The Montgomery National Bank began business November 1, 1905, with the following officers: William H. Senior, president; John A. Crabtree, vice-president; E. I. Emerson, cashier. Directors: William Eager, John J. Vanderoef, John A. Crabtree, Clunks D. Wait, J. Harvey Harris, Dr. E. Ross Elliott, William F. Lodge, Harvey Tuttle, William H. Senior, Walter R. Comfort, Fred W. Tower. INDUSTRIES. Nearly all the soil of this town is well adapted to successful agriculture in its varied forms. While much of the land has been devoted to meadows and grass, fine crops of grain were grown, wheat especially, in the earlier years of the settlement. Fruit is also grown to a considerable extent in some localities with profit. Orchards were planted in the town nearly a hundred years ago by Robert Griffith, John Miller, Andrew Graham, Hamilton Morrison and others. The bonding of the town in aid of the Wallkill Valley and other railway construction had a depressing effect upon the people and their property for a time, and there was much opposition to the scheme, among the farmers especially. But the advantages of the railways became apparent in a few years, and probably no one would now care to abolish the present traffic facilities afforded or longer regrets the cost. The opening of the Wallkill Valley Railway to Montgomery, in 1866 was a most important event for the town and county. The Walden Woolen Factory was established in 1823 by Jesse Scofield and Dr. Coburn. It was at first known as the "Franklin Company." There were frequent changes in the firm and management in the succeeding years. But for over fifty years this old plant was the most important business feature of Walden, and it had much to do with its early growth and development. The buildings were of stone and of the most durable character, and the water-power ample. The New York Knife Company has long been regarded among the largest cutlery plants in the United States. It was organized in 1852 and operated at Matteawan, Dutchess County, until 1856, when it was moved to Walden to the building formerly used as a cotton factory. Table and pocket cutlery of every kind and quality are made in this establishment, which has achieved world-wide fame in the hardware trade, domestic and foreign. Thomas W. Bradley was long the leading spirit of the concern, being the active superintendent as well as the president of the company. He served with valor and distinction in the Civil War, and became prominent in the military affairs of the State afterwards. He also served in the State Assembly in 1875-76, and at present represents this district in Congress.