XXXVIII. FREEMASONRY
By Charles H. Halstead.
The earliest authentic record of masonry in New York, or in fact in the American colonies, is the deputation appointing Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, to be provincial grand master of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, signed by the Duke of Norfolk, grand master of the grand lodge of England, and dated "this fifth day of June, 1730, and of Masonry 5730."
From that date and until 1781 there were five different masonic deputations granted to provincial grand masters for New York, by the grand lodge of England.
During this period there were two provincial grand lodges in the State of New York, organized at different periods by authority of rival grand lodges in England, which were termed the "Moderns" and "Ancients."
In 1813 these two grand bodies united into what is now the "United Grand Lodge of England."
The provincial grand lodge authorized by the Atholl warrant, dated September 5, 1781, existed from December 5, 1782, to September 19, 1783. when the British troops evacuated New York City, and as the grand lodge was essentially a royalist institution, and a majority of its officers and members were connected with the evacuating army, the brethren were in a quandary, the solution of which we find in the minutes of a grand lodge of emergency, held on the nineteenth of September, 1783, when "The propriety of leaving the grand warrant by which this lodge is established in the province of New York, being fully discussed, it was resolved, that the same should be left and remain in the care of such brethren as may hereafter be appointed to succeed the present grand officers, the most of whom being under the necessity of leaving New York upon the removal of his majesty's troops."
This necessitated the election of a complete new set of officers, which was immediately done.
The lodges throughout the State, which had received charters from the "Modern" provincial grand lodge, in the interim between the dissolution of that body and the organization of the "Ancient" Provincial grand lodge had pursued an independent existence and naturally under their existing conditions, were loath to surrender their warrants to the new body; therefore, it was a number of years before all the lodges were brought under the control of the new grand lodge.
This provincial grand lodge, so far as existing records show, made no returns to the parent grand body, and in all matters acted as an independent grand lodge.
This state of affairs caused some of the lodges to question the legality of its proceedings, and the propriety of paying grand lodge dues.
This question was settled for all time on the sixth of June, 1787, by the grand lodge adopting the report of a committee which reported: "Your committee appointed at the last quarterly communication, in consequence of certain resolutions of St. John's lodge, respecting the warrant under which the grand lodge is established, report their opinion as follows, viz.: That the grand lodge of this State is established, according to ancient and universal usages of masonry, upon a constitution formed by the representatives of the regular lodges, convened under a legal warrant from the grand lodge of England, dated the fifth day of September, in the year of masonry five thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, the most noble Prince John the Third, Duke of Atholl, being the then grand master, and your committee further beg leave to report that, in their opinion, nothing is necessary or essential in the future proceedings of the grand lodge upon the subject matter referred to them, but that a committee be appointed to prepare a draft of the style of warrant to be hereafter granted by the grand lodge, conformable to the said constitution. All of which is, nevertheless, most respectfully submitted to the wisdom of the most worshipful grand lodge." In this manner the grand lodge declared itself an independent grand body, supreme within its own jurisdiction. The date of transition of the grand lodge from a provincial to an independent State masonic organization might be a subject of difference of opinion, but the grand lodge, however, numbers its annual communications from the earlier date, viz., 1781, under the charter issued by the "Ancients."
The grand lodge of the State of New York, under this charter, guarantees certain rights and privileges to 775 masonic lodges having a membership (December 31, 1906), of 146,026 master masons.
At different times the grand lodge has been disrupted by internal strife and schisms which continued several years, but since June, 1858, peace and harmony have prevailed among the fraternity.
The severest trial that freemasonry has had to endure was the anti-masonic crusade that began in 1826, which assailed the fraternity throughout the land and resulted in many of the lodges having their charters forfeited.
A political party was founded at the time on prejudice and hatred. Politicians mounted the whirlwind, and rode into power on the storm. Fanatics in the forum, at the bar and in the pulpit inflamed the passions of men and aroused the bitterest enmity against freemasonry. Men of the highest social and masonic standing were threatened with political ostracism; to be a mason was to be an object of suspicion and often of persecution; the lodge rooms were deserted, charters were surrendered, and the craft became disheartened at the situation. Some members of the fraternity openly declared their withdrawal and were known as "seceding masons" in the community. After ten years of bitter feeling and hatred against the society of Free and Accepted Masons, the storm of persecution began to subside; the calmer and better judgment of men prevailed; the craft took courage and masonic lodges again opened their doors and resumed labor. In 1840 there was not a masonic lodge in Orange County.
It would appear from the meager information given in the proceedings of grand lodge or in the minutes of subordinate lodges in the early days that the brethren were imbued with the idea that the very existence of the fraternity depended upon shrouding with great secrecy their every act and surroundings, consequently very few details can be gathered concerning matters that would make history.
Steuben Lodge, No. 18.--The first mention of a masonic lodge in Orange County is found in the proceedings of grand lodge on the fourth of June, 1788, where we find this minute: "A petition from F. A. Morris and nine others praying for a warrant to hold a lodge at Newburgh, under the name of Steuben. Granted."
The charter was issued to Ebenezer Foote, master; Francis Anderson Morris, senior warden, and Peter Nestell, junior warden, and was dated September 27, 1788. It was signed by Robert R. Livingston, grand master; Richard Harrison, deputy grand master, and Jacob Morton, grand secretary. Baron de Steuben was an honorary member of the lodge. The minutes embrace the period between the thirteenth of November, 1788, and the twenty-seventh of December, 1792. Doubtless the charter was surrendered soon after 1800, as at the communication of grand lodge of that year report was made of the irregularities that prevailed in Steuben lodge. This lodge is among the number whose charter cannot be revived by resolution of grand lodge.
The charter and minute book of Steuben Lodge, No. 18, are in the keeping of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, as custodian.
St. John's Lodge, No. 21.--Subsequent to the disbandment of the troops in the war of the Revolution the warrant of St. John's regimental lodge--the first military lodge warranted by New York or any provincial masonic power--was taken by some of its members to Clark's Town, in the county of Orange, and here it remained until interest was revived in masonry by some of its officers in 1784, who came at that time under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge.
Lodge meetings were held under this warrant at Warwick as well as at Clark's Town, when on the twenty-third of December, 1789, a petition signed by John Smith, David Miller and Thomas Wing, was made to grand lodge stating that they were the presiding officers of a lodge now held at Warwick, working under an old warrant and known by the name of St. John's Lodge, and formerly held at Clark's Town, and praying that, as the warrant properly belonged to the brethren at Clark's Town, "a new warrant be issued to them as officers of a lodge to be held in the county of Orange, on the west side of the mountain, by the name of St. John's Lodge." The petition was granted and the warrant dated the twenty-sixth March, 1790. On December 4, 1793, the proxy of St. John's Lodge stated to grand lodge the low condition of the funds and offered as a compromise for the amount due the grand lodge the sum of 10 pounds, which was accepted.
The lodge was represented by proxy in grand lodge as late as 1802, but does not appear thereafter until June 4, 1819, when "the numerical designation of St. John's Lodge, No. 19, held at Warwick, was changed to No. 18." On June 12, 1822, "all lodges in arrears for dues for three years and upwards were summoned to show cause why their warrants should not be surrendered," and among the number was St. John's, No. 18. The charter was declared forfeited on the eighth of June, 1832, by grand lodge.
Orange Lodge, No. 45.--At a meeting of grand lodge held on the second of March, 1796, petitions for warrants were read and among the number was one "for a lodge to be held in the town of Goshen, by the name of Orange Lodge." The warrant was dated April 12, 1796.
