by David Flint
For 250 years the farm on Osgood Road in Stephentown has been in continuous operation run by descendants of the man who started it – Captain William Douglas. Saturday, June 20 was the culmination of a three-day family reunion and celebration by the community of its oldest farm, now known as the Glendouglas Farm.
Isabel and Neil Krebs, who own the farm house at the end of Osgood Road, built on the foundation of William Douglas’ log cabin, were the gracious hosts of the celebration, Isabel being the 4th-great-granddaughter of Captain William Douglas.
Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt, acting as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed all to the historic event and the unveiling of a State Historic Site marker. Eckhardt noted that thanks were due to Aldie Goodermote and the Town Highway Department for erecting the marker and a new flagpole alongside it.
Following an Invocation by Rev. Trygve Tomlinson, Pastor of the West Stephentown Baptist Church, the American flag, one that was flown over the U.S. Capitol back in March in honor of William Douglas and was provided by Senator Chuck Schumer, was raised by Phyllis DeFreest, Larry Holder and Yvonne Meekins, members of the Veterans of Stephentown. The Pledge of allegiance was then led by Sarina and Jacob Krebs, sixth great-grandchildren of William Douglas. The National Anthem was sung by Marilyn Osgood and Larry Holder.
Six of the younger descendants of William Douglas then had the honor of unveiling the State Historic Marker which reads, “Glendouglas Farm. Est. 1765. Home Of Revolutionary War Patriot Captain William Douglas. Commemorating 250 Years Of Continuous Family Ownership.” The sign was funded by the William C. Pomeroy Foundation.
A highlight of the celebration was the installation of John Douglas Krebs, 5th-great-grandson of William Douglas, into the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Duane Booth, President, officiated.
Certificates of recognition and congratulations were presented to Isabel by Bob Allard of Lebanon Springs representing Congressman Chris Gibson and by County Executive Kathy Jimino. State Senator Kathy Marchione read and presented a Proclamation from the Legislature.
Allard commented that to have a farm stay in a family for 250 years was a testament to the family and to the community around it that supported it for such a long period of time. It is farms like these, he said, that are the reason the Congressman wanted to be on the Agricultural Committee in the House of Representatives.
Jimino noted that William Douglas, a hero of the American Revolution, had fought for us to be able to enjoy the beauty of this land, understanding also that that enjoyment comes with a lot of hard work and effort. “We celebrate farming today – 250 years here,” she said.
Marchione said she was impressed with the perseverance of generations of people keeping the farm going for 250 years as the family hub, and continuing today with a very large tree farm, raising chickens, llamas and alpacas and providing corn fields for other local farmers.
Isabel Krebs gave a brief history of the farm. William Douglas bought the land in 1765 from his father Asa – 500 acres for 40 pounds. He packed his belongings in an oxcart along with wife Hannah and infant son Benjamin and walked to what was then Jericho, Massachusetts. On the spot where Isabel and Neil’s house is now situated he built a log cabin. The Revolution started ten years later and William was elected Captain of the Jericho militia. (Following the Declaration of Independence, Jericho was renamed Hancock, MA, in honor of John Hancock.) In August of 1777 Douglas marched his men up to Walloomsac where they participated in the Battle of Bennington. Douglas returned to the farm and later that year he witnessed British officers, defeated at Saratoga, marching up Osgood Road on their way to Boston to be deported back to England.
Following the Revolution, boundary disputes between Massachusetts and New York were settled with the result that the state line was pushed 3/4 mile to the east. The Douglas house was now in New York where it is today, although most of the farm land is still in Massachusetts.
In the six generations after William, Isabel said, there was always one person in the family who took on the responsibility of keeping the farm up. The family also kept up the military tradition and family members have served in every American war. After the Civil War, West Point graduate Henry Osgood married Harriet Douglas. He later became a Brigadier General and served in various posts in the U.S. Army, but his home was in Stephentown. It was the Osgood children, Isabel said, who really made this place the hub of the family and a family refuge, “Snug Harbor” as one family member and sea captain dubbed it.
Isabel said that she and Neil wanted to continue this tradition, “and that’s the reason that all of you are here, to celebrate William Douglas, the man who started it all.” [/private]