History of Columbia County, New York

By Captain Franklin Ellis

Published by Everts & Ensign

Philadelphia, PA

1878

CHAPTER X

Pages 73 to 81

THE COLUMBIA CIVIL LIST.

The Colony--The Nation--The State--the Judiciary--The Senate--The Assembly--The County.

    Below we give the civil list of the county,--that is, the names of persons, resident within the present limits of Columbia county, who have held civil offices, national, colonial, State, and county, with dates of such incumbency,---namely:

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

     Martin Van Buren, of Kinderhook, 1837 to 1841

VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

     Martin Van Buren, 1833-37

UNITED STATES SENATOR.*

     Martin Van Buren, 1821-27, and re-elected in 1827, but resigned.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.

     At the first election for President the State of New York chose no electors.  The constitution of the United States was adopted by a State Convention held at Poughkeepsie in July, 1788, the delegates from this county, Matthew Adgate, John Bay, and Peter Van Ness, voting in the negative.  The electors chosen by the Legislature in 1792 met at Poughkeepsie.  By an act of the Legislature passed march 26, 1796, the presidential electors were directed to meet at the city of Hudson; this act remained in force until the 5th of March, 1813, when the Legislature directed the Electoral College to meet at Albany.

     The electors were appointed by the Legislature down to 1825, when the district system was adopted by the people, but acted under for one election only, that of 1828, when, by an act passed April 15, 1829, the Legislature adopted the general ticket system as now in use.  In making up the general ticket one person is selected from each congressional district, and two to represent the State at large.  In 1872 there were three electors at large, one for a congressman at large given the State before re-districting.

THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.

     [page 74]  The Federal constitution directs that a census be taken every ten years, and after each enumeration Congress apportions the representation among the several States.  As soon as practicable, after each apportionment, the Legislature divides the State into congressional districts.

     The apportionment of New York has been as follows since the adoption of the constitution in 1788:

     The districts which have included Columbia county in their area have been as follows:  Under act of January 27, 1789, that part of Albany county now known as Rensselaer county, Columbia, Clinton, Saratoga (1791), and Washington.  Under act of December 18, 1792, Columbia county alone composed one district, not numbered.  Under act of March 23, 1797, Columbia and Rensselaer, district 6.  Act of March 30, 1802, and March 20, 1804, Columbia was district 8.  Act of March 8, 1808, Columbia, Rensselaer, and Washington, as district 6, were entitled to two members.  Act of June 10, 1812, Columbia county, and the towns of Rhinebeck and Clinton, in Dutchess county, formed district 5; act of April 17, 1822, district  8, Columbia; act of June 29, 1832, district 8, Columbia, Green, and Schoharie, two members; act of Sept 6, 1842, district 11, Columbia and Greene; act of July 19, 1851, district 12, Columbia and Dutchess; act of April 23, 1862, district 12, Columbia and Dutchess; act of June 18, 1873, district 13, Columbia, Dutchess, and Putnam.

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.

     A convention assembled at Albany, in June, 1754, for the purpose of uniting upon some scheme for the common defense against the encroachments of the French.  Delegates were present from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, New York being represented by the lieutenant-governor and council of the colony.  The plan for a political union drawn up by Franklin, and adopted by the convention on July 4, was afterwards rejected by the provincial Assemblies "because it gave too much power to the crown, and by the crown because it gave too much power to the people."  The convention of 1765, composed of twenty-eight delegates form Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina, to consult with common interest and procure the repeal of certain obnoxious laws, also failed.  The New York delegates were Robert R. Livingston, Philip Livingston, Leonard Lispenard, John Cuyler, and William Bayard.

     In the Continental Congress, the delegates from what was afterwards Columbia county were as follows:

     First Delegates.---Philip Livingston, April 20, 1775; Philip Livingston,‡ Robert R. Livingston, May 13, 1777; Philip Livingston, Oct. 3, 1777; Philip Livingston, Oct. 18, 1779; Robert R. Livingston (the chancellor), Sept. 12, 1780; Robert R. Livingston, Dec. 2, 1784.

CABINET OFFICERS.

Martin Van Buren, secretary of state, 1829-32.

John C. Spencer, secretary of treasury, 1843-44; secretary of war, 1841-43.

Benjamin F. Butler, attorney-general, 1833-38.

DIPLOMATISTS.

Robert R. Livingston, minister plenipotentiary to France, 1801-3.

Martin Van Buren, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain, 1831.

JUDICIARY.

William P. Van Ness, judge United States district court, southern district New York, 1812-26.

Hezekiah L. Hosmer, Chief-Justice United States court, Territory of Montana, 1864.

Benjamin F. Butler, United States district attorney, southern district New York, 1838-41, and 1845-48.

CUSTOMS.

Cornelius P. Van Ness,§ collector of port of New York, 1844.

     In the State, Columbia has been thus represented:

GOVERNORS OF NEW YORK.

1828.  Martin Van Buren          1874.  Samuel J. Tilden

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.

1830.  Edward P. Livingston

CHANCELLOR.

1777.  Robert R. Livingston.

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS.

1874. Theodore Miller.

JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT (OF THE COLONY).

1763.   Robert R. Livingston.               1857.  Henry Hogeboom.

1804.  Ambrose Spencer (chief           1861.  Theodore Miller.

          justice, 1819).                            1863.  Henry Hogeboom.

1807.  William W. Van Ness.               1867.  Theodore Miller.

1830.  James Vanderpoel.

CIRCUIT JUDGE.

