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Corporation. Digital file copyright by
Cornell University Library 1993.HON. LYMAN R. LYON
One of the Pioneers of Lewis County from Whom Lyons Falls Received
Its Name.History of Lyons Falls
By
Clarence L.
Fisher
1918
THE WILLARD PRESS
Boonville, N. Y.History of Lyons Falls
Seeking a desirable place for settlement in the New World, French
Refugees in 1794 wended their way over the trails first made by ex-
plorers through the forest wilderness, to the picturesque and promis-
ing High Falls (now Lyons Falls), where the combined waters of the
Moose and Black Rivers dash over rocks seventy feet in height. They
came via Fort Schuyler (the site of Utica) and over the Deerfield
Hills. The route led past the present location of the villages of Rem-
sen and Boonville. Their few and simple effects were brought on
crude carts drawn by oxen. The site selected for their settlement
was a short distance below the water power on the east bank of
Black River.
These people were of Royalist sympathy, who left France on ac-
count of the Revolution. Transplanted from the city of Paris, with
its comforts and mild climate, to the northern wilderness of New
York, they lacked the rugged strength and tools necessary to clear
and cultivate the land. The privations proved more than most of
the settlers could endure and the survivors returned to France.
Among the ruins of the Freneh houses at the Falls brick of peculiar
form and light yellow in color have been found.
Exciting adventures befell the explorers who blazed the way into
this region when wolves and savages claimed the timbered wilderness
as their own and vigorously opposed the invasion of civilization.
Tradition relates that in primitive time a white man. pursued by
Indians, leaped the narrow chasm at the crest of the falls, and the
savages, overcome with amazement, did not fire their guns at “the
heaven protected fugitive.”
The pioneers of America were undaunted, however, and gradually
began to take possession of the country.
The first permanent settlement in the region of Lyons Falls was
the hamlet and postoffice of Lyonsdale, founded by Caleb Lyon. His
father, who bore the same name, was a captain in the Revolutionary
war. Mr. Lyon’s Scottish ancestors came from England about 1680.
The son was born in 1761 in East Windsor, Connecticut. In 1819 he
undertook the agency of the Brantingham tract for Mr. Greig, settled
in Lyonsdale in 1828, where he built a bridge in 1829 and a grist mill
in 1830. His enterprise, unflagging zeal and unusual ability enabled
him to accomplish his plans despite uncommon difficulties. Elected
to the Assembly in 1824, he initiated the project to construct the
Black River Canal, which, joining the Erie Canal at Rome, was to
be built to Boonville and thence to Lyons Falls, a total distance of
thirty-five miles.
Mr. Lyon was an intimate friend of DeWitt Clinton, Governor of8
History of Lyons Falls
New York, 1824 to 1826, and an enthusiastic supporter of the great
public improvements originated under his administration.
Caleb Lyon married Mary, daughter of Major Jean Pierre DuPont,
nephew and aide of Montcalm, last French commander at Quebec.
Two sons, Lyman R., and Caleb and five daughters were born to them.
The important work of the sons at Lyons Falls and vicinity is told
in connection with later events. Four of the daughters married men
who were prominent in this neighborhood. Laura was wedded to
Francis Seger, who held the office of County Judge in Lewis County
for some years. His residence was just below the water falls on the
East side of Black River, close to the spot where the French Colony
settled. The other daughters married as follows: Marietta, to Edward
A. Brown, an attorney, who was elected County Judge in 1855; Jane,
to Albert Dayan, in business, both men of Lowville; Ann to Dean
S. Howard of Lyonsdale, a contractor, and who twice served in the
Assembly.
Mr. Lyon, the pioneer, died September 15, 1835, stricken with
apoplexy. While on a horse back trip from Lyonsdale through the
woods, on the way to Turin, he became ill and dismounted a short
distance west of Gould’s Four Comers on the road to Davis Bridge.
He was found dead, seated by the road side.
The canal project for which Mr. Lyon had worked was destined
to he fulfilled. Surveys were made and measures taken to secure
the necessary appropriation and in 1836 the building of the waterway
was authorized by the legislature. Francis Seger, who was in the
Senate at that time, was largely instrumental in securing the passage
of the bill.
The canal was built forty-two feet wide on the surface, twenty-six
feet wide at the bottom and had a depth of four feet. The first boat
went from Boonville to Port Leyden in the fall of 1851 and to Lyons
Falls in 1855.
The scenery on the route from Rome to Boonville is like a bit of
Switzerland. Hills rise in picturesque formation on each side of the
gorge through which the canal passes. The road by the canal has
now an added interest because of the proposition to complete a
State Road along this scenic waterway.
In 1836 a bridge was built by Captain John Whittlesey over the
dizzy chasm at the top of the High Falls. Some said the bridge
looked like a “devil on two sticks,” but it was remarkably well con-
structed and lasted for many years.
The first road cut through the forest was in 1798 at the expense of
settlers at Castorland, and came via Rome to the High Falls. This
route was used, however, only a short time. Another road, built from
Whitesboro by way of Remsen and Boonville, proved permanent
and became one of the main highways of the State.
The State first appropriated money for a road in the Black River
section in 1803. Mails were carried over State roads in 1804, “first
by footmen, later by wagons and about 1824 by stage coach.”History of Lyons Falls
9
High Falls (Lyons Falls) Showing Chasm at Crest Leaped by White
Man Pursued by Indians.
The demand for better roads, however, became insistent in 1847,
when plank roads were built all over the State. The first plank
road coming near Lyons Falls was between Utica and Watertown.
The plank were of hemlock, eight feet long, laid crosswise of the
road and three inches thick. There were toll gates about three miles
apart all the way, the toll from which, about the same amount as the
present railroad fare, aided in the maintenance of the road. Taverns
for the accommodation of travelers were located every five or six
miles. The plank road was eight feet wide, with turnout spaces at
intervals to enable vehicles to pass each other. One toll gate was
north of Leyden Hill. Gen. Ela Merriam, the father of Hon. Clinton
L. Merriam, who represented this district in Congress, had a hotel
at Leyden Hill and ran a stage route from Boonville. The main route
was from Utica to Ogdensburg. There was also a route from Shel-
don’s Corners, via Copenhagen, to Watertown. Trips were made
daily in each direction. The horses were driven rapidly and were
replaced by relays at the stations or postoffices. Fast Arabian steeds
were once used on the route from Carthage to Boonville. The fine
old Talcottville Tavern, built of stone, one of the places where
horses were changed, is still well preserved. Mail was brought to the
three postoffices of Lyonsdale, Greig and Brantingham on a side
route from Turin village.
