[J. Thomas Scharf (1886)] tained the power to confine the waters in the lake basin during the summer season, destroyed the value of the immense water-power at Empireville. and the gigantic wheel, which, with its systems of cogs and belts, gave the hum of busy trade to the numerous lathes and spindles in the great factory, ceased its revolutions. The property was sold to the Reming-tons, of Ilion, N. Y., and the Empire merged into the Remington Sewing-Machine in 1871, thus closing up the prosperous manufacturing interest of Somers. In the early part of the century, and up to about forty years ago, a paper-mill, clothier's works and grist-mill were located at Owensville (now Croton Falls), in the northeast corner of the town. They were owned and operated by John Owen, but have long since ceased to exist. The water privileges of Somers are excellent and the hydraulic power unsurpassed at points on 174 HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY. either branch of the Croton River, the Muscoot River, and Plum Brook, but the purchase of the water before alluded to by the city of New York, has effectually Battled the question of any extensive manufacturing interests being located on any of these streams. In 183.) the population of the town was 1900; in 1840, 2082; in 1850,1782; in 1360,2012; in 1875, 1631; in 1880, 1630. The valuation of real and personal property thirty years ago, or in 1855, was 81,366,533. Now it is 81,-278,635. In 1855, which was previous to the active