1845.  John W. Edmonds.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

     The law officer of the State, whose duties have been substantially the same since the creation of the office under the colony.  Appointed under the first constitution, chosen by join ballot of Legislature under the second, and elected by the people under the present régime biennially, each odd year.

1802.  Ambrose Spencer                                    1845.  John Van Buren

1815.  Martin Van Buren                                     1847  Ambrose L. Jordan

COMPTROLLER.

     The office of auditor-general was created by the provincial convention of 1776, for the purpose of settling certain public accounts.  In 1797 the office was abolished, and that of comptroller was substituted therefor, which was continued by extensions of two and three years until Feb. 28, 1812, when it was permanently organized.  Under the first and second constitutions the office was an appointive one, but under the present organic law it is elective; term, two years.  The comptroller is the financial officer of the State.

1801.  Elisha Jenkins.

SECRETARIES OF THE STATE.

1806.  Elisha Jenkins

1808.  Elisha Jenkins

1811.  Elisha Jenkins

1813.  Jacob R. Van Rensselaer.

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF APPOINTMENT.

1789.  Peter Van Ness.

1792.  William Powers.

1797.  Ambrose Spencer.

1800  Ambrose Spencer.

1803.  John C. Hogeboom

SPEAKERS OF THE ASSEMBLY.

1718.  Robert Livingston

1768.  Philip Livingston

1812.  Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer.

REGISTER OF PREROGATIVE COURT OF COLONY.

1768.  Philip Livingston.

REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY.

Peter Silvester, Elisha Jenkins, Martin Van Buren, Edward P. Livingston.

MEMBER OF PROVINCIAL CONVENTION, APRIL 20, 1775, TO ELECT DELEGATES TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF MAY 10, 1775.

Peter R. Livingston, Robert R. Livingston, Jr., Walter Livingston.

MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF NEW YORK.

President of Fourth Congress, 1776-77^¤ Peter R. Livingston; Matthew Adgate, Fourth Congress; Gilbert Livingston, First, Second, and Third Congress; James Livingston, third and Fourth Congresses; Peter R. Livingston, Second Third, and Fourth Congresses; Robert G. Livingston, Third Congress; Robert R. Livingston,¥ Fourth Congress; Peter Silvester, First and Second Congress.

MEMBER OF COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 1777-78.

R. R. Livingston.

MEMBERS OF THE STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.

Convention of 1788 to act upon Federal Constitution.--Matthew Adgate, John Bay, Peter Van Ness.¶

Convention of 1801. --Benjamin Birdsall, Alexander Coffin, Stephen Hogeboom, Moses Trafford, James I. Van Alen, Moses Younglove.

Convention of 1821. --Francis Silvester, William W. Van Ness, Jacob R. Van Rensselaer, Elisha Williams.×

Convention of 1846. --George C. Clyde, Ambrose L. Jordan.

Convention of 1867. --Frances Silvester, John S. Gould.

MESSENGER OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE.

1856.  Hiram W. Dixon.

COMMISSARY-GENERAL.

1863.  James A. Farrell.

STATE PRISON INSPECTOR.

1843. John W. Edmonds.

COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN AFFAIRS OF THE COLONY.

1715.  Robert Livingston, Jr.

1721-32.  Philip Livingston.

1738,42-45.  Philip Livingston.

1752.  Robert Livingston, (third lord of the manor).

MEMBERS OF THE COLONIAL COUNCIL.

1698-1701.  Robert Livingston.

1725-49.  Philip Livingston.

LEGISLATIVE.

THE SENATE.

    Under the first constitution this body consisted of twenty-four members, apportioned among four great districts,----eastern, southern, middle, and western.  After the first election they were divided by lot into four classes, so that the terms of six should expire each year.  This representation was increased whenever a septennial census revealed an increase of one-twenty-fourth in the number of electors, until the number should reach one hundred.  In 1795 the number was forty-three.  In 1810 the number of senators was fixed at thirty-two permanently, and has since remained unchanged to the present.  The State was divided into eight senatorial districts by the constitution of 1821, each one being entitled to four senators, one to be elected each year for a term of four years.  The constitution of 1846 changed the time of election of senators to each odd year, and reduced the term to two years, and created thirty-two districts.

     Senatorial Districts.----Columbia was a part of the eastern district from the erection of the county, March 4, 1796, when it was made a part of the middle district, and so remained until the second constitution was adopted.  From that date to adoption of constitution of 1846 the county was a portion of the third senatorial district.  By the now constitution, Columbia and Dutchess was formed the eighth district.  In 1857 the number was changed to the eleventh, and so remains at this date.

SENATORS.

THE ASSEMBLY.

     The first representative Assembly that convened in what is now the State of New York was "The Twelve Men," under the Dutch rule, who were elected in Manhattan (New York city), Brooklyn, and Pavonia (Jersey City) to suggest means to punish the Indians for a murder they had committed.  The first representative Assembly under English rule met at Hempstead, Long Island, March, 1655, but this could not be called a legislative Assembly, as it simply promulgated laws----"the Duke's Laws"----prepared for such purpose.  The first legislative Assembly was that of 1683, which was afterwards abrogated, and all the laws it had enacted, and that one of 1691 created, which continued through the colonial period.  Under the state authority the Assembly has always been chosen annually.  It consisted at first of seventy members, with the power to increase one with every seventieth increase of the number of electors, until it contained three hundred members.  When the constitution was amended, in 1810, the number had reached one hundred and eight, when it was reduced to one hundred, with a provision that it should be increased after each census at the rate of two annually until the number reached one hundred and fifty.  The constitution of 1821 fixed the number permanently at one hundred and twenty-eight, and members were elected on a general ticket.