The lodge was represented by proxy in the grand lodge at the communication of January 2, 1799, but thereafter we find no mention of it except in the "list of lodges whose charters cannot be revived conformable to resolution of grand lodge adopted on the fourth of June, 1819."
James' Lodge, No. 65. On the 6th of September, 1797, a petition was presented to grand lodge "From Adam I. Doll and others, to hold a lodge in the town of Middletown, county of Ulster, by the name of James' Lodge, and the same was referred to the grand officers." At that time Middletown was embraced in the county of Ulster. The warrant was dated January 6th, 1798, No other information is obtainable concerning this lodge, but it appears as one of the lodges whose charters cannot be revived.
Montgomery Lodge, No. 71. The minutes of grand lodge of December 7th, 1796, read: "The petition of Brother John Schmidt and sundry other brethren, for a warrant to erect and hold a lodge in the town of Montgomery, county of Ulster, with some accompanying papers, were then severally read, and referred to the presiding officers of the grand lodge, with powers to order a warrant to be issued if they find the applicants deserving." The warrant was not issued, however, until the 6th of June, 1798, when the dispensation was returned to grand lodge. The lodge was represented by proxy in grand lodge up to the 4th of March, 1812. The warrant was doubtless forfeited some years later.
Olive Branch Lodge, No. 102. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 7th of December, 1803, we find this minute: "A similar petition from sundry brethren residing in the town of Minisink, Orange County, praying a warrant for a lodge to be held in said town, to be known by the name of Olive Branch Lodge, was read and referred to the grand officers." The lodge was located in the village of West Town, and its meetings were held on the upper floor of the academy building. On December 4th, 1811, "Olive Branch Lodge, No. 102, prayed that the payment of their dues (to grand lodge) might be postponed until the next year on account of several losses sustained by the lodge the present year, which was granted." The lodge was reported as being in arrears for dues for two years and upwards in 1822. The charter was declared forfeited, June 8, 1832.
Hiram Lodge, No. 131. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 19th of February, 1806, "A petition from sundry brethren to establish a lodge at Newburgh, by the name of Hiram Lodge, was read and the prayer thereof granted." The first officers of the lodge named in the charter were Jonathan Fisk, master; Charles Baker, senior warden; John R. Drake, junior warden.
General Lafayette was the guest of Hiram Lodge on the occasion of his visit to Newburgh on the 14th of September, 1824.
The charter was surrendered to grand lodge in 1835.
The anti-masonic furor having subsided, the brethren sought to reopen the lodge, and to that end presented a petition to grand lodge that the charter might be restored to them, which was granted in June, 1842, but the number of the lodge was changed to 92. The first officers under the revived charter were Peter F. Hunn, master; Minard Harris, senior warden; James Belknap, junior warden. The last record of the lodge is dated June 16. 1845, and we infer that the charter was soon thereafter surrendered to grand lodge. The charter of Hiram Lodge is now in the keeping of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, as custodian.
Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 180. A petition was presented to grand lodge to establish: "A lodge in the town of Wallkill, its meetings to be holden at the house of Thomas Everson or others in the said town of Wallkill." A charter was granted under date of December 9th, 1809. Doubtless the lodge was held for some years in private dwellings as on the 2nd of December, 1812, at the communication of grand lodge: "A petition from Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 189, held at Wallkill, Orange County, praying for a remission of dues in consideration of its having built a commodious lodge room, for the expenses of which it was still in arrears, was presented and read, and the prayer of the petitioner refused." Doubtless the lodge at that time was held in the upper room of the school building in the village of Mount Hope, as at a later date masonic emblems, carved in wood, were to be seen in the room then used for school purposes.
Returns were made to grand lodge as from Wallkill, and also, "Return of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 189, held at Mount Hope, Wallkill, county of Orange, and State of New York." The charter of this lodge was declared forfeited on the 4th of June, 1835.
Corner-Stone Lodge, No. 231. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 2d of March, 1812, "A petition for a warrant to hold a lodge in the town of Monroe, in the county of Orange, to be called Cornerstone Lodge; recommended by Washington Lodge, No. 220, was read and granted." The warrant was dated May 26, 1814. This lodge is among the number in arrears for dues for two years and upwards on the 24th of June, 1822. The charter was declared forfeited on the 24th of June, 1832.
Jerusalem Temple Lodge, No. 247. At the communication of grand lodge, held on the 6th of September, 1815: "A petition from a number of the brethren to hold a lodge in the town of Cornwall, in the county of Orange, to be called Jerusalem Temple Lodge; recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131, was read and granted."
The lodge was constituted at the house of Ebenezer Crissey, in the village of Canterbury on the 5th of October of the same year; James B. Reynolds, master of Hiram Lodge, No. 131, performed the ceremony. The first officers named in the charter were Wyatt Carr, master; Abraham Mead, senior warden; Southerland Moore, junior warden. The charter was declared forfeited June 8th, 1832.
Washington Lodge, No. 220. This lodge was located at Blooming Grove. The charter was dated June 10th, 1813. No record of its work is extant, but it was one of those lodges that went down in the anti-masonic period, and its charter was declared forfeited by grand lodge on the 5th of June, 1834.
Lawrence Lodge, No. 230. On the 1st of December, 1812, the proceedings of grand lodge read: "A petition for a warrant to hold a lodge at Ward's Bridge, in the county of Orange, to be called Lawrence Lodge, recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131," was read and granted.
Ward's Bridge was afterwards known as Montgomery. The lodge was doubtless named in honor of the gallant Captain James Lawrence, who, being mortally wounded in the engagement with the Shannon, uttered: "Don't give up the ship!" which have become household words in this country. The lodge was reported as inoperative on the 4th of June, 1819.
Hoffman Lodge, No. 300. At the communication of grand lodge on the 4th of March, 1818, the grand secretary stated that a warrant had been issued "on the 3d of December, 1817, to John Kirby, Stacey Beecher and Isaac Otis, to hold a lodge at Wallkill, in the county of Orange, by the name of Hoffman Lodge, No. 300." The lodge held its meetings in the house of Isaac Otis, at Mechanicstown, which at that time was a more pretentious place than Middletown. The lodge was named in honor of Martin Hoffman who was grand master of the (city) grand lodge during 1823, 1824 and 1825. He presented the lodge with a copy of the Holy Bible which is still in use by Hoffman Lodge, No. 412. The charter of this lodge was declared forfeited by grand lodge on the 7th of June. 1833.
Union Lodge, No. 309. The minutes of grand lodge under date of July 9, 1828, read: "A dispensation granted by the Rt. Worshipful Richard Hatfield, late D. G. M., to hold a lodge in the town of Montgomery, county of Orange, by the name and style of Union Lodge, recommended by Hiram Lodge, No. 131, at Newburgh, was presented, whereupon the grand secretary was ordered to issue a warrant appointing William Williamson, the first master, Daniel Cozens, the first senior warden and Samuel Bookstaver, the first junior warden."
It is rather remarkable that in the midst of the anti-masonic excitement a new masonic lodge should have been established in that locality, but it did not long continue, as we note that the charter was declared forfeited on the 4th of June, 1835.
Mount William Lodge, No. 762. A charter was granted by grand lodge on the 4th of June, 1875. to hold a lodge at Port Jervis, to be known as Mount William Lodge, No. 762. From the report of the district deputy we find that the reason given for surrendering the charter was that the numerous societies in that village was a hindrance to increasing its membership. The warrant was surrendered to grand lodge on the 20th of June, 1882.
The lodges above enumerated have all ceased to exist, and their records, with few exceptions, have been lost. In some instances the charters have been given to lodges that have since been organized in the same locality and they are prized for the association connected with them.
