Sterling Iron and Railway Company Records

Collection Type
Records
Year Start
1740
Year End
1918
ID

SC14069

Quantity

20 boxes (ca. 8.0 cubic ft.)

Access

Open to research

Acquisition

See Provenance note.

Processed By

William P. Gorman, ca. 1977; revised, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015

Related Index

Historical Note:

The Sterling Iron and Railway Company, which was situated in Ramapo (Rockland County), New York, operated under various names from 1736 until 1923.  Early records indicate the original name of the firm was Sterling Forge and Furnace Company.   This company can trace its history back to 1736 when Cornelius Board and Timothy Ward obtained 150 acres of the Sterling tract and built a bloomery and forge, turning out the first iron made at Sterling. Four years later, Board sold his interest in Sterling to Ward. Following this transaction, the ownership of the ironworks seems to have been shared by a number of individuals, including William Smith, James Burling, William Hawxhurst, and Abel Noble.

The 1760s saw a period of expansion at the ironworks with such products as pig and bar iron, cart, wagon and chair spindles, anchors, teakettles, skillets, pots, refined iron, and potash being produced. Just who the actual owners were during this period of expansion is not clear.

The first furnace at Sterling had been erected in 1751 and a year later, Abel Noble and his father, William, had constructed a forge near the furnace, producing their first anchors in 1753. In October 1758 William Hawxhurst and Abel Noble signed articles of co-partnership regarding the manufacturing of iron at Sterling and most likely Noble and Hawxhurst had a financial interest in the company. It was also around this time that the first of the Townsend family became affiliated with the Sterling Ironworks. Although the exact date of Peter Townsend's association with Sterling is disputed by historians, a ledger page shows that by February 1768 he was in partnership with Abel Noble.

Despite complaints from Peter Townsend regarding the shortage of working men, Sterling remained a hub of activity during the American Revolution. The ironworks performed a valuable service by providing the Continental Army with arms and ammunition and supplying anchors for Navy warships. Sterling also had a more direct role in the war effort. In February 1778 Peter Townsend agreed to produce an iron chain for the Continental Army. The chain was to be placed across the Hudson River at West Point and was to serve as a barrier to British vessels. The chain was laid in place on April 30, 1778 but remained untested, as the British never did attempt to cross it.

In 1783 Peter Townsend died, leaving his share of the ironworks to his wife Hannah (the daughter of William Hawxhurst) and to their two sons, Peter and Isaac. In 1797, Abel Noble, senior proprietor and part owner, sold his interest to Peter Townsend II, thus giving control of the ironworks, for the most part, to the Townsend family. The Townsends were joined in 1812 by Daniel and William Jackson and Henry McCoun who erected a saw works at Sterling and who attained a part ownership in the ironworks as well. The Sterling Ironworks were granted rights of incorporation by the New York State Legislature on April 1, 1814, and shortly thereafter, Peter Townsend completed construction of a cannon foundry on the Sterling site. The first cannon were produced in 1817 but, in spite of initial success, the foundry proved unprofitable and the federal government probably assumed control.

Little is known about Sterling from 1817 to 1825. It appears that legal difficulties or financial trouble hampered the ironworks as available records for this period deal with Southfield furnace rather than Sterling. The title of a pamphlet published at this time, "Report of the Committee Appointed to Examine the Condition of the Sterling Iron Works," further hints at some sort of financial or legal tangle.

Business at Sterling continued as usual during the 1830s and 1840s and little of consequence occurred until 1856 when the Townsends decided to sell the ironworks. A nine-page pamphlet entitled "A Map: Showing the Location of the Sterling Iron Estate, Orange County, New York" was published and sent to prominent men in the iron industry. However, no buyer was found and it was not until 1864 that the Townsends were able to sell their iron estate. On April 1, with the aid of David Crawford, Jr., the son-in-law of Peter Townsend III, the property was sold to the Sterling Iron and Railway Company, which had been formed to assume control of the ironworks. Peter Townsend III had substantial interest in the company and he was joined by several prominent men, including Thomas A. Scott, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad and assistant secretary of war during the Civil War, Jay Cooke, the financier, Joel Barlow Morehead, Samuel L.M. Barlow and George C. Clarke. In November 1867 a separate company, the Sterling Mountain Railway Company, was established for the purpose of managing the railroad branch of the company.

From the post-Civil War period until 1890, there is a gap in the Sterling records and not much is known about the ironworks during this time. However, by 1890 it was evident that business had begun to falter and in 1892 there was a reorganization of the company. Macgrane Coxe was named president but the depression of 1892-1896 led to a further decline and frequent changes in the leadership of the company continued. James D. Rowland of Philadelphia succeeded Cox as president and he was followed by Theodore Price in 1905. H.A. Van Alstyne assumed leadership of the company in 1911 and continued in that capacity until 1920.  In 1918, all the holdings of the company were leased to Ramapo Ore Company. There was a brief flurry of activity at Sterling during World War I but it ceased with the war's end and on July 1, 1923, all operations ceased.

For further information regarding the Sterling ironworks and the other ironworks of the Ramapos, see James M. Ransom's Vanishing Ironworks of the Ramapos: The Story of the Forges, Furnaces and Mines of the New Jersey-New York Border Area upon which this account has been based. A detailed account of the forging of the chain across the Hudson is given by Macgrane Coxe in The Sterling Furnace and the West Point Chain: An Historical Address. See also Chapter IV of Ransom's Vanishing Ironworks of the Ramapos.

Provenance Note:

The records of Sterling Iron and Railway Company were acquired by the New York State Library from multiple sources.  The first group was purchased in March 1954 from James Lewis Hook of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a dealer of early American books and manuscripts.  This group comprises the contents of boxes 1-13 which were accessioned in as SC14069 in July 1957.  The second group of records was purchased in February 1982 from Denning House and subsequently accessioned as SC17562.  This group was collated with SC14069 in December 2003 and now comprises most of the records found in boxes 14-19.  The third group of records was purchased ca. July 1985 from Harold Nestler, a historical manuscripts dealer, and subsequently accessioned as SC18613. This group was collated with SC14069 in August 2009, and placed in box 20.  The fourth group of records was purchased in December 2003 from Carmen D. Valentino, dealer of rare books and manuscripts in Philadelphia.  These records are found in folders 15-17 in box 19. 

Scope and Content Note:

The records of Sterling Iron and Railway Company relate to the operations of the iron foundry, which were situated in the Ramapo mountain range in southeastern New York near the New Jersey border. The Sterling Ironworks, one of the oldest, largest and most productive of the ironworks that lay nestled in the Ramapo Mountains, operated from 1736 to 1920.

These records include accounts, receipts, ledger books, correspondence, documents dealing with iron production, etc. In addition to this, there are many documents dealing with the activities of the proprietors of the Sterling Ironworks, especially of the Townsend family which controlled the works for most of the period it was in operation. There are many deeds, bonds and mortgages, leases and releases, articles of agreement, assignments of judgment, etc. A few documents concern ironworks other than Sterling, such as the Southfield furnace and Augusta forge, but these are relatively few. Some of the more important documents are listed in the brief descriptions found at the beginning of each section of the collection.

Series Descriptions:

Letters Related to the Manufacture of Arms and Ammunition for the Federal Government, 1799-1826 (Items 1-68: Box 1; Item 69: Box 12)  
These documents are mostly letters relating to orders for cannon and ammunition and concerning other matters regarding armaments made by Sterling Forge and Sterling Anchory. There are letters from the Department of War, the Department of the Navy, the Treasury, and the Ordnance Department; most are addressed to Peter Townsend.

Sterling Ironworks: Early Period, 1740-1799 (Items 70-115: Box 1)
These documents are mainly business records of Sterling Ironworks, spanning the first sixty years of its existence. The documents consist mainly of accounts, receipts, and bills, although there are a few letters, deeds, powers of attorney, and other such documents. Most of the business records concern Sterling accounts with its various customers under such early proprietors as John Burling, William Hawxhurst, and Peter Townsend. In particular, there is a series of receipted bills and accounts between Hawxhurst and the firm of Cruger and Mallard in Bristol regarding the shipment of Sterling iron to the English firm. Also of importance is Item 115, an account of the forging of the chain over the Hudson.

Documents Dealing with Iron Production, etc., 1768-1856 (Items 116-126: Box 1)
Documents dealing with the production of iron at the Sterling and Southfield furnaces. There are estimates of the cost of making iron, reports on iron production and methods for improving such production.

The Sterling Iron and Railway Co., 1864-1899 (Items 127-131: Box 1)
The Sterling Iron and Railway Co. was formed in 1864 to assume control of the Sterling Iron estate. On April 1, 1864, through the intercession of David Crawford, Jr., the son-in-law of Peter Townsend III, all of the property of the Sterling Iron Works was sold to the recently-formed Sterling Iron and Railway Co. Peter Townsend III had a large interest in the company and he was joined by several prominent men including Thomas A. Scott, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad and assistant secretary of war during the Civil War, Jay Cooke, the financier, Joel Barlow Morehead, Samuel L.M. Barlow, and George C. Clark.

In November 1867 a separate company, the Sterling Mountain Railway Co., was formed to assume control of the railroad operations. As of November 30, 1867 its officers were J. Dutton Steele, president; David Crawford, Jr., O.D.F. Grant, Peter Townsend, J.B. Moorhead, W.G. Moorhead and Thomas A. Scott, board of directors. A.W. Humphreys was secretary and treasurer, and Thomas C. Steele, engineer and superintendent.

The Sterling Iron and Railway Co. operated the mines and furnaces of the Sterling tract until the 1920s but business had begun to falter by 1890 and in 1892 there was a reorganization of the company. Several changes regarding the controlling interests of the company occurred during this period. Macgrane Coxe was named president in 1892 and was soon followed by James D. Rowland of Philadelphia who was succeeded by Theodore Price in 1905. In 1911, H.A. Van Alstyne assumed control of the company and retained control until the company's demise in the 1920s.

Correspondence, 1760-1863 (Items 132-169: Box 1)
Mostly business correspondence re: the Townsend family and dealing with such matters as the operation of the Sterling mines, land transactions, etc. Correspondents are chiefly business associates and customers of the Townsends. There are also a few letters of a non-business nature (see, for example, Items 164-167).

Surveys, Abstracts of Titles, etc., 1705-1865 (Items 170-216: Box 1)
These documents are mainly surveys and abstracts of titles regarding the tracts of land upon which the Sterling mines and other ironworks of the Ramapos were built. Of special interest are the abstracts of the original surveys of the Sterling tract undertaken for Cornelius Board, Timothy Ward, James Burling, William Hawxhurst and other early proprietors of the Sterling mines, and a number of surveys of the Cheescocks Patent including an extract from Charles Clinton's fieldbook re: the subdivision of the Cheescocks Patent, an economic and geological survey of the Sterling Iron Works and a document providing a detailed description of the Sterling Iron Works and its operations prepared for the proprietors as a prospectus for the sale of the iron works.

Maps, 1794-1901 (Items 217-230: Box 2; Items 222 and 228: Box 12; Item 231: Extra-Large)
Various maps, charts, and sketches, most of which pertain to the Sterling tract and to the iron mines there, although there are a few documents such as the chart of Onion River, Vt., drawn by Jedidiah Hubbell, surveyor, that concern areas other than the Sterling tract. Especially important is the nine-page pamphlet entitled "A Map Showing the Location of the Sterling Iron Estate, Orange County, N.Y.," published in 1856 when the Sterlings decided to sell the ironworks. (See Item 219).  Also includes a survey map (Item 231) of Goshen Township, N.Y., and surrounding area that may have been done by Robert Erskine, ironmaster at Ringwood Mines and surveyor-general under General George Washington.

Deeds, 1733-1890 (Items 232-270: Box 2; Items 271-337: Box 3; Items 233, 366, 283 and 294: Box 12)
Most of these deeds involve the Townsend family; some pertain to the Sterling Iron Works while others pertain to non-Sterling land transactions. Of particular interest are some of the earlier deeds which concern the first proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works.

Leases and Releases, 1757-1838 (Items 338-364: Box 4; Items 349-350: Box 12)
Most of these documents pertain to the Townsend family although mention should be made of the first few documents that involve such early proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works as Abel Noble, William Hawxhurst, and John and Samuel Burling.

Bonds and Mortgages, 1759-1864 (Items 365-409: Box 4)
These documents center around the Townsend family. Note Items 402, 404, 405 and 407 which concern the Townsends' dealings with the trustees of the Episcopal Fund of the Diocese of Western New York.

Articles of Agreement, 1758-1862 (Items 410-427: Box 5; Item 411: Box 12)
Articles of agreement, some of which pertain directly to the Sterling Iron Works and the production of iron. (See especially Items 410 and 411, Articles of Co-partnership between Abel Noble and William Hawxhurst; Item 412 re: the erection of a building to make iron and steel, and Item 426 re: a contract for the building of Southfield Furnace) There are also several documents re: family matters – settling of estates, land transactions, etc. – most of which involve the Townsend family.

Assignment of Judgment, 1815-1855 (Items 428-440: Box 5)
Various judgments, lists of judgments and assignments of judgments re: members of the Townsend family. (Of particular interest are Items 434 and 435 re: William Townsend's assignment of his personal estate and his share of the Sterling and Southfield works to Peter Townsend, Jr. and William Townsend, and Item 437 re: the case of the Bank of Orange County and Fletcher Woodhull vs. William Townsend and Philip and Alexander H. Fink).

