D3RNELL UNI¥tJ^T¥ LIBRARIIS ITHACA, N. Y Will JOHN M. plored the eastern territory about the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but in July, 161 5, he set out with two white compan- ions and several Indians to visit the distant country of the Hurons ly- ing about Georgian Ray and Lake Simcoe. Having reached his des- tination I-,y wa\ of I he f;i!.'i-3 River Chaniplain joined a large war- party, which was about to proceed against the Iroquois, and paddling do-.vn the River Trent reached Ontario at the entrance of the Bay of Quinte.^^. We can picture the bearded and sun-browned Frenchman in his steel cap and cuirass, his leathern garments stained and torn by the for- 44 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. est, r.eated in the bow of his birch canoe as it glided out upon the wa- ters of the lake. We can imagine his feelings of ardor and expecta- tion as unknow n shores rose from the waves of this great inland sea. Behind and about him moved a fleet of canoes containing scores of swarthy warriors, whose naked bodies swaying to the sweep of the pad- dles shone with vermillion war-paint, while the eagle plumes of then war-caps bent to the lake breeze. The exact course of this flotillia has been the subject of dispute, but whether they crossed to the eastern shore by the islands called the Ducks or about the head of Long Island (also named Grand Island), the band undoubtedly camped for a riight at the foot of Galloup or Stony Island. So it was upon one of these that a white man first set foot on the soil of what is today Jefferson County. Ten years from now will be the tricentennial of that event. Would it not be appro- priate if a monument could then be unveiled upon one of these is- lands in commemoration of the sturdy explorer who was the first to dari" the unkrown waters of Ontario? From the p'.ace of the first encampment two routes for the expedi- tion have been suggested by the authorities, the one into Henderson Harbor and thence by land to Salmon River, the other by water along the cliffs of. Stony Point and the sandy shores south to the same river. From an examination of Champlain's map of 1632 and judging from the known caution of the Indians in avoiding the rocky promitory of Stony Point it would Seem as if each of these suggested routes was in part wrorg It should be remembered that, while the topography of the region was unknown to the French explorer, it was undoubtedly familiar to rrany of the warriors who accompanied him. These would naturally have followed, and doubtless did, the usual Indian route to the head of Henderson Pay, crossed overland to Stony Creek and crept along the Ellisburgh shore to Salmon River. Here concealing their canoes In the forest, the Hurons, confident in the invincable char- acter of their white a'lies, took the Oneida trail south. The exact date when Champlain first beheld the waters and shores of eastern Ontario cannot be certainly determined, but it was some- tliiie between the first and tenth day of October, 161 5 . Before the 25th of the month he was aq;ain in his canoe speeding northward to- ward the Story Creek portage. The attempt upon the Iroquois stronghold had failed a"d his undisciplined army of savages pursued b> their foe had fled to the lakeshore. Champlain himself sorely "AOimded by arrows was borne through the forest on the back of a war- rior, complaining bitterly at his lot but thankful to find the canoes un- molested bv the enemy. With precipitate haste the beaten Hurons JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 45 crossed the lake to the northern shore, where they remained several \veeks before proceeding homeward. The Frenchmen had expected to return to Quebec by way of the St. Lawrence, but being unable to obtain canoemen they were forced to return to the Huron country for the winter. The following spring they reached the French settlements by way of the Otawa. First Voyagers Among Thousand Islands. Champlain did not explore the upper St. Lawrence, although some writers have so stated. i'' The honor of being the first white man to look upon the wondrous scenery of the Thousand Islands belongs to Pere Poncet, one of the early Jesuit missionaries, who was a prisoner among the Mohawks. In 1653 he succeeded in making his way to Ontario, and his Indian companions constructing a canoe near the out- let of the lake (probably in Henderson Harbor) paddled hin? down jthe St. Lawrence to Montreal. The impressions made upon the black-robed missionary by the is^ land scenery were far different from what we should have anticipated The dark foliage of the hemlock and cedar, the black rocks overgrown with moss and tangled vines seem to have produced a mental gloom akin to dread, rather than the admiration and pleasure usually excited by the wondrous beauties of the St. Lawrence. To the austere priest the beautiful was within, a purity of thought, a hope of eternity; all that was without was tainted with sin ; all nature was an instru- ment in the hands of the Adversary to win men from their allegi- ance to God.^" A year after Father Poncet returned to Montreal Simon le Moyne, another member of the Order of Jesus, renowned for his dis- i-ovpry of the Onondaga Fait springs, passed up the St. Lawrence in a ranoe, and coasting along the eastern shore of Ontario entered the Oswego River. ^^ The decade which followed was the blackest period in the history of New France. The Iroquois, now skilled in the use of firearms which they obtained from the Dutch traders of Fort Orange, swarmed into the Canadian forests and skulked about the little settle- ments on the St. I^awrence. The Ontario route to the Ottawa was travelled by numerous war-parties, and scores of Iroquois canoes passed down from the lake to the neighborhood of Montreal in search of scalps and plunder. It was during the latter part of this decade, in 1 66 1, that the courageous priest LeMoyne again visited the Thous- and Islands and Ontario on his way to the Onondagas, daring a route that was everywhere infested by the Mohawk war-bands. 46 JEFFEBSOy COUXTY CENTENNIAL. Two years later (1663) the valley of St. Lawrence was visited by an earthquake, of which the historian Charlevoix gives a most vivid description.^^. Beginning in February with tremendous upheavals which overthrew mountains and changed the beds of rivers causing i;ig the greatest terror among the colonists, already harassed and dis- heartened by the depredations of the savages, the seismic disturbances continued until August becoming less and less frequent. Unfortu- nately there was no scientific observation or report of the result of the earthquake, so it is impossible to say what topographical changes took place, or to what degree it affected this region. Courcelles and LaSalle. When the fortunes of Canada had reached their lowest ebb Dan- iel de Remi, Seigneur de Courcelles, arrived as governor with the Marquis de Tracy as royal intendant. The governor's energetic policy of retaliation upon the Mohawks brought rest to the wearied* colony. Negotiations for peace were renewed and the route to the Onondaga country was again frequented by white men. It was about this time that Cavalier, better known to the world as La Salle arrived at Montreal. He was a young man not thirty year? old, when, tempted by the tales told by Seneca traders of a great river flowing westward from- the lands south of Ontario, he organized a small party to visit the unknown stream hoping that it would be found to empty into the Great South Sea. In seven can- d;- La Salle and his companions paddled up the St. Lawrence, and passing by the usual Indian route through this region he followed the lake shore to Irondequot Bay. Here we must leave the daring young explorer, though he will be found later in this neighborhood. Canada now entered upon a period of rapid growth and develop- ment, as the direct result of the administration of her able intendant, Jean Baptiste Talon. He had at once rccoainized the strategic im- portance of the waterway at the eastern end of Ontario, and in 1670 rtrongly advocated the establishment in that region of a military post f arrisoned with a hundred men and furnished with a galley which could be used to intercept the Iroquois war-parties passing between Hi"d^pd a-d fifty Ca^'adians and a hundred Indians, romnelled its surrender. Having destroyed the stores which he found, the French commander hastened northward taking with him thirty prisoners. Among these was a trader, Robert Eastburn, who wrote an account of his experiences as a captive. In- stead of returning by the same route by which he had come De Lery on reaching Black River appears to have followed its western and southern banks to Ontario. 'Here he was fortunate in finding near JEFFERso.\ c'Ot.vry CEymyxiAL. 57 the shore some batteaux from Fort Frontenac, which ferried him with his men and prisoners across the mouth of the river, whence he marched to the St. Lawrence and along its banks to La Presentation. The French Camp on Six-Town Point?^ Doubtless the batteaux which were so opportunely in the neighbor- hood of Hlack River Bay, were engaged in the transportation of troops and supplies f^om Fort Frontenac to Six-'l own Point where, in ac- cordance with Vaudreuil's plan against Oswego, a fortified camp was f) be constructed. As soon as the ice in the lake had broken up suf- ficiently for navigation (which seems to have been that year exception- ally early), Captain de Villiers, one of the most famous partisan lead- ers of Larada, was sent with eight hundred Canadians and In- dians to establish a post "at the head of Nioure Bay," as the waters of Henderson and Black River Bays were called. This camp was in- tended as a base for scouting parties toward Oswego and the Mohawk.58 Within a few years the outlines of an entrenchment could be easily traced on that portion of the point known now as "Warner's Island." The work was a square with bastions at each corner, and extended be- tween fifty and sixty feet on a side and was probably constructed of logs set upright in the ground. Situated on the inner side of the point this stockaded camp possessed exceptional advantages for watching the channel between the mainland and Stony Island and the harbor from which ran the portage to Stony Creek. It is appropriately named in the documents "Camp de I'Observation." Dr. Hough in his history of Jefferson County also mentions anoth- er post established by the same officer at the mouth of Sandy Creek, but if must have been of a very temporary character, since it does not figure to any extent in the numerous papers referring to the period. From the camp on Six-Town Point Villiers despatched scouts to watch the English at Oswego, the garrison of which had been consid- erably reinforced, and his Abenakis and Ottawas brought in many scalps and prisoners.^^ In the early part of June (1756) an English sloop attended by eight galleys landed a party on the "He aux Galots" who intended to remain some days on a reconnaissance. It happened that a band of Villiers' Indians saw the landing, and they hastened to the camp to notify their commander. Under cover of darkness a force was sent in canoes to surprise the enemy. The enterprise was successful ; fifteen of the English were killed or captured, and among the latter the commander of the scouting party. The remainder managed to reach their vessels and made their escape to Oswego. 58 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. First Naval Battle on the Great Lakes.^^ Between Fort Frontenac and Camp de I'Observation the French vessels were constantly passing with men and supplies, carrying des- patches, and incidentally guarding the approaches to the two posts. "On the 25th June," writes Governor Vaudreuil, "as our two Corsaira were cruising between the "Islands of Couis (the Ducks) and the Galots, one of them being near the Bay of Nioure got intelligence of a schooner returning to Chauagen (Oswego)." The two French vessels pursued the stranger but she managed to elude them. The following day the two "corsairs" having spent the night in Henderson Bay were returning to Fort Frontenac, when three Eng- lish sails were sighted approaching from the Ducks. The French iniiTiediately attacked them, and after putting two of the enemy's ves- sels to flight captured a twenty-ton sloop with six sailors and eight soldiers. This is noteworthy as the first naval battle which took place upon the Great Lakes. It was fought in the neighborhood of Gal- IohI) Island and close to th^ present boundary line between Canada and Jefferson County. Montcalm's Expedition Against Oswego/"^ Meanwhile the Marquis de Montcalm had arrived in Canada to take command of the military operations He found the preparations for the attack upon Oswego almost completed; and, perceiving tht strategic importance of the post, he determined to direct the expedition in person. On July 29th he arrived at Fort Frontenac, where three regiments of regulars,*'' numbering thirteen hundred men, together with seventeen hundred Canadians and Indians had already been as~ sembled. An officer of the Regiment of La Sarre gives some interesting de- taiU of the expedition. On the day of Montcalm's arrival this regi- ment embarked, encamped that night on Galloup Island, and on the following day arrived at Camp de I'Observation, where they construct- ed a number of ovens and commenced baking bread for the army. On Aueust 5th the main body left Fort Frontenac and proceeded to Gal- loup Island where they were compelled to rema'n two days on account of rough weather. On the 8th they arrived at the camp in Nioure Bay At dawn on the gth the march be'ian from the head of Henderson Harbor, Canadian and Indian scouts scouring the woods in advance, while the veteran grenadiers of La Sarre led the van. Across the port- age to Stony Creek and along the sands of Ellisburgh toiled the French army. All that day and the succeeding night the march continued. JEfFEBSON COUNTY CENTEyNlAL. 59 I'he batteaux laden with artillery, ammunition, and provisions, having rounded Stony Point, followed the troops. On the I2th Oswego was beseiged and two days later capitulated. Having razed the fortifications "from cellar to rafter," and, having captured six sloops and a large quantity of munitions, Montcalm re- turned to Nioure Bay with sixteen or seventeen hundred prisoners. Among these was Colonel Peter Schuyler, nephew of the famous In- dian commissioner Peter Schuyler, called by the Iroquois "Quider Schuyder," whose influence had preserved to England the friendship of the Confederacy during the latter part of the 17th century. At Camp lie rObservation Montcalm left the Regiment of La Sarre to supervise the transportation of the stores collected there, he himself with the ri'st of the army proceeding directly to Fort Frontenac. It is probable that during the year 1757 a small detachment was stationed at the Nioure outpost, ^^ but the immediate danger* on the western frontier having been removed by the destruction of Oswego, the regular troop> were recalled to take part in the campaign about Crown Point. It would appear that by the close of the year Camp de rObservation had been abandoned on account of the numerical weakness of the Frontenac garrison. It was never again reoccupied. Bradstreet's Expedition Against Frontenac.'''^ In 1758 the English again took the offensive and General Brad- i freer with an army of four thousand men proceeded to Oswego and inarched thence along the lakeshore to Henderson Bay, where on August 26th he was discovered by Indian scouts from Fort Fronte- nac. On the next day twenty-six hundred English appeared before the fort, which surrendered without resistance since its garrison con- sisted of but fifty-three men. Having burned the buildings and scuttled five of the seven vessels in the port retaining only two twenty-ton brigs, Bradstreet retired to Henderson Bay before he was intercepted by the French troops already en route up the St. Lawrence. Accompanying General Bradstreet in this expedition were Colonel Phillip Schuyler and Captain Horatio Gates, the o-^e to be honored by posterity for his magnanimous patriotism at the battle of Saratoga, the other to be condemned for his jealous intrigues aq^alnst Schuyler f.nd Washington. A lieutenant in tbe e p-'ditiop was Ge;r c Clinton, who became New York's governor and a vice-president of the Un- ited States. The army remained some days on the shores of Henderson Bay, but finding the French troops had turned back on learnine of the fall of Fort Frontenac they retired to Fort Bull carrying with them the GO JEFFERSON CULWTV CESTENNIAL. artillery which they had captured, many of the cannon being brass pieces, which had been taken from Braddock at the time of his dis- asterous defeat, and had later been used by Montcalm in his attack" up- on Oswego French Scouting Camps. The general successes of the English arms forced the French to contract their western line of defense along the St. Lawrence. La Presentation and a redoubt, Fort Levis, at the head of the Galop Ra- pids became the guardians of the upper river, although scouting par- ties were to he found in Lake Ontario. There was in August, I759i a small entrenched camp on Galloup Island, and other temporary caiTips appear to have been situated on Grenadier Island and on the mainland near the present site of Cape Vincent.^^ From these out- posts the coureurs de bois and the Indians kept in close touch with the English operations on the upper Mohawk and further west. Lord Amherst's Expedition.^^ But the great conflict for North America was nearly ended. Que- bec fell on September 17, 1759, and Governor Vaudreuil fled to Mon- treal, where he bravely maintained the hopeless struggle for another year. Finally on September. 7, 1760, three armies invested the town, !ind the Governor was forced to make a general capitulation of Can- ada. The largest of the three English armies was under the com- mand of General Lord Amherst, and came down the St. Lawrence from Oswego. During the summer troops had continued to arrive at Oswego pre- paratory to the final scene in the great drama. On the arrival of Lord Amherst and his staff Colonel Sir Frederick HaMimand was sent forward to the outlet of Ontario with a small detachment to drive in the enemy's outposts, but he found that the French had withdrawn to the neighborhood of La Presentation. The army shortly arrived in a laree fleet of transports, and proceeded down the St. Lawrence to fiaht the last battle of the war at Fort Levis. It is interesting to note the officers of this expedition that passed through the waters of this region, the names of whom have become familiar to every American through the parts played by them in the War for Independetjce. Among them were General Thomas Gage and Lieutenant Israel Putnam, fifteen years later to be rival commander* in the opening scenes of the Revolution. Holding commissions were Horatio Gates and Charles Lee, the two soldiers of fortune who had come to America with General Braddock. Espousing the cause of the colonists in the apparent hope of personal gain the two comrades JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTbrNNI.IL. ' 61 attained high military rank in the Continental Army, but closed theit careers, the one as an unscrupulous intriguer against his great com- mander, the other as a trator to-his adopted country. In charge of the seven hundred Iroquois, who accompanied Amherst's army was Sir William Johnson, the famous Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and with him were his nephew and son-in-law Guy Johnson and Colonel John Butler,' the notorious Tory leaders of the New York frontier. The Fort on Carleton Ixland. With the English conquest of Canada the importance of this re- gion as a borderland ceased for a time, and it is not until 1774 that it is again mentioned. In that year Sir Frederick Haldimand, the commander of the British forces in America, in connection with a gen- eral scheme of military occupation of the Great Lakes, caused a fort or stockaded camp, to be erected on Buck or Deer Island, now called Carleton Island. It seems probable that Gereral Haldima-d's know- led|je of the locality acquired as the commander of the advance guard of Amherst's army had much to do with the selection of the spot foi tliR fortification. The outbreak of the American Revolution in the year following the construction of the post on Carleton Island again made this region the froritier between warring peoples, but it did not occupy the same relative importance to the events of that period that it had to those of the English and French wars. In the latter struggle the southern shores of Ontario had been alrrost continually in the possession of Eng- liind or her savage allies; but in the Revolution the American line of defense lay along the Mohawk and Susquehanna, Ontario being entirely controlled by the English posts at Niagara, Oswego, Fron- teiiac and Carleton Island. With the commencement of hostilities Colonel Guy Johnson, who upon the death of Sir Wiliam had succeeded to the office of Indian Commissioner fled from Guy Park on the Mohawk to Oswego accom- pained by the infamous Butlers, father and son, and the Mohawk chieftain Thayendanegea, known commonly by his English name of Joseph Brant. At Oswego Johnson assembled a great council' of fifteen hundred Indians ; and, exercising the power of the Johnson name, he persuaded the large majority to cast their lot with Eng- land, only the Oneidas and a portion of the Tuscaroras of the Iroquois Comfederacy preferring the friendship of the rebelling colonists.'^ This council occurred in May, 1775. Twt) months latJr the Tory leaders with a chosen band of warriors and about two hundred 6-' JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Loyalists passed through this region on their way to Montreal."" In the following year Sir John Johnson, the son and heir of the old baronet, and Colonel Daniel Claus, another son-in-law of Sir Wil- liam, abandoning their estates on the Mohawk, fied to Canada, where the former raised a Tory regiment known as the "Royal Greens." From the time that the British authorities had sanctioned the em- ployment of savages to reduce the colonists to submission,^^ the fort o). Deer Island, which in 1777 or 1778 was renamed Carleton Is- land, became a favorite resort for the bands of Tories and Indians, who harried the outlying settlements of the New York frontier per- petrating the most horrible atrocities upon their former neighbors and friends."® St. Leger's Expedition.^^ In conjunction with the advance of General Burgoyne by way ot r>ake George, and as a part of the British plan of campaign of 1777, Major Barry St. Leger was directed to proceed to Lake Ontario and from that point strike Fort Schuyler (more commonly referred to by its old name of Fort Stanwix), march down the Mohawk valley and attack General Schuyler's army in the flank or rear. In ad" vance of St. Leger's army of seventeen hundred men Colonel Claus and Sir John Johnson with the "Johnson Greens" went up the St. I-awrence; and Colonel Claus, who had become Superintendent of the Caradian Indians fixed upon Carleton Island as the place ot r( ndezvous for the savages who were to accompany the expedition. On July 8th St. Leger with his troops arrived and about the same time came Colonel John Butler from Oswego. St. Leger, having supplied the Indians with arms, ammunition and Vermillion, and having offered, it is alleged, a liberal bounty foi scalps,^" left Carleton Island and advanced to Henderson Bay where the troops disembarked and commenced the march down the coast. It had been the original intention to take the trail from Salmon Riv- er, to Oneida Lake, but the British commander on reaching that rivei unwisely issued a quart of rum to each savage, "which," as Claus writes, "made them all beastly drunk, and in which case it is not in the power of man to quiet them." As a result the plan of march was changed, and the expedition continued along the coast to Oswe- go, where Brant had collected a large war-party to co-operate with St. Leger. Fortunately for fhe cause of American independence the attempt- ed flank movement ended in failure. The battle of Oriskany JEFFERSON UOUNTy CENTl'iyNlAL. 63 turned the tide against the British arms and was the beginning of the disaster which culminated in the surrender of Burgoyne and his army at Saratoga. On the return of St. Leger's expediton from Oswego a severe storm was encountered near the entrance to the St. Lawrence; sever- al transports were wrecked on the rocky shore of Point Peninsula, 3nd others barely escaped by taking refuge in Chaumont Bay. The prisoners, a number of whom had been taken, were brought to Lake Ontario with the retreating army; and through the indiffer- ence or wanton cruelty of the British commander several were per- mitted to remain in the hands of the savages. In view of the losses sustained by the Indians at Oriskany and about Fort Schuyler this action of St. Leger was peculiarly atrocious. It is said, that a band of Ottawas crossing from Henderson to Quirte stopped at Gal'oup Island,. and there tortured to death and devoured one of these wretched captives ,his bones being discovered not long after by an American scouting party from Fort Schuyler. Fort HaldimandJ^ Soon after the defeat and capture of Burgoyne Sir Guy Carleton was at his own request retired as Governor of Canada, though re- maining in the military service. He was succeeded by Major Gen- eral Haldimand. The new governor was famliar with the strategic points in the defense of the upper St. Lawrence, and at once dettr- niined to make the stockaded camp on Carleton Island a permanent post to control the southern channel of the river. For this purpose he sent engineers to the island in 1778, and caused the construction- of a fort, which was known as Fort Haldimand. At Carleton Island the British built a number of vessels for the navigation of Lake Ontario, and the post became a principal rendez- vous for the scalping parties which harassed the New York frontier. The Indians flocked there from the south and west; and on the mainland opposite the island appears to iiave been their "Great Camp."'^^ There the savage kindled their council-fire and held their wild orgies, exchanged the bloody trophies of massacre for English gold, and boasted of their crimes. It was at Carleton Island before and after the construction of Fort Haldimand that Brant aroused th\ blood-thirst of the Mo- hawks and sent them forth, with the Tories of Colonel John Butler an'i his son, Walter the most infamous villain of the border, to ply the torch ar'd hatchet in the valleys of central New York. It was there that Sir Guy Johnson delivered to the Indian chiefs presents 64 JEFfERSON COLWTY ('ENTENSIAL. from the English king, and urged them on in their work of slaugh- ter and pillage by the promise of future reward. The grey ruins of Fort Haldimand still stand as a gaunt monu' ment to the black deeds which were Hatched within its wails when the Johnsons and the Butlers sat there in council with Brant and his chieftains — a crumbling memorial of a nation's crime in subject- ing a kindred people to the horrors of an Indian war, in which neith- er age nor sex protected from nameless cruelties. After the peace of 1783 the uncertainty of the northern boundaries left the fort in the possession of Great Pritain. In 1796 surveyors of the Macomb Purchase found there a British corporal and three soldiers.'^ Possession so continued,, the Canadian authorities con- trnlling both channels of the St. Lawren's, until the post was cap- tured by the Americans at the opening of the War of 181 2.'* Conclusion. ' The allotted period of local history closes here. Looking back over the years prior to the first settlement in the wilderness, where 3 re now the farms and villages and cottage-lined bays and islands of Jefferson County, one cannot but be impressed with its interesting past. Its waters and shores have witnessed events which have con- trolled the destinies of this continent. Itb soil has been trod by men famous in the annals of American history, In the long roll of distinguished ramps are those of Champlain Froiitenac and La Salle; La Barre, Denonville ard Mantet; Vaud- reui! and Montcalm; the Jesuits, Le Moyre, Lambervilie and Char- levoix ; the great Iroquois chieftairs, Kryn ard Thayendanegea ; the British generals Bradstreet and Amherst, Gage and Haldimand ; the soldiers of fortune, Horatio Gates and Charles Lee; the American patriots, Putnam and Schuyler and Clinton; Sir William Johnson, Sir Guy and Sir John; those scourges of th; border, the Butlers and Claus; besides those of many others who were conspicuous in the stirring scenes enacted during the 17th and i8th centuries along thft great river of Canada and the lake from which it flows. From the fir^t tradition of the Iroquois this rep:ion has been the disputed Irrd of nations: the Canaan of xVi West. Its wooded shores and rocl'v islets have erhoed the yells of «ava?e warriors; its dark, fn-.ests have rung with the tramp of marching soldiery; across its wa- ters have sounded the boom of canron a"d the cries of combat. Not until the energies of the new-born republic had transformed the wilderness into broad pastures and waving grain-fields did peaoi come to this land of conflict, and even then it was to once again Hfear the noise of battle. JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 65 Ninety years have passed since the last hostile shot sounded in this region. May it be the will of heaven that never again shall this border-land of ours become the theater of war, but that the future may hold in store for Jefferson County peace and prosperity to the end. APPENDIX EARLY MAPS AND GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES. It is natural to expect that the maps of new'.y-discovered regiont should at the first be very imperfect, but that with increasing know- ledge and more careful observations the mistakes should disappear. This did indeed happen in regard to the territory, now wijhin the boundaries of Jefferson County, but the corrections were made much later and took much longer to secure general acceptance than might be supposed. Even during the last quarter of the 1 8th century the upper St. Lawrence and the eastern portion of Lake Ontario were' incorrectly delineated on the maps. The trouble in this particular case seems to have been that the map-makers derived their data from the writings or sketch-maps of historical chroniclers and unscientific travellers who paid little atten- tion to actual locations and were indifferent to or negligent of dis- tance and direction. Furthermore, cartographers are usually, perhaps wisely so, ex- tremely cautious in the adoption of information contradictory of ex- isting maps. They assume that their predecessors had proper and sufficient data, and unless conclusively proven to be false they are unwilling to assume the responsibility of changing them as charted. From this attitude of map-rriakers toward maps already drawn, and from the further fact that maps are unaccompanied by the data con- sulted in their preparation, mistakes once made are copied and re- copied, each copy forming cumulative proof on the supposition that the copyists had confirmed the truth by independent investigation. As a result cartography, particularly that of a hundred years ago, is peculiarly liable to perpetuate errors arising from incomplete know- ledge, misinformation apd conjecture. Trend of Ontario's Shore. This persistency of geographical error is demonstrated by an ex- amination of the maps of this region published during the 17th and 66 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 1 8th centuries, which often make uncertain the location of places named by contemporaneous writers and in the official documents,. The most noticeable fault in the earlier maps is the trend of th*. eastern shore of Lake Ontario, which is extended northeast and south- west, instead of north and south as it should be. The result is that there is no defined outlet to the lake but a giadual narrowing like a wedge, the southern and eastern shores being merged into one. This error which affects the points of the compass as given in documents is very marked in the maps of Champlain (1632), Galinee( (1669), and Joliet (1674). It is less marked in a map made about 1683, preserved in the Archives of the Marine at Paris, and has entirely disappeared in the map of the. Jesuit, Pierre Raffeix (1688), yet to show how persistent such an error may become and how later observ- ers may through carelessness confirm it, it may be noted that Char- levoix, the Jesuit historian in 1721 stated that looking westward from the head of Galloup Island he could see the mouth of the Os- weco River, while in fact from that island Oswego lies almost due south. Islands Near the Outlet of Ontario The next prominent fault is the location of the islands in Ontario near its outlet. ( It is not strange that the islands in the St. Lawrence should, befgre an accurate survey had been made, be shown conven- tionally.) In the earlier maps the lake islands are scattered about with little regard to their number, extent and location. In the Cham- plain map (1632), however, two unnamed islands are shown in shape and situation corresponding to Galloup and .Stony Islands with an accuracy which could only have been acquired from actual observa- tion. On the Raffeix map (i688) for the first time appear "lies des "Gallots" In nearly their proper position, although the large estuary ea«t of the islands, formed by Chaumo"t, Black River and Hender- son Bays is contracted into the mouth of a narrow river. , Some fifty years after the Raffeix Map there was issued a French map( 1744), which is in the Paris Marine A'-chives. This shows "I. aux Galots" quite accurately placed, but the "I. aux Chevreuils" (Grenadier Island) and the "I. aux Reyrards" appear between the Ducks and Galloup Island, and the former between Grenadier Island and Fort Frontenac. A few years later (i7s8) the London Maeazine published a map of Fort Frontenac "with adjacent countries" to illustrate the mili- tary operations in that region. Upon it "Deer Island" (lie aux Chevreuils) and "Foxes Island" (He aux Reynards) are located due JJiFl-'ERSON cot .^7'r VENtliSSlAL. 67 west of the southern point of the "Bay of Niaoure" (the estuary formed by Chaumont, Black River and Henderson Bays), which would be Six-Town Point. To the southeast of these islands and very close to the mouth of Stony Creek are three islands named on tlie map "I. aux Galots." Stony Point, called "Traverse Point", appears also at the mouth of this creek. The confusion of locations and the errors are so great as to forbid explanation, but they demon- strate the ignorance of the English concerning the geography of the region. Another English map, which may be considered authoritative, was one of the Province of New York made by the cartographer Sauth- ier (1777) under the direction of the last provincial governor, and published in London in 1779. On it the "Couis" (Ducks), "Chev- reuils, "Renards" and "Galots" are laid down with apffro'ximate accuracy as to location, although the last islands' are composed of a group of seven and are very extraordinary in shape. Six-Town Point and also Stony Point are shown, the latter being marked "Pt. de la Traverse, now Portland Point." The peculiar contours of some of the islands may not be so er- roneous as they appear in comparing them with the modern maps. The gravelly formation of many of the islands and the shores makes them susceptible to rapid change.. As an instance of this fact, resi- dentverv ever have been eradicated except by war? Would the unity of Germany have been effected except by war, or could the unity of the United States have been preserved, except in like manner? The French Revolution was accomplished by fearful destruction of human life, but without war and revolution the rule of the hated Pourbon would have never been broken. Disputes be- tween nations as to boundaries, and in regard to commercial interests should always be the subject of arbitration, . or in some other way should be settled without resorting to bloody war; but in a case where human rights are involved ; where an oppressed people are in- spired to be free; away with all sentimentality to the effect that wai is cruel and wrong, and it is better to suffer and be obedient than to resort to arms. A people so weak, would not deserve to be free. Who believes that the effete and cruel Spaniards would ever let go their grasp upon Cuba, except it had been severed by the sword. It is the history of humanity that where a great wrong has been in- flicted by one people upon another, that in the end the sword is appeal- ed to as a means of obtaining justice, and only by the sword does the relief come. War is an evil in rpafrpitude proportionate to the in- jury that may have been inflicted in a particular case ; but better war, with all its attendant evils than that the spirit of a brave people should be crushed under the heel of a degrading tyranny. As war 94 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. may open the way for an expression of free thought, it is a blessing. War has been essential to keep alive the martial spirit of our soldiers, for it has moved them " to action always in a just cause. They fought for liberty, for independence, and for the preservation of the Union, which represents the best government the wisdom of man has ever devised. There is one phase relating to Jefferson county in war that we rarely consider at this time. We are prone to forget that the ex- penses of equipping and maintaining a large militiary force is of necessity, enormous ; the ardor of our young men, taken from theii various fields of employment and made soldiers could be relied upon, yet the people of this county, reflecting upon the sacrifices they were making, and desirous of doing what could be done in their aid, issued during the war, bonds to the amount of a million and one hundred thousand dollars, the proceeds of which were devoted to the pay- ment of bounties ; and these bonds, I suppose, have all been paid, and this large sum was expended upon the volunteers in addition to the amounts that were received by them from the federal govern- ment. It was a liberal provision on the part of our people, but no one will for a moment consider that it was anything in excess of just remuneration for the services rendered. It is evidence of the high and patriotic purpose which actuated the substantial and property hol'ding people of our county. They had means, and they were will- ing to make use of them to aid those who were devoting their lives to the preservation of the country. The lapse of 44 years since the commencement of the Civil War has removed many of the marks of the great conflict ; the poignancy of the grief that ensued from the loss of husbands and sons has passed away with those who experienced it. The war itself is a memory. For particulars in regard to it, we must turn to the pages of history, although of course there are thoiisands of survivors from whom much of personal experience can be obtained. Their tottering forms as they pass along the streets are reminders merely of the destructiveness of the conflict in which they were engaged. In the bloom and prosperity that everywhere surrounds the people of today we have the fruits of the sacrifices which our young men made in their efforts for the preservation of our Union. The declaration of war by the United States against Spain was heartily approved by the people of Jefferson county, and many of her sons had a part therein. In this war, as elsewhere, they performed well their part. They were in Cuba, in the Phillipines and at Pekin, JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 95 China. In China they stood the test of comparison with the best troops of the European nations. All honor to the men who served! In the war with Spain, 1898, Company "E" of the 203rd Regi- ment New York Volunteers, was recruited in this county from the 39th Separate Company. There were also from this county thirteen men in the 71st Regiment, New York Volunteers, and there was a Commissioned officer, and three men in the 202nd Regiment who were from this county; also one commissioned officer of the 9th New York Volunteers Infantry, and there were two enlisted men in a light battery in the United States service. Of these men, James S. Boyer entered the service as a captain, and came out at the end of his term of service with the rank of major. The late lamented Frank Peck entered the service as a private, and was mustered out as a captain. There were other promotions among the men who thus served their country, but time does not permit me to mentidh them. The brief patriot war of 1837 was not a national affair. Some of our citizens, misled and laboring under a delusion that the people of Canada desired to throw off their allegiance to Great Britain, made the attempt, by force of arms, to get a foot hold upon Canadian soil. The attempt was disastrous, and Derefus Abby and others of our citizens were summarily executed, and others sent to the penal colony of Van Demens Land for life. It was a lamentable and unfortunate affair. The conduct of the American soldier deserves commendation. He has been not only a soldier — a machine — but a machine that has thought. He has been a soldier with a conscience. It has never been the policy of our Government and people to maintain a strong standing army. When the emergency of war has arisen, and military forces were necessary, eligible men have rallied in great numbers. In the war with Spain, volunteers of- ferred in larger numbers than could be accepted. In enrolling them- selves as soldiers, they believed they were to serve a just cause, and for this reason they were willing to take all the hazards of bloody war. It is said that the Japanese do not pay their soldiers; they serve the Mikado as a solemn duty, and are most loyal and true. Is it not worth our while to give every encouragement to the spirit of patriotism that should characterize our people, so that strong arms and stout hearts may always be found to sustain our Govern- ment, wherever it needs strong arms and stout hearts to sustain it? There are miny ways to do this, or rather, there are many in- fluences that may be brought to bear to accomplish it. We may make the study of patriotism a part of the curriculum of our schools 96 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. and especially is this necessary at a time when so many thousands are swarming to our shores to share the blessings of liberty and good government, ■ that are our inheritance. The foreigners need to be taught the principles on which our government rests. They need to be taught to reverence the flag, which, is our national emblem, We may do this with great profit to ourselves, and to those who may come after us. And notwithstanding tlie mighty influx of foreigners to labor and make homes here, no harm will come to us as a nation, so long as their children are taught to shout for liberty and to say in chorus, "One country and one flag, and that flag the Stars and Stripes, now and forever." We may put up monuments and memorials to be object lessons through all the coming years, of the sacrificial blood that has been shed as the price of liberty. In unison with this spirit, the Grand Army Post of this city, and its kindred allies have entered upon the enterprise of building a Memorial Hall, where the organizations referred to may have a place of meeting, and exert an influence along the line I have indicated. These organizations teach patriotism. Through the influence of the Grand Army patriotism is taught in the schools; memories con- nected with the preservation of our government and the flag are con- stantly kept alive; that the object is a most worthy one, nearly every one will concede; Being worthy and of the highest importance, do not the generous feelings of your hearts respond and influence you to lend a helping hand to aid the enterprise? Who would pull down Bunker Hill monument; who would raze to the ground the Washington Monument at the National Capital ; who would wish to see the Statue of T ihertv, enliehtening the world in New York Harbor, tumble over into the waters that surround it, to be engulfed and hidden from the sight of men ! All these noble monuments represent the contributions of noble men and women, whose hearts have thrilled with the love of country, and the spirit that has made it free. The men and women that are moving to erect a Memorial Hall in this city to represent the spirit of patriotism, are devoted to their purpose. It is this spirit that has caused to be erected the granite piles that adorn our country here and there, and that stand as silent educators of the people in patriotism, love of country, liberty and righteousness. Open your hearts, and open your purses to help the building of a Memorial Hall. JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 97 PIONEERS OF THE COUNTY. By Hon. Isaac L. Hunt Prior to the close of the i8th century this portion of the State of New York was an unknown solitude, covered by a forest of immense growth of trees whose limbs had waved in the breeze of Lake Ontario from primeval times. Coursing through this region were many streams, and the great river whose dark and rushing waters colored from the moss from the mountains gave jt its name, and from it the name of this region, the Black River country. These waters were teeming with fish life and the forests were abundant with. game, but the foot of the white man had never trod its solitudes with the ex- ception that in the French and Indian "Wars and the War of «he Rev- olutions, military parties had made excursions through this region and lonely trappers and hunters had wandered here in quest of game. Now and then a Jesuit missionary had left his home in Sunny France and had wandered to these solitudes in his zeal to preach the gospel of Christ to the savage aborigines, who flitted through these shades. Trails from the Iroquois nation in central New York crossed this country to the several lakes and rivers and to the great river, St. Lawrence, and these dusky warriors, either on excursions for fish and game or on war excursions to Canada, passed to and fro in these for- ests. Reports had reached civilization from this and other sources of the value of the forest and the fertility of the soil. Towards the close of the 1 8th century, land purchasers became interested in this section of the country. At the close of the Revolution In 1783 and thereafter, great business depression had fallen on all the country and especially on the New England states, but after the organization of the federal government, confidence was restored in our political in- stitutions. Business began to revive slowly and conditions of great poverty were widespread through all New England. At this per- iod in our country's history, the spirit of adventure and desire to possess valuable lands seemed to take possession of the people of New England. They turned their eyes toward the vyestward, and the stream of emigration broke on the Ohio, and a smaller stream was di- verted northward to the Black River country. The people desired to leave the sterile lands of the New England states and to acquire more fertile farms, and to seek better opportunities in the West and in the North. Large tracts in this section of the State had been purchased by land speculators, and they resorted to the usual induce- 98 JEFFEBtiON COUXTY CENTEXISIAL. ments to cause emigrants to take up the lands which they had pur- chased. 