Centennial history of the village of Ballston Spa : including the towns of Ballston and Milton

Front matter

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Author's Preface

General Ulysses S. Grant once said "that each and every community should record in some manner its progress and its work as a landmark for the future." The force of this saying appeals strongly to one who endeavors to write the history of the long ago ; to grope among dust covered and meagre records ; to search out the truth of history through legend and tradition, and from the mists that gather 'round the early days bring forth to the light of the present day the men and their deeds which have made the history of a hundred years and more of village life.

At the solicitation of a number of our citizens, and little realizing the extent of the task imposed, the author began the compilation of a history of Ballston from its first settlement in 1763. Now that the work is completed, aware of its many imperfections, and craving the kind indulgence of the reader for whatever errors or omissions may be found in its pages, the history is given to the public with the hope that it will prove of more than passing interest.

Through the kindness of Miss Ella M. Booth, daughter of the late John Chester Booth, that part of his unpublished history of Saratoga County, relating to Ballston Spa and this immediate locality, is for the first time made public. The late Judge Scott, of this village, and the late Judge William Hay of Saratoga Springs, both historians of eminent ability, after reading the manuscript copy of Mr. Booth's history, commended it most highly. Its literary merit is beyond criticism. Mr. Booth's history was completed in 1858, and this should be borne in mind by the re-ader.

Acknowledgment is also due to Miss Winifred Taylor, of Freeport, Illinois, Mrs. Martha Seelye of New York, Mrs. Margaret Powell, Mrs. John B. Ford, Mr. Stephen B. Medbery and Mr. James F. Peckham of BaUston Spa, and Mrs. Mary Osborn and Mr. Willard Lester, of Saratoga Springs for valuable information furnished the author; to Mr. N. B. Sylvester, and Col. Wm. L. Stone for many interesting facts gathered from their historical writings, and to Mr. Enos R. Mann's "Bench and Bar of Saratoga County." Also to Mr. J. S. Wooley, Feeney Brothers and Mr. N. L. Allcott for a number of illustrations.

But more than to any other source, aside from the history of Mr. Booth, is the author indebted to files of the village papers in his possession, commencing as early as the year 1806, and continuing down to 1847 with many issues, altho' not complete, and from 1847 to the present time the complete weekly files of the Ballston Journal ; and to books and documents relating to the early days from the library of the late Rev. H. L. Grose.

To all Ballstonians, from oldest to youngest, scattered throughout our great

country, or inhabitants of our beautiful village, this story of "the homeland" is

respectfully dedicated.

Edward F. Grose.

Ballston Spa, October, 1907.