p pE irtJIflWrffCTSBE^gS i m milJSTRATJOlSl RS Cl^atneU Bnioeraitg Slibcatg BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE JACOB H. SCHIFF ENDOWMENT FOR THE PROMOTION OF STUDIES IN HUMAN CIVILIZATION 1918 Cornell University Library F 127L6 H831883 Histoid of Lewis County, New York: jwith. 3 1924 028 853 815 olin Overs '^ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028853815 4^ i8o5- lis *^ a^' V^lSTOi^j, -OF- LEWIS COUNTY, N EW YORK, c e^WITH ^5- |(Uti§$lntlti(in^ nnd l^imgra^ltietal ^Itetcltie^ r-^^OF,;^-! SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. By FRAKKLIN B. HOUGH. Published by D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y. — 1883- J>». .4> * SYHilCITSE, N Y TRUAIR, SMITH & BRUCE PRINTERS awn BINDERS. MnccCLXXXlII, Contents. PAGE. CHAPTER I.— Organization of the County II CHAPTER II.— County Buildings and County Seat 20 CHAPTER III.— Land Titles 24 CHAPTER IV.— Topography and Geology of County 42 CHAPTER v.— Notes upon the Seasons and Unusual Phenomena 48 CHAPTER VI.— Notes upon Natural History- Notice by Travelers 52 CHAPTER VII.— Lists of Public Officers 57 CHAPTER VIII.— Professional Lists— Legal and Medical 66 CHAPTER IX. — Agriculture — Lewis County Agricultural Society — Statistics of Ag- riculture — Statistics of Population — Political Statistics — Statistics of Taxa- tion 69 CHAPTER X.— School Statistics— Personal Men- tion 84 CHAPTER XL— Religious Denominations and Societies 95 CHAPTER XII.— Other Societies and Associa- tions — Temperance Societies — The Lewis County Anti-Slavery Society — Society for the Acquisition of Useful Knowledge — Masonic Associations — Odd Fellows Lodges — The Lewis County Mutual Insurance Company 107 CHAPTER XIII.— The Newspaper Press— Pop- ular Movements — The Patriot War m CHAPTER XIV.— State, Turnpike and Plank Roads — Mail Routes 116 PAGE. CHAPTER XV.— Railroad Projects 122 CHAPTER XVI. —Canal Projects — Steam- boats 128 CHAPTER XVII.— The M ilitia— Recent Militia Organization.s — The County Armory.... 138 CHAPTER XVIII. — Commemoration Celebra- tion — The National Semi-Centennial Celebration in 1826 141 CHAPTER XIX.— Lewis County in the Late War — Proceedings of the Board of Supervisors 143 CHAPTER XX —History of the Town of Cro- ghan 162 CHAPTER XXI.— History of the Town of Den- mark ,.. 172 ) CHAPTER XXII.— History of the Town oV^^ Diana 216 CHAPTER XXIII.— History of the Town of Greig 232 CHAPTER XXIV.— History of the Town of Har- risburgh 236 CHAPTER XXV.— History of the Town of High Market 245 CHAPTER XXVI.— History of the Town of Lewis 248 CHAPTER XXVIL— History of the Town of I.eyden , 256 CHAPTER XXVIII.— History of the Town of Lowville , 296 ) CHAPTER XXIX. -History of the Town of Lyonsdale ^23 CHAPTER XXX.— History of the Town of Mar- tinsburgh 443 IV CONTENTS. PAGE. CHAPTER XXXI.— History of the Town of Montague , 487 CHAPTER XXXII.— History of the Town of New Bremen 489 CHAPTER XXXIII.— History of the Town of Osceola 492 CHAPTER XXXIV.— History of the Town of Pinclcney 497 CHAPTER XXXVI.— History of the Town of Turin 501 CHAPTER XXXVII.— History of the Town of Watson 540 CHAPTER XXXVIII.— History of the Town of West Turin 551 CHAPTER XXXIX.— Appendix 597 ILLUSTRATIONS. Adams William R., A. M., Lowville, portrait facing 389 Ager Joel Wheeler, Lyonsdale, portrait 438 Allen Capt. Henry W., West Turin, portrait 591 Allen Charles M., West Turin, portrait. 593' Allen Emory, West Turin, portrait 596 Arthur Bradford, Martinsburgh, portrait 471 Arthur Orlando, Martinsburgh, portrait 472 Blood Charles N., Diana, portrait 232 Boshart Charles D., Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 415 Botchford Henry J.. Leyden, portrait 279 Bowen Farnam J., Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 391 Bowen Levi, Lowville, portrait 392 Burnham Joseph S., Leyden, portrait 291 Clark John, ist, Denmark, portrait 196 Clark Lucian, Denmark, portrait 198 Clark Wayne, Harrisburgh, portrait 241 Crofoot Elisha, Turin, portrait 526 Crofoot John, West Turin, portrait 589 Crosby Hon. Alex. H., M. D., Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 387 Cunningham Chester S., Denmark, portrait 207 Dewey Cadwell, Turin, portrait facing 508 Dewey E. P., Turin, portrait 531 Doig John, Lowville, portrait 410 Douglass Charles E., M. D., West Turin 593 Douglass David D., M. D. , Leyden, portrait 287 PAGE. Douglass Norton, Leyden, portrait *°5 Easton Russel J., Lowville, portrait, (steel) . facing 37^ Easton William L., Lowville, portrait 3^9 Foot Duane D., Lowville, portrait 413 Foster Ansel, Lowville, portrait 3 Glenn William, Watson, portrait 55° Gordon Solon, Lowville, portrait 4II Gould G. Henry P., Lyonsdale, portrait 435 Hartwell William, Jr., Denmark, portrait 204 Hough Eli B., Martinsburgh, portrait 480 House Henry R., Turin, portrait 534 Hunt Calvin B., Lewis, portrait 255 Ives Mather S., Turin, portrait 529 Ives Selden, Turin, portrait 53° Johnson Gilbert B., Denmark, portrait 214 Johnson William H., M. D., Leyden, portrait 289 Kellogg House, Lowville, view of 39^ Kellogg K. Collins, Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 393 Kilham James, Turin, portrait 522 Lake Levi C, Diana, portrait 230 Lanpher Hiram B., Harrisburgh, portrait 243 Lee Alfred H. , Turin, portrait 521 Leonard Charles P., Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 397 Leonard James L., Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 398 Leonard Stephen, Lowville, portrait..... facing 396 Lewis Morgan, Denmark, portrait 206 Lord John D., Leyden, portrait 277 Loucks Daniel, Martinsburgh, portrait facing 465 Lyon Lyman R.is5elas, Lyonsdale, portrait, (steel) facing 441 Merrell Hon. E. S., Lowville, portrait 379 Merwin Alanson, Leyden, portrait 280 Merwin Amanda, Leyden, portrait 281 Merwin James A., Leyden, portrait 283 Miller Col. Seth, West Turin, portrait 583 Miller James, West Turin, portrait 585 Mills Deloss, Lowville, portrait 422 Morgan Luther, Turin, portrait 535 Munger Abner, Denmark, portrait 208 Munn Thaddeus E., Leyden, portrait 292 Pahud Hon. Joseph, Diana, portrait 224 Palmer William, Diana, portrait 225 Patten Daniel, Lowville, portrait 418 Peebles Charles, Martinsburgh, portrait 473 Plummer Charles, High Market, portrait 247 Potter Benjamin F., West Turin, portrait 584 Rea Peter, Lowville, portrait facing 406 CONTENTS. PAGE. Rea Rutson, Lowville, portrait, (steel) facing 405 Rjce William W., Croghan, portrait 171 Rich Alonzo D., Denmark, portrait 211 Rich Josiah D., Denmark, portrait 213 Rich Roland J., Denmark, portrait 212 Riggs Charles G., Turin, portrait 537 Roberts Chauncey, Leyden, portrait 295 Roberts Harriet E., Diana, portrait 228 Roberts Heman, Diana, portrait 227 Sackett Martin J., Turin, portrait 525 Salmon Ransom, Martinsburgh, portrait 486 Salmon Warren, Martinsburgh, portrait 487 Scovil Carlos P., Lowville, portrait 375 Seymour J. Lucius, Turin, portrait 539 Sharp Ira, Lowville, view of residence facing 419 Shepard Harlow, Turin, portrait 527 Shumway Chester, Martinsburgh, portrait 482 Stevens Samuel, Lowville, portrait 417 Stiles Alfred, Martinsburgh, portrait 476 Stiles Dwight, Martinsburgh, portrait 475 Stiles Jared, Jr., Martinsburgh, portrait 475 Stiles Jared, Sr., Martinsburgh, portrait 474 Stoddard Lorin A., Harrisburgh, portrait 244 Strong John, Turin, portrait facing 514 Thayer Harrison J„ Turin, portrait 533 Thompson Chandler E., West Turin, portrait 594 Turner Henry E., Lowville, portrait 381 Wadsworth William R., West Turin, portrait 587 Waters V. R., Turin, portrait 523 Weller Harvey, Lowville, portrait 421 West DeWitt C, Lowville, portrait, (steel). . facing 370 Whitaker Clemence, Martinsburgh, portrait 477 Whitaker Daniel, Martinsburgh, portrait 478 Whiting Dr. John, Denmark, portrait 201 Whiting Harvey M., Denmark, portrait 203 Wilbur Royal P., Lowville, portrait facing 390 Wilcox Lyman, Lowville, portrait 408 Wilcox Marcellus J., Lowville, portrait 409 Wilcox Marcellus J., Lowville, view of residence, facing 407 Wilson Rodolphus B., Denmark, portrait 216 Wright Lucius F., Denmark, portrait 210 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Adams Wm. Root, A. M., Lowville 389 PAGE. Ager Joel Wheeler, Lyonsdale 437 Allen Charles M., West Turin 590 Allen Capt. Henry W., West Turin 59° Allen Emory, West Turin 595 Arthur Bradford, Martinsburgh 470 Arthur Orlando, Martinsburgh 472 Boshart Charles D., Lowville 415 Botchford Henry J., Leyden 278 Bowen Farnam J., Lowville 391 Bowen Levi, Lowville 391 Burnham Joseph S. , Leyden 290 Clark John, Denmark 195 Clark Lucian, Denmark 195 Clark Wayne, Harrisburgh 240 Crofoot Elisha, Turin 526 Crofoot John, West Turin 588 Crosby Hon. Alexander H., M. D., Lowville 387 Cunningham Chester S., Denmark 207 Dewey Cadwell, Turin facing 508 Dewey E. P., Turin 531 Doig John, Lowville 410 Douglass Charles Eugene, M. D., West Turin 592 Douglass David D., M. D 286 Douglass Norton, Leyden 285 Easton William L., Lowville 368 Easton Russel J., Lowville 376 Foot Duane D., Lowville 412 Foster Ansel, Lowville 386 Glenn William, Watson 550 Gordon Solon, Lowville - 411 Gould G. Henry P., Lyonsdale 435 Hall Family, Leyden 293 Hartwell William, Jr., Denmark 203 Hough Eli B., Martinsburgh 480 House Henry R., Turin 534 Hunt Calvin B., Lewis 255 Ives John, Turin 528 Ives Mather S., Turin 529 Ives Selden, Turin 529 Johnson Gilbert B., Denmark 214 Johnson William H., M. D., Leyden 288 Kellogg House, Lowville 395 Kellogg K. Collins, Lowville 393 Kilham James, Turin 522 Lake Levi C, Diana 229 Lanpher Hiram B., Harrisburgh 243 Lee Alfred H., Turin 520 Leonard James L. , Lowville 398 VI CONTENTS. PAGE. Leonard Stephen, Lowville 396 Leonard Charles P.. Lowville 396 Lewis Morgan, Denmark 205 Lord John D., Leyden 277 Loucks Daniel, Marlinsburgh facing 465 Lyon Lyman Rasselas, Lyonsdale, 441 Merrell Hon. E. S., Lowville 379 Merwin Alanson, Leyden 280 Merwin Amanda, Leyden 280 Merwin, M. H., Leyden 280 Merwin James A., Leyden 280 Miller James, Turin 585 Miller Col. Seth, West Turin 582 Mills Deloss, Lowville 422 Morgan Luther, Turin , 535 Munger Abner, Denmark 208 Munn Thaddeus E., Leyden 292 Pahud Hon. Joseph, Diana 223 Palmer William, Diana 225 Patten Daniel, Lowville 418 Peebles Charles, Martinsburgh 473 Plummer Charles, High Market 247 Potter Benjamin F., West Turin 584 Rea Rutson, Lowville 405 Rice William W., Croghan 170 Rich Alonzo D., Denmark 2ir Rich Roland J., Denmark 211 Rich Josiah D. , Denmark 213 Riggs Charles G., Turin 536 Roberts Chauncey, Leyden 294 PAGE. .. 226 ,. 228 .. 524 . 485 .. 485 . 374 .. 538 ■ 419 Roberts Heman, Diana Roberts Harriet E., Diana Sackett Martin J., Turin Salmon Ransom, Martinsburgh Salmon Warren, Martinsburgh Scovil Carlos P., Lowville Seymour J. Lucius, Turin Sharp Ira, Lowville Shepard Harlow, Turin 52? Shumway Chester, Martinsburgh 4^'^ Stevens Samuel, Lowville 4l6 Stoddard Lorin A., Harrisburgh 244 Stiles Family, Martinsburgh 474 Strong John, Turin facing 514 Thayer Harrison J., Turin 532 Thompson Chandler E., West Turin 594 Turner Henry Ellis, Lowville 380 Wadsworth William, West Turin 587 Waters V. R., Turin 523 Weller Harvey, Lowville 420 West DeWitt C, Lowville 370 Whitaker Clemence, Martinsburgh 477 Whitaker Daniel, Martinsburgh 577 Whiting Harvey M., Denmark 202 Whiting Dr. John, Denmark 200 Wilbur Royal P., Lowville 390 Wilcox Lyman, Lowville 407 Wilcox Marcellus J., Lowville 407 Wilson Rodolphus B., Denmark 215 Wright Lucius F., Denmark 209 Preface. Nearly a quarter of a century has elapsed since the undersigned undertook, at the urgent solicitation of James L. Leonard, and other inends of boyhood, to gather the scattered materials that make up the History of Lewis County. The first edition, published in i860, embodied many facts that could not now have been obtained ; for they were noted down from the recollections of those who had witnessed the events that they described, and who are now no more. The great events of the War of the Rebellion have added many facts of in- terest in our local history, and a large amount of historical materials not previously known to exist, has been brought to light. Something of the unwritten annals of the early years of settlement had been saved from oblivion during the interval that had elapsed, by noting down the incidents and facts as opportunity occurred, and occasionally an error had been noticed for correction, which the former edition had contained. But the principal object in view in the preparation of a new edition, was to amplify from original notes, or from farther inquiry, the details of statements which were at first presented in brief, and to bring down the record of events in the several towns of the county, by adding a notice of what has since occurred. It is not improbable that some errors have odcurred in the orthography of names, or in exact dates, for in a work of this kind it is impossible to avoid them. We can only ask the indulgence of our readers, and shall always regard it as an act of kindness, to have our attention called to any that may be noticed, with a view of entering them in a copy that will be used for this purpose, for the benefit of those who may hereafter seek more exact information in our local history. It would have been a pleasant task, had our space allowed, to have gone over in detail the events of the French settlement in Castorland ; — but as we approached the end, it was found impossible to do so, excepting in the general way in which its history is given in the final chapter. The materials are ample, and prepared for publication, — but the opportunity has not yet occurred. viii PREFACE. I deem it proper to mention that none of the personal notices contained under the head of " Biographical Sketches," at the end of the Town Histories, were written by myself, nor had I any knowledge as to the names that were to be in- cluded, until the pages came to hand for indexing. These sketches, as well as the illustrations accompanying, were all prepared by competent assistants of the pub- lishers, who. I am confident executed their portion of this work with the same solicitude and pains-taking that I have devoted to the purely historical portion. The neatness of typography, illustrations, and binding, will commend this edition to those who may have become its patrons, and will, we trust, secure their approbation. In conclusion, the author takes this opportunity to tender his grateful acknowl- edgments to the many who in various ways, have so kindly aided him and the pub- lishers in this laborious work, and to testify to the cordiality with which his efforts have been seconded by the hosts from whom it became his duty to solicit informa- tion. FRANKLIN B. HOUGH. LowviLLE, N. Y., May 28, 1883. H I STO R Y OF LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER I. Organization of the County. T EWIS COUNTY , I / was formed from Oneida,* by an act formed March 28, 1805, which also created Jefferson county. The North- ( First Seal of Lewis County. ) ^ county had been settling rapidly for several years, and in the uncertainty with reference to centers of business, several places aspired for the honors of the county-seat^ — for at first but one new county was thought of. Nathan Sage, of Redfield, Gen. Walter Martin, of Martinsburgh. Silas Stow, of Lowville, Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion, Hart Massey and others of Watertown, and Jacob Brown, of Brownville, were then active and influential citizens in their * Oneida was formed from Herkimer, April 2, 1784, including the territory now embraced in the whole of Jef- ferson and Lewis counties, and all east of Oswego River in Oswego county. Herkimer was taken from Mont- gomery, Feb. 16, 1791, and Montgomery (changed from Tryon,) was formed from Albany March 12, 1772, Al- bany was one of the original counties. several localities, and each one had his partizans, who were doing their utmost to create a public sentiment in favor of their particular interest. It is probable that Jacob Brown, (af- terward the distinguished commander-in- chief of the army,) was as influential as any one, in creating an opinion in favor of two counties, and as the local topog- raphy of the country came to be better understood, it was found that the Red- field settlement was separated by a wide swampy region from the rest — a region that to this day remains to a great ex- tent a wilderness. A beginning had been made at Cham- pion, in anticipation of its being a county- seat, and two or three lawyers, who af- terwards elsewhere acquired eminence, settled there. One of these was Moss Kent, a brother of Chancellor Kent, who afterwards removed to LeRayville, and finally to Plattsburgh, Henry R. Storrs, another, removed to Oneida county, and Egbert TenEyck, finally settled in Water- town. The seat of justice in Oneida county, had been located at Rome, but an active discussion was going on, in favor of its 12 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. removal, or for the erection of half-shire towns, as afterwards was done, and in the controversy that arose in the older settled part of Oneida county, Jonas Piatt and Thomas R. Gold, each appealed to the public in support of their several claims. It was evident that great changes were about to take place in the county, and active men were on the alert to make the most of their opportunity. As events were ripening for a division, the bearing of every measure that might affect the result was watched with inter- est, and each was sure to attract its par- tizans, according as it would benefit his own locality. We have already noticed the interest taken by Jacob Brown in these move- ments. He was then a young man, who had come on from near Philadelphia, as an agent of LeRay, to survey and settle his lands at Brownville. He had first passed through this region, from Whites- town, in 1797, and as settlers began to fill in the country along the west side of the Black River, he had become asso- ciated on friendly terms with Jonathan Collins, of Turin, Walter Martin, of Martinsburgh, and other prominent set- tlers, with whom it was easy to agree that two new counties would be better than one. He had a motive in concil- iating the southern part of the territory to be set off, because he could then have a better chance to secure one of the prizes. It can hardly be supposed that Turin expected to secure the county- seat, but it naturally favored the nearest point. While Stow, Kelley and others were active in attempting to show that the tendency of settlement lay further north, and it was already known that the broad terraces of rich land widened out in that direction, while to the south- ward they were narrowed in by hills. The event proved that the settlers in Watertown were a match for Brown, in securing one of the new county-seats, but by a sort of compromise, they con- sented to the location of the court-house on the extreme western border of their village, towards Brownville, adjacent to the present jail, so that it, in fact, did not fully accommodate either. In a diary left by James Constable, one of the executors of the estate of his brother William Constable, a partner in Macomb's Purchase, he mentions, under date of September 20, 1 804, some of these plans which he found under discus- sion : — -X- * * « Finding that Mr. Shaler was from home [Constableville,] and not knowing what situation his people were in, we went to Squire [Jonathan] Col- lins, who, although he has left off keep- ing tavern, received and entertained us kindly from a very heavy rain. He gives us some information of the local pro- ceedings, about roads, the division of the county, and other intrigues, and with what I have heard from other quarters it appears that Stow and Martin had made themselves very obnoxious and they will differ about the division of the county on their side of it. Each will be supported by opposite interests, and they will both be defeated by the management of the proprietors of Redfield or that of Jacob Brown, of Brownville. " Each of the gentlemen requires a court house near to himself, and if they are all to be gratified, Oneida must be divided into five; but there will be op- position to their wishes and perhaps to any division of the countv, which would be for the interest of the'land owners as the extra expense would be saved. There will be a contest for the clerkship, as Mr. Martin, Mr. Stow and Mr. Kelley brother-in-law to Stow, are all candi- dates. Mr. Stow has declared pubHcly he will have it in spite of all opposition, but the people are most in favor of Mr! Kelley."* To give definite form to these move- ments a convention of delegates, mostly ♦It will be noticed elsewhere that Richard Coxe was appointed. He was a brother-in-law of Le Ray and was living near CoUinsville. CONVENTION AT DENMARK. 13 chosen at special town meetings, was called to assemble in Denmark village, to unite in an application to the Legis- lature for a division of the county. One of these delegates, many years ago,* as- sured us that the majority of those sent, were instructed to vote for but one new county. The result of their deliberations is best shown by the record of their sec- retary, which is as follows : — " At a meeting of three delegates from each of the towns of Brownville, Water- town, Adams, EUisburgh, Malta,t Har- rison,:]: Rutland, Champion, Harris- burgh, Lowville, Martmsburgh and Turin, convened at the house of Free- dom Wright in Harrisburgh,§ on Tues- day, the 20th day of November, 1804, Jonathan Collins in the chair ; Egbert Ten Eyck, secretary: " On examination it appeared that the following persons were regularly chosen to represent their respective towns at this meeting : " Jacob Brown, John W. Collins, Ben- jamin Cole, for Brownville. " Tilley Richardson, Henry Coffeen, Solomon Robbins, Joshua Beals, for A dams. " Lyman Ellis, Matthew Boomer, Jr., John Thomas, for EUisburgh. " Asa Brown, Clark Allen, William Hunter, for Malta. " William Rice, Cyrus Stone, Simeon Hunt, for Harrison. " Cliff French, Abel Sherman, WiUiam Coffeen, for Rutland. " John Durkee, Olney Pearce, Egbert Ten Eyck, for Champion. " Moss Kent, Lewis Graves, Charles Wright, Jr., for Harrisburgh. " Silas Stow, Jonathan Rogers, Charles Davenport, for Lowville. " Asa Brayton, Clark McCarty, Chil- lus Doty, for Mar tins burgh. ♦William Coffeen, then of Rutland, who afterwards settled in Antwerp and died there. fNow Lorraine. JNow Rodman. gThe present town of Denmark was then included in Harrisburgh. The house where this Convention was held, is still [in 1882] standing in Denmark village, and is owned by Edward Leonard. " Jonathan Collins, John Ives, Elijah Wadsworth, for Turin.* " The above names being called by the secretary, respectively answered and took their seats. It was now moved and seconded that the sense of this meeting be taken whether all the mem- bers mentioned in the above list be ad- mitted to act in this meeting. Carried in the affirmative, 30 to 6. " Moved and seconded that all ques- tions arising in this meeting, excepting questions of order, be taken by ayes and nays. Carried unanimously in the af- firmative. " Moved and seconded that this county be set off from the county of Oneida. Carried in the affirmative, 27 to 9. " Moved and seconded that this meet- ing will adjourn for half an hour. Car- ried unanimously, adjourned accord- ingly. " Met pursuant to adjournment. It was now moved and seconded that a petition be presented to the Legislature of this State to appoint a disinterested committee to affix our limits for a new county, and to decide whether we ought to have a whole or a half shire on the Black river, and affix the spot or spots as sites for. the court house. Carried in the negative, 25 to 11. " Moved and seconded that the south- ern boundary of the counties to be estab- lished in the Black river country, begin on lake Ontario, at the southwest corner of EUisburgh ; theiace along the south line of EUisburgh to the southeast cor- ner of said town ; thence along the east- ern boundary of EUisburgh to the corner of No I and 6 on said boundary, thence along the line between 1 and 6, 2 and 7, to the corner of 3 and 8 ; thence along the line between 7 and 8, 12 and 13, to the line between Macomb's and Scriba's patent ; thence along said bounds to the county of Herkimer ; thence along the western boundaries of Herkimer and * Leyden appears not to have been represented at this meeting, although on two previous occasions special meetings had been called and delegates chosen for this purpose. At one of these held December 15, 1803, Stephen Butler, Moses Ostrander and Joel Jinks had been appointed, and at the other held Febniary 3, 1804, Stephen Butler, Samuel Snow and Richard Coxe were chosen to represent this town, at a convention to be held at Champion, on the first Tuesday of February, of that year. 14 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. St. Lawrence to the river St. Lawrence ; thence up along said river St. Lawrence to lake Ontario ; thence along the mar- gin of said lake to the place of begin- ning. Carried in the affirmative, 20 to 16. " Moved and seconded that so much of the above resolution as respects the south bounds of the town of Leyden be amended in such a way as to leave it optional with the inhabitants of that town to remain with the county of Oneida, or come into the new county. On this amendment the vote was 18 to 18. It was then moved and seconded that so much of the above resolution as respects the south bounds of Leyden be reconsidered, vote stood 18 to 18. It was now moved and seconded that all the country included within the boundaries as agreed to by the above resolution be divided into two counties. The division line between the two and the sites for the same to be established by a disinter- ested committee, to be appointed by the Governor and the Council* of this State. The men to be appointed to five out of, and have no interest in the western dis- trict ; and that during five years no ex- pense to be paid by the counties to be organized as aforesaid for the erection of public buildings. Carried in the affirmative, 20 to 16. " Motioned and seconded that a com- mittee be appointed to draft a petition to the Legislature of this State accord- ing to the resolutions of this meeting, and to carry the same into effect with the proceedings of this meeting. Said committee to consist of five, and to be chosen from amongst the members at- tending as delegates, and be chosen by ballot. " The meeting was then adjourned for fifteen minutes in order that the mem- bers might prepare their ballots, on counting which it appeared that Jona- than Collins, Jacob Brown, Henry Cof- feen, Cliff French and Joseph Beals were chosen. Ordered that the secretary sup- ply each of the members of the com- mittee with a copy of the proceedings of this meeting. There being no further ♦Probably referring to the " Councilof Appointment," composed of the Governor and one Senator chosen from each of the four Senatorial Districts business, ordered that the meeting be dissolved. Jonathan Collins, Chairman. Egbert TenEyck, Secretary." During the winter of i8o4-'o5, numer- ous petitions and remonstrances were presented to the Legislature, having in view the division of Oneida county, and of several of its towns. These were re- ferred to the delegation from that county then consisting of George Brayton, Joseph Jennings, Joseph Kirkland and Benjamiri Wright, the latter of whom, from his intimate knowledge of the county, and especially of the part em- braced in Macomb's purchase, was em- inently fitted for the duty assigned him. He accordingly, on the 4th of March, introduced a bill for the erection of Jefferson and Lewis counties. Seven days after, it was discussed in a committee of the whole, amended, the blanks filled and clauses added, chiefly relating to the location of the county-seats and the division of the public moneys. On the 1 2th it passed the House and on the 22d the Senate, receiving from the latter a few amendments which were concurred in by the House. The vote upon its passage is not preserved in the Journals of either House, nor are the amendments of the Senate a subject of record. The bill received the Governor's signature on the 28th of March. As the motives presented to the Legislature to induce the passage of this act, possess perma- nent interest, we here insert the petition circulated extensively throughout the district set off from Oneida. Many copies of it were taken for use in the several towns, and although its author- ship is not stated, it bears within itself the evidence that it emanated from the pen of Jacob Brown : — To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Nem York, in Senate and Assembly convened : " We, your petitioners, inhabitants of the Black river country, beg leave to rep- PETITION TO THE LEGISLATURE. 15 resent, that we hvimbly apprehend that the time has arrived when our true inter- est and the prosperity of the country in which we are situated, requires a division of the county of Oneida. On this sub- ject there appears but one sentiment in our county, and we flatter ourselves that it will be superfluous to multiply argu- ments to the legislature, to show the pro- priety of a division. We believe that your honorable body will be led to in- quire why we have not presented a re- quest at an earlier period, for we believe that no instance can be produced of so numerous a body of people, spread over such an extensive and highly productive country, so remote from the old settled parts of the county and seat of justice to which they are attached, without pray- ing for and obtaining relief. Relying therefore upon our former experience in the justice and wisdom of your honora- ble body, we pray the legislature to di- vide the county of Oneida by a line * * * [the same as that which now includes Jefferson and Lewis] and we pray the legislature to divide all the coun- try within the aforesaid boundaries into two counties, the division line between the two counties and site in each for the seat of justice in the same, to be established by a disinterested com- mittee to be appointed by the Governor and Council of this State, the men so appointed to live out of, and to have no interest in the Western District. Hav- ing appointed a committee to wait upon the Legislature with this petition, and to make such further representations to the government as they may deem best calculated to promote the interest of this county and the welfare of the State, we shall not go into a detail of our reasons on the subject of this petition, but refer your honorable body to this committee. One subject, however, being of primary magnitude, and involving as we appre- hend the best interest of this country, we cannot pass in silence. That we are not ignorant of the opposition that is pre- meditated to the town of EUisburgh and Malta being connected with the lower county on the Black river, and that the opposition to this connection is power- ful and respectable, but we humbly pre- sume that we are not mistaken in believ- ing that the prime mover and first cause of this opposition* is not fully acquainted with the true interests and make of this county, and that when he is rightly in- formed on this subject he will act con- sistent with himself, and not pursue measures so injurious to a respectable portion of his fellow citizens. The town of EUisburgh and Malta are separated from the Redfield and Camden country by the strong and intelligent hand of Nature, and our duty constrains us to say that they can not be thrown into that county (if one should be organized there) without violating these natural rights and sacrificing the best inter- est. With the Black river country they are strongly cemented by natural boundaries and natural interests, and we flatter ourselves that the Legislature will resist every exertion and influence so deeply injurious to the peace and pros- perity, and so unfriendly to the interest of the State as the separation of the towns of EUisburgh and Malta from the Black river country, in any arrangement that may be contemplated for the organiza- tion of new counties. Situated on the confines of the dominions of a powerful empire, we flatter ourselves that our country is viewed with an eye of par- ticular solicitude by the government, and fondly cherish the hope that it will with pleasure pursue such measures as are best calculated to increase its strength, and advance its prosperity. " We therefore conclude by renewing our solicitation'that your honorable body will at 3/our present session cause two counties to be organized on the Black river and establish their southern bound- ary agreeable to our request, and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.f Black River, Dec, 1804." ♦Referring to Nathan Sage of Redfield ; afterwards of Oswego. fThe opposing petition referred to in the above was as follows : — " The petition of the inhabitants of the western part of the county of Oneida respectfully sheweth, that whereas, a convention of delegates from^ the towns on the Black River has been held, and the members of that convention recommended a division of the county of Oneida, and appointed a committee to carry their reso- lutions into effect, and this committee having drawn a petition directed to the Legislature of this State, setting forth their reasons for and praying such division. We beg leave to suggest the propriety of a general division for we humbly apprehend that the recent controversy in this county respecting a site in it for a seat of justice HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The act erecting the two counties ap- plied to them the names of the Execu- tive Heads of the National and State governments respectively at the time of its passage, and read as follows :- — AN A CT to erect part of the County of Oneida into two separate Counties by the names of fefferson and Lewis, and for other purposes. Passed March 28, 1805. " I . Beit etiacted by the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That all that part of the count}' of Oneida, contained within the following bounds, to-wit : Beginning at the south- west corner of the town of ElHsburgh, on the easterly shore of Lake Ontario, and running along the southerly line of said town ; thence along the easterly line thereof to the southwest corner of the town of Malta ; thence along the south- erly line of the said town of Malta, and continuing the same course to the corner of townships numbers two, three, seven and eight ; thence north, along the east will appear to you a sufficient argument to show the pro- priety of a- general and early division. " We therefore pray the Legislature at their present session to divide the county of Oneida by aline to com- mence on Lake Ontario, at the northeast corner of Ellis- burgh, and run along the north line of Constable's 13 towns to the corner of 3 and 4 on said line, thence south between 3 and 4, 8 and 9, to the north line of No. 13, from thence southeast until the line intersects the main branch of Fish creek, thence down Fish creek to the Oneida lake, thence along the lake and O.swego river to Lake Ontario, thence along said Lake to the place of beginning. And we pray that all the tract of country lying within these boundaries may be established and organized into a separate county, and a site within the same appointed for a seat of justice at such place as you in your wisdom may deem best situated to promote the interests of the people and advance their prosperity. It appears totally superfluous to make use of many argu- ments to show the rectitude of the division lines pro- posed, for excepting the line between ElHsburgh and the 6th town in the Black river country, it may with propriety be termed a natural boundary — between Malta and Adams the line is within a short distance of the south branch of Sandy creek, whose course is marked by an impassable gulf for many miles in length ; on the east side of this county and between it and Black river, the line is also marked by a continued chain of swamps, morasses and gulfs, and should the division line be es- tablished within 8 or 10 miles of those natural bound- aries on either side, it will require the aid of the Legis- lature at a future period to give that relief to the inhab- itants that justice would demand. We therefore beg leave to refer you to a map of this county, and rest fully assured that you will resist any arguments that may be adduced to effect a separation of any part of the; afore- said country where the interests of the people are so essentially connected. We conclude by renewing our request that your honorable body will take our case into consideration and grant us our prayer, and your peti- tioners as in duty bound will ever pray." line of the town of Malta aforesaid, to the northeast corner thereof ; thence in a direct line to the corner of the towns of Rutland and Champion ; thence along the line between the said town of ^"T^arn- pion and the town of Harrisburgh to Black river; thence in a direct hue to the bounds of the county of St. Law- rence, to intersect the same at the corner of townships numbers seven and eleven, in great tract number three of Macomb s purchase; thence along the westerly bounds of the said county of St. Law- rence to the north bounds of this State ; thence westerly and southerly, along said bounds, including all the islands m the river St. Lawrence and in Lake Ontario in front thereof and within this State, to the place of beginning, shall be and hereby is erected into a separate county, and shall be called and known by the name of Jefferson. "II. And be it further enacted. That all that part of the said county of Oneida, contained within the following bounds, to-wit : Beginning at the southeast cor- ner of the county of Jefferson aforesaid, thence southerly on the westerly line of the town of Turin, to the southwest corner thereof; thence easterly along the south line of said town, to the south- east corner thereof ; thence north sixty- two degrees east, along the southerly line of the tract of land known by the name of Macomb's purchase, to the line of the county of Herkimer; thence north along the said last mentioned line, to the bounds of the county of St. Lawrence ; thence along the southwesterly line of the said last mentioned county to the line of the said county of Jefferson, and thence along the southerly and easterly bounds thereof to the place of begin- ning, shall be and hereby is erected into a separate county by the name of Lewis. " III. And be it further enacted. That all that part of township number nine, which is comprised within the bounds of the said county of Jefferson, shall be annexed to and become a part of the town of Harrison, in said county ; and that all that part of the said township number nine, comprised within the bounds of said county of Lewis, shall be annexed to and become a part of the town of Harrisburgh in said county. " IV. And be it further enacted, That ACT ERECTING JEFFERSON AND LEWIS COUNTIES. 17 there shall be held in and for the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis, respect- ively, a court of common pleas and general sessions of the peace, and that there shall be two terms of the said courts in each of the counties respect- ively in every year, to commence and end as follows, that is to say : The first term of the said court in the said county of Jefferson, shall begin on the second Tuesday of June in every vear, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following inclusive ; and the second term of the said court in the said county of Jefferson, shall begin on the second Tuesday of December, in every year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following inclusive ; and that the first term of the said court in the county of Lewis, shall begin on the said first Tuesday of June in every year, and may continue to be held until the Sat- urday following inclusive, and the sec- ond term of the said court in the county of Lewis, shall begin on the said first Tuesday of June in every year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following inclusive, and the second term of the said court in the said county of Lewis, shall begin on the first Tuesday of December, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following in- clusive ; and the said courts of common pleas and general sessions of the peace shall have the same jurisdiction, powers and authorities in the same counties respectively, as the courts of common pleas and general sessions of the peace in the other counties of this State have in their respective counties ; Provided always, That nothing in this act con- tained, shall be construed to affect any suit or action already commenced or that shall be commenced before the first terms to be held in the respective coun- ties of Jefferson and Lewis, so as to work a wrong or prejudice to any of the parties therein, or to affect any criminal or other proceedings on the part of the people of this State, but all such civil and criminal proceedings shall and may be prosecuted to trial, judgment and execution as if this act had not been passed; Aitd provided further, T\\a.t the first of the said courts in each of the said counties, shall be held on the sec- ond Tuesday of December next. " V. And be it further enacted. That three Commissioners shall be appointed by the Council of Appointment, who shall not be resident in the western dis- trict of this State, or interested in either of the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis, for the purpose of designating scites for the court houses and gaols of the said counties respectively, and to that end the said Commissioners, shall as soon as may be, previous to the first day of October next, repair to the said counties respectively, and after explor- ing the same ascertain and designate a fit and proper place in each of the said counties for erecting the said buildings ; and that until such buildings shall be erected and further legislative provision be made in the premises, the said courts of common pleas and general sessions of the peace shall be held at such place in each of the said counties nearest and most contiguous to the places designated as the scites for said buildings, as the said Commissioners or any two of them shall determine and fix on ; and the said Commissioners or any two of them are hereby required as soon as they have designated the places for erecting the said buildings, and determined on the places for holding the said courts, to make out and sign a certificate certify- ing the places designated for erecting the buildings, and the places fixed on for holding the courts in each of the said counties, and to transmit one of the said certificates to each of the clerks of the respective counties who are required to receive and file the same in their respect- ive offices ; and that the said commis- sioners shall be entitled to receive each the sum of four dollars per day, for the time they may be necessarily employed in executing the trusts reposed in them by this act, the one moiety thereof to be paid by each of the said counties. " VI. And be it further enacted,Th2iX. the freeholders and inhabitants of the said counties respectively, shall have and enjoy within the same all and every the same rights, powers and privileges as the freeholders and inhabitants of any other county in this State are by law entitled to have and enjoy. " VII. And be it further enacted. That it shall and may be lawful f(jr all courts and officers of the said counties of Jeffer- HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. son and Lewis respectively, in all cases civil and criminal to confine their pris- oners in the gaol or gaols of the county of Oneida until gaols shall be provided in the same counties respectively, the said counties paying each the charges of their own prisoners. " VIII. And be it further enacted, That the distribution of representation in the assembly of this State, shall be three members in the county of Oneida, and one in the counties of Jefferson and Lewis and St. Lawrence, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. " IX. And be it further enacted, That no circuit court, or courts of oyer and ter- miner and general gaol delivery, shall be held in either of the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis, until the same shall, in the opinion of the justices of the Supreme Court, become necessary. " X. A nd be it further enacted, That the said counties of Jefferson and Lewis shall be considered as part of the west- ern district of the State and also as part of the fifteenth congressional district, and that as it respects all proceedings under the act, entitled ' An act relative to district attorneys,' the said counties shall be annexed to and become part of the district now composed of the coun- ties of Herkimer, Otsego, Oneida and Chenango. "XI. And be it further enacted. That as soon as may be after the first Monday of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and six, the supervisors of the said counties of Oneida, Jefferson and Lewis, on notice being first given by the supervisors of the said counties of Jeffer- son and Lewis, or either of them for that purpose, shall meet together by them- selves, or by committees appointed by their respective Boards, and divide the money unappropriated belonging to the said county of Oneida, previous to the division thereof, agreeable to the last county tax list. "XII. And be it further enacted, That the votes taken at the election in the said counties of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence shall be returned to the clerk of the county of Jefferson, to be by him estimated and disposed of as is directed by the statute regulating elections. " XIII. And be it further enacted, That all that part of the town of Leyden re- maining in the county of Oneida, shall be and remain a separate town by the name of Boonsville,* and the first town meeting shall be held at the house of Joseph Denning, and all the remaining part of the town of Leyden, which is comprised within the bounds of the county of Lewis, shall be and remain a town by the name of Leyden, and the first town meeting shall be held at the dwelling house of Hezekiah Talcott. " XIV. And be it further enacted. That as soon as may be after the first town meeting in each of said towns, the super- visors and overseers of the poor of the said towns of Leyden and Boonsville,* shall by notice to be given for that pur- pose by the supervisors thereof, meet together and apportion the money and poor of said town of Leyden, previous to the division thereof according to the last tax list, and that each of said towns shall thereafter respectively maintain their own poor." It will be noticed, that as originally bounded, the town of Pinckney was di- vided by a line running from the north- west corner of Montague, to the west angle of Denmark, and that east of the river the line was direct from the cor- ners of Champion and Denmark, to St. Lawrence county, passing just south of Carthage, and including more than a quarter of the present town of Wilna. The town of Pinckney was brought en- tirely within this county upon its organ- ization, in 1808, and the line east of the river has since been twice amended, as stated in our history of Diana. The boundary between Lewis and Herkimer counties has never been defi- nitely located by actual survey. It was directed to be done by Chap. 169, laws of 1852, under the supervision of the commissioners of the Land Office, but funds were not appropriated, and the work was not done. In 1 88 1, Mr. Colvin was directed to'*' survey the line, and found the southeast corner, from whence he ran about a mile * Uniformly since written " Boonville." GENERAL MORGAN LEWIS. 19 northward, and then stopped for want of funds. In 1882, the measure was again brought up by the member from Lewis county, but did not reach a re- sult. A concise notice of the man from whom the county derives its name, may interest its citizens. Morgan Lewis of Welch ancestry, a son of Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born in New York city, October 16, 1754, graduated at Princeton College in 1773, and entered the law office of John Jay. In June, 1775, he joined the army before Boston, as a volunteer, in a rifle company of which he was chosen cap- tain, in August; In November, he was appointed major of the 2d regiment of which John Jay was colonel, but as pub- lic duties withdrew the latter from the command, it fell upon Lewis. In June,, 1776, he accompanied General Gates into Canada, as chief of his staff, and was soon after appointed Quarter-Master General for the Northern Department, with the rank of colonel. In 1777, he was appointed to receive the British troops, surrendered by Burgoyne, and in 1778, he was sent with General Clin- ton on an expedition up the Mohawk against a body of partizan troops under Sir John Johnson. In 1780, he accom- panied Clinton to Crown Point to inter- cept the enemy who had made an incur- sion upon that frontier. At the close of the war he was appointed Colonel-Com- mandant of a volunteer corps, and had the honor of escorting General Wash- ington at his first inauguration as Pres- ident. He settled in the town of Clin- ton, Duchess county, in the part since known as Hyde Park, and in 1792, erected a house there, which was burned in 1832. In 1790 and 1792, he was elected to the Assembly from New York city ; in 1 79 1, appointed Attorney-General, and in 1804, elected Governor for a term of three years, against Aaron Burr, by a vote of 30,829 to 22,139, ^nd at the next election for Governor he was beaten by Daniel D. Tompkins. In 18 10, he was chosen to the State Senate from Duchess county, by a large? majority than had ever before been given, and served four years. He was appointed Quarter-Master-General of the Army of the United States, April 3, 1812, and on the 2d of March, 1813, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General. The descent on Niagara, in April, 1813, was planned and conducted solely by General Lewis, as General Dear- born, the senior officer, was confined to his tent by indisposition. After the evacuation of Fort George, Lewis set off in pursuit, but when just arrived within sight he was recalled by a peremptory order from Dearborn. The next morn- ing the latter ordered Generals Chand- ler and Winder to pursue the enemy, but upon coming up with them, the lat- ter, considering their situation desper- ate, turned upon their pursuers. In the darkness, both of these officers fell into the hands of the enemy, and the Ameri- can troops returned to Fort George. Late in the fall of 1813, General Lewis accompanied General Wilkinson's in- glorious expedition down the St. Law- rence. He continued in the service un- til disbanded, in June, 1815, when he re- sumed the practice of his profession. While on the Canada frontier, he ad- vanced large sums from his private means to pay the expenses of exchanged prisoners, at a time when drafts upon the government would not be received. His indulgence towards such of his ten- ants as had served during the war, either as militia or in the regular army, is es- pecially worthy of commendation. General Lewis married in 1777, Ger- trude, fourth daughter of Judge Robert Livingston, of Clermont, Manor of Liv- 20 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ingston. This union lasted fifty-four years. He was a member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati, and president at the time of his death, which occurred in New York city, April 7, 1844. His remains were interred in the Episcopal cemetery at Hyde Park. The commissioners appointed under the fifth section of the act organizing the county, were Matthew Dorr* of Colum- bia county, David Rogers of Washing- ton county, and John Van Benthuysen of Duchess county. The names of the Coun- cil of Appointment were at that time, John Schenck, Joshua H. Brett, Stephen Thorn and Jedediah Peck, of whom Thorn was an intimate personal friend of Walter Martin, through whose in- fluence the appointments are said to have been arranged. It has been re- ported upon very reliable authority, that the driver of the coach, in which the commissioners came in from Utica, over- heard from their conversation that the location of the seat of Lewis county was already decided upon, and that he made an affidavit to that effect.f In i8oS-'o6 the sum of $74 was paid to Dorr, a Hke amount to Rogers, and $82 to Van Benthuysen as compensation for their services in locating the county seat. The county drew $293.54, from Oneida in 1806, as its share of the pub- lic money that then happened to be on hand, when the division was made. CHAPTER II. County Buildings and County Seat. THE act erecting the county, made no provision for a court house and jail, beyond the designation of their site, *Mr. Dorr, was a native of Lyme, Conn., and at the time of his appointment lived at Chatham, Cohimbia county, N. Y. His business was that of clothier, and he died in Dansville, Livingston county, N. Y., at an advanced age. f This information was given the author by Isaac W. Bostwick, in 1852. and the expense of these was left at the request of the Denmark convention till the end of five years. Mr. Martin had as early as 1803, began to grub up the stumps for the site of a court house, but upon being assured of the decision of the commissioners, the measure was not pressed for some years. At Lowville, active efforts were at once made to se- cure if possible the location, and a wood- en building was erected on the site of the stone church at the north end of the main street, with the design of offering it to the county for a court house, but failing in their enterprise, the citizens of that place converted the edifice into an academy. The first session of the court of com- mon pleas, was held at the inn of Chillus Doty in Martinsburgh, Dec. 8, 1805 ; present, Daniel Kelley, Jonathan Collins and Judah 'Q■3^:nG^, Judges, and Asa Bray- ton Assistant Justice. This court adopted as the county seal, a design having a balance for its devise supported by a hand in clouds, with the words " County of Lewis," on the margin. The jail liberties adopted at the first session, although not peculiar in their day, or essentially different from those of other counties, will doubtless be con- sidered by many as a curious illustration of the absurd legal form and usages of the olden time, and as belonging to a barbarous period in the history of our penal code. The limits comprised the site of the court-house, a path two feet wide across the street to the store opposite, a path eight feet wide along the west side of the street to the premises of Chillus Doty, afterwards a brick tavern, (including the store, the house, garden and front yard of General Martin, and the house, garden, barn and shed of Doty) ; a path eight feet wide from the middle of Doty's shed across to the premises of David Waters, with the house of Mr. Waters, and a space eight EARLY JAIL LIMITS. 21 feet wide in front and at the ends, and twenty feet wide in the rear, and a path eight feet wide northward to, and in- cluding the house of John Waters. These were subsequently extended to other houses, and finally included nearly every building in or near the village, from Foot's tannery on the north, to the inn then kept by John Atwater, on the south, with narrow paths between, and crossing places at distant intervals. These liberties were duly surveyed and recorded, and the unlucky debtor who might find himself upon them, would need a sober head and steady eye to keep himself within the straight lines and right angles which the court had so precisely marked out for his footsteps. An obstacle in the path might stop his course or an inadvertent step subject his bail to prosecution and himself to close confinement. In 1814, the jail lib- erties were extended from Adoniram Foot's tannery, on the northern border of the village, to John Smith's hat shop, on the site of the present Methodist church, with a breadth of twenty-five rods, and after, about 1822, they were made to em- brace a square area of 500 acres around the court house. The boundaries where they crossed the public roads were, at a later period and until they rotted down, designated by posts painted red. One of these posts stood by the northeast corner of Foot s tannery, at the foot of the hill, towards Lowville ; another on the hill by the roadside, west of the grist- mill ; another just north of the present residence of Martin Sheldon, and an- other at the foot of the hill east of the village, near where there was once a distillery. The county courts were held during nine terms at the house of Chillus Doty, and during the succeeding eight, at the house of Ehud Stephens. One term of the court of Oyer and Terminer was held by Judge Ambrose Spencer, at the Lowville academy, previous to the erec- tion of the court-house. In 1809, General Martin undertook to raise means for the erection of a court house by subscription among his towns- men and those living south, leading off on the list with a liberal sum himself. The Lowville people were not indifferent to the movement, and procured the sig- nature of nearly every taxable inhabitant north of Martinsburgh, to a petition against the final location of the courts on the site already designated.* The petitioners indirectly charged the commissioners with having acted upon slight and superficial examination,appeal- ed to the map for proof that Lowville vil- lage was nearer the center of the county, and to tax lists, f military returns, and opinions of gentlemen who had traveled through the country, and were acquaint- ed with it, as evidence that more than two-thirds of the population lay north of the court house site. They stated the want of accommodation in the little village where the site had been located as compared with the larger village of Lowville, and ask the Legislature to fix by direct act, or appointment of sound and candid commissioners the county seat in what shall appear to be the center of population ; closing their memorial with the sentiment, " that however mis- representations may succeed, for a time, justice and discernment may ultimately be expected of the Legislature." The remonstrants claimed by the map, that the center of the county lay a mile south of the site, and showed by the tax list, that over $200,000 more of taxable property lay south of the court house.+ *A package of these papers has 682 names for and 474 against a change of site. fThe assessment rolls of 1809, gave Leyden 137, Turin 167, Martinsburgh 126, Lowville 206, Denmark i6g, Harrisburgh 82, and Pinckney 63 taxable inhab- itants. Of these 813 names, 630, or over 77 per cent, were claimed north of the court house. j:The valuation of 1809 was, Leyden, $188,700; Turin, $297,715.25 ; Martinsburgh, $70,921 ; Low- ville, $90,257 ; Denmark, $83,556 ; Harrisburgh, $29,- 405 ; and Pinckney, $27,077. 22 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. They denied the assertion that the southern portion of the county was in- capable of tillage, and proved by affi- davits that one principal cause of non- settlement was because the lands had not been opened for sale. They stated that nearly $2,000 had been subscribed in good faith, for the erection of a court house as located by law, and claimed that justice entitled them to a continu- ance of the site. These memorials led to the introduction of a bill entitled, " An Act relative to the establishment of a scite for the Court house and gaol in the county of Lewis," which failed to reach a third reading in the House. It was introduced by Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill, of New York, as chairman of the committee to whom the subject was referred. On the 30th of October, 1810, General Martin engaged for $1,500, to complete the court room like that of Jefferson county, and the jail Hke that of Salem, Washington county, and on the ist of March, 181 1, an act was passed for rais- ing $1,200 by tax in one or two years, and $300 by loan, to complete the build- ing. The commissioners for building were Benjamin Van Vleck, of Denmark ; Daniel Kelley, of Lowville; and Jonathan Colhns, of Turin; and the sheriff was directed to give public notice by proc- lamation when the work was finished and accepted. The first county courts were held in the new building January 7, 1812, and prisoners who had previously been sent to Rome, were thenceforth lodged in the new county jail. The body of this building, partly de- prived of its cupola, and with a modern addition for stairways in front, still stands in Martinsburgh. It was used as the court house until 1864, and contained a court room and two jury rooms above, and a jail with three cells on the south side of the hall, in the lower story, with apartments for a jailor's residence in an adjoining rear wing. Upon the transfer, in 1864, of the courts to Lowville, the title lapsed to the Martin heirs, and the premises were bought for academic and public purposes, as elsewhere described. The question of a county seat did not remain quiet for a long period, and in 1847, something began to be said about a change, which was quieted for the time being by the erection of a new Clerk's office by subscription of citizens of Mar- tinsburgh. In the fall of 1852, public notice was given of an application to change the seat of justice to Lowville, or New Bremen, and in the hope of securing this, the citizens of Lowville, partly by subscription, and partly by a town tax, proceeded to erect the building which is now the court house, but which, until 1864, was a town hall. In 1863, the supervisors adjourned their session to Lowville,* and at that meeting of the Board, passed resolutions requesting the Legislature to change the county seat to that place by a direct act, and without submitting the question to the people at an election. But to secure an expression of opinion that should be equivalent to a vote, the friends of the measure, as the day for town meetings approached, industrious- ly canvassed the subject in the several towns, and secured in many of them, both north and south, the adoption in town meeting of the following preamble and resolutions : — " IVAereas, The citizens of the town of Lowville, have tendered to the county a good and suitable Court House, a site for a county jail and a clerk's office, when the county seat should be located in said town ; and "IVAereas, The Board of Supervisors of Lewis county, at their last annual session, passed a resolution to remove the county seat from Martinsburgh to Lowville, 1859. * Session of the Board had been lield in Lowville in PAUPERISM. 23 and requested the Legislature to pass a special act for said purpose ; and Whereas, To remove said county seat without special act, would require two or three years' time, and involve much contention and strife in said county, to the damage of its interests, and " Whereas, A law to submit such question of removal to the people, has been declared unconstitutional by the Court of Appeals,* and the holding of a special election, would cost the county several thousand dollars, and protract and increase the dissensions on said subject. Therefore, "Resolved, That the electors of the town of , in town meeting assembled, do hereby request the Legislature of the State, to pass said bill now before the Legislature, for the removal of said county seat from Martinsburgh to Low- ville. "Resolved, That the town clerk be re- quested to transmit a copy of the fore- going preamble and resolution to our representative in the Legislature." These measures secured the passage of an act dated March 10, 1864, for re- moval of the county seat. The town hall at Lowville, was deeded to the super- visors as a court house, reserving its use for elections, and the sum of $2,000 was voted by Lowville, to purchase the site for a jail, and to aid in the erection of a clerk's office. This action of the town was authorized by a special act, passed May 2, 1864. In the summer of 1875, the court house was enlarged by ex- tending the building back, so as to afford room for halls, a library, consulting room for the judges, sheriff's rooms, and three jury rooms. Upon the erection of a separate county » The case referred to is found in 4 Selden, 483, and was that of Himrod and Lovett, arising under the act of 1849, establishing free scliools throughout the State. It fixed the principle that " laws must be enacted by the Legislative bodies to which the legislative power is com- mitted by the Constitution. They cannot divest them- selves of the responsibility of their enactment by a ref- erence to the question of their passage to their consti- tuents." , , , , Notwithstanding this decision, such laws have been repeatedly passed before and since the date of the above decision, which however afforded on this occasion, a convenient argument with those who used it. no provision was at first made for a county clerk's office, further than by an act passed in iBii, which required it to be kept within a mile of the court house after the first of October of that year. The first county clerk, (Richard Coxe), lived a Httle west of CoUinsville, and it is presumed, he kept the office at that place, in the first years after the county was formed. The office was kept in the dwelling of the clerk, or his deputy in the village of Martinsburgh, after 1811, until, in 1822, General Martin built a fire-proof brick office near his residence, and rented a part of it to the county. In 1829, an act was passed, requiring a clerk's office to be built, but for some reason this was not done. In 1847, the building now used as a store by P. S. Hough, in Martinsburgh village, was built without cost to the county, as already mentioned, and its use given free of rent, until the removal of 1864. Pauperism. Each town supported its own poor un- til 1825, and under the law of earlier years, the keeping of those that needed support, was let out at auction to the lowest bidders. If persons became" a public charge before they gained a legal residence they were sent back to the place from whence they came, and in the prim- itive way of the early period, were car- ried from town to town by constables, and supported in the transit, at the cost of the towns through which they passed. In 1817, a committee was appointed in Lowville, to confer with one in Martins- burgh, upon the establishment of a poor- house for the two towns, but nothing re- sulted. In 1824, the Secretary of State undertook, by instruction from the Leg- islature, an inquiry into the subject of pauperism, and made statistical inquiries, which resulted in an elaborate report. It 24 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. led to the passage of a law in that year, by which the supervisors might estab- lish a county poor-house, and Lewis county lost no time in availing itself of this permission. The county at that time ranked the 46th in the scale of pau- perism, and the 51st in taxation, as com- pared with the rest of the State. Pau- pers formed one-fifth of one per cent, of the population, and the poor-tax was a little over one cent per $100 valuation. Several of the towns had acquired a sur- plus poor fund. Jonathan Collins, Charles D. Morse, and Stephen Hart, were appointed to purchase a site and take preliminary steps for the erection of a poor house. The farm of Major David Cobb, a mile west of Lowville village, was bought for $1,650, and the premises were fitted up for the county use. The first county superintendents of the poor, appointed in 1826, were Nathaniel Merriam, Philo Rockwell, Stephen Leonard, Paul Ab- bott and Samuel Allen. The distinction between town and coun- ty poor, under the act of 1824, was abol- ished in 1834, restored in 1842, abolished in 1845, ^"d finally restored in 1851. In 1846, a stone building was erected, 40 by 60 feet in size, and two stories high, and in 1868, this was replaced by the present brick building, three stories high, 50 by 32 feet, with a wing 32 by 60 feet. It was finished in February, 1868, and cost $11,450. A separate brick building, 30 by 40 feet in size, and two stories high, was erected in 1862, for a lunatic asylum, and was approved and designated as an asylum, February 13, 1863. By an act passed July 14, 1881, the superintendent of the poor in this county was allowed to be the keeper of the poor-house. 1 The movement in 1846, was in part at j least, the result of the efforts of Afiss I Dorothea L. Dix, whose former efforts in behalf of the poor and the insane, and afterwards in aid of the sick in the late war, have given her a world-wide repu- i tation as a philanthropist. With the j zeal of a missionary, she visited the i several counties of the State, in 1844, to inquire into the condition of the poor ! and the unfortunate, and in the spring of j 1844, she visited the old poor-house building, originally built as a dwelling house for one family. It was an easy- thing to prove that there was need of a reform, and it needed only such an im- I pulse as she imderstood the way of I giving, to secure the improvements : which the case required.* The poor-house farm contains nearly sixt}' acres, and is in part cultivated by the labor of paupers. We believe the estab- , lishment ranks favorably in comparison ' with those of other counties in the State, ; for cleanliness and comfort to its inmates, I although less elaborate in architecture, i and less expensive in proportion to its accommodations than some others. CHAPTER III. Land Titles. 'TT^ N unfavorable impression as to the Xj. value of northern lands had been ac- quired from the survey of Totten and *About 1856, the writer became acquainted with the "Crazy Angel," as the friends of Miss Dix are accus- tomed to speak of her, and assisted in tracing on a map, a route of travel that would lead to eveiy jail and poor- house in the State, at least expense of time, as the lines of travel were then arranged. Afterwards, in the camps around Washington, and in hospitals in the field, we often met her on missions of kindness and of mercy, as she passed from place to place, in her capacity of chief of the female nurses allowed in the army. Some years after the war, upon meeting her at Washington, she showed the writer the photograph of a fine monument which she had caused to be erected from private means, to commemorate the burial place of some of our heoric dead, and had much to say of plans she had in hand, for the building of asylums, and for the relief of the unfortunate. Miss Dix is still living, at an advanced age, and at the first session of the 47th Congress, appeared before the committee of that body, to obtain justice in behalf of the female nurses, who were recognized and em- ployed in the late war. It is almost needless to say that she secured attention to her appeal, for it was always the easiest and best way to grant her request at once, and without argument or delay. EARLY MAPS. 25 Crossfield's purchase, before 1776. This tract, embracing the central part of the great northern wilderness, was almost the last that remained free from the In- dian title, and open for settlement, at the close of the colonial period, and was in fact just about being patented to a ring of government officials, when the Revo- lutionary war began. As for " Totten and Crossfield," one was a carter, and the other a ship-carpenter in the city of New York. The real active operators were Edward and Ebenezer Jessup, two distinguished Tories of that period, who were banished from the State in an act of attainder passed in 1779, and whose estates were confiscated. This great plateau region of mountains, swamps and lakes, was found by the surveyors who explored it, as wild and inhospitable as any portion of the country yet visited by civilized man. It began to be poor soon after passing out of the borders of the Mohawk valley, and as it became worse towards the north, the inference very naturally followed that the northern border of the State was not susceptible of tillage. On old maps this great northern region was variously named, as Irocoisia, or " the Land of the Iroquois;" Cougksagraga, or the "Dismal Wilderness;" and the "Deer hunting grounds of the Five Nations." An eld map has inscribed across the north- ern part of New York this sentence : "Through this tract of land runs a chain of mountains, which, from Lake Cham- plain on one side, and the river St. Law- rence on the other side, show their tops always white with snow ; but although this one unfavorable circumstance has hitherto secured it from the jaws of the harpy land jobbers, yet, no doubt, it is as fertile as the land on the east side of the lake, and will in future furnish a comfort- able ertreat for many industrious fam- ilies." A map drawn in 1756, says this country by reason of mountains, swamps and drowned lands is impassible and un- inhabitable. Sauthier's map, published in England in 1777, and supposed to represent the latest and most accurate information then possessed, remarks that "this marshy tract is full of beavers and otters," and no map of a date earlier than 1795 has any trace of the Black River. The shores of the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario had long been familiar to voy- ageurs, but Black River Bay was evi- dently regarded as only one of several deep indentations of the coast ; and in Morse's geography of 1796, this river is represented as flowing into the St. Law- rence at Oswegatchie. This mistake may have come from the fact that that river receives the waters of Black Lake, and that the river was actually called the Black River in some early surveys, doubtless from the color of its waters, which would aHke justify the name for both rivers. The fertility of lands in the western part of the State had become known in the cou rse of military expeditions through them, especially in Sullivan's expedition of 1779, but no such occasion led to a knowledge of the Black river valley,* and it is highly probable that when a proposition for purchase was submitted to the Land Commissioners, the offer was regarded as favorable upon any terms conditioned to settlement. The Oneida lndians,sole native owners of our county, by formal treaty at Fort Stanwix, on the 22d of September, I788,t * Belletres' expedition against the settlement at the German Fiatts, in 1755, and that of Lery, which cap- tured Fort Bull, near Rome, in 1757, are supposed to have passed through this valley. In 1779, Lieutenants McClellan and Hardenburgh, were sent through the in- terior to Oswegatchie, more with the view of drawing off the friendly Oneidas and preventing them from being disturbed by the expedition against the Indians of the Genesee country, than in the hope of effecting much against the enemy. Several musket barrels and other military relics have been found in Greig, on the line of this route, which may have been lost in these expeditions. Their occurrence has, as usual, occasioned idle rumors of buried treasure. f Given in full in the Histoiy of Jefferson Co , p. 39. 26 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ceded to the State all their lands, except- ing certain reservations, among which was a tract one-half mile wide on each side of Fish creek, from its source to its mouth, which, according to Cockburn, the surveyor, was retained on account of the importance of the " salmon fish- eries." On the 22d of June, 1791 Alexander Macomb submitted an application* for the purchase of all the lands within cer- tain specified boundaries, including the tract since known as Macomb's Purchase, excepting certain islands in the St. Law- rence, the ownership of which had not yet been settled by surveys under the treaty between England and the United States. One-sixth part of the purchase money was to be paid at the end of one year, and the residue in five equal annual installments, without interest. The first payment was to be secured by bond, to the satisfaction of the Com- missioners, and if paid within time, a patent was to be issued for a sixth part, and new bonds for the next sixth were to be issued. If at any time the purchaser chose to anticipate the payments, a deduction of six per cent, per annum was allowed. The price offered was eight pence per acre, de- ducting five per cent, for roads, and all lakes of more than one thousand acres in area. The proposition was accepted, and the lands were ordered to be sur- veyed out at the expense of Macorab,f under the direction of the Surveyor General. The sale of such enormous tracts of and at a merely nominal price, attracted * Given in full in the History of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, page 253. t Alexander Macomb was a son of John Macomb, and emigrated from Ireland in 1742. He resided many years in New York, and held a colonial office, and in i787-'88, 'gr, hewas in Assembly. During several years he resided in Detroit as a fur trader, and in passing to and from Montreal, had become acquainted with the value of the lands of northern New York. He furn- ished five sons to the army in 1812, one of whom was the illustrious General Macomb of I'lattsburgh memory. public notice throughout the State, and the occasion was not lost by the opo- nents of the State administration to charge the Land Commissioners with the basest motives of personal gain, and even with treason itself, On the 20th of April, 1792, Dr, Josiah Pomeroy of Kin- derhook, made oath to his belief from hearsay, that a company, planned by William Smith, Sir John Johnson and others, chiefly tories Hving in Canada, had been formed under the auspices of Lord Dorchester [Sir Guy Carleton] as early as 1789, to purchase an extensive tract of land upon the St. Lawrence, with the ultimate design of annexing it to Canada, and that Gov. George Clin- ton was privy to their scheme, and inter- ested in the result.* To this absurd charge the Governor's friends opposed a letter of Gen. Schuyler, and the affi- davits of Macomb and McCormick, fully denying any direct or indirect interest of the Governor in the purchase. In the Assembly a series of violent resolutions was offered by Colonel Talbot of Montgomery, evidently designed as the basis of an impeachment, but, after a most searching investigation, that body cleared the Commissioners of ♦Handbills, 1775 to 1802, p. 41, 43. Library of Albany Institute. Since our first edition was printed an opportunity has been had for examining original historical materials at the seat of the Canadian Dominion Government at Ottawa, which at least tend to illustrate the feeling that prevailed among those who then had the direction of affairs in Canada, as to the boundary that should be agreed upon between the two countries. Sir John Simcoe, Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, was particularly grasping in his ambition. He wanted first the dividing lands between the waters of the St. Law- rence and the Mohawk, as the line, so as to secure the lands on both sides of the former. He then proposed the Oswego River, — next the Genessee, and finally with great reluctance consented to the Niagara as a western boundary. Not getting this, he was anxious that the waters flowing into Lake Erie, near Eiie, — next the Cuyahoga, — the Miami of the Lakes, and so on, disputing every step till the last. We regard it as not improbable that there may have been Canadians, who anxiously looked forward to the annexa- tion of some part of Northern and Western New York to their territory, although there is no evidence that to our knowledge could be construed in support of the theory charged by Dr. Pomeroy, as to the complicity of Governor Clinton in any such measure. FIRST LARGE LAND SALES. 27 blame, and commended their course.* Aaron Burr, then Attorney General, was absent at the time of the sale, and escaped censure at the time, but in his after career he was directly charged with basely selling his influence to obtain the grant. The clamor against the Governor was raised for political effect, and had its influence on the next election. From letters of these negotiators it appears that the immense purchase was the fruit of years of preliminary man- agement, and allusions to some great operation as early as 1786, have refer- ence, no doubt, to these events, which appear to have originated with Con- stable. With a keen eye to the public interests, the very parties who had secured this tract, influenced the pas- sage of a law in 1794, fixing the mini- mum price of the remaining 2,000,000 acres of the public lands at six shillings per acre, thereby giving this value to their own. The unsettled state of the frontiers, and the refusal of the British to surrender the posts, had a serious influence upon the first attempt at set- tlement. The surveyors were turned back at Oswego from proceeding further, and the Indians at St. Regis drove off the first intruders. In a speech to the Indians in 1794, Lord Dorchester said, that there was a prospect of war impend- ing, and that the warrior's sword must mark the boundaries of the country. In the war of 181 2-' 15 it was again pro- posed to render the highlands south of the St. Lawrence the national boundary, and some such hope may have led to these embarrassing interruptions in the surveys. Alexander Macomb, Daniel McCor- mickand William Constable were equally interested in the original contract, but Macomb became soon involved in an * Assembly Journals. Hammond's Political History of New York, Vol. I, p. 58. Parton's Life of Burr, p. 176- immense speculation styled the " Million Bank," in which Isaac Whippo, WiUiam Duer, Walter Livingston and others were concerned, and a great number of men were pecuniary losers ; Macomb was lodged in jail April 17, 1792, and even there owed his life to the strength of his prison walls. On the 19th of April, 1792, Robert Benson, City Clerk, advertised the pub- lic, that as a number of persons as well men as boys and negroes, having assem- bled in front of the jail the evening before, broken the lamps and behaved disorder- ly, the Mayor would take measures to prevent the like for the future. Children and apprentices were to be kept within doors. The disorders here noticed were excited by the failure of Macomb and others, and his failure interrupted a negotiation with the Holland Land Com- pany, who had an interest in lands just south of the purchase, now in Oneida county, and who afterwards bought in western New York.* The Fish Creek Reservation was not regarded in this sale, probably because it was supposed not to extend up into the tract. In the course of the survey this became a subject of anxiety, and while some considered that the reserva- tion would extend up only so far as the salmon went, others would hmit to the union of the principal branches, and others only by the sources of its main tributaries. The proposition was made in 1 794, to meet the Oneidas, and request a person to be sent to fix the uppermost limit of the creek, and see the half-mile run out on each side of it. Upon examin- ing the patent it was found that the State had undertaken to sell the reservation, and must settle whatever damages might result to the Indians. In a treaty * A card published in April, 1792, alludes to great dis- orders among the bulls and bears, about the coffee house and at the Corners. A great pecuniary panic followed, and Richard Piatt, Gardner and Rodman, Leonard Bleecker, and others were broken by the transaction. 28 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. held September 15, 1795, the latter en- gaged to sell all north of a certain creek falling into Fish creek, on Scriba's pur- chase, for an annuity of $3 per hundred acres, to be ascertained by survey. On the 5th of March, 1802, a provisional agreement of sale of this and other parts of reservations was made, and on the 4th of June of that year it was confirmed in the presence of John Taylor, United States Commissioner, thus forever can- celing the native title to the lands of Lewis county.* Macomb's purchase embraced 3,816,- 960 acres, from which deducting five per cent, there remained 3,670,7 1 5 acres. On the loth of January, 1792, the first pay- ments having been made, a patent for 1,920,000 acres was issued to Macomb, embracing the whole purchase, excepting what lies in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. The conveyance was that of a full and unqualified freehold, with no reservation but those of gold and silver mines, and no condition but the settle- ment of one family to every square mile within seven years. The purchase was subdivided into six great tracts, of which I lies in Franklin, II and III in St. Law- rence and IV, includes 450,950 acres, or all of Jefferson and Lewis counties north of a line near the 44th degree of north latitude. The division line between V and VI was never run, and they have never been recognized in land sales, being indefinitely regarded as including the remainder of the tract. In an early map, a line drawn from near the S. W. corner of the purchase, about N. 16° E. and crossing the Black river at the northern bend, east of the Watson bridge, is theo- * In the celebrated ' ' Livingston Lease " made with the Oneidas and other Indians, Jan. 8, 1788, for ggg years, and which was declared void, the Oneidas re- ceived a strip of land a mile wide on Fish Creek, from one end to the other. This only affords another proof of the great importance which they attached to the privilege, and perhaps indicates the considerable benefit they derived from its fisheries in the primitive condition of the streams. retically given as the Une between Nos. V and VI. Macomb conveyed to Will- iam Constable of New York, June 6, 1792, Great Tracts IV, V and VI, for ^50,000,* [$125,000,] and this conveyance was renewed by Macomb and wife, Octo- ber 3d of that year. Constable conveyed, Dec. 17-1B, 1 792, to Colonel Samuel Ward 1,281,880 acres, embracing tracts V and VI, (excepting 25,000 which had been con- tracted to Patrick Colquhoun and conveyed to WilHam Inman, for £100,- 000. t) On the 27th of February following. Ward and wife re-conveyed these lands to Constable, excepting 685,000 acres, which he had sold.:!: This sale to Ward is understood to have been a trust conveyance, and the sales made by Ward, to be hereafter specified, were virtually sales by Constable. We now arrive at a point in the chain of title from whence several lines diverge, and to con- vey a clear idea of each, they will be traced separately down to the sales of single towns. Such changes as occurred within the limits of the towns, will be no- ticed in connection with their history. Lewis county comprises two whole and parts of seven other great tracts which have been known in land sales by distinct names. To the townships west of Black river, separate names were ap- plied by Simeon DeWitt, Surveyor- General, in his State maps published in * Deeds, Sec. office, xxiv, 300. f Deeds, Sec. office, xxxix, 6. if Deeds, Sec. office, xxv,'2o8. In this conveyance it is understood that William Constable, Colonel William Stephens Smith, and Samuel Ward, were equally interest- ed. A balance sheet of the accounts of these three propri- etors, brought down to July 1, 1796, shows an amount of ;^69,092.2.o, cost and expenses, and ;^50,475.io.9 profits, leaving to each one a share of $74,778.57. The current of this affair did not always run smooth, and in a letter to Macomb, dated October 29, 1794, Constable complained that Smith had never disbursed a sixpence, and was profiting by the labors of others, while Ward was bound for the bills. Smith died at Lebanon, Mad- ison county, N. Y., June 10, 1816. He was a member of the 13th and r4th Congresses, and a son-in-law of President John Adams. He was secretary to Mr. Adams when in England, and was a brother of Justin B Smith, who held the Hornby title to lands in southl western New York, for sometime. THE BLACK RIVER TRACT. 29 1802 and 1804. These tracts, with the numbers and original names, were as follows : — The Great Tracts of Land Em- braced IN Lewis County. Black River Tract (in part), includ- ing Township 5, Mantua, now Denmark. Township 9, Handel, now Pinckney. Township 10, Platina, now Harris- burgh. Township 11, Lowville,novf Lowville. The remainder in Jefferson county, south of Black river. BovLSTON Tract (in part), including Township 3, Shakespere, now the largest part of Montague. Township 4, Cornelia, now Martins- burgh, (west part). Township 5, Porcia, now Martins- burgh, (the triangle). Township 8, Hybla, now Osceola. Township 9, Penelope, now High Mar- ket. Township 13, Rurabella, now Osceola. The remainder in Jefferson and Os- wego counties. Constable's Four Towns, including Township i, Xenophon, now Lewis. Township 2, Flora, now Lewis, High Market and West Turin. Township 3, Lucretia, now High Mar- ket, Turin and Martinsburgh. Township 4, Pomotta, now West Turin and Turin. Inman's Triangle, including Leyden and a part of Lewis. Brantingham Tract, in Greig. Brown's Tract, (in part). The west- ern border of four townships extending into the eastern part of the county, viz : Part of Township i. Industry, now in Greig and Lyonsdale and part of Herkimer county. Part of Township 2, Enterprise, now in Greig and Herkimer county. Part of Township 3, Perseverance, now in Watson and Herkimer covmty. Part of Township 4, Unanimity, now in Watson and Herkimer county. The remainder in Herkimer and Ham- ilton counties. Watson's Tract, including part of Watson. The remainder in' Herkimer county. Castorland, including parts of Greig and Watson, the whole of New Bremen and Croghan, and in Jefferson county the parts adjoining Black river on the north side. Great Tract Number Four, or the Antwerp Company's purchase, including Diana and a large tract in Jefferson, and a corner in Herkimer counties. The Black River Tract. Samuel Ward and wife, on the i2th of December, 1792, conveyed to Thomas Boylston of Boston,* for ;f 20,000, all of Macomb's purchase south and west of Black river, excepting Inman's triangle. The only knowledge then had of the course of the river was derived from Sauthier's map, a copy of which, correct- ed at the office of the Surveyor-General, from the latest data in his possession, was used in these early sales. Black river was entirely omitted on the printed map, and when thus laid out upon vague information, was represented as flowing in a nearly direct line from the High Falls to the lake. The lands south of the river were sold for 400,000 acres, but upon survey they measured 817,155 acres. To rectify this enormous error, is said to have cost Constable ;^6o,ooo Sterling. On the 21st of May, 1794, Boylston gave a deed of trust of the land since known as the Black River Tract, * Boylston proved to be a partner of Lane, Son and Frazer of London, who soon failed for a large amount, and the title was subsequently conveyed by their assign- ees. Boylston was related to the wife of Colonel Wm. S. Smith, who is mentioned in connection with Samuel Ward's operations. 30 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. to George Lee, George Irving, and Thomas Latham, assignees of the firm of Lane, Son and Frazer of London, and they in turn conveyed to John Johnson Phyn of that place,* June 2, 1794, with whom by sundry assurances in law the title became vested in fee simple, with all the rights and appurtenances pertaining thereto.f Phyn appointed Constable his attorney to sell any or all lands, April 10, i79i,X and the latter sold, on the 15th of July following, to Nicholas Low, Will- iam Henderson, Richard Harrison and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, all of New York city, the land between the Black river and a hne running in a course S. 81° E. 3100 chains, from the mouth of Sandy creek to the river. In a letter from Wm. Henderson to Constable, dated February 6, 1795, the writer stated a difficulty in the lodging of American stocks as security instead of personal responsibility. All the ad- vantage he expected was to be derived from the credit allowed, and to buy stock and pledge it would cost more than to advance the money and make full pay- ment at once. Constable was offered an interest in the tract if he preferred to become an associate. Mr. Henderson added : " The room for speedy profit on waste lands in general above a dollar an acre, I do not, for my part, think very great; indeed the sudden rise which they have taken may be consid- ered in a great degree artificial. You will say, perhaps, 'Why then do you purchase?' I reply, because they have been an article in which there is great speculation, and therefore maj/ answer to sell again." The proposition of Hamilton for bring- * James Phyn married a sister of Constable, and traded at Schenectady with John Duncan before the Revolution. John Johnson Phyn, his son, was ap unmarried man. We find a memorandum stating that Phyn, Ellis and Englis were London furriers, and con- cerned in the Canada trade. \ Deeds, Sec. office, xxiv, 34. \ Deeds, Sec. office, xxxix, 64. ing the western territory into market at a cheap rate, was looked upon as an alarming indication of ruin by those making this investment. To give a better idea of these specula- tions in northern lands, we will quote from a letter written late in 1798, by one of the parties concerned, to his agent in London. After stating that the capital invested might be unproductive a few years, but would certainly return several hundred per cent, in the end, he says that in 1786, he received 3,000 acres in Bayard's patent, on the Mohawk, valued at four shillings the acre, which in 1796 he brought into market and sold at twenty shilHngs. He then mentions the purchase of the Boylston tract in 1794, estimated at 400,000 acres, at two shil- lings, and adds : — " On my arrival here in 1795, I had it surveyed and explored, when it appear- ing that from the course of the river by which it was bounded, it comprehended double the quantity, or upwards of 800,- 000 acres, the purchase being so much larger than I had contemplated, I was under the necessity of proceeding imme- diately to sell a part of the tract. This 1 found no difficulty in doing, as the land was found to be uncommonly good. Messrs. Nicholas Low and his associates purchased 300,000 acres at 8j., or 4s. 6d. sterling, one-fourth of the money payable down, the balance in five annual install- ments, with interest, the whole of the land remaining security on mortgage. In 1796, 1 had the whole of the remaming 500,000 acres laid out in townships of 25 to 30,000 acres, and sold in that and the succeeding year about 100,000 acres from 6s. gd. to gs. sterling, receiving \ the money down, and taking mortgage to se- cure the balance in five annual payments with interest at 7 per cent, as is custom- ary. I interested a Mr. Shaler in one-half of two townships, on condition of his settling on the tract, and selling the lands out in small farms of about 200 acres, he to be charged gs. per acre for his part, and to have half the profit on the sales. He accordingly went out and had the lands surveyed, made a road from THE BOYLSTON TRACT. 31 Fort Stanwix into the midst of it, and built a saw mill and a grist- mill. His accounts last rendered show the disposal of about 10,000 acres for nearly $40,000, of which he has paid me all the money received, being $10,000, and has made an account of expenses for roads, buildings, &c., of about $4,000. He sells alternate lots at $4 the acre, the settlement, of which will immediately give an additional value to the interme- diate ones, which we mean t^ reserve." A deficiency of 24,624 acres being found on the survey of the Boylston tract, this was supplied from township 2 [Worth], in Jefferson county. On the 15th of April, 1796, Phyn confirmed this sale.* One quarter of the purchase was paid down, and the balance secured by mortgage, which was paid and canceled June 16, 1804. It had been assigned to the Bank of New York with other ac- counts of Constable. The Black River tract was divided by ballot between the owners, on the iith of August, 1796. Low di-ew 2, 7, and 11, or Watertown, Adams and Low.ville, and 1,578 acres of the surplus tract; Henderson took 3, 6, and 9, or Rutland, Henderson and Pinckney, and 649 acres of the surplus ; and Harrison and Hoff- man together, i, 4, 5, 8, and 10, or Houndsfield, Champion, Denmark, Rod- man, and Harrisburgh, and 1,283 acres of the surplus. As their guide, in mak- ing this division, Mr. Benjamin Wright,t * Deeds, Sec. office, xxxvii, 214. f As this name occurs throughout the records of survey of most of the towns west of the river, a desire has been expressed to know something of his history, although he never made the county a place of permanent residence, and may have been personally known to but few who settled upon the farms that he surveyed. Mr. Wright was born in Wethersfield, Conn., Oct. 10, 1770. In his early life he took a great interest in his studies, and especially in surveying, taking appar- ently as his model the example of Washington when a boy. Becoming skilled as a surveyor, he in 1789 drifted into the State of New York with the tide of settlement, and settled in a part of Rome still called "Wright's Settlement," to which place his father and family had previously removed. He was not long in finding ample employment, and from 1792 to 1796, he ran out half a million of acres of land into farms. Returning in 1798 to the home of his youth, he married the daughter of Rev. Simon Waterman at Plymouth, Ct., and resumed who surveyed the outlines of the towns in April and May, 1796; reported with a minute description of soil, timber, and natural advantages, the following gener- al summary of his views with regard to their relative value : — " Numbers 1,2, 5, 6, 7, have very little to choose in point of quality. 6 is best situated, but 7 is a most excellent town. 5 would be called best by New Eng- land people on account of the luxuriancy of its soil on Deer creek. 2 is an ex- ceeding good town, but is not so good as 7. 8 and 9 are very good towns. 10, the north part, is exceeding good. 11, the west part, is excellent. 7 has the preference of the whole for qual- ity and situation together, and 6 for situation only, i is well situated, but I fear has not good mill sites on it. 8 has excellent mill sites, and 9 also, but are some broken. 10 is bad on the south hne,and 9 also, being cold and hemlocky." The prejudice against hemlock timber is historically connected with the titles, and had an influence upon opinion as to the value of lands,, which experience has not sustained. The indifferent quality of these lands when first brought under cultivation, is found due to the large amount of tanin in the leaves, and as this disappears the capacity of the soil in- creases until it may equal the best, other circumstances being equal. Boylston's Tract and Constable's Four Towns. On the loth of April, 1795, Phyn re- conveyed to Constable 104,997 acres for £10,000, which tract was subdivided into his employment, which turned from land surveys to en- gineering, as projects of inland navigation came up. In the surveys of the Erie Canal he was associated with James Geddes, and a large share of credit is due to him, in the engineering of that great work. He was afterwards employed in canal surveys in many other States, being in fact, the highest authority that could be found upon the subject. The Harlem R. R., the N, Y & Erie R. R., the Tioga R. R., the Chicago and Illinois River Canal, were partly built under his advice. In 1835 he was employed upon a railroad in Cuba. He died in New York, where he had resided many years, August 24, 1842. Through life he sustained a high reputation for zeal, industry, probity, and faithful devo- tion to the interests he had in charge. 32 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. four towns adjacent to Inman's Triangle, and almost reaching the south-east cor- ner of the Eleven Towns of the Black River tract.* On the 1st of April, 1796, Phyn recon- veyed to Constable 406,000 acres for $400, this being the residue of the Boylston tract. This land was subdivided into thirteen towns, which in common lan- guage have been denominated the " Boylston Tract," although strictly speaking, that tract included everything between the Black river, the Lake, and Inman's Triangle, amounting to 817,155 acres. The separate numbering of the townships surveyed out from the lands released in 1795 and 1796, has resulted in some confusion as, from i to 4, the num- bers are duplicated. The outlines of these towns were mostly surveyed by Wm. Cockburn, & Son of Poughkeepsie. The contract with Wright for sur- veying townships 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, into lots in 1805, provided that one acre of land in townships i and ro was to be paid for every mile run. It appears that the survey of 4, amounted to 152 miles, 42 chains; of No. 6 to 136 1-2 miles; of No. 8 to 154 miles, 36 chains ; of No. 9, to no miles, 39 chains ; and of No. 3, to 161 miles, 43 chains; making 715 1-2 acres due for the survey of five towns. On the 29th of December, 1795, Con- stable sold to Nathaniel Shaler, of Mid- dletown, an undivided half of 52,418 acres, being numbers 3 and 4 of Con- stable's Four Towns, and made him his agent for seUing the other half.f On the 15th of November, 1798, Wm. Constable, on the eve of his departure for Europe, appointed his brother James as agent to sell lands,:}; and under this * Of these townships. No. i contained 26,656 acres • No. 2 had 25,926 acres; No. 3 had 29,410 acres ■ and No. 4 had 23,005 acres. f Transcribed Deeds, Lewis Clerk's office, p. 155. X Deeds Sec. office, xll, 623 ; Regr's office, N V Ivi l6g. ' ' authority the latter sold most of town- ship 5, or 8,000 acres, to Walter Martin, on the i8th of June, 1801, receiving $5,- 400, and a mortgage for $6,600, due in two equal annualpayments. Upon the death of William Constable, May 22, 1803, John McVickar, James Constable, and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, became the executors of his estate, and in 1819, the latter, by purchase, acquired the interests of the several heirs. By virtue of marriage with a daughter of Mr. Constable, he had previously be- come an owner of a share of the estate. The remaining heirs were paid about $25,000 each, principally in lands. By this means, the late Edward McVickar, of West Turin, became owner of lands in the west subdivision of No. 5, and in No. 9. In January, 1853, a division was made in the Pierrepont estate. Considerable tracts of the Pierrepont lands have been sold in recent years, and they are being gradually cleared up and settled. The remaining interests in 3 and 4 of Con- stable's four towns, became the property of William Constable, who settled at Constableville, and other members of the family became interested either in lands or contracts. In the beginning William Constable adopted the plan of deeding lands and taking mortgages, but this being found expensive and troublesome, it was super- seded by that of contracts, guaranteeing an ample deed upon full payment. This contract, originally prepared by Alex- ander Hamilton, was not afterwards changed. It secured legal interest annu- ally to the proprietor, required the pur- chasers to pay all surveys, taxes and as- sessments, bound them not to abandon the premises, or sell or assign the con- tract, or cut, or suffer to be cut for sale, any timber without the consent of the proprietor, or commit any waste, actual or permissive, upon the premises. In case of default, it was optional with the party CONSTABLE'S FOUR TOWNS. 33 of the first part to abide by the contract or consider it void, and of the latter, to re-enter and dispose of the premises as in case of a tenant holding over without permission. The inflexible rule of requir- ing one-quarter payment upon purchase was never relaxed by Constable, but was changed by his executors. On the ist of March, 1817, Judge James McVickar, who had acquired an interest by marriage with a daughter of William Constable, conveyed by three several deeds, to George Davis, of Belle- ville, N. J., 5,224 3-4 acres in townships 3 and 4, then Turin, for $14,225. He also on the same day, conveyed about 3,760 acres to Thomas Alsop, for $11,500, and on the 1st of January following, for $6,- 000, an undivided half of 46 lots, in town- ships 3 and 4 of Constable's towns. On the 1 8th of December, Alsop sold for $7,000 to Davis, portions of his im- proved lands. Both Davis and Alsop came to reside at Constableville as further noticed in our account of West Turin. David I. Green of New York, became a purchaser under his brother-in-law Davis, June 18, 18 18, and a few days after, conferred upon him powers of attorney to sell lands. Green was for many years cashier of the Phoenix bank, N. Y., and by a long course of exemplary attention to its business, had secured the confi- dence of the directors to such an extent that they at length made but superficial examinations of his accounts. Soon after the purchase above noticed, he was found a defaulter to the amount of about $140,000. There is some reason to be- lieve that some of this money was used in buying these lands. Green was also deeply concerned in cotton and other speculations, which proved failures, and brought to light his robbery of the bank. He got a few hours' start of the officers of justice, and escaped by way of Lake Champlain to Quebec, from whence he sailed to France. In two or three years some arrangement was made, by which he could return, and after going to Michigan, he came back to Davis' house near Constableville, and died, September 5, 1826, aged forty-five- years. The Phoenix bank became from this transaction an interested party to the title of a portion of the lands previously held by Davis. On the 25th of July, 1801, William Constable, in part payment of notes and endorsements of the firm of Wm. & Jas. Constable, and in consideration of $95,- 704.50, conveyed townships i and 13 on the south border of this county to John Jones, John McVickar and John Rath- bone, in trust for the owners of the notes. These towns were conveyed to the trustees above named, July 15, 1802, and proving more than sufficient after making several conveyances amounting to 43,704 acres, they reconveyed the balance to Constable.* Of the lands retained to pay the creditors for whose benefit this arrangement was made, 6,118 1-4 acres in No. i, and 5,431 1-4 in No. 13, were deeded to John Jacob Astor, January 28, 1804;! and a further quantity of 3,232 1-2 acres was conveyed March loth of that year,:}: On the ist of June, 1806, Astor sold the whole of his lands in these two townships to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, for $18,477.50, receiving a mortgage for a part of the amount, due in five, six and seven years. § The trustees above named on the 28th of January 1804, deeded 743 acres of township I, and 10,074 of township 13, to H. B. Pierrepont. * In township I, lots I to 19 and part of 20=4,880 acres; and in 13 lots, I to 62, and part of 140=15,484 acres. f Deeds, Lewis county. A., 187. J In township i, 2,320^ acres, and in 13, gi2} acres. Deeds, Lewis county. A., 190. § Deeds, Lewis county. A., 186. 34 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Inman's Triangle. This tract, embracing the limits of Leyden before the western point was set off to Lewis, was conveyed February 2, 1793, by WiUiam Constable to William Inman, in trust chiefly for Patrick Colqu- houn. As the real owners were aliens, and could not hold land in the State, the title was conveyed to Inman, their agent, who had been empowered by an act of the Legislature to hold land. There can be no doubt but that this trust was betrayed. A lengthy statement pre- pared by Mr. Colquhoun, is in existence, setting forth the details of the transac- tion, but it would serve no good purpose to introduce them here. Mr. Colquhoun, was a capitalist, and at the time of these transactions resided in London, and oc- cupied a high position as a citizen and a statesman. He was the author of a Treatise on the Police of the Metropo- lis and on the Wealth, Power and Re- sources of the British Empire, with the rise and progress of the funding system. He was born in Glasgow, and died in London in 1820, aged seventy-six years. In speaking of Mr. Colquhoim, the au- thor of the " Phelps and Gorham Pur- chase," says: — "Few men have contributed more to the reformation of criminal laws, to the promotion of trade and commerce, in funding systems for benefitting the poor, and for public education in England and Scotland."* While the negotiation with Colquhoun was pending, Mr. Constable addressed to him from London the following letter, which has historical interest from its presenting the ideas that were then entertained as to the rise in value of lands, and the prospects of investment for profit which they offered : — Cecil Street, No. 17, Jan. 28, 1792. "Sir — As you have made no kind of proposal to me since I mentio ned to * Turner's, Phelps and Gorham purchase; Monroe county, p. 244. you about three weeks ago that I had a concern in the last extensive purchase of land made in the name of my friend Alexander Macomb of New York, and was empowered fully to dispose of the same in Europe. I am now solicitous to know whether you conceive it prob- able that the gentlemen to whom Colonel Smith through you offered the one mill- ion of acres for which he made a con- ditional bargain at 13 i-2d sterling per acre, are likely to accept that bargain. I have been restricted hitherto from taking any steps towards a sale other- wise, while that transaction remained open ; and indeed had not our associa- tion who purchased this extensive prop- erty resolved to pay ready money and to take out patents for the whole at once. " No circumstance would have induced them to have sold an acre until the lapse of two or three years, when there is a cer- tain prospect of obtaining double the money (if not more,) than is now asked. But the fact really is this, that we have made this heavy engagement and we must make a sacrifice rather than draw money from our commercial pursuits to pay for this land which would not be convenient for us to do. I expect the whole patents by next packet from New York, which will enable me to show the most com- plete titles that ever were exhibited for lands in any country. If our associa- tion can sell one million of acres ii» Europe, it is their resolutions to let what remains be divided into townships, and to keep up the property until a much higher price be obtained for it, but to be enabled to do this we must now sell a part, and an immense thing it will be indeed to any proprietor who shall possess such a territory with a fine river (besides other streams) running for 60 miles through this country. I do not hesitate to say that whoever does pos- sess such a property and can only lie out of the money for a few years must raise from it a princely fortune. F-or the Indian war in the western country and many other circumstances are in favor of a rapid population. But if the object is merely to make money of it without being troubled with settlers, let it only remain for three years and without trouble or expense one hundered per THE BRANTINGHAM TRACT. 35 cent, lent will unquestionably be obtained from speculators for the whole in large tracts, but if sold in detached townships and credit given, I cannot undertake to say at how many hundred per cent, advance it would sell. But we certainly look for one dollar an acre for the remainder of our purchase which is supposed to be the worst of the whole, in townships of six miles square. You once mentioned to me that on consulting Sauthier's large map of the State of New York, you found that the particu- lar tract laid off by Colonel Smith's in the plan sent you was represented to contain many swamps and pools of water and that much of it was drowned land. " Mr. Sauthier in forming this map must have gone on the vague informa- tion of the Indians who you know are incapable of conceiving a geographical idea or of conveying exact information as to the extent of swamps, or situations, distances, &c. "As a proof that this country was never explored, Mr. Sauthier, in his maps, takes not the least notice of the Black river, although it runs for a certainty, about 60 miles through the tract marked off by Colonel Smith and Judge Cooper, who purchased Noble's tract, in which this river takes its rise, proposed mak- ing a large purchase of the proprietors who refused to sell, and Mr. Cockburn, the surveyor who explored this river, states nothing about swamps, but gives a very favorable account indeed, of the country, and as a proof of this good opinion of the soil and situation, he was desirous of buying a large tract within the bounds marked off by Colonel Smith. I have had a smaller chart made of the country, into which, in order to Frevent all appearances of concealment, have got introduced all the waters and swamps mentioned in the above map, and have besides added those other rivers which I understand to exist, and I am myself so fully convinced that there can be no extensive swamps in that country, that I shall have no objection to allow the purchasers of the one million of acres marked off by Colonel Smith, the option of choosing other lands in lieu of the swamps, or to make a deduction of 50 per cent, or half price on all swamps exceeding 50,000 acres to be ascertained after the country is explored. " But as you complamed once that the conditional contract made between Mr. Macomb and Colonel Smith, was not explicit on many essential points neces- sary to be attended to in bargains of this magnitude, and I have since received unlimited powers from the parties con- cerned, which I enclose for your perusal ; I have endeavored as much as possible, to obviate your objections by framing the enclosed propositions in such a man- ner as I conceive will meet all that you mentioned, as far as I recollect them at present. I request therefore, you will do mc the favor to apply to the gentle- men for whom this purchase was condi- tionally made, and oblige me, if you can, with the answer before the departure of the American Mail, on Wednesday next. I have letters from various quarters rela- tive to this land, where I think by taking some little trouble, I could get a much higher price. But as we hold a vast ter- ritory besides the million of acres now offered, and as it is extremely interesting to us to have purchasers that can keep the land for two or three years without being compelled, by necessity, to offer it in detached parcels at a low price, I would much rather sell to Colonel Smith's friends and yours at the present sacrifice, than to others, who, being.' forced to sell to make good their engage-, ments, would keep down the price of' what remains, and thereby injure every land-holder in America. I send you herewith the reduced map of the coun- try, made up from DeWitt and Sauthier's maps, in which I have inserted the swamps, to show that I wish to conceal nothing, although I have no belief in their existence to any extent worth notice. I am Respectfully Your most humble servant, William Constable." Brantingham Tract. Samuel Ward and wife, conveyed, August 18, 1793, to the name of William In man, a tract of land supposed to be 50,000 acres, east of the river, in trust for Patrick Colquhoun, in pursuance of 36 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. a contract with Constable, of February 13th, of that year. The price was ;^5,- 000 sterling, and it was the intention of the European owner to offer 10,000 acres to Captain Charles Williamson at first cost, and he instructed Inman to do so. The latter wrote as directed, but added : " I have no doubt of the pro- priety of your refusing to accept the share of the 18,000 acres, and I confess 1 had little hopes of your doing so, al- though I am certain it would have been highly advantageous to you. I can speak my mind freely to you ; and I do not hesitate to say that Mr. C* is capable of expressing sentiments he does not, when they are calculated to serve his own particular purposes ; and I am authorized to say, his friendship for you was merely a name, and his boasted at- tachment and profession for me was no better, and people would do well to be on their guard in their transactions with that gentleman." Within two months the writer of this letter, offered to buy these lands himself, stating that William- son declined to purchase. The trans- action needs neither note nor comment. Upon the survey by Cockburn, in 1794, the tract was found to measure 74,400 acres. In August, 1793, Brockholst Liv- ingston became a purchaser in trust for himself and certain alien owners, of whom he alone was allowed to hold lands. There were two associations formed, for holding the Fellowship loca- tion of 50,000 acres, and the Surplus lands of 24,400, the latter of which belonged exclusively to B. Livingston and Patrick Colquhoun, high sheriff of London. In December, 1793, a contract was made between Brockholst Livingston and Robert Morris,f for the 50,000 acres in behalf of the latter, and Mr. Nichol- * Referring to P. Colquhoun, who had loaded him with kindness. f Deeds, Oneida Co., iv, 263 .Consideration $30,000. son and James Greenleaf ; but this con- veyance was never made, and on the loth of April, 1794, William Inman, acting for another, sold to Thomas Hopper Brantingham,* of Philadelphia, for $23,- 073, the whole tract. The latter soon after executed three mortgages for £t,- 692, t and appointed August 9, 1794, Arthur Breese, his attorney, to sell a certain tract of 18,000 acres,:|: but no sales appear to have been made by this agent. Brantingham and wife, on the 2ist of January, 1795, sold 10,000 acres an undivided part of the tract, to Rich- ard W. Underbill, of New York, for £"],- 000 and other claimants became inci- dentally interested,! but the mortgages being unpaid, two of them were fore- closed and the land sold || according to statute. If The lands were re-leased to Inman, and were further confirmed by the assignment ot the judgments, upon which a sale was made November 17, 1796, by the sheriff of Herkimer county to Inman,** in trust. The latter soon after mortgaged the whole to Thomas Walker, agent of Colquhoun ; and by sundry conveyances the title became vested in Brockholst Livingston, Sam- uel Ogden, James Kerr and Patrick Colquhoun. The tract was surveyed into lots by Benjamin Wright, in 1806, and the tract was divided November 25, 181 5, into four parts, of which the northeast and southwest, marked 2, were drawn by Kerr and Colquhoun, and the south- * E. was allowed to hold lands in this State, by an act of April 9, 1792. He failed in business 'in the spring of 1794, and in 1795, was imprisoned for debt. f Deeds, Lewis Co., 149, 151. :|; Deeds, Oneida Co., ii, 224. § William Bird, Joseph Brantingham, Philip Grim and others are named in connectioii with this title' II April I, and September i, 1796. t From a letter of P. Colquhoun, dated June ■ic, 1795, It appears that a little before that date, Branting- ham had failed, and was in prison, with his son and partner ; hence the sale of the lands under foreclosure of mortgage. ** Deeds, Lewis Co., 160. BROWN'S TRACT. 37 east and northwest, marked i, b)' Liv- ingston and Ogden.* Lots 253 and 235, including the High Falls, were not included, but remained common property of the four propri- etors of the Black River tract. By an order of chancery, dated June 17, 1822, Elisha Wilcox, Uriel Hooker, and Nathaniel Merriam, were appointed commissioners for making a partition so far as concerned Ogden and Livingston. In September, 18 18, Caleb Lyon was appointed sole agent of John Greig, the agent of Kerr and Colquhoun, and pur- chased about 10,000 acres on his own ac- count. He subsequently bought Liv- ingston's interest, and continued in the agency until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Lyman R. Lyon, and son-in-law, Francis Seger. This agency continued until about 1 85 1, -when L. R. Lyon bought out the remaining interest of Kerr and Colquhoun ; or rather of Greig, who had succeeded them in the title,t and a part of the Ogden interest. About 25,000 acres of the Brantingham tract were in the hands of actual settlers, when our first edition of this work was published, in i860. We have no information as to the amount since conveyed. Brown's Tract. This term strictly applicable to a tract of 210,000 acres, or 8 townships of land, extending across Herkimer and includ- ing small portions of Lewis and Hamil- ton counties, has come to be applied as a generic term to the whole northern wilderness. * In the S. W. corner 62 lots or 12,804.77 acres. In the N. E. corner 126 lots, 24,647.71 acres. Inalli88 lots of 37,452.48 acres. The lands drawn by Living- ston and Ogden were in the S. E. corner 56 lots o£ 12,- 179.83 acres; and in the N. W. 125 lots of 24,753.01 acres, making in all 181 lots of 36,932.84 acres. f In 1834, 42,298 acres of the Brantingham tract were sold for taxes, the greater part of which was bid off by Seger and deeded to Greig. We are not informed of the transactions between Greig and his principals, or the dates of connection with the titles. Mr. Greig be- came owner in 1821. Samuel Ward and wife conveyed, November 25, 1794, to James Greenleaf, a tract of 210,000 acres from the eastern extremity of great tracts V, VI, and the latter mortgaged the premises July 29, 1795, to Philip Livingston. This was foreclosed, and Thomas Cooper, Master in Chancery, united in a deed to John Brown, a wealthy merchant of Provi- dence, R. I., on the 29th of December, 1798.* The tract was surveyed into towns by Nathaniel Smith, in 1796, and township 2 was surveyed into lots by Cliff French, in 1799. There were several conveyances of this tract not essential to its chain of title, of which we have not the exact data. John Julius Anger- stein, a wealthy London merchant, Hen- ry Newman, Thomas and Daniel Green- leaf, Colonel William S. Smith, Aaron Burr, and others, were incidentally concerned before Brown's purchase. f * Brown named his towns Industry, Enterprise, Per- severance, Unanimity, Frugality, Sobriety, Economy, and Regularity. The name of John Brown has been so often mentioned, that a certain degree of public interest is attached to him in this connection. He was one of four brothers, wealthy merchants, of I'rovidencc, R. I., and from a son of one of these (Nicholas), Brown University, received an en- dowment and a name. Mr. John Brown is described by Mr. Reuben Guild, the historian of the University, as having been short and thick, — weighing about four hundred pounds. He managed however, to get about very quickly in a carriage made low, broad and strong. He always took command at fires, and on other occa- sions where prompt action, energy and decision were de- manded. The great Baptist church in Providence, was built mainly through his exertions . As they were raising the steeple, a work that required several days , as the men were hauling up a timber with a rope, a distinguished foreigner was standing by. Brown not knowing, or perhaps not caring who he was, ordered him to take hold and help, which he did. Mr. Brown left no portrait, he was not a church mem- ber, but as the tradition is, — " a d — d good christian." \ Burr was concerned with Ward, and afterwards with Smith, in this purchase, after the title had been held as security by Angerstein. He became involved in a con- tract September 22, 1794, for the purchase at ;f 50.000, which he found a hard bargain, and the means he took to get released from Constable, showed him the "polished scoundrel." He wrote a letter November 6, 1794, re- ferring in an insulting manner to an assumed liability of escheat from alien title, and the personal obligation of Constable to convey notwithstanding, and alluded to his ability in influencing legislative action. He professed a mock sympathy with his correspondent, expressed a nice sense of honor as to obligation, and ended with a prop- osition to pay ;^io,ooo less than the sum agreed upon, or to forfeit ;^l,ooo and be released from the contract. 38 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. An expensive but ineffectual effort was made by Brown to plant a settlement upon this tract, and three roads were opened to it. One of these led from Remsen, another from Boonville, cross- ing the Black river a little south of the county line, and a third from High Falls. Mr. Brown died in 1803, and the land was held by his family until a few years since, when it was purchased by L. R. Lyon and others. It was then contracted to the Lake Ontario and Hudson River R. R. Co. Watson's Tract. In April, 1796, Constable conveyed to James Watson, by warranty deed, 61,- 433 acres, comprising two triangular tracts connected by an isthmus. Of this the western lies chiefly in the town of Watson, and the eastern in Herkimer county. The first deed being lost, it was reconveyed May 13, 1798. The outlines were surveyed in 1794, by WiUiam Cock- burn. This tract was originallv con- tracted to the French company, but their tract having a surplus, this was sold to Watson at two shillings the acre. Wat- son's first agreement Dec. 2, 1793, in- cluded 150,000 acres. Castorland, or the French Co.'s Tract. On the 31st of August, 1792, William Constable, then in Paris, sold to Peter Chassanis of that city, 630,000 acres of land south of Great Tract No. IV, and between the Black river and a line near the 44th° N. latitude.* From the mistaken notion of the course of the river before alluded to, it was estimated that this amount of land lay between these two boundaries. Chassanis in this pur- * In a deed in Oneida Clerk's office (c. 405) this is called great lot No. V, of Macomb's purchase. It ap- pears that the French originally contracted 1,255,000 acres on all south of No. IV, both sides of the river but soon relinquished a part. ' chase, acted as agent for an association, and the lands were to be by him held in trust for Constable until paid for, and disposed of in sections of one hundred acres each, at the rate of eight livres Tournois per acre.* The State reser- vations for roads, etc., were stipulated, and a deed for 625,000 acres having been made out, was delivered to Rene Lam- bot, as an escrow, to take effect on the payment of .1^52,000. Constable bound himself to procure a perfect title, to be authenticated and deposited with the Consul General of France in Philadel- phia, and Chassanis agreed that the moneys paid to Lambot should be re- mitted to certain bankers in London, subject to Constable's order, on his pre- senting the certificate of Charles Texier, Consul, of his having procured a clear title. If the sales should not amount to ;^62,75o, the balance was to be paid in si-x, nine and twelve months, in bills upon London. The pre-emption of Great Tract No. IV, for one month, was grant- ed at one shilling sterling per acre. Great Tract Number Four of Ma- comb's Purchase. On the 1 2th of April, 1793, Constable sold in London, with the consent of Chassanis who held a pre-emptive claim, this tract of 450,950 acres for 300,000 florins ($125,356) to Charles J. Michael De Wolf of Antwerp. The town of Diana Hes wholly in this tract, which also embraces a large portion of Jefferson county. DeWolf published in Dutch a plan of settlement under a company of which he was to be the presiden t. The * The romantic scheme of settlement which was founded upon this purchase renders the subject one of ex raor dmary mterest_, and m a subsequent chapter we willpre- Z> r"^T °^ "'r^'^^'''L'• ^' '^ ^"ffi='^"^ here to notke that Mr. James D. LeRay.who was one of the orieinal members of the company, afterwards by means of purchase, power of attorney from other proprS tax sales and otherw^e acquired the control of the Uaa and sold It through his agents to settlers. A ew t^tle^ ^a« back to other associates, but the greater pa '^ MACOMB'S PURCHASE. 39 following is a full translation of this doc- ument : — "Plan of a negotiation for 1,200,000 florins, current money, to be invested in 440,000 acres of land lying in the State of New York, in North America, upon Lake Ontario and along the River St. Lawrence ; under the direction of C. J. M. De Wolf of Antwerp ; who offers these lands to the public upon the following conditions, being convinced that after a few years they will turn out to be very remunerative, especially for these rea- sons : First, for their cheapness and good situation, as they are situated as mentioned above, upon Lake Ontario and along the river St. Lawrence, oppo- site the great island which is used as a depot for the above mentioned lake and river, whose navigation, commerce and abundance offish are well known. Sec- ondly, for the fertile soil of these lands on which are found different kinds of trees, from 80 to 100 feet high, and even higher, different kinds of vegetables for food for cattle and horses, a great amount of birds and game, and many other advantages of this kind. This has been stated by disinterested authors, and will be corroborated by persons who have been there, who have communi- cated these facts many times to the President. Thirdly, the pleasant and healthy climate of the State of New York, whose population since the year 1756 to July, 1791, has gained 96,000, en- tire population 340,000, which since that period has grown considerably by the continual emmigration from Europe and is increasing every day and is a proof of what is stated above. I would say that many lands not far situated from these lands have in six years risen to four or five times their first value, and in some places still higher, and this statement can be corroborated by disinterested persons who have been there. " r. These lands will be in the name of C. J. M. DeWolf aforesaid, and four fentlemen whose names will be made nown in the shares and who will be directors of these negotiations on the part of the buyers, which directors, to- gether with the President, shall have the control of the whole negotiation, and shall use every possible means that in their judgment is of advantage to this ne- gotiation, namely, to sell these lands, or part of them over again, to see to their cul- tivation and emigration without being in the least responsible for anything what- soever, and in case one of them may die or resign, his place will be filled by the four others by electing one from the shareholders. " 2. The aforesaid sum of 1,200,000 flor- ins current money will be disposed of as follows, namely :_ "First, 800,000 florins for the payment of the aforesaid 400,000 acres for which good titles will be given, and of which copies will be kept at the office of the President, and all other papers in rela- tion to this negotiation will be kept there also. " Secondly, 400,000 florins current money will be invested by the said five directors in such stocks as they may deem advisable for the best interest of the negotiators, and in case they deem it necessary to send emigrants there, or to clear some of these lands, or make other expenses for the improvement of the same, or if they cannot pay the year- ly dividends, the said directors may sell or use so much of the said stock as is necessary to cover the expenses. " Thirdly, The interest which may ac- crue on the said 400,000 florins shall be for the benefit of the negotiators. "3. As it is evident that this negotiation will be beneficial to its stockholders, the directors will issue with each share of 1,000 guilders each, three coupons as a dividend, each of fifty guilders current money, each of them payable the first of June, 1794, 179s and 1796, and after the expiration of this time, or if possible even before, the directors will call a gen- eral meeting of all the stockholders who are known to have ten shares each of 1,000 guilders, and in this meeting will be given an account of the negotiation. " 4. The aforesaid 440,000 acres will be divided according to an exact map into 1,100 parts each of 400 acres, in order to effect better the sale of the same. "5. The President shall have for the payment of the yearly dividend and for all other work, one per cent, without re- gard to any other expenses, to be paid out of the account kept with the negoti- ators. "6. There will be issued 1,200 shares, HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ach of a thousand guilders, numbered rom No. i to No. 1,200, dated primo une 1793, signed by the Pre.sident afore- aid, and by J. D. Deelen, and of which hares the latter shall keep an account, show that there have not been issued lore than r,2oo shares." It was evident that this scheme was nly a trap, and as such it served its end, Dr De Wolf soon sold for 680,000 florins ) a company of large and small capital- its of Antwerp, who organized the " Ant- werp Company." The several schemes rhich were devised by these people for nproving their lands belong rather to efferson county. In January, 1800, Governeur Morris jceived a trust deed of half of the tract id on the next day, James D. Le Ray jceived a like deed for the other half.* [orris and Le Ray exchanged releases ug. 15, i802,tand the former June 15, 509, conveyed 326 lots of 143,440 acres ) Moss Kent who conveyed the same to e Ray, June 24, 1817.:!: The operations the Antwerp company like those of 3 neighbor were a failure, and Le Ray timately purchased the most if not all the rights of the individual sharehold- s in Europe. Not the slightest settle- ent had been undertaken by the impany before Le Ray's connection ith the title. A large part of Diana, with portions Jefferson county adjoining, were con- ned to Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of )ain and brother of the illustrious Na- ileon, under circumstances which are us related by Mr. Vincent LeRay : — " Mr. LeRay de Chaumont was at his tate in Tourraine in 1815, when he ard of Joseph Bonaparte's arrival at ois. He had known this prince before 3 great elevation and was his guest at ortefontaine when the treaty of Sep- These conveyances were made by James Constable, ler powers from his brother, dated Nov. i6, 1798' t's. office, N. K, Ivi., i6q. See Deeds, Oneida Co. 612, E., 307. ' Deeds, Jefferson Co., A., 358. Deeds, Oneida Co., 464. Deeds, Jefferson Co., K., 279. tember 30, 1800, between the U. S. and France was signed there, but he had ceased meeting him afterwards. Seeing however that misfortune had assailed the prince, he remembered the man and hastened to Blois. The prince having invited Mr. LeRay to dinner, said sud- denly to him: 'well, I remember you spoke to me formerly of your great pos- session in the United States. If you have them still, I should like very much to have some in exchange for a part of that silver I have there in those wagons, and which may be pillaged any moment. Take four or five hun- dred thousand francs and give the equivalent in land.' Mr. LeRay ob- jected that it was impossible to make a bargain where one party alone knew what he was about. ' Oh ! ' said the prince, I know you well and I rely more on your word than my own judgment.' Still Mr. LeRay would not be satisfied by this flattering assurance, and a long discussion followed, which was termi- nated by the following propositions im- mediately assented to by the prince. Mr. LeRa}' would receive 400,000 francs and would give the prince a letter for LeRay 's son then on the lands instruct- ing hjm to convey a certain designated tract, if after having visited the country (whither he was then going), the prince confirmed the transaction, otherwise the money was to be refunded." The purchaser, who in the United States assumed the title of the Count de Survilliers, in closing the bargain, is un- derstood to have made payment in cer- tain diamonds brought from Spain, and in real estate. A trust deed with cove- nant and warranty, was passed Decem- ber 21, 18 18, to Peter S. Duponceau, the confidential agent of the Count, for 1 50,- 260 acres, excepting lands not exceeding 32,260 acres, conveyed or contracted to actual settlers.* This was recorded with a defeasance appended, in which it is declared a security for $120,000, and it provided for an auction sale of lands to meet this obligation. The tract con- veyed by this instrument included the * Mortgages, Jefferson Co., A. 626; Deeds N, i. JOSEPH BONAPARTE'S LANDS IN LEWIS COUNTY. 41 greater part of Diana, two tiers of lots on the southeast side of Antwerp, the whole of Wilna and Philadelphia, a small piece south of Black river at the Great Bend, a tract four lots wide and seven long, from LeRay, and nine lots from the easterly range in Theresa. Diamonds having fallen to half their former price, the fact was made a sub- ject of complaint, and in 1820 the Count agreed to accept 26,840 acres for the nominal sum of $40,260. These lands lay in the most distant portion of No. IV, and Mr. Le Ray, in a letter to one of the Antwerp company, dated April 9, 1 82 1, complimented the Count upon his taste in selecting a " tract abounding with picturesque landscapes, whose re- mote and extensive forests affording re- treat to game, would enable him to establish a great hunting ground ; quali- ties of soil, and fitness for settlers were only secondary considerations. * * * He regrets, notwithstanding, that thus far he has been unable to find among the 26,000 acres of land, a plateau of 200 acres to build his house upon, but he in- tends keeping up his researches this summer." The attempt of Joseph Bon- aparte to establish himself in Diana, is elsewhere noticed. By an act of March 31, 1825, he was authorized to hold lands in this State, without his promis- ing or expecting to become a citizen. In his memorial he alludes to the liberal- ity of other States, especially Pennsyl- vania, in allowing aliens to hold lands, "and not being of the number of those who would wish to abandon this land of hospitality, where the best rights of man prevail, but nevertheless bound to his own country by ties which misfortune renders more sacred," he solicited the privilege of holding titles in his own name.* * This memorial is preserved in Assembly papers xii, 37, 41. Sec. office, and is given in full in the History of Jefferson County, p. 566. Duponceau executed to Joseph Bona- parte July 31, 1825, a deed of all the rights he had before held in trust.* In 1835, John La Farge bought for $80,000 the remaining interests of Count Survil- liers in Lewis and Jefferson counties, + and attempted more active measures for settling these lands. The hard reputa- tion he had acquired in the sale of Penet's Square, and the severe measures he had adopted in ejecting squatters and delinquents, however, prejudiced the minds of settlers to such an extent that but few in this county ventured to com- mit themselves to his " tender mercies. " La Farge had been a merchant at Havre, and afterwards resided in New Orleans. While in France he purchased the title to much of Penet's Square, and in 1824 came to reside upon it. In about 1838 he removed to New York, where he became concerned in extensive pecun- iary operations on his own account, and as agent of Louis Phillippe, who, while king of the French, invested large amounts of funds in American stocks. A magnificent hotel on Broadway, New York city, was named from its owner, the La Farge House. The La Farge Fire Insurance Company was also named from him. He died in New York about the year 1856. On the 3d of June, 1825, William and Gerardus Post, for $17,000, purchased 11,888 acres (out of which 3,503 acres were excepted) in the present towns of Wilna and Diana, portions of which were afterward conveyed to T. S. Ham- mond of Carthage.ij: The Swiss company that made the first investment at Alpina, received July 28, 1846, a conveyance from La Farge of a tract embracing two ranges of lots in Antwerp, and 122 lots in Diana,§ and * Deeds, Jefferson Co., N. l8l ; Lewis Co., I, i6. f Deeds, Jefferson Co., U, 2, 43. \ Deeds, Jefferson Co., X, 108 ; mortgages B. 3, p. 311. g Deeds, Jefferson Co., 81, p. 532. 42 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. the whole of La Farge's interest has since been sold in this county. The principal owners of the unimproved lands of his tract in Diana, in 1850 were Loveland Paddock of Watertown, and David C. Judson of Ogdensburgh. Their agent was Joseph Pahud * of Har- risville. A part of Diana and the adjoining parts of Antwerp, are still a wilderness, but the demand for lumber and bark, and the establishment of iron furnaces has, in recent years, done much in clear- ing up these lands, and bringing them under settlement. CHAPTER IV. Topography and Geology. EWIS County lies mostly in the valley of the Black river,f which flows centrally through it from south to north. The river is broken by frequent cascades and rapids, until it reaches the High Falls, [Lyon's Falls,] where it plunges down a steep, broken ledge of gneiss rock, to the still water that affords a navigable channel to Carthage, 42 1-2 miles below. This is the lowest part of the county, and is 714 feet above tide level. The amount of water passing at Carthage at the lowest stages was com- puted in the days of canal survey, at 30,- 000 cubic feet per minute, but now in dry seasons, it must be considerably less. The principal tributaries of Black river * Pronounced Pi-u. f The Indian name of this river, as given by the late Lewis H. Morgan, of Rochester, in his " League of the Iroquois," IS Ka-hu-ah-go. As given by the St. Regis Indians to the author, in 1852, it is Ni-ka-hi-on-ha-ko- wa, and by E. A. Squier, in his '•Aboriginal Monuments of New York, Ka-mar-go. The authority first cited gives the name of Deer river, as Ga-ne-ga-to-da ■ Beaver river, Ne-ha-sa-ne ; Otter creek, Da-ween-net ■ Moose river, Te-ca-hun-di-an-do ; Great Fish creek Ta-ga- so-ke ; Salmon river, Ga-hen-wa-ga ; Sandy creek To- ka-da-o-ga-he ; and Indian river O-je-quack. The St Regis named Indian river, 0-tsi-qua-ke, " where the black ash grows with knots for making clubs " on the east, are Beaver river. Crystal, Independence, Otter and Fish creeks, and Moose river, which mostly issue from lakes or swamps, and have their waters soft and highly discolored by organic or mineral matter in solution. On the west, the river receives Deer river. Stony, Sulphur Spring, Lowville, Martin's, Whetstone, House's, Bear and Mill creeks, Sugar river and a few other streams. Such of these as rise in swamps on the western plateau region are also highly discolored, but the smaller ones, fed by springs from the slates and limestones, are very clear and the water "hard." Along the river, but little above its level, are extensive swamps in Mar- tinsburgh, Lowville and Denmark, on the west side, some of which are cap- able of being brought into use. They were mostly covered with black ash and alders, but the lower one of these was in 1854, burnt off, and is now covered with wild grass and reeds capable of being mowed. The soil of this vlaie, or natural meadow, is a deep black muck, underlaid by clay. Along the river- bank is a ridge of hard land formed by its overflow, and west of it, a drift-ridge of sand, originally covered with hemlock timber. Still west of this, is a long nar- row cedar swamp, extending several miles. It is higher than the meadow near the river, and in the early days of the iron industry, furnished a large amount of bog iron ore for the Carthage furnace.* A cedar lot has by many been regarded as an essential appendage of a farm, but the supply is now nearly washed out, and but little pains have been taken to secure another growth. The river flows over limestone a short * This ore never occurs in swamps liable to overflow from the river. It has been found largely in Watson, New Bremen and Denmark, occurring as a loam, or in solid masses, sometimes replacing the particles of roots, leaves and wood, but preserving their form. It is said to have been mostly exhausted, but if allowed to remain without drainage, would be again deposited. Limited quantities of this ore have been found in Diana. GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. 43 distance from Oneida county, when its bed comes upon gneiss rock, the primi- tive formation extending from about half a mile west of the river, throughout the whole eastern part of the county, ex- cepting a portion of Diana. This rock, when it appears at the surface, rises into round ridges, mostly naked, or with soil only in the crevices and hollows. It is largely composed of feldspar and quartz, with particles of hornblende, magnetic iron ore, and more rarely of garnets. It is everywhere irregularly stratified and highly inclined. The general surface rises gradually from the river eastward, until it reaches an elevation of from 1,500 to 2,000 feet above the river on the eastern border. This rock covers a comparatively small part of the sur- face, the intervals being a light sandy soil of drift, with occasional intervals of alluvial deposit, sometimes appearing to have been formerly ponds or small lakes. The disintegration of this rock affords the iron sand so common along the streams, and upon the shores of lakes in this region. A vein of mag- netic iron ore has been opened in the north part of Greig, but not worked to any extent. It was highly charged with sulphuret of iron, and probably other ingredients, but was never analyzed. At Port Leyden, a more extensive bed of ore was found interstratified with the gneiss, and hopes of its abundance and value, led to the establishment of the iron furnace at that place. It was found to contain, besides iron pyrites and phosphorus, a considerable amount, (said to be ten per cent.) of Titanniuni, one of the most refractory and worthless of the metals. It is not now used, and the furnace is supplied from elsewhere. In Diana, white crystaline limestone occurs, presenting a great variety of interesting minerals, and many instructive points for the study of geology. The region is highly metamorphic, and presents marked indications of former igneous agencies. The minerals of Diana and vicinity, are ^/a/?V^ in small green crystals; Cal- cite in great variety, including satin spar, and a coarse crystaline- limestone of sky blue tint ; Hornblende ; Mica of the varie- ties known as " Phlogopite ;" Pyroxene, white and black in crystals, and ingrains, known as "CoccoHte ," Quartz \n crystals, and of the forms known as "Ribbon agate " and " Chalcedony ;" Rensselaerite ; Scapolite in rounded pearly gray crystals ; Serpentine, opaque and greenish ; Sphene of the variety known as " Ledererite ;" Sulphur ets of copper and of iron ; Tremolite; Wollastonite or tabular spar, and Zircon in square prisms, sometimes a third of an inch on a side, and with terminal prisms. Mining for silver was attempted by Enoch Cleveland many years since, and a small blast furnace was put up which produced a few hundred pounds of very hard metal apparently iron. The reputed ore is a fine grained greenish- black rock which occurs abundantly, and appears to consist of chlorite and specular iron ore in variable proportions. The primitive region of this county still comprises large areas of unsettled lands, and where not ravaged by fires, and by lumbermen, presents the same wild forest scenery of lakes, dark wind- ing streams, tangled swamps and sombre pine and hemlock forests, as when first explored by surveyors and hunters. The whole of Diana, and about half of Cro- ghan are drained by the Indian and Oswegatchie rivers. A small part of Diana is underlaid by calciferous sand- stone, which usually occurs level and covered by a thin but fertile soil. This formation extends further northward un- derlying the flat country in Wilna, Ant- ' werp and Philadelphia. Detached cap- ping masses of Potsdam sandstone also occur in this town, but the most remarka- ble locality of this rock in the county, is 44 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. due east of Martinsburgh village, at the place where the railroad crosses Roaring brook, where a stratum is found resting directly upon the gneiss, in the bed of the stream. Its thickness does not ex- ceed three feet, and its surface exposure is slight. It is directly covered by lime- stones and is composed of masses of peb- bles and sand cemented as if by heavy pressure. Parallel with the river, and on an average of about a mile west, rises an irregular series of terraces, consisting of Birdseye, Black River and Trenton lime- stones. The first of these may be quar- ried in rectangular blocks, and is highly valuable for building and for lime. A portion of it furnishes hydrauHc lime, which has "been made to some extent in Lowville and Martinsburgh. It does not form a surface rock of much extent and occurs chiefly on the edge of the lower terrace, and in the beds of streams. This limestone is less pure in quality for the making of lime than the Trenton limestone, and contains in some places a considerable amount of silica. The lime makes a mortar that sets quickly but is not as hard nor durable as that from the upper limestones. The Birdseye lime- stone of geologists is locally known as the " blue limestone," and has been largely used for the piers of bridges and for canal locks. The Black River lime- stone that next succeeds this, is the formation which forms the surface rock between the first and second terrace, is not adapted to building, contains masses of flint, and is so soluble that every ex- posed angle has been rounded and every seam widened by the action of rains and running water. Streams usually sink into crevices and flow under it, often forming caverns of Hmited extent, espec- ially in Leyden. This rock is more largely developed further down the river in Jefferson county, in Champion, Rutland, Watertown, Houndsfield, Le- Ray, Pamelia, Brownville, Lyme and Cape Vincent, and extends over into Canada. It is everywhere distinguished for its cavernous structure, and for its nodules of flint. These siliceous nodules are petrified sponges, or other forms of animal life of the lowest grade. It also contains the coraline masses so closely resembling a honeycomb, and very large conical fossils, sometimes of immense size. In excavating for the foundations of the railroad bridge at Lowville village the largest specimen of these " ortko- cera" was found that the world has ever seen. The original is now in the collec- tions at Cornell University, and a speci- men in plaster is in the Lowville Academy. This enormous shell must have been at least fifteen feet long when entire. It was from the interior of a creature like the " devil fish " of modern times, and corresponds with the ''cuttle bone " of a modern Cephalopod. It had long jointed arms that brought food within its reach, and almost justifies the wild and strange descriptions by Victor Hugo, the modern French writer, in his " Toilers of the Sea. " The Trenton limestone forms the highest and broadest terrace of the series, rising from 300 to 600 feet above the river, and spreading out into the level fertile region which every traveler through the country has admired. These limestones seldom appear at the surface except at the edge of the terraces and in the water courses, and every stream flowing across them has more or less of a smooth rocky bed, and a picturesque cascade where it tumbles down to the next lower level. Deer river, in Den- mark, Roaring brook or Martin's creek in Martinsburgh, and Sugar river in Leyden, have worn deep yawning chasms into the rock, and present cas- cades of singular wildness and beauty well worthy of a visit by the pleasure- seeking tourist. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. 45 The western tributaries of Black river have usually no valleys, except the immediate channels they have worn. Drift agencies have given the appear- ance of several oblique valleys coming down from the northwest across the limestone terraces, which usually have a drift deposit on their northern side, while on the south the rock is exposed and often furrowed in the direction of these oblique valleys. Deer river might almost as well have turned northward at Copenhagen into Sandy creek, as to have taken its present course, and in fact Sandy creek rises in a swale just north of the village. In Martinsburgh and Lowville, veins of calcite with the sulphurets of zinc, lead and iron have been found. In the former, carbonate of lead, and in the lat- ter fiuor spar occurred. These mineral veins are of scientific interest, from the evidence they afford of electrical de- posit. They were formed in what ap- peared to be natural fissures of the rock, and the sulphuret of zinc was attached to each wall, upon which was a layer of lead ore and lastly of pyrites, the latter often covering the crystals of calcite or appearing with cavities left by their solution. The lead was sometimes crys- talized and imbedded in spar, or grouped with clusters of that mineral in masses of much beauty. The crystals were small, and their surfaces were not bright, but their forms were complete, and the angles often truncated. A range of high lands, known as Tug Hill* runs thr ough the county parallel * Said to have been named by Isaac Perry and Buell, on their first journey into the county, upon reach- ing the top of the hill on the old road west of Turin village. The more interesting of these is Whetstone Gulf. The chasm extending about three miles up, is bordered by precipitous banks 200 to 300 feet in height. The first two miles was formerly mostly occupied by a heavy growth of timber, but the last mile presents but little of this, except what overhangs the oanks, or finds root on the steep, crumbling slate rock. The stream is here quite irregular in its course, presenting sharp angles and sudden turns, which afford, at every step, new points of with the river, and from three to seven miles from it. It rests upon the lime- stone and consists of Utica slate and Hudson river shales, rising by a rounded slope to an elevation of from 500 to 1,000 feet above the flats below, and spread- ing out in a level or slightly broken re- gion, into Oneida, Oswego and Jefferson counties. Many beaver meadows occur along the sluggish streams rising from extensive swamps in this region, and the waters from this plateau flow from it into the Mohawk and Black rivers and Lake Ontario. The largest streams flow- ing from this region are Fish creek and Salmon river, each of which; have val- leys of considerable extent, amd receive numerous tributaries. Deef river also gathers the waters of a wide district, and some of the head waters of Sandy creek. The large streams flowing down have uniformly worn deep channels, the larger of them several miles in length, and in Martinsburgh presenting some of the wildest scenery in the State. interest, and a constant succession of magnificent views. The walls approach nearer as we ascend the stream, un- til they may be both reached by the outstretched arms, and the torrent is compressed into a deep, narrow chasm, which forbids farther progress without ditficulty and danger. A rough wagon road has been made about two miles up the gulf, and in low water parties can cross the stream everywhere without difficulty. Whetstone Gulf has lost much of its wild native grand- eur in the clearing off of the forests that once bordered and overhung its banks, and from fires that have ravaged the timbef-growth upon its sides. The saw mills above have discharged their rubbish in'o the stream which finds lodgment along its course, and slides now and then en- cumber the ravine, but generally not- for a long time, for they are very apt to get washed out by the first floods. About four years since, the upper mill-dam broke away, and sent down a wave that cleared out everything movable and swept off the two bridges near the mouth of the gulf. In rebuilding them, an effort has been made to establish stone piers and abutments of heavy mason- ry, but in this it was impossible to find a rock-bottom, for nowhere in the county can the slate of the hills be seen resting in actual cmtact with the limestone. In the bed of Sandy creek, upon the road from Co- penhagen to Rodman, the limestone can be seen forming the bed of the stream, and the slate the banks. Between Boonville and Johnstown the slate can be seen resting against the gneiss rock, at a steep angle, the whole of the limestone series being absent. About two miles west of Martinsburgh village, on Martin's creek, occurs another gorge worn in the slate hills, of much the same character. From a vast trian- gular pyramid of slate rock formed by the junction of two gulfs, it has acquired the name of Chimney Point. 46 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Every spring torrent has its ravine, and the limestone flats below, are so covered with slate gravel, that the line of junction of the two rocks can no- where be seen in the county. Leyden Hill is a detached mass of this slate for- mation, cut off by a valley from the main portion. The road from Constableville to Rome, rises about i,ooo feet above the latter place and runs many miles over this range of highlands, which comprises the whole of Lewis, Osceola, High Mar- ket, Montague and Pinckney, and parts of Leyden, West Turin, Turin, Martins- burgh, Harrisburgh and Denmark. The black oxyde of manganese occurs in swamps in Martiiisburgh on the top of Tug Hill, and weak sulphur springs To the left of this, as seen from the banks above, a stream of moderate size falls into a beautiful cascade about sixty feet, breaking into a sheet of foam upon the rough bed, down which it glides. A few rods below, it unites with the longer and larger branch, whose ravine extends half a mile further up. Upon following the latter we arrive at a cascade, where the stream falling from a narrow chasm into a pool, forbids further prog- ress. The strata of slate, elsewhere nearly or quite level, are here highly inclined, but the disturbance in the stratification only extends a few rods. Chimney Point has the advantage of presenting its finest view from the banks, but such as prefer to descend, will find them- selves amply rewarded by the pleasing variety of scenery which the locality presents. This lavine is surrounded by cultivated fields, and has now none of the wild soli- tude it presented when first seen by surveyors. A thrilling incident occurred at Chimney Point, in the spring of 1834, which, were it not well authenticated would scarcely appear credible. It is, however, too well known and attested to admit of a doubt, and must be placed on the list of wonderful escapes. Chillus D. Peebles, who lived adjacent, was clearing the land, and rolling the logs off into the gulf, when by an unexpected motion of a log he was thrown off the precipice. He fell about one hundred and fifty feet, and struck on the steep slope formed by the gravel crumbled from the cliffs above, from whence he bounded and rolled to the'bottom, about a hundred feet further. The accident was seen by a man not far off, who hastened to descend by the usual path, expecting to find the unfortunate man dashed to atoms or mangled and dying on the crags below. To his infinite surprise he met Peebles, who had got up and started to return, which he did without aid, and in less time than the person who came to assist him. Upon reaching the top he was delirious, but after a few days he returned to his labor as usual. In the south branch of the stream, about a quarter of a mile above, is a cascade of much beauty when seen at high water. It has been called the " Silver Casc§de." Above this the stream rises to the general level of the country, and formerly flowed through beaver meadows. Chimney Point is easily seen from the bank above, and from its facility of access is often visited by pleasure parties. known in the early settlement as deer licks, are common but unimportant.* The limestones and slates in this county abound in characteristic fossils of great scientific interest. About half a mile below the foot of Tug Hill, on the line of junction between the slate and Umestone, there occurs a strip of tough blue clay averaging perhaps forty rods in width, which may be traced from one end of the county to the other. In the state of nature this was a line of ash or cedar swamp, and when cleared and drained it affords a strong meadow or grass land, but it can not well be plowed. The slates allow the rains to percolate down through their seams until the water reaching the limestone finds its way to the surface in this line of .springs. West of the strip, slate may be found an)^- where, by digging through the soil and drift. East of it, it can be found no- where, except in broken gravel washed down by streams. Drift deposits occur promiscuously over every part of the county, usually in rounded ridges. The largest of these are southeast of Denmark village, where the deposit is miles in extent and of great * One of these occurs near the head of Whetstone gulf, and another i mile S. W, of Houseville on House's creek. One sulphur spiingof some interest occurs in the limestone near C. S. Sheldon's Cheese Factory, on lot 14 in the N. W. part of Lowville, which from the earliest settlement has enjoyed a local reputation for its medicinal properties. It issues from ihe foot of a low terrace of Trenton limestone within a few feet of the upper strata of that rock, and its sulphurous taste and odor is apparently due to sulphuret of iron disseminated in the rock. It occurs on the west side of a small mill stream a few rods below a former grist mill and the spot is shaded by a thin growth of trees. The spring is curbed about three feet deep and the water is clear. Now and then a few bubbles of inflammable gas rise from the bottom, and at some periods the dis- charge of gas is said to be sufficiently active to give the spring the appearance of boiling. The water may be easily drank, and as he measured it in 1859, flows off at the rate of about six quarts in a minute. Anothersulphurspringa mile west of Lowville village led to the erection of a large hotel in 1872, with the in- tention of maintaining a sanitarium. The enterprise has not been thus far successful, partly from faults of earlv management, and more from the competition of mor<> noted localities. Dr. Homer G. Brooks was the u ^ resident keeper of this establishment, but since his deatl has been closed. GENERAL SCENERY. 47 depth. Remarkable deposits of drift forming a series of sharp hills and deep valleys occur along under the Umestone terraces in Denmark and in Turin. By the term drift, we wish to include all earthy matter or detached rocky masses lying upon the undisturbed rock, except- ing soil derived from the disintegration of the rock underneath, and the alluvium or soil washed down and deposited by water, or formed by organic growth. The soil of the drift is variable, being in some places light and sandy, while at others it is hard loam or clay. In the Primary region, especially in Diana, there are found in many places, flat inter- vales and marshes which appear to have been formerly lakes that have been filled in by the encroachment of vegetable growth and by the soil washed down from the ridges adjacent. Perhaps the most interesting of these ancient beds of lakes or ponds, occurs in Denmark, a little to the right of the road leading from Copenhagen to Watertown, per- haps half a mile from the county line. The bottom is marl, with remains of shells like those now living in fresh water ponds in this region. Above this is muck, filling the whole so that it is now a swamp without drainage. It was in this muck and marl that the mam- moth's tusk was found described in our account of Denmark. Peat has been observed in some of these marshes, and marl deposited in the bottom of the lakes. Boulders of gneiss and other pri- mary or igneous rock, are found promis- cuously resting upon all the formations of the county, or imbeded in the soil. In many cases clusters of these masses are found together, favoring by their ap- pearance the theory that they had been transported by fields of floating ice, at a period when this region was covered by the ocean. The scenery of the county, excepting the ravines and cascades above de- scribed, presents nothing majestic, and maybe regarded as beautiful rather than grand. From the western side of the river, the eastern slope appears rising by insensible degrees until lost in the blue level range of the forests of Herkimer count}', with here and there a point slightly elevated above the general sur- face, indicating the position of the higher mountain peaks of Hamilton county. The highest primary ranges in Lewis county, occur in its southeastern corner, in the town of Greig. On an autumnal morning, or after a summer shower, patches of white mist resting upon the surface, indicate the position and extent of the forest lakes, and at tunes a curtain of fog hanging over the river, may shut out the view entirely. As viewed from the brow of the slate ranges, the panorama of the valley and of the distant horizon is exceedingly beautiful, and sunrise as seen from these hills on a clear morning, will amply re- pay the labor of an early walk to their summit. The beaver meadows of the western plateau region, are usually bor- dered by a thrifty growth of balsam fir trees, whose dense conical masses of dark evergreen, give a characteristic as- pect to the scenery of these open mead- ows in the bosom of the forests. No prospect can be conceived more cheer- less than the swamps which extend for miles along the head waters of Fish creek, and other streams, which have their sources in these highlands. They are mostly without trees or shrubs, ex- cepting here and there a slender tama- rack, festooned with gray hanging moss. Where the soil is of sufficient stability to support them, a growth of alder shrubs may be traced along the margin of the channels, but in many places the surface may be shaken to the distance of many feet, and a pole may be thrust to an al- most indefinite depth. Viewed from the eastern side, the 48 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. limestone terraces and slate hills on the west, are seen to great advantage, and successive steps by which the surface rises, are distinctly observable. The cul- tivation of more than eighty years has quite changed the natural surface of the landscape, and a patch of reserved woodland here and there alone remains. Viewed from a distant eastern point, the horizon towards the north drops down as the hills are of less elevation towards the lake, and the terraces become much broader. At the period when Lake On- tario, or more probably an estuary from the sea, flowed up to the ridges, now nearly four hundred feet above its sur- face, the northeastern portion of the county might have been submerged, as traces of these ridges are found in Wilna, near the borders of this county, on the road leading from Carthage to the Natural Bridge. We find evidence that the water last covering this flat region northward, was salt water, from the shells found in the clay near Ogdens- burgh and elsewhere, which are marine shells, identical as to species with those now living upon the coast of Greenland. The broad open valley of the Black river, must have been eroded by a vast glacier, slowl}' advancing southward from a more northerly region, at a period which may be reckoned as among the latest in the earth's history, if we compare it with the date when the older limestones, and somewhat newer shales were deposited. The source from whence the primary rock found as boulders in the soil and on the surface everywhere, must have been to the far north, in Canada. Some of these trans- ported masses are of enormous sizes, and they are occasionally found densely crowded together, or in long moraines, extending for miles along the country, generally in lines having a northerly and southerly direction ; and occasionally we find among these erratic masses, rocks. unlike any that we have in situ, any- where in the State of New York. Among these strangers are greenstone, epidote, nephaline, and forms of porphyry and basalt, that have evidently been the product of ancient volcanic action. The highest point in the county is believed to be Gomer Hill, in Turin, where a signal station has been estab- lished by the Government, as an angle in the system of triangulation that is being extended over the whole country. Upon one of the preliminary maps in the office of the Coast and Geodetic Sur- veys, at Washington, we notice that a line from this hill runs to a point on the eastern horizon, from whence another line extends to a signal point on Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the State. Along these lines, the surveyors when at work, flash reflections of sun- Hght, and by intercepting the light for longer or shorter intervals, are able to spell out signals, and converse as readily as if connected by telegraphic wires, the alphabet used being in principle much the same. CHAPTER V. NOTE.S UPON THE SEASONS, AND UN- USUAL Phenomena. THE following items are a brief re- sume of the more important mete- * The most wonderful example of conveying tele- graphic messages by light, ever known, occurred a few years ago, in the surveys going on in Spain and Algeria. In each of these countries there were two high moun- tains that could be seen rising from the opposite side, just above the waters of the Mediterranean, and from each of these four peaks, the other three couid be seen. It was only needed that luminous points should be obi tained, in order to measure the exact distances between them. They first tried sunlight, bvit the most powerful rays they could condense upon reflectors, could not pen- etrate to that distance. They next made mule paths to their summits, and carried up the materials for steam power and electrical apparatus. They were then, by electric lights, able to get beams of light that would cross the sea, and found the means to establish lines on the African side, with the greatest precision, and to an indefinite extent. By means of these Iriangulations, the precise distances between prominent points all over our county, may be measured with the utmost ease and accuracy. NOTES UPON THE SEASONS. 49 orological phenomena that have been recorded in the years mentioned : — 1799. — The summer pleasant, and cooled by frequent showers. A slight frost occurred early in September, which was not followed by hard frost till De- cember. Heavy rains occurred in Sep- tember and October, followed by a mild and pleasant Autumn. The winter fol- lowing was open, with snow of moder- ate depth. 1800. — Snows disappeared on the last of March ; the crops good and the au- tumn more pleasant than the former. The winter of 1801-02 was memorable as warm and open. Many families, in- tending to remove from New England by the first sleighing, were detained till February 24th, when a deep snow fell but soon wasted. The reputation of mild winters and genial climate which the Black River country [undeservingly] acquired by this circumstance, tended in no small degree to hasten the settlement of the new towns in the county. 1802. — Plowing in March. Warm and wet in the early part of the season, giv- ing a great amount of vegetable growth, but towards harvest the wheat fields were struck with rust, destroying the crop. 1803. — Long and memorable as the dry summer. The streams were, it is said, lower than ever since known. This re- gion of country suffered from the drouth much less than portions of Jefferson county. j8o7._A snow storm from the north- east, set in on the 31st of March, and continued till April 5th. It fell on a level five feet deep, did not drift, and went off almost as soon as it came, producing a flood which has never since been equalled upon Black river. The grist mill at Martinsburgh was swept off on this occasion. The season which follovved was good for crops. 1806 to 1 812.— A series of cold sum- mers, although in 1806 the corn crop in Lowville was excellent. 181 1. — Spring rye sowed in Leyden March 21st. 1813. — Oct. i2th, snow two feet deep in Denmark. In the winter following the snow fell deep and was much drifted. 181 5. — Crops good, wheat and pota- toes excellent, corn light. 1 8 16. — Long memorable as the cold season. The spring was mild and a few days of April oppressively warm. This was followed by cold, and frost occurred in every month of the year. On Pinck- ney it snowed and drifted like winter. June 6th, 7th, 8th, the snow lay ankle deep in the fields and many newly shorn sheep perished. In Denmark the snow lay an inch deep on the 9th of June, and ice formed a quarter of an inch thick. Corn and garden vegetables, generally were killed, but grass was an average crop, and in Lowville the wheat was not cut off. A frost on the 26th of August, killed down what remained of the corn. The autumn was mild, and the winter late. On the 26th of December, there was no snow, but the ground was frozen. 1817. — The potatoe crop was exceed- ingly fine, in one instance 700 bushels to the acre. Other crops were excellent. 1820. — May 25th, snow an inch deep in Denmark. Dr. Horatio G. Hough, of Martins- burgh, in a letter dated May 11, 1821, and addressed to a brother in Ohio, gives the following account of the season pre- ceding that date in Lewis county : — " The last summer was uncommonly dry. We had no rain from the last of spring to the middle of September. Hogs might have nearly fattened on grasshoppers, they were so numerous, and the pastures and meadows appeared as if they had been burned over. Indian corn and winter wheat did well, but many cattle died in the winter for want 50 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of hay. Major John Ives* lost nearly twenty head of horned cattle. Things, however, look promising this spring." 1824. — May 14th. Snow four inches deep in Denmark. On the 26th the ground was frozen hard, and on the 28th of October snow lay a foot and a half deep. The winter following was open, and there were not two weeks of sleighing. The snow was gone March I St. 1828. — Hot sunshine and copious showers produced a sickly season. Root crops were excellent, but winter wheat blasted and yielded more straw than grain. 1829.— An unusually bountiful year, wheat, rye, corn and almost every fruit of the earth good. Apples yielded abundantly, but there were no plums. December was like April, warm and spring like. Six weeks before there had been snow enough for sleighing. 1830. — A more abundant yield than on any previous year. Barn room was everywhere insufficient, and most grains (especially wheat) superior. Corn was not as good as usual, owing to spring frosts. Rains frequent in harvest. Ap- ples and plums plenty. A terrific hail storm crossed Leyden, June 14th. The track was half a mile wide and from four to five long, and the storm was preceded 15 to 20 minutes by roaring of thunder. 1832. — Drouth very severe. 1833. — A rainy season and heavy freshets. 1834. — May 14th, snow three feet deep in drifts in Denmark, and on the i8th nearly as great, plum and cherry trees in blossom were broken down with snow, and many trees were killed by frost. 1835. — A remarkable yield of wheat, averaging in some fields 35 to 40 bushels to the acre. 1841. — May 6th, great freshet, and * Father of the late Selden Ives, and grandfather of Mather S. Ives of Turin. much damage done at and below Car- thage. 1849.^ — Memorable for drouth and run- ning fires in the woods east of the river. 1853. — Summer dry and grasshoppers abundant. About the middle of Sep- tember rains revived vegetation, and in some places fruit trees put forth blos- soms in the fall. 1856. — Sept. 15th, destructive hail storm crossed Turin attended with wind and rain. About 3,000 panes of glass broken. 1857.— May. Flood from melting snows. 1857. — July. One of the most remark- able instances of rainfall occurred upon a small area in Martinsburgh, — the exact date not being remembered. The morn- ing had been clear, but in the afternoon storms from the north and from the south, appeared to meet upon the hill southwest from the village, and westerly from the residence of J. H. Pitcher. An eye-witness describes it as preceded by unusual darkness, and as accompanied by thunder and lightning, but not with a violent wind. The rain continued about two hours, with great intensity. As it began to cease, a roaring sound was heard in the gulf, and presently a wave at least ten feet high came sweep- ing down the ravine, bearing trees, tim- bers and every object in its course. All the bridges in its way were carried off, down to its junction with the main branch on the southern border of Martinsburgh village. An immense amount of rubbish was left on the adjacent fields, and in two hours the flood had subsided to its com- mon level. There was no rain a mile distant, either to the north or south, and but little at two miles west, upon the hill. Such phenomena, often called " cloud- bursts," and occasioned by the meeting of currents of air, when the conditions of humidity favor a heavy rainfall— in fact almost a pouring, over a limited area, TORNADOES. SI are unusual, but not unknown in this and adjacent counties. One in the towns of Rutland and Champion, about six "years since, was equally violent, and its effects may be seen in remarkable erosions, a short distance below the village of " Black River," close by the railroad, as it passes under the hill toward Watertown. 1 87 1. — Autumn late and mild. Trees budded and some blossomed. The suc- ceeding winter was mild. In September, 1881, forest fires pre- vailed extensively in Wilna, adjacent to Carthage, and in the back settlements of this town, and of Croghan. In Jefferson county many buildings were burned, but in Lewis county the greatest injury was done to standing timber, cord wood and bark. Fires also prevailed at about the same time in the towns of Watson, Mar- tinsburgh and Montague. Relief funds were raised for assisting families who had experienced losses in the neighborhood of Carthage in that season. i882-'3. — Judging from its beginning, the winter of i882-'3 will be as memora- ble from the amount of snow, as the preceding autumn has been, from the ab- sence of rainfall, and the remarkably low water in the streams and wells. In this the conditions are believed to be without a precedent in the history of the country. Tornadoes. Of these, several have swept over the county since its settlement, and traces of others, as shown by fallen timber and young trees, indicate that these fearful tempests had traversed this region before its settlement. The first and greatest one ever witnessed in the county, oc- curred on Sunday evening, June 3, 18 10, and formed an epoch in the memories of the early settlers. It passed nearly a due east course from West Martinsburgh across the river near the Watson bridge, and far beyond into the wilderness, leav- ing a track of broken and prostrate trees over a space a mile and a quarter wide and of unknown length. It was attended by torrents of rain and vivid and inces- sant lightning. Its approach was an- nounced by a fearful roaring in the woods, and the crash of falling timber was lost in terrific peals of thunder. The affrighted inhabitants fled to their cellars or sought in the open air an asylum from the danger? which their own dwellings threatened. The clouds which had been gathering in dense black masses, having poured an immense volume of water along the track of the storm, cleared up as soon as it had passed, and the remain- der of the evening was beautifully serene and quiet. Although many buildings were unroofed or prostrated, it is won- derful to relate that no lives were lost. In 1823, a tornado passed over the un- settled country near the southwest corner of the county, leaving a track two miles long and half a mile wide, on which no trees were left standing. This occurred about a mile south of the deep valley of Salmon river, and nearly parallel with it, in the present town of Osceola. A tornado from the northwest passed over Harrisburgh, Sept. 9, 1845, tearing down trees over a track in some places forty or fifty rods wide. It struck the saw-mill of Jacob Windecker and the house of Richard Livingston in Lowville, where it prostrated a building attached, and did other damage to buildings but destroyed no lives. Eleven days later, the great northern tornado swept the forest from Antwerp to Lake Champlain, mostly through an uninhabited region and likewise without the loss of human hfe. At half past five o'clock on the after- noon of July 5, 1850, a tornado cloud was seen, like an immense cloud of smoke, rapidly whirling and advancing down the hill, about a mile south of Turin village. It passed eastward to the 5: HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. river, demolishing two or three barns, unroofing several houses, and prostrating everything that lay in its track. It is reported that plank were torn up from the road, grass twisted out by the roots, and solid objects on the ground removed. No lives were lost. Earthquakes. These fearful but unnatural phenomena have been felt several times since the set- tlement of the county, but seldom suffi- cient to create a sensible motion of the earth. They were indicated by a deep rolhng noise like distant thunder, or like wagons driven over frozen ground. Such an instance occurred in the county, late in the evening of January 22, 1832, and in Martinsburgh, April 8, 1836. On the first of March, 1838, a slight shock was felt at Lowville, at 9 o'clock in the even- ing, and another in December, 1839. At half-past two o'clock, on the morning of March 12, 1853, an earthquake was felt throughout the county, windows, stoves and crockery were rattled, in Lowville one chimney was thrown down, and even the bells in the stone church and academy were rung by the movement. The effect was more sensible in brick and stone, than in framed houses, and some persons awakened by the noise and frightened by the motion, ran into the open air, lest they should be buried in their own houses. The phenomenon was attended by a distant deep rumbling sound, gradually approaching and then dying away in the opposite direction. As it approached it was interrupted by a series of explosions like bursts of thun- der, and the noise is described as pecu- liarly grand, appalling and unearthly. It continued from one to three minutes, and was heavy in Turin, Lowville, Copen- hagen and Adams, and light in Water- town. On the morning of October 17, i860, a subterranean thunder was heard, and a slight tremor was felt in Turin. It was also heard and felt at many other places at this hour. On the nth of July, 1861, at about 9 o'clock in the evening, or a little later, an earthquake shock was felt, rather than heard, in Turin, Martinsburgh, Low- ville, etc. Windows were heard to rat- tle, as if shaken by an external force. Some observed a visible motion in build- ings, and others noticed a deep rumble, like a wagon crossing a bridge, but the greater number of those who felt the motion, heard no sound. The tremor lasted a minute or so, and some who noticed the sound, thought that it passed towards the southwest. CHAPTER VI. Notes Upon Natural History — Notice by Travelers. WE are not aware that there have been found any animals, or their re- mains, of particularly local occurrence within the county of Lewis. The re- mains of a Mammoth found near Copen- hagen, will be found noticed more par- ticularly in our account of Denmark. There have been found fragments of the horns of the Elk, in the great eastern wilderness, showing that that animal once inhabited this region, in times com- paratively recent, but still before any record in human history. The Moose was found somewhat fre- quently, at an early day, in the great forest, but it is now supposed to be wholly extinct, as to the native race, al- though some have been introduced and placed under protection by parties own- ing tracts of woodland in the interior. The Beaver must have once been com- mon, if we can judge from the beaver dams, and meadows caused from their NOTES UPON NATURAL HISTORY. 53 overflow, that occurred on the plateau region of the western part of the county, and less frequently upon the limestone terraces of lower level. They are still supposed to exist here and there, but nowhere colonize as formerly, or build dams. They were found busy at work on their hydraulic structures, at the time when the first surveys were in progress. Wolves once common are now rare, and bounties for their destruction have been offered by the State, county and towns, in former times, and occasionally claims are brought in for these bounties at the present time. In 1823 and 1824, fraudulent speculations in these bounties prevailed to a large extent in Franklin county, but we are not aware of their ex- tending into our county. Panthers are seen and killed at rare in- tervals, but were formerly more com- mon. The bounties for their destruction were generally the same as for wolves. Of other animals the county presents nothing of particular interest, it being no- ticed here as elsewhere that in certain years, bears, foxes, squirrels and other animals are much more common than others, probably from some unusual abundance of their food, or a mild win- ter that favors their Hving. The " squir- rel hunts," once more common, are not wholly forgotten. In one of these con- tests many years ago, we noticed the scale of reckoning had the red squirrel as the unit, and this being counted i, the black squirrel was 2, partridge 2, woodchuck 4, fox 6, deer 8, wolf 12, and bear 12. The last two, however, were commonly rated as much higher. Of birds, besides those of the migratory species that stop for a brief period in passing in spring and fall, and those that nest in the county, there have occasion- ally been found specimens or flocks very unusual in this region. A flock of white swans was seen on the river in March, 1826, and one of them that was shot measured seven feet ten inches from tip to tip of wings, and weighed seventeen pounds. Pigeons have in some years nested in prodigious numbers in the beech woods of Montague and West Turin. The spring seasons of 1829, 1849 ^"d 1858 were especially noted for their abun- dance. Fish. — In Fish creek, salmon formerly abounded, and were taken in the early history of the county as large as twenty or twenty-five pounds in weight. More were caught after about 1815. We have been informed by an early settler that about the year 1805, ninety-five salmon were caught at one haul in " Shalers' Hole " in Fish creek, in the present town of High Market, weighing from three to five pounds each. At the next haul but two or three were taken, no more being apparently left at that time. This is alto- gether the " biggest fish story " we have to relate as located in Lewis county, but the statement was made by an eye witness who was- entirely reliable. Sal- mon river, which rises in the south- western part of the county, is named from the former abundance of these fish, but as settlements began in that part of the county, at a comparatively recent date, no traditions remain as to their former abundance. About the year 1843, B. Smith and Amos Higby, Jr., put about thirty spec- imens of perch into Brantingham lake. From these they have since multiplied in the waters of the Black river and its tributaries. In recent years various kinds of fish have been placed in the waters of the county, under the direc- tion of the U. S. Fish Commission. In their native condition the waters of the county abounded with trout, dace, suckers, bullheads, eels, sunfish, and probably some other species. The natural history of the county is in the way of being very carefully 54 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTV. studied up, and whatever there may be of scientific interest will at no distant day be made known. We deem it prop- er in this connection to notice the labors of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, of Locust Grove (Leyden), who has in preparation an elaborate work upon the literature of Natural History in the State of New York. His careful and thorough man- ner of studying this subject, and the completeness with which he has gone over a somewhat similar, but much less comprehensive work, upon the birds of Connecticut, is a sufficient guarantee that his present enterprise will be of great scientific value. Considerable col- lections of the fauna of this region have also been made- by Romeyn B. Hough, curator of the collections of birds and mammals in Cornell University. The Journeys of Washington Irving THROUGH Lewis County, in the Summer of 1803, and in the Autumn of 1814. In the summer of 1803, Washington Irving, then twenty years of age, and a student in the law office of Josiah Ogden Hoffman, [one of the first owners of Denmark,] accepted an invitation of a journey to Ogdensburgh, and has left some trace of his trip through Lewis county. The party consisted of seven persons : Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow Ogden, Miss Eliza Ogden, Miss Anne Hoffman, and himself. We will be- gin his journey at Utica : — On Monday, August 9th, they set off from Utica for the High Falls on Black river, in two wagons, having despatched another with the principal part of their baggage. The roads were bad, and lay either through thick woods, or by fields disfigured with burnt stumps, and fallen bodies of trees. The next day they grew worse, and the travelers were frequently obUged to get out of the wagon and walk. At High Falls, they embarked in a scow on Black river, " so called from the dark color of its waters," but soon the rain began to descend in torrents, and they sailed the whole afternoon and evening, under repeated showers, from which they were but partially screened by sheets stretched on hoop poles. About twenty-five miles below the Falls, they went ashore, and found lodgings for the night at a log-house, on beds spread on the floor.* The next morning it cleared off beau- tifully, and they set out again in their boat. On turning a point in the river, they were surprised by loud shouts, which proceeded from two or three ca- noes in full pursuit of a deer which was swimming in the water. A gun was soon after fired, and they rowed with all their might to get in at the death. " The deer made for our shore, " says the Journal. " We pushed ashore imme- diately, and as it passed, Mr. Ogden fired, and wounded it. It had been wounded befoi'e. I threw off mj coat and prepared to swim after it. As it came near a man rushed through the bushes, sprang into the water, and made a grasp at the animal. He missed his aim, and I, jumping after, fell on his back and sunk him under water. At the same time I caught the deer by one ear, and Mr. Ogden seized it by a leg. The sub- merged gentleman, who had risen above water, got hold of another. We drew it ashore, when the man immediately dis- patched him with a knife. We claimed a haunch for our share, permitting him to keep all the rest. In the evening we arrived at B[ossout]'s, at the head of the Long Falls. [Carthage.] " A dirtier house was never seen. We dubbed it ' The Temple of Dirt, ' but we contrived to have our venison cooked in a cleanly manner by Mr. Ogden's ser- vant, and it made very fine steaks, which, * This must have been at Spafford's Landing in Low- ville, at the point where the road from Lowville village to Wa»son strikes the river. WASHINGTON IRVING. S5 after two days' living on crackers and gingerbread, were highly acceptable. Friday, iith. " We prepared to leave the Temple of Dirt, and set out about sixty miles through the woods to Oswe- gatchie. We ate an uncomfortable breakfast, for it was impossible to relish anything in a house so completely filthy. The landlady herself was perfectly in character with the house ; a little squat Frenchwoman, with a red face, a black wool hat stuck on her head, her hair freasy and uncombed, hanging about er ears, and the rest of her dress and person in similar style. We were heart- ily glad to make an escape." The Journal omits to mention that just before they started, the young traveller took out his pencil, and scribbled over the fire-place the following memorial : — "Here Sovereign Dirt erects her sable throne, The house, the host, the hostess all her own. " In a subsequent year, when Mr. Hoff- man was passing the same way, with Judge WilliamCooper, (the father of the distinguished novelist, James Fenimore Cooper), he pointed out this memento of his student, still undetected and unef- faced ; whereupon the Judge, whose longer experience in frontier travel had probably raised him above the qualms of over-nicety, immediately wrote under it, this doggerel inculcation : — " Learn hence, young man, and teach it to your sons. The wisest way's to take it as it comes."* Irving's journey through the wilder- ness to Ogdensburgh, mid dreary drench- * Irving appears to have gained something himself from experience, for in traveling the next year in France, in remarking upon the dirt, noise and insolence he met with on the road from Marseilles to Nice, he says :— "Fortunately for me, I am seasoned, in some degree, to the disagreeables from my Canada journey of last summer. When I enter one of these inns to put up for the night, I have but to draw a comparison between it and some of the log hovels into which my fellow travel- ers and myself were huddled, after a fatiguing day s journey through the woods, and the inn appears a palace. For my part 1 endeavor to take things as they come, with cheerfulness, and when I cannot get a dinner to suit my taste. I endeavor to get a taste to suit my dinner. He adds, '• There is nothing I dread more than to be taken for one of the Smellfungi of this world. I there- fore endeavor to be pleased with every thing about me, and with the masters, mistresses and servants of the inns, particularly when I perceive they have ' all the dispo- sition in the world ' to serve me ; as Stone says, ' it _is enough for Heaven, and ought to be enough for me. ing rains, — his sleepless nights in log cabins, and the cheerful contrast pre- sented after three or four days wading through the mud, would have interest, but our space does not allow. While writing the history of St. Lawrence county, in 1852, and knowing of Irving's former transient residence there, we ad- dressed him a letter, asking if he could give some reminiscences of the country at that early day. He replied, court- eously thanking us for the invitation, but declined, as other engagements just then claimed all his time, and the impressions of his youth had become faded by time. But in September, 1853, he had occa- sion, on a journey, to pass through Ogdensburgh by railway from Lake Champlain, to take a steamer for the west, and the visit brought back with freshness, the scenes which it recalled, and in a letter to a niece in Paris, he de- scribes them with a beauty and pathos that shows how sad these memories were, and yet how dear. He says : — " One of the most interesting circum- stances of my tour was the sojourn of a day at Ogdensburgh, at the mouth of the Oswegatchie river, where it empties into the St. Lawrence. I had not been there since I visited it fifty years ago, in 1803, when I was twenty years of age ; when I made an expedition through the Black river country to Can- ada, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Hoff- man, and Anne Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow Ogden, and Miss Eliza Ogden. Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Ogden were visit- ing their wild lands on the St. Lawrence. All the country was then a wilderness. We floated down the Black river in a scow ; we toiled through the forests in wagons drawn by oxen ;* we slept in * Judge Noadiah Hubbard, for many years a prom- inent citizen of Champion, drove this ox team, and in 1853, he related to the author some reminiscences of the journey. The girls wanted to learn the names of his oxen — the meaning of " gee " and "haw," and many other details, which they probably did not remernber as long as it took him to tell them. But it was all new to them — in the spring-time of life — and there was a ro- mance, even in the discomforts of a journey with an ox team, which would be at least remembered after the weariness of the ride was forgotten. 56 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. hunter's cabins, and were once four and twenty hours without food ; but all was romance to me. "Arrived on the banks of the St. Lawrence, we put up at Mr. Ogden's agent, [Nathan Ford,] who was quar- tered in some rude buildings belonging to a French foil at the mouth of the Os- wegatchie. What happy days I passed there! rambling about the woods with the young ladies ; or paddHng with them in Indian canoes on the limpid waters of the St. Lawrence ; or fishing about the rapids and visiting the Indians who still lived on islands in the river. Everything was so grand and so silent and solitary. I don't think any scene in life made a more dehghtful impression on me. " Well, here I was again after a lapse of fifty years. I found a populous city occu- pying both banks of the Oswegatchie,con- nected by bridges. It was the Ogdens- burgh, of which a village plot had been planned at the time of our visit. I sought the old French fort, where we had been quartered — not a trace of it was left. I sat under a tree on the site and looked round upon what I had known as a wil- derness — now teeming with Hfe, crowded with habitations — the Oswegatchie river dammed up and encumbered by vast stone mills — the broad St. Lawrence plowed by immense steamers. I walked to the point, where, with the two girls, I used to launch forth in the canoe, while the rest of the party would wave hand- kerchiefs, and cheer us from the shore ; but it was now a bustling landing-place for steamers. There were still some rocks where I used to sit of an evening and accompany with my flute one of the ladies who sang. I sat for a long time on the rocks, summoning recollections of by-gone days, and of the happy beings by whom I was then surrounded. All had passed away, all were dead and gone ; of that young and joyous party, I was the sole survivor ; they had all lived quietly at home, out of the reach of mischance, yet had gone down to their graves; while I, who had been wandering about the world, exposed to all hazards by sea and land, was yet alive. It seemed al- most marvelous. I have often, in my shifting about the world, come upon the traces of former existence ; but I do not think any thing has made a stronger im- pression on me than this second visit to the banks of the Oswegatchie." Irving was afterwards engaged to marry Matilda Hoffman, a younger sister of Anne, but she died after a short illness in her eighteenth year, in 1809. He was never afterwards able to forget this sad event, which cast a shadow over his life till the end. In September, 18 14, Irving, then aid and military secretary to Governor Tompkins, with the rank of Colonel, was sent to Sackett's Harbor, with discre- tionary power to consult with the com- manding officers stationed there ; and if necessary to order out more militia, as the place was threatened with an attack by land and water. Proceeding to Utica by stage, he there took horse for the Harbor, which with all his diligence he could not reach under three days, for the roads were exceedingly heavy, and the journey rough and toilsome, but not without interest. A great part of this lonely ride lay through the track trav- ersed in 1803 ; but eleven years had made great changes in the face of the country, and doubtless suggested to him what further time would do. Among his papers, left at his death, and used by his nephew Pierre M. Irving, in preparing " The Life and Letters " of this distinguished author, were found faded leaves, numbers 10, 11, 12 and 13, of an article which Irving had apparently written for the press, but had never sent. This fragment begins on the second day after leaving Utica, when he was proceeding on his way amid such " gen- eral stillness "' that " the fall of an acorn among the dry leaves would resound through the forest." " While I was jogging thus pensively on, my horse scarce dragging a snail's pace and seemingly, like his rider, sunk into a reverie, I was suddenly startled by a loud rustling on the right; a beautiful doe came bounding through the thickets, leaped lightly over a LISTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS. 57 fallen pine, and alighted in the road just before me. The poor animal seemed transfixed with astonishment at behold- ing another tenant of these solitudes; it gazed at me for an instant with the most picturesque surprise, and then launching to the left, I presently heard it plunge into the river. " I had now been traveling for some time through close woodland, my view bounded on every side by impassive forests, when I came to where the face of the country sinks for a considerable distance, and forms a vast terrace of ten miles in breadth, and then sinking again forms another broad terrace or plain, until it reaches Lake Ontario. Nothing could exceed the grandeur of the effect when the view first burst upon my sight. I found myself upon the brow of a hill, down which the road suddenly made a winding descent. The trees on each side of the road were like the side scenes of a theatre; while those which had hitherto bounded my view in front seemed to have sunk from before me, and I looked forth upon a luxuriant and almost boundless expanse of country. The forest swept down from beneath my feet, and spread out into a vast ocean of foliage, tinted with all the brilliant dj'es of autumn, and gilded by a setting sun. Here and there a column of smoke curling its light blue volumes into the air, rose as a beacon to direct the eye to some infant settlement, as to some haven in this sylvan sea. As my eye ranged (jver the mellow landscape I could per- ceive where the country dipped again into its second terrace ; the foHage be- yond being more and more blended in the- purple mist of sunset ; until a glit- tering line of gold trembling along the horizon, showed the distant waters of Lake Ontario." The scene thus beautifully described, was that presented upon the Rutland hills, as the road approaches the present city of Watertown, which is about four miles distant. The prospect of an early attack by the British, induced Irving to call out the militia, in pursuance of authority vested in him by the Governor. As there was no immediate prospect of anything at the Harbor, he set out to return to Albany, on the 7th of Octo- ber, by the way he came, in com- pany with a commissary. As they were wending their way back to Utica, they were constantly meeting squads of militia which he had been calling out, from Herkimer, Oneida and the Black River counties, trudging towards Sack- ett's Harbor to re-inforce the scanty de- fenses of that place, and they would hail him as they passed with " What news of the big ship ?" — then jeer him for going the wrong way, and banter him to face about, little dreaming that it was to him that they were indebted for the sum- mons to turn out. CHAPTER VII. Lists of Public Officers. Members of Congress. UNTIL 1808, Lewis county, formed with Herkimer, Oneida, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, the 15th Congressional District, and during this time was represented as follows : — 9th Congress, i8os-'o7 — Nathan Will- iams, of Utica, Oneida county, loth Congress, iSoj-'og — William Kirk- patrick, of Whitesboro, Oneida county. From 1808 to 181 2 it was united with Herkimer, Jefferson and St. Lawrence as the loth District, represented as fol- lows : — nth Congress, 1809-1 1 — John Nichol- son, of Herkimer, Herkimer county. I2th Congress, i8ii-'i3 — Silas Stow, of Lowville, Lewis county. From 181 2 to 1822 it was united with Jefferson and St. Lawrence as the 18th District, represented as follows : — 13th and 14th Congress, 1813-17 — Moss Kent, of Le Raysville, Jefferson county. 58 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 15th Congress, 1817-19 — David A. Ogden, of Madrid, St. Lawrence county. i6th Congress, 1819-21 — William D. Ford, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 17th Congress, 1821-23 — Micah Sterling, of Watertown, Jefferson county. From 1822 to 1832 it formed with Jef- ferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties a double District, the 20th, rep- resented as follows : — i8th Congress, i823-'25^Ela CoUins, of Lowville, Lewis county ; Egbert Ten Eyck, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 19th Congress, i825-'27 — NicoU Fordick ; Egbert Ten Eyck ;* of Watertown, Jefferson county ; Daniel Hugunin,f of , Oswego county. 20th Congress, 1827-29 — Rudolph Bun- ner, of Oswego, Oswego county ; Silas Wright, Jr., of Canton, St. Lawrence county. 2ist Congress, i829-'3i — George Fisher,;]: of Oswego, Oswego county ; Silas Wright, Jr.,§ of Canton, St. Law- rence county; Jonah Sanford,!. of Hopkinton, St. Lawrence county ; Joseph Hawkins, of Henderson, Jef- ferson county. 22d Congress, i83i-'33 — Charles Dayan, of Lowville, Lewis county ; Daniel Wardwell, of Mannsville, Jefferson county. From 1832 to 1842 it formed with Herkimer the i6th District, represented as follows : — 23d Congress, i833-'35 — Nathan Soule, of Mmden (then,) Herkimer county. 24th Congress, i835-'37 — Abijah Mann, of Fairfield, Herkimer county. 25th Congress, 1837-39 — Arphaxed Loomis, of Little Falls, Herkimer county. 26th and 27th Congress, 1839-41 — An- drew W. Doig, of Lowville, Lewis county. From 1842 to 185 1 it formed with St. Lawrence the i8th District, represented as follows : — * Lost his seat in a contest with Hugimin. f Dec. 9, 1825, in place of Ten Eyck. I Contested by Silas Wright, Jr. S Dec. 15, 1829, in place of Fisher. I Elected in place of Wright, March 9, 1830. 28th and 29th Congress, 1843-47 — Pres- ton King, of Ogdensburgh, St. Law- rence county. 30th Congress, 1847-49 — William Col- lins, of Lowville, Lewis county. 31st Congress, 1849-51 — Preston King, of Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence county. From 185 1 to 1862 it formed with Jef- ferson county the 23d District, repre- sented as follows : — 32d Congress, i85i-'53 — Willard Ives, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 33d Congress, 1853-55 — Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, (Greig,) Lewis coun- ty. 34th Congress, 1855-57 — Wm. A. Gil- bert,* of Adams, Jefferson county. 35th and 36th Congresses, i857-'6i — Charles B. Hoard, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 37th Congress, i86i-'63 — Ambrose W. Clark, of Watertown, Jefferson county. From 1862 to 1873 it formed with Jef- ferson and Herkimer counties the 20th District, represented as follows : — 38th Congress, i863-'65 — Ambrose W. Clark, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 39th to 41st Congress, 1865-71 — Addi- son H. Laflin, of Herkimer, Herki- mer county. 42d Congress, i87i-'73— CHnton L. Mer- riam, of Leyden, Lewis county. Since 1873, it has formed with Jeffer- son and Herkimer counties the 21st district, represented as follows : — 43d Congress, i873-'75— Clinton L. Mer- riam, of Leyden, Lewis county. 44th and 45th Congresses, i87S-'79— Geo. A. Bagley, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 46th Congress, i879-'8i— Warne^r Miller, of Little Falls, Herkimer county. 47th Congress, 1 881— Warner Miller,t of Little Falls, Herkimer county. 48th Congress, 1883— Chas. R. Skinner,! of Watertown, Jefferson county. * Resigned Feb. 27, 1857. •f Resigned on being elected to the United States Sen- ate, July 26, 1881. i Elected in place of Miller resigned, for most of 47th Congress ; re-elected to 48th Congress. STATE SENATORS— MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY. 59 State Senators. Until 1 815, this county formed a part of the Western District. In that year it was transferred to the Eastern District, and so remained until the revision in 1822. During this period, the county had two Senators, viz:- — 1 809-'! 2 — Walter Martin, of Martins- burgh. 1819-22 — Levi Adams, of Martinsburgh. The revision of 1822 increased the number of Senatorial Districts from four to eight and gave four senators to each, of whom one-fourth in number were chosen annually with terms of four years. Under this constitution the county form- ed a part of the 5th District, with Her- kimer,* Jefferson, Madison, Oneida and Oswego. The county was represented as follows : — i827-'28 — Charles Dayan,t of Lowville. 1834-37 — Francis Seger, of Greig. i843-'46 — Carlos P. Scovil, of Martins- burgh. 1847 — Nelson J. Beach, of Watson. The Constitution of 1846 increased the number of Districts to 32, in each of which one senator was to be chosen biennally — and all the same years. From 1846 to 1857, Lewis and Jefferson coun- ties formed the 2 1 St District, represented as follows : — i848-'49— John W Tamblin, of Water- town. i85o-'5i— Alanson Skinner,+ of Brown- ville-; Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale,§ (Greig.) i852-'53— Ashley Davenport, of Den- mark. i854_'55_Robert Lansing, of Water- town. ,856-57— Gardner Towne, of Rutland. From 1857 to 1879, it formed with Jefferson county, the i8th District, rep- resented as follows : — * In May, 1836. Otsego was annexed, and Herkimer was transferred to the 4th District. t Elected in place of George Brayton of Oneida county, rasigned. t Resigned April 17, 185 1 ; not re-elected. § Elected May 27, 185 1, in place of Skinner, resigned. 1 85 8-' 59 — Joseph A. Willard, of Low- ville. i86o-'65 — James A. Bell, of Dexter. 1866-69 — John O'Donnell, of Lowville. i870-'73 — Norris Winslow, of Water- town. i874-'75 — Andrew C. Middleton, of Rut- land. i876-'77 — James F. Starbuck, of Water- town. i878-'79— Henry E.Turner, of Lowville. Since 1879, it has been united with Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, forming the 20th District, represented as follows : — i88o-'83 — Dolphus S. Lynda, of Her- mon, St. Lawrence count3^ Members of Assembly. Lewis county was united with Jeffer- son and St. Lawrence as one Assembly District, until 1808, since which it has been entitled to one member alone. Its members in the Assembly have been : — 1808 — Lewis Graves, Denmark. 1809 — Judah Barnes, Turin. 1810 — Lewis Graves, Denmark. 181 1 — Nathaniel Merriam, Leyden. 18 1 2 — William Darrow, Lowville. 18 1 3 — Levi Collins, West Turin. 1 8 14 — Chillus Doty, Martinsburgh. 181 5 — Ela Collins, Lowville. i8i6-'i7 — Chillus Doty, Martinsburgh. r8i8 — Levi Hart, Turin. 1 8 19 — Levi Robbins, Denmark. i82c>^Nathaniel Merriam, Leyden. 1 82 1 — Stephen Hart, Turin. 1822 — Chester Buck, Lowville. 1823 — Abner W. Spencer, Denmark. 1824 — Caleb Lyon, Greig. 1825 — Amos Buck, Jr., Denmark. 1826 — Amos Miller, Leyden. 1827 — John W. Martin, Martinsburgh. i828-'29 — Geo. D. Ruggles, Lowville. 1830 — Joseph O. Mott, Turin. 183 1 — Harrison Blodget, Denmark. 1832 — Andrew W. Doig, Lowville. 1833 — Eli Rogers, Jr., Turin. 1834 — Geo. D. Ruggles, Lowville. i835-'36 — Charles Dayan, Lowville. 1837 — Geo. D. Ruggles, Lowville. 1838 — William Dominick, Greig. 1839 — Sanford Coe, West Turin. 1840 — Chester Buck, Lowville. 6o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1841 — Eliphalet Sears, Ley den. 1842— Carlos P Scovil, Martinsburgh. 1843— Amos Buck, Denmark. 1844— Alburn Foster, Martinsburgh. 1845 — Dean S. Howard, Greig. 1846— Nelson J. Beach, Watson. 1847 — Thomas Baker, Leyden. 1848 — David D. Reamer, Diana. 1849— Diodate Pease, Martinsburgh. 1850 — John Newkirk, Pinckney. 185 1— Caleb Lyon,* of Lyonsdale, Greig. 185 1— Dean S. Howard,! Greig. 1852 — John Benedict, Lowville. 1853 — Seymour Green, Osceola. 1854— Jonathan C. CoUins, West Turin. 1855 — Aaron Parsons, Leyden. 1856 — David Algur, Leyden. 1857 — Lucian Clark, Denmark. 1858 — Homer CoUins, West Turin. 1859 — Lyman R. Lyon, Greig. i860— Richardson T. Hough, Lewis. 1861 — Edmund Baldwin, West Turin. 1862 — Henry H. D. Snyder, Jr., Leyden. 1863 — John Chickering, Denmark. 1864 — John O'Donnell, Lowville. 1865 — Nathan Clark, Denmark. [men. 1866 — Alexander Y. Stewart, New Bre- 1867 — Henry A. Phillips, Lowville. 1868 — John R. Mann, New Bremen. 1869 — Chester Ray, Martinsburgh. 1870 — Jay A. Pease, Lewis. 1 87 1 — Joseph Pahud, Diana. 1872 — Amos V. Smiley, Lowville. 1873 — Sidney Sylvester, Martinsburgh. 1874 — John Herrick, New Bremen. 1875 — James A. Merwin, Leyden. 1876 — Alexander H. Crosby, Lowville. 1877 — -William Wirt Rice, Croghan. 1878 — Cyrus L. Sheldon, Lowville. i879-'8i — Chas. A. Chickering, Denmark. 1882 — G. Henry P. Gould, Lyonsdale. 1883 — Friend Hoyt, Leyden. Judicial Districts. Under the Constitution of 1822, the State was divided into eight circuits, or districts, of which the 5th included Lewis County. As defined by law April 17, 1828, the 5th district included Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and Oswego counties. The * Lyon resigned to run for office of Senator, and Howard was elected to fill the vacancy, •f Elected in place of Lyon resigned. Circuit Judges under that arrangement were as follows: — 1823. April 21 — Nathan Williams, of Utica, Oneida county. 1834, April 12 — Samuel Beardsley, of Cooperstown, Otsego county. 1834, May 7 — Hiram Denio, of Utica, Oneida county. 1838, April 18 — Isaac H. Bronson, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 1838, July 17 — Philo Gridley, of Utica, Oneida county. In arranging judicial districts under the. act of May 8, 1847, the 5th district was made to include Herkimer, Jeffer- son, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga and Os- wego counties, and this has been since continued. There are four Justices of the Supreme Court elected in each dis- trict. As it may be. a matter of con- venience for reference, we give the list of those who have held the office, none of them being residents in our county at the time of holding office. Justice Merwin is a native of Leyden : — 1847, June 7 — Charles Gray, of Coopers- town, Otsego county. 1847, June 7 — Daniel Pratt, of Syracuse, Onondaga county. 1847, June 7 — Philo Gridley, of Utica, Oneida county. 1847, June 7 — William F. Allen, of Os- wego, Oswego county. 1849, Nov. 6 — Frederick W. Hubbard, of Watertown, Jefferson county. 1 85 1, Nov. 4 — Daniel Pratt, of Syracuse, Onondaga county. 1853, Nov. 8 — William J. Bacon, of Utica, Oneida county. 1855, Nov. 6— WiUiam F. Allen, of Os- wego, Oswego county. 1857, Nov. 3 — Joseph Mullin, of Water- town, Jefferson county. 1859, Nov. 8 — LeRoy Morgan, of Syra- cuse, Onondaga county. 1861, Nov. 5 — William J. Bacon, of Utica, Oneida county. 1863, Nov. 3 — Henry A. Foster, of Rome, Oneida county. 1865, Nov. 7 — Joseph Mullin,* of Water- town, Jefferson county. 1867, Nov. 5 — LeRoy Morgan, of Syra- cuse, Onondaga county. * Re-elected. SURROGATES-COUNTY JUDGES-COUNTY CLERKS. 6i 1869, Nov. 2— Charles H Doolittle, of Utica, Oneida county. 1 87 1, Nov. 5 — George A. Hardin, of Little Falls, Herkimer county. 1874, Nov. 8— Milton H. Merwin, of Utica, Oneida county. 187s, Nov. 2 — James Noxon,* of Syra- cuse, Onondaga county. 1881, Jan. 18— John C. Churchill,t of Oswego, Oswego county. 1 88 1, Nov. Irving G. Vann, of Syra- ctise, Onondaga county. Surrogates. These officers were appointed, and the office was separate until 1846, when it was united to that of County Judge. Before that year, the persons holding this office w^ere as follows : — 1805, April 3 — Isaac W. Bostwick, of Lowville. 18 1 5, March 15— Chillus Doty, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1820, June 6 — Barnabas Yale, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1 82 1, Feb. 13 — Chillus Doty, of Martins- burgh. 1823, March 28— Sylvester Miller, of Lowville. 1835, Feb. 28 — Andrew \Y. Doig, of Lowville. 1840, Feb. 7 — WiUiam L. Easton, of Lowville. 1844, Feb. 7 — Daniel S. Bailey, of Mar- tinsburgh. County Judges This office was filled by the Council of Appointment, until 1822, and from that time to 1846 by the Governor and Senate. Since 1846, they have been elected. The present terra is six years. 1806, March 29 — Daniel Kelley, of Low- ville. 1809, June I — Jonathan Collins, of Turin, [now West Turin.] 1815, June 27 — Silas Stow, of Lowville. 1823, Jan. 24 — Edward Bancroft, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1833, March 16 — John W. Martin, of Martinsburgh. •Died Jan. 6, 1881. f Appointed in place of Noxon, deceased. 1843, April 9— Francis Seger, of Turin. 1847, June— (elected) , of Martins- burgh. 1855, Nov.— Edward A. Brown, of Low- ville. 1859, - — Henry E. Turner, of Low- ville. 1863, 1874, -Carlos P. Scovil, of Lowville. -Eliada S. Merrell,* of Low- ville. County Clerks. Before 1822 these officers were ap- pointed by the Council of Appointment, but since that year they have been elected. 1805, April 3— Richard Coxe, of Turin, [now West Turin.] 1 8 16, March 12 — Edward Bancroft, of Martinsburgh. 1820, June 6— Dr. John Safford, of Martinsburgh. 1 82 1, February 13 — Edward Bancroft, of Martinsburgh. 1822, November— Martin Hart, of Tu- rin. 1825, November — Andrew W. Doig, of Lowville. 1 83 1, November — Carlos P. Scovil, of Martinsburgh. 1840, November. — Dr. Charles Orvis, of Martinsburgh. 1843, November — Julius A. White, of Harrisburg. 1846, November — Lucian Clark, of Denmark. 1849, November — Harrison Barnes, of Turin. 1855, November — Sidney Sylvester, of Denmark. 1858, November— Walter B. Fosttf, of Turin. 1 86 1, November — David A. Stewart, of New Bremen. 1867, November — Rufus L. Rogers, of Lowville. 1870, November — ^Thomas J. Lewis, of Turin. 1873, November — Charles E. Mitchell, of Lowville. 1876, November — Eugene B. Wool- worth, of West Turin. 1879, November — Edward H. Bush,-f- of Lowville. * Re-elected for six years, in 1B80. f Re-elected in 1882. 62 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. District A ttorneys. Before [8i8 several counties were united in forming Districts, and from 1808 to 1 8 18 Lewis was united with Jef- ferson and St. Lawrence counties. Dur- ing this period the Attorneys were as follows : — 1808, April 6 — Samuel Whittlesey, of Watertown. 1 8 10, Feb. 9 — Amos Benedict, of Water- town. i8ii, Feb. 12 — Samuel Whittlesey, of Watertown. 181 3, March 3 — Amos Benedict, of Watertown. 1 81 5, March 15 — Ela Collins, of Low- ville. Since 18 18 the county has had sepa- rate District Attorneys, as follows : — 1818, June II — Ela Collins, of Low- ville. 1840, March 24 — Charles Day an, of Lowville. 1845, March 24 — William Collins, of Lowville. 1847, June — David M. Bennett, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1850, November — EHada S. Merrell, of Lowville. 1856, November — Henry E. Turner, of Lowville. 1859, November — Leonard C. Kilham, Martinsburgh. 1862, November — Cornelius E. Steph- ens, of Lowville. 1865, November — Seymour F. Adams,* of West Turin. 1867, January — Edward A. Brown.f of Lowville. 1867, November — Eliada S. Merrell, of Lowville. 1870, November — Henry E. Turner, of Lowville. 1873, November — J. Miller Reed, of Lowville. 1879, November — Charles S. Mereness, of Lowville. 1882, November — George N. Whittaker, of Lowville. * Resigned. f Appointed January 24, 1867, in place of Adams, resigned. Justices of Sessions. In the following list, the years set opposite the names were those in which they were in office. They were elected on the previous November elections, except that in 1847 the Judicial election was held in June : — 1848. Emery B. Holden, Turin. Edwin S. Cadwell, Martinsburgh. 1850. John Post, Leyden. David T. Martin, Martinsburgh. 1851. Henry Ragan, Turin. Alfred K. Kellogg. 1852. Charles Pease, Lewis. Zenas Shaw, Denmark. 1853. James R. Northrup, Greig. John Chickering, Harrisburgh. 1854. Hamilton Cobleigh, Pinckney. Emory B. Holden, Turin. 1855. Hamilton Cobleigh, Pinckney. Thomas Rogers, Greig. [rin.' 1856. Van Rensselaer Waters, West Tu- Earl R. Johnson. 1857. John C. Wright, Denmark. Roswell Bingham, Martinsburgh. 1858. Edwin S. Cadwell, Martinsburgh. Roswell Bingham, New Bremen. 1859. Horace Clark, (Diana.) Charles Pease, Leyden. i860. Elisha M. Dunham, Montague. Roswell Bingham, New Bremen. 1861. WiUiam Brown, Lewis. Asa D. Wright, Denmark. 1862. Charles L. Holmes, Harrisburgh. Frederick M. Leonard, Denmark. 1863. Ziba Knox, Lowville. William Brown, Lewis. 1864. George D. Moffatt, Montague. Roswell Bingham, New Bremen. 1865. Phineas Woohvorth, Pinckney. Alvah S. Nichols, Leyden. 1866. George M. Brooks, Leyden. Alvah S. Nichols, Pinckney. 1867. Edwin S. Cadwell, Martinsburgh, Hiram Warren, Greig. 1868. Andrew J. Thayer, Leyden. Joseph M. Gardner, Montague. 1869. Peter Back, New Bremen. Phineas Woohvorth, Denmark. 1870. Edwin S. Cadwell, Martinsburgh. James D. Smith, Greig. 1871. William Rowell, Osceola. Walter D. Higby, Leyden. 1872. DeWitt C. Hall, Pinckney. George W. Acker, Pinckney. SHERIFFS— COUNTY TREASURERS. 63 1873. Nathaniel R. Carley, Diana. Eli R. Paul, Diana. 1874. Harvey Noulton, Turin. Peter Back, New Bremen. 1875. DeWitt C. Hall, Pinckney. Frederick Anken, High Market. 1876. Andrew J. Thayer, Ley den. James K. Galvi'n, Montague. 1877. Andrew J. Thayer, Leyden. William Render, Diana. 1878. Frederick Anken, High Market. Phineas Woolworth, Denmark. 1879. Frederick Anken, High Market. John Walsh, High Market. 1880. Samuel L. Mott, Martinsburgh. William Rowell, Osceola. 1881. WiUiam Seymour, Lyonsdale. William Hunt, Diana. 1882. John Walsh, High Market. William Hunt, Diana. 1883. William Seymour, Lyonsdale. Peter Back, New Bremen. Sheriffs. 1804, April 3 — Chillus Doty, of Martins- burgh. 1808, June 9 — Ehud Stephens, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1810, February 28 — John Ives, of Turin. 181 1, March 2 — Chillus Doty, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1814, March 2— Silas Stow, of Lowville. 1 81 5, March 15— Levi Adams, of Mar- tinsburgh. 181 8, June 15— Sylvester. Miller, of Low- ville. 1820, June 6 — Ehud Stephens, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1 82 1, January 10 — Ira Stephens, of Low- ville. 1 82 1, February 12— Sylvester Miller, of Lowville. 1822, November — Ira Stephens, of Low- ville. 1825, November— David Miller, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1828, November— Hezekiah Scovill, of West Turin. 1 83 1, November- Ashley Davenport, of Denmark. 1834, November— John Whittlesey, of West Turin. 1837, November — Elias Gallup, of Har- risburgh. 1840, November— -Alvin Farr, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1843, November — Elihu Parsons, of Ley- den. 1846, November — George Shepard, of Turin. 1848, November — Aaron Parsons, Jr., of Leyden. 1852, November — Peter Kirley, of Wat- son. 1855, November — Gilbert E. Wool- worth, of Pinckney. 1858, November — Chester Ray, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1861, November — VanRensselaer Wa- ters, of West Turin. 1864, November — Elisha Crofoot, of Turin. 1867, November — Peter Kirley, of Wat- son. 1870, November — James B. PhiUips, of Lowville. 1873, November — J. Mather House, of Turin. 1876, November — C. Frank Smith, of Denmark. 1879, November — J. Mather House, of Turin. 1882, November — George S. Fisher, of Lowville. County Treasurers. Appointed by the Board of Super- visors until 1846, since which time they have been elected triennially : — 1805, October 25- Daniel Kelley, of Lowville. 1808, October 6 — Ela CoUins, of Low- ville. 1809. Daniel Kelley, of Lowville, 1814. James H. Leonard, of Lowville". 1823. Baron S. Doty, of Martinsburgh. 1824. John W. Martm, of Martinsburgh. 1840. Enoch Thompson, of Martinsburgh 1845. Charles L. Martin, of Martins- burgh. 1846. Lyman R. Lyon, of Martins- burgh. 1847. Ela N. Merriam,* of Martinsburgh. 185 1, November— Moses M. Smith, of Lowville. 185 1, November — Diodate Pease,+ of Martinsburgh. * Elected November, 1848. f Term of 1857-60, contested by Moses M. Smith. Died in office March 25, 1B62. 64 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1862, November— Alpheus S. Pease,* of Martinsburgh. 1 87 1, November— Darwin Nash, of Den- mark. 1874, November— Marion Nash, of Mar- tinsburgh. 1880, November— William P. Rogers, of Lowville. Chairmen of the Board of Supervisors. 1805. Jonathan CoUins, of Turin, [now- West Turin.] 1806, (June). Lewis Smith, of Leyden. 1 806, (Oct). Lewis Graves, of Denmark. i8o7-'o8. Jonathan Collins, of Turin, [now West Turin.] 1809. John Ives, of Turin. i8io-'i2. Lewis Graves, of Denmark. 1813. John Ives, of Turin. 1 8 14. Levi Adams, of Martinsburgh. 1815. Chillus Doty, of Martinsburgh. 1816. Nathaniel Merriam, of Leyden. 18 17. Ebenezer Baldwin, of Turin. 1818-19. Jonathan Collins, of Turin, [now West Turin.] 1820-21. Samuel Allen, of Denmark. 1822. James McVickar, of Turin, [now- West Turin.] 1823. Stephen Spencer, of Leyden. i824-'28. James McVickar, of Turin, [now West Turin.] 1829. ? 1830. Ela Collins, of Lowville. 183 1. James McVickar, of Turin, [now West Turin.] i832--'35. David Miller, of Martinsburgh. i836-'37. Chester Buck, of Lowville. 1838. Nelson J. Beach, of Watson. 1839. Aaron Perkins, of Greig. 1840. Horace Johnson, of West Turin. i84i-'43. Francis Seger, of Greig. 1844. Alfred Day, of Leyden. 1845. David D. Remer, (declined) of Diana. Seth Miller, of West Turin. 1846. Seymour Green, of Osceola. 1847. Seth Miller, of West Turin. 1848-55. [We have failed to obtain the names of Chairmen of Supervisors for these years.] 1856. Seymour Green, of Osceola. 1857-58. Lewis Pierce, of Denmark. 1859. Joseph M. Gardner, of Montague. i86o-'6i. Francis Seger, of Greig. 1862. Seymour Green, of Osceola. •Appointed to fill vacancy ; elected November, 1862, and November 1865. 1863. Francis Seger, of Greig. 1864. John M. Paris, of Pinckney. 1865. Francis Seger, of Greig. 1866. Peter Kirley, of Watson. i867-'70. Francis Seger, of Greig. 1 87 1. Nelson J. Beach, of Watson. 1872. John C. Wright, of Denmark. i873-'74. WiUiam Rowell, of Osceola. 1875. John Herrick, of New Bremen. 1876. Peter McCarty, of Harrisburgh. 1877. Hamilton Wilcox, of Watson. 1878. WiUiam Barrett, of Pinckney. 1879. G. H. P. Gould, of Lyonsdale. i88o-'82. William Hunt, of Diana. 1882. Charles M. Allen, of West Turin. Clerks of Boards of Supervisors. [Imperfect List.) 1805. Daniel Kelley. Asa Brayton. 1806-07. Philo Rockwell. 1 8 10. Melancton Wells. i8ii-'i2. Philo Rockwell. 1 8 14. Baron S. Doty. 181 5. David Miller. i8i6-'i8. Philo Rockwell. 1819. David Miller. i820-'28. Philo Rockwell. 1830-31. David Miller. 1832-37. Daniel S. Bailey. 1838. David Miller. 1839. Daniel S. Bailey. 1840. Lewis G. Van Slyck. 1 841. David Miller. 1842-44. James M. Henry. 1845. Henry W. Hunt. 1846. James M. Henry. 1847-49. Charles L. Martin. i850-'55. [The names of Clerks for this period could not be ascertained from records that were accessible.] i856-'58. Abraham I. Mereness. 1859. Jehiel R. Wetmore. i860. Abraham I. Mereness. i86i-'62. Joseph M. Gardner. 1863. Thomas Baker, (resigned). Rufus L. Rogers. i868-'69. R. Sanford Miller. 1870. John Gibson. 1 87 1. Amos B. Mereness. 1872. Eldridge A. Carter. i873-'74- Hamilton Wilcox. 1875-76. Charles F. Niebergall. 1877-78. J. Milton Pease. 1879. WiUiam Rowell. i88o-'8i. George W. Whitaker. 1882. George W. Morrow. SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE POOR— CORONERS. 65 In the autumn of 1862, a difficulty arose in the Board of Supervisors of Lewis county, which occasioned some delay and discussion upon a point that had not been settled by precedent. In April of that year, a special meet- ing of the board had been called, to fill a vacancy in the office of County Treas- urer, and Francis Seger was chosen the chairman. At the November meeting, nine of the seventeen supervisors, re- garding their former choice of a chair- man as but temporary, elected Seymour Green. The remainder adhered to the election made in April. The case was referred to eminent counsel, and to the Attorney General. In the meantime one party met at the clerk's office, and the other at the court house in Martins- burgh. The decision fixed the principle that a permanent chairman can be chosen only at a regular annual meeting. The town meetings of Lewis county are held on the third Tuesday of Feb- ruary, annually, and on the same day in all the towns throughout the countyi but not the State, excepting as they have been so appointed under a general act. Superintendents of the Poor Since 1848, {^With Years of Election.) 1848. Wm. Sterling, (ly.j; Edwin Mil- ler, (2y.) ; John M. Paris, (3y.). 1849, 185a 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856, 1857 1858 1859 i860. 1861 1862 1863 1864, 1865 David Griffis, (Martinsburgh). Edwin Woolworth, (West Turin). John A. Schuyler. Hiram Porter, (Lowville). Edwin Woolworth, (West Turin). John A. Schuyler. Hiram Porter, (Lowville). Eleazer Spencer, (Leyden). Allen Parker, (Harrisburgh). Hiram Porter, (Lowville). Eleazer Spencer, (Leyden). John Clark, 2d, (Denmark). Charles S. Rice, (Lowville). Eleazer Spencer, (Leyden). Allen Parker, (Harrisburgh). Charles S. Rice, (Lowville). David Alger, (Leyden). 1866. Samuel P. Sears, (Montague). 1867. Charles S. Rice, (Lowville). 1868. David Alger, (Leyden). 1 869. Christopher H. Chase,(Pinckney). 1870. James H. Boshart, (Lowville). 1871. Silas Markham, (West Turin). 1872. Chandler E. Thompson, (Consta- bleville, to fill vacancy) ; Wm. C. Clark, (full term). 1873. William Boshart, (Lowville). 1874. Charles M. Merriam, (LeydenV 1875. Joseph C. Otis, (Denmark); Cnas. M. Merriam, (Leyden). 1876. fames T. Campbell, (Lowville). 1878. William C. Clark, (Denmark); Charles M. Goff, (Constable- ville). 1879. Samuel S. Raine*, (Lowville) 1882. Samuel T. Douglass, (Pinckney). Coroners. 1844. Joseph Stephens, Horace Daven- port, (Denmark.) 1846. Asa L. Sheldon, (Martinsburgh) ; Alfred Day. 1847. John Clark, ist, (Denmark); Chas. G. Loomis. 1848. Apollos Stephens, (Copenhagen.) 1849. Ansel Foster, Adam Dietz, (Greig.) 1850. Squire H. Snell, Joseph Boynton. 1 85 1. Robert H. Blanchard. 1852. Austin Harris, Asa Beals, Ansel Foster. 1853. Levi Nellis, Charles Pease, (West Leyden.) 1855. Edwin S. Cadwell, (Martinsburgh); Emory Alien, (West Turin.) 1856. Edward L. Hulbert, (Denmark); James H. Miller, Aaron G. Atkins, (to fill vacancy.) 1857. Edward L. Hulbert. 1858. Thomas Rogers, (Greig); Wm. C. Clark, (Denmark) ; Michael Welch, (High Market.) 1859. ^^^^ Rensselaer Waters, (Turin.) i860. Albert Buell, (Martinsburgh.) 1861. Asa W. Spaulding, (Croghan) ; Samuel P. Sears, (West Leyden) ; Henry E. Smith, (Montague.) 1863. Elisha Crofoot, (Turin.) * By an act passed July 14, 1881, it was provided that any Superintendent cf the Poor in Lewis county might be appointed keeper of the poor-house. Under this act Mr Raine was appointed, and had personal charge of the poor-house during the remainder of his term, he being sole superintendent. 66 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1864. Thomas Barker, (Croghan) ; Elihu Robinson, (Watson) ; Levi Tedmon, (Martinsburgh.) 1865. John Strong, (Turin.) 1868. Emory Allen, (West Turin); Thomas Barker, (Croghan) ; Geo. D. Moffatt, (Montague); Frederick A. Crane, (Lowville.) 1869. Frederick Bischoff, (Lowville.) 1871. Charles W. Burdick, (Lowville); Emory Allen, (West Turin) ; Oliver E. Lindsley, (IVIontague.) 1872. Sanford Coe, (Constableville) ; John W. Wright, (Denmark.) 1874. Alva L. Nichols, (Pinckney) ; Free- born C. Baker, (Croghan.) 1875. Martin Barnes, (Turin); Philan- der Blodget, (Denmark.) 1.877. Ralph E. Stoddard, (Harrisburgh) ; William Seymour, (Lyonsdale.) 1878. Moses J. Eames, (Constableville); Darwin E. Cheney, (Denmark) ; Jerome Kilts, (New Bremen.) 1880. Luther C. Burdick, (Greig.) 1 88 1. Darwin E. Cheney, (Denmark) ; Moses J. Eames, (Constableville) ; Jerome Kilts, (New Bremen.) CHAPTER VIII. Professional Lists — Legal and Medical. THE Lewis County Bar. — In the ab- sence of a connected official record of the names of those who have been admit- ted to the Bar of this county, the follow- ing was given in our first edition as embracing nearly all of the legal profes- sion who had resided in the county. Those known to be now deceased are marked with a star. More than a third of the remainder had removed from the county. The residence given is that while engaged professionally here. Many dates were left blank from our inability to refer to the record : — Jan. Adams Charles D. Barnes Alanson H. *Barnes Harrison, Bennett David M , •Bostwick Isaac W,, •Brown Edward A , * Brown George L., Lowville, Martinsburgh, Lowville, Martinsburgh, 1851. Dec. 10, 1805. •Carpenter Hiram, •CoUms Ela, •Collins William, •Conklin Thomas L., Davenport Leonard C. Davis Perry, •Dayan Charles, •Doty Baron S. , Hawes Albert, Hazen S. D. ♦Henry Edmund, Keene R. E., Kilham Leonard C , *Knox Ziba, Lahe John, *Low Cornelius, •Martin Vivaldi R., *Mereness Abram I , Merrell Eliada S., Merrell Nathaniel, ♦Miller Morris S., *Molt Jo.seph 0., Muscott John M., •Page Henry, ♦Parish Russell, ♦Pawling John. •Rathbun Solomon, Scovil Carlos P., •Seger Francis, •Shaler William D., Shaw Rodney K., Stephens Cornelius E , Stephens W. Hudson, Sylvester Nathaniel B., •Talcott Samuel A.. Turner Henry E., Wilson Alba S., •Yale Barnabas, Lowville, Martinsburgh, Lowville, Copenhagen. Lowville, Martinsburgh. Copenhagen. Lowville. Copenhagen. Martinsburgh. Lowville, Constableville. Lowville. Martinsburgh, Copenhagen, Lowville, Turin. Lowville, Copenhagen. Martinsburgh, Greig, Turin. Copenhagen, Lowville, Deer River, Martinsburgh, 18J4. May 6, 1807. July 7, 1851. 1819. 1854. Aug. 18, 1816. 1846. 1859. May, 1846. July, 185s, Dec. 10, 1805. May 6, 1817. May 6, 1807, 1S26. April, 1855. Oct. I, 185;. July 7, 1851. April ;, iSjj Sept. 21,1813, 1857. Dec, 20, 1S08. The members of the Lewis County Bar, in the summer of 1882, were as fol- lows : — Lowville — Henry E. Turner, Leonard C. Davenport, Eliada S. Merrell, W. Hudson Stephens, Charles L. Knapp, Carlos P. Scovil, William M. Dewey, T. Miller Reed, Leon Talcott, Thomas N. Marron, Hiram H. Ryel, Charles S. Mereness, Edward McCarty. Frederick C. Schraub, and George W. Whitaker. Lewis — Jay A. Pease. Port Levden — Isaac A. Wormuth, William H. Hilts. Copenhagen — Alfred H. Kello.gg, G. P Breen. Constableville — E. Merriam Bagg. Glensdale — James B. Smith. The Lewis County Law Library. This library, which is provided, for in the court house and is in charge of the county judge, in 1880 was reported to contain 1,543 bound volumes, mcluding those in the county clerk's office, be- sides forty volumes unbound, and its estimated value was $1,500. Amongthe books thus reported, there were 546 volumes of reports, 134 miscellaneous law books, and 80 volumes of law. Of the bound volumes 783 were legislative journals and documents. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 67 The Medical Profession. A County Medical Society was formed under the act of 1806, soon after its passage. In 1808, it was represented in the State Medical Society by Dr. Jona- than Bush, of West Lowville, and in 1 8 10 by Dr. John Safford, of Martins- burgh. The loss of its records by fire, October 15, 1849, has thrown oblivion over its proceedings. The seal of this old society had for its device an open lancet, and the letters L. C. M. S. in script entwined. The statutes of that period forbade any person from prac- ticing medicine until a copy of his cre- dentials had been filed in the county clerk's office, and this enables us to fix the names and dates of the beginning of some physicians, of whom we have no other record, in the following alphabeti- cal list. This list, however, is not com- plete, because some of the earlier physi- cians had entered their names in the clerk's office of Oneida county, and some at a later period neglected the filing altogether. Under a recent stat- ute, this is now again required, and all the names entered prior to November, 1882, are included. The old society fell into neglect after many years, and for a considerable period there was no organ- ization maintained in the county. The Lewis Coimty Medical Society under its Present Form. This society under its present form was organized January 8, 1861, at the office of Dr. Robert C. Cone, at Low- ville, the following named persons at- tending, viz : — Dr. Seth Adams, Dr. Robert C. Cone, Dr. Stephen P. Uhline, and Dr. Frederick Bischoff, of Lowville ; Dr. Horatio S. Hendee, of Deer River ; Dr. Marion Nash, of Martinsburgh ; and Dr. Charles D. Budd and Dr. John E. Prichard, of Turin. The first officers chosen were as fol- lows : — President — Dr. Seth Adams, of Low- ville. Vice-President — Dr. Marion Nash, of Martinsburgh. Secretary — Dr. John E. Prichard, of Turin. Treasurer — Dr. Robert C. Cone, of Lowville. Censors — Drs. H. S. Hendee, S. P. Uhline, and C. D. Budd. The meetings of this society were suspended after the first year of re- organization (1861) until 1865, but since 1867 they have been continued regu- larly. Its annual meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of June for the election of officers, and the transaction of the more important business. Other meet- ings may be held quarterly or semi- annually, and at other places than at Lowville. It is usual to hold a semi- annual meeting on the 4th Tuesday of December. It is customary to appoint a delegate to the State Medical Society, and he holds for four years. All other officers are chosen annually. The pow- er of censors and various other provisions relating to the society are defined by general law. In late years the annual meetings have been held at the court house in Lowville. The officers chosen at the annual meet- ing, in June, 1882, were as follows : — President — Dr. A. H. Crosby. Vice-Presidejit — Dr. O. O. Stowell. Secretary — W. O. Hubbard. Treasurer — C. P. Kirley. The delegate at the present time is Dr. C. E. Douglass. Those who had been members of the society under its present organization from 1 86 1 to August, 1882, are desig- nated by a star prefixed to their names, in the alphabetical list that follows. We include the various schools of medicine in this list, with no other designation, than as appears in the column of re- marks. The list is undoubtedly defect- ive in not embracing every name, but ' none have been purposely omitted. 68 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Physicians of Lewis County, from the time of settlement to 1882, as near as it has been possible to ascertain. Names. Adams Ira, *Adams Seth, Allen Ebenezer. Allen Samuel, Avery Stephen W., Bagg Henry, Baker Freeborn ('., Bartholomew Erasmus D., Bass Samuel, Bates William, *Bischoff Frederick, Blake George A,, Bliss John & , Bradish James S., Bronson Miles H., Brooks Homer G., Buckley Lyman, Budd Benjamin S., *Budd Charles D., Budd David, Burdick Charles W., Bush Charles R., Bush Jonathan, Carley Nathan R., +Cone Robert C, ♦Cornish Harris J., ^Cornish Josiab, *CraQe FredericK A., ♦Crosby Alexander H., *Crosbv J. Howard, Cummiogs Morfjan L., Darrow William, *Dewey Dwight C, Dewey Hoyal Dwight, Dewey Walter, Dickinson Noah, -fDouglass Andrew J , ♦Douglasd Charles E., Drury A. C, Dunn, ♦English Gustavus Pierce, ♦Fawdry David, Foot Anson, Foster Charles A., •Foster E. Sowden C , Francis T. P., French Elkanah, Gage Alden, jr., ♦Gebbie Alexander R,, Gocdenier Alonzo H., Hanon Dennis B,, Hastings Charles P.. Hawn Abraham, •Hendee Horatio S,, *Hough Franklin B., Hough Horatio Gates, ♦Hubbard Willis Orlando, Hull Charles J., Huntington Ralph, ♦Jamieson Walter W., Jerome Levi K., ♦Johnson Wm. H., ♦Jones Wm. Whildon, Joslin Albert A., Kellogg Joseph, Eilbourn Henry Francis, ♦Kirley Cyrille Penn, Lewis Gary M., McConnell Charles, ♦Mason L. F., ♦Merriam C. Hart, Meyer Adolph, Miller David, Miller Sylvester, Moelliug Peter Augustus, ♦Murphy Stephen H , Murray Charles, Murray David L., ♦Nash Marion, Nichols Alvah L., ♦Olmstead Wm. J., Owen J. W., Orvid Charles, ♦Peck Henry C, ♦Peden James T., Perry David, ♦Powell Wm., ♦Priohard John E., Rathbone Josiah, Dateof author- izationof filing . June 17, 1817, .May 4l, 1826. Nov. 84, 1842, Feb. 21, 180e, July 2, 1821, Aug 26, 1846, April 27, 1864, May 31, 1825, Sept. 15, 1812, June 26, 1832, April 30, 1856, Sept. 18, 187H, Sept 6, 18«, March 19, 1865, March 1, 1861, Feb. 26, 1841, Residence. Low ville,lN. part) Lowville village, Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Leyden, Watson, Lowville, Remarks. June, 1849, Jan 3, 1832, March 8, 1S77, April 7, 1838, Dec. 22,(1870, March 1, 1866, July 17. 1863, Fob. 27, 1878, Jan 1, 1807, Sept. 11, 1807, June 87, 1874, July 1, 1871, March 1, 1882, Sept. 8, 1833, Aug. 14, 1813, March 4, 1861, Junes. 1869, Jan 16, 1844, March 31,1848, Jan. 6, 1832, June 18. 1851, Feb., 184S, 1798, Feb. 81, 1882, Oct, 15, 1879, Jan. 88, 1808, March 8, 1881, March 12. 1844, March 1, 1871, March 3, 1874, Aug. 18, 1876, April 3, 1843, Feb. 82. 1881, June 85, 1875, Feb. 80, 1879, . March 8, 1881, Deo. 22. 1868, Feb. 88, 1879, March 19, 1818, Feb. 12, 1816, March 11. 1878, Feb. 27, 1878, I Jan. 21, 1864. I March 13, 188ft, i June 12, 1865, 1 Aug. 13, 1874, 1 I Lowville, I Harrisvllle, I Turin, I Martinsburgh, j Lowville, ; Lowville, Constableville, Turin, Turin, Lowville, Lowville, W. Lowville, Diana, Lowville, Turin, 1 Turin, ( Lowville, I Lowville, Lowville, 'iurin. Stows Square, ' Turin, ■ Turin, ! Collinsviile, Denmark, Turin, Constableville, Harrisvllle, Denmark, Constableville, Pinckney, Lowville, Greig, Croghan, i Lowville, I Copenhagen, ! Houseville, Denmark, Denmark, Lowville, Lowville, Martinsburgh, Lowville, Croghan, New Bremen, Copenhagen, Port Leyden, Turin, Greig, Croghan, Lowville, Turin, Constableville, Pinckney, Leyden, Oct. 1, 1836, Jan. 86. 1844. Aug. 14, 1806, June 4. 1881, Martinsburgh, Lowville, Nuumburg, Glensdale, Edwards, St.L.cu Croghan, Martinsburgh, Pinckney, Leyden, Lowville, Martinsburgh, Turin, Martinsburgh, Lowville, Constableville, Turin, Martinsburgh, Died near Stow's Square. Graduated at Fairfield, died at Lowville. Botanical Med. Coll. O. Died at Copenhagen. Died. Died. Ecleo. Med Coll. Pa. Removed. Died. Died at Lowville. Eclcc. Med, Soc. B. R. Dist. Removed. Died in South Carolina. Horn. Med. College, Pa. Died in Lowville, scarcely engaged in practice. Eclectic. Died. Died. Co. Med. Soc; State Dip. Sept. 23, 1863; died in Turin. Died in Turin. Died in Watertown. Hom. Med. Coll. N. ¥. Died in Lowville. Studied at Castleton, Vt , with A. Robertson. Removed. Albany Med Coll. Died in Turin. Bollevue Med. Coll. Albany Med. Coll. Louisville Med. Coll. ; removed. Died April 7, 1851, aged 45. Died Jan 8. 1815, aged 44. Died in Turin. Died ill Turin. Died in Collinsviile. Died. Removed. L. 1. Med. Coll. Hosp. Univ. of Vermont. Moved to Genesee in 1804. L, I. Med. Coll. Hosp. Co. Med. SoC. Died. Louisville Med. Coll. Removed. Eelec Med. Coll. N. Y. Died. Univ. of City of N. Y. Jeff. Co. Med. Society. Removed. Removed. Died. Castleton Med. Coll. Cleveland Med. Coll.; has not practiced in this county Licensed by Court, Oneida Co.; died Sept. 3, 1830. Med. Dept. Univ. of Buffalo. Eclec Med Coll. N. Y. Med. Dept. Univ. of N. Y. Removed. Bellevue Med Coll, Med. Dept. Collumbia Coll. Eclec Med. Soc, 18th Dist. Coll. Physio and Surgery. Kentucky School of Medicine. Univ. of City of N, Y. Univ. of City of N. Y. Co Med. Soc. Coll. Physio and Surgery, N. Y. Died in Martinsburgh. Died in Lowville. Med. Univ. N. Y. Bellevue Med. Hosp. Eclec. Med. Coll. Pa. Univ. of City of N. Y. Albany Med. Coll. Eclec. Med, Soc. 18th Dist. Removed to Ced,-»r Falls, Iowa Removed; (Eclectic). Died. Removed. Died in Carthage. Died in Rutland. L. I. Coll. Hosp. Removed. Died in Utica. AGRICULTURK. 69 Names. RobinsoD, Rouchpl Laurentine, Runge F. R„ *Sabin George S.. Safford John, SchwarzQiann Anton. *ShaTP Otis, Sherwood Jonathan, StevensS. Rodney, Stone A. C, *Stowell Olmsby O., Sturtevant James M., Sweet Jonathan, ♦Tanner Edward, Taylor Francis L,, Thompson William, Tied ale, ♦Turner Wro. Henry A., ♦Uhline Stephen P., Utley. Wait Samuel C , Wellman Manley, Whiting John, Wood Charles, Wood E. H., Woodman Joseph. Dateotauthor- izationoffllipg. Feb. 21, 1881, April 8, 1851, July 3, 183.3, July 10, 1839, July 6, 1842. March 23. 186!), July 19, 1&32, July 11, 1805, July 19, 1878, Aug. 1. 