In 17S6 it was purchased by a company and completed as an Academy, which went into operation about that date, under the care of the Rev. Amzi Lewis. During several years it continued in a very flourishing state under Mr. Lewis, and was incorporated by the regents of the university, April 19th, 1790, on the application of Benjamin Haight and thirty-eight others. It was the first incoqiorated academy in the county, and the third in the State ; Erasmus Hall at Flatbush, and Clinton Academy in East Hampton, having been incorporated near the close of 17S7. Many individuals, who afterwards became eminent, were prepared for college or finished their education here." Among the most distinguished may be reckoned, De Witt Clinton, Governor of the State ; Daniel D.

a St. George Talbot, writing to tbe Secretary of the Venerable Propagation Society, July 10: b, 1763, pays : " At Salem they have built and almost covered a church.'' b ReHgfaha v'oc Lib. B. 11. e Keligious Soe. Lib. B., p. 15.

764 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. \^

Tompkins, Vice-President of the United States 3 Colonel Tallmadge and brother, and the Hon. James Kent, LL.D. " After the removal of Mr. Lewis, the institution appears to have declined for a few years. A revival of its prosperity, however, occurred about 1801, under the Rev. Mr. McNiece. This gentleman is said to have been one of the Irish patriots of 179J, who left his country at the same time with Emmet, Adrain, McNeven and others, for the same cause. He was a man of learning and an eloquent preacher of the Presbyterian denomination,