Appendix - 1900-1909

Memorabilia Related Research Material

1900-02-21 James Coxon to Occupy Betz Place

We hear that Arthur Belding of Flat Brook will occupy the Harmon farm and James Coxon the Betz place and Dan Tompkins of New Concord the place known as Jenkins hill.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Courier, pg5, 1900-02-21

1900-10-10 Red Rock 150th Anniversary Celebration

RED ROCK

A GALA HOLIDAY

ITS 150th ANNIVERSARY IS CELEBRATED

A Big Day for the Little Burg. — Speeches, Music, and a Clam Bake, Ball Games and Foot Races. — A History of the Place, and its two Churches.

Red Rock is the hub of the universe to-day. With appropriate ceremony, speeches and sports it celebrates its 150th. anniversary, and the 40th. of the erection of its marble shaft on the monumental rock. The little hamlet has a proud record; many worthy sons has she sent into the busy world and their deeds will be recounted with pleasure. The following historical sketches, from the "Souvenir and Advertiser"[1] will be of general interest.

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Red Rock was settled about 1750, mostly by down east Yankees. Among these first settlers we find the names of Davis, Doty, Ford, Parke, Jenkins, Wilcox and others.

In regard to the early name of the place, tradition says that a traveling vender of tinware was so unfortunate as to upset his cart somewhere in this valley, scattering his goods along the highway and that the inhabitant’s gathered around to give him such assistance as they could, but that the ungrateful man accused them of stealing his wares, and declared he would give them a name that should stand by them for all time, and named the place Pilfershire, by which name it was known henceforth.

No doubt this peddler's story was a vile slander upon the good name of the people. However, they determined that it should not stick, and in 1825 a meeting was held and it was voted to paint the large rock, by the road side red, erect a wooden column thereon and name the place Red Rock.

This was done and the wooden columns stood until 1860, when the present marble shaft took its place. It was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, speech making and a big dinner. Hon. Charles L. Beale, then Member of Congress from this district, was orator of the day.

Many men of note were born and received a part of their education within the limits of the present school district. Among these were judges, members of state legislatures, lawyers, ministers, doctors and school teachers. Of judges were Hon. John Cadman and Hon. Hiram D. Ford. Dr. Elias W. Bostwick and Col. Philetus W. Bishop were members of our state legislature and Dr. Samuel M. Reynolds of the state legislature of Massachusetts. Of ministers were Elders David Ford and Rufus Howes of the Christian church and James M. Jenkins of the Methodist church. Dr. Richard Beebe, Dr. Elias W. Bostwick and Dr. Samuel M. Reynolds, all of whom were born and brought up here became noted physicians. Col. Sidney W. Park of Albany, who commanded the 125th Regt. N. Y. State Infantry in the civil war was born here.

Of the early school teachers most of whom had their birthplace here, were Joseph G. Ford, Frederick Manley, H. D. Ford, Edward Pierson, Joseph C. Ford, J. W. Braman, Miss Lucy Palmer of New Concord, and later the Vanderburg brothers, Edgar, John and Richard, William Sweet, Dr. Richard Beebe, Dr. Elias W. Bostwick, William and Asher Goodrich and still later Rowland T. Ford, Miss Anna Pettit, (afterwords, Mrs. F. V. Burrows), Miss Ellen Harmon, (afterwards Mrs.William Finch) and many others of whom the limits of this paper will not permit a mention. Of the teachers who have gone out from this school district their name is legion.

The Christian society of Red Rock was incorporated May 11, 1829 with John Wilcox, Reuben Jenkins and Warren Ford trustees, the church was built the following year.

The Methodist society was organized Dec. 1, 1829 and incorporated under the name of "The Trinity Methodist Society of South Canaan" with Matin Park, Israel Northup, Ebenezer Jenkins, Joseph Jenkins Jr., and Jesse Ford tustees(sic). This church was also built the following year.

In those days the use of ardent spirits at [gatherings?], even of churches, was universal. In view of this fact Deacon Curtis of Flat Brook, agreed with the trustees of the Methodist society, that they would not allow any intoxicating liquor to be used at the raising of their church he would give them several nice pine trees. This agreement was faithfully kept and the society received several thousand feet of fine lumber thereby.

The Baptists had large and flourishing society on Macedonia, and their church was the only house of worship in this vicinity 90 and more years ago. A large congregation came from mile around to attend the service held there.

Somewhere near 5 years ago the old church was taken down and rebuilt a mile down the hill on a site near the Stickles blacksmith shop. Later the society disbanded and the church was torn down.

SOLDIERS.

Jonathan Ford, one of the first settlers, was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army. Ezra Parke, son of Smith Parke, also served three years in the same war. Martin Parke, William Mercer, Thomas Bishop and others whose names I cannot obtain at present, were in the war of 1812. The war of the Rebellion called many of the sons of Red Rock to the field, Several of whom died in the service. Among those who enlisted were Warren Blinn, 1st Lieut.; Henry H. Park, 1st Sergeant, Eber T. Castle, Corporal, Chas. W. Battersall, George W. Holdridge, Sylvester Pettit, Stephen S. Reed, of the Ind. sharpshooters; Alonzo B. Reynolds, Vincent Burrows, William H. Briggs, 91st Regiment; Samuel DeGroff, John E. DeGroff, Justin A. Wilcox, promoted to [word] of the colored troops[2]; [Martin V?] Wilcox, 128th Regiment; Hermon B. Bostwick, 1st Eng. John Wilcox, 192nd Regiment; Asa Holdridge 44th Regiment; Isacc Briggs, 1st Rifles; Charles W. Noyes, 37th [Ill?]. Regiment.