The stage coaches were modeled after the Concord stage, with10
History of Lyons Falls
seats on top as well as inside. The arrival of the coach drawn
by four horses and carrying mail, passengers and baggage, their ap-
proach heralded by the blowing of a long horn on the stage, was an
important event each day for the residents along the road. And it
was the lofty ambition of more than one small hoy to sit high up in
the coachman’s seat and crack the whip over the flying steeds!
The sheep industry was thriving in the country at that time.
Nearly all the farmers kept sheep, using the wool to make their own
clothes. A fullen mill was built and operated close to the Falls at
the west of the bridge.
Cadwell Dewey had a woolen mill, making yarn and flannel at
Deweyville in the 1850’s. Mr. Dewey married Frances Foster, who
came with her parents to Turin in 1830. Mrs. Dewey celebrated her
one hundredth birthday February 22nd, 1918, still clear of mind and
memory, at her home in Deweyville. Her grandson, William H.
Dewey, and his family in recent years have made their home with her
and cared for her.
The farmers raised flax, which they used in equal quantities with
carded wool, thus making strong and warm sheets. They molded
their own tallow candles, ground most of their grain in a mortar by a
pestle, and made all their own soap.
About 1845 Lyman R. Lyon and Rev. Dr. Thomas Brainerd had a
saw-mill about half-way down the Falls on the west side, and in
1860, Ward and McVickar built a saw mill on nearly the same site
where the fullen mill had stood, using a small flume for power. John
Post later purchased the mill and ran it for some years. Eventually
it was abandoned and allowed to rot down.
Henry C. Northam of Lowville, now over ninety-one years of age,
one of the best authorities on facts in the history of Lewis County,
recalls distinctly conditions as they existed in his early boyhood,
spent at Port Leyden, in the vicinity of Lyons Falls, and as related
by the early settlers.
“The houses first built,” he said, “were of logs and situated on
elevations of land so that they could be more easily located in the
wilderness. Trails were made from house to house. A means of
conveyance was made by branches of a tree shaped like a V, some-
what resembling the old-fashioned drag or harrow of sixty years ago.
A chain was fastened to the pointed end and it was drawn in the
same manner as a stone boat. A platform placed on it made a con-
trivance for pleasure riding. It was drawn by oxen and was the im-
portant vehicle for transportation until the forests were to some ex-
tent cut away.
“No horses were used except to drive single, for cultivating pota-
toes and for going to church. Oxen did most of the farm work and
were especially useful in clearing the land of stumps to prepare it
for agriculture. Until thirty years ago oxen were used in lum-
bering operations in the forest, for skidding and hauling logs.
“Prior to 1825 all freight coming in or going out of Lewis CountyHistory of Lyons Falls
11
Junction of Black River and Black River Canal, With Mountains of
Pulp Wood in Foreground.
View of Falls from Judge Seger’s Former Residence.12
History of Lyons Falls
had to be transported on wagons in summer and sleighs in winter.
Market places on the north were on Lake Ontario and the St. Law-
rence River; on the south, Albany. All goods coming from New
York were drawn over the highways from Albany until the comple-
tion of the Erie Canal in 1825. Fattened cattle and produce for the
New York market were taken to Albany; there shipped by boat.
“Some of you older people have heard your fathers tell of their
trips to Albany in winter with loads of grain. After the canal was
finished Utica and Rome became outlets for the produce of Lewis
County.”
Lyman R. Lyon and Caleb Lyon, the two sons of Caleb Lyon, the
pioneer, continued his work in furthering important public enter-
prises and in other ways developing the region. They had an active
part in founding the settlement at Lyons Falls and Lyonsdale.
Caleb Lyon of Lyonsdale was born December 7, 1822. He was
gifted as a writer, speaker and poet. His poems on the French Col-
ony and Lake Bonaparte, commemorating the residence of Joseph,
the favorite brother of the great Napoleon <at this gem-like lake, are
often quoted. Mr. Lyon was elected successively to the Assembly
and Senate and in 1852 made a whirlwind campaign for Congress
which resulted in his election. President Lincoln appointed him
territorial governor of Idaho in 1864. Mr. Lyon was secretary of the
California constitutional convention and won the prize of $1,000 in
gold offered for the best design for a seal for the new State.
Lyman Rasselas Lyon was born in Walworth, Wayne County, in
1806, and was educated under Rev. John Sherman at Trenton and at
Lowville Academy. From 1830 to 1835 he was deputy clerk in the
Assembly.
He married in July, 1839, Mary Brinsmade Northrup, who was born
in Connecticut in 1812. Mrs. Lyon died in 1891. Two sons and three
daughters were born to them: Lyman Howard, 1840; Mary L., 1841;
Chester J., 1844; Julia J., 1845; Florence I., 1851.
Mr. Lyon was for several years cashier and president of the
Lewis County Bank and was “extensively engaged in tanning and
in the management of business connected with lands, of which he
owned a larger amount than any other resident proprietor in the
county.”
Lyman R. Lyon owned the water power, High Falls, which became
known as Lyons Falls, and the settlement adjoining, thus derived its
name.
In 1859 he was elected Member of Assembly and by his active
efforts secured for the people the extension of the Black River Canal
from Lyons Falls to Carthage, a distance of forty-two miles, thus
completing the waterway connection between Carthage and the Erie
Canal. All locks on the river were lengthened and widened, the
channel of the river being improved and deepened for the passage
of steamboats drawing four feet of water.
In the early fifties a bridge was built by the State above the FallsHistory of Lyons Falls
13
as a part of the canal system. This bridge had three ends, one being
at the west side of Black River, another at the east side of Moose
River and the third end between the two rivers at the junction.
There is but one other bridge of three ends, with one end between two
rivers in the world. The bridge at Lyons Falls was of wood and had
side walls, which were later removed.