The thirteenth masonic district, as now formed, embraces the counties of Orange and Rockland, and contains sixteen masonic lodges within its jurisdiction. The county of Orange has ten masonic lodges within its borders, and it is with these we now have to do.
Newburgh Lodge, No. 309.--This lodge is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated June 11th, 1853, and was issued to John Gray, master; Andrew Lawson, senior warden, and Henry O. Heustis, junior warden. The lodge held its communications in a building situated on the southwest corner of Front and Third streets, known as Crawford's Hall, from the 28th of July, 1853, at which date the hall was dedicated to masonic purposes. Here it continued until the 24th of June, 1863, when it was moved to the new building erected on the northwest corner of Colden street and Western avenue--afterwards known as Broadway. In this hall all the masonic bodies in Newburgh met for the succeeding twenty-five years. These quarters becoming inadequate for the membership, a lease of the two upper floors in the new Academy of Music, situated on the northwest corner of Broadway and Grand street, was secured. This hall was dedicated on the 11th of September, 1888. The membership of Newburgh Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 370 master masons. The officers were Charles B. Gilchrist, master; Thomas George Courtney, senior warden; Peter Cantline, junior warden; James D. McGiffert, secretary.
Port Jervis Lodge, No. 328.--This lodge is located at Port Jervis. The charter is dated June 30th, 1854, and was issued to Alfred Barkley, master; John M. Heller, senior warden; and O. H. Mott, junior warden. William H. Stewart was the first secretary.
The membership of Port Jervis Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 252 master masons. The officers were Jacob Miller, master; Fred Terwilliger, senior warden; L. C. Senger, Jr., junior warden; Emmet A. Browne, secretary.
Goshen Lodge, No. 365.--This lodge is located at Goshen. The charter is dated June 26th, 1855, and was issued to Alvin Pease, master; Charles Monell, senior warden; and Elias Peck, junior warden. Benjamin C. Jackson was the first secretary. The membership of Goshen Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 107 master masons. The officers were John F. Halstead, master; William N. Hoffman, senior warden; Charles H. Thompson, junior warden; George Mullenix, secretary.
Hoffman Lodge, No. 412.--This lodge is located at Middletown. The charter is dated June 16th, 1857, and was issued to Alexander Wilson, master; Silas R. Martine, senior warden, and Daniel C. Dusenberry, junior warden. E. B. Graham was the first secretary. The membership of Hoffman Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 487 master masons. The officers were Nathan D. Mills, master; John H. Galloway, senior warden; Burton L. LaMonte, junior warden; Isaac B. A. Taylor, secretary.
Warwick Lodge, No. 514.--This lodge is located at Warwick. The charter is dated July 19, 1864, and was issued to E. M. Smith, master; Benjamin Corwin, senior warden; Charles W. Douglass, junior warden. John N. Wood was the first secretary. The membership of Warwick Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was ninety-eight master masons. The officers were Calvin C. Crawford, master: Frank Holbert, senior warden; John Mullinbrink, junior warden; Harry Vail, secretary.
Hudson River Lodge, No. 607.--This lodge is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated July 12th, 1866, and was issued to David A. Scott, master; G. Frederick Wiltsie, senior warden; Samuel Stanton, junior warden. John Alsdorf was the first secretary. The membership of Hudson River Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907 was 415 master masons. The officers were Milton D. Seymour, master; Walter S. Carvey, senior warden; Cyrus J. Johnston, junior warden; Charles H. Halstead, secretary.
Wallkill Lodge, No. 627.--This lodge is located at Walden. The charter is dated June 24, 1867, and was issued to Hugh B. Bull, master; Constant W. Wadsworth, senior warden; and Robert Young, junior warden. W. J. Welsh was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted at Montgomery, but by permission of grand lodge, under date of June 7th, 1878, was moved to Walden. The membership of Wallkill Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 159 master masons. The officers were George L. Sharp, master; Benjamin S. French, senior warden; Edgar C. Mullen, junior warden; Charles K. Holden, secretary.
Standard Lodge, No. 711.--This lodge is located at Monroe. The charter is dated July 27, 1871, and was issued to John F. Mackie, master; Nicholas Demerest, senior warden, and Thomas H. Bryan, junior warden. Ezra T. Jackson was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted at Chester, but held its meetings at East Chester. As many of the members resided in the vicinity of Monroe a petition was made to grand lodge that the lodge might be moved to that village, which was done by dispensation the 8th of February, 1884. The membership of Standard Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was 200 master masons. The officers were Edward D. Woodhull, master; Charles N. Walton, senior warden; Bernard W. Tench, junior warden; Stacy Gaunt, secretary.
Jerusalem Temple Lodge, No. 721.--This lodge is located at Cornwall-on-Hudson. The charter is dated June 14th, 1872, and was issued to Charles McClean, master; Gustavus H. Black, senior warden; and Henry Rodermond, junior warden. Charles C. Van Duzer was the first secretary. The lodge was instituted in the village of Canterbury, where meetings were held until September, 1883, when it was moved to Cornwall-on-Hudson. The membership of Jerusalem Temple Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was seventy master masons. The officers were Harvey A. Call, master; Arthur H. Walker, senior warden; Walter S. Babcock, junior warden; John M. Noe, secretary.
Lorillard Lodge, No. 858.--This lodge is located at Tuxedo. The charter was granted by grand lodge on the 9th of May, 1907. The lodge was instituted on the 4th of June, 1907. The membership of Lorillard Lodge on the 1st of June, 1907, was fifty master masons. The officers were Charles W. Cooley, master; Edwin C. Rushmore, senior warden; Newton D. Phillips, junior warden; John J. Strudwik, secretary.
The early history of the grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State of New York is so obscure that but little information concerning its subordinates is obtainable.
It is a well established fact, however, that the Royal Arch degree was conferred in the State of New York under lodge charters prior to the formation of the grand chapter of New York in 1798. On the 14th of March, 1798, five chapters organized and established a deputy grand chapter subordinate to the grand chapter of the Northern States for the State of New York.
Companion DeWitt Clinton was elected deputy grand high priest. The prefix "deputy" was dropped in 1799, and thereafter they were designated "grand chapters." At one period mark lodges were a distinct organization yet subject to, and received authority from, the grand chapter. The degree of mark master is now conferred in a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the charters of mark lodges in this State have been surrendered to the grand chapter. But two mark lodges are known to have been organized in the county of Orange.
Orange Mark Lodge, No. 57.--This lodge was located at Goshen. A charter was granted on the 8th of February, 1809, to William Elliott, William A. Thompson and Edward Ely.
Hiram Mark Lodge, No. 7.--This lodge was located at Newburgh. A charter was granted on the 3d of February, 1813, to Sylvanus Jessup, James Williams, and George Gordon.
Orange Chapter, No. 33.--This chapter of Royal Arch Masons was located at Minisink. A charter was granted on the 6th of February, 1812, to Uriah Hulse, James D. Wadsworth and Malcomb Campbell.
Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52.--At the annual convocation of grand chapter, held on the 6th of February, 1817, a charter was granted: "To Comps. James Reynolds, William Ross and William P. Lott, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, county of Orange, by the name of Jerusalem Temple Chapter, No. 52." The last written record of a convocation is dated May 1st, 1828. The seal, record book and ledger of Jerusalem Temple Chapter are now in possession of Highland Chapter, No. 52, Newburgh, N. Y.
The charters of these organizations have either been surrendered or forfeited, as they are no longer in existence.
There are but three chapters of Royal Arch Masons at present located in Orange County.
