Early Albany, NY, Settlers: "Irish Greens," War of 1812 Captain: Wonderful Archive

Albany, NY, saw its first European settlement in 1614 and was officially chartered as a city in 1686. It became the capital of New York in 1797 and is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies, and the longest continuously chartered city in the U.S.

Nice early American archive of 60 Albany city documents, nearly all completely handwritten, and in excellent condition, mostly 1822-1838, involving many early Albany settlers, including James Maher, who organized a regiment known as the "Irish Greens," which, under his leadership battled the English who had been boarding American vessels on the high seas and impressing Americans into service.

In a document signed by Maher, he approves the payment to 19 Captains of the city's night time watches. Another important signature is that of Philip Hooker, (b. Rutland, MA, 1766; died Albany, NY 1836). Hooker was recognized for transforming Albany's architecture after 1796 from a Dutch frontier town to a New England city. He has signed several documents in the archive, including a receipt for labor charges. Hooker confirms the charges as being correct. It is for raising & repairing an infamous gutter across N. Market Street, which, as I am informed, has been the cause of breaking many axel trees & springs of carriages." (Research on Hooker included)

Elias Gates, one of Albany's earliest booksellers, John Meigs, high constable of Albany also chosen to be part of the first train ride through New York State, P.V. Shanklin, an early Albany Chamberlain, Capt. H.W. Snyder who commanded his own company in the War of 1812. Documents include the two payrolls, listing many individuals who made up the city's watchmen, citizens who guarded the city at night. Documents also show a payment made to the Trustees of the African Church.

Other documents show payments made for participation in the 1832 4th of July parade, verifying that Capt. Holt was in full uniform; excavating and laying the sidewalk on Hamilton Street; early water works company payment listings; resolution to make a bond payment to the Lutheran Church for $900; award for damages caused when the city widened a street; $5 paid by the city to cover rent for the firehouse; $25 salary for the city's physician; money paid for the weight measuring certification for stone; salary of the bread inspector; $1.75 salary to the election's clerk; payment to Samuel Vail, weigher of fish and iron and measurer of salt.

Wonderful early archive, providing a great look into early Albany.

Expected toning and folds.

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