I i MWi m i l I [twwiwnwM it ir T i irOTCTJWBJiaM i tiiwi
New. York
State College of Agriculture
At Cornell University
Ithaca, N. Y.
The
Professor Dtvight Sanderson
Rural Sociology
Library
Cornell University Library
F 129.R5B15
Richfield Springs and vicinity.Historica
3 1924 014 021 632
Cornell University
Library
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tine Cornell University Library.
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Pip. \rW 1 't, SKR'"' • * '
RICHFIELD SPRINGS
AND VICINITY.
HISTORICAL, BIOGRAPHICAL, AND DESCRIPTIVE.
BY
W. T. BAILEY.
A. S. BARISrES & COMPANY.
N-E-W YORK AJSnO OHIC-A.G-0.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
W. T. BAILEY,
In the OfHce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
INTRODUCTION.
AUTHENTIC annals are always desirable. The con-
spicuous circumstances connected with the early-
settlement of any town, are no doubt interesting to thoso
who become identified with its growth and prosperity, and
especially, if by some fortuitous circumstance, unusual
celebrity attaches to the particular locality.
Situated just outside the line of territory distinguished
in the annals of American history, we find our only resource
of information without prestige ; and confined exclusively
to the oral statements of aged citizens of this region.
These forms are fast fading away, and with them a knowl-
edge of many of the early events will pass into irretriev-
able oblivion. Deeply impressed with the great import-
ance of securing at least a share of this information before
it shall be forever too late, we have attempted, at no small
sacrifice of time and labor, to collect these reminiscences,
and give a brief history of Richfield Springs, its first settle-
ment, growth, and present condition; and have noticed
some of the leading features of the adjoining towns, that
may prove of interest to some. We have also given short
biographical sketches of a few of the leading men, who
have been identified with this place and immediate vicinity;
and have noticed briefly some of those now living far
beyond the allotted age of man. We have been particu-
larly careful to admit nothing into these pages but facts
from the most reliable sources. The constantly growing
VI INTEODtJCTIOW.
importance of this village, annually attracts many strangers
to the place during the summer months, fdr the use of its
" Mineral Waters," as well as for pleasure and recreation.
This consideration, in connection with the pleasure it may
afford those who regard it with especial love as the place
of their nativity, first induced the attempt to prepare this
volume. Around the place of our birth, there is always
thrown a veil of the most delightful illusion, that time can
never entirely obliterate. This love is no doubt strength-
ened by familiarity with past events, and, as time advances,
reverence and recollection -add their influence to the na-
tural affections. If in the effort to prepare this work, we
shall be so fortunate as to meet the reasonable expectation
of the people of this place and vicinity, we shall have
achieved all that our ambition can crave, or our most
sanguine hopes have ever anticipated.
"We have also designed the work as a guide to the
invalid, for the convenience of those who seek information
in the use of these invaluable " waters ; " and we acknowl-
edge especial obligation to Drs. W. B. Grain, and N, Get-
man of this place, for their elaborate articles on this
important subject.
And our acknowledgments are also due to Mr. O. C
Brown of this place, for his assistance in the arrangement
of the work.
Trusting that our labors have not been in vain, we now
submit the work to the public.
W. T. B.
Richfield Springs, March 24th, 1874.
INDEX.
American Hotel 59
Andrustown settlers 181
Around the Lake 184
Bates, John 118
Bennett's Hill 160
Bloomfield, Jonathan 115
Bramau, Elias 133
Business Houses 65
Canadakago Valley 80
Canadarago House 60
Canadarago Hill 158
Gary, Darius H 133
Cemetery 74
Central Hotel 61
Chamberlin, Hon. O. C 119
Chamberlin, Hon. Alfred 119
Cheeseman, Edward.,... .. . 121
Cherry Valley
It was at this time a mission station or branch of the
church at Cooperstown.
The trustees— Patrick Weldon, James JSTellis, and
William Burke.
The first services of the society were held in the dis-
trict school-house, and at the private residences of the
members.
In the year 1870 the present church edifice was com-
pleted at a cost of 3,600, and dedicated to the worship
of God, by the Eev. M. C. Devit, of Cooperstown.
Present membership (1873) 200.
Trustees— Patrick Weldon, William Burke. Dimen-
148 RICHFIELD SP'EINGS AND VICINITY.
sions of the church, 32 by 60 feet. Is situated on the
north side of Canadarago Street. Oldest member of the
church at this time, Mrs. Bridget King, aged 92 years.
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
" Previous to the year 1871, there was no organized
society of Methodists in this village. There were in the
vicinity several small chapels where services were occa-
sionally held by Methodist ministers or circuit riders.-
In what are known as the ' Old Warren Meeting-House '
and the ' Old Columbia Meeting-House,' the former one
liiile, and the latter six miles distant from the village,
Methodist services had been occasionally held for very
many years ; and in their secluded grave-yards scores of
Wearied travellers are peacefully sleeping in the shadotrs
of the humble building in which it had been their de-
light to gather. At the hamlet of Little Lakes in War-
ren, three miles distant, was a pretty little church under
charge of a regular pastor, the Kev. Mr. Stanton. The
eagerness with which the people flocked to these little
churches whenever services were held in them, showed
that in this vicinity were all the elements necessary for
the formation of an active, vigorous society." *
THE FIEST CHUECH.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Kichfield
Springs was incorporated May 29th, 1871, and the fol-
lowing board of trustees was chosen, viz. : George B.
Cary, Josiah House, Lewis MeCredy, Samuel B. St.
John, Hiram Getman, Hiram L. Fay, Timothy Green,
Ezra W. Badger, and Cornelias Ackerman. Eev. 0. 0.
Wightman, of Mohawk, who with his congregation had
CHUECHES.
149
just built a handsome new church at that place, was
assigned to this charge,, and at once entered upon his
duties. The society entered heart and soul into the pro-
ject for the building of the. new church, worshipping
meanwhile in Union Hall, their meetings being uniformly
well attended.
The Corner-stone laid.—k^xSS. 1st, 1872, a lot was
purchased on the corner of Main and Manley streets, for
which $2,000 was paid. The corner-stone of the new
chtirch was laid August 20th, 1872, in the presence of a
large concourse of people, with appropriate ceremonies.
The builc^ng committee consisted of the following gen-
tlemen : Ezra "W. Badger, chairman ; George B. Gary,
and Hiram L. Fay.
The BuilMng. — The building is of brick, 45 by 75
feet, with chancel in the rear 6 by 17 feet, and has one
tower 120 feet in height, in which has just been placed a
fine bell costing $550. There is also a fine large and
well-lighted basement for the Sunday school and chapel
purposes. The total cost of the church, including the
lot, is about $17,000.
The Dedicatwn. — This occurred on Tuesday, Janu-
ary 6th, 1874. The services were opened with prayer
by the Eev. Mr. Shepard, of Ilion, after which a hymn
was read by the Eev. O. 0. Wightman. The doxology
was sung by the Springfield choir. The Eev. B. I. Ives
of Auburn, then preached an eloquent sermon from Matt.
V. 16, " Let your light so shine hfore men that they ma/y
see your good works, cmd glorify your Father which is
in heaven."
The amount of indebtedness remaining on the church
($10,600) was promptly subscribed by those present. The
Messrs. Eemington, of Ilion, gave the munificent sum
of $3,000 in various ways, and they have heretofore helped
150 RICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITY.
the church by loaning them money without interest, aiid
otherwise laid the society under lasting obligations to
thera, which they gratefully acknowledge.
Tliis church is indeed an ornament to our village, and
of which we may justly as a community feel proud.
Among the clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal
Church present, were the 'Rev. Mr. Corse, presiding elder ;
Eev. B. I. Ives, of Auburn ; Eev. A. G. Markham, pastor
of the church ; Eev. A. B. Gregg, of Jordon ; Kev. 0. C.
Wightman, former pastor, now of Forestport, Oneida
County, and Kev. Mr. Shepard, of Ilion.
Note. — In closing this brief sketch of the several churches, we
wish to remark that there Is one important phase connected with the
general character of the great numbers who annually -visit this
place. We allude to the respectful reverence for the Sabbath.
Throughout this entire day a profound quiet pervades the place, and
the several houses of public worship are thronged by full and atten
tive congregations. Such an exhibition of substantial and conserva-
tive Christian sentiment, cannot be without its moral influence upon
all classes, who may be thus led to a deeper regard for the vital claims
of the Holy Sabbath upon all sentient, accountable intelligences.
INDIANS.
The Indian will never cease to be an object of interest
to the people of this country, as being the original
inhabitant of its entire territory, and possessing many
noble traits of cliaracter in his native state, which
remained as a leading feature of their numerous tribes,
until brought in contact with the moral perversions of
European civilization. Driven from the shores of the
Atlantic by the encroachments of the whites, their num-
bers have been gradually reduced, until we now look
upon the remnants of the tribes with increasing interest,
S0N8ET HILL.
151
as associated with the once powerful nations that roamed
through the mountain forests and lake valleys of this
region. There is at present but one family of aborigines
residing within the limits of this village. They are from
the Abenaka * Nation of St. Francis Indians of Canada.
They may be seen almost daily in the boarding season,
with their ingeniously wrought wares of baskets, bows
and arro\?s, and other trinkets, which they, in their quiet,
modest way, offer for sale.
SUH'SET HILL.t
The village of Eichfield Springs is surrounded by
many sightly and beautiful eminences, that overlook
the entire village and lake scenery, and furnish most
desirable locations for residences or villas.
Sunset Hill, an accessible and much frequented emi-
nence, is situated immediately to the north, and com-
mands an extensive and delightful view of the village at
our feet, half hidden by the dark thick foliage of orna-
mental trees, above which the several towering church-
spires point heavenward. Nature never painted a fairer
picture than is here spread out before us.
The prospect extends through a long vista, over a
range of many n iles. Away to the south stretches the
beautiful valley of the Canadarago, with the gleaming
*The name of this nation {Ahenaka) signifies "Sun of the
morning.
f The old moss-covered well on the summit of Sunset Hill, was
dug by Aaron Abbott in 1799, who also built a " log-cabin " near it,
on the northeast. Aaron Abbott was grandfather of the late Amasa
Abbott, of this place, and also of Clinton Abbott, Esq., of Cedar Falls,
Iowa.
152 EICHFIELD SPBINGS AND VICINITY.
lake lying deep between the ranges of rugged mountains
on. the east and west. Far over the sparkling waters we
catch a glimpse of the forest outlines, l3'ing against the
distant horizon, scarcely distinguishable from the hazy
clouds which envelop them. Dark-green fields, broken
by copses of luxuriant foliage, outspreading farms, and
neat farm-houses in the distance, form a picture of exquis-
ite beauty to the lover of rural scenes. The evening sun,
slowly and tremblingly descends beneath a canopy of
transcendent hues of crimson and gold, tinging each soft
feathery cloud witl» its most exquisite and charming
shades ; while to the north are rich rolling iields of pas-
toral beauty, set with cottages and neatly arranged build-
ings or mills, on the banks of a little stream that takes
its rise beneath the shadows of gracefully sweeping
willows th.it stand like silent sentinels on its gravelly
banks.
On the eastern slope of this beautiful eminence are
the grounds recently purchased by Hon. C. H. McCor-
mick, of Chicago, as the site of a summer residence, soon
to be erected. These grounds have already been thickly
set with a great variety of fruit and oi-namental trees.
PROSPECT HILL
Lies, to the northwest. From this point, a most
charming view is sprpad out before us. To the east-
ward the shadowy range of forest-clad mountains stretch
away to the south, where the broad bosom of the lake,
with the little emerald isle, lie peacefully in the dis-
tance : while directly before us is the village, with the
placid waters of " Lake Clement " in the foreground.
WAIONTHA MOUNTAIN. 153
Two new streets from Main, have recently been opened
to this eminence, by the enterprising proprietor. (See
Frontispiece)
WAIOKT-HA MOUNTAIN
Is situated directly to the east of Kichfield Springs, about
two miles distant, and is boldly outlined against the
eastern sky. After a slightly fatiguing ascent, we find
ourselves elevated far above the surrounding country.
"Get thee up into the top of Pisgah (Waiontha), and
lift up thine eyes, westward and northward, and east-
ward and southward, and behold it with thine eyes."
(Deut. iii. 27.) To the lover of nature this point offers
a most picturesque and charming view in every direction.
Far beneath us, the eye rests upon ,the most beautiful
scenes of cultivated fertility and civilized refinement- —
wide-spreading farms, rich in all the elements of wealth
and luxury, graceful undulations and lofty hills covered
with wild forests, and seamed with rocky gorges worn in
their sides by tumbling streams and leaping cascades.
The hillsides are dotted with snowy flocks, and cattle are
quietly grazing, or repose peacefully in the shades of
isolated trees.
" The cattle upon a thousand hills are His."
The old pastures, rolling around the bases of the hills,
look like the smoothly shaven lawns of some vast pleas-
ure park. From this point we can look into nine differ-
ent counties, viz. Otsego, Schoharie, Montgomery, Ful-
ton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Oneida, Madison, and Che-
nango.
To the north the eye can take in a range of more than
forty miles, embracing the Bear and Panther mountains,
7*
154 EICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY.
that lie beyond the Garoga and Fish lakes of Fulton
County. To the northeast, a portion of the Adirondacks
are visible, while the deep valley of the historic Mohawk
stretches, far away into the labyrinths of the mountain-
ranges beyond.
Directly to the east, about ten miles, can be seen the
bold prominence known as " Cape Wicoff," that over-
looks Cherry Valley, with the " Sharon Hills " in the
distance. To the southeast, we can look down into the
beautiful valley of the Susquehanna, with its wood-cov-
ered mountains that bound it on the east. To the south
is a succession of lofty hills and deep valleys, while to
the west lies the valley of Canadarago Lake, with its
ranges of hills and mountains beyond ; and the entire
village of Richfield Springs is in full view.
Six distinct iakes can be seen from the summit of
Waiontha Mountain, viz. Otsego, Canadarago, Allen's,
Young's, Weaver's, and Summit Lake. The last named is
situated about five miles to the northeast, but almost
entirely hidden from view by intervening hills and for-
ests. This little lake, as its name implies, occnpies a po-
sition on the dividing ridge between the valleys of the
Mohawk and Susquehanna, discharging its waters both
north and south into these valleys respectively. In the
month of May, 1839, five young people were drowned in
this lake. Six persons were crossing the lake in a small
boat, and when near the shore, the boat suddenly sprang
aleak, and, turning over, precipitated the whole party
into the water. The names of those drowned were
Abram Walter, Catharine and Nancy Walter, nieces of
the above, and a Mr. Barringer and sister. A little daugh-
ter of Abram Walter clung to the boat and was rescued.
Abram Walter was a brother of Mr. Jacob Walter, oi this
village.
•WAIONTHA MOUNTAIN-. 155
A. short distance to the west of Summit Lake is a deep
sink, called the "Kyle," into which a considerable stream
of water flows, and disappears in a subterranean passage
for several miles, and again appears on the surface near
Van-Hornsville.* This sink is tunnel-shaped, about two
hundred feet in circumference and fifteen feet deep.