     The constitution of 1846 required the boards of supervisors of the several counties to meet on the first Tuesday in January succeeding the adoption of that instrument, and divide the counties into districts of the number apportioned to them, of convenient and contiguous territory, and of as nearly equal population as possible.  After each State census the Legislature is to re-apportion the members, and to direct the time when the supervisors shall meet for the purpose of re-districting the county.  Pursuant to this provision, the boards met in June, 1857, and in June, 1866.  Hamilton and Fulton counties together elect one member, and every other county one or more.

     Apportionment.----1786-1791, three members; Feb. 7, 1791-1802, six; March 31, 1802-22, four; april 12, 1822-46, three; March 8, 1846-78, two.

     Districts.----1847-78, two districts in the county,----first district, comprising the towns of Ancram, Claverack, Clermont, Copake, Gallatin, Germantown, Greenport, city of Hudson, Livingston, and Taghkanic; second district, the towns of Austerlitz, Canaan, Chatham, Ghent, Hillsdale, Kinderhook, New Lebanon, Stockport, and Stuyvesant.

MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY.

OF THE COLONY.

1716-28 - Robert Livingston, Sr.

1728-37 - Gilbert Livingston

1737-59 - Robert Livingston (third lord of manor).

1759-68 - Robert R. Livingston

1769-74 - Robert R. Livingston¦¦

1774-75 - Peter R. Livingston.

OF THE STATE.

1778 - Gilbert Livingston.

1780 - Mathew Adgate, Peter R. Livingston.

1781 - Matthew Adgate, Philip Frisbie, Samuel Ten Broeck, Jacob Ford.

1782-83 - Matthew Adgate, Jacob Ford, Samuel Ten Broeck.

1784 - Matthew Adgate, Jacob Ford.

1785 - Matthew Adgate, Jacob Ford.

1786 - Lawrence Hogeboom, John Livingston.

1787 - John Livingston, Wm. Power.

1788µ - John Livingston, Wm. Power, Peter Silvester.

1789 - Matthew Adgate, John Bay, John Kortz.

1790 - Ezekiel Gilbert, John Livingston, James Savage.

1791 - Matthew Adgate, Stephen Hogeboom, James Savage.

1792 - Benjamin Birdsall, Jarred Coffin, Jacob Ford, Lawrence Hogeboom, Henry Livingston, James Savage.

1793 - Matthew Adgate, Benjamin Birdsall, Jared Coffin, Phillip Frisbie, Stephen Hogeboom, Samuel Ten Broeck.

1794 - Matthew Adgate, John Bay, James Brebner, Dirck Gardenier, Matthew Scott, Ambrose Spencer.

1795 - Matthew Adgate, John Bay, James Brebner, Philip I. Hoffman, Elisha Jenkins, Matthew Scott.

1796 - Benjamin Birdsall, James Brebner, Patrick Hamilton, Stephen Hogeboom, Philip L. Hoffman, Samuel Ten Broeck.

1797 - Caleb Benton, Palmer Cady, John C. Hogeboom, John McKinstry, Peter I. Vosburgh, Jonathan Warner.

1798 - Caleb Benton, John C. Hogeboom, Killian Hogeboom, Elisha Jenkins, Samuel Ten Broeck, Peter I. Vosburgh.

1799 - Elisha Gilbert, Killian Hogeboom, Charles McKinstry, John McKinstry, Peter B. Ten Broeck, Samuel Ten Broeck.

1800 - Ezekiel Gilbert, Robert T. Livingston, Charles McKinstry, John Noyes, Anson Pratt, Jacob Rutsen, Van Rensselaer.

1801 - William Cantine, Asa Douglass, Dirck Gardenier, Ezekiel Gilbert, John Livingston, Elisha Williams.

1802 - Thomas Brodhead, Josiah Holley, Henry W. Livingston, Samuel Ten Broeck, Peter Van Alstyne, Moses Younglove.

1803 -  Samuel Edmonds, Aaron Kellogg, Moncrief Livingston, Peter Silvester.

1804 - Benjamin Birdsall, Stephen Miller, Samuel Ten Broeck, James I. Van Alen.

1805 - Moncrief Livingston, Peter Silvester, William W. Van Ness, Jason Warner.

1806 - Moncrief Livingston, peter Silvester, William W. Van Ness, Jason Warner.

1807 - Elisha Gilbert, Jr., Peter Sharp, Gaius Stebbins, Anson Pratt.

1808 - Thomas Brodhead, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, Jason Warner, E. Williams.

1809 - James Hyatt, Moncrief Livingston, Gaius Stebbins, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer.

1810 - Thomas P. Grosvenor, Henry W. Livingston, William Lusk, Anson Pratt.

1811 - Thomas P. Grosvenor, Augustus Tremain, James Vanderpoel, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer.

1812 - Thomas Brodhead, Thomas P. Grosvenor, Timothy Oakley, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer.

[page 77]

1813 - Aaron Olmstead, Alan Sheldon, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, Elisha Williams.

1814 - Henry Rockefeller, John L. Van Alen, Jr., Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, Elisha Williams.

1815 - Henry Livingston, Augustus Tremain, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, Elisha Williams.

1816 - Henry Livingston, John Whiting, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, James Vanderpoel.

1817 - Gerrit Cuck, Hezekiah Hulburt, John Pixley, Elisha Williams.

1818 - Thomas Bay, Benjamin Hilton, Walter Patterson, Peter Van Vleck.

1819 - Henry Livingston, Jonathan Lapham, Barent Van Buren, Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer.