Accounts, Receipts, Bills, etc., 1759- ca.1900 (Items 441-500: Box 5; 501-602: Box 6; Items 442 and 459: Box 12)
Accounts, receipts, bills of sale, notes, etc. regarding the business transactions of the Townsend family, proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works during many of its years of operation. (Item 442 is particularly important as it is a bill of sale for the Sterling Iron Works from William Hawxhurst, one of the first proprietors to Peter Townsend. See also Items 599 and 600 re: the sale of the Sterling property. For further information re: sale of the Sterling property see Item 219 filed with the MAPS in Box 2)

Account and Receipt Books and Groups of Accounts, 1765-1835 (Items 603-605: Box 6; Items 606-612: Boxes 7-11)
These documents are divided into two categories: (1) Account and Receipt Books - mainly account books of the Sterling Iron Works and the Sterling Forge Co. There is also an account and receipt book of D.P. Townsend and collected accounts of the Augusta Forge. (Augusta Forge began in 1783 when Peter Townsend sold 6,000 acres of the Sterling tract to his cousin and son-in-law, Solomon Townsend. Solomon was joined by Peter's brother, William, in 1792 and the two continued to operate the forge until the death of Solomon Townsend in 1811 although the Embargo Act of 1807 had already brought Solomon Townsend to financial ruin.), and (2) Groups of Accounts - accounts of various members, relatives, or business associates of the Townsend family.

Also included in this series are ledgers containing debit-credit accounts and daybooks related to daily financial transactions.

Last Wills and Testaments, 1764-1899 (Items 616-621: Box 6)
Documents related primarily to the estate of Townsend and allied families.  See list of individual items for more information.

Genealogical Records (Item 623: Box 6; Item 624: Box 13)
Information on Townsend and allied families.

Miscellaneous (Items 625-627: Box 6)

Sterling Iron and Railway Company, 1865-1918: Accretion. (Boxes 14-19) Includes a group of records catalogued formerly as SC17562, circa 1982, and additional records acquired in 2003. This group of records relates primarily to the post-Civil war mining and railroad operations of the company.  Included are letter books containing incoming and outgoing correspondence of executive officers of the company; manifests listing the goods carried from Sterling to the various mines, works and operations of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company; trial balances show expenses at the Sterling Furnace, Southfield Furnace and Sterling Mountain Railway; and a book containing records of ore shipped from the Sterling mines in Orange County via the Sterling Mountain Railroad & Erie Railroad to Piermont in Rockland County and then by boat to various companies.

Container and Item List

Letters re: The Manufacture of Arms and Ammunition for the Federal Government, 1799-1826. These documents are mostly letters relating to orders for cannon and ammunition and concerning other matters regarding armaments made by Sterling Forge and Sterling Anchory. There are letters from the Department of War, the Department of the Navy, the Treasury, and the Ordnance Department; most are addressed to Peter Townsend. (NOTE: Townsend is listed as P.T. in the description of the documents that follows.)

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
1111799April 6New York. Asking estimate for anchors for U.S. with a list of 7 required conditions. Second page gives a list of prices for anchors made for the British Navy. Signed G.L. Eben Watson (2pp.)
1121802November 9Plymouth. B. Seymour to P.T. re: the cylinder for the schooner Industry, coal, copper, shives, etc. (2pp.)
1131802November 9Plymouth. B. Seymour to Wm. T. as to directions for the making of the cylinder. Very important letter about the cylinder (4pp.)
1141803January 31Plymouth. B. Seymour to P.T. re: the receipt of directions for making the cylinder - Important (3pp.)
1151813March 1Dept. of War, Acct.'s office. Wm. Simmons to P.T. as to re-payment for shot delivered to Col. Wadsworth (1p.)
1161814March 21Ordnance Dept., Wash. to P.T. as to the re-furnishing of cannon shot for the U.S. (grape shot and canister shot), sizes, etc. Signed Decius Wadsworth (1½ pp.)
1171814October 17Navy Dept. to P.T. as to the re-establishment of a cannon foundry in the northern section of the Union. Sizes of cannon and prices each. Signed W. Jones. Very important (2pp.)
1181814November 12Navy Dept. to the honorable Jonathan Fisk in Congress as to a contract with P.T. Signed Benjamin Homans (1p.)
1191815 Bond between P.T., I.T. and Seth Marvin, on one hand, and the U.S. on the other hand through the agency of Lt. Col. Bomford of the Ordnance Dept. for $120,000. (1½ pp.)
11101815February 20Ordnance Dept. to Townsend Esq. re: a contract. Signed Jn. Morton, Capt. of Ordnance (1p.)
11111815February 22Ordnance Dept. to P.T. as to shot delivered to N.Y. Signed J. Morton, Capt. (1p.)
11121815February 28Navy Dept. to P.T. re: a contract and $12,000 or $15,000 to be paid for guns. Signed B.W. Crowninshield (1p.)
11131815March 1Ordnance Office to P.T. re: a contract and a letter to Col. Bomford. Also he is advised to address covers to Ordnance Dept. to save postage. Signed Jn. Morton, Capt. (1p.)
11141816 [sic]March 19Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: $10,000 being sent as part of a contract. Signed Jno. Morton (1p.)
11151815March 24Ordnance Dept. to P.T. as to Mr. Dallas having left the city without signing a warrant for Townsend for $20,000 and they will have to wait for his return which is not to be for over a fortnight. Signed J. Morton (1p.)
11161815March 29Treasury Dept. Printed order for $10,000 to be paid to P.T. [Signature is indecipherable] (1p.)
11171815May 7New York. Jonathan Fisk to P.T. re: money and contract (1p.)
11181815May 7New York. Jona. Fisk to Capt. Morton, Ordnance Dept., Wash. re: Townsend's security (1p.)
11191815May 8Ordnance Dept. to P.T. as to the men being named as security not being sufficient for the War Dept. New bond form being sent, etc. Signed J. Morton (1½ pp.)
11201815June 21Navy Commissioners Office to P.T. re: 500 tons of ordnance cannon at the rate of 12 tons per week. Signed Jno. Rodgers[?] (1p.)
11211815June 15Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: bond of security. Jno. Morton (1p.)
11221815June 23Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: the notes being the Secretary's business but he is too busy to see anyone. Jno. Morton (1p.)
11231815June 24Thomas Tucker, Washington to P.T. as to the reissuing of treasury notes (1p.)
11241815June 24Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: the fact that there is no public money in N.Y. to pay the $6,200. As soon as funds are available, remittance will be made. Signed J. Morton (1¼ pp.)
11251815June 26Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: $10,000 in treasury notes to be sent to Townsend. Signed Jno. Morton (1p.)
11261815August 23Dept. of War to P.T. re: $6,200 to be sent in fulfillment of a contract with Col. Bomford. Signed Tobias Lear (1p.)
11271815August 23Printed treasury draft for $6,200.63 to P.T. Signed Th. T. Tucker, U.S. Treas. (1p.)
11281815October 23Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: execution of contract. Signed Jno. Morton (1p.)
11291815October 24P. Townsend, Chester, N.Y. to Col. Bomford. Copy of a letter about the operation of the foundry, cannon, fire brick, etc. (2pp.)
11301815November 3Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: further advances of monies. Signed Jno. Morton, Capt. (1p.)
1134 [sic]1816January 24Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: contract. Jno. Morton (1p.)
11311816February 26Ordnance Dept. to P.T. as to the appropriations for the Ordnance Dept. passing the House by a majority of about 60 votes and now awaiting the vote of the Senate. Signed Jno. Morton, Capt. (2pp.)
1114
[sic]
1816March 19Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: $10,000 being sent as part of a contract. Signed Jno. Morton (1p.)
11321816March 23Dept. of War to P.T. re: $10,000 i ssued for cannon. Signed Tobias Lear (1p.)
11331816June 3Ordnance Dept. to P.T. "Subject of frequent enquiry on the part of the Govt. what information we had of your proceedings and what reliance can be placed upon performance of Contract, etc., etc." Jno. Morton, Capt. (1½ pp.)
11341816January 24 [sic]Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: contract. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12351816July 29Ordnance Dept. to P.T. Col. Bomford requests reply at once to former queries without delay. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12361816August 20Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: the delay in hearing from Townsend concerning his contract with the Dept. Jno. Morton, Capt. (1p.)
12371816September 3Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: a more explicit statement as to the fulfillment of the contract. Also Morton's instructions to Townsend that the top of the trunnion of the cannon should range directly in a line with the centre of the bore. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12381817May 2Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: ordnance ready for inspection. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12391817May 22Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: the fact that early and regular accounts of cannon made for U.S. must be furnished to the Dept. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12401817June 3Ordnance Dept. to P.T. re: drawings having been sent for 18- and 24-pounders. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12411817June 23U.S. Arsenal, Troy, N.Y. to P.T. re: the furnishing of ball at the foundry for proving the cannon, etc. James Dalaby, Maj. (1p.)
12421817September 16U.S. Arsenal, Watervliet, N.Y. to P.T. re: re-inspection. James Dalaby, Maj. (2pp.)
12431817December 12Copy of a letter sent to the Pres. and Commissioners of the Navy Board. Tells of superior iron used for cannon and of 12 pound cannon made for the Ordnance Dept. and delivered to the dwelling of Comm. Rogers for the convenience of the inspectors. (Not signed but most likely written by P.T.) (2pp.)
12441817December 29Navy Commissioners Office to P.T. re: anchor palms. Signed Jn. Rodgers[?] (1p.)
12451818March 19Ordnance Dept. to P.T. as to two errors in the filling out of two deeds including the misspelling of Col. Bomford's name. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12461818March 30Ordnance Dept. to P.T. desiring immediate information about reports of insolvency, etc. Jno. Morton (1p.)
12471818March 30Ordnance Dept. to P.T. Same as Item 46. Signed Jno. Morton (1p.)
12481818April 4P.T., N.Y. to Col. Geo. Bomford explaining his difficulties re: his indebtedness, his brothers, Wm. & Isaac, completing the contract, etc.
12491818July 1Ordnance Office to P.T. re: an advance of money on his contract and as to Maj. Dalaby's inspection. Signed Decius Wadsworth, Col. (1p.)
12501818July 20P.T., N.Y., to Col. Decius Wadsworth as to having received Wadworth's letter of the 1st and as to Maj. Dalaby not having arrived for inspection yet, etc. (2pp.)
12511818July 24Ordnance Office to P.T. as to Maj. Dalaby inspecting the remainder of the cannon at the foundry and re: the subject of his contract. Decius Wadsworth, Col. (1p.)
12521818August 6Copy of a letter to Col. Wadsworth re: Lt. Pomeroy's visit to the foundry and proving cannon and the cannon being sent to Albany. (Not signed but most likely written by P.T. (1½ pp.)
12531818August 12Ordnance Office to P.T. advising Townsend to come to Washington to solve his problems. Decius Wadsworth, Col. (1p.)
12541818August 17U.S. Arsenal, Watervliet, N.Y. to Wm. T. as to the manufacturing of cannon. Signed James Dalaby, Maj. (2pp.)
12551819January 5Ordnance Office to P.T. re: $7,500 which was to be sent to Townsend
12561819May 10Ordnance Office to P.T. as to the pressure of the times operating on the nation at Treasury as much as elsewhere and thus offering no encouragement for a further advance of money. Decius Wadsworth, Col. (1p.)
12571819August 16U.S. Arsenal, Watervliet, N.Y. to Wm. T. desiring to know the number and kind of pieces ready, etc. James Dalaby, Maj. (1p.)
12581819November 25U.S. Arsenal, Watervliet, N.Y. to Wm. T. as to the quality of cannon, etc. James Dalaby, Maj. (2pp.)
12591819December 8Ordnance Office to P.T. re: a report received from Maj. Dallaby [sic] about cannon dimensions, caliber, etc. Decius Wadsworth, Col. (1½ pp.)
12601820May 8U.S. Arsenal, Watervliet, N.Y. to Wm. T. with an order to deliver cannon to Lt. Vining. James Dalaby, Maj. On the reverse side is a receipt from Charles Smyth, U.S. Agent of Transportation for 14 18-pound cannons dated June 8, 1820, Newburgh (2pp.)
12611820May 22D. Daverne at the Furnace, Newburgh to Wm. T. with instructions as to the cannon, etc., to be loaded on sloops for Albany (2pp.)
1261b  With a note inside regarding the same matter
12621820June 11Charles Smyth, U.S. Agent for Transportation, Albany, to Wm. T. with orders for delivering cannon
12631826September 20List of anchor plates, iron, etc. loaded on wharf from the sloop Martha Ann (1p.)
12641830JulyDocument titled "On Gunnery" rating guns under 5 headings: 1) Caliber of Barrell; 2) Charge of Powder for a Flint Gun; 3) Charge of Powder for a Percussion Gun; 4) Quantity of Shot; 5) Distance to Kill. (Marked in pencil July, 1830)  (1p.)
1265N.D. Copy of a letter from Townsend stating that his foundry at Newburgh, cannon and all, was sold at a sheriff's sale, etc. Not signed (2pp.)
1266N.D. Peter Townsend to Col. Wadsworth stating that the small guns (6-pounders) are a slow gun to bore. Also asking for an advance of $4,000 or $5,000 (1p.)
1267N.D. Chart. The number of anchors allowed each ship in the British Navy with their weight and value in sterling (1p.)
1268N.D. 6 drawings or charts of guns, including one for a 10-inch mortar. Signed T. Stephenson and dated 1815
  69  Extra-Large (See folder EL-2)