18.33, July 18, 1832, March 4, 1S60, April 10, 1833, July 19, 1805, Dec. 15, 182H. May 3, 18,36, April li, 1881, May 3, 1830, Residence. Constableville, Croghan, Constableville, Denmark, MartiDsburgb, Croghan, Constableville, OonatableTille, Copenhagen, Martinsburgh. Denmark, Lowville. Lowville. Denmark, Lowville, Turin, Denmark. Leyden, Denmark, Copenhagen, Kpidemks. A fever of a typhoid type appeared in the county in the winter of 1812-13 in common with a large district of coun- try in the northern and eastern States, and in Canada. It was especially preva- lent in March and April, and was more fatal to men of strong constitutions than to those naturally feeble. It was attend- ed with great pain in the stomach and chest, burning fever, and in the last mo- ments with delirium. A malignant erysipelas prevailed ex- tensively throughout the county in the spring of 1843 ^"d in 1845, proving espe- cially fatal to parturient women. The slightest wound or abrasion would some- times become the seat of extensive ul- ceration, and sloughing, and in the loss of parts thus occasioned, was extremely slow in replacing. Other less marked periods of mortality have occurred, but only as portions of wide spread epidem- ics. Intermittent and other malarial fe- vers are altogether unknown, unless con- tracted in other places. We are not aware of any local causes of disease, other than as they may be transiently produced from defective drainage or other neglect. Perhaps it might be said in general, that climatic changes, tend more to pulmonary than (jther forms of disease, but taken as a Remarks. Very early; went west. Univ. o£ ButEalo. Removed. Died in Watertown. Wurtzburg, Bavaria. Co. Med Soo. Died April 25, 1829. Died. Queen's Univ. Coll, Kingston. Died ia Rome . Died. Uciv. of City of N. Y; removed. Died in Lowville, Removed. Alb. Med. Coll. Removed. Removed. Died in Gouverneur. Died. Died. Hahnemann Med. Coll. S. Y. whole, we doubt whether a district of equal area could be found in the State, that is more generally healthy. CHAPTER IX. , Agriculture. I Lewis County Agricultural So- CIETIES. FROM 1808 to 1814, premiums for do- mestic cloths were awarded by the State to the extent of $15,210, mostly by the Judges of the County Courts, and specimens of each are still preserved in , the Albany histitute. These premiums were offered at a time when troubles with England were pending,and to stimu- late domestic industries, in view of ren- dering the country dependent upon its own resources,rather than upon a foreign supply. The embargo and non-inter- course measures of the general govern- ment of the same period, had an obvious tendency to the same end. The follow- ing awards were made to citizens of Lewis county : — 1809, Lewis Graves, $80. 1 8 10, Peleg Card, $10. 181 1, Pelcg Card, $40 ; Chester Wood, $35 ; Nathan Munger, $30. 1814, Moses Waters, $40 ; Ethan Card, $35 ; Lewis Card, $30. 70 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Under an act of 1819, creating a Board of Agriculture, Lewis county was en- titled to $100 annually for two years, if a like amount should be raised by sub- scription. A society was formed under this act in 1820, held four annual fairs, and distributed premiums in money and plate upon farms, tillage, animals and do- mestic manufactures. The Secretary was Charles Dayan, and the President for one year at least, was the Re\-. Isaac Clinton.. The first fair was held in the old Academy on the site of the stone church In Lowville village, October 23, 182J, at which the address was delivered by Judge Stow, and premiums to the amount of over $300 were awarded. Members were furnished with a badge formed of ears of wheat, worn like a cockade upon the hat. The festival ended with a ball at Welles' tavern, in Lowville village, where nearly a hundred couples attended. Upon the semi-centennial anniversarj' of the first County Agricultural Society, (September 13, 1871,) the occasion was commemorated by a historical address by Dr. Franklin B. Hough, and the address of Silas Stow, delivered fifty years be- fore, Mras read by W. Hudson Stephens. Quite a number of reHcs of historical interest, including several specimens of silverware given as premiums, and some of the prize articles of 1821, were exhibit- ed, and the occasion was made one of un- usual interest, by the presence of several persons who had witnessed the former exhibition. In the historical address it was noticed that the first cow was driven into the county in June, 1795, and this animal with her calf, a sow, seven sheep and a pair of goats, all brought in from Fort Schuyler (Utica), by the French col- onists, were, so far as is known, the first of their race that were intended for per- manent residence. At an earlier period cattle had been driven through the county, from Kingston to the Mohawk settlements. The forest-path lay on the west side of the river, along the bottom of the valley. The last fair of the old Agricultural Society, was held in 1824. The Lewis County Association for Im- proving the Breed of Horses, was formed in 1 83 1, and held one or two annual fairs. It may be here noticed that this county- early acquired distinction for its superior breed of horses. The next Agricultural Society was formed at a meeting of the inhabitants of the county, held on the 21st day of June, 1 841, at the Court House in Mar- tinsburgh, agreeably to the notice given by the county clerk, under the provisions of the law, entitled, " An act for the en- couragement of Agriculture, passed May 9, 1 841." Ela Collins was chosen chair- man, and David M. Bennett, secretary. The object of the law having been stated, and after an address by C. E. Clark, of Jefferson county, it was Resolved, That the meeting now pro- ceed to organize an Agricultural Society for the County of Lewis. Resolved, That a committee of fi\ e be appointed to report a constitution for said society; whereupon John W. Mar- tin, Harrison Blodget, Alburn Foster, D. M. Bennett, and Alvin Farr, were ap- pointed such committee. Resolved, That the meeting adjourn to 6 o'clock, P. ' M., at Elijah L. Thomp- son's inn, to receive the report of said committee. At such adjournefl meeting the committee reported a constitution which was adopted. This constitution declared the name of the society, and provided that its officers should be a President, six Vice-Presi- dents, an Executive Committee of five, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, and a Treasurer, who were to be ex-officio members of the Executive Committee. The annual dues were $1.00, and none but members could enter articles for premiums. On the day following, at an adjourned COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 71 meeting, the following officers were elected : — Presidenit— Clement Whitaker. Vice-Presidents — Johnson Talcott, Car- los Hart, Charles D. Morse, Harrison Blodget, Elias Gallup, and Alburn Fos- ter. Executive Committee — Jared Stiles, Enoch Thompson, Timothy Mills, Lievi Hart, and Oliver Bush. Corresponding Sccretary~-'^\.e\)\\e\\ Leon- ard. Recording Secretary — Charles Dayan. Treasurer — Harvey Stephens. For many years this society had no iixed place for holding its fairs, which went to the place that offered the most inducement.* In December, 1855, it was resolved to hold the fairs alternately at Turin and Lowville, for six years, and a few public spirited citizens in each place, associated together to provide something like per- manent accommodations.t The Presi- dents and Secretaries of this society, while it continued in existence, were as follows : — 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853- ■854. >8s;. 1856, 1857. 1858. >8S9- Norman Gowdy, Hiram Mills, S. D. Mason, Ashley Davenport, Seth Miller. Sanford Coe, Lewis Stevens, Edmund Baldwin, Cornelius H. Wood. Harrison Barnes, John Benedict, F. W. Northrup, Samuel P. Mills, N Duane Baker. Charles D. Adams, Charles G. Riggs, L. C. Davenport, " *' C. E. Stevens, Mortimer Smith, H. D. Nolton, Jehiel R. Wetraore, Charles M. GofF. i84'. 1842. I84J. 1844. I84S. 1846. 1847. Presidents. Clement Whitaker, Ela Merriam, Ela Merriam, Lyman R- Lyon, Norman Gowdy, Corresponding Secretaries Stephen Leonard, Charles L. Martin, Francis Seger, V. R. Martin, William King, Recording Secretaries. Charles Dayan, Charles L Martin, Charles Dayan . S D. Hungerford, John Benedict, The officers since the reorgani Moses M Smith. _ The Treasurers were: — 1 841,. Harvey Stephens ; 1848-49, Ela N. Merriam ; i8so-'58, Moses M. Smith; 1859, Alfred H. Lee. The County Agricultural Sc^ciety was re-organized Dec. 27, 1859, "nder Chap- ter 425, Laws of 1855, entitled " An act to facihtate the formation of Agricultur- al and Horticultural Societies." Under this form, its first officers were chosen as follows : — President — James S. Jackson. Vice-President — William W. Smith. Secretary — F. B. Morse. Treasurer — Alfred H. Lee. Directors — Norman Gowdy, and San- ford Coe, (for 3 years) ; Ela N. Merriam, and Charles G. Riggs, (for 2 years); and Charles H. Curtis and Azro H. Buck, (for I year). The fairs continued to be held alter- nately at Turin in even years, and at Lowville in odd years until 1871, since which time they have been held only at Lowville. zation have been as follows : — Date. i860 1861., I86! 1S64 186s 1866. ... 1867. .. . 1868 1869 1870 1871 1771 1873. 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 I88c 1881 I88l Presidents. James S. Jackson, William W. Smith, A. H. Buck. C. G. Riggs, Harrison Blodget, Norman Gowdy, do Emory Allen, Daniel Whitaker, do Alexander R. Gebbie, do George M. Brooks, do Charles Merriam, Alexander R. Gebbie, John Dence, do Grin F. Bowen, Alfred H. Lee, Ledet A. Bostwick, P. E. White. Vice-Presidents. Secretaries. William W. Smith, A. N. Foster, C. H. Curtis, James H. Miller. Seth Miller, J. H. Miller, E. Merriam, (tive ; see note*) (five ; see notet) (eight ; see notet) N. Gowdy, N, Gowdy, A. R. Gebbie, A. R. Gebbie, N. Gowdy, G. M. Brooks, C. G. RiKgs, C. .D Davenport, R. D. Williams, G. W. Stephens, C. F. Smith, J H. Dryden, J. S. Jackson, Henry E. Smith. A. H. Buck, do H. Blodget, £. Merriam, £. Merriam, N. Gowdy, N Gowdy. G. M. Brooks, C. M. Merriam, A. R. Gebbie, D. Whitaker. C. G. Ri^gs, How'd Bingham, H. C. Bingham, H. C Bingham. F. B. Morse, do do do do do do do do do do Farnum J Bowen, do Oliver V Hedden, A R Gebbie. Nelson H Reed, do L. A Scolt, L A. Boslwick, L. H. Stephens, do W D. Hesler. Treasurers Alfred H. Lee, do do do do C. G. Riggs, do do do do do do do do do do Sherwood, do E. H. Bush,§ Geo Sherwood. do G. J Magee. Geo. * They were held at Denmark in 1852; at Lowville, in 1843, '46 '48, '56, '59; at West Martinsburgh in 1844; at Turin in 1847, '49, '51, '55, '57, '58; and at Constable- villein 1853. \ The owners of the Turin fair f;round were Albert Foster, Jefferson M. Wilcox, Edwin Woolworth. Charles. G. Riggs, Alfred H. Lee, and Edmund Bald- win. In Lowville. a lot was purchased by Norman Gowdy in 1859, and enclosed by the society for this use. *E. Mcii-iam, N. Gowdy, 11. Blodget, Cornwall Wool- worth, and Kuswell Miller. f H. Blodget, N. Gowdy, Wm. Whitaker, E. Allen, E. Merriam. X H Blodget, N. Gowdy, Wm. Whitaker, E. Allen, Ashley Daven[jort, Leonard S. Standring, H. D. H. Snyder, Jr., E, .Merriam. § Did not qualify, and George Sherwood appointed. 72 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. In January, 1876, a committee was ap- pointed to buy a site for a new fair ground, the society having until this time occupied premises owned by asso- ciates and rented for its use. The site purchased was a part of the Bostwick estate, including about fifteen acres of land, which D. C. West sold to the socie- ty for $3,150. The sum of $560 was spent for fencing, $2,609 fo'" buildings, $99 for conduit and reservoir, $28.50 for insurance, and $1,017 for grubbing and ditching, making the first expenses $7,- 467.50. Mortgages of $3,150, $1,000 and $i,300were executed, constituting ad3bt of $5,450. The society paid $700 from its funds, and $1,217.50 in a subscription by the friends of the society and citizens of Lowville and vicinity. These premises are on the northeast- ern border of the village of Lowville, and are finely shaded, a large number of the native trees of the forest being left. The fairs have since been held annually there, and the premises have been found convenient for holding mass meetings and for various other purposes. Upon the abandonment of the old fair grounds southeast of the village, a town Agricultural Society was formed, and two fairs were appointed to be held the same year. The difificulty was amica- bly adjusted, and the town organization was dropped. The Carthage Union Agricultural Society , was formed in July, 1875. Although its fairs are held outside of Lewis county, it includes several active members within it, and as an agency for promoting an interest in agricultural subjects, it merits notice in this connection. The Lewis County Dairymen's Associa- tion. — This society devoted to the special interest indicated by its name, was or- ganized on the 3d Tuesday of January, 1868, and held its last meeting February 13, 1874. An attempt was made more recently to organize a Board of Trade at Low- ville, but it held only one meeting. Cheese Factories. About the commencement of the late war, cheese factories began to be estab- lished, and during the war, the high price of labor led to their rapid exten- sion, until nearly the whole of the cheese made in the county , was produced at these establishments. The economy which they effect, and the uniformity of quahty which they secure have been so appar- ent, that they have since been continued, with every prospect of permanence, and every year with new improvements tending to better results. At some of these butter is also made to a limited ex- tent, but this article is still chiefly pro- duced upon farms, in the spring and fall at seasons when it is found more profita- ble than cheese. To Lewis county readers, it would be quite superfluous to describe the routine of manufacture, and the business trans- actions concerned ; but as this book may fall in the hands of sonje not familiar with this subject, or it may be referred back to hereafter, we will describe them as concisely as possible. The milk is taken to the factory in large cans, and now generally in the morning only. The milking of the evening is strained into the cans, and by a cooling process, the animal heat is taken out, either by plac- ing in the cans tin vessels filled with cold water, or by letting the milk fall from a perforated tin strainer in finely divided streams like a shower. Upon arriving at the factory, the milk is drawn off into a receiving can and weighed. This weight is entered on the books of the factory, and in a pass-book carried by the driver, and becomes the basis for the distribution of proceeds when the products are sold. The cheese factory is usually by the side of a spring or stream of pure water ; CHEESE FACTORIES. n if not, cold water is always brought in pipes to the premises. It is often on a hill-side, to favor the unloading ; if not, a bridge is raised on the side where the milk is delivered, so that it can flow, from the bottom of the cans on the wagon into the top of the receiver with- in. The buildings are generally cov- ered on the sides with rough boards, nailed upright, and almost ahvavs a family lives upon the premises. The apparatus consists of several large tin vats, that are suspended in wooden vats somewhat larger, so that the tempera- ture can be regulated by the admission of water heated to a proper degree be- tween them. There must be a large boiler for heating water, and this often supplies steam to a small engine for churning, pumping, or other light work. The milk is heated to a proper degree, and rennet in solution is added. The curd presently forms, after which the whey is drawn off, the curd is cut and broken, salted, and placed in hoops for the presses. Of these there are various forms, but in all, or nearly all, the pres- sure is applied by an iron screw. When pressed, bandaged and oiled, the cheeses are placed upon long tables, and care- fully turned, oiled, and attended daily until sold, which is generally at inter- vals of about a month ; but this varies according to the market, from two weeks to two or three months. A thin scale- board of about the thickness of a card is finally placed upon each side, and each cheese is placed in a separate and closely fitting box. The cheese are from four- teen to fifteen inches across, and from nine to eleven inches high, and the weight is generally from fifty to sixty pounds. With respect to business transactions, the custom varies. Sometimes a num- ber of farmers, owning together from 300 to 500 cows, will associate together, procure and fit up a building, and hire a man and his wife, or more help if needed, dividing the expenses and sharing the receipts pro-rata, according to the total weight of milk received in the season. In other cases, the owner of the factorv will contract to make the cheese, and pay all the expenses of manufacture at a given price per pound, he furnishing the boxes or not, as may be agreed upon. We believe a common price is about a cent and a quarter to a cent and a half a pound, the boxes included. The boxes are circular and made of elm, with the top and bottom generally of bass- wood. The selling is usually done b\' a com- mittee, or by one man selected by the associates from their own number. It is occasionally sent to market to be sold on commission, but the common custom is to sell to produce dealers, who either buy on their own account, or on joint account, or as agents for the wholesale dealers in New York City, to which by far the greater part of the cheese is sent, and from thence mostly to European markets. It sometimes goes to Phila- delphia or Boston markets, but the amount thus sent is small. There has formerly been much specu- lation in the buying of dairy produce, but now, with the facilities of telegraph, and the constant quotation of prices in the daily papers, and often through the vigilance of trusted correspondents, those having the selling of the cheese of the factories, may keep themselves closely informed, and the profits of mid- dle men have become less. The relatively greater profit of cheese from a given quantity of milk, has re- duced very materially, the quantity of butter made in this and adjacent counties, in recent years ; but it is an easy matter to change from one to the other, as the interest may appear. For butter-making, the tin pans formerly used, are in many cases now replaced by large oblong vats 74 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of tin, placed in larger vats of wood, and by means of a current of water flowing between them, the milk can be kept at a constant temperature best adapted to the formation of cream. Formerly, the whey of cheese facto- ries, was fed to swine in adjacent pens, but this offensive practice is now very generally discontinued, and the whey is pumped into the cans that bring the milk, as they are returning to the farms where they belong, and is fed to the swine at home. Until the present time, no attempt has been made to produce condensed milk for canning. At a few places, pine-apple, Limburg, and other kinds of cheese are made, but they form quite an insignifi- cant proportion to the whole amount. Special Crops. In the early period of settlement, after roads had been opened to the great markets, the first surplus crop produced in the county ; and for a time, much more was sent out of the county, than was needed for its use. This was at first taken down to Albany in the winter, by sleighs, and after the construction of the Erie Canal, to Utica and Rome. For a few years it was made into flour, which was sent off in barrels, but this business had ended about 1840, when the dairying business had begun to be quite prevalent, and has ever since been the leading agri- cultural industry of the county. Hops may now be placed next after dairy pi-oducts, having in very recent years become an object of extensive cul- tivation. W^e are not aware of any special methods of cultivation or prep- aration peculiar to this region, and there are certain casualties which no skill can avoid. In 1875, t^he census reported over a quarter of a million of pounds, and 617 acres devoted to this cuUivation, but the amount has since largely increased. and the unprecedented prices of 1882, cannot fail to stimulate further pro- duction. The greater part is exported to Europe from New York, being pur- .chased by dealers, who make this a special business. Dye Stuffs. — The cultivation of saff- ron {Cartlianius tinctorius), for dyeing, was about 1846, a prominent business with several farmers in Lowville and Martinsburgh. At a somewhat earlier period, the cultivation of madder was attempted, but without success sufficient to induce a continuance of the enter- prise. Flax has been a subject of culture from the first, but never extensively as a leading business, except during the active operation of the Copenhagen works. In i845-'6, large quantities were raised, chiefly from the high price of the seed. Linseed oil has been extensively manufactured at Lowville and Copen- hagen, Hemp was cultivated to a considerable extent in Denmark and vicinity, soon after the establishment of Varick's cord- age manufactory at Copenhagen, about i832-'5. The result was not satisfactory, chiefly from the difficulty of properly preparing it for use when grown. Essential Oils. — The manufacture of, the oil of peppermint, has been an im- portant item of business in Lowville and Harrisburgh, and was still followed to a limited extent when our first edition was printed ; but since then the business has disappeared entirely. The first field of mint in the county was planted in 181 1, by Martin Guiteau and Truman Terrill, who continued the business several years. The Buck, Morse, Humphrey, and other families, were afterwards exten- sively engaged in it. In 1814, three farmers had 40 acres planted, and the profits of some of the earlier adventurers were great. The plant is usually mown three years, and the yield per acre in AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 75 oil generally averages ten pounds the first year, fifteen the second, and five or six the third. It is distilled soon after being cut, or when partially cured like hay. The price of this article was very fluctuating, and on several occasions, the transition from one extreme to the other resulted in heavy losses. Other essential oils, as of hemlock, cedar, wintergreen, balsam fir, spearmint, &c., have been made to a limited extent. Silk. — In 1843, Ira Adams received a premium of $3.79, at the rate of 15 cents per pound, for cocoons, and $1.12 at the rate of 50 cents per pound for reeled silk. This was probably the largest amount ever raised in one year by one person, and but few have ever attempted silk culture in the county. The Morus mul- ticautis speculation prevailed in this coun- ty to only a moderate degree, as compared with other sections. We know of but a single tree now growing, as a relic of the time when " it would be cheaper to dress in silk than in woolen." It is upon the farm of Ezra W. Stanford, between Mar- tinsburgh and Lowville village, and was planted by Russell Hills, a former owner of the place, and an enthusiast in this movement. Agricultural Statistics of the Census. The year of production reported in the census is that preceding the census year, excepting as otherwise indicated by notes. We give in the following table a summary for Lewis county, as reported since 1821 : — Acres of Land. Improved. 1821. 37,880 1825. 47,574 1835. 86,150 1845. 114,187 1855. 184,540 i860. 177,031 1865. 211,480 Unimpruved. 497,146 108,960 433,934 Improved. Unimproved. 1870. 1875- 233,704 241,091 200,513* 396,io3t Acres Plowed. Acres in Fallow. 1855- 1864. 1865. 1874. 1875- 33,889 25,435 25,477 34,231 34,428 1855. 1,641 1865. 335 Cash Value of Farms. '855- i860. 1865. 1870. 1875- $7,519,002 8.264,029 10,424,679 15,181,008 13,661,307 Cash value of Tools and Implements. 1855 $287,903 370,217 i860 1865 187* 1875 438,952 587,501 584,396 Cash value of Stock. 185s $1,102,582 i860 1,404,247 1865 2,062,564 1870 2,635,706 1875 2,174,994 Value of Farm Buildings other than Dwellings. 1875 $1,498,636 Value of Forest Products. 1840 1870 $ 33,030 188,352 Value of Animals Slaughtered. i860 $148,287 1870 286,992 Total Value of Farm Products. 1870 $3,837,797 Gross sales of Farm Products. 1875 $1,590,217 Wages paid for Farm Labor. 1870 $371,374 Value of Commercial Fertilizers Used. 1865 1875 $398-30 659.00 *0f this amount 154,679 acres were in woodland. t Of this amount, 249,045 acres were in woodland. 76 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Sizes of Farms. Corn 1870 1875 Acres Planted. Bushels Harvested. Of all sizes 3,526 4,124 1840 48,984 Under 3 acres. 10 199 1845 2,291 53,180 3 to 10 acres 268 10 to 20 acres 430 209 178 1850 1855 4,616 83,027 92,398 20 to 50 acres 1,025 624 i860 43,912 50 to 100 acres 925 1,142 1664 1,468 31,715 100 to 500 acres 866 1,740 1870 38,414 500 to 1,000 acres 2 20 1874 1,592 42,515 1,000 and over 10 1875 1,530 Acres sown for fodder 1 874, 472; 1875,290. Dwelling Houses. Flax. 1851;. 1865. 1875. D J ' J Acres Sown. Bushels of Seed. Pounds of Lint. Stone (No.) 34 40 39 1845 480 85,281 31,905 65,782 5,716 23,422 (value) $61,500 $44,300 $90,700 1850 Brick (No.) 18 60. (value) $22,000 $90,400 59 $268,800 1855 i860 219 I, 566 335 703 Framed (No.) 3,195 4,403 (value)$i, 141,653 $1,738,192 5,7" $3,847,507 1864 1865 1870 144 40 Log (No) 1,094 718 487 •T** s 225 (value) $30,571 $15,403 $17,542 Other (No.) 366 251 Grass Lands. (value) $48,234 $45,973 Total (No.) 4,707 5,472 $6,296 Acres of Acres Pasturage. Sown. Tons Bushels of of Hay. Grass Seed. (value) $1,303,958 $1,934,268 $4,224,549 1840 43 ,284 1845 67 ,280 Barley. 1855 71 ,496 57,238 SI ,802 1,746 Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. i860 72 ,296 1,652 1840 20,271 1864 102 ,561 78,692 78,781 271 1845 1,587 23,119 1865 102 ,565 79,875 1850 23,813 1870 104 ^,653 456 185s 1,922 37,S'3 1874 117 ,113 86,569 i°7,493 1.132 i«6o 54,304 1875 '17,973 88,061 1865 4,277 1870 69,828 Hops. 1874 2,29s 61,217 Acres Cultivated. Pounds Harvested. 1875 2,995 1840 1850 5,460 11,322 Beans — See " Peas and Beans." Acres Planted. Bushels Harvested. 1845 104 678 1855 i860 1864 1865 25 43 71 8,870 19,599 69,895 1855 72 1864 231 1,030 695 1870 1874 411 272,815 232,214 1874 44 445 1875 617 1875 5° Oats. Buckwheat. Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. 1840 144,880 1840 8,498 1845 7,923 202,505 202,515 295,445 1845 1,816 25,803 1850 1850 10,117 1855 14,038 1855 1,067 10,443 i860 289,734 i860 18,101 1864 12,312 201,934 1864 696 8,111 1865 12,514 1870 1874 893 16,05s 14,289 1870 1874 20,236 445,667 639,523 1875 753 1875 19,853 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. n Peas. Spring Wheat. Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. 184s 1,542 21,925 1855 4,603 56,940 1855 856 12,978 1864 632 5,208 i860 23,258 1865 659 1864 75° 9,533 1870 28,819 1865 656 1874 2,071 30,378 1874 59° 11,514 1875 1,847 1875 551 Winter Wheat. Peas and Beans. Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. Acres. Bushels. 185s 318 3,845 1845 1,646 22,603 1864 1865 138 2,572 1855 928 14,008 409 i860 23,258 1870 5,034 1870 Potatoes. 9,248 1874 1875 316 ■ 400 Orchards. 5,725 1840 1845 1850 1855 Acres Planted. 5,420 Bushels Harvested. 634,3^6 498,849 287,715 243,841 Bushels of apples, (1855) 72,198 ; barrels of cider, (1855) 1,451. Value of orchard products, (1840) $2,820 ; 3,296 (i860) $8, 283; (1870) $28,946. Number of Bushels Barrels i860 330,706 Trees in Fruit. of Apples of Cider. 1864 3,"6 328,822 1865 22,262 19,141 512 1865 4,630 1875 53,575 42,011 844 1870 353,016 1874 5,044 616,041 Market Gardens. 1875 5,426 Acres. Value Grown. 1855 I $ 115 Rye. i860 124 Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested. 1865 7 5,377 1840 2,473 1870 2,496 1845 1855 913 1,151 9,278 11,383 Cattle and Dairy Prod ucts. i860 11,960 Neat Cattle— Total Number. 1864 1,060 9,812 1821 10,417 i860 38,120 1865 1,165 1825 13,780 1864 35,313 1870 9,546 1835 25,063 1865 39,479 1874 1,040 14,950 1840 31,130 1870 32,298 1875 976 1845 32,790* 1874 33,744 1850 32,308 187s 47,857 Turnips. 1855 29,748 Acres. Bushels Harvested. Number of Milch Cows. 1845 259 22,340 1845 18,024 1865 30,639 1855 56 5,83° 1855 19,151 1870 32,298 1864 28 5,293 i860 26,373 1874 30,06 if 1865 22 Wheat. 1864 30,846 1875 Number of Working Oxen, 32,144 Acres Sown. Bushels Harvested 1855 2,423 1870 0^ _ r,t2o 1840 1845 1850 7,026 85,191 87,406 i860 1865 2,195 '875 1,254 1,1 16 73,584 * Under one year, 5,176; over one year, 26,915. i8i;i; 63,785 f Milk sent to factories, 17,209. DO i860 73,505 X Milli sent to factories, 18,555- 78 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. i860 1875 Number of Other Cattle. 8,174 1870 9,552 Bulls of all Ages. Heifers. 9.745 2,687 1875, (calves) 6,3ss; (i yr.) 4,673; (2 yrs.) 3>673- Dairy Products. Mules. Pounds Pounds Gallons of Butter. of Cheese.* of Milk Sold. 1845 1.266,933 1,420,368 1855 1.575.515 1,896,741 6,795 i860 1,997,887 2,911.775 1865 1,663,950 4,755,043 1870 2,080,259 977,547 S,273,i83t 187s 1,880,839 323,647! 8,814 Value of Dairy Products. 1840 $137,177 Cattle Killed for Beef. (1855) 1,247; (1865) 2,141; (1875) 1,110. Horses. 1821 182s 1835 1840 184s 1850 185s i860 1865 1870 187s 1865 187s 1865 1875 Colts one year old. Colts of first season. 1,887 3,066 4,684 3,931 4,570 4,302 5,097 5,222 6,278 6,547 7,079 466 358 401 339 * In 1865, there were reported thirty-two cheese factories, worth $52,546, and employing fifty-five men and sixty-three women. They used the milk of 12,084 cows, and paid $15,574 foi" labor. Of these, twenty- eight used 33,531.746 pounds of milk, and produced 3,171,721 pounds of cheese. They usually began in May and ended in October. In 1875, the statistics of cheese factories were very fully taken by the aid of a separate blank, but were not published. ■j- Evidently a gross error. Perhaps includes milk sent to factories. J Made upon farms. The amount made at factories was not published. 1855 9 1865 24 1870 25 1875 Sheep and Wool. 54 No. of Sheep. Pounds of Wool I82I 18,267 1825 34,467 1835 40,234 1840 36,665 68,173 1845 40,657* 89,229 1850 15.368 44,137 1855 10,087 27 = 047 i860 9,605 31,464 1864 10,702 54.070 1865 14,839 1870 8,384 32,631 1874 6,270 25,881 1875 6,753 Lambs Raised. 27,888 1864 7,544 1865 9,278 1874 4.743 1875 Sheep Slaughtered. 5,098 1865 1,862 1875 Sheep Killed .by Dogs 952 1865 279 1875 Swine and Pork. 204 No of Swine. Pounds of Pork. 1825 ",739 1835 16,197 1840 18,076 1850 15,813 1855 9,091 i860 8,246 1865 10,308 I, 298,63s 1870 5,979 187s 12,766 I, Pigs of first season. 530,447 1865 S>I2I 187s 6,136 Maple Sugar and Syrup. Pounds of Sugar. Gallons of Syrup. 1840 257.476 185s 236,918 4,698 i860 465,680 3,190 1865 551,102 2,6 1 8 1870 451,326 1,200 1875 585,644 6,555 * Under one year, 11,995, over one year, 28,427. STATISTICS. 19 Honey and Wax. 1840 1850 1855 i860 1865 1870 1875 Pounds. 148 17,968 12,743 18,540 23,831 8,301 12,708 Poultry and Eggs. Value owned — 1865 — $11,329.65; 1875 — $21,133.00 Value sold — 1855 — $4,701.00; 1865 — $2,- 595.03; 1875— $5,817.00 Eggssold— 1855— $2,671 ; 1865— $2,997.89; 1875— $12,087. Poultry owned — 1840 — 5,293. Domestic Manufactures. (Yards.) Fulled Flannel and Linen, Clotli. Otlier Woolens. Cotton, Etc. I82I 16,890 20,808 41,422 1825 23,708 28,616 44,513 1835 22,591 25,621 30,607 1845 17,801 29,630 23,871 1855 2,609 8,291 4,902 186s 6,61s 18,247 13,144 Manufacturing Establishments. Grist Mills Saw Mills Oil Mills Fulling Mills ... Carding Machines Rope Factories .... Distilleries Asheries Iron Works _ . . . Woolen Factories. . Brewenes Tanneries Inns Stores Groceries 1811 I8Z5 183s 1840 1845 1855 '865 Value of Home-made Manufactures. (1840), $25,253 ; (i860), $10,606. Total value of Manufactured Products. (1870), $19,094. Statistics of Population and of Electors. A national census has been taken every ten years since 1790. Before 1825, the State government (excepting in 18 14,) took a census of Electors only, but com- mencing in 1825, it has since taken a full census of the population at intervals of ten years. The number of Electors in 1807, 1814 and 1821, was as follovirs: — Freeholders Freeholders Renting tenements Total, worth over $z5o. worth $50 to $250, worth over $5 per annum. 1807 574 72 45° 1,096 1814 614 71 499 1,184 1821 740 34 617 1,391 The number of voters at different pe- riods, as shovirn by the State census, be- ginning in 1825 has been as follows : — I85S 1865 1875 Towns. 1825 l8i? 184? Nat- INat- Nat- Na- ural- Na-!ural- Na- ural- ■ 11 tive. 82 ized. tive. ized. tive. ized. Croghan .... 126 '57 291 510 113 Denmark — iSo 527 612 512 52 C58 44 145 49 Diana 8i HI 191 18 280 87 156 9> Greig . .. 96 171 264 25 383 96 148 87 Harrisbureh I2( 158 220 228 67 249 81 215 62 High Market 47 161 59 • 58 86 146 Lewis... . 80 8? 90 160 MI ■44 Leyden 159 170 427 147 S! 374 91 420 125 Lowville. . . 188 441 521 458 17 S81 75 646 ■24 Lyonsdale.. 246 73 Martmsburgh ilS 470 548 471 68 495 86 492 85 Montague . . . 100 12 98 44 120 58 New Bremen. 1 20 1,8 190, 244 28, 255 Osceola.. . . 41 58 5« 95! 77 105 55 Pinckney . , . 106 158 221 251 9 278 40 256 68 Turm S°4 185 42 f 172 44 I8» , 59 181 18 Watson 128 181 109 I()0 18 246 ' 18 109 16 West Turin.. 289 ,,l6l' SO4 4,287 264 209 319 , 188 172 ■54 Total, 2,248 4,0S9 1,225 4,814 ',843 5.643 1,963 Population of Towns in Le wis County at Various Periods Towns. ' 1800 1 1814 1 1820 1825 1 1830 1835 2,522 449 638 803 18(0 1845 1850 1855 I860 1865 1870 1875 1880 1,745 520 2,383 883 592 850 2,438 1,014 2,551 793 880 986 1.941 1,135' 1,531 2,824 2,381 970l 1,177 1,074 1,203 1,367 1,240 1,125 1,157 2,035 2,569 1,483 1,733 1,:W8 1,170 1,407 8,146 2d3. '34- Marshall, Samuel, Martinsburgh, 1820, '25 ; West Leyden, 1826. Morgan, Elisha, Lowville and Denmark, 1820, '23. (Went to Henderson.) Morgan, Thomas, Leyden and Turin, 1820, '23. (Went to Lyme.) Parsons, Stephen, Turin, 1808,-' 19. Philleo, Calvin, Turin, 1824. Rogers, Elisha, Leyden and Turin, 1821. Salmon, Martin, Martinsburgh, 1827, '31. Rice, William, Martinsburgh 1834. Warner, Thomas, Denmark, 1826, to '31; Lowville, and Denmark, 1833. (Went to LeRay.) Wedge, Albert, Denmark, 1833; Low- ville and Denmark, 1834. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. lOI The same source of information shows that in the years included, the " Associa- tion," was held in "Leyden in 1825, 1836, and 1846; at Stow's Square in 1834; in Copenhagen in 1838, and in Lowville in 1 841 and 185 1. Catholic Churches in Lewis County. Lewis county was included in the Diocese of Albany, until the formation of the Diocese of Ogdensburgh, Febru- ary 15, 1872, when it came within the jurisdiction of the latter. The churches of this denomination, and the charges connected with each, are at the time of our writing as fol- lows : — Constableville — St. Mary's, Rev. J. A. McKenna, who also has in charge, St. Patrick's of High Market, St. George, of Greig, and attends occasionally at Dannatberg, Botchfordville and other places. Croghan — St. Stephen's, Rev. P. Greg- ory Schlitt, O. S. F., who also attends St. Peter's in Dayanville, St. Vincent in Belfort, and occasionally at Jordan Falls. Lowville — St. Peter's, Rev. — Nyhan, who also serves Maple Ridge, in Mar- tinsburgh. Port Leyden — St. Matthew's, Rev. Jas. O'Connor, (in place of Father Carroll, who died July 16, 1882.) He has also charge of St. Anthony, in French Set- tlement, six miles east of Port Leyden, and at Lyons Falls, Moose River Tan- nery, etc., where services are occasionally held. Copenhagen— Re\. J. A. Haggarty, who has apastoial residence at this place, but no church. He serves at St. Pat- rick's in Harnsburgh,Sts. Peter and Paul, in Pinckney, near New Boston, the chap- pel of the Sacred Heart in the west part of Martinsburgh, near the line of Montague, etc. West Turin, (Mohawk Hill,)— St. Mi- chael's, served by Franciscan Fathers, who also attend at a small church near Fish creek, and at Prussian Settlement, m the Church of the Nativity, B. V. M. Universalists. The " Black River Association" was formed June, 1823, and includes this county, Jefferson and Oswego. The only churches erected within our limits are at Denmark at Talcottville, and at neither of these have services been had for many years. We believe the}' never had a settled minister, at either of these places. Friends. There were never but a few individuals of this sect in the county. They settled at Lowville, and had a meeting-house there. It appears to be entirely extinct. The Lowville Quakers belonged to the Le Ray Monthly Meeting. Religious Revivals. As a part of the history of the county, I we should notice certain periods of un- i usual religious interest that have oc- ' CLirred since its settlement. In the winter of i8o3-'o4, a revival occurred I among the Baptists in Turin. In 18 18, j 1822, 1831, 1833, i842-'43, and 1857, sea- sons of religious awakening occurred, some of them of extraordinary intensity, I especially that of 1831-33. That of ' 1857, was characterized by the absence of excitement, and by its apparently spon- , taneous origin. Some facts in reference I to the movement in 1831, are given in a 1 series of articles first written for the I Journal and Republican, by Mr. Ezra Bots- [ ford, of Martinsburgh, in September and October, 1876, and printed at Albert Lea, Minn., in 1877, in pamphlet form, entitled " The Country Church." The author's name did not appear, the arti- cles being signed " Sparks from the Blacksmith's Anvil," and as " written between heats," in the old brick black- smith shop in Martinsburgh, where Mr. Botsford has for more than half a cent- ury labored at his trade. From this I02 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. pamphlet, and from a diary kept by one who became interested in the events, we prepare the following account : — " Early in 1831, there began to be held, what were called ' Conferences of the Churches,' or ' Three Days' Meetings.' The first in the county was held at Stew's Square, March 17-19, and another was appointed at the ' Line Church ' for March 23-25. The Baptist church in Lowville, began one March 30th, and they quickly followed in Denmark, Co- penhagen, and many of the towns of Jef- ferson county, as well as in Martins- burgh, Leyden, and elsewhere. The meetings in Martinsburgh continued eleven days, and were conducted by Revs. Blodgett, Crandall, and Pickarids, and by Judge William Root and others. On the second day thirteen public meet- ings were appointed, beginning at 5 A. M., and continumg till late in the evening. The court was in session at the time ; but as Mr. Botsford says — ' the sanc- tuary had more attractions than the bar- room and the court house, as frequent interruptions occurred by officers of the court calling for persons at church who were wanted in court. Bv a mutual un- derstanding between the leaders of the meeting and the Judges, court adjourned, that all might attend the meeting. The body pews were reserved for them, and all came in procession.' " In 1832, the Rev. Jacob Knapp, a Bap- tist, held meetings at the Line Church at Lowville, and in the following spring in Turin and Constableville. The Rev. Jedediah Burchard, a Presbyterian, in the same year held meetings at Stow's Square, Copenhagen, Denmark and Ley- den Hill. Weare able to quote from the autobiography of Elder Knapp, some ac- count of his own labors in Turin and Constableville : — " Dunngthe period between the years 1832 and 1834, I held meetings in all the principal towns in the counties of Jeffer- son, Lewis and Oswego, and in many towns in Cayuga county. Throughout these two years I usually called in the aid of all evangelical denominations, namely the Baptist, Methodist, Presby- terian and Congregational. All labored together, and I was content to leave the spoils with the pastors and churches after I had gone. But I found this method fraught with serious evils. In the first place, the different churches were almost sure to quarrel about their respective share of the converts. The churches, in these small country villages, were generally more or less feeble ; and each felt that its very existence depend- ed upon these accessions. This conten- tion would stop the revival, the wicked would triumph, and devils hold jubilee in hell." In short, Elder Knapp, who was a Baptist, learned to work for his own church ; although, as appears from his own statements, he was sometimes brought in contact with other church- es, but not as we are aware of in collision with any. Deacon Tenman, of the Congregation- al church, and Calvin Horr, a licentiate of the Baptist church, accompanied him several years, and assisted in conducting his meetings for prayer and inquiry. He also mentions Elders Hervey Little, Thomas A. Warner, Charles Clark, Joshua Freeman, Martin E. Cook, Azel Waters and Albert Wedge, who labored with him ; and writing in 1868, says : — "Some of them prayed and toiled themselves to death. They died on the field of battle, with their armor on. How strange it seems that I am permitted to outlive them all, when I was expecting to be among the first to cross over Jordan, as I did more of the preaching, and per- formed the hardest part of the labor." He however found sometimes " old fogies," who would invite neither Fin- ney nor Burchard to labor with them. They "went poking along like an old lazy yoke of oxen, keeping a little ahead of the converts, and hooking them back least they should go too fast." We cannot refrain from quoting his description of the excitement in Turin. Instead of spelling out the names, he gives only the initials. We will improve upon this by adding as many stars as REV. JACOB KNAPP. 103 there were letters, by the aid of which our younger readers will be able by a little inquiry, (and the older ones with- out,) to restore the names in full : — " In the course of these two years, 1832-34, I was called in the providence of God to attend a meeting of days in Turin, Lewis county, N. Y. At that time there was no church of any denom- ination in the village. The town was called 'Satan's Seat.' The people had built one meeting-house, which was free ■ for anybody to preach in, whether they preached truth or error. A number of Christian people of different names com- bined together to get up a meeting, and then extended to me an invitation to preach.* When I arrived, I found a number of ministers of the Gospel of different names there, praying together, and ready to lend a helping hand for the conversion of the place. Most of the men of business were infidel or Univer- salist in sentiment. I commenced preach- ing day and night, and opened prayer- rneetings in different places. The people came in, the Spirit began to manifest his power, and sinners were converted. " But opposition soon began to arise and develop itself more and more. When speaking on the tendency or effects of Universalism one evening, I related the following fact which took place in that village : — " A boy whose mother was a Univer- salist, stepped into a store one day, in the absence of the merchant, and took from the drawer all the money it contained. As he was going out at the front door, the merchant was coming in at the back door, and recognized him. The mer- chant knowing him to be a bad boy, followed and caught hipi, and accused him of having stolen money from his drawer. The boy denied the charge, calling on God to witness his innocence ; but the money was found in his pocket. The merchant asked him what he thought would become of him if he continued to steal and lie, and call on the name of God. The boy looked him impudently in the face and replied, ' I don't care if I do he and steal ; there is n o hell ; mother tells * These meetings were held in the spring of 1833, in Turin, and in the course of the next summer at Consta- bleville. me so.' The Universalists did not fancy such a naked, unvarnished application of the tendency of their doctrines. So they stirred up the wicked, set the town in an uproar, and got out a summons for me, with the intention of breaking up the meeting, and of being revenged on me. Squire P*** agreed to carry on the suit free of charge ; others subscribed five dollars each to meet the expenses, and it was reported through the town that Knapp had lied ; and had slandered a poor widow, and was going to be prose- cuted. I called a council of war, and after praying over it, and consulting to- gether, we unanimously resolved to go on, regardless of what any one might say or do, and trust events in the hands of God. I was then young,* and had had but little experience in such mat- ters. I entered the pulpit, told the brethren that possibly the sheriff might call for me before I had finished my dis- course, and that if he did I should goto jail, and 1 wished them to go on with the meeting, and that if I could get bail on the limits, I would open a protracted meeting there, and we would kindle a fire on both sides of the Devil, and burn him out. These remarks aroused the brethren, and seemed to carry them back to the Apostles, and they cried un- to God mightily. But no sheriff ap- peared. On that afternoon, however, I received a note from my persecutors, stating that if I would made a handsome apology, they would pass the matter over; if not, then the suit should go on ; and that they would all come that even- ing to the meeting, in order to hear my apology. All were excited to the high- est pitch ; some were praying and look- ing beyond all creature aid ; some were cursing, and some were smitten in their hearts. I think my text for that even- ing was, — 'And Thou Mourn at the Last, when Thy Flesh, and Thy Body are Con- sumed, and say. How have I Hated Instruc- tion, and My Heart Despised Reproof, (Prov. V, II, 12;) and if I ever felt that I stood between the Hving and the dead, I felt so that night, The solemnities of the eternal world gathered around us, and settled on the whole congregation. So me sank down in their seats helpless, * Elder Knapp was born in Otsego county, December 7, 1799, and was therefore about 34 years of age. 104 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. before I had finished my sermon. Not a dog moved his tongue. We spent a season in pra)'er, and several were con- verted on the spot ; others were unable to get home without assistance. Colonel F*****, a dry goods merchant, could not stand on his feet ; several of the brethren helped him home to his house, and staid with him all night. He was brought into light and liberty before morning. Strange to say, his wife con- tinued hardened, and was heard to say repeatedly that she would rather her husband lost all his property, than to have lived to become a Christian. If I am not mistaken, she was, notwith- standing, brought to give her heart to Christ sometime afterwards. " From that hour, the work rolled on until most of the village was converted to God. The lawyer who offered to carry on the suit, was among the con- verts. A Dr. D****, and wife, were converted. A wealthy man, by the name of P****, a confirmed Univer- salist, who had subscribed five dollars towards the suit, and who laid his hand on the Bible and swore that he would cowhide any man who should darken his door to talk with him or his family on the subject of religion, was made a signal trophy of redeeming grace. His family likewise shared in the blessing. ***** " The victory of the people of God in this place, was complete. The Devil was vanquished. Error was driven like chaff before a mighty wind, and I learned, from experience, that it was better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." He also gives a lengthy account of his meetings in Constableville, which were held in Edwin Miller's barn, a large and then newly finished building, which was fitted up with a bower upon each side, sufficient for the accommodation of two thousand people. There was then no other church at or near that place, ex- cepting St. Paul's (Episcopal,) about a mile north of the village. In the bowers they conducted an anxious-meeting separate from the con- gregation which was listening to the preaching. "As fast as one was brought under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and could be induced to go, he was led to the inquiry-meeting. The ungodly called it ' the finishing-off room.' " While they were in want of such a room. Colonel Miller, offered the use of an old store which he was occupying for the purpose of packing pork, and it was thankfully accepted. Though a perfect gentleman, he would sometimes indulge in a slv joke with his friends, in a pleas- ant way, about the minister's taking the anxious to his " pork-shop," in order to get them converted, but before the end of the meeting he resorted thither himself. In fact, wherever he went, Elder Knapp was sure to raise an enthusiasm — and this from year to year through a long life. At the time of the publica- tion of his autobiography in 1868, he had been living for some years in Illinois, but was then holding revival meetings in California. Elder Knapp died at Rockford, 111., March 2, 1874, aged 74 years and a few months. In a notice published at that time, it is said : " His preaching was stern and terrible, yet cultivated and able men were moved by it, as well as the populace," He had acquired by judi- cious investments a comfortable estate in his old age, a considerable part of which he distributed among the benevolent societies belonging to his denomination. The Rev. Charles G. Finney, who is mentioned in the preceding notice, had for a dozen years or more, been labor- ing as an Evangelist in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oneida and other counties, but he does not, in his autobiography, mention this county as the scene of his labors. He was a law student at Adams, in 1 82 1, when his attention was first given to religious matters. He was quite as remarkably successful in his ministry as Elder Knapp, and died at Oberlin, REMINISCENCES OF ELDER BURCHARD. los Ohio, August 1 6, 1875, nearly eighty- three years of age. His manner was of the argumentative kind, with neither wit nor dramatic effect. His statements were simple, plain and direct ; often re- peated to enforce their meaning, and often with wonderful results. With Burchard, it was theatrical throughout. In the summer of 1853, while spending a short time at Sackett's Harbor, in col- lecting materials for the history of Jeffer- son county, the author was called upon by the Rev. Jedediah Burchard, who requested him to appoint an interview. Being pressed for time, and having in fact none to spare, the hour of nine o'clock in the evening was mentioned as likely to make it short. He came with a friend, and after introducing the sub- ject by saying, that as we were writing the history of the county, perhaps some- thing might be said of him, and the re- ligious revivals he had conducted, he be- gan with giving an account of their ori- gin and progress, and of his manner of conducting them. It led into the recital of the most amusing anecdotes we ever heard ; in all of which he made himself the chief character, and many of them were told " at his own expense." They were told too, in a way so replete with humor, that the narrative compelled most immoderate laughter in his hear- ers, while he kept himself under perfect control, although intensely enjoying the spirit of wit that flashed and sparkled like diamonds in his narratives. We do not in this, wish to intimate that there was anything in the sHghtest degree in derision of religious matters in his stories ; on the contrary one could not doubt the sincerity of his convictions; but there was something in his nature that leaned strongly to the comic, and he had a faculty in bringing this out, that was inimitable. We remember one of his anecdotes that may serve as an exam- ple. He was holding a revival meeting in central New York in a village where there were two hotels. The proprietor of one of them was a most worthy and respectable man — influential and forward in all worthy enterprises, while the other was in every sense of the word a " hard case." There had been difficulties be- tween them, and the latter was known to hate his more respected neighbor with a perfect hatred. In the midst of the meeting one even- ing, as he was urging the people to arise, and ask prayers for themselves and their friends, this "hard case," arose in the broad aisle, and as all eyes were turned upon him, he gravely asked the prayers of the congregation, for the other man. Mr. Burchard, at a glance saw that there was something not sincere, but as both parties were unknown he enquired: — "Do )'Ou believe in the efficacy of pi-ayer in this case ?" The answer promptly came : — " I don't know; but I would like to see you try the experiment." His methods in short, had been, to create an enthusiasm, and to work it up to furnace-heat— his wife assisting among the women and children, while he was engaged among the men. The inter- view lasted till morning dawn — in fact made one day of two. Not long after in meeting the friend he had brought with him, and in speaking of that night, he re- marked. " I have known Burchard for years, but never got acquainted with him till then," Whenever there was an enthusiasm to be got up, the people of Jefferson coun- ty knew where to apply. Mr. Burchard had settled in that county, and having acquired a considerable amount of prop- erty, became a director in the Jefferson county bank. In 1849, when the Irish were starving, a relief committee em- ployed him to work for them, which he did, with effect. He was one of the most attractive and successful temperance lecturers ever io6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTV. heard; and finally, in the early days of the war, when it was necessary to raise vol- unteers, he was again in his element, and at the patriotic meetings that were held, he addressed great public assem- blies, with thrilling effect. He lived for some years at Sackett's Harbor, and finally died at Adams, Oc- tober I, 1864, aged 70 years. His wife lost her reason in these intensely excit- ing scenes, which physical nature could not sustain, nor long endure. The Rev. Abel L. Crandall, who labored in some of these meetings, and was the principal leader in those at Mar- tinsburgh, had nothing of the dramatic in his style, but he had an effectual way of presenting his ideas, and was especial- ly earnest in prayer. Unlike Finney and Knapp and Burchard, who made (if we may use the expression), a " specialty " of revivals ; his connection with them was occasional and limited to the churches in which he labored, or their vicinity. Religious and Other Societies. The Lewis County Bible Society. — This society was formed May 28, 1812, when the Rev. James Murdock was chosen President ; Rev. Isaac Clinton, Vice- President ; Stephen Leonard, Treasurer; Barnabas Yale, Secretary ; and Jedediah Darrow, Jr., Deacon Mather Bosworth, Deacon Samuel Dean, William S. Rad- cliff, and John McCoUister, a Committee. Members were required to pay $1.00 the first year, and 50 cents annually un- til it amounted to $3.00. During the first seven years, there was no change of officers except in the Committee, which included at different times, the Rev. Jeduthan Higby, Deacon Seth Miller, Jonathan Barker, Paul Abbott, Lemuel Dickinson, Chillus Doty, John Ives and Chester Shumway. In August, 1827, a Bible Society, auxiliary to the American Bible Society, was formed in this county. Its donations to the parent society up to i860, had been $599.08, and its remittances for bibles and testa- ments $3,056.39. Stephen Leonard acted as treasurer from the beginning, ex- cepting one year, until near or quite the time of his death. In 1828, it established auxiliaries in each town, but this was found unadvisable. A Bible census has been several times taken, by the first of which, in 1829, it was found that 400 families in 2,000 were without the Bible. In 1848 it was found that 708 out of 3,743 families were destitute, and of that num- ber 278 were supplied, the remaining 430 being all Catholic. In 1818, John W. Towne, of Vermont, agent of Holbrook & Fessenden, at Brat- tleboro, got an immense subscription list for a $12.00 quarto family bible in this county. This was considered then, and may be regarded still as a remark- able transaction, in view of the relative scarcity of money then, as compared with the present time. The subscribers' names were stamped upon the back of the volumes, and in very many of the old families, copies of this bible may still be found. The Bible Society still keeps up an organization in the county, but we think it has not had continuous existence since 18 12. It holds an annual meetmg, in October, and its present officers are . — Presidetit — Horace Bush. Secretary — Royal P. Wilbur. Treasurer — Horatio Arthur. The First Sunday School in Lewis County. The first Sunday School in the countv is said to have been started in Martins- burgh by Barnabas Y' ale in 18 15, on 8 16. Mr. Yale was a lawyer and magistrate, and a zealous Presbyterian. From the recollections of persons still living, that were present, the number attending was LEWIS COUNTY SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. 107 about forty, and the sessions were kept up with much interest, in Mr. Yale's office for several months. They were then transferred to the church, and organized into classes according to the present plan. They have since been continued with much regularity down to the pres- ent time. Of helps in the way of books there were then only the Testament and the New England Primmer, and the exer- cises consisted chiefly in memorizing and reciting portions of the Scripture. The succession of Sunday School Su- perintendents in Martinsburgh, has been Barnabas Yale, Philemon Hoadley,* Charles L. Martin, Ezra Botsford, and George W. Locklin. Sunday Schools were first begun in Lowville by Fenner Bosworth in 1820, and from about the same year in Turin by Barnabas Yale. After conducting them two or three years, Mr Yale was succeeded by Nathaniel Hart, Elder Alva Seymour — from 1852 to 1869 by D. D. Foot, and since then by Dewey Hol- den, the present incumbent. The Lewis County Sabbath School Union. This was formed in- 1825, and held an- nual meetings about five years. It be- came auxiliary to the American Sunday School Union. The first anniversary gathering of Sunday School pupils was at Lowville July 2, 1829, at which 550 scholars were present. The ser- vices were unusually impressive from the funeral of Anna Shepherd, a child of twelve years of age, which was held upon the occasion. In 1830, 400 met at Martinsburgh, and similar gatherings have been held occasionally since that period. The Lewis County Sunday School Association. The Association was formed in 1870, consisting of members of various Prot- estant denominations, and having for its object the promotion of the Sun- day School interests of the county by means of meetings, discussions, essays, the collection of statistics, and other measures. It holds semi-an- nual meetings. At a meeting held at Port Leyden, December 7, 1882, sec- retaries were appointed in the several towns, with the view of organizing aux- iliary societies. CHAPTER XII. * Mr. Hoadley was a farmer living in the eastern part of the town, near the present Martinsburgh R. R. sta- tion. He removed to New Haven. Conn., and was af- terwards the Superintendent of a State Reform School. He was a brother of Lyman Hoadley, formerly of Col- linsville. Other Societies and Associations. Temperance Societies. THE first society of this kind in the county,* was formed at Copenha- gen, in February, 1825, and consisted of twelve members. It grew out of prose- cutions for the sale of ardent spirits with- out a license, under an act passed Feb- ruary 18,1820, requiring poor-masters to recover certain fines for the benefit of the poor. These suits were instituted by Levi Robbins, poor-master, and al- though judgment was got, the town would release the parties convicted, by a vote of town meeting. The discus- sions which these measures raised, led to the formation of a society, consisting of Norman Guiteau, Levi Robbins, William C. Lawton, David Goodenough, Dr. John Loud, Austin H. Robbins, Harris Bronson, Edward S. Robbins, William Keen, J. Stoddard, and two others not remembered by our informant. * Turin may incidentally claim an earlier attempt at reform with regard to intemperance. At a town meet- ing held in 1821, it voted that no lictnse should be granted (unless the applicant should first produce a certificate of the town sealer, that his measures had ueen compared and found correct.) io8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. A town society was formed in Turin, July, 1827 ; in Lowville in February, 1828; in West Ley den in January, 1829; and in Martinsburgh in October, 1830. Societies were also formed in Stow's Square, Leyden and Greig. The first temperance tavern in the State, so far as we are informed, was opened by Douglas Wright, of Denmark, in 18 17, and continued two years. The first merchants who discontinued the sale of liquors, were Fowler & Woolworth, of Turin, in April, 1829, and their trade fell off one-third in consequence. A county temperance society was formed at Martinsburgh, September 15, 1828, and became auxiliary to the State temperance society, upon the formation of the latter. This county society in a few years fell into neglect.* The Wash- ingtonian temperance movement began in 1843. A society styled the Washing- ton Association of Lewis was formed July 15, 1843, and at the close of that year 5,000 members belonged to it in Lewis county. Anniversary meetings were held June 25, 1844, and July 8, 1845, and the interest continued until the vote upon the license question, in 1846 and 1847, divided pubhc sentiment. f A " Carson League " was formed at the county seat, July 13, 1854; capital $100,000, in shares of $5, of which 25 cents were required to be paid. It is believed a few prosecutions were begun, * In 1830, there were ten town societies, and 677 members ; in 1831, there were nine town societies, and 1,237 members ; in 1832, there were thirteen town societies, and 2,118 members. t At the special election held in 1846, upon the ques- tion of "License" or "No License," the towns of Croghau, Diana, Greig, Leyden, Turin, Watson and West Turin gave majorities favoring licenses, and the rest against license, the total vote in the county being 1.173 /<"■. and 1,348 against license-,. In 1847, the towns that voted for license were Lowville, Martins- burgh, Turin and West Turin. The town of Denmark still voted for «« /ueiise, and from the other towns we have no returns. The sum of votes /oj- license in the towns mentioned was 1,026, and that against was 701 Viewed from this lapse of time, no one can look upon that phase of legislation upon the temperance question but as a failure. but a decision of the Court of Appeals terminated its existence. The Black River Annual Conference of the M. E. Church at Lowville, De- cember, 1826, voted to use its influence to prevent the use of ardent spirits in their society, and in 1832, passed strong resolutions, in which the use, manufac- ture or sale of liquors was declared strongly derogatory to Christian char- acter and a fit subject of discipline. Temperance lecturers through the country have been frequent ; among which were Rev. D. C. Axtel, in Octo- ber, 1829; Samuel Chipman in 1833, and in November, 1845 ; L. A. Crandall, in 1839; Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, in the spring of 1842; J. P. Coffin, in Decem- ber, 1842, and Thomas N. Johnson, in September, 1844. Since then, there has seldom a year passed without more or less being done in this fine, and in recent years a Sabbath temperance meeting has been held in Lowville village very regu- larly, at which persons from the various Protestant churches have attended, and their clergy have assisted. Various forms of associations tending to the promotion of temperance have been at different times under discussion, the general effect of which has been to lessen the extent of the evil in a very marked degree. We may add, that Uv- ing examples have always been and are now found, to which reference may be made, in showing the degradation and shame to which men of ability may re- duce themselves, by habitual drunken- ness. In the discussion of the temperance question, the Hon. John O'Donnell, of Lowville, has acquired a general notori- ety throughout the State. Mrs. M. B. O'Donnell is also widely known in this country and abroad, as an able advocate of temperance reform. Sons of Temperance. — Eleven lodges of this order have existed in this county. SOCIETIES. log all of which are extinct. They were formed between 1844 and 1850, the first at Copenhagen, and the last at Lowville, viz : — Copenhagen Lodge No. 45 ; Consta- bleville, No. 46; ColUnsville, No. 63; Port Leyden, No. 64; Cedar Grove (Deer River), No. 65 ; West Martins- burgh, No. 170; New Bremen, No. 206; Houseville, No. 217; Dayspring (Mar- tinsburgh). No. 218; Turin, No. 219; and Lowville, No. 267. Eight of these reported January, 1852, a total of 228 contributing members. Daughters of Temperance. — A society of twelve members of this order, named " Hope of the Fallen Union," was organ- ized in Martinsburgh, January 9, 185 1, by Mrs. J. A. Granger, of Champion. It was of ephemeral duration. Good Templars. — This order was insti- tuted at Martinsburgh in June, and at Deer River in July, 1854, and at various places since. It had great popularity for a few years, and is still kept up in several places, but we beheve the inter- est which they excited has greatly de- chned. There are lodges at present in Belfort and Lowville. Hope, of Lowville. — There are also in Lowville, Juvenile Templars. Temple of Honor. — Copenhagen. Rechabites. — A tent at Constableville and one at Lowville, and we beheve at some other places. The Lewis County Anti-Slavery So- ciety. This society was formed August, 1835, auxiliary to the American Anti-Slavery Society,and re-organized Jan. 10, 1837, em- bracing at first members of both of the great political parties, and of all rehg- ious creeds. It was soon after merged in a political party which in 1846, numbered 5 per cent, of all the votes cast for gover- nor. At no other election has their vote been so high. The party that grew out of this move- ment never numbered more than a dozen or so in any town in the county ; but they were steadfast in their faith, and kept up an organization until about 1848, when they joined with the " Free Soil Democrats," when the latter, in 1854, be- came merged with the " Republican Party " of the present day. They almost invariably gave their adherence to that party. The "Colonization" movement was scarcely recognized in this county as one that deserved support. One or two colored families in Denmark, however, emigrated to Africa, and we believe all soon perished from fever. Society for the Acquisition of Use- ful Knowledge. Under this name an association was formed in this county April 26, 1843, and continued till Sept. 2, 1848. It con- sisted at one time of about forty young men, mostly students, and was designed for mutual improvement by the reading of original papers, debates, &c. Among the proprietors of this concern were F. B. Hough, Jas. S. Bradish, Wal- ter D. Yale, Samuel W. Johnson, (now of Yale College,) N. B. Sylvester, and many more. The germs of ideas, then discussed, have in some instances ripened into fruit ; in other cases they left no trace. Nevertheless the intentions were commendable, and although of short duration, and little known, either then or since, it deserves a transient notice, as worthy of a place in memory. Masonic Associations. A Mark lodge was formed at Martins- burgh, about i8io,at the house of Adon- iram Foot, and afterwards removed to no HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Denmark. It was merged in chapters about 1824. A Master's lodge was formed at a ver}' early day at the house of Jonathan Col- lins, in Turin. It was the first in the county. Jefferson Lodge, No. 64, was formed in the winter of i8o6-'o7, in Martinsburgh, with Chillus Doty, Master ; Wm. Derby- shire, S. W. ; Solomon Rathbone, J. W. It was removed to Lowville, and held for some time in the house of Ira Stephens, from whence it has returned to Martins- burgh. Before its removal it was held at the house of Chillus Doty and A. Foot, and after its return at the house of David Waters. Its charter was surren- dered June 3, 1 83 1. Orient Lodge was formed in Denmark about 1 8 10, with Jonathan Barker, M., Sueton Fairchild, S. W., and Van Vleck, J. W. A new charter was granted September 6, 1851, No. 238; and it has been removed from Denmark village to Copenhagen. Lowville Lodge, No. 134, was chartered June 13, 1848, and has since been sus- tained. Turin Lodge, No. 184, was chartered December 3, 1850. Port Ley den Lodge, No. 669. Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. — There is one Chapter in the county, lo- cated at Lowville, (No. 223). It was in- corporated in 1866, to enable it to hold real estate, as noticed in our account of that town. Odd Fellows' Lodges. In 1866, six lodges of the I. O. O. F., had been formed, and four then contin- ued in this county, as follows : — Lewis Lodge, No. 92. Constableville. Meetings Saturdays. Copenhagen Lodge, No. 190. Copenha- gen. Meetings Saturdays. Cynosure Lodge, "i^io. 215. Turin. (Char- ter surrendered). Adelphia Lodge, No. 308. Lowville. (Charter surrendered). Central Lodge, No. 367. Martinsburgh. (Charter surrendered). Juris Lodge, No. 417. Port Leyden, and afterwards near Lyons Falls, in Greig. (Charter surrendered). A few " Daughters of Rebekah " were admitted to the Juris Lodge, in 1853, or 1854, but no others are, it is believed, re- ported. The Lewis County Mutual Insur- ance Company. A company under this name was in- corporated February 27, 1837, and Ela Collins, Isaac W. Bostwick, Stephen Leonard, Andrew W. Doig, Jared House, Merrit M. Norton, John W. Martin, Car- los P. Scovil, Enoch Thompson, Isaac W. Bush, Asa L. Sheldon, Ashley Dav- enport, Abraham Miller, John Whittle- sey, and Ela Merriam, were appointed Directors. The Directors elected John Whittlesey President of the company, but the organization was never complet- ed, and no policies were issued. There was probably some difficulty in locating the office. There was no want of ability on the part of the officers des- ignated, and had there been a concerted effort there can now be seen no> reason why the project could not have succeeded unless perhaps in the opposition raised through the influenceof agents of other companies. At that period, the Mutual Insurance companies organized in Montgomery, Saratoga, Jefferson, St. Lawrence and other counties, were oper- ating largely throughout the county, and a large part of the buildings on farms and in villages were under this form of insur- ance. THE NEWSPAPER PRESS. Ill CHAPTER XIII. The Newspaper Press — Popular Movements. THE Black River Gazette, the first newspaper printed north of the Mo- hawk valley within the State, was begun at Martinsburgh, March lo, 1807, by Jas. B. Robbins, and continued a year. It was Republican in poHtics, and chiefly under the patronage of General Martin. The press was then removed to Water- town and used in printing the first paper in Jefferson county. While at Martins- burgh, this paper was 19 by 21 inches in size, with four columns to the page, and the type was of the old style with the long " s." Ephraim Luce was post-rider. The Lewis County Sentinel was begun at Martinsburgh, October 12, 1824, by Charles Nichols, and pubHshed one year, at $2.00 by post or $1.75 if taken at the office. The size was 19 by 22 inches, four columns to the page. Neutral in politics. The Martinsburgh Sentinel and Lewis County Advertiser, was first issued Octo- ber 13, 1829, by James Ketchum Averill. Terms $2.00 to village and mail sub- scribers, $1.75 if taken at the office, and $1.50 in clubs of ten or more. If not paid till the end of the year, $2.50. It was a small sheet, with five columns to the page, and ended in February, 1830. Democratic in politics. Mr. Averill was afterwards long connected ivith the press in the northeastern part of the State. The Lewis County Gazette was begun in Lowville, in the spring of 1821, by Lewis G. Hoffman, and was continued nearly two years, when its publisher re- moved to Black Rock. He afterwards resided in Waterford, and then in Al- bany, where he was for many years en- gaged in business as a real estate agent. This paper was 18 by 24 inches, with four columns to the page, and was issued weekly, at $2.50 per annum. In politics it was " Bucktail." The Black River Gazette was begun by William L. Easton, at Lowville, October 19, 1825, and published until December I, 1830, by him, when Joseph M. Farr became publisher and continued it until 1833. It began of the same size as the Lewis County Sentinel, upon the same press that had been used by that paper, but the second year was enlarged by one column to the page, and in the sec- ond volume, till No. 33, H. L. and W. L. Easton were associated. It was issued at $2.00 per annum, and professed to be impartial and independent in politics. The nominations of both parties were kept standing in its columns previous to elections, and it was open to discussion on any subject of public interest until 1832, when it adopted the anti-masonic nominations, and advocated the election of William Wirt to the Presidency. Mr. Easton became a joint publisher again October 10, 1832, and continued such till the end. He afterwards became en- gaged in merchandise and banking, hav- ing given up the business of a printer altogether. The Lewis Democrat was begun by Le Grand Byington, March 25, 1834, and was published one year. It supported the Whig party, and advocated Seward's claims as candidate for Governor. Its size and terms were the same as that of the Black River Gazette, the press and type of which were employed upon this paper. Its editor subsequently 'figured in the Ohio Legislature, and afterwards resided in Iowa City. The Lewis County Republican was begun at Martinsburgh, by James Wheeler,* May 18, 1830, as the organ of the Democratic party in the county — the type and press being the same that * Mr. Wheeler removed to Meadville, Pa., and we believe died there. He was by trade a harness maker. 112 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. had been used by Mr. Averill. On the 1 2th of September, 1836, it was trans- ferred to Daniel S. Bailey, who con- tinued to publish it until united with the Northern Journal, January i, i860. It was issued from a wooden Ramage press, until Mr. Bailey procured a new iron press, and in January, 1853, a steam power press was procured. In the spring of 1845, it was removed to Low- ville, and a few years after returned to Martinsburgh. During the campaign of 1848, it supported the "Hunker" portion of the Democratic party ; in 1852, it supported Pierce; and in 1854, it became Republican. Being thus brought upon the same political plat- form with the Northern Journal, the pro- prietor of the latter purchased Mr. Bailey's interest, and January 4th, the first number of the Journal and Repub- lican was issued. Few country newspapers have been conducted with more discretion and ability than this, during the long period it was in the hands of Mr. Bailey. We were indebted to the early files of this paper for many valuable facts in the first edition of this work. Mr. Bailey, after closing his connec- tion which he had so long sustained with this paper, removed to Warren, Pa., and afterwards to Ellington, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he engaged in merchandise. He died there, January 6, 1880, at the age of eighty years. His father, James Bailey, was among the 'larly settlers upon Stow's Square, in Lowville, where he spent his early life, before his removal to Martinsburgh. The Lewis County Democrat, the first paper printed at Turin, was begun by Horace R. Lahe, September 22, 1846, with new type and press bought for its use, partly by the aid of a local subscrip- tion, but chiefly by Clement Whitaker, Homer Collins and Jonathan C. Collins, who advanced money with the agree- ment that Lahe should purchase at the end of a year. This was accordingly done. It supported the Radical or " Barn- burner " branch of the Democratic party, and in the campaign of 1848, was strongly Free Soil in politics. Terms, $1.50. In January, 1850, it was removed to Martinsburgh, where a few numbers only were published, and soon after to Boonville, where its press and material were afterwards used. Mr. Lahe was for some years a journe3'man printer at Lowville, where he raised a company for the 14th New York Volunteers. He served as captain in that regiment through the term of his engagement, and was afterwards employed several years in the Government printing office at Washington. The Lewis County Banner was begun at Lowville, September 8, 1856, as the organ of the Democratic party, and advocate of Buchanan for the Presi- dency. It was conducted the first year by N. B. Sylvester, subsequently by E. A. Teall and Almond Barnes, and begin- ning September i, 1858, by Henry Allgoever. The latter sold to DeWitt C. Finch, and on the i ith of April, 1867, it passed into the hands of Manville & Phelps, by whom it is now published. The Northern Journal, was commenced at Lowville, by Ambrose W. Clark,* from Otsego county, February 22, 1838, at $2.00 per annum. At the end of the eighth volume, 1846, Edwin R. Colston f became its publisher, and in November, 1 847, the paper appeared under the name of C. W. Haven as editor. Jason C. Easton, became owner, March 9, 1848, and November 16, 1848, William Oland Bourne of New York followed as pub- lisher, until January i, 1850. After ap- * Afterwards publisher of the Notthetn New York Journal at Watertown, and Member of Congress. f Mr. Colston died in Brooklyn, October ii, 1857, aged 33 years. He was for several years a reporter for the New York Tribune after leaving Lowville. THE PRESS OF LEWIS COUNTY. "3 pearing a few months under the names of Wm. X. Ninde, printer, and V. R. Martin, editor, Mr. Easton resumed the paper and in the spring of 1853, became associated with Homer C. Hunt, under ■the name of Easton & Hunt, and contmu- ed to the close of Volume XVI. Cordial Storrs, Jr., became proprietor December 28, 1853, and having conducted the paper two years, was followed January 2, 1856, by Geo. W. Fowler. On the 27th of Oc- tober, 1858, Henry A. Phillips, became publisher. This paper was established as the organ of the Whig party in the county, and in 1854, it became Republi- can. It has uniformly supported the nominees of this party, except in 1858, when it substituted the name of Mr. Lyon for Congress as an independent candidate, in opposition to the nominee of the Republican party. Late in 1859, Mr. Phillips purchased the Lewis County Republican, and January 4, i860, the first two were issued under the title of The Journal and Republican, at Low- ville, Mr. Bailey remaining for a time associate editor. The paper was sold January i, 1864, to Smiley & Hazen, and upon the removal of the latter to Nebras- ka, the former became sole owner. In July, 1868, Smiley sold to Phillips, the former owner, and on the ist of January, 1870, Smiley became again owner. He remained proprietor until his death, April 9, 1878,* and in May of that year, Phillips again purchased the paper, and has since published it. The Lowville Times was started as a new establishment by John O'Donnell, July 4, 1876, and was conducted by him fill the fall of 1882, when it passed into the hands of Warren R. Fitch, the pres- ent publisher. Soon after it began. The Farmers' Journal, from Carthage, was consolidated with it, and issued separate- * Amos V. Smiley died at St. Augustine, Florida. His remains were brought back to Lowville for inter- ment. ly for afew months. It had been published at Carthage, as a Grange paper, until purchased by Mr. O'Donnell. He also at about the same time bought the Watchword at Ilion, and continued it about three years, when it was sold to Light & Rechard, of Utica. It has been since discontinued. In 1881, Mr. O'Donnell began a monthly periodical under the name of the Farmers' Work- man's Journal" (16 pages quarto in cov- ers,) which was made up chiefly of editorial articles from the Lowville Times, and had scarcely any local circulation, but was printed in large editions for the promotion of the interests which it professed to advocate. The Dollar Weekly, Northern Blade, was begun at Constableville, August, 1854, by Fairchild & Bealls. It was changed from small folio to quarto at the end of the first year, and Fairchild became sole publisher in July, 1855. The third vol- ume became folio. In February, 1856, Galusha P. Eames became publisher, and in September of that year, J. S. Kibbes' name appeared as editor. While in Eames' possession the paper was en- larged to 24 by 30 inches. On the 23d of April, 1857, William R. Merrill and Edwin R. Cook became publishers and changed its name to The News Register, and in the spring of 1858, removed the office to Carthage and began the publication of the Carthage Standard. The Hawk Eye, a juvenile four page quarto sheet, supposed to have been printed at Lowville, appeared at Consta- bleville a few weeks in the fall of 1855. To oppose this The Young American was printed at the Blade office a few weeks. It was some- what larger, but scarcely more respecta- ble than its pigmy opponent. The Boys' Journal was begun at Mar- tinsburgh July, 1868, by the Mereness brothers, and continued as a monthly. 114 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. but somewhat irregularly as to form, two or three years. The Copenhagen Independeiit was com- menced by Edgar D. Bates in the spring of 1880, (about May loth,) and in July, 1 88 1, it was changed to the Lewis County Independent, by which name it is now known. The present editor is Charles M. Redfield. The Port Leyden Register was begun July, 1867, by the Rev. James E. N. Backus, a Seventh-Day Baptist minis- ter. Upon his removal to DeRuyter, he was succeeded by A. T. Goodenough. After his removal it was continued for a time by Dexter Orvis, and finally discon- tinued. The Turin Gazette was commenced March 17, 1881, and is pubhshed weekly by John R. Beden ; edition 800 ; sub- scription price $1.50 a year. Neutral in politics. Popular Movements. To the student of local history there is nothing more common than to find at times a prevailing interest amounting to enthusiasm throughout the whole community upon subjects that at other times would be passed unnoticed. The poHtical excitements that periodically dis- turb the social system, are very apt to recur with greater energy at intervals of four years. The temperance move- ment, under its various forms, and other questions that have at different periods come up, had their fever-heat, and their decline. It is seldom that history has recorded such an energy of spirit as was displayed in the course of the late war, and especially in the early period, and in the crisis when everything seemed to hang upon uncertainties, and to de- mand promptness and vigor in meeting the emergencies that were upon us. Without specially noticing here the more obvious examples already pre- sented in our religious annals, we may speak of two or three popular movements which for a time absorbed the public in- terest to a most remarkable degree. The Greek Revolution was perhaps the most sentimental of these excitements ; it was, at least, one that in any possible event, would affect the material welfare of Americans in the slightest possible degree. But from whatever cause it may have been, a most remarkable inter- est was got up throughout the country, and in this our county shared in the prevailing movement. On the 20th of February, 1827, a meeting was held in Lowville village to adopt measures for aiding the Greeks, then struggling for independence and reported as famishing and destitute. This expression of sym- pathy was but a part of a general feeling which at that time prevailed through the country. The circular of the Albany executive committee was read, and a series of resolutions adopted, in which the people " once first in science, freedom, arts and arms " were declared entitled to aid as a Christian country struggling against Turkish tyranny. The clergy were invited to call attention to the subject from the pulpit, and town officers were urged to solicit donations on town meet- ing day. A central committee composed of Philo Rockwell and Edward Bancroft, of Martinsburgh, and Isaac W. Bostwick, David Perry and James H. Leonard, of Lowville, was appointed, and the follow- ing persons were requested to solicit gifts in clothing, grain or money, to be transmitted to the state committee at Albany, viz.: Dr. Sylvester Miller, chairman ; Orrin Wilbur, secretary ; Jo- seph A. Northrup, Stephen Leonard, Eli Collins, Palmer Townsend, Isaiah Bailey, Moses Waters, Truman Stephens, Wm. Shull, Constant Bosworth, John Steph- ens, Wm. Dingman, Chester Buck, Geo. D. Ruggles, Daniel T. Buck, Lemuel Wood, Benjamin Davenport, James MINING ASSOCIATIONS. 115 Henry, Solomon King, Jr., Thomas Townsend, Benjamin Hillman, Eleazer Hill, Jacob Dimick, Melancton W. Welles, and Jared House. A spir- ited address was prepared and circula- ted, and in the first week $120 were raised. The ship Chancellor, which sailed from New York in the spring with sup- plies, arrived safely, and proved timely and serviceable to these people. These efforts continued to the spring of 1828, when a contribution of $170 in cash and clothing was sent from Lowville, and formed a part of the outfit of the brig Herald, which sailed about the close of May. A general county meeting was held at the courthouse in Martinsburgh in April, 1828, for the promotion of this object, and town committees were ap- pointed. The Discovery of Gold in California, in 1848, presented quite a different motive, and the excitement which it occasioned was for a time sufficient to turn the heads of many persons who on ordi- nary occasions are usually able to look upon an enterprise in a spirit of reason. But here was gold, to be had for the trouble of picking it up, or of washing it out of the soil, — they could not all go, and so they proposed that those who staid at home should advance the moneys needed by those who went, and then the latter would " divide." As it was some- thing considerable in the way of enter- prise, associated effort might succeed where individuals might fail, and under this view, companies were formed in many parts of the country, consisting of two classes of members :— those who were to go, and those who were to provide the means. We may present The Lewis County Mining Association, and The Lewis County Mining Company as fair examples. The former, organized at Turin, Feb- ruary 10, 1849, consisted of fourteen members who were joined by others, but disbanded in a few days, and only a few went to California. The latter, formed at Lowville a few days after, was to have expired April i, 1851. Capital limited to 300 shares of $50, and affairs under seven directors, chosen annually. The persons going to dig gold, were to have expenses paid, except clothing, and were entitled to half the proceeds, the balance being divided among the stock- holders. The diggers were to act under a superintendent, and the articles of agreement required them to be honest, temperate, Sabbath-keeping and indus- trious. If sick, they were to be nursed, and if they died they were to be decently buried (if circumstances permitted.) The constitution and by-laws, as published in the Northern Journal, February 27, 1849, never went into effect, chiefly from the impossibilit)' of finding any men willing to go on the terms proposed, and the utter inability of the company to raise money for sending them. Notwith- standing an allusion to the ist day of April, there is no doubt but that the en- terprise began and ended in good faith. Perhaps fifty men from this county went to California for gold, nearly all of whom returned wiser but poorer. A few remained, and some died miserably in crossing the Plains, or on the route by way of the Isthmus. Among the early emigrants to the Land of Gold, was Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, who while in California, was elected one of the secre- taries of the State Constitutional Con- vention, and who afterwards lectured in various places, in terms of glowing eulo- gy, upon the wonderful resources of the Pacific coast. He exhibited a nugget of gold of great value, as evidence of the reality of what he professed to have seen, and doubtless persuaded many persons to risk their fortune in this enterprise. The risks and probabilities of this movement gradually came to be looked upon in the light of reason, and the excitement wore away. ii6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The Plank Road Fever. — The building of plank roads, which began in 1848, and lasted about five years, (although some were kept up for fifteen years or more,) must be mentioned as an enterprise car- ried beyond reason, and undertaken upon routes where it would be impossible to pay expenses from their earnings. Their stock was mostly owned by farmers along the road, and by small capitalists in the villages. In one sense they conferred a lasting benefit upon the country, in se- curing improved grades of the hills, as may be seen in several places along their former line in Martinsburgh, Lowville and Denmark. The Railroad Competition 0/ 1853-'55. — The active competition between rival lines of railroad, one from Rome to Og- densburgh and the other from Utica to Clayton, was a costly affair to all con- cerned, and at best sure to ruin one, while it would seriously weaken the other, if it did not destroy both. The details of these undertakings are given in their proper connection. The Patriot War. During the excitement throughout the Northern border, in i837,-'38,-'39, inci- dent to the " Patriot war," (so called,) in an attempt to invade Canada, ' Hunter Lodges " were organized in many of our villages ; funds were subscribed, and en- listments were made. Among the volunteers in this wild campaign, was Sylvanus S. Wright, a son of Tyrannus A. Wright, of Denmark, who was captured at the " Windmill," below Prescott, and sentenced to trans- portation for life to Van Dieman's land. When pardoned by the Queen he re- turned to his former home, and was wel- comed at Copenhagen with great parade. His narrative of three years' captivity, was written up by Caleb Lyon, of Lyons- dale ; but it having libelled Preston King, of Ogdensburgh, by statements shown to be false, (but doubtless made from misinformation rather than malice,) the author was compelled to suppress the pamphlet, and to widely publish an acknowledgment to Mr. King. In the organization of these Lodges, Charles Dayan and others, were very active. As viewed from this distance of time, the movement can scarcely be re- garded otherwise than as visionary and fanatical ; but at the time, it enlisted the sympathies of a vast number who were sincere and honest in their motives, and who verily believed themselves called upon to emancipate a people suffering from a despotism quite as oppressive as that which excited our own Revolution. CHAPTER XIV. State, Turnpike, and Plank Roads; Mail Routes. THE first road projected through this part of the State, was designed to ex- tend from the Little falls on the Mohawk to the High falls on Black river. The measure was urged upon the Legislature by Arthur Noble and Baron Steuben in 1 79 1, and received a favorable report but no further action.* The first road act- ually opened in the county, was made at the expense of the Castorland Company and led from Rome to the High falls. It was cut out about 1798, by one Jordan, and was used several years, but as its course lay across the current of travel as it was soon after directed, it soon fell into disuse and not a mile of it is now in exis- tence. It is said that a branch from this road led to Whitesboro. The French * The petition of Steuben and Noble is given in our History of Jefferson county (1854), p. 307. The diver- sion of the Canadian fur trade to Albany, was urged as a prominent motive. In fact this was the only traffic that then existed, or that was then in prospect, in this region or beyond. PUBLIC ROADS. 117 also caused a road to be laid out and cut from their settlement at the falls to Beav- er river, but this could only be traced a few years afterwards by a line of second- growth trees through the forest, or the rude vestiges of its bridges, and even ^hese have now all ceased to exist. It was nearly direct in its course, and ap- pears to have' been laid out rather with a view to shorten distance than to ac- commodate settlement along its course. It was cut by Major' Judah Barnes in 1797-98, some fifteen men being em- ployed on the works. A bridle path run with a pocket com- pass, with very little reference to the most favorable location, was opened about the time of first settlement. It led from Collinsville to Tug Hill west of Turin village, and across the hill, down to the place first settled by Ezra Clapp, (one mile south of Houseville,) from thence northward along near the line of the State road, passing west of Martins- burgh village, and below Lowville, to Deer River and Champion. The idea of climbing a hill over five hundred feet high, and again descending to the same side,, when a level and nearer route might have been taken, is sufficiently ab- surd to one acquainted with the topog- raphy of this region, and affords a strik- ing proof of the ignorance of the sur- veyor. Along this path known as " Dus- tin's track," the first settlers toiled their weary way on foot or on horseback (for it was not passable for teams,) until a more favorable route was discovered and opened. The first routes through the county were surveyed and chiefly cut out at the expense of the land proprietors, but the principal cost of constructioYi was borne by the settlers along their route. One of the earUest of these in the north part of the county, was that leading from the village of Lowville through Copen- hagen to Rutland, or township 3, and on this account still named the " Number Three Road." It was surveyed by Jo- seph Crary, before 1800, and cut through about 1802 or 1803. The East road in Lowville and Denmark is a little older, and has scarcely been changed from its location in advance of settlement. "Through Denmark it was in early days known.as the " Base Line Road," from its running along the line from which off- setts were made in surveying the lands adjacent to the river. Nathaniel Shaler, in 1797, caused a road to be cut from Constableville south- ward to Rome. It meandered along the valleys not far from the present route, but in no place for any considerable dis- tance on the same line. He established a family named Jones at the half-way point in the present town of Ava, Oneida county. He also opened a road in the western part of Turin, which did not settle through, and is now wholly grown up. Both of these rcjutes were known in their day as the " Shaler roads." The first State patronage for roads in this county, was obtained in an act of March 26, 1803, by which the sum of $41,500 was to be raised by a lottery, for public roads, chiefly in the Black River country. The drawings of this lottery began June 12, 1807, and continued over a month. The largest prize (No. 26,435) of $25,000 was drawn by Robert Benson first clerk of the New York State Sen- ate. It was the last ticket that was sold. The Governor and Council of Appoint- ment were directed to appoint three Commissioners to lay out and improve a road from within two miles of Preston's tavern, in Steuben, to within three miles of the High falls on Black river, and thence through Turin, Lowville, Cham- pion, etc., to Brownville, to intersect another road ordered in the same act to be built from Rome through Redfield. Walter Martin, Silas Stow and Jacob Brown were appointed Commissioners ii8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. for constructing this road, but subse- quently Stow was succeeded by Peter Schuyler, and Brown was succeeded by Nathaniel Merriam, February 5, 1820. The location through Lewis county was made by Stow and Martin, and an ac- tive rivalry was excited, especially in Turin, between settlers who had located on different routes. The East road through that town was already opened and traveled as far north as a mile be- yond Eleazer House's location, (east of Houseville) and the farms on its route were all taken up by actual settlers. The road nearer the hill through Houseville had been laid out, but led through swamps difficult to pass, but the interests of Ezra Clapp, a sub-agent, and incident- ally those of one or two of the Commis- sioners, lay in that direction. Profess- ing no concern but for the greatest good to the greatest number, the offer was made that the route should be given to the parties who would subscribe the greatest amount of free labor. Upon comparing, it is said that notwithstand- ing five hundred days signed by Clapp for Shaler, the East road outnumbered the West. The latter was however adopted. Although deprived of their object, the disappointed party resolved to connect their road with the East road in Low- ville, and by the utmost effort, finished in the summer of 1803, a branch five or six miles long, and from a quarter to half a mile east of the State road, connecting the two East roads. It was never much traveled, and soon fell into ruin. This route was known as the " Oswegatchie road," as it formed a continuation of the road from the Long Falls (Carthage) to the Oswegatchie at Ogdensburgh. The cost of the State Road is said to have been about $30,000 to the State, and its Commissioners were continued about twenty years. In 18 14, they were author- ized to change the southern location. An act passed Feb. 25, 1805, appointed Commissioners living in Oneida county to lay out a road from Whitesboro, through to intersect the State road at Turin.* The road was surveyed by John Hammond, but its proposed loca- tion gave much dissatisfaction in Turin. In 1807, fruitless efforts were made to procure aid by a lottery to construct a road from Whitestown to Turin. A road from Turin to Emilyville, or township 15, Great Tract No. i of Ma- comb's purchase, St. Lawrence county, was authorized April 15, 1814, and James T. Watson,t Robert McDowell and Levi Collins were appointed to locate and con- struct it at the expense of adjacent lands. This act was kept alive about thirty years, and a road was cut through from Independence creek to the old Albany road. By a constrained but perhaps justifiable interpretation of the law, a portion of the money was finally applied upon collateral and tributary roads upon which settlement was progressing and the labor on the northern end of this route was lost, as it still lies partly in the forest, and has never been traveled. A State road from Lowville to Hen- derson Harbor was authorized April 17, 1816, and Robert McDowell, of Lowville, Eber Lucas, of Pinckney, and Abel Cole, of Rodman, were appointed to lay it out. The route was surveyed, and the map filed in the clerk's office May 2, 181 8. It was located chiefly upon roads previ- ously laid out, and the expense of its improvement was assessed upon adja- cent wild lands. In 1820, David Canfield of Denmark, Tyrannus A. Wright of Pinckney, and Sanford Safford, of Har- risburgh, were appointed commissioners for completing the road. It runs from * Henry McNeil, George Doolittle and Bill Smith, were appointed Commissioners under this act. See As- sembly youmal, 1805, p 50. f Patrick S. Stewart was appointed a Commissionerof this road, in the spring of 1840, in place of Watson, de- ceased. TURNPIKES. 119 the stone church in Lowville, nearly parallel with the south Unes of Low- ville, Harrisburgh and Pinckney, into Jefferson county, and is the present di- rect road from Lowville to Barnes' Corners. About 1824, a road was cut out from the Black river in Watson, northeast- ward to the St. Lawrence turnpike. It was wholly built by Watson and Le Ray, and long bore the name of the " Erie Canal Road." A road from Cedar Point on Lake Champlain to the Black river was author- ized April 21, 1828, and the Commis- sioners emerged from the forest on a preliminary survey on the last day of August of that year, but only the eastern end was opened. A road from the West road on the north line of Lowville towards Denmark village, was laid out under an act of Feb. 19, 1829, by Pardon Lanpher, Harvey Stephens and Homer Collins. It was in- tended to avoid the hills on the State road, and is now one of the public highways in that part of the county. A road was opened under an act of April 9, 183 1, by Peter Mann and Silas Salisbury, from one mile east of Watson bridge north to the Lower falls on Beaver river, and the then north line of Watson. By act of April 14, 1841, David Judd, of Essex, Nelson J. Beach of Lewis and Na- than Ingersol of Jefferson county, were appointed to construct a road from Car- thage through township 4, of Brown's tract, to Lake Champlain in Moriah or Crown Point, the expenses to be de- frayed by a tax on the non-resident lands to be benefitted. The road was surveyed in the summer of 1841, and opened during the next half dozen years so as to be pass- able by teams, but was scarcely ever traveled beyond the actual settlements, and soon fell into disuse. Several acts have been passed concern- ing this road, among which was one in 1843, releasing from the tax, certain lands in Denmark and Lowville which came within the limits first defined by law. A road from Port Leyden to the " old forge " on township 7 of Brown's tract, Herkimer county, and another from the residence of Hezekiah Abbey to inter- sect this, were authorized June 8, 1853, to be constructed under the direction of Lyman R. Lyon and Francis Seger, by the aid of highway taxes upon unsettled lands adjacent. Under an act passed April 2, 1859, Sey- mour Green and Diodate Pease were ap- pointed to lay out and open a road from the northern settlements of Osceola through to some road already opened in Martinsburgh, and granted most of the non-resident highway taxes upon the lands of the towns through which it passed, for a period of five years for its construction. Surveys were made, but the road was never finished. The foregoing Hst embraces, with an exception to be noticed, all the roads lo- cated within this county by virtue of special acts of the Legislature, except- ing turnpikes, of which, more have been projected than built, and of which the last rod has long since been merged in common roads. Turnpikes. These internal improvements were in their day regarded as great public enter- prises, and in fact did much to give an impulse to the growth of important points along their line, and of the coun- try that they supplied. They were al- ways stock companies, and their route, mode of construction, rates of toll, and other details concerning them were pre- scribed by special acts. It was usual to fix a limit to their continuance, and at the end of the period they were to revert to the pubhc. As the common highways became im- proved, it was no uncommon thing for I20 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. those who were obliged to use them, to complain of the burden which the tolls ' occasioned, and as a matter of fact, the greater part were abandoned to the public long before their franchises expired. In our first edition of the County His- tory, many details were given concern- ing these roads — but as they have all ceased to exist in the county, they may be regarded as belonging altogether to the past. We will therefore here only mention them briefly by name and route, referring to the former edition for whatever else the reader may desire to learn concerning them. Mohawk and Black River Turnpike Company, authorized April 5, 18 10. Rome to Turin. Not organized. St. Lawrence Turnpike Company, April 5, 1 8 10. Across Diana, no settlements formed, and in 1829 charter repealed. Surveyed in 1812 by Benj. Wright and C. C. Brodhead, opened but scarcely ever much used until abandoned. [See our History of St. Lawrence and Frank- lin counties (1853) for details.] Black River and Sacketfs Harbor Turn- pike, March 30, 181 1. Lowville to Copen- hagen and Watertown. Not made. Lewis Turnpike Company, April 8, 181 1. Steuben to Martinsburgh and Lowville. Nothing done. Boonville Turnpike. Extended a mile and a half into Lewis county. Changed to a plank road. Turin and Leyden Turnpike, March 26, 1 8 19. From near the county line to the State road, one mile north of Turin. Finished but no gates erected. After- wards a plank road. Canal Turnpike, February 28, 1823. Capital $15,000. From Stokesville in Lee, to Olmsted Creek in Turin. In 1826, the south end extended to Rome, and the north end to the site of old St. Paul's church in West Turin. Used many years, and changed to the plank road passing through Constableville and West Leyden to Rome. In 1 842, the plan of a macadamized road was discussed, but nothing was done in the way of improvement till the period of plank road construction, which began in 1847. Plank Roads. Of these, nine were incorporated un- der the general law, with a total length of seventy-eight miles. They all belong to the past. Rome and Turin Plank Road. Rome to Turin, mostly on the line of Canal Turn- pike. Articles filed December 24, 1847. Capital $45,000. Cost $50,000. Aban- doned January 18, 1855. Tnrin Plank Road. Through the town of Turin on the line of the State road, December 27, 1847. Capital $8,000. Abandoned. West Martinsburgh and Copenhagen Plank Road, February 17, 1848. Capital $25,000. From the Turin plank road to Copenhagen, on the line of the " West road." Abandoned about 1858. West Turin and Leyden Plank Road, October 23, 1848. Capital $6,000. On line of Turin and Leyden turnpike, (so called.) Abandoned March 3, 1856. Loivville and Carthage Plank Road, November 8, 1848. Capital $22,000. Cost $26,000. From south line of Martins- burgh through Lowville and Denmark to Deer River and Carthage. Abandon- ed May 5, 1859. Boonville Plank Road, on State road from Black River House, Boonville to south line of Turin, November 8, 1848. Capital $30,000. Abandoned November 27, 1869. Martinsburgh Plank Road Company, December 13, 1848. Capital $7,000. Through the town on State road. Abandoned March 8, 1865. Great Bend and Copenhagen Plank Road, December 4, 1848. Capital $13,000. MAIL ROUTES. 121 About three miles in this county. Abandoned about 1858. A plank road from the Carthage and Antwerp road near the old Lewis Tavern place to Sterling Bush was the last one of these roads. It was made chiefly to lacilitate the drawing of ore to the fur- nace at the latter place. These roads were laid eight feet wide with hemlock plank, three inches thick. They were generally laid on the side or the center of the high- way, so that teams going south retained the plank in meeting other teams. Their durability was greatly less than previous estimates, and their receipts generally be- low cost. Mail Routes. The first route through the valley was established January 19, 1804. Daniel Gould is said to have been the first car- rier. He was succeeded by Reuben Chase soon after, who began in 1804, and performed one trip each week from Utica to Brownville. Mr. Barnabas Dickinson of Denmark, was the next mail carrier, and by him a two-horse carriage was first placed upon the route for the accom- modation of travelers. About 18 12, or 1 8 14, Parker & Co. ran a line of stages. Other parties were afterwards engaged in this service, and in January, 1824, E. Backus and Ela Merriam, with N. W. Kiniston and John McElwaine, com- menced carrying the mail, and with the exception of fotir years, Mr. Merriam had continued in the business till the time of publication of our former edition of the History of Lewis county. It had been carried daily except on Sunday during 36 years, and until 1848 to '50 over as muddy a road as could be found in the State. In our former edition we re- marked : " The spirited and sacrificing efforts of Mr. Merriam, in calling public attention to plank roads and other im- provements, and in their construction and maintenance, entitle him to the last- ing gratitude of the citizens of Lewis county. Without his exertions the only existing plank road southward from Low- ville would ere this have been abandoned, and the travehng public left to plod their weary way over the original mud road." The perils threatened from the discon- tinuance of plank roads have since been realized, and the country has survived the loss. In fact they were very good while new, and had they been introduced earlier, they would have been vastly more useful. But the opening of the railroads have taken off the business of both staging and teaming over the historical routes " from Utica to Sackett's Harbor," and " from Turin to Rome," and these roads now relieved from heavy traffic, consolidated by age, and im- proved every year more and more by highway labor, have an excellence that is worthy of all praise. The Turin plank road finally fell into the hands of C. G. Riggs and Paul B. Yale, and was kept in repair and under toll, until its unoccupied toll-house was burned one night, soon alter the stage passed through it. A passenger was heard to re- mark some days afterwards, that " he looked back when the stage had got half a mile beyond, and he saw no fire," Query: Why did he look back, — and what did he expect to see ? The shortest trip from Utica to Sack- ett's Harbor ever made over this route by stages, was on Thursday, February 19, 1829. The trip was made in nine hours, 45 minutes, and the mail was changed at every office. The stops amounted to 39 minutes, distance 93 miles, snow 2^ feet deep. Mr. Merriam was at various times concerned in stage routes from Denmark to Ogdensburgh, from Rome to Sackett's Harbor, through Redfield, from Oneida to Turin, from Rome to Turin and Denmark, from Rome by Copenhagen to Watertown, and from Rome by Western to Boon- t22 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ville. The last of this stage business was on the line from Boonville to Low- ville in company with Moses M. Smith, then of Lowville. As we have had occa- sion to mention the name of Mr. Smith, we cannot pass without paying a tribute to this energetic, impulsive and " whole- souled " man. He was born in the Mo- hawk valley, and came into the county not far from 1832. He settled for a time as a tailor in West Martinsburgh, and some of our older readers may remember the doggerel rhymes of his advertise- ments in " Bailey's Paper " of a little later date. He engaged in merchandise and various kinds of business at Martins- burgh and Lowville and for a time had an interest in a canal forwarding line, and a warehouse at " Smith's Landing " on the road towards Dayanville. He held the office of County Treasurer ; was active in promoting enlistments for the war, and finally moved to Rochester, and entered into business as a druggist. He was elected a member of the Com- mon Council, of that city, and died there October 3, 1871, of cancer of the stom- ach, aged 58 years. His brother Daniel A. Smith, a well-known 'clothing mer- chant, for some years in Lowville, re- moved to Watertown, and died there May 15, 1873, aged 53 years. CHAPTER XV. Railroad Projects. THE Black River Company, incorpo- rated in 1832, was empowered to construct a route by canal or railroad, from the Erie canal at Rome or Her- kimer, to Ogdensburgh, but accomplish- ed nothing beyond a partial survey.* In December, 1852, the plan of a railroad through the Black River valley was dis- * For details, see History of Jefferson county, (1854) page 338. cussed, and a call for a meeting signed bj thirty-four citizens, and published in the Northern Journal, in January, 1853, led to a favorable response, and the appointment of a committee consist- ing of five persons in each county in- terested, for collecting statistics. A meeting was appointed at Theresa, on the 20th, and another at Boonville, on the 26th of the same month. On the 27th, articles of association were drawn up forming the Black River Railroad Company, with $1,200,000 capital for building a railroad from Herkimer, or Mohawk village, to Clayton, on the St. Lawrence. Of the proposed di- rectors, Ela Merriam, Seth Miller, Moses M. Smith, William L. Easton, and John Benedict, resided in Lewis county. This movement excited immediately an active rivalry between Utica and Rome, and on the 29th of January, 1853, the Black River & Utica Railroad Company wasiormed, and the articles filed two days after, in the Secretary's office. The capital was $1,000,000, (in- creased one-half September 26, 1853,) and the Directors were T. S. Faxton, Spencer Kellogg, John Butterfield, Mar- tin Hart, Alfred Churchill, James V. P. Gardiner, Benjamin F. Ray, James S. Lynch, William H. Ferry, Hugh Crocker, Harvey Barnard, Jonathan R. Warner, and John D. Leland ; all of Utica, excepting Leland, who resided in Deerfield. They proposed to build a road by way of Boonville and Carthage to Clayton. Daniel C. Jenne, was at once employed to begin surveys in the midst of winter, and energetic efforts were made to secure subscriptions to the stock. The citizens of Rome lost no time in raising means for a preliminary survey, under Octave Blanc, and on the 8th of March, at a meeting held at Lowville, the claims of the three rival routes south of Boonville were presented and urged, RAILROADS. 123 and a committee of three to each town on the line from Boonville to the St. Lawrence, was appomted to examine the subject, and to decide as to which of the three routes had the strongest claims to patronage. This committee was un- able to agree, and appointed a sub-com- mittee of eight, to visit the several places proposed for junction with the New York Central Railroad, and report at an adjourned meeting at Carthage, on the 22d inst. The Lowville meeting continued two days, and an intense ac- tivity was shown by the rival parties in securing a favorable decision. At the Carthage meeting a rule was adopted, that two-thirds majority should decide upon the southern terminus. After two days' discussion it was found impossible to obtain the requisite vote, and the committee was discharged. The Ogdensburgh, Clayton & Rome Railroad Company was formed February 19, 1853, with $2,000,000 capital. Its direc- tors were Henry A.Foster, John Stryker, Edward Huntington, and Alexander Mudge, of Rome ; Elijah B. Allen and Henry VanRensselaer, of Ogdensburgh ; Augustus Chapman, of Morristown ; William L. Easton, of Lowville ; Seth Miller, of West Turin ; Alanson H. Barnes, of Martinsburgh ; Sidney Syl- vester, of Denmark; Samuel J. Davis, of Wilna ; and Jason Clark, of Plessis.* The Herkimer location having been abandoned, the Utica and Rome Rail- road projects were pressed with enthu- siasm by their respective friends. Acts were procured allowing the corporations of Utica, Rome, and Ogdensburgh, to subscribe to the stock. Subscriptions were urged, surveys completed, and right of way purchased or solicited as a donation. Work was begun on the Black * Extended details of the origin of these companies, will be found in the History of Jefferson county, (1854) page 339. River & Utica Railroad, at Utica, with commemorative ceremonies, August 27th, and at Lowville, October 27, 1853. Speeches were made, in which many pleasant things were said of Lewis county, and cheerful hopes expressed that the road thus begun would, before many months, be finished. The road was put under contract August loth, with Farewell Case, Lund & Co., who in October, 1853, sub-let a part extending from the north end of Lowville village, to south of Martin's creek, in Martins- burgh, to Solomon Phelps, Chester Ray, and Albert Buel. Large quantities of ties were got out, the masonry of bridges was built in a substantial manner, the road was exten- sively graded, and costly excavations in rock and earth were begun, and in some places completed. The road was opened to Boonville, December 15, 1855, and. has since been in regular operation to -that place, changing entirely the business con- nection between Lewis county and Rome, and diverting nearly all the travel and business of the Black River valley from Denmark southward to Utica. A large amount of work was done on this route north of Boonville, chiefly in grad- ing and the masonry of bridges. Work was begun on the Ogdensburgh, Clayton & Rome Railroad, at Rome, November ioth,andat Carthage, Novem- ber 23, 1853. Sections 6, 7 and 9 were awarded November 7, 1853, to Clapp & Allen of Lewis county, and Archi- bald McVickar & Co., of New Jersey. Sections 10, i i,and 12 in Lewis, to Beebe, Williams & Co., of Onondaga. Much of the right of way was secured and fenced, a large amount of grading was done, but no part of the road was ever completed, and five years after the date of organiza- tion the project was hopelessly and com- pletely abandoned. The land granted for the use of the road was re-conveyed, and the shareholders, exasperated by re- 124 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. peated calls for installments to pay large salaries of officers and unavailing ex- penses, were doubtless greatly relieved when finally free from further liabilities arising from this reckless adventure. The proposition for two railroads, side by side, and seldom a mile apart, running through the whole length of the county, both leading to the same markets and supplying the same wants, was sufifii- ciently absurd. There was no doubt, but that the business of the county would render the construction of one railroad through it a safe and prudent investment, and ensure it permanent and remunera- tive support. The wealth of its forests, the extent of its water-power, and the capacity of its soil, were subjects of too much importance to lie long neglected, and the construction of a railroad was only a question of time. In the mean- while, the county must wait until the losses in the late controversy were in some degree repaired; they were of too serious extent to be soon forgotten. The company first formed, changed owners by a sale and transfer, in which the origi- nal stockholders and owners of its bonds, excepting as they came in under the new organization were heavy losers. Re-organization and Completion of the Railroad from Utica. — On the 31st of March, i860, the Utica & Black River Railroad Company was formed, upon the sale under foreclosure of the " Black River & Utica Railroad Company," and projects for its extension through to the St. Lawrence, began to be dis- cussed, when the war came on the next year, absorbing every other interest in the mighty issues that it presented. After this war was fairly ended, the measure was revived, and an active in- terest was felt in extending the road from Boonville northward, so as to pass the villages along the limestone terraces be- low the plateau region of Tug Hill. But the necessity of descending to the river valley, in order to secure connec- tions northward, finally led to its loca- tion near the river, and rendered im- portant changes necessary at Boonville. The railroad was extended to Lyons Falls, in December, 1867, and to Low- ville, in October, 1868. That village re- mained the terminus until 1871, when it was extended. to Carthage. It was com- pleted to Philadelphia, in 1873, and by leasing connecting lines, and completing certain portions, it was extended through Watertown to Sackett's Harbor, in Oc- tober, 1874, and to Ogdensburgh, Octo- ber I, 1878. The details of history con- cernmg these rented roads, are briefly as follows : — Black River and Morristown Railroad — Philadelphia to Morristown, 36.60 miles; total track, 38.85 miles. Char- tered March 22, 1870; opened Novem- ber 24, 1875. Rental 37 1-2 per cent, of gross earnings, and not less than 7 per cent, on bonds issued for construction ; capital, $327,462.96; funded debt, first mortgage, 7 per cent, bonds, ($500,000; $495,900; floating debt, $3,900.00; total liabilities, $827,262.96 — per contra, cost, etc., $681,298.94. Clayton and Theresa Railroad. — Clay- ton to Theresa Junction, 15.86 miles; total track, 16.81 miles. Chartered Feb- ruary 7, 1871 ; opened May 10, 1873 ; annual rental, $14,000 ; capital, $203,570 ; funded debt, first mortgage, 7 per cent., $200,000 ; floating debt, $29,437.72 ; total liabilities, $433,007.72— per contra, cost, etc., $323,389.38. Due lessees, $70,980; profit and loss, $38,658.34. Carthage, Watertown and Sacketfs Harbor Railroad Company. — Carthage to Sackett's Harbor, 30 miles ; total track 31 miles. Organized February 5, 1869; opened in 1874; rental, 37 1-2 percent, of gross earnings, or enough to pay in- terest on bonds; capital, $486,953.00; funded debt, first mortgage, 20 years, 7 per cent, bonds on road from Carthage RAILROADS. 125 to Watertown, rolling stock, etc., $150,- 000 ; 7 per cent, bonds first mortgage on road from Watertown to Sackett's Har- bor, and second mortgage on road from Carthage to Watertown, dated Sep- tember 16, 1873, due October i, 1893, $150,000.00; total, $786,953.00 — per con- tra, cost of road, etc., $783,683.26. Ogdensburgh & Morristown Railroad. — Morristown to Ogdensburgh, 10.67 miles; total track, 11.42 miles. Char- tered September 11, 1877; built by the Utica & Black River Railroad Com- pany, in 1878 ; capital, $11 1,800.00 ; float- ing debt, advances by lessees, $4,121.27 ; total liabilities and cost of road, $115,- 921.27. This road is virtually owned by the lessees. General Balance Sheet, September 30, 1881. Road and Equipments, ($32,276.42 per mile) $2,878,702.66 Stocks and Bonds 183,100.00 Advance, etc., to Branch Lines 128,266.50 Sundry Dues 7>753-23 Cash on hand 62,100.20 Total Assets. . $3,259,922.59 Capital Stock $1,772,000.00 Funded Debt 1,112,000.00 Isaac Maynard, Treasurer. 50,000.00 Construction Coupons, etc. 5.645-SO Surplus Fund 320,277.09 Total Liabilities. . . $3,259,922.59 The town of Martinsburgh was bonded $30,ooo,and the town of Lowville $100,000 to aid in the construction of this road, as mentioned more fully in our history of these towns. There was much bond- ing to aid this and connecting roads in Jefferson county, which we cannot here notice in detail. By an act passed April 17, 1866, the towns of Greig, Watson, New Bremen, and Croghan were empowered to take stock in the Utica & Black River Rail- road Company. A project was then un- der discussion for running the road on the east side of the river from Beach's Landing to Carthage; but the weight of influence in favor of Lowville, neutralized this effort, and neither of the towns gave their bonds in aid of the road. The entire road as now owned or leased and operated by this Company, is as follows : — Line of road properly owned by the Company, from Utica to Philadel- phia, 87.00 Miles. Leased Lines. Black River & Morris- town R. R 36.60 Ogdensburgh & Morris- town R. R 10.67 Carthage, Watertown & Sackett's Harbor R. R. . 30.00 Clayton & Theresa R. R. 15.86 " General total 180.13 Miles. Statement of Operations for Eight Years. Miles of Railroad Train Miles Passengers Carried Passengers Miles Freight (tons) Moved Freight (ton) Miles Qroas Earnings • ■ • Transportation Expenses... Net Earnings Other Eeoeipts Available Revenues Lease Rentals . .. Conponsand Interest . Dividends ... Balance „., Gross Earnings per Mile. ... . . Gross Expenditures per Mile. Net Earnings per Mile Expenses to Earnings 1874 135 256,708 229,023 4,868,234 116,750 6,089,783 $ 470,954 a40,865 230,089 \%.»\ 243,990 83,972 73,430 (6)106,122 +30,486 8,488.64 1,784 18 1,704 36 51.14 per Ct 1875 148i 298,1251 245.8471 6,593;083l 105,074, 5.294,353' % 484,856 2.') 1,661 I 233,195 18,658 ! 251,853 39.248 ; 76.475 1 (6)106,149 +29,981 , 3,276 05| 1876 170 354,744 245,715, 5,792,703: 104,6981 5,150,374; $ 481,673 I 287,372 I 194,301 ! 9,898 204,199 ' .')H,)93 1 77.490 (6)106,348 , —36,033 2,833.71 1877 170 340,474 221'6S8i 5,336,245 100,777 5,065,1671 1879 i;700 4ll 1,690.42 1,675.64 1.143.29, 51.81 per Ctl59.65 per Ct 51.07 per Ct,47.19 per Ct 8 45.3,576 233,576 320.261 9,722 229,983 65,988 77,840 (6)106,248 —20,093 2,668.10 1,362 45 1,295.65 170 339,339 218,285 5,266,280 103,560 5,205,965' ; 453,145 213,853 239,292 18,971 258.263 66,239 8(1,166 (4)70,832 +40,727 ' 2,665.56 1,257.96, 1,407.60, 180 432.840 213,019 5,221.906 108,88(1 6.06.f,01 475,509 290,532 184.977 10,934 195,911 66,517 81.310 (2)35,416 +11,567 2,S30,60 1 614.06 916.54 61.81 per Ct 1880 I 1881 180 4.32,876 236,666 5 836,600 160,9331 9,-J04.785l S 690,760 274.989 ] 315,771 14,.i51 \ 330,322 ' 70,219 I 81,340 (4)70,832 ♦ 107,931 ' 3,282.00, l,62r.73' 1,764.231 180.13 475,223 257,236 7,.377,199 199,383 12,918,373 5 693.170 446,390 246,780 8,859 255,639 71,724 81.440 (4)70,880 +31,595 3,848.11 2,478.15 1.; 46.65 per Ct,64.04 per Ct 126 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. It is a single tract road, with 21.72 miles of siding on main line and branches ; gauge 4 feet, 8 1-2 inches, connecting with all the roads that meet or cross it, without change of gauge, and its rails weigh 56 to 60 pounds to the yard. In Poor's Railroad Manual, 1882, it is reported that 34 miles of the track have steel rails. The same author- ity reports it as having 22 locomotives, 23 passenger cars, 10 baggage and mail cars, 277 freight cars, and three service cars. Other Railroad Projects. Although the Utica & Black River Railroad Company, is the only one that has yet been constructed, there are some others that have made themselves a place in the history of the county, and deserve a passing notice. The Sackett's Harbor & Saratoga Rail- road Company, was incorporated by an act of April 10, 1848, which granted 250,000 acres of the State lands, upon conditions which have since been so far complied with, that the lands have been conveyed to the company. The pre- liminary arrangements were completed and the company duly organized Janua- ry 10, 1852. On the 8th of April, 1852, the ceremony of breaking ground near Dayanville was performed by Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, and others, with parade of martial music and oratorical display, but work was not actively com- menced until 1854. During the summer of that year, a large amount of grading was done on the southern portion, and in places in this county, but in the fall of 1854, work was finally suspended. The intention of the company was to first construct a plank road, to facilitate the travel which the railroad would require until opened, and large quantities of road plank were sold for less than their worth in standing timber, upon the suspension of work. The report at the close of 1858, states that the capital stock is $6,000,000; amount subscribed $5,461,- 100; paid in $2,714,150; expenditures $3,665,858.67; length 182 miles. The legislature by act of April 6, 1857, changed the name of the company to the Lake Ontario & Hudson River Railroad Company. It is understood that the pres- ent "Adirondack Company," are owners of whatever exists of the franchises of this old corporation. Black River & St. Lawrence Railroad Company. — The project of a railroad from Carthage to Harrisville, and an extension to DeKalb Junction, came up in the spring of 1867, and the surveys and esti- mates were made by Octave Blanc, Civil Engineer. On the 30th of June, articles of association were filed, with $380,000 capital, and by acts passed April 2-1 1, 1868,* the towns of Wilna, Diana and Edwards were authorized to subscribe for stock, viz. : Wilna and Diana $50,000 each, and Edwards $25,000. Samuel H. Beach, Benjamin Wicks, and William Hunt, in Diana, were empowered to obtain the consent of Diana, and that town assumed the full limit allowed, the assessed valuation at that time being only $52,000. This was an act of recklessness, perhaps without a parallel in the bonding period. The total length of the proposed road from Edwards to Carthage was about thirty- eight miles, and the road was to serve as an outlet for the forest products of that region, and the magnetic iron ore known to exist not far from the proposed route. The road was commenced and fourteen miles ot the Carthage end were graded and laid with maple rails, which from want of means were used instead of iron. For a time trains were run between Car- thage and Harrisville, but the wooden rails soon proved a failure, and the funds being exhausted, the project became a * Chapters 115 and 182, Laws of i868. RAILROADS. 127 wreck, and was lost to sight during the great collapse of 1875-79. Since 1880 persevering efforts have been made to revive the scheme, and bring it to a good end. Induced by valuable mineral con- cessions, Pennsylvania iron men and capitalists have made a lengthy investi- gation of the iron deposits, using the diamond drill, and at the close of autumn in 1882, a number of large veins of excel- lent Bessemer magnetic ore have been brought to light, which discovery may at an early day lead to the completion of the old project. Mr. Pahud, the leading spirit in these efforts, and who has devoted much time and labor to the promotion of this ob- ject, in a letter received just before these pages go to press, says : " Controlling a vast forest, estimated at half a million of acres, at a time when timber is fast growing scarce and valuable, it is be- lieved that this road will prove a lasting success, as well as a most important feeder to both the Black River canal, and the Utica & Black River rail- road. * * * * * The town of Diana has borne bravely its heavy burden, providing promptly for its obligations, and without even suggesting the thought of repudiation. The debt has been reduced to $40,000, and a re-issue of its bonds is readily taken at the low rate of four per cent, interest."* Boonville & Constableville Railroad Company. This was incorporated Feb- ruary 7, 1868, and preliminary surveys virere made, but nothing was ever done towards its construction. There are no engineering difficulties on the line be- tween these villages, the only question being that of profit and expense. At •The Commissioners in charge of this debt, are Joseph Pahud, and William Hunt. In Wilna, the debt was reported to the Supervisors, in 1881, as re- duced to $32,000. the present time, the business would not probably justify this road. A Projected Route Northeastward from Lowville. — In the winter of 1 88o-'8 1 , a line of railway was surveyed by Mr. Bond, from the swamp near the foot of the grade north of Lowville village, by way of Beaver Falls, to Harrisville. The grades were found favorable, and no practical difficulties in the way of en- gineering were found. It was thought that the manufacturing interests of the northeastern part of the county, and the iron mines in the adjacent portion of St. Lawrence county, would afford' remu- nerative business for a branch road, perhaps ultimately connecting with lines to the northward. No company had been organized at the time of this writing, and the interest which the sur- vey had occasioned, had in a measure, declined. The route of a railroad from Boston to Henderson Harbor, was run through this county, along the level of the pla- teau at the base of Tug Hill, by Adam Bond, civil engineer. It was to accom- modate the line of villages along that route, and excited hopes of success that were wholly disappointed, and perhaps never had much real foundation. It is very probable that it would have re- ceived aid from some towns along the line, had it been undertaken. Another branch of the same road was talked about from Boonville to West Leyden, and so westward to Oswego. We are not informed as to what surveys were made, but some money was spent by individuals, in promoting this meas- ure, which died out without any result. At the time of our going to press, some movement is being made for com- pleting the work begun thirty years ago between Rome and Boonville, and the villages along the upper terrace of limestone in Lewis county, may seek to extend it further northward. 128 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. CHAPTER XVI. Canal Projects — Steamboats. Black River Canal and Improvement. EXCEPTING the vague allusion to canals and other public works, in the instructions of Tillier in 1796, no meas- ure was proposed for constructing a ca- nal into this county until 1825, when Governor DeWitt Clinton in his annual message, suggested a connection between Black river and the Erie canal, as one of several highly desirable canal routes. Under a general act passed April 20, 1825, a survey was ordered from the Erie canal in Herkimer county, to the head waters of Black river and thence to Ogdensburgh, and another from Rome to the same waters. A survey was begun by James Geddes, one of the chief engineers on the Erie canal, July 25, 1825, and the leveling was continued down to Carthage. By this survey, the Remsen summit on the eastern route was found 841 feet, and the descent from thence to the lake 985 feet. From Rome to Boonville, the rise was 700 feet, and from thence to the river below the falls 422 feet. The Camden route to Ogdensburgh, 129 miles, was estimated at $655,630, and the Boonville route, 114 miles, $931,014. Mr. Geddes advised two dams with locks on the river, and a towing path on the bank. A canal meeting was held at the Court House September 21, 1825, at which James T. Watson reported Geddes' survey. The maps were left with Mr. Charles Dayan for reference, and a committee was ap- pointed to gather statistics of transporta- tion from each town in the county, speci- fying every article of which more than five tons were carried, with the probable increase. Other meetings were held in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, and committees of correspondence were chosen to secure unity of action. At a meeting at the Court House, De- cember 24, 1825, the committee prepared a petition to the Legislature, and reported the following estimates of business : — Denmark 1,272 tons ; mean distance 60 miles. Lowville 1,310 tons, viz : grain and flour 550; ashes 130; butter and cheese 10; sundries 620. Distance 60 miles at i 1-2 cents per mile. Martinsburgh 1,280 tons. Turin 600 tons. Leyden, Watso7i, Pinckney and Har- risburgh, 1,200 tons. Total 5,662 tons, amounting to $5,435.80. From Jefferson county the estimate claimed 10,680 tons at $10,146; from St. Lawrence 13,000 tons at $23,400, and from Herkimer and Oneida 4,620 tons at $1,386, making with the extra transportation added to the Erie Canal a revenue of $69,145.88.* The county papers of northern New York at this period teemed with articles favoring the measure, and a series of sta- tistical essays in the Black River Gazette, signed Jojtathajt, had a beneficial influence upon public opinion. The Canal Commissioners reported March 6, 1826, upon the Herkimer, Rome and Camden routes. The first had a rise and fall of 1,831 feet, and was deemed inexpedient. The second had 1,587 feet lockage, and would cost to Ogdensburgh $931,014, and the third with 635 feet lockages, would cost $855,630. No result followed, and on the 2d of January, 1827, a canal meeting held at the Court House, renewed their memorial, and petitioned Congress to procure the right of navi- gating the St. Lawrence to the ocean. A meeting at Carthage October 23, 1827, prepared the way for a general conven- tion at the Court House in Martinsburgh on the 4th of December, at which dele- gates attended from all the towns inter- ested in the work. Spirited addresses were delivered, and a resolution was passed for the incorporation of a com- pany to construct a canal. * A general committee of correspondence was chosen at this meeting, consisting of Russell Parish, Isaac W Bostwick, Ela Collins, Chas. Dayan and Jas. McVickar CANAL PROJECTS. 129 The address of the Rev. Isaac Clinton of Lbwville upon this occasion, affords data in the highest degree valuable as showing existing resources at that period. It was therein stated that five towns in Lewis county made annually 100 tons of potash each ; * and three otherst about fifty tons each. About 2, 500 barrels of pork, and 60,000 bushels of wheat, were supposed to pass through and from the county to the canal. About 1,500 head of cattle were driven from the county and five times as many from Jefferson and St. Lawrence. The county exported 50 tons of butter and cheese, 20 tons of grass-seed, 14 tons of wool, 12 tons of oil of mint, J and 325 tons or 650 hogsheads of whiskey. It received an- nually 400 tons of merchandise, 50 tons of bar iron and steel, 40 tons of gypsum, 15 tons of dye-stuffs and 20 tons of hides. This increase from the county and be- yond had been during twelve years, at the rate of 300 hundred tons annually. This address closed with a direct appeal to the enterprise of our citizens. It was as follows : — " Perhaps sir, it may be said that the remarks are plausible, but the undertak- ing is great and we can do without it. So we might do without many other things. A farmer on a very small scale might do without a scythe and cut his grass with a jack-knife. What are canals and what are railroads but great labor saving machines ? What a grass scythe is to a jack-knife, so is a canal to a com- mon team. Will it be said, sir, that the undertaking is really too great — we can not accomplish it ? 'Let no such thought lodge in any man's bosom. Say we can accomplish it, we must and we will have a canal. What if the patriots of the Revolution had said — 'slavery is truly detestable and liberty is equally desir- able, but what are we? We have no army, no treasury, no revenue, no maga- zines of arms, and such is the mighty * These must have been Leyden, Turin, Martins- burgh, Lowville and Denmark. \ Watson, Harrisburgh and Pinckney. j Chiefly from Lowville. power and prowess of Great Britain that we cannot withstand them ! ' What, I say! then,we and our children would have been slaves forever. But they said, we can withstand them, and they did withstand them, and with their blood and treasure and indescribable hardships and privations, procured the benefits and blessings we now enjoy. Let us not say ' we can't.' This expression has been the ruin of thousands, has prevented many a glorious enterprise, — has kept many a family poor and in the back- ground. This was the imbecile lan- guage of our committee, last winter ! Let us then say we can and we will have a canal. Many farmers may turn out if need require, with their teams and work out shares. It would be better to do this than be forever wearing out their teams in carrying their produce to market and paying toll at turnpike gates. The enter- prise is only worthy of the industrious and spirited citizens inhabiting this sec- tion of the State. And from the previous estimates I am confident the stock must be good, and after the canal is made and proved, will sell at any time for ready cash." A writer in the Black River Gazette, under the signature of Asdrubal, at this period also urges the measure proposed at this convention. The application in the hands of Mc Dayan, then in the Senate, and General George D. Ruggles, in Assembly, pro- cured an Act, passed March 20, 1828, in- corporating the Black River Canal Com- pany. A subscription of $100,000 by the State, was proposed by Mr. Dayan, who was supported by Senators Hart, Water- man and Wilkins, and opposed by Jor- dan and Carroll. It was finally stricken out in the Senate. The act incorporated George Bray- ton, Isaac Clinton, Levi Adams, Peter Schuyler, James McVickar, James T. Watson, Seth B. Roberts and Vincent LeRay de Chaumont, and their associ- ates, with $400,000 capital and the usual powers of stock companies. The canal was to be finished within three years, 130 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. and the franchise included the naviga- tion of the river to Carthage. The Com- missioners above named employed Al- fred Cruger* to survey and estimate a route, and his railroad report, rendered in September of that year, mostlv advised railroad inclined planes as extensively em- ployed in Pennsylvania, instead of locks, and placed the total cost of 44.86 miles at $433,571.25. The structures were to include 9 culverts, 8 dams, 7 waste weirs, 52 bridges, 1,015 feet rise by planes, and 75 feet by locks. He proposed to im- prove the river by wing dams, where obstructed by sand-bars, eight of which might be built for $4,168. Subscription books were opened at the office of W. Gracie, New York, December 15, 1828, but the stock was not taken, and a meet- ing at Lowville, represented from many towns, January 24, 1829, discussed apian of local taxation, but finally abandoned it, and agreed upon a memorial, urging its adoption as a State work. A concurrent resolution, introduced by Mr. Ruggles, was passed April 7, 1829, ordering a new survey in case that made by Cruger was not found reliable, , and the Canal Commissioners were di- rected to report the result to the next Legislature. Canal meetings were held at Lowville, June 4th, and at Turin, Octo- ber 17, 1829, and an effort was made to procure a nomination of a person pledged to the canal alone, irrespective of party, but did not meet with favor. On the 1 2th of January, 1830, a conven- tion of delegates from Lewis, Jefferson and Oneida, met at Lowville, to memor- ialize the Legislature ; town committees were appointed, and again November 22d of that year, for a similar purpose. On the 6th of April, 1830, the Canal Commissioners were by law directed to cause a survey of the proposed canal, and Holmes Hutchinson employed *Mr. Cruger died at Mantanzas, Cuba, in 1845, while engaged in a railroad survey. under this act, reported his labors the 6th of March following.* His estiftiate, based upon a canal twenty feet wide at the bottom, four feet deep, and the locks ten by seventy feet, capable of passing boats of twenty-five tons, placed the total cost of the canal knd feeder at $602,544. The charter of the first com- pany having expired by its own limita- tion, a new one of the same name was char- tered April 17, 1843, with $900,000 capi- tal, and power to construct a canal from Rome or Herkimer to the Black river, and thence to Ogdensburgh, Cape Vin- cent, or Sackett's Harbor. The work was divided into six sections, of which one must be finished in three and the whole in ten years. Nothing was done under this act. In 1834, Francis Seger in the Senate, and George D. Ruggles in the Assem- bly, procured an act (April 22d) provid- ing for an accurate survey of a canal from the Erie canal to the Black river below the falls, and thence to Carthage. The surveys of Cruger and Hutchinson were to be adopted in whole or in part, at the discretion of the Commissioners, and the result was to be reported at the next session. Mr. Timothy B. Jervis was employed upon this duty, and his survey, based upon a canal twenty-six feet wide at the bottom, banks seven feet high, water four feet deep, locks and two inclined planes, computed the cost at $907,802.72, with, composite locks, and $1,019,226.72 with stone locks.f A report from the Canal Board, in 1835, stated that the actual cost of freight by railroad was three and one- half cents a mile per ton, as shown by the Mokawk & Hudson Railroad.;]: This is believed to have influenced favor- able action upon the Black River canal, although manifestly unfair as regarded railroads, becaus e based upon the ex- * Assembly Documents, No. 229, 1831. f Assembly Documents, Nos. 55, 150, 1835. i Between Albany and Schenectady. THE BLACK RIVER CANAL. 131 perience of a road only sixteen miles long,' having two heavy inclined planes, and using locomotive and stationary steam povirer as well as horses. The construction of the Black River canal was authorized by an act of April 19, 1836, which provided for a navigable feeder from Black river to Boonville, and a canal from thence to Rome and to the High Falls, and the improvement of the river to Carthage for steamboats drawing four feet of water. The details of construction and expense were left discretionary with the Canal Commissioners, who were to re- ceive from the Canal Fund such sums as the Canal Board might estimate and certify would be the probable expense, with such additional sums over and above the foregoing, borrowed on the credit of the State, and not to exceed $800,000. The surplus waters of Black river, not needed for the canal, were to be passed around the locks by sluices or turned into Lansing's kill or the Mohawk river. This act was largely due to the exer- tions of Francis Seger of the Senate, and Charles Dayan of the Assembly, whose active labors for the promotion of this measure deserve honorable recognition in this connection.* Eleven years had passed since this work was first urged * Francis Seger removed from Albany county to this county in 1826. He studied law with Marcus T. Rey- nolds, and was admittSl to the Bar in 1823, having taught school at various times to aid in acquiring an education. He was several years deputy clerk, and from 1828 to 1833, inclusive. Clerk of Assembly, but yielded this position at the urgent solicitatioti of friends of the Black River canal, for a place in the Senate, where he remained four years. He was appointed a Master in Chancery, and in April, 1843, under Bouck's administration, became First Judge of Lewis county. He continued to officiate until 1856, having been elected Judge and Surrogate, at the first Judicial election in June, 1847, and again in 1851. In 1846, he was elected one of the secretaries of the Constitutional Convention. His highest ambition ever seems to have been the faithful discharge of official trusts, with an ability and simplicity worthy of imitation. While holding the office of Coun- ty Judge, Mr. Seger lived in Martinsburgh, but his prin- cipal home was in the present town of Lyonsdale. east of the river, and within view of the High Falls. He died there, in 1872. upon public notice by the Governor, and the youth who Hstened with enthusiasm to the glowing prospect of coming bene- fits from the completed canal, had ripened into manhood before the first positive step was taken towards its real- ization. Still they were destined to grow old in the anticipation, and while those who had fondly cherished and aided the successive stages of effort, became sil- vered with age; full many closed their eyes in death, before it became a practi- cal reality ! Stow, Clinton, Watson, the elder Le Ray, Lyon, W. Martin, Adams, J. McVickar, Collins, Parish, Rockwell, Bancroft, J. H. Leonard, N. Merriam, H. G. Hough, B. Yale, S. Allen, and many others who had served on committees, and contributed time and money to the promotion of this improvement, died be- fore it was so far completed as to admit boats into the river. Surveys were placed in charge of Por- teus R. Root, and in September, 1836, Daniel C. Jenne, resident engineer, be- gan further examinations which were continued through the fall and the spring following. The first contract for construction was made November 11, 1837, including 14 miles from Rome, and work was at once begun. On the 26th of May following, the work was let to Boonville, including the feeder, and Sept. 7, 1838, eight miles north of that place. Work was begun and vigorously prosecuted until, under an act of March 29, 1842, entitled "An act to provide for paying the debt and preserving the credit of the State," more familiarly known as the tax and stop law, work was suspended. The original esti- mate upon which work had been begun was $1,068,437.20. The third division, extending from Boonville to the river, a distance of ten miles, contained 38 locks of which 24 were nearly finished, the gates and dock timbers excepted. The other 14 locks had not been contract- 132 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ed. It was estimated that $276,000 would finish this division, and $809,000 the whole work.* There had been expended ac- cording to the report of 1842, $1,550,- 097.67. The sum of $55,222.78 was paid for extra allowances, and for suspension of contracts on the part of the State, and much loss was occasioned by the decay of wooden structures, washing away of banks, filling in of excavations, and other damages to which half finished works of this class are liable. In the Constitutional Convention of 1846, Lewis county was represented b)' Russell Parish, an ardent friend and able advocate of the Black River canal. In a speech of Sept. 1 5th, he urged the com- pletion of this work with great zeal, and the clause in the Constitution (Art. vii. Sec. 3), providing for the completion of this canal among other public works, is without doubt to be attributed in quite a degree to him.f An act passed May 12, 1847, appropri- ated $100,000 to this canal. Work was soon after resumed on the feeder, and the next year on the canal south of Boon- ville, many old contracts were resumed, new portions were let, and in the fall of 1848, the feeder was finished so far as to admit water on the 1 8th of October. The first boat passed up the feeder to the river, Dec. 13, 1848. The canal from Boonville to Port Leyden was put under contract in 1849, ^^d the feeder was brought fully and successfully into op- eration in May or June of that year. The first boat from Rome came up May 10, 1850, and water was let in down to Port Leyden, Oct. 27, 1850, and it was * Other estimates placed this amount less. A special report by acting Commissioner Enos. dated Feb. 23, 1843 (Senate Doc, 4y), estimated thecost of completion, with stone locks, at $639,000.01, and with composite locks, at $436,740.96. t The vote in February, 1854, on amending the State Constitution in relation to the canals, was in this county cast in favor of the change in every town except .Mon- tague, West Turin, Turin, Osceola, Lewis Leyden, and Pinckney, amounting to i,^-]2 /or and go; against the measure. brought into use in the spring of 1851. The part north of Port Leyden was put under contract in 1850, to be done July I, 1854, and one mile brought into use in 1852. A dam four feet high was built in 1854, just above the High Falls at a cost of $5,000, affording two and a half miles of navigation on Black and Moose rivers. The canal passes 45 chains in the river above this dam. The improvement was finally com- pleted, by the construction of two dams in the river below the High Falls, for use in low stages of the water.* The canal was finally brought into the river, November 13, 1855, by the com- pletion of 2.7 miles of canal, compris- ing 13 locks north of Port Leyden. The canal is 35.62 miles in length. The feeder is 10.29 miles, and the slack water above the dam 2 miles further ; a feeder at Delta, 1.38 miles, and the river below the falls 42.5 miles, making in all about 95 miles of navigation, including 5 miles on Beaver river, on the bank of which there is at present a towing path. The canal rises 693 feet by 70 locks, from the Erie canal at Rome, to the sum- mit at Boonville. It descends north- ward, 387 feet, by 39 locks to the river below the High Falls, a distance of 10.3 miles. The canal has 6 aqueducts, 12 waste- weirs, 18 culverts, 36 road bridges, 40 farm bridges, 3 tow bridges and 2 dams. Its net cost of construction and working up to September 30, 1857, was. $4,050,406.70. It had not then paid its expenses for repairs in any one year.f The experience of 1849, (a very dry season,) demonstrated the necessity of reservoirs on the head waters of Black river, to 'supply the Rome level on t he *The estimated cost of completion in 1851, was $397,761-96. including the River Improvement. In'1853 the estimated cost of finishing was $155,400, or accord- ing to the plan of 1851, $248,784. tSenate Doc. 129. 1858. The deficiency alluded to, IS not limited to this canal, and might be said with ref- erence to others. BLACK RIVER CANAL. 133 Erie canal. Of these, three, known as the WoodhuU, North Branch and South Branch reservoirs, having together an area of 2,177 acres, and a capacity of 1,822,002,480 cubic feet have been built. The lakes on Moose river appear capable of improvement as reservoirs, to an ex- tent sufficient to meet all probable de- mands for river navigation or hydraulic power below, and have recently been used for this purpose.* The improvement of the river chan- nel was, for some years, made a subject of vacillating project, and barren ex- penditure, which reflected Uttle credit upon the State authorities charged with this duty, and although large sums were applied to this object, we had compara- tively little benefit to show beyond the dam at Carthage,t three substantial bridges, and a few landing places partly built at town or individual cost. In the summer of 1849 two boats were built for clearing the river, one at the falls and the other at lUingworth's in New Bremen. In 1851 a plan was adopted for constructing jetty dams and piers, for confining the current and thus deepening the channel. The estimated cost of this work, including the dam at Carthage, two bridges and the reservoirs was $153,200. On the 1 8th of October, 1853, after large expenditures, this plan was abandoned, and that of two dams with locks were substituted, under the advice of John C. Mather, then Canal Commissioner.:}: This scheme was su- *By an act passed May 21, 1881, the sum of $6,000 was appropriated for the purpose of constructing reser- voirs upon the upper waters of Independence creek and Beaver river, for the maintenance of hydraulic power upon the river below, and as a compensation for the waters diverted into the Erie canal, by the Boon- ville feeder, from the upper tributaries of the Black river, the Superintendent of Public Works was author- ized to take lands needed for overflow, in the mode usually practiced in public improvements. f The dam at Carthage was built in 1854, at a cost of $7, 500. One of the bridges above alluded to is at that village. t A dam near Lowville was to cost $29, 700, and one at Otter creek $35,000, two bridges $6,000, dredging $6,000, and reservoirs $39,600. perceded in 1854, by the Canal Commis- sioners, on the ground of fraudulent con- tracts, and that of 1851 readopted De- cember 19th of that year, at an estimated cost of $161,000 for completion. Other heavy expenditures were incurred, when on the 3d of September, 1857, this plan was again abandoned, and the engineer was directed to furnish plans for a dam and lock just above the mouth of Otter creek. There had then been spent on the piers, $88,320. A dam and lock were constructed at the mouth of Otter creek in i855-'6o, and another at a point some three miles east of the Beach Bridge (in a direct Hne) in i865-'66. These locks have chambers 160 by 34 feet, with lifts of four feet. In high water steamers go up and down over the dams adjacent. It will be noticed that the idea of im- provement of the river has been a sub- ject of progressive growth. In 1828, Cruger estimated its cost at $4,168. In 1830, Hutchinson found it would be$i2,- 000. In 1834, Jervis estimated it at $20,- 840. Its ultimate cost is to be revealed by time and our Canal Engineers. The Black river was declared a pub- lic highway by an act of March 16, 1821, from the High falls to Carthage, and on the 24th of June, 1853, from the falls up to the Moose River tract. The latter act applied $5,000 to the improvement of the channel for floating logs, required booms and dams to be constructed with reference to passing timbers, and at- tached penalties for obstructing the channel. The commissioners for apply- ing this sum were Alfred N. Hough, Gardner Hinkley, and Anson Blake, Jr. The Business of the Black River Canal. In the winter of i875-'76, at a time when an amendment to the State Con- stitution was under discussion, allowing the Legislature to sell or abandon the 134 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. lateral canals, a public meeting was held at Lowville, and a committee was ap- pointed to collect data tending to show the importance of the Black River canal, on account of the business done upon it, and upon the river, as well as its necessity as a feeder to the Erie canal. As these facts have a certain his- torical interest, and were derived from official sources, we deem it proper to introduce them in this connection. The statement was prepared at the request of the committee, by the author of this volume : — This canal represents a navigation of 90.3 miles, of which 35 1-3 miles are the canal proper, including the feeder from the summit level at Boonville to the Black River dam — 12.09 miles are the waters of the pond of this dam, — 1.38 miles are in the Delta feeder, and 42.5 miles the natural navigation of the Black river, ending at Carthage, in Jefferson county. As is well known, this canal was be- gun at about the same time as 'the en- largement of the Erie canal, and that a prominent reason for its construction was the necessity of bringing an abundant supply of water for the " Long Level " of that canal, which could not be had from any other source. As this was a summit level, the drain from each end was heavy and constant, and it is well known that without this supply, naviga- tion could not now be maintained in the Erie canal, in ordinary seasons, while in those unusually dry, it demands the ut- most capacity of this important feeder, and its reservoirs, which are capable of delivering about 12,000 cubic feet of water per minute. It may be readily shown that the Black River canal might have been sup- plied with water sufficient for its own navigation, from the streams along its course, without the costly structures on the Black river and its upper waters for storing the vast amount of water de- manded by the Erie canal, in very dry seasons, and common justice would charge the expenses of construction, maintenance and damages of these agen- cies of the supply to the Erie canal, rath- er than to the Black River canal. In fact, they must be maintained, so long as the enlarged Erie canal is a thoroughfare of the commerce of the State, and of the Great West, at a cost of about $11,600 per annum, even were the waters allowed to find their way down to Rome feeder, by the natural channels, from Boonville summit. In the projection of a new public work by the State, the probabilities of costs and profits would probably come into the estimate, and a decision might depend upon the result of the calcula- tion. But in the case of a work, finished and paid for, the question of cost has nothing to do with the future. This de- pends altogether upon the fact as to whether the maintenance will be greater or less than the benefits derived from it. We may remark that a large proportion of the cost of the canals is for perma- nent construction, in excavation and ma- sonry. While some canals have been built with wooden locks, this has its locks of stone, requiring but a small ex- pense for maintenance, as compared with first cost. In fact, future expenses will be chiefly those for timber structures in the lock-gates and bridges. The latter would require maintenance in any event, now the canal is finished either at the cost of the State or of the towns, so long as highways are travelled, or to the end of time. Where an investment is made by indi- viduals, or by moneyed corporations, the question of profit or loss necessarily becomes the leading one, and the strict balance of receipts and payments, deter- mines as to success or failure. The public benefit to the community is accidental rather then essential, and may or may not result from the enterprise. But in every well ordered government, large sums are expended for the public welfare, which yield no direct revenues whatever. Of this nature are our public highways, our river and harbor improvements, our light-houses and other aids to commerce, all of which may require continual ex- pense. Yet taken in connection with their benefits, they are of the highest utility, and worthy of all the care and expense bestowed upon them. In short, they are essential to our civilization, and an absolute want, demanding the earnest BLACK RIVER CANAL. 135 care of government, and maintenance at every hazard. Our State caiials are public high- ways, made for the pubHc convenience, and their utihty is not measured by the amount of tolls they bring into the treasu- ry, so much as by the benefit they con- fer upon the district which they accom- modate, and upon the State at large. But in examining the claims of the Black River canal, it will be found that this avenue of internal commerce has substantial and growing results to show in the way of direct and indirect reven- ues, and that the actual balance of cost for maintenance is but trifling in amount when taken in connection with the bene- fits. The Tonnage Reports show the num- ber of clearances and tons transported each year, to have been increasing (with occasional exceptions) since the canal was first opened. Taking the average annual result, in periods of five years, there has been a steady advance without exception. The returns of late years upon lumber and timber, two important objects of our canal business, are as fol- lows: — Boards and Scantling. Ton«. Feet. 1871. Lyons Falls 43,080 2n,a48,114 Boonville 23,446 14,067,776 Tfttal 66,526 39,915,890 1872. Lyons Falls 54,393 32,635,540 Boonville 24,933 14,960,208 Total 79,825 47,595,748 1873. Lyons Falls 50,491 30,596,051 Boonville 20,151 12,090,714 Total T0,642 42,386,765 1874. Boonville 44,376 86,625,8.32 Timber. Timber. 1871. 1,305 tons. 11873. 2,780 tons. 1872. 6,126 " I 1874. 18,480 " Total Tonnage/or each year/or Vp and Down Freights. 1871. 97,040 tons. 11873. 92,142 tons. 1872. 101,803 " I 1874. 82,998 " Tolls, (including Contributions to the Frte Cannl.) 1871. Lyons Falls $15,701.33 Boonville 8,16425 Eome 1,981.87 Total 836,837.46 1872. LyonsFalls $16,665.02 Boonville 10,441.33 Rome 1,-396.65 Total $28,493.00 1873. LyonsFalls $15,376.76 Boonville 8,128.00 Rome 1,378.14 Total $24,882 90 1874. Boonville. $27,698.59 Eome 1 106.26 Tolls that should properly be cred- ited, but are not ... 3,468 42 Total $32,2?3.25 Cost of Maintenance $45,000.00 Of which there was chargable to Reservoirs torbeneflt of Erie Canal 11,600.00 Cost of Black River Canal proper for the year $33,400.00 Deduct tolls, etc 82,273.25 Deficiency for 1874 $ 1.126.73 Now let US consider some of the ben- efits conferred upon the Black River val- ley and State at large, in return for this sum of $1,126.75 : — There are about forty tanneries and two hundred saw-mills that have been mostly built since the canal was opened, and on the faith that the canal was to be permanently owned and kept in condi- tion for use by the State. There are many warehouses and other structures built along the line of the canal, to facilitate the business of for- warding, boat building, etc. .which are fit for nothing else. The State has estab- lished the precedent of paying for such damages, in the case of change of line of the Erie Canal during its enlargement, and would be justly chargeable with the damages, in case the canal is not main- tained. There are various manufactories and other interests that have grown up, either from the facilities of transporta- tion which the canal affords, or in con- sidei^ation of the reduced rates of rail- road freights, which the competition of the canals has secured, and can ensure in the future. There are about 900,000 acres of tim- ber land in the great Northern Wilder- ness, on the Black river and its tribu- taries, which will yield and furnish, on an average, not less than 12,000 feet of timber to the acre, including vast quan- tities of timber suitable for spars, spiles and shipping timber, from which timber- lands the timber may be floated (by means of streams made public highways, at great expense to the State and private enterprise,) down to mills using this canal as an avenue to market ; the same section abounding also in an almost un- Hmited amount of mineral wealth, all of which would be heavily depreciated in value, were this privilege impaired. In fact, the greater part of this timber would otherwise have no market value whatever. There is a broad and highly fertile 136 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tract of farming land, which would also be reduced in taxable value from $3.00 to $5.00 per acre ; of course increasing in inverse proportion the burdens of tax- ation throughout the State, because the amount of State taxes is to continue, and b)' reducing taxable values in one section, we must increase them in others. Besides these, the inhabitants within reach of the canal, and various manu- factories that are springing up along the line of the canal, and in the region that it accommodates, get the benefit of com- petition in prices, with the railroad that runs parallel with it through the greater part of its course ; so that, even where they use this road instead of the canal, as do many of the tanneries, in bringing their hides and returning their leather, they get a substantial reduction of rates by these means. A single factory, the Extract Works, reports a saving of $3,000 a year from this cause alone. • Viewed in this light, our canals may be regarded as the most effectual check upon monopolies in the carrj'ing trade. Like the common highway, they are open to all, and by affording equal facil- ities to every one who chooses to carry his own freight, or to engage in carry- ing for others, they effectually defeat all attempts at combination, and are justly entitled to our favorable regard, not only in the cheapening of freight actual- ly carried, but in compelling railroads to reduce their rates in corresponding degree. Your memorialists, in view of these facts and considerations, cannot but en- tertain a confident hope that the Black River canal, which has furnished the main opportunity for Northern New York, developing its resources, which development is yet in its infancy, will continue in the future as in the past, an essential feeder of the Erie Canal, as well in the water that fills its channel, as in the freight it bears to market, and that its future earnings will grow at past and present rates, until at a period in the near future, it will pay all expenses of main- tenance, and leave the benefits con- ferred upon Northern New York and the State, as a clear profit. The results of the election in Novem- ber last, in the three counties directly interested in this canal, showed a una- nimity of feeling among the . electors, never before presented upon any ques- tion that has come before them, and this sentiment, founded upon self-interest, and effecting their welfare in a vital part, cannot fail to unite them hereafter in any question in which the Black River canal is concerned. The solid vote or 81 per cent, of our electors, it being a majority of 17,786 in the counties of Oneida, Lewis and Jefferson, in favor of continuing these rights under the pro- tection of the Constitution, is a signifi- cant declaration of their earnest feeling upon this question, and the determi- nation to give the full weight of their influence as voters in defense of their privileges. By an amendment of the Constitution adopted in 1874, the Legislature was left at liberty to sell or abandon all but cer- tain canals specified, of which the Black River canal was not one. It was there- fore left to the discretion of the Legis- lature, to maintain or otherwise dispose of, until by a further amendment, allow- ing the tolls to be removed upon the State canals, adopted in November, 1882, the Black River canal was specified as one of the canals that should, be main- tained at the State's expense. It is there- fore beyond the reach of legislation as to continuance, under the Constitution in its present form. Steamboats on Black River. The steamer Cornelia* was built in 1832, at Carthage, by Paul Boynton, (who af- terwards settled at Canton and died there,) for a company in which Vincent Le Ray was president and principal owner, at a cost of about $6,000. Its dimensions were, length of keel 90 feet, across the guards 22 feet, and when light it drew 22 inches of water. She meas- ured 70 tons, and was furnished with two upright high pressure engines of f Named from Madame Cornelia Juhel a relative of the Le Rays, among other names proposed was Dido. by some one who is presumed to have read the .(Enead of Virgil. STEAMBOATS. 137 ten horse power each, when first built, but before starting one of these was taken out, reducing the draft to 17 inches. The machinery was built by N. Starbuck, of Troy. Her cabin was aft, the floor a little below the deck, and the forward part was covered by an awning. Her first trip was made Sept. 22, 1832, having on board a large number of citizens, and everything went on pleasantly until op- posite Lowville, where she ran on a sand-bar, and although the hands jumped into the water and tried to lift her off it was of no avail. This was but a prelude to numerous like casualties which marked her short and unprofitable career, which ended with 1833. A thriUing incident attend- ed her first visit to the High Falls. The man at -the tiller, wishing to show the party on board and the spectators on shore, the quahties of the boat in rapid water, steered up so near the falls that as she turned, the spray from the torrent covered the deck, and the boat itself came as near as possible being drawn under. Fortunately there was a heavy pressure of steam up, and the next mo- ment the craft was out of harm's way, with only a thorough drenching.* This boat was dismantled, and a few years after was privately cut loose from the dock at Carthage in a freshet, and went to pieces in the rapids below. Her en- gine was put on a boat upon Black lake, and her boiler, many years after, was used in pumping water at one of the iron mines near Somerville, St. Lawrence county. The steamer Jack Downing was a small craft originally intended to run on the Black river. She was built at Car- thage in 1834, but its destination being changed, it was drawn on wheels in the summer of that year to Sackett's Harbor. The team consisted of four yoke of oxen, » This incident was related to us in 1852, by Mr. Boyn- ton the builder and engineer at the time. and a special truck was made for this use. It was there finished, and the deck and engine put in, costing in all about $1,500. It was 45 feet long, 8 wide within, and 14 feet across the guards, engine seven horse-power, builder and owner, Paul Boynton. The arrival of this stranger at Ogdens- burgh created quite a sensation. It so happened that the steamer United States, then the largest on the lake, came in just ahead, and the rumor spread in the streets that she had" pupped." Crowds hastened down to the wharf to see the stranger that had come to town unexpected and unannounced, — for steamers great and small were still something of a novelty, so few were they in number, and every addition to the fleet was an event that attracted notice, whether acquired by immigration or natural increase. In January, 1848, notice of an applica- tion for the formation of a steamboat company with $50,000 was published but failed. The Black River Steamboat Company was formed at Lowville, April 24, 1856, and in the summer following, the steamer L. R. Lyon was built at Lyons Falls. It was launched June 26, 1856, and got in operation that year, at a cost of $8,000. When light this boat drew 15 inches of water ; she was built with a stern wheel, after the model of the Ohio river boats, with open sides and elevated cabin. She was chiefly em- ployed in towing canal boats, and was afterwards burned, as was also a side- wheel steamer of the same name after- wards constructed. The little steamer /. W. Norcross, built at Phoenix, Oswego county, came in from the canal in the spring of 1858, and was employed one season as a packet, making a trip from Carthage to the Falls and back daily. She was afterwards run on the Erie canal. The steamer Gallagher was completed and began running in June, i860, and was used several years; 138 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The steamer F. G. Conncll made her trial trip from Carthage to Lyons Falls Nov. 22, 1865. It afterwards formed a connecting route from Lowville to Car- thage, at the time that the railway had its terminus at Lowville, a line of omni- buses being used to transfer passengers and their baggage at the southern end of the line. This steamer was burned near Glensdale Nov. 16, 1869, and an attempt was made to show that it was an incen- diary fire. The steamer Wren was also used to connect with the trains for Lowville, and is, w^ believe, still used. In the spring of 1853, G. H. Gould fit- ted up a scow with a small portable en- gine connected with a stern wheel by a band. This craft, named the Enterprise, made a few trips. The little steam tug William. P. Lawrence, of Lansingburgh, was brought into the river in Sep- tember, 1856, and on the nth made the first steamboat visit to Beaver Falls. She soon after burst her boiler near Independence creek and was com- pletely demolished. The captain was badly injured in the face, a boy was thrown through the window into the river, and the engineer into the hold. The fireman was thrown into the river somewhat scalded, and the boiler itself blown ashore, the steam chest going far beyond over the tops of the trees. The accident was attributed to fastening down of the safety valve. There are at present five other steam- boats on the river, viz : — Nellie Sweet, built by James Ervin and Captain George Sweet, about 1873; owned by the Van Amber Brothers, of Watson. Van Amber Brothers, built in 1879, ^"^ owned by the firm whose name it bears. T. F. Macoy, built in 1879, ^"^^ owned by the Van Amber Brothers. T. B. Baselein, built by James Ervin in 1 88 1, and owned by a stock company. Captain J. Ervin in charge. Oclawaha, built in 1881, and owned bv the Van Amber Brothers ; chiefly used in carrying charcoal from the banks of the river to Carthage furnace. CHAPTER XVII. The Militia. First Military Organization after the for- mation of Lewis County. THE minutes of the Council of Ap- pointment contain the following, [April II, 1805] : — " His Excellency, the Commander-in- Chief, having thought proper to form the Militia of the counties of Lewis, Jef- ferson and St. Lawrence into a Bri- gade : — "Resolved, That Walter Martin be, and he is, hereby appointed Brigadier-Gen- eral thereof, and that in the said Brigade the following officers be, and are, here- by appointed, to-wit : — Jonathan CoUins, Lieutenant-Colonel; V. W. Martin, promoted. Jonathan Edwards, Captain. Thomas Wolcott, Lieutenant. Ethe Witmore, Ensign. Nathan Coe, Lieutenant. Gideon Sprague, Ensign. Levi Hough, Ensign. Morris S. Miller, Captain. Zeboan Carter, Lieutenant-Colonel. Daniel Gould, Ensign. Solomon Buck, Captain. Nathan Mun^er, Lieutenant. Jeremy Chapin, Ensign. Jabez Wright, Captain. William Clark, Lieutenant. Francis Saunders, Ensign. Oliver Bush, Captain. Winthrop Shepard, Lieutenant. Edward Bush, Ensign. Ephraim Luce, Captain. Ehud Stephens, Lieutenant. John McCoUister, Ensign. Enos Scott, Captain. Jesse Wilcox, Lieutenant. Benjamin Davenport, Ensign. Of Light Infantry : — ^ Richard Coxe, Captain. Asahel Hoof, Lieutenant. THE MILITIA IN THE WAR OF 1812. 139 Levi Collins, Ensign. Stephen Butler, Adjutant. Leonard Sage, Paymaster. William Holada, Quartermaster. William Darrow, Surgeon. The loist Regiment was formed June 15, 1808, comprising the towns of Low- ville, Denmark, Harrisburgh, and Pinck- ney, its first officers being Luke Win- chell, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding ; Solomon Buck, ist Major ; Zeboam Carter, 2d Major ; William Card, Adju- tant ; Andrew Mills, Quartermaster; and William Darrow, Surgeon. Its first Captains were John Bush, Nathan Cook, David Cobb, William Clark, Robert Clafton, Jesse Wilcox, and Ezra King. Zeboam Carter was Colonel of this reg- iment when war was declared, and these two regiments comprised the whole county through that period. The first Troop of Horse was formed in this county in 1809, having Levi Col- lins, Captain; Abner Clapp, 1st Lieuten- ant ; Adoniram Foot, 2d Lieutenant ; Johnson Talcott, Cornet ; and Leonard House, Levi Hart, and David Waters, Sergeants.* Services of the Militia in the War of 1812-15. — The troubles with England occasioned an act of Congress passed March 30, 1808, detaching 100,000 men from the mihtia and placing them under the orders of the general government. Of these, 14,389 were drawn from this State, and 350 from Martin's Brigade. None of the militia of this region were called out under this act. On the loth of April, 18 12, in anticipation of a war, the President was authorized to require the several States to organize, arm and equip their proportions of 100,000 men to be of ficered from the militia then ex- * The first roll comprised, besides the above, WaiTen Church, Oliver AUis, Comfort Parsons, James Henry, John Waters, Elisha and Richard Arthur, Elijah Halla- day Tames Coates. Selah Hills, Joshua Loomis, Joseph Bradford, James Miller, Ithamer Ward, Aaron Parks, Johnson Foster, Benjamin Baker, Gurdon Lord, Win- throp Allen, Levi Hunt, Eber Hubbard, and John Clobridge. isting, or others at the option of the States and to receive the same pay, rations and emoluments as in the regu- lar army when in actual service. The whole or a part of this draft might be called out as occasion required, and the levies were to be drawn for a term of six months. Under this authority, 13,500 men were detached in this State, and 230 from the 26th Brigade. A com- pany was drafted for three months, under Captain Lyman Deming, of Den- mark, in the regiment of Colonel Chris- topher P. Bellinger, of German Flats. They served at Sackett's Harbor from May i2th to August 21, 1812, when they were discharged. War was declared June 1 2th, while these men were in service, and upon the receipt of the news the Governor by general orders, dated June 23d, authorized Gen. Brown to call upon the militia of Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, and equip them at the State arsenals at Water- town and Russell. Under this authority one company of 72 men, besides officers, was called into service from this county for a term of six months, under Capt. Nathan Cook of Lowville, a'nd placed under Colonel Thomas B. Benedict of De Kalb. This company drew their arms at Watertown, escorted two heavy loads of arms to the arsenal at Russell, and repaired to Ogdensburgh, where they remained in the presence of the enemy through the season, and assisted in repelling the attack in October.* Row- land Nimocks, of Turin, was Lieutenant, and Ebenezer Newton, of Pinckney, En- sign of this company. Major Oliver Bush, of Turin, was on duty in this draft. During the winter following some arms and ammunition were deposited at Martinsburgh in the care of General * Capt. Cook was arrested by order of Gen. Brown upon a charge of cowardice on the occasion of this at- tack, but was honorably acquitted, and the affair did him no injury where the facts were known. He was after- wards Colonel of the regiment in which he belonged. 140 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Martin, and 200 muskets and some am- munition in Turin, Leyden and Lowville, upon the bond of Richard Coxe, Daniel Kelley, James H. Leonard, Jesse Wil- cox, Levi Hart and Levi Collins.* An alarm for the safety of Sackett's Harbor, occasioned by the arrival of Sir George Prevost in Kingston, and a threatened attack by crossing on the ice, led General Dearborn to call out the militia en masse in this and other counties on the ist of March, 1813, and they remained at the Harbor and at Brownville till the 20th,t under Brigadier-General Oliver Collins, of Oneida county.;]: The fear of an at- tack ceased with the melting of the ice, and a project for an aggressive move- ment was postponed until the fleet could co-operate. A third draft for three months was made in September, 181 3, consisting of 60 .men under Capt. Win- throp Shepard, of Turin, and a company under Capt. Wm. Root, of Denmark. They served under General Collins in the regiment of Col. Geo. H. Nellis, from Sept. 14th to Nov. 4, 1813, at Sackett's Harbor and Brownville, during the costly preparations for the miserable failure of Wilkinson in his boasted descent upon Montreal.§ An inspection return dated September, 1813, showed that the 26th * Governor Tompkins' message of April i, 1813. \ Colonel Coxe's (46th) regiment consisted of compa- nies under Captains Truman Stephens and Adam Conlcey, of Martinsburgh, Winthrop Shepard and Hezekiah Scovil, of Turin, Ethemer Wetmore and John Felshaw, of Leyden, and Luke Wincliell, of Lowville. Colonel Carter's (loist) regiment included the companies of Captains Moses Waters, Joel Murray and Cyrus Trow- bridge, of Lowville, Israel Kellogg and Francis Saun- ders, of Denmark, and Capt.-Hart Humphrey, of Har- risburgh. Winchell's company consisted of "Silver Greys " or exempts. Bradford Arthur served as lieuten- ant. X Gen. Collins was father of Ela Collins, formerly of Lowville. § This draft included Montgomery, Madison, Otsego, Herkimer, Oneida, Onondaga, Jefferson and Lewis counties. In the general orders of Oct. 4th, the general rendezvous was ordered to be at Martinsburgh, Lowville or Champion, as Gen. Collins might direct. The 26th Brigade (Martin's) was directed to furnish two captains, four lieutenants, four ensigns, ten sergeants, twelve cor- porals, two drummers, and one hundred and eighty privates. While encamped near the Harbor, the snow fell a foot deep, and the weather was severe. Brigade contained in the 46th and loist regiments (Coxe's and Carter's), seven companies each, and a total of 301 and -367 rank and file. A call en masse was made, and the mili- tia of the county served in one regiment, under Colonel Carter, from July 30th to Aug. 22, 18 14, at Sackett's Harbor.* Gen- eral Martin was on duty upon this occa- sion. The last call en masse was made Oct. 7, 1 8 14, and the militia of Lewis county were comprised in four consolidated com- panies under Colonel Carter.f They served at Sackett's Harbor till Nov. 11, 1 8 14. Two companies of cavalry under Captain Sanford Safford, Abner Clapp and Calvin McKnight, served at Brown- ville in Major Levi ColHns' regiment, and a company of Silver Greys under Capt. Jonathan Collins, volunteered for the service and were on duty from October 28th to November 9, 18 14, in Lieutenant- Colonel Calvin Britain's regiment.:]: The above comprises the military ser- vice of the citizens of Lewis county dur- ing the war.§ The settlements were frequently alarmed by rumors of Indian invasions from Canada. The route through the county became a thorough- fare of armies, and every resource of the valley was called into use to supply the troops passing through, or the garrison on the frontier. The first body of regu- lars that passed was Forsyth's rifle com- * Captains Waters, Root, Conkey, Tallmadge, Kel- logg, Knapp, Trowbridge, Murray, Scovil, Shepard, Wetmore and Felshaw, served with their companies at this call. \ Uuder Captains Kellogg, Root, Tallmadge and Waters. The general orders making this call were dated Oct. 3d, and stated that Sackett's Harbor was in immediate danger of invasion. Oneida, Herkimer and Lewis counties were comprised in this call, the whole to be under the command of General Collins. X This company of exempts numbered 56 men, officers and privates. A few citizens of Pinckney joined a com- pany of exempts in Lorraine, under Capt. Joseph Wil- cox. § Most of the facts above given were furnished by Mr. Leonard C. Davenport, who made it a specialty as an attorney for many years to solicit claims arising from RECENT MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS. 141 pany.* Armies under Generals Dearborn, Izardjt Covington and Dodge,:}: besides many small parties of regulars, marines, militia and sailors, trains of artillery and arms under escort, went through at vari- ous times. In the winter of 1813-14, some tenor fifteen teamsters were hired from the north part of this county, and many more from Jefferson, to remove flour from Sackett's Harbor to French Mills, [Fort Covington] and from thence to Platts- burgh. They had returned as far as Chateaugay, where thirty-two teamsters had stopped at an inn for the night, and were carousing to wear away the tedious hours, as sleep in such a crowd was out of the question. Their gaiety was sud- denly arrested by the entrance of a Brit- ish officer, who informed them that the house was surrounded by his men, and that they were all prisoners. Their sleighs were loaded with plunder and they set out for Cornwall, where, after four days' detention, they were paid and dismissed. Mr. Ichabod Par- sons, of Denmark, was one of the party, and from him the circumstances were received in these details many years ago. Recent Militia Organizations. From i860 to 1864, there were two militia companies in the county ; a com- pany of artillery at Lowville, and one of infantry at Copenhagen. In 1863, the 87thRegiment of State militia was formed by Governor Seymour and included Lewis county with other territory. The Lowville Greys, were mustered into the State militia service, February 15, 1 87 1, in pursuance of a resolution of * Shadrach Snell, of Martinsburgh, a lad, ran away, joined this company, was taken prisoner, and died in Dartmoor Prison, in England. + Izard's army passed in September, 1812. t General Dodpe was from Johnstown, and married a sister of Washington Irving. His brigade of about 1,000 men was quartered a few days adjacent to the Old Academy on the site of the stone church in Lowville village. the Board of Supervisors, and they were mustered out February 15, 1882. They were known in the record as the " 19th Separate Company of Infantry N. G.," and were commanded by Captain and Brevet-Colonel Henry E. Turner from organization till October 1880, when he resigned, and Captain Louis A. Scott, succeeded him. Its last officers were L. A. Scott, Captain; A. A. Pelton, ist Lieutenant ; and J. H. Locklin, 2d Lieu- tenant. County Armory. The old frame building first erected for Trinity church was removed to Sha- dy Avenue by Moses M. Smith, and in November, 1864, was bought for a county armory for $1,800, and this sum was ap- plied upon a judgment held by the coun- ty against Smith and others,* in a mat- ter growing out of a settlement of his accounts as Countv Treasurer. The building was held by the county until afterwards sold, upon the general dis- continuance of county armories under a general law. CHAPTER XVIII. Commemoration Celebration. The National Semi-Centennial Cel- ebration in 1826. THE completion of the first half-cent- ury of our National history, was duly celebrated by a county meeting held at Lowville, July 4, 1826, and pre- sented a feature of peculiar interest from the number of Revolutionary vet- erans assembled from all parts of the county, to honor it with their presence. Fifty-five of these were present at the dinner, and their names, present and * Henry McCarthy, William W, WooUey and Francis Seger. 142 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. former residence and age, were present- ed as follows : — Name. Residence. Former Besidence. Ages. Levi Adams, Martinsbuigh,...Gianby, Ct., 63 Charles Allen, do ...Windsor, Ct 64 Joseph Anderson, Denmark, ...Cummington, Vt 71 Jonathan Austin, Harrisburgh,Charleston, R. I., 71 Jonathan Ball,* Lowville, Southborough, Mass. ,.75 Jesse Benjamin, Martinsbmgh, Preston, Ct., 63 Luther Bingham, Turin, Canterbuiy, Ct. 67 Taylor Chapman, Lowville. ...Windsor, Ct., 63 Leonard Chambers, Denmark, Dublin, Ire. 78 SamueiClark, do Newton, Mass., 71 Isaac Clinton, Lowville, Milford, Ct, 68 Josiah Dewey, Leyden, Lebanon, Ct., 68 Benjamin Dowd, Turin, Middleton, Ct., 64 Giles Easton. Martinsburgh,...East Hartford, Ct.,....64 Thomas Farr, do ...Chesterfield, N. H 67 Samuel Garnsey, Lowville,. ...Dummerston. Vt 64 Timothy Gorden, Mart'sburgh, Freehold, N. J., 70 Samuel Gowdy, do Enfield, Ct 66 Elijah Granger, do Southwick, Mass., 64 Peler Hathery, Turin, Minden, N. Y., 59 John Ives, do Meriden, Ct. , 65 Solomon King, Lowville, Amenia, N. Y 70 William Risner, Harrisburgh,Canajoharie, N. Y.,...66 Nathaniel Lane, Lowville,.... Peekskill, N. Y., 58 Ezekiel Lyman, Turin, Canterbury, Ct., 66 Zelak Mead, Harrisburgh Salem, N. Y. .75 William Miller, Martinsburgh.Middletown, N. Y.,...67 Ithamer Morgan, Turin W.Springfield, Mass., 64 Charles Morse, Lowville, Plainfield Ct. , 63 Jeremiah Nott, Martinsburgh,Elizabethtown, N. J. ,.63 Ichabod Murray, Lowville New Milford, Ct. 70 Jacob Nash, Denmark,... ......Braintree, Mass 90 Heniy Mumford, Mart'sburgh, Boston, Mass., 86 Silas Perkins, do Windham, Ct., 62 Isaac Perry, Lowville,... Fredericksburgh, N.Y.66 Salmon Root, Martinsburgh, .Farmington, Ct,, 63 Peter Ryel.f Denmark ...Fishkill, N. Y 67 Elijah Skeels, Martinsburgh. . Kent, Ct., 73 Levi Smith, Leyden Haddam, Ct 73 John Shull, Lowville, Palatine, N. Y., 8l Hendrick Schaffer, Lowville, Manheim, N. Y., 66 Abiather Spaulding, Denmark,Dover, N. Y 69 James Stevens, Lowville, Glastonbury, Ct 6g Nicholas Streeter, Mart'sburgh, Stone Arabia, N. Y.,...74 Joseph Talmadge, do East Hampton, N. Y.,71 Edward Thompson, Lowville, Gran by, Ct., 66 Jesse Thrall, do Windsor, Ct., 72 Daniel Topping, Turin, Southampton, N. Y.,...84 WillardWarriner, Mart'sburgh, Wilbraham, Mass 70 Joseph Van Ingen, Denmark, .Schenectady, N. Y.,...63 Jeremiah Wilcox. Mart'sburgh, Middletown, Ct., 81 Josiah Wool worth, Leyden, ...Ellington, 73 Levi Woolworth, 'Turin, Sufiield, Ct., 69 Samuel Weyman, Mart'sburgh, Brethren, Mass., 67 Mathias Wormwood, Lowville, Johnstown, N. Y., 75 General George D. Ruggles acted as Marshal of the day, and the following military companies participated in the celebration, viz : Artillery from Turin, Captain Homer Collins ; Light Infantry from Martinsburgh, Captain Conkey ; Rifles from Lowville, Captain Dodge ; ■* Mr. Ball died in Lowville, August 15, 1832, aged 79 years. f Mr. Peter Ryel died in Denmark, September 17, 1851, aged go years. and Rifles from Martinsburgh, Captain Coates. The Union band of Lowville Academy, under Captain G. De Feriet, discoursed patriotic music, and the Rev. Isaac Clinton delivered an oration at the Methodist church. The census of 1840, returned the names of thirty -eight Revolutionary pensioners, of whom fourteen were widows. Their names and ages were as follows : — Denmark, Elizabeth Graves, yj; John S. Clark, 78 ; Louisa Munger, 79 ; Han- nah Mores, 88 ; Elias Sage, 83 ; Joseph Van Ingen ; Peter Royal, 80. Greig, John Slaughter, 86. Harrisburgh, Elias Jones, 81 ; William Risner, 81 ; Garret Marcellus, 80. Lowville, John Buck, y6 ; Elisha Buck ; Wilham Chadwick, 79 ; Arthur Gor- don, 80. Leyden, Lydia Dewey, 79 ; Elizabeth Cone, 76 ; Ada Miller, 86 ; Lewis Smith, 87 ; William Topping, 75 ; Hezekiah Johnson, 79. Martinsburgh, Ruth Adams; Jesse Benjamin, 81 ; Anna Easton, 69; Lydia Green, 80; Edward Johnson, 81; Sal- mon Root, "]"] ; Peter Vandriessen, 75 ; Bartholomew Williams, 76. Pinckney, Catharine Forbes, 84. Turin, Benjamin Dowd, 79 ; Giles Foster, 83. Watson, Sarah Puffer, 75 ; Jacob Shutz, 78; Elizabeth Webb, 81; Lewis Day, 73 ; Sarah Farr, 73. West Turin, Jonathan CoUins, 84; Simeon Strickland, 54. The Centennial of 1876. This was not celebrated within the county in any manner materially differ- ing from common years. The trustees of the Lowville Academy published a history of their institution upon the in- vitation of the Bureau of Education at Washington, covering the period of their existence down to that year. But the citizens in multitudes visited the great Exhibition at Philadelphia, and some lingered many days at that place. We are not aware that any arti- LEWIS COUNTY IN THE REBELLION. 143 cles were sent for exhibition in the way of productions, or manufactures, except- ing a series of mounted birds, prepared by Romeyn B. Hough, now Curator of the Cabinet of Birds and Mammals at Cornell University, which were placed there upon invitation of the Commis- sioner of Education, the Hon. John Eaton, and at the expense of the Gov- ernment. A series of the publications by the author of this volume, and number- ing over sixty titles, was also placed there, under the same direction. CHAPTER XIX. Lewis County in the Late War. First Days of the War. THE citizens of Lewis county felt a lively interest in the progress of events which led to the fall of Sumter, but did not organize until after that event. On the 22d of April, the follow- ing call was published over the signa- tures of sixty-nine prominent citizens, representing both parties, and residing in nearly every town : — " Citizens of Lewis County : — Our be- loved country is infested with armed and organized bands of traitors. Our forts have been seized, the treasury robbed, and loyal citizens killed in de- fending the flag of our Union! The Federal Capital is in danger. The Pres- ident of the United States, and the Gov- ernor of the State of New York, call the citizen soldiery to the rescue! Meet with us at the Town Hall in Lpwville, on Saturday, at one o'clock P. M., to adopt measures for responding to these calls, and thereby testify in a substantial manner, to our Love of Country,— our devotion to Civil Liberty." This call was circulated by hand-bill and in both county papers. On the same date, [April 22d,] Horace R. Lahe, a journeyman printer in the office of the Journal & Republican, issued a call for volunteers by hand-bill, and his efforts resulted in the formation of a company, afterwards known as Company I, 14th New York Volunteers. Captain Lahe went out and returned as Captain of this company. At about the same time, William N. Angle, a merchant at Copenhagen, suc- ceeded in forming another company, which became Company B, 35th New York Volunteers. Spirited meetings were held at Copenhagen to promote this enterprise, which interested the towns of Denmark, Pinckney and Har- risburgh. The first of these meetings at Copen- hagen, was held on the evening of April 26th, at the Baptist church, and was very enthusiastic. Thirty-five volunteers had, at its close, enrolled their names in Cap- tain Angle's company, including those who had proviously enlisted, and liberal subscriptions were pledged. It was esti- mated that these would amount to $3,000. The county meeting was held, pursu- ant to notice, on the 27th of April, and was well attended. Ziba Knox, Esq., was called to preside, and the proceed- ings were opened by a prayer. After short addresses, made by several citi- zens, the following resolutions were adopted : — Resolved, It is the sense of this meet- ing that the Federal Government should be sustained and defended as the com- mon household of every American. Resolved, It is the duty of the Govern- ment to keep open every communication to the National Capitol at every cost, except the surrender of the Government itself. Resolved, That the business of this meeting be carried out by the commit- tees : — I. A general committee of three each, from Lowville, Martinsburgh, Turin, Watson, New Bremen, Greig, West Turin and Leyden, to solicit subscrip- tions and funds ; ist, to pay the expenses 144 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY of volunteers, between enrollment and mustering ; 2d, to pay the expenses to muster into the service of the State, or the United States ; 3d, to relieve the families of such volunteers during the term of their enlistment. II. An Executive committee of six, to secure such funds, and assess such sub- scriptions pro rata, and to pay out the same. The minimum allowance to a family of a volunteer, was fixed at $10.00 per month, and the sum of $1,410 was subscribed upon the spot. The executive committee appointed at this meeting consisted of DeWitt C. West, Elaida S. Merrill, Rutson Rea, Diodate Pease, Edwin S. Cadwell, and James H. Sheldon. At a subsequent meeting of this com- mittee, Mr. West was appointed chair- man ; James L. Leonard, treasurer ; and Diodate Pease, secretary. They con- tinued their existence through the first year of the war,- and about forty per cent, of the subscriptions were collected and paid to families, or otherwise spent in the recruiting service. Village and neighborhood meetings were held throughout the county, at which liberty poles were raised, and sub- scriptions taken for the encouragement of volunteers, and the relief of families. At a period dating from about the 29th of April, the Hon. Henry E. Turner, then County Judge, announced his in- tention of raising a company of Flying Artillery, of one hundred men. This measure was abandoned, but with his aid, Mr. Charles E. Mink, engineer on the steamer L R Lyon, began enlist- ments which resulted in part, in the for- mation of Company H, ist New York Artillery, of which Mr. Turner became Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel Guilford D. Bailey, of this regiment, who afterwards fell at Fair Oaks, was a native of Lewis county, and a graduate of West Point. He was in the army that General Twiggs disband- ed in Texas, at the opening of the war. and an earnest patriot. His name doubt- less gave prestige to this effort, which was entirely successful, but the regi- ment, before entering the field, was di- vided into batteries, and its individuality was in a measure lost. Captain Angle's company left for Elmira on the 9th of May, and Captain Lahe's company for Albany at about the same time. While remaining in the county, such of the volunteers as had left home, were liberally supported in the families of citizens. In June, a company roll was opened by Philip W. Smith, at Lowville, and several volunteers were enlisted for a company at first intended for the " An- derson Zouaves," but finally merged in Company B, 59th New York Volun- teers. To promote this enterprise, a pubHc meeting was held on the 22d of June, at the Town Hall, in Lowville, and a committee was appointed, consisting of F. B. Hough, S. Sylvester, C. G. Riggs, Edwin Woolworth, and Thomas Baker, including the town of Lowville, and all south on the central tier of towns, who were authorized to call future meet- ings to promote enlistments, and raise means for supporting families. This measure was thought necessary, because the avails of the April meeting were applicable only to Captain Lahe's Com- pany. This meeting was addressed by the Hon. Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, Rev. Mr. Ball, Rev. S. H. Taft, Prof. Bennett, Rev. Mr. Ferris, Rev. Mr. Lockwood and others, and committees were appointed in the southern towns to raise subscriptions for Captain Smith's company. Under this effort subsequent local meetings were held, and considerable sums were raised. The Rev. Jerome B. Taft, who had begun with Smith, subsequently started an independent company, of which the greater part were enlisted out of the LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 145 count)'. It became Company E, 59th N. Y. Vols. Mr. Newton Hall, of Leyden, began, in June, to enlist men for a cavalry com- pany, and succeeded in forming what was afterwards known as Company G, 3d N. Y. Cavalry. He entered as Captain, and was promoted to Major in the last year of the war. His men were chiefly from the towns of Leyden and Greig. The Fourth of July was celebrated with unusually impressive proceedings at Lowville and elsewhere in the county. With the exception of the companies raised by Captains Angle and Lahe, none had left the county before the date of the First Battle of Bull Run. As no entire regiment or other sepa- rate organization was enlisted in Lewis county during the late war, it would be quite impossible to ascertain approxi- mately the number that entered the service from the several towns. In taking the State census in 1 865, while a part of the volunteer forces were still in the field, and at a time when all further enlistments had ceased, an inquiry was made in each family as to the number who had entered the service. The tend- ency would be to error in returning too few, rather than too many, as some who had enlisted may not have belonged to any family that could answer for them. This inquiry gave a return as follows : ^ Croghan, 123 ; Denmark, 107 ; Diana, loi ; ' Greig, 144; Harrisburgh, 70; High Mar- ket, 21 ; Lewis, 10; Leyden, 48; Lowville, 118; Martinsburgh, 112; Montague, 39; New Bremen, 96; Osceola, 36 ; Pinckney, 55 ; Turin, 73 ; Watson, 50; West Turin, 50. Total, 1,253. The muster-in rolls of first entrance (but not of recruits who joined after- wards,) have been published, but in some cases the volunteers were not mustered in until reaching Albany, Elmira, or some other rendezvous. In other cases, persons may have been enlisted within the county who did not reside in it, and others who were residents enlisted elsewhere. An examination of the printed rolls above mentioned shows the follow- ing members : — 14/^ Infantry, (2 years,) chiefly raised in Oneida county, mustered into the ser- vice of the United States at Albany, May 17, 1 861 ; mustered out May 24, 1863. Captain Horace R. Lahe raised Company 1 of this regiment, chiefly in Lowville. A few from the southern border may have joined Captain Muller's company, chiefly raised in Boonville. 35^/? Infantry, (2 years,) chiefly raised in Jefferson county, mustered into ser- vice at Elmira, June 11, 1861 ; mustered out June 5, 1863. Captain William N. Angle, of Copenhagen, raised Company B of this regiment, of whom 79 were from that place. 59^/? Infantry, (3 years,) mustered in from July ist, to December, i86i,at New York; mustered out June 30, 1865. Captain PhiHp W. Smith, of Lowville, raised part of a company in the county. About 55 men from the county joined the regiment, of whom 39 entered Sniith's company. 94M Infantry, (3 years,) chiefly raised in Jefferson county, mustered into ser- vice at Sackett's Harbor, March, 1862; mustered out July 18, 1865. About 64 men from Lewis county, chiefly from the northern towns, entered this regiment, of whom 1 1 were in Company F, 3 in H, 45 in I, and 5 in K. 97M Infantry, (3 years,) chiefly raised in Oneida, Herkimer and Lewis counties, mustered into service at Boonville, Feb- ruary, 1862, mustered out July 18, 1865. About 120 men originally entered this regiment from the county, of whom 3 were in Company A ; 60 in B (Captain Wm. R. Parsons); 11 in C (Captain Stephen Manchester) ; 40 in H (Captain Anton Brendle, chiefly Germans) ; and 6 in Company K. 1 86//? Infantry, (i year,) chiefly raised in Jefferson county, mustered in at Sackett's Harbor, in August and Sep- tember, 1864 ; mustered out June 2, 1865. About 130 men joined from this county, of whom 23 were in Company A (Cap- tain H. J. Welch); 2 in D ; 100 in F 146 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. (Captain Charles D. Squires) ; 4 in H ; and I in I. isi Artillery, {t, years,) Colonel Guil- ford D. Bailey, mustered in at Elmira, and the number from this county not separately given. The regiment served as batteries, upon entering the field in the spring of 1862. $tk Artillery. — " 3d Battalion, Black River Artillery," (3 years,) mustered into- service at Sackett's Harbor, September 12, 1862. Transferred to 5th Artillery, October, 1862; mustered out, July 19, 1865. Captain Henry L. Smith, Compa- ny A, 154 men; Captain F. E. Root, Company B, 120 men ; Captain Henry B. Wilder, Company C, 131 men; Cap- tain, George W. Hubbard, Company D, 141 men, from Lewis county. loth Artillery. — First known as " ist, 2d and 4th Battalions, Black River Ar- tillery," organized September i ith to December 22, 1862, New York City; mustered out, June 23, 1865. A few men from this county — 3 in company F, (Captain E. McGrath,) and 8, raised by 2d Lieutenant John E. Pritchard ; 27 in Captain Seneca R. Cowles' company, and 5 in Captain B. B. Taggarts com- pany. \lth Artillery. — Mustered in August, 1863 to September 1864. Transferred to 6th Heavy Artillery, June 27, 1868; 18 men from Lewis county. igth Artillery. — Chiefly organized at Rochester, August 29th to December 17, 1863; mustered out, August 26, 1865. about 113 men from this county, of whom 38 were in CaptainJohnWeed's company; 5 in Captain David Jones' ; 12 in Cap- tain W. A. Treadwell's; 8 in Captain Chauncey Wilkes'; 30 in Captain Je- rome Cooper's ; 19 in Captain Charles H. Houghton's ; and i in Captain Luther Kieffer's. 2d Cavalry. — (Afterwards called 7th Cavalry), 8 companies mustered in at Troy and Elmira.October 8th, to Novem- ber 6, 1861 ; mustered out, March 31, 1862. Captain John Wesley Horr's company had about 50 men from the county, and a small number in one or two other companies. 3(3? Cavalry. — Mustered in at New York, July 17, August 22, 1861. Con- solidated with 7th Cavalry, July 21, 1865. Captain Newtim Hall's Company G, had 34 men, when first mustered, from this county. \Zth Cavalry. — Mustered in at New York, from July 18, 1863, to February 3, 1864. Some 9 or 10 men in Company L, were from Lewis county. 20th Caz'a'/rjf.— Mustered in at Sackett's Harbor, September, 1863 ; mustered out, July 31, 1865. In this regiment, known as the " McClellan Cavalry," Captain Charles F. Smith's company, contained 66 Lewis county men ; Captain John O'Hara's company B, 4 ; Captain Norris M. Carter's company E, 32 ; Captain Carpenter's 2 ; Captain J. J. Carroll's 6; Captain S. L. Bridgford's, and Captain J. F. Thompson's each 2 ; and Captain F. Stewart 3, when first mustered. 2^th Cavalry. — "Frontier Cavalry," organized at various places from Decem- ber 29, 1863 to February 22, 1864, for i year; mustered out July 7, 1865. The number who entered this regiment can- not be stated, as they were mustered in at Watertown. Many natives of the county who had previously emigrated to other sections of the country, entered the service as members of regiments of other States. It would therefore be quite impossible to state with even an approach to accuracy, the share actually taken by the county in the war. It may however be safely stated, that no section of the North, evinced a greater willingness 'to incur the dangers or to bear the burdens ot th,at period, than did Northern New York, and that were the personal annals of the war written fully up, they would present instances of pa- triotism as fervent as could be furnished in the history of any period of the world. List of Persons who died in the Military Service from Lewis County, in the War of i86i-'65, as reported by the Census of 1865. In the State Census of 1865, an at- tempt was made to ascertain by inquiry LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 147 in families, the names and details of ser- vice of members belonging to the family who had been, or who then were in the military or naval service of the United States. There were no returns made concerning the dead from the towns of High Market and Lewis, and from the other towns the list is manifestly imper- fect, and perhaps it may be in some re- spects erroneous in the spelling of names, and in the names of regiments and dates. It is not therefore presented as a full list, but as a list returned in the manner above mentioned, and without opportunity of verification by reference to other rec- ords. Croghan. Barker, Thomas G., 7th N. Y. Cavalry, died June 28, 1862, at Baltimore, Md. Cash, I. Patrick, 59th N. Y. Volunteers. Dickerson, Thomas, 26th N. Y. Volun- Hamen, Nicholas, i8th N. Y. Volun- teers. Harvey, John, i86th N. Y. Volunteers, died March 8, 1864, at City Point, Va. Hubbell, George, loth N. Y. Artillery, died in hospital. Martin, Henry, 97th N. Y. Vols. Patchin, Nathan, — Cavalry, died April, 1865, in hospital. Porte, Orsemus, 35th N. Y. Vols., died November 29, 1862, in hospital. Sawyer, Jacob, — Artillery. Sherman, Henry, 97th N. Y. Vols., died August 30, 1862, in hospital. Wetmore, Henry I., 27th N. Y. Vols., died November 9, 1862. Wiseman, George, loth N. Y. Artillery, died September, 1864, in hospital at Hampton, near Fortress Monroe, Va. From other sources we add the name of Franklin B. Farr, son of John F., who died at Hicks Hospital, August 2, 1865 ; Sergeant in Company H, 2d New York Heavy Artillery, aged 23. Denmark. Austin, William S., — Artillery, died July 8, 1864, at Portsmouth, Va. Barnes, William, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died November 10, 1862. BUnn, CHnton Abner, 48th N. Y. Vols., died April 13, 1865, at David's Island, N. Y. Corner, John H., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died January 24, 1864, at Harper's Ferry. Crane, James Madison, died January 12, 1862, in hospital. Dunniway, Gustavus, 5th N. Y. Artil- lery, died April 13, 1864, in hospital. Lassell, Moses, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died November 15, 1862, in hospital. Perkins, Charles H., ist N. Y. Artillery, died January 21, 1862, in hospital. Sage, Lewis H., i86th N. Y. Vols., died December 10, 1864, in hospital. Sprague, Benjamin, 59th N. Y. Vols., died April 5, 1865. Sprague, Martin, — Artillery, died Jan- uary 12, 1865. Thompson, Nathaniel, ist N. Y. Artil- lery, died July 2, 1862, at Philadel- phia. Wilkins, Martin A., L4th N. Y. Artillery, died March 28, 1865, of wounds. Florida, Frank, of Captain Wilder's com- pany, 5th New York Artillery, died November, 1864, at Maryland Heights, Va. ; buried in Copenha- gen. Diana. Barber, Hallett W., 15th U. S. Infantry, died June 24, 1864, in hospital. Bray, Jonathan A., ist N. Y. Artillery, died Oct. 31, 1864, in hospital. Carley, Alva B., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Nov. 17, 1864. Clark, Samuel, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died Sept. 26, 1864. Durney Daniel, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died Oct. 9, 1864. Galvin, Michael, 6oth N. Y. Vols., died March, 1865. Green, Alonzo S., 35th N. Y. Vols., died July 20, 1864, in prison. Hall, Sylvanus, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died Sept. 2, 1864, in prison. Herrington, Welton, 105th N. Y. Vols., died June 18, 1864. Lasher, Luther S., 97th N. Y. Vols., died Sept. 17, 1862, battle of Antietam. McSyger Michael, 14th N. Y.Vols, died August, 1864. 148 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Mongle, Orrin V., ist N. Y. Artillery, died June 26, 1864. Seely, Sebra, 94th N. Y. Vols., died Aug. 30, 1862, battle of Bull Run. Weed, Henry C, i86th N. Y. Vols., died April 2, 1865, in battle near Peters- burgh. Greig, (including Lyonsdale.) Beals, Harvey F., 59th N. Y. Vols., died Jan. 12, 1864. Burr, Nelson, 97th N. Y. Vols., died August 17, 1864, in prison. Clark, Joseph H., sth N. Y. Artillery. Crandal, Adelbert, i86th N. Y. Vols., killed in battle, April 2, 1865. Dailey, Hiram M., 14th N. Y. Artillery, died July 15, 1863. Gallup, Mordecai, i86th N. Y. Vols., died April 2, 1865, in battle. Harvey, George, 87th N. Y. Vols. Hough, Eli, 97th N. Y. Vols. Lampman, David E., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Sept. 19, 1864. Lampman, John E., sth N. Y. Artillery, died April 15, 1865. Laroy, Francis G., 14th N. Y. Artillery. Lief, John, regiment not reported. Loness, Peter, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died April 29, 1864. Morse, Jacob, sth N. Y. Artillery, died June 12, 1864. Morton, Charles S., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Sept. 7, 1864. Sabine, Irvine, regiment not reported, died July 5, . Seymour, Henry, 5th N. Y. Artillery. Tanger, Martin G., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Sept. 19, 1864, in prison. Tugaw, Henry, ist N. Y. Artillery. Harrisburgh. Austin, WiUiam S., Co. A, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died July 7, 1864. Duff, Edward, 14th R Y. Artillery. Durfey, Edwin E., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Oct. 15, 1864, at Maryland Heights. Edgehill, Harlan, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died August, 1864. Lane, James R., 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died Oct. 17, 1864. Rhodes, Frederick, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died "Sept. 29, 1864. Thomas, Henry S., i86th N. Y. Vols., died March 9, i86s. Weller, Hazael, 35th N. Y. Infantry, died Sept. 6, 1862. Leyden. Brown, George, 117th N. Y. Vols., died June 15, 1865. Brown, James, 97th N. Y. Vols., died July I, 1863, killed at Gettysburgh. Clark, R. S., 14th N. Y. Artillery, died Oct. 16, . Cook, William, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died Dec. 12, — = — . Pitcher, Horace S., 51st N. Y. Vols., died Sept. 11, 1864. Post, Alonzo, 14th N. Y. Artillery. Scovil, A. J., 14th N. Y. Artillery. Scrafford, Jacob, regiment not report- ed, died Dec. 22, 1864. Thornton, J. M., 14th N. Y. Artillery. LOWVILLE. Allen, A. W., 14th N. Y. Artillery, died July 14, 1864, at Andersonville, Georgia. Brownell, George, loth N. Y. Artillery. Ebblie, Albert, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died Nov. 15, 1862. Gorman, Patrick, — U. S. Infantry. Macoloch, William, 14th N. Y. Vols., died Nov. 18, 1864. Phinney, Josiah, sth N. \^ Artillery, died Dec. i, 1862. Rathbone, W. R., 59th N. Y. Vols., died autumn of 1864. Rettis, Henry, S9th N. Y. Vols., died April 2, 1862. Safford, Legrand B., 28th Wisconsin Vols., died July 29, 1864. Tuttle, Milo M., 6th Michigan Cavalry, died March 27, 1865. Wyeth, Madison, lUinois Vols., died March, 1862. We add from other sources : — Cook, Seward, 14th N. Y. Vols., died at Fort Wood, Bedloe's Island, N. Y., June 3, 1862, aged 22; son of G. R. Cook. Dewey, Major Lewis F., 2d Infantry.died at Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 3, 1868, aged 33 years and 7-months. Leonard, George E., Co. B, 94th N. Y. Vols., died at Ely's Ford.Va., Dec. i, 1863, aged 37 years ; son of Stephen L. LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 149 McRae, William, 59th N. Y. Vols., died after imprisonment, at Anderson- ville, Ga. Stephens, Carlos D., Sheboygan Co., Independent 8th Wis. Vols., died at Pilot Knobb, Mo., Nov. 6, 1861, aged 28 years ; son of Rufus S., of Lowville. Martinsburgh. Allen, Thorn, 59th N. Y. Vols., died June 1 1 , 1 864. Arthur, Maurice H., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died April 24, 1862. Bates, James K., 97th N. Y. Vols., died March 16, 1864, at Andersonville. Bates, Lester, 97th N. Y. Vols., died June 16, 1864, at Andersonville. Butts, Joseph, 97th N. Y. Vols. French, James R., 14th N. Y. Artillery, died February 20, 1865. Hartley, Ezra P., Lieutenant 14th N. Y. Artillery, died July 30, 1864. Hartley, William H., 14th N.Y. Artillery, died October 11, 1864. Hoyt, Ogden A., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died May 14, 1865. Lynch, John Jr., 5th N. Y. Artillery, died January i, 1863. Madrick, , ist N. Y. Artillery, died May 3, 1862. Killed in battle. Peeler, George, 59th N. Y. Vols., died November 15, t86/]. Pitcher Oliver, 14th N. Y. Vols., died July 17, 1862, mortally wounded at Games' Mill. Rothwell, William, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died September, 1864, at Anderson- ville. Seymour, Jefferson D., 5th N. Y. Artil- lery, died October 24, 1864. We add from other sources the fol- lowing : — Jerome D. Brooks, died in Washington, December 23, 1862, aged 31. Cornehus Babcock, died in Washington, July 18, 1864, aged 18. William C. Pease, died March 6, 1862, aged 18. Charles A. French, died at Port Sum- ner, August 23, 1865, aged 22. William B. Hubbard, died of wounds received at Pittsburg Landing, April, 1862, aged 22. George H. Patten, died September 21, 1864, aged 25. Montague. Ceast, David, 5th N. Y, Artillery, died August 18, 1864. Durham, Henry S., died August 31, 1864, in hospital, at Fort Woodbury, Va., aged 37, company B, loth N. Y. V. Keig, John S., 94th N. Y. Vols., died August 31, 1862. Neibergall, George, i86th N. Y. Vols., " died April 2d, 1855. Sheldon, Sherman, 2d Veteran Cavalry, died April 5, 1864. Sheldon, Zadoc, 20th N. Y. Cavalry. Weed, Lewis, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died November 25, 1862. New Bremen. Bush, John C, i86th N. Y. Vols., died February 4, 1865. Dekin, Erwin A., 94th N. Y. Vols., died April 10, 1863. Green, Hiram I., 8ist N. Y. Vols., died May 31, 1862. Habriger, Nicholas, 97th N. Y. Vols., died September, 1863. Kischner, Nicholas, i8th N. Y. Vols., died December 10, 1864, aged 35. Major, John, 117th N. Y. Vols., died July 12, 1863. Murphy, Francis, i8th N. Y. Vols., died August 12, 1864. Oberly, Frederick, loth N. Y. , died July 31, 1864. Peak, John, sth N. Y. Artillery, died January 18, 1863, company L, 3d Battery, 5th Artillery. Puffer, Reuben S., 7th Connecticut , died June 9, 1864. Roster, Frederick, 76th N. Y. Vols., died , 1864. Ruprick, Francis, 97th N. Y. Vols., died September, 1863. Searles, Clark S., 97th N. Y. Vols., died November 28, 1863. Squires Seth, 59th N. Y. Vols., died January 8, 1863. Stevens George, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died August 29, 1864. Verney, Joseph, 97th N. Y. Vols., died June, 1862. Wilder, Charles, i8th N. Y. Vols., died August 15, 1864. Osceola, Riley, Sylvester, 97th N. Y. Vols., died I May 5, 1864. I50 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. PiNCKNEY. Conklin, Henry, 2d N. Y. Artillery, died •February 12, 1864. Cornwell, Wilson J., loth N. Y. Artillery, died September 4, 1863. Green, Sylvester, i86th N. Y. Vols., died May I, 1865. Hall, Albert, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died July 31, 1864. Hollis, David, Sth N. Y. Artillery, died January 24, 1863. Hotten, Nicholas, Jr., loth Wisconsin , died April 6, 1863. Howard, Michael, 94th N. Y. Vols., died December 26, 1863. Jones, Frederick, 18th N. Y. Cavalry, died September 20, 1864. Jones, Oscar, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died September 10, 1864. Peck, Miles, 14th N. Y. Artillery. Streeter, Danforth, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died September 25, 1864. Ward, L. Lampson, 94th N. Y. Vols., died November 8, 1864. Wilson, Warren, 3d N. Y. Cavalry, died September 30, 1864. Wright, Lansing, 17th N. Y. Cavalry, died November 21, 1863. Turin. Clobridge, Charles C, 14th N. Y. Artil- lery, died August 23, 1864. Hulbert, Dwight, 2d N. Y. Cavalry, died June 22, 1864. Jones, David C, ist N.Y. Artillery, died April 21, 1864. Ledger, John C, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died October 6, 1864. McVicker, William, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died June 2, 1865, in prison. Mason, Libanus, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died December 5, 1864, in prison. Mason, Theodore P., 14th N. Y. Artil- lery, died December i, 1864, in prison. Mather, Russell, 27th N. Y. Vols., died December 16, 1864. Peak, Jonathan, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died December 8, 1864. Phelps, George, 14th N. Y. Vols., died July I, 1862. Rockwell, Levi, Sth N. Y. Artillery, died September 3, 1864. Scrafford, Jacob H., 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died December 22, 1864. Seckner, Jefferson, jth N. Y. Artillery, died February 4, 1865. Seckner, Nelson, 20th N. Y. Cavalry, died August 2, 1864. Towner, Seth, 2d Illinois Infantry, died December 16, 1864. White, Frederdick, , died Novem- ber 5, 1863. We add from other sources the fol- lowing : — Hill, Andrew, son of Cornelius H., starved to death at Andersonville, Ga. Roberts, Ela V., died in hospital at Washington, April 11, 1862, aged 18 ; only sou of Caroline R., widow of Elisha R. Watson. Back, John, 97th N. Y. Vols., died Aug. 24, 1864. Bowman, Charles, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died May 12, 1864. Coal, Nelson, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died December 8, 1863. Dunbar, John, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died March 25, 1865. Hall, Monroe, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died October 27, 1862. Harrington, Robert, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died December 24, 1864. Higby, Louis, 3d N. Y. , died Sep- tember 29, 1864. Moyer, Dwight, 3d N. Y. , died January 20, 1862. Moyer, Oliver, 97th N. Y. Vols., died January 4, 1865. Wilder, Thomas D., i86th N. Y. Vols., died January 6, 1865. West Turin. Bennett, George W., Company G, 14th N. Y. Artillery, died August 17, 1864. Burns, Luke, 97th N. Y. Vols., died March 19, 1862. Loftis, Patrick, Company K, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died April 6, 1865, from sickness acquired m prison. McCorley, Bortley, regiment not men- tioned. Morris, Edwin, Company C, 57th N. Y. Vols., died March 12, 1862. Pierce, John, 57th N. Y. Vols., died Feb- ruary — , 1865. LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. iSi Plumb, Samuel L., 57th N. Y. Vols., died February 28, 1862, at Alexan- dria. Strickland, Walter S., Company K, 5th N. Y. Artillery, died December 5, 1862. Taylor, Theodore N., Company C, 57th N. Y. Vols., killed May 5, 1864, at Wilderness. Thompson, Lewis L., Company B, 97th N. Y. Vols., died November 16, 1863 ; remains buried in Consta- bleville. We add from other sources the fol- lowing : — Budd, William C, Sergeant, son of Dr. Budd, of Constableville, killed in Mississippi, August 31, 1862. Schultz, Theodore, Company C, 57th N. Y. Vols., killed near Richmond, June 27, 1862. Keriter, Martin, Jr., Company F., 14th N. Y. Vols., killed in Seven Days' battle before Richmond, July 2, 1862, and buried on the field. Crofoot, Henry, Company C, 57th N. Y. Vols., killed at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864, and buried where he fell. Mumford, Newcomb P., Company F, 1 86th N. Y. Vols., died December 20, 1864; remains buried in High Market. Purcy, John, Company B, 14th N. Y. Vols., died February 2, 1865, at home while on a furlough. Hawley, John, Company H, 6th Artil- lery, (?) died of wounds, near Alex- andria, Va., July, 1864. Higby, Edward F., Company H, 14th N. Y. Vols., died at home, Septem- ber 2, 1864. Collins, Bryan R., died at Harrison's Landing, July 15, 1862; buried in old St. Paul's Cemetery in this town. Duff, Edwin R., Company B, 59th N. Y. Vols., died October 15, 1863, from wounds received near Bristow Station, Va. The Death Roll of Martinsburgh Volunteers, in the War of i86i-'65. A group of portraits, fourteen in num- ber, was photographed upon one sheet at the instance of Mr. Sidney Sylvester, and copies of this memento printed off from the same negative are preserved in many households in that town. The names are as follows : — 1. Ezra P. Hartley, killed before Peters- burgh, July 36, 1864, aged 22. 2. John Lynch, Jr., died at Washington, Jan. I, 1863, aged 18. 3. Jerome D. Brooks, died at Washing- ton, Dec. 23, 1862, aged 31. 4. Cornelius Babcock, died at Washing- ton, July 18, 1864, aged 18. 5. James R. French, died at Baltimore, Feb. 20, 1865, aged 18. 6. William Rothwell, died at Ander- sonville, Sept. 12, 1864, aged 29. 7. William C. Pease, died March 6, 1862, aged 18. 8. Morris H. Arthur, died at Washing- ton, April 23, 1863, aged 23. 9. Charles A. French, died at Fort Sumner, Aug. 23, 1865", aged 22. 10. WiUiam H. Hartley, died on Long Island, Oct. 11, 1864, aged 18. 11. William B. Hubbard, died of wounds received at Pittsburg Landing, April, 1862, aged 22. 12. George Peeler, died at Anderson- ville, Nov. 15, 1864, aged 23. 13. George H. Patten, died at Maryland Heights, Sept. 21, 1864, aged 25. 14. Jefferson DeGrasse Seymour, died Oct. 23, 1864, aged 27. Of the foregoing list, numbers i and 10 were sons of Walter Hartley ; 3, the son of Alfred J. Brooks ; 4, the son of Har- vey Babcock ; 2, the son of John Lynch ; 5 and 9, the sons of Frederick French ; 6, was an Englishman, who had been living in the family of Warren Arthur ; 7, was the son of Jabez Pease ; 8, the son of Augustus Arthur ; 12, the son of Joseph Peeler, and 13, the son of George W. Patten. Draft Ordered in 1862. The first draft of the late war was ordered to be had on the loth of No- vember, 1862. The quota assigned to Lewis county, was 846, to which 5 per cent. (42) were added, making the total 15^ HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. requisition 888. The entire quota was 120,000 for the State. The number from each town, with the 5 per cent added, was as follows : — Croghan, 26. Denmark, 83. Diana, 48. Greig, 57. Harrisburgh, 43. High Market, 38. Lewis, 46. Ley den, 61. Lowville, "J"]. Martinsburgh, 92. Montague, 23. New Bremen. 58. Osceola, 19. Pinckney, 45. Turin, 60. Watson, 33. West Turin, 79. The Senatorial Committee for the 18th District in Lewis county, was composed of DeWitt C. West, of Lowville ; S. G. Scoville, of Copenhagen ; Edwin S. Miller, of Constableville ; and Peter Kir- ley, of Watson. No draft was held at that time, the quotas having been filled by volunteer enlistments. The Lewis County Draft of August, 1863. Croghan. — (Enrolled, 134; Drawn, 36.) Noah Denicia, Morris Revener, John Noffseger, Albert Overton, John San- derson, Owen Mointagnon, Edmund Weatherhead, John C. Warner, Sebas- tian Guyon, John E. Fredinberg, John H. Putnam, Alex. Mouget, Zefferin Bono, Michael Henry, Nicholas Henry, Nich- olas Jeffley, Henry MulHn, Andrew Zehr, Philip Zecher, Henry Rceder, Claude Bastian, Joseph Violet, Wm. R. Town- send, Sylvester Arch Dickens, Sebastian Champney, 2d, Richard Palmer, Jule Violet, Albert Parker, Geo. Welch, Francis Monnett, Jacob Miller, Joseph F. Chattilm, Fred. Sauer, Wm. Head- man, Thomas Byer, Eugene C. Mangin. Denmark. — (Enrolled, 212 ; Drawn, 58.) Duet Rogers, Charles B. Sherwood, Wm. H. White, Horace F. Rich, Emory O. Shepard, Henry B. Whitney, Stephen P. Howard. Geo. D. Hewitt, Charles S. Thompson, John Murphy, Jr.. Horace Potter, Roland Houghton, Jr., Andrew M. Hulbert, John H. Raymond, James Johnston, Sherman Judson, Warren Vorce, Charles E. Vrooraan, Guilford D. Parsons, James F. Bassett, Isaac Tripp, Geo. J. Dryden, Geo. Barnum, A. M. Ryel, Marcus D. Nichols, Carlos C. Potter, Emerson P Weller, Geo. C. Hawkins, John T. Hartwell, John E. Vroman, Leonard W. Loomis, Carol Crary, David Yemo, Wm. Pierce, Mor. gan W. Clark, Enos Galop, Jr., Peter Snyder, Garret N. Goutremont, Wm. W. Leonard, Darwin Nash, Milo Barnum, Geo. Hofcut, Joseph Thompson, Imri Johnson, Fred. M. Leonard, A. G. Harter, Pat. Murphy, Wm. Agins, Chas. S. Hartwell, Elam R. Austin, Homer H. Benedict, Warren Allen, Lorenzo M. Rich, Alonzo S. Austin, Franklin D. Austin, Clark J. Hewit, Chester L. Smith, Oscar P. Hadcock, Diana. — (Enrolled, 154; Drawn, 44.) William Sautwell, Martin Clark, Aus- tin Blanchard, Zelotus Clark, Abram Hogan, Joel Hulburt, Monroe Sturte- vant. Dexter Wright, Thomas Mulvany, Albert M. Simser, Charles A. Ackerman, Charles C. Pierce, Oliver E. Holmes, Thophilus Fitzgerald, James M. Chat- tuck, Charles T. Cheesbro, William Weaver, Patrick Doyle, Tom Allen, John Guiles, James 2d, Charles Smith, George W. Dyke, Aaron Hume, Oscar Blanchard, Charles Wessel, Hi- ram Phillips, Peter Campbell, Jr., Charles Prosier, Silas Bowhall, Anthony Melany, Oscar Van Wagoner, John Fiick, George Miller, James Doyle, ist, Allen Kinsman, Addison Wilcox, George Davis, Richard Hulbert,Wm. R. Dodge, John D. Moyer, Amenzo Kinsman, Michael Corbin. LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 153 Greig. — (Enrolled, 157; Drawn, 46.) Wessel Gallup, Francis Leland, Joel W. Agur, Allen Blade, Edward Conelly, Thomas Northrup, Lucian T. Hoag, Solon Burnap, Jr., Charles A. Dominick, Samuel Haskins, Joseph Depeau, John Brewer, Thomas Kirley, William F. Reed, John VanOrum" Orlando Hub- bard, Leonard H. Burdick, Jeremiah McDonald, Alfred A. Brown, John Lam- bell, James E. Northrup, William Bar- ley, Henry W. Failing, Reuben W. Ralph, Joseph Thomas, John Shannon, William Jewett, Harrison Lane, Josh Henry Stalker, Alfred Higbee, Edwin F. Green, Russel Burdick, Patrick O. Marrow, Dillon Smith, John C. Mealus, William A. Pullman, Roland Stearns, Ira Foot, John L. Smith, Levi Depeau, Franklin Graves, Patrick Lana, Charles Wooley, Samuel Blanchard, John Moyer, David Covey. Harrisburgh. — (Enrolled, 126; Drawn, 34.) Alexander Terrell, Matthew Carey, Mortimer Florida, Robert Porter, Hugh Jones, Pardon Laupher, Wm. Mclntyre, Walker Whiler, Charles Rhodes, Lod- wick R. Humphrey, David R. Cobb, Ansel G. Holmes, Edward Duffy, Geo. W. Simmons, Marcus Petrie, Peter Hen- ry, John Kelsey, James McCarty, Thom- as O'Brien, Seymour W. Austin, Will- iam O'Brien, Thomas Battle, Prescott W. Jones, Elliot Knapp, Sylvester Win- decker, James McLane, Warren J. Lash- ar, James R. Lane, Stephen Vandrie, Sebastian Hoch, John Brady, Thomas Whalen, Sidney • Laupher, Marion Shel- don. High Market.— (Enrolled, 89 ; Drawn, 23.) Anthony Kirk, James Kelley, John W. Gainer, Michael Martough, John Loftus, Garrett Rourke, Philo Marto, Albert D. Blair, James McHale, Joseph Powell, Dennis Fox, Charles Mumford, Gilbert Higbee, Patrick Conner, James Buckley, Jr., Jacob Wise, Francis Joint, Anthony Joint. William Barker, Charles Gormnly, Patrick Rourke, Francis Eis- enicker, Charles Oster. Lewis. — (Enrolled, 140 ; Drawn, 39.) Pratt Griffin, WiUiam J. Grey, Nicho- las Rein Miller, Adam Stein, Stephen Flinn, Nicholas Sends, Leonard Meyers, 1st, Joseph Nellebacker, Broteus Rusque, Henry Dice, Jacob Bowish, John Carr- ar, J. A. Pease, Charles Selman, Fred Meyers, Jr., ist, Albert S. Capron, Jacob Shoe, Gottleib Jutzlier, William Harger, John O. Adams, Anthony Rymiller, ist, George Echart, Joseph Shoe, Anthony Urts, Ela Fox, Frederick Ruble, William Pinger, Peter Urts, EUis Howk, Peter Rip, Frank Selman, George Capron, John Mills, Jr., Henry H. Hough, John Joseph Weegl, Francis Eisenicker, Adam Keim, John Grems, Edward Sel- man. Leyden. — (Enrolled, 210 ; Drawn, 59.) William H. Cole, Oliver La Frances, Amos H. Miller, Henry Zoofelt, Mi- chael Kaw, William A. Olmsted, Or- rin Thayer, Robert Wilcox, Spaulding Deck, Fred Hays, Gilbert S. Spencer, Walter Welch, George Geoyscope, John Feshumal, Markes Stooring, Adam Scrafford, David E. Jones, Jerome B. Nelson, Lewis N. Northam, George W. Bacon, Leonard C. Miller, Henry D. H. Snyder, Lewis Kelsey, Hiram Whiter, John V. Talcott, And. Swink, George Marcy, Judson Thornton, Carlos Combs, Thaddeus E. Munn, John Schwartfager, Jacob Sawyer, George Kroop, Freder- ick C. Taylor , John O'Hara, Chester Dean, Martin H. Scovill, Moses Lord, Augustus Merriam, Robert H. Roberts, Hial H. Kellogg, John Loso, Hiram Lane, Thomas White, Andrew Nugent, N. Oscar Wolcott, Chester Dewey, William W. Bacon, Francis A. Sawyer, Robert Lane, Cephas C. Topping, Ben- jamin Cooper, Horace L. Wilcox, James Brady, William H. Wilcox, Henry Dice, Carlostine A. Pope, Dennis Looring, George W. EUenwood. 154 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Lowville. — (Enrolled, 242 ; Drawn, 66.) Stuart C. Boice, Isaac D. Larkins, Dio C. Perkins, Roland Wakefield, Henry E. Smith, James P. Bowman, Stephen S. Kling, Wm. Archer, John O'Brien, Geo. H. McCarty, John J. Knox, Edwin R. Cook, John Neighborgall, Daniel Sulli- van, Roland Hall, Eleisur Rasbeck, Henry R. Martin, Sylvester D. Cook, Fred. Fowler, Charles L. Easton, John A. Livingston, Geo. R. Barrett, J. Madi- son Arthur, J. Duane Mills, Ogden A. Hoyt, Alex. R. Gebbie, James E. Bos- worth, DeWitt Rogers, Jacob J. Wey- neth, Monroe S. Boohall, John Bradt, Edward J, Bowman, Nathan A. Waters, James Carr, Wm. Buckley, Elbridge G. Ritges, Geo. L. Willard, Peter Ritz, John R. Snyder, Otto Zecker, Isaac G. Puffer, Sara. S. Rain, Henry A. Phillips, John C. Van Brocklin, James H. Davenport, Charles C. Cook, James Donagan, Leon- ard B. Denison, Orville P. Lanfear, Linus W. Clark, Geo. C. Stevens, Luther B. Richardson, James Mosher, Charles J. Ryel, Garret B. Reed, H. Prescott Chambers, Eli L. Jones, Walter Buck, Miles H. Bronson, John Rica, Augustus Reno, Charles M. Curtis, Alexander L. Jeffers, Francis H. Reed, Amanuel Norror. Martinsburgh. — (Enrolled, 227 ; Drawn, 64.) James Cole, John Keener, Henry Botsford, Michael Garman, James Dew- ey, Hiram Rawlson, Julius Hoyt, Chas. P.Wilbecker, Willard Green, Jr., Henry Granger, John Seymour, James Gilligan, Barton Rumble, Michael Mc Felama, Mathew Gilligan, Charles Alexander, Francis Gowdy, William Mangin, Chas. Wallace, Howard M. Arthur, Francis Knight, Daniel Vandeburgh, Charles McKee, John G. Porter, Hugh Jones, Charles Crast, Peter Nellis, Squire Oli- ver, Darius Brooks, Francis Hopkins, Lewis Suffle, George W. Babcock, Chas. Pease, Thomas Cahooa, Martin Sheldon, Wesley L. Jemison, Levi Adams, Au- gustus Wood, John Gibbins, Irwin Leonard, Henry W. Windecker, John Ingersol, Jr., Edward Patchell, John Tuft, Dennis Dunn, Jr., Frederick Mar- tin, Edwaj-d x^rthur, Chester Stanford, Richard Winn, Charles F. Morse, Har- vey Plopper, James Pebles, William Way, Hiram Pitcher,Patrick Tye, Chas. Babcock, John Holmes, Patrick O'Brien, Hudson Loucks, Ransom Salmon, John Andrus, George F. Gallowav, William Rawson, Jr. Montagiie. — (Enrolled, 50; Drawn, 10.) Sherman Sheldon, Hiram H. Harter, Valentine Joice, Michael Connor, An- drew Horth, Ura Croak, Pat. Ryan, Grotus Lanfear, John B. Berry, Orvas O'Hara. New Bremen. — (Enrolled, 139; Drawn, 38.) Philip Fricker, Joseph J. Williams, Peter Snyder, Loren Young, S3dvester Deacon, Chas. H. Smith, Whitford M. Hall, Peter Terry, John Luphie, Harri- son Lillie, Henry D. Sumner, Wm. Hulsizer, George Wilder, John Stien- hilber, Robert Barbie, Peter S. Farney, Raphial Gague, Peter M. Seeber, John Dufar, William H. Hulburt, Michael Festomel, Fernando Rose, Alvin Roe, Jr., Norton J. Snell, Caleb Stacher, Peter Vibrick, John Adanis, John A. Segovis, Jacob Steinhilber, Peter Conover, John P Reneaux, Stephen Terrillion, Joseph Vickler, Joseph Wakefield, Jacob Stu- key, Giles M. Brown, Jacob Weineth, Michael V^irkler. Osceola. — (Enrolled, 48 : Drawn, 10.) Frank H. Durst, WalteV Lindsay, Frank M. Nash, John Quinn, Thomas Cline, James Lindsey, Roland Fox, Abram F. Vandewalker, James Lake, Albert J. Brockway. Pinckney.—{^.wr^y\\&A, 137; Drawn, 41.) Oscar F. Thomas, Danforth Streeter, J as. B. Lucas, Solon M. Weed, Abel B. Thomas, George Rawlston, George W. Acker, Henry J. Stoddard, Horace Stoddard, John B. Goodenough, Jacob LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. ^ 155 W. Harter, Sidney Chickering, Henry Simonds,Dennis VanTassel, Henry Hart, William Roger, Franklin Green, James H. Rawlston, Clark S. Cook, George C. Kellogg, Henry M. Hunt, Curtis J. Aus- tin, Russel Gilbert, Joseph D. Buntz, Christopher Dempster, Charles J. Fer- guson, Christopher H. Chase, John . Beadle, Charles B. Hall, David Rich- ards, Charles E. McCormick, Irvin Mar- shall, Noel C. Jones, George J. Peck, Orlo Streeter, David E. Hill, Amos Hall, George Smith, Warren G. Bent, John Hollis, Benjamin F. Hubbard. Turin. — (Enrolled, 161 ; Drawn, 41.) Jeremiah Swackhammer, Charles W. Riggs, John L. Jones, George Hill, No- ble L. King, Robert Roberts, Daniel Burdick, Osmon Hill, Andrew Failing, Mather House, Henry Johnson, Charles Peters, Jonathan Peak, Ebenezer Hurl- burt, Thomas O. Williams, Evan E. Evans, Samuel Utley, Crinman Austin, David Jones, Charles A. Fowler, Guil- ford A. Bush, Dwight Hurlburt, Charles N. Owens, Jerome Bush, John S. Dewey, Ebin Turner, John G. Williams, Joseph Utley, Charles H. Morgan, Charles King, Alva Burdick, Richard Duvere, Emanuel Freeman, William H. Swinton, Theodore Mason, Warren Burdick, An- son Lenon, Reuben Payne, John R. Jones. Watson. — (Enrolled, 121 ; Drawn, 31.) Orren Bush, James Higbee, George W. Puffer, Sylvester Wheeler, Nehemiah Mumford, Nelson J. Stone, Peter Mc- Filma, George A. Williger,Witford Hall, Charles Kirley, Nicholas Bach, Edward Kirley, Almiran Higbee, Addison W. Puffer, William A. Crandall, Samuel Bates, Albert Shark, James R. Kirley, Porter D. Hall, Robert D. Williams, George Moyer, Isaac S. Stone, Elias Williams, Isaac D. WiUiams, Amos Mo- nat, Francis M. Robertson, Seymour Hitchcock, Horace Robinson, Chauncey Orandorf, John Fenton, Samuel Gaunan. West Turin. — (Enrolled, 219; Drawn, 60.) Horatio N. Stoddard, John Krack, Godfrey Neff, Wm. Harger, Anthony Markham, George Harper, Thomas By- ron, Chester Motsey, John Plover, John Evans, Richard Roberts, Andrew Stan- brainard, George O. Newman, Friend Hoyt, Jacob Burt, John H. Enos, Homer J. Aldrich, James Smith, Jacob Lond, Andrew Kreager, Wallace W. Kentner, John CoUins, Henry Krack, Egbert C. Rockwell, Edmund W. Thompson, David Rosier, Hugh J. Owen, Matthew Sampson, Jacob Stevens, Anson D. De- voe, John Fisher, Moses J. Fames, Jacob Stevens, Galusha Fames, Peter Barrows, Patrick Duffee, Martin M. Dewey, Peter Billinger, Henry C. Scovill, John Lewis, Henry R. Miner, Michael Byron, Ansel Post, Robert R. Jones, John Dish, Charles Bennett, George Melas, Stephen Earl, Jarvis Lindsay, James Mulkins, Edward Payne, John Jones, Horace Lyt- ty,* Charles E. Taylor, Andrew Copier, James McGambin, Lawrence Cunning- ham, Henry Dice, Jacob Saddler, U. M. B. McDonald. Total, 2,570 enrolled; 700 drawn. CoNDENSKU Summary of the Pro- ceedings OF THE Board of Super- visors, IN Reference to Bounties and the Draft IN THE Late War. At the annual meeting of the Board, November 19, 1863, it was Resolved, That the sum of $100.00 be paid to each and every volunteer, who may hereafter enhst into the service of the United States, under the State au- thority, for the present quota, and that the said $100.00 be paid on the certificate of a proper officer, certifying that the said volunteer has been regularly mus- tered into the service of the United States, and credited on the quota ap- portioned to the county of Lewis. * Littaye- 156 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Resolved, That the Treasurer be, and is hereby authorized and directed to loan upon the credit of the county, such sum or sums of money as may be neces- sary to comply with the foregoing reso- lution. At an extra session of the Board of Supervisors, held February 3, 1864, the following resolution was passed : — Resolved, That each member of this Board be appointed a committee, for the town he represents, to furnish a list of the names of all volunteers from his town, who have been mustered into the service of the United States, since the draft, in August last, and whose town is entitled to be credited with such volun- teers, and that he report to this Board, at its adjourned session, for the purpose of enabling this Board to certify to the Supervisors of such towns respectively, the names of the volunteers properly belonging to them. At a special meeting, held February 12, 1864, the following resolution was passed : — Resolved, That a committee of one be appointed by the chairman, to go to Albany, or elsewhere, for the purpose of procuring the credits for the county of Lewis and for each town of said county respectively, and that the county shall pay the expense of said committee, and that each supervisor is hereby requested to furnish said committee with the name of each man enlisted from his town and the name of his regiment and company in which they enlisted, and that said committee be directed to procure the proper evidence to enable the several credits they are entitled to. It was ordered that Mr. Pease,* be said committee. It was also resolved that the bounty of $100.00 offered No- vember 19th, last, be paid upon the order of the volunteer, accompanied by the certificate of Peter Kirley or John M. Paris, recruiting agents of the county, or of the supervisor of the town, show- ing that the volunteer had been mustered in and credited, and that such certificate improperly given, should subject the * J. A. Pease, Supervisor from the town of Lewis. person giving it, to personal loss of the sum paid. The sum of $3,111.79 was assessed upon Watson, to pay bounty money. It was also Resolved, That the county treasurer of this county be authorized to pay the bounty of $300.00, as directed in the resolutions of this day, upon the pre- sentation of the order of the volunteers, accompanied with the certificate of Peter Kirley or John M. Paris, recruit- ing agents for this county, or the super- visor of the town to which such volun- teer is credited, that such volunteer has been regularly mustered into the service of the United States, and credited to the quota of the county. The treasurer was also directed to pay out of funds provided for that purpose to each volunteer who might thereafter enlist, to the number of thirteen men from Croghan, twenty from Denmark, fifteen from Diana, fifteen from Greig twelve from Harrisburgh, eight from High Market, fourteen from Lewis, twenty from Leyden, twenty-two from Lowville, twenty-one from Martins- burgh, five from Montague, fourteen from New Bremen, five from Osceola, twelve from Pinckney, fifteen from Turin, eleven from Watson, and twenty from West Turin. If any town had paid $300 towards fiUing their quotas, they were to be re-imbursed upon proper certificate. The sum of $75,000 was to be borrowed, and collected by tax with- in ninety days for repayment. At a special meeting of the Board in March, 1864, a committee was appointed consisting of Chickering of Denmark, Pease of Lewis, and Johnson of Den- mark, to audit claims presented for county bounties, with power to meet on its own adjournment, as the business might require. Another committee was appointed, consisting of Pitcher of Martinsburgh, Leonard of Lowville, and Birdsey of Leyden, to report in what manner the funds could be obtained for paying vol- LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 157 unteers, and if borrowed, in what form the obligation should be given, the length of time, and manner of repay- ment. They decided that it would be proper to borrow upon notes signed by the Treasurer and the Chairman of the Board, payable on the ist of March fol- lowing. A tax was imposed to meet this obligation. In April, 1864, an adjourned meeting was held. It was reported that ' 258 claims of $100 each had been presented for bounties, and four claims for $300. On the 2d of August, 1864, the towns were authorized to pay a bounty of not over $600, including the county bounty already offered for volunteers, and on the following day the names of Peter Kirley of Watson, A. Y. Stewart of New Bremen, Jay A. Pease of Lewis, C. M. Goff of West Turin, H. E. Turner of Lowville, and Charles J. Pitcher of Martinsburgh, were agreed upon for nomination to the Governor as recruit- ing agents for the county, to proceed to the States in rebeUion, to pro- cure volunteers upon the quotas for 500,- 000 men. Mr. James L. Leonard was appointed to act with the Treasurer and the Chairman of the Board, in negotia- ting the sale of county bonds. Another meeting of the Board was held August 26, 1864, and the town bounties were allowed to be increased to $1,000. A resolution was passed, providing for the payment of the bonds on the loth of February annually, in not more than six years from 1865, and in sums of not more than $75,000 a year. The amount of bonds or money each town was entitled to receive, was fixed as follows: — Croghan $ i3>Soo Denmark 10,000 Diana 12,500 Greig 17.000 Harrisburgh 10,500 High Market 8,000 Leyden 18,000 Lewis $ 9,500 Lowville 1 5,000 Martinsburgh 21,500 Montague 5,000 New Bremen 12,500 Osceola 5,000 Pinckney IS,500 Turin 12,500 Watson 6,500 West Turin 19,000 Total $211,500 It was resolved that in case the draft was postponed, or if from any other cause, the Commissioners appointed at the last special session should deem it for the interest of the county to go south to the rebellious States to obtain re- cruits, they might pay a bounty of not over $500 per man to serve one, two, or three years. A uniform county bounty of $500 was offered to all volunteers and persons who might furnish substitutes, whether for one, two, or three years. At the annual session of the Board, in November, 1864, the Committee on Bounty Claims reported that the follow- ing sums had been allowed in the sev- eral towns : — $100 $300 $500 claims, claims. claims. Towns. Croghan. . . .$ 1,900 Denmark 1,100 Diana 3,000 Greig 500 Harrisburgh . . 800 High Market. 1,800 Leyden 3>ooo Lewis 2,000 Lowville 2,700 Martinsburgh. 3,200 Montague 300 New Bremen. 1,900 Osceola 700 Pinckney. . . . 1,900 Turin 1,500 Watson 1,600 West Turin. 