1 hus information was spread broadcast or the lertility and value of this section. The towns in this county were settled in the ' following order : Adams was settled April i6th in the year 1800, and was organized as a town, April ist, 1802 and was named in honor of President John Adams. Some of the first settlers were Nicholas Salisbury, David Smith, Peter Doxtater, the Coopers, Foxes, Wrights, Edmons, Wm. Beriton, mostly from Rhode Island and Connecticut, Massachusetts and the Eastern part of this State. The Town of Alexandria was settled in 181 1. It was organized as a Town in 1 82 1. It was named Alexandria, for the soq of J. D- Leray who lost his life about the time of the Mexican War. Among the first settlers of Alexandria were Leray and many other Frenchmen. Many of the other settlers were from the State of Vermont. Antwerp was settled in 1803. It was organized as a Town April 5th, 1 8 10. It was named Antwerp from Antwerp In Belgium. Capt. Wm. Lee, Jas. Bethel, Mary Sterling, Samuel Sterling, John C. Fos- ter, Wm. McAllester and David Parrlsh were among the first settlers, many of whom were from the State of Vermont and nearly all from New England. The Town of Brownville was settled. May 21st, 1799. It was or- ganized as a Town in 1802. It was named in honor of General Jacob Brown. Among its first settlers were Jacob Brown, Geo. Brown, Ebenezer Hills, J. W. Collins, R. Avery, Horace Matthews, and Wm. Lord. Many of these people were from New England and the Eastern part of the State. Cape Vincent was settled in 180 1. It was organized as a town April lOth, 1849, and was named in honor of Virrent Leray. It was first settled by white men, by the French and British soldiers, who occupied the fort on Carleton Island, hut the first Amerirai settler was Abijah Putnam in 1801, Samuel Coen in 1804, and Daniel Spining and others. Elber Kelsey came with twenty other men, among them Richard Esselstyn and Dr. Avery Ainsworth came about this time. These men were from New England and the central part of this state. The Town of Champion was settled in 1797; March 14th, 1800 it was organized as a town. It was ramed in honor of Henry Champion, a soldier of the Revolution, who fought from Bunker Hill to the close, and who led one of the columns of Mad Anthony Wayne when he won the brilliant victory over the British at Crown JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 99 Point. He was a brother of Deborah Champion who has been honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution in the south- ern part of the County, who named their chapter of the D. A. R., the Deborah Champion Chapter in honor of this patriotic woman. The first settlers were Noadiah Hubbard, Daniel Coffeen, Samuel Starr, Thomas Wood, David Star and many others. These fnen came from the Mohawk Valley and New England. The Town of Claytpn was settled in 1801. It was organized as a Town April 27, 1833. It was named from Hon. John M. Clay- ton. One of its first settlers was John Bartlett. The Town of Ellisburg was settled in 1797. It was organized as a Town, February 22nd, 1803. It was named in honor of Lyman Ellis, the first settler. Some of the first settlers were Lyman Ellis, Marvel Ellis, Caleb Ellis, Wm. Hicks, B. E. Pierce, Rob*t Fulton, Wm. Root, Isaac Waddle, Abram Wilcox and Hezekiah Pierce. The Ellisses were from Troy. The majority of the other emigrants were from the New England States. The Town of Henderson was settled in 1802. It was organized as a town February 17th, 1806. It was named in honor of Wm. Henderson. Among the first settlers were Thomas Clark, Peter Cramer, Luther, Asa, James and Jedediah McCumber, Jesse Hop- kins, Mark Hopkins, Calvin Bishop and David Bronson. These men were mostly from the New England states. There was also a Scotch settlement begun in 1803. There was Duncan Drummond, Peter Barry, Duncan Campbell, Daniel Scott, Daniel McNeill. The Town of Hounsfield was settled in 1800. It was organ- ized as a town, February 17th, 1806. It was named in honor of Ezra Hounsfield. Some of the first settlers were Peter Kimball, Amasa Pox, Augustus Sacket, David Merritt, Samuel Luff, Wm. Ashby, and Elisha Camp. These men came both from England and New England, and the central part of this state. The Town of Leray was settled in 1802. It was organized into a Town, February 17th, 1806. It was named in honor of J. D. Leray de Chaumont. Benjamin Brown and his wife were among the first settlers. She was the first woman that' settled in this township. Others were Joseph Child and his sons, Samuel. David and Moses, Benjamin Kirkwood, Thos. Wood, Wm. Cooper. Dr. Horatio Otis and Rowell Woodruff. Moses Kent was the land agent. The Town of Lorraine was settled in Nov. 1802. It was or- ganized in a township, April 6th, 1804. It was called Malta, af- terwards Lorraine. Some of its early settlers were Jos. McKee, Elijah Fox, Benjamin Gibbs, John Oliver, Asa Brown, Aaron 100 JEVFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Brown, Wm. Lanfear, Clark Allen, besides the Pitkins, Lamsons and Wises and Lymans. Most of these came from the New Eng- land States. The Town of Lyme was settled in 1801 .and was organized in March, 1818. It was named from Lyme, Connecticut. Among its first" settlers were Henry A. Delameter, Timothy Wheeler, Richard M. Esseslstyn, Peter Pratt, Joe Davind and Timothy Soper, Jas. Horton and David Horton, John Tremper, Jos. Rider and STlas David. Many of these were from Ulster County and New England. Orleans was settled in 1806 and was organized as a town, April .ird, 1 82 1. It was named after New Orleans. John Wilkes, Asa Hull, Roderick Flagler, Richard Taylor, Peter Pratt, Wm. Collins. Samuel Lennel, Lester White, Warren Hall, Adams and John Page, Benjamin Page, Dr. Cushman and John Lafarge a French- man who came in 1824, Dr. Reuben Andrus who came from Ver- mont. Philadelphia was settled in '1803. It was organized as a town, April 3rd, 1821. It was named Philadelphia for the city of that name. It was settled largely from people from Pennsylvania, who were Friends. Joseph Childs, Moses Moon, Jas. Moon, Benjamin Brown, Mordecai Taylor, Robert Comfort, Dani*! Coffeen, Thos. Gilbert, John Stickland, John Townsend and David Evans. Rodman was settled in 1801. It was organized as a town, March 24th, 1804. Named Rodman for Rodman, clerk of Assembly when town was organized. Anson and- Ebenezer Moody, Jonathan, Noah and Aaron Davis, Benjamin Thomas, Simeon* Hunt, Timothy Green- ley, Jessie Smith and Geo. Gates were among the first settlers. Mrs. E. Moody was the first white woman in the town and her son, William H. Moody was the first white child born in the town of Rodman. Rutland was settled in 1799. It was organized into a town, April 1st, 1802. It was named after Rutland, Vermont. Asher Mills, David Coffeen, Ethel Bronson, John Felt, Dr.- Isaac Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth Parkinson and David Taylor and Samuel Porter were some of its early settlers. They came from Vermont and other New England States, and from the central part of this State. The town of Theresa was organized in 1841. It was named after a daughter of J. D. Leray.' Captain John Hoover, Ebenezer Luff, Dan Hall, Mrs. Keeler, M. Huntington, H. Mooney, Anson Cheese- man, Marcus B. Ashley, John A. Evans and Dr. Jas. Brooks are among its first settlers. JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 101 Watertown was settled March 14th, 1800. It was named on ac- count of the water power of the river. Among' the first settlers were Henry Coffeen, Zacariah Butterfield, Oliver Bartholomew, Simeon Woodruff, Dr. David Massey, Hart Massey, David Bent, Aaron Brown, Jas- H. Biddlecom, Jothan Ives, Ezra Parker. Wm. Parker, Joseph Moore, Joel Goodale, Aaron Keyes, and Mrs. I. Thornton. The Town of Wilna was settled in 1798. It was organized into a town, April 2nd, 181 3. Many Frenchmen settled in this Town at an early period besides David Coffeen, Jas. Barney, Francis Lloyd and Nathan Brown. The Town of Worth was settled in i8D2 and '03. It was or- g-anized as a town in May, 1848, and named in honor of General Worth. Among the firsts settlers were Timothy Greenley, Joseph Wilcox, Elisha Gillett, Leonard Bullock, Lodowick Edinons, Joel Calkins and John Houghtaling. By these statements it will be seen that the first settlements in this County were made in the Town of Champion and in the Town of Ellisburg in 1797. Noadiah Hubbard was the first settler in the Town of Champion. He came from Steuben with several others and penetrated into the Town of Champion which was then an un- broken forest. He followed blazed trees for a part of the way, but came to the spot where he built his cabin, through the trackless forest, in 1797. When he made his home in this township there was not a human habitation within miles. He was solitary and alone in a great pathless forest. He supposed that he was the first settler in the county and in the memoirs which he wrote in regard to the early days of the pioneer living in Jefferson Co. claimed this distinction to be his, but the honor of being the first settler in Jef- ferson County is contested by Lyman Ellis, who settled what is now known as the Town of Ellisburg in 1797. It is almost im- possible to decide priority of settleipent between these two men. It is possible that Noadiah Hubbard is entitled to the distinction but Lyman Ellis certainly raised the first crop of corn and wheat that were ever raised by a white American in what is known as Jeffer- son County. These two men passed their long and eventful careers within the bourdaries of the Towns of Champion and Ellisburg, and their ashes are resting beneath their soil. They were stalwart represent- atives of the pioneers who settled our County. The first religious ortranization was made in Champion in June, 1 80 1 by the Reverend Mr. Bascomb. At this date he organized the 102 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Congregational Church. The Church organization was kept up but meetings were not held continuously until 1807. Reverend Nathan- iel Button came from Vermont and was installed as the pastor of this church. He was the first settled minister. Rev. Dutton was born in Vermont, and was graduated from Dartmouth College in i8o2'. He came to the Town of Champion, sent by the Missionary Society of Connecticut as a missionary to the people of the Black River Country. He was a devoted Christian man and spent his long life in ministering to the religious demands of the towns on the Black River frontier. He died in 1852 and is buried in the Town of Champion where he so long labored with the people as a Christian minister. As will be seen little advance was made in the settlement of this county until the year 1800 when emigrants from all parts of New England, from the Mohawk Valley and from Pennsylvania came poring in, seeking to carve their homes from the wilderness. They came down Black River, they came from Utica and Rome, through the forests, following the trails of blazed trees. They came o" Lake. Ontario to Sackets Harbor, and from that point, distributed over the country. The hardships they encountered are almost in- credible and it seems amazing that anj^one could be found so courage- ous as to leave civilization and plunge into the great forest hoping to establish a home and fortune in its solitude. Many of the pioneers were accompanied by their wives and their first work upon arriving upon the property that they had purchased was to .erect some kind of a habitation that would protect them and their families from the elements. The implement of greatest importance to these pioneers was the axe. On every side of them was a dense growth of timber in the midst of which they proposed to erect their future homes. Upon arriving at the selected spot, they immediately began to cut down the forest timber and in an almost incredible space of time, a habitation was erected which afforded comfortable protection for them and their families. After the erection of the home, the next matter of importance to the pioneer was to clear off a sufficient portion of land so that potatoes and vegetables could be raised for the maintenance of the family. The task was soon accomplished by burning the trees after they had been fallen into heaps and the ground was soon made ready for cultivation and crops were im- mediately put in the ground ajnd the pioneer began to feel that he was independent, although surrounded by the great forest. While this work was going on they subsisted on such food as could be brought into the country through the trails in the woods, and from JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTESNIAL. 103 the fish and game which abounded in the streams and forests. The settlements grew rapidly after the year 1800 and soon were quite considerable hamlets, in various parts of the County. At Adams there was a sawmill built and a number of houses. The place was then called Smiths Mills in honor of David Smith, who was the first representative of this section of the country about the village, then covered by a forest of mighty growth. It was beech, maple ash and giant elms and birch, and interspersed in the .hard timber were giant pine trees that lifted their bulks to enormous heights. To give one some idea of the growth of these monarchs of the forest, tradition tells us that on the site that was for years known as Tot- man's Tavern, there were three pine trees. They were cut down by Daniel Fox. One of the trees made thirteen logs, and the othex' two made twelve logs each, making thirty-seven logs from the three pine trees that stood on this spot. No sooner did the sottlements begin to appear than the pioneers immediately beean to erect school houses, and churches were organized, church edifices erected so that people might not only have church, but school opportunities. Many of the pioneers were God fearing men and women, and they intro- duced to this frontier and to these forests the conditions of New England life. Books that the pioneers brought with them into, this country give us some idea of the trend of their minds- They brought with them the Bible, Shakespeare, Milton, Pilgrim's Pro- gress, Saints' Rest, the English Reader, Spelling Book and a few other books. They were masters of few books but good ones, and in perusing these works, they obtained ideas which moulded their lives and their characters. The social conditions on this frontier were democratic. The class distinctions which have grown up under our civilization were unknown in the primitive days. There was a genial and genuine hospitality. Each cabin received with generous greeting the new- comers to the community, who were invited with hearty welcome to participate in the frugal fare and the best conditions that the family could aflord. No one was turned away from the door. In the daytime the men were occupied in falling the trees and when the trees were sufficiently dried, they were burned and the ashes were made into potash or black salts and sold at Albany or Kingston. The sale of this potash was about the only means that these people had ot obtaining money. In the evening the family gathered In the large room of the cabin in front of the fireplace whose ruddy glow filled the room. They JOl JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. engaged in reading the well worn books and in discussing such matters of interest as would arise in the little community. The home of the pioneer was the center of ceaseless industry and toil. While the men were engaged in cutting the forest trees, or in cultivating the land, the women were equally industrious in the rude cabin home. They prepared food by the fire in the fireplace, and baked the huge loaves of Indian Bread in the great oven. They prepared a bill of fare that was appreciated by these hardy sons of toil. From early morning the hum of the spinning wheel and the click of the loom gave evidence that the busy housewife was in- dustriously preparing the cloth for the homespun and the linen for the household. Some of the linen has been handed down to the present generation and it is prized as evidence of the thrift and handi- craft of the women of the frontier. A mutual dependence made these frontier people sympathetic and helpful. If from accident or sickness or any other cause one was unable to perform their neces- . nary work, the whole community would make what they called a "bee" and they would do the work in the fields and in the house. There was fellowship, a sympathy and a brotherly kindness among those people that is refreshing to know. The whole history of this frontier is filled with instances that illustrate the kind and hearty helpfulness of these people toward one another. In the Town of Houndsfield one Sunday evening a little boy wandered into the woods and was lost. The alarm was given and Sunday night the people s-^arched the. woods in vain for the little child. On Monday a genera] alarm was given, and nearly 500 hardy men from all around the surrounding country congregated for the purpose of instituting a systematic search for the lost child. In about two hours after the search had- been in progress, the discharge of a gun three times in rapid succession announced that the child was found. Then all re- turned to the home of the parents and the child in great weakness was restored to the arms of its weeping mother. A shout went up that made the forest ring, from the lusty throats of these hardy men of the wilderness, in joy and in sympathy that the boy had been found. Instances of this kind are found in the history of almost every town in the county. Following the pioneers who first established their homes were the professional men, physicians and lawyers. Of the lawyers I will not speak. Of the physicians I can only mention in passing a few:' Dr. Green and Dr. Eli Eastman of Adams. Dr. Avery Ainsworth of Cape Vincent. Dr. Horatio Otis of Leray, Dr. Isaiah Massey. Dr. Reuben Andrus of Lafargeville. Dr. Abel Sherman, Dr. JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 10.5 Hugh Henderson, Dr. Isaac Bronson of Rutland and also Dr. Crafts Peyson Kimball of Burrville. Dr. Kimball had a varied ex- perience in practicing medicine in this section. He married one of the pioneer women, Miss Julia Porter. He. was commissioned a surgeon in the War of i8i2 in Col. Tuttle's regiment, a regiment that was raised in this section of the State. His last, years were spent at his farm, and he died in 1872. A great debt of gratitude is due to these pioneer physicians. They left civilization and came into this country to minister to the afflictions of the people scattered in the wilderness and they encountered great privation and hardship in the practice of their profession. They did not accumulate a large amount of the world's goods for that was an impossibility, but they were held in grateful regard by the people of the frontier and their services for humanity entitled them to be remembered with gratitude. Many of the frontier people came to sudden death by accident. The first to die in the Town of Adams was Alexander Salisbury. He was drowned while crossing the creek during the freshet. The first death in Watertown was a Mr. Thornton, who was killed by a falling tree. Such accidents were common all through this county. The people were also afflicted with fever and ague, and many suf- fered from fevers and from diseases incident to frontier life. The faithful physicians that ministered to them in their afflections, riding on horseback for miles through the lonely forest, were important factors in the early life of the people in this county. Many of the pioneers had been Revolutionary soldiers. They had fought success- fully the soldiers of a foreign tyrant, and only achieved victory to find themselves sunk in poverty and financial adversity, but with stout hearts they came to this desolate countrv fullv determined to carve from the hard conditions of nature, both their fo'rtunes and their homes. A type of this class of pioneers was Edward Salisbury, a native ot Rhode Island, who moved to Adams in 1802. He was the father of twelve children. Thoma"!. Edward, Duty, Eron, Lodwick. Alex- ander, DeEsting, Smith, Lovina, Sarah, Charlotte and Abigail ; was 1st Lieutenant in the French and Indian Wars, was in several battles at Ticonderoga where 2000 men fell. His brother was killed at his side and himself had nine balls in his coat. He was in the Battle on the Plains of Abraham vvhere Wolfe fell. Served in the Revolutiorary War and died March, 1829, aged 104 years. By visiting our older cemetaries and graveyards you wil! see by the marker at the head of the graves that a great many Revolutionary soldiers are sleeping in the bosom of the soil. On tiich recurring lOti JEFFERSUiX COL STY CENTENNIAL. May morning their graves are scattered with flowers, an evidence that their name and fame is embalmed in the hearts of grateful pos- terity. This in brief is a short history of some of the pioneer men and women of Jefferson C^^unty. They left civilization and made their way through trackless woods to seek their future home. They cut down the 'primeval forests, reclaimed this country to civilization and made the wilderness to bloom and blossom like the rose. "They cast a handful of corn in tlie Earth in the top of the mountain, the fruit thereof shakes like Lebanon." We drop a sympathetic tear in memory of their suffering and pri- vations, but we hold them in everlasting rememberance for what they were and for what they accomplished. HISTORY OF PENET SQUARE. By Irvin W. Near. The subject you bid me discourse, relates to a territory larger than the oldest republic in the world, larger than either Athens or Rome in the days of their greatest power ; and of the same size as the original District of Columbia: a territory given as a gratuity or beneficence to a person who lived by his wits rather than by any service of real value : then a trackless wilderness, now a land teeming with productive farms, thriving towns and attractive homes of a pro'sperous and intelligent people. A line extending due west from Spfit Rock — a sunless and reputed bottomless chasm — in the town of Westport. Essex County, on the west shore of Lake Champlain, terminates at the confluence of French Creek — the Weteringhraguentere ol the aboriginal occupants — ^with the River St. Lawrence, in the town of Clayton, Jefferson County, formed the northern boundary of the territory of that powerful league of Indians, who dominated and controlled most of the country be- tween the Mississippi and the Atlantic, known as the Iroquois, and also the southern limit of the land of the Algonquins, an aggressive and warlike ration who mostly inhabited and dominated the whole country to the north, always at war with their superior southern neighbors- Long before the advent of the white man into the state of New York, fortified places had been built by the Algonquins at either end of the division line, notably at the western terminus where it inter- sects the river then known and called Cataraquy or Iroquois, now JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 107 the St. Lawrence ; early Jesuit Relations have a misty account of des- erters from the French with Jacques Cartier at Montreal, joined the Algonquins, participated in their wars against the Iroquois, taught them to build forts at either end and along the before mentioned division line ; there is some probability for this tradition, because each terminal is on the same parallel of latitude, to ascertain this required knowledge ^the Indians did not possess, it is fair to suppose the French renegades did. This was contemporaneous with the origin of the confederacy of the Iroqouis, by the mysterious Hiawatha. The Oneida Indians, one of the constituent nations of the Iroquois, whose domain was invaded, resisted this invasion of their territory, attacked the western outposts, and after a desperate battle lasting a number of days, drove out the invaders, destroyed the work, and occupied the country further east ; from this time the place was known as Weteringhraeiuentere — the p'ace of the destroyed fallen forfc The eastern termination of this line is the location of the naval engage- ment between the Americans under the command of General Benedict Arnold, and the English under Sir Guy Carlton, in October, 1776, by which the British plan of the invasion of the colonies by way of Lake Champlain was frustrated, but again undertaken by Burgoyne the next year with disastrous results at Saratoga. From the place of the "Fallen Fort," the territory of the On'""das extended south, to a point on Wood Creek, the outlet of Oneida Lake, and from thence, to and along the "property line," to the Delaware branch of the Mohawk — the Delaware River. From the services rendered to the Oneidas by Peter Penet, and as a benevolence to him from them, the Oneidas gave to the same Peter Penet, a tract of land, ten miles square, lying in the northward of the Oneida Lake, where ever he shall elect and locate the same ; and by the subsequent treaty of cession made by these Indians, at Fort Stanwix, in 1788, this reservation was made, and a grant thereioir provided. Who was this Peter Penet? He was an adventurer, a speculator, a promotor with a keen look-out for the main chance, unscrupulous in conduct, of small, if aoy, financial ability; of great personal energy and inordinate vanity, withal a great liar and graceless rascal. Penet was a merchant in Nantes, France. He first came to this country December 10, 177S, landed at Providence, R. I., on a vessel sailed by Capt. Rhodes, who had been sent to the West Indies for powder; Penet was then in Hayti. and with a fellow traveler, one DePlaine, came from Cape Francois, bearing letters and credentials of character, and proposed to undertake to supply arms and munitions of war to the colonies or to congress, through his alleged business ]08 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. connections in France. Governor Clark, of Rhode Island, received him favorably, and gave him a letter of introduction to General Wash- ington, then at Cambridge, Mass. He immediately went to head- quarters, and was courteously received by Washington, who" with great care and caution referred him to Congress, without committing himself to any endorsement of his proposals. However, his reception by the General was quite flattering; he was sent at public expense to confer with Congress, then in session in Philadelphia. Washington also gave him letters to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, re- questing carriages be provided for conveying him to his destination. Governor Trumbull examined his proposals, and added his own ap- proval. He left New Haven on December 24, 1775- Upon arriv- ing at Philadelphia, sought and obtained upon the letters of recom- mendation he bore, a hearing before Congress, who approved his plans and proposals, and by its resolutions, the secret committee executed a contract with him, under the rame of Penet & Company, for the supply of large amount of arms, ammunition and military stores from France. He made like propo<^als to the Cornmittees of Safety of the Colonies of New York and Virginia. He contracted and agreed to furnish to Virginia twelve 6 pound cannon. Having completed his arrangements, Penet left America in March, 1776, in a vessel hired on purpose for sending him and other French adventurers to France. He was intrusted with letters to our agents abroad, coming direct from the field of action, that was then exciting great interest through all Europe, was able to give detailed infor- mation of great value to the colonies. But except his contracts, he returned empty handed ; it required skill and diplomacy of no mean ability to meet the emergencies that arose in attempting to fulfill his contracts. M. Dubourg, writing to Dr. Franklin in Jure, 1776, says: "Mr. Penet appears a faithful, active, intelligent man,, and very much the connoisseur in arms of every kind, but- I have been led to think that your committee not knowing him sufficiently to trust with large pecuniary funds would only engage to repay amply his advances, and he is rot in a position to do great things in that way, however good his disposition is therefor. This is what retards all his operations which might have been much accelerated if you had somebody here duly authorized to make bargains and to pass en- gagements in the name of the thirteen United Colonies, on terms which would be readily owned agreeable." , He was first received with the caution due to a stranger in a delicate negotiation, when the actions, sympathies and intentions of the French government, were yet concealed under an assumed reserve; JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 109 through M. Doubourg assured him of the favorable wishes of the court and nation in behalf of the colonies. Dubourg was convinced by the intelligence, manners and actions of Penet, that he could confide in him, and upon his judgment Penet was called from Nantes to be secretly presented to the Minister of Foreign AfEairs for con- sultation upon the condition, resources and prospects of the Colonies. Through this event he managed to procure and forward a consider- able amount of arms and munitions under his contract. Penet, thereupon, and on August 3, 1776, wrote Washington: "I assure you of the success of my operations in France. You need not fear the want of ammunition. I have found means to furnish your armies and to provide for your garrisons." In the same letter he im- plores Washington to appoint him his first aid-de-camp, and that he would permit him to wear the uniform, ribbon and decoration of that position. He also presented his respects to Madame Washington. On October 7, Washington addressed the President of Congress, en- dorsing this letter, asking leave to grant the request, which was on the eleventh of that month done by a resolution appointing Peter Penet, an Aide-de-Camp by brevet. At this time it does not seem possible that Washington and the Continental Congress could be induced to comply with the request of this wily, insinuating adventurer- Later on it will be seen that there were other victims of his cunning pretensions. Afterwards the Commissioners of the Colonies in France, became satisfied that Penet could not advantageously perform his contract. On June 17, 1 77 7, they wrote the Secret Committee: "We think it advisable that you should so far be on your guard with respect to M. Penet, as not to deviate from the original contract made with him ; we cannot learn that he is a person of substance, but he appears to be active, industrious and attentive to your interests. He is con- nected with the house of M. Gruiel, in Nantes. We do not know the terms of his connection, or how far M. Gruiel is answerable. It seems to us that those htjuses that are connected with Great Britain are to be avoided." On February 11, 1777, Arthur Lee wrote to the Secret Committee of Congress: "Penet has not such recommen- datio'^s or sub^taTe a": he rould wish ; they are of a low order." About two years later M. Penet petitioned Congress for its en- couragement in the establishment of an armory to manufacture fire- arms, side-arms and other army equipments. On January 2, 1779, the committee to whom this petition was referred, made a favorable report. They proposed to contract for 100,000 muskets and bayonets at 26^/^ livres each, of which one-fifth were to be delivered in two years and the balance in six and seven years. The arrangement 110 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. was never carried out because of the inability of Penet to meet his part of the engagement. Pennsylvania gave him an order for arms, munitions and standards for the use of her troops, and for a seal with the state arms engraved thereon- In a letter dated at Nantes, May 20, 1780, apologizing for his delay in filling the order, and explaining the cause, which had no real foundation, he solicits the appointment of State Agent for that State. This was not granted, nor was his undertaking ever completed. Penet was next found operating on the confidence of the Governors of New York and Pennsylvania, by offering for sale some — as he asserted — new and valuable discoveries in explosives, and also a cheap metal for sheathing ships, and a preparation or varnish to preserve iron from rust. His attempts were abortive. Soon after, Penet was employed by the State of Virginia to borrow money in France. No record or statement can be found of his suc- cess in this employment. On December 14, 1782, Dr. Franklin wrote: "Penet, who is employed by Virginia to borrow money here, is broke and absconded; his creditors are worrying me with their complaints. I have nothing to do with his affairs. We have put faith in every adventurer who pretends to have influence here, and who, when he arrived, had none but what your appointment gave him." The next we find of this fellow, is in 1783, when his name ap- pears in the Albany County Clerk's office, as a purchaser of a lot of land in Schenectady for £1,050, being a dwelling and store. In 1787, he appears as a trader with the Oneidas in their village near Oneida Lake, among which people he acquired a great ascendency; he pretended to them, that because of their adherence to the cause of the Colonies during the Revolution, alone of all the confederacy of the Iroquois, that the United States would richly reward them for their loyalty, and that he was commissioned to provide for this. In the most extravagant language, Penet pretended to these Indians to be a representative of the King of France, who admired their loyalty to his ally, and would make them all valuable presents therefor; and that he and the Marquis De LaFayette, were commissioned by the French king to distribute these gifts. He established a code of laws for their government, in which, in all of their disputes he was to be the final arbitrator. He largely assisted in fixing the boundary between their lands and the Mohawks — the new "'property line." So great was the confidence of the Oneidas in Penet, that the Com- missioners of the State of New York to determine the territorial claims of the Oneidas found it both convenient and expedient to JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. HI consult Penet, and ask his aid and advice to determine the territor- ial claims of the Oneidas in the treaty of September 12, 1788, at Fort Stanwix, and solicited his aid in promoting the measures there accomplished. Penet was one of the witnesses to the treaty with the Onondagas, signed at the same time. At this time and place the Commissioners held a treaty with the Oneidas, whose claims upon the favor of the state were much stronger on account of their services during the late war, than any other of the five nations; Penet im- pressed upon these Indians that such favor came through his influence with the representatives of the State; upon this occasion, the Oneida orator said to the Commissioners, whatever communication we shall make here, must be made for us by Good Peter, the French Gentle- man — pointing to Penet — he is our father, and we request you will make him the channel of your communication of whatever you have to say to us; he is a just and righteous man, he will deceive'us in nothing, but will deliver to us the very truth. Had it not been for him we should have been ruined ; because in this confidence and a desire to reward Penet for his kindness and services, the Oneida Treaty of September 22, 1788, was made to embrace the following stipulation and declaration: ''And further, that the People of the State of New York, shall as a beneficence and benevolence from the Oneidas to Peter Penet, and in return for services rendered by him to this nation, grant to the said Peter Penet, of said ceded lands lying to the northwest of Oneida Lake, a tract ten miles square, wherever he shall elect the same." Subsequently the interest of Penet in the interest of the Oneidas was not so manifest. These people became divided in their adherence to and belief in Penet; the sachems and many of the warriors were with Penet, while the chiefs, some of the warriors and many of the women were opposed ; in consequence a fierce contention waged ; Penet was supported by Col. Louis Cook, a St. Regis Indian, who assisted the Colonies in the Revolution, he served with the Americans in the war of 1812-1815; he died at the Buffalo Creek Reservation, soon after, leaving an intelligent and reliable family of sons and daughters, from whom a considerable amount of the recitals herein, is derived. Rev. Samuel Kirkland exploded the pretentions of Penet, he left quite a voluminous narrative of the operations of the wily Frenchman. To appease the wrath of his opponents, Penet went to New York, as he told them, to receive and bring back the promised presents from the King of France ; the Indians anxiously awaited his return, but he never came back. His deluded friends renfained faithful to him, fierce contentions arose between his adherents and opponents, which long continued, existing at this day. 11-3 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. The plan of government of the Oneidas, by Penet, is still shown, it is an interesting and curious production. Given at the Great House of Scanondoe, October 25, 1788; and of our New Government, the First; it recites, "The Honorable Peter Penet, Esquire, our true and trusted friend adopted and chosen advisor and agent forever, to act for us and for the good and happiness of our nation, and these articles are executed solely in his presence." These articles were signed and sealed by twenty-eight Oneidas, four of whom were females, in the presence of P. Penet, Edward Johnston, interpreter, P. Chevalier Goyer, James Baudron, Vaumane de Fonclaire, J. F. LeBon, Colonel Louis Cook, Margaritte Guarinda,- Lathani Rottien- her. Two men mentioned in the second article of the instrument to transact this natioral business when approved by Penet, are Col. Louis Cook and Peter Otsiquette, who signed the articles as one of the Chiefs of the Oneida Nation; he is supposed to be the "Good Peter," who so carefully looked after Penet's interests at and before the treaty of Fort Stanwix, for the ten mile square tract. Before his ^departure for New York, as he told the Indians, for the King's presents, Penet carefully examined the locality where he would elect to locate his domain, and shrewdly decided that as much as possible of it should ■adjoin the River St. Lawrence^ because transportation of the productions of his tract would be more available than from any other channel known to him, and left directions for the execution of his wishes. In making this selection he was accompanied by the Louis Cook, before mentioned, who by reason of his former life among the St. Regis tribe, was acquainted with all the country contiguous to the St. Lawrence. In 1793, Skenandoe, a venerable Oneida Chief, then being above eighty years old, informed some French agents sent out to examine this tract, and investigate Penet's claims, that this tratt was the best located land in the Oneida country, that it was ten miles square, had been given to Penet for his services and magnificent promises of great trade with France and America, but that he had run away from the country, without paying his debts or keeping his promises, that he was a great liar, and had sold the land for ten cents an acre. Penet, by an instrument in writing, dated January 23, 1789, made John Duncan, of Schenectady, N. Y., his attorney for the purpose of locating this tract, as selected, apply for, and receive a survey and patent therefor, from the state, in pursuance of the Oneida treaty of cession, and to sell and dispose of such parts, for such sums as he could get. Immediately thereafter Penet saile4 for France, with the purpose of fixing some scheme by which he might realize from the results of his impositions upon the Indians; it is not known that his JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 113 schemes materialized. He never returned to this country. He died in France before the close of that year without wife or children. Pursuant to the application of John Duncan as the attorney for Penet, to the Commissioners of the Land Office of this State, for the location and survey of the Penet land, the Surveyor General made the following: "Pursuant to the resolution of the Commissioners of the L^nd Office, dated the eighth day of August, 1789, I have laid out for Peter Penet, of the lands ceded by the Oneida Nation of Indians to the People of the State of New York, by their deed of cession, dated the twenty-second day of September, 1788, lying to the north- ward of the Oneida I ake, a tract of ten miles square, as elected by John Duncan, agent for the said Peter Penet: Beginning on the southeast