Sterling Ironworks: Early Period, 1740-1799. These documents are mainly business records of Sterling Ironworks, spanning the first sixty years of its existence. The documents consist mainly of accounts, receipts, and bills, although there are a few letters, deeds, powers of attorney, and other such documents. Most of the business records concern Sterling accounts with its various customers under such early proprietors as John Burling, William Hawxhurst, and Peter Townsend. In particular, there is a series of receipted bills and accounts between Hawxhurst and the firm of Cruger and Mallard in Bristol regarding the shipment of Sterling iron to the English firm. Also of importance is Item 115, an account of the forging of the chain over the Hudson.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
13701740June 5Receipt. Mord. & David Gomez [Gomet, ?], 29 lb. 11 sh. & 2 p. from Wm. Hawxhurst
13711752March 10Deed. Philip Platt to Wm. Hawxhurst for ¼ of one hundred wright [sic] of the undivided lands in the Old Purchase of Huntington
1372176?November 16Letter. Jacob Watson, Poughkeepsie, to Wm. Hawxhurst, N.Y. with Jacobus Van Cleek's balance for the house at Poughkeepsie and re: the sampling of iron handles
13731760June 11Power of Attorney. John Rall of Bedford to Wm. Hawxhurst
13741760November 28Letter. Jacob Watson to Wm. Hawxhurst, New York, re: business matters and a visit to Hawxhurst
13751761October 9Bill. Wm. Hawxhurst's bill with Jacob Watson for earthen cups and plates, bottles and wool received from Watson
13761762August 11Receipt. Jacob Watson 143 lbs. 4 sh. 4 p. from Wm. Hawxhurst
13771762, 1764 Account. John Burling's acct. with Wm. Hawxhurst for molasses and rum
13781763 Account. Wm. Hawxhurst with Jacob Watson
13791763, 1766 Account. John Burling with Wm. Hawxhurst
13801768JanuaryAccount. John Burling with Wm. Hawxhurst for molasses and rum
13811768September 5Bristol. Account. Wm. Hawxhurst, N.Y. in his acct. current with Thomas Penington, surviving partner of Ferd. Penington, deceased. On the reverse side is Hawxhurst's acct. of the interest due Thomas Penington and Son, dated January 1762 to October 1768 (2 pieces marked 81a and 81b)
13821770July 4Bristol. Account. Sale of a shipment of pig iron (marked Sterling new mine) recd. from Henry and John Cruger aboard the ship Grace, Wm. Chambers, Master, New York and sold by Thomas Penington on the account of Wm. Hawxhurst
13831770July 4Bristol. Account. Sale of a shipment of pig iron (marked Sterling new mine) recd. from Wm. Hawxhurst aboard the ship America, Wm. Harvey, Master, from New York and sold by Thomas Penington for the account of Peter Townsend
13841770October 16Bristol. Invoice. Sundry goods shipped aboard the New York, Wm. Jones, Master, for the acct. of Wm. Hawxhurst
13851770November 7Note. Peter Townsend's note with Wm. Cox and Cox's receipt dated April 26, 1771 on the reverse side
13861771February 7Bristol. Letter and Acct. Henry Cruger, Jr., Bristol, to Wm. Hawxhurst, New York, re: the closing of their acct. with Messrs. Townsend respecting the iron that Wm. Hawxhurst shipped for them to said Cruger
13871771September 10Bristol. Receipted Bill for the sale of a shipment of Barr Iron aboard the Ellin, John Clark, Master, on the acct. of Wm. Hawxhurst
13881772June 11Bristol. Bill. Wm. Hawxhurst to Henry Cruger, Jr. for the cost of insurance on the ship New York, Thomas Watson, Master
13891772August 6Bill. Wm. Hawxhurst to Cruger and Mallard for the cost of insurance on the ship Aaron, Wm. Jones, Master
13901772August 20Receipted Bill. For the sale of a shipment of iron received of the ship Nancy, Robt. Smith, Master, on the acct. of Wm. Hawxhurst
14911772September 10Receipted Bill. For the sale of a shipment of iron on the ship Aaron, Wm. Jones, Master, on the account of Wm. Hawxhurst
14921772December 20Receipted Bill. For the sale of a shipment of Sterling pig iron recd. of the ship Aaron, Wm. Jones, Master, on the acct. of Wm. Hawxhurst
14931772December 20Receipted Bill. For the sale of a shipment of pig iron, marked Sterling, recd. of the ship New York, Thomas Watson, Master, on the account of Wm. Hawxhurst
14941773April 2Receipted Bill. For the sale of a parcel Bar Iron recd. from the Ellin, John Clark, Master. Shipped from N.Y., October 2, 1773, on the account of Jacob Watson, merchant, by Wm. Hawxhurst to Cruger to Mallard, Bristol
14951773April 2Receipt. Robert and John Murray and James W. Comb for 72 pounds, 15 shillings and 8 pence in settlement of an account with Wm. Hawxhurst
14961773May 21Peter Townsend at Sterling to Wm. Hawxhurst re: a payment of his account with Wm. Hawxhurst
14971774July 6Acct. H. Cruger of Bristol with Wm. Hawxhurst for anchors. With a memorandum dated July 11, 1774 on the reverse side
14981775May 3Letter. Peter Townsend, Chester, to his father as to the death of Anne
14991775-1781 Account. Peter Townsend against the estate of Garret Miller with Townsend's receipt dated May 1, 1782
141001776 Account. Normand Tolmie's acct. with Wm. Hawxhurst
141011777January 12Receipt. James Arden for 2 keys [kegs?] and 4 pounds cash from Wm. Hawxhurst to whom it was given by Mrs. Arden
141021777June 7Receipt. Jacob Van Voorhis, Fishkill Landing, for $680 recd. of Mr. Townsend by the hand of Mr. Thomas Hawksworth, it being cash recd. from Daniel Van Voorhis at Philadelphia
141031778April 9Sale. 36 tons of pig iron to the proprietors of the new Sterling Works
141041778May 8Order. J.W. Master, Newburgh, to Peter Townsend for 4 cartridge boxes for Col. Taylor's brigade
141051778July 4John Murray, Hopewell, to Peter Townsend, Chester, as to the delivery of 6 or 7 boxes of tea to Mr. Archibald Currie
141061778December 9Letter. John Murray, Philadelphia, to Peter Townsend, Chester, as to the shipment of tea
141071778December 16Receipt. Col. Peter Adams, Chester, for 6 barrels of flour recd. from Peter Townsend for the use of the detachment
141081779 Receipt. Baxter Howe, Q.M., for 1,225 lbs. of Bar Iron for the use of the Brigade Artillery
141091780August 3Patt.(?) [Patrick?] Dennis, Trentown, to Peter Townsend, Chester, as to a delivery to Col. Furman with a receipt dated August 10 and signed by John Scudder Well
141101781March 7Letter. Richard King to Peter Townsend re: an order for 3 tons of iron for Mr. Baxter
141111784December 17Letter. Wm. Livingston, No. 8 Wall Street, New York, to Wm. Hawxhurst re: a sum of money Hawxhurst owes Henry Cruger and Livingston's desire
141121785August 27Receipt. Cornelius Ray, 146 lbs. 16 sh. 2 p. in public securities to the loan office of this city and county for a mortgage due from Peter Townsend to said loan office from Wm. Hawxhurst
141131799AprilProposals for a Contract for Anchors for the U.S. Navy
14114N.D. Receipt. Baxter Howe, Q.M., for 9 bundles of spike iron for the use of the Brigade Artillery
14115N.D. Account of the forging of the chain over the Hudson River (written in pencil)

Documents Dealing with Iron Production, etc., 1768-1856. Several documents dealing with the production of iron at the Sterling and Southfield furnaces. There are estimates of the cost of making iron, reports on iron production and methods for improving such production.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
151161768June 2New York. Extract from The Art of Assaying Metals entitled "The Production of Steel out of Crude Unmalleable Iron Ore out of its Ore by Fusion" sent to Wm. Hawxhurst by P. Vergereux
1511717-- Draft of pillars for slitting mill
15118ca. 1826 Estimate of the cost of making 750 tons of gray or soft pig iron No. 1 fit for remelting at Southfield Furnace
151191827February 1Report and estimate of making iron sent to the Sterling Co. (Estimate of the cost of making 750 tons of gray or soft pig iron No. 1 fit for remelting at Southfield Furnace)
15120N.D. Estimate for making 500 tons of bar iron at Sterling Iron Works. Also an estimate of the expense of making 750 tons of gray pig iron per annum at Southfield Furnace
151211841February 9Patent. Charles Sanderson for the improvement of the method of iron making
151221856July 21Report. Charles [?] at the Sterling Iron Works, to Peter Townsend, Southfield, with a report of the working of the Sterling Furnace, enclosed in a yellow envelope (There are supposed to be 2 parts to this document but the enclosed duplicate report which is mentioned seems to be missing)
15123N.D. Document dealing with the production of iron for guns and the making of cannon. In particular, there is mention of 2 guns - the "Peacemaker" and the "Oregon" - both of which have been deemed inadequate for further service 
(11pp.; pp. 1, 2, 4 and 5 are missing)
15124N.D. Document containing directions for the quantity of bricks and stones to be used for the steel furnace
15125N.D. Misc. scrap of paper as to the question of whether [?] is to be employed as a fuel to smelt hemalite ores or black magnetic oxide of iron
15126N.D. Misc. paper re: the production of iron

The Sterling Iron and Railway Co., 1864-1899. The Sterling Iron and Railway Co. was formed in 1864 to assume control of the Sterling Iron estate. On April 1, 1864, through the intercession of David Crawford, Jr., the son-in-law of Peter Townsend III, all of the property of the Sterling Iron Works was sold to the recently-formed Sterling Iron and Railway Co. Peter Townsend III had a large interest in the company and he was joined by several prominent men including Thomas A. Scott, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad and assistant secretary of war during the Civil War, Jay Cooke, the financier, Joel Barlow Morehead, Samuel L.M. Barlow, and George C. Clark.

In November 1867 a separate company, the Sterling Mountain Railway Co., was formed to assume control of the railroad operations. As of November 30, 1867 its officers were J. Dutton Steele, president; David Crawford, Jr., O.D.F. Grant, Peter Townsend, J.B. Moorhead, W.G. Moorhead and Thomas A. Scott, board of directors. A.W. Humphreys was secretary and treasurer, and Thomas C. Steele, engineer and superintendent.

The Sterling Iron and Railway Co. operated the mines and furnaces of the Sterling tract until the 1920s but business had begun to falter by 1890 and in 1892 there was a reorganization of the company. Several changes regarding the controlling interests of the company occurred during this period. Macgrane Coxe was named president in 1892 and was soon followed by James D. Rowland of Philadelphia who was succeeded by Theodore Price in 1905. In 1911, H.A. Van Alstyne assumed control of the company and retained control until the company's demise in the 1920s.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
161271864 Deeds. Printed deed forms re: the Sterling Iron and Railway Co. They are dated 1864 but otherwise are blank. There are pencil sketches of land plots on the reverse side (2 documents)
161281868 Colored drawings of the Sterling Iron and Railway Co., there are 2 postcard-size drawings; one of the Sterling Mine, the other of the Augusta Mine
161291873April 7Stocks. 2 Capital Stock Certificates of the Sterling Mountain Railway Co. #31 (collection no. 129a) made out to David G. Crawford, Jr. for 1 share and #32 (collection no. 129b) made out to Crawford's father-in-law, Peter Townsend, for 1 share. Both men were officers of the company (2 documents)
161301875June 29Letter. Pitt Cooke, Pres. of the Sterling Iron and Railway Co., in New York, to Peter Townsend, Southfield, N.J. as to Cooke's visiting Townsend. Cooke notes that he will probably visit Townsend at Southfield on the following Tues. or Wed. (July 5th or 6th) while Humphrey, the company treasurer, is abroad and that his brother, Jay, will accompany him
161311899January 20Certified copy by Wm. G. Taggart, Orange Co. Clerk, of his search in the Indexes of Deeds in his office for deeds executed to the following corporations: Southfield Branch Railway Co. & the Sterling Iron and Railway Co. from January 1, 1864 to December 31, 1889

Correspondence, 1760-1863. Mostly business correspondence re: the Townsend family and dealing with such matters as the operation of the Sterling mines, land transactions, etc. Correspondents are chiefly business associates and customers of the Townsends. There are also a few letters of a non-business nature (see, for example, Items 164-167).

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
171321760June 11Wm. Smith of New York to Wm. Hawxhurst re: his road bill having passed the Legislature the day before
171331785October 3Timothy Symmes, New Town, to Peter Townsend re: acquiring oil
171341792February 1Power of Attorney, Solomon Townsend to Wm. Townsend
171351802June 28B. Seymour, Plymouth, to Wm. Townsend re: business matters
171361803November 29John Hathorn, Warwick, to Wm. Townsend re: land transactions
171371816February 22Jonathan Fisk, N.Y., to Peter Townsend as to a letter from Mr. Mortan
171381824January 4Isaac Townsend, N.Y., to his father, Peter Townsend at the Monroe Works, Orange Co., N.Y., enclosing a bill of goods
171391824January 13Isaac Townsend to his father, Peter, re: business matters
171401824February 10Isaac Townsend to his father, Peter, enclosing a bill of goods
171411824March 9Isaac Townsend to his father, Peter, re: business matters and enclosing a bill from Shelter and King
171421824October 12Isaac Townsend to his father, Peter, re: business matters and enclosing a bill from Shelter and King
171431825January 11W.H. Davis, Brady's Pond, to Peter Townsend as to business matters
171441836March 15E.B. Elmrudorf, Tivoli, Dutchess Co., to Henry G. Wisner, Goshen, Orange Co., re: papers relating to the Cheescocks Patent
171451837January 14Power of Attorney. Drawn up by Wm. H. Townsend for the purpose of selling, assigning, and transferring 150 shares (full stock) in the Capital Stock of the Sterling Co. However, although this document has been signed and dated, the name of the person to whom this power of attorney is to be given has been left blank
181461837November 1Power of Attorney. The Sterling Co. to Daniel Jackson and Elisha Peck. Signed by Henry C. Elliot, President, Sterling Co.
181471841October 14M.A. Sibley, Canandaigua, to Hiram Denio, Utica, re: his investigation of Peter Townsend Jr.'s claim to a farm lying in Bristol in the county of Ontario
181481846March 21John B. Booth, Goshen, to Peter Townsend re: business matters
181491847May 24John Ryuex, New York, to Peter Townsend, Jr. re: the manufacture of iron at Georgetown
181501852January 15Chas. Seymour, Canandaigua, to Peter Townsend re: business matters
181511852March 4Chas. Seymour, Canandaigua, to Peter Townsend re: business matters
181521853May 23Curtis B. Raymond, Boston, to Peter Townsend (with envelope)
181531856October 4Eng. War Dept., Pall Mall, to Wm. Townsend and Co., N.Y., re: the reshipment of pig iron
181541857April 1Charles Seymour, Canandaigua, to Peter Townsend, enclosing copies of the minutes of a search and concerning Randall's letter re: who has title to the lands
181551857?July 23Wm. H. Townsend to one of his brothers. (Date could be 1837.)
181561857October 15A.R. Miller, Monroe, to Peter Townsend re: business matters
181571858July 21Wm. Henshaw, N.Y., to Peter Townsend, Southfield, N.Y., re: certain contracts that need his signature
191581858August 27Geo. Townsend, N.Y., to his brother Peter enclosing a letter from Daniel Townsend to the proprietors of the Sterling tract
191591860September 6E. Gidney[?] Van Dozer[?], Goshen, to Peter Townsend re: the terms of a certain deed
191601861September 18John T. Doyle, N.Y., to Miss Carrie P. Townsend as to his opinion of a photograph of her, her virtues, etc. with 2 cards in a small white envelope: Card A - September 19, 1861, Miss C.P. Townsend with the compliments of John T. Doyle. Card B - May 10, 1862 Aspinwall. "Dear Miss Carrie: Perhaps you never had flowers sent you from quite so far off as the Republic of New Granada. Allow me to recollect thus pleasantly all your kindness to me."
191611861November 29John T. Doyle, N.Y., to Miss Carrie P. Townsend with an apology for an action of his which he now regrets
191621862July 1Geo. Townsend, N.Y., to Peter Townsend enclosing a letter from Alger and Co. to Messrs. Townsend and Co. dated January 31, 1862
191631863December 8Henry L. Pierson, N.Y., to Peter Townsend as to business matters
19164N.D. 3rd and 4th pages of a letter: "…twenty-first birthday. Should I leave any other child I should like it to receive $5,000 on coming to the age of 21 years or if this is not feasible that Caroline and it should receive equal sums in Macgrane's (Coxe?) discretion. I do not think there is anything else except for my love for you all and if anything takes me out of this world that for me all be good to Caroline for my sake, don't spoil her! With love yours affectionately, Lena"
19165N.D. N.Y., Monday morning. A. Townsend to Peter Townsend at the Monroe Works, Orange Co., as to the upcoming election, violence at Tammany Hall involving "our girl Maria," people's attitude toward Van Buren, local news, weather, etc.
19166N.D. Chester, Tues. evening, Wm. Townsend to his nephew, Peter Townsend, Jr., Southfield Furnace, near the Monroe Works as to having seen Mr. Wisner re: the suit of Sayer, the state of mind of Old John Ball, deeds he is sending to him and his brother Wm., etc.
19167 Sunday, August 11Nikko, Japan. Peter Townsend to his Aunt Helen describing his stay in Japan with some sketches and maps of the places he visited (20 pp.)
19168 July 11I.M. Golt as to Wm. Townsend's title to lands lying in what is called the Drowned Lands with extracts from legal documents
19169N.D. Isaac Townsend, N.Y., to his brother Peter