The Black River Steamboat Company was formed at Lowville
April 24th, 1856, and on June 26 the first steamboat of size on Black
River, called “The Lyman R. Lyon” was built and launched at a
cost of eight thousand dollars. It was modelled after the shallow
draft boats on the Ohio River, with stern wheel, open sides and
elevated cabin. When not loaded, the boat drew but fifteen inches
of water. A novel method was used to supplement the steering of the
vessel. Wing-like extensions hinged on the prow, opened on either
side of the front of the boat, as required to more quickly change its
course around the sharp bends of the river. The wings were con-
trolled from the pilot house, and when not in use were folded close
to the bow. Charles Harris, one of the old residents of Lyons Falls
recalls distinctly the launching of the “Lyman R. Lyon” when he
was four years old. The event made a vivid impression upon him.
“The launching was on the east side of Black River below the Falls,”
said Mr. Harris. “Several hundred people were present on both sides
of the river, which was a large crowd for that time. The hull of
the boat was successfully launched, and later the machinery was in-
stalled. The steamer was used to tow canal boats on the river be-
tween Lyons Falls and Carthage.” The boats were about ninety feet
in length. As many as nine or ten canal boats were hauled at one
time.
Samuel Jones was employed when a boy as fireman on this steam-
boat and afterward had a blacksmith shop near the depot at Lyons
Falls. In later years he became famous as “Golden Rule Jones,”
Mayor of Toledo. The steamboat did good service for some years un-
til it burned. A second “Lyman R. Lyon” was built which eventual-
ly met the same fate. The iron lion which adorned the pilot house,
was salvaged and placed on Mr. Lyon’s homestead grounds, east of
the river below the falls, where his large stone mansion had formerly
stood.
Mr. Lyon was an ardent patriot and when the Civil War began,
offered his services, but could not be accepted on account of his age,
He presented a musket, however, to every young man who enlisted
from his town. Lyman R. Lyon died April 7, 1869, in Savannah,
Georgia, whence he had gone to recover his health which had been
seriously impaired by overwork and anxiety over the war.
“For many years the Black River Canal and river improvements
made a great thoroughfare for transportation of produce and manu-
factured goods to and from all places between here and New York,
dispensing much of the overland freight business to and from Rome
and Utica.”14
History of Lyons Falls
Forest Presbyterian Church, Lyons Falls.
St. John’s Catholic Church, Lyons Falls.History of Lyons Falls
15
But further aid to transportation was soon to come to the region
of Lyons Falls. The Black River and Utica Railroad Company was
organized in 1853 to furnish transportation from Utica, along the
Black River. The road was built, and opened to Boonville, Decem-
ber 18, 1855. For twelve years residents of Lyons Falls had to drive
eleven miles to Boonville to get the train. The extension of the iron
rails northward through the Black River Valley was eagerly watched,
and in 1867, amid much rejoicing by the inhabitants, the railroad
reached Lyons Falls. Two years later the railroad was extended to
Lowville, and the steed of steel drawing several coaches largely sup-
planted the horse-drawn vehicles for traffic between these and other
villages to Utica.
About 1903, an attractive new railroad depot was built on the
east side of the tracks at Lyons Falls, a more convenient location
for the residents of the village. The old depot on the west side of
the rails has since been used as a freight station.
Captain John Whittlesey, civil engineer and farmer, built a home-
like residence in 1838 on the farm just beyond the old depot. This
attractive residence and farm were later occupied by one of his
sons, Walter Whittlesey. The place is now owned by Howard Fair-
child. Walter Whittlesey died some years ago. Noah Whittlesey,
another son, was appointed Food Administrator for Lyons Falls in
1918 to aid the Federal government in its regulations for the con-
servation of food stuff, vitally needed to furnish our Allies and
soldiers in the great war.
The first houses built in Lyons Falls were of logs. Historic in-
terest attaches to some of the early structures. One of the oldest
frame buildings was established at the end of the basin of the canal
when that water-route came to Lyons Falls sixty-three years ago.
Canal boats often waited in this basin before entering the Black
River channel below the Falls, and considerable trade came to the
store. The sign on the building was “N. B. Foot, Forward and Com-
mission Business.” Mr. Foot lived in Rome, and the store was con-
ducted for him by Howard and Norman Mills. The Mills brothers
were succeeded by Spink and Bleness, and afterwards by A. H. Tyler,
who managed the business for Foot, which consisted of the transfer
of freight, buying and selling of grain, potatoes, flour and general
merchandise, at the Canal. The late Eugene Woolworth, who was
clerk for the Mills brothers, married their sister, Mary. Later he
operated a woolen yarn factory at Lyonsdale, which burnt in the
fall of 1874. Mr. Woolworth was elected Clerk of Lewis County
in 1876. He died in 1917, in Clinton, N. Y.
The Foot store was bought by H. C. and D. C. Markham, who
put an addition on the front of the building and continued the busi-
ness. H. C. Markham had been appointed Collector of canal tolls
and had an office in the basement. The stock was purchased and
the store conducted about 1876 by Oscar E. Davis and James Cottrell
for two years. Mr. Davis and his wife who was Clara Schell have for16
History of Lyons Falls
many years been residents of Lyons Falls, and their parents lived in
the neighborhood before them. Davis and Cottrell sold the stock to
May I. Sterling who kept the store until 1883, when Watson M. Shaw
and Edward F. Ryan bought the goods in the store, and remained
there until 1895. The building, although abandoned some years ago,
is still standing. The sign of “May I. Sterling” is legibile to-day.
The first hotel was built by Hezekiah Scovil, father of Carlos
B. Scovil, County Judge, below the waterfall, and on the west side of
the Black River near the canal, opposite the Markham store about
1843. Dances and parties were held at this hostelry. Gradually, how-
ever, it became less used as a hotel. In the 1850’s Jerry Upright used
a portion of it as a grocery store. Mr. Scovil sold the building about
ten years later to Archibald McVickar. Mr. McVickar married Anna
Constable, daughter of William Constable. The McVickars occupied
the structure as a residence. Since their death the aged building
had been owned until recently by Mrs. McVickar’s nephew, Howard
Constable, of New York City.
Another hotel was built by Gordias Gould in 1850, on the site
now occupied by the McAlpine Street Opera House. It was a square
frame building of three stories, painted white. The hotel had large
verandas and was admirable in the arrangement of its appointments.
