James & Sarah Teboet / John & Martha Cromwell (Mohawk Street)

James Teboet learned the skill to be a barber and practiced his trade in the Shaper Block just down the street to the east of his home. John Cromwell, residing in the same house, learned to play the violin while enslaved in Schoharie County. His orchestra was well-known playing at many halls and events throughout the Mohawk Valley.

James Teboet, another barber whose shop was in the Shaper block at corner of Mohawk & Church St. (note on map), lived in this multi-family Italianate house with wife Sarah and son John. 

Born in 1850 almost a quarter of a century after New York State abolished slavery, Teboet enlisted to serve in the Civil War at the tender age of 15 to assist with eradicating slavery across the nation.

The Cromwell family also lived in this home — father John, mother Martha, and sons Oscar and John Addison. John Cromwell was born a slave and early in life became a servant to the prominent George H. Mann family in Schoharie County. While very young, Cromwell developed a love of music and learned to play violin. His master believed music to be a sin and therefore, forbid John’s playing, however, he continued to play the instrument in secret.

Later, as an adult and a free man, “Bay John” Cromwell’s love of music was allowed to flourish into his career as a musician.

Cromwell’s orchestra became very well-known playing in halls and prominent parties up and down the Mohawk Valley. Musicians were also involved in Underground Railroad networks due to their expanse of contacts and gathering news at their events.