21S Agricultural Manual 



In the eastern part of the county the first settlements were made 

 about 1745 to 1750 by families from Connecticut, who settled 

 without first acquiring titles. This naturally led to many disputes 

 concerning ownership of lands, which were not settled until some 

 time after the Revolution. 



The patent of Livingston Manor, including nearly all of the 

 seven southern towns and comprising 160,000 acres, was conferred 

 upon Robert Livingston in 1(180. The territory of Massachusetts, 

 under its charter, extended west to the Pacific Ocean, and grants 

 were made by that colony covering portions of this territory. 

 These claims also raised bitter contentions which continued until 

 after the Revolution. 



A settlement was made by German Palatines in 1710 on a 

 tract of 0,000 acres — now constituting the principal part of the 

 town of Germantown, which was sold back to the government by 

 Robert Livingston. These settlements were collectively known as 

 the " East Camp," to distinguish them from another settlement 

 of Palatines on the west side of the river. It was the intention 

 of the English Government that these people should manufac- 

 ture quantities of tar and other naval stores, besides serving as a 

 barrier against the northern Indians. The colonists were dis- 

 satisfied, however, and in 1713 many of them left for Schoharie, 

 the land that they claimed had been promised to them. 



About 1760, emigrants from Massachusetts and Connecticut 

 formed a settlement in the town of New Lebanon, which later 

 became the largest Shaker establishment in the state. They were 

 principally engaged in farming and in cultivating medical plants 

 and garden seeds. 



The anti-rent difficulties arose to such a pitch concerning 

 Livingston Manor and other districts held in leasehold that in 

 1844 the governor ordered out seven companies of militia to assist 

 the sheriff of this county in the discharge of his duties. 



The residence of Robert Livingston was in the town of Cler- 

 mont, from whence was derived the name of the first steamboat 

 to sail on the Hudson. It was from Livingston that Robert 

 Fulton received much advice and financial assistance in executing 

 his plan of steam navigation. Livingston also introduced Merino 

 sheep into this state, as well as the use of gypsum. 