Horatio Seymour of Utica and other distinguished people were often
among its guests. Mr. Gould named it the McAlpine House after his
friend., Mr. McAlpine, one of the Canal Commissioners. Some years
ago, Mr. Gould sold the hotel to Archibald McVickar, who, having a
preference for another Commissioner, by the name of Walton, changed
the name to the Walton House. This name is said to have been given
also because of the Walton Club, composed of disciples of Isaac Wal-
ton, the famous angler, and to cater to the sporting fraternity, as the
fishing and hunting were unusually good close to Lyons Falls. The
hotel burned in 1901. Charles Harris built a hotel, the Harris House,
by the depot in 1896.
In 1907, W. M. Shaw bought the store which had been conducted
across the street from the site of the Walton House and by enlarging
and remodeling the building converted it into the New Walton hotel.
The store was owned previously by A. McVickar for twenty years and
was first built in 1867.
Another of the old houses in the village is that now occupied by
Mary and Angelina Bidinger, daughters of Peter Bidinger, Sr., on the
corner of Center and Gorham Streets. This building originally
stood near the Opera House site, when the Canal was being built, and
part of it was occupied as an office for the engineers who were in
charge of the work. Later Miss Matilda Gould taught school in the
building.
Two industries were started near the junction of the Black River
and the Canal above the Falls, but were of short duration. A kindling
wood factory was built but was razed after a few years. Later, aHistory of Lyons Falls
17
tissue paper mill was erected. Fire, however, destroyed the structure
after it had been in operation a short time.
The first schoolhouse of size and importance in Lyons Falls was
situated at the West end of Gorham or Church Street, near the place
where the sawmill of Frank Hoskins now stands. Among the teachers
who presided over the school, was Maurice Walsh, a college graduate
and a man of exceptional scholarly attainments. Mr. Walsh married
Esther, a daughter of Michael Coyle, who conducted a store and tav-
ern on Center Street, near Me Alpine. Fourteen children were born
to them. Seven survive, and live in Lyons Falls. One son, John F.
Walsh, expert shoer of horses, and skillful fashioner of steel, has been
recently appointed Deputy Sheriff of Lewis County. Another son,
Maurice, until a few years ago conducted a cafe in the same tavern
building owned by his father.
The increase of the population of the village necessitated a larger
schoolhouse, and in 1893, one of two stories was built in the place
of the old one on Gorham Street. The present High School was erect-
ed in a beautiful location on the top of the hill on McAlpine Street
in 1901.
A short distance West of Lyons Falls is the hamlet of Collinsville,
rich in historic associations. Collinsville in the beginning was called
High Falls Village, and hence, in a sense, may be regarded almost as
a part of Lyons Falls, because of its proximity.
Lyman Hoadley, one of the early pioneers, came from Westfield,
Massachusetts, with his father, Philemon Hoadley and his grand-
father, Jacob Hoadley, in the year 1796. They made a clearing in the
dense forest just south of Collinsville, and a log house was built on
the old road first used by the French settlers. Eight years thereafter
Philemon Hoadley built the old gambrel-roof house about twenty
rods from the log house. All the nails used in the construction of
this house were hand-made. The building was at the junction of the
East Road and for a time was used as a hotel. It stood for more than
a century, and was taken down a few years ago.
Both Jacob and Philemon Hoadley and their wives were buried
in the old Collinsville Cemetery on the East Road. Jacob Hoadley
was born in 1731, the year before Washington was born. He was no
doubt the only man buried in Lewis County who antedated Wash-
ington. Some years before Indians had chosen this same spot for a
burial ground. Rough stones marked the resting places of Indian
chiefs and their warriors. By their side are the graves of the intrepid
pioneers and valiant veterans of the Revolutionary War. A worthy and
fraternal company of brave and forceful souls!
Two sons were born to Lyman Hoadley by his second wife.
Philemon L. Hoadley, President of the American Insurance Com-
pany of Newark, N. J., and the Rev. James H. Hoadley, D.
D., of New York City. Rev. Dr. Hoadley has lived in New York
since his graduation from Hamilton College in the class of 1873.
Philemon L. Hoadley died quite suddenly at his home in Newark,18
History o f L y o n s Falls
HON, G. H. P. GOULD.
President of the Gould Paper Company, Whose Earnest Endeavors
Have Greatly Aided in the Up-Building of Lyons Falls.History of Lyons Falls
19
N. J., September 19, 1918, honored and beloved by a large circle of
friends.
These two men, both eminently successful in their chosen voca-
tions, have been every summer to visit with affectionate remembrance
Collinsville and Lyons Falls, the place and neighborhood of their
childhood.
Mention should be made of some of the early industries and fam-
ilies in Lyons Falls and vicinity, which are not otherwise told of in
this narrative. The paper mill of Ager and Lane was built in 1848 at
Lyonsdale on Moose River, and later owned by the Ager Brothers.
C. L. J. Ager, son of Joel W. Ager, one of the brothers, manufac-
tures lumber at his saw-mill on the same site. The paper mill was
operated until 1900.
The families of Gustavus Gorham, Anthony O’Grady, Bernard
Reed, William and Clark Barnes, Frank Talcott, (whose family orig-
inally came from Talcottville), David and John Hughes, Harris, Pot*
ter, Reese, Jones, Gaylord and Dominick are descendants of the early
settlers.
Joshua Harris had a tannery on Paint Creek, north of Lyonsdale
in 1824. His son Emmett Harris lived in this region. Two of his
grandsons, Rollin L. Harris of Port Leyden and Charles Harris of
Lyons Falls are still living. To the last named, who has a remarkably
clear recollection of local events, the writer is indebted, for many
interesting facts, and dates recorded in this historical account. An-
other grandson, Ralph Harris, who lived near the village died some
years ago.
Benjamin Potter settled sixty years ago at the intersection of the
State highway and the road to Lyons Falls, known as “Potters’ Cor-
ners.” Of the remaining children Samuel Potter lives in Turin;
Florence married Charles Crofoot of Turin; Mary, the
daughter of James Reese, married Marshall Potter. Mr.
Potter lived on the Reese farm, just West of Lyons Falls on the road
towards Collinsville. Mr. Reese was a stone mason and built so well
the stone house and buildings in 1800 that to-day they are in ex-
cellent condition and are occupied by the family of R. M. Earl, son
of Marshall Potter. Eugene, once Supervisor of Town of West Turin,
Ida and Alsie the other children of Benjamin Potter, in recent years
have lived on the same road near the village.