Two Red Rock boys were in the service in the war with Spain. Elliot Webster, a member of the 21st Regiment U. S Regulars, was in hot fighting in the trenches at Santiago and is now in the Philippines. Thaddeus W. Parke enlisted in the 1st Regiment, U. S. Vol. Engineers and went with his regiment to Porto Rico.

MILLS AND MANUFACTURERS.

The first saw mill in the place was built by Joseph Jenkins and Ezra Parke, Sr. It was located on the Indian Brook a few rods above the Methodist church.[3] Afterwards it became a wood turning mill and cider mill, and was owned and run a long time by Hiram Blinn, who moved it to its present location near the house of Chas. DeGroff. Seventy years or more ago another saw mill was built just below the premises of H. H. Park, and this region was known as Shingletown. The Stickles saw mill, I think, was built not far from this time.[4]

Elder David Ford ran a wagon maker's shop in the building that is now A. H. Ford’s barn. Later a wagon and blacksmith shop was built opposite the dwelling house of Vincent Burrows. Hiram Crane was the proprietor. Thomas Bishop also had a wagon and blacksmith shop on the premises now owned by L. W. Pitcher. Benj. Freece carried on the business of wagon making in the shop that stands between the churches, and was noted for his excellent work.

Samuel DeGroff, Sr., was a noted horse shoer and for many years his shop was a busy place.

The old grist mill did a flourishing business, and large quantities of Nova Scotia plaster were ground there.[5] The old carding mill on Mrs. Mary Stickles place was built by Robert and Hart Reynolds and operated by them; afterward it was owned by Hiram Hayes, who manufactured cotton rope, yarn and batting.

Some of the earlier merchants who did business in the old store that stood on the site of the present one, were J.W. Vincent, Daniel G Thorpe, E. D. Hunt and Cyprian Powell. Much more interest about people and places could be written but time and space forbid.

The Methodist Church.

Among the beautiful pictures.

Which hang on memory's wall

Is one of a quaint old village

That seemeth best of all.

~

For oft in my early childhood.

I played by its rippling rills.

Roamed o’er itss verdant meadows

Climbed its rugged hills.

~

Or perchance with my little brother

In the noontides sultry gleam.

I lazily basked neath the willows.

Beside the sparkling stream.

With these and many other pleasant recollections concerning the little village of Red Rock often recurring to my mind it will be readily understood how, when asked by my pastor to write a brief history of the M. E. church for this paper it hardly occurred to me to refuse. Though it would be impossible for me to do so were it not for Mr. Francis Park of Chatham, through whose kindness I am supplied with many of the facts which I am able to give to you.

On looking over the records of the town of Canaan we learn that during the summer of 1829 five churches were built. One at North Canaan or as we know it now, Queechy Lake; one at South Canaan as it was then called, now Red Rock. These two churches were Methodist. The leading organizers of the South Canaan or Red Rock church were Ebenezer Jenkins, Martin Park, Israel Northup, Joseph Jenkins, Jr. , and Jesse Ford, Jr. But just here let us pause a moment and look at the photographs of this old couple with their pleasant genial faces and quaint old fashioned attire. No doubt some of you who have known their descendants for many years may guess their names but if not let me tell you. They are Smith Park and wife, Molly, who I believe were members of the first Methodist class at Red Rock and I believe there has never been a time in the history of the church but that the names of some of their descendants have been upon the church book.[6]

Here too is a picture of John Alley who soon after that church was built preached and organized the first temperance society here which was kept up for many years. We must not pass over good old Deacon Curtis either — a Baptist man — who as the story goes offered to give the Methodist society a large pine tree if they would raise their church building without liquor although some thought it impossible, it was done. The building went up very nicely, and as to the pine tree, it grew so large that it could not be sawed in the mill without having its two sides first chipped off.

This church was incorporated under the name of the “Trinity M. E. church of South Canaan.” These two churches were prominent places in Methodism for all this section of country and formed a part of the large circuit then traveled by the circuit preachers appointed by conference. It was called a four weeks circuit for one man to go around. There being two men it gave these churches preaching once in two weeks. The alternate Sunday being supplied by local preachers. Among the first preachers after the church was opened were Mr. Carley Mr. Wm. Lull, Brown, Albert and Nash.

In 1841 during the ministry of Elijah Crawford the old Presbyterian church at New Concord was bought and became a regular appointment which I think consisted of Spencertown and Red Rock, White Mills, and New Concord. These appointments were again divided a few years later and New Concord was connected with Red Rock. Now we notice another group of ministers those who served at Now Concord and Red Rock, Nathaniel Mead, A. H. Furgeson, Geralds, W. G. Browning, P. Ward and Wm. Brush, and as we turn again to the old records we find that in 1856 the M. E. church at New Concord was removed to East Chatham and since then Red Rock and East Chatham have always formed one appointment. Rev. T. W. Chadwick was the first minister after this change was made. He was followed by, A. N. Molneaux, T. Y. Bates, Marvin R. Lent, each staying two years. After this came Araon Rogers in ’63 W. S. Bouton ’65 '67, Abram Davis '68, ’70. At this time I was(sic)

After Mr. Davis in '71 came Mr. Wm. Harris and now the pictures of memory become more distinct and I see so plainly the neat little white church and the broad platform with its steps leading up on either side just opposite the church is a pretty woodland, as we look for a moment upon it every restless passion is charmed down, all the natural religion of the soul springs up within us and we feel truly that this is a pretty place for a house of worship.