2,900 3,000 $ 13,500 2,100 10,000 5,700 12,500 2,400 15,000 10,500 2,700 8,000 5,400 18,000 3,900 9,500 6,300 15,000 2,100 21,000 1,200 5,500 3,600 12,500 5,000 1,800 15,500 1,800 11,500 2,700 6,500 4,200 20,000 Total.... $30,800 $48,900 $209,500 And to Osceola by special resolution of $300 claims, $1,200. IS8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. In the tax levy of November, 1864, the sum of $115,214.15 w^as included for the payment of the principal of bonds coming due in February and March, 1865, and $14,306.31 for interest upon the bonds thus coming due. The total sum raised by tax for all purposes on that occasion, viras $178,419. In case of needing support from the public, the wives and families of soldiers absent were to be provided for at their homes, at the expense of the towns where such soldiers were credited, and at a rate not exceeding that paid at the county house. At an adjourned meeting, held Janu- ary 6, 1865, it was resolved to offer a county bounty of $400.00 for one year's, $700.00 for two years', and $1,000.00 for three years' men to fill the quota of 300,- 000, under the call of December 19, 1864. The sum of $200,000.00, or so much thereof as might be necessary, was voted to be raised to meet these expenses, to be redeemed in sums of $75,000.00, or one-third of the whole amount, until paid. The bounties under this resolu- tion were not to be paid to any persons who had formerly received a county bounty. With respect to the final ad- justment of these expenses, the views of the Board were expressed in the follow- ing preamble and resolution : — Whereas, Heavy burdens have been borne by citizens of this State, growing out of the competition existing between towns and counties, in offering local bounties to volunteers into the ser. vice of the United States. Therefore, for the purpose of removing such com- petition, Resolved, That bounties to volunteers to operate equally upon all classes, should be borne by the State, and ulti- mately assured by the United States as the most practicable mode by which the burdens of the ivar can be fairly equal- ized and local oppression avoided, and that the member from this county in the Assembly, be requested to favor the proposition, to make all bounties to vol- unteers in this State, State bounties. The Supervisor of each town was au- thorized to appoint an agent, or agents, for the town, for the purpose of enlist- ing men to fill its quota, and that the ex- penses of such agent, or agents, be paid by the respective towns. It was further provided, that in case any person liable to draft, should have put in a substitute prior to the 7th of January, 1865, to apply on the quota of any town in the county, he should re- ceive the pay provided in the resolution adopted on that day. A committee of three was appointed to procure the apportionment of the quota of the county and they were authorized and required to certify to the county treasurer, the quota of the several towns under the late call for 300,000 men ; and the treasurer was authorized to receive said certificate as evidence of the amount of said quotas, upon which to issue the county bonds to the supervisors, as pro- vided in resolutions adopted on that day. Mr. Gardner, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Pease, were appointed such com- mittee. A special meeting was held February 8, 1865, at which a committee was ap- pointed to enquire and report what further action, if any, was necessary on the part of the Board, to fill the quotas under the recent call for 300,000 men. It was resolved to issue not exceeding $50,- 000, payable within three years. The bonds thus issued, and those under the resolutions of January 6, 1865, were to be distributed to the several towns as follows : — Croghan $19,500 Denmark 26,000 l-^i^-na 19,000 g^'"?V- Y 15,000 Hamsburgh 9^000 High Market 6,000 Lewis 16,000 Leyden 26,000 LEWIS COUNTY IN THE Lowville $ii,ooo Martinsburgh 19,000 Montague 8,000, New Bremen 12,000 Osceola 7^000 Pinckney 18,000 Turin 7,000 Watson 7,000 West Turin 22,000 Total $247,500 Or so much as might be necessary to fill the quotas of each of said towns, un- der the call of the President, of Decem- ber 19, 1864, for 300,000 men. Mr. Kirley, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. House, were appointed a committee to audit all claims that might be presented for county bounties to volunteers, and persons hiring substitutes, with full power to determine the validity and amount of such claims, and to whom they should be paid, and certify the same to the clerk of the Board, who was authorized to act as clerk of said com- mittee, and to draw orders upon the county treasurer for the accounts so certified. At a special meeting held March 20, 1865, Mr. Gardner was appointed on the above committee, in place of Mr. House who declined to serve. Provis- ion was made for the payment of inter, est upon bonds. The Bounty Committee was vested with like powers and duties as those conferred upon a like commit- tee under resolutions of March 18, 1864. They were also to ascertain the amount of money to which the county was enti- tled under the new bounty act passed February 10, 1865, (Chapter 29,) and were instructed to take whatever steps might be necessary in the name of the county, to obtain the credit and pay for the same from the State, in accordance with said act. At an extra session held June 15, 1865, the county treasurer was instructed to use any money that might come into his WAR OF THE REBELLION. 159 hands from the State, as re-imbursement of county bounties, in paying any county bonds and accrued interest which he might be able to obtain ; and further, that if State bonds were re- ceived by him as a part or the whole of said re-imbursement, he was authorized to exchange the same for county bonds as far as practicable. The Bounty Committee was empow- ered and instructed to investigate all claims by the several towns of the coun- ty for re-imbursement for town bounties paid, and to collect and receive such sums from the State authorities as might be found due to the said towns, and pay the same into the county treasury, to the credit of the towns entitled to the same. The treasurer's accounts rendered November 15, 1865, show the following disbursements on account of bounties and the debts incurred on account of the war : — Bounty Orders, 112, 113, 129, 130, 131, 132 . . $ 21,000.00 County Bonds, exclusive of interest, . . . 188,914.05 Interest on County Bonds, ... 12,756.99 BountjrOrders— call of Dec. 19, 181)4, . . . 64,019.19 Bonds in hands of Supervisors, under resolution of January 5, 1S65, 157,600.00 Certificates of State Stocks, carried to new account, 198,000.00 The latter being on hand. The following sums were mentioned as necessary to be raised, for the pur- poses mentioned : — County Bonds, first series, due Feb. 10, 1866, . 8 71,000.00 Interest on the same, . . . . 2,485.00 Bonds of second series, .... 72,750.00 Interest due Feb. 10, on all Bonds of second series, 15,261.22 Interest due in Feb. and Aug. on all unpaid bonds of first series, .... 5,130.78 $166,627.00 Mr. James L. Leonard, on the 21st of November, 1865, informed the Board that he had bought the New York State Bounty Bonds, held by the county treasurer at 99 per cent, to the amount of $198,000, and that he would pay for the same before the funds were needed for county and town purposes. It was understood that he had the privilege of taking any portion of the same at any time at the above rates. This proposal was accepted on the 23d. i6o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Mr. Miller and Mr. Chickering were added to the Bounty Committee, and the committee was directed to apportion to the county and to each town, the amount to which they were entitled for excess of years' service under the call of July 1 8, 1864, in proportion to the amount of bounty paid by them respect- ively ; and each Supervisor was request- ed to certify the amount that had been paid, to fill the quotas under that call. On the 29th of November, 1865, the following resolution was passed : — " Resolved, That in any town where an excess of men was in good faith en- listed by the Supervisors under the call of December 19, 1864, and where the amount actuall}' paid, or to be paid to the said enlisted men is less than the amount of the quota of said towns at $1,000 per man, this Board authorize the payment of the said bounty to the said excess men, and authorize the Bounty Committee and the County Treasurer to allow the same in settling with the Supervisor of such town in the same man- ner as with Supervisors of other towns, provided that no recruit or substitute receive a greater amount than $400 for one year's service, $700 for two years' ser- vice, and $1,000 for three years' service. On the 30th of November the Bounty Committee reported that they had allow- ed claims for bounty as follows : — Men. Bounty. Croghan 21 $19,800.00 Denmark 10 9,400.00 Diana 20 19,600.00 Greig 14 9,200.00 Harrisburgh 10 7,750.00 High Market 6 5,400.00 Lewis 13 12,800.00 Leyden 26 25,725.00 Lowville.... .... 21 9,600.00 Martinsburgh 28 19,000.00 Montague ... ... 8 6,700.00 New Bremen 14 1 1,600.00 Osceola 7 7,000.00 Pinckney 20 17,700.00 Turin 7 5.77S-00 Watson . . .-. 10 5,000.00 West Turin 22 18,444.19 Total 257 $210,494.19 The committee also reported that they had presented claims to the Paymaster- General of the State, for re-imbursement of payment of bounties for 250 volun- teers and substitutes for the period of service as follows : For three years, 194 ; for two years, 3 ; and for one year, 53 ; total, 250; making a total payment of $133,500, which amount was paid in cer- tificate of New York State Stocks, $120,- 000; cash, $13,500; total, $133,500. Also the claims for excess of years' service was allowed at $78,800, which amount was paid in certificates of New York State Stocks, $78,000, cash, $800 : total, $78,800 ; making a total received from the State in certificates of State stock of $198,000, cash, $14,300 ; total amount of stocks and cash, $212,300, which amount had been deposited with the County Treas- urer. The following resolution was adop- ted:— Resolved, That the evidence before the Bounty Committee to enable the towns to draw the portion of excess money belonging to them, shall be the affidavit of the Supervisor or other disbursing agent, of the amount paid, or liability incurred by bonds by said towns for the recruits or substitutes from whom such excess accrued. The committee to whom was assigned the duty of apportioning the amount re- ceived by the County Treasurer for excess of years' service to the several towns of the county, reported as fol- lows : — To Town. To County Croghan $ 600.00 $ 600.00 Denmark 4,266.00 5,334.00 Diana 343-00 857.00 Greig i,99S-00 2,805.00 Harrisburgh 2,200.00 2,800.00 High Market. . . 1,213.00 2,787.00 Lewis 800.00 600.00 Leyden 1,060.3 1 2,939.69 Lowville 1,533-33 10,266.67 Martmsburgh... 3,373.50 4,626.50 Montague New Bremen... 1,700.00 2,100.00 LEWIS COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. i6i Osceola $ $ Pinckney i ,200.00 i ,400.00 Turin 3,542.00 7,458.00 Watson 1 ,200.00 1 ,200.00 West Turin 400.00 7,600.00 The treasurer was directed to place to the credit of the several towns the amounts reported as due by the com- mittee on excess of years respectively, as set forth in the above report, and the said moneys were made subject to the order of the Supervisors of the several towns. The money and bonds received from the State and belonging to the county, were applied so far as they went to the payment of the county bonds falling due in February, 1866. The balance of the funds arising from the excess of years', service not appro- priated by the report of the committee on apportionment of excess years was applied to the credit of the several towns, in proportion to the quotas of said towns respectively, under the call of July 18, 1864, subject to the order of the Super- visor of each town respectively, for the use of his town. The Bounty Committee upon appor- tionment of the balance of the fund arising from the excess of years' service among the several towns, in proportion to the quotas, under the call of July 18, 1864, reported the following as the re- sults of their labors, which was agreed to, viz : — Quota. A mount. Croghan 27, $ 3>oo8.34 Denmark 41. 5-125.32 Diana 25, 2,785.50 Greig 34, 3,788.28 Harrisburgh 21, 2,339.82 High Market 16, 1,782.72 Lewis 21, 2,339.82 Lcyden 38, 4,233-96 Lowville 46, 5,125.32 Martinsburgh 43, 4,791.06 Montague 11, 1,225.62 New Bremen 26, 2,896.92 Osceola 10, 1,114.20 Pinckney 31, $3,454.02 Turin 28, 3,1 19.76 Watson 15, 1,671.30 West Turin 41, 4,568.22 Total,.. 474, $53,370-38 The treasurer, in reporting to the Board, inNovem- ber, 1866, credited the county with certificates of State stocks, $198,000.00 He had disbursed to super- visors, as excess money, 77,409.22 Paid Bounty orders, call of Dec. 19', 1864, 156,509.41 Paid principal on county bonds, 142,225.00 Paid interest on county bonds 23,527.37 There was to be provided for : — For the payment of principal of county bonds coming due February 10, 1867,.. $148,371.85 For interest on the same,. . . 12,426.64 In November, 1867, the treasurer re- ported the disbursement of $1,587.10 ex- cess money, and informed that the fol- lowing sums must be provided for:— To pay principal of county bonds, due February 10, 1868, $65,800.00 To pay interest on county bonds, due February 10, 1868, 4,606.00 To pay interest on bonds due in 1871, 140.00 In 1868, there was reported the need of $140 to pay the interest on outstand- ing bonds, but after this the burdens of the war debt may be said to have been wholly closed up, excepting in so far as the State was still for a few years to bear its proportion of the State Bonded War Debt. At the time of writing, measures are under discussion for the erection of a soldiers' monument, at the county seat in memory of those who fell in the late I war. 1 62 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. CHAPTER XX. History of the Towns. Croghan. THE county of Lewis upon its organ- ization embraced five towns, viz : — Leyden, Turin, Martinsburgh, Lowville, and Harrisburgh. The present number is eighteen. Their names, dates of erec- tion and origin, are as follows : — Croghan, April 5, 1841, from Watson and Diana. Denmark, April 3, 1807, from Harris- burgh. Diana, April 16, 1830, from Watson. Greig, April 5, 1828, from Watson. Harrisburgh, February 22, 1803, from Lowville, Champion and Mexico. High Market, November 11, 1852, from West Turin. Lewis, November 11, 1852, from West Turin and Leyden. Leyden, March 10, 1797, from Steuben. Lowville, March 14, 1800, from Mexico. Lyonsdale, November 26, 1873, from Greig. Martinsburgh, February 22, 1803, from Turin. Montague, November 14, 1850, from West Turin. New Bremen, March 31, 1848, from Wat- son. Osceola, February 28, 1844, from West Turin. Pinckney, February 12, 1808, from Har- rison* and Harrisburgh. Turin, March 14, 1800, from Mexico. Watson, March 30, 1 821, from Leyden. West. Turin, March 25, 1830, from Turin. Croghan was formed from Watson and Diana, April 5, 1841, and named in honor of George Croghan, whose mili- tary services had then been recently brought to public notice in the Presiden- tial campaign resulting in Harrison's * The former name of Rodman. election.* The name of Tippecanoe had been proposed, and that of New France had been applied to the bill as passed in the Senate, but on the third reading in the lower House, the present name was substituted. New Bremen was taken off in par{, in 1848. An unsuccessful effort was made in 1859, to procure a division of this town into two. The first town meeting was ordered to be held at the house of John C. Fox, be- fore Willard Barrett, Lodowick Snyder, and Joseph Hamen, but was held in his grist-mill at Belfort, and the following were elected as first town officers : — Benjamin R. Ellis, Supervisor; Abra- ham Fox, Town Clerk ; Joseph Ham- mond, Frederick Ford, and Ira Wilcox, Assessors ; Silas Wilder, Joshua Sny- der, and Simon Putnam, Commissioners of Highways ; Robert A. Dekin and Willard Barrett, Justices of the Peace ; Benjamin R. Ellis, Joseph Virkler, and Robert Smith, Inspectors of Schools ; Jacob House, Isaac Shaver, and Charles Holmes, School Commissioners ; Joseph Virkler, Collector; and Jacob House, John C. Cook, Jehu Farr, and James Rophinot, Constables. Supervisors. — 1841, Benjamin R. Ellis; 1842-44, Bornt NelHs; i845-'5o, Darius G. Bent; 1851-60, Patrick Sweetman ;f 1861, William H. Peer; 1862-65, Nich- olas Gandel; i866-'69, William Wirt Rice; 1870-71, Joseph P. Brownell ; * Croghan was a native of Locust Grove, near the falls of the Ohio, where he was bom November 15, lyqi. His father was Major William Croghan, an Irishman who had rendered efficient service in the Revolution, and his mother was sister of William Clark, who with Captain Lewis explored the M issouri country in iSoj-'oy. In 1810, Croghan graduated at William and Mary's College in Virginia, and began the study of law ; but the war soon opened a more inviting field of enterprise, and in the battle of Tippecanoe, and the sieges of Fort Meigs and Fort Stephenson, he won the applause of the Union. He rose from the rank of Captain to that of Inspector-General ; and in 1825, he received from Con- gress a gold medal for his brilliant military services. He died at New Orleans, January 8, 1849. His name was pronounced Craw-an, although that of the town is uni- formly spoken Cto-gan. tDied, Oct. 1874. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CROGHAN. 163 1872, James H. Morrow ; 1873, N. Gan- del ; 1874-75, Theodore. B. Basselin ; 1876-77, AugustusValin ; i878-'8o,Peter Shinbourn ; 1881, William Wirt Rice; 1882, James P. Lewis. Clerks. — i84i-'43, Abraham Fox; 1844 -'46, Joseph Hamen; i847-'48, Joseph Virkler; 1849, Foster L. Cunningham; 1850, Hartwell F. Bent; 1851-54, Joseph Rofinot; 1855, Joseph Catillaz ; 1856, Joseph Rofinot ; 1857-59, Augustus Va- lin ; i86o-'64 ;* 1865, Joseph Rofinot ; 1866-70, Augustus Valin; 1871-72, Da- rius G. Bent ; 1873, William Wirt Rice ; 1874, Augustine Gandel ; 1875, Nicholas Gandel ; 1876-80, J. Sigel; George W. Whitaker, to fill vacancy ; 1881-82, Au- gustine Simonet. Bounties for the destruction of wild animals have been voted as follows : — For wolves, $15 in 1841 ; $10 in 1845 ; and $5 in 1842-46. For panthers, $10 in 1841-46 ; and $5 in 1842. For bears, $5 in 1841. In 1856, the town meetings of this town and New Bremen, were held in the same house in Croghan village, the town line passing through near the middle. In this town, the " Company of New York," had intended to lay out a city by the name of Castorville, on the north side of the Beaver river, half a mile above the head of navigation, and at the lowest water power on that stream. The de- tails of this plan are elsewhere fully stated, but it is believed the city was never surveyed into lots, further than as a part of the Castorland Tract. The reservation amounted to 663 acres, and upon it was built, about 1798, the first saw-mill east of Black river. From this mill the first lumber used by the settlers at Lowville, was obtained. The mill stood on the site of the upper part of Lefever's tannery, but its last vestige had disappeared long before the modern * From the absence and probable loss of the records, we cannot readily supply the list from i860 to 1864. occupation of this site. Rodolph Tillier, agent of the French Company, made a clearing at the head of navigation, on Beaver river, four miles from its mouth, and a few log huts were erected. The only access to and from this place, was by river navigation.* A few French emigrants settled on the banks of the Black river, among whom were, it is beheved, J. T. Devouassoux, A. Tassart, Louis Francois de Saint Michel, and per- haps others. Mr. Devouassoux was a re- tired officer, who owned a good lot on the river, and had built a log house a few feet from the water, on a beautiful flat piece of ground, which he hoped before long to see changed to a smooth verdant lawn. One day, as he was sitting by the door in his morning gown and slippers, Mr. Le Ray came along, on his way down the river, to visit his lands. After the usual salutations and a little general conversation, the visitor asked Mr. De- vouassoux whether he was not afraid the water would reach his house in the spring. This was a new idea to the old soldier, and he was asked to explain. " Well," said Mr. Le Ray, " this river does not, by any means, cause such rav- ages as most rivers do in snowy coun- tries, but it does overflow its banks in very low grounds. I think I even saw some marks left by it on some trees near your house, and according to them, you would have been about two feet un- der water in your house next spring." At these words our Frenchman felt as perhaps he had never felt before the en- emy. " But," resumed Mr. Le Ray, after giving him time to compose himself, " have you not on your lot some higher ground ?" " Indeed, sir, I cannot say." " Why, have you not explored your lands before building ?" " Indeed, no ; I * Steamers and canal boats can now ascend to the landing, and a towing-path has been constructed- along the south bank. A tram road, with a small traction- engine, brings down lumber from the saw-mills to the landing, on the south bank, on the New Bremen side. 164 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. thought I could not possibly find a better spot than the banks of this beautiful river. I like fishing. Here I am near my field of operations." Mr. Le Ray could not see without apprehension such apathy and levity, for knowing well that Mr. Devouassoux, was not an exception among his countrymen, he read in his fate that of many others. He persuaded Mr. Devouassoux to take a little walk upon his lot, and in a few_ minutes they found a beautiful building spot on a ris- ing ground.* We are not informed pre- cisely upon which side of Beaver river this location was, and it may have been in the town of New Bremen. M. St. Michel arrived in New York in November, 1798, and undertook the im- provement of a tract of i ,200 acres owned by three daughters of Mr. Lambot, and from them named Sistersfield. The agreement was made with Patrick Blake, husband of one of the sisters, and the owner of 200 acres of the tract. The two other sisters were named Renee Jeane Louise, and Reine Marguerite Lambot. Blake returned to Europe in 1802. M. St. Michel had seen better days in France, and is believed to have held an office under Louis XVI, the unfortu- nate royal victim of the French Revolu- tion. His household affairs were managed by a daughter who had been tenderly reared at the schools in Paris, but who applied herself to the duties of her fath- er's home with a cheerfulness that did much to lighten the gloom of solitude and lessen the sadness of both. About 1803, as Gouverneur Morris, Nicholas Low and one or two other landholders, had met at Brownville, M. St. Michel came down with Richard Coxe to see them and enjoy the luxury of a conver- sation with some one who could speak his native language with fluency. The meeting was described to the author in * Related by Vincent Le Ray, Esq., in a letter to the author. 1853, by Mrs. Skinner, of Brownville, a sister of General Brown, who was an eye-witness, as affording a scene worthy of a painter. Their visitor was a tall, thin man, with a keen and intelligent e)'e, and a vivacity peculiar to the French charac- ter. The eagerness with which he grasped the hand of the dignified Morris, and the satisfaction he evinced, was as interest- ing to the spectators as it was gratify- ing to the parties. M. St. Michel in dress and manners, indicated that he had been bred in polished society. He was a man of fervent piety and deep thought. His daughter married Louis Marseille, and adopted with grace the coarse fare and rustic accommodations of a new coun- try, without a murmur.* Her father moved to a farm a little south of Deer River village, where he died. Upon the death of her husband she married Louis de Zotelle, who, in the summer of 1838, was supposed to have died. Preparations were made for the burial, and a prema- ture notice of the death was printed in the Northern Journal. In a few days he called upon the editor to request that no notice be again printed unless he be in- formed in person. He died " in good faith," about 1854, but in the absence of the authentic notice promised, we are unable to give the date. Still further down, and just beyond the border of the county, Jean Baptiste Bossuot, settled at the present village of Carthage, where he held an acre of ground under a ver- bal agreement with Sauvage, its owner, and kept a ferry and tavern. Other men would have made an independent fortune out of the opportunities which his location offered, but the bridge de- stroyed his occupation, the village of Carthage which sprung up around " the meagre field of his slothful farming," *Louis A. Marseille, one of her sons, lived many years in Martinsburgh and Denmark, and died in the eastern part of the latter town. March 6, 1881, aged nearly eighty years. His wife Mary Ann (Babcock) died June 5 1873 age sixty-five years. ' ' HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CROGHAN. 165 failed to enrich its tenant, and he died a few years ago at an advanced age, leav- ing a world that was getting along with- out him. This person is mentioned in many places in our account of the Castorland Colony, under the name of " Battise." A few miles from the last, on the north bounds of Castorland, lived a man whose name is familiar to the visitors of Mont Blanc, as that of a family of one ot the best guides to that mountain. A guide of this name, lost on Mont Blanc was found forty-three years afterwards, in the glazier, near this village, and his funeral was held. Mr. Balmat's descendants re- sided many years, and perhaps still live in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence county. A neighbor of his, Mr. Carrett a man of good education, would have fared better had he been brought up on a farm. His eldest son, James, a youth of bright natural talents, was obliged to seek service, and while tending ferry at the Long Falls, fell under the notice of Le Ray, who received him into his office, and found him so very useful that he took him to Europe. While transacting some business with Joseph Bonaparte, the latter formed so favorable an im- pression of the young man, that he pre- vailed upon Le Ray to allow him to be- come his secretary, and he afterwards appointed him his general land agent. He subsequently returned to France, and settled near Lyons, where he was resid- ing twenty years ago. The three last named settlers located in what is now Jefferson county. The little improvements made by the French were soon abandoned, as the would-be pioneers became disheartened and moved away to older colonies or re- turned to France. There was scarcely a perceptible prog- ress in settlement during the first twenty- five years after the French removed. Their clearings and roads grew up with brambles, and their rude cabins rotted down, leaving but slight traces of their industry, and few evidences that this re- gion had been traversed by civilized men. In 1830, P. Somerville Stewart, for a long time Le Ray's agent at Carthage, removed to Belfort, on Beaver river ; built a saw-mill and store, brought in settlers, and two or three years after erected a grist-mill. A fire occurred May 30, 1 83 1, from a fallow, which con- sumed the only two buildings then fin- ished. A postoffice, named " Monterey," was established here some years after, but the route has been changed, and the office discontinued. About 1830, an immigration began from Europe, and continued many years, mainly through the exertions of agents employed by Le Ray, and the represen- tations sent home by those who had taken up land and settled. The first of these was Jacob Kiefer.* In the winter of 1848-49, a census taken in this town and New Bremen showed 247 European families of 1,275 persons, classified as follows : — Families. Persons. From France 190 987 " Germany 46 230 " Switzerland 11 58 Their religious belief was found to be:— Families. Persons. CathoHc 150 787 Prostestant 57 297 Muscovite 39 189 Their residence in America had been, one family 21 years ; three, 19; five, 18 ; seventeen, 17; six, 16; ten, 15; twenty- one, 14; four, 12; nine, 10; sixteen, 9; forty-nine, 8 ; fourteen, 7 ; six, 6 ; nine, 5 ; two, 4 ; six, 3 ; twenty-four, 2 ; thirty- five, I ; and ten, less than i year. They owned or occupied 12,413 acres of * Mr. Kiefer was from near Metz, then in the Depart- ment of Moselle.in France. Christian Hierschey came in September, 1831, with Joseph Kiefer. John Kiefer came in 1837 or '38. 1 66 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. which 4,338 were fenced and improved, and 500 partly cleared. They owned 59 horses, 388 sheep, 513 swine and 1,256 horned cattle, and their produce the year previous had been 2,770 bushels of wheat, 4,430 of corn, 7,513 of rye, 3,127 of buckwheat, 10,640 of oats, and 33>339 of potatoes, 1,447 tons of hay, 17,068 pound's of butter exclusive of that . used in families, and 27,925 pounds of maple sugar. From a pamphlet issued in 1858, it appears that there were then over 500 European families, numbering 3,000 per- sons, upon Le Ray's lands, the greater part in this town and New Bremen. They were chiefly from the east of France, and the adjacent parts of Ger- many and Switzerland. In a list of settlers numbering over three hundred names, the departments of Moselle, Meurthe, Lower Rhine, Up- per Saone and Doubs in France had furnished 154, Prussia 56, Mecklenburg- Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz 4, Hesse Darmstadt 5, Kur Hessen 14, Holstein and Lauenburg 3, Bavaria 8, Saxony and Saxe-Weimar 7, Baden 9, Wurtemburg 10, and Switzerland 36. In 1849, this town had a population of 1,168, of whom 646 were Americans and Irish, and 522 French, German and Swiss. Mr. Le Ray, employed for some years as his sole agent in France, for the pro- curing of emigrants, M. Vanderest, of Dunkirk, and issued several circulars, maps and other publications in French and German, with the view of calHng favorable notice to his lands. The terms advertised in Europe were one-fifth pay- ment at the end of one year after the selection of lands by the purchasers, and four-fifths in six years in equal an- nual installments, with interest. The amount offered in the two counties was 80,000 acres. M. Vanderest gave a con- tract, binding Le Ray to sell a tract of land to be selected within fifteen days or later after their arrival in New York, at a price varying from three to six dol- lars per acre, according to location, except lands near villages and water falls, and such as have timber conven- ient for sawing or manufacture, and engaged the emigrant to remove within three months to New York, and from thence, by way of Watertown, to Car- thage. This instrument, drawn up with due formality, included the names of all persons, old and young, belonging to the emigrating company, and was evidently intended to keep those removing, out of the hands of emigrant runners interested in other localities, until they may have an opportunity of visiting the lands and selecting for themselves. The foreigners settling in this town, were mostly industrious, frugal, and dis- posed to avail themselves of every ad- vantage that their situation afforded. From the fact that settlements were de- layed some forty years later on the east side of the river than upon the west, the first impression from a contrast in the conditions on the two sides of the river, must have had a discour- aging effect upon immigrants, but now, since clearings and improvements have been made, the agricultural capabilities of the eastern towns, are found to be much greater than was formerly sup- posed possible. Indeed, in wet seasons like the early summer of 1882, the crops upon the eastern side of the Black river are for the most part excellent, and the large and well filled barns, show ample evidences of plenty. The Europeans who often came in large companies, and who settled together, naturally retained for some years their native language in common use, in fam- ilies, and in rehgious meetings ; but most of the middle-aged, and all of the young, acquired very readily the English. The children attending the district schools. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CROGHAN. 167 where this language alone is taught, and associating with Americans, of course soon acquired the language of the coun- try, without a trace of foreign accent, and in a few years longer, not a vestige of the French or German will be found in that part of the country. Croghan Village. This place, often known as " French Settlement," is located upon the Beaver river, partly in the town of New Bre- men, and about ten miles northeast from Lowville, with between 700 and 800 in- habitants* and a large and growing amount of business, in the way of manu- factures and local trade. Arranged al- phabetically, the business of the village, chiefly in the town of Croghan, in the summer of 1882, was as follows: — Blacksmiths — Coenrad Hoch, Michael Magra, John Loson, Joseph Lallier, (blacksmith and wagon shop,) under- stood to be lately sold to Petzhold Bros. Boots and Shoes — Claude Klein, Peter Shinbourne, William Wirtz. Butchers — Frederick Housecker, Klein & Rood. Carpenters — Nortz Bros. Cheese Factory — Augustus Valin. Cooper — Samuel Hartzig, Tiss. Dress Makers — Mrs. Elizabeth Back, Nancy Sn)'der. Drug Store — S. E. Simonet. Furniture and Undertaking — Victor Valin. Grist-Mills — Theodore Basselin, Chris- tian Yousie, Peter Shinbourne. Harness-Maker — Joseph L. Monroe. Hotels and Saloons — Charles E. Gard- ner, Alpheus Gasser, Henry V. Miller, John Parquet, Nicholas Parquet, (saloon). Milliners — Miss Ruth Laraway, Mrs. Garnham. Painter — H. R. Graham. Physiciafis—Dv. T. C. Francis, Dr. Murray, Dr. Henry F. Kilbourn. Saw-mills, etc. — Christian Farney, (saw-mill, planer, lath, shingles, clap- boards, etc., using steam and water- power) ; Thomas C. Cadwell, (saw-mill, * The census of 1880 reported 445 inhabitants. veneers, sounding boards for pianos, etc., made 400,000 feet of thin maple and cherry for New York market in last year. Employs about fifteen men). Stores— Yienry Brothers ; Charles Tan- zer (hardware) ; Austin E. Prentice (P. O.) ; Anna Basselin & Son ; John Scanlan (confectionery, ice-cream, etc.) ; HippoUte Monnat ; James Garnham (hardware) ; Edward M. Marilley ; Ers- kine Laraway ; Samuel R. Virkler. Tannery— Kice Brothers* (extensive establishment) ; Peter Shinbourne, (in connection with other business). Wagon Makers — Michael Buckingham. (See Blacksmiths.) The village has a Methodist and a Catholic church, the latter being the finest church edifice in the county. Beaver Falls. This manufacturing village upon both sides of the Beaver river, and upon the line of Croghan and New Bremen, is on the site of the prospective city of " Cas- torville," of the French pioneers, and it is to be regretted that it does not bear this name. It is the seat of the exten- sive tannery, lumber mills, and a pulp- mill. A tannery was built here in 1852, and had eighty vats, with a production of 16,000 sides of sole leather per year. It was burned December 31, 1873, but has since been re-built. Theodore B. Basselin has two gang saw-mills on the New Bremen side, with a tramway and steam power to the land- ing. Belfort. This is the oldest settlement of any note in the town, and dates from 1830, under Mr. Stewart, as agent of LeRay, as already noticed. It has a tannery, * The tannery of Mr. Rice was built in 1857, burned September 15, 1865, and with it a large quantity of leather. It was soon afterwards re-built. It tans 35,000 sides of sole leather a year, uses 3,500 cords of hemlock bark, employs twenty-three men through the year, and fifty in the bark season. It ships 500 tons a year upon the raiiroad. It is known in the trade as the " Croghan Tannery." 1 68 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. built by William H. Pier, and now owned by Samuel Branaugh, of Car- thage, a store in connection with the tannery, a grist-mill (Peter Yancey, Jr.), a saw-mill (Joseph Yancey), hotel (Louis V. Bisha), and a few dwellings. Popu- lation in 1880, 132. On the 1st of January, 1882, a mill was put in operation for the manufacture of wood-pulp for paper, upon the Croghan side of the river^ near the head of navi- gation, and at the last site of a water- power on Beaver river. It is owned by James P. Lewis, Charles Nuffer and Martin R. LeFever, under the name of the " Pulp Mill Co.," and uses Outterson & Taylor's patent mechanical process. It has seven run of stones, and employs about twenty men. It uses chiefly spruce timber, and sends off its pulp for manufacture into paper elsewhere. There is a small Methodist church at Beaver Falls (Croghan side), two hotels, a cheese factory, and a few other small places of business. Naumburg. This is a scattered settlement along a road parallel with the river, and not far from the Parker bridge opposite Castor- land Station. It has three small church edifices, (Lutheran, Anabaptist and Meth- odist) ; an inn ; two stores, (Frederick Ries and Frank Ormsby) ; blacksmith, (John McFalls); wagon shop, (Seymour Hitch- cock); shoe maker, (S. H. Schorge), etc., and in the vicinity a manufactory of Limburg cheese. A short distance up the river is a saw-mill owned bv Van Amber & Co. The Parker Bridge was erected across the Black river at the State expense, under an act passed May 12, 1865, and under the direction of the Canal Board. It is directly opposite Castorland station on the U. & B. R. R. R., and just below the mouth of Beaver river. Bent's Settlement. [Indian River P. O.) This is located a little north of the town of Croghan, on a ridge between the Indian and Oswegatchie rivers, about seven and a half miles from Carthage. It was named from Thomas W. Bent, who located near here in 1824, and formed the first permanent settle- ment in the town. William Ash and Patrick Burns became residents of the town in 1826, and Patrick Clark in 1827. Jordan Falls. This is a tannery and dependency upon the west branch of the Oswegatchie river, about two and one-fourth miles east from Bent's Settlement, and ten miles from Croghan village. The estab- lishment is owned by the Rice Brothers, and was begun in 1870. It tans 70,000 sides of sole leather a year, using 7,000 cords of bark. It employs 40 men through the year, and 100 in the bark season, and ships 1,000 tons a year on the railroad. In other parts of this town, and not in villages, there are a few mills etc. that may be mentioned. Julius Partee has a saw-mill and planer on Beaver river above Croghan. Jehiel and Joseph La- favre have a saw-mill on Balsam creek, a mile above Belfort. Erskine Laraway has a shingle and saw mill near Long Pond, in the eastern border of the town. Bisha & Yancey have also a shingle mill in the eastern part. About two miles . and one-half east from the village, An- drew Stiner has a cloth dressing and carding mill, and near by Alpheus Virk- ler has a brick yard. Christian Yonsie has a saw-mill on a pond at its outlet in- to Indian river, and Squire Wilcox has a saw-mill. In 1 88 1, this town near the line of Wilna, suffered from forest fires which destroyed considerable quantities of tim- ber and bark. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CROGHAN. 169 Remgious Societies. The Methodists have a church at Cro- ghan village, built in 1858. The society was formed Aug. 14, 1857, virith William G. Dealing, Aley Thomson and Jacob House, as trustees. There is also a small Methodist church on the river road, to- wards Carthage, four miles below Naum- burg. The "EvangeHcal Association of North America," have had an organization and a house of worship in Naumburg several years. It was organized in 1847, under the Rev. M. Weiscotten, and the build- ing erected the next year. The " German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Congregation " in Cro- ghan, was formed Sept. 15, 1847, and elected Ernest Schlieder, Christian Ray- ser, C. Frederick Bachman, Frederick Wilk, and Weiss Katlen, trustees. A church styled the " Evangelical As- sociation," was legally formed Dec. 12, 1854, with August Stoebe, John Holler, and Jacob Rohr, trustees, and in 1857, erected a plain wood church at Beaver Falls. On the 19th of December, 1876, deeming the former minutes of 1854, to be insufficient, they re-organized under the name of the " Salem Church of the Evangelical Association of North Amer- ica, in the town of Croghan, in the county of Lewis, and State of New York," the trustees being Lewis Petsoldt, Michael Nuffer, and Edward A. Wey- meth. A number of Anabaptist famihes re- side in this and the adjoining town, and of these there are two classes, one being usually termed the new, or Reformed Anabaptists. These people.locally known as " Hook and Eye Baptists," have no church edifice, worshiping after the manner of the primitive Christians, in private houses, and in all their deahngs and social intercourses, are as much as possible restricted to their own circle. The Roman Catholics have three churches in town, viz : St. Stephen's* (near or on the line of Croghan and New Bremen in Croghan village,) St. Vincent de Paurs,\ at Belfort, and St. Leonard's of Port Maurea church at Jordan Falls. J The present church of St. Stephen's, was blessed Oct. 3, 1881, and is quite the largest and finest church edifice in the county. It is nearly on the town line, the church being in New Bremen, and the priest's house in Croghan. The congregation was formed by Rev. Father Guth from Cape Vincent in 1835, with 125 members, and a church was put up that year. In 1842, the present " old church " was built. The parish was in charge of priests from Utica sev- eral years, and for about fifteen years the same as served at Mohawk Hill in West Turin. Father Tappert was at both, from 1850 to '53. His successors were Father Feddermann (one year) ; Herino, (O. M. C.) ; Clemens, 1858, (O. M. C.) ; Ladisclaus, (O. M. C.) 1 861-63 ; and others, here and in West Turin. Since 1863, this has been separate, and the priests have been Joseph Lessen, 1863, (an Italian, who could preach in neither English, French or German) ; Smitt, 1867-68, (a secular priest); Vol- kert, (1868-Sept., 1871); Johannis Coul- lon, (March to August, 1875); Thomas A. Fielt, (December, 1875, to February, 1876, O. S. A.); Ferdinand Miiller, (February to August, 1876, O. S. F.) ; Francis Koch, (went to Paterson, N. J., February, 1880, O. S. F.); Father Cerom, for out-missions (February, 1880, to March, 1882) ; and Gregory Schlitt, (since December, 1861, O. S. F.) There *The first incorporation is dated March 14, 1S53, the first trustees being Nicholas Gandel, Christopher Milles and V. E. Rofinot, Jr. Under its present form the corporation dates from Aug. 31, 1869, Gabriel Volkert being their pastor. Its seal adopted Dec. 13, 1878, was recorded in the office of county clerk, in " Miscellan- eous Records" ii, p,38o. + Incorporated Sept. I, 1869, G. Volkert (pastor,) James Conboy and J. H. Tardy, (laymen.) \ Proved Aug. 31, 1878. I/O HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. have also been here Rev. Moritz San- der, (August, 1876, to March, 1882, O. S. F.) ; Leonat Malkmas, (November, 1876, to December, 1881, O. S. F.); and Camillus Mondor, (February, 1880, to March, 1882, O. S. F.) These priests, who, it will be noticed, have mostly belonged to the 3d Order of St. Francis, dress as Franciscan monks, and serve at other places, as at Moose River, Harrisville, Fine and Greig. Be- sides Father Gregory, there are at pres- ent Fidelis Kircher and Albert Strabele, both Franciscans. The Franciscan Monastery of St. Stephen (priest's house) was built in 1877; St. Mary's school building about 1864 to 1867 ; and the Convent of St. Eliz- abeth in 1878. The school-house is for elementary instruction of both sexes, and has about one hundred scholars ; the Con- vent is for young ladies only, and has some eighteen or twenty pupils. These are taught by four Franciscan Nuns. The mother house of their order is at Peekskill. There is also connected with the Priest's house a building erected in 1 88 1, where twelve boys are under ele- mentary religious instruction. They are from fifteen to twenty years of age, and are intended for priests. This school was begun about three years ago, and the boys board and lodge on the premises. St. Stephen's church is of wood, was built in 1 88 1, and blessed October 4th of that year. It is about 120 feet long, with a spire 160 feet high, and will seat about 700 persons. It is finished in black ash within, and cost about $16,000. The priests claim 424 families, and 2,226 souls as under their charge. They were induced to leave Germany in con- sequence of the measures of Bismarck in prohibiting monastic orders from exer- cising their functions in that country. Biographical Sketch. WILLIAM W. RICE. The family of Rice is descended from Robert Rice, who was born in England about the year 1590. The name in the earlier days of the family was variously spelled as Royce, Roise, Roice, and Royse. At what time it was changed to the more simple form of Rice, is not known. Robert, the ancestor mentioned, came to America in 163 1, and settled first in Boston, Massachusetts, from whence he removed to New London, Connecticut, previous to 1657. He was constable there in 1660, and was a representative in the Colonial Legislature, in 1661. He was in good repute, and was the father of nine children — six sons and three daughters. His first wife, Elizabeth, was living on the estate in 1688. He died in 1676. His third son, Samuel, married Han- nah Churchell, of Wethersfield, Conn. He resided in New London, Conn., and was a freeman there in 1669, but removed from there to Wallingford, New Haven county, previous to 1677. He had two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, also named Samuel, resided in Wall- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CROGHAN. 171 ingford, where he married, June 5, 1690, Sarah Baldwin, by whom he had four children. He died June 11, 1729. Of his children, Jacob, the youngest son, born April II, 1697, married Sept. 28, 1724, Thankful Beach, daughter of Thos. and Phebe Beach. She was born Sept. 20, 1702. Jacob died Nov 13, 1727, aged 30. county in 1857. Of the children of this marriage, two sons, William W. and Yale, have achieved some prominence in the business interests of Lewis county. Yale Rice, the eldest, was born De- cember 23, 1831, and received his educa- tion in Cortland and Ithaca. In 1849, he entered the leather establishment of Lor- tWILLISM W. RICE,] The children of Jacob and Thankful Beach Rice, were Amos and Experience. Amos, born November i, 1725, married Sarah Morse, about 1753, and resided in Wallingford, Conn. They had seven sons and four daughters. Their fifth son, Benajah, was born March 16, 1767, and married Sarah Hough, in January, 1793. Their only son Amos, was born August 22, 1800, in Windham, Greene county, N. Y. He married Loretta Susan Andrews, of Greene county, and came to Lewis ing Andrews, in New York, where he remained as clerk and book-keeper until 1853. He then went to Sullivan county, where he became connected with a tan- nery, remaining some six years. In 1859, he removed to Wisconsin, where he was a merchant until 1864. In that year he came to Lewis county, and became a partner with his brother in the manufac- ture of leather, under the firm name of W. & Y. Rice. WiUiam Wirt Rice, the subject of the 172 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. accompanying portrait, was born in Lexington, Greene county. New York, August 13, 1833. At tiie age of two years his parents removed from Greene county to Homer, Cortland county, where his early life was passed, and where he received his education in the Cortland Academy, under Prof. S. B. Woolworth, since secretary of the Board of Regents. He lived on the farm until the age of twenty, and in 1853, left home and came to the town of Greig, Lewis county, where he worked for C. W. Pratt, a tanner, for three years at twelve dollars per month, during which time he mastered the trade of sole leather tanning. In 1856, in company with his oldest brother, B. B. Rice, he built a tannery at Dunning's Station, on the Delaware & Lackawanna Railroad, nine miles from Scranton, Pa., which he sold before its entire completion, and in De- cember, 1856, came to Croghan, Lewis county. Here in the year following he built a tannery which was destroyed bv fire in 1865, and the present tannery was built in its place at once. In 1863, B. B. Rice sold his interest in the business to the father, Amos, who in 1864, sold to his son Yale, the present partner with William W. The capacity of this tannery is 20,000 sides of sole leather per year, using during that time 3,000 cords of bark. In the spring of 1870 they pur- chased ten thousand acres of land in Croghan, principally for its growth of hemlock timber. They built also a tan- nery at Jordan Falls, on the Oswegatchie river, the capacity of which is 60,000 sides per annum. Here they erected twenty-five or thirty dwellings, a large boarding house, a store and school house. In 1873, they purchased some 18,000 acres more of land, for its hemlock timber, and now conduct probably the most extensive tannery in the county. In 1866, William W. Rice was elected Supervisor of the town, which office he held four years, and was elected to that position again in 1881, for one term. In 1876, he was elected to the Assembly of the State by the Democratic party, and served to the satisfaction of his constit- uents. On the nth of October, 1864, Mr. Rice was married to Martha A. Gowdy daughter of Norman Gowdy of Low- ville. His children are : — Alice G., born October 24, 1865, died September 28, 1870 ; George Stanley, born August 20, 1867; Julia B., born October 23, 1869; Francis Yale, born November 12, 1871 ; Norman G., born January 12, 1874; Martha A., born Sep- tember 12, 1876. On the 27th of February, 1883, W. & Y. Rice sold their tanneries, and about 10,000 acres of bark land, to Messrs. BuUard & Co., of New York City, and will retire from business. CHAPTER XXI. History of the Town of Denmark. THIS town was formed from Harris- burgh, April 3, 1807, with its pres- ent limits, comprising Township V, ot the Black River Tract, or Mantua, as named by the Surveyor-General, on his published maps of 1802 and 1804. The first town meeting was ordered to be held at the house of Simeon Dunham, and the poor and poor moneys were to be divided with Harrisburgh according to the last tax list. The act took effect on the first Monday of February following. The first town officers were : — Lewis Graves, Supervisor; Wm. Der- byshire, Clerk ; Levi Robbins, Willis Se- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 173 combe and Eleazer Sylvester, Assessors ; John Clark, William Clark and John Hurd, Commissioners ; Stephen Parson and Sueton Fairchild, Poormasters ; Aaron Nash, Constable ; and Eleazer S. Sylvester, Constable and Collector. Lewis Graves was from Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y. He represented this county, Jefferson and St. Lawrence in Assembly in 1808, and this county aloae in 18 10. He was several years judge and supervisor, and died May 10, 1 8 16, aged sixty -one years. His widow survived until 1852, when she died Jan. 10, aged eighty-nine years. A brother named David also became an early settler. Eleazer Sylvester died February 17, 1835, aged fifty-four years. Supervisors. — 1808, Lewis Graves; 1809, John Canfield ; 18 10-' 12, L.Graves; 1813-14, J. Canfield; 1815-16, Samuel Allen; 18 17-' 18, Israel Kellogg; i8i9-'23, S.Allen; i824-'37, John Clark, ist; 1838- '39, ApoUos Stephens;* i840-'4i, Ab- ner A. Johnson ; 1842-50, Lewis Pierce ; 185 1, John H. Allen ; 1852-53, Albert G. Thompson; 1854, Lewis Pierce ; 1855- '56, Lucian Clark; 1857-58, L.Pierce; 1859, Philander Blodget ; i860, L. Pierce ; 1861-63, Albert G. Thomp- son ; i864-'69, Gilbert B. Johnson; i870-'75, John C. Wright; i876-'77, G. B. Johnson ; 1878-81, Addison L. Clark; 1882, Darwin Nash. Dr. Samuel Allen, (1815-16,) was a na- tive of Massachusetts, studied with Drs. Guiteau, of Trenton, and Willoughby, of Newport ; settled in practice at Low- ville, in 1808, and in April, 1809, became a partner with Dr. Perry. He re- moved to Copenhagen in 181 1, engaged in trade with David Canfield, and through the war was concerned in heavy contracts with the navy. The peace which followed brought ruin to this firm, although they kept on doing some busi- * Died at Deer River, April 7, 1867, aged 79 year-, 3 months. ness from about 1820 to 1828. They suc- ceeded in recovering from the govern- ment, a portion of the claims which the suspension of contracts occasioned, and while on this business at Washington, Dr. Allen formed the acquaintance of many prominent public men. He became the agent of Varick, in the rope manu- factory at Copenhagen, and afterwards engaged in farming a little southeast from the village, and adjacent to the High Falls. He died June 12, 1849, aged sixty-six years. Dr. Allen was ardently attached to the Whig party, and once nominated by them to the Assembly, but not elected. With literary tastes, pol- ished manners, and uncommon conver- sational powers, he was eminently fitted to please and instruct, while his prompt reply and keen wit, made him the life of the social gathering. Clerks. — 1808-09, William Derby- shire; i8io-'ii, Willis Secombe; 1812, Levi Robbins ; 1813, Eleazer S.Sylves- ter; 1814-19, Asa D. Wright ; 1820-24, Absalom Sylvester; 1825, Apollos Stephens; 1826, Absalom Sylvester; 1827, David A. Higley ; 1828, Absalom Sylvester; i829-'33, Apollos Stephens; 1834-35, Amos Buck; 1836-37, Otis Shaw; 1838, Amos Buck; 1839-40, Lewis Pierce; i84i-'43, Charles Loud*; 1844-45, John M. Hulbert ; 1849, Sidney Sylvester; 1847, William N. Angle; i848-'49, Elon G. Parsons ; 1859, C. Loud ; 1851, William N. Angle; 1852, Edward L. Hulbert; 1853, Elon G. Parsons; 1854-55, JohnH. Angle; 1856, E. L. Hulbert; 1857, Darwin Nash ; 1858-60, Silas Slater, Jr.; 1861, John W. Wright ; 1862, Darwin Nash ; 1863-64, James Johnson; 1865, John Sylvester; 1866, David Graham, Jr.; 1867-70, Phineas Wool worth; 1871-73, Edward L. Hul- bert ; 1874-76, Oscar P Hadcock ; 1877-78, Edward L. Hulbert: 1879-81, * Died January 8, 1851, aged 36. 174 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Joseph W. Empey ; 1882, Charles M. Redfield. In 1810, 'II, '12, '13, a fine of $10 was voted for allowing Canada thistles to go to seed. A bounty of 50 cents was voted in 1821, for killing foxes, and $10 for panthers in 1828. As noticed in our chapter upon titles, this town formed a part of the purchase of Harrison, Hoffman, Low and Hender- son, and fell to the lot of the first two, as joint owners, together with townships 8 and 10, or Rodman and Harrisburgh. On the ist of May, 1805, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, sold to Thomas L. Ogden, his half of these towns, and the securities upon them in trust, to pay, first, to the bank of New York, his share of debt due the bank, as assignee of Constable ; second, the personal debts of Hoffman to the Constable estate ; third, a debt due to Abijah Hammond ; fourth, to William Harrison, the sum due on a bond of $9,093.50, given January i, 1805 ; and lastly, what remained to Hoffman. In a transaction of this date, Harrison ac- quired Hoffman's interest in lots i, 2, 3, 18, 53. 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 68, excepting parts of 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, and 64, for $7,300. The first and second trusts were executed in the summer of 1809, and on the ist of June, Harrison and Hoffman made a division of con- tracts, bonds and mortgages. On the 19th of July, Hoffman and Ogden con- veyed the whole to Harrison, to satisfy his demands in full. The amount of securities in the three towns thus trans- ferred, was $86,600.80. Hoffman, while concerned in these titles, was Attorney- General. He was seven years in the Assembly, in 1810, '13, '14; was Recorder of New York ; and at the time of his death, which occurred January 24, 1838, he was Associate Judge of the Superior Court of that city. He was a lawyer of great ability and strict integrity. The first definite knowledge of this town was ascertained by Benjamin Wright, who surveyed around it in April, 1776, and recorded in his field-book the following : — " This is a most excellent township of land, and is beautifully watered with small streams, with a large creek called Deer creek running through the middle of it. On this creek is a cataract,* about four miles from the mouth, of about 20 or 30 feet, and very curious mill seats. There are several large creeks, of fine water running through the town, with mill seats on them. There is an exceed- ingly large intervale on Deer creek near the mouth, which is of the richest kind of land, and will be equal in quahty and extent to any flat in the State oi New York. The extent of these flats is about 2,000 acres, and their richness is not over estimated. They are not ordinarily flowed over their whole extent, but in the winter of 1856-57, the flood came up to the foot of the hill, a few rods be- low Deer River village. On the 12th of May, 1833, the inundation was higher than ever before or since known. The south line of this town is of an excellent quality, excepting a swamp near the Black river, which is timbered with pine, ash, cedar, beech, and soft maple. This township needs no other remarks,but only to say, that it is the best township in the 300,000 acres, and has every good quality that can be contained in a town- ship of land — mill seats, excellent timber, finest quality of soil, excellent water, and pretty good situation. Area 33.951 acres, strict measure." The triangular form of this town and of Champion,appears to have resulted from a wish on the part of the owners of the Black River tract, to give to each a proportional river front. Along the Black river we first find a series of meadow lands of great fertility and an- nually flowed by the river. Back of this the surface rises by a succession of lime- stone terraces, with heavy deposits of drift, especially on the eastern margin of the upper terrace, below the village of Copenhagen. The accumulation of • Probably King's Falls, The High Falls appear to have been unknown at this time. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 175 drifted materials there forms a succes- sion of sharp, irregular hills, with deep valleys between. The same appearance is observed in Turin, and was apparent- ly caused by currents bearing these loose materials along, a little obliquely across the valley that had previously been formed in the limestone, by glacial ac- tion. The proprietors of Township V, ap- pointed Abel French of Albany, their agent, and the latter employed Joseph Crary, in i/qS-'qq, to subdivide the town- ship into farms.* It will be observed.up- on examination of the map, that this survey was made with reference to a line since adopted as the route of the East Road, which was called the Base Line; and that the lot lines were run nearly parallel, or at right angles to this. The principal lots were intended to measure seventy chains on each side, and were sold as right angled, although uniformly, and no doubt purposely, run at an angle varying 6° from this, thus faUing a little short of reputed contents in every case. It is said that Crary remonstrated at this irregularity, but was overruled, and directed to proceed as the surveys now indicate. The lands of this town were offered to settlers upon terms that were considered very favorable, varying from two to three and a half dollars per acre, one- half being required at purchase. About 1806, Mprris S. Miller, then of Lowville, but subsequently of Utica, became agent, and soon after Isaac W. Bostwick, of Lowville, under whom its settlement and conveyance by deed was mostly completed. Abel French made the first location, having from his position as agent the * Joseph Crary afterward settled in this town, and was buried at Deer River, about 1815. He was a very large man. His name occurs in the records of land surveys in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, where he was employed by David Parish and others, to subdi- vide townships into farms. ' first choice, and selected the site of what has since become Deer River village. It is a prevalent belief among the first purchasers, that Mr. French saved a valuable tract of land to himself, by this arrangement. He represented Oneida county in Assembly in 1799, 1801, '02, '03, and Albany county in 1810. French resided in Floyd before Hving in Den- mark. A citizen of that town who knew him there, has informed us that a few years befoi'e his death, he boasted to him that he had " gutted the Black River people." The character given of him in our first edition, our informant considered as well deserved, and he thought him in many respects a " bad man." He was supervisor in Floyd in 1798-99. He died in Albany, where the latter years of his life were spent, on the 17th of November, 1843, aged seventy- eight years. The ne.xt settlement was by Jesse Blodget, the first actual resident, who, in 1800, settled at Denmark village, where he resided till his death, January 9, 1848, at the age of eighty-four. His wife was the first woman who came into town. She died August 5, 1844, aged seventy years. Their son, Harrison Blodget, born March 18, 1801, was the first male child born in town. In 1824, Mr. Jesse Blodget built the large stone hotel in Denmark village. He first began keeping tavern in 1812. Harri- son Blodget was for a long period actively concerned in the affairs of the town and county, and was Member of Assembly in 1831. He was for many years one of the leading men in the County Agricultural Society, and in other matters of public utility. He died January 4, 1875, aged seventy-four years. Joseph Crary, the surveyor, Peter Bent (died November 30, 1833, aged fifty- six years), Solomon Farrell, William and Daniel Clark, James Bagg, Charles Moseley, Simeon Dunham, and others 1/6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. settled in the lower part of the town. Freedom Wright and his sons, Douglas (died July 21, 1863, aged eighty-four years ; his wife died December 17, 1863, aged eighty-two) and Freedom ; Charles Wright and his sons, Charles (died May 20, 1827, aged fifty-four), Tyrannus A. (died July 12, 1862, aged eighty-four), Stephen, Erastus, Chester, Nathan and Matthew, and son-in-law, William Mer- riam , Joseph Blodget, his son, Calvin (died June 7, 1845, aged seventy), and son-in-law, Shadrach Case ; Andrew Mills, Freedom Williams, Darius Sher- win (died November 13, 1865, aged sixty- five) ; Levi and Reuben Robbins, David Goodenough, John Williams, Nathan Munger and his son, Nathan ; Levi Barnes, John Clark, Joseph and Bezaled I. Rich, (died December 11, 185 1, aged seventy -eight) ; David King, Isaac Munger (died April 20, 1850, aged seventy-five) ; Abner Whiting, Robert Horr, Henry Welch, and perhaps others, in the central and western parts, in 1801 and 1802. In most cases as was then a common custom, the settlers came on the first year and made some improve- ments before the removal of their families the following spring. The Wrights were from Winstead, Conn., the Mungers from Ludlow, Mass., the Blodgets and Rich from New Hamp- shire, Crary from Vermont, the Rob- bins families from Sandisfield, Mass., Clark from Barre, Mass., and with scarcely an exception, all who arrived during the first five years were from some of the New England States. The town settled with great rapidity, and in less than three years, most of it was in the hands of actual settlers.* In the winter of 1800-01, it isbeheved no family but that of Jesse Blodget, re- * Jonathan Barker, Nathaniel Sylvester, William Root, tJrial and Timothy Twitchell, Solomon Wedge, John and David Canfield, Ichabod Parsons and others were early settlers. Mr. Parsons died September 9, 1867, aged ninety-one years. mained in town. The next winter was remarkably open, and land was plowed in March. This may have created a highly favorable opinion of the climate of the new town, although the occur- rence was not peculiar to this section in that year. That portion of the town south taf Deer river, between Copenhagen and Denmark villlage, early acquired the name of Halifax, and prejudices were raised against it, but fifty years of culti- vation have shown that it is equal to any part of the town. The first physician who settled at Co- penhagen was Dr. Dunn, but he removed to the Genesee country in 1804, and in the year following Dr. John Loud settled and remained till his death, March 3, 1 83 1, at the age of fifty -two. The first framed house in Denmark village was built by Freedom Wright, first inn-keeper, and the first in Copen- hagen by Levi Barnes. In the spring of 1801, the Nathan Mun- gers (father and sonj, millwrights, having had their attention called to the Black River country, came down the river and followed up the Deer river to half a mile above the falls where they selected a site for mills, and in that season finished a saw-mill and got it in operation. The proprietors to encourage the enterprise gave them the water privilege from the High falls up over two miles. In 1803, they got a small grist-mill with one run of burr stones in operation, in time to grind the first wheat raised in the town as soon as it was in condition for use. The mill stood directly below the upper saw-mill in Copenhagen village, and its vicinity gradually receiving a number of mechanics, acquired the name of Mun- ger s Mills. The first store was opened at this place by Urial Twitchell* and the first inn on the hill south of the village was * Died November 19, 1856, aged seventy-nine. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 177 kept by Andrew Mills. A beaver meadow, now a broad and beautiful in- tervale just above the village, afforded the first hay used in the settlement. It so happened that most of those liv- ing at this place were Federalists, and as politics then ran, were presumed to sym- pathize with British measures. Soon after the arrival of the news of the bom- bardment of Copenhagen in Europe in 1807, by a British fleet, in time of peacei and under circumstances that were re- garded throughout Christendom as high- ly disgraceful to the assailants, a politi- cal meeting was held at Munger's Mills, by the Republicans as then styled. Their business being done, some one proposed to christen the place Copenhagen, in de- rision of the party who were in duty bound to justify the recent outrage in Europe. The name was at once adopt- ed, and a few years after it was applied to their post-office. The town had pre- viously been named by the Legislature, which rendered the new name to this village the more appropriate, as the largest village in town. We have the means for furnishing the names of most of the men living in this town, and two others adjoining, all then comprising the town of Harrisburgh, in the State Electoral census of 1807. We. have carefully arranged them in alpha- betical order, to facilitate reference. Census of Electors in Harrisburgh, IN 1 807, {including the present towns of Denmark, Harrisburgh and Pinckney.) [Gilbert Taylor, and Jabez Wright, Census Takers.] Allen, Winthrop. Alton, Asa. Alton, David. Andeisa, Joseph. Anderson, Joseph. Austin, Caleb. Austin, Gunman. Austin, Jonathan. Austin, Silas. Babcock, Backus. Babcock, Caleb. Babcock, Daniel. Bailey, John. Bailey, Samuel. Barker, Jonathan. Bander, Michael, Jr. Beebee, Henry. Belmat, Peter N. Benson, Ebenezer. Bent, David. Bent, Peter. Blodget, Calvin. Blodget, Jesse. Blodget, Joseph. Blodget, Rufus. Boyington, John. Brigham, David. Brown, Horace. Brush, Berick. Buck, Amos. Buck, Elijah. Buck, Solomon. Buris, James. Burr, Hiram. Bush, John. Bush, Silas. Burt, Josiah. Butts, Morris. Butts, Thomas. Card, Peleg. Carey, Rice. Carter, Benjamin. Case, Shadrach. Chambers, Lawrence. Chapins, Jeremy. Chinchman, Chris. Clark, Edward. Clark, Elijah. Clark, John. Clark, John S. Clark, William. Clifford, Jonathan T. Cobb, Ezra. Cobb, George H. Collins, Julius. Cone, Crocker. Cone, Silas. Cook, Nathan. Cook, Peter. Copeley, William. Cottrell, Gardner. Cottrill, Wm. B. Cown, Peter G. Darbyshire, William. Davis, Heman. Davis, John. Dean, Isaac. Demirig, Lyman. Denison, Nathan. Dixon, Jeremiah. Dixon, Robert B. Dunham, Daniel. Dunham, Simeon. Eldridge, Robert. Elmer, Isaac. Elmer, Samuel. Everett, Daniel. Fairchild, Sueton. Farwell, Solomon. Farwell, Leonard. Fitch, Benjamin. Forward, Jesse. Fry, Abraham. Fry, John. Fulsom, Joseph. Gates, George D. Gilbert, James. Gillet, Azariah. Gillett, Barnabas. Gleason, John. Godard, Lewis. Goodenough, David. Goodenough, John. Goodwin, Joseph. Graves, David. Graves, Lewis. Graves, Harting. Green, Olney. Griswold, James. Hall, George. Hanchel, Seth. Hancock, Rufus. Hartwell, WiUiam. Heart, Stephen. Hewit, David. Hildreth, Aaron. Hitchcock, Amasa. Horham, Benjamin. Horr, Isaac. Horr, Jacob. Horr, Luther. Horr, Robert. Hovey, Levi. Hovey, Samuel. Humphrey, Ashbel. Humphrey, Hart. Humphrey, Micah. Hunt, Ephriam. Hunt, James. Huntmgton, Ralph. Hurd, John. Hyde, Elihu. Ingraham, George S. Ingraham, Jeremiah. Irish, Daniel. Kelsey, Oliver. Kenyon, Joshua. King, Elijah. King, Grimes. King, Silas. Knapp, Jared. Knapp, John. Knapp, Wright. Lamkin, Thomas. Lewis, John. Lockwood, James. Loud, John. Macumber, Cyrus. Macumber, Enoch. Macumber, Samuel. Mann, Jabez. Mann, Samuel. 178 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Mead, T. Meriam, William. Mills, Andrus. Moody, Elijah. Moody, Elijah, Jr. Moor, Levi. Morison, Consider H. Moss, James. Munger, Elijah. Munger, Isaac. Munger, Nath'an. Munger, Nathan, Jr. Munger, Solomon. Murry, Ichabod. Nash, Eleazer. Nash, James. Nash, Joel. Noxon, Benjamin, Jr. Newton, Joseph. Newton, Jotham. Olncy, Joseph. Ordway, John. Packard, Jared. Page, Amasa. Parkerford, Gurdon. Parks, William. Parsons, Elihu. Parsons, Ichabod. Parsons, Stephen. Pearce, Asa. Peck, Azariah. Peck, Henry. Peck, Jonathan. Phinney, Joshua. Pickart, Thomas. Plank, John. Porter, Asa. Parington, Joseph. Rich, Joseph. Richards, David. Richards, Joseph. Robbins, Levi. Robbins, Reuben. Rogers, Eli. Rogers, Grary. Rogers, Zebadiah. Root, William. Saflford, Sanford. Saye, Elias. Saunders, Francis. Saunders, Silas. Sawyer, Jotham. Scherraerhorn, Henry. Seccomb, Thomas. Seccomb, Willis. Shephard, Ichabod. Shephard, Israel. Shearman, Mishael. Skeels, Cephas. Skeels, Elijah. Skeels, Nirum. Slater, Abiel. Slater, Silas. Smith, David. Smith, Ira. Smith, Isaac B. Smith, Samuel. Smith, Selah. Stannard, Roswell. Stoddard, George A. Stoddard, John. Stoddard, Ralph. Stoddard, Richard. Stoddard, Samuel. Swinburn. Peter. Sylvester, Ezra. Sylvester, Nathaniel. Taylor, Abisher. Taylor, David. Taylor, Gilbert. Thomas, Sturbeal. Thompson, Archibald. Tisdale, Elisha. Toflfy, Hewlett. Torey, Azariah. Townsend, Abner. Townsend, Jonathan. Townsend, Timothy. Trowbridge, Hezekiah. Trowbridge, Roswell. Twitchel, Uriel. Verten, Gellis V. VanBrocklin, Gilbert. VanVlek, Benjamin. Vaughan, John. Vedder, Adam. Vedder, Lemon V. Vrooman, Abram. Vrooman, Barrant. Watson, Samuel. Webb, Joseph. White, John G. White, Isaac L. White, Joseph. Whiting, Abner. Wilcox, Daniel. Williams, Absalom. Williams, Freeman. Williams, Isaac. Williams, Jacob. Williams, John. Wood, Solomon. Woolworth, Phineas. Wright, Charles. Wright, Charles, Jr. Wright, Freedom. Wright, Tyrannus A. About 1807, the Rev. Peleg Card, a pioneer Baptist minister, began a cloth manufactory belovsr Copenhagen, which was continued by himself and sons for many years. The cloth principally made was satinet, but afterwards the business was chiefly limited to carding wool. The business disappeared entirely many years ago. In 1806, most of a militia company at Copenhagen, failed to appear at a train- ing, on account of some grievance at the change of their captain, and were ac- cordingly summoned to a court martial, to be held at the inn of Andrew Mills, half a mile south of the village, in Janu- ary following. Their numbers inspired confidence in the belief that the proceed- ings of the Court might be embarrassed or interrupted, and they agreed upon a course of proceeding, perhaps natural, under the circumstances of time and prevailing customs. Procuring a keg of spirits at a distillery, they marched to the court, and when called up for trial, assigned whimsical reasons for delin- quency, alleging the want of decent clothing, short funds, the existence of various infirmities, and other frivolous causes, tending to throw ridicule upon the court, and rendering it necessary to order the arrest of the greater number of the party. The prisoners were con- fined in the room over that in which the court martial was held, and finally by their boisterous conduct, compelled an adjournment without trial. The offending parties were indicted for riot, and their trial came off at Doty's tavern, in Martinsburgh, but resulted in acquittal. The rioters had in the mean time, prepared a song, entitled. The Keg and the Lazv, which recited minutely the transaction, and when the county court had adjourned, after the trial, this song was sung in the court room with great force and effect. The presiding judge is said to have jocosely remarked, that if this had been sung during the trial, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 179 witnesses would have been needless, as it embodied every fact in the case. One year after, the anniversary of their ac- quittal was celebrated, by an address, and the well remembered song was re- peated. It was written by Charles Wright, and a friend has furnished us a written copy, as taken down half a cent- ury after, from the memory of one of the party. It consists of twenty-four stanzas, and is entirely destitute of rhyme, poetical measure or hterary merit, although it might appear quite different in its appropriate tune, now for- gotten, or so changed as not to be appli- cable to the subject. A company of Sil- ver Greys or Exempts, was formed in this town, under Charles Wright, during the war. It never found occasion for service. In June, 181 5, Henry Waggoner was found dead below the High falls, in Deer river, under circumstances that excited suspicions of murder. A coroner's jury was called, but could not agree, and the body was buried, but the clamors of the public led to the holding of a second in- quest before a jury of twenty -three persons, summoned from the central and southern part of the county, of whom twelve united in a verdict of suicide. It appeared that Simpson Buck, of this town, had been on terms of improper in- timacy with the wife of a son of Mr. Waggoner, who resided on the Num- ber Three road, south of Copenhagen. The old man, who had been a Hessian soldier, and was perhaps seventy years old, pubHcly denounced this conduct, and in a recent suit against Buck, had appeared and testified against him. It is related that the latter swore that Wag- goner should never appear against him again in court. When last seen, Mr. Waggoner was going to his work of hoeing potatoes in a field about a mile south of the falls. When found by Lyman Demming, half a mile or so below the falls, some days after, the body was much decayed, and showed marks upon the skull as if made with the head of a hoe. It is said there was also found a trail of blood for some distance from the bank, and on a tree fence over which the body was supposed to have been taken. Forty-two witnesses were sworn by the coroner, (Adoniram Foot,) and the evidence taken led to the verdict that the deceased, about the 1 2th of June, 1815, "came to the south bank of Deer river, about one or two rods above the High falls, and then and there, by acci- dent, or intentionally fell, threw himself into the said river, and then and there passed over said falls, a distance of 164 feet, and in so doing bruised and drowned himself." Dr. Spencer, of Champion, was the examining surgeon on the oc- casion, and believed that Waggoner had been murdered. Buck soon after went off with the young man's wife, resided some years in Penn Yan, and then removed to Michigan, where he is said to have perished by violence. At the time of the event he was very strongly suspect- ed, even before the body was found, and in accordance with a superstition that should rather belong to the days of Salem witchcraft, he was brought and required to touch the dead body, to as- certain whether blood would flow afresh from the wound. Upon conversing with many cotemporaries of Waggoner, we find that the belief in his murder was very generally prevalent, although two or three expressed doubts as to whether an old soldier, who had been living in the place some time before, and also went off soon after, was not employed to execute the deed, or to assist in it. An arrest was made in this town in I Big, which forms one of the links in a chain of events in one of the most singu- lar criminal trials upon record. Stephen i8o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Bourne, from Vermont, was one of two brothers charged with the murder of Russel Colvin, in Vermont, about seven years before. Being taken back to that State, he confessed the murder, and was sentenced to be hung. His brother, Jesse, was sent to the penitentiary for life. Doubts being expressed by some as to whether there had been a murder, an appeal was made to the Legislature for a pardon, but instead of granting this they passed a law directing the execution to take place on an appointed day — Jan. 28, 1820. The facts as to the supposed murder were briefly these : Colvin was their brother-in-law, and a roving, shiftless, half-crazy fellow ; living upon them with his family, but tramping off, sometimes for months together. An altercation arose in the field where the brothers were plowing, and Colvin was knocked down and left senseless. They robbed his pockets, piled brush over him, and in the night set fire to the heap, and as they thought, reduced his remains to ashes. But before this Colvin had recovered, crawled out, and departed. He wan- dered off to New Jersey, and found a home in a family where he made himself useful, and lived several years, a crazy but harmless man. A singular dream is said to have started up the story of a murder, which Colvin's long absence and failure to return, appeared to justify. It is said that Colvin had informed the family where he lived, of enough to satisfy them of his identity, but he could not be persuaded to return. The arrest of the brothers and the notoriety of the case having come to the family, they took Colvin under a pretense of going on some business, and brought him to the place where Stephen Bourne was soon to be executed. His identity could not be doubted, and of course the sentence of the two brothers was suspended. Stephen Bourne returned to Denmark, stayed two or three years, and went from thence to Champion, and finally west. He was thought to be half-crazy, good to work, but always poor, and " none too good " to commit the crime of which he had been charged. He was regarded as malicious, passionate, and when angry, blind to consequences. But the most singular part of the whole occurred when, about 1861, this same Bourne, being arrested at Cleveland, O., for passing counterfeit money, and then at an advanced age, again confessed in jail, the murder of Colvin. The guilt of the crime had been on his conscience through all these years, and he could not be persuaded but that it was real. Two other criminal events of more recent date may be noticed in this con- nection : — Lorenzo A. Larabee, of this town, was tried for the murder of Jack Woodward; in 1 87 1, and sentenced to Auburn prison lor two years and four months, for man- slaughter in the third degree. In April, 1878, David Merrihew, living in the eastern part of Denmark, was taken ill, and in ten days died in con- vulsive agony. He was a single man, living in the family of his brother, Charles B., who three weeks afterwards was also taken sick, with like symptoms, but under careful nursing was saved. Suspicion strongly pointed to these cases as poisoning, and to the wife of the lat- ter as the criminal. Mrs. Harriet Mer- rihew, was accused, arrested, tried, found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to inprisonment for life. She was sent to the Onondaga peniten- tiary. Winthrop Merrihew, her cousin, was also indicted, but was acquitted. While awaiting trial in jail, he made an attempt at self-starvation, but was com- pelled to abandon it. In December, 1850, William Cratzen- berg of this town, was indicted for the murder of his wife in the spring preced- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. i8i ing, and tried but acquitted. The judge, in charging the jury, stated that the prisoner had been guilty of great cru- elty and brutality ; but the evidence failed to establish a verdict of guilt. He resided on the road between Copenha- gen and Deer River. On the gth of July, 1832, a Board of Health, consisting of the Supervisor, Overseers of the Poor and Justices of the Peace, was appointed in this town, to guard against cholera, and Dr. Eras- mus D. Bartholomew was appointed health officer. Dr. Bartholomew who then lived in Denmark village, after- wards removed to Hamilton, Madison county. Copenhagen Village. We have already mentioned the be- ginning of settlement at Mungers Mills, and the naming of the place as since known. There remains to be mentioned, the causes that have given it growth, and its present condition. About 1820, Allen & Can field,* who had several years transacted a heavy mercantile and manufacturing business, failed and their mill property was sub- sequently bid in by Abraham Varick of Utica. Dr. Samuel Allen was appoint- ed agent for the erection of an extensive rope factory, and the farmers of this and adjoining towns were induced to en- gage largely in the culture of flax and hemp, hundreds of acres of which were raised. In 1832, a rope walk, 575 feet long, was erected, and about 1836, machinery was introduced for the preparation of hemp. Active efforts were made at about this period to induce farmers to undertake the raising of flax, and seed was loaned to such as would undertake it. The rotting of hemp was not found economical by the process employed, and its culture quickly fell into disuse. * David Canfield died December 17, 1849, aged sev- enty-one. The rope works were burned in the spring of 1843, doubtless by an incen- diary, and again built soon after, 400 feet in length, by Archibald Johnston, and the business has continued more or less regu- larly for some years. Varick lost a large sum in this investment. In 1853, surveys were made with the design of securing the location of the Rome railroad to this place. The high- est point on the surveyed route was 61 1 feet above Felt's mills, and about forty above Copenhagen. At that time, a square mile was surveyed, and prelim- inary measures adopted to obtain a vil- lage charter. The census taken for this purpose, gave on the proposed limits, 610 inhabitants.* The project of an incorporation rested until the beginning of 1869, when a new and this time a successful result was ob- tained. The population as reported January 12, 1869, was 559, on an area assumed as the boundary of the village, measuring about 75 1 acres, as surveyed by William C. Lawton. The incorpo- ration dates from February 22, 1869, and the election on the acceptance of arti- cles held May 4, 1869, resulted in a vote of 108 for, to 27 against. The first Trustees were John C. Wright, John M. Paris, Erastus P. Daggett, Phineas Woolworth, Enos Gallup, and J. L. Merrell. The remaining first officers were Peter Bent, John D. Dryden and A. M. Stock well. Assessors ; James Johnston, Clerk ; Leicester J. Raymond, Treasurer; and George Chickering, Street Commission- ers. John C. Wright, was chosen Presi- dent. At an election held June 7, 1870, upon the acceptance of the new General act for the organization of village govern- ments, it was approved by a vote of 38 to o. * The census of 1870, gave the population of the vil- lage as 575. In 1880 it was 702. l82 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The succession of Village Presidents, has been as follows : — 1870. John C. Wright. i87i-'72- Oliver Woodward. i873-'74- Charles M. Paris. i875-'77- Lucian Clark. 1878-79. D. P- Hadcock. 1880. A. L. Clark. 1 88 1. Charles M. Redfield. 1882. A. L. Clark. The present business of the village (August, 1882,) may be summarized asj follows ; — Barber— George Keiser. Blacksmiths — Nelson T. Cutwater, Corcoran Bros., John W. Wright. Boots and Shoes — (Sold at all dry -goods stores, but at no separate establishment.) Albert Boynton, Franklin Cottrell, Solo- mon Doness and Celia LeMain, shoe- makers. Butter-tub factory and Planing-Mill — Olney Newton. Cheese Box and Butter-tub Factory — Horace Ward. Clothing Store — George R. Scovil. Dentist — William G. Smith. Dress Makers — Mrs. Anna Ferguson, Miss Louisa Forward, Mrs. Augusta Vary. Druggists — Erwin J. Noyes, Leicester J. Raymond & Son, Curtis R. Stoddard. Dry-Goods Stores and Groceries — Benja- min Stanton, Albert G. Thompson & Son, Frederick H. Angle, Wheeler Bros. Furniture Dealers and Undertakers- — Joseph Empey, Frank Lansing. Grist-Mill — Eugene C. Hurd. Feed Mill— }. S. Campbell. Groceries, etc. — George J. Dryden, Warren S. Stiles. Hardware — Charles A. Chickering, Robert G. McCuen. Harnesses — Moses Lang, Charles L. Merrell. Hotel — Davenport Bros. [John R. & William A. sons of Ashley D.] (Another hotel owned by L. Totman, was partly burned July i, 1882. It has since been rebuilt.) Jewelers — Morris L. Merriman, D. Ter- rell. Lawyers— K. H. Kellogg, G. P. Breen. Milliners— Mrs. Harriet Cottrell, Mrs. Chas. Hughes, Miss Irene Bohall. Painters — Sidney B. Daggett. ' Photographer — Morris L. Merriam. Physicians— Dr. E. I Wood, (Homeo- pathic); Dr. O. O. Stowell; Dr. Otis Shaw ; Dr. Ebenezer Allen, (Eclectic); Dr. A. H. Gordenier. Printer — Charles M. Redfield, office of Lewis County Independent. Produce Dealers — Thomas McMichael, and the stores generally. Sash and Blinds, Planing, Etc. — Eu- gene H. Green, James Carey. Saw-Mills — Horace Ward, Burrington Nellis. Tailors — Henry Murphy and James Shepard. Tannery — Switzer Campbell. Telegraph Operator — Warren S. Stiles. Tin Shops — (With each of the hard- ware stores.) Wagon Shops — Oscar T. Ingerson, Cor- coran Bros., William Bushnell. The Perkins Academy, on the northern border of the village, was opened as a private academy in the fall of 1879, by the Rev. Judson O. Perkins, and has usually an attendance of from 40 to 60, the rolls at times having 100 at a time on record. The Free Masons have a lodge at Co- penhagen — " Orient Lodge " No. 238. There was a lodge also at Denmark vil- lage early in the century. The order of Temperance styled " The Temple of Honor," has an organization kflown as " Robins Temple," No. 13, at Copenhagen. John H. Raymond's Cornet Band, has been in existence for several years. Levi Bobbins, the Centenarian. — In the spring of 1880, there occurred in this town, the extraordinary event of a birth- day party, in which the person honored had finished the first century of life, and was about to enter upon the second. The occasion derived the greater interest, from the fact that the subject of this notice had acted a somewhat prominent part in the history of the town and county, and because from his having been at one time a member of the Leg- islature, the event became a matter of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 183 record, in the form of a resolution of con- gratulation upon the Assembly Journal. Levi Robbins, son of Solomon and Mary Robbins, was born at Wethersfield, Conn., May i, 1780, and came to reside in Denmark, in 1801. In 1803, he mar- ried Dinah Goodenough, and settled as a farmer, which was his occupation through life. He became a member of the Baptist church, and was the first man baptized in Copenhagen, and upon the formation of a Baptist church under the Rev. Peter P. Roots, and Rev. Stephen Parsons, in 1808, he became the first deacon and clerk. He took an early and active interest in the temperance question, and was a radical abolitionist. In the early days of the agitation upon the slavery question, he voted as he believed, upon that ques- tion, at a time when one could count the number of voters of his party in this town, upon the fingers of one hand ; and if we rightly remember, he would have held several responsible offices in the county, if he had received votes enough. But office seeking was not quite in his line, although in 18 19, he was elected to the Assembly. With his face set against sin, as usual, he proposed a measure, while a member, that at least got his name into poetry, in the way we will describe : — The country being infested then, as now, with strolling companies of show- men, he brought in a bill tending to sup- press the nuisance. It was made the op- portunity for one of our most gifted of American poets, the late Fitz Green Hal- leck, to bring out one of the satirical poems, which he, in company with Joseph Rodman Drake, was then print- ing in political newspaper, over the sig- nature of the " Croakers." In this facetious poem, the writer in- dulges in conjectures as to how Mr. Pot- ter, a ventriloquist of the day, might turn his special craft to account after losing his business, by getting into the State service, and into politics, generally. This whimsical production was as fol- lows : — " Dear Sir, you've heard that Mr. Robbins Has brought in without rhyme or reason, A bill to send you jugglers hopping ; That bill will pass this very season. Now as you lose your occupation. And may perhaps be low in Cofifer, I send you for consideration The following very liberal offer : — " Five hundred down, by way of bounty, Expenses paid (as shall be stated). Next April to Chenango county, And there we'll have you nominated. Your duty '11 be to watch the tongues When Root* begins to skirmish, To stop their speeches in their lungs. And bring out such as I shall furnish. " Thy ventriloqual powers, my Potter ! Shall turn to music every word. And make the Martlingf Deists utter Harmonious anthems to our Lord ; Then, all their former tricks upsetting. To honey thou shall change their gall. For Sharpe shall vindicate brevetting. And Root admire the great canal. " It will be pleasant, too, to hear a Decent speech among our Swains ; We almost had begun to fear a Famine for the dearth of brains. No more their tongues shall play the devil, Thy potent art the fault prevents ; Now GermanJ shall, for once, be civil, And Bacon§ speak with common sense. " Poor German's head is but a leaker ; Should yours be found compact and close, As you're to be the only Speaker, We'll make you Speaker of the House. If you're in haste to ' touch the siller,' Dispatch me your acceptance merely. And call on trusty Mr. Miller.|| He'll pay the cash — Sir, yours sincerely.'' — Croaker. On the hundredth birthday of Mr. Robbins, a pleasant party assembled to congratulate him upon the unusual event. As he had been a Member of the * Erastus Root, a leading statesman in that day in Delaware county. \ Abraham B. Martling, the proprietor of Tammany Hall Hotel, and successor to Batty Skaats as keeper of the City Hall. ± Obadiah German, of Chenango county. § Ezekiel Bacon, a Member of Assembly. If Sylvanus Miller, Surrogate of New York City. 1 84 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Legislature, and was at that time with- out doubt, the oldest person then living, who had been a member of that body, the Assembly, upon motion of Mr. Chick- ering, of Lewis county, moved the fol- lowing resolution, which was adopted unanimously, by a rising vote : — Resolved, That the Assembly of 1880, hereby extends to the Honorable Levi Robbins, its hearty congratulations upon the arrival of this interesting event in his honored life, which marks with so much significance, the rounding off of a full century of existence, crowned as it is, with a consciousness of having done his duty to his State, and having been faithful to his public trusts when our great Commonwealth was just entering upon her career of power and greatness. As he was true to every public obliga- tion reposed in him, may his declining years be filled with pleasant recollec- tions of the great past covered by his long life, and of the notable events which its history embraces, and may every comfort of mind and body, be his to the end of his days. Also, Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolution, be engrossed and for- warded to Mr. Robbins.* The water-power at Copenhagen and below is valuable for manufacturing pur- poses, and may be improved to a much greater extent than at present. The river is, however, somewhat liable to ex- tremes of flood and drouth, and the bridge at the village has been several times swept away. This accident oc- curred in the winter of 1842-43. Deer River Falls. — About half a mile- below Copenhagen, occur the celebrated High falls, on Deer river. The stream has here worn a broad deep chasm in the Trenton limestone, down which the torrent plunges a nearly vertical slope, a distance of 166 feet. The bank on the south side is 225 feet high. On the north side of the cascade, the rock presents a very steep inclination, and has been broken away, leaving a succession of •Assembly Journal, April 30, 1880, page 1,135. small narrow steps, with occasional projections, "along which the adven- turous visitor may creep a considerable distance up the bank, but not without imminent danger. The Rev. John Taylor, in a missionary tour through the Black River country, in 1802, visited these falls and recorded the following description : — " Captain Mosley and five others rode out with me to see a great curiosity, six miles from Champion, in ye corner of number 5. It is a gulf in Deer river. We walked ^ths of a mile from the road on the rocks, on the bed of the river. The rocks are limestones, and smooth, with here and there a large crack. The river has worn the rock, on an average, about twenty feet deep, and the bed of the river is about nine or ten rods wide. At present, there is on each side of the stream, about three rods of fine walking. When we come to the falls, the most sublime prospect presents, which is conceivable. The ground above has the same appearance as the general form of the country, and is level. The water passes down into a gulf 155 feet. The top of the gulf from rock to rock is, as near as I could judge, 12 rods ; at the bottom it is, on an average, 8 or 9. For the first hundred feet, the rocks are perpendicular, then there lies fragments of rocks and stones, so that where the water passes, when it has come to the bottom of the fall, it is about four rods wide. Upon ye side of ye place where the water passes over, Mr. Mosley went to the edge, and let down a cord, with a stone, when I was at the bottom. The cord hung perpendicular, and I was then 24 feet from the base of the rock. The cord measured 155 feet by a square. Fif- teen rods below the falls the perpendic- ular rock is about 40 feet higher. About 25 rods below this, there is a place where it is possible for people to get down, but extremely steep, and something danger- ous ; but we passed down without injury. At ye bottom of ye river, there is ye same rock — which rock extends all over this county ; how deep, no one can tell. The rock is a great curiosity ; it is all a limestone, and is filled with every kind of sea shells petrified. I knocked out of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 185 ye solid rock, 155 feet below the surface of the earth, various shells. * * * This gulf is, without any doubt, all made from three-fourths of a mile below, by the wearing of the water, which makes the curiosity of the shells vastly greater. And, indeed, this whole rock, which is certainly 155 feet deep, and which ex- tends to Sandy creek — and perhaps 50 to 100 miles around in all directions, made up of sea-shells of every kind — such as cockles, clams, oysters, and a thousand others." — Doc. Hist. N. V., Ill, pp, 1145, 46. About 1806, Miss Lodema Schermer- horn, in attempting rashly to climb this perilous steep, had crept over half-way up before she was aware of the danger, when she found that descent was im- possible, and her only chance for life de- pended upon herreaching the top. With cautious and steady nerve, she contin- ued on, now clinging with one hand in a crevice of the rock, while she found a firm hold for the other a little higher, till she finally gained the summit, exhausted with fatigue, and overcome by the ex- traordinary nervous excitement which the effort occasioned. A female associ- ate had followed her lead, and also found it necessary to go on or perish in the ef- fort. She also reached the top of the precipice in safety. Some years after, Thomas Parkman attempted to scale the cliff, and got so far up that he could neither advance nor recede. His com- panions ran to the nearest house, pro- cured a bed cord, and drew him to the top. On the night of September 17, 1853, WiUiam Ferguson, a British deserter, working in a foundry, having drank freely the day previous, and retired late, sprang up from sleep, saying that a man had fallen into the river above the falls, and ran towards the precipice. A per- son followed, but before he could be overtaken, the delirious man had climbed a tree that overhung the chasm, when the branch on which he stood broke, and he fell to the bottom, a distance of 130 feet, striking half-way down, and bound- ing into deep water. He was instantly killed by the fall. On the 7th of September, i860, a young man, named Jackson, not only climbed the bank on the north side of the falls, but then climbed down again the same way. The latter part of this ex- ploit would seem to be impossible to one who ever observed the place. The author happened to visit the falls a short time after, while Jackson and some friends were still there, and the intrepid- ity with which he approached and stood within a hand-breadth of the chasm, was convincmg evidence of his steady nerve, and there appeared no reason to doubt the truth of his statement. The Riverside Cemetery Association of Copenhagen, on the eastern border of the village, and not far from the Deer River falls, was incorporated May 28, 1867, with John D. Loud, John C. Wright, Nathan Clark, Oliver Woodard, Erastus P Daggett and Lucian Clark as first trustees. It includes a town cemetery formerly existing. A receiving vault was erected adjacent to the street upon which the cemetery fronts, in 1869. In Riverside Cemetery in Copenhagen, is a headstone that bears the following inscription : — " Charles Wenham, Died January 6, 1873 : Aged 23 Years and 2 Months." To the stranger, there is nothing in this to attract notice ; but the manner of his death attracted at the time remark- able attention, and in the sequel it af- forded an impressive example of Retrib- utive Justice, working slow, but sure. Wenham had been employed in farm labor near Copenhagen, and had as a fel- low laborer a young Englishman of about his age, named Charles Sutherland. The work of the season being over, he was about to start for California, with 1 86 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. his earnings, amounting to something over $200. He was to take the cars at Carthage, and Sutherland drove down to that village to see him off. It being some hours before car time, it was pro- posed that they should take a ride, al- though the weather was cold and stormy. A cutter with three men was seen by many persons that afternoon going down "Martin Street" towards Great Bend, and the same vehicle was seen to return later in the day with only one man in it. A family living a quarter of a mile or so south of this place and in full view, particularly noticed that the cutter stood for a long time in the storm, and that persons went to and among some willows, on the border of Deer creek. Finally, one of them entered the cutter, turned around, and came back. Curiosity soon led to examina- tion, and the body of a dead man was found under the ice. The road showed tracks around the place where the cut- ter had stood, and a bit of colored worsted was picked up that had come from the fringe of a muffler. The dis- covery was at once reported at Car- thage, and the person who had come with the murdered man to the village was very naturally suspected. A war- rant for his arrest was issued, and offi- cers were sent to Copenhagen to secure him, but they encountered the greatest difficulties in facing the storm, and in breaking their way through the snow- drifts. Arriving in the night, they found him at the house which he made his home, and upon call, he came down stairs. Being told that he was wanted, he asked leave to get his overcoat, and in this absence he swallowed a poisonous dose of strychnine. On the way down to Carthage, he was soon taken with spasms, and long before their arrival he was dead. They brought his rigid corpse, still in the sitting posture, into the hotel, and sat it up in a chair — the ghastly spectacle of a murderer, self- confessed and self-executed. But the testimony of many persons about a third person in the cutter, was so positive that it became certain that justice had not yet been satisfied, and suspicions, at first vague, began to cen- ter upon one Hiram Smith, who had previously been an associate of Suther- land, and who, after his death, had been employed as a laborer near Copenhagen and at Carthage for many months. He was arrested, tried at Watertown, and finally, after one or two respites, was hung December 4, 1874. Although no one could well doubt his guilt, there were many who censured the manner in which an admission of the crime was drawn from him under a confidence, by a pretended partner in the crime which it was proposed to undertake. In fact, so sensibly was this associate made to feel the public displeasure, that he found it best to remove to a distant place. The Tusk of a Mammoth found near Co- penhagen. — On the 20th of September, 1877, as Joseph Butlin, Hving on the Watertown road about a mile from Co- penhagen, and not far from the county line, was getting muck out of a low place which had evidently been a small land-locked pond without an outlet, he came upon the tusk of a small Mam- moth partly bedded in the muck, and partly in a stratum of marl by which it was underlaid. It was very complete, and weighed twenty-five pounds. It measured on the convex side five feet nine inches in length, and had a girth of 8^ inches at the base and of 10^ inch- es at the largest place. This tusk is now in the State Museum of Natural History at Albany, and plaster casts have been made by the author for several public institutions, from a mold prepared while the specimen was for a time in his pos- session. Among the many tusks of the Mammoth which we have seen in HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 187 American and European Museums, there were none that could be compared with this for completeness ; in fact, one of the most distinguished of Naturalists, upon seeing a plaster copy, could scarcely be made to believe but that it was from a recently buried elephant, so entire and perfect did it appear. The texture had however changed considerably from that of recent ivory, and although hot glue was poured in liberally into the socket at the base, and it was readily absorbed in every part, the original has after some years' exposure to the air, lost some of the perfection that it first exhibited, and has shown a tendency to fall to pieces. The marl at the bottom of this muck bed, contains fresh water shells exactly like those found in Lake Pleasant in Champion, some two miles away, and the muck itself has evidently been formed by the slow accumulation of veg- etable material from around the borders of the ancient pond. King's Falls. This cascade occurs in Deer river, about two miles below Deer River falls, and has a descent of about forty feet. It is said to have been named in compli- ment to Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of Spain, by whom the place was visited and much admired, but we have not been able to definitely prove this point. There are those who think the name derived from an early citizen of the town, named David King, who first located on the river road west of Copenhagen, near the former residence of Joseph Rich. He did not remain there long, but took up land in the lower part of the town, near Peter Bent's. He was a surveyor. This locahty is often visited by picnic parties, and although not particularly grand, the scenery is still beautiful. The banks of_, Deer river, from the High Falls to the last of the Hmestones below Deer River village, present the finest section of these rocks for the study of geology, that the county affords. Deer River Village. Settlement at Deer River was begun by Abel French, a few years after his arrival as agent. In 1824, a large stone mill was built by Richard Myers and A. Wilson. A large saw-mill was built in 1848. The mill property was subse- quently owned by Johnson & Rogers, Leonard S. Standring, Munger & Wool- worth, and Wood, Rogers & Co., upon whose hands it was burnt, June 18,1870. It was rebuilt by T. Standring and H. S. Hendee, and was again burned, when owned by Dickinson & Kingsbury, Oct. 22, 1 88 1. It has not since been complete- ly rebuilt. This village has at various times borne the name of the mill owner, as French's Mills, Myers' Mills, etc., but since the establishment of a postofifice, it has been known as Deer River. The name was adopted at a meeting called for the purpose. The village is quite small, having one hotel, (A. M. Seymour,) a store, (E. D. Mix; formerly from 1848, to Oct. 1 88 1, kept by Edward L. Hul- bert,) a tin-shop, (Wm. Stevens,) a cast- iron and steel plow factory and saw-mill, (Thomas L. Kidney,) a cheese-box facto- ry and planing and saw-mill run by steam and water, (John W. Brace; em- ploying 6 to 10 men,) and a rake factory. The latter owned by Otho A. Lamphear, was begun as an establishment for mak- ing broom handles and curtain rollers, about 1870; was changed to a rake fac- tory in 1877, and in 1882, made about 1,000 dozen of rakes, employing about four men. There was formerly a lodge of Good Templars at this place, but it has not been continued. The Deer River Swinburne Cemetery HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Association, was formed February 21, 1880, with the following trustees : — J. Erwin Vrooman and Collins Miller, three years. James M. Myers and William C. Clark, tw^o years. Alanson Myers and Stephen S. Otis, one year. Two were to be elected, as vacancies occurred thereafter. The proceedings in organization were confirmed by law, April 12, 1881. It derives its name from Dr. John Swinburne, of Albany, a na- tive of this town and vicinity, who gave it land adjacent to a town burial-ground that had previously been formed, and which is included in it. The prem'ises in- clude four acres, and are adjacent to Deer River village, on the south side of the creek, and upon a gentle swell of land. Deer River Station. This place, on the flats near the river, and about three-fourths of a mile east of the village, is the usual stopping place and point for shipment on the railroad for this part of the town, but is other- wise of no importance. Castorland Station. This is one of the two stations on the Utica & Black River Railroad, in this town, and a point of im- portant business for the country east of the river, it being opposite the Par- ker bridge, and the road leading to Beaver Falls and Croghan. At present it has only a hotel, (kept by L. Church,) and one or two houses. A warehouse for storing hides and leather, was under construction in the summer of 1882. Two miles below, on the river bank, is a steam saw and shingle mill, owned by Linus M. Gates. This point was for- merly known as Parsons' Landing, from having belonged to Captain William R. Parsons. The name of this station is given to commemorate the Castorland colony of early days. Although it is not located upon the tract which that company had purchased, it is the nearest approach by railway, to the principal seat of their in- tended operations — the inland metropo- lis of their domain. It is to be regretted that the name could not have been per- petuated on the exact spot where it had been intended ninety years ago. In 1849, a steam saw-mill was erected by Kitts & Broadway, on the east road, near the Lowville line, and in 1858, Sen- eca R. Cowles & Co., erected a manu- factory of staves, shingles and heading, upon the Black river, at Blodget's land- ing. This mill was burned August 30, i860, and as was supposed, by an in- cendiary. It was valued at $10,000, and insured at $6,000. Denmark Village. Denmark (p. o.) is the oldest village in the town. Its postofhce was one of the first in the county, having been estab- lished in January, 1804. As a business place it is now probably one of the least important. It has a hotel and store, (Philander Blodget,) a separate store, (Darwin Nash,) a harness-shop, (John Hess,) and blacksmith shop, (Phineas Page.) It has also one physician, (Dr. W. H. A. Turner.) The place is little else than a thickly settled neighborhood, a mile or so in length, rather more dense at the two ends than in the middle, and not so populous as it was forty years ago. Almon M. Norton* and Amos Buck,t were many years prominent merchants in this village. The first merchant was Jabez Wright, in 1805. Freedom Wright was the first inn-keeper. He was suc- ceeded by various others in this busi- * Mr. Norton died at Lockport, 111.. November 23, 1859, aged 73. t Mr. Buck died July ir, 1855, aged 60. He was in the Assembly in 1825 and 1843. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 189 ness. About 1821, Hezekiah Hulbert, from Utica, began keeping the then only hotel in the village. It was burned, and the stone hotel of Blodget was built. The first school in Copenhagen, was taught by Tyrannus A. Wright, and the first school house in town was built near the inn of Freedom Wright, in Denmark village. The first school commissioners were Lewis Graves, Charles Wright, Jr., and Stephen Parsons ; and the first school inspectors were John Canfield, Israel Kellogg, and Charles Squire. These were chosen in 181 3. In 1829, Charles Brown erected a wooden building in Denmark village for an academy, and taught with much suc- cess for several years. Since his removal about 1840, Johnson Clark and several others have taught, but the premises were discontinued for school purposes many years ago. More recently Joseph A. Prindle has taught a private school in the village for several years. The Alexandria library of Denmark, was formed May 6, 181 1, by Willis Se- combe, Lewis Graves, Jr., Chas. Squire, Asa Pierce, Gardner Cottrell, Solomon Wood, and Isaac Horr, trustees. It was dissolved before the introduction of school libraries. On the 6th of October, i860, John La- Mountain, somewhat celebrated as an aeronaut, made a balloon ascension at Carthage, and landed on the north side of the valley, south of Denmark village, near the State road. He was up sixteen minutes, and descended safely. This man was noted for his reckless adventures as an aeronaut, and was one of the party that, starting from St. Louis, about i860, drifted across the States of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio ; crossed Lake Erie obliquely, and finally, after riding the whole length of Lake Ontario, in a gale of wind, lodged in a tree in Ellis- burgh. A few weeks later he made an ascension at Watertown, with John A. Haddock,and landed three hundred miles north, in the wilderness, beyond Ottawa. During the war he was employed by the Government in the Army of the Potomac but we believe without much benefit. Finally, in an ascension in the interior of the State, in a smoke balloon, and secur- ed only by two ropes crossing it above, the balloon slipped out and left him and the ropes half a mile in the air. He never made another ascension. Deaths of Some Old Inhabitants and Early Settlers of Denmark, not Elsewhere Given. These names are not selected because more prominent than others that are not given, but they are such as are within our possession at the time of writing. There are many others that should have been included, that could not be ascer- tained. Anderson Nicholas, died Sept. 7, 1863, aged 74. Austin Silas, died April 2, 1853, aged 75. Austin Silas, Jr., died June 20, 1873, aged 58. Austin Harrison, died Dec. 7, 1864. Babcock Daniel, born 1749, died March 14, 1849, (Revolutionary soldier.) Babcock Orlando, died May 28, 1864, aged 62. Baker John, died March 15, 1854, aged 54- Bedell Daniel, died April 25, 1874, aged Bedell William, died Aug. 14, 1876, aged Bent Abel D., born July 3, 1802, died Feb. 17, 1878. Burt Ithamer, died Sept. 14, 1841, aged 84. Carter Benjamin E., died Dec. 27, 1868, aged 69. Chad wick John H., died Jan. 4, 1869, aged 83. Chambers James H., died May 27, 1856, aged 68. Clark EHjah, died Oct. 20, 1848, aged j-j. Clark John, died Nov. 25, 1875. Clark John S., died Feb. 10, 1850, aged 87. Clark William, died June 13, 1849, aged 74- I go HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Collins Ezekiel, died Sept. 24, 1864, aged 52. Cratzenberg Nicholas A., died Dec. 22, 1873, aged ^6. Cunningham Aaron, died Sept. 18, 1864, aged 75. Cunningham Lyman, born Sept. 17, 1814, died July 22, 1876. Davis Aaron, died Aug. 12, 1880, aged 71. Davis Amos, died Oct. 13, 1861, aged 66. Davis Benjamin, died Aug. 3, 1877, aged V- Dickinson Deacon George, died June 24, 1877, aged 83. Dimock Joseph, died Feb. 7, 1843, aged Ganes James, died May 3, 1876, aged 80. Gomer John, died June 8, 1879, aged 84. Graves David, died Dec. i, 1814, aged 55. Green Oliver, died Ma}' 11, 1867, aged 94, (came in 1805.) Hadcock Jacob, died March 4, 1861, aged 76. Harter Philip H., died July 17, 1876, aged 78. Hartwell Morris, died Aug. 25, 1880, aged 79. Hartwell WilHam, died Sept. 18, 1845, aged 68. Hazen John, died Nov. 21, 1838, aged 52. Hopgood William, died Aug. 19, 1872, aged 8 1 . Howland Rufus, died Dec. 5, 1852, aged 68. Hunt Asa, died Nov. 29, 1857, aged 57. Hunt Ephraim, died Oct. 6, 1852, aged 79. Johnson Archibald, died Dec. 27, 1867. Keen Deacon WiUiam, died March 4, 1850, aged 84. Kitts Jacob, died June 30, 1865, aged 82. Lawton William C, died July 21, 1874, aged Tj. Lawton William H., died Aug. 6, 1876, aged 32. Leonard Dennis, died Nov. 9, 1854, aged 64. Lockwood Gershom, died Feb. i, 1839, aged 87. Loucks Aaron, died Feb. 11, 1845, aged 45, (suicide.) Loucks James, of West Lowville, died March 7, 1867, aged 47, (suicide.) Loud John D., died March 17, 1877, aged 57. Macomber Samuel, died May 6, 1838. Merrell Seth, died Dec. 31, 1852, aged 63. Moors John, died March 5, 1832, aged 84. Munger Nelson, died Sept. 17, 1879, aged 66. Munger Isaac, died April 20, 1850, aged 75- Munger Charles R., died July 25, 1867, aged 34. Myers James H., died Sept. 26, 1877, aged 83. Myers Richard, died Nov. 13, i86i,aged 90. Myers Samuel, died Dec. 13, 1869, aged 66. Orvis Samuel, died Jan. 14, 1878, aged 99 v., II mo., 19 days. Orvis Samuel, Jr., (Rev.) died Sept. 14, 1850, aged 38. Orvis Sally, (wife of Samuel,) died March 16, 1874, aged 91. Nash James, born May 3, 1779, died Aug. 27, 1854. Newman Jesse, died Aug. i, 1851, aged 73- Packard Jared, died June 20, 1843, aged 69. Pans Michael, died July 15, 1871, aged 91. Parsons Stephen, died Aug. 30, 1832, aged 58. Phinney Joseph, died Julv 23, 185 1, aged Pierce Asa, died Sept. 10, 1845, aged j6. Potter Angel, died Feb. 5, 1858, aged 84. Rathbone Josiah, died Feb. 12, 1840, aged 81, (Revolutionary soldier.) Rich Benjamin H., died March 17, 1848, aged 67. Rich Josiah, died June 24, 1831, aged 92. Rogers Duett, died Nov. 2, 1878, aged 69. Rogers Rev. Horace, died April 11, 1872, aged -j-T. Rogers John, died July 28, 1858, aged 76. Root William, died at Chicago, April i, 1868, at an advanced age. Ryel Isaac, died Decembers, 1869, aged SO. Ryel Peter, died February 12, 1877, aged 8s. Sage Elias, died February 29, 1852, aged 93- Shaw Philip, died October 22, 1818, aged 69. Shaw Philip, Jr., died March 19, 1854, aged 76. Shepard Jacob, died May 4, 1856, aged n- Shepard Obed, died April 10, 1853, aged 67. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 191 Sherwood Michael, died May 15, 1832, aged 50. Sherwood Capt. WiUiam, died April 2, 1837, aged 65. Spalding William, died October 8, 1876, aged 86. Spencer Abner H., died in summer of 1848, (suicide). Staunton Dr. Lyman, died November 23, 1870, aged 57. Stiles Sullivan, died June 12, 1855, aged 78. Suits Thomas, died April 9, 1864, aged 68. Taylor Charles, died October 18, 1855, aged 72. Thomas WiUiams, died March 7, 1871, aged 64. Thomas Joseph T., died August 31, 1853, aged 63. Townsend Abner, died May 12, 1839, aged 78. Twitchell Uriel, died November 19, 1856, aged 79. Van Brocklin Alexander, died August 31, 1851, aged 83. [A. H. VanBrock- lin, formerly of this town was mur- dered in Montana, November 12, 1881.] Wells Joseph, died January i, 1851, aged 57- Whitford William, died August 30, 1873, aged 86. Wright Augustus T., died July 12, aged 61. (Killed while a keeper in CHn- ton prison.) Wright John C, died Mav 29, 1 881, aged 57- Wright Stephen S., died September 27, 1840, aged 64. Special Town Meetings durijig the Late War. As in other towns, the citizens of Denmark had repeated occasion to con- sult together, during the late war, for the purpose of filling quotas and raising means to defray the expenses that these required. The first of these special town meetings was held August 23, 1862, at which, bounties of fifty dollars were offered to those enhsting in Captain Hubbard's company. An agreement was confirmed, by which a majority had in writing appointed John C. Wright, Peter Bent, Lucian Clark, Nathan Clark, Henry C. Potter, A. G. Thompson, Oli- ver Woodward, E. D, Babcock, E. G. Parsons, Ellis A. Cook, L. S. Standring, W. D. G. Cottrell, Abner Munger, Gil- bert E. Woolworth, and Gilbert B. John- son, as a committee to raise funds. It was voted to raise $4,000, and to pay $50 bounties to volunteers. On the 1 8th of July, 1863, a special town meeting requested the supervisors to raise on the town, a tax of $4,321 in pursuance of a former vote. On the I2th of December, 1863, a bounty of $300 was voted to pay volun- teers and drafted men ; but if the county should offer $100, then the town would pay $200, viz : — $100 on muster in three months and §100 in six months. A com- mittee consisting of Peter Bent, Harrison Blodget, Lucian Clark, E. D. Babcock, E. A. Cook, G. E. Woolworth, L. S. Standring, John Dence, G. B. Johnson, Abner Munger, Ashley Davenport, John C. Wright, and R. J. Rich, were ap- pointed to raise money for paying bounties. On the 23d of December, 1863, another special meeting was held, and the boun- ties were increased to $325. On the 2d of August, 1864, the follow- ing resolution was passed at a special town meeting : — Whereas, At a meeting held July 28, 1864, a resolution was passed to raise $15,000 on the quota to fill the call for 500,000 men, and John C. Wright, Gil- bert Woolworth, G. A. Scovil, Alfred G. Thompson and Lucian Clark were appointed agents to raise men to fill the quota ; and Whereas, This money has been raised on notes of individuals, and one of the committee (John C. Wright) has gone to Fortress Monroe, under a com- mission from the Governor for this pur- pose ; therefore, Resolved, That the sum of $15,000 be raised by tax upon this town. 192 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. At this meeting a bounty of $200 was offered for one year's and §400 for three years' men. A committee was appointed, consisting of Gilbert B. Johnson, Lucian Clark and Elam Parsons, to see that those not liable to military duty, be taken from the enrollment. On the 30th of August, 1864, the former committee was empowered to raise $6,000, or so much as might be needed, besides the $15,000 formerly voted to pay volunteers. A bounty of not over $1,000 was offered, and a com- mittee was appointed to make legal in- quiries as to the regularity of former proceedings. The sum of $10,000, a part of the $15,000, was ordered to be raised. On the 2d of January, 1865, a resolu- tion was passed to raise $15,000, if needed, by the committee, composed of Lucian Clark, Gilbert Woolworth, Har- rison Blodget, John Dence, Gilbert B. Johnson, E. D. Babcock, G. A. Scovil, A. D. Wright, and John C. Wright. Religious Societies. Copenhagen. — The first meetings in town were held by travelers. On the 9th of July, 1805, the Harrisburgh Ec- clesiastical Society was formed, with Levi Robbins, Edward Frisbie, John S. Clark, Charles Wright, Jr., and James Buxton, trustees, with the view of erect- ing a place of worship. The division of the town having made the name inapplic- able, the Denmark Ecclesiastical Society was formed in its place, Sept. 21, 18 10, with Gershom Sylvester, Chester Wright, Daniel Babcock, Wm. Root, John Canfield, John Loud and Freedom Wright, trustees. This was also unable to erect a church, and in 1815, a third organization, termed the First Ecclesi- astical Society in the town of Denmark, was formed, having as its trustees, Josiah White, J. Loud, David Canfield, Lemuel Dickenson, Asa D. Wright and G. Syl- vester. From the first subscription for a church at Copenhagen, under this or- ganization, dated December 6, 18 16, it appears that Samuel Allen, John Loud, David Canfield, and W. H. Geary, each subscribed $100, and that the total sum subscribed by 64 persons, was $1,580. At a meeting subsequently held, (March 30, 1 8 18,) it was unanimously Resolved, That in case the Baptist church members, together with the Baptist Society of this part of the town of Denmark, (or a principal part of them,) shall subscribe to the subscrip- tion which the present subscribers have subscribed to, for the purpose of erect- ing said house, and as liberally as the present subscribers have in proportion to what they are worth, leaving that consideration to our present committee which were chosen to superintend the building of said house, and to obtain subscribers for that purpose, then the Baptists shall have equal rights with the Presbyterian church members and so- ciety in the occupying of the said house, and that this vote, which is unanimous, shall not be reversed nor repealed until two-thirds of all the subscribers shall vote to the contrary." The trustees of the building were S. Allen, J. Loud, and E. S. Sylvester. The church was built by Carr, Rounds & Co., and the following rates will show the prices of building materials and sup- pHes, as they were in Copenhagen, in i8i7-'i8:— Lime per bushel, 2s. 6d.; lath, hem- lock boards etc., $6 per M.; scantling and brace timber, $8 per M.; nails,i9 cts. per lb.; iron, 10 cts.; whiskey, $1.25 per gallon ; shingles, $2.50 per M.;pine boards, $14 per M.; oil, $1.50 per gallon; Spanish White, i2>^ cts. per lb.; and white lead, 3 1 cts. The old Union church stood on the corner where Corbin's block now stands in Copenhagen village, and was burned Feb. 16, 1832. The Presbyterians unit- ing with the Methodists, built a place of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 193 worship which continued in use by both until the latter built a separate edifice. In July, 1839, these denominations united in holding a camp meeting in a grove half a mile south of the village. The Baptist Church of Copenhagen was formed in April 1808, and at first con- sisted of eleven members. The Rev. Peleg Card had settled here the year before as a cloth-dresser, and remained as minister until he was dismissed in 1819. At about the beginning, the Rev. Peter P- Roots, a missionary, visited the place, and remained several days.* Mr. Cardf was succeeded by the Rev. Stephen Parsons in 1819 ; Rev. Norman Guiteaiu in 1822; Rev. Thomas A. Warner in 1826; Rev. Charles Clark about 1835; Rev. Azel Waters, ; Rev. George Lisle, in 1836; Rev. C. Nichols, in 1839; Rev. Orin G. Robbins, in 1840; Rev. W. I. Crane, in 1846; Rev. Marinus Thrash- er, in 1846 ; Rev. A. S. Curtis, in 1848 ; Rev. Lorenzo Rice, in 1851 ; Rev. Orin Wilber, in 185 1; Rev. Sherman Maltby, in 1852; Rev. Joshua Freeman, in 1852; Rev. Nathan Dike, about 1857; Rev. Z. G. Brown, in 1859 : Rev. J. W. Stark- weather, ; and Rev Judson O. Per- kins, in 1875, the present pastor. Elder Parsons (pastor in 18 19,) was born September 5, 1748, and ordained to the ministry, January 31, 1788. He was an early, zealous and successful mission- ary in the Black River settlements, and active in the organization of nearly ev- ery Baptist church in the county. He removed from Middletown to Whites- town towards the close of the last cent- ury, and in 1802 came to Leyden, from whence, after several years, he removed to this town. His sons became heads of families and most of those of this name, now living in the county, are his de- * Mr. Roots was one of thirteen who formed the Bap- tist Education Society of New York, at Hamilton, Sep- tember 24, 1 81 7. + Elder Card was employed as a Baptist minister in Turin and Leyden, in 1824-31. and at LeRay, in 1833. scendants. The circumstances of his death were so peculiar that they made a deep and lasting impression upon the public mind. He had preached on a Sabbath, in the forenoon, from a favorite text, Psalms, xc, 12, and in the after- noon from II. Samuel, xix., 34: "How long have I to live ?" On going to the barn to feed his horse on the same da)-, he fell from a scaffold, receiving an in- jury, from which he died unconscious, Jan. 7, 1820 — within the same week that this sermon was preached. The Baptists worshipped in a school- house, until the Union church was built, and owned an interest in it until burned in 1832. They at once began to rebuild, and completed their church in 1834. The society on the 17th of November, 1877, held an election under the act of May IS, 1876, (Chap. 329,) and chose John Young, E. J. Noyes and Ebenezer Allen, as trustees. Presbyterian and Congregational. — We have not been able to fix the date of the first Presbyterian church in Copenhagen, but it goes back to the early settlement of the village. It suffered from the scandalous conduct of the Rev. Walter H. Gerry, who was installed in 181 5, and went off some years after in debt and disgrace. All sorts of evil rumors came back concerning his subsequent career, some of which are noticed in our former edition. The Rev. Luman Wilcox was or- dained and installed March 16, 1824, and dismissed in 1826. A Presbyterian society was legally formed at Copenha- gen January 20, 1824, with Hezekiah Hulbert, Philo Weed, Wm. Root, John Loud, Gideon Smith and Malachi Van Duzen, trustees. The Denmark first and second churches remained one till 1827, when they were separated by the presbytery. The Rev. Wm. Jones, Abel L. Crandall and others were subsequently employed. 194 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. A Congregational church was legally formed at Copenhagen May 3, 1841, with Malachi Van Duzen, Silas Chapin, Allen Kilborn, Jr., Lorenzo Baker, Warren Murray, Gideon Smith, Nathan Law- ton, J. H. Allen and John Newkirk, trustees. Many of the members of this society and others have formed a church upon what is termed the Union principle, professing to be kept together b)' Chris- tian fellowship rather than creeds. A legal society styled the " Church of Christ in the village of Copenhagen," was formed May 11, 1858, with William Canfield, Wm. C. Lawton, Ezekiel Col- lins, Nelson Munger, Lyman Waters, Stephen Thompson, John D. Loud, Wm. L. Tompkins and Abel G. Sage, trustees. On the 13th of October, 1880, this was again changed to the " First Congrega- tional Church of Copenhagen." Methodists.-The first Methodist preach- er in town is said to have been Mr. Willis. A society was formed in the west part of the town at an early da}', but no separate circuit until 1840. The second societ}' (jf the Methodist Episcopal Church of Denmark was formed Feb. 3, 1841, with Orlando Babcock, Abner Munger, John Clark, 2d, Stephen Nash, and John Whiting as trustees. Grace Church, (Protestant Episcopal,) was incorporated April 19, 1877, with Rev. J. Everest Cathell, as Rector ; E. D. Babcock and R. G. McEven, as War- dens; and Benjamin Stanton, John R. Davenport, W. H. Alexander, J. S. Mitchell, Seymour A. Woolworth, George Bush, and Horace F. Rice, as Vestrymen. The succession of clergy- men has since been the Rev. Messrs. Ormsby, Granbury and Launt. They have a small church erected about five years since. Roman Catholic. — In June, 1869, the Rev. James O'Driscoll was appointed in charge of the churches in Pinckney and Harrisburgh, with his residence at Copenhagen. His parish embraced the towns of Worth, Harrisburgh, Pinckney, Montague and Denmark, but the de- nomination has no church edifice in this town. Churches in Other Parts of Den- mark. The " Second Presbyterian Church of Denmark" was formed by the Rev. Isaac Clinton, June 29, 1826, under authority from the St. Lawrence Presbytery, with Lemuel Dickinson and Philo Weed as Elders, and William Root* as Deacon. They worshipped for some years in an old building in Denmark village, but in 1857, it was removed to Deer River. It was changed to Congregational, Septem- ber 6, 1833, the Rev. James M. Monroe being then pastor.f A plain and small stone meeting-house was built at Deer River some years before 1848, and occu- pied by Congregationalists and Method- ists, but in 1859, the present Congrega- tional church at that place was erected, at a cost of $3,000, and dedicated Sep- tember 15th, of that year. The succes- sion of clergy in this church has been the Reverends Abel L. CrandaJl, James H. Monroe, David Spear, Charles Bolles, Hiram Doane, (i85o-'s6); Rufus A. Wheelock, (1856-66); George A. Rock- wood, (February 4, 1866); Olney Place, (February 2, 1868); John Waugh, (Feb- ruary, 1870) ; John A. Farrar, (February I, 1875); Harlan P. Blair, (February 18, 1877); and George B. Rowley, (July 4, 1880). It has of late years commonly united with West Carthage, in giving support to a minister. The Baptist church in Lowville and * William Root was born in Tolland county. Conn., September 15, 1780, and removed with his father's family to Whitestown in lygo. In February, 1804, he removed from Utica to Denmark, and resided there till the spring of 1828, when he went to Martinsburgh. In September, 1833, he settled in Carbondale, Pa. t A legal society was formed July 8, 1841, with Lyman Graves, Wm. Shelden, L. S. Standring, and Abner A. Johnson, as trustees. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 195 Denmark, locally known as the " Line Church," was formed August 25, 1819, a society having been organized under the statute, as the First Baptist church, of Lowville and Denmark, February Qth, of that year; Moses Waters, Luther Horr, Elijah Clark, Benjamin * and Charles Davenport, Nelson Bur- rows, Samuel Bassett, Ichabod Par- sons and Jacob Kitts, 2d, being the first trustees. An edifice was built on the town line on the State road, in 1 8 19, rebuilt in 1850, and re-dedicated Jan. 10, 1 85 1. Its early ministers were Elders Stephen Parsons, Elisha Morgan, John Blodget, Ruel Lathrop and others. In the anti-masonic troubles of 1 828-' 30, the church was nearly broken up, and some twenty members withdrew at one time. This church still maintains its organization, and has been in recent years under the care of the Rev. Joseph A. Prindle. The Methodist Episcopal society of Deer River was incorporated April 13, 1852, with Rev. Horace Rogers, Tyran- nus A. Wright and C. A. Poor, as trus- tees. They have no church edifice. The present Union church in Denmark village was built in the fall of 1848, and is owned by the Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists. The town also owns an interest, the basement being fitted up for holding elections and town meetings. This church was re-dedicated May 25, 1871. A Universalist church was built in Denmark about 1830, but has not been used as a place of worship for many years. More recently it has been used for a select school. The first temperance society in Co- penhagen, was formed January 13, 1825. The Rev. Norman Guiteau drew up the constitution, and Wm. C. Lawton was sec- retary. It will be noticed that the above was at a very early period of this move- ment, both in the county and in the State. Biographical Sketches. JOHN AND LUCIAN CLARK. The first of the ancestors of this Clark family in America, of whom we have any information, was a merchant in Boston, several years before the Revolution. William Clark, the father of John Clark, 1st, of Denmark, at the begin- ning of the Revolutionary war was living at, or near, Cambridge, in the vicinity of Boston, with his father, whose remote ancestors were from Scotland. His father, thre e brothers, and himsel f * Benjamin Davenport died in Turin, Feb. 19, i860, aged 92 years. were among the skirmishers who annoyed the British troops in their retreat after destroying the military stores at Con- cord, and at night not one of them knew whether the others were dead or alive. All, however, were found safe at home in the morning. William was afterward wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was standing by a comrade with the breech of his gun upon the ground, (having exhausted his ammunition) try- ing to see if his neighbor's cartridges would fit his weapon, when a grape-shot passed through the body of the man at 196 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. his side, struck and shivered the stock of his gun,andglancingaside passed through his wrist. He had previously been mar- ried to Phebe Fuller, whose early ances- tors were from England. During, or soon after, the war, they removed to a farm in Barre, Worcester county, Mass., and became the parents of six children. age, and neither ever married. Mary lived about seventy years ; Abigail, less than forty. Josiah and Jonathan were younger than John. Soon after John came to Black River, Josiah with his father removed to Gill, Franklin county, Mass., where the father and mother died. He was a bachelor, and acquired a large [JOHN CLilRK, Is t. four boys and two girls. William, the oldest boy, studied surveying, and made the first survey of the State of Ver- mont, in which occupation he was engaged when caught in a heavy snow storm with a scanty supply of provisions, and, with his companions, suffered untold hardships from cold and starvation, from which he never fully recovered, and in consequence of which he died a few years after. Mary and Abigail were the girls, and the next in estate, engaged extensively in purchasing cattle for the Boston market, failed in business about 1836, and came to Den- mark, where he died in the winter of 1865. Jonathan, the youngest brother, learn- ed the trade of a printer, and was for a few years, in Albany, with the firm of Packard, Benthuysen & Co. While there, he published a biography of the life of George Washington. He then went to Ohio, to locate bounty land, which his HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 197 father had earned in the Revolution, and had given him. He settled in Zanes- ville, where he became the editor and publisher for several years, of the Zanes- ville Express. He was also land agent and the owner of a township, which he sold to actual settlers. The town of Clarksville was named for him. He left home one day, to transact business, and on the next day, his horse, with sad- dle and bridle on, was found grazing by the roadside, not far from the place he had started for. A search of several days, revealed his body suspended by the neck, in a log cabin in the middle of a large cornfield, and it was never satis- factorily known whether he committed suicide, or was murdered and placed there. He left a wife, to whom a child was born soon after his death, but died in infancy. John Clark, was born at Barre, Wor- cester county, Mass., Aug. 18, 1778, and until he attained his majority, lived and worked with his father, on his farm and in his brewery. He enjoyed but limited educational opportunities, attending the common schools but about three months in a year, till he was sixteen years of age. When he became of age, he pro- cured a set of tools for boring and lay- ing aqueducts, and followed that busi- ness two or three years, in Massachu- setts and Rhode Island. In the spring of 1801, he camje to the Black River country, in search of a place for a home, and located a farm of 125 acres, in the town of Lowville, now Denmark, about three-fourths of a mile southeast of the present village of Copenhagen, at the junction of what are now known as Number Three and West roads. The land was held at three and one-half dol- lars per acre. He paid one-half of the purchase money down, made a small clearing, and built a log house, covering it with bark, as there was no saw-mill within ten miles, and no roads. He then returned to Massachusetts, and in the winter following, married Ab- igail White, daughter of William White (then dead,) whose ancestors were of English origin. Early in the spring of 1802, he placed his tools and household goods upon a wagon, hitched a yoke of oxen and a horse before it, and with his wife, started for the Black River country. After a toilsome journey of eighteen days, he arrived at his log house, and immediate- ly proceeded to extend his clearing, and put in such crops as he was able that season, and during several years, strug- gled under many difficulties and depri- vations. In 1805, he built a framed barn, and in 1809, a house, and finished paying for his farm in 18 15. Upon the organi- zation of the town of Denmark, in 1807, he was chosen one of the commissioners of highways, which office he held many years. In 18 12, when war with England was declared, he was Lieutenant of a militia company, was three times called to the defense of the frontier at Sackett's Harbor, and served, it is be- lieved, in the capacity of Brigadier-In- spector. He was often called to sit as arbitrator in the settlement of difficulties, and to act as administrator on intestate estates. He was, for several years, jus- tice of the peace, and held the office of supervisor of the town thirteen years in 198 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. succession, from 182410 1837, inclusive. He was originally a Federalist in politics. In 1829, he was nominated for Mem- ber of the Legislature, but was defeated by John W. Martin by a small vote. He enjoyed in an eminent degree the confi- dence of his neighbors. In 1840, he was a Whig in politics, and took an September 11, 1865, at the age of eighty- seven years. His wife's opportunities for education were even more limited than his own. In her time it was not deemed necessary that girls should be educated further than to be able to read and write. She was a woman of good mind, remarkable [LtlCIiiN CLiiRK,] active part in the Presidential campaign of General Harrison. He was an ex- tensive reader, possessed a retentive memory, and was consequently well versed, not only in the history of his own country, but also of foreign coun- tries. When about seventy years of age his eye-sight began to fail, and during the last ten years of his life he was en- tirely blind, but bore his infirmities with fortitude and cheerfulness. He died industry, energy, perseverance and economy, and to her may be attributed much of the husband's success in life. She was in stature not above the medium, had a mild disposition, and was an affec- tionate wife and mother. She joined the Presbyterian church in Copenhagen in 1 81 5, and was a consistent and honored member until her death, which occurred September 9, 1850, at the age of seventy- three years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 199 They were the parents of seven chil- . dren, three sons and four daughters,- six of whom grew to maturity. William, the oldest, was born in 1803 ; was edu- cated in the common schools and Low- ville Academy ; worked on his father's farm until of age ; taught school several terms, and spent the remainder of his life in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He held the office of Justice of the Peace several years, was County Superintendent of the Poor one or two terms, and was much respected. He died at the age of sixty-two. Caroline, the third child, lived to the age of about seventy years, and never married. Louisa, the fourth, married Harvey M. Whiting. Josiah, the fifth, died in infancy. Phebe, the sixth, became the wife of Lyman Cunningham, and died ai Fond- du-Lac, Wis., at about the age of thirty. Lydia, the youngest of the family, was born in March, 1821, and became the second wife of Lyman Cunningham, who died in July, 1876, leaving her a widow. Lucian Clark, the second son of John Clark, I St, and Abigail White, was born February 27, 1808, in a log cabin at the juncture of the Number Three and West roads, in the town of Denmark, and at a time when nine-tenths of the county of Lewis was a dense wilderness. He labored on his father's farm during his minority, attending the district school some three months each winter till he was nineteen years of age. Dur- ing the next ten years, after attaining his majority, he continued to labor for his father in the summer season, and teaching district schools in the winter, in which profession he was eminently successful. In the fall of 1838, he pur- chased of his father 170 acres of land, on what was then called Halifax street, some of which was partially cleared, and on which was an old barn. He took possession the next spring, and during the summer built the house now (1883) on the farm. On the 7th of January, 1840, he was married to Louisa J. Bab- cock, daughter of Caleb Babcock, of West Lowville, and moved into his new house on the 8th of January, 1840. Having exhausted his purse in build- ing the house, and the land but partly paid for ; having a team, but no stock and but few farming tools, his progress was slow. By hard work, perseverance and economy, he erected new barns and had them ready to receive the next har- vest, and had not increased his indebt- edness. But money being scarce and produce low, it was seven years before the farm was paid for, during which time his pockets were generally empty, but all other debts were paid at the time agreed upon. In the spring of 1838, he was chosen one of the School Inspectors for the town, and held that office two years. In 1840, he was chosen Assessor, holding the office three years, and was then elected Town Superin- tendent of Common Schools, which office he held four years. In the fall of 1846, he was elected County Clerk on the Whig ticket. He rented his farm and moved to Martinsburgh, and during the next three years he passed most of his time in the clerk's office, and per- formed nearly all of the duties connected 200 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. with it. In February, 1850, he removed back to his farm, to the care of which he directed his whole attention for a number of years, and holding no offices but minor ones until 1855. In the spring of that year he was elected Supervisor of the town, and was re-elected m 1856. He was chairman of the first Republican Convention held in Lewis county, in the fall of 1855 ; '^^s chosen to represent the county in the Legislature the next year, and was a member of the commit- tee on public printing. He was several times called to act as administrator in the settlement of intestate estates. In the spring of 1861, when the War of the Rebellion broke out, he was chosen one of the committee to raise volunteers and funds for the support of their families while they were absent on duty, serving on that committee until the war ended. In 1 87 1, he sold his farm to his son and moved to the village of Copenhagen, purchasing the place owned by the late Apollos Stephens. Since, he has held no office of importance but president of the village three years. In all of his business relations, he has been earnestly and efficiently assisted by his wife, and to her efforts must be ascribed much of his success in the various positions in which he has been placed. The children of Lucian and Louisa Clai^k are Addison L. and Marinus W. Addison L. was born July 7, 1843. He was educated in the common schools, Lowville Academy, the Normal School at Albany, Eastman's Commercial Col- lege at Poughkeepsie, and afterward en- gaged for some years in school-teaching. He married Mary K. Paris, daughter of John M. Paris, in January, 1871. He was Supervisor of the town in 1878, and was three times re-elected, and was president of the village two years. Marinus W. Clark was born October 2, 1845. He died suddenly at Low- ville, on the 4th of March, 1865, in the twentieth year of his age, while attend- ing school at the academy. DOCTOR JOHN WHITING. John Whiting was born in Colebrook, Connecticut, August 24, 1790. He was the fourth son and seventh child of John and Sylvia (Loomis) Whiting. His early life was passed in the vicinity of his birth- place, and in teaching for a time in the town of North East, Duchess county, N. Y., in the year 1809. In 181 1, he was en- gaged in the study of medicine with Dr. Truman Wetmore, and afterward with Dr. Jesse Carrington, and received his medical diploma from the Connecticut Medical Society on the 8th of Novem- ber, 1813, signed by Mason F. Cogswell, President, and Jesse Carrington and Warren B. Fowler, Committee for the county of Litchfield. Late in the spring of 18 15, he came on horseback from his native place to Den- mark, Lewis county, where his oldest brother, Abner, had settled thirteen years before. Here he engaged in the practice of medicine, and also in school- teaching for the first six years, riding and making professional calls in the in- terim between school hours, and in cases of urgency, leaving his school in the care of the older pupils, while he at- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF^DENMARK. 20I tended to the more pressing demands of his patients. He was never married, never actively engaged in political contests, but was for many years a prominent member of and exhorter in the M. E. church. Among the licenses given him, one is signed by John Dempster in 1834. He had striking evidence. He was loved by his pupils and honored by their par- ents. * * * His practice in medicine rapidly increased, and he often rode the white horse on which he came into the county through the whole night, over the hills and through the roads and valleys of Denmark, Harrisburgh and Pinckney, to visit his patients, returning to his school in the morning, and after its close repeating his nocturnal ride. At length [DR. JOHN WHITINB,] greatly aided the societies, both at Co- penhagen and at Pinckney, where he for some time resided on a farm managed by his brother Samuel, in erecting suit- able buildings for worship. He was sur- geon of the regiment organized in the county, or the part of the county in which he lived. One of his pupils wrote as follows of him: — " He was an apt teacher, and a strict disciplinarian of which the writer has the calls for a doctor became so fre- quent that he found it necessary to de- vote his entire time to the practice of his profession. He was very successful as a physician, and accumulated proper- ty rapidly. He was of a philosophical turn of mind, well versed in history and the current topics of the day, a good and interesting conversationalist, select in his language, and minute in his de- scriptions. * * * According to my best recollections, he continued in the active practice of his profession ten or twelve years, and for several years after that was often called as council in diffi- cult and dangerous cases." 202 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. For the greater part of his Hfe he was a member of the families of his brothers Abner and Samuel. In the year 1870, he went to live in the family of Frank- lin Whiting, the son of his nephew, Harvey M., where he remained until his death, which occurred at Clark's Cor- ners, in the town of Denmark, Feb. 17, 1 88 1, at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 23 days. HARVEY M. WHITING. Abner Whiting, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Colebrook, Conn., May 24, 1779. His parents were John and Sylvia (Loomis) Whiting, and he was the oldest in a family of fourteen children. His genealogical record is believed to be established as follows : He was the son of John Whiting, born July 24, 1758, who was the son of John Whiting, born Nov. 23, 1720, who was the son of Ben- jamin Whiting, the tenth and youngest child of Rev. Samuel Whiting, Jr., who was born in England in 1633, and brought to Lynn, then called Saugus, Mass., by his father. Rev. Samuel Whiting, in June, 1636. Rev. Samuel Whiting was born at Boston, Lincolnshire, Eng., November 20, 1597. His father, John Whiting, was mayor of that city in the year 1600, and also in 1608, and his brother, John, held the same office in 1655. It appears that the names of John and Samuel have con- tinued in the family for three or more centuries ; that of the former being found to have been in every generation to the present date. Samuel Whiting, brother to Abner, who came to Lewis county in 1824, and settled in Pinckney, dying Feb. 7, 1874, was the last repre- sentative of this name in this branch of the family. Abner Whiting came to the vicinity which is now the town of Denmark, Lewis county, — then a part of the town of Lowville and Oneida county, — in the fall of 1 80 1, and purchased a farm, pay- ing for it and receiving a receipt therefor, his deed not being given until the 14th of June following. He married Asenath, the daughter of John Scott Clark, in the fall of 1804. He died January 7, 1866, and his wife February 18, 1861. Their children were twelve in number, two of whom died in early infancy. The rec- ord of the others is as follows : — Roxy, born July 13, 1805, died Dec. 13, 1839; Harvey M.; Lovma, born De- cember 21, 1808, died December 14, 1829; Melinda, born July 31,1812, died March 19, 1881 ; Sylvia, born May 11, 1814, died March 26, 1834; Arline, born May 30, 1 8 16, died April 30, 1882 ; Asenath, born January 24, 1818; Susan, born February 17, 1821, died June 15, 1858 ; John Clark, born March 10, 1823, died July 31, 1854; Huldah, born April 14, 1828, died September 4, 1830. Of these children, Asenath married Avery Allen, of Harrisburgh, in Octo- ber, 1836, in which town she now (1883) resides, as do also her grandchildren, and only descendants, the children of Newton Stoddard. Arline married Ira Hodge, in 1834, and in 1846, removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where she died, and in which State her two surviving children still HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 203 live. — Charles C. M., near Oak Centre, and Sidney J., in Hartford, Washington county. Harvey M. Whiting, the second of these children, was born in the town of Denmark, April 14, 1807, where he has passed his life. He married Louisa, daughter of John Clark, ist., January 4, John Kent, born March 4, 1870; Fos- ter S., born April 17, 1872 ; Una L., born November 24, 1874. Mary A. married Ashbel S. Humph- rey, of Harrisburgh, April 22, 1863. Their children were as follows : — Frankie J., born April 29, 1864 ; Henry G., born July 2, 1866; Harvey W., born [HilRTTEY M, WHITING.] 1838. His children and descendants are as follows : — Franklin M., born November 21, 1838 ; Abigail Janette, born October i, 1840, died June 26, 185 1 ; Mary A., born April 13, 1843; Anna E., born April 13, 1846; John H., born October 28, 1850, died January 2, 1852. Franklin M., married Ophelia North Wemple, January 13, 1869, and had chil- dren as follows : — March 12, 1871 ; Bessie L., born June 7, 1872. WILLIAM HARTWELL, JR. During the Revolutionary war two brothers of the name of Hartwell came from England to America to aid in sub- duing the Rebels. Both were officers in the British army. At the close of the war, one of the brothers returned to England, but the other, choosing to re- 204 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. main in America, settled in New York, where he married an English lady of the name of Mary Cable. They had nine children, of whom William Hart well was the oldest. He married Elizabeth Cooper, daughter of William Cooper. They were of French descent and lived in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. William Hartwell, Sr., was a soldier in the War of 1 8 12, and after his death his widow received the soldier's land bounty. He died Sept. 18, 1845, aged 68 years. Elizabeth, his wife, died Jan. 6, 1871, aged 92. Their children were Ransom, born in 1797, died in 1850; Hannah, born in [WILLIilM HiiRTWELL, JR.] William Hartwell settled in Duchess county, N. Y., and came to the Black River country in 1804. His family then consisted of four children— Ransom, Han- nah, Morris and Abigail. The country was then in its infancy, and they were among the first settlers in the town of Denmark. Six children were added to their family after coming to Denmark — William J., Laura, James, Almon, Charles, and Benjamin. 1799, died April 3, 1810; Morris, born July 18, 1801, died August 25, 1880; Abigail L., born July 12, 1803 ; William, Jr.; Laura, born July 27, 1808; James, born in 1810 ; Almon N., born m 1812 ; Charles S., born in 1814; Benjamin, born December 11, 1817, died January 25, 1881. William Hartwell, Jr., the first child born to them after coming to this coun- try, was born in Denmark Sept. 27. 1806, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 205 where he was educated and where he has always lived. He began life first as a mechanic, which occupation he after- ward relinquished for farming. A man of sound common sense and trusted by his townsmen, he has held numerous offices of the town, scarcely a year pass- ing since he attained his majority that he has not filled some official position. He was at one time nominated and elected sheriff on the Republican ticket, but lost the office through some illegality in the returns in one election district. On the 25th of October, 1854, he married E. Catherine Squire,daughter of Dr. Charles Squire, who was for nearly sixty years a physician in Denmark. He was the son of Stoddard Squire, an Englishman by birth, who, on the 24th of October, 1781, man-ied a lady from Fi'ance by the name of Theadocius French, by whom he had four children—Charles, born Nov. 5, 1783; John G., born May 5, 1785 ; Fanny, born June ig, 1788, and Truman, born May 27, 1791. Doctor Charles Squire was born in Duchess county, studied medi- cine with Dr. Willoughby, of Newport, attended the Medical College at Fairfield, where he received his diploma, and came to Denmark in 18 10. He was a surgeon in the army in the War of 18 12. He married Eliza Evens, of Fairfield, N. Y., January 15, 1814. They had two chil- dren, Charles D., born November 23, 1815, and E. Catherine, born January 24, 1824. He lived a useful life, and died in Denmark, September 15, 1867. The children of Wm. Hartwell, Jr., are : Mary Eliza, born April 9, 1858, married Richard C. Otis; Ada E., born Nov. 9, 1859; Walton S., born June 18, 1861. MORGAN LEWIS. , The first known of this name were John and James Lewis, two brothers, who came from England at a very early day, and settled in Barnstable, Mass. James was the father of six sons. John, the eldest of these moved to Hingham, Mass. He had three sons, of whom the oldest was John, who moved eastward and.lived in North Yarmouth. James Lewis, the second born, and great-grand- father to Morgan, was bc5rn December 27, 1724. His famil}' was as follows: — Lydia ist, born May 26, 1750, died in infancy ; Lydia 2d, born December 10, 1751; John, born Jan. 3, 1754; Bet- sey, born March 10, 1756; Rachel, born Nov. 24, 1757; James, born Dec. 6, 1759; Hannah, born Jan. 27, 1762 ; Laban, born April 12, 1764; Benjamin, born Nov. 13, 1766; Lucy, born March 3, 1769. Elijah, born March 3, 1773. The father of these died April 3, 1802. The moth- er, Lydia Pratt, also died. Of these children, John, born in 1 754, on the 27th of June, 1782, married Mary Phelps, who was born May 27, 1762. He died Feb. 3, 1828, aged 74; she died March 9, 1840, aged TJ years, 9 months. Their children were : — Seth, born Feb. 4, 1783 ; John, born Feb. 16, 1784 ; James, born Oct. 10, 1785 ; Calvin, born Jan. 18, 1788; Polly, born Sept. 18,1789; Luther, born April 9, 1791 ; Lydia ist, born Oct. 11, 1792, died Sept. 4, 1793; Lydia 2d, born May 25, 1794; Lucy, born Nov. 13, 1795; Betsey, born April 18, 1797; Warren, born June 6, 1799; Fanny, born Dec. 18, 1804; Hannah, born Dec. 27, 1806, died Oct. 26, 1827. John Lewis, the father of Morgan, 2o6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. was born in Suffield, Conn. He came to Harrisburgh, Lewis county, in 1804. His occupation was that of farmer. On the 15th of January, 1803, he married Betsey Winchell, who was born in Springfield, Mass., September 9, 1786. John died in Harrisburgh, December i, 1865 ; his wife died in the same place, 1845; Franklin, born May 10, 1822, died in Utah, May 11, 1850; Fanny, born Feb. II, 1825, married Amos Lasher, of Harrisburgh, Feb. 16, 1848. Morgan Lewis,the third child, was born April 27, 1 808. His early life was passed in Harrisburgh, where he was born. He was educated in the common schools. [MDREilN LEWIS.] March 20, 1867. They had ten children, as follows : — Mary A., born Aug. i, 1803, died June 24, 1848; Caroline, born April 3, 1806, died Nov. 24, 1827; Morgan, born April 27, 1808; Julia, born April 14, 1810, died Feb. 1,1842; George, born Aug, 31, 1812, died Aug. 27, 1882 ; John, Jr., born Jan. II, 181 5; Betsey, born March 26, 1817, married Abel Bickford, Jan. 6, 1838, died Sept. 10, 1875 ; Warren, born Feb. 14, 1820, died in Rockford, 111., Oct. 14, and adopted the occupation of farming, which he has always followed. He married Betsey Hazen, daughter of Sew- all Hazen, of Denmark, Feb. 19, 1846, who was born June 15, 1820. Their chil- dren are : — John Morgan, born March 15, 1847 ; Ledru Lycurgus, born Oct. 3, 1849; Wilson Hazen, born Dec. 24, 185 1 ; Mary Eugene, born March 5, 1854, died Oct. 7, 1874; Bessie Edith, born Nov. 14, 1859; Emma Anna, born May 20, 1865. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 207 CHESTER S. CUNNINGHAM. Aaron Cunningham, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Royal- ston, Mass., August 31, 1789. He came to Denmark, Lewis county, in the win- ter of 18 17, where he resided until his death, which occurred in Copenhagen September 15, 1864. His wife was Mary Copenhagen, x\pril 19, 1825. He was educated in the district schools, and worked for a number of years at the trade of leather tanning with his father, who was engaged in that business at Charles Corners, near Copenhagen. He afterward took up the occupation of farming which he has since followed. LCHESTER S. C tINNINEHfiM.J Dimock, of Norwich, Mass., who was born March 29, 1791, and to whom he was married November 14, 18 13. She died December 31, 1859. They had four children, namely :— Lyman, born iii Norwich, Mass., Sep- tember 17, 1814, died July 22, 1876, Dorothy E., born April 21, 18 19, mar- ried L W. Dickenson; Chester S.; Mary E., born June 21, 1828, died May 14, 1830. Chester S. Cunningham was born in He was married to Nancy M. Snyder, of Picton, Canada, March 4, 1855, who died August 5, 1864, leaving one son and two daughters — Ellen M., born April 19, 1856, died August 4, 1856; WiUiam C, born January 23, 1858; and Hattie E., born August 3, 1861. He was again married to Maria H. Millard, of Copen- hagen, October 1 1, 1865, by whom he had one child, a daughter, Mary L., born May 12, 1868. 2o8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ABNER HUNGER. In the spring of 1801, the Nathan Mungers, (father and son,) millwrights, having had their attention called to the Black river country, came down the river and followed up Deer river to_ half a mile above the falls, where they Copenhagen village, and the place soon acquired the name of " Mungers Mills." Nathan Munger, the father of Abner, was born in Ludlow, Mass., and came to this section of New York State in the spring of 1801. He married Louisa Bishop, who was also from Massachu- setts. Their children were : Nathan, who LKHNER MUNEER.] selected a site for mills, and in that season finished a saw-mill and got it in operation. The proprietors, to encour- age the enterprise, gave them the water privilege from the High falls up over two miles. In 1803, they got a small grist-mill, with one run of burr stone in operation in time to grind the first wheat raised in town as soon as it was in condition for use. The mill stood directly below the upper saw-mill in was killed in 181 1, by the falling of tim- bers in a house which he was repairing; Isaac, who was born in 1780, and died April 20, 1855; Solomon, who died Oct. 16, 1863; Sylvester, who died in Hol- yoke, Mass., at what date is unknown; Roswell, who died July 12, 1870, aged 82; Anthony, who died Oct. 30, 1869; Elijah, who died June 2, 1877, aged 86; Sylvanus who died Aug. i, 1877; Cham- pion, who left home in 1834, and has HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 209 never been heard from since; Betsey, the first woman who came to this part of the town, married Calvin Blodgett, and died August 26, 1874, aged 91 years; Folly, who married first, Eleazer Nash, second, Jeremiah Babcock, and who died September 26, 1864; Maria, who married Jason Millard, and died March 25, 1864, aged 65 ; and Samantha, who married Abijah Tisdale, and died Sep- tember IS, i860, aged 60 years. Abner Munger, the tenth child, was born May 29, 1801, in Paris, Oneida county, and came with his parents to Lewis county when about two years old. His early life was passed amid the hardships of pioneer days. He received the scanty education of the schools of those times, which was afterward en- larged by reading and commingling with men, and adopted the occupation of car- penter, in which business he was for some years engaged with his brother, Elijah. He afterward entered upon the life of a farmer, which he followed suc- cessfully for a number of years. He then retired from that business and took up his residence in the village of Copen- hagen where he now (1883) resides. In 1825, he was married to Amelia Boswell, of Champion, Jefferson county. New York, by whom he had children as follows: — Russell, born Feb. 20, 1826, died Jan. i, 1830 ; Louisa C, born July 20, 1830, died April 3, 1848. Mr. Munger's wife died April 3, 1858, and on the 9th of February, 1859, ^^ married Elizabeth Hunt Boynton, who died Jan. 13, 1869. He then married Olive J. Lewis Colhns, a native of Petersburg, Rensselaer coun- ty, Feb. 18, 1873, now living. LUCIUS F. WRIGHT. Charles Wright, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born Sept. 16, 1739, and married Ruth Smith, who was born May 17, 1750. He died July 13, 1820, and Ruth died March 24, 1834. They had nine children, as follows : — Lydia, born March 11, 1772, died in' August, 1839. Charles Wright, Jr., born July 28, 1774, died May 20, 1827. Stephen S., born Aug. 18, 1776, died Sept. 27, 1840. Tyrannus A., born Feb. 6, 1779, died July 21, 1863. Ruth, born April 30, 1781, died Sept. 23, 1869. Erastus, born May 28, 1787, died Aug. 10, 1865. Chester, born Nov. 10, 1789, died June 25, 1835- Nathan, born May 17, 1792, died Feb. 12, 1871. Matthew M., born Oct. 24, 1794, died Sept. 10, 1870. Of these children, Charles Wright, Jr., and Tyrannus A. came to the town of Denmark, Lewis county, in May, 1801, from Colebrook, Conn. They came down the Black river from the High falls on a raft, landing at the mouth of Deer river, then followed a line of marked trees through the wilderness to their future home, situated a mile west of what is now the village of Copenhagen. In the autumn of that year they went back to Connecticut, and in the follow- ing spring, with their parents and all of their brothers and sisters, returned again to Denmark. They started from Cole- brook about the first of March, making 2IO HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. the entire journey in four weeks with a sled drawn by two ox teams. The entire family lived and died in the town of Den- mark, with the exception of Chester, who moved to Ohio. Lucius F., the son of Tyrannus A. and Mary C. Wright, was born in the town Pinckney. She died Nov. 27th, in that same year, leaving one child, Margaret Amelia, who afterward married the Hon. Cyrus L. Sheldon. He was again married November 12, 1.835, to Ann M. Jeffers, daughter of Benjamin Jeffers, of Pinckney. [LUCms F. WRIGHT. 1 of Denmark Jan. 3, 1808. He was edu- cated in the common schools of those days, and the Lowville Academy. At the age of twenty he began teaching in the district schools of the county, which profession he followed for thirteen win- ters, and afterwards adopted the occu- pation of farmer. On the i6th of March, 1834, he married Margaret Armstrong, third daughter of James Armstrong, of He held the office of School Inspector for the town of Pinckney from 1829 to 1840, with the exception of one year, and I was captain of the militia company of Pinckney for five years. From 1848 to 1866 he was a resident of the town of Lowville, and while residing there was three times elected as Justice of the Peace. In 1866 he removed to Copen- hagen, where he still resides. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 211 ALONZO AND ROLAND J. RICH. Josiah Rich, grandfather to Alonzo and Roland, emigrated from Claremont, New Hampshire, to Lewis county in i8i6. His occupation through Ufe was that of farmer. His wife was Elizabeth Stone. They were people of the Baptist took up the farm on which he resided for the most part ot his life. He put up a log cabin there, made a clearing dur- ing the summer, and in the fall returned to New Hampshire for his family, who came back with him in the spring of 1802. Joseph was born in 1776, and died July 8, 1864. His wife. Avis Dean, was lALDNZD n, RICH. persuasion, and were known far and near for their hospitable entertainment of the members and ministers of that denomination. Josiah died in 1834, aged 92 years. His wife died in 18 19. They had a large family of children — Samuel, Josiah, Phebe, Eliza, Bazaleel Ives, Jo- seph, Benjamin H., and Ives Bazaleel. Of these, Bazaleel Ives and Joseph Rich, came from Claremont to the Black River country, in 1801, where the latter born in 1767, and died November 28, 1854. Their children were : Alonzo D., Roland J., and Horace B. The latter was born July 6, 1809, and died August i, 1831. Alonzo Dean Rich was born in what is now the town of Denmark, Oct. 26, 1803. Here his early life was passed, and here he was educated in the common schools, supplemented by after training in the Lowville Acadeni}'. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, in which he 2l2 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. has been successful. He married Louisa Merriam, of Denmark, Feb. 27, 1831. Their children were: Maria D., born July 23, 1832, married Duane M. Cook, a native of Rodman, Jefferson county, died March 7, 1857 ; Sidney M., born July 30, 1835, died Aug. 20, 1882, in Hudson, Bates county. Mo. ; Lorenzo M., born been passed. He, too, received the edu- cation of the schools of those days and that to be obtained in the Lowville Acad- emy, which was organized when he was a mere child. For some years he taught school, but abandoned that profession for farming, which business he has since fol- lowed. He married Louisa Blodget, [HDLfiND J. RICH,] Nov. 17, 1840, lives in Hudson, Mo. ; Horace F., born Jan. 8, 1843 ; Henrietta A., born June 23, 1847, married the Rev. George B. Barnes, now (1883) in Ottawa, Illinois. The wife of Alonzo D. died February 28, 1880, and he married for his second wife, Mrs. Isabel Pamelia Austin, of Denmark, December 5, 1880. Roland Josiah Rich was born in Den- mark April 15, 1805, where his life has in January, 1837, who died September 22, 1 84 1, aged 33 years. She left a daugh- ter, Louisa, who was born September 9, 1 841, and married Ensworth D. Bab- cock, of Denmark. Mr. Rich then mar- ried Sally Maria, a sister of his former wife, in 1843, who also died Dec. 28, 1850, at the age of 33. She left two children, viz : Sarah Augusta, born July 15, 1845 ; and Roland Jay, born Aug. 10, 1849, died in March, 1852, aged two and a half years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 213 In January, 1852, Mr. Rich married Lucy Ann Blodget, who is still living. JOSIAH D. RICH. The father of the subject of this brief sketch was Bazaleel Ives Rich, brother to Joseph, the father of Alonzo that time the forests have been removed, the blackened stump fields have given place to broad and fertile acres, and his hands have aided in the prosperity of the town. To that class of men, the hardy workers, the men of sturdy common sense, who feared no bodily labor, the towns of Lewis county owe their pres- [j, n. and Roland J. Rich. Josiah v^as born in Copenhagen, September 25, 1816. His early life was passed in Denmark where he was educated. He early took up the occupation of farming, in which business he has amassed a competency. He was married to Lovina M. Horning, Jan. 2, 1845, who died July S, 1875. Mr. Rich has passed his life in the town of his birth, and has witnessed the changes of nearly three-quarters of a century. In RICH.] ent advanced and prosperous condition, and the citizens should not willingly per- mit their name to pass into oblivion. Josiah Rich in a few more years will be gone. The generation that knew him will : have passed away ; the labors which he and his cotemporaries performed will be forgotten, except as recorded on his- i toric page ; but those of the newer gen- eration who gaze upon the faces herein 214 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. collected, will recognize him as one of the early and hardy men who bequeathed to the towns of the county the blessing of prosperity. GILBERT B. JOHNSON. The family of Johnson is of English ancestry. Jacob Johnson, grandfather for many years Judge of Montgomery county. They lived at Kingsboro until March, 1834, when they moved to Deer River, Lewis county. They both lived honored, trusted and re- spected, and left their impress for good on the social, moral, and religious interests of the community where they IGILH E RT H of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and mar- ried Esther Hotchkiss. Both were born in Connecticut. Their son, Abner A. Johnson, the father of Gilbert B., was born in Connecticut, January. 11, 1788. He married at Cranberry Creek, Mont- gomery county, (now Fulton county,) N. Y., April 29, 1820, Annah W. Gilbert, born in Connecticut, December 3, 1802, the daughter of Hon. Samuel A. Gilbert, JOHNS D N, J lived- Abner A. Johnson held here for several terms,the office of supervisor. He died in Deer River April 17, 1867. His wife died in the same place January 14, 1864. They had eight children, as fol- lows : — Lucien A., now (1883), living at Chat- field, Minn. ; Gilbert B.; Sarah, wife of Jason C. Easton, Chatfield, Minn.; Samu- el W., Professor in Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut ; Esther A., wife of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DENMARK. 215 Giles C. Easton, died in Lowville, Octo- ber 20, 1862; Elizabeth, wife of John W. Clark, now (1883) living at Carthage, N. Y.; Abigail W., and Annah G., twins; the fornmer the wife of Rev. John Moore, of Ripon, Wis., and the latter the wife of George H. Haven, of Chatfield, Minn. Gilbert B. Johnson, was born in Kings- boro, town of Johnstown, N. Y., Octo- ber 10, 1823. He passed the first ten years of his life in Kingsboro, and came with his parents to Deer River, in 1834, where he received the education of the common schools, and Lowville Academy, and the practical education of his father's farm. He has obtained the reputation of being a sound, shrewd, business man, and has held in his town numerous posi- tions of responsibility and trust. He has been justice of the peace from and in- cluding 185 1 to 1883, except one term, and was supervisor from 1864 to 1869, both years included, and also in 1876, and 1 877. He assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Carthage, which commenced business in January, 1880, and was elected President, which position he has since held. On the 2d of January, 1850, he mar- ried at Deer River, Elizabeth Easton, who was born in Johnstown, April 30, 1830. The result of this marriage was seven children, three of whom are still living : — Mary E., born October 16, 1855, mar- ried Charles H. Loomis, August 18, 1874, now (1883) living at West Carthage, N. Y.; Annah Nellie, born October i, i860; Lucien Gilbert, born August 11, 1868. RODOLPHUS B. WILSON. Of the ancestry of this family nothing is known back of the grandfather, John Wilson, who was of Scotch parentage, and whose father and mother dying when he was an infant placed him under the care of a guardian who came with him to America, when he was but four years of age, and located in Washington county, N. Y. He died in that county in October, 18 13. His wife's name was Anna Maria Switzer. Their children were : John, George, Christopher, Peter, James, Will- iam, Elinor, Nancy, Catherine and Sarah. Of these children, George was the father of Rodolphus B. He was born in Washington county November 6, 1793, and came to Lewis county in 1814, locat- ing in Harrisburgh, on the farm now owned by William Rook. His life oc- cupation was that of a farmer. His wife was Mary Ann Bush, daughter of John Bush, of Harrisburgh, who was born May 23, 1799. George Wilson died December 14, 1849. ^"^is wife died Oc- tober 13, 1882. Their children were four: — Jane, born April 15, 1826, married Allen Snell, October 14, 1848, and died December 29, 1877; Rodolph, who died at the age of one year ; Rodolphus B. ; Anna Maria, born July 16, 1830, married the Rev. Willett Vary, who died, and she married his brother, John Vary. Rodolphus Bush Wilson, the third of these children, was born in Harris- burgh, Lewis county, November i, 1829, in which town his early life was passed on the farm. He received the educa- tion of the common schools and adopted the Ufe of a farmer, in which business he 2l6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. has been more than ordinarily prosper- ous. In January, 1862, he removed from Harrisburgh and settled in the town of Denmark, where he has since resided. He is regarded by his fellow-townsmen as a man of honor .and integrity in all business matters, and faithful and true in his friendships. On the i6th of January, 1857, he mar- ried Amelia A. Shultz, daughter of Solomon Shultz, of Denmark, who was born in that town, December 6, 1832. Their children are : — George Frank, born June 19, 1859; James Addison, born August 22, 1869; and Fay L., born February 28, 1874. LRnnnLPHus h. wilsdn.j CHAPTER XXII. History of the Town of Diana. THIS town was formed from Watson, (by request of town meeting,) April 26, 1830, and named in compliment to the wishes of Joseph Bonaparte, who then owned a considerable part of its wild lands and had begun small improvements. In his favorite pastime of hunting, he had here found an ample field for enterprise, and fancying that Diana herself might covet this region as her home, by a happy turn of poetic fancy, he conferred upon it the name of the goddess of huntsmen. The first town meeting was held at the house of Robt. Blanchard, at which Chap- man Johnson was elected Supervisor; Geo. W. Bingham, Clerk ; Silas D. Stiles, John Wilbur and Enoch Cleveland, As- sessors ; Willis Edwards, Caleb Blanch- ard and Jesse Palmer, Commissioners of Highways; Daniel Robert, C. Blanch- ard and G. W. Bingham, Commissioners of Schools ; E. Cleveland and Mills Sly, Poormasters ; James Edward, Collec- tor ; and Thomas Brayton, John Wilbur and Norman Stevens, Inspectors of Schools. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 217 Supervisors. — i830-'3i, Chapman John- son ; ,1832, Thomas Brayton, Jr.; 1833, Chapman Johnson;, i834-'35, Thomas Brayton, j r. ; 1 836-'39, Caleb Blanchard ; i840-'4i, David D. Reamer; 1842, John Wilbur; 1843-49, David D. Reamer; 1850, Sherman Blanchard ; 185 1, Eugene Burnand ; i852-'53, Jonathan Aldrich ; 1854, Howard Sterling; 1855, Horace Clark: 1856, William Hunt; 1857-60, Joseph Pahud ; 1861-63, William Hunt; 1864, William B. Dodge ; 1865-66, How- ard Sterling; i867-'68, William Hunt; 1869, Truman Davis; 1870, William Hunt; 1871, Jonas Frost; 1872-73, Levi C. Lake ; 1874-75, William Hunt ; 1876, Henry Hitchcock; i877-'8i, Will- iam Hunt ; 1882, Oliver Collins. Clerks.— \'&io, G. \V. Bingham; 1831- '32, John Wilbur; 1833, James G. Lyndes, (removed, and John Wilbur ap- pt)inted July i ith ;) 1834, Silas D. Stiles ; 1835- '39, John Wilbur ; i840-'45, Horace Clark; 1846, Reuben Tyler; 1847, Henry Allen, Jr. ; 1848-49, Reuben Tyler ; 1850- '53, Henry Allen; 1854, Nathan R. Car- ley; i855-'59, Henry Allen. Since i860, Henry Allen, Erastus Lasher, Thomas Broadway and Augustus Saltsman have held the office of Town Clerk, the last named for the seven years last. The south line of the town was fixed between the 19th and 20th north ranges of Castorland, but in the erection of Croghan, in 1841, the north line of that tract was made the south line of the town. The poor and the public money of Watson, were to be divided in the ratio of the last tax list. While a part of Watson, the north line of this town was twice changed. On the loth of April, it was made to run so as to include about thirty lots, now in Wilna, and leave off several now in Diana ; and on the 2d nf April, 1813, the county-hne was fixed as it now exists.* The Checkered House * These cliaiij;c-s arc- fully described on page 29 of Hoiigli^ JclTcisoii ComUy Ilibtoiy. (four miles from Carthage, towrards Ant- werp,) and adjoining neighborhood in Wilna, were under the former arrange- ment included in Lewis county, and res- idents in that section could only enjoy the privilege of voting, by a journey to Leyden, distant about forty miles. A panther bounty of $5 was voted in 1831, '32, '35, and of $10 in 1836 to 1842, '50, '51. A wolf bounty of $5 was voted in 1835, and of $10 in 1832, '34, 36, 37, '38, '39, .'56. Fox bounties of $1 were voted from 1837 to 1842, inclusive. In 1845, ^ special law, allowing $5 on pan- thers, was asked by this town of the Legislature. Settlement began on the old St. Law- rence Turnpike, by one Doharty ; but the first farm improvement was made by Thomas and Jeremiah Brayton, about 1818. Caleb, Robert and Sherman, sons of Isaac Blanchard, came about 1824, and afterwards their brother Daniel. They were originally from Rhode Island, but then from Wilna, from whence also many of the other settlers removed. George W. Bingham, John Wilbur, Enoch Cleveland and others, settled about 1830, or a little before. About 1828, the Count de Survilliers (Joseph Bonaparte), having acquired the title, first came to explore his lands and spend a few weeks in rural pastimes. He directed a road to be cut, and went in a stage-coach through from the old turn- pike, to the lake, which has since been know as " Bonaparte Lake." He caused a boat to be taken through the woods, and launched upon this water, and a log house to be built upon an elevation com- manding a fine view of the lake and its shores. This sheet of water covers about 1,200 acres, has several wild rocky islands with- in it, and in its primitive condition, was environed by bold rocky shores, alter- nating with wooded swamps and inter- vales, presenting altogether one of the 2l8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. most picturesque and quiet woodland scenes which the great forest affords. The place chosen for the house, was on Lot 928, on the most commanding site that the shores of the lake afforded. On the outlet of the lake at the present vil- lage of Alpina, the Count had a clearing of some thirty acres made, and a framed house erected with ice house, cellars, out houses and other conveniences, with the view ot making this a summer residence. He also built in 1829, at the Natural Bridge,'a large house, which was standing when our first edition was published. The Count visited his lands four times, upon each occasion spending a few weeks, and always accompanied by a number of chosen companions, some of whom had witnessed and shared the sunny fortunes of the ex-king of Naples and of Spain, the favorite brother of the great Napo- leon. Upon one occasion, in returning from the Natural Bridge to Evans's Mills, the cortege halted upon the Pine Plains, and partook of a sumptuous feast which had been prepared with great care, and embraced every delicacy that the coun- try afforded, displayed upon golden dishes, and served with regal ceremonies. Liberal in the use of money, and sociable with all who were brought in business relations with him, he was of course popular among our citizens, and his an- nual return was awaited with interest and remembered with satisfaction. He soon, however, sold to LaFarge ; the house on the outlet, still unfinished, rotted down, and the log house on the lake was some years after burned.* This episode in the life of Joseph Bonaparte has been made the subject of the following poem by the late Caleb * Bonaparte was sued in the Jefferson County Court by Johnson Willard, fora claim arising from the clearing of a piece of land He paid without going into court, but the incident is said to have disgusted him exceed- ingly, and may have been a motive for his abandoninp this establishment. The Count appeared suspicious of being robbed, and observed cautions very unusual in this country. Lyon of Lyonsdale. It was extensively quoted in the newspapers of the day, and presents a favorable specimen of the style of our Lewis county poet : — BONAPARTE LAKE. Waters enwound with greenest woods, And jewelled isles, the gift of Pan, Unsought, unseen, where Silence broods, Unwelcoming the feet of man. Gray clouds in liquid opal burn Above the jagged hemlock's height, A sunset sky outpours its urn In ripples of the rosiest light. By sinuous shore the baying hound Tells the stag seeks on silver sands Diana's mirror ; here is found One of Endymion's haunted lands. The lilies on thy glowing breast Loll languidly in crowns of gold, Were pure Evangels speaking rest Unto an Exile's heart of old: Brother of him whose charmed sword Clove or created kingdoms fair, Whose faith in him was as the word Writ in the Mamaluke's scimiter. Here he forgot La Granja's glades, Escurial's dark and gloomy dome, And sweet Sorento's deathless shades, In his far off secluded home. The hunter loved his pleasant smile. The backwoodsman his quiet speech, And the fisher's cares would he beguile With ever kindly deeds for each. He lived for others not in vain, His well kept memory still is dear — Once King of Naples and of Spain, The friend of Bernardin St. Pierre. Sterling Bush. In 1832, Fannel and Jomaine,* French capitalists of some experience in the iron business, began the erection of a blast furnace on Indian river, at a place which they named Louisburgh. As built by them, the furnace was thirty-three feet square at the base, of the kind technical- ly termed a quarter furnace, and intend- ed for a cold blast. They got the fur- nace in operation in 1833, but their * Of the latter name there were two or three brothers. They were directly from Porto Rico. One of them afterwards died of cholera, in Canada. Fannel was book-keeper, and one of the Jomaines was a founder. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 219 European experience did them more harm than good, and after runnings two or three short blasts upon bog ore, their capital was expended, and their proper- ty, including about five thousand acres of land, was sold. Isaac K.Lippencott, Joseph M. Morgan and David D. Reamer became purchas- ers in 1836, and continued the business with better success about ten years. They rebuilt the furnace, twenty-eight feet square, (seven and a half feet inside measure,) introduced the hot blast in 1839, ^^^ ^o^ some time made stoves and other castings, by dipping directly from the furnace. The establishment had been founded upon the expectation of finding ores in the vicinity, but this failing, a supply was drawn from the Kearney mine, in Gouverneur, and else- where in St. Lawrence county. The yield was generally three tons per day, and towards the end, much of it found a market in Rochester. In 1850, the premises were bought by James Sterling,* who procured a change in the name of the postoffice, to Sterling Busk, and resumed the manufacture. He paid $10,000 for the premises, and spent about $13,000 in rebuilding. The fur- nace at this place was operated by Ster- ling, until the year 1863. It was soon after purchased from his estate, by E. Bulkley, a New York capitalist, and rel- ative of Judge Hilton. In this purchase were included the Sterling Hematite mines, in Antwerp, and other interests. Mr. Bulkley has made several blasts, and closed operations in 1881, the furnace demanding expenses, repairs and im- provements, while proving a source of loss to its owner. The village consists • Mr. Sterling died July 23, 1863. He resided at Sterlingville, Jefferson county, which derived its name from him, and its existence from the iron furnace which he established there, and run for many years. He had a remarkable talent for business, and although quite corpulent, he was active and present wherever business called. A daughter of Mr. Sterling has attained dis- tinction as a singer. of but little else than the furnace and its dependencies. The Sterling Bush and North Wilna plank road, built in 1853, connected this place by plank with the Railroad at Antwerp, and the old Ster- ling iron mines, between Antwerp and Somerville, but has long since been abandoned to the public. Harrisville. In 1833, Foskit Harris, of Champion, under a promise of two acres of land, and a waterfall on the Oswegatchie, with other inducements from Judge Boyer, agent of Bonaparte, hired several men, and on the 25th of September of that year, pushed three miles beyond set- tlement, and began the erection of mills at the present village of Harrisville. A saw-mill was built the first season, and a grist-mill, with one run of stones, in 1835 ; several mechanics came in, roads were opened, lands cleared, and the place appeared destined to become a central business point. Several families were from Le Ray and towns adjacent ; but no sooner was it known that Mr. La- Farge had become the owner of the lands in this section, than they resolved to quit the place. His reputation was exceedingly bad among the settlers on Penet Square, and elsewhere, and cases of marked severity had created so bit- ter a prejudice, that no inducement, not even that of a free gift at his hand, could induce them to remain. Thus de- serted, the place retained little besides a name, until 1854, when Joseph Pa- hud, a Swiss gentleman (who had be- come concerned in the Alpina works, towards the last of the Swiss Company's operations), came to reside at this place. Under his auspices, a grist-mill of supe- rior finish was erected in 1857, and a saw- mill with double saws, in 1858. Induce- ments were offered, which led, in 1859, I to the building of a chair factory, a sash. 220 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. door and blind shop, and several build- ings in the village. In May of that year, Messrs. Beach & Dodge began an ex- tensive tannery on the east side of the river, half a mile below the village, and in the midst of a forest. It was 288 feet long, had 160 vats, and was intended .to turn out about 40,000 sides of sole leather annually. A new saw-mill was got in operation a mile above, and other manu- factories were got under way at the time when the first history of Lewis county was published, in i860. Harrisville is yet, in 1882, the only vil- lage of any importance in the town of Diana. Its large tannery was success- fully kept in operation by Beach & Dodge, until 1879, ^^'^ then sold by them to D. Botchford & Co., the present own- ers, Thomas E. Proctor, of Boston, being a partner in the concern. The village is the center of a comparatively large trade, its stores and establishments being as follows : Tannery store, general mer- chandise; Lake & Blood, general store, and drugs and liquors ; Thomas Brady, groceries and liquors ; William Render, Oliver D. Collins, Frank Werner and Melzar f'aul, general merchandise, (Wer- ner uniting the sale of drugs ;) Crandall & Weed, hardware and tin shop ; George Miller, harness shop; WiUiam Stuart, shoe maker ; Peter Bullock, oar factory; A. Morgan & Son, furniture and under- taker; William Weaver, furniture, sash and doors ; Reuben Kilbourn and Philan- der Harris, carriage makers ; John Weeks and Solon Carley, blacksmiths ; Louis Harris, barber ; Sidney Nellis, watchmaker ; Mrs. Emma Osborn and Mrs. E. Nellis, millinery ; Snell & Co., saw-mill and lumber dealers ; Pahud & Hitchcock, saw-mill and lumber dealers, and grist-mill. The village has a commodious school- house, a large public hall, and spacious hotel, kept by Lake & Blood, and said to be one of the best in the county. It has two churches, one built in 1861, by the Congregationalists, and the other by the Campbellites, or Disciples. The Method- ists are now making preparations for building a church. Population in 1880, 353. Two lines of stages connect Har- risville with railroad points, daily, one atGouverneurandtheotherat Carthage. There is also a tri-weekly stage to Fine and Edwards. Tanneries. The tannery at Harrisville is the only one in the town, but one was built in 1 86 1, at Natural Bridge, just over the line, by Dr. Pearly Johnson, and is now owned and operated by T. E. Proctor. The Jordan Falls tannery built in 1868, by William W. & V. Rice, in Croghan, and one in Fine, St. Lawrence county, built in 1870, by Rice & Co. of Boston, S are near the town, and contribute to its business. These four tanneries have a yearly capacity for tanning 300,000 sides of sole-leather, consume 30,000 cords of bark, and require the clearing of 7,000 acres a year. They give steady employ- ment to 180 men, besides those employed as peelers, teamsters, etc. Cheese Factories, Etc. The town of Diana has four cheese factories, viz : " Lake Bonaparte Fac- tory," erected in 1868, by Pahud & Hitch- cock, " Sterlingbush Factory." " Natural Bridge Factory," and "Rice Factory." The last named is in the extreme north- west corner of the town, and is patron- ized by the three adjacent towns. In all, these factories work the milk of 1,000 to 1,100 cows. The Oswegatchie was declared a pub- he highway,. by act of April 13, 1854, as far up as the junction of the middle and west branches, and to the sources of both branches March 22. 1878. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 221 Alpixa. I I Eliuenc Burnand, a Swiss, about 1844, jiurchased 48,513 acres from La Fara^e, embracing two ranges of lots in Ant- j wcrp, and 122 lots in Diana, and returned \ to Switzerland to find pixrchasers to set- , tie upon his tract. While traveling upon the lake Neufchatel he met Louis Such- ard, the proprietor of the steamer upon which they then were, and in conversa- tion got him much interested in the chances of speculation, which his tract afforded, especially when he learned that iron ores occurred in this region and that forests of wood were abundant. Select- ing, at random, a lot upon the map, (No. 920,) he paid for it, and took a deed upon the spot." Suchard came over in 1845, and after two days spent in personal ex- ploration and conversation with settlers, this ardent and credulous adventurer returned, and in the winter following, organized a company with a capital of 300,000 francs, for the purchase of the tract, and erection of an iron furnace. Charles Favarger was sent over to con- duct operations, receiving a salary at first, and promised eventually an inter- est in the enterprise. He selected a site on Lot 886, on the outlet of Bonaparte Lake, and began the erection of a furnace, giving the location the name of Alpina. Mr. F~avarger was not a practical iron master, but the furnace which he erected was of superior construction, and after an expenditure greatly exceeding the esti- mates, it was got in operation in the spring of 1848, at a cost of $20,000. The local supply of ore" proved insufficient,! and it was obtained from the Kearney and other mines m St. Lawrence county. * This lot afterwards proved to be chiefly swamp and lake. Buinand, when this was found, made a satisfac- tory change of other lands. f A few hundred tons of ore were obtained on the lands of the company and proved of good quality. About 1,000 tons of iron were made under Favarger. Some poor sandy bog ores, obtained from the vicinity, were used as flux only. After running two blasts with hot air, making from two to five tons per day, the company failed. By Favarger's con- tract with Burnand, he was to have a deed of 1,000 acres whenever he had paid $1,000, and under this arrangement 17,- 000 acres had been convened at the time of the assignment. Frederick de Freudenrich, to secure his own interests and those of his nephew, the Count de Portalis, in this Swiss company, bought the property of the assignee, and by careful management, secured both without loss. The stock re- maining at the furnace was worked up by Sterling, under an agreement with Freudenrich. The furnace and its dependencies, with a large tract of land, passed into the hands of Z. H. Benton, of Ox Bow, Jefferson county, who, on the 6th of June, with his associates, organized the " St. Regis Mining Company," with $1,000,000 capital, in shares of $10 each. The parties named in the articles, were Thomas Morton, John Stanton, Lyman W. Gilbert, William Hickok and Albert G. Allen, and they stipulated the right to work mines in various towns of St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis coun- ties. It is needless to add that this scheme proved a failure, and that certain parties lost heavily by the speculation. We are not able to follow the intricate management of this affair. One blast had, in i860, been run by Benton, two by Emmet, and one by Fahud, after the above company was formed. About 1853, Loveland Paddock, of Watertown, and David C. Judson, of Ogdensburgh became the owners of about 30,000 acres in this town, to secure certain in- terests growing out of the Alpina man- agement, and appointed Mr. Pahud, of Harrisville, as their agent. Two blasts were made at the Alpina furnace in the decade of i86(>-'70, by Mr. Benton, and in 1872 it was leased for five 222 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. years, at a yearly rental of $4,000, to George F. Paddock, a banker at Water- town, and under the management of Lott Frost, father-in-law of Paddock, exten- sive repairs were made, and costly im- provements provided. In connection with this lease, Mr. Paddock had also secured various mineral interests in Ant- werp and Rossie, for the double purpose of supplying the Alpina furnace, and selling and shipping ore to distant estab- lishments. Two short blasts were made by Paddock, and the mines were opened and connected with the Rome, Water- town & Ogdensburgh Railroad, by branch lines ; but the management of this large interest was so wanting in ex- perience that ruin soon followed, con- tributing largely to the failure of Pad- dock's bank at Watertown, in 1874, in. volving ruin to many persons. The Hematite mine, known as the Dixon bed, in Antwerp, and opened by Mr. Frost, has since proved very valu- able. Both bed and branch road were purchased by Mr. E. Bulkley, in 1877, and are at present operated by him. The Alpina furnace was also operated in 1880-81, by Dr. Longnecker of Phil- adelphia, and Colonel Biddell, of New York, but from want of experience and capital, the venture proved a sore thing to both the operators and their creditors. In this age of stacks of huge dimen- sions and vast capacities, the small Diana furnaces can make no headway, and have not, so far, proved a remunerative in- vestment. In 1852, Prince Louis Sulkowski, of Bielitz, a political exile from Polish Aus- tria, became a resident of Harrisville. His uncle had been a General under Na- poleon, and fell in the battle of the Pyr- amids. The subject of this notice, in the revolutions of 1848, became obnoxious to the government, but managed to reach America with his family, and to secure a small stipend from a once large estate. He removed to this section from the opportunities it offered in the pur- suit of his favorite diversion, that of hunting, and perhaps from the number of families that could speak his native language. The cultivated French society at Cape Vincent, of which he had heard in New York, is said to have directed him towards this region, and meeting the late Colonel Goldsmead, of Watertown, on the cars, he learned from him the op- portunities for hunting, which this par- ticular region afforded, which definitely fixed his destination. Settling near Har- risville, he lived four years, and then re- moved to Dayanville. He not long afterwards returned to Europe, where he was restored to his hereditary titles and vast estates in Poland. But little has been heard from the Prince since he returned to Europe. His son, only child of first marriage, and heir to enormous wealth from maternal parent, has, from time to time, been noticed by the press of both countries, for his great eccentricities and reckless expenditures, — last, on a journey to Swe- den and Norway, with a large retinue of servants, hunters, dogs and wild beasts. Lavishness, bravery and tragical ends, seem to have been the characteristics of this noted Polish family. Rural Cemetery. The " Harrisville Cemetery Associa- tion" was incorporated June 30, 1877, under the general act, with Austin Harris, Oliver D. Collins, Dexter D. Waggoner, Nathaniel R. Carley, Eli R. Paul and George Hughes, as first trus- tees. Religious Societies. The Congregational Church of Harris- ville was incorporated September 26, 1865, Silas Bacon, Albert C. Morgan and Stephen Seabury being the first trustees. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 223 The Church of Christ, Disciples or Christians, of Pitcairn and Diana, Feb. 5, 1873, elected the following as their first trustees : F. A. Van Patten, one year ; Stephen Ackerman and A. P. Minick, two years ; George Miller, and William Siver, three years. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Harrisville, was incorporated Novem- ber 19, 1877, with John Weeks, Vincent Lanpher, Daniel Sawyer, Orville Harris, Leonard Peabody, Nelson Mantle, Chas. Mantle, Thomas Bradway and William' Palmer, as trustees. The St. Francis Solanus Church at Har- risville, (R. C.) was acknowledged June 7, 1879, with Mathew Managhen, and Michael Fallon as two trustees. Biographical Sketches. HON. JOSEPH PAHUD. Joseph Pahud the subject of the ac- companying portrait, was born on the 5th of January, 1824, at Yverdon, Switz- erland. His ancestors were Huguenots, who found refuge in that country at the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He was educated at National schools and at the Pestalozzy College, at that time an institution of great repute. He emigrated to America in 1847, when twenty-three years of age, and located at Alpine, in the town of Diana, where a company of his countrymen had erected mills and a charcoal furnace in connec- tion with a purchase of 17,000 acres of timber land. During his management of this property, Mr. Pahud disposed of some 8,000 acres to actual settlers, and in 1853, sold the remainder, including fur- nace, mills and appurtenances, to Colonel Z. H. Benton, and associates. The fol- lowing year he removed to Harrisville, then a small hamlet located on the Os- wegatchie river, and at present a pros- perous village. In 1857, he built a large grist and flouring mill and a saw-mill, followed by the erection of a large sole- leather tannery and other establish- ments. Mr. Pahud has been for many years, and is yet, the agent, co-owner and mana- ger of large landed interests in the town of Diana, once the property of Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of Naples and Spain. His intercourse with settlers was always kind and humane, and it is said that he never ejected a tenant holding land from under him. He has taken an active part 224 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. in most of the improvements made in his town, and has been of late years en- gaged in the investigation and opening of valuable veins of Bessemer Magnetic Iron Ore, found in this locality, which retained the social courtesy and refine- ment of his early training. Always a friend to progress and freedom, he has remained an earnest and devoted fol- lower of the Republican party from the at present promise important results and earliest day of its formation. For sev- :HaN JOSEPH paHiin.i will lead at an early day to the construc- tion of a railroad connecting these mines with the Utica and Black River railroad and the Black River canal, thus open- ing an outlet to the vast forest yet cov- ering a part of the town of Diana, and adjacent townships in St. Lawrence and Herkimer counties. Although spending most of his life in contact with pioneers and rude workers of the forest, he has eral years he was supervisor of the town, elected to that position without a dis- senting vote and was a Member of As- sembly from the county of Lewis in 1871. Mr. Pahud was married in 1853. His wife Mary and daughter Annette, are yet spared to him. Although never con- nected with any denomination, he holds Christianity in reverence, and continues in the faith of his forefathers. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DLVNA. 225 [WILLlilM PSLMER.] WILLIAM PALMER. William Palmer was born in the town of Midfield, Otsego county, N. Y., on the 13th day of January, 1826. His an- cestors came from England to Columbia county, N. Y., in the middle of the last century. His grandfather was a Revo- lutionary soldier. His father, James Palmer, and family, removed from Otse- go county to the town of LeRay, Jeffer- son county, in 1828, thence to the town of Diana, Lewis county, in 1830. The town was then a wilderness — he located in that part of it known as the Oswe- gatchie Settlement, purchasing land from Joseph Bonaparte, ex-King of Spain and Naples, — and died in 1853, when sixty-eight years of age. His wife, Olive, mother of William Palmer, died in 1862, at the age of seventy-four. Their surviving children were as fol- lows : — David, now living in Jefferson county. James. William. Maria, wife of Horace Clarke. Harriett, wife of Heman Roberts, still residing in the town of Diana. Peter, who resides in the State of Minnesota. 226 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Albert, who resides in the State of Minnesota. Sylva, wife of Benjamin Shultz, who died in the year 1879. James Palmer has buried two of his children— Richard, in 1830, who was accidentally shot by his brother David ; and daughter Electa, in 1831. In the year 1852, William Palmer mar- ried Deha Humes, daughter of Nahum Humes, a hunter of fame. Six children were given to them as follows : — Ella Emiha, wife of Myron Dobson. Emma E., who died in June, 1878. WiUie E. Ida L., wife of Sidney Kearns. Etta L., wife of Elmer Lake. Freddie E. He has been a life-long Democrat, and became, in 1868, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he is at present a trustee, and has held several town offices, such as com- missioner of highways, assessor, etc. Although his educational opportunities had been limited to the inferior common school teaching of his early days, his native intelligence, energy, untiring in- dustry, steadfastness to principles, com- bined with kindness and modesty, have raised him to an enviable and well-earned position. From humble beginnings in a locality remote, offering few oppor- tunities of acquiring wealth, he is to-day the owner of about 800 acres of land, th'j most of which is well improved and stocked. He is also interested in a cheese factory and various other matters. Of his wealth he makes a generous use, assisting his children as they start in life. William Palmer resides at present in the village of Harrisville, in the fine dwell- ing erected by him in 1877, and con- tinues the general supervision of his large farming interest. HEMAN ROBERTS. Heman Roberts was born on the 4th day of November, 18 16, in the town of Cherry Valley, Otsego county. New York, where his parents, formerly from Columbia county, had moved the previ- ous year. His ancestors came to this country from Wales in the middle of the last century, and his grandfather and great-uncle served under General Wash- ington during the Revolutionary war. His father, Daniel Roberts and family, in the year 1830, removed from Otsego county to the town of Diana, then a part of the great wilderness of north- ern New York, locating in the central part of the town, known as the Oswe- gatchie Settlement. In the year 1843, he married Harriett Elizabeth Palmer, yet his living consort. No children were given to them. Heman Roberts has been a life-long Democrat. Enjoy- ing to a remarkable degree the good will and confidence of his fellow towns- men, he has held for 25 years, and yet retains the position of poor-master. Has been also commissioner of highway, collector, etc. In 1861, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been ever since a faith- ful adherent of this religious denomina- tion. He has been eminently an upright and just man, and as a farmer, intelli- gent, industrious and successful. Deeply HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 227 attached to each other, the old couple are at present resting from the labor of a long and useful life, surrounded by pub- lic esteem and the kind wishes of a large circle of friends. His father, Daniel Roberts, died in 1845, and his mother. Sally. Erastus. Three of these, besides the subject of this notice, are yet living — John, Rich- ard and Sally, now residing in the State of Minnesota. [HEMiiN RDHEHTS,] Sally, in 1840, leaving eight children as follows : — Rachel. Heman. Theresa. Minerva. John. Richard. Rachel, then wife of Horace Clarke, died in 1843. Theresa died in 1837. Minerva died in 1837. Erastus died in 185 1. Another child, Drusilla, met previ- ously with accidental death, in 1821, when five years of age. 228 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. HARRIET E. ROBERTS. Harriet Elizabeth Roberts was born in the town of Medfield, Otsego county, June 8, 1818. Her ancestors came from England to Columbia county, New York, In the year 1843, she was married to Heman Roberts. In i860, she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her father died in 1853, and her mother, Olive, in 1862. Their family consisted of ten children- — IHilRRIET -E, RD. BERTS.] in the middle of the last century. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Her father, James Palmer, and family removed from Otsego county in the year 1828, to the town of LeRay, Jeffer- son county, thence in 1830, to the town of Diana, Lewis county, then a vast wil- derness. six sons and four daughters — Richard, David, Peter, James, William and Albert, Sylva, Harriet Elizabeth, Maria and Electa. Of these, the following are living : — David, in Jefferson county. James. William. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 229 Harriet Elizabeth. Maria, wife of Horace Clark, in the town of Diana. Peter and Albert, in the State of Minnesota. Richard died in 1830, meeting with a tragical end at the hand of his brother David. The two brothers had gone deer hunting on grounds adjacent to Lake Bonaparte, a few miles from their home. After parting for a while on game tracks, they soon, unaware, came again close to each other, when David, getting a glimpse of Richard's garment through the thicket, and mistaking it for the skin of a deer, took aim and the fatal bullet went crashing through the poor boy's heart. Electa died in 1831, and Sylva, then widow of Benjamin Shultz, in 1879. LEVI C. LAKE. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch,Garrett Lake, was a resident of the town of Jackson,Washington county, New York, and was a farmer by occupa- tion. He had three sons and one daugh- ter — James, Abraham, John and Catha- rine, all of whom married and had fami- lies, and lived to good and useful old age. Abraham and Catharine after marriage went to Canada and settled on the Reade river, at a place called Merrick's Falls, where they remained until they died. John L. moved from Washington county and settled in the town of Alex- ander, Jefferson county, where he lived and raised a large family, the most of whom moved to Michigan about the year 1802. It is believed that the family is of German descent. James, the oldest son of Garrett Lake, grandfather to the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in the town of Jackson, August 9, 1765, and died in the town of Gouverneur, March 7, 1841. His wife was Hannah Jackson, who was of Irish descent, and who was born in the same town and county in which he was born, July 15, 1767. They were married September 9, 1790, and moved soon after to the town of Naples, On- tario county. New York. There they settled on a farm and lived until they had five children, four sons and one daughter — Thomas, Jesse, Stuart, Abra- ham and Catharine. Jesse, father to Levi C, was born in the 'town of Naples, May, 2, 1795, and died in the town of DeKalb, St. Law- rence county, January 7, 1865. About the year 18 10, he moved with his par- ents from Naples and settled in Canada on Reade river, at Merrick's Falls. Here two more children were born, John and Henry. Sometime during the War of 1812, James, the father, was requested to take an oath of allegiance to England. This he refused to do, and in consequence was obliged to leave his home in order to escape bearing arms against his native country. Soon after the close of the war he returned with his family, except Jesse and his brother Thomas, who had come before to New York State, and settled in the town of Gouverneur, where he lived until his death. 230 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. During the War of 1812, when the British were trying to take Ogdens- burg, Jesse, although a young boy, to- gether with his brother Thomas, older, was pressed into the British service and ordered to be present to guard that place. Not liking the idea of fighting against their own flag, they, together Lovina Cook, who was of English parent- age, and who was born in the town of Plainfield, Hampshire county, Mass., November 16, 1799, and died in the town of Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, June 4, 1882. This acquaintance led to their marriage in Perrinton, October 3, 1816, where they lived about one with their cousin, crossed the St. Law- rence river upon the ice, at a place about five miles above Prunet, and land- ed at Ministua. From thence they went to Ogdensburgh, and reported to the commander, who gave them a pass to go where they chose. From Ogdensburgh, Jesse went to the town of Perrinton, Monroe county, N. Y. Here he became acquainted with year, when they went to Gouverneur and settled on a piece of wild land, in the northwestern part of the town, about five miles from the present village of Gouverneur. While living there they had four chil- dren : — Thomas, born December 27, 1818, now (1883) in Michigan. Laura, born August 5, 1821, married HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DIANA. 231 John Cooper, — by whom she had three children, — died February 18, 1866. Catharine, born December 20, 1822, married Elecum Hunt, by whom she has three children. Garrett, born August 28, 1824, died February 26, 1848. In 1825, the family moved back to the town of Perrinton, and settled on a farm near to the spot where the father and mother were married. There they had two daughters as fol- lows: Hannah, born June 6, 1826, and Orrissa Jane, born August 10, 1828, — the latter of whom married Morris G. Smith. From here they moved and located on a farm in the town of Macedon, Wayne county, where three sons were born : — Joseph, January 3, 1832. Levi C. Christopher, born May 8, 1838. In the winter of 1838, at the request of his father, Jesse returned with his fatnily to Gouverneur to take care of his parents, who had returned from Canada shortly after the War of 18 12, and had taken up a farm in the northeastern part of that town. Here Jesse had born another son, — making ten children in all, — Ed- win, August 14, 1840, who died January 10, 1873. Upon this farm and in this neighbor- hood the children were brought up and schooled, all of them receiving a limited common school education. Levi C. Lake was born in the town of Macedon, Wayne county, N. Y., No- vember 26, 1835. He remained at home until the age of twenty, and the spring following, his father gave him his time and he apprenticed himself to Charles Fisk, to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. Charles Fisk was a contractor and builder in Ogdensburgh,who, some eight months after Levi's engagement, be- came involved in business difficulties and left the country. The young ap- prentice then returned to Gouverneur, and entered the employ of C. A. & S. B. VanDuyn, to work at the same trade, serving with that firm six years. On the 13th of October, 1859, he was married to Louisa A. Blood, youngest daughter of Israel P., and Esther Blood, of Diana, Lewis county, who was born in the town of Scriba, Oswego county, N. Y., May 15, 1839. Mr. Lake con- tinued in the employment of C. A. & S. B. VanDuyn, until April 12, 1861, when he moved to the village of Harrisville, where from that date to May i, 1875, he was engaged in mechanical business. In May of that year, he entered into a co-partnership with C. N. Blood, his brother-in-law, in mercantile business, under the firm name of Lake & Blood, in which he still continues. They also built, and are now (1883), the proprietors of the Adirondack House in that village. Mr. Lake has been supervisor of his town two terms, and may be counted among the enterprising and useful men of the county. He has three children — two sons and one daughter : — Elmer P., born in Harrisville, Sep- tember 29, 1863. Charles E., born in Harrisville, Feb- ruary 8, 1868. Maude M., born in Harrisville, Jan- uary 24, 1873. 232 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tCHiiRLES N. ELDDn,] CHAPTER XXIII. History of the Town of Greig. THIS town was formed from Watson under the name of Branthigkam* *Named from Thomas Hopper Brantingham of Phila- delphia, in whom the title of a large portion was, for a short time, vested. He is understood to have been an unsuccessful merchant. The letters of contemporaries, allude to him as unworthy of trust and destitute of honor. March i, 1828, and changed to its present name, February 20, 1832, and reduced to 'its present boundaries by the erection of Lyonsdale from ' its southern part, in 1873. It is named from John Greig, who was born in Moffat, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, August 6, 1779. His father was a lawyer, the factor of the Earl of Hopeton, and a landholder who ranked among HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GREIG. 233 the better class of Scotch farmers. He was educated in his native parish and at the high school in Edinburgh, and at the age of eighteen emigrated to America with John Johnstone, a Scotch gentleman who had previously been concerned in Mr. Williamson's settlements in Western New York. After spending a short time in New York and Albany he went to Canandaigua in April, 1800, and became a law student at the office of Nathaniel W. Howell. In 1804, he was admitted to the Bar, and becoming a partner with Judge Howell, continued in the practice of his profession until the death of the latter in 1820. In 1806, upon the death of Mr. Johnstone, he succeeded him as the agent of the Hornby and Colquhoun estate, and continued in that relation till his death. He was relieved of a portion of the duties of this trust, at his own re- quest, in August, 1852, by the appoint- ment of William Jeffrey as associate agent. In 1820, he became president of the Ontario Bank, and held this office until the expiration of its charter in 1856. In 1 841, he was elected to Con- gress, but resigned at the end of the first session, and during several of his later years he was one of the managers of the Western House of Refuge at Rochester. In 1825, he was chosen a Regent of the University, and in 185 1, he became Vice- Chancellor of that Board. He held many years the office of President of the On- tario County Agricultural Society, and was one of the founders and corporators of the Ontario Female Seminary. His death occurred at Canandaigua, April 9, 1858. Through a long and active life, he dis- charged the duties entrusted to him with an industry, method and success, which earned him the implicit confidence of his employers, while his indulgent kindness towards those who settled un- der him, is remembered with gratitude by hundreds of the pioneer families. Of his private life, the village paper, in an obituary notice, remarks : — " Mr. Greig, though sometimes drawn from home by necessary business rela- tions and interests, was eminently do- mestic in his habits and predilections. His chosen enjoyment was found in the indulgence, amidst the treasures of his select and ample library, of a refined lit- erary taste — in the cultivation and adorn- ment of the grounds about his stately mansion — in the society of a numerous circle of personal friends, and in the dis- pensation of a generous and tasteful, though unostentatious hospitality. Al- most to the close of his life, nearly every stranger of distinction that visited the place, found a welcome and a home at his hospitable dwelling. Indeed, our beautiful village, owes much of its repu- tation abroad, for social courtesy and refinement, and for a frank and liberal hospitality, to him and his generous hearted and worthy lady." The first town meeting in this town (then including the present town of Ly- onsdale, and at a time when the present town of Greig was almost uninhabited,) was held at the house of Dr. Simon Goodell, at which Mr. Goodell was chosen Supervisor ; Joshua Harris, Clerk ; Jedediah Plumb, George Pinney and Henry Harris, Assessors ; Gilbert Ford and Ezbon Pringle, Overseers of Poor; Johannes Saut, Simeon N. Gar- ratt and Otis Munn, Commissioners of Highways ; Henry Harris, Collector ; Henry Harris and Daniel T. Sears, Constables; William Parkes, Jedediah S. Plumb and John R. Myers, Commis- sioners of Schools ; S. Goodell, E. Prin- gle and G. Pinney, School Inspectors ; John Fisher, D. T. Sears and Milo Clark, Fence Viewers ; John W. Southwick, Chancey Carroll and Judah Barnes, Pound Masters. Supervisors. — 1828, Simon Goodell; 1829-33, Joshua Harris; 1834-36, Will- iam Dominick ;* i837-'39, Aaron Per- kins; 1840-43, Francis Seger; 1844, *Mr. Dominick died in Greig, April 15, 1861, aged 63 years. 234 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. William Dominick ; 1845, John I. Domi- nick; 1846, Dean S. Howard; 1847-48, David Higby; 1849-50, Lyman R. Lyon; 1851, Aaron Perkins; 1852, J. I. Dominick; 1853-54, Adam Deitz ; 1855 -'56, Thomas Rogers; 1857-59, Henry S. Shedd; 1865, Francis Seger ; 1866, Lyman R. Lyon; i867-'7i, F. Seger; 1872, Seymour Benedict'; 1873-76, Wal- ter B. Foster ; 1877-78, John F. Domin- ick; 1879-80, Luther C. Burdick; 1881, Jacob VanWoert; 1882, James Casler. Clerks.— \%2'^, Joshua Harris ; 1829-33, Henry Harris; 1834, Joseph Atkins; 1835, George W. Sharpe ; i836-'38, Adam Deitz; 1839-40, H.Harris; 1841 -'44, J. Harris; 1845-47, A. Deitz ; 1848 -'49, H. Harris; 1850, Aaron Perkins; 1851, Adam Shell; 1852, Asa Beals ; 1853-54, Chauncey Munson ; 1855-56, Seymour Benedict; 1857-58, James Springsteed, Jr.; 1859-61, Emmet Har- ris; 1862-65, Aaron Perkins ; 1866-67, Joseph F. Jones ; 1868, Francis S. Budd ; 1869, Peter Conway; 1 870-7 1, Walter B. Foster; 1872, Luther C. Burdick; 1873, Colonel C. VanWoert ; 1874, James Calhoun; 1875, John Foley; 1876, Chester A. Lonas ; i877~'78, Charles F. Stephens; 1879, Jonathan Palon ; 1880, C. A. Lonas; 1881, J. Calhoun; 1882, William H. Manzer. This town has since 1832, voted money annually for the support of ferries across Black river, upon the condition that the town's people should go free. The towns of Martinsburgh and Turin dur- ing several years, united in the support of these ferries. A bridge was built at Tiffany's Landing, in 1846, by the towns of Greig and Martinsburgh, and main- tained till 1854, when it was cut away by the State authorities as hindering navi- gation. A ferry was then resumed, but since that time an excellent State bridge,* * The contracts for building this bridge, and the one at Carter's Landing, were let to John F. Thomas, June 23, 1861, the former at $7,769.90, and the latter at $8,463.00. with a draw, has been built by the State at this place, which has become the vil- lage of Glensdale, on the west side of the river, in the town of Martinsburgh. Greig Village. This is a small village, that owes its existence to the tannery built upon Crys- taline creek, as elsewhere noticed. The business of the place, in the summer of 1882, was as follows : — Hotel— K. H. Burdick. Stores—]. Van Woert, F. G. Burdick, and Hill Brothers. Wagon Shop and Blacksmith — A. W. Hopkins. Blacksmith — John J. Lovejoy. Toy Factory — Employing several per- sons, mostly children, in the making of children's toys. Physician — Dr. A. A. Joslin. Tannery — Employing about 25 men, and tanning 40,000 sides of sole leather a year; J. Van Woert. This tannery was built in 1849, by John R. Williams, of Troy. It after- wards passed through the hands of va- rious owners. It was rebuilt by Paige Burhans and Cyrus W. Pratt, the former owning three-fourths of the interest. About 1852-53, Pratt bought out his partner. He afterwards sold a part to L. R. Lyon, and for a time it was run by Snyder & Lyon. In January, 1870, it was sold to VanWoert, by whom it has since been run. The " Upper tannery," so called, on Fish creek, was built in the spring of 1849, by Cyrus W. Pratt, and has gener- ally been run by the same owner. It is now given up. To distinguish it from the other, it was called the " Branting- ham Tannery," which will probably not long be able to get supplies of bark suffi- cient to make it profitable to continue. The population of Greig village, by I the census of 1880, was 236. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GREIG. 235 Other Industries. Upon Otter creek, in the eastern part of this town, is a mill for the cutting up of spruce timber into sounding boards for pianos. It is owned by Alfred Dol- ges, who also has a larger establishment at Brockett's Bridge, in Herkimer coun- ty. For this use, none but the best of tim- ber can be used, and that of slow growth and very uniform texture is sought. The logs are first quartered, and then sawed by an upright gang, across the rings of annual growth, into boards five- eighths of an inch thick. When planed', it is three-eighths of an inch thick, and each piece is squared upon the edges, as wide as it will allow, there being a use for every piece down to those three inches wide and ten inches long. From seven to eight thousand feet are cut in a day. A planing-mill for finishmg the prep- aration, is run at Port Leyden, by Mr. G. W. Chase, upon premises formerly a tannery. Mr. Dolges also cuts flooring and other stuff, as materials come in not suitable for the finer uses, and employs some fifteen or twenty men. Lower down, upon Otter creek, there is a saw-mill, owned by Charles Part- ridge, and still below this, a gang saw- mill, formerly owned by A. C. Eaton, but now by Richard Carter, (formerly of Troy,) and run by Thomas J. Lewis. The lumber and other stuff made at this mill, is transported to the river bank, by a wooden tram-road, using horse power. Still lower down on Otter creek is a mill owned by Edwin Pitcher, and below this is another belonging to Duane Nor- ton, for the manufacture of lumber and lath. This completes the Ust of lumber mills upon this stream at the present time. There was formerly another still lower down, but its dam was carried^ away some years since, and it is now in ruins. The saw-mill of Richard Carter, on Otter creek in Greig, was destroyed by fire February 21, 1870. The mill was a valuable one, and contained a gang of thirty-six saws, and was insured for $4,000, which did not cover the loss. The origin of the fire was unknown. On the i6th of December, 1876, A. C. Eaton lost 300,000 feet of lumber by in- cendiary fire. It was insured for $6,500. Besides the saw-mills on Otter creek, there are at present the following, in the present town of Greig : — Jacob Van Woert has a steam saw- mill on Fish creek, using circular saws, and employing about fifteen men. There are also on Fish creek, water mills owned by Joseph T. Northrup and Wessel Gallup. There is one cheese factory in town, owned by Fayette Van Aernam. Upon Otter creek, near Partridge's saw-mill, there is an extensive tannery, formerly owned by the Botchford Brothers, but now by Charles W. Her- sey, of Boston. It is run by G. M. Botchford & Company. Henry J. Botchford, who was for sev- eral years prominently engaged in tan- ning in this town and Lyonsdale, died at Port Leyden, February 22, 1882. Brantinghani Lake has been many years a favorite resort for picnic parties, being easy of access, and sufficiently rural and picturesque to answer every purpose. It is about a mile long, and has islands and points that give interest and variety to the scenery. Town Meetings during the War. During the latter part of the war, and while measures were pending for filling quotas to avoid the draft, several special town meetings were held in this town, and the following action was taken : — January 2, 1 864. — A bounty of $200 was offered by the town, by unanimous vote. 236 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. At the annual town meeting in the spring of that year, Francis Seger and Thomas Rogers were appointed a com- mittee to procure affidavits of residence of the volunteers credited to the town. August II, 1864. — At a special town meeting, Francis Seger, Thomas Rogers, Cyrus W. Pratt, John Perkins and Charles G. Springsteed were appointed a committee, and a bounty of $100 was offered by the town to fill the quota of 500,000 men. August 31, 1864. — At a special meet- ing, it was resolved to borrow the money needed, and to ask that a tax of $15,500 be levied to repay. A bounty of $400 was voted, and the sum of $30 was to be paid to each person procuring a vol- unteer. Drafted men were to receive $430. Francis Seger, Lyman R. Lyon, Cyrus W. Pratt, Caleb Brown, Peter J. Sand, Joel W. Ager, Seymour Benedict, Kirkland Johnson and James E. Willard were appointed a committee to fill the town quota, and were empowered to borrow the money above mentioned. December u, 1865. — At a special town meeting, it was resolved to apply the sum of $5,783.28 received back on ac- count of excess of quotas, as follows : — 1. To pay a balance of bounty due to James E. Willard and Kent Will- ard, each $280, for substitutes, and to David Dominick $200 for the same. 2. To apply the remainder to reduce the town tax of that year. RELIGIOU.S Societies. A Free Will Baptist church was formed in this town November 30, 1844, but never built a place of worship. The Union Society of Greig, was in- corporated August i, 1856, with Alexan- der Hess, Waitstill Cleveland and Adam Shell, trustees. A small chapel was built and used for some years, but it has fallen into decay. The church and Society of North Greig, was formed January 26, 1859, and Cyrus W. Pratt, Richard Carter, William L. Phillips, William Hillman, Caleb Brown, Wellington Brown, A. F. Cole, Simeon Crandall and Stephen Burdick were chosen first trustees. The first Methodist Episcopal church of Greig, was legally organized October I, 1872, with James Burdick, William Taylor and LaFayette Lonas, as trus- tees. The Methodist church of Greig vil- lage was dedicated September 27, 1876. A small Catholic church, known as " St. Thomas," was dedicated at Greig village, December 21, 1879, and the same day a fire occurred, as supposed from a defective chimney. Loss, $200. The first local trustees, were E. S. C. Foster and James Calhoun. The first Methodist Protestant church of Brantingham Lake, was legally formed March 30, 1880, with W. D. Hubbard, Treasurer, James H. Lampman, Secretary, and George F. Houghton, Lewis Sabin, and Frank Lahah, as trustees. A small church was built in 1881. The Rev. Mr. Houghton preaches there, and at Greig village. A Protestant Episcopal Mission was formed at Greig village, a few years since, by the Rev. Mr. Allen, then of Lowville. It has no church edifice, but holds occasional services in a hall. CHAPTER XXIV. History of the Town of Harrisburgh. THIS town was formed from Lowville, Champion and Mexico, February 22, 1803, embracing townships 5 and 10 of the Black River tract. By an act of March 24, 1804, Number 9, or Handel, was annexed to this town from Mexico. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HARRISBURGH. 237 Denmark was taken off in 1807, and Pinckney in 1808, leaving it with its present limits, comprising township No. 10, or Platina, of the tract above named. The first town meeting was appointed at the house of Jesse Blodget, and adjourned to Freedom Wright's, in Denmark village, where Lewis Graves was chosen Supervisor ; Jabez Wright, Clerk; David Graves and Solomon Buck, Assessors ; Andrew Mills, Francis Saunders and Jesse Blodget, Commissioners of Highways ; Charles Wright and Freedom Wright, Overseers of Poor ; Nathan Munger, Jr., Constable and Collector ; and Charles Mosely and Andrew Mills, Fence Viewers. Supervisors. — i8o3-'o7, Lewis Graves; 1808-13, John Bush; i8i4-'i5, Ashbel Humphrey ; 18 16, George A. Stoddard ; t8i7-'2i, A. Humphrey; i822-'25, Sim- eon Stoddard; 1826, A. Humphrey; 1827, Amos Buck, Jr. ; 1828, S. Stoddard; 1829-30, A. Humphrey; 1831, S. Stod- dard ; 1832-33, William C. Todd ; 1834- '37, Elias Gallup; 1838-39, Henry Humphrey; 1840, Julius A. White; 1841-42, H. Humphrey; 1843-47, Horatio N. Bush; 1848, Bester B. Saf- ford; 1849-50, John M. Paris; 1851, H. Humphrey; 1852-54, J.M. Paris; 1855- ■70, John Chickering; 1871, Marcus S. Jones, (resigned, and C. M. Prescott, appointed November 15th,); 1872-73, Wayne Clark; 1874-76, Peter Mc- Cartey; 1877-78, Hiram B. Lanpher; 1879-81, John C. Hughes; 1882. S. D. Bush. Clerks — I'&oi-O'i,, Charles Wright, Jr. ; 1806, Andrew Mills; 1807, C. Wright, Jr.; 1808, John G. White; 1809-15, Sanford Safford ; 18 16, Simeon Stod- dard; 1817-19, S. Safford; 1820, Pal- mer Hodge ; 1821, S. Safford ; 1822-24, Amos Buck, Jr.; 1825-26, S. Safford, (May 6th, William Allen) ; 1827-30, Will- iam Allen ; 1831-33, Elias Gallup ; 1834- '50, B. B. Safford; 1851, Rufus Scott; 1852-55, E. Gallup; i856-'6i, John Young; 1862-63, Ehas Kelsey ; 1864, Asa A. Goodenough ; 1865-70, Marcus S.Jones; 1871-74, Charles D. Kilham ; 1875-76, Todd B. Baunon; 1877-78, George A. Stoddard ; i879-'8o, S. D. Bush; 1881-82, George A.Stoddard. From 1836 to 1846, the bounties au- thorized by special statute in this county were voted in this town for the killing of wolves. In 1846, '47 and '48, a $5 bounty was voted for bears. Mr. Benjamin Wright, in surveying the boundaries of this town, in the spring of 1796, made the following memoranda : — "The north line of this town is, in general, an excellent soil, timbered with basswood, maple, elm, beech, birch, but- ternut. There is one small cedar swamp near the 5 mile stake on this line. The country is level in general, and very finely watered. A large creek crosses this line near the one and one-half mile stake, which makes a N. E. direction, on which there is a fine country. The east line is excellent and very finely watered. There is some near the southeast corner which is rather indifferent, but very little ; the timber is maple, bass, elm, beech, birch, butternut and hemlock. On the South line there is middling country, some considerable swamp and some beaver meadow, on which excellent hay may be cut. Along the west line there is a good country of land. Some small gulfs along it which are made by the streams and a considerable gulf where the Deer creek crosses the line. The timber, in general, is maple, beech, bass, ash, birch, elm and some butternut and hemlock. Towards the South part, the land is swampy and timber sprucy. Measures 24,992 acres." This town was subdivided into 49 lots by Joseph Crary, surveyor of Denmark. It was named in honor of Richard Har- rison of New York, former proprietor of the town. Mr. Harrison was of Welsh origin and a prominent lawyer. In 1788- '89, he was in Assembly, and from Feb. 15, 1798 to August, 1801, Recorder of 238 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. that city. He died December 6, 1829, aged 81 years. After the death of Ham- ilton he became counsel for Constable and Pierrepont in their landed transac- tions. The transfers of title in this town have been related in our account of Denmark. Settlements were mostly made under the agency of Isaac W. Bostwick, of Low- ville. The first improvements were made about 1802, along the line of the West road, which crosses the northeast corner of the town, and among the first settlers on this road were Waitstill Stod- dard,* John Bush,f Ashbel Humphrey, Joseph Richards,^ Jared Knapp,§ Syl- vanus Mead,! Palmer Hodge and John Lewis.T In 1806, Silas Greene, Thomas and Ebenezer Kellogg, John Snell, Mark Petrie, John F. Snell and Jacob Walrod, with families named Lamberton and Weston, settled on what was afterwards known as the State Road from Low- ville to Henderson Harbor across the south border of this town. Several of these were Germans from the Mohawk valley, and from them the settlement acquired the name of Dutch Hill, by which this region is still known. They have all since removed, and their places are held by others. Captain Ralph Stoddard came to Lew- is county in 1805. He had been an offi- cer in the Revolution, and died Decem- ber 4, 1 83 1, at the age of 79 years. Mr. Ephraim Allen, an uncle of Mr. Loren A. Stoddard, of this town, was *Died March I2, 1826, aged 84. t Mr. Bush died March 27, 1847, aged about 72 years. t From Cummington, Mass.; settled in 1803 ; died February, 1813, aged 58 years. David R. settled in 1804, and died in this town in 1845. They were de- scendants of Joseph Richards, of Abington, Mass. §Col. Knapp died in Copenhagen, March 2g, 1854, aged 73 years. II Died August 15, 1848, aged 61 years. "|[ Mr. Lewis died Deceniber i, 1865, aged 82 years. He came to Harrisburgh at the age of 19 years, and his wife two years younger. They located on the West Road near Copenhagen, at which place they lived for over sixty years. His wife Betsey died March 20, 1867, aged 81 years. born in Connecticut, came to Lewis county in 1806, and enlisted in the War of 18 1 2, but at its close, when his com- pany was returning home, and had near- ly reached head-quarters, Mr. Allen was shot by a British ranger from mere mal- ice, and his body was buried there. This event occurred in 18 13, and in 1880, his remains were taken up, when the skeleton was found in a good state of preservation, and the ball that had done its work was entirely different from what had been supposed. People had carried the idea that it must have been an ounce ball, but after handling and scraping it was found to be about the size of a marrowfat pea, and is now in the possession of Mr. Loren Stoddard. Mr. Allen's remains now lie in the cem- etery at Harrisburgh, having been placed there by his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. The names of those living in this town in 1807, who enjoyed the privilege of voting, will be found in our account of Denmark. In 1 82 1, Jacob Hadcock, and soon after, Michael Parish, Peter Picket, Hen- ry Cramer, Jacob Biddleman, Thomas and Gilbert Merrills, settled on the road above Copenhagen. The following fact shows that this re- gion must have been traversed by civil- ized man, long before its settlement. Mr. Loren A. Stoddard has an ounce ball which his son, Alfred L., when ten years of age, found imbedded in the sol- id wood near the heart of a black-ash tree, and which is supposed from the number of grains covering it, to have been in the tree over ninety years, and must have been fired there some 130 years ago. Schools were first legally formed under the statute in 18 14, when John Bush, John Lewis, and Micah Humphrey were chosen first school commissioners, and David Richards, Hart Humphrey, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HARRISBURGH. 239 Nathan Look, Jr., Charles Loomis and Seth Hanchet, inspectors. John Lewis was from Westfield, Mas- sachusetts. The Bush famihes were also from that town, and came to Lowville in 1800. Silas Bush died January 22, 1829, aged 58 years. Other men of this family name have died in this town as follows: — Francis L. Bush, May 13, 1848, aged 32; George Bush, March 3, 1876, aged 73; Horatio N. Bush, Oc- tober I, 1861, aged 53; Sylvester Bush, January 21, 1864, aged 24; Walter A. Bush, December 5, 1852, aged 34; Will- iam H. Bush, September 22, 1880, aged 79, and Timri Bush, July 21, 1874, aged 89 years, (nearly.) Mrs. Catharine Bush, widow of John Bush, died August 18, 1870, aged 96. Harrisburgh is an excellent dairying town, and has at the present time eight cheese factories, viz : — " South Harris- burgh," Stiles WilHams ; " West Harris- burgh," Wm. Wheeler ; " Harrisburgh Center," J. Hodges ; " Lanpher Factory," Hiram Lanpher ; " Dutch Street Fac- tory," on the north side of Deer river ; one near Mr. Hughes' ; A. Wider's fac- tory (formerly Vary's); and one on the No. 3 road, owned by Sumner Reed. This town has a town-house about 20 by 30 feet in size, costing about $300. The lease of the ground, for so long a time as it should be occupied for this use, was recorded July 29, 1876. The town has no village, or other cen- ter of business, the trade being divided between Copenhagen and Lowville. Special Town Meetings during the War. August 16, 1862.— Offering a bounty of $25, and authorizing a loan of money to meet the expense. August 21, 1862.— Offering a bounty of $50. December 17, 1863.— Offering a boun- ty of $300, including that which may be paid by the county. Of this, the sum of $100 was to be paid at once, $100 in three months after muster, and the re- maining $100 in six months. A war committee was appointed at this meet- ing,consistingof John Chickering, Henry Humphrey, Elias Gallup, Abel Bickford, Wilham R. Windecker, Addison Stod- dard, Loren A. Stoddard, Stephen Snell, Riley Humphrey, Newton Stoddard, Charles D. Kilham, and Nathan Cobb. July I, 1864. — The bounty of $300 was renewed, to be paid to volunteers, drafted men and substitutes, and provi- sion was made for issuing town bonds. The vote was 34 to 3 on this question. August 9, 1864. — The following reso- lution was passed : — " Whereas, At a recent meeting of the Board of Supervisors, it was agreed that they are to pay a bounty of $500 to all enlisted men and substitutes ; and " Whereas, At a recent town meet- ing a bounty of $300 was offered ; it is "Resolved, That there be raised the sum of $100 above the $500 paid by the county." A tax was voted of $6,000. August 30, 1864. — Voted a bounty of $1,000, by a vote of 113 to 12, and a tax of $21,000 for meeting expenses. Religious Societies. A Free Communion Baptist church was formed in this town, July 16, 1822, by a council appointed from Lowville, Martinsburgh and Turin,and subsequent- ly a regular Baptist church was formed and a church edifice erected on the West road. In 1847, this first edifice was removed, and a new one, 34 by 44 feet, erected on its site. It was built by Philo Hadcock, at a cost of $945, and was owned in equal shares by the two Bap- tist organizations. It has since been re- moved and a new one erected on the site. It was dedicated November 5, 240 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1879. The bell in this church was do- nated by Mr. William Bush, a short time before his death, and cost about $160. The edifice is owned in common by the Close Communion and Free Will Baptists. The former were organized in this town as a church June i, 1842, having formerly belonged with Copenhagen, Lowville and Denmark, and originally numbered twelve members. It has now seventeen. It has been for many years a custom of these two Baptist churches, to em- ploy alternately a clergyman from each, the whole joining in his support, and at- tending his services. The present cler- gyman is the Rev. J. O. Perkins, of Co- penhagen, who holds a service here half a day every Sabbath forenoon. The Free Will Baptist Society of the Town of Harrisburgh, was incorporated under the general law, March 10, 1862, Stephen S. Vary, Henry Humphrey, Loren A. Stoddard. George Bush and Nehemiah Austin being the first trus- tees. St. Patrick's Church, (R. C.) was organ- ized in 1850, by Timothy White, Christo- pher O'Brian, Christopher Duffy, Marty Corcoran and Martin Battle, and a house of worship was built in that year, in the north part of the town, at a cost of $555. It will seat 175 persons. Its first pastor was Rev. Michael Power. It is now served from Copenhagen. Biographical Sketches. WAYNE CLARK. John Clark, of the first generation of this family in America, who came to Massachusetts about the year 1718, was born in Ireland about 1665. He belonged to that class known as the " Scotch Irish," his forefathers having emigrated to Ireland from Argylshire, Scotland, during the time of the great confiscations. He was married in Ireland in the year 1699. In 17 18, he first settled with his family in Rutland, Massachusetts, from whence he moved with his sons and daughters to Colerain, then in Hamp- shire county, in 1738 or 1739. His fami- ly of the second generation consisted of Matthew, Thomas, John, William, Sam- uel, James, George, Sarah and Elizabeth all of whom were born in Ireland. Matthew Clark,* of this second gene- ration, was born in the year 1700, and was about eighteen years of age when the family came to America. Alexander Bothd, of the first generation, married Jane Doneice in Ireland about 1702, and emigrated to America in 1716, locat- ! ing in Rutland, Massachusetts. The I issue of the second generation was Janet, Alexander and Anne, all born in Ireland. Jane Bothd, wife of Alexander, died on the passage to America. Matthew Clark, of the second genera- tion, married Janette Bothd, of Rutland, * On the loth day of May, 1746, Matthew Clark, of I the second generation, thinking he saw indications of hostile Indians in his neighborhood, deemed it safe to have his family go to the nearest fort for protection. The fort was about one mile away. He sent his family in advance ; they arrived at the fort safely. He re- mained behind to see what discoveries he could make. The Indians soon discovered him, and made chase, and gained so fast on him, he thought his only chance for life was to hide. When one hundred and fifty rods from the fort he had to cross a small stream, over which i was a rude log bridge, under which he secreted himself. ' The Indians here discovered and shot him. His was the first death by violence of a white person that occurred at Colerain. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HARRISBURGH. 