Evan R. Jones began farming East of Black River, near Lyons
Falls in 1867. One son, John; a daughter, Rebecca, married Eli
Shepard, all of whom are now dead. Joseph R. Jones, another son
enlisted when twenty years of age and served with excellent record
through the Civil War, represented the Town of Lyonsdale as Super-
visor and from 1900 to 1903 was Superintendent of the Black River
Canal from Boonville to Carthage. He is a resident of Lyons Falls.
Joseph Gaylord, grandfather of E. Channing Gaylord, came from
Connecticut to Turin early in 1800; his father, Seymour, was born
in 1828 and moved to a farm West of Black River near Lyons Falls20
History of Lyons Falls
Residence of Hon. G. H. P. Gould—An Ornament to Lyons Falls.
in 1869. His children besides E. C. Gaylord, are Helen and Carrie,
living in this village and Jennie, who is the wife of William Dominick,
a well known citizen in the near neighborhood of Lyons Falls. John,
the father of William Dominick served as Supervisor of the Town of
Greig, and his grandfather who also bore the name of William Dom-
inick was one of the early settlers of the Town, near the village and
was at one time Member of Assembly from Lewis County.
The Koster family have been identified with the making of paper
near Lyons Falls. Major John S. Koster came to Lyonsdale in 1876
as business manager of the Herkimer Paper Company Mills on Moose
River. He was also a stockholder in the company. Major Koster
was born in Lee, Mass., in 1841. When the Civil War broke
out he enlisted and in the battle of Cold Harbor lost his right
arm. He was honored with the commission of Major by Gov-
ernor John A. Andrew. Major Koster was a Republican in
politics and represented Lewis County in the Assembly in 1896-97.
In 1865 he married Mary L. Kinzey of New York City. Five chil-
dren were born to them. One son, George, born in 1869, was em-
ployed by the Herkimer Paper Company at Kosterville and became
superintendent and cashier, remaining in that position when the
property was sold to the International Paper Company and later ab-
sorbed by the Gould Paper Company, until a few years ago when
he moved to New Hartford. He married in 1893 Clara S. Baker of
Camden, N. Y.
The first church in the vicinity of Lyons Falls was originally or-
ganized February, 1826, by Rev. Ruel Kimball, at what was then
called “Lyons Upper Mills” or Pinney Settlement in the town of
Watson (now Lyonsdale). It was called the First Presbyterian
Church in Watson, and started with twelve communicants. In 1830
the church took the name of “The Church in Brantingham,” adoptingH i s t o r y o f L y o n s Falls
21
the name of the tract of land in which it was situated. Later it was
called the “Church of Greig,” Greig being the name of the town
which then included all the Brantingham tract. In 1849 the church
was removed to Port Leyden.
In 1854 Rev. Thomas Brainerd, D. D., son of Jesse Brainerd of
Leyden, and one of the ablest divines in the country, secured financial
assistance from friends in Philadelphia (where he was pastor of the
Pine Street Church), New York and Watertown Presbytery, as well as
in the vicinity of the church. An attractive church of Gothic style
was built at a cost of $3,000. It was located in a picturesque site in the
forests at the junction of the Black and Moose Rivers where land had
been plotted for village lots, in expectation of settlement there. The
dedication of the church on August 6, 1854, was a memorable event, at-
tended by a great number of people. At least three hundred vehicles
brought the multitude from Greig, Leyden, Port Leyden, Lowville,
Martinsburg, Turin and Constableville. The church was packed to
the doors. After conducting the services in the building Rev. Dr.
Brainerd went out of doors and addressed the people outside. The
whole occasion was one of great importance and enthusiasm. The
church was incorporated and the name changed to the “Forest Church
of Lyons Falls in connection with the Watertown Presbytery.” Rev. E.
S. Barnes preached here in the forenoon and in the afternoon at Port
Leyden. The main growth of the village, however, was west of the
Black River, forming the nucleus of the present village of Lyons
Falls. Forest Church followed the development of the village. The
church was moved to a more convenient site. On August 15, 1893,
the corner stone of the present handsome church edifice was laid in
the central part of the village with impressive services in the presence
of a large gathering. Rev. Walter Fry, sincere and beloved was in-
stalled as pastor. Although removed from its sylvan environment
the house of worship retained its distinctive name of Forest Pres-
byterian Church. It is broad in scope and comprises all Protestant
denominations in the community in its membership.
Rev. William C. Spicer was the able and virile pastor from 1896
to 1907. During his pastorate a homelike, commodious parsonage
in harmony with the church architecture was built adjoining the
house of worship. Rev. Charles F. Kittredge of Knoxboro, of versa-
tile talents and of splendid ministerial qualities, served from 1907 to
1913. Rev. Edward Robinson from 1913 to 1914. Rev. Charles A.
Lawrence, the efficient and brotherly pastor and organizer, 1915 to
1916, and January, 1917, Rev. Mills S. Grimes, earnest, scholarly and
capable, took charge. In 1918 the church patriotically granted Mr.
Grimes’ request for a six months’ leave of absence to engage in Y.
M. C. A. work at the U. S. training station at Camp Oglethorpe, Ga.
The same bell which summoned the residents to worship more
than sixty years ago, swings in the belfry of the new Forest Church.
Forest Church has been in need of a social service building, or
assembly hall affording a place for social gatherings, recreation and22
History of Lyons Falls
Gould Paper Mill, Lyons Falls.
entertainment. The need, however, will he met as Hon. G. H. P.
Gould has generously offered to erect the building.
For many years the Catholics in the immediate neighborhood of
Lyons Falls had no church building and worshipped at St. Martin’s
Catholic Church, Port Leyden. In 1909 they built the handsome
Catholic Church of St. John’s in Lyons Falls. The building is situated
near the crest of the hill on McAlpine Street. The church is built
of repressed red brick with slate roof and is a beautifully appointed
structure. It has a well equipped, attractive hall in the basement for
social gatherings and dinners.
Rev. Father J. J. Dean ably ministered here until 1914. He was
succeeded by Rev. Father F. M. Kenny, whose genial personality and
excellent ministrations have accomplished much for the parish.
