About George Washington Halcott
George Washington Halcott is a member of the Halcott Family.
Author Notes
On the death of his father, when George was but 14, he went with his mother to live with his older sister Mary (Polly), the childless wife of Julius Austin, in Austin's Glen. He became the first engineer of the early steamboat "Frank" (1837-38) and set up housekeeping in the house now 222 Main Street. Later in kept store in Lexington, living at the far end of the bridge, until he was made Sheriff of Greene County, 1850 to 1853. He was always deeply grateful that he did not have to hang a man, a lot that fell to both his predecessor and his successor in the office. During this period his wife died and he remarried, his second wife being a most loving mother to his orphaned children. The family occupied in succession several rented homes on West Bridge Street, Upper Main and Broad Streets, until he purchased and rebuilt the homestead on Bridge Street and Prospect Avenue (then Orange Street) in 1862. He established a book storeat 353 Main Street, later conducted by his son Marcus in Catskill, NY. George W. Halcott was a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a staunch Republican and Episcopalian, a vestry man for man years in St. Luke's Church, Catskill. When the new town of Halcott was set off in 1851, during his sheriffship, it was named for him (erroneously given as son of Thomas in Greene and Delaware County histories). From 1868 to his death he was an Internal Revenue Collector for Greene County.
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT
"On the retirement of George W. Halcott, late Sheriff of this County, from the office of Sheriff, a few of his political and personal
friends , of this village, presented him with a valuable Rifle, as a Testimonial of esteem. She he again take up his residence in "Old Lexington," the Democratic Gibraltar, it is hoped that he will use it to some purpose in thinning out the ranks of the enemy. Success to that "Rifle." Greene County Whig, June 11, 1853 (Published by Marcus H. Trowbridge and Ward D. Gunn)
don't know if this is the same person,but is interesting
found more...Jacob Van Orden was town clerk,also found names of Edwards,France and Peck.