After heavy rains, it is sometimes filled with water, which,
while it sinks away, moves round in rapid gyrations. On
the estate of the late Col. Grain, about three miles to the
west of the " Kyle," are several cavities of similar char-
acter, one of which is said to be fifty feet deep. At the
base of Waiontha Mountain, to the northeast, lie the
twin lakes called by the Indians Wa-i-on-tha,^^ a few rods
apart, but united by a liquid ribbon, and holding in their
embrace a quiet little hamlet, with its white church-spire,
and adjacent church-yard with its monumental stones.
One of these lakes is nearly hid from view from this
point, by an intervening eminence of woodland on the
estate of Mr. John E. Dalphiu.
A few rods to the south lies Allen's Lake, a little cir-
cular basin, sparkling in the sunlight, and fringed with
evergreens. The water of this lake is very pure, being
fed exclusively by mountain springs. We trust that at
no distant day this beautiful lake will be appropriated as
a reservoir for the supply of water to Richfield Springs,
as it lies three hundred feet above the village. Near the
outlet of this lake stands an antiquated little saw-mill,
showing that the flow of water must be considerable to
answer its requirements. A variety of large and excel-
* Near this place, the early settlers found a large hemlock-tree
entirely petrified. Also a gas spring, the vapor of which could be
easily ignited.
f From which the mountain takes its name. At Van-Homsville
is a rocky " cave," much frequented by the guests of the Springs.
356 EICHFIELD SPEIHGS AND TIelNITT.
^ent fish are found in its waters.. On the sumnj'jt of
"Waiontha Mountain, is a beautifully level plateau of
several acres, covered with a fine, vigorous growth of
young forest-trees ; and it seems to be admirably adapted
by nature for pleasure-grounds. Its extreme altitude
of over seven hundred feet above the village, accessibility,
and proximity to Richfield Springs, will no doubt soon
call the attention of our citizens to the necessity of pre-
paring it as a place of resort for the guests of the village.
We may regard it as a good specific for indigestion, to
aseend these high latitudes, and. breathe the pure air of
heaven, so full of electric life and vigor. It is indeed
delightful to stand upon these elevated places of the
earth, deeply impressed with the pleasurable emotions
of freedom, in this our tem-por&vy, isolaiion. We nat-
urally grow into a liking of the country, with its fresh
and bracing air, and the sparkling dew that at sunrise
covers the hills and valleys with a profusion of brilliant
diamonds; the wild rivers that silently wind among the
hills, or bathe the feet of the mountains ; the shaggy mists
that lie in the twilight like unravelled clouds, lost upon
the distant meadows ; and we love especially the roman-
tic hills, climbing in verdant beauty toward the sky, or,
stretching in the dim distance, their soft blue smoky out-
lines. We love the lofty forest-trees that lift their broad
arms toward heaven, and sway gently in the summer's
breeze ; we love the breadth and magnitude of the unre-
strained liberty of country life, that kindles within our
hearts the most exalted emotions of gratitude, and rev-
erence for the true and the natural.
" Thou who wouldst see the lovely and the wild
Mingled in harmony on nature's face,
Ascend our rugged mountains. Let thy foot
Pail not with weariness, for on their tops
WAIpNTHA 0B8EEVAT0BY. 157
The beauty aud the majesty of earth,
Spread wide beneath, shall make thee to forget
The steep and toilsome way. There as thou stand'gt.
The haunts of men below thee, and around
' The mountain summits, thy expanding heart
Shall feel a kindred with that loftier world
To which thou art translated, and partake
The enlargement of thy vision.
Thou shalt look upon the green and rolling forest-tops,
And down into the secrets of the glens, and streams.
That with their bordering thickets strive
To hide their windings. Thou shalt gaze, at once.
Here on white villages, and tilth, and herds.
And swarming roads, and there on solitudes
That only hear the torrent, and the wind.
And eagle's shriek."
WAIONTHA OBSERYATOET.
Undbe the authority of the citizens of Richfield
Springs, an observatory is now being erected on the sum-
mit of "Waiontha Mountain. It is designed especially for
the pleasure of our summer visitors, and is free to all.
This structure is an open frame-work of wood seventy
feet in height, standing far above the surrounding forest-
trees. This point is said to be the highest in the State,
except the " Adirondacks," and from the top of this
observatory on a clear day will be visible a vast and
beautiful expanse of hill, dale, lake, and plain, spread like
a map in every direction before the beholder.
RUM HILL.
There are several prominent points in this vicin-
ity from which extensive and beautiful views can be
obtained, Of these^ "Rum Hill" is doubtless one of
158 RICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITT.
the most popular places of resort for the guests of the
Springs, being very accessible from the highway leading
from Allen's Lake to Cooperstown. It is situated about
two miles directly south from Waiontha Mountain.
MOHEGAN HILL.
About one mile to the southwest of Waiontha stands
Mohegan Hill, partly divested of the dense forests that
once enveloped its entire summit. From this point a
charming view is presented of the deep valley, lake, and
village. This summit is six hundred and fifty feet
above the village of Eichfield Springs. Standing against
the horizon, to the west, are the bold outlined of the blue
hills of the town of Exeter, that appear like the rolling
waves of the restless ocean.
At the western base of Mohegan Hill stands the
farm residence of Mr. John Derthick.
GANG'S HILL,
Recently laid out into village lots and sold to individ-
uals, lies to the westward and south of Main Street.
From this point a fine view is obtained in every direc-
tion. Several neat residences have already been erected
in this locality.
CANADARAGO HILL.
This abrupt prominence,, or steppe, seems to have
been lifted up by some mysterious agency, from the
level plain by which it is sui^ounded. A carriage drive-
wildee's hill — panther's mountain. 159
way, of one half mile, has been cut around its sloping
sides, and its summit graded to a level plateau, and
neatly set with many young trees ; a most desirable site
for a mansion or pavilion. The railroad depot buildings
are located at the western base of this eminence.
WILDEK'S HILL.
This eminence is situated directly to the east, and is
one mile distant from the centre of the village. The
residence of Mr. George "Wilder occupies the summit,
and is one of the most pleasantly located residences in
this vicinity, overlooking the entire village and valley
to the westward. Wilder's Hill, with its long gradual
slope toward the village, furnishes many desirable sites
for residences, being bounded on the north by a beauti-
ful native forest of a great variety of trees and shrubbery.
PANTHER'S MOUNTAIN".
This is an elevated point, situated about one mile to
the southeast, still clothed in all its primitive beauty of
dense forest-trees and shrubbery, reaching far down into
the valley below. It was the favorite hunting-ground of
the Indian " Panther," who delighted in its wildness and
seclusion.
This mountain, together with the contiguous range
to the southward, still abounds in a variety of game.
As we enter its deep shades, dark with the foliage of
-midsummer, and vocal with the notes of feathered song-
sters and the monotonous hum of insect life, the gentle
breeze sighs through the topmost branches of the lofty
160 EiOHFiELD sPEmee anb vioinitt.
forest trees, and the wild-pigeon coos in the beechen
boughs over our heads ; the saucy little squirrel chatters
in his hemlock ambush close by, and the partridge whirs
rapidly away from the tangled copse invaded by our
feet, or greets us with his drum from his mossy retreat.
To the west lies the placid Canadarago Lake, and to the
north is the village of Eichfield Springs, partly hidden
by the thick foliage of ornamental trees and shrubbery
that adorn the grounds of the residences and shade the
streets and walks in every direction.
Against the western horizon are outlined the retreat-
ing mountain-tops, forming a background of great beau-
ty. Scattered in every direction are rich farms, with
their broad fields golden with grain or russet with stub-
ble, white with fragrant buckwheat or emerald with car-
pets of clover, while the white and elegant farm-houses,
surrounded by shading copses of clean and clustering
maples, or relieved against the dense foliage of fruit-
laden orchards, complete the exquisite picture of mingled
rusticity and high civilization.
We love to ramble in the lone retreats of the forest,
as " there is a pleasure in the pathless wood," for here
we can muse with fair Nature, and be blest by her mild
and gentle sympathy.
BENNET'S HILL
Stands one and a half miles to the west of the Springs,
and is crowned by the old-fashioned but substantial farm-
house of Mr. Elijah Bennet.
This house is opened to guests through the summer
season, and we can assure our city friends that they will
find under this hospitable ro6f all the genuine products
•STOWEi;, HODSE GANO's GEOVE. 161
of the farm, and every convenience for families, besides
anaple room for exercise in the open fields, or for ram-
bling in the romanticretreats of the forest.
There are many fine views from several points on
this farm.
STOWEL HOUSE.
This large and elegant farm-house is situated near
the " Walnut Grove," on the east bank of the lake, which
it overlooks. The house is open to guests through the
boarding season, and is a very desirable and pleasant
home for those who seek the quiet retirement of the
country. Harvey Stowel, Esq., proprietor.
GANG'S GROYE.
Neae the western boundary of the corpoi^ation of this
village is a beautiful grove, composed of a great variety
of large indigenous forest-trees, covering an area of aibout
six acres of elevated level ground, and bounded on the
west by a deep ravine, through which runs the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western Eailroad, in its approach to the
village. In the year 1869, a stock company was organ-
ized by the following gentlemen, for the purpose of
opening this grove to public use, and preparing it for
pleasure parties, picnics, etc. : Hon. Louis Lawrence,
James H. Gano, Hon. A. E. Elwood, Morgan Bryan, Dr.
N. Getman, IST. K. Ransom, E. W. Badger, Esq.
The small trees and shrubbery were removed, walks
were opened^ and steps made leading from the railroad
to the grounds above. Seyeral rustic buildings and a
large platform for dancing, were also constructed. The
162 EICHFIBLD 8PEING8 AND VICINITY.
situation of this grove is charmingly delightful, and easy
of access from the village. Directly opposite the grove
on the north is the residence of James H. Gano, Esq.,
the proprietor of these beautiful grounds. This sylvan
retreat presents a brilliant picture on a bright summer
day, when filled with many joyous faces and merry trip-
ping feet of happy children, who resort hither from the
thronged cities to enjoy the gentle zephyrs that bring
grateful coolness to the heated brow, and give bounding
health and vigor to the frame of those of maturer years
and more sedate proclivities. In the month of July, 1870,
Prof. Squires made a balloon ascension from this grove.
POPULAR DRIVES FROM RICHFIELD
SPRINGS.
CHEEET VALLEY.
' Ascending the eminence to the east of Richfield
Springs, over which Main Street leads, the tourist will
find a most delightful drive along the high and substantial
turnpike that leads through a rich farming district. Pass-
ing between the two little lakes, thence to the north of
Otsego Lake, which can be seen a short distance to the
south of Springfield, we soon reach the historic grounds
of Cherry "Valley, distant from the Springs about twelve
miles.
At the commencement of the Revolution, Cherry
Valley was still a frontier settlement. Lossing says,
" Cherry Valley derived its name, according to Campbell,
from the following circumstance." Mr. Danlop, the ven-
erable pastor (whose family suffered at the time of the
massacre in 1788), engaged iji writing some letters, in-
POP0LAB DE1TE8.
163
quired of Mr. Lindesay (the original proprietor of the
soil) where he should date them, who proposed the
name of a town in Scotland. Mr. Dunlop, pointing
to the fine wild-cherry trees, and to the valley, replied,
" Let us give our place an appropriate name, and call it
Cherry Valley ; " which was readily agreed to. {Annals
of Tryon County) Late in the autumn of the above
year, Cherry Yalley was attacked by the Tories and
Indians under the lead of Butler and Braiit, and a horri-
ble massacre ensued. * The family of Kobert Wells,
father of the late John Wells of New York, consisting
of twelve persons, were brutally murdered ; and one of
the Tories boasted that he killed Mr. Wells f while at
prayer. John Wells, the only member of the family who
escaped, was at school in Schenectady at the time. The
wife and daughter of Mr. Dunlop, Mrs. Dickson, and
the wife and four children of Mr. Mitchel, were murdered
in cold blood. Thirty-two of the inhabitants, mostly
women and children, and sixteen Continental officers and
soldiers,, were killed ; the residue of the inhabitants were
taken prisoners and carried off, and all the buildings in
the place were burned. All the frontier settlements
were ravaged, and nearly every building, except those be-
longing to Tories, was burned. At the time the place
was destroyed, James S. Campbell, father of Hon. W. W.
Campbell, author of " The Annals of Tryon County,"
was a child six years of age, and was taken captive to-
* The policy of the British Qovemment, in appealing to the
cupidity of the Indian tribes, by extravagant offers of reward for
the scalps of the colonists, wag deprecated by the Christian world.
But we are glad to know that a few noble spirits in Parliament, among
which were Pitt and Chatham, opposed this cruel measure with all
the power that moral philosophy and eloquence could command.
f The present residence of Mr. Joseph Phelon occupies the site
of the original dwelling of Mr. Wells,
IGi EICHFIELD SPEING8 AND ; VICINITY.
gether with his mother and several other members' of
the family. Lossing says, " The children of Mrs. Camp-
bell were all restored to her at- Niagara except this one.
In June, 1780, she was sent to Montreal, and there she
was joined by her missing boy. He had been with a
tribe of the Mohawks, and had forgotten his own language ;
but he remembered his mother, and expressed his joy at
seeing her, in the Indian language. She lived until 1836,
being then ninety-three years of age. She was the last
survivor of the Eevolutionary women in the region of
the headwaters of the Susquehanna." Her son, Hon.
Jaraes S. Campbell, died at Cherry Valley,* March 23d,
1870, aged ninety-eight years.
About two miles to the north of Cherry Valley, in a
field to the left of the road leading to the Mohawk, is
what is known as "Brant's Kock," near which Lieut
Wormwood was shot and scalped by the notorious Indian
chief Brant during the Kevolution.
At the time of the destruction of Cherry Valley, in a
westerly direction about one mile resided Mr. Clyde and
family, who almost miraculously escaped the fate of the
victims already noticed. The father early sought, on
hearing of the common danger, to join the brave de-
fenders of the settlement ; but on nearing the house of
Mr. "Wells, was driven back by the savages, a portion of
whom had already taken the field leading to his home.
His family fled, escaping to a high point of land covered
by a dense forest. A daughter became separated from the
others, and after beii% exposed several hours to the cold
* By the liberality of a Christian lady of Cherry Valley, a stone
church and lecture-room of extraordinary beauty, style, and work-
manship, costing $30,000, was recently presented to the Presbyterian
church and society of the above place, which will stand as a monu-
ment to her memory many years after she has passed from, the shores
of time.
POPULAR DEIVES. 165
of a November night, was finally sought out and brought
back by a soldier, from whom she attempted to flee, sup-
posing him to be an enemy,. She bore away in her arms
an infant brother of six years, the grandfather of the now
living Mr. Jefferson Clyde, of Cherry Yalley, to whom
we are indebted for valuable facts in relation to the early
settlement of this section.