Highland Chapter, No. 52.--This chapter is located at Newburgh. At the annual convocation of grand chapter held on the 3d of February, 1864, "A warrant was granted to Comp. John P. Stanbrough, high priest; Comp. Joseph H. H. Chapman, king; Comp. George C. Pennell, scribe, and others, to hold a chapter at Newburgh, to be known as Highland Chapter, No. 52." In the application for a warrant the request was made that the old number affixed to Jerusalem Temple Chapter, "52," be assigned to the new chapter, and the request was granted. The membership of Highland Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was 340 Royal Arch Masons. The officers were James D. McGiffert, high priest; William D. Traphagen, king; John T. Swann, scribe: Charles H. Halstead, secretary.
Neversink Chapter. No. 186.--This chapter is located at Port Jervis. The officers named in the charter, dated February 8th, 1865, were Philip Lee, high priest; Charles W. Douglas, king; Lewis L. Adams, scribe. The chapter was instituted on the 16th of March, 1865. The membership of Neversink Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was sixty-six Royal Arch Masons. The officers were S. G. McDonald, high priest; Jacob Miller, king; John Stoll, Jr., scribe; Herbert Senger, secretary.
Midland Chapter, No. 240.--This chapter is located at Middletown. The charter is dated February 3d, 1870, and was issued to Alexander Wilson, high priest; Elisha P. Wheeler, king; Moses D. Stivers, scribe. The first secretary was George H. Decker. The membership of Midland Chapter on the 1st of June, 1907, was 170 Royal Arch Masons. The officers were Charles V. Pedmore, high priest; William L. Mitchell, king; Frank H. Finn, scribe; John A. Wallace, secretary.
The commencement of the Templar Order in New York is involved in great obscurity; yet there were several bodies, having no authority whatever, which were organized at an early date. The grand encampment (commandery) of New York was formed on the 22d of January, 1814, by the sovereign grand consistory, which decreed the establishment of the grand encampment of Sir Knights Templars and appendant orders for the State of New York, and immediately proceeded to elect officers who were all members of said consistory. In 1816 a warrant was granted to Columbia Commandery in New York City; and a warrant on the same day was issued to a new commandery in New Orleans.
The numerous encampments of Knights Templar existing in the State at that time were self-created bodies, governed by their own private laws, acknowledging no superior authority, because, in fact, none heretofore existed.
The grand encampment of New York by its representatives assisted in forming the general grand encampment of the United States of America on the 11th of December, 1820.
There are but three commanderies of Knights Templar in the county of Orange.
Hudson River Commandery, No. 35.--This commandery is located at Newburgh. The charter is dated September 27, 1865, and was issued to Hugh McCutcheon, eminent commander; Lendon S. Straw, generalissimo; Isaac C. Chapman, captain general. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was 295 sir knights. The officers were Samuel F. Brown, eminent commander; Harry L. Barnum, generalissimo; Charles J. Stones, captain general; Sylvester W. Holdredge, recorder.
Delaware Commandery. No 44.--This commandery is located at Port Jervis. The charter is dated October 6th, 1869, and was issued to Charles B. Gray, eminent commander; Joseph W. Weed, generalissimo; Abraham Kirkman, captain general. Charles T. Branch was the first recorder. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was eighty-one sir knights. The officers were Theodore Mackrell, eminent commander; John Stoll, Jr., generalissimo; Harry J. Pippitt, captain general; Lewis C. Seager, recorder.
Cyprus Commandery, No. 67.--This commandery is located at Middletown. The charter is dated October 5th, 1904, and was issued to Charles Reeve Smith, eminent commander; Ira Lee Case, generalissimo; Frank Olin Tompkins, captain general. Isaac B. A. Taylor was the first recorder. The membership on the 1st of June, 1907, was 114 sir knights. The officers were Charles Chester Bogart, eminent commander; Charles Wesley Rodgers, generalissimo; Ames Everett Mclntyre, captain general; Isaac B. A. Taylor, recorder.
Cryptic Masonry has been recognized as a part of the American system of freemasonry in the State of New York since 1807, when a grand council of Royal and Select Masters was duly organized.
This branch of freemasonry has never been popular with the craft in this State, as the degrees, of which there are three, conferred in a council, have not been made prerequisite to admission to a commandery of Knights Templar, although several attempts have been made to that end.
King Solomon Council, No. 31.--This council is at this date located at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On the 10th of December, 1867, a council of Royal and Select Masters was opened under dispensation at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which was known as "Union Council." The first officers were E. H. Parker, T. I. M.; G. Fred Wiltsie, R. I. M.; A. B. Smith, P. C. W. At the annual assembly of the grand council, held on the 4th of February, 1868, a warrant was issued, and the name changed to King Solomon Council, No. 31, and the jurisdiction extended to include the city of Newburgh, N. Y. King Solomon Council held stated assemblies at Newburgh from the 18th of March, 1869, to the 8th of December, 1879, when it was deemed for the interest of the organization that it be removed to Poughkeepsie, where it holds assemblies at the call of the thrice illustrious master.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was introduced in the State of New York in 1813, by the formation, in the city of New York, of a supreme council for the northern jurisdiction. For some time previous a lodge of perfection of this rite existed at Albany, N. Y.
Adouai Lodge of Perfection, located at Newburgh, N. Y., was granted a charter in September, 1873. The lodge conferred the degrees from the fourth to the fourteenth inclusive. In 1880 the lodge ceased to meet, but the charter was not surrendered, being held in abeyance subject to the action of the members in this locality.
What is known as the American Adoptive Rite, called the "Order of the Eastern Star," was created by Robert Morris, a distinguished Freemason. It sought to provide an organization that would be of benefit to the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of master masons by introducing signs, grips and pass-word that would be recognized by the craft generally. For a time it was a popular institution, then came a season of depression, until finally the degrees were rewritten and the ritual made less complex. While this order has not been recognized in this State as a masonic body by the grand lodge, still it does receive recognition and support from a large number of the craft who feel that it is a valuable adjunct to freemasonry.
The grand chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized thirty-eight years ago. There are at this date over 350 subordinate chapters in the State, embracing a membership of over 26,000. There are five chapters in Orange County.
Orange Chapter. No. 33, is located at Port Jervis; Queen Esther Chapter, No. 163, is located at Middletown; Hawthorne Chapter, No. 163, is located at Monroe; A. J. Moor Chapter, No. 398, is located at Goshen. At this date (June, 1907), these chapters are in a flourishing condition.
XXXIX. HORSE BREEDING IN ORANGE COUNTY
By Guy Miller.
The lay of the land in Orange County, hills and valleys, with the farms divided in such a manner that each one has a proportion of high uplands, as well as low meadows, enables the breeder to tide over wet as well as dry seasons.
If the season is wet for the low meadows, the uplands make luxuriant growth, and in a season of drought the lowland pastures and meadows can be depended upon for a good supply. The writer has farmed forty-two years at his home farm and there has never been a season when grass has really failed for animals at pasture or for hay making.
In seeding land in Orange County, timothy, red-top and the clovers have been the principal seeds used in the past. In time these run out, giving way to grasses that appear natural to this section, viz., June grass, white clover and Seneca grass. These varieties start growing early and continue late, thus making the pasturing season a long one. Cut for hay, the quantity of the latter is not equal to that first mentioned, yet the quality is considered far superior.
Orange County being well watered in addition to its abundant supply of the best natural grasses, makes it an ideal horse-breeding section.
Imported Messenger appears to have been the fountain-head of the highest type of the American light harness horse.