241 Massachusetts, in which place he resided until 1738 or '39, when, with his father, brothers and sisters, he removed to Col- erain. The issue of Matthew Clark, of the second generation, was Jane, John, Alexander, Agnes, William, Hannah, and Elizabeth, all of whom were born in Rutland, Massachusetts; James, Marga- war which soon followed. He died in Chester, Massachusetts, but at what date is unknown. He had six sons and one daughter — John Scott, Royal, Silas, David, James, (the latter twins), Orrin, and Betsey. Of these. Royal was in the army some time during the Revolution and died iu the New London hospital. [WAYNE CLARK.) ret, Sarah, and Matthew born in Colerain, these being of the third generation. James Clark, son of this Matthew, was born in Colerain, Massachusetts, in 1739, and was seven years of age at the death of his father. He was made a Captain during the French war which began in 1754, and ended in 1763. He was sent to garrison Fort Stanwix, located near the present site of Rome, New York. He re- tained his rank during the Revolutionary Silas emigrated to Wyoming county. New York, and died there. James was of a wandering disposition. He died in Lewis county in June, 1848. Orrin, the youngest son, moved to Herkimer coun- ty. New York, and died in the town of Russia. Betsey, the only daughter of Captain James Clark, married Reuben Porks; was born in Chester, lived in Russell, and died in Blanford, Massachu- setts. She had ten children— Reuben, 242 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Sally, Charlotte, Robert, Lucindy, Bet- sy, Roland, Sylvester, Israel and Polly, all born in Russell, Massachusetts. She was nearl}' one hundred years old at the time of her death. John Scott, the oldest son of Captain James Clark, was born April i, 1762, in Chester, Massachusetts, and was the first white male child born in that town. He entered the Revolutionary army at ihe age of fifteen and was stationed at New London, Connecticut, in charge of property taken from General Burgoyne at Saratoga. About the year 1790, he married Selah Anderson, of Ches- terfield, Massachusetts, the wedding being held in Chesterfield " meeting house." The fruit of this marriage was Orrin, Osenath, Electa, John and Lucinda. Electa died in infancy. The family lived in Chester until the spring of 1804, when the)' returned to Lewis county, and located near Copenhagen. The village then contained but two or three houses. ■ John Scott Clark resided in the home he had chosen until his death, which occurred March i, 1850, in the 88th year of his age. He was one of the number that organized the first religious society at Copenhagen, and was a lead- ing member of the Baptist church until his death. He loved justice and mercy, and in return was beloved and honored by all who knew him. Selah Anderson Clark, his wife, died June 23, 1838. Asenath, eldest daughter oi John Scott Clark, married Abner Whiting. She died February 15, 1861. Lucinda married Francis Wright, and died in Copenhagen in the summer of 1874. She was mother of the late John C. Wright. John, the youngest son, married Phebe Keene. He lived most of his life in Denmark, and died in 1875. Orrin, the eldest son of John Scott Clark, married Rebecca White, of Tem- pleton, Worcester county, Mass., and had as children Electa, Betsey, Orrin, Sarah, Rebecca, Nathan, Wayne, George W., and John Scott. During the War of i8i2,Orrin, the father, served for a time with Captain Israel Kellogg, then stationed at Sackett's Harbor. He died in Copenhagen January 13, 1840, in the 49th year of his age. His wife, Rebecca, died September 23, 1855, aged sixty-eight. Mrs. Rebecca White Clark had two brothers, William and Nathan, and four sisters, Abigail, Sally, Lydia and Hannah ; also four half-sisters, Polly, Dorcas, Susan and Elizabeth. Abigail White married John Clark, ist, who came from Worcester county, Mass., in 1802, and settled at Copenhagen. He belonged to some other branch of the Clark family, of whose genealogy we are not informed. Wayne Clark, the third son of Orrin and Rebecca, was born in Copenhagen February 16, 1825. His educational privileges were those of the common schools, with a short term at Denmark Academy, then taught by Johnson Clark. Elizabeth Clark, his wife, was born in Watertown, N. Y., December 21, 1831, and received her education at what was then called the Jefferson County Litera- ry and Religious Institute. They were married November 6, 1854. The chil- dren of this marriage are George W,, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HARRISBURGH. 243 Frances L., John N., and William Grant. The family have resided since 1854, in Harrisburgh. Wayne Clark was elected town superintendent of schpols for 1856. He afterwards held the ofSce of school commissioner for three successive terms for the second district of Lewis county. He was supervisor of Harrisburgh dur- now great State of Minnesota then con- tained only a few sti'aggling settlements on the Mississippi. He is the oldest settler in this county. John Scott Clark removed to the same place in 1852, where he died two years after. Orrin followed his brothers to Winona in 1854, where he now (1883) resides. Nathan lives on [HIRilM B, LiiNPHER,] ing 1872-73, and has held other minor offices. Of the brothers of Wayne Clark, George Washington emigrated to the territory of Minnesota in 1851, and settled at Wabasha Prairie (now Winona). The country was then occu- pied by the Sioux Indians, and the place a missionary station of the Jesuits many years previous. La Crosse, Wis., was the nearest white settlement, and the the homestead of his grandfather, John Scott Clark, near Copenhagen. Of the sisters, two reside in Livingston county, and two in Mannsville, Jefferson county, N. Y. HIRAM B. LANPHER. I Hiram B. Lanpher, the subject of this ] brief sketch, was born in Harrisburgh i October 14, 1837. His parents were 244 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Nathan and Harriet Bailey Lanpher. Nathan, the son of Pardon Lanpher, was born in Lowville in 1801, and is still (1883) living. Pardon Lanpher came to Lewis county in 1800 from Rhode Island. The early life of Hiram B. was passed in Harrisburgh, where he was educated in the common schools. His business ney, Lewis county, January 23, 1861, and has no children. LORIN A. STODDARD. The earlier accounts of this family, re- late that two brothers of the name of Stoddard came to this country from England, at an early day. One of these [LDRIN H, through life has been that of a farmer and dairyman, in which by hard work he has amassed a competency. He is a retiring, pleasant, honest-faced gentle- man, with a supply of good common sense, broad and liberal in his religious and political views. In the matter of politics he has taken no very active part, and the only office of importance held by him was that of supervisor, on the Re- publican ticket, in 1877-78. He was married to Elizabeth Roberts of Pinck- sTDnDiiHn.] brothers located in Connecticut, but of the other all trace has been lost. The grandfather of Lorin A. was Ralph, who was born in New London, Conn., in 1750. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and died in Harrisburgh, Dec. 31, 1 83 1. His wife was Mabel Newton, who was also a native of Connecticut. She died Jan. 10, 1837, aged 87. They came to Lewis county about 1807, and settled in Harrisburgh. Their children were George A., Avery P., Charlotte, Waite, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HIGH MARKET. 245 Amos, Susan and Simeon, all of whom are dead. George A., the father of Lorin A., was born in 1772. From the age of sixteen until he was twenty-four, he was a sailor between the Indies and the United States. He came to Lewis county from West- field, Mass., in the spring of 1805, per- forming the journey with an ox team and a horse in eighteen days. He located on the farm now owned by Lorin A., on which he passed his days, and died Jan- uary II, 1844. His wife was Temperance Allin, of New London, Conn., born April I, 1772, died November 6, 1847. Their children were as follows : — Lydia, born May 6, 1798, married Wm. I. Lasher, June 8, 1820, both dead ; Synthia, born October 7, 1800, married Wm. Thompson, March 16, 1820, both dead; Maria, born May 14, 1802, mar- ried Amasa Dodge, January 30, 1823 ; Anson, born October 21, 1804, died Au- gust 20, 1828 ; Polly, born October 10, i8c6, married Henry Humphrey, June 22, 1828 ; Charles S., born March 23. 1809, married Nancy Humphrey ; Lorin A., born Feb. 16, 181 1, married Clarrissa Dewey, Feb. 19, 1835 ; Mabel, born March 16, 1813, married Avery Root, Nov. 10, 1853, died Jan. 6, 1881. Lorin A. Stoddard was born in Harris- burgh, February 16, 181 1, on the home- stead where he has passed his life, and which he inherited at his father's death. He received 4 common school educa- tion which he enlarged by an extensive reading that has made him a man of broad and liberal views. In 1835, he married Clarrissa Dewey, a native of Westfield, Mass., born November 9, 1809. One child was the fruit of this marriage—; Alfred L., born July 20, 1837. Alfred L. was married to Elizabeth Searls, Feb. 16, 1859. To them was born, Nov. 17, 1859, a daughter, Jennie L., who was married Sept. 21, 1881, to Ralph W. Caperon. CHAPTER XXV. History of the Town of High Market. THIS town was formed from West Tu- rin by the Board of Supervisors, No- vember II, 1852, by the same act that or- ganized the town of Lewis. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the house of Schuyler C. Thompson. Supervisors — 1853, Schuyler C. Thomp- son; 1854-55, Michael H.Coyle ; 1856-58, Michael Walsh ; i859-'6o, Charles Plum- mer ; i86i-'63, Patrick Byron; 1864, William Dolphin; 1865-69, Charles Plummer; 1870-71, Edward Sweeney; 1872-73, Frederick Anken; 1874, Pat- rick Byron; 1875-76, Israel Mullin ; 1877-78, Charles A. Wider; i879-'8o, John Byron ; 1881-82, Christian Closner. Clerks. — 1853, Lynville M. Beals; 1854, William Dolphin; 1855, G. R.Thompson; 1856, Lynville M. Beals; 1857, Chas. P. Felshaw ; i858-'59,Wm. Rowlands; 1860- '61, Robert D. Blair; i862,Wm. Dolphin; 1863, Robert D. Blair; 1864, Thos. Mc- Ginnis ; 1865-66, Robert D. Blair; 1867, Patrick Byron; i868-'8o. Christian Clossner, Jr. ; 1881-82, James Hanley. This town embraces township 9, or Penelope, of the Boylston tract, with 35 lots of township 2, or Flora, and 64 lots of township 3, or Liicretia, of Constable's four towns ; its present name was bor- rowed from that of its postoffice, estab- lished in March, 1849. ^t was invented by Schuyler C. Thompson, to distin- guish this place from every other, and in this view it was entirely successful. The Irish settlers, wished to have the town named Sligo, and usage had long before applied to an undefined region, west of Constableville, the nondescript name of Kiabia, which it retained for many years. Township 2, of which nearly half lies in this town, was subdivided by Benjamin Wright, in 1797, and measures 26,266 J^ acres. The bearings and distances of its outlines are as follows : — N. W. side. N. 37° 30' E. 412 ch. 48 Iks. N. E. " N. 52° 30' W. 632 " so " S. E. " S. 37° 30' W. 412 " 48 " S. W. " S. 52° 30' E. 63 " 23 " 246 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. At the second town meeting, the owner of the premises at which, by ad- journment, the voters were to meet, re- fused to open his house. The majority of the voters, who were Irish, and not accustomed to the usages proper in such a case, were quite at a loss to know how to proceed, and came near losing their organization by failure to elect town officers. Just before sunset, they how- ever organized in the street, as near the place of meeting as practicable, and ad- journed to some convenient place the next day. With the advice of J. M. Muscott, a lawyer of Turin, they went through with their meeting, and have since retained the management of town affairs. In 1858, the town voted, with but one dissenting voice, to petition for re-annexatiou to West Turin, but with- out success. In 1857, they purchased for $200, a store for a town house. Settlement was begun about 1814, by Alfred Hovey and Liberty Fairchild, and in 1815, John Felshaw became the third settler. Ebenezer Thompson, and others subsequently located in the town. John Felshaw died June 24, 1857, aged 82 years. He settled in the county in 1813. Ebenezer Thompson removed from Rockingham, Vt, in 1 821, and died June 6, 1843, aged 69 years. He was the father of S. C. Thompson, Esq., former- ly of Constableville, and of Chandler E. Thompson, of that place. Upon the suspension of the public works, in 1842, great numbers of Irish families removed to this town, and took up small tracts of land. The western part of this town is still a wilderness, including a considerable part of township 9, near the west part of which Fish creek flows southward across the town. The highest point of land in the coun- ty is said to occur on lot 50, township 3. Streams flow from this lot in several dif- ferent directions, and in a clear day dis- tant ghmpses of the hills in Madison county, as well as more than half of the distant eastern horizon, are seen. In 1 87 1, Emory Allen, Newton Nor- tham, Alva Ward and Archibald Mc- Vickar (the two last named being of the firm Ward & McVickar) bought a tract of 14,500 acres in township 9. There was then a large amount of spruce timber upon this tract, — esti- mated by good judges at 100,000,000 feet. It began to die off the next year, and continued till most that had value of this timber had decayed. Mr. Ward is dead. The firm of which he was a partner failed, and the burden of this purchase fell upon Mr. Allen. He has recently sold the tract to Hood, Gale & Co., of Michigan, and they intend to clear it off at an early day. It is chiefly valued for its birch and other hardwood timber. It will need roads — possibly a railroad — to accomplish this clearing. The principal business of this town is dairying, for which it is well adapted. A case of murder has been before the courts from this town, since its organiza- tion. In 1 87 1, Peter Carey, John Col- lins, Jr., and Michael Collins, were in- dicted for killing Francis Joyce. They were sentenced May 2, 1871, as follows: Carey for manslaughter in the second degree, seven years ; and the two others for manslaughter in the fourth degree, two years each. It resulted from a drunken quarrel. Special Town Meetings during the War. Bounties of $50 were offered at the annual town meetmg in 1863. March 17, 1864.— A bounty of $300 was voted to each volunteer, and the sum of $2,400 was borrowed. March 28, 1864.— The proceedings of the recent meeting were amended, and the sum of $300 was to be paid. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HIGH MARKET. 247 September 7, 1864. — A bounty of $500 was offered, and $150 to each man who furnished a substitute. A committee was appointed, consisting of John B. Murphy, Charles S. Felshaw, and Christian Closs- ner, to fill the quota of the town. Religious Societies. After the burning of the CathoUc church west of Constableville in 1880, a division occurred among the members, a part separating from the rest, organ- izing a church in High Market, while the rest proceeded to re-build in Con- stableville village. The church in this town is named " St. Patrick's," and is not finished at the time of our writing. It is located near the town house and postoffice of High Market, and will be served from Constableville. Biographical Sketch. [GHfiHLE S CHARLES PLUMMER. Charles Plummer is the son of William and Ann Plummer, natives of Burton Leonard, Yorkshire, England, where Charles was born, January 12, i8n, and where he lived until 1832. In that year the family sailed for America, and landed PLUMMER.] in New York on the 24th of May. Re- maining there no longer than necessity required, they went to Deerfield, Oneida county, where they purchased forty-five acres of woodland, and entered upon the active duties of life in their new country and new home. 248 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. On the first of the following May, 1833, the mother died, at the age of fifty-two. His father died December 10, 1848. Mr. Plummer lived in Deerfield eight years, and in 1840, moved to High Market, which was at that time embraced in the town of West Turin, where he bought one hundred and seventy-six acres of wild land. Here he toiled man- fully for years to clear his land and bring it to its present state of cultivation, to build for his family a home, and to accumulate a competency for the declin- ing years of his life. For the turmoil of politics, which produces cares and trials, as well as triumphs, Mr. Plummer has never been ambitious, although he has at differ- ent times acceptably filled the official positions to which his townsmen have elected him. He has served seven years as Supervisor of the town of High Market, was for three years Assessor, and for two years filled the position of Town Auditor. In all these public, as well as in all his private matters, he has conscientiously endeavored to do his duty, believing that he is the better man who acts the better part in all dealings with his fellow men. Such characters need no written eulogy. Their lives are remembered even alter they have passed away, and their characters stand as ex- amples for the men of other .generations. As it is the deep waters that run with the greatest force and stillness, so it is the quiet and unobtrusive men who, to an extent greater than is imagined, shape the events of the day, and act as the moral, social, and business motive power of the world. They clear the wilderness, build the homes, develop the townships, and decide the social, moral, and relig- ious tendency of their time. Of that class of men can be reckoned the subject of this sketch. He is respected by all who come in contact with him as a man of honor and integrity, and is one of those whose name should be preserved to the men of the coming years. On the 27th of December, 1834, Mr. Plummer was married to Catherine Smith, daughter of John P. and Nancy Smith, of Deerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., by whom .he has had two children, George, born May 27, 1836, and Ann, born November 13, 1844. His wife died January 3, 1853, aged thirty-four years.. George, the son, married Mary E. Shep- ard, daughter of Harlow Shepard, of Turin, December i, 1858, and lives on the homestead. His children are : Em- ma C, Nellie M., Charles E., Jennie C, and George H. The daughter, Ann, married Albert D. Blair, of High Market, January i, 1863. Their children are: Charles R., Jennie C, Kittie B., George A., May B., and a child that died when an infant. CHAPTER XXVI. History of the Town of Lewis. HE town was formed from Ley den . . and West Turin by the Supervisors, "«Jovember 11, 1852, embracing a part from the narrow point at the south- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEWIS. 249 western part of " Inman's Triangle," which previously had formed the town of Leyden and No. i, and part of No. 2, (three rows of lots,) of "Constable's four towns," previously in West Turin. The first town meeting was ordered to be held at the house of Orlando S. Kenyon. Its name was derived from that of the county ; but as there is also a town of " Lewis," in Essex county, the postoffice of " West Leyden," remains as before, the only one in the town. Supervisor s.-^i?:'^l, Orson Jenks ; 1854- '55, Charles Pease; 1856, O. Jenks ; 1857, Hiram Jenks ; 1858, Jonathan A. Pease; 1859-61, O. Jenks; 1862-71, Jay A. Pease; 1872, Mathew Kilts; 1873, Andrew Katsmeyer; 1874, J. A. Pease; 1875, A. Katsmeyer; 1876, M. Kilts; 1877-80, A. Katsmeyer; 1881, George Pohl; 1882, A. Katsmeyer. Clerks. — 1853-54, David Crofoot ; 1855, Orson Jenks ; 1856-57, Daniel H. Buell; 1858, O. Jenks; 1859, William Gray; 1861, J. Pease; 1862-67, Orson Jenks; 1868-70, J. Milton Pease; 1871, Louis Gleason; 1872, William M. Hough; 1873, J. Wallace Douglass; 1874, Louis Gleasman; 1875, Mathew Kilts; 1876, Andrew Katsmeyer; 1877, George Pohl ; 1878-80, Valentine Pohl; 1881, Willard Gray ; 1882, Valentine Pohl. The town embraces very nearly that part of Inman's triangle, known as the " New Survey," and parts of Town- ships I and 2. Township No. i, was originally designed to be called Xeno- phon, and No. 2, Flora, but these names were never known as in use, even in the land sales. The principal settlements are in the eastern part, and its drainage is southward, by the head waters of the Mohawk and by Fish creek, and south- westward by Salmon river. The soil is well adapted to grazing and the coarser grains, but fruits and corn have not been extensively or successfully culti- vated. Its soil is inclined to clay, and in places is a gravelly loam, or covered with flat stone derived from the under- lying slate rock. That part of this town taken from Leyden, was sold to settlers by Storrs and Stow. Township i was surveyed into lots by Benjamin Wright in 1797, and its outlines were run in 1795, as fol- fows : — N. W. line: N. 37°, 30' E. 520 chains, 3 links. N. E. do S. 52°, 30' E. 631 do 62 do S. E. do S. 37°, 30' W. 339 do 07 do S. W. do N. 68", 50' W. SS9 do 20 do The latter is the patent line, and was surveyed in 1794. Township i meas- ures 27,105 acres, and the whole of Town- ship 2, 26,266^ acres. The connection of John Jacob Astor with the titles of this town has been noticed on a previous page. Lots i to 19, and half of 20, in township I, were conveyed bj' Pierre- pont to Charles Ingersol of Philadelphia, agent of Consequa, a China merchant, in payment of a debt of $12,000 which the captain of a vessel owned by Mr. Pierrepont, had incurred. John G. Cos- tar, afterwards became agent, and paid the taxes many years from a fund pro- vided for that purpose. They were final- ly sold for taxes and were in 1 860, chiefly owned by the Costar heirs. Fifteen lots,* owned by Judge Wilham Jay of Bed- ford, by virtue of a marriage, were sold in 1 841, to Richardson T. Hough, with certain conditions of opening roads and, forming settlements. Jas. S. T. Strana- han of Brooklyn, the Lawrence heirs and John E. Hinman of Utica, have been heretofore owners of considerable tracts of wild lands in this town. These various conveyances of land to Astor and others, in No. i, of the four towns, as also in No. 13, now in Osceola, grew out of the settlement of an insolv- ency in which James, brother of William Constable, became involved in 1801, as * Numbers 26, 27, 32, 41, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 61, 64, 65, 68, 69. 250 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. explained in our notice of the latter, in the account of West Turin. Settlement was begun at West Ley- den (now included in the town of Lewis), in the summer of 1798, by two families named Newel and Ingraham, who came by way of Whitestown and Fort Stan wix, and located, the former on the farm of George Olney, and the latter on that of John Domser, adjacent to the east line of this town. Fish then abounded in the streams, and game in the forests, afford- ing partial support, with no care but the taking, and incidents were not want- ing to diversify the life of the first pio- neers of this lonely spot. On one occa- sion, as the wivesof the two first settlers were returning on foot from Fort Stan- wix (Rome), they saw a bear on a tree near where Jenk's tavern was afterwards built. One of the women took her sta- tion at the foot of the tree, club in hand, to keep bruin from escaping, while the other hastened home, a distance of two miles, procured a gun, returned and shot the bear.* These families remamed about two years and went off. Colonel John Barnes came in 1799, and brought potatoes,for planting, on his back from Whitestown. A saw-mill was built in the winter following, near the present mill of Calvin B. Hunt, by Joel Jenks, Medad Dewey, John and Corne- Hus Putnam, who came on with their families. Major iVIpheus Pease,t took up four or five lots in 1801, and built the first grist-mill, one or two years after, a little above the Mohawk bridge, in the present village of West Leyden. Na- than Pelton:j: and William Jenks,§ from Stafford, Connecticut, Stephen * Related by Josiah Dewey of Delta, New York, who furnished ample notes upon the early histoiy of this town, for our first edition. f Mr. Pease died April 8, 1816, aged 54 years. i Died June 7, 1856, aged 92 years. § Died in the fall of 1865, about 80 years of age. His son, Hiram, died about the same time, aged he- tween 50 and 60 years. Hunt,* Graham, McGlashan, Levi Tiffany, t Winthrop Felshaw,:]: and perhaps others, settled within four years after. Most of the lands first taken up were sold at $5 per acre. Samuel Kent and Jeremiah Barnes, were early teach- ers, and the first school was taught at the house of Joel Jenks. The first death that occurred in town, was that of a child in the family of some travelers, but the first adult person that died in town, was Mrs. Calvin Billings, a sister of Stephen Hunt, in the spring of 18 10, about twelve )'ears after the beginning of the settlement. TheCastorland settlers speak of a road to Fort Stanwix, from tneir settlement at the High Falls, as early as 1795, and it must have passed through this town, about a mile ea.st of West Leyden vil- lage, but we have no information upon this point. The first road of which we have certain knowledge, was opened to Constableville, in 1803, by .Mr. Shaler; but the first direct road was not opened until 18 16, by Commissioners appointed for the purpose. This became the line of the Canal Turnpike, and still later of a Plank road, which in its turn has been abandoned to the public, and is now maintained by the towns through which it passes. These routes, now seldom used except for local travel, but consolidated and good at most seasons of the year, were, in former times, one of the principal thoroughfares for all the country north, in Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties. They were thronged with teams bearing southward the produce of that region, or returning with mer- chants' goods, and were noted for the great depth of snow that fell upon the highlands, and for their mud in spring and fall. The road from Rome to Con- * Died June 14, 1853, aged 79 years. ■f From Somers, Ct. X Died May 2, 1863, aged 87 years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEWIS. 251 stableville, was for a long period, a stage route that carried the mails daily each way, and because some miles nearer, and usually not much worse, it was preferred to the Utica route, by the farmers, in get- ting their surplus produce to the canal. An occurrence happened in Novem- ber, 1804, which caused much alarm in this settlement, and might have led to a most melancholy result. Joseph Bel- knap, Cornelius Putman, Jr., and Josiah Dewey, Jr., set out from the former Dewey tavern stand, westward, on a deer hunt. The snow was about ten inches deep, and they found tracks of deer plenty, but no game. They had no compass, the day was cloudy, and towards night they attempted to return, and as their track was crooked, they con- cluded to take a direct line for home. After traveling some distance, they came around to the same place, a second and a third time. They were evidently lost, and no longer trusting to their own esti- mate of direction, they concluded to fol- low down a stream of water which they took to be the Mohawk, which would, of course, lead them home. They passed a number of beaver meadows, and were frequently obliged to wade the freezing stream, and at other times were forced to wade down its channel instead of climbing its steep rocky banks. They tried to kindle a fire, but failed, and final- ly kept on traveling till daylight, when they came to a foot-path, which in two or three miles, led out into a settlement which proved to be in the town of Western, twenty miles by the nearest traveled road from home. They had fol- lowed down the Point-of-Rock stream, to near its junction with Fish creek. The half-starved wanderers having fed, pushed on over a miry road, and reached home at midnight, when they found the country had been rallied, and a dozen men had gone into the woods in search of the lost. About 1 83 1, ten German families set- tled in this town, and these have been followed by others, until the population of foreign birth equaled half, and with their children born in this country, con- siderably more than half of the whole population of the town. Of these Euro- peans, 376 were reported by the State census of 1855 as Germans, 171 French, and 2 1 Swiss. They are divided between the Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed Protestant Dutch denominations, in the relative order here named, and although they used their native languages at home for some years, they are now able to speak English with facility, and the rising generation uses no other. These foreigners were mostly an industrious, hardy and frugal people, obedient to the laws, and mostly became naturalized citizens as soon as the law allowed. The European settlement in this town, was preceded by that in West Turin. In 1 841, a bridge was built over Fish creek, and a road opened from the town of Lee, near the line of the old road of 1805, noticed in our account of Osceola. It led only to the line of Township 13. The first deeds to actual settlers in this part of the town, were issued in May, 1840, amounting to 1,746% acres, for $3,194.60. The bridge was swept off in the winter of 1842-43, and soon rebuilt, and in 1843, a mill was built by Mr. Her- ron, and afterwards owned by David L. Swancott. Several branches of lumbering have been followed in this town, for which it formerly afforded special facilities. About 1840, the manufacture of oars from white ash was begun and continued some seven years. The quantity is esti- mated at about 500,000 hnear feet per annum, during that period, and the prin- cipal market was Boston. Whaling oars were sold in sets of seven, of which two were 14, two 15, two 16, and one 18 feet long. The price ranged about 6 cts. per 252 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. foot, linear measure. The business was continued until the supply of timber be- came scarce. Of birds-eye maple, Lewis county for many years produced about 100,000 feet (board measure) annually, mostly from this town, and the greater part sent off by Richardson T. Hough.* Of this quantity, nine-tenths went to the Euro- pean market by way of New York. The accidental variety of the sugar maple is found somewhat common upon the range of highlands, extending from this town to Adams. It was estimated by Mr. R.T. Hough, that two-thirds of all the timber of this variety, used in the world had, during the twenty years preceding i860, come from Lewis county. The market price depended upon the fashions of the day, with regard to styles of furniture, and prices ranged from $60 to $80 per M. ft., board measure. A mill for cut- ting veneers was formerly established, four miles west of West Leyden, but was burned in 1845. O^ hoops, for oyster kegs, this town and Ava, in Oneida county adjoining, were producing in 1 860, about 4,000,000, averaging $2 per M., shaved and delivered, on the railroad at Rome. They were mostly used at Fairhaven and Cheshire, Connecticut. They were made of black ash and were bought in a rough state by a few dealers who shaved and forwarded them to mar- ket. Considerable quantities of hard- wood lumber, chiefly maple and birch, for flooring, turning, etc., are still sent from this town. West Leyden Village. This is a small village located upon * Mr. Hough was born in Warrensburgh, N. Y., July 15, 1806, and died in this town August 26, 1871. His wife Chloe (Warner,) bom in Kirkland, Oneida county, December 3, 1803 ; died at West Leyden, August 12, 1876. Their children are: Myron B. W., born January 20, 1829 ; Delia, (Mrs. Selden Dewey), born January 12, 1831 ; BoardmanS.,born December 10, 1832; Hen- ry H., born October 28, 1838 ; Helen M., bom Sep- tember 16, 1841 ; and William W., bom Septemberi4, 1845. the Mohawk river, — here a mill-stream almost dry in summer, but sufficient for a considerable amount of water power in the winter months. It is 17 miles from Rome, 6 miles from Boonville and 8 miles from Constableville. It is now connected with the first two of these places by a telephone. The business of the village has declined since the con- struction of the railroad to Boonville, as compared with the time when a plank road supplied the country travel from Rome northward. The business of the village in August, 1882, was as follows : — Cheese Factory. — Michael Ernst. There are two others in town, viz : Bierly & Sims, known as the " Crofoot Road Factory," and the Hayes Factory near Fish creek. Carpenter. — Jacob Rauscher. Flour and Feed Mill.- — Charles S. Myers. Furniture and Undertaking. — Peter Lukel. Hotel. — Adolph Domser. Saw-Mills. — Calvin B. Hunt and Charles S. Myers, each having a planer. Stores. — George Pohl, Mathew Kilts, Andrew Katsmeyer and F. A. Edgerton. Wagon and Blacksmith Shops. — Valen- tine Pohl, owner of both, but separately located. Besides the two saw-mills above men- tioned there are seven others in town, viz : George S. Thompson, George Powell, D. L. Swancott, M. Shrader, and T. L. Davis, using water power, Fames & Bridgman, using steam, and Houghton, Hough & Ambler using steam. The latter is new and large. Some years since, this town raised moneys to aid in the survey of a railroad that was to run from Boston to Oswego, passing through this town, but nothing further was ever done. The hotel of Lewis Hoffman, in West Leyden, was burned December 21, 1872, and Christian Yokey was killed by the falling of timber. The population of West Leyden vil- lage in 1880, was reported as 181. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEWIS. 253 The following are dates of death of several well-known citizens of this town, not elsewhere mentioned in these pages, some of them having been early settlers : — Anken David, died July 19, 1863, aged 55- Bell Henry G., died September 15, 1847, aged 59. Billings Horace, died October 12, 1848, aged 42. Ernst Christian, died November 22, 1874, aged 79. Fox Ashbel, died November 13, i860, aged 64. Hunt Darius, died August 16, 1872, aged 100 years, 2 months, 7 days. Hunt Elisha, died April 3, 1822, aged 41. Kent Enos, died September 29, 1841, aged 57. Maurer Frederick, died March 13, 1868, aged 80. Pease Charles, died March 16, 188 1, aged 75- Terry Levi, died March 19, 1836, aged 66. Notes from the Town Records Re- lating TO the War. In 1872, a correspondmg committee was appointed, consisting of WiUiam Brown, Charles Pease, and Paul Flu- ster. August 15, 1863. — A special town meeting was held, at which OUver Cap- ron, A. B. Billings, F. Schopfer, R. T. Hough and C. B. Hunt were appointed a committee to borrow money to pay bounties for filling town quotas. A second committee, consisting of William J. Gray, Hiram Jenks, Peter Stephens, Lewis Staleger, Lewis Gleas- man, Paul Finster, and Alden P. Doyle, was afterwards appointed. At a special town meeting held December 29, 1863, a committee was appointed to borrow $6,000, and the sum of $300 was offered for bounties. Religious Societies. Meetings were first held in 1804, by Justus Billings,* a Presbyterian, at the house of John Putnam. The " Second Presbyterian Church of Leyden," was formed in the summer of 1806, by the Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, of Champion, consisting of Josiah Dewey, f Justus Billings, Cornelius Putnam, Sol- omon Washburn, and their wives ; Major Alpheus Pease, Widow Horton, Cyrus Brooks, and a Mr. Wood, and their wives ; of whom the last four lived a mile east of Ava Corners, and the others in this town. This church erected a house of worship a mile north of West Leyden, many years after, and in February, 1826, it joined the Water- town Presbytery. The church has be- come extinct, the building removed, and its site sold for cemetery purposes. A Baptist church was formed in May, 1829, with fourteen members. Elders John Marshall, Riley B. Ashley, and Martin Salmon were present at the or- ganization. A legal society was formed September 9, 1837, with Winthrop Fel- shaw, Jonathan A. S. Pease, and Nathaniel Wadsworth, trustees, and a small plain church edifice was erected. The Reverends Burdick, WiUiam Rice, R. Z. WiUiams, R. W. Chafa, David D. Barnes, and others, have preached here, and meetings are occa- sionally held, but no regular services are at present maintained. The Methodists have a small organ- ization in town, and for some years used the old Presbyterian church. The United German Lutheran and Reformed Congregation of West Ley- den, was formed August 16, 1847, with Frederick Meyer, Frederick Schopfer and George Fries, trustees. It was formed of the German Lutheran and * Died July 31, 1847, aged eighty years. tDied January 14, 1838, aged eighty 'years. Mr. Dewey was one of the first deacons of this church. Josiah Dewey, his son, died August 11, i860, aged seventy-four, and Lemuel Dewey, another son, died March g, 1858, aged fifty-three years. 254 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Reformed churches, and their new meeting-house was to be called the Church of St. Paul. It was to remain a German house of worship, so long as the number of members of the congre- gation speaking the German language was more than two. A law-suit has oc- curred between the two sects, in which the Lutherans have gained the case. After this decision, the Reformed Protestant Dutch built a church edifice. The church was formed September 12, 1856, with John Boehrer, minister ; Philip Riibel and Frederick Meyer, elders ; and Frederick Schopfer and Valentine Glesman, deacons. The Rev. John M. Reiner is present pastor. The Lutherans have a small church north of the village, which is attended by the Rev. Mr. Cludius, from Olmstead Creek church in West Turin. Services are held both in this and the last pre- ceding churches in the German lan- guage. The Catholics have a small stone church three miles west of the village, which is attended from St. Michael's on Mohawk Hill. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEWIS. 255 Biographical Sketch. Ua^iAyi 'i/iyy- z^^-^t^v^^ C. B. HUNT. The genealogy of the Connecticut division, Northampton line, of the Hunt family, is briefly as follows : — Elisha Reynolds Hunt, born July 12, 1781, was son of Elijah Hunt, of Leba- non, Conn., son of Stephen Hunt, being one of a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. His mother was Abigail Reynolds, daughter of EHsha Reynolds, of Norwich, Conn., who was born in 1773 and died in Octo- ber 1820. Elisha died in the town of Lewis, then Leyden, April 22, 1822. Only one daughter of this family mar- ried, Sally, who married Calvin Billings, of Somers, Conn., and died in New York State May 6, 18 10. Elijah Hunt, of Lebanon, father of Elisha R. Hunt, was son of Stephen Hunt, was son of Eben- ezer, born in 1730, died July 6, 175 1. His wife's name was Esther Jones. The family is of EngHsh origin. Elisha R. Hunt came to Lewis county for a permanent residence in June, 181 5, and located in the town of Lewis, then known as Leyden. He was a 256 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. farmer of some repute. He married November 17, 1808, Persis Billings Perkins, who was born in Somers, Conn., March 29, 1777, and died October 14, 1865. They had the following chil- dren: — Samuel, born September 7, 1809, died August 5, 1875 ; Sally, born May 25, 181 1, died August 3, 1814; Persis Malvina, born May 10, 1813, married Alpheus Pease, March 7, 1833, died October 12, 1865; Roxana, born Septem- ber 23, 181 5, married Thomas Richards ; Hannah Adelia, born September 29, 1817, died March 27, 1818 ; Calvin B. Calvin Billings Hunt was born in the town of Lewis, July 21, 1819, where his life has been passed. He received a common school education and took up the business of farming in which he has been more prosperous than the average of men engaged in that pursuit. He is quite an extensive land owner, having in his possession over a thousand acres, and is largely interested in the dairy business. Some fifteen years ago he engaged in the manufacture of lumber in which he is now doing a thrifty trade. Dur- ing his busy life Mr. Hunt has taken much interest in political matters, not as an office seeker, but as an opponent or advocate of the questions and issues of the day. On the questions which in- volved principles he has often been in the minority, but has had the satisfac- tion of knowing that he acted conscien- tiously, and was possessed of the courage that never barters honest convictions for temporary political triumphs. In the antebellum days he was a pronounced abolitionist, in times when it required a rare moral courage to befriend the slave and denounce slavery ; and when the war for their freedom broke forth he was an ardent friend of the Union cause. Mr. Hunt has never united with any church. His parents were Presbyterians, but he has regulated his life by the rules of right, and endeavors to so live that he need not fear to meet any of his fellow men. He married December 14, 1848, Charlotte L. Bush, daughter of Walter Bush of Turin, who was born May 4, 1 8 19. But one child was born to this marriage, which died in infancy. CHAPTER XXVII. History of the Town of Leyden. THIS town was formed from Steuben,* March 10, 1797, embracing besides Inman's Triangle, all of Lewis and Jef- ferson counties lying east and north of Black river. By the erection of Brown- ville in 1802, Boonville in 1805, Wat- son in 1802 and Lewis in 1852, it has been trimmed down to its present limits. It derived its name from the settlement made by Gerret Boon in Boonville, under the auspices of the Hol- land Land Company, whose members chiefly resided in Leyden, in Holland. •Whitestown was formed March 7, 1788, embracing the whole of the State west of German Flats. Steuben and Mexico were formed April 10, 1792, embracing all of this county and a vast area north, south and west. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 257 They were the same persons who were concerned in the great Holland Land Purchase of Western New York. In the division of the town, upon the erection of Lewis county, the old name was re- tained by a section to which it was not strictly applicable in order that Boon's name might be perpetuated in the chris- tening of Boonville, At the first town meeting held at the house of Andrew Edmonds (Boonville), April 4, 1797, Andrew Edmonds was chosen Supervisor ; John Stormes, Clerk ; Asa Brayton, Jacob Rogers and Phineas Southwell, Assessors ; Jared Topping and Levi Hillman, Constables and Col- lectors ; Bela Hubbard and Luke Fisher, Poormasters; Asa Lord, Reuben King and Elisha Randall, Commissioners of ' Highways ; Sheldon Johnson, Eliphalet Edmonds, Amasa King and Archelius Kingsbury, Road-Masters ; Lilly Fisher, Asahel Hough and Timothy Burges, Fence Viewers ; Chandler Otis and Joshua Preston, Pound Masters. Supervisors. — 1797- '98, Andrew Ed- monds; 1799, Phineas Southwell; 1800, Asa Brayton; 1801, P Southwell; 1802, A. Brayton; 1803, Silas Southwell; 1804, John Dewey ;* 1805, Peter Schuyler ; 1805 (April 1 8th), Lewis Smith ;t i8o6-'o7, L. Smith; 1808-10, James Hawley ; 1811, J. Dewey; i8i2-'i6, Nathaniel Merriam ;% 18 17, John Fish; 1818-23, Stephen Spencer ; 1824-30, *Born at Westfield, Jan. 20, 1754, served in the Revolution, removed to Leyden in the spring of 1802, and died Dec. 31, 1821. f Deacon Smith died May 21, 1841, aged 89 years. He was a soldier in the Revolution. t Nathaniel Men iam was born in Wallingford, Conn. , Tune 3, 1769, and in 1800 removed to Leyden and set- tled on a place partly new and the remainder first taken up by Asahel Hough. He continued to reside at this place until 1838, during many years as an inn-keeper when he removed to Indiana, but in 1846 he returned to this town. He died August ig, 1847. In 1811, and 1820, he .served in Assembly, and in 1815 he was ap- pointed a County Judge. He was widely known as an enterprising and public spirited citizen. His son Gen. Ela Merriam is elsewhere noticed. This family name occurs among the founders of Meriden, Conn., and has been till the present time a common and promipent one in that town. Michael Brooks; 1831, Amos Mil- ler; 1832--' 33, Ezra Miller; 1834-36, Isaac Parsons; 1837-38, Allen Alger; 1839-42, Joseph Burnham ; 1843-44, Alfred Day; i845-'48, Thomas Baker; 1849-, Aaron Parsons; 1850, T.Baker; 1851, J. Burnham; i852-'53, T. Baker; i8S4-'56, Wm. J. Hall ; i857-'58, Wm. J. Olmstead; 1859, Samuel Northam ; i860, David Alger; i86i-'62, Thomas Baker; i863-'67, Linus Birdseye ; 1 868-' 70, James A. Merwin ; i87i-'76, Thaddeus E. Munn ; i877-'78; Joseph H. Wilcox; 1879, J. Merwin ; i88o-'8i, J. H. Wilcox ; 1882, Friend Hoyt. Clerks. — 1797-1803, John Stormes; 1804, Aaron Willard ; i8oS-'o7, Stephen Butler; i8o8-'o9, David Higby ; 1810, Benjamin Starr; i8ii-'i2, Augustus Chapman; 1813, D. Higby; 1814-17, Stephen Spencer; i8i8-'i9, Martin Hart; i820-'22, Allen Alger ; 1823, Samuel Northam, Jr.; i824-'25. Parsons Tal- cott; i826-'33, A. Alger; i834-'39, Thos. Baker; i840-'42, Lewis S.Alger; 1843, '48, E. R. Johnson; 1849, Alfred Day; i850-'S4, E. R. Johnson ; 1855, David Al- ger; i856-'58, James M. Malcom; 1859, Chester J. Munn; i86o-'66, Benjamin S. Jones; 1867, David Spencer; 1868, Chas. D. Alger; 1869, Edward D. Spencer; 1870, Thomas Baker, Jr.; i87i-'73, Chas. D. Alger; 1874, Geo. Sommers ; i87S-'82, Edward D. Spencer. The supervisors of Herkimer county, in 1797, allowed £iT, lis. 2d. school money to this town, then a part of that county. A special town meeting was held June 17, 1797, to appoint School Commissioners, and Luke Fisher, Elias- hab Adams and Jacob Rogers, were chosen. This is the only money received in this region from the State school grants of 1795. In 1798, the names of Ezra E. C. Rice, Asa Lord, William Topping, Bela But- terfield. Chandler Otis, Amos Miller, David Miller, Lilly Fisher, Reuben King, 258 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Silas Southwell, Josiah Goodrich, Leb- beus Ford, Archelaus Kingsbury, and Jeptha King, were reported from Ley- den, as qualified to serve on the grand jury. In 1800, a special town meeting was held for choosing persons to be appoint- ed Justices by the State Council of Ap- pointment, and another, March 19, 1803, to choose two persons to a County Con- vention, to nominate candidates for As- sembly. The delegates were Nathaniel Merriam and Samuel Snow. They were paid by the town, and present the only instance we have known, in which dele- gates were thus authorized and paid. Census of 1800. A census of Leyden, taken in the year 1800, while the town included Boonville and a vast uninhabited region east of the river, in what are now Lewis and Jefferson counties, showed a population of 623, distributed among rii famihes, by far the greater portion being within the present limits of Leyden, and emi- grants from Connecticut. Of these, 344 were males, 104 being under ro; 49 from 10 to 16; 63 from 16 to 26 ; 102 from 26 to 45 ; and 26 over 45. Of 278 females, 99 were under 10; 42 from 10 to 16; 47 from 16 to 26; 69 from 16 to 45 ; and 21 over 45. One was a slave, owned by John Stormes, of Boonville. We give the names ol the heads of families, in the following list, the first number after each name being the number of males in the family, and the other the number of females : — Aldridge, Peter A., 3, 4.Briggs, Richard, i, r. Auger, Allen, i, 2. Britton, Samuel, 4, 2. Ballard, David, 2, 3. Brown, George, 3, 2. Barnes, Tuder, [Judah] Brown, Henry, 9, 4. Boardman, J., 6, 3. [7,6. Brown, Samuel, 13, 3. Bossout, John B., 7, i. Burges, John, 4, 3. Branch, Zeba, i, 4. Burgis, Timothy, 4, 4. Brayton, Asa, 2, 5. Butler, Stephen, 5, 5. Brayton, Thomas, 5, 2. Camp, Asahel, i, 1. Briggs, Enoch, 2, 3. Carr, Caleb, 2, 2. Claflin, Moses, i, i. Combs, John, i, 3. Coe, Brainard, 2, 2. Coe, Joel, 6, 2. Combs, Solomon, 3, 4 Cook, Joseph, 4, 5. Cooper, William, i, o. Copelin, Joseph, 2, 5. Culver, Silas, i, i. Cummings, Abr'am, 3,3 Darrow, Amrous, 5, 4. Davis, Ebenpzer, 4, 2. Dewey, E., 2, 2. Douglass. Samuel, 2, i. Dowas, Francis, 2, i. Dustin, Nathaniel, 4, o. Edmonds, Andrew, 4, 5. Edmonds,Ehphalet, 4,3. Elensworth, A., 3, 2. Fisher, Lille, 4, 3. Fisher, Luke, 2, 2. Fisk, Job, 5, 3. Francis, Simeons, i, i. Goodrich, Jonah, 3, 2. Grant, Elisha, i, i. Green, Nathan, 2, o. Harger. Ebenezer, 3, i. Harger, Philo, 4, 3. Hillman, Levi, 4, 2. Horton, Moses, 5, 3. Hough, Asahel, 4, 5. Jenks, Joel, 5, 6. Johnson, EHsher, 6, 4. Johnson, Sheldon, 3, 4, Johnson, William, 3, 3. Jones, Benjamin, 2, i. Jones, Hezekiah, 3, r. Kelsey, Eber, 5, 5. King, Amasa, i, 3. King, Jeptha, 3, 3. King, Reuben, 3, i. King, William, 6, 2. Kingsbury, Ansel, i, 2. Kingsbury, Elias, 4, 4. Kingsbury, Elijah, 4, 3. Lee, Thomas, 4, 2. Lord, Asa, i, i. Lord, Lebeus, i, i. McCarty, Clark, 5, 3. Merriam, Nathaniel, 2,5 Merry, John, 3, 3. Miller, Amos, 2, 2. Miller, David B., 5, 3. Miller, Joel, 3, i. Mitchell, L. S. D., 4, i. ,. Morgan, Plena, 2, 2. Morris, Samuel, 5, 3. Ostrander, Moses, 5, 5. Otis, Chandler, 4, i. Porter, Asel, 3, 2. Porter, Ezekiel, i, 3. Putnam, John, 3, 2. Ransom, William, 2, 4. Reaves, Asel, i, 2. Rice, Ezra, i, i. Rice, Ezra E. C, i, i. Rogers, Jacob, 3, i. Simmons, Jinks, 3, 5. Smith, Lewis, 2, 2. Snow, Jotham, 2, i. Snow, Samuel, 3, 2. Southwell, F., 2, 4. Sprague, Frederick, 3, 6 Stockwell, David, 3, i. Stormes, John, 2, 2, (i slave. ) Talcott, Daniel, 2, 2. Talcott, EHsha, 3, i. Talcott, Hezekiah, 5, 2. Topping, Daniel, 1,1. Topping, William, 4, 2. Truman, William, t, i. Turner, Hezekiah. 2, 3. Wetmore, Joseph, 2, i. Wheeler, Ebenezer, 5, 2 Wheeler, Jonathan, i, 2 Wl^itmore, Ether, 3, 5. Wilcox, Elisha, i, 3. Willeger, William, 2, i. Willey, Nathaniel, 4, 4. Wolcott, Thomas, 1,1. Wood Lemuel, 3, 2. In 1801, John Stormes, Lewis Smith and Eber L. Kelsey were appointed to petition for a division of the town. On the loth of January, 1802, and Novem- ber 14, 1804, other attempts at division were voted. By the latter, it was pro- posed to divide the town (as was done the next year, on the ei^ection of Lewis county), the south part to retain ■ the name of Leyden, and the triangle and part east of the river, Storrsburgh. On HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 259 the 3d of February, 1804, Stephen But- ler, Samuel Snow and Richard Coxe, were chosen delegates to a Convention to be held at Champion, February ist, to take measures for securing the divi- sion of Oneida countv. On the i8th of September, 1802, Asa Lord, Job Fisk and Asa Brayton were delegated to attend a meeting at Lowville, to consult about procuring a road from Albany to Johnstown, and thence to the Black river and down to its mouth. This was the beginning of a movement that secured an appropriation for the State Road through the valley. In 1799, a unique resolution was passed to the effect, that if sleds of less than four feet track were found on the highway more than four miles from home, their owners were liable to a fine of $1, one half to go to the informant, and the remainder to the poor. Bounties for the destruction of noxious animals have been voted as follows : For wolves, $10 in i8oi,'o3, '04, '06, '10, '11 ; for hen hawks, 6 cents in 181 5 ; and for chip- squirrels 2 cents in i8o6-'o7, if killed within one month after May 20th. This town is comprised within Inman's Triangle, and includes the whole of that tract excepting the acute angle taken off in the erection of Lewis in 1852. This was in some early documents er- roneously named " Storr's Patent," and its south line running N. 68° E., is sup- posed to have been the earliest one sur- veyed in the county. The eastern part comprising its principal area, was sur- veyed into 126 lots by Wm. and James Cockburn, of Poughkeepsie, and the western angle into 28 lots, by Broughton White. The latter is called the " New Survey " and with the exception of the first five lots is now included in the town of Lewis. On the 5th of June, 1792, Patrick Col- quhoun, high sheriff of London, pur- chased from his friend, William Consta ble, this tract of 25,000 acres, at one shil- ling sterling per acre,and from his friend- ship to William Inman, interested him in a share of 4,000 acres at the original cost ; and as the purchaser was an alien, and therefore incapable of holding lands in America, he caused the whole to be conveyed in the name of Inman, in trust, and made him agent for the sale and set- tlement of the tract. A few of the early settlers in this town received their titles directly from Inman, among whom were Ebenezer Coe, William Bingham, Jared Topping, Thomas Brayton and Asa Lord. William Inman was allowed to hold lands in this State by an act of March 27, 1794. He was a native of Somerset- shire, England, and in early life was a clerk of Lord Pultney. He first sailed to America, March 13, 1792, and arrived in June. He soon after was entrusted with the interests of certain Europeans, prominent among whom was Patrick Colquhoun, and took up his residence in Whitestown, not far from the present lunatic asylum, in Utica. He was many years resident in Oneida county and be- came extensively concerned in land speculations in and near Utica, where he was engaged in a brewery. He was a merchant in New York, where he met with heavy reverses. About 1825^ he came to Le3'den, where he died Febru- ary 14, 1843, aged 81 years. His wife, Sarah, died in Leyden, July 24, 1829, aged 56 years. Their sons were William, John, Henry and Charles. WilHam Inman, the eldest son, resid- ed formerly in Leyden, entered the navy January i, 1812, and became a com- mander May 24, 1838. He retired after 58 years' service, and died at Philadel- phia October 23, 1874. John Inman was educated to the law, but turned his attention to literature, was connected with the New York Mir- ror, and soon after, with Colonel Stone, 26o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. engaged as editor of the Commercial Advertiser, of which, in 1847, he became principal editor. He conducted for some time the Columbian Magazine, and died at New York, August 30, 1850, aged 47 years. Henry Inman, (born October 28, 1801,) early evinced a great talent for painting, and at the age of fifteen, painted his fath- er's portrait, which is still preserved. He became one of the most eminent of his- torical and portrait painters, and died at New York, January, 1846, aged 45 years. He never resided in this county, but was an occasional visitor. Charles Inman, a cabinet maker, died in Cincinnati. Topping received a deed of 139 acres, lot 60, October 28, 1795, for £\2%. Bray- ton's deed of loo^ acres, was dated July 2, 1797. Coe's deed for Lot 88, 1521^ acres, is dated June 12, 179S, and was given by Arthur Breese, attorney for Inman {Oneida Deeds, iii., 39). Others were less fortunate, and some were re- quired to make second payment by a transfer of the titles by Inman, before their deeds were made out or their pay- ments completed. Late in 1793 Mr. Inman returned to England, and through his representa- tions, Mr. Colquhoun was induced to undertake the purchase of what is now known as the Brantingham tract, of which he was entrusted the agency. He sold most of the 25,000 acre tract in Feb- ruary 1794, and in the sequel his princi- pals found reasons to sincerely regret their connection with him. It would be unpleasant to specify details, and it is sufficient to know that Mr. Inman is not one of those to whom the town owes a grateful recollection. The purchasers were Lemuel Storrs and Joshua Stow,* of Middletown, * Storrs died in Middletown ; Stow died in Middle- field, about five miles from Middletown, October g, 1842, aged eighty-one. He was many years postmaster at Middletown, and had been Chief Judge of the Mid- dlesex County Court, State Senator, etc. Conn., with whom Thomas and Abel Lyman, of Durham, Conn., and Silas Stow, held a small interest ; and sales were made by these, as joint proprietors, a few years. Inman reserved a few lots. After the division of the joint estate, Ezra Miller became an agent of Stow. Henry Champion, S. W. Dana, Zenas Parsons, of Springfield, Mass., and others, subsequently owned portions of the town before actual settlement. Great Lot No. 7, upon Black river, containing 620 acres, was reserved for a town plot, and the first road traced from Fort Stanwix, led obliquely down to the river at this place, but it was never laid out or traveled. The water-power of this point was supposed to offer a chance for important manufactories. Storrs and Stow owed a large sum to the Con- necticut school fund, and an act was passed for receiving lands in this town for security. C. C. Brodhead, of Utica, was appointed appraiser, and the price set upon them being considered too high, they long remained unsold, and finally proved a heavy loss to the fund for which they were pledged. In 1835, an act was passed by that State, provid- ing for the conveyance of lands in this State, and they have since been sold. By this act of 1835, the secretary of that State was authorized to take acknowl- edgement of deeds for these lands, and the State Treasurer to give deeds. Settlement was first made in this town and county by William Topping,* who emigrated from Meriden, Conn., early in 1794, with an ox team and his household, consisting of his wife, a son aged seven years, and a girl aged five years. They were two weeks in reaching Whites- town, and turning northward into the wilderness, pursued their course through tangled underbush and around fallen logs, to the far-off tract where they * William Topping died September 17, 1840, aged seventy-six years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 261 hoped to find a home. The wife assisted in driving the team, while the husband went on before, with axe in hand, to clear the way. After laying by one day to nurse a sick child, they at length reached Lot 60, and selected a spot for shelter. They arrived late in April, and built a bark shanty by the side of a large log, with poles for the sides and a blank- et for the door. This pioneer home was on the East road, a little northeast of Sugar river, where the road rises from the river flat, on land owned in i860 by Robert Harvey and P. Owens. His neighbors to the south were many miles distant, and none were nearer than Canada to the north. Jared, his brother, came on in June, to assist in building a log hut, and the first cabin was hardly finished when William Dustin, Asa Lord,* Bela Butterfield and others, came to settle in town. It is be- lieved no families wintered here in 1794-95, besides Topping and Butter- field. The following reminiscence of the first settler in Lewis county, was writ- ten by Major Isaac Hall, of Talcottville, and cannot fail to be read with inter- est: — " When a boy of probably from six to eight summers, I went with my mother to visit an uncle (the husband of my father's eldest sister), an old man, whose farm joined that of my father's. His hair was white as snow. When we had arrived at his house, we found there an- other old man, who was as old, appar- ently, as my uncle. His appearance in- terested me at once, and I can describe him as he then appeared as though but yesterday I had seen him. He was of English type. His face was round and full, with a fair and ruddy countenance, * Mr. Lord was born in Franklin, Conn., October 6, 1767. He arrived here immediately after Topping, and built the first log house in the county, on Leyden Hill. He was brother of Thomas and Rufus L. Lord of New York, Eleazer Lord of Piermont, and Gurdon Lord of Leyden. He went to St. Lawrence county, and was drowned April 9, 1818, with five others, at Madrid, N. Y., while attempting to cross his mill-pond. eyes blue, nose Grecian, forehead high and oval, and his head was covered with a luxuriant growth of pure glossy white hair. His figure was well developed, compact and closely knit, full and well rounded out, but m the strict sense of the word he was not corpulent. He was straight, and his height about five feet eight inches. In subsequent life I have occasionally compared most favor- ably to him the memory of his compact form with that of others of noted endur- ance. Though, then, probably of more than four-score years, he had vitality enough to illuminate his being, and when his face was lit up with expressive intelligence, as I saw him that day in conversation, its impress upon my child- hood was indelibly fixed. He was then living at Turin, with his son Jared, as I have been lately informed, and this was the only time of my recollection that I ever saw him. When we had started for home I asked my mother who that stranger was. She said his name was Topping. Referring to uncle, I eagerly inquired if they were brothers. ' Why, no,' said she ; ' one is father to the other.' Surprised at that, I said, hastily, ' Is that old man, Uncle Bill's son?' 'Oh, no,' said she, ' he is Uncle's father.' I won- dered, child-like, how that could be when Uncle Topping was the taller and larger man ; but he was not of so fine a mould. They were William Topping, the first settler of Lewis county, and his father, Daniel Topping ; both patriots of the Revolution, and the former a soldier of the war of 1812. He served in the latter as a substitute for Joseph Wet- more, (a carpenter, and a brother-in-law of his) who worked day for day, upon a house Topping was then building. They were the grandfather and great- grandfather of Richmond and Cephas Topping, and of Mrs. John Andrus, of this town. William Topping, the first settler, was the uncle of Mrs. Levi Benedict, of CoUinsville, and Mrs. S. Gaylord, of this town, and Daniel con- sequently their grandfather. Mrs. Cyrus Pitcher, of Martinsburgh, and her brothers and sisters of Wayne county, children of the late Ezra Miller, bear the same relation as the Toppings of this town. Dwight and Lucy Miller are descendants of one geneVation later." 262 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Daniel Topping died at the house of his son Jared, in Turin, in 1830, aged ninety years. He had served through the whole of the Revolutionar}' war. In 1795, Allen Alger, and families named Olmstead, Adams, Bingham, Hinman, Miller, and perhaps others, came, and in 1796, David Brainerd Miller, Peter W. Aldrich, Eber Kelsey, Brain- erd Coe, and others. A road warrant dated May 23, 1797, has upon it the fol- lowing names of tax-payers in District No. 5, viz: — Asa Lord, Ezra E. C. Rice, Bela Hubbard, William Topping, Rodolphe Tillier, Jonathan Boardman, David B. Miller, David Miller, Calvin Miller, Jared Topping, Ezra Rice, Asahel Hough, Chandler Otis, Amos Miller, Brainerd Coe, Eben Wheeler, Asa Brayton, Elisha Randall, Paul Green, John Worden, Daniel Topping, John Barns, Ephraim Town, Joseph Buttolf, Jonathan Wheeler, Asher Hol- dridge, Edmund Newell, Jerden Ingham, Moses Warren, Thomas Stone, Eliasheb Adams, Lemuel Storrs, Nathaniel Dus- tin, Abel Lyman, Peter W. Aldrich, Samuel Douglass, John Allen, and fifty- four others, in what is now Boonville. The first birth in town was that of Jonathan, son of William Topping, who died, aged thirty years. The birth oc- curred in June, 1796. The first death of an adult person in town was that of Calvin, son of David B. Miller, March 23, 1797, at the age of twenty-one years. This historical fact, which we have di- rect from the deceased, and without heresay, is recorded on his tombstone in the old Leyden hill cemetery, as fol- lows : — " Of all the adults which in this yard do lie, I was the first, eternity to try." In speaking of tomb-stones, one of more recent date may be mentioned. Upon a headstone adjacent to the old Baptist church, upon Leyden hill, there may be seen the following epitaph : — "Henry Scovil, died July 5, 1823, aged 23 years. " Mourn not for him a saint departing. Though killed was he while hard at chopping. By a limb that struck his head. At noon in health, and joy abounding, At night in death, and friends surrounding. Now the sainted spirit fled." As a further confirmation of the truth of this melancholy event, there is at the top, a representation of a tree, (as nearl}^ resembling a cabbage as a palm tree) and one branch in the attitude of falling upon the saint's devoted head. A man named Bingham was accident- ally killed by a tree early in 1797 or '98. This was the first fatal accident known to have occurred in the county. The first saw-mill in the county was built in 1795, at Talcottville, by BelaBut- terfield, a few rods below the present grist-mill, but it went off in the next spring flood. In 1798, he sold to the Talcott famihes, from Middletown, Con- necticut, who became prominent settlers in town, but adopted a poHcy adverse to the building up of a village at the point where natural advantages greatly favor- ed. It is said they refused to sell vil- lage lots to mechanics, and retained the water power on Sugar river, although parties offered to invest liberally in manu- factures. Bela Hubbard, husband of Stow's sister, removed in 1795, but did not long remain in town. The first framed building after the saw-mill, was a barn built by David Brainerd Miller in April, 1798; and the next, a house by Lemuel Storrs, the same year. The lat- ter is still standing and is the oldest in the country. In 1803, the Talcotts built the second grist-mill in town. The pres- ent stone mill at Talcottville, was built about i832-'33. The river has here a fall of nearly 100 feet within a quarter of a mile. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEVDEN. 263 Hezekiah Talcott, father of the fami- lies of this name who settled in this town, died March 16,1813. His children were : Phebe, born 1766, married David Hall, died Januar}', 1826; Sally, born 1768, married ist, Joel Coe, 2d Parsons, died March 20, 185- ; Elisha, born 1770, was killed May, 1807: Daniel, born 1772, died June 3, 1847; Joel, born 1774, died April 16, 1813, of the prevaiHng epi- demic ; Jesse, born 1775, died January 15, 1846; Johnson, born September 6, 1778, died February 17, 1850; Parsons, born 1780, died January 16, 1849; ^"d Lucy, born 1782, married Ithamer Whet- more, died March, 1852. Elisha and Daniel were men with families when they settled. Many of the early settlers of Leyden were from Haddam, Middlefield and Middletown,* Connecticut. An advei-- tisement in the Western Centinel of Whitesboro, dated 1797, and signed by Lemuel Storrs, records the fact that there were at that time 40 actual settlers upon Inman's Triangle, and the official records of the earlier years show an un- usually large number of voters, and of course of men having sufficient property to entitle them to this privilege. Many of the pioneers were able to pay down for their lands, and have a surplus to enable them to begin settlement free from debt. In 1799, the number of senatorial voters was 57, and in 1800 it was 79, including of course the territory now known as Boonville. In 1798, the number of per- sons liable to serve as jurors was 14 ; in 1802, 61 ; and in 1805, 64. One of the pioneer settlers of Lewis county was Isaac Hall, Jr. He came from Wallingford, Conn., now Meriden, in 1 80 1 or 1802, and built a log house at the northeast corner of lot No. 59, of Leyden — adjoining the first settled lot *The families of Merwin, Northum, Algur, Thomas, Cone, &c., were from Haddam, those of Coe, Talcoit, Brainerd, Smith, Stimson, Starr, &c., from Middlefield. of the county — having purchased seven acres of that lot of Joel Coe, on which to build, and that he might have access to Sugar river. He priorly owned lot No. 49, directly east. The seven acres above named, is now owned by Horatio Coe, grandson of said Joel, and the re- mains of the old log-house cellar are plainly visible in the bend of the road that runs from Sugar River cheese factory to the Leyden depot, and is memorable not only on account of its antiquity, but also by reason of an excit- ing incident of pioneer life — related further on — that occurred near it. Jona- than, the brother of Isaac Hall, Jr., soon came on, having received in January, 1802, a deed of lot No. 48, of his father, Isaac Hall, Sr., then of Wallingford, Conn., and being then unmarried, he boarded with his elder brother, and the brothers changed works with one an- other in clearing up their respective lots. Early in the fall of 1803 or 1804, the younger bi-other, who slept in the upper part of the house, was awakened by the running of the cow and calf near the house, and soon after a sound so peculiar to swine when suddenly alarmed ; a bounce, and then the sharp squeal of a hog, in the pen near the house, was heard, which brought him from his bed, with an outcry to his brother that a bear had caught one of his hogs. The elder brother, already alarmed, arrived at the door in time to see — in the dim dark- ness — the bear drag the hog over the top rail of the pen. The brothers gave chase, but the cow preceded them, and followed up so closely, that bruin was glad to leave his prey at the fence near by and save himself. The hog's back was badly lacerated, and deep incisions were made by the animal's teeth, rendering its slaughter necessary. The younger brother subsequently bought out the elder, and resided upon the farm till his 264 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. death, which occurred February 22, 1841* The Isaac Hall above mentioned was one of seven males and five females, who organized the first Baptist church in the town of Meriden, Conn. The Post Family. — Josiah Post, an- cestor of all of the name in Lewis county was the son of Nathan Post. He was born in Saybrook, Conn., April 12, 1761. April 19, 1781 he married Miss Lydia Platts, of the same town. Miss Platts was a granddaughter of Frederick Platts, from Germany, who carried the first mail between New York and Bos- ton, requiring two weeks to make the round trip. Frederick Platts married an English lady, Miss Fox, of New Lon- don, Connecticut, and settled in Killing- worth in 1670, and was the father of three sons, viz : Samuel, Ebenezer and Obadiah, the latter, father of Lydia. In 1802, Josiah Post bought of Abel Ly- man, of Durham, Connecticut, a tract of land for six dollars per acre, located in Leyden, Lewis county, N. Y., one mile southwest of the High Falls, (now Lyons Falls) on the Black river. In the spring of 1803, Mr. Post, with his family of seven children, removed to the then almost unbroken wilderness, and settled on his new purchase, where he worked with a will in making the necessary improve- ments for a home. Being a good car- penter, his services were much needed by the hardy resolute settlers that were rapidly coming in at that date. Mr. Post built for himself two good saw-mills, worked at his trade, continued to clear and make improvements on his farm until February 13, 181 3, when he died, being the first victim of the terrible * Isaac Hall, the settler, died in February, 1810. He was a descendant of John Hall, who came over in 1672, and died at Wallingford in 1676, aged seventy- one. Ason Thomas, born March 25, 1679, h^d a son Isaac, the first physician in Meriden, born July 11, 1714 ; was the father of Isaac, the settler in Leyden, who was bom in 1745. His sons were John, Isaac, Jonathan, Abijah and Joseph, — the last one bom in the county. epidemic of that year, which carried off so many of the early settlers. His wife remained a widow after his death, and died in Martinsburgh, No- vember 15, 1836. Of the children, — Lydia was born March 9, 1772, mar- ried Elderkin Boardman ; was the mother of two sons and died in Leyden, Aug. 25, 1814. Josiah, Jr., was born April 13, 1784, and died in Leyden, February 26, 1827. Josiah Post, Jr., married Miss Fanny Banning, of Leyden, by whom he was the father of ten children, five of whom are now (1883) living in Lewis county. The mother died September 8, 1833. Jo- siah, Jr., was remarkable for his courage, resolution and physical sti'ength. When but sixteen years of age, he seized a large grey wolf which he had caught in a trap, bound it with barks, and carried him alive three miles on his back, receiving ten dollars bounty for his scalp. Nancy Post was born July 26, 1788, and died in Randolph, Portage county, Ohio, May 8, 1865. In 1832, Mr. Post moved with his fami- ly to Ohio. His two sons were in the army during the Rebellion, and the youngest, Jesse, Jr., died of starvation in Andersonville prison. John Post, was born October 21, 1801, and died in Olm- stead county, Minnesota, January 13, 1877. John Post married Miss Fidelia Lyon, August 28, 1825. Four childi-en were born to these parents. John Post, Jr., lost his life on the 9th of January, 1857, by accidentally falling into the Black river while cutting ice in a flume, and was instantly carried over the falls, his body not being recovered for some months afterward. John Post was for many years a justice of the peace and for a time one of the Associate Judges of Lewis county. He was the youngest of Josiah Post's seven children, and for HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 265 a number of years the only survivor. July 5, 1 81 3, Nancy married Joseph Brainerd of Leyden, by whom she was the mother of five children, four sons and one daughter. The husband died in Martinsburgh March 10, 1831, aged 48 years. Rebecca Post was born August 25, 1791, died in Leyden November 12, 1813, (unmarried). Obadiah Post born May 6, 1793, died May 28, 1873 at Elkhart, In- diana, aged 80 years. Obadiah married Lucretia Bailey, by whom he was the father of six children, four sons, and two daughters. The mother died at Elkhart, Indiana, Sept. 21, 1867. Jesse D. Post, was born September 14, 1797, died in Stow, Summit county, Ohio, May 30, 1863. Jesse D. married Sybil Fisk, of Leyden, Nov. 16, 1820. She? died leaving one daughter. June 19, 1822, he married Melancy Rogers, who bore him four sons and one daugh- ter. In the winter of 1799- 1800, a funeral service was held at Talcottville upon re- ceiving news of the death of Washington. We are not informed who delivered the oration, but think it probable that Ste- phen Butler might have been designated. He was at about this time a teacher in town, and in former years had been one of Washington's life guard. He removed to Ohio many years after. These funeral services were common all over the coun- try, being held in fact, almost every- where, and a very large number of these sermons and eulogies have come down to us in print. A few years since, the author of this volume had occasion to publish in two large octavo volumes, a series of memorials and documents relating to the death of President Washington. It embraced a notice of about two hundred and fifty publications of that day, (a few of them foreign), relating to that event. The nearest place at which published^vo- ceedings were had, was at Oldenbarne- veldt, (now Trenton,) in Oneida county. The first grist-mill in this town, and the second one in the county, was built on the Black river, at what has since be- come Port Leyden, in 1799, and got in operation the next year, by Peter W. Aldrich and Eber Kelsey, mill-wrights, from KiUingworth, Conn. They came on to explore in the fall of 1796, selected a site arid purchased two lots, extending from the river to near Leyden Hill. In the spring of 1797 they removed their families, and during this season put up a frame for a saw-mill, which was swept off by the next spring flood and lodged on the rocks below. In 1798, the frame was again set up, and the saw-mill got in operation, and in 1800 the first rude grist- mill was prepared to relieve the early settlers from long tedious journeys to Whitestown in the dry season, and to Constableville at the more favored peri- ods of the year. When first got in op- eration the mill was but partly enclosed, and its bolt was turned for some time by hand. It stood west of the river, a little below the present bridge. Aldrich sold his share to Jonathan Colhns, Oct. 25, i8o2.. The saw-mill was burned in Feb- ruary, 1802, but was rebuilt by Kelsey & Collins, and both mills were afterwards burned. In the fall of 1805, a huge bear was seen on the farm since owned by James S. Jackson, but escaped. Depredations were committed the next night, and Capt. Jonathan Edwards set out in pur- suit. He found the enemy on Nathaniel Merriam's farm, fired at him without ef- fect, and followed on, till in preparing for a second shot, the bear turned upon the hunter and got within two or three rods of him when the latter hastily fired his half-loaded gun and wounded him. Calls for help brought persons to his as- sistance, and the beast was killed with an axe. It was judged to weigh 500 266 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. pounds, and had done much mischief to the settlers. Trout abounded in the streams when first known, and deer were numerous. Deer used to go east in No- vember and December to winter beyond the Black river, and return as soon as the snow was gone in the spring. Many hundreds used to pass Lot 68 before it was cleared. On lot No. 58 was a small strip of land called the Point, just above the junction of Moose crc^k on Sugar river, where there was a beaten path. We are able to present from the Elec- toral State census of 1807, the names of those who enjoyed the right of voting in this town at that time. Cen.sus of Electors in Leyden, in 1807. Including so much of the present town of Lewis as was then in this town, none else in the present town of Lewis being then settled. LEWIS SMITH, Census Taker. Allen, Samuel. Andrews, Phineas. Arnold, Asa. Augur, Allen. Baldwin, Smith. Baning, John. Barns, Abraham. Barns, Elihu. Barns, Jeremiah. Barns, John. Belnap, Joseph. Billing, Justice. Boardman, Jonathan. Botsford, Jabez. Brainard, Isaac. Burr, Benjamin. Burrows, Nathan. Camp, Ashel. Churchill, Abel. Clark, John. Coe, Brainard. Coe, Joel. Cook, Clark. Davis Ebenezer. Dewey, John. Dewey, John, Jr. Dewey, Josiah. Dewey, Medad. Douglass, Daniel. Douglass, Israel. Douglas, John. Douglass, Israel, Jr. Douglas, Nathan. Dustin, Nathaniel. Edward, Jonathan. Felshaw, Winthrop. Fields, John. Fish, John. Ford, Amasa. Fox, Ashbel. Gregory, John M. Gridley, Eli M. Hall, Abijah. Hall, Isaac. Hall, John. Hartfon, Jabez. Hawley, James. Height, George W. Higley, David. Hubbard, Ephraim. Hubbard, Everts. Hubbard, Leonard C. Hubbard, Robert. Hubbard, Timothy. Hunt, Stephen. Jinks, Joel. Jinks, Stoddard. Jinks, William. Jinks, William, Jr. Johnson, Samson. Johnson, Sheldon. Kelsey, Eber. Kent, Augustus Kent, Samuel. Lord, Gurdon. Manfield, John. Merriam, Nathaniel. Merwin, James. Miller, Aaron. Miller, Amos. Miller, David B. Miller, Elias. Miller, Isaac. Miller, Joel. Mumford, Henry. Northara, Samuel. Otis, Chandler C. Palmer, Aaron. Pease, Alpheus. Pelton, Nathan. Post, Josiah. Putman, Cornelius. Right, Samuel. Sage, Zadock. Scovil, John. Seger, Daniel. Smith, Lewis. Snow, Nathaniel. Spencer, Abraham. Spinner, Stephen. Starr, Benjamin. The first store in town was kept by Benjamin J. Starr, at Talcottville. Dr. Jotham Snow was the first physician in Leyden, and Dr. Manley Wellman the next. The latter removed to Low- ville and afterwards to the Genesee coun- try, above Rochester, and died there. He came into this town from Whitestown. Silas Southwell taught the first school in town. The first school organization under the act of 1813, was effected at a special town meeting, held December 27th, in that year.at which Thomas WoL cott, David B. Miller and Winthrop Fel- shaw were appointed School Commis- sioners, and Nathan Pelton, Samuel Kent, Israel Douglass, Jr., Amos Miller, Allen Auger and Benjamin Starr, Inspectors. The first school house in town was built in 1802, at Leyden Hill. Stemson, Joseph. Stone, Luther. Stone, Timothy. Stone, William. Talcott, Daniel. Talcott, Hezakiah. Talcott, Joel. Talcott, Johnson. Talcott, Parson. Thayer, Ahaz. Thayer, Eleazer. Thayer, Simeon. Thayer, Ziba. Thomas, Eliphalet. Thomas, Henry. Tiffany, Levi. Tilly, William. Tolls, Jonathan. Topping, William. Tyler, Josephus. Tyler, Moses. Tyler, Patrick. Utley, Henry. Walker, James. Ward, Ithamer. Washburn, Solomon. Wetmore, Joseph. Wetmore, Nathaniel. Witmore, Ebenezer. Whitniore, Ethe. Wilcox, EHsha. Wilby, Nathaniel. Wolcott, Thomas. Woolworth, Josiah. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 267 The Leyden Union Library was formed December 24, 1821, with John- son Talcott, John Fish, Ela Merriam Parsons Talcott, Allen Auger, Joseph Stimson, Ezra Miller and Thomas Wol- cott, trustees. It acquired about 300 volumes and was dissolved two or three years after the introduction of school li- braries, sharing in this the fate of all the Union Social Libraries of that dav. An unsuccessful application was made to the Regents of the University, March 29, 1826, for the incorporation of an acad- emy at Talcottville, but a sufficient sum had not been raised by the applicants to obtain an incorporation. A murder occurred in the northeast corner of this town on the morning of May 4, 1855, under these circum- stances : — A quarrel arose between two Irish women, near Lyon's Falls, growing out of the pawning of a pair of flat-irons. One of the parties, who kept a low grog-shop, hired Thomas Rutledge and Michael Cavanaugh, two drunken sots, to whip James Cooper, the husband of her op- ponent. The hirelings assailed Cooper's cabin, pelted it with stones and broke his windows. He resolved to seek the protection of the law, but observing the superstition of his countrymen that "when the cock crows, all danger is over," he awaited this signal, and a little after three o'clock, started for Port Leyden ; was watched, pursued and killed with clubs, as he fell exhausted with running, at the door of Mr. Philo Post. Rutledge fled, and was doubtless concealed for some time among the Irish in High Market. Rewards were offered by the Sheriff and the Governor, but he was never arrested. Cavanaugh was indicted May 16th, tried June 26th, when the jury did not agree, and again before Judge Allen, August 14th and 1 5th, when he was convicted of murder and sentenced to be hung October 5th. The convict was res- pited by the Governor till Nov. 9, 1855, and subsequent!)' his sentence was com- muted to imprisonment for life in Clin- ton prison. An attempt was made by a low class of politicians, to bring discred- it upon the Governor for this exercise of executive clemency, and on the night of November 9th, Governor Clark was hung and burnt in effigy. The Gov- ernor, for political effect,.wrote a lengthy letter in answer to one addressed to him, in which he stated in detail, the grounds upon which the commutation was granted. Besides at Port Leyden the principal place, there are two other postoffices in town. Leyden P. O. was formerly kept at the village known as Leyden Hill, but in 1836, it was transferred to Talcottville on the Sugar river, two miles south, where it has been since kept. The other is " Locust Grove," at the place former- ly owned by Ela Merriam, a little north of " Leyden Hill," on the old " State Road." Leyden Hill was formerly a place of some business, but is now only a farming vicinage, having neither church, store, hotel or business place of any description, other than a cheese factory, and this occupies the building of the old Presbyterian church. Port Leyden Village. On the 22d of March, 1836, General Ela Merriam bought of Eber L. Kelsey an undivided half of fifty acres. Lot 17, embracing the water-power at Port Ley- den and Rock Island, about sixty rods below. On the same day he bought of Daniel Sears his farm on Lot 16, adjoin- ing Kelsey's, and immediately sold three-fourths of his interest to Francis Seger, Lyman R. Lyon and Jesse Tal- cott. The intention in these operations, was to establish a village, and in anticipa- tion of the construction of the canal, — 268 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. still many years in the future, but rea- sonably certain — they called their place " Port Leyden." It had been previ- ously known as " Kelsey's Mills," but was at the time only a farming region, adjacent to a valuable water-power on the river, and a convenient point for business on either side. The village was surveyed out into lots by Eleazer Spencer, in 1838-39, very nearly upon the same plan as it exists upon the map to-day. A short distance below the village, the channel of Black river is contracted to less than twenty feet in width, and the torrent rushes through the gorge with immense force. Several pot-holes have been worn in the gneiss rock to a great depth. Rock Island, at this place, is a rugged bluff, in its natural state, surrounded by v^ater only during floods and easily accessible at other times. Its scenery was highly picturesque before it was disturbed by the hand of man. In the map of a survey made before set- tlement, this narrow gorge is named "Hellgate." The rock has been exca- vated west of the island, to afford hydraulic privileges, and when our first edition was published, it remained an unfinished work. It has since been com- pleted, and is used as a race for bringing water-power to the furnace works. By being lower than the natural bed of the river east ai the island, the necessity of a dam is obviated, except at the head, to turn off the surplus water. Mrs. Pamelia J. Munn afterwards pur- chased the interest of Talcott. A tan- nery was run at this place many years by Cornwell Woolworth, who had bought the other half of Kelsey's inter- est, and in the fall of 1855, the Snyder Brothers purchased this tannery, greatly enlarged it and made it one of the larg- est establishments of the kind in North- ern New York. It contained in i860, 163 vats ; used 3,800 cords of bark a year, and tanned annually about 40,000 sides of sole leather. It suffered with other interests along the river, from the breaking away of the reservoir on the upper waters of the river in the spring of 1869, and was finally burned April 30, 1875, being then owned by Thomas Watson & Company. It employed about 300 men in the bark season. A part of the stock was lost ; but to finish the rest, the tannery was partly re-built. As a matter of prospective interest, this tannery was of less consequence, be- cause the supplies of bark were becom- ing every year more scarce, and the closing out of this business was only a question of time, and very near at hand. The river flood above mentioned swept off entirely a grist-mill, and did other damage of vast amount all along the river from Boonville to Watertown. These damages became a subject of ex- tensive investigation, and elaborate re- ports were published giving facts and details in great abundance. The losses as ascertained were paid by the State, but of course there were some claims altogether beyond reason, that were re- jected. The withdrawal of the waters of Black river for the canals, to the in- jury of its hydraulic power, has been but in part restored by the construction of reservoirs for equalizing the supply. The village of Port Leyden was in- corporated about 1867, under the gen- eral act, but we are unable to give the exact date, as the books were burned in a fire in March, 1872.* It accepted the general village act, at a special election, at which 23 votes were cast for, and i against that measure. The village in- cludes a part of two towns — Leyden and Lyonsdale. Nearly all the business * The village has suffered several times by fire. On the 7th of March, 1870, the grocery and drug store was burned with all its contents. Loss, about $11,000 partly insured. The hotel of Asa H. Loomis was burned October 13, 1870, and the stores of N. J. Brown and C. G. Riggs, March 25, 1872. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 269 and population are in the former. The census of 1880, showed a population of 1,115 within the corporate limits, and the tendency is manifestly towards a much greater increase. The Masons have a lodge in this vil- lage. The "Good Templars" organized a lodge (No. 256), in 1868, and they maintained it until about 1877. In 1868, the Grand Army of the Re- public established a post, in which they were assisted by the Hon. Clinton L. Merriam. It was named Post Merriam, in honor of his brother, Major Gustav- us Merriam, who was in active service in the late war. It was kept up about four years, when it was given up. There is now a " Veteran Organization," an in- dependent affair, in the village, made up of those who had been in service in the late war. Business of Port Leyden in August, 1882. Barber. — William Cone. Blacksmiths. — John Cummings, Mi- chael Depster, James Jordan, Yeoman. Drugs and Groceries. — E. D. Spencer, W. L. Wilcox. Furniture. Samuel McClure. Grist-Mill, (steani). — Norton Douglass. Hardware. — C. G Riggs. Hotels. — E. McMarrion, A. Secor. Harnesses. — O. Holdridge, Reubin Kline. Jewelers. — G. B. Reed, J. S. Tardy. Lawyers. — W. H. Hilts, Isaac A. Wormuth. Merchants. — James Corney, Colton & Manchester, W. J. Hav^es, William B. Reyn, John Schroeder, C. E. B. Williams, Wilcox & Woolworth. Milliners and Dress-Makers. — Mrs. Hoag, Mrs. Post, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Woolworth. Photographer. — O. J. Kenyon. Physicians. — Dr. Ash, Dr. D. D. Douglass, Dr. WilHam H. Johnson. Planing, Sawing, Wood-Making, etc. — G. W. Chase, Cone & Sears. Saloo7is. — John Hart, Martin Kelsey. Saw-Mills. — James A. Merwin, (gang mill), Thomas Rogers. Shoemakers and dealers. — Peter Beck, John McHale, Somers & Sawyer. Taylors. — Timothy Crowley. Wagon Shop. — Jordan & Kilts. Iron Furnaces at Port Leyden. About 1865, a deposit of black mag- netic iron ore, was discovered in the gneiss rock, near the river, in the village of Port Leyden, on the west side, and in the town of Leyden. It appeared to be abundant and of good quality, and led to the formation of " The Port Leyden Iron Company," which was incorporated July 25, 1865, with a capital of $500,000. Its trustees were: Henry D. H. Snyder, Jr., Benjamin F. Sherwood, Henry Hopson, Abel B. Buell and Charles H. Sayre. A tract of fifteen acres was deeded by Sny- der to the company, and a furnace was built. The enterprise failed, and the title passed through the hands of a succession of owners, assignees and agents, as fol- lows : — The company to Addison "C. Miller; Miller to John Horton ; Horton to the Black River Iron and Mining Company, (July 29, 1872,) the latter assigned to Schuyler C. Thompson, who bought on a sheriff's sale March 7, 1876, and ran the furnace until his death, when it laid idle for some time. In the early history of the furnace, and before the " Black River Iron and Min- ing Co." had possession, an ineffectual attempt was made to establish a steel company. " The Port Leyden Steel Co." was formed under the general act, Janu- ary 7, 1 870, with Christian W.Weise, John Werkert, Lawrence Conrad, Herman Winehenbach, Frederick G. Schwind and Caroline Helm as parties named, and the first five of these as trustees • capital $48,000. On the 7th of April of the same year, there was another organiza- tion formed with a capital of $250,000, 270 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. under the name of " The Port Leyden Steel and Iron Co." and the following persons were named : Edward L. Sey- mour, Christian W. Weise, John Weis- kert, Lawrence Conrad, Herman Win- chenbach, Frederick G. Schwind and William Gries. They spent a large amount of money, but encountered diffi- culties with the ore, which they could not overcome. It was then thought that the ore contained no other injurious ele- ments besides sulphur and phosphorus, but it is since found that it has a considera- ble amount (said to be about 10 per cent.) of titanium, one of the most refrac- tory of the metals, and a material wholly incapable of reduction in furnaces of the usual form. While owned by Mr. Thompson, the furnace was run profitably upon ores from Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oneida counties, with charcoal as a fuel. On the 4th of May, 1880, the title to the property passed into the hands of the " Gere Iron and Mining Co." which has existed as a corporation since April 15, 1868, and is also the owner of a furnace in Syracuse. The present officers of the company are : WiUiam H. H. Gere, of Syracuse, President ; Isaac Maynard, of Utica, Vice-President ; George H. Gere, of Syracuse, Secretary ; and Charles H. Hawley, as Treasurer. The capital of the company, at first, $100,000, was in- creased to $200,000, February 7, 1822. With the view of ascertaining the amount and quality of the ore, upon the faith of which the furnace had formerly been started, the present company went down with a diamond drill about three hundred feet, and the core from this bor- ing shows that there is an abundance of the ore — in one instance fifteen feet, yet the presence of deleterious materi&ls, ren- der it at present undesirable to attempt its use. The company began to fit up the fur- nace as soon as they purchased, and it was put in blast on the 14th of October, 1880. It was burned down January 26. 1 88 1, but at once rebuilt, and it again went into blast May 19, 1881. At the time of our enquiry in August, 1882, it was still in blast, using ores from the Keene and Old Sterling mines in Jeffer- son county, and some ores from Canada, SaUsbury, Connecticut, Middleton, N. Y., and Carthagena, in Spain. The following technical description of this furnace, is from the "Journal of the U. S. Association of Charcoal Iron Work- ers," for May, 1882:— •' The plant consists of the blast fur- naces, and extensive chemical works, wherein the acetic vapors from wood- carbonization are transformed into chemical products. The two stacks "Grace" and "Fannie," stand side by side, and are of cut stone for 33 feet, topped by iron shells for 18 feet, making the total height of the stacks 51 feet. The interior measurements of the two furna- ces are similar, being as follows : diame- ter of bosh 10 feet 6 inches; height from hearth, 15 feet 3 mches ; diameter of crucible, 4 feet 6 inches ; height, 4 feet 3 inches ; tuyeres placed 3 feet 6 inches above the bottom ; cubic capacity, 2,550 feet. " The crucibles are each equipped with a water-cooled dam, Lurmann cinder notch, and four bronze tuyeres (4-inch nozzle,) placed in water breasts. The stacks are lined throughout with fire brick. The top of the furnace, which is seven feet in diameter, is supplied with a hopper and a 4-foot bell, operated by a hand winch. The stack-house is of two stories, the ores and limestones being re- ceived upon the upper floor, in cars over the Company's switch, connecting with the Utica & Black River Railroad, and passes through two crushers to the floor below, on which the charcoal is also de- livered. The materials are raised to the tunnel-head, by a single cage-hoist. " The plant is located on the bank of the Black river, which makes, at this point, a most picturesque fall ; the large volume of water dashing over a series of cascades, which in 500 feet, make a fall of 50 feet. Only a small portion of this HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 271 water-power is now used by the Com- pany. " The blowing machinery consists of two vertical iron cylinders, 60" diame- ter, by 68" stroke, connected with two turbine wheels, under 17 feet head. An additional turbine furnishes power for crushers, hoist, wood-sawing, etc., etc. " But one of the furnaces was in blast, the other being lined, ready for opera- tion. The blast is heated by two stand- ing pipe hot-blast stoves, each contain- ing 24 pipes, 10 feet high. There are three additional stoves of similar size, not now in common use, connected with the plant. The average temperature of the blast is 800°; pressure i ^ to 2 pounds. The practice is to blow the furnace by volume, and not by pressure. The iron is tapped every eight hours, and the average product is 23 tons per day of iron, showing very satisfactory chill tests. ***** " Specular ores, from northern New York, averaging 45 per cent, of iron, are used, and are charged with 20 per cent, of local limestone,* all being finely crushed. The basis of the charge is 600 pounds of charcoal (30 bushels). The average consumption of fuel is 2,400 pounds charcoal per gross ton of iron made. There is a large deposit of tita- niferous ore, close to the furnaces,which is not in use." The chemical works connected with this establishment, may be thus de- scribed : — Seasoned hard-woods (beech, birch, maple, etc.,) are brought to the furnace in cord-wood form, and cut up into form for stove wood. A series of 24 strong egg-shaped retorts, made of boiler plate iron, are arranged in pairs along a struc- ture in masonry, so that they can be filled from above, and the charge may be withdrawn from below. Each retort will hold a cord of stove wood, and they are firmly tlosed and secured, both above and below, for the pressure from * The limestone used as a flux, is from the Trenton limestone strata, forming the upper terraces of this for- mation. The " blue," or "bird's eye " limestone, from the lower terraces, contains about lo per cent, of Silica, and is not suitable for this use. within them, in the process of carboni- zation, is very great. The heat needed for this purpose is derived from the gases of the furnace, which are brought in pipes, and the flame is made to circulate around the retorts, heating them to the degree re- quired for the disengagement of all vol- atile products, which requires from twelve to fourteen hours. These are condensed in pipes placed in cold water, and the completion of the process is judged by the character of the smoke that is allowed to escape from a small hole provided for this purpose. The lower end of the retort is then opened, and the contents, still glowing hot, are dropped into a great iron-plate drum, to which the cover is at once applied, and luted air-tight. It is then allowed to cool, which requires about as much longer time ; but as all the air is excluded, there can be no combustion. These iron coolers are mounted upon an iron rail- way, and when cooled, the coal is at once used in the furnace, it being best when entirely fresh. The yield of charcoal is about 60 bushels to a cord — an amount much greater than where a part of the substance of the wood is wasted in burn- ing, as in common coal-pits. The coal weighs from 19 to 20 pounds to the bushel. The wood is cut in winter and seasoned six or eight months before using, and the wood costs about $3.00 per cord. We will now attempt to describe the processes of obtaining the products of value, from the volatile portions of the wood : A portion will not condense, but remains as vapor. These gases have inflammable properties, that are turned to account by being passed into the flames circulating around the retorts. They give a steady white flame, and aid considerably in the process. By special arrangements, illuminating gases of the very best quality, are now made from 272 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. wood, but these gases do not afford a flame suitable for this purpose, as they come from the condensers. This illum- inating gas is not made at this place. The watery products obtained from the condensed smoke, are much the same as we get in " leaking chimneys," — that is to say, in places where the smoke of our stoves and furnaces gets nearly cold before it leaves the chimney, and condenses in "soot water," to the infinite annoyance of house-keepers. This liq- uor is first distilled to separate the " wood-alcohol," which by two or three other distillations is reduced to a clear or slightly brown liquor, of a specific gravity of about 0.85, and an intensely pungent taste. It is very volatile, in- flammable and applicable to all the uses for which alcohol from grain is em- ployed — except for drinking. It is used as a solvent of gums and resins, chiefly in the making of paints and varnishes, and because it pays no internal revenue tax, it is now generally employed instead of common alcohol for all chemical and mechanical uses to which that can be appHed. The quantity got, is said to be about 5 gallons to the cord, worth some 75 to 80 cents per gallon. It is sent off in kerosene barrels, and must be kept closely confined to prevent waste. The waters remaining after distilla- tion, which are chiefly dilute acetic acid, are then saturated either with quick- lime, or with litharge — the former mak- ing the " acetate of lime," and the latter the " brown acetate of lead." It is then evaporated down to dryness, when it is ready for market. The " acetate of lime," is worth some $40 to $50 per ton, and is a black, earthy substance, soluble, but not liable to change in the air, and may be sent off in bags. It is used in the manufacture of white lead. For this, it is dissolved and mixed with muriatic acid, which uniting with the lime, releases the acetic acid in form of vapor. These vapors are conducted in among lead in thin sheets, forming the "acetate of lead," and this by further action of carbonic acid furnished at the same time by an- other process, becomes the carbonate OF LEAD, or common "white lead" of commerce. But the product heretofore made here has been chiefly the "brown acetate of lead," a dark brown substance, looking something like maple sugar, and when broken presenting a crystaline structure. It is hard, heavy and very poisonous. It forms the basis of many chemical salts used in calico printing and dying, and is worth some six or eight cents a pound. About 300 pounds are made from the smoke of a cord of wood. For procur- ing the Htharge used in its preparation, common pig-lead is melted in. shallow pans, and raked in the open air until it turns to dross. This, when ground to dust, is the material employed in neutralizing the acetic acid in the waters left after distillation as above described. The retort, and some other portions of the apparatus, are secured by patent to Jean Antoine Mathieu, but other portions are public property for use, and there is no secret or mystery in any part of the process. We have not mentioned another prod- uct, which is tar, of which no use is made. It is proposed to use it by mix- ing it with charcoal dust, and thus form blocks that may be used as fuel. We have given these processes some- what in detail, because we think they will be read with interest. They show the great saving that may be secured by the application of science to the arts and the profits that may be got from so com- mon and useless a thing as smoke. It is not impossible that means may be de- vised for saving these products in many other places where wood is burned as a fuel, and that there may be economies HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 273 hereafter discovered in things now neg- lected and wasted, that will excite a wonder that they were not known be- fore. Talcott Village, {Leyden P. 0.) This place is located upon Sugar river, at the point where it is crossed by the State road. With suitable enterprise on the part of its first settlers, it should have grown into an important village, having everything in its favor in the way of water-power and location. The opportunity was lost, and the village is what it was forty years ago, a quiet vicinage, with no great prospect of future change. Its business may be stated briefly as follows : — Blacksmith and Wagon Shop. — John Grems. Cheese-box Factory. — Benj. S. Jones. Hotel. — Thomas Baker. Quarry. — Mulcher Auer, (employing four or five men.) Sash and Blind Factory and Grist-mill. — Mrs. Albert Jones. Saw-mill. — Benjamin S. Jones. Store.— A. G. Miller. There are five cheese factories in the town of Leyden, viz : — " Sugar River," " Clover Dale," " Meadow Brook," " Leyden Association," and " Sperl." The house of Mrs. Pamelia J. Munn, north of the village, was burned Febru- ary 4, 1870. The census of 1880 gave a population of 129 in Talcottville village. Leyden Station. This is merely a railroad station wholly without business, other than as supplied by the village of Talcottville, a mile west. A short distance to the south of this is a highly picturesque locahty, upon the Sugar river, above the railroad bridge, and almost within sight from the passing trains. The river here tumbles down a hundred feet or more along a narrow gorge in the Trenton limestone, presenting a succession of cascades, which in high water are very fine. The river, in passing through the Black river limestone a quarter of a mile or more below, sinks into the fis- sures, and in summer disappears entirely, but some fifty rods below again comes to the. surface. This feature is a com- mon one wherever this rock comes to the surface. These currents not unfrequently widen the natural fissures into narrow caverns, which may be followed several hundreds of feet. They are generally lighted from above, and present no par- ticular interest, excepting from the fossils that sometimes stand out in relief from the eroded surface. Town Meeting Districts. At the annual town meeting held in 1876, a vote was taken of 98 to 81 favor- ing the formation of districts for holding town meetings. This resulted in an act passed by the supervisors December i, 1876, providing that a town meeting should be held in each election district, and that all resolutions should be voted upon by ballot. This arrangement, re- quiring two separate town meetings at the same time, of course makes it neces- sary to secure an understanding before hand, as to the business to be done. We have been informed that this arrange- ment gives general satisfaction. The reasons that led to it were, that when the town meetings were held at Talcott- ville, it was found difficult to get the votes up from Port Leyden, and if thev were held somewhat more frequently at the latter place, it excited the jealousy of the remainder of the town, because it is on the extreme border. 274 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Special Town Meetings during the War. August 25, 1862. — A special town meeting was held, pursuant to call, for the purpose of offering a bounty for vol- unteers, under the call for 300,000 men, the quota of the town being 22. A bounty of $50 was offered with but two dissenting votes. A committee of five persons, besides the supervisor, was ap- pointed to act as a War Finance Com- mittee, viz : — Thomas Baker, (Super- visor) ; Ela Merriam, Jerome B. Hurl- but, Eleazer Spencer, James S. Jackson, and Dennis Miller. August 18, 1862. — Another special meeting was held to provide means for paymg the bounties already promised. A Finance Committee was appointed, consisting of John D. Lord, Eliphalet Sears, George M. Brooks, H. D. H. Snyder, Jr., and N. C. Brooks. October 18, 1862. — At a special meet- ing, a further bounty of $50 was offered, and a War Committee was appointed to raise the men, and to stipulate the payment. December 8, 1863. — At a special meet- ing a committee, consisting of Ela Mer- riam, William J. Hall, Eleazer Spencer, Alanson Merwin, Lysander W. Wolcott, Joseph H. Wilcox, and David Alger, was appointed to fill quotas, and a bounty of $200 was offered. August 5, 1864. — The bounty was raised to $300. August 12, 1864. — A committee, con- sisting of Linus Birdsey, L. W. Wolcott, H. D. H. Snyder, Jr., Joseph H. Wil- cox, Ela Merriam, Thaddeus E. Munn, James S. Jackson, John D. Lord, and J. B. Hurlbut, was appointed to procure men to fill the quota, and the sum of $30 was to be paid for getting a recruit. September 6, 1864. — Voted to pay a sum which, with the county bounty, should make $1,000, to fill the call for 500,000 men. November 3, 1864.- — It was provided that the above should be raised in three equal installments. January 7, 1865. — A special meeting was held, at which the former proceed- ings were confirmed. The excess of bounty moneys refunded to this town, amounted to $5,294.27, which was applied to reduce the taxes. Religious Societies. The Baptist Church of Leyden is the oldest church in this town, and the old- est of this sect north of Oneida county, in the State, having been formed at the house of Thomas Bray ton, April 22, 1803, b3' four males and one female. Elder John Clark, their first minister, was or- dained October 4, 1804, by Elder Jesse Hartwell, of New Marlborough, Mass., Elder Timothy Pool, of Champion, Phil- ips, Chandler, Maltby, William H. Stevens, Jeduthan, Zaccheus and John Higby, and Russell Way. In this year the church received an accession of twenty-eight males and thirty-one females from a revival of religion that occurred. Elders Thomas Davis, Thos. Morgan, Chandler Hartshorn, Riley B. Ashley, R. Z. Williams, H. Nichols, Henry W. Chafa, Clement Haven, V. R. Waters, J. Lawrence, Reuben Saw- ver, Calvin Fisher, S. M. Hubbard, Luke Davis, M. E. Fisk, Graves, Frederick Kratz, G. N. Sears, D. D. Barnes, C. Bailey, and others, have preached here. On the 4th of July, 1820, a subscrip- tion was drawn up to procure the means for erecting a church, 35 by 40 feet, which was successful. The edifice was built in 1821, at a cost of $1,660, and on the 17th of January, 1825, a society was legally formed, having Dr. Samuel HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 275 Bass,* Daniel Talcott, Samuel Doug- lass.t Jesse Miller, Isaac L. Hitchcock, and Nathan Coe, first trustees. The church edifice at Leyden Hill was re- paired in 1856, but since the erection of another church edifice by the same society, in 1864, the old church on Ley- den Hill has been falling into decay, and is already beyond use. Several years since, a plot of ground was purchased adjacent to this church by individuals as a burial place, and the title was con- veyed to its trustees. This church has fallen into disuse, and is passing to decay. The Presbyterian Church of Leyden was formed November 6, 1803, by the Rev. Ira Hart, and consisted of six males and eight females. The first pas- tor was the Rev. Jeduthan Higby, who was ordained September 10, 18 10, and preached three years. The second pas- tor was the Rev. Reuel Kimball, who was installed May 14, 1817, and dis- missed for the want of support in 1826. The Rev. James Murdock and others were afterwards employed, and Mr. Kimball was re-engaged at a later period. The Rev. Evan Evans was employed from June 3, 1838, to August 12, 1843, and one year after, the Rev. Augustus L. Chapin began to preach. Others have been engaged for short periods, but for several years no stated services have been held, and the church num- bered in 1859 but two males and about a dozen females. The Presbyterian church of Leyden was built in 1821, and the First Presbyterian Society of Ley- den was formed under the statute, Jan- uary 3, 1826, with Abner Porter, Calvin B. Gay, and William Parks, trustees. It was changed to Congregational Jan- • Dr. Bass died February 20, 1858, aged sixty-seven years. f Samuel Douglass died February 22, 1874, aged seventy-two years. uary 4, 1836. Revivals occurred in 1824 and 1 83 1, and protracted meetings have been held by Burchard, Crandall and Knapp. Some years since, the old church of this society was sold, and it has since been used as a cheese factory. In 1825, an effort was made to erect a Union church at Talcottville, but with- out success. The First Universalist Society in Leyden was formed June 4, 1831, with Otis Munn, James Brooks, Joseph Burnham, Eliphalet Sears, Armstrong Malcom, Alfred Day and Ezra Miller, first trustees. A church was erected,* and the society has kept up its organization, although for several years it has not held regular meetings. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Leyden was formed March 12, 1832, with Halsey Miller, Levi Hubbard and John Utley as trustees. A church edi- fice was erected at Talcottville, but this having much decayed, has been removed, and an arrangement recently made by which the Universalist church has been thoroughly repaired and is now owned by the two sects, but chiefly occupied by the Methodists. An Old School Baptist Church was formed May 22, 1834, in the shed of the Leyden church, consisting of five males. A few days after, four females united, and December 17, 1837, the church was dissolved, and united with this sect in Turin. A church was erected in Port Leyden and dedicated December 6, 1853. It has been used by the Congregationalists and others, and the title of its property has been, or is now, in suit. A Congre- gational church was legally organized at Port Leyden, May 2, 1859, with Alan- son Merwin, Daniel Scrafford and Syl- vester Stimson, trustees. * Joshua Stow, former proprietor of lands in this town, gave $50. He died about 1840. 276 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The Calvinistic Methodist Church of Port Leyden was formed March 9, 1855, with Rev. Edward Reese, Pierce Owens, David Roberts, Richard Roberts, Evan Evans, and John Hughes, trustees. It has not now a place of worship and the members attend at CoUinsville. The Congregational Church at Port Leyden, was organized November 3, 1854, from the old church of Leyden, with fifteen members. The church they used was dedicated December 6, 1853, and was owned in part by others, and was for a time in litigation. The pastors of this church have been as follows : — Rev. E. S. Barnes, (in connection with Boonville one year, and with Lyons Falls) till January, 1858 ; J. H.Richards, 1857- '59; Henry Budge, 1859-62; James B. Fisher, May, 1862, to May, 1867 ; George A. Miller, 1867 to 1871 ; W. W. Warner, October, 1871, to October, 25; 1874; J. S. Wilson, May i, 1875, to May i, 1877; Lewis Williams, since May i, 1877. Present number, 75. Present trustees, W. G. Hall, O. Betts, Oscar Wilson ; deacons, William G. Hall, J. W. Hol- comb, C. R. Hubbard. Parsonage owned by the society and free of debt. Church property valued at $3,500. Expect to build a new house of worship the com- ing year. The Leyden Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated August 10, 1868. Richard Bailey, F. Tefts, McKaw, S. P Fo.K, O. Seymour, Orrin Thayer, T. J. Coe, and Selden Goff. St. Martins Church, (R. C.,) was built at Port Leyden, in i88o-'8i, .1 pastoral residence having existed several years before. The Rev. Eugene Carroll was the first resident priest, who resided till his death, in July, 1882. He has been succeeded by the Rev. James O'Connor. The church of this denomination is much the largest one in the village, and is externally of brick, with a timber frame within. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Leyden, organized a legal society, December 8, 1873, with Henry J. Botch- ford, Franklin B. Rugg, John J. Gills, H. N. Kellogg, and Robert Jaycock, as trustees. They erected a church soon afterwards. A parsonage was built in 1865. The Methodist Protestant Church has an organization on the east side, but no meetings are at present held. St. MarMs Church, (Protestant Episco- . pal,) of Port Leyden, was incorporated July 24, 1865, the Rev. R. McDuff, pre- siding. The first wardens were Augus- tus B. Snyder, and William H. Swinton, and the first vestrymen, Henry C. North- am, James A. Merwin, James EiWillard, John Gibson, Henry D. H. Snyder, Jr., Charles Wheelock, Edgar Jenks, and George W. Merrihew. They have a neat but small church on the western border of the village, erect- ed in 1865, and for which Mrs. Augustus Snyder was the first subscriber. The amount she gave was $500. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 277 Biographical Sketches. (JOHN n JOHN D. LORD. The family of Lord is of English ori- gin. Nathan Lord, grandfather of John D., and the first of the name of whom anything definite is known, was a resi- dent of Franklin, Connecticut, where he died at the age of 95, probably about the year 1830. He was twice married. His first wife was Abigail Ingraham, and his second wife was Mary Nevins. Their children were Asa, Peggy, Hannah, Charles, Mary, Gurdon, Rufus L., Na- than, Lydia, Lynds, Eleazer, Henry, David and Thomas. Of these children, Asa was born in Franklin, Connecticut, LD HH . ] October 6, 1767, and settled in Ley den, Lewis county, in 1794, on the farm now owned by Leonard S. Loomis, being one of the first three pioneers of that town. He was drowned on the 9th of April, 1 8 18, by being swept over a mill-dam during a freshet at Madrid, St. Lawrence county. Gurdon, the father of John D., was born in Franklin, Connecticut, July 5, 1780. He came to Lewis county at the age of 21, worked one summer, and in the next year, bought a farm in the town of Leyden, one portion of which is now owned by the sons of the late James S. Jackson, and another portion by John D. 278 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Lord. His life was the quiet and un- eventful life of a farmer. He married Sally Dewey, daughter of John Dewey, of Leyden, December 19, 1804. His death occurred October 18, 1866, and that of his wife April 13, 1861. Their children were : — Mary Rudd, born August 12, 1807, died October 12, 1809; Lydia Axie, born September 20, 18 10, married first, Will- iam Horr, second, AbnerHorr, and now a widow living in Cleveland, Ohio; John D.; Sarah Naomi, born July 3, 18 13, married Ruel Kimball, Jr., and now a widow living in Utica ; Nathan Lynds, born August 23, 1715, a Presbyterian minister, now (1883), in Rochester, Ind.; Mary Ann, born August i, 1818, died December 11, 1881. John D. Lord, the third child of Gur- don Lord and Sally Dewey, was born April I, 1812. His life has been passed in the pursuit of farming, in which he has been successful, and is owner of some of the finest land in the town. He received the education of the common schools, and to the learning thus derived, was added a well-poised mind of the rugged and independent type. He was united in marriage January 20, 1842, with Mary Bailey, of Lowville, who died July 11, 1852 ; andonthe23d of October, 1855, he married Samantha Sawyer, a native of Brandon, Vt. His children were : — Sarah Elizabeth, born November 22, 1843, married December 21, 1871, to Rev. Everett R. Sawyer, a native of New London, N. H., now a clergyman at Sandy Hill, Washington county, N. Y. ; Mary Bailey, born April 7, 1846, married August 18, 1875, to William H. Johnson, M. D., of Port Leyden ; John Albert, born January 17, 185 1, and died in infancy. HENRY J. BOTCHFORD. The subject of this memoir was born in the town of Hunter, Greene county, N. Y., June 11, 1839. When in his ninth year, his father moved to Wood- land, Ulster county, N. Y., and engaged in the business of tanning, He attended the district schools of the neighborhood until his seventeenth year, when he en- tered the Ashland Collegiate Institute, where he remained three years, gradu- ating therefrom in 1859. He soon after entered the law office of King & Mat- toon, of Catskill, Greene county, N. Y., but after a year's study there, his health failed him, and he was obliged to give up the legal profession. In 1861, he enlisted in the 44th New York State Volunteers, and served three years in the Army of the Potomac, en- gaging in all the principal battles of that branch of the service. Here his bravery entitled him to recognition, and from the ranks of a private, he was suc- cessively promoted to sergeant, second and first lieutenant and captain, and dur- ing the major part of his last year's ser- vice, was acting-adjutant of the regi- ment. After the regiment was mustered out of service, he returned to his home, and soon after engaged in the business of leather tanning with General Sampson, of Ulster county, N. Y., where he re- mained until the fall of 1866, when he married Clementina G. Woodworth, History of the town of leyden. 279 daughter of David Woodworth, of Woodland, Ulster county, and soon after, in connection with his brother, G. M. Botchford, came to Lewis county, and built the Otter Lake tannery, where he remained until 1870. In that year he be- came connected with the Moose River tannery, having in the same year pur- Of this trade he was master, and he had a happy faculty of elucidating any proposition in which he was interested, so that he was equally capable, both as to the theory and the practice of leather making. In the conventions of the National Tanner's Exchange, held in Philadelphia, in 1876, and in New York, [HENRY J, HDTCHFnHD,] chased a residence in Port Leyden, where he lived up to the time of his death. In i879,he built a second tannery at Moose River, and in December, 1880, purchased in connection with his father, the Oswegatchie tannery, at Harrisville, N. Y. In these various and extensive enterprises, he displayed unusual busi- ness capacity, being quick in percep- tions, and of sound judgment in all affairs of business. in 1877, he was prominent among the debaters on the art of leather tanning. Politically, Mr. Botchford was a Re- publican, and for a time was as active as he was influential. In the fall of 1875, he was nominated for member of Assem- bly from Lewis county, but was defeated by twelve votes. In 1877, when Lewis and Jefferson counties were in the same senatorial dis- trict, he carried his county for State 28o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Senator, but was disqualified on ac- count of being postmaster at Moose River. Mr. Botchford was a prominent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Port Leyden, and in all his various walks of business, THE MERWINS. Alanson, Amanda, M. H. and James A. Merwin. The ancestor of the Merwins in America, was Miles Merwin, who was born about 1623, in the north of Wales, [iiLflNSDN MERWIN.] church or politics, succeeded in mak- ing friends of all with whom he came in contact. At the time of his death, he was a partner with his brother, G. M. Botch- ford, as H. J. & G. M. Botchford, at Ot- ter Lake, and as H. J. Botchford & Co., at Moose River; also with his father, D. Botchford, of Botchford & Co., at Har- risville. He died February 22, 1882, aged 42. or England, and in 1645, being then by trade a tanner, emigrated to New Eng- land, and settled in the town of Milford, Connecticut, there becoming the owner of a large tract of land, on Long Island Sound, and now known as Pond Point, or Merwin's Point — a quite celebrated local summer resort. This town was originally known as " Wepowage," and its settlement commenced in 1639, the pioneers being mostly from the counties HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 281 of Essex, Hereford, and York, in Eng- land. At this place, Milford Miles died, April 23, 1697, aged 74. His family was as follows :— Eliza, who married a Mr. Canfield ; John, born in 1650, who settled at the homestead ; Abigail, who married Abel Hclbrook ; Thomas, who settled at Nor- about 1 7 ID, and was a proprietor there in 1724. He had a son Daniel, Jr., born about 1 7 16, who married Elizabeth Wells, December 20, 1738. Of this marriage was born James Merwin, grandfather to Alanson, October 19, 1739. The wife Elizabeth, died October 29, 1739, and the husband married again in 1741, and. [ilMANDA MERWIN.] walk. Conn.; Samuel, born August 21, 1656, married Sarah Woodin, and set- tled at New Haven ; Miles, born December 14, 1658 ; Daniel, born in 1661, and died young; Martha; Mary; Hannah, and Deborah, who married a Mr. Burwell. Miles, the son, was married in Sep- tember, 1681, and had a son Daniel, who was born in Milford, Conn., about 1685. This Daniel moved to Durham, Conn., had other children, some of whose de- scendants are now living in the vicinity of Kingston and Prescott, Canada. James Merwin married Martha Smith, who was born in 1736, and died August 2, 1808. They lived in Haddam, Conn., where James died, February 13, 1790. Of this marriage, there were born, He- mon Merwin, August i, 1767, died Jan- uary I, 1844; Elizabeth, born 1769, died young; Rebecca, born May 13, 1771, 282 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. married Daniel Carter, about 1803, died in 1849 ; Anna, born in 1773, died young; Martha, born December i, 1774, married James Clark, in 1789, died in 1849; James, father to Alanson, born June 5, 1777; Daniel, born December i, 1779. died in 1836. James Merwin, father to Alanson, was born during the struggles of the Revo- lution, and his childhood was familiar with its trials and successes. Early left fatherless and poor, his education was but sufficient to enable him to read and write, and he depended on experience to give him whatever else he needed. At about sixteen years of age, he was ap- prenticed to learn the trade of black- smith, and at that practical school he graduated with a reputation second to none for industry, knowledge of his trade, and faithfulness to the interest of his employer. With this capital and a good constitution he started in hfe, and for several years was engaged at his trade in Haddam, Middletown, and the sea coast, being much employed as a ship blacksmith upon vessels being built on the Connecticut river. The desire to obtain a home,which operated then as it does now, led him with others, in the year 1800 to the Black River valley, whither the tide of immigration from his locality tended. The settlements then in New York State, west of Albany, were tew and scattering. Utica was but a hamlet in a swampy valley. Boon- ville had but two or three houses, and here and there in the woods beyond was a settler, who had built his log house, and was clearing and burning the woods for cultivation. Travel then was by the ox team or on foot. The bear and the Indian were the neighbors mostly seen. Men then were hardy and indus- trious, and foremost among them was James Merwin. At first he could buy and pay for but ten acres of land, and his practice was not to run in debt. To this region, then a wilderness, he came with his wife Esther, from Had- dam, Conn., in 1800, and settled in Ley- den, on the farm he owned and occupied until his death. Here he built a log house for himself and wife, and began to clear and till his few acres of land. During the day he worked on his farm, and at night he was at his forge, as work might come in. One fall, within a year or two after his arrival, he went on foot back to Connecticut, worked there during the winter at his trade, in ship building, and in the spring returned with funds enough to purchase another ten acres. During the War of 18 12, he served with the militia, when called out to Sackett's Harbor. After the war he continued his farming, always attending faithfully to his business, and performing all his engagements ; careful in all things, tem- perate, kind and humane, intellectually strong and sound in judgment, never neglecting his duties to his family, to society, or as a citizen ; modest in his demeanor, and never intruding himself in the way of others. For sixty-five years, he, with his faithful, intelligent and capable wife, sharing his labors and burdens and pleasures, lived upon the farm which in their youth they had selected for a home, and lived to see the wilderness turned into fruitful fields; their child and grand-children grown up HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 283 and become settled in life, and their great-grandchildren gather about them, and lisp their names with affection and veneration. James Merwin died in Leyden, Feb- ruary 13, 1865. Esther Smith, his wife, died April 30th, of the same year. She was born in Haddam, Connecticut, Feb- Lucinda, Sabra, Clinton, Mary Ann, now deceased ; Sylvester, now deceased, and Martin. The only child of James and Esther Merwin was Alanson, who was born in the town of Leyden, February 23, 1801. Here he passed his early life where he was educated, and here through life he ^^ cy/^i>''yx^O'~^''t^'^ ruary 5, 1782, and was the daughter of Lewis Smith and Anne Hubbard, his wife. This couple had two other chil- dren, Hannah, wife of Allen Augur, and Catharine, wife of Joseph Stimpson, both of whom settled early in Leyden. The sole representative of the family of Mrs. Augur, is Lewis Augur, of San Francisco, Cal. The family of Mrs. Stimpson, were Sydney, deceased ; Nel- son, Joseph, Catharine, now deceased; has been the architect of an honest name which men respect and his children re- vere. On the 13th of January, 1825, he married Amanda Kimball, and immedi- ately thereafter went to Hve upon their farm on the East road, in Leyden. Their children were James A. ; Huldah Kim- ball, born January 18, 1829, married Rev. George G. Saxe, now of New York ; Milton H., born June 16, 1832, now of Utica, N. Y. 284 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The wife of Alanson Merwin died in 1878. She was descended from the Kimballs who were at Ipswich, Mass., from 1650, and were numerous, origin- ating probably with Richard Kimball, who came from Ipswich, England, in 1634. Henry, son probably of Richard, was at Ipswich in 1640, and Thomas was at Charlestown- in 1653. Boyce Kimball, a descendant of Richard, was born at Ipswich, June 26, 1731, and the record of the family of himself and Re- becca, his wife, is thus : — Boyce, born March 4, 1757; Rebecca, July 9, 1759; Jonathan, July 23, 1761 ; Ebenezer, December 3, 1764; Mary, September 11, 1767; Susanna, July 24, 1769; Priscilla, November 21, 1771 ; Timothy, December 21, 1773; Richard, May 19, 1775; Amasa, May 23, 1777; Ruel, December 20, 1778. This Ruel was a Presbyterian minis- ter, and about the ist of January, 1799, married Hannah Mather, and settled in Marlboro, Vermont. Their family rec- ord is as follows : — Ruel, born December 24, 1799; Aman- da, April 13, 1802, at Marlboro, Vt. ; Cotton, June 7, 1804; Huldah, August I, 1806, at LeRay, died August 22, 1827 ; Alonzo, November 20, 1808; David M., November 25, i8io,died August i, 1813; David M., August 26, 1813, died Octo- ber 23, 1857; Lucy, July 31, 1815, mar- ried Rev. Henry Bannister ; Mary, De- cember 18, 1817, died March 4, 1852; Harriet, January 14, 1820, died Febru- ary 12, 1823 ; Martin L., September 24, 1826. Ruel Kimball, Sr., died October i, 1847, at East Hampton, Mass., and his wife Hannah died at Ley den, March 9, 1 860. She was the daughter of Timothy Mather and Hannah Church. Timothy Mather was descended from Richard Mather, who was born of an ancient family in Lowton, Parish of Winwick, Lancashire, England, and settled as a minister at Dorchester, Mass., in 1635, and was the grandfather of the cele- brated Cotton Mather. In the life and character of Rev. Ruel Kimball, as well as in that of his wife, Hannah, there was much that is inter- esting and mstructive, and that deserves a place in the memoirs of their descend- ants. Mr. Kimball, with but a common education, prepared himself for the min- istry, at a time when its duties were more than ordinaril}' laborious and self- denying, and when the burdens, too, rested heavily on the wives. He at first located in Marlboro, Vermont, and left there about 1805, for Leroy, Jefferson county, where he remained until about 1 8 16, when he moved to Leyden, where he lived until his death. Though strict in his religious views and habits, he was still paternal and kind, with a heart always open to the unfortunate, and with a benevolence that was con- stant and up to the Scriptural standard. His wife was well fitted for her position, and was a woman of more than ordinary ability, and with an elevated standard both morally and intellectually. Of the children of Alanson Merwin and Amanda Kimball, James Merwin was born in Leyden, January 8, 1827. His early life was passed in this town, where he received the education of the common schools, and of Lowville Acade- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 28s my, supplemented by a two years' course in Wiliston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. From the latter place he returned to Leyden in 1846, and for four years worked on his father's farm. He then went on to a farm of his own, where he remained one year, and in the fall of 1851, came to Port Leyden, and engaged of Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y. She died in August, 1856. Their children were: — Julia, born August 9, 1853, mar- ried John L. Bickford, of Lowville ; Jane, born August 13, 1856, died in August, 1859. He was niarried again October 28, 1857, to Susan Scrafford, daughter of George Scrafford, of Albany. [NDRTDN D DTTG-LiiS S ,] for three years in mercantile and lum- bering business. He then devoted his attention to the lumber trade, and built his present saw-mill in i860. He has held the office of supervisor for four vears, being elected by the Democratic party. In the fall of 1 874, he was elected by that party as Member of Assembly, and served one term, defeating Sydney Sylvester, by a majority of 202. In Sep- tember 1850, he married Julia Church, NORTON DOUGLASS. The family of the subject of this sketch is descended from two Scotchmen, broth- ers, who emigrated to this country at an early day. One of these brothers settled in Vermont, the other in Connecticut, and from the latter is descended this branch of the family. The celebrated Stephen A. Douglass, it is said, was a descendant of the brother who settled in Vermont. 286 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The father of Norton was Jonathan Douglass who was born, probably in Connecticut, September 21, 1774, and who came to Lewis county in 1802, lo- cating on a farm in the town of Ley den, now owned by George Banning. His wife was Rachel Allen, whom he married in Saybrook, Conn., in October, 1798, She was born January 25, 1778, and died in 1 843. Jonathan Douglass died in Port Leyden, in i860. His children were Rachel, born May 4, 1801 ; Jonathan Jr., born July 11, 1803 ; Allen, born June 25. 1805; Norton; Amanda, born August 17, 1813; Asa, born December — , 1815. Rachel married Sylvanus Heath. Aman- da married Warren Allen. Norton Douglass was born in the town of Leyden, June 27, 1809. He passed his earlier years on his father's farm, re- ceiving the education of the district schools, and at the age of eighteen, went to Utica to learn the trade of edge-tool maker. Here he served a three years' apprenticeship under Alfred Windsor, and then for four years worked as jour- neyman for Windsor & Morris. He then went to Newport, Herkimer county, where he engaged in the manufacture of axes, in which business he continued four years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Utica and hired the manufactory of his former employers, which he conducted one year. From there he moved to Clarksville, near Au- burn, where for four years he was en- gaged in the manufacture of hoes. He next established a trip-hammer shop at Seneca Falls, which he run one year and sold to Alfred Gould, and went to Wa- tertown, N. Y., where he hired a water trip-hammer shop and engaged for some ten or twelve years in the manufacture of axes. This business he sold out, and bought a farm about two miles from Watertown where he remained four years, and from there went to Clay- ville, Oneida county, where he worked one year for S. A. Millard, in the manu- facture of hoes and forks. He then went to Bald wins ville, Onondaga county, and worked four years for the Morris Axe and Tool Company. In 1867, he re- moved from there to Leyden, and en- gaged in the flour and feed business, purchasing in 1875, the Port Leyden steam niill, which is now (1883), under his management. On the 14th of September, 1832, Mr. Douglass was married to Sally B. Shaw, of Utica. She died on the second of July of the following year, and on the 15th of April, 1834, he married Charlotte Elizabeth Furman, of Utica, by whom he had six children. She died March 4. 1879. The children were: Helen, born January 8, 1836, married E. G. Hutchinson, of Phoenix, N. Y. ; Euo-ene, born August 20, 1837, died November 15, 1838; Frances Josephene, born Au- gust 22, 1843, died June 22, 1847; Gertrude M., born July 22, 1845, died June 22, 1847; Mary R., born April 15, 1849, married Oscar Howard, of Bald- winsville, N. Y. In 1 88 1, Mr. Douglass was married to his present wife, Elizabeth McNeal, of Coldbrook, Herkimer county, N. Y. DAVID D. DOUGLASS, M. D. The first that is known of the ances- tors of this branch of the Douglass fami- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 287 ly was Israel, grandfather to the subject of this sketch, who came from Scotland to America at an early day and settled in Middletown, Connecticut, and from thence removed to Lewis county. His children were Lydia, Annie, Jonathan,* Israel, Nathan, Salmon. One, Ruth, died with small-pox. Oneida county ; Roxana, born Feb- ruary 16, 18 14, married Orrin Kenyon, of Lee, Oneida county, died August II, 1875; Lydia S., born March 20, 1815, married William H. Jacobie, of Port Leyden ; David D., born February 2, 1817; Achsah, born June 22, 1819, mar- ried William Post, of Leyden ; Salmon [DiiiriD n, nnuELiiss, m. d. Salmon was born in Saybrook, Con- necticut, February 24, 1786. He mar- ried Roxie Hubbard, of Saybrook, Con- necticut, in 1798. He died in Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, August 25, 1851. His wife died October 14, 1826. Their children were : Marilla, born Septem- ber 23, 1809, married John A. Clarke, of Leyden ; Julia H., born January 2, 18 12, married Joseph Kenyon, of Lee, • Father of Norton Douglass. J., born April 11, 1 821, died in Sandy Creek, Oswego county, August 28, 1876. Salmon Douglass married for his second wife Prudence Halley, ot Weth- ersfield, Conn., March 13, 1827. By her he had five children — Horace L., born in Sandy Creek, March 12, 1828, dead; Pru- dency, born in Sandy Creek, February 6, 1 83 1, married Ogden Edwards, of Ellis- burgh, N. Y., is now in Minnesota; 288 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Charles, born in Sandy Creek, Sep- tember I, 1834, killed July 3, 1854, in California, by the caving in of a mining shaft while digging for gold; Harriet L., born March 13, 1837, at Sandy Creek, married Allen M. Johnston, of Lee, Oneida county, died in 1872 ; Frances A., born June 6, 1841, at Sandy Creek, mar- ried first, Joel Merills, second, Allen M. Johnston. Salmon, father to David D., was a physician who began his practice after the age of thirty-five, and pursued it successfully in Oswego and Jefferson counties until his death. Three of his sons were also physicians of some re- pute of the Eclectic practice. David D. Douglass was born in Ley- den, New York, February 2, 18 17, in which place he passed his early life. He passed through the studies of the com- mon schools, and attended the academy at Mexico, Oswego county, two years, and also at Geddes, Onondaga coun- ty, nearly two years more. At this latter place was located a school of Phy- sicians where he studied medicine, and from there went to Sandy Creek, where for five years he practiced his chosen profession with his father. At the ex- piration of that time he came to Leyden where he remained some two years, and then returned to Sandy Creek where he resided one year. He then removed to Oswego City for three years' practice, then to Leyden where he has since re- mained in the practice of his profession. At that time the village of Port Leyden was but a hamlet. Here he invested largely in real estate, built numerous buildings, and interested himself gener- ally in the welfare of the village and town. In 1859, he began business as a druggist, in connection with his profes- sion, and continued it until 1879, when he sold to E. D. Spencer, his son-in-law. In 1870, he built the Douglass House, the leading hotel of Port Leyden, and in 1879 and 1880, erected the Douglass Block, a commodious and beautiful brick edifice on the main street, devoted to mercantile and official pursuits. In these and many other ways Dr. Douglass has been instru- mental in the upbuilding of the village. On the 29th day of September, 1839, he married Harriet L. Clark, of Ley- den, daughter of Elder John Clark,* a Baptist minister, and one of the first settlers in the town of Leyden. Their children were : — Eugene C, born Sep- tember 3, 1843, in Leyden— a bright, in- telligent young man, was drowned at Midland City, Michigan, in the Titawa- boise river, February 28, 1863, body found March 8th, and brought to Port Leyden for burial ; — Emogene B., born November 20, 1845, in Sandy Creek, married Edward D. Spencer, of Port Leyden. WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, M. D. The subject of this sketch is descended from James Johnson, a native of Eng- land, who went to Ireland and married an Irish lady of the name of Dority, and in that country died, at what date is unknown. The children of James John- son were Charles, William, James, John, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth. Of these * The first Baptist church at Talcottville was organ- ized with five members, (four males and one female,) at the house of Thomas Brayton, April 22, 1803, by Elder John Clark, its first pastor. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 289 children, James came to America, en- tered the Union army at the outbreak of the Rebellion, and was killed at the siege of Petersburgh; Margaret died in Columbus, Ohio ; Mary died in New York; Elizabeth died in Ohio; William is now Hving at Florence Court, County some years the occupations of farmer and merchant; was for four years an officer in the New York State Senate, and during the last fourteen years of his life was an officer in the House of Representatives. He married Rachel Emery, of Duanes- ^^^A^- /^.^^^^*^^>^' ^^.2j Fermanaugh, Ireland ; and John is a colonel in the English service. Charles, the father of William H., was born at Florence Court, County Fer- manaugh, Ireland, about the year 1820, and came to America about 1832, at the age of twelve years; locating first in Canada, then in St. Lawrence county, N. Y.,from whence he removed to Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., where he died in 1873. He followed for burg, Montgomery county, N. Y. To them were born the following chil- dren: — George G., born May 5, 1838; Wilham H. ; Allen J., born May 24, 1842 ; Sarah L., born August 2, 1845 ! Catherine E., born February 23, 1848, died in September, 1875. William Henry Johnson, the second child, was borr) October 9, 1840. His early life was passed in Herkimer county upon the farm, and in attendance 290 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. at the common schools in the village of Graysville. He afterwards attended the Seminary at Whitestown, Oneida county. His father intended that he should lead the life of a farmer, and in obedience to his wishes, WiUiam for a few years plodded the weary way of the ploughman with uncongenial foot- steps. He resolved at last to break away from labor so entirely at variance with his tastes and inclinations, and hew out for himself a newer and a better path. He had that faith in himself without which success in life is impos- sible in any calling, and added to that, he had the gift of patient labor. It is said that genius consists, in the main, of a prodigious capacity for hard work. His secret longings, during the uncon- genial routine of farm work, were to- ward the study of medicine, — to wield the scalpel^rather than to hold the plow, — and he determined to enter upon a course of instruction that would gratify those longings ; to shrink from no labors, however hard, that would tend to that result, and to study, without an attempt to practice, until he had mastered, as far as it was possible, the intricacies of his chosen profession. Accordingly, in 1868, at the age of twenty-eight, he en. tered the office of Dr. S. R. MilHngton, in Poland, Herkimer county, and began his medical studies. The first few years of his new life were years of up-hill work ; but possessing a resolute and deter- mined spirit, he fought his way against many obstacles, and with the one idea of becoming a skillful physician, he studied in season and out of season, to perfect himself in the calling of his choice. Studying diligently for some time in Poland, he attended his first course of lectures at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and immediate- ly after attended three successive courses of lectures at Bellevue Hospital College, New York City, in 1869, '70, '71, graduating therefrom the 2d of March of the latter year. On the 26th of April, 1 87 1, he came to Port Leyden and established a practice that has been both successful and lucrative. He was chosen as the President of the Lewis County Medical Society, and has been a delegate to the State Medical So- ciety for the past six years. In 1882, he was elected a permanent member of that society, probably the first per- manent member ever elected in Lewis county. On the 6th of March, 1872, he was married to Mary J. Nichols, of Fairfield, Herkimer county, who died on the i6th of July in the following year ; and on the 1 8th of August, 1875, he married Mary B. Lord, daughter of John D. Lord, of Leyden. His children are : May Lord, born August 9, 1876; John Emery, born May 21, 1878; Ruth Mabel, born February 7, 1880; and Helen Edith, born June 20, 1882. JOSEPH S. BURNHAM. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a resident of Middletown, Conn. He was a sea-faring man, and, contracting small-pox, died in Middle- town when Joseph, the father of Joseph S., was a small boy. Joseph Burnham was born in Middle- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN 291 town, Conn., January 7, 1787, and came to the town of Leyden at the age of fif- teen, where he remained until the year 1808. In that year he went south, trav- eling through Virginia and North Caro- Hna as a dealer in tinware, and there re- mained until 'the breaking out of the War of 1 81 2, when he returned to Ley- visor and Loan Commissioner. He was a member of the Universalist church, and was regarded as a man of sound and liberal views. His wife, Eliza, who was born March 4, 1788, died December 21, 1865. Their children were: Louisa, born April 12, 181 5, married Orrin Hutchinson, and settled in New York ; [JOSEPH S. BURNHiiM,] den and was drafted and furnished a ; substitute. In 18 14, he went into trade in the old house situated on the farm now owned by Noah C. Brooks, and ; was for seventeen years a merchant in the town of Leyden. On the loth of July, 1 8 14, he was married to Eliza Rice, and settled on the farm now owned by Joseph S., where he remained until his death, which occurred May 22, 1864. He was for a number of years Super- Juliet, born September 23, 1817, married Dr. Charles N. Bass, and is now a widow in Boonville, N. Y. ; Joseph S., the third child, was born in Leyden October 6, 1825. He was born in the house in which he now lives, and received his education in the common schools and at Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass. On the 4th of June, 1867, he married Elvira S. Brooks, daughter of Matthew T. Brooks, of Leyden, who was 292 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. born April 29, 1834. Their children were : Eliza M., born November 22, 1869 ; Frederic C. J., born June 4, 1871. THADDEUS E. MUNN. Among the genial, intelligent and en- terprising citizens ot Lewis county, none purchased a large tract of land near Carthage Landing. He remained there a short time and sold this land and re- moved to the town of Greig, Lewis county, where he entered upon the oc- cupation of carpenter and joiner and bridge builder, which he followed for a number of years. In that town he deserve more favorable mention than Thaddeus E. Munn. His father was Otis Munn, who was born in Greenfield, Mass., November 20, 1792, and who re- moved from that place to Champion, Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1812. There he remained a short time and returned home, and on the 15th of April, 1815, married Parmelia Jenings, of Green- field, Mass. Soon after his marriage he removed to Rochester, N. Y., where he bought a farm which he sold, and moved to Leyden about 1839, where he pur- chased the farm now owned by Thad- deus. Here for nearly forty years he lived the life of a farmer, and died Aug. 31, 1880. His wife died May 5, 1876. Their children were : — Franklin Lyon, born October 2, 18 16, died December 29, 1847; Margaret J., born February 25, 18 19, married Francis W. Northrop, of Lowville, now of Utica ; HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 293 Mary P., born August 20, 1821, mar- ried Walter Whittlesey, of Lyons Falls, died March 25, i860; Chester J., born July 16, 1824; George W., born Octo- ber 6, 1827, died August 23, 1839 : Helen M., born February 9, 1830, married Henry Shedd, of Lyons Falls, died Oc- tober 30, 1863. Thaddeus Eugene Munn, the seventh child, was born July 29, 1835. His early life was passed about home in attendance on the common schools. At the age of thirteen he entered the Low- ville Academy, under the tuition of Pro- fessor Mayhew, where he studied two and a half years. At the expiration of that time he engaged as clerk in the store of F. W. Northrop, at Lowville, where he remained one year, and went with him to Zanesville, Ohio, where he was con- nected with him in the dry-goods busi- ness nearly two years. He then returned and entered upon a preparatory course of study for college at Fairfield, Herki- mer county. Here he studied one year, and went to Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Mass., where he remained another year, and entered the second term as freshman in Union College, Schenectady, graduating therefrom in 1861. During the next four years, through the eventful struggle of the Re- bellion, he devoted much of his time to pubHc speaking at the patriotic war meetings that were held to raise funds and volunteers, and gained for himself a respectable name as a champion of the Federal cause. A member of the Re- publican party, yet not an office seeker or a politician in the corrupted sense, he was elected by that party as supervisor in 1870, and held that office six consecu- tive terms. On the 3d of September, 1868, Mr. Munn married Adeline S. Baker, daughter of Thomas Baker, of Talcottville, who was born September 23, 1836. The only child of this mar- riage is Thaddeus Eugene, Jr., born May 13, 1869. THE HALL FAMILY. Among the early settlers in the Black River country, was Isaac Hall, who came from Wallingford, Conn., about the year 1802, and settled on a tract of land lying on the West road, adjacent to the village of Talcottville. This was a part of a purchase, in sec- tions, made by him, of some six hundred acres. The farm owned and occupied by Eli Hall, his grandson, is the old homestead, and the old frame house at the intersection ol the Talcottville road with the West road, was built by him, where he resided till his death, in the year 18 10. His sons were, John, Isaac, Jonathan, Abijah, and Joseph who was born at the old homestead in Leyden. The elder sons came from Connecticut, and settled on sections of land near by, a part being from the original purchase by their father. Mary, his eldest daughter, married William Topping, who settled on the farm now occupied by Loren Drake. He was the first settler in Lewis County. Isaac Hall's ancestor, " John Hall, the emigrant," as he is called by 294 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Henry Stanley Davis, in his history of Wallingford, -Conn., emigrated to this country about the year 1639, landing in Boston, and setthng in New Haven, Conn. It is not recorded from what country he emigrated, but it is probable that he came from England. He and his sons, John, Thomas, and Samuel, removed to Wallingford about the year 1669, as their names appear on the Plantation Covenant of i669-'70-';42. In 1675, he and his son, John, were chosen selectmen of Wallingford. He died early in 1676, aged seventy -one years. Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and after- wards Governor of Georgia, was great- grandson of " John Hall, the emigrant," and grandson of Samuel Hall. Thomas, son of " John Hall, the emi- grant," was born March 25, 1649, died September 17, 1 73 1 , aged sixty -two years, five months, seventeen days. Jonathan, son of Thomas and Grace Hall, was born July 25, 1675, died Janu- ary 15, 1760, aged eighty years, seven- teen days. Dr. Isaac Hall, son of Jonathan and Dinah (Andrews) Hall, was born July II, 1714, died March 7, 1781, aged sixty- six years. He married Miiry Moss. He was the first practicing physician in Meriden, Conn. His great-grandson, Nathan Kelsey Hall, was Postmaster- General under Fillmore's administra- tion, and afterwards United States Judge for the Northern District of New York. The mother of one of the early settlers in Lewis county, John Ives, Esq., father of the late Selden Ives, Esq., of Turin, was the eldest daughter of Dr. Isaac Hall. Isaac Hall, an early settler in the Black River country, son of Dr. Isaac and Mary (Moss) Hall, was born March 7, 1745, died February 17, 18 10, aged sixty- four years, eleven months, ten days. He married first, Phebe Ives, second, Lois Buckley, mother of his youngest son, Joseph. Jonathan, son of Isaac and Phebe (Ives) Hall, was born August 22, 1776, died February 22, 1841, aged sixty- four years, five months and twenty- nine days. He married first, Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. John Hoadley, second, Sally Jenks, daughter of WiUiam Jenks. His sons were Jehiel Hoadley, Daniel, Jonathan, Isaac, William Jenks, and Newton. CHAUNCEY ROBERTS, The ancestry of the subject of this sketch cannot be traced farther back than his father, Calvin Roberts, who was born in Connecticut, May 2, 1777, and who married Anna Brainard, March 6, 1799, who was born in the same month and year in which he was born. The earlier portion of the father's life was passed at the trade of shoemaking, and the latter portion was devoted to farm- ing. Calvin Roberts died in West Turin, Lewis County, N. Y., in May, 1835. His wife died in August. 1855. Their chil- dren were six in number, Amanda, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEYDEN. 29s Clarinda, Ira, Priscilla, Chauncey, and Gilbert. Chauncey Roberts was born in Turin, Lewis County, May 5, 1810. He was educated in the common schools, and lived in that town until 1839, when he born to this marriage, William M., born September 22, 1838, died February i, 1864, and Mary E., born December 27, 1841, who married Walter D. Jackson, of Boonville, Oneida county, October i, 1863. LCHfiUNCEY RDHERTS.J moved to Leyden, where the remainder I Mr. Chauncey Roberts was for forty- of his life was passed in the occupation of farming. He married, June 7, 1837, Mary A. Arthur, daughter of Bradford Arthur, of Martinsburgh, who was born November 27, 1815. Two children were five years a member of the Baptist Church, and enjoyed the esteem and respect of all who knew him. He died June 15, 1876, mourned by his family and regretted by his friends. 296 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. CHAPTER XXVIII. History of the Town of Lowville. THIS town was formed from Mexico, Oswego county, March 14, 1800, at first embracing, besides its present lim- its, that part of Denmark, south of Deer river. This part was taken off in the formation of Han-isburgh in 1803. Red- field, Watertown, Turin and other towns were formed by the same act. It embraces No. 1 1 of the Eleven Towns, and is the onlv one of that number that retains the name given upon the Sur- veyor-General's maps of 1802 and 1804. At an early date it was known as " Num- ber II," and a few legal writings drawn here, are dated in "Mexico." It was within the memory of those living when our first edition was published, that a tax-collector came through the woods from Oswego county, upon an official errand, before the town of Lowville was erected. The first town meeting was ordered to be held at the house of Silas Stow, at which the following town offi- cers were chosen : — Daniel Kelley, Supervisor ; Moses CofiFeen, Clerk ; Charles Davenport, Jonathan Rogers and Benjamin Hill- man, Assessors ; Ehud Stephens, Con- stable and Collector ; Billa Davenport and Aaron Cole, Overseers of Poor ; Isaac Perry, James Bailey and Benjamin Hillman, Commissioners of Highways; Ehud Stephens, David Cobb, Asa Newton, Daniel Porter, and Zadoc Bush, Path Masters ; Jonathan Rogers and Elisha Stephens, Pound Masters and Fence Viewers ; and Adam Wilcox, Benjamin Hillman, Jonathan Rogers, Daniel Kelley, Asa Newton and John Bush, a committee to select convenient places for burial. Supervisors. — i8oo-'o4, Daniel Kelley ; 1805, Silas Stow ;* 1806-07, William Dar- * At a special town meeting, held one month after Solomon King was chosen supervisor. row; 1808, D. Kelley; 1809-10, Benja- min Hillman; 1811-13, ElaColHns; 18 14, Solomon King; 1815, Benjamin Hill- man; 1816-17, Heman Stickney ; 1818- '22, Benjamin Davenport; 1823, Chester Buck;* i824-'26, Charles D. Morse; 1827, E Collins ; 1828, Benjamin Davenport; 1829-31, E. Collins; 1832-33, Chester Buck; 1834, Daniel T. Buck; i835-'4i, Chester Buck; 1842, John Buck; 1843, Curtis G. Lane; 1844, Chester Buck; i845-'46, Curtis G. Lane; 1847, Phincas Leonard ; 1848-52, Curtis G. Lane; 1853, Jess Brown; 1854-55, Curtis G.Lane; i856-'57, Joseph A. Willard ; 1858-61, Curtis G. Lane ; 1862, Rutson Rea ; 1863, James L. Leonard, (resigned); Edward A. Brown, (from March 22d); 1865, Ches- ter G.Lane; 1866, Rutson Rea (resigned); Henry E. Turner, (from October 30th) ; 1867, H. E. Turner; 1868-70, Curtis G. Lane ; 1871, Amos B. Smiley ; 1872-82, Charles D. Boshart. Clerks. — 1800, Moses Coffeen; i8oi-'o5, Wilham Darrow ; 1806, Daniel Gould; 1807, Daniel Kelley ; 1808-09, William Darrow; i8io-'i6, Robert McDowell; 1817-18, Charles D. Morse; 1819-23, Charles Dayan ; 1824, Russel Parish; 1825, Andrew W. Doig ; 1826, Palmer Townsend; 1827-34, Orrin Wilbur; 1835-38, William L. Easton ; 1839, Am- brose W. Clark; 1840-41, Edwin Jarvis; 1842-44, William Thompson ; 1845-46, Ambrose W. Clark, 1847, Francis B. Morse; 1848, William A.Chase; 1849- '51, Francis B. Morse; 1852-54, George S. Chase; 1855, Francis N. Willard; 1856-58, Loren M. Brown; 1859-71, Mar- cellus J. Murray'; 1872, William Worth Dewey ; 1873-82, Hiram Porter. The town meetings were held for many years at the old academy on the * Mr. Buck came from Lanesboro in i8ii: He rep- resented the county in Assembly in 1822 and 1840, and took an active part in public affairs. Superior breeds of sheep were first introduced into the county by him. He died July 3, 1847, at his residence on the West road, aged 56 years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 297 site of the Stone Church. Some idea of the poor expenses of the town, for a series of years before the erection of a poor-house, may be learned from the fol- lowing statement : — 1 8 10. Poor money on hand, $435.31, of which" $48 stood to the credit of the county. 181 1. on hand. $522.49 1812. do 617.09 181 3. do 697.30 1814. do 749-91 1815. do 775-95 1816. do 718.49 1817. do 318-90 1818. do 326-23 1819. do 408.81 1820. do 228.04 1821. do 121.24 Notes from the Town Records. — In 1 809, 1810, 1812 and 1814, fines were voted for allowing Canada thistles to go to seed. In 18 17, Stephen Leonard and Heman Stickney were appointed a committee to confer with a committee from Martins- burgh about building a poor-house. It will be noticed that this was about ten years before one was built. In 1 830, it was proposed to build a town house, and 5^300 was voted. In 1832, a resolution was passed to apply for a law allowing S500 to be raised for a town house. William ShuU, Isaac Bailey, John Stevens, Stephen Leonard and Chester Buck were appointed to superintend the building. A petition was presented in Assembly March 15th, and referred to Messrs. Doig, Skinner and Moulton, but no further legislative action appears upon the journals. It is not improbable that the idea here presented was the same as that some twenty years afterwards of the ultimate removal of the county-seat from Martinsburgh, a measure that the citi- zens of Lowville never lost sight of, un- til it was finally accomplished in 1864. At a special meeting, July 7, 1832, the town voted $100, besides the $150 previously raised, to build a draw in the Black River bridge, to allow the steam- boat then building at Carthage, to pass. The town of Watson also aided in this improvement, which viras accomplished. In 1833, voted $150 for the Hhngworth bridge, if enough to finish it be raised by other means. This is the bridge on the road to Dayanville. In 1836, resolutions were passed ask- ing for a law to tax the town $500 an- nually for five years, to aid in rebuilding the Academy. This will be further no- ticed in our account of that institution. A committee, consisting of Chester Buck, Charles Bush, Luke Wilder, George D. Ruggles and Benjamin Davenport, was appointed under these resolutions. In 1843, the town protested against the tax in this town, for the Carthage and Lake Champlain road, and the next year, against a county tax for the Tiffany bridge, or a new County Clerk's office. In 1851, voted to borrow $1,950 from the State Treasurer, under resolution of November, 1850, to aid in building Black River bridges. This town, with Adams and Water- town, fell to the share of Nicholas Low in the division between the four pro- prietors of the Black River Tract, Aug. 5, 1796. Sketch of Nicholas Low. Nicholas Low, the fifth son of Corne- lius Low, and Margarette, his wife, was born near New Brunswick, on the Rari- tan, N. J., March 30, 1739. His grand- father Cornelius Low, was born at Kings- ton, Ulster county, in 1670, and his father Cornelius Low, in the city of New York, in March, 1700. His mother was a daughter of Isaac Gouverneur, and a descendant of Governor Jacob Leisler, of the early English Colonial period. Of his boyhood we have no trace, but it may be assumed from the position and easy circumstances of his parents, as well as from his character in after life, that he received careful training. He en- 298 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tered at an early day upon the career of a merchant, in the city of New York, where his eldest brother Isaac had made himself conspicuous. In 1786, his store was at 218 Water street. New York. Both brothers, at the commencement of the dispute between Great Britain and her colonies, embraced the American cause. Isaac Low, in 1774, was chosen by the city a member of the Committee of Public Safety, and also one of the Dele- gates of the Continental Congress of that year, having for colleagues, John Jay, John Alsop, James Duane and PhiHp Livingston, but as the quarrel became embittered, Isaac Low adhered to his allegiance to the Crown, while Nicholas cast his lot in with his countrymen,* and when the British troops entered New York, he abandoned it and only re- turned after the peace. He then re- sumed business there as a merchant, en- joying the confidence and friendship of the most eminent men of the nation — Washington, Jay, Hamilton, Gouver- neur Morris, Rufus King, the Living- stons and others. Mr. Low was alive to all the great political questions which agitated his countrymen, and taking such part as he deemed obligatory upon every good citizen, was ever averse to political life, and office he never sought. He was nevertheless sought out by his fellow citizens on occasions of moment. He was a member of the convention that adopted the Federal Constitution, and in 1788 and 1789, was in Assembly. His political sentiments were then of the Federal party, as inaugurated under the * Isaac Low withdrew to England in 1783, having been attainted and banished by an act of the Legisla- ture in 1779. He died in that country in 1791. He was one of the first members of the Chamber of Com- merce in the city of New York, and a member of the first Provincial Convention that was held, to give ex- pression to the grievances of which the Colonies com- plained. But he was in favor of reconciliation, and not of separation, and when the latter became inevitable, he adhered to the government party, and shared its mis- fortunes, as stated in the text. auspices of Washington, but he was of too independent mind and habits, ever to be a mere partizan. Late in life, Mr. Low married Alice Fleming, widow of S Fleming, and by her he had three children — Cornelius, Nicholas and Henrietta. The latter be- came the wife of Charles King, a broth- er of Governor John A. King, and at the time of his death, President of Colum- bia College, in the city of New York. In 1796, he made the purchase of the Black River Tract with others, as we have elsewhere related. He had inher- ited from his father a considerable amount of landed estate at Ballston, Saratoga county, which town, in the early part of the century, became a place of much summer resort, by reason of its medicinal springs, and Mr. Low built there, for the accommodation of this travel, a large hotel known as " Sans- Souci." When, the embargo of 1807, and war of 18 12, cut us off from the supply of manufactured goods usually received from England, Mr. Low conceived the project of a great manufactory of cotton at Ballston, and accordingly with his accustomed energy and decision of character, went to work at the enter- prise, investing very large sums him- self, and inducing friends to do likewise. For the brief period of the war, the un- dertaking was remarkably successful, but with peace came ruin to home man- ufactures, and those at Ballston did not escape the common lot. The capital in- vested was almost a total loss, and Mr. Low soon after sold all his property at Ballston, of which as a watering place moreover the glories had been echpsed by the neighboring Saratoga Springs. With declining years Mr. Low with- drew from business, occupied himself mainly with the care of his estate and in the society of his family and of attached friends, exempt, until within the last year HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE 299 or two of his life, to a remarkable degree, from bodily suffering, though with eye- sight and hearing somewhat impaired, yet with mind unclouded, he passed serenely on to death, November 15, 1826, being then in his 83d year. In personal character, Mr. Low was distinguished for sterling qualities. With a clear head, great self-reliance and independence, much observation and knowledge of men and affairs, he combined a high sense of honor, the most scrupulous integrity, and the most exact justice and truth. His yea was always yea, and his nay, nay, whatever might betide. He was a consistent member of the Episcopal church, and for many years a warden of Grace Church in the city of New York. In personal appearance he was of compact and robust frame, with a full head, broad forehead, clear, steady blue eyes, fine complexion and an expression indic- ative at once of great kindness and great firmness. His manner was courte- ous and polished, yet very direct. He was the very type of an independent, upright, honest gentlemen. Mr. Low was accustomed to visit the town annually upon business during many years. His son, Cornelius, was appointed, in 1818, agent with Mr. Bost- wick, and remained at Lowville a law partner with him until the death of his father. He died June 30, 1849, aged 54 years. Nicholas Low, the second son, died in New York in the fall of 1859. As noticed elsewhere, the Low family afforded some aid to the town by a loan to the Academy, secured by a mortgage, running indefinitely and without inter- est, so long as it remained an institution upon its then existing plan. They afford- ed also some assistance to Trinity church in the beginning, but otherwise they have left no memento deserving of no- tice beyond the name. We find the same name applied to postoffices in the States of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and conject- ure that in some, if not in all of these cases, it was borrowed from this town, which has at least priority of date, and prestige in importance. Silas Stow, the first Local Agent. Soon after the division of the Eleven Towns among the four proprietors of the Black River Tract, Mr. Low ap- pointed Silas Stow, as his agent. ■ A short account of Mr. Stow is proper in this connection. He was born in Middlefield, Connecti- cut, December 21, 1773, and was the youngest of a family of eight children. His three older brothers, Elihu, Obed and Joshua, were all in the Revolution, and his father, a zealous patriot, rendered all the material aid that could be spared from his farm, and from principle, re- ceived continental money at par for everything he had to sell for the army. He was a farmer in very moderate cir- cumstances. His wife was a woman of remarkable energy and devotion to the interests of her family. Mr. Stow was often heard to speak of her with tender- ness and respect, and to her were her children largely indebted for whatever distmction they afterwards acquired. He received only a common school edu- cation, and his further acquirements were due to his mother's care and his own enthusiasm. He studied law at Middletown, but before settling in prac- tice, became concerned in the agency of Leyden, and in 1797 was appointed by Low, agent for his towns on the Black River Tract. He came on with the first settlers, and on the 26th of July, 1801, he married Mary Ruggles, of Boston, a sister of General George D. Ruggles, formerly of this town. We will relate an incident of the courtship and mar- riage of Mr. Stow, of which there can 300 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. be no doubt, as we have it in part from those who knew the circumstances, and partly from his own diary. Before coming into the county he had become acquainted with Miss Ruggles, of Boston, and had agreed to marry, but during his absence in the Black River country, she changed her mind, and without giving him notice, married a Doctor Dix. In his diary at Lowville, June 17, 1790, is the following entry : — " This day is one year since 1 heard of M. Ruggles' marriage, and I have de- voted it to serious reflection and prayer. For three days after the news, I felt in- describable distress, but since that I have thought of it with a kind of solemn satisfaction. I consider it as one of the many evident manifestations of a Divine Providence, which I have witnessed, and an additional proof of what I have long beheved, viz: — that infidelity in love is always punished in this Hfe. This day I have received a letter from Daniel Hirshaw, announcing Dix's death, after flying from his wife and treating her with the greatest abuse. If this should ever fall into the hands of any person but myself, he may know that the writer beheved that there is a God mindful of the affairs of men." The mention of the death of Dr. Dix, in the above extract, anticipates some- what the thread of the narrative which we will now resume : — The course of love did not run smooth with Mr. and Mrs. Dix— in fact, he at once abandoned her, and she lost all trace of his whereabouts. But meeting a sea-captain of her acquaintance, one day, he told her that her husband was living at the Island of St. Thomas, in the West Indies. She took passage in his vessel for that place, and almost the first person she met upon landing, was her husband. He affected pleasure at meet- ing her, but as they were passing along, he entered a building under pretext of business, and left her standing in the street. This was the last she ever saw of him, and search being unavailing, she returned to Boston. On the loth and nth of August, 1799, following, we find notice of his meeting Mrs. Dix, in Boston, and this time we may presume, the " indescribable dis- tress " was on her side. About two years after this he married her, as above mentioned, but their married life was not a happy one — his habits having got the better of his judgment, long before the end ; and at a time when, under the influence of liquor, he was overheard to say, " I married you to punish you." He was sometimes, when intoxicated, even abusive, and seemed to watch for oppor- tunities to humble her feelings in the presence of others. Mr. Stow was appointed a Judge of Oneida county, January 28, 1801, and was elected to the Twelfth Congress, (i8ii-'i3) from the tenth district, by the Federal party. Following the principles they advocated, he spoke and voted against the declaration of war with Great Britain. In 1814-15, he held the office of Sheriff, and from 181 5 to 1823, that of First Judge of Lewis county. Although educated to the law, he never practiced at the Bar, but was regarded as a sound and judicious lawyer, and a man of great native talent. He was succeeded in the agency by Miller, in 1802, and an un- fortunate land purchase in Malta (Lor- raine) resulted in a pecuniary disaster, from which he never recovered. He died January 19, 1827, at the house of Lemuel Wood, aged 54 years. His re- mains are buried in the old town grave- yard, on the East road, opposite the vil- lage of Lowville. where a humble head- stone marks the place of his rest. Judge Stow had three sons, Alexan- der W., Marcellus K., and Horatio J., all born in Lowville, and men of much talent. They were all of them educated at the Lowville Academy, but did not, we believe, receive a collegiate education. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 301 Alexander W. Stow was a brilliant but erratic genius, and when quite a young man, without the knowledge, much less the aid of his family, made a tour through Europe. He had been absent a year from home without any knowledge as to his "whereabouts," when one day there came by mail a letter covered with strange foreign marks, that had been started at Rome, in Italy. After his return, he studied law, and his fine personal address and distinguished tal- ents enabled him to attain a high posi- tion as a lawyer. He settled in Roch- ester, and in 1841, in Wisconsin, while it was still a Territor}', and was for some years Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of that State. He died at Mil- waukee, September 14, 1854. Horatio J. Stow settled as a lawyer in Buffalo. He was a man of distin- guished talent, and was for several years Recorder of that city, in which position he displayed judicial talents of a high order. He was an influential member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1846, and in 1857, was elected to the State Senate, in which office he died at Clifton Springs, February 19, 1859. During several of the later years of his life, he resided at Lewiston, where he was engaged extensively in farming. Marcellus K. Stow settled at Fond- du-Lac, Wis., where he was engaged in merchandise. If we are rightly informed, he is not now living. Some anecdotes are related of Silas Stow, that may tend to illustrate some points in his character : — He had a strong antipathy against hunters ; and as a resolution was about to be adopted in town meeting, giving a bounty for the destruction of wolves, the Judge addressed the Chairman of the meeting, as follows :-- " Mr. Chairman — I am opposed to that resolution ; if it is adopted, there will be a great increase in the number of hunters. Sir, I do not know which is the worst, — a hunter or a wolf." Of a citizen of Lowville, who expend, ed all he could earn, and more than he could afford, upon any ornamental thing that he came across, he said : — " If that man had made the world, instead of God Almighty, he would have peopled it W\t\\ peacocks, m%X.Qdidi oi rational human beings." The Judge seldom attended religious meetings, but one Sunday he attended Parson Kimball's meeting. The minis- ter had a habit of saying trite things, and then raising his spectacles to his forehead, would repeat them in a way intended to be very impressive. On the Sunday in question, as the con- gregation were dispersing, the parson, in passing through the crowd in the porch, said in a patronizing way to the Judge, " How do you do. Judge Stow? am glad to see you at church — don't often have the privilege," etc. The Judge, a little intoxicated, and nettled at having attention thus drawn upon him, said, " Parson Kimball, I Hke to hear you preach occasionally, but want to ask you a question. It's this : ' When you've said a d d foolish thing, what the d 1 do you want to repeat it for?'" Local Titles and Surveys. On the 2othof April, 1798, Low deeded to Silas Stow, for $8,000, a tract of 4,168 acres in the central part of the town, excepting 168 acres in a square in the northwest corner. This tract has from this cause been known as Stow's Square, and may be classed among the best farm- ing lands of the county. " Number Eleven " as Lowville was called by the first settlers, was surveyed around its border, in May, 1796, by Ben- jamin Wright, who reported that " this town is very good, especially in the south 302 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. part, the soil excellent, and timber, bass, maple, beech, birch, ash, elm and butter- nut and some few hemlock. Along the river there is a fine intervale in many places, which has very fine soil, and is exceedingly handsome." He also noti- ces the swamp along the river and a medicinalspringinthe north part, "which may perhaps be of some considerable importance when properly examined." The area reported in this survey was 24,453 acres, and in another made by him in subdividing the town into lots the next year as 24,615 acres. Wright's survey of 1797, divided the town into 40 lots of from 154 to 693 acres. It was further surveyed by John Frees in 1802, J. D. Hammond in 1804, Robert Mc- Dowell* in 1808, and by others. The swamp near the river extending into Denmark (3,329 acres), was surveyed into 41 lots, of from 72 to 120 acres by Mc- Dowell in 1808. A reminiscence of this town extends back to the Revolution, and is supported by very good verbal testimony, to the effect, that a party of Tories and Indians having captured a Mrs Roseburgh and her little boy Henry, in the Mohawk set- tlements, conducted them through the woods to the High Falls. They had here left concealed a birch canoe, in which they came down the river with their prisoners till on arriving at a place above " Smith's landing," they left the river and came up to some flat rocks near the present East road and encamped. They had at this place made caches of corn, and here they spent the night. They proceeded on the next day to the Long Falls, and from thence to the Brit- ish Post on Carleton Island in the St. * Mr. McDowell was an Irishman of good education and social manners. He removed from Lowville to Waddington, St. Lawrence county, where by the failure of D. A. Ogden, he was deprived of a farm, which had been mostly paid for in surveying. He afterwards taught school many years in Madrid and Ogdensburgh, and was living at an advanced age at the latter place, in 1852, with a daughter, in whose family we believe' he died. Lawrence, where Mrs. Roseburgh a few weeks after added one to the number of the captives. Henry was adopted by the Indians, but some time after was stolen away by his relatives. The child born in captivity, afterwards married in this county Mr. Low having confirmed the title and caused the survey of this town, ap- pointed as already noticed, Silas Stow, a young man twenty-four years of age. who had previously been employed in the settlement of Leyden as his agent, and in 1797, the lands were opened for sale, A strong tide of emigration was then setting from New England, and the cen- tral and western parts of this State were being explored by small parties in quest of new homes. One of these companies from Westfield, Mass., consisting of Enoch Lee, Russell Pond, Ehud Ste- phens and Jonathan Rogers, was return- ing from a tour to the Genesee country, where it .was found sickly. At Whites- borothey met Mr. Charles C. Broadhead, who had but recently been employed in surveying lands on the Black river. He turned their attention to that region, and crossing the Mohawk, set them on a line of marked trees that led to the future homes of three of their number. Mr. Stow, the agent, was then stopping in Leyden, but spent much of his time upon Number 11, and from him Stephens took the first contract in this town, June 2, 1797, for Lot 38, at $3 per acre. Rog- ers, Pond, Daniel Kelley, Moses Waters, and perhaps others, selected land during the summer and fall of 1797, began slight clearings and put up one or two rude shanties, a little south of the lower mill, for the iamilies that were to come on in the following year. Ehud Stephens, the first contractor for actual settlement, was a grandson of * She was Mrs. Peter VanAtter. Jacob VanAtter was an ensign in the battle of Oriskany, and an early settler. His wife died, aged lOO years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 303 Thomas Stevens, who was born in De- cember, 1692, emigrated to America, and died at or near Newgate, Conn., March 20, 1752. His sons were born as follows: Thomas, November 20, 1723, died October 17, 1783; Solomon, Feb- ruary 17, 1725 ; Jonathan, March 15, 1734, died in childhood ; and Rufus, February 17, 1740, who accompanied his son to Lowville, and died June 26, 1816. The sons of Rufus Stephens were : Ehud, born Februar)'^ 17, 1771, died at Copenhagen, August 21, 1852, (his son Apollos was many years a merchant at Copenhagen, and died November 13, 1867, aged seventy-four years, — W. Hud- son Stephens, son of Apollos, is a law- yer at Lowville, — Harvey Stephens, son of Ehud, was a merchant at Martins- burgh, and an agent of the Pierrepont estate, he died April 7, 1845 Truman, born October 20, 1782, settled in Low- ville in June, 1802, and died November 24, 1868, aged eighty -seven ; Ira, born November 29, 1777, settled in Lowville in 1801, and died June 21, 1852 ; Rufus, born November 20, 1779, settled in Low- ville in June, 1802, and died January 13, 1865, aged eighty -five ; Apollos, died in infancy. His daughters were : Clarissa, married Barnabas Yale ; Ruth, married Levi Adams, of Martinsburgh ; Electa, mar- ried Preserved Finch, of Turin ; PauHna, married Heman Stickney, of Lowville, and afterwards of Turin, died June 22, 1 8 19, aged thirty-one. Each of the above named, except Jon- athan (son of Thomas) and Apollos, be- came heads of families, and their descend- ants are numerous. Ehud Stephens married Mercy, a daughter of Jonathan Rogers, of Bran- ford, Conn., who became the mother of the first white children born in Low- ville and Martinsburgh. She was born September 28, 1769, and died May 31, 1849. Mr. Stephens was appointed sheriff in 1808 and 1820, holding the office, in all, about three years. Arrival of the First Families. Early in 1798, the first families in town left their homes in Westfield, Mass., and by slow stages, found their way to the last clearing in Turin. At the High Falls they borrowed a pit- saw of the French settlers, and with the aid of such tools as they had, undertook to build a boat of sufficient size to trans- port their famihes and goods to their destination. This craft was finished in about two weeks, and ready to launch as soon as the river opened. It was flat-bottomed, about twenty-five feet long by seven wide, and might have had a capacity of two tons. It was probably the first vessel larger than a log canoe that had floated on Black river, and may have been regarded by its non-professional boat-builders, as a model of its kind. The ice broke up on the river on the 8th of April, and on the loth, they launch- ed their boat, loaded it with farming uten- sils, bedding, grain and provisions, until its sides were scarcely two inches above the water, placed upon it their families, and cast off upon the swollen river, on an untried and somewhat perilous voy- age. The passengers upon this trial trip, were Jonathan Rogers,* and his • Jonathan Rogers was a son of Jonathan, who was born December I2, 1715, and died at Westfield in March, 1805. His family consisted of : — Eli, born November 14, 1740, settled in Martins- burgh in 1802, where he died, April 12, 1849, ^ged seventy-nine, Lydia, born June I, 1747, married Frisbie. Mary, born Febinary 22, 1753, married Philemon Hoadley, of Turin. Jonathan, born March 11, 1756, married Mercy Rogers. Abigal, born November g, 1758, married Samuel Danks. Mercy, married Ehud Stephens. Captain J. Rogers, died in Lowville, April 16, 1841. He was by trade a blacksmith, but in this town chiefly devoted himself to inn keeping, and afterwards to farming. He was an exemplary member of the Pres- byterian church, and in the various relations of life was highly useful and generally esteemed. 304 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. children, Bela, Polly and Isaac; Ehud Stephens, his wife, Mercy, and his chil- dren, Clarissa, ApoUos and Harvey ; Jesse Wilcox, Philenaon Hoadley, Zebu- Ion Rogers, and Elijah and Justus Woolworth* The craft was towed into the stream by some Frenchmen, but was soon caught in a current that drew it slowly around towards the falls, against the best effort that those assisting could make, when to save themselves, they cast off the line and rowed toward their own side of the river. Four of the men seized their oars, and by hard rowing, got within reach of the bottom, when B. Rogers and J. Woolworth jumped out and swam ashore with a rope, by which the craft was towed down below the eddy, and then rowed across to the French houses opposite. A part of the load was here taken off, and they again started a little after noon. Running down upon the swollen current,they ar- rived just before sunset, at the end of their voyage, as far up the Lowville creek as they could push the boat, and not far from the place where the late Luke Wilder had for many years a brick-yard. The day was delightfidly serene, and they were borne rapidly and pleasantly along, with no effort except to keep their craft in the middle of the . stream, and no danger but from overhanging trees, by one of which, Clarissa Stephens was swept off the boat, but soon rescued. The}' landed upon a tree that had fallen across the creek and prevented further progress, but were yet half a mile dis- tant from the shanty where they were to spend the night. B. Rogers and J. Woolworth started with a gun to look up the spot, and after some time lost in finding a marked line, the rest followed on with such burdens as they could con- veniently carry, and which would be * As related by Jesse Wilcox, August, 1859. most needed for present comfort. Mean- while it grew dark, and the travelers could no longer see their route, but those who had gone on before, had kin- dled a pile of dry brush and logs, and by the sound of a horn, and the gleam of the cheerful fire, they were led to the rude but welcome shelter. A hearty supper was eaten with relish, and such as were entitled to hospitalities of the " roof " slept under it, while the rest made a couch of hemlock boughs, and lay down upon it. Their provisions and furniture were backed up the next day. They had left a number of cattle in Turin to browse in the woods, but finding the spring farther advanced here, and the leeks and wild plants up fresh and green, while the snow still lay in the woods near the falls, some of the number returned in two or three days, and drove their stock down through the woods to Lowville. Two or three trips of the boat, brought the balance of their goods, when the craft was lent and kept running a long time after in transporting the families and goods of other settlers in this and follow- ing seasons. Hoadley and the Wool- worths had settled in Turin, whither they returned. Wilcox began clearing in June, upon the place he owned till his death, on Stows Square. Mrs. J. Rogers came on the next week, and during the summer quite a number of families found their way into the town, took up land, and began improvements. The usual landing place of those who came by water, was at Hulbert's, after- wards Spafford's landing, at the spot where the road from Lowville to Wat- son, first strikes the river. The Foot Bros, have a steam feed mill at this place at the present time. Colonel John Spafford, from whom this landing was named, was a native of Connecticut, and one of the first settlers of Tinmouth, Vermont. During the HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 305 Revolution he took an active part at the head of a company of mihtia. At the taking of Ticonderoga in 1775, un- der Allen and Arnold, he assisted with his company, and was directed to join Colonel Warner, in his attempt upon Crown Point. He reached that impor- tant place before the latter, and received himself the sword of the acting com- mandant, which remained with his fami- ly at the time of his death. He died, ' March 24, 1823, at the age of 71 years. His son, Horatio Gates Spafford, was author of the first and second Gazetteers of New York — Black River Gazette. Mr. Horatio Gates Spafford resided in Waterford, and died of cholera at that place, in 1832. He never resided in this county. During the first season of settlement, Rogers raised a remarkably fine crop of turnips. From two bushels of potatoe eyes, which were planted, he raised 300 bushels. Animal Instinct — An Incident. An early incident was related to the author by the late Reuben Chase, as having been observed with wonder. Rogers brought a pair of fowls the first season, old Logan and his mate, and in due course of time a tender brood of chickens claimed a parent's care. The hen was killed by a hawk, when, with half reasoning instinct, Logan, perhaps thinking these the last of the race, as- sumed the nurse's care, clucked the half- orphan young around hmi, fed, guarded and sheltered them with the tenderness of a mother, and reared them to maturi- ty. This incident being mentioned in a conversation upon animal instinct, with a gentleman of Cincinnati, a few months ago, the latter had one still more remark- able, that had come under his own no- tice. A relative of his, living in Pots- dam, New York, owned a Brazihan monkey, which was very domestic and affectionate in its way, and always went with the maid when the chickens were to be fed. A brood was left orphans by some accident when the monkey assum- ed their care. He kept them together, and would cuddle down, and as far as could be, sheltered them. If any went astray he would take the two corners of a little shawl that he wore and throw beyond them, to haul them in. He had seen the boys play with powder, and one day having got hold of a powder horn, he strewed the contents along the floor, lit a match and ignited it. He was so badly burned that he soon died. This leads to another chicken story. A family in Leyden had a parrot that was the wonder of the neighborhood, from the faculty with which it learned, and the aptness with which it applied its learning. A hired man had used profane language in its hearing, which it began to repeat ; and to break this habit they ducked the bird in the water, mak- ing him acquainted at the same moment with the cause. A half-drowned chicken was not long after brought in and laid upon a cloth near the stove. The par- rot reasoning from its own experience as to the cause, addressed it the re- proach : — " Been swearing d — m you ! " The land books of Mr. Low, show that the following persons took up farms in this town during the first four years of its settlement : — In 1798, James Bailey, Jehoida and Nathan Page, Hulbert & Cooley, Wm. Darrow, and Moses Coffeen. In 1799, Adam F., and Jacob Snell, Benjamin Hillman, Jacob Eblie, James Craig, John Shull, Jeremy Rogers; John Bush, Daniel Porter, George Bradford, Zadock Bush, Asa Newton, James Par- sons, Richard Livingston, Zeboim Car- ter, Noah Durrin, Ebenezer Hill, Sam- uel Van Atta, James and Garret Boshart, William and Benjamin Ford, John Kitts, 3o6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Hooper Boohall, Philes & Kitts, Fisk & Searl, and James Cadwell. In 180Q, Reuben Putney, Luther Wash- burn, Aaron Coles, David Cobb, Na- thaniel Durham, Pardon Lanpher, and Francis Murphy. In 1 801, Joseph Newton, Benjamin Zice, Jesse Benjamin, Elijah Parks, Z. Plank, E. Newton, David Rice, David Wilbur, Jabez Puffer, Samuel and John Bailey, Joseph Purrinton, Nathan Row- lee, Hezekiah Wheeler, Levi Bickford, Joseph Malby, Eliphaz Searle, Calvin Merrill, A. D. Williams, Benjamin Da- venport, Daniel Porter, A. and A. Si- gourney, Mather Bosworth, Loomis J. Danks, Edward Shepherd, Zuriel Water- man, Amasa Hitchcock, Ozen Bush, Simeon Babcock,Thaddous Smith, Elijah Baldwin, Jonathan Hutchinson, Erastus Hoskins, Robert Barnett, Jesse Hitch- cock, Kent and Bull, John Delap, Na- thaniel Prentice and Lewis Gosard. The first deed to actual settlers, was issued April 12, 1798, to Daniel Kelley, for Lot 37, of 250 acres, for $650, on the same day that the deed of Stow's Square was given. As an interesting subject for comparison the following Hst of deeds given during the years 1800, "oi, '02, is given : — Name. Date Lot. Acres. Price. John Schull,. .. June 311, 1800 .. . 18 150 S460 00 Benjamin Hillman, July 1, do ... 38 300 1 Oaq'nn William Darrow,.. Aur. 20, do ■m^y 'ofifiq, Jonathan Rogers, . April 80, 1801 .." S9 418j| iM8a'( Jam..8 Bailey, ^do 'do .... 15 W^ S?0 John Bush do do .... 14 79 53? m EbenpzerHill do ^o ... 13 101 SSn AdamF Snell,.... do do . aS joo Hon Jacob Snell. \.... do do ^ Jm Sn Elijah Baldwin, .. Aug. SO, 1802. t 1™V 38? 75 Samuel Van Atta,. do do 2* 129 aS7nn NoahDurrin, \. do do ... 39 loL ??2?S Ehud Stephens.... do do ... W 239^ looon Hooper Boohall, do do .... 9 M9 gfiis Mather Bosworth, do do .. 9 187if fi«'i9 Zuriel Waterman, do do ... 4 wix SI? Among the purchasers by contract, in i8o2,.were Zenas Case, Roswell Water- man, Henry Kitts, George Jackson, Philip Shaw, Silas Weller, A. Bates, Luke Winchell, Alexander Cook, Samuel and Levi Harvey, Job Little, David Riley, Silas Saunders, Enos Scott, Noah Phelps, Eben Page, Nathan Loveland, Elijah Woolworth, Moses and William Chad wick, A. Gurney, G. Richmond and William Bates. In 1 803, the following persons received deeds: Zadock Bush, 103^ ; David Por- ter, 104; Simeon Babcock, IS4J5^; Silas Weller, 51; Joseph Newton, 102; and Jesse Hitchcock, 50. Mr. Stow hired a small piece cut off and a shanty built in 1797, and a log house, opposite the bridge, at the lower mill, in 1798. In the summer and fall of 1802, he built a house, still standing and familiar to many of our readers, on a beautifully chosen spot, a short distance south of Lowville village, and now owned by William Arthur. Among the other families from Lanes- boro, were Peter and Henry Curtis, Jehiel Rice, Lemuel Wood, and Chester Buck. James Bailey, above mentioned, was from Lebanon, Conn. He was the father of Daniel S. Bailey, long a prominent citizen of Martinsburgh. A part of his family settled in Antwerp. He settled a little north of Stow's Square, upon a farm afterwards owned by Dr. Ira Adams, and was for some years an inn-keeper. Dr. William Dari'ow, was the first physician in the north part of the town, and lived upon Stow's Square. He was from Hebron, N. Y., was a Member of Assembly in 1812, and died January 8, 18 1 5, aged 44 years. Moses Coffeen, first bought on the East road, but sold in 1804, and bought 300 acres on the West road, from whence he removed to Jefferson county and died in Rutland, July, 1835. His brothers Henry, David and William, were pio- neers in that county. Benjamin Hillman, died of paralysis, in Turin, about Oct. i, 1834. Jacob Eblie,from Montgomery county, died Dec. 15, 1857, aged 82 years. John ShuU, who was from Montgom- ery county, died March 27, 1827, aged 82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 307 years. Mrs. Abigal Shull died in Ant- werp, August 26, 1 88 1, aged 95 years. Conrad Shull, died in Lowville, May 29, 1866, aged 84 years. Richard Livingston, was from Johns- town, but was connected with the fami- lies of this town in Columbia county. He died Nov. 4, 1865, aged 92 years, 8 months. He was the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Livingston, who was born in 1743, and belonged to the regiment com- manded by his brother, Colonel James Livingston. This regiment was made up of Canada refugees, who joined the American cause and assisted in the ex- pedition under General Montgomery, against Quebec, and in various other operations in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Richard Livingston, of this town, married Mrs. Charlotte Bush, (maiden name Peck,) and their children were :-- John, born June 23, 1799, married Nancy Standring; Stephen, born August 22, 1803, married Anna Belcher, September 13, 1826; Richard Montgomery, born January 20, 1806, married Anice Humph- rey ; Henriette E., born April 3, 181 3 : Permelia, born July 17, 1815, married Otis Searl ; Margaret, born November 2, 1820, married Wilson Phelps; Ed- ward, born September ^o, 1822, married Amanda Curtiss ; Edwin (twin brother of Edward), married Adaline Stoddard.* Zeboim Carter, was from Westfield, Mass., and served as a Colonel in the War of i8i2-'i5. He died in this town April 22, 1853, aged 81 years. Ebenezer Hill was born in Ashton, Ct., being the 3d child of Captain Squier and Dorothy (Walker) Hill, and grandson of Zacheusand Molly (Squier) Hill. He removed with his father to Wales, Mass., and from there to Bowman's Creek, in Montgomery county, about four miles south of Canajoharie. In 1799, he came with his brother-in-law Noah Durrin to •Holgale's American Genealogy, page 187. Lowville. Here he married Betsey Hurlbut, daughter of Joshua Hurlbut. Noah Durrin, the second child of Oli- ver and Sarah (Ford) Durrin, was born in Litchfield county, Conn., August 25, 1774. His father died a prisoner of war on the Jersey prison ship, and he received such education as could be obtained in the common schools by a boy bound out by the town authorities ; when about fifteen years of age, he was appren- ticed to a carpenter and millwright. In 1797, he married Elizabeth Hill, and re- moved with the Hill family to Mont- gomery county, N. Y., and from there removed to Lowville. He experienced religion under the preaching of Lorenzo Dow, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, from which he with- drew and united with the Methodist Prot- estant church. His wife, Elizabeth, died Dec. 14, 1 84 1, and he married second Mrs. Hannah Pinney, Nov. 21, 1841. He died January 21, 1853. His only child Electa Durrin, was born- Oct. 8, 1799, married Adam Comstock Dec. 29, 1831, and died Dec. 10, 1836. Their only son Noah D. Comstock, was born in Lowville, Nov. 22, 1832, re- moved to Calhoun county, Mich., in 1850, thence to Indiana in 1851, and from there across the plains to California, in 1853. He returned in 1855, and settled at Arcadia, in Wisconsin, where he now resides. He has held several important count)' offices, was in the Assembly in i872-'74-'75> and '76, and was elected State Senator in 1882, as an Independent, receiving 3,224 votes against 1,711 forM. Mulligan, the opposing Republican can- didate, he being of the same political party. James and Garret Boshart, were from the Mohawk settlements in Montgome- ry county, and were the heads of two of several German families who came from that section, among whom were Shull, Eblie, Snell, Herring, Van Atta, etc. 3o8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Mr. Garret Boshart, bought the farm on the slope north of Lowville village, and his smooth,ample and neatly fenced fields were long the model for whoever might be emulous of his success in farming. He died May 4, 1845, aged 76 years. His farm still belongs to the family, and the house that he built is the present resi- dence of his son Charles H. Boshart- James the brother of Garret Boshart settled upon an adjoining farm north of the one above mentioned. Pardon Lanpher, the first settler of this name, removed from Westerly, R. I., in 1797, to Whitestown, and from thence to Lowville in March, 1800. He died Feb. 27, 1827, aged 82 years. He settled on the road between the Number Three road and the West road, still locally known as " Lanpher Street." His son of the same name, died Dec. 31, 1 88 1, aged 93 years. Abel Lanpher, a cousin of the latter was living a few months since, and we believe still, aged 94 years. Mather Bosworth, was from West- moreland, and died May 17, 1850, aged 84 years. He resided upon Stow's Square. Fenner Bosworth, a son, died in Lowville village, about i88o, and his widow Electa, died JMarch 14, i88i,aged 86 years. Constant Bosworth, father of Mather B., died June 21, 1826, aged 80 years. David Wilbur, was from Worthing- ton, Mass., and died Dec. 27, 1829, aged 60 years. He resided upon Stow's Square. Robert Barnett, died August 13, 1828, aged 67 years. The First Birth and the First Death. The first birth in town was that of Harriet, (daughter of Ehud Stephens, and afterwards wife of Dr. James M. Stuj-devant,) which occurred February 24, 1799. The first male born in town was Samuel, son of Jonathan Rogers, June 21, 1800. The first death is believed to have been that of a child of one Cooley, but the first of an adult, was that of Aaron Hovey, a young unmarried man of Johnstown. The circumstances of his death were looked upon, at the time, as particularly shocking, and among those trained in the religious faith of the early New England settlers, it is not surpris- ing that some of them regarded it in the light of a Divine retribution. Hovey had taken up a lot on the East road, but was then at work clearing land in the upper part of the village, near the resi- dence of William R. Adams. He was reckless and profane, and a little before, upon receiving some slight injury, had intimated that he would soon have a settlement with his Maker. He went out one Sabbath morning to fell a tree, foolishly placing a round stone in the notch, on the side the tree was to fall, and to see the tree thrown off from the stump. He was struck by the rebound- ing trunk, and instantly killed. He was the first person buried in the old ceme- tery on the East road, then a lonely spot in the woods, and long since discontin- ued as a place of burial, although still owned by the town, and kept enclosed as a burial ground. The first buried in the Stow's Square cemetery, was one Barber. The first marriage intended to have happened in Lowville, was that of Lem- uel Leavenworth, of Whitestown, and Polly Rogers, in February, 1800. Through some mistake, the minister or magistrate did not arrive, and as they did not piopose to have the ceremony adjourned, they went through the " eleven-mile woods " to Turin, and got spliced there. The first marriage on Stow's Square, was that of Moses Waters and Rebecca Wilcox. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 309 Incident of Indian and Pioneer Life. A few straggling families of St. Regis Indians, occasionally stopped a short time to hunt in the vicinity of the early settlers, and for a time there were two Indian cabins on the spot where Isaac W. Bostwick built his mansion. One of these savages, named " Captain Joe," had brutally whipped his squaw one evening in a drunken fit. She escaped to Captain Rogers' house for protection, and was sent up a ladder into the garret, by Mrs. Rogers, who had then no other company but two of her children. The ladder was scarcely taken down and hid, before Joe came reeling along in quest of his victim, and was the first time deceived and sent away. He soon, however, re- turned with a torch, following a little dog, who was good on the track, and by snuffing and barking, soon convinced his master that the object of his pursuit was in the garret. The Indian sprang up and caught hold of a beam, when the woman and her children seized him by his legs, and brought him prostrate to the ground. They held him until the neighbors could be rallied, by a conch-shell, to their aid, and Joe was deprived of further power to injure until sober and penitent. On another occasion, a camp of some t%venty Indians, on the spot now occu- pied by the family of the late Morris D. Moore, became boisterous from drink, and a party came to Rogers' house, at which no man was present but Eli Kel- logg, his son-in-law. The Indians were extremely drunk and boisterous, when upon refusing to leave, they were knocked down with a club by the man, and dragged out by the woman. Traveling in the Early days of Settlement. In these primitive times, wheeled ve- hicles were little known, and had they been owned, could hardly have been used without roads. Traveling upon horseback was then a common mode of passing from place to place — the woman often seated behind the man, with her arm around his waist. If a party was to go on a visit to some distant cabin, a rude sled, drawn by oxen, and cushioned with a few bundles of straw, afforded a slow, but safe and easy mode of con- veyance, nor was the guest less welcome to the coarse fare and rustic hospitality of the bark-roofed hovel. Distinctions founded upon the possession of a few more of the conveniences of life than one's neighbors were unknown, and the privations of the present, were relieved by bright anticipations of the future. In the second summer of the settle- ment. Captain Rogers went to the Salt Springs, now Syracuse, for salt, of which he procured a load, and brought it to near Dexter by water, from whence it was drawn to Lowville on a dray made of a crotched limb of a tree. Fish and game were easily procured, and about 1805, two men from Lowville went over to Crystal creek, caught each a hundred pounds of fish, and returned the same day. Sixteen years after, an enormous moose was shot in this town, by a lad twelve years of age. His skin was pre- pared, and exhibited more than thirty years in the Albany museum. First Roads. The road as first opened, about 1799, to Turin, was through what was termed the "eleven-mile wood." The first road northward was the East road, which was probably run out the same year. In September, Stow hired Joseph Crary, of Denmark, to survey out a line to Town- ship 3 (Rutland), which has ever since been known as the "Number Three road." John Bush, Peter Swinburne, and Silas Weller, were first settlers on this road. The West road was laid out 310 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. about 1 80 1 or 1802, and runs from the north hne of Turin, and not far from the foot of Tug Hill, through the richest and fairest part of the county, to Copenhagen and beyond, but in the northern part under another name. The street leading from Lowville to " New Boston," (so called,) was settled west of the West road, about i8os-'o6, by Roswell Waterman, Nathaniel De- ment, Malachi Putnam, Sacket and Alvin Dodge, and about a dozen others in Harrisburgh. It is said that at the time of the war, there were about seventy men on this street in the two towns liable to military duty, but not a single family of these first settlers resided there twen- ty years ago. The State road from Low- ville to Henderson Harbor, was after- wards located on this road. Settlement upon Stow's Square. The first settlement upon Stow's Square, was begun in the fall of 1797, by Moses Waters, who came on with a back load of provisions, and stayed while this lasted cutting off in this time a small clear- ing. Jesse and Roswell Wilcox, Charles and Billa Davenport,Dr. WiUiam Darrow, Daniel Porter, Joel and William Bates, Isaac Perry, Jacob Apley, Fortunatus and Mayhew Bassett, James Bailey and Absalom Williams, were among the first settlers of Stow's Square. A store, church, inn and postoffice, subsequently gave the settlement upon the State road within this tract some claims to the ap- pellation of a village, but the loss of all these, has occasioned the locality to be regarded as only a thickly settled farm- ing neighborhood. Some notice of these pioneer families properly belongs to the history of the early settlement of this town. Jesse and Roswell Wilcox, were broth- ers, sons of Adam and Esther Wilcox. Going back another generation, it is found that Adam was the son of Joseph and Rebecca Wilcox. Adam was born April I, 1734, and Esther (Post), Feb. 22, 1739. The children of this family were : Reuben, born Sept. 20, 1764, died March 25, 1770; Elisha, born Oct. 2, 1768, died in Ley den; Rebecca, born Sept. 1770, (Mrs. Moses Waters); Jesse, born June 8, 1774, died in Stow's Square in recent years, at an advanced age — he was the father of David Waters, late of Low- ville, who died Dec. 10,1880, aged 77; Roswell, born June 22, 1778, died Oct. 1,1851. The family came from Killing- worth, Connecticut. The Davenports of this town are de- scendants of Thomas D., who settled at Dorchester about 1640, and died, Nov. 9, 1685. His third son, Jonathan (born, March 6, 1658, and died, Dec. i, 1680), had seven sons, the youngest of whom named Benjamin, was the father of the emigrants named in the text. He was born Oct. 6, 1698, and died about 1785, at Spencertown, N. Y. His family con- sisted of four sons and three daughters, viz : — Samuel, who died in Sheffield, Con- necticut ; Hannah, who married House ; Billa, who settled in this town, and had two sons and four daughters — John the eldest son, settled in Delaware county, and gave name to the town of Davenport, he died wealthy — Billa set- tled in this town ; Charles, born April 15, 1 75 1, married Elizabeth Taylor in 1778, and died, Dec. 12, 18 12. [His chil- dren were, Benjamin, born Nov. 15, 1778, died in Turin, Feb. 19, i860, Ira, born May 9, 1787, died May 19, 1819, Sally, born Nov. 7, 1782, died , Betsey, born Nov. 17, 1791, Charles, born Oct. 23, 1784, married May, 1814, to Anna Cole, died July 28, 1855, Alexander, born Oct. 25, 1780, died Jan. 20, 185 1, Roxanna, born Aug. i, 1796, mari-ied Rev. J. Blodget, Ashley, born Feb. 11, 1794, removed to Copenhagen in 1825, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 311 and died there Feb. 10, 1874, aged 80 years;] John B., born Feb. 18, 1798, died in Indiana in 1819; Jonathan, married a Culver ; Sally, married a Clark ; Zer- phiah, married a Bliss. Captain Isaac Perry, was originally from Rhode Island, but had settled in Hancock, Mass., from whence he re- moved to Granville, Washington county, then to Palmerstown, (now Northum- berland), Saratoga county, thence to Westmoreland, Oneida county ,and finally to Lowville, where he arrived June, 1799. He settled upon a farm a little south of Stovv's Square, upon a line of road which was afterwards removed further east- ward, to avoid the hills, in going towards Lowville village, having the year pre- vious located land. One of his daugh- ters married Fortunatus Eager, the first merchant ; another a Buell ; another Isaac W. Bostwick. He had served in the Revolution, and was related to Com- modore Perry. His death occurred November 19, 1840, at the age of 81 years. In the legal controversy resulting in the defeat of the trustees of the Lowville Academy in attempting to hold the be- quest intended to be given them by Mrs. Hannah Bostwick, her heirs at law, con- stituting the living descendants of Cap- tain Isaac Perry, acquired the propert}^ and the official record of these proceed- ings would show their names and resi- dences at a recent date. The Bassetts we believe were origi- nally from Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and the two of this name above men- tioned were brothers. They came from Montgomery county to Lowville. The First Mills. In. 1 798, Daniel Kelley built a saw-mill, on the south side of the creek, in Low- ville village, just below the present bridge, and his first log hut built the same year, stood against a huge boulder, adjacent. A grist-mill was raised the next year, with the aid of settlers sum- moned from all the country around, and got in operation September 22, 1799. Its stones were dressed from a boulder of gneiss rock by James Parker, the well known mill-stone maker of Watertown, and the gearing was done by Noah Dur- rin and Ebenezer Hill, millwrights. It is noted by Mr. Stow that this mill, on the 24th of October, about a month after its completion, had ground two bushels of wheat well, in seventeen minutes. Previous to this, milling had been ob- tained at Whitestown and sometimes in Turin, the boys being generally detailed for this service. A day was usually con- sumed in going to Turin and returning, and the sun never went down on their way home, if the young pioneers could prevent it by a forced march through the obscure bridle path, for there were stories of wolves and bears in the woods, that still covered the whole of what is now the town of Martmsburgh, and it was not a good thing to miss the path in the dark, or to wander and get lost in the woods. The lower mill in Lowville, a large gambrel-roofed building, that stood on the site of the mill now owned by Rea & Mills, was first built by Stow about 1810. In 1803 or 1804, John and Ozem Bush built a saw-mill on Sulphur Spring creek, near the Number Three road, which they sold to Solomon King, who erected the first grist-mill at that place. As the name of Daniel. Kelley is asso- ciated with the beginning of settlement in Lowville, a notice of this pioneer and his family is entitled to a place in this connection. He was born in Norwich, Conn., No- vember 27, 1755, and was the son of Daniel and Abigail Kelley. He married Jemima Stow, a sister of Silas Stow, 312 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. June 28, 1787, at Middletown, Conn., and from this marriage there were six sons, viz : Datus, Alfred, Irad, Joseph R., Thomas M., and Daniel. By trade he was a clothier, although he did not en- gage in this business in Lowville. They removed from Middletown to Lowville in the winter of i798-'99, and arrived at a time when there were but two families in town, viz : those of Ira Stephens and Jonathan Rogers. He built a rude log-house, against the side of a large granite boulder, on the south side of the mill-stream, a little west of the location of the present village bridge,and resided there the first two or three years. He purchased the farm afterwards known as the Henry farm, now owned by Will- iam Arthur, and sold to Silas Stow. He built and occupied the large framed house, since known as the Henry House, but for many years past owned by Charles H. Curtiss, the present occupant. His grist-mill was located nearly on the site of Morrison's grist-mill, the present building having been erected by Stephen Leonard. Judge Kelley was one of the first trustees, and an active friend of the Lowville Academy, and we believe for a time, President of the Board of Trus- tees. He was the first Judge of the County Court of Common Pleas. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1814, where he became Postmaster and Coun- ty Treasurer, and died there August 7, 1 83 1, aged j6 years. His wife possessed in full degree, the extraordinary mental and physical vigor that characterized the Stow family. Her various excel- lences of character were long remem- bered by the older inhabitants with affection and gratitude. She was an in- telligent and skillful nurse, and an ex- cellent midwife, freely bestowing her time and services, wherever they could be given, without fee or reward. Datus Kelley, the oldest son, became wealthy, and was the proprietor of Kel- ley's Island in Lake Erie, where he died June 24, 1866, aged "jj years. Alfred Kelley, the second oldest son, resided at Columbus, Ohio, where he died December 2, 1870. He was among the most distinguished and valued citi- zens of Ohio, and perhaps rendered the State more valuable service than any one who had before lived in it. He re- moved to Ohio in 18 10, and opened a law office in Cleveland. His command- ing talents soon brought him into the public service and for twenty-one years he was a member of one or the other Houses of the Legislature, where he had few equals and no superiors. He origi- nated the laws for constructing the State canals and some of the first railroads, as also various revenue and tax laws, and an excellent banking system. For the period of ten years, and during the construction of the Ohio canals, he was Acting Canal Commissioner, and the moving spirit of the enterprise. He was afterwards, and at the same time, Presi- dent of the three most important and successful railroads in that State, and for eleven years, covering the period of their construction, he was their act- ing and principal financier. His posi- tion in the history of the State of Ohio, may be justly compared with that of Governor DeWitt Clinton, in connec- tion with the canals of New York. Irad and Thomas M. Kelley became wealthy citizens in Cleveland, and the latter President of the Merchant's Bank. He became Judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas, and was for several sessions a member of the Ohio Legislature. We find the following incident of his life in Lowville, recorded -in Judge Stow's Diary, under date of May 20, 1799 '■ — " At Kelley's, his child Thomas fell into his saw-mill pond, and la^y there, as near as we could judge, at least a quar- ter of an hour. Every appearance of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 313 life and heat was gone. After much pains we restored him to life. He lay floating on the pond." The Successors of Mr. Stow in the Land Agency. Mr. Stow was succeeded in the agency of this town by Morris S. Miller, about 1802. Mr. Miller had been the private secretary of Governor Jay, and married a Miss Bleecker of Albany. He removed from Lowville to Utica, where he resid- ed till his death, November 16, 1824, aged 44 years. He was a member of the 13th Congress, and held the office of First Judge of Oneida county, from 1 8 10 till his death. He was a gentleman of fine manners and extensive acquire- ments, but his brief residence in this section scarcely allowed him to become generally known to our citizens, and there is probably no person now living who had any personal acquaintance with him while a citizen of this town. His son, Rutger B. Miller, was a well- known lawyer of Utica. Mr. Miller was succeeded by Isaac W. Bostwick in 1806, and the latter re- mained in this station till near the end of his life, the business of the proprietor being then almost entirely closed up. Isaac Welton Bostwick, a son of An- drew Bostwick, was born in Water- town, Connecticut, March 6, 1776, and in early childhood removed with his parents to New York City, but in two or three years returned to his native place. After attending several years a school taught by Mr. Punderson, he re- moved with the family to Roxbury, and in a school taught by the Rev. Mr. Can- field, prepared for the high school at Williamstown. After two or three years attendance at the latter, he under- took his own support by teaching, at first in a public school in South East, and afterwards as a private tutor in the family of Mr. Livingston, of Pough- keepsie. He here became acquainted with a brother of Judge Jonas Piatt of Whites- town, who induced him to remove in 1797, to Oneida county, where he en- tered the office of Piatt & Breese, and in 1 801, he was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court, having for a short time previous served as Deputy County Clerk under Mr. Piatt. In 1804, he re- moved to Turin, and began the practice of the law, residing two years in the family of Judge Collins, and in 1806, he came to Lowville, the scene of his fu- ture career, with no resource but his profession and a steady reliance upon his own energy. He became Low's agent in Lowville, Harrison's in Harris- burgh and Denmark, and Pierrepont's in Martinsburgh, in which he earned the implicit confidence of his employers. A notice of Mr. Bostwick occurs in the diary of James Constable, under the date of August 7, 1806, which indicates the impression made at that period up- on Messrs. Constable and Pierrepont : — " During the last evening and this morning, we had much conversation with Mr. Bostwick, the agent of Messrs. Low and Harrison in this quarter. He appeared to be a very intelligent, well- informed young man, and very suitable for an agent. He showed us the instru- ments used for Mr. Low, which we thought well of, and should at once adopt, but our rule hitherto invariable of requiring part of the payment down, is not contemplated, and we therefore reserve our determination." These landholders on their return, August 23d, from the St. Lawrence country, further remark : — " Renewed our conversation with Mr. Bostwick, respecting the agency of Town No. 4, which he now showed, as well as formerly, a great desire to un- dertake, but the commission which we proposed, of 4^ p. c. for collecting and remitting he thought too low, and dur- 314 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ing the day it appeared as if he would give it up, stating that it was a lower rate than had yet been given in the country, and would be no object to him. Our answer was, that if the rate was lower the produce would be greater, as a considerable part of the town would soon sell at $6 per acre, and 4}^ p. c. on that price would be much better than 5 or 7 at $3, at which most of the preced- ing agents had sold, but he did not agree, though he could not reply to such reas- oning. He spoke at large of the labors and difficulty in such business, a subject so familiar to us, that we soon convinc- ed him the commission was a full com- pensation. The subject dropped for the day without coming to. an agreement. " 24TH. — Next morning early we pre- pared a letter to him, in which the commission was the same as verbally, and after a few words he declared him- self perfectly satisfied, and that he would exert himself to the utmost for our interest. We enjoined upon him as one of his first measures, to acquire a personal knowledge of each lot in town, which he promised to do: and recommended him to be mild and con- ciliatory with the settlers, as they were apt to be apprehensive of an agent of the legal profession. He had before dis- claimed all idea of making money as a lawyer, through his situation as an agent, and said he had so expressed himself to Mr. Low and Mr. Harrison, when they employed him ; and to prove his aver- sion to harrassing settlers, he told us several anecdotes of his having on his own account, bought in their property at low prices, and delivered it to them. We proposed to him to accompany us to the township, which he accordmgly did, and we introduced him to such of the settlers as were there, being nearly the whole, informing them that he had full powers as agent ; that the price of $7, for lots on the road, and those of the first quality in that quarter of the town, and $6 for the remainder ; the credit, five years for the first payment, interest on the whole to be paid in one year, one- quarter of the principal with the inter- est in two years, the same in three years the same in four years, and the same in five. They appeared to be well satis- fied, and we left them." We have extended this quotation for the double purpose of embracing the facts, and of showing the busines_s habits of the parties. He continued Pierre- pont's agent until 1834, for No. 4, and part of No. 5. Mr. Bostwick's subse- quent life vindicated the sincerity of the intentions, thus early declared, of mildness towards settlers, and his uni- formly kind and conciliatory manners, have endeared his memory to multitudes in the towns of Lowville, Harrisburgh, Denmark, Adams, and Watertown, which were mostlv sold and settled under his agency. Although he continued the practice of law many years, his land agencies occupied a large part of his time, and after having been in partnership at dif- ferent times with Ela Collins, Samuel A. Talcott, Cornelius Low and Russell Parish, he finally withdrew from the profession altogether, and devoted his entire care to his own ample estate, and his land agencies. He was appointed Surrogate upon the organization of the county, and held this office ten years. On the 29th of Sep- tember, 1812, he was married to Miss Hannah Perry, daughter of Captain Isaac Perry, a pioneer settler. She was born in Palmertown, now Northumber- land, Saratoga county, and died in Low- ville September 13, 1866, aged seventy- one years. Mr. Bostwick was several years Pres- ident of the Lewis County Bank, and first president of the Bank of Lowville. Having held the office of Trustee of the Lowville Academy many years, he was elected their President in 1840, and con- tinued in that station till his death, ever taking a deep interest in its welfare, and finally leaving to its library a munificent addition to its literary treasures. He was an active and consistent member of the Presbyterian society and church, liberal in all matters of public improve- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 315 ment, prompt, energetic and efficient in j business, and of integrity without stain | and above reproach. He died at Low- j ville, January 3, 1857, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, universally respected for his great moral worth. Mr. Bostwick resigned the agency of the Low estate in 1854, and was suc- ceeded by Russell Parish, who lived but a few months after. It then was given to Nathaniel B. Sylvester, then of Low- ville, but now a lawyer in Troy. At present there is probably nothing left to care for by an agent, as the whole of the town was taken up and the lands paid for years ago. Mr. Bostwick stated frequently with great satisfaction, that he had remitted to the proprietor more than five times the amount of the original purchase money, and that he left contracts exceeding the said original sum. This is to be remarked alike to the credit of proprietor, agents and set- tlers, that in the large amount of busi- ness transactions between them, no occa- sion arose for an appeal to the courts of law. The Beginning of Business in lowville. Early Inhabitants. The building of Mr. Kelley's mills, the erection of an inn by Jonathan Rogers, and a store by Fortunatus Eager, deter- mined the location of Low ville village, which sprang up mostly on the farm of Rogers, who cleared the site of its na- tive growth of timber. The first framed building in the vil- lage, was the house of Captain Rogers, and the second was Eager's store. The second inn was built about 1805, by Pre- served Finch, in the upper part of the village, and was kept by Daniel Gould, and afterwards by Melancthon W. Welles. The village of Lowville early became a prominent point in the county, from its academy, the spirited efforts of its merchants, and the location of several influential citizens within the first fifteen years of its settlement. This early pres- tige has been maintained, and while Lowville village is the only one in town, it is the largest in the county, and affords to the man of business or of leisure, one of the most eligible places of residence in Northern New York. Notice of Some of The Earlier Cit- izens OF Lowville, Engaged in Business or Professional Duties. Subsequent to the settlement of Eager and Card, already noticed, James H., and Stephen Leonard came to reside in the village, and during many years conduct- ed an extensive business. The Leonard families of this town emigrated from West Springfield, Mass., and are descendants of John Leonard, who settled in Springfield in 1639. Abel and Josiah, probably sons of John, set- tled on the west side of the river, in 1660, and died in 1688 and 1690. James and Henry Leonard, sons of Thomas, and supposed to be related to these, removed from England before 1642, and built the first forge in America, at Taunton, Mass., in 1652. — Mass. Hist, Coll., I., Series Hi., I JO. The descendants of the latter were re- markable for a kind of hereditary at- tachment to the iron business, which led to the remark that " where you can find iron works, there you will find a Leon- ard." The name is somewhat common in New England, and in 1826, twenty -eight had graduated in the colleges of that sec- tion, of whom twelve were of Harvard. The first emigrants of this name to the Black River country were sons of Elias and Phineas, sons of Moses Leonard. The sons of Elias Leonard were James 3i6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. H., Rodney, Loren and Francis Leonard, and those of Phineas Leonard were Stephen, Chauncey, Phineas and Reu- ben. James Harvey Leonard was born at West Springfield, September 22, 1780, and first visited Lowville, in 1804, with Stephen Leonard. They came on horse- back from Skaneateles, where they had been employed as clerks, with the inten- tion of settling, and crossed from Rome to Talcott's. The roads were so rough and the settlements so rude, that they began to have serious doubts about find- ing a place that offered inducements, but as they reached the brow of the hill overlooking Lowville, the neat newly painted mansion of Judge Stow, and the thrifty settlement beyond, gave a cheer- ful aspect to the spot and determined their future course. They were on their way to Chaumont, but did not get nearer that place than Bi-ownville,and returned through Redfield. J. H. Leonard began business in Lowville, September, 1804, and in January, 1805, was joined by Stephen Leonard. Before this they had leased four acres, at what is now the city of Auburn, for 100 years, at $4 per acre, and James H. Leonard had leased 50 acres, at $5, for 30 years. The latter lease failed from a refusal of Harden- burgh, the proprietor, to execute the papers, and the former was sold for $150 before a payment was made. James H. Leonard continued in the firm of J. H. & S. Leonard, just a quarter of a cent- ury, and remained in business here till his removal, in 1839, except one or two years at Skaneateles. This firm became widely known throughout northern New York. Theysupplied rations to the troops passing through the country, and in em- bargo times were largely engaged with business connections in Canada. They held during the war, a contract for sup- plying 40,000 gallons of whiskey for the navy, and owned one-half of a hke con- tract of Allen & Canfield, making 60,000 gallons, at $1 per gallon, to be delivered at Sackett's Harbor. A change in the movements of the fleet, occasioned a transfer to New York, where most of it was finally delivered. Mr. James H. Leonard was public spirited and benevolent, and was always among the foremost in every measure of public utility. He was an original trus- tee of the Academy, and an elder in the Presbyterian church until his removal from the county in 1839. ^^ ^^s also postmaster at Lowville, many years. He became deeply interested in the culture of the mulberry for silk, after his re- moval, and died at Syracuse, March 14, 1845. His remains were interred at Low- ville. Mr. Leonard, in May, 1805, mar- ried Mary, sister of Russell Parish, who died in Lowville, May 19, 1871, aged 86 years. His brother Rodney, died in West Martinsburgh, August 13, 1852, and brother Loren, in Lowville. Francis Leonard, the youngest brother, lived in Brooklyn, where he died February 28, 1875, aged 82 years. Cornelius P. Leon- ard, was many years cashier of the old Bank of Lowville, and died October 17, 1863, aged 50 years. James L. Leonard, former president of the Bank of Low- ville, and Francis K. Leonard, of Low- ville, were sons of James H. Leonard. Stephen Leonard settled in Lowville, early in 1805, and with the exception of a short interval, was engaged in mercan- tile business. As one of the firm of J. H. & S. Leonard, he was largely concerned in the manufacture of spirits, potash, &c., in milling, and in the trade in live stock, incident to the former. The first dis- tiller)' in Lowville, was begun by this firm, in the fall of 1804, and the last one in the county, which had belonged to them, was burned February 16, 1842. He was many years trustee of the Academy, an original trustee of the Presbyterian society of the village, and HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 317 for a long period treasurer of the Lewis County Bible Society. He married a daughter of General W. Martin, of Mar- tinsburgh, and died May 13, 1869, aged 86 years.* Samuel Austin Talcott was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1790, graduated at Williams college in 1809, studied law, in part, with Thomas R. Gold, and came to Lowville in 181 2, where he entered into a law partnership with Bostwick, and re- mained three or four years. He then removed to Utica, and his politics be- coming favorable to the then Republi- can party, he was appointed Feb. 12, 1 82 1, to the office of Attorney General, which he held eight years. He died in New York March 19, 1836, the admira- tion and sorrow of his friends. Few men in our country have evinced more brilliant talents, a clearer perception of the great principles of law, or a more powerful and convincing eloquence than Mr. Talcott. His career was an im- pressive warning to those who appre- hend no peril from the wine-cup. Fortunatiis Eager was from Lunen- burg, Vt., and came the second or third year of the settlement. After trading about three years, he became a partner of William Card, and for several years he carried on the manufacture of potash quite extensively, thus aiding the settlers to means for paying for their lands. He went to Canada, near Brockville, in 1809, where he died. Mr. Card was a nephew of Rev. Peleg Card, an early Baptist min- ister, and died in Greenbush. Major Melancthon Woolsey Welles was born in Stamford, Conn., Dec. 6, 1770; was some years a merchant at Albany, and removed from Lanesboro, Mass., in 1807. In 1809, he came to Lowville where he resided till his death, Feb. 27, 1857, aged 86 years. Mr. Welles was a *Chauncey Leonard, brother of Stephen Leonard, died in Pennsylvania. Phineas, another brother, resid- ed in Denmark until his death, March 25, 1870, aged 74 and Reuben died in Brantford, Upper Canada. son of the Rev. Noah Welles, and a de- scendant of Thomas Welles, whose son was Governor of Connecticut in 1655. He was related to the late Commodore Woolsey of Utica, and well known to the citizens of the county. From near the time of his removal to about 1830, he kept an inn at Lowville village. His dwelling was built at the time when it was hoped that the old academic build- ing might become a court-house. It is the same as that now owned by George D. Brown. Ela Collins was born in Meriden,Conn., Feb. 14, 1786, and died at Lowville, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1848. His parents were Gen. Oliver Collins and Lois Cowles. His father served seven years in the Revolutionary war as an officer in the Massachusetts troops. Soon after the close of the war he removed to Oneida county, N. Y., and purchased a fine farm, near New Hartford, upon which he re- sided until his death, Aug. 14, 1838. At the beginning of the last war with Great Britain he held the commission of Briga- dier-General and commanded during the war, the militia of Oneida, Jefferson and Lewis counties. He succeeded Gen. Jacob Brown in the command of Sack- ett's Harbor, which position he retained till near the close of the war. Ela Col- lins was educated at the Clinton Acade- my. He read law in the office of Gold & Sill, at Whitesboro, and commenced law practice at Lowville in 1807. He married Maria Clinton, daughter of the Rev. Isaac Clinton, July 11, 181 1, who died in Cincinnati, Sept. 5, 1871, aged 81 years. They had eleven children. On the 15th of March, 18 15, he was appoint- ed District Attorney for the district composed of Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, which office he held several years, until the districts were re- duced to single counties. He was then appointed to the same office for Lewis county, successively until 1840, when he 3ii HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. resigned, having held the office for 25 years. He was elected in 18 14, a mem- ber of the Assembly, and was in the Leg- islature when peace was proclaimed. He was a member of the N. Y. Constitutional Convention of 1821. In 1822 he was elected from the double district of Lewis, Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego, as a member of the i8th Congress. He was Secretary of the last Congressional caucus for the nomination of President, when WilHam H. Crawford was nomi- nated. He was for many years a trus- tee of the Lowville Academy. As a lawyer, Mr. Collins attained a high position. He was an excellent and successful advocate and criminal prose- cutor. His manner of presenting a case to a jury was clear, forcible and admira- bly fair. His speeches were always sensible, candid and to the point. And he had rare ability in presenting the questions at issue, in stating the facts, and in argument upon them. His integ- rity was unsullied, and his manners were simple, cordial and unaffected. In poli- tics he was a Republican of the school of Jefferson. For several years he voted the local Anti-Masonic ticket. He was highly respected and popular through- out the section of the State where he was known. William Collins, one of his sons, studied law with his father ; was ap- pointed District Attorney of Lewis county in 1845, '^"^ held two years, when he was elected to the 30th Con- gress. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and died there. Francis Collins, another son, entered at West Point as cadet, in 1841 ; became Second Lieutenant in the 4th Artillery July I, 1845, and First Lieutenant by brevet, " for gallant and meritorious con- duct in the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco," on the 27th of August, 1847. In the former of these he was wounded. He became First Lieutenant in September, 1847, ^-nd resigned Decem- ber II, 1850. He settled as a lawyer in Columbus, Ohio, where he died a year or two ago. The youngest son of Ela Collins was Isaac Clinton Collins, who was born in Lowville, January 2, 1824, graduated at Yale college in 1846, and settled in Cin- cinnati as a lawyer in 1848, becoming a member of the firm of Matthews, Keys & Collins, and in 1853, in the firm of Col- lins & Herron. In October, 1857, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature, and served in i858-'S9. In October, 1859, he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1873, was a can- didate for Governor on the ticket of the " Peoples' Party." After this he identi- fied himself with the Democratic party, and in 1876, was a delegate to the Na- tional Convention. He died at Cincin- nati, after a short illness, July 29, 1879. Russell Parish was born in Branford, Connecticut, Oct. 27, I789,and graduated at Yale college, in 181 3, in the same class with Professor Fisher, who was lost in the Albion, Professors Olmstead, Doug- lass and Mitchell, and Judges Badger, Longstreet and Kane, and other distin- guished persons. He was employed in November of the same year as Principal of the Lowville Academy, and in 18 14, he began the study of law with Mr. Bostwick. In due time he was admitted to the Bar, and spent the remainder of his life in Lowville, chiefly in the practice of his profession in which he was regarded as learned, judicious and able. An incident in the professional life of Mr. Parish has some degree of permanent interest. The first trial for a capital crime in the county, was that of Rachel, a serv- ant of I. W. Bostwick, for setting fire to her master's house, and was held before Judge Piatt, about 1821. The accused was about eighteen years old, and of bad temper, but as the damage had been HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 319 slight, the public sympathy in her behalf was strong. The sentiment of that day had not favored commutations or par- dons, and an execution must have un- avoidably followed conviction. The defense was conducted by Micah Ster- ling and Russell Parish, and as the trial commenced, the latter evinced an elastic buoyancy of spirit which Appeared to be unwarranted by the occasion, until it appeared upon the reading of the in- dictment a second time, that the prose- cuting attorney had accidentally omit- ed the word " inhabited " before " dwell- ing," and that the trial had reached such a stage that amendment was not admis- sible. The prisoner upon learning that she would not be hung, from abject ter- ror evinced the most extravagant joy, which met with a sympathizing response in the hearts of many present. She was subsequently tried for arson of lower degree, and died in State's prison. In 1846, Mr. Parish represented the county in the Convention for revising the Constitution. He died February 21, 1855, 'ind the Trustees of the Acade- my and members of the Bar testified their respect for his character by calling meetings to express their sympathy with his family and by attending his funeral in a body. Charles Dayan was born July 16, 1792, at Amsterdam, New York, and is a son of Charles Dayan, an Austrian emigrant, who died in 1793, leaving him an infant in charge of his widowed mother, in very indigent circumstances. He re- mained with Zachariah Peterson till fourteen years of age, and went to El- liott's Mills in Amsterdam, from whence, in August, 1809, he came to Lowville. After working at chopping, and upon Heman Stickney's oil-mill (on the site of Mr. Gowdy's tannery), he began going to school at the Academy. He was then entirely ignorant of the rudiments of learning and was placed at first in a class of small children, but by great in- dustry and the aid of a Mr. Obits, an old friend of his father in Germany, he made such rapid progress that in a few months he was able to engage a school in Rutland. He taught four winters in the same district at a monthly price of twenty bushels of wheat, which he sold at $2 per bushel. He entered Bostwick's law office in 18 16, and in 18 19, was ad- mitted to practice. From this time, till within a few years, he has been actively engaged in his prof es- sionat Lowville, except when withdrawn by the duties of the public offices to which he has been elected, having been at dif- ferent times in partnership with Edmund Henry, Hiram Carpenter, Russell Par- ish and Ziba Knox. In 1820, Mr. Dayan was appointed by LeRay and the Brown family, an agent for settling certain lands east of the river, and he con- tinued agent of the former until 1833. In 1826, he was elected to the State Senate to serve out the unexpired term of two years, occasioned by the resigna- tion of George Brayton, and in the extra session, convened in the fall of 1828, to adopt the Revised Statutes, he was elect- ed October 7th, President pro. tern, of the Senate. As the office of Governor was then filled by Pitcher, elected as Lieu- tenant Governor, Mr. Dayton became charged with the duties of the latter office. He presided over the Senate until its adjournment, December loth, and was virtually Lieutenant Governor till January i, 1829. On the 26th of January, 1829, he be- came a candidate for Comptroller, against Silas Wright, Jr., in the Legis- lative Republican caucus, in which Wright received 58, Dayan 26, G. B Baldwin 12, N. Pitcher 4, and G. Sudam I vote. Mr. Dayan was elected to the 22d Congress(i83i-'33)from the 20th district and in 1835, and 1836, was elected to 320 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. the Assembly upon the canal issue. Mr. Francis Seger was then in the Senate, and to these two gentlemen are we large- ly indebted for the passage of the act for constructing the Black River canal, a work, which, after more than twenty years of delay, was at length completed. On the 14th of March, 1840, Dayan was appointed District Attorney for Lewis county, and held this office five years, discharging its duties with his accus- tomed discretion and ability. Several years before his death, Mr. Dayan was compelled to retire from business from the infirmities of age, but he still re- mained in comfortable health and both intelligent and earnest in conversation when the subject turned upon the events of early years. He died December 25, 1877, at the age of 85. Paul Abbott was born in Pomfret, Conn., in May, 1783, and with his father moved into Clinton, Oneida county, in 1799. Buying his time of his father he served an apprenticeship with Mr. Joseph Blake, of Whitestown, as a tailor. He settled in Lowville in 1805, and opened a shop and kept goods in his line of business. He first lived in the Captain Rogers house, nearly opposite the Baptist church, which was the first framed dwelling-house erected in the village. He opened his shop in a small building on the south corner of his lot opposite the Academy grounds. He erected the brick house, afterwards the residence of the Knox family, and it was the second brick house erected in the village. Captain Rogers having built the first one on Shady Avenue, on the site of the present residence of Mrs. John Doig. He had the walls of the house up and was busy putting on the roof timbers when he received the call sum- moning him with his command of troops to go to Sackett's Harbor to assist in repelling the expected invasion of the British troops. Leaving the building unfinished, and a sick wife and young- babe, he obeyed the summons, and was gone from his home almost two months. He was Chairman of the Building Com- mittee of the old Academy, and in the discharge of his duties as such, he caught the cold that finally caused his death, in 1831. The State gave to the Academy 640' acres of land, in the town of Canton, St. Lawrence county, to aid in the erection of the building which he purchased of the Trustees. He was for many years a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academy, and was, at the time of his death, one of the deacons of the Presbyterian church. He died greatly esteemed and lamented. Ziba Knox, for several years a law partner of Dayan, w^as a native of Ver- mont. He came to Lowville about 1817, acquired his profession, and resided at this place, employed in legal practice and as a magistrate, until his death, which occurred September 6, 1868, at the age of 71 years. He was many years a Trustee of the Lowville Acade- my, and deserved the esteem in which he was generally held. Vivaldi R. Martin, a native of Sarato- ga county, settled in Martinsburgh as a lawyer, from whence he removed to Lowville. He died August 8, 1850, aged 31 years. His brief career was brilliant and honorable. Possessing talents of a high order, fine oratorical powers and a thorough education, he would have adorned the highest station of public trust had his life been spared to the full term of human life. Dr. David Perry was born in Prince- ton, Massachusetts, September 13, 1775, studied medicine with Dr. Westel Wil- loughby of Newport, New York, and settled in Denmark in August, 1806. In September, 1808, he married Miss Nancy Hulburt of Holland Patent, who died in November, 1812. In April, 1809, he settled in Lowville, (the first two years HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 321 in company with Dr. Samuel Allen) and continued in the practice of medicine un- til November, i858,when, in consequence "of a paralytic attack, he was deprived of further means of usefulness in the pro- fession in which he had been eminently successful. Although stricken, and ren- dered helpless, he survived until Au- gust 31, 1863, when he died in Rutland, at the age of 83 years. His first wife died in November, 1812. The Rev. Isaac Clinton preached the funeral sermon from Thessalonians, 4: 13, which was printed in pamphlet form. Dr. Perry was greatly respected by his professional brethren for the sound- ness of his judgement and the acuteness of his preception with regard to disease, and they uniformly regarded his diag- nosis and treatment as eminently gov- erned by a clear mind and an intelligent understanding. He evinced a great fondness for rural pursuits, and in the intervals of an ex- tensive practice, found time to devote much attention to his orchard and gar- den, which were celebrated for the ex- tent and variety of their productions and the precise order in which every thing was kept. His orchard contained about seventy varieties of fruit. His place in Lowville village is now owned by Leonard C. Davenport. Dr. William Thompson married a daughter of Dr. Perry, and died September 9, 1848, aged 45 years. Andrew W. Doig, a native of Wash, ington county, is a son of Andrew Doig, who was born in Perthshire, Scotland, Feb. 29, 1776, removed to Lowville in 1809, and died March 11, 1854. He was many years a teacher and surveyor. A. W. Doig was elected County Clerk in 1825, for one term. He was in the As- sembly in 1832 and held the office of Surrogate from 1835 to 1840. He was elected by the Democratic party to the 26th and 27th Congresses (1839 to 1843) while Lewis was united with Herkimer as the i6th district. In 1849, he joined the general exodus to California, and a few years after returned to Lowville, where he continued to reside till late in life. He then removed with his son-in- law, E. G. Morris, to Brooklyn, and died in Green Point, Brooklyn, (E. D) July II, 1875. His remains were taken back to Lowville for burial. He was many years a Trustee of the Lowville Acad- emy. His brother, James Doig, was for- merly a merchant in Lowville, after- wards a ticket agent in the railroad office at Boonville. John Doig, a half-brother of A. W. Doig, was a druggist in Lowville, and died November 15, 1867, aged 48 years. He was a Trustee of the Lowville Acad- emy, and one of the promoters of the organization of the Lowville Rural Cem- etery, and was almost the first one buried , there. Joseph A. Northrup, from Vermont, settled at an early period as a tanner and conducted this business and that of har- ness making many years. He was, we believe, the pioneer in these pursuits in this town, and died July 26, 1870, aged 86 years. General Northrup took an active interest in public affairs, and was a Trustee of the Lowville Academy, and a leading member in the Presbyterian Society. Being politically a decided abolitionist, at a time when that party numbered but a very few individuals, he was not honored by an election to sev- eral offices for which he stood a candi- date, and for which he was eminently quahfied. He was influential in what- ever measures he undertook, and widely esteemed for his inteUigence, sound judg- ment, and moral worth. The Rev. Orrin Wilbur was a son of David Wilbur, one of the pioneers upon Stow's Square, in Lowville, and spent the best of his working days in this county. He was a Baptist clergyman 322 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. many years; afterwards a book-seller, and for many years an Academy Trus- tee and Secretary of the Board. He re- signed this position November 5, 1866, and removed to Vineland, N. J., where he died March 31, 1878, aged 80 years. He expressed to the author of this vol- ume a few years before his death, an in- tention of making the Academy the leg- atee of a part of his estate, but this res- olution appears to have been changed before his death. His remains were brought to Lowville for interment. Gen. Joseph A. Willard, was born at Hubbardton, Vt, April 26, 1803, and was a son of Francis Willard. He removed to Lowville upon becoming of age, hav- ing previously learned the trade of a clothier, and in later years was manufac- turer of stocking yarn at Lowville. In 1858-59, he represented Jefferson and Lewis counties in the Senate. — Murphy's Biographical Sketches of the Legislature, i?