Milton, New York ferry - part 1 of 2

Editor's Note: Originally published November 23, 1922 in the "Milton Messenger"; republished August 14, 1969 in Perspective section of "Southern Ulster Pioneer" newspaper. The language, spelling and grammar of the article reflects the time period when it was written.

Example of a horse-powered ferry. https://krisdedecker.typepad.com/.a/6a00e0099229e8883301156ffd0ea1970c-pi

​The Milton Messenger – November 23, 1922
Local Historian Tells of Old Milton Ferry. Capt. C.M. Woolsey Gives Interesting Story of Ferry Dating Back Over 150 Years.

Having read that a ferry service is to be started between Milton and Rudeo, as told in Tuesday's, as told in Tuesday's "Freeman" Captain C. Meech Woolsey of Milton contributes the following history of previous similar enterprises in the same locality.

The early history of this ferry is tradition. About 1740 there was a ferry established across the Hudson river from a point on the west side a quarter of a mile or more south of what is the present steamboat landing at Milton, N.Y. to some point at or near what is the Gill place or known as Barnegat. What kind of vessel was then used cannot now be determined, but it was supposed to have been a row and sail boat of some kind. It was adequate to carry wagons, teams, cattle and produce.

The country which now comprises the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill and some lands on the south was early settled by English people many of whom had previously settled in what is now Westchester county and Long Island, and children of such settlers. After 1730 and up to Revolutionary times large numbers of settlers poured into this part of the country. They brought their families, teams, cattle and all their worldly goods with them. They crossed from the east to the west side of the river by means of this ferry. They also kept intercourse for many years with those they had left behind. This, I think, is the reason the ferry was established so early – a means of crossing was needed, so some rude vessel was provided that answered the purpose.

After this means of crossing was in operation, people naturally came here to use the ferry for miles up and down the river on either side. My great-great-grandfather Richard Woolsey was among these early settlers. He was born about 1697, came here when a young man and purchased an original patent of land granted by Queen Anne, of many hundred acres lying adjoining this ferry on the south, parts of which patent are now owned by me. He and his descendants left numerous traditions about this boat. It was used by Richard Woolsey up to the time of his death about 1777: and at that time lime was burned at Barnegat and brought over by this ferry.

Nicholas Hallock, the oldest man in the town until his death a few years ago, said he well remembered when a child, hearing his great uncle Edward Hallock and his grandfather Hull tell about this ferry, how it was built, the way it was entered and other facts. I can not find any charter for it or who was the first owner.

In our ancient town records of road districts for the year 1779, I find as follows: Nathanial Harker's District No. 3 Beginning at Major DuBois's north line runs to Zadock Lewis's house at the cross road leading to the ferry." And William Woolsey's District No. 5, beginning at Lattemore's ferry at the river, running south of Jeremiah Beagles in Latting Town" Benoni Lattemore owned the ferry at this time and had been the owner for some years previous. Afterward and sometimes prior to 1789 Elijah Lewis owned it. He had a dock and also at one time Theopolis Anthony owned it.

An ancient map dated 1797 made from the surveys and field book of Dr. Benj. Ely by Henry Livingston of Poughkeepsie for Stephen Nottingham, Supervisor of the Town of Marlborough. It is given as Powell's dock and ferry. Jacob and Thomas Powell who had a store and tavern at the old stone house south of Milton dock ran this ferry and also a line of sloops to New York City which carried wood, produce and other commodities for the farmers for a wide extent of country, and brought back supplies to the farmers. The Powells were here several years. Thomas Powell about 1800 moved to Newburgh, became very successful and acquired a large fortune. The steamers Thomas and Mary Powell were named for him and his wife. It has been claimed that his first money was made here by this ferry and his other enterprises.

At a later date Benjamin Townsend operated this ferry and carried on business. I can find no mention of it after about 1810, and presume it was then discontinued, as none of the old inhabitants of this neighborhood can remember the ferry, though they had heard of it from their parents and grandparents.

A ferry had been established at Poughkeepsie about 1800, and by 1810 the Barnegat lime business had commenced to decline and emigration from Westchester County and Island had ceased so much of the usefulness of the ferry had ceased by 1810.

People journeyed by means of this ferry from Massachusetts and Connecticut to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the West.
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During Revolutionary War Continental soldiers crossed here to and from the eastern states: currency and provisions for the army were also carried. Washington's troops crossed on many occasions on this ferry.

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