Surveys, Abstracts of Titles, etc., 1705-1865. These documents are mainly surveys and abstracts of titles regarding the tracts of land upon which the Sterling mines and other ironworks of the Ramapos were built. Of special interest are the abstracts of the original surveys of the Sterling tract undertaken for Cornelius Board, Timothy Ward, James Burling, William Hawxhurst and other early proprietors of the Sterling mines, and a number of surveys of the Cheescocks Patent including an extract from Charles Clinton's fieldbook re: the subdivision of the Cheescocks Patent, an economic and geological survey of the Sterling Iron Works and a document providing a detailed description of the Sterling Iron Works and its operations prepared for the proprietors as a prospectus for the sale of the iron works.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
110170a1705/06March 5Survey. John Towning and Henry Townsend, Surveyors for James Tillet and Wm. Hawxhurst
110170b1736-1740 

A True Abstract of Survey No. 2 Bergen Co. Signed by John Smyth, Jr. and John Alexander, Surveyor Generals. The abstract is concerned with the surveys of 3 tracts of land which are as follows:

November 10, 1736, Survey. Daniel Dod for Cornelius Board and Timothy Ward. A tract of land containing 50 acres, beginning at the head of a small stream called by the Indians, Weighwapo

February 13, 1738, Survey. Jonathan Sargeant for Cornelius Board and Timothy Ward. Several pieces of land lying at the head of a pond called by the Indians, Taughpanipacks, etc.

July 23, 1740, Survey. Jonathan Sargeant for Timothy Ward, Wm. Smith and Co. Several tracts of land - one, below the iron works of the said Ward and Co.; one, on the west side of a mountain called Mount Pleasure; one, on the N.W. side of a high mountain called Bear Mt.; another, on the river or brook called TUXETO that comes from the Iron works of the said Ward and Co.

1101711736-1740 A True Abstract of Survey No. 8 Bergen Co. Signed by John Smyth, Jr. and Jas. Alexander, Surv. Gens. (Same as #2 above)
1101721736-1740 A True Abstract of Survey No. 7 Bergen Co. Signed by John Smyth, Jr. and Jas. Alexander, Surv. Gens. (Same as #2 above)
1101731750May 17Survey. By Geo. Ryerson for James Burling's land between Sterling and Kingwood in Bergen, beginning at a brook called red brook about 3 miles from Sterling Furnace, covers several tracts
1101741750May 17Survey. By Geo. Ryerson for James Burling of a tract of land situated between Sterling and Kingwood in Bergen Co. about 3 miles from Sterling Furnace. A true abstract signed by James Alexander and John Smyth
1101751750May 17Survey. Geo. Ryerson for James Burling of a tract of land near Sterling Furnace. (mentions the Forge dam) and Sterling Iron Works with drawings of lands surveyed and signatures of James Alexander and John Smyth, Surveyor Generals
1101761759November 26 & 28Surveyor's Report No. 4 (November 26, 1759) and No. 11 (Chart dated November 28, 1759). Land surveyed for Wm. Hawxhurst in Bergen Co., Sterling Pond, etc. by Geo. Ryerson (2 items)
1101771759November 29Survey No. 3, Geo. Ryerson for Wm. Hawxhurst. Complete drawing of survey Tuchsito Brook and Pond. Also "Supposed Line" between New York and New Jersey
1101781764November 30Bounds of land conveyed to Peter Hasenclever at Ringwood. Surveyed for Oliver DeLancey, Henry Cuyler, Jr. and Walter Rutherford at the request of Peter Hasenclever
1101791766March 5Survey. Bergen Co. Tract #5 for Wm. Hawxhurst with drawings and degree markings. Signed by Geo. Ryerson and addressed to Thomas Bertow, Surv. Gen.
1101801766September 10Survey. Geo. Ryerson for Wm. Hawxhurst. Land in Bergen Co., N.J. near Sterling Furnace. Signed by John Smyth, Surv.-Gen.
1101811766November 2Survey. Bergen Co. Tract #9 for Wm. Hawxhurst with a copy of the field work including a drawing and boundary demarcations. Signed by Geo. Ryerson, Surveyor and addressed to Thomas Bertow, Surv.-Gen.
1101821768April 13Survey. Geo. Ryerson for Wm. Hawxhurst. Land in Bergen Co. near Sterling Brook
1101831777     to 1834 A List of Titles involving the Townsends - Wm., Hannah, Peter, Jr. - chronologically from September 23, 1777 to June 3, 1834
110184ca. 187? Survey. Wm. Seely of the Gray Court Farm in Blooming Grove, N.Y. and other lands (3 pieces marked 184a, 184b, 184c)
1101851796NovemberMemo. Lands bought at a public auction belonging to the estate of Thomas Smith
1111861797March 31Field Book, Lot No. 5 in Cheescocks Patent (5 pp.)
11118717[?] Mr. Clinton's note containing the location of 9 properties in Cheescocks of Hannah Townsend (Marked 18th century)
111188

1800

 

1802

March 28

 

March 16

An Act directing the Surveyor-General to sell certain vacant lands in the counties of Orange and Rockland, passed March 28, 1800. 
Copy of an Act for the Relief of Abel Noble and others (Solomon, Wm. & Hannah Townsend) for 2,000 acres, passed March 16, 1802 (Both on same sheet)
1111891801 Memorandum of lands located for the Sterling Iron Works Co. near said works
1111901814April 1An Act to Incorporate the Sterling Co. passed April 1, 1814. (This is a certified copy of the act, dated April 4, 1814 and signed by Archibald Campbell, Deputy Sec.)
1111911817February 14Survey. Daniel Smith tract by Charles Thompson, surveyor
1111921819MaySurvey of a lot claimed by Samuel Ketchum near Sterling Anchory
1111931836MarchCalculation of the No. of Acres in Sterling Tract by James T. Kelly, Engineer and Architect
1111941836DecemberReport re: the Topological Survey of the Sterling Co.'s Tract in Orange and Rockland counties, N.Y. (12 pp. plus 1 loose page containing a memoranda)
112a/b195ca. 1836 Abstract of Title of the lands in the towns of Warwick and Orange Co. belonging to the "Sterling Company." (There are 2 copies of this document that seem to be identical marked 195 a & b195.)
113196ca. 1837 Abstract of Title of Peter Townsend, Jr. to a farm in Township No. 9 Ontario Co. consisting of about 700 acres. The document is marked No. 2 and is inscribed Imperfect Abstract (10 pp.)
1141971844January 10Survey. Piece of Big Meadow land sold by Peter Townsend, Jr. to Philo Gregory
1151981857May 19Report. Forrest Sheperd, New Haven, Conn. to Wm. H., Peter, Isaac, and Geo. Townsend with a report as to the economic, geological survey of the Sterling Iron Works which he was hired to undertake (6 pp.)
1161991857May 19Report. Forrest Sheperd, New Haven, Conn. to Wm., Peter, Isaac, and Geo. E. Townsend re: a geological survey of the Sterling Mines (16 pp.)
1172001865March 8Abstract of Titles and Incumbrances of Zacheus Barber and others, signed by Thomas A. Weakly, Deputy Clerk, Ontario Co. Clerk's Office, Canandaigua, N.Y.
118201N.D. 

2 papers dealing with Lot No. 11, Cheescock Patent:

A copy of Charles Clinton's Field Book in his Subdivision of the Northeasterly end of Great Mountain Lot No. 11 in the Patent of Cheescock

1 page dealing with a history of the ownership of Lot No. 11, Cheescock Patent. Among owners mentioned are: Wm. Fichgerald, Stephen Bartholf and Peter Townsend

119202N.D. Memorandum re: surveyed lands made lately at the Anchory
120203N.D. Document containing boundaries of Lots No. 12 and 15 in Great Lot No. 14
121204N.D. Abstract of Title, Wm. Smith in the matter of Cheescocks Patent (5 pp.)
122205N.D. Survey. Bounds of A. Belcher's land in Lot No. 5
123206N.D. Document re: a partition of the Cheescocks Patent among the original patentees
123207N.D. Boundaries on the Course and Distance of the Hope Lot and the Ball Lot
123208N.D. Survey. 200 acres to be laid out for Gen. Nathan
123209N.D. Memorial of Abel Noble, Robt. Noble, and Hannah Townsend of the County of Orange that they may be granted letters of patent to certain lands they claim according to class rights and surveys on file in the Surv.-Gen's office
123210N.D. Memorial of Abel Noble, Hannah Townsend and Wm. Townsend of Orange Co. (Same as No. 41 above)
123211N.D.  [?] to Peter Townsend with the bounds of a lot
123212N.D. List of the survey of sundry Jersey locations, made at Sterling Furnace (999 acres)
123213N.D. Bounds of the farm sold by Dr. Seely to Edmund Seely
123214N.D. List of someone's land holdings (written in pencil)
123215N.D. Document re: the sale of Sterling Iron Works written by the proprietors (14 pp. in 5 separate pieces)
123216N.D. 2 miscellaneous pages containing surveys of tracts:
Titled "Beginning on Cromline Tract in Corner of Fence"
Titled "A Lot of Land Lying North of Birdir(?) Youngs"

Maps, 1794-1901. Various maps, charts, and sketches, most of which pertain to the Sterling tract and to the iron mines there, although there are a few documents such as the chart of Onion River, Vt., drawn by Jedidiah Hubbell, surveyor, that concern areas other than the Sterling tract. Especially important is the nine-page pamphlet entitled "A Map Showing the Location of the Sterling Iron Estate, Orange County, N.Y.," published in 1856 when the Sterlings decided to sell the ironworks. (See Item 219) Also includes a survey map (Item 231 of Goshen Township, N.Y, and surrounding area that may have been done by Robert Erskine, ironmaster at Ringwood Mines and surveyor-general under General George Washington.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
212171794April 2A Map of part of Newburgh called the Old Town, James Clinton
222181809March 14Map showing a part of the Drowned Lands, made for Wm. Townsend from a map made by Charles Thompson
232191856 Pamphlet. A Map: showing the location of the Sterling Iron Estate, Orange County, N.Y. 9 pp. With a colored map of the Sterling property. There is also an ink drawn map of the tract that may or may not belong with the pamphlet. This pamphlet was published in 1856 when the Townsends sought to sell the Sterling Iron Estate and was submitted to prominent men in the iron industry in the hopes of finding a buyer
242201897 Map of Tuxedo Drives, Country Surrounding Tuxedo Park, N.Y.
252211901October 17Sketch Map of Mombasha Creek, on the lands of Macgrane Coxe, Southfields, N.Y. from Sterling Company's Line to Head of Meadow
  222  SEE box 12
26223N.D. Map of Cromline Tract
27224N.D. Map and Profile of Contemplated Mill Race on Fox River
28225N.D. Sketch of Chester village lots
29226N.D. Map of the house and lot sold to John Springsteed
210227N.D. Map of a lot
  228  SEE box 12
211229N.D. Chart of Joshua Hallack marked Old Deeds
212230N.D. Chart of Onion River, Vermont drawn by Jedidiah Hubbell, Surveyor
  231  SEE Extra Large listing following Box 13.

