A correspondent of the Hudson Republician lately sent to that paper the following sketch of the life of Hon. John Jay Van Valkenburgh of Chatham Centre.   It will be read with great interest as a remarkable history of the life of one who for nearly one hundred years has been a honored citizen of the county.

     Hon. John Jay Van Valkenburgh of Chatham Centre, NY is now in the 95 th year of his age. Visiting him recently, I found him still in possesion of the intellectual vigor which has been a special characteristic of his long and useful life and although feeling some of the infirmities of age resting upon him, still his counsel is sought for and his advice rarely neglected.

     Born in 1783 his time covers almost the entire period of our countries life as a nation.   Being one of seven sons and not favored with a collegate education, he was in a measure left to choose for himself an occupation and direct his own way through life.   He made the choice of a mercantile business and the strict integrity and attention be brought to bear upon and applied to this persuit produced the natural results, A controlling influencence in the community in which he lived and more than a complence at the age of sixty.

     Lawyers were not as plentyful as blackberries in those days, and although making no profession of superior knowledge in this department, or even seeking or wishing such employment, yet commencing as he did by drawing of contracts, and convenyances for his neighbors, administering and setting up estates, etc.   Before he was aware of it himself, he had entered upon his lifes work, of trying to be useful to his fellow men, who sought him from afar to consel with and give direction to the varied interests which the inhabitants of a newly settled region naturally require.

     In early manhood he was not only contempory with but often met on business with men such as Elisha Williams, Ambrose L. Jordan, Marten Van Buren, Judge Vanderpoel, Aaron the Kinderhook Roarer, Killan Miller, The Hodgebooms, and other of whom he delights still to speak, having it would seem, something ready and appropriate to apply in each individual case.   Of Marten Van Buren he retales the following anecodote: soon after Mr. Van Buren commenced the practice of law, he was trying a petty suit before an old dutch justice of the peace by the name of Gardinier with whom Van Buren was a great pet and being at that time both young and small in stature, while his legal opponent was decidedly the opposite, both fat and brawney. Gardinier reached out and pulled "Mattie" as he called him on his lap, declaring he should have the protection of the court, which the extreme modesty of the lad prevented his asking for, at the great amusement of all present.

     At a birthday dinner party during the past fall, Mr. Van Valkenburgh greatly interested those fortunate to get near him with a repitation of a letter written by Thomas Jefferson, while President, to a lady who had named her boy after him, which was of considerable length, very entertaining, repeated all by memory, dating from the distant past.

     It has been thought and said by some of Mr. Van Valkenburgh's admirers that he ought in early life to have given his attention to law as a profession, that his clear observation and discrimination, his keen insight into and scrutinizing of the acts of men, his extensive reading, relentive memory and good judgement qualified him for a commanding position and great usefulness in such a profession.   But he chose a different course to follow.   He has acted a noble part thus far in life and acted it well and while this work may not have been accompanied with much of the display and excelements of a more public life, yet the greater boon the hearty good will and respect of neighbors, and old time friends, the warm affection flowing from children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all these are his.

     In politics he was of the Old Waig School, up to the time of organization of the Republican Party with which he has acted ever since.   In 1820 he was elected as member of Assembly when the district comprised the whole county and sent 4 Representatives to the Legislature.   His associates were, Elisha Williams, Azariah Pratt, and Thomas Brodhend and he is believed to be the oldist ex-member of that body now living.   Dewitt Clinton was at this time Governor and John C. Spencer of Ontario Co. Speaker of the House.  Of these and many others Mr Van Valkenburgh speaks ailuding to many scenes in which some of the mentioned acted in an important part.