After Mr. Harris came Mr. Wm. Mackey, a very earnest devoted man who I believe has since been honored with larger fields of labor He was followed by [name missing] '76, '77. [part of line missing] H. B. Gilbert [part of line missing] Mead '81 '83, Newman l. Heroy '85 '86. A. Lincoln Shear '87 '89. The names of Eckert Shaw, Potter, Smith, Keogan and Albrecht are familiar to all. At different times in the history of the church special meetings have been held and many new members added. The present pastor, Rev. J. S. Ladd came in ’ 99.

The Christian Church.

This church was organized on the 25th day of May 1822, with seven members. The name of the church clerk who recorded this, was David Ford. There were present at this organization, three ministers, viz: Levi Hathway, John L. Peavy and David Call. As near as our information helps us, this church was depending largely upon Revs. Levi Hathway, John L. Peavy, David Call, L. S. Rixford and Stephen Hitchcock for preaching until Nov. 8th 1829, when David Ford was publicly set apart to the Gospel ministry by the following ministers, viz: Levi Hathway, John Spore, Edward H. Peavy, Amos Starks aud Leonard S Rixford. In this meeting, only the day before the ordination, the church, which was built in 1829, was dedicated on Nov. 7th, 1829; John Spore preaching the morning sermon, Levi Hathway preaching in the afternoon and John Spore preaching in the evening again. On the 25th day of March, 1830, Mr Chester Goodrich and his wife, Phebe, gave a warrantee deed to the trustees of said church,[7] John Wilcox, Reuben Jenkins and Warren Ford, or their successors in office. The first book of records continued until 1866, and showes(sic) that the regular monthly church fellowship and business meetings were continued also the annual meetings were held regularly, and the necessary organization effected yearly, also the regular preaching has been continued since the beginning, and the ordinances of the church have been observed until this day.

The names of the pastors of the church are as follows:

David Ford, 1829-1840. At which time he was given a letter of dismission from the pastoral care of the church, by his request. He died Dec. 1, 1868, and is buried in Red Rock Rural Cemetery.

H. V. Teal, Dec , 1840-Feb., 1842.

G. N. Kelton, 1842.

Jedediah Hoag, 1843.

Philletus Roberts, 1844.

J. C. Wagner, 1845-1849.

G. N. Kelton, 1849-1858.

Joel Gallup, 1858-1864

Jedediah Hoag. 1864

C. W. Havens, 1804-1888 At which time, his health utterly failing, he resigned the pastoral care of the church and died the next year, and is buried in the cemetery near the church he served so long and faithfully.

Lester Howard, 1888

O. F. Winget, 1889

N. W. Crowell, 1890-1892

A. A. Lason, 1892

W Chase, 1892.

F Metzger, 1893.

Foster Crissie, 1894-Dec. 1860.

J. McGlauflin, Dec., 1895 to date.

/ By J. McG.

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Chatham Courier., October 10, 1900, Page 1 (https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031284/1900-10-10/ed-1/seq-1/) (and, on 2023-03-03, from a somewhat more complete copy at https://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html)

[1] What is this "Souvenir and Advertiser"? Does a copy exist? - jhc

[2] "...lored troops". Tell me more. - jhc

[3] Would this have been on David Cooper's place? - jhc

[4] My great grandfather John Howes had a sawmill at his farm on Fog Hill (at the intersection of Fog Hill Road and County Rt 5). William Stewart had a saw mill at my place on Clark Road. Those mills would have been later and steam driven I think. Gene Stickles had a mill at his place (now Ted Guterman's) and sawed the lumber for my dad when he built our house in 1950. I think he also sawed the lumber for my grandparents new house in 1951. - jhc

[5] Plaster used locally perhaps? Perhaps in the old churches and schoolhouse? - jhc

[6] These pictures must be in the "Souvenir and Advertiser". - jhc

[7] Somewhere I saw Paul Burson's place across the highway referred to as "the old Goodrich place". - jhc

1901-01-10 Lorenzo J. Goodrich is Dead

Well Known Farmer Dead

Lorenzo J. Goodrich, a well known and highly respected farmer, died at his home between Chatham village and Red Rock on New Year’s day. A few days before while climbing into his wagon he was stricken with paralysis and fell between the wheels. He did not rally from the shock and passed away in the 78th year of his age. His funeral will be held Sunday at 11 a. m.

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The Columbia Republican, Hudson N. Y., January 10, 1901 pg6

1901-05-01 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Lorenzo J. Goodrich

NOTICE TO CREDITORS—Pursuant to the order of Hon John V Whitbeck Surrogate of the County of Columbia notice is hereby given, according to law to all persons having claims against Lorenzo J Goodrich late of the town of Chatham in the County of Columbia, deceased, that they are required to present the same with the vouchers thereof to the subscribers the administrators of &c of the said deceased at the law office of McClellan & Dardess, Chatham N. Y. on or before the 20th day of July next

Dated, Jan 10 1901

Jesse D Goodrich

Frederick C Goodrich

Administrators

McClellan & Dardess,

Attorney for Administration

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The Chatham Courier, Chatham N. Y., May 1, 1901 pg3

1901-05-23 Letter - C. M. Coxon to C. W. Coxon

5 . Wood Street Square London E. C. 23 May 1901
My dear Brother.