In a recent visit to Cherry Valley, we were not a little
surprised to find that no monument marked the burial-
place of these early martyrs, except one modest slab of
marble that tells the sad story of the fearful day : " In
memory of the brave Colonel ' Ichabod Alden,' native
of Danbury, Massachusetts^ who was murdered by the
savages in this place, on the 11th day of November,
1778, in the thirty-second year of his age." "With won-
dering regret we looked for something^ pointing to the
place where the massacred fathers, mothers, grown-up
sons and daughters, the hoary-headed grand-parents, and
infant children were buried. Tradition points to a de-
pression in the ground where the thirty-two were interred
in one common grave ; and as it is feared by the writer
that the neglect of the past may continue to the utter
oblivion of this sacred spot, he would record that eight
feet to the west of .the grave of the thirty-two murdered
inhabitants,. there stands a square marble shaft, about seven
feet high, inscribed, "To Sarah Wilson, w^o died in
1778, aged thirty-six years."
Immediately after the close of the Eevolution, the
individuals and families that escaped, from Cherry Yalley
during the war, returned again to their. homes, and the
place was soon rebuilt and occupied by other settlers
also, and was for many years the principal settlement in
Otsego County, furnishing to the country some of its
liaost distinguished men, among whom were — John Wellst
166 RICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITY.
Esq., the distinguished lawyer of New York city ; Hon.
W. W. Campbell, author of " Annals of Tryon County ; "
Eev. Eliphalet JSTott ; Jabez D. Hammond, Esq., author of
" Political History of New York ; " Hon. Levi Beardsley,
author of " Reminiscences of Otsego ; " Hon. Judge See-
ley ; Alvan Stewart, Esq. ; James O. Morse, Esq. Also,
Dr. Joseph White, and his two sons, Delos and Menzo
White, who were three of the most distinguished surgeons
of the country. On the occasion of the funeral of Dr.
Menzo White, the clergyman, Kev. Mr. Nichols, pointing
in the direction of the late " office " * of the deceased,
remarked, " Yonder office, the modem ' BetAesdaj' the
ramifications of whose healings were well-nigh as mul-
titudinous as the ' catacombs ' of ancient Home."
The beautiful village of Cherry Valley is situated near
the headwaters of Cherry Yalley Creek, in the extreme
northeastern part of Otsego County, and has a popula-
tion of about 1,500. This is the present terminus of the
railroad from Cobleskill, on the Albany and Susque-
hanna road via Sharon Springs to Cherry Valley.
Efforts are now being made to continue this railroad
west to Kichfield Springs (surveys having already been
madi), connecting with the Delaware, Lackawanna and
Western, thus opening to the latter point a shorter and
more direct communication with the city of Albany,
distant only sixty-five miles.
SOLDIEES' MEMORIAL.
A MAEBLE monument, about -twenty feet high, of
beautiful execution and proportions, and crowned by an
eagle, stands in a public centre in this village. Upon
* The office of Dr. Menzo White is now occupied by his nephew,
Dr. Joseph White, a popular and skilful practitioner.
MES. STOWE. 167
the four sides of this monument are inscribed the prin-
cipal battles in which thirty-five of the brave souls of
Cherry Yalley " died thnt their country might live / "
viz. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg^, jsecond Bull
Eun, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Wilderness, Petersburg.
UhN. Y. CamaJ/ry. — Sergt. Philo D. Chaddenden,
Jacob Hardendorf, John Beaumont, Sergt. James H.
Moore, Samuel Bates.
\%\st N. Y. Infcmbry, — Sergt. John Daniels, James
Sherman, Jabez D. Wilson, Sergt. Edward Wales, Geo.
N. L._ Drake, Joseph B. Howe, John W. Ballard.
U. 8. NoAyy. — George P. Engell, Col. and Brev. Gen,
Cleveland J. Campbell.
\st Regt. U. S. S. xS— Capt. Charles D. McLean,
Dwight Eeed, Henry T. Ferguson, Sergt. Wm, O.
McLean, Charles Gould.
U. 8. iV^.— Charles P. N. Nuhall.
IQUh N. Y. /.—John Barker.
2d N. Y. H. ^.— John H. Bush.
\stN. Y. C— John F. Bottsford.
UhN. Y. E. ^.—Salmon Drake.
152c? N. Y. /.—Geo. Nelson, Cornelius Hardendort,
Geo. Van De Bogart.
^UhN. Y. /.—Corp. James H. Drake, John Wallace.
nmh N. Y. /.— Capt. Robert Story, 1st Lieut. Bar-
nard Phenis, Wm. Sterns Bradford, J. D. Fox.
m N. Y. C.—W. C. Crafts, 1st Lieut.
MRS. STOWE
Says (in 1 872), " Cherry Yalley to-day is an innocent,
quiet Arcadia, lying within an hour's distance of three of
the most fashionable summer watering-places, so that a
168 RICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITY.
-short ride may bring you in sight of all the pomps and
vanities that one may desire to see. Sharon Springs
and Eichiield now rival Saratoga in attraction, and num-
ber their thousands. Cooperstown is another most attrac-
tive and much-frequented point.
" We visited Eichfield, and passed a day very pleas-
antly. It is a village of hotelsand boarding-houses, and it
was said three thousand visitors were there summer-
ing. There is a spring there whose waters we should
think would be sufficient to frighten anybody away that
ever tasted them, evidently either sulphurated or phos-
phorated hydrogen. One would think that it must
have been bored down into some antediluvian stratum
of spoiled eggs. Yet drinking' of this spring appears to
be one of the things to do in Eichfield. We understand
that ladies enamelled with bismuth, arsenic, and other
minerals have occasionally been turned all sorts of colors
by the vapor of this spring.
" What if there were a moral test of all shams equal-
ly searching ! For the rest, Eichfield has a high, pure air,
which is said to be very health-giving ; and it is a fact,
we are told, that people who once begin to go there come
back year after year with increasing interest."
GENEEAL CLINTON'S EXPEDITION.
" In the spring of 1779, it was determined to send a
formidable force into the Indian country of Western
New York, for the purpose of chastising the savages and
their Tory allies so thoroughly that the settlements upon
the Mohawk and the upper branches of the Susquehanna
might enjoy a season of repose. The tribes of the Six
Nations were then populous. They had many villages.
OENEEAL Clinton's expedition. 169
vast corn-fields, and fruitful orchards and gardens in the
fertile country westward of Otsego Lake. It was sup-
posed that the most effectual method to subdue or
weaken them would be to destroy their homes and lay
waste their fields, and thus drive them farther back into
the wilderness toward Lake Erie.' Already the Mohawks
had been thrust out of the valley of their name, and
their families were upon the domains of the Oayugas and
Senecas. It was, therefore, determined to make a com-
bined movement upon- them of two strong divisions of
military, one from Pennsylvania and the other from the
north, at a season when their fields and orchards were
fully laden with grain and fruits. It was a part of the
plan of the expedition to penetrate the country to
Niagara, and break np the nest of vipers there. General
Sullivan was placed in the chief command, and led in
person the division that ascended the Susquehanna from
Wyoming, while G-eneral Clinton commanded the forces
that penetrated the country from the mouth of the
Canajoharie. It was arranged to unite the two divisions
at Tioga. Clinton's troops, fifteen hundred strong, were
mustered at Canajoharie on the 15th of June, and on
the 17th he commenced the transportation of his bateaux
and provisions across the hilly country to Springfield, at
the head of Otsego Lake, a distance of more than twentv
miles. It was an arduous duty, for his boats numbered
two hundred and twenty, and he had provisions sufficient
for three months. He reached Springfield, with all his
baggage, on the 30th. On his way he captured Hare
and Newberry, two notorious spies, the former a lieu-
tenant in the British service, and the latter the miscreant
who murdered Mr. Mitchel's wounded child at Cherry
Xalley.
"They were tried, and hanged, pursuant to thesen-
8
170 EICHFIBLD SPEING8 AND VICINITY.
teTice:of. the court, and to tlie entire satisfaction of the
inhabitants, of the country. Clinton with his division pro-
,^ceededito..the foot of Otsego Lake, and there awaited
orders .from Sullivan. A day or two after his arrival,
General Schuyler communicated to him the important in-
formation that the purpose of the expedition was known to
the enemy, and that four hundred and fifty regular troops,
one hundred Tories, and thirty Indians had been sent from
Montreal to reinforce the tribes against whom it. was des-
tined. This information General Schuyler received from
a spy whom he had sent into Canada. The spy had also
infornaed him that they were to be joined by one-half of
Sir John Johnson's regiment and a portion of the garri-
son at !N^iagara. On the 5th, Hr. Dean, the Indian inter-
preter, arrived with thirty-five Oneida warriors, who came
to explain the absence of their tribe, whom Clinton, by
direction of Sullivan, had solicited to join him. They
confirmed the intelligence sent by Schuyler, and added
that a party of Cayugas and Tories, three hundred in
number, were then upon the war-path, and intended to
hang upon the outskirts of Clinton's army on its march
to Tioga. Clinton remained at the south end of Otsego
Lake, awaiting the tardy movements of Sullivan, until the
first week in August. His troops became impatient, yet
he was not idle. He performed a feat which exhibited
much ingenuity and forecast. He discovered that in
consequence of a long drought, the outlet of the lake
was too inconsiderable to allow his boats to pass down
upon its waters. He therefore raised a dam across it at
the foot of the lake, by which the waters would be so
accumulated, that when it should be removed, the bed
of the outlet would be filled to the brim, and bear his
boats upon the flood.
" The work was soon accomplished, and in addition to
COOPEESTOWN.
171
the advantages which it promised to the expedition, the
damming of. the lake caused great destruction of grain
upon its borders, for its banks were overflowed, and vast
corn-fields belonging to the Indians were deluged and
destroyed. The event also greatly alarmed the savages.
It was a very dry season, and they regarded the sudden ris-
ing of the lake, without any apparent cause, as an evidence
that the Great Spirit was displeased with them. And
when Clinton moved down the stream with his large
flotilla upon its swollen flood, the Indians along its banks
were amazed, and retreated into the depths of the forest."
{Lossing's Bevol/ution)
COOPEESTOWK
The site of this village was flrst seen by an Anglo-
Saxon in the year 1737. The next visit made to this
point, of which we have any record, was the expedition
of General Oliuton, previously noticed. The village of
Cooperstown was first settled by Judge "Wm. Cooper,*
about the year 1790, and was incorporated in 1807 as thg
village of Otsego ; but its name was changed to Coopers-
town in 1812. It has been the county seat from its first
settlement to the present time.
In the summer of 1784:, General "Washington, in com-
pany with General George Clinton and several other
officers of the U. S. army, leaving the Mohawk River at
Canajoharie, visited Cherry Yalley and Otsego Lake,
then surrounded by the deep solitudes of an unbroken
wilderness. Cooperstown, at the preaent time, is one of
the most beautiful villages of Central New York. It lies
in a deep valley, at the south end of Otsego Lake, bor-
* Father of James Penimore Cooper.
172 EIOHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY,
dered on the east and west by wood-covered mountains
that stretch far away to the north and south. The vil-
lage has a population of about two thousand. Since
the completion of the railroad to this point from the
Albany and Binghamton road, sixteen miles distant, it
has become a place of popular resort through the sum-
mer months, for pleasure-seekers and invalids who desire
the high mountain air of the country.
Cooperstown is amply supplied with large and com-
modious hotels,* and every facility for the entertain-
ment of guests. It has the purest of water, delightful
walks and drives, and the most romantic and picturesque
natural scenery in this portion of the State. On the
western shore of Otsego Lake are several delightful
points, that present some of the most beautiful views to
be found in this region. The Three-mile-point House f
is very pleasantly located, overlooking the lake and vil-
lage of Cooperstown. Directly in front is the wood'
covered projection known as " Three-mile " or " Wild-
rose Point." "A favorite resort for picnics. Upon
this spot have congregated in merry dance the old and
young, from almost every quarter of the globe." "Ay !
water you shall have, if you drink the lake dry. I'll just
carry you down to it, that you may drink your fill."
" Here he first helped him to take an attitude in which he
could appease his burning thirst." {Deerslayer).
Hon. Samuel Nelson, Judge of the Supreme Court of
the United States, was a resident of Cooperstown. Died
December 12th, 1873, aged eighty years.
Cooperstown and Richfield Springs are now inti-
* Of the number of hotels of the place, we may mention the
" Cooper House,'' the " Central," the " Fenimore," and Carr's Hotel,
aa being among the largest and most commodious of the country. '
t A. W. Thayer, proprietor.
Five-mile Point, Otsego Lake.
THE FIVE-MILE-POINT HOUSE. 175
mately connected by a line of steamboats,* on Otsego
Lake, 9 miles, and omnibuses to Eichfield, 7 miles. "We
trust the. time is not far distant when the railroad will
be continued from Cooperstown to Eichfield Springs,
thus forming a connection with the railroad to this place.
"THE FIYE MILE-POINT HOUSE."
lu the year 1847 a carriage road was opened along the
western shore of Otsego Lake, cut in the steep sides of
the banks near the water's edge. This wild and beauti-
fully shaded road now forms one of the most delightful
drives to be found in this whole region.
In 1850 a public house f was ej-ected at what is now
popularly known as the " Five-mile Point," by Mr. J. D.
Tunnicliff, its present, gentlemanly proprietor. This is
one of the most romantic and picturesque places of resort
to be found on the gravelly shores of the lake. The
level lawn and open grounds of this house extend far out
into the lake, and are pleasantly shaded by gigantic oaks
and other forest-trees, whose dark outlines are distinctly
reflected in the deep bosom of the transparent waters.
A fleet of row-boats are^ to be seen moored on the
gravelly beach, with every convenience for the eports of
the angler.
The lake abounds in a great variety of most excellent
fish, among which the famous " Otsego bass " far tran-
scend in quality all others known to the civilized world,
and are found only in the waters of this lake. Having
* The "Natty Bamppo" and " Pioneer."
f This public house is a favorite stopping-place for the guests of
Eichfield Springs, on their wav to Cooperstown.
176 EICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY.
secured your fish, you can have them cooked in marvellous
style in the cuisine of the excellent hotel, together -with
a great variety of epicurean luxuries, known as " game
dinners." A short distance to the west of Five-mile
Point, in the rugged mountain-forest, is what is known as
the " Canon," still to be seen in all its pristine beauty,
through which rushes a rapidly flowing stream, tumbling
over rocky beds of limestone ledges, as it hurries on to-
ward the tranquil bosom of the " Haunted Lake." " 'Twas
through this canon, ' Deerslayer ' * made his escape when
pursued by the Hurons." " The Hurons were whooping
and leaping behind him. He saw by the formation of the
land that a deep glen intervened before the base of a sec-
ond hill could be reached. A fallen tree lay near him, in
a line parallel to the glen, at the brow of the hill : to leap
on it took but a moment. Previous to disappearing
from his pursuers, however, Deerslayer stood on the
height, and gave a cry of triumph, as if exulting at the
sight of the descent that lay before him." {Deerslayer,
xxvii.)
