LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Town
of Salem

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the towns and villages
which comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 250th Anniversary of the Town of Salem, in Washington County,
New York; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1764, three men from Pelham, Massachusetts,
James Turner, Joshua Conkey, and Hamilton McCollister, built the first
log cabin in what is now the Town of Salem, and acquired title to 25,000
acres of lush wooded hillsides, as well as clear streams containing
abundant wildlife; their families and others from Pelham came to settle
one-half of the land now known as Turner's Patent; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, James Turner conveyed the other half of the
property to two land speculators, Oliver Delancy and Peter Dubois; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1764, three hundred citizens from Ballybay, County
Monaghan, Ireland, left their homes and families in search of religious
freedom, and a suitable place for their families in America; and
WHEREAS, Led by their Presbyterian seceder minister, Dr. Thomas Clark,
they arrived in New York City in July of 1764; in this search, Dr.
Thomas Clark happened upon Oliver Delancy and Peter Dubois, and a deal
was made to acquire one-half of the Turner Patent for the Irish Pres-
byterians; and
WHEREAS, These largely serendipitous arrangements between land specu-
lators, Irish immigrants, and families emigrating from New England,
formed the foundation of the settlement of the Town of Salem 250 years
ago; and
WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Salem continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and
WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Salem have a bright outlook for
the future of their community, which remains a beautiful place in which
to live and raise a family; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Salem's rich history and endur-
ing contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is
proud to pay tribute to this spirited town/village upon the occasion of
its 250th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Town of Salem, and to enthusi-
astically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious occa-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Salem.