side of the River St. Lawrence, at the mouth of a creek, called by the Indians Weteringhraguentere, said to be about twelve miles below an island in said river, called Carleton or Bucks Island, which place of beginning is the northwest corner of the lands claimed by the said Oneida Nation, and ceded as aforesaid, and running thence east eight hundred chains, then north eight hundred chains, then west eight hundred chains then south eight hundred chains to the place of beginning containing sixty-four thousand acres. Given under my hand at the city of New York, the eighteenth day of November, 1789. SIMEON DE WITT, Surveyor General. The foregoing described lands were conveyed to Peter Penet, by tlie People of the State of New York, by a patent, dated November 19, 1789, by George Clinton, Governor. Examined, approved and con- firmed by Robert Harper, Dep. Secy. November 19, 1789. The said patent reserved to the grantor, all gold and silver mines, apd five acres of every hundred acres, for highways ; and was made upon the condition, that within seven years from January first, 1799, there shall be one actual settler for every six hundred and forty acres of land. This Patent was recorded in the office of the Secretary of State in Book of Patents 21, on page 407- On July 13, 1790, John Duncan as the attorney for Penet sold the whole square to James Watson and James Greenleaf for the sura of five shillings; February 26, 1795. Watson sold his interest to Green- leaf, for £1,000; September 4, 1797, Greenleaf sold to Simeon Desjardines, for £19,400. The belief is widely disseminated that Penet died before the con- veyance by Durcan as his attorney to Watson and Greenleaf, the 8 114 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. power of Duncan had ceased with the death of Penef, he could give no title, and Penet being. an alien the title to this whole tract has escheated to the state, that it was anybody's land who first got pos- session, a wild rush for land from all parts of this and adjoining states and from Canada, resulted, they had a law among themselves, holding by right of discovery or first occupation, ran possession lines by loping down bushes and small trees ; these titles or claims were often sold or transferred by quit-claim deeds and contracts, some ot which are still kept as relics and curiosities. Frequently these lines of claims were cut into, crossed, the land appropriated in whole or in part, by the loped bushes of a greedy and lawless rival, to settle the conten- tion the trial by battle, as introduced in early England, by William the Conqueror, was restored to, to determine who was the best man or had the superior title, these squatters had no idea of the culti- vation of land, as farmers they only wanted to fall the timber, con- vert it into staves, or burn it, and from the ashes make black-salts arid' pot-ash. The improvident waste of timber and the slovenly clearings made by this lawless set promised but little in the way of civilization; their appearances as they emerged from the swamps and hills, with an ox harnessed to a travels, laden with a trough of black-salts, pot-ash or staves, destined for the place of export, the mouth of French Creek, and thence to be smuggled to Canada markets, as Penet had calculated and their return in like manner, with their product exchanged for a sack of meal, a chunk of pork and a jug of whiskey, was little calculated to inspire confidence in this tract as a place for a permanent home. About two-fifths of Penet Square is now in the town of Clayton, except a small corner embracing Perch Lake, in the town of Pamelia, the balance is in the town of Orleans. The first settlement on this square was made at the mouth of French Creek, about 1795, by adventurers from the older section of this state, from New England, from Canada, by Oneida, St. Regis and Mohawk half breeds, as a place of refuge and hiding, their principal occupation was hunting, fishing, smuggling and other illicit business between and in Canada and the United States. Other settlements were made in the town of Clayton at Catfish Falls, now DePauville, from 1 800 to 1803; in the town of Orleans, in 1806, rorth of the present villaee of Stone Mills, at Moulton's-later Rixford's Corners, and at Log Mills-now LaFargeville, the largest villaee on this territory. Here, Dr. Reuben Andrus was the first physician : his treatment was mild, his remedies simple, his pharmacopoeia not elaborate; bread pills were his favorite prescription for all ailments, with "satisfactory results; on ore occasion the doctor made a quantity of his penacea, put it out in the sunshine JliFriiKSOX CorXTY CHXTtiXM .tL. 115 to dry, a rooster running at large, ate the pills, flew to the roof of the shanty, flapped his wings strenuously, crew more definately than ever-an-amen followed by future Americans. Maj. Alvah Goodman was the first boniface. Esquire Lemuel George was an early store- keeper. Reverend and revered "Josey" Williams, a faithful disciple of John Wesley, may well be termed the earliest vidette of his Master of the Square ; he labored with all of the zeal and impulsive- ness of a Burchard or Finney, without their pyrotechnic exhortations. He was often called the "Arch-Bishop of Penet." In 1808 a road was cut through from the mouth of French Creek to the High Falls, because of the restrictive and for this region, al- most destructive provisions of the Embargo Act of Congress, of the year before, was called the "Embargo Road ;" this afforded trans- portation for the black-salts, pot-ash and staves of this tract and ad- jacent territory to the mouth of French Creek, and then to tjje Can- adian markets, these people had to resort to this illicit method, though running great risk of arrest, confiscation and imprisonment, or starvation. This business was carried on with varying success, until the breaking out of the war of 181 2, during which other occupations were resorted to. The principal event of that war in this territory was the rerderzvouirg of'a portion to the army composing the disastrous ex- pedition of Wilkinson, against Canada, in French Creek Bay. In passing, it rray he noted that the expedition of Sir Jeffry Amherst in 1760 against LaPresentatien-now Ogdensburg, and the strong Fort Levis, on Isle Royale now called Chimney Islands, and by the Indians, O-ra-co-nan-ton, the last military post of the French in North America, v Eis directed to assemble in this Pay, a portion of the com- nia"d lost its way, went down the Canadian channel and were wrecked and lost in the swift water between Gananoque and Mal- lorytown, ard known to tourists through the Thousand Islands as the "Lost Chainel." After the close of the war of 1812-15. a cloud of pretended claim- ants, came on to this Square, all pretending to hold title to the whole or a part of this tract, but who in reality had less title than the occupants. After such assertion, threats a"d bluster, they either left in disgust, or were run out by the occupants on a smooth pole. Among the most serious of these claimants was that of Hypolite Penet, of Delaware County, this State, a brother of Peter Penet. He claimed to inherit the pronertv as the heir and next of kin of his brother; his claim was weakened if not dissipated by the fact hp f-on- reyed the whole tract to Tonelier of Schenectady for one dollar. From 1817 to 182^. by many prolix and bewilderine conveyances this tract come to John LaFarge, a vivacious, unique and doughty 116 JEFrERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Frenchman, of quick business instincts, well educated and very crafty, an appropriate successor of Penet. He was connected with a mer- cantile house of Havre, France, doing an extensive business with the West Indies and the United States; he became advised of the oper- ations of Penet, his sudden death, without disposing of his holdings in the Oneida country, he became the nominal ' owner of the heir of Penet before mentioned. This gave him ^n apparent standing in the courts, and as expeditiously as possible made his appearance on Penet Square, became satisfied that it was valuable, and with proper management would in the not distant future, produce immense wealth. He found as there was no resident claimant or representative of any owner, squatters took advantage of the situation, located.as they saw fit, bought and sold claims, cut the timber, converted it into staves, black-salt and pot-ash, none of them having any title to the land, ex- cept the possession. This resulted from no knowledge by them of the condition of the title to it, and because of the many claimants, none of 'whom could present any satisfactory evidence of their as- sertions, and subsequent abandonment, led to the belief that there was no legal owner of the tract, this induced large numbers, mostly of the poorer, thriftless and absconding classes from everywhere, to come, select land and make locations as before seated. Very few permanent improvements were made, the inhabitants living mostly in log shanties roofed with hollow logs split in two equal parts, laid interlocking ; doors and floors of puncheons, a glass window, however small, was a luxury: but r'-'py dere a hardy race, just the class of people to subdue that wilderness. LaFarge comprehended the situation at once; he must 'become the absolute owner of this valuable territory ; and for that purpose bought in all adverse claim.s possible. All who disputed his claims were sub- ject to the annoyance of ejectment suits, which at that time if con- tested resulted against his claims ; but all who recognized his title and ownership and accepted his contracts for the lands they occupied and lived up to the conditions thereof, never had any trouble with him; in fact he was reputed to have been fair and honorable with these. In order to protect his title LaFarge allowed the whole tract to be sold for taxes by the State. It was bid iij by him, a-^d he obtained a Comptroller's deed therefor, executed by William L. Marcy, as Comptroller, dated May 13, 1828. It has been asserted and believed that sharp work and fine plans were resorted to by LaFarge and the State officials to accomplish the result, which would have surprised ' the adroit and lawless Penet, and the grafters of later days. After this had been done LaFarge pursued and cruelly harrassed those set- tlers who had resisted his demands. He compelled them to pay for Jlih'FBliSON UObWTY CEJSTENN lAL. 117 not only the land, but for all of the improvements they had made on it, supposing it to be their own; he was extortionate and pursued them relentlessly, many were unable to meet these exactions, hurriedly left the town to avoid the debtors' prison; those who had property were stripped of it all to satisfy the judgments obtained against them; and upon the sales brought such prices as one pair of bulls $12, one pair of steers $8, one heifer $3.50, eleven sheep $11, and other prop- erty at like prices- The title to the Square now recognized as settled, emigration be- came rapid, men who had fought in the Reyolution with Herkimer at Oriskany, and with Willets at Fort Stanwix, and participated in the making and first unfurling of the American flag on land, in the free and pure air of their own Mohawk Valley; men from the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, who served with John Stark at Bennington, and witnessed the surrender at Saratoga, with their families and decendants, were the principal settlers and pioneers, their names were and now are familiar here, honored and respected. LaFarge built, lived in and led a life of luxury, extortion and shame, in a fine mansion of chiseled limestone, at the head of Perch Lake on the extreme southern boundary of his domain. Here he supposed he was entirely free and unobserved from the prying eyes of an observant and busy world. Here he laid out a fine park with beautiful grounds and elegant private drives, making it a place be- fitting an honorable and respectable French gentleman. But in his privacy he was hounded and watched by his persecuted victims. The whizzing of bullets made it so uncomfortable for him that after several years he abandoned this beautiful but polluted place of abode.- It was occupied but little after, it was regarded as deadly as the TJpas- Tree ; it soon without inhabitants ran to ruin, fell apart a"d into decay, so that row rot one stone reif ains upon another to mark the place where it stood — it is a toft — the farmers have taken the stones tor hog pens, stables and fences. He removed to LaFargeville. Here he built a land office and a grist mill; at Moulton's Corners, about the center of this tract, he built a stone school house. During the year 1830-32, LaFarge constructed a large and elegant mansion one mile south of LaFargeville, near Moulton's Corners, which he designed to make the finest private residence in the State. After its completion with its surroundings, it was thus described by a noted journalist : "The main body of the house is fifty feet square and two stories high, with handsome French windows to relieve the great expanse of roof, making It appear three stories high. It Is built of hewn blocks of limestone, with battled walls, reaching high .above 118 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. the roof, terminating in four immense chimneys. On each end of the main part are large wings thirty feet square, of about half the height. A richly carved, cornice ornaments the massive structure on the main part and wings. Great verandas ten feet wide and twelve feet high ornament the front. Through the massive entrance doors you enter a grand hall twelve-feet wide, and extending through the entire width of the house, spanned by two elaborate arches resting on artistic cor- bels- In the rear of the hall is a .heavy winding staircase, made of cherry and oak with hand carved ornamentations. The staircase is lighted by the rear windows. On one side of the hall are double drawing rooms, furnished in double architrave and fluted hand carved wood. The entrance to these rooms is through massive doors which roll so easily, a child may open them. Over the doors heavy ornate friezes rest on Corinthian columns on' each side. -On the other side of the hall heavy doors open into a reception room connected with a library ornamented in the same manner. Stucco ornamental work relieves every angle of the walls and ceilings. The beautiful centei- pieces are carved by hand. The house is surrounded bj an extensive park with fountains, pools and fish ponds, drives and flower beds filled with rare blooms ; it is enclosed with cut stone capped and but- tressed walls with graceful circles in which are hung large and small ornamental iron gates. A similar wall covered with slabs of cut stone extended a mile along the highway. The painting, decor- ating and frescoing in the mansion was done by an imported artist, skilled in that line of work. The fire places in the main rooms were built with mantels of fine Italian marble, equipped with tall brass and- irons with protectors of brass in front." Here after its completion. Ls Farge lived in luxury, surrounded by his retainers, mostly profligate Frenchmen. He was never received socially or recognized as an equal by the LeRays, Survilliers, Peugnet, Real or other better class of French people who came to this county ; he was regarded as a pariah, for the reason that in France he was a tradesman and in this county he was reputed as living a dishonest and immoral life; how- ever that may be he was a man of strong personality, methodical busi- ness .ways and indomitable perseverance and courage; and has left his Impress more firmly fixed upon his people than most of those who affected to dispise him. Soon after the completion of the mansion, and after furnishing ft with the most magnificent furniture, rare and costly works of art and embellished with all that wealth and refined taste could suggest; LaFarge married a very highly cultured lady of refinement, in the City of New York, and brought her to this magnificient and princely furnished mansion in the wilderness- Yet with all of these beautiful JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 119 surroundings, the social conditions, status and environment were so distasteful to her refined nature, that she compelled him to leave the country and remove to New York, in 1838, where he ended his days. After this LaFarge sold the mansion and farm to Bishop Dubois of the Roman Catholic Church for a Seminary of that Church, and was there established under the name of the Seminary of St. Vincent de Paul, under the supervision of Father Francis Guth, of blessed me- mory, and several assistants, it was opened as a theological seminary and classical boarding school, but being so distant from the center of population, and so difficult of access, that after a struggle for three years, was removed by Archbishop Hughes, who succeeded Bishop Du- bois, upon his death, to Fordham, Westchester County, and became St. John's College, a prosperous and noted institution of learning. After this the mansion and farm was occupied by. a brother of th^ Arch- bishop — Patrick Hughes and family, as a home, his beautiful and ac- complished daughter. Miss Margaret, here became the wife of Eugene Kelley the well known banker of New York. Miss Hughes gave this home the name of "Grove Mount," her corresgondence and favors bore that appellation. She died in New York, her home, leav- ing bepefactions and charities to many institutions and worthy persons, who hold her name in grateful remembrance. In after years, by mar- riage, death and removal, the Hughes people here became extinct, the old mansion tenantless, and for lack of care shabby, and exemplified the old maxim, "A pile without inhabitant to ruin runs." By an act of the legislature of this state, passed April 3, 1821, the towns of Orleans was created. It erinbraced all of Penet Square; it was an act of amnesty', restoration and pardon, and I might add of recon- struction. It declared, that all free male inhabitants in the town there- by created, shall be good and sufficient jurors in all courts within the County of Jefiferson, in the same manner, as if they were freeholders in that town ; that so much of the oath required by law to be taken by town officers, as to their being freeholders, may be omitted from the oaths to be taken by the town officers thereafter to be chosen in the said town of Orleans ; thereby the highest rights of citizenship^ were conferred upon all free male inhabitants, within this territory, with- out reference to age, nationality, color or previous condition. As a large majority of the inhabitants of the new town were ineligible to office, or to the rights of a citizen, these unusual provisions were enact- ed to meet an emergency, that otherwise could not be easily avoided. By a law enacted in 1829, all that part of the town of Orleans ly- ing east of Perch Lake, being but comparatively a few acres of the square was annexed to Pamelia. Clayton was organized as a town by 120 JUFFERSON CObWTY CEMEKNIAL. an act of the legislature, passed April 27, 1833, and took from Or- leans two-fifths of Penet's domain ; so that this One Hundred Square Miles, embraced, in three thriving towns of this county, with its re- markable history, the object of the greed and dishonesty, adroitness and rascality of its first owners, is now the equal and in many respects • the superior of any rural territory of like size in the Nation, in the in- telligence, enterprise and patriotism of its inhabitants; highly cultivated farms, thriving villages and happy homes; rich, fertile and inexhaus- tible soil, and the unsurpassed and well known quality of its products. Contrasting Penet Square of today with it one hundred years ago, presents a marvelous change in the most wonderful century of the world's history; the home of the squalid and despised ''Peneter" has become the pride and admiration of the entire county; surely the stone the builders rejected, has become the key-stone of the arch. I have marshalled my statements from a variety of sources, diplo- matic correspondence. Legislative enactments and suplications, 1 his- torical sketches, private letters and correspondence, court records and recitals, Jesuit relations, fireside memories, romance and imagination. I present them to you on this occasion, as a fit part of the observance of the close first century of the existence of a beloved county, for your inspection, review and criticism. A recital of the plots and schemes, industry and intelligence of a hundred sleeping years. JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. By Wines R. Skeels. The Jefferson County Fair? What is its History? Where back in the dim past was its cradle rocked? Who guided it past the shoals and pitfalls in its youth, and steadied its strong arm as it came to a mature age? Who but its best, brightest and strongest men and women of old Jefferson County. Who can drift back four score years and more, and draw a picture of the county, its sur- roundings and its people? A few little hamlets and towns isolated in a great forest, rich in the paternal blood of the pioneer, sons and daughters of the patriots of the Revolution. ^hey were one in thought, word and deed- No railroads carried them or their pro- ducts, to the great cities. No telegraph or telephone brought them tidings of other lands. They were a people of themselves and to themselves. They had one mother, the earth, from which they drevv the substance of their lives, and on whose bosom they were laid to rest. As^riculture was their first, if not their only occupation, and as agriculturists they banded themselves together in an organization. JEFFERSON OOUNTY CENTENNIAL. 121 The wheel of time kept turning round and round J:hem, as now. The forest melted before the woodman's axe. The fields grew broader. The flocks increased. Invention found a rich harvest ripe for the reaper, and every decade wrought wonders. First the pack horse, then the iron horse, thundering round hills and through the valleys; now, that silent invisible power, that does the will of man, but tells no one its secrets, is found. Through all of this wonderful age of achieve- ment the sons and daughters of Old Jefferson have proudly brought- the choicest products of the soil, the shop, the home and the studio, and we have had an annual "Fair." We have woven a fabric, the like of which; no oriental loom has ever made. Every fabric, no matter how woven, has its warp and woof; the threads running t'hrough it to bind it- together, and upon the strength of each individual thread depends the strength of the fabric. The human family is but a fabric in a different form. Upon tht quality and usefulness of each individual depends the strength of the com- munity. Much of the strength of the threads in any fabric de- pends upon the conditions under vyhich they have been formed and the material from which they were formed. A society or association for whatever purpose, is not materially different from any other fabric, and hence the Jefferson County Agricultural Society owes its long existence to the quality of the men who organized it, and the use- ful purpose for which it was brought into existence. Why was it that an Agricultural Fair was the first public organization in Jefferson County? Because agriculture was the one great, possible industry of this northern section- At that time all of the prominent men whether merchants, mechanics, lawyers, doctors or teachers were farmers. No matter what their business, or profession, they had a farm. Located as they were, hundreds of miles from the settlements along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, with a hostile foreign country to the north of them, they had to be as far as possible, self-sustaining. And in reaching that point, agriculture was the first and most im- portant industry. To promote that industry, the natural thing to do was to offer prizes for the most meritorious products of agricul- ture, and hence we had the agricultural fair. For some years previous to the organization of the Society, on October 25, 1817, the local merchants of Watertown had offered, and given prizes for the best fat ox, the best piece of woolen cloth, the best' piece of linen, the best bushel of corn and wheat; and undoubt- edly from these exhibitions sprang the first desire for the formation of a society to gather all of the agricultural products into one dis- play, to be called an "Agricultural Fair." It was not the first attempt in this county or State. For some years, an association or 123 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. club of farmers, in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, had annual- ly, in the fall, brought their best products to one place and awarded prizes. At Cooperstown, in this state, there has. also been held, two or three cattle shows and fairs. But I think both of these associ- ations have given up holding fairs; and so far as I can learn, there is no society in the United States, that held fairs prior to the date of the organization of this society, that has annually held a cattle show and fair down to the present time. The first Fair was held September 28th and 29th, 18 18. The exhibition to be held the present year, on September 5, 6, 7, and 8th, will be tht 87th annual fair of the society. The facts of its origi- nal organization, and the various stages through which it has passed, the officers of its early days, have so often been told, that it would be useless for me to repeat them here. Therefore I will confine my remarks principally to the men, who, either as officers or members, have given of their ability, their time and their money,, freely, to sus- tain and maintain this society. Of Mr. LeRay, Judge Ten Eyck, Hart Massey, Amasa Hungerford, William Lord,~ Noadiah Hunger- ford, Hoel Lawrence, Daniel Eames, Elihu Mather, Rodney Burt, and many others, who passed to the great beyond long before my mem- ory, I can say nothing that the historians have not already told. They were the threads that formed the fabric of this society, and the fact that it has worn for nearly a century, tells the quality of men they were. Of thirty names of persons selected to act, at the fifth annual fair held in 1823, I can only remember having seen Caleb Burnham, Anson Hungerford and Martin Symonds. Among the distinguished gentlemen who have served as presidents of this society, are four generals, two holding commissions' under the natioral government, and two under the state government- Major General Jacob Brown, who had commanded the United States army, was the second president of the society, and served four years, 1829, 1830, 1 83 1 and 1832. I can add nothing to the record of General Brown, as I known nothing' that is not written in the histories of the county. The fact that he gave four years of his time to the office of president of the society, shows that he considered the occu- pation of farming, and this society, worthy of his attention. The most distinguished figure, as I look back over half a century ago, is that of General Massena R. Patrick, who was president of the society in 1851. What I most distinctly remember of him was that he rode a blade horse in the exhibition ring, without any bridle, co.i- trolling and guiding him perfectly with a small riding whip. I re- member distinctly the crowd that stood by the side of the ring and JEFFERSON COUNT? CENTENNIAL. 123 cheered as he rode by. The cattle, the pumpkins and potatoes were all deserted while General Patrick rode his war horse. No semblance of a horse race; or side show, would have been allowed, for a moment on the grounds at that time. But the people were the same then as now. No sooner had they got to the Fair than they wanted something exciting, and General Patrick, with his trained horse, was really an attraction, though it would not have been healthy for any one to have suggested that fact, at that time. Three years after General Patrick served as our president. General Solon D. Hunget- ford, of Adams, was elected president and served in 1854 and again in 1877. General Hungerford was a banker. He also was associated with Robert Brodie in the importing »nd breeding of Ayrshire cat- tle. The firm of Hungerford and Brodie became well known in connection with Ayrshire and Short Horns. Another General, twice elected president of the society, v^as Gen- eral T. R. Pratt, who was first chosen president in 1865 and again in 1870- General Piait 'vas in no sense a farmer, but his knowledge of, and love for horses was unlimited. His eye was a camera that would almost instantaneously take a picture of a horse, which he could carry for months- It was told of him that on one occasion, when passing through Batavia, New York, on the cars he saw through the window, a gentleman driving a horse that attracted his attention. A month or two afterwards, while on his way to Boston, in passing Worcester, Mass., he saw another horse very much like the one he saw in Batavia, N. Y. On his way back he stopped at Worcester, looked up the owner of the horse, got an option on it, and a week or two after went to Batavia, found the other horse, bought him, and with the Worcester horse had a matched team that brought the top price of the year in the New York market. The election of General Pratt as president of the society was im- portant from the fact, that it marked the turning point in the policy and maragement of the annual exhibitions of the society. It lacked but two years of its semi-centenrial. For almost half a century the policy of the management had been sternly practical. Everything had been strictly in line of the original declaration . that "The ob- jects of this Society are the promotion of agriculture, horiculture, the household and mechanical arts." The annual Fairs had been as void of any amusing or sensational features as a church picnic or camp-meeting- The two days' show was a strict business meeting. Even the dance on the night of the closing day, which was a marked feature of the fair, at the time of the organization of the society, had been eliminated. But the time had come when the straight jacket no longer fitted the boys; and, headed by Jacob Stears, Jr., they placed .1^4 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. in nomination and elected General Pratt. The fair of 1865 was run upon the liberal plan — so liberal, that the society was nearly bankrupt, and the next year found it back in the conservatives' hands, who ran it on the old lines and paid the outstanding debts. In 1870, the boys, under the same leadership, rallied again, and again elected General Pratt president. This fair was held three days and was a great succeess as an exhibition, and would have been financially had not the general superintendent committed an overt act that brought on a lawsuit which cost the society over $2,000. The conservatives again took hold and paid up the debt, but the seed sown under the presidency of General Pratt had taken deep root, and the liberal eletnent eventually won the day. Of the men who have occupied the president's chair in this society, who have been actively engaged in a work that has done more for the advancement of agriculture, not only in this county, bvit in the state and nation, I would place first, James Brodie of EUisburg, who was president in 1857. Mr. Brodie was a native of Scotland, the home of Ayrshire cattle, and for many years was actively engaged with James F. Converse, General S.-D- Hungerford, G. C. Bradley and others of this county, in importing the Ayrshire and Short Horn cattle to Jefferson County from Scotland and England. Other breeds may be more popular with the dairymen of the present day,, but the practicability of importing the best stock from the best herds of Eu- rope, to improve our native stock, was demonstrated by Mr. Brodie, and that before the ocean steamer was known, and when it took a month to cross the deep blue sea. If "To make two blades of grass grow where but one grew before is greater than to coriquer a city", then to make two Apple Trees grow where none grew before must be a greater achievment, and this work I credit to Lorenzo Baldwin of Orleans, president ef this society in 1867. Mr. Baldwin was one of the few men who loved fruit and flowers and devoted a long life to their cultivation. For many years he sold fruit trees through the northern part of the county, ard people, who for years had been swindled by tree agents, found it a pleasure to deal with an honest man, one who knew the varieties he sold, and what kinds would stand the rigorous climate of this north land. Mr. Baldwin for many years personally visited the nurseries of Rochester and vicinity, and bought his trees in the block where grown, and superintended the digging and pack- ing. And where ever he furnished fruit trees there was fruit in after years. He was also a great lover of flowers, and for many years exhibited choice specimens annually at our fairs. JEFFEHSOX COUSTY CENTENNIAL. li^5 It would not be practicable for me to speak of all of the distin- guished men who, during the eighty-eight years of the society's exis- tence, have occupied the president's chair, and those I have omitted are equally entitled to recognition, but time forbids that I should do so. The one name, that in the past, was most prominently identified with the workings of this society, both as president and secretary, was Alanson P. Sigourney, of Watertown, who was president in 1858, and acted as its secretary for many years, before and after that date. It can be truly said, that during the long term that he served as an officer of this society, he was the controlling spirit in its management. A man of strong convictions, he never wavered in his work, and al- though many did not agree with him as to what constituted a suc- cessful Fair, no one questioned the sincerity of his actions. He was the leader of tlie conservative element, and fought to the end the introduction of horse racing as a feature in county fairs. That he was at last defeated did not lessen his interest in the society, and he was present at the last annual meeting before his death. His funeral occurred on the closing day of the fair, in 1896- History speaks only of those who have passed, finished their labors, and are at rest. I would vary a little. We have still with us two who have passed the president's chair, and whose active interest in the society," not only as members, but as the annual exhibitors, runs back over fifty years. John M. Wilcox, of Three Mile Bay was presi- dent in i860. For many years previous to that time he had been an annual exhibitor of fruit, flowers and vegetables, and has seldom, if ever, missed a fair since. In fact he has sometimes been the whole fruit show, and the reputation of the society for a grand horticultural show owes more to him than to any other person. What John M. Wilcox has been to the horticultural department James F. Converse, of Wpodville, has been to the cattle show. Mr. Converse was president In 1878. He was connected with Mr. Brodie, from the first, in the. importation of Ayrshires, and from, that day to the present time, has been a constant breeder of that stock. His herd has traveled far and wide, and 'has won gold and silver medals, and ribbons, at all of the State Fairs and Stock Shows north, south, east and west. Curing all of this busy life Mr. Converse has never for- gotten the old Jefferson County Fair. Rain or shine, cold or hot, the Riverside herd is always in its stalls at the annual exhibition of the society. Mr. Converse is also a large breeder of. Shetland ponies, the child- ren's delight, and annually exhibits a number of these diminutive horses- What of the work done by the society since its organization? Has 126 JEFFEliSOy COUNTY CENTENNIAL. it fulfilled its mission? Has it kept pace with the development of the county? Its ample and well-appointed grounds, its numerous halls, barns and sheds, its four days' annual fair at which over five tjiousand. entries of animals and articles are made, and where over seven thousand dollars are awarded in prizes, answers. What of its future? Will it rrfund out its own century and start with the vigor of youth upon a second? If the hplm is so set that its course is in the line of honest, useful endeavor; if it does something that helps to make the labors of the great mass of people lighter; if it directs the young and encourages the middle aged and older ones to grow better crops, make better improvements, and better articles, to breed better animals; if it makes itself a necessity, because of its usefulness it will go on and on for ages, hand and hand with the chiirch and school. But if its course is vacillating and uncertain, without any useful object in direct view ; if it is to be sent out where- ever the whims of caprice may choose to direct it, now here, now there, tfiere are rocks and shoals upon which it may strike at any time and be a total wreck. Which shall be its fate is for the people to say. THE PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURE. George A. Fuller "Land of my sires! What mortal hand, Can e'er untie the filial band That knits me to thy rugged strand." Every ore who has passed down the St. Lawrence River from the point where it leaves Lake Ontario, will remember, as he looks to- ward the east, a line of hills, misty purple in the distance, which seem to suggest a land of mystery beyond. Many men, in many genera- tions have felt this, for these hills and valleys have gathered around them a great mass of folk lore and legend. And so we do not wonder that the douehty Frenchmen who came up the great river more than two centuries aeo, failed not to shorten sail, and explore the beautiful country to the south. Today the great river forms a thoroughfare of commerce, and upon its bosom float the craft of nlea^ure and of trade. Thousands of people have seen the beautiful fields and forests and i«lfi"ds which constitute the most boasted scenic feature of "America's Greatest Railway." through Jefferson County, but few of these travellers know anything of the land which lies between the majestic river and those blue hills in the distance, the hinterland. JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 127 Possibly no part of our country has a more interesting history than has this corner of. the Empire State, and whatever the historical re- search we may undertake, we will soon discover that practically the entire early history of our county is a history of agriculture, since it furnished the chief occupation of the inhabitants. While our county was occassionally visited by explorers prior to 1797, no permanent settlers located within our borders until that year. In 1805, when, by legislative enactment the county was formed, there were about 1200 people living in the county, nearly all of whom were farmers. They were a determined and courageous set of men and women, many of them cpming to the "Black River Country" from comfort- able homes in the east, to contend against the privations which al- ways beset life in an undeveloped country- All honor is due, then, to these sturdy pioneers, who cleared the land of its forest growth, built cabins, and primitive mills, and thus prepared the way for a new civilization. They endured the hardships and fought the bat- tles of a coming generation, but after all, it was a land worth suffer^ ing and fighting for. Scientists tell us that nowhere in the state of New York is there richer or more productive soil, than in Jefferson County, while here is to be found the pure water, the upland pas- ture, and all those climatic conditions which go to make a perfect dairy region. The marvelous strength and productiveness of our soil is shown by the fact that after a hundred years of corn, and wheat, and oats, and hay, with all our sins of our poor husbandry, this won- derful soil "needs but to be tickled with the hoe, and it laughs with a harvest." There is a little doubt that agriculture in our county has been greatly influenced by the precept and example of such early French settlers as James D. Leray, and his son Vincent. The thoroughness and intensiveness of the French method of farming was brought to the county by Leray, who, in all of his operations in the county, en- deavored to plant the same ideas of thoroughness and thrift among the settlers whom he induced to come to the county. The present farmers of Jefferson County owe much of their suc- cess to the thrift, ingeniousness, and indomitable energy inherited from their New Engla-^d ancestors, a large maiority of the early set- tlers having emigrated from the New England states to our county. Perhaps it is for this reason that a visitor to our county will notice, as he drives through it, a large number of commodious farm build- ings, with modern improvements, such as running water, silos, steam heat, sanitary plumbing, telephone connection, and well kept lawns, that is to be found in other parts of the state. 