1820 - Thomas Brodhead, Azariah Pratt, John V. Van Valkenburgh, Elisha Williams.

1821 - John Bryan, James Vanderpoel, Elisha Williams, Isaac B. Williams.

1822 - Philip P. Clum, Elisha Gilbert, Jr., George T. Snyder, Augustus Tremain.

1823 - Abraham P. Holdridge, Stephen Storm, John Van Deusen.

1824 - Walter C. Livingston, John King, Joseph D. Monell.

1825 - Ambrose L. Jordan, Joseph Lord, Killian Miller.

1826 - Jonathan Hill, Adam I. Strevel, Aaron Vanderpoel.

1827 - Jacob P. Mesick, Isaac Mills, Simon Rockefeller.

1828 - Killian Miller, Abel S. Peters, Elisha Williams.

1829 - Abraham P. Holdridge, Henry W. Livingston, Peter Van Buren.

1830 - Jonathan Lapham, Aaron Vanderpoel, Oliver Wiswall.

1831 - John W. Edmonds, John S. Harris, Pliny Hudson.

1832 - Medad Butler, Tobias L. Hogeboom, Leonard W. Ten Broeck.

1833 - Anthony Boucher, Bastian C. Lasher, John Murdock.

1834 - Henry C. Barnes, John F. Collin, John Snyder.

1835 - Jacob Shafer, Horace Stevens, Julius Wilcoxson.

1836 - Charles B. Dutcher, Peter Groat, Jr., Adam I. Shaver.

1837 - William W. Hoysradt, Rufus Reed, John S. Vosburgh.

1838 - Abraham Bain, William A. Dean, William H. Tobey.

1839 - Harry Cornwall, Henry Hogeboom, Peter R. Livingston.

1840 - Robert McKinstry, Jonas H. Miller, Justin Niles.

1841 - Waterman Lippett, William G. Mandeville, John Milham.

1842 - James Knickerbacker, Jared Winslow, Abraham I. Van Alstyne.

1843 - Anson Brown, Lucas Hoes, Peter Poucher.

1844 - William A. Carpenter, Uriah Edwards, Peter P. Rossman.

1845 - Peter I. Bachman, Elijah Bagg, William M. Bunker.

1846 - William E. Heermance, Levi Pitts, Jeremiah Hover.

1847 - John S. Gould, William M. Miller.

1848 - Jonas H. Miller, Charles B. Osborn.

1849 - James M. Strever, Daniel S. Curtiss.

1850 - Philip G. Lasher, John H. Overhiser.

1851 - John D. Langdon, Philetus W. Bishop.

1852 - Wesley R. Gallup, George Van Santvoord.

1853 - Henry A. DuBois, Alonzo Chamberlain.

1854 - Milton Martin, Harvey W. Gott.

1855 - David Rhoda, Elisha W. Bushnell.

1856 -Samuel Ten Broeck, Adam A. Hoysradt.

1857 - John Miller, John T. Hogeboom.

1858 - David Miller, Lorenzo Gile.

1859 - Henry P. Heermance, James G. Van Valkenburgh.

1860 - Peter McArthur, P. Edward Van Alstyne.

1861 - Samuel Lasher, Norton S. Collin.

1862 - Jacob Ten Broeck, Samuel Wilbor.

1863 - Peter G. Kisselbrack, Elias W. Bostwick.

1864 - Amos Miller, Wright H. Barnes.

1865 - Walter Shutts, Samuel W. Carpenter.

1866 - Josiah Kniskern, John W. Van Valkenburgh.

1867 - Jacob H. Duntz, Stephen H. Wendover.

1868 - Harper W. Rogers, Stephen H. Wendover.

1869 - Edward Sturges, Moses Y. Tilden.

1870 - Edward Sturges, Daniel D. Barnes.

1871 - Benjamin Ray, Perkins F. Cady.

1872 - Benjamin Ray, Milton M. Tompkins.

1873 - Benjamin Ray, Milton M. Tompkins.

1874 - Henry Lawrence, Alonzo H. Farrar.

1875 - Henry Lawrence, Alonzo H. Farrar.

1876 - George H. Power, John T. Hogeboom.

1877 - Jacob H. Proper, Samuel Wilbur.

COUNTY OFFICERS.

COURT OF COMMON PLEASE OF THE COLONY.

Walter Livingston, judge, 1774.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS AND GENERAL SESSIONS OF THE PEACE IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA.

FIRST JUDGES.

Peter Van Ness, Kinderhook; appointed April 13, 1786.

Nathaniel Green, Hudson; appointed March 18, 1795.

Jacob Ford, Hillsdale; appointed March 12, 1796.

William Wilson, Clermont; appointed July 2, 1804.

John I. Miller, Claverack; appointed March 28, 1815.

Daniel B. Cady, Canaan; appointed Feb. 18, 1840.

Abm. P. Holdridge, Austerlitz; appointed April 23, 1841.

Julius Wilcoxson, Kinderhook; appointed May 2, 1846.

JUDGES.

APPOINTED.

1786 - Peter Silvester, Kinderhook; Peter R. Livingston, Livingston; H. I. Van Rensselaer, Hudson; Wm. B. Whiting, Canaan.

1789 - Matthew Adgate, Canaan; Stephen Hogeboom, Claverack.

1794 - Nathaniel Green, Hudson.

1797 - John Tryon, Canaan.

1801 - Jonathan Warner, Canaan; Jared Coffin, Hudson; William Wilson, Clermont.

1802 - Peter Van Ness, Kinderhook.