>Sg,page 112. He died in this town August 18, 1868, aged a little over sixty-five years. Dr. Sylvester Miller, son of Seth Mil- ler, one of the first settlers at Constable- ville, settled in Lowville in 1817, having graduated with the first class in Fair- field, January 30, 18 16. He was appoint- ed sheriff in 1821, and from 1823 to 1835, was surrogate. He was called from bed in the night, July 28, 1838, to visit the sick, and mistaking a door in his own house, fell headlong down the cel- lar stairs. His skull was fractured, and after hngering two days unconscious, he died. He was President of the Lewis County Medical Society at the time of his death. Dr. Seth Adams, settled in the prac- tice of his profession at Lowville in the spring of 1826. He was a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of the Fairfield Medical College. He contin- ued to practice his profession until a year or two before his death, which was caused by cancer, April 7, 1873, at the age of 71 years. His wife, who was a sister of the Hon. Ela Collins, died April 13, 1879, ^t the age of •;& years. His son, Charles D. Adams, was long a lawyer in Lowville, but has for some years resided in Utica. He often attends the courts in the county, in which he has had much practice. Census of Electors in Lowville, in 1807. JONATHAN PATTEN, ROSWELL WATERMAN, ,} Census Takers. Abbot, Paul. Allen, John. Allen, Wareham. Apley, Jacob. Babcock, Simeon. Bacon, Timothy. Bailey, James. Bailey, Samuel. Bailey, William. Ball, Jonathan. Ball, Jonathan, Jr. Barber, Aaron. Barnes, John. Barnet, Jesse. Barnet, Robert. Basset, Baurachiah. Basset, Mayhew. Bates, William. Bates, Joel. Bayford, Levi. Beemans, . Beement, Nathaniel. Benjamin, Jesse. Bennett,Christopher B. Blackman, Samuel. Bliss, Henry. Bohall, John. Boman, John. Boshart, Garret. Boshart, Jacob. Bostwick, Isaac W. Bosworth, Constant. Bosworth, Mather. Bromley, Benjamin, Buell, Bela. Buel, Joseph. Buel, Putman. Burr, Joab. Burr, Josiah. Bush, Jonathan. Bush, Osem. Bush, Zadock. Cadey, Squire. Cadwell, James. Card, William. Carter, David K. Carter, James B. Carter, Zeboam. Chadwick, Aaron. Chadwick, Chester. Chaddock, William. Clark, Caleb. Cobb, David. Coffin, Moses. Cole, Aaron. Conkey, John. Conyne, Abraham. Cook, Alexander. Cook, Joseph. Cook, Nathan. Daman, Joseph. Danks, Samuel. Danks, Selig. Darrow, William. Davenport, Benjamin. Davenport, Billa. Davenport, Charles. Demmick, Jacob. Dickenson, Lemuel. Dickerson, Morris. Dodge, Alvin. Dodge, Amasa. Dodge, Sacket. Dunham, Aaron. Dunham, Nathaniel. Durrin, Noah. Eager, Fortunatus. EUis, John. Ensign, Seymour, Felt, Joshua. Fenton, Aaron. Files, Henry. Finch, Preceived. Foot, Anson, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 323 French, Cliff. Gillet, Reuben. Gillett, Samuel. Glord, James. Glord, James, Jr. Green, Silas. Harger, Noah M. Hart, Jesse. Hillman, Benjamin. HiUman, Jerah. Hillman, William. Hills, Ebenezer. Hitchcock, Jesse. Hoadley, Jacob. Hooker, Nicholas. Hoskins, Erastus. Houks, Henry. Hulbert, Joshua. Jackson, George. Jackson, William. Kelley, Daniel. King, Ezra. King, Reuben. Kitts, Jacob. Kitts, John. Kitts, John, 2d. Kitts, John, 3d. Kitts, Peter. Knight, Olney. Lane, Gad. Lane, Hosea. Lanpher, Pardon. Lanpher, Paul. Leonard, James H. Leonard, Stephen. Lewis, Richard. Livingston, Richard. Loveland, Nathan. Ludenton, Daniel. McCarty, Langford. McDowell, Robert. Merrils, Calvin. Merrils Reuben. Montgomery, Hugh. More ApoUos. Morton, Elihu. Morton, Elihu, Jr. Murphy, Francis. Murray, Henry. Newton, Asa. Nichols, Samuel. Nicholson, Nathaniel. Noice, Oakes. Northrup, Joseph A. Obeds Michael. Parks, Elijah. Patten, Jonathan. Perry, Isaac. Perry, Samuel. Plank, Lovell. Plank, Zebadiah. Porter, Daniel. Prentice, John. Prentice, Nathaniel. Prentice, Roswell. Putney, Reuben. Ranson, William. Reed, John. Rice, Abner. Rice, Jehiel. Richmond, Galen. Riley, David. Rogers, Bela. Rogers, John. Rogers, Jonathan. Rogers Robert. Root, Salmon. Rosebeck, Henry. Rowley, Nathan. Sacket, William. Scott, Enos. Searles, Elipas. Seeley, Samuel. Sexton, Charles. Shaver, Andrew. Shaver, Henry. Shaw, Philip. Shaw, Philip, Jr. ShuU, Conradt. ShuU, John. Shull, John, Jr. ShuU, William. Sigourney, Andrew. Sigourney, Anthony. Sigourney, Charles. Smith, John. Smith, Thad. Snell, Adam F. Snell, John. Spafford, John. Spafford, John, Jr. Stanton, Joseph. Stanton, Joshua. Stanton, William. Stephens, Elisha, Jr. Stephens, Ira. Stephens, James. Stephens, James, Jr. Stephens, Rufus. Stephens, Rufus, Jr. Stickney, Heman. Taylor, Chapman. Thrall, Ezekiel. Thrall, Jesse. Thomson, Edward. Toping, Jared. Tubs, Annanias. Turner, Peter. Turner, Richard. Vannatta, Peter. Vannatta, Samuel. Vannatta, Samuel, Jr. Wage, Ebenezer. Wales, William. Waterman, Roswell. Weed, Levi. Weller, Silas. Wellman, Barnabas. Wellman, Manly. Wheeler, Samuel. Whitmath, Noah. Wilbur, David. Wilcox, Adam. Wilcox, Jesse. Wilcox, Roswell. Williams, Absalom. Williams, John. Williams, Richard. Winchel, Luke. Wolton, Asa. Mineral Wealth of Lowville. In December, 1828, a vein of galena, calcite, fluor spar and sulphuret of iron, was discovered on the south branch of the creek, about half a mile above Low- ville village, which soon became widely celebrated as a silver mine. A company was formed, and a small smelting house was erected near the spot, but we are not informed that large dividends were made, or that the stock ever found its way to the Wall street market. This locality is worthy of especial notice by mineralogists, from the beautiful crys- talized specimens of green fluor spar which it has produced. The late Luke Wilder,* explored the vein for this min- eral with great success. The mineral was indeed fair to look upon, and while fresh, made a splendid object for the cabinet ; but the green transparent spar, was unfortunately underlaid by a stra- tum of sulphuret of iron of efflorescent tendency, and presently crumbled into " dust and ashes. "f *Mr. Wilder died March 31, 1851, aged 60 years. His zealous researches into the mineralogical resources of Northern New York, entitle him to the remembrance of the scientific, while his mild and amiable character has endeared his memory to a wide circle of friends. He was an active member of the Methodist church. His business was that of brick-maker, and his yard was on the road leading from Lowville village to ' ' The Land- ing. " Henry D. Wilder, a son, was a major in the 5th N. Y. Artillery, in the late war. f The author was reminded of these fading beauties, upon a visit to Vesuvius, in the autumn of 1881. Along the fissures in the lava on the summit, from which sul- phurous and other mineral vapors were issuing, there was seen extremely bright colored yellow and orange de- posits, which would make a splendid show in any cabinet ; but he was told the next day by a mineralogist in Na- ples, that they could not be kept a week, and that they would stain indellibly any cloths or paper in which they might be wrapped. He knew this too well from his own experience, and we found him correct ; as now, of the whole series then procured, this specimen alone has disappeared entirely. 324 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. What remained of the mineral wealth of this mining region close by the vil- lage of Lowville was reserved till a later period. The Silver Creek Copper and Lead Min- ing Company. — This was incorporated under the general act October i, 1864, and expended a considerable sum in erect- ing a steam engine and sinking a shaft through the thick drift-deposits of hard- pan down to the rock, in the range ol the spar vein on the south margin of the falls, on the south branch of the creek near Moore's planing mill. They pub- lished an illustrated report with map, sections, etc., showing the position of the property with respect to " Lowville River" and "Silver Creek," and clearly proving to those who could see it in this light, that after they had penetrated the limestone into the slate, they would find indications of the precious metals, and at from sixty fathoms downward in the granite, they would find all they wanted. This exceedingly thin speculation cost nothing to the town, that we ever heard of, as no one appeared to pay nmch at- tention to it. The operator, or at least the local agent. Colonel Legendre, was afterwards U. S. Consul at Amoy, in China. The Alarm from Cholera. A Health Committee consisting of Russell Parish with Doctors David Per- ry, Sylvester Miller, Seth Adams and Josiah Rathbun was appointed June 21, 1832, upon the approach of cholera. Many of the older inhabitants of the county will remember the fearful dis- may that this destructive epidemic spread throughout the length and breadth of the land, and how much there really was to be feared from its ravages. The Committee enjoined temperance, cleanhness and care in diet as preventa- tive measures, and advised a course of treatment in case of. an attack. The Angel of Death was by the beneficent hand of Providence withheld from our county during this fearful visitation, which nevertheless struck a dread upon the community, which could scarcely have been surpassed had the pestilence been present. On the day the Health Committee above named was appointed, an act was passed authorizing official ac- tion by the town officers, under which Ela Collins, Charles Bush, Orrin Wilbur, Amasa Dodge, Jr., and Roswell Wilcox were appointed, June 29th, a Board of Health, and Dr. Seth Adams, Health Officer. On the 30th, a committee was empowered to visit the Denmark fron- tier, to take measures to prevent infected persons from entering the county ; the town was divided into four districts and committees appointed in each. This was the only occasion upon which any legal measures have been found necessary for the public health. Upon several occasions epidemics have appeared, but they appeared to be gov- erned by general prevailing causes, that were beyond human prevention, and while they lasted, in a measure beyond control. Lowville Village. This was the first village incorporated in the county, and until recent years the only one. Notice of the application was published February 26, 1849, ^.nd about one square mile was surveyed by N. B. Sylvester. The legal forms were not complied with until July 10, 1854, when the vote upon the adoption of a village charter was 109 for, and 33 against the measure. The first Trustees were Joseph A. Willard, N. B. Sylvester, A. G. Dayan, S. B. Batcheller, and Geo. W. Fowler. No election was held in 1857, and to remedy this, an act was pro- cured February 27, 1858, confirming all HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 325 the privileges of the corporation, direct- ing the annual elections to be held on the first Tuesday of March, and allowing $800 to be raised for a fire engine and fixtures as by vote of August 6, 1857. The Trustees elected in i860, were John Doig, John O'Donnell, Rutson Rea, Geo. W. Stevens and Henry E. Turner. The first fire company was formed at this place July 24, 1829, at which Stephen Leonard was chosen Captain, Palmer Townsend, ist Lieutenant, and S. W. Taylor, 2d Lieutenant. A well was to be sunk in the central part of the village, and in case of an alarm of fire, the captain was to station himself at the head of the company, the ist Lieutenant was to form the lines for passing buckets, and the 2d Lieutenant was to act as Fire Warden in rescuing prop- erty. Fire buckets were kept in readi- ness for immediate use. A small fire en- gine named the Eagle was purchased, and afforded the only precaution against fires during many years. The burning of Safford's hotel, March 11, 1851, led to the call of a meeting to provide a better one. No efficient action was had until August, 1858, when a new fire engine named Rescue No. 2, was purchased at a cost of $800. Mr. Batcheller resided in Jefferson county before settling in Lowville. He was engaged in the manufacture of scythe-snaths and grain-cradles,-thesame that is continued by the Pelton Brothers, at the north end of the village. He died at Watertown while on a visit to his daughter's family, February 2, 1869. The electors of Lowville village ac- cepted the provisions of the General Village Law of 1871, at a special election, not long after its passage, by a vote of 105 to 94. The population of the village in 1880, was found to be 2,164, an increase of 285 in the village since the last census.* * The census of 1855, gave a population of 908. The village forms a separate road dis- trict, under an act passed March 28, 1862, this district extending southward beyond the village boundary to the town fine of Martinsburgh, which gives it the care of the road down the hill near that line. The grade of this road was very greatly improved, at the time of con- struction of the Lowville and Carthage Plank Road. The same remark will apply to the roads generally that were used for a time by these companies, and this is now the only visible benefit re- maining from their existence. In 1870, a brick building costing $3,500 was erected on Dayan street in Low- ville village for the use of its Fire De- partment. It is two stories in heighth, the upper story being used for village elections and various public uses.. It has heretofore been used for school pur- poses while the school house was un- dergoing repairs. The village of Lowville has suffered several times from disastrous fires. On the night of January 16-17, 1869, the " Bostwick House," was burned, and with it the block adjoining it on the north, as far as Shady Avenue. The hotel was rebuilt by Wm. Howell, the following summer, and became known as the "Howell House." In September, 1873, it was purchased by K. Collins Kel- logg by whom its name was changed to the "Kellogg House." It was kept by him until 1 88 1, when it was leased to S. B. Warner, the present occupant. The block north of the hotel was rebuilt in 1869, by John O'Donnell. On the 1st of June, 1869, the steam mill on the East road below Lowville was burned. It was soon rebuilt and is now owned by Rea & Mills. On the 27th of February, 1870, a fire destroyed property on State and Dayan streets, to the value of % 30,000. The corner block saved at that time, was destroyed with much adjoining it, 326 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. March 14, 1876, but again rebuilt in its present form. A planing mill was erected at " Silver Mine Falls " west of Lowville village, by Morris D. Moore, about 1858. It was much enlarged, and had be- come an important wood-working estab- lishment when it was destroyed by fire, August 16, 1876. It was rebuilt, soon after, and was in successful opera- tion, when by another fire, June 11, 1880, it was totally destroyed, together with a drying-house that had escaped the former disaster. It has since been rebuilt, and much improved, affording a great convenience to the town and to the central portion of the county. Mr. Moore was killed by an accident, in the machinery, June 4, 1881, aged 68, and the business is continued by his sons. The " Campbell House " near the bridge south of the creek, was burned in June, 1870, and soon after rebuilt. On the evening of September 30, 1877, the barns of this hotel were burned by lightning, the flames bursting out almost instantly after the building, was struck. A row of buildings on the street bor- dering the gulf, below the village, owned by Mrs. Crouch, was burned May 4, 1 88 1, and their place has been since sup- phed by other, and much finer build- ings. July 5, 1864, some boys were finish- ing their Fourth of July celebration by firing fire-crackers near the dwelling house of Andrew Stilson, on the East road in Lowville, near Denmark. The house caught fire and together with most of the contents was consumed. The cheese box factory belonging to George Norton of Lowville, was de- stroyed by fire September 9, 1864, The fire was thought to have originated in some defect of the engine. Loss esti- mated at $2,000. Business of Lowville Village in THE Summer of 1882. In August, 1882, the business of Low- ville was very nearly as here stated. In the diversity that naturally occurs in trade, there may be some headings that should be sub-divided, and more than one kind may be carried on by the same persons. As nearly as they can be ar- ranged alphabetically, they may be class- ified as follows : — Agricultural Implements. — A. D. & R. D. Foot, W. H. Smith, and the various hardware dealers. Baker (and saloon keeper). — Luther Burdick. Banks. — First National Bank of Low- ville, Black River National Bank. Barbers. — L. G. Seckner, Peter Mor- ganstien. Blacksmiths, (in connection with each carriage and wagon shop), separately. — J. J. Cook & Son, and Mooney. Book Stores, (wall paper etc.) — George D. Jackson, John O'Donnell, Roswell J. Murray. Boot and Shoe Stores. — J. C. Van Brock- lin, Jones & Skinner, John Brahmer & Sons, Peter George, (makes and repairs only.) Butchers. — Jacob Ashbach, A. G. Hor- ton, Morse Bros. Carriage and Wagon Makers, (with blacksmith shops in connection.) — Bruce & Gonya, J. C. Hutchins & Son, Peter McGovern, R. P. & A. King. Chair Factory. — The Lowville Manu- facturing Co. Clothing. — Kirley & Arthur, Lenox & Bostwick, Sylvester Fritch, H. Rosman. Dentists. — J. Carroll House, H. Pres- cott Chambers, W. A. Kelley. Door, Sash and Blind Factory. — M. D. Moore & Sons. Drug Stores, (paint, window glass, groceries, etc.) — Horace Bush, Doig Bros., Morrison & Moore. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. IV Dry Good Stores. — V. R. Waters & Co., Lane & Bateman, Scott & Co., Rogers & Fitch, Kellogg & Weber, D wight E. Shepard, (auction goods etc.) M. J. Wood & Co. Furniture, (manufacture and sale, in- cluding undertaking), Haberer Bros, (employ 50 to 60 men in factory, mak- ing chiefly black ash furniture for whole- sale. Began in present factory, Decem- ber I, 1880.) Grist Mills, (feed, etc.)— Giles V. Morrison, Rea & Mills. The Foot Bros, also have a feed-mill at Landing. Groceries and Provisions. — E. J. Arthur, James A. Mereness, A. D. & R. D. Foot, L. C. Burdick, Wallace T. Brooks, A. G. Boshart, Michael Grace, and with glass-ware, etc., A. M. & H. Lanpher. Gun Smiths and repairing. — C. C. Richter, William Garret. Hardware Stores, (with tin shops,) Fowler & Sons, W. L. Boshart & Co., Pelton Bros., C. C. Richter, (repair shop in connection.) Harnesses, (trunks, etc.,) S. C. Boice, Loran E. Keeler, W. H. Smith, (the lat- ter with wagons, agricultural imple- ments, etc.) Hotels.— {Vs^&Wog^ House,) S. V. War- ner ; (Central Hotel,) M. J. Ryan ; (Campbell House,) O. Bishop ; (R. R. Hotel,) Sprague Wood ; (Inn ad- jacent to R. R. Hotel,) W. L. Elliott. Insurance Agents. — Hedden & Moore, Sixbury & Hesler, J. & S. M. Benedict. Iron Foundry and Machine Shop. — Pfis- ter & Powell. Jewelers. — F. W. Webb, James B. Reed, John Locklin, Frank H. Reed. Lawyers. — Leonard C. Davenport, Will- iam Worth Dewey, Charles L. Knapp, Edward McCarty, Thomas N. Marron, Charles S. Mereness, Eliada S. Merrell, T. Miller Reed, Hiram H. Ryel, Fred- erick C. Schraub, Carlos P. Scovil, W. Hudson Stephens, Leon Talcott, Henry E. Turner, George W. Whitaker. Livery ^/^/^fc.— Frederick W. Schloop, C. M. Oatman. Marble Shops. — Isaac N. Puffer. Masons. — Hiram Gray,Louis Toussant, Sr. and Jr., Madison Carter, George Carter, Luman H. Carter, (see stone cutters). .Milliners. — Mrs. H. E. Sackrider, Mrs. F. J. Johnson, Mrs. Seckner, D. E. Shepard. Painters. — Reuben L. Miller, Fred Brixins, John Shepard. Photographers. — George W. Carter, Mrs. Morse, Frank Slocum. Physicians. — Dr. M. H. Bronson, Chas. A. Bush, Frederick A. Crane, Alexan- der II. Crosby, Alexander R. Gebbie, Horatio S. Hendee, O. Willis Hubbard, C. Penn Kirley. Plaster Mill.— A. D. & R. D. Foot.* Printing Offices. — Journal and Republi- can, Henry A. Phillips, publisher ; Lewis County Democrat, Manville & Phelps, publishers ; Lowville Times, John O'- Donnell, publisher.! Produce Buyers. — Rutson Rea, R. J. Easton & Sons, Curtis & Bowen, R. E. Richardson & Co., Brooks & Holcomb, B. B. Miller. Real Estate Agents.— ^vahViry & Hes- ler. Saloons. — N. R. Barr, Luther Bur- dick. Saw-Mill, (shingles, etc.) — The Low- ville Manufacturing Co. Scythe-snath and Grain Cradle Fac- tory. — Pelton Bros., formerly S. B. Bachelor & Son. Stone Cutters.— Oliver DeForge, Mi- chael Kelley, John Kelley, (see masons.) Tin Shops, with each of hardware stores except Richter. With the exception of cheese factories, there are scarcely any other business es- tablishments other than as farms in the ♦Robert D, Foot of this firm died February 28, 1883. He was a young man much esteemed wherever known. j Now published by Warren R. Fitch. 328 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. town of Lowville. There is a small feed mill and a saw-miU about a mile and one- half southwest of the village, and at the former, a few tons of gray limestone have been ground as a " fertilizer." There is a feed-mill at the " Landing," and a hotel at " Dadville," at which place, Jared House once had a steam saw-mill, and Moses M. Smith a ware- house, both of which were burned. In 1868, a hotel adjoining the premises of the Methodist church was built by Hiram S. Lanpher and John O'Do'nnell, and opened as a Temperance House in the spring of 1869, under the name of the " Lanpher House." It was closed as a hotel January i, 1877, and sold to Wm. McCullock April 27, 1877, for $1 1,800. It is now occupied by his bank, and by two stores, a portion being vacant. The Bank of Lowville. One of the first that was organized under the general banking law of April 18, 1838, went into operation in De- cember of that year, and remained in active operation with a brief interval of ~ suspension, until finally crowded out of being by the financial movements inci- dent to the War of i86i-'65.* Its articles were filed December 26th, with a cap- ital of $ 100,000, with Isaac W. Bostwick as President, Kent Jarvis as acting Cashier and James L. Leonard, Teller. In 1855, the presidency passed to Wm. L. Easton, and in 1857, to J. L. Leonard, who finally became almost sole owner. Its capital was increased for a period, but March 31, 1S63 it was again re- duced to $ 100,000. The banking-house during the whole period, wa s in a block erected in 1837, * The first directors chosen, Dec. 24th were I W Bostwick, C Dayan A. W. Doig, W. L. Easton,' m' M Norton, L. S. Standring, L. Harding, C. Buck T Mills, H-arrison Blodget, John H. Allen, Seth Miller and Thomas Baker. Isaac W. Bostwick was chosen president, A. W Doig, vice president, Kent Jarvis cashier (pro tem.), and Dayan and Parish, attorneys ' on the East side of State street, in the central part of the village, but at the time of his death Mr. Leonard had under construction the building now occupied by the Black River National Bank. During the crisis of 1857, it was forced momentarily to suspend, but it soon re- sumed business without sensible loss, or inconvenience to the public. After the death of Mr. Leonard, measures were taken by his executors to wind up the affairs connected with the bank, and the time of redemption of its bills ceased January 28, 1875. A robbery occurred in this bank about Sept. 12th or 13th, 1861, in which burglars entered, the safe was cut open, and about $ 6,000 in gold was taken. A reward of $ 500 was offered, without se- curing the robbers. Suspicions located the act, somewhat indefinitely, but noth- ing was proved. Another robbery occurred afterwards at noon-day, while the door was closed for the dinner hour. Suspicions centered upon a clerk, who in the course of the night following, was terrified into a con- fession. He led those with him to a barn, where by the light of a lantern, he raised a plank in the floor, excavated an oyster-can filled with gold, and restored it to the owners. He was allowed to leave town without arrest, and but very few had knowledge of the transaction. Toward the close of life, Mr. Leonard commenced the erection of a bank building on the corner of State street and Shady Avenue, which was unfin- ished when he died. He would proba- bly have organized a National Bank had his life been spared. By referring to our first edition of the History of Lewis county, the reader will find many details of the organization and statistics of this bank, that would not now be of interest to the public. When it began business, a part of its capital was invested in the bonds of the HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 32$ State of Arkansas, which declined in market value so as to be practically worthless. These were replaced by other funds, from the earnings of the bank, but as the original stockholders were getting no dividends, they sold their stock as unproductive property, which but for this circumstance would have been profitable, until it fell into the hands of one owner. The Arkansas Bonds are now held by the legatees of Mr. Leonard, and since his death have been replaced by new stock with ac- crued interest, and one or two dividends were paid, but they have since become again unproductive. An office for loan, deposit and ex- change, bearing the name of the " Bank of Lowville," was opened by George M. Brooks, in the building intended for the bank above mentioned. It continued until closed by the insolvency of its owner. Two other banks were owned for a time by Mr. James L. Leonard, of which little was known at the time by citizens of the county. They were as follows :• — The Valley Bank filed notice and cer- tificate of residence in the Department, May 7, 1851. Securities January i, 1852, $60,290; circulation, $60,287. Removed to Boonviile, February 6, 1852, by Ela N. Merriam, who had purchased it, and from thence to Ogdensburgh, where it was closed up. Bank of the People filed notice and certificate of residence May 11, 1852, the circulation to be secured by public stocks. Securities, January i, 1853, $51,- 000; circulation, $50,480. Filed notice of intention to wind up the bank, Sep- tember 22, 1853, and bond for redemp- tion of bills, October 24, 1856, when its business was closed. The First National Bank of Lowville (No. 348,) was organized under the Na- tional Banking law September 15, 1863, with a capital of $50,000. It began busi- ness January i, 1865. The last report of the Comptroller of the currency (1881) shows a surplus fund of $io,ooo; other undivided profits $12,107.28; National Bank notes outstanding $45,000 ; indi- vidual deposits $167,914.75 ; due to oth- er National Banks $287.79 ! bills payable $20,500. Total liabilities $305,809.82. It is understood that the principal owner is William McCuUock, who has been the cashier from the beginning. The bank is kept in the building formerly known as the " Lanpher House," erected for a hotel in 1868, and sold on a mortgage April 27, 1877. This bank has always maintained an excellent reputation, and has proved useful in promoting the busi- ness of the town and county. 77^1? Black River National Bank, (No. 2,426,) was organized May 31, 1879, by De Witt C. West and associates, with a capital of $50,000, and was opened lor business July ist, of that year, in the building which James L. Leonard had in course of erection at the time of his death, for the "Bank of Lowville," of which he wa« principal owner. The annual report at the close of the year 1882, gave the following statement of its condition and business: — Resources. — Loans and discounts $183,- 421.90; overdrafts $934.04; U. S. Bonds to secure circulation, $50,000; other stocks, bonds and mortgages, $26,050 ; due from approved reserve agents, $31,009.46; due from other National banks, $664.53; due from State banks and bankers, $239.55; real estate, fur- niture and fixtures, $1,021.36; premiums paid, $750; checks and other cash items, $3,493.01 ; bills of other banks, $274.00; fractional paper currency, nickels and pennies, $4.42; specie, $1,550; legal ten- der notes, $19,000; redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer, (5 per cent, of circula- tion,) $2,250 ; total, $320,662.27. Liabilities. — Capital stock paid in, $50,- 000; undivided profits, $25,143.81; Na- 330 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tional bank notes outstanding, $44,100; individual deposits subject to check, $136,579.16; demand certificates of deposit, $54,404.75; due to other Na- tional banks, $10,208.31; due to State banks and bankers, $226.24 ; total, $320,662.27. Certified by Fred S. Easton, cashier, and Farnam J. Bowen, Charles P. Leon- ard, and L. C. Davenport, Directors, be- fore George Sherwood, Notary Public. The Lowville Board of Trade, was formed about 1880, having for its object the holding of a meeting on Saturdays, during the business season of the year, more especially by those in the dairy interest. A tee of $2, entitled any per- son to the privileges of the association. It was maintained but for a brief period. The Lowville Town Hall. Early in the year 1852, sealed proposals were solicited by advertisement for building a court house in Lowville vil- lage, with the design of securing, if pos- sible, the removal of.the county seat there from Martmsburgh, a measure which from the beginning has been the favorite theme of the citizens of this town. The building was begun upon voluntary sub- scription, and in 1855, the town voted $500 towards this object, upon express condition that the building be free for town purposes and that the money be not paid until enough was raised to complete it. In 1856, $100 was voted for an iron fence, and in 1858, $325 to pay Hiram S. Lanpher a bal- ance due to him on the building ac- count. This last appropriation was confirmed by act of April 15, 1858. The edifice was put up in 1852, and fin- ished in 1855, at a cost of less than $6,- 000. The building is of brick with an Ionic portico in front, and was used for town meetings, lectures and other public purposes, with the express provision that it should be conveyed to the county whenever it might be wanted for the County Court House, as has since been done. In the summer of 1861, it was tempo- rarily used to accommodate the classes of the Academy, while the building of the latter was undergoing enlargement, and here the war meetings and other as- sembhes of the period were held. At the town meeting in 1864, the sum of $2,000 was voted by Lowville to buy a site for a jail and assist in building a Clerk's office, and a Committee consist- ing of the Supervisor, D. C. West, Simon Brown, and Stephen Brigham was ap- pointed to transact the business. By the terms of the gift of the site for a Town Hall, the jail was not allowed to be built upon that lot. It was located in the south part of the village upon a lot bought of Solomon Phelps. Public Libraries in Lowville. The " Lowville FrankHn Society," a Library Association, was formed in the village, September 20, 1808, having as its first trustees, Isaac Chnton, Manly Wellman, Robert McDowell, Paul Ab- bott and Ela Collins. Their collection of books some thirty or forty years after- wards was deposited in the Academy Library. The "Franklin Library" of Stow's Square, was formed March 28, 1816, with Moses Waters, Constant Bosworth, Be- riah Nickelson, Charles Sigourney and Allen Briggs, trustees. The first num- ber of associates was thirty-three, and they began with over $100 subscriptions. After many years this library was, it is believed, divided among its shareholders. The Academy Library has since about 1856, received annually all the public documents published by Congress, hav- ing been placed upon the list for distribu- tion by the Hon. Preston King. After HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 331 the death of Mr. Bostwick, his Hbrary, numbering about five hundred volumes, was transferred to the academy in ac- cordance with his will. The Mystic So- ciety in the academy has a small and well selected library separate from that belonging to the institution. The " Lowville Circulating Library " was organized under the general act May 12, 1875, having DeWitt C. West, Amos V. Smiley, George W. Fowler, V. Lan- sing Waters, Francis K. Leonard and H. Prescott Chambers, as first trustees. The person who had previously been most active in this measure, was Mrs. Francis K. Leonard, through whose zealous efforts funds were raised, and books were procured. About goo vol- umes belonging to this Association were transferred to the care of the Y. M. C. A. in the fall of 1881. The Young Men's Christian Associa- tion was organized in May, 1880. The first officers of the Association were as follows: President, Franklin H. Hough; Vice-President, Henry C. Beebe ; Secre- tary, George H. Richter; Treasurer, J. Carroll House. This Association has since maintained a room for meetings, and a course of lectures in the winter months. It has charge of the library above mentioned, and has a free reading room in connection. Lowville Academy. We have al- ready noticed the efforts made inthesummerof 1805, by the citi- seai. zens of Lowville to secure the county seat. A subscrip- tion was drawn up for a building that might serve as a meeting house or any other public purpose, as also for an academy, and though not expressed, there is not much doubt but that it was designed to offer it for a court house. KtMsim It will be of interest to our readers to read the heading of the subscription list upon which the first academy was un- dertaken, which was as follows: — Subscription for First Academy. " Whereas, It is contemplated to build a house and set it on the spot where T. Smith's house now stands which may serve for a meeting house for religious worship, or any other public meeting, as also for an academy, — the house to be 38 feet wide and 52 feet long, to be built the ensuing summer, the expense of which is estimated at $2,000. " Now, we, the subscribers do cove- nant and promise, that considering the whole expense of said house as divided into eighty shares or parts, we will pay in proportion to the shares set against our respective names to the persons who shall have the care of erecting the said building, who shall be the five persons who subscribe the greatest number of shares and they shall be and are hereby fully authorized to contract for and erect said house upon the faith of our subscription. And it shall be the duty of the five persons as before named, to take of the said subscribers such articles as in their judgment are wanted for such house at their fair cash value, and in case such subscriber or subscribers do not furnish such articles, or there is a disagreement in the price thereof, then it shall be the duty of the said five per- sons to wait on the subscribers who shall either pay the amount of their sub- scriptions in cash (or in wheat or oats at their current cash price to be delivered at the store of Mr. Leonard, Eager or Card, within three months after so called upon,) and the said five persons are hereby fully authorized to sue for and collect said sums as aforesaid and to app4y the avails of the same to the ob- ject of this subscription. The said five persons to charge nothing for their time or trouble and to account to the sub- scribers for the expenditure of the. money raised hereby at the end of one year." The first shareholders were Nicholas Low, 10 shares; Silas Stow, 6; Jonathan Rogers and Daniel Kelley, each 4; James 332 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. H. and Stephen Leonard, Daniel Gould, Asa Newton, Ira Stephens, David Cof- feen, Luke VVinchell, Rufus Stephens, William Card, Jr., Garret Boshart, each 2 ; and Ezekiel Thrall, Gad Lane, Fortu- natus Bassett, Fortunatus Eager, Daniel Williams, Jonathan Bush, David Cobb, John Spafford, Isaac Perry, Christopher P. Bennett, Thaddeus Smith, Ebenezer Hill, Elijah Woolworth, Morris S. Miller, Joseph Newton, Billa Davenport, Abner Rice, Ziba Cowen, Calvin Merrill, John Shull, Samuel Van Atta, Jacob Boshart, Adam F. Snell, Charles Davenport and Elisha Stephens, each i share. These were soon increased by Isaac W. Bost- wick, Wellman & Foot, Asa Brayton, John Smith, Benjamin Hillman, Jona- than Bail, Reuben Chase, Charles New- comb, Robert Nickels, Ozem Bush, Galen Richmond, Joel Mix, Francis Murphy and David Hillman. One term of the court of Oyer and Terminer was held at this place, before the completion of the public buildings at Martinsburgh, at which Judge Am- brose Spencer of the Supreme Court presided. The decision of the non- resident commission for locating the county seat was, however, sustained, or rather, the attempts made to re- verse it were defeated, and the people of Lowville wisely determined to devote the premises to academic uses. The ed- ifice was of wood, thirty-eight by fifty- two feet, two stories high, and stood on the site of the present stone church in Lowville village, at the head of its prin- cipal street. It will be seen that the proposed cost was $2,000, in shares of $25, and that the five persons highest on the list were to form a building commit- tee. Subscriptions in produce or other articles than cash were to be used or sold to the best advantage, and the com- mittee were to report to the subscribers at the end of one year. The site was given by Silas Stow, January 9, 1807, and the building when finished was used many years for public worship. A char- ter was applied for March 4, 1808, and granted by the Regents of the Univer- sity March 21, 1808, in the words fol- lowing : — Charter of Lowville Academy. " The Regents of the University of the State of New York : " To all to whom these presents shall or may come, greeting : "Whereas, Nicholas Low, by his attor- ney, Isaac W. Bostwick, Silas Stow, by his attorney, Isaac W. Bostwick, Dan- iel Kelley, James H., and Stephen Leon- ard, Isaac VV. Bostwick, Christopher P. Bennett, David Cobb, Manly Wellman, Jonathan Rogers, Joseph A. Northrupi Elijah Buck,Anson Foot, William Wallis, James Cadwell, Zebina Lane, William Card, Jr., Jonathan Bush, Robert Mc- Dowell, Asa Newton, Isaac Clinton, Thaddeus Smith, Paul Abbott, Hosea Lane and Rufus Stephens, by an instru- ment under their hands in writing and seals bearing date the fourth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, after stating that they had contributed more than one- halt in value of the real and personal property and estate, collected and ap- propriated for the use and benefit of the academy erected at the town of Low- ville, in the county of Lewis, did make application to us the said Regents, that the said academy might be incorporated and become subject to the visitation of us and our successors, and that Jona- than Rogers, Daniel Kelley, James H. Leonard, Isaac W. Bostwick, William Card, Jr., Benjamin Hillman, John Duffy, Jonathan Collins, James Murdock, Lew- is Graves, Moss Kent, Lemuel Dickin- son and Manly Wellman, might be trus- tees of the said academy by the name of Lowville Academy. Know ye, that we the said Regents, having inquired into the allegations contained in the instru- ment aforesaid, and found the same to be true, and that a proper building for said academy hath been erected, and finished and paid for, and that funds have been obtained and well secured producing an annual net income of at HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 333 least one hundred dollars, and conceiv- ing the said academy calculated for the promotion of literature. Do by these presents, pursuant to the statutes in such cases made and provided, signify our approbation of the incorporation of the said Jonathan Rogers, Daniel Kelley, James H. Leonard, Isaac W. Bostwick, William Card, Jr., Benjamin Hillman, John Duffy, Jonathan CoUins, James Murdock, Lewis Graves, Moss Kent, Lemuel Dickinson and Manly Wellman, by the name of The Trustees of Low- viUe Academy, being the name men- tioned in and by said request in writing on condition that the principal or estate producing the said income shall never be diminished or otherwise appropriated, and that the said income shall be ap- plied only to the maintenance or salaries of the professors or tutors of the acade- my. In testimony whereof we caused our common seal to be hereunto affixed, the twen- [l. S.] ty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord one thous- and eight hundred and eight. Daniel D. Tompkins, Chancellor. By command of the Chancellor, Fr. Bloodgood, Secretary."* In 1807, the Rev. Isaac CHnton was induced to remove from Southwick, Massachusetts, and began a classical school in the academic building before the charter was procured. He was em- ployed as the first principal, and (with the exception of one year, beginning in November, 18 13), continued in this of- fice till 1817, at the same time serving as pastor of the Presbyterian church. It will be remembered that this was the first, and for quite a number of years, the only academy in Northern New York. There was nothing south- ward until coming to Fairfield or Clin- ton, and to the northward nothing what- ever until we came to Montreal. In the * Recorded in the office of Secretary of State, Deed 37, P I- early years of the academy, young men came from a great distance to enjoy its advantages, and were anxious to get the worth of their money. Some were seek- ing to qualify for the learned profes- sions, and not a few earned by their own efforts the means to sustain themselves while in attendance. It may be of interest to present the names of those forming the classes of the first year, which for convenience we arrange alphabetically by sexes : — Males. Babbett, Roswell. Burk, John. Church, Elisur. Eames, Kittridge. Farris, John. Forward, Hervey. Henry, Harvey. Henry, Horace. Johnson, Stephen. Kelley, Thomas M. Kent, George. Livingston, John. Murphy, John. Perkins, John. Sherman, Horatio. Sweet, Charles. Tuttle, Dennis. White, John. Females. Bent, Eliza. Coffeen, Lucy. CofFeen, OHve. Doty, Diana. Glasgow, Maria. Hooker, Abigal. Johnson, Aurelia. Lane, Betsey. Livingston, Harriet. Murdock, Harriet. Murphy, Catharine. Murphy, Peggy. Murphy, Sally. Pearce, Athalina. Eodgers, Jemima, Root, Sophia. Spafford, Sophronia. Stevens, Julia. Stevens, Pamelia. Four of these first students, Mr. John- son, of Depauville, Kittridge Eames, of Rutland, Harvey Henry, of Lowville, and Horace Henry, of Carthage, attend- ed the semi-centennial celebration of the academy in 1858. Mr. Clinton's first engagement was for two years, at $200 a year. The institu- tion started off under the trustees, with the most encouraging prospects, and we notice in their records of 1809, that a resolution was passed that two of their number should in rotation visit the academy every week, under a penalty of one dollar for each neglect. Had this rule been maintained till the present day, there can be no doubt but that there would be a considerable larger sum on the account of forfeit-moneys. They on 334 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. many occasions appointed committees to confer with the principal upon the welfare and progress of the institution, and the records all along through the early years show the anxiety with which they watched the growth of the germ that they had planted, in order that it might become a tree of knowledge in their midst, beautiful in its proportions, refreshing in its shade, and grateful in its fruits. In order to give the institution a dis- tinct character as a place for instruction in the higher branches of learning, they began at first to require a preliminary examination, and admitted none but those who could read, spell and write, and in the fall of the first year they opened a preparatory school, which was continued till 1812. It has since been done, but not continuously for many years together. The first primary school was taught by Amos T. Loomis. The growing pastoral duties of Mr. Clinton at length made it necessary for him to resign. In fact, his services were not continuous, from the beginning till their end, as they were interrupted in i8i3-'i4, by the employment of Russell Parrish as principal about one year. Upon the final resignation of Mr. Clinton, Stephen W. Taylor, then freshly graduated from Hamilton College, was brought to the notice of the trustees, probably through the agency of John W. Martin, of Martinsburgh, who had been his college associates.. Mr. Taylor was then twenty-seven years of age, and of the Baptist denomi- nation. We are not aware that he had taught elsewhere before coming to Low- ville, but he evinced marked ability in this position, and his services did much to increase the prosperity of the institu- tion. His first engagement for one year having expired, he was engaged April 3, 1 818, for the period of six years. These early years of service were ren- dered by Mr. Taylor in the first wooden academy at the north end of State street. But beside its use as a church it was found too small for an increasing school, and although a two-story building, its galleries were all that the upper story afforded in the way of accommodations. Under Mr. Taylor's advice, several rooms were divided off in the upper story, and arrangements were made for making a better use of the main story. Whether from the experience of his first years at Lowville, or from other sources, it may not now be known, but Mr. Taylor had devised a system of edu- cation, which did not work well in prac- tice, and under which, when applied to this academy, the institution dwindled down, and threatened, if continued, to run out altogether. This plan can best be learned from his own hand, as submitted to the trustees March 24, 1824, and which they adopted under his ad- vice. The members of the Board at- tending and adopting this project were Isaac W. Bostwick, Joseph A. Northrup, Paul Abbott, Sylvester Miller, Charles Dayan, James H. Leonard and Russell Parrish. ''Proposal from S. W. Taylor.— That the by-laws be so framed as to make the principal in authority with his pupils the same as he ought to be in affection to them as a father to his children. That the Trustees appoint a committee to se- lect books. " To be but one vacation in a year. That the trustees purchase a suitable lot and erect two buildings, viz : an academy and a boarding house. That the acade- my be large enough for 100 students, and that it be built on a new plan, which is supposed to retain every important modification of the best plans hitherto in use to involve no considerable incon- venience in its peculiarities and to com- prehend moreover all the appropriate advantages produced by so locating the students during the hours of study, that though secluded from each other they are placed under the immediate inspec- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 335 tion of the instructor. The boarding house, Ukewise, should be large enough to accommodate 80 boarders; there should be a separate table for every six or eight boarders, and the dining-room should be made similar to that in which the students are located to study; that. those seated at one table be so situated as not to see those at another, and still that they may be as easily served as if they were all sitting at the same table. There should also be a bed-room for each boarder, the parents or guardians of the children to supply them with beds and bedding ; all boys not over the age of fifteen at the time of entering the school must board at this public boarding house so long as they attend the school ; also all the young ladies, excepting, however those boys and young ladies who can board with their parents or guardians by whom they are supported. Said buildings to be finished by the ist of September, 1825, they must cost about $6,500, the academy being of brick, the boarding house of wood. That the principal have the superintendence of these two buildings ; that he regulate the boarding house as his own and .that he be authorized to charge each student $5 per quarter for tuition, 75 cents for room rent in the academy and that the principal receive for his salary the amount of said bills for tuition and room rent, together with the money which may be drawn annually from the Regents. That whenever any student is known to have injured any property belonging to the corporation he shall be at the ex- pense of repairing the damage which he may have occasioned, but if either of the academic buildings be damaged by the students and it be not known who in particular was the author, the expense of repairing such damage be sustained by an equal tax upon each student oc- cupying the building injured. That the principal on his part hire and pay the assistant teachers, collect the bills of tuition, room rent and contingencies at his own expense ; that he also be at the expense of warming and lighting the room in which the students are located for study ; that he superintend the re- pairing of damages done by students, and that he with the aid of the trustees, cause all necessary repairs to be made except of those considerable losses oc- casioned by fire and such other causes as he cannot be reasonably expected to control. There should be a committee from the board of trustees annually to inspect the academic buildings. " It can be hardly necessary to give the reasons in detail for each requisition mentioned. It is easy to perceive the general results. The students from their locations and circumstances must be sub- ject to put restraint and be most likely to form good habits of study, manners and morals. " A school of this kind would have a definite and strongly marked character ; consequently those who might wish to place their children at the institution could know what to expect, they could know to whom they must look for what they desire should be done for their children, and if not done they could know who to blame. " The trustees not being threatened with a burden of debts imposed upon them by the mismanagement of the prin- cipal and not being perplexed with the minor concerns of the school, might be left more free to exert themselves in promoting its general welfare. " The principal should be impelled to the discharge of his duties, both by every moral motive which can operate upon the mind of a man placed in one of the most responsible of stations and by ne- cessity too. " Knowing that if he was not faithful to the public he must Hterally starve, yet by means of the unity of the plan, the harmony and energy of action to be expected from assistants chosen and re- movable by himself and especially by means of the counsel and influence of the trustees and his own constant and ut- most exertions, he might hope to gain for himself competent support and satis- fy the expectations of friends and bene- factors. " On such conditions gentlemen, if it please God, I would most cheerfully teach in your academy for any term not exceeding twenty years, provided you assure me within six months, that you will give me employment, very respectfully yours, Stephen. W. Taylor. "Lowville, 17 Nov., 1823." 336 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The foregoing was accepted, and Mr. Taylor continued as principal of the institution on the terms above stated for the term of twenty years, to commence immediately after the expiration of this present engagement with the Board. A vote of thanks was passed to Perley Keyes, Richard Goodell, and Caleb Lyon, for the support of the application to the Legislature. A short time after the above plan was proposed, a contract was made with Mr. Taylor to conduct the school for twenty years ; a plan was drawn by Philip Hook- er, of Albany, under the eye of the prin- cipal, and was approved late in 1824. The arrangement as applied to academic buildings, was patented by S. W. Tay- lor and John W. Martin, of Martins- burgh, April 16, 1825, and consisted in placing the pupils in small separate cells open on one side, so that every one, both on the main floor and in the gallery, was under the eye of the teacher at his stand, while no one could see any other of the students. The building was erected on a site of four acres purchased from Ela Collins, paid for by Mr. Low and given for academic purposes to the trustees, but in doing this, he reserved a right of possession, by taking a mortgage with- out interest so long as the institution remained devoted to its original object. This " patent-right academy " was a twelve-sided brick edifice — what in science would be called a " dodecahedral prism " — two stories high, above a high stone basement, and was surmounted by an attic story of wood and tin-covered dome, from the center of which arose a cupola for the bell. There was a win- dow on each side, in each story, except at the front doorway. Around the attic was a promenade, whose deck floor formed the roof of the outer portion of the main building. An immense twelve- sided column of timber in the center sup- ported the attic and roof. The building was 70 feet in diameter between its par- allel walls, and cost $8,200. The build- ing contract was awarded December 13, "1824 to Russell Hills, Oliver Bingham, and Luke Wilder. The basement was 8 feet high, and the main story 10 feet un- der the galleries, and 13 feet above them. The attic was 10 feet high, and was used as the ladies department. It was dedi- cated January 12, 1826, and it is recorded that Palmer Townsend acted as Marshal of the day, and that the exercises con- sisted of singing, imder the direction of Rufus W. Chambers, prayers by the Rev. Isaac Clinton, and the Rev. Mi-. Sowden, an address by Ela Collins, on behalf of the trustees, and another ad- dress by Stephen W. Taylor. It was opened for students, on the second Tues- day of January, 1826. Board was fixed at a dollar a week, and tuition, room rent, fuel and candles, at five dollars and seventy-five cents per quarter. The new academic building proved a failure from the beginning. It was found that every noise in the main room was repeated in unpleasant echoes from the walls. The lower cells were in win- ter too cold, and those in the galleries were too warm. The furnaces in the basement were ill constructed, and in- sufficient. But most of all it was soon found that students of advanced age would not subject themselves to the espionage to which they were exposed — and finally the foundations of the build- ing proved defective, and the walls soon required support by the bracing of strong timbers from without. It became un- safe, and in 1836, it became necessary to take it down. But long ere this, Mr. Taylor had become sensitive upon the failure of his plan and resigned. Two or three of his successors tried to occupy the premises, but without satisfaction to themselves, or profit to their students. It has been said that the plan resembled that of some convict prison in Europe, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OP LOWVILLE. 33; although the patentees may not have been aware of the fact at the time they secured their patent and while it might have done for a prison was wholly out of place in an academy. So far as isolation and espionage were concerned, this plan was put in practice, in the school room. It was intended to apply to the dining tables, which were to be put under strict observation from a central point, but this feature was not we believe, put in practice at this academy. The lesson of experience learned from this failure, may be stated as follows : — " That incessant vigilance, however proper in Prison Discipline, is not well adapted to Academic Instruction." It might make boys of men, but never would make men of boys. The ground plan of the main story, and of the attic, are shown in the follow-^ ing engraving : — bb. Stairs to this stand and stage. c. Stairs from the stand to the recita- tion room. d. Recitation room sixteen feet square, with an entrance from each hall. ee. Rooms opening into the halls. That on the right was used as a library, and the one on the left as the recitation room of an assistant teacher. fg.g. Halls. h. h. Stairsto the gallery. i. i. Depressed aisles, in front of the student's boxes. Around the margin of • this aisle were six twelve-sided pillars supporting the gallery, which extended thus far into the room. J.J.J. Circular seats for recitation of large classes. Each cell was furnished with a desk and chair. The smaller figure is upon the same scale as the larger, and shows the size of the attic story as compared with the main building. The dotted lines repre- sent the arrangement as first planned, for bedrooms, but this intention was changed before completion. It was constructed upon the solitary-cell principle, however, like the main building below, it being References. A. the principal entrance on the west side, fronting upon the main street of the a. The Instructors stand and desk, commanding a view of every seat m the room. It was also used as a rostrum for exercises in declamation. apparently thought that the young ladies needed watching while at their studies, as much as the young meji. In connection with the central building and just in the rear there were erected two small low brick buildings, two sto- ries high, and each twenty-two by thir- 338 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ty-two feet pn the ground. They were originally intended for single lodging rooms, and these buildings are still re- maining. Of these, the southerly one has been used much of the time as a family residence, and sometimes as a boarding hall. The other has scarcely been used since it was built, although kept shingled and enclosed. These wings were built by Paul Abbott during the same summer (1825) that the acade- my was going up. Land Grants to the Academy. Before the erection of Mr. Taylor's Academy, the Legislature had appropri- ated one of the mile-square lots reserved in the " Ten Towns on the St. Lawrence which had been reserved for the" en- couragement of literature." In June, 1818, Joseph A. Northrup was appointed to explore the lands applicable, and upon his advice they selected lot 56 in Can- ton, for which a patent was granted to the trustees, March 12, 18 19. This lot was sold May 7th, the same year, for about $2,500, and the proceeds had been used for the building that proved a failure. A lot of fifty acres in Martinsburgh had been given by General Martin, but we are not aware as to the money that it brought, or the uses to which it was ap- plied. But whatever the trustees had acquired, had been virtually thrown away, and they were called upon to make new sacrifices. The Legislature had been petitioned for aid in 1810, in 1818, and again in 1821, but without suc- cess, and it became necessary to appeal to the town for further aid. Means for Rebuilding in 1836. The following extract from the town records in ^1836, shows the action that was taken by the people of Lowville upon this subject of rebuilding the academy : — " It appearing to the inhabitants of the town of Lowville now assembled that the principal academic building of the Low- ville Academy is in such a ruinous con- dition as to be nearly useless, and that it is absolutely necessary to the prosperity of that institution that another building should be erected for the use of said Academy, and it also appearing that the trustees of said academy although desir- ous that another building should be erected have not the necessary means to enable them to do it, now therefore for the purpose of enabling said trustees to erect a building for the use of said acad- emy and thereby secure to it the high standing which it has hitherto main- tained among the literary institutions of the State: — " Resolved, That application be made to the Legislature of this State at its pres- ent session for the passage of a law au- thorizing and directing the board of Su- pervisors of the county of Lewis at each of their annual meetings, for five succes- sive meetings next, hereafter, to cause to be levied and collected the sum of $500 upon the taxable property of the town of Lowville, in the same manner that other town charges are levied and collected to be expended in the erec- tion of an academic building for the use of the Lowville Academy, in the village of Lowville and that the said application be made by the supervisor of this town in behalf of the inhabitants thereof. "Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed a building com- mittee to be associated with the building committee of the trustees of the Low- ville Academy, and that Chester Buck, Charles Bush, Luke Wilder, George D. Ruggles and Benjamin Davenport be such committee." By an act passed March 21, 1836, the sum of $2,000 was loaned from the school fund, to be refunded by tax upon the town of Lowville, in five an- nual installments, with interest at six per cent. A subscription in further aid of the building fund obtained one hundred and ninety-eight subscribers, and a total of $5,244.13, payable as follows : — HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 339 Cash $1,604.13 Grain 485.50 Stock 592.00 Lumber 1,088.50 Labor 586.00 Lime and Sand 206.00 Materials 667.00 Miscellaneous 15.00 Mr. Taylor's Successors for the NEXT Quarter-Century After the release of Mr. Taylor from his contract. May 18, 1831, the Trustees engaged Eliam E. Barney and Cyrus M. Fay as associate principals. The former remained two and the latter three years. Mr. Fay, the principal, was succeeded on the 14th of August, 1834, by Henry Maltby, who remained until the close of 1835, when instruction was suspended during the time that the edifice of 1825 was being demolished and the new one was going up. It was placed a little in front, and partly upon the site of the former edifice. The building erected in 1836, was dedicated December ist of that year. It forms the central part of the present academy, and is of brick, 41 by 62 feet on the ground, and three stories high, besides a stone basement. The contract was awarded to James H. Leonard, at $3,000 and the old materials. As origi- nally built, it had a central hall with front and rear entrance, and stairs to the upper stories. On the north side of the hall was a chapel, and on the oppo- site side two general study rooms. The remainder was devoted to private study rooms, there being eight upon the sec- ond and the same number upon the third story. Some years after, an ex- cellent chemical labratory and lecture room was fitted up in the basement, un- der the direction of Mr. David P. May- hew, then Principal of the academy, as elsewhere noticed. The new building was dedicated on the 1st of December, 1836, and the first term of the academy thereafter, began the same day, under Henry Bannister, then recently graduated from the Wes- leyan University at Middletown, Con- necticut, Miss Lucy Kimball of Ley- den, being preceptress. The plan of a boarding academy was continued but a short time after Mr. Taylor left, and has not since been re- sumed, excepting in an indirect way, by providing rooms and furniture by the Trustees. Mr. Bannister was succeeded in Octo- ber, 1837, by Erastus Wentworth, who remained until his resignation, in April, 1838. He was succeeded a short time by Harrison Miller, and the latter in 1839, by David P. Yeomans and David P. Mayhew as associate principals. In the summer of 1841, Mr. Yeomans left, and Mr. Mayhew remained for some years in charge, alone, but from 1843, to 1850, he associated with Frank- lin Moore. In June, 1852, William Root Adams was appointed principal. Semi-Centennial Celebration of THE Lowville Academy. Mindful of the interest pertaining to the completion of a full half-century in the history of the academy, its friends prepared to commemorate the occasion. A public meeting was called at the Bostwick House, (on the site of the Kel- logg House,) on the evening of May 21, 1858, to consider the measures that would be proper, and ascertain the sen- timent of the citizens of Lowville upon the subject. This was followed by other preliminary proceedings which led to the issue of a circular of invitation,dated June 26, 1858, which was numerously signed by former students of all periods, and was addressed to friends and alumni of the academy, wherever they could be found. 340 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. This circular of invitation, with its names has a certain degree of permanent interest, and was as follows : — " LowviLLE, N. Y., June 26, 1858. " Dear Sir : — Fifty years have been numbered with the past since the incor- poration of the Lowville Academy, an institution whose sons have gone forth and become important actors on the stage of Hfe, all over the American Con- tinent, in the lands of the Heathen, in the far off ' Isles of the Ocean,' and upon almost every High Sea of the world. " It is very appropriate that this event should be commemorated by a re-union of the students and teachers formerly connected with the institution, and you are most cordially invited to participate in the celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the Lowville Academy, on Thursday, the 22d day of July next, on which occasion the Hon. Daniel Ull- mann, of New York, (a student in 1825,) will pronounce an oration ; Benjamin F. Taylor, Esq., of Chicago, (a student in 1828,) will read a poem ; and Dr. Frank- lin B. Hough, of Albanjr, (a student in 1837-38^ will deliver the Historical Ad- dress. The Rev. William X. Ninde, of Adams, (a student in 1848,) will preach an appropriate discourse, on Wednesday evening, the 21st. " The hospitahties of the village of Lowville are most cordially tendered to all students and teachers who have ever been members of the Academy, and we earnestly hope that you will join in the festivities of our jubilee, as a most happy gathering is anticipated ; and we assure you that you will be most heartily wel- comed, on returning to the scenes of our early life — our Alma Mater — around whose time-honored halls cluster so many cherished memories and pleasant remmiscences of our youthful years. " As it is impossible for the Home Committee to ascertain the present resi- dence of all the students and teachers, those receiving several circulars, are respectfully requested to distribute a portion of them, and to extend the in- vitation as far as possible to those who were their fellow students. " Your quarters in some family in the village, will be assigned you by the Home Committee, who will be in at- tendance on the 2 1st and 22d at the Academy, at which place all Students and Teachers, immediately upon their arrival, are particularl)' requested to register their names, place of residence, and time when they were members of the institution. ' Stephen Johnson, Isaac Foster, Thomas M. Kelley, Baron S. Doty, Walter Martin, William Hubbard, Johnson A. Brayton, John White, Charles Dayan, Elihu Shepard, James D. Doty, John W. Martin, Levi SiUiman Ives, Anthony W. Collins, Horace Clapp, Ashley Davenport, Dame' S. Bailey, Morgan L. Martin, John R. Bartlett, Horatio J. Stow, Hiram Norton, Walter M. Conkey, Thomas R. Walker, Sylvester Bailey, Harrison Blodget, Charles A. Mann, Charles L. Martin, Jason Clark, Nelson J. Beach, Marcellus K. Stow, James M. Sturdevant, Ehjah W. Morgan, Lyman R. Lyon, Lloyd CoUyer Yale, Henry H. Martin, Horatio Hough, William S. Mayo, Willard Ives, 'Eliam E. Barney, Danforth N. Barney, Alexander L. Collins, Palmer V. Kellogg, Charles V. Clark, Charles K. Loomis, David P. Yeomans, James Rockwell, Francis D. Fowler, Charles R. Babbitt, Frederick Stewart, James W. Davenport, Henry G. Abbott, James Burns, John D. Fay, William Collins, student n 1808, Depauville, N. Y. 1808, San Jose, Cal. 1809, Cleveland, O. 1810, Portage City, Wis. 1811, Marshall, Mich. 1812, Columbus, 0. 1812, Painesville, O. 1813, Hot Springs, Ark. 1813, Lowville, N. Y. 1814, St. Louis, Mo. 1815, Menasha, Wis. 1816, Brooklyn, N. Y. 1817, Jordham, N. Y. 1817, Turin, N. Y. i8t7. Houseville, N. Y. 1818, Copenhagen, N. Y. 1818, Martinsburgh,N.Y. 1818, Green Bay, Wis. 1819, New York City. 1819, Lewiston, N. Y. 1819, Lockport, 111. 1819, Norwich, N. Y. 1820, Utica, N. Y. 1820, Memphis, Tenn. 1820, Denmark, N. Y. 1821, Utica, N. Y. 1821, New York City. 1821, Plessis, N. Y. 1821, Rome, N. Y. 1822, Fond-du-Lac, Wis. 1822, Rome, N. Y. 1823, Ann Arbor, Mich. 1824, Lyon's Falls, N. Y. 1825, Norfolk, N. Y. 1826, Albany, N. Y. 1826, Martinsburgh, N. Y. 1827, Washington, D. C. 1827, Watertown, N. Y. 1827, Dayton, O. 1827, New York City. 1828, Madison, Wis. 1828, Utica, N. Y. 1828, New York City. 1829, Buffalo, N. Y. 1830, Waterloo, C. W. 1830, Utica, N. Y. 1830, New York City. 1830, Rochester, N. Y. 1831, Mobile, Ala. 1832, St. Louis, Mo. 1832, Utica, N. Y. 1832, Detroit, Mich. 1832, Rochester, N. Y. 1832, Cleveland, 0. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 341 Student in Walter D. Dickinson, 1832, Prescott, C. George I. King,' Daniel A. Haynes, Howell Cooper, Moss K. Dickinson, Willard M. Rice, Samuel H. Ruggles, John B. Waring, W. 1833. Quincy, 111. 1833, Dayton, O. 1833, Watertown, N. Y. 1834, Montreal, C. E. 1834, Philadelphia, Pa. 1834, Circle ville, O. 183s, Cleveland, O. Francis W. Northrop, 1835, Zanesville, O. Franklin Moore, Levi W. Norton, Isaac S. Bingham, William E. Abbott, Francis Collins, Harvey P. Willard, Ira D. Davenport, John F. Dayan, Charles S. Williams, James Strong, Isaac C. Collins, Benjamin F. Bush, Samuel W. Johnson, Y. 1836, Rome, N. Y 1837, Jamestown, N, 1838, Fulton, N. Y. 1838, Syracuse, N. Y. 1838, Columbus, O. 1839, Boon ville, N. Y. 1839, Boston, Mass. 1840, Cape Vincent, N.Y. 1840,'E. Hampton, N. Y. 1841, Flushing, L. I. 1 84 1, Cincinnati, O. 1842, Carthage, N. Y. 1842, Yale College, Joseph F. McMuUen, 1843, Milwaukee, Wis. Caleb B. Ellsworth, Henry W. King, A. J. Edgerton, Allen P. Northrop, William House, Jason C. Easton, Homer C. Hunt, John B. Foot, James E. Willard, Guilford D. Bailey, Addison C. Miller, Wilson M. Powell, Henry L. Smith, Colton J. Reed, C. Fay Willard, S. W. Douglass, Everett R. Sawyer, Elbridge R. Adams, James L. Leonard, 1843, Greenville, N. Y. 1844, Chicago, 111. 1844, Mantorville, Minn. 1845, Flushing, L. I. 1845, Londonderry,N.H. 1846, Chatfield, Minn. 1847, Ozaukee, Wis. 1848, Ogdensburg, N. Y. 1849, Austin, Minn. „ fFt. Leavenworth, ^«S°.j Kansas. 1851, Utica, N. Y. 1852, Union College. 1853, Union College. 1854, Union College. 1855, Utica, N. Y. 1856, Mad. University. 1857, Union College. 1858, Union College. 1839,1 John Doig, 1838, W. Root Adams, 1841, \ Home Com. Leon'rd C. Davenport, 1845, Charles D. Adams, 1846, The proceedings came off, very nearly as had been arranged, the principal ex- ercises being held upon a stand near the street, in front of the academy. The sermon, by Mr. Ninde, was from the text in I Corinthians xvi : 13. "Quit you like men." The oration and the historical address were dehvered as appointed, but the committee and the participants in the celebration were sadly disappointed in learning that Mr. B. F. Taylor, who was expected to read a poem, would be unable to attend. In his reply to the committee that had invited him, he said :— " Your letter has been to me like a chance note or two of some sweet old song ; it has recalled strain after strain of melodious memories, glittering with the sun that shone then, and the tears that have fallen since. Not that I have ever forgotten my birthplace, nestled there in the woods, or the friends that made me think better of the outer world than it deserved, for it seems as if heaven were so round about them there, that there could be no going thence, without entering paradise. " In almost any other year, to be pres- ent at such an Anniversary — for alas, in my time, there can be hut one — would be a pious pilgrimage, that I should be too much a christian to leave unmade. ******* " No invitation has ever been extend- ed to me, that I declined with such pain- ful reluctance as I now decline this. But be assured, my dear sirs, that I shall be with you all in heart on that day, as true as the noblest to the mem- ory of Lowville Academy." Ten days later, he wrote that he would endeavor to be present, and con- tributed "a little sheaf of rhymes and ut- ter my httle song as the birds do theirs, with a free heart, as my summer offer- ing." But at the last moment he tele- graphed that he could not come. The Home Committee caused the proceedings of this Semi-Centennial Cele- bration, to be printed in a volume of 133 pages, accompanied with several portraits, and an engraving of the acad- emy as it then was. It should be remembered that the pres- ent year, (1883,) will finish the even pe- riod of three-quarters of a century, and it is an excellent thing to revive old as- sociations, and note down the stages of events, as they are unrolled by time. Of the four original students who attended 342 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. in 1858, and of very many of more re- cent attendance, we shall see no more. Many who as youth witnessed the former proceedings, are now in middle life and the heads of families — doubtless some are now patrons of the institute in which they were themselves then students. Teachers' Classes, Cabinet, Library, etc. This academy was for a long period designated annually by the Regents of the University, for the instruction of common school teachers. It has a val- uable library and an excellent collection of apparatus, minerals, etc. In its cabi- net is a sword that once belonged to General Pike, and was presented by him to General Brady on the eve of his de- parture on the fatal expedition against Little York. General Brady afterwards resided at Lowville and presented this memento to Charles D. Morse, who has placed it among other historical relics in the cabinet of the academy. The Academy Library has received annually, from a time commencing some years before the late war the full series of documents published by order of Congress, forming of themselves a libra- ry of no small extent and of great value for reference. The " Mystic Society," has its library in the building, under the control and for the use of its members. It is not large, but is well selected. The History that has Accrued since the Celebration of 1858. Mr. Adams remained principal until i860, when he resigned, (Sept. 22d,) and the Rev. Charles W. Bennett, then late Superintendent of Schools at Schenecta. dy, and a graduate of the Wesleyan Uni- versity at Middletown, was engaged for one year, (Dec. 5, i860,) as principal. The want of more accommodation had been for some time noticed by the trus- tees, and mentioned in their board, but no action was taken until the spring of i860. In April of that year, plans for an ad- dition were proposed, and William Mc- Cullock, James L. Leonard and William Root Adams were appointed a commit- tee to bring the subject before the public. They reported progress the same month, and the measure being deemed feasible a committee consisting of J. L. Leonard, W. R. Adams and John Doig, was ap- pointed to get estimates of cost. They reported on the 24th of April, i860, that an additional building forty by sixty feet, and three stories high, with a. basement, would cost from $4,700 to $4,800, and a subscription was at once started. A building committee was appointed,, consisting of Andrew W. Doig, Franklin B. Hough, and James L. Leonard, on behalf of the trustees, and of Simon Brown, Lucius F. Wright and John Conover, on behalf of the citizens of the town. The subject remained under discussion through that year, and at the town meet- ing early in 1861, a tax of $2,500 was. voted in aid of the measure. This was. confirmed by a special act April 10, 1861,. and the building committee contracted with George Perkins, of Rome, the same, month. Application was made to Mrs. Charles King, daughter of Nicholas Low,, for assistance, but none was received. When these improvements were com- pleted, the Academy contained the fol- lowing accommodations, substantially as at present : — The central part, being the part erected in 1836, has a hall at each end, with separate stairways to the upper stories. Between these on the main floor, is the chapel, thirty-three by forty- five feet in size, finely frescoed, the ros- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 343 trum carpeted, and the walls adorned with paintings and busts. The former consist of finely framed oil paintings of Isaac W. Bostwick, Mrs. Hannah Bost- wick, James L. Leonard, and Horatio N. Bush, all of whom have been substantial benefactors of the academy. The busts are those of Virgil, Socrates, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Lord Byron, Walter Scott, Shakespeare and Dr. Eliphalet Nott. In the south wing, of 1861, are the office, and furnished apartments for a family, and ample boarding accommoda- tions. In the north wing, of 1861, is a fine lecture room, with philosophical and chemical apparatus rooms, well arranged for optical experiments in the daytime, and for lectures. The second story contains three large study rooms, having in all finely ar- ranged desks and seats for 116 students, a large recitation room, a cloak room, students' rooms in the central part, and in the south wing a room for the preceptress and rooms for young ladies. The latter rooms have a separate stair- way to the family apartments below. In arranging the desks in the study rooms, care has been taken that they all face to the north, it being recognized as highly important that students in geography should habitually have the map with its top to the north. The upper story contains a well arranged society hall, the hbrary, and private study rooms. The summer term of the academy was taught in 1861, while the building ope- rations were going on, in the adjacent Town Hall, now court house, and in the meantime the additions, consisting of a wing at each end, each nearly as large as the main building, were fin- ished, in the summer and fall of 1861. The war being then in the first year, a spirit of military enthusiasm was man- ifested among the students, and a class was formed by Mr. L'Huillier,* an as- sistant teacher, in the manual of arms, that had much success. Some of the young men who belonged to this class were able to accept offices in the ser- vice, from the efficiency of the training which they received at that time. A stand of arms was procured by the trustees for use on that occasion. In October, 1861, Mr. Bennett, was invited to renew his proposition for en- gagement, and the terms he submitted were deemed inadmissible by the trus- tees. It led to an effort for the establish- ment of a rival institution under the auspices of the Methodists, to be called "The Black River Institution," and one term was taught the following win- ter in the Session rooms of the new Methodist Church. It was not sustain- ed by those who had given him encour- agement, and he entered the ministry in the western part of the State. But Professor Bennett, — always true and earnest in his convictions, however thoroughly qualified for the duties of a pastor, and sure to succeed in any pur- suit he might undertake, — was better qualified for teaching than for any other calling. He afterwards spent some years in Germany, in special historical and ec- clesiastical studies, and upon the organi- zation of the Faculty of the Syracuse Uni- versity, was chosen one of its professors. Although eminently fitted lor this posi- tion, which he has since filled with great acceptance, it is our opinion that he would bfe more useful to his denomina- tion, and to the world, if placed in a theological seminary, where his special tastes and attainments would find an ample field for service. * Mr. L'Huillier, was a young Swiss of fine educa- tion and genteel manners, who had received instructions in military tactics in Europe, and was thoroughly com- petent for this duty. Among those who were under instruction in tactics, was A. C. Ganyard who lost a limb in the service. He is the author of a volume entitled "The Talisman of Battle, and Other Poems." 344 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. While this unpleasant controversy about the academy was pending, and in anticipation of any effort that might be made for procuring State aid for an en- dowment, the trustees of the academy, themselves memorialized the Legislature for like aid. The author was entrusted with this apphcation, and presented it personally before a Senate committee, who made a highly favorable report, but took no further action.* This caused neither surprise nor particular disap- pointment, for the chairman of the com- mittee, (the late Hon. John V. L. Pruyn,) was privately informed of the situation, and told that we expected nothing, beyond placing a bar in our own defense. As for the rest, both the memorial and the report, being written by the same hand, should at least have been consistent with the sole object in view. The discontinuance of the rival school was followed by conciliatory measures, and there was soon no trace left of the ripples that had disturbed the tranquil surface. Since then, as before, the poli- cy of independence from denominational control, has been steadily maintained. Mr. Adams returned to the academy in October, 1861, under an engagement to run the institution on his own ac- count, receiving the Regents money, and paying $200 rent. The death of Mr. James L. Leonard, which occurred on the 56th of January, 1867, cast a shadow over the institution, as it was felt in every phase of public interest in town, and especially in the Board of Trustees of the Academy, of which he had long been an active working member. In his will he made a liberal bequest, and his portrait was placed in the chapel of the academy in honor of his memory. His will, dated March 20, 1865, gave $10,000 to the academy as an endowment fund, the principal to remain intact. He also gave $10,000 in Arkansas State bonds, ♦See Senate Doc. No. i8, 1862. now having a face value of $28,000 but not productive. They are held in the hope that the State will some day ful- fill its promises. Mr. Leonard also made the academy a residuary legatee of one- fifth of his estate, and under this clause the sum of $1,500 was realized. He was also a liberal benefactor of the Presby- terian church, of the Lowville Rural Cemetery, and of various religious and benevolent objects. It should have been mentioned in its place, that Mr. Horatio N. Bush, of Harrisburgh, in his will, dated August 12, 1861, gave the sum of $5,000, the in- come of which was to be forever ap- plied for the benefit of the Lowville Academy. This sum has been regularly invested, and the interest applied to Academic improvements. His portrait is also placed in the academy chapel, as a memorial of one of its substantial ben- efactors. Mrs. Hannah Bostwick, who had been made the principal legatee of the large estate of her husband, Isaac W. Bost- wick, by a will dated October 15, 1864, undertook to make the Lowville Acade- my the recipient of her principal estate. After granting certain bequests and an- nuities to relatives and friends, she gave the residue of her personal estate, val- ued at about $41,000 to Henry E. Turner, William Root Adams and John Doig, to invest and pay annually or semi-annuajly the proceeds to the Lowville Academy. Upon their death, she requested that successors might be appointed by the courts. She also gave a fine stone man- sion, and splendidly adorned grounds, directly to the trustees, but these grants were coupled with the condition that " the female students and scholars at- tending the Lowville Academy, may and shall be educated separate and apart from the male students and scholars at- tending said academy." The premises were to be occupied within one year HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 345 after the date of the deed of conveyance, and " the daughters of officers, soldiers, marines or seamen who have been killed or who died while in the service of the United States during the present war," and young ladies in indigent cir- cumstances, were to be taught free. The premises thus conveyed were fitted up for school purposes, and as a dwelling for a principal. In the mean- time Mr. Adams resigned a second time, and the trustees on the 24th of July, 1866, engaged Mr. E. Barton Wood, from the Macedon Academy as their Principal. He had been graduated at Hamilton College, in advance, to en- ter the army, and had served as a line officer in the war. Under his direction the school declined — in fact, dwindled down to almost nothing. The particular thing which, perhaps more than anything else made Mr. Wood unpopular in the county, was an address that he had the weakness to deliver, and the folly to publish, — in which he urged to efforts and intellectual greatness, and referred to labor as degrading. This was a poor doctrine to advance in a community depending upon labor for its support, and in which, notwithstand- ing, there had been found no hindrance to intellectual culture, and high literary refinement. Mr. Wood finished his first year, and began on his second, but resigned Sep- tember 12, 1867, to take effect at the end of that term, but we believe did not re- main but left it to be finished by an assistant. He went to Michigan, where we understand, he has since been suc- cessful as a teacher. To secure this end he had only to drop some weak ideas of discipline, which he had acquired in the army — for there was no fault of charac- ter or ability, that should prevent him from becoming an accomplished teacher. To fill this vacancy, a committee was appointed on the i8th of September, i867,of which F. B. Hough was chairnian, and in discharge of this trust, and in the fnidst of a correspondence which prom- ised to secure a person who had acquired great reputation as a teacher, he was surprised to learn that the Trustees, — after vesting in him the duty of procur- ing a new Principal, had, without con- sulting him, employed another. On the 19th of October, they hired one Charles W. Bowen, of Glen's Falls, who engaged to run both the Bostwick Seminary and the Academy, he residing with his fam- ily in the former. His predecessor had possessed both character and ability, but Bowen was found to have neither. From time to time, the trustees received complaints of his misconduct from insulting his female assistants, and other scandalous acts, until on the 31st of March, 1868, they notified him to quit at the end of that term. But before that time came, a livery- stable keeper was employed one even- ing upon a service that appeared to him mysterious. He was to come to Mr. Bowen's residence at the Bostwick Sem- inary at midnight, to receive a load of goods in boxes, to be taken to Water- town ; and upon arriving there, he was to affix certain cards of direction that were furnished him, but that were un- der no circumstances to be seen till then. This had much the appearance of a man trying to run away ; at least the livery man so looked upon it, and from such men there are not many favors to expect hereafter. The cards were seen by Mr. D. C. West, and when a Uttle after mid- night, a team was passing the stone church, towards Watertown, it was hailed by a constable, and the boxes were safely lodged in a warehouse. The next morning Bowen was a meek and penitent man. " He did not mean to run away. He was anxious to pay every cent he owed," and resented a proposi- 346 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tion to be let off upon half. " He would pay the whole, and would give his note, of which half should be paid soon, and the rest thereafter." His terms were ac- cepted, and strange to say, the money was sent back to pay the first half, a few days after. The remaining half, not having yet matured, remains unpaid. Bowen went next to Alexander, Gen- esee county, where he engaged to teach the academy at that place. While living there, his wife was shot through the head, by a pistol in his hand, which " he said," he was trying to " fix." The good- natured civil authorities of Genesee county, looked upon the case as an "ac- cident." Had the accident happened in Lowville, we feel very confident that it would have been differently regarded. Mrs. Bowen is remembered as a lady of cultured and refined manners, and in every way worthy of esteem. She had an interesting family of small chil- dren, who were left motherless by her death. It is said that Bowen at his wife's funeral, arose and announced the day on which the next term of his academy would begin. He appeared to have re- garded the opportunity for advertise- ment too good to be lost. Bowen's last term was finished by a female assistant, and on the 20th of June, 1868, a committee was again appointed to look up a new Principal. They were this time fortunate in securing a man of much talent and experience, and of ex- cellent reputation, which he fully sus- tained while he remained. This was Mr. A. Judson Barrett, of Kingsville, Ohio, who remained until he resigned at the end of the third year, to enter upon the Baptist ministry, and removed to Roch- ester. The Trustees passed resolutions of respect, for acceptable service, and he left to the sincere regret of all. In July, 1 87 1, the Trustees, chiefly upon the recommendation of Dr. S. B. Woolworth.Sec. of the Board of Regents^ engaged Joseph A. Pr indie of Owego,^ but late of the State Normal School at Oswego, who remained one j'ear. We feel justified in saying that the Trus- tees would not have consented, under any circumstances, to his remaining longer. He was notified August 9, 1872, to va- cate the academy within one week. He removed to Denmark, where he has since resided, engaged in teaching in the village, and preaching in the " Line" Baptist church. In August, 1872, the Trustees engaged the Rev. Granville C. Waterman, a Free Will Baptist clergyman, who had resided for some time in the village, as . pastor of the Dayan Street church, and who remained two years. He removed to Dover, New Hampshire, and we understand has since removed West. In the autumn of 1874, Mr. WiUiam Root Adams, assumed the office of principal for the third time, and has since remained in charge. His manage- ment has met the unqualified approval of the trustees, and of the community always ; as the multitude of his patrons and pupils, of some of whom he has educated a second generation, will bear witness. In following the line of succession of principals, we have passed over an inci- dent in the history of the Academy to which we will now recur: The trust con- veyance of Mrs. Bostwick to three per- ' sons, and their successors, was found defective in law, and the heirs of Mrs. B. commenced proceedings to recover the estate in trust. It went up to the Court of Appeals, and was argued December 6, 1870, and decided January 24, 1871, against the trustees; all the Judges con- curring except Allen, who having been employed by the trustees as their attor- ney, could not sit upon the trial. This case is reported in 43 N. Y. Reports, (4 Hand.) 487, as the case of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 347 Perry vs. Adams, and establishes the fol- lowing principles: — " A devise of land to trustees, direct- ing them to execute and deliver to a corporation a deed of conveyance there- of, for the uses and purposes and with the restrictions set forth in the will, cre- ates no valid trust in such trustees, and gives them no valid title, but vests im- mediately and absolutely in such corpo- ration the land' devised. •' A devise of real and personal estate to trustees, to sell the land and invest the avails, together with the personal in specified securities, and pay to a certain educational corporation, annually, the income to be devoted by such corpora- tion to certain specified purposes, creates an active trust, and the title to the fund does not pass to the corporation. " An academy incorporated for the promotion of literature, and authorized to educate males and females, may es- tablish separate departments for each, and under the general acts of 1840 and 1841, take and hold real estate in trust, to be used for the benefit of either de- partment. " Nor is a devise to the academy for such purpose void, because it provides that the tuition of the daughters of de- ceased officers etc., who attended the academy shall be free. This does not constitute a trust in favor of such offi- cer's daughters, nor render them the beneficiaries, but if they attend, they re- ceive their tuition free, and if they do not, the academy still takes the property for its own use. " A trust created by will for the pur- pose of enforcing a forfeiture of lands devised, in case of non-compliance with a condition subsequent, is not authorized by the Revised Statutes, and is void. It is the right of the heirs of the testator to claim the benefit of such forfeiture. " A bequest to trustees of personal es- tate to invest and re-invest, and pay over the income to an incorporate academy forever, is void under the statutes of perpetuities. Williams vs. Williams, (4 Seld. 524,) so far as it holds the contrary, overruled. The only power in charita- ble and educational corporations to hold property in perpetuity in trust, is by virtue of their charters, and the acts of 1840 and 1841. " When the invalidity of a gift to a particular purpose, or trust renders sub- sequently ineffective the other provis- ions of the will in reference to the same purpose, the latter must fall with the former, but whenever the purpose of the testator can be carried into effect as to a valid proposition, the invaUdity of oth- ers will not affect it." The Bostwick Seminary having prov- ed a burden without benefit, the trus- tees on the 13th of May, 1873, resolved to sell the Bostwick mansion, and con- solidate the whole under one establish- ment. An auction was held June 10, 1873, and the property was sold for $7,085, it being scarcely a third of what it was valued at some years before, and not more than enough to pay the ex- penses that had been incurred on this account. In a historical sketch of the Lowville Academy prepared chiefly by the author of this volume, at the invitation of the U. S. Commissioner of Education, in 1876, in the promotion of a plan for the collection of the history of the higher educational institutions of the country for the centennial year, then in our charge, the experience of this academy was offered in proof of a principle in education to this effect : — " That in academic education, the in- struction of both sexes in the same class- rooms, while it tends to mutual refinement in manners, and emulation in studies, is both in theory and practice, altogether pref- erable to separate organizations." Upon the completion of the first half- century of the academy, the occasion was celebrated in an impressive manner. A multitude of former students, some of them then aged, and many more heads of families, and in the full maturity and strength of life, assembled, and the pro- ceedings were published in a memorial volume. It should be borne in mind that in 1883, three-quarters of a century will have been counted off on the dial of time, and it is worth considering as to 348 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. whether it does not deserve an honora- ble notice. The trustees many years since, insti- tuted a graduating course, which with some, is the end of their school days, while with others, it is the end of aca- demic studies, preparatory to entrance into college. These graduating exer- cises have grown into occasions of in- terest, tending to maintain the standing of the Academy, as a middle-school for those seeking a full classical education, as it has always been a school of higher instruction for the greater number. An Alumni Association of the Low- ville Academy was organized many years since, and holds an annual session in connection with the exercises of the closing academic year. Biographical Notices of Several of THE Principals of Lowville Academy. The Rev. Isaac Clinton was born at West Milford, near Bridgeport, Connec- ticut, January 21, 1759. He was a cousin of DeWitt Clinton. He graduated at Yale college in 1786, and was distin- guished in his class for his acquirements in mathematics and the languages. Whilst a student in college, upon an emergency, he volunteered, with other students, as a private in the Connecti- cut militia, and was engaged in one or more battles. He studied theology with Rev. Joseph Bellamy of Bethlehem, Connecticut. On the 30th of January, 1788, he was or- dained as pastor of a Presbyterian church, at Southwick, Massachusetts, as a successor of the Rev. Abel Forward, the first pastor. He married Charity Wells at New Stratford, (now Hunting- don,) Connecticut, March 12, 1787. They had six children, of whom five (Isaac, David W., Caroline, Sophia and George), died at Southwick the same week, (Au- gust 25-30, 1803) from an epidemic, and three were dead in the house at the same time. Upon the occasion of the death of his children, Mr. Clinton wrote the follow- ing lines : — Eternal God, whose throne is high One gracious smile wilt thou afford. When death, and deep despair draw nigh, From dust, will rise to seek the Lord. Thy will is sovereign, Dreadful God Thy ways, though dark, are just and kind, We bow, and own thy chastening rod ; Will not complain, but be resigned. Long we enjoyed thy mercies. Lord, Sweet blooming health, and cheerful peace. Thy goodness often we adored, And smiled to see our joys increase. But oh ! our God has changed the scene, To death an awful warrant gave : Five of our number, now unseen. Lie cold, in an untimely grave. We call to mind, in thickest gloom Five dismal days of grief and woe When death, grim death, through every room ■Sought, where to aim the fatal blow. Ah ! lovely youth, sweet babes ; how soon You fell beneath the tyrant's power ; And must the parents' hopes ere soon Be blasted in one fatal hour ? Great God, how dark are thy decrees ! And must we sick, dispair and die ? Oh ! from our pains grant us release And raise our faith and hope on high. Will learn submission to Thy will, Be quiet as a weaned child - Receive correction and be still And to thee, all our interest yield. Oh ! blessed Saviour who didst bear, A load of guilt, for dying worm. When clouds grow dark, do thou come near Least we should perish in the storm. If Thou art near when troubles come. Then shall our souls abide in peace. If children die, thou call them home We grieve, but love Thee more than these. Let all our sorrows work for good ; Let trials make our souls more bright, The're but Thy discipline bestowed To fit us for the world of light. The only remaining child was Maria, who married Ela Collins at Lowville. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 349 Two sons, subsequently born, died at Lowville. He wrote and published, while at Southwick, a work on Infant Baptism, of which a second edition was issued. He preached at Southwick twenty years, but domestic affliction led to his asking for a dismissal, which was granted December 2, 1807, when he re- moved to Lowville, New York. In 1808, he built the house on the beautiful ele- vation immediately west of the Presby- terian church, where he resided until his death. In 1808, he was installed min- ister of the Presbyterian church at Low- ville, and continued for ten years. In 1808, he was employed as principal of the Lowville Academy, and was so en- gaged nine years, (with one year inter- val), when he was succeeded by S. W. Taylor. He was President of the Board of Academy Trustees for many years, and until his death. When in his eight- ieth year he completed and published a book entitled Household Baptism. It was a work of merit in its day, and es- teemed as a learned argument by those quahficd to judge of its value. An earlier edition of this work had been printed at Springfield, Mass. He owned and cultivated about two hundred acres of land at Lowville, and he was especially devoted to the culti- vation of apples and other fruit. Lewis county is much indebted to him for the introduction and distribution of many of its best varieties of apples. He was a handsome man, and dressed through his life in the colonial style of his youth, viz : a low-crowned, broad-brimmed bea- ver hat, black broadcloth coat, with wide and long skirts, velvet breeches and sil- ver knee buckles, high top boots, or shoes and silk stockings. Mr. Clinton had marked certain pas- sages m the Bible, (Psalms xxi: 5, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 24,) which he requested might be read often in his hearing, in the hour of death. He was stricken with apoplexy on the 29th of January, 1840, but survived until the i8th of March. His wife. Charity, died May 3, 1840, aged ^^ years. Stephen W. Taylor, son of Timothy Taylor, was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1789, and in boyhood evinced a strong passion for learning, and a fondness for natural and mental philosophy and mathematics. He grad- uated at Hamilton College in 18 17, and there became acquainted with John W. Martin, of Martinsburgh, through whose influence he was led to apply for the place of Principal of the Lowville Acad- emy. He remained in this office till his resignation in 1830. He continued until some time after the completion of the building on the polygonal plan which we have already noticed, but its failure, and the ridicule that it occasioned was no doubt a principal reason for resign- ing. He had several young men in his family, whom he had undertaken to edu- cate, and he continued to teach a family school in the village a short time and about a year and a half at the Lanpher place, on the West road, at or near what was formerly West Lowville post- office. He was then employed as pre- ceptor of the grammar school, and after- wards professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in Hamilton Acade- my in Madison county. He was one of the founders and first President of the Lewisburgh University, Pennsylvania. He returned to Hamilton in 1850, ac- cepted the office of President and Bleeck- er Professor of Natural and Moral Phi- losophy in Madison University, and con- tinued in this office till his death, Janu^ ary 7, 1856, aged (i^ years. His father removed to this town after himself, and died December 8, 1857, aged 90 years. Messrs. Barney and Fay, who were associate principals from 1831 to 1834, were classmates in Yale College, in the class of 1 83 1. 350 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Cyrus M. Fay, was a native of what is now Fulton county, and had resided in Galway, Saratoga county. He went from Lowville to Buffalo.where he hired the premises of the Literary and Col- legiate Institute, and taught sixteen years. He was quite successful in con- ducting this as a private boarding school, until 1848, when the fame of California, as a Land of Gold, awakened a spirit of adventure, which deprived the country of thousands of its best citizens. He joined an overland party across the con- tinent, and encountered unusual suffer- ing. Half of the number died of chol- era before the remainder arrived on the Pacific coast. After a few months residence there, he set out to return, taking a new, and as yet not well provided route. He was detained by the unforeseen failure of a vessel that was to have sailed for the Atlantic States, and sickening in a trop- ical climate, he found a stranger's grave. He sickened at Grenada, and died at San Juan, Nicaragua, December 12, 1850, in the 50th year of his age. He married a sister of Mrs. Joseph A. Wil- lard, of Lowville. Eliam E. Barney, was a native of EUisburgh, Jefferson county, and related, if we are not mistaken, to the families of that name in Henderson, and to Collect- or Hiram Barney, of New York City. He prepared for college at this acade- my and at EUisburgh. From Lowville he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he taught an academy six years, but his health requiring a change of occupation he went into business. He was after- wards for six years principal of the Cooper Female Academy, but again leaving the profession, he became a partner in the firm of Barney, Parker & Co., and finally of Barney & Smith. This firm was largely engaged in car- building and employed a thousand men or more in the business, which was con- ' ducted with much success. His wife was Miss Julia Smith, of Galway, who was educated at that place, and at Balls- ton High School. She taught two years at Lowville and afterwards at Dayton. Mr. Barney late in life, became inter- ested in making known the advantages offered by the Western Catalpa tree {Catalpa speciosa^ for cultivation, and dis- tributed large editions of pamphlets which he wrote upon the subject. This was done gratuitously, and not to pro- mote the interest of any particular nurs- ery operation. He died at Dayton about 1880 or 1881. Henry Maltby was from Richland, Oswego county, and was appointed prin- cipal August 14, 1835. He remained about a year. In 1858, he was teaching in Kentucky, but we are not informed of his history after leaving Lowville. Henry Bannister was born in Conway, Mass., in 1812, and graduated at the Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Conn., in 1836. He was brought to the acquaintance of the trustees of the Low- ville Academy by Willard M. Rice. After teaching a year at Lowville Acad- emy, he went to Auburn Seminary. He was two years principal of the Fairfield Academy, and from thence he went to Cazenovia Seminary, where he was pro- fessor and principal about eighteen years. In July, 1856, he left that place, and for many years he has been a professor in the Garrett Biblical Institute, at Evans- ton, Illinois, where he now resides. While he was principal of the Lowville Academy, Miss Lucy Kimball, daughter of the Rev. Reuel Kimball, of Leyden, was preceptress of the ladies' depart- ment. They were married not long after. Erastus Wentworth was a native of Norwich, Conn., and graduated at the Wesleyan University in 1837. He went from Lowville to Gouverneur, and in four years after went to the Troy Con- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 351 ference Seminary, at West Poultney.Ver- mont, as a Professor of Natural Sciences. About the year 1845, he was appointed President of the McKendree College, at Lebanon, Illinois. In 1849, he became a Professor of Natural Sciences at Dickin- son College, Carlisle, Pa. It will be seen from these appointments, that like his predecessor, he was a Methodist, and at this point he left the teacher's profession to enter upon missionary and pastoral labors. In 1854, he was sent by the Methodist Episcopal Board of Missions to Fau Chou, in China. He returned after a few years, and preached on vari- ous stations in the Troy Conference, but we are not informed as to whether he is still living. Harrison Miller was a native of Cham- pion, and taught for some years at Carthasfe. He went from Lowville to Watertown, where he became master of the primary school in connection with what was then called the " Black River Literary and Religious Institute." He was not a man of classical education, nor was he very well adapted to the duties of a teacher. He left the profession after this fact had become apparent to him- self, as it had long been to others, and engaged in other business, — if we mis- take not, in lumbering. He died at Carthage, September 23, 1843, aged 31 years. David P. Mayhew, a native of Spen- certown, Columbia county, N. Y., grad- uated at Union College in 1838, and on the 25th of September, 1839, became as- sociated with D. P. Yeomans as one of the principals of the Lowville Academy. After the withdrawal of Mr. Yeomans in 1 841, he was left in sole charge, but afterwards for a time was associated with Franklin Moore, a native of Low- ville, and a graduate in Union College in the class of 1843. Mr. Moore was af- terwards principal of the Rome Acade- my, but for a long period has been, and is now a clerk in the pension office at Washington. Mr. Mayhew left Lowville in June, 1852, and was for a year or so teacher of a private school in Watertown. In 1853, he removed to Ohio, and after filling for a time the office of City Superintendent of Schools in Columbus, he went to Michi- gan. He was employed as a teacher, and afterwards as principal of the State Nor- mal School at Ypsilanti, but has long since retired from the profession, and settled in Detroit, where he now resides. David Prentiss Yeomans, a graduate of Williams College in 1837, was at Low ville from 1838 to 1841, when he was ap- pointed Professor of Chemistry, and principal of the Preparatory Department of Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa. He resigned there September 19, 1845, and removed to Kingston, in Canada, near which place he afterwards practiced as a physician. Of the remainder of the principals of the academy, some notice is already given. Mr. William Root Adams, who has held the office longer than any other, is a native of this town, his father, Dr. Ira Adams, having formerly practiced as a physician. He graduated at Union College in 1851, and has devoted most of his life to the duties of a teacher, hav- ing been principal of the academy in all more than thirty years. The semi-centennial proceedings of 1858, mention the following names of ladies who have held the office of Pre- ceptress : — Miss Emily Porter, 1824-'—. [Mrs. Nelson J. Beach.] " Deborah Wilbur, l827-'28. Deceased. " Lucy Stow, i8j7-'28. " Abigal Tonilinson, iSiS-'jo. " Fannie Easton, 1830. [Mrs. Ethridge, Little Falls.] " Julia Smith, i8»-'52. [Mrs. E. E. Barney, Dayton, Ohio] " Mary Miller, iSjj. " Juliet Foster, 183S. " Caroline Williams, l8js. [Mrs Wilson, Montreal.] " Lucy Kimball, i836-'38. [Mrs. H. Bannister, Evanstoo, 111.] Mrs. Lathrop, 1837. " Eleanor Noyes, l84o-'s8 (?) Miss Sarah Taylor, i8si-'52 [Mrs N. B. Sylvester, Sara- " AnnGleed, « E. E. Blinn, toga Springs J 18S2-'S4. [Mrs. Homer C. Hunt, Chi- cago, 111 1 i8s7-'6o.(?) [Mrs. S. W. Johnson, New Haven, Conn.] 352 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. As most of the lady teachers have been employed by the principals, their names do not appear upon the records of the trustees, and cannot here be in- cluded. Public Schools. The first school was taught in this town by Miss Hannah Smith, a sister of Mrs. Elijah Baldwin of Martinsburgh, in a little log school house near the lower mill. Samuel Slocum taught in 1804, and was one of the earliest male teach- - ers in town. The first public provision for schools was made in March, 1813, under the general school act then newly passed. Amasa Dodge, Robert Mc- Dowell, and Moses Waters, were ap- pointed first commissioners, and with these, Isaac Clinton, William Sacket, Benjamin Hillman, Benjamin Davenport, Chester Buck, and Daniel Kelley, In- spectors ; $70 were voted to schools the first year; and in 1815,456 scholars were reported as attending school, between the ages of 5 and 15. In 1842, the town passed a resolution inviting the resident clergy to visit the schools. A stone school house was built on the site now occupied by the First Nation- al Bank of Lowville, (Lanpher Block,) and remained in use until about 1854, when a brick school house was built in the north part of the village, by Morris D. Moore. It had two rooms, and as compared with what had been, it was a fine affair. No graded school has hitherto been established in the village, but a few years since, the notoriously ir^dequate accommodations of the district school house in the northern part of the village led to the discussion of measures for amendment, and various projects were proposed. This finally led to the erec- tion of another school house near the creek, upon Valley street, in the southern edge of the district, and to the thorough renovation of the old building. By these means, the wants of the vil- lage, as they were considered by those who had direction in these affairs, were satisfied ; and no complaints have since been heard from these causes. Among other plans proposed at that time, was the incorporation of the academy with the public school system, as has been done by most of the academies through- out the State within the last quarter of a century, but questions were raised as to the effect this would have upon cer- tain vested funds which the academy had received, and this probably pre- vented anything from being done. Masonic and Other Associations. The " Lowville Lodge," No 134, of Free Masons, was organized March 5, 1869, for the election of Trustees, under the statute, and elected William L. Bab- cock, David A. Stewart and Sherman Phillips. It dates as a society from June 13, 1848. The " Lowville Chapter," No. 223, of Royal Arch Masons, was incorporated under Chapter 317, Laws of 1866, with John Conover, Rufus L. Rogers and Horace Bush, as Trustees. These to- gether own the upper part of a block adjoining the " Kellogg House," which they have fitted up for their meetings. The Odd Fellows formerly had the " Adelphi Lodge," No 308, in Lowville village, but its charter was given up many years since. The " Good Templars " have had a Lodge in the village for several years. The Lowville Tent, No. 124, of " Rechabites," was formed May 5, 1882. Musical Associations. The " Union Band" formed in this vil- lage about 1826, was the first that was organized in the county, and maintained existence several vears. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 353 A " Sax-horn Band " was formed in the fall of 1857, and had an existence when our former edition was published. The " Lowville Cornet Band," of more recent origin, existed for some years, and has since been discontinued, but an- other one has been more recently or- ganized. The Lowville Literary Club. This is an informal association first organized in the fall of 1861, and meets one evening in each week, during the winter season, for the reading of books and articles upon selected subjects, to which the conversation of the evening is chiefly limited. At first, there was a supper provided at each meeting, and the occasion proved so interesting that the meetings were continued about forty weeks in succession. Of late years there is no entertainment whatever provided, but the meetmgs have been well attended, proving a means of re- fined, intellectual enjoyment to all who participate, and occasions of interest to strangers who may happen to be present. The Club has scarcely a formal organ- ization, and is without records or funds. There is no form of election, or roll of inembership. At each meeting, some person is designated to preside at the next meeting, and sometimes a com- mittee for the selection of subjects. As first started, it was understood and agreed upon verbally, that the Club should have no constitution nor even a name, and that it should hold together so long as it proved agreeable to those attending, and no longer. This is about all there is of it, down to the present day, — a pleasant and rational oppor- tunity for intellectual enjoyment, and friendly social intercourse. These Lit- erary clubs have been tormed in some other villages in the county, but they are of much more recent date. Completion of the Railroad to Lowville Village. This event occurred in the autumn of 1868, and was an occasion of great re- joicing. A cannon in charge of the mili- tia company of the villages,was mounted upon a platform car, and announced the approach of the excursion train long be- fore its arrival, and thousands of citi- izens from all the country around stood ready to welcome the stranger. A col- lation was in readiness, and speeches intended for immortal fame, were said . upon the occasion. Among the prepar- ations, was a triumphal arch, erected over the track in front of the station, with the floral inscription "Welcome" upon it. We do not believe that there was any one of the ladies who prepared this device, but that had seen a locomo- tive-engine — but they had undervalued its dimensions altogether, and when the machine came along, it rudely knocked down what it could not go under. From this time forward, excepting an interval when an embankment gave way in Turin, in the spring of 1869, causing the death of Superintendent Crocker, the village has scarcely been a day without punctual railroad service. The exceptions have been for a few hours at a time in winter, from drifting snows, and when the Rome and Watertown R. R. was closed from this cause for weeks together. Town Railroad Debt. — By an act passed April 6, 1866, the Supervisdr, with James L. Leonard and DeWitt C. West, were appointed to issue bonds for the pur- chase of stock in the Utica and Black River R. R. Co.,not exceeding $100,000 in amount, for not over ten years at not over seven per cent. Not more than ten per cent, might be redeemed in a year. The transaction was not to be done un- til a majority in number and amount of property of the tax-payers had first con- 354 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. sented in writing duly acknowledged. The bonds were to be sold at auction, at not less than par, and the stock might be exchanged for the railroad bonds, or sold with consent as above. By an amending act passed May 9, 1867, not over 15 per cent, could be paid in one year. Bonds to the full amount, were issued in 1867-68, and $14,50° were paid by town tax in one and two years. The re- maining $85, 500 was re-funded in i872-'73- '74_'75_'76-'77, in new 7 per cent, bonds running 5 to 20 years, but mostly for the shorter term. By acts of April 19th, May 7th, i88o,thesehave been since re-funded at lower rates, viz: $55,000, August 10, 1880; $15,000, February 10, 1881, and $15,000, February 10, 1882. The present debt, (July 25, 1882,) is as follows:— $9,200 at 4 per cent.; $1,000 at 434: per cent. ; $23,200 at 4)^ per cent. ; $300 at 4^ per cent, and 51,800 at 5 per cent. The interest amounts to $4,058.75 per annum. The dividends on the stock have paid the interest every year excepting one or two, and at present fall, but $58. 75 short. The present bonds run from 5 to 20 years from the date of issue, and have always been chiefly owned in town, and by a small number of persons. The report of the Railroad Commis- sioners of the Town of Lowville, made to the Board of Supervisors, at their an- nual session in November, 1882, was as follows : — " Gentknien^-The undersigned. Rail- road Commissioners of the Town of Lowville, appointed under the law au- thorizing the bonding of said town for the construction of the Utica and Black River Railroad, beg leave to report to your honorable body as follows :*— " There remains unpaid of the prin- cipal sum of the bonds issued for said purpose $85,500, which bears interest as follows : — $ 9,200, bear interest at 4 per cent. 1,000, bear interest at 4)^ per cent. 23,200, bear interest at iyi per cent 300, bear interest at 4^ per cent. 51,800, bear interest at 5 per cent. " The entire amount of bonds issued, have been funded so that instead of an annual interest charge of $5,985, as was paid prior to August 10, 1880, there is now but $4,058.75 to be paid as interest, upon the $85,500 of bonds issued by said town ; the annual saving of interest be- ing $1,926.25. Your commissioners have received two dividends from the rail- road company, upon the $100,000 of stock held by the town in the road ; one of 2 per cent, about April ist, and one of 3 per cent, about October ist. These two dividends received since our last report, amount to $5,000 net, of which the semi-annual interest due August 10, 1882, amounting to $2,029.38, was paid, leaving a balance of $2,970.62, with which to pay the interest falling due February 10, 1883, which will be $2,- 029.38. There will probably be a divi- dend from the railroad company some time during April next, which will be sufficient to meet the interest falHng due August 10,1883. Your commissioners are of the opinion that it will not be necessary for the town to raise any money to meet interest upon its bonds. Frederick S. Easton, ) f. RUTSON Rea, f ^'^^' The committee of the Board of Su- pervisors in their session in November, 1882, reported as follows, concerning the railroad debt of the Town of Low- ville : — " The undersigned committee on rail- roads, to whom was referred the report of the railroad commissioners of the towns of Diana and Lowville beg leave to report * » * * » " That from the report of the Railroad Commissioners of the town of Lowville, we find that the interest on its outstand- ing bonds for the year 1882, has been and was paid, to the sum of $4,058.16. That there has been received in dividends on the stock held by the town of Lowville, of the Utica and Black River Railroad, the sum of $5,000, leaving a surplus in favor of the town of Lowville, ot $941.- 24, which surplus, and the anticipated dividends from said railroad for 1883, will be sufficient to meet the interest HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 355 falling due on the loth day of February next, and on the loth day of August, 1883, on its outstanding bonds. And therefore, it will not be necessary to raise any money by tax upon the taxa- ble property of the town of Lowville for that purpose. O. D. Collins, ) G. H. P. Gould, V Committee." Charles D. Boshart, ) First Telegraph. The Montreal Telegraph Company's wire reached' Lowville November 8, . 1865, and was an event of local interest. It connects with the Western Union Tel- egraph at Port Leyden, and with the exception of the railroad line is the only one in the county. Copenhagen is served by a loop from Deer River, and Constableville by one from Lyon's Falls. The construction of this telegraph line was largely due to the late James L. Leonard, then President of the Bank of Lowville. It is understood that the poles were erected at his expense. A line was constructed along the rail- road two or three years after it was opened. It is not intended for the pub- lic service, and is used as such only at stations having no other line. Telephone lines run from Rome to Boonville by way of West Leyden, and from Port Leyden to the Moore River tanneries. The village of Constableville had an extension to that place from Boonville under discussion at the time of our writing. Field-Meeting of the Albany Institute. On the 1 2th of September, 1872, a large party from Albany, chiefly mem- bers of the Albany Institute, with friends from Troy, Utica and other places, vis- ited Lowville for the purpose of holding a "Field-Meeting." After their recep- tion at the court house, they were all assigned as guests in the village, and in the evening a meeting was held, at which Dr. Hough and the Hon. J. O'Donnell delivered addresses. The next day the party in carnages visited the Lowville Mineral Spring, Chimney Point and Whitaker's grove, and at the latter place met by previous arrangement, a large pic. nic party of citizens of Martinsburghand Turin. In the evening another meeting was held at the court house, at which pa- pers were read by Dr. George T. Stevens, of the Albany Medical College, Prof. Le- Roy C. Cooley, of the State Normal School, and H. A. Homes, State Libra- rian. The subject of the last paper was " Town Libraries," and the suggestions offered led to the formation of a Library Association, whose collections are now in the rooms of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association, in Lowville village. Lowville Mineral Springs. In the summer of 1872, a hotel was erected a mile and a half west of the vil- lage, near a sulphur spring. It has been run as a summer boarding house for sev- eral years, but for the last two or three years has been closed. It is located in a quiet grove, and is admirably situated for family boarding by those who seek retreat from the cities in the warm sea- son. A pretended analysis of the waters of the spring at this place was published, but we do not include it here, believing it to be not trustworthy. Lowville Rural Cemetery. The idea of a Rural Cemetery was discussed between James L. Leonard and Dr. F. B. Hough, in February, i860, and they at that time went over the ground since dedicated to this purpose, and noticed in detail the advantages offered. It was then proposed to throw a light bridge over the north branch of the creek, and use the valley (then full of 3S6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. cedars,)with an entrance and a receiving vault on Dayan street. The name of " Cedar Vale Cemetery " was then sug- gested as suitable, under such a plan. Mr. Leonard afterwards bought for this express purpose, the land given by will, on the point between the creeks, and the project was often presented and urged by both, but not with results. A meeting for legal organization was finally appointed, for the evening of Jan- uary 26, 1867, but a little before the hour fixed for business, Mr. Leonard died. It was at first thought best to postpone it, but on further reflection, it was decided to honor his memory, at that solemn hour, by carrying into effect a measure that he had so much cherished in life.* Articles were filed January 28, iSe/.f Dr. F. B. Hough, Charles D. Adams, J. Carroll House, Eliada S. Merrell, D. C. West, H. S. Lanpher, Charles H.Curtis, Norman Gowdy, John Doig, George D. Brown, Rutson Rea, and Charles D. Boshart, being first trustees. F. B. Hough was chosen President, R. Rea, Treasurer, and J. C. House, Secretary. The trustees employed Benjamin F. Hatheway, of Stamford, Ct., to prepare a map, and make and record a survey. * In the remarks made by Dr. Hough at the dedica- tion services, he said : " Some here present will remember the impressive occasion, and can recall the deep feeling of desolation which this bereavement laid heavily upon us ; the sense of newly imposed obligations which were created, and the firm resolves then taken, by united efforts, to fill in some degree the void in society which this great and sudden loss had occasioned." The legal formalities of organizations not having been perfected during the life time of Mr. Leonard, his bequest failed, but his heirs-at-law stood ready to carry out his known wishes, and willingly quitclaimed their interest in the land — about eleven acres. The associa- tion bought about ten acres from Charles S. Rice, three and a half from George Jackson, and a comer from Morris D. Moore, to secure the boundaries now owned. f Recorded in Book No. 2, Miscellaneous Records, p. 168, Lewis County Clerk's office. The following persons attended the first meeting : De Witt C. West, Rev. John Baily, Eliada S. .Merrell, Norman Gowdy, Rutson Rea, Hiram S. Lanpher, W. Hudson Stephens, James V. Miller, De Witt C. Finch, Cornelius E. Stephens, Henry Harford, John Conover, Isaac Puffer, F. B. Hough, Lewis Scott, Charles D. Adams, William Haswell, Henry E. Turner, and Francis B. Morse. The Catholics being then just about starting a church in Lowville, an ar- rangement was made with Bishop Con- roy, of Albany, by which one section of lots (section I,) in the south part was re- served for their exclusive use, and no other place of burial was to be conse- crated by them in town, so long as any portion of this section remained unsold. This cemetery occupies a commanding point overlooking the village and valley, and extensive improvements have been made in the way of entrance, carriage- drives, fountains, a dwelling for the keeper, a receiving vault, etc. The cem- etery was dedicated October 9, 1 867, the Rev. John B. Foot delivering the prin- cipal address, and the proceedings were printed in permanent form. On a conspicuous point in the ceme- tery, overlooking the village and the val- ley, is a lonely " soldier's grave," with a modest headstone bearing the legend — " Christian Vigo Tycho Holm. Born in Copenhagen, Kingdom of Den- mark, September 30th, 1839. Died in Albany, N. Y., Oct. 12th, 1865. Man Proposes : God Disposes." The strange story of this young man's life, may be of interest to our readers. One day in October, 1864, while the au- thor of this volume was in charge of a public office at Albany, a stranger was introduced at the dining table of the house where we were stopping, as " Mr. Emerson." He was polite, well-dressed, but extremely cold and reserved in his manner, and evidently sinking with con- sumption. He had arrived in the night train from Buffalo, was totally unac- quainted with the city, and apparently had no employment and sought none. By a change in the household arrange- ment, some days afterwards, we were brought more closely together. Up to this time he had been silent, but now we found him free to converse, and remark- ably well informed on a wide range of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 357 subjects. He said that he had lived in early life in Iceland; he had traveled much in Europe, was familiar with sev- eral European languages, and had seen a great deal of the United States. He had served through the two years of the 1st N. Y. Vols, as a private and after- wards was a captain in a Pennsylvania regiment raised in a day or two, after the Battle of Gettysburgh, to assist in guard duties after our army had left. In our work then in hand, he at once took a deep interest, and proved himself able to master almost any new subject with surprismg facility. His executive talent in writing, and in the drafting of statis- tical tables and the like, was even more wonderful. Returning one evening, we noticed that he had been weeping. On pressing him to know the cause, he admitted that he was without money. It was after- wards learned that he had pawned, one after another, various pieces of jewelry and clothing that he had brought,and that the tickets had been forfeited by delay. We procured for him a place in the city hospital, and visited him often. In the winter, as we came to have a home of our own in the city, he became a frequent and welcome visitor, being still able to get out on pleasant days. In fact, he improved under the treatment, and be- gan to hope for returning health. But he came one day at an unusual hour, and full of trouble. There had been a change of physicians, and it was decided that as his case was incurable, he must go; — there was no other place for him but the poorhouse. We called soon after and gave him a few dollars for present need, and until a place could be found, and when we called next day, he had gone they knew not where. But he came around the next Sunday and we learned that he was earning a little in a cigar shop. It was the first we knew of his skill in that line, which he said he had learned casually, without an apprentice- ship, and that in health he could make a thousand cigars in a day, the usual rate of a skilled workman being about three hundred. In a little while, we gave him work on the State census, and he soon proved his ability in that line, as he appeared to do in whatever he undertook. He could answer two hundred letters in a day, and he was the only clerk we had, in all the preliminary labors of the year. He was requested to stop whenever he was weary, and always to go away and rest, as he felt the need. He very seldom consented to rest while there was any- thing to do, but towards the end of June he was obliged to suspend work. We sent him to our home in Lowville, di- recting him to remain till he felt better, but expecting that he never would re- turn. He went, staid a few days, but soon hastened back to Albany, fearing as he said, that he might not Hve to see us again. He was at once prostrated, and night watchers were employed. On the evening of the third day, word was brought that he was dying. We has- tened to his room, and found him seem- ingly about to expire. He feebly waved a sign for others to leave the room, and when alone we knelt upon one knee by the side of the couch where he lay, to listen to what he might whisper, — for he' could not speak aloud. Placing one arm around our neck, he in the most loving tone and terms, expressed his gratitude for all that we had done, and then told his real name, as above inscribed. He gave the name of his father, who was an officer in the Danish Navy, and bade us write to him that he had died among strangers, but not without a friend. He had a message to a sister, but two years old when he left home, and a wish about his burial, and the disposition of his little effects. He permitted a Lutheran clergyman 358 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. to be called, and after religious conver- sation and a prayer, the greater part of those present withdrew and left him for the night. He was a little better the next day, and lived some two months afterwards. Our evenings were spent together, and the secret being now half told, he could relate some incidents of his life. He was chief clerk in the tele- graph office at Copenhagen, although but fifteen years of age, when a distin- guished American arrived to negotiate for the franchise of a submarine tele- graph to America, by short sea lines to the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the Amer- ican coast. Being the only one in the office who spoke English, he served as interpreter, and became deeply inter- ested in this stranger. It was decided from reasons that he did not mention, that he should go to America. His father procured him a passage ticket, gave him a hundred dollars for a begin- ning and he left. The next day after reaching New York, he was robbed by a fellow passen- ger.and left in the streets without a cent of money, or a friend. The lad wan- dered from place to place, seeking in vain for employment, until pressed with hunger, he could scarcely go further. At length he found service in delivering par- cels for a tea store. The pay was small, but it kept him from starving. It was an arduous employment, and on Saturdays especially, it extended into the night. It was at this time, that by living in the same house with some cigar makers, he picked up their trade. A few months after, a manufacturer from Hadley, Mass., came to New York to hire jour- neymen in this business, and he engaged to go. He spent about a year there, and was obliged to take lower wages when the others learned that he had not passed an apprenticeship. He was still able to earn twice as much as they did, and he put all his earnings into books. From Hadley he returned to New York, and arriving just as our late war was beginning, he enlisted as a private in what was to be a Scandinavian regi- ment, but was merged with the ist N. Y. Volunteers. He served through his term, was taken prisoner at Bull Run, and was reported as killed, in a list printed in a Copenhagen newspaper, from a Danish correspondent. In prison he was taken sick, — was exchanged and lay in hospital at Annapolis for some time, where he barely escaped death. When recovered and discharged, — he had traveled far and wide, in the West and North, working now and then a lit- tle, earning rapidly, and spending easily, but always for books. He traced the be- ginning of his disease to a day of expos- ure and hardship in the army, at Harri- son's Landing, Va., since which he had never felt well. He knew that he must die, and had studied medicine, and heard lectures, chiefly to learn his own case, which he knew was without hope, and while in a Western city, he had studied the maps to find a place to die. He thought that Albany was such a place, being far inland but still upon tide- waters, and upon that theory alone, he had made the journey where we first met. Referring to his family he said that his mother was an English woman bearing the name he had assumed, and that she had died before he left Denmark. He utterly refused to allow us to write to his father during his life ; but without his knowledge we did so, enclosing the letter in one to our Danish minister, a citizen of Albany, whom we personally knew. The end at length came, and we brought his remains to Lewis county, — at first burying them temporarily in Turin, but on the opening of the Low- ville cemetery, he was the first one bur- ied there. In due time, but after his death, the answer came from the corres- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 359 pondence. The father was uncertain as to the identity — for he believed him dead long before — still there was a linger- ing hope mingled with doubt, and after thanking us most warmly for the kind- ness shown to his son, if it proved to be so, he added a letter in the Danish lan- guage that would gladden his heart, if he lived to read it. We had this letter translated, and it was full of a father's love and forgiveness. From his papers we learned another page of the mystery. They spoke of a little cousin, Cora by name, two years yoimger than himself, and of their loving childhood, like that of Paul and Virginia. When they grew older, this affection strengthened, nor had he a doubt but that it was fully reciprocated, but nei- ther told the other the secret that both knew full well. Still there were reasons that forbade its continuence, and with- out a fault of either, they must part. He had come to America, and had seen and heard of her no more. Some weeks before his death, we had pursuaded Mr. " Emerson," for so we had learned to know him, even after we knew better, to have his portrait taken. It was an excellent likeness, and after his death, we sent it, and his papers to his father, with a letter of many pages, minutely describing the last year of his son's life, and the incidents of his death and burial. At the end, we stated the deep interest that his case had excited, and expressed the wish to know more of the early history of his son — if it could be given without impropriety, but express- ly said that we asked for no secrets of the family that should not be known. We received in return his own por- trait, with that of his daughter, and a lengthy letter, in which after stating his full assurance as to his identity, and the most heartfelt thanks for our attentions, he added — that nothing that we could ask would be denied. The child was born when he was at sea, and was eleven months old when he returned. As he entered the room, the infant addressed him with, " Good day, dear papa ! " He could already speak distinctly, and had evidently been prepared for this salutation. When he was three years old, think- ing to teach him written characters, he found the child already able to read them fluently. He had in some way picked them up, or studied them out without his knowledge. When six years old, he was sent to the public school, one of the best in the city, and he there soon learned every thing they could teach him. He was there the schoolmate and comrade of the son of the Crown Prince who afterward became Otho I, King of Greece. As the father was much of the time at sea, the over-indulgent mother would supply the boy with money, which he immediately spent for books. He ran- sacked every place where books could be found, and read all that he came across. He especially delighted in books upon history and the sciences, and if he came across something he could not un- derstand, he would spare no labor in overcoming the difficulty, no matter what it was. In fact, this thirst for knowledge became a mania beyond con- trol, and the very bane of his life. As the boy came to an age for employ- ment, he was found an humble place in a telegraph office, — but here he quickly mastered the science and the practice, rising by a rapid promotion to the high- est place of trust. But the thirst for knowledge, and the greed for books, could never be satisfied. The boy would spend all his own earnings and all that his mother gave him, and run his father in debt for more. Remonstrance would bring promises of reformation which were soon forgotten, until emigration became the last and only alternative. 36o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. During the last year of his life, we had evidences continually of this thirst for knowledge, and this want of discre- tion, in the facility with which the earn- ings of a month were spent in a day. At length we felt it a duty to tell him firmly but kindly, that while his wages would be continued, and every want supplied, he must not have further control in their disbursement. A cloud for a moment came over his countenance, but quickly taking our hand in his feeble grasp, he confessed his folly, and thankfully ac- cepted the conditions. Compelled for years to associate with those infinitely beneath him, he had passed through life since leaving home, without knowing the sympathies of a friend ; and it was only when sinking with disease, by slow but helpless stages, that he found the first opportunity for showing what he might have been, had his most wonderful talent been duly bal- anced, or a field for its exercise been fully allowed. Upon a journey in the summer of 1881, in visiting Copenhagen upon official business, we sought the family of this interesting young man. It was in a quiet and respectable part of the city, adjacent to pubhc gardens and well-kept grounds. In the lady who appeared at the door we recognized the sister of our young friend, from a portrait received some years before. She was then just coming to womanhood, but was now a matron with several small children by her side. Upon glancing at our card, she at once recognized the name ; but though she could not speak a word of English, there was an enthusiastic wel- come in her beaming countenance, that told more than tongue could express. Leading us into the parlor, she hastened away to call the father, who presently entered, and extended the most earnest and cordial welcome. As he could speak but a few words of English, a messen- ' ger was dispatched, and presently two English-speaking ladies of their acquaint- ance arrived, who were well qualified as interpreters for the occasion. In the meantime, he managed to say, that he understood English better than he could speak it, and he had learned the time of our arrival, the object of the journey and many other little items of interest. During the hours of conver- sation that followed, a multitude of questions were asked and answered, and the most unbounded gratitude was ex- pressed for the care bestowed upon the friendless and dying son and brother. The little children were brought in and introduced, their wondering eyes scarce- ly comprehending what it meant, as they were told to take a good look at their American friend, whom they might might never see again. The West Lowville Rural Ceme- tery Association. This Association was incorporated February 20, 1871, with Chester Chad- wick, Lucius Bickford, Horace W. Stevens, Orren F. Bowen, Alonzo Elmer and Farnum J. Bowen, as first trustees. Among those interred in this cemetery are the following, some of whom will be recognized as early settlers and promi- nent citizens in their day, in the west part of the town : — AUyn, James, died Oct. 3, 1871, aged 59. Babcock, Caleb, died Sept. 28, 1861, aged 86. Bickford, Charles, died April 6, 1867, aged 61. Bickford, Levi, died Dec. 2^, 1830, aged 50. Bowen, Horace, born Sept. 2, 18 16, died Oct. 27, 1847. Bowen, Jacob, died June 6, 1869, aged 82. Bowen, Levi, died March 30, 187 1 ; Mrs. Maria Bowen died Feb. 12, 1882, aged 80. Boom, Andrew, died June 20, 1855, aged 73. Boshart, Jacob, died Nov. 9, 1876, aged 73. Bostwick, George W., born Oct. 24, 1816, died Feb. 5, 1853. Brown, Simon, died March 10, 1876, aged 73. Burnett, Robert, died Aug. 13, 1828, aged 67 years and 6 months. Cartter, Isaac, born Oct. 20, 1784, died Sept. 9, 1872. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 361 Cartter, Col. Zeboim> born Jan. 15, 1772, died April 22, 1853. Chadwick, Chester, died Aug. 31, 1872, aged 47. Chadwick, Joseph, died Feb. 27, 1867. Chadwick, WiUiam, died Aug. 15, 185 1, aged 90. Dingman, WiUiam, born Jan. 31, 1792, died Oct. i8, 1867. Dodge, Eld. Amasa, died Aug, 13, 1850, aged 82. Dodge, Amasa, Jr., born Sept. 4, 1800, died April 17, 1875. Dodge, D. Franklin, died May 21, 1881, aged SO- Ellsworth, Eunice, died May 29, 1857, aged 93. Elmer, Isaac, died July n, 1852, aged 74. Farnum, John M., died Nov. 25, 1864, aged 43 years and 5 months. Garnsey, Levi, died June 23, 1869, aged 78. Green, Curtis H., died June 8, 1861, aged 58 years and 6 months. Goutermout, Jacob, died Dec. 7, 1847, aged 40. Goutermout, Jacob, died Sept. 17, 1872, aged 68. Holten, Amos D., died Dec. 17, 1865, aged 55. Jackson, George, born Sept. 20, 1780, died May 15, 1854. Jackson, George, Jr., died Sept. 2, 1875, aged 69 years and 5 months. Kisner, William, died Feb. 5, 1849, aged 92. Knight, Israel, died Aug. 11, 1851, aged 63. Lanpher, Clark, died May 22, 1866, aged 74. Lanpher, Pardon, died Dec. 31, i88i, aged 93. Lanpher, Paul, died Jan. 6, 1879, aged 75. Lanpher, Samuel, died April 5, 1876, aged 77. Lewis, Joel, died Aug. 2, 1853, aged 84 years and 8 months. Livingston, John, bom June 23, 1799, died March 17, 1868. Livingston, Richard, died Nov. 4, 1865, aged 92 years and 8 months. Livingston, Stephen, died Dec. 2, 1874, aged 71. Mason, Dexter, died Sept. 26, 1850, aged 78. Philleo, Willis, died June 23, 1873, aged 64. Searl, Quartus, born Oct. 22, 1793, died June 12, 1859. Simmons, Cornelius, died Dec. 18, 1877, aged S3- • • Simmons, William, died May 14, 1873, aged 74. Snell, John F., died March 17, 1856, aged 61. Staring, Jacob, died May 16, 1869, aged 49. Stevens, John, died Dec. 22, 1864, aged 74. Stevens, John A., died April 25, 1873, aged 65. Stevens, Joseph, died March 25, 1847, aged 63. Windecker, Jacob, died Nov. 24, 1831, aged 73. Windecker, Jacob, died Sept. 28, 1874, aged 69. Young, George, died July 16, 1870, aged 74. Reuben Bickford, one of the pioneers on the western side of the town, was born in Northfield, N. H., June 27, 1779, came to Lowville about 1800, and died in Clayton July 31, i860. Lowville War Record. The official records of this town show the following proceedings : 1863. The sum of $2,500 voted to pay bounties, with interest from August 14, 1862, and $80 to Alsan D. Carly, Alva B. Carly, and Hiram M. Clark, of Diana, and $45 to volunteer Carloss Thomas. December i8th, a special meeting was held to provide for quota under call for 300,000 men. Simon Brown was chosen chairman, and Ansel Foster, Levi Bow- en and Hiram Porter were appointed a committee. Voted $200 besides $100 to be raised by the Supervisors. A com- mittee consisting of the Supervisor, J. L. Leonard, Simon Brown, L. C. Daven- port and H. E. Turner, was to disburse this money. 1864. The sum of $200 each voted to James French, Charles A. French, Geo. Swan, Franklin B. Simends and John E- McCauley, who had been credited to the town quota. April 4th, a special town meeting was held, and $8,109.45 voted for bounties. June 15th, at another special town meeting, $300 was voted to be paid to each man credited to the town, either as a substitute, or to drafted men, and a committee consisting of Rufus L. Rog- ers, Charles P. Leonard, George D. Brown, James L. Leonard and E. A. Brown was appointed to raise money temporarily. July 28th, another special meeting was held, (to provide for the call of July i8th, for 500,000 men,) and the sum of $300 was voted for one year, $400 for two years, and $600 for three years. A war committee was appointed, consisting of the Supervisor, K. Collins Kellogg, Will- iam H. Greeley, Russell J. Easton, Geo. D. Brown and Nelson H. Reed. All 362 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. veterans credited to the town were to be paid $300, and those procuring- a recruit were to be paid a sum which with the government bounty would equal the pay of a substitute. August nth. — A further sum of $100 above the county bounty was offered for three-years' men, and Kellogg, Easton, Greeley and Reed, above named, were with E. M. Van Aken to see that the quota was filled. James L. Leonard was to go to Albany and to Watertown, and ascertain what number should be cred- ited to the town. Charles P. Leonard, Farnam J. Bowen and C. D. Daven- port were to see that names of persons exempt from the draft, were stricken from the rolls. The committee of the town of Low- ville appointed August 11, 1864, to have charge of filling the quotas, reported February 15, 1865, that they had ascer- tained the quota under the call of 500,000 men to be forty -six, and that an excess of sixteen men had been furnished. The following persons had procured substi- tutes, viz: C. D. Adams, E. S. Merrell, D. C. West, R. J. Easton, L. C. Daven- port, F. M. Easton, S. P- UhHne, S. A. Sixbury, G. E. Searl, C. D. Davenport, M. J. Wilcox, N. H. Reed, H. J. Sher- wood, W. L. Babcock, E. M. Van Aken, Chaides M. Campbell, H. A. Babcock, Chnton A. Foster, G. S. Smith, J. C. House, Henry E. Smith and O. F. Bow- en. These substitutes had been cred- ited to the naval service. The princi- pals had received $500 each from the county, and $100 from the town. Grand Army of the Republic. Post Guilford D. Bailey, (G. A. R.) was first formed at Lowville, in March, 1880, but did not at that time maintain its or- ganization. It was re-organized Sept. 21, 1882, by Colonel Cantine, of Rome, and the following officers were elected :— Commander — Henry E. Turner. Senior Vice-Commander — Warren L. Scott. Junior Vice-Commander — C. Frank Smith. Post Adjutant — James O'Donnell. Officer of the Day — William D. Parker. Officer of the Guard — Charles M. Ock- ford. Sergeant Major — Charles Tarcott. Q. M. Sergeant — Luman H. Carter. At a subsequent meeting Dr. H. S. Hendee, formerly of the 153d N. Y. Vols., was elected surgeon, and Rev. J. Edward Pratt, formerly of the 2Sth Conn. Vols., was elected Chaplain. As this volume is going through the press, a circular is received from the officers of this Post, presenting a project for the erection of a soldiers' monument in memory of those from Lewis county who fell in the service of the govern- ment in the late war. It proposes to ex- pend $3,500 for this object. Religious Societies. On the 29th of November, 1799, a Mr. Cinney, preached in No. 11, and from time to time other traveling preachers visited the settlement, among whom were— Hassenclever, Joseph Willis, and Lorenzo Dow. The latter passed through to Canada in September, 1802, and preached at Noah Durrin's house near the Landing. Judge Kelley was an oc- casional exhorter of the Free Will Bap- tist sect, and held stated meetings in the absence of regular preaching. His meet- ings were held as early as 1798, and fre- quently at Stow's Square. He was ac- customed to take a text, and conduct the services methodically. Judge Stow was an Episcopalian, and is said to have some times read the service to his neighbors upon the Sabbath. Congregational and Presbyterian Church- es.— On the 3d of December, 1803, the Rev. Ira Hart, a missionary from Con- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 363 necticut, organized a Congregational church at Stow's Square, consisting of Mather Bosworth, Benjamin Hillman, David Wilbur, Philip Shaw, David Scott, and their wives, Rebecca Waters, Esther Wilcox, Sarah Bates, Abigal Sex- ton, Lydia Bennet and Sally Richmond. Bosworth and Wilbur served as deacons till their deaths in 1850, and 1859 ^^- spectively. It belonged to the Black River Association until 18 19, when it united with the St. Lawrence Presby- tery upon the Plan of Union. The First Presbyterian Societ)^ of Lowville, was formed at Stow's Square December 8, i8i8, with Levi Brownson, Bela Buell, and Thaxter Reed trustees ; and in 1819, a church edifice was built by Ezra Brainerd. The Society was assisted by the United Domestic and the Western Missionary Societies. The ministers who have preached here more or less, were Messrs. Lazel, James Murdock, Royal Phelps, Nathaniel Dutton, James Ells, William Vale, Isaac Clinton, (March, 1808, to Feb- ruary, 1 8 16,) Daniel Nash,* (November, 1816, till November, 1822,) Adam W. Piatt, (June, 1823, till September, 1823,) Phineas Camp, (May, 1824, till July, 1828,) Abel L. Crandall,t (January, 1829, till January, 1832,) Lewis A. Wicks,:^ (May, 1832, till May, 1836,) Henry Jones, (June, 1836, till December, 1837,) David Dick- inson, (1838,) W. W. Wolcott, (October, 1840, till October, 1842,) Charles Bowles, (June, 1843, till May, 1846,) Calvin Yale, (July, 1846, till February, 1847.) In 1833, the church numbered 160 members. A Sabbath school was begun in 1820, and continued for a long period. Revivals * Mr. Nash was from Onondaga county. He died at Vernon, Oneida county, about 1829, and his remains were brought to Stow's Square for burial. f Mr. Crandall died at Willett, Cortland county, New York, November 3, 1855, aged 68 years. He was born in Thetford, Vermont, in 1787, and was an early settler in Champion. if The Rev. Lewis A. Wicks, was born at Hyde Park, New York, December 8, 1809, joined the Black River Association June 10, 1842, and died in 1850. occurred here in i8i6-'i7, i822-'23, i828-'29, and 1832, at which about 500 were supposed to have been converted, of whom 70 were counted on the first ; 200 on the second ; 32 on the third ; and 90 on the fourth of these occasions. Meetings were discontinued in 1847, and the church, after falling into decay, was taken down in 1862, and the timber used in framing the Free Will Baptist church on Dayan street, in Lowville village. T/ie Lowville Congregational Society was formed September 7, 1805, and was the earliest legal church society in town. Jesse Wilcox, Solomon King, Philip Shaw, Abner Rice, Jr.,Elihu Morton,Jr., and Mather Bosworth were named as its trustees. They resided chiefly at Stow's Square, and effected nothing. The First Congregational Society, of Lowville, was organized September 18, 1807, with six trustees, of whom three were to reside in the village and three upon the Square. The first named were Benjamin Hillman.James Harvey Leon- ard, Isaac W. Bostwick, James Stephens, Jonathan Patten and William Darrow. The plan of a church between the two places was tried and failed, and although re-incorporated December 8, 1808, this organization was given up. On the 22d of November, 1820, the Lowville Pres- byterian Society was formed, having Chester Buck, Daniel Williams, Lemuel Wood, Ella Collins, Melancton W. Welles and Stephen Leonard first trus- tees. The old Academy was purchased May I, 1826 for $390, and arrangements were made for the erection of a church upon its site, when a fire, December 26, 1827, consumed the building, A new wooden edifice was built upon its site the next summer, 44 by 64 feet in size, with a spire 90 feet high. There were 48 slips on the lower floor, and it had a gallery 6 feet wide on the sides, with one row of seats. It was built by 364 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Ezra Brainerd and cost $3,500. This edifice was dedicated January 15, 1829, the Rev. Samuel C. Aken of Utica, preaching the dedication sermon from I Chronicles xxix : 30. It was burned Jan- uary 3, 1830. The present stone chuiuh at the head of Main street, was built upon the site, and after the plan of the former in 1831, and at a cost of about $4,000, and dedicated September ist, of that year, the Rev. George S. Board- man, of Watertown, preaching the dedi- catory sermon. Mr. Ezra Botsford, of Martinsburgh, in an account of religious events in the county, elsewhere more fully noticed, mentions an incident that occurred in the raising of the timbers of the Stone church, in this village, that came under his own observation. We give the ac- count in his own language : — 11 * * * When they were ready to begin, all gathered near the front, some ladies came forward with hymn books, an appropriate hymn was sung, and Father Clinton offered prayer. * * * Then came the raising. They had a gin- pole with the upper pulley-block made fast at the top, and all very nicely ar- ranged but the control of the boys; they wanted to mix some play with the work. In raising the first timber, so many took hold of the rope and pulled so hard and unsteadily, that it broke near the lower head-block. And now a remarkable thing occurred. With the breaking of the rope, there was apparently nothing to prevent the heavy timber from pre- cipitating itself upon the heads of the defenceless crowd beneath. But the very rapidity of its descent, jerked the broken end of the rope so violently, that it flew up and caught between the upper head- block and the §in-pole, and held the tim- ber suspended in mid-air. Had this not occurred a score of men might have been killed, as that number or more were un- der It. The timber was propped so as to prevent its further fall, the rope was sphced, and the work went on without harm or any further danger. Some thought that the incident amounted to a * It is not probable miracle. * that such a thing ever occurred before, or will again." — The Country Church, (printed at Albert Lea, Minn.,) p. 16. The church proper, was formed July II, 1822.* Mr. Clinton was succeeded by D. Nash as above, from 18 16 to 1821. His successors were: David Kimball, (October, 1821 till October 19, 1830,) James D. Pickand,t (January i, 1831, till July I, 1833,) Austin Putnam, (August i, 1833, till August I, 1834,) Dexter Clary, (November, 1834, till March 16, 1835,) Thomas L. Conklin, (October 18, 1835, till May i, 1836,) Rufus R. Deming, (Au- gust 1836, till August, 1837,) Thomas Bellamy, (December, 1837, till March, 1838,) A. L. Bloodgood, (December, 1838, till April, 1839,) Moses Chase, (Decem- ber, 1839, till ,) R. M. Davis, (May 18, 1840, till November 14, 1840,) George P. Tyler, (December, 1840, till Septem- ber 1853,) N. Bosworth, (October, 1853, till August, 1857,) William H. Lockwood, (November, 1857, till February, 1865,) Gerrit L. Roof, (February, 1865, till the end of 1878.) He was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph H. France, D. D., who has remained since the latter date. A session room was built in 1853, and a parsonage in 1848. In July, 1877, a very fine organ was placed in this church, at a cost of $2,800. Methodist Episcopal Church.— Ahoui i8oi,two ministers attended Mr. Kelley's meeting, and requested the privilege of explaining the creed of the Methodist Episcopal church. This led to the or- ganization of a church, and about 1805, the first house was erected in this town * The first members were Garret and Revera Bost- wick, Timothy P. and Florella Shepard, Mrs. Elizabeth Burke, Mrs. Maria Collins, Mrs. Mary Neif, Mrs. Mary Rogers, Mrs. Mary Spafford, Mrs. Abigal Welles, Mrs. Hannah Williams, and Seymour Gookins. •j-Mr.Pickand was from Philadelphia. He was eccentric and peculiar in his manners, and removed West, where he ran a strange career at Akron, 0.,as a Second Advent preacher. He was many years Secretary of the Board of Trade at Cleveland, and died at Marquette, on Lake Superior, about 1876. After the failure of his predic- tions as to the second coming of Christ, he renounced his religious faith and became a skeptic. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 36s expressly for religious worship. It stood west of the village, near the house of Jesse Hitchcock, above the present poorhouse, and continued in use until 1822. At a quarterly conference held June I, 1822, at Martinsburgh, Daniel Tiffany, Abner Clapp, Henry Curtis, Francis McCarty, Abel S. Rice,* Wm. R. Allen, Luke Wilder, Rodney Leon- ard and Russell Hills were appointed to ascertain when the people in Lowville might safely attempt to build a church at the village. The decision was favor- able, and a society was formed under the statute, July 25, 1822, with Russell Hills, Luke Wilder, Daniel Tiffany, Henry Curtis, Levi Weed, Elias Wood, Abel S. Rice, R. Bassett, and Rodney Leonard, trustees. The first brick church was built in 1823, and the parsonage about 1838. In 1861, the present church edifice was built by George Perkins, of Rome. The succession of clergymen stationed upon the Lowville circuit, is given on a preceding page in this volume. The Lowville Baptist Church f was formed from the Line church, Septem- ber 8, 1824, to include all south of Moses Waters', upon Stow's Square, inclusive ; Elder M. E. Cook, moderator, Palmer Townsend, clerk ; seven united by letter and one by profession. A society was legally formed October 6, 1824, with Moses Waters, Richard Livingston, and Calvin Batchiller, first trustees. On the 1 8th of December they resolved to build a church of wood, 40 by 50 feet, which was done in a central part of Lowville village in 1825. It was thoroughly repaired in 1852, and a parsonage was purchased at about that time, upon Shady Avenue. The clergy have been : — John Blod- get, (December i, 1825, till March 4, *Mr. Rice died April 3, 1871, aged 81 years. tThe Regular " Close Communion" Baptist, as often called. 1832,) George Lyle, (March 11, 1832, till March 11, 1833,) Charles Clark,* (March 14, 1833, till October 20, 1835,) Orrin Wilbur, (March 20, 1835, till June 28, 1840,) Harvey Sillman, (October i, 1840, till August 28, 1842,) George Lyle, (No- vember 20, 1842, till March i, 1845,) Charles Graves, (March 7, 1845, till Feb- ruary ID, 1849,) Lyman Hutchinson, (April 7, 1849, till February i, 1850,) Daniel D. Reed, (February 9, 1850, till February 7, 1852,) Conant Sawyer, (Jan- uary 7, 1853, till May 31, 1856,) William Garrett, (September 14, 1856, till Sep- tember 19, 1858,) James M. Ferris, (Jan- uary I, 1859, till October, 1861,) S. T. Livermore, (May, 1862, till January, 1868,) S. W. Culver, (June, 1868, till July, 1 87 1,) David R. Watson, (September, 1 87 1, till March, 1876,) Thomas Bick- ford, (July, 1876, till May, 1878,) and F. L. Knapp, (since August, 1878.) A Free Communion Baptist church was formed October 12, 18 16, and Am- asa Dodge f was ordained April 4, 1818. The society was small, and gradually be- came extinct without having legally or- ganized or built a church edifice. A society was formed June 19, i860, in Lowville village, the first trustees be- ing David Waters, Warren Salmon, Paul B. Maxon, John O'Donnell, Sanford Peebles, S. H. Folts, and Lewis Wilcox. It erected a church on Dayan street, which was dedicated March 20, 1861, and for several years had a regularly settled pastor. The succession has been *The Rev. Charles Clark was a son of Elijah Clark, of Denmark, where he was born December 2g, 1805. He joined the church at 19, studied at the Lowville Academy and read theology with Elders Warner and Blodget, and was ordained at Boonville, September 1830. He preached at that place two years, at Martins- burgh one, and at Lowville three. While here he la- bored in an extensive revival at Copenhagen. He after- wards preached at Watertown, Adams, and Rome with efficiency. During 24 years he was absent- from the sanc- tuary but a single Sabbath. He died at Rome, New York, October 16, 1852, and was buried at Lowville. ■j- Elder Dodge came to Lowville in 1806, and lived on the West road till his death, August 13, 1850. He was well known throughout the Baptist churches of this re- gion, and remarkable for his loud preaching. 366 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. as follows: The Revs. M. H. Abbey, G. H. Ball, Van Duzee, Moore- house, Randlett, G. C. Waterman, Perry, and Walden. On the 22d of June, 1874, the society was re-organized with Sidney A. Six- bury, George F. Galloway, George R. Barrett, Albert H. Waters, and John O'Donnell as trustees. Trinity Church, {Protestant Episcopal) —Bishop Hobart visited Lowville in August, 18 18, confirmed several persons and reportesd the prospects for the speedy formation of an Episcopal church as auspicious. The Rev. Joshua M. Rogers, of Turin, occasionally officiated here, but after his removal to Utica, ser- vices were only occasionally performed by clergymen who chanced to be pass- ing through. Trinity church, Lowville, was legally organized September 24, 1838, with Kent Jarvis* and George Lyman, wardens, Leonard Harding, L. S. Standring, Al- bert Strickland, George D. Ruggles, Henry Butler, Samuel Wood, Ambrose W. Clark and Merritt M. Norton,t ves- trymen. The Rev. Edward A. Renouf became the first rector. An edifice was built in 1846, and con- secrated in November, of that year. The society received, we believe, the sum of $750 from the Low family. A tower and bell were added in 1853, at a total cost of about $2,000. A rectory was built in 1857, during the rectorship of the Rev. John Bayley. The first wooden church was replaced by the present elegant brick edifice with the exception of the spire, in 1864, at a cost of about $12,000, and it was consecrated in that year. In 1864, upon the rebuilding of Trinity * Mr. Jarvis came to reside at Lowville in July, 1828, and remained until February, 1840, when he removed to Massillon, O., where he afterwards resided. He was a merchant and took a leading interest in public affairs. \ Died October 17, 1846, at Brattleboro, Vt. He was a merchant. church, the old frame building was re- moved to Shady Avenue, near the pres- ent railroad, by Moses M. Smith, and fitted up as an armory. It was bought by the Supervisors, but subsequently sold under a general act. The Rev. Mr. John Bayley resigned in March, 1867, after a rectorship of ten years. His successor was the Rev. William N. Irish, who remained about five years. The Rev. Alonzo B. Allen took charge of the Parish July i, 1873, and retained it until August i, 1879. ^^is rectorship covered a period of marked prosperity. An old debt that had long been a heavy load was discharged, the church steeple was built and paid for, and other great improvements made upon the church property. A very excellent and expensive organ was donated to the church in 1878, by Messrs. DeWitt C. West, and Alburn and Ansel Foster, the first named gen- tleman contributing one-half of the pur- chase money, and each of the others one- quarter. At the close of Mr. Allen's rectorship the church property was val- ued at $22,000. It was through his ex- ertions that St. Peter's Chapel was erected, in Watson, at a cost of about $1,200, and consecrated December 2, 1877. He also performed a vast amount of missionary labor at Greig and House- ville, and elsewhere in the county. The Rev. J. Edward Pratt, the pres- ent rector of Trinity church, was elected October 6, 1879, ^'^d entered upon his duties November ist. The number of communicants is 127. The vestry is at the present time con- stituted as follows : — M. J. Murray, and Ansel Foster, war- dens ; E. S. Merrell, H. C. Northam, A. H. Crosby, M. D., F. P. Kirley, F. C. Doig, F. C. Schraub, C. D. Moore, F. Su Easton, vestrymen. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 367 The Catholic Church in Lowville. — The first parish in this part of the county was formed in the Diocese of Albany, in December, 1866, including Lowville, Watson, Martinsburgh, Harrisburgh, Pinckney and Worth, the Rev. J. H. Herbst being the first pastor. He was succeeded December 8, 1867, by Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald, and the latter by Rev. William B. Nyhan. For a time, services were held in the court house. St. Peter s Church was organized Oc- tober 3, 1869, and a house of worship erected the next year on the eastern border of Lowville village, at a cost of $5, 000, and with a seating capacity of 500. In May, 1872, this county was placed in the Diocese of Ogdensburgh. In 1869, Pinckney and Harrisburgh were taken from this parish. The churches at Maple Ridge, in Martins- burgh and in Watson, are in the Low- ville parish. A pastoral residence was erected in 1876, and an organ costing $460 Was placed in the church in 1878. Society of Friends. — The Friends held meetings at private houses soon after the war. They were set off from the Le Ray Monthly Meeting, January 3, 1826, and Lee was set off from Lowville soon after. A house was bought for meetings in 18 19, and afterwards ex- changed for a site south of the creek, and east of the present railroad crossing, of which they received a deed February 10, 1825. Their meeting house was built that year. These belonged to the Orthodox class of Friends. The Hick- sites held meetings for a short time in this town. The society having dwin- dled down to one family, the meeting house became his dwelling. We believe that Mr. John Tuttle was the last mem- ber. He died January 3, 1880, aged 84 years. Other Denominations. A71 Evangelical Lutheran Society was legally formed October 6, 1827, with George D. Ruggles, Peter Lowks, John Guthermute and Marks Petrie, trustees. It never erected a house of worship or became permanently established. An Old School Baptist church was or- ganized about 1834, in the north part of the town, under the Rev. Martin Sal- mons, but was given up a few years after. A small chapel was built near the river on the road towards Dayanville a year or two since, under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association, and services are held there occasionally by various Protestant denominations. 368 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Biographical Sketches. WILLIAM L. EASTON. William Lyman Easton was born in the town of Hancock, Berkshire county, Mass., on the 13th day of March, 1806. His parents were Elijah Easton and Hannah Locke, who came from an old and distinguished family ; the early Locke ancestors having first settled at Woburn, near Boston, from whence the different branches of the Locke family came. Elijah Easton died in 18 15, and very soon thereafter his widow came with her children, to live at Cedarville, Herkimer county, N. Y. William L., being one of the youngest of a family of eight children who were dependent upon a mother for support, and hence he was able to attend only the common schools existing at that time. At the early age of fourteen years he went to Little Falls, in this State, and apprenticed himself to learn the trade of printer, working in the office of the Little Falls Courier. His elder brother, Henry L. Easton, having traveled through Lewis county, was pleased with the surroundings of Lowville, to which place he induced William L. to go and establish himself in the printing business. He accordingly came to Lewis county on the loth of October, 1825, where, in Lowville in that year he established the neutral jour- nal known as the Black River Gazette. Nearly three years later, or on the sth of February, 1828, he was married to Emeline Henry, daughter of James Henry, by whom there were born thir- teen children, eight of whom are now living, namely : James Henry and Will- iam Lyman, of Decorah, Iowa ; Charles Locke, of Chicago, 111.; Frederick Shaw, of Lowville, and the following daughters —Emma H. West, Mary E. Crawford and Amelia C. Norcross, of Lowville, and Ella Rulison, of Watertown, N. Y. Mr. Easton was succeeded in the pro- prietorship of the Gazette by Joseph Farr, when the paper advocated the elec- tion of Wirt for the presidency. He then embarked in mercantile busi- ness, in which he continued with slight interruptions till his death. As a mer- chant he was successful. From the small beginning of nearly half a century ago, at his death the house in which he was a partner (De Witt C. West & Co..) was one of the largest in Northern New York. In 1839, when the Bank of Lowville was organized, he was one of its incor- porators, and was for eighteen years a director thereof, and held successively the offices of cashier, vice-president, and president of that institution. He held also for some twenty years the position of trustee of Lowville Academy. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 369 In 1840, he was appointed by Gov- ernor William H. Seward to the office of Surrogate of Lewis county, which position he filled acceptably for four years. In the year 1852, he was chosen as delegate to the National Whig Con- vention at Baltimore — the last Whig National Convention ever held — that which business was afterward conducted by his son, James H. Easton, under the firm name of William L. Easton & Son, now the First National Bank of Decorah. In all the varied avocations of his eventful life, Mr. Easton comprehend- ed in their fullest extent the duties and responsibiHties entrusted to him. [WILLIiLM L, EiiSTDN.] nominated General Winfield Scott for the presidency. In that year he was also one of the presidential electors. In 1855, on account of failing health, and the consequent necessity of seeking a change of climate, he went to Decorah, Iowa, intending to locate, but decided not to move his family away from the advantages of Eastern associations. At that point he established the banking, house of Easton, Cooley & Company, As the youthful compositor and edit- or, his journal was sold for the concise- ness and force of its editorials, and the high moral and religious tone of the miscellaneous departments. As a leading and prominent merchant, he acquired a reputation such as can be earned only by men of the strictest in- tegrity, largest comprehension and keen- est discrimination. In disposition kind, yet firm and de- 370 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. cided in all his dealings with men, he was prompt in the fulfillment of all his obligations, and exacted no more of oth- ers. In all local and pubHc improve- ments he evinced energy and interest. From the inauguration of the Black River Canal enterprise, he was one of the original and firmest friends of that measure. In the public press of the county he manifested much interest, often aiding in the local and literary de- partments, and contributing greatly by his sound advice to the success of the county journals. Though not an office seeker— yet often urged by his friends to permit his name to be used — he wielded a power in the political world ; his influence over men through forty years of active life, was almost magnetic, and to his honor it can be said that, in successes or in re- verses, his friends found him ever true and faithful. He rarely failed in what he sought to accompHsh, for his counsel followed, in- variably led to successful resuhs. Even his political opponents were ofttimes struck with admiration at his well or- ganized and admirably executed plans, and many of them who sought him in times of need, remembered with grati- tude the lessons of advice and counsel that fell from his lips. His friends " he grappled by the soul with hooks of steel," and when, on the 7th of March, 1865, they learned of his death, they felt that there had passed from this earth the spirit of one of God's noblest works— an honest, capa- ble, upright man. dewitt c. west. The father of the subject of this sketch, Hon. EH West, M. D., who for nearly half a century was a prominent citizen of Jefferson county, was born in Hampton, Washington county, July 26, 1792. Before he reached his legal ma- turity, the second war with Great Brit- ain came upon the country, and young West, just entering upon his profession- al studies, joined the New York con- tingent. During the short struggle he was an ardent soldier, and distinguished himself in the victory at Plattsburgh. Upon the conclusion of peace, he re- sumed his medical course, and was in due time licensed to practice. His first experience as a physician was in a small Canadian village. In 18 16, seeking a broader field and more profitable pa- tients than he found among the thrifty French habitans, he made his way over the border again, and settled in Car- thage, with which place he was identified as the leading physician — and for many years the only resident one— until his death. Growing in reputation with the development of the neighborhood, his practice extended even beyond the bounds of the county, and he was, in middle life, not only one of the most widely known practitioners, but one of the most highly respected citizens of that section of the State. Without po- litical aspirations, though a man of pro- nounced opinions, his townsmen trusted him with nearly every responsible office in their gift. For fourteen years he was one of the Supervisors, being Chairman of the Board most of the time. The office of Superintendent of the Common HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 371 Schools, President of the Board of Trus- tees of the village, Commissioner of Deeds, and School Commissioner, were filled by him for continuous terms. He was Justice of the Peace for forty years. He received his original commission from Governor Clinton, as Brigade Sur- geon, and for a long period was Master of the local Lodge of Free Masons. In politics, he adhered to the Democratic school of the period, and was twice elected by that party to the Assembly, serving in 1834 and 1844, with general acceptance. When the Civil War was precipitated upon the country, he gave all his sympathy to the Union cause, taking a decided stand for the National Administration, and was Chairman of the first war meeting held in Carthage, on the 4th of May, 1861, at which he was one of the first and most liberal in subscriptions to the volunteer subsist- ence chest. Dr. West was a man of broad views and generous enterprise. His intelligent appreciation of local necessities was il- lustrated by his active participation in all public efforts to improve or develop the resources of the section of the State in which he lived. Dr. West died on the 23d of June, 1866, having three years previously, through the general disability of old age, given up his professional practice. DeWitt Clinton West was born at Carthage, February 14, 1824. He was educated at Watertown Academy, then one of the best schools in Northern New York, and at a French College in Montreal. After teaching for a time as was then the custom, in the public schools of his native village, he established himself at Mobile, Alabama, with two of his early friends, in the cotton commis- sion and forwarding business. In 1848, he returned to Carthage, and formed a partnership with WiUiara A. Peck in general merchandise. The success of this enterprise was largely due to the fine business abilities of young West, which would have won him success in any field. He had intended to enter the legal profession, but an injury to one of his eyes, received while sporting, pre- vented. It was an injury which troub- led him all his life, and finally resulted in the removal of the eye in August, 1879, by Dr. H. D. Noyes of New York. In 1852, he was pursuaded to take part in public affairs, and was elected on the Democratic ticket as Member of Assem- bly. Horatio Seymour, was Governor, the late Chief-Judge Sanford E. Church was Lieutenant-Governor, William H. Ludlow was Speaker, and Ashley Dav- enport and Seymour Green of Lewis county, were respectively Senator and Member of Assembly. DeWitt C. Lit- tlejohn of Oswego, and Arphaxad Loom- is of Herkimer, were Members of the Lower House. The Legislature of that year was notable for the number of its able men, who subsequently became dis- tinguished and filled important positions. The friendships that he made at this ses- sion were strong and life-long. The young member was accorded by his own party the prominence and influence his ability, integrity and force of charac- ter merited. He was respected- by his political op- ponents for these very qualities, and his 372 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. fairness. He was made Chairman of the Canal Committee, at that time a very important position, and usually accorded to an old and experienced member. In discharging the duties of this respon- sible and difficult position, he won the esteem and confidence of the members of both Houses, without distinction of party— a triumph sufficient to gratify the laudable ambition of any member. As such Chairman, he advocated and carried the poHcy of improving, at con- siderable cost, the lateral canals, which included the Black River canal, in which Northern New York was greatly interested,and of which his distinguished father had been one of the original pro- moters, and requiring generous appro- priations for its development. Mainly through his well-directed efforts and able arguments, the canal from Oswego to the Erie was brought up to its pres- ent capacity of usefulness. He ably and successfully advocated the contin- ued patronage of the State to its inter- nal water ways. His excellent record led to the tender of a re-nomination the next year, in the belief that he had entered upon a long, honorable and useful career of official life. Notwithstanding he was pressed in the most urgent manner by his friends, he defined the re-nomination, and never after held a public office, except that of Elector. During the sessions of the Leg- islature of which he was a member, he was married to Emma H., daughter of Hon. WiUiam L. Easton, of Lowville, one of the early settlers and dis- tinguished men of Lewis county. At the close of his Legislative term, Mr. West dissolved his business connection at Carthage, and formed a new one at Lowville, with William L. Easton and his son, James H. Easton, (now of Decorah, Iowa,) under the firm name' of West & Co., in which firm he contin- ued until 1873, when he retired, with an ample fortune, the prosperous business he had built up being continued by Wa- ters & Easton. Though he had deter- mined not to hold office, he continued his interest in all public questions and improvements, and in politics, and more than any other man in all Northern New York, has left marks of his influence, abilities and industry. He was a dele- gate from his district to all the Demo- cratic National Conventions, after he was Member of Assembly, up to 1880, and to most of the State Conventions. He was often a member of the State Committee, and was Presidential Elector in the years 1868 and 1876. He stood high in the Councils of the Democratic party. His executive ability, sagacity, independence and determination not to take office, gave great weight to his views on questions of political policy and pofitical principle. His influence was really much greater than that of many others, prominent through official titles and position. At the Charleston Convention he saw and appreciated the danger threatening the Union, and shortly after the nomination of Mr. Douglass, published in the " Lewis Coun- ty Banner," a series of articles upon the " Impending Crisis," which, though de- . rided by his neighbors at the time, turned out to be almost prophecy. With the first news of the assault on Fort HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 373 Sumter, he proposed that a company be raised in the village for the defence of the Union. It was raised as soon as the President's proclamation was made, and was one of the earliest in the field. From this time to the close of the Re- bellion, he spared neither time, labor nor money to advance the cause of the Union. In this patriotic duty he was a central figure in the northern part of his State. In 1876, he was desired by his friends to accept the Democratic nomi- nation for Governor of New York. His prominence in the party would have easily brought him the nomination, but he declined to have his name used. Ho- ratio Seymour was nominated without consultation and declined. The conven- tion re-assembled at Saratoga, and Mr. West was again desired to allow his name to be used, and was pressed to con- sent, but refused. Lucius Robinson was nominated and elected. The Utica and Black River railroad connects Utica, on the Central and Hudson River railroads, through the Black River valley, with Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, the Thousand Islands at Clayton, and Morris- town and Ogdensburg on the St. Law- rence below the Thousand Islands. Be- fore 1868, the Utica and Black River railroad had been constructed to Boon- ville, a distance of thirty -five miles. The extension of the road and the accom- plishment of these connections was moved. Mr. West entered into the project and gave it his best exertions and abilities. He was elected Director, and subsequently in 1873, President of the road. Money was raised by bonding towns, the road was extended to Car- thage, other roads were projected and completed from that place to the points on the Lake and the St. Lawrence and leased, and the whole brought under the management of the Utica & Black River railroad, during his presidency. The credit of all this is largely due to him. It was a great work, not only providing an outlet for an important and rich sec- tion of the State and Canada too, but opening the way for the tourist and the people to the most beautiful and delight- ful scenery and attractive resorts on the American Continent — immense enough for all the people and beautiful enough for the most fastidious. In 1879, the failure of his health compelled his retire- ment from the presidency of the road, but he continued in the direction until his death. In this year he organized the Black River National Bank at Lowville, and acted as its president the remainder of his life. Mr. West's abiUties were of a high order. He was a master of de- tails, and from them made sound and wise deductions. In the perception and application of principles few excelled him. He could maintain with sound ar- gument, the position to which his judg- ment led him. He spoke with clearness and elegance, and was often eloquent. A commanding figure, an expressive and pleasant countenance, and rich, sweet voice, added charm and force to his ora- tory. Like his intimate and life-long friend, Judge Church, " he loved to be among men," among whom he was a natural leader, and the affections and trust of men went out after him and fol- lowed him. The sudden death of Judge Church produced a profound impression 374 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. upon him. He had become aware that he might be called as suddenly. But it was not the fear of death that impressed him so much as that a great and good man should fall so suddenly, while the world yet had need of him. His own death, so similar, and in so short a time after, while yet in the prime of life, and in the midst of his greatest usefulness, and foremost in his political party in his State, and on whom many hopes were centered, was an irreparable loss. His death occurred suddenly August 27, 1880, from an affection of the heart. CARLOS P. SCOVIL. Elisha Scovil, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1743. He came to West Turin, Lewis county, in 1796, ar;d took up a farm on what was afterward known as Cox Hill, just above Collinsville. He was one of the first settlers in that town. In the fall of that year he returned to Meriden, Connecticut, and in 1798, moved with his family to the new coun- try and farm of his selection. He was twice married and had eight children by his first wife, and one by his second. These children by the first wife were remarkable for longevity. Of these eight none died under the age of seventy-six, except Oliver, who died of yellow fever in New Orleans while a young man. The oldest died at the age of one hundred, and Lemuel the next oldest, at ninety-seven. Of these children, Hezekiah, the youngest, and the father of Carlos P. Scovil, was born in Meriden, Connecti- cut, in 1770. When he came with his father to West Turin, he was about eighteen years of age, and he afterward purchased the homestead of his father and took care of him until his death in 1827, at the age of 84 years. In 1803, he married Catharine Brown, who was of English and Scotch descent — her father being English and her mother Scotch. He had by her thirteen chil- dren, of whom eight only lived to ma- turity. Hezekiah died in 1856, at the age of y6 years. His wife, Catharine Brown, died in 1850, at the age of 66. In the War of 1812, Hezekiah Scovil and Captain Dem- ing, of Denmark, raised a company of volunteers for four months' service, with Deming as Captain and Hezekiah as First Lieutenant. This company, with one from Jefferson county, was stationed at Sackett's Harbor. Afterwards, dur- ing the same struggle, he served as cap- tain of a company in the regiment of Colonel Cox, and was several times called out with his company to Sackett's Harbor. He was a man of such popu- larity that, al|;hough he was very decid- ed in his political convictions, he was nominated and elected by both existing parties in 1828, as sheriff of the county. Carlos P. Scovil, the subject of this portrait, was born in Collinsville, in the town of West Turin, February 26, 1804; and with the exception of two years' res- idence in the western part of Pennsyl- vania, has always been a resident of the county. He received an academic edu- cation, and entered upon the study of law in the office of Henry Page at Col- linsville and Turin, and the last year HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 375 with Thomas S. ConkHn at Harrisburgh, then the county seat. He was admitted to practice in the supreme court at the October term of 1830, and was in prac- tice with Judge Seger at Collinsville during the year 1831. In the fall of that year he was elected eight Senatorial districts, with four Senators from each district. In the fall of 1863, Mr. Scovil was elected County Judge and Surrogate, to which office he was again elected in 1867, and 1 87 1, serving in all eleven years and serving out but half of his term by k f^ /'^ [CiiHLDs P. sca-sriL.] county clerk ; was again elected to that office in the fall of 1834, and again in the fall of 1837— the latter term of office ex- piring on the last day of December, 1840. In the fall of 1841, he was nominated and elected to the Assembly of the State and in the fall of 1842, was elected to the State Senate for four years — the State at that time being divided into reason of his age. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Lowville, where he has lived since 1856, with the exception of two or three years at Martinsburgh. On the 1 8th of August, 1834, he was married to Mary Rockwell, a daughter of Philo Rockwell. Her mother was a daughter of General Walter Martin. 376 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. RUSSEL J. EASTON. It is only occasionally that enough of unusual interest and action can be found to make the life of any individual promi- nent above the restless surging of the present age. But there are some, how- ever, who catching the first flood of the tide of our modern Hfe, so well under- stand its direction, and so successfully keep abreast of it, that they fairly epito- mize the movement and become its ex- ponents. It is always a subject of regret when, as is too often the case in our busy world, the lives of such prominent and useful men are permitted to pass into oblivion when the grave closes over their career. A life of useful labor is an ob- ject of contemplation far too fruitful and suggestive to be suffered to pass quickly out of memory. The man may live, may toil, may shape the tendency of his time,' and the restless waves of busy human life, despite family tradition and family love, soon erase the most cherished recollections, unless gathered up and crystalized into some more permanent and abiding form. To preserve in some measure from oblivion, the deeds and memory of those whose honorable and useful lives demand our reverence, this history of Lewis county is given to the pubHc. Of the men and families who deserve to be remembered when the dark river shall have swept them forever from our sight, none are more worthy than those mentioned in this sketch. Of the first of this family name in America, there is no positive record. Tradition says that three Scotch broth- ers left their native land at an early day and emigrated to America, one of whom went to Canada, one to Pennsylvania, and one to Connecticut. It is also prob- able that the town called Easton, in Pennsylvania, was named for some of the descendants of the brother who set- tled there. Of the one who went to Canada, Storr Star Easton, a prominent man of the Dominion, was undoubtedly a descendant. The first of whom anything definite is known, was Giles Easton, ist, grand- father of Russel J., who was born in East Hartford, Conn., April 22, 1766, and who married Anna Haskins, born in Bloom- field, Conn., April 24, 1773. He died June 28, 1829. She died April 24, 1853, aged eighty years. They had three children — Giles, 2d ; Sophia ; and Henry R., who died June 22, 1848. Giles Easton, 2d, was born in Hart- ford, Conn., December 13, 1797, and in 1809, at the age of twelve years, came on foot to Lewis county and located one- half mile north of West Martinsburgh, where he contracted for twenty acres of land, some of which is included in the homestead now owned by his son, Rus- sel J., joining on the south the farm now owned by Rutson Rea. With such help as he could procure, he cleared the trees away, planted some of the land to pota- toes, built a rude log cabin, and in the fall returned to Hartford and came back with his parents, and in that cabin passed the winter. At that time this country was nearly a wilderness ; Lowville had but a few log houses and a hotel. Jonathan Rog- ers, the veteran pioneer, was then living there. The next season his father, Giles 1st, who was by trade a blacksmith, built HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 377 on that land a blacksmith shop, in which for some years he did the work of his neighborhood. Giles, 2d, added to his farm by additional purchases, first twen- ty acres, then forty, sixty, and so on, as money and opportunity offered, until he had acquired something over 300 acres. On the 22d of February, 1822, he mar- ried Olive Green, daughter of Oliver Green, of Denmark, who was born in Pittsburgh, Mass., March 14, 1802, and lived on this farm until his death, which occurred August 16, 1856. His wife died June/, 1874, in West Martinsburgh, on the old homestead. The children of Giles 2d, and Olive Green were : — Jason C, born May 12, 1823; Giles C, born November 21, i82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 387 It is unquestionable that from them he derived something of the keen insight of human nature that has characterized his life. They taught him a lesson too often unheeded — the necessity of secur- ing a knowledge of men and things, as well as to become deeply versed in the lore of books. The result of this training was that he studied mankind as some men study books, until there were revealed to him, in a somewhat remarkable degree, the motive springs of the human mind. In his younger days he studied law, but never entered upon its practice. He has enjoyed the confidence of the elec- tors of his town, county and state, and now, in his older years, is content to round out his life in forming the connect- ing link between this world and the next. On the i6th of July, 1833, he was united in marriage to Christina Hoffnagle, who died May 30, 1875. Two children were the result of this marriage : — Clinton, born July 2, 1835, died Feb. 3, 1874: and Amanda, born July 4, 1837, died Sept. 13, 1868. HON. ALEXANDER H. CROSBY, M. D. The various families of this name in the United States are of EngUsh or rath- er Scotch origin, and most of them we believe, trace their descent from New England ancestors of the colonial period. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Captain Prince Crosby, who sailed a merchant vessel between an Eastern port and the West fndies. He married in Cuba, a Spanish lady of great beauty. He died at sea on a voyage out, but so near the end of his voyage that he was buried on the Island of Cuba. A son of this person, Jeremiah Crosby, emigrated from New Hampshire to this county, about the year 1800, and located in the eastern part of the town of Mar- tinsburgh. About the year 1805, he with several others, attracted by the liberal offers made by John Brown, then owner of a large tract of land in the wilderness on the east side of the Black river, and known to the present day as "John Brown's Tract," moved with their families into this barren region. After living here two years they were starved out and returned to Martins- burgh. While living on "Brown's Tract" 'Hopkins Crosby was born in 1806, who in time became a farmer and married Mary Porter, whose family had emi- grated from one of the Eastern States. Their first child, Alexander H., was born in the town of Martinsburgh, Oc- tober 18, 1836. He passed his earlier years in that town, but when nine years of age, his father with a family of four small children, removed to Tioga coun- ty, Pennsylvania, on account of failing health. From this cause he had not prospered, but the change proved bene- ficial ; he regained his health and soon found himself in comfortable circumstan- ces, and continued to live here until the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1876. His wife died in Oc- tober, 1877, while on a visit to her daugh- ter, Mrs. Henry Gaudy, in Brookfield, Missouri, where the daughter still re- 388 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. sides. Two other children of Hopkins Crosby are living— Jeremiah H., in Kansas and the youngest, Monroe, in Franklin county. Pa. Alexander grew up on the farm, re- ceiving his education at home and in the district school. He afterward attended the academy at Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, for one year and the seminary at Mans- field, Pennsylvania, for two years, and one term at the Lowville Academy in 1857. Having chosen the medical pro- fession, he began the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Lyman Buckley, of Oswego county, New York, and after- ward returned to Martinsburgh and entered the office of Dr. James T. Feden, with whom he completed his studies. During the time he was thus engaged, he taught school several terms. He subsequently attended one course of lectures at the Albany Medi- cal College, and was licensed to practice medicine by the Lewis County Medical Society. He began the practice of his profes- sion m the village of Martinsburgh, in January, 1862. On the 29th of February, 1863, he married Addie M. Macoy, daughter of Nathan Macoy of Martins- burgh. In March, 1867, he removed to the village of Lowville, where he has since resided. He has been a member of the County Medical Society, since he entered the profession, and has held suc- cessively the offices of Secretary, Treas- urer, Censor, and President. He repre- sented the society several years in the State Medical Society, in which he is eligible as a permanent member, and was chosen by that organization as del- egate to the Pennsylvania State Medi- cal Society in 1875. In politics. Doctor Crosby is a Demo- crat, and cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglass in i860. In 1875, he was elected to the Assembly of the State, against Henry J. Botchford. He was appointed upon the standing committees of Canals and Public Health, and dis- charged the duties of his position with marked ability. In 1877 and 1878, he represented the 22d Congressional Dis- trict on the State Central and Executive committees, and has been chairma the County Executive committee eral times. In 1879, the Democratic County Convention, after spending some time, were unable to find a candidate who would take the nomination for Member of Assembly, and Doctor Crosby finally allowed them to use his name, but with no expectation of being elected ; for the reason that some of the leaders of the the party were following the fortunes of John Kelly, and had determined to de- feat all who had the courage to accept a nomination at the hands of any conven- tion not controlled by them. Owing to this, the elections in general went Re- publican that year. Upon several oc- casions. Dr. Crosby has been a prominent witness in criminal trials, and the clear and logical manner in which his testimo- ny was given, reflected great credit upon his reputation as a thoroughly informed physician and a careful observer. He has proved himself an excellent surgeon, and there are few physicians in Northern New York who have been more success- ful in the treatment of disease. He has a large and lucrative practice, and is, we HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 389 believe, gaining every year in the confi- dence of the people, and most among those who are best qualified to judge of his ability. He is a member of the Epis- copal church, and has been for several years a vestryman in Trinity church, of Lowville. WILLIAM ROOT ADAMS, A. M. William Root Adams was born in the town of Lowville October 25, 1823. His father. Dr. Ira Adams, was the son of Timothy Adams, of Cavendish, Windsor county, Vermont. Doctor Adams came from Cavendish to this State when about twenty -twoyears of age. After graduating at the medical school in Albany, N. Y., he enlisted in the army, and was stationed during the War of 1812 as military sur- geon at Port Erie. After his discharge from the army. Dr. Adams began the practice of medicine in the town of Den- mark, and in 1821 married Arzelin A. Root, of the same town. A short time after his marriage he took up his resi- dence at Stow's Square, in the town of Lowville, where he continued the prac- tice of medicine until the time of his death in 1857. William Root Adams, the subject of this sketch, passed his boyhood upon his father's farm, attending the district schools during the winter, and work- ing on the farm during the summer, until the autumn of 1 841 , when he entered the Lowville Academy as a student. He attended the Academy during the fall and winter terms, spending the summer upon the farm, until the winter of 1845- '46, when he taught his first district school in the town of Harrisburgh. During the two succeeding winters he taught district schools in Lowville. In September, 1848, Mr. Adams en- tered the Junior class in Union College, at Schenectady, and after remaining in college one year he taught three terms in a boarding school in the town of Nas- sau, Rensselaer county, in this State. Returning to college, he graduated with the class of 185 1, ranking in scholarship among the first of his class. After teach- ing two terms as assistant principal in Rome Academy, he returned to Low- ville and engaged as assistant in the Lowville Academy. In June, 1852, Prof. David P. Mayhew, who had held the po- sition of principal of Lowville Academy for thirteen years, resigned his position, and Mr. Adams was called by the trustees to take his place, and entered upon his duties during the summer term of 1852. On the 17th of August, 1852, he was married to Melissa Mills, daughter of Timothy Mills, of Lowville. Mr. Adams held his position as principal of the acad- emy until November, i860, when failing health compelled him to resign. During the winters of i860 and 1861, he attended a course of medical lectures in the city of New York. His health being restored, in December, 1861, he again assumed charge of the academy as principal, and retained his position until the close of the academic year, in 1866, when he resigned for the purpose of engaging in mercantile pursuits. He engaged in the book and stationery trade, in which he continued until the beginning of the academic year in Sep- 39° HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. tember, 1874, when he was for the third time elected principal of the academy. He conducted the school in connection with his trade until May, 1878, when he disposed of his store and subsequently gave his entire attention to his duties at the academy. Mr. Adams still remains in charge of the institution with which he has been connected during nearly the whole of the last forty-one years, as student, prin- cipal, or trustee. In March, 1866, he was elected one of the trustees of the academy, and continues to hold that po- sition. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, held on the i8th of the same month, he was elected secretary of the Board of Trustees of the academy, which office he still retains. In December, 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Adams lost their second son, Edward, when in his fifth year. Their third son, Everett, died in Febru- ary, 1865, in his second year. In No- vember, 1 87 1, their oldest and only re- maining son, George Tyler Adams, died when nearly nineteen years of age. This son, by his noble quahties of heart and mind, had endeared himself to a very large circle of friends. Possessing supe- rior mental abiHties, and exhibiting an unusual aptitude for business, his par- ents were fondly hoping for him a suc- cessful and honorable future. His death came upon them with sudden and crush- ing force. Two daughters still survive of their family of five children. The pride of Professor Adams' fife has been the suc- cess and prosperity of Lowville Acad- emy. During the entire time that the school has been under his charge, he has taken the responsibility of employing his assistant teachers, and paying the cur- rent expenses of the school from year to year. The academy has been successful financially, and, when considered from a literary standpoint, it ranks among the first institutions of the State. The at- tendance during the last few years has been larger than ever before since its or- ganization in 1808, and it bids fair to continue for years in its career of use- fulness. ROYAL P. WILBUR. The first of this family on the father's side of whom anything definite is known, was David Wilbur, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was born in 1 77 1. He was a resident of Worthing- ton, Mass., from which place he removed with his family to Lowville in the spring of 1 80 1, and took up a farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres, in the northern part of the town, known as Stow's Square. His wife was Betsey Phillips. He was a deacon in the Congregational church at the Square, and died Decem- ber 27, 1829, aged sixty years. Gordyce Wilbur, his son, and the father of Royal P., was born in Worth- ington, Mass., August 9, 1799. He was married on the 4th of September, 1829, to Mary S. Phelps, daughter of the late Rev. Royal Phelps, and grand-daughter of Colonel John Spafford of Revolution- ary fame. She is a descendant of George Phelps, who came to America on the vessel " Mary and John," ten years after the arrival of the Mayflower, lanfling at RDTSL P, WILBUR, ^OAy^^a^c^r^ [/.^/cJ^rt^^^^-^ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 391 Nantucket, Mass., May 30, 1630. He came from Exeter, Devonshire, England. His first settlement in America was in Dorchester, Mass., from whence he re- moved in 1636, and was one of the first settlers in Windsor, Conn. He died May 8, 1687. Gordyce Wilbur, still living (1883) was ordained an Elder in the Presbyte- rian church of Lowville, April 20, 1834, and has served continuously since that time. On the i6th of August, 1836, he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Black River Association, but was unable to carry out his wishes in this respect. His life has been devoted to religious work and he has held numerous offices of responsibility in the religious societies of the town and county. Of a family of ten children, but three sons now survive, all residents of the State of New York. Royal Phelps Wilbur was born in Low- ville, September 12, 1836. A portion of his early life was passed in the town, where he was educated in the Lowville Academy. In the sprmg of 1851, at the age of fifteen, he went to New York City and entered the employ of Maitland, Phelps & Co., foreign commission and banking-house, Hon. Royal Phelps, his uncle, being then and now, the senior member of the firm. He began his life there as a messenger boy. In the spring of 1857, for the ben- efit of his health, and on business for the firm, he went to the West India islands and Spanish Main, visiting the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. In Decem- ber of that year, he returned to New York, and until Januar)', 1870, remained connected with the firm as general clerk. In that year he returned to Lowville, his uncle, Royal Phelps, having settled upon him a farm and a suitable income, where he has since resided. Mr. Wilbur is of that genial and even temperament that easily wins friends. In politics a conservative Republican, he has taken no personally active interest in political issues, except to cast his vote and influence for what he has deemed the public good. He is one of the trustees of Lowville Academy, and has for ten years been Secretary of the Lewis Coun- ty Bible Society. He is an honored member of the Presbyterian church, in which organization he has also been Sec- retary for ten years. His wife is Caro- line Putnam Northrop, to whom he was married June 29, 1870. LEVI AND FARNAM J. BOWEN. Levi Bowen was born in Lanesboro, Mass., May 6, 1799. At an early age he was " bound out " until the age of twen- ty-one to Truman Terrill, a farmer, and in that occupation faithfully served until he attained his majority. In this family, who were people of the honorable, straightforward pattern, he acquired the habits of honesty, persever- ance and frugality which characterized his life. His education was of the limited kind of the bound boy of those days — a month or two in the district schools during the earlier winters of his stay with the Ter- rill family. The education obtained was supplemented by a sturdy common sense which enabled him to succeed in life where others failed. 392 In the fall of 1822, in his twenty-fourth year, he came to Lowville, Lewis county, and hired out by the month to Daniel T. Buck, a farmer, on what is known as the West road. He remained in this town until the succeeding fall, 1823, when he returned to Lanesboro, and on the 23d day of December of that year was mar- HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. In 1833, he moved on a small farm of seventy-five acres, for which he had pre- viously contracted, just off the West road, and early identified himself with the dairy interests of the county. He began his career as a dairyman under discouraging circumstances. His stock was limited to fifteen cows, and his only [LE VI HDWEN.] ried to Electa Maria Farnam, daughter of John and Electa Farnam. With her he soon after returned to the town of Lowville and engaged in farming on rented lands, having no means with which to purchase a farm of his own. In the years 1830 and 1831, he and his wife were employed by the late Isaac W. Bostwick to oversee and carry on his farm of five hundred acres in the western part of the town. press for cheese was the rude pry of those days — one end of a beam under a corner of the house, a weight on the other end, and the cheese beneath the pry near the house. There were then no cash sales in this locality for butter and cheese, and his first products, in the fall of that year, were loaded on wagons and carried to Deerfield, near Utica, where they were sold to John Leland, a produce dealer at that place, the butter HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 393 for nine cents and the cheese for five cents per pound.* Feeling like the lucky diggers who, in the placer days of California, struck a gold mine, he returned home elated and reported his success to his neighbors. The next year his stock was increased to thirt)^ cows, and the dairy products brought an increased price. From these small beginnings he built up an extensive dairy trade, and increased his acreage until he possessed some seven hundred acres of land. Between the years i860 and 1865, he sold this land at an advanced price over . the original cost, and in 1866, purchased a residence in the village of Lowville-to which he removed in April of that year.- Here he resided until his death, which occurred March 31, 187 1, in his 72d year: He was buried in the family vault in the cemetery on the West road, which he had constructed in 1866. His wife re- sided on the homestead until her death, Feb. 12, 1882. In the days of militia men, Mr. Bowen held the rank of Captain of Riflemen in the loist Regiment of infantry of our State, with rank from Aug. 14, 1830. This was a picked company of one hun- dred and sixty men from the several towns. His commission was signed by Enos T. Throop, Lieutenant-Governor, then in the administration of the government. This commission he held four or five years, and resigned rather than rank higher. Possessing a staunch integrity of character, a kind and social disposi- tion, few men were as much respected in » This was the first cheese ever taken out of the county for market. the community as Levi Bowen. His children were : — Electa C, born March 30, 1825, married A. M. Searl; Almena L., born April 10, 1827, married Bela Hough ; Farnam J., born July 26, 1830; Orin F., born March 5, 1833. Of these children, Farnam J., the sub- ject of the portrait accompanying, was born in Lowville July 26, 1830. His early life was passed at home on the farm, and in the common schools and Lowville Academy, from whence he derived his education. He followed quite successfully the oc- cupation of farmer on the West road until "1865, when he removed to the vil- lage of Lowville and began the business of general produce and commission mer- chant, associating with Charles H. Curtis, under the firm name of Cur- tis & Bowen, in which business he is still engaged. Upon the organization of the Black River National Bank in 1879, Mr. Bowen became one of the directors, and in 1 88 1 was chosen as its Vice-Presi- dent. On the 26th of September, 1853, he married Sarah Frances Sterling, of Lowville. Their children are John F., born Sept. 3, 1868, died Oct. 22, 1875; Jay Sterling, born April 22, 1871. K. COLLINS KELLOGG. In all that has been written concern- ing the business men of Lewis county, no better illustration of success in life achieved under difficulties, is presented than in the life of the man who forms the subject of this sketch. The first settlers of this name in America came 394 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. from Scotland. The name was originally known as Kelloch from Kel — " wood,' and Loch — " lake." K. Collins Kellogg was bom in West- field, Massachusetts, March 26, 1823. His father was Collins Kellogg, born February 17, 1802, who married Cynthia Loomis in 1822, and when K. Collins was but a child, emigrated from Massa- chusetts and settled in the town of Tu- rin. They had two other children — Hal- sey E., born July 24, 1824; and Hester Anne, born July 29, 1825, who married Sylvester W. Stimpson, of Leyden, and died November 26, 1849, aged twenty- four years. Collins Kellogg, the father, died in Cleveland, Ohio, March 31, 1881. His wife died December 21, i860. She was the mother of K. C. Kellogg. Mr. Kellogg received the education of the common schools, supplemented by a course of study in Collinsville Insti- tute, Turin, New York. In March, 1840, when seventeen years of. age, he entered the employ of WiUiam L. Easton and A. G. Dayan, merchants of Lowville. Here as a poor clerk, on a meager sal- ary, he found his feet on the bottom round of the ladder up which he has persistently climbed to a position of for- tune and influence. Born with the true business instinct, and actuated by those principles which alone insure success in this life, he began with the determina- tion to master the minutest details of his calling, and after a few years' faithful clerkship, began to rank as a skillful merchant. In 1846, he received an in- terest in the business of his employer, WiUiam L. Easton, and although a young man, was intrusted with the purchase of merchandise for the firm, visiting New York for that purpose. His business connection with Mr. Easton continued two years. Subsequently he was with Cornelius P. Leonard, as an employ^. On the 13th of June, 1855, he married Elisha Boshart, youngest daughter of Garret Boshart, one of the earliest set- tlers in Lowville. He did not again en- gage in trade for himself until 1856. In that year he bought of John Stevens, the store formerly occupied by Jess Brown on the west side of Main street, next door north of the drug store of Horace Bush, where for fourteen years he con- ducted a prosperous business. From that time since, there has been no inter- ruption to Mr. Kellogg's mercantile ca^ reer. During the year 1857-58, he had with him as partner, his brother-in-law, James H. Boshart. He sold this store to R. J. Easton, and in January, 1870, removed to the store in the Kellogg House block, which he now occupies, and where in March, 1 881, he associat- ed with himself Henry F. Weber as partner. In his efforts to build for himself a business and a name, Mr. Kellogg has been peculiarly fortunate in securing the services of efficient clerks to whose in- terests he was uniformly devoted, and to whom he often refers with a feeling of kindness, not unmixed with pride, that he should have been instrumental in advancing their welfare. Among those who have thus contributed to his success, may be mentioned Eli T. Jones, who entered his employ in April, i860, and continued to 1875 ; D. Franklin Dodge, from December, 1857, eight HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 395 years ; K. Collins Kellogg, 2d, his neph- ew, from March, 1870, to March, 1881, now (1883) in the dry -goods store of Robert Frazier of Utica ; George Gord- inier, 1861, to March, 1882 ; and George S. Fisher, clerk in the Kellogg House office several years, who was elected sheriff of Lewis county in the fall of 1882. Within the sphere in which he has moved, Mr. Kellogg has been remark- ably successful ; a success due to a pe- culiar combination of gifts — industry, perseverance, integrity, honesty, calcu- lation, and a genius for surmounting the difficulties in his way. Mr. Kellogg's business life has been by no means pure- ly mercantile. He has been largely in- terested in real estate and farm property. In 1864-65, he owned several farms in this vicinity, and now owns one of three hundred acres, one mile west of Low- ville, upon which his brother resides. He also owns the Henry Kitts farm, sit- uated on Black River Flats, i]^ miles east of Lowville, which cost $15,000, and is now occupied by Jess. J. Kellogg, his nephew. In 1869, he loaned $20,000 to the build- er of the hotel in Lowville, which bears his name. He afterward became the owner of this property and for several years was proprietor of the house. Pos- sessed of rare business ability, to which was added a prodigious capacity for hard work, he has lived plainly and toiled hard many years, and by close application to his duties, has arisen from poverty and obscurity to wealth and in- fluence, and has won an enviable posi- tion as a merchant and financier. Mr. Kellogg is not naturally ol a so- cial turn, generally keeps himself in as much retirement as possible, and has al- ways avoided public station or office. His has been a life of intense industry, in which there has been but little of social joy, and those have loved him most who have known him best. Preserving his years by a life of steady habits, at the age of sixty, he is not a decayed gentle- man, but possesses his gentility and bus- iness capacity in full vigor. Believing that there is a glory in work when by it one can achieve success, Mr. Kellogg has not allowed the fire of his business ambition to burn out, and in his life- time is meeting with what is called suc- cess, the way to which has been paved with years of incessant labor. It can be said of him that he has never been a drone in the hive. Whatever his hands have found to do he has done with a will, and in summing up the secret of his success here, we may say that it is found in his energy of purpose, his in- domitable will, and his habits of econ- omy. For the past forty years, he has been a regular attendant at the Presby- terian church in Lowville. From the lives of such men as he, others may learn a lesson. THE KELLOGG HOUSE. One of the finest inland hotels in the State, a view of which is given herewith, is the Kellogg House, in Lowville, N. Y. It was built in 1869, and stands on the site once occupied by the Bostwick House, which was destroyed by fire 396 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Sunday morning, January 17th, of that year. It is built of brick, four stories in height, with a frontage of 1 10 feet on State street, and 200 feet, land and yard, on Shady Avenue. It is of handsome architectural proportions, equipped with every convenience, and in one of the most desirable summer resorts in the country, being in close proximity to the [THE KELLDEG- HDUSE.] hunting and fishing regions of the North Woods. There are few hotels that have so good a reputation for com- fortable accommodations and prompt and courteous attention to the wants of travelers. The house was opened to the public in January, 1870. On Friday, September 26, 1873, the property passed into the hands of K. Collins Kellogg, who, in the year 1869, had furnished $20,000 for its erection. July 16, 1874, Mr. Kellogg took possession as proprietor of the ho- tel, and for a number of years conducted it successfully, until June, 1881. He made considerable improvements both in the building and the property, erecting the hotel livery barns in June and July of 1874, and laying the marble floor in the office in October, 1876. The yearly average receipts of this house are over $20,000. The Kellogg House is now (1883) un- der the skillful management of S. V. Warner, a landlord well-known to the traveling public. A door opens out from the hotel hall to the Ruscoe Opera House. The patrons will here find in all its appointments that well-bred cour- tesy so necessary and always appreciated by patrons. STEPHEN AND CHARLES LEONARD. Among the distinguished men and early settlers of Lewis county whose lives of usefulness have left an impress upon Northern New York, none were more conspicuous than Stephen Leonard, and none more prominent and more in- terested in the enterprises of those latter days than his son, Charles P. Leonard. The first of the family name known in this county was John Leonard, who set- tled in Springfield, Mass., in 1636, and held m that town the then highly re- spectable office of Constable. His wife was Sarah Heath, whom he married No- vember 12, 1640. He was killed by the Indians early in 1676. His widow then married Benjamin Parsons, February 21, 1677. He died in 1690, and she married Peter Tilton. She died in Springfield, Mass., November 23, 171 1. The generations succeeding John Leonard were : — Joseph (second ;) Joseph 'Zf^^^^-^^^^^^-^ ^^ / 'W\ccy'UJj ICLl^^-i^^^ ^^ ^ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 397 (third ;) Moses (fourth ;) Phineas (fifth ;) Stephen (sixth.) The latter was a son of Phineas, who was born August 19, 1751, and was a sol- dier in the war of the Revolution. He, too, was a resident of Springfield, Mass., where he died November 16, 1847, aged 96 years. Stephen Leonard was born in West Springfield, Mass., October 29, 1783, where he lived until the year 1802. In that year, at the age of nineteen, he left his native town and went to Skaneateles, N. Y., where he remained some six months, and from there went to Manlius, N. Y., where he resided until the winter of i8o4-'o5, when he came to Lowville, and soon after formed a mercantile co- partnership with the late James H. Leon- ard, a relative, with whom he continued in business during a period of twenty- four years. In 1809, he was appointed postmaster by President Madison, and served in that capacity thirty-six years, or until the presidential administration of Polk, in 1845. He was one of twenty- four other prominent citizens who, in March, 1808, made application to the Regents of the University of this State for the incorporation of Lowville Acad- emy, in which institution he was a trus- tee for nearly forty years ; watching its progress with care and solicitude, aiding it by his judicious counsels in its hours of prosperity, and assisting it by gener- ous gifts of his means, in its times of ad- versity. At the organization of the Low- ville Presbyterian Society, in November, 1820, Mr. Leonard was appointed one of the first trustees, holding that position many times during the subsequent years. and being one of the most regular at- tendants on its services. Every enter- prise tending to the public good, found in him an earnest advocate, and he la- bored earnestly and faithfully during many long years for the prosperity of his adopted town. A man of generous impulse, those in distress found in him a true and liberal friend, and his memory ranks with those whom posterity reveres as worthy citizens and noble men. On the nth of December, 1806, Mr. Leonard was united in marriage with Jane Martin, daughter of General Wal- ter Martin, founder and first resident proprietor of Martinsburgh. She was born in Salem, Washington county, N. Y., February 16, 1788, and came with her parents to Lewis county in March, 1802, to encounter many of the discom- forts of pioneer fife in what was then a remote and almost unbroken wilderness. She was a resident of Lowville from the date of her marriage until her death, which occurred May 4, 1871, surviving her husband but two years, he having died March 13, 1869. The children that were born to this marriage were : — Jane Anne, born Sep- tember 4, 1807, died July 22, 18 10; Christina, born August 14, 1809, died August 22, 1812; Martin, born Septem- ber 29, 181 1, died August 22, 18 14; Al- exander, born December 25, 1813, died December 22, 18 19: Jane Maria, born July 10, 1 8 16, married Francis B. Morse ; Cornelia, born December 20, 18 19; Eliz- abeth, born December 29, 1821, married Rev. L. W. Norton ; John, born April 8, 1824; Charles P., and George C, (twins,) born August 22, 1826; Lewis, 398 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. born March 20, 1832, died August 27, 1855. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, George C. became a soldier of Company B, 94th Regiment N. Y. Vols. He was a brave and faithful soldier and partici- pated in the battles of Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock, and the famous battle of Gettysburg. He died at Ely's Ford, on the Rapidan River, Va., December i, 1863. Charles Pinckney Leonard, the sub- ject of the portrait, passed his early life in Lowville, in the common schools and the academy, of which place he received his education, in the latter institution, being under the instruction of Professors D. P. Youmans and D. P. Mayhew. He followed in the line of his father's busi- ness — that of merchant and milling, to which he afterwards added the manu- facture of chairs, lumber, etc., beginning in the latter industry in 1875. He was also in 1879, o"^ o^ the founders of the Black River National Bank, of which he is now President. Possessing much of his father's indus- try, energy and genial nature, he has become prominent in the enterprises and welfare of the town, and has won the es- teem of hisfellowmen. He was married to Sarah Tyler, of Lowville, January 11, 1849, by whom he had two children: — Charlotte Jane, bftrn September 6, 1851, died October 5, 1866; and Sarah Eliza- beth, born August 28, i860. Mrs. Leonard died May 27, 1865, and on the nth of November, 1869, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Glas- gow Peltpn, of Lowville, a widow with one son — Charles E. Pelton. There was born to them one child — Stephen, born December 26, 1874, died while in infancy. JAMES L. LEONARD. The first that is known of this family name is John Leonard, who lived in Springfield, Mass., and who is supposed to have emigrated from Bilstan, county of Stanford, England, about 1639. The first adventurers from England to this country who were skilled in the forged iron manufacture were two brothers, James and Henry Leonard, who came to the town of Raynham, Massachu- setts, in the year 1652, which was about two years after the first set- tlers had established themselves upon this spot. In that same year these broth- ers built here the first forge in America. Henry not long after moved from this place to the Jerseys, where he settled. James, who was the progenitor from whom sprang the whole race of the Leon- ards here, lived and died in this town. He came from Pauterpool, in Monmouth- shire, England, and brought with him his son Thomas, then a mere lad, who afterward worked at the bloomery art with his father in the forge. Within a mile and a quarter of this forge was a pond known as Pawling Pond, on the north side of which once stood King Philip's house, where he used to spend the hunting season. Philip and these Leonards were on friendly terms and often traded with each other. Such was Philip's friendship that when his war broke out in 1675, he gave strict orders HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 399 to his warriors never to molest the Leon- ards. During that war, two houses near the forge were constantly garrisoned, and one of these was built by James Leonard long before King Philip's war. The generations of the family were John Leonard, i ; Josiah, 2 ; Reuben, 3 ; Elias, 4; James Harvey, 5. James Harvey Leonard was the father of James L., the subject of this sketch. He was born in West Springfield, Mass., September 22, 1780, and died in Syra- cuse, N. Y., March 14, 1845. He came to Lowville with his cousin, Stephen Leonard, in 1804, on horseback from Skaneateles, N. Y., where they had been employed as clerks in stores. The rude aspect of the country at first discouraged them, but they were made of sturdy ma- terial and determined to stay. James H. began business in Lowville in 1804, and in January, 1805, was joined by Stephen Leonard. This firm became widely known through Northern New York. They supplied rations to troops passing through the country, and in embargo times were largely engaged in business transactions with Canada. James H. Leonard continued in the firm just a quarter of a century. He was a promi- nent and pubHc spirited man, and among the foremost in every measure of public utility. He was an original trustee of the Lowville Academy, and an elder in the Presbyterian church. He was also postmaster at Lowville many years. His remains were interred at Lowville. His wife was Mary Parish, daughter of Captain John Parish, (lost at sea,) of Branford, Conn. They were married in May, 1805. She was born July 10, 1785, and died in Lowville, May 19, 1871, aged 86 years. From an humble beginning as a mer- chant's clerk, and with no advantages or opportunities derived from patronage or influence of others, but gifted with fore- sight and financial tact which proved adequate for his station, he gradually acquired, by a course of honorable deal- ing and prudent management, what is regarded with us as a large estate. Nat- urally liberal, enterprising and public spirited, he every year found new occa- sions for the promotion of some new measure of pubhc utility, and he ap- peared to take an honest pride in witnessing and promoting the pros- perity of every interest which tended to advance the moral, intellectual and social condition of those around him. His in- fluence was felt throughout the growing spheres of his business relations, and our people had learned to place confidence in his opinions and to seek his aid and counsel in whatever tended to the public good. James Loren Leonard was the fifth and youngest son of James Harvey Leonard, and was born in Lowville on the 5th of June, 1821. Of the five broth- ers and three sisters, but one, Mr. Francis K. Leonard, now remains of this family. The subject of this sketch received his education at the Lowville Academy, and is remembered as an industrious student, especially fond of mathematics, obedient and attentive to all his duties. The lim- ited means of his father, arising from a pecuniary loss, prevented him from at- tempting a more extended course of study, and at the age of seventeen he 40O HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. entered the store of J. P. Ellis,, at Car- thage, N. Y., as a merchant clerk. A few months after, he entered the store of the late William L. Easton of the village of Lowville, as a clerk, and after serving about seven years in this capacity became a partner with a one-third interest in the establishment. With a natural aptitude for financial management that expanded to meet the growing spheres of his op- portunities, Mr. Leonard at an early stage of his business career, began to lay those foundations of confidence and es- teem in the public mind which time only served to strengthen and confirm. While with Mr. Easton, Mr. Leonard entered the Bank of Lowville and on the nth day of April, 1840, he appeared as book-keeper. He was appointed teller on the 19th of June, 1841, and on the ist of April, 1846, he was elected cashier. He was chosen Vice-President, April 19, 1855, and on the 19th of September, 1857, became President of the bank. This office he held at the time of his death. For several years Mr. Leonard had a pecuniary interest in the clothing store at Lowville, conducted by D. A. Smith. This interest had previously been repre- sented by his brother-in-law, Mr. Loren M. Brown, at whose death he assumed it. At an early period of his connection with the bank, he began to buy up stock as opportunities offered and his means allowed, until nearly the whole was owned by himself and Mr. Easton, and finally, in 1856, Mr. Leonard pur- chased the larger interest of his associate and became almost sole proprietor of the institution. At an early period in the history of the bank, a part of its capital had been invested in the State bonds of Arkansas, and subsequently fell to a merely nomi- nal value, and in consequence of this decline, the bank stock was for several years much depressed, and although its credit was maintained, the stockholders received no returns from their invest- ments. By prudent management this error was gradually retrieved, and the capital, placed on a sound basis, began to yield its due returns to its owners. The financial crisis of 1857, was felt by the Bank of Lowville, in common with all others, and led Mr. Leonard to apply for the appointment of a receiver to close up its business ; but the general suspen- sion of banks throughout the country, which occurred simultaneously stayed the proceedings, and as the assets were much above its liabilities, no serious ap- prehensions of ultimate loss were enter- tained. The injunction was granted by Judge Hubbard on the loth of October of that year, and dissolved by Judge Denio on the 27th. The Hon. De Witt C. West was, during this brief period, the Receiver. As a proof of the confi- dence of his fellow citizens in the integ- rity of Mr. Leonard and in the stability of his bank, it should in this connection be recorded that at a public meeting held in Lowville on the 13th of October, it was agreed to receive the bills at par as usual, and no serious embarrassment oc- curred in consequence of this momentary shock. The bank did not commence a single suit against its customers during the crisis and lost no debts from dis- counts during that period. Of Mr. Leon- ard's business habits, financial tact in HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 401 the management of the bank of Lowville, and public and domestic life, the writer of a notice in the Lewis County Democrat of January 30, 1867, who is understood to have been the Hon. D. C. West, says : — " Since his connection with the chief financial institution of the country, his reputation and acquaintances have been co-extensive with the country, and in- deed in some of his financial operations he discharged practically some of the duties which but for the enlarged con- fidence reposed in him by the county officials would more properly have de- volved upon the county officers them- selves. His management as a banker was commendable. With a sharp eye to the interests of its owners, it is be- lieved that no undue advantage of ne- cessitous creditors was ever taken by him. We remember no " Dummy " or other devices (which occasionally de- grades the true banker, into the shaver and usurer) on the part of Mr. Leonard as a condition for loans, and his honor- able management in that respect gave a high character to his business opera- tions." Of the bank of Lowville, in opera- tion as the chief financial institution in Lewis county, since July i, 1839, '^^r. Leonard was teller from June 19, 1844, to April I, 1846, and cashier from last named date to September 19, 1857. In 1852, he became the purchaser and was interested in stock of the late I. W. Bostwick to the extent of six hundred and twenty-nine shares ; and in 1853, to one hundred and eighty-five shares, or about $37,000, and after that period be- came the owner of the entire capital stock of the bank, except in so far as requisite to maintain its organization. The Valley bank was organized in 185 1, with a circulation of $60,287 and the Bank of the People in 1852, with a circu- lation of $40,480, by Mr. Leonard as in- dividual banks at Lowville. The former was disposed of and the latter wound up voluntarily. These banks were all organized under the general State banking laws of New Vork. Successful in the rapid accumulation of wealth, he was a leading contributor to almost every subscription paper here circulated. To the religious and educa- tional institutions, like the men of our town preceding him, he was the firm friend, undaunted by opposition, undis- mayed by disaster. Usually placid, he gradually controlled those associated with him without difficulty. Associated and active in almost every enterprise of a public character, his loss even at this time cannot be over-estimated to this county in a business or social point of view. He left no issue. For a brief pe- riod only glided the smooth cuirent of domestic joy. A wedded life of a few months closed by the untimely death of his youthful bride. To his aged mother (now deceased,) and more immediate rel- atives and friends, his constant solicitude and charities were given ending only with existence. Fond of travel, and par- taking largely of the National spirit which carried our country through the crisis of the RebeUion, he was one of the few from this country at the restoration of the flag exercises at Fort Sumter, the review of our armies at Washington at the close of the war, visiting also Rich- mond in its desolation and the unleveled and abandoned defenses about Peters- 402 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. burg. The dangerous financial condi- tion of the country in the winter of 1859 and '60 alone prevented his journeying through the South and to the Isthmus, and he was looking forward to the relief from active business in a brief period, when he might have perhaps indulged his declared wish to travel on the Con- tinent. James L. Leonard was no common man. This will be more apparent when we consider that he died young. Had he been permitted to go on accumulat- ing his strength for twenty years to come as he had for the last ten, he would have become a power in the land. His will met few obstacles it did not con- quer. He could enjoy the convivialities of social life without becoming degraded by its dissipations. He could devote himself to the duties of religion without being a bigot. He could rapidly accu- mulate wealth and still keep his heart and hand open as day for meeting char- ity. In a word, he could live for himself much and still live for others more. No such life as his is ever lost to the world. When a man dies, some sort of subtle in- fluence seems to follow it which vivifies the coming years with the spirit of prog- ress. Already the citizens of Lowville have taken fresh interest in the improve- ments which he projected, and had near his heart, and seem to accept them as trusts which they must execute in ac- cordance with his wishes. Through many discouragements and trials, he pur- sued his even course along the rugged way which leads from poverty to afflu- ence — unsullied by passion, untarnished by guile — and was stricken down in life's meridian with his labors seemingly half accomplished ; yet in his two score and seven he accomplished much more than most men do who are blessed with their three score and ten. Mr.' Leonard con- ducted his business to the common ad- vancement of his own interests and those of the public generally, and as his means increased his native generosity and pub- lic spirit expanded to meet the growing impulses of a noble soul. The erection of a session room in 1853, and the latter costly renovation of the Presbyterian church of Lowville are largely due to his beneficent aid and early counsels. In i860, Mr. Leonard took an active part in the enlargement of the building of the Lowville Academy, setting a noble ex- ample by a heavy subscription, lending funds from his ample means sufficient for the occasion, and devoting much time to business details. The publication of the history of Lewis county by F. B. Hough, in i860, was almost entirely due to Mr. Leonard, who, with persevering industry, and entirely without expectation of pecuniary reward, secured a subscription sufficient to jus- tify the expense of the undertaking. His mind was admirably fitted to enjoy his- torical inquiries, and he took especial pleasure in the collection and preserva- tion of memorials of the early settlement of the county. His files of county news- papers were almost complete, and his knowledge of the local and personal his- tory of the town and county was exten- sive. The formation of a County His- torical Society was a subject he had much at heart. Plans were often dis- cussed with those of a kindred spirit, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 403 and there is no occasion to doubt but that a suitable hall for a public library and cabinet, and for the preservation of memorials of the pioneers of our valley, would have been erected within a few years, and mainly at his own expense, had his life been spared. His lamented death before the execution of any part of the plan should impose upon surviv- ing friends a kind remembrance of this intention and lead to its realization at the earliest practicable period. Upon the outbreak of the late war few persons felt a deeper interest in the final triumph of the National arms. He was an ardent patriot in spirit, and confident in the final issues of the right. His private aid to those enlisting in the services was fre- quently bestowed entirely without os- tentation, and often known to none but those receiving it. He was one of a committee appointed at an early period in the town of Lowville to raise funds for the support of the families of soldiers and he subsequently served on other committees formed to promote the suc- cess of the cause. At an early stage in the conflict he expressed his confidence in the stability of oui: government by advancing money for its stock when pe- cuniary means were most needed, and the final issue of events most doubtful. The stocks eventually proved to be a highly remunerative investment, but they were taken in the darkest hour of the Republic, when to the common ob- server lowering clouds and thick dark- ness overhung the future and cast a dismal gloom over the present. Although thus incidentally enriched by the war, he will never be mentioned with those who watched the tide of events and waited till success was mani- fest and doubts were dissipated. He reasoned correctly that bands and obli- gations upon property or against indi- viduals were only good so far as govern- ment gave origin and effect to laws for their enforcement, and that whatever tended to weaken or destroy this, aimed at the vital elements of the social com- pact and hastened to aid the speedy and certain overthrow of every institution and of every interest. Mr. Leonard was from the first, an earnest advocate of measures tenduig to secure the con- struction of a railroad through the val- ley, urging its importance upon every occasion, hiring engineers to run partial lines in search of feasible routes, and lib- erally subscribing for all expenses of preliminary measures. A few months before his death he was appointed in conjunction with Senator O'Donnell and Hon. De Witt C. West as a committee to ascertain the final terms of the Utica and Black River Railroad Company for extending their line to this village, and had his life been spared he would have labored with untiring zeal for the pro- motion of this measure. His death cast a heavy load of responsibility upon his associates and the public. He constantly regarded this road as destined to become a good investment, and had he lived he would probably have proved the sincer- ity of these opinions by a liberal sub- scription to its stock. In 1865, after fruitless efforts to pro- cure a telegraphic connection with this village, Mr. Leonard, upon his own ac- count, made a contract for the erection 404 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of poles between Lowville and Port Ley- den, and was about procuring the wires when the Montreal Telegraph Company, judging from this proof of confidence that the line would be remunerative, as- sumed the contract and completed the communication. He had previously made unsuccessful appeals to the propri- etors of connecting lines, and had it not been for his enterprise Lowville might not yet have realized this great public benefit. For many years he had cher- ished the project of a Rural Cemetery adjacent to our village, and about 1861, he purchased the then only available grounds for this purpose. A few days before his death the measure was again brought forward under his encourag- ing advice. Preliminary meetings were held and the day but one before his death he conversed long and cheerfully with a friend on this subject. An Asso- ciation was finally formed on the evening of the day he died, and it became the sad duty of loving friends, as the first business transaction to pass resolutions of sorrow at the sad bereavement occa- sioned by his death. On opening his will he is found to have bequeathed lands for cemetery purposes, and to have pro- vided that the income arising from the sale of lots should be entirely expended in improving and beautifying the grounds. Mr. Leonard was for many years a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church and soci- ety, and at the time of his death was a trustee in common with his generous and earnest friend, Giles C. Easton, who died on the evening of the same day with Mr. Leonard, and who had been closely associated through life in various social and business relations. United in life and in death, the names of James L. Leonard and Giles C. Easton will long claim the grateful remembrance of our citizens. Upon the death of Isaac W. Bostwick, in 1857, Mr. Leonard was chosen a trustee of Lowville Academy, and he was one of the most active and laborious members of the Board. Hav- ing repeatedly given for the benefit of the academy, he provided in his will for a further bequest of $10,000, and a resid- uary interest of one-fifth in his estate to aid its endowment. During the last few weeks of his life, Mr. Leonard was ex- cessively burdened with business cares. The completion of a noble block of build- ings at a central point in the village of Lowville, intended in part for his bank, an unexpected complication of business from an endowment for others which he was called upon to meet, and above all, a constant and exhausting solicitude for the health of his aged and feeble mother, with whom he watched with the tender- est devotion, proved altogether too much for a constitution not naturally rugged, and for several days before he gave up business he was a fit subject for a physi- cian's care. On Sunday, the 20th of January, 1867, he was obliged to ac- knowledge himself too sick to leave his room, and his symptoms assumed the form of typhoid fever with congestion. He was still unwilling to take active medicine, and he said he could not afford to be sick least his mother should need his care. His condition was not considered dan- gerous until Friday, when he became delirious. Diphtheritic symptoms ap- ^t-^ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 405 peared and he rapidly sank until death closed the scene at four o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, the 26th of Janu- ary, 1867. Mr. Leonard was married on the 25th of January, 1858, to Miss Mary M. Willard, only daughter of General Joseph A. Willard, of Lowville, who died on the nth of August, following their marriage. Mr. Leonard never again married, and to the last, evinced toward the parents of his loving bride, that tender regard which proved the earnestness of his affection and the per- manent impression which this loss had occasioned. In the spring of 1865, Mr. Leonard made an excursion to Charles- ton, South Carolina, as one of a party on board the steamship Oceanus, to wit- ness the, raising of the American flag upon Fort Sumter. Before leaving home upon this journey, he drew up a will which was found among his papers after his death, and which was to govern the distribution of his estate. Had this in- strument been reviewed a month before his death, his increasing means and more recent events might have led to a some- what different disposition of his estate. As it was,the citizens of his native coun- ty, town and village, had lasting and substantial reasons for cherishing a lively gratitude for his munificence and a ten- der regard for his memory. RUTSON REA. "In this world," said a profound thinker, " there are no ' great ' or ' small ' events. The smallest in appearance are often the most important." That applies with force to the lives of all men. Few realize that each well-ordered life is an important link in the chain of our exist- ence, and exerts an influence for good over mankind ; and had not that life been lived, the sum total of good would have been reduced to the extent of the influence of that one life, which so many unthinkingly regard as unimportant. Men act their part in the drama of life and die. Some build high the temple of fame in song or story, as soldiers, law- yers, ministers or statesmen, and are not forgotten. Others there are who, as pioneers in a new land, broke down the forests, and created the cultivated farms of the living generation ; who developed thrifty villages, formed townships, built school houses and churches, and gave life and vigor to the business interests of their time, and die and are forgotten. The generation that succeeds them and that has been made prosperous by their existence, knows them not. They pass from the memory of even their descend- ants, and fade into oblivion as though they had never been born. Each gener- ation owes to the world the duty of pre- serving for the benefit of the future the names and deeds, humble though they may be, of the men whose energy gave impetus to the industries of their day, and whose honesty gave character to the time in which they lived. To preserve in some slight degree from en- tire oblivion the names and features of the worthy men of the past and present generations, this history of Lewis county is written, and among the names whom it commemorates none are worthier of preservation than the name of the sub- 4o6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ject of this sketch, whose life has been one of usefulness. The ancestry can not definitely be traced back farther than the third gen- eration. Hugh Rea, the grandfather, was born in Ireland, November 17, 1741, and came to America in 1764, settling in Duchess county, where he married, March 22, 1767, Margaret Knickerbocker. She was of German parentage, born in Duchess county, March 8, 1747. Shortly after their marriage they engaged in mercantile business near the place now known as Jackson's Corners, and had a large trade with the American army during the war of the Revolution, which proved disastrous to them on ac- count of the depreciation of continental money. Nine children were born to them, five sons and four daughters — Margery, born October 22, 1775, married Adam Silver- nail and died May 31, 1835 ; Sarah, born May 22, 1783, married Benjamin Knick- erbocker, died January 9, 1859; Marica, born October 7, 1787, married James Miller, died March 24, 1849; Rachel, born September 8, 1792, married James Coon, date of death unknown, supposed to have been buried in town of Butter- nuts, Otsego county ; Hugh, born No- vember 6, 1777, married Catharine Houck, and died March 10, 1849; Sam- uel, born May 19, 1781, married Mary Gilchrist, and died May 22, 1812; Will- iam, born May 22, 1785, married Catha- rine Stickele, and died October i, 1841 ; Philip, born April 11, 1790, married Re- becca Millard, died November 16, 1875. Margery, Sarah, Marica, Hugh, Samuel and William were born and died in Duchess county. Philip and Peter were born in Duchess county and died in Lewis county. Peter Rea was the father of the sub- ject of this sketch, and was born in Duchess county, December 25, 1776. He married February 1 1, 1798, Elizabeth Hoisradt, who was born in Duchess county, March i, 1781. For ten or twelve years they carried on farming in Duchess county, and then removed to the town of Hillsdale, Columbia county, where he was engaged in farming until the fall of 1823, when they removed to the town of Turin, in this county, settling in that portion now embraced in West Turin. Here fhey lived respected and useful lives until their death, which occurred, that of Peter July»23, 1862, and that of Elizabeth April 14, 1843. They were buried on the farm on which they set- tled, in the burying-ground on the West road leading from Turin village to Con- stableville. Peter Rea was several times elected Supervisor of his town and served several terms as Assessor and Justice of the Peace. There were born to them fourteen children, — Maria, Eve, Sarah, Margaret, Louisa, Sabrina, Delila, Peter, Parle, Jacob, Rutson, Van Rens- selaer, Robert and Cyrus. Rutson Rea was born March 17, 1816, in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia coun- ty. He came with his parents to Turin, Lewis county, in the fall of 1823, and with them remained, helping them through the hardships of a new country, until the spring of 1839. He received the education of the common schools, and at the age of twenty-three his father gave him four hundred dollars for his PETER RE A, □ □ H Hi H u n n M W Pi HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 407 services and good behavior up to that time. With that money he bought fifty acres of land in the town of Turin. Here he toiled for a year alone, keeping batch- elpr's hall, and then on the i8th of March, 1840, married Clarissa A. Clark, daughter of Newton and Elizabeth Clark, of Turin, who was born February 18, 18 18. He carried on farming in the town of Turin till the spring of 1852, when he sold his real estate there and bought the farm known as the John Buck farm, on the West road, in the town of Lowville. He added to his farming labors that spring the business of buying butter and cheese, and remained on the farm three years. He then moved to the village of Low- ville, where he has since resided. He conducted his farming operations in connection with his produce business, in both of which he has been pre-eminently successful, being the owner of some thirty-five hundred acres of improved farming land besides some city and vil- lage property. In all of his dealings, Mr. Rea has been conscientious, and has gained the confidence and respect of his friends and neighbors, to whom he is known as "honest Rutson Rea," and says he envies no man's morals, that pays a just debt by statute of limitation or pleading usury. He has been purely a business man, and concerned in politics only as his fellow citizens have placed him in official positions. These occasions were few, he having served the town only several terms as Assessor, and twice as Supervisor. Mr. Rea's is one of the cordial, genial dispositions with which men, in this life of business austerity and hardships, delight to meet. His father added to his farming the business of inn keeping, which he continued a number of years. During those years Mr. Rea lived at home, surrounded by tempta- tions that would have led many a youth astray. To his credit it can be said that he never succumbed to the temptation of drink, and never indulged in the hab- its of smoking or chewing. A man of energy and industry, of strict integrity of character, of broad views and genial disposition, he has won his way into the hearts of men within his world, and has lived a useful and honored life. His married life was blessed with but one child, Frances Amelia, who was born May 13, 1844. She married Amos V. Smiley, the editor and proprietor of \}a.c Journal and Republican, May 13, 1863, and died July 20, 1869. Mr. Smiley, was born May 29, 1 841, and died April 9, 1878. Two children were born to them Clara F., January 6, 1868; and Rutson R., July 14, 1869. Left orphans in their very infancy, they have found a home with Mr. Rea, and have found in their grandparents a father's and mother's love and care. The world is peopled with too few of such generous and noble hearts. In this age of greed, even the ties of blood are ignored, and this gen- eration should not permit to pass into oblivion the names of those who have not forgotten their offspring and have remembered their fellow men. LYMAN AND MARCELLUS J. WILCOX. The great-grandparents of Lyman and Marcellus Wilcox were Joseph and Re- becca, who were residents of Killing- 4o8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. worth, Middlesex county, Conn. Adam, their son, grandfather of the subjects of this sketch, was born April i, 1734, and died May 22, 1828. His children were Elisha, Rebecca, Jesse and Roswell. Roswell, his son, father of Marcellus and Lyman, was born January 22, 1778, and died Oct. i, 185 1. He married Irene May 10, 1 8 10, died Dec. 4, 1847, married Sophia Leach, of Auburn, N. Y. ; Rebec- ca, born Feb. 7, 18 13, married Chandler Williams, of Lowville, now (1883) in Waupun, Wis. ; Lydia, born Jan. i, 1815, married Charles Putterel, of Fulton, N. Y., and died in 1866; Elizabeth, born Dec. 12, 1 8 16, married Harrison Bohall, ILTMiiN WILCDX,] Nicholson, Feb. i, 1803, who was born at Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Oct. 15, 1784, and who died Oct. 25, 1848. Their chil- dren were: — Daniel, born Oct. 3, 1803, now (1883) in Ripon, Wis., married Hul- dah Williams, of Lowville, January 27, 1831 ; Lucy, born March 5, 1805 I Irene, born Sept. 29, 1806, married Martin Conyne, and died Jan. 10, 1841 ; Polly, born July 23, 1808, married Ashbel Stev- ens, and died Jan. 7, 1846; Roswell, born of Lowville, now a widow at Copenha- gen; Harmon, born Oct. 15, 1819, married Martha S. Smith, of Gouverneur, May 30, 1844, died June 22, 1846 ; Moses, born Sept. 18, 1821, was drowned while bath- ing in Mill creek, July 18, 1835 ; Lyman ; Esther, born Feb. 17, 1826, died May 11, 1845. Lyman Wilcox was born June i, 1824, in the town of Lowville, on the old homestead, now owned by his brother, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 409 Marcellus. Here his early life was passed, and here he was educated in the common schools, and in Lowville Academy, un- der the tuition of Professor D. P. May- hew. His occupation has been that of a farmer and hop raiser, in which he has been successful. He married Martha B. Marcellus J. Wilcox was born in Low- ville Dec. 3, 1829, on the homestead where he now resides. He, too, was educated in the common schools and Lowville Academy, under Professors Mayhew and B. F. Moore. He has followed the business of farm- ing, and ranks among the best farmers in [MARCELLUS J. -SSriLCDX,] Weaver, daughter of Jacob Weaver, of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1849, t'y whom he has had one child — EllaLovesa, born March 16,11855. Mr. Wilcox has been prominent throughout the county as an auctioneer, and his genial manner has won for him a host of friends. He has been an active and Hberal mem- ber of the Presbyterian church since the age of eighteen, and politically has been a Republican of conservative tendency. Lewis county. He has a fine farm and buildings, a view of which may be seen accompanying, and has always taken a lively interest in all agricultural matters. He has been a leading man in the Lewis County Agricultural Society, and has for years held in that body the posi- tion of director. He married Mary Jane Wilcox, daughter of Elisha Wilcox, of Leyden, March 18, 1852. His only child is Mmnie Jane, born February 6, 1864. 410 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. [JDHN riDIE.l JOHN DOIG. John Doig, the son of Andrew and Polly Thompson Doig, was born in Lowville May 15, 1820. With the ex- ception of two years which were passed in New York as a clerk, his early life was spent in Lowville where, in the Academy at that place he received his education. On the first of May, 1848, he was married to Maria Knox, by whom he had two children — Frank C. and Charles K. He followed for years the occupation of druggist, and built up a substantial business which is now conducted by his sons. His reputation for probity and hon- or, established by years of conscientious dealing, still survives him. Though often solicited to hold official positions he declined all except those pertaining to the welfare of the village, of which he was Trustee, Treasurer, and Presi- dent. In the enterprises and advance- ment of Lowville he was one of the most public spirited men of his day and was also Trustee of Lowville Academy and many years Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. He was a promment member of the Masonic fraternity, and was one of the first Masters of" Lowville Lodge, No. 134, F. & A. M. He died November 15, 1867. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 411 ISDLDISI EDRDDTSr,! SOLON GORDON. The first of this name of whom there s any definite record was Timothy Gordon— the grandfather of Solon, the subject of this portrait— who was born in October, 1756, but at what place is not known. It is known that he was a soldier of the Revolution, and in his old age drew from the government a pen- sion for services rendered to his country. He married Althe Vandervear, Feb- ruary 9, 1780, in Monmouth, New Jer- sey. She was born May 2, 1760. Timo- thy died February 28, 1835, aged 78 years. Althe, his wife, died July 21, 1844, aged 84 years, 2 months, 19 days. Their children were :— Hannah Lloyd, born December 21, 1780, married Mi- chael Sweetman, and moved to Boyles- town, where she died February, 1844; Jacob Vandervear, born September 23, 1782, died in the town of Boylston, Oswego county, November i, 1857 ; Daniel T., born April 11, 1785, in New Jersey, died Saturday, August 9, 1840, buried near the center of West Martins- burgh cemetery ; Althe Wikoff, born June 9, 1787, married Daniel Chase of the town of Boylston, Oswego county, moved to Canada about 1848 ; Elizabeth, born January 24, 1790, married Samuel Wells, died in the town of Adams, Jef- ferson county, about 1877; Tunis, born August 20, 1 791, died in Minnesota in October, 1866; Phebe G., born June 5, 1793, died August 11, 1844; Joseph Van- dervear, born November 5, 179S, died in 412 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Minnesota, July lO, 1866; Timothy, Jr., born August 23, 1802, died January 3, 1805. David T. Gordon, the third child of Timothy and Althe Vandervear Gordon, was a millwright and farmer, of some repute in his day. He married Emily Carter, of this county, daughter of Seboam Carter, Oc- tober 31, 1 82 1 ; she was born November 28, 1802. After the death of David T. in 1840, she married Oliver Bingham, in July, 1854. She died October 28, 1876. The children of David T. and Emily were : — Solon, born September 30, 1822; Cyrus, born November 11, 1824, now in Chicago ; Milton C, born October 6, 1826, now (1883) in Martinsburgh ; Car- ter Z., born July 14, 1828, now in Oak- field, Wis.; Jane, born July 28, 1830, died July 20, 1832; Andrew Jackson, born August 28, 1832, now in Lowville ; Francis, born February 15, 1835, now in Iowa ; Elvira M.,born June 30, 1839, mar- ried Alvin T. Rice, now in Reno, Nevada. Solon Gordon, the first of these chil- dren, and the subject of the portrait herewith connected, was born in Mar- tinsburgh in a log house which stood just across the town line between that town and Lowville, about one and one- halt miles from the village. His early life was passed in that vicin- ity, and his education was obtained in the common schools of Lowville'. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, which occupation he followed until about 1865, when he began a farmer's life, having purchased the Farewell farm on the first of March of the previous year. From that time on he has lived the life of an independent, sturdy farmer. Springing from a family of honest, industrious men whose lives have been disgraced bv no dishonest acts, he has amassed a competence by the inherit- ance of their industry and honor. On the 1st of January, 1855, he mar- ried Hetta E. Crane, of Marcy, Oneida county. New York, who was born April 13,1834. Their children were: — Anna H., born August 18, 1857, married Ash- ley W. Davenport — was killed by being thrown from a wagon June 21, 1880, aged 22 years, 10 months, 3 days ; Webster S., born February 9, i860; Cora E., born September 21, 1862, married George F. Wilson, of Harrisburgh, August 17, 1881 ; Charley C. and Fay C, (twins,) born November 20, 1873. DUANE D. FOOT. Duane D. Foot was born in Martins- burgh village, N. Y., May 13, 1822, and his boyhood days were spent in his na- tive town. In 1852, in company with his father, mother, wife and two children, he removed to Turin, where he spent the meridian of his life, thence removing to Lowville in 1869, where he now re- sides. He was the son of Adoniram, who was the son of John Foot, who was the son of George, who was the son of Jehiel, who was the son of Daniel, who was the son of " Nathaniel Foot the set- tler," who was married in England to Ehzabeth Deming in 161 5, landed at Massachusetts Bay about 1630, took the oath of a freeman in 1633, settled perma- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLe. 4i5 nently in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1635, (where reposes the dust of nine genera- tions).* He was a man of devoted piety, and much respected in all the walks of life. Adoniram Foot was born in Arlington, Vt., July 10, 1780; was united in marriage with Nancy Doty, of Washington county. at the age of nearly eighty-six years. He left at the time ninety-five living descend- ants, there having been in all one hundred and sixteen. Duane D. Foot was the tenth of a family of twelve children, of whom four are now living, viz : — Duane D. ; Giles, of Glensdale ; Norman B., of Rome ; and in TJilW E n . FOOT. in 1804, and removed to Martinsburgh in 1806. Mrs. Foot died June 28, 181 5, and Mr. Foot was again married Jan. 28, 18 1 7, to Emily Brainard, of East Hart- ford, Conn., who was born June i, 1789. He was ordained Elder in the Presbyte- rian church in 1833, and continued in active service until a few years before his death, which occurred April 28, 1866, * It is said his posterity had much to do in cultivating the famous Wethersfield onions. Rev. John B., of Syracuse. Mr. Foot is credited with being the first to intro- duce mowing machines in the county, having commenced the sale of the Wal- ter A. Wood mower as early as 1854. The sale of other implements being added to his business from year to year, he found, in 1869, that his labors had in- creased to such an extent as to render it impracticable to carry on the same in connection with farming, and he re- 414 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. moved to Lowville, where he established an extensive trade as a g^eneral dealer in all kinds of agricultural machines and implements. In 1873, his sons having grown into the business, he purchased the property known as the Greeley Block, located at Nos. I and 3 Dayan street, also the produce and provision business former- ly carried on by Curtis & Bowen, in the same building, and formed a copartner- ship with his sons, under which firm the business has since been conducted. Mr. Foot spent his early days at home with his parents, where he attended the district school and assisted in grinding bark in a mill where the horse went round and round. His father at the time carried on tanning and shoemaking quite extensively for those days, and Duane D. assisted in farming. He attended school at Denmark Academy in the summer of 1836, and the academy at Martinsburgh several terms, under Rev. Calvin Yale, from whom he received much of scientific, moral and religious instruction. In 1843, he purchased of his father, the farm, running in debt for the entire amount, and started in farming as the business of his life, pursuing the same economically and faithfully till his re- moval to Lowville in 1869. February 27, 1849, he was united in marriage with Margaret Evans, of New Bremen, and to them have been born five sons and three daughters, one daugh- ter dying when two and one-half years of age. Religiously instructed by his mother, who was a woman of great faith and ardent devotion, and also in the Sun- day school, when added to these means, he felt the Spirit of God pressing hard, he gave himself to his Saviour in March, 1843, and commenced an active christian life, uniting with the Presbyterian church in Martinsburgh, in July of the same year. He was a teacher in the Sunday school in the latter place tor several years, and on his removal to Turin in 1852, he became Superintend- ent of the Sunday school in the Presby- terian church at that place. He was also elected and ordained an elder in that church, continuing active in these relations and m all religious and temper- ance work, during the seventeen years he remained in Turin. In the absence of a stated minister, (in some cases many months at a time,) he conducted services on the Sabbath, reading a sermon, etc., also the weekly prayer-meeting, which, together with the Sunday school were seldom omitted. Upon removing to Lowville, besides being continued as Elder in the church, he was soon elected Superintendent of the Presbyterian school in that place, which position he held till March, 1881, since which time he has acted as teacher. His connection with the Sunday school has been unin- terrupted from his childhood, and has been more than nominal and local. By vigorously sustaining town and county conventions, he has contributed much to aid the cause throughout the county. He has also been an earnest temperance worker; he signed the Washingtonian pledge in 1840, maintaining the total ab- stinence practice ever afterward, and is doubtless as well known at the present time among the temperance and Sunday '^^Ayt€^ J/zJ-^/Z-'l. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 415 school people through the county, and indeed among the inhabitants generally, as any other individual. He is as favor- ably known also, having never had a contested suit at law, or been sued for his own business, — his motto being "to live at peace with all men." He has represented the churches of Turin and Lowville in presbytery, most of the time of his connection with them, and in the centennial year of 1876, attended the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, held in the Tabernacle church of Brooklyn, N. Y., being elected as commissioner by the presbytery of Utica. He has never aspired to political distinc- tion, but has faithfully and conscien- tiously voted at every election and town meeting, since he was twenty-one years of age. Robert Duane Foot, the fourth son of D. D. Foot, died February 28, 1883, aged twenty-six years and seven months. He was born August 2, 1856, at the then farm home of the family about half a mile south of the village of Turin, N. Y., and with his parents removed to Low- ville in March, 1869. He shortly after became a student at the academy, con- tinuing somewhat steadily as such until the fall of 1875, when he left home to take a course of instruction at Eastman's College, in Poughkeepsie. The follow- ing spring, he, in company with Frank J. Murray, embarked in the grocery business on Dayan street, in this place. At the expiration of a year he bought out his partner's interest and succeeded to the entire business, which he carried on till the spring of 1881, when he sold his business to the firm of D. D. Foot & Son, and went West, hoping to find an encouraging opening for himself there. Failing in this, he returned in July, and buying out his father's interest in the ag- ricultural machine and grocer business at the old stand, he became partner with his older brother, Aldis, in conducting the same under the firm name of A. D. & R. D. Foot. As a business man he had many friends and was building up for himself a thriv- ing trade. He was eminently genial in his nature and a favorite in the circles among whom he moved socially. CHARLES D. BOSH ART. The father of the subject of this sketch was Garret Boshart, who was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, July 15, 1771, and died May 26, 1845. He came to Lewis county in 1798, or '99, when but three houses stood where at present is the village of Lowville. His wife was Dolly Goutermout, who was born in Ephratah, Fulton county, Janu- ary 4, 1788, and died June 11, 1875. They had ten children as follows : — Garret, died April 7, 1872 : Catherine, married Rev. Phihp Weiting, pas- tor of the Lutheran church at New Rhinebeck, Schoharie county, Novem- ber 23, 1828, died March 14, 1876; Nancy M., Dolly A., Nicholas, William ; Eliza, married K. Collins Kellogg, of Lowville; John died May 4, 1843. Charles D., the tenth child, was born in Lowville, on the farm where he now lives, November 2, 1829. In this place his early life was passed. He received 4i6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. his education at the Lowville Academy, an institution which has graduated many persons of stability and prominence, and engaged in the occupation of farm- ing in which he has been eminently suc- cessful. About 1863, he began the cul- ture of hops, and during these twenty years has been one of the largest hop growers of Lewis county. To the men of quiet, persistent, yet unobtrusive mould is due the material prosperity of every town and county. They cultivate their farms and produce prolific crops. Of this steadily persistent cast is Mr. Boshart. A keenly observant, well in- formed man, who rarely leaves the work he has marked out until his purpose is ac- complished; of honor in the fulfillment of his spoken promise as well as of his written word ; and of strict integrity in the transaction of his private and public business, he may be numbered among the representative men who have graced the annals of Lewis county and aided in the advancement of its prosperity-. Though not a politician in the lower sense of that term, he has taken some in- terest in the affairs of local government, and has for eleven years served the town acceptably as Supervisor — to which office he was elected in 1872. On the nth of February, 1858, Mr. Boshart was married to Margaret Quackenbush, daughter of James and Margaret Quackenbush, of Fonda, Montgomery county. New York. The children of this marriage were : — Julia, born February 22, 1859, died in infancy ; Charles Frederick ; Nellie M. E. ; Edward James ; and Grace E. SAMUEL STEVENS. The ancestors of the subject of this sketch came to this country in the " Mayflower " in 1620. His father had in the family for many years a Bible and a lignum vitce mortar, which were brought over in that distinguished ves- sel. His great-grandfather was Timothy Stevens. He was installed the first Congregational minister of Glastonbury, • Conn., in October, 1693. His son, Joseph Stevens, grandfather to Samuel, died in Glastonbury, aged 93 years. He had thirteen sons, of whom Elisha, died in Naugatuck, Conn., aged 64 years; John, died in Lanesborough, Mass.; Peter, died in Pawlet, Vt., aged 85 years ; Elijah, died in Vermont ; Samuel, died in Lanesborough, Mass.; Thomas, died in Glastonbury, Conn. One other son was named David, and another Ashpel. Of the rest of these sons nothing is known, except that two were said to have died of starvation in a British pris- on ship in New York, during the Revo- lution. James Stevens, father to Samuel, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., in 1757. He served in the Revolutionary war six years and seven months, in which strug- gle seven of these brothers were en- gaged in the patriot cause. He drew for many years before his death a pen- sion of $12.00 per month. He died in Michigan, in 1847, aged 90 years. His wife. Honor Talcott, was born in 1764, and died in Lowville, N. Y., in 181 5, aged 51 years. They were married in 1782, and had eight children, all of whom are dead except the subject ol this sketch. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LOWVILLE. 417 James Stevens', one of these children, was scalded to death by falling into a large kettle of boiling water, and Horace was killed by the falling of a bent from a barn, which he was raising. James Stevens, the father, moved to Lowville, from Glastonbury, Conn., in March, 1807, Oswego in 1870; Horace, born in 1798, died as before mentioned, in Hammond, N. Y., in 1822; Clarissa, born in 1 801, died in Cheshire, Mass., in 1861 ; Jerusha, born in 1804, died in Lowville, 1876. Samuel Stevens, the subject of the portrait, was born April 28, 1806. He 1800, and died August 28, 1821. He died in Lyonsdale, Lewis County, No- vember 19, 1870. Joel W. Ager resided in Warner until about ten years of age, when his parents removed to Franklin Falls, N. H., where the elder Ager engaged in the trade of paper manufacturing, in the firm of Pea- body, Daniels & Co. With this firm Joel learned the art of paper making, receiving the education of the common schools and the academy at Franklin, and remaining with his parents until he had attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one he went to Springfield, Mass., where he had for one year the charge of the paper manufactory known as the Springfield Paper Manufacturing Company. From there he went to Fitch- burgh, Mass., where he engaged in set- ting up paper machinery and in starting new mills for Rice, Goddard & Co., of Worcester. Here he remained some three years, and then went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he built a paper mill for Kellogg, Weisenger & Co., remain- ing in their employ and in charge of the mill two years. In 1848, in company with a gentleman from Louisville, Ky., David Lane, he took an extensive jour- ney through theWestern States prospect- ing for a site for paper manufacturing. Mr. Lane, who had in boyhood lived in Lewis County, and had remembered its streams and excellent water privileges, suggested a visit to this locality. Their visit resulted in the purchase of thirty acres of land with its water privileges, of A. G. Dayan, which comprised a por- tion of the Lyon estate. He could not have chosen a better location for his enterprise, or one pos- sessing more of the beautiful in nature. Utility and picturesqueness are here combined. The stream which never fails in its volume, flows through the valley between hills crowned with ever- greens, expands itself in the broad ponds above the mills, and rushes with a roar, and whitened, as in anger, through the narrow gorge and over the falls to the quieter level below, and in its course is caught by the hand of man, and com- pelled to do duty for the benefit of the world. Here in a region which was then in its primitive state of wildness, Mr. Ager determined to locate and build for himself a business and a home. His JDEL "HTHBELER AG-ER, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LYONSDALE. 439 friends endeavored to dissuade him from settling in a region so uninviting and in- accessible, and prophesied that his stay would be brief. But he had inherited too much of the vigor of the New Hamp- shire hills to fear the labor that laid before him, and was possessed of that indomitable perseverance which enters into the characters of all successful men. He began soon to cut roads and clear the land preparatory to building his mill. Remote from neighbors and villages, cut off as it were from the outside world, he felt oftentimes lonesome, but never discouraged. He knew that in that rushing stream, whose waters were never still, was a power that would turn the wheel of his fortune if he but re- mained and trained its forces to his use. Time has shown the wisdom of his determination. The old adage, " They laugh best who laugh last," is pertinent- ly applicable in his case, for those who would have deterred him from his en- terprise have seen him make a success where they supposed failure was certain. His success was merely another instance of the triumph of pluck and persever- ance. He converted that region of wild country into a region of usefulness, and founded a business and a home in one of the most picturesque localities in the county. Even now it retains some of the wildness of its primitive days. The approach to it is over roads which wind through woods and boulders, and past fields of blackened stumps, where the hand of man has robbed nature of some of her beauty to enrich himself. As one passes over these roads where the still- ness is almost as unbroken as in early days, it would require no great stretch of imagination to believe that behind those stumps and boulders, and in the tangled underbrush, lurk some of the dusky aborigines who once peopled this section. But the hum of the busy wheels on the river remind us that they have gone, and that a race more useful to mankind has taken their place. Vil- lages have sprung up where once stood their wigwams, and the railroad has taken the place of their trails and the draft roads of their successors, the early pioneers. Foreseeing these possibilities of inhabitation and railroad facilities, Mr. Agerin that year, 1848, built his present paper-mill, which was the first machine mill of the kind in the county of Lewis. Mr. Lane engaged with him as partner, and was with him in the business eleven years. In those days there were no railroads, and their paper was carted from forty to eighty miles to market. The first paper of their manufacture was sold to Cyrus W. Field & Co., of New York. From small beginnings the man- ufacture of paper was increased to a steady and uniform business, and his purchase of land was extended to seven hundred acres. About 1 87 1 , he engaged in lumbering, and built in that year the 440 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. present saw-mill with a capacity of 6,000 feet per day. Mr. Ager set up the first Fourdrinier paper machine west of the Alleghany mountains. For twenty-one years he has filled the office of postmas- ter of Lyonsdale, which position he now occupies. Religiously, he is a Unitarian of comprehensive and liberal views, and socially is esteemed for his honest and genial nature. In December, 1845, he married at Fitchburgh, Mass., Celia A. Johnson, of Bellows Falls, Vt. One child was born to this marriage in Louis- ville, Ky., October 31, 1846, and died in infancy. On the 25th of October, 1864, he married for his second wife, Julia F. Williams, of Martinsburgh, who was born in Ogdensburgh, N. Y., August 22, 1839. Their children are : Josephine E. W., born May 27, 1866 ; C. Leonard J., born August 29, 1869; A. Florence, born July 28, 1871 ; F. Pet, born July 16, 1874. <^rui/r/y '^^^^y /y HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LYONSDALE. 441 LYMAN RASSELAS LYON. Lyman Rasselas Lyon, than whom no citizen of Lewis County, past or present, is more entitled to the touch of the biographer's pen, was born in what is now Walworth, Wayne County, N. Y., in 1806, and came a lad of twelve years with his father to Lewis County. He was educated under the Rev. John Sher- man, at Trenton., and at the Lowville Academy, and at an early age evinced a decided interest in public affairs. From 1830 to 1835, he was Deputy Clerk in the Assembly, and was several years Cashier and President of the Lewis County Bank. In 1859, he was elected to the Assembly, and by his active efforts secured to the people the locks and dams on Black river, which completed the water connection between Carthage and the Erie canal; to which object he de- voted much time and energy in laboring for the Black River canal, which was finally built from Boonville and Lyons Falls. He built in 1856, a steamer on the river, modeled after those on the Ohio, to tow up the canal boats, thus securing forty miles of additional navi- gation. In his younger years, he was largely interested in western govern- ment contracts, and his favorite remark was, that if he made his money abroad he desired only to expend it at home to benefit his own town and county. It was his energy and capital that started the business enterprises known as Moose River and Otter Lake tanneries, still in operation. Mr. Lyon was one of the largest land proprietors in Northern New York, ^nd his repulation as a suc- cessful, energetic, and reliable business man is well known. At the outbreak of the Rebellion, he manifested much in- terest in the Union cause, and proffered his services in defense of the govern- ment, which were declined on account of his age. He gave a musket to every young man who enlisted from his town, and contributed in various other ways to the success of our arms. His deep anxiety during that struggle, in addition 442 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. to his extended business cares, affected his health, and in 1867, he went abroad with his family. He traveled through Southern Europe, Palestine, and Egypt, and was somewhat benefited ; but re- turning, died on the 7th of April, 1869, at Savannah, Georgia, on his way home from Florida. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 443 CHAPTER XXX. History of the Town of Martins- burgh. THIS town was formed from Turin, Feb. 22, 1803, in accordance with a vote of that town, and originally em- braced townships four and five of the Boylston tract, or Cornelia and Porcia* as designated on the Surveyor-General's maps of 1 8o2-'o4. The act took effect on the first day of March following, 'and di- rected the first town meeting to be held at the house of Ehud Stephens. Harris- burgh and EUisburgh were created towns by the same act. By a law passed April 2, 18 19, that portion of Turin north of a line pass- ing nearly east and west, through the point of intersection of the State and West roads, at what was then the site of Johnson's tavern, was annexed to this town.f It has been stated that this measure was effected against the wishes of Turin, by Levi Adams, then in the Sen- ate,and a few settlers east of Martinsburgh village, who found their residence in Turin equivalent to a deprival of their civil rights, on account of their distance from elections. The latter town consent- ed to a change that should fix the line on Whetstone creek, but upon receiving notice of the proposed alteration, calle'd a special meeting, voted against the di- vision with but one dissenting voice, and appointed a committee to petition against it, but without avail. The early records of town meetings in this town appear to be lost. In 1806 the * The latter has been sometimes erroneously written Persia. These names were derived from Roman ladies, conspicuous in classic history. They never received a local application among the settlers, and are perhaps nowhere found as geographical names, except upon the maps quoted, and on the statutes. t The line was directed to be nin from the point where the line of lots, 151. 152. township 3, touched the river, to the place where the line, between the farms of Oliver Bush and Edward Johnson joined on the State road, and on the same course to the east line of town- ship five. town officers were : Walter Martin, Su- pervisor ; Levi Adams, Clerk; Ehud Stephens, Asa Brayton, Orrin Moore, Assessors; Truman Stephens, Collector; Ehud Stephens and Elijah Baldwin, Overseers of the Poor ; John McColHs- ter, Oliver AUis and Avery P. Stoddard, Commissioners of Highways ; Truman Stephens and Bradford Arthur, Con- stables. Supervisors. — 1805, Asa Brayton; 1806 -'08. Walter Martin; 1809- 10, Chillus Doty; i81i-'i4, Levi Adams; 1815, C. Doty; 1816-17, Bradford Arthur; 1818- '22, BaronS. Doty ; 1823, B.Arthur; 1824, Barnabas Yale; 1825-29, B. Arthur; i830-'32, Asahel Hough; 1833-35, Da- vid Miller; 1836-38, Noah N. Harger ; 1839, A. Hough; 1840, David Griffis; 1841, Harvey Stephens; 1842, Henry McCarty; 1843, Morgan Harger; 1844, Edwin S. Cadwell; 1845, H. Stephens;* 1846, Eleazer Alger; 1847-51, Diodate Pease; 1852-53, Avery Babcock; 1854, D. Pease; 1855, Horatio Shumway; 1856 -'60, Edwin Pitcher; 1861, Sidney Syl- vester; 1862-64, Chester Ray; 1865, Orlando Arthur; 1 866-' 70, Marion Nash; 1871, Alfred Arthur; 1872-81, Martin Sheldon; 1882, Roland Evans. Town Clerks. — 1803 and 1806, Levi Adams; (m i8o7-^'io, the record is not to be found;) 1811-13, Enoch Thompson; 1814, Edward Bancroft; 1815-26, E. Thompson; 1827, John B. Hill ; 1828-30, Walter Martin, Jr.; 1831-33, Charles L. Martin; 1834-35, W. Martin, Jr. ; 1836- '37, Elijah L. Thompson ; 1 838-40, Lewis G. VanSlyke; 1841, William King; 1842, John E. Jones; 1843,0. L. Martin; 1844, David Griffis; 1845, James M. Sturte- vant; 1846, William King; 1847, Daniel A. Smith; i849-'5i, Henry W. King; 1852, Edwin S. Caldwell; 1853, Alonzo J. Buxton ; 1854, John M. Michael; 1855, John S. Hill; 1856-75, E. S. Caldwell; * Died April 7, 1845, and Harvey Easton elected April 19th. 444 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1876-80, Samuel L. Mott; 1881, Chaun- cey Morse; 1882, S. L. Mott. Among the town records of Martins- burgh are noticed in 1809, '12 and '15, a vote imposing a fine of $4 for allowing Canada thistles to go to seed ; the money, when recovered, to be applied towards the support of the poor. In 1823, it was voted that the collec- tion of taxes should be made by the per- son who would bid to do it at the least price. The support of certain town paupers was put up at auction in like manner in 1820, and this practice has precedent in the usages of other towns in the county. The First Proprietor and Namesake OF the Town. Walter Martin, a son of Captain Adam Martin, was born in Sturbridge, Mass., December 15, 1766, and in 1787 removed to Salem, N. Y., where he married Sarah Turner, a daughter of James Turner, of Pelham, Mass., ^nd whose widow af- terwards married John WiUiams, of Salem, N. Y. Another daughter of James Turner, named Jane, married David Thomas, State Treasurer. Mr. Martin became engaged in business in Salem, before making his purchase in this town. An uncle, named Moses Martin, was one of the first settlers of Salem, and great numbers, from his native town, removed to that place. One of his sisters married Judge Asa Fitch, and another Andrew Freeman, of Salem. Silas Conkey and Chillus Doty married two other sisters, and removed with him to the Black River country. They both died in this town as did also their wives. While living in Salem, Mr. Martin narrowly escaped death from an acci- dent, which he could never, in after life, relate without emotion. He owned a grist mill, in which it was found neces- sary to cut away the ice on a winter's morning, before it could be started. While engaged at this work, the miller, without knowing the danger, let water upon the wheel, which began to revolve with Martin in it, and continued to do so until it was stopped by his body. A leg was broken and he was dreadfully bruised by being thrown repeatedly from axle to circumference, as the wheel re- volved. Early in 1801, Mr. Martin came up into the Black River country, and after spending a short time at Lowville, ex- ploring the lands south, he went to New York in June of that year, and bought of James Constable 8,000 acres of land, including the east subdivision of Town- ship five of the Boylston tract. It has been said upon good authority, that Martin upon this journey, repre- sented a number of associates in Salem, who proposed to unite in the purchase. He came first to Lowville, where settle- ment had begun four years before, and employed Ehud Stephens to go with him over the tract. It proved to be ex- cellent, and instead of reporting to his associates, he went down to New York and bought it himself. Not having mon- ey enough to pay down, he gave a mort- gage, which was not settled up until long afterwards. We are not aware whether this mortgage covered the whole town, but after the failure of John W. Martin, proceedings of foreclosure were com- menced upon what was called the " Oo- thoudt Mortgage," upon which interest had been paid for some fifty years. It was finally settled by an assessment of a few dollars apiece upon those interested in the title thus impaired. Mr. D. M. Bennett, for a long time a lawyer resi- dent in Martinsburgh, afterwards in Watertown, and now of Saratoga Springs, was employed to collect this debt. It is generally thought that a mortgage is a good investment, especial- ly if the property is ample security. But in a case like this, the holders perhaps HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 445 thought that they had got too much of a good thing. The incidents of his settlement are re- lated in these pages. A few years after his arrival, he again escaped death by the slightest chance. He had gone to a place not far from the cemetery, west of the village, and near the creek, which was frequented by deer, and climbed a beech tree, for a better opportunity of shooting his game as it passed in the evening. Mr. David Shumway, a set- tler who was also out hunting, came near the place, and seeing a dark, living object in the tree, mistook it for a bear after nuts, and taking deliberate aim was on the point of firing, when Martin discovered his danger, and by giving a timely warning, escaped instant death. It would be difficult to decide which party felt most grateful for this happy escape from a dreadful casualty. Mr. Martin held successively the of- fices of Assistant Justice of the Oneida Court, Loan Commissioner, State Road Commissioner and State Senator. Be- fore the erection of Lewis county he held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and soon after was promoted to that of Brig- adier-General, in which capacity he served a short time on the frontier in 1814. He was appointed postmaster upon the establishment of a postoffice, January 19, 1804. His successors have been John W. Martin, May 23, 1831; WilHam King, May 6, 1845; David T- Martin, June 14, 1849; Daniel S. Bailey, August 24, 1853; James H. Sheldon, September 27, 1854; and G. W. LockHn, since the death of the latter in Septem- ber, 1 87 1. In whatever promoted the interests of the town or county. General Martin felt a lively interest, and when a measure of public utility wanted the means for its accomplishment, he generally contrived to find them. It appeared to be a governing maxim of his life, that when a thing was to be done it must be, if not by one way, by another. In many other ways his example was not a good one to be set before a temperate and virtuous people. His sessions in the bar-room, especially on Saturday afternoons, with two or three chosen companions, were of a kind that would not now be called respectable. He was, however, never backward in aiding to the full extent of his share, however large it might be, in any public enterprise. For some years after his first arrival, he evinced a par- tiality for a kind of investment in the erection of saw-mills, of which h^e owned several in Martinsburgh and Turin, upon which the country around depended for their supply of the essential materials of a comfortable house or a commodious barn. General Martin died at his resi- dence in Martinsburgh village, Decem- ber 10, 1834. His father. Colonel Adam Martin, was born August 27, 1739, re- moved with him to Martinsburgh, where he died August 9, 18 18, aged seventy- nine years. He had been an officer in the French and Revolutionary wars and was a Member of Assembly from Wash- ington county in 1787. His wife died in this town December 2, 1820. The family of General Martin was as follows : — Jane Martin, married Stephen Leon- ard, of Lowville. Abigal Martin, married Philo Rock- well, who came to this town from Had- ley, N. Y., about 1806 or '07, and settled as a merchant. In 1816 he removed to Aurora, Cayuga county, but returned to this town and remained till 1829, when he removed to Utica, and engaged in the hardware trade, in the firm of Rock- well & Sanger. On the alarm of ap- proaching cholera, he was appointed one of a health committee, and fell the first victim in Utica, August 13, 1832. Susanna Martin, married Dr. John Safford, from Salem, who settled about 446 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1806, and was for a time Deputy County Clerk, under Richard Coxe, and kept the Clerk's Office in one of the wings of his house. He practiced medicine several years in this town, but in 1826, removed to Watertown, where he en- gaged in merchandise, and erected a block of stores on the north side of Court street, that was afterwards burned. He died there many years ago. Walter Martin, removed to Marshall, Michigan, and there died. Adam Martin, was born August, 1796, and died May, 18 16, in this town. He was exceedingly intemperate, and this probably caused his death. "John Williams Martin, graduated at Hamilton College, in 1820, married a daughter of Winthrop Lee, of this town, was elected to the Assembly in 1827. Became first President of the Lewis County Bank, and from 1833 to 1843 was first County Judge. A few years later he became insolvent, involving several persons who had endorsed his papers, to a large amount. He removed to Brook- lyn, and died there July 29, 1881, in the 82d year of his age. Charles Lee Martin, (named from Gen. Lee, of the Revolution,) was the first of the family born in this town, the above named having been natives of Sa- lem, Washington county. He was for some years Cashier of the Lewis County Bank, and County Treasurer. He went to New York and was connected with the Bank of North America, for many years, we believe as Cashier. He died in New York City, December 18, 1868, aged 66 years. He was highly esteemed both in this county and in New York City, as a man of trust and integrity. He was the first owner and resident in the stone house in Martinsburgh village, now owned by Daniel Whittaker. Morgan Lewis Martin, was born in this town March 31, 1805, graduated at Hamilton College in 1824. Studied law and settled at Detroit, in 1826. He re- moved the next year to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he has since resided. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1831 to 1835, and of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature, from 1838 to 1844. He served as Delegate to Congress in i845-'47, and was a Dele- gate in and President of the Second Constitutional Convention, of Wiscon- sin in 1848. He served in the Assembly of that State in 1855, and in the Senate in 1858-59. He was a pay master in the army in i86i-'65, and an Indian Agent, in i866-'69. At the present time he holds the office of County Judge, of Brown county, Wisconsin, his home being at Green Bay. David Thomas Martin, (named from his relative, the State Treasurer) was several years a Magistrate, and to a small extent engaged in business in early life. He removed to Watertown a lew years since, and died there. Early Purchasers and Titles. A tract of 8,000 acres, supposed to in- clude tlie east subdivision of Township five of the Bovlston tract, was deeded to Walter Martin, of Salem, N. Y., June 17, 1 80 1, for $12,000. As early as Jan- uary 20, 1796, Shaler of Turin, was en- deavoring to purchase No. 5, which would then have sold for more than it brought in 1801. At that time Con- stable refused to sell less than the whole tract of 14,820 acres, and in June, 1798, gave John Stephen a refusal for four months, at twelve shillings per acre. It will be remembered that the political changes in Europe had checked emigra- tion, and that the decline of prices in wild lands was general throughout the country. Just at this time, the land companies in the Western States were opening their domains to settlers upon very favorable terms ; the hostile Indian HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 447 tribes in that region had been brought to terms of peace ; and the tide of New England emigration, although still strong, was diverted to the broad plains and fertile valleys of the Western country. For a few years before this, the "Black River Country " had enjoyed the prestige in certain parts of New England, where the tide of emigration was strong ; but after the events we have noticed they went West, to the then remote Genesee country, or into distant regions beyond. The purchase of this town was made from James, agent of William Constable, and the tract was familiarly known among the first settlers as " The Trian- gle." Upon its being afterwards found that it fell short of 8,000 acres, 703 acres, or parts of lots 2, 4, 15, 17 and 41, in the west subdivision of the same township, were conveyed to supply the deficiency, May 26, 1806. The tract was surveyed the first summer of the pur- chase, by Montgomery into sixty lots. Township 4, was surveyed into III lots by Benjamin Wright in 1805, and belonged to the Pierrepont family, until sold for settlement. Mr. Martin immediately came on with a company of men, to make a clearing and erect a saw-mill. He was accompanied by Elijah Baldwin of Salem and wife, who came on to cook for the laborers, and she was during the first season the only woman in town. As soon as surveyed, the land was opened for sale in farms at $5 per acre, and with such rapidity was it taken up, that in less than a month, almost the whole of it was under con- tract to persons intending to settle. The purchasers contracted to clear four acres and erect a house within two years. Numerous small clearings were begun in various parts of the tract, especially along the intended roads, and rude log cabins were put up to be ready for the families that were to arrive the next sprmg. The first clearing was made by Martin, west of the present mill, and before winter he had built a log house and a saw-mill. His millwright was David Waters, from Johnstown, who with his brother John became pioneer settlers. Mr. Martin arrived with his family March 4, 1802, and during this season, many families came on for permanent settlement. Among those who arrived the first and second years, were Mrs. Richard Arthur and sons, Ehud Steph- ens, Levi Adams, John and Orrin Moore, Chillus Doty, Silas Conkey, Wm. Miller, John Atwater, Joseph Sheldon, Jotham Strickland, Elisha and Daniel Tiffany, Nathan Cheney, Justus Sacket, Eli Kel- logg, Stephen Root, Roswell Miner, Daniel Ashley, Ephraim Luce, Stephen Searl, Dr. Danforth Shumway, Enoch and Theron Thompson, John McCol- lister, and others on Martin's triangle. The first settler near West Martinsburgh was Asahel Hough, who removed from Leyden in the spring of 1802. His neigh- bors along the West road within the next three years, were Lobdell Wood, Arba Jones, James Coates, Samuel Gowdy, David and Chester Shumway, Clark McCarty, Asa Brayton, William, Jonas, and Watson Henry, Nathaniel Babcock and Truman Stevens. First settler on Township 4, was Nathaniel Alexander, in July, 1805. In the south part of the town, included in the Shaler tract, and a part of Turin, until annexed in 18 19, the first settlers were Reuben Pitcher and Eli Rogers, from Westfield, Mass., who set- tled in 1802. Like many other families who came on in the spring of that year, they were delayed until late in Februarj' by the want of snow. The company in which they came had twelve or four- teen ox teams, and were fourteen days upon the road from Westfield. At Al- bany the Hudson was broken up, and they were obliged to go up to Half 448 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Moon Point, now Waterford, to cross, where the ice, although a foot under water was considered safe. The first blacksmith who settled in town was John Peebles, who removed from Salem in 1804. He was the ances- tor of all of the name now living in town. The first birth in town was that of Jane, daughter of Ehud Stephens, born Feb. 2, 1802. She became the wife of Shepard Lee. The first male child born was Walter Martin Searl, of Lowville. Mr. Martin brought on the remainder of a store of goods which he had owned in Salem, to accommodate his settlers, until a regular merchant could be established. A grist mill was got in operation in 1802 or 1803, but as Lowville and Turin had been some yea-rs settled, the people of this town were relieved from much of the hardship arising from long journeys to mill. The water power wherever considered available, was reserved by Martin in his sale of lands. Brief Mention of Some of the Earliest Families who Settled IN Martinsburgh. Elijah Baldwin settled a short distance south of the village, on the State road. Died in Houseville, February 6, 1857, aged 84 years. David Waters, originally of Salem, was a mill-wright and builder, and built the large frame house opposite the brick house of Doty, as a tavern. He died there March 25, 1843, aged 67 years. John Waters, brother to the above, was a carpenter and farmer. His dwell- ing was half a mile south of the village on the State road, the same now owned by Martin Sheldon. He died February 20, 1843. His widow some years after married Charles Lee. His son, Van- Rensselaer Waters, was afterwards County Sheriff. John and George, other sons, settled in Utica. Richard Arthur, ancestor of all of this name in the county, (so far as we have knowledge,) died in Westfield in 1790, aged 40 years, leaving eleven children, most of whom became heads of large families in this town. The sons were : — Bradford Arthur, who settled just north of the village, on the State road, and died there September 9, 1855, aged 82 years. He was a most intimate friend of General Martin. He came in 1803, and was several years, Supervisor, Coroner, etc. His only son, Warren Arthur, a wealthy farmer, died June 19, 1876, leaving a son, Franklin H. Arthur, now living on the farm his father owned. Mrs. Louisa Finch, a daughter of Brad- ford Arthur, and widow of Merlin Finch, died in this town August 16, 1882, aged 83 years. Levi Arthur settled next north of his brother Bradford, and died November 28, 1853, at an advanced age. He had three sons, Orlando, Alfred and Levi, and several daughters, most of whom are still living. Richard Arthur, died February 7, 1 84 1, aged 64 years. Russell Arthur lived on the East road, northeast of Martinsburgh village. He was the father of George Arthur and E. J. Arthur, of Lowville. Joseph Arthur, died September 12, 1872, aged 86 years. Was the father of Augustus, Charles and Horatio Arthur, and had several daughters who became heads oi families. Elisha Arthur, died October 17, 1859, aged 75 years. He was the father of William Arthur, Flavius J. Arthur, John Arthur, D wight Arthur, and several daughters. Mrs. Arthur, the mother of the above named brothers, died in this town in 1815. She had tour daughters, who married early settlers, viz. :— Mrs. Orrin Moore, Mrs. Elisha Tiffany, Mrs. Joseph Sheldon, (mother of the late Ira Sheldon,) HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 449 and Mrs. Jerry Hillman. By far the greater part of the land taken up by the Arthur families along the State road from the village to the town line of Lowville, is still owned by their descend- ants. Levi Adams was from Westfield, and settled in this town on the East road, and near the town line of Lowville. He was elected to the State Senate in 18191 and served four years, being in 1820, one of the Council of Appointment. He was often elected to town offices, and in i8i5-'i8, was Sheriff. He died June 18, 1 83 1, aged 68 years. Captain John Moore settled on the swell of land a little south of the resi- dence of Warren Salmon, on the State road, between Martinsburgh and Low- ville, where he was accidentally shot, as elsewhere noted. Orrin Moore, died in 1827. Chillus Doty, a brother-in-law of Gen- eral Martin, was many years an inn keeper in Martinsburgh, and built the brick house in the north part of the vil- lage. He was Sheriff in i8o5-'o8, and i8ii-'i4, and Surrogate in 1815-23. He held the office of Assessor under the law imposing a direct tax, after the War of i8i2-'i5,and was several years County Judge. He died in this town October 16, 1824. Mrs. Sarah Doty was born August 19, 1767, and died September 11, 1843. James Duane Doty, their son, was born in Salem, N. Y., in 1799, and spent his boyhood in this town. In 1 8 1 8, he removed to Detroit, and in 1820, be- came became Secretary to Governor Cass. In 1839, he was chosen to Con- gress. In 1 841, he was appointed Gov- ernor of Wisconsin Territory, and in 1848 was again elected to Congress. He was afterwards appointed Governor of the Territory of Utah, and died in June, 1865. His wife was a daughter of Gen- eral Oliver Collins, of New Hartford, and a sister of Hon. Ela Collins, of Low- ville. He is buried at Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah. Baron Steuben Doty, another son of Chillus Doty, settled in Ogdensburgh, and represented St. Lawrence County in the Assembly in 1826-27. He after- wards removed to Portage City, wheie he was living in i860. Silas Conkey married a sister of Gen- eral Martin, and died in this town April 16, 1813, aged 54 years. His wife, Zuriah, was born May 19, 1763, and died October 16, 1849, aged 86 years. William Miller was a house-joiner and from New Hampshire. He brought on his family in 1805, having worked in town the year before, and died in June, 1836. His son. Dr. David Miller, held the office of Sheriff, and various town offices, and died of heart disease, March 27, 1863, aged 70 years. His wife died eleven days before him. William Miller, another son, died in Martinsburgh vil- lage a year or two since. John Atwater was from Westfield, and was, we believe, the first distiller in the county, his business dating from 1803. He lived a quarter of a mile south of the village, at a place some years a tavern, but returned in 1808 to Westfield, and died there. He sold his place in Martinsburgh to Enoch Lee. Enoch Lee was the father of Winthrop Lee, Charles Lee, Enoch Lee, Shepard Lee, Lewis Lee and Williams Lee, after- wards well-known citizens of this town. Mr. Enoch Lee, Sen., died June 17, 1834, aged T] years. His son, Charles, died June 12, 1868, aged 85 years, on the farm now owned by his son, Lafayette Lee. Enoch, the next son, died in Turin, May II, 1874, aged Ty years. Shepard was a merchant, for many years in Mar- tinsburgh, and afterwards at New Al- bany, Indiana, where he died in i860. The two remaining sons removed to Milwaukee, Wis. 450 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Joseph Sheldon, died in Antwerp, May 1 6, 1844. The Tiffany families were from Mont- gomery, Mass., and settled in 1803. They settled in the eastern portion of the town, and were members of the first Methodist Episcopal class formed in this circuit. Daniel Tiffany died April 14, 1863, aged 82 years. " Squire " Nathan Cheney, settled about half a mile south of the village, where there is an angle in the State road. He removed to Ontario county, and died in Richmond, N. Y., about 1826. Bishop Cheney, of the Reformed Episcopal church, is his grandson. Justus Sackett settled on the north bank of the creek south of the village, where the State road crosses. He was from Westfield, Mass., and died Febru- ary 28, 1 83 1, aged 52 years. Stephen Root was from Westfield, Mass., and died August 28, 1857. He was the father of Daniel and Avery Root, of whom the former was killed by a bull, July 13, 1862. He had several daughters who settled m the Western States. Daniel Ashley was the father of Stephen, Daniel, Otis, Cyrus, and Rev. Riley B., all formerly of this town. He died June 18, i8i6, aged 67 years. Ephraim Luce, mentioned in the pre- ceding list, married one of his daugh- ters. Stephen Searl was from Westfield, and settled on the southern border of the town, where he died about 1830. Enoch Thompson died March 3, 1845, aged 61. He held some years the office of Loan Commissioner, and kept an inn where Chillus Doty had lived in Mar- tinsburgh village. John McCollister was from Salem, and first settled on the farm afterwards owned by Charles Lee, a mile and a half south of the village. In fulfillment of a fortune-teller's prediction, which prom- ised the possession of a large tract of valuable land, he sold his place about 1818, and went to Buffalo, where he kept a tavern for a while, and then went on with his family to come into posses- sion of the estate which the hag had promised him. He placed his family on a boat in the Ohio and floated down to the Mississippi. He then ascended that river to the mouth of the Illinois, where he died of a fever with three of his sons, (John, Charles and Hamilton,) the survivors, some of whom were sick, having scarcely the strength to bury their dead. With great suffering the remainder of the family at length reached their destination, penniless and wretched. Of this family William, Saun- ders and Mary, were living in i860. Asahel Hough first settled in Leyden, removed to this town in 1802, and died near West Martinsburgh, October 6, 1842, aged 73 years. His wife, Abigal, died June 26, 1870, aged 96 years, 6 months. They were the parents of Eli B. Hough, of that place. Lobdell Wood, died October 30, i860, aged T], His wife Anna, died April 5, 1853, aged 73. Samuel Gowdy, died April 19, 1840, aged 80 years. His son of the same name, died September 15, 1862, aged 76 years. David Shumway, died December 5, 1849, aged 74 years. He was the father of Horatio Shumway, a lawyer, who died at Copenhagen. Chester Shumway, died May i, 1861, aged 82 years. The Shumway families were from Belchertown, Mass., and thrifty farmers, on the West road, about a mile south of West Martinsburgh vil- lage. The farm of Chester Shumway is now owned by his son of the same name. Watson Henry, died March 10, 1836, aged 51 years. Jonas Henry, died October 19, 1821, aged TJ years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 451 Jonas Henry, Jr., born November 18, 1776, died March 30, 1853. Thomas Henry, died October 18, 1837, aged 25 yeais. Mr. Alexander was from Chester, Mass. He died February 14, 1829, aged 86. His son Gains, died September 22, 1863, aged 79 years. The following names of inhabitants, some of whom were early settlers, are found in the burial grounds at West Martinsburgh, besides those elsewhere mentioned : — Bingham, Oliver, died Dec. 25, 1857, aged 71 ; Mary, his wife, died May 25, 1853, aged 58. Birks, Frederick, died Aug. 26, 1854, aged 76. Collins, Samuel, died April 28, 1841, aged 65. Curtis, Peter, died March 9, 1837, aged 57. Easton, Giles, died June 28, 1829, aged 66. Easton, Giles, died Aug. 16, 1856, aged 59. Easton, Henry R., born Oct. 7, 1802, died June 22, 1848. Easton, Samuel, died Mar. 7, 1835, ^g^d 50 years, 8 months. Gordon, David, died Aug. 9, 1840, aged 55. Green, Paul, died Mar. 9, 1837, aged 57. Hough, Lois, (wife of John,) died Mar., 1813, aged 72. Hoyt, Ogden A., died May 4, 1865, aged 23. (Late of Co. M, 5th N. Y. Artillery.) Jones, Thomas, died May 12, 1862, aged 70. Knight, Daniel, died April 23, 1879, aged 76. Loucks, Hudson H., died Oct. 11, 1877, aged 45 ; Charles, died June 20, 1880, aged 43; Melvin R., died Feb. 20, 1872, aged 3rj Delivan C, died June 4, 1867, aged 23. Miner, Guy, died May 15, 1853, aged 59. Miner, Maj. Henry, died Sept. 7, 1850, aged 40. Sackett, Samuel, died Mar. 12, t846, aged 55. Salmon, George, died Aug. i, 1839, aged 37. Seymour, Martin, died Oct. 6, 1843, aged 59. Stow, Lucy, died Sept., 1869, aged 94. Taylor, Dwight, died Mar. 3, 1875, aged 65. VanDriessen, Harvey, died Oct. 4, 1869, aged 63- Williams, Bartholomew, died June 22, 1846, aged 84. (A Revolutionary soldier.) Wilson, Joseph, died Aug. 7, 1849, ^S^^ ^4 years, 9 months. (Formerly of Killing- worth, Conn.) Wood, Aaron, died Dec. 29, 1876, aged 70. Wood, Alva, died April 19, 1844, aged 39. Reuben Pitcher, the first of the name in this town, was a son of Elijah Pitcher, and a brother of Daniel Pitcher. The latter settled in Boonville, and is the ancestor of a numerous family of this name, and of many of the name of Fisk and Jackson, from the inter-marriage of his daughters with men of these names. The Pitchers are descendants of An- drew, who settled from England at Dor- chester, Mass., in 1630. Governor Na- thaniel Pitcher, of Sandy Hill, N. Y., also belonged to this family. Reuben Pitcher died in this town February 15, 1844, aged 81 years. His wife, Martha (Barrett) Pitcher, died in 1829. Their sons were: — David, died in Cecil county, Maryland, while working on the Delaware and Chesapeake canal, in 1826. His sons were: — Edward, Edwin, David, Charles and Hiram. He had three daughters who lived to adult age. Daniel, died April 8, 1863, aged 78 years. Mrs. Rebecca (Rice) Pitcher, died April 24, 1874, aged 82 years. Their sons were : — Moses B., Ly- man, Morrison R., Cyrus A., Sey- mour H., and Marcellus. All now living. Reuben, died of cancer, August 5, 1865, aged 8 1- years. His widow, Lydia (Herrick) Pitcher, is still living at a very advanced age. Their sons were : — Leonard, James Harvey, and Lewis A. They had five daugh- ters, who all married and have de- scendants. Moses, drowned in Black River bay, December 3, 1846. Had sons: — Milton, (deceased,) and Rev. Oliver P. Pitcher, of Adams. He had two daughters, who married and have children. Philander, drowned at mouth of Inde- pendence creek, in Black river, Sep- tember 15, 1847. His sons were: — Horace, Francis, Duane, Almond, William and Leic'ester, who became heads of families. He had three daughters who married. Almond, died in Gouverneur in Novem- ber, 1882, aged 83 years. His sons were : — Albert A., and Orville. He had three daughters, of whom two married. 452 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. They had three daughters, who mar- ried as follows : — Martha, married Dr. Horatio Gates Hough, in 1803, and about twenty vears after his death, married Judge Ichabod Parsons, of Denmark. She died at the home of Warren Arthur, in this town, August 20, 1874, aged 87 years. Her sons were : — Horatio and Franklin B. Hough. Her daughters were :• — Almira, Martha, and Dema R. Hough. Roxana, married Stephen Ashley. Re- moved to Illinois and died there, leaving a large family. Dema, married Paul B. Yale, died in Martinsburgh about a year alter marriage, leaving no children. Mr. Eli Rogers, died April 12, 1849, aged 80. He had a large family, most of whom died before he did. The names of several of them are mentioned in our account of Houseville, where they are mostly buried. mas, son of Daniel, son of James, son of Samuel, son of William, the first emi- grant of this branch of the family in New England, was born in Meriden, Ct., January 5, 1778, and at the age of three years, removed with his parents to Southwick, Mass. When sixteen years old he entered the office of Dr. Coit of that place, and in four years was admit- ted to practice medicine. His classical studies were pursued with the Rev. Isaac Clinton, pastor of the church of which his father was an active mem- ber, and a warm personal friendship continued between preceptor and pupil through life. In 1798, the newl}' licensed physician received as his only patrimony, a horse, saddle, bridle, and a few dollars' worth of medicine, made a tour into Maine with the view of settlement, but not finding an attractive location returned and joined the current of emigration then setting towards the Black River country. He came to Constableville and settled as the first regular physician in the county, taking up a small farm, afterwards owned by Willard Allen, and laboring in the" intervals of his professional employment. In the win- ter of i8o3-'o4 he taught a school near Constableville. In the fall of 1803, he married Martha, daughter of Reuben Pitcher, and early in 1805 removed to Martinsburgh, and settled on a farm, a mile and a quarter south of the village, where he resided till his death, which oc- curred from an organic disease of the heart, Sept. 3, 1830. He was an original member, and at his death. President of the County Medical Society, and on many occa- sions he read at its meetings essays upon professional and scientific subjects, which evinced a strong attachment to philosophical studies, and much profi- ciency in them. In ah obituary notice, written by his friend Dr. Sylvestef Miller, the hardships of the pioneer physician are thus graphically described : — " How often has he been seen traveling on foot with his saddle bags on his shoul- ders, making his way through the woods by the aid of marked trees, to some dis- tant log house, the abode of sickness and distress ! There has he been seen almost exhausted by fatigue, and suffering from want of sleep and food, reaching forth his hand to restore the sick, and by his cheerful voice pouring consolation into the minds of the afflicted family. He was an obligmg neighbor, a kind husband and an affectionate father. In his death literature has lost a friend, and the world a valuable citizen." — Black River Gazette, Sept. 15, 1830. Dr. H. G. Hough left two sons and three daughters. The older son, Ho- ratio Hough, resides upon the homestead in this town. The younger son, Frank- lin B. Hough, is the author of this HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 453 volume. The oldest daughter, Almira, married Warren Arthur, and resides a mile north of the village. The second daughter, Martha, married Orrin Wool- worth, and lives in Turin village. Both are widows. The third daughter, Dema R., married Richard C. Smith, of Phila- delphia. They afterwards resided in Gouverneur and Canton, and finally settled in Martinsburgh, about midway between Martinsburgh and Lovvville village, where they both died. They were the parents of W. H. Smith a prominent business man in Lowville vil- lage, and of Miss Celestia M. Smith, of that place. Barnabas Yale, son of Amasa Yale, was born in Rupert, Vt., April 9, 1784, and removed when a child to Salem, N. Y., where his father died, leaving him and two younger children to the care of a poor but industrious mother. He at- tended the Salem Academy two years, and then entered the law office of Mr. Blanchard, where he remained two and a half years. After removing with the family to Schenectady, Amsterdam, Johnstown, Minden and Little Falls, he was, in February, 1807, admitted to practice, and settled in Martinsburgh. He continued a member of the Lewis county Bar about twenty-five years,when he settled on a farm, and in 1836 removed to St. Lawrence county. He died Octo- ber II, 1854, at the residence of his son Lloyd C, in Norfolk, N. Y. While liv- ing in Martinsburgh, he held many years the office of Justice of the Peace, and in 1820, was appointed Surrogate. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church, and took a leading part in the various reform movements of the day. In 1825, he offered his name as an inde- pendent candidate for the office of County Clerk, and came within twenty-four votes of election. His brother, Paul Baxter Yale, lived many years in this town, and for a few years run a distillery. He af- terwards removed to Turin, and died near Houseville, Sept. 16, 1872, aged 80 years. They had one sister, who married Allen Hills, and lived on the East road in Turin. He died Dec. 5, 1843, aged 59. Sally Yale, mother of Barnabas and Paul B., died Oct. 13, 1842, aged 80, an early settler, but not one of the first. Asa Lord Sheldon was born at Provi- dence, R. I., Sept. 29, 1 78 1, and died Nov. 8, 1869. His wife, Harriet (Holmes) Shel- don, died June 21, 1869. They were the parents of the late James H. Sheldon, formerly a merchant in this town, and of Martin Sheldon, for several years Super- visor. He lived on the State road about a mile south of the village. J. H. Shel- don died Sept. 4, 1871, aged 56 years. Edward Bancroft removed from West- field in 181 6, engaged as a merchant, built a grist mill and distillery, was concerned in the manufacture of potash on a some- what extensive scale, and held the offices of County Clerk and First Judge. Hav- ing proved unsuccessful in business, he removed in 1832 to Detroit, and after another crisis in his affairs, removed to Newport, St. Clair county, Mich., where- he died April 15, 1842, aged 58 years. Early Events. In James Constable's diary, under date of September 13, 1803, we find the fol- lowing notice of this town : — " Travelled on to Mr. Martin's. We had a rain some part of the day, which we were glad of as it was much wanted in the country. Mr. Martin was not at home, and we went to look at his mills and other improvements. He has a good country grist mill well finished, and a common saw-mill, but the creek is dry as is the case throughout the coun- try. There is also a potash work at which they were busy. His house is of logs, the same as first erected, as he has not had time for a frame building. His father lives in a similar one very near. There are several neighbors about him 454 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. on his land. The cultivation is not very forward, but considering the time he has been here, for he only made the purchase in June, 1801, the improve- ments do him very great credit. Mrs. Martin being uncertain when he might return home, and it growing late, we took our leave, dined at Captain Clapp's and returned to Shaler's in the evening." The first framed house in town was built by Amos Barnes, in 1805, a mile and a half south of the village. It is a part of the house now owned by Charles S. Lee. The first regular merchants were Philo Rockwell and Danforth Shumway, about 1806. The first inn was kept by Chillus Doty, a brother-in-law of Martin, in a log house a few rods west of the brick tavern, where the first county cour-ts were held, and the first town business transacted. Business centered in the north part of the village in early years, and upon its transfer to a more southern locality, this portion long wore an aspect of decay until several of its buildings rotted down or were removed. The western subdivision of Township number 5 was settled under Benjamin Wright, of Rome, and much of Town- ship 4 by I. W. Bostwick, of Lowville, agents of the Constable estate. Mr. Bostwick was appointed by John Mc- Vickar, Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and James Constable, executors of the estate of William Constable, November 24, 1806, to sell lands in Township 4, forming the western part of Martinsburgh. He was to sell only to actual settlers at $6 per acre, on an average, more or less, with interest from the ist of September following. The whole was to be paid within five years, and the first payment was to be paid in two years. His com- mission for selling was 4}^ per cent. James Constable, one of the executors of his brother's estate, remarks in his journal of September 10, 1804, of the settlement of this portion : — " Passed on from Lowville through northeast quarter of Number Four, which is very good, to Captain Mc- Carty's, on our part of number five, dis- tance three miles. He was from home but we found another of the settlers, Ehud Stephens, who with five or six other men whom we saw, have com- pleted a street of nearly a mile long, of very fine farms in less than two years, and it is quite an animating sight to see them. McCarty, Stephens, and two or three others have paid in full and got their deeds. The rest have paid gener- ally as the money became due, they are all valuable men. The country we are now in, exceeds any part we have seen in the whole journey, and it has the ad- vantage of being well watered. Pro- ceeded on a couple of miles to Squire Martin's, the whole well cleared and cultivated. He is engaged in building a stone house, nearly fifty feet square, after the model of Sir William Johnson's. The walls are up, the roof nearly finished and he expects to complete at least a part of it for the ensuing winter." The original model of Martin's house, in good preservation and but little changed from the plan designed by its projector, is still standing in the town of Amsterdam, between the Mohawk river and the N. Y. C. R. R., three miles west of the village, and adjacent to the N. Y. Central railroad. It has borne for more than a century and a half, the name of Fort Johnson, and in the old French war was fortified against a sudden sur- prise by the enemy. Mr. Martin had spent a night at this house some years before, it having been forfeited to the State by the attainder of Sir John John- son, and turned into a tavern, and was so well pleased with its arrangement that he sent his builder, David Waters, down to take its plan- and dimensions. The structure in Martinsburgh was begun in 1803 and finished in 1805, and is said to have been throughout, in size, style and finish, as far as possible, a faith- ful copy of Sir William's dwelling. To this day, there is scarcely a residence in HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 455 the county that is more substantial than this ; for the next sixty years there was none that had exceeded this in cost. Certainly there is none that excels it in conspicuous site. The wings were built by the brothers, J. W. and D. T. Mar- tin, after the death of their father, and it has since formed two dwellings. It belongs at present to Sidney Sylvester and G. W. Locklin. Early in 1804, Martin was negotiating for the purchase of Township four, but failed to conclude a bargain. The first school-house in town, was built about 1804, on the brow of the hill south of the village, and on the west side of the State road. Erastus Barnes was the first teacher. No legal action was taken for the establishment of common schools until the annual town meeting in 1 8 14, when the recent act of the Leg- islature was approved, and double the sum received from the State was raised by tax. This was the usual sum voted for school purposes in this and other towns for a long period. The first Com- missioners were Chester Shumway, Ho- ratio G. Hough, and Orrin Moore ; and the first Inspectors, Barnabas Yale, John McCollister, Asahel Hough, Levi Ad- ams, Noah N. Harger and Ephraim Luce. The town was soon after divided into five districts, and for many years the sum voted for school purposes was $124.10 annually. Theusual amount was afterwards equal to the sum received from the State. The first settlers of this town, coming chiefly from Salem, N. Y.,and Westfield, Mass., or places adjacent, divided off into two parties, between which a certain de- gree of rivalry, and to some extent of jealousy, existed several years, and its existence was evinced in a wish to con- trol business affairs and town offices. General Martin might have been re- garded as the leader of the Salem party, and Judge Bancroft, an early merchant, of the Westfield party. It was not ob- servable after the removal of the latter in 1832. In the month of April, 1807, an unus- ual fall of snow followed by warm sunny weather, occasioned a flood in all the streams of this region, more destructive than ever before or since witnessed. The mill of General Martin, which stood a few yards above the present one, was undermined and launched into the stream when it floated down and finally lodged and partly .went to pieces at the State Road bridge. Mr. Faxton Dean, father of Samuel Dean,* the miller, lodged in a small room in the upper part of the mill, and although advised of possible danger from the flood, remained there on the night that the mill was swept away. He had been a miller in his younger days, and loved the mill and its surroundings. When urged to leave his lodgings on that occasion, he said he liked to hear the dashing of the water, and slept the sounder for it. His cries were heard by the people on the bank^ who followed with lanterns the floating building and its inmate, but were en- tirely unable to render the slightest aid. These cries continued until the mill struck the bridge and went to pieces. His body was found among flood-wood some weeks after, and was the first one buried in the old graveyard a mile south of the village. Martin's mill was re-built soon after, and in 1822, the present grist- mill, a little below the old one, was erected. In January, 1826, E. Bancroft completed a rival mill, supplied by springs and a small tributary of Martin's creek, less than a quarter of a mile south- west of the other mill. After being used about ten years, the latter was *Mr. Dean was from Westfield. He removed to Ohio, and died at Brockport, April 8, 1840, aged 85 years. A daughter of the latter married Mr. Morris Moore, of Lowville, father of the late Morris D. Moore of that place, and of Franklin Moore, of Washington, D. C. 456 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. changed to a manufactory of cotton bat- ting, wicking and wadding. It has since fallen into ruin, and now every vestige has disappeared. It was a little below the present cheese factory, on the cross- road. In 1833, a building was erected west of the village as a woolen factory , but the intention was never fully reaUzed, and it has been used ever since as a card- ing mill. For many years fulling and cloth dressing were also carried on there. A starch factory was fitted up in 1847, by Ela N. Merriam, now of Ogdensburgh, in a building erected for a tannery, but after the first season it was never used. In the spring of 1844, a company was formed under the style of the Lewis County Manufacturing Company, with a proposed capital of $25,000, but the plan was abandoned before it had matured. The parties named in this enterprise were John W. Martin, Shepard Lee, Jas. M. Sturdevant, Solon D. Hungerford, David T. Martin and David Griffis. A paper-mill was built by General Martin in 1807, on the creek, about a mile southeast of the village, upon the East road, and got in operation by John Clark & Co.. in the fall of that year. Daniel Gould was afterwards in compa- ny -with Clark. The mill never had any machinery beyond an engine for grind- ing the pulp, and although kept more or less employed till about 1832, it never proved a source of much profit to those concerned. In the earlier years writing paper was made, but at a later day only wrapping and wall papers. The paper was made by dipping, in the ancient way, and there are doubtless specimens of this manufacture still to be found in old writings of that day. A poetical advertisement, a parody of one of Dibdin's songs, which appeared in the Black River Gazette, November 9, 1807, is here inserted, for the purpose of presenting the poetical taste, if not the talents, of J. Clark & Co. Sweet Ladies, pray be not offended. Nor mind the jest of sneering wags ; No harm believe us, is intended. When humbly we request your Rags. The scraps, which you reject, unfit To clothe the tenant of a hovel, May shine in sentiment and wit, And help to make a charming novel. The cap exalted thoughts will raise, The ruffle in description flourish ; Whilst on the glowing work we gaze The thought will love excite and nourish. Each beau in study will engage, His fancy doubtless will be warmer, When writing on the milk-white page. Which once, perhaps, adorn'd his charmer. Though foreigners, may sneer and vapor, We no longer forc'd their books to buy, Our gentle Belles will furnish paper, Our sighing Beaux will wit supply. Forty-five years afterwards, the princi- pal of this firm was a homeless wanderer, seeking to be employed at a fee of a few shillings, to indicate veins of water and points for digging wells, by the pre- tended traction of a hazel rod. We knew him in this capacity in St. Law- rence county, about 1850. Captain John Moore was accidentally shot by Russell Arthur, early on the morning of June 3, 181 1. It was on the day of a military muster, and some of his men had come, as was the custom, to salute him, by firing guns ; when, just as he was crossing the threshold, a ball passed through his neck, which proved speedily fatal. This painful in- cident cast a gloom over the neighbor- hood, and was scarcely less afflictive to the unhappy author of the accident and his friends, than to the family of the deceased. Mr. Moore resided on the State road, about midway between the villages of Lowville and Martinsburgh. Otis Ashley, Jr., a lad, was killed at a military training, in the village of Mar- tinsburgh, July 4, 1 83 1, by a ball from a rifle, reflected from a stone, at which the weapon was fired, without the owner's HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 457 knowing that it was charged with any- thing but powder. Two other lads were wounded upon that occasion. The scheme of Samuel W. Whittlesey and wife, of Watertown, to rob the government of $30,000, due the drafted militia of this and adjoining counties, the year after the War of 1812, is among the most remarkable incidents of crime upon record, and full details of this affair are given in our history of Jefferson county published in 1854. Having concealed the money at home, he traveled care- lessly on horseback as far as Trenton, pretending that he would pay off the militia, for whom the money was intend- ed, on his way home. He there the next morning announced that he had been robbed, and offered, with well dis- sembled anxiety, an immense reward for the thief. The sequel, ending in the ex- tortion of the secret, under threats of a terrible death, the suicide of the wife and the disgrace of her husband, are familiar to many of our older readers. On his way to Trenton, Whittlesey spent a night at the inn of Chillus Doty in this town, where he made no secret of the treasure that he carried or pre- tended to carry, and was cautioned to be more watchful over his money. A few days after the discovery of the money, he was seen to leave Watertown on horseback late in the afternoon, and to return the next morning, with his beast jaded and weary, as if he had traveled a long journey without resting. The late Dr. Amasa Trowbridge (who related to us the incident, and who, at that time, was almost the only one of Whittlesey's late friends who would harbor him under their roofs,) insisted upon his telling his errand, when he at length reluctantly admitted, that he had on his former journey concealed about the premises of Mr. Doty a quantity of marked bills, with the intention of finding them under a search warrant, and thus implicating an innocent man. The plot having been defeated he had gone to recover the money, creeping, at the dead of night upon the premises on an errand of shame, which practiced villainy would have shunned by daylight. Several marked bills were found on the premises of Joseph Sheldon, who kept an inn on the site of the residence of Warren Salmon, in Martinsburgh, and were returned to their owners in Water- town. The honorable character of these persons would have ensured them against suspicion, had the money been found concealed upon their premises. As Miss MaryAnnWaters, a young lady, daughter of John Waters, about twenty years of age, engaged in teaching school in the east part of the town, was return- ing home on horseback, June 20, 1829, her horse was startled and stopped by a tree falling across the road in front, and directly after another tree fell upon and killed both the horse and its rider. This accident happened on the east road, a little south of the old paper mill. Mining Operations in Martinsburgh. In the fall of 1828, a thin vein of galena disseminated in calcareous spar, was discovered a short distance north of the village of Martinsburgh, near the brow of the hill, and hopes were ex- cited which further exploration did not justify. In the spring of 1838, as Levi Edwards, a young man in the service of Richard Arthur, was plowing in a field about a mile northwest of the village, the point of his plow broke off a bright shining ore, which proved to be galena. This led to an examination, and as the rock lay near the surface, the vein was easily uncovered and presented truly an attractive spectacle. The ore from four to ten inches wide, stood like a wall several inches above the surface of the rock, and run in a course about N. 80° 458 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. W., a distance of over twenty rods, and so readily was it obtained that two men in two days threw out over four thou- sand pounds. Trenches dug across the direction of this vein disclosed others nearly parallel, and the prospect of minerai wealth for a time seemed never fairer. The right of mining was pur- chased by Thomas L. Conklin, for $700, and a company at first of twelve, but afterward of a hundred shares was formed. A building, formerly a fulling mill, ad- jacent to the bridge south of the village, was fitted up for smelting the ore, and got in operation in June, 1838, and sev- eral tons of the metal were reduced. Meanwhile the cost of mining rapidly increased as the excavations were sunk below the surface, while the yield of ore diminished, and after considerable ex- penditure during the first year and part of the next, the work was abandoned, with heavy loss to all concerned. Those engaged in this enterprise had no previous experience in mining, and perhaps did not manage their work in a very scientific Way ; but they apparent, ly got nearly all there was, and the most skillful miners could have done no more. Among these early products were some of much interest to the mineralogist, in- cluding crystals of smoke-colored calcite, a little fluor spar, small crystals of galena, and what appeared to be the native car- bonate of lead. In some cases the galena was disseminated through the spar, in delicate threads, and when broken, pre- sented moss-like ramifications. Mr. Conklin, the principal in the above mentioned operation, was from Renssel- aerville, N. Y. He graduated at Union College in 1816, and was admitted to the Lewis county Bar about 1824, and for some time was actively engaged in his profession. In 1 83 1 , he entered the Pres- byterian ministry and removed to Car- bondale, Pa., but soon after returned to Martinsburgh. After the failure of his lead speculation he mostly withdrew from business, and died July i, 185 1, at the age oi 55, having mostly secluded himself from society during several years. He was acknowledged by all to be, an effective and elegant public speak- er, enthusiastic in whatever he engaged, eccentric in his theories, but withal, the possessor of considerable talent. He studied his profession with Simeon Ford, of Herkimer county. One of his daughters married Dr. James T. Peden, of Martinsburgh, but later of Carthage. The remainder of the family removed from the county some years ago, and a portion of them reside in the east- ern part of the State. In 1853, the mineral right of this lo- cality was purchased on speculation, by parties in New York, and a company was legally formed for working these mines. It was styled the " Lewis County Lead Company," but did not, so far as we are informed, do more than organize.* In i863-'64, this region became again the seat of great mining activity ; two or three stock companies were formed, two lead furnaces were erected, steam power was put up, and much money was spent in mining. The Rochester Copper and Lead Mining Co., originally formed for mining pur- poses in the town of Rochester, Ulster county, N. Y., was incorporated June 17, 1863, with half a million of dollars capi- tal, and an office in Martinsburgh. Its principal office was Nos. 8 and 10 Wall street. New York, and its stocks appeared tor sale in the New York market. The Martinsburgh Lead Mining Co. was incorporated April 12, 1864, with a mill- ion of capital, and an office at 30 Pine street. New York. The Lewis County Lead Minittg Co. was * This company filed its articles of association in the Secretary's office, February 4, 1854; capital 8^200,000, in shares of $2.00 each. Limit of time, fifty years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 459 organized Oct. 8, 1864, with John C. Mor- gan and Stephen B. Brague, of New York, and John E. Capers, of Brook- lyn, as corporators ; capital, $200,000 ; shares, $1. We are not informed as to what par- ticular part of the terrace these several companies acquired the right of mining upon, or how much profit was made. They never acquired the confidence of any one who had anything to invest in this county, and consequently nothing was lost — excepting by one poor widow, who kept a boarding house for the miners, and got cheated out of her pay. While the offices of one at least of these companies was open in New York City, there was a display of brilliant ores in its windows that would have persuad- ed any man of means, without discretion, to invest largely in stocks. These speci- mens must have come from Missouri, or some other mining region in the West ; for in its best days, there were none of that kind found in this county. The amount of money spent in a year or two by these companies must have been many thousands of dollars, and for a time they afforded a home mar- ket to the farmers, of some importance. They even raised expectations of the es- tablishment of a bank, and of extensive collateral business that vanished like a dream. One of the principal operators here, had been an inmate of a State's pris- on. These companies brought on many skillful miners, and the work done, bears evidence that they, at least, understood their business. Incidents. A serio-comic incident occurred in the western part of this town in the summer of 1836, occasioned by a search after a child lost in the woods. The little wan- derer was soon found and restored to its parents, but on counting up after their return, it was discovered that a middle aged man, named Curtis N. Kendall, and a lad about 18 years of age, in his compa- ny, were missing. This happened on Thursday, but Friday came and passed without any tidings of the lost. On Sat- urday the report spread generally, and towards the close of that day a public meeting was called, and it was agreed that in case they did not appear by morn- ing, the town bell should be rung at sunrise, as a signal for the inhabitants to rally and engage in a careful search in the woods. The bell was accordingly rung on Sabbath morning, and hundreds of men assembled at the appointed place, agreed upon their signals, formed into a line, and began their search in the forest. About ten o'clock the signal for " found " was passed along the line, and each has- tened to the spot to learn in what condition the lost had been found, and by what casualty they had been detained. Theestrays were found in an open beaver meadow known as the " Stephen's Beav- er Meadow," on the head waters of one of the streams tributary to Roaring brook, but two or three miles from in- habitants, and almost within hearing of the town bell. The weather had been bright and clear, and the sluggish stream, after a few windings in the wood, emerged into the clearings. When asked why they did not follow out some one of the hay roads, for winter use, which led into the meadow, Mr. Kendall, with great naivete and perfect sincerity, replied that they had found a plenty of paths lead- ing into the meadows, but none that led out. Mr. Kendall removed to Fond du Lac, in Wisconsin, where he was living some five years since, at an advanced age. On other occasions he had shown a weak- ness in getting easily lost, and he was the last man to be trusted alone in the woods at night. The bears, that threw Kendall into such mortal fear, and that might have " eaten him up " had they 460 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. been so disposed, have survived till a later day, and are yet occasionally seen in the forest region in the western part of this town. In the summer of 1868 several were seen and killed. In the summer and fall of 1869, bears weighing 350, 400 and 450 pounds, were killed up- on the hill west of Martinsburgh. A distressing accident occurred Sep- tember 3, 1852, at Maple Ridge, in this town. As a daughter of Timothy Canaan, aged nine years, was in a field in which the embers of log heaps were still burning, her dress caught fire, and before she could be reheved was literally burned alive. The "Forty Thieves." At the Oneida circuit of September, 1844, a suit brought by Abel Fuller, of this town, against Alanson Tyler, of Low- ville, to recover money alleged to have been paid, disclosed the existence of a combination of swindlers in this and ad- joining towns, who had in various ways for several months previous, been oper. ating to obtain money by fraud. In the case mentioned, perjury was freely of- fered as evidence, and it subsequently appeared that numerous schemes of ex- tortion had been planned, and means the most unscrupulous arranged to secure their execution. This club received the name of "The Forty Thieves." It is said to have met by night in private places, and to have enjoined secrecy and fidehty by the most solemn oaths, but the result of the trial in Utica, by removing Amos Barnes, one of the lead- ers, to State's prison, under an indictment for subornation of perjury, and frighten- ing others into flight from the country, an effectual end was put to their opera- tions. Some of the parties concerned in this combination had held respectable positions in society, and one of them has since held a responsible office, in the far West. Martinsburgh Village. This village is built upon a bold ter- race of the Trenton Limestone, that stands out as a kind of head-land, from the general trend of the hill, and rises to a greater elevation than this rock occurs at any other point in the town, if not in the county. The scenery which the surrounding country affords from every point, north, east and south from Martinsburgh vil- lage, is very fine ; and in natural beauty of location there is nothing in the county that surpasses it. In the days of early settlement it had a considerable amount of business, and the stream that flows adjacent along the west and south sides was improved to the full extent of its water power. But like other villages upon the hills, through this and adjoin- ing counties, it was not found convenient for business ; but the great cause of de- cline was the failure of the Lewis Coun- ty Bank, and the bankruptcy of John W. Martin, by which many were injured, and some were ruined. A fire, the most disastrous that had then occurred in the county, on the morning of February 5, 1859, destroyed the only hotel, four stores, and all the offices, sheds, barns and buildings at- tached or adjacent. The fire occurred during court week, and the hotel was filled with guests, who were aroused from sleep, and several of them narrowly escaped with life.* To save the county seat from removal in consequence of this loss of accommo. dation, Mr. Edwin Pitcher, with some aid from others,t rebuilt the hotel in i860, and a fine block of stores, and a public hall were erected at about the same time. These have since been re- * The old Martinsburgh Hotel was built by General Martin, in 1807, and at the time of the fire was kept by T. Atwood. f A subscription of $2,000 was made by townsmen to aid in rebuilding. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 461 built after another disastrous fire — not as large and fine as those of i860, but suffi- cient for the business of the village. Present Business of Martinsburgh Village. Blacksmiths. — Ezra Botsford, Calvin Doud, Charles W. Peebles. Boots and Shoes. — David Wetmore. Butter Tubs. — Edward Brooks, Alfred Seymour. (The latter also makes cheese boxes, and has a saw-mill and cider-mill in connection.) Cabinet Makers and Undertakers. — S. K. Jones & Son. Carding Machine. — Reuben Crosby. Cigar Maker. — Thomas S. Taylor. (Employs 4 men.) Dress Maker. — Mrs. Herbert Morse. Dry Goods Stores, etc. — Locklin & Syl- vester, Perry S. Hough. Grist-Mi//.— Solon Dickinson. (S. Syl- vester'owns a part interest.) Hardware. — S. T. Napier & Co., (with tin-shop.) Hotel. — David Lovejoy. Milliner. — Mrs. Waterman. Physician. — Dr. Marion Nash. Wagon Maker. — Ebenezer Lovejoy. The census of 1880, reported a popu- lation of 285 in Martinsburgh village. It must have been twice as great in days of greatest prosperity, say from 1840 to 1850. The Lewis County Bank. This establishment now of merely his- torical interest, was incorporated April 20, 1833, and located at Martinsburgh, with a limit of thirty years, and a capi- tal of $100,000. The Commissioners for opening subscriptions and distributing stock, were George D. Ruggles, John W. Martin, Andrew W. Doig, WiUiam D. Shaler, Ashley Davenport, John Whittlesey, Ela Merriam, Stephen Leon- ard and Ozias Wilcox. The petition upon which this franchise was granted, sets forth the existing resources and then probable future of the county, and for this reason it presents an interesting item in the county history. " To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York : "The undersigned, inhabitants of the County of Lewis, Respectfully repre- sent : — " That in the opinion of your petition- ers, a Banking Institution is required in said county. From an examination of the statistics of this county, your Hon- orable Body will discover an increased importance in our agricultural, commer- cial and manufacturing departments, fully assuring us of the propriety and reasonableness of our application. " The county of Lewis, by the last cen- sus contained 15,300 inhabitants, and at no time since its organization, has it been so rapidly increasing in population, wealth and enterprise, as at the present. The fertility of its soil, the extent of its hydraulic privileges, the abundance of its iron ore and its valuable timber, will ensure it ere long a dense and flourishing population. By a review of the official statements of 1825 and 1830, it will be found to equal any county in the state, in agricultural productions, the quantity of land cultivated and the number of its inhabitants comparatively estimated. " Your petitioners, from a careful and candid examination of facts derived from known data, have arrived at the follow- ing results: — "This county furnishes for the Eastern and Canada markets. Cattle, value, $40,000 Horses & Mules, " 3 5, 000 Flour & Wheat, " 50,000 Pot & Pearl ashes, " 25,000 Pork & Hogs, " 25,000 Whiskey, " 15,000 " There is annually manufactured and sent to market from 50 to 75,000 pounds of wool. Hemp is an increasing article of exportation and large quantities are purchased for the New-York Market. From the iron ore found in our borders, are manufactured annually 250 tons pig iron, besides that used for ware, castings of every description and nails. 462 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. " Our ore, from its richness and abund- ance is of no inconsiderable importance at the present time, and it may be justly anticipated, that the day is not distant, when it will constitute a principal article of exportation. Lumber has become an item in our list of exportations to the New- York and eastern markets, and from the vast quantities with which our for- ests abound, an extensive and increased business is expected. " Martinsburgh (the place proposed as the location of the Bank) is the County town, and is the centre of wealth, popu- lation & territory, and contained at the last census 2,386 inhabitants. The village is situated on a tributary to the Black River and possesses valuable water priv- ileges. Its distance from Uticais 50 and from Watertown Jeff. Co. 31 miles, to one of which places the inhabitants re- sort for temporary loans, and the ex- pense, trouble and delay in effecting them, embarasses and retards to a great extent, the successful application of means. By comparison, therefore, of this with the location of similar institu- tions, none can be found where invest- ments would be more productive of profit, or furnish more extensive accom- modation to community. " There is an accumulation of capital in our County, that seeks investment in a Banking Institution located in our sec- tion, and upon which, in a great measure, the business population depend for pe- cuniary facilities, to aid them in the va- rious branches of industry. It is esti- mated that the amount of purchases made by the Merchants of the County exceed $200,000, and that they conse- quently require frequent accommoda- tions for which they seek in vain from the distant Banks, in the season when they are most needed. " The short time our manufacturing es- tablishments have been in operation, they have more than met the expectations of their proprietors. Our Manufactures are Flour, Hemp, Sattinet, Linseed oil, pig and bar Iron, Whiskey, Pot & Pearl ashes, some of which articles have gained a celebrity, to which those of few coun- ties in the State have attained. " The waters of Black, Moose and Bea- ver rivers, and of Sugar, Martin's, Low- ville. Deer, Crystal and Independent creeks, afford privileges for hydraulic purposes, not surpassed by any county in the State. " In conclusion, )'Our memorialists would beg leave to express their con- fidence in the belief, that this County from its resources, that are now wait- ing a perfect development of successful operation, and from its wealth, location and progressive improvement, present indisputable claims to the benefit of the extension of the Banking system to this section, and that your Honorable Body will not refuse to aid us in ad- vancing the interest and prosperity of this valuable portion of the country. Your petitioners therefore pray, that an act may be passed, incorporating a Bank at Martinsburgh, with a capital of a $100,000, to be called the LEWIS COUNTY BANK. And your peti- tioners, &c." It will be noticed that no allusion is made to that great feature of produc- tive industry, the dairying interest, which has conferred wealth and reputation up- on Lewis county, as this resource was entirely unknown, and did not begin to develop itself until about two years af- ter. A few years before, a merchant in Lowville who had advertised * for three hundred pounds of butter, payable in goods at ten cents the pound, was considered an adventurer, in a county which twenty years ago produced over 2,000,000 pounds of butter, and a much greater amount of cheese. The profits upon banking capital had for many years been great, and the prices upon bank stock had been much above par. The franchises implied in a char- ter were difficult to obtain, and it is not surprising that multitudes should seek this investment, or that an immense sub- scription should have been offered beyond what could be taken. The charter limited the amount which one person might take at fifty shares, or $2,500, and left the Commissioners the invidious task of deciding who should * Black River Gazette, Sept. 18, 1827. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 463 be favored in the assignation of stock. The total amount offered is said to have been about $1,200,000, which would nec- essarily leave eleven in twelve on the disappointed list. As an unavoidable re- sult, many were free to charge upon the Commissioners the most selfish and un- generous motives. Each of their number modestly appropriated to himself all that the law allowed. The rest went to their personal and political friends, and to their " wives' relations." A bank building was erected in Mar- tinsburgh, adjacent to the Court House in 1833, and the bank was opened for business in December of that year, af- fording the only banking facilities in the county until after the passage of the gen- eral banking law of 1838. While the Bank of Lowville was in course of or- ganization, an unsuccessful effort was made to increase the capital of this bank to twice the sum named in the charter. On the 3d of May, 1842, the bills of this bank were rejected by the Commercial Bank of Albany, and on the same day an injunction was served upon its officers. Mr. Forbes, one of the Bank Commission- ers, had been for some days investigating its affairs and deemed the measure neces- sary as large assets were not available for use. The bank was allowed to resume business Jan. 3, 1843, ^"d public confi- dence had not been entirely restored so as to allow its bills to circulate freely at a distance, when a second injunction was served in 1845, and business was again resumed in September, 1846, with the capital reduced one-half. It went on until November, 1854, when it finally failed, beyond prospect of recovery. This bank paid ten per cent, dividend upon its stock until 1842, and a single dividend upon its preferred stock after its first suspension. Frederick HoUister, of Utica, in 1845, bought a large interest, and for some time held a controlling amount of stock. The followmg is a list of Presidents and Cashiers of this bank : — Presidents. 1833— John W. Martin. 1843 — Isaac W. Bostwick. 1844 — Lyman R. Lyon. 1845 — Isaac W. Bostwick. 1846 — Lyman R. Lyon. Cashiers. 1833 — Andrew W. Doig. 1834 — Charles L. Martin. 1842 — Lyman R. Lyon. 1844 — S. D. Hungerford. 1845^ — Andrew W. Doig. 1846 — Ela N. Merriam. 1852 — F. W. Grannis. Statistics. Statistics as reported annually near the beginning of each year: — Years. 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 184I 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 Loans and Discounts. $116,610 211,484 245.315 245,882 196,890 238,108 236,896 228,248 204,763 162,710 114,366 1 19,038 136,787 147.165 166,057 Circulation. $ 86,242 129,525 192,656 172,538 147,066 139.679 128,555 137.754 97.422 72,864 72,452 97,097 97.117 101,824 128,807 117,912 149.997 149,988 48,981 99.987 149.995 Total Resources. $259,116 349.607 355.300 311. 123 308,519 329,461 321,180 274,878 257.232 229,239 248,407 223,227 255,649 276,898 The Martinsburgh Library. This library was formed at the house of John At water, February 10, 1807, and Nathan Cheney, John Atwater, John 464 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. McColIister, David Shumway, Truman Stephens, Enoch Bush and Horatio G. Hough, were chosen its first trustees. A good selection of about two hundred volumes was made, and the library was continued till the spring of 1835, when it was broken up and distributed among its remaining shareholders. Asa L. Sheldon, was for many of the later years the librarian. Female Academy. A wooden building, two stories high^ and furnished with a small cupola, was built in the village in 1828, for an aca- demic school, and probably with the ultimate design of obtaining an incor- poration. The expense was defrayed by subscription, and the property was to be managed by trustees elected by the contributors. The first trustees were Rev. David Kimball, John B. Hill, David Waters, Edward Bancroft, Philo Rockwell and Enoch Thompson. It was opened as a young ladies' seminary by Miss M. S. WiUiams, June 15, 1829, and a few years after was used as an infant school. Calvin B. Gay, from Leyden, (1832), the Rev. Calvin Yale and others, have taught at different times, and scarcely a winter has passed without a select or other school being taught. Since 1854, it has been used as a district school house, and in recent years has been thoroughly repaired. The district now holds the title from the Rockwell heirs. Martin Institute. When a site was donated by General Walter Martin for a court house, it was to remain public property so long as it was used for this purpose. Upon the removal of the county seat from Mar- tinsburgh to Lowville, in 1864, the court house and its site, by the terms of the original gift of the land, reverted to the Martin family. Mr. Charles L. Martin, of New York City, gave to the town one-fourth part, this being the amount of his interest, and the rights of the remaining heirs were purchased. The town had always used the building as a town hall, and it was thought proper to continue it for that purpose, and to establish what was intended to be a per- manent academy. A provisional charter was obtained January 13, 1870, for what was known as the Martin Institute, so named in honor of Charles L. Martin, the donor of a part of the purchase. About $4,500 were expended in making the changes necessary for school pur- poses. The upper part of the cupola was removed, an addition for stairways was built in front and the internal ar- rangements were changed generally. The county jail had formerly occupied the south side of the first story, and had originally consisted of three cells — the " debtor's cell "—the " woman's cell," and the " criminal's cell." The latter had a strong picket railing outside of the door in the hall, and was for a long time the only cell in use — in fact the jailor was without boarders a consider- able part of the time, in the first half-cent- ury of the county. Of escapes from this jail there were few or none. Once a prisoner undertook to set fire to the jail, hoping doubtless, to be released and to escape, but the fire was dis- covered before it had made much prog- ress. The floor of the cells were of timber, and underneath, the space was filled with large boulders that would effectually prevent crawling by any creature larger than a snake, should a hole be cut through the floor. The framework was solid, and is to-day prob- ably as substantial as ever. Nearly every winter since, a school has been taught upon the premises, in one large school room, and generally by college graduates, but usually upon [niiNIEL LDTICKS.] DANIEL LOUCKS. The family of Loucks is of German descent on both the father's and mother's side. Peter Loucks, his grandfather, the fourth generation from Germany, was a lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, under General Herkimer, and took part in the battle of Oriskany, in which he was wounded. His son, Peter Loucks, Jr., was born September 11, 1770. He married Annie Clark, January SI, 1798, who died on the 15th of the following May, and in 1805 be married Margaret Moyer. He died in 1847 at the age of 77 years. His children were: Nancy, born April 3, 1799; Peter, born January 26, 1805; Margaret, born August Hi, 1806; Jacob, born April 8, 1810; John, born February 27, 1812; Mary, born May 4, 1814; Betsey, born May 17, 1817; Katherine, born May 30, 1819; William, born July 21, 1821; Benjamin, born February 13, 1829, died October 10, 18.M; and Daniel, whose portrait appears in this connection. Daniel Loucks, the fourth child, was horn in the town of Manheim, Montgomery county— now in Herkimer county- July 31, 1808. In March, 1822, his parents removed to Low- ville, Lewis County, and at the age of seventeen he went to the town of Herkimer, in the county of that name, as an apprentice in the tanning and shoemaking trade. There he remained about two years; but bis father, old and in feeble health, required his aid in oaring for the family, and he returned to Lewis County, and engaged in the multifarious labors of farm life until he was twenty-four years old. He received his education in the common schools of LowviUe, and remained at home until twenty-four years of age when on the 10th day of December, 1831, he married Julia Ann Strader, and took up his residence in the town of Martins- burgh. In the spring of 1832, he took a contract for a tract of land on which he remained a few years and then removed to West Martinsburgh where he has since resided. He worked at the trade of shoemaking until the year 1863, when he and his two eldest sons, Hudson and Charles, engaged in the hop growing industry, in which they continued until the death of Hudson. After that he and Charles kept Dp the business until the death of the latter, and since that time he has virtually retired from business. On the 14th of December, 1854, bis wife died of consump- tion. He has served as Justice of the Peace in Martins- burgh thirty-six years, and is numbered among the estima- ble and representative men of the town. His children were seven in number, as follows: Hudson, born September 2, 1832, died October 11, 1877; Eliza, born December 28, 1834, married Daniel Vanderburg, of Martinsburgh, July 17, 1858; Charles, born February 24, 1837, died June 20, 1880; Melville, bom February 13, 1841, a graduate of West Point, died February 20, 1872; Delevsn, born August 7, 1843, died. June 4. 1867; Mariette, born March 21, 1847, died December 21, 1854; Sedate, born November 2, 1851, died December 16, 1854. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 46s their responsibilit)^ the rent being given. The grade of instruction has been excel- lent, but neither library nor apparatus have been provided, nor have the con- ditions of the charter been as yet ful- filled. A teacher's institute has also been held nearly every autumn in the village, and in some years upon these premises, under the direction of the Commissioners of Schools, by persons appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the incidental ex- penses being paid by the State. In speaking of criminal events, it may be mentioned that about i8c6-'o8, a man convicted of larceny was sentenced to be publicly whipped. This was done in front of Doty's tavern in Martinsburgh. He was stripped to his middle, and the lash was applied to the naked flesh as the law directed. The prisoner's hands were tied up so that he could not move. This incident we have received from a citizen, who as a boy, was present in the crowd of spectators who had wit- nessed the transaction. West Martinsburgh. West Martinsburgh (P. O.) three miles northwest, on the West road, is rather a thickly settled street than a village. The farming region in this vicinity is one of the finest in the county. The business of West Martinsburgh is now limited to the following establish- ments, and has scarcely been much more : — Blacksmiths— Y . E. Peebles, Harvey Petrie. Cheese Factory. — Frank Gowdy. Cheese-box Factory. — Daniel E. Brown, (uses steam power.) Cooper. — Leonard Morse. Hotel.—]. D. Taylor. Store.— yir. Loucks, (late J. H. Ral- ston.) Wagon Shops. — Brown & Arthur, (em- ploy six to seven men, and turn out thirty to forty wagons a year. Saw-mills are owned in the west part of the town, as follows : — By Edward Beck, on Mud creek ; Wesley Alexander, on Roaring brook, and Leonard Alexan- der, at the head of Whetstone gulf. Glensdale Village.* Glensdale, before the railroad was opened in 1868, was a hamlet of about a dozen houses, a mill, store, church and a few shops, in the eastern part of the town, where Whetstone creek falls over the last terrace of limestone before reaching the river. The postofBce at this place was estabhshed in March, 1855, with S. D. Mason, postmaster. Upon the opening of the railroad, it was thought necessary to estabhsh a station in this part of the town, and the point opposite the " Tiffany Bridge," so called, was chosen. It has grown to be a place of considerable business, as fol- lows : — Carriage Shop and Blacksmith. — H. H. Covey. Carpenters. — Ansel Post, Egbert Root. Cooper.— Y\oxT!\An Phelps. Flour and Feed. — John Van Aerman, (also general sewing machine agent), S. H. OHver, (flour dealer, station agent, Notary Public, and Justice of Peace.) Hardware. — Charles Weller, (tin shop connected.) Harness and Shoe Maker. — Chas. Bruet. Hotels.— W. S. Higby, H. H. PhilHps. Lawyer. — James D. Smith. Milliner. — Mrs. Ansel Post. Physician.— Vix. S. H. Murphy. Planing Mill, Saw Mill and Machine Shop. — Warren Johnson. Stores. — Caswell Burdick, Wm. S. Bra- * The name of the post office and the village is prop- erly Glensdale. The station on the Railroad books is known as Glendale, to distinguish it from another sta- tion in Western New York. The population of Glens- dale, in 1880, was reported at in. 466 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. dish, John H. House, (under construc- tion,) B. L. Tiffany, (painter, etc.) Wagon Maker. — H. D. Hopkins. Whip Maker. — Wm. Rosell. The " Glensdale Cornet Band " is com- posed of sixteen members. At the old village of Glensdale, three- fourths of a mile distant, there is now only the grist-mill of William Jones, and a blacksmith shop, kept by Frederick Cran- dall. The only church in this part of the town is a small Methodist chapel at the latter place. Glensdale has the advantage of canal as well as of railroad, but until recently the former has had no accommodations. A warehouse, built some years ago by Edwin Pitcher, was carried away by a flood. Another was under construction, upon the same site, in the summer of 1882, by Homer Markham. Martinsburgh Station, {East Martins- burgh P. O.) This place is located opposite the vil- lage of Martinsburgh, and abouttwoand a half miles distant, at the foot of the hills, and is chiefly important as a wood-station. It is only a flag-station, and the principal trains do not stop there. It is a conven- ient point for the eastern border of the town, but the hills render it inconven- ient for the village, the inhabitants of which usually resort to Lowville to make their railroad connections. Town Meetings During the War. The records of special town meetings in this town were, owing to the ineffi- ciency of the Town Clerk, not recorded, and the only entry of the period relating to the subject found, was one dated Jan- uary 21, 1865, in which a bounty of $400 was offered for recruits of one year. This shameful neglect of a town officer should by no means be construed to. imply that nothing was done. The town was quite as forward as any other in the county to discharge its duties in that crisis. Religious Societies. The first church edifice in the State north of the Mohawk, was erected in Martinsburgh, in 1806, chiefly through the aid of General Martin, who defrayed the principal share of the cost, and sold out pews to families and deeded the title as opportunities offered. The first Pres- byterian society of Martinsburgh, was formed December 9, 1810, the original trustees being Walter Martin, Levi Ad- ams, John McCollister, Chillus Doty, Chester Shumway, Nathan Cheney, Eli- zur Stephens, Ephraim Luce and Barna- bas Yale. The society began with for- ty-seven members. The edifice was painted by subscription, and furnished by General Martin with a bell in 1827, in return for the compliment of naming the town after him. This gift of a bell was conditioned to the painting of the church by the citizens of the town. Monev was scarce in those days, and barter trade common. To raise the means for painting, a subscription was circulated among the farmers, who put down their aid as so many bushels of flax-seed, which was ex- changed for oil, or other produce con- vertable into paint or painter's wages. The building was thoroughly repaired in 1832, furnished with an organ in 1838, again repaired in 1853, ^nd burned by lightning on the morning of August i, 1854. This fire also consumed the stone school-house in the rear. The first bell weighed alone about 800 lbs. and cost $400. It was broken in the fire, and the old metal exchanged in part for the present one, which weighs (with the yoke) 1,556 lbs. and cost $450. Both were from Meneeley's foundry, in West Troy. The site of the church was not deeded to the society until 1818. A new church edifice was erected in 1858, on HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 467 the site of the former, at a cost of $3,000, and dedicated in November of that year. A parsonage belonging to the society was burned October 15, 1849. It stood just north of the present school-house. The first religious meetings were held by missionaries, in private houses, and afterwards in the school-house on the brow of the hill south of the village. The Rev. Isaac Clinton, of Lowville, and others preached occasionally in the meet- ing-house, but none were regularly hired until about 1809, when the Rev. Elijah Norton, an old man from Litchfield, N; Y., was hired a few months.* The Rev. Aaron Jordan Booge, from Galway, N. Y., having preached a few times, was invited to become the stated supply of the society, February ig, 18 10, for a term of four years, from the first of November, preceding. That he might be " free from worldly cares and avoca- tions," the trustees promised to pay $250 per annum in quarterly installments. He accepted, but stooping to meddle in pol- itics was silenced. While endeavoring to retrieve his position, he yielded in an evil hour to a besetting sin. Having ridden to Turin on the 4th of July, he was seen walking home on the 5th with his garments covered with mud and his saddle on his shoulder. He en- listed as a chaplain in the army June 16, 181 3, and was disbanded April 14, 1818. The Rev. Mr. Mandeville was next employed a short time, when the Rev. James Murdock was installed first pas- tor February 11, 18 12, and remained about seven years. Mr. Murdock was a native of Saybrook, Ct., graduated at Yale College in 1774, in the same class with Mr. Booge ; came to Lewis county March, 1805, preached some time in *He had been a prisoner with the Indians in the Rev- olution, and is remembered as a man zealous in his labors, but somewhat intolerant towards other sects, es- pecially the Methodists. It so happened that an only daughter became an earnest believer in the creed of these people, and chose to leave the paternal roof, rather than relinquish her religious faith. Turin and Constableville. From Mar- tinsburgh he went to Gouverneur, and in 1839 to Crown Point, where he died at his son's residence, January 14, 1841, aged 86 years. Many anecdotes are related of Mr. Murdock, who was partially deaf, and sometimes apt to misunderstand in his own favor. A gift of " half a gallon of rum " for a raising, for example, was un- derstood to be " a gallon and a half," and could not be heard otherwise. Once upon a visit to Dr. H. G. Hough, one of his parishioners, he was shown a young apple tree laden with very fine natural fruit. He was simply expected to ad- mire it, but he took it to mean that the fruit was given him, and there was no chance of explaining to the contrary. That tree still bears the " Murdock Ap- ple," a very fair kind of fi^uit, which re- ceived its name from that circumstance. Mr. Murdock solicited his own subscrip- tions, and among others asked Mr. Cheeney Conkey, not much of a church going man, who, with an oath, said he would pay him $5, if he would leave the town. Some time after Mr. Mur- dock was called to Gouverneur. The next time he met Mr. Conkey he said " I have concluded to accept your subscrip- tion upon the terms offered," and got it. The Rev. David Kimball accepted a call December 6, 1821, and was ordained pastor of this church and that of Low- ville village, June 24, 1822. He contin- ued in this relation until October 19, 1830, when he was dismissed at his own request. Mr. Kimball was born in Hopkinton, N. H., March 18, 1791, learned the print- er's trade at Concord, fitted for college at PhiUip's Academy, Andover, gradu- ated at Yale in 1818, and directly after entered the Theological Seminary, at Andover. In 182 1, he came to this town and in January, 1831, removed to Plain- field, Mass. He afterwards published a 468 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. newspaper at Hanover, N. H., but has now been dead several years. After employing one Fisk, a few months, the Rev. Leicester A. Sawyer was engaged, and on the 12th of Octo- ber, 1832, he was installed. Mr. Sawyer was.a native of Burrville, Jefferson coun- ty ; graduated at Hamilton College, in 1828, and began his ministry here. He has since become known as an author, and has published a new translation of the New Testament, in which he gained some notoriety. He was engaged on this work while still a young man, and preaching in this town. In December, 1876, he was living at Beatrice, Nebraska. He remained about three years, and was succeeded by the Revs. Loring Bush- nell, and Joel Osborn, in 1835-36, and by the Rev. Calvin Yale, as pastor from 1B37 to February 11, 1841. Mr. Yale was from Kingsboro, N. Y. He graduated at Union College in 18 12. After the dissolution of his pastoral re- lation with this church, he preached at Lowville, Watertown, Brownville, and other places. He resided upon a farm on the West road, until his death in 1882. His Golden Wedding was cele- brated May 25, 1868, but Mrs. Yale did not long survive that date. The Rev. Erastus S. Barnes was the next pastor, and served from Sept. 13, 1841, to August 24, 1846. He was from Gouverneur. He graduated at Amherst College. From this place he went to Chazy, but afterward resided in this county and Oneida several years. His successors have been the Rev. Herbert W. Morris, from March 8, 1848, to Feb- ruary I, 1850; Rev. Joseph Rosecrans, stated supply from 1850 to March 8, 1852; Rev. Revilo J. Cone, (do.) from July, 1852, to February 20, 1854; Rev. Samuel L. Merrill, from June, 1854, to June, 1857. The Rev. R. A. Wheelock, of Deer River, had been employed on alternate Sabbaths since April, 1859, at the time of publication of our first edition. The succession of Presbyterian minis- ters in Martinsburgh, since i86o,hasbeen: Revs. R. A. Wheelock, 1861-63 ; Wm. H. Lockwood, i864-'65, (supply from Lowville); J. P. Harson, 1867-68; E. G. Bickford, 1869 ; Delos E. Jinks, 1870; J. G. Bolton, 1874; Gerrit L. Roof, 1875, (supply); Robert Hill, 1876; Lewis R. Webber, 1878 till present time. This church, originally Congregation- al, was changed to Presbyterian, January 9, 18 12. In the fall of 1830, and winter following, a remarkable revival occurred, and a larger number were added to the church than at any similar period before or since. A Sabbath School was begun in 1 82 1 in connection with this church and held at first at private houses, in dif- ferent parts of the town. Over a thousand had been connected with it first and last, as teachers or scholars. In i860, Mr. Ezra Botsford had been many years its superintendent. Methodist meetings were among the earliest held in the town, and stated preaching was had by appointment many years before a legal organization was effected. The M. E. Church in this town was made a separate circuit from Low- ville in 1840. The succession of clergy- men upon this circuit is elsewhere' given. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Martinsburgh was legally formed Sep- tember 4, 1831, with Abner Clapp, Elijah Baldwin, Sedgwick Coates, Burrage Hough, John C. Hough, Arnold Clapp, and Samuel Gordon, Jr., trustees. A stone church was built in 1832, on the brow of the hill east of the State road and on the south border of the village, and dedicated in January, 1833. After being used a dozen or fifteen years it fell into decay, and upon the erection of churches in other parts of the town it was discontinued, sold and taken down. A Methodist Episcopal HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 469 church was built adjacent to the old clerk's office in Martinsburgh village in the summer of 1857. I" '871 it was re- paired, and on the 14th of December, of that year, re-dedicated. The West Martinsburgh society of the M. E. Church, was formed January 30, 1840, with Lobdell Wood, Moses Talmadge, Giles Easton, Henry Mc- Carty, Norman Gowdy, Henry Miner, Henry Curtis, Noah N. Harger, and Moses M. Smith, trustees. In the sum- mer of that year their present church was erected, and about 1846, was fur- nished with a bell.* The Second M. E. Church and society of Martinsburgh was formed September 8, 1840, with D. Seymour, Joseph Brown, and William Peebles, trustees. A small church edifice was erected on Chapel Hill, so called, west of the village. It was re-organized October 27, 1862. A Second Advent society in West Martinsburgh village, erected a house of worship in 185 1, but meetings have not been regularly continued, and the society has become extinct. A Baptist Church was formed at the school house a mile and a half south of the village, on the 27th of June, 1818, under the advice of Elder Stephen Par- sons. It at first consisted of seven members, and worshipped in the school house until the erection of a church in 1825. In 1840, it removed to the village where its meetings were held many years, but the society by deaths and removals has become nearly or quite extinct. The church edifice is now used as a barn. The first settled minister was Elder Samuel Marshall, who was ordained March 13, 1822. Elders Martin Salmon, Riley B. Ashley, L. S. Baker, Charles * This society was re-incorporated November II, 1862, the trustees being Porter Shumway, George Hart, Luther Shumway, Guy Carleton McCarty, Hiram Gowdy, Van Rensselaer Leonard, Russell J. Easton, Eli B. Hough, and James Monroe. Graves, John B. Ambler, O. Wilbur, and others, were afterwards employed. A Free Communion Baptist Church was formed, by a council of delegates from Russia, Lowville and Turin con- vened at Martinsburgh, October 17, 1 8 18. It continued in existence until about 1840, when by death, removal, and union with other churches, it had be- come so reduced in numbers, that but four females attended its last covenant meeting. Elder Russell Way, of Turin, was the minister under whom this church was chiefly formed and continued. The sect is considered as extinct in this town. The Martinsburgh United Baptist Society, was formed November 6, 1824, with Daniel Pitcher, Enoch C. Johnson, Norman Griffis, Jonathan Searle and Daniel Ashley, Jr., as trustees. In 1^25, it erected a church edifice one and a half miles south of the village, which con- tinued to be used on alternate Sabbaths by the two Baptist churches about fifteen ' years, when it gradually fell into decay, until, at length, every vestige has dis- appeared, and a district school house has been built where it stood. The Mar- tinsburgh Baptist Society was formed September 30, 1839, with Levi Bronson, John Waters, Shepard Lee, Samuel Miner, James M. Sturdevant, and David Gnffis, trustees. In the year following, a new church was erected in Martins- burgh village, but since has been wholly discontinued. A church was built at Glensdale in 1853, by the joint efforts of the Protestant and Episcopal Methodists, and dedicated January 4, 1854. The society owning this was legally formed April 25, 1854 under the name of the " People's Church," Jer- rard Stiles, William Glasgow, Alfred Arthur, Walter Hubbard, and William OHvers, first trustees. This church was burned by lightning June 14, i860. The edifice was rebuilt in 1862, on the same site, at a cost of about $i,coo. 470 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. A number of persons known as Union- ists, professing to be held together by no creed or covenant but such as the scrip- tural belief and the conscience of every member might dictate and approve, as- sociated in 1857, under the Rev. Stephen P. Taft, in Martinsburgh village, and on the I2th of April, 1858, organized them- selves into a corporation styled " The Trustees of the Church of Martins- burgh," of which Charles Peebles, Hora- tio Hough, Lewis A. Pitcher, Warren A. Peebles, Diodate Pease, Perry S. Hough, Martin Sheldon, Mithra J. Reed and Charles E. Peebles were first trustees. In the summer of that year, they erected a small but neat Gothic chapel for wor- ship on the eastern border of the village. It has since been sold and the society disbanded. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Glensdale was formed March i, 1875, under Rev. E. H. Waugh ; Bradford Ragan, Charles Wardwell, and Edward A. Stiles being first trustees. The First.Methodist Protestant Church of Martinsburgh was incorporated June 9, 1879, with Henry Hall, George P. Owens, Ira Strader, Harvey Plopper and Erastus Hall as trustees. They reside in the western part of the town. St. Patrick's Church, at Maple Ridge, upon the hill some three miles south- west of the village, is a small Catholic church under the care of the priest at Lowville. The " Sacred Heart Chapel," a small Catholic house of worship, was built in 1880 near the line of Montague. It is served from Copenhagen. Biographical Sketches. BRADFORD ARTHUR. Of the earher ancestry of this family nothing definite is known, save that they were residents of England. The name was originally known as McArthur, which would indicate that the family was of Irish origin. The prefix was dropped from the name at some remote period in the his- tory of the family. Bartholomew Mc- Arthur, the grandfather, came to this country from England, but at what date and at what place he settled are both unknown. Richard Arthur, his son, and the father of Bradford, was at one time a resident of Groton, Rhode Island, from which place he removed to Westfield, Mass., at about the beginning of the Revolutionary war. He married Hannah Bradford, a great- granddaughter of Governor Bradford, who came over in the Mayflower. He was by occupation a ship carpenter, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and at one time a prisoner in that event- ful struggle. He died in Westfield, Mass., in 1790, aged forty years. Hannah Bradford Arthur, his wife, died December 13, 1 83 1 , aged eighty-four years. They had eleven children, six sons and five daugh- ters. The sons were Bradford, Levi, Rich- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 471 ard, Russell, Joseph, and Elisha. Four of the daughters married early settlers here, and the entire family came from Westfield, Mass., in 1802 and 1803, and took up large farms on the State road north of Martinsburgh village, the most of which are still owned by their descendants. married Rheumah Ely, of Springfield, Mass. In 1803, he came to Lewis county and took up a farm. He was for a number of terms supervisor of his town, and held also the ofifice of coroner. He died September 9, 1855, aged eighty-two. Rheumah Ely, his wife, died April 15, 1850, aged seventy-three. [HRiinFDRI] ARTHUR,! Bradford, the eldest of these children, and the subject of the portrait connected with this sketch, was born in Groton, Rhode Island, in 1773. Some portion of his early life was passed in Rhode Island, when he removed with his parents to Westfield, Mass., where he was educated. He was a farmer, and served as a heutenant in the American forces during the War of 181 2. On the 26th day of April, 1798, he Their children were : — Lovisa, born March 7, 1799, married Murlin Finch, of Lowville, died August 6, 1882 ; War- ren, born December 20, 1800, married first, Maria Harger, of Martinsburgh, and second, Almira Hough, died June 19, 1876; Rheumah, born August 6, 1803, married Egbert Ragan, of Turin, died May 24, 1828; Almira and Alvina, (twins) born June 8, 1805, the former married Roswell Miller, of Leyden, and 472 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. died February 21, 1838, and the latter, now the widow of Willis Rudd : Louisa, born February 18, 1808, widow of Thomas J. Adams, of Martinsburgh ; Julia Ann, born April i, 1810; DeWitt Clinton, born July 15, 18 12, died Sep- tember/, 1815 ; Mary Ann, born Novem- ber 27, 1815, widow of Chauncey Rob- who came to Lewis county about the year 1802. He married Sally Hovey, who was born in Bennington, Vermont, April 20, 1785, and who, in 1803, came from that State to this county with her brother, Samuel Hovey, for whom she kept house for some years. LDHLiUNTDD ilRTHTJR,] erts, of Leyden ; Emily, born March 31, 1818, married Duane Moore, of Martins- burgh ; Harriet, born August 20, 1821, married Sherman Phillips, of Lowville. ORLANDO ARTHUR. The father of the subject of this sketch was Levi Arthur, who was born in Westfield, Mass., March 20, 1780, and Levi Arthur died November 28, 1852. His wife died in Martinsburgh, October 19, 1 86 1. Their children were Jane Ann, born February 16, 1807; Orlando ; Caro- line, born January 10, 1812, died Novem- ber 14, 1846; Mellissa, born June 11, 1 8 14, died September 7, 1815 ; Alfred, born August 16, 1818; Pamelia, born August 20, 1820; Levi, Jr., born March I, 1823, died December 10, 1877. Orlando Arthur was born in Martins- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 473 burgh, June 4, 1809, in which place he has always lived. He received the edu- cation of the common schools, and en- tered upon the occupation of farming, which he has followed through life with some success. Born at a time when the town and county was in a state of rug- ged wilderness, he passed his earlier Elijah, born November 12, 1834, died February 2, 1835 ; James E., born April 22, 1836, died September 12, 1839; Or- lando, Jr., born August 6, 1838 ; Charles D., born May 12, 1840; Lewis, born July 22, 1 841 ; Martha A., born January 23, 1843, married Amos Peebles; Frances H., born January 10, 1845, married Henry [CHJIHLES PEEBLES,] years in the trials and deprivations of pioneer life, and has lived to see the county rescued from its primitive con- dition ; to see the forests fall beneath the settler's axe, and cultivated farms spring from the wilderness ; the cramped cabin give place to the comfortable dwelling, and all the modern improvements super- sede the crudeness of those pioneer days. On the 29th of January, 1834, he married Ehza Ann Mastan, by whom he had eleven children, as follows : — Coats ; Caroline, born December 3, 1847, married James Kelly ; Almedia, born November 19, 1849, married John Mc- Cue; Eliza Ann, born July 22, 1851, married John McCue, and died August 2, 1872; Nancy A., born September 9, 1853, married Samuel Roberts. CHARLES PEEBLES. The subject of this sketch, Charles Peebles, son of John and Mary Peebles, was born in the town of Martinsburgh, 474 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Lewis county, May i8, 1821. He re- ceived the education of the common schools of the town, and followed through life the occupation of farmer, in which he was industrious and successful. He was married December 14, 1843, to Miss Pamelia Arthur, who was a daughter of Levi and Sally Arthur, and gave liberally of his means to all church and religious purposes. In sickness and in trouble he was ever ready and willing to assist, and all who came to him for help found a friend. This is the greatest tribute to the life of an}' man — that he recognized all men as brothers, and extended a helping hand [JSREn STILES, SR,] born in Martinsburgh, August, 20, 1820. They had seven children, as follows: Ferman F., born September 22, 1844; Venendo F., born January 9, 1846; Eliz- abeth C, born March 2, 1847 ; Edna A., born January 2, 1851; Mary I., born March 22, 1856; Ruhamah P., born No- vember 22, 1857 ; Elmer E., born January 27, 1862. Mr. Peebles experienced re- ligion in 1857, and was chosen deacon in the Union church, at Martinsburgh. He to the afflicted and distressed. Mr. Peebles died April 14, 1864. His wife and children survive him. THE STILES FAMILY. Among the representatives of the- quiet, industrious and useful class of farmers, whose uneventful lives yet give character and stability to the community HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 475 in which they live, none are more worthy of notice than the Stiles family. their industry, steadiness of habit, and persistent, life-long effort, the prosperity w u Ui H M f M m There are no laurels of fame upon their | of every town is more indebted than W It* W M brows, and no romance thrills the brief | to the rajs of genius that flash out pages of their history, yet to the men of here and there and fade, and leave 476 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. no glory and no monument but to the individual. The first of this family of whom any- thing definitely is known was John Stiles, grandfather to Jared Stiles, Sr., of Staf- ford, formerly of Bolton, Conn., who married Jemima Ellis, of the same place. He had no brothers, and but one sister, Martinsburgh, where he settled on the farm now owned by his son, Dwight. Here he lived a useful life and died Sep- tember IS, 1867. His children were: — Belinda, born November 28, 1809, died March 20, 1875; Jared, born September 23, 1811; Alfred, born April 6, 1813, died August 30, 181 5 ; Alfred, born April iALFREn STILES, Deborah, who married a man by the name of Eaton. John Stiles came to Martinsburgh in 1808. His children were Jared, David, Solomon, and Timo- thy. Of these Jared, born in Tolland, Conn., March 25, 1785, married Lois Warriner, of Wilbraham, Conn., Sep- tember II, 1803, who was born Novem- ber 21, 1786. In the year of his marriage he came to Turin, Lewis county, where he lived some eight years and moved to 5, 1815; Mary, born July 20, 1817, died September 28, 1834 ; Anson, born March 23, 1820, died May 9, 1820; Dwight, born April 22, 1825. Jared, born Sep- tember 23, 1811, in Turin, now West Turin, was educated in the common schools and adopted the life of a farmer. January 31, 1837, he was united in mar- riage with Fanny Mills, who was born May 3, 1810, and by her he had three children— Mary, born March 17, 1844, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 477 died June lo, 1847 ; Lewis H., born April 6, 1847; Mary B., born August 13, 1856. Alfred, born in West Turin, April 15, 181 5, passed his early life in Martins- burgh, in attendance on the district schools, and has lived the life of a farmer. he married Lucretia J. Stanton, who was born in Martinsburgh, June 10, 1828. Their children were : — Charles D., born October 20, 1851, died October 4, 1875 ; Augusta L., born January 4, 1854, married February 13, 1879, Charles A. Mills; Eleazer J., born [CLEMEWCE WHITfiKEH,] He married Harriet Squires, January 20,1841. She was born May 11, 1815. Their children were— Edward A., born September 29, 1844, married Ellen J. Pitcher, November 18,1873; Francis D., born August 12, 1846, married Nett A. Hart, January 9, 1867; Dwight, born in Martinsburgh, April 22, 1825, was bred and drilled upon his father's farm, and received the education which the com- mon schools afforded. January i, 1851, January 27, 1859; Ida A., born June 25, 1865. CLEMENCE AND DANIEL WHITAKER. Clemence Whitaker was the son of William and Amy Whitaker, and was the fourth child in a family of five sons and seven daughters. He came from a long-lived family who first settled in Re- 478 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. hoboth, Mass., about the year 1650. His father emigrated from Rehoboth a short time prior to the Revolutionary war to Cheshire, where Clemence was born Dec. 18, 1779, and was christened with the surname of his maternal grandfather. His boyhood was one of toil, assisting his father, whose burdens were such as walk of life excelled him in general in- formation. Leaving the parental home soon after arriving at majority, he settled in Tren- ton, Oneida county, N. Y., ia March, 1 80 1, where he resided for thirty-four years. In April, 1835, he removed to Martinsburgh, N. Y., where he resided [nilNIEL WHITilKER,] usually fall to the lot of pioneers with limited means and a fast increasing family. His school advantages were limited to a few months' attendance in the district school of his native town, prior to the twelfth year of his age. But he was a constant reader, and by the natural grasp of his intellect, keen perception and observation, he became self-educated, and his after life exhib- ited a well-stored mind, and few in any till his death, which occurred Feb. 28, 1872. He was married in 1805 to Alice Hall, and was the father of eight children, five of whom survived him. His second son is the present owner of the old home- stead in Oneida county. He took considerable interest in politics during his whole life, and during the more- ac- tive portion of it became somewhat prominent in the political affairs of his county, and the Senatorial and Con- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 479 gressional districts of which his county was a part. He was in no sense an office- seeker, and never held office except that of Presidential elector in 1844, when he cast his vote for the Democratic nomi- nees, Polk and Dallas. He was content to work for the general interests of his party with occasional assistance to an aspiring personal friend. He was for a time in the service ot his country in the War of 18 12. His chief characteristics were indom- itable will and stern integrity. He was positive and direct in his dealings with men, yet eminently social. These traits combined with close financiering and perseverance, made him successful in life beyond the average of men. His sternness and naturally impulsive tem- perament gave to him at times, in the minds of those not well acquainted with him, the appearance of an unfeeling and uncharitable man. But those who knew him well, discovered beneath the appar- ently rough exterior, a generosity and benevolence as intense and active as his nature was positive. No one excelled him in genuine charity, or hatred of its exhibition " to be seen of men." While he had no special praise to bestow on those who simply performed their sim- ple duty in whatever station they occupied, he was unstinted in his de- nunciations of corruption, dishonesty and crime, wherever found. He was a fervent, devoted friend, and a cold, un- yielding and unforgiving enemy. William Whitaker, his father, had some experience when a boy in the French and Indian war, about 1758 and '59, being at one time the bearer of a message from the commander of old Fort Stan wix (now Rome) to the commander of Fort Schuy- ler (now Utica), making the journey in the night, to avoid the danger of being captured by Indians in the daytime. He was also a soldier in the Revolution- ary war, and took part in the battle of Bennington, under General Stark. His mother, whose maiden name was Amy Clemence, was one of the officers of the company or " regiment " of ladies in Cheshire, who made the "big cheese" for President Jefferson, and which was for- mally presented to him by the noted Elder John Leland. Alice Whitaker, wife of Clemence, was born April 16, 1777, and died May 4, 1847. Their children were : — Jerome, born May 25, 1806; Anna, born January 2, 1808, died April 6, 1852: George, born Oct. 12, 1809; Samuel, born Nov. 12, 181 1, died in June, 1813 ; Winfield S., born Dec. 21, 1813, died Feb. 29, 1872 ; WiUiam, born Dec. 10, 1815, died March 21, 1879; Daniel, born April 14, 1818; Romaine, born March 17, 1821, died March 8, 1825. Daniel Whitaker, son of Clemence and Alice Hall Whitaker, was born in Tren- ton, Oneida county, N. Y., April 14, 1818. He was educated in the com- mon schools of his vicinity, and took up the occupation of farming. He came to Martinsburgh in 1835, where he has since resided. Inheriting many of the traits and business characteristics of his father, he has been successful in his occupation, and has gained the friend- ship and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He has taken more than an ordinary interest in the science 48o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of agriculture, and has been for some years President and director of the Lewis County Agricultural Society. • He was married April lo, 1849, to Ruth Ann Powell, who was born Sept. 23, 1821, and died Sept. 14, 1882. Their children were: — Daniel Fremont, born Feb. 9, iden, Conn., in 1736, and who died there in. 1788. He served as an officer in the War of the Revolution. Mrs. John Hough died in West Martinsburgh in 18 12. The family is of English descent. One of the children of Captain John Hough was [ELI B, HDTIEH.] 1850, died May 11, 1862; Addie Louisa, born Dec. 4, 1858, died Feb. 21, 1859; Mary Alice, born March 2, i860. ELI B. HOUGH. The only authentic records of the an- cestors of the subject of this skistch are those pertaining to Captain John Hough, the grandfather, who was born in Mer- Asahel, born in Meriden, Conn., Decem- ber I, 1769. He was a farmer, a schol- arly man, and held for some years offices of town trust. He married May 28, 1794, Abigail Bacon, who was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1773. She was a daughter of Nathaniel Bacon, of that place. They removed to the eastern part of New York, near the Catskill mountains, and in 1795, came to Lewis county, and HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 481 settled in the town of Leyden, where Mr. Hough began the first improve- ments on the farm afterwards owned by General Ela Merriam. Here they encountered the full share of hardship incident to pioneer life, and witnessed the beginning of settlement in that beautiful portion of the county. In 1802, Mr. Hough purchased land and cleared a farm, still owned by his son, near the village of West Martinsburgh, where he died October 6, 1842, aged seventy-three years. His wife died in the same place June 26, 1870, aged nine- ty-seven years. They had five children, Keturah, born May 8, 1795, married ApoUos Rogers, died September 3, 183 1 ; Philomela, born May 18, 1798, married Z. Chapman, now living (1883) ; Clarissa, born May 22, 1800, married Elijah Phil- Hps, May 24, 1827, still living (1883); Lorinda, born August i, 1804, married Apollos Rogers, died June 16, 1835. The fifth child was Eli B., who was born in West Martinsburgh, January 15, 1 8 10. He passed his early life in West Martinsburgh, on the farm his father cleared and settled, on which he was born, and on which he yet lives. He was educated in the common schools, and has always followed the business of farming. He married Abigail Rogers, of Mar- tinsburgh, January 12, 1836, by whom he had two children: Theodore D., ist, born February 26, 1838, died September 6, 1841 ; Theodore D., 2d, born July 25, 1843, now on the farm with his father. Abigail died October 5, 1843. Mr. Hough then married Malvina M. Wright, of Greene county, N. Y., June 12, 1844. Gertrude, born November 5, 1845, is a child of this marriage. She married James M. Patch, of Rose Creek, Minnesota, where she now lives. Religiously, Mr. Hough is a Univer- salist, liberal in his views, and is a man of honor and probity, much respected by all with whom he comes in contact. CHESTER SHUMWAY. The first of this family of whom there is any record, was Pierre de Chamois, (afterward called Peter Shumway,) a Huguenot refugee who came to America from France, in 1695. It is said that among his companions of the voyage was one Faneuil, the father of Peter Faneuil, who was born about 1700, and who built and presented to the city of Boston the original Faneuil Hall. The following concerning this Peter or Pierre Shumway, is copied from the town records of Oxford, Massachusetts : — " Peter or Pierre Shumway, or Shum- mer, came from France, A. D., 1695, and settled at Danvers,* thence to Bos- ton, where married an English lady of the name of Smith, whose father built the third house in Boston with a cellar under it. Afterward moved to Oxford, Massachusetts, where were born : Oliver, in 1 701 ; Jeremiah, in 1 703 ; David, in 1 705 ; John, in 1707; Jacob, in 1709; Samuel, in 171 1 ; and Amos in 1722." Of these, David, born December 24, 1705, migrated to Sturbridge, Massa- chusetts, where were born to him chil- dren, as follows : Asa, October 16, 1738 ; David,- May 12, 1742; Solomon, April i, * The settlement at Danvers was broken up by the Indians. 482 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 1745 ; Cyril, May 14, 1752 ; Elijah, July 24, 1753; Danforth, July 18, 1768; Leo- vinia, born November 4, 1761, became the wife of Nathan Cheney, of Martins- burgh, and was grandmother of Rev. Charles Edward Cheney, of Chicago, 111., Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church. 4, 1778; Duty, in 1782 — Colonel Duty Shumway, of Granville, Washington county. New York; Eddy, in 1786; Horatio, in 1788 — Hon. Horatio Shum- way, of Buffalo, Mew York ; Zebina, in 1790; and Samuel, in 1793 — Hon Samuel Shumway, M. D., of Essex, afterwards of Whitehall, New York. Eddy and [CHESTER SHITMWiiY,] Lieutenant David Shumway, removed to Belchertown, Massachusetts, and died May 10, 1796. His brother, Dr. Dan- forth Shumway, came to Martinsburgh about 1806, where he remained a few years, engaged in mercantile business, and afterwards removed to Malta, Sara- toga county, where he died. David was the father of the following children : — David, born in 1775 ; Chester, March Zebina lived and died in Belchertown, Massachusetts. About 1803, David and Chester left Brattleboro, Vermont, where' they had spent the season at work, with knapsacks on their backs, and axes on their shoul- ders, to carve out for themselves homes in the then almost unbroken forest of the Back River valley. They took what was known as the "northern route," which led through what was HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 483 called the " Chateaugay woods," most of the way being little more than a trail following a line of marked trees. They struck the Black river at or near what is now Brownville, and proceeding up the river, finally located on adjoining farms in the town of Martinsburgh, on the West road, at a place since known as Shumway's Corners. Besides clearing up their farms as they could, being blacksmiths,'they erected a shop for that business. Besides what is now generally supposed to belong to that branch of industry, they manufact- ured by hand, nails, chains, hoes and axes, and also plows of that rude sort called " bull plows," having shares of wrought iron and mold-boards of slabs split from winding trees. The days of cut nails and cast-iron plows were not yet known. They also engaged con- siderably in the manufacture of potash or " black salts," hauling the products of their works to Utica, usually with a team of four pairs of oxen. David after- wards became quite noted throughout the county, and even beyond its limits for his skill and success in Hfting and moving buildings with machinery of his own devising. He died December 6, 1849, aged seventy -four years. Chester Shumway was married in March, 1805, to Phebe Hitchcock, daughter of Jesse Hitchcock, of Low- ville, and she having died in December, 1839, he was again married November 19, 1842, to Anna Stanley, who died at South Rutland, Jefferson county. New York, May 3, 1873. Theirchildren were: Lucinda, born May 13, 1808, died Febru- ary II, 1830: Laura, born April 16, 1810, married May 5, 1852, to Samuel Dusin- berre, died March 21, 1883 ; Porter, born December 31, 181 1, died September 9, 1864; Fannie, born May 12, 1813, died Sep- tember 25, 1839; Sophia, born Decem- ber 28, 1 8 14, married March 6, 1834, to Uri Bradley Curtis, of Martinsburgh, died December 4, 1872 ; Harriet, born March 23, 1816, married April 18, 1848, to Peter Viele ; Chester ; Luther, born January 20, 1819, died April 20, 1878; Phebe, born March 22 1821, married February 5, 1845, to Almon Rice, of Martinsburgh ; Seymour, born January 2, 1823, now (1883) living in Chatfield, Minnesota ; Cordeha, born December 20, 1824, now (1883) in Lowville ; Julia, born July 17, 1826, married January 2, 1850, to Evan Wilson Williams, now dead; Loren, born February 11, 1830, now in West Martinsburgh. Chester Shumway, Sn, was one of the original trustees of the First Presby- terian Society of Martinsburgh, formed December 9, 18 10, and was then or soon after, elected an elder, which office he held up to the time of his death. In 1814, hewas elected one of three com- missioners of public schools, the first elected in the town. A much respected citizen, he led a busy and energetic, though a quiet and uneventful life, and died in Martinsburgh, May i, i86i,aged eighty-three years. Chester Shumway, his son, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born at Martinsburgh, New York, Au- gust 23, 1817. The years of his minority were spent upon his father's farm. After attaining his majority, he engaged in school teaching, in which he was quite 484 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. successful, and his services weie sought for in some of the best common schools in the vicinity. He also improved his education by attending Lowville Acad- emy several terms, and the Black River Institute, at Watertown, New York, where he ranked high in his classes. In 1842, he returned to the homestead, and resumed farming, and October 5th of that year, he was married to Clarissa Maria Rice, daughter of Abel S. Rice, of Low- ville. The military service required by law at that time was rendered mostly as a subaltern in a company of riflemen at- tached to the 46th Regiment of infantry. In August, 1843, he was elected to the command of the company, and received a captain's commission at the hand of Hon. William C. Bouck, then Governor. In 1852, he located on the farm where he now resides, on the West road, near the old homestead, where he took rank as one of the progressive farmers of the county, and as an occasional writer on agricultural topics, his articles have been uniformly acceptable to the agricultural press. A letter addressed by him to a member of the Central New York Farm- ers' Club, upon a topic which had been selected for disciassion at their next ses- sion, was read before the meeting and published in their proceedings, and led to his election as an honorary member of that noted body of agriculturists. He took an active interest in the cause of education and was for several years President of the Lewis County Teach- ers' Association. In 1858, he was appointed by the Town Board to fill a vacancy in the office of assessor, and at the next town meeting was elected to that office. He also took an active interest in the extension of the Utica and Black River railroad from Lyons Falls to Lowville. Although not fully approving of bonding towns for the purpose of aiding in the construction of railroads, he thought it the only means by which the road could be secured to the west side of the river, and therefore, with others, entered earnestly into the work of obtaining the consent of tax payers to bond the town for $30,000, which was successfully accomplished. In 1867, he was appointed by County Judge Carlos P. Scovil, railroad commis- sioner of the town, with Alfred Stiles and William George as colleagues. He took upon himself the principal burden of the office, issued and sold the bonds, and subscribed for stock in the name of the town. The commissioners were ap- pointed for five years, but no effort being made to supersede them, they remained in office till the bonds were all redeemed, — a term of twelve years. In i87i,hewas appointed by the town meeting, a com- mittee of one to obtain consent of the taxpayers to the sale of the railroad stock owned by the town. This was success- fully accomplished, and from that time stock was sold from year to year, to re- deem the bonds as they matured, till all was sold, and all the bonds redeemed to the general satisfaction of all concerned. In 1880, his oldest son, Herman N., was elected Justice of the Peace, to suc- ceed Daniel Loucks, who had held the office thirty-six years. He entered upon the duties of this office in January, 1881. He was married December 2, 1880, to HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURGH. 485 Sarah, daughter of John G. Moshier, and afterward engaged in farnming on his father-in-law's farm. In 1875, Howard H. went to Iowa, and October 26, 1881, was married to Anna, daughter of Jonathan Roberts, of Marietta, Marshall county, Iowa. He afterward bought Roberts' farm and settled upon it. Eddy C, the youngest son, remains at the homestead. The three sons have engaged in school teaching from two to six terms each, to their own credit and the general satisfac- tion of their employers. The children of Chester Shum way and Clarissa M. Rice were: — Amelia Eliza- beth, born November 16, 1845, married October 3, 1865, to George W. Archer, of Martinsburgh ; Ellen Clara, born May 7, 1848, died November 25, 1850; Sher- man Rice, born December, 27, 1849, died January 2, 185 1 ; Herman Norton, born June 28, 185 1, married Sarah Moshier, of West Martinsburgh, December i, 1880; Howard Haywood, born June 28, 1853, married Anna Roberts, of Marietta,Iowa, October 26, 1881; Charles Rice, born February 12, 1855, died April 6, 1859; Ellen Maria, born November 23, 1856, died April i, 1859; Eddy Chester, born July 30, 1859; Cara E., born November 2, 1 861 ; and Minnie L., born November 10, 1863, died April 16, 1881. RANSOM AND WARREN SALMON. Ransom Salmon was born in Pawling, Duchess county, N. Y., in 1791. His parents were Daniel and Judy Caulkins Salmon. When he was three years of age the family removed to Schoharie, where soon after, during the absence of the family, his father's house was burned by the Indians, and in the same year his father died, leaving his mother with two small children to combat the world alone. Left fatherless at that age, he made his way to manhood with an energy worthy of imitation. At the age of twenty-one he came to Martinsburgh, Lewis county, where he resided until his death, which occurred July 29, 1880, at the age of 89 years. In his twenty- third year he married Hannah Searl, re- lated on her mother's side to Governor Wade, of Ohio, by whom he had nine children. She dying, he married Anna Whitaker, by whom he had two sons. She also died and he married the widow of the late Judge Goff. His fourth wife was Mary A. Humphrey, who still sur- vives him. Ransom Salmon's occupation in early life was that of a carpenter, and for years he had an extensive business. In later years he turned his attention to farming. He was a soldier in the War of i8i2,and was one of the energetic and worth)"^ pi- oneers of this new country, highly es- teemed for his true moral worth and kindness to all. For over sixty years he was a member of the Free Will Baptist church, and for over fifty years of that time served its interests as a deacon. Warren Salmon, a son by the first mar- riage, was born in Martinsburgh, August 12, 1819. His early life was passed on the farm and in the common schools, where he received the education of the early days of the county. He followed 486 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. [RiilTSnM SilLMDN.J the later occupation of his father, en- gaging in farming and in the purchase and sale of live stock. Aspiring to no political office, he has devoted himself to his farm and its improvement, and ranks among the best farmers of the county.* Mr. Salmon has on his farm a stone wall which is regarded by all who have seen it as the best in the county. The manner of construction was somewhat as follows : — A ditch was first dug, four and one-half feet wide and about three feet deep, and filled with small stones. The wall was then begun with a tier of * The first hay lifter used in the county, which runs on railroad tracks in the roof of the barn, was put up by him. boulders in two rows, then a tier of flat limestone to bind across the wall, next a tier of smaller rocks drawn in four inches on both sides, the middle filled each time with small stones, and so on till the wall was four and one-half feet high. A course of flat stones was then added, and a round stone on top completed the wall, making it three feet in the ground and five on top. It is one hundred rods in length and cost about $2,000. Mr. Sal. mon was sixty years of age when he be- gan the wall, which took him about four years to build, finishing it on the last day of October, 1880. Mr. James Burk, son- in-law of David Allen, laid this substan- tial structure. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MONTAGUE. 487 [WHRREN SiiLMDN.] On the 20th day of February, 1845, he married Emily Rusco, of Camden, Onei- da county. Their children were — Clara I., born February 18, 1847, married Sep- tember 13, 1866, Rufus I. Richardson, died December 13, 1869, aged 23 years; George P., born October 27, 1852, died June 16, 1853. CHAPTER XXXI. History of the Town of Montague. THIS town was formed from West Turin by the Board of Supervisors, November 14, 1850, embracing Town- ship 3, or Shakespere, of the Boylston Tract. On the 22d of November, 1867, lots I to 38 of Township 8 in Osceola were annexed to this town by the Board of Supervisors. The first town meeting was directed to be held at the school house near Roswell Parmenter's. Supervisors. — 1851-53, Wheaton Bur- ington; 1854-60, Joseph M. Gardner; 1861-62, Leonard G. Savage ; 1863, Warren Wilcox; 1864-70, Joseph M. Gardner; i87i-'72, George W. Kilburn; i873-'76, Henry Niebergall; 1 877-78, Michael Connor ; 1879, H. Niebergall ; i88o-'8i, C. D. WiUiams. 488 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Clerks. — 1851, Stephen A. Green; 1852 -'53, Elias Sears ; 1854, Leonard G. Sav- age ; 1855, Alfred Green; 1856, Alson C. Rounds ; 1857-58, George D. M®ffatt ; 1859, Bildad Woodward, Jr.; 1860-64, Oliver E. Lindsley ; 1865, S. P. Watson ; i866-'69, George Willoughby; 1870, O. E. Lindsley; 1871, John D. Bradbury; 1872, James M. Lindsley ; 1873, Charles Harter ; 1874, J. D. Bradbury; 1875, O. E. Lindsley ; 1876-80, B. W. Young ; 1881, J. D. Bradbury; 1882, Charles Scribner. A bounty of $3 was voted for the de- struction of bears, in 1854. This town was subdivided into 117 lots by Benjamin Wright in 1805. The courses and distances of its boundaries are as follows: — W. side, north, 533 ch., 15 Iks. (1795). N. " S. 8i°E. 551 " 25 " (1805). E. " south, 550 " 36 " (179s). S. " N.8o°W. 554 " (1795)- The lines of 1795 were run by Medad Mitchell. This town was named from Miss Mary Montague Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, a daughter of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, former owner of this town and of large tracts in this and adjoining counties. This lady presented a set of record books to the town in consideration of the com- pliment. She died in Brooklyn in Janu- ary, 1853. The first agent charged with the care of this town was Dr. Samuel Allen of Denmark, who effected nothing. In 1838, Mr. Henry E. Pierrepont, of Brook- lyn, went with Allen upon the tract, and left arrangements for opening a road from New Boston in Pinckney, south- ward across this town, but nothing was done until 1844, when Harvey Stephens of Martinsburgh, then-agent, got a road opened. He died the next year, and in August, 1845, Diodate Pease, of Martins- burgh, was appointed agent, and contin- ued in this office until his death, March 25, 1865. This town remained the undi- vided property of the Pierrepont family until 1853, when the east half excepting the parts previously conveyed, fell to the share of Joseph J. Bicknell, and the west half to James M. Miner, both of whom had married daughters of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont. The first settler was Solomon Holden, who in the fall of 1846, moved into the town with his family, and wintered in a shanty on the land of Foster P. Newton. There was no other family in town dur- ing this winter. The first land was taken up by Newton, May 30, 1846, but he never resided in town. Lands were also booked to several others in the year 1846, but they never were known as set- tlers. Alonzo Garnsey purchased May 10, 1847, ^nd resided a year or two at Gardner's Corners. Joseph M. Gardner became the first merchant, and from him the settlement known as Gardner's Cor- ners was named. A saw-mill was raised by S. P. Sears, m the fall of 1847, and finished in July 1848. A premium was awarded to the proprietor as an encour- agement to this beginning. Samuel P. Sears, Calvin Rawson, Leonard G. Savage, Peter Durham, Cor- nelius Durham, Oliver Stafford, S. A. Green, William D. Bucklin, Isaiah Burr, Alonzo Garnsey, and Zebulon Marcellus were among the first settlers in this town. In September, 1848, when Mr. Pierre- pont visited the town, 4,000 acres were contracted, and 600 deeded. In 1850, 13,000 acres were sold, 40 miles of road were laid out, and a saw-mill was in course of erection on Deer river. There were then 100 inhabitants upon the town. Montague P. O. was established about 1856. Most of the settlers were from St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties. The town was about two-thirds taken up by actual settlers when our first edition was HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NEW BREMEN. 489 published in i860. At present the un- settled portion is chiefly in the south- eastern part, annexed from Osceola, and a strip along the county line. The first death of an adult person was that of Caleb Green, January 23, 1854. The first framed school house was built in 1850. The first teachers in this town were as follows : — District No. i — Jane Johnson. " " 2 — Sarah Kramer. " 3 — Sarah Hart. " 4 — Mary Ann TenEyck. " 5 — Anna H. Bent. " 6— Mrs. Terrill. " 7 — Ellen Terrill. There is no village in this town that might properly be so called, and but one postoffice. There are two steam saw- mills, (William Glen & Co., and Ralph Hooker,) and four saw-mills, using hydraulic power. The latter are owned by George S. Edick, Nelson B. Sears, Chancy A. Marcellus, and George W. Kilburn. Besides lumber, there are produced bed-slats and pickets, shingles, lath, and other sawed stuff. There are in town three stores, owned by Glen & Co., Chas. D. Williams, and Edward Kil- burn. The town has four coopers and two blacksmiths, but with these excep- tions, its principal industry is in dairy- ing, for which it is best adapted. From its elevated location it is liable to deep snows. Gardner's Corners, in the northeast part, derives its name from Joseph M. Gardner, who formerly kept a store at that place. A Methodist Episcopal Society was formed there, March 12, 1880, with Samuel Scribner, Anson Edict, and William Young, as first trus- tees. They have a small church edifice that was dedicated September 29, 1880. There are one or two other Methodist societies in town. The Baptists formed a society in 1854. CHAPTER XXXII. History of the Town of New Bremen. THIS town was formed from Watson and Croghan, March 31, 1848, with its present boundaries. The first town meeting was held at the house of Charles G. Loomis. Its name was probably applied to render it attractive to Euro- pean emigrants. Supervisors. — 1848-'50, Bornt Nellis; 1851, David Cleveland ; i852-'54, Bornt Nellis; 1855, Roswell Bingham; 1856- '57, B. Nellis ; 1858, R. Bingham; 1859- '60, Jerome Kilts; 1861-63, James H. Morrow; 1864-65, Jerome Kilts ; 1866- '69, John Herrick ; 1870, Jerome Kilts; 1871-75, John Herrick; 1 876-77, John Turk; 1878, Jerome Kilts; 1879-80, John Herrick; 1881-82, Michael Henry. (7/fr/fe.r.— 1849-50, Squire H. Snell ; 1851-58, Jerome Kilts; 1859-60, Nicho- las Gaudel; 1861, Peter Van Patten; 1862, J. Kilts; 1863-64, John Herrick; 1865, Martin Corcoran; 1866-67, Edward Thomas; 1868, Joseph Renaux; 1869, Firman Conover; 1870, Firman C. Nellis; 1871-72, Joseph H. Virkler; 1873-75, Melas E. Wilder ; 1876, James B. Phil- lips; 1877, Byron Van Patten; 1878, James Boyd; 1879, Edward Thomas; 1880, B. Van Patten ; 1881, Charles Hig- by ; 1882, John A. Segovis. Panther and wolf bounties of $5 were voted in 1848. The population of this town when erected, was 1,345, of whom 1,030 were from Watson, and 315 from Croghan. Of the whole number 753 were Europeans. Settlement began under title derived from the old French or "New York Company," by Jacob Oboussier, clerk to Tillier, resident agent of the French proprietors. His improvement was made about a third of a mile below the present lllingworth bridge, on the banks 49° HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of Black river. Oboussier went off about the beginning of this century, leaving some of his property in the hands of Samuel Illingworth,* and was never again heard from. He is sup- posed to have been drowned in the Ohio river, on a journey to the French settle- ments in Louisiana. The title to his tract was contested by Le Ray, as repre- sentative of the French proprietors, upon the ground that Tillier had exceeded his powers in selling more than fifty acres in one tract, and the courts sustained the prosecution by setting aside the claims of Gilchrist, who had acquii^ed the title. Illingworth remained many years the only inhabitant within the town. His location on the river bank rendered this a convenient crossing place bv persons on hunting and fishing expeditions into the forest, and a point familiar to all who passed up or down the river, as was more frequently done when the country was new, and the roads in wet seasons nearly impassable. No serious effort was made to bring these lands into market for settlement until 1821, when Charles Dayan,t of Lowville, was ap- pointed agent by James D. and Vincent Le Ray, for the sale and settlement of some twelve thousand acres, east of the " Cardinal line," so-called, of the Castor- land survey, and afterwards of other lands, to the west of that Hne. The village of "Dayanville" was so named by Le Ray, in compHment to this agent. It was surveyed in the fall of 1824, by Jason Clark,- of Plessis, who, in commencing, found it necessary to trace one of the lines from the river. The party had reached Crystal creek just at sunset, and were preparing to cross the ♦ Mr. Illingworth was an Englishman. He died May 4, 1847, aged 86 years. f We had intended to mention in connection with our notice of Mr. Dayan, on page 319, that the name was origmally spelled "Dauan," from which it was changed by his father after his removal to America. stream and encamp on the opposite bank for the night, when they were startled by the howl of a pack of wolves in their rear. There is something peculiarly dis- mal in the cry of this animal, especially when heard by night, and the idea of sleeping in this lonely place was espe- cially unpleasant to some of the younger members of the party, who could not be prevailed upon by any argument to re- main. They accordingly returned to the settlements on the safe side of the river, and resumed their labors the next morning. Mr. Dayan, from whom we derive the anecdote, which he knew from personal observation to be true, did not inform us as to who the timid ones were. This village, which since the estab- lishment of the town and postofiSce of New Bremen, is gradually losing its old name, is situated on Crystal creek, about one and a half miles from Black river, in the midst of a very level region of light loaming soil, which extends south into Watson and with but moderate undulations, north-eastward to the Beaver river. Improvements began about 1826, and one of the first erections was a saw-miU. A rake factory was built about 1840 and run several years, and a grist-mill in 1847. The first mer- chant in the village was Samuel Stevens. About 1853 a building, 40 by 100 feet, was erected for a machine shop, in an- ticipation of the completion of the " Sackett's Harbor and Saratoga Rail- road," the route of which was to pass near, and the work on which had been commenced. The premises remained idle until 1859, when an addition of 40 by 150 feet was made to it for the pur- pose of a tannery. The firm conducting this business was at first S. Branaugh & Co. It passed into the hands of David A. Stewart, in the fall of 1868, and it was sold under foreclosure of a mortgage to John Watson, of New York, March 25, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NEW BREMEN. 491 1875. On the 15th of April, of the same year, it was bought by Hiram Gowdy, of Lowville, by whom it has since been run. It is known in the trade as "Crystal Creek Tannery," has 150 vats, and can manufacture 35,000 sides of sole leather a year. It uses about 3,500 cords of bark annually, and employs twenty men. About half a mile below, on the same stream, is a sash and blind factory, run by S. S. Kling. A small grain-mill is run in connection with this factory, by A. B. Virkler. There is also a saw-mill, planing-mill, grist-mill, and cheese box factory upon this stream. The village of New Bremen (or Day- anville) has a Methodist church, a two- story school house, and a small amount of local business in the way of stores, blacksmith shops, etc., and some thirty dwellings, but its nearness to Lowville has prevented it from becoming much of a place for business or trade. The name of the postoffice was changed to New Bremen, in May, 1848. An instance of longevity occurred in the case of George Shultz, of this town, who died January 9, 1873, aged 96 years. Mr. John F. Mann, who traded here some years, represented the county in Assembly in 1868. He died May 12, 1878, aged 54 years. The Polish noble- man mentioned in our account of Diana had his residence in Dayanville at one time. A small part of the village of Croghan, or "French Settlement" is in this town. A part of the village, of Beaver Falls, (further noticed in our account of Cro- ghan) is in this town, viz : Two gang saw-mills, with lath mill, planers, etc., an inn, (William H. Fredenburg's,) and a few dwelling houses. Near Naumburg, in Croghan, but in this town, is the Limburg cheese factory of A. Burrington, Philip Beyer and Watson M. Van Amber. About three miles below New Bremen village, on the river bank, B. Van Am- ber has a steam saw-mill and planer. The " lUingworth Bridge," on the road between New Bremen and Lowville, was first built by Thomas Puffer, about 1833, taking the place of a ferry formerly kept- there. It was kept up at the joint ex- pense of the towns which it connected for several years, but has for some years past been assumed and maintained by the State — as crossing a navigable river that forms a part of the canal system of the State. The approaches to this bridge on the Lowville side are liable to over- flow in spring and fall, there being per- haps two weeks in a year on the general average, during which there can be no crossing except in boats. Some funds have been expended by Lowville to- wards the construction of a dyke, but the work is incomplete, and therefore useless, because so long as any part re- mains unfinished, it cannot be used in high water. Proceedings at Special Town Meet- ings During the War. December 22, 1863. — The town author- ized the Supervisor and Town Clerk to give their official bonds for the payment of bounties of $200, and appointed a committee, consisting of John Herrick, Peter Back, and Patrick Sweetman, to obtain certificates as to those who en- list. August 15, 1864. — A town bounty of $100 was offered for volunteers, and to be paid also to drafted men and substi- tutes. The Supervisor and James H. Morrow were to borrow $3,000 on the credit of the town. Alexander Y. Stew- art and Peter Back were appointed to procure enlistments. September 5, 1864. — In addition to the bounty last offered, the sum of $400 was offered and town bonds were directed 492 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. to be issued payable in equal install- ments on the loth of February, 1865 '66, 'e^ and '68. Religious Societies. The Methodists held meetings in this town several years before a church was erected. The large school house in Day- anville had beer; built with reference to use as, a house of worship, but diffi- culties were interposed by a claim of rent, and on the 19th of Februar}', 1849, a legal society was formed as the First Methodist Episcopal church of New Bremen, David A. Stewart, Griffith Meredith,* Peter Van Atter, William Holmes, Egbert Arthur, John Wake- field, Frederick Ford, Simeon Dinslow, and Alexander Y. Stewart were chosen first trustees, and a church edifice was completed and dedicated September 20, 1849, at a cost of $1,206. A camp meet- ing held in August, 1848, near the vil- lage, by appointment of the Black River Conference, contributed to strengthen this society. A Lutheran and a Catholic church (St. Peter's) were built about 1850, the for- mer on the road to the French Settlement, and the latter on a road leading east from Dayanville. The Lutheran church has apparently been abandoned. The Catholic church is attended from Croghan. The Reformed Church of New Bremen was formed August 6, 1873, the Rev. John Boehrer, pastor ; Wm. Wolseman, George Fahed, Elders ; Charles Spring- field, Christian Miller, Deacons, and also trustees. The Evangelist Baptist Society of New Bremen was incorporated August 5, 1867, Christian Virkler, John S. Farney, and Christian Hershey, being the first trustees. * Mr. Meredith died March 22, 1882, aged nearly 80 years. CHAPTER XXXIIL History of the Town of Osceola. This town was formed from West Turin, February 28, 1844, in accord- ance with a vote of that town, embrac- ing Townships 8, or Rurabella, and 13, or Hybla* of the Boylston Tract. The Board of Supervisors, on the 22d of November, 1867, annexed the northern part of this town to Montague. The part thus set off included lots i to 38 of Township 8, which had then begun to settle in the west- ern part, and whose business connections were altogether toward the north. The name was applied at the request of a young lady in New York,tin memory of the celebrated Seminole chief, whose career forms an important item in the history of Florida. This warrior was a half-breed, and was first known by his father's name Powell, but received the title of As-se-o-la (as pronounced in the original dialect), because he could drink a greater quantity than others of a drink of this name taken preparatory to the fast and feast of the green-corn dance. He arose to the rank of chief by the force of his native talent, and began and continued the bloody wars which for years wasted the southern frontiers. The superior numbers and discipline of our troops having turned the war against the savages, Osceola with a train of seventy followers, came into the camp of Gen. Thomas S. Jessup, in October, 1837. They were detained and sent pris- oners to Fort Moultrie, near Charleston, where he languished and died in the January following. His detention has been severely censured, but facts seem to indicate that his intention was to cap- ture the place and release some prisoners * Hybla was a town in Sicily. Rurabella is a mon- grel term for " fine country." t Miss Jay, now Mrs. Henry E. Pierrepont. She presented a set of blank record books to the town for the name HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF OSCEOLA. 493 had he found it practicable, but if not, to return and continue the war. The In- dians had been told, that when willing to remove, they should be received and protected, and they were made to under- stand that they could not return when they once came in. Osceola's party under these circumstances could claim no alternative but removal. Some of the settlers proposed to call the town Greenfield, in compliment to the resident agent, but on suggestion of the present name, it was approved at a pub- he meeting called for the occasion. Supervisors. — 1 844-'48, Seymour Green ; 1849, John Marsden ; 1850-52, S. Green ; 1853, J. Marsden; 1854-56, S. Green; 1857, Henry E. Griffin ; 1858, Anthony Rowell; 1859, J. Marsden; 1861, Will- iam Rowell; 1862, S. Green ; 1863, Den- nis O'Connell ; i864-'65, Junius A. Cowles; 1866-71, William Rowell; 1872, J. A. Cowles; i873-'74. William Rowell; 1875-76, Abraham F. Vandawalker ; 1877-78, Seth Bullock; 1879-80, A. F. Vandawalker; 1881, Junius A. Cowles. Clerks. — 1844, John Roberts; 1845-46, Roswell A. Hubbard ; 1847, Washington Shorey ; 1848, R. A. Hubbard ; 1849-50, David Dunn; i85i-'52, Jas. Roberts; 1853 -'54, Jas. Mitchell; 1855, Jairus Rowe ; 1856, Henry E. Griffin; 1857, Henry J. Baker; 1858, John Gibbs ; 1859, John Bain; 1861, Geo. A. Shorey; 1862, John Bain; i863-'64, Sylvanus Williams; 1865, Michael Quinn; 1866, S. F. Dyer; 1867- '70, George W. Vandewalker,; 1 871 -'72, H. H. Wemple ; i873-'74, Samuel J. Grif- fith; 1875, H. H. Wemple; 1876, Seth Bullock; i877-'78, John Knopp ; 1879, Wm. Rowell ; 1880-82, Edward RoUing. The survey of the outlines of Town- ship 13 were made as follows: — W. line North, 687 ch., 65 Iks. (1795). M. Mitchell. N. line S. 80° E. 764 ch., 19 Iks. (1795). M. Mitchell. E. line S.30° W. (1795). W. Cockburn. S. W. (Patent line), N. 68° 50' W. (1794). Area 37,041 1-2 acres by Wright's sur- vey. Length of hnes, 204 miles, 70 Iks. Cost of survey, ;^204 17s. 6d. It was subdivided by Benjamin Wright in 1795, into 151 lots, and re- surveyed in 1839. 'J he note book of Moses Wright, an assistant who was running a line in this township in 1797, has the following entry which sets forth some of the hardships of a land sur- veyor : — " This 9th day of October, it being Monday, had the pleasure of running all day in the coldest rain I ever was sensi- ble of. The rain that fell the day before yesterday, last night and to-day, raised the brooks and creeks over their banks, and what gave me the worst feeling is, that the hard, pinching hand of Poverty, seven days ago took all the rum." In another place the weary and rum- less engineer records : — "Lots 112, 113 : 30 chains up the high- est hill that ever was. 5,000,000,000 feet high ! " Had he stopped seven cyphers short, he might have represented without exag- geration, the rise from the flats of Sal- mon river to the high lands which border it, but his hand once started on the cyphers, he let it run ! Township 8 was subdivided into 1 1 1 lots, by B. Wright in 1805, and contains 28,419 53-100 acres. While surveying in this region in 1795, Mr. Wright re- marked, that the beavers were building a dam on the north branch of Salmon river, that would flow 400 acres of land. In December, 1795, a negotiation was pending for the purchase of Township 13, by John Bernard, of Rome, who pro- posed to form a company for this object. The price then proposed was two dol- lars per acre, payable by installments in four years, with interest from April 20, 1797. The bargain yjzs, not closed from the inability of Bernard to find associates. In 1805, a road was cut out from Fish creek across township No. i (now Lewis), 494 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. and 13 and 8 in this town, to the line of 7, with the design of intersecting the State road in Redfield, but the north end and the portion south of the Ma- comb purchase were never cut out, and the route soon relapsed into the state of nature. It entered Township 13, on lot 137, and in Township 8 crossed lots 96, 85, 84, 73, 62, 61 and 50. In the fall of 180S, James Constable and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, two of the executors of the estate of William Constable, crossed these towns by this road, and the follow- ing journal of the former will be read with interest : — " Sept. 7. After breakfast set off from Fairservice's (in Western) towards Fish creek, the first two miles passable for teams, but the rest of the distance to the creek not cut out at all, but it is easy ground and not heavily timbered, and the people promised to do it this fall without fail. Forded the creek, and on the other side our road begins. The ascent from the creek very well done, and the cutting appears to be according to agreement, although the- clearing out of the timber is occasionally neglected. The soil of the whole of No. i is very indifferent, the timber mostly hemlock, except sometimes beech or a hard mossy birch, the face of the country uneven and ridgy, though not much stony. I fear it will not settle speedily. The southeasterly part of No. 13 not much better, though we have occasionally some better timber, ash, bass, &c. As we advance to the Salmon river we find better land fit for settlers; some good swales and very Httle hemlock. Forded the river, it being here a small stream, and there being some grass for our horses we stopped to bait them and our- selves. A fire being soon kindled each man cut his slice of pork, toasted or fried it, and we made a hearty meal. The brandy brought with us and the water made a good drink. Passed on, the land improving till we came to the 13 and 14 mile tree, to a good spring and a brook where there was a good hut of the road makers, and although we might have gone two or three miles fur- ther before dark, yet Fairservice being doubtful whether we should meet such good accommodations, it was determined to remain here for the night. Another cause was, that we got some hay for the horses. We made our fire, cooked our pork and made our meal with an excel- lent appetite. Our horses were not neg- lected. " Sept. 9. After sleeping pretty sound- ly till daylight, the weather seemed likely to turn to rain, and we resolved to proceed on through the road so far as to insure our getting to Redfield in the course of the day, as the provisions would not hold out longer. Went on to the 18 mile tree, and at another hut pre- pared and ate our breakfast of pork and bread, with brandy and water for tea. I found these articles less palatable at this meal than the others, however the pork improved (?) very mildl}'. We went down the road some miles further, leav- ing No. 13 and going on to No. 8, and found the latter very good land, such as settlers will not refuse. The road is equal to roads as new as it is. The weather looked threatening, and to be sure of reaching Redfield in good time, we took a course southwest to strike the state road, and coming to a good stream which was at first supposed to be Salmon river (it is certainly a branch of it), as it afforded some grass for our horses we thought it a proper place to halt and re- fresh. Accordingly dinner was provided as usual ; we ate heartily, and finished the last of our brandy. We had now to pass through the woods, the south part of No. 7 and north part of Redfield, which was very difficult to ourselves and dangerous to our horses, from the swamps and heavy fallen trees covered with underbrush. We struck one of the main branches of the river, but the brush and fallen logs prevented us from keep- ing the bank, and the high ground was a hemlock ridge which occasioned us much trouble, but after a good deal of fatigue we came to the State road about tvyo miles from Ingraham's, when it be- gan to rain and we were nearly wet through before we got there. The rain did not continue long, and we set out for Johnson's tavern m Redfield, half a mile beyond Butler's, where we arrived early in the evening a good deal tired with this day's journey. It is a better HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF OSCEOLA. 495 house than Butler's, and we were well provided for in supper and sleeping. " Sept. 9. Mr. Pierrepont having oc- casion to see a man who lived on the road respecting his lands in No. 13, set off very early intending to follow us on to Rome, but having found the man near, he came and joined us at breakfast, and we all set off together. They are work- ing upon the road and improving it much. The causeways are mostly new laid and covered three inches with sand or other earth, so that the travelling on them is equal to any part. Stopped at Lyman's, 1 1 miles, and at Waring's near Fish creek, but we decided to eat the last dinner cooked by ourselves in the woods at the creek and went there, hav- ing bought some brandy on the way. The weather was very hot, but after kindhng a fire and bathing in the creek, we ate with as good an appetite as ever. After dinner we paid and discharged Fairservice, and set off lor Rome, in- tending to see the new causeway lately finished near that town, but the road not being cut through, we had difficulty to get to it. We succeeded, and it was worth the pains. The length is two miles, of equal sized logs 18 feet long and covered with earth, so that the trav- elling is excellent. Arrived at Rome late in the evening. Not liking the thought of White's beds we slept in the hay-loft, and made out pretty well." Portions of Townships i and 13 were sold by Wm. Constable, July 25, 1801, to John Jones, John McVickar and John Rathbone, of New York, in payment of notes and endorsements of William and James Constable, to the amount of $95,- 704.50. Lynde Catlin received a con- veyance January 28, 1804, of the whole or a greater part.* At the time the set- tlement began about two-thirds of No. 13 was owned by the Pierrepont family, and the remainder by G. Lynch, Goddard, — Bush, J. W. Taylor, J. Lawrence, Gentil, Stewart, Jefferson Insurance Co., Pratt, Gerritt Smith, Lyndes, S. Stev- ens, J. and Edward McVickar, Lynde * Deeds, Lewis County, A, 53. Catlin, Bishop Moore and Wm. Consta- ble, together amounting to fifty-one scattered lots. Township 8 was divided among the Pierrepont heirs January i, 1853, as fol- lows : To Wm. C. Pierrepont, lots 17 to 19; 28 to 31 ; 39 to 44; 50 to 86; 92, 93, W. part of 94, 95, 96, no and iii. To Maria T. Bicknell, 87 to 91 ; 97 to 109 ; Seymour Green, agent. To E. G. Mi- ner, I, 2, 6, 7, part of 3 and 8; Diodate Pease, agent. To M. C. Perry, (in trust) parts of 4, 5 and 8 ; 9 to 16 ; 20 to 27 ; 32 to 38 ; 43 to 49 ; Diodate Pease, agent. A few settlers have located upon the ex- treme northwest corner (since annexed to Montague), but the remainder of that township is still as it was when our first edition was published in i860, a wilderness. One Saunders was the first settler in this part of the town. The first persons who came into this town were Jabez Green, Christopher Devine and Harvey Potter, who loca- ted on lot 138 about 1822, without title, but did not remain. Samuel W. Nash also located soon after, a little above, but not permanently. In 1826 one Clark burnt off a windfall, a mile south of Salmon river, and planted corn, which yielded abundantly, but was claimed and entirely harvested by bears. This wind- fall was the track of a tornado that had passed across the town three years before, and the fire, when apphed, ran through it with tremendous energy, sending up columns of flame and smoke, which were observed to an immense distance, the former by its reflections upon the clouds at night, and the latter by its dense som- bre masses by day. The first agent of the Pierrepont estate in this town was James S. T. Stranahan of Brooklyn, but then of Florence, Oneida county. Settlement was delayed by various causes, among which was the failure of the proprietors of scattered lots, to unite in an agency 496 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. for the opening of roads and other im- provements necessary for bringing the town into market. In July, 1839, Sey- mour Green was appointed Pierrepont's agent in No. 13, with power to sell lands at $1.50 cash, or $2 on a credit of four years. A road was marked out from Florence village northward, nearly across the township, and reports favora- ble to the tract gaining currency in the surrounding country, the landless rushed forward to secure a homestead with such avidity, that between the first of September and Christmas, nearly 18,000 acres were sold under contract with the intention of settlement. The north part of Redfield (No. 7 or Greenbord) was opened under the same agency, and in the above period 1,000 acres were con- tracted upon that township. In May, 1840, the proprietor, in six days, issued 68 contracts and 22 deeds, and received $4,000 in cash. The lands sold amounted to 11,996 acres, and the price to $25,219. 35. The following winter was unusually severe, and in 1842 half the lands sold had reverted. As there were no town officers accessible for laying out roads, whatever was done in this line, devolved upon Mr. Fierrepont, the owners of scat- tered lots being generally indifferent as to these improvements. In 1843, there were 250 inhabitants, two school houses and 60 children. In 1848, 1,600 acres were under contract, and 5,491 acres were deeded. In 1850, there were 400 inhabitants m town. The settlers were mostly from the older towns around. Several families came from the factories at Oriskany, and some from the public works upon the suspension of 1842. The northern part of No. 13 is called "Ver- mont Settlement," from the original lo- cality of the settlers. The first family that actually settled with title, on Town- ship 13, was that of Robert Russell, on lot 139, in December, 1839. They win- tered here alone, and in the spring were joined by Ira and Thomas Hulbert and others. Roswell A. Hubbard, William G. Smith, Lyman Wellman, David Sho- rey, Silas A. Fox, Henry J. Baker, Anthony Rowell and others, were also early settlers. Mr. Green,* the agent, settled in 1842, and at the first town meeting in 1844 there were 37 voters. The first birth was that of Russell Chase, the first marriage that of Captain Ed- ward Humaston and Jane Smith, and the first death that of Agnes Russell, a child eight years of age. The first school was taught in 1844 by Jerusha Wetmore, and the first two framed school houses were built in that year. The town had in i860, five framed and one log school house, and two joint districts, of which the school houses were in Red- field. A road, authorized by law in 1859, was laid out by Seymour Green and Diodate Pease from the Vermont Settle- ment to Martinsburgh, a distance uf about twelve miles from one clearing to the other, and about 23 miles from the court house to Osceola village. At present the distance around is about 70 miles by the nearest public thorough- fare and over 50 by the nearest passable road. This road was nearly or quite cut out, and for some years the non-resi- dent highway taxes of adjacent lands were applied, but it is now wholly aban- doned, and growing up. The principal business point in town is at Osceola village and postoffice, or as it is usually called, " The River," situ- ated in the deep narrow intervale of Salmon river, five miles from Florence, and thirteen from the R. W. & O. R. R. station at Camden. The first saw-mill in town was built by William Roberts, in *Mr. Green was born in Washington county, and when he received the agency was living in Oneida county. A political opponent many years since, applied to him in derision the title of the " Osceola chief," which was accepted among his friends, and by which he became widely known. As supervisor, assemblyman and local magistrate, he took an active part for many years in public affairs. lie died in this town while this volume was in press, at an advanced age. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PINCKNEY. 497 1 841 . A tannery, two hundred feet long, was erected on the south bank of Sal- mon river, in 1859, by Cowles, Sliter & Co., for the manufacture of sole leather, chiefly from Spanish hides. It was dis- continued about 1 87 1. It had a capacity of about 30,000 sides of sole leather a year. The census of 1880 reported a popu- lation of 92 in Osceola village. The place has a hotel, (owned and kept by Sylvanus Williams ;) two stores, (Alonzo Barlow, and Richard Chase, Jr. ;) a cooper shop, (Samuel E. Thayer;) saw- mill, on Salmon river, (Williams & Jack- son ;) and steam saw-mill, (William P. Griffith.) In the north part of the town, is a saw-mill, owned by Albert J. Brockway; another, near the center, owned by Ben- jamin Jackson, and one in the eastern part owned by Almanson Whitford. There are also in town a wagon shop, (Edward Rolling;) blacksmith shop,(John Knapp;) two oar shops, (Oscar T. Dyer, and William H. Payne ;) and a cheese factory, (Martin V. Dubois.) By an act passed July 8, 1881, the sum of $6,000 was appropriated for the im- provement of Salmon river, for the float- ing of lumber, of which $1,000 was to be spent in Lewis county, above the locality known Hooker's Mill. Religious Societies. The First Congregational Church in Osceola, was organized December 15, 1853. Its deacons are Junius A. Cowles, Edward Rolling, and Joseph R. Steph- enson. Its trustees are Edward RoUing, Alonzo Barlow, Junius A. Cowles, Will- iam P. Griffith, Robert Black, and Thomas Smith. Treasurer and clerk, Henry S. Carpenter. The First Methodist Church of this town was organized May 9, 1882, with Albert Williams, Nelson Limbeck, and Abram F. Vandewalker, as trustees. This society built a neat and commodious church, during the summer of 1882. It was dedicated November 28, 1882, and a balance of $700 was subscribed to pay off the debt. CHAPTER XXXIV. History of the Town of Pinckney. THIS town embracing township No. 9, or Handel, was annexed from Mexico to Harrisburgh, March 24, 1804, and divided in the erection of the county in 1805, the eastern part being retained by Harrisburgh, and the western attached to Harrison [Rodman] ; and finally erected into a separate town February 12, 1808, with its present Umits. It was named by the Legislature, doubtless in honor of one or all of the three illus- trious citizens of South Carolina, of this name, but we are not informed as to the person who suggested it. In the year that this town was erected, there were a great number of duphcate names of towns in various parts of the State, ex- changed for others, and the slightest circumstance might determine a choice. Gen. Thomas Pinckney, his brother Charles C. or William, were alike worthy of the honor that was conferred in this case. The first town meeting was held at the house of Stephen Hart, but as the early records were burned in 1826, our knowl- edge of the earlier officers is derived from other sources. Supervisors. — 1808-09, Ethan Green; i8io-'i4, Stephen Hart; 181 5, Augustus T. Wright ; 1 8 1 6, S. Hart ; 1 8 1 7, G. Waite ; 1818-20, S. Hart; 1821, James Hunt; i822-'23, E. Green; 1824-26, S. Hart; 1827-28, J. Hunt; 1829, Benjamin Jef- fers ; i830-'3 1, S. Hart ; i832-'34, J. Hunt ; 498 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 183s, Tyrannus A. Wright,* J. Hunt; 1836-37, John Spencer; i838-'43> John Lucas ; 1844, Joseph Boynton, Jr. ; 1845 -'48, John Newkirk ; 1849, Jehiel H. Hall ; 1850, J. Lucas; 1851-53, Hamilton Cob- leigh;i854-'55,GilbertE.Woolworth;i856 -'57, Phineas Woolworth ; 1858-59, Sam- uel H. ToUes; i860, John M. Paris; 1861, Samuel H. Tolles ; 1862, John M. Paris; 1863, S. H. Tolles; 1864, John M. Paris; 1865-66, C. H. Chase; 1867 -'68, Thomas Carroll ; 1869-71, Samuel F. Douglass ; 1872, Wm. C. Barrett ; 1873 -'74, Daniel D.Carpenter; 1875-76, Lewis H. Jones; 1877-80, Wm. C. Barrett; 1881-82, Samuel F. Douglass ; 1882, Wal- lace Hall appointed Supervisor in place of Douglass resigned. Clerks. — 1826-'28 James Armstrong ;t 1829-30, John Spencer; 1831, J. Arm- strong; 1832-35, J. Spencer; 1836-43, J.Armstrong; 1844-46, Lewis M. Burtch; 1847-48, Jehiel H. Hall; 1849, John Lu- cas; i85o-'55, Samuel H. Tolles; 1856- •62, Blodgett Stoddard ; i863-'66, A. S. Lucas; 1867, Charles D. Hall; 1868-69, W.N. Snell; 1870, A. S. Lucas; 1871, William C. Barrett; 1872-74, Lewis H. Jones; 1875-77, G. T. Douglass ; 1878- '79, Henry N. Snell; 1880, G. T. Doug- lass; 1881-82, John J. Lucas. In 1826, '31, '32, '35, a bounty of $10, in 1838, of $15, and in 1834 of $5, was offered for wolves. In 1841, a bounty of $5, and in 1845, of $10, was voted for the kiUing of bears. In 1834, crow bounties of one shilling if killed in May and June, and fifty cents for foxes within the year, were voted at towm meetings. This town fell to the share of William Henderson, who employed Abel French, and afterwards Jesse Hopkins and others as agents. Henderson died about 1824, and William Denning, his brother-in- law, subsequently became principally * Made ineligible by ordination. Hunt was elected November 6, 1835. \ Mr. Armstrong died December 7, 1853, aged 74 years. concerned in the title, and under the Denning family most of the tow^n has been sold. But small remnants now re- main in the hands of the former propri- etors. From B. Wright's field-book of survey around t.he town in the spring of 1796, we derive the first estimate of its value which was as follows : — " This town is a pretty good one and is extraordinarily well watered with large and small streams. There is a pretty large creek toward the S. E. part of the town known by the name of Deer creek on which probably there are fine mill seats, although I have seen none. A large gulf where the Deer creek crosses the east line of the town. Along the north line of this town there is some very fine land. The soil in general is good and well watered. There is some gulfs on the branches of Big Sandy which are rather bad. The timber is maple, beech, basswood, ash, birch, elm and hemlock. Along the E. line is very fine soil for about half the distance, from the N. E. to the S. E. corner. The soil is not so good but rather more cold. Some hemlock interspersed in some places with spruce, &c. Along the south line the land is rather cold, some excel- lent spots but some swampy and bad. The timber is maple, beech, birch, ash, hemlock, bass and some elm, &c. : along the west line there is a very fair country except that it is cut to pieces with small streams which form gulfs." The town was surveyed out into farm lots by Broughton White of Remsen, father of the late Albert A. White of Turin.* The outlines of this town lie 9° from the principal cardinals, and its area is 25, 045 acres. The first survey gave its N. line 506 chains, its E. 490, its S. 508, and its W. 498. The whole town is elevated from 400 to 800 feet above the level region around Copenhagen, and from many places the blue hills east of Black river, and the waters of lake On- tario with the vessels upon them, may I * Mr. Broughton White was concerned in the surveys I of other parts of the county. He died at Remsen, June 21, 1862, aged 8g years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PINCKNEY. 499 both be seen. The horizon in a serene day, is more clear and bright than in the plains below, as we find in elevated regions, and a perceptible difference is observed in its climate. Haying comes on an average about a week later than in the adjacent town of Denmark, and snows have been observed over six feet deep on a level in the woods. The win- ter ot 1854-55 was remarkable for the depth of snow on this town.* Drouth is however, seldom noticed, and the soil is finely adapted to grass and coarse grains, and since the introduction of dairying, the inhabitants have rapidly acquired the means of comfortable sup- port, arid a steady increase in wealth. The cold season of 18 16 was peculiarly hard on the early settlers of this town, some of whom were starved out, and went off never to return. Joseph Newton and Lambert, near "New Boston," both left without selling, and their clearings grew up to brush. The streams flow east, west and north from this town, which is entirely under- laid by the Hudson River shales. Weak sulphur springs are common, and were formerly frequented by deer. Game was abundant in early times, especially deer, bears and wolves, the latter of which often proved destructive. Trout were common in the streams when the town was first settled. Usage has sanctioned the use of the preposition on, when speaking of resi- dence or the occurrence of events in this town, as for example a man is said to live "on" Pinckney. This application is by no means pecuhar to this town, although perhaps more generally used than in the neighboring towns of Jeffer- son county. The early land holders adopted the custom of speaking of such * We find in early diaries the following memoranda : "April 1, 1807, snowed from Monday night till Thurs- day night." "June 7, 1816, snowed till noon, drifted like winter." On the 17th of May of that year "sap was running fast." and such persons, as living on their towns, as we speak of tenants on a farm. Hence living on Pinckney or being on the town, does not imply all that would be understood elsewhere. Although there are over 1,000 persons on the tow7i, but a very small number are paupers. Settlement began on this town about 1803 ; Samuel and Joseph Clear, located in the southwest part, but soon went off. In 1804, Ethan Russell and J. Greene from Rhode Island, and one or two years after, John Lucas, Levi and Elisha Barnes, Stephen Hart,* James Armstrong, * James Hart, * Phineas Woolworth,t Joel Webb, Silas Slater and several Stoddard families be- came settlers.:): The first birth was in the family of James Hunt or John Stod- dard, and an early death if not the first, was that of Mrs. EHsha Moody. The first school was taught by Miss Gould, before the war. The names of voters living in this town in 1807, are included in the list given in our account of Denmark. Barnes' Corners, (p. o.) This is the only place in the town of Pinckney that has any claims to be called a village. It contains about 400 inhabi- tants,! and has two churches, (Methodist and Baptist,) a hotel, (William Lane, pro- prietor,) four stores, selling dry-goods and groceries, one undertaker's estab- lishment, two wagon shops, two black- * From Stillwater, N. Y. ■f Mr. Woolworth was brother of Levi, and uncle of Elijah, Justus and Reuben Woolworth, who settled in Turin. He removed from Grayville, Mass., in 1806, and had six sons and three daughters, several of whom became heads of families in this town. Thaddeus Wool- worth, one of these sons, died March 18, 1852, aged 70 years. Alexander Woolworth, died March 2, 1855, aged 60 years. X Richard Stoddard, died May I, 1854, aged 75 years : Samuel Stoddard, died February 18, [833, aged 66 years ; Rev. Rufus Stoddard, died July 29, 1836, aged 26 years. These Stoddard families were from Mayfield, Mass., and were not related to the Harrisburgh families of this name. S The census of 1880 gave a population of 412. 500 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. smith shops, a shoe shop, a harness shop, two saw and planing mills, a manufacto- ry of agricultural implements, snow- shovels, churn-powers, etc., a hoop fac- tory, and a cheese factory, using the milk of 500 cows. The town has two other cheese facto- ries, one at Cronk's Corners, and one at New Boston, each of them using the milk of about 500 cows. There are also in this town five other saw-mills in vari- ous parts,* the principal one being at New Boston, on the Deer river. There is also at this place a cheese box factory, a grist-mill, planing-mill and lath-mill. The stream upon which the village of Barnes' Corners is located, (a branch of Sandy creek,) a little below, descends into a ravine worn in the slate rock, which presents scenery of some interest. From a swell of land a short distance west, there is presented an extensive view of the lake, and a wide expanse of country north and west. New Boston is a neighborhood on the Deer river, where it is crossed by the Lowville and Henderson State road. The first improvement was made here by David Canfield, who acting as agent of Henderson, made an extensive clear- ing and built a bridge and saw-mill. About eighty acres of wheat were sowed the first season, which yielded bounti- fully, but the death of Henderson and other causes prevented the extension of these improvements. Dr. Samuel Allen was associated in this enterprise, and the locality probably received its name from them. The State road although opened through soon after 18 16, fell into disuse, until many years after. It is now well settled and considerably traveled. A large part of the business of this town tends to Watertown, and the remainder to Copenhagen. A small social library was formed in * In 1859, there were ten saw-mills run by water, and three by steam. this town at an early period, and at one time numbered about two hundred volumes. It was broken up, and the books distributed several years before the introduction of school district libraries. The following deaths of early settlers, or well-known citizens, have occurred in this town : — PhiHp Dodridge Adams, died at Barnes' Corners, April 18, 1881, aged 66. Oliver Bissel, died April 7, 1849, aged 95- Oliver Bissel, Jr., died August 18, 1847, aged 60. Shubael Chickering, died April 29, 1850, aged 68. Richard Hart, died May 18, 1880, aged 82. Israel Horr, died January 26, 1848, aged 75. John Newkirk, died April 17, 1864, aged 71. He was in the Assembly in 1850. Calvin Wilder, died October 22, 1832. Among those first to receive deeds of land, we find the names of E. Sisson, A. Babbit, F. Yandes, G. Merritt, L. Cole- man, Ethan Green, P. Corey, L. White, R. Clements, D. Coffeen, E. Morton, Wright, Maltby, Thomas, John Gifford, Enoch Steele, S. Royce, J. Brown, J. Stafford, R. Porter, J. Brun- dage, J. Grover, W. Lacker. J. Hait, J. Barnes, Charles Neuton, Lyman Reed, Birch, F. R. Laumon, E. Parmele, and W. Gardner. This town might perhaps set up a claim to distinction that no other town in the State could rival, upon the strength of an Indian tradition that comes down to us as follows: — Captain Pouchot was a French officer employed in the campaigns of i7s6-'6o, and commanded at Niagara, when that post was captured by the English, and again at Fort Levi, upon the Isle Roy- ale (now Chimney Island) in the St. Lawrence, three miles below Ogdens- burgh. After his death, a journal of his HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 501 observations was published in Switzer- land, in 1787, in thres small volumes. These were translated into English, an- notated and published by the author of this volume, in two royal octavo volumes, in 1867. In these memoirs, the writer in describing the shores of Lake Ontario and the various rivers that flow into it, in speaking of the Au Sable, (Sandy Creek,) says : — " Between the River Au Sable and La Famine [Salmon River ?] is a little stream called by the Indians Canogatiron. The River Au Sable, in Indian Etacata- ragarenee, is remarkable in this that at the head of its south branch, called Tecanononouaronesi, is the place where the traditions of the Iroquois fix as the spot from whence they all issued, or rather according to their ideas, where they were born." It appears from this that the Garden of Eden— at least so far as it concerns the native Indian race, must have been somewhere on Pinckney. If any other re- gion can show a better claim to this dis- tinction, let them show their title, and until then, concede it to Lewis county, in general, and to this town in particular. Religious Societies. The First Methodist Episcopal Socie- ty of the town of Pinckney was formed August 8, i83i,withTyrannus A. Wright, Stephen Hart, Rufus Stoddard, Timothy Woolworth* and Barney Spalding as trustees. A framed meeting house was erected near Boynton's Corners. The Pinckney Corners Methodist Episco- pal Church was incorporated March i, 1864, James Woolworth, Amos Stod- dard and Alvin Hunt being the first trustees.f The church at this place was built about 185 1, and the society has a membership of about 100. The Methodist church at Barnes' Cor- * Mr. Woolworth died May 14, 1871, aged 86 years. \ The society was re-organired July 27, 1869. ners was built in 1857, ^"d has a mem- bership of about 320. The First Baptist Church of Barnes' Corners was incorporated March 26, 1870, Andrew Plank, Daniel Gromons and John K. Russell, trustees. The Baptist society has a membership of 120, and their church edifice was built in 1856. A Roman Catholic church was begun on the State road about a mile and a half from New Boston in 1856, but was not completed until about 1 860. It claims a membership of about 400. CHAPTER XXXVL History of the Town of Turin. THIS town was formed from Mexico, (now in Oswego county), March 14, 1 800, including all of the present county of Lewis, west of the river, between In- man's Triangle and the south lines of Lowville, Harrisville and Pinckney. It was named from the capital of the king- dom of Sardinia, in Italy, probably upon the suggestion of Nathaniel Shaler, agent and proprietor, under whom the town was settled. In the autumn of 1881 the author passed twice through the city of Tor- ino, the namesake of this town, and a few words of description may be of interest. It lies on the river Po in a flat and highly cultivated plain many miles wide, and brought by irrigation to a state of great fertility. It has some 215,000 in- habitants, and having been long the capital of Sardinia, and for some j'ears of Italy, it shows many features of royal magnificence. The streets are laid out at right angles, with avenues beauti- fully planted, and many squares, having statuary, fountains and other ornaments. It has an ancient university, a truly grand 502 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. polytechnic school, with immense collec- tions illustrating the mechanic arts, — several palaces, and in one of them a col- lection of ancient armor and weapons that belong to the middle ages, and the time of the crusaders. In the principal business streets, the buildings are very uniform, and stand out over the side- walks, forming wide and high arcades, open on one side, but always dry, very light, and affording ample facilities for book stalls and the sale of various kinds of merchandise. Upon the foot-hills of the Alps not far off, (and somewhat resembling " Tug Hill,") are some fine castles, a monas- tery, and other conspicuous structures- From these heights, and from the city it- self the snowy summits of the Alps appear in the western sky, and here be- gins the railway that leads through the Mount Cenis tunnel into France. The central railway station at this place is among the finest in Europe, and in front, in the midst of beautifully kept grounds, it is designed to erect a colossal monument in memory of the completion of that wonderful triumph of engineering skill, that made this route one of the great thoroughfares of Europe. Martinsburgh, or Townships 4 and 5 of the Boylston tract was taken off in 1803, another part annexed to that town in 1 8 19, and West Turin was taken off in 1830, reducing it down to its present limits. The statute ordered the first town meeting to be held at the house of Jonathan Collins, at which Jonathan Collins was chosen Supervisor, Samuel Hall, Clerk; John Ives, Zaccheus Higby and Philemon Hoadley, Assessors ; Seth Miller and John Salmon, Overseers of the Poor; Nathan Coe, William Rice and Levi Hough, Commissioners of Highways; Elijah Wadsworth, Constable and Collec- tor; Lemuel Scovil, Gershom Birdseye, Edward Johnson, Levi Benedict, Abner Rice and Heman Merwin, Overseers of Highways; Aaron F&rsons, Pound Master; Ichabod Parsons, John Salmon and Elisha Crofoot, Fence Viewers* Supervisors. — 1800, Jonathan Collins; i8oi,John Ives; 1802-04, Eleazer House; 1 805, J. Collins; 1 806, E. House; 1807-08, J. Collins; 1809, J. Ives.; 1810, J. Collins; 181 1,- Hamlet Scranton ; 1812, Ebenezer Baldwin; i8i3,J. Ives; 18 14, Levi Hart; 1815, Oliver Bush (Deuel Goff, Sep- tember 26, 1815); 1816, D. Goff; 1817, E. Baldwm ; i8i8-'i9, J. Collins ; 1820, Walter Dewey; 1821-22, James Mc Vickar; 1823, Leonard House; i824-'29,'J. McVickar; i830-'35, Eli Rogers, Jr.; 1836- '39, Royal D. Dewey ; i840-'44, Leonard H. Humason; 1845-46, Pardon C. Case; 1847-49, Joseph House; i85o-'S2, Win- field S. Whitaker; 1853-54, Judah Barnes; 1855, J. House ; 1856, Charles G. Riggs ; 1857-61, Emory B. Holden ; 1862-64, Robert House; 1865-66, Van Rensselaer Waters ; 1867, R. House; 1868-72, Elisha Crofoot; 1873, C. G. Riggs; 1874-76,+ Thomas J. Lewis; 1877-78, Charles C. House; 1879, Henry Doud ; i88o-'8i, Thomas R. Evans; 1882, Mather S. Ives. Clerks.— i?,oo-'oi, Samuel Hall; 1804- '17, Levi Collins; i8i8-'i9, Ebenezer Baldwin; i82o-'42, Amos Higby, Jr.; 1843, Henry Paige; 1844, Orrin Wool- worth; 1845, Harrison Barnes ; 1846-47, Orrin Woolworth ; 1848, Horace R. Lahe; 1849, Charles D. Budd ; 1850, Charles G. Riggs; 185 1, Walter B. Fos- ter; 1852, Albert H. Litchfield; 1853-55, Harrison J. Thayer; i856-'57, Henry A. House; i858-'S9, John O. Davis; i860, Arthur Pond; 1864-65, John O. Davis; 1866-76, John T. Jones; 1877, G. Gary Riggs; 1878-82, John Evans. In 1802, the town voted to petition * To any one familiar with the town it will be seen that several of these persons were residents of the pres- ent town of West Turin, which was not separately orga- nized until thirty years afterwards. f Charles House appointed November 6, 1874, to fill a vacancy. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. S03 for two men for magistrates, and that Judah Barnes, and Samuel Hall be the two men. Special Town Meetings of an early peri- od. — If there has been anything that dis- tinguishes the civil history of this town from all others, it is the unusual num- ber of special town meetings that were held during the earlier years. At the first town meeting Jonathan Collins, Philemon Hoadley, John Salmon, John Ives, Zaccheus Higby, Seth Miller and Judah Barnes were appointed a commit- tee to report a place for future town meetings. They reported the next year, that on the first Monday of May pre- ceding, they had set a stake on the lot of Ebenezer Allen, as the most conven- ient point for this purpose. This locality was near the old Episcopal church north of Constableville. We will here present the doings ol some of these early town meetings, partly to include the names of those who were active in these proceedings. "Turin, Sept. 17, 1802. " We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Turin, do deem it necessary to have a special town meeting, to choose three delegates to meet others on the Black River to draw up a petition to the Legislature, for a road from Albany down the Black River Country. We do therefore deem it necessary to have a special Town Meeting warned immedi- ately for that purpose and any other business that may be brought forward. To the Clerk of the Town of Turin. Nathan Cheney,* Judah Barnes. John Ives, David Kendall, Ezra Clapp, Elisha Cone, Clark McCarty,* John McCollister,* William Rice, Elisha Scoville, Edward Johnson, Abner Rice, Consider Wiliston, Benjamin Doud, Ephraim Luce."* " To the Town Clerk of the Town of Turin: " Sir: We the Inhabitants & freehold- ers of said town, judging it proper that • Martinsburgh names. there should be a Special town Meeting warned in said town for the purpose of choosing one agent to attend the Legis- lature of this State in their next Session in order to carry into effect a certain petition for a turnpike road from Utica through the Black River Country and to transact other business that may come before the meeting that is proper and we the subscribers request that said meeting be warned as the law directs on Wednesday the 22d day of I"*' Decem- ber at the dwelling house of Mr Nathan- iel Shaler in said town at one o'clock of the afternoon of said day. "Town of Turin, Dec. 13, 1802 Sam'l Hall, Benjamin Doud, Ithamer Ward, Ezra Clap, Edward Bush, Joshua Rockwell,Jr. Amos Higby, Alexander Cooley, Jeduthan Higby, Elisha Cone, John P. Kentney, William W. Higby, Jonathan Collins, John Ives, Noah Ashley." " At a special town meeting held at the dwelling house of Mr. Nathaniel Shaler in the town of Turin on Wednes- day the 22 day of December 1802 for the purpose of choosing an agent to at- tend the Legislature of the State of New York at their next session to carry into effect' a certain petition for a Turnpike Road from Utica through the Black River Country &c according to a peti- tion of fourteen of the Inhabitants of said town for said meeting. Jonathan Collins Chairman & Samuel Hall Clerk. Voted, That there shall be no agent sent at the expense of the town." " Voted. That there shall be a town set off from the town of Turin and to run from thence along the division line of Townships Nos. 5, 4, 10 & 11. In the N W corner of township No. 4, & from thence along the division line be- tween townships No 3 & 4, to the S W cor of township No 4, and to run from thepce along the division line between townships no 9, & 4, to run the same course across the point of township no 5 until it strikes the North line of Town- ship no 3 and to run from thence along the N line of township no 3 until it strikes the Black River and thence along the Black river to the place of be- ginning." 504 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Special Town Meeting. " To the Town Clerkof the Town of Turin : " We your petitioners request you to call a town meeting as soon as may be convenient for the purpose of choosing three delegates for the purpose of meet- ing at Freedom Wright's in the town of Harrisburgh on the first Tuesday of Jan- uary at 1 1 o'clock A. M. Dec. lo, 1803. Eleazor House, William Holliday, Joshua Rockwell, Willard Allen, Jabez Foster, Winthrop Shepard, Oliver Bush, Ezra Clapp, Reuben Porter, John Salmon, Stephen Taylor, William Rice, Joseph Hubbard, Elisha Scovil, Gideon Shepard. "Turin, December 19, 1803. " At a special Town Meeting held at the house of Mr. Jeduthan Higby this day for the purpose of choosing three delegates for the purpose of meeting at Mr. Freedom Wright's in Harrisburgh on the 1st Tuesday in January next, for the purpose of conferring with other towns down the river about dividing the county, &c." "Voted. That this meeting will pro- ceed to choosing three delegates for the purpose above mentioned." Chosen. Jonathan Collins, 1 -^^^ (he Dele- John Ives, \ gates for the Ezra Clap, ) above purpose. Attest Samuel Hall Town Clerk. 