I received your letter dated 21 Feb in which you say that it is 2 years since you heard from me. Time passes very quickly but I don't think it is so long as that since I wrote to you last. You have changed your address since then I think, for I don't remember addressing a letter to Red Rock before, and I have moved once or twice since the big fire occurred here

on the 19 Nov 1897 - when my place was burnt out and I lost everything - I have got settled down again but not in the same building as before. You will see that by my address - it is next door but one. I had meant to reply to your letter before but have not been well for a few weeks. I am pleased to say that I am better again. I am sorry to hear that you have lost the use of your left side. I think under those circumstances it would not be very wise for you to come over here as I am afraid you would not be able to get about very well. I don't go down into Lincolnshire now for there is nobody there that I know. I want to go to Holbeach to look at the Cemetery and see if any thing wants doing at the graves there. I am afraid there is something to be done. I don't know whether Dan is living at Holbeach now - for I have not heard any thing from him for years, and we were never on very intimate terms. And there are no friends left that I know any thing about. You said in your letter that you had not had a good time. I hope you may have a better time this year. and keep pretty well in health.

With love I am Your affectionate Brother C M Coxon

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ENVELOPE

Addressed to:

Mr. C. W. Coxon Red Rock Col. Co. New York U. S. A.

Cancellation:

LONDON.E.C 33 11.30AM MY 24 01

On Reverse [only top right corner remains - jhc]

Cancellation [partial]:

New York, NY Jun 2

Cancellation [partial]"

Chatham Jun 3 730 AM 01

[Looks like a fragment of a personal stamp, oval, in green: Along top perimeter within green borders - jhc]: M. COXON * *

When I started looking into my Coxon family history I took note of this single surviving letter to my great grandfather, Christopher William Coxon (C. W. Coxon), from his brother in England, Charles Merriman Coxon (C. M. Coxon), that I found amongst Dad’s effects after he died. - jhc

1901-10-10 John Howes Chosen Supreme Court Trial Juror

LIST OF JURORS.

Drawn for the October Session of the Supreme Court.

The following panels of grand and trial jurors were drawn Wednesday to serve at a trial term of the Supreme Court to be held in and for the county of Columbia at the Court House in this city on the third Monday (21st day) of October, 1901:

GRAND JURORS. Martin Burch, fruit dealer.………..Stockport J. Graham Carpenter, clerk……Hudson, 2d W Edwin C. Connor, merchant……..Claverack Esek Finch, farmer……………Canaan Samuel Fowler, farmer..………… Ghent Edward B. Harder, blacksmith…….Stockport Myron Hess, farmer......……………..Claverack Andrew Hollenbeck, farmer……..Livingston James Kent, Reporter……………..Hudson, 5th W Eugene Martin, blacksmith…………Ghent Henry S. Miller, farmer………………..Stockport Walter S. Moore, farmer……………..Chatham Ephriam G. Palmer, retired…………….Ghent Luther B. Richmond, merchant..…..New Lebanon Robert W. Rossman, farmer………………Claverack Henry Seipel, mechanic………………Claverack James Skinkle, farmer………Chatham Eugene D. Smith, insurance……………Hudson, 3d W Abram Snyder, farmer………………….Ghent John L. Troy, hotel keeper……………..Hudson, 4th W John A. Van Alstyne, clerk………………..Chatham Russell Van Deusen, farmer. …………………Copake Benj. J Van Valkenburgh, farmer…………….Greenport Robert Washburn, clerk……………….Livingston

TRIAL JURORS. Jesse Benton, farmer………………….Gallatin Walter Blass, farmer………………Gallatin Walter Bushnell. farmer……………….Hillsdale David E. Clow, farmer……………………Stuyvesant Charles C. Coffin, truckman……………..Chatham Wm. R. Conine, hotel………………Stockport Patrick Conway, farmer…………………Greenport Hamilton A. Dean, farmer………………Chatham Nelson Drum, farmer……………………..Copake Martin Forrest, engineer………..New Lebanon Andrew Hallenbeck, farmer…………………Claverack George E. Hallenbeck, farmer………………Greenport Edward Harder, gentleman……Stockport Emmet B Hicks, farmer…………..New Lebanon Wesley W. Hogeboom, farmer…………Austerlitz John Howes, farmer…………………….Austerlitz J. Bunker Jones, laborer…………….Ghent Walter Kells, hotel keeper…………………….Greenport Porter A Knox, farmer……………….Hillsdale John B. Lamoree, farmer……………………..Chatham Wm. W. Lewis, fruit grower………….…..Livingston John Malone, hotel………………..Hudson, 5th W Milton Melious, farmer……………….Claverack Jacob Mesick, gentleman………………..Hudson, 5th W Albert Moore, farmer………………..Austerlitz Edward Muldowny, gentleman………….Hudson, 2d W David S. Proper, farmer…………………Livingston Seymour Race, farmer……………..……Taghkanic John Rapp, Jr., laborer…………………Kinderhook Benoni Sherman, farmer………………….New Lebanon Mellen Stickles, farmer……………………….Chatham William Stickles, blacksmith…………………….Canaan Philip Van Tassel, farmer…………..….Hillsdale Emmons E. Walker, hotel keeper………………Canaan Charles C. Williams, butcher…………………Claverack Michael Zamaski, farmer…………………Stuyvesant

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From the Columbia Republican, 1901-10-10

NOTE: John Howes was chosen once before for the January 1898 term - see the Chatham Courier for 1897-12-29. jhc

1902-01 State Line Telephone at Standstill

STATE LINE, MASS.

The supper and entertainment at the chapel was well attended Friday evening; receipts about $20.