1804 - Edward P. Livingston, Clermont.

1807 - John M. Mann, Hudson.

1808 - Hezekiah Dayton, Hudson; Ebenezer Soule, Hillsdale; Matthew Dorr, Chatham; John I. Miller, Claverack; Wm. P. Van Ness, Kinderhook.

1810 - Augustus Tremain, Hillsdale; Samuel Edmonds, Hudson.

1812 - Judah Lawrence, Hillsdale.

1813 - David Ludlow, Kinderhook; Ezra Sampson Hudson; John Whiting, Canaan; R. H. Van Rensselaer, Claverack.

1814 - John S. Livingston, Claverack.

1815 - David W. Patterson, Chatham; Lawrence M. Goes, Kinderhook; Wm. Wilson, Clermont; T. L. Hogeboom, Claverack; Isaac B. Smith, Gallatin; James Platt, Hillsdale; J. C. Olmstead, Hillsdale.

1817 - Robert L. Livingston, Clermont; Richard I. Goes, Kinderhook.

1818 - James I Van Alen, Kinderhook; Seth Jenkins, Hudson.

1821 - Robert A. Barnard, Hudson; Henry Loop, Hillsdale.

1823 - James Barton, Hudson; Wm. H. Wilson, Clermont; Medad Butler, Stuyvesant.

1826 - James Vanderpoel, Kinderhook.

1828 - Walter Patterson, Livingston.

1830 - Tobias L. Hogeboom, Hudson.

1832 - Henry Hogeboom, Hudson.

1834 - John bull, Jr., New Lebanon.

1836 - Julius Wilcoxson, Kinderhook.

1838 - Josiah Knapp, Jr., Hillsdale.

1841 - John Martin, Claverack.

1843 - Darius Peck, Hudson; George C. Clyde, Chatham.

1846 - Frederick I. Curtiss, Ancram; Hiram D. Ford, Canaan.

     The constitution of 1846 abolished the court of common pleas from and after the first Monday of July, 1847, and substituted therefor a county court and sessions, with a single county judge to be elected for the term of four years, and two justices for sessions now by law directed to be elected annually.

[page 78] COUNTY JUDGES.

JUSTICES FOR SESSIONS.

SURROGATES.

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.

     The State was divided into seven districts in 1796, in each of which an assistant attorney-general was appointed by the governor and council.

     The third district was formed by Columbia and Rensselaer counties.  Ambrose Spencer, of Columbia, was appointed assistant attorney-general for this district in 1796.

     The office of district attorney was created in 1801; the State was divided into seven districts; the third district was formed by the counties of Greene, Columbia, and Rensselaer.  Thomas P. Grosvenor, of Columbia, was appointed district attorney for this district in 1810.

     Each county in the State was made a separate district in 1818.

Appointed by Court of General Sessions.

Elected by the People.

SHERIFFS.

APPOINTED.

ELECTED.

REGISTER OF CHANCERY UNDER COLONY.

1720.  Gilbert Livingston.

CLERK OF CHANCERY.

1720.  Robert Livingston, Jr.

COUNTY CLERKS.

APPOINTED.

ELECTED.

COUNTY TREASURERS.

     Walter Vrooman Wemple, of Claverack, was appointed treasurer of the county by the first board of supervisors in 1786, and held the office until his death in 1798.

Elisha Jenkins was appointed treasurer Sept. 4, 1798, and re-appointed in 1799, 1800, and 1801.

Robert Jenkins was appointed in 1820, and was re-appointed in 1803, 1804, 1805,1806, 1807, and 1808.

James Hyatt, 1809.

Amariah Storrs, 1810-12.

Abner Austin, 1813.

Jonathan Frary was appointed in 1814, and held the office until 1825.

James Van Deusen, 1825.

David Rowley, 1826.

Silas Stone, 1827-29.

Solomon Wescott, 1830-31.

Robert McKinstry, 1832-36.

Joseph White, 1837-45.

Abram C. Vosburgh, 1846.

Silas W. Tobey was appointed in 1847, and was elected to the office in 1848, being the first treasurer elected by the people.

Silas W. Tobey, re-elected 1851.

Allen Rossman, elected 1854.

Peter S. Wynkoop, elected 1857-60.

Richard F. Clark, elected 1863.

Peter Bogardus,** elected 1866.

Richard F. Clark,†† elected 1868-71

Charles W. Hinsdale, 1873-76.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR.

APPOINTED.

ELECTED.

SCHOOL OFFICERS.

     The act creating the office of deputy superintendent of common schools was passed May 26, 1841, and continued in force until Nov. 13, 1847, when it was repealed.  The appointments were made by the board of supervisors.

     The office of school commissioner was created by an act of the Legislature passed April 12, 1856; the first appointments made by the board of supervisors.

APPOINTED.

ELECTED.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF EXCISE.

COMMISSIONERS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPOSIT FUND.

SUPREME COURT COMMISSIONERS AT HILLSDALE.

SUPERVISORS.

