BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY. 



BY B. P. JOHNSON. 



Gentlemen of the, Kew-York State Agricultural Society: 



We are assembled this evening on an occasion of no ordinary 

 interest to the farmers of our State — the dedication of commo- 

 dious rooms, prepared for the Society for the purposes of agricul- 

 ture for all time to come. A brief history of the Society, from 

 its organization to the present time, will furnish to the members 

 the information as to the various proceedings which have been 

 had in relation to securing a place where the farmers can be 

 recognized, as the importance of their profession demands. 



The State Agricultural Society was organized in 1832, by a few 

 spirited individuals, assembled in this city from different parts of 

 the State. Most of the gentlemen who were present at the or- 

 ganization of the Society are deceased; but those wiio are still 

 living have continued firm friends of the Society, up to the pre- 

 sent time.* 



A constitution was adopted and the following officers elected, 

 all of whom are deceased : Le Ray De Chaumont, Jefferson Co., 

 President; Hon. Ambrose Spencer, Albany, Jacob Morris, Otsego, 

 Hon. Edward P. Livingston, Columbia, Robert R. Rose, Seneca, 

 Vice Presidents; Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Albany, Recording 

 Secretary; Jesse Buel, Albany, Corresponding Secretary; Charles 

 Webster, Albany, Treasurer; Henry W. Delavan, Saratoga, Hora- 

 tio Hickcox, Rensselaer, John Townsend, Albany, Executive 

 Committee. 



The Society held a cattle show and fair in 1833, and had a 

 very creditable exhi])iti()n; but the want of funds prevented a 

 continuance of the fairs. 



• There were present at the dedication the following gentlemen, who were delegates in 

 1832; Governor John A. King, Hon. Amos Briggs, of the Senate, Edward C. Delavan, 

 UoQ. Samuel Cbcever, llou. Juel Turrcll, lion. A. B. Dickiuson. 