Imp. Messenger was in service at Goshen in 1801. Jonas Seely, Sr., of Oxford, had a large strong mare of great endurance known as Black Jin, and this mare bred to Imp. Messenger produced Silver Tail.
In 1814, the son of Imp. Messenger, known as Hambletonian, made the season in Goshen, yet on certain days of each week was taken to Florida for service. Silver Tail was bred to Hambletonian and produced One Eye, the latter a grand animal and fast trotter for her day.
When Imp. Belfounder was in service at Washingtonville, the season of 1832, Josiah Jackson, of Oxford, owned One Eye, and bred her to that horse, producing a mare that was a high-class trotter, and is known as the Charles Kent mare.
The Charles Kent mare had passed through the hands of several owners to Jonas Seely, of Sugar Loaf. On June 5, 1848, he bred her to Abdallah and on May 5, 1849, a bay colt with a small star and white hind ankles, was born.
In the fall of that year the Charles Kent mare and her foal were purchased by Wm. M. Rysdyk, a farmer of Chester.
Mr. Rysdyk was born on a farm between Florida and Goshen. He frequently saw the son of Imp. Messenger (known later as Bishop's Hambletonian), pass his home on trips between the above villages, and, although very young, was so impressed by the rare qualities of the horse, that he chose his name for his own colt, now known as the "great progenitor of trotters," Rysdyk's Hambletonian.
It will be observed that this colt was by Abdallah, a grandson of Imp. Messenger. His grandam was by Bishop's Hambletonian, a son of Imp. Messenger and his great grandam a daughter of Imp. Messenger. The blood of this imported horse had given great results in the localities where he had been in service, and the same was true relative to his descendants, particularly so in the case of his son, Bishop's Hambletonian and his grandson, Abdallah.
Imp. Belfounder's individuality, his beautiful trotting action and strong-inclination to stick to that gait, commanded the admiration of horse lovers. His daughter, the Chas. Kent mare, produced Hambletonian, a daughter of his son, King's Belfounder, produced the race winning trotter Sir Walter, record 2.27, also by Abdallah. Another daughter produced to Cassius M. Clay, Jr., Harry Clay, record 2.29. the greatest of the Clay family as a brood mare sire.
Rysdyk's Hambletonian carried three crosses of Imp. Messenger blood, concentrated in the first four generations. It was this unparalleled wealth of Messenger blood, his rare temperament and individuality, and the fact that Mr. Rysdyk had driven him, the third time harnessed to a sulky, a mile in 2.48, on the Union Course, Long Island, the fall he was three years old, that gave his owner unbounded confidence in the colt's future. This, the breeding public must have shared, as at four years of age he served one hundred and one mares, producing seventy-eight colts at $25.00 each, thus earning for his owner $1,950.
In the late fall of that year two Virginia gentlemen, looking for a stock horse, visited Mr. Rysdyk's place, and after examining Hambletonian, stood ready to buy him at $10,000, yet Mr. Rysdyk would not sell.
How well this confidence in the horse's value was borne out in after years, for as soon as Hambletonian's colts had become two and three years old and were placed on exhibition at the fairs, their high quality, fine general characteristics, superb trotting action and being almost uniform in rich bay colors, won them nearly all the prizes.
At the Orange County Fair, Fall of 1853.
In Show Class.
First prize was awarded to Hambletonian by Abdallah. Second prize--Rattler.
At the Orange County Fair, September 21st, 22nd, 1858.
In Show Class for Aged Stallions.
First prize was awarded to Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) by Hambletonian J. S. Edsall Second prize--Washington J. D. Veruol Third prize--Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay J. D. Sayer
In the Speed Classes for 4 Yr. Old Mares.
First prize--Lady Howard by Hambletonian. J. W. Hoyt Time, 3.02 Second prize--Alida by Hambletonian. M. F. Ten Eyck " 3.03
Best 5 Yr. Olds.
First prize--Lady Banker by Hambletonian. R. Galloway Time, 2.31 Second prize--Frank Dickerson by Hambletonian. Geo. Payne " 2.53-1/2 Third prize--Jenny Hawkins by American Star. J. J. McNally " 2.54
Best 3 Yr. Old Stallion.
First prize--Guy Miller by Hambletonian. R. F. Galloway Time, 3.00 Second prize--Young Abdallah. Geo Payne " 3.24 Third prize--Index. Seely C. Roe " 3.26
Best 4 Yr. Old Stallion.
First prize--Hambletonian 2nd (Volunteer) by Hambletonian Joseph Hetzel Time, 2.57 Second prize--Abdallah by Hambletonian. Wm. M. Rysdyk " 3.04-1/2 Third prize--Tom Thumb (Wild Warrior). Robt. Carr " 3.10
Best 5 Yr. Old Stallion.
First prize--Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay. J. P. Sayer Time. 2.56 Second prize--C. M. Clay C. J. Brown " 3.14
Stallions Free for All.
First prize--American Star. Edmund Seely Time, 2.50 Second prize--Harry Clay by Cassius M. Clay. J. P. Sayer " 2.53 Third prize--Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) by Hambletonian. J. S. Edsall " 2.54
Mares Free for All.
First prize--Mary Hoyt by American Star J. W. Hoyt Time, 2.36-1/2 Second prize--Goshen Maid by American Star Edmund Seely " 2.44-1/2 Third prize--Lyd by Bolivar. Amos Ryerson " 2.52
The above summaries show that in every speed class for colts, the get of Hambletonian were the winners and one of the very first of that horse's get, Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) in stallion class for show, was awarded first prize.
It is of interest to note that in the class for mares of all ages, Mary Hoyt's record of 2.36-1/2 was the first record performance better than 2.40 on the Goshen track and she was in the hands of the best horseman of his time, J. W. Hoyt. This performance shows the real value of the colt records, they having no track education and no modern appliances such as boots, etc.
Mr. Joseph Hetzel, a farmer near Florida, related to the writer years later, that he had no idea of competing in the speed class with his colt Hambletonian 2nd (Volunteer), and so informed inquirers at Goshen, yet when it was confided to him that it had been said "he dare not," "his Dutch was aroused," he borrowed a skeleton wagon and harness and at his request the judges permitted him to start behind the other entries. Mr. Hetzel made no attempt for the lead until passing the stand the second time when he gave his colt his head, soon obtaining a commanding lead and finishing more than seven seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Such an ovation as this church deacon and his colt received from an enthusiastic and admiring assemblage is seldom witnessed.
Mr. Hetzel sold his colt soon after to Sheriff Underhill, of Brooklyn, for $2,500. The writer sold his colt, the afternoon of his winning performance at a handsome price. Lady Howard passed to Governor Amsa Sprague, of Rhode Island. In fact, everyone of these colts by Hambletonian was soon sold at good prices, yet none were from trotting-bred mares and but one (Alexander's Abdallah) from a fast trotting mare.
It is particularly interesting to note the summary of the trotting stallions, as American Star and Harry Clay produced the dams of the record breakers of later years.
As illustrative of Hambletonian's great worth (earning capacity), the writer will mention an over-night visit at Mr. Rysdyk's home as early as 1865, the latter part of June. The next morning Mr. Rysdyk drove home behind Lady McClellan to a farm that he had recently purchased for the overflow of stock from his home farm. The new purchase was made from an up-to-date painstaking man, and good buildings and fencings, also fertile fields were in evidence; brood mares and foals and young stock were distributed about in the pastures. Mr. Rysdyk's son, William, had already commenced the hay making of the season's crop. Starting on the drive homeward Mr. Rysdyk inquired, "How do you like the Seely farm, my new purchase?" The writer could only reply in laudatory terms. "Well," said Mr. Rysdyk, "That farm cost me nearly twenty-two thousand dollars and Hambletonian earned the purchase price in three months." The record on file in the county clerk's office in Goshen, gives the seller as Charles B. Seely to Wm. M. Rysdyk. The deed calls for 218 98/100 acres, consideration $21,048, dated April 1, 1865. No world's records had been won by the get of Hambletonian at this time.