*•' The Five-mile Point is the place selected by
'Hetty' for landing, after her escape from the Ark.
The point in question was the first projection that offered
on that side of the lake where a canoe, if set adrift with
a southerly" air, would float clear of the land, and where
it might be no great violation of probabilities to sup-
pose it might even hit the Castle. Such then was Hetty's
intention, and she landed on the extremity of the gravelly
point, beneath an overhanging oak." (Deerslayer.)
* Cooper's works. Views of Otsego Lake scenery, by W. G. Smith,
of Cooperstown, for sale a.t the Fhe-mile-point Souse.
OTSEGO LAKE AND COOPEE.
17T
OTSEGO LAKE AND COOPEE.
Six miles directly east from Kichfield Springs, over
a delightfully pleasant highway, brings us to the beauti-
. ful and historic " Otsego Lake," stretching itself entirely
across the valley between the lofty, ranges of wood-
covered mountains that bound it on the east and west, and
extending from the " Sleeping Lion" on the north to the
Otsego Kock, near the outlet on the south, a distance
of about nine miles.
OTSEGO LAKE,
BY MBS. S. J. DOUGLASS.
AH hail, fair Otsego ! thou beautiful lake.
With thy green Tvooded slopes, fringed with fern and with brake.
And " Wellington Mountain," towering so high.
Stands poised like an eagle, close to the sky ;
Yea, he stands like a monarch in royal array.
When the sunlight comes up to the rim of the day.
Casting bright splendor all over thy face.
Till it ripples and dimples with wonderful grace ;
Then the gold of the sun and the woods' emerald green
Harmoniously blend with thine own silver sheen ;
And at night, when the moonlight peeps out from the cloud.
Each star is reflected, each leaf is endowed
With thy magical beauty, thy fairy-like charm,
While each wave lies asleep on thy bosom so calm.
Then the Cooperstown spires reflect in thy blue.
And the fleecy white clouds drop down diamonds of dew,
Which embroider thy banks like the robe of a queen.
Setting here a pearl dewdrop and there a moonbeam.
With such delicate skill, that a Bembrandt might pine
To be able to picture such beauty as thine.
Not " Afton's sweet water,'' nor " Elgin," nor " Ayr,"
Nor Burns' " Bonny Doon," can with thee compare ;
And Byron may sing, in his praise of the " Rhine,"
There are classical beauties which only are thine ;
178 EIOHFIELD SPBINGS AND VICrNITT.
And Cooper has made thee iminortal we know.
For we read of thy charms in the long, long ago ;
And we'll echo the song of thy praises again
Till woodland and mountain and valley and glen
Shall join in the anthetn, shall swell the refrain.
While the winds bear it back to thy bosom again,
To dash up the waters in white-caps and roar
Like the sound of the sea on the wave-beaten shore.
Writing from Cooperstown, a correspondent says :
" I confess to a weakness for visiting the houses and
haunts of men of genius. Nothing in the world drew
me here but the fact that it was the place where Cooper,
the great novelist, lived, died, and was buried. I wished
to see the scenes so graphically described in the ' Pioneer,'
and other Leatherstocking tales, and to visit the spot
where the great master drew so much of inspiration.
■ " I had heard much about the loveliness of the place,
and for once fame has not overshot the mark. The situ-
ation is most picturesque. Cooperstown is embowered in
the sweetest of little valleys, amid mountain views, at the
source of the Susquehanna Kiver. It has a rich valley
on the one side, and the Otsego Lake on the other. This
lake is not unworthy of the appellation bestowed upon
it by , Cooper, of ' Glimmerglass,' for the wonderful
transparency of its waters. On its eastern shores extend
a range of mountains from five to six hundred feet high,
densely wooded. On the western shore the hills are less
high, less rugged, but hardly less picturesque."
CLASSIC SCENES— THE LEATHER-STOCKING TALES.
The shores of this lake are classic. Every cove and
rocky glen is hallowed by tender memories. Here are
located some of the most thrilling scenes in the " Leather-
stocking " tales. Here gloi-ious " Natty Bumppo," first
MEMENTOS OP CODPEE — HIS FAMILY. 179
te the youthful " Deerslayer," afterwards as the aged
" Leatherstocking," loved the dark-eyed Judith Halter,
and rescued from the panther's claws the fair form of
" Elizabeth Temple." Here the curious traveller may
explore the depths of " Leatherstocking's Cave," visit the
scenes of the fight with the panther, and the site of
Muskrat Castle. So true was Cooper to life, so faithful
to nature are his pictures, that every curve and. indenta-
tion. of the shore and every sweep of the hills is famil-
iar to the reader of the " Pioneer " and " Deerslayer." It
requires no great stretch of fancy to people the scenes
with wraiths of old "Haller," "Harry Hussy," the
gentle "Hetty," " "Wah-ta-wah " the Indian maiden,
"Natty," and the rest of the deathless concourse.
Otsego is fitly called the " Haunted Lake."
MEMENTOS OF COOPER— HIS FAMILY.
Family aristocracies ar% short-lived in America.
Judge Cooper, father of the novelist, was a petty landed
baron in his time. He was virtually the founder of the
place, over whose few inhabitants he exercised a mild
species of lorddora. He was a man of courtly manners,
lived in what in those days was considered a stately
mansion, and entertained distinguished company, num-
bering among his guests a no less illustrious personage
than Prince Talleyrand. His distinguished son kept up
something of the family state, but, living much abroad,
affairs fell into neglect. Cooper and Professor Morse,
the inventor of the magnetic telegraph, were intimate
friends. They knew each other as young men, when
Cooper was a literary fiedgling and Morse an obscure
artist at Cooperstown ; they knew each other in Europe,
when each had become famous. After his death,* the
* J. Fenimore Cooper died Sept. 14th, 1851, aged sisty-two years.
180 BICHFIELD SPEIKG8 AND VICIWITT.
family was broken up, and the Cooper mansion, after
various vicissitpdea, was finally burned. The obliterar
tion of such an historical landmark is now regarded as a
public loss. A son of the novelist is a lawyer at Albany
— a most estimable gentleman, but of no literary ambi-
tion. One of the daughters is married to a wealthy
gentleman in Cooperstown. • Three other daughters are
also residents of Cooperstown at the present time.
COOPEE'S GRAVE AND MONUMENT.
"Cooper sleeps in the "village cemetery beside his
kindred, an unpretending slab marking the site of his
grave. His monument is at the new cemetery, on the
eastern shore of the kke, just beyond the site of the
panther scene in the 'Pioneer.' It is of Italian marble,
twenty-five feet high, with a figure of Leatherstocking
on the summit. Natty is represented as loading his
rifle and gazing off on the lake spread- out beneath him,
while his dog by his side watches liis master with eager
interest.
" The die is carved with symbols in alto-rilievo : on
one side is the name of ' Fenimore Cooper,' sur-
rounded by palm and oak branches ; on the opposite is
the student's lamp and inkstand, with the pen borne
aloft by an eagle. On the north side are the naval
emblems (Cooper served in the navy some time),- and on
the south the Indian devices — bow and quiver of arrows,
scalp-locks on a lance, tomahawk, and necklace of bea-
vers' claws."
THE ANDETISTOWK SETTLEES. 181
THE AISTDEUSTOWN SETTLEES.
Allusion has already been made to the ancient
" German Settlement," in the north part of the town of
Warren, known as " Andrustown." One cannot but
contemplate with interest this little colony of seven
families, subsisting through many years upon the small
area of land from which they had cleared away the forest,
the dark primeval wilderness shutting them in on all
sides. Let it be borne in mind that we write of a period
long before the Eevolution ; anterior even to the " Old
French War," before the adventurous New-Englander had
turned his attention to the wild solitudes of Central ISTew
York. For the Andrustown colonists the nearest point
of civilization was the German settlement at Herkimer
(then German Flats), nine miles distant, and only acces-
sible by an Indian path.
From the hostile incursions of the French and their
barbarous allies, the savages, these settlers were in con-
stant danger; and when, in 1756 and 1757, these enemies
overran and devastated the " German Flats," the Andrus-
town colonists shared the dangers and sufEerings of their
countrymen in the valley. A letter published in the
'■'■New York Mercury^'' of May 22d, 1758, being a
relation of the murder committed at the " German Flats."
near " Fort Eerchamer" by " 80 Indians and 4 French-
men," states as follows : "About 3 o'clock, most part of
the inhabitants, having notice from Oapta^m Herchamer,
left their homes, and assembled at the Fort. Four fam-
ilies, that fled from Henderson's purchase (Andrustown)
in the spring for fear of the enemy, could not get in, and
had in their houses two Indian traders, of the name of
Clock, and six wagoners that were carrying Captain Gage's
182 EICHPIELI) SPRINGS AND VlOINCTY.
baggage to the Fort. At 4 o'clock, all of a sudden, the
ileuses were attacked ; and the wagoners, being surprised,
ran up stall's the better to defend themselves. The
Indians immediately rushed into the house and killed
and scalped all that were below ; some of the Indiiins
attempted the stairs, but were knocked down by the
wagoners ; they then fired up through the loft, and
soon were joined by more Indians, who fired many shots
quite through the house, and proposed to set it on fire,
which intimidated John Ehel, a wagoner, to such a
degree, that he leaped out at a window, thinking to
make his escape, but was soon killed. The other five
defended themselves with great intrepidity, having
killed one Indian, until they were relieved by a party of
rangers who came to their assistance ; and after ex-
changing a few shots, the Indians fled, seeing our people
having the advantage of a log-fence." We have given
the above extract, only to show the participation of the
" Andrustown " colonists. Could they be collected into
a volume, it would form a story of thrilling and patriotic
interest. The names of the seven families forming the
colony were Hoyers, Starring, Osterhout, Crims, Bell.
Descendants of all these families are still living, and in
some instances upon the sites originally chosen by their
ancestors. George Henry Bell, a member of the Andrus-
town family of that name, married Catherine, the sister
of General Herkimer, and participated in the sanguinary
battle of " Oriskany." Eeferring to him Mr. Benton, in
his history of Herhimer County, says : " Although not
among the militia oflicers appointed in 1775, he (Bell)
commanded a company at the Oriskany battle, was
wounded there, and afterwards placed on the invalid pen-
sion-roll. His disability continued through life. Cap-
tain Bell remained on the battle-field with General
THE OBUGBB MAKSION. 183
HerTcvmer," until the action was over, and took charge
of the escort which carried his wounded commander
more than thirty miles on a litter. He brought with
him from Oriskany a gun which he took in a hand-to-
hand fight with a British officer, whom he killed. This
trophy was long retained in the family, and exhibit-
ed as evidence of military prowess. George Bell, Esq.,
of Jordonville, is a descendant of this family. (2?. J.
Vrain.)
The first liberty pole erected in the Mohawk Yalley
was at the German Flats, in 1775, and was cut down the
same year by British authority. The first settlement of
Andrustown was made in the year 1722.
THE CRUGER MA]!^SIO]S",
Known as the " Henderson Home," was erected in the
year 1836, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. It is an
ancient-looking stone structure, situated at an elevated
point, in the extreme northern part of the town of War-
ren, Herkimer County, overlooking the deep valley of
the Mohawk Eiver. It is seven miles directly north
from Eichfield Springs. The estate on which this man-
sion stands was originally granted to Dr. Henderson, a
surgeon in the royal army of Great Britain, and con-
sisted of twenty-six thousand acres. Mrs. Harriet
Gruger inherited fifteen hundred acres of the estate, and
built the mansion that bears her name. Mrs. Gruger
was descended from the famous Douglas family of Scot-
land. Was boru June 29th, 1793 ; died May 5th, 1872.
184 EIOHFIELD SPEINGS XSD TICrNnT.
JOEDONVILLE,
Thib pleasant and sequestered little village is situated
five miles to the north of Kichfield Springs. It was first
located by Hon. Jonas Cleland, in 1788. It is a neat
thrifty hamlet, containing a population of 350 souls.
Surrounded by a rich farming people, it is the centre of
a profitable business, represented by one store, tailor and
cabinet shop, two shoe stores and two blacksmith shops.
Has one Baptist church, organized in 1799. The land
on which the church stands, together with the cemetery
ground, was donated by Eber Hyde ; present pastor, Eev.
Peter Goo. One Methodist church ; present pastor, Kev.
D. O. Edgerton. A Eeformed Dutch church, one and
a half miles northeast of Jordonville, was organized in
1831 ; present pastor, Eev. J. M. Compton.
AEOimD THE LAKE.
Among the diversity of popular drives and points of
interest to the pleasure-seeker, we desire to call especial
attention to the drive around the lake, a distance of
twelve miles. Leaving the village, we pass to the west
shore, about one mile distant, the road leading near the
bank, but sufficiently elevated to give a commanding view
of the entire surface of this, the beautiful Canadarago.
"What a world of beauty, what delightful associations
of history and romance, what charming scenery and
bounding health is suggested by the name, made mem-
orable in Indian tradition, and famous for its spring-
born waters. Its broad surface, now smooth as a mirror,
reflecting the distant mountains, now rippling to the
AEOtJND THE LAKK. 185
tOTich of the cool breath of the neighboring forests, that
rolls its tiny white-capped waves along the gravelly
shores, and tosses the flotilla of row-boats like feathers ;
its picturesque little island, and all the changing scenery
that greets- us as we pass along its margin. We pass
through a rich district of highly cultivated farms, with
numerous cottages embowered in beautiful groves, and
surrounded by fertile fields of luxuriant vegetation.
Clear running brooks water the . meadows and come
laughing through green pastures that stretch far np the
steep sides of forest-capped hills or mountains that border
the lake on the west. We now enter the quiet little
village of " Schuyler's Lake," with its rich pastoral sur-
roundings. Turning to the eastward from this place, we
pass over a pleasant road leading directly to the base of
the high range of mountains that skirt the valley on the
east. We cross the " Oaks Creek," at a point where
occurred the adventures with the Indians previously
noticed, and turning a graceful angle, we soon arrive at
a point known as " Perkins' Hill."
Here we catch the most charming view of the lake,
with its wood-covered island standing boldly out of the
water, while the distant outlines of the receding hills seem
to melt into the soft blue horizon beyond.
The road along this side of the lake is peculiarly
pleasant, there being sufficient space lying between the
lake and steep mountain declivities for open fields, be-
tween which the road passes. The banks, on the east
side especially, abound in eligible sites for country resi-
dences, being high, and sloping gradually to the water's
edge.
Few persons visit this place without acknowledging
the beauties of the lake scenery of this region of country.
The ranges of mountains with summits of different heights
186 EIOHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITT.
and shapes, the hills and plains, the waving curves which
appear on the face of every landscape, the dark hues
of the forest, the verdure of the fields, the towering
cliffs, the rugged precipices, the dark glens and silent
dells, the rills, rivers, and placid lakes, all combine to
render this region beautiful, sublime, and picturesque,
and a most charming resort for those who seek the quiet
pleasures of rural life, and the recuperating influences of
the mountain regions.
ADJOINING TOWNS.
SPRINGFIELD.