804. Eleazer House Supervisor." "At a Special Town Meeting held at the house of Deacon Jeduthan Higby 's in the town of Turin agreable to a petition of the inhabitants of said town, Jonathan Collins Moderator. Voted, that three delegates be chosen to meet at Capt Nodiah Hubbard's in Champion on Wed- nesday the 7 Feb'y 1804." " Voted that Jonathan Collins, Esq., Capt Ezra Clap, and Maj Zaceriah Bush be the delegates for the before mentioned meet- ing. Meeting dissolved. Jabez Foster, Clerk. Levi Collins Town Clerk." "Convened at the house of Deacon Jeduthan Higby's agreable to notice for a special Town Meeting, Jonathan Col- lins Moderator. Voted that the town send delegates to meet the delegates of the several towns on the Black River, agreable to Notification and Petition. Voted that the town send three delegates for the above purpose. Voted that Jonathan Collins ) John Ives & > Esqr's Elijah Wads worth ) be the delegation. Voted that this meet- ing adjourned. Turin 17 No^r 1804. Levi Collins, Town Clerk." The location of the State road in this town between Holliday's tavern and Dan Taylor's, (one mile north of Turin vil- lage), excited the most active opposition of conflicting interests, and led to several town meetings, at one of which the Town Clerk was directed not to record the road, and the town voted to indemni- fy the Clerk and Road Commissioners in any suit that might be brought in conse- quence of said road not being recorded. They resolved " that this meeting views with indignation and concern, the shame- ful and improper conduct of the commis- sioners in laying and establishing the State road through Turin, in which they have neither consulted the inter- ests of the inhabitants generally nor the town of Turin in particular." The present village of Turin has since been built upon the prescribed section, and more than a mile of the new road led over a causeway through swamps, which were not brought under cultiva- tion until many years after. A line of well cultivated farms, owned by substan- tial farmers, had before this been estab- lished along the East and West roads, and the location of a road that was to become an important thoroughfare, by the Commissioners between them was very naturally regarded as hostile to almost every resident interest in town. Their opposition however was unavail- ing, and the new section of road was HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 505 soon found to offer a more central and convenient point of business than had before been found in the town. The same year it was voted to remove all foreigners from the town, unless they gave bonds with two sureties to indem- nify the town against all charges dur- ing their natural lives ; to apply to all who had not gained residence. In i8i2,afineof $10, and in 1816, of $5, was voted for allowing Canada thistles to go to seed. The division which gave a part of this town to Martinsburgh in 18 19 ex- cited active hostility. A special meeting was called, and George Davis, John Ives, Levi Hart, Oliver Bush and Elea- zer Baldwin were appointed a committee to draw up a petition to the Legislature to regain the lost territory. In 1823, a committee, consisting of Levi Hart, Heman Stickney and Leon- ard House, was appointed to circulate a subscription for a town house at the Four Corners, and another, consisting of Jonathan Collins, James McVickar and James Miller, 2d, for a like purpose, the location to be near the Episcopal church, north of Constableville. In May, a special meeting received the reports of these committees, and decided in favor of the former, which united the plan of a town house and church. This resulted in the union meeting house hereinafter noticed. In 1824, the wishes of the voters upon a division of the town were tested by a vote which gave 40 for, and 200 against, the measure. In 1836 a bounty of $5 was offered for wolves ; the only instance in which this town has offered these premiums. Turin embraces parts of Townships 3 and 4, or Pomona and Lucretia of Con- stable's four towns. They were sur- veyed by Benjamin Wright in 1795, and by a deed executed December 29, 1795, William Constable conveyed to Na- thaniel Shaler an undivided half of these towns at $2 per acre, and made him his attorney for selling the remainder in farms of 100 or 200 acres, for which he was to have the profits over the price above named. Settlement was begun at No. 4, at the village of Constableville in 1796, as will be more fully mentioned in our history of West Turin. As Mr. Shaler's mills, house and agency were located there, we have only to notice, in this connection the settlement of that portion now em- braced in this town. The early pur- chasers paid $4 to $4.75 per acre, and in 1803 new lands were held as high as $17 per acre in favorite localities. The first improvements were made on Township 4, or the more eastern of the two, about 1797, by emigrants from Meriden and Middletown, Ct., who were joined in one or two years by quite a number from Westfield and towns adjacent in Massa- chusetts, among whom during the first three years were Edward Johnson, Zac- cheus and Amos Higby, Elijah, Justus and Reuben Woolworth, Thomas Kil- ham, Levi and Stephen Hart, Giles Fos- ter, Zaccheus Bush and sons, Oliver, Walter, Edward, Henry, Enoch and Charles, John Salmon, John Wilkinson, Winthrop and Gideon Shepard, Judah Barnes, Daniel Taylor, Consider WiUis- ton, Jonathan Bush, Thomas Ragan, Levi Benedict, Beekman Sabin, George and Thomas Hoskins, Elias Sage, Ben- jamin Dowd and others. The Johnson and Higby families were from Middle- town, Ct., the Bush, Woolworth, Shep- ard and Kilham famiHes from Westfield, Mass., and Salmon, Wilkinson, Ragan, Benedict and Sabin, from Pawling, Duchess county, N. Y. Census of Turin in 1800. The following census of heads of fami- lies in Turin, (then including a small part of Martinsburgh and the whole of So6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. West Turin,) in 1800, will recall many familiar names of old inhabitants, not one of whom is now living. The de- scendants, many of them bearing the same name, are among those still resid- ing in the town. For convenience of reference, we place them in alphabetical order, and add after each name, the num- ber of males and of females in each family : — Allen, Ebenezer, 2, 2. House, Eleazer, 3, o. AUice, Oliver, 2, 3. Hubbard, Ashbell, 2, 4. Bale, Hendrick, 1, 3. Hubbard, Joseph, 5, 3. Barnes, Amos, 2, 2. Hubbard, Wm., 5, 5. Barnes, Amos, Jr., 1, 2. Ives, John, 5, 3. Barnes, Joel, 3, i. Ives, Levi, 4, 3. Barnes, Judah, 4, 4. Johnson, Edward, 3, 3. Barnes, William, 3, 5. Merwin, Heman, 8, 3. Benedict, Levi, 3, 2. Miller, James, 2, 2. Birdseye, G., 2, i. Miller, Jesse, 2, 2. Brainerd, Samuel, 1,2. Miller, Seth, 6, 3. Bush, Jonathan, 5, 2. Minnick, Barnard, 9, 5. Clap, Ezra, 5, o. Moore, John, i, i. Clowbridge, Chris'r, 7, 6. Moore, Nathaniel, 2, i. Coe, Nathan, i, i. Parsons, Aaron, 6, i. Coleman, Wm., 3, 2. Rice, Abner, 2, 4. Collins, Jonathan, 7, 4. Rice, Abner, Jr., 2, 4. Cone, Elisha, 2, 4. Rice, William, 3, 3. Cook, Peter, 2, 2. Rockwell, Joshua, 7, 4. Crofoot, Elisha, 5, 2. Rockwell, J., Jr., 3, 2. Daniels, William, 3, 5. Sabins, Beekman, 3, 4. Dowd, Benj., 3, 5. Sage, Ehas, 2, i Dowd, Titus, 4, 3. Hall, David, 4, i. Hall, Salmon, i, 2. Hall, Samuel, 6, 2. Hart, Levi, i, 3. Hart, Stephen, 4, 3'. Higby, Amos, 3, 3. Higby, Benj., 4, i. Higby, Daniel, 5, 3. Higby, Johan, 2, 1. Higby, Noah, 4, 4. Higby, Zacheus, i, 3. Hill, Thomas, 4, 4. Salmon, John, 2, 5. Scovill, Elisha, 3, 2. Scovill, Lemuel, 4, 2. Shepherd, Gideon, 2, 3. Shepherd, W., 3, 2. Smith, Levi, 4, 3. Stephens, Elizur, 2, 3. Tyler, Frederick, 2, i. Underwood, T., i, 2. Wadsworth, Eben'r, 2, 2. Wadsworth, Elijah, i, 2. Wadsworth, T., i, 2. Ward, Ethamore, 4, i. Hoadley, Philemon, 9,3. Williston, C, r, i. Hoskins, Thos., 1, 2. Wilkinson, J., 3, 2. Hough, Levi, 3, i. The total summed up as follows: — White Males, under 10 years, 85. Females, 82. " 10 to 16 " 27. 16 to 26 " 59. " 26 to 45 " 59. " " 45 and upwards 15. Free colored, three; of whom one was in the family of C. Willistan, and two with Oliver AUice. General total, 440. 21. I'i- 39- II. Census of Electors in Turin in 1807. (Including the present towns of Turin and West Turin, and a small part of the southern border of Martinsburgh.) [JOHN IVES, Census Taker.J Alford, Abner. Allen, Ebenezer. Allen, William. Baldwin, Ebenezer. Barker, Grove. Barnes, Amos. Barnes, Judah. Barnes, William. Benedict, Levi. Birdseye, Gershom. Bliss, John. Bradford, Joseph. Brainard, Samuel. Burnham, Joseph. Bush, Charles. Bush, Edward. Bush, Enoch. Bush, Ohver. Bush, Walter. Bush, Zaccheus. Cadman, William. Carter, Charles. Chalker, Joseph. Clapp, Ezra. Clark, Cephas. Clear, Joseph. Clowbridge, Chris'r. Cone, Elisha. Coe, Nathan. Collins, Jonathan. Collins, Levi. Collins, Selden. Cooley, Alexander. Cooley, Jonathan. Cone, Richard. Crane, Jesse. Crofoot, Elisha. Crofoot, Isaac Daniels, Enoch. Daniels, William. Day, Daniel. Dewey, Israel. Dowd, Benjamin. Emms, Joshua. Emms, Joshua, Jr. Erven, William. Fairchild, Liberty. Ferry, Aaron. Field, Jeremiah. Field, Pardon. Foster, Aaron. Foster, Chauncey. Foster, Giles. Foster, Timothy. Giles, David. Goodrich, Alvin. Hall, David. Halladay, William. Hancock, Jothan. Hart, Levi. Hart, Stephen. Hawkins, Jonathan. Higby, Amos. Higby, Benjamin. Higby, Daniel. Higby, John. Higby, Jeduthan. Higby, Moses. Higby, Noah. Higby, William. Higby, William W. Higby, Zaccheus. Higby, Zaccheus, Jr. Hills, Selah. Hill, Timothy. Hoadley, Lyman. Hoadley, Philemon. Hooker, John. Hoskins, George. Hosliins, Thomas. Hough, John. House, Ebenezer. Hovey, Cilphy. Hubbard, Ashbel. Hubbard, Eliphalet. Hubbard, Joseph. Hubbard, William. Hulbert, Hezekiah. Hutchinson, James. IngersoU, Daniel. Ives, Levi. Johnson, Ebenezer. Johnson, Ebenezer. Johnson, Edward. Johnson, Timothy. Kendall, David. Kendall, Elijah. Kentner, John P. Kentner, John P., Jr. Kilham, John. Kilham, Thomas. Lane, David. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 507 Linsey, I.uke. Loomis, Joshua. Lyman, Ezekiel. Markham, Benjamin. Markham, Ebenezer. Markham, Ebenezer, Jr. Markham, John. Merwin, Heman. Metcalf, Samuel. Miller, David. Miller, James. Miller, James, 2d. Miller, James W. Miller, Jesse. Miller, Sylvester. Minech, Barnabas. Milchel, Abner. Mix, James. Moore, Nathaniel. Munger, James. Murdock, James. Nimocks, Noble. Nimocks, Rowland. Palmer, George. Parsons, Aaron. Parsons, Johnson. Parsons, Stephen. Payne, Nathan. Payne, Reuben. Phelps, David. Phelps, Obadiah. Pitcher, Reuben. Platts, Abel. Plumb, Samuel. Poor, John. Porter, Joseph. Porter, Reuben. Preston, Joshua. Ragan, Amos H. Ragan, Thomas. Raymond, Josiah P. Rees, William. Roberts, Calvin. Robinson, Fenn. Rockwell, Caleb. Rockwell, Joshua. Rogers, Abner. Rogers, Eli. Rowley, Daniel. Sabin, Beekman. Sacket, Monardus. Salmon, Beverly. Salmon, Charles. Salmon, John. Scovil, Elisha, Jr. Scovil, Hezekiah. Scranton, Hamlet. Searl, Stephen. Shepard, Gideon. Shepard, Winthrop. Smith, Samuel. Stickney, Heman. Taylor, Dan. Taylor, Stephen. Truman, Elijah. Tuttle, Ichabod. Upford, Nathaniel. Wadsworth, Ebenezer. Wadsworth, Elijah. Wakefield, Matthew. Walker, Zebulon. Waters. Aaron. Waters, Joseph. Way, Russel. Webster, Eli. Weller, Winthrop. Welter, Royal. Wilcox, Jeremiah. Wilkinson, John. Williams, Ephraim. Williams, Thomas. Williston, Consider. Woolworth, Justus. Woolworth, Levi. Wright Eleazer. Wright Joel. Obituary Dates, and Brief Notes Concerning Early Settlers and Well Known Citizens of Turin AND West Turin. Having at hand a considerable num- ber of names of former citizens of the southern part of the town of Turin, some of them pioneers, and others long resident, we will place them below in alphabetical order, with dates of death and occasional notes. In doing so, we wish to disclaim any selection, or prefer- ence ; and the absence of names that should have been mentioned, simply indicates that the data were not in our possession at the time of writing. Names mentioned in connection with Houseville, will not here be repeated : — Baldwin Edmund, died May 3, 1861, aged 57. Member of Assembly at the time of his death. Lived in West Turin. Barnes Judah, died February 23, 1821, aged 67. Son ot Amos, who came into town afterwards. Assisted in building first mill, in -Turin, in 1798. Judah Barnes was a County Judge, and in the Assembly in 1808-09. Barnes Martin, died February 13, 1862, aged 78. Benedict Ebenezer, died January 21, 1870, aged 70. Benedict Levi, died June 11, 1833. Budd Dr. David, from Schoharie coun- ty, where he was born September 30, 1798. Came to Collinsville in 1821 ; died in Turin village, November 4, 1848 ; was for some years a County Judge. Budd Dr. Charles D., son of preced- ing. Began to practice about 1846, and died October 12, 1881, aged 59. He held a diploma from the State Medical Society, of which we believe, he was a member. Burdick Benjamin, died September 24, 1865, aged 76. Bush Jonathan, died July 3, 1825, aged 80. Bush Jonathan, died May 29, 1863, aged 88. Bush Abner P., died June 14, 1880, aged 70. Carpenter James, born January, 1795, died November 21, 1879. Case Pardon G., died March 15, 1874. Church Artemas M., died June, 1855 ; formerly from St. Lawrence county. Clark Milo, died September 27, 1868, aged 68. Clobridge Charles C, a soldier, died at Brattleboro, Vt., in hospital, August 23, 1864, aged 34. Clapp Ezra, born May 28, 1760, in Westneld, married Grace Mather, Feb- ruary 22, 1 78 1. Settled one mile south of Houseville, and kept inn for thirty years; died in Westfield, June 17, 1838. Clobridge Christopher, was a Hessian So8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. soldier in the Revolution ; died May 8, 1844, aged 98. His son, Adam, a pioneer, died November 2, 1849. Clobridge John, died January i, 1881, aged 95. Cornish Dr. Josiah, died January 2, 1876, aged 58. Practiced medicine thirty years. Crittenden Dea. Artemas, died May 9, 1843- Crofoot James, died February 7, 1861, aged 74. Crofoot Oliver, died February 13, 1858, aged 82. Cummings Dr. Morgan L., died April 7, 185 1, aged 45. Devoe Rev. David, died April 10, 1844. Dewey Cadwell, died April 25, 1882. Many years a cloth manuiacturer and mill owner. Dewey Ether W., died February 20, 1879, aged 67. Dewey Chester, died May 23, 1844. Dewey Royal Dwight was born at Westfield, Mass., October 3, 1791. His father, Aaron Dewey, afterwards re- moved to Franklin, Delaware county, N. Y„ where R. D. Dewey resided until the year 1809, when he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Walter Dewey, in the town of Turin, (at CoUins- ville). Was licensed to practice as a ph3'sician and surgeon, by the Medical Society of the County of Lewis, July 13, 1812, (Jonathan Bush, President, John Safford, Charles Squire, and Horatio G. Hough, Censorsforthe County of Lewis.) Practiced his profession with Dr. Walter Dewey, under the firm name of W. & R. D. Dewey, at CoUinsville, until early in the j'car 18 16, when he removed to Turin village, and continued the practice of medicine there until a short time before decease. Was married to Melin- da Hart, daughter of Stephen Hart, of Turin, March lo, 1818, by whom he had ten children — six sons and four daugh- ters. His wife died May 8, 1838, and he died November 13, 1839. While in practice with Dr. W. Dewey, at CoUins- ville, the epidemic raged in this section, at which time they were the only phy- sicians in the then town of Turin. Dr. R. D. Dewey was appointed a Justice of the Peace in March, 18 18, which office he held for a number of years. And in the same year was appointed I Postmaster at Turin. He was elected Supervisor of the town of Turin for the years i836-'37-'38-'39. Dewey Walter, first physician in the present limits of Turin, son of John D. Dewey, of Leyden, born in Westfield, August 20, 1795. He built the first house in Turin village, in 1803 ; removed soon after to CoUinsville, where he died February 28, 1821. Dominick John I., died July 29, 1875, aged 65. Dowd Benjamin, died January 6, 1852. Fenton Aaron, died April 29, 1853. Fisher John, died September 29, 1859, (by suicide). Foot Dea. Adoniram, died April 27, 1866. Lived many years in Martins- burgh. Foster Giles, died January i, 1844, aged 87. Foster Lyman, died April 2, 1 861, aged 81. Foster Rev. Sylvester, died April 2, 1861, aged 81. Gay lord Joseph, died June i, 1871, aged 79. Goff Duell, died September 8, 1852, aged 68. He was for some years a county judge. Hart Levi, an early and prominent settler ; in 1818 in Assembly, and many years a judge. He died June 30, 1834, aged 61. Hart Nathaniel, died August 8, 1873, aged 75, at Port Lejden. Hart Stephen, died August 13, 1859, aged 90. Mrs. H. died May 16, 1848. Hart Sylvester, died April 13, 1874, aged 70. Higby Amos, died at Holland Patent, June 14, 1848, aged 95. Higby Amos, Jr., whom we elsewhere notice as Town Clerk and keeper of the Turin Social Library, deserves at our hand a kindly notice. He was a mer- chant in a very small way, and being in- genious in the use of tools, spent much of his time in the manufacture of such items as axe-helves, ox-yokes, hickory whip-stocks and the like, that formed a part of his stock in trade. Exact in all things, he filled so completely the duties of a Town Clerk, that his name was mentioned from year to year, as the man for the place, and nobody thought of running against him. At length, a few [CiinWELL DEWET,] CADWELL DEWEY. The first that is known of the ancestors of the Dewey family was Thomas Dewey, who came in 1633 from Sandwich, Kent, England, near the ancient town of Dover, and settled in Dorchester, Mass, He married the widow Frances Clarke, in 1638, by whom he had five children. He died April 27, 164S. Aaron Dewey 4th, grandfather to Cad well, was born January 26, 1750. He married March 12, 1777, Sybel Cadwell, born August 7, 1755, daughter of Abel Cad- well, of Westfield, and Anna Dwight, great-aunt to President Timothy Dwight, of Yale College. They had eight children. Aaron Dewey 5th, father of Cadwell, was one of this number, and was bom October 10, 1777. He married in 1807 for his second wife Betsey Vail, of Long Island, N. Y. He moved from this State to Ohio, and from there to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. He died August 20, 1849. Cadwell Dewey was born in the town of Franklin, Delaware county, N. Y., October 5, i8og. In that town his earlier years were passed at the home of his grandparents until about the age of thirteen, when he came to Turin, with his uncle, Dr. Royal Dwight Dewey, who wished him to study for the practice of medicine. With this uncle he remained a few years attending school, but preferring an active business life to the medical profession, he returned to his home, and soon after went to the town of Unadilla, Otsego county, N. Y., where he learned the trade of cloth dressing and manufacturing, with the firm of Crooker & Williams. In 1831, at the solicitation of his uncle, he came to Turin, and engaged in business with Lyman Lane, as partner, and began the manufacture of woolen goods. Coming to this town when the country was compara- tively new, he entered actively into the pursuit of busi- ness, and for many years carried on a successful enter- prise. Mr. Dewey was identified both in business and social interests with the people of this vicinity for more than fifty years. He was a man of great activity, of pleasing address and affable manners. His family as- sociations were pleasant and tender. He was for a num- ber of years a member of the Methodist church, and was held in esteem by all with whom he came in con- tact. He died at his home in Deweyville, April 25, 1882, aged 72 years 6 months 20 day.s. Cadwell Dewey married in Turin, January 8, 1835, Frances C. Foster, who was born February 22, [818, in the town of Islip, Suffolk county. Long Island, and who came with her parents to Turin, in 1830, where she has since resided- Their children were, William C, born December 6, 1835, (married in New York, February 11, 1859, Sarah D. Hammond, who died in Brooklyn, July 7, 1866, and who married for his second wife Louise B. Neff, November 6, 1872, and resides in New York ;) Charles D. Dewey, born May 12, 1838, (married in Lowville, February 27, 1861, Amanda C. Foster, who died September 13, i86g, and who was again married, in Medina, N. Y., September 5, 1877, to Nancy L. Johns- ton, and lives now in Batavia ;) S. Foster, born June 14, 1840, resides in New York ; John S., born September 24, 1842, resides in Batavia, N. Y. ; R. Dwight, boi-n April 8, 1850, married in Brockport, N. Y., October 22, 1879, Alma Bann, and lives in Batavia ; Albert A., born May 17, 1845, died April 3, 1850 ; Frances E., born May 27, i860, died March 16, 1863. Of these children William C, is a prominent whole- sale grocer and produce merchant, in New York. Fos- ter is known upon Wall street, and in the Stock Ex- change. Charles D., is general manager of the cele- brated Johnston Harvester Works, of Batavia, N, Y., and also connected with that manufactory are John S. and R. Dwight Dewey. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 509 votes were cast for someone else at a town meeting. It must have been done from mischief — it could not have been from malice, for he was a man that had no enemies. He resigned however, the office, to which he had been elected twenty-two years in succession, by an overwhelming majority, because he was not unanimously elected. From this time till the end, he remained in the post of honor — a private station. Few men have lived a more blameless life, or have passed through the world with fewer conflicts with the interests of others. He died February 17, 1857, aged 63 years. Mr. Higby was of the Unitarian faith, and published two editions of a small book, which set forth his peculiar views in theology. Higby Benjamin, died February 22, 1866, aged 68, at Phoenix, N.Y., formerly of West Turin. Higby James H., died April i, 1878, aged 62. Higby Philander, died December 16, 1862, aged 44. Higby Zaccheus, died February 13, 1 8 16, aged 82. Higby Zaccheus, died September 14, 1 86 1, aged 98, in Illinois. Hoadley Lyman, died in West Turin, February 4, 1861, aged 79. Holden Emory B., died August 2, 1878, aged 62. Hoskins George, died August 22, 1848, aged 66. Howard James, died July 18, i860, aged 83. Spent most of his life in St. Lawrence county, where he was a prom- inent citizen. Hutchinson James, died of cancer, November 22, 1847, at an advanced age. Ives Selden, died September 11, 1874, aged 57. Jones Evan R., died March 25, 1872, aged 66. Jones Rowland, died February 22, 1858, aged 82. Kendall Edwin, died February 20, 1869, aged 77- . ^ ^ Kent Henry, died June i, 1855. Kentner David, died near Rochester, October, 17, 1855, aged 73. Kentner John P., died November 11, 1836, aged 86. Kentner Warren H., died December 30, 1879, aged 70. Kilham Thomas, born March 23, 1752, died April 25, 1825, from an opiate given by a drunken physician. His wife, Mary, died March 18, 1845, aged 93. Their sons were : — Kilham Heman, died October 14, 1847, aged 64. Kilham John, died April 21, 1870, aged 79. Kilham Samuel, died March 20, 1863, at Sandy Hook, Md. Kilham Solomon, died September 14, 1874, aged 74. Lee Enoch, died March 11, 1874, aged yy. Mrs. Lee, died August 10, 1856. Lewis Owen, died September 21, 1872, aged 76. Lyman Dea. Mitchel, born February 14, 1800, died December 27, 1875. Mickel Andrew, died August 2, 1841, aged 60. Miller Abram, died November 28, 1858, aged 79. Miller Halsey, died October 25, 1877, aged yy. Millard Benjamin, died March 6, 1870, aged 97. Mott Joseph O., died December 21, 1843. Was a lawj^er and Member of Assembly in 1830. Page Henry, died July 15, 1843, aged 48. Was a lawyer. Phelps Obadiah, died September 10, i860, aged 94. Ragan Egbert, died July 26, 1880, aged 81. Ragan Henry, born November 12, 1793, died December 14, 1865, aged 63 years, 6 months. Ragan James, born November 13, 1793, died December 14, 1865. Ragan John, died August 19, 1868, aged 68. Ragan Thomas, died May 13, 1820, aged 63. Rockwell Jabez, died April 28, 1867, aged 75. Rockwell James, died October 12, 1847, aged 51. Sacket Chester, died June 16, 1848, aged 56. Salmon John, died July 26, 1813, aged 56. * Salmon John, died August 11, 1857, aged 56. Salmon Rev. Martin, born in Pawling, N. Y., October 8, 1794; preached many 510 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. years in various Baptist churches of this region, and died September 13, 1847. The " Old School " Baptists of Turin were sometimes called " Salmonites " from him. Mrs. Salmon, his widow, died November 4, 1861. Schoolcraft Elisha, died February 2, 1875, aged 62. Scovill Lemuel, died March 26, 1863, in West Turin. Scovil Orin, died November 27, 1874, aged yj. Searl Pliny, died October 2, 1862, aged 54. Seymour Dea. Alva, died April 19, 1868, aged 72. Shepard George, died in Champion, May I, 1853, aged 55 ; formerly sheriff, son of Winthrop S. Shepard Maj. Gideon, died December 12, 1850, aged 81. Served in War of 1812-15, son of Charles S. of Westfield, and nephew of Gen. William S., an oiifi- cer of the Revolution, and prominent in suppressing "Shay's Rebellion" in 1787. He died in Westfield, Mass., November II, 1817. Shepard Joshua, died June 10, 1872, aged 71. Shepard Capt. Winthrop, died Sep- tember 24, 1854, aged 82 ; brother of Maj. Gideon S. Shepard Winthrop, died June 19, 1866, aged 73. Silvernail John, died December 16, 1859, aged 85. Stickney Heman, born in Bennington, Vt., August 13, 1783. Married Paulina, daughter of Rufus and Tabitha (Moore) Stephens, who was born October 21, 1787, and died in Lowville, June 22, 1819. They had three daughters, viz : (i) Aurelia Stephens, born Januarv 23, 1 8 10, died May 9, 18 19, (2) ]^aria Theresa, born December 28, 1812 ; mar- ried Dr. Walter Dewey, who settled in Antwerp and died there. She after- wards resided in Watertown. (3) Pau- lina Tabitha, born October 12, 1817 ; married Gen. Tilly R. Pratt, and settled in Watertown. Mr. Stickney died No- vember 23, 1834, while on a journey in the western country — we believe in Ken- tucky, or below. Storrs Cordial, settled first in West Turin and then in the eastern part of Martinsburgh. He resided some years in Lowville, and in Watson, and_ finally died in Washington, D. C, June 7, 1877, nearly 92 3'ears of age. He was born in Mansfield, Conn., December 22, 1785. He practiced surveying to some extent, and was reputed as accurate and relia- ble in whatever he undertook. Streeter Rev. Reuben, died April 6, i860, aged 64 — Old School Baptist. Strickland Simeon, died June 14, 1865, aged 80. Swackhammer Samuel, died July 29, 1 86 1, aged 67. Taylor Daniel, settled on the Williston place, near Turin village, died October I, 1813, aged ej. Thayer Harrison L., merchant, died October 30, 1882, aged 65. Utley John, died August 23, 1 881, aged 88. Whitaker William, died March 21, 1 879, aged 66. White Albert A., born in Steuben July II, 1803, came to Turin in 1825, died Jan- uary 2, 1876. White Frederick, died October 5, 1863, on passage from Vicksburg to Helena, Ark., being in army service. Son of preceding. Wickham Chatham, died January 13, 1863, aged 86. Settled in 18 12. Wilcox Ozias ,died March 11, 1876, aged 82. Many years a merchant. Wilkinson John, settled in 1798, died January 23, 1857, aged 89. His was the last house northward at time of settle- ment till reaching Lowville. Williams John J., died December 8, 1861, aged 70. WiUiams Robert, died June 6, 1874, aged 79. Williston Consider, died September 20, 1851. Williston George, died June 19, 1857, aged 60. Woolworth. These families were from Westfield. The first three were brothers, viz : — Woolworth Elijah,came in 1797, moved to Allegany county, and died in 1828. Woolworth Justus, came in 1797, kept a hotel in Turin from September, 1809, till about 1840, died October 31, 1845, aged 71. Woolworth Reuben, came in 1800, set- tled as a farmer on State road a mile and a half north of the village, and died HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 5" June 28, 1872, aged 83. His son, Clin- ton W., died September 11, 1866, aged 31 years, 8 months. Woolworth Levi, uncle to preceding, came in 1806, died October, 1835. Was from Suffield. Woolworth Edward, died February 17, 1862, aged 45. Son of Justus W. Woolworth George, died at CoUins- ville, August 23, 1 88 1, aged 74. Son of Justus W. Woolworth Orrin, born July 26, 1803, died July 22, 1872. Son of Justus W. Woolworth Paris, died at Rockford, 111., February 10, 1863, aged 50. Son of Justus W. Incidents of Settlement. Settlement upon Township No. 3 was delayed until October, 1798, when Eleazer House, Ezra Clapp, Winthrop Shepard, David Kendall, Alexander Cooley and others, purchased on the East road op- posite Houseville, in March, 1799; they returned and worked through the season. Mr. House built a saw-mill, put up the frame of a house and barn, and in March, 1800, moved his family. He resided on the East road till 1808, When he moved to the place since known as Houseville. He kept an inn from his first removal till near the time of his death. He was active in opposing Clapp and others in the location of the State road, on the route finally chosen, and labored hard to secure a business point at his mill. A grist mill was built in 18 16, and anoth- er many years after by his son, Leonard House. The latter stood on the present site of Rumble's mill, and was built Feb- ruary 10, 1 85 1. An incident occurred near Houseville in the summer of 1808, which is worth preserving, as belonging to the primitive days of settlement. The country abounded in wild animals, es- pecially wolves, bears and deer, and the former became so bold as to carry off on one occasion a sheep from the field of Mr. Clapp, by daylight, although Mrs. Clapp endeavored to frighten away the beast. Upon the date mentioned, Mr. Clapp found a large black wolf In a trap, half a mile west of the house, and with his neighbor's help, beat him with clubs until he was thought to be dead. He then took the wolf before him on horse- back, and brought him to his barn, but as he evinced signs of life on the way, it was thought safe to secure him by a chain around the neck, the trap remain- ing upon his leg. Half an hour after the wolf was as active as ever, and the set- tlers upon learning the circumstance, assembled from far and near to in- dulge in savage sport with the chained enemy of their flocks. Many large dogs were provoked to attack him separately, but one snap from his powerful jaws sent them howling from the barn, nor could they be induced to ap- proach a second time. Having wearied themselves with this brutal amusement, his captors at length ended his life by a rifle shot. The writer, in boyhood, often heard related an incident that happened in the early days of settlement (about 1803 or 1804), upon the East road, somewhat southward from the present village of Houseville in this town. The participants in the affair have all passed off long ago, but the moral of the story remains. Several young carpenters were at work upon a house, towards one of whom a damsel of the neighborhood had formed an ardent affection. She might not have been discreet, but she took occasion to express her love in a way that gave the comrades of the young man an occasion for joking him without mercy. He tried to get rid of her attentions, and finally used the horse-whip upon her. This being known, a party of young men, disguised to prevent recognition, seized the ungallant object of misplaced affec- tion, and rode him one moonlight evening a long distance on a rail. He identified some of them, who were sued for dam- 512 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ages, and fined one hundred dollars apiece for their amusement. This same young man afterwards married this young woman, and both of them died many years ago, very old. About 1 8 1 2, several teamsters stopping at House's tavern, noticed wolf tracks about, which the party followed until they found the animal concealed un- der a log. He was killed by one of them with a hemlock knot, within a quar- ter of a mile of Houseville. Deer were accustomed to cross over from the hills on the west to the forests east of the river, at the point known as " Proven's Hill," at the former gate-, house of the Turin plank road, and also at a point half a mile south of Turin village. They would begin to appear late in the evening, and in the course of the night, hundreds would cross. On one occasion Mr. Clapp built a yard en- closed with a high tree-fence on three sides, the fourth being a steep descent, and in one night forty deer were caught in this enclosure. As late as 1830, num- bers of deer were shot at Proven's Hill. The last wolf hunt in this town oc- curred in the swamp adjacent to this place in the summer of 1836, when three or four of these animals were traced thither, but although many persons surrounded the woods, they mostly escaped. On the 17th of October, i860, a bear was started in this town near the river, and chased several miles up through the woods, parallel with and east of the State road to near the Turin grave-yard. It then crossed north of the village, and was finally killed near the top of the hill. To settle the claims of captors, the hide and tallow were sold at auction, and the pro- ceeds divided among twenty-three claim- ants. The former brought $4.50, and the latter $5.75, making the dividend a fraction over 44 cents. • An anecdote is told of a citizen of this town, who took a number of cattle to sell at Ogdensburgh soon after the war. Up- on learning that the Canadians would pay a higher price, he crossed over to make a bargain. He asked a shilling per pound for beef, but could only get an offer of ten pence, and after wrangling a long time, he at length accepted. Up- on being paid he was pleasantly surprised at receiving a much greater sum than was expected, for while he had been talking in New York currency, his pur- chaser was dealing in sterling money. The first mill in Turin was a stump mortar, made by Christopher Clobridge, in 1797, in the eastern border of the town, on the farm afterwards owned by Nathan W. Douglass. To this the first settlers were accustomed to resort, when Shaler's mill at Constableville, was not running. The first grist-mill in the present town of Turin was built by Giles Foster, at the present site of the mill af- terward owned by Cadwell Dewey, on the East road. It was once burnt. Schools, Library, Etc. Schools were first established about i8ai. The first measure taken for the visitation of schools was in 1807, when in the entire absence of law upon the subject, the town appointed the Rev. James Murdock, Elder Stephen Parsons, Deacon Timothy Hill, David Kendall, Ebenezer Baldwin and Richard Cone a committee ^o inspect the schools. Late in 1813, a special town meeting was called to organize schools under the law. The town was divided into eight districts. OHver Bush, Levi Collins and Seth Miller, Sr., were chosen School Commissioners, and on the istof Decem- berthe Justices appointed Judah Barnes, William Constable, Duel Goff, Willard Allen, John Hooker and Dr. Walter Dewey, first School Inspectors. The Turin Social Library was formed HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 513 under the act of June 14, 18 14, although a subscription had been started April 20th, previous. In 1839, its prosperity ceased with the formation of school libra- ries, and in the fall of 1849, it was dis- solved, and its books, about 600 in num- ber, were divided among the proprietors. The first trustees were Levi Hart, Eben- ezer Baldwin, Dr. Walter Dewey, Henry Graves,* Duel Goff, John P. Kentner and Martin Hart. During most of its existence it was kept with scrupulous care by Amos Higby, Jr. Probably the earliest literary associa- tion in the county was formed in this town, July 28, 1809, as a debating club. Their preamble read as follows : — " For the promotion of literature, bene- fit of society, and advancement of useful knowledge in Turin, we the undersigned do form ourselves into a society with the title of The Columbian Society, and knowing that no society can flourish without well regulated laws and strict rules, we do all and each of us bind our- selves in penalty,declared in thefollowing laws, to obey them in every particular, and further to promote the institution as lies in our power." The constitution was signed by Martin Hart, John Hooker, Levi Collins, Homer Collins, Urial Hooker, Walter Dewey, Chester Hoadley and Cordial Storrs. We are not informed of the subsequent history of this " Institution," nor were the debates reported in any journal that we have seen. The first question dis- cussed probably settled for all time the doubt as to " Which has been the most beneficial to society? the discovery and use of metals, or the labor and use of animals." On the 30th of April, 1839, the Turin academy was incorporated but it was never organized. The trustees named in the act were Emory B. Holden, Geo. J. Fowler, Nathaniel Hart, Selden Ives, Leonard H. Humason, Orrin Wool- * Mr. Graves was the first merchant in Turin village. worth, Charles G. Riggs, Cadwell Dewey, Albert A. White, Ozias Wilcox and Enoch Lee. Railroad Accident. A railroad accident occurred in this town, in the spring of 1869, which caused the death of Hugh Crocker, the Super- intendent of the road. It was occasioned by the settling of a sandy embank- ment, when softened by heavy rains. The engine, which had no train attached, was thrown down the embankment and others narrowly escaped. Dairying Interests. The town of Turin is noted for the excellence of its farming land, which has scarcely no waste, and is particularly well adapted for dairying. At the present time there are six cheese factories in town, viz. : " Turin Factory," C. D. Hadcock; "Welch Hill," Robert T. Evans; " Houseville Factory," James H. Smith ; " Carpenter Factory," Orrin Carpenter ; " Valley Factory," Girard Perkins; and "Loudon Valley Factory," on the hill near the line of Martinsburgh, Girard Perkins. The " Utica & Black River R. R." passes through this town, but has no station. The business by railroad chiefly goes to Lyons Falls or Glensdale. Turin Village. This place, formerly best known as " Turin Four Corners," lies on the south- ern edge of this town, and had in 1880, a population of 419. It was incorporated under the general act, November 29, 1873, when its population by a special census taken upon that occasion was 384-* * Population by the census of 1870, 552. In 1880 it was reported at 419. We do not believe that the popu- lation decreased to this extent, within this period, nor do we think the statistics of the census of 1880 general- ly, in any degree reliable. 514 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The first officers elected were Charles G. Riggs, President ; Stephen Hart, Harrison J. Thayer, and Stillman D. Nobles, Trustees; Charles N. Owens, Treasurer; and George Phelps, Collec- tor. The succession ot village Presidents has been as follows : — 1873, C. G. Riggs ; 1874, J. E. Stuber ; 1 875-76, Hugh Hughes ; 1 877-'78, Alfred H. Lee; 1879, C. D. Hadcock; 1880, A. H.Lee; 1881, H. J. Thayer; 1882, A. H. Lee. At the charter election of Turin vil- lage, which took place on Tuesday, March 20, 1883, the following officers were elected without opposition : — Charles Crofoot, President ; Julius- L. Clark, George H. Carter, Trustees ; Robert N. Evans, Treasurer ; Albert A. Williston, Collector. The area of the village is one square mile. A code of ordinances and by-laws was adopted January 31,1 874, and printed soon after. In 1878, an engine-house was built at a cost of about $1,500, an engine having been owned since 1872, costing $800. A graded school was established in Turin village in 1868. The village has suffered from several fires, one of which, December 25, 1869, burned over the corner on which the Riggs' Block now stands, and one May 6, 1880, consumed two hotels and Mr. John Strong's store. The present business of the village may be stated as follows : — Blacksmiths. — Michael Diver; Aup-. Earlenback; C. G. Riggs. Boot and Shoe Makers. — Chauncey B. Litchfield ; W. B. Roberts. Cheese Factory. — Charles D. Hadcock. Clothing Store and Tailor. — j. E. Jones. Cooper. — Lester Holcomb. Dentist. — Wayne L. Collins. Drugs and Groceries. — H. G. Emm ; D E. Hurd. Dry Goods Stores, Etc. — Charles Cro- foot ; R. R. Owen ; Alfred Williams ; William P. Williams. Flour and Feed. — Harris J. Cornish. Foundry. — Charles D. Hadcock. Grist and Flour Mill. — H. Doud. Hardware and Groceries.- - C. G. Riggs> (with a tin shop ;) J. H. Strong. Harnesses. — John Evans ; John E. Stu- ber. Hotel. — George Mealus. Insurance Agent. — Robert Rea. Livery Stables. — John R. Roberts ; John Hildreth. Milliners. — Mrs. A. Crofoot. Planing and Wood -Working. — S. C. Hart. Physicians. — W. W. Jones ; A. C. Mil- ler; William Powell. Printing Office. — " Turin Independent," W. D. Holden, publisher. Shirt Maker. — J. D. Mosley. Tanners. — Roberts & Son. Wagon Shops. — David Driver ; C. G. Riggs, (with a blacksmith shop.) A brass band was organized June i, 1859, but it was broken up in 1862, by several of its members going into the army. There is at present another, .known as the " Turin Cornet Brass Band," of fifteen members, William R. Pritchard, leader. A mile east of this village there was for many years a woolen factory, run by Cadwell Dewey. Upon his becoming insolvent, the work was suspended, ex- cepting as it has since been run as a carding mill in summer. There was also near this factory, and under the same ownership, a grist-mill. It will be noticed from the repeated mention of the name of Charles G. Riggs, that he is connected with several busi- ness enterprises in this town. He is a native of Lee, Oneida county, and came to reside in Martinsburgh about 1831, and in Turin in 1833. There are now but sixteen persons living in the village who [JDHN STRDNB.] JOHN STRONG. John Strong was born in New York City, January 2, 1821. His father was Thomas Strong, a native of England, who came to this country about 1790, and settled in New York, where his after life was passed. He was a farmer and brewer of some repute. His wife was Maria Peers, a native of New York, and a member of the Episcopal church. Both died when their children were young. Mr. Strong has one brother, Dr. James Strong, of Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J. John was educated in Fitch's Academy, Bloom- ingdale, in the vicinity of which place he lived till 1838, when he came to Turin, where he married Elizabeth Foster, June 22, 1841. She was a daughter of Sylvester Foster, and was born in Islip, Long Island, August 16, 1823, and died February 14, 1869. Mr. Strong again married September 29, 1869, his second wife being Mary E., only daughter of Joseph House, of Houseville, Lewis county, who was born March 5, 1836. Mr. Strong has lived a quiet and well ordered life, and has struggled hard to secure a competency by honesty and persevering efforts. He is a farmer of some reputation, an owner of real estate in New York, and is recognized as a man of industry, integrity and honor. He was a member of the Methodist church twenty-five years, and has taken no interest in politics except to perform his elective duty as a citizen. His chil- dren are: Amelia, born July 23, 1842, married Robert D. Rhodes, June 14, 1865 ; Frances D., born September 4, 1844, married G. Gary Bush, February 22, 1867, and died November 27, 1872; John H., born October 29, 1846, married Lamoine Whitaker, October 30, 1869; Elizabeth F., born April 2, 1850, died June 12, 1 861 ; Maria A., born April 9, 1852, married Levi N. Mogg, November 28, 1878; Sylvester, born September 6, 1855 ; Louis T., born April 20, 1875. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 51S resided here when he came forty-nine years ago. By trade a' tinsmith, he has carried on this business from the begin- ning, but for many years has conducted an extensive hardware trade, and a con- siderable amount of manufactures in the way of wagons and carriages. In the latter he usually employs from eight to ten men. He has been actively engaged in various public measures, and has been, we believe, from the beginning, under its present form, an officer of the County- Agricultural Society. HousEViLLE Village. This is a quiet hamlet, finished many years ago, and with no great prospect of its ever being more than what it is to-day, and has been for fifty years — a quiet neighborhood of families — along a quarter of a mile or so of a street in summer darkened by maple shade. It has its church, its tavern, a store, a blacksmith shop, and a neatly fenced graveyard. The place owes its name to Eleazer House and his descendants, who have from the first been the owners of most of the farming lands adjacent. The family came from Glastonbury, Conn. As they were moving into the country, they had a heavy load drawn by a yoke of oxen and a horse. On getting up the hill at Talcott's, in Leyden, they got set, and partly tipped over, so that they were compelled to call on the Talcott young men to help pry up the load, which they did cheerfully and effectually. In return for this civility, Mr. House would fain return a token of thanks in the form of a drink from a cask of spirits which formed a part of his load, but he had neither cup nor glass. Necessity is the mother of invention, and seeing a cow-bell hung upon some part of the load, he untied it, drew a liberal draught, and handed it to those who had thus befriended him in a time of need. Afterwards, in traveling through the country, the House and Talcott men seldom met without speaking of the cow- bell, and it became the subject of many a merry joke and exaggerated story around the bar-room fire. Eleazer House first settled on the East road, opposite the present village, and about a mile distant, where he built a mill. . Upon the location of the State road he moved over to what is now Houseville, and about 1801, built the first hotel, which still remains in use, and is, perhaps, the best representative of the old-fashioned hotels for which this thoroughfare was noteH, before the days of railroads, that could be found any- where in the country. Its ample barns, its open inviting sheds, and its watering trough, its ball-room, and its bar-room, are very much as in the olden time. The village has no manufactures, and but one store, now kept by Ebenezer F. Jones. A cheese factory stands some distance to the east, operated by James H. Smith ; it stands on the site of one burned May i, 1867, with a loss of about $5,000. A mile east on House's creek, is a grist-mill, owned by Charles Rumble & Son. A cheese-box factory and a steam saw-mill, owned by Gary G- Morgan, a mile southwest, completes the inventory of the industrial interests of this vicinity, other than those of the farms. Miscellaneous Notices and Obitu- ary Dates Relating to House- ville; Chiefly from Cemetery Dates. Allen Waters, died December 25, 1846, aged 72. His wife, Anna G., died May 24, 1874, aged 72. Mr. Waters was a blacksmith, and lived on the north line of this town. Baldwin Elijah, died January 6, 1857, aged 84. His wife, Thirzy, died Febru- Si6 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. ary 5, 1850, aged 71. He is noticed as a pioneer settler in Martinsburgh. Bibbins Joseph E., died May 10, i860, aged 81. His wife, Delia, died March 25, 1864, aged 73. Bush Charles, born in Westfield, Mass., September 9, 1779. Was a mer- chant at Lowville, and father of E. H. Bush, the present County Clerk, died at Lowville, February 21, 1852. His wife, Pamelia, born in Westfield, January 5, 1789, died February 27, 1856. Bush Enoch, died August 29, 1849, aged 82. Resided near Turin vil- lage. Bush Henry, died July 23, 1837, aged 56. His wife, Clarissa, died July 5, 1 8 13, aged 27. Bush Horace, (son of Oliver,) died March 5, 1856 aged 49. His wife. Alma, died July 15, 1868, aged 65. Bush Major Oliver, died April 9, 1844, aged 74. His wife. Electa, died Febru- ary 8, 1849, aged 76. Bush Walter, died March 2, 1841, aged 66. His wife, Lydia, died August 22, 1843, aged 69. Bush Zachariah, died November 20, 181 1, aged 69. Supposed to be the first interment in this cemetery. He died of cancer, and was father of Charles, Enoch, Henry, Oliver, and Walter, above men- tioned. His wife, Mary, died August 6, 1822, aged 79. Cad well Joseph, died March 17, 1847, aged 79. Was a cabinet maker in Turin village. Carpenter Amos B., died June 14, 1862, aged 63. His wife, Abby, died April 12, 1844, aged 42, (daughter of Eleazer House). Chase Rev. Squire, died July 26, 1843, aged 41. He was a Methodist minister, and a Presiding Elder. He was for a time Superintendent of the African Mis- sion at Liberia. His wife, Julia, died November 25, 1830, aged 26. Clapp Horace, died February 12, 1864, aged 65. His wife, Lucretia, died March 19, 1881, at Martinsburgh, aged 79. Clapp Horace Mather, (son of Horace,) died June 5, 1846, aged 24. Clapp James, (brother of Horace and son of Ezra,) died Februarj'^ i, 1848, aged 58. Claus Peter A., died August 26, 1858, aged 63. His wife, Elizabeth, died March 29, 1847, aged 48. Cole Gilbert, died August 29, 1857, aged 77. His wife, Barbary, died No- vember 15, 1866, aged 79. Cole Lansing W., died March 28, 1863, aged 56. His wife, Pedy, died October 27, 1868, aged 58. Cooley Horace, died August 23, 1848, aged 73. Cooley James, died May, 1882. Cooley Jonathan, (father of the above,) died October 2, 1837, aged 77. His wife, Martha, died September 4, 1833, aged 79. Dewey Chester, died May 23, 1844, aged 57. His wife, Phebe, died Decem- ber 18, 1845, aged 58. Dorn John, died August 30, 1835, aged 44. His wife, Polly, died June 24, 1877, aged 85. Goodale David, died October 4, 1872, aged 77. His wife. Charity, died Feb- ruary 7, 1872, aged 75. Griswold George, died June 15, 1832, aged 69. His wife, Eunice, died Novem- ber 18, 1839, aged 67. Hillman Benjamin, died September 27, 1834, aged 80. His wife, Mary, died January 13, 1836, aged 85. Hills Allen, died December 5, 1842, aged 59. His son, Baxter Y., died Sep- tember 17, 185 1, aged 38. Hills Jesse, died June 29, 1852, aged 80. Hills Sidney, died March 28, 1878, aged 69. House Edwin F., (son of Joseph,) died November 20, 1853, aged 24. House Eleazer, born in Glastonbury, Conn., September 20, 1759, married a Miss Moseley, December 25, 1782, and HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. S17 held the first appointment of Coroner, north of Utica. He died January 30, 1833, and his wife survived only till the 7th of March following. He was the father of Leonard and Joseph House, of Houseville, of Jared House, of Lowville, and of Anson House, of Rochester, all now deceased. House James, (son of Leonard,) died November 13, 1876, aged 62. House Joseph, died June 14, 1881, aged 85. His wife, Amanda, died De- cember 9, 1875, aged 78. House Leonard, died December 23, 1879, aged 93. His golden wedding was celebrated December 28, 1859. He was married to Louisa Murdock in 1809. She died July 5, 1870, aged 82. House Robert, (son of Joseph,) died June 17, 1882, aged 62. Johnson Edward, died March 19, 1851, aged 92. His wife, Abigal, died August 1, 1828, aged 70. Kendall David, died April 22, 1847, aged 69. His wife, Sarah, died May 25, 1825, aged 55. Lane Hiram, died May 16, 1866, aged 64. Morgan Isaac, died August 2, 1814, aged ^^. Morgan Ithamer, died August 2, 18 14, aged TJ. His wife, Olive, died October 2, 1833, aged 74. Morgan Luther, died July 9, 1869, aged 50. Morgan Orrin, died March i, 1867, aged 67. (By trade a miller.) Rogers Asa M., died January 2, 1831, aged 34. Rogers Charles, died August 17, 1843, aged 29. Rogers Eli, died April 12, 1849, aged 79. His wife, Abigal, died February 23, 1858, aged 84. Rogers Eli, Jr., died Nov. 29, 1839, aged 49. Was a Member of Assembly. Rogers George, died September i, 1833. aged 26. Rogers Sumner, died March 3, 1875, aged 72. Lost his eye-sight in early manhood while a medical student, and spent the rest of life in total blindness. Sacket Ezekiel, died June 15, 1820, aged 80. His wife, Anna, died Novem- ber 25, 1838, aged 94. Sear I William, died March 17, 1862, aged 66. Priscilla, (his first wife,) died July 30, 1 837, aged 36. Hannah, (second wife,) died June 30, 1874, aged 75. She was a sister of Walter Hunt, the in- ventor. Weller Winthrop, died May 6, 1865, aged 85. Yale Paul Baxter, died September 15, 1872, aged 80. He was born in Rupert, Vt, July 5, 1792, and settled in Martins- burgh about 1809. His mother, Sally, died October 13, 1842, aged 80, and wife, Achsah, (Dewey,) died October 30, 1865, aged 70 years. His only son, Walter Dewey Yale, resides near Houseville. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Sarah Brand, resides in California, and two other daughters are Hving near Houseville. Soldiers of the late War Buried at Houseville. Seckner Nelson, Co. A, 20th N. Y. Cav., died at Norfolk, Va., August 2, 1864, aged 22. Seckner Jefferson, (brother of Nelson and son of Abner,) Co. L, 3d Batt. 5th N. Y. A., died at Harper's Ferry, Feb- ruar}' 4, 1865, aged 20. Peak Jonathan, Co. B, 20th N. Y. Cav., died at Portsmouth, Va., December 8, 1864, aged 21. Allen Marcellus, died in camp before the regiment left Martinsburgh, Septem- ber 28, 1863, aged 18. Special Town Meetings During the War. December 16, 1863, it was voted to pay a bounty of $200 upon the call for 300,000 men. 5i8 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. February i6, 1864. The sum of $300 offered upon call for 200,000 men. July 19, 1864. Provision made for paying the expenses of the War Com- mittee. A bounty offered of $100 for one year, $200 for two years, and $300 for three years. A committee consisting of Joseph House, Halsey Miller, Allen Benedict, Stephen Silvernail, John Strong, Cadwell Dewey, Enoch Lee, Philo Clark, Orrin Woolwo'rth, Gad Sheldon Sackett, and the Supervisor, was appointed to borrow money until it could be raised by a tax. Harrison J. Thayer was recommended to the Gov- ernment for appointment as recruiting agent-, and was to be allowed $2 a day for labor and expenses. Thomas J. Lewis was appointed to solicit subscriptions. The sum of $25 was offered to every man who would procure a volunteer. C. G. Riggs, Wells M. Fowler, and Bradley Fisher were appointed as a MiHtary Committee. In 1866, various sums were voted to pay bounties and expenses in particular cases, out of the excess moneys coming back to the town, the remainder being applied to i-educe the taxes for that year. Religious Societies. The first meetings were held by mis- sionaries about 1800. A Congregational Church was formed by the Rev. John Taylor, of Deerfield, Mass., September 19, 1802, while on a missionary tour. The first male members were Amos and Judah Barnes, Joshua Rockwell, John and Levi Ives, Timothy Underwood, Eliphalet Hubbard, Timothy Johnson, Heman Merwin, Seth Miller, David Pitcher, Timothy Hill, Reuben Pain, Samuel Smith, Jeduthan Higby, Jr., Philemon Hoadley, George Palmer, and Robert Lewis. About forty females also united. The church approved, March 8, 1808, of the articles adopted by the Black River Association, and June 25, 1824, it joined the St. Lawrence Presbytery. It again became Congre- gational, March 7, 1831. It joined the Watertown Presbytery, October 5, 1852, and has since remained Presbyterian. The Revs. James Murdock, Reuel Kim- ball, and John Iveson, were employed between 1806 and 1830. The Rev. Abel L. Crandal was also employed here for some time. In July, 1841, the Rev. Nathaniel Hurd was installed as first pastor. The Rev. James Morton was employed in 1849, ^"d the Rev. William H. Adams, in 1854, for one year. The Rev.Chas. B. Pond,was employed in 1857. He preached his last sermon March 12, 1865, after serving eight years. The Rev. E. B. Parsons, was employed May I, 1865, as a supply for one year. He was from the Fourth Presbyterian Church of New York City. The Rev. S. B. Rossiter, from New York, came May 24, 1868, and went off in Septem- ber. The Rev. Lewis WiUiams was employed from April 11, 1869, one year. Charles K. Hoyt, a student, preached in the summer of 1872. The Rev. John E. Beecher, from Auburn Seminary, re- mamed one year, from December 2, 1872. On the I2th of April, 1874, Rev. C. S. Vincent, was called for one year. He resigned October, 1876. The Rev. James Jarrett, began in March, 1877, and stayed one year. The Rev. Lewis R. Webber began service in March, 1878, and still remains in charge here and at Martinsburgh. This church owned an interest in the Union church, but in 1842, built a church on the north border of the village which cost $1,500, and was dedicated November 24th of that year. In 1859, it was extended twenty feet in the rear, at a cost of $600, and more recently has been still further re- paired and improved. Major John Ives, by will, dated No- vember 16, 1 827, gave $300 to this church. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 519 of which two-thirds were to lie until it amounted to $i,ooo. It has now reached that sum, and $70 are received annually from this fund towards defraying the pastor's salary. The Methodists held meetings at an early day, and Turin circuit was formed in 1 8 12, but given up three years after, having been attended by Reuben Farley and Chandley Lambert. The First M. E. Church of Turin was organized October 5, 1818, vyith Jonathan Bush, Winthrop Weller, Orange Hill, Francis Crane, Stephen Hart, and Charles Wel- ler, first trustees; They built a church in 18 19, on the East road, three miles north of Turin village, which continued many years in use. In 1841, the plan of a new church at Houseville was dis- cussed, and in 1842, it was erected by Elisha Wood, builder. The second society of the M. E. Church, of Turin, was formed May 20, 1833, from the former, having Ozias Wilcox, Sylvester Hart, Heman Stickney, Deuel Goff, Leonard H. Humason, and Sylvester Foster, trustees, A stone church, forty- five by sixty-five feet, was built in Turin village in 1834, at a cost of $3,500. It was extended twenty feet in the rear and re-arranged in 1859, ^"^ re-dedicated October 20th of that year. It has since been repeatedly repaired and renovated. The succession of Methodist preachers in this church, will be found in our general notice of the denomination. The Third Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Turin, was incorpo- rated January 19, 1870. H. Shepard, T. Roberts, and William Dickinson, trus- tees. Their church on the hill was ded- icated August 22, 1871. The Baptists formed a church at an early period, the major part of whose members became Free Communion, June 3, 18 12, and kept up an organization about thirty years. Jeduthan and Zac- cheus Higby, Abner Mitchel, Elijah Wadsworth, Thomas Hoskins, Ebenezer Baldwin, Lydia and Sarah Scovil, and Elizabeth Lane, formed its first members. A Baptist church was formed April 12, 18 12, by the minor part of the former church, ■ under Stephen Parsons. It agreed to unite with a Leyden church, December 20, 1816. The associated Baptist church was dissolved January 17, 1818, having got reduced to eight members. The Revs. Calvin Phileo, Simeon Hersey, Riley B. Ashley, Calvin Horr and others have been employed. The Turin and West Turin Baptist So- ciety (old school) was formed March 22, 1842, with Newton Clark, Benham Webb, Jason and Edwin Payne, and Horace C. Ragan, trustees ; and the next year built a church in Turin village. This sect was formed here in the fall of 1843, un- der the Rev. Martin Salmon. The Welsh Congregational Church at Turin was formed November 5, 1843, by Rev. S. A. Williams, of Deerfield, N. Y. It has increased from nine to thirty- seven members. D. E. Prichard, pastor, Robert Williams and John O. Jones, deacons. They built a church in 1847, on the hill west of the village, and they have a branch that worships in the Bap- tist church in the village. The legal so- ciety was formed May i, 1848, with John L. Roberts, David W. Roberts, Robert Williams, William Roberts, Jr., and D. E. Prichard, trustees. A Calvinistic M. E. Church was formed July 23, 1848, and have a small church. In both of these Welsh churches, worship is held in the Welsh language. The Welsh Congregational Church and Society of Turin Village was organized October 23, 1868 ; Isaac WiUiams, Will- iam W. Pugh, and John T. Jones being first trustees. As early as 1807, a religious society was formed to build a union church in Turin but it failed. Its trustees were: Eleazer House, OUver Bush, Richard 520 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Coxe, Timothy Hill, Judah Barnes and Seth Miller. A subscription was opened November 23, 1823, for a union church and town house. It was incorporated under the general statute, September 27, 1826, as the Turin Union Society, with Levi Hart, Heman Stickne)', Amos Hig- by, Jr., Royal D. Dewey and Leonard House, trustees, and a house was built at a cost of $2,350. It was used alter- nately many years by the two Baptist and the Presbyterian churches, and as a town house. In 1846, it was changed to a school house, and is now in use by the Turin Graded School. A bell was purchased in 1847, ^t a cost of $300, and first placed upon the Union church, but it has been removed to a tower erected on a small lot opposite, belonging to the town. The latter premises afford a con- venient place for keeping the towii hearse. Biographical Sketches. ALFRED H. LEE. Enoch Lee, grandfather to the subject of this sketch, was born in Westfield, Mass. He was twice married. His first wife was a Shepard, the second a Will- iams. The date of marriage of these an- cestors is unknown. The first died be- fore Enoch came to this State. The second wife died in Martinsburgh. What occupation he followed before he came here is unknown, but in this State and county he was an inn keeper and a farmer. He was the father of thirteen sons and daughters, who grew to manhood and womanhood. The dates of their births and deaths are also unknown. By his first wife the children were: Winthrop, Charles, Enoch, Shepard, Dolly, Pamelia, Electa, and Betsey. The children of the second wife were: William, Lewis, Al- mira, Cynthia, and Emeline. Enoch Lee died June 14, 1834, aged 76 years. Enoch Lee, his son, and the father of Alfred H., was born in Westfield, Mass. September 8, 1796. The family, con- sisting of several brothers and sisters, came to Lewis county in 1807, and set- tled in the town of Martinsburgh. In 1836, Mr. Lee moved into the town of Turin, and ranked as one of its leading citizens from that time until his death, which occurred May 11, i874,in his 78th year. He was a man of great 'energy of character, honest, industrious, economi- cal, and won for himself respect and competency. As a man and citizen, a friend and neighbor, he was loved and respected by all with whom he came in contact. He married February 12, 1824, Alma Baldwin, who was born in Middletown. Conn., July 7, 1798, and who came in early childhood with her parents to live in Turin. She was an active and ener- getic woman, and was much respected HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 521 in the community in which she lived. She died in Turin, August 10, 1856, aged 58 years. Their children were: Alfred H., Alexander Seymour, born December 14, 1826, died January 13, 1830; Anson Reuel, born November 7, 1829, died Sep- tember 28, 1878; Charles Russell, born June I, 1832, died December 29, 1862. the firm of Lee Brothers, running a line of stages from Boonville to Lowville, Boonville to Port Leyden, Boonville to Constableville, and from Turin to Rome. He inherited his father's earnestness, integrity and honor, and has proved him- self a worthy successor of the sire who was respected by all. Mr. Lee has held [iiLFHED H, LIIE.] Alfred H. Lee, was born in Martins- burgh, November 6, 1824. His early life was passed on his father's farm. He re- ceived the education of the common and select schools of Martinsburgh and Turin, and passed one term at Lowville Acad- emy. In his early life he was for three years a clerk in a store, and afterward devoted his attention to farming, which occupation he has since followed. From 1864 to 1868, he was senior partner of the office of Justice of the Peace over seventeen years, and is now serving his fifth term. For the past twenty-five years or more he has been an officer of the Lewis County Agricultural Society, either as Treasurer or Director, and one year as President ; also Loan Commis- sioner, and has been for several years a member of the Board of Education, and Trustee and President of the village of Turin. 522 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Religiously, Mr. Lee is a Presbyterian, and has held the offices of Trustee and Treasurer of the First Presbyterian So- ciety of his town. He married February 19, 185 1, EHzabeth Hunt, who was born in Martinsburgh, May 9, 1826. Their children are : Homer Hunt, born No- vember 27, 185 1, died July 23, 1857; field, Mass., in 1802. The next year his son, Heman, came with an ox team and brought the family. A journey that dis- tance in those days was an arduous un- dertaking, and their settlement was in a region of almost unbroken wilderness. Heman married Pamelia Noble. Of this marriage James, the subject of this [JiiMES KILHilM.l George Maurice, born June 3, 1855; Kate Alma, born December 26, 1857, died October 25, 1869; Carrie Hunt, born April 5, i860; Mary Lizzie, born August 15, 1863; Louis Homer, born December 4, 1869. JAMES KILHAM. Thomas Kilham, grandfather to the subject of this sketch, came from West- sketch, was born in Turin, August 2, 18 16. His early life was passed at home where he received the education of the common schools, supplemented by a course of study in Westfield Academy. He adopt- ed the life of a farmer, and afterward became somewhat extensively engaged in speculating. He married Livonia House, March 10, 1852, by whom he had one child, which was born November 5, 1856, and died in infancy. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 523 [y. R , WilTE RS ,] V. R. WATERS. VanRensselaer Waters, whose portrait appears in connection with this sketch, was born in the town of Martinsburgh, August 16, 1805. He was son of John Waters, a native of Johnstown, Mont- gomery county, N. Y., who was born No- vember 18, 1778, and in company with David Waters, his brother, came to the town of Martinsburgh about 1802, where both resided until their death, which oc- curred in 1843, that of John, February 20th, at the age of 64 years, and that of David, March 25th, at the age of 67 years. Both were pioneer settlers and contributed their share toward the up- building of the town. Early in the fall of 1804, John Waters married Mary Conkey,a niece of Walter Martin, land proprietor of the town of Martinsburgh. David married a daugh- ter of Jonathan Collins, of Turin, now West Turin. In early life the subject of our sketch taught school during the winter months, in Lewis and Oneida counties, and also taught in Washington county, Maryland, in the years 1831 and '32. He returned to Martinsburgh in December, 1833, married Belinda R. Burr, daughter of Benjamin Burr, a native of Haddam, Conn., who early settled in the town of Leyden. By this marriage he had four sons and two daughters, who are now living. 524 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. In the spring of 1834, he was ordained to the ministry by a council called by the Free Communion Baptist church, of Martinsburgh. In the spring of 1837, he withdrew from the fellowship of this so- ciety, and united with the regular Bap- tist church, and soon after removed to the village of Trenton, Oneida county, and became the pastor of the Trenton Baptist church, which he served with success until the spring of 1842. At this period, on account of bronchial difficul- ties induced by excessive labor in an ex- tensive revival, in the village of Holland Patent, he was obliged to cease his min- isterial labors. Consequently, in Sep- tember, 1844, he removed to Constable- ville, Lewis county, and engaged in the hardware business, in which he contin- ued for some years. Subsequently, from about 1853 to 1869, he was engaged in miUing at the same place, and in Houseville, in the town of Turin, to which place he removed in 1856. While a resident of West Turin, he held the office of Justice, served as Town Clerk, and held for three success- ive years, from 1852, the office of Super- visor of the town. As a citizen of Turin he served the town in the capacity of Justice, and twice, from 1865, as Super- visor. In 1861, he was elected Sheriff of the county, and served his term accept- ably. In December, 1 869, he relinquished his business in Turin and removed to Utica, where he now resides. MARTIN J. SACKETT. The subject of this sketch is of New England parentage, and was born in the town of Turin, September 15, 1832. His parents were Gad Sheldon Sack- ett and Elmina Miller. Their other children were Lucina, born April 27, 1835, married A. L. Kellogg, October, 1856; Lydia, born January 11, 1839, married J. Lucius Seymour, February, 1866; George S., born May 7, 1842; Alson C, born August 27, 1844 ; Charles K., born March 26, 1848. About 1 830, the elder Sackett bought a farm in the woods in the western part of the town, on which there was a small clearing and a log cabin, in which Mar- tin was born. Those were the rude days of pioneer life, when the dwellings and the school houses were of logs ; when stoves were unknown, and the roaring blaze went crackling up the broad fire-place, and men and women sturdily battled with the privations of such a life to insure to their children the future days of more comfort, and a higher place of pros- perity. In a few years, the elder Sack- ett built a framed house, and here on the farm, Martin passed his early life. He received his education in the com- mon schools, and in Lowville Academy, and taught school seven years, three of which were passed in the schools of Long Island. Relinquishing that profession, he be- came interested in farming and produce deaHng, in which business he is now engaged. He is the owner of two hun- dred and seventy-five acres of land, and has under his control a total of four hundred and seventy-five acres. Mr. Sackett is most fortunate in the location of his farm, as it is situated in one of the pleasantest and most fertile portions HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 525 of the town, deriving on this account a much enhanced value over lands less favorably located. He has always taken great pride in improving to the best of his ability, the lands in his possession, and the beneficial results of his labors are to be seen in every portion of his estate. The following article, written Martin J. Sackett, attracts attention of the passer by ; next come the fine farms of Charles J. Phelps, Almon Miller, Walter Miller, Albert Miller, Stephen Silvernail, James Kilham, John Strong, Charles Bush, Cadwell Dewey, and others whose names we do not now recall, many of them having beautiful and commodious farm buildings, hand- [MHRTIN J. SiiCKETT.l by the editor of the Lowvilk Journal and Republican, shows the writer's appre- ciation of the locality in which Mr. Sackett resides : — " A ride at this season of the year on the East road, from the old Sheldon tavern, beyond Martinsburgh, is positive luxury. The road is smooth and hard, while the landscape, even to the hills west covered with verdure and noble trees, is pleasant to the view. The fine, large farm with its nice buildings, of \ some barns, with all the appurtenances j and conveniences necessary for success- i ful farming. Beyond Deweyville, and on the road to Collinsville, we noticed the large and comfortable farm house of Albert Foster, and further on the rich farms of F. J. Newman and his father, William C. Newman, who lives near Collinsville. From the latter place direct to Constableville, the beautiful and extensive places of Emory Allen and Henry McVicker, are; especially attractive." 526 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. He has been assessor of his town three years, but has in general been more content to quietly follow his busi- ness than to identify himself too much with politics. Mr. Sackett has been for the past twenty years one of the most liberal dletown, Conn., in 1797, with his family, of whom his son James, was then but eleven years old. At the age of twenty- three, James Crofoot was united in marriage with Clarissa Burnham, also a native of Connecticut. They settled in what was then an unbroken wilderness [EEisHa CRaFaDT,] supporters of the Houseville Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married September 15, 1859, to Susan E. Bush, by whom he had two children, Estella M., born December 13, 1864, died June 30, 1878; and Jennie May, born November 18, 1869. ELISHA CROFOOT. Elisha Crofoot, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Mid- near Cbnstableville, and passed through all the hardships common to the early settlers of this county. To them were born ten children, of whom Elisha, our subject, was the ninth. Elisha Crofoot, was born in West Turin, November 29, 1825. His early life was passed on his father's farm until the age of eighteen. He attended a short course of study at Gouverneur Seminary, in addition to his attendance in the common schools, and then en- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 527 gaged in the profession of school-teach- ing in his native town and Turin, which he followed four years, attending Low- ville Academy during the fall terms. He then learned the trade of carpen- ter and joiner, at which he worked for a few years. He was married January ance movements, and all matters per- taining to the public welfare. It may be said of him that in these matters he has been conscientious and honorable, and in politics has always considered principle more sacred than party ties. [HilRLDW SHEPiiRD,] 8, 1850, to Mary B. Killham, and settled in Turin, residing in the same place to the present time. In 1862, he was appointed Assistant Revenue Assessor, and held that office for nine years. He was elected Sheriff of Lewis County in November, 1864, holding the position three years. Be- sides these positions of responsibilit}', he held the office of Supervisor for four years, from 1868 to 1872. He has taken an active part in political and temper- HARLOW SHEPARD. All that is definitely known of the ancestry of the subject of this sketch, is concerning the great-grandfather. Dea- con John Shepard, who settled in West- field, Mass., about the year 1700. He had six sons and three daughters, and the sons were among the most prominent men of Westfield. General WiUiam Shepard was for some years in the French war, and also served in the War of the Revolution. 528 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Winthrop Shepard, the father of Har- low, was waiter to General William Shepard, when he was in command of the arsenal, on Springfield Hill, Mass., at the time of Shay's Rebellion. Another of the sons of Deacon John Shepard, was Charles, grandfather ' to Harlow, who was a Baptist minister. Captain Winthrop Shepard, came to the town of Turin, Lewis county, in 1798, and bought a farm on the East road. He raised a family of eleven children, three daughters and eight sons. The sons were Winthrop, Jr., Noble, George, Joshua, Charles, Harlow, Eh, and Dewitt. Noble was an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; George, was Sheriff of Lewis County, three years. Harlow Shepard, was born in Turin, December 12, 1809. He passed his early life attendmg the district schools of his native town, and in work on the farm, and has through hfe followed farming as a business. He has had but little to do during his busy life with politics, and has held but the office of assessor eight years. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church many years ago, and in that society, taking the various terms of service, has held the offices of class leader, steward, and trustee, over thirty years, and is now (1883) treasurer of the Third Meth- odist Episcopal Church. He married October 2, 1836, Mary C. Gaylord, who was born in Norfolk, Conn., August 15, 1818. They had eleven children, six sons and five daugh- ters. The sons are : Joseph H., Edwin H., Charles L., Arthur W., George L., and Adelbert E. All of the sons and daughters are living, and the family circle as yet remains unbroken. General William Shepard, son of Deacon John Shepard, enlisted as a soldier in the French war, at the age of seventeen. At twenty, he was a Lieu- tenant in the army of General Aber- crombie, and at twenty-two he was one of the captains of General Amherst. He entered the Revolutionary struggle as Lieutenant-Colonel, under the command of Washington. He held the commission of General in the army of LaFayette, and was in twenty-two battles, remain- ing in the army until the capture of Burgoyne. He died at the age of 80 years. Captain Winthrop Shepard, father of Harlow Shepard, was captain in the War of 18 12. He lived to be 82 years old. Edwin H. Shepard, son of Harlow Shep- ard, served nearly two years in -the War of the Rebellion. JOHN IVES. John Ives was the father of Major John Ives, and grandfather of Selden Ives. He lived on a farm at Meriden, Conn. He married Mary Hall, daughter of Dr. Isaac Hall, the first physician of Meriden, Conn.; they had twelve children. He died in February, 1774, aged 88 years. She died October 9, 1791. The homestead, at Meriden, Conn., is still in the possession of the Ives family. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 529 [MilTHER S, I'WES,] MATHER S. IVES. Mather S. Ives, oldest son of Selden Ives, was born at the homestead, March 30, 1833. He received his education at Clinton Liberal Institute and at Lowville Academy. On completing his education he passed four years of his life in the capacity of clerk in the mercantile busi- ness, at Rome, N. Y., and New Albany, Ind. From the latter place, in 1855, he went to Chicago, and entered into part- nership in the mercantile business with his uncle, George Ives. He continued business there until 1861, when he re- turned to Turin, where he has since been engaged in farming. He was Supervisor of his town in 1882 and 1883, and is an influential citizen. He married in Chi- cago, 111., September 15, 1859, Jennie M. Moshier, who was born in Lexington, Ky., July 8, 1843. His children are Cor- nelia Lucretia, born in Chicago, 111., April 6, 1 86 1, and Estella, born on the homestead, October 16, 1862. SELDEN IVES. The father of the subject of this sketch was Major John Ives, whose wite was Martha Merriam, of Meriden, Conn. The)' were the parents of fourteen chil- dren, all of whom are now dead. He 530 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. was a pioneer settler in the Black River country, moving here in 1796, and locat- ing first on the present site of the village of Constableville, where he lived a few years, and then removed two miles north of Turin, the present home of M. S. Ives. Here he died March 13, 1828. His wife died February 12, 1841, at the residence it amounted to one thousand dollars, and then to be devoted to the support of the gospel. Of his children, he lost five of the old- est from scarlet fever in as many days. The oldest of those that lived was John, who died in California ; Samuel, died in Ohio; Eli, at Great Bend, Jefferson [SELnETT IITES,] of her son, George Ives, who then lived in Turin. J-ohn Ives was a prominent man and possessed of unusual energy and force of character. He was appointed Sheriff of Lewis county in 18 10, and was Supervisor of his town in 1801, 1809, and 18 13. He left at his death a will in which he bequeathed to the Pres- byterian church of Turin, three hun- dred dollars, to be kept at interest until county; Isaac, at Ravenna, Ohio; George, at Chicago, 111.; Selden, at Turin; Julia, who married Walter Martin, of Martinsburgh, died in Michigan; Lucre- tia, married Horace Clapp, of House- ville, and died in Martinsburgh ; and Martha married Enoch Roberts, and died in Meriden, Conn. John Ives owned 1,800 acres of land in Turin, and gave each of his children a farm. Selden Ives was the fourth son of HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. S3t Major John Ives. He was born in Turin, September i8, 1806. In the common schools of this town he received his edu- cation, and here his life was passed, up to 1871, on the farm given to him by his father, and now owned by M. S. Ives, his son. He was for many years a prom- inent farmer and citizen of Turin. He village of Turin, where he liveduntil his death, which occurred September ii, 1874. He married July 13, 1830, Lucre- tia Stephens, who was born in Martins- burgh, May 18, 1805. They had three children, one daughter and two sons : Cornelia L., born in Turin, April 3, 1831, married J. Harvey Smith, of Fort Plain, [E . P. never held public office, being naturally averse to political life. He contributed largely to the building of the Presbyte- rian church of Turin, and gave liberally of his means to support the preaching of the gospel. He lived for years on his farm, two miles north of Turin, on which he had erected a fine residence and laid out beautiful grounds, and which was destroyed by fire November 30, 1871. He then purchased a residence in the riE WE Y,] I Montgomery county, August 27, 185 1, , and died in Turin, February 9, 1854; Marcellus H. Ives, was born at Turin, > June 9, 1839, was educated at Lowville and Fort Plain Academies, died at Rome, I ' N. Y., April 8, 1860, aged 20 years and 10 months ; and Mathew S. E. P. DEWEY. Edwin Pelton Dewey, was born in Westfield, Mass., September 26, 1830. S32 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. His father was Abner Dewey, a native of the same place, who married Cynthia Shepard, and came to Lewis County when Edwin was about seven years of age. Here he passed his earlier years, receiving the education of the district schools, and the practical education derived from contact with the world. Men are made by their environments, and living in a region where subsistence in even those days was derived only from the soil, Edwin naturally adopted the occupation of farming, which he has followed through life with more than the average measure of success. In politics, Mr. Dewey is a Republican, but has taken no unusually active part in political matters. Religiously, he is liberal in his views, and a believer in the Christianity of deeds rather than words. He married March 23, 1852, Esther S. Shepard, who was born in Turin, Janu- ary 26, 1827. Their children were: George E., born July 10, 1856 ; Etta A., born June i, 1864; Effie M., born March 7, 1867, died May 10, 1867; John M., born July 15, 1870. HARRISON J. THAYER. Harrison J. Thayer was born in the town of Turin, Lewis County, August 24, 1820. His ancestors came Irom Eng- land, about 1640, and settled in New Eng- land. His grandfather, Elisha Thayer, was born in New Hampshire, February 4, 1767, and was one of fourteen children. He married Sarah Harris, in 1787, and removed to the town of Leyden, Lewis County, in 1806. Enoch Thayer, father to Harrison J., was born in Richmond, N. H., June 30, 1788, and came with his parents to Lewis county. Enoch married Hannah Jordan, March 4, 18 16, by whom he had four children, the subject of this sketch being the third. Harrison early in life began a clerk- ship in the store of A. A. White, in Turin village, where he remained six years. He then engaged his services to Orrin Woolworth, a merchant in the same village, in whose employ he continued five or six years, when he purchased Mr. Woolworth's interest, and engaged in mercantile business for himself. In this he continued several years, and then became engaged in the produce and commission trade, which he pursued until his death, October 30, 1882. During his business life, as well as that of his clerkship, he was known and valued for the honesty and uprightness of all his dealings and for his strict moral prin- ciples. On the 19th of May, 1847, ^^ married Rebecca A. Budd, daughter of Dr. David Budd, and sister to Dr. Charles D. Budd, of Turin. She died October 8, 1867, leaving but one child, Oscar B. Thayer, who was born February 8, 1850, and who is now (1883) living. On the 19th of October, 1870, Mr. Thayer married for his second wife, Mrs. Aurelia Perry, widow of Jerome B. Perry, and daughter of John I. Dom- inick, of Turin, who was born March 24, 1826, and who still survives him. No children were born to this marriage. Mr. Thayer was a public-spirited man, and was always ready to contribute to the advancement of the interests of the HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 533 village in which he lived. He was one of its first trustees, and rendered material aid in securing its incorporation, and was afterwards several times trustee and president. He manifested much interest in the cause of education, and assisted materially in the establishment of Turin Union Graded School, of which he was party to become a candidate for Member of Assembly, but refused, having no ambition in that direction. He loved too well the quiet of home and home life to engage in the turmoil of politics, although he never missed, up to the time of his death, voting at Both town and general elections. [HilRRISDN J. THAYER.] one of the first directors. He was a leading member of the Democratic party, and was always true to its prin- ciples. Although not a seeker for office he acceptably filled what official positions he was placed in. He served as Loan Commissioner in an entirely satisfactory manner, his commission bearing Gover- nor Robinson's signature, and was also for a number of years Justice of the Peace. He was often solicited by his He never united with any church, but was a regular attendant on the Episcopal service, and an earnest believer in a just and upright life. A kind and affectionate husband, parent, friend, and a warm sympathizer with the distress of others, his hand was always open to the needy, and his heart responded to their call for sympathy. Quick in his discrimination between right and wrong, he was uni- versally consulted on matters of business 534 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. and other subjects of moment, and his advice was always given with discretion and relied upon implicitly. He was one of those few men who do not need a eulogy of praise after death, for by his life he erected a monument to his memory which shall live in the hearts the East road, on the farm now owned by Walter Miller. His wife died June i6, 1873. They were Methodists, and estimable members of the community in which they lived. John House, grand- father to Henry R., was a soldier of the Revolution. Henry was born in Turin, [HEWRT H, HDTTSE,] of people long after brief words of praise would be forgotten. HENRY R. HOUSE. Henry Risley House was a son of Cyprian House, a native of Connecticut, born April 5, 1797, who married Sophia Risley, born in the same State, June 25, 1798. Cyprian House came to Lewis County in i8ig, and settled in Turin, on December 10, 1821, and was educated in the district schools, and at Lowville Academy under the tuition of Professors D. P. Youmans and Mayhew, and chose for his life vocation the independent life of a farmer, in which he has been suc- cessful. A Republican in politics, he has held some town offices, but has been more content to adhere to his farm and its duties, than to seek political prefer- ment. He married, March 7, 1846, Mary Hills, who was born in Martinsburgh, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 535 February 25, 1824. But two children were born to him, George, born March 24, 1848, and John, a merchant in Glen- dale, born September 20, i860. •In 1805, he went to Trenton, N. Y., where he became acquainted with, and afterward married, June 9, 1806, Roxy Flagg. She was born in Berlin, Conn., April 23, 1787, and with her parents removed to Trenton, N. Y., in 1804; [LUTHER MDRGKN.J LUTHER MORGAN. Luther Morgan was a grandson of Isaac Morgan, of West Springfield, Hampden county, Mass., who was born in the year 1737, and who died at House- ville, Lewis County, at the home of his son, RoUin Morgan, August 2, 1814. Of his wife, nothing is known. His son, Rollin Morgan, was born in West Springfield, Mass., December 24, 1779. I traveling with an ox team, and being i some three weeks making the journey. ! Rollin lived in Trenton until about 1812, when he moved to Lewis county, settling in Houseville. He began life as a shoe- 1 maker, which occupation, after a few ! years, he abandoned for farming. He died at Houseville, February i, \ 1839. His wife died at the residence of her daughter, in Southampton, Mass., I February 18, 1 86 1. Their children were, 536 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Olive H., born July i6, 1808, died at Houseville, October 12, 1833 ; Cyrus B., born January 24, 18 12, married Emeline Woodruff, of Watertown, N. Y., and died in Watertown, February 16, 1868 ; Harrison, born August 14, 1814, married Mary Chapman, of Greenwich, Mass., and is now a minister at Grand Rapids, Mich,. ; Sally Maria, born November 2, 1 8 16, married Sardis Chapman, of South- ampton, Mass., February 17, 1846, and died in that place, September 4, 1865; Luther; Lucy Ann, born December 5, 1820, died in Houseville, February 28, 1833 ; Ralph, born March 18, 1824, married Martha Ann Chase, of Chicopee, Mass., December 25, 185 1, and died in Southampton, Mass., December 31-, 1878; Clarissa, born January 4, 1826, died in Houseville, February 26, 1833; Mary, born July 4, 1831, married Ansel Searle, of Southampton, April 9, 1877, where she now (1883) resides. Luther Morgan was born in Turin, November 19, t8i8, where he passed nearly all of his life. He was educated at Wilbraham, Mass., and adopted the occupation of farming. To this he after- wards added manufacturing, and became quite extensively engaged in the manu- facture of lumber and cheese-boxes — a business which is now conducted by his son, G. G. Morgan. He was a man of considerable force of character and energy, and was highly esteemed by his townsmen. Politically, Mr. Morgan was a Republican, and an earnest advocate of the principles of that party. He was for several terms elected Justice of the Peace, the duties of which office he satis- factorily performed. For thirty years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died triumphant in its faith, July 9, 1869. His wife was Lucy Fuller, who was born in Pamelia, Jefferson county, No- vember 27, 1 82 1, to whom he was mar- ried August 4, 1845, ^"d who still sur- vives him (1883). The children of this marriage were seven in number — Will- iam L., born November 24, 1848, died June 21, 1869; Emery R., born Decem- ber 22, 1850, died January 6, 1851 ; George Gary, born March 5, 1852, mar- ried Frances B. Sayles, of Albany; Helisn C, born April 15, 1855, died Feb- ruary 17, 1 86 1 ; Carrie J., born Novem- ber 10, 1859, died March 20, 1861 ; Clara E., born February 11, 1862; Minnie L., born November 29, i{ CHARLES G. RIGGS. Charles Giles Riggs, was born in the town of Lee, Oneida county, N. Y., November 17, 1814. His grandparents were James Riggs and Sarah Clark ; the former born November 9, 1757, died September 22, 1839; the latter born August 7, 1757, died December 26, 1825. His father, Clark Riggs, was born in Connecticut, April 12, i79i,and married Thankful Spinning, who was born April 3. 1788, and died April 3, 1831. He died February 26, 1866. Charles G. Riggs passed his earlier life in Turin, to which town his parents had moved when he was four years old. At the age of fifteen his parents removed to Martinsburgh, where he lived four years, and then again took up their HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. 537 home in Turin, in which town Mr. Riggs has since lived. Being of a mechanical rather than of an agricultural turn of mind, he learned the trade of tinsmith, and on the 12th of September, 1833, began business for himself in that trade its development and prosperity. In 1870, he built the Riggs Block, which was a substantial addition to the business welfare of the village, and established some years ago, a carriage manufactory, an industry which has obtained some in the village of Turin. In the fall of 1838, his shop and store were destroyed by fire, but not discouraged by that mis- fortune, he re-established himself in trade, and added to his business a stock of stoves and hardware. This was the first hardware store established in Lewis county. Mr. Riggs has been closely identified with all the business interests of the village, and has contributed largely to importance in the county. He is also the owner of considerable real estate, and as a merchant and business man has made for himself a reputation for enter- prise and probity. Mr. Riggs has ac- ceptably filled various offices within the gift of his townsmen, was Justice of the Peace tor some years, and held the office of Supervisor in the years 1856, 1873, and 1875. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church over 538 HISTORY OF LEWIS CX)UNTY. fifty years, in which denomination he has been a steward for forty years, and a trustee for forty-five years. He married, March i, 1835, Julia A. Moulton, who was born in Floyd, Oneida county, May 5, 1818. Their children were as follows : — Helen Julia, born November 24, 1836; Charles William, born August 25, 1839, ^i^d January 28, 1876; Louise Maria, born October 25, 1841 ; Frances Rebecca, born January 26, 1844, died April 2, 1845 ; Horace M., born April 17, 1846; George Gary, born November 18, 1849 ! Sophia Wilcox, born November 2, 1852, died April 14, 1854. J. LUCIUS SEYMOUR. The family of Seymour in all proba- bility is descended from Sir Edward Sey mour, first Duke of Somerset, England, Lord Protector of the Realm. The ancestrial line of the subject of this biography is (i) Richard,* who settled in Hartford, Conn., about 1640 ; (2) John, of Hartford ; (3) Zachariah, of Hartford ; (4) Joseph, of Hartford and Colebrook ; (5) Bildad, of Colebrook and Turin ; (6) Alva, of Colebrook and Turin. Bildad Seymour, son of Joseph, was born January 15, 1776, and married Jemima Hurd in 1794. He died Febru- ary 28, 1828. His wife died January 24, * The Bible that once belonged to Richard Seymour is now in possession of one of his descendants, Charles J. Seymour, of Newport, and contains his Coat of Arms and the place of his residence in England, " Berry Pomeroy, Devonshire." This estate was given by the Protector Somerset to his eldest son whom tie disin- herited to please his second wife, who wished her son to have his father's title and honors. This is a matter of history, and as Richard Seymour came from there, he no doubt belonged to the disinherited branch. 1857. He was a carpenter and farmer, and a member of the Congregational Church, of Colebrook, Conn. His son, Alva Seymour, father of J. Lucius, was born in Colebrook, Litchfield county, Conn., November 13, 1795, and with his brother-in-law, Joseph Gaylord, bought of Squire Stickney and Dr.Royal Dewey, of Turin, the farm of two hundred acres, now in the possession of his son. In early life he was a teacher, and was a man of talent and ability. He married Sophronia C. Cowles, of Norfolk, Conn., March 16, 1825, and in the following May moved to the farm at Turin. He united by letter with the Presby- terian church, of Turin, in 1825, services being then held by Ruel Kimball in the old Union church, now used as a school house. In this church he was soon after elected elder, and continued to hold the office of elder or deacon until his death. He assisted in 1825 to organize the first Sunday school held in the Union church of Turin, of which he was afterward superintendent and teacher. He took an active interest in religious work, was a consistent and faithful member of the church, an honest, conscientious and up- right man, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He held for a number of years the town offices of Assessor and Justice of the Peace. He died suddenly of heart disease April, 19, 1868. His wife, who was the daughter of Capt. Amasa Cowles, of Norfolk, Conn., born February 19, 1803, is still living (1883). The names of their children were :— Celestia S., born De- cember 17, 1827, married Dr. O. Whee- lock, May. 7, 1856; Eliza Ann, born HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF TURIN. S39 August 22, 1834; Chloe Amelia, born December 16, 1835, died November 8, 1845 ; Mary, born April 2, 1839, died April 16, 1841 ; Delia E., born June 13, 1845, died February 29, 1868. J. Lucius Seymour, the only son, was born in Turin, March 31, 1831. His earlier years were passed on the farm wounded soldiers. He afterward be- came engaged in farming, and has also been quite extensively interested in lum- bering and real estate transaction in Minnesota. Mr. Seymour since the age of fourteen has been an active worker in the religious field, following in this re- spect the footsteps of his worthy father. [J, LUCIUS SEYMDUR,] close by his present home. He was educated in the district schools of his. town and at Lowville Academy, and followed for some years the occupation of teacher, going West in the spring of 1847 ^or t^^^t purpose, and teaching suc- cessfully in Iowa and Minnesota. In the spring of 1863 he returned home, and in the following winter went to Virginia, in the service of the Christian Commission to care for the sick and He is an elder in the First Presbyterian church of Turin, in which, and in the community at large, he is regarded as a conscientious christian and an honor- able man. On the 5th of February, 1866, Mr. Seymour married Lydia Sackett, daughter of G. Sheldon- and Elmina Sackett, of Turin, who was born January 11, 1839. Their children are seven in number, as follows : — Arthur T., born December 17, 1866; Alva C, 540 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. born December 14, 1868 ; Edward Lucius, born August 16, 1871 ; Mary Estelle, born July 23, 1873; Dwight Sheldon, born March 27, 1876; Theodore Lyman, born December 30, 1877; Eugene How- ard, born July 4, 1880. CHAPTER XXXVII. History of the Town of Watson. THIS town was formed from Leyden, March 30, 1821, embracing all of Lewis county east of Black river. The first town meeting was held at the house of John Beach,* at which Caleb L) on was chosen Supervisor ; John Beach, Clerk; Ozem Bush, Phineas Cole, and Joseph O. Mott, Assessors; C. Lyon, Thomas Puffer, and O. Bush, Commissioners of Highways ; Samuel Smith and P. Cole, Overseers of the Poor ; J. O. Mott and Daniel B. Baker, Constables ; S. Smith, Collector ; C. Lyon, J. Beach, and P. Cole, Commissioners of Cotnmon Schools ; C. Lyon, John Bush, and P Cole, In- * John Beach from Litchfield, Ct.; settled in this town in 1814, and was the father of Nelson J. Beach, Esq. He died May 15, 1845, aged 75 years. ifelson J. Beach came to this town when a lad with his father's family, and was many years a land surveyor in this region. In 1846 he represented the county in assembly, and in 1847 in the senate, but the constitu- tion of 1846 coming into operation, his teim in the senate was cut short to one year. In 1847 he was elected a canal commissioner, being one of the first three elected to that office, and in the classification of terms he drew that of two years. On the 1 1 th of January, 1S50, he was appointed a canal appraiser, and held about three years. He was subsequently employed in the engineering department of the Hudson River rail road, and at a later period was appointed to the trust of closing up the business of the Rome railroad, pro- jected through this county. After several years resi- dence at Rome, he returned to his seat on the banks of the Black river in this town. He died February 22, 1876, aged 76 years. Mr. Beach was a man of ac- knowledged ability, zealous and energetic in whatever he undertook, and well informed upon all subjects relating to public affairs. In regard to the question of the Black river improvement, in which his influence and official position gave importance, he was the steady advocate of the construction of piers for narrowing and deepening the channel, and opposed to the plan of dams and locks. spectors of Schools ; and O. Bush, T. Puffer and David Chase, Fence Viewers. In this list we find the names of per- sons who lived in parts of the town remote from each other, and the same name several times repeated. The lat- ter was occasioned by the small number of persons who possessed freeholds suffi- cient to allow them to hold office. This inconvenience led to an act passed Feb. 6, 1824, authorizing white males, of legal age in this town to hold office, if they had contracts for land worth $150. There were, when the town was organized, 44 families, and 481 acres of improved land : 115 head ot cattle, 18 horses and 107 sheep within its borders.* Supervisors. — i82i-'22, Caleb Lyon; 1823, Joseph O. Mott; i824-'27, Ozem Bush ;t 1828, Simon Goodell (May, 1828, Ozem Bush); 1829, Ozem Bush; 1830, Stephen P.Hamilton: i83i-'34, Nelson J. Beach; 1835-36, Nathan Lewis; 1837 -'38, N. J. Beach ; 1839-44, Ralph Beach ; 1845, N. J. Beach ; 1846, Jonathan Perry; i848-'5i, Ralph Beach; 1852, Peter Kirley ; 1853, Jehiel R. Wetmore; 1854, Daniel S. Andrews ; 1855, Charles Chase; 1856-58, Chester Ray; 1859 -'66, Peter Kirley; 1867, Samuel F. Garmon ; 1868, Jehiel Wetmore; 1869- '70, S. F. Garmon; 187 1, Nelson J. Beach ; 1872, Hamilton Wilcox ; i873-'74, Joseph Harvey; i875-'77, Hamilton Wil- cox ; 1878, Glover C. Hinman; i879-'8o, S. F. Garmon; 1881-82, Peter Kirley. Clerks. — 1821-22, John Beach; 1823- '24, Otis Munn ; ^825-26, John Beach ; 1827, Archibald Benjamin; 1828, Joshua Harris (May, 1828, A. Benjamin) ; 1829- '32, A. Benjamin ; 1833, Charles Loomis ; *The census of 1825 gave 121 families, 357 males, 338 females ; 89 liable to military duty, 128 electors, 4 aliens and 4 colored. There were 1,437 acres im- proved, 529 neat cattle, 55 horses, 460 sheep, and 307 swine. f Contested by Simon Goodell in i826-'27, as herein- after stated. Mr. Bush was a pioneer settler of the county, and died in this town March 20, 1845 aged 70 years. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WATSON. 541 1834-38, Anson Ormsby ; 1839-43, Peter Munn ; 1844, Thomas Kirley ; 1845, John W. Merrile; 1846, Peter Munn; 1847, Thomas Kirley ; 1848, Squire H. Snell ; (May, 1848, Peter Kirley); 1852-55, Isaac C. Brown ; 1856, Albert M. Gillet ; 1857 -'58, James Garmon; i859-'63, Isaac C. Brown; 1864, no choice, E. B. Liv- ingston appointed ; 1865, Isaac C. Brown; i866-'73, Jared T. Brown ; 1874, Francis J. Chapman; i875-'77, James B. Glenn; 1878-82, Isaac C.Brown. In no town in the county have so large bounties been paid for the de- struction of wild animals as this. The records show a vote of $5 in 1827, '28, '32 ; $10 in 1825, '26, '28, '29, '30, '31, -36, '37, '38, '41, '42, '52 to '59, and $15 in 1835 for wolves; of $5 in 1828 to '36, 1842-46, and $10 in 1839, '40, '41, '57, '58, for pan- thers; of $2 in 1833 to '38, and $5 in i84i-'42, for bears ; of 50 cents in 1833, '35, '36, for foxes, and of 50 cents in 1833 -'35, for crows killed between May 15 and June 15. Whether the relief thus obtained from the ravages of these ani- mals, or the knowledge that a large por- tion of the bounty was raised by tax upon wild lands, was a governing motive in these votes of town meeting we may not perhaps be allowed to decide. Notice of James and James T. Watson. — Watson was named from James T. Watson, the proprietor of a tract of 61,433 acres lying in this town and in Herkimer county. James Watson, his father, the first owner under Constable, was a native of Litchfield, Ct., and a wealthy merchant in New York during and subsequent to the Revolution. He held a captain's commission in the war, served the State in several important offices, and died in 1808 or 1809. His only son, Ja7nes Talcott Watson, made the first attempt to settle these lands, and for many years was accustomed to spend his summers in the county. He was a man of fine education and affable man- ners, and in early life was a partner in the house of Thomas L. Smith & Co., East India merchants, in which capacity he made a voyage to China. The death of a Miss Livingston, with whom he was engaged to be married, induced a men- tal aberration which continued through life, being more aggravated in certain seasons of the year, while at others it was scarcely perceptible. In after life the image of the loved and the lost often came back to his memory, like the sun- beam from a broken mirror, and in his waking reveries he was heard to speak of her as present in the spirit, and a con- fidant of his inmost thoughts. In his business transactions, Mr. Wat- son often evinced a caprice which was sometimes amusing, and always inno- cent. This was by most persons, humored, as tending to prevent any unpleasant result, which opposition might at such times have upon him. He was moreover wealthy, and as his fancies often involved expenditures, some of those who favored them were quite willing to let them have their course, so long as they got their pay. As another example of his excen- tricities, the following anecdote was re- lated many years since by the late Cor- dial Storrs, who was living at the time it occurred, in Lowville village, in a house now on the site of Burdick's bakery : — Mr. Watson came to him one Sunday in great haste, insisting upon his going off with him to survey some land in Watson — perhaps a city. Mr. Storrs, who had been called out of church in the morning service, advised him to wait till Monday, and remarked that he did not like to be seen going through the streets of the village with his surveying instru- ments, on the Sabbath. But Mr. Wat- son relieved him of this objection by saying that he would carry them him- self, and would go on with them alone, appointing a rendezvous just outside of 542 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. the village, where he had a wagon, and which Mr. Storrs might reach by another way. The case was urgent, and he must not refuse to go. At the appointed place the wagon was found, with a strange lot of rubbish, parts of old harness, and other articles in it, and they started off together. On coming to a certain place on the river bank, Mr. Watson seized the compass staff, leaped out of the wagon, and began to dig out of the sand a nest of mud- tnrtle's eggs, which he had found, and for which the staff was very convenient. When this was done he handed it back to Mr. Storrs, and dismissed him. He had no other way to do but to return back on foot to the village, with his in- struments, and arrived just as the people were coming out of the churches in the afternoon. In the summer of 1838, he undertook to cultivate an immense garden, chiefly of culinary vegetables, upon his farm in Watson, beginning at a season, when, under the most favorable conditions, nothing could come to maturity, and in- sisting that he would be satisfied if the seeds only sprouted, as this would prove the capacity of his land. In his social intercourse Mr. Watson often evinced, in a high degree, many noble and manly qualities. With a lively fancy and ready command of language, he had the power of rendering himself eminently agreeable, while many of those who settled upon his tract, will bear witness that he possessed a kind and generous heart. But there were moments when the darkest melancholy settled up- on him, utterly beyond relief from human sympathy, and in one of these he ended his own hfe. He committed suicide with a razor, in New York, at his house, No. 8, State street, January 29, 1839, at the age of 50 years. His estate was divided among 39 first cousins on his father's side, and 5 on his mother's and some of these shares were still far- ther subdivided among numerous fam- ilies. The sixty thousand acres, when divided, gave to a cousin's share over 1,600 acres, but some parcels amounted to but 33 acres. Much of these lands have since been sold for taxes. The Watson tract formed two tri- angular areas, connected by a narrow strip, of which the outline was surveyed by William Cockburn, in 1794, the west triangle was surveyed out by Brough- ton White, of Remsen, in 1808, and the east one by N. J. Beach, in 1842. A part of the west, and all of the east tract, is still a forest, and much of it towards and beyond the county line, is chiefly valuable for its timber. There is a tradition that Low offered James Watson $ 1 6,000 to exchange lands, be- fore either knew anything of the soil, or the relative value of their purchases, which time has shown to belong to the two extremes of agricultural capacity. The Stealing of a Town Meeting. At the date of organization there were no roads in Watson, connecting the up- per settlements near Lyonsdale, with those opposite Lowville, and for many years the only way of passing from one part to the other was by the road on the west side of the river, from fifteen to twenty miles around, or upon the river Itself. It was therefore a desirable ob- ject to secure the location of town meet- ings, which could not possibly be loca- ted so as to accommodate more than a part of the voters. In 1824 the town meeting, held at the house of Daniel Wheaton, at Lyonsdale, was adjourned over to the same place. The northern section was numerically the strongest, and the next year private- ly rallying their full force, some from the extreme parts of what is now Diana, attended at the appointed house, which HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WATSON. 543 was, at the time, uninhabited, and the barn empty. They opened at 9 1-2, an hour earlier than that on which town meetings are usually begun, but as to that legally with the time fixed by law, three Justices of the Peace and the Town Clerk presiding, and on the pretense of the want of accommodation and in- clemency of the weather, adjourned over to the next day at the house of Thomas Puffer, in what is now Watson, and 20 miles from Lyonsdale. The southerners, upon assembling, found the town meeting stolen, but upon weighing all the circumstances, conclud- ed to go on as if no accident had hap- pened, and called upon a Justice present to organize the meeting. The latter re- fused to do so, and the electors pro- ceeded in their own way, elected a full set of town officers and adjourned for one year to the same part of the town. The northern party met the next day, pursuant to adjournment, also elected a full set of town officers, and probably ad- journed over to the same neighborhood. ViViXvci^ four years two town meetings were thus annually held, and a double set of town officers elected. Both Super- visors appeared at the County Board, and the one from the northern part alone was admitted, and the Collector from this part alone received his warrant from the Board. The town officers in the southern part received no pay for their services, and their authority in lo- cal affairs was limited to their own sec- tion, and by sufferance rather than law. In March, 1828, the upper or southern party quietly mustered their whole force on the night before town meeting day, agreed upon their ticket, and leav- ing at home a few old men, barely enough to conduct their own meeting, they set out before dawn with a dozen sleigh-loads of voters to assist their rivals in electing town officers. The expedition was conducted with the most profound secrecy, and the enemy were taken by surprise. To have contested the passage at the ferry might have been easy, had not the ice furnished a bridge for crossing, or to have privately dis- patched a small party to capture the town meeting left behind in charge of the veterans, would have been feasible had not the distance prevented. The result showed a striking unanim- ity at the two town meetings, the same persons being elected throughout, and the adjournment of both being to the same place in the extreme south part of the town. Resolutions for a division had been voted in 1822, '24, '25, '26 and '27, the latter by the northern party recommending Beaver river as the boundary line. In 1828, both town meetings voted against any division until the southern town officers had been paid for their services, but before another town meeting the question of division was settled by the Legislature. A suit brought by Goodell against Baker in the Lewis Circuit, December 14, 1826, before Judge Williams, in a suit of trespass de bonis aspartates, for having distrained the plaintiff's horses for a tax, assuming to act as collector under authority of the northern town meeting, was decided in Goodell's lavor. The defendant appealed to the Supreme Court for a new trial, which was granted in February, 1828, and the case as re- ported,* gives the circumstances of the adjournment, and the opinions of the court briefly as follows : — "The people at town meetings may determine the place of holding town meetings from time to time, and may adjourn to a second day and another place if they judge necessary. There could be no injury to the rights of any as all might attend. There were exclu- sive judges of the occasion, and although they might have been indiscreet, their act was still legal, and the officers they * Cowen's Reports, viii., 287. 544 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. elected at the adjourned meeting were legally chosen and the proper town officers." Both parties voted in their town meet- ings to raise mone)' to protect the rights of the town, and in Watson the poor fund belonging to the town was voted to be applied to this law suit. Settlement of the Town. Settlement was begun within this town by Eliphalet Edmonds from Boonville^ and Jonathan Bishop, who received deeds of Rodolph TiUier, agent of Cas- torland, on the loth of October, 1798, for 100 and 162 acres respectively, at $2 per acre. The lots were surveyed by J. C. Chambers, and the settlers began small improvements on the banks of the river but did not long remain. The for- mer in the fall of 1799, took up land in Adams, and the next spring became a pioneer settler in that town. Isaac Puffer* and family soon after settled in this town, and were for several years the only inhabitants. He was the first purchaser under Watson, and built a saw-mill for the proprietor on his tract near Chase's lake. In 1807, Melancthon W. Welles, of Lowville, became the first agent of Watson, and under his direction surveys were made in Watson's West Triangle by Robert McDowell soon af- ter. Unexpected difficulties prevented Mr. Welles from forming a successful settlement at that period, and a few years after he relinquished the agency. The first agricultural operation of any magnitude was by Puffer, who in 181 1 * Isaac Puffer was from Princeton, Massachusetts, but had resided about ten years in Otsego county. His family were Isaac Jr., (afterwards celebrated as a Methodist preacher,) Sally (Mrs. D. Tiffany), Asa, Ebenezer, Thomas, Polly (Mrs. Russel Stone), and Josiah. Some of these brothei-s have been successful hunters, and Ebenezer Puffer killed 47 wolves (five of the black variety), and bears, deer, and other wild game " in proportion. '' Isaac Puffer, Sr., died about l83(). Asa Puffer, born January i, 1818, died August 4, 1874; Ebenezer Puffer, died February 3, 1872, aged 81 ; Thomas Puffer, died March 10, 1841, aged 47. burnt over the jgreat windfall on the plains east of the present bridge and planted corn. The season was favora- ble, and the yield among the logs was over forty bushels to the acre. Settle- ment advanced many years but slowly, and many of those who undertook im- provement were of the poorer class, who possessed neither resources nor tact in encountering the difficulties which the wilderness presented. In 1823, over twentv Wurtemburgers were sent on by Watson, who paid their passage and winter's subsistence upon condition of three years' services, but most of them left in the spring. This is believed to have been the only attempt made by this proprietor to settle Europeans upon his lands. Many hundred tons of bog iron ore were taken from this town at an early period to the Carthage furnace. The boat used had a burthen of from fifty to fifty-five tons, and made two trips a week. It floated down with the current, and was pushed up stream by poles. In former times the settlers in Watson were much annoyed by wolves, and it was found difficult to keep sheep on this account. It is said upon good authority, that fifty-two sheep have been destroyed by a single wolf in one night. A re- markable event happened in this town, July 27, 1839, nine miles east of Lowville. The house of James Ranney was left in charge of a girl twelve years old, and a child a little over a year old was sleeping on a bed in an adjoining room. Hearing the child scream, the girl sprang to the door and saw a wild animal leap from an open window with the infant in its mouth. She followed about forty rods, thinking it was a large dog, till it reached a pair of bars, where, after several times trying to leap over with its burden, it made off into the woods without it. The child was not seriously injured, and is the present wife of Albert Burdick, of this HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WATSON. 545 town. The animal proved to be a huge male panther. Criminal Events. An affray occurred in this town August 21, 1829, between Samuel Shaw and William Myers, in which the former received several large wounds from a knife. Myers was sent to State's Prison. He had evidently intended to provoke a quarrel, and to kill Shaw as if in self- defense. Hiram Powers, a young man living with Richard Shaw, of this town, on the 23d of March, 1869, arose from the break- fast table, seized an axe, and striking Mr. Shaw in the back of his head, killed him. He was convicted of murder, December 16, 1869, but the sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life. On the 13th of March, 1837, Isaac G. Puffer, a young man, was accidentally shot by an 'intimate companion and play- mate of childhood, who thoughtlessly presented a gun supposed to be not loaded, and telling him to prepare for instant death, discharged its contents, killing him instantly. He was the father of Isaac G. Puffer, of Lowville village. The only capital execution that has hitherto occurred in Lewis county, was that of Lawrence McCarthy, for the murder of his father-in-law, Asahel Al- ford, of this town, November 15, 1838. Mr. Alford had been living with Mc- Carthy some time, and a difficulty had been known to exist between them. One day, when the two were alone, the murderer approached his victim while writing, and killed him with an axe, drew him with a horse by a chain fas- tened around his legs, to an unfrequent- ed spot in the woods, buried him slightly with stones and brush and returned. A snow soon covered the trail, but sus- picions led to a successful search, and " Larry " (as he was commonly called) was indicted for murder on the 13th of December, tried on the 13th of June, before Judge Gridley, and hung in the court-room, at Martinsburgh, on the ist of August, 1839. In the interval between the sentence and the execution, fears were entertained that the Irish laborers upon the canal at Boonville would attempt the rescue of their countryman, and threats to this effect were freely made. To providp against this, a volunteer company was formed at Martinsburgh, under Elijah L. Thompson, and armed from the State arsenal at Watertown. Sentinels were stationed around the jail, and arrange- ments were made for resisting any attempt that might be made. The " Larry Guards " and a rifle company escorted the prisoner to the gallows and guarded the court house while the exe- cution was progressing, and an immense crowd were drawn together by a morbid curiosity to witness the preparation, although but a few were enabled to observe the final crisis. A few weeks before this execution, the Rev. Michael Gilbride, a Cathohc priest of Carthage, apphed for a private inter- view with the condemned, and was refused access, unless in the presence of the jailor. In this refusal the Sheriff had followed the lettefof the statute, and the advice of the District Attorney. The priest at once made a personal applica- tion to Governor Seward for his inter- position or authority, and the latter ad- dressed a lengthy letter to the Sheriff, which scarcely amounted to more than his advice to place a charitable construc- tion upon the law. Whether this letter was designed as a campaign document, for political effect, and for the public eye, may be surmised from the fact that it was published in the papers before it was received by the Sheriff.* *Sheriff Gallup died in Harrisburgh, October 25, 1 864, aged 64 years. 546 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Forest Fires. In July, 1849, extensive damage oc- curred in this town from running fires in the woods, and an extremely dry season seldom occurs without a liability to this accident, especially upon the light sandy soil once covered with pine. These fires have in various recent years overrun considerable tracts, destroying not only considerable quantities of stand- ing timber and of wood, bark and other materials that had been cut, but doing a great injury to the soil itself, by burning out the organic materials upon or just below the surface. These fires are very apt to overrun the land where the hem- lock trees have been cut for peeling, and virhere the dead tops are left as so much tinder, ready to spring into flames upon the first touch of fire. In such a wood, land, in a dry time, a burning match carelessly dropped or a gun-wad may begin a conflagration that ends only when there is nothing left to burn. Upon such burnt districts there comes up in a year or two, a rank growth of ferns, and a little later blackberry bushes in abundance. Among these, poplars, wild cherry trees, and other deciduous kinds make their appearance, and in the course of time the ground becomes again covered with a forest growth. The process is very slow, and it takes more than a life-time- to be accomplished. Number Four. In 1822 a settlement was begun in the eastern border of the town, on No. 4, Brown's Tract, by David Barber and Bunce. In 1826, Orrin Fenton settled, and was for years the only set- tler living in that part of the town. The station is highly convenient to parties hunting in winter, and fishing in sum- mer. Orrin Fenton died March 9th 1870, aged 87. His location upon "Number Four" of Brown's Tract, and about 18 miles from Lowville, has within the last twenty years grown into a place some- what noted as a summer resort, and the entrance of parties into the wilderness by the Beaver River route. In 1870, a large three-story hotel was built by Charles Fenton, at a cost of $5,000, and year by year it is becoming more pop- ular, as well among those in transit for " Dunbar's," " Stillwater," " Smith's Lake," "Albany Lake," " Raquette " and other places, as by families and persons of more sedentary habits in quest of repose. A postoffice named " Number Four," is now established at this place. Ferries and Bridges. A ferry, regulated by the law of pub- lic convenience, formed the first, and un- til 1828, the only means of crossing the river with teams in summer to this town. It was owned and kept by the Puffer family. In 1821, those interested in land east of the river, attempted to raise the means to erect a bridge, but nothing was effected. The question continued to be under consideration until February, 1828, when Ozem Bush, Thomas Puffer, J. C. Herrington, Lemuel Tooley and Daniel B. Baker, were designated as trustees to receive subscriptions for a free bridge, and an appeal was pub- lished, urging the importance of the proposed measure. As a further stimu- lus, an act was procured, March 29, 1828, allowing Nelson J. Beach to erect a toll bridge, and to hold the same twen- ty years, unless a free bridge was built before January, 1829. These efforts were successful, and a frame bridge was built by Tho. Puffer and finished Aug. 6, 1828. In 1832, a draw was placed in the bridge at the expense of the towns HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WATSON. 547 of Watson and Lowville, and a few years after, the bridge was rebuilt at the ex- pense of the two towns. An act passed Jan. 20, 185 1, author- ized a loan of $1,000 by the town of Wat- son, to be repaid by a tax, in from two to five years, and a loan by Lowville of $975, to rebuild the Watson bridge. The piers, abutments and draw, were built by the State in a most thorough and permanent manner, and the money raised by the two towns was applied upon the wooden superstructure of the bridge. The bridge is now, we believe, entirely supported by the State. Dannatberg. This is a small village upon Inde- pendence creek, on the south border of the town consisting of a wood-working establishment and its dependencies, chiefly owned by William H. Dannatt, and Charles E. Pell, lumber merchants, of New York City, forming the firm of Dannatt & Pell. These parties having acquired a prop- erty which had been run by George H. Crandall, or the firm of Schlier & Cran- dall, at the place that had acquired the local name of " Crandallville," began in August, 1880, to extend a somewhat sim- ilar business to that which had been run for some years. A steam engine of eighty- horse power, was put in, to supply power in part. Dwellings were put up, and at present the place has about forty families, and two hundred inhabitants. The works have a saw-mill, turning, a veneer-saw, and working machinery in great variety, and employ from forty to fifty men. The goods made here con- sist chiefly of bedsteads, turned goods, table-stuff, baby-carriages, etc., which are sent off in quantities, to be put to- gether in the city. The timber used, is chiefly beech, birch, maple, basswood, and cherry. The nearest station is Glendale, five miles distant. The village has a store and blacksmith shop, and is located in the bottom of a narrow val- ley. The Methodists have a society here but no church, and worship in a hall over the store, the service being un- der the Watson charge, and at present on alternate weeks. Watson has no other village that might properly be so called. At " Beach's Bridge," the sole point of entry from the west side, there are a hotel, (E. McCulloch,) two stores, (J. P. Owens and Frank Phillips,) and a black- smith shop, (B. F. Stillman.) A hotel and other buildings were burned here, July 8, 1870. About two miles east, is a hotel, (A. J. Passenger,) and a store, (James Glenn.) Tanning Extract Wqrks. Chase s Lake P. O. — An establishment for the manufacture of tanning extract from hemlock bark, was erected on the outlet of Chase's Lake, by Lewis, Craw- ford & Co., in 1 87 1. Since the fall of 1875, it has been owned and run by the firm of Lewis, Crawford & Co. It has a capacity for working 4,000 cords of hemlock bark a year, and of making about 3,500 barrels of extract. It is run day and night through the year, (Sun- days excepted,) and employs about ten men in the works. The process consists in grinding, leaching, and boiling in vacuum-pans to the consistence of a syrup, weighing ten pounds to the gal- lon. In warm weather, carbolic acid is sometimes added to prevent fermenta- tion. The company have a tram-road about five miles long, and two saw-mills for cutting the peeled logs into lumber. The principal establishments in Wat- son, not above mentioned, are a steam circular gang saw-mill owned by Wm. Glenn, and saw mills owned by John Fenton, J. A. Petrie, A. J. Passenger, 548 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Hiram Peak, Wm. Crum, Ralph Beach, Jr., Young & Wilson, and F. Sperry. By an act passed at the session of 1882, the sum of $6,000 was appropriated for completing reservoirs previously be- gun under State expense upon Inde- pendence creek and Beaver river in this town, for the purpose of maintaining hydraulic power upon these streams, and upon the river below. Proceedings at special Town Meet- ings DURING THE WAR. August 26, 1862. — Bounties of $20 were offered for enlistments after July ist, and the further sum of $50,after August 22d, of that year. August 25, 1863. — Bounties of $300 of- fered for each recruit, including draft- ed men and substitutes. On a vote for tax to meet these expenses the count stood yg for, and 12 against. Peter Kir- ley, Elihu Robinson, Ralph Beach, Jr., Ira A. Stone and George Black, were appointed a committee to raise money. December 21, 1863. — The sum of $200 offered in addition to the county boun- ty. The committee for raising money, consisted of Peter Kirley, Ralph Beach, Jr., Ira A. Stone, M. W. Young, Elihu Robinson and Nelson J. B#ach. A committee composed of George N. Beach, Ralph Beach, Jr., A. J. Passen- ger, W. Burrington, A. W. Puffer, Thomas R. Reed, Amanzo F. Ross, Wm. Glenn, Richard Shaw and Geo. Van Atta, to assist in procuring vol- unteers. February g, 1864. — Voted to raise $3,- II 1.79 to pay money borrowed and $3,300 more to be borrowed to pay volunteers. March 21, 1864.^-Further provision was made to provide for paying bounties. August 3, 1864. — A further bounty of $100, above what was paid by the county, was offered and the commit- tee was empowered to hire agents to get men. Geo. N. Beach was appoint- ed to procure the enrollment of the town, and present it to the town audit- ors. Elihu Robinson, and George N. Beach appointed to recruit. Ralph Beach, Jr., appointed to go to Water- town with the drafted men and was to keep an account of their expenses, not to exceed $25 to a man. August 29, 1864. — At a meeting called to consider the subject of quotas, it was resolved, that so much money be raised by tax, as might be necessary, to make the bounty, including that now paid, $1,000 for filling the quota under the call of July 18, 1864. Obituary Dates. The following names were those of early settlers, or well-known citizens of this town, not elsewhere mentioned : — Alger, Reuben L., died October 17, 1865, aged 65. Bowen, Asa, died January 20, 1841, aged 65. Bowman, John, died June 18, 1868, aged 62. Brown, Isaac, died May 7, 1873, aged 75- Burrington, Solomon, died July 16, 1875, aged yy. Farrell, John, died February 7, 1875, aged 55. Garmon, Joseph, died July 29, 1863, aged 57. Harvey, Arthur, died February 20, 1847, aged 59. Higby, Lewis, died September 29, 1864, member of 3d N. Y. Cavalry, aged 23. Kirley, Thomas, died August 7, 188 1, aged 80. Moyer, Joseph, died September 3, 1870, aged 49. Passenger, Andrew, died March 5, 1869, aged 75. Phelps, Thaddeus, died April 18, 1863, aged 67. Schultz, Samuel, died June 2, 1881, aged 81. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WATSON. 549 Van Atter, Jacob, died March 19, 1872, aged 90. Warm wood, Henry, died August 13, 1850, aged 66. Wakefield, Peter, died July 13, 1855, aged 69. Charles C. Bowman, 14th N. Y. H. A., killed in battle near Spottsylvania, May, 1864, son. of John Bowman of Watson. Religious Societies. The earliest meetings here were held by the Methodists, and in 1834, this town first appeared on the conference minutes "to be supplied." The numbers then claimed were -jj. "The Plains" M. E. church was incorporated May 12, 1854, with Reuben Chase, Ira A. Stone, Eben Blakeman, Ebenezer Puffer and Adam Comstock, trustees, and the present church edifice was erected the same year. It was re-incorporated July 13, 1863, with Ralph Beach, Jr., William H. McGown, William Roberts, Aaron Com- stock and Ebenezer Keffer, as trustees. The first minister whose name appears on the minutes as assigned to this charge was the Rev. Isaac Puffer, who had spent a part of his early life in this town. Richard Lyie was stationed in 1844 ; H. O. Tilden in 1845-46; A. S. Wight- man in 1 847- '48. The Rev. Isaac Puffer, above men- tioned, was born in Westminster, Mass., June 20, 1784, and in 1789 removed to Otsego county, and in 1800 to Lewis county. In 1809 he was received on trial in the New York conference and appointed to Otsego circuit within the newly formed Genesee conference. He continued to labor in central and north- ern New York, until 1843, when by his own request, he was placed on the supernumerary list, and in 1848, he re- moved to Illinois. He preached occa- sionally until December, 1853, when a severe illness prevented further useful- ness. He died at Lighthouse Point, Ogle county, III., May 25, 1854. A striking peculiarity in his preaching, was the facility and correctness with which he quoted scripture, always nam- ing the place where found. This custom gave him the appellation of "Chapter and Verse " by which he was often known among his friends. His citations sometimes exceeded a hundred in a sermon, and had generally a close rela- tion to the argument in hand. The Protestant and Episcopal society in this town have a small church (Grace Chapel) in the neighborhood of A. G. Passenger's hotel. It was built under the impulse given by the Rev. Mr. Allen while living in Lowville. The Seventh Day Baptists formed a society in this town. May 2, 1841, and have a place of worship. Their first trustees were Burdick Wells, K. Green, Daniel P. Williams and Joseph B. Davis. They were legally re-organized April 21, 1 86 1, with Joseph Stillman, George W. Davis, Daniel P. Williams, Palmer W. Green and Daniel S. Andrews as trus- tees. In 1846, they claimed 73 commu- nicants. A union library was formed in this town July 14, 1829, with Nathan Snow, John Fox, Daniel C. Wickham, Joseph Webb, Jr., Francis B. Taylor, Hiram Crego and Lansing Benjamin, trustees. It never became successfully organized. 550 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Biographical Sketch. WILLIAM GLENN. The subject of this sketch was born November 8, 1822, in Bally nochen, county Down, Ireland. His parents, William and Jane Glenn, were of Scot- tish descent. In 1833 his father moved to Ballycairn, where William remained with him until 1844, doing farm work and attending school a portion of the time. At the age of eighteen years he united with the Presbyterian church, of Bally- cairn, of which his father was deacon many years. In 1844 he left Ireland and went to Canada West, to the town of Amsley. In 1845 he removed to Greene county, N. Y., where he remained one year, and then removed to the town of Watson, Lewis county. Having in his possession about one hundred and fifty- dollars, he invested one hundred of that sum in land near Crystal lake, and spent the winter in chopping and clear- ing some twenty-five acres. On the 8th of December, 1848, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Marga- ret VanAtta, who was born in the town HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 551 of Lowyille, Lewis county. For about three years he was engaged in farming and jobbing, furnishing material for Beach bridge across Black river, and other improvements, under construction at this time. From 1849 to 1859 he worked the farm of N. J. Beach upon shares, then purchasing a farm three miles up the river he settled there, where he has since remained. In the year 1864 he paid a visit to his father in Ireland, who w.-is then alive. Returning from there he built and run an ashery for two years. He then engaged in the lumbering business in a small way, enlarging gradually to a heavy business, handling the lumber from five or six mills, and owning three at one time. He is an extensive land owner in the Town of Watson, Martinsburgh, and Montague, having in his possession some seven thousand acres. A steam saw-mill in Watson and another in Montague, owned by him, gives employment to from forty to seventy-five men most of the time. His life has been one of great physical as well as mental labor, a man of earnest- ness and energy in whatever undertak- ing he engaged, and of strict integrity of character, he is held in high esteem by all with whom he has dealing. His last ambition in a business way was to make a success of the manufacture of spruce lumber, and get it placed on the market from the town of Montague, which has been fully realized and is at present being carried out to his satisfaction. His children are Eliza Amelia, born August, 1850, and Mary Elizabeth, born in September, 185 1. The former mar- ried in September 1869, Samuel Studer, of Watson, who remains in business with the father. The latter married Lester B. Parker, in February, 1877. The father and the two sons-in-law compose the firm of William Glenn & Co., now en- gaged in farming and lumbering. CHAPTER XXXVIII. History of the Town of West Turin. THIS town was formed from Turin, March 25, 1830, including besides its present boundaries the towns of Mon- tague, Osceola, High Market and all of Lewis except the portion taken from Inman's Triangle. While the plan of a division of Turin was in prospect, the old town was offered townships 3, 8 and 9 by the parties desiring to be set off, and a committee was sent to Albany with a map upon which was marked the course of the hills and the extent of settlement. The county was then repre. sented by a citizen of Turin village who regarded the wild lands then attached to the town as poor; and reasoning upon the principle that poor lands make poor settlers, and that the poor tax of the town would be proportioned accord- ingly, he refused to listen to any plan which left these lands with the old town. The parties asking for a division yielded without a struggle, the point which secured to them over $350 in non-resi- dent taxes annually, and the old town's people displayed a black flag at half mast and evinced other signs of dis- pleasure upon receiving news of the divis- ion. Their displeasure fell especially upon their townsman Joseph O. Mott, then in Assembly, who had allowed the town to be surrounded, and as it was 552 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. said at the time, chiefly through the management of Colonel Seth Miller, of Constableville. The lands rated as poor had not then seen the peep of day, for the dairying interest had not begun to be developed, and tracts which as yet, from their ele- vated location, had failed to succeed in grain, might have been well regarded as destined to afford a meagre profit to the farmer. These very lands, although liable to deep snows in winter, are now found admirably adapted to grazing, and less liable to drouth than the lower and otherwise more favored tracts that were the earliest taken up by settlers. Supervisors. — 1830, Martin Hart ; 1831, James McVickar ; 1832, Aaron Foster; 1833-34, PeterRea; 1835-36, Anthony W. Collins ; 1837, David A. Stiles ; 1838, Seth Miller; 1839-40, Horace Johnson ; 1841-42, Edmund Baldwin ; 1843, Owen J.Owens; 1844, S. Miller ; 1845-46, Wm. R.Wadsworth ; 1847-48, S. Miller ; 1849 -'50, Jonathan C. CoUins ; 1851, Seth Miller; i852-'54, Van Rensselaer Waters; 1855, W. R. Wadsworth; 1856, Homer Collins; 1857, Hiram T. Felshaw ; 1858, Riley Parsons ; 1859-60, Schuyler C. Thompson; 1861, Benjamin F. Potter ; 1862, Levi Crofoot ; 1863, Horace John- son; 1864, Edwin Woolworth; i86s-'66, R. Sanford Miller; 1867, L. Crofoot; 1868-70, Leonard E.Cone ; 1871-72, San- ford Coe; 1873-74, John Clover ; 1875, L. Crofoot; 1876-78, Gottlieb Miller; 1879, John Crofoot; 1880, Henry Mc- Vickar; 1881-82, Charles M. Allen. Clerks.-- 1830, Seth Miller, Jr. (re- signed), Wm. R. Wadsworth appointed and continued till 1844; 1845, Ela G. Stoddard; 1846, Robert W. Bennett; 1847, V. R. Waters; 1848, Charles M. Goff; 1849, Wm. R. Wadsworth ; 1850, C. M. Goff; 1 85 1, V. R. Waters; 1852, Luman L. Fairchild ; 1853-54, W. R. Wadsworth; 1855, C. M. Goff; 1856, John C. Stiles ; 1857-59, Wm. R. Wads- worth ; i860, Franklin Felshaw ; 1861, Charles Bennett; 1862, R. Sanford Mil- ler : 1863-65, Wm. R. Wadsworth : 1866, Melson B. Felshaw ; 1867, Ebenezer F. Jones; i868-'70, Wm. R.Wadsworth; 1871 -'72, Walter H. Millard; 1873, James Doyle; 1874-82, Wm. R. Wads- worth. West Turin now includes parts of townships 2 and 4, or Flora and Pomona of Constable's Four Towns. Of these the former belongs to the Pierrepont estate, and its settlement is modern as compared with the latter, upon which Nathaniel Shaler commenced settlement in 1796. In the summer of 1795, Shaler sent a man to explore these lands, and late in that year he concluded the pur- chase noticed in the history of Turin. The Stows were his competitors for the tract, but Shaler at length secured it and at once took active measures for establishing a settlement. Mr. Shaler under whom the settlement of this town began, was a prominent merchant of Middletown, Conn., and towards the close of the last century, was residing in New York, and con- cerned in the West India trade. He there became aquainted with Mr. Con- stable and purchased one-half of town- ships 3 and 4 of Constable's Four Towns, and became his agent for the undivided remainder. He was accustomed to spend his summers here during several years, but never removed his family. He soon after undertook the settlement of lands on the Connecticut Reserve in Ohio, where he owned the towns of Shalersville, Middletown, Bazetta and a part of Medina. He died at Middle- town, Ct., May 1816. A daughter of Mr. Shaler married Commodore McDonough, the hero of Plattsburgh. His son, William Denning Shaler, resided many years in this town and died in New York, May 18, 1842. His HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 553 widow has resided many years in Low- ville village. In settling this as well as other towns, the pioneers were obliged to give mortgages for a part of the purchase money, to be paid when means could be raised. Some of these first beginners proved to be among the most thrifty and prosperous, and their descendants in some cases still own the property first taken up. It may prove of interest to the present and a future generation, to know the names of these settlers, and the lots on which they first located. From a list of mortgages upon Town- ship 4, in the present Town of Turin and West Turin, we take the following : — Lot. Acres. £,. s. Oliver and Keturah Allis, 62 62 in. 00 Thomas and Pheba Hoskins, 23 50 52.10 Levi and Esther Hart, 38 184^ 102.00 Benjamin and Hannah Higby, 93 too 75. 6 Jonathan Hawkins, 108 54^ 87. 3 Salmon and Laureney Hall, 36 48 109. ig Levi and Hannah Smith, 84.85 170J 262.10 Heman and Anne Merwin, 108 109 68.11 William and Huldah Halladay, 74 207 333. 3 James and Clarinda Miller, John and Jerusha Markham, Nathaniel and Irene Moore, Seth and Mary Miller, Levy and Fanny Ives, Jesse and Sarah Dodge, John and Betsy Wilkinson, Gideon and Eunice Shepard, Lemuel and Sarah Scovil, Beekman and Elizabeth Sabin, William and Elizabeth Rice, Elias and Elizabeth Sage, Abner and Lois Rice, Jr., Luman Simons, Elisha and Rachael Crofoot, William and Hopefull Coleman, 41 Eliphalet and Abigal Hubbard, no Levi and Mary Benedict, Daniel and Margaret Higby, Amos and Elizabeth Barnes, These mortgages were all given in 1801 except the last two, which date in 1805, and they were generally paid up in three or four years. The money used in accounts was New York currency, in which £\ equals $2.50 Federal money. A road was run from Fort Stanwix, and early in 1796, Major John Ives, the pioneer settler, came on with his family and built his first rude bark shelter by the side of a large elm tree, which was 100 50 69.15 108 54J 87. 3 64 70 123.15 95 i82i 155.11 III 228 376.16 107 100 '53- 3-9 20 100 1 20. 9 48 50 102.15 102 50 105.00 16 112^ 108.15 48 1 02 J 219. 10.9 23 100 218. 2 57 I04i 160. 16 107 5°, 71.17 102 55i 55-13 >4I 50 107.00 no 100 174.00 15 50 58.12 lOI igsi 135.18 28 225 346.13 felled late in the evening of their arrival. This formed their dwelling for a few days, until a regular log cabin could be built. In reaching this spot the family was compelled to cross swollen streams upon the trunks of fallen timber, and carry their goods across these treach- erous bridges at great peril. The fami- ly had tarried in Leyden a few days, while Mr. Ives went forward and ex- plored the town for a location of four hundred acres which he was allowed to select from the whole tract. The final removal of the household did not take place till April. Mr Ives removed a few years after- wards, from his first location at Con- stableville, to a farm two miles and a half north of Turin village on the State road, the land of this farm extending east up the hill, and out across the plain below. He died of cancer, March 13, 1828, in his 66th year. His wife sur- vived until February 12, 1841. Major Ives was a native of Meriden Conn., and resided at New Hartford, Oneida county, a year before his removal to this town. He held the office of Sheriff, in 18 10, and was a prominent citizen in town and county affairs, and highly esteemed in the various relations of life. Sys. tematic and successful in business, he acquired a comfortable estate, which is still held by his family. The homestead passed into the hands of his son Selden Ives, and is now occupied by his grand- son Mather S. Ives, present Supervisor of Turin. Another son, George Ives, who formerly Hved adjacent, removed to Chicago. John Ives, his oldest son, settled in the east part of the town, from whence he removed to Martins- burgh, and then to Rochester, finally, he was induced to join the wild emigra- tion to California, in the early days of the "gold fever" and died there. Returning from this digression con- cerning the first pioneer and his family, 554 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. we will resume our account of the settle- ment. During the summer of 1796, about twenty young men were hired by Mr. Shaler to put' up a saw-mill, which was got in operation in the fall. At the raising of this mill every settler was present, including three women, viz : Mrs. Ives, Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs. Brainerd Coe, who cooked supper for the party. During the same summer great numbers from Middletown, Mer- iden, and towns adjacent came in and selected farms. Among these were Joshua Rockwell, Levi Ives, Nathan Coe, Elisha Scovill, Daniel Higby, Levi Hough, William Hubbard, James Mil- ler, Ebenezer Allen, and perhaps others, the most of whom began clearings and made preparations for their families but returned back to Connecticut in the fall. But two families spent the long dreary winter in the town, a winter which has had few equals in intensity ot cold and depth of snow. Mr. Ives had occasion to go to Connecticut and left his family with a large supply of wood and a stock of provisions, sufficient to last till his return. He was absent six weeks, and in the mean time the snow fell five feet deep, cutting off all communication with the world. At length a .young man named Caleb Rockwell reached the cabin on snow shoes, to see whether the family were alive and well, and a few days after he returned with his sis- ter, and the tedious solitude was soon after relieved by the return of the hus- band, and with him several new settlers. Soon ofter this, the roof of the cabin was crushed in by the snow, and had not the beams of the garret floor been strong, the whole family would have been buried in the ruin. During the second summer, Jonathan Collins, Seth Miller, Reuben Scovil, Aaron Parsons, Willard Allen, Elisha Crofoot, James T. Ward, Philemon Hoadley, William and Abner Rice, Elder Stephen Parsons, Jesse Miller, William Daniels, Ebenezer and Elijah Wadsworth, and others. During the second season Mr. Shaler completed the first grist mill erected in the country. It stood upon Sugar river not far from the place where it issues from the hills. Within the next three years the whole town below the hill, and an extensive tract west of Constableville was taken up by settlers. Among these pioneers were Aaron Foster, Ebenezer Baldwin, Cephas Clark, James and Levi Miller, Elisha Cone, Dr. Horatio G. Hough, Roswell Woodruff, Richard Coxa, Wm. Coleman, [or Coolman,] and Josiah P. Raymond. We will briefly notice such of the set- tlers above named as our information enables us to do, in the order in which they have been mentioned. In some cases it will be only an obituary date. Joshua Rockwell, from Middletown Conn., died March 2, 1825, aged 83 years. He resided on the old Turin and Leyden turnpike road, where he was burned out and narrowly escaped with life, in an early period of the settlement. Levi Ives was a brother of Major John Ives, and the father of Levi Silliman Ives, whose versatile religious career has attracted public notice. The father became despondent because he did not prosper in business and drowned him- selt in Bear creek near Black river, June 19, 1815. The son began his career as a Presbyterian theological student, and is remembered as one of the strictest of the faith, when a young man. He then became Protestant Episcopal ; married a daughter of Bishop Hobart, and was chosen Bishop of North Carolina. From this he changed to Roman Catholic, and entered with great zeal upon the defense of the doctrines of that church. Nathan Cole was from Middlefield, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 555 Conn., and died in this town February 27, 1845, aged "j^ years. Elisha Scovill came from Meriden, Conn. He had several children, who settled in this town and became heads of families. Hezekiah and Elisha Sco- vill were two of his family. Hezekiah Scovill died October 12, 1856, aged 75 years. Daniel Higby was from Middletown, Conn. His children were Benjamin, Daniel 2d, and Moses. They lived on " Crofoot Hill," about half a mile east of the present Ebenezer church. The last named removed West. Levi Hough, son of Phineas Hough, was born in Meriden, Conn., May 2, 1773. He removed to this town in 1798, and in 18 14 exchanged land for a farm upon the river flats east of the village of Martinsburgh, then in the town of Turin, where he made notable improvements, and where he died August 23, 1853. His son, Phineas Hough, was the father of Levi R. Hough, a merchant in Martins- burgh. Another son, Oliver Hough, removed to Cleveland, O., where he died December 28, 1861, aged 65 years. Another son, Alfred Hough, became a Presbyterian clergyman, and settled in Oneida county, but died still a young man, while attending the sessions of a Presbytery at Philadelphia. William Hubbard was said to have been the first to build a framed house in this town. James Miller was the second son of Richard Miller. He came into town April 29, 1796, when eighteen years old, and died upon the farm he had cleared and cultivated, October 6, 1863, aged 83 years. Richard Miller died in Middle- town, from the cutting of his foot by an adze, which caused a hemorrhage be- yond control. Ebenezer Allen was born in Middle- town, Conn., February 15, 1769, and was a brother oilchabodz.nd.oi Willard Allen. His sons were Emory, William and James Allen, of whom the first only now resides in this town. He had four daughters. The sons of Willard Allen were Alphon- son (who went to Louisiana), Zenas, Olney, Libafius and Hamiltojt. He had one daughter. Ebenezer Allen, the settler, died in this town March i, 1829, aged 60 years. Willard Allen was a surveyor and a farmer, and died September 18, 1850, aged ^^ years. Zenas Allen, his son, died November 26, 1869, aged 65 years. Jonathan Collins was a descendant of Lewis Collins, who emigrated to America in 1630, and was born at Wal- Hngford, Ct., May 3, 1755. He enlisted December 10, 177S, in Captain John Crouch's company. Colonel Wads- worth's regiment, and went to Dorches- ter, where he helped to build the fort there. He was discharged in 1776, went to New York, in Captain John Hough's companv. Colonel Baldwin's regiment, and enlisted again to go on the lines at Horse Neck, April i, 1778. He married Sarah Crouch, January 10, 1775, and emigrated from Meriden to this town in 1797. He arrived in March, and had great difficulty in crossing Sugar river then swollen by the spring flood. The goods were got across on a tree, the horses were made to swim the stream, and the sleigh was drawn over by a rope attached to the neap. He selected a valuable tract for a farm, (lots 49, 50, 70 and 98, for which he received deeds January 3, 1799), and having consider- ' able means, he was enabled to begin set- tlement to advantage, and to maintain through life an independence in prop- erty, which was surpassed by but a few in the county. He was early selected as a magistrate and Judge, and from 1809 to 181 5 he served as the First Judge of the county court. In 1820 he was chosen a Presidential Elector. Few citizens have enjoyed to a greater degree 556 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. the confidence of the public, and in the various trusts reposed in him by the town and county, he uniformly evinced strict integrity, sound judgment, and a scrupulous regard for the public wel- fare. He died April 6, 1845, aged 90 years. His brother, General Oliver Collins, of Oneida count}', was in ser- vice on the frontier in the War of 1812- '15. His sons were: — Levi, born February 24, 1778, long -a merchant at CoUinsville, and a mem- ber of Assembly in 1813. He died March 31, 1819. Selden, born May 22, 1780. Died at Ogdensburgh, June 13, 1857. His son Bryan R. Collins, died in the army at Harrison's Landing, Va., June 15, 1862, aged 61 years. The latter mar- ried Elizabeth Inman, daughter of William Inman, and died March 13, 1865, aged 43 years. Homer, born May 15, 1788 ; member of Assembly in 1858; resided at CoUins- ville until old age. He lived for a time in Whitestown, but died in Ley- den, October 22, 1870, aged 82 years. He was generally known as '' Homer Collins, of CoUinsville." He held for some years the office of County Judge, and was a memberof Assembly in 1858. Anthony Wayne, born February 10, 1797 ; resided at Turin village, where he died May 17, 1870, aged 70 years. Jonathan C, born January 30, 1804; Presidential elector in 1852, and mem- ber of Assembly in 1854; resides at Talcottville. The daughters of Jonathan CoUins were : — Keturah, born December 24, 1775, married Oliver AUis, and died April I, 1839. Lament, born October 6, 1783, married David Waters, of Martinsburgh. Deuel, born April 22, 1785, married Dr. Walter Dewey, of CoUinsville. Sarah, born August 5, 1792, died March 30, 1794- Sally, born March 31, 1795, married Martin Hart, of Turin. Mrs. Sarah Collins, wife of Jonathan Collins, died March 22, 1840, aged 83 years. Seth Miller was from Canaan, Conn., and the son of Benjamin Miller. He settled a short distance west of Con- stableville, and died February 20, 1855, aged 75 years. His sons were : — Dr. Sylvester Miller, who settled at Lowville, and whose death is men- tioned in our account of that town. Dr. James Miller, settled at Johns- town, N. Y. Timothy Miller, first merchant at Con- stableville. Benjamin Miller, who removed West and died there. Seth Miller, long a ■ prominent mer- chant in Constableville, and elsewhere noticed. Colvin Miller, who resided on the homestead. Mr. Seth Miller, the settler, had four daughters. Reuben Scovil, died July 9, 1846, aged jy years. Aaron Parsons, was the eldest son of the Rev. Stephen Parsons, a pioneer Baptist minister, noticed in our account of Denmark, and died August 26, 1854, aged 84 years. His son Aaron Parsons, Jr., was elected sheriff in November, 1849, and was in Assembly in 1855. Elder Stephen Parsons, above men- tioned, was thrice married, and had eleven children, six of whom removed to the Black River country, before he removed himself from Whitestown. Of these Aaron has been mentioned as one of the first settlers. A daughter Eleanor, married EUsha Cone, and died in this town in August, 1853, aged 82 years. Stephen Parsons, a son, died in Den- mark, in 1832, aged 56 years. Ichabod Parsons, lived in Denmark, was several years a County Judge, and died Sep- tember 9, 1867, aged 91 years. Elihu Parsons, halt brotlier to the above, died in Pompey, N. Y., in 1842. Betsey, a sister of the last named, married Elijah Clark, of Denmark, and died in 1833, aged 53 years. Comfort Parsons, a son of elder Stephen Parsons, by a third HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 557 marriage, settled at Wales Centre, N. Y. Dr. Jonathan Parsons, served in the army in the War of i8i2-'i5, and was taken prisoner. He died in Florida, July 30, 1820. His sister Sally Parsons, married Johnson Foster, of Turin. Grace Parsons, another sister, married Isaac Foster, and died in California, in 1859. Ann Parsons, the youngest of the family, married a Mr. Crane, of Denmark. Elisha Crofoot, the ancestor of the families of this name in Turin and West Turin, was a native of BerHn, Conn. He removed from Middletown April 25, 1797, having spent the summer previous in this town, and died here March 29, 18 1 3, in his sixtieth year. His wife, Rachael, died March 16, 18 13. Their children were : Mary and John Cro- foot, who never moved into the county ; Isaac, formerly a County Judge, and afterwards removed to Fond du Lac, Wis.; Rachael, who died March 11, 1813 ; James, who died February 7, 1866, aged 74 years; Anson, who died July 23, 1825, and David, who died Sep- tember 2, 1814. Of the family of James Crofoot, Sim- eon B. died August 7, 1846, aged 19; James, Jr., died February 19, 1854, aged 33 ; Benjamin P., died May 30, 1^63, aged 40; George, died March 30, 1864; Levi, died May 12, 1877, aged 59; and William, died April 13, 1879, aged 64. John Cro- foot is a citizen of Constableville, and has been several years a supervisor of the town of West Turin. EHsha Cro- foot is a citizen of Turin, of which town he was supervisor for several years. He has also held the office of sheriff on-^ term. James T. Ward, noticed a little fur- ther on as a sub-agent of Mr. Shaler, did not remain long in town. The following anecdote is related of him by Mr. Alson Clark, in a series of historical articles pubhshed by him relating to the early settlement of the county : — " As Mr. Ward was coming in from Fort Stanwix, he met at the toot of the long hill, now Lee Corners, two suspic- ious looking men, who went on before while he stopped at the inn. Two or three miles beyond he overtook them, when one of the men challenged him to wrestle, as Ward thought to try his strength, and if able, to rob him. He accepted the proposal, and having sHght- ly fastened his horse a short distance beyond, took from his portmanteau a bottle of spirits to treat them with, be- fore beginning the contest. He found some other occasion to return to his horse, when springing upon its back he soon disappeared, leaving the bottle in their possession." Captain Ward returned to Middle- field, where his habits reduced him to poverty. A pleasing incident occurred near the close of his life. One of his settlers, who in paying for land had given several twenty dollar notes, found the relation of debtor unpleasant, and re- solved to take them up. They were all written upon one piece of paper. They were thus written because' the law required them to be written upon " stamped paper," and were not collect- able unless so written. Ward opened the paper, computed the sum due, and stated the amount at less than what was expected. Upon being told of this, he carefully revised his figures, assured the purchaser that it was all right, and gave them up with a receipt in full. The lat- ter on going home discovered that one of the notes had not been unfolded. He had previously lost more money than this through Ward, and finally conclud- ed to let the error offset the previous transaction, and kept the secret. About thirty years after, as he felt death ap- proaching from a slow but incurable heart disease, this act came up before him, troubling his sleep, and haunting his waking hours with the chidings of a burdened consience. He at length sought the advice of his family, and for the first time related the circumstances 558 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. of the case. They at once agreed upon the only course that should be taken. Compound interest was reckoned upon the note, and nearly sixty-five dollars was placed in the hands of Mr. Nathaniel Moore, of Turin, who was about to make a journey to Middletown, and who was engaged to deliver this money in person to the owner, with an explanatory letter. The agent found Mr. Ward, enfeebled by age, but forced to earn a scanty sup- port by day labor among the farmers. He had never detected the error, and read the statement with surprise and gratitude. This transaction, of itself, possessed no merit, for it was simply paying an honest debt ; but it has too few parallels in the business dealings of mankind. It produced a still more marked effect upon the mind of the in- valid, whose conscience was thus re- lieved. His widow, in relating to us the circumstance many years ago, informed us, that from that moment, there was a serene and settled peace of mind, sur- passing anything she had ever observed before,-;-and thus he passed away. Philemon Hoadley, son of Jacob Hoad- ley was from Westfield, Mass., and settled on the old French road, where it crossed the East road, south of ColhnsviUe. He kept an inn there several years, and died January 8, 1811, aged 57 years. His father died aged 84 years. A son, Philemon Hoadley, Jr., was a settler in Martinsburgh. Lyman Hoadley, another son, died on the homestead near CoUins- ville, February 4, 1861, aged 79 years. William Daniels died January 12, 1849, aged 88 years. Ebenezer Wadsworth died in Vienna, N. Y. Elijah Wadsworth died October 17, 1836, aged 72 years. Seth Miller, Sr., and Willard Allen married sisters of these brothers. Aaron Foster settled near the State road in this town in 1799, and died in Martinsburgh, April 3, 1858, aged 87 yeai's. He was the father of Ansel Fos- ter, and of the late Alburn Foster, of Lowville. Ebenezer Baldwin settled between the villages of Turin and Collinsville, and died November 3, 1834, aged 68 years. His son, Edmund Baldwin, resided there till his death. May 3, 1861, aged 57 years. He was at that time Member of Assem- bly from Lewis county. Cephas Clark was from Granby, Conn., and settled in 1801. He died December i, 1854, aged 91 years, leav- ing several descendants, who settled on the road between Turin and Constable- ville. Homer Clark, one of these sons, died April 7, 1862, aged 70 years. His son, Alson Clark, a young man of much promise, died February 5, 1857, aged 36 years. Rev. James Miller was a Methodist preacher, and died March 31, 1843, aged 67 years. Rev. Levi Miller, brother of the pre- ceding, was also a Methodist preacher, and removed some years after to Louis- ville, St. Lawrence county, where he died January 26, 1853, aged 73 years. A son of his name was a Member of Assembly from St. Lawrence county in 1854 and 1855. Elisha Cone settled in 1798 and was the first tanner in Turin. He died June 28, 1828, aged 61 years. Dr. Horatio G. Hough settled in 1798, and removed to Martinsburgh in 1805, where he died September 3, 1830, as further noticed in our account of that town. Roswell Woodruff was from Berlin, Conn., and settled near Collinsville. In 1804 he exchanged his place with Rich- ard Coxe, agent of the Castorland com- pany, for 400 acres in Jefferson county, and removed to Jefferson county. Late in life he removed to New Hartford and died there. He was the father of Norris HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 559 M. Woodruff, a conspicuous citizen of Watertown, who built the "Woodruff House " at that place. He resided in this town in early life, before settling in business at Watertown. Richard Coxe belonged to an old and respectable family, on the Delaware, in New Jersey, and his sister Grace mar- ried James D. Le Ray. He came in 1800 to supersede Tillier in the agency of Castorland, and continued for some time to carry on the store which the French had established under Oboussier. He was appointed first County Clerk, and traded several years on the hill, a little west of Collinsville, where he built a stylish curb-roofed house and store that stood till recent years. He went off about 1816, and was afterwards many years a clerk in the Post Office Depart- ment at Washington. Charles C. Coxe, his brother, was several years consul at Tunis. Tench Coxe, another brother, was an early officer in the U. S. Treas- ury Department. Richard Coxe mar- ried a Miss Cunningham, a lady of supe- rior education, who became insane. Some of the first county records are in her handwriting. William Coleman [or Coolman] was an Alsacian, and settled on the Rees place near the High Falls. He removed some years after to Ohio and died at an advanced age at Ravenna, Portage county. His son of the same name be- came quite prominent in public life at that place. Josiah P. Raymond, came with Coxe in 1800, as clerk in the French store at the High Falls, and afterwards settled on the road between Collinsville and Leyden, where he died at an advanced age. He was the father of Leicester J. Raymond, of Copenhagen. After thus briefly noticing some of the first settlers we will resume our account of the settlement. Mr. Shaler built a house near the present St. Paul's chapel in the village of Constableville, and was accustomed to spend several weeks of each summer in town but never came to reside here. He employed James T. Ward, a man of plausible address and considerable means, to induce people to emigrate to this town ; whether the result be due to Ward or Shaler, it will be conceded that a better class of citizens seldom em- igrated to a new country than those who began improvements in this town. They were mostly in easy circumstances, and early acquired clear titles to their farms. Excepting the first year or two, the set- tlers did not suffer those hardships which are often incident to a new country, as the earth yielded iis fruits kindly, and the principal difficulties arose from the poorness of the roads, and the difficulty of reaching markets. As an instance of the expense attending the transporta- tion of provisions we may notice that Jonathan Collins, upon coming to town, in March, 1797, offered to furnish a cart and one yoke of oxen, to any one who would furnish another yoke, and bring in a lot of flour and pork from Whitestown for half, and much of his first year's provisions were brought upon these terms. Game and fish formed an im- portant element in the line of provisions, and of the latter, salmon from Fish creek were taken in great numbers. A long stretch of deep, still water in that stream still bears the name of " Shaler's Hole," from its being an important fishing ground for his people. Deer, wolves and bears were numerous, and two men coming through from Redfield to Shal- er's, once killed an enormous panther over seven feet long, and dragged him out to the settlement. Armed Expedition to Bkuwnville. During the winter of 1799 and 1800, three deserters from the British fort at Kingston, escaped to this State, and 56o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. were making their way up the Black River valley, when they were pursued and arrested by Samuel Brown, fattier of General Jacob Brown, of Brown- ville, shut up in a smoke-house over night, and the next day taken back to the garrison, for the bounty offered by the British government. Brown's assist- ants in this speculation were two white men named Luddenten and Willigy, and a negro. The price they won was $8 per head, and the punishment received by the deserters was 500 lashes each. The facts spread quickly through the settlements, losing nothing in passing from mouth to mouth, until in reaching this town, they had gained many de- tails of cruelty. It was reported that the fugitives had lost their shoes and were barefooted, marking their trail with their blood. Other incidents were brought in until the story had become one well calculated to excite indigna- tion. With an impulse prompted by virtue. Major John Ives, a prominent citizen of Constableville, seized his gun, declaring that the statutes against kid- naping should be enforced against the sordid villain who had sold the freedom of men for a few pieces of silver. He called upon his neighbors to arm and follow, and the expedition gaining a recruit at every cabin, amounted to about forty armed men by the time it reached Champion. A warrant was taken out from Justice Mix, and de- livered to a constable, with whom they proceeded to their destination, notwith- standing word was sent, that the offend- ing party had employed Indians to aid in defending him and that resistance would be made. The warrant was served and the party was escorted up to Champion, where he was bound over to the next term of the Oneida court, and the avengers quietly returned home. The trial resulted in the heav- iest fine which could be imposed, amounting with expenses, it is said, to about $800, and a stigma was attached to the culprit, which half a century of virtuous life could not outlive. This incident was related to us in 1852, by Mr. Ichabod Parsons, of Denmark, who had borne arms upon that expedition. In returning with their prisoner to Champion, they were followed by his son, Jacob Brown, through whose man- agement the case, bail was given for trial as here stated. No violence was offered to the prisoner, although some insulting things may have been said upon the occasion. The incident at least shows the strength of the law in the new set- tlements, and the willingness of the in- habitants to abide by its decisions. Samuel Brown, Sr., died in 1813. Agency of Mr. Samuel Hall. The first local agent after Ward, was Samuel Hall, who resided here but a few years. Mr. Hall returned to Mid- dletown, where he died about 1855-56. He owned extensive brown freestone quarries, which have supplied building material to an immense extent, in New * York and elsewhere. His estate was valued $160,000 at the time of his death. The state of the colony in 1803, at a time when Mr. Hall was the agent, is thus described by James Constable in his diary : — " Remained at Rome till Monday, September 12, when I left at 9 a. m. for Shaler's settlement, in company with B. Wright. Traveled though a middling good country, but well settled, though the lands are principally held under lease from Governor Clinton and Chancellor Lansing. This tenure is, I am told,very objectionable in the country, and it must be given up when the lease expires. Came to Clark's tavern, six miles from Rome, in the town of Western. This town the Governor is considerably in- terested in, but except near Clark's the settlers are few and the soil not inviting. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 561 Some places appear to have been occu- pied, but are now deserted. We saw people going near a mile for water. This is, however, the dryest season ever re- membered through the country, and such a circumstance may not happen again. If it does the people will aban- don this part. " Passed through Leyden,* which ap- pears very indifferent, and the settlers were, of course, few, most of them in- deed had not been long there. Arrived at Jones', fifteen miles from Rome, and expected to find it a tavern to dine at, but they had left off that busmess as they told us was the case with their neighbors four miles further, and that there was no public house nearer than Shaler's settlement, so we baited our horses and proceeded through Adgate's purchase and Inman's Triangle, both of which are and appear very rough and bad, though of the latter Wright tells me the part to the eastward is very good. " We do not find a settler in several miles, and the road, bad as it is, is the only sign of improvement. Pass the two main branches of the Mohawk, now nearly dry, though very formidable streams generally. The Triangle im- proves in quality somewhat, and after some distance we entered Shaler's No. 4, •where we immediately saw settlers, good buildings, and crops of corn. His house and other buildings being not far from the south line, we soon arrived there, being 5 o'clock, so that we were eight hours going twenty-six miles, which in a new road is pretty good speed. While dinner was getting ready we looked at the buildings. The house is a good, large, frame house, well finished and grand for that part of the country. The barn, stable and other places for cattle also good. " The mill is a common country mill with one run of stone and well finished. The saw mill, hke others of the country, but not covered in, though the boards cannot be wanting. Neither of these mills had run for some time for want of water. The dam seems firm and good though it has been twice here- * Leyden then included the towns of Boonville and Ava. tofore carried away.* There is also a house for potash work which is equal to what I have seen in this country ; but knowing that upwards of $10,000 were expended in these buildings, I was as- tonished to see that so much could have been laid out on them ; but of this more hereafter. " After our view it was near dark ; we got our dinner, sat an hour or two and went to bed. Everything was well pro- vided for us, and plenty of good liquor from Mr. Shaler's stock. Looking from the house, about 150 acres appear to be well cleared, which is called the homestead, and there are also some very fine farms covered with good buildings, but there is a street (as they call it) about a mile west from the house and of that length, of good farms in high culti- vation, which the lateness of the hour and my other route did not permit me to see. " I had to go to Martin's, twelve miles north of us, next morning, Tuesday, September 13, and accordingly set off after breakfast, traveling over a road which the settlers by laying out judi- ciously and using have made infinitely superior to that between this place and Rome. " Our course from Shaler's to Martin's is N. W. through No. 4, and part of No. 3. This No. 4 Wright considers superior to any land belonging to the estate. It is indeed very fine, and being more settled and cultivated than Ellis- burgh appears to greater advantage, but the soil so far as I am a judge is not superior. There is however an advan- tage it possesses over the other in being so remarkably well watered throughout, while Ellisburgh depends upon the two branches of Sandy creek in the dry sea- son. The buildings are all framed and well finished, including barns, &c. We seldom see log houses. On our route we met two men who were desirous of * The summer of '1803 was the dryest upon record in the Black River country. On one occasion a party of seventeen men, working for Shaler, rather than to go without flour, mounted the water wheel by turns, tread- mill fashion, and ground out sufficient grain for present use. Several of the early settlers went to Whitestown to mill, and one Wm. Barnes backed home two bushels of corn meal from that place. The first dam at Con- stableville was built hke a log house, and stood less than a year. The hous? above mentioned was afterwards burned, 562 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. buying lands on the other No. 4,* which they had been to view, and which they said contained land good enough for any man. I told them the executors f had not yet determined about opening that town for sale but soon would, and make it known. This account of No. 4 was pleasing, as I had formed a very different opinion of it, and Wright says they must have been on the N. E. corner, as the remainder is bad. Crossed from Shaler's No. 4 to No. 3, which seems somewhat inferior, though very little. It has few settlers, his whole force having been hitherto applied to the other, but his object now is to settle No. 3, and he is raising the price of the other to $6 and $7 which the people will not at present give, but go to the other at half the price. Passed to Captain [Ezra] Clapp's tavern 8 miles from Shaler's [about a mile south of House- ville.] The landlord is a very active, industrious and intelligent man, the buildings and farm about him in excel- lent order, the work of two years. He told me when he set down there, there was not a neighbor northward of him as far as Lowville, and now there are about forty families in a distance of a few miles. I found from the conversa- tion of him and Wright, that he knows every spot of the country ; he informed us that he had been running a line for a road through the whole length of No. 3 and found the soil and ground good. This he did by order of Mr. Shaler, and when the road is cut the town will set- tle immediately." Returning the same day from Martin's he adds : — " Wednesday, September 14. Arose and breakfasted by 5 o'clock, that we might go by Shaler's new road through No. 3 and 2. The former appeared in this part rough and hilly, the soil not very good ana no settlers, but the road being only just cut, there has not been time for them to sit down. The travel- ling rather bad, there being no bridges or causeways to cover the mud holes. Passed on 7 miles without seeing a house till we come to Inman's Triangle. I was sorry to find No. 2 so indifferent. * In Martinsburgh, No. 4 of the Boylston tract, f Executors of the estate of Wm. Constable, then re- cently deceased. The timber was mostly beech and hem- lock, which denotes a very poor soil, and the country is rough and uneven without being relieved by intervale." In the year following. Constable notes under date of September nth, that after leavmg Collins for Rome the wind blew very hard, and they heard and saw the trees falling in every direction. One dropped in the wood just before them and obliged them to go around it ; and in several places they leaped their horses over trees newly fallen. In 1805 he remarks, September 4th : — " Passed on to Coxe's at the High Falls, or rather 1 1^ mile west of them, where he lives and. is finishing a house he bought. He is Clerk of the new county of Lewis but has not yet got the books for the papers, and the records are in a very insecure place." Township No. 2, or Flora, was first opened for settlement under Shaler as agent, who was authorized June 13, 1803, to lay out a road, and sell at not less than $2.50 per acre. Abraham Scranton was appointed agent Decem- ber IS, 1804, through the aid of Shaler. On the 25th of August, 1804, Hamlet Scranton,* his son, was associated in the agency, and the rule, hitherto in- variable, of requiring a quarter pay- ment down was relaxed by the execu- tors of the Constable estate. The terms allowed were 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, in equal installments. The diary, under date of August 6, 1806, says of this agency : — " Left Rome and arrived at Scranton's in Turin towards evening, having trav- elled through the old road from Deacon Clark's in Western, through town No. 2, which appeared a good soil, though not a little hilly. Saw no settlers, and the road requires a good deal of working, * Mr. Scranton was from Durham, Ct. The family removed to Rochester in April, 1812, where they be- came early settlers. Hamlet Scranton died of apo- plexy, April, 1851, aged 78 years. Memorial of the Scranton Family, p. 6l ; Lives of Pioneers of Roches- ter, p. 9. Hamlet D. Scranton, was in i860 the mayor of Rochester. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 563 which Mr. Scranton informed me was to be done in about two weeks, the people from Leyden having undertaken to meet them and do their part. We find Mr. Scranton (the son) not so san- guine of setthng this town as the father was last year, at I5, tho' he thinks settlers will come forward at a less price. We therefore authorized him to proceed in the business on the best terms he could, without adhering to $5. He had a frame prepared for a saw-mill, which was to be raised to-day. The other business re- mained as last year. The grist-mill was at a stand both for a want of water and itself appearing to be worn out." The names of voters living in this town in 1807, will be found in our ac- count of the town of Turin. The attempt to settle No. 2, except along the direct road to Rome, which crosses the northeast corner, failed, as from its great elevation, grains did not thrive, and its value for grazing was un- known. In 1826, some Germans came to the office of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, in Brooklyn, to buy lands, and selected portions of this town. Among these were Joseph Kochly, Captain Wider and others,' chiefly from Alsace, on the Rhine. Kochly was himself from Lorraine, in France. They were joined by others from the borders of France and Ger- many, and from Switzerland ; and in 1834, Kochly counted seventy -five Ger- man families, on 3,400 acres in No. 2. In 1836, 2,000 acres were under contract, and as much more deeded, and in 1839, 5,000 acres were contracted. These foreigners were chiefly Catholics and Lutherans. They proved a hardy, laborious, patient and well disposed class of people, and mostly became citizens as soon as the legal forms could be complied with. Settlement was be- gun on Fish creek by one Wright, who was supported for some time by Pierre- pont's agent, on condition of his remain- ing. Others were induced to venture in, and a permanent settlement was formed. Many Irish from the canals settled in 1 84 1, and at present the greater part of the township is settled. The names of some of these European immigrants and the dates of their death, will be seen from the following dates taken from two of their grave-yards : — [In the German Reformed Church burial ground.] Martin Bostader, died December 24, 1863, aged 78. Charles A. Geigler, died September 14, 1861, aged 57. Andrew Hays, Sr., died January i, 1863, aged 79. Frederick Haas, died October i, 1875, aged 66. Peter Haller, died March 19, 1855, aged 87. Peter Kropp, died September 8, 1859, aged 49. Henry Lanfer, died January 31, 1867, aged 64. Erhard Marcy, died August 19, 1868, aged 76. George M. Meder, died May 22, 1862, aged 70. Jacob Ruffy, died February 19, 1867, aged "]&. Jacob Sadler, died June 25, 1878, aged Jachas Siegler, died September 14, 1 861, aged 54. Gottlieb Steinbrenner, died November 3, 1853, aged 78. George Trager, died July 2, 1868, aged 71. George Weber, died June n, 1873, aged 76. [In the Catholic Burial Ground, Mohawk Hill Church.] Frederick Gasaker, died May 17, 1867, aged 65. Jacob Jacobs, died August 3, 185 1, aged 83. Andrew Kapper, died September 29, 1869, aged 89. Nicholas Ripp, died January 21, 1879, aged 78. George Scharlach, died September i, 1876. Henry Sins, died March 18, 1877, aged 74. Peter Zimmer, died January 12, 1871, aged 70. 564 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. The first birth in Mr. Shaler's settle- ment at Constableville was that ot Rich- ard, a son of Joshua Rockwell, and the second that of Julia, daughter of John Ives. The second male child born in town was Seth Miller, Jr. ' On the sec- ond summer of settlement, a young man named Coe was brought to Shaler's house to be nursed, and died. In 1799 a sickly season occurred, and two men named Piatt died ot a putrid fever. About thirty persons who came to attend them sickened with the fever. In the early settlement a child of Sam- uel Hall was drowned at Constableville. The first school was kept by Miss Dorothy Wadsworth, daughter of Tim- othy Wadsworth and afterwards wife of Willard Allen. A school house was built in 1798, near the house formerly occupied by Horace Johnson, in Consta- bleville. In 1805, an act was procured allowing Shaler to make conveyances in the same manner as if William Constable, Sr., were still alive. It was vetoed by the Council of Revision for the foUowinff reasons : — "1st. The bill not only enables Na- thaniel Shaler, therein named, to com- plete the contracts of sale which he had made prior to the death of William Con- stable, by virtue of attorney from him, but to proceed under the said power and sell the residue of the said lands therein specified, and which are stated in the bill to William Constable, a son of the said William Constable, deceased, and who is now an infant under the age of twenty- one years, thereby absolutely disposing of the estate of the said minor, contrary to the just rights of property and the general principles of law. " 2d. Because if it is deemed neces- sary that the real estate of the said minor should be sold, it ought to be done under the direction, and at the dis- cretion of the Court of Chancery so that the respective interests of all parties concerned might be duly examined, ad- justed and secured." The bill in a modified form passed on the last day of the session, William Constable, the Purchaser. We may in this connection record a notice of the family so intimately associ- ated with the land titles of Northern New York. William Constable was born in Dublin, January i, 1752. His father. Dr. John Constable, was a surgeon in the British army, and came to Montreal during the French war, and brought his son Will- iam, then an infant, with him. In 1762 Governor Cadwallader Colden granted him a commission as surgeon in the first regiment, in the pay of the province of New York. He then removed to Sche- nectady, where his daughter married Mr. James Phyn, who was there engaged in the Indian trade, in correspondence with Colonel Sir William Johnson. Dr. Constable sent his son William to Dublin for his education, to the care of his paternal aunt, Mrs. White, with whom he resided while a student at Trinity college. By inheritance he be- came possessed of a valuable estate near Dublin. On his return to America his kinsman, Mr. Phyn, associated him in his business at Schenectady. On the breaking out of the war of the Revolution Mr. Phyn and his friend Mr. Alexander Ellice, removed to England under a pass from the Committee of Safety, in conse- quence of which their property was not confiscated. These gentlemen estab- lished in England the firm of Phyn, Ellice & Inglis — a firm which gave two members to the Privy Council in the persons of their sons, Sir Robert Inglis and the right honorable Edward Ellice. Dr. John Constable died in New York April 17, 1785, aged 57 years. Mr. William Constable went to Eng- land a little before the Revolution and returned while the British were in HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 56s possession of Philadelphia, in 1777. The following correspondence between Gouverneur Morris and Governor Clin- ton, will show his position, as it was then regarded : — Letter from Gouverneur Morris to Gov- ernor George Clinton concerning William Constable, Philadelphia, 2d March 1779. " Sir — Mr. Constable, a son of Doctor Constable, of Schenectady, left this country in the year 1773, and went to England on private business. The war prevented his return for some consider- able time, but finally, as the continuance of it took away the prospect of being able speedily to revisit America, he came out to this city in the winter of 1777. Upon the evacuation he remained, and hath taken the oath of allegiance. At present he wishes to be placed in a situation to visit the State of New York with propriety, and become an inhabitant and subject. Having never done any act prejudicial to the interests of the United States, I am led to imagine that no objection can lie to this measure. But I pray your Excellency to write me fully on this subject, and to point out the steps which may be necessary for him to take, which will much oblige " Your most obedient and humble servant, Gouverneur Morris. [Clinton Papers, 2 121.]" \^A nswer to the foregoing.] Poughkeepsie, 22d March 1779. " Sir — From the account you give of Mr. Constable, I do not conceive there can be any reasonable objection to his revisiting Schenectady and becoming a subject of this State. It will be ad- visable for him to bring with him a certificate of his having taken the oath of allegiance to the state of Pennsylvania, and such other evidence of his friend- ship to the cause of America as he may be able to procure. " After all, his reception in the town of Schenectady will depend on the political character of his father and friends there, if they are on the right side, it cannot fail of being friendly. " I am with great regard yours, etc., George Clinton. Gouverneur Morris. [Clinton Papers, 2 121.]" We have no further information upon the subject referred to in the above cor- respondence, but infer from the fact of his appearing in New York not long af- terwards, that no objections were made to his return. From the intense sus- picion attached to the private conduct of individuals of that period, it is fair to infer, that there existed no reason for regarding his absence and return, as in- fluenced by any other motive than his own private business. In the trial of General Arnold for mat- ters growing out of his civil adminis- tration in Philadelphia, which led to a sentence of reprimand from the Com- mander-in-Chief, Mr. Constable is men- tioned as one of the owners of a cargo of goods that had been captured by the Americans on the New Jersey coast. From this it appears that he was en- gaged in commercial pursuits at New York at a later period in the war. As soon as the war was over, 'oppor- tunity was given for expanding this busi- ness in extraordinary degree, and as Philadelphia and Charleston were at that time the chief commercial ports of the country, Mr. Constable associated himself with Mr. James Seagrove and established a commercial house at Phil- adephia, while his partner settled in Charleston. Their trade was mainly with the West Indies, and Mr. Consta- ble, in the course of his business, visited Havana, and thei-e took the yellow fever, of which he nearly died. He married in 1782, Ann White, daughter of Townsend White of Philadelphia; a lady of beauty of person, and of charac- ter, who had been a school friend of Miss Dandridge, and who afterwards 566 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. became Mrs. Gen. Washington, whose friendship she retained, After the peace, Mr. Constable, in 1784, removed to New York, and estabUshed the firm of Constable, Rucker & Co. On the death of Mr. Rucker, shortly afterwards, the firm of Constable & Co., in which Robert Morris and Gouverneur Morris were partners, contributed ;£'50,ooo as their share of the capital. The National debt, and that of the several States, not being yet funded, offered great field for speculiiLion, which the firm was largely concerned in, as they were also in furnishing supplies to Europe. Mr. Robert Morris, who was the chief finan- cial agent of our government, remained in Philadelphia, while Gouverneur Mor- ris, who was sent Minister Plenipoten- tiary to France, aided by procuring contracts, and by his advices from thence. The war between France and England threw the carrying trade into the hands of neutrals. The firm of Con- stable & Co. took early advantage of this, and in 1786 sent the ship Empress to India and China, and made a very profitable voyage. In 1788 the ship America, of 600 tons, which was the fin'Est ship that had been built at New- York, was built by Mr. Constable for that trade. In 1790 he proposed to build a ship of one thousand tons, but the de- mand for China goods in this country did not warrant it, and he abandoned the enterprise. He fulfilled a large con- tract with the British government for the supply of their troops in the West Indies. Through the agency of Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford^ and Joseph Howland of New London, he shipped seventy-eight cargoes of cattle from Connecticut. Europe continuing to draw supplies of provisions from this country, raised the price of wheat here to two dollars per bushel and even higher, which in- duced Mr. Constable to establish a flouring mill. For this purpose he pur- chased the confiscated estate of Phillips' manor, at Yonkers, nineteen miles from New York, consisting of 320 acres. Here he resided and built a large mill, which he continued in operation for many years. He sold this estate for $65,000 and bought a country seat at Blooming- dale, six miles from New York. His residence in the city was first in Great Dock street, afterwards in Wall street, till 1797, when he sold to the Bank of New York for $27,000 for their banking house. He then leased the dwelling of the Hon. Rufus King, in Broadway, where the Astor House now stands. Mr. Constable at an early day had had his attention turned to land speculation. His first purchases were in Ohio, associ- ated with companies, who, with mili- tary protection, commenced settlements, mainly of French settlers, on the Mus- kingum and the Scioto. As the British still retained their outposts, which they did not finally surrender till more than ten years after peace was declared, they instigated the Indians to harass these settlers. Besides these lands he made extensive purchases in Kentucky, Vir- ginia and Georgia. Mr. Constable was interested in the grant of two million of acres made by the State of Massachu- setts in the Genesee country, which was sold to Mr. Bingham, of Philadelphia, the person after whom the present city of Binghamton was named. He, in 1787, associated with Alexander Macomb,with whom he had been intimate since boy- hood, in the purchase of the 640,000 acres on the St. Lawrence river called the Ten Townships. His share of this purchase was Madrid, Potsdam, the half of Louisville, and the half of Stock- holm, in all 192,000 acres. In the year 1 791 he associated with Alexander Ma- comb and Daniel McCormick in the purchase from the State of New York of the great tract known as Macomb's HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 567 Purchase, estimated to contain four mill- ions of acres, being one-tenth of the State of New York, and comprising the whole of the present county of Lewis, and the greater portion of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Franklin, with parts of Oswego and Herkimer. In this purchase, each of these gentlemen was jointly interested one-third, but the contract with the Commissioners of the Land Office was made in the name of Macomb, and the first patent taken out in his name, while the remain- der of the tract was patented in the name of Daniel McCormick. The price paid was eight pence per acre, which at that time was deemed very advanta- geous to the State, as Massachusetts had sold at that price two millions of acres of land in the Genesee country, which was deemed far superior in quality to this land. The clause inserted in the patents, requiring settlements to be made within a specified time, had been usual in all grants previously made by the Provincial Government and by the Land Office. It had, however, never been fulfilled and never enforced. When in 1 79 1 the law granting power to the Commissioners of the Land Office " to sell the waste and unappropriated lands of the State " was under discussion, Mr. Macomb (a member of the Legislature,) had this clause, by an unanimous vote, stricken out. It was inserted in the patents by inadvertence, and when at- tention was drawn to it by foreign pur- chasers, Mr. Macomb procured a certifi- cate of the nullity of the clause. Immediately after the contract was made with the Land Office, Mr. Consta- ble embarked for Europe to sell, where he was joined by his family. He re- mained till the fall of 1795, and had two children born in Europe. He left his commercial house in charge of his brother, James, whom he took into part- nership, having dissolved his connection with the Messrs. Morris. In 1792 the patent for Great Tracts 4, 5 and 6, con- taining 1,920,000 acres, was taken out, and the title immediately transferred to Mr. Constable, who, with the aid of his agents. Colonel Samuel Ward and Colo- nel William S. Smith, succeeded in sell- ing the whole, in large tracts, to Messrs. Inman, Chassanis, Angersteen, the Ant- werp Company, and Thomas Boylston, at prices varying from two to four shil- lings per acre. The surveys, which were not comple- ted till after these sales were made, loca- ted the Black river further north than it was supposed to be. A tract was sold to Thomas Boylston, bounded by the Black river on the north and by the line of the patent on the south, as four hundred thousand acres, more or less. The subsequent surveys showed this tract to be valuable, and to contain 817,- 155 acres; whereupon Mr. Constable re- purchased it at an advance of ;^6o,ooo sterling, and then sold the northern part of it, containing 305,000 acres, for one dollar per acre to Messrs. Low, Hen- derson, Harrison and Hoffman. This tract was called the "Eleven Black River Towns." The remainder of the Boylston Tract, containing 512,155 acres, Mr. Constable retained for himself, having bought out the interests of his associates in it. It was subdivided into townships, called the Thirteen Towns, which, with the town ot EUisburgh, and Nos. i, 2, 3, and 4 of Turin, called Constable's Four Towns, constituted the whole of it. If the surveys of the 640,000 acres of Ten Townships, and the Great Tracts of Nos. I, 2, and 3, containing 1,800,000 acres, could have then been obtained, Mr. Constable would have succeeded in selling the whole in Europe. The St. Regis Indians, instigated by the Gover- nor of Canada, Lord Dorchester, drove off the surveyors, and finally did not 568 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. cease their opposition, till the Jay treaty, after which the British posts at Oswego and Oswegatchie were given up. On his return to America, Mr. Con- stable exerted himself to make improve- ments in roads, so as to open his lands for settlement. He also took an active interest in forming a water communica- tion between the Hudson and Lake On- tario, by improving the navigation of the Mohawk river and Wood creek. The company formed for the purpose was called the Northern Inland Lock Nav- igation Company. This company, after succeeding in conveying boats of ten tons from Schenectady to Lake Ontario, with one portage, was bought out by the State, when it was determined to construct the Erie canal. The first township sold was EUisburgh, which subsequently reverted. Afterwards Nos. 3 and 4, now Turin, were placed in the hands of Mr. Shaler, of Middletown, as we have already noticed. The next township sold was No. 5, to Walter Martin. For this township there were many competitors; but Mr. Con- stable made it an invariable rule, not to sell but on receiving one-quarter of the payment in money. If he had departed from this determination, he might then have sold all his townships at two dol- lars per acre, so great was then the rage for land speculation. The only other township sold was No. 12, called Red- field, which was sold for two dollars per acre. The consequence of the European war was then severely felt in our com- mercial community, from the course taken by belligerents in seizing our ves- sels. France, dissatisfied with an act of neutrality, and under a disorganized government, made seizures of our ves- sels under various pretexts. Claims for damages arising from these spoliations have long been pending, and remain still unpaid. They were for more than half a century subjects of discussion in Con- gress, but the great events in modern times, had done much to obliterate the memory of the past, and although the evidence may remain, and the justice of the claims is the same now as then, it becomes every year less probable that they will ever be paid. Among the ref- ugees from France, driven to this coun- try in 1797, were the Duke of Orleans and his brothers Monpensier, and Beau- joli. The Duke brought a letter of credit from Gouverneur Morris on Mr. Constable, for one thousand dollars. This money, with interest, was repaid by Louis Phillippe to the son of Mr. Morris. The patents of Great Tracts Nos. 1,2, and 3, were not obtained until 1798. Mr. Macomb had failed in 1793, for one mill- ion of dollars, in consequence of a wild speculation in stocks, with Colonel Will- iam Duer and Isaac Whippo. He there- upon assigned his third interest in these tracts to certain creditors, and conveyed his contract with , the Land office to Daniel McCormick, who took out the patents in his name, and made a parti- tion with Mr. Constable for his one-third interest. On his second visit to Europe, Mr. Constable narrowly escaped being taken by a privateer. He succeeded in France in making some large sales of land to Mr. Le Ray, Mr. Parish, and to Neckar. The commercial distress that prevailed in England prevented any suc- cess in "that country. It was in Paris that he first became acquainted with Mr. Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont, who in 1802 became his son-in-law. Hearing that his brother James had involved his commercial house by en- dorsements, Mr. Constable returned to New York in 1801. Though under no legal obligation to do so, he paid these large obligations, which consumed most of his personal property. The scatter- ing lots in townships Nos. i and 13 in Lewis county, already mentioned in our HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 569 account of the land titles were given to some of the holders of these obligations. His health, which had always been delicate, was much impaired by this misfortune. He endeavored to visit his lands, but after going to Rome, he found the road could not be traveled except on horse-back, which he was un- able to do. He thus never saw an acre of his extensive possessions in this county. He appointed Mr. Benjamin Wright his general land agent. Mr. Wright, who resided at Rome, had been previously employed by Mr. Constable in surveys for the improvement of Wood creek, when he was interested in the Inland Lock Navigation Company. He had also been his principal surveyor in subdividing Macomb's Purchase into townships and lots. He continued his valuable agency for the family, till his services were required by the State in the construction of the Erie canal. Under the agency of Benjamin Wright, Nathaniel Shaler, and Isaac W. Bost- wick, the sale and settlement of this land progressed satisfactorily. The executors under the will, were James Constable, H. B. Pierrepont and John McVickar. The first two gentle- men made persevering efforts to open roads and induce settlements. We give elsewhere some interesting ex- tracts from the diaries of Mr. Con- stable, from 1803 to 1806. He died in 1807, and Mr. McVickar died in 18 12. Mr. Pierrepont continued his labors till the settlement of the estate in 18 19, when he purchased the remaining in- terest of the heirs of Mr. Constable. The lands in Lewis county, he became possessed of, were townships Nos. i and 2 West Turin, 3 Montague, 4 Martins- burgh, with part of No. 5, and No. 8 and 13 Osceola, and parts of Denmark and Harrisburgh ; comprising one hun- dred and fifty thousand acres. On the death of Mr. Pierrepont, in 1838, these lands were sub-divided among his heirs. In concluding our notice of Mr. Con- stable, which we have somewhat ex- tended, from the connection which his history necessarily has with the history of Lewis county, we will add a delinea- tion of his appearance and character as portrayed by that venerable and dis- tinguished jurist, the Hon. Ogden Ed- wards : — " William Constable was truly one of nature's noblemen. He was a man of sound comprehension and fruitful mind, of high-toned feelings and vivid imagi- nation. He saw clearly, felt keenly and expressed himself pungently. He was endowed with all the qualities necessary to constitute an orator ; and was, in truth, the most eloquent man in conver- sation I ever heard. So impressed was I by his eloquence, even at the early age of sixteen, that I asked my father if he did not think that Mr. Constable was very eloquent in conversation. To which he coolly replied ' That he was the most eloquent man in conversation that he had ever heard.' Such were his powers, and.such the charms of his con- versation, that wherever he went he was the king of the company. I first saw him in 1796, at a dinner party. Among the distinguished persons pres- ent were General Hamilton, Colonel Burr and Volney. Yet, even in such company, all eyes and ears were turned to him, and he appeared to be the master spirit. He was a man of a princely disposition. Every thing with him was upon a lofty scale. Whatever was laudable insured his commendation ; what was reprehensible, his fiery indig- nation. " It is a Spanish proverb, ' Tell me who your company is, and I will tell you who you are.' Testing him by this rule, he must have been truly great, for his most intimate associates were Jay and Hamilton, and Robert Morris, and the other master spirits of the time. Even in early life he was thrown into the society of the distinguished men of the Revolution, being an aid to the great and good Lafayette. " His appearance strikingly indicated 570 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. his character, his countenance beamed with inteUigence and expressed every emotion. So striking was his appear- ance that I heard a very sensible man say, that although he was not acquainted with Mr. Constable, yet, such was his appearance, that he felt as though he should be pleased to pass his days in his company. He lived in splendid style and his house was the resort of the master spirits of the day. The last time I saw him was in 1802, at Lebanon Springs, the summer before he died. Though in broken health, his spirits were superior to his infirmities. Al- though more than half a century has since elapsed, yet so striking and so in- teresting were his characteristics, and so deep the impression they made on me that I retain a vivid recollection of them to this day. I may say in the words of the poet : — "And that the elements were so happily blended in him That nature might have stood up and said to all the world 'This was a man.' " The Family of William Constable, THE Purchaser. Mr. Constable died May 22, 1803, leaving a widow and seven children. As in questions of title in this county, the names of his heirs are often required, we will add a list of them. Anna Maria, born in 1783, died in 1859. She married Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, who died in 1838. Eweretta was born in 1784. She mar- ried James McVickar, who died in 1835. Her death occurred April 21, 1830, at the age of 41 years. William Constable, Jr., born April 4, 1786, was carefully educated in Europe, married Eliza, daughter of John Mc- Vickar, and in June, 18 10, came to re- side at Constableville, first occupying the house built by Shaler. He received from his father townships 3 and 4, of the Four Towns, subject to the contract with Shaler, and a bond to Daniel McCormick. He died May 28, 1821. The elegant mansion erected by Mr. Constable in 18 19, a little east of Consta- bleville, has since remained the home- stead of the family. This seat for quiet seclusion, elegant surroundings and classic beaut}^ is not surpassed by any in northern New York. The manage- ment of the landed interests remaining with this family, chiefly devolved upon his son, John Constable, whose indul- gence towards settlers, and whose urbane manners have rendered him deservedly popular in the community where he resides. John Constable, a son of William the Purchaser, was born in 1788, and resided in Philadelphia. He first married Susan Livingston and afterwards Alida Kane. Harriet, born in 1794, married James Duane, of Schenectady county, and set- tled in the town of Duane, Franklin county, which was named from him. The town of Harrietstown, Franklin county, was named from Mrs. Duane. James Duane died in 1859. Emily, born in 1795, married Dr. Sam- uel W. Moore, and died in 1844. Dr. Moore died in 1854. Francis Matilda, born in 1797, married Edward McVickar, and died May 3, 1871. The McVickar Families. John McVickar was an Irish linen merchant in the city of New York, and one of the executors of William Consta- ble's great landed estate, and died in 1812. His family was as follows: — Archibald McVickar, married a daugh- ter of Brockholst Livingston, and died in one of the Western States, in 1848, aged 64 years. He resided on the place now owned by Emory Allen, not far from the site of the first St. Paul's church, before its removal. His sons were Dr. Brockholst Livingston Mc- Vickar, of Chicago; Archibald McVickar, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 571 contractor, etc., residing at Lyons Falls ; Catharine, and Susan. The latter mar- ried Devereaux, of Utica. Edward McVickar, married Frances Matilda Constable, and settled upon a farm still owned by his family, adjacent to that formerly owned by Archibald McVickar, on the road towards Collins- ville. We believe he came to reside in this town in 1818, and died December 6, 1866, aged 72 years. His son Henry Mc- Vickar, an active and prominent citizen, died at Brighton, England, January i, 1882, aged 56 years, and is buried in the old St. Paul's church cemetery. James McVickar, came to Constable- ville in 1813; was a County Judge, and removed from this town in 1830. He married Eweretta Constable, and died in New York City in 1835. He had two sons and a daughter, viz : William Mc- Vickar, who removed to Louisville, St. Lawrence county, ; John McVickar, who became a physician and settled in New York ; and Mary, who married and set- tled in New York. John McVickar did not settle in the county. He was many years a Profess- or in Columbia College, New York City. Henry McVickar, died at sea; un- married. Nathan McVickar, died in this town, and also unmarried. Benjamin McVickar, settled at Mil- waukee, Wis., as a physician. The Pierrepont Family. Although none of this family settled in the county of Lewis, the name is in- separably Hnked with the titles, and this fact renders it proper for us to notice them in this connection. Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont of Brook- lyn, was known in Lewis county thi'ough his extensive landed possessions in the county, and the intercourse, in conse- quence, he had with the inhabitants. He was born at New Haven, Conn., November 3, 1768, and was descended from the Rev. James Pierrepont, the first minister settled in that colony after its establishment. It was remarked in i860 that the town plat apportioned to him in 1684, has ever since belonged to the family, and been occupied by them. It had thus never been sold since it was ceded by the aborigines. The imme- diate ancestor of the Rev. James Pierre- pont was John Pierrepont, who belonged to the family of Holme Pierrepont, in Nottinghamshire, which family was de- scended from Robert de Pierrepont, of Normandy. John came to America about the year 1640, with his youngest brother Robert, as tradition says, merely to visit the country, but married and settled near Boston, where he purchased in 1656, three hundred acres, since the site of the town of Roxbury. The family name being French, became An- glicized in this country, and was spelt Pierpont. The correct spelling has been resumed by this branch of the family. The subject of this memoir displayed at an early age an enterprising active spirit. While at college he became dis- satisfied with the study of Latin and Greek, and the prospect of a professional life. He proposed to his father if he would permit him to leave his studies, he would provide for himself, and not receive a share of his estate. His father consented, and he fulfilled his promise to him, and thereafter provided for him- self. He first entered the office of his uncle, Mr. Isaac Beers, at New Haven, to obtain a knowledge of business. In 1 790 he went to New York and engaged in the custom house, with the view of obtaining a better knowledge of com- mercial business. The next year he associated himself with Messrs. Watson and Greenleaf, and acted with them in Philadelphia in the purchase of National 572 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. debt, in which he reaHzed a small tor- tune. In 1793 he formed a partnership with his cousin, William Leffingwell, and established in New York the house ot Leffingwell & Pierrepont. France being then in revolution, neg- lected agriculture, and derived large supplies of provisions from America. Mr. Pierrepont went to France to attend the shipments of his firm. The seizures of his vessels by England, then at war with France, so embarrassed the trade that he abandoned it, and in 1795 pur- chased a fine ship named the Confed- eracy, on which he made a trading voy- age to India and China, acting as his own supercargo. On his return voyage his ship with a valuable cargo was seized by a French privateer, and condemned and sold, contrary to the laws of nations and our treaty stipulations. He re- mained in France making reclamations against that government, with a good prospect of recovering the value of his property, when a treaty was made be- tween the two countries, by the terms of which our government agreed to assume the claims of its citizens against France and France agreed to as- sume the claims of its own citizens against the United States. To the dis- grace of the government of the United States, these claims, among other similar claims known as "claims for French spoli- ations prior to 1800," though brought constantly before Congress, have never been paid, in i860, twenty-one reports had been made in their favor, and the bill had twice been passed and been vetoed. The best men of this country have ad- mitted their justice and advocated them. Mr. Pierrepont was in Paris during the most bloody days of the Revolu- tion, and saw Robespierre beheaded. He was detained in England also by the legal steps necessary to obtain his insurance, part of which he recovered. Though war prevailed, his character as a neutral enabled him to travel be- tween England and France. Our coun- try being represented in those coun- tries by able men, as well in as out of the diplomatic cir^cle, he enjoyed their society and cemented friendships which lasted during life. That with Mr. Con- stable was one, and also* that with Rob- ert Fulton, in compliment to whom Mr. Pierrepont named a son Robert Fulton, who died in infancy. After an absence of seven years Mr. Pierrepont returned to New York. He married in 1802, Anna Maria, eldest daughter of William Constable. After his marriage, wishing to engage in some business of less hazard than foreign trade, he traveled through New England to examine its manufacturing establish- ments, and finding distilling profitable, he in 1-802 purchased at Brooklyn a brewery belonging to Philip Livingston, and turned it into a manufactory of gin which attained a high reputation, and was very profitable as it was at that time the only manufactory of the kind in the State. He purchased also a coun- try seat on Brooklyn Heights, which af- terwards became his permanent resi- dence. He was at that time one of only twenty-six freeholders, who owned the village of Brooklyn, now a city the third in population in the United States. When the profits of his manufactory were diminished by competition Mr. Pierrepont abandoned it,. and thereafter gave his attentidn exclusively to the management of his extensive landed estate in Northern New York and his real estate in Brooklyn. He purchased in 1806 the town of Pierrepont and sub- • sequently half of Stockholm in St. Law- rence county. He made large additions to his landed estate in the five northern counties by purchases from the heirs of Wm. Constable and others, and be- came the owner of nearly half a million of acres of land, one hundred and fifty HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 573 thousand acres of which were in this county. He made annual visits to this county to direct the making of roads and other improvements to facihtate settlements, and spent large sums on turnpike roads, aiding in constructing, among others, the St. Lawrence turn- pike, of which he was president, and which extended from the Black river to Franklin county a distance of seventy miles. He was also one of the principal proprietors of the turnpike from Rome to Constableville, and was interested m the Albany and Schenectady rail road, which was the first constructed in the State of New York. His first visit to this county was in 1803, with Mr. James Constable. It was then an almost unbroken forest, and he was obliged to travel on horse- back. He had the gratification to wit- ness its gradual settlement and improve- ment, much of which was the result of his own exertions, seconded by his agents, Mr. Isaac W. Bostwick, Mr. Harvey Stephens, Mr. Diodate Pease, and Mr. David Stiles and others. In the treatment of settlers Mr. Pierrepont was uniformly kind and lenient, extend- ing his indulgence in the collection of their indebtedness, much to his own inconvenience. He surrendered the care and management of his lands in Lewis county for five years previous to his death, and by the provisions of his will, to his son Henry E. Pierrepont, who continued in their active manage- ment, till the year 1853, when they were partitioned among the members of the family. Mr. Pierrepont died nth August, 1838, leaving a widow, two sons and eight daughters. His widow died in 1859. We add a list of the children of Mr. Pierrepont, to whom his pos- sessions in this county have descended. William Constable Pierrepont, residing at Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County. Henry Evelyn Pierrepont, residing at Brooklyn. Anna Constable Pierrepont who died in 1839. Emily Constable Pierrepont, who mar- ried Joseph A. Perry. Frances Matilda Pierrepont, who mar- ried Rev. Frederick S. Wiley. Mary Montague Pierrepont, who died in 1853. Harriet Constable Pierrepont, who married Edgar J. Barton. She died in 1850. Maria Theresa Pierrepont, who mar- ried Joseph S. Bicknell. Julia Josephine Pierrepont, who mar- ried John Constable of Constableville. Ellen A. Pierrepont, who married Dr. James M. Minor. Later Items of Town History. George Davis of Belleville, N. J., for- merly a sea captain, in 18 17, purchased a large tract of wild land in Township 3, from James McVickar, and several improved farms, and came to reside at Constableville. His maritime associa- tions had deprived him of the ability or the inclination to assume that social position, or to enjoy the rural independ- ence and happiness which one differently reared might have attained. He be- came involved in losses, his health failed, he went to sea, and died off the coast of South America. His son George is said to have been hung as a pirate, with two others, from this county, whose names might be mentioned by persons still living. The Welsh settlers on the hills west of Turin, mostly settled under Captain Davis. The postoffice of Constableville, was established January, 1826, with Seth Miller, Jr., as postmaster. The receipts of the first quarter were $4.12, and in the first three years averaged $4.01. 574 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. They began to increase rapidly January, 1829, when they had more than quad- rupled. The quarter ending March, 1853, gave $65.12, and the whole period of Colonel Miller's term, ending Sep- tember, 1853, (excepting from January, 1845 to May 1849), g^ve a total of $3,- 744.45 received from postage. As there was no material change in the rates of postage during this period, the above statement affords some idea of the in- crease of business and its amount in these years. Colonel Seth Miller, began trade at Constableville, in 1819, and continued in business until his death, which occurred October 28, 1870, at the age of 70 years, — presenting the longest course of con- tinuous mercantile employment which has been presented in its history. In the various commercial crises which happened, he was not compelled for a day to suspend business or stop pay- ment; an exemption which can be said of but few merchants of equal business in this section of the State. This suc- cess was due to a discriminating judg- ment, and strict attention to business, qualities which in every pursuit, ensure their appropriate reward. Colonel Miller was many years a partner of James C. Duff. He was influential in public affairs, and a prominent political leader in the Whig and Republican school. His widow died October 11, 1882, aged 82 years. The house of D. H. Green, adjacent to St. Paul's Church cemetery on the West road, was burned on the evening of December 7, 1859, and two boys aged 12 and 13 years, who were sleep- ing in the chamber, perished in the flames. The family had retired to rest, and .were awakened by the fire, which barely allowed Mrs. Green and two younger children to escape. The stair- way was already in flames, and the lads stifled and bewildered by the smoke, sank down within hearing of their mother. The husband was away from home, and as the night was intensely cold, no help was rallied until the work of death was accomplished. The steam saw-mill, sash, blind and cheese box factory at Constableville, owned by Earl, Allen & Taylor, was destroyed by fire, November 10, 1871, loss $10,000, insured for $4,000. The engine and planing machine of the fac- tory were saved. On the 8th of September, 1881, a wi-etched event occurred in Constable- ville, which should have been prevented by the timely restraint of persons who were known to be dangerous characters. The Rev. John Craven, who had been for some years the Catholic priest, but vvho had been deprived of his office by reason of drunkenness and a flagrant violation of his trust, was living in the parsonage near the site of the church that had been burned, a short distance west from the village. He claimed to own the building and the site of the church, and a crazy brother " Pat " had under his orders formerly assaulted per- sons who ventured to intrude. It is said that the Poor-master had been duly notified that both of the brothers were dangerous characters, but no attention was paid to it. On the day above mentioned, several persons with teams went to remove stone from the foundations of the old church for use in the new one, including two constables and others to the num- ber of a dozen or more in all. The Cravens had armed themselves with sharpened scythes, with a hay rope wound around a part, as a handle. They were forbade an entrance.but one of them, named Barney Egan, who being partly intoxicated, was more aggressive than the rest, was attacked by Pat, and so hewn and mangled that he died before night — the rest of the party being pas- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 575 sive spectators. The Cravens were in- dicted for murder, but a commission of lunacy declared them insane, and they were sent to the Utica asylum. The village of Constableville is next after Fort Leyden the most important business point in the southern part of the county, and enjoys an extensive trade with the country south and west. The business of the village in the summer of 1882, summarized as follows :— Manufactures. — Two large wood work- ing establishments, with machinery in great variety, one owned by the Steam Mill Company and the other by Fames & Bridgman. The former employs from five to twelve hands and has a flour and feed mill in connection. The latter em- ploys about five men besides the owners, who have also a large steam saw-mill in the town of Lewis. Tannery. — (William Wiltsie's) employs about five men besides the proprietor. Brewery. — Owned by heirs of Joseph Siegel, and ran by Andrew J. Steinbren- ner ; with about three men. Grist Mill.—l.ey\ M. Plumb's. Blacksmiths. — Adam Traxell, Jacob Baker and Michael Hart ; the first em- ploying four men, and the second two, besides the owners. Wagon Shops. — A. Traxell and John Jones. Carding Machine. — Justus Eames. Large Cheese Factory. — Known as the " Miller factory." Merchandise, etc. — Six dry goods stores — Anthony Markham, Williams & Long, Simeon Markham, Charles M. Allen, Peter J. Crofoot and Alvin E. Plumb. Hardware Stores. — Taylor & O'Shea, Doyle Brothers, the latter also a drug store. Jewelry Stores and Watch Repairing. — Nelson B. Felshaw, Major Bennett. Boot and Shoe Stores. — Elington's Sons, who also deal in clothing, John Powell, Frederick Haas. Harness Stores. — Henry S. Bowtell, L. D. Fraker. Livery Stables. — Robert E. Conant, Charles A. Wider. Hotel. — Andrew J. Steinbrenner. Professional. — One Lawyer, Ela Mer- riam Bagg, since 1878. Physicians. — Dr. D. R. Runde, also a druggist. Dr. C. E. Douglass. , Dentist. — H. Frank Felshaw. The village of Constableville has an excellent Brass Band. The village of Constableville was in- corporated in 1877, the vote taken Aug- ust 29th of that year showed 64/157- and 59 against it. It includes an area of 706.4 acres. At the first election held Octo- ber 8th 1877, Stephen T. Miller was chosen President, Levi M. Plumb, John Clover and Hiram T. Felshaw, Trustees, James Doyle, Treasurer, and Jerome Felshaw Collector. The Trustees ap- pointed Wm. R. Wadswoith, as Clerk, and he has held this office since. The succession of Presidents has been as follows : — S. T. Miller, in i877-'79. Warren G. Littaye, in 1880. Nelson B. Felshaw, in i88i-'82. The village has chiefly given its at- tention to the construction of sidewalks and other improvements, It had a fire- engine before the charter was adopted. An effort has been made to drop the village organization, but it was voted down. The census of 1870 showed a popula- tion of 712, and that of 1880, of 593, in Constableville village. Secret Societies of Constableville. The Odd Fellows formerly had a lodge in this village, but its charter was given up three or four years since. The Independent Order of Rechabites organized a Tent here in November 1 88 1, and have about 100 members. 576 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Obituary Dates. The Town Burial Place on the West road, leading to Turin village, is the resting place of several old settlers in this town. The following names are there recorded : — Dings, Jacob, died April 17, 1868, aged 80. Foster, Hiram, died November 18, 1864, aged 51. Hathaway, John W., died March 21, 1862, aged 62. Lindsey, Luke, died December 21, 1867, aged 86. Lyman, Mitchel, died December 29, 1875. Lyman, Samuel, died May, 1848, aged 85. Myers, Leonard, died April 16, 1869, aged 80. Plumb, Selden, died May 23, 1856, in 47th year. Rea, Jacob, died January 31, 1876, aged 66. Rea, Peter, died July 28, 1862, aged 86. Smith, Truman L., died March 9, 1862, aged 79. Standcliff, Danford, died March 23, 1877, aged 87. In addition to the above, we give the following names of early settlers and well-known citizens not elsewhere men- tioned. They are not here included because more prominent than many who are not included, but they are such as we have at hand, as this work goes to press : — Barnes, Lyman, died February 23, 1862, aged 78. Bridgeman, Oliver, died March 5, 1855, aged 69. Burns, Patrick, died June 2, 1855. Carter, Dan, died August 10, 1844, aged 70. Clark, Homer, died April 7, 1862, aged 70. Crane, Jesse, died March 27, 18 13, aged Daniels, Enoch, died April 24, 1841 aged 67. Dunn David, died October 13, 1836, aged 76. Fairchild, Liberty, died June 11, 1852, aged 65. Hovey, Alpha, died March 15, 1849, aged 72. Hoyt, Eli, died April 30, 1853. Hoyt Willis, died February 4, 1859, aged 56. Hubbard, Ashbel, died September 5, 1852, aged 82. Jones, Roland, died January 23, 1858, aged 82. Kentner Amos, died January 30, 1858, aged 68. Lyman Mrs. Calvin, died May 14, 1862, aged 67. Lyman Ezekiel, died July 4, 1844, aged 84, (was a Revolutionary pen- sioner, but not one of the early settlers. He left 9 children, 58 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.) McDonald Alex W., died February 6, 1 85 1, aged 60. Markham, Ebenezer, died February 17, 1815, aged 66. His son of same name died January 19, 1848, aged 73. Miller, Jesse, died November 25, 1863, aged 85. Markham. Silas, died January 17, 1824, aged 35. Markham, Titus, died September 5, 1858, aged 66. Miller, Jeremiah, died Januar}' 27, 1852, aged 67. Moore, Nathaniel, died December 8, 1840. Noble, Gad, died March 14, 1838, aged 68. Northrup, Lyman, died May 13, 1857 aged 72. Palmer, George, died February 6, 1835, aged 76. Payn, Joseph, died November 14, 185 1, aged 80. His wife Eunice died April 1852, aged 73. Payn, Mary, died April 18, 1843, aged 80. Phelps Noble, died August 16, 1854. Plumb, Samuel, died September 4, 1839, aged 67. Rea, Peter, died July 28, 1862, aged 85. Rea, Elizabeth, wife of Peter Rea, died April 14, 1843, Rees, William, died September 14, 1858, aged 82. He was born in Wales, May 3, 1776, and emigrated in 1801. Settled on the Coolman place near High Falls. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 577 Rees, James, son of the preceding, died recently at an advanced age. Sherwood Dr. Jonathan, was born in Wilhamstown, Mass., studied medicine with Dr.Willoughby of Herkimer county and first settled in Champion. About 1818 he removed to Turin, and died March 15, 1829, aged 49 years. Smith, Trumbull, died March 11, 1862, aged 80. Williams, Job, died February 1823, aged 51. Williams, John I., died December 28, 1861, at Collinsville, aged 68. Wood, Joel, died October 14, 1837, aged 83. Wood, Nathaniel, died May 23, 1845, aged 50. Collinsville. This little village is on the East road, one and a half miles west of the Falls, was formerly known as High Falls Vil- lage, and received its present name from Levi and Homer Collins. It was an im- portant business point in former times, and Jabez Foster, Levi Collins, John Hooker, Richard Coxe and others car- ried on extensive mercantile operations at or near this place. The Collinsville Institute was incorporated by act of May 2, 1837, which appointed Dr. David Budd, John Whittlesey, Hezekiah Sco- vil, Ela Merriam, Alburn Foster, Jabez Rockwell, Jehiel H. Hall, Morgan Cum- mings. Rev. Russel Way, and Sylvester Hart, trustees. A school was taught in the basement of the Union church, a few terms, by A. W. Cumming, when the enterprise died out. It was never recognized by -the Regents, and issued but one catalogue. The Rev. Andrew W. Cumming, who taught this school, was born in Brockville, Canada, and had not finished his studies when at CoUins- ville. He went from thence to Gouver- neur, and was for two years a Methodist minister at Fairfield. He was a teacher at Cazenovia several years, and then went to Lebanon, 111. ; was at McKen- dree College, and then at the Holstein Conference Seminary. He was for some years engaged in female education in the South, and in 1875, was chairman of the faculty of the University of South Carolina, at Columbia. Dr. David Budd, above mentioned, was born in Schoharie, September 30, 1798, attended one course of lectures at Philadelphia, received a diploma from the Schoharie County Medical Society June 10, 1 82 1, and removed in that j'ear to this town. He died in Turin village November 4, 1848, having held for sev- eral years the offices of Judge and Jus- tice of the Peace. He was a man of scientific attainments, and devoted some portion of his time to mineralogy. His son. Dr. Charles D. Budd, engaged in medical practice in Turin until his death in the fall of 1881. The business of this village has been almost entirely transferred to other places, there being but one small store kept by Mr, Dana Loomis. Lyons Falls. This is the name of a small village and postoffice at the High Falls, where the Black River canal enters the river which is navigable from this place to Carthage. The falls themselves, and a narrow strip about three acres in extent on the west side belonged to the Brant, ingham Tract. A lot of fifty acres adja- cent, was bought about 1835, upon spec- ulation by an association, and was for many years held in undivided posses, sion. The water power belonged to Caleb Lyon at the time of his death. In 1829, an act was procured for a manufacturing company at this place, rather to call attention to its facilities than with a view of actual construction. The water power now amounting to seventy feet fall, including the State dam above, has hitherto been improved 578 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. only by a saw-mill, and is now entirely unoccupied. If the question were asked, why this great natural advantage has remained unimproved, and why it has not long ago grown into a great manu- facturing village, or city, it might be answered, that it was ruined by specu- lation. About the time of the canal ex- citement in 1836, it was surveyed out on the west side into lots, and portions were bought and held in the expectation that some one else would make the im- provements that were to give it value. The point between the village around the Forest church was also mapped out and engraved, but to this day it is wholly without improvements, other than the church. We have been informed that there would now be no great difficulty in obtaining titles. The business of Lyons Falls is now soon enumerated, and is as follows: A hotel, "The Walton House," (John Nebbergall, proprietor) ; a saloon, (M. F. Walsh) ; a custom mill,(N. Cottrell) ; a store, (A. M. Church) ; a wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, and a dry-dock, at which several boats have been built dur- ing the past season. The only church is on the east side. The Methodists hold meetings in a hall upon alternate Sab- baths. Since the above was written, and just before these pages go to press, we understand that the water-power of the Falls has been purchased by parties who intend to erect an extensive pulp-mill for the manufacture of paper stock from wood by the chemical process. The High Falls during freshets, pre- sent a scene of wildness and grandeur well worthy of a visit, but in low water the torrent is confined to narrow chan- nels worn in the gneiss rock, down which it rushes with immense force. Tradition relates that in the Revolution, a white man pursued by Indians, leaped safely across these channels and escaped from his pursuers, who paused at the verge of the fearful chasm, and dared not fire their pieces at the heaven-pro- tected fugitive. Several fatal accidents have happened here. In May, 1837, two men named Graves and Brown were drawn under the falls in a boat one Sunday and drowned. The body of the former was found a year after at an island below, having apparently been buried in the sand most of the time. On the 5th of May, 1842, a son of Noble Phelps, aged 5 years, playing in a skiff above the falls, was drawn into the current. Mr. J. Lewis Church see- ing the peril, seized a log-hook from the mill yard, sprung upon the bridge, dropped down on the slope of the pier, caught the boat as it was passing down the falls, and saved the child's life at a great risk of his own. On the 9th of January, 1857, John Post, Jr., aged 22, while cutting ice in a flume above the falls, stepped upon a cake which broke and dropped him into the stream. He passed over the falls immediately, and his body was not recovered until some months afterwards. Accidents result- ing in death, or very narrow escapes, happened at this place, upon various other occasions, but we are unable to give the details. Proceedings of Town Meetings in West Turin, in Reference to THE War. August 8, 1862.— A bounty of $50 offered, and a committee appointed, consisting of Seth Miller, Sanford Coe, Jonathan C. Collins, Lyman Smith, A. E. Plumb, and Schuyler C. Thompson, to secure a subscription of $1,095 to indemnify the supervisor. August I, 1863. — The town directed that $300 should be paid to each man drafted and declared hable, and the same for substitutes. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 579 December 21, 1863.— A town bounty of $200 offered, the money to be borrowed, and a committee consisting of Jacob Back, Levi Crofoot, Benjamin F. Potter, and James C. Duff, was appointed to carry this into effect. At the annual town meeting in 1864, the supervisor was authorized to borrow money and pay a town bounty of $300. June 20, 1864- — A special meeting held to fill the quota. The men who may be drafted to fill the quotas for 500,000 men, were to be paid $300 each. August 15, 1864. — A motion was put that the sum of $100 be offered to each person who obtained a man that is counted on the quota, but this was lost by a vote of 128 against to 37 for. December 12, 1865. — A special town meeting was held, to dispose of the $4,568.22 received back from excess of money paid for filling quotas. It was used in reducing the tax. Religious Societies. Missionaries named Hart and Robin- son, from Connecticut, came through the country and held meetings at an early day. During the summer of 1796, regular prayer meetings were held. Baptists. — About 1803, a revival oc- curred, in which most of the converts joined the Baptists. A church was formed at that time, under Rev. Stephen Parsons, from Middletown, and for several years was much the most thriv- ing in town. A Baptist society was legally formed in this town June 15, 1835, with Aaron Parsons, Jesse Miller, and Nathaniel Wadsworth, trustees. After existing at Constableville several years, it has become extinct. An independent Baptist society was formed March 22, 1842, with Newton Clark, Benham Webb, Edwin Payne, Jason Paine and Horace C. Ragan, trustees, but no edifice has been built. The First Baptist Church of Constable- ville was organized October 9, 1869, by eight persons, viz : Riley Brainerd, Rev. Milton E. Fisk, Hannah Brainerd, Anna S. Fisk, Aurelia Miller, Harriet Crofoot, Margaret Roberts, and Mary C. Rob- erts. The first pastor, Rev. M. E. Fisk, remained till his death, June 12, 1876, and supplies were obtained for short periods, until Elder Baily began, August 22, 1880, and has since continued. This church has an edifice dedicated March 7, 1872, and is not connected with any Association. It will not admit members of secret societies to its fellowship, and makes this an essential point in its organ- ization. The society owning this church propert}' was incorporated January 3, 1871, with Edward Payne, Riley Brain- erd and Wm. R. Wadsworth as trustees. An Open Communion Baptist church was organized in this town about 181 2, from the Baptist church previously ex- isting, in which Jeduthan Higby* and Russell Way t became prominent minis- ters. They mostly resided near CoUins- ville. They are now much reduced in numbers, but continue to hold their covenant meetings. Presbyterian.- — About 1803, a Presby- terian church was formed, which be- came Congregational, and its meetings were removed to Turin village. On the 14th of February, 1843, the Constable- ville Presbyterian church was organ- ized by the Watertown Presbytery, con- sisting at first of four males and eleven females. A Presbyterian society had been legally formed June 13, 1835, with Edwin Miller, Nathaniel Wood and James Miller, 2d, first trustees, and changed to Congregational, October 22, 1838^ * From Middletown, Ct. His son of the same name became a Presbyterian minister, and an associate of the scandalous Gerry of Denmark. f Elder Way was from Middletown. He died at his home in Collinsville, February 23, 1848, aged 68 years. His Father, Moses Way, died in this town April 7, 1813, aged 67 years. 58o HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Protestant Episcopal. — The first church edifice built in town, and the first of its denomination north of the Mohawk valley, was St. Paul's church, which stood about a mile north-east of Con- stableville, near where the Canal turn- pike ended. This society was organ- ized April 7, 1 817, at the house of Levi Collins, in CoUinsville. The first ves- trymen were Nathaniel Merriam and Thomas Alsop, and the first wardens, John Kentner, James McVickar, Giles Foster, William Constable, Walter Dewey,* Willard Allen, Calvin Roberts, George Davis, and Timothy Miller. A Bible and Prayer Book society was formed in connection with this church, in 18 17. Arrangements were first made to build of stone near CoUinsville, but the influence of Geo. Davis, T. Alsop and others determined its final location. The first Rector was Joshua M. Rogers, who was sent hither as a missionary, and labored with great zeal and suc- cess to promote the objects of his mis- sion.f He was succeeded by the Revs. Amos G. Baldwin, Edmund Embury, Lawrence Sterne Stevens, and for a short period by others. Mr. Stevens removed from this town, to the western part of the State. St. Paul's Church was consecrated by Bishop Hobart, Aug. 16, i8i8,:j; and the grounds were deeded to the society in October of that year. The edifice having fallen into de- cay was taken down, and its location being inconvenient, the society was re- organized January 30, 1835, under the Rev. Mr. Embury for the purpose of re- *Dr. Dewey died at CoUinsville, February 26, 1821, aged thirty-five years. Mrs. Derae (Collins) Dewey, died August 6, 1864. f Mr. Rogers was born at Hudson, N. Y., May 15, 1782, of Baptist parents. He was ordained deacon in 1816, and as priest in 1817. In 1833 he accepted a call to Trinity church, Utica, and in 185 1 resigned and re- tired to Easton, Pa., where he died March i, 1858. He was buried near New York. tTwo years before this date, there were but two Episcopal families in this vicinity. In 1817, there were sixteen communicants. building in a more convenient .site. Ed- ward McVickar and Wm. VanCoughnet were chosen wardens, Seth Miller Jr., Wm. Constable, Edwin Miller, Brock McVickar, Wm. D. Shaler, Jas. C. Duff, Bryant Collins and Bard McVickar ves- trymen. During that year St. Paul's chapel was built on the south border of Constableville village, upon a site deeded to Trinity church, N. Y., from which it received $600 in aid of the building. This church is at present attended from Turin, by the Rev. Wm. Hooker. Methodists. — The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Turin, was formed June 15, 1835, with James Crofoot, Benjamin Phillips and Zenas Allen, as trustees, but no church was built under this organization. A Methodist Episcopal society was formed in 1849, with John R. Scovill, David C. Higby and James Crofoot first trustees, and a chapel named the " Ebene- zer" was built in that year, about two miles west of Constableville, on Crofoot Hill, at a cost of $1,050. About half this cost was defrayed by James Cro- foot and his sons, William, John, Levi and Benjamin. Other sects assisted, and may use it to some extent. The society was incorporated April 2, 1850, and re-incorporated February 28, 1870, with Horace Clark, Horace R. Higby and Hiram Conover as trustees. A society known as the Methodist Episcopal Church of West Turin, was formed at the Union Meeting House in Constableville, December 13, 1852, with Bryant K. Collins, David Fairchild, Nor- man Higby, James Crofoot, William L. Hunt, and Stephen Murphy, as trustees. It had for its object the building, of a Methodist parsonage in the village of Constableville. Welsh Methodists.— Qxi the 13th of March, 1848, a Calvinistic Methodist Church (Welsh) was formed at CoUins- ville, with John Hughes, Evan Roberts, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 581 Edward Reese, Robert Evans and Rob- ert Morris, trustees. The name was changed July 3, 1849, ^o " The Calvin- istic Methodist Church of Turin," but no edifice was built by them until 1855, when the society was re-organized Janu- ary 22d, and a neat church edifice built in that year. The first trustees under this organization were Rev. Thomas Williams, Thomas Lewis, Evan Evans, John Lloyd, John Hughes and Griffith T. Williams. A church ol this sect was formed in Constableville, March 13, 1848, and has a small edifice. In both of these the Welsh language was used. Union Churches. — After some attempt to build separately, the Presbyterian, Open Communion Baptists, Baptists and Methodist Episcopal churches united in 1835, and built a union meeting house in Constableville. This was after- wards burned. A union meeting house was built at Collinsville, of stone, in 1836, by the Presbyterian, Congrega- tional, both Baptists, and Protestant Episcopal sects, each to use it in pro- portion to subscription. The society was formed September 29, 1836, with Ansel Stocking, Lyman Lane and Lyman Hoadley, trustees. The church was once thoroughly repaired, but is now, we believe, not used. A German Union Evangelical Church was formed December 5, 1854, with George Long, Samuel Miller and An- drew Hays, trustees. Their first pastor was the Rev. Wetzel, who was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Hartmann, who remained from November 1849 to November 185 1. The succession has since been : Rev. C. A. Behrens, Jan- uary 1852 to March 1853; Rev. G. L. Gohring, September i, 1854, to Septem- ber I, 1856; Rev. Frederick Kunzler, June 1859 to June 1863 ; Rev. Andrew Leupp (transient); Rev. Alexander Ober- lander, summer of 1864 to April 1867; Rev. August Braemer, November i, 1867, to September 1868; and (after a vacant year)- Rev. Theodore Cludius, who has been in charge since September I, 1869. The first edifice was built on the site of the present one, which was built a few years since, and accommo- dates about 200. The sect belongs to the " Evangelical Synod of North America." They number here about eighty families. Mr. Cludius has a charge in the Town of Lewis named " St. Paul's Church " with a small building at West Leyden. Roman Catholics. — The church of St. Michael in this town, four miles south of Constableville, was first built by a society legally formed, November 2, 1843, having as trustees, Casper Houck, Joseph Bali, Jacob Detenbeck, Joseph Ryan and Nicholas Kresbeck. The church proper was formed about 1834, and the first chapel was built in that year or the next. It was rebuilt under the Rev. Tappert, in 185 1, on the plank road near the summit of the land divid- ing the waters of the Black and Mohawk rivers. It is of ample size and has a bell. Preaching is done in the German lan- guage, and a German school was opened adjacent in 1857. For some years this church was under Franciscan friars from Syracuse, and for many years under the same priest as at Croghan. At present two monks of the Franciscan order are in charge. It is intended to establish a small convent here, the foundations of which are begun, for the purpose of having a sisters' school. The next Catholic church in town was St. Mary's, mostly supported by the Irish, and situated half a mile west of Constableville. It was built in 1846 under the ministry of Father Howard, whose successors have been Sheehan, Carroll, J.Craven, and Jas. A. McKenna. The church was burned by a field fire, May II, 1879. Loss about $3,500. A 582 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. legal society was formed April 28, 1874, with John M. Goldrich, -John B. Mur- phy and John Byron as trustees. Since the fire a church has been commenced in the village, but is not finished. A third church of this denomination, named St. Peter's and St. Paul's, was built in 1854, near Fish creek in the extreme south-west corner of the town. It is attended from St. Michael's church, and is also almost entirely supported by Germans. Biographical Sketches. COL. SETH MILLER. Colonel Seth Miller, son of Seth Miller and Mary Wadsworth, of Farmington, Conn., was born November 9, 1797, in the new settlement situated in the vicinity of what is now known as the village of Constableville. Settlement was begun in this locality by people from Connecticut, in 1796. His father was among these early pioneers, and with them experienced the discomforts and rigors of life in a new and unbroken region. He as well as others of these hardy ad venturers, was obliged to journey to Whitestown to procure the necessary seed for his crudely broken soil, to pro- cure the necessaries of life for his family, and to find a grist-mill for grinding his scanty supply of grain, and each inhabit- ant in those primitive days was his own beast of burden, carrying the necessary loads on their backs a distance of some thirty-five miles. Here in this region, which seems to the people of this gen- eration, so uninviting, Mr. Miller was born, and lived his life of usefulness. In 1819, he commenced business as a mer- chant at Constableville, which he con- tinued successfully upon the same spot of ground where he began, until his death, October 28, 1867. Merchandising in those days, as well as farming, was attended with difficulties: During the early part of his mercantile career, when going to New York to buy goods, he went as far as Albany on horseback. But the men of those days were made of sturdy material, and hardships did not daunt, nor long journeys discourage them. Mr. Miller was interested in all the improvements in the new country, being one of the proprietors of the Rome Turnpike and the Rome and Turin Plank road, in both of which he was a director during their continuance. He was the first Postmaster in Constable- ville, and held that office from its estab- lishment in 1826, with an interruption of three or four months, until September, 1853. The receipts of this office for the HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 583 first quarter of its existence, were $4.12, and for the last quarter of his official term, about $65.00. Politically, Mr. Miller was an active Whig and Re- publican, and was a warm supporter of the government. Colonel Miller acquired his military title from his connection with the State factory. Perhaps a lack of the false pride which characterizes too many of the present generation, had something to do with the satisfaction of the bride and groom on that memorable day in their lives. Mr. Miller's wife survived him nearly thirteen years. They had nine children : Stephen T. ; [COL. SETH MILLER,] militia, in which he held the rank of Colonel, and in the prosperity of which he took much interest. He married, June 11, 1822, Laura Todd, of Salisbury. He used to amuse his grandchildren by describing the carriage in which he brought home his bride, which was a strong, well-painted, two-horse lumber wagon. As this was as stylish a conveyance as could be found in those days, it was entirely satis- M. Eliza, who married Rev. H. W. Morris ; Cornelia D., who married P. M. Kent; Watts T. ; Emily S., who- married Isaac Burrell ; Charles ; Jane L., who married John H. Stotsenburg; Charles A. ; and Helen M., who married Dr. James T. Young, all of whom sur- vived him, except Charles, who died at about two years of age, and Mrs. Morris, who died about two years before his death. 