George Wilkes, under the name of Robert Eillingham, started in his first race on Long Island, August 1, 1861. He made a record of 2.22 at Providence in a race that he won October 18, 1868, making him the champion trotting stallion of the world. Jay Gould reduced this world's champion stallion record at Buffalo August 7, 1872, to 2.21-1/2. Dexter began trotting May 4, 1864 and at Buffalo, N. Y., on August 14, 1867, became the world's champion by trotting to a record of 2.17-1/4. George Wilkes, Jay Gould and Dexter were sons of Hambletonian, the last two from daughters of American Star.
Added to the marvelous performances of Hambletonian's immediate progeny, those of his sons began to come forward. The daughter of Edsall's Hambletonian (Alexander's Abdallah) Goldsmith Maid, began trotting September 7, 1865, at Goshen, N. Y., and at Mystic Park, Boston, September 2, 1874, reduced the world's record to 2.14.
St. Julian by Volunteer made a world's record of 2.11-1/4 at Hartford, Conn.
These performers attracted great attention and made a demand for the products of the breeding farms at remunerative prices, stock being purchased and taken to almost every section of the United States.
Therow Felter was keeping a summer resort at Greenwood Lake and bred a brown mare to Hambletonian April 22, 1855, the product being George Wilkes, who after his career on the turf, was placed in the stud in Kentucky.
Charles Backman established a breeding farm at Stony Ford about 1865. At this time the blood of American Star and Cassius M. Clay, Jr., particularly that of his son, Harry Clay, was very popular and Mr. Backman stocked his farm with many mares by these great sires. He sold to the Hon. Chas. Stanford, of California, Electioneer, a son of Hambletonian, whose dam was Green Mountain Maid, by Harry Clay; also a small band of brood mares. George Wilkes and Electioneer became great sires and in considering the relative merits of the two families, it is a debatable question which should be placed first. Mr. Backman's farm, Stony Ford, in the matter of brood acres and splendid equipment was unrivaled. The farm turned out race winning and record-breaking youngsters, splendid roadsters, horses celebrated as sires, also brood mares of a high order. Many of the first men of the country, including General U. S. Grant, enjoyed Mr. Backman's hospitality. Stony Ford Stock Farm passed to the ownership of Mr. J. Howard Ford, who, with Austral (winner of the blue ribbon in Madison Square Garden), a progenitor of beauty and extreme speed at the head of a band of choice brood mares, is breeding colts of rare quality.
Samuel Hill, in this locality, followed by his son, Ed. Hill, bred horses in fashionable lines of blood. Jonas Hawkins began breeding to Hambletonian when he bred the McKinstry mare May 16, 1853, producing Shark, record 2.30-1/2, to saddle 2.27-3/4, a winner at one, two and three miles on Long Island tracks. The McKinstry mare produced by American Star, Clara, and on May 8, 1857, Mr. Hawkins bred Clara to Hambletonian, producing the renowned Dexter, record 2.17-1/4. The breeding was continued by Mr. Hawkins's son, Jonathan, who bred Dictator, a wonderful sire and several sisters, also Kearsarge by Volunteer. This family is truly great judged by the recognized test of greatness, extreme speed and race winning qualities.
Alden Goldsmith's Walnut Grove Farm near Washingtonville, became famous as the home of Volunteer, a horse that attained great prominence in the stud. Mr. Goldsmith, with his sons, James and John, showed rare judgment and skill in the selection and development of great turf performers and as professional drivers the sons were at the very top. During the many years that Alden Goldsmith campaigned a stable of trotters on the Grand Circuit, his horses were the grandest in existence and his success was brilliant. In this vicinity were the Brooks, the Moffatts, the Hulses, the Hallocks, the Thompsons, who bred fine horses and profited thereby.
The Mills family of Bullville had been patrons of American Star and when the superiority of the Hambletonian American Star cross was made evident by the performances of Dexter, they were enabled to breed in this fashionable line. Harrison Mills, from Hambletonian and his American Star mare, Emma Mills, produced Independent and Sweepstakes. The former a fine animal that sired speed. The latter a beautifully shaded bay, individually most perfect in action, really a grand horse. Sweepstakes, considering his opportunities was an excellent sire. James M. Mills bred Chosroes, Imperial and Fisk's Hambletonian, all by Hambletonian, the latter from Lady Irwin by American Star. Fisk's Hambletonian became quite noted as a sire in Michigan.
At Middletown, John E. Wood bred many fine horses, the most prominent being Knickerbocker, son of Hambletonian, and Lady Patchen by George M. Patchen. J. D. Willis, with Harry Clay, 2.29, at the height of his stud career, other fine stallions, and a band of choice brood mares, bred, developed and trained youngsters evidently with pleasure and satisfaction.
At Florida, Jefferson Post bred Middletown by Hambletonian from a mare whose sire, Vivian Grey, was a grandson of the great American Eclipse. Nearby, Joseph Hetzel bred the great Volunteer and his two full brothers. Nathaniel Roe, also of Florida, bred Florida, son of Hambletonian and a daughter of Volunteer, a most excellent sire. Mr. Roe purchased in Kentucky colts, at least three, by famous sons of George Wilkes, and kept them for service at his farm. William Roe, a son, inherited his father's estate and is following the paternal footsteps in horse-breeding.
About Warwick were the Wellings, the Sanfords, the Wisners, and just over the county line in New Jersey were the De Kays and Givens. All breeders of fine horses. At Bellvale was W. H. Wisner, breeder of Woeful.
The Sayer families at Westtown, bred fine horses, Decater Sayer's farm being the center of attraction when that grand individual and phenomenally gaited horse Harry Clay was broken to harness at four years of age and was owned and kept for public service till sold, to Harry Dater and removed to Long Island, May 8, 1862.
At Monroe works, Mr. Peter Townsend, who with his brothers owned the vast Sterling tract with its two blast furnaces (where the great chain that spanned the Hudson River, during the war of the Revolution, was made at his grandfather's Sterling Iron Works), had near his house a farm, "The Old Fields," which was mainly used to breed horses for the pleasure and use of his family. He first had a daughter of American Eclipse, a daughter of Young Engineer (sire of the dam of Gideon). From the latter he bred a pair by Abdallah, also a pair by Hambletonian. Mr. Townsend purchased of Lieutenant General Manry (while Professor of Tactics at West Point), Saline, a thoroughbred mare brought from the latter's home in Virginia, that, bred to Hambletonian, produced Jas. H. Coleman, quite a trotter for his day; and Lord Sterling, that had the thoroughbred finish yet beautiful trotting action; also Young Selene by Guy Miller, that by Iron Duke produced Monroe, 2.27-1/2. A sister, Miss Monroe, was the dam of Fergus McGregor. Young Selene produced by Volunteer, St. Patrick, 2.14-1/2.
In the early morning shadows of Schunnemunk Mountains is "Glen Lea," the charming home of Mr. William Crawford. Here may be found Alto McKinney, by that great sire of race horses of extreme speed, McKinney, 2.11-1/4, dam Cresida, 2.18-1/4 at three years, by Palo Alto, 2.08-1/4, champion trotting stallion of 1901.