Deeds, 1733-1890. Most of these deeds involve the Townsend family; some pertain to the Sterling Iron Works while others pertain to non-Sterling land transactions. Of particular interest are some of the earlier deeds which concern the first proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
2142321733March 26Deed of Sale - Public Auction. Property of Hannah Hawxhurst to Wm. Hawxhurst. 57½ acres of land known as Fooks Land. Memorandum added August 1, 1735
  233  SEE box 12
2152341749July 13Deed. Charles Beatty and wife to James McClaghry. Contain the signature of Cadwallader Colden as His Majesty's Council for the Province of New York
2162351751March 22Deed. David, Samuel and Benjamin Rogers to Wm. Hawxhurst for 1 acre of land and premises
2172361758October 11Deed. Between John and Edward Burling, trustees of Samuel Burling, deceased, and Abel Noble of Bergen Co., N.J. All the 3/8 and 2/3 of our sixth part in the Furnace lands and streams of water called the STERLING IRON WORKS with their appurtenances. The said Samuel Burling in company with Wm. Smith and Wm. Hawxhurst, purchased of the Proprietors of Cheescocks and in other lands purchased by the said Wm. Smith, etc. Signed John Burling, Edw. Burling and Abel Noble. Original with seals and New York stamp seal
2182371758October 11Indenture. Sale of ½ part of all those works called the Sterling Iron Works and all the lands belonging to and purchased for the convenience of the Iron Works in N.Y. and N.J. containing in the whole about 429 acres in N.J. and 50 in N.Y. with all the edifices, buildings, and improvements, thereon, etc. Between John and Edward Burling and Abel Noble. Signed John and Edw. Burling. Original with seals and N.Y. stamp
2192381759November 20Deed. Wm. Hawxhurst to Mary Alexander
2202391760May 6Original Deed. Signed by Abel Noble, Iron Master of Bergen County and Wm. Hawxhurst. Sale of ½ part of those works known as the Sterling Iron Works and all the lands thereto belonging
2212401760May 6Deed. Abel Noble's deed for 4/12 part of Sterling Iron Works. (Document is in fragmented condition - a part of it is missing. Stored in acid-free envelope.)
221241N.D. Document titled "Minutes of the Survey on John Hathorn's Right in the Gore" (in acid-free envelope)
2212421761February 5Deed. Richard Holstead and his wife, Sarah, to Isaac Roads
2222431761July 20Return. Thomas Barrow, Surveyor Gen., certifying that George Ryerson did survey a tract of land on a Mountain near Sterling Road that is claimed by Wm. Hawxhurst. Signed by Barrow and John Smyth, Surv.-Gen.
2232441765February 1Deed. Thomas Oakley to Wm. Holly
2242451767September 23Deed. Wm. Hawxhurst to Peter Townsend re: the Sterling Iron Works
2252461770September 12Deed. Amos Smith and his father, Wait Smith, re: the Waywayanda Patent
2262471770September 12Deed. Wait Smith and Absolum Townsend for land in Bogg Meadow
2272481770September 13Deed. Wait Smith and Absolum Townsend
2282491771April 27Deed. Michael Jackson to Peter Townsend with a survey signed by Geo. Ryerson and dated November 3, 1766 (2 docs. marked 249 a & b)
2292501772October 16Deed. Simon Remson et. al & Wm. Hawxhurst for a lot in N.Y.C. bounded by Burling's slip in Montgomery Ward, by Denny's Storehouse, etc.
2302511774June 7Deed. Daniel Hall of Goshen and Peter Townsend
2312521777May 1Deed. John Carpenter to Wm. Seely
2322531777May 1Deed. Abigah Yelverton and Peter Townsend
2332541777May 23Deed. Bezaleel Seely, Jr. and Thomas Moffat and Stephen Howell
  255  SEE box 12
2342561777September 3Deed. Thomas Morgan to John Wittig
2352571778February13Deed. Geo. Hamilton Jackson to Peter Townsend. With a mortgage dated July 7, 1780
2362581778May 9Deed. Israel Horton of Sugar Loaf and his mother, Sarah, to Joshua Hallack
2372591779January 8Deed. Zopher Feed and his wife, Auladais, to Wm. Seely
2382601779April 9Deed. Thomas Moffat and Stephen Howell
2392611779April 10Deed. Thomas Moffat and his wife, Suzanna, to Stephen Howell for land in Bogg Meadow
2402621782May 7Deed. Wm. Holley and Peter Townsend
2412631784January 1Deed. James Benjamin and Peter Townsend
2422641784March 9Deed. Richard Carpenter, blacksmith, to Peter Townsend
2432651784April 1Deed. Thomas Goldsmith to Israel Horton
  266  SEE box 12
2442671786March 15Deed. James Clinton and his wife, Mary, of Little Brittain in Ulster Co. to James McClaughry of Ulster Co. Signed by James Clinton with his receipt on the reverse side
2452681786April 17Quit-Claim Deed. Joseph Carpenter to Peter Townsend
2462691786April 17Quit-Claim Deed. Colvill Carpenter to Peter Townsend
2472701786December 20Sheriff's Deed. Hezekiah Howell, High Sheriff, Orange Co. to Peter Townsend
2482711787December 19Quit-Claim Deed. Colvill Carpenter to Hannah Townsend
2492721788June 25Deed. Josiah Seely to Hannah Townsend
2502731792November 5Deed. Wm. Johnson to Henry and Peter Townsend
2512741793 Deed. Thaddeus Finch and his wife, Elizabeth, to Hannah Townsend. (Thaddeus Seely's name is mentioned in the 2nd line of the deed, but this seems to be a mistake as Thaddeus Finch's name is used throughout the rest of the document)
2522751794May 1Deed. Abijah Yelverton, innkeeper at Goshen, to Peter Townsend. Signed by Abijah Yelverton and his wife, Margaret
2532761794November12Deed. Solomon Townsend to Peter Townsend for Lot No. 92 of the Military Lands
2542771796February 1Deed. Wm. Wickham and his wife, Sarah, to Peter Townsend
2552781796May 10Deed. Wm. Townsend to Hannah Townsend
2562791796September 7Deed. John Jackson, yeoman, and his wife, Phebe, of Chester, to Peter Townsend
2572801797April 1Deed. Lot 18 in Cheescocks, Elizabeth Smith and Wm. Denning, Executors of the estate of Thomas Smith, to Hugh Pownell
2582811798December 10Deed. Edmund Robinson to Peter Townsend for Lot 92 in the Town of Manlius
2592821799September 30Deed. Henry A. Townsend to Peter Townsend
  283  SEE box 12
2602841800November 25Deed. Jesse Cooly and his wife, Amy, to Hannah Townsend
2612851801January 23Deed. Simeon De Witt, Surveyor Gen., to Samuel Ketcham
2622861805January 3Deed. Wm. Humphrey to Samuel T.L. Norton (The deed is signed twice with James Clinton as one of the witnesses)
2632871807March 14Deed. Daniel Dunn and his wife, Sarah, of Sussex Co., N.J. to Isaac Townsend
2642881807April 4Deed. Caleb Smith, farmer, and his wife, Hannah, of Warwick to Peter Townsend
2652891807April 18Deed. John Jackson and his 3 children, Elizabeth, Michael, and Gabriel, to Peter Townsend for a lot situated in  the Drowned Lands
2662901807July 2Deed. Zebulan Wheeler and his wife, Jemima, of Warwick to Isaac Townsend for a lot in the Drowned Lands
2672911807October 10Deed. Wm. Denning and Eliz. Smith, Executor and Executrix of the last will and testament of Thomas Smith, to Joseph King of Southfield
2682921808March 12Deed. Wm. Compton and his wife, Hannah, and Runyon Compton and his wife, Margaret, to Peter Townsend
2692931808March 12Deed. John Smith, Southfield, to Peter Townsend
  294  SEE Box 12
2702951808November 18Deed. Jacob Hauptman to Peter Townsend for land in Orange Co.
2712961809August 30Deed. Obadiah Pellet and Stephen Jackson, Administrators of the Estate of Wm. Pellet, to Isaac Townsend
2722971809September 14Sheriff's Deed. Thomas Waters, former High Sheriff of Orange Co., to Isaac Townsend
2732981810January 16Deed. Obadiah Pellet to Isaac Townsend
2742991810April 28Deed. Benjamin Barney and his wife, Elizabeth, of Warwick to Peter Townsend
2753001810May 5Deed. Solomon, Wm., Peter and Isaac Townsend to Asa Vail
313011810June 20Deed. Moses Phillips, Jr. and his wife, Harriet, to Peter Townsend
323021810August 28Deed. Wm., Peter, and Isaac Townsend, and their wives to Solomon Townsend
333031811May 23Deed. Wm. Compton, Jr. and his wife, Hannah, to Samuel Smith
343041813November 27Deed. A.M. Comb and wife to J.F. White
353051816March 28Deed. Isaac Townsend to Samuel Heerd
363061816March 28Deed. Isaac Townsend and his wife, Elizabeth, to Joshua Smith
373071816April 23Deed. Peter Townsend to Peter Bush
383081816April 27Deed. Thaddeus Seely and his wife, Sarah, to Anthony Davis
393091816July 13Deed. Wm. Townsend and his wife, Elizabeth, to Anthony Davis
3103101817February 14Deed. Peter Townsend and his wife, Alice, to Daniel Smith. With a certified statement by James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New York, that the signature of Jacob Townsend, witness to the deed, is genuine, marked Item 310b
3113111818September 23Deed. Wm. Townsend and wife, Eliz., Isaac Townsend and wife, Eliz., to John Hildreth re: the Drowned Lands
3123121819January 19Deed. Wm. and Isaac Townsend and their wives to Jeromus Johnson, merchant of N.Y.C.
3133131820 Deed. Samuel Gregory to Wm. and Isaac Townsend with receipt for money paid
3143141823May 1Deed. Josiah Seely to Henry Boughton and James Hall
3153151823July 1Deed. John Smith to Josiah Seely
3163161826May 17Deed. Samuel Smith to Hophni Smith
3173171826 Memorandum compiled for Mr. Townsend re: Michael Denton's estate and other land matters (in 2 pieces)
3183181829January 16Deed. Alexander McMurtry and wife to Peter Townsend
3193191829April 18Deed. James C. Norton and Alexander O. Spencer and wives to Moses Ely
3203201829April 24Deed. Henry Boughton, James Hall and wife to Hophni Smith
3213211829September 1Deed. Goldsmith Denniston to Moses Ely
3223221830December 20Quit-claim Deed. Samuel Smith to Hophni Smith for 20 acres of land
3233231836June 27Deed. Daniel Smith to Peter Townsend
3243241836JulyDeed. Geo. Wilks and his wife, Mary, to Peter Townsend, Jr.
3253251836December 28Deed. Edward P. Parrish to Peter Townsend, Jr.
3263261837February 27Deed. Thaddeus Chapin and wife to Peter Townsend
3273271842March 15Deed. Wm. H. Davis and wife to Peter Townsend
3283281851September 9Quit-claim Deed. Abigail Peterson to Samuel Milligan
3293291863March 23Deed. Gabriel Seely to Grinnell Burt
3303301865September 30Deed. Daniel Marum to Peter Townsend (Included with this document are 3 stamps marked U.S. Internal Revenue Agreement. 1 of the stamps is attached to the deed; 2 are in a separate envelope marked 330b)
331331N.D. Deed. Blank form made out to Daniel Jackson agreeing to sell him a parcel of land. The other party is not identified
3323321890 Deed. Pencil written deed. Louisa Speller to Macgrane Coxe with the boundaries of the property ( 3pp., p.1 is missing)
333333N.D. List of various deeds re: the Townsends (Probably a list provided as the result of a search by the Town Clerk's office)
334334N.D. Deed. John Marvin to Elihu Marvin re: all his rights to various Cromline Tracts
335335[?]December 10Deed. James Sawyer to Thomas Oakley
336336N.D. Evidence of Peter Townsend given as testimony in re: to the settlement of a dispute over deeds (Samuel Ketcham and Seth Marvin are mentioned as being involved, the document is written in pencil)
337337N.D. Memoranda re: sundry deeds

Leases and Releases, 1757-1838. Most of these documents pertain to the Townsend family although mention should be made of the first few documents that involve such early proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works as Abel Noble, William Hawxhurst, and John and Samuel Burling.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
3383381757March 7Lease. Between Wm. Smith and Wm. Hawxhurst for Sterling Furnace lands. With a deed dated September 23, 1767 between Wm. Hawxhurst and Peter Townsend for the same property
3393391762February 11Assignment. Half a lease between Abel Noble, ironmaster of Bergen Co., N.J. and Wm. Hawxhurst of N.Y.C. for a certain forge commonly called the Sterling New Forge (Original signed by Abel Noble and Wm. Hawxhurst with seals). Noble's half lease was obtained from John Burling acting as guardian for Samuel Burling
3403401762February 4Lease. John Burling, distiller of N.Y.C. and guardian of Samuel Burling, to Abel Noble, ironmaster, Bergen County (1 part is missing)
3413411767September 21Lease. Wm. Hawxhurst and Peter Townsend of the Sterling Iron Works
3423421768March 18Lease. Wm. Smith of N.Y.C. to Peter Townsend, ironmaster,- Sterling Iron Works, for a forge and a house on the Sterling Iron Works
3433431774June 7Release. Daniel Denton and Daniel Hall with Peter Townsend
3443441779April 15Release. Jacobus Bartholf and his wife, Elizabeth, to Joshua Hallack
3453451782May 6Lease. Wm. Holly with Peter Townsend
3463461783February 7Lease. Wm. Seely and wife, Rebecca, to Josiah Seely
3473471783February 8Release and Mortgage. Wm. Seely and wife, Rebecca, to Josiah Seely
3483481784January 31Lease. Geo. Hamilton Jackson to Peter Townsend
  349  SEE box 12
  350  SEE box 12
3493511786July 31Release. James Wells to Peter Townsend
3503521787June 30Release. Benjamin Jackson to Hannah Townsend
3513531787July 12Lease. Hannah Townsend to Geo. Hamilton Jackson
3523541787October 18Lease. Thomas Denton to Hannah Townsend
3533551787October 19Release. Thomas Denton to Hannah Townsend
3543561788June 25Lease. Josiah Seely and his wife, Abigail, to Hannah Townsend
3553571789March 1Release. Wm. Seely to Jonas Seely
3563581794November 22Lease. Timothy, John, Isaac, and Eaton Smith to John Smith, their father
3573591809May 8Release. Solomon Townsend, his wife and others to Anthony Davis and wife
35836018[?] Release. Anthony Davis and his wife to Solomon Townsend, his wife and others
3593611823June 30Release of Covenant. Wm. and Isaac Townsend to Peter Townsend
3603621825October 10Release. Wm. and Isaac Townsend to Peter Townsend
3613631838April 1Lease. Wm. Townsend to Edmund Seely
3623641838April 1Lease. Wm. Townsend to Edmund Seely