1787. ----Matthew Adgate, Kings; Cornelius Van Shaack, Kinderhook; John Livingston, Livingston; James Bryan, Hillsdale; Stephen Hogeboom, Claverack; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; Henry I. Van Rensselaer, Hudson; John Kortz, Germantown.  Matthew Adgate, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1788.----Matthew Adgate, Canaan; James Bryan, Hillsdale; John Kortz, Germantown; Henry I. Van Rensselaer, Hudson; Stephen Hogeboom, Claverack; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; William Rockefeller, Livingston.  Matthew Adgate, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1789.----William Powers, Canaan; Thomas Jenkins, Hudson; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; James Bryan, Hillsdale; Stephen Hogeboom, Claverack; John Livingston, Livingston; John Kortz, Germantown; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook.  William Powers, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1790. ----William Powers, Canaan, Thomas Jenkins, Hudson; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; James Bryan, Hillsdale; Stephen Hogeboom, Claverack; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; John A. Fonda, Livingston; Nicholas Kierstead, Germantown.  Wm. Powers, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1791. ----Thomas Jenkins, Hudson; Henry Livingston, Livingston; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; [page 80] George Monell, Claverack; Nicholas Kierstead, Germantown, Jonathan Warner, Canaan; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook.  Thomas Jenkins, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1792. ----Henry Livingston, Livingston, George Monell, Claverack; John Thurston, Hudson; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; Nicholas Kierstead, Germantown; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Elisha Gilbert, Canaan.  Evert Vosburgh, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1793. ----Stephen Paddock, Hudson; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; Patrick Hamilton, Canaan; Martin J. Cooper, Clermont; Philip L. Hoffman, Livingston; Peter Scharp, Germantown; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; George Monell, Claverack.  Stephen Paddock, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1794. ----Stephen Paddock, Hudson; Philip L. Hoffman, Livingston; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Patrick Hamilton, Canaan; Nicholas Kierstead, Germantown; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; George Monell, Claverack.  Stephen Paddock, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1795. ----Stephen Paddock, Hudson; Evert Vosburgh, Kinderhook; George Monell, Claverack; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; John A. Fonda, Livingston; Aaron Kellogg, Canaan; Philip Rockefeller, Germantown; James Savage, Chatham.  Stephen Paddock, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1796. ----Dirck Gardenier, Kinderhook; Elisha Jenkins, Hudson; Philip Rockefeller, Germantown; John A. Fonda, Livingston; George Monell, Claverack; Levi Stone, Chatham; Elisha Gilbert, Canaan; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont.  Dirck Gardenier, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1797. ----Elisha Jenkins, Hudson; Dirck Gardenier, Kinderhook; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Peter Bishop, Livingston; Levi Stone, Chatham; George Monell, Claverack; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; Benjamin Tobey, Canaan; Philip Rockefeller, Germantown.  Charles McKinstry, moderator; Walter V. Wemple, clerk.

1798. ----William Wilson, Clermont; Dirck Gardenier, Kinderhook; Philip Rockefeller, Germantown; Peter Van Alstyne, Kinderhook; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; Elisha Jenkins, Hudson; George Monell, Claverack; Peter Bishop, Livingston; Eleazer Grant, Canaan.  William Wilson, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1799. ----William Wilson, Clermont; Eleazer Grant, Canaan; Henry Livingston, Livingston; Abm. I. Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Charles McKinstry, Hillsdale; John C. Hogeboom, Claverack; Peter Sharp, Germantown; Peter Van Alstyne, Chatham; Robert Jenkins, Hudson.  William Wilson, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1800. ----John C. Hogeboom, Claverack; Henry Livingston, Livingston; Robert Jenkins, Hudson; Philip Rockefeller, Germantown; Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; Peter Van Alstyne, Chatham; Abm. I. Van Vleck, Kinderhook; William Aylesworth, Canaan; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale.  John C. Hogeboom, moderator; Elisha Jenkins, clerk.

1801. ----Abm. I Van Vleck, Kinderhook; George Monell, Claverack; Moncrief Livingston, Livingston; Jonathan Warner, Canaan; Matthew Dorr, Chatham; Robert Jenkins, Hudson; John N. Taylor, Germantown; William Wilson, Clermont; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale.  Abraham I. Van Vleck, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1802. ----William Wilson, Clermont; Henry Livingston, Livingston; George Monell, Claverack; James Brebner, Chatham; John Whiting, Canaan; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; Garret Cuck, Germantown; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Cotton Gelston, Hudson.  William Wilson, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1803. ----Robert T. Livingston, Livingston; Nicholas Kline, Gallatin; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; William Wilson, Clermont; George Monell, Claverack; Garret Cuck, Germantown; Henry Avery, Granger; Cotton Gelston, Hudson; John Van Alen, Kinderhook, John Whiting, Canaan, James Brebner, Chatham.  James Brebner, moderator; Andrews M. Carshore, clerk.

1804. ----George Monell, Claverack; William Wilson, Clermont; Matthew Dorr, Chatham; John Whiting, Canaan; James S. Livingston, Livingston; Nicholas Kline Gallatin; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Garrett Mallery, Hillsdale; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Garret Cuck, Germantown; Henry Avery, Granger; James Hyatt, Hudson.  William Wilson, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1805. ----George Monell, Claverack; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; Henry Avery, Granger; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Peter Sharp, Germantown; Matthew Dorr, Chatham; James Hyatt, Hudson; Isaac Williams, Gallatin; James S. Livingston, Livingston; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; John Whiting, Canaan.  Samuel Mallery, moderator, Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1806. ----Samuel Ten Broeck, Clermont; James S. Livingston, Livingston; Allen Sheldon, Gallatin; Peter Sharp, Germantown; Henry Avery, Granger; John King, Canaan; Moses Younglove, Hudson; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; George Monell, Claverack; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Matthew Door, Chatham.  Samuel Ten Broeck, moderator; Gilbert Jenkins, clerk.

1807. ----Henry Avery, Granger; Matthew Door, Chatham; Samule Mallery, Hillsdale; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; James S. Livingston, Livingston; Peter Mesick, Claverack; John King, Canaan; Robert Taylor, Hudson; Isaac B. Smith, Gallatin; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont.  Matthew Dorr, moderator; Marshall Jenkins, clerk.

