into effect, and the negroes got their freedom and changed their homes and mode of living, rum and idleness soon nearly extinguished the whole local race of them. "The farmers were very independent in those days. They had no rent or interest money to pay and taxes were light, averaging from 10 to 20 cents per acre; with a fair degree of industry they were enabled to fill their barns and cellars to repletion. The old Ryerson mill was a great convenience to them, as it obviated the necessity of carrying their grists far. There was a neighborhood school- house a rod square, with the lot around it three feet larger each way, the school in my day scarcely numbering at any time as many as fifty scholars. The teacher was paid $200 per annum and boarded around. The people were compelled to go to Newtown village to church, and there was neither a tavern nor a blacksmith shop at the Kills. I am the only one of my generation, out of all the native born inhabitants of the 3d ward, living in the ward and in the house in which he was born, and there are very few of the succeeding generation similarly circumstanced. "The communication with the city of New York was by means of row boats from the old dock near the old school- house, and in the season this was quite a mart of commerce. What with the nightly departure of the market boats for the old fly market, and the arrival of the ‘manned boats’ laden with manure for the farmers, it was really a lively place. The manure was mostly street dirt from New York, and for wheat, corn and grass was then considered very valuable. One other way to the city was over the penny bridge to Grand street ferry, Williamsburgh, about four miles. The river was crossed in horse boats. I remember a voyage made by myself as captain and a negro boy as crew and all hands, to the site of the present Bellevue hospital with a boat load of rye. The place was then called ‘Bridewell.’ There was a treadmill there for grinding grain for the use of the prison only. That was before the city bought Blackwell’s Island. In my early days we had one weekly paper, brought to us from Brooklyn by a man on horseback. "Crime was a thing hardly known in this community. The whole machinery of the court consisted of a constable, who was judge, jury and executioner. The criminals were chiefly negroes and were few in number. There were few crimes graver than chicken- stealing. Chickens were indispensable in darkey jollifications. The thieves were readily detected and caught. The constable would arrest them, tie them to a tree and whip them on the bare back. As he almost invariably punished them with nothing more formidable than a twig, they never suffered much, except the disgrace of being known as chicken thieves. For the support of this simple judicial system the town was taxed at the rate of about $1 per day, a man’s wages during harvest. There was no appeal from the decisions of the court."ASTORIA- INCORPORATION, BOUNDARIES AND OFFICERS.
The following is a copy of a document on file with the records of the late village of Astoria in the office of the mayor of Long Island City, entitled "An act to incorporate the village of Astoria, passed April 12th 1839." "The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: "Section 1. The village hereby incorporated shall be composed of all that part of the town of Newtown which lies within the following lines and bounds- to wit: Commencing on the East River at the point of intersection between the farms of John Lawrence and Charles Richmond and following the dividing line of said farms to the land of Stephen Hallett, deceased; thence following the line between said John Lawrence’s land and the land of said Stephen Hallett, deceased, to the land owned by Henry F. Blackwell and G.C. Furman; thence following the line dividing last mentioned land of the before mentioned John Lawrence to the land of one Rapelye, deceased; thence along the division line of the last mentioned land and land of the before mentioned Blackwell and Furman, to the land of Jeromus J. Rapelye; thence along the line dividing land of the said Jeromus J. Rapelye and land of the before mentioned Rapelye, deceased, to the land of James McDonald; thence along the line dividing the land of said James McDonald and land of the before mentioned Jeromus J. Rapelye, to the Flushing avenue; thence crossing the Flushing avenue and following the line dividing land of said James McDonald from land of Dr. Baylies, to the Newtown avenue; thence crossing said Newtown avenue and following the south side of the said avenue to the land of Abraham Polhemus; thence following the line dividing said Polhemus’s land from land of the before named James McDonald, to the land now or late of Lewis Hartman and others; thence along the line dividing the land of said Hartman and others and the land of said James McDonald, to land of Samuel Stevens; thence along the line dividing land of said Samuel Stevens from the land of said James McDonald and the farm of Samis, to land of William R. Prince; thence following the line that divides the land of said William R. Prince from the farm of said Abel Samis, to the ridge road; thence crossing the ridge road to the land of Richard Clark and following the line dividing the said Richard Clark’s land from the farm of the before mentioned Abel Samis, to the land of William R. Prince, known as the McDonough farm;’ thence following the line dividing said McDonough farm from the land of said Richard Clark and of H.L. Penfield, to other lands of said Richard Clark; thence along last mentioned line to the land of Jacob Polhemus; thence along the line dividing land of said Jacob Polhemus from land of before ‘mentioned Richard Clark, to Sunswick Creek; thence following the middle of the channel of said creek to Hallett’s Cove or Bay; and thence following the line of the cove and East River at low water mark to land of John Lawrence at the place of beginning- shall hereafter continue to be known and distinguished by the name of the ‘Village of Astoria,’ and the freeholders and inhabitants residing in said village, are constituted a body corporate by name of the trustees of the village of Astoria. "Section 2.- The corporation hereby created shall possess all the powers and privileges and be subject to all the restrictions and limitations which are granted to or imposed upon the trustees of the village of Angelica by the act incorporating that village, May 2nd 1835." The first charter election for the village of Astoria was held at the house of Benjamin Franklin Shaw, June 11th 1839, from 5 to 6 o’clock p.m. The following officers were elected:. Homer Whittemore, Robert M. Blackwell, William H. Bolles, Alfred R. Mount and Stephen A. Halsey, trustees; Henry F. Blackwell, Hersey Baylies and John B. Reboul, assessors; William T. Payntar, treasurer; William T. Payntar, clerk; James O. Jackson, collector and constable. After the counting of the ballots the board of trustees organized in the same room in which the election had been held. Homer Whittemore was chosen president. Trustees have served as follows: Homer Whittemore, 1839, 1840, 1843- 48; Joseph M. McJinsey, 1841; Stephen A. Halsey, 1839, 1842, 1863; Nathaniel Felbey 1849, 1850; Josiah M.Whitney, 1851,1856, 1857,1869: W.J. Townsend, 1852; Henry Baylies, 1853; C.R. Trafford, 1854, 1855, 1864; John R. Morris, 1858; John McAloney, 1859, 1860; A. Gallatin Stevens 1861; Gabriel Mace, 1862; Charles W. Strang, 1865; R.M.C. Graham, 1866- 68; W.R. Taylor, 1870 and until Astoria lost its corporate identity in Long Island City.THE IMPROVEMENT OF HELL GATE.