Bonds and Mortgages, 1759-1864. These documents center around the Townsend family. Note Items 402, 404, 405 and 407 which concern the Townsends' dealings with the trustees of the Episcopal Fund of the Diocese of Western New York.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
3633651759November 20Mortgage. On 2 acres of unappropriated land for payment of 100£. Wm. Hawxhurst to Mary Alexander (marked SB117)
3643661767September 21Bond. Wm. Hawxhurst and Peter Townsend
3653671772April 7Bond. Wm. Hawxhurst and Ebenezer Jessup - 24,000 acres
3663681775August 21Bond. Daniel Denton and Peter Townsend
3673691778June 29Bond. Joshua Howell and Peter Townsend
3683701782January 1Bond. Joshua Hallack and Peter Townsend
3693711782January 1Mortgage. Geo. Hamilton Jackson and wife to Peter Townsend
3703721790June 19Mortgage. Hendrick Onderdonck to John D. Coe, Daniel Coe and Adrian Onderdonck
3713731797July 5Bond. Wm. & Peter Townsend to Abel Nobel for $1,000 payable June 22, 1799
3723741797July 5Bond. Same as above, payable June 22, 1801
3733751797July 5Bond. Same as above, payable June 22, 1802
3743761797December 7Bond. Peter Townsend to Elizabeth Smith of Haverstraw
3753771800February 17Writ. Samuel Williams against Peter Townsend
3763781815March 30Contract. Jacob Schultz and Peter Townsend
3773791817February 14Bond. Daniel Smith and Peter Townsend
3783801817February 14Mortgage. Daniel Smith and wife, Elizabeth, and Peter Townsend
3793811822-1828 Account. Michael Denton's bond and mortgage held by Mrs. Anne Townsend and her executors
3803821823May 1Bond. Wm. Townsend to Peter S. Townsend
3813831823May 1Bond. Wm. Townsend to Jacob Townsend
3823841823May 1Bond. Wm. Townsend to Samuel Townsend
3833851824May 1Bond. Wm. Townsend to Samuel Townsend for $1,400
3843861824May 1Bond. Wm. Townsend to Samuel Townsend for $1,266
3853871824September 16Memorandum re: 2 bonds from Wm. Townsend to Jacob and Samuel Townsend and left for keeping with James and Phebe Throne
3863881824October 21Bond. Wm. Townsend and Robert Townsend
3873891824October 24Statement re: 2 bonds of Wm. Townsend in the possession of Robt. Townsend, cancelled by giving one bond embracing the amount of both
3883901825November 30Covenant. Wm. Townsend to Robt. C. Cornell
413911827June 11Mortgage. Peter Townsend, Jr. and Wm. Townsend
423921827June 11Mortgage. Wm. H. Townsend and Wm. Townsend
433931827June 11Bond. Wm. H. Townsend and Wm. Townsend
443941829April 24Mortgage. Hophni Smith and wife, Lydia, to James Hall
453951829April 24Bond. Hophni Smith to James Hall
463961831December 27Contract. Horace Ketchum and Peter Townsend, Jr.
473971833April 30Bond. Hannah Burler to Hudson McFarian
483981835November 27Contract. Peter Townsend, Jr. with Martin J. and Jacob M. Ryerson
493991836November 29Bond. Moses Ely to Samuel S. Seward with receipts dated December 4, 1837 to July 9, 1862
4104001837September 16Bond. Peter Townsend, Jr. to Isaac Townsend
4114011839July 20 & 212 declarations between Wm. H. and Peter Townsend re: the bonds and mortgage of the Sterling Co. (marked 401 a & b)
4124021841July 8Mortgage. Peter Townsend, Jr. to Wm. H. Townsend and others with as Assignment of Mortgage from Wm. H. Townsend and others to Alexander B. Johnston and others, dated July 24, 1841
4134031841July 8Bond. Peter Townsend, Jr. to Wm. H., Isaac, and Robt. C. Townsend
4144041841October 18Assignment of Bond and Mortgage. Peter Townsend, Jr. to Alexander B. Johnson and others, trustees of the Episcopal Fund of the Diocese of Western New York
4154051841October 30Assignment of a bond mortgage. By Alex B. Johnson, John E. Hinman, Hiram Denio, Thomas A. Rochester and Gary Sackett, Trustees of the Episcopal Fund of the Diocese of Western New York. Assignment of a bond mortgage originally given to those trustees by Wm. H., Isaac, and Peter Townsend to the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
4164061844May 13Mortgage. Hophni Smith and wife, Lydia, to Isaac Garrison
4174071844September 12Discharge of Mortgage. Wm. B. Welles, Pres. of the Incorporation for the management and care of the fund for the support of the Episcopate of the Diocese of Western New York to Peter Townsend, Jr.
4184081849April 2Mortgage. Theodorus Satterly and wife to Peter Townsend, Jr. with a receipt for the balance due on the Satterly Bond and Mortgage, August & January, 1863 paid by Mr. Parker for Mr. N.J. Stephens (marked 408b)
4194091864October 1Bond. Horace Gerould and Zacheus Barber

Articles of Agreement, 1758-1862. Articles of agreement, some of which pertain directly to the Sterling Iron Works and the production of iron. (See especially Items 410 and 411, Articles of Co-partnership between Abel Noble and William Hawxhurst; Item 412 re: the erection of a building to make iron and steel, and Item 426 re: a contract for the building of Southfield Furnace) There are also several documents re: family matters – settling of estates, land transactions, etc. – most of which involve the Townsend family.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
4204101758October 19Articles of Co-partnership between Abel Noble and Wm. Hawxhurst. (Contains N.Y. State colonial stamp)
  411  SEE box 12
4214121775December 1Agreement. Abel Noble, Peter Townsend, and Wm. Hawxhurst for the erection of a building to make iron and steel, with specifications, etc. and original seals and signature
4224131787February 7Certified copy of Samuel Staat's patent (originally dated June 5, 1712) signed by Robt. Harpur, Deputy Secretary
4234141788May 6Agreement. Josiah Seely and Hannah Townsend re: the farm on which Wm. Seely lives
4244151806May 19Memorandum of an agreement between Wm. and Obediah Pellet and Isaac Townsend re: lands bought from Wm. and Obediah Pellet
4254161809May 7Copy of a certificate given by Wm., Peter, and Isaac Townsend to Anthony Davis and his wife, Sarah, and their acceptance re: their rights to the estate of Peter Townsend
4264171809May 8Agreement. Anthony Davis and his wife, Sarah, with Wm. Townsend and the rest of the heirs of Peter and Hannah Townsend as to their rights in the farm formality of David Bailey, etc.
4274181809May 8Agreement. Wm., Peter, and Isaac Townsend with Anthony Davis and his wife as to a mutual exchange of lands and to a release of Davis and his wife from any obligations brought against the estates of Peter, Hannah and Mary Townsend
4284191818December 1Agreement. Wm. and Isaac Townsend with Adam Belcher re: a lot of land
4294201818December 30Memorandum of an agreement between Isaac Townsend, on one hand, and Francis and David Crawford, on the other hand
4304211822May 2Agreement. Anne and Wm. Townsend to place a certain deed in the hands of Wm. Denning
4314221825June 25Agreement. Robt. C. Cornell, Wm. W. Mott, and Robt. White, a Committee of the Sterling Co., and Wm. Townsend, proprietor of the Sterling Iron Works re: subscriptions to the capital stock of the Sterling Co.
4324231834January 7Agreement. Peter Townsend, Jr. and Gouvernur Kemble as to the price of iron ore
4334241838January 8Article of Agreement. Catharine A. Hammond and Edmund Seely at Chester re: the leasing of land
4344251838April 20Agreement. Wm. H. and Peter Townsend re: the manufacture of iron
4 426  SEE Box 12 Folder 13
4354271862December 10Copy of an agreement between Chauncey Loomis and Peter Townsend as to Loomis' bond and mortgage with Townsend

Assignment of Judgment, 1815-1855. Various judgments, lists of judgments and assignments of judgments re: members of the Townsend family. (Of particular interest are Items 434 and 435 re: William Townsend's assignment of his personal estate and his share of the Sterling and Southfield works to Peter Townsend, Jr. and William Townsend, and Item 437 re: the case of the Bank of Orange County and Fletcher Woodhull vs. William Townsend and Philip and Alexander H. Fink).

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
4364281815-1818 Copy of judgements involving Peter Townsend in the hand of L.A. Lockwood, dated 1815 to 1818. (L.A. Lockwood is listed as referee in the case of Peter Townsend vs. Cassius H. Read and Gustave E. Sussdorff. See Item 437)
4374291817June 13Assignment of Judgement. Jehiel Jaggar and Thomas Haynes to Wm. Denning, Jr.
4384301817August 4Assignment of Judgement to Thomas Lockwood in the case of George T. Trimble vs. Peter Townsend with Lockwood's assignment of judgement to Isaac Townsend dated November 10, 1817
4394311817-1818 List of Newburgh Judgements, June 12, 1817 to February 28, 1818
4404321818July 26D.M. Westcott, Orange Co. Clerk's Office to Peter Townsend with a list of all judgements against Townsend that appears on the dockets of his office since March 1, 1816 (19 cases are listed from December 16, 1816 to February 25, 1818)
4414331819 List of judgements obtained against Peter Townsend, containing an abstract from the file now on record in the Clerk's Office of the Supreme Court in the City of New York where the papers of all those persons who take the benefit of the act is filed
4424341827June 11Assignment of Judgement. Wm. Townsend to Peter Townsend, Jr. 1/3 of his estate with "A schedule of personal estate whereof 1/3 part is this day assigned by Wm. Townsend to Peter Townsend, Jr."
4434351827June 11Assignment. Wm. Townsend to Wm. H. Townsend 2/3 part of all the goods, chattel and stock of his personal estate and the Sterling and Southfield works and all the lands appended to the same (with a schedule of his personal estate)
4444361828June 3Record of Testimony in the Case of the President, Directors, and Company of the Bank of Orange Co. and Fletcher Woodhull, Complainants vs. Philip Fink, Wm. Townsend, and Alexander H. Fink, Defendants heard in the 2nd Circuit Court of the State of New York by Circuit Judge James Emott (With an index on the last page - 39pp.)
4454371885February 19Judgement. Court of Common Pleas in the case of Peter Townsend against Cassius H. Read and Gustave E. Sussdorff (re: the recovery of $525 and interest thereof on rent due Townsend by Mary A. Kieff and L. Carpenter Cocks upon premises at No. 129 5th Avenue for the payment of which the defendants had become surety). L.A. Lockwood, Reference
4464381885 Judgement. Supreme Court of the U.S. (October Term, 1885) in the case of Thomas Drew and Edmund Webb, Plaintiffs in Error vs. Irving Grinnell and Geo. S. Bowdoin, as Executors of Moses H. Grinnell, deceased, late Collector of the Port of New York. (The action was initiated to recover $17.50 as duties illegally exacted on an importation of merchandise into N.Y. from Liverpool, Eng. In 1869)
447439N.D. Search for judgements undertaken by Libbey S. Vail, Clerk of Orange County
448440N.D. Request. That the clerk of the N.Y. State Supreme Court make a search for judgements brought against Moses Ely since June 1, 1839. With the Clerk's response of March 24, 1840 indicating that no judgements had been found

Accounts, Receipts, Bills, etc., 1759-ca. 1900. Accounts, receipts, bills of sale, notes, etc. regarding the business transactions of the Townsend family, proprietors of the Sterling Iron Works during many of its years of operation. (Item 442 is particularly important as it is a bill of sale for the Sterling Iron Works from William Hawxhurst, one of the first proprietors, to Peter Townsend. See also Items 599 and 600 re: the sale of the Sterling property. For further information re: sale of the Sterling property see Item 219 filed with MAPS in Box 2)