This town is situated directly to the east of Eichfield.
The first settlements in the town were made in 1762, at
East Springfield, by John Kelley, "Eichard Ferguson, and
James Young, from Ireland. Gustavns Klumph and
Jacob Tygert came during the war. Mr. Tygert had
two sons, John and Jacob, who were taken prisoners and
carried to Canada during the Revolution. Soon after
the war, Elisha Dodge, Col. Herrick, and Aaron Bige-
low, from Connecticut, and Eli Parsons, Eliakim Sheldon,
and Isaac White, from Massachusetts, settled in the cen-
tral part of the town.
The first settlement in the town was destroyed by
the Indians in 1778, as previously noticed. It has sev-
eral flourishing villages, and also several mineral springs.
There are four churches, viz. :
1st Presbyterian, Eev. T. F. Sanborne, pastor.
1st Methodist, Eev. L. P. Marvin, pastor.
1st Baptist, Eev. S. J. Douglass, pastor.
1st Universalist.
The northern part of Otsego Lake lies within the
ADJOINING TOWNS.
isr
bounds of this town. At the head of this beautiful lake
is the princely mansion of Mr. George Cla/rTc, the son of
an English nobleman, who settled at this place about
the commencement of the present century. Mr. Clark
is probably the most extensive lomdkolder in the State
of Ifew York.
The oldest tombstone in the cemetery is inscribed
" Elisha Dodge. 1794." Among the oldest citizens of the
town are —
Mrs. Lucy Burnham, . . aged 95
Mrs. Barringerj . . . "98
Mrs. House, . , . "98
A correspondent of the "Otsego Eepublican" says,
"There are now living in one school district in the
town of Springfield, near the shore of Otsego Lake, the
following ten persons, whose united ages aggregate 764
years, being an average of 76 years each, viz. :
William Thayer,*
Mrs. William Thayer
Andrew Gilclirist,
Linus Thurston,
Mrs. Lyman White,
Horace Coleman,
Mrs. Hoke,
Miss Thurston,
Aaron Peck,
Mrs. John Weir,
aged 80 years.
" 75 «
" 87 «
" 78 «
" 78 «
" 76 «
« Y4r "
" 76 «
« 70 «
" 70 «
John I. Casler and wife, of Springfield Centre, expect
to celebrate their 62d "wedding-day" on the 5th of July
next (1874). Being now "only" eighty years of age
respectively, and at that period of life when they can
• Wounded at the Battle of " Lundy's I^ne," in the last war with
Great Britain ; " was a soldier under Gen.Winfield Scott.
18b EIOHFIELD SPEING8 AND VIOINITT.
retire from more active pursuits, they confidetitly look
forward to many peaceful years of connubial bliss and
social enjoyment.
EEV. ANDREW OLIVER *
(Prom Annals of the American Pnlpit.)
Andrew Oliver was born in the parish of Abbots-
rule, Roxburghshire, Scotland, on the 31st day of January,
1762. His father, George Oliver, of English descent,
led the humble life of a shepherd. His mother, Helen
Freeman, who was Mr. Oliver's second Avife, was a
woman of eminent piety. They had four children, of
whom Andrew was the youngest. He attended for a
season a classical school in the North of England, and it
is said that he was engaged for a time in learning the
printer's business. He was so young when he became a
subject of divine grace, that he could not remember the
date of his conversion. At the age of fourteen he was
received into the church. When twenty-four years old,
he married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Ormiston, a
substantial farmer of Eckford, East Mains, Roxburgh-
shire. Her mother's name was Mary Given. Shortly
after his marriage, in 1786, he came over to this country.
After residing two years at Saco, Maine, he removed
to Londonderry, New Hampshire, where he became
acquainted with the Eev. William Morrison, by whose
influence he was led to prepare for the gospel ministry.
He studied with Dr. Morrison, and applied himself to his
work with so much assiduity and devotion that he became
almost blind. After his licensure by the Presbytery of
Londonderry in 1792, he undertook a missionary tour on
horseback to the State of New York, taking with him,
* Grandfather of Mr. William Oliver, of this place.
ADJOINING TOWNS. 189
on accotint of his blindness, a young man as guide.
Though laboring under this great disadvantage, his
preaching was very acceptable and edifying.
After his return, in 1793, he was called to take charge
of the Presbyterian church in Pelham, Massachusetts.
During his ministry in this place he enjoyed the society
of the neighboring ministers, and was an intimate friend
of the Eov. Samuel Taggart of Colerain, and Dr. Parsons
of Amherst. * * * Leaving his family at Pelham,
he set out in search of a new home, and extended his
inquiries into the State of New York, where several
years before he had labored for a time as a missionary.
He spent several months in Springfield, Otsego County,
New York. His services were so acceptable to the people
of this place that they invited him to become their pastor.
He accepted the call, and having made arrangements for
his settlement, went back after his family. This consisted
then of his wife and seven children, all of whom except
the oldest were born at Pelham, "When Mr. Oliver came
to Springfield in 1806, there was no Presbyterian house
of worship. He preached in the Baptist church on the
hill at "West Springfield, and also for a season half the
time at Middlefleld in a barn. After about nine months
he purchased a small farm at East Springfield, and built a
commodious house, with money that was due to him from
Pelham. His son "William, then a boy fourteen years
old, went after it on horseback, bringing the money home
in his belt. Feeling the necessity of a house of worship,
he urged the people to undertake the work of erecting
one. When the frame was up, and the completion of the
work was delayed, in order to arouse their zeal in the
enterprise, he preached an earnest ftid stirring sermon on
Haggai i. 4 : « Is it time for you, ye, to dwell in your
ceiled houses, and this house lie waste ? " He contributed
190 HICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICINITY.
of his own limited means to this undertaking, and en-
couraged the people until the work was fimshed. During
Mr. Oliver's residence in Otsego County, he enjoyed the
SQpiety and friendship of the E.ev. Dr. William Weill,
then of Albany, and the Eev. John Smith, of Coopers-
town ; Dr. James Carnahan, of Utica ; Eev. Eli F.
Cooley, of Cherry Valley ; Eev. Daniel Nash, of the
Episcopal church, and others, by each of whom he was
highly esteemed. He was instrumental with others in
forming the Otsego County Bible Society, which was
organized March 7th, 1813. The Eev. Daniel Nash, of
Exeter, was the first president, and Mr. Oliver the first
vice-president. In 1816 this society appointed him, to-
gether with the Eev. E. F. Cooley, of Cherry Yalley, and
James Fenimore Cooper, of Cooperstown, delegates to co-
operate with others in forming the "American Bible
Society." He died March 24th, 1833.
OTSEGO.
This town bounds Eichfield on the south, and is
noted as being the home of the renowned James Feni-
more Cooper, the great American novelist. Coopers-
town, the county seat, is in this township, and is the
largest and most beautiful village in Otsego County.
The first white man that ever trod the soil of this town
was Cadwallader Colden,* previous to the French War.
The first deaths in this town were those of two de-
serting soldiers, who were shot by order of General Clin-
ton, in 1Y79, before the settlements were commenced.
The Hon. John A. Dix, present Governor of the State,
was once a resident oi Cooperstown. Says Mr. Liver-
* Cadwallader Colden, President of his Majesty's (George II.)
Council, and " Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New York,
and its dependencies in America." {Land Papers, vol. xvi.)
ADJOIKING TOWNS. 191
more, "He purchased 'Apple Hill' of the heirs of K.
Fenimore Cooper, in 1828, but sold it to Levi C. Turner
at his removal to Albany, on his being appointed Adju-
tant General," etc. •'•
EXETEH.
This town lies on the west side of Oanadarago Lake ;
the surface is hilly and broken, consisting mainly of
elevated uplands. "Among the first settlers of this
town were William Angel, Asahel Williams, Hagar
Curtis, Joshua and Caleb Angel, Seth Tubbs, Bethel
Martin (the two last in the west part of the town), and
T. Brooks and M. Cushman on the Kockdunga." Wil-
liam Lidell emigrated from England and settled near
Canadarago Lake soon after the Eevolution. His two
sons, Allen and Jonas Lidell, now occupj' farms originally
purchased by their father, William Lidell. This town-
ship is noted for" its fine quality of butter and cheese.
It has three villages, viz. West Exeter, Exeter Centre,
and Schuyler's Lake village.* The last named has already
been noticed. Exeter is purely an agricultural town.
WINFIELD.t HERKIMER COUNTY.
Mr. Benton says, "This town was settled by the
whites before 1800. * * * A small part of it lay within
*
■ Of the oldest citizens now living at tie village of Schuyler's
Lake, we may mention Ira Palmer and John Durfy.
t Named from General Winfield Scott. The first settlement was
commenced in 1793. Among the early settlers were Jos. Walker,
Timothy Walker, Captain Nathan Brown, Oliver Harwood, Oliver
Corbit, Benjamin Cole, and Deacon Gile, from Massachusetts'. Abel
Brace came in from Connecticut in 1793. Josiah Harwood taught
the first school, in 1794 ; Charles Brace kept the first inn, in 1794 ■
John Dillingham the first store, in 1796.
192 RICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY.
the limits of the Old England district until the munici-
pal organization of the counties in this part of the State
into townships took place. * * * The village of West
Winfield, whose population is nearly five hundred, is
located very near the west bounds of Herkimer County.
It contains an academy incorporated by the Kegents of
the University. A bank, organized under the laws
of the State, has recently been established in this
village."
The Richfield branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western Eailroad passes through the town of Win-
field.
COLUMBIA, HERKIMER COUNTY.
Says Benton, " This town was settled before the
Revolution, by several German families from the Mo-
hawk River." The heads of the families who made
one of the settlements were Conrad Orendorf, Conrad
Frank, Conrad Fulmer, Frederick Christman, Timothy
Frank, Nicholas Lighthall, Joseph Moyer, and Henry
Frink. The place where these families were seated was
known as " Coonrodstown," before Columbia was organ-
ized, in 1812, and is so noted to this day.
A few Germans had also seated themselves at a place
then and since called Elizabethtown, to commemorate the
name of one or more German matrons among the settlers.
Columbia is purely an agricultural town. " Asahel Alfred
settled in this town in 1791. He was a native of Connec-
ticut, a farmer, and an honest man, of steady industrious
habits and good morals. Was a soldier of the Revolution,
having entered the service of his country in his fifteenth
year, and served more than three years. He was in the
battle of Monmouth ; taken prisoner at the Cedars, in
Canada, after a smart confiict between the Americans
ADJOINING TOWNS.
193
and a party of the enemy, consisting of whites and In-
dians, and, as usual in snch cases, both parties took their
covers of stumps and trees. Alfred was fired at by an
Indian, but not hit. A second shot was made at him,
and the ball struck the stump behind which he stood.
Mr. Alfred discovered the Indian's head exposed while
loading the third time, took deliberate aim at him, fired,
and was not again molested from that quarter.
" The Americans were outnumbered, and made prison-
ers, and as soon as they surrendered, the Indians stripped
them of all their clothing except their shirts and panta-
loons. They took his hat, coat, vest, neckerchief, and
silver knee and shoe buckles.
"When on the march to the British post, one of Mr.
Alfred's fellow-prisoners, being feeble and not able to keep
up with the rest, fell behind, and Alfred remained with
him to help him along. "While making their way as well
as they could, an Indian came up, and putting the muzzle
of his gun close to the sick man's head, blew out his
brains. Mr. Alfred was not slow to overtake his fellow-
prisoners. He was at the capture of Burgoj'ne and the
British army. He died in June, 1853, aged ninety-three
years, having always resided on the same farm on which
he first located, and which was occupied by his son,
Cyrus, in the old age of his father."
WAREBN.
The leading events of this town have been given in
another part of this work, viz. Andrustown, Jordonville,
etc.
194 EICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITr.
EICHFIELD MINEllAL WATEKS.
BY N. GETMAN, M.D.
Thb value of all medicinal agencies is estimated
according to their respective power in arresting the pro-
gress of the ravages of disease.
The use of mineral waters as a specific for diseases,
dates back many centuries. The Greeks, who were, .in
the knowledge of medicine, far in advance of their pre-
decessorsj regarded medicated waters as a special boon
from heaven, piously dedicating them to their, god
Hercules,. because of their invigorating qualities.. In
Italy as well as in all the Roman dominions, they were a
very common remedy. And, so great was the favor in
which these fountains, were held, ornamental edifices
were erected over them, and placed under a tutelary god.
But beyond the general or special benefit experienced,
unassisted by the light which modern chemical analysis
sheds, they knew nothing. Not so with the medical
practitioner of to-day. So well are the various dieeases
defined, and their specifics understood, that relief may
be realized in any an4 all cases not beyond the reach of
appropriate remedies. Many years since, blood-letting
and heavy drastic doses of medicine went out of use ;
and a more humane, successful practice was adopted.
For touch lightly the handiwork of God, as seen in the
almost infinitely delicate machinery of the human body,
is now the study of the best medical talelit of the land,
To this work, in this way, mineral waters hold a high
place.
The delicate commingling of healing and curative
properties, the precise amount of each being well under-
ElOHFIELD MINEEAL WATEES.
195
stood, renders them a mild, safe, and efficient remedy.
And yet it has not been found either wise or safe to use
them without the advice which physicians well versed
in their application can give.
In a practice of seventeen years, I have given much
time and attention to the nature and application of the
" mineral " waters of this place, in the treatment of the
various diseases that afflict mankind. Their efficacy in
chronic diseases has been most thoroughly and gatisfac«
torily tested. In many cases, my first work has been to
remedy the mischief of a too hasty and unwise use of the
waters. For all must concede that even mild remedies,
taken at improper times, and in immoderate quantities,
into a system unprepared, may aggravate old diseases, if
they do not create new ones. ' These views being the
result of the observations of the medical faculty generally,
it follows that "experienG&" is the only safe guide in the
application of these waters.
While the physician can, and does know the proper-
ties of the " mineral waters," nothing but a careful diag-
nosis of the special cases to be treated can enable him
judiciously to administer them in these cases. Of ten
persons afflicted with dyspepsia, no two may require the
same treatment, because of the hidden causes being so
diverse. Eecent cases of disease may and do find speedy
relief. Others require more time, extending to one, two,
or even three years, before a complete cure has been
effected.
Some of these cases I shall refer to, illustrating the
varied action and time of these waters as applied to the
variety of persons and diseases presented for treatment.
But it will not accord with the brevity of this treatise
to multiply the recital of these cases. I shall therefore
content myself with a brief reference to a few of the
196 EIOflFIELD StKINGS AND VICfNITT.
many persons who have sought and found relief at these
fountains oi health, where the benign "goddess Hygeia"
presides. The Sulphur Spring waters, presenting the
greatest claim for valuable medical properties, and rank-
ing equally with any and all others upon this continent,
and outranking even the celebrated Harrowgate Springs
of England, are especially valuable in the treatment of
the following diseases, viz. : rheumatism, neuralgia,
psoriasis, cutaneous diseases, acne, eczema, erysipelas,
erythema, herpes, porrigo, tinea or scald-head, second-
ary syphilis, scrofula, constipation, piles.