At Turner, Thos. Lewis bred Dandy, a daughter of Young Engineer, to Hambletonian, producing Gideon, that sired the dam of the great performer Nelson, also from Dandy and Iron Duke, Silver Duke, 2.28-1/4.
The late Mr. Pierre Lorillard (the only American who has attained the distinction of winning the classic event of the world, the English Derby, with a horse of his own breeding), was a patron of Hambletonian--the youngsters being raised on one of his Tuxedo farms. R. F. Galloway near Turner was a breeder to Abdallah and Hambletonian. Guy Wilkes cost him $500 at three years, at seven years he dealt this horse to E. W. Teakle, receiving the famous Princess, 2.30 and $3,500. Princess had been bred to Hambletonian and the next spring (1863), gave birth to Happy Medium, 2.32-1/2, that in February of 1871, was sold to Robert Steel of Philadelphia, Pa., for $25,000.
Near Newburgh, Mr. Jas. Hasbrouck bred horses, and on his half-mile track, Judge Fullerton, Mountain Boy, Music and others received their harness education and acquired great speed. Mr. Aymar Van Buren, always a horse lover, procured from Wm. M. Rysdyk, Molly, daughter of Long Island Black Hawk and Betsy by Imp. Belfounder, from Hambletonian and Molly, Mr. Van Buren bred Effie Deans, 2.25-1/2 and Lottie, 2.28, placing Molly in the great brood mare list. This was in the seventies and Mr. Van Buren is still breeding and finding pleasure with his horses. Mr. J. A. P. Ramsdell is breeding The Arab, that retains the beautiful type, great courage and endurance of his desert ancestry.
At Goshen in the early days of trotting horses were J. S. Edsall, owner of the famous Alexander's Abdallah, also breeder of Fleetwing (dam of Stamboul. 2.07-1/2). John Minchen, later owned a stock farm at Stony Ford with Young Woeful and Tom Mare for stud service. This John Minchen farm was later purchased by General Benjamin F. Tracy and called Marshland stud. It was stocked with trotters impotent blood: Advertiser, 2.15, sire of the world's fastest yearling trotter, Adbell, 2.23 and others; Lord of the Manor, by Mambrino King "handsomest horse in the world," and Kiosk, a son of Kremlin, champion trotting stallion of 1892. The brood mares were choice and it was a great loss to Orange County when General Tracy discontinued breeding at this farm.
Mr. Geo. S. Wisner bred Samson and other most excellent horses at his farm. Edmund Seely owned American Star, a horse that by his unique, open, stride, great courage, quality of endurance that served him through great hardship to the end of his days, without blemish, made the breeding on qualities of his progeny a wonderful contribution to our American trotters.
Parkway Farm, made one of the real beauty spots of Goshen by the late owner, Senator McCarty, takes the highest rank as a breeding establishment, with the great Joe Patchen (the iron horse), sire of the wonderful horse, Dan Patch and other performers. The form of Joe Patchen is such that his services are sought from every section in this country.
When Mr. E. H. Harriman paid $41,000 for Stamboul to place at the head of his Arden Farms Breeding establishment at Goshen, he became the owner of a champion, whether on the turf or in the show ring. When Elsie S. by Stamboul (bred by Mr. Harriman) defeated Mr. Marcus Daly's Limerick in the $5,000 match race at Goshen, 1898, the joy of Orange County breeders was complete.
Mr. Harriman's patronage has had a wonderful influence in uplifting and popularizing the sport of competition of the light harness horse in Orange County.
XL. DAIRYING
For some seventy-five years past the most important crops produced on the Orange County farm has been, and is to-day, milk. This alone exceeds the combined value of all else the farmer produces. All other crops are gathered once a year only, but a new crop of milk is in evidence every day, Sundays and holidays included. Under existing conditions the producer has no difficulty in disposing of all he can make at a market so close at hand that it can be delivered within an hour from the time it is drawn from the cow. Thus it is a continual source of ready and regular revenue.
Prior to 1842 the total, and for many years later a large majority, of the output was turned into butter right at the farmer's home. As a rule the farmer's wife personally attended to churning, working and packing the butter into the tub, all ready to be sent to market.
Orange County butter was a trademark that achieved a wide reputation as denoting an article of superior quality, and the yellow bills issued by the Bank of Orange County were known far and wide as "butter money."
But the Orange County farmer no longer makes such disposition of his milk. To both himself and his wife, butter-making is a lost art. Besides he is no longer a farmer but a "dairyman"' or "milk producer," for his principal business is to supply the market with milk, What farming he does is merely a side issue.
The beginning of these changed conditions dates back to 1842, when the Erie railroad, then hardly out of its swaddling clothes, carried to New York the first consignment of milk that ever reached that city by way of a transportation line.
In 1842 the city of New York contained, approximately, a population of 315,000 and used about 30,000 gallons (3,000 cans, forty quarts each), of milk daily. A large proportion of this was produced within the city limits, very much (probably a large majority) of which was the output of cows kept in stables connected with and fed on the refuse of distilleries and breweries. Very aptly this was termed "swill milk," for it was all that the name implies. The balance was brought in by wagons from the surrounding farms.
Early in the summer of 1842 Philo Gregory, a milk producer at Chester, N. Y., was induced to try the experiment of shipping milk to the New York market. At this time the road was in operation as far west as Goshen, with its eastern rail terminus at Piermont, on the Hudson River, twenty-four miles from New York and forty-one miles from Chester. At this point all passengers and freight were transferred and reached the city by boat. There were many doubting Thomases who contended that it was impossible to carry milk this distance and deliver it in good condition. But the experiment was a success from the start, so much so that there was a continual call for more dairies and a gradual increase in the number of shippers. Orange County milk soon gained as favorable a reputation in the New York market as Orange County butter had previously achieved. More or less sour milk was in evidence from time to time, enough at least to give excuse for the aforementioned doubters to exclaim: "I told you so." Comparatively little trouble arose from this source, however, as nearly all shipments were in merchantable condition when received. If otherwise this was not due to the distance hauled, but the lack of proper care.
In the first few shipments wooden churns were used, these being the most convenient vessels at hand. But tin cans soon came into use. These were of five sizes, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty and sixty quarts each. Although milk was shipped twice a day, morning and evening, it was not considered safe to send what was left over from any one milking. For this reason every shipper provided himself with all these sizes as a means of cleaning out as closely as possible. At this time an ice house was an institution unknown to the farm. To the milk producer of to-day an ice house is regarded as almost as much of a necessity as the milk can or the cow. But in 1842 and for some years later, natural facilities for keeping milk from day to day could be found on nearly every farm. Flowing springs, the temperature of which never rose above about fifty degrees, were then plentiful in Orange County, much more common than now. It was some time after Mr. Gregory made his first shipment that farmers learned to use these springs, and discontinue the morning shipment. It was later still when the majority ceased yarding their cows early in the afternoon and shipping this milking the same evening. Since these early days much has been learned about how to keep milk in good condition for a long time. But even now the great possibilities in this direction are not suspected by the average producer.
In 1843 the road was operated as far west as Middletown, in 1846 to Otisville, and in 1848 to Port Jervis. The only portion of the territory thus traversed that was well adapted to the production of milk lay between Otisville and Greenwood (now Arden) a distance of thirty-one miles. The total amount of milk shipped in 1842 averaged about forty-five; in 1843, 275 cans, and in 1844 some 420 cans daily.