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
4494411759December 18Account. Expenses of running a road from Sterling to North River
  442  SEE box 12
4504431767-1769 Account. The Assignees of the Estate of Wm. Hawxhurst to Peter Townsend
4514441773-1774 May 25, 1773-March 1774. Account of jugs
4524451778September 17Bill of Sale for "Bay Mayers" between Ebenezer Holly and Peter Townsend
4534461779-1787 List of Wm. Wickham's obligations to Wm. and Josiah Seely, Joshua Hallock, Samuel Bartholf among others
4544471782February 23Letter. Peter Townsend, Chester, to Oliver Smith re: an account with Eben. Vescy with a receipt from Sarah Wakeman, Greenfield, acknowledging Smith's settlement of the account (Receipt dated February 26, 1782)
4554481783February 15Receipt. Samuel Benjamin for money recd. from Peter Townsend for 12 bushels of rye
4564491784March 10Order. Oliver Smith, Chester, to Mrs. Sarah Wakeman directing her to pay Peter Townsend
4574501784April 13Peter Townsend to Miccah Pool, Conn. Regarding an order from Oliver Smith (On the back of the document is written Wm. Kingland Papers)
4584511784-
1786
 May 1784-November 1786. Bill. Peter Townsend with Thomas Anderson with Anderson's receipt date April 18, 1798
4594521784July 12Receipt. Thom Fichgels (Fitzgerald?) for money recd. from Peter Townsend
4604531784September 18Receipt. Samuel Jones for money recd. from Wm. Hawxhurst
 614541785December 5Account. Commissioners of Wawayond and Cheescocks with Peter Townsend
4624551786July 22Peter Townsend re: his account with Wm. Wickham
4634561786August 9Old Obligations against Joshua Hallack and papers respecting a settlement with Wm. Wickham
4644571786October 5Deposition. Edmund Wm. Kingsland as to the settlement of his case with Peter Townsend
4654581786December 4Note for Joshua Hallack. With Hallack's account to Wm. Wickham, dated c.1786 (marked #458 a & b)
  459  SEE box 12
4664601787July 24Peter Townsend as to his delivering a note to Wm. Wickham
4674611788November 13Bill of Sale. Matthew Bayly to Hannah Townsend
4684621789January 24Bill. For cattle bought of James Benjamin
4694631789May 30Inventory. Sterling Anchory
4704641797June 22Receipt. Abel Noble, Belvale, $4,500 from Wm. and Peter Townsend for settlement of all accounts of the late firm of Abel Noble and Hannah Townsend
4714651799April 1Order. Iron for J. Mark and Co.
4724661800April 4Notice. Re: Peter Townsend having bought from Morgan Shint and Josiah Mead the firm of Townsend, Shint, and Co. Signed by Peter, Geo. E., and Wm. Townsend as well as Shint and Mead
4734671800August 30Receipt. Jesse Cooley
4744681804March 12Receipt. Nicholas Knight for $332.50 recd. from Benjamin Barney via Peter Townsend
4754691804June 20Bill. Mrs. Hannah Townsend with Peter and J.H. Palmer
4764701804-1805 Account. Daniel Goldsmith with Wm. Townsend
4774711805January 3Receipt. Wm. Denning for $500 recd. from Peter Townsend for partial payment on Lot No. 8 Cheescocks Patent belonging to the estate of the late Wm. Smith of which Denning is executor
4784721805January 14Receipt. James Well certifying that he settled his accounts with Peter Townsend and has received full and complete satisfaction
4794731805March 19Order. Martha Holly, Deckertown, to Peter Townsend requesting that he pay Noah Holly. With Holly's receipt dated April 1, 1805
4804741805April - JuneReceipts. 5 receipts, dated April 1 to June 17, 1805, of Peter and Isaac Townsend (Appears to have been part of a larger list)
4814751805-1808 Accounts. ? Peter Townsend's? accts. with various people among whom are: James Ball, Joseph Mose, John Williams, John Stewart, Joseph Lewis, Daniel Denton and Co. (16pp.)
4824761805-1809 Privet [sic] Account. Isaac Townsend to Wm. Townsend
4834771806January - JulyReceipts. 4 receipts on one page:
Dennis Coles from Peter Townsend-January 16
Benj. Jennings from Peter Townsend - July 1
Thaddeus Seely from Peter Townsend - July 19
Joshua Conkling from [?] Townsend - December 18, 18[?]
4844781806May 3Order. Martha Holly on Peter Townsend to pay Jos. Houston
4854791806May 16Receipts. Solomon Townsend for money recd. from John Hathorn and J.G. Pierson and Bros.
4864801806MayReceipts. 4 receipts on 1 page:
S. Abrahams from Peter Townsend - May 13
Peter Talman from Mrs. Hannah Townsend - May 14
J.G. Pierson and Bros. from Peter Townsend - May 18
Samuel Gregory from Wm. Townsend - May 1826
4874811807January 14 & 15Order. Martha Holly, widow, on Peter Townsend to pay John Schultz for her right of dowry. With receipt of Schultz dated January 15, 1807
4884821807 Account. Interest on Janus Ludlum's mortgage from W. & O. Pellet
4894831808March 1Receipt. Ebenezer Seely for money recd. from Peter Townsend
490484ca. 1808 Account. Isaac Townsend to Wm. Townsend with his old account to 1808
4914851809December 28Order. John Bradner to the Commissioners for Draining the Drowned Lands to pay Otis Miller $10.48 with Miller's receipt on the reverse side dated January 4, 1810
4924861810April 14Order. Thaddeus Seely on John Breath to pay Peter Townsend $1,750 for the delivery of deeds
4934871810June 21Note. Peter Townsend to pay Moses Phillips
4944881810July 14Receipts (2):
David Dill $3.84 from John Little for services rendered in the case of Wm. Branton vs. John Little Wm. Branton $1.12½ from John Little in re: to the suit of Wm. Branton vs. John Little
4954891810September 27Account. Wm. Townsend and Bros. - Acct. Current with Blackwell and McFarlan
4964901810-1811 Account. Monroe Factory with Southfield Furnace, December 1810 to June 1811
497491ca. 1810 Memorandum of Debts due from the estate of [?] Townsend, 1797 to 1810
4984921811January 28Receipt. Geo. Phillips for money recd. from Peter Townsend on the account of the Commissioners of the Drowned Lands
4994931811May 20Account. Wm. Townsend and Bros. in Acct. Current with Blackwell and McFarlan
41004941811May 20Receipt. Blackwell and McFarlan for money paid to them by Peter Townsend on order of Wm. Curtis
41014951811-1812 May 20, 1811-January 31, 1812. Account. Wm. Townsend and Bros. with Blackwell and McFarlan
41024961811December 18R. Parmite and Co. to Blackwell and McFarlan re: an adjustment of Peter Townsend's accounts
41034971813February 1Account. Wm. Townsend and Bros. Account Current with Blackwell and McFarlan
41044981816August 17Receipt. Jehiel Jaggar and Co. for money recd. from Peter Townsend in re: to a judgement obtained against him
41054991816October 15Receipt. John Peck to Peter Townsend acknowledging his receipt of S.L.M. Barlow's check for $7,500
41065001816 Account. Peter Townsend w/ the Bank of Newburgh for Treasury. Notes placed to his credit on October 26, 1816. With the receipt of Wm. Ross dated May 24, 1816
515011816-1819 Account. Abraham Dater with Peter Townsend (also Wm. and Isaac) 4pp.
525021817 Account. Southfield Furnace Co. with Wm. and Isaac Townsend (approx. 18pp.) along with a copy of Isaac Townsend's account with Wm. Townsend
535031817August 26Receipt. Thomas L. Lockwood, Sheriff, for money recd. from Peter Townsend
545041817October 20Receipt. Jacob and Thomas Powell for money recd. from Peter Townsend in re: judgements rendered against him
555051817-1827 Accounts. Accts. of various people such as Dunning, Gersham, Elmore, Sidney, Fitzgerald, etc. (4 pp. with 2 loose pages of Anthony Davis' accts. within - pages are marked 505 a, b, & c)
565061818April 30Receipt. A.L. Ball, Undersheriff, for money recd. from Wm. Townsend at the hands of John Little in re: to the cases of the Bank of Orange vs. Wm. Townsend and the Bank of Orange vs. Wm. Noble
575071818June 4Supreme Court. John Anderson vs. Thomas Lockwoood, Sheriff of Orange County, re: a Bill of Costs
585081818August 14Account. Bank of Newburgh to Peter Townsend re: 50 shares of Newburgh Bank Stock with Wm. Townsend's receipt for money recd. from John Hunn, Cashier (same date)
595091818October 23Note. Isaac Townsend for $1,165.77 due June 1, 1822
5105101818October 23Note. Isaac Townsend to pay Wm. Townsend with a certificate of protest by David Codwise, Notary Public, against the Bank of America and Isaac Townsend for non-payment of the note, dated June 4, 1821 (Marked 510 a & b)
5115111818December 30Receipt. D. Crawford for money recd. from Isaac Townsend in full payment for a judgement obtained by Crawford and Boyd against Peter Townsend
5125121818 Bank of America statement to Peter Townsend as to amount due on his account (Signed by Murray Hoffman, attorney)
5135131818, 1823 Account. Adam Belcher in the Foundry Books
5145141819June 6Receipt. Ben Huntington for money recd. from Peter Townsend in re: to a judgement against Townsend
5155151820March 18Receipt. Wm. H. Townsend
5165161820August 15Note. Wm. Townsend to pay Joseph Belcher
5175171820October 27Inventory and Appraisal of articles sold and delivered to Wm. Townsend by Henry McCoun. Also Isaac Townsend's account with Wm. Townsend including McCoun's estimate of the goods sold to Wm. Townsend (Marked 517 a & b)
5185181820December 24Bill. Peter Townsend with Wm. And Josiah James (Date could also be 1825.)
5195191820 Account. Re: a purchase from Pellet
5205201820-1823 Account. Joseph Belcher
5215211821June 4Certificate of Protest by David Codwise against Isaac Townsend and the Bank of America for non-payment of a note dated October 23, 1818
5225221822 Account. Mrs. Anthony Davis
5235231822-1823 Account. Interest due on old judgements of Isaac Townsend
5245241822-1823 Extracts of various accounts (Geo. Ryerson, A. Belcher, A. Dater and others)
5255251823April 3Receipt. J. Gideon of the office of the New-York Statesman for money recd. from Wm. Townsend
5265261823October 22Receipt. Shelter and King for money recd. from Isaac Townsend
5275271824May 25Bill. Shelter and King to Isaac Townsend
5285281824July 14Account. Shelter and King with the Monroe Works
5295291824November 23Bill and Receipt. Isaac Townsend with Mrs. Anthony Davis
530530a1824December 31Bill. Shelter and King for goods bought from them by the Monroe Works
531530b1824December 31Bill. Shelter and King to the Monroe Works with a receipt dated January 7, 1825
5325311824-1827 Account. David Gibson with the estate of Anthony Davis
5335321824-1828 Account. Wm. Townsend with Samuel Townsend
5345331825 Account. J.G. Pierson and Bros. with Wm. Townsend - balance paid to Thomas Ward
5355341825April 30Bill. Ives and White with Peter Townsend for hats
5365351825May 27Bill and Receipt. Walter W. Conklin with Peter Townsend
5375361825July 7Certificate. Directors of the Sterling Co. re: the sale of stock
5385371825August 3Bill and Receipt. A.R. Stearns and Co. with Peter Townsend for Spanish cigars
5395381825August 17Bill and Receipt. John D. Philips to Peter Townsend
5405391825August 18Bill and Receipt. Robt. Lawson with Peter Townsend
5415401825November 5Receipt. Egbert Davis, Boyd and [?] in acknowledgement of Peter Townsend's draft on J.L. James for a bill of April 11
5425411825November 8Bill. Wm. Jackson with receipt dated April 20, 1826
5435421825December 24Bill. Alexander and Muller
5445431825 Account. Anthony Davis to Samuel Petty for case lent July 16 and interest on the same for 8 months
5455441825 Order. Richard Trimble to Peter Townsend asking him to pay Geo. Galloway $5.90. With a receipt from R. Trimble for $5.90 recd. from Peter Townsend dated [?] 17, 1826
5465451826March 2March 2, 1826, Bill and Receipt. Nathan Comstock
5475461826 Account. List of debts, January-April 1826
5485471827March 28Receipt. Ives and White for money recd. from Peter Townsend for hats
5495481827July 17Bill. Townsend, King and Co. with Peter Townsend
5505491827August 8Bill. Ives and White to Peter Townsend for hats
5515501827August 11Receipt. Ives and White for money recd. from Peter Townsend
5525511827October 31Bill. Townsend, King and Co. with Southfield Furnace
5535521827November 10Receipt. Herman Olmstead and Co. for money recd. from Peter Townsend
5545531827December 2Bill. Townsend, King and Co. to Sterling Furnace
5555541832January 4Account. Peter Townsend account current with Josiah L. James and Co.
5565551832-1833 Account. Wm. Townsend with Wm. H. Davis including a letter from Townsend to Davis dated December 23, 1832
5575561833January 30Receipt. James Hall for money received from Hophni Smith in re: to a payment on a farm (On the reverse side is the final section of a bond or note signed by Hophni Smith and most likely undertaken with James Hall)
5585571833June 1Account. Peter Townsend with D.H. Bartholf
5595581835December 2Bill. Geo. Philips to Peter Townsend
5605591836December 28Receipt. Clark and Edson from Wm. Townsend with a letter from S.T. Lawrence
5615601837 Bill. Ira Mouell to Isaac Townsend with his bill for the year 1837
5625611838March 29Accounts. List of accounts (Samuel Vail, Thomas Boyd, Gabriel Seely, etc.)
5635621838March 30Bill with Receipt. Charles King
5645631838-1839 Statement of Sales of Iron from the Cold Blast beginning at the relinquishment of the Sterling Co. and ending with the pulling down of the Furnace and commencing with Hot Blast No. 1 (8 pp.)
5655641840-1841 Statement of Hot Blast No. 2 - receipts, sales and product of same as to returns rendered to me. Signed Wm. H. Townsend
5665651840March 7Schedule of the Books and Papers of the Sterling Co., made by Wm. Munroe and Paul [Bahnk?] at the office of E. Peck, President
5675661841OctoberBill. Mark H. Silbey to Townsend and Bros. for legal services
5685671842August 13Weekly Report of Yield Blast No. 3
569568ca. 1843 Bill and Receipt. Libbey S. Vail to Peter Townsend, Jr. for legal services
5705691844January 10Bill. Peter Townsend to S.Z. Satterty for services rendered
5715701850September 9Protest of the non-payment of a note drawn by Wm. H. Davis by Alexander Wright, Notary Public, sent to Peter Townsend
5 5711855-1857 Account. April 1855 to January 1857 (Missing 10/25/2006)
5725721856July 19Return. Weekly returns of the yield of Sterling Furnace (duplicate)
5735731856October 1Account. Em. Garratz(?) with Peter Townsend
5745741857October 5Account. Peter Townsend with S. Burkhalter and Oliver for foodstuffs
5755751857October 29Bill. J.C. Howe and Son, Practical Painters No. 115 5th Ave., to Peter Townsend with a note of the same date requesting payment (Marked 575 a & b)
5765761859September 17 [?] [?] [?] of the Banking Office of Michigan Insurance Co. to Peter Townsend with payment of debt and interest
5775771861December 7Note. Peter Townsend's note to David H. and Lydia Smith, executors of Hophni Smith's estate, for $690 with interest
5785781871January 23Receipt. John Tucker's cancelled check for $3,125 to D. Crawford, Jr. at Clark, Dodge and Co. (Date could also be 1841.)
5795791871March 1Balance sheet of [?] to March 1, 1871
5805801879July 16Account. Peter Townsend in account with Clark, Dodge, and Co. with a small white envelope in which the account was sent to Townsend (Marked 580 a & b)
5815811884December 18Tax assessment. J.S. Ford and James Cronon, Collector, to Mr. Townsend at Southfield with the tax assessment of Southfield Iron Works under the laws of the town of Monroe
5825821887December 19Tax assessment. James Cronon, Collector, to Mrs. Townsend Crawford with the tax assessment for Southfield. With 2 receipts signed by James Cronon, Collector, for money recd. from Mrs. Townsend Crawford, dated January 11, 1888 (Marked 582 a, b, & c)
58358318[?] Account. Isaac Townsend
584584190? Account. Debts owed to the estate of [?] for legal services rendered from 1893 to 1900. (Document is marked New York, [?], 190[?] but no mention is made of the name of the deceased
585585N.D. Account. Cost of cutting cords of wood, etc.
586586N.D. Account. Deeds involving Peter Townsend
587587N.D. List of debts
588588N.D. Account. Peter Townsend and Bros. in account with Wm. Jackson and Co., Wm. D. Jackson and McCown and Jackson
589589N.D. Statement of P. Townsend & Brothers in account with William & D. Jackson, Wm. Jackson & Co. and McCown & Jackson.
590590N.D. Affidavit to Prove Account. Made out against Peter Townsend but the rest of the paper is blank
591591N.D. Account. Iron made at various forges since October 16, [?]
592592N.D. Memorandum. Sundry goods and money that we have given our daughter, Anne (most likely refers to Anne Townsend)
593593N.D. Account. For molding shot, molding patterns - bottoms and grapeshot
594594N.D. Inventory. Foodstuffs, clothing, etc. (13¼ pp.)
595595N.D. Inventory. Sundry goods (18 pp.)
596596N.D. Remonstrance. Inhabitants of Orange Co. to the Gov. and Council of App't. recommending that Cornelius Roosa be continued in the office of Orange Co. Justice of the Peace
597597N.D. Account. Lands bought by Wm. and Isaac Townsend from Peter Townsend
598598N.D. Stephen Jackson's statement for a mountain lot
599599N.D. 3 draft letters re: the sale of the Sterling property including one which gives an estimate of the cost of mining the ore (Marked #599 a, b, & c)
5100600N.D. Document re: the sale of a tract of land containing between 17,000 and 20,000 acres and known by the name of the Sterling Iron Works
5101601N.D. Account. Re: goods and materials used in the production of iron (Entries are dated c.1817-19, 2 pp.)
5102602N.D. Miscellaneous account (2 pp.)