A steam sawmill has recently been erected near Theo. Stickles and have contracted for the large chestnut groves owned by him.

Mrs. L. F. Smith has just purchased a gramophone and her neighbors and friends have had a rare treat, by hearing some of the noted singers and musicians.

Our telephone line seems to be at a standstill owing to a decision of the stockholders to substitute heavier wire and better phones.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Jan 1902, State Line column

1902-01-23 Telephone Meeting at Red Rock Store

RED ROCK

A telephone meeting will be held at the Red Rock store, Jan. 27. The line will run between the residences of Fred Goodrich and John Howes. All those who are interested are requested to be present.

D. D. Tompkins intends moving in the spring to the farm now occupied by D. S. Lord.

Charles Burrows of Lenox spent Sunday at his home. Remember the oyster supper Thursday evening, Jan. 23 at R. S. Ford’s.

Mrs. Alzina Starks has gone to Chatham to keep house for T. R. Burrows.

Elbridge Howes had the misfortune to lose his best horse last week.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Jan 1902, Red Rock column

1902-01-29 New Concord Telephone Line

NEW CONCORD

Poles for the telephone line are being cut and drawn to be ready for use as soon as spring opens.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Wednesday, January 29, 1902

1902-01-29 State Line Telephone Stockholders Meeting

Telephone Officers.

The stockholders of the telephone line to extend from John Howes', in the town of Canaan, to State Line held a meeting recently and chose the following officers: President, J. F. Bliss; vice-president, Harry Gleason; treasurer, E. C. Carpenter; secretary, Chas. Belding. There is now a project on foot, in which Pittsfield parties are interested, to extend the line to that city. The lines of the independent companies are being extended over the country with remarkable rapidity and the extent of the growth of this system is problematical.

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From: The Chatham Courier, 1902-01-29

1903-03-18 Canaan Town Election

In this town Supervisor Palmer, republican, and Frisbee, republican, for town clerk had no opposition. Gearing, democrat, was elected Highway Commissioner. The vote was as follows. Justices—Brown 144, Woodworth 157; Wagner 100, Schilling 86; Assessors—Cady 160, Jenkins 148, Bradley 108; Behm, democrat, elected 154, Beebe 88, Losty 96. Collector—Wilcox 181, Coxon 124. Commissioner Highways—Wadsworth, republican, no opposition, Gifford 171, Pitcher, 98; Steurwald 82, Gearing 162.

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From: Canaan column, Chatham Courier, pg4, 1903-03-18

1903-03-19 Goodrich Property Changing Hands

REAL ESTATE NEWS.

Property Changing Hands - Some Bargains Recently Made.

Following are the real estate transfers recorded in the County Clerk's office for the week ending March 14th, 1903:

Frederick C. Goodrich and wife to Jesse D. Goodrich, $1; Chatham.

Jesse D. Goodrich and wife to Frederick C. Goodrich, $1; Chatham.

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The Columbia Republican, 1903-03-19 nyshistoricnewspapers.org

1903-06-10 Coxon Family Entertains NY Relatives

Mr Coxon’s family are entertaining relatives from New York.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Courier, pg 5, 1903-06-10

1903-09-26 Mrs. Sarah Ann Woodford Visits Her Sister, Mrs. John Howes

RED ROCK

Percy Stickles of Lenox, spent Sunday with his parents.

Marion Sheldon started for Moody's school at Northfield, last Wednesday.

Minnie Barrett, of Housatonic, formerly of this place, and Andrew J. Shufelt of Housatonic were married at the home of the bride's mother Wednesday, Sept, 16. Mrs. Shufelt's friends wish her much joy. Mrs. Mattie Howes and Roy L. Pitcher of this place attended the wedding.

Hattie E. Emerson, of Boylan Home, Jacksonville, Fla. is visiting [word] Fuller.

Mrs. Wesley Park recently visited Miss Alice Pierson in Richmond.

The M. E church has been re-shingled during the past week. Work will soon commence on the interior.

Harry Gleason's little boy is seriously ill.

Iva Howes of Mount Pleasant, is visiting her cousin, E. L. Woodford at Ashley Falls.

Mrs. Francis Burns and two children of Chicago, returned home last Wednesday.

Prayer meeting will be held at Rodolphus Pettit's Thursday night.

Old Major, H. H. Park's favorite horse, was found cast in a ditch one day last week. They dispaired[sic] of his recovery but the horse surprised them by standing up the next day and now eats three square meals day.

Willam Madison is to move to Perry Babcock's farm in New Britian and Charles Brower takes his place here.

Margaret Coxon has been visiting friends near Amsterdam.

J. J. Kemmy, of Rensselaer, has been visiting Wm. Stickles.

Mrs. Sarah Ann Woodford, of Ashley Falls, has been visiting her sister, Mrs. John Howes She has returned home accompanied by her niece, Miss Iva Howes.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, Saturday, September 26, 1903

1903? Austerlitz to Red Rock Telephone Contemplated

AUSTERLITZ

A telephone line is now contemplated running from this place to John Howes, connecting with the Red Rock - East Chatham line.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, 1903?, Austerlitz column

1904-02-17 Fred Goodrich Jr to be Foreman at Machson Farm

Fred Goodrich Jr., who now resides with E. Pratt Birge, has obtained a position as farm foreman at Elmwood farm owned by Machson Bros., near this village. He will assume the duties of his new position April 1st.