138 , .lEFFBBtiON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Those who have had occasion to compare the effect of different industries upon the face of nature, have often lamented the destruc- tion wrought by those who dig wealth from the depths of the earth. The miner of silver and gold and coal, every one of them defaces the earth. On the other hand, well conducted agricultural operations make the land more productive and attractive to the eye. Agriculture is nature modified to her advantage. And so while the county is rich in its mineral resources, it is its predominating agricultural wealth which has given it third place, among all the counties of the state in the value of its farm lands. With all due deference to the great manufacturing industries which have made our county great, especially the paper industry, the fact that this industry also-has de- spoiled our natural forests resources, brings us to the point where we must recognize the fact, that notwithstanding the immense capital invested in manufacturing in our county, it is upon agriculture that the permanent future prosperity of our county will depend.' Time was when other counties held a monopoly of the dairy In- dustry in our state, but that time has passed. Today Jefferson County is the banner cheese producing county in our state,' having sold last year over i6 million pounds of cheese; 2 million pounds of butter; and 15 million quarts of market milk. The income from this vast production of the dairies of Jefferson County, was $1,440,000 for the cheese, $400,000 for the butter, and $375,000 for the market milk. The superior quality of these dairy products is recog- nized in the markets of the world, and an added price for superior quality is often paid for Jefferson County cheese. It was not until many years after the formation of the county that dairying assumed anything like an important industry. To be sure most farms kept enough cows to supply the family with milk and but- ter, but that was about the extent of the industry. All the work of caring for the milk, and making it into butter fell to the lot of the "women-folks," and was usually done in the living rooms, amid the odors of cooking food and it is said that a person with acute olfactor- ies could trace the family diet, in a patty of butter of the good old days. With the advent of Leray and other Europeans, came a desire for some of the cattle of homeland, and it was not many years be- fore here and there in the county could be found animals whose an- cestors had grazed upon the slopes of 'sunny France, the hills of Scot- land, or the Channel islands. Prior to 1850, there is no record of the production of milk in our county, but in that year the record shows that the average yield per- cow was 166 1-2 gallons in a year, and that each cow had to supply three and one-half persons with milk. In 1900 the average yield per cow is 380 gallons per year which has JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 139 to supply four and one half persons with milk, so that we can read- ily see that the dairy cow has been improving along with her owner, as the years passed. The exact date of the opening of the first co- operative cheese factory in our county is not known, but it was in the year 1853 in the town of Rutland. In 1855 our county began to be known as a dairy section, where superior cheese of many varieties was made. Most of the cheese produced in the county prior to i860 was made in the individual dairies. It was about this time that the manufacture of Limburger cheese and other foreign cheese began to be made in the county. On June 1, 1905, there were 140 different cheese factories, and butter factories in the county, manu- facturing the milk from 63,000 cows. The following different kinds of cheese are manufactured in the county, American full-cream, lim/; burger, Swiss, kosher, d'isigney, neufchatel, brie, square cream, English Chedder, sage, munster, weiner, and in addition to. the chqpse in- dustry as a by-product 75,000 pounds of commercial casine was made, and many pounds of sugar of milk. Most of the cheese produced in the county is sold on the Water- town Produce Exchange. This organization was started in 1874, with D. Hamlin of Watertown, president, Madison Cooper, of Evans Mills vice president, L. D- Olney, of Rutland, Treasurer, and W. R. Skeels, secretary. The meeting was held in the Y. M. C. A. rooms, and about 40 factories were represented. On June 13, 1874, cheese sold on the Watertown board for 13 i-2 cents per pound. On May 7, 1881, the name Watertown Board of Trade was adopted- In 1890 the name was changed to Watertown Produce Exchange, and the organization was legally incorporated under the laws of the state, and a constitution and by-laws adopted. The following persons have served as president of the Exchange since its organization, D. Hamlin, Madison Cooper, C. C. Hardy, A. W. Hadsell, Warren Johnson, D. C. Read, Walter Zimmerman, H. S. Dean, J. P. Doug- las, R. P. Grant, L. S. Pitkin. The Watertown Produce Exchange at present has 125 members, and the total sales on the board represent over 200,Q00 boxes of cheese, the value of which is about $1,000,000. In 1818 when Joseph Bonaparte acquired title to a vast tract of land in Jefferson County, and brought with him into the wilder- ness many of the luxuries and elegancies of the French Court, it was thought that such magnificence would never be enjoyed by anyone other than royalty. Today nearly every farmhouse has conveniences and labor saving appliances never dreamed of by the ex-King of Spain. In those days they had never heatd of furnace or steam heated hous- es, running water, bath and sanitary plumbing, gas, electric lights, 130 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. telephones, phonographs, daily papers, magazines, and a thousand other things which this generation has come to look upon as neces- sities. As we contemplate the agricultural and industrial development of our county, the heart swells with admiration for those men and women of the past, those yeomen from the New England hills, who toiled, and suffered, and died in ways that in this softer age we can hardly comprehend. We talk of the pioneer movement of the west, during the last fiity years, of how the prairie schooner has chartered every league of the Mississippi valley and the vast beyond. There is much that is picturesque in it, much to admire, much to furnish material for national pride, but it is child's play, it was a summer afternoon picnic compared to the struggles and h'ardships by which the lands of. our county were wrestled from the red-man and the wilderness. Shall we their descendants ever be able to appreciate their mighty deeds. To the men who can repeople the past, Jefferson County is worth a pilgrimage. The blue hills, the verdent valleys, the sombre woodland, all become peopled by the busy men and women who lived their lives and achieved their triumphs upon its historic soil. Such are a few of the impressions of my native county which I know well and love better. It is a land, which, measured by Amer- ican standards of age, may t}ot be called ancient, yet it has felt the throb of modern life, more than many places within our common- wealth. May we prove worthy sons and daughters of "Old Jeffer- son" realizing that, "Hewing wood and drawing water, splitting stones and cleaving sod All the dusty ranks of labor in the regiments of God, March together toward his triumph, dg the task his hands prepare; Honest toil is holy service ; faithful work is praise and prayer." COMMERCE OF THE COUNTY. By Hon. W. D. McKinstry. Commerce depends upon transportation. It is to convey, to trans- fer. It may take place between neighbors, but in its principal signi- ficance it includes the world. Highways of commerce must first be established before trade can be developed. From the days of Abraham and Isaac to after the days when this county was first settled there had been no improvement in the rapidity of commercial intercourse. The children of Israel on their camels, the Egyptians with their caravans, reached the limit of speed until mankind found the wheels would go more easily on, a track. Stephenson commenced JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 131 his doubtful experience in 1814 and perfected his locomotive, "The Rocket," in 1829, making the marvelous and dangerous speed of 25 miles an hour, 25 years after Jefferson county had been set off from Oneida. It was not until 1769, not many years before the first settler hevi^ed his way into the territory of this county that Watt perfected his first steam engine. It- was not until 1807, two years after this county had been erected, that Robert Fulton made the first successful and practical steam navigation against the current of the Hudson with the Clermont. Jefferson county was old in 1830 when the Baltimore and Ohio railroad was first built. There are 200,000 miles of railroad in the United States to-day. The_ privilege was bought of Robert Fulton's heirs for the navigation of the lakes by steamboat, and the Ontario Steamboat company was formed and com- pleted the "Ontario" at Sackets Harbor, the first steamboat to navigate the I'ake in 1817. It ran until 1832 and was the forerunner.of the modern trust. The U. S. supreme court, however, squelched this trust of the early days, deciding that it was repugnant to the con- stitution for a state to give a monopoly of steam navigation, for that document authorizes congress alone to regulate navigation. The first steamboat appeared in Lake Erie in 1818. The Ontario was follow- ed by the Martha Ogden, built at Sackets Harbor in 1819 and lost in a storm in 1832. In the meantime large numbers of steamers had been built and Sackets Harbor was a lively steamboat port. The Indian trail was the first highway into our northern wilder- ness, and over it the sturdy settler with his axe blazed a way to a new home. The next year he came with his wagon and his ox team, bringing his family, and through the woods and over the morasses toiled toward the clearing where his log cabin awaited them. As the wilderness became dotted with clearings and settlements grew the trails became roads, winding between stumps and over the swamps by the corduroy. The necessities of commerce grew. Roads multiplied through public spirit. As early as 1791 Arthur Noble and Baron Steuben- petitioned for a road from Little Falls on the Mohawk to High Falls, or what we know as Lyons Falls, on the Black river. The object was to open up trade with Cataraqui, or Kingston. Nothing was done. The French road from High Falls to French Creek or Clayton was abandoned. The Oswegatchie, put through by the enterprise of Judge Nathan Ford of Ogdensburg, was the first traveled road north jof Black river in 1804. By an act of March 26, 1803, there was a project for opening and improving certain great roads in the state by means of a lottery. One was projected from Salina, or as we know it Syracuse, through Red- 13jJ JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. field to Champion and- on through St. Lawrence county to Ogdens- burg. In 1808 a state road from Brownville to Rome, in 1813 from Sackets Harbor to Rome, in 18 14 from Salina or Syracuse to Smith Mills or Adams to intersect with the state road from Rome, in 1816 from Lowville to Henderson Harbor, which was not completed, in 1824 from Clayton to Watertown. In 181 7 a military road between the barracks at Sackets Harbor and the barracks at Plattsburg was completed part way on both ends but never connected. Over the old state road to Rome and on to Albany passed the earliest commerce of the county. Albany was the great market for wheat, lumber and beef. The road- was lined every mile with a tavern, and as" the weary teamster trudging beside his wagon came to noon or nightfall he could stop for refreshments. Most often he carried the grain for his horses and his own provisions, but a threepenny piece for a glass of ale gave him a small table in the tap room where he fed himself, t)r at a compensation which now appears ridiculous in these days of high prices, he had bed and board. The era of turnpikes came between 1808 and 18 16. These ad- vanced to plank roads and afterwards returned to turnpikes. The first plank road was from Sackets Harbor to Watertown in 1848. There was another from Lowville to Carthage, built in 1849, and from Carthage to Antwerp in the same year, from Sterlingville to North Wilna in i8s.3, Gouverneur to Antwerp in 1849, which were connected with continuous plank roads to Ogdensburg. Pamelia and Evans Mills road connected it with Watertown. The year 1850 marks the end of the plank road and they became tunrpikes again. Then toll roads and toll gates were gradually abol'shed. Now and then in making a cutting through a highway the old plank road ap- pears again, and if yu go deeper p?rha s ycu find the cordurry and then the virein soil, a stratified relic of the progress of civilization up to th"" ma'adam which modern enterprise is building, returning to the good roads of early days. This was the romantic period of the history of the commerce of the county. The big wagons carried the corrmerre of all the farms from town to town and on to Albany or later to Utica when the Erie ra-al was opened in 1825. This also brought the port of Sackets Harbor into great importance as nearly all the corrmerce now furred toward that oort by water to Osv/eqo and to the Erie canal, a'-d it was the mo^t importart vlla-^e in the county in those days which spoke of Watertown a which were ultimately carved out of the territory they pur- chased and for a period assisted to administer, of several men of unusual ability, enterprise and strength of character. Most of them were, at one time or another, prominently identified with the City of New York or its environment. Alexander Macomb, Daniel McCormick and William Constable, all of the City of New York, through Macomb, as their agent, applied in 1791 for the purchase of the tract of land which has been known since that time as "Macomb's Purchase." It embraced the greater part of Franklin, the whole of St. Lawrence, excepting the ten towns 'and Massena, the whole of Jefferson — except 180 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Penet's Square and Tibbet's Point, — the whole of Lewis and a part of Oswego counties. Included in this proposal were the islands in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, adjacent to the tract, and excepting five per cent, for roads and all lakes of greater area than 1,000 acres. The price was to be ei'ght pence per acre. Directly after this important transaction was consummated, a survey was ordered. January 10th, 1792, the surveyor reported that there was comprehended within the boundaries involved, 1,920,000 acres, leaving 800,000 acres to be located by the Surveyor-General. Macomb's patent cov- ered the 1,920,000 acres. That and the 800,000 acres includ- ed the tract not in the present counties of Franklin and St. Lawrence. There was an uncertainty as to the islands in the St. Lawrence, and they were patented to other parties after the national boundary had been established. The whole of Ma- comb's tract contained approximately 3,670,715 acres, after deducting five per cent. Soon after Macomb, had made good his title, he arranged with William Constable to sell lands in Europe. Macomb was a tur trader in Detroit and afterwards a merchant in JNew York. He was the father of General Ma- comb of the War of 1812. Through the financial misfortunes which befel Alexander Macomb, his interests, in large part at least, passed to William Constable of New York, who was a man of tremendous enterprise and resources. In 1803 William Constable died. His executors were James Constable, John McVickar, of New York, and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, the father of William C. Pierrepont, whose best powers, throughout the better part of his life, were devoted to the development of Jefferson county. William Constable had sold large tracts of land in Jefferson and Lewis counties to Peter Chas^anis, of Paris. One of Chassanis' agents was the celebrated and eccentric Gouverneur Morris, of New York, who visited Jefferson County as the guest of LeRay and lost his wooden leg in a fire. In 1802, Chassanis executed a trust con- veyance to James D. LeRay of 225,000 acres. After the death of Chassanis in Paris, in 1803, David B. Ogden, of New York, another prominent and influential man, became interested in the settlement of Jefferson County. Frances Depau who be- came intimately associated with Jefferson County, was an im- porting merchant in New York. Jacob Brown, who was one of the pioneers of Jefferson County, was teaching school in New York prior to 1799, when he met Tillier, who. induced him to visit the wonderful North country. So enamored was he with JKttUKSU^ UUVJSTY VE^STE^'i IMALi. IBl what he saw that he remained in what became Brownville. His family started from Bucks County, Pennsylv,ania, in 1799, for Brownsville; they went by the way of the Mohawk. River, Wood's Creek, Oneida Lakes, the Oswego River and Lake On- tario, three weeks being consumed in the arduous journey. Af- ter the War of 1812-14, General Brown visited New York, re- ceived the liberty of the City in a gold box and the aldermen re- solved that his portrait should be painted at the expense of the City and should hang in the Governor's room of the City Hall where it now is. This historical data has been introduced for the reason that comparatively little attention has been paid heretofore to the important part which various residents of the City of New York and- its vicinage took in the early settlement of Jefferson County. One of the most interesting contributions to our early local history is to be found in the copious and ad- mirably written diary of James Constable, a brother of William Constable, who made several visits on horseback to the new settle- ments on the lands in which he and his family had' invested so liberally. In order to appreciate the hardships and self-re- liance of the early settlers one should read this diary. William C. Pierrepont, of Pierrepont Manor, was a son of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, N. Y., whose wife was a daughter of William Constable. From 1816 forward, for a period of years, J. Le Ray de Chauniont, one of the greatest benefactors Jef- ferson County ever had, spent a portion of his time in the City of New'York, where he mingled, freely in fashionable so- ciety and enjoyed the advice and co-operation of leading busi- ness men and lawyers. Augustus Sacket, the pioneer of Sacket's Harbor, was born in the City of New York, November 10th, 1769, where he was educated as a lawyer. He bought a large tract of land in Hounsfield. Henry Eckford, of New York, the great marine architect and contracting ship-builder of his day, became prominently identified with the creating of a navy on the Lakes during the War of 1812. In addition to numerous other remarkable professional achievements he de- signed and partly built the men-of-war, New Orleans and Chip- pewa at Sacket's Harbor, which failed of going into commis- sion because of the termination of the war. John La Farge, whose name is associated with the town of Orleans, was a merch- ant in Havre, France. He purchased a considerable portion of Penet's Square. In 1824, he went from France to New Or- leans, and, afterwards, made an extended visit to Jefferson County, In 1840 he removed to New York. One of the most 183 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL,. remarkably gifted and helpful men identified with the pioneer movement in Northern New York, was Judge Nathan Ford, of Ogdensburg, who exercised a powerful influence at Albany, and was able to contribute more than any other one man toward the locating and building of the first State roads, and other public improvements. Jeff^erson County was a decided bene- ficiary at his hands. His correspondence with public men was terse, powerful and convincing. He was graduated at Prince- ton College, in 1802. William Henderson of New York was, in 1800, one of the four persons who bought what was known as "the eleven towns" of William Constable. It was from him that the Town of Henderson derived its name. He spent a por- tion of each Summer in his favorite township. Ezra Houns- fidd was a native of Shefiield, England. About the year 1800, he came to New York as agent for his brothers. While there he became interested in landed purchases in Northern New York. The Town of Hounsfield was named in his honor. There were numerous other men of wealth and public enterprise who be- came interested in Jeff'erson County, but the scope of this sketch does not warrant reference to them. It is a well-known fact that the settlement of Jeff'erson and its neighboring counties was seriously retarded by the completion of the Erie Canal, in 1825, and it is to be observed in this con- nection that from then until now there has not been the kind- liest sort of feeling on the part of the people in this part of the State towards the canal policy of the Commonwealth. It was entirely difi'erent, however, when the time came to seriously consider the matter of obtaining proper railroad facilities for the Northern part of the State, for the improvement of transpprtatioh theretofore indifferently cared for by turn-pikes, plank roads and water-ways. By the year 1836, the agitation for the building of railroads was thoroughly inaugurated; but there were numerous a,nd formidable obstacles to be overcome. A considerable number of the inhabitants were opposed to rail- roads under any conditions ; but others, prematurely wise in their day and generation, denied that the construction and suc- cessful operation of a railroad was possible through a^ country having the physical characteristics of that in which they lived. Viewed from their standpoint, this scepticism is not at all re- markable. At the time very little information existed among the masses in respect to railroads ; besides the cross-road dem- agogue was quite successful in disseminating the statement that the introduction of the railroads would inevitably result in JEFFERSON COONTT CENTENNIAL. 183 the impoverishment and demoralization of the people who were threatened with this dire affliction. In order to dispell these doubts and secure a more favorable attitude toward the pro- ject, a committee of representative men was sent to New Jersey and Baltimore to examine and report upon the various demon- strated phases of the railroad problem as they were to be found there. The gist of the report, to which wide publication was given, was as follows: "Upon the Paterson and Jersey City Railroad, sixteen miles long, a train, with one engine had drawn forty passengers around curves of 400 feet radius, and up grades of forty-five feet to the mile, at the rate of twelve miles an hour. On the Camden and Amboy Railroad, the daily cars carried from fifty to one hundred and fifty passengers from twelve to fifteen miles an hour up grades of forty or fifty feet. On the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, an engine, weigh^pg seven and a half tons, had drawn two cars, each thirty feet in length, and containing fifty passengers each, up grades of forty-five feet. "Work on the Rome and Watertown Railroad was begun in November, 1848. April 10, 1851, Wilham C. Pierrepont, was elected President of the road in place of Orville Hungerford» deceased. May 28th, 1851, the road was completed to Pierre- pont Manor. September 5th, 1851, the first engine reached Watertown, and, in April, 1852, Cape Vincent branch was com- pleted. As a matter of course, the electric telegraph was con- structed and put into operation about the same -time as the railroad. As all students of general and local history are aware, steamboat navigation was first attempted on the Great Lakes by the building of the Steamboat Ontario in 1816. Her first trip was made in 1817. The distance from Lewiston to Ogdens- burg was made in ten days and the fare was sixteen dollars. With the advent of steamboat navigation and the installation of the r-ailroad and the telegraph came a new era in the history of Jeff"erson County. All these preliminaries were required be- fore she began to materially contribute her share to emigra- tion. Prior to that, from 1797 forward, there had been a steady inflow of immigration from the New England States, Penn- sylvania, Canada and the old settled portions of the State of New York. Naturally, because of territorial propinquity and for various obvious reasons, the men and women of New Eng- land predominated among the settlers. The human elements which constituted the personnel of the immigrants were of the soundest, bravest and best that generations of breeding in the 184 JEFFERSON COVATY CENTENNIAL. mother country and her American prototype, New England, afforded. They were men and women already inured to hard- ship, self-reHance and the pecuHar conditions imposed by fron- tier life. In their veins flowed the blood of the Pilgrim and the Puritan ; of the Scotchman, the Irishman, the Hollander, the German, The Frenchman, and of other races whose repre- sentatives had found their way to the shores of America. 0ut of this apparently heterogeneous mass was to be formed a new people, differing in degree, but not in kind, from those who had preceded them. Their high mission it was to assist in conquer- ing the West, only recently expanded by the purchase of the Louisiana Territory into an imperial domain, destined to teem with a population more varied in race, more potential in future possibilities of civilization, material achievement and civic de- velopment than it had entered into the imagination of the ver- iest optimist of the day to conceive. Had it not been for the splendid foundation of experience, resourcefulness, courage and ability to conquer apparently insurmountable obstacles, it would never have been possible to bring about the (winning of the West.) In 1858, in course of the great debate which took place in Illinois between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lin- coln, Douglas declared himself in favor of the expansion of .the national territory whenever the needs of a growing popula- tion rendered it necessary. He said the people of this country "swarmed as often as a hive of bees," a«d that with every neAv swarm there must be found room for the hives in which they were to rear their young and lay by a store of honey. And he added that he should be in favor of continuing to acquire more territory when the occasion demanded, even though it became necessary to embrace the Islands of the Pacific Ocean. What think you would be his expression were he to survey the face of that great sea to-day and note the strategic spots where the American flag floats, pointing the way to peaceful commercial conquests and offering opportunity for the expansion of our trade and establishment of profitable relations with the people of the Orient.'' Among my personal acquaintances is a lady of 86 years of age. Her grandparents were frontiersmen in Al- bany County, in this State, her parents were among the settlers of this County; she was a pioneer in Michigan, and her chil- dren were pioneers in the Territory of Washington. No wonder the West is magnificent in the scope of its accomplishments! Think what the East, what the State of New York, what the County of Jefferson, contributes toward making the superb re- JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 185 suits possible! We all know what has been added since; but the superstructure could not have been reared, had not tlie foundation been laid broad and deep by* the sturdy, God-fear- ing, fearless men and women who went there from their Eastern environment. All this is more than true; it is simply magnifi- cent; it staggers the imagination. But there is something be- sides to which it is my duty to invite your attention. Jeffer- son County has contributed a great deal to the City of New York and the contributions have continued more than three- quarters of a century. It may be added further that these contributions have but just begun. In this imperial city which approximates a population of 4,000,000, and is increasing at the rate of 100,000 per annum, there were never better op- portunities for .a young man of intelligence, character and " proper equipment than at present. But he who goes tMere must not know what fear is ; must be ready to meet any emergency. Of one fact, we who live in New York are fully mindful ; and that is that our delegation, strong and representative as it is, is ridiculously small, Compared with the multitude of men and women who have gone out of the old home county to do their share in developing the West. But the work we have been called upon to do has been just as important in its way as that of other pioneers. More than one emigrant from Jefferson County to the imperial city of the western hemisphere has not succeeded in overcoming the vicissitudes, difficulties and em- barrassments of that complex municipality. The language once used by ex-Governor Flower is pertinent just here: "All the fel- \ovrs who tackle it don't succeed; some of them walk back home." That was a quaint way to state the proposition. It means, when properly translated, that the man or woman who commands even a modest degree of success in that seething cauldron of human activity is entitled to the respect of everybody at home. Even though there be a disposition to dispute this statement there is one thing the folks at home ought to be thankful for from the bottom of their hearts, and that is that so few of their "runaways" have disgraced them! On the contrary, so far as concerns the most of those who have made the Metropolitan venture, they have undertaken it with all modesty, with infi- nite patience, with firm purpose to do well and thorougly, as capacity was given, whatever opportunity placed in their way — to do it honestly and, always, with thought of what the people at home would say, if they knew, either in approval or disap- proval. 186 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. With the majority of men and women who were born and bred in the country and, later, took up their abode elsewhere, love of that spot one was first taught to call "home" becomes, with the lapse of time, one of the most profoimd and abiding sentiments of which a human being is capable. As a matter of course, this sentiment differs in degree in keeping with the temperament, mental and physicial characteristics and with the early environment of the individual. As the years multiply and experience ripens the judgment and strengthens the intellectual and moral appreciation of early conditions, the understanJing of home, of the sacrifices of parents, relatives and friends, is materially enhanced. No other thing which one can conceive assists to a greater extent in correcting one's estimates of traits of character, personal usefulness and the substantial merit of our friends in the days of long ago than the perspective of time. What one mistook for a chaotic jumble of faculties, of warring and uncontrolled impulses, of badly ordered tenden- cies, appear' in a new and altogether more favorable aspect. We become, possibly, painfully aware of what it was that induced the habit of expressing "cock-sure" opinions on all sorts of subjects with which we were but indifferently acquainted. We realize that it was only a safety-valve outlet for youthful egotism or exuberant physical energy. The disposition to question the motives of another, immediately a difference of opinion arises, is no longer a second nature. The temptation to underrate the ability, character and strength of those for whom a personal dislike arises, no longer exists. This is only the fine expression of a graceful maturity. Our old home, no matter where situated or what may have been its atmosphere and whether the loved occupants were of high or low estate, it was the most attractive, the most all-embracing, in our affections, that mortal man or woman ever had the high privilege to claim. Let this sentiment be imperishable. Were it possible to compile an accurate roster of those whom Jefferson County has contributed to New York, it would be both formidable and comprehensive ; but the work would be impossi- ble, if one did not devote to it much time and exhaustive research. Henry Keep, the Watertown banker, with a genius for organiz- ing and managing great financial enterprises, was in many respects one of the most important contributors which Jeffer- son County made to New York and the rest of. the United States. His name was a tower of strength in financial circles JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 187 and his career and example an inspiration to young men. The legitimate successor of Henry Keep as a represejitative of Jefferson County in the metropolis was Roswell P. Flower. Few men .in the history of successful finance have so impressed them- selves upon Wall street and the country as the former business man, representative in congress, governor of the state, philan- thropist and modest gentleman. Whatever honors came to him, whatever his environment might be, he never forgot the old county and the friends who were always eager to welcome him when he returned there. His life was a cheerful benedic- tion; his death a calamity. A man of unique character, astute mind and unusual talent for managing men was Wesley W. Wright, of Adams, and late of Geneva, a brother of Mrs. Elija J. Clark, of Watertown. He was a shrewd politician, a suc- cessful Contractor and Canal Commissoner, a firm friend and an intense lover of the county of his birth. He was often in New York and Washington where he enjoyed a wide acquaint- ance and exercised potential influence. In the very early days two remarkable men preached the Word of God with significant success in the city of New York. One was Jedadiah Burchard, of Adams and Ellisburgh, and the other the lawyer, preacher and celebrated evangelist of the same place, Charles G. Finney, afterwards President of Oberlin College in Ohio. Another brilliant contribution of genius to New York and the world was Antoinette Sterling daughter of James Sterling of Ster- lingville. She sang contralto in Plymouth church in Brooklyn in Henry Ward Beecher's palmy day, and afterwards charmed all Europe with her Inspired melodies. Among those of Jef- ferson County origin who have enjoyed important business and professional relationships in New York, a part of the rewards of whose success the old County has enjoyed, were and are John Thompson, Marcellus Massey, Fred Sherman, Lyman Mallory, David W. Gouvemeur, M. and John Bucklin. A. R. Belfour, Thomas and Gardner White, Delano C. Calvin, Sey mour Wright, L. J. Goodale, Oliver S. Ackley, Harvey and George Farrington, Wm. K. Hawks, Fred T. Charles and Greorge Story, George Bridge, Leonard Davidson, William Gladwin, Henry F. arid John G. Sewall, Anson R. and Fred S. Flower, John J. Quencer, George W. Hungerford, Randolph Barnes, Smith Gardner, Wm. B. Farwell, Jasper W. Gilbert, Augustus Ford, Wm. A. Greene, Wm. H. Angel, George Lud- low, Eli P. Sherman, Chester S. Lord, Sherman Esselstyn, Edward D. O'Brien, John P. ]Martin, Leslie C York, Albert B. 188 JEFFEB80N COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Quencer, Edward M. Bassett, W. S. Reade, John Hardiman, Foster M. Armes, W. D. Schram, F. W. Woolworth, M. Y. Bovard, D. D., Dr. George Bogart, James A. Blanchard, Theo- dore Babcock, Jr., Charles W. Bogart, Charles A. Benton, John W. Cruikshank, George and L. S. Dillenbeck, Dr. L. J. Davis, Frank E. Ely, George R.- Coughlan, Minor C. Eastman, Paul J. Esselstyn, George W. Enos, Edwin D. Fox, Dr. E. W. and Charles Gould, John N. Harmon, Abraham and Richard Hankin, D. G. Griffin, C. H. and W. A. Hungerford, Fred J. and George W. Hickey, Benj. S. Harmon, Albert M. Judd, M. D., R. H. King, W. J. Kells, Charles D. Larkins, John La Due. J. M. Lynch, Dr. D. Stanley Lyons, C. H. Lane, Wm. J. Mc- Connell, George C. McMullen, John J. Martin,- Norris W. Mundy, Robert M. Moore, H. A. Moody, Dr. Geo. P. Manville, F. A. Myrick, James H. Mannigan, Wm. A. Moore, Isaac Markwell, Joseph E. Normand, C. C Peck, Geo. B. Phelps, C. J. Parker, W. J. and C. A. Quencer, Stanley Ray, Anson F. Robinson, Earl C. Rich, L. W. Sandforth, Walter D. Sewall, Frank Scott, Fremont W. Spicer, W. D. Schram, J. E. Searles, John C. Thompson, John B. and Charles Taylor, Dr. Edwin B. Tripp, Rev. E. T. Tominson, Fred Townley, Charles Taylor, Wallace H. Utley, George H. Vandewalker, John R. Van Slyke, H. C and Fred M. Woolworth, A. H. Wray, Lewis Webb, Frank Williams, Carl R. Werner, T. P. Waller, Charles H. Wardwell, George I. Wooley, George S. Walker, Jr., Charles and George E. Yost. The list of members of the Jefferson County Society in New York is appended. The organization is young — less than seven years old. When a few young men, hiostly from Watertown, come together around a dinner table and brought the society' into existence, thus actually doing what their seniors had merely dreamed about, every person from the old county began to take account of stock among his acquaintances with a view to re- cruiting members. The first three dinners were not numerously attended ; but the true spirit of loyalty to home tradition, love of everything that pertained to it, and, last, but not least, the spirit of Jefferson county fellowship and fun found animate and winsome expression there. The other dinners have been more pretentious affairs, but in no wise lacking in the quicken- ing element of true sociabihty. How could it be otherwise when we have the privilege of entertaining the ladies ? Whatever they give countenance to cannot fail. Those who are actively inter- ested in the Society are not by any means satisfied with the JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 189 present membership ; nor will they be until the entire field from which recruits may be drawn has been exhausted. We congratu- late our friends at home on the splendid expressions of loyalty, hospitality and enterprise which confront us at every turn. We are amazed and delighted at what the centennial committees and the people of the county have done. We can express our ap- preciation in only an inadequate manner, but our hearts feel what words cannot reveal." EARLY FRENCH SETTLERS. Oration by Clara S. Willard If the pioneer history of a country is recorded in its nomenclature, then may the settlement of Jefferson County, despite its demo- cratic name, be accorded French origin. The river St. Lavi^rence, bathing its northern borders, the Isle aux Chevereux (Carleton) guarding the approach from Lake Ontario and the north, the bays or Chaumont, Nivernois and La Famine in the west, all bear testimony to the nationality of its early civilized visitors. The footsteps of the intrepid explorer de Champlain first crossed the borders of what is now EUisburg In 1615, five years before the landing of the Pilgrims. Then for more than half a century the Jesuit fathers trod the for- est paths of Jefferson, or beached their canoes on the shores of hei inlets and bays, while they labored for the soul of the superstitious red man. In 1684 de la Barre's ill-starred expedition anchored at Bay La Famine, striving through the kindly offices of the Jesuit fathers to extend the kingdom of New France. In 1720 Father Charlevoix touched at Isle aux Chevereux, and sailing thence southwest to the favorite harbor of bay La Famine wrote of his voyage and of the country in glowing terms; while about 1756, de Villiers located a fort on Sixtown Point. But during all this period the silent forest of northern Jefferson gave no hint as to the life carried on within, its shadows, and only Indian mounds and relics speak of its departed braves. After the Indian Treaty of 1788 and the consequent sale In 1792 of the vast tract known as Macomb's purchase,- life began to stir in the forests north of Black River. The subsequent conveyance of a great part of the Macomb pur- chase under the title of the Chassanis Tract, the sale of thousands of acres to James LeRay de Chaumont, and the passing of Penet's 190 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. Square and other lands to John LaFarge gave northern Jefferson virtually to the control of Frenchmen, and the carving of homes and settlements from a wilderness began. As early as 1796 many French refugees came to this part of the country owing to political disturbances incident to the French Revolution. Indeed it was said -that Chassanis, a brother-in-law of the elder Le Ray, bought these lands as an asylum for political exiles. And thus upon the soil of northern Jefferson was fused tht blood of Bourbon aristocrat and Napoleonic fire-eater; elements as diverse as the Poles, yet combined with New England vigor and purpose it has formed a race welcomed in the halls of government and in the commercial marts of the world. Guillaume Coupart, better known as French Cooper has the honor of having been the first white settler north of Black river. He later married with the beautiful Marguerite de Charton, who traced her ancestry to the old French nobility. She became the gracious mother not only of the Coopers of Evans Mills and Watertown, but of the Fayels and Coopers of Theresa. In 1798 Henri Boutin took up one thousand acres of land near the Long Falls, now Carthage, but while making improvements on his cl>aim was drowned in the treacherous flood. The following year Jean Baptiste Bossout came to the same "local- ity; and by his energy and perserverance proved himself a worthy pioneer. For years he maintained a ferry across the river, and kept an inn, where food and lodging were never denied to the moneyless wayfarer. Meanwhile a French settlement had been formed at the High Falls which seems to have been a distributing point for Jefferson County. Subseqeuntly another French settlement sprang up near Evans Mills. The names of the Boyer, Croissant, Delafolie, Casse, and Rulison fam- ilies are alk connected with this part of the county. A group of sturdy French farmers from the old province of Alsace located at Rosiere, where their descendants still hold land and speak the Eng- lish and French languages with equal facility. Many French emigres crossed the river from New France, and found homes in the northern coast of the county, while James Le Ray de Chaumont, the greatest land-holder in Jefferson County, used every effort to induce artisans of all trades to emigrate from France and assist in settling these new lands. To this fact may be attrib- uted in a large degree the intelligence and high character of the early French settlers in Jefferson County. Owing to the influence of James LeRay many cultured French families located at Cape JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 191 Vincent about 1815, notably friends and relatives of the great Na- poleon. The names of Camille Armand, Professor Pigeon, Louis Peugnet, the Due de Vincennes, Count Francois Real, and Marshal Grouchy show what a brilliant galaxy of daring men was gathered in the little colony. It was an open secret that they planned to rescue the prisoner of St. Helena and bring him to these northern wilds. ' For this purpose was built the famous cup and saucer house at Cape Vincent, furnished with luxurious French taste, that it might be worthy of its expected guest. But the little band never realized their dream, and after Napoleon's death many .returned to France; others remained, and with the worthy settlers at Chaumont and Rosiere, added not a little to the character of the population in that part of the county. During James Le Ray's residence in Jefferson County, he made several voyages to France. On his return from one of the^ in 1 8 16 he was accompanied by his newly-married daughter and her husband, the Count and Countess de Gouvello, and their friend Madame the Baroness de Feriet, a highly educated and accomplished French lady. She bought of James Le Ray, a large estate bordering on Black River at Great Bend, and built a stone residence known as The Hermitage. Here she lived for many years. A stone bridge across the rivei made a beautiful approach to the grounds which were laid out in lawns and gardens by workmen brought from France. Madame de Feriet was an artist, a wit, and a linguist. She was also a musi- cian of ability and brought to this county the first grand piano for her parlor at The Hermitage. During the old French regime in Jefferson County Madame de Feriet entertained lavishly, and no so- cial function at Watertown wfas considered complete unless graced by the presence of this charmjng woman. An air of mystery seems to have surrounded her though it was said she had been Maid-of-hon- or to the unfortunate queen Marie Antoinette and finally obliged to flee from France with other Bourbon adherents. Dr. J. M. Crawe, senior, often spoke of her as a friend of his mother's and Mr. L. j. Goodale of this city remembers her as a slender, graceful woman. In 1842 she returned to France, and soon afterward The Hermitage was destroyed by fire. The moss-covered arches of the old stone bridge have long since given place to a modern structure of iron, and the busy whir of the paper mill is now heard where Madame de Feriet once walked among the flowers and sighed for La Belle France. In 1 81 8 Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of Spain, brother of Napoleon, and friend of James Le Ray de Chaumont, purchased of the latter 150,000 acres of land in the eastern part of Jeiferson and Lewis 193 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. counties and built a chateau at Natural Bridge. He also built a hunting lodge on the shore of Bonaparte Lake. On the beauti- ful waters of this lake a six-oared gondola glided, while the wilder- ness gave back echoes of music and song. Here a minature court feasted and feted through the happy summer hours. But Joseph soon wearied of his kingdom in the wilderness and sold his vast es- tate to John La Farge, and the romance of royalty passed forever from the shores of Lake Bonaparte. Here another royalist crosses the stage; Prince Murat, the jockey prince, the son of Napoleon's sister Caroline, who founded a city called Joachim between Evans Mills and Theresa, who built grist mills, saw mills, stocked a store with Parish fashions for the use ot the sturdy pioneers, traded horses every time he went to town, finally gaily insolvent, fled the country. It has been quaintly said that the greatest thing that John La Farge ever did for America was to give it the artist his son. Yet the name of La Farge is indelibly written in Jefferson County, in the village of Lafargeville, and the name of the town of Orleans which shows the royalist tendencies of the man. John La Farge came to this part of the county in 1822 personally to attend to the sale and settlement of his lands. He built the stone hotel still known as the Orleans House at La Fargeville, and within a mile of the village built the old stone mansion which still bears his name. This elegant resi- dence with its beautiful grounds must have ministered to the artis- tic instincts of the younger La Farge, who speaks of the fountains and great gardens by which it was surrounded. After some sharp litigation La Farge dispossessed the squatters on his estate, and made good the titles of legitimate tenants, thus aiding in the worthy and permanent settlement of these lands. Dr. John Binsse of Water- town was for many years the agent of LaFarge and his decendants possess many souvenirs of the family. But the man who more than any other aided in the settlement ot Jefferson County and carried out- that wise and beneficent policy which was of permanent good to the early settlers, was James Le Ray de Chaumont. He was born in the old castle of Chaumont upon the Loire in France in 1 760, and was the son of that Donatien Le Ray de Chau- mont who so warmly espoused the cause of American independ- ence in 1776. That far-sighted statesman resigned his office in the Frence cabinet that he might privately solicit aid and place loans for the American colonies. Through his intervention France sent one million francs to the struggling colonies, while from his private JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 193 funds he furnished and equipped riiany of the ships with which John Paul Jones terrorized the English coast. He sent a cargo of gun- powder to Boston, clothing to LaFayette's army, and finally gave to Dr. Franklin and his associates, the use rent free, for nine years of one of his elegant residences at Passy, a suburb of Paris, in order that the American representatives might have a fit official residence. James Le Ray was the worthy successor of his father. Daily thrown in contact with Dr. Franklin and his associates he early be- came imbued vvith a love of republican institutions, and when he came to man's estate was his father's trusted agent and advisor in all things pertaining to the American colonies. But the elder Le Ray in aiding the cause of freedom had laid the sure foundation for his own financial ruin. The French Revolution followed hard upon the heels of the American success and with this political upheaval French finance became demoralized. Add fo this the fact that America, exhausted by her recent war was financially crippled and unable to meet her just obligations, and it will be evident that the LeRays were in an emlsarrassing position both at home and abroad. After Dr. Franklin's return to America James Le Ray fol- lowed him, hoping to^hasten the action of Congress in the adjustment of his father's claims. He asked only for the face value of the de- preciated paper held in such large quantities by his father and other French subjects. But alas, for the gratitude of republics ! Although aided by Franklin and Jay, and armed with letters from Rochambeau and La Fayette, four years elapsed ere he gained even a partial settle- ment of his claims. In 1790, having married Miss Grace Coxe of New Jersey, Le Ray sailed for France, hoping to ameliorate the financial distress of his father. But Donatien Le Ray had been obliged to sacrifice his French estates to his creditors and had made an assignment to his son. During Le Ray's four years of residence in this country, he had ac- quired titles to vast tracts of wild fand in northern New York, and in 1802 he returned to this country personally to inspect and attend to the settlement of these lands. The villa at LeRaysville was built for the family, and thither they went in 1808, while the logs of the clearing were still burning in front of their door. Mr. Le Ray immediately began the construction of roads, and laying out of towns, and villages, and in the building of gristmills, sawmills and churches. Although' a devout Romanist, he was a man of such broad views .that he gave In each town land for any desired church. Theresa was named for his daughter and here he laid out streets, and build- 13 194 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAxj, ing lots. At Carthage he built a forge and blast furnace for iron ore ; at Slocum's Mills a powder mill was erected ; at Alexandria Bay, named for his son Alexander, he built a wharf and ware-house; at Plessis named for one of his estates a large grist mill. Cape Vincent named for his second son, was a favorite resort as he had great hopes of its future commerce. Here he built a wharf and ware-house, laid out broad, beautiful streets, put up a land-ofEce and a fine" stone residence, and subsequently a Catholic church, endowing it with a hundred acres of land. Point Salubrious was first so called by Mr. LeRay on account of its freedom from malaria. Chaumont where he built another residence recently owned and occupied by George Lance of Watertown, was named from the old estate where he was born. In i8i2 his wife died, and he subsequently married Madam Juhel, a wealthy New York widow, whose maiden name was Cor- nelia Livingston. In her honor the old suburb of Watertown, Juhel- ville was named. The villa at LeRaysville having been destroyed by fire, Mr. Le Ray built the present commodious mansion, at that time the most elegant residence west of the Hudson. Here he lived in princely style, entertaining not only the French aristocracy of Cape Vincent, but President Monroe, and other men of distinction who came to view the wonderful progress made in settling a wilderness. His household consisted of agents, derks, surveyors, engineers and em- ployees, forming a small community in itself. When he went abroad he rode in a coach drawn by four horses with liveried out-riders on horseback. It is difficult to imagine such an equipage dashing over the rocks and stumps and corduroy roads of a wild country, but in the early part of the century James LeRay constituted himself the good roads commission of Jefferson County, and nearly all the high- ways of that date were built under his supervision. Nor was the construction of roads and the laying out of towns his only object. The prosperity of the pioneer was also his daily care. He urged the buying of small farms, and how well he succeeded is evidenced by the fact that over fifty pages in the County Clerk's Office in this city is devoted to the index of transfers of real estate from James LeRay to the early settlers. He often paid small wages, loaned money, or divided crops with the pioneers. He bwilt gristmills at convenient points so that the pioneers' families might be supplied with food ; for those were days of hearty living and simple fare. He im- ported sheep and cows from France, and by his stock of blooded horses laid the foundation for the justly celebrated stables of carriage and trotting stock of the present day. He inaugurated in 1817 the Jef- ferson County Agricultural Society of which he was for many years JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. 