Hell Gate is the name given to the narrow ship channel between Long Island and Ward’s Island which connects Long Island Sound, by means of the East River, with New York Bay. It is of sufficient depth to permit the passage of the largest vessels at either tide were it not for numerous reefs and sunken rocks and the swift changing eddies of the tide among them. Owing to these obstructions Hell Gate was impassable for large ships and very dangerous for smaller craft. It was the scene of many wrecks and of great destruction of life and property. It will be remembered that it was on Pot Rock (which is now being mined, preliminary to its destruction) that the English ship "Hussar" was wrecked. The removal of these destructive obstacles to navigation was an urgent necessity, not only to open a shorter and safe commercial highway to the east, but also to facilitate the defense of New York city in case of war and blockade. "The United States government and the merchants of New York city had turned their attention to this, object long before any effective means of removing submarine obstructions was known. In 1848 Lieutenants Commanding Charles H. Davis and David Porter of the navy made a careful survey of Hell Gate, and pointed out the Gridiron as the most dangerous reef and the Pot and Frying- Pan Rocks, Way’s Reef and the Bread- and- Cheese Reef, by Blackwell’s Island, as also very dangerous. They recommended that the first three named be destroyed by blasting. Lieutenant Davis further advised that the middle of the channel also be cleaned out by blasting, but Lieutenant Porter questioned the feasibility of this operation. He proposed the destruction of part of Hallett’s Point Reef. He also advised that the large reefs should be faced with walls or piers, conforming to the outline of the rocks and provided with spring fenders that would turn vessels striking against them into the channel. No effective method of submarine blasting was then known, and these officers suggested no new devices for carrying out the provisions of their report. The first effort at opening the channel was made in 1851, when about $14,000 was contributed by the citizens of New York and expended in surface- blasting different rocks in Hell Gate. M. Maillefert, the inventor of the method, superintended the work. His p]an consisted simply in exploding charges of powder on the surface of the rocks by means of the electric current. At first this method was successful, but after the rough projections of rock were removed and a smoother surface reached it was very difficult to go deeper. Although M. Maillefert accomplished a valuable work his method proved wholly insufficient to remove any considerable portion of the obstructions. In the following year Congress was induced to appropriate $20,000 to carry on the work. Of this sum $18,000 was consumed in lowering Pot Rock two feet. In 1856 the advisory council to the "commission relative to the encroachments and preservation of New York Harbor" in their report upon the improvement of Hell Gate recommended that Pot Rock, the Frying-Pan, Way’s Reef, part of Hallett’s Point Reef and numerous small rocks near shore be removed by drilling, instead of by the Maillefert process, and that sea walls be erected, similar to those proposed by Lieutenant Davis. No improvements were, undertaken, however, for several years. In 1866 Brevet Major- General Newton of the United States Engineers was commissioned to examine Hell Gate. He made a survey and reported to Congress the following year. In 1868 Congress made the first appropriation ($85,000) for carrying out General Newton’s plans for the work. The contract for the removal of Pot and Frying- Pan Rocks was awarded to Sidney F. Shelbourne. He worked unsuccessfully upon these rocks with a machine driven at first by water power and afterward by steam. It was finally destroyed by a collision. The Maillefert contract expired with the year 1869. After Way’s Reef had been lowered to the depth of 1754 feet and Sheldrake to 18 4- 5 feet, General Newton assumed control of the work. In May 1871 a scow drilling-machine was put in operation, after long and careful experiments to determine, the proper weight of drills and size of points, and also upon the explosive power of nitro glycerine. The Frying- Pan was leveled in July 1872. August 5th work was commenced upon Pot Rock. Forty holes were blasted. During the work sixteen collisions occurred here, and two of the vessels were sunk. Work was then suspended until stricter regulations should be enforced upon pilots. Way’s Reef was removed to the depth of 26 feet below mean low tide during 1874. Hallett’s Point Reef was a particularly dangerous obstruction in the east channel, as it did not leave sufficient seaway for vessels floating down with the ebb and steering clear of Flood Rock. It also created dangerous eddies at either tide. The reef was of semi- circular form, 720 feet across and extending 300 feet into the channel. Since surface blasting had proved of so little avail it was determined to sink