Uncle Sam’s appointment of postmasters at Lyons Falls, during
the early days, changed so frequently and often unexpectedly that
some facetiously spoke of the place of mail delivery as “the post-
office on wheels.” The names of those recalled by old residents
as holding the office of postmaster in the pioneer days were Capt.
John Whittlesey, Lyman R. Lyon and Gordias Gould.
A list of the postmasters at Lyons Falls, known definitely in order
of service, naturally includes mention of the presidents who appointed
them.
E. Ragan held the office of postmaster under President Grant,
from 1872-76. Homer C. Markham was appointed by President
Hayes and served under his administration, 1876-80, and also under
that of President Garfield, from 1880 to 1884.
Grover Cleveland became president in 1884 and May Sterling, a
Democrat was appointed by him but the appointment not being
confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Markham continued in office as post-
master from 1884-88.History of Lyons Falls
23
In 1885 letter postage was reduced from two cents a half ounce
to two cents an ounce.
The political pendulum again swung the Republicans into power,
Benjamin Harrison being inaugurated president in 1888. Charles
M. Waters was appointed postmaster, serving in his administration
from 1888-92. Mr. Waters bought the store of E. Ragan at the end
of Center Street, on Me Alpine, in 1886 and had the postoffice there.
Grover Cleveland was again elected and Watson M. Shaw, who had
been a deputy under Markham, was appointed postmaster, serving
from 1892-96. Mr. Shaw conducted the postoffice with E. F. Ryan
in a grocery and general store. The election of William McKinley
in 1896 resulted in the re-appointment of Mr. Waters.
In 1898 the battleship Maine was destroyed and the Spanish-
American War begun, Dewey destroying the Spanish fleet on May
first. On September 6, 1901 the noble President McKinley was shot
at Buffalo, and Vice-President Roosevelt became president and
served until 1908. Mr. Waters continued in office under Roosevelt
and then under William H. Taft to 1912. Mr. Waters’ total length
of service as postmaster was twenty years.
The population of Lyons Falls increased rapidly during this time
and the postoffice grew in size and importance until it was rated as
third class.
Woodrow Wilson was elected president by the Democrats in 1912
and E. F. Ryan was appointed postmaster and has since held that
office in the store of W. M. Shaw, now located on Center Street.
To increase the revenue for war expenses the government in-
creased the rate of postage on letters November 2, 1917, to three
cents.
Lyons Falls village was incorporated April 24, 1899. Its length
between its limits north and south comprises a mile and a half.
Those who have served the village as its presidents since that
date are: Watson M. Shaw, 1899; Frank H. Talcott, 1900-01; John
B. Todd, 1902-3; Noah Whittlesey, 1904; Frank Hoskins, 1905-6-7;
Frank Talcott, 1908-9; Clarence L. Fisher, 1910-11; Ernest Curtis,
1912-13; L. R. Hoffman, 1914-15-16; E. Channing Gaylord, 1917-18.
The Beauty Spring Water Company was organized in 1896 and fur-
nished water for the village. The growth of the village required a
larger supply. In 1906 the village voted to raise bonds for $28,500 for
the installation of a village water system furnishing an abundance of
water and splendid fire protection. A large portion of this sum is
already paid. In recent years Hon. G. H. P. Gould has served as
treasurer of the village.
Clerks of the village board of trustees since its incorporation were:
Charles Bidinger and William C. Spicer, to 1902; Harry W. Cox,
1902-1918.
The forbears of Hon. G. H. P. Gould, to whom so much of the
present prosperity of the village is due, have for many years been
factors in the upbuilding of Lyons Falls and its neighborhood. Mr.24
History of Lyons Falls
Log Jam in Moose River, Lyons Falls.
Christopher Gould, grandfather of G. H. P. Gould, was born on Long
Island in 1790, coming to the town of Greig in Lewis County in 1829.
lie 1 allowed the occupation of carpenter and farmer and was a sol-
dier in the War of 1812. Mr. Gould’s death occurred at the age of
ninety-two. His son, Gordias, was born in Albany County, N. Y., in
1818. When eleven years old he came with his parents to Greig.
He learned the trade of wheelwright, which was then a lucrative
occupation. All grain was ground for domestic use by immense
revolving stones, which required the services of a wright to keep in
order. Mr. Gould established a sash and blind factory at Lyons
Falls, using the creek which flows through the village for power. He
possessed remarkable mechanical skill and the splendid construction
and attractive arrangement of the McAlpine House, one of the first
hotels at Lyons Falls, was due to his ability and work. In 1853
Gordias Gould built the first boat run by steam, to demonstrate the
navigability of Black River. The craft was a flat boat, equipped
with a stern wheel, and carried freight. Mr. Gould dubbed the boat
“Beeswax.” It was also known as the “Enterprise.” Mr. Gould mar-
ried in 1847, Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Plumb. Their children
were Gordias Henry P., the only son, and four daughters, H. Anna,
Minnie, Sarah and Katherine M. Gordias Gould died in 1882.
Hon. G. H. P. Gould was born June 10, 1848. He was educated
at Fairfield Seminary, Herkimer County and at Lowville Academy.
When about sixteen years of age he drove the stage from Lyons FallsHistory of Lyons Falls
25
over the East road to connect with the early train at Boonville to
Utica, returning with passengers on the arrival of the evening train
from the South. Afterwards he was engaged for three years as book-
keeper with the firm of Snyder Bros., tanners at Port Leyden. He
purchased a tract of timber on Moose River in 1869.
Mr. Gould married Elizabeth Pritchard of Boonville in 1870, who
died in 1893. Three children were born to them, Lua E., born 1871,
who married Louis E. Babcock of LowviLe, both of whom are now
dead; Harry P., born 1873; Anna C., born 1880, who died in infancy.
The son, Harry P. Gould, was united in marriage with May Rich-
ardson of Lowville. He is associated with his father in the man-
agement of their important and extensive business.
From 1869 to 1874 G. H. P. Gould sawed lumber at Moose River.
In 1874 he formed a co-partnership with the daughters of Lyman R.
