DUANESBUEGH, named in honor of James Duane, the principal proprietor, was erected as a township by patent, March 13, 1765. It was first joined with Schoharie as "the united district of Duanesburgh and Schorarie." It was made a separate district March 24, 1772, and was first recognized as a town March 22, 1788. It lies in the south-west corner of the County. The surface consists of an upland, broken by the narrow valleys and gulleys of small streams. Schoharie Creek forms a portion of the west boundary, and Norman's Kil flows through the south part. The hills which border upon these streams are steep and in some places rocky. The other principal streams are Corry's Brook, Chuctenunda Creek and Bozen Kil. Maria Pond and Featherston Lake are two small sheets of water in the north-east part, about 250 feet above the canal. The soil is a stiff clay loam with a slight intermixture of gravel. It is better adapted to pasturage than to tillage. The Albany & Susquehanna Railroad extends through the south part of the town. Duanesburgh, (p. v.) in the south-east part of the town, contains a hotel, two stores, several mechanic shops, and about a dozen dwellings. Quaker Street, (p. v.) in the south part, contains three churches, a hotel, several stores and mechanic shops, and about 30 dwellings. Mariaville, (p. v.) in. the north-east part, on Maria Pond, contains two churches, two hotels, several stores, mills and mechanic shops, and about 20 dwellings. Braman's Corners, (p. v.) in the west part, contains two churches and about a dozen dwellings. Eaton's Corners is a hamlet in the west part. The settlement of this town commenced about the time of its organization in 1765, though large tracts had previously been purchased by different parties. Mr. James Duane purchased a tract of about 60,000 acres, and contracted with twenty Germans from Pennsylvania, sixteen. of whom came on. and made permanent settlements. The lands were leased for about fifteen dollars per hundred acres, on long leases. The agents of Sir William Johnson excited a prejudice against these lands and somewhat retarded their settlement. The first church (Prot. Epis.) was organized Aug. 3, 1795, and the church edifice was erected by Judge Duane. Rev. David Belden was the first rector. The Presbytarian Church of Mariaville was organized as a Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, July 19, 1842, and was reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, June 15th, 1859. The number of members at its organization was 28. The first pastor was James Donald. The .first house of worship was erected in 1842 at a cost of $2,000; its present value is $3,000. It will seat 300. Rev. David Lyon is the present.pastor. The membership is 59. The population of the town in 1865 was 3,099, and its area 42.392 acres. There are 21. school districts, employing 22 teachers. The number of children of school age is 1,073; the number attending school, 796; the average attendance, 386, and the amount expended for school purposes for the year ending September 30, 1869, was $5,267.91.