a shaft down into the rock and cut diverging lateral tunnels that should penetrate the rock in all directions, something like the workings in a coal mine. The walls of the tunnels were then to be charged with explosives, these to be connected with an electric battery, the water admitted, and the charges fired. On the 8th day of July 1869 was commenced the construction of a coffer dam, which was of irregular pentagonal form, reaching out 95 feet on the rock with a breadth of 145 feet at the shore. A shaft 95 by 105 feet was sunk 33 feet below mean low water. Ten tunnels were then driven into the rock and connected by cross- cut galleries at regular intervals. These tunnels extended from 51 to 126 feet before any of the transverse sections were made. They radiated from a center, and the galleries formed concentric lines around the shaft. As the distance between the tunnels increased additional branch tunnels were excavated, until the whole number was 35. There were 10 galleries, whose mean distance apart was 25 feet. The area covered by the tunnels and shaft was 2 5/8 acres. The number of piers left standing was 172. The total length of, tunnel was 4,857 feet, and of galleries 2,568 feet, making 7,425 feet in all. The inclination of the tunnels was raised so as to leave an average thickness of 10 feet between the mine and the water above. Constant pumping was necessary to keep the tunnels free from water. Great care had to be exercised not to leave too thin a roof and not to break through the roof by too heavy explosions. The variable inclination and foliation of the rock- a hard hornblende gneiss, with intersecting quartz veins- greatly enhanced the difficulties of the work. Of the total expense blasting represented 46 percent., and the removal of the rock to the shaft 17 per cent.; 47,461 cubic yards of rock were excavated and carried away through the shaft. When the works were ready for the explosion which was to destroy the remaining shell of the reef the pillars and roof were charged with thousands of small deposits of explosives, which were connected with an electric wire, except a certain number which were to be exploded by the concussion. In the later part of the work the engineers in charge were John Newton, lieutenant- colonel of engineers, brevet major-general; James Mercur, captain of engineers; Joseph H. Millard, first lieutenant of engineers; Julius H. Striedinger, civil engineer, assistant; Bernard F. Boyle, mining engineer, overseer; James I Quigley and Robert S. Burnett, assistants. On the day before the blast the water was let into the tunnels by means of a syphon over the side of the dam. All precautions were taken to insure the success of the explosion. A bomb- proof was erected for the protection of the batteries, 24 in number, and the wires were conducted over a plate in the bomb- proof in order to effect the simultaneous ignition of all the charges. Wires were laid to the shore, where the key for completing the circuit was located. The plate before mentioned was suspended over the cups of a battery containing mercury, and when the projections on the under surface of the plate dropped into the cups the electricity would be generated to explode the mine. This suspended plate was dropped by a current from the shore. After all the preparations had been completed with great care the 24th day of September 1876 at high tide was selected as the time for firing the charges. The day being Sunday, and the event having been announced in all the newspapers, an enormous crowd- probably greater than has witnessed any other spectacle in this region- gathered at all the favorable points of observation in New York city and on the neighboring islands, while speculators reaped a harvest by providing seats on boats, which lay as near the mine as was deemed safe. Signal guns fire according to a published plan warned the spectators when to expect the explosion. A few minutes before 3 in the afternoon the little daughter of General Newton, at her father’s direction, pressed the key of the battery, and in less than two seconds a tremor of the ground was felt, a sound, sharp though not loud, was heard, and great columns of water were thrown up 50 feet or more over the area of the excavation, together with fragments of rock and a dense black cloud of smoke and mist and the gases formed by the explosion. A chorus from the whistles of the steamboats hailed the crowning act in the great enterprise, and many of the small boats hastened to be first at the spot where the dreaded reef had been. The vibration of the earth was slight, as predicted by General Newton, yet was felt in New York. The immediate result was more satisfactory than had been anticipated. The rock was broken up into finer portions than was expected, which rendered its removal comparatively easy. Submarine dredges were soon put in operation and the higher portions dragged down into deeper water. In this work the remainder of the appropriation which had been made by Congress was expended.THE INCORPORATION OF LONG ISLAND CITY.