195 the president, and the following year the first fair was held in Water- town. His life in this new countjry was one of the finest examples of paternalism the world has ever known. Born a royalist in an old castle that had for centuries been the home of kings, he yet had in his breast such love of freedom such sympathy with republican insti- tutions that he inculcated in the early settlers thrift, honesty and sturdy independence. Upon what better foundation do we build American citizenship to-day ? Mr. LeRay had in every way aided and encouraged the construe-, tion of the Erie Canal. But the opening of that water-way and the consequent ease of access to western lands operated disastrously, on real estate in Northern New York. Though owning upwards of 350,000 acres of land in Jefferson and adjoining counties, .Mr. Le- Ray became land-poor, and was obliged to make an ass^nment to his son. Vincent LeRay, being a careful and accurate business man though not so generous as his father, in time paid all creditors in full and saved a fine estate for the family. In 1836, at the age of 76 years, Mr. LeRay bade farwell his adopt- ed country, and sailed for France never to return. He was a man of good mind, sound judgment, and noble feelings, possessing in a wonderful degree the administrative capacity. His dignified bearing, courteous manners and ready sympathy, in private . as well as public affairs, and his generosity, made him beloved by the early settlers. He gave a wonderful impetus to the settlement of these northern lands, and Jefferson County is his monument to-day. LaFayette, in his memoirs, gives great praise to the LeRays for prompt aid during the revolutionary period. But it is a notable fact that the historians of our country give scant mention to the family name. Rochambeau has a statute devoted to his honor in Washing- ton, Lafayette has been honored by the American school children; but a family that still earlier' befriended the American Colonies has gone without official recognition. It has remained for a little band of patriotic women, the LeRay de Chaumont chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to make the name of LeRay a house- hold word ; to add to the grateful memory of Revolutionary aid, the . still closer bond of the foundation of our very hearthstones. And as we render, homage to the French pioneers, who labored with such cheerful self-abnegation for a race that was to come, may we not snatch the pen of history and write on the rolls of Jefferson County high above them all, the name of him whose hand so wisely laid the foundations of her agricultural, municipal and commercial prosperity, James Le Ray de 'Chaumont ? 196 JEFFERSON COUNTY CENTENNIAL. References. Hough, History of Jefferson County. Haddock, " " •Durant and Pierce, " " Emerson, " " Pratt, "Sketch of Cape Vincent," Hough, History of Lewis County. Miss Alta Ralph, paper on "James LeRay de Chaumont," also notes on "Life of John LaFarge." Mrs. W. A. Casler, paper on "Early French Settlers of Cape Vincent." The above papers are in the archives of the LeRay de Chaumont Chapter, D. A. R. Stories of the Towns. ADAMS. By S. T. Thompson. In presenting this historical sketch of the town of Adams the com- mittee performs a pleasant duty. This is a novel history, but differs from the ordinary historical novel inasmuch as there is some history in it. The subject w^ill be considered as time will permit under the head of Pre-historic, Historic and Extra-historic. We are proud to say that in compiling this history, many things have been brought to light for the first time, things never heard of before and let us hope they will never be heard of again. First, the Pre-historic. When this historic exploring party first started out upon this historic expedition, the wonder was, why in the making the earth's surface, the rest of Jefferson county was ever creat- ed. Former historians give no satisfactory clue but by diligent study and careful research we came to the legitimate conclusion that the rest of Jefferson county was formed primarily or solely for the pur- pose of keeping Adams in its place. Of its geologic formation, time permits our saying but little. At one time the shore of Lake Ontario or what has been known as the great glacial lake, named Iroquois, was located where Adams village, Adams Centre and Talcotts now are. What Is now known as the Ridge road leading from Adams to Pierre- pont Manor, must at one time have been the shore of this lake with bays or harbors making further Inland. The waters of this great lake are supposed to have found their way to the ocean, not by the way of the St. Lawrence, but by the way of Rome and Mohawk val- ley. There was in later times a change in the gradual upheaval or tipping of the earth's formation, and perhaps also the melting of the glaciers forming an outlet via the St. Lawrence. Adams Is a stable land now and if any of you contemplate visiting us you need have no fear of its tipping over or shaking you up by Its upheavals. Evi- dences of the glacial period are many. Almost everywhere the glacial student finds abundant proof for the faith that is in him. It has been carefully estimated that at one time this region was covered with 198 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. a great ice cap ii,ooo feet in thickness. For the past two winters the cry has gone up from even the very oldest inhabitant "there were never as cold and never as long winters before," but here we find proof almost positive that in this glacial winter the snow and ice were ii,ocx) feet deep. These figures exceed by several feet the record for either 1904 or 1905, and as for the length this glacial winter lasted many thousand years without a thaw. From these "good old times" we may well pray good Lord deliver us. There is also proof indisputable that Adams was inhabited by a Pre- historic race, but so meagre are their relics, that it is only a matter of conjecture who they were, whence they came or when they de- parted. Camping grounds or perhaps more permanent homes and vil- lages are still to be seen. Mounds and apparent fortifications are still extant. Their bones have been found beneath the soil. Crude weapons and household utensils are in existance, but like so many ancient peoples of America, we are left to our imaginations to fill in the details of their daily life, their ambitions, their hopes, their pur- poses and their final destruction or removal to other places. Save for the few predatory expeditioris of the Indians, and the explorations of the white man, the grand old forests must have been for a long time without human kind. Adams, in common with a large portion of Jefferson county, was originally a part of the town of Mexico as ceded by the old grants to McComb and others. It seems to have been surveyed in the year 1796 by Benjamin Wright, who pronounced it a goodly township, and spoke of Sandy Creek as of considerable importance. Your com- mittee, while without definite knowledge, conclude this stream was. named Sandy Creek through that well known perversity of human nature which delights in misnomers, for Sandy Creek has a clean rock or cobble stone bottom from its source to its mouth with scarce a trace of sand anywhere. The first settlement was made in the year 1800 by Nicholas Salis- bury, who in April of that year, came into the Sandy Creek valley from the town of Western, New York, arriving by the way of Low- ville with his family and belongings after a twenty-six days' journey. The conveyance was not a parlor car, but a rude sled drawn by those nimble beasts of burden, a, pair of oxen. The journey was ac- complished "with much discomfort and no little danger. as most of the streams had to be forded, it being the season of highwater and chilly days and nights. The only hotel accomodatiojis were tlie sled and the forests, the evening and the morning prospect being shining stars or lowering clouds. With Nicholas Salisbury- came Solomon Smith and his son as hired men. The family went at once to the STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 199 Salisbury lands purchased the year before about one mile below Adams village, built a 'log house and commenced 'a clearing. Samuel and Daniel Fox came the same year and cleared a small tract above the village and built houses. Indeed it is a disputed question, which is entitled to the priority, Samuel Fox or Salisbury, the weight of evi- dence being in favor of the latter. Probably there was a difference of only a few weeks in the arrival of these hardy pioneers. David Smith in the same year and very soon after built a small saw and grist mill, thus relieving the people of the necessity of preparing their corn for bread in a mortar, made by hollowing out the top of a stump and pounding their grain therein until it had acquired the requisite fine- ness for this purpose. These mills gave the place the name of Smith's Mills, which it retained for several years. The fertility of the soil and the attractive features of the town induced numerous settlers to move in, and in a short time the rude huts and log cabins were scat- tered throughout the town, and the steady rythm of the woodman's axe and the crashing to the earth of the mighty giants of the forest prepared the way for civilization and cultivation. The town soon outgrew the name of Smiths Mills and took the name of Adams. Previous historians say in honor of John Adams, once President of the United States but here again your committee has shown its pene- tration by discovering that these inhabitants had knowledge of its former occupancy, and coupling this with their fair and productive township, and remembering its salubrious climate, they became con- vinced that this was the veritable Garden of Eden, and so named it the Garden of Adam or Adam's Garden. For the sake of brevity the word garden was dropped and it became Adams. One thing in this connection is certain and that is our people consider themselves the lineal descendants of the original Adam, and while the most of us at the least can say we never saw Adam, and Adam never saw us, we can say in the language of Mark Twain, "What was his loss is our eternal gain." Though you too may not have known the original, we are sure you will find it a pleasure to known Adam's folks. In this brief sketch it is impossible to mention by name the early settlers of the town. It is a matter of record that they were an honorable, upright class of citizens who bore with the cheerful forti- tude the hardsh'ps of their pioneer life, and wrought wonderful changes by their skill and industry. Fertile fields and thriving settlements took the place of forests. In the early years of the occupation of the town, a wolf bounty of $5.00 to $15.00 was offered for these destruc- tive animals. There are no wolves in Adams now. They have be- taken themselves to the tangled wildwoods of Watertown's city park, or to the jungles of Lewis county. Among the early industries 200 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. that sprung up here were the distilleries. At one time at least foui were maintained in Adams. " The writer, while talking with one of the pioneers some years ago, suggested that so many of these institu- tions could hardly have been conducive to the good of the community, but he defended their existence by saying, "In those days almost our only crop was corn and there was no home market for it except these distilleries and in the state of the country roads it was almost im- possible to deliver it to outside markets. The only way we had of get- ting money was to sell our corn to the distilleries. They could pay us cash for it." "But," said I, "your wants Were few. Your clothes were homespun and homemade. Your provisions were grown upon your farms; your lands cost you very little. What did you 80 with your money?" "Well," said he, a genial smile overspreading his aged face,"we spent the most of it for whiskey." These wise and good men early recognized the need of religious in- stitutions and help. As a result churches were organized, the first being the First Congregationalist church, now known as the First Presbyterian church of Adams village in 1804. The second, the First Adams or State Road Baptist church, also in 1804. At present there are five churches in Adams village, Presbyterian, Baptist, Metho- dist Episcopal, Episcopal and Catholic. Three in Adams Centre, Baptist, Seventh Day Baptist and A'dventists. Also one Baptist church in Smithville and a Baptist church at State Road, all in good condition and usually doing good work, though just now several are without pastors. Among Adams' noted preachers first of all should be mentioned Chas. C. Finney, the world renowned evangelist; the eccentric, but powerful Jedediah Burchard, Bishop H. B. Whipple of Minnesota, and a long line of able, consecrated divines who have or are still serving their day and generation with fidelity and zeal. Next to the church the school was the object of veneration among the early settlers. As early as 1802, two years after the first families arrived, a school house was established in what was tlfen the small hamlet of Smith's Mills and soon the little log school house was in evidence wherever a few families were near each other, and from that time to this its schools have been sending out into the world well educated men and women. The Adams Seminary, a school for young ladles, was established in 1838. A select school was instructed by M. C. Manning for a number of years where the higher branches 'were taught, and in 1864 the famous Hungerford Collegiate In- stitute was founded through the generosity of General S. D. Hungerford and secondarily by the generous support of many citizens of the village and surrounding country. The STOBIES OP THE TOWNS. 201 school first occupied a site near the railroad station, a building original- ly intended for a hotel. The first session was opened Sept. 8, 1864, with Principle J. Dunbar Houghton, an able teacher, in charge. A few years later this building and most of its contents were destroyed by fire. Dismayed but not discouraged, five days after the fire anoth- er project was on foot. A new and beautiful site was selected and a building which has been the pride of the village ever since was erected at a cost of $40,000. The school in its new quarters and "with a brilliant corps of teachers immediately took a prominent posi- tion. Students were attracted from far and near. Even Cuba, Central America and the South American States furnished a large contingent every year. Adams, always noted for its literary attain- ments, became more and more a centre of culture and refinement. With varying financial success, but with never a lowering of its high standards, the school went on for nearly thirty years, the people con- tributing in that time nearly $80,000 for its support. It was then transformed into the Adams High School which ranks with the best in the state. The teachers who wrought there are some of them worthy of higher econiums than we are able to give them. Dr. Albert B. Watkins, the first principle in the new building, was a man of great learning, a man of noble asperations, and noble deeds, a genial companion, a true friend, an accomplished gentleman. Vice principal, O. B. Rhodes, under Dr. Watkins, and principal after the Doctor's retirement, literally sacrificed not only his time and money, but his life in his devotion to his chosen work, and the welfare of the young people committed to his care. Miss Butterworth, afterward Mrs. A. H. Coughlin and Mrs. L. B. Woodard not one whit behind as co- w'orkers in a glorious cause. Need we say men and women of note in all honorable walks of life are among its alumni? Of some of these we may speak hereafter. " From the first settlement of the town, men competent to fill im- portant positions in the offices of the county, state and nation began to come forward. So numerous have these been that we cannot name them all. Of statesmen she has furnished her quota and more. Though our records are very incomplete she has furnished at least one member of the Cabinet, J. Sterling Morton was born in Adams and was secretary of agriculture during the last ad- ministration of President Cleveland. Two members of Congress arb to our credit, C. Chittendon and Wm. A. Gilbert. Of Judges in our courts, C. Chittendon, Calvin Skinner and Wm. C. Thomp- son, Surrogate of Jefferson county for eighteen years, Benjamin Wright, Josepi Goodell, warden of Auburn prison. Assemblymen we have furnished them in large numbers, and all have served not 20-2 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. only Adams but Jefferson county and the State faithfully. State Librarian, Melvin Dewey is a native of Adams Centre. Chester Lord, managing editor of the New York Sun, though not bprn in Adams is a product of its beneficent influence. Everett T. Tom- linson, the same may be said of him. John R. VanWormer was to the Manor born and is able to speak for himself. C. A. Gardner, an eminent lawyer of New York City, is a graduate of Hungerford Collegiate Institute, also Chas. A. Babcock, Superinten- dent of Public Schools in Oil City, Pennsylvania, known as an edu- cator and honored by degrees from colleges and societies at home and abroad, and Fred W. Mayhew, just honored by the unanimous nom- ination of this county, for county treasurer, chairman of the board of supervisors. Fred B. Pitcher, district attorney for Jefferson county, is both Adams born and Adams graduated. Archie C. Ryder, often on banquet nights tells us of his thrilling Hungerford Collegiate experiences. Mrs. E. S. Willard and Hon. Isaac L. Hunt, both honored with positions upon the program this week are graduates and natives as well. Clayton S. Cooper, well known as a preacher and worker among young men of the cities and Rev. C. E. S. Racey are among the list of divines. In conversation with Dr. Root at Hamilton College he assured me Adams and Hungreford Col- legiate Institute had sent some first class men to that institution. Business men. Enos R. Barton, thoughborn in one of the suburbs of greater Adams, resided within its precincts during the formative per- iod of his life and doubtless owes much of his ability to the quality of its ozone as did the other members of that illustrious family. Henry Keep we can fairly claim as an Adams man, who not only became wealthy himself, but made otliers rich in the wise distribution of that which he had accumulated. Chas. Potter of printing press fame, and his brother. Dr. Potter, pioneer in package dye business. Still the list is not complete, but only just commenced. Let us turn a moment to our military record. Did Adams ever fail the country in a time of need? Never. Some of its first settlers were scarred veterans of the Revolutionary War. In the war of 1812 Adams men were found defending the outposts along the lake front,' and in the great civil war her citizens sprang to arms. Adams furnished her full quota of brave men. .Some are buried beneath the soil wet with their life blood. Some wasted away with disease. Some came home maimed for life. Some came home wearing the shoulder straps that denoted deserved promotion. While we have no record of Major Generals from Adams, let us remember that not all heroes won promotion, and that the humble private who bared his breast to the leaden storm was just as great a hero ^as the commander-in- STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 203 chief. Realizing that few great reforms are ever won without the shedding of human blood, the wives and mothers and sweethearts of these men racked with anxiety, doubts and fears, patiently and loy- ally bore the heavy burden with a heroism ever greater than that of the loved ones at the front. Among the men who won an honor- able place in the navy was Albert S. Green, whose long and interest- ing career in that branch of the service cannot be traced in this brief review, and his elder brother, David M. who was a little lad when he became a resident of Adams has had a like though briefer experience in the navy, and a long and distinguished career as an educator, and also a civil engineer, occupying many positions of trust and importance in the state and nation. Among the prominent names of the past or'more recent citizens are Arms, Cleveland, Doxtater, Dwight, Bond, Stone, Fox, Frasier, Coughlin, Overton, Hunt, Fuller, Cooper, Kenyon, Hungerfgrd, Col- ton, Griswold, Saunders, Green, Wright, Brown, Whitcomb, Thomas and a host of others. Perhaps you will say enough of the past, what message do you bring of the present, of the Adams of today. Today, as always, she is the first alphabetically, first in beauty, first in all that goes to make a home desirable. Adams village has a reputation, not only at home, but abroad of being one of the very prettiest villages in the country. Its young men and women of today are keeping up with the great procession in all the walks of life. Only a few weeks ago a native of Adams, Mr. Ralph Willard, won that rare prize, a Cecil Rhodes scholarship. This historian feels a just pride in this honor as he well remembered assisting in guarding his infant footsteps into the paths of success. A few years ago there was an exodus of people from a neighbor- ing village to our own. They were members of a church in that place and after coming among us applied one by one for letters of dismission from there to join a church of like faith and "order with us. Of course the letters were granted with regrets. Finally the clerk of the church down there made the following notation upon the margin of one of these letters. "It seems all of our good people think they must go to Heaven by way of Adams." The wise brethren tiad discovered a fa(;t we had always known. That is, that of all places on the surface of the globe, Adams Is nearer Heaven than any of the others. . ' Of the present Adams, those who have come back to us will find the spirit of hospitality has not abated. They will find our business interests growing rapidly. Financial institutions are usually a good guage of a community in the business way. Twenty years ago the 204 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. money on deposit in our village was in round numbers, $160,000. To- day, without material increase in population, our deposits amount to $630,000 four times what they were then. Then the total assets of our banking institutions were $225,000. Today, there are $883,000, and at the present rapid rate will soon pass the million dollar mark. We doubt if there are many towns in the state of like population, under like conditions that can make as good a showing. Our post ofSce re- turns to the government a larger revenue than does any other office in a village of its population in New York state. Such has been the in- crease in the postal business that the postmaster's salary has been doubled within a few years. Sixty or seventy years ago mails were carried on horseback twice a week to Utica by the way of Redfield woods, and the amount of mail carried did not overload the horse even with the added weight of the postman. Now _the mail handled at our office each day amounts to nearly one-half ton, and the receipts of the office are $22,000 per year. Even for a long time after the horseback days of mail earrying it was not done upon the routes laid out in Jefferson county in luxurious fashion as now by the Vanderbilts in parlor coaches, but with the old four horse stage coach, upon the main line from Utica to Ogdensburg, with relays of horses every fifteen miles, except when some man of note travelled ,^then an extra was put on with relays every ten miles. In Adams it was an event when the stage coach reached the widow Griswold's grove, upon the out- skirts of the village and the driver blew his tin' horn to announce his arrival, than which no sound was more welcome. To the small boy it was a whole Old Home Week to see the driver gather the reins in his trained hand, and with a flourish of the long lash with its silk- en cracker flick the leaders' ears, and swing up to the exchange with military precision. The side lines, or star routes, however, was where the real work was done. John Looker, a soldier of the war of 1812, who served his country at Sackets Harbor- and was there during the great epidemic of bloody flux caused he said, by the army contractors adulterating the flour with lime. -We have heard something in recent years about embalmed beef and other dishonest practices in the way of adulterated foods, but it seems in this respect there is nothing new un- der the sun. After his army experience far 25 years Mr. Looker served his country as a mail carrier with fidelity and unsullied integ- rity. He carried the mails over mountains of snow and through valleys of mud in summer's torrid heat and winter's icy blasts. Once the government fined him sixpence for not arriving at the terminus on schedule time. He was also express messenger and carried many val- uables in his strong box. His strong box was in his inside coat pock- STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 205 et. There is an old contract still in the family. In this the munih- cent sum of $175 per year was awarded him yearly for carrying the mail from Adams to Ellisburg, he furnishing his entire outfit. In his twenty-five years' experience many incidents worthy of note oc- curred, but we may have time for only one. During one of his trips upon the Copenhagen route a freshet carried away the planking upon the Lisk bridge, one mile above Adams ; arriving at the approach- es of the bridge and not knowing the planks had floated away, the horses having free rein carried him and the mail pouch safely across the stringer, and he did not know how near a tragedy had been enacted until he arrived at his destination and there was informed of the startling facts. Our High and Grammar schools, as 'has been intimated, rank among the best in teachers and scholarship. What is true of Adams is true of Adams Centre, whose free school is equipped to fit its pupils for entrance into the colleges and universities of the land. Adams supports, without outside endowment an excellent free library con- taining nearly two thousand five hundred volumes of standard and late publications. The library is well housed, well cared for and out of debt. It is well patronized, and is a monument to the enterprise of the ladies of Adams in general and the members of the Study club in particular. Our greatest industry at the present time is the business of Dr. W. S. Rice, the specialist, who employs many men and women, and has branch ofHces in Boston, Mass., Toronto, Ontario, and London, England. The Rosemary Creamery Company comes next, and checks out about $45,000 per month to its patrons. At the office in Adams about 50,000 pounds pi milk are now received daily. A branch of the Company at Mexico receives a like amount, and branches at Smithville, Mannsville, Fernwood and Worthville receive 25,000 each day, making a grand total of 200,000 pounds of milk per day. Of their various products are finest quality butter, shipped principally to the large hotels in the great cities of the country. Powdered milk manufactured under their own patents, caseine and pot cheese. It may be of interest to say that a large amount of their powdered milk is shipped to far away Japan for use by the Mikado's plucky little sol- diers. Dickens once said that German soldiers were supposed to carry their courage in high shouldered black bottles. Adams is supposed to furnish courage for the Japanese soldiers in the form of powdered milk. Mr. A. L. Rice manufactures oil -and powder paints, and has an extended trade even from Alaska to South Africa. One of its infant and rapidly growing industries is the Lewis Box and Package Company. The boxes are made under patents granted to 206 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. our townsman L. D. Lewis. Three factories with extensive ma- chinery are now in operation, one in Adams, one in Toledo, Ohio, and another in Jackson, Mich., Another plant is now being equipped in Brockville, Ontario. O. D. Greene Jr., contractor and builder, does a large business and has many contracts on hand. F. L. Webster's canning factory is another firmly established business. Mr. Webster is solving the question of how to rid the country of the dandelion pest by putting them up in cans and shipping them to the cities to be eaten by the "green" for greens. The Kenyon & Thomas Company manu- facture the celebrated Hale's Household remedies which owing to their real merit find a ready sale throughout the United States, and even beyond their borders. The malting company of W. A. Waite & Sons is among the successful enterprises of our town. This busi- ness was established many years ago by the late R. P. White, and is carried on very extensively by the present proprietors. More than 100,000 bushels of barley were purchased by the firm the past year. Other industries and occupations serve to keep our people busy, and consequently happy. The freight, express and passenger business has shown a wonder- ful growth. The receipts of our railroad station for passenger ser- vice alone amount to over $3,000 per month. The freight business amounts to over $6,000 per month, or the combined receipts to $100,- 000 per year. The express business when the present agent, F. C. Dexter, was appointed twelve years ago amounted to $6,000 per year. Now the amount of business handled amounts to $20,000 per year. Among the numerous clubs and lodges piay be mentioned", first, the Rising Sun Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 234, with a membership of 200, and the Adams Chapter, R. A. M., with a membership of 105. Also the order of the Eastern Star with a membership of 80. Mrs. W. J. Allen of our Cecilia Chapter holds the second ofKce in the state, Assistant Grand Matron. Two years ago these organizations, liberally .assisted by the citizens, erected a spacious temple, thoroughly equipped for all departments of their work. The lodge rooms are richly furnished and perfectly adapted for their wants. This build- ing contains a modern opera house, filling a long felt need. It is upon the ground floor, easy of access, beautiful of design, ela>orate of furnishings. Its brilliantly lighted stage is accounted one of the finest in the state. The structure is one of the ornaments of the town and cost with its furnishings $14,000. The Odd Fellows are a strong organization with well arranged and equipped halls in the STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 207 Cleveland block; its membership is 125. Welcome Encampment also is in a flourishing condition. Rebekahs also have a membership of 85. Deborah Champion Chapter D. A. R., is another organization of which Adams has reason to be proud. This and LeRay de Chaumont Chapter of Watertown are the only Chapters of this patriotic organi- zation in the county, our chapter having a larger membership than any other in the state outside the cities. The Study club, another ladies' organization with a large membership, has been in existence for a long time and has done much to elevate the intellectual standing of those belonging thereto, besides the already mentioned honor of orig- inating our free public library. De Alton Cooper Post, G. A. R., is an organization which, by its members and intelligence, has sup- plemented at home its honorable career upon the battlefields of the south; and though its members are one after another bdng called from the shores of time to the home beyond, the one hun- dred members that remain, if not so young, are just as brave and loy- al in spirit as ever. 'The Post is complete in having that other and better half, the Relief Corps, to assist in its work. . The first newspaper was published in 1838, called the "Censor". It was anti-Masonic, and after a short period was removed to Water- town. The next publication was issued first in 1844 as the Jefferson County Democrat, published by J. C. Hatch. In 1847 it was edited by E. J. Clark. The next publisher was Justus Eddy, who .changed the name to the JefEerson County News. In 1863 the paper was published by Dwight & Eddy. In' 1865 George C. Bragdon pur- chased the paper and changed the name to the Adams Visitor. In 1868 it was published by Babcock & Delong. S. R. Pratt soon be- came manager of the paper and changed the name to the Northern Temperance Journal and made it an eight page paper. The name was again changed in 1876 to the JefEerson County Journal which it now bears. In 187 1 Hatch & Allen purchased the Journal. Mr. Allen purchased the interest of Mr. Hatch and has conducted the business successfully in recent years. One of the things that has recently brought Adams into prominence throughout the whole country is the remarkable discovery and appli- cation of electric treatment for the cure of tuberculosis or consump- tion by Dr. Alfred Goss. His experience has as yet been so brief that it is impossible to predict with certainty its future, but thus far the results have been marvelous. Those afflicted with this ter- rible and heretofore incurable disease are certainly benefitted and to- all human appearances wholly and permanently cured. In this day and generation it is not wise to say a thing cannot be done so let the 208 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. sceptics withhold their criticism until time and experience have com- pleted the test already begun, and which promise such blessed results. Adams village has an excellent waterworks system owned and controlled by the corporation, giving the very best fire protection. Un- der the efficient management of our fire department, consisting of Tempest and Star Hose Companies and the Hook and Ladder com- pany for the past twenty years destructive fires have been unknown. The Adams Electric Light Company controlled by R. F. Steele furnishes our streets, places of business, public buildings and homes with a model lighting system. Nine new dwelling houses are being erected in Adams village to- day and many others, are being enlarged and improved. So great is the desire for homes within its borders, that it is very difficult to find tenements and building lots are rapidly increasing in price. A tour through the town will convince anyone that the soil of Adams has not lost its fertility, that its farms are not abandoned and that its rural population is or at least ought to be content. There are flourishing Granges with well built and com- modious halls - at both Adams and Adams Centre. They are people loyal to their town and alive to the interest of their occupation. Their residences are the abode of peace and plenty. The town was settled by a class noted for their streng:ii, both physically and mentally, and their characteristics still remain. Even the little children now playing in the streets of our village and in the dooryards of our farmhouses will, no doubt, in their day and gener- ation eclipse thosp w ho have gone on before. The well-kept lawns and modern residences of both Adams and Adams Centre betoken thrift, good taste and a refined population.