Box 1, Folder 8: Memorabilia

Milwaukee Wed Nov 11 1871

Dr Sir

I have your favor of 7th, and beg you will consider me a subscriber for your proposed History of Queensbury. It is the place where my parents were married on the 28th day of August 1803. My father, Seneca Lapham, was grandson of Benjamin Lapham, but not the same Benjamin who was father of your Stephen. This Stephen, like many of the Lapham's was somewhat eccentric in his ways - though nothing bad - he was a large & much respected farmer.

For further information of the branch to which my father belonged see the "Lapham Family Records" which I send you herewith. -

[Left page] Possibly the father of Stephen may have been the Benjamin, who was son of Benjamin of Smithfield R. Islam whose name appears near the lower right hand corner of the sheet of "Records" sent. This is about all I can say of the Lapham's of Queensbury.

As your work appears to cover much ground probably you may find use for the following information respecting the condition of things in that town about the beginning of this century.

[Right page] James Wells & Jonathan his brother, Elisha Folger, Samuel Odel Increase Allen (my mother's father) John Winslow, John Kinyon, Stephen Lapham, - Sirson, & - Eddy, were farmers in Queensbury at that time; Seneca Lapham, & Jonathsn Griffith were Carpenters; Benjamin Post was the Shoemaker; -- Stours, was the Physician, a bachelor, much averse to very young children, and about whom a funny story is told of his curing a lap dog. The store was kept by -- Sanford; afterwards another was opened by an Indian. A woman living near the head of Lake George remarked to neighbors who had just been

delivered of twins, that "she [would?] not be an old sow, & have a litter of young ones!" a remark which seemed peculiarly unkind in the weak & nervous condition of her neighbour. As a sort of providential punishment ^(as is supposed)^ for such unfeeling conduct this woman soon afterwards gave birth to no less than five ^stillborn^ children at one time! - These were exhibited about the Country as a show; & afterwards purchased by a Dr. Alden of Albany & preserved in alcohol. Possibly they may be in existence yet.

The country then abounded in pine trees many of them of very great size; there were cut & hauled to the river, from whence they were sent below in rafts.

A Friend's meeting house was built & well filled; a preacher came from Fort Edwards. No school house has been erected.

Kirk Bentley was shot by himself; but it is not known whether purposely or by accident; he with - Seeley, & - Roberts (father of the Esquire) were among the Earliest settlers in Queensbury.

My mother's three sisters Hannah, Preserve, and Mary were married and lived in Queensbury.

Yours Truly, I A Lapham

Dr A. W. Holden