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From: Chatham column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, 1904-02-17

1904-03-30 Frederick L Goodrich Married Georgianna Digons

Frederick L. Goodrich and Miss Georgianna Digons, were married March 28, by Rev. J. McGlaufin, at the parsonage.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg1(?),1904-03-30

1904-04-02 Mr & Mrs Fred Goodrich at Machson Farm

“Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Goodrich are occupying rooms in a portion of Machson Brothers’ residence at Elmwood(?) farm

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From: Chatham Locals column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier pg(?), 1904-04-02

1905 Christopher W Coxons, Canaan - New York State Census, 1905

Name: Christopher W Coxons Sex: Male Age: 74y Event Date: 1905 Event Place: Canaan, E.D. 01, Columbia, New York Race: W Relationship to Head of Household: Head Event Type: CENSUS Birth Year (Estimated): 1831 Birth Year (Estimated): 1831 Birthplace: England Digital Folder Number: 004518276 Image Number: 151 Record Number: 12528 Record Number: 12528

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace Margaret Coxons Wife F 66y Ireland James W Coxons Son M 34y United States Margaret G Coxons Daughter F 31y United States

Page: 1 Reference ID: 29 GS Film Number: 0479105 Digital Folder Number: 4518276 Digital Folder Number: 004518276 Image Number: 00151 Indexing Project (Batch) Number: N03643-2

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Citing this Record "New York State Census, 1905," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SPDC-JKF), Christopher W Coxons, Canaan, E.D. 01, Columbia, New York; citing p. 1, line 29, various county clerk offices, New York; FHL microfilm 479,105.

1905-04-05 Dan Lamoree Ill at Lorenzo Goodrich Farm

Dan Lamoree, who lives on the old Lorenzo Goodrich farm about 2 miles below Red Rock is ill with diphtheria and the house is quarantined.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg1, April 5, 1905

Bob Meyer's place. - jhc

1905-05-10 Maggie Coxon Family Has Measles

Miss Maggie Coxon is at her brother's near Chatham, whose family has the measles.

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From Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg8, 1905-05-10

1905-06-21 George Sweet Marries Margaret Coxon

The marriage of George R. Sweet, of Lee, Mass., and Miss Margaret G. Coxon, of Red Rock, took place Sunday at St. Luke's church in this village.

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From: Chatham Locals column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg6, 1905-06-21

Dad spoke highly of “Pop” Sweet. Pop Sweet was a popular musician and I think Dad and his Mom used to play together with him, possibly at the Showboat in New Lebanon. I know Dad mentioned he and his Mom playing the Showboat. - jhc

1905-07-05 Robert Sweet Visits C. W. Coxon

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sweet, of Lee , Mass., spent Sunday at C. W. Coxon's.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg8, 1905-07-05 (http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn89071125/1905-07-05/ed-1/seq-8/)

1905-08-02 James Coxon School Dist. Clerk

Austerlitz Dist. No. 4, village district Trustee W. O. Palmer; collector. Wm. Varney; clerk,- Geo. Bennett. Tax voted $276.25. Sprague Dist. No. 5, trustee, Horace Bailey; collector, F. Reusch; clerk, M. E. Sprague, Tax $191 ????... Red Rock, trustee, Arthur Belding; collector, Austin Ford; clerk, James Coxon.

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From: School Trustees column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg4, 1905-08-02

1905-12-30 J. W. Coxon, Member, Col Co Ag. Society

The Columbia County Agricultural Society, Annual Members:

J. W. Coxon[1]

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From: List of Members column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg8, 1905-12-30

[1] among many others - jhc

1906-01-13 PAYN MILL FIRE

Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier

Vol. XLIV CHATHAM, N. Y., SATURDAY, JANUARY 13,1906. No. 82

PAYN MILL FIRE

The Most Disastrous Since That Which Occurred in 1869.

MR. PAYN HAS DECIDED T0 REBUILD.

New Plant to be Ready for Operation next Fall — Origin of the Fire Thought to be Spontaneous Combustion—William Coxon Prevents Explosion of Large Boiler.

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The fire which destroyed the Payn boxboard plant at Paynville, Wednesday, was one of the most disastrous in the history of Columbia County and the most serious in the immediate vicinity of Chatham since the memorable fire of 1869 which completely destroyed the buildings on the East side of Main street.

With the exception of the Chatham Shirt Company's shirt factory and laundry there is no plant or business in or near Chatham at the .present time, the destruction of which could have dealt aa serious a blow to the commercial interests ol the village.or town. And in the event of Mr. Payn deciding not to rebuild, the blow will be one from the effects of which it will require a long time to recover.

The only portions of the plant now remaining intact are the stone machine shop the two steel stacks, the gate house, a small barn and two other small buildings, one of which would have been consumed had it not been encased in steel siding and roofed with slate.

The only articles saved were the desks, typewriter, telephone and a few other articles of office furniture. Robert Blake, of Chatham, one of the carpenters employed in the repair work, lost a quantity of tools as did Henry Battershall, of Paynvllle, who has been a foreman at the plant for some time.

May be Used Again

While the plant is regarded as completely destroyed, it is possible, and perhaps quite probable, that some of the machinery is not so badly damaged as to prohibit its use should the mill be rebuilt. Tbe three large steam boilers, for instance, were not in the hottest portion of the fire and may be found in good condition, the water wheels will be fit for further service and it is thought, although no thorough examination has been made, that the two rows of large steel dryers which, when in use, are filled with steam and over which the box board passes in drying may be used again after slight repairs have been made or possibly in their present state. As this portion of the machinery did not leave its foundation, the only damage it sustained was from the heat. The Jordan engines, beating engines, and iron bleach vats are also in good condition.