1808. ----James S. Livingston, Livingston; Matthew Dorr, Chatham; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Samuel Mallery, Hillsdale; Peter Mesick, Claverack; John King, Canaan; John Van Alen, Kinderhook; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown; Josiah Holley, Gallatin; Henry Avery, Granger; Robert Taylor, Hudson.  Matthew Dorr, moderator; M. Jenkins, Jr., clerk.

1809. ----Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Allen Sheldon, Gallatin; Henry Livingston, Livingston; Henry Avery, Granger; Abraham Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Samuel Edmonds, Hudson; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Timothy Oakley, Chatham; Ebenezer Soule, Hillsdale; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown; Jason Warner, Canaan.  Thomas Brodhead, moderator; Andrew M. Carshore, clerk.

1810. ----Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Abraham Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Allen Sheldon, Gallatin; Ebenezer Soule, Hillsdale; Jason Warner, Canaan; Henry Livingston, Livingston; Henry Avery, Granger; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Nathan Sears, Hudson; Timothy Oakley, Chatham; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown.  Thomas Brodhead, moderator; Luther Bingham, clerk.

1811. ----Henry Livingston, Livingston; Ebenezer Soule, Hillsdale; Henry Avery, Granger; Abraham Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Nathan Sears, Hudson; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Allen Sheldon, Gallatin; Timothy Oakley, Chatham; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Thos. Brodhead, Clermont.  Ebenezer Soule, moderator; Samuel Edmonds, clerk.

1812. ----John Van Deusen, Livingston; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown; Abraham Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Nathan Sears, Hudson; Allen Sheldon, Gallatin; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Henry Avery, Granger; Bartholomew Williams, Hillsdale; Timothy Oakley, Chatham.  Daniel Warner, moderator; James S. Livingston, clerk.

1813. ----Peter Mesick, Claverack; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Henry Avery, Granger; Samuel Wilbur, Chatham; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Amariah Storrs, Hudson; Henry Mink, Gallatin; Wm. Tanner, Hillsdale; Garret Cuck, Clermont; Abm. Van Vleck, Kinderhook; Frederick Rockefeller, Germantown.  Daniel Warner, moderator; Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1814. ----Peter Mesick, Claverack; Wm. Tanner, Hillsdale; Amariah Storrs, Hudson; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Garret Cuck, Clermont; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown; Isaac B. Smith, Ancram; Henry Avery, Taghkanic; Peter Van Vleck, Canaan; Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Matthew Beale, Chatham.  Amariah Storrs, moderator; Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1815. ----Robt. H. Van Rensselaer, Hudson, Thos. Jenkins, Hudson; Josiah Holley, Ancram; Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Garret Cuck, Clermont; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Augustus F. Haydon, Chatham; Friend Sheldon, Taghkanic; Jonathan C. Olmstead, Hillsdale.  Henry L. Van Dyck, moderator; Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1816. ----Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Garret Cuck, Clermont; Friend Sheldon, Taghkanic; James Strong, Hudson; John P. Jenkins, Hudson; Jonathan C. Olmstead, Hillsdale; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown; Peter Mesick, Claverack; Isaac B. Smith, Ancram; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Augustus F. Haydon, Chatham.  H. L. Van Dyck, moderator; Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1817. ----Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Henry Avery, Taghkanic; Anthony Boucher, Claverack; Isaac B. Smith, Ancram; Daniel Warner, Canaan; Edward Bagley, Hillsdale Anson Pratt, Chatham; James Nixon, Jr., Hudson; Paul Dakin, Hudson; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown.  H. L. Van Dyck, moderator, Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1818. ----Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Peter Van Alstyne, Chatham; Elam Tilden, Canaan; Tobias L. Hogeboom, Ghent; Jonathan C. Olmstead, Austerlitz; Anthony Boucher, Claverack; Joseph Morehouse, Hillsdale; James Nixon, Jr., Hudson, Paul Dakin, Hudson; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Adam I. Strevel, Taghkanic; Isaac B. Williams, Ancram; Garret Cuck, Clermont; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown.  H. L. Van Dyck, moderator, Wm. G. Hubbel, clerk.

1819. ----Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Peter Van Vleck, Canaan; Edward B. Pugsley, Ghent; Anthony Boucher, Claverack; John King, New Lebanon; Joseph Morehouse, Hillsdale; Adam I. Strevel, Taghkanic; Peter Van Alstyne, Chatham; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Paul Dakin, Hudson, Barnabas Waterman, Hudson; Isaac B. Smith, Ancram; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown; George Lawrence, Austerlitz; John Van Deusen, Livingston; H. L. Van Dyck, moderator; William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1820. ----Anthony Boucher, Claverack, Henry L. Van Dyck, Kinderhook; Joseph Morehouse, Hillsdale; Edward B. Pugsley, Ghent; George Lawrence, Austerlitz; Samuel A. Curtiss, Canaan; John King, New Lebanon; Isaac Mills, Chatham; John Van Deusen, Livingston; Thomas Brodhead, Clermont; Isaac B. Williams, Ancram; Adam I. Strevel, Taghkanic; Barnabas Waterman, Hudson, Paul Dakin, Hudson; Simon Rockefeller, Germantown; H. L. Van Dyck, moderator, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1821-22.§§ ----John King, moderator, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1823. ----Walter Patterson, moderator, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1824-27. ----John P. Beekman, moderator, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1828. ----Charles Waldo, moderator, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1829. ----John King, moderator; William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1830. ----Oliver Wiswall, chairman, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1831. ----Wm. H. Wilson, chairman, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1832-34. ----Robert G. Frary, chairman, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1835. ----Lucas Hoes, chairman, William G. Hubbel, clerk.

