Historical Society explores legacy of early Millbrook founder Philip Hart

MILLBROOK — Early Millbrook founder Philip Hart, whose successful mill on Harts Village Road helped give the community its name, was the focus of a presentation sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society at the Millbrook Library on Saturday, June 27.

Historian and genealogist Kathy Moyer presented “The Illustrious Family of Philip Hart and Hart House,” tracing the Hart family’s history in Millbrook and the generations of descendants who went on to build wealth, influence and philanthropic legacies.

Hart built the Federal-style Hart House in 1800 for himself, his wife, Susana Akin, and their 11 children who survived to adulthood. The home remained in the Hart family for eight generations until 1954. Nan and David Greenwood purchased and restored the property in 1984, and David Greenwood later served for many years as town historian.

Born in Rhode Island, Hart later moved west in search of economic opportunity and found it in what would become Millbrook. Although described as a “Worldly Baptist,” he married Akin, a local Quaker, and the couple remained together for 55 years.

Moyer described Hart as a farmer, merchant, major landowner, mill operator and clothier, producing broadcloth that was smoother and less itchy than traditional homespun fabric.

“He was a fun guy to be around,” Moyer said, adding that Hart became known as the “Father of the Inland Industrial Revolution” because of his role in shaping the region’s early economy.

One of Hart’s lasting contributions came in 1804 when he helped improve the Dutchess Turnpike — today’s Route 44 — by having the roadway near his mill surfaced with crushed stone, creating a smoother route for commerce that benefited both travelers and his business.

While some Hart descendants remained local, others became prominent figures in New York. Moyer said family members helped shape the development of Troy during its rise as one of America’s wealthiest cities and later founded major banks, helped establish the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and became leaders of New York society during the Gilded Age. Several built homes in Brooklyn Heights along Remsen Street and Pierrepont Place, overlooking the East River.

Closer to home, the family’s Quaker heritage led to its long association with the Nine Partners Boarding School, where Hart’s children were educated.

Moyer has retired from serving as Associate Director of Development, Historian and Archivist at Oakwood Friends School, which traces its roots to the Nine Partners school.

After the talk, historical society members were invited to tea and a tour of the Hart House, hosted by Nan Greenwood.