584 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY, LHENJAMITNT F. FDTTER.I BENJAMIN F. POTTER. Benjamin Franklin Potter, was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida county, September 29, 181 7. His father was Joseph Potter, a native of Vermont, born March 16, 1775, who married Phebe Adams, February i, 1795. She was born December 26, 1774, and was also a native of Vermont. Mr. Potter lived in Floyd with his parents, until he was sixteen years of age, when the family came to Lewis county, and located in Turin. He was the youngest of eight children, and inherited from his parents the energy and perseverance characteristic of natives of the Green Mountain State. Early in life he was thrown upon his own resources, and compelled to carve his name and fortune unaided. He received the education which the schools of those days afforded, and for some nine years taught school during the winters, and worked on a farm in the summer months. About the year 1840, he resolved to better his con- dition by removing to the West, and spent several months in traveling through the Western States in search of a site for a new home. It was his inten- tion to locate somewhere near the Mis- sissippi river, but sickness came upon him, and he returned to Lewis county, fully satisfied that this region was good enough for him. In 1850, he moved upon the farm where he lived the remainder of his life, and (jn which he erected fine and spacious farm buildings. Mr. Potter was one of the most extensive hop growers in the county, and for nearly twenty years of his life was largely engaged in the ship- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 58S ment of venison to New York and other markets. He was a life-long Democrat political- ly, and during the War of the Rebellion he was one of the most active in securing for his town her quota of volunteers, often neglecting his private business for his country's good. He was elected to represent his town on the Board of In March, 1846, Mr. Potter married Rachel Ann Case, of Turin, who was born August 29, 1820, and who survives him (1883). The children of this mar- riage were — Fannie M., born August 16, 1848, who married Frank E. Wilson; E. Eugene, born February 16, 1850; Mar- shall N., born October 4, 185 1 ; Flora A., born November 22, 1853, and married [JiiMES MILLER,] Supervisors, and for years held minor town offices, all of which, he filled to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Potter was in every sense of the term a self-made man, and his life is an illustra- tion of what can be accomplished by honor, energy and persevering effort. He was trusted b)' all who knew him, and was eminently the friend of the poor. He died after a brief illness, February 23, 1883, and in his death the' world lost one of the men who had made it better by his presence. Charles Crofoot ; Frank A., born Feb- ruary 3, 1856; Samuel C, born February 28, 1858; Ida L., born December 20, i860; Alice M., born July 8, 1863. JAMES MILLER. One of the most pleasmg character- istics of the history of our county as it shall be read in the future, will be its specifications of names and 586 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. localities by which the coming genera- tions may identify the place where a dis- tant ancestor settled in the wilderness, built his log house with pioneer-will and muscle, cleared away the forest, and reared the commodious and comfortable dwelling of to-day'. To the present gen- eration it is a matter of interest to know who felled the first tree in settling the town of his residence, to know where and by whom the first house or barn was built, and by whom each farm was cul- tivated in pioneer days. Among the names of the early pioneers who have passed away from their career of usefulness, none are more entitled to the remembrance of the present gener- ation, than that of the subject of this sketch. The Millers were among the earliest settlers of New England, com- ing to this country from Scotland. The first of this name, of whom anything definite is known, was Richard Miller, father of James, who married Anna Ward. James Miller wasborn in Middletown, Conn., in 1776. In the spring of 1796, in company with Ebenezer Allen, James Ward, and Nathan Coe, he left Middle- town, and emigrated to what was then termed "the wilds of the West." With two yoke of oxen and a loaded cart, they traversed the Mohawk Valley to Utica, where two years before, there was a small cluster of log houses, and nine- teen families. From there to Trenton, a road had been cut through the woods, but from Trenton to Turin, they found their way by marked trees, and en- countered and overcame many obstacles in fording and crossing streams and gulfs. On arriving at the place of their desti- nation, tired and drenched through with rain which was then pouring down in torrents upon them ; after loose.ning the oxen from the cart to feed in the woods, they proceeded to build a fire. Mr. Allen, pulling off his coat, commenced with a will to fell a large tree, against which they succeeded with great diffi- culty in kindling a fire, it being finally done by Mr. Miller crawling under a log, where he succeeded in flashing some powder, and raising a flame. Here they remained through the night, with nothing for a covering but the body of the cart, under which Ward and Allen lay down to rest, while Mr. Miller watched the oxen and kept the fire. On the following day they built a temporary house, where they remained the fii'st season, building a saw-mill, and making preparations for their future home, experiencing and overcoming hardships unknown to any but early set- tlers. At the age of nineteen, his humble cottage in the wilderness was cheered, and his hopes and prospects brightened by his marriage to Sally Coe, of Paris, N. Y., who shared for many years, his toils, his joys, and his sorrows. While the forest was slowly receding, and their fields enlarged, they reared a family of seven children. In 1819, he married his second wife. Miss Rebecca Brooks, of Meriden, Conn., who became the mother of his eighth child. Good evidence of his own integrity, and of his confidence in his neighbors, is furnished in the ex- posed condition of large sums of specie which he kept in his private dwelling; for the more upright a man is, the more confiding he is in others, while the miser, the extortioner, and the rogue, are ever distrustful and concealing. His estate was the fruit of persevering in- dustry, economy, and integrity. Upon the farm where he first settled, he hved from 1796, to 1863, retaining his mental faculties in vigor to the last. He died October 6, 1863, aged 86 years. He left besides a competency for his family, ex- amples of honesty and frugality, worthy of imitation. Long will he be remem- bered as the "obliging neighbor, whose HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 587 hard earned resources relieved the em- barassed from trouble, and stimulated others to industry and competency. His children were: — Volney, who died in infancy; Orra, born in 1800, married Fellus C. Taylor, now (1883) living at the age of 83 years; Volney, 2d, born in 1802, married Ann Duff, died in 1850; Richard, born in 1804, died in. 1823; Elmina, born in 1806, married G. S. Sackett, of Houseville, died in 1882; Lucina, born in 1806, twin to Elmina, married Amos Bush, of Turin, died in 1876; Sally, born in 181 1, married Emory Allen, of Constableville ; Betsey, born in 1 82 1, married Alson Clark, the author of " Historical Sketches of Lewis County," who died in 1856, and Betsey afterward married John Roberts, of Leyden, in 1872. WILLIAM R. WADSWORTH. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Timothy Wadsworth, a native of Connecticut, emigrated from Farming- ton, in that State, to the Black River country, as it was then called, in the year 1797. The country was then almost an unbroken wilderness. He purchased land on what is known as Tug Hill, a mile west of Constableville, choosing that location because he deemed it healthier than the lower lands, which he could have bought for the same price. The land so purchased was afterward divided between his sons, Ebenezer and Elijah, the former taking the western half, now owned by Truman Damuth, and the latter receiving as his share, the eastern portion, now owned by Horace Clark, and the heirs of William Koughnet. His daughter, Mary, who married Seth Miller, and his daughter, Dorothy, who married Willard Allen, both settled in what is now the village of Constableville. Those pioneers had to endure the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of a new country. The roads were rude and bad, and in some cases it was difficult to draw loads a few miles in a day. Their sup- plies at first were brought from Rome, twenty-six miles distant. Here, in a region crude and uninviting, Timothy Wadsworth lived a life of usefulness, and died in the year 18 10. WILLIilM H. WiinSWDRTH, Elijah Wadsworth, his son, and the father of WilUam R. Wadsworth, was born in Farmington, Conn., March 13, 1765. He married Hannah Rood, daugh- ter of Captain Mariner Rood, of Canaan, Conn., who was born July 18, 1775. They came to the town of Turin, now West Turin, in the year 1797, where Elijah followed the occupation of farmer, some thirty-five years. His wife having become insane, he sold his farm and retired to the village of Constableville, where he resided until his death, Oct. 17, 1836. His wife died June 18, 1842. S88 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Their children were: — Wealthy, born in Farmington, Conn., Jan. 5, 179S, mar- ried Charles Searl, of Martinsburgh, died Dec. 31, 1827, leaving three chil- dren, who moved with their father to Ohio ; William R., the subject of this sketch; Amon, born April 29, 1808, died in infancy; Eli J., born Sept. 23, 18 10, died Oct. 5, 1826. William Rood Wadsworth was born in West Turin, Feb. 17, 1806. His early life was passed upon his father's farm, and it was not until the age of eighteen that he began attendance on the com- mon schools. He, however, improved his time at home, and worked all the sums in Daball's arithmetic without the aid of a teacher, placing the results in a book he kept for that purpose. He learned surveying, and some of the higher branches of mathematics, at Lowville Academy, and attended, for six months, the High School of Brayton & Dodge, in Rochester, N. Y. He was afterward, for several years, a successful teacher in the common schools. The education which he so patiently sought, has proved beneficial to him through life. He was a ready scribe, and has transacted a large business as a convey- ancer. It is believed that he has drawn more deeds, mortgages and other kin- dred writings than any other man in the county. He was the only justice in this section required to take a license as a conveyancer in the time of the war. He practiced surveying extensively for over fifty years, and is considered a cor- rect and competent surveyor. Since the year 1830, he has held each year some town office. He was twice appointed, and thirty-tive times elected town clerk; has been eleven times elected justice of the peace for the full term of four years ; was twice elected to the office of supervisor of his town, and has held the offices of commissioner of deeds, notary public, and village clerk. During this time, for some twenty years, he carried on the business of wagon making, in Constableville, and did a prosperous business. He has been a member of the Baptist church of Con- stableville, nine years, and was pre- viously, for forty-seven years, a member of the Free Baptist church of Turin, and served much of this time as deacon, church clerk, and superintendent of the Sabbath school. In all the various branches of business in which he has been engaged, he has discharged his duties with fidelity, enjoyed largely the confidence of the public, and has had the reputation of being an honest man. Mr. Wadsworth has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Emily Higby, daughter of Solomon Higby, Esq., who was born Nov. 21, 181 1, and died Jan. 15, 1869. Their children were : — Emma, born Oct. 8, 1837, married Albert W. Kidder, of Turin ; Anna W., born July 8, 1843, died April 24, 1875. May 1, 1 87 1, Mr. Wadsworth was mar- ried to Rhoda M. Bacon, daughter of Jonathan Bacon, of Levden. JOHN CROFOOT. The first of this family name of which anything is known was the great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch, who came from England to this country about 1730. His name it is believed was Seth Crofoot, and he settled in Berlin, Conn. His son Elisha, who was born in Berlin, Conn., in the year 1753, came to Lewis county in 1797. locating near Constableville, on the farm now owned by Truman Damuth. During the first year of his residence here he helped build the first grist and saw-mill ever built in the town. It stood near what is now the McConnell residence, and was burned soon after its erection. HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 589 He died March 29, 18 13, aged 60. His son, James Crofoot, was born Oct. 20, 1786, in Connecticut, but whether in Meriden or Middletown is not known. His wife was Clarissa Burnham, born Feb. 22, 1785, to whom he was married September 17, 1809. James Crofoot died February 7, 1861, aged 74. Clar- now (1883) living in Turin ; Simeon B., born June 14, 1827, died August 7, 1846. John Crofoot, the second child, was born November 21, 1811. His life has been passed in this town. He received the meagre education afforded by the district schools of his early days, and aided by his inherent, common sense, [JOHN CRDFaDT.l issa, his wife, died April 11, 1853, aged 68. Their children were : — Jerusha, born September 13, 18 10, married Lyman Smith, November 26, 1833, died November 15, 1879; John; Rachel, born April 17, 181 3, died Feb- ruary — , 1850; William, born January 18, 1815, died March 30, 1864; George, born June 13, 1816, died March 30, 1864; Levi, born December 10, 1817, died May 12, 1877; James, Jr., born October 3, 1820, died February 19, 1854; Benjamin P., born March 6, 1823, died May 30, 1863; Elisha, born November 29, 1825, practice and study, secured a much more beneficial knowledge than many derive from the lessons of the schools. His business through life has been principally that of a farmer. He was Supervisor of the town in 1879, ^"^1 ^^s held various other local offices of trust. He is known as a man of strict in- tegrity and worth, rehgiously a man of broad and liberal views, believing in the religion of justice and humanity, he has given largely of his means to aid societies whose aim was to do good, and the M. E. church, known as Crofoot S90 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. church, was in its erection greatly aided by his generous contributions. Mr. Crofoot married April 24, 1836, Louisa Rea, sister to Rutson Rea, of Lowville. Their children are : — Peter, born- September 25, 1839, ii^ar- ried first, Eva Dickenson, who died in 1870, second, Clara Morse Bennett, January 15, 1880; Clarissa E., born Feb- ruary 18, 1842, died July 25, 1850 ; Cyrus S., born February 9, 1847, niarried Mary E. Hough, daughter of Franklin B. Hough, October 27, 1875, died May 14, 1881, in Cleveland, Ohio; John H., born July 13, 1848, married Julia Seymour June 12, 1878; Robert Wellington, born February 14, 1850; died December 13, 1870. CHARLES M. AND CAPT. HENRY WILLARD ALLEN. Willard Allen, grandfather to Charles M. and Henry W. Allen, was one of those enterprising young men who first commenced a settlement in Lewis county. He came to West Turin in 1797 and selected a spot in the wilderness, which he converted into a fertile farm, on which he lived more than half a cent- ury. His father was Ebenezer Allen, a resident of Connecticut. He added to his farm labors the occupation of sur- veyor, which he followed many years. His life was characterized in an unusual degree by integrity, honesty and up- rightness. He died September 18, 1850, aged ^^ years. The grandfather of the subjects of this sketch, on the mother's side, was Rev. James Miller, a Methodist minister, who was born in Worcester Mass., and who came to this part of the country about 1800. The mother of Charles M., and Henry W., was the second oldest child in his family. He died March 31, 1843, aged (>•] years. Zenas Allen, son to Willard, was born in West Turin, March 9, 1804. He was a farmer and surveyor, and was at one time Judge of Sessions, and creditably held numerous town offices. He mar- ried Betsey Miller, daughter of Rev. James Miller, January 26, 1831, and died November 25, 1869. The children of this marriage were as follows : — Henry Willard ; James, born March 14, 1837; Mary E., born September 29, 1839; Susan E., born November 25, 1 841 ; Charles M. Charles M. Allen was born in West Turin, July 24, 1845, in which town his early life was passed. He received his education at Whitestown and at Low- ville Academy, and in March, 1863, at the age of eighteen, entered as clerk in the store of S. Miller & Son, in which capacity he served four years. He then began business in Constableville, with Stephen T. Miller, under the firm name of Stephen Miller & Company. Under this name the firm transacted business three years, when it was changed to Miller & Allen, and in August, 1881, Mr. Allen became sole proprietor. He has evinced marked ability as a merchant, and through his honesty and genial nature, has won the confidence and esteem of the citizens of his town. In 1881, Mr. Allen was elected Supervisor, and held that office two terms, being chairman of that body in 1882. He married, September 30, 1867, Miss N. M. Pease, daughter of A. B. Pease, of Lowville. The children of this marriage are: — Flora, born in November, 1868, died in infancy ; and Alice A., born August 31, 1870. Henry Willard Allen was born No- vember 3, 1834. At the early age of seventeen, he began teaching school in his native town, an occupation for which HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF WEST TURIN. 591 he possessed pronounced abilities. At the age of twenty-one he went to Cook county, 111., where he engaged in teach- ing. He afterwards went to Springfield, in that State, where he entered mercan- tile business and was there at the break- ing out of the Rebellion. He was one his mission, being actuated by a pure and lofty patriotism. He participated in the engagements at Fort Donelson and Pittsburgh Landing, and in the lat- ter was severely wounded in the shoulder. Of the principles underlying that eventful struggle, he had a remark- ICAPT, HENRY W. ii L L E N . ] of the first to answer to the call to arms. Entering the service as a private, he was promptly elected Orderly Sergeant of Co. G, 7th Illinois Infantry, the duties of which office he faithfully discharged until the expiration of his term of enlist- ment. Believing that his services were needed by his country, he re-enlisted and was appointed to the Captaincy of the same company to which he originally belonged. As a soldier, he nobly fulfilled ably clear insight and sound judgment. His letters written during that period evince a descriptive talent of a high order, and in some he expressed views which time has demonstrated to have been just and correct. In one of them he said : — " We are fighting for a principle on which has been reared the whole fabric of our government, and all the institu- tions which have been fostered and matured by it. That principle is popu- 592 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. lar sovereignty. The will of the people is the Supreme law — not of the whole people, but of a majority properly and constitutionally expressed. No factious minority have a right to interfere with that decision. If so, farewell to the ■ theory of self-government. Sacrifice every other interest to the permanent establishment of this principle. * * * * * * Forgetful of private interest or party prejudices, I claim that every man is called upon to peril all, if need be, in perpetuating the institutions under which we have so long and pros- perously lived. I shall support the proclamation." The last sentence bears the true ring, and portrays the kind of a nature of which heroes are made. This faithful soldier and brave and honored officer was doomed to a sad death. Under his command, at Corinth, Miss., one of the soldiers of his regiment had been con- fined in the guard-house for striking and severely injuring a negro belonging to the camp. There was a feeling among some ot the men against punishing a soldier for abusing a negro, and one of the malcontents, named John Meyers, encouraged this feeling, and talked of attempting to rescue the man from the guard-house. Captain Allen promptly opposed such a breach of discipline, and Meyers, under the influence of passion and liquor, deliberately shot him with his musket. He died Decembers, 1862, and added another name to the long list of our country's preservers who demand our remembrance and our praise. CHARLES EUGENE DOUGLASS, M. D. The subject of this sketch was born in Denmark, Lewis county, January 9, 1846. His parents, who were of Scot- tish descent, were John and Olive Sage Douglass. Their children were Adel- bert J., born in 1837; Charles E.; Alison O. and Alice O., born in 1855. Each one of the brothers was educated to the medical profession, and is engaged in its practice, one in Ilion and the other in Grayville, Herkimer county. The early life of Doctor Douglass was passed in the schools of Oneida county, and in 1865 he became a student of Ann Arbor University, Mich. In 1873, he entered Long 'Island College Hospital from which he graduated the same year. In 1 88 1, he became a student of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., graduating therefrom in 1882. Dunng these years from 1865 he has been in the active practice of his pro- fession in Oneida and Lewis counties, and has built up a large and lucrative business. In 1867 he was appointed government pension surgeon by the Pension Bureau at Washington, which position he still holds. He held in 1879 the office of President of the Lewis County Medical Society, and in 1882 was elected for three years as delegate to the Medical Society of the State. Among the students who have studied the pro- fession of medicine under his tuition are his brothers, A. J. and A. O. Douglass, William Powell and G. P English ; Mr. Powell from 1877 to 1880; English from 1879 to 1882; A. O. Douglass from 1869 to 1873 ; and A. J. Douglass from 1871 until his graduation. Mr. Douglass inherits all the earnestness of the Scotch blood, has been a devoted student in his chosen profession and has become an expert in its practice. His first wife was Julia A., daughter of George W. Brown, ex-sheriff of Oneida county, who died. He married again, January 24, 1869, Esther H. Bacon, daughter to David and Sarah Parsons Bacon, of Leyden. 594 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. 'C4/'?'TXyUj^ Y^ Ji^ Parents Frederick and Mary C. Grunsrt. La Flav* J. R., p o Belfort, proprietor saw and shingle mill, 2,000 acres, born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, in 1849, settled in county in 1880; first wife Amelia Conley; second wife Sarah Riley, married in 1880; children two— Emma, and Roy La Fave. Father John La Fave. La Fave Joseph B., p o Belfort, proprietor saw and shingle mill, 2,000 acres, born m Leroy, Jefferson county, in 1853. settled in county Feb. 20, 1882; wife Maggie, daughter of James Burns, marilied in 1881. Father Alfred LaFlave. L'huillier Christopher, p o Beaver Falls, farmer, born in France Nov. 14, 1932, settled in county in 1847, and on present farm in 1860; wife Elizabeth Keller, married in 1853; children living ten— Frank, Chas., Anna, John, Lewis, Rose, Margaret, Kate, N. Christopher, and George. Le Fevre M. R., p o Beaver Fails, merchant and tanner, 2,500 acres, born in Gilboa, Schoharie county, in 1837, settled in county in 1864, has been notary pub- lic and postmaster; wife Hannah M., daughter of Hiram Lewis, married in 1864; children two— Min- nie M., and Howard I. Parents Isaac and Maria Le Fevre. Lewis James P., p o Beaver Falls, pulp manufacturer, bom in Northville, Fulton county in 1845. settled in county in 1851, has been supervisor and Justice; wife Julia E., daughter of Humphrey and Caroline Slocum. married Jan., 1870, children one — Grace Edna. Parents Hiram and Margaret Lewis. Lollier Joseph, p o Croghan, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, and general blacksmith, born in New Bremen, Nov. 15, 1850. settled in Croghan in 1875, wife Adelia, daughter of Thomas Connolly, mar- ried in Dec. 1874. Father Nicholas Lollier, Jr , a native of France came with his father, among the early settlers of New Bremen. Loomis Otis A., p o Naumburgh. cheese manufacturer, born in Denmark April 20. 1836, settled in Croghan in 1876; wife Nellie, daughter of Fhineas M. Page, married in 1871, children two — Bertha, and Gra- cie. Father Charles Loomis one of the early set- tlers of Denmark. Marilley Edward M., p o Croghan, dealer in general mer- chandise, born ii^ Switzerland, Aug. 17, 1847, set- tled in county in 1852; wife Katie, daughter of Patrick Eanahan, married May 8. 1878. children three — Claire, Alfred, and Anna. Parents Joseph and Cecil Marilley. Miller Henry V., p o Croghan, miller and hotel proprietor, born in Germany March 15, 1837, settled in county' March 16, 1870, enlisted in company C, 14th N. T. Vols. April 28, 1861, and wasdischarged May 17,1863; wife Charlotte, daughter of Lewis Jaeger, married in 1863, children one, adopted — Rosa. Parents Philip and Mary Miller. Nuffer Charles, p o Beaver Falls, pulp manufacturer, and millwright, 8 acres, born in Wurtenburg, Germany, in 1847, settled in county in 1849 ; wife Helen L., daughter of Hiram Lewis; married October 28, 1873, children two— Jessamine, and Crissie M. Parents Frederick and Christina Nuffer. Nuffer Michael, p o Beaver Falls, farmer, 192 acres, born in Germany in 1821, settled in county in 1863. and on present farm in 1867; wife Barbara Dittua, married in 1865, children three- Jacob, Margaret, and Lena. 11 HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Pate Jules, p o Cro^ban, farmer and proprietor of saw and planing mill, 450 acres, born in B^rance in 1840, set- tled in county in May, 1847; wife Mary Baur- geouys, married in 1868, children four— Eliza, Fraocis, Charles, and Morris. Father Nicholas Pate. Prentice Austin E., p o Groeban, dealer in general mer- chandise, born in Lockport, Niagara county, in 1837, settled in county in 1870. has been postmaster and excise commissioner; first wife Martha Wood- cock, marled in 1867; second wife Marietta Tias, married in 1873; children one— George W. Father Lorenzo W. Prentice. , Rice Yale, p o Croghan, tanner, 25.000 acres, born in Greene county, December 23, 1831, settled in county in 1864, has been path master and school trustee; wife Helen M.., daughter of James C. Curtis, of Sullivan county, married April 18, 1860, children five— Susie, Pamelia, Marian, John and Bessie. Father Amos Rice, of Lowville. Bichner Joseph R., p o Naumburgh, dealer in horses and cattle and hotel proprietor, born in New Bremen, Decembers, 1851, settled in Croghan in 1880, has been overseer of poor and constable; wife Mary, daughter of Mamellus Denrz, married February 1, 1880, children one— Gracie May Father Samuel Richner, settled in New Bremen from Switzerland about 1840. Rice William W., p o Croghan, tanner, 35,000 acres, born in Greene county August 13, 1833, settled in county in 1853 and in Croghan in 1856, has been member of assembly: wife Martha A., daughter of Norman Gowdy, married in 1864, children living five-George S.. Julia B., Fcancis Y., Norman G., and Mattie A Father Amos Rice. Kies Frederick, p o Naumburgh, dealer in general merchan- dise. 10 acres, born in Baden. Germany, January 15, 1848, settled in county April 3. 1865; wife Anna, daughter of Philander and Magdalena Scbantz, married November 1. 1874. Parents Ludwick and Mary Ries, natives of Baden. Schantz Andrew R., p o Beaver Falls, cheese manufacturer, and proprietor of feed mill, 7 acres, born in New Brempn, Nov. 27, 1849, spttled in Croghan in 187H; wife Margaret Ries, married March 15, 1877, chil- dren three— Fred, Henry and Augustus. Father Joseph Schantz. Shinbourn Peter, p o Croghan, tanner, boot and shoe man- ufHCturer, and proprietor pf grist-mill, 40 acres, born in Erie county. Feb 10, 1848, settled in coun- ty in 1859, has been supervisor; wife Mary Martin, childr^tn two— Frederirk William, and Mary Alice. Parents Peter and Catherine Shinbourn, , Simonet Augustine, p o Croghan, druggist and dealer in general merchandise, born in Orleans. JpfEerson county, Feb 28, 1843. settled in County in 1871: has been town clerk; wife Sarah E., daughter of Rich- ard Giblin, married in 1872, children three— Laura, Virginia, and Mary. Parents Marcel and Ardell Simonet. Snell Squire H.. p o Naumburgh, civil engineer and sur- veyor, 11 acres, born in Lowville. Dec, 14, 1809, set- tled in Croghan, in 1833, commenced surveying with Hon. Nelson J. Beach, about 1833, has been coro- ner, town clerk and justice; wife Sagy, daughter of Isaac Dean, married Aug. 18, 1833. children three^May Elizabeth, Norton J., and Sidney S. Father Job Snell, a native of Rhode Island, born Sept. 28, 1782, died in Martinsburgh, Aug. 10, 1838- was son of Job Snell, Sr. Taube Augustus, p o Beaver Falls, farmer, 200 acres, born in Germany in 1835, settled in County in 1852; wife Cristina Seabold, married in 1850, children four- Herman F., William C, Mary E,, and Anna L Father William Taube. Valin Augustus, p o Croghan, cheese manufacturer, 40 acres, born in Albany, July, 1835. settled in County in 1840, has been justice, supervisor, town Clerk, collector and constable; wife Elizabeth, daughter of John Sweetman. married Feb. 23. 18.'55, children six— Theodore J. Jerome H.. Genevia R.. Alice A., Henry J., and Ellen A. Father Antonie Valin. Valin Victor, p o Croghan, furniture dealer and undertaker born In Croghan. Parents Nicholas and Adell Va- lin, early settlers in Croghan. Virkler Samuel R., p o Croghan, dealer in general merchan- dise, bom in New Bremen, Aug. 30, 1850, settled in Croghan, in 1876; wife Maggie, daughter of John Kieb, married April 11, 1883. Father Joseph Virk- ler, settled in New Bremen in 1832; wife Anna Hlrschy. Wilcox Squire, p o Indian River, farmer, and manufacturer of lumber, latb, etc , 200 acres, born in Russia, Herkimer county, July 2, 1826, settled in County in 1827, has been postmaster, justice and assessor; wife Nancy C, daughter of Aaron J. Putnam, mar- ried May 1. 1858, children seven— Ira, George, Will- iam, Ida May, Gilbert. Alfred E., and LeRoy, Parents Ira and Ruby Wilcox,. 6e).tled in Croghan in 1827, being the third settler in town Yancey Peter, Jr., p o Belfort, proprietor of grist-mill; 3 acres, born in Croghan Dec, 1851; wife Rlartha M., daughter of Christian Farney, married Nov., 1881' Father Peter Yancey, an early settler in Croghan. Yancey Peter,p o Belfort, farmer and manufacturer of maple sugar 800 acres, born in France in 1831, settled in couuty in 1831; wife Lena Zehr. married in 1849, children twelve — Joseph. Peter, Louisa, Michael, Chrisjohn, Daniel, Mary, Andrew, John, Benjamin, Lana, and Anna. Youse Christian, p o ludlan River, proprietor saw and shin- gle mill 160 acres, born in Canada April 18, 1846, settled in county in 1871: wife Eate, daughter of Christian Zehr, married in 1871 ; children living four— Anna, Katie, Mary, and Lana. Parents John and Eate Youse. Zahn August, p o N?umburgb, farmer 227 acres, born in Ger- many Aug. 13, 1824, settled in county in 1854; wife Augusta, daughter of Henry Gent, married in 1859; children twelve — Agnes. Henry, Emily, Maria, Josephine. Epbraim, Anna, Sarah, Augustus, Hen- rietta. George, and Arthur. Parents John and Dorothy Zahn. Zehr Christian, p o Croghan. retired farmer, born in France Jan 10, 1814, settled in county in 18.32; wife Anna Bailey, married Nov 1, 1840, died June 23, 1881; children eight— Michael, Anna, Barbara. John B., Christian B , Eate, Andrew, and Joseph B, Par- ents Michael and Anna Zehr, early settlers in Cro- ghan. DENMARK. Allen Dr. Ebenezer. p o CopeDbagen, physician and surgeon, born in Albany county in 1814, sett'ed in county in 1884. and was graduated from the Cincinnati Medi- cal College of Ohio, in 1842; wife Susan Stanton, of Herkimer county, married in 1848; children flv«. Parents William and Catharine Allen, the former from Connecticut, and the latter, a daughter of Daniel and Dorcas Stanton, of Jefferson county. Austin Elim E., p o Copenhagen, born in Jefferson county in 18.30, S'ttled in county in I83.'j; wife Mrs. Barintha A. M. Angle, married in 1865. Parents of Elim, Seneca and Rebecca Austin, of Levis county, the former a son of Grinman Austin, who was on»of the founders of the Austin Settlement in Denmark about 1800. Babcoclc E. D., p o Copenhagen, retired capitalist, bom in Denmark in 1830; wife L. A., daughter of E. J. and Louisa Rich, married in 1864. Parents Orlando and Alvina(Blodget) Bahcnok. of Oneida county came to this county about 1804. Babcook Charles, p o Copenhagen, farmer 120 acres, born in Denmark in 1822; wife Jeannette Cross, of St. Law- rence, married in 1846; children two— EiisworthD., who married Eunice Shumway in 1873. and Char- lotte A. Parents Jeremiah and Polly (Munger) Babcook, the former a son of Daniel, who settled in county in 1805, and died in 1860 aged 102 yearg and two months. Barnum George, p o Denmark, cooper and farmer 27>^ acres born in Denmark in 1833; wife Mirandl Martin of Lewis county, married in 1868; children two— Eli- phalpt C, and Mary E. Parents Ira and Elizabeth Barnum, of Duchess county, Bence Michael, p o Castorland, general blacksmith, owns homestead and shop, born in Croghan in 1868; wife Mary J. LaSell, born in Denmark in 1858, married July 15, 1878; children one William M. Parents Francis and Mary Bence, of France, came to Cro- ghan in 1848. Blodget Philander, p o Denmark, general merchant and hotel proprietor, born in Denmark in 1829; wife Emily J Stevens, of Lowville, married in 1857, one son— Fay Barton. Father Harrison Blodget, wai the first white child born in Denmark, bom March 18, 1801. He was member of assembly. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Ill Blodget Julius, p o Copenhagen, retired farmer and bouse carpenter, born in county in 1805; wife Adeline Rich, married in 1836; children three— Parents Calvin and Betsey Blodget, otMassacbusetts, came to county about 1800. Brace John W., p o Deer River, general manufacturer of lumber and cheese boxes, owns saw-mill and cheese-box factory ; born in St. Lawrence county in 1837, settled in County in 18B2; wife Delia M Hitchcock, born in Canada, married in 1958, chil- dren five — two sons and three daughters. Parents Anson and Electa (Rich) Brace, of Herkimer county, the former a sailor and tost at sea. Euos and Ann Hitchcock, parents of Delia M., born in Canada, and came to County in 1873. Butters George C, p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, 175 acres; born in Denmark in 1833; wife Levantia Crofoot, of Jefferson county; married in 1854, children one— Fred E. Parents George and Nancy Maria Butters, the former of Andover, Mass , died in April, 1879, and the latter of Lewis county. Butlin Joseph, p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in England in 1822, settled in County in 1834; wife Anna Miranda Goodenough, of county, married in 1850; children — one, Ida M . born in 1855. Parents Joseph and Elizabeth (Grey) Butlin. of England, came to County in 1834, and both died in 1874. Cheney Dorwin E.. p o Denmark, cheese manufacturer, born Id Denmark in 1831, has been assessor; wife Fran- cis Blodget, of county, married in 1H74. Parents Ensign and Cynthia (Levis) Cheney, the former of Mas3acbuE>etts, and the latter of Oneida county. Clark Luclan, p o Copenhagen, retired farmer, born in Den- mark, Feb. 27, 1808; has been inspector of schools, supervisor, assessor, and member of assembly; wife Louisa J. Babcock, of Lowville, born in 1817, married in 1840, children one— Addison L.. born in 184.3. Parents John and Abigail (White) Clark, of Massachusetts, came to county in 1802. Caleb and Abigail (Allen) Babcock, of Connecticut, came to county about 1805. Clark William D., p o Deer River, farmer, born in Denmark, in 1808; wife Prudence Taylor, of Jeflerson* coun- ty, born in 1816.marrled in 1836. children live, three daugbters(dead), and two sons— William Philo, born in 1846, and John W.. born in 1840. Parents William and Hannah Clark, the former of Massa- chusetts, and the latter of Herkimer county, came to county in 1803. Grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, an officer in the Bunker Hill en- gagement, drew a pension, came to county in 1803, and died there. Cook Ellis A., p o Denmark, farmer and cheese manu- facturer, born in Massachusetts in 18^1, settled in county in 1835; wife Anna, daughter ofSantord and Clarinda Parsons, of county, married in 1S44, children two- Alson L , and Herbert E.. who are extensive manufacturers of cream cheese, using the milk of some 450 to .500 cows, and carry on a farm of 625 acres. Parents Levy and Rachel Cook, of Rhode Island, came to county in 1835. where the latter died in 1851, and the former in 1856, Cunningham Chester Spencer, p o Copenhagen, farmer 216 acres, born in Denmark in 1825, wife Nancy Snider of Canada, married In 1855; died in 1882, children three — William, Hattie, and Mary. Second wife Maria Millard of county, married in 1873, one child — Mary. Parents Aaron and Mary(Dimmick) Cunningham of Massachusetts, came to county in 1813 Joseph and Dorothy Cunningham came to county in 182«. Dryden William, p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, bora in Scotland Dec. 16. 1804, settled in county In 1835, wife Margaret MoPherson of Scotland mar- ried in 1844, children four — William, John D., Charles, and George J. Parents John and Eliza- beth Dryden of Scotland. Dryden John D, p o Copenhagen, farmer and stock dealer, born in Denmark in 18:17, wife Katie M. Bacon of Massachusetts, married in 1868, children one — Charles B. Parents William and Margaret (Mo- Pherson) Dryden. Dryden George J., p o Copenhagen, general merchant, pro- duce dealer and farmer, born in Harrisburgh F«b- 13, 1841, wife Helen E. daughter of Albert G. and Hannah Thompson of county, married Oct. 1, 1867, children one. Father William Dryden. Davenport William A., p o Copenhagen, farmer and proprie- tor of hotel, born in Denmark in i835; wife Eliza- beth J. daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Boynton of county, married in 1858, children two, Parents Ashley abd Rhoda Davenport, the former, son of Charles one of the first settlers of the county. Davis Benjamin, p o Copenhagen, farmer 40 acres, born in Canada in 1800, settled in county in 1812, and died in 1677, wife Polly B, Sage born in 1808, mar- ried in 1832, died in 1881, children three — Lewis S. born in 1841, Sarah J, born 1848, and Mary. Davenport John, p o Copenhagen, farmer and hotel pro- prietor; born in Denmark Aug. 19, 1829; wife Har- riet E. Boynton of Pinckney, married in 1855, children two — Ashley B. and Lizzie S. Father Ashley Davenport. Dickenson John W., p o Copenhagen, farmer 60 acres, born in Oneida county in 1799, settled in county in 1832; wife Mary Justin of Vermont, died in 1857j child- ren nine. -Second wife Dorothy E. Cunningham of county, born April 21, 1819, married in 1858, children one— Jay C. born in 1861. Dorothy E. was daughter of Aaron and Mary (Demmick) Cun- ningham, who bad four children two now living. Edmunds Merritt N , p o Castorland, farmer 50 acres, born in Denmark in 1842; wife Julia A. Bull of county, married in 1870, children two — Welthy and Albert D, Parents William and Susan (Hotcut) Edmonds, came to county in 1830, the former born in Duch- ess county in 1800, died in 1863, and the latter born in Duchess county in 1603, died in 18B6. Empy Joseph W.. p o Cnpenhasren, general furniture dealer and undertaker, owns store and dwelling, born in Canada West in 1841, settled in county in 1863, has b^eu Town clerk. In 1876purcha8ed the interest of J. C. Wright in one of the earliest established manufacttiring furniture establishments of the Town, in 1878 built hispresentstore; wife Phebe E. Chickering of county married in 1865, children one — Mary F. Parents Christopher and Hester A. Empy of Canada West. Florida Mortimer W., p o Denmark, farmer 80 acres, born in Denmark in 1836; wife Matilda, daughter of Aus- tin J. and Mary (Clark) Wells, born in 1850, mar- ried in 1872. Parents John and Maria (Blodget) Florida, the former born in Rensselaer county in 1810, came to county In 1817, and the latter born in county in 1815, died in 1843. Grandparents James and Arathusa(Morse) Florida of Vermont, came to county in 1817. Goutremont Nieholas, p o Castorland, farmer 91 acres, bo»n in Lowville in 1817; wife Laura A. Edmonds of Duchess connty. born in 18S2. married in 18<4, children two — Garret N. and William F. Parents Phillip and Eve (Basback) Goutremont, came to county about 1805, the former born in Germany and the latter in Montgomery county. Gratsenberg Adam N., p o Copenhagen, farmer and stock- grower 905 acres, born in Denmark in 18S0; wife Olive Graves of county born in 18)11, married in WAS, children three— Mary, Elizabeth, and George, Parents Sioholae A. and Elizabeth (Dawson) Grat- senberg, came to county in 1818 the former born in Montgomery county in 1797, died in 1873, and the latter born in Ireland In 1798, died in 1881. Harter Gecrge H. W., p o Copenhagen, retired farmer and capitalist, 862 acres, born in Herkimer county. In 1829, settled.in county in 1830; wife Almira Crook of Jefferson county, married in lty56. Father Phillip P. Harter born in 1798, came to county In 1880, died in 1876, nlacksmith and farmer. Mother Cath- arine Gordouier of Herkimer county was born In 1800, died in 1878. Hartwell Morris, p o Denmark, born in Duchess county in 1801, settled in county in same year; wife Loviia Taylor born in Cleveland, Ohio In 1807. married Oct. 3. 1827. died in Feb. 1867, children 8-Abra- ham D. Dorn Aug SO, 18JS. Sarah V. and Philo (twine) born April 28, 18.3J, John born June 7, 1839; James born June 27.>184«, Egbert and Edwin (twins) born Jan. 26, 1846. Parents Wililam and Elizabeth (Cooperi Hartwell of Duchess county came to county in 1801. Hartwell William, p o Denmark, retired farmer and black, smith, has held oIHce of assessor and others; wife Eliza C. Squire of county, born in 1824, married in 1854, children three— Mary Eliza, Ada Elizabeth, and Walton Squire. Parents William and Eliza- beth (Coop»r) Hartwell, the former born in Duch- ess county in 1777, died in i844, and the latter died in 1871 aged 93 years. Eliza C. is daughter of Dr. Charles and Eliza (Evans) Squire. Horr Charles P., p o Copenhagen, farmer, hop-grower and dairyman, 331 acres, born in Denmark in 1842; wife Francis B. Bent o( county born in 1841, married in 1864 children five - Benjamin B., Charles P. Jr., Beulah P., Blanche, and Marion. Parents Marcus L and Elvira ( Leonard 1 Horr of Massachusetts, came to county in 1810. Parents of Mrs. Horr. Abel D. and Sally (Badell) Kent, the former of Lewis and the latter of Albany county. IV HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Hurd Eugsne C, p o Copenhagen, miller, born in Wayne county in 1853, settled in county in 1863: wife Alice Msrriman of county, married in 1876, children one — Louisa. Parents Norman and Mary A. (Spauld- ing) Hurd, the former of Connecticut and the lat- ter of county. Mr. Hurd purchased the Copen- hagen flour mill Aug. 1, 1881, of J. C. Wright who run the same twenty-two years. It is located on Deer Rirer in the central part of Copenhagen, has a fine reputation, is supplied with all of the most improTed machinery of the present day, and is three stories high 50x100 feet. Johnson Gilbert B., p o Deer Rirer, farmer, born in Johns- town, Montgomery county in 1823, settled in coun- ty in 1834, has been Justice of Peace and Super- Tisor; wife Elizabeth daughter of H.V.B.Easton of Montgomery county; married in 1850, children three — Mary E., Anna M., and Lucian G. Parents Abner A. and Anna (Gilbert) Johnson of Connecti- cut, came to county in 1834. Johnston James, p o Copenhagen, postmaster and tele- graph operator, born in Denmark in 1837, has been collector and justice of peace. Parents Archibald and Ellen Johnston, of Scotland, settled iu county in 1825, where the former died; children three. Judd Leverett 0.. p o Castorland, proprietor of hotel, born in Putnam county in 1833, settled in county In 1853; wife Anna Hareford, of Germany, married in 1863; children two— Fannie and George. Parents Gar- wood L.,' and Parmelia R. Judd, of Putnam county, came to county in 1851. Antone and Catharina Hareford of Germany, parents of Anna, came to Bounty in 1S53. Kidney T. L., p o Deer River, plow manufacturer, born in Denmark in 1846, mill was built by Samuel Warren In 1853, purchased by Mr. Kidney in 1877, and has been enlarged and mueh improved in its capacity, the power being obtained from Deer river; wife Sarah D. Smith, daughter of Nelson and Sally Smith of county, married in 1868; children five. Parents Orville and Mrs. Mary Putnam Brown, the former of Lewis county, and the latter of Ver- mont, died in 1859. Kltts Jesse T., p o Denmark, farmer 160 acres, born in Den- mark in 1821; wife Maria Rockwooi", born in 182.3, married in June 18511, and was daughter of Roswell and Sally RocKwood, the former of < Oneida and the latter of Otsego county. Parents of Jesse T. Aaron and Elizabeth (ThallJ Eitts. Aaron was born in Montgomery county in 1785, came to county in 1800. died in 1832, wife Elizabeth was born in West Windsor. Conn , in 1796, married in 1813, died In 1848; children nine, four sons and five daughters. Grandfather John Kitts was one of the early set- tlers of county. Lansing Frank P., p o Copenhagen, general dealer in furni- ture and owner of Centennial Patent Bed spring, born in Denmark in 1855, purchased from the estate ol John D. Lond in lb79, who established furni- ture and upholstery business in 1833; wife Harriet R. Reed, of Jefferson county, married in 1878. Parents William J. and Almira Cornell Lansing. Lasher Amos, p o Copenhagen, farmer 5fi0 acres, born in LowviUe, March 11, 1821; wife Fannie Lewis, born in 18i5, married in 1848; children six. four son's and two daughters. Parents William I. and Lydia (Stoddard) Lasher, the former born in Montgomery county in 1796, came to county in 1802, died in 1878, and the latter born in Westfleld, Mass in 1798, died in 1847. , ■. ., u Lewis Morgan, p o Copenhagen, farmer 350 acres, born In Harrisburgh, in 1808, has been assessor and poor- master; wife Betsey Hazen, of Denmark, born in 1819, married in 1835; children five living, three sons and two daughters— John M., Ledru L., Wil- son H.. Bessey E., and Emma A. Mary E. born in 1855, died in 1874. Parents John and Betsey (Win- chell) Lewis, the former born in Connecticut, and came to county in 1803, and the latter born in coun- ty. John M. Lewis born in Denmark, in 1847; wife Celestia Robbins married in 18B9; children one- farmer and fruit grower, has produced the finest and largest clusters of grapes in county. McCuen Robert G., p o Copenhagen, dealer in general hard- were, stoves, tin, and agricultural implements born in Vermont in 1850, settled in county in 1875 purchased the interest in the old established hard- ware and stove store, the first in Copenhagen ettablished by Ashley Davenport, and later con- ducted by Davenport Bros.; wife Mary M. Gard- ner, of Canada, married in 1874; children one— Mattie M. Parents Robert and Mary (Foster) MoCuen, the former born in Scotland, settled In Vermont in 1845, and the latter bom in England Monger Abner, p o Copenhagen, retired gentlemen, born In Oneida county in 1801, settled in county in 1800, has held several town offices; wife Amelia Bua- well of Jefferson county, married in 1826, died lu 1858, children two, both dead. Second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt Boynton, widow of Joseph and mother of four children, married in 1859. Parent! Nathan and Lovisa (Bishop) Monger, of Mass., cams to county in 1802, children thirteen, of whom Abner is the only one living. Nash Darwin, p o Denmark, dealer in general merchandise, born in Denmark in 1827, has been town clerk, jus- tice of the peace, postmaster and county treas- urer; wife Emma L., daughter of Harrison Blodget of this county, married in 1874. Father Jamea Nash, born in Covington, Mass., in 1779, came to county in 1805, died in 1854; wife Hannah Richards, born in 1785, died in 1859. Otis Joseph C, retired gentleman, born in Denmark in 1830, died Aug. 20, 1880, was hi^hwa^ commissioner and supt. of poor; wife Almira Kitts, of this county, born in 1829, married in 1856; children three— Aaron E., Alma J., (both dead) and Richard C , born in 18G9; wife Mary E. Hartwell, married March 11, 1680. Parents of Joseph C, John and Mary (Graham) Otis, the former born in this county and the latter in England; children nine, living six. Grandfather Chandler Otis came from Connecticut, and settled in Leyden about 1797. Outwaters Nelson T., p o Copenhagen, general blacksmith, born in Canada in 1848, settled in county in 1869; wife Maggie Mooney, of Jefferson county, married in 1868: daughter of Thomas and Jennie Mooney, the former of Scotland, and the latter of Ireland. Parents of Nelson, Thomas M., and Allecia Out- waters, of Canada, came to this county in 1864; children eight. Perkins J O.. p o Copenhagen, principal of academy, born in Madison county in 1847. settled in county in 1876: wife Ella M. Newton, of Madison county, married in 1874 ; children two. Parents W. L. and Sarah S. Perkins, of M adison county. Raymond John H , p o Copenhagen, professor of music and druggist, born in Denmark in 1839, served in last war; wife Celia L., daughter of Lyman and Urina Mitchell, married in 1863; children one — Elsie M., born Dec. 25, 1875. Parents Lester I. and Maria (Hulbert) Raymond, the former born in coanty in 1805, and the latter born in Oneida county in 1811, married in 1834; children two. Josiah P. and Rox- anna H. Raymond, of Connecticut, came to this county in 1800. Rich Josiah D., p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman 800 acres, born inlDenmark in 1815; wife Lovina Horn- ing, of Montgomery county, born in 1821, married in 1845, died in 1875; one adopted son— Frank H., born in 1856; wife Loeinda'Chamberlain. of this county, married in 1877; children one— Floyd J. Parents Ives B. and Alice (Cone) Rich, former born in Massachusetts in 1774, came to county in 1802, died in 1852, and the latter born iir Connecticut in 1782, married In 1806, died in 1857; children six, liy- ing two. Rich H. F., p o Copenhagen, farmer 157 acres, born in Den- mark in 1843: wife Mary E. Sylvester, married in 1867; children two; William C, and John S. Farsnts Alonzo D. and Louisa M. Rich, both born in county in 1803. and married in 1831; children four. Robbins Orrin G, p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Denmark April 29, 1810; wife Candice Campbell, of this county, born June 6, 1811, married April 82 1828 Father Deacon Levy Robbins, born in Sandisfleld Mass , May 1, 1780. came to Denmark in 1801 and took ui> a farm of 400 acres, where he now resides- wife Dinah Goodenough, of Massachusetts, born July 2, 1784, married March 14, 1803, diad March 23, 1859; children five — Austin H., born Nov. B. 1803 , Levy D., born Sept. 24, 1805; Edward, born Aug. 28, 1807; Orrin G., born April 29, 1810; and Chloe M., bom March 24, 1815 died Dec. 30, 1846. Mr. Robbins yet lives, and can converse intelligently. He has been one of the in- teresting public men of his State as well as county and the completion of the Erie canal is one of his victories in the Legislature of 18l9-'80. Rogers Duett, banker, born at Lowville in 1819, died Nov 81, 1878; wife, Julia P Myers, born in 1817, marl rled in 1847, died in 18B5; children, one— Juiia P born in 1855. Second wife, Harriet J Snell, born In 1826, married in 1856, died in 1861. Third wife Sophia S., daughter of John and Louisa Odell of Jefferson county, born July 18, 1833, married April 17, 1866. Parents. John and Charry Bayard Rogers the former a son of Captain Jonathan Rogers, who was born March 11, 1756, died in Lewis county De- cember 23, 1886, settled at an early date in Low- viUe. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Rohr Cbriatian M., p o Deer River, farmer 220 acres, born in Crojihan in 1851; wife, Julia P., dau^ihter of Dewitt and Julia P.{Myers) RoRers, of county, born in 1855, married in January. 1879. Pareots. Jacob W. and Minnie Rohr, the former of Switzerland and the latter of Prussia, came to couDty where the former died in 1863. Sage Phillip H., p o Copenhagen, farmer 145 acres, born in county in 1818; wife, Ida M., daughter of Joseph and Anna M. Butlin. born in county in 1855. mar- ried in 187B; children, three daughters. Parents, A. G. and Nancy Sage, of county. Sage Edwin P., p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, born in county in 1856; wife Ellen McNitt, of Jefferson county, married in 1879: children, one— Estotle P. Parents, Abel Q. and Nancy (Harter) Sage, of county. Seymour William, p o Deer River, farmer and retired black- smith, 130 acres, born in Herkimer county in 1818, settled in county in 1831; wife, Armida Nichols, of county born in 1817, married in September. 1840; children, two— Melvin. born in 1851, and Anna, born December 2(), 1852, Father. Matthew Seymour born in England, came to county in 1818, died in 1865; wife. Cynthia Betts. of Albany county, born in 1803, di^d in 1879. James L, and Elizabeth (Stevens) Nichols, parents of Armida, born in Berkshire county, Mass., came to county in 1803, where the former died in 1845. aged 71 years, and the latter October 12, 1866, aged 92 years. Shaw Dr. Otis, p o Copenhagen, physician and surgeon, born in Massachusetts in 1802, settled in ^county in same year; has been justice of the peace and side judge of county; wife, Lncretia Nash, of Massachusetts, married in 1K;^0, died in 1856; children, two— Stephen C. and Francis L. Second wife, Harriet W, Graves, of Jefferson county, married in 1861. Parents. Phillip and Lucy (Wood ) Shaw, of MasAachus'*tts, came to county in 1802, and the former served in war of 1812. Sheldon Ancel, p o Denmark, farmer 388 acres, born in Ulster county in 18(i5; wife, Malinda KUet, of county, born in '1811, married in 1830; children, seven — four sons and three daughters. Parents, Jof>epb and Mary (Arthur) Sheldon, of Massachu- setts, and the former served in war of 1812, Sheldon Albert, p o Copenhagen, retired farmer 150 acres, born in Martinsburgh Novembember 10, 1809; wife, Chloe Green, of county, bora in 1816, married in 1833: children, six— two sons and four daughters; parents of Mrs. Sheldon, Oliver and Polly Rowe Green, the former of Rhode Island, born in 1773, died in 1872, and the latter of Connecticut, mar- ried in 1800; chiMren, thirteen— living five— Levy, Oliver, Laura A., Maria T. A., and Carry A. Al- bert, son of Joseph Sheldon, of Massachusetts. Smith Chester L,, p o- Deer River, farmer and dairyman* born in Rutland, Jefferson county, in 1835, bettled in county in 1844, was elected commissioner of highways in 1873; wife, Delia Crook, of Monroe county, married in 1656; children, three— Emma C, Fred A., and Cady M. Parents, Noyes and Sally Moors Smith ; the former born in Connecticut in 1807, settled in county in 1844,* died August 25, 1881, and the latter born in county in 1814, married in 1833; children, two— Chester L. and Janet B. Stowell O. O., p o Copenhagen, physician and surgfion, born in Canada in 1844, settled in county in T«69; wife, Josephine Bishop, of county, married in 1872; children, two. Parents, Oliver and Abigail Ketcbam, the former of Massachusetts and the latter of Connecticut. O. O. Stowell was grad- uated from Queens University of Kingston, Can ad a, inl8«8, Sylvester Nathaniel, p o Copenhagen, hotel proprietor and farmer, born in Chesterfield, Mass , in 17:tO, set- tled in county in 1803, died February 1. 1881 ; wife, Jane M. Harger, of county, born in 1815, married in 1846; children, one— Luella J. Parents, Nathan iel and Sarah Bivrtlett Sylvester. Abraham M. and Betsy (Davenport) Harger, parents of Jane M., the former of Connecticut and the latter of Columbia county, came to Lewis county in 1805 Thompson Charles, p o^Castorland, farmer 80 acres, born in Denmark in 1821; wife, Eunice KItts, born in 1821, married in 1847; parents, Timothy and Cornelia Kitts Thompson, the former born in Duchess county, settled in county in 1800, died in 1829. and the latter born in Montgomery county, died in 1873 Grandparents, Timothy and Lovisa Thomp- son, settled in county in 1800: children, seven- six sons and one daughter. Timothy and two sons were in war of 1812. Thompson Albert G., p o Copenhagen, merchant and farm- er, born in Massachusetts November 1. 1812, set- tled in county in IH36, has held office of supervisor and others; wife, Hannah G. Prindle. of Denmark, born October 21, 1821, married in 1844; children. two— Helen E. and Charles A. Parents, Peter and Prudence Thompson, of Massachusetts, the latter died in 1828, and the former m 1878. aged 96 years. Truman and Lucy (Shepard) Prindle. parents of Hannah, the former of Herkimer county and the latter of Massachusetts, came to county in 1820. Thompsons Charles S., p o Deer River, farmer 160 acres, born in county in 1830, has been assessor fifteen years; wife, Lucinda Taylor Hammond, of Jeffer- son county, married in 1857; children, one- Carrie M. Thornton Daniel G.,p o Copenhagen, retired farmer 123 acres, born in Otsego county in 1806, settled in county 1840; wife, Catharine Davis, of Herkimer county, married in 1833, died in 1878; children, two— John and Hannah. Twitchell Albert S., p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Den- mark August 18, 1835; wife, Mary A., daughter of M M and Desdemona (Millard) Wright, of Wayne county, married in 1864; children, two— J. M. Wayne and Otis W. Parents, Jerome and Eliza Twitchell. Twitchell Urial A., p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Den- mark in 1822; wife, Catharine A., daughter of Peter and and Catharine (Winters) Spaulding. married in 1847; children, two. Parents, Urial and 'Kuth (Wright) Twitchell, the former of Massachu- setts and the latter of Connecticut, settled in county in 1802; children, three— two sons and one daughter. Vaudusen Malachi, p o Copenhagen, carpenter and farmer, born in Montgomery county in 1791, cume to county in 1803, has held oSlce ot assessor and others; wife, Nancy, daughter of Joseph and Nellie Van Ingen, of Schenectady county, born in 1792, married in 1814; children, seven- three living- Philander V., Margaret and Maria. Par- ents. Nathan and Philander Vandusen, of Mont- gomery county. Vorce George, p o Copenhagen, farmer 200 acres, born in Duchess county in 1812, settled in county in 1825; wife, Eliza Rich, of county, born in 1814, married in 1833; children, three- Warren W.. Asa D , and Sedate. Warren W. was born in 1835; wife, Caro- line Hess, of county, married In 1848; children, three— Ida M. Alice, and George H. Asa D. was born in 1837; wife, Charlotte Babcock, married in 1869; children, one- Nettie. Sedate was born in 1847. The two brothers manufacture cheese from the milk of 400 cotts, and own 300 acres; occupy the second factory built in Denmark— built in I860, and purohased by them in 1870. Vrooman Jacob, p o Copenhagen, farmer 175 acres, born in Denmark August 31, 1829; wife. Almina Wait, of county, married in 1853; children, three— Libbie, Myron and Loon. Father. John Vrooman, born in Schoharie county in 1796, settled in county in 1804, was in war of 1812, died in 1876; wife, Margaret Boshart. born in Montgomery county in 1800, died in 1837. Grandfather, Abraham Vrooman, was one of the early settlers in county. Ward Horace, p o Copenhagen, manufacturer of cheese boxes and butter tubs, born in Vermont in 1831, settled in county in 1834; wife, Elizabeth Carter,of county, married in 1850, died in 1873; children, seven. Second wife, a sister of the first, Mrs. Maria (Carter) France, married in 1877, died June 27, 1881: children, one. Parents, Horace and Charity Ward, of Vermont. Saw mill was built in 1835 by Henry G. Potter, 50x100 feet, two stories high, power from Deer River, and was purchased by Mr. Ward in 1855, who now, assisted by his son Edwin, does an extensive business. Waters Lyman T , p o Copenhagen, farmer 75 acres, born in Berkshire county. Mass , in 1824, settled in county 1850, has been assessor three years; wife, Sarah Shepard, of Massachusetts, married in 1650; chil- dren, one — Mary Frances. Parents, Levi and Locinda Waters, of Massachusetts, came to county in 181)5. Weller Monroe K., p o Copenhagen, owns 183 acres, born in Lowvllle in 1837; wife, Clemancy Rogers, of county, married in 187U; chiUtren, two— Grace and Eugene. Parents. David and Maria Weller, the former born in Lewis county in 1806, died in ls74, and the latter born in Madison county in 1814, married in 1833; children, three — Emerson P., Frances Maria, and Monroe E. VI HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Whiting Harvey M., p o CopenhageD, retired farmer, born in Denmark April 14, 1807; wife, Louisa, daughter of John and Abigail (White) Claris, born October 8, 1812, married January 4, 1838; children, five— living three— Franklin M., Mary Aurelia, aud Ann Eliza- beth. Parents, Abner and Azeneth (Clark) Whiting, the former of Connecticut, came to connty in 1805, and the latter of Massachusetts, came to county In 1603, married in 1804. Whitney J. D , p Copenhagen, farmer 128 acres, born in Jefferson county in 1845, settled in county iu 1817; wife, Nancy, daughter of Peter and Betsey Ryel, born in 1851, married in 1875; father, Aaron Whit- ney, born in Vermont in 1803, came to county in 1847, died in 1880; wife, Hannah Whitney, born in Vermont in 1803. Williams Edward J., p o Copenhagen, cheese manufacturer and owner of the Williams cheese factory which he purchased in 1879, has milk from 335 cows, born in Wales in 1827, settled in county in 1840; wife, Elizabeth Pritchard, of Oneida county, married In 1855; children, five. Parents, John J., and Mary (Davis) Williams, of Wales, came to county in 1840. and John J. died in 1865; children, four. Williams Thomas E., p o Castorland, postmaster aod gen- eral station agent, born in county in 1853, was ap- pointed postmaster by Gen. Grant, Jan. 2, 1877; wife Anna E. Clodwick, of Jefferson coutty, mar. Tied in 1879. children one— Jay E. Parents Thomas aud Ann Williams, of Wales and Oneida county, came to county in 1840. Wilson Rudolphus B., p o Copenhagen, farmer 273 acres, born in Harris*>urgh in 1839; wife Amelia Shultz, of county, born in iy33, married in 1856^ children three-Frank G born in 1858.married Cora E.Gordon of county, in 18K1; James Addison and Fay L. Parents George and Mary A Wilson, of Massa- chusetts, came to county in fH14 Solomon and Phebe (Sisson) Shultz, the former of Montgomery, and the latter of Lewis county, were parents of Mrs. Wilson Woolworth Reuben W., p o Copenhagen, farmer and hop grower, born in Denmark in 1840; wife, Nettie LandoQ, of county, married in 1879: children, one —Belle. Parents, Uhauncey N. and Emeline (Rob- ins) Woolworth, the former born in 1810, died in 1871, and the latter born in 1811, married in 1839. Grandparents settled in Pinckney. Woolworth Phineas, po Copenhagen, assessor and retired gentleman, born in Pinckney in 1817, has held ofQce of justice of the peace and others; wife, Julia Paris, of county, married in 1842; children, two. Parents, Thaddeus and Hannah (Palmer) Wool- worth, of Massachusetts, came to county in 1808; children, eight— living, three. Wright C. Norton, p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Den- mark in 1833, has been justice of peace and collec- tor; wife.Mrs.Lorancy(Potter)Hastings, married in 1852; children, two — Jennie and Nora A. Parents, Nathan and Rebecca (Stevens) Wright, of Cold- brook, Mass., came to eounty in 1801, and Nathan was in war of 1812. Grandparents, Charles and Ruth S. Wright, of Connecticut^ came to county in 1800. Wright Lucius F., p o Copenhagen, retired cheese manu- facurer and farmer, built first factory in county and used milk from 700 cows, born iu Denmark January 3, 1808; wife, Margaret, d»ughter of James and Mary Armstrong, married in 1834, died in same year; children, one — Margaret Amelia Second wife, Ann May, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Jeffers, of Jefferson county, married in 1835. Parents, Tyrannus A. and Mary C. (Fitch) Wright, of Connecticut, settled in county in 1800; chil- dren, eleven— living, three. Grandfather, Charles Wright. Wright John C, miller, born in Denmark in 1824, died May 29, 1881. Wyeth William H., p o Denmark, farmer 3f 8 acres, bom in Jefferson county in 1820, settled in county in 1832; wife, Susan Andus, of Lewis county, married in 1851, died December 8, 1877; children, five— Will- iam, Madison J., Monroe C, Frank L., and Ella J. Second wife, Jane Talmage, of county, married May 22, ]8;8. died January 28, 1879. '1 bird wife, Prederica Millentz, of Germany, married in ]88i'. Parents, Joseph and Sarah (Horr) Wyeth. of Massachusetts, came to county in 1832, and died in Lowville. DIANA. Ackerman Edward C, p o Diana, farmer and mauufacturer of maple 8ugar, 70 acres, born in Philadelpbia, Jefferson County, N. 'Y., Aug. 6, 1837, settled in county Jan. 1, 1872; wife Emma B., daughter of Silas Bacon, married Sept. ?6, 1860, children one — Minnie Dell. Father John Ackerman died in Di- ana, Nov. 7, 1878. Blanchard William, p o Natural, Bridge, Jefferson county, farmer, 230 acres, born in Wilna, July 25, 1830, settled in county in same year, has been inspector 'of elections; wife Mary E, daughter of Lewis Stacy, married in 1870, children seven Father Daniel H. Blanchard a native of Rhode Island and one of four brothers who settled in, and near Di- ana. Botchford David, p o Harrisville. merchant and tanner, born in Green county March 12. 1815, settled in county in December. 1870, first wife Eliza Egbert- son; second wife Phcebe Cook, children five — Henrv J., George M., Sarah Jane. Augustus E., aud D. Herbert J. Parents David and Maria Botch- ford. Bradway Thomas, p o Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, far- mer, 191 acres, born on present farm June 27. 1836, has been highway commissioner; wife Celesta, daughter of Elihu Crane, married Aug 31, 1854; children one — Elmer. Father Jeremy Bradway one of the early settlers of town. Caldwell Alanson C, p o Diana, farmer. 400 acres, bom in Champion, Jefferson county, Jan. 12, 1821, settled in county in 1833. has been post-master, and super- intendent of schools; wife Polly, daughter of Uriah Coon, married in 1845, children four — Dewitt Clinton, Adella F., James, and Frederick, Father Alanson Caldwell one of the early settlers. Carley N. R., M. D., p o Diana, physician, surgeon and sur- veyor, 175 acres, born in Hancock, N. H.. May 6, 1816, settled in county in 1841, read medicine with Dr. Albert Robinson of Danby, Vt., attended lec- tures at the Castleton Medical Institute, com- menced practice in Danby in 1837. in Denmark, N. Y , in 1841, and in Diana in 1844, has been jus- tice, assessor, and town clerk; wife Lousia R. Graves of Mount Holly Vt., married in 1837, children five— Maria, Solon, Allen, Alvah, and Ira. Clarke Horace, p o Diana, farmer, 194 acres, born in Cham- pion, Jefferson county, April 13, 1812, settled in county in October 1830,bas been supervisor, justice, and town clerk; Brstwife Kauhel Roberts, children three — Orrin P.. George W„ and Zelotes: second wife Maria Palmer, children three — Charles E,, Ferdinand D., and Isadore E. Father Samuel Clarke one of early settlers of town. Collins Oliver D., p o Harrisville, dealer in general met chau- dise, born in Copenhagen in 1845. settled in Diana in 1866. has been supervisor; wife Mary, daughter of John Murphy, married in 1867; children five — Charles, Jennie, Oliver D., Minnie, and an infant Father W. K. W. Collins. Dike Rev. Harmon C, p o Diana, 378 acres, born in Letoy, Jpflerson county March 6, 1823, settled in county February 1, 1886, was called to preach In 1849, educated at the Madison University and ordained in 1855; wife Hannah Otis, of Columbus, Chenango eounty, married December 25, 1855; children four- Emily, Otis A., Cora L., and Elwyn A. Father Vivace Dike. Dobson Myron, p o Diana, farmer. 324 acres, born in Diana, November 5, 1844, settled on present farm in 1872 has been justice; wife Ella A , daughter of William Palmer, married Septembers, lS69;'children three- Herbert, Adelbert, and Claude. Father Joshua Dobson, an early settler in Diana. Drury Alfred C.. p o Harrisville, physician and surgeon, bom in Canton, St. Lawrence county, in 1849, set- tled in county in 1874, read medicine with Dr. A. 6. Goes, of Canton, attended lectures at Burling- ton, was graduated from there in 1874, attended lectures at the medical department of the Univer- sity or New York City, and was graduated from there in 1882; wife Frances Parmelee, married in 1878. Father Charles H. Dmry. Fitzgerald Theophilus, p o Natural Bridge,Jefferson county, farmer. 315 acres, born on present farm November 9, 1843. has been highway commissioner; wife Eliza- beth, daughter of James McCan, married Februa- ry 27, 1880; children one— William. Father Morris Fitzgerald PERSONAL STATISTLCS. vu Fitzgerald Michael, p o Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, farmer, 815 acres, born on present farm May 31, 1840; wife Betsey, dangbter of John Canaley, mar- ried in 1879. Father Morris Fitzgerald an early settler. Furrer Peter, p o Sterling Rush, farmer, 600 acres, born in Switzerland, February 16, 1820, settled in county in 1810; wife Mary Louise Bowa, married in 1842, died June 2, 1879; children five — Frederick, Louisa, Cecelia, Ferdinand, and Josepbeue, Father Peter Furrer. Glasby Woolsy, p o Harrisviile, farmer, 300 acres, born in St. Lawrence county, August 20, 1844, settled in county in 1862. and on present farm in 1871; wife Elnora, daughter of Franklin Carky, married March, 1869; children four— Carrie, Eva, Wildy, and Orin. Father Cornelius Glasby, Grems John, p o Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, farmer, 300 acres, born in Western, Oneida county, April 11, 1824, settled on present farm March, 1&37, has been as8es:>or; wife Almira, daushter of Josiah Allen, married January 1, 1849; children two — Emily, and Emogene, Father John Grems, an early settler in town. Harrii* Austin, p o Harrisville, farmer, 200 acres, born in Champion, Jefferson county, in 1818. settled in county in 1831, has been assessor, commissioner of highways, coroner and deputy sheriff ; first wife Hr.nnah Monger; children two— Rachel and Francisca; second wile, Maria Harris; children two— Minnie and Austin. Father Foskit Harris, the first settler in Harrisville. Humes Hervey, p o Diana, farmer, 25 acres, born in Diana, June 27, 1842, settled on present farm in 1880, has been constable; wife, Marriette, daughter of Ben- jamin Shults, married July, 1868. Parents Nahum and Olive Humes, the former an early settler in Diana. Humes Warren, p o Harrisville, farmer and maple sugar manufacturer, 630 acres, born in Philadelphia, Jeff- erson ounty, in 1830, settled in county in 1832; wife. Luc'.a Blanchard. married September, 1856, died January 1, 1881 ; children six— Martin D , Elsie, Willie, Myron. Birdie and Grant. Parents Lyman and Emillne Humes, earley settlers. Humes William, p o Diana, farmer and lumberman, 306 acres, born in Diana, September 2, 1840, has been, collector, commissioner, and supervisor; wife, Maria, daughter of Samuel Nichols, married in 1863; children four— James L., Frank A., Bessie B., and Bertie M. Parents, Nahum and Olive Humes Hunt William, p o Natural Bridge, Jefferson county, farmer 500 acres, born in Rutland, Jefferson county, Au- gust 31, 1820, settled in county in 1845. has been supervisor, justice of sessions and justice of peace ; wife. Amanda, daughter of Nathan Fulton, mar- ried in 1840; children one— Volney O. Father, Ira Hunt. Kilborn J. A„ p o Harrisville, postmaster, born in Cham- pion, Jefferson county. October 18, 1820, settled in county in 1839; wife, Margaret, daughter of Thom- as W. aver, married in 1856; children one— Austin Eugene. Father, Allen Kilbourn. a native of Con- necticut, and early settler in Jefferson county. Kinsman Almanzar. p o Sterling Bush, farmer, 73 acres, bom on present farm, February 26, I84C; wife, Mary, daughierof Daniel Downey, married in 1869; children three — Deborah, Delia and Frankie. Father. Titus Kinsman, settled on farm in 1840, died March 20, 1882. Kinsman Duane, p o Sterling Bush, farmer. 110 acres, born in Wilna, Jefferson county, June 7, lf35, setlled in county, February, 1840, has been assessor; wife, Josephine, daughter of John Shoemaker, married January 3, 1859: children two— Emery and Nettie. Father, Titus Kinsman. Lake Christopher C, p o Natural Bridge, manufacturer of sash doors, blinds and mouldings, born in Gene- see count'. May 8, ibS8. settled in county in 1!>61, commenced present business in 1874, has been jus- tice of peace and excise commissioner; wife, Fi- delia Prine, of Otsego county, married August, 1863; children two— Fred and Laura. Father Jesse Lake, died in 1864. I »lfo T,Bvl Coo Harrisville, merchant and hotel proprie- Lake Levi i.^, p ^^^ ^^ Maeedon, Nov. 26, 1837, settled in county April 13, 1861, has been supervisor, asses- sor and collector; wife Louisa A., daughter of Israel P Blood, married Oct., 1859; children three — Elmer P, Charles E., and Maud M. Parents Jesse and Lovina Lake. Mantle Howard G., p o Harrisville, farmer, 60 acres, bom In Jefferson county in 1825, settled in county in 1836, first in Denmark and then in Diana; wife Mary Ann, daughter of Jesse Derby; children four — Edgar O., Jessie, Willie, and Grade. Parents Jacob and Elmina Mantle, natives of Massachu- setts. Pahud Joseph, p o Harrisville, farmer, furnaceman, real- estate agent and lumber dealer, 25,000 acres, born in Switzerland Jan. 5, 1824, settled in county in 1847, has been member of assembly, and super- visor; wife Mary Lehn, married in 1863; children one —Annette Parents George and Julia Pahud. Palmer James, p o Diana, farmer, 250 acres, born in Middle- field, Otsego county, in 1820, settled in county in 1831, has been highway commissioner; wife Mira, daughter of Lyman Humes, married Jan., 1863; children two — Charley, and Minnie Father James Palmer the first settler in Diana. Paul Eli R., p o Harrisville, farmer and dealer in general merchandise, born in Rutland county, Vt,, March 20, 1821, settled in Watertown in 1831, and in Har- risville March 29, 1850, has been justice of the peace, coroner, and justice of sessions, and the first post-master in Harrisville; wife Mary C. Owens of Ogdensburg, married April 1843; children five — Harvey A., Louisa S., Jane S., Melzar C, and Polly. Father Jeremiah Paul. Peebles Vernando, p o Harrisville, farmer, 300 acres, born in Martinsburgh, Nov. 15, 1833, settled in Harris- ville in 1870; wife Sophia Bellinger of Champion, married in 1866; children six — Lina M., Lillian, Grace, Alra, Arthur, and Raymond. Parents Ed- ward and Estella Peebles Render William, p o Harrisville, dealer in general merchan- dise, 122 acres, born in Antwerp, Jefferson county, Nov. 6, 1838, settled in county in 1860, has been jus- tice of peace and justice of sessions; wile Mary A. Holmes of Gouverneur, St Lawrence county, married in 1860; children four — Mina A., Aliee M., Martha, and Margaret A. Parents William and Hannah Render. Roberts Heman, p o Diana, farmer. 111 acres, born in Otsego county in 1816, settled in Diana in 1829, has been coUeetor. constable, commissioner of highways, and overseer of the poor; wife Harriet, daughter of James Palmer, married in 184.3. Father Daniel Roberts an early settler in Oswegatchie settle- ment. Waggoner Dexter D.. p o Harrisville, farmer, and manu- facturer of maple sugar, 460 acres, born in Jeffer- son county Nov. 27, 1829, settled on present farm in 1854; wife Susan, daughter of Warren Nye, mar- ried in 1853; children two— Mabel L., and Mary A. Parents David and Clarissa Waggoner. GREIG. Benedict Seymour, p o Lyons Falls, dairy farmer, 160 acres born in Cortland county April 30, 1820, settled in county in 1842, has been supervisor and town clerk; Ist wife Louisa Smith, of Columbia county, mar- ried October 27, 1842; children one— E. Darwin, born December 7, 1846; second wife Elmira, daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary Hurst,'of Albany county, married March 24, 1853, Parents Enoch and Kath- arine (Barnes) Benedict, the latter of whom was born in Massachusetts, and is now a resident of Lyonsdale, and eighty-seven years of age. Bradish Charlie W., p o Glensdale, apiarist, 6 acres, bom in Lowville, August 13, 1851, settled in Greig in 1881; wife Vienna A., daughter of Rev. Seneca A., and Amanda Benton, of Martinsburgh, married De- cember 30, 1878; children one— S. Francis. Parents Dr. James S. and Harriet (Shepard) Bradish, early settlers of Greie, the former of whom was surgeon in the Rebellion, and died at Hilton Head, S. C. and the latter was daughter of Winthrop Shepard' one of the first settlers of Turin. ' Burdick Alonzo, p o Greig, grain and dairy farmer, 80 acres, born in Turin, February 20, 1840, settled in Greig in 1848, has been highway commissioner, and over- seer of poor: wife Martha, daughter of Baxter Yale Hills, of Turin, married December 25, 1860; children two — Jennie Bradish and Clara M., and one, Lowell, died November 19, 1871, aged one and one-half years. vni HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Burdick Elfaanan D., p o Greig, proprietor of hotel and formerly a merchant in Glensdale, born in Turin, Apnl 14, 1851, nettled in Greig in 1871; wife Dela- 5 bene, daughter of Wellington Brown, of Rutland, eflerson county, married November 16.1869; chil- dren four— Carrie E., Ella J., Spencer E , Harry D. Father Albert Burdick, a native of Columbia county. Burdick Luther C, p o Greig, merchant since 1872, was formerly a teacher, born in Turin, April 7, 1846, sot- tied in Greig in 1871, has been supervisor, town clerk, notary public and coroner; wife Sarah M., daughter of Charles S'evens of West Turin, mar- ried Judr4, 1867: children two— Albert L. C, and Charles M. Parents Albert and Emily (Berrus) Burdick, the latter a native of New Hampshire. Burr Matthew E., po Glensdale, farmer and jobber 117 acres, born in Denmark, May 24, 1848, settled in Greig in 1853; wife Frances M, Stone, of Leyden, married November 23, 1871; children two— Elva May and Evert M. Parents Isaiah and Catharine (Clock) Burr, early settlers of Denmark, and now residents of Greig. Calhoon James, po Greig, boot and shoe manufacturer, born in High Market, February 23, 1845. settJed In Greig, April 18, 1871. has been town clerk ; wife Marv. daughter of John Jennings, married July 20, 1868; children two— Mary E. and Annora. Parents Fat- rick and Mary Calhoun. CaalerEli, p o Glensdale, general farmer, 85 acres, born in Mohawk, Herkimer county, October 9, 1806, settled in county in 1866. has been justice of the peace and superintendent on the Erie Canal; wife Margaret Campbell, of Herkimer county;, born January 30, 181 . married in June. iSifQ; children five— Joseph E., James, Henry, Wallace and Robert. Parents Joseph and Lany (Miller) Casler, of Herkimer county. Carter George, p Turin, hop-grower and dairy farmer, 75 acres, born in Greig, May 13. 1833, was first white chUd born in the town of Greig; wife Nancy, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hess) Hurst of Al- bany, married September 31, l&i8; children three— EldridgB -who is now a book-keeper in Caibon, Wy- oming Territory, Hattie D. and Nellie. Parents William and Polly (Noble) Carter, the former a son of William Carter, and the third settler in Lewis county, coming in in 1819, and settling in Greig about 1821. Gallup Wessel, p o Greig, lumberman and farmer, 112 acres, born in Jefferson, Schoharie county. December 14, lh39, settled in county in 1844, has been assessor, highway commissioner and collector; wife Nancy C, daughter of W. C. Vanamam, of Greig, married September 17. 1863; children three— Ira, Mordecai and Mary A. Parents Joshua and Mary (Gould) Gallup, former residents of Lewis county. Hubbard Walter D., p o BrantlDgbam, proprietor of hotel, 18 acres, born in Leyden, February 14. 1821, settJed in Greig, in 1865. is postmaster, and has been jus- tice of peace; wife Mary P, adopted daughter of William and Dolly Oliver, of Martinsburg, married January 7. 1847; children living two— Ella and Hattie, and three deceased. Parents Corydon and Lucy (Richmond) Hubbard, residents of Turin, and the former a son of Timothy Hubbard, who came from Connecticut to Leyden in 1806, when ten years of age. Bigby WIllsoD, p o Greig, hop-grower and dairy farmer, 200 acres, born in West Turin, May 9, 1817, settled in Greig in 1859; wife Caroline, daughter of Asa and Julia Platte of West Turin, married February 16, 1839; children four— Alfred, Fidelia, Ellen, Edith, and one deceased, Carrie. Parents Cooper L., and Crita ( Willson) Higby, early settlers of West Turin, and the former of whom was obliged to go to Whitesboro, for milling. Hills Irving, p o Greig, born in Turin. April 30, 1854, is a member of the firm of Hills Bros., dealers in gen- eral merchandise. Hills D. E. p Greig, merchant, member of the firm of Hills Bros., born in Turin, September 28. 1849, settled in Greig, in 1881; wife Alice M. Fuller, of Jefferson county, married December 13, 1881. Parents Ans- myn and Nancy (Ingersol) Hills, residents of Low- Tille. Murtaugh John, p o Glensdale, lumberman and farmer, 264 acres, born in Troy, May 31, 1857, settled in county in 1868, was severely injured at Eaton's Mills in 1871, having both arms and legs broken, is consta- ble. Parents Owen and Hannah (Nixon) Murtaugh came from Troy and settled in Greig in 1868. Loness John, p o Greig, mechanic and hop grower, having set out the first hop yard in Greig, 78 acres, born in Knox, Albany coxinty, August 23, 1817, settled in Greig in 1839. has been constable and postmaster; wire Katharine A., daughter of Johannes and Nan- cy (Zimmer) Sand, married September 10, 1839; children four— LaFayette. John J., Esther and Stella, three having died, Mary J., October 11, 1859, Ralph, October 20, 1859 and Peter S., April 29, 18t>4, while in sirvice in the Rebellion at. Watertown. Parents Adam and Katharine (Quackenbusb) Loness. natives of Albany county, and early set- tlers in Louis county. Northrup Joseph T.. p o Greig. lumberman and farmer, 500 acres, born in Otsepo county. May 6, 1824, settled in county in 1840, has been overseer of poor and private in company G. 186th N. Y. S. V., in compa- ny with three brothers; wife Lydia A., daughter of Jacob Anthony, one of the early settlers of Greig, married July Jl, 1847; children living four- and two deceased— Eliza M., Mary E.. Alice W., and Edla H., and two deceased Alda E. end Lewis A, Parents James R. and Annie M. (Thorn) Northrup, natives of Duchess county, Norton Duane, p o Glensdale, lumberman and real estate dealer. 1200 acres, born in Turin, November 8, 1846, settled in Greig, in 1869; first wife Emma, daugh- ter of Josiah and Charlotte Johnson, married Feb- ruary 11, 1869; children four— Allie C, Nellie C, Raymond and Clifford; second wife Carrie E. daughter of Charles and Sarah Corwin, married • November 12, 1881. Parents Winthrop and Caro- line M. (Wideman) Norton, natives of Albany county. Perkins Allen, p o Greig, dairy farmer, and carpenter. 150 acres, born in Massachusetts, November 3. 1820, srttled in county in 1831 and in Greigin I8'i4, has been assessor, highway commissioner, and audi- tor; wife Amanda Melissa, daughter of John and Zada Brown, of Rensselaer county, married April 6. 1841; children living seven — Alfred, Emily J., O. Dwight, George Mead, Cora M., Ernest L., and Levi B. Parents Aaron and Sally Perkins natives of Massachusetts Pitcher Edwin, p o Glensdale, lumberman, general farmer and f<.rmtrly a merchant in Martinsburgh, 200 acres, born in Martinsburgh October 14, 1807, set- tled in Gn-ig. in 1869, has been supervisor; wife Harriet E, White, of Oneidacounty, married April, 1831; children eight— Louise, Lydia, Charles J , Henry W., Frances Dewey, Howard, Mary and Nellie. Parents David and Polly Pitcher, the former a son of Reuben and grandson of Elijah Pitcher. VauArnam Fayette, p o Greig, cheese manufacturer, one acre, born in Turin, March 16,18^8. settled in Greig in lb81; wife Marcia Fuller, of Jefferson, married January 4, 1882. Parents Giles and Jeanette (Sal- mons) VanArnam, the former a son of Abraham and one of the first settlers in Greig. Vanarnam William C , p o Greig. millwright, carpenter, lumber manufacturer, and farmer, 3(0 acres, boin in Albany county. June 10, 1810, settled in county in 1829, has been assessor ; first wife Mary Sand, of Schoharie county, married in March 1856, died June 1845; children four; second wife Lydia A Gould, married in 1845, died May 5, 1879, children eight. Parents John D. and Polly (Grouse) Van- Arnam, natives of Albany county, residents of Lewis county. HARRISBURGH. Allen Ira, p o Harrisburgh, farmer, born in Albany county in 1S18, settled in county in 1824; wife Ann Carpen- ter, married in 1849, died January 11 18B8- chil- dren three— Alice C, Charles A., and Dwight I Second wife, Christina Carpenter, born January 17, 1829, married February 8, )8B4; children one-- Carry E. Parents, William and Catharine Allen of Albany county, settled in county iu 1834. Allen Epbraim, p o Harrisburgh, firmer 128 acres, born in Albany county in 1816, eetiled in county in 1824 has been poormaster: wife Alvira, daughter of Walte and Rosanna Stoddard, born in Harris- burgh in 1815, married in 1843; children four— Mayette A., Eliza P., Ella R., and William M Parents, William and Catharine Denison Allen' the former of Connecticut and the latter of Albany county, settled in county in 18S4. PERSONAL STATISTICS. IX Boshart James, p o Lowville, farmer 185 acres, born in county in 1841. has held several district offices; wife Esther A Bickford. of county, born in 1841, married in 1863; children four— Gertie May, James Fred, Flora A., and Louis Howard. Par- ents, Jacob and Anna Goutremont Boshart, of county, the former born in 1^03, died November 9, 1876, and the latter born in 1809, married Dtcem- ber 14, 1824. Grandparents weie born in Mont- gomery county. Boshart Gerrit G., p o Lowville, farmer 75 acres, born in Lowville February 2fi, 1814, baa held several dis- trict offices; wife Catharine Wemple, born in Montgomery courty in 1817, married in 1841, died in 1868; children two— Ann and Jacob Henry. Second wife Sarah Fairbanlis, of Jefferson county, married in 1869. Pareuts, Jacob and Hannah Shits Boshart, of Montgomery county, settled in Lewis county in 18C0. Bush Sumner D.. p o Harrisburgb, farmer, born in Harris- burgh in 1846; wife Frances I. Smith, of Copenha- gen, married in 1870; children three. Parents, George and Mary Snell Bush, the former of L^wis and the latter of Montgomery county. Grandpar- ents, John and Catharine T. Bush, came from Massachusetts soon afier 1800: Clark Wayne, p o Copenhagen, farmer, dairyman and bop- grower, 245 acres, born in Denmaik in 18S5, has been supervisor and school ci mmissioner; wile Lizzie, daughter of Lynus and Elizabeth Hart Clark, of Jtffersou couitty. born in 1831, married in 1854; children lour— Geoige W., born in 1H57; Frances L., born in It-SS; John N,, born in 1862; and W. Grant, born in 1870. Father, Orrin Clark, born in Massachusetts in 1793, served in war of 1812, under Captain Kellogg at Sackett's Harbor, settled in county in :803, died in 1840; wife Rebec- ca White, of Berkshire county. Mass. Cobb David R., p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Harris- burgh in 18:^5; wife Minerva, daughter of Samuel Hart, of Jefferson county, married in 1863, died in 1871; second wife Helen Boyer, of Little Falls, Herkimer county, born in 1843, married in 18i2, daughter of Joseph and Lucinda Boyer. Father, Nebemiah Cobb, of couBty. born in 18li8; wife Isa- bella Elliott, died in 1828; second wife Miss Bailey, married in J830; children three. Grandparents Ezra and Elizabeth Cobb, of Plymouth, Mass., came to county In 1808, and the former was in war of 1812. Dryden Charles, p o Copenhagen, farmer 158X acres, born in Denmark in 1838, has been deputy sheriil and constable; wife Lavina Perkins, of Pinckney, mar- ried in 1860; children six— Margaret E, William C, James T., George N., Frankie, and Hattie Agnes Hall Andrew J., p o Copenhagen, faimer 162>ma J., daughter of Har- mon and Julia Eelsey, born in Baririsburgb in 1855, married in 1873; children, three-Eva Pearl, John Lucian, and Haimon Lucius. Parents, John and Catharine Lewis, of county. Lewis John, farmer and stock grower, 416 acres,born in Har- risburgh in 1816, has been commissioner of highw's; wile Catharine Butlin, of England, born in 1819, married in I845;children four— Lucius J.. and Lucian J., (twins), Luther James, and Eva C. Parents, John and Betsey Lewis, the former of Suffleld, Conn., and the latter of Springfield. Mass., came to county about 18(15, and the former was soldier in War of 1812. Joseph and Elizabeth Butlin, of England, came to county in 1835. McCarty Peter, p o Copenhagen, farmer, born In Denmark, in 1835, has been supervisor from IS'.S to 1876, and is a representative politician of the town Pa- rents, Peter and Mary McCarty. McCarty Peter, farmer, born in Ireland, in 1191, settled In county in 1831, died in 1861; wife, Mary McCabe, P o Copenhag- n, born in Ireland in 1798, married iu 18<5; children eight, living five — Edward, boinin 1829; Peter Jr., in 1835; John, in 1837; Margaret, in 1841; and Frank, in 1843. Murphy Philip, p o Copenhagen, dairy farmer and stock grower. 227 acres, born in Irelai d in 1823, settled in county in 1831; wife, Catharine McDonald, of Ireland, born in 1826, married October 16, 1849; children, six— Julia A., Mary J , Jane E., John P., Philip B , and William C. Parents, John and Julia Quinu Murphy, of Ireland, came to county in 1831; children five, living, four. Roberts David, p o Harrisburgh, farmer, 234 acres, born in Onondaga county, in 1833, settled in county in 1849; wile, Frances Humphrey, of county, married in 1^56, died in 1857; children one— Alice M ; second wife, Betsey Gallup, born in 1835, married in 1859; children three— Charles, Ada and Arthur. Parents Thomas and Emma Eoberts, the forn.er born in Wales, and the latter in Is'ew York, came to county in 1840. Roberts Robert L., p o Harrisburgh, retired farmer and cattle drover, 1. 000 acres, born in North Wales In 1811, settled in Oneida county in 1824, and r*6wis county in 1835; wife, Jane Jones, born in Wales in 1807. came to county in 1817, married inl835. died in 1844, children three: second wife, Mrs Emma George Roberts, who had five children, married in in 1845, children three Parents, Lewis and Laura Hughes Roberts, of Wales, where the loimer died in 1823, and the latter came with family of eight children to America, in 1^24, and ditd in Oneida county. Sheldon Marion, p o Copenhagen, farmer, 125 acres, oorn in Denmark, in 1835, has held several district offices; wife, Harriet, daughter of Lucius Oaks, of county, born in Martinsburgh. mariied in 1870; children two— Fay L., and Earl M. Parents, An- sel and Malinda Sheldon, olcounty. HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Sharer Peter, p o Lowville, farmer^ 159 acres, born in Low- ville la I618, bas been commissioner and poor- master; wife, Julia Obits, of Lowville, born In 1818, married Jan 13, 184-3. Parents, Andrew and Margaret Bellinger Shaver, the former born in 1783, oame to county in 1800, died in 1867 and the latter, born In 17b5, died in 18tS5; children six, living three. John and Margaret Obits were parents of Mrs, Shaver, the former born in Montgomery county, May 12, 1786, came to county atoi.ut 18(i0, was In war of 1812, died in 1861, and the latter, born Julyl4, 1790, married in 1811, died Jan. 21, 1874; children, four, living two — Julia and John M.. born in 1822; wife, Julia Williams, married in 1843. Smith Peter G., p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Montgom- ery county in 1793, settled in county in 1841; wife, Mary Band, of Montgomery county, born in 1795, married in 1815, died June 29, 1853; children eight: Maria, born in I8IH, died in 1676; William, born in . 1819, died in 1850; George A., born in 1822; Mar- tha Ann, in 1825; Christina, in 1828; Sarah M.. in 1831; Harriet, in 1834; and John H., in 1837 Grandparents, George A , and Christina Smith, of Columbia county, died In Montgomery county. Smith George A., p o Copenhagen, farmer, born in Mont- gomery county, in 18&, settled in county in 1841 ; wife, Caroline, daughter of Walter and Charlotte Cook Searl, of Lewis county, born in 1835, married in 1853; children one— William H. Parents Peter G., and Mary Hand Smith. Stanton John, p o Copenhagen, retired farmer, born in Fair- field. Herkimer county, in 1807, settled in county in 1858; wife Maria, daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Geer) Merrimau,of Herbimer county .born in 1810, married Sept 23, 1831; children two— Benjamin and Lucy. Parents Daniel and Dorcas Corben Stanton, of Herkimer county, came to Lewis county in 1850, and died in Copenhagen. Stoddard George A., p o Harrisburgh, farmer ]33>§ acres, born in Harrisburgh in 1845; wife Mary A., daugh- ter of Dennis and Jane (Galloway) Johnson, of this county, married in 1868; children three— Ray E, Alice M., and an infant. Parents Addison and Catherine £. (Allen) Stoddard. Grandfather Waite S. Stoddard. Stoddard Addison, p Harrisburgh, retired farmer, born in Harrisburgh in 1821, has been assessor fourteen years; wife Catharine E. Allen, of Albany county, marriedinl845;chlldreufour— George A , Adelaide, Marianne, and W. Judson. Parents Waits and Rosamond (Bates) Stoddard. settled in county from Connecticut in 1801, and the former held many town offices. Stoddard Lorin A., p o Harrisburgh, retired farmer, born in Harrisburgh in 1811, has held several town offices; wife Clarissa, daughter of William Dewey, born in Westfield, Mass , in 1810, married in 1835; children one— Alfred L. Father George A. Stoddard, born in Connecticut in 1772. came to county in I805;wife Temperance Allen, born in Connecticut in 1772, married Oct. 28, 1793, children eleven, living four. Stoddard Ralph E., p o Harrisburgh, farmer 180 acres, born in Harrisburgh in 1823; wife Cliarlott, daughter of Rufus and Rosamond Scott, of Jefferson county, married in 1854; children two — Willie W., and Bufus R. Parents Waite and Rosamond Stod- dard. Taylor Madison W., po Harrisburgh, proprietor of cream- ery and farmer, 129 acres.born in Denmark in 1832; wife Harriet A., daughter of Joseph and Abigail Peck Kelaey, of Harrisburgh, married in 1852; children two— Florence H.. and Cora E. Parents Thomas and Cheney Sheperd Taylor, the former born in Massachusetts in 1805, died in 1878, and the latter was born in Lewis county. "Vary John B., p Harrisburgh, carpenter, builder and farmer 117}4 acres, bora in Stephentown, Renssel- aer county, April 4, 1833, settled in county in 1841, has been justice of peace; wife Sarah F., daughter of Samuel and Marian Hart, born in Putnam county in 1835, married in 1854; children tnree— Willett H., Charles D., and Jennie V. Parents Willett and Polly (Allen) Vary, of ilensselaer county, came to county in 1841. Vary Stephen S., p o Harrisburgh. farmer 370 acres, born in Rensselaer county in 1821, settled in county in 1841, bas been poormaster; wife Paulina, daughter of Benjamin Smith, married in 18W; children nvp — Edward E., born in 184fi, Horatio N.. in 1848, Burton, in 1851, Fred S., in 1859, and Clark, in 1861. Parents Willett and Polly (Allen) Vary. Wider A]son,p Harrisburgh, cheese manufacturer, born In West Turin, in 1652; wife Eliza Cookman, born in county in 1858, married in 1678; children two- Stella E., and Clara H. Parents Charles A. and Helen Wider, the fot mer born in Germany, came to county in 1825, and the latter born In county, died in 1880. Mr. Wider purchased the Harrisburgh cheese factory which was built in 1868 as a stock company, and now runs the same, having milk of 400 cows. Windecktr William H., p o Lowville, farmer 150 acres, born in Harrisburgh in 1827, has been assessor, collec- tor, constable, and overseer of poor; wife Dorathy A. Gouterraont, of Lowville, married Oct. II. 1848; children two— Sedate C, and Anna, who married John T. Williams In 1875, and died Aug. 4. 1881. Parents Jacob and Catharine (Petrie) Windecker. settled in county from Herkimer county in 1819 and 1820, married in 1823; children four— William, Sylvester, John, and Cornelius. Windecker Cornelius, po Lowville, farmer, born in Harris- burgh in 1838; wife Emeline Cook, of Lowville, born in 1842, married in 1867; children one— Cora J. Parents Jacob and Catharine (Petrie) Windecker. Parents of Mrs. Windecker, George R. and Caroline Obitts Cook, the former of Connecticut, and the latter of Lewis county. Windecker Sylvester, p o Lowville, farmer 138 acres, bom in Harrisburgh in 1830. has been assessor; wife Ellen, daughter of Francis and Rosalind Lyman, born in 1849, married in 1871. Parents Jacob and Catha- rine Windecker. Woodard Frank, p Copenhagen, farmer and dealer In stock and horses, born in Jefferson county, in 1852, settled in county in 1853, has been constable; wife Hattie, daughter of John and Charlotte Nellis, of Oneida county, born in 1852, married in 1875. Parents Lee and Polly Woodard, HIGH MARKET. Allen Richard, p o ConstableTille, owner of saw-mill and manufacturer of boxes, born in West Turin Nov. 1, 1833,settled in town in 1874; wife, Adelaide Gran- nie of Oneida county, married Oct. 6. 1866; child- ren three— Fred W., Helen M., and Emory G. Parents, Emory and Sally Allen. Anken Fred, p o High Market, merchant and farmer, 312 acres, born in Switzerland Oct. 89, 1836; settled in County in 1860; has been Supervisor, Justice of Peace and Justice of Sessions; wife. Catharine Elosner, married in 1858: children six— Frank, Charles P., Edward O., Lillie F., Clara M. and Su- san E. Father, John Anken, Byron John, p o Conslablerille, farmer aud carpenter, 97 acres, born in High Market July 7, 1843, bas been Supervisor two years; wife, Sarah Donnelly, mar- ried in 1866. Parents, Michael and-Sarah Byron, were among first settlers of town. Dolphin William, p o High Market, dairy farmer, 125 acres, born in county of Sligo. Ireland, in 1815, settled In county in 1847, has been town clerk, supervisor and justice of peace; wife, Mary Shannon, married in 1834; children four— Bridget, Mary, James and Anna. Gillogley Thomas, p o High Market; farmer, bom In High Market, Jan. 27, 1844, bas been commissioner of highway; wife, Mary Gilboy. Father. Michael Gillogley, one of first settlers of town. Hanby James, p o High Market, farmer, born in High Mar- ket May 10,1845; bas been town clerk and collector; wife, Kate Cummings, married May 7, 1868; one daughter— Mary Agnes. Parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Hanby, among first settlers of town. Hathaway Newton, p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 200 acres, born in High Market Aug. 26, 1843; wife, Nettie Higby of West Turin, married Dec. S5, 1869; children three— Ida J., Sarah E. and Kmma C. Father, Isaac B.- Hathaway, first permanent sot- tier on farm. Higby Horace R., p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 216 acres born In West Turin Aug. 28, 1834; bas been jus- tice of peace; wife Ann B. Plumb, married in 1847; children three living— Selden P., Judson D , and Wards. Daughter, Amanda M. died March 26, 1881. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Klosner GbTlstian p o Higb Market, fanner and cbeese man- ufacturer. 840 acres, born in Switzerland Deo. 13, 1842, settled in county in 1850; basbeen supervisor; ■wife, Anna B. Miller, married in 1867; children tbree— Charles F., Clara 1 and Edward A. Par- ents, Christian and Susan Klosner. Klosner Frederick p o Constableville, farmer and cheese manufacturer, 210 acres, born in Oneida county Jan. 24, 1852. settled in county in 185.3; wife, Katie Oilboy, married in 1875; children three— Addle, Grace and James. Klosner Jacob p o High Market, dairy farmer and owner of cheese factory, 212 acres, born in Switzerland June 28, 1838, settled in county in 1850; wife. Mary Anna, married in 1867; children three— Emma, Robert, and Mary Ana. Mackay John p o Turin, dairy farmer,born in Ireland, coun- ty of Tipperary in 1838. settled in county in 1848; has been inspector of election and overseer of poor; wife Mary Dolphin, married in 1869; chil- dren six — Thomas, William. Patrick, John, Catha- rine, and Ann. Parents, Thomas and Catharine Mackay. Mullen Israel p o Constableville, dairy farmer 190 acres, born on present farm Nov. 12, 1842, has been su- pervisor two terms, was in the army over four years; wife, Elizabeth Jones of West Turin, mar- ried Jan. 7, 1S73; children three— Jennie E., Mary A. and Nancy E. O'Brien Daniel E. p o High Market, dairy farmer 62;^ acres, born in High Market July 14. 1844- wife Katie Mo- Ginnis, married in 18fi6; children three— Julia E., Thomas E and Mary E. Father, Edward O'Brien, one of first settlers of town. O'Brien Michael p o High Market, dairy farmer, 117 acres, born on present farm Feb. 22, 1842, has been as- sessor nine years; wife, Mary Mahan, married In 1869; children four— Daniel, Thomas F., Mich- ael E. and William J. Plummer George p o Constableville, dairy farmer and cheese manufacturer. 500 acres, born in Deerfield, Oneida county. May 27, 1836, settled in county in 1840, has been assessor; wife, Mary Shepherd of Turin, married in 1858; children five— Emma, Hel- en, Charles. Jennie and George. Father, Charles Plummer, was many years supervisor of town Sweeney Edward p o Constablevilla, farmer 152 acres, born in Ireland Aug. 15, 1815, has been justice of peace twenty-one years; wife, Julia Desmond, married June 1, lS3g; children six— Phillip, Edward Jr., William, Thomas, Henry, Joseph and Julia E. Walsh John p o Constableville, dairy farmer 200 acres, born in 18S9, settled in county in 1841; has been justice of sessions and justice of ppace; wife Aon Augusta Gilroy, married Feb. 27, 1854; children six— Mi- chael, Mary Ellen. John W., Margaret T , Joseph- ine E„ and Katie E. Walsh Michael p o Constableville, farmer and carpenter, 180 acres, born in Canada June 1843, setiled in county in 1851; wife, Mary Walah, married in 1865; children five— Julia, Michael, Thomas, John and Mary. Wider Charles A. p o Constableville, dairy farmer 387 acres, born in New Jork city Aug. 8, 1825, has been supervisor and overseer of poor; wife, Helen Rector, married in 1847. died Sep. 13, 1880; chil- dren seven -four sons and three daughters. Par- ents, Rudolph and Dorothy Wider. LEYDEN. Bacon David T., p o GoDBtablevlHe, dairy farmer, 119 acres, born In the town May 9, 1843 ; wife, Emily M., dau^htar of Jamps D. Wright, married in 1865; children, two— Jennie Matilda, and Arthur James. Father, James Tyler Bacon. Baker Hon. Thomas, p o Leyden, proprietor of Baker hotel, 65 arres, bom in Danube, Herkimer county, Dec. 10, 179!) settled in county in 1831, has been super- visor, justice of peace, postmaster and member of Assembly ; first wife, Laura Shaw; second wife, Soi hrona B. Talcott ; children now living, eight. Father, Thomas Baker. Beck John P., p o Port Leyden, merchant, born in Prussia, Germanv, Oct. li», 1839, settled in county in 1853, has bnen collector ; wife, Mary Easelburn. mar- ried May 2, 1865 ; children, one— Frank J. Parents, Peter and Mary Beck. Beck Peter, p o Fort Leyden, boot and shoe manufacturer, born in Prussia, Germany, Aug. 25, 1838, settled in county in 1853, commenced present business in 1859 has been trustee of village six successive years ; wife, Messer Smith, born Aug. 95, 1844, married in 1862 ; children, two— Mary and Rosa. Parents, Peter and Mary Beck. Burnham Joseph S., p o Leyden, grain and dairy farmer, 150 acres, born on present farm Oct. 6, 1825; wife, Elvira, daughter of Matthew T. Brooks, married June 4. 18tt7 ; children, two — Eliza M., and Freder- ick C. J, Father, Joseph Burnham, a native of Hartford, Conn , settled in county in 180K. Carpenter Reuben, p o Leyden, dairy farmer, 135 acres, born in Mexico, Oswego county, Oct. 11, 1821, set- tled in county in 1846 ; wife, Laura Ann, daugh- ter of Abijnh Hall, one of the early settlers, mar- ried in 1848; children living, five— Marion R,, Flora, Abijah H., Anna M., Augusta V. Father, Jesse Carpenter. Carroll Rev. Eugene, p o Port Leyden, born in Ireland, Feb. 22, 1823, settled in county Feb. 15, 1866, is pastor of St. Martinis church; was educated nt Slount St. Marys, Maryland, and ordained priest in 1850 by Cardinal Mo. Closkey. Crowley Timothy, p o Port Leyden, dealer in clothing, hats and raps, born in Ireland, Dec. 28, 18:H, settled in Leyden in 18f)5 ; wife., Mary Ann Coyle ; children, four— Mary Ellen, John D., Charlotte M., and Tim- othy E. One child, Johanna, died in 1871, aged nine years. Coe Dennis M. . p o Port Leyden. member of the firm of Cos & Sears, dealers in furniture also undertakers, born in Leyden, March 12, 1841. has been overseer of poor and collector ; wife, Emma J. Seymour, married in 1864 ; children, one— Willie D. Father, Eri Coe, a native of Leyden, was Ron of Brainard Coe, one of the pioneers. Collins Hon. Jonathan C, po Leyden, born in West Turin Jan. 31, 1804, settled tn Leyden about 1870, has been supervisor, assessor, presidential elector and member of Legislature ; wife, Sally C. Talcott. married in 1826 ; children living, two— John D., of Utlca, and Homer L. of Montana. Parents, Jona- than and Sarah (Couch) CoIHds, settled in West Turin in 1797. Golton Leonard J , p o Port Leyden, merchant, member of the firm of Colton & Manchester, born in Turin May 23, 1838, settled in Leyden in 1866, has been trustee of village ; wife, Julietta Crofoot, married in 1869 ; children, one— Belle. Father, Leonard Colton, settled in Turinin 1808 ; wife, Eliza Colton, a native of Turin. Douglass D. D, M. D . p o Port Leyden, physician and sur- geon, born in Leyden Feb 2, 1817, read medicine with father, Dr. Solomon Douglass, attended lec- tures at the Syracuse Medical College, commenced practice at Sandy Creek in 1845. in Oswego in 1851, and in Leyden in 1861. Douglass Norton, p o Port Leyden, miller and dealer In fiour, feed and grain, born in Leyden June 27, 1809, has been overseer of poor ; first wife, Sally B. Shaw; second, Charlotte E. Furman; third, Etiz- beth Jenkins ; children, two — Helen M Hutchin- son and Mary R. Howard, both residents of Phoe- nix. Father, Jonathan Douglass, one of the early settlers. Earl* Stephen, p o Constableville, dairv farmer, 30 acres, born in West Turin, Dec. 14, 1831. settled in Ley- dpn jo 1877. has been collector and assistant rev- enue assessor; wife Imogeoe H, Brainard, married January 1 1856; children one— Annie E. Father Peter Earle; wife Eliza Allen, born in West Turin in 1804, is still living. Evans Miss Eate. p o Constableville, farmer 100 acres. Parents Deacon Evan Evans and Margaret Pierce; children four— Hannah Roberts, Jane Roberts, Ann Lawson, of Oneida county, and Miss Kate Evans, of West Turin. Hayes W. Irving, po Port Leyden, merchant, born In Boon- ville, Oneida county, December 2f*, 184fi, settled in county and commenced business in 1867; wife Ger- trude C, daughter of Christian Scrafford. married September 9, 1874; children one— Hattie D. Fath- er Jonas Hayes, a native of Herkimer county. Holcomb George H., p o Port Leyden, carpenter, joiner and wagon manufacturer, 4 acres, born in Lynnsdale, March 2, 1842; wife Laura, dau?bt»r of Sylvester Hart, married July 1864; children four— Harry, Clara, Florence, Sarah. Father Edmund Holcomb settled in town in 1842. xu HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Holdridge Orrj H., p o Port Leyden, harness manufacturer, born in Columbia county, October 20, 1849, settled in county in 1869; wife Hattle, daughter of Hial EellogK, married in 1871; children three — Frankie L., Mary E., Bessie E. Fareuts Ferry and Eliza- beth Holdridge. Jefts Frederick, p o Leyden, farmer, 60 acres, born in Ches- ter, Vermont. June 3, 1827, settled in county April 1, 1861; wife Theressa, daughter of Alva Miller, married in 1857; children one^Carrie M. Farents Zebulou and Hannah Jefts. Johnson W. H., M. D., po Port Leyden, physician and sur- geon, born in Newport, Herkimer county, Octo- ber 9, 1840, settled in Leyden in 1871, read medi- cine with Dr. S. R. Millington, attended lectures at the Michigan University, and at the fiellevue Hospital, in New York City, was gradnated and commenced practice in 1871, has been president of the county medical society, and delegate to New York State medical society: wife, Mary J. Nichols, married March 6. 1872; second wife. Mary B. Lord, married August 18, 1875, children three. Jones David E., p o Port Leyden, farmer, 118 acres, born in North Wales, February 3, 183?, settled in county in 1850, and on present farm in 1869; wife, Lucy A , daughter of Lyman W. Barnes, of Turin, married December 24, 1860, children living two— Ellis L., and Edith F. Parents, Ellis and Winifred Jones. Eelley Martin, p o Port Leyden, proprietor of a saloon, owns a house, a block, and a farm of 75 acres, born in Eilleley, Ireland, in January, 1824, settled in coun- ty tn 1849; wife. Elizabeth Conway, married in 1866; children six— Margaret, Catherine, Mary A., Martin Eugene and Lizzie. Parents, Richard and Margaret Eelley, natives of Ireland. Eent Dwight L., p o Boonville, Oneida county, farmer, 257 acres, born in Leyden, March 9, 1828, s«ttled on present farm in 1855; wife, Bianca Jencks, married in 1855, children two-Fred J., and Earnest. Fath- er. Daniel Eent, came to Leyden with his parents from Connecticut. Kent Phineas, p o Boonville, farmer, 150 acres, born in Ley- den, May 22, 1826, settled on present farm in 1848; wite, Maria, daughter ot Chauncey Smith, of Oneida county, married in 1850; children five — Flora E., Nellie S., Lena B., Hattie M , Grace A. Father, Daniel Eent, a native of Massachusetts; wife. Lucy B. Andrus, of Leyden. Eline Reuben, p o Port Leyden, harness manufacturer, born in ColumlDia county. December 31, 1844, settled in county in August, 1868; wife. Sophrona C. Claris, of Canada, married in 1872: children two— Homer C, and Arthur C. Parents, John and Lana M. Kline, of Columbia county. Loomis Jared S., p o Locust Grove, farmer and cheese man- ufacturer, 21 acres, born in Leyden Feb. 19, 1835, has been overseer of poor ; wife, Mary A. Johnson, married March 22, 1859 ; children, one— Howard S. Parents, Solomon and Mary Loomis. Loomis Leonard S., p o Locust Grove, farmer and cheese manufacturer, 170 acres, born in Leyden Jan. 21, 1838, has been assessor ; wife, Jennie R., daughter of Andrew Collins, married Jan. 10, 1877 ; children, two — Collins L. and Clark J. Parents, Solomon and Mary (Clark) Loomis. Lord John D., p o Locust Grove, retired farmer, 206 acres, born in Leyden April 1, 1812 ; wife, Mary Bailey, married Jan. 20 1842. second wife, Semantha Saw- yer, married Oct. 23, 1855 ; children, two — Sarah, wife of Eev. E. R. Sawyer, and Mary, wife ot Dr. W. H. Johnson. Father, Gurdon Lord, was one of the pioneers, and Tlncle Asa Lord was ene ot the first three settlers in Leyden. McClure Samuel, p o Port Leyden, furniture dealer and man' ufaeturer, born in New York City Jan. 20, 1846, set- tled in county May 28, 1881 ; wife, Elizabeth Rit- ter, of Germany, married Feb. 22, 1880 ; children, three — Nancy, Samuel and Minnie. Farents, John and Jane McClure. MoManamon Edward, p o Port Leyden, proprietor ot hotel and livery, 6 acres, born in Canada, March 7. 1847, settled In county in 1865, has been trustee of board of education ; wife. Mary Eolpy, married in 1869; children, five — John, Catharine A., James E., Agnes M., Mary E. Father, Felix McManamon. McHale John, p o Port Leyden. proprietor of boot and shoe factory and store, born in Ireland in Dec, 1841, set- tled in county in 1850,and In Leyden in 1865,has been trustee of village ; first wife, Margaret O'Leary, second wife. Cathsiine Quigley ; children living, five — Hannah, Mary E,, Emma, Cecelia, Fanny. Two children died— Maggie, April 1, 1881, aged 12 years, and J. J. McHale, May 3, 1881. ! Manchester George N., p o Port Leyden, member ottbe firm ot Colton & Manchester, merchants, born in Boon- ville, Oneida county. May 16, 1837, settled In county in 1866; wife Sharilla Cunningham, married Feb 6, 1859; children three— Lillian, Alida, and Alice. Parents George W. and Sophronia Manchester. Merriam Hon. Clinton L., p o Locust Grove, born on present farm March 25, 1824, has been member ot congress two terms; wife Caroline Hart, was a graduate of Rutger Institute, married Dec. 5, 1849; children three— Charles C, Clinton Hart, now a physician, and Florence A. Merriam C. Hart, M. D., p o Locnst Grove, physician, sur- geon, scientific author, and ornithologist, born in New Eork City Deo. 5, 1855, was student in the Shef- field scientific school at Yale, a graduate of the college of physicians and surgeons of New York City, was naturalist of the Government Expedition to the Yellowstone river, and the youngest author whose works our government ever published. He wrote the " History ot the Birds of Connecticut," and is now engaged on an elaborate history ot the birds of New York State. Merriam Charles M., p o Locust Grove, farmer and stock dealer, 69 acres, born in present residence May 16, 1841, has been county superintendent of the poor; wife Ella F. Loftis, married in 1876; children three — CharlesA , Fanny May, and Frederick H. Par- ents Eli and Lydia Merriam resided in same house now owned by Charles M. fifty-three years. Merrill Abijah M., p o Boonville, farmer 250 acres, born in Leyden in 18.39, has been highway commissioner; wife Ellen R , daughter of Nathan Bassett, married in 1861; children three— Fred M., Walter B., and Augustus D. Father Madison Merrill, a native ot Herkimer county, settled on farm now the home ot Abijah in 1837. Merwin Alanson, po Port Leyden, farmer, bom on present farm Feb. 23, 1801 ; wife Amanda, daughter ot Rev. Reuel Eimball, married in 1825; children three— Hon, James A., Hon. Milton H.. and Huldah K., wife of Eev. George 6 Saxe, ot New York city. Father James Morwln, settled in Leyden in 1800. Merwin Hon J. A., p o Port Leyden, lumber dealer, born in Leyden. Januarys, 1827, settled In Port Leyden in 1850, has been member ot Assembly and supervis- or; first wife, Julia Church; second, Susan Scraf- ford ; children one— Julia B. Father, Alanson Mer- wiu, a native ot Leyden. Miller Abind G., p o Leyden, merchant and farmer, 184 acres, born in Leyden, August 21, 1843, has been postmaster and assessor; wife. Ophelia A., daugh- ter of Robert Harvey, married September 1, 1867; children living one— Robert E. Father, Aaron^F., son ot Aaron Miller. Miller Duane, p o Leyden, farmer, 230 acres, bom in Ley- den, December 2, 1840, has been assessor. Father, Roswell Miller, a native ot Leyden, and son ot Amos Miller, one of the early settlers. Munn Thaddeus E., p o Leyden, farmer, 160 acres, born in Leyden, July 29, 1835, has been supervisor; wife, Adaline S., daughter of Thomas Baker, of Leyden, married September 3, 1868, children one— Thad- deus E., Jr. Father, Otis Munn, settled in Ley- den, about 1819. Murphy John B , p o Constableville. dairy farmer, 800 acres, born in County of Cork, Ireland, in 1830, came from California, and settled in county in 1857; wife, Margaret Doyle, died in 1874 : children eight —James, Lizzie, William, Angeline, Thomas F., Eugene, Catherine and Matilda. Parents, James and Mary Murphy, Nightingale T. H.. p o Moose Elver, proprietor of the Moose River House, born in Utioa, February 21, 1834, settled in county in 18R5, has been collector and constable; wife, Hattie Havens, ot Ithaca, married in 18BU; children two— Florence and Cora. Father, George Nightingale. Northam C. C, p o Port Leyden, farmer, 410 acres, born on E resent farm in 1824, has been commissioner ot ighways, assessor and excise commissioner; wife Lucy M., daughter of Eber Kelsey, one of the first settlers of Port Leyden, married in 1849. children seven -Wallace G., William H., Nettie M., Julia. Frankie, Lnia, and Melvin S. Peters John, p o Locust Grove, farmer, 132 acres, born In France, September 12, 1820, settled in county In 1832, has been overseer of poor; first wife Marga- ret Legal; second Nettie Owens; children six- John, Louisa, George, Jacob, James, William. Pa- rents John and Catherine Peters. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Xlll Post Lorenzo S., p o Port Leyden, farmer, 85 acres, born in Leyden, September 28, 1817, settled on present farm In 186H, bafl been asseesor; wife Hannah T. Newsom, of Herkimer couaty, married December 14, 1842; children five— Hannah E., Mary V., Olive. Merritt L., and-Willard S. Parents Joaiah and Fanny Post were among the first settlers of Ley- den. Reed G. B., p o Port Leyden, jeweler and repairer of watobes, olooks and jewelry, born in Lowville, July 14, 1838, settled in Port Leyden in 1868; wife Sarah M., daughter of William George, married in 1877. Father Samuel Reed, a native of Connecticut, set- tled in Lowville about 18S5. Eigga Lewis W., p o Port Leyden, hardware dealer and manufacturer, born in Jefferson county, July 21, 1840, settled in county in 1865: wife Belle, daughter of Nelson Gilbert, married in 18G1 ; children three- Charles, Edward, Fanny. Father Clark A. Riggs. Roberts Mrs Chauncey, poConstableville, farmer 85 acres, born in Martinsburgh, November 27, I8t5. settled in Leyden in I83fl; husband Chauncey Roberts, of Connecticut; married in 1836; children living one- Mary Ellen Jackson Lost one son, William M., who died February 1. 1864. aged 25 years. Father Bradford Arthur, of Martinsburgh. Roberts Hugh, p o Goastableville, dairy farropr ISO acres, born in North Wales, December 14, 1826, settled in county in 1848; wife Jane, daughter of Deacon Evan Evans, of Leyden. married March 23, 1853; ohildren living five— David E., Matilda J , M. Ellen M. Louisa, and AnnaF. Father David Roberts. Roberts Robert, p o Leyden, dairy farmer 217 acres, born in North Wales, settled in county in 1839; wife Catherine Roberts, married June 25, 1853; chil- dren flvft— Janey, Robert, Evan, Anna, Kate. Pa- rents Robert and Jane Roberts. Roberts David, p o Port Leyden. farmer, 106 acres, born in North Wales Dec. 23, 1828, settled in county in 1843, and on present farm in 1855 ; wife, Jane, daughter of Evan Roberts of Deerfleld. married in ISfiS ; children, seven — Richard E., Robert A., Han- nab M , David L., Lemuel, John and Gelia. Parents Richard and Gwen Koberts. Roberts Owen G. p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 81 acies, born in Remsen, Oneida county, Sept 16, 1830. settled in county May, 1848 ; wife. Cordelia M. Blair, married Sept. 7, 185-2. died April 16, 1855 ; one daughter, Marv C. Marcy, died in Chicago in March 1873. Father, GrifCeth E. Roberts of Remsen. Sawyer Thomas J., p o Port Leyden, dealer in boots and shoes and telegraph operator, born In Martinsburg June 10. 1834, settled in Port Leyden June 2, 1845, has been deputy sheriff and postmaster ; wife, Margaret A., daughter of Christian Scrafford, mar- ried Dec. 15, 1846 ; children, two— George M., and EjeliaJ. W. Somers. Father, William A Sawyer, a native of New Hampshire, settled in county about 1815. Schroeder John, p o Port Leyden, merchant, born in Hessiai Germany, Nov. 12, 18a4, settled in Lowville in 1867, and in Port Leyden in 1873 ; wife, Martha Hess of Germany, married in 1859. children, six — August, Philip, Edward Louisa, Charlie, and Lewis. Fath- er, Christian Schroeder. Scrafford Christian, p o Port Leyden, real estate dealer, born in Guilderland, Albany county, June 6, 1819, settled in the town of Greig in 1834. and in Leyden in 1851, has been president of the village and trus- tee ; wife. Elizabeth M., daughter of Brainard Tyler, married July 1, 1847 ; children living four — Gertrude C, Algern A.. LeGrangeE., Bertha V. Parents. Christian and Nancy (Snyder) Scrafford, natives of Albany county, and early settlers in Lewis- Sears Clarence, p o Port Leyden, member of the firm of Coe & Sears, undertakers and furniture dealers, born in Port Leyden Jan. 28. 1839 ; wife, Sarah E., daugh- ter of William Seymour, married in 1863 ; children three— Ella May, Howard C. and Charlie E. Par- ents, Daniel T. and Abigal Sears. Secoy Andrew, po Port Leyden, proprietor of Douglass House since 1872, born in Schoharie county. Sept., 9, 1841, settled in county in 1872; first wife Isabelle Mallett; second, Alice C. Holcomb; children three— Darwin E., Carl A., and Lewis. Parents Jesse and Catherine E. Secoy, the former a native of Albany county. Smith Alexander, p o Port Leyden, merchant, born in Can- ada, August 20, 1845, settled in County in 1867; wife Mary, daughter of Winthrop Welier, married in 1869. Parents Robert and Margaret Smith. Seekner C. M,. p o Port Leyden, architect, builder and bridge constructor,born in Turin, February 5, 1858, settled in Leyden, in 1865; wife Harriet A., daugh- ter of Zelotes Blinn, married in 1867; children two— Mary and Edgar. Father John Seekner, a native of Herkimer county. Somers George, p o Port Leyden, boot and shoe dealer and telegraph operator, born in Lee, Oneida county, November 16, 1841, settled in county in 1866. has been town clerk; wife E. J. W., daughter nf T. J. Sawyer, married June 16, 1869. Father Thomas Somers. • Spencer Edward, -p o Port Leyden, Merchant, born in Ley- den April 28, 1846, is town clerk and post master : wife, Emma D , daughter of D. D. .Douglass, mar- ried July 12, 186f ; children, one — Eugene C. D., who died December 22, 188n, in the thirteenth year of his age. Parents, Daniel and Esther Spencer. Tardy Joseph S.,p o Port Leyden, jeweler and dealer in watches, clocks and silver ware, born in Croghan April 17, 1852, learned his trade in Switzerland ; wife, Fanny, daughter of Cbas. E. Mitchell of Lowville ; children, one— a daughter. Parents, Marcel and Zeline Tardy. Thayer Sanger, po Leyden. farmer, 225 acres, born in Ley- den March 7, 1830, settled on present farm in 18SS, has b»en assessor; wife, Lucy C. daughter of Ebenezer Gaylord, married In Dec. .1839; children, four— Eli E , Homer E., Herbert H. and Dayton A. Father, Eseck Thayer, came to Leyden with his father, Eleazer Thayer, in 1802. 'I hayer Andrew J . p o Boonville, farmer, 140 acres, born in Leyden, May 16. 1830, settled on present farm in 1835, has been justice of peace and justice of ses- sions; wife. Irana M., daughter of Ira Hall, married in 1852; children living, four— Elmer, Elton, Leona and lona. Father, Ira L. Thayer, a native of Con- necticut, settled in Leyden in 1801. Topping Cephas C, p o Ley J en. dairy farmer, 80 acres, born in Leyden July 14, 1836; wife. Phobia H., daughter of Moses Rice, married Sept. 9, 1868 ■ children, one— Eugenia. Father, William, son of William Topping, the first settler of Leyden. Topping Richmond, p o Leyden, dairy farmer, 78 acres, born in Leyden Aug. 19. 1831 ; has been highway commissioner ; wife, Theresa Scoville of West Turin, married in 1559. Father, William Topping. Tripp John, p n Locust Grove, retired farmer, 17 acres, torn in Duchess county Feb 20, 1807, settled in Lewis county in 1830; wife. Lucy Ann, daughter of Will- iam Doyle, married in 1838 ; children three— Ella J., Emily M., Ellen, Parents, Samuel I. and Anna (Haight) Tripp. Weist Peter, p o Levden. contractor and builder, plane and specifications furnished, owns house and shop born in West Turin April 22. 1844, settled in Ley- den about 1852, has been collector ; wife. Laura Malcomb, married in January, 1874. Parents Henry and Margaretta Weist. ' Western Horace C, p o Boonville, hotel proprietor, born in Herkimer county Feb 12.1829, settled in county in 1845 and in present location in 1873.has been deputv sheriff and constable ; wife. Ruthie, daughter of Abram Clover, married in February 1865; chil- dren one— Arthur. Father, Joshua Western. Whittlesey James B.,p o Port Leyden, proprietor of livery and sale stables, owns 150 acres, born in Oneida county March 23. 1858. settled in county In 1866 ■ wife, Ella L , daughter of Doton Kilbam, married in 1878 ; children one— Leonard D. Father, John Whittlesey, formerly of Connecticut. Wilcox Charles D., p o Port Leyden, farmer, miner and sur- veyor, 20 acres, born in Leyden Nov. 25, 1836, has been assessor and village trustee: wife Abbie P daughter of Don A. Clay, married Sept. 11, 1866 children seven. Father Blisha J. Wilcox, born March 30, 1805. was son of Elisha Wilcox, a native of Connecticut, the fourth settler in the county. Wilcox H. L., p Port Leyden. druggist, born in Leyden May 1, 1840; wife A. E., daughter of D A. Clay, married in 1865; children four— Don H.. George H ' Fred C and Leon. Father Elisha J. Wilcox. *' Williams Rev. Lewis, p o Port Leyden, pastor of First Con- gregational church, born in North Wales March 15 1837, settled in county in 1843, was graduated at Yale college in 1866. was ordained July II, 1867, was c&Ued to Turin charge in 869. and to Leyden in 1877; wife Mary Jane Price, of Adrian, Mich., mar- ried Oct. 81, 1865, one adopted daughter— Mary Augusta. XIV HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Wilcox R. F., p o Port Leyden, bridge builder, 50 acres, bom in Leyden Nov. 9, 1841, settled in Port Leyden in 1867; wife Ids, daughter of Aaron De Peyeter, mar- ried March 21, 1876, children two— Clara and J. Claude. Father William H., son of Elisha Wiloox, Williams C. E. B., p o Port Leyden, merchant, born in Port Leyden March 3, 1857, commenced business June 10, 1878; wife Lena, daughter of Paul Jones, mar- ried in 1881. Father John H Williams, a native of VeTmont, settled in Leyden in 1847, now retired from business life after having been a merchant during sixty years. Wilson Oscar A., p o Port Leyden, farmer 150 acres, born in Boonville, Oneida county, Dec. 13, 1841, settled in county in 1875; wife Clara L., daughter of Orry Betts, married Sept. 17, 1879; children one— Flora. Parents James and Margaret Wilson, early settlers in Oneida county. Wolcott N. Oscar, p o Port Leyden. farmer 100 acres, born on present farm May 24, 1838; wife Lorain, daugh- ter of James Wilson, married June 23, 1866; chil- dren two— Madge and Hattie. Parents Lysander and Louisa Wolcott. Grandfather Thomas R. Wolcott, the first settler on present farm. Zimmer John, p o Conatablevillp, farmer 185 acres, born in France Feb. 14, 1825, settled in county in 1843; wife Catherine Smith, married in 1847: children twelve —Mary, Eve. Katie. Johnnie, Anthony, Joseph, Leo, Josephine, Maggie, Edward. Louis, Frank. Parents Peter and Ann Elizabeth Zimmer. LEWIS. Capron S. M., p o Boonville, farmer and stock dealer, 500 acres, born on present farm May 5, 1641, has been supervisor; wife Sarah Gilson, married in 1865; children two— Victor and Ola. Parents Henry and Betsey Capron. Domser John, p o West Leyden, farmer 160 acres, born in France Sept. 8, 1831, settled in county in 1855, has been assessor and juryman; wife Sophia Krayer, married in 1855; children four— Philip J., John J., Mary, and Elizabeth. Father M. Domser. Douglass Byron L, p o West Leyden, harnessmaker, born in * West Leydeu Jao . S9, 1842, is justice of peace ; wife Emma A , daughter of Thomas Monroe, married in 1865; children one— Maud M. Father Thomas P. Douglass, was one of the early settlers in town. Grandfather was a native of Connecticut. Flint Henry, p o West Leyden, farmer 2(j6 acres, born in Prussia Oct. 16, 1814, settled- in county in June, 1834; wife Elizabeth Long, of France, married in 1840; children seven — Elizabeth, Angeline, Sally, George, Louisa, Charles, and William. Parents Valentine and Angeline Flint. Grimm Joseph, p o West Leyden, farmer 125 acres, born in Germany July 35, 1824, settled in county in ItiSl ; wife Helen Werges. of West Turin, marrif-d in 1860; children four— Mary Helen, Charles J., Mary Amelia, and Frank J. Eatsmayer Andrew, p o West Leyden, merchant, farmer and cheese manufacturer, 150 acres, born in Worten- berg April 11, 1837, settled in county in 1854, has been supervisor, town clerk and highway commis- sioner; first wife Margaret Ackhart; second wife Lena Ackhart; third wife Gertrude Miller; children five— Eddie, Roney, William, Frank, and Charles. Parents Andrew and Margaret Katsmayer. Kilts Mathew, po West Leyden, merchant and farmer, 45 acres, born in Ava, Oneida county, May 26, 1833, settled in county in 1^59. has been supervisor, col- lector, and commissioner of highways; wife Julia J. Pease, daughter of Charles Pease, married in 1864; children three— C. Arthur, Mattie L., and Beatrice L. Parents Jacob and Elizabeth Kilts. Keim Peter, p o West Leyden, dairy farmer 94 acres, born in Germany in- August, 1812. settled in county in 1850, has been overseer of poor; wife Christina Hautmute, died in April, 1853; children three— Se- bastian, Adam, and Philip; second wife Mary Woesner; children four— Mary, Frederick, Charles and Willie. Parents Philip and Magdalena Keim! Kent Alexander, p o West Leyden, farmer 125 acres, born on present farm, has been supervisor. Father Enos Kent, born in Connecticut Jan. 19, 1788, died Sept 29, 1841; wife Sophronia Pelton, born in Connecti- cut Feb. 8, 1791, married Sept. 7, 1812, died Jan 10, 1871 ; children living six. Kent Benjamin F,, p o West Leyden, farmer 370 acres, bom in town of Lewis July ^, 1829, on a part of present farm ; wife Elzada E. Wright, daughter of John S. and Arlona S. Wright, married Feb 10, 1852; chil- dren living six— Mary A., B. Gary, Estella G., Car- rie E , Susie D., and Willie H. Parents Enos and Sophrooia Kent, settled in county from Connecti- cut about 1801. Maurer Frederick, p o West Leyden, farmer 125 acres, born in (^ermany Jan. 28. 1818, settled In county in 1830, has been commissioner of highways and collector; wife Rana Brano; children one— Julia. Father Frederick Maurer, early settler in town, Fohl George, p o West Leyden, merchant, born In Germany July 3, 1835, settled in county Oct. 15, 1857, has been postmaster,8upervisor, commissioner of highways, and town clerk; wife Hannah Hower, of Austria, married June 17. 1862; children living seven. Par- ents Adam and Janet Pohl. Pohl Valentine, p o West Leyden, wagon manufacturer and blacksmith, born in Germany June 28, 1837, settled in county in 1860, has been town clerk four years; first wife Amelia Hower; second wife Martha Matti; children five— Lewis, Theressa, Rosa, Ottll- lia, and Leobald. Parents Adam and Nettie Pohl. Shankenbery Philip, p o West Leyden, proprietor of hotel, owns hotel and barn, born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 26, 1850, settled in county in 1875; wife Katie Ammon. of Staten Island, married in 1875; children three— Viola May, Walter George, and Irena Belle. Father Lewis Shankenbery. Sins Joseph, p o West Leyden, farmer and proprietor of cheese factory, 218 acres, born In Prance June 14, 1838, settled in county Nov. 18, 1853, has been jus- tice of peace and assessor; wife Mary Cimmer; children two— Barbary and Mary A.; second wife Matilda Dersie; children four,— Jacob, Joseph Ada- line, and Matilda, Parents Henry and Barbary Elsinger Sins. LOWVILLE. AdamB J. Parker, p o Lowville, farmer, born in Lowville Deo. 16, 1834; wife Azubah, daughter of Joel and Sally Martin, married in 1859; children three— Flora A., Elmer J., and Celia B. Father Dr. Ira Adams, born in Vermont Id 1791, served in war of 1812 as physician and assistant surgeon, settled in Low- villo in 1818, and died in 1857; wife Arzrtia Root, of Utica. born in 1801. married in 1833, children nine liTine four— William Root, J. Parker, Elbridge R., and Martha S. Adams Prof. William R., p o Lowville, principal of fjowville Academy, born in Lowville in 1823; wife Melissa, dauRhtf r of Timothy and Catharine Mills, married in 1862, was graduated from tJnlon College in 1851, and has presided over various institutes since 1853 in Nassau, Renpselaer county, Home, Oneida county, and Lowville. Arthur William, p o Lowville, farmer and dealer In stock and blooded horses, 250 acres, born in Martins- burgh Nov. 10. 18111; wife Sarah Hildreth, of Ver- mont, married in 1836, died in 1853; second wife Elizabeth Reynolds, married in 1856, children three -Gertrude L.. Carry E., and Jessie. Parents Elisha and Martha (Moore) Arthur, of Massachu- setts, came to county about 1800' children eleven, living five. Batohelor Samuel B,, manufacturer of farm implements, cradles and rakes, born in county In 1814, died In February, 1879; wife Sophia D Stevens, born in Berkshire, Mass., in 181 4. married in 1849; children three- Mary C, Alice M.. fdied May 14, 1881), and Earl S., who was born in 1860, and married Nettle C. Mills in 1871; children one— Nina S. Boshart Charles D.. p o Lowville, president of first national bank and fnrmer, owns three farms, born in county in 1829, har been supervisor; wife Margaret Quark- enbush. of Montgomery county, married in 1857; children four. Fnther Garret Boshart, of Mont- gomery county, died in 1845, aged 75 years; wife Dolly Goutremont, bom on the ocean. Boshart Charles E., po Lowville, farmer 112 acres, born in Lowville in 1846, has been collector; wife Julia, daughter of Augustus Arthur, of ODunty, married in 1871: children four. Parents Nicholas and Maria (Wood) Boshart, of oounty. Grandparents came from Montgomery county to Lewis about 1800. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Boioe Stewart, p o Lowrille. harness manufacturer and deal- er in trunks, satchels, whips, robes, brushes, nets, and all fancy equipments for horses, was formerly in business with J B. Visoher, then with Mr. Aus- tin, and sold his Interest in that firm in 16H9, when he opened his present stand, born in Canada In 1830, settled in county in 1858; wife Pauline Miller, nt Turin, married in 185:2. Father Hiram Boice, of Canada. Bostwick L. A., p o Lowville, dealer in cloths, cassimeres, and gents' ready-made clothing. Bowen Farnum J., p o Lowville, general produce dealer, born in Lowville in 1830. member of the firm of Cur- tis & Bowen; wife Sarah Scerlim;, of Mautgomery county, married in 1853; children one— Jay S. Parents Levi and Maria Bowen. of Berkshire county, Mass., settled in county in l&^O. Bratt John, p o Lowville, farmer 188 acres, born in Harris- burgh in 1838; wife Cornelia, daughter of Charles and Jane (Plopper) Bickford. of county, married in 1867. Father Abraham Bratt. Brigham Stephen, p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in Low- ville in 1813; wife Maria Stephens, of county, mar- ried Sept. 14, 1840, died in 1852; second wife Harriet Davenport, of county, married in 1853. Father David Brigham, born in New Hampshire in 1771, came to county in 1802, died in 1853; wife Sarah Vedder, bom in Montgomery county in 1775, mar- ried in 1802, died in 1823. Brown Henry W.. p o Lowville, farmer, born in Lowville in 1841; wife Mary V. Putnam, of ocunty, married in 1885; children four— Leland F , Clara L., Cora L., and Lauta B. Father Simon Brown, born in Oneida county in 1801, died In 187B; wife Laura Smith, born in Massachusetts in 1806, married in 1824. Brown Simon, farmer, born in Herkimer county in 1803, set- tled in county in 1825, died March 10, 1876; wife Laura Smith, born in Bpikshire county, Mass., in 1806, married in 1824; children eight, living five. Parents Simon and Betsey (Toplift) Brown. Par- ents of Mrs. Brown, Daniel and Mary (Bliss) Smith. Buck A. A., p o Lowville, farmer, born in Lowville in 1819; wife Emily, daughter of William and Polly Smith, born in 1824, married in 1847; children one— Ches- ter, born in 1848. father Chester Buck, born In Berkshire county, Mass.. in 1789, came to county in 1800, died in 1847: wife Locretia Pettabone, born in Massachusetts in 1791, died in 1842; children nine, living two. Bush Horace, p o Lowville, dealer in drugs, medicines, toilet perfumery, fancy goods, paints, oils, and family groceries,' born in county in 1831, has held several important local offices; wife Ellen P., daughter of Abraham and Caroline (Mills) Hodge, of Montgom- ery county, bom in 1831, married in 1854. Bush Edward H., p o Lowville, banker and retired merchant, born in Lowville in 1827, has been county clerk; wife Harriet, daughter of Garret and Revera Bost- wick, married in 1855. Parents Charles and Pa- melia Bush, of Massachusetts, settled in county about 18110. Campbell Lewis, p o Lowville, wagon and sleigh manufac- turer blacksmith and farmer, born in Herkimer county in 1817, settled in county in 1833; wife Eliza- beth A. Putnam, of county, married in 1843; chil- dren two— George W., and Carrie. I ather Timothy Campbell, of Herkimer county. Carter G. W., p o Lowville, photographer, born in Seneca county in 1848; wife Ida E. Greene, of county, mar- ried in 1873. Cook Charles C, p o Lowville. carriage manufacturer and blacksmith, born in Lowville in 1812, commenced business in 1869, succeeding his father; wife Jen- nie Eyesman, of Herkimer county, married in 1869; children four. Parents Jacob I. and Margaret (Petrie) Cook, of Herkimer county. Chambers H. P., p o Lowville, dental surgeon, born in Low- ville In 1840; wife May E.. daughter of Cornelius P. and Elizabeth Leonard, of county, married in 1869. Parents R. C. and Betsey Chambers, the former of Massachusetts, and the latter of Lewis county. Crosby Dr. A. H., p o Lowville, physician and surgeon, born ' in Martinsburgh in 1836, was graduated from Alba- ny medical college in 1S61, commenced practice in Martinsburgh in 1862, and settled in Lowville In 1867, has been member of Legislature; wife Addle, daughter of Nathan McCoy, of county, married in 1863. Parents Hopkins and Mary Porter Crosby. Crouch Chancey W., p o Lowville, retired gentleman, born in Rutland, Jefferson county, in 1812: wife Mary Bosworth, born in county in 1818, married in 1844; children two— Franklin B. and Mary O. Constant and Mary Bosworth, parents of Mrs. Croncb, born in Berkshire county, Mass., settled in county in 1800. Davenport C. Duane, p o Lowville, farmer, born in county in 1822; wife Maria, daughter of Warren and Maria Arthur, of county, married in 1860. Father Charles Davenport, born in Columbia county in 1784, came to county in 1799, died in 1855; wife Anna Cole, born in Vermont in 1796, married in 1815, died in 1874; children seven, living five. Dence William, p o Lowville, farmer and dairyman, 340 acres, born in Montgomery county in 1831, settled in county in 1838, has been assessor; wife Sarah daughter of Lewis and Minerva Dimick, of county, married in 1859. died in 1867; children two — Jessie M., and Alice F.; second wife Mary Wattera, of county, married in 1^71; children two— Elizabeth W., and Edward H. Parents David and Margaret Dence, of Montgomery county, came to Lewis in 1831. Dewey Silas B., p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in Massa- chusetts in 1608. settled in county in 1831 ywife Jane Stoddard, of Harrisburgh, married in February, 1833, children four. Doig Frank C, p o Lowville, member of firm of Doig Bros., dealers in drugs, medicine, perfumery, and all fancy goods, also general prescriptionists, born in county in 1851, has been trustee and assessor: wife Eate Jones, of Iowa, married in 1877. Parents John and Maria Doig, the former of whom died in lb67. Evans GrifQth. p o Lowville, farmer 125 acres, born in Wales in 1839, settled in county in 1842; wife Catharine Griffith, of county, married in 1877; children three. Parents Evan R. and Catharine Howell Evans, born in Wales, came to county in 1842, Foster Ansel, p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in a log house in Turin in 1810; wife Catharine Hoffnale, born in Washington county Aug. 13, 1810, married June 16, ia33, died May 3, 1875, children two— Clin- ton A., born July 2, 1835, died Feb. 4, 1874; and Amanda C, born July 4, 1837, died Sept. 13, 1868. Foster Dr. Charles A., p o Lowville, physician and surgeon, born in Martinsburgh in 1849; wife Prances B. Wet- sell, of Warren county, married in 1880 Father Al- van Fosterof county, born in 1804;wifeJaneD. Sco- vil. married in 1844, died in 1850; children three sons, living one; second wife Amanda McGovern. of county, married in 1863. Aaron Foster, born in New Haven county. Conn., in 1771, came to county in 1802; wife Abigail Baldwin, of Bradford, Conn., born in 1772, married Dec. 23, 1795. died July 19, 1872, aged one hundred years and two months; children two — Alvau, and Ansel. Fowler G. W., p o Lowville, born in Oneida connty in 1820, settled in county In 1840, leading member in firm of George W. Fowler & Suns, dealers in hardware, stoves, tin, sheet iron, belting, lead and iron pipe, wire fencing, etc., was editor and proprietor of the Northern Journal from W.'iS to 1858, was dry-goods merchant from 1840 to 18.'i5, and has been in hard- ware busin»iss twenty-one years; wife Elizabeth, daughter of Ziba and Lucy P. Knox, of county, married in 1848; children three— Edward E., born in 1854, Phillip S,, in 1856. and Thomas B., in 1860. Parents Edward and Nancy Fowler, of Oneida county. Frederick Herman, p o Lowville. farmer.born in Saxony,6er- many. in 1848, settled in county in October, 18711 wife Mrs, Anna B. Sedgwick, born in Saxony, Ger- many, married in 1874. Mrs. Sedgewick had four childien by two former husbands- Miss S. J. Boshart, and Charles A., Alvin G., and Dewitt R. Sedgewick. Gibbie Dr, Alexander R , P o Lowville, physician, surgeon and farmer, born in Scotland in 1833, settled in county in 1861, was graduated from the medical university of New York in that year, and com- menced practicing in Lowville. has been military and pension examining surgeon since 1861; wife Abbie A. Babcock. of Lowville, married in 1866; children thri-e. Parents Robert and Mary Robert- son Gibbie, of Scotland. Father of Mrs. Gibbie, Allen Babcock. born in county in 1807; wife AnuM. Day born in Massachusetts in 1804, married in 1833,' died in 1802. Grandparents settled in county before 1800, XVI HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Fuot A. D. and B. D, p oLowrille, dealers in groceries, farm implements, farm produce and salt in large quan- tities, born in county, A. O. in 1853, and R. D. in 1856, formed a co-partnership in Jul}[, 1881, succeed- ing the firm of D. D. Foot & Son, which was started in 1870. Father Denam D. Foot, born in count; in 1822, commenced business in Turin in 1855, settled in LowTilte in 18ti9, and retired from business life in 1881, was agent for the Walter A, Wood mower 27 years, and for the Ithaca horse-rake 12 years. Gebbie Alex. E., p o Lowville. Gerard Charles, p o Lowville, general blacksmith and wag- on manufacturer, born in France in 1834, settled in county in 1817; wife Lany Baker, born in France, married in 1859; children eight. Parents Joseph and Rosalia Gerrard, of France, settled in county in 1847, and the latter died in France in 1848. Grandparents Claude and Barbara Gerrard, settled in Crogban in 1830, went to Wisconsin in 1859, and died there. Gordon Andrew J., p o Lowville, retired carpenter and builder, 23 acres in homestead, born in county in 1832; wife Adeline S., daughter of Bradley and So- phia Curtis, of county, born in 1847, married in 1860. Father David T. Gorden, of Jefferson county ; wife Emily Carter, of Lewis county. Grandpar- ents came from Lanesboro, Berkshire county^ Mass., about 1800. Goutermont Phillip, p o Lowville, farmer 200 acres, born in Lowville in 1822. Parents Phillip and Ann Eve Goutermont, the former born in Germany, came to county about 1812; children eight, living two- Nicholas, born in 1816, residing in Castorland, and Philip. Gowdy Hiram, p o Lowville, tanner and farmer, born inMar- tinsburgh in 1824, has been excise commissioner; wife Eliisaberh, daughter of Henry and Maria Cad- well McCarty, of county, married in 1849; children three — Wellington H., Clarence M , and Howard B., also two by adoption — Frances E., and Mary M. Parents Bennett and Sally Collins Gowdy. Grand- parents Samuel and Alice Gleason Gowdy, settled in county in 1810 with eight children, of whom only one is now living— Mrs. Lucy Steiling, of Manins- burgh, Greeley William H., p o Lowville, station and expressagent, and coal and produce dealer, born in Essex county in 1S''5, settled in county in 1856; wife Sarah C. Scofield, of Lewis county, married in 1860; children two — Mary E., and Florence P. Parents Abraham M. and Priscilla Babcock Greeley, the former of Essex, and the latter of Rensselaer county. Haborer John E., p o Lowville, general furniture manufac- turer, wholesale and retail dealer and general nn- dcrtakpr. born in Utica, Oneida county, in 1851, settled in county in 1870. Brother George J. Hab- erer, was born in 1853. Parents Henry and Julia Haberer, of Germany, settled in county in 1875 ; children five. The two brothers purchased from Mr. John Conover his stock in trade, and added the extensive manufacturing department in February, 1876, putting up buildings three stories 45 by 75 feet, also one of ]^ stories 25 by 168 feet, with steam power, and giving employment to an aver- age of 60 persons. House J. Mather, p o Lowville, sheriff of county, born in Turin in 1839; wife Miss F. D., daughter of Nelson Squire, of Onondaga county, married in 1877. Father Joseph House, born in 1796, settled in county in 1801. died in 1881: wife Amanda House, of county, died in 1875. Hoyt Caleb James, p o Lowville, Blue Lime produce dealer, carpenter and joiner, born in Martintburghin 1833; wife Adxlia A. Hull, of county, married in 186S, died in 1866; children one— Carrie A.; second wife Sarah M. Hammond, of county, married in 1871 ; children two. -Minnie E., and Rutherford B. Hayes Hoyt. Parents James F. and Elizabeth B. Hoyt, of New Hampshire, settled in county in 1818. L'Auillier John B., p o Lowville, farmer and dairyman, 240 acres, born in France in 1828, settled in county in 1847; wife Elizabeth C, daughter of Hiram and Lydia Lee, born in Oneida county in 1825, married In 1847: children six. Parents Elixses and Mary L'Euillier, of France, came to county in 1847, and died there. Hutchlns J. C, p o Lowville, is engaged in manufacture of fine carriages and cutters, commenced business in 1878, and is soon to occupy the new factory now building by Mr. Smith, S}i stories, 117 by 67 feet, and to be run by steam power, born in Canada In 1835. settled in county in 1873; wife Elizabeth Soules of Canada, married in 1856. Parents John and Mary Markel Hutchins, the former born in St. Lawrence county, and the latter in Pennsylvania, the great-granddaughter of Robert Fulton. Johnson Daniel N., p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in Ot- sego county in 1814, settled in county in 1853; wife Mary L., daughter of Lyman and Lydia Salsbury White, of Herkimer oouuty, married May 3, 1837; children one- Hamilton. Parents Andrew and Abi- gail Johnson, of Utsego county. Jones William J., p o Lowville, farmer, born in Lewis county in 1858. Father GriflEeth Jones, bnrn in Wnles, came to county in 1847, died in 1879; wife Nancy Wynn, of county, died In 1872; children three, liv- ing one. Kellogg K. Collins, p o Lowville, hotel owner and proprietor, owns farm also, born in Westfleld, Mass., in 1823, settled in county in , purchased hotel in 1874, and conducted the same till June, 1881. when be leased it; wife Eliza B., daughter of Garret and Dolly Boshart, of county, married in 1855. King Andrew, p o Lowville, born in Scotland in 1820, settled in county in 1851, joined with his bro* her Robert in that year under the firm name of R. P. & A. King, in the manufacture of wagons, and afterward mak- ing the fine work for carriages; wife Elizabeth Stark, of Oswego county, married in 1850, died in 1855; children two; second wife Lydia M Bush, married in 1856; daughters three. King Robert P., p o Lowville, carriage and wagon manufac- turer and repairer, born in Scotland in 1825. set- tled in county in 1844 ; wife Cornelia, daughter of Dr. West, of Rome, married iu 1849. Parents An- drew and Naticy Pollock King, of Scotland, came to Oswego county in 1832, where the former died in 1869, and the latter came to county and died there. Kirley F. Peter, p o Lowville, tailor and dealer in gents* furnishing goods, born in Watson in 1841, member of firm of Kirley & Arthur, and formed a co-part- nership in February, 1880; wife Elizabeth Miller, of county, married in 1874. Parents Thomas and Maria Kirley, of Ireland, born in 1800, married in 1820, settled in county in 1831; children seven. Knight Richard, p o Lowville, farmer 100 acres, born in county in 1827; wife Marjr L. Browp, t.f Herkimer county, born in 1835, married in 1855; children, one Elizabeth J. Parents Israel and Elizabeth Stark- weather Knight, of Herkimer county, settled in county in 1810. Lanpher Hiram S.. p o Lowville, building jobber and con- tractor, born in Lowville in|1810; wifeMary D. Stev- ens, of county, born in 1812, married in 1831, died in 1854; children two daughters; second wife An- geline L. Lyman, of Oneida county, bom in 1823, married in 1856, died July 6, 1881 : children two sons. Parents Pardon and Mary Bailey Lanpher. of Rhode Island, settled in county about 1800. The present court house was built by Hiram S. Lanpher A. M., p o Lowville. member of firm of A. M. & H. Laipher, dealers in crockery, china and glass- ware, also groceries and provisions, born in Jeffer- son county in 1843. settled in county in 1846, has been treasurer and superintendent of poor; wife Emma A. Hawven, of Jefferson county, married in 1871. Parents Jonathan T. and Elizabeth B. Lan- pher, the former of Lewis county, and the latter of Connecticut. Leonard H. C, p o Lowville, proprietor of poultry yard, born in Ohio In 1839, settled In county in 1848. Parents Cornelins B. and Elizabeth T.- Leonard the former of Lewis county, died "in 1863, and the latter of Oneida county, died in 1869; children two-H C and Mary E., born in 1841. Leonard Charles P., p o Lowville, president of Black River National bank, born in Lowville in 1826, is engaged in the manufacture of chairs, and is a prominent manager of the Lowville Steam ManufacturlDe Co.; wife Sarah J. Tyler, of county, married in 1848, died in 18H5; children two— Charlotte and Elizabeth- second wife Mrs. Elizabeth Glasgow Pelton, mar- ried in March, 1869. Charles E Pelton son of Mrs Leonard by first husband. Parents Stephen and Jane Martin Leonard, the former born in Spring- field, Mass , came to county In 1804. died iu 1868 and the latter married in 1806, died in 1872. ' Locklin J. H., p o Lowville, jeweler and dealer in all varie- ties of sheet music, is successor to J W. Herring purchasing business in 1877, and forming the firm of Looklln & Tardy, continuing till 1881, when Mr Locklin purchased Mr. Tardy% interest, was born in New York city, enlisted in Co. F, Bist N.Y. Regt. in 1861, was discharged in 1865; wife Emma Potter of Watson, married In 1878; children two— Ray- mond B. and Gertie L. PERSONAL STATISTICS. xvn LlviDKSton Edward M., p o LowviUe, farmer, born in county in 1833; vife Adaline Stoddard, of county, married in 1847; children one — Marian L. Father Richard LivingEton, born in Canada lii 17ti7, died in 1860, was a prominent Revolutionary soldier; wife Mary Bamett, born in Connecticut in 1785, died in 184U. McCullock \7illiam, p o LowviUe, banker, born in New Tork city in 1800, settled in county in 1825, has been member of State convention, retired from the stove and tin-ware business in 1853, and commenced banking in 1864; wife Mary Van Slyck, of Schenec- tady, married In March, 1826, died iu 1853; second wife Sarah Bush, of Kings county, married in 1860. Mereness C. S,, p o LowviUe, lawyer, born in county In 1862, has been district attoiney: wife Rebecca Evans, of Turin, married in 1817. Father Abraham Mereness, of Schoharie county; wife Laura Mills, of Lewis county. Mitchell Charles E., p o LowviUe, born in London, Eng., in 1H3I, settled in county in 1849, has been deputy clerk of county; wife Hannah Rittis, of Harris- burgh, married In 1658; children five. Mills Deloss, p o LowviUe, retired farmer and brick manu- facturer, 370 acres, born in LowviUe in 18IS, has been commissioner of highways; wife Emily Storrs, of Martinsburgb, married in 1845, died in 1846: sec- ond wife Amelia Lansing, of Montgomeiy county, married in 1850; children four— Harriet m.. Charles Allen, Emily A., and Nellie J. Parents Timothy and CathHrine Taylor Milts, of Montgomery county, settled in county in 1810. Mills Augustus M , p o LowviUe. grain dealer and general miller, bom in Pike, Montgomery county, in 18*9, settled In county in 1856; wife Mary Lansing, of Montgomery county, married in lb57, children two —George L. and Frank S. Parents Latbrop and Olive Mills, oC Wyoming county. Morrison E. D., p o LowviUe, marble and granite dealer, commenced business in 1875, born in Saratoga county Dec. 24, 180.S, settled in county in March, 1805; wife Maria Van Veehten, of Montgomery county, born in 1803. married in 1827, died in 1838; children three; second wife Mrs. Frances Hurd Puffer, of county, born in 1815, married in 1842. Morrison William H., p o LowviUe, general druggist and pre- scrlptionist, also dealer in fancy goods and gro- ceries, born in county in 18f5; wife Emma Arthur, of county, married in 1880. Parents Elijah D. and Frances Morrison, of Massachusetts. Murray Rosweli F., p o LowviUe, dealer in general books and stationery, born In county in 1823; wife LuclndaF. Pitcher, of cr^unty, married In 1844; children five. Parents J ubal and Rena Richards Murray. Nefsey James, p o LowviUe, farmer, dairyman and bop grower, born in Harrisburgh in 1852; wife Mary, daughter of Chester and Electa Lanpher Chadwiek, of county, married in 1876. Parents Patrick H. and Mary Cochrane Nefsey, of Canada, were among the early settlers of county. Joseph and Hannah Chadwiek, of Connecticut, settled in county about 1800. Oatman Hiram C, p o LowviUe, proprietor livery and sale stables, born in Jefferson bounty in 1826, settled in county in l848;wife Julia Eoberts.of Oneida county, married in 1847; children three— Charles H., Mer- ritt N., andldaC. Patten Daniel, p o LowviUe, farmer 275 acres, born in Low- viUe in 1809; wife Abigail Hardey, born in Jefferson county in 1812, married in 1846, died in 1847; chil- dren one— Abbey H., died in 1864; second wife Re- becca, daughter of Dr. Adams, married in 1R50; ehildren one — B. Frank, who married Mary Bannon in 1874, and has one son. Father Jonathan Patten, of Massachusetts, came to county in 1801; wife Wealthy Davenport, of Massachusetts, died in 1810; oblldren Ave; second wife Elizabeth B. Rice, died in 1869; children three, and of the eight children the following three survive— Alanson, born in 18C4, Rhoda B., in 1819, and Daniel, in 1609. Phillips H. A., p LowviUe. Pflster John, p o LowviUe, farmer andproprletor of foundry and machine shop, born in Wiesenbacb, Germany, in 1830, came to Jefferson county in 1845, and set- tled in county In 1853. has held several town and village offices; wife Emily J., daughter of Morris and iJeborab Winchell, of St. Lawrence county, born In 1832, married Oct. 21, 1859 ; children four. Parents Michael and Catharine Ffister, the former of whom died in Germany in 1831. Powell GrifBn, p o LowviUe, member of Arm of Pflster & Powell, proprietcrs of foundry and machine shop, born in Oneida county in 1817, settled in county in 1837; wife. Eliza Seymour of county, married in 184.1, died in 1869; second wife, Sarah A. Gavitt of Chenango county, married in 1859; children three. Ralne Samuel S., p o LowviUe, retired merchant, born in Oneida county in 16.S7, settled in county in 1860; has been superintendent of poor several years; wife Angellne L. Park, married in 1862 Parents, William and Annetta B. Baine of Oneida county. Rea Rutson E., p o LowviUe, proprietor of steam mills and general flour, seeds, and produce dealer, born in Columbia county in 1816. settled in county in 1825, commenced present business in 1853; wife, Clarissa, daughter of Newton and Elizabeth Clark, of coun- ty, married In 1840; hildren one. Parents, Peter and Elizabeth Rea, came to county in 1635. Reed Elihu, p,o LowviUe, farmer, born in LowviUe Novem- ber 30, 18-5; wife, Julia Warne of Rensselaer coun- ty, born In 1828, married in 1848, died July 6. 1662; children five. Parents, Henry and Elizabeth Reed of Montgomnlery county, came to county in 1806, and the former was a revolutionary soldier bt.ing in many active engagements. Bis parents were killed by the Indians near Johnstown, New York. Rice Charles, p o LowviUe, farmer, 340 acres, born In Low- viUe In 18'^7; wife. Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Mary Snell Loucks, of county, br>rn in 1830, married In 1848; chilrlren three— Allen E., Leonard C , and Mary D. Father, Abel Bice, born in Berk- shire county, Massachusetts, in 1792, served In the war of 18)3, also built and opened a carding mill that is supposed to be the first in that section, and which is now used as a feed and cider mill. Rice Amos, po LowviUe, retired gentleman, born in (3reene county, August 22, 1600, settled in county April 1, 1657; wife, LorettaS. Andrews of Greene county, born February 23, 1804, married in June 1824; chil- dren ten, living six— B. Blair, Sarah H., Tale, Wil- liam W., Lucy Buell. and Rev. Francis Fenelon Rice. Rogers Charles, p o LowviUe, retired farmer and dairyman, 680 acres, born in county in 1821; wife, Nancy Wet- more of county, mHrried in 1844; ebildreo five. Parents, Robert and Sally Rogers, settled In coun- ty in 1805. John W. Jones of Oneida county, born in 1848, settled In county in 1872; wife, Addie Rog- ers, married in 1673. Rogers William P., p o LowviUe. Root Avery R., p o LowviUe, retired capitalist, born in Mar- tinsburgb January 20. 1811; wife, Mable S., daugh- ter of George A. and Temperance Allen Stoddard, born in county in 1813, married in 1853. died Jan, 5, it81. Parents, Stephen and Hannah Root of Westfleld, Massachusetts, settled in county in 1807. Ross Howard D , p o LowviUe, farmer, born in county in 1855; wife! Francis J. Bowen, married in 1879; chil- dren one— Jessie H. Parents, Charles and Susan Ross of Herkimer county, settled In county in 1840; children ten— Watson F., Eugene V., Samuel N , Irwin M., Orville J., Dennis F., Howard D., Charles D , Jr., Anna V., and Fred N. Ryau M. J., p o LowviUe, proprietor of Central Hotel, born in Ireland in 1836, settled in county September 4, 1875; wife, Anna Ryan of Canada, married Janu- ary 6, 1867; children five. The Central hotel isone of the early buildings of the town and has lately been in part rebuilt and lurnished, and is conduct- ed in the best manner. Searl Anson M., p o LowviUe, farmer, 500 acres, born iu LowviUe In 1834; has been highway commissioner; wife. Electa, daughter of Levi and Maria Bowen, married in 1847; chUdren three— Ann M., EUen A. and Lelan B. Parents, Quartus and Ann Searl, the former from Vermont and the latter of Connecti- cut, came to county about 1810. Sears Samuel P., p o LowviUe, retired carpenter, builder and farmer, born iu Leyden in 1815, has been su- pervisor, justice and coroner; wife, Rosetta An- drews of Herkimer county, born in 1813, married in 1839; children four— Andrew S , Nelson B., Julia B and Laura A. Mr. Sears was the third man to settled in the town of Montague which originally belonged to West Turin and was set off in 1860 through his influence. Parents, Daniel T. and Betsey Thomas Sears of Connecticut, settled in county in 1804; children ten, living seven. Sharp Ira, p o LowvUle, farmer, dairyman, and hop grower, 295 acres, born In LowviUe In 1848, has been justice of peace; wife Ella S. Curtis, married in 1874. Par- ents, Jamea C. and Noncy Kitts Sharp of county. XVUl HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Sharp James C, p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in Den- mark July 10. 1816; wife, Nancy Eitts of county, born in 1816, married in 18.39; cnildrer three— Ira, Victoria A., and Albert A. Parents, William and letsey Eitts Sharp, the former born in England in 178!i, settled in county in 1808, was in war of 1812, and the latter born in Johnstown, Montgomery county Sheldon Cyrus L., p o Lowville, cheese manufacturer and farmer, 140 acres, born in Martinsbur^h in 1835; has been member of assembly; wife, M. Amelia, daughter of Lueus and Margaret Wright of county, married in 1860; children seven. Parents, Ira and Fannie Blnaham Sheldon, of Connecticut, settled in county in 1830. Siegal John, p o Lowville. brewer of ale, born in Bavaria, Germany in 1814, settled in county in 1852, was the first manufacturer of Sweitzpr cheese in county, bringing tools from Geimany; wife, Christina Siegal of Bavaria, married in 1840, died in 1866; children two; second wife, Margeret Ritey. of France, born in 1835, came to county in 1847, mar- ried in 1866; children three. Smith W. H.. p o Lowville, dealer in wagons, carrieges, all farming imp'ements and Canada horses, born in St. Lawrence county in 18B3, settled in county in 1868; wife. Famelia Pebbles of county, married in 1877. Mr Smith is at present engaged in erecting a large factory for manufacturing purposes, three stories, 117 by 63 feet, with steam elevator. Smith William, farmer, born in Massachusetts in 1797. set- tled in county in 1821, died in 1864; wife. Sarah Segrave of Massachusetts, born in 17t<9, married in 1821, died in 1877, children six, living four. Stephens Charles M., retired gentleman, born in Lowville June 12, 1817, died September 12. 1872; wife, Eliza A. Sherwood of Herkimer county, born October 6,1823, married in 1841; children two, living one- Julia H., born in August 1S44. wife of A. Perry Herrington of Ohio, born in 1841, married in 16tl. Parents Ira ana Hannah Stephens. Sterling John C, p o Lowville, farmer and dairyman, born in Montgomery county In 1837, settled in county in 1843; wife, Sarada, daughter of Amasa Dodge of county, married in 1858; children three— Florence M., Jennie A., and Freddie S. Parents, Shuler and Eliza Sterling, of Montgomery county. Stevens William W., p o Lowville. farmer, 182 acres, born in JefCerson county in 1842, settled in county in same year, has been collector; wife, Maria H. Buell of county, married in 1868, children two- Bell D., Elizabeth B Alfred and Hannah Buell parents of Mrs. Stevens. Steve usSamuel, p o Lowville, retired farmer, born in Con- necticut in 18(16, settled in county in 1807, has been assessor and postmaster; wife. Minerva Rogers of county, born in 1810, married In 1831. died in 1852; children one— Sarah B. ; second wife, Elizabeth Evans of North Wales, barn in 1816, married in 18.'.3; children one— Robert Kent. Father, James Stevens, born in Connecticut in 1757, came to county in 1807, died in 1847; children nine, living one. Grandfather. Joseph Stevens of Connecticut, served as a Revolutionary soldier, came to county in 18U7 and received a pension of $144 till death. Stoddard Charles Sidney, p o Lowville, retired farmer, 293 acres, born in Hsrrisburgb in 1809, has been assessor; wife, Nancy Umphrey of county, born in 1812, married in 1831; children five. Parents, George A. and Temperance Allen Stoddard of Con- necticut, came to county in 1802 with a team of one horse and a yoke of oxen, in company with Celas Bush, a brother-in-law. performing the jour- ney in 19 days and paying $250 per acre for farms. Stoddard George W., p o Lowville, farmer, born in county in 1841; wife. Emma G. Arthur of county, married in 1878; children one. Parents, Jacob A and Mi- randa Stoddard of Vermont, settled in county. Stoddard Amasa S., p o Lowville, retired merchant, born in county in 1835, has been president of village; wife, Julia A., daughter of Samuel and Ada Smith of Massachusetts. Parents, Charles S. and Nancy Stoddard of Lowville. Stoddard Milton P., p o Lowville, farmer, bom in Harris- burgh July 2", 1828; wife, Augusta A. Arthur of county, married in 1857,died March 15, 1866; chil- drtu one— Hattie; second wife. Mrs Carolina Kitts Campbell, married in 1876; children two- Clara E., and Leon E. Charles L., first husband of Mrs. Campbell, died in 1872; children one— Minnie, born in 1868. Turner Hon. Henry E., p o Lowville, lawyer, bom in New Hampshire in 1832, settled in county in 1856, has been judge of county, district attorney and mem- ber of senate, with a lieutenant^s commission he assisted in raising the first New York light artil- lery regiment and served nine months in 1862; wife, Amandy L. Hill of county, Parents, Robert and Carolina Turner of New Hampshire. Waters V. Lansing, p o Lowville, general merchant, bom in Oneida county in 1643, settled in county in 1845, commenced business as clerk in 1860, as partner in firm of DC. West & Co. in 1867, Waters and Easton in 1878 and V. L. Waters t Co, in 1881, gen- eral dealer in dry-doods, notions, carpets and clothing. Parents, Van B. and Belinda R. Burr Waters of county. Weller Henry H., p o Lowville, farmer 275 ^icres, bom in county In 1817; wife, Eliza Sackett of county mar- ried in 1848; children three— Leonard Alden, born in 1862, Harriet, in 1854, and Henry D. in 1860. Father, Silas Weller, born in Westfleld, Massa- chusetts, settled in county in 1801, served in war of 1812; wife, Nancy Bush. Weller Harvey, p o Lowville, farmer, 300 acres, born in Low- ville in 1815; wife, Polly W. Sackett of county, married in 1841, died in 1865; children five, living three; second wife, Mary Benedict of county.mar- ried March 6, 1866. Parents, Silas and Nancy Bush Weller. West Mrs. E H., p o Lowville. Wilbur Royal P., p o Lowville, retired gentleman, born in Lowville in 1836; wife, Caroline P. Northrup of Lowville, married June 29, 1870. Parents, Gordice and Mary S. Wilbur, the former of Massachusetts and the latter of Cayuga county. Mrs. Wilbur was daughter of Allen and Harriet P. Northrup, and granddaughter of General Joseph A. Northrup. Wilcox Lyman, p o Lowville. farmer and hop grower, 91 acres, born in Lowville, in 1825, has been aesessor and licensed auctioneer; wife, Martha B. Weaver, of Rutland, Jefferson county, born in 18-25, mar- ried in 1849; children one— Ella L. Parents, Ros- well and Irene Nickerson Wilcox, the former born in Connecticut, came to county in 1798, and the latter, born in Martha's Vineyard; children thir- teen, living five. Wilcox Marcellus J., p o Lowville, farmer, 170 acres, born in Lowville, in 1829. has been assessor; wife, Mary J., daughter of Richard and Roxanna Wilcox, born in Leydeu iu 1834, married in 1851; children, one — Minnie J. Parents, Roswell and Irene Nickerson Wilcox Williams Robert D., p o Lowville, farmer, born in Wales, in 1821. settled iu county in 1829, has been excise com- missioner; wife, Barbara Bader, born in Germany, married in 1846, died in 1857; children one — Mary Elizabeth; second wife, Mrs. Hester Ann Ward Davenport, married in 1866. Hester Ann Ward, born in Oneida county, iu 1817, married in 1847; husband, Adison Davenport, born in county in 1810. died in I860: children, three— Adison 0., Zer- viah L., and Ashley W. C. O. Gravet*, of Jefferson county, husband of Mary E. Williams, now living in Mississippi. Wilson John 8., p o Lowville, farmer, 165 acres, born in Jeff- erson county In 1«31, settled in county in 1845, has been assessor; wife, Parmelia Lasher, of county, married in 1856. Parents, James and Mercy Wil- son, of Washington county, settled in county about 1808, the latter died in 1873, and the former in 1875; children six, living four. Wood L. Sprague, p o Lowville. proprietor of Lowville Rail- road Hotel and Eating House, born in Lowville in 1818; wife, Mary Johnson, of Cooperstown, Otsego county. Parents, Lemuel and Hannah Sprague Wood, of Lanesborough, Mass,, settled in county in 1807, LYONSDALE. Ager JoelW., p o Lyonsdale, lumber dealer, paper manu- facturer and farmer, 676 acres, born In Warner, N. H.. August 20, 1826, settled in county August 1, 1848, has been postmaster twenty-one years; wife Julia F. Williams, of Ogdensburg. St. Lawrence county, married October 25, 1864; children fou^ — Josie £. W., C. Leonard J.. J. A. Florence, and F. Pet Williams. Parents Elipbaz and Esther (Wheeler) Ager, the former a native of Arlington, Vermont, and the latter of Newport, N. H. PERSONAL STATISTICS. XIX Barns Rosel, p o Boonville, farmer and lumberman 800 acres, bom in Jefferson county June 23, 1833, set- tled in uountj in 1840, has been commissioner of highways; wife Harriet, daughter of Ezra Belknap of Turin, married in October, 1840; children one- Louisa Helmer. Parents Stephen and Mercy (Noyes) Barnes, natives of Connecticut, now resi- dents of Jefferson county. Bettd Orry, p o Port Leyden, hop grower and farmer 82 acres, born in Bensseiear county October 19, 1832, settled in couDty in 1833, has been highway com- missioner and school trustee ; wife Lorena Jacobie, married June 14. 1^5; children two- Clara and Bertha. Parents Uriah and Ann(Hu8ted) Betts, natives of Rensselear county, and former residents of Lewis county Parents of Mrs. Betts Nicholas and Lydla Jacobie, natives of Rensselaer county. Brown Henry, p o Port Leyden, merchant, lumber manu- facturer and farmer, 1,150 acres, born in Colum- bia county June 4, 1803, settled in countT in 1851; wife Sarah L. Williams, of Connecticut, born Nov. 30, 1603, married December 25, 1824, died Decem- ber 16, 1877; children six— George H., William F., John W., Alfred A., Sarah B., and Henrietta. Par- ents George and Mary (Crosby) Brown, of Colum- bia county. Coleman Anthony, p o Port Leyden. Barl Alfred, p o Boonville, farmer 220 acres, born in Herki- mer county November 1, 1807, settled in county in 1851; wife Sarah Ann, daughter of Abraham and Lucy Stevens, of Oueida, married December 18, 1842; children living six— Georga W., James F., Mary E., Marcus D., Frank R., and Alvin W. Par- ents Samuel and Elizabeth (McEee) Earl, of Her- kimer county. Earl George W., p o Port Leyden, farmer and lumberman ^ acres, born in Herkimer county December 18, 1844, settled in county in 1851. has been collector; wife I. E. Dygert, of Little Falls, married Febru- ary 22, 1869; children five- Harvey, Ernest. Curtis, Arthur, and Grace. Parents Alfred and Sarah Stevens. Fruin James Augustus, p o Port Leyden, practical farmer and lumberman S3 acres, born in Lyonsdale Julr 4, 1842, settled on present farm in 1878; wife Hen- rietta, daughter of Henry and Sarah Brown, of Columbia county, married March 22, 1869; chil- dren living three— Henry A., Ralph E., and Bessie M. Parents Joseph and Cornelia Fruin. settled in Lyonsdale about 1820. Gould G. Henry P., p o Lyons Falls, merchant and lumber manufacturer, 10,160 acres, born in West Turin June 10, 1848, settled in Lyonsdale In 1869, has been assemblyman and supervisor; wife Lizzie Frichard, of Oneida county, married September 15, 1870; children two— L. E. and Harry P. Par- ents Henry and Mary E. Gould, residents of West Turin. Hemstreet Calvin, p o Port Leyden, gardener one acre, born in Russia, Herkimer county. May 12, 1827, settled in county in 1844, is overseer of poor; wife Mary A. Ford, ef Oneida ceunty, married May 12. 1350; children two— C. Sylvester, died in 1859, and MaryJaoe, died May 17, 1863. Parents Nicholas and Hannah (Reese) Hemstreet, natives of Madi- son county, settled in Lewis county in 1849. Hubbard Eugene W., p o Port Leyden, farmer and real estate dealer, 3.000 acres, born in Leyden February 16, I847,settled in Lyonsdale in 1866; wife Emma U., daughter of Jesse and Delia rschell) Gould, of Lyonsdale, married December 11, 1866* Parents John and Mary (ScrafEord) Hubbard, residents of this town. Hubbard Manley H., p o Port Leyden, farmer 120 acres, bom in Martinsburgh March 12. 1843, settled in Lyonsdale in 1860, has been assessor and justice of the peace: wife Fannie, daughter of Harvey and Eleanor Dygert, of Little Falls, married Aug. 7,1867. Parents John P. and Mary (Scrafford) Hubbard, the former a son of Seley Hubbard, one of the first settlers of Martinsburgh, and he a son of Robert, the first settler of Leyden. Jacobie William H., p o Port Leyden, general farmer 65 acres, born in Rensselaer county March 4, 1817, settled in county In 1835; wife Lydia S., daughter of Solomon and Roxa (Hubbard) Douglass, of Ley- den, married in October, 1840; children living three — M. Rose, Deforest S , and Judson D. Parents Nicholas W^. and Lydia Jacobie, natives of Rens- selaer county, and former residents of Lewis county. Eoster J. S., p o Lyons Falls, pulp manufacturer, born In Massachusetts June 21, 1841, settled in county in 1876, is superintendent of the pulp works of the Herkimer paper company; wife Minnie L. Kinzey, of New York city, married in April, 1866; children four, Lyon Lyman B., real estate dealer and farmer: also large land owner, born August 29, 1806, settled in county in 1818, died April 7, 1869, was supervisor and mem- ber of assembly, and very active in the construe- tion of the Black river canal. In 1867-*68, he trav- eled for bis health through Europe, Egypt, Pales- tine, returned to Lewis county, spent the follow- ing winter in Florida, and died at Savannah; wife Mary B. Northrup, born in Connecticut April 98. 1812. married in July, 1839: children living five — Lyman H., Mary L., Chester J., Julia J., and Florence I. Price Robert M., p o Collinsville, farmer 85 acres, born in Wales December 28, 1838, settled in county in 1864; wife Ellen J. Pugh, of Wales, married July 5, 1861; children four-Pugh R , Jennie E., John E, and Ellen. Parents Robert and Jane Price, res- idents of Wales. Rogers Thomas, p o Port Leyden, lumber manufacturer and farmer 300 acres, born in Marshfield, Mass , Jan- uary 9, 180:!, settled in county in 1837, has been supervisor, justice of the peace, justice of ses- sion, and town superintendent; wife Rachel, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Townsend, of Lowville, married October II, 18-28; children four living—Fllzabeth, Laura S., T. Townsend, and Samuel, five having died when quite young Par- ents James and Deborah Rogers, of Massachu- setts, the former a descendant of John Rogers, the martyr who was burned at the stake in Smith- field, Eng., in 1555. Bchell Adam, p o Lyons Falls, carpenter, joiner and real estate agent, interested in 1,160 acres, born in Schoharie county December 14, 1816, settled in county in 1823, has been town clerk; wife Char- lotte, daughter of Joshua and Betsy Harris, of Berne, Albany county, married Jan. 3,1836; children six— Harris, Hiram H., Herrick B., LaFayette, Clara M., and Alice M., two having died . Parents Jacob P. and Elizabeth (Deitz) Schell. Schetl Harris, p o Port Leyden, farmer and real estate dealer, interested in 3,100 acres, born in Greig November 15, 1839, settled in Lyonsdale in 186.5, has been overseer of poor and highway commis- sioner, was in Company I. 5th N. Y. Artillery; wife Estella M., daughter of John and Mary (Scrafford) Hubbard, uf Leyden, married December 11, 1866; children two— Josie M. and Mary C. Parents Jacob P. and Elizabeth Schell. Seger Francis, lawyer, born in Borne, Albany county March 1*2, 1796 settled in county in 1826, died in April, 1872; wife Lorie E., dvuther of Caleb and Alary Lyon, of Ontario county, born December 6, 1804, married September 9, 1826, Parents Garrett and Catherine Seger, of Berne, Albany county. Seger E L., p o Lyons Falls. Walker Dewey L., p o Port Leyden, dairy farmer, interested in 550 acres, born in Rensselaer county December 15, 1827, settled in county in 1868, has been asses- sor and highway commissioner; wife Christiana, daughter of George and Caihtirine Simmons, of Rensselaer'county. married June 1, 1853. Parents Joseph and Lucy (Herrington) Walker, natives of Rhode Island, and residents of Rensselaer county. MARTINSBURGH. Adams Mrs. Louisa A., p o Martinsburgh, born in Martina- burgh Cebruary 18, 1808, ewns 35 acres; husband Thomas J. Adams, married February 24, 1842, Father Bradford Arthur, came from Rhode Island in 1802, with wife and two children- Louisa and Warren,— and was seventeen days on journey. Alger Edwin E., p o Martinsburgh, farmer f>7 acres, born in Martinsburgh February 4, 1857; wife Minnie Adams of Steuben county, married January 1, 1879. Fath- er Eleazer Alger, native of Connecticnt, settled in county about 1842. Albercht William, p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 83 acres, born in Germany May 18, 18'£, settled in county in 1857; wife Abigail Vandenburgh, married in 1860; one son— Fredsrick Albercht. Father Michael Albercht. HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Alger George S., p o Martinsburgb, cheese manufacturer, IX acres laud, born in Watson May 1, 1845, settled in tovn in 1^1 ; factory built in 1862, by Dunton ; wife Mary GrltBtb, of New Bremen, married in 1869; children two— Herbert and Leapha. Parents Leonard and Olarrissa Alger, Archer Zepbaniah Archer, p o Lowvllle, dairy and grain farmer and hop grower. 111 acres, born in Mar- tinsburgh May 27, 1824; wife Margaret Jones, of Wales, married May 8, 1848; children six. Father Annanias Archer, was son of John Archer, one of first settlers in town. Arthur Alfred, p u Martinsburgb, farmer 470 acres, born in Martinsburgh August 15, 1818, has been supervisor and commissioner of highways; first wife, Mary E. Peebles; second wife Louisa H. Slater; children two— Helen E. and Clarence E. Father Levi Ar- thur, a native of Massachusetts and one of th^j first settlers in Martinsburgh. Arthur Charles D,, p o Lowville, dairy farmer 2223^ acres, born on present farm April 2, 1857; wife Helen C. Young, of Copenhagen, married in October, 1879; one child — Maud S. Father Augustus Arthur, son of Joseph Arthur. Arthur Orlando, Jr., p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 117 acres, bom in Martinsburgh August 6, 1838; wife Ann Thayer, of Jefferson county, married in 1858; children four— Jerome C. Earnest A., Alonzo D., and George W. Father Orlando Arthur. Arthur Charles D , p o Martinsburgh, dairy farmer and hop grower, born in Martinsburgh May 12, 1841; wife Adda McCue, married in 1875; children two — Levi and AJdie M. Arthur Orlando, p o Martinsburgh, farmer 1,000 acres, born in Martinsburgh Juno 4, 1809; wife Eliza Mastin, married in 1834; children eight. Father Levi Arthur. Ashbeach John J., p o West Martinsburgh, farmer 75 acres, born in Switzerland May 28, ISsi!), settled in county in l&W; wife Caroline Repner, of Saxony, married in 1863; children four— Carl, Leon, Bertha and Flora. Father Jacob Ashbeach. Babcock Charles C , p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 150 acres, born in Martinsburgh November 15, 1834; wife Mary Jane Knight, married December 4. 1860; OLe daughter— Zoah S Father Cbauncey Bab- cock, a native of Massachusetts. Benton Thomas S., p o Martinsburgh, carpenter and farm' er 100 acres, born in Otsego county September 29' 1830, settled in county in 1837; wife Fannie Lark' ins, married in 1855; children three— Eugene T. William y., and Loren J. Father Loren D. Benton" Bingham Howard C. p o Martinsburgb, dairy and grain farmer 300 acree. born in Martinsburgh October 19, 1849: wife Frances L. Moore, married in 1876; one child— Earl A. Parents Alexander and Eunice Bingham, former a native of Connecticut and lat- ter of New York. Botsford Ezra, p o Martinsburgh, blacksmith, owns bouse and shop, born in Connecticut January 21, I80S, settled in county in May, 1830; wife Betsey Way, of Connecticut, married September 10, Sii; chil- dren four — Helen T., Isaac. Henry W., and Charles L. Bowman James P , p o Lowvllle, grain and dairy farmer ISl- acres, born in Lowvllle February 17, 1842; wife Elizabeth T. Elliott, of Lowville, married in 1867; one child- Anna. Father Richard Bowman, a native of Lewis county. Bradt Henry, p o Lowville, dairy farmer 84 acres, born in Harrisburgh July 14, 1S39; wife Lois Bowen, of Lowville, married in 1866; children four— A Celia, William, Bhoda and Libbie. Parents Abram • and Lucy Bradt. Brown Daniel E , p o West Martinsburgb, cheese manufac- turer and farmer 38 acres, born in Jefferson coun- ty December 29, 1837, settled in county in 1861; wife Martha R. Seymour, married in 1860; children two— Jennie M and Nellie L. Parents Ira and Alzina Brown. Coats James M,, p o West Martinsburgh, grain and dairy farmer and hop grower, 145 acres, born on present farm December 26, 1818; wife Cornelia Birks. of Redfield, Oswego county, married in 1849. Father James Coate, settled on same farm in 18C4. Corwin Newell J , p o Glensdale, farmer 80 acres, born on present farm December 22, 1838; wife Charlotte Smith, of Greig, married In 1867; children four- Eugene W., Mary L., Hattie C, and Ida'. Father George W. Corwin, settled in town in 1816. Corrigan John, p o Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 440 acres, born in Canada June 24, 1833, settled In county in 1858, has been highway commissioner two terms; wife Charlotte HeSany, married in 1857; children seven— James B., Charles E., Florence G., Alice E., George F., Estella J, and Justus V. Father James Corrigan. Curtis Benjamin S., p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 170 acres, born in Martinsburgh March 10, 1844; wife Helen E. Stevens, married in 1865. Father Uriah B. Curtis, son of Peter Curtis, of Massa- chusetts. Curtis Emory B , p o West Martinsburgh, farmer 106X acres, born in Martinsburgh July 5, 1848. settled on present farm in 1857; wife Maria L Stevens, of Lowville, married in 1876; one daughter— Anna M. Father U. B. Curtis. Evans Edward, p o Lowville, farmer 147 acres, born in Wales in September, 1813, settled on present farm m 1848; wife Margaret Jones, married in January, 1838, died June 18, 1880; children four— John, Oli- ver, Margaret and Henry. Evans Roland, p o (Glensdale, dairy farmer, 140 acres, born in Wales, May 4, 1836, settled in county in 1850, has been commissioner of highways; wife, Mary Pee- bles, married in 1866; cbildrenfive— Ida S.. Minnie F., LydiaA., Miller B., and Fay Parents, Roland and Ann Evans. Goodrich Charles M,, p o Glensdale, carpenter and joiner, SO acres, born in Martinsburgh, is commissioner of highways Father, Sylvanus Goodrich, son of James Goodrich, a native of Connecticut. Gordon Solon, p o Lowville, dairy farmer and hop grower, 146 acres, born in Martinsburgb, September 30, 18a2, has been commissioner of highways six years; wile, Hettie E. Crane, of Oneida county, married in February, 1855; children four— Webster S., Cora E., Charles C, and Fay S. Father, David T. Gor- don, an early settler of county. Gowdy Charles H., p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer and hop grower, 63 acres, born on present farm November 10, 1836. Father, Samuel Gowdy. was fiist hop grower in county. Charlts H., has pri- vate fish pond of ten thousand trout. Gowdy F. C, p o West Martinsburgb, cheese manufacturer, owns bouse and lot, born in Martinsburgh. pur- chased present factory in 187.3. Father, Calvin Gowdy, a native of Connecticut, settled in town in 1802. Green Willard, p o West Martinsburgh. dairy farmer 155 af res, born in Otsego county, October 9, 1830, set- tli (1 in 1884; wife, Eliza M' rse, of Massachusetts married in 1857; children three- Taylor M. Homer J., and Burdett S. Parents, Willard and Harriet Green. Hall Henry, p o Lowville, grain and dairy farmer, 275 acres, born m Newport, Herkimer county, April 23 1828, settled in county in 1845; wife, Harriet Whitinore, of Denmark, married In 1848; children three- Franklin, Alice and Charles. Parents, William and Dulcenia Hall. Holmes Ansel G , p o Glensdale, dairy farmer, 231 acres born in New Bremen, January 30. 1834, settled on present farm In 1864, has been assessor; wife, Ro- setta M. Stoddard, married November 8, 1855; chil- dren two— Anna E., and Minnie M. Only son of Richard Holmes, a native of Massachusetts, who settled in county about 1830. Johnson Hamilton A., p o Lowville, dairy and grain farmer, controlla 265 acres, born in Newport, Herkimer county. May 9. 1889. settled on present farm in 1853; wife, Martha Peebles, married in 1863; chil- dren four— Ina M., Lois M., Charles D , and Grace M. Parents, Daniel N., and Mary Johnson. Johnson Warren C.,p oMartinsburgh, farmer, 95 acres born born in Martinsburgh, June 15, 1824, settled on present farm in March, 1864, has been assessor fifteen years; wife, Julia Cadwell, of Verona. Onei- da county, married in 1850. Father, Edward John- son. Jr., son of Edward Johnson, who settled in Turin when there was no white man living be- tween that place and the St. Lawrence river. Kilham George J., p o Houseville, farmer and assessor 200 acres, born in Turin, August 18, 1836, settled on present farm in 1862; wife, Mary Swart, of Turin married in 1861; children two, Clara B., and Min- nio M. Father, Heman Kilham, a native of Massa- chusetts. King Mrs. Catherine C, p o West Martinsburgh. Lane Hiram, p o Martinsburgh, dairy farmer, 229 acres, born in BoonviUe, Oneida county, settled on present farm in 1871; wife, Eunice Roberts, of Turin, mar- ried in 1851 ; children seven. Parents, Biram and Mercy Lane. PERSONAL STATISTICS. XXI Lairraoce Albert C, p o Glensdale, cheese maoufactureT, 4 acres, born in Denmark, September 99, 1S47, set- tled in town in 1874; wife, Lucretia Rumble. Fath- er, J. M. Lawrence, a native of Denmark. Lee Lafayette, p o Martinsburgb, farmer, 344 acres, bom on present farm, February 27, 1824; first wife, Betsey Ann Brown; second. Flora Florida; children two by first wife— Helen Foote and Ida B., and two by second wife — Jennie M., and Jesamine. Father, Charles Lee, of Westfield, Mass., settled in town about 1807. Loucks Daniel, p o West Martinpburgh, retired, owns 30 acres land, born in Herkimer county, July 31, 1808, settled in county in 182.S, has been justice of peace 36 years; wife. iJulla Ann Strater, married in 1832; one daughter— Eliza Vanderburg. Parents, Peter and Margaret Loucks. McGoyern William H., p o Watson, dairy and stock farmer, 305 acres, born in LowTille. June 30, 1825; settled on present farm, March, 1872, has been justice and assessor wife.Eliza Puffer married in 1853; children two— Mary E., and Frank W. Father, William McGovern, settled in Lowyille, about 1815. Moore James D., p o Martinsburgh, grain and dairy farmer' 255 acres, born in Martinsburgh, April 30, 1816, set- tled on present farm, in 1862; wife, Emily Arthur, married in 1839; children eight. Father, Oren Moore, a native of Massachusetts, settled in town about 1803 Noble Charles A., p o West Martinsburgh, grain and dairy farmer, 500 acres, born in Germany, February 15, 1830, settled on present farm in 1856; wife, Wilhe- menia Smith, married in 1852; children nine. Peebles Lewis S., p o West Martinsburgh, farmer and sales- man for cheese factory. 133 acres, born in Martins- burgh, November 29, 1838, settled on present farm in 1870; wife, Martha M. Dodge, married Septem- ber 26. 1868; children three - Luella U., Gertie M., and Howe H. Father, Henry, was son of John Peebles. Peebles Edward S., p o West Martinsburgh, farmer, 48 acres, born in Martinsburgh, January 11. 1812, set- tled on present farm in 1870; wife, Estella Coats, married in 1831; children eight. Father, John Peebles, settled in town about 1802, the first black- smith there. Peebles Woolsey, p o East Martinsburgh, retired farmer, 210 acres, born in Martinsburgh. November 21, 1818, settled on present farm in 1832; wife. Har- riett Gould, of Harrisburgh; children four— Cyrus J., Duane A.. Cornelia and Alice. Father, Sanford S., son of John Peebles. Peebles Duane A., p o East Martinsburgh, farmer, 108 acres, born in Martinsburgh. June 4, 18E2, settled on pres- ent farm, December 8, 18T5; wlfe,Adelaide Phillips, married November 2.1, 18"5; children two-Nettie A., and AlvaR. Father, Woolsey Peebles. Peebles Mrs. Pamelia, p o East Martinsburgh, dairy farmer 300 acres, born in Martinsburgh, August, 1820, set- tled on present farm in 1859, husband Charles Pee- bles, married in 1844; children seven. Father Levi Arthur, one of the first settlers of town. Pitcher Cyrus A , p o Martinsburgh, grain and dairy farmer 125 acres, born in Martinsburgh, August 4, 1819; first wife Charlotte M. Coe of Leyden; second Esther M. Miller, first wife lelt two children— Alice G., and Roxanna; second wife has three sons — Elmer C, Charles D., and J. Clifford Father Dan- iel Pitcher, one of first settlers in town. Rees John, p o Glensdale, farmer, 224 acres, born in Leyden. June 10,1810, settled on farm in 1835; wife Saiah Ann Higby, married in 1834. children four- William K.. Mary S., Horace A., and Battle. Father Will- iam Rees, settled in county in 1801, Seymour D., p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer, 1.20 acres, born in Oneida county May 9, 1811, settled in 1825; wife Charlotte Crosby, married in 1884, children four— Louisa, Martha, Mary, Amy. Lost one son— Jefferson in army. Seymour William, p o West Martinsburgh, dairy farmer, 131)i acres, born in Martinsburgh, June .26, 18, 1880, Father Peter Wakefield, one of early settlers of Pinckney. Whltaker Daniel, p o Martinsburgb, farmer, 550 acres, born in Trentpn, Oneida county, April 14, 1818, settled in county in 1835; wife Ruth Aon Powell, of Tren- ton, married in April I84i', one child— Mary Alice. Parents Clemence and Alice Whltaker. Wood George A , p o West Martinsburgb, dairy farmer, ISO acres, born on same farm, September 13,1844; wife Harriet A. Thayer, married in 1869, one son- Raymond a. Parents Aaron and Lucy Ann Wood. Farm was settled by grandfather— Lobdel Wood. Tale Calvin, p o Martinsburgb, retired clergyman, born in Lenox, Mass., October 7, 1T8M, settled in county in 1S36, was pastor of church from 1816 to 1832; wife Eliza Robins, of Grnnby, Connecticut, married May 25, 1818, children eight- was educated at Lenox and Johnstown Academies, graduated at Unioa College in 1812, was licensed to preach in 1816, and called the same year to the Congregational church at Charlotte, Vt. PINCKNEY. AustinCurtis J., p o Pinckney Corners, farmer, 93 acres, born in Denmark, in 1828, has held several town offices; wife, Ada , daughter of Ethan H., and Sal- ly Beckley Daggett, born in Denmark in 1825, mar- ried in 1861; children three^Ida S., bnrn in 1858; Frank D., in 1860 ; and George T., in 1867. Parents, Joshua H., and Irene Anderson Austin. Bannon John, p o New Boston, farmer and dairyman, 432 acres, born in Ireland in 1811, settled in county in 1841; wife. Mary Riley, of Ireland, born in 1815, married in 1843; children, nine — Bridget, Mary, El- len, Eaty, Eliza, Patrick, John. James, and Bryon. Parents, Patrick and Bridget Russel Bannon, the former came to county in 1841, died in 1863. Barrett Jonathan, p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 144 acres, born in Pinckney, in 1832, has been excise and highway commissioner; wife, Altana Greene, of county, born in 18:j9, married in 1859 Parents, Amos 'and Marj[ Keadham Barrett, of Vermont, came to county in 1828, died in 1861 ; children five — Jonathan, Benjamin, Harriet, Frederick, and Franklin. Mr. Barrett was sub-land agent for William H. Denning, many years. Barrett Marquis F , p o Barnes Corners, general merchant, born in Pinckney, in 1853, has been deputy post- master, commenced the mercantile business in 1877, and conducted it in its various branches for cash and barter. Parents, Fred and Jane Barrett, of Pinckney; children three— Marquis F., Chester and Emma. Bucklin John, p o Barnes Corners, retired farmer, 120 acres, born in county in 1803, settled in county in 1838; wife. Almira H. Smith, of Jefferson county, born in 1809, married in 1836; children eight, living seven. Parents, Alden and Mercy Eetcham Buck- lin, the former ot Rhode Island, and the latter of Massachusetts. Daniel Smith, father of Almira H., born in Bensselaer county: wife, Susan Holmes of New Hampshire; their son George, with his wife and child, were burned to death in the great fire at Greene Bay, Oct. 8, 1871. Bushnell Henry E., p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, born in Herkimer county in ISiTT, settled in county in 18'29; wife, Mary E. Carpenter, of Herkimer county, born in 1826, married in 18S1 Parents, Joshua B., and Maria Harris Bushnell, of Herki- lAer, came to county in 1829; children seven. Chamberlain Orren, p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 265 acres, born in Vermont in 1817, settled in county in 1838, has been postmaster; wife, Manila Tyler, of Ley- den, born in 1815, married in 1840; children six — Jane E. Mary A , Lucy M., Newton D., Orren F., and Franklin N, who died March 10. 1876, aged 23 years. Parents, Sylvanus and Ora Burnett Cham- berlain, of Vermont, came to county in 1839, but returned to Vermont; children ten. Clark William Henry, p o Barnes Comers, farmer, 170 acres, born in Chatham, Conn., November 10, 1810, settled in county in 1837, has been overseer of poor; wife, Alma, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah JeSers, ot Saratoga county, married in 1841, died In 1855 ; children four— Charles E., Lucius B., William H., and David A., husband of Mary Clark, of Gape Vincent; srcond wife Julia Siver, married in 1856, died in 1866. Parents, William and Sophrona Clark, the former of Connecticut, settled in Onei- da county in 1819. in Jefferson county in 1835, and died in 1850; and the latter, born in Vermont. Charles E , enlisted in a regiment, for two years, served through, re-enlisted and served till close of war. Lucius H., enlisted in 186th Regiment, served to close of war. Corey James A., p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 75 acres, bom in Jefferson county, in 1840, settled in county in 1843, has been overseer of poor; wife, Louisa, daughter of Marcus and Lucy Pbilllp Johnson, born in Denmark, in 1833, married In 1861; children two — Marcus J., and Adelia L. Parents, Samuel B., and Clarinda Canfield Corey. Grandparents, Parley and Polly Corey, the former born in New Hampshire, came to county in 1805, was a promi- nent man in his day and died in 1853; the latter was born in Connecticut in 1785, married in 1810. still survives and receives a pension. Great-grandpa- rents, Benjamin and Hannah Rice Corey, of New Hampshire, settled in Pinckney in 1805. Cory Albert, p o Barnes Comers, farmer, 50 acres, born in Pinckney, in 1820, has been highway and excise commissioner: wife, Sarah Oaks, of Jefferson county, born in 1824, married in 1844; children four Oscar B , Lizette, Janet and Edwin. Parents, Par- ley and Polly Corey. Dening Francis, p o New Boston, proprietor of saw-mlU and farmer, 147 acres, born in EnglandMn 1831, set- tled in county in 1852, wife, Rebecca Williams of England, married in 1856; children four— Charles T., Esther, Amy, and Victoria. Parents, Charles and Ellen Loring Denning, ot England- Douglass Samuel T., p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 60 acres, born in Leyden, in 1824, has been supervisor; wife, Louisa Rugg, of Greene county, married in 1847, died in 1877; children two— Jennie and Mary; sec- ond wife, Mrs. Chrisoinda Bowman, of county, married in 1880; she had two children formerly— George and Frankie. Doyle Garrett, p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, 105 acres, born in Ireland, in 1832, settled in county in 1856; wife, Mary, daughter ot Patrick and Rosan- na Smith, born in Watertown. Jefferson county, in 1835. married in 1856; children seven— Rosa, Eliza, Sarah, Mary, Wentworth, Julia and Patrick. Pa- rents, Patrick and Eliza Doyle, of Ireland, came to county in 1855, where the latter died in the same year. Edmonds John, p o Barnes Corners, farmer and dairyman, 117 acres, born in Pinckney, in 1828, has been over- seer of poor; wife, Harriet, daughter of William and Locinda Perkins, of Jefferson county, married in 1856; children four- Menzo, Orville, William and Mary. Parents, John and Emily Edmonds, the former of Saratoga, and the latter of Jefferson county, settled in Pinckney at an early day, Edwards Ariel, born in Rodman, Jefferson county, in 1816, settled in county in 1835, died in 1874; wife, Har- riet Barrett, ot Henderson, Jefferson county, born in 1823, married in 1843. Parents, Ariel and Jemi- ma Sheldon Edwards, of Connecticut, came to county in 1835, where the former died in 1858, aged 72 years, and the latter in 1874, aged 88 years; chil- dren three, living two. Amos and Mary Needham Barrett, parents of Mrs. Edwards, were born in Vermont, came to county in 1829, and died in 1864, the former at the age of 79 years, and the latter 66 years; children five— four sons and one daugh- ter. Fowdrey Dr. David, p o Barnes Corners, physician and sur- geon, born in Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson coun- ty, in 1838, settled in county in 1867, was gradu- ated from the Michigan ITntTersity, in 1861, and served in his profession with great credit In the last war, both in land and navy service: wife, Ad- eline Hoselton, married in 1866; cUldrsn on* David, Jr. Father, Daniel Fowdrey, born in Ox- ford, England, in 1810, settled in Jefferson oonntT in 1881; wife. Susan Fox, born in Oxford, In 1811. PERSONAL STATISTICS. Greene Thurston, p o Barnes Corners, retired farmer, 1S5 acres, born in Oneida county, in ISOl, settled in county in 1804, has been assessor, justice of peace, and poor-master; wife, Polly Parmlee, born in Connecticut, in 17i)8, married in 16^4. died in December, 1H78; children seven- Cornelia, died in 1840, Giles, Lovina, Hussell, Martin, Altana and Franklin. Father, Russell Greene, born In Rhode Island, came to county in 1804, served in war of 1813, died in 1840; wife, Martha I^arber, born in Con- necticut, died in 1847. Hall Wallace S., p o Barnes Corners, proprietor of saw-mill, born in Leyden, in 1841, erected mill in 1873, on site of the first mi]l in Pinckney, erected by Ira Odell; Wife, Jennie P. Acker, of county, married in I860. Parents, Daniel and Mary Hall, the for- mer born in 180^, died in 1881; and the latter born in ia'8. Hall Dewitt C, p Barnes Corners, farmer and dairyman, 170 acres, born in Lpyden in 1844, has been justice of peace and assessor; wife, Jane E., daughter of Her Lester and Elizabeth Brown, born in Madison county In 1844, married in 1870; «hildren one- Florence L., born in 1877. Parents, Daniel and Mary Hall. Hart Alvin S , p o P;nckney Corners, retired farmer, born in Pinckney, in 1813; wife, Sarah Ann Wait, born in 1819, married in l.'-SQ; children nine, liviDg seven— Canda<-e, born in 1843; Jenett, in 1845; J. Loucetta, in 1847, wife of George E. Lane, who was born in 1850, and married in 1866; Mary J., s. Anna, Phebe W., and Grace. Father, Stephen Hart, born in Sar- atoga county, in 1771, came to county in 1806, was member of Assembly in 1820, and died in 1861 ; wife, Betsey Sidmore, born in Saratoga, in 1773. Reuben Wait, father of Mrs. Hart, came to county in 1810, was a farmer, justice of peace many years, and captain in war of 1812; wife, Mary Clark, ot Rensselaer county. Hitchcock Robert N.,p o New Boston, proprietor of saw- mill and cheese-box factory, born in Canada, in 1848, settled in county in lfi73; wife, Jane Savell, born in Jefferson county, married in 1873, Parents Enos and Ann Hitchccck, born in Canada, settled incuunly in 1873, children seven. Hubbard Samuel B., p o Barnes Corners, farmer and sailor, born at Cape Vincent, in 1839, settled in county in 1858; wife. Rachael Clark, of Oneida county, mar- ried in 1861; children three— Minnie M.. Charles B., and Franklin B Father, Barrett Hubbard, born in Washington county, died In 1868; wife, Rachel Ingalls, bom in Cape Vincent, died in 1870. Grand- father served in Revolution, under Washington, with three sons. Lane William, p o Barnes Corners, owner and proprietor of hotel. Lasher William A., p o Pinckney Corners, farmer, 120 acres, born in Lowville in 1833, has been commissioner and collector; wite, Hannah Allen, of county, born in 1827, married in 1850; children three— Mary S., Eva E..and Lydia. Parents, William I., and Lydia Stoddard Lasher, the former born in Montgomery county, in 1796, married in 1820 died in 1877; the latter, born in 1798, came to county in 1818, died in 1847. Lyng John, p o Barnes Comers, farmer. 80 acres, born in Ireland, in 1828, settled in county in 1856; wife, Mary Ann Kehoe, born in Canada, in 1833, married in 1858; children ten— Patrick, Henora, Eliza, Mary Ann, John, Katie Ellen, Margaret B., Sarah A., Thomas A. and William J. Parents, Patrick and Eliza O'Neil Lyng. Maher William, p New Boston, farmer, 373 acres, born in Ireland, in 1827, settled in county In 1856, has been commissioner and posrmaster; wife. Eliza, daugh- ter of William and Mary Maher. of Ireland, born in 1830, married in 1852; children six— Mary A., William. Jeremiah, Margaret, Katie and Michael. Parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth Maher, born in Ireland, where the former died, and the latter died in Onondaga county In 1867. Mason Dr. Lafayette F.. p o Barnes Corners, physician, born in Brookfield, Madison county, November 14. 1827, settled in county and commenced practice of med- icine in 1849, has been justice of peace, supervisor, and was enrolling officer during the last war, from 1861 till the close of war; wife, Elizabeth V. Carter, bom in Denmark, i> 1840, married in 1864, children two— Ella H , and Minnie. Parents, Levi and Polly Mason, of Madison county. Phederus and Ruth Prentice Carter, parents of Mrs. Mason, the for- mer born In Massachusetts, and the latter in Ver- mont, came to county in 1806. Nicholas Dr. Alva L., p o Barnes Comers, physician and surgpon, born in Rodman, Jefferson county, 1817, settled in county in 1856, commenced the practice of medicine In 1S48, has been justice of peace, coroner, and justice of sessions ; wife, Maria, daughter of Asa and Lydia Shory of New Hamp- shire, born in Jefferson county in 1820, married in 1845 ; children one— Celia M., wife of Henry Sueli born in Jefferson county, married in 1868 ; children J;wo— Myrtie M. and Cora. Parents, Alpbeus and Flora Nicholas of Connecticut. Peel Thomas P., p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 58 acres, born in Ireland in 1832, settled in county in 1856 ; wife, Mary M. McDermot of Ireland, born in 1827, mar- ried in 1856 ; children six— Anna, Eate, Jennie, Nicholas, Thomas and Eliza. Parents, Nicholas and Catharine Peel. Parents of Mrs. Peel. Henry and Mary McDermoc, came to county in 18.55 ; the former died in Ireland and the latter in county. Perkins E. F.. p o Pinckney Corners farmer, 50 acres, born in Denmark in 1818; wife. Louisa Payne, born iu St. Lawrence county in 1827, married in 1844 ; chil- dren five— Julia, Celia P., I^dia A., Ellen A., and Ida M. Parents Royal and Lydia Styles of Massa- chusetts, came to county in 1813. Quinn William, p o New Boston, farmer and dairyman, ISO acres, born in Ireland in 1805, settled in county in 1856 : wife, Margaret Kellev, of Ireland, born in 1806, married in 1843 ; children four, living two — William, born in Canada in 1847. married Ann Gil- roy ( f Canada, in 1878, and John, born in Canada in 1853, Parents William and Catharine Quinn of Ireland. Reynolds Bernard, p o Pinckney Corners, farmer, 160 acres, born in Jefferson county in 1837, settled in county in 1871, has been assessor ; wife, Susan, daughter of David and Ann McDermot, of Watertown, mar- ried in 1872 ; children four— Alice May, John D., and Mary A. (twins), and Ellen. Parents Patrick and Alice Hart Reynolds of Jefferson county. Rice Francis, p o Pinckney, farmer, 200 acres, born in Brookfield, Massachusetts in 1835, settled in coun- ty m 1848 ; wife. Wealthy Stoddard of Pinckney, born in 1828, married in 1849, died in 1862 ; children two— Rosa A., and Lillie I.; second wife, Matilda Clark of Jefferson county, married in 1862, died in 1871 ; children three— Herman F., Charles C„ and Clark : third wife, Mrs. Sara B. Ryther, married in 1871 ; children two— Otis H,. and George A. Parents Otis and Lydia Upham Rice of Massa- chusetts. Bobbins John, p Barnes Corners, farmer and dairyman* 300 acres, born in England in 1820, settled in coun- ty in 1867; wife, AnnaM. Hall of Jefferson county, born In 1822, married in 1861. Parents William and Jane Stroud Kohbins of England. Parents of Mrs. Bobbins. Joseph and Peggy Hall, of Connecticut, born in 1777, settled in Canada after marriage ; the former was pressed into the British service but fled to the States in 1812, joined the American army in the war of that year, and died in 1860, and and the latter died in 1870. Ryther Erie B., p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman, 224^ acres, born in Jeffei-son county, in 1846, set- tled in county in 1847; wife, Ella M. Rima, of Os- wego county, born in 1855, married in 1872. Par- ents, Samuel C. and Minerva Ryther; children eight, living four— John A., Erie B.. Adaline E., and Melissa A. Ryther John 'A., p o Copenhagen, farmer, dairyman, carpen- ter and joiner, born in Loraine, Jefferson county, in 1839, settled in county in 1847; wife, Mary L., daughter of Enos F. and Louisa Payne Perkins, married in 1867, died in 1870; children two— Fred J., and Mary 6.; second wife, Celia P. Perkins, sister of former wife, married in 1872; children three— Nettie L., Milton J., and Qharles E. Parents Samuel C. and Minerva Thornton Ryther, the for- mer born in Oneida county, came to this county in 1847, died in 1861, and the latter born In Jefferson county, died in 1869. Mr. John Ryther enlisted In Company M, N. T. Heavy Art., under Colonel Gra- ham, in 1862. for three years, served till close of war and holds an honorable discbarge from the government. Ryel Hiram C, p o Barnes Corners, farmer and retired school teacher, 190 acres, born in Columbia county in 1807, has been assistant marshall in county ; wife, Nancy Cook, born in 1810. married in 1835, died in 1856 ; children four— Peter C , Edmond G., Hiram H . and Sally ; second wife, Mrs. Issa- bellaWood Cross, widow of J. H. Cross, born in England, married In 1871. XXIV HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. Byel Peter C, p o Barnes CornerB, farmer* born in Denmark in 1835 ; wife. Jennie Hughes of county, married in 1866, died in 1874 ; second wife, Alice McGuire of Indiana, married in 1881. Sheldon Edmond, p o Copenhagen, farmer,* 337 acres, born in Martinsburgh, in 1607; wife, Mary Ann, daugh- ter of Philip Barnes, born in Montgomery county, in 1806, married in 1831; children ten, living eight —Norman B-* Sarah, Mary, Sophrona. Hattie, Ed- mond, Jr., J. Madison, and Eugene W. Norman B. enlisted in the Fifth Heavy Artillery August 12, 1863, and remained till close of war when he was discharged. His brother enlisted in the SOth N. T. Gav., Co. A, in 1863, and was one of first men to enter Richmond. Parents, Joseph and Polly Ar- thur Sheldon, of Mass., came to cotinty in 1801, and the former served in Wnr of 1812, was taken pris- oner to Canada and returned at close of war. Stoddard Amos,' p o Copenhagen, farmer and merchant, 150 acres, born in I'inckney, January 1, 1811, has been assessor: wife Lavina Pettet, of Jefferson county, born in 18J2, married in 18:12, died in 1878; children seven, living three— Curtis 11., Collins D . and Blanche D. ; second wife, Mrs. Roena Chase Chad- wick, born in Lowville, married in 1879. Parents, Richard and Anna Stoddard, born iu Massachu- setts, came to county in 1804. and the former was a soldier during the war of 1812; children six, liv- ing two — Amos and Rachel. Grandfather Samuel came to county in I8[i4 with his family, and drove a team of horses while Richard drove a yoke of oxen Sullivan William, p o Copenhagen, farmer and dairyman* 130 acres, born in Denmark, in 1839, has been asses' sor. Parents, Thomas and Mary Landers Sullivan, born in Ireland-, in 1809, married in 1831, came to county in 1834: children five— William. Margaret, born in 1841, Ellen in 1844, Jane in 1849, and Eate F. in 1855. Stever Loren G., p o Barnes Corners, general blacksmith, wagon manufacturer, and repairer, born in Colum- bia county in 1832, settled in eounty In 1875; wife, Mary E. Acker, born in Copenhagen, in 1832, mar- ried in 1850; children one. Parents, David and Mary Simmons Stever, of Columbia county, N. Y. Woolworth Elisha, p o Barnes Corners, farmer, 150 acres, born in Pinckney, in August. 1831; wife, Axie Eliza, daughter of Daniel Clark, of Vermont, married in 1847; children one— Charles Henry. Parents, Alex- ander and Margaret Brown Woolworth. Woolworth James, p o Pincliney Comers, farmer, and lum- ber manufacturer, 213 acres, born in Pinckney, in 1828, has been assessor; wife, Rominda, daughter of Robert and Betsey Butts, of Mass., born in Jef- ferson county, married in 1849; children six, four SODS and two daughters. Father, Timothy Wool- worth, born in Massachusetts, came to county in 1802; wife, Katie Brown, of Oneida county. Grand- father, Fhineas Woolworth, settled in Denmark in 1802, and in 1806 removed to Pinckney. where he died, Woolworth Samuel B., po Copenhagen, farmer, and dairy- man, 125 acres, born in Pinckney, in 1826; wife, Nancy Lorinda, daughter of Nathan and Harriet Lanpher, born in Harrisburgh. in 1832, married in 1866 Father, Alexander Woolworth, came to county in 1804; wife, Margaret Brown, married In 1821. Grandparents, Phineas and Mercy Sheldon Woolworth. TURIN. Allen Jas. SI., p o Turin, dairy famer 126 acres, born in Turin, June 27, 1851: wife Amelia McGonnell of Greig, married February 26, 1874; ctiildren tbree— Clar- ence J., 6. Clifford, D Clinton. Father S. Par- sons Allen, son of Ichabod who settled in Turin, about 1830, from Connecticut. Barnes Martin, p Turin, fruit and dairy farmer, 70 acres, born in Turin, August ai, 182«, has been coroner . and highway commissioner; wife Mary E. Clark, of Greig, married September 13, 1852; children three— Clark, Clara, Frank. Father Martin, son of Judah, the son of Amos Barnes, who came to Tu- rin, in 1797. and was second settler there. Bibblns Jeremiah, p o Turin, dairy farmer, 130 acres, born in Turin, November 24, 1831, settled on farm in 1872; first wife Liddie Hathway, married July 15, 1855; second wife Eate Collins, of High Market, married June 28, 1875, children six. Parents Jere- miah E., and Naomi Blbbins. Bibbins Jeremiah E., p o Turin, dairy farmer, 63 acres, born in Saratoga county, November 20, 1801, settled in county in 1825; first wife Naomi Vickery, married February 25, 1827; second wife Amy Lyman, of Herkimer county, married August 20, 1862, children five. Parents Joseph E., and Nellie Bibbins, set- tled in county in 1825. Clark Milton P., p o Turin, dairy farmer, 69 acrr>8, born on farm adjoining present one August 31, 1846, settled on present farm in 1868; wife Eva C. Rea, of West Turin, married in 1867. Father Philo Clark, a na- tive of Connecticut, settled in West Turin about 1803. Clark Roland H., p o Turin, dairy farmer, 105 acres, born on same farm May 10, 1849; wife Jennie F. Hill, mar- ried in 1874. Father Philo Clark. Crofoot Elisha, p o Turin, farmer 180 acres, born in West Turin. November 29. 1825, settled in Turin, in 1860, has been sheriff, supervisor, assessor and assis- tant revenue assessor; wife Mary B. Kilham, of Turin, married January 8, 1850 Father James, son of Elisha Crotoot, who settled in county in 1798. Dewey Cadwell, p o Turin, woolen manufacturer and farmer, 100 acres, born in Delaware county, October 5, 181 1, settled in county in 1831; wife Frances C. Fos- ter, of Long Island, married January 8, 1835, five sons living. Parents Aaron and Betsey (Vail) Dewey of Delaware county. Dewey Edwin P., p o Turin, farmer, 260 acres, born in Mass., September 26, 18.30, settled in county in 1838, has been overseer of poor, highway commissioner and town auditor; wife Esther S. Shepard, of Turin, married March 21 1852, children three— George E., Ettie A , John S. Father Abner Dewey, came from Massachusetts in 1838. Emm Henry G., p o Turin, druggist, born in Turin, March 6, 1829, has been justice of peace; first wife Mary Hildreth, married June 1, 1854; second wife Eliza Kendall, married January 17, 1871, children two- Clinton and Florence. Parents Jasper and Aureiia Emm. Evans Robert, p o Turin, farmer 96 acres, born in North Wales, in 1813, settled In county in 18:JB; wife Ann Edwards, of North. Wales, married in 1842, children nine. Parents Robert and .viary Evans, of North Wales. Hadcock Charles D., p o Turin, cheese manufacturer, bom in Copenhagen, September 4, 1847, settled in village in 18^6, owns lot and factory; wife Mary J. Hodge, of Copenhagen, married in 1871— one daughter Maud L. Parents Philo and Jane Hadcock. Hammond Edgar M., p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 100 acres, born in Westchester county. May 4, 1835, settled In county October 1, 1874; wife Harriet E. Foster, of Turin, married May 9, 1866, one child- Lulu Foster. Parents David and Sarah Hammond residents of Westchester county. Hills Rozelle C , p o Turin, stock and dairy farmer, 138 acres, born in Turin, September 10, 1839. settled on present farm in 1876; wife Jerusha Ragan, of Tu- rin, married February 1, 1871, children three- Clifford B , Clara H. and Baby. Father Cornelius Hills, son of Jesse, who settled in Turin about 1800. Bouse Moseley L., p o Houseville, grass and grain farmer, 42 acres, born In Turin, May 28, 1819. Parents Leonard and Louisa (Murdock) House, the former a son of Eleazer House, who settled in town about 1800. House Charles C , p o Houseville. cheese manufacturer, born in Turin, April 19, 182S, commenced manufac- ture of cheese in 1861, has been collector, super- visor, and constable; wife, Sarah E. Powers, of Trenton. Oneida county, married September 13, 1848; children four- Amanda E , J. Jerome, Carrie P., Herbert M. House Chester O., p o Glensdale, dairy and grain farmer, 54 acres, born in Turin. September 29. 1836. has been overseer of poor; wife. Jane Mickel, of Rensselaer county, married September 17, 1852; children two —Emma J., and Eugene. Parents, Cyprian and Sophia House. House Henry R.. p o Glensdale, dairy farmer llSacres, bom in Turin, December 10, 1821, has been assessor; wife, Mary Hills, of Martinsbur^, married March 7, 1846; children two— George H., and John H. Father, Cyprian House. PERSONAL STATISTICS. XXV Ives Mather S., p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 200 acres, born in Tuiin, March 30, 1833; wife, Jennie M. Moshier, of Kentucky, married August 15, ISbO; children two— Cora, and Stella. Pareuts. Beldcn and Lucretia iTes, former the son of John Ives, who settled at Constableville in 1795. JefEerson Frank D., p o Houseville, dairy farmer, 350 acres, born in Oneida county, August 26, 1853, settled in county in 18?1; wife. Susan K Damuth, of West Turin, married September 92, 1880. Parents, Stephen and Elizabeth Jefferson, settled In town in 1871. Johnson Emmett. p o Glensdale, owner of saw-mill, and farmer, 54 acres, born in Turin, April 21, i849, set- tled on farm in 1853, is highway commissioner; wife, Emma J. House, of Turiri, married December 16, 1860; one child—Stella N. Parents, Josiah and Charlotte Johnson, the former the son of Ebenezer who settled in Turin in 1803. Eilham James, p o Turin, farmer, 7 acres, born la Turin, August 2, 1816, settled on present farm in 1869, has been overseer of poor; wife, Lavinia House, of Turin, married March 10, 1852. died April 4, 1876; one adopted son— John T., and a daughter— Jennie J. Father, Heman, son of Thomas Eilham, who came here in 1802. Lee Alfred H., p o Turin, dairy and stock farmer, 231 acres, born in Martinsburgh, November 6. 18*'4, settled in town in I8t)6, has been justice sixteen years; wife, Elizabeth Hunt, married February 19, 1851; chil- dren four— George M , Carrie H., M. Lizzie, and Louie H. Father. Enoch Alma Lee. Alfred H. has been identified with Lewis County Agricultural society twenty-five yearf>, and president and treas- urer of same, also president ot village Lee Frank I., p o Turin, farmer. 200 acres, bom in Turin, August 9, 1857; wife, Ella A. Jones, of Turin, mar- ried October i&i, 1879. Parents, Anson B. and Jane M. (Busb) Lee, the former a son of Enoch Lee, who settled on farm in 18;j5. Lee F. Wayland, p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 200 acres, born on present farm, May 8, 1850. Parents, James G-. and Calista (Stamford) Lee, the former a son of Charles, who came to Martinsburgh among early settlers. Miller Albert P., p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 142 acres, born in Leyden, July 19, 1825, settled in Turin in 1839, has been assessor, overseer of poor, and inspector ot elections; wife, Clemenza N. Richmond, married May 12, 1863; one child— Ar- thur A. Father, Halsey, sou of Benjamin Miller, who settled in Leyden in 1796. Miller Walter O., p o Houseville, farmer, 262 acres, born in Leyden, December 15, 1828. settled in Turin in 1839, has been constable. Father. Halsey Miller. Morgan George G , p o Houseville, manufacturer of cheese boxes, and owner of saw-mill, 500 acres land, born in present home, March 5, 1852; wife, Frauces B. Sayles, married May 25, 1881. Father, Luther Mor- gan, built factory and mill. Norton John, p o Greig, hop grower, 9 acres, born in Albany county. May 5, 1333, settled in county in 1841 ; first wife, Lorena Cleveland, married March 8, 1852; second wife, Hattie H. Holt, married January 34, 1879; children six— Frances S., Jeanotte, Horace, Willie, Ira, and Charlie. Parents, Isaac and Han- nah Norton, came to Turin in 1841. Owens Richard R., p o Turin, dealer in general merchandise, born in Wales, September 15, 1845, settled in county in 1853, and in Turin in 1867, owns house and lot; wife, Jennie Pritchard, married September i5, 1670; children three— Anna, Mamie O., and Harry. Parents, Robert R. and Ann Owens PhelpsCharles J., p o Houseville, dairy and grain farmer, 378 acres, bom in Martinsburgh, May 13, 1850, set- tled in Turin in 1857, has been commissioner of highways; wife, Delia J. Dekin, of New Uremen, married November 8, 1870; children three— Herbert E , Edith L., and baby. ' Parents. Roland and Ada M. Phelps, the former a son of Thomas, who cam© from Mass and settled on West road in Martins- burgh, In 1814. Powell James A., p o Turin, hop grower and dairy farmer, 376 acres, born in Watson, April 23, 1835, settled on present farm in 18W; wife, Fidelia Patterson, of JefEerson county, married in 1858; one adopted daughter— Ells. Parents, Jonathan and Sarah Powell, of Martinsburgh. Pratt Walter J., P o Houseville, farmer, 72 acres, born m Turin, B^rch 27, 1849, settled on present farm in 1868; wife, Gertie A. Phelps, of Turin, married Oc- tober 22, 1873; children two— Herman and Bertha. Parents, Jehiel, •who came to Turin ki 1849, and Mary (MUler) Pratt. Kagan Bradford, p o Glensdale, farmer, 60 acres, bom In Turin, June 30, 1833, settled on present farm in March, 1853, has been assessor, commissioner of highways, and excise commissioner; first wife, Mary J. Lyon, of Martinsburgh, married July 3, 1844; second wife, Mary E. Root, of Turin, married October s;5, 1847; one child living— Eli. Parents, Egbert and Bheuma (Arthur) Kagan, the former a son of Thomas, who settled in Turin about 1800. Ragan Elhanan L., p o Glensdale, farmer, 100 acres, born in Turin, April 15, 1831, settled on present farm in 1853, has been assessor, and highway commission- er; wife, Maria D. Smith of Turin, married March 24, 1853; children two— Everett H., and Minnie E. Riggs Charles G., p o Turin, merchant, and mechanic, 70 acres, born in Lee Oneida county, November, 17, 1814, has laeen notary, supervisor, town clerk, com- missioner of highways, and justice of peace; wife, Julia A. Moulton, of Floyd, Oneida county, married in 1835; children four — Helen, H. Moulton, Louise, and Garrie. Parents, Clark and Thankful Riggs, the former of whom commenced business in Turin in 1833, and continued to the present time. Sackett George S , p o Houseville, hop grower and dairy farmer, 120 acres, born in Turin, May 7, 1843, set- tled on present farm in 1872, has been assessor one term; wife, Ida Bowman, of Pinckney, married February 24, 1870; one child— Leon Sheldon. Par- ents, Sheldon and Elmtna Sackett, the former a son of Joel, one of early settlers of town. Sackett Martin J., p o Houseville, grain and dairy farmer, owns '■'176 acres land, controls 475, born in Turin, September IS, 1832, has been assessor three years; wife, Susan E. Busb, married September 15, 1859; children two— Estella M., and Jennie M. Father, Sheldon Sackett. Seymour J. Lucus, p o Turin, dairy farmer, 275 acres, born in Turin, March 31.1831; wife, Lydia Sackett, of Turin, married February 5. 1866; children seven. Parents, Alva and Sophronia (Cowles) Seymour, the former came to Turin in 1834, and his father, Beldad, came in 18*25. Shepard Edwin H., jp o Turin, dairy farmer, 100 acres, born in Turin, J'une 15, 1843, settled on farm in 1870, bas been assessor one term; wife, Mary E. Roberts, of Turin, married March 9. 1870; children two— Net- tie M., and Clinton K. Parents, Harlow and Mary Shepard. Silveruail John B., p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 117 acres, born in Turin, September 3, 1846: "wife, Amelia Staplin, of Turin, married December 23, 1870. Parents, Stephen and Phebe A. (Burdick) Silvernail, the former a son of John, who came to Turin about 1836. Spencer Stephen, p o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 218 acres, born in Leyden, February 17, 1808, settled in Turin in 1836: wife, Mary Fenton, of Boon- ville, married Octobers, 1832; children four— Hen- ry F., Harvey S., Nancy M., and Delia M. Parents, Stephen and Phebe Spencer, the former of whom was fciupervisor and justice of peace several years, and settled in Leyden in 1804. Aaron and Nancy (Mumfoid) Fenton, parents of Mary, came to Turin In 1805. Strong John, d o Turin, grain and dairy farmer, 300 acres, born in New York city, January 3, 1821, settled in county in 1840, has been assessor, coroner and sheriff; first wife Elizabeth Foster, of Turin, mar- ried June 2 ', 1842; second wife, Mary E. House, married September 39, 1869; children five — Amelia, John, Marie, Sylvester, and Lewis. Parents, Thom- as and Maria Strong, of New York city. Stuber J. E., p o Turin, harness maker, born in Switzerland December 11, 1827, settled in county in 1850, was in war of Rebellion, Co. K. and in Co. M, 5th Artillery ; wife, Cordelia H. Aldrich, married June 14, 16£>5; children two — Louie, and Eittie. Parents, John and Catharlna Stuber. Thayer H. J., p o Turin, produce dealer, born in Turin, Au- gust 24, 1820, has been loan commissioner, notary, Tustice, and town clerk; wife, Aurelia Perry, of Turin, married in October, 1870; ontt child— Oscar B. Parents. Enoch and Hannah Thayer. Williams Thomas O., p o Turin, dairy farmer. 108 acres, born in Wales, June 15, 1833, settled in county in 1S51, has been justice of peace, and assessor; wife, Esther, daughter of William and Clariasa John- son, of St. Lawrence county, married March 9, 1864. Parents, Owen and Elizabeth (Jones) Will- iams, settled in county in 1854,. Woolworth Albert R.. p o Turin, farmer controls 155 acres, born in Turin, November 17, 1857 Father, Clinton Woolworth, born on same farm, was son of Reuben Woolworth, the first settler on farm. XXVI HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. WEST TURIN. Allen Cbarles M., p o Constableville, merchant, born in town, July 24, 1846, settled in Tillai;e in 18t>3, has been supervisor; wife, Nsncy M., daughter of A U. Pease, married in 1867; childre n one— Alice E. Father, Zenas, son of Willard Allen, one of first settlers of town. Allen Emory, p o Constableville, farmer, 360 acres, born in town, February 3, 1810. bus been excise oommis- tioner; wife, Sally Miller, of town, married in 1832; children four— Richard M., Catharines., Nancy G., and James E. Father, Ebenezer Allen, the first settler on farm, and among the first iu town. Allen James M., p o Oonstabteville, farmer and stock dealer, 40 acres, born iu town, March 14, 1837, has been as- sessor, and inspector of elections; wife, Lizzie C. Roberts, of Leyden, married in 1869; children three — Fanny, Jennie, and Willie. Father, Zenas Allen Grandmother, Dorothy Wadsworth, taught the first school in town. Andrus John, p o Constableville, dairy and* grain farmer, 136 acres, born on present farm. Father, Enos Andrus, born in Connecticut, in 1801, settled on same farm in 18S5. Anna David, p o Constableville. dairy farmer, 207 acres* born on present farm, May 12, 1851; wife, Adaline Croniser, of High Market, married in 1873; chil- dren three — Mary. Carrie, and Kate. Father, Peter Anna, the first settler on farm. BarrowPeter J., p o Constableville, farmer, 84 acres, born in France.February 9, 1834, settled in county Octo- ber 17, 1855, and on present farm in June, 1661 ; wife Bridget Holmes, married June 10, 18i'0; children five— Frank P., Peter F., James P., Mary B., and Eate. Parents, Jacob aod Margaret Barrow. Capron Albert S., p o Constableville, farmer and cheese manufacturer, born in Oneida county, December 11, 1833, settled in county in 1858, has been commis- sioner of highways, and salesman in factory; wife, Keziah M.. daughter of Harvey Caquin, marrfed February 26, 1858; children three— Jennie C. Mark- ham, Ralph W., and H. Roy. Parents, Henry and Betsey Capron. Clark Orson, p o Constableville, retired farmer, 18 acres, born in town, October 5, 1828. has been highway commissioner; wife, Pbilenia Wood, of town, mar- ried in 1854; children, living one— Clara May. Fath- er, Newton Clark, of Hartford, Conn., settled In town in the spring of 1802. Clover John, p o Constableville, butcher, born in Utlca' April 9, 1832, settled in county in 1839, has been su' pervisor; wife. Eliza D. Hildreth, married in 1863; childen two — Adolph, and Matilda. Parents, Abra- ham and Jane Glover. Crofoot J. Hannibal, p o Constableville, farmer, and saw' mill proprietor, 550 acres, born on present farm' July 13, 1848; wife, Julia Seymour, of Lyonsdale, married June 12, 18;8. Father, John Crofoot, of town, formerly its supervisor, was son of James Crofoot, one of the eaily settlers of town. Crofoot Peter J., p o Constableville, farmer, and dealer in general merchandise. 66 acres, born in town, Sep- tember 26, 1839; wife, Clara ^Bennett, of Oneida county, married January 15, 1880. Father, John Crofoot. Damuth Truman, p o Constableville, farmer. 240 acres, born in Onondaga county, December 20, 1821, settled in county in 1846, has been assessor, and overseer of poor; wife, Betsey E.. daughter of Trumble Smith, married in 1844; children eight, of whom a son — RoyalT., is school commissioner. Father, Daniel Damuth. Domser Frank, p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 155 acres, born in France, November 11, 1843, settled in coun- ty in 1849; wife, Eva, daughter of John Zimmer, married in 1869; children living four— Andrew F., Katie. Leo A., and Anthony L. Father, Anthony Domser. Donnelly Terry H., p o Constableville. dairy farmer, 221 acres, born on present farm, February 1, 1850; wife Ma*-y O'Harra, of High Market, married in 1875; children three— Catharine. F., James H., and Charles E. Father. William Donnelly, 1st. Duff Jamee C, p o Constableville, retired merchant, born in Schenectady, April 4. 1809, settled in county in 1813; wife. Elvira, daughter «f Ira Todd, born in Otsego county, March 8, I81I, married in 1835; chil- dren two— Helen L.. and Sarah J., lost one son — James Todd, who died November 1', 1856. aged twenty years. Father, James Duff, a native of Scotland. Eames Moses J., p o Constableville, member of the firm ol Barnes & Bridgman, manufacturers of pumps, wood- en pipe, cheese boxes, sash, doors and blinds, born in Jefferson county, June 13, 1829, settled in county in 1837, has been assessor, justice, aod coroner; wife. Sally Legal, married in 1854; children five- Mary J , Howard C. Laura, Clara, and Fanny. Father, Daniel W. Eames. Eselburn Jacob, Jr., p o Constableville, farmer, 926 acres, born in New York city. May 8, 1837, settled in coun- ty In 1844, and on present farm in 1865; wife, Eate Doyle, married May 2, 1865; children five — Mary A;, Frances E., Frank J., James A., and Lillie. Father Jacob Eselburn, Fairchild Charles, p o Constableville, retired farmer, 80 acres, born in town, January 7, 1814, has been as- sessor, and justice; wife. Margaret, daughter of Alexander McDonald, of Duchess county, married February 18, 1834. Father, Liberty Fairchild. of Connecticut, was one of the early settlers in the place that is now High Market. Felshaw N. B., p o Constableville, jeweler, born in town March 12, 1842, has been president of village, and postmaster; wife, Emma F. Newkirk, of New Hart- ford, married in October, 1867; children living, two —Hiram E., and Laura L. Father, Hiram T. Fel- shaw. Foote E. E , p o Turin, dairy farmer, and dealer in agricul- tural implements, 2.32 acres, bom in Martinsburgh, January 2a, 1850, ^ettled on present farm in i&i, has been town auditor; wife, Emma Shoemaker, married in 1872; children four. Father, Duane D. Foote, son of Adoniram Foote, one of the first set- tiers in Martinsburgh. GofC Charles M., p o Constableville, retired merchant, 20 acres, bom in Turin, May 10, 1816, settled in village in 1837, has been superintendent of poor; wife, Elizabeth Cookman, married in 1845. Father, Duel Go£E. one of the pioneers in Turin, was a native of Connecticut, and judge of Lewis county. Hayes Andrew, p o Constableville, farmer, and shoemaker, 130 acres, born in Baden, Germany, in November, 1812, settled in county, in 1834; wife, Adaline Hal- ler. married in 1837; children ten. Parents, An- drew and bva Hayes. Hayes Mathew, p o Constableville, farmer, 124 acres, born in Baden, Germany, August 15, 1819, settled in county August 9, 184n, has been inspector of elec- tions, and justice of peace; wife Catharine Haller, married November 10, 1844; children six— Eliza- beth. Menia W.. Henry M., William F., Eva M..and Charles B. Higby Jared S., p o Constableville, farmer, 100 acres, born in town, February 15, 1825; wife, Sarah Jane Cono- ver, of town, married in 1850; children living ten. Father. Ahijah I. Eigby, son of Benjamin, one of the first settlers of town. Higby Casimer A., p Constableville, farmer and teacher, 100 acres, born on present farm June 29, 1850; wife Lizzie A., daughter of Robert Fadner, married April 3, 1876; children one — Pearl. Father Norman Higby, born on same farm June 6, 1806, was son of Benjamin Higby, of Connecticut. Higby Levi, po Constableville, farmer 62 acres, born in town March 21, 1835, settled on farm m 1861 ; wife Lydia A., daughter of George Crofoot, of town, married in 1867; children two— Nellie and Agnes. Father, Asel Higby. Higby Leri y, p o Lyons Falls, farmer 36 acres, born in town Jan. 25, 1811, settled on farm in 1869, was corporal and ensign of the light infantry; wife Sylvia, daugh- ter of Baxter Moon, married in 1836; children flv- Ing three— Nicholas W., Nancy A., and Olive J. Father Benjamin Higby. Johnson William A., p o Constableville, dairy farmer 72 acres, born in Leyden June 9, 18-J9, settled on farm in 1850. has been assessor, highway commissioner, and constable; wife Lydia Ann Thayer, of Leyden, married in 1851 ; children three— Herbert A., Ar- thur M., and Gertrude L. Father, Allen, son of Sheldon Johnson, one of the first settlers of Ley- den. Jones John M., p o Constableville, farmer68>i; acres, bornin North Wales, ^ov. 14, 1837, settled In county in 1857, was a soldier of the Rebellion In Co. E, 5th N T. Heavy Artillery, under Samuel Graham. Pftrents, David and Fanny Jones, natives of Dem- bershlre county, North Wiiles. PERSONAL STATISTICS. XXV 11 Kentner George D., p o Turin, dairy farmer, 80 acres, born In town May 8, 1821, settled on farm in 18^9, has been highway commiesioDer; wife Elizabeth C, daughter of Reuben 'Woolworth, married in 1847; children one— George W. Father Amos Kentner, a soldier in the War of 1813, was born in Farming- ton, Conn., Feb. 16, 1790, and settled in town soon after thu war. Eroeger Andrew, p o ConstablevlUe, daiiy farmer 105 acres, born on present farm Nov. 30, 1838; wife Mary Ann daughter of Joseph Hess, married in 1861; children seven— Joseph R., William R.. Frank »., Rosa M., Helen E., George, and Leo. Father, Phillip Kroe- ger, was the first white settler on same farm. Lewis William D., p o Turin, dairy and grain farmer 150 acres, burn in town, settled on faim in 1850, has been school coajmissioner from Jan. 1,1873, to Jan. 1, 1819, inclusive. Parents, Ellis and Ann Lewis, settled in town about 1840. Linok Isedor, p o Mohawk Bill, dairy farmer, SIO acres, born in France May 24, 1824, settled in town in 1828, has been assessor; first wife Gertrude Nellenback; seoond wife Francesca Dorse; children living fif- teen. Father. Nicholas Linck, an early settler. Lindsey Jervia. p o ConstablevlUe, farmer 21 acres, born in town Dec. 23, 1830; wife Eliza M.. daughter of Dan- iel Higby. Father, Luke Lindsey, a native of Con- necticut, settled in town about ItOO. MacKenna Rev. James Arnold, p oConstable^ille, pastor St, Mary's church, born in Canada Oct. 4, 1844, settled in county in 1879. Markham Joseph D., p o Constableville, farmer 206 acres, born on farm Jan. 26, 1822; wife Ann Gaughan; children three. Father, John Markham, a native of Connecticut, settled in town in 1801. Markham Anthony W., p o Constableville, merchant, born in High Market March 5,1832, settled in villa(,e in 1853; wife Cinda Carney, of Esperanee, married m 1862, children one — Eugene A. Father Simeon B. Markham, born in town in April, 1803. McDonald Alexander, p o Constableville, dairy and grain farmer 160 acres, born on farm Nov. 7, 1829. Alex- ander W. McDonald, of Scotland, settled on same farm about 1820; wife living at the age of 88 years; children living six, McDonald James, p o Constableville, farmer, saw-mill and mechanic, born on farm Oct. 8, 1829, has been constable; wife LucretiaAndrus, married in 1876. Father, Alexander McDonald, of Scotland, one of the first settlers of this town. Miller William N., p o Constableville. farmer 220 acres, born in Columbia county Aug. 29, 1821, settled in county In 1825; wife Nancy A., daughter of Ephraim Will- iams, of this town, married in 1846; children two- Ella F and William A. Parents Jeremiah W. and Sarah Miller. Miller Stephen T. p o Constableville, retired merchant, 350 acres, born on sam« place May 14, 1823, has been president of village and postmaster; wife Hannah C. Burrell, of Hfrkimer county, married in 1852; children five. Father, Seth Miller, was first white child born in town, and son of Seth Mi ler, a na- tive of Canaan, Conn, Mulkins James D., p o Constableville, farmer 61 acres, born in town Dec. 6. 1829, settled on farm in 1862, has been assessor- wife Atjaline L. Saddler, of town, married in 1862; children three— Henry J., Charles F., and Jessie. Father, Ira Mulkins, one of the early settlers in town. Mullen John R.. p o Constableville. grain and dairy farmer, 90 acres, born inHigh Market June 30, 1840, settled on farm in 1880, was corporal Co. F, 4th N, Y. Cav- alry in the Rebellion, was mustered into service in November, I8t)l, and discharged Nct 7, 1864; wife Eunice Higby, married Feb. 17.1869; children three. Parents, James and Mary Mullen. Newman J. Ferris, p o Turin, dairy farmer 113 acres, born in Duchess county May 8, 1836, settled in county in 1840, has been asstssor; wife M. Cornelia Curtis, married Feb. 22, 1871. Parents, William C. and Cynthia A. (Ferrisj Newman. Parkhurst Sanford T., p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 135>^ acres, born in Little Falls, Herkimer county April 13, 1829, settled in county in 1842, and on present farm in l860j has been highway commis- sioner; wife Laura Littaye, of town, married in February, i860: children three- Adelbert, Jennie, and Charles. Father, Amos Parkhurst, a native of Herkimer county. Payne Jason, p o Turin, farmer, 150 acres, born In Berk- shire county Massachusetts, February 8, 1806, settled on larm in 1823, has been assessor, over- seer of poor, and excise commissioner; wife Ma- lissa Pabins, of Duchess county, mariied Novem- ber 14, 1830: children two— Edward, and Louisa, wife of Ralph Swackhammer. Parents, Joseph and Eunice Payne. Potter Benjamin F., p o CoUinsville, dairy and hop farmer, m acres, born in Oneida county September 29, 1816, settled in county Id 1831. has been supervisor; wife Rachel Ann, daughter of Pardon C Case, of Turin, married March. 11, 1846; children living, eight— Fanny E,. Eugene. Marshall N.. Flora A., Frank A., Samuel C, Ida L., and Alice M. Father, Joseph Potter. Regetz John, p o Constableville. proprietor of cheese fac- tory, S acres, born in Switzerland In September, 1847, settled in county in 1812; wife Mary A. Slen- der, of Switzerland, came to town in 1867, was married in 1877; children one— William John. Parents, John and Susie Regetz. Roberts Betsey, p o Constableville, dairy and grain farmer, 108 acres, born in same bouse; first husband AI- son Clark; second husband John Roberts. Father, James Miller, one of first settlers in town, Stelnbrenner Andrew J , p o Corstableville, proprietor of hotel, born in New York City September 15, 1833, settled in county in 1836; wife Anna. McManua, married in 1856; children living, four— Adolph, Andrew, Elizabelh, and William. Stiles John C, p o Constableville, farmer, 100 acres, born in West Turin February 28. 1821, has been town clerk, postmaster, and inspector of elections; wife Sally A., daughter of Volney Miller, married February 22, J844; children living, two— John >i., and Henry D. Pather, David A., son of John Stiles, one of first settlers of town. Smith James C, p o Constableville. dairy and grain farmer, 188 acres, born in town November?, 1835, settled on present farm in 1857, has been town auditor; wife Charlotte Winchell, of Lowville, married March 19, 1857; children living, five— Eva C, Addie J.. George, Hattie J., and Howard J. Father, Ly- man, son of Jonathan Trumble Smith. Smith John L., p o Turin, dairy farmer, 127 acres, born in town January 30, 1849, settled on farm in 1871 ; wife Abba C, daughter of Sylvester Hart, married In December. Ib71; children two— Lyman, and Wil- lard H. Father, Lyman Smith. Taylor Charles E., p o Constableville, dairy farmer, 130 acres, born in town April 1, 1839, settled on farm in 1864, has been assessor; wife Julia A. Cone, of Os- wego, married in 1860; children living, one— Fel- lus £. Father, Fellus £. Taylor, of Massachusetts, one of the pioneers, settled in town about 1802. Thompson Chandler E,. p o Constableville, farmer, 170 acres, born in Vermont May 26, 1808, settled in village in' 1821, has been overseer of poor, and highway commissioner; wife Hannah H. Markham, married in 1830; children living, three— Edmund W., Phoeba A., James H. Father, Ebenezer Thompson, of Vermont, Wilcox Horatio W„ p o CoUinsville, farmer, 100 acres, born in Lowville November 20, 1821. settled on present farm in 1867, has been postmaster; wifeAdallne L., daughter of Rufus Lyon, married in 1851 ; chil- dren one— Mary L Fathtir, Captain Jesse Wilcox settled in Lowville in 1797. Williams E. A,, p o Constableville. Wood J. Clark, p o Constableville, farmer, 200 acres, born on present farm December 19, 1824, has been as- sessor; wire Esther L. Carney, married November 23, 1854; children living, five— John N., Clara E., Anna E., Alice M., and Charles C. Father, Nathaniel Wood, a native of Connecticut, settled In town in 1814. Woolworth Edwin, p o Turin, farmer. 152 acres in Turin and .320 in Iowa, born in Turin May 5, 1818, has been aSBessor. superintendent of poor, and superTisor; first wife Clarissa Whittles^ey; second wile, Char- lotte O. FiFher; children living, six— Eugene B., Albert J., Alice E., Clarissa F.. Amulet M., and Ida L. Father, Justus Woolworth, settled in Con- stableville In 1797. XXVlll HISTORY OF LEWIS COUNTY. MONTAGUE. Fuller Nelson, p o Gardner's Corners, grain and dairy farm- er and merchant, 300 acres, born iu Canada, May 4. 1819, settled in county in 1850, filth settler in town, is overseer of poor; wife Mary Dunlevey, of Carthage, married March, 1844; children one— Julia Freeman. Father, Joseph Fuller, (deceased) was a resident of Canada. Gardner Joseph M., p o Gardner's Corners, farmer aud re- tired merchant, 600 acres, born in Chenango, Sept. 18, 1819, settled in town from Jefferson county io 1848, has been supervisor, chairman and clerk of the board of supervisors, justice of peace, and justice of sessions; wife Eunice A., daughter of Ellas Babcock, of Champion, Jefferson county, married Jan. 17, 1844; children two— Sarah M.,and Emma A. Parents, Joseph and Martha Gardner, residents of Jefferson county and natives of Hampshire county, Mass. Kilburn George W , p o Montague, lumber manufacturer and dealer, and farmer, 300 acres, mill situated on Deer river, manufactures shingles, has planing and sawing machine, handles about 500,000 feet lumber per year, born in Fowler, St. Lawrence county, Sept. 3