Lyon, Mrs. Mary L. Fisher, Mrs. Julia L. deCamp and Mrs. Florence
L, Merriam under the name of Lyon & Gould. They purchased the
saw and pulp mill on the fall on Moose River, about a mile from its
junction with the Black River, which business had been formerly
owned by Marshall and Henry Shedd. The place has since been
known as “Gouldtown.” Later Mr. Gould leased the Lyon interest
in the property and conducted the business in his own name. He
built a woodpulp mill in 1880, the capacity of which is 780 tons
a year.
Mr. Gould served the town of Lyonsdale as Supervisor and in 1881
was elected to the Assembly on the Democratic ticket and was re-
elected in 1885, 1891 and 1892. He was also honored by being chosen
as one of the Presidential Electors when Cleveland ran for President
in 1888.
Mr. Gould purchased the splendid water power by the village and
in 1892 bought the property of the Fondulac Paper Company, which
included the mills at Fowlerville, Shuetown, and the manila paper
plant at Port Leyden. In 1894 he married Nellie Church of Lyons
Falls, who died in 1906. A daughter, Eleanor C., was born to them
in 1895. This year saw the completion of the large paper mill on the
west side of the falls. Eleanor married in 1917, Donald S. Tuttle of
New York, an Ensign in the Naval Reserve.
In 1906 Mr. Gould purchased the mills of the International Paper
Company at Kosterville, bringing all the mills in the immediate
vicinity under the ownership of the Gould Paper Company, increas-
ing the capital stock to two million dollars and comprising one of
the largest plants in the state. Several additions and improvements
have since been made in the mill at Lyons Falls and it is now up to
the minute in modern equipment. It produces an average of seventy
tons of paper each day, supplying the largest metropolitan news-
papers.
During 1902 Mr. Gould built a handsome house of Gouverneur
marble on the hill in the center of the village, overlooking the riv-
ers and mill and changed his residence from “Gouldtown” to Lyons
Falls. In 1915 he married Mrs. Ella Lennox of Lowville.26
History of Lyons Falls
Mr. Gould’s business interests extend far beyond the limit of
Lyons Falls. His indomitable energy, wise and farseeing manage-
ment of affairs, have won him recognition and distinction in the busi-
ness world as one of the Captains of Industry of the state. Besides
holding the office of president of the Gould Paper Company he is
president and director of the Glenfield & Western Railroad Com-
pany, vice president and director of the First National Bank of Utica,
director of various trust and paper companies and owns large tracts
of timber land in New York state and Canada. Yet notwithstanding
his honors abroad he is always loyal to his home town and its inter-
ests always have his hearty encouragement and support.
In the latter part of July 1914, the placidity of the world was
broken by Austria’s declaration of war on Serbia. Then came the
thunderbolt of Germany’s ultimatum, her war message to Russia
and the rush of millions of German bayonets towards Paris.
Lusting for world power, after forty years of preparation, the
German Empire, controlled by its military autocracy, with Kaiser
Wilhelm at the head, in August, 1914, plunged Europe into the
bloodiest war of history, invaded and ravaged Belgium, intending to
crush France, dispose of Russia, and then, after strangling Great
Britain, dominate and divide up the United States. Germany entered
on a ruthless submarine warfare, scorning the dictates of humanity
or the observance of international law, drowning innocent American
citizens, their wives and children, travelling on merchant vessels
on the high seas; dynamiting our industrial and munition plants and
ships; plotting by intrigue and duplicity the disruption of the Uni-
ted States. The patience of our Nation reached its breaking point
and on April 2, 1917, President Wilson issued his epoch-making War
Message, in which, after summarizing the reasons which made the
entrance of the United States into the war against Germany, inevit-
able, he said:
66We shall, if necessary, spend the whole force of the nation to
check and nullify its (Germany’s) pretensions and its power * * *
to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation
of its peoples * * * The world must be made safe for democracy. Its
peace must be planted upon the trusted foundations of political liber-
ty * * * the day has come when America is privileged to spend her
blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and hap-
piness and the peace which she has treasured. God helping her, she
can do no other.”
On April 6, 1917, Congress supported the President’s proclama-
tion by declaring that a state of war existed between the United
States and the Imperial German Government, and America at once
joined Great Britain, France and their Allies in the Great War
against the powers combined under Teutonic control.
These young men of Lyons Falls enlisted: Sergeant Maurice F.
Walsh, in the Marine Aviation Corps; Clarence Norton and RoyHistory of Lyons Falls
27
Shaver in the Naval Aviation; Frederick Teal in the Marine Corps;
Francis G. Shue and Leo E. ShueAn the Navy; Levi P. M. Gaylord
in the Engineers; Clinton F. Swartz in the Radio service; LeRoy
Bacon, Howard Hartness, Ronald A. Shue and Lawrence Bourgeois
in the Army. Bourgeois died in the service in France. William T.
Kivlen, who has seen many years of army service, was appointed
First Lieutenant and in May, 1918, was promoted to the office of
Captain. Another Lyons Falls boy, who has won promotion is
Captain Frank L. Hoskins, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs:
Frank Hoskins, who are descended from early settlers and
from officers in the French army and navy. The son was graduated
from West Point with high honors in 1914, and went into the service
of the Coast Artillery, promoted to the office of first Lieutenant
at Fortress Monroe, Va., 1916. The next year he was given a Cap-
taincy at Fort Barrancas, Florida, acting as major in charge. Captain
Hoskins is now stationed at Charlestown, S. C. He is Material Officer
of the entire South Atlantic Coast Artillery District, in charge of
the supply of guns, their equipment and ordnance for nine ports,
from Cape Fear, North Carolina to Galveston, Texas. He has also
been training recruits in the use of artillery; this branch of the ser-
vice has become almost decisive in importance in the war.
As a result of the Conscription Bill passed by Congress and ap-
proved by the President, requiring all men between the ages of
twenty-one and thirty-one to register for service in the Army, (ex-
cept such as are exempted for good reasons by the Draft Board)
the following men in Lyons Falls and neighborhood have thus
far been called to the Colors: Thomas Bruce, 0. H. Cooke, Clarence
L. Cooke, Oscar Norton, Charles Norton (promoted to sergeant) Floyd
Olmstead, Charles E. Burr, Perry Moorehouse, Arthur F. Peterson,
William H. Tucker, Anthony Howlev, Frank Garvin, Harry Hynes,
Donald M. Coe, Aloysius Burkhart, Fred Manning, Raymond Farr,
Leslie Yauger, Charles D. Mooney, John J. Hanley, Michael Hanley,
Michael Hoffman, Harry Hoffman, Charles J. Hughes, John P. Teal,
Homer M. Smith, William J. Egan, Robert Hanson, Samuel Neilson,
Maurice Gydeson, William J. Burns, George Hanson, Walter LeR.