The future of the large steam engines is more problematical. They stand where the heat was very intense and their usefulness may be at an end. To summarize, while there are many part of the machinery that may be available for further use, thousands of dollars worth has been reduced to a broken, bent and twisted mass, valuable only from the standpoint of the junk dealer.

Stack Didn’t Fall

While the fire was in progress on Wednesday, one of the two steel smoke stacks, wnich are probably each 125 feet in height, became considerably bent by the heat which was quite intense on one side of it. It was expected to topple over at any moment but when the fire subsided, it was standing and when the beat left it, it again became as straight and erect as its companion.

It required some hustling on the part of the railroad employes who compose tbe switching crew, to save a string of cars which stood on the old side track which extended along the east side of the mill. The word was sent to the Chatham station and the switch engine hastened to the mill with all possible speed. It reached there in time to be coupled to the cars and bring them back to Chatham before the fire reached them.

Origin of the Fire

As has previously been stated, the origin of the fire is unknown but there is every reason to believe that it was spontaneous combustion. Even at the present time there are evidences in the ruins, to confirm this theory and the stories told by the employes also serve to help establish the fact. There were probably 100 tons of paper stock In tbe stock room. This stock consisted of baled waste paper of a kind suitable tor boxboard manufacture and it was in the center or bottom of this mass that the fire originated. It is still burning and probably will be for many days to come, and the larger portion of the fire seems to be located under the surface of the closely packed bales. The employees who were at the mill when the fire broke out, or soon afterward, agree perfectly in their recital of the details. Their version of the affair is to the effect that smoke issued from the stock room for probably a half hour before there was any blaze to be seen The two lines of hose were brought into requisition and streams of water were directed here and there about tbe room. A bucket brigade also brought water from the stream and threw it on the stock. When the flame finally appeared on the surface, it was of such volume, because the headway that had been gained underneath, that it was an impossibility to combat it successfully.

It is to be regretted that the fire fighting equipment at the mill was so meager. Had the fire originated in some other portion of the plant, the steam pumps could have been operated for a longer time and possibly would have saved the buildings but being in as close proximity to the pumps as it was, the fire soon drove the men out. It seems to be the opinion of the employes that had there been a steam pump located in a detached building capable of furnishing four or five good sized streams, the stock room could have been so thoroughly flooded that the fire would finally have been controlled.

Prevented an Explosion

It is due to the pluck of William Coxon, one of the mill employes, that the boiler which contained steam, was prevented from exploding. After the fire had gained much headway the men became aware that this boiler was in danger and realized that could the injector valve be opened and water allowed to enter, that no damage would ensue. Mr. Coxon volunteered to attempt this although the task was a perilous one. Accordingly he lowered himself to the boiler room floor and on his hands and knees, crept to the valve, opened it and crept back, when be emerged from the room he was nearly stifled by the smoke but, a further destruction of property and possibly loss of life had been averted.

Mr. Payn Decides to Rebuild.

Since the foregoing was written, Mr. Payn arrived home and has informed The Courier that the plant will be rebuilt. In response to the many expressions of regret on the part of his friends, relative to the destruction or the mill, Mr. Payn makes this characteristic and philosophic reply: “In this game of life we must all lose sometimes.”

He intends to begin the work of clearing away tbe debris as soon as tbe fire which is still burning in the stock room basement abates or can be extinguished.

The new structure will be built on the present site and an effort will be made to have it ready for operation next fall. All portions of the machinery' not damaged will be made use of. The work which was in progress Wednesday preparing for the foundation of the new stock house on the Sonn premises, will be. resumed Monday and tbe building erected accord to the plans first contemplated.

In Wednesday's Courier the statement was made that the insurance on the property would not cover half of the loss. We are now informed by Mr. Payn that the exact amount is $56,500 while tbe loss Will approximate $175,000.

The announcement that the plant is to be rebuilt, is most welcome news, not only to the large force of men who find employment but to the public generally.

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From: PAYN MILL FIRE, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, Page 1, 1906-01-13

1906-04-11 James Coxon to Work Smith Farm

James Coxon will work Henry Smith’s farm the coming year.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg4, 1906-04-11

1906-05-23 Christopher Coxon Moves to Ghent

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Coxon have moved down to Ghent to their daughters’

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg4, 1906-05-23

This would have been my Great Grandparents, Christopher and Margaret Coxon - jhc

1906-06-20 Mrs. Coxon's Toe Removed

Mrs. Coxon, of Ghent underwent an operation for the removal of a large toe yesterday. Dr. Washburn performed the operation assisted by Drs. Van Ness and Starks.

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From: Chatham column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg4, 1906-06-20

This would have been my Great Grandmother Margaret Wallace Coxon, not her Daughter Jane, widow of Eddie Kern who died in 1904 I think. Would this have been done at Chatham Hospital where I was born? Or did it not exist at the time? - jhc

1906-07-07 Chris Coxon Fingers Cut

“Chris. Coxon, a young man, had one or two fingers of his left hand quite badly cut in a cog wheel at Hoes’ mill yesterday morning. Dr. Mosher dressed the wound.