1836. ----Garret Burgert, chairman; Hiram Tapping, clerk.

1837. ----Levi Pitts, chairman, Hiram Tapping, clerk.

1838. ----James Mellen, chairman; Joseph G. Palen, clerk.

1839. ----Chas. Esselstyne, chairman, Joseph G. Palen, clerk.

1840. ----John E. Warner, chairman, Rodolphus P. Skinner, clerk.

1841. ----John Vanderpoel, chairman, Theodore Miller, clerk.

1842. ----John Vanderpoel, chairman, Stephen Storm, clerk.

1843. ----Peter I. Hoes, chairman, Stephen Storm, clerk.

1944. ----James Storm, chairman, John H. Overhiser, clerk.

1845. ----L. Van Buren, chairman; Henry Miller, clerk.

1846. ----L. Van Burne, chairman, John Mosher, clerk.

1847. ----Robert G. Frary, chairman; Erastus H. Benn, clerk.

1848. ----Robert A. Barnard, chairman; Harmon B. Whitbeck, clerk.

1849. ----Jonas H. Miller, chairman; Harmon B. Whitbeck, clerk.

1850-51.----L. Van Buren, chairman; David C. Neefus, clerk.

1852. ----Peter P. Rossman, chairman; John Whitbeck, clerk.

1853. ---Henry W. Reynolds, chairman; John M. Welch, clerk.

1854. ----Ira Hand, chairman, Jacob P. Miller, clerk.

1855. ----Ira Hand, chairman; Gilbert Langdon, clerk.

1856. ----Samuel A. Barstow, chairman; John Whitbeck, clerk.

1857. ----William M. Elton, chairman; Robert W. McClellan, clerk.

1858. ----Geo. A. Kisselburgh, chairman, Valentine Fingar, clerk.

1859. ----Horatio N. hand, chairman; Charles G. Coffin, clerk.

1860. ----Hiram D. Ford, chairman; John V. Whitbeck, clerk.

1861. ----Horatio N. Hand, chairman; Theodore Snyder, clerk.

1862. ----Stephen B. Barteau, chairman, John Whitbeck, clerk.

1863. ----Wm. G. Mandeville, chairman; John Whitbeck, clerk.

1864. ----Wm. G. Mandeville, chairman; J. Southart Van Wyck, clerk.

1865. ----Peter Mesick, chairman; John V. Whitbeck, clerk.

1866. ----John H. Overhiser, chairman; Gilbert Langdon, clerk.

1867. ----Peter Mesick, chairman; Gilbert Langdon, clerk.

1868-69. ----Jacob H. Proper, chairman, John Whitbeck, clerk.

1870. ----Henry Cornell, chairman, Aaron V. D. Whitbeck, clerk.

1871. ----Sherman Van Ness, chairman; James Miller, clerk.

1872. ----Lorenzo Gile, chairman, Henry P. Horton, clerk.

1873. ----Hugh Van Alstyne, chairman; Ruluf Neefus, clerk.

1874. ----Sherman Van Ness, chairman; John C. Hubbard, clerk.

1875-77. -----Perkins F. Cady, chairman, Ruluf Neefus, clerk.

1877. ----Perkins F. Cady, Chatham; Erastus Coons, Germantown;  John W. Coons, Greenport; James Dingman, Stockport; Jacob H. Duntz, Gallatin; Frederick F. Folger, Hudson, 3d ward; Michael Guinan, Hudson, 2d ward; Franklin Hand, New Lebanon; Charles W. Havens, Canaan; Magnus D. Herbs, Hudson 4th ward; William Hoag, Ancram; William G. Kittle, Ghent; John D. Landon, Copake; Samuel L. Myers, Taghkanic; Henry C. Pierson, Austerlitz; John Sagendorph, Claverack; Abram L. Schermerhorn, Stuyvesant; Allen Sheldon, Hillsdale; Samuel Shutts, Livingston; Charles W. Trimper, Kinderhook; Sherman Van Ness, Hudson, 1st ward; Harold Wilson, Clermont.  Sherman Van Ness, chairman, C. W. Davis, clerk.

*N. P. Talmadge, United States Senator, 1833-1844, was born in Chatham, Columbia county.  He was governor of Wisconsin Territory in 1845.

†Resigned

‡ Signer of Declaration of Independence.

§ While a resident of Vermont, Mr. Van Ness was appointed (1839) by President Jackson minister to Spain.  He was also, in 1816, one of the commissioners to settle the northeastern boundary under the treaty of Ghent.

¤ Ratified Declaration of Independence unanimously.

¥ Member of committee to report State constitution.

¶ These three delegates voted against the adoption of the constitution. 

× These delegates did not sign the constitution of 1821.

¦¦ Declared disqualified, being a judge, and refused a seat.

 µ First representation of Columbia county.  From 1780 to 1786, inclusive, in Albany county.

� Henry Livingston, of Livingston manor, then Dutchess county, was appointed county clerk in 1742, and held the office until 1899, when he died.

** Died April 2, 1868.  Richard F. Clark appointed to fill vacancy.

†† Resigned Dec. 31, 1872.  Charles W. Hinsdale appointed to fill vacancy.

‡‡ Resigned April 1, 1869.  John M. Cameron appointed to fill vacancy.

§§ The list of supervisors from 1821 to 1876 has been omitted on account of its extreme length.

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