- One time two gentlemen were driving from t!)e village. A mile away th-^y came to a mile stone upon which was chiseled "i m from Adams." Said one to the other, "There is patriotism and loyalty for you. There is a man who says upon his tombstone "I'm from Adams." Before their wonder had ceased, they came to the second mile stone upon which tlie stone cutter instead of cutting the figure 2, had put the figure i twice. The astonished traveller again called the attention of his companion to the fact that another man was resting under the legend, "I too 'm from Adams." Driving another mile they came to a stone upon which was the figure 3, the letter M and the words ''from Adams." They both exclaimed "3 men from Adams. Let us return, we have seen enough." Many of the natives of our town desire to return at the close of life's fitful fever and to be laid at rest in our beautiful ceme- STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 209 teries, there to remain quietly, peacefully, until that last great day when the Heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll, and time shall be no more. Now as you come back to us, from far and from near, as you come back to us after a longer or shorter absence, we extend to you the glad hand, and to your families greeting, "how do you do,?" I reply, with that other half of the greeting, both collectively and individually, "we are pretty well, I thank you." ANTWERP. By W. S. AUGSBURY. A stranger from the fertile prairies of the middle west visiting for the first time in the Northermost town in Jefferson County would not at the outset be happily impressed. Indeed it might puzzle him to guess just how the people managed to live, move and have their t)eing in a country apparently so untillable. The railroad upon en- tering the township drives almost immediately into a labyrinth of .huge gray rocks their long ledges miles in extent, either bare or clad in a scanty vendure of sumac and other small trees, with isolated boulders, scattered cobbles and then once more the steep ledges. The villg.ge of Antwerp is discovered nestled or perhaps one might say wedged between two of the most massive, and so concealed from sight from nearly all the roads which centre there that the existence of the village is unsuspected until one is right upon it. Indeed not long ago the writer driving from Antwerp towards Oxbow and meet- ing a stranger within the limits of the corporation was asked how tar it was to Antwerp. Verily the town is founded upon a rock. The task of snatching a livelihood and later on a comfortable share of the world's goods from this forbidding surface is a tribute to the pluck of the first settlers. But the men and women whose names and deeds we are met to commemorate did not like the traveller of to-day arrive in town behind the iron horse. The saddle horse on the Indian trail, the blaze of the first white man's ax, the ox team laboring over the log road were the prototypes of the New York Central railroad. Whatever heroes Antwerp may in later years have brought forth whether soldier, statesmen or men of affairs, the highest honors at this time belong to her first settlers. The mind dwells with deep in- terest upon the story of those pioneers who first tarried without home or shelter within the limits of the present township. U 210 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. The honor of being the first settler belongs to one of two men, Captain William Lee and Peter Vrooman both of whom settled in Antwerp, in 1803 with no other title than squatter sovereignty. Vrooman raised a log house on the banks of the Oswegatchie at the great bend now called Oxbow. He opened, his home to travelers as did Captain Lee who built upon the land known as the Wilbur farm about half way between the. village of Antwerp and Oxbow. The Lee house was maintained as an inn for more than fifty years. It is often mentioned in old letters and in the diary of James Con- stable which is the first existing chronicle of Antwerp's history. Of Vrooman's inn little seems to be known, as Lee's was the scene of great festivities especially during a time of general training which took place in the adjourning clearing. The place was a rendezvous for the men of the country round about and so long did they .tarry there that their wives, so the story goes, were wont to descend upon them and compel them to go home. The Constable diary covering the years 1803, 4, 5 and describing long tours in Jefferson County, makes no mention of any settlers on the sight of Antwerp village. Daniel Sterling a lineal descendant of Governor William Bradford came to Antwerp in 1805. He settled on a farm still in the pos- session of his decendants about a mile from the village. His wife, Mary, received the first land deed ever granted In the township and their son, Daniel was the first white child born there. Further the settlements were soon after made on the Somerville road north of Sterlings. The names of John Bethel, John C, Foster, Edward Foster^ Jr., Silas Ward and Peter Raven date from 1806. They were followed in the next year by Lyman Colburn, Asa Hunt, William Randall, Allen Thompson and Henry Adams. In 1808 came Salmon White, Thaddeus Park, Clark Lewis and Amos Keith, and a year later, Amos and Warren Streeter, Cabel Cheney and Mrs. Nott with her sons Moses and Reuben and in 18 10 Solomon Pepper. This neighborhood as early as 18 10 was settled as thickly as to-day. The farms were small and the families of good old- fashioned numbers. Descendants of the Adams and Bethel families still live on the original homesteads. This may also be said of the decendant of Zopher Holden who settled in 1806 two miles south of the village on the Indian river and of Lemuel Hubbard on the Carthage road in 1805. Other pioneers were Henry Baldwin, Asmasa Sartwell, Almond Beecher, Dexter and Sherablah GIbbs and William Fletcher all of whom came as early as 1809. Most of these early settlers came from Vermont and Massachusetts. They STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 211 were of Pilgrim stock already inured to the rigorous climate of the New England states. The survival of the fittest applied to them as well as to many another pioneer. The old land book up to the year i8i2, which may perhaps close the period of the earliest settlers contain also the names of John Robinson, 1806, and Benajah Randall, John Jennison and James Parker. Zebulon Rockwell, David Coffeen ani Samuel Griswold in 1807. Samuel Randall, Zebina Bishop, Mary Bishop, Alfred Walker, Daniel Gill and Wil- liam Fletcher in 1808. Richard McAllister, Jonathan Marbles, Isaac Hitchcock, Timothy Ruggles, Jesse Jackson, Daniel Heald and John Pease in 1809. Jeduthan Kingsbury and Harrison Mose- ley in 18 10. Oliver Stowell, Anson Cummings. John White, and Levi Wheelock in 181 1. In 1812 came William Harris, William McAUaster, Elkahah Partridge, — Ira Ward, Asher Seymour, Ros- well Wilder, Benjamin Goodwin, Elliot Lynde, Caleb Cheaey, Henry C. Baldwin, James Briggs, Silas Brooks, Shailer Beckwith, Ezra Church and Benjamin Cook. Of many of these pioneers nothing is now known. Some no doubt remained but a short time in the wilderness; others stayed to reap the fruits of their toil and their children's children are living to-day in beautiful homes upon the lands now cleared by the settler's ax. The town of Antwerp formed a part of the Macomb purchase. On December 23 1804, General Lewis P. Morris bought a tract of 49280 acres within the present boundaries of the town which com- prised tw.o-thirds its area. In the next year General Morris decided to erect mills at the point where the road from Long Falls, now Carthage, crosses Indian River. A dam was at once built the work being done under the supervision of Lemuel Hubbard. In the fol- lowing spring a sawmill 'was put up for Gen. Morris by Silas Ward and a small frame tavern was opened on the site of the present Proctor House. Its first landlord was Gershom Matoon. He was succeeded by Jeduthen Kingsbury, William Fletcher and Francis McAUaster. The settlement was known for many years as Indian River and was a part of tlie town of Leray. In 1808 David Parish, a banker of Hamburg, Germany, bought 29033 acres in Antwerp. His brother, George Parish and his nephew, George Parish, Jr., after- ward increased the purchase to 90,000 acres. The town then began' to settle more rapidly. A land office was opened which was conduct- ed by various agents, the last of whom was William McAUaster who sold the final portions of the Parish holdings about i860. • Antwerp was erected as a town on the 5th of April 1810. Its name was given in honor of the Antwerp Company of Belgium which 213 ST0BIE8 OF THE TOWNS. owned large tracts in Antwerp and the neighboring towns. The limits of the township remain unchanged. The first town meeting was held March 5, 181 1, at the house of Francis McAllaster occupied by William Fletcher as an inn. The supervisor elected at that time was Daniel Heald. Highways to neighboring settlements had al- ready been opened, a road from Quaker Settlements to Antwerp and Oxbow in 1805, and in the following year one to Gouverneur. The first grist mill a prime necessity to the young settlement was built about 1807 by John Jennison on the site of the "old red shop" now owned by John Bethel. It was torn down or converted into a woolen mill which was put there in 1 8 12 by Ezra Church. He carried on the business of making cloths for 16 years here finally re- moving the enterprise to Wegatchie. Ezra Church, who was a mill- wright and bridge builder erected the grist-mill for Parish on the site of present one, the title remaining with Mr. Parsh until 1839 when it became the property of Isaiah Bailey. After various ownerships this property was bought by Morgan Augsbury in 1868 who together with his sons conducted the trade until 1904 when the property was again sold to Joseph A. Baumert. The original mill on this site was destroyed by fire in 1 841. In 1895 the second building was burned. This was replaced and enlarged by Mr. Augsbury. The basement of the present building contains the pump which supplies the village water system installed in 1895. Here too is located the electric lighting station installed by Augsbury Brothers in 1896. Indian River village had no physician until 1808 when Dr. Samuel Randall settled there. He was also the first post-master and retained the position for many years fulfilling the duties of both oiKces at his home. He probably built the first frame house in the village on Main street opposite the Congregational church. In 18 12 he added a stock of drugs and other goods to his business. Many other physicians have since then labored in the town and will be long remembered for their faithful services. The longest and most notable record is that of Dr. Ira H. Abell who came from Vermont in 1853 and practiced in Antwerp over forty years. He died in 1894 at the age of 71. The war of 1812 coming on after the erection of the township . appears to have frightened the more timid settlers. Feelings of patriotism were mingled with the instinct of self-preservation and a block-house was begun opposite where the Foster House now stands. Before it was finished, however, the seat of war had shift- ed from our county and calmness was restored. Antwerp's first merchant was Zebulon H. Cooper who about 18 10 opened the "yellow" store on the east side of Main street between STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 313 where two hotels now stand. In the spring of 1811 there were only six buildings on the north side of the river, most of the dwellings being on the south side. The educational feeling has always been strong in Antwerp and the settlement was but a few years old when a school was opened with Lodwick Miner of Kerkimer as teacher in a building near the Foster House. A second school house was built on the Oxbow road near the Lee farm and training ground, the first teacher being Jacob Miller. He was succeeded by Benjamin Cooks. The latter lived to a great age and was prominent in many ways. These were not free .schools but they were supported by subscription. In addition to the district school system which was established later select schools were held in Antwerp nearly every Winter usually in the lecture room of the Congregational church. Rev. Charles B. Pond, pastor of the church, then the only resident minister, was the first to urge the establishment of a higher school. A subscription was started in November 1854 and a qharter granted February i, 1856 with the name of The Antwerp Liberal Literary Institute. Its handsome stone building, 105 feet long, by 50 feet wide and three stories in height was finished in May 1861 at a cost of $13,000, half the sum which would probably be re- quired to duplicate it at the present day. Of this sum $7000 was raised by subscription, and $3,000 by bonding the town, leaving a debt of $3,000, which was loaned and afterwards given by the State. The first principal was J. M. Manning and the number of students the first year was about one hundred and twenty. The Institute appears to have been a heavy burden upon its supporters many of. whom had given to the extent of their ability to provide building and apparatus. After two years an attempt was made to transfer the property to the State for a normal school. This was not accomplished and in 1865 it was proposed to turn the Institute into a graded school. This movement also failed. The Protestant Episcopal church in 1868 tried to lease the property, but the two parties could not agree upon terms. The burden of supporting an unendowed school continued to press heavily upon the people of Ant- werp and the problem was solved in the same year by leasing it to the Black River Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. The boarding hall begun in 1870 and finished two years later was built of native sandstone to match the original building at an expense of $16,000. In 1873 the trustees voted to place the Northern New York Conference Seminary as it was called, forever beyond the possi- bility of failure by endowing it with a fund of $30,000. Hon. Willard Ives headed the subscription with $8000. The amount reached $26,- 214 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. ooo, but the payment of debts reduced it to $18,790. In 1874 the name was changed to Ives Seminary in honor of Mr. Ives. The conference finally found it impossible to successfully compete with the free school system of the state and in 1900 it withdrew it's support. The entire property with additions was thereupon transferred to District Number I of the town of Antwerp. This school district has remodeled the main building at a cost of $8,000. A graded and high school is now mamtained there employing 10 teachers training 270 pupils. The subject of schools should not be closed without reference to the large private school conducted for 17 years by Miss Ruth G. Abell, Her beautiful character and her marked ability as a teacher left a lasting imp^'ession upon the hundreds of pupils who came under her care. In 1816-17 the old church on the hill now owned by the Catholics- was erected by Mr. Parish. It was for the free use of all Christian denominations the single condition being imposed that no fires should be built any where* in the building. This was the second church edifice in Jefferson County and the first brick building in Antwerp the bricks being made in the immediate vicinity. It still stands in perfect condition with a steeple and a bell -added by the Catholics who bought it in 1849. , The oldest church organization is the Congregational Society founded in 1819. Several houses of worship have been built by the Society since it came into experience. The present handsome stone church Was dedicated in January 1875. The Baptists organized In 1024 and reorganised in 1836. Their first meeting house was close by the railroad crossing on Main street. In 1843 a new building was erected on the hill near the Catholic church. This organization held its last meeting in January 1866. Methodism in Antwerp dates from 1863 when a small class with fortnightly meetings was formed. For a time the Baptist church vvas used, then In 1872 a handsome brick building was completed. This was destroyed by fire in 1877 but Immediately rebuilt. St. Paul's Episcopal church was organized by the Rev. J. WInslow in 1866. Services were held for a time in halls and the home of Mrs. William Gill. In October 1872 the present church was con- secrated. At Oxbow the Presbyterian church was formed May 15, 1820 with forty members who were mostly from the South of Scotland recent settlers in the town of Antwerp and the neighboring town of Rossle. For eighteen years services were held In a brick STORIES OP THE TOW:fS. 215 schoolhouse erected by Abraham Cooper. In 1838 the present stone church facing the village green was erected. The Methodist church at Oxbow was organized in 1833 but had no church building until 1872 when the stone store of A. Cooper was bought and remodeled into the present church. Spragueville which lies partly in Antwerp and partly in St. Lawrence County has a Methodist Society organized in 1837, and a free will Baptist church formed from the fusion of Baptists and Wesleyan Methodists in 1870. The village of Oxbow was settled almost simultaneously with Antwerp. Its situation is picturesque. For some reason it grew more slowly tharf the sister village to the east. Abraham Cooper of Tren- ton, N. Y. may be known as the father of the little settlement. He bought of General Morris in 18 17 eighteen thousand acres including the site of the village of Oxbow and extending 8 milSs toward Theresa. This was known as the Cooper Tract. Mr. Cooper built a store in 1818 being the first in that part of the town. Nicholas Cooper, son of Abraham was the first white child born in the western part of the township. Mr. Cooper built a much larger store of stone in 18 19. where he did a big business. This store is the Methodist church before mentioned. Oxbow's first physician, Dr. Abner Benton came in 1818. He also became the first postmaster in the next year. The first hotel of Oxbow after the rude log house of Peter Vroo- man was a part of the present hotel and was built by Mr. Cooper in 1819. Here for many years the town meetings were held alternate- ly with Antwerp village. Here also the stage coaches of which Mr. Cooper was owner stopped for meals and a change of horses on the route from Denmark to Ogdensburg. Mr. Cooper will always be held in grateful remembrance for his gifts to the public of a piece of land forty by seventeen rods to remain vacant forever as a village green. He had it in mind to still further benefit Oxbow by bring- ing the water power located at Wegatchie two miles distant by flume. The death of the owner of the power put this property into hands unfavorable to the scheme. Had Mr. Cooper been able to carry out his plans the beautiful but quiet village might have been a busy town. In 1836 an important discovery that of iron ore was made on the farm of Hopestill Foster about two . miles from Antwerp village. The mineral rights had been reserved by Mr. Parish, but in view of several unsuccessful attempts at iron mining in the township Mr. Parish was inclined to value such rights very lightly and accordingly he sold his interest in the farm for $200 to James Sterling from whom 216 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. the mine took the name by which it has since been known. The mine was opened in the Fall of 1836 and during the Winter two thousand tons of ore were taken out and hauled by team to Sterling- ville twelve miles distant where Mr. Sterling had built a furnace. In 1869 the mine became the property of the Jefferson Iron Company with Edward B. Bulkley as president. The Keene iVIine on the Northern boundary of Antwerp just within the county line was dis- covered by Colonel Hiram B. Keene about 1838. The Dixon mine near the Sterling was opened by A. P. Sterling and Edgar Peckham in 1870, the ore being conveyed to their forge at Sterlingburg on Indian River. The Dixon mine passed into the hands of the Jeffer- son Iron Company in 1876. Other smaller veins have been worked for short periods. The ore is red Hematite which is especially valu- able because it is easily smelted. It is shipped to many distant points where.it is mixed with more refractory ores. In 1899 the properties of the Jefferson Iron Company were sold to the Old Sterling Iron Company, and in 1903 this corporation" was merged into the Old Sterling Iron and Mining Company capitalized at $400,000 with Hen- ry H. Adams as president. Under this management the mines have been equipped with the most modern machinery at an expense of near- ly $100,000. The output of the mines is now the greatest in their history. Recent examinations reveal vast quantities of ore. When the civil war came with its loud appeal to the men of the North, Antwerp was one of the first towns in the county to respond. Out of a total population of only three thousand it contributed 400 men or nearly one soldier to every seven persons besides large sums of money. That the town is still mindful of those who gave their lives for the cause is evidenced by the Soldier's Monument erected in 1893 in memory of the soldiers and sailors of 1861-65. It is one of the most artistic of the many similar tributes scattered throughout the land. It is of Barre granite 40 feet high standing in a terraced park which rises about twelve feet above the street. The design represents three figures, a color bearer, a soldier and a sailor of heroic size. The entire grounds including the monument cost $5,000.00. The first attempt at Journalism was made in 1870 by Miss M. M. Smith who started the Antwerp News which she 'published until January 1873. In September the same year J. Malcolm Beaman founded the Gazette and continued it until 1875 when he sold the paper to Jas. W- Van Slyke who published it until 1888. Myron H. Bent, the next proprietor conducted the Gazette for about three years when it passed into the hands of its present editor, Duane W. Fuller. The Bank of Antwerp, a private institution, was estabffshed in 1872 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 217 by Cassius M. Coolridge. After a few months the business passed into the hands of John Ellis, who soon associated with him Albert Hoyt and the business was thus conducted until the death of Mr. Ellis in 1.898. The wooden building put up by Mr. Coolidge was destroyed in the fire of 1889 which laid waste the west side of Main street. The present banking house is a handsome one of stone and brick upon the same site. The business is carried on by Hoyt and Ellis, private bankers. Town Hall was built in 1897. It is of yellow pressed brick two stories high with a tower. It contains two public halls and several offices. The elections and the vari6us entertainments which come to the village are held Here. Many other successful business enterprises in addition to those above mentioned, have been carried on in town. But it is to agri- culture that Antwerp owes her greatest prosperity. The loil is rich and strong and will resist drought. Hundreds of acres of fine graz- ing lands lie among the rocks while between are fertile valleys well adapted for grain and hay. The small farms of the early settlers have been grouped into larger ones, heavily stocked with cattle, and on which are buildings of superior' class. Dairying is the chief pursuit of the farmers. For the past fifteen years most of the milk produced in the town has been manufactured into fancy cheeses at the factory of F. X. Baumert & Company located in Antwerp village. This enterprise is one of the largest of its kind. It operates the whole year around receiving the milk from three thousand cows and up. In the flush 60,000 pounds of milk is daily taken in. The wealth thus originating from the soil is distributed to all parts of the community. Antwerp has played no thrilling part in history. Her remote forests were untrod by the white man during the dramatic period of the Colonial and Revolutionary Wars. No world famous event has taken place there. Her citizens are industrious and enlightened, , forming a useful part in the Commonwealth. Many of her sons and daughters have gone out to wider fields of action but all hold in fond remembrance the scenes of their childhood in the Old Home Town. ALEXANDRIA. By Nathaniel W. Freeman. Alexandria is the most northerly town in Jefferson County named from Alexander LeRay and is bounded North by the International Boundary Lines and St. Lawrence Co. East by St. Lawrence Co. and Theresa. South by Theresa and Orleans and West by Orleans and the International Boundary. The soil is Clay Loam and Muck. 218 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Along the St. Lawrence river the rock is nearly all Granite and Gniefs. In the eastern and central portions it is mostly Potsdam Sandstone. Near the border of Butterfield lake is a deposit of white limestone. Traces of Lead and Iron have been found in this section but not in sufficient quantities to pay for mining. The drainage is principally Clear, Mead and Butterfield lakes and Mullet, Otter, Cranberry and Plessis ■ creeks, the waters of all of which find their way into the St. Lawrence river, and the St. Lawrence itself. The town was formed from Brownville and Leray April 3rd 1821. Theresa was taken off in 1 841. The town was wholly within Great Lot No. 4 of Macomb pur- chase of 1 79 1 and was afterwards purchased by the Antwerp Co. of Holland. Gouverneur Morris was the ist agent but afterward James D. Le Ray de Chaumont became interested in the title and under him much of the land was settled. It is probable that the first white men who saw any part of the town were the agents of the fur traders who commenced to visit this section as early as 1628. The first land cleared in the town was in the Barnes settlement by a gang of men employed by Leray in 181 1 to induce settlers to purchase lands. The lands were opened for sale by LeRay in 18 16. The price was fixed at $3.00 per acre. After 1820 mineral reservations were made in the contracts, in 1811 Morris and Hammond opened the first road in the town. It ran from Hammond, St. Lawrence Co., to the old red tavern in the town of Theresa where it intersected a jroad laid out in 1804 by Cad- walader Child to connect the settlement Philadelphia with the river St. Lawrence at Alexandria Bay. The Morris and Hammond road was cut four (4) rods wide and weeded to grass but was not used much until it was merged in the military road built 1820 to 1823 to connect Sackets Harbor and Plattsburg. Who the first settler was is not certainly known. In 1820 there were about thirty houses in the town. Among those who came about this time were Samuel Youngs, Wm. Martin Moses, George Leices- ter Hadley, J. W. Fuller, Jere Carrier, Nathaniel Freemen, W. Barnes and James Carnagie. About the 20th of July 1813 Major Dimoch of Forsyths rifles regiment came down the river in two small gun boats having on board 32 picked men from the regiment besides a crew of volunteers for each boat and 30 or 40 volunteer riflemen. He was sent to intercept some batteaux which were known to be STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 319 ascending the river loaded with stores and munitions for the British troops at Kingston. On the 20th, in the afternoon the British were discovered becalmed in a bay. Dimoch's vessels the Fox and Neptune were rigged with sweeps and in tlie evening he landed a few men to intercept all who attempt- ed to escape and swept down upon the British boats captured 15 of the batteaux and the armed boat acting as convoy. He took his own boats and the captured ones into Goose bay and ascended Cranberry creek to the falls. Here he landed a few 6 and 12 pound guns on the rocks and awaited events. Sending a skiff down the creek he learned that the upper gap out of Goose bay was guarded by two small gun- boats and the lower by the British 18 gun brig Elmira and that they had with them several batteaux and gunboats armed with 6 pound guns and about 600 men. They thought they had the Yaijkee boxed up and could gobble him and his men at their leisure. But Dimoch and his 32 were experienced hunters from the Mohawk valley and didn't stay boxed. ' When the British ascended the creek to within a mile of the Ameri- cans they were met with a fierce fire from the 6 and 12 pounders on the rocks the first shot striking the stern of the leading boat split- ting it and dropped the men into the water. Find the firing too hot for a pleasure expedition the British com- menced to fall back. Dimoch then sent the most of his men down the east side of tite creek under cover of a heavy growth of timber while the British had no available place to land. The firing on both sides was continuous the British losing heavily, the Americans one man slightly wounded. About half way down the creek the British landed and the Ameri- cans fell back. All but two poor fellows who failed to hear the order to retreat. They were surrounded by their foes and surrendered and then unarmed were brutally shot. The Americans scraped a clearing (the first land cleared in the town) and then every man became an offi- cer and the British commander cried "every man for himself ; 'tis a damned Yankee trick, there is a thousand men in the woods." They fell back to their boats closely followed by the Americans. About this time Dimoch sent a few of his men to near the mouth of the creek where they dragged poles and sticks across the march and wythered them together forming a barrier to,the passage of boats. Dimoch, who had seen his two men shot gave orders not to allow a man to escape and the slaughter was terrible. My grandfather questioned a British sergeant in Kingston who was in the fight and he said they went in 600 strong and only 86 answered to roll call afterward. 230 8T0BIES OF THE TOWNS. Captain Gordon who piloted the British gave about the same version- of the matter. After the battle all was quiet for a few days then Dimoch dragged his boats across the marsh and sen,t them on to Sackets Harbor. His gunboats however were too heavy and he resolved to try and escape with them. Going down the creek in a bark canoe he got the bearings of the enemy's boats; then one foggy night he towed and hauled his gunboats up the creek and a slight breeze springing up he set sail and steered boldly in the direction of the British boats. They did not discover him till within a pistol shot. They then ordered him to heave to. He answered he would under their 'stern. He went under their stern but. the heaving was from 12 and 6 pound guns. The enemy answered by a broadside as he moved clear. This shattered the stern of one of his boats but he got clear. There are three villages in the town, Alexandria Bay, Redwood and Plessis. Alexandria Bay or the Bay as it is called here was the largest. The site was selected by Cadwalader Child in 1804 as the site for a port and terminus for a road from the friends settlement at Philadelphia to the river. The survey was made, by orders of Leray, by Edmund Teecher in 1 818. Here Leray built a tavern and ware house the latter on the inside of the Crossman point, the former near where now stands the Corn- wall coal yards and Lantier's Laundry. In 1828 a custom house was established here. The lower dock was built by Fuller and Walton in 1823 the upper one by Walton and Hamlin in 1840. In 1849 J. W. Fuller erected a steam saw mill in the upper part of the village. The first school house was a log one on the site now occupied by the Reformed church. In 1848 Charles Crossman began hotel keeping in the village estab- lishing nucleus, of the present Crossman House. After Fuller and Walton dissolved their partnership the old firm was continued by Fuller and Jere Carrier. Fuller lived on the site now owned by his daughter Mrs. Wm. Thomas Carrier on the lot adjoining now the Cole block and Colum- bia Hotel. Not far from 1830 Azariah Walton erected the stone house now occupied by Mrs. Eveline Woodworth. He became associated with A. Hamkin in the store and dock and after his sons took the work off his hands Hon. Andrew Cornwall became a partner in the concern and soon its business head and then Cornwall's sons took his place and the concern was known as Corn- wall Brothers but the old man's brains were there after all. STOBIES OF THE TOWNS. 231 The first church in the village, the Reformed Dutch was com- menced in- 1848 through the efforts of Rev. George Bethum of New^ York City and completed in 1851. The next erected was the M. E. church then the Episcopal then the Roman Catholic. Sunken Rock lighthouse on a shoal in front of the Bay was com- pleted in 1846 too late to use that season. Redwood the second place of importance and numbers was named Jamesville. In 1 8 13 John S. Foster a practical manufacturer who had been connected with a factory at Boston, one at Burlington and one at Redfcrd came from Rouses Point on foot accompanied by several others examining all the available localities but not finding suitable sand stone till he came to this place. Here he found Potsdam sand- stone of the best quality for glass with a bed of limestone within two miles and water power for running machinery. On this water power, several years before, David Smith of Adams had erected a saw mill and grist mill. Foster contracted with Francis De Pall for a tract of 10,000 acres of land, borrowed several thousand dollars of De Pall and bringing a force of men from Redford built that summer the glass factory and in September of that year commenced to make glass. He also built the first store and a house for boarding on the site now occupied by Dr. James Ryan. The boarding house was kept by Simmons who was bookkeeper and clerk for Foster. J. Carey was manager of the factory. Foster died a month later and was buried in the Redwood ceme- etery but when a movement was made a few years ago to erect a monument to his memory the grave could not be definitely located. The village had been surveyed by Thomas Clark and Foster changed the name of the present one on account of its similarity to Redford his late home. His death put a stop to operations and the tract and all improve- ments reverted to De Pall. The property has changed hands many times since. In the early forties it was run by H. S. White, then De Zeng and Co. and finally by Wm. Butterfield. In 1844 H. S. White and Joseph Butterfield and finally owned by White and when burned was replaced by the present structure. In 1846 a carding and cloth dressing factory was erected by Wil- liam Page and when burned down has not been rebuilt. Plessis derived its name from a place in France. 223 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. It is familiarly known as Flat Rock as there is in the vicinity several hundred acres of Potsdam sandstone nearly bare and nearly level. In 1 817 LeRay erected a grist and saw mill here. It was purchas- ed a few years after by Jason Clark and Wm. ShurtlifE and rebuilt by them in 1830 and after Clark became sole owner. The first log house was built by Wm. Merrill and was afterward run by him as a hotel. In 1826 Merrill, while trying to quell a drunken row was struck in the head with a pair of tongs and killed by one John Powell who was sentenced to imprisonment for 14 years for the crime. In 1 82 1 James Carter erected a tannery near the village. The first frame house was built by Wm. Tanner and used as a dwelling and store. The first school house was built of stone in 1826. The first church in the town was built here. Francis Depall gave the site; now a very, magnificient gift as the best farm lands brought from 3 to 5 dollars an acre and this site was a smooth rock. It was given with the provision that the "Roman Catholics were to have the use of the church one-fourth of the time if they wanted it. The church was built of stone by the united endeavors of all the dif- ferent denominations represented in the town, mainly by the Method- ists and Presbyterians. The old structure still stands and is used as a hall. The town of Alexandria now contains 11 churches; 3 Methodist Episcopal, 2 Roman Catholic, 2 Episcopal, i Presbyterian, i Baptist and I Reformed and i German Lutheran most of them elegant structures. As a pleasure resort the town is well known. About i8go several men of note commenced to visit and after com- ing once they continued many of them to come year after year. Among these were Governor Seward, Martin and John Van Buren, Silas Wright, Frank Blair, General Dick Taylor, Rev. George Be- thune and Preston King who was locally known as the big man. Most of the fishing boats of even that time were too small for him with his 400 pounds of bone and flesh. General Scott and Wool were at the Bay sometime in 1837 to 1840. In 1872 President Grant and family accompanied by a few friends. General Philip Sheridan being of the number, became the guests of George W. Pullman, the Palace Car magnate at his Island cottage. Here the president created quite a furor one day by ac- cidentally falling off the yacht deck into the water whence he was drag-wd by an oarsman F:5r the past few year^ many persons have isiuimm UP' itit; Tuwiya. visited the many lakes near Redwood where the fishing is unequalled and the hotel accommodations good at the village. Among the many islands in the river in this town, Hart Island opposite the Bay, and now the property of George C. Boldt, the millionaire hotel keeper of New York, is said to be the place where Thomas Moore wrote his "Canadian Boatman's Song." Devils Island near the Bay is said to be the place where the notorious Bill Johnson was concealed a part of the time, at least, after the Patriot War. The town is largely agricultural, producing for sale large quantities of dairy products and hay. When the town was being settled immense quantities of pine and oak staves were cut Jiere. Large quantities of black salts were manufactured from ashes here, being mostly sold at points down the river. The oak and pine motet of it went to Montreal and Quebec. The inhabitants had but little meat except wild game and fish which happily were very plentiful. So were the gnats and mosquitoes who could beat the doctors at bleeding their victims so no cases of apoplexy accurred in the town for many years. It is claimed that the largest deer ever killed in the county was shot in the town by Rev. F. S. Freeman. The quarters weighed 196 pounds and the deer was so poor as to not be fit to eat. The wolves and bears were never very plenty but -the number of deer was unlimited. The 'writer remembers hearing his father tell of driving a herd of 30 out of a 2 acre patch of rocky shrub while greater herds were frequently seen. In the S. and S. W. part of the town settlement was made in 1819 by John Spalsbury, Benjamin Tanner, Ashley Tanner and three or four others. They had to shovel snow five miles to reach their destination. Ashley Tanner built the first hotel and store in this part of the town. The old building was standing three years ago. One of the first, if not the first burying places in the town was established there through their influence. It is still used but we believe has never been incorporated. Several soldiers of the Revolutionary War afterward settled in this town. Of these Abraham Newman has decendants now living in the town. He enlisted in 1776 and came to this town in 1820. In the Civil War this town furnished its full share of soldiers. 224 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Only one draft was drawn for this town and this would not have been if assurance of credit to volunteers had been made in season, but only three men went to the army as conscripts. Owing to the efficient work of the town committee led by the Supervisor Hon. Andrew Cornwall the other calls were all filled and more men than called for enlisted. Only a few of the old veterans now remain. The rest have answered their last roll call and five have died in the last year. There are two reasons why I have omitted all obituary notices. 1st: I had but five days spare time to prepare this sketch. 2nd: A desire to avoid individual distinctions. BROWNVILLE. By Dr. F. W. Massey. In writing a historical sketch of the oldest town in the county there is much of interest that must be left out in order to confine one's self to the limited time given. The committee appointed have furnished an abundance of material for a much more lengthy article. More than brief mention of the many important characters who were early settlers of the town of Bro'wnville must be omitted. Prior to 1788 that which now constitutes the town of Brownville was in possession of the Oneida Indians of the Iroquois confederacy. The town abounds in evidence of their early occupation, as is shown by the numerous relics found along the banks of the Black River; especial mention should be made of the bone pit, or Indian burying ground, just below the village lirnits; also near the mouth of the river, on the Kimball & Reeves farm, there are evidences of a large Indian village having existed! The office of land commissioner having been created by the State, Alexander Macomb in 1 791 bargained for a large tract of land em- bracing the present town of Brownville. The following year, Wil- liam Constable acting as his agent sold lands in Europe. On April 12, 1793 in the city of Paris, France, Constable sold 210,000 acres of this land to Peter Chassanis. Rudolph Tiller of New York was appointed by Chassanis to manage and sell this property. In 1796, Macomb's tract No. 4 was surveyed by C. C. Broadhead and a camp established on Pillar Point, where now is the farm of Supervisor Edwin Moffett. The marks of the surveyor may still be seen on the rocks near the head of Guffin's Bay. It was intended aiuuiiuei uf Ttia luwao. to divide this land into lots of 50 acres each. Provision was also made for two cities, — one of which was to be located between Brownville and Dexter. 600 acres was set aside for the city to be called the city of Basle. In 1797 Leyden was formed from Steuben, and in 1802 Brown- ville was formed from Leyden. In 1798 Rudolph Tiller formed the acquaintance of a young school teacher by the name of Brown; his father a Quaker, living in New York, having lost his property, it became necessary for young Brown to leave college and help in the support of the family. By Tiller's glowing description of the country, he was persuaded to seek his fortune in this then trackless forest. Accompanied by seven others and coming via Utica, thence by trail of marked trees to High Falls, where they boarded the boat equipped and provisioned for the journey, and proceeded to Long Falls, now Carthage, where the? found a French settlement. Here they abandoned the boats, and pursued their journey overland by way of the French road, then striking off towards Black River which was reached at the Basin, ij4 miles below Brownville village. Hearing the noise of waterfall they followed the river up to the point where a creek swollen by the spring freshet poured its waters into Black River. This creek, he named Philomel, from hearing the song of a bird resembling the nightingale, or Philo- mela. The course of this stream has since been changed. Brown supposed himself to be at the head of navigation and that the creek would furnish power for manufactories. Here he determined to locate, and thus began the settlement of Brownville, and JefEerson County as well. He immediately set about clearing the land, and built a log house 20 feet square near the bank of the river and sent for his father's family which arrived May 27, 1799, coming via the Mohawk, Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario. When they arrived it was to a house which *had neither roof, floors or windows. A sail- cloth was stretched across the upper timbers for a roof; the windows were closed by quilts and blankets. For flooring they used long strips of bark. At this time there was not more than three families within 45 miles, this being the first house north of the Black River. The Brown family at this time consisted of Samuel Brown and his wife, Christopher, Jacob, John (afterwards Judge Brown), Joseph, Mary, Samuel (Major Brown of Brownville) ; Hannah, William, Joseph (General Brown of Tecumsah, Michigan) ; with them came George .Brown, a relative, and two sons, Henry and Thomas. In the fall of 1800, a saw mill was built at the north of 15 226 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Philomel creek the millwrights being Noah Durrin and Ebenezer Hills, and late in the fall of 1801 a grist mill was built for Mr. Brown by Ethni Evans, afterwards founder of Evans Mills. The erection of these mills had a powerful influence in the settlement and growth of Brownville. About this time, settlers came in and com- menced clearing land along Perch River. Among these were John W. Collins, Richardson Avery, Nathan Parish, Horace Mathers, and others. In 1800 Charles Welsh and Otis Britton came from Remsen, and took a job of chopping out a road to the ferry at Chau- mont, a distance of ten miles. Before the job was completed, heavy snows came on. They were obliged to roll out the logs from the path, and travel 80 miles to Remsen in their bare feet. About this time Jacob Brown brought to his home, a bride, whose maiden name was Pamelia Williams, daughter of Captain Judge Williams, of Wil- liamstown ; a lady who proved herself in every way worthy of her distinguished husband. General Brown afterwards erected a sub- stantial stone mansion on the main street where he entertained many noted people, among whom were Presidents Madison and Monroe during their terms of office. After Gen. Brown's death, the place passed into the hands of his son-in-law. Col. Edmund Kirby, and is now owned by Mrs. A. A. Clark; it is onq of the best preserved land- marks in the county. Charles Welch having married Eunice, daughter of Moses Cole of Newport, returned to Brownville with his brother Nathan, and Cal- vin (afterwards General Britton), bringing his goods on a sled from Carthage. Charles began keeping house in a little log cabin belong- ing to General Brown; and used for a smoke house. Charles and Nathan afterwards took up a farm in the Parish neighborhood and here a child was born to Charles and Eunice, a son Charles, the first white child born north of Black River. The opening of roads was an important elenient in the new country. In 1803 the Legislature having pa&ed an act for the opening of two roads, one from Rome to Brownville via Redfield and Adams; the other from Utica to Boonville and the Black River Valley, Jacob Brown was appointed one of the commissioners to locate these roads. Upon the states roads $30,000.00 was expended. It was also in this year the first town meeting was held. Jacob Brown was elected supervisor; Isaac Collins, clerk; John W. Collins, Richard Smith, Peter Pratt, assessors: John W. Collins, Ozias Preston, Samuel Starr, highway commissioners ; O. Preston, Richard Avery, Henry Delamater, Samuel Brown, Benjamin Brown, William Rogers, Abijah Putman, fence viewers; S. Brown, S. Starr, overseers of the poor; S. Brown, STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 237 Sanford Langworthy, Caleb Bates, Sylvanus Fish, H. A. Delamater, Frederick Sprague, George Waffle, Ethni Evans, pathmasters; J. W. Collins, H. A. Delamater, S. Brown, poundmasters. One thousand dollars was raised by subscription to build a bridge. This bridge was built by Deacon Oliver Barthalomew, across the river where the Semper pulp mill now stands. It ^as swept away by the flood of 1806, and rebuilt by the same person at its present location. The first Post Office was established in Brownville January i, 1804, with Benjamin Skinner as post master and succeeded by John W. Can- field 181 1. The first post route was established in 18 10 between Utica, Brownville and Sackets Harbor. Another the same year between Harrisburg and Fort Putnam; Brownville to Cape Vincent April 30, 1816, and Watertown to Cornelia, (now Clayton), April 15, 1832. The old military road was projected in 1 81 7 to connect rlattsburg and Sackets Harbor, passing through this town. It was only par- tially completed. The Dexter, Brownville and Pamelia plank road was authorized in 1849, but was soon abandoned. In its place a ma- cademized road was constructed from Brownville to Watertown, and was under the management of Alanson Skinner for many years. Since his death, it has been given up to the town. The Cape Vincent Branch of the R. W. & O. was completed in 1852. There are at present 115 milts of public highway in the town, maintained at an annual expenditurei of about $4000.