The westerly portion of the township of Newtown, extending from the limits of Brooklyn on the south to Long Island Sound on the north, separated from New York only by the East River, could not fail to become a place of considerable importance in point of population and the increased value of its property. The extraordinary growth and importance of the two great cities of New York and Brooklyn have within the last quarter of a century given such an impetus to property within twenty miles of New York as was never before witnessed around any cities of the world. This extraordinary development could not fail to reach that portion of the town of Newtown which is now called Long Island City. The terminus of the Long Island Railroad having been located at Hunter’s Point, the ferries having been established for nearly all important points in New York, Calvary Cemetery having been selected as the burial place of the Catholics of the city of New York, numerous and wealthy corporations and individuals having established manufactories on a most extensive scale along the banks of Newtown Creek and on the easterly shore of the East River, all conspired to increase the population and the value of property in this vicinity. Already there existed the two important villages of Astoria and Ravenswood, and the surrounding districts, though occupied as farm lands, had a large population. In addition to these there soon sprang up the villages of Hunter’s Point, Dutch Kills, Laurel Hill and Blissville; so that in 1869 there was a population of 15,000 inhabitants living between the old Bowery Bay road and the East River. As the population steadily increased and houses were erected on the farm lands without the laying out of streets, sewers, or water- mains, the roads soon became impassable; and, the town government being unable to supply the much needed improvements for want of legislative authority, the people suffered, and many of them petitioned the Legislature for relief. For many years the town had been heavily taxed for improvements which were forced upon the people through the influence of officials and politicians who, it is said, were sometimes unscrupulous in their charges, and in auditing their accounts. The expenses arising therefrom, together with the war debt, created grave cause of complaint by the people. The residents of that portion of the town now called Long Island City felt this oppression all the more because, as they alleged, their portion of the town had been for many years unfairly assessed. Those who paid most of the taxes complained of the manner in which elections were held and improvements made, and of the general administration of the government of the town. Fifteen years previous to the incorporation of Long Island City a number of liquor dealers of the town of Newtown formed a combination to resist through the courts the enforcement of the liquor law of the State. They finally succeeded. They continued their organization, but changed its object to politics, and were commonly known by the name of the "Newtown Ring." It became powerful and therefore successful; it controlled the elections, and it was stated that the votes polled were seldom counted, that the leaders of the ring declared those persons elected whose election they considered most advantageous to themselves or their party. A criminal having influence with the members of this ring would rarely be arrested for minor offenses, and if arrested his conviction was almost impossible. Exorbitant fees were charged and audited by officials for imaginary services. The district was the prey of thieves and the worst elements of the neighboring cities of New York and Brooklyn, and the number of town constables was entirely inadequate to the wants of the district. Among all these the greatest want felt was a sufficient supply of good water. For many years during the summer months the people were obliged to go over into Brooklyn for water to cook their meals. The water; obtained through many of the pumps in Hunter’s Point was evidently but the drainage of marsh lands. In the summer of 1874 there were 207 cases of typho- malarial fever traced by physicians to one pump in Seventh street near Central avenue. During seasons of drought there was but one pump in Third street to supply the wants of nearly 4,000 people, and not unfrequently from 50 to 100 persons might be seen awaiting their turn for water from this pump, and it was generally from two to three o’clock in the morning before all had obtained it. The citizens had frequently drafted charters and applied to the Legislature in the hope of obtaining local legislation to remedy these difficulties, but without avail. In the spring of 1870 they made another attempt. The charter for the incorporation of Long Island City was introduced in the Assembly by Mr. Baldwin, April 1st 1870, but like similar ones it made but little progress. A meeting of the citizens of all political, parties was held in Foster’s Hall to consider the question of incorporation and the passage of the charter. The hall was densely crowded. At this meeting a committee was appointed to wait on Father Crimmin, pastor of St. Mary’s church, and request him to address the meeting in relation to the incorporation of the district and the passage of the act. Father Crimmin consented and went to the meeting. .He spoke at length on the necessity and the advantages of the incorporation of the district. His views were indorsed by all present, and after he had withdrawn resolutions were adopted in favor of the passage of the bill and requesting Father Crimmin to go to Albany and to take in charge the advocacy of the act. Means were contributed to defray the necessary expenses and the engrossing of the bill. A petition was secured and signed by about 2,700 residents and free- holders. Father Crimmin went to Albany. He encountered grave opposition at every step, but succeeded in passing the bill through the Assembly and the Senate. It was strongly opposed before the governor. A day was fixed for the hearing of both sides. Those opposed were present with a delegation and a remonstrance signed by 72 landed proprietors, and their case was argued before the governor by able counsel. Father Crimmin inreply presented the signatures of 2,700 freeholders, and had as a delegationpresent the gentleman who secured the names to the petition and who were readyto testify to the genuineness of the signatures. The argument in favor of the charter was made by ex-Governor Lowe, of Maryland. The result was that the bill was signed May 6th 1870 by Governor Hoffman. Although some advantages were gained by the passage of this charter its provisions were entirely inadequate, and the appropriations allowed were entirely insufficient for the thorough organization of a municipal government and the maintenance of the public schools. Abram D. Ditmars, of Astoria, first mayor of Long Island City, and many other leading citizens desired that ‘sufficient appropriations should be obtained for the support of the public schools and the maintenance of a police force, and also that the powers conferred by the charter should be such as to enable the city to take measures for the introduction of a sufficient supply of good water, and to make a survey of the whole city. Accordingly about the beginning of 1871 the mayor appointed a committee of seventeen charged with the duty of drafting a revised charter, which should secure more fully the advantages of local self-government and the much needed improvements. The bill was completed, and was introduced in the Senate by Senator Frost during the session of 1871, and became a law April 13th that year. This law, with some modifications which have since been made, constitutes the charter of Long Island City at the present time. The development of Long Island City was but a part of a great plan which Father Crimmin had conceived not only for that locality but for the whole of Long Island, and to which he had intended to devote the energies of his whole life. In an interview which our historian had with the reverend gentleman in relation to Long Island he stated that his plan was, after the improvement of Long Island City, to endeavor to have the law taxing bonds and mortgages repealed, if not for the whole State at least for Long Island City (for, he said, millions of dollars had left the State of New York and sought investment in the State of New Jersey because of this tax); to urge the construction of the iron bridge across the East River at Blackwell’s Island, and by means of railroads over this bridge to connect every city and hamlet on Long Island directly with the great west, and thus to give it every advantage held by the remainder of the State; to open Newtown Creek to Flushing Avenue and Dutch Kills Creek and Sunswick Creek to the upland; and to run a railroad from Blackwell’s Island bridge to the head of Newtown Creek, thence to a grand central depot in the center of Brooklyn, connecting by freight trains with Gowanus Bay, Erie Basin, and other important and accessible water fronts. Since the construction of the elevated roads in the city of New York he sees an advantage in connecting these elevated railroads with the tracks over the Blackwell’s Island bridge, and thence to the various watering places on the shores of Long Island.CITY AND WARD BOUNDARIES.