EHEUMATISM.
This painful disease is no respecter of persons. It
assails alike the young, the middle-aged, and the aged,
adhering with the greater tenacity to the last named ;
but whether in a chronic or more recent form, yields
readily to the judicious application of . these waters.
Induced by causes about as various and numerous as
the patients affected, a correct understanding of each
case becomes a necessity in order that the full benefit of
the waters may be received. The warm bath, in connec-
tion with the internal use of these waters, has never yet
failed to alleviate or cure when used in accordance with
competent advice and reasonable perseverance. This
point needs to be especially impressed upon the patient.
The approaches of disease in these chronic cases have
been so insidious that, in many, a term of years has elapsed
before their distinct development. The lesson of this
fact should impress upon the patient's mind the absolute
necessity of "iwrae" in which nature can, under the
assisting, healing forces, work oflF her old and diseased
parts, and assert herself in a new and healthy form. A
EIOHFIELD MIMEEAL WATERS.
197
most marked case of speedy relief was enjoyed by a gem
tleman, some three years since, from England. Being
entirely helpless, he was carried by the sailors, from the
dock in Liverpool,, on hoard the steamship, which in due
time landed him in New' York, where, by simular agen-
cies, he was carried from the ship to the coach which ^
placed him lipou the train that landed him in Eichfield.
The reader wiir readily linderstatid that rheumatism
had deprived him of the power of locomotion. In less
than four weeks from Liverpool, he was walking about
this village, and taking his baths unassisted, except by
his cane. This case was undoubtedly an exceptional
one, on any othei* hypothesis than that his disease was
of but recent origin. ;
A very severe case of chronic rheumatism was a
Mrs. M , aged fifty-five years, who was brought here
in 1867. Her disease was " ortiGular," with more or les8
muscular deformity, and utterly powerless to move or
help herself. "WascarMed to the baths, of which she was
able to take only six the first season, and attended with but
slight improvement. Drank the waters during the fol-
lowing winter, and returned in the sprihg of 1868, with
marked improvement, walking with the aid of crutches.
"Was able to increase the baths to two a week during
this season, and returned home, able to walk without
crutches. Came again in the spriog of 1869. and at the
end of this season returned home with greatly improved
health. In 1873 she spent the season with an invalid
friend, so thoroughly well as to occupy the fourth fioor at
the Spring House, during her stay here.
Mrs. F , aged thirty-five years, came here in 1867
with a most aggravated case of eczema, the whole surface
of the body diseased, unable to see any one exciept her
attendant, receiving her meals in her room, and going -to
298 EIOHFIEI,D HPEINGS AND VICINITY.
the baths closely veiled. The second season she was
cured. Visited these Springs in 1872, entirely free from
her old complaint.
THE MAGNESIA SPEINO-.
This fountain is located just to the north of the large
sulphur spring. Has for many years been known to contain
important and useful medical properties, amounting to
specifics in the cure of the following special diseases and
their kindred ailments :
Dyspepsia, gastralgia, water-brash, chronic gastritis,
diseases of the liver, chronic diarrhoea, diseases of the
urinary organs, diabetes, catarrh of the bladder, Bright's
disease of the kidneys, and the correlative diseases.
The same general rules to be observed by the patient
laid down for the other springs applies also to this. The
freedom with which these mineral waters can be obtained,
should not tempt the patient to an excessive use of them.
Case. — Mr. E , aged fifty years, a lawyer, from
Utica, visited these springs fourteen years ago, and not
getting the relief anticipated from the sulphur spring,
had recourse to the magnesia water, with such satis-
factory results that he enthusiastically urges his dyspeptic
iriends to commence the use of these waters.
CHRONIC DIAREHOSA.
Case. — ^Mr. S -, aged fifty-six years, came here in
reduced flesh, having been afilicted with this disease for
three years. Commenced with small doses three times a
day. Gradually improved, with restored strength and
edacity the first season. Took no baths.
THE CHALYBEATE WATER.
This spring is know a to possess remarkable tonic
properties, found to be useful in a great variety of female
•" KICHFIELl) MINERAL WATEES. ' 21J9
diseases and general- debility. They have proved useful
in the treatment of amenorrhcea, dismenorrhcea, chlorosis,
leucorrhdea, ulceration of the uterus, and all nervous dis-
eases.. The restorative power of the "mineral waters"
of Eichfield have been abundantly demonstrated under
my personal observation.
EICHFIELD MINEEAL WATEES.
BY W. B. GRAIN, M.D.
DocTOE W. T. Bailey : .1
Dear Sie : — I thank you for your unmerited con-;
sideratioii in requesting of me an article on the use of the
" mineral waters " of Eichfield. Their increasing import-
ance magnifies the compliment, inasmuch as for that. rea-
son even what I shall write will be the more likely to be
read, like the other portions of your undoubtedly interests
ing work. The earnest pursuit of my profession for some
years in this vicinity, has not only impelled me to some
acquaintance with the medicinal properties of the waters,
but has also inspired me with something like a local
patriotism, and a high opinion of its mere locality for
healthful and sanitary purposes. In considering the
merits of various "watering-places," we are not to con-
fine ourselves to the waters alone. If this were so, the
waters of Baden Baden/ or Saratoga might just as well
be used at home. To represent the hygienic claims of
this or that locality', by a bottle of their waters, would
be like the man who, having a farm to sell, carried about
in his pocket a little box of the soil as a specimen. To
sonieextentit may be a caprice of mine — but repeated
observation has convinced me that Eichfield and vicinity
200 KICHFIELD SPEINGS AND VICmiTY.
have some other sanitary claims by no means to be (Jisre-
garded. I see them through their unusually clear and
bracing atmosphere. I see them in their deep, rich, and
thoroughly wholesome soil — in the longevity bespoken
by their living, and written on the tombstones of their
dead. The old buried *. centenarian of the " Boston Tea-
party " furnishes an example.
It is also of some consequence in connection with
health, that a watering-place should be ample in its nat-
ural incentives and provisions for out-door exercises, em-
ployments, and pleasures ; and what locality can be more
80 than that of Richfield ? The attractiveness of its
drives, rides, and rambles — its fishing, boating, and pleas-
ure parties, and the beauty and magnificence of its sur-
rounding scenery, are now almost proverbial. The body
is invigorated together with the soul. The blood tingles as
the lungs imbibe the cool dry air, and the eyes feast upon
the splendid prospects of nature. To this we may add that
the place, once so difficult of access, is now easy by rail,
with ample comforts on arrival. A few years since the
charge of " too full " was justly made ; and when the
guest complained of his coffee, he perhaps had ^'■graiindsP
But not so now. All that fine hotels or cosey lodgings
can do for the " creature comforts " of the invalid are fall
and complete.
It is a great mistake to suppose that mineral waters,
and what are now known as " watering-places," are at
all modern in their celebrity. They were well known to
the Greeks and Romans, and have been more or less so
through all the ages since. Galen, Hippocrates, and many
others of their time were well acquainted with their hy-
gienic value, and applied them systematically to the cure
of diseases. The Romans, "prompted by gratitude for
* G. E. T. Hewesj aged 109 years.
EICHFIELD MraEEAI- WATERS. 201
the benefits which they derived from them, decorated
their sites with edifices." In 1670 the mineral waters
of France were first analyzed by a commission of the
Academy of Sciences, and from that time to the present
the use of such remedies has been steadily increasing, as
well as the public confidence in their efficacy. The best
known mineral waters are now prescribed by the medical
faculty in certain cases with as much confidence as any
preparation of the apothecary. Mineral waters are gen-
erally divided into four varieties, viz. acidulous, chaly-
beate, saline, and sulphurous f to the latter of which
mostly belong those of Eichfield. This was the variety
patronized largely by the luxurious Eomans, however
disagreeable their odors may prove to modern nostrils.
"With all that chemical learning has done in the
analysis of mineral wa.ters (^nd there is yet much undone),
their real stamp of value is involved, simply, in what
experience has decide d as to their efficacy. If it be true,
that most of the mineral waters longest used and best
known have never been thoroughly analyzed, the same is
doubly true of the waters of Eichfield ; but it is equally
true that within the comparatively brief time that has
elapsed since they became .at, all extensively known,
their curative powers have proven very remarkable. With
all that has been written in Europe and America on the
subject of mineral waters, it is perhaps not very surpris-
ing that nothing has yet appeared doing any justice to
the waters of Richfield. The celebrity they have earned
in spite of this fact, is the best proof of their real worth.
But the time is certainly come when . something should
be written of which the little I shaU say is a mere pre-
lude. There should be a work of some kind, .embodying
a guide to the use of these waters, and enabling those
who employ them to do it with intelligence. It is not
202 RICHFIELD SPE1NG8 AND VICINITY.
my design to prescribe rules for their nse in obscure and
intricate cases — as any one at all familiar with the vari-
ous forms of disease would at once recognize its im-
practicability ; but general rules may with propriety be
stated. I am indebted to Drs. Bell, Moorman, Arm-
strong, and others, for many valuable ideas, and have
freely consulted their works in the preparation of this
letter.
As a rule, no preparatory treatment is required before
commencing the use of the waters. Plethoric subjects
with a naturally sluggish liver, who suffer from undue
determination of blood to the brain, may with advantage
anticipate their use by a mild purgative ; but the neces-
sity for powerful cathartics seldom exists. Cold water
may be most safely indulged in during the early part
of the day, when the body is in its " greatest vigor."
Toward evening it is less able to resist strong impressions.
Hence a full glass of the water one hour before break-
fast, and a second glass thirty minutes later, may be taken
with impunity by the majority of persons, and perhaps
with more benefit than at any other hour of the day.
A third glass may be taken one hour before dining, and a
fourth before tea. Large draughts are hurtful, and it is
unnecessary to gorge the stomach with mineral waters
in order to obtain their remedial effects. It must be
admitted that there are those who take enormously large
quantities for many consecutive days without apparent
inconvenience or injury, and come to tlie " Springs " with
the conviction that the sooner they can "saturate" their
systems, the more rapidly will their ailments disappear.
Not only is this theory untenable, but flooding the
stomach with large and continued potations of water
may not only produce serious derangement of the
digestive organs, but engender such repugnance to the
BICHPIELD MINERAL WATERS.
20'g
waters as to thwart the sole object in coming to the
Springs. Dr. Bell remarks that "water drunk to excess
distends the stomach, diiates to extreme tenuity the
gastric juice, diminishes the vital energy of the gastric
mucous membrane. Nausea, flatulence, oppression at the
pit of the stomach, colics, diarrhoea, aqueous plethora of
the vascular system, weakness • of the nervous centres,
pallor, and aversion to locomotion, may all follow in the
train of excessive potations of water." Mineral waters
are confessedly powerful stimulants to the glandular
system, and their alterative effect can in no way be so
surely obtained as by taking moderate fjuantities at suit-
able hours. Inordinate draughts simply excite the kid-
neys and bowels to undue action, and are consequently
not retained in the system sufficiently long to produce
their alterative influence. Like all remedies of equal
potency, they should be taken guardedly at first, and
the quantity increased as tolerance is manifest and th6
iiature of the malady seems to demand. Too much cau-
tion cannot be observed by those who suffer from debility
of the digestive organs — especially females whose nervous
systems have been prostrated by chronic diseases, and
who so constantly suffer from gastralgia and the kindred
disorders of the digestion apparatus. Such patients, how-
ever, may derive lasting benefit from the waters taken
with moderation. The more serious the derangements
of the digestive organs the greater should be the cau-
tion in using them. The magnesia water is well adapt-
ed to cases of enfeebled digestion as experience has
shown ; but even it should be allowed to stand in an
open vessel sufficiently long for the gas to escape before
it is taken. Those who have a lymphatic constitution,
who are feeble and infirm, and who suffer from a morbid
sensibility of the mucous surfaces, may with propriety
204 RICHFIELD SPEIWGS AJTD TICIKITT.
take the waters before rising, and they may with benefit
anticipate their use by some mild and nourishing drink
— a part of a cup of broma answering a very good pur-
pose.
Elderly persons suffering from chronic urinary dis-
ease should never attempt the use of the waters until
they have sought advice. Giddiness and the unpleasant
feeling of constriction about the forehead sometimes ex-
perienced after taking the waters, may usually be pre-
vented by drinking them two hours after instead of before
meals. Mineral waters or cold drinks of any kind should
never be indulged in immediately before or immediately
ftfter taking food. The stomach is then occupied with
the digestive process, and any interruption is likely to
^e followed by not only temporary inconvenience, but
permanent stomachic derangement. Upon the nature
and duration of the disease, ai?d the susceptibilities of the
system to remedial agents, lYill depend the length of
time it will be necessary to use the waters before the
desired effect is"pro(Jueed. Fo^ many constitutions a
three weeks' course is sufficient, while others require to
tS/ke the waters during a period of six weeks or more
before experiencing a decided impression. Dr. Moorman,
in his most valuable treatise on mineral waters, in. speak-
ing of the White Sulphur of Virginia, says : " In some
cases, where the system is previously well prepared, and
the subsequent management judicious, the "White Sul-
phur will produce its alterative operations in about two
weeks: such cases, however, are rare, and it will gen-
erally be found that from three to six weeks or even
longer must elapse under its use before those profound
changes are wrought which precede and insure a return to
health." These remarks, so far as they relate to time, are
applicable to all our mineral waters that remove disease
BICHFIELD MINEBAL WATERS. 205
by virtue of their alterabvoe action. It is not unusual
to liear persons remark that they experienced no benefit
fromlhe waters while at 'Cn'Si Bprvags, but felt themselve*
improved after returning to their homes. The same good
results would doubtless have been manifest had they
remained at the resort sufficiently long to observe the
" sanative " effect. Similar experience attends the use
of all alterative remedies; and if we based oiir ideas of
the value of mineral waters upon their smsihU effects
alone, such as increased intestinal and renal action, we
should often be discouraged in the very onset.
Perhaps no marked change will be noticed in the
action of any organ while using the waters, yet the
quiet work of restoring a healthy tone to the glandular
system may commence when the first glass is taken :
should the powerful diwpe^p&iiA cathartic a,c,tion so
usually looked for not followthe use of the waters, the
patient need not be disheartened. A change in the
character of the secretions and excretions is oftentimes
of vastly more importance than a mere increase or dimi-
nution of either, and the work of restoring the economy
to its normal integrity will take place under the use of
the waters, though no increased action of the kidneys
or bowels is observed.
In HEPATIC DERANGEMENTS the Kichfield waters act
with decided force; hence abdominal plethora, ascites,
defective digestion, depression of spirits, etc, etc., re-
sulting from a torpid conditipno:^ the liver, are usually
promptly relieved. -Constipation resulting from deficient
biliary; secretion, or from atony of, the muscular coat of
the intestines is usually rnuch benefited. In neuralgia,
nervous debility, hysteria, and chorea, the invigorating
influence of these waters, aided by the bracing air of the
neighborhood, is at once observable. iNervous pains
206 EICHFIELD SPRIKGS AND TICINITT.
recurring in paroxysms and affecting different parts of tte
body, so commonly the result of a rheumatic or gouty
diathesis, quickly disappear under the use of these waters.