Manning, Thomas Dellerba, Glenn E. Bruce, Leo F. Homan, Maurice
P. Hanley, Earl D. Clark, James Conerty, Levi Burdick, Cecil Gay-
lord, John O’Brien, Otis Parrish, Leo P. Hynes and Archie Johnson.
Albert Butts was also drafted, but unfortunately died of pneumonia at
the training camp. Herman J. Beeslev is with Canadian forces in
France.
All praise to the brave lads who have gone to fight in defense
of our nation, and the upholding of her honor!
The people of Lyons Falls and vicinity, ever responding with pa-
triotism to the call of the nation, promptly organized an auxiliary
branch of the Lewis County Red Cross chapter. The women of the
Red Cross Society meet every Thursday afternoon to sew for our
soldiers and sailors, making bandages and hospital garments. Spare28
History of Lyons Falls
New Three-End Steel Bridge Spanning Black and Moose Rivers.
minutes are also utilized in knitting woolen socks, sweaters, helmets,
etc., to keep the boys warm on the firing line and on the wind-swept
seas.
Lyons Falls has oversubscribed her quota for the Red Cross, the
Y. M. C. A. war fund and other patriotic objects, including the various
issues of Liberty Bonds. The Secretary of the Treasury presented
the village with honor flags bearing a star in recognition of her hav-
ing more than doubled her quota in subscribing for the third and
fourth Liberty Loans. Lyons Falls has the heritage and is worthy of
the dauntless and patriotic men and women who sacrificed and strug-
gled here as pioneers.
America, no longer lethargic in military preparedness and na-
tional defense, has awakened, is gathering all the power of her
might to win the war and save herself and civilization from the cruel
and savage despotism of a world-dominating Germany. Some trains
have been taken off the railroads, including the Black River branch,
to allow the use of more engines and cars for the transport of war
materials. Labor is scarce and prices are high. The daylight saving
bill has become a law. All clocks from Easter to October have been
set an hour earlier to conserve illuminants and for other beneficial
results. The amount of coal for each household is restricted to its
bare necessity.
Confronted by the problem of feeding, in large measure, our
allies as well as our own people, the Food Administration of the
United States decreed that Mondays and Wednesdays and one mealHistory of Lyons Falls
29
each of the other days should be wheatless. Tuesdays and one meal
each day meatless, Saturdays porkless. The amount of sugar and
wheat are restricted per capita, for each week. Lyons Falls cheer-
fully foregoes her share of accustomed food stuff.
An appropriation of $170,000 to put the Black River Canal in con-
dition for use to aid in the transportation of war materials, in connec-
tion with the newly completed Barge Canal (first put into operation
May 15, 1918) has recently been made by the Legislature and signed
by the Governor. Travel on this historic waterway will doubtless be
revived.
In the last ten years, Lyons Falls has nearly doubled her popula-
tion and is now nearing the number of one thousand people. She
is the center of railroad accommodation for passengers and freight,
not only for Lyons Falls with its mill and dairy products but for
considerable surrounding country, including other villages, Lyons-
dale Settlement, with the products of the paper mill of Moyer &
Pratt, and the mill hamlets of Kosterville and Shuetown. The cen-
tral telephone office for a radius of some miles is located at Lyons
Falls. Electric current for light and power and an ample supply
of pure spring water give the village modern advantages and con-
veniences. The Vigilant Hose Company, composed of volunteer
firemen, aids in fire protection. A village band furnishes music.
Lyons Falls possesses also a well equipped high school, a free li-
brary of nearly a thousand volumes, two saw mills, two feed mills,
many up-to-date stores, a public garage and service station for motor
cars, three hotels and an opera house with large stage and auditorium.
The prosperity of the village is buttressed by a never failing wa-
ter power. The avenues of commerce lead to and from her busy
mart. Her people are progressive and public spirited; her mer-
chants enterprising.
The village had no cemetery until a few years ago when the
heirs of the Lyon Estate gave land for a burying ground. The Wild-
wood Cemetery Assocation was formed, and has over twenty acres
of attractive wood and meadow land between Black and Moose
Rivers, just south of the limits of the village. The cemetery has a
most attractive situation and unusual promise and possibilities for
beautiful park-like development. It borders on the spot where the
unusual death of Caleb Lyon, Sr., occurred more than eighty years
since. A shaft of granite twenty feet in height has been erected in
the grove there to the memory of Lyman R. Lyon, his wife and par-
ents.
In place of the old wooden bridge, a new structure of steel
spanning the Black and Moose rivers was built by the State in 1916,
which should endure for many years to come.
The State highway over which the stage coach rumbled on planks
sixty years ago, is now graded, widened and macadamized. And in
the wheeling season the road is traversed daily by a large number30
History of Lyons Falls
of motor cars whizzing along at a speed which would make the
residents of the stage-coach age gasp for breath!
One of the most beautiful views from Utica to Watertown is the
panorama of Lyons Falls and the Black River Valley, as seen while
coming down the hills on the branch highway east of the State Road.
The thriving village in the valley, the smoke of industry rising
from the high stack of the paper mill, where the stars and stripes
flutter in the breeze; green farm lands, meadows and timbered hills
stretching north and south along the rivers form a beautiful back-
ground and setting which blend into the distant blue of the Adiron-
dack Mountains. Passing through the village and crossing the triple
end bridge over the rivers to the East, the splendid water fall is
seen, the whole forming a series of rare pictures which long remain,
deeply etched upon one’s memory.
Little wonder that the original settlers were drawn to this spot
by its natural beauty and promise of productive power!
From the wilds of the Adirondacks, the logs of spruce are borne
on the rushing waters of the Moose River to its confluence with the
Black, thence the pulp wood is hurried into the mill driven by wheels
generating five thousand horse power, and converted into paper for
a great daily, which publishes the news of and to the world in the
metropolis of the continent. And thus some of the products of Lyons
Falls reach even unto the ends of the earth!