Account and Receipt Books and Groups of Accounts, 1765-1835. These documents are divided into two categories: (1) Account and Receipt Books - mainly account books of the Sterling Iron Works and the Sterling Forge Co. There is also an account and receipt book of D.P. Townsend and collected accounts of the Augusta Forge. (Augusta Forge began in 1783 when Peter Townsend sold 6,000 acres of the Sterling tract to his cousin and son-in-law, Solomon Townsend. Solomon was joined by Peter's brother, William, in 1792 and the two continued to operate the forge until the death of Solomon Townsend in 1811 although the Embargo Act of 1807 had already brought Solomon Townsend to financial ruin.), and (2) Groups of Accounts - accounts of various members, relatives, or business associates of the Townsend family.

Also included are ledgers containing debit-credit accounts and daybooks related to daily financial transactions.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
     Small Account and Receipt Books
616031790-1825 Accounts of the Augusta Forge. These are either accounts of the Augusta Forge itself or of other Sterling works whose records were kept in Solomon Townsend's books at Augusta (26 items - not in book form)
626041805-1820 Small account book containing accts. of Peter and Isaac Townsend, Anthony Davis, Jonathan King and others (approx. 112 pp.)
636051826-1835 Small account and receipt book of D.P. Townsend with the receipts pinned in the book (in acid-free envelope)
  606-612  SEE Boxes 7-11
     Groups of Accounts
646131812-1822 

Papers (8 documents) relating to Anne Townsend's accts.:

Memorandum of things to be attended to in finishing the settlement with Anne Townsend

Miscellaneous relating to Townsend business dealings

Wm. Townsend's acct. with Anne Townsend (ca. 1822)

Wm. Townsend's acct. with Anne Townsend (as calculated at legal interest)

Miscellaneous list of lots and their prices

Memorandum made at Chester (Orange County) as to the account made out for Wm. Townsend in the matter of Mrs. Anne Townsend's settlement (April 10, 1862)

2 papers relating to Anne Townsend's business dealings

Wm. Townsend in account with Samuel Townsend (July 8, 1819)

65-8614ca. 1821 Papers regarding a settlement between Obadiah [sic] Pellett and Isaac Townsend - deeds, bills, receipts, etc. Final settlement, 1821. (Approx. 125 documents stored in 4 folders. The 4th folder contains the accounts of C.L. Denison, Valentine and Pettingale, Alexander and Muller, E.M. Brown and Peter Mackie or McKie)
69-10615ca. 1826 Accounts settled against the estate of Anthony Davis to 1826

Last Wills and Testaments, 1764-1899. Documents related primarily to the estate of Townsend and allied families.  See list of individual items for more information.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
6116161764January 20Copy of the last will and testament of John Chambers of New York City
6126171787June 7Inventory of the Goods, Chattel and Credits of the Estate of the late Peter Townsend of Goshen Precinct in the County of Orange, State of New York
6136181859March 1Last will and testament of Edward P. Parrish of Canandaigua with a codicil dated August 31, 1860
6146191859May 7Last will and testament of Isaac Townsend with a codicil dated March 14, 1860
6156201899December 30Statement of Income for 1899 by S.H. Olin, Trustee of the Estate of Peter Townsend, deceased
616621N.D. Inventory and Appraisement of the Personal Estate of Peter Townsend, deceased. Printed copy. (on the cover, in pencil, is written: For Mrs. Crawford) 

Genealogical Records. Information on Townsend and allied families.

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
617622  Genealogical history of some members if the Townsend family including Capt. Solomon Townsend, Hannah Townsend, Anne Townsend (Received from Mrs. A. Mills, December 6, 1893) 3 pp.
618623  Genealogical information about Oliver Stephen V. Cortlandt (1 p.)
  624  SEE Box 13

Miscellaneous

BoxFolderItemYearDateContents
6196251795June 5List of a panel of jurors for the trial of James Jackson and others vs. Wm. Hawse
620626N.D. 2 miscellaneous papers:
Note from Samuel Underhill, Town Clerk
List of names
621627N.D. Part of a deed or lease or some such official document. Contains the signature of  January John Burling, James Duane and James Riker as witnesses
     Account Books
716061765-1771 Large book of accounts (545 pp.) Stored with this book are pp. 975-985 of accts. of the Sterling Furnace dated October 14 to October 31, 1771
816071768 to June 30, 1775 Accounts of the Sterling Iron Works, New York. (554 pp. The first 18 pp. are missing and p. 19/20 is in fragmented condition)
916081772-1774 Sterling Forge Co. Ledger E (222 pp.) plus an account of Beef Hyde Bought, 1773-74 (4 pp.)
926091773-1774 Store and Bar Iron Accounts, Sterling Furnace, etc. There are some accts. of the Chester store, of Sterling Furnace and of accts. for anchors - see pp. 91-92 in particular (244 pp. - pp. 58-180 have double accts. making a total of 244 pp. - pp. 1-56 are in a mutilated condition)
1016101773-1776 Sterling Forge Co. Accounts (201 double pages or 402 pp.)
1116111775-1777 Sterling Forge Co. All Iron and Steel Accts. (109 double pp. or 218 pp.)
1126121813-1815 Sterling Forge Co. Day Book. In the back of this ledger book there are approx. 170 accts. re: metal from the Southfield Furnace and Cannon Foundry, 1818-1819 plus 5 pages of accts. of sundry workmen, dated November 1827 to March 1828 (168)
121222N.D. 2 pencil drawn maps of Sterling (marked I and II)
122228 
a-b
N.D. Map of Auxsable Grove and Nay-od-say Village with a corresponding grid chart (Marked Old Deeds)
1232331749April 10Deed. Ebenezer Smith to Wm. Hawxhurst for land in Plymouth, Mass.
1242551777May 24Deed. Bezaleel Seely, Jr. and his wife, Zaviah, to Thomas Moffat and Stephen Howell for land in Bogg Meadow
1252661785May 1Deed. David Baley, farmer and his wife, Abigail to Peter Townsend
1262831800October 13Deed. Thomas Waters, Sheriff of Orange Co., to Peter Townsend
1272941808October 15Deed. Leonard Fisher, Surgeon Dentist, and his wife, Susanna of N.Y.C. to Peter Townsend for part of Mountain Lot No. 4
1283491784April 9Lease. Wm. Seely and wife to Peter Townsend
1293501784April 10Lease. Wm. Seely and wife to Peter Townsend
12104111758October 21Articles of Co-partnership between Abel Noble and Wm. Hawxhurst re: the manufacturing of iron
12114421767September 22Bill of Sale. Sterling Iron Works. Wm. Hawxhurst to Peter Townsend, Iron Master, with a complete inventory attached of all the belongings of the Sterling Iron Works
12124591787JulyList of persons with obligations to Peter Townsend (10 pp.)
12134261839January 31Articles of Agreement. With specifications between Wm. H. and Peter Townsend, Jr., on one hand, and Richard Simmons, Joseph Rees, and James Williams, on the other hand, re: a contract for the building of Southfield Furnace
131624  Genealogical record of the Bedell family of Hemstead, L.I. and Dutchess County (138 pp.) There are 138 photocopied pages including a 4-page preface which gives a brief history of the Bedell family, especially of some of its earliest members. Following the preface is a 7-page index to the genealogical material contained within. The majority of the pages are devoted to a genealogical record of the Bedell family that lists birth, death, address and marital information.
EL1231  Map of Goshen Township (N.Y.) and surrounding area. The map is not specifically dated. However, there are several notations which show that the map was probably done some time in the early 18th cntury. Notation at the bottom of the map reads: "The line of 1686". Another line about 1/3 of the way up the map reads: "The line of 1719". At the very top is a notation reading: "This map from calculating the size of some lots, appears to be on a scale of 100 chains to the inch." R.E. 1777.1/20 for highways. (R.E. appears to be Robert Erskine, ironmaster at Ringwood mines and surveyor-general under General George Washington.)
EL269
a-e
1815 5 drawings and specifications on cannon with the seal of the U.S. Ordnances drawn to scale and signed by Thomas Stephenson

Sterling Iron and Railway Company, 1865-1918: Accretion. Includes a group of records accessioned formerly as SC17562 (ca. 1982), SC18613 (ca. 1985) and additional records acquired in 2003. This group of records relates primarily to the post-Civil war mining and railroad operations of the company.  Included are letter books containing incoming and outgoing correspondence of executive officers of the company; manifests listing the goods carried from Sterling to the various mines, works and operations of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company; trial balances show expenses at the Sterling Furnace, Southfield Furnace and Sterling Mountain Railway; and a book containing records of ore shipped from the Sterling mines in Orange County via the Sterling Mountain Railroad & Erie Railroad to Piermont in Rockland County and then by boat to various companies.

BoxFolderContents
14Loose in boxSterling Iron and Railway Company checkbook, March 1874-January 1875
141Record of ore shipped from the Sterling mines in Orange County via the Sterling Mountain Railroad & Erie Railroad to Piermont in Rockland County and then by boat to various companies.
142-4Reports of the Sterling Mountain Railway Company to the Board of Railroad Commissioners of the State of New York for the years ending June 30, 1892, 1895 and 1896.
145Annual Report of the Sterling Mountain Railway Company to the Interstate Commerce Commission of the United States for the year ending June 30, 1897.
151Letter copy book, 17 October 1877–18 October 1878: contains copies of outgoing letters written to A.W. Humphrey, President of Sterling Iron and Railway Company
152Letter copy book, 18 October 1878–18 October 1879: contains copies of outgoing letters written to A.W. Humphrey, President of Sterling Iron and Railway Company
161-5Letter book, 3 April 1865–2 February 1866: Contains etters from the managers of the Iron Works at Sterling Furnace and Southfield Furnace and from the Superintendent of Sterling Mountain Railway to the President and Treasurer of Sterling Iron and Railway Company (disbound)
166-12Letter book, 28 July 1875–30 March 1876: Contains letters from the managers of the Iron Works at Sterling Furnace and Southfield Furnace and from the Superintendent of Sterling Mountain Railway to the President and Treasurer of Sterling Iron and Railway Company (disbound)
171-8Letter Book, January 20-August 7, 1881 and May 4-June 30, 1884. Letters written to A.W. Humphrey, President of Sterling Iron and Railway Company from various customers; indexed; 323p. (disbound)
1710-15Letter Book, May 4-June 30, 1884: Contains letters written to A.W. Humphrey, President of Sterling Iron and Railway Company from various customers; indexed; 283p. (disbound)
181-13Sterling Mountain Railway Manifests, May 1887-January 1888. These manifests list the goods carried from Sterlington to the various mines, works and operations of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company.  Arranged numerically from 1 to 1280.
191-9Trial Balances, March 1871-January 1880. These trial balances show expenses at the Sterling Furnace, Southfield Furnace and Sterling Mountain Railway
1910  Manifests – Various Numbers  - 8900s
1911Manifests – Various Numbers  - 9000s-9100s
1912Manifests – Various Numbers  - 9200s-9300s
1913Manifests – Various Numbers  - 9400s-9500s
1914Manifests – Various Numbers  - 9600s-9900s
1915Correspondence with Grant Locomotive Works, 1886
1916General Correspondence, 1914-1918
1917Pages re: the sale of company, 1918
201Receipts, 1879-1881
202Receipts, 1882-1884
203Invoices, 1867, 1883
204

Inventories

  1. Southfield Store Inventory, December 31, 1883
  2. Sterling Mine Inventory, December 31, 1884
204Proceedings of the annual meeting of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company, April 4, 1865
205Proxy certificates, 1865
206

Memorandums

  1. Storage receipts, 1879, 1884 (2 sheets)
  2. Delivered actual weights, ca. 1883-1884 (3 sheets)
207Copy of report made to [New York] State engineer, September 30 1867  (printed form with filled-in data); accompanied by a copy of First annual report of the Sterling Iron and Railway Company, 1865 (printed)
EL3Pay list (roll), Lake Mine #3, September 1-5, 1914; document gives the name of each employee, job title, pay rate per day, the number of days worked, and total amount paid