In chronic inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, and
urethra, when not dependent upon serious structural dis-
ease, a course of the baths combined with drinking the
waters has in very many cases proven most beneficial.
By chemically altering the quality of the blood the urine
is rendered less irritating to the urinary passages, and
hence the waters in this way prove serviceable in this
class of diseases, besides acting powerfully as a diuretic.
In chronic rheumatic and gouty affections, the Rich-
field waters have a well-merited reputation. Dr. Fuller,
in his treatise on Eheumatism, says of the use of mineral
waters in this disease, " that when everything else fails,
they not unfrequently afford extraordinary and perma-
nent relief. Whatever the modus operandi of the waters,
their free use both internally and externally exercises a
beneficial influence which is in vain sought from medi-
cine and bathing in other places. The effect produced is
at once sedative and tonic. The pain-worn sufterer, irri-
table and anxious, repairs to the springs, unable to sleep
and troubled with dyspepsia, connected with a sluggish
condition of the skin, liver, kidneys, and bowels : after
ten days' or a fortnight's trial of their virtues, he begins to
find himself less irritable, less anxious, and less wakeful;
he sleeps more soundly, and feels more refreshed by his
sleep ; his digestion improves — the whole system is in-
vigorated," Nor is this picture overdrawn. Sulphurous
waters, when systematically and intelligently used, sel-
dom fail to relax the rigidity of the muscular system, to
reduce tlie enlargements and restore motion to diseased
joints, and, by establishing a healthy action of all the
emunctories, eradicate the materies morbi from the cir-
EICHFIELD MINERAL WATEES. 207
calating fluids, wliich beget a rheumatic or gouty dia-
thesis. Decided amelioration may be looked for even in
confirmed gout. I have seen unsightly nodes, so often
met with in this disease, materially lessened under a pro-
tracted use of these waters. They are not well adapted
to the acute form of this disease.
In the treatment of dropsy we have in the Eiehfield
waters a powerful adjuvant, amounting in many cases to
almost a specific— acting with decided force upon the
bowels, kidneys, and skin : when taken largely and with a
view to promote an increased activity of these organs,
many stubborn cases of ascites and general anasarca have
yielded under their use.
Many of the skin affections so obstinate under the
ordinary plans of treatment, are much benefited, if not
entirely relieved, by a full course of the baths and waters.
In chronic eczema, lepra, psoriasis, and acne, great relief
may be expected. Dr. Armstrong remarks that " almost
all cutaneous affections will yield more rapidly to the con-
tinued internal use of sulphurated hydrogen gas than
to any of the means now commonly employed." Dr.
Horace Mauley, of this village, the first physician who
systematically prescribed these waters, and who has
observed their effect for about fifty years, speaks enthu-
siastically of their virtuesin strumous diseases. Children
suffering from indolent glandular tumors about the
neck, from tumid abdomens the result of scrofulous
disease of the mesenteric glands, thrive wonderfully
under the- use of these waters. Their salutary operation'
has also been noticed in chronic catarrh and in some of
the chronic hronchial affections. The theory is often
advanced that sulphurous waters and' the atmosphere in
the vicinity of sulphur springs are antagonistic to a
healthy condition of lung tissue. This really has no
208 EICHFIELD SPEING8 AND VICINITr.
foundation in fact. Considering the severity of our cli-
mate during tlie winter and spring months, it must be
admitted that pulmonary diseases are comparatively rare
in this immediate vicinity and surrounding country. Dr.
Manley, whose opinion is supported by extended observa'
tion, remarks that " deaths from consumption are much
less frequent in this locality now than they were forty
years ago," and that he cannot recall a case of true tubercu-
lar disease that developed itself in any subject born and
reared within the corporate limits of the village ! I don't
wish to be understood as recommending Richfield Spa as
a particularly favorable resort for persons suflEering from
consumption, but I do assert that consumptive patients
are as exempt while here from the exciting causes
of the disease, and from the influences which tend
to aggravate it when existing, as at any point of equal
elevation. It too frequently hajjpene that patients yo/-
advanced in consumption freqiient resorts of this kind
either by the advice of physicians or friends. Their
digestive powers being enfeebled by tubercula;r deposit,
perhaps in the stomach and bowels, their vitality being
lowered by exhausting discharges, discouraged in mind
and disgusted with medicine, they select some watering-
place as a last resort, and without competent advice they
deluge their stomachs with mineral waters, and then
further seek to refresh themselves, by a warm or hoi
bath. A few who pursue this course may escape, any
serious aggravation of their systems, but the majority
will add fuel to the fire that is slowly consuming them.
I am confident much of the odium cast upon resorts like
this arises from the unfoi'tunate experiments of consump-
tive patients. Those who have incurred a predisposi-
tion to tubercular development by a too protracted resi-
dence in malarious districts, whose vitality has been
EICHFIELD MINERAL WATEE8. 209
lessened by confinement, whose glandular system has
become torpid,, may derive untold benefit from a sum-
mer's sojourn at Eichfield. Dr. Armstrong, in speaking
of the value of " Harrowgate " and " Dinsdale " waters
(the virtues of which he admits depend in a great
measure upon the sulphurated hydrogen gas which they
contain), says : " A remedy so highly eflBcacious in'
chronic inflammation in general, might seem at first sight
well fitted for phthisis and similar insidious affections ;
and though my experience is very incomplete with
respect to its powers in confirmed consumption, yet it
has seemed to me exceedingly useful in several instances
where phthisis was distinctly threatened. But this has
been more especially observable where the pectoral symp-
toms were complicated with hepatic disorder, as frequently
occurs ; and indeed in the commencement of most fevers
6f the hectic type the sulphurous waters have afforded
more relief than anything else. In a few solitary cases
which bore the characters of genuine and confirmed
phthisis, and in which pus was expectorated, a marted
change for the better took place from the drinking of
the Dinsdale waters ; and I recently saw two remarkable
examples, which appeared to be cured by this mineral
spring, though in both the disease was far advanced
when It was first tried." In paralysis the waters are
taken with various results; when not dependent upon
serious organic lesions, much benefit usually follows their
use. Persons suffering from venereal poison and its
sequelm, iritis, rheumatism, and troublesome cutaneous
affections, usually find in these waters a complete anti-
dote. Several patients have taken them with success
after a protracted but fruitless sojourn at the Hot Springs
of " Arkansas." In intermittent fever their good effects
are soon appreciable. Those cases resulting from a long
210 EICHPIELD SPEINGS AND VICmTTT.
residence in unhealthy sections, that have worn out the
ordinary remedies, convalesce rapidly after coming to
this climate. In chronic ophthalmia, occurring in scrofu-
lous subjects, much benefit may be anticipated.
In chronic enlargement of the spleien much relief is
experienced after a full course of the baths and waters.
Latterly, Kichfield has become quite a favorite ren-
dezvous for persons sufiEering from "Aay asthma."
Whether the disease depends upon some peculiar exhala-
tion, or, as Dr. Blackley asserts, upon the existence of
pollen grains of various grasses intimately mixed with
common dust, I will not pretend to argue ; but experi-
ence abundantly establishes the fact that persons accus-
tomed to annual visitations of this disease in other local-
ities, are here wholly exempt. . Among those who enjoy
such exemption may be mentioned Com. "W. 'S. Inmann,
U. S. N. ; Kev. E. M. Pecke, rector of St. John's Church
in this village ; Mrs. Colonel Willoughby, of Saratoga.
Many others might be mentioned who hold Richfield in
kind remembrance on account of the- complete immunity
it has afforded them from this most perplexing disease.
The value of these waters as an " aphrodisiac " has
long been recognized, and they are now frequently pre-
scribed in impotency with abundant success.
It will be observed that to chronic diseases the Eich-
field waters are more particularly adapted. They are
inadmissible in acute inflammatory troubles, on account of
their decided stimulating properties. Patients suflering
from undue determination of blood to any of the import-
ant organs should take the waters with the utmost caution.
Serious consequences may follow their use in organic
disease of the heart and blood-vessels ; also in pulmo-
nary consumption when in its advanced stages They are
likewise contraindicated in gastro-intestinal inflammation :
RICHFIELD MINERAL WATERS. 211
in prostatic enlargement the waters do no good, and may,
by flooding the bladder, do permanent injury. Should
the bowels become constipated, the urine scanty, the
tongue furred, the pulse rapid, under the use of the
waters, it is better to discontinue them for a short time,
and attempt to relieve the system by some mild aperient.
With many persons the use of the waters gives rise to
constipation in the commencement : this may usually be
overcome by judiciously and gradually increasing the
quantity ; if not, its action may be aided by a glass of
Congress water or Kochelle powder in the morning, or
some mild pill after dining. It may generally be con-
sidered a. favorable indication when patients take the
waters with pleasure.
The warm sulphur baths are usually employed in aid
of the waters taken internally ; and besides accomplish-
ing all that an ordinary warm bath does, they exert a
particulary tonic influence. The temperature of the
bath is important, and should be considered by all,
especially invalids. A cool bath ranges from 60° to T5° ;
temperate bath, from 15° to 85° ; a tepid bath, from 85°
to 90° ; warm bath, from 92° to 98° ; a hot bath, from 98°
to 112° Fahrenheit. The warm sulphur baths are mostly
in vogue here, though bran and medicated baths are often
prescribed. !No more grateful and appropriate remedy
can be prescribed for the fatigue incident to a long jour-
ney, when the sldn is harsh and dry, the pulse irritable,
the secretions scanty, than a warm bath. By allaying
the irritability of the nervous system, refreshing sleep
is almost always insured. The catalogue of diseases to
which the baths are applicable is quite large, but I deem
it sufficient to mention a few only, and those most fre-
quently treated. It may be said that the bath is useful
in most cases in which the water is admissible : hence
212 RICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITY.
in - chronic rheumatism and gout, in chronic affections
of the liver and spleen. By relieving the congestion
of the gastro-enteric mucous membrane, they prove bene-
ficial in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery ; in the same
manner long-standing nephritic affections and diseases
of the bladder are relieved. In many of the functional
diseases of the womb, such as painful and deficient men-
struation, chronic engorgement of the uterus, and the
various diflSculties attending the final suppression.
Abdominal neuralgia, gastralgia, and nephritic colic are
also successfully treated by the warm bath. I have
watched with the greatest satisfaction the effects of the
baths and water in a vast number of cases of sciatica.
I cannot recall one that was not benefited, but very many
that were entirely cured, i^o one who has observed the
effect of mineral waters when used for bathing purposes,
will doubt but that at a certain temperature they are
taken up by the absorbents into the general circulation,
and in this way exercise to some extent a remedial influ-
ence. Not only are the absorbing bnt the exhaling func-i
tions of the skin increased by the warm bath, and hence
their special celebrity in most diseases of this organ.
Acting as a detergent, the skin is thoroughly cleaned
of its impurities, which might otherwise be reabsorbed,,
its texture is softened, and its natural functions fully
restored. In diseases of this class the bran and medi-
cated baths are often used with benefit.
The "hot bath " is a decidedly active agent, and should
never be indulged in except when particularly advised;
It is, in fact, & powerful stimulant, and instead of tranquil-
izing the circulation, etc., like the warm bath, it excites
the heart to undue action : under its influence the skin
becomes red, the pulse rapid, the respirations hurried,
and the mind obtuse. After a time, profuse perspiration
EICHFIELD MINEEAL WATERS. 213
sets ID, which is iisually followed by decided languor and
debility. Before breakfast is probably the most suitable
time for bathing ; but guests usually find it more conve-
nient to bathe between the hours of 10 a. m. and 1 p. m.
A hot or warm bath should never be indulged in while
the stomach is occupied with the process of digestion ;
and a short time should always elapse after the bath, be-
fore taking food, in order that the mucous lining of the
stomach may recover from the excitement incident to
the bath. No good objection can be urged to the use
of the bath immediately before retiring at night, espe-
cially when patients seek, in addition to the other good
eifects, the boon of refreshing sleep.
The duration of the bath will depend much upon the
susceptibilities of the patient and the nature of the dis-
ease. As a rule it should not exceed fifteen or twenty
minutes ; but in some obstinate troubles, the immersion
may be continued for an hour or more (in warm bath)
with entire safety, and perhaps with better prospect of
relief.
Should symptoms of vertigo and confusion of thought
supervene upon the use of the baths, they may usually
be relieved by the application of a towel saturated in
cold water to the forehead. It is perhaps well for the
inexperienced to use this as a preventive during the
bath.
After coming from the bath, every patient should re-
tire, and remain comfortdbl/y covered in bed for an hour
at least, in order that the equilibrium of the circulation
may be restored before the body is again exposed to
atmospheric changes.
The matter of dress should be considered by all who
desire to reap the full benefits of the baths and waters, and
who expect to render comfortable their stay at Kichfield.
214 EIOHFIELD SPKINQS AND VICINITT.
The average temperature during the months of July and
August does not vary much from eighty-five degrees
during the day ; but after sunset the thermometer often,
falls rapidly to sixty, and continues to indicate this
low temperature during the entire night. While this is
eminently conducive to sleep, persons not accustomed to
such sudden transitions are very likely to suffer serious
inconvenience from them. A suit that is adapted to the
spring months in our northern climates should always be
at hand ; besides, a firm overcoat or shawl will often be
found a most comfortable companion. Delicate persons,
who are particularly susceptible to colds, who suffer from
neuralgia or rheumatisim, should always wear woven silk
or sofb flannel wraps.
Eegimen. — The less the stomach is harassed by indi-
gestible and unwholesome food, the more readily will
the waters be assimilated. It would be a very difficult
matter to suggest the particular kind or quantity of food
that should be taken by the different persons who come
here from year to year, and a still more difficult matter to
insist upon your suggestions being carried out. Inasmuch
as the waters tend to stimulate the appetite, it is well for
all to be guarded as to the quantity as well as the quality
of food they take, selecting, from the variety presented
them, that which is light and nourishing, and best adapted
to their powers of digestion and assimilation. As a rule,
the same good judgment that protects them from indis-
cretions in diet while using the more familiar remedies,
will serve them during the use of mineral waters.
The old and infirm to whom wine has become a ne-
cessary of life, are not required to abstain from it while
taking the waters. Those who are sufficiently strong to
forego its* use, especially rheumatic and gouty subjects,
THE LAKE HOUSE. 215
who can so often trace their sufferings to too free indul-
gence, would do well to abandon all stimulants.
Yery truly yours,
Wm. Bakee Ckain, M.D.
EiCHFiEiiD Spa, N. T., March 18, 1874.
THE LAKE HOUSE.