The first regular milk train was run on the 3d day of May, 1847. It ran morning and evening, leaving Otisville at 6.30 A. M. and 4.15 P. M., scheduled to reach New York at 11.30 A. M. and 9.15 P. M. Otisville continued to be the western terminus for the run of the milk train until 1868, when it was extended to Port Jervis. Not until 1884 was any attempt made to develop any of the extensive and excellent milk territory lying west of Port Jervis. All efforts in the direction of securing increased supplies were centered on the eastern (now New York) division. Here, by its branches and connecting lines, it made practically every can of milk produced in Orange County available to the New York market. Prior to twenty-five years ago nearly every producer shipped his milk direct to the dealer. While these conditions prevailed the milk manifest at any station where a large amount of milk was loaded contained so many names of shippers and consignees that it resembled the poll list of an election district. At these same stations now, although loading more milk than formerly, it is unusual to find more than two or three shippers. While the list of consignees has not decreased to the same extent, still it is very short as compared with the former period. The one time shippers are now patrons of the local creamery, from one to three of which may be found at every station.
The first butter and cheese factory, or creamery, started in the State of New York was located near what is now the Crystal Run Station of the Ontario and Western Railway. This was about 1856. It was cooperative, owned and operated by the farmers of the neighborhood. The object was to lessen the labor at the household and also make a more uniform quality of butter than was possible when churned at each individual home. The cream was made into butter, the skimmed milk into cheese and the whey mixed with grain turned into pork. Thus nothing was wasted and the venture proved successful. Other similar factories were started in different sections and inside of ten years Orange County was dotted over with such establishments.
Generally they were operated as co-operative concerns, and quite as generally, due to lack of proper management, were unsuccessful. As a consequence they were either abandoned or passed into the possession of private parties and were no longer used exclusively for manufacturing. More money could be realized by shipping milk. Only such as could not be disposed of in this way was turned into butter and cheese.
This Crystal Run factory was the progenitor of the present day shipping stations from which the New York market now receives approximately ninety-eight per cent, of its milk supply and practically all its cream.
Prior to the foundation of the New York milk exchange, in October, 1887, the price paid for milk delivered at these factories, or shipping stations, was determined by the highest market price of butter. Stockholders in the co-operative factory were paid whatever might be earned, but when milk was purchased outright the producer received the price of one pound of butter for every twelve (or 12-1/2 as might be agreed) quarts of milk delivered.
When the milk exchange began to announce prices (which prevail until otherwise announced) the stations accepted these as a basis and bought at a discount that ranged from ten to twenty cents per can of forty quarts. Later these discounts were lowered from time to time and now range from ten cents to nothing.
Nearly all of these stations are now operated by dealers who use them as a source of supply for their city trade, the balance conducted by parties who have no interest in the city business, but supply such dealers as do not care to operate a place in the country.
In the county of Orange are (including its three condenseries) seventy milk shipping stations, every township being represented by from one to twelve. Mount Hope has the one, Warwick the twelve.
In addition are two cheese and one butter and cheese factory, the latter the celebrated Neufchatel cheese factory of William E. Lawrence & Son, at Chester. In 1906 this establishment turned out 7,000 pounds of butter, 600,000 pounds of Neufchatel and 273,000 pounds of square cream cheese.
From January 1st to December 31st, 1907, the daily average output of milk in the county approximated 9,400 cans of forty quarts each. This was disposed of about as follows:
Shipped to the New York market 6,000 cans, 40 quarts each. Consumed in the county 1,850 " " " " Condensed 750 " " " " Turned into butter and cheese 400 " " " " Skimmed or cream 400 " " " " ______ Daily average production 9,400 cans, 40 quarts each.
For milk shipped from 1842 to 1854 or 1855 producers received the following prices:
Months. Cents per Quart. May, June, July and August 2 March, April, September and October 3 November, December, January and February 4 __ Yearly average 3
In 1854 or 1855 the Milk Dealers' Union was organized for the avowed purpose of determining future prices. This body proposed to (and did) meet on the tenth day of every month and "make a price" for the preceding month. Thus, the producer did not know how much he would receive for his milk until ten days after it had been shipped, distributed and consumed.
This was so palpably unjust and one-sided that producers were indignant and since then have formed many counter organizations and combinations for the purpose of taking the price-making power out of the hands of dealers. All these were failures.
The present system of fixing prices, in vogue since 1882, is more equitable. It is the producer's own fault that it is not the best that could be devised. The Consolidated Milk Exchange, an incorporated stock company, announces prices in advance of delivery. This is merely an offer to pay a specified price until otherwise announced. This constitutes a legal price, inasmuch as no one is under any obligation to deliver any milk, provided the offer is not satisfactory.
With one added feature it would be a perfect way of satisfactorily settling the matter of price, a problem that has for fifty years puzzled the brains of the wisest milk producers in Orange County. That this feature is lacking, milk producers alone are responsible.
When the milk exchange was incorporated and before organization was completed, producers were invited, urged and pleaded with, both by dealers and the more progressive, level-headed producers, to subscribe for half of the capital stock and thus be entitled to equal representation on the price committee. But this they refused. Had the offer been accepted producers would have a voice in deciding prices, a conceded right which for fifty years they have been striving to secure but voluntarily surrendered, when once within their grasp.
Of all the movements for gaining control of prices, the action of March, 1883, was the most notable. Very few members of the numerous associations organized for this purpose were willing to admit that supply and demand had, or should have, any influence in determining the market price of milk. Nevertheless, the keystone of every effort to advance prices was by curtailing the supply. This was to be accomplished by persuading producers to withdraw part or all of their shipments until dealers were brought to terms.
But it was difficult to find anybody willing to keep his milk home and thereby realize two cents a quart, while his neighbors continued to ship and were paid three cents. For this reason every scheme of this kind was doomed to failure.
Early in March, 1883, the managers of the Milk Producers' Association of Orange County, reinforced by their brethren of Sussex County, N. J., notified the dealers that the market price of milk for that month would be three and one-half cents a quart. This brought about a conference of the opposing forces. Dealers offered three cents for the first and three and one-half cents for the last half of the month. Neither party would recede from its position and both resolved to fight it out on these lines.
Producers proposed to withhold all shipments, commencing about the 15th, until dealers were starved into submission. Experience had shown that something more powerful than moral suasion would be required to induce producers to discontinue shipping.
Hence the leaders in this movement determined to use force where persuasion failed. For this purpose a "spilling committee" was appointed for each station and instructed to be where it could do the most good about the time a milk train was due. The orders were not to allow a can of milk to pass into the possession of the railway company. This was to be done peaceably, if possible--forcibly, if necessary.
Pursuant to these instructions, would-be shippers were halted on the highway and ordered to take their milk back home. Some protested mildly, but finally obeyed orders. Some objected strongly and their milk was poured into the street.
But there were still others who were determined to ship or fight. They gave the "spillers" to understand that they would not tamely submit to highway robbery, that they intended to ship their milk, and that an undertaker would be needed to care for any one who attempted to prevent it.
Many drove to cross-roads between stations where by previous arrangement the train would stop and load the milk. It was useless to appeal to local authorities for protection from the "spillers," as they were either afraid or too indifferent to take action.
It was reported that the Governor had been appealed to, and was about to issue orders to the sheriff of Orange County to quell the rebellion, but the blockade was voluntarily raised after a three-days' struggle.
Shipments of dairy milk in Orange and Sussex Counties fell off about twenty per cent., but creameries shipped more than usual, presumably enough to reduce the net falling off to about fifteen per cent. Fortunately no blood was shed in this war, but much milk fell by the wayside. It was not a victory for producers, as bills were settled on the terms originally offered by dealers, three cents for the first and three and one-half cents for the last half of March.