The boundary line of Long Island City, "beginning at a point formed by the intersection of the easterly boundary line of the city and county of New York with the centerline of Newtown Creek," runs "thence easterly along the center line of said Newtown Creek to the westerly side of the Penny Bridge (so - called); thence northerly along the westerly side of the Bushwick and Newtown turnpike to the road on the southerly side of Calvary Cemetery, known as the road to Dutch Kills; thence along the center of said last named road to the southerly and westerly side of Calvary Cemetery as far as the boundaries of said cemetery extend; thence northerly along the said cemetery to the center of the road leading to Green Point along the northerly side of said cemetery; thence easterly along said last mentioned road to the intersection of the same with the road leading from Calvary Cemetery to Astoria; thence northerly and north- easterly along the center of said road, Dutch Kills road, Woodside avenue, Bowery Bay road, to the easterly boundary line of land formerly of Isaac Rapelye, on the northerly side of said Bowery Bay road; thence along the line of said Rapelye land to the Bowery Bay; thence along Bowery Bay and the sound to the northerly boundary line of the town of Newtown; thence northwesterly and southwesterly along said boundary line to the easterly boundary line of the city and county of New York; thence southwesterly along said last mentioned boundary line to the place of beginning." The new city was divided into five wards, described as follows: First Ward (Hunter’s Point)- "All that portion of the city lying between the center of Newtown Creek on the south, the westerly boundary line of Long Island City on the west, the center of Nott avenue and Boundary street on the north and the center of Dutch Kills Creek on the east." Second Ward (Blissville).- "Beginning at the junction of Newtown and Dutch Kills Creek, running thence easterly along the center of said Dutch Kills Creek to Boundary street; thence along the center of Boundary street to Jackson avenue; thence easterly along the center of said Jackson avenue to the easterly line of Long Island City; thence southerly along said boundary line to the southerly boundary line of said city and at the center of Newtown Creek; thence westerly along the southerly boundary line of said city to the place of beginning." Third Ward (Ravenswood).- "Beginning at a point on the westerly boundary of Long Island City, at its intersection with the center line of Nott avenue when extended on its present course to the said westerly boundary line of Long Island City; running thence northerly along said boundary line to its intersection with the center line of Sunswick Creek; running thence easterly and southerly along the center of said creek to the center of Pearce avenue; thence easterly along the center of said Pearce avenue to the center of First avenue; thence southerly along the center of said First avenue to the center of Webster avenue; thence easterly along the center of Webster avenue to the center of Jackson avenue; thence southwesterly along the center of Jackson avenue and Nott avenue to the point or place of beginning." Fourth Ward (Astoria).- "Beginning at a point in the westerly boundary line of Long Island City, at its intersection with the center line of Sunswick Creek, running thence northerly along said westerly boundary line to its intersection with the center line of Franklin street, when extended on its present course to the said westerly boundary line; thence easterly along the center of Franklin Street to the intersection of Flushing avenue; thence easterly along the center of said Flushing avenue to the easterly boundary line of said city at the center line of the Bowery Bay road; thence southerly along the said easterly boundary line to the center of Jackson avenue; thence southwesterly along the center of said Jackson avenue to the center of Webster avenue; thence westerly along said Webster avenue to the center of First avenue; thence northerly along the center of First avenue to the center of Pearce avenue thence westerly along the center of Pearce avenue to the center of said Sunswick Creek; thence northerly and westerly along the center of said creek to the point of beginning." Fifth Ward (Bowery Bay).- "All that portion of the city lying between the northerly boundary line of Long Island City on the north, the easterly boundary line of said city on the east, the westerly boundary line of the same on the west, and the Fourth ward on the south, together with all the islands opposite thereto and comprehended in the town of Newtown." The islands belonging to Long Island City are known as North Brother, South Brother and Berrien’s.THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