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From: Chatham Locals Column, Chatham Semi-Weekly Courier, pg1, 1906-07-07

1908 Charles Merriman Coxon, Lodger - 14 Charterhouse Square

Names of Voters

pg. 273 1908-9 Parliamentary & County - Finsbury - East Division; Parochial - Finsbury - Glasshouse Yard. Lodgers.; St. Sepulchre Polling District]; EAST DIVISION; St. Sepulchre Ward Glasshouse Yard Parish; Parliamentary - County - Parochial

CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE

Names of Voters in full, Surname being first.: 5755 Coxon, Charles Merriman Description of Rooms occupied, and whether Furnished or not.: One room, third floor, unfurnished Street, Lane, or other place and number (if any) of House in which Lodgings are situate.: 14 Charterhouse square Name and Address of Landlord or other person to whom Rent is paid.: Mrs. Gurner, same address

1908-05-29 1907 Telephone Co Taxes Levied

TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANIES

Taxes Levied for the year 1907 on Telephone Companies

NOTE: In addition to New England Telegraph Co and Western Union Telegraph Co, the table lists several local companies:

Old Turnpike Co-op. Telephone Co., Town of Canaan, $200.00 Special Franchise, $2.51 Tax on Franchise, $2.51 Total Tax

Ostrander Wm. Telephone Co., Town of Claverack, $50.00 Special Franchise, $0.51 Tax on Franchise, $0.51 Total Tax

Ostrander Wm. Telephone Co., Town of Ghent, $50.00 Special Franchise, $0.54 Tax on Franchise, $0.54 Total Tax

Pleasant Valley Co-op. Telephone Co., Town of Canaan, $125.00 Special Franchise, $1.63 Tax on Franchise, $1.63 Total Tax

Pleasant Valley Co-op. Telephone Co., Town of Chatham, $.... Special Franchise, $.... Tax on Franchise, $.... Total Tax

Queechy and Flat Brook Telephone Co., Town of Canaan, $400.00 Special Franchise, $5.03 Tax on Franchise, $5.03 Total Tax

Red Rock and Mt. Pleasant Tel. Co., Town of Canaan, $150.00 Special Franchise, $1.89 Tax on Franchise, $1.89 Total Tax

Spencertown Telephone Co., Town of Austerlitz, $150.00 Special Franchise, $2.47 Tax on Franchise, $2.47 Total Tax

State Line Telephone Co., Town of Austerlitz, $210.00 Special Franchise, $3.46 Tax on Franchise, $3.46 Total Tax

State Line Telephone Co., Town of Canaan, $25.00 Special Franchise, $0.31 Tax on Franchise, $0.31 Total Tax

Stuyvesant and West Ghent Tel. Co. Town of Ghent, $200.00 Special Franchise, $2.03 Tax on Franchise, $2.03 Total Tax

Stuyvesant and West Ghent Tel. Co. Town of Stockport, $.... Special Franchise, $.... Tax on Franchise, $.... Total Tax

Stuyvesant and West Ghent Tel. Co. Town of Stuyvesant, $100.00 Special Franchise, $1.13 Tax on Franchise, $1.13 Total Tax

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Transcribed from: Supplement to the Columbia Republican, Friday, May 29, 1908

1908-08-12 Son Born to Mr. & Mrs. James Coxon

Word has been received of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. James Coxon of Chappaqua, N. Y., on Aug. 1.

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From: Red Rock column, Chatham Courier, pg8, 1908-08-12

That would be my father, John E Coxon - jhc

1909 +/- Mt. Pleasant - the Coxons moved back to the John Howes property

[the Coxons] moved back to the John Howes property, I guess within a year after Jack, as we called him, was born... The lived there many years. ...

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From Charlie Briggs' Remembrances pg 35.

1909 Charles Merriman Coxon, Lodger - 14 Charterhouse Square E.C.

Qualifying Property: 3 Wood Street Square

Names of Electors

pg. 888

Names of Electors in full, Surname being first.: 22348 Coxon, Charles Merriman Place of Abode.: 14 Charterhouse square, E. C. Nature of qualification.: tenement Description of qualifying Property.: 3 Wood street square

NOTE: 3 Wood street square is used as qualifying property by 2 additional people as well. Martin, Sidney Herbert; Morgan, Frederick Andrews. Morgan appears here and in another 3 Wood street square list as well. - jhc

1909-10-20 New Telephone Directory

New Telephone Directory

The new Co-operative Telephone directory has just been issued from this office by its publisher, Edward Streeter. It gives all the subscribers on the following exchanges: Canaan, Chatham, East Chatham, Green River, Hillsdale, Kinderhook, Mt. Pleasant, North Chatham, State Line, West Ghent, and West Stockbridge. The Chatham exchange covers beside Chatham village and vicinity, Harlemville, Spencertown, Red Rock, Canaan, Rock City, Old Chatham, Malden Bridge, North Chatham, Chatham Center, Kline Kill and the Hemlock district. The Chatham exchange has upwards of 330 subscribers, The Canaan exchange 41; the East Chatham exchange 64; the Green River exchange [?]5; the Hillsdale exchange 31; the Kinderhook exchange 41; the Mt. Pleasant exchange 43; the North Chatham exchange 21; the State Line exchange 30; the West Ghent exchange 16; the West Stockbridge exchange 53. This makes a grand total of subscribers served direct on these lines of 735 beside the several trunk lines connecting with other exchanges whereby the Columbia and Home Independent lines [... ....... .... ....] the cities of Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, Catskill, Hudson, Albany, Troy, Cohoes, Amsterdam, Balston, Saratoga, Schenectady, Mechanicville, Glens Falls, Little Falls, Plattsburg [... illegible from here ...]

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Wednesday, October 20, 1909, Chatham News column

— revised 2024-07-24 jhc