W. H. LEWIS, PKOPEIETOE.
This well-knowu and popular resort is located on
the. northeastern shore of Canadarago Lake, about one
mile from the centre of the village. This house was
erected in 1843, and has been devoted exclusively to the
entertainment of {he'giiests of the Springs,* possessing
every facility for fishing, hunting, and sailing on the lake,
where a fleet of row and sail boats is always in readi-
ness. A grayel-walk, beautifully shaded • by large and
gracefully sweeping willows, leads from the Lake House
to the shore of the lake, where seats are provided, that
invite us to while away the sultry hours, and inhale the
freshening breezes that come wafting from the bosom of
the rippling waters that glitter and dance in the rays of
the midday sun. In the ravine to the left of the walk as
we approach the lake, are the decaying trunks of several,
antiq^nated apple-trees, that were in their prime when
first seen by the earliest settlers. They have since been
known as the " Indian apple-trees." In the midst of the
forest at the head of the lake is a large pool of " sulphur
water," that has no doubt exhaled its sulphurous fumes
to the forest air for unknown centuries.
* Lewis' sumptuoua game dinners are no doubt lemembered
with pleasoie by many who have partaken of them.
216 RICHFIELD SPRINGS AND VICINITT.
WALNUT-GEOVE HOUSE.
WM. VAN OUEEN, PKOPEIETOE.
This house is situated two miles from the village of
Uichfield Springs, ou the eastern shore of the lake, and
directly opposite the island. The house is open through
the boarding season for the entertainment of guests and
pleasure-seekers, and is connected with the Springs by a
regular line of cmmibuses. The shore of the lake at this
point is pleasantly shaded by large walnut-trees, and a
fleet of row-boats kept for the pleasure of visitors. It is
a "very inviting resort.
SUMMEE.
As health is more to be prized than silver and gold,
and the heated term approaches, we turn away from the
thronged streets of the large commercial towns and rest-
less cities, to breathe the invigorating air of the moun-
tains and valleys of the beautiful country. With what
delightful emotions of freedom and pleasure do we greet
the open and luxuriant fields, fragrant with wild flowers
and sweet-scented clover, blooming fruit-trees, and varie-
gated forests, flUed with the music of birds that " sing
among the branches," peacefully gliding rivers, rapidly
flowing streams, leaping cascades, towering precipices,
and cool umbrageous retreats, that invite us to their
sylvan bowers ! "Wild and romantic lakes, with isolated
islands, lovely cottages, and lordly mansions, are scattered
throughout. Central New York, and await the weary
guests fleeing from the heated walls and impure streets
SUMMKE, 217
of city life, to spend the summer days in cool retreats
of luxury and repose. All the rhapsodies of the poets
have never exaggerated the wonder and daily fascination
of that miracle which annually transforms the bleak
wintry landscape into the exuberance and beauty of
summer.
Can any place be found more inviting to the stranger
than the neat little village of Richfield Springs, with its
almost boundless resources of health and pleasure, and
varied attractions of summer luxuriance, with mountain
and lake scenery that affoi-d every facility for pleasure
and healthful recreation ?
And now the delightful time has come, with i' the
leafy month of June" and
" Summer is in the air, odors are everywhere ;
Idle birds are singing loud and clear ;
Brooks are bubbling over, heads of crimson clover
On the edges of the field appear.
'' All the meadow blazes with buttercups and daisies.
And the very hedges are tangles of perfume ;
Butterflies go brushing, all their plumage crushing,
In among this wilderness of bloom.
" The thorn-flower bursts its sheath, the bramble hangs a wreath,
And blue-eyed grasses beckon to the sun ;
While gj^psy pimpernel waits, eager to foretell
When rainy clouds are gathering one by one.
" The very world is blushing, is carolling and gushing
Its heart out in melody of song ;
While simple weeds seem saying, in grateful transport praying.
Unto Him our praises all belong."
lo
218 RICHFIELD SPKINGS AND VICINITY.
THE GEEAT EAIN-STOEM.
The Fourth of July, 18t2, will long be remembered
by the inhabitants of this place and surrounding country.
The day opened bright and promising. By ten o'clock
in the morning our streets were filled with eager eyes'
and anxious ears, watching the approach of a circus com-
pany entering the village from the west. The tent for
this exhibition was located on the lowlands in the
southern part of the village, near the railroad depot.
Soon the enlivening strains of the brass band of the
circus company fell upon the ears of the merry thryng
of young, middle-aged, aii'd eager pilgrims who wended
their way toward this, the great cenir^ of attraction.
Children danced gayly beside their more sedate ancestors,
and everything " 'Went merry oks a marriage-idl." Soon
the immense tent was filled by a restless waiting crowd
of overthrew thousand people, among which the guests
of our numerous hotels were well represented.
The performance had already commenced, and imme-
diately the sky was dark and portentous. Big drops of a
frowning rain-cloud fell heavily on the rusty canvas
over our unprotected heads. The writer found himself
closely sandwiched between two sedate, adipose matrons,
with whom he shared the temporary protection of a
capacious cotton fabric.
" Lord of the winds I I feel thee nigh
I know thy breath in the burning sky 1
And I wait, with a thrill in every vein.
For the coming of the hurried rain !
It has come I do ye not behold
The aqueous vapors, wet and cold,
A whirling ocean that fills the wall
Of the crystal heaven, and buries all ?
And I, cut off from the world, remain
Alone with the terrible hurricane."
219
The rain now fell in torrents, and came pouring
through the canvas in every direction, irrespective of
age, sex, or social position; and there was no exemp-
tion from the common baptism. Every expedient was
resorted to by the melcmchol/y audience for protection
against the intrusions of this unwelcome humidity, but
all was vain. We were now fully prepared to deeply
sympathize with our antediluvian brethren, and still the
rain continued as of old.
The ground was soon transformed into a miniature
lake, and the low slippers and white stockings of an hour
before, were concealed far beneath this turbulent com-
pound of earth and water. , Young men and maidens
stood and gazed upon each other in sympathetic silence,
earnestly contemplating the mystery of this relentless
dispensation of Providence. And still it rained. With
emotions of reluctance, many took refuge in waiting
vehicles. Slowly and demurely they left this scene of
disappointed hopes, and passed silently away to their
respective destinations. Such a flood never was known
before in Richfield. It impaired the roads and streets in
every direction to such an extent that it required several
months to repair them. As remarked by a gentleman
at the time, " This is indeed a watering-place ! "
" PICKING HOPS."
Otsego County is remarkable as being the great hop-
producing county of the State ; and almost every farm
has several acres of the vine, that yield under ordinary
circumstances an average of one thousand pounds to
the acre. Hop-picking time is looked forward to with a
good deal of interest, giving employment to hundreds of
220 KICHFIELb SPBING8 AND VICINITY.
young ladies, who seem to delight in this annual festivity,
as well as profitable occupation. Young men also being
employed, connubial alliances are not unfrequently the
result of these gatherings.
" PICKING HOPS."
BY ETHEL LYNN (1863).
On the hills of old Otsego,
By her brightly gleaming lake.
Where the sound of horn and hunter
Sylvan echoes love to wake,
Where the wreaths of twining verdure
Clamber to the saplings' tops,
I sat beside sweet Minnie Wilder,
In the great field, picking hops.
Then the clusters green and golden
Binding in her sunny hair.
Half afraid, yet very earnest.
Looking in her face so fair.
Speaking low, while Squire Von Lager
Talked of past and coming crops.
Said I, " Minnie, should a soldier
Stay at home here picking hops ?
" While the country, torn asunder.
Calls for men like me to fight.
And the voice of patriots pleading
Ask for hands to guard the right ;
While from hearts of heroes slaughtered
Still the life-blood slowly drops.
Can I — shall I stay beside you,
Minnie, darling, picking hops 1 "
Very pale the cheek was growing.
And the hand I held was cold ;
But the eye was bright and glowing.
While my troubled thought was told ;
Tet her voice was clear and steady.
Without sighs, or tears, or stops,
When she answered, speaking quickly,
" 'Tia women's work, this picking hops.
ELK H0EN8. '221
" Men should be where duty calls them,
Women stay at home and pray
For the gallant absent soldier,
Proud to know he would not stay."
" Bravely spoken, darling Minnie I "
Then I kissed her golden locks.
Breathed anew a soldier's promise,
As we sat there picking hops.
" Now I go away to-morrow.
And I'll dare to do or die.
Win a leader's straps and sword, love,
Or 'mid fallen heroes lie.
Then when all of earth is fading,
And the fluttering life-pulse stops.
Still, 'mid thoughts of home and heaven,
I'll remember picking hops."
ELK HOENS.
In the month of August, 1868, Mr. Ira Whiter, of the
town of "Warren, discovered two pairs of elk horns lying
beneath the water near the shore of the lower lake,
together with a quantity of bones, indicating the skele-
tons of two large elks. They had doubtless broken
through the ice simultaneously while engaged in a fierce
encounter. The partial decomposition of the antlers
and bones, was suflScient proof that at least a century
had passed since they were deposited there. A notice
of these fossils appeared in one of the Albany journals,
at the time of their discovery.
THE COMMON SCHOOL. (Disteict No. 9.)
This district has a large and substantial building,
that was erected in 1860, at a cost of three thousand
dollars. There are about three hundred names in the
222 KIOHFIELD BPEINGS AND VICINITT.
district, that draw pvbUc money. This school has an
average attendance of one hundred and fifty scholars, and
has three terms annually of thirteen weeks each. There
are two departments, primary and advanced. In the
higher department, besides the common branches, the
science of astronomy, philpsophy, algebra, geometry,
and vocal music, are taughjt. |
Present teachers : Mr. E. D. Harrington, Miss Emma
Ar Getmau.
PATENTS.
223
PATENTS.
INVENTIONS RECENTLY PATENTED BY RESIDENTS OF
RICHFIELD SPRINGS.
"WALTER'S BURGLAE ALARM.
A VALUABLE INVENTION.
Among the practical and useful inventions of the age,
we wish to call especial attention to a "burglar alarm,"
recently invented by Mr. H. E. Walter, of this place.
We here present a cut of this little instrument, as it
appears when set up in working order. By the appli-
cation of this alarm to any building, the inventor has
secured the following great advantages over any other
appliance. The alarm, which is invisibly connected with
224 EICHFIELD 8PEING6 AND VICmiTT.
every exposed door and window in the house, is placed
in the sleeping-room, and is operated by electricity.
The simple turning of a button (or switch) on the alarm,
is all that is necessary to connect or disconnect it with
the windows or doors in any part of the house. When
it is set for the night, the opening of any door or win-
dow in the building instantly rings the hell, which con-
tinues ringing until it is stopped by the person in
charge. Closing them has no effect on the ala/rm to
stop it after it is set in motion. A small pointer or indi-
cator instantly tells you if a door or window is left open
after you suppose them to be closed. The windows can
be left open sufficiently for ventilation, and if moved
either up or down, the bell instantly commences ring-
ing, and at the same time, if the windows are closed,
raising them one half inch causes the alarm to sound.
"When the alarm is set, it is impossible to remove a sash
withorlt ringing the bell.
: Mr. "Walter says, " We use a clock attachment when
desired, which prevents the alarm ringing at any given
hour in the morning. We set them up, on a closed cir-
cuit ; by so doing we avoid the danger of a wire being
cut or broken, or the battery becoming weak or entirely
exhausted, without sounding the alarm. We use a new
and exceedingly simple battery, made entirely of metal,
which will last from eight to ten months, without any
attention whatever." This alarm, when once set, re-
quires no further attention, there being nothing to
adjust.
The Walter Electkic Bueglae Alaem Company
was duly incorporated, January 24:th, 1874, with a capital
stock of $10,000. IIoEAOE E. Waltee, President, A. E.
El WOOD, Secretary and Treasurer. First Board of Trus-
tees : h'. E. Walter, H. C. Walter, A. E. Elwood, A. H.
PATENTS. 226
Elwoorf, and A. S. Howe. ■ Place of business, "Walter's
'Eioek, Eichfield Springs, E". Y. General office and show-
room, 13 and 14 Parker Block, Utica, N. Y.
1st. BOWDISH'S PHOTOGEAPH POSING
CHAIR,
Patented in 1871. This chair is being generally adopted
by the photographic fraternity.
2d. BOWDISH'S POLISHING PEESS FOE
PHOTOGEAPHS.
3d. BOWDISH'S PATENT BALANCED CAMEEA
STAND,
N. S. Bowdish, Patentee.
4th. COLE & BOWDISH'S PATENT BALANCED
EEVEESIBLE VALYE,
For Steam Engines.
EOBEETS' EUEEKA GIANT,
A NEW Hydraulic Motor, invented in 1872, by N. C.
Eoberts, now of Leonardsville, Madison Co., N. Y. This
popular Water Wheel is rapidly coming into general use.
lO'
226 EICHFIBLD SPRINGS AUD VICINITY.
coisroLUSioN.
"We have gleaned as best we could the foregoing
history, for the use of the present and future inhabitants
of this place, and the strangers within our gates. We
have endeavored to arrange the facts in an attractive
and interesting form, embellished by the creations of
fancy only to the extent justified by the subject. We
do not expect that many will experience the same in-
terest and pleasure in its perusal that we have in its
compilation. As a national characteristic, we are too
intensely occupied with the present, to give much atten-
tion or thought to the past ; and yet, in our more serious
moments, and especially when age turns our thoughts
and aliections inward and backward, we love to look for
the landmarks of bygone years.
Beyond the French War, all in the history of this
region is firmly locked in the dark, mysterious past.
The Pyramids of Egypt, it is supposed, were built
more than 5,500 years ago, but not a trace of the subse-
quent history of their builders can be found, except as
read in those stupendous artificial relics. Silent and
grand in the midst of the ruins of 5,000 years, they stand,
to astonish and amaze the world.
But no green thing grows there now. All is ruin
and desolation. Not so with Nature's grand monuments
around Kichfield. Of far more ancient date, they can
boast a supreme Architect and Builder, who still lives, and
his invisible agencies never cease to give fresh touches
of beauty to these sublime works, making them " a joy
forever." It required no centuries of the unpaid toil of
millions of vassals to erect these beautiful hills, these
continuous mountains — to hollow out these lakes, and fit
CONCLUSIOK. 227
them to receive and garner the springs, rivulets, and
brooks flowing into their bosom. JSTor was earth's great
Chemist indifferent to the attractions of this natural
amphitheatre. Alas ! that the mountains should waste
their centuries in looking down in solemn silence upon
the lonely valley. It shall not be. From earth's hidden
laboratory the waters gush forth. A crowd is gathered
around this modern Bethesda ; all may come and be
healed. Unlike the ancient pool, no waiting is required,
for the healing angel gives it his constant attention —
none are sent empty away. The benefits derived from
the use of these waters, by thousands now living, assure
the future of Eichfield. Its location, surroundings, and
the diversity and efficacy of its mineral waters, place it
beyond the competition of any watering-place now pop-
ularly known. To very many of its early patrons it has
become a second home, and the return of their happy
faces on the opening of the seasons is looked for as a
matter of course.
By others it is sought as a dernier ressort for the
relief of ills that other means have failed to secure. We
can therefore confidently commit the future of the place
to coming generations, believing the sons of such heroic
sires will not fail to nobly emulate them in all commend-
able public enterprises and private virtues.
THE END.
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