The first charter election of Long Island City was held July 5th 1870. Abram D. Ditmars was elected mayor. The following named persons were elected aldermen from their respective wards: First ward, Henry Rudolph, Patrick Lonergan; Second ward, Francis McNena, William E. Bragaw; Third ward, George H. Hunter, George H. Williams; Fourth ward, James R. Bennett, John Weigand; Fifth ward, Edward H. Hartshome, William Carlin. The board of aldermen organized July 8 1870. Mayor Ditmars was chosen president Egbert Conwith clerk. Robert T. Wild was appointed superintendent of streets, James Dennen as deputy; Anthony S. Woods, city marshal; J.L. Francen, sealer of weights and measures; Thomas Dewey and John Fautry, police constables. There were at first the departments of "finance," "law," "public works," "police and health," "education," "fire," "water" and "assessment." The "fire" and "water" departments have since been consolidated, reducing the number from eight to seven. The city officials in 1881 were as follows: Mayor, Henry S. De Bevoise; corporation counsel, J. Ralph Burnett; commissioner of public works, Russell Wright; treasurer, John R. Morris; deputy treasurer, William H. Morris; city clerk, Alexander Moran; deputy city clerk, Henry Van Alst; sanitary inspector, Dr. R.W. Taylor; register of records and assistant sanitary inspector, Conrad Deistel; captain of police, Anthony S. Woods. The board of ‘police and health is organized as follows: Richard Armstrong (president), Charles McNamara, Andrew Murray; The board of water and fire commissioners: Henry S. De Bevoise (president), Russell Wright, S.J. Kavanagh, Charles W. Hallett, F.H. Wolcott; The board of assessors: George H. Paynter (president), Charles B. Lathrop, James Gallagher; The board of education: Sylvester Gray (president), John Metz, James McBride, Henry C. Johnson, Henry P. Titus. Under the provisions of the charter there were at first two aldermen elected from each ward. Under an amendment passed during the legislative session of 1871- 72 three from each ward were elected until the passage of an act in 1879 reduced the number to one from each ward and two at large, the total since then being only seven. The aldermen in 1881 were: Patrick Lonergan, first ward; S.J. Kavanagh, second ward; Michael Donnelly, third ward; John L. Morris, fourth ward; Nicholas Nehrbauer, fifth ward. Aldermen- at- large: First district (first, second and third wards), Henry Rudolph; second district (fourth and fifth wards), August Rassiga. S.J. Kavanagh was president of the board. Abram D. Ditmars was the first mayor of Long Island City. He was elected July 5th 1870. In April 1873 Henry S. De Bevoise was elected to succeed him. Mr. Ditmars was again elected in April 1876, but soon resigned. John Quinn became acting mayor and served until succeeded by the present incumbent of the office.HENRY S. DE BEVOISE.
Hon. Henry S. De Bevoise, whose portrait is shown in the steel engraving on the opposite page, and whose early ancestry is more fully given in the De Bevoise family history on pages 317 and 318 of this work, is better known as Mayor De Bevoise of Long Island City He was born February 14th 1841; at the old homestead of his father, Andrew, in Long Island City. In this old place several generations of this illustrious family, first saw the light, and for over 160 years the old roof has been their shelter. Many are the memories that cluster around this spot, and if we could interview the stately old trees as well as the mayor’s young friends we might learn more of the generations that form the line of his descent from the original Carel De Beauvois, who settled in Brooklyn in 1659; for these venerable old locusts were here in a very early day. Under their branches the Hessians were camped in 1778, and one of them was used as a gibbet to hang the beeves which were killed for the use of the soldiers. The largest is literally filled with bullets and bullet holes which have been left by the knives of curiosity seekers. On this farm the early days of young De Bevoise were spent, and in the common school of thirty years ago the foundation of his education was laid. So rapid are the mutations which time works that, although that is but a third of a century ago, there are scarcely any left of those who were boys when Harry, as they used to call him, was a schoolboy. At the age of 14 he was placed in an academy in New York, and from this time he made rapid progress. When he was barely 21, he graduated with honors at the University of the City of New York, receiving the degree of LL.B. In the interim he had also completed a law clerkship in the office of the late Judge Ambrose L. Pinney, and after taking his degree he was admitted to the bar as attorney and counsellor at law. By business of a different character his attention was about this time diverted from the profession. He and his relatives were owners of a large tract of real estate which is now included in Long Island City. These lands were purchased by New York capitalists, and Mr. De Bevoise was selected by them as the proper person to represent their interests in improving and developing the property. The duties connected with this important and ever increasing trust are still properly discharged by him. Mr. De Bevoise came, into politics as a Democrat, in 1871, being then appointed city clerk, and in the mayoralty contest of the following year he was called to the head of the city government. Serving three years, he was defeated in 1875; but his competitor resigned in the following year and Mr. De Bevoise was elected to the vacancy. Again in 1878 he was elected mayor, and in 1880, the tenure of the office having been changed, he was elected for the term on which he is now serving. It is useless here to elaborate upon the high esteem in which he is held by the best people of his city, for by repeatedly calling him to administer the greatest trust within their gift they have already made their approval of his course and their confidence in his ability and integrity a matter of record.THE FIRST WARD AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS.
