James Duane Manuscript Memorandum Regarding Appointment of a Justice of the Peace in Duanesburg. Manuscript memorandum signed “James Duane,” one page, January 19, 1791, New York. Addressed to the Governor on behalf of the inhabitants of Duanesburg, recommending the appointment of Benajah Thompson to succeed Benoni Thompson, deceased, as Justice of the Peace. Duane explains that the vacancy should be filled promptly as only one magistrate remains in the settlement and that he resides near the northern bounds of the town, making the appointment necessary for the proper administration of local affairs. Written in a neat clerical hand and signed by Duane at the head. 8" x 6.5".
Duanesburg was settled as early as 1736–1770 by investors including Thomas Freeman, Timothy Bagley, William Crosby, Walter Butler, and Jonathan Brewster. By 1765, Duane owned the largest share of the town, which was ultimately named in his honor. Duanesburg received its first patent as a town on March 13, 1765. Duane—an influential New York statesman, friend of George Washington, member of the First Continental Congress, and later federal judge—once envisioned Duanesburg as the future capital of New York State. Though that vision never came to pass, the town later developed into an important railway center, boasting by 1907 the largest coaling station in the world located in the village of Delanson.
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