At the incorporation of Long Island City that portion which is now known as the first ward had a large and enterprising population, which was rapidly increasing. There were no grades established by law, and buildings were erected according to what was supposed might be the future grades of the streets. There being no sewers there were but few cellars in the district which were not frequently flooded, either from surface drainage or from the action of the tide; and in many cases cellars were never without stagnant water. As a consequence the inhabitants suffered greatly from malarial, pulmonary, and rheumatic diseases, and notwithstanding that many had suffered and expended a great deal, and had lost many of their relatives from these causes, still the people bore these hardships, and suffered these privations apparently with resignation, and made no sufficient effort to remedy these evils. Early in 1870 Father Crimmin matured plans for the’ improvement of a district formed of portions of the first, second and third wards of the city, which should benefit the largest area of upland and include the smallest amount of land subject to tidal overflow, and at the same time secure the drainage of those portions of marsh land having no sufficient outlets. The boundaries of the contemplated district were Harris avenue, Purves street, the Long Island Railroad and the East River. This plan would have continued the streets and avenues to the third ward, made travel and improvements uninterrupted between two large districts of upland, and would render available sufficient territory for building purposes to accommodate twenty thousand inhabitants. He proposed to raise the grade so that an efficient system of sewerage might be had, and to afford well drained cellars to all the houses in the district. So great was the magnitude of this work, from the number of buildings to be raised, the cost of sewers, the transportation of dirt to fill the streets and avenues, paving, curbing, guttering, flagging, etc., that he did not venture to speak of the matter publicly, and for four years his plans remained unknown except to himself and one other person. In 1871 an act was passed by the Legislature creating, a commission commonly called the "survey commission," to provide for the laying out of streets, avenues, roads and parks in Long Island City. To the passage of this act and its subsequent amendments Father Crimmin gave a strong support, feeling that they were so many steps toward the public improvements he desired~ When this commission was about to fix the grades, the system of sewerage and of surface drainage, he revealed for the first time his plans. He consulted a number of civil engineers, principal among whom was Peter G. Van Alst, as to the advisability and the probable cost of the project. He next consulted with the larger landed pro. prietors as to the advantages of such an improvement to the property in the district, and all agreed that it would not only be advisable ,but necessary and greatly advantageous to the property in the district. There remained but to consult the smaller property holders. This could not be done without drafting a document expressing the plan of improvement in detail, and the holding of a public meeting at which it should be publicly read and explained and a vote taken upon its adoption. Accordingly, a bill entitled "An Act to Provide for Improvements in and adjoining the First Ward of Long Island City" was prepared. The boundaries of the proposed district were altered: they include less upland and a much larger area of land subject to tidal overflow. Time has demonstrated the propriety of the change. A real estate call was issued requesting all the property owners of the district to assemble at Rosner’s Hall for the purpose of considering the’provisions of the proposed improvement act. The hall was densely crowded, there being nearly five hundred persons present. The meeting having been called to order, William Bridge, who was elected secretary of the meeting read the document. On motion it was then unanimously resolved that Father Crimmin, should address the meeting in relation to the provisions of the bill. He discussed the bill, section by section, in a discourse which lasted two hours and twenty minutes, after, which the question was on the adoption of the proposed bill. A vote was taken and it was unanimously adopted. The document was forwarded to Albany, was introduced in the Assembly by Hon. James M. Oakley on the 23d of March 1874, and soon became a law. The commissioners under the improvement act were Peter G. Van Alst, Henry S. Anable, Robert M.C. Graham, William Bridge and James Dennen. Contracts were entered into at exceedingly low prices for the performance of the various works specified in the act, and were carried on with the greatest satisfaction and dispatch, until what was once a sunken and forbidding locality was raised to a healthy, handsome and flourishing town, with its streets and avenues neatly paved with Belgian block, with a perfect system of sewerage, and’ an excellent supply of good spring water- advantages which in a few years greatly increased its population and doubled the value of property. Other portions of the city, notably Steinways, have been improved by commissions duly appointed and empowered. A portion of the city was appointed under the management of the Fulton and Main street commission. The work of none of the other commissions has been as important as that of the first ward commission, though that of some of them has been rewarded with flattering results.THE CITY WATER SUPPLY.
The most important improvement which followed the passage of the revised charter was the introduction of Henry S. De Bevoise succeeded Abram Ditmars as mayor of Long Island City. He lost no time in urging upon the newly appointed water board the introduction of a sufficient supply of water for those portions of the city which could not otherwise secure it. The Holly system of water- works was adopted, and a contract entered into by the water board for the necessary machinery. A well was sunk fifty feet in diameter, about forty feet in depth below high water mark, where a large supply of excellent water was found. In addition to this four- inch pipes were driven thirty- four feet into the sand below the bottom of the well. These pipes became so many flowing wells and added greatly to the supply from veins of water far below those that flowed into the well. Thus it was that the supply of water was at once freed from all surface draining and vegetable matter, which could not be secured by any other system. A large quantity of iron pipe was purchased for water mains and laid throughout the districts intended to be supplied. The machinery was delivered and an engine house was erected near the well. During all these preparations the water board and those who had favored the Holly system encountered great opposition from the people, not only from those who could not be expected to understand the nature of the system, but also from many of the most intelligent and influential men in the city. The system was almost universally condemned, the capacity of the well, was entirely underrated, and it was often asserted that the supply would not be sufficient for a few families, The quality of the water was condemned, and it was generally believed that the machinery would never be seen in operation. Those who were willing to admit the efficiency of the Holly system under other circumstances, believed that in this case, it was not worth while to go to the expense of making water connections with the mains, as the well would be pumped dry in a few hours. The machinery, however, was soon placed in position, the pumps connected with the water in the well began to draw upon its supplies, and it was demonstrated that the well yielded over one million gallons per day. This quantity soon increased to 1,200,000- per day. The water, having been analysed by eminent chemists, proved to be the best and coldest water introduced by mains into any of the cities of the United States. It is now admitted by all that the system has proved a marvelous, success. The water board of Long Island City, having but limited means, could not enter upon a plan of water- works sufficiently extensive to meet the future wants of a large and populous city. With the greatest care they husbanded their means and gave to the people the best possible results from the funds placed at their disposal. In order that an extra supply of water might be at hand in case of fires a series of 4- inch pipes were driven to a depth of fifty feet in the sand along the base of the bill near the edge of tide- water. These were connected above by a horizontal pipe leading to the engine house, to which in case of emergency the pumps might’ be attached, and thus a greatly increased supply of water might be secured.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
A volunteer village fire department was established in Astoria, probably as long ago as 1850, and at a later date a similar one was organized at Hunter’s Point. The fire department of Long Island City was organized May 5th 1871, and such apparatus as was at that time owned by these two old departments became a part of the property of the new city department. The board of fire commissioners in 1871 was composed of William Mulligan (president), James Laws and James Stephenson. The first chief engineer of the city fire department was John M. Snyder. His successors have been Daniel K. Lester, George Casey and James Comisky the present incumbent. The fire department is now under the management of the following commissioners Henry S. De Bevoise, mayor; Stephen J. Kavanagh president of the board of aldermen; William McBride Charles W. Hallett and Russell Wright, commissioners of public works. The department has four hand engines, three hook and ladder trucks and seven hose carriages. The hose companies are seven in number and are known as "Mohawk No. 1," "Empire, No. 2," "Rambler, No. 3," "Hope No. 4," "Jackson, No. 5," "Union, No. 6" and "Steinway, No. 7." There are four engine companies, "Jackson, No. 1," "Protection, No. 2," "Franklin, No. 3" and "Hunter, No. 4. The three hook and ladder companies are called respectively, "Active, No. 1," "Live Oak, No. 2" and "Friendship, No. 3."EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
Previous to 1721 those families living at Dutch Kills, at Hallett’s Cove and at other points now within the limits of Long Island City, depended for school privileges on Newtown village, which had occasionally has teachers temporarily and where the first regular school was established in 1720. On account of the distance these schools had been to the sections mentioned practically valueless. Feeling the deprivation to which the children were subject, several leading citizens formed the design of starting another school, at Middletown and, associating for that purpose, they built a school house upon a piece of ground appropriated by Joseph Hallett. May 20th 1721 this gentleman executed a deed admitting Samuel Hallett, Samuel Moore, Joseph Moore, Thomas Skillman and Isaac Bragaw as joint owners with himself of the premises, which he thus described: "Thirty foot long and twenty foot broad, in my lot lying next to George Brinckerhoff’s woodland, for the use and benefit of a school-house, now erected and standing thereon by the roadside from Hallett’s Cove to Newtown; to be equally enjoyed by them and their heirs severally, and me and my heirs, forever, having, all and every of us, our heirs and every one of them, the same equal share, right and title to the above said land and school house, and full power and authority to send what number of children we think fit." "This was looked upon," says Riker, "as a hazardous undertaking, and one which none for many years were found ready to incur the expense of imitating. Indeed, the advantages of education and intelligence were as yet too little understood to be valued except so far as they seemed to bear on the promotion of business and the acquisition of wealth." This house, having been sold, perhaps about 1845, formed the kitchen to the dwelling occupied a few years later by the widow Tilton. An incident connected with the old school- house which occurred about seventy years ago is thus given by Riker: "This was the discovery by one of the school boys of a bag of gold to the value of $840, which had belonged to one John Kearns, who had taught school here during the Revolution. The money was taken possession of by the teacher, whose name was Neal; but the neighbors, hearing of it, collected, and took him before William Leverich, Esq., by whose order the money was forced from him. Owing, however, to some irregularity in the proceeding, Neal prosecuted the several persons engaged in searching him, including the justice, and recovered damages for assault and battery; while N. Moore, as administrator for Kearns, sued and obtained the money." In 1734 several individuals living in Hell Gate Neck combined and erected "a small house for a school to be kept in for the education of their children," on the river road, near Berrian’s Point, where John Lawrence had presented "one square rod of land" as a site for the building and which, February 24th 1735, he deeded to his associates, Joseph Moore, Thomas Lawrence, Cornelius Berrian, William Leverich and Hendrick Wiltsee. A school- house stood on the ground for a hundred years or more, and at last lost its identity by occupancy as a e dwelling.AN ENGLISH AND CLASSICAL SCHOOL.
An English and classical school was established at Hallett’s Cove, under the patronage of the leading inhabitants, but at precisely what date cannot now be known. The following announcement of the teachers appeared in the New York Mercury of April 26th 1762. How many years thereafter the institution was in existence is very uncertain: "TO THE PUBLIC.- This is to give notice to all whom it may concern, That William Rudge, late of the city of Gloucester, in Old England, still continues his school at Hallett’s Cove, where he teaches Writing in the different hands, Arithmetic in its different branches, the Italian method of Book- keeping by way of Double- entry, Latin and Greek. Those who choose to favor him may depend upon having proper care taken of their children, and he returns thanks to those who have already obliged him. The school is healthy and pleasantly situated and at a very convenient distance from New York, from where there is an opportunity of sending letters and parcels and of having remittances almost every day, by the pen. LI augers. Letters will be duly answered directed to the said William Rudge, at Hallett’s Cove. "We, who have subscribed our names, being willing to continue the school-master, as we have hitherto found him a man of close application, sobriety and capable of his office, are ready to take in boarders at 18 pounds per annum: Jacob Blackwell, Jacob Hallett Jr., Thomas Hallett, Jacob Hallett, Ja