^ In 1803 there were six frame and four log houses in Brownville, and in 1805 it contained twenty- five houses, and for some years grew more rapidly than any town in the county. In the same year John Brown (afterwards Judge Brown) bought the lands on the south side of the river at Brownville and put up mills there. About 1805 Samuel Starr took up the farm known as the Starr farm. He built a log distillery near his house, where was made the first whiskey in the town. About this time the construction of the Erie Canal was much talked of. So incredulous was Mr. Starr of such a great work, that he said, "When the Erie Canal is built I will fill it with whiskey." Among the early settlers of this period may be mentioned William Webb, John Cole, John Baxter, Isaac Moffett, Melvin Moffett, Abner and Leonard Wilson, Frederick and Richard- son Avery. Accompanying the Brown family to this new country was George Brown, who took up the land since known as the Brown farm, just out side of the village. Hon. Lysander Brown of Watertown relates this incident connected with the pioneer life of his grandmother, Mrs. 338 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. George Brown :"The Indians were quite common at the time of the first settlement, and though avowedly peaceful, were disposed to be sauc5'. One day, one came to the residence of George Brown during his absence and demanded something to eat of his wife. She began to get it, but was not spry enougfi to suit the warrior who suddenly flung his tomahawk across the room, sinking it deep into the jamb of the door. "Ugh!", he exclaimed,. "This is the way we serve white men, Indian want to eat — quick." It may be certain that Mrs. Brown lost no time in complying." Alexander Moffett settled near Limerick about this time as did Mr. Smith, the father of Hugh, Elias and Ely; Samuel Shelley, Isaac Day and Samiiel Knapp. Among the early settlers of Pillar Point were Horatio Sprague, Eleazer Ball, Peter and Solomon Ingalls, Mr. Sherwin, Elephet Peck, Isaac Luther, Mr. Burlingarae, Daniel Ackerman, Jere Carpenter, Jesse Stone, George Rounds, James Douglass, Henry Adams, Samuel Reed, Mr. Folsam, Luther Reed and Henry Ward. Jere Phelps. David Lyttle, and Solon Stone located at Dexter, and later, Mr. Willis, Jere Winnegar, Kendall Hersley, Joshua Eaton, Jesse Babcock, Sylvania Pool, John T. Wood, James A. Bell, Solo- mon Moyer, John P. Shelley and others. In 1810 the legislature passed an act to improve the navigation of the mouth of the river up to Brownville, by canals-and locks. In the same year the Black River Navigation Company was formed and wooden locks were built. In 1828 these were replaced by stone locks. Communiciations for supplies was mainly with Kingston. Potash, a large product from clearin'; the land of its timbers, being exchanged for other goods. Two warehouses were built just below Brownville for the accommodation of this trade, small sail boats being used for transportation. Congress laid an embargo on the trade between England and the United States. The price of potash advanced to $320.00 per ton in Montreal. An embargo road was opened from Black River, near Brownville, to near French Creek, and was a great thoroughfare for smugglers. The steamer, Brownville, was built in 1827, but was burned on her first trip to Ogdensburg, and the project of making Brownville a port of entry for the commerce of the Lakes was abandoned. The war of 1812 caused much excitement in the frontier towns. Jacob Brown, who had been made Colonel in the io8th regiment N. Y. S. Militia, received commission as Brigadier General and had per- sonal direction along the frontier towns most of the first season. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 239 Jacob Brown, the school teacher, the pioneer from whom Brown- ville derived its name, attained great eminence as a soldier for bril- liant service during the war. He received a gold medal, the thanks of Congress, and was presented the freedom of New York City in a gold box. He was made General-in-Chief of the Army in 1821; died in 1828 at Washington, aged 52 years, and was buried in the Congres- sional Cemetery. Large bodies of militia assembled here for service and a hospital was established. The inhabitants along Perch River were greatly alarmed and to dissuade some of the timid ones from leaving the country a block house was built, by voluntary labor, to be used as a place of safety for the women and children ; but it was never used for this purpose. Among the many instances connected with the war ^f 18 1 2 is the following: The British werd taking some of our men prisoners of war from Prescott to Kingston by boat. The boat's crew and guards being about equal in numbers to the prisoners, a plan was formed among our men to overpower the guard and take the boat to Cape Vincent instead of Kingston. The watchword "Whiskey" was to be given, when each of our men was to attack and make sure'of his man. The plan was successful; the crew and guard were over- powered, brought to Cape Vincent, and from thence to Brownville. At the annual town meeting which was held at Perch River in 1820 after electing a portion of the officers, the meeting was ad- journed to the house of EHward Arnold on Penet Square until the next day. This created much excitement, and those living in the southern and eastern portions of the town, attended promptly the adjourned meeting, organized, voted another adjournment to the house of Elias Bennet, Brownville village on the afternoon of the same day, when the vote for town clerk was reconsidered, and the remaining officers elected. Being thus robbed of their town meeting, the set- tlers on Penet Square and adjacent localities demanded a separate or- ganization which was readily granted, and all parties having met at an informal meeting or convention agreed upon a petition to the legis- lature, which was acted upon before another town meeting. Accord- ingly, the town of Orleans which embraces Penet Square, was set off from this town April 3, 1821. Before the division of the town of Brownville, it included the present towns of Lyme, Cape Vincent, Orleans, Clayton, Pamelia and a part of Alexandria, LeRay and Theresa. The present limits of the town include 33i994 acres of land, well adapted to general farming. There are six post offices in the town namely; Biownville, Dexter, Limerick, Perch River, Pillar 230 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Point and Glen Park, and rural delivery to many parts of the town. Railroad facilities are ofifered by the N. Y. C, which road leased the R. W. & O. R. R. some years ago. The Black River Traction Com- pany, an Electric railroad connects Dexter and Brownville with Watertown. The village of Brownville was incorporated April 5th, 1S28. The following officers were chosen at the first election: Thomas Loomis, Jr., Hoel ^ Lawrence, George Brown, Peleg Burchard, Tracy C. Knapp, trustees; William S. Ely, Asa Whitney, William Lord, Assessors; John A. Cathcart, Treasurer; James Shields collec- tor, Levi Torrey, Constable. Early in the history of this county, this village with its mills, stores and shops was the centre of a large trade from the surrounding coun- try. The business prospects attracted here men of brains and energy, well calculated to succeed in business enterprises. General Jacob Brown, Judge John Brown, Major Samuel Brown, General Loomis, Asa Whitney, William S. Ely, Hoel Lawrence, Wm. M. Lord, Dan- iel Lyman, Col. Wm. Lord, Col. Edmund Kirby, Eliezer Fairman, Major Reed, John A. Cathcart, Tracy S. and Thomas L.- Knapp, John E. Brown, Joel Blood, Henry Lord, and later Joel G. Stacey, Wm. H. Skinner, James Shields, Col. Bradley, Arba Strong, Dr. Bates, C. K. Loomis, Dr. Ayers, F. W. Andrews, James Hunt, E. S. Sterling, W. W. Wager, Alanson Skinner, G. Tillinghast and his son James Tillinghast, all men of more thgn average ability. February 9th, 18 14, a Company was organized for manufacturing purposes with a nominal capital of $100,000. A factory building of stone was erected, and the manufacture of cotton goods was com- menced the next year. The business proving unprofitable it was con- tinued but a few months. In 1826 it was sold and an act procured April 6, 1 83 1, incorporating the Brownville Cotton Factory. The business was continued with indifEerent success until 1842, when un- der new ownership it was greatly enlarged and operated under dif- ferent ownerships and managements until about 1870. In i885 it was converted into a paper box factory which was destroyed by fire. On its site now stands the Brownville Paper Company. Directly across the river stands the Brownville Board Company's mill. It owns and uses the entire water right on the south side of the river. The building is made entirely of steel and concrete and is the only paper mill in this immediate section wholly constructed of this mater- ial. The flume is blasted out of solid rock. A portion of this water right was owned by Louis Maynard, who for many years, STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 531 worked for General Brown, and here Mr. Maynard ran a sawmill some forty years ago. The Jefiferson Lead Co. was formed June 30, 1838, for the man- ufacture of white lead and lithic paint. After about twelve years it was abandoned. Col. William Lord and Henry Caswell established a furnace, foundry and machine shop in 1829. William Lord and Alanson Skinner erected a large stone furnace building in 1830. This establishment was operated for many years under the management of Mr. Lord and his sons, and in this building in the year 1879 was es- tablished the first paper mill in this town, owned and operated by Orville Haight and Lane Bros. This was a straw board mill. James and Charles Outterson afterwards bought the building, re- modeled it and converted it into a speciality paper mill. " It is owned and operated now by the Harmon Paper Company. • Col. Wm. Lord manufactured the first plow in Jefferson County which is now in the Smithsonian Institute at ^yashington, D. C. He was one of the directors of the R. W. & O. R. R. Alanson Skinner erected a large foundry in 1837, and in 1846 a brick machine shop. The business was carried on for years, his sons conducting it long after Mr. Skinner retired. "The Skinner stove" and the "Lord plow" were universally used through this sec- tion of the country. This Skinner property was purchased by Mr. Gotham some years ago and there was made the well known Gotham screen. A flourishing mill erected by Thomas L. Knapp in 1846 was operated almost continuously until 1885, when it was pur- chased by Charles Outterson, and converted into a wood pulp mill, this being the first pulp mill in the town. The Brownville Car- riage works was established by Henry Lord in 1828, the stone shop being built for a woolen mill; afterwards the Brownville White Lead- works. Mr. Lord built the block opposite the stone hotel, and af- terwards added to it a room for display of finished work. This ad- dition was built on the side of the old stone law office of N. Rath- burn, G. H. Bucklin, and W. W. Wager. Here John W. Wilder conducted a carriage manufactory for a number of years. Joel Blood conducted a cabinet shop at an early day. The busi- ness was afterwards carried on by G. Codman, and is now operated by hi§;son Charles Codman. The Brownville Female Seminary was established and chartered by the Regents in 1849, and opened May I, 1850, as a boarding and day school ; but it was closed after a short career. In 1862 a building was erected by subscription ; the lower story of which was used for a high school, and the upper for a town hall. In 232 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. this building were held many meetings of the Soldiers' Aid Society during the Civil War. The town of Brownville during the Civil War was very patriotic. The Governor of the State of New York called for enlistments April 15, i86i.-. On the i6th of April N. B. Lord commenced raising a Company in the Village of Brownville. On the 1 6th day of May, this company started for the front, becoming Co. K of the 35 N. Y. Si Volunteer Infantry. This company was composed largely of the citizens of Brownville and vicinity; was mustered into the service in June at Elmira, N. i. The company was mustered out at Elmira in June 1863. The next troops enlisted were the 94th N. Y. S. Vol. Inf. There were a number of citizens from Brownville enlisted in this command. They served three years. Then comes the loth N. Y. S. Heavy Artillery about September, 1862. This command being exclusively Jefferson County men, a large number of citizens of Brownville enlisted in it^ The regiment was mustered out at Peters- burg, Va- in June 1865, after the surrender of General Lee at Appo- matox C. H. Then comes the 20th Cavalry in the fall of '63, and drew its proportion from Brownville. Mustered out at the close of the war. A number of the citizens enlisted in the N. Y. State Cavalry in the fall of 1863. The i86th N. Y. State Infantry raised in the fall of 1864; many of the citizens of Brownville enlisted in its ranks. There were also some of the citizens of Brownville in the organization known as the frontier cavalry, organized for the pro- tection of our frontier. It was in existence but a short time. During the period of '61 to '65 Brownville furnished 444 men for the civil war. Of this number so far as is known, 82 are now living. It seems that her citizens must have been especially patriotic, for we find that after furnishing her own quota of men, 37 were credited to the quota of other towns. The citizens of Brownville served largely in the army of the Potomac, and it can be truthfully said that scarcely an engagement of that army was fought without a citizen of Brownville in it; nor did they stop there, but claim the honor of having the record of the first soldiers' monument erected in the Unit- ed States, (In the Dexter Cemetery) to the memory of her fallen heroes; and at Post Broadbeht, No. J4, District of Jefferson, the survivors gather around the camp fire, and live over again those years of hardship and danger. There are 20 school districts in the town all having good substan- tial school buildings. The villages of Dexter and Brownville afford excellent school advantages. They are under the Regents system. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 233 The first religious meetings in the town were held at the house of Jacob Brown, Deacon Oliver Bartholomew, a Baptist, conducting the services. The first church organization in the town of which there is any record, is that of the Baptist Church at Perch River in 1806. The society was legally organized February nth 1833. The First Presbyterian Church of Brownville was organized March 18, 1 81 8. The large stone edifice in the village, now used by the Episcopal Society, was built as a Union Church, the Presbyterians owning a large interest in it. The Episcopalians owning a majority of the stock, a society of that order was legally formed October 13, 1826, under the name of Saint Paul's Church. To this society the Presbyterians sold their interests, and in 1832 built a church on the site of the present church. The Methodist Society of Brownville was formed in 1829 with twenty members, Rev. A. 1^11, pastor; the church building was erected in 183 1. A Universalist Society was formed in 1851. The church property was sold to the Catholic Soci- ety in 1901, and converted into a modern edifice, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Dexter, named in compliment of S. Newton Dexter of Whitesboro, who had been interested in the business of the place, was formerly called Fish Island, is situated at the mouth of Black River ; has a fine water power, good harbor, and is the head of navigation. The lands were early purchased by John & Jacob Brown, who in 181 1 com- menced a dam, which was swept away, and another soon built. A saw mill was put in operation in 1 813, where a large amount of lum- ber was made for use at Sackets Harbor. Since this time, the lumber business has always been a prominent industry. In 1826 a grist mill was built by Jolin E. Brown. The village consisted then of about a dozen houses. Soon after 1833, Mr. James Wood, with his three sons, became interested in the lumber business. Following are the names of Keyes and Hungerford, Thurman, Gunn & Co. John Brad- ley, Kirby & Loomis, Joseph Huntington, E. Leonard, Henry Bin- niger, and Leonard Gilmore, familiarly connected with the lumber business. The Dexter Wool & Carding Mill is the oldest continuous manu- factory in the- town, having been in operation 74 years. It was es- tablished In 1831 by Solen Stone, who held the first water right at this point. It is now owned and operated by John Nutting. A joint stock Company was formed in 1837 for the purpose of laying out a village; the original members of this company were Edwin Kirby, S. M. Dexter, John Williams, John Bradley and J. Brown. A Post Office was established in 1836, with Joshua Eaton as post master. A company, the Jefferson Woolen Company was formed the same year, 234 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. with a capital of $100,000 for the purpose of erecting and putting into operation a woolen ■ factory. The original company consisted of S. W. Dexter, John Williams, Colonel Edmund Kirby, John Brad- ley, Rodney Burt and O. V. Brainard. The building was of storie and with canal and machinery cost $140,000. During the Civil War large quantities of. soldiers blankets were manufactured on govern- ment contracts. This factory was purchased by Leonard & Gilmore and some years after sold to the Dexter Sulphite Pulp & Paper Com- pany formed in 1887, with C. E. Campbell,. E. F. Birmingham, and J. A. Outterson as its first officers. When it came into full oper- ation it was the largest plant of its kind in the world. This Com- pany also operates the Frontinac Paper Mills, and has in course of construction a ground wood mill. The weekly payroll is $2,200.00. Joseph Huntington, who came from Vermont in 1824, built and commenced operating a saw mill, sash, door and blind shop in 186 1. After a number of years, Edgar Leonard, his son-in-law, became his successor. His son, George, was taken into partnership, after which James A. Gilmore, his son-in-law, and the youngest son, Williams, were taken into the business. In 1902, they sold the water power and shop to the Dexter Sulphite Company retaining the lumber business. Henry Benninger, who came here in 1862, purchased the Hub & Spoke factory of James Frost, which he converted into a sash and blind factory. He also purchased the Herd property on Fish Island, and erected a shingle mill, taking as his partner Thomas Strainge. This property was destroyed by fire, and in 1888 the St. Lawrence Paper Company was formed, and a mill erected on this site. It is now known as the Jefferson Power Company. Jesse Babcock built a flouring mill, which was burnt in 1873, and rebuilt in 1875 by Whitney & Francis. The Dexter Light & Power Company, E. Hunter, Mfg. furnished lighting for Dexter, Brownville, Sackets Harbot, and Madison Barracks. All Saints Episcopal Church, Dexter, was erected in 1839. It was the first church erected in the village. The Presbyterian Church of Dexter was organized in 1839, and a church building, completed in 1846. The Methodist Society was organized early in the history of the village and a church erected in 1875. The First Universalis! Church of Dexter was organized in 1841, and in the following year a house of worship built. The village of Perch River, at an early day Moffettville, is a hamlet of a dozen houses ; a union church ; a store ; a cheese factory ; and a few shops. The surrounding country is recognized as one of STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 235 the best farming sections in the town. Several prominent men of the town have had their homes here. Hugh Smith, Henry Spicer and ^his brother Edmund, John Pryor, Mr. Vandebogart, The Webbs, Aliens and others. Pillar Point, so called from the peculiar rock along the shore, Is situated between Chaumont and Black River Bay, and includes a val- uable farming district; a small village with post ofBce, Methodist church, a few dwellings and shops. Limerick, a small village situated on Perch River, ij^ miles from Dexter, on the R. R. consists of a few houses; a hotel; saw^-and grist mill, and R. R. station. Glen Park is a thriving village, I'j/i miles east of Brownville; has a post office, store, public school building, and an Episcopal Church, organized by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew of Trinit^ Church, Watertown. About 1833, James Wood erected a large stone house and commenced to build a dam and woolen mill on the site where now stands the C. R. Remington Paper mill. When nearly com- pleted it was carried away by high water and the project abandoned. The house remained for many years the only one between Bi^own- ville and Watertown and was known as "The James Wood House" and the locality as Jim Wood Falls. About 1884 C. R. Remington put a dam across the river and erected a paper mill and a number of houses. This has become the nucleus of a thriving village of about 600 inhabitants. Some years afterward, the Ontario Paper Com- pany erected a paper mill one-half mile below this point. There are many fraternal orders in the town. Brownville Lodge No. 53 F. and A. M. being the oldest, its charter dating March 4th, 1819, with Sylvester Reed, Master. A Masonic Hall was completed in 1903. The combined product of the Paper mills in this town is about two hundred tons daily. The freight receipts of the Brownville railroad station alone are from forty-five to fifty thousand dollars a month. Thus proving the wisdom of -the pioneers in selecting this vicinity as having some of the best sites for manufacturing places on Black River. 236 .STORIES OF THE TOWNS. CAPE VINCENT. By Nelie Horton Casler. (Note — The writer for this town got interested in her subject and spent much time in compiling the history of the early French explorers up the St. Lawrence, which she has embodied in a valuable volume and it is therefore omitted here.) Cape Vincent was originally a portion of Brown ville which was formed from Leyden in April 1802. Lyme was erected from Brownville in 18 19; and on- April 10, 1849, Cape Vincent was erected from Lyme. The name Cape Vincent was given in honor of its principal village.- Abijah Putnam, who came from Rome, Oneida County, in 1801, was the first settler on the main land. He chose a site about two miles below the present village of Cape Vincent, calling the settlement Port T'utnam. From here he established a ferry to Wolfe Island. On a map made in 1809 the place is called Kingston Ferry. The exact location of Port Putnam was on the farms now owned by Mrs. Robinson and Mr. Peo. In 1803 the state road was extended from Brownville to the St. Lavfrence River, terminating at Port Putnam. Between the two farms mentioned, there is a piece of land, now owned by the state, which was a portion of the state road formerly running through the center of the village. Peter Sternbergh of Minden and John Macombs of Herkimer purchased Putnam's property. Two hundred and thirty one acres were deeded to them on June 11, -1805, and here they planned a village. Mr. Putnam removed to Watertown, where he purchased Mr. Isaiah Massey's tavern and twenty two acres of land on Wash- ington, street. It has been the writer's privilege to see the original map of Port Putnam, a fine piece of work, showing a public square, broad streets parallel with the river. Water street. First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh, and intersecting these at right angles Green, Montgomery, Washington, etc. Mr. Sternbergh secured the exclusive right for ferrying from C_Tr- leton to Wolfe Island for a term of ten years. He also purchased Mr. McCombs' share of Port Putnam, and on October 31, 1805, the property was transferred by John Macombs and Mary, his wife. Other settlers here were Daniel Spinning, John Nicholson, and John B. Esselstyn. The latter came in the Spring of 1803, and set- tled on the Hassler farm, remaining until Fall, when he went to STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 337 Hudson, N. Y., and entered into partnership with his brother, Richard M. Esselstyn. The brothers closed their business in Hudson in 1806, and John B. returned to his farm near Port Putnam. He proceeded to clear his land, giving employment "to a large number of settlers. Ashes were the first salable produce derived from the settler's land, and at this time were a staple commodity. Thousands of feet of oak, maple, elm and pine were placed in immense piles and burned, leav- ing great heaps of white ashes, which were a welcome sight to the owner. "These ashes were in great demand in Kingston, where Mr. Esselstyn made sales, deriving profits which soon made him the owner of a large farm. In the summer of 1809 Richard' M. Esselstyn came, and built a house and store ; the brothers then entered into partnership, doing an ejiltensive mercantile and lumbering business at Gravelly Point, now the village of Cape Vincent. Eber Kelsey came from Turin the same season, and cleared fifty acres of land for James D. LeRay. He also built a wharf, block dwelling house and tavern. Dr. Avery Ainsworth, the first physi- cian here, came at about this time, and built a house and store. The settlement at Port Putnam was not increasing, and through Mr. LeRay's influence it was abandoned. He had a survey made at Gravelly Point in 181 1, since know as the "Mile Square." Its northern boundary is the St. .Lawrence River, its eastern one Bay street, western one the Pleasant Valley road and the southern line is one mile from the St. Lawrence. Gravelly Point then received the name Cape Vincent, in honor of Mr. LeRay's son Vincent. On June 12, 181 1, John Baxter and Richard M. Esselstyn, com- missioner Jonas Smith, Surveyor, surveyed a road from Cape Vincent to Port Putnam; beginning in the center of Broadway in the east line of Ferry street, now market, to the center of the state road, so as to meet the road down the river to S. Britton's." The history for the next three years may be told by quoting from Mr. Solon Massey's sketch of John B. Esslestyn. "Our relations with Great Britain had become disturbed and the ordinary business intercourse with Canada, made precarious by the "embargo" of 1807, and non-intercourse laws of 1809. In conse- quence of this considerable lumber, which had been purchased by Messrs. Esselstyn to make into rafts and send to Montreal, was lay- ing on the shore. The v^ar of 18 12 followed, preventing them from making any use of their property, some of which was burned by General Wilkinson's army, while the remainder floated off into the lake and river and was never recovered. 238 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Cape Vincent was made a port of delivery in Sackets Harbor Dis- trict, March 2, 1811. John B. Esselstyn was the first Deputy Col- lector for the port. The office at this time was one of responsibility, and required a man possessing energy of character as well as prudence, skill and judgment, in order that the laws might be faithfully enforced without unnecessary annoyance to the people. All these qualities Mr. Esselstyn possessed to a conspicuous degree. In 1 8 12 the declaration of war made it necessary to have an armed force at Cape Vincent and General Brown gave the command of the troops to Mr. Esselstyn, commissioning him Major. Perhaps there was no army post on the frontier so much in dan- ger as Cape Vincent, since the enemy had a large force at Kingston. It thus required a man of military ability and courage. Mr. Essel- styn was twice a prisoner in the hands of the British. He*was takfen by a detachment of the enemy while on his way to Chaumont, August 23, 1813, and detained two weeks, then exchanged for an officer of the same rank. Many stirring events took place on this frontier, during the war. The house and barns of Dr. Avery Ainsworth, in Pleasant Valley, were razed, also those of Samuel Britton, a Revolutionary soldier who 'settled near Linda Island, in 1805. The orchard was ruined; but Mrs. Britton saved the cattle by keeping them hidden in the woods. In the village the soldiers' barracks, a building occupied as a hospital was destroyed, together with Henry Ainsworth's store, two or three small vessels, a large amount of lumber, and the store house of J. B. and R. M. Esselstyn. In the latter building the government stores were deposited. During this attack Mr. Esselstyn was again taken prisoner, but immediately released. On June 14, 1812, a British schooner, the Ontario, was captured at Cape Vincent, but soon discharged. Captain Noadiah Hubbard, commanding a rifle corps, came to Cape Vincent from Sackets Harbor June 27th in a Durham boat. His vessel remained until the 31st, then went down the St. Lawrence Riv- er in company with the Julia, which was armed with a long thirty-two pounder and two long sixes and bore sixty volunteers commanded by Lieut. H. W. Wells. Indians were skulking around, waiting for opportunities to steal and destroy property, and British marauding parties were constantly harassing the settlers along the river. Early one morning a party landed at the foot of James street, entered tht nearest garden, and began to pillage fruit and vegetables. They were seen on their way up the river by a body of Forsyth's riflemen, who reached the place a few moments later. A skirmish followed, and STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 239 all but two of the British were captured and three were killed. The prisoners were sent to Greenbush on the Hudson River and the dead buried at the corner of Broadway and Murray streets. It has been said that but two Americans were killed in the town during the war. Of the few inhabited places on the St. Lawrence frontier, this point was the most exposed ; consequently when war was declared many of the inhabitants left for the back settlements. In time, when confidence had been restored, many returned and the number of settlers steadily increased. During the hundred years which have gone into the making of the town of Cape Vincent the settlers and their descendants have, by steady perserverance, changed the forests to cultivated farms, erected churches, schools and homes, and built railways and roads. All these enterprises combined with the advantageous location of the town, the extent of its transportation facilities, and its commercial •prosperity, should insure for it a future commensurate with its honorable and progressive past. CHAMPION. By Mrs. G. D. Hewitt. Around the world in eighty days is a leisurely trip compared with computing the history of a township — its people — its enterprises — for more than a hundred years, in fact to trace back events from 1797 — the days of the slow moving ox-team, and the dim light of the tallow candle, to the present when the speed of the automobile and electric cars almost annihilate space, and electricity turns night into day, mak- ing the evil-doer sigh for the darkness of old; to trace these changes and relate them in forty minutes or less — is the work of the town his- torian of the Centennial. Why, the very time allotted is significant of the age in which we live. This town, together with all that part of Denmark, North of Black River, was originally township No. 4 of the "Eleven Towns," but when the two counties were formed in March, 1805, the present boundaries obtained. Dating from the creation of the office of Land Commissioners in 1786, this territory changed titles several times, once being owned by London parties. It is only neces- sarj' here to state that at the beginning of settlement it was owned by Henry Champion from whom it takes its name, and Lemuel Storrs, both being Connecticut men. It is the central town on the Southeast border of the county. The surface is broken and hilly, the most elevated portions being the hills in the South angle 340 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. (known as the "peak"), which are about 1 700 feet above tide water. The North part is more level. The soil is generally a clay loam, but in some places is sandy. On the North and East, Black River marks its boundaries, furnishing abundant water pow- er for the several mills erected on its banks; southeast, Lewis County and West Rutland, covering an area of about twenty-six thousand acres. It is well watered .by numerous smalt streams the principal ones being Townsend Creek in the Western part of the town and Deer Lick Creek in the central part, both emptying into Black River. In the South part, is Pleasant Lake a mile long, — a beautiful 'sheet of water, the surprising thing about it being that it is there, as nothing in its surroundings would indicate its presence. The soil was heavily timbered with beech, birch, maple, but- ternut, hemlock, cedar and pine, among which wolves, bears, deer and panthers roamed at will. The boundaries of the town were surveyed by Benjamin Wright, its subdivisions into lots of 500 acres each were made by Moses Wright. Fortunate, indeed, was it that this township fell into the hands of business men. After their- purchase Champion and Storrs lost no time in bringing about Its development thus avoiding a squatter settlement, an unenviable class from which to form a community. The proprietors took proper measures that Champion should be well-born, and it was. When Storrs came on for the first time to inspect his purchase in the fall of 1797, he brought with him from Steuben, Noadiah Hub- bard who had already had some experience in pioneer work. To- gether they explored the township. Storrs at the same time study- ing and analyzing his companion to make sure that he was the type of man needed as resident agent. Satisfied on this score he offered terms that were accepted by Hubbard who returned to Steuben to make preparations for the work to begin in the spring. June ist, 1798, he with Solomon Ward, David Starr and fifteen head of cattle started for what was to be a battle ground between man and the wilderness. In looking about for a desirable place to lo- cate, he chose the centre of the township for its agricultural advan- tages, building a log cabin near a living spring of pure water. The location of buildings was nearly always determined by the presence of a spring of water, so that often after the roads were laid out, permanent buildings were erected to suit the highway and many times quite remote from the original cabin. Here the men re- mained during the summer, making a clearing, raising potatoes which they burled for next year's use, sowing wheat and familiariz- ing themselves with the country. In the fall they went back to STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 241 Steuben to winter, driving their cattle back, sleek and fat, ready for beef market. This seems to have been the first bonafide set- tlement in the county, Ellisburg coming in as close second. In the spring of 1799, Hubbard sent two men on in advance to make sugar. Through carelessness, their cabin was burned with all it contained. When Hubbard came he found that the Indians had stolen his potatoes and cooking utensils, and he had not a place to lay his head. Undaunted by the outlook, he began anew, build- ing a cabin mote pretentious, working through the summer pre- paratory to bringing his family in the fall. In the meantime Champion and Storrs were not idle. Advertisements were printed in the New England papers, agents were sent to sound the praises of the land that promised much to the worker. As a re- sult the tide of immigration began and happily for the, town the immigrants were principally strong, sturdy, sons of New England, inured to hard work and willing to brace themselves to the long toil of the siege, even as their fathers had done in the settling of the Eastern States. Of those who came in the spring of 1799 all were unmarried men except Joel Mix, Esq., who came first on a tour of explor- ation in 1798, from High Falls where he had been doing survey- ing. Returning to Connecticut and encouraged by Champion and Storrs he inoved his family consisting of his wife, four children and wife's sister to High Falls in the winter 1798-9. Early in the spring of 1799 he and his wife came on and lo- cated on the site now well known as the Cobum home in West Carthage, this marking the beginning of family life in the town. In April he went back for the children and sister-in-law. Mix was clear-headed enough to see that lumber was all-important to the settlers and he built the first saw-mill :n tfie town, putting it in operation in the fall of 1799. A litfl'' later he built a grist-mill where the present Champion Paper Mill stands and it is said that these were the first water wheels put into Black River in what is now JefEerson County. The first white child born in this /lew town was Laura, a daughter of Joel Mix. She grew to womanhood, married Elisha Barr, and reared several children, but Wesley Barr, of West Carth- age, is the only one surviving. From 1799 to 18(34 settlers came rapidly. Their names will be forever closely entwined with the early days of the town. There were Wards and Chamberlains the Starrs and 'Mitchels, the Hubbards and Jones, the Pecks and Egglestons, the Wilmots and Rices, the Kilborns and Kelners, 16 242 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. the Rockwoods and Loomis, the Davis and McNitt, emblems of energy, all — a class of citizens, whose equal few new localities can boast. The early settlers found the Indians in possession — at first dis- posed to be kindly until they saw only too clearly that either their visitors or themselves must be driven from the soil which they held was their own — the fee of which was derived from the Great Spirit. What nation will not fight for its homes and family altars? However, the town record shows little serious trouble with the dusky race and the settlements grew apace, radiating from the centre with much regularity so that in 1805, the various parts of the township, bore evidence of the integrity of its adopted sons. From the first South Champion was destined to be wholly agri- cultural, its first settlers being the Johnsons, Hendersons, Waldos, Chapins and Slaters — substantial, reliable citizens. Champion village the mercantile center, West Carthage and Great Bend the manufacturing seats; although Eggleston and Hadsall in 1802 built a saw-mill on Mill Creek, near the Rutland line, and several years later a grist-mill, carding machine and wheel-wright's shop. On the Eggleston farm are the remains of a once well-known quarry. The present owner, Mrs. Lora Hough Bailey, a grand-daughter of Eggleston's tells that when quarrying her grand-father found a small pocket in the stone filled' with a clear liquid of very strong odor. He called it pure rock oil, dipped some up in a cup, put part in a whale oil lamp where it burned giving a clear, white light. He threw the remainder in the fireplace, resulting in a explosion that sent the ashes and coals all over the room, barely escaping set- ting the house on fire. Many years after, when kerosene came into use her grandmother insisted that it was the very same thing, the same white light, and strong odor of the "pure rock oil" found in the quarry so long before. Are there oil deposits under- neath the soil of Champion? At Great Bend Roswell Gates and Eli Watson were among the first settlers, the latter had a grist-mill, hotel and distillery, Daniel Potter running the store. Martin Street takes its name from a large family who lived there on the farm now owned by Supervisor H. M. Arthur. The Martins were not the first to locate there, but they were over- whelmingly irf the majority. Champion Huddle was first made a business place through the efforts of Capt. John Pardee and the Merriams. The former kept a hotel on what is known as the John Woolworth farm, this hotel is described as a three story log- house on the ground. He also had a post-office in the town STORIES OF THE TO WITS. 343 and tlie device used for the mail is now in the possession of his grand-daughter, Mrs. Huldah Merrell, of the West side. Later Pardee had a mill and still at the Huddle. The Merriams did a flourishing business in the manufacturing of wagons and sleighs. Early in 1800 it was clearly seen that the town should have its regularly elected ofBcers, local government and its affairs adminis- tered decently and in order. Accordingly, the first town meet- ing was held April i, 1800, the officers elected being, Noadiah Hubbard, Sup; Eli Church, Clerk; Timothy Pool, David Coffeen, Wm. Hadsall, Assessors, E. Chamberlain, Constable and Collector, John Ward and Reuben Rockwood, Overseers of Poor, Salmon Ward, Amaziah Parker, Elihu Jones, Com. of Highways, Daniel Coffeen, Wm. Crowell, Timothy Pool, Moses Goodrich, Overseers of Highways, Levi. Burns, Fence ' Viewer, Bela Hubbard, Pound Master. Joel Mix still retained the office of Justice of the Peace and coroner under appointment of Oneida County. Right here it may not be out of place to state that the two men holding office of Supervisor for longest term of any in its history, viz, Judge Hubbard and Dr. G. D. Hewitt have both belonged to the party largely in the minority. The present Supervisor is Herbert M. Arthur, a staunch Republican, who is now serving his fourth year. The laying out of the roads was a necessary and important work. This was done by the Commissioners in response to petit- ions from those interested. The general plan was to have the high- way intersect each farm so that the land would lay on either side of the road, a plan that seems to have been most satisfactory. The intelligence of the early colony goes without saying when it is remembered that as early as October 1800, a school meeting was called and a vote taken to erect a school house 16 by 20 on the Great Bend road just across the gulf. N. Hubbard and Daniel Coffeen were named as Trustees. Champion again comes to the front as having the first school house in Jefferson County. Religious. A people that showed such interest in the education of their children would be expected to be a religious people and they were. The first religious organization in the town as well as the county was formed in June, 1801 through the efforts of the Rev. Bas- comb a missionary, and on that date the Congregational society was formed with Jonathan Carter, as deacon. The Carter family stand as pioneers in church work. Early in 180 1, Jonathan Carter 344 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. with four sons, Asa, Jonathan, Samuel and Ira came from Mass., took up 500 acres down the creek from Champion Village, settling there. Fred Carter now owns one of the farms cleared by his ancestors and the upright of his farm house is the same structure built in 1803, by Jonathan Carter. In this house when the floors were laid and the roof on, the weekly service was held there con- tinuously until the church on the hill was built, when Jonathan was made one of the first deacons and all of his male descendents have held the same office in their respective churches. In the year 1 801, Rev. Nathaniel Dutton was sent here by New Hampshire Missionary Society. Tarrying here for sometime finding the work and people congenial he accepted the unanimous call to become pastor of the organized society and was installed May 21, 1807, remaining until his death in 1.852, giving forty- five years of his life to educational and religious work, as he was teacher as well as preacher. College bred himself he sought to impress upon the young the necessity for at least a thorough knowledge of .the English branches. He became closely identi- fied with the life and progress of the town, and surrounding country. Blest indeed was Champion and Jefferson County in having for her first resident clergyman a man of such high mental and moral standards. In September, 1807, at a religious conven- tion held in Champion it was voted to issue a proclamation to the Black River settlements that the first Thursday in December he set apart as a day of praise and thanksgiving, advising religious services to be held in the various places of worship. As this was ber. fore the governors had appointed a day of thanksgiving, is it not a tribute to the reverence of the colonists? In July, 1807, Champion and Storrs gave to the' town two acres on the summit of the hill that overlooks the village for the site of a church and public green and a building was to have been erected soon after. The war, however, delayed the work until 18 16 when Judge Hubbard built the church at a cost of about $5000, expecting ta be paid by the sale of pews, but he never realized the cost. This church was dedicated in i8i6. General Champion had promised the town a bell as a compliment for having had his name given to it. The promise he kept, also sending the Communion services consisting^ of an urn, now in pos- session of W. P. Freeman, two plates and two cups, these last being in possession of Mrs. Elizur Warner whose grandfather Merrill was one of the first deacons. At one time there were over four hundred communicants in the church. The following is taken from an article by Miss Hubbard written for the Jefferson County Histor- ical Society and describing the reception bell. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 245 It was a great day in the little hamlet when the bell arrived . It was immediately suspended upon an extemporized yoke, slightly raised above the ground and a glad and joyous peal rang forth, reaching even to the neighboring towns. It was heard in VVilna; but never heard again that distance after being elevated to the high belfry. For many years it was rung every evening at nine o'clock, and at nine in the morning. When the church was taken down and rebuilt, the bell was sent to Troy and recast owing to the crack in it. It now hangs in the belfry of the Congregational church in Champion. Long it may swing. The church was taken down and removed from its high position on the hill, to the, valley below, re- built and rededicated in 184 1. David Granger had the superinten- dence of the reconstruction. At this date church-goers from Copenhagen, Denmark, Carth- age and Great Bend all came to Champion. The MetHbdists first organized a society Dec. 30, 1825, built a church two miles from Great Bend, dedicating it at a Watch Meeting Dec. 31, 1826. The last service held in the church closed with the benediction at the dawn of the New Year 1887. In connection with this church this incident seems worthy of record. In the summer of 1827, a Sun- day School was established here with Deacon Miner Merrill as Supt. (This was not the first Sunday school in that town as Deacon Carter had for several years held service in the Lewis School-house where the children attended in such crowds the smaller ones had to sit on the writing benches.) The Superintendent assigned the first seven verses of the second Chap, or Matthew as the lesson to be com- mitted. When the time came to recite Huldah Pennock then a little girl of seven, recited the whole twenty three verses of the chapter. During the sixty years the church stood this girl never lost her in- terest in the work, being present at the last Sunday School service held there. The superintendent then was Seward Merrill, grandson of Miner Merrill the first superintendent. He called' on Huldah Pen- nock Merrill to recite a verse and without deliberation she gave the full twenty-three verses of the 2nd chap, of Matthew as .she had done sixty years before. The Baptist society was organized at Great Bend, Oct. 16, 1826 but no church was erected until 1842 when the society in North Rutland rebuilt at Great Bend, forming a new organization. The Congregational society of West Carthage was organized on the East-side March 31, 1835, and for sometime services were held there in the stone school-house, later in the old store on the West-side. During the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Doane the 34,6 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. church divided, the division being the nucleus of the present Presby- terian society on the East-side. In Nov. 1 6, 1852, the citizens of West Carthage organized the Congregational society, built a church v\rhich to-day is doing good vv^ork under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Lawrence. Time forbids the mention of all who were found- ers of the various churches, but the names of Carter, Merrill, Pen- nock and Deacon Asher Wilmot are conspicuous for their interest and zeal in religious life of the town. Educational. The stone Academy was built in Champion Village, in 1833 by the Free Masons or by individual subscriptions of the fraternity, the lowest story for schools, the upper for lodge rooms. This was the only Masonic Lodge north of Albany, that retained its .chartei during the Morgan troubles. Champion was fortunate in her early educators. Among them Mr. Redfield, Rev. Mr. Dutton, Dr. Durkee, Lysander Brown, Luther J. Dorwin, Lawrence Goodale and Dr. Hough. These all taught in the Academy. Later came Waitstill Merrill, Elijah Graves, Cornelia and Fannie Johnson, teachers for years in town and- county. With such a galaxy ot men and women, some of whom have taken first place in the county, widely known as successful business men is it any wonder that they left indelible impress upon the minds they trained? The conserva- tism that has ever been a marked feature of the representative fam- ilies of this town is no doubt largely due to the discipline received from these teachers. Champion has sent out a goodly number of men who have been prominent in affairs. It may be interesting to mention a few; George W. Peck, Ex-Governor, of Wis., W. E. Everett distinguished as principal manager in laying the Atlantic Cable; Cyrus Brown, State Senator of Mass., Luther J. Dorwin who needs no description in this city, George Kilborn, a success- ful Colorado miner, Frank W. Woolworth, founder of 5 and 10 cent syndicate, reputed to be a multi-millionaire. Business. In a section so purely agricultural, large capitalists would hard- ly be expected to develop, and while Champion has always had a goodly percentage of the comfortable, well-to-do citizens, great indi- vidual wealth had not been hers. M. P. Mason is known as the capitalist of the town. Locating in West Carthage in 1857, from that time to the present he has been actively engaged in manufactur- ing and lumbering. His wealth, however, is more the result of out- STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 247 side interests than of his local enterprises. He is a close student of history and current affairs, has a keenly analytical mind and shrewd- ly observant. His home is one of the most perfectly appointed in the county, filled with costly souvenirs of varied and extensive travel, Merrill Coburn located in Jeff. Co. in 1816 and became identified with the progressive business element of the community.. When his son William, reached man's estate he was made partner in the lumber business, coming to West Carthage in i860 where they were most successful in their financial undertakings. They were widely known as men of wealth and business acumen. Fred W., a son of Wm. is a prominent citizen of the village and a worthy decendant of his energetic forbears. Two other sons are in' business elsewhere. The Coburn home is one of the landmarks of the town, handsome, sub- stantial, comfortable, bespeaking the lavish hospitality of its builder. The first tavern was built by Judge Hubbard on the Ste of the present hotel in Champion Village. It was a log structure, of course, but afforded comfortable shelter to many a weary traveler. Joel Mix also kept a "settlers house of entertainment" same as many of the early residents in the different parts of the town. Distilleries were built by Judge Hubbard in the village, Joel Mix on the West-side, David Starr on the farm now owned by Mrs. Elijah Woolworth, Capt. Pardee at the Huddle and Watson at Great Bend. These furnished a market for corn and rye raised, helping many to pay for their farms. One of the leading industries was the making of pot- ash. Joel P. Rice used to say that potash was the only article sure to sell for money. In 1806 Coffeen and Hubbell bought from Joel Mix his mill site and- began the construction of the first dam built in Black Rivet from Champion shores. It was a wing dam and the builders thought to connect with the one from the East-side foundry extending about midway across. When nearly ready to make the connection, an in- junction was served on them forbidding the plan. Their money had been put into the work and they did not propose to, submit to the injustice. Quietly biding their time, the connection was made one Saturday night and Sunda)'^ morning's light dawned on a dam across the river entire where it remained until the State bridge was built in 1854. The first bridge was built in 1812 — 13. Fulling- mills were in operation in different localities and in imagination can you not almost see the daily round of the busy people. The town kept well the early settlers. Their tables were almost exclusively fed from the soil, the streams and the forests, scarce any item needful in their lives required to be imported from the outer world. Indeed, the government of America might have fallen, riots 248 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. and rebellion might reign in the cities and it all had scarce made a ripple here in this township, apart self-supporting and content. The stage route from Utica to Sackets Harbor lay through Champion and was the only mode of public conveyance. The stage always stopped at Champion Village to change its four horses and was an object of great attraction and admiration. Its coming was heralded by the blowing of a tin horn, that might easily have been mistaken for Gabriel's trumpet. The trades were few, carried on principally by itinerant jobbers who went from house to house with their kit of tools to perform such work as might be offered (and incidentally to relate the doings in other homes). Everything was made at home. The farmer had his calf skins tanned and once a year the traveling shoemaker came around making .shoes for the family to last a year, usually two pairs apiece. Flax was grown, spun and woven into cloth for the family use. Sheep supplied the wool which with the work of the carding machine, fulling-mill and woman's shears and needles made the winter garments. Women tailoresses went from hom.e to home helping out the busy house-wife with her sewing. Each farmer had his tansy patch, the remains of which are still to be seen, for bitters and it was considered entirely proper to add whiskey to the bitters. What good were the distilleries if the liquors were not used? Even Minister Dutton would have thought he was neglected if at the birth of a child (he always called within a day or so) he had not been treated to a glass of whiskey. Nearly everyone drank but tumblers were smaller than now. At a dinner the same glass was passed from which all would fake a sip. Economy was necessary in those days. Even those who were called well to do would stand aghast at the expenditures of the average home of to-day. It was the custom for at least the youngest members of the family, often those not so young, when going to church to carry shoes and stockings in their hands till they were almost there, and then sit down under some convenient bush or fence and put them on to be removed after the service, carried home and put safely away until the next journey of state. Of the early mechanics and builders the names of David Granger, Stoel Warner, Marcus Judson, Elias Sage and Asa Eggleston stand for work done upon honor. Of Sage it is said that he was the first man to raise a building in town without the use of whiskey. Eggles- ton built the Judge Hubbard house, now owned by Alonzo King and it is a monument to his workmanship, also the Felt Mansion and stone mill at Felts Mills, and furnished the stone sills and mantels STORIES OF THE TOWNS. -JiS in the Bostwick. house at Lowville now owned by ttie Lowville Academy. He lettered tombstones made from the quarries on his farm. Warner made ox sleds and carts that were a delight to their owners, and was called as good a carpenter and joiner as was in tht town. For a long period Champion with the possible exception of Sackets Harbor was the largest bi:isiness place in the County. In fact, it had three big stores — the only ones between here and St. Lawrence river, making it necessary for all to come here bringing different grains and potash to exchange for goods. The first post-office in the county was established here in April 1804 with Dr. Durkee post-master. Hiram Hubbard used to tell that he often did $300 worth of business in a day. Teaming to Sackets Harbor and Utica was a great bwsiness these days. Gen. Champion nursed the idea that Champion might become the County seat and the fact that Champion vied with Brownville and Watertown for the honor shows the strength and influence of the place that to-day is but a little hamlet with only three families represent- ative of the glory of early days, viz., Pearce, Johnson, and Hubbards, the last name being summer residents of the ancestral home. Professional. Of the early physicians the names of Durkee, Farlee, Johnson, Sherwood, and Spencer appear. The last named was for years by far the best known and had the widest practice of any physician in the county. His practical sense and rare judgment, his almost intuitive medical knowledge and skill, his warm nature and large heartedness, are proverbial. Many an anecdote is told of him, perhaps this is the oftenest, that once when the bridge was up at Great Bend, the Dr. on the Wilna side, his horse carried him across in the night pick- ing his way along the stringer, the doctor being sound asleep as was his custom when riding. This is told as a fact but it requires most wonderful credulity to believe. Dr. Durkee taught school as well as practiced medicine. The town has never had a large number of resident physicians. _At present there are six: Drs. Joslyn and Blake of Great Bend, Drs. Hull, Bruce, Phelps and Hewitt of West Carth- age — the last named being the longest in active practice of any physi- cian in the town's history. There is more employment for physicians than there was in the pioneer days. Then the garret was stored with sage and catnip, wormwood and tanzy, chamonile and lobelia, and illnesses that now call for physician and trained nurse were cured by the good sense of the mother and the use of roots and herbs. 250 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Just why the subject of cemeteries comes to mind in speaking of physicians is not quite clear, but it does and may it well be disposed of at this time. The land for the first cemetery was given by General Champion and is now known' as the old part of the Hillside Cem- etery. The first death in the town was that of a young child who was buried across the gulf from the present village cemetery. Champion has had fine representatives of the legal fraternity. At present there are but two lawyers residing in the town, W. A. Porter and W. B. Van Allen and their places of business are on the East- side, but when it was expected this would be the county seat, a number of lawyers located here; among them Egbert Ten Eyck, afterwards judge, -Henry R. Storrs, later one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State and Judge Moss Kent, Chas. E. Clark was at Great Bend where he practiced law in connection with his wit and keen sense of the ludicrous. He was called to try the case of Hoopy Borhall a sort of half-wit who had been accused of stealing. Clark heard the case, Hoopy protesting his innocence. Clark said he was sure he could figure out who did the stealing. He made row after row. of figures, saying "It comes out Hoopy," repeating the operation and looking wise he said ''It conies out Hoopy every time" and the poor fellow convinced that Clark knew, confessed the theft. Just a few nights before Clark's death, Hiram Pennock, who was noted for his moving propensities, having moved twenty-eight times in twenty-four years, sat up with him. In the morning a friend asked him how he felt. '"Pretty fair, pretty fair, I had good care from Hiram. The only trouble was I worried for fear he would take it into his head to move." Colored Population. The colored population was limited to two families, the Buck's and Sharp's. The former settled on the hill beyond the Manchester school-house, the Sharp's in 1801 locating on what is known as the Huddle Hill where Mr. Sharp started the first black-smith shop in the town working at his trade for several years. They seemed* to have been good specimens of the race, Benjamin Buck being some- thing of an expert with the violin while his wife was a natural nurse always willing to lend a helping hand. The Buck's had several sons through whom a large part of the colored population of this section is descended. The sons worked here and there, preferring to all be engaged on the same work. A story is told of them, that one Satur- day night when coming home from Bossout's where they had been reaping they had a sheep dressed taking it along for Sunday dinner. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 3S.1 They had been drinking some, and on the way they talked of the good meal they would have next day. Thinking that apples would make a good addition, they laid the sheep by the fence, climbed over into a neighbor's orchard to get the necessary apples. Lpton Miller, father of D. S. Miller of this city, and a companion had over heard their plans. While they were in the orchard the boys took the sheep and carried it home. The Buck's never knew what became of it and while the sheep was cooked for Sunday dinner it was served to the Miller's' instead of the Buck's. Customs. Neighborly courtesy in those days meant heln by day or night when needed. If the farmer was sick in spring time, the neighbors made a bee and put in his crops ; if in harvest season, they gathered them. Was the house-wife ill? The neighbor women took turns in doing her work, often taking home big baskets of clothes to wash and iron, neglected their own duties while the neighbor was in trouble. • Social affairs were conducted on less formal line than now. With- out being invited a woman would start out soon after dinner taking work with her to spend the afternoon with a neighbor leaving strict orders for the husband to come to supper, an order he was sure to obey. When a girl wanted to spend a week with a girl friend in- stead of a Saratoga trunk, suitcase and extra Iwggage, as is the present custom, took her flax and wheel. Together they would work with right good will, until their "stent" was done when they were free for frolic and fun. Human nature being the same in all ages, it is safe to say that wherever the girls congregated, boys were sure to be hover- ing around. . The long winter evening meant sleigh-loads of merry-makers, each family taking its turn entertaining. Often at midnight, big suppers of roast spare-rib, baked chicken, hot-biscuit and other good things were served to the company, the house-wives vieing with each other as to which should get up the most elaborate spread. The very recital of the appetizing viands bring savory smell down the stretch of years, and unconsciously, a sigh is breathed that we did not live in those days when indigestion, nervous prostration and appendicitis were terms unknown. Amusements. General Training Day was a great event for Champion. Once a year, in the fall, the regiment gathered* in full force for the drill. The privates used to start out about 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning for what they called a "wake up." In broader English they would 353 isr OKIES OF THE TOWNS. ride to the homes of the officers to route them out to the noise of horn and drum that they might not be late. Crowds congregated to see the Regiment and it was said to be quite an imposing soectacle, the officers with their plumes and epaulets, the uniformed men with musket and sword. Whole families took their dinners going early and staying late. The gingerbread man was in great demand on such days. General Training was done away with in the early '50's, and the last time it was observed in Jefferson County was in Champion. Town meetings were made holidays. All those living in the village prepared for company in large numbers. Champion was then, as for many years after the only polling-place. Pitching quoits, wrestling, running and high jumping were the principal games. Athletics, as such, were unknown, but no doubt many of those participating, if living to-day would be Captain of his college foot-ball eleven, or pulling stroke on the "varsity eight." Raisings, quiltings, sugar parties, singing schools and huskings all afforded opportunities of social life. At the huskings after the lab.or was done, the young people with joyful zest would begin the country dance, often spending the night thus, as pleasure travels with light steps. Homesteads. In these days of rapid transit, favoring change of location and oc- cupation, it is a pleasure to note that a goodly number of Champion farms are still owned by the families of those who cleared the land. Among these may be mentioned the farms of Emerson Peck, Emory Pennock, A. W. Hadsall, Demster Rockwood, Fred Carter, Mrs. Elwynn Hill, Mrs. Lora Bailey, Elizur Warner, Joel Hubbard, (a descendant, but not a direct line of Judge Hubbard), Erastus Har- ris, Gulford Harris, Will Harris, Ed Coburn, Rufus Loomis, Fred. Kilborn, Orran A. Johnson, Mr. Twining, Sylvester and Clark Loomis, W. A. Campbell, Mrs. Orrin Phillips (her father Joel Man- chester purchasing his farm with "betterments" but taking deed direct from Champion), Alfred Rice, Emerel Hastings, Wm. Bohall, E. A. Shew, J. F. Peck and Horatio Babcock. The oldest residents born in the town, at present, are Mrs. Char- lotte Loomis Warner aged eighty-nine and Rufus Loomis still living in the sameplace where he was born eighty-seven years ago. Cham- pion atmosphere seems to favor longevity several having reached the century mark. Personal. Peculiar circumstances have given prominence and certain fame to the first settlers because they were first, but there are many others STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 253 equal perhaps in energy, courage and stirring work whose names are not mentioned for the reason they are not so closely woven into the early history. The question comes. Did none come in to mar the scene of thrift and tireless energy. For answer, Champion makes no claim to being the long lost Garden of Eden. The shiftless trader' was there; the bird of passage who tarried for a time, then, discontented, eagerly sold his "betterments," and no doubt envious quarrelsome spirits found their way into the country new, but time the great leveler — has con- signed to oblivion the things best forgotten, among them, the notes of discord of those early days. As the founder of the town, naturally the name of Noadiah Hub- bard comes first for personal mention. He was of English ancestry but born in Connecticut 1765, coming to Champion when thirty-two year's old. Previous to this he had helped to form a settlement in Genesee County also had a contract for the construction of canal locks in Little Falls. He married Eunice Ward of Connecticut, Judge Hubbard was a broad minded business man interested in every project that made for improvement. His surviving descendants in direct line are grandchildren to the number of eleven. He had strong characteristics, and love of flowers was one. It is said that in their season he always held a rose in one corner of his mouth or had one pinned on his coat. He cared little for his personal appearance, never sacrificing comfort for looks. His wife was a very correct, pious woman. She claimed the hour from one to two for private medi- tation and whatever the circumstances she withdrew for the hour to her own room. Wealthy Hubbard Krowles who died in 1903 lacking but few- months of being a hundred years old was remarkable in many ways. Unlike old people generally she was interested in the rapid changes believing that they were better than the customs of early days. She was fastidiously neat about everything she did being an expert with needle. She did fine embroidery, and hand sewing that would equal, in evenness, the machine work of to-day. After the Hubbard family the name of Mix demands attention. Joel, the settler of West Car- thage, came here when twenty-nine years old reared a large family nearly all living to a ripe old age. Three grandchildren survive Henry O. Mix, Antwerp, Wesley Barr, and Mrs. M. C. Rice, of West Carthage. A daughter, Sally Mix Cutler, died a few years ago nearly ninety- two years old. A son, James Mix was prominent in local affairs, standing for all that tended to uplift and ennoble. He lived to be ninety years old. He was one of the founders of the Congregational 254 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. Church in West Carthage, retaining his membership until his death. Joel Mix was resolute, brave and true, both in public and private life, and the town suffered a loss when death claimed him in the prime of life. The Loomis family are so numerous in Champion that it isn't safe to criticise one for fear of being called to account. This prolific family starts from Jonathan Loomis, who came from Mass., in 1804. As a people they have been farmers, substantial reliable citizens. Deacon Asa Wilmot "was among the class of self made men who were so abundant in the early settlement of the town," serving his apprenticeship to the very processes necessary to earn his daily bread by severe manual labor. Perhaps his most prominent trait of character was his unbounded self reliance. He met all comers in the battles of life with his face to the front standing four square to every wind that blew- He has four grandchildren surviv- ing, one, Mrs. Elwyn Hill, owning the farm he reclaimed froni the wilderness. John NcNitt, Revolutionary soldier came to Champion from Mass., in 1 801 with wife and six children. One son was in the Battle of Sackets Harbor. Noah, another son married into the Hubbard family rearing a large family to usefulness and prominence. Of this union F. H. McNitt is the sole survivor on the male side. He is a man of intelligence well known and respected by his townsmen. One of the most progressive men in the town is W. P. Freeman who graduated from Yale in class of '59 with degree of B. A., studied law in Watertown and was admitted to the bar. Enlisted in 'B2 as commissioned officer, gained promotion, and was instructor over a year for three' of the forts in defence of Washington, teaching school for officers during the time, also acting as drill master in In- fantry and Military tactics. At the close of the war he was in poor health, abandoned his profession, settling on his father's farm, his present home, the land having been cleared by Dorwin, his ancestor. He is a man of strong convictions, his political hobbies being the Civil Service Reform and clean politics. Deacon David Granger, one of the pioneers of the town was an excellent mechanic. He built the Congregational Church in Champion, now Grange Hall, was for many years deacon and most influential member of the Congregational Church. He was an ex- tensive farmer, public spirited, a man of high character and quite liberal. One of his daughters married George Cook, who jointly with his wife, gave the Soldiers' Monument to the city. Capt. Joel P. Rice came from Massachusetts to Champion in 1802, when he was twenty-one years old, driving a team of four oxen bring- ing a load of furniture on a sled, the runners of which had to be STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 255 twice shod on the trip of twenty days. He drove the first team of any kind that ever traveled Martin street, the road having to be un- derbrushed to enable the oxen to proceed. He located on Martin street living there until, his death at ninety-two years of age. One son survives him, Alfred Rice who owns the old family home. There are twenty-four grandchildren, several living in the <-own. From the article published at the time of his death the following is taken : The first year's work was hard enough, they had no feed but browse for the stock, and frequently the cattle remembering the fare of earlier days, strayed away, making toward Massachusetts, and on one occasion they strayed as far as Low- ville. The flies were almost intolerable for man and beast. The work was heavy and unpleasant. Big trees had to be felled and chop- ped into logs and burned, the brands gathered and consumed rails to be split and fences made, all this before a little patch »f clearing was available for a crop. By hard labor and persevering economy, besides providing for his parents, he was enabled to rear a large family and also to acquire a good substance. He died in 1873, aged ninety years and four months. Among the well-to-do farmers who came into the new township were the Johnsons, who were decendants of John Quincy Adams, Dr. Joshua Converse Johnson and his brother John Prentiss. They came from New Hampshire about 1800 settling in the south part of the town, clearing a farm a portion of which is now owned by a decendant, Orrin A. Johnson. One son of Dr. Johnson, Converse second, was post-master for thirty years in South Champion under the administration of John Quincy Adams,. Jackson, Van Buren, Tyler and Fillmore. Another son, John D., was a physician located in Champion village where he resided until his death. His children still surviving are a son Arthur and three daughters Cornelia, Mary and Fannie living in the old Johnson home in Champion Village. Dr. Edward T., another son, a practising physician of the town died a few years ago. The mother of. these children was a m.illiner and in 1824 when Gen. Lafayette visited the Watertown Fair she was awarded the prize on a bonnet which she made from straw she gather- ed and wove. The Johnson family bear the hall mark of true aristocracy and belonging to the oldest and most exclusive circle they molded to a great degree the social atmosphere, of the early days. The names of Rockwood, Pennock, Babcock, Pearce, Hopkins and •Manchester were a part of the early history but space forbids person- al mention, besides, few records are accessable from which a truth- ful account of the eventful lives of the early settlers may be obtained. They were absorbed in replacing the unbroken forest by pasture and 25S STORIES OF THE TOWNS. meadow, in creating industries to supply their daily wants in exchang- ing their products for foreign articles which they could not make at home, and when done with these they had little energy, imagination or time to spare to recording their daily duties. Chief reliance for information has been the various histories and statements of their descendants who are interested in preserving correct, though neces- sarily fragmentary records of their lives. David Swing says: "And all that we possess has come to us by way of a long path." Especially is this true of a century of history in a town beginning with the tangled wilderness of an unbroken forest, making ready for the soil-breaking and the seed-sowing, toiling with imple- ments the crudest, living in homes most primitive, depending for artificial light on the fire place and tallow candle, on vehicles un- wieldy and uncomfortable, on clothing clumsy and inartistic, — begin- ing with these, ending with smooth acres well tilled, sewing and mowing machines, reapers and binders, rubber-tired carriages, auto- mobiles and steam-cars and mills, with an output that surprise even the present age; in fact all that makes life artistic, pleasant, fruitful and easy come from the work of the pioneer, and the town of Champion stands to-day as a monument to the thrift, industry and in- telligence of the peaceful God-fearing civilization by which it was founded. CLAYTON. By Frank D. Rogers The town of Clayton was carved out of Lyme and Orleans April 27, 1833, just as Lyme and Orleans had been previously sliced from Brown ville. The general form of the town is that of a truncated equilaterial triangle, one base eleven miles wide, resting upon the St. Lawrence river. Thence it extends southerly sixteen miles, the lines on the east and west sides converging until they are ' but four miles apart at the Brownville line. The total assessed valua- tion of the town in 1904 was over two millions, twenty-five times what it was when the town was set off, four times what it was in i860, and two and a half times what the total assessed valuation of Jefferson county was In 1805. Notwithstanding a singular lack of manufacturing enterprises, Clayton stands fourth in the order of property assessed upon the towns. At the last presidential election only three towns cast a larger ballot than was cast in this town, which is divided into three election districts the smallest being Grind- stone Island with a total of 100. STORIES OP THE TOWJ^fS. 257 The town is divided mto twenty-four school districts employing thirty-two teachers, the total number of children of school- age ex- ceeding 1 200. The town contains the incorporated village bearing the name of the town, and holding a total "native" population of 2400, being the second largest village in the county. 5y reason of its being a Mimmer resort the population during the heated season is frequently doubled and more. The products of the dairy rank first, cheese being the principal item. Among the Clayton industries which are matters of history may be mentioned the manufacture of pot and pearl ashes, water lime,' foundries, ship-building and the rafting' of timber. These are in full measure made up by the industries incidental to summer resorts, as fishing, rowing, the manufacture of skiffs, launches, fish- ing tackle, and the builders' trades, all of which are in a flourishing condition, for which credit is due this day and generation.* A glimpse at the times and people who laid the foundation for this latter day prosperity is due them as well as ourselves. A re- view of the efforts, discouragements, trials, successes and defeats of the pioneers who led the way in this northern wilderness can but give lise to a feeling of respect for the sturdy manhood and womanhood which carved out of forest and hill a future of whose brightness we see but a glimmer even though standing on the threshold of a new century. Soon after the town set up. for itself, a meeting was held at the house of- Isaac L. Carter at Clayton center, when a post office was for a time sustained. The civic organization was launched with Habbel Fox as supervisor, and twenty-two other officers. Less than eighty ballots were cast. The first recorded settler was Wil- liam Bartlett who was placed at the point still bearing his name by LeRay to maintain a ferry to Gananoque, then a flourishing vil- lage with a grist mill. Wm. Bartlett remained about two years, and from that time there is no record of settlement on the present site of the village until the arrival of Gen. Wm. H Angel in 1819 to engage in the lumber business, and incidentally opened a store, being attract- ed thither by the fine harbor at the mouth of the French Creek as the stream had already been named. Progress from this time on was not rapid but sure, and may be more entertainingly mentioned here under a caption of First Things in Clayton General William H. Angel opened the first store in Clayton, 18 19. The first mail was received 1821, the office having been called Cor- nelia. In 1 83 1 the name was changed to Clayton, two years before the township was set off. . 358 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Peter Penet never saw the "ten miles square" donated for services with the Indians, never realized on the property and never was en- titled to the recognition. Nearly the entire group of the Thousand Islands was claimed by British subjects by virtue of leases from the St. Regis Indians until the boundary survey of 1818 was completed. "The large islands Grindstone, Wells and others were thus leased. This condition lead to the sending of a company of militia from Chaumont in 1823 to dispossess trepassers of some timber made into a raft. Captain Green made a demonstration and the trespassers fled. The victory' was vig- orously celebrated with Canadian whiskey. Clayton Was not settled by timber thieves as has been alleged. The trespassers were in the town only long enough to. make up rafts and sail away. The first settlement within the corporate limits of the village of Clayton was made on Washington Island. There were in 1828 a stone warehouse within which was kept a store and tailor shop, a frame hotel kept by a Mr. Bathel who came from Lyme which then included Cape Vincent, and four or five log houses. A pile bridge communicated with the shore at the foot of Mary street which was then called Johnnycake lane and ran, as now across the peninsula to the site of the Brooks mill and was flanked all the way by a seven- rail fence. There it intersected a road coming from LaFargeville and following the shore arouhd to Ellis' drug store where it ended in a cowpath. The present survey of the village was made in 1833 upon a plan of squares 16x20 rods. A partial survey was made in 1824 by the agents of Mr. Leray who saw in Washington Island h rival of the "city" he had long hoped to found at French Creek as oiir village was then called. The rafting of native pine, oak and spars began in 181?. Many French-Canadians were employed and their numerous camps gave the stream and town the local name of French Creek. The business was perpetuated for many years after the native tixnber was exhausted by bringing squared timber and staves from up-lake ports to Clayton vvhere it was converted into drafts and sent to Montreal whence it was transhipped to Europe. The first fatality in the town was that of Charles Warner, a clerk in a store at the foot of James street. He was snapping an old flintlock pistol so near an open keg of powder that a spark fell into it. The store was nearly wrecked, and Warner died from the burns a few days later. Clayton village was incorporated 1872. Elijah McCarn was the first president. It now has a complete system of water and sewers. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 259 fire engines, engine houses and approved fire apparatus. In 1905 the town built a $20,000 opera house in which is also located the finest suite of Masonic rooms in Northern New York. Until 1855 James street divided the village into two school dis- tricts. They were consolidated but not until 1867 was a building erected for the accommodations of the pupils under one roof. Up to that timg private schools were maintained and little attention was paid to the common schools. The building has since been twice enlarged and now accommodates 500 pupils under nine teachers. A successful training class is maintained at state expense. The late H. E. Morse was ever an indefatigable worker in the interest of the schools of the town. The first postmaster was General W. H. Angel. The first newspaper was published by Wm. D. Clark, Nov. 14, .'872, and called the Independent. Daniel Porter was the first undertaker, 1829. William Johnston was not knovv^n in life as "Pirate Bill." He was a gentleman with a strong sense of resentment in the matter of oppression. Once a Canadian steamer was loading wood at Clayton. A Canadian deserter was employed on the dock and while carrying wood to the steamer was recognized by some of the crew and reported to the captain. The officer proceeded upon his rights, caused the de- serter, thus found on a British bottom, to be seized and bound for delivery at Kingston. Johnston learned of the affair, and hastily summoning a few hardy sailors he boarded the Canadian and peremp- torily demanded the prisoner who was produced and triumphantly es- corted ashore where he was safe in taunting his countrymen of their failure to return him to the service to be dealt with according to the custom of the times. A better hearted man than Mr. Johnston did not live in Clayton, and his misguided expedition to "annex" Canada in the so-called patroit war has given the occasion tor much foolish romancing. The first public school in the town was what is still No. i on Grindstone Island. The first Masonic Lodge in the town was or j;anized at Clayton in 1853, James Green, W. M. The first cemetery was in the Wilbur lots near what was called Bates' grove. The first permanent settler on Grindstone was Amariah Howe, 1802. I The first death in the town was that of Mrs. Olive Howe, Grindstone. 260 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. The first well was put down by Daniel Porter and was used many years for a landmark in the description of property; Depauville Depauville is situated at the head of navigation on Chaumont Riv- er. It received its name in honor of Francis Depau, an importing mer- chant and capitalist of New York, who purchased fifteen lots in Penet Square. This place first bore the name of Catfish Falls. The jirst improvement was begun by Simon and Jared White who came on very early in the eighteenth century as trespassers to get out lum- ber but being warned ofiE by the agent they left a large amount of hewn timber w'hich rotted on the ground. From this place they moved to Three Mile Point on the Chaumont Bay whence after a short stay they started west, in an open boat May, 1 817. The party t-onsisted of the brothers and their wives and mother and children eleven in number. They arrived at Hounsfield some distance be- yond Sackets Harbor. After leaving this place they -were nevei seen alive. They were supposed to have been murdered and robbed but there was no evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest. In 1816 Nathaniel Norton, who had been a merchant in Russia,, Herkimer County, N. Y. came on as an agent of C. H. & E. Wilkes owners of twelve thousand acres on Penet Square adjoining Depau- ville and built the first log house. Soon after Norton came David and Nathaniel Holbrook with their father and erected a rude apology for a saw and grist mill but upon failure to pay for the premises they were sold in 1824 to Stephen Johnson and Peter Martin. At the time there were but two or three log houses and the mills referred to. John Smith of Massachusetts came in 1818 and built the first house in Depauville. The first store was kept 5y Peter B. Beetle, agent or clerk for Johnson. They had a misceSlaneous stock of goods and a few barrels of whiskey. Peter Martin was also an early merchant. At this village and vicinity material for' the manufacture of water lime is found in vast quantities. In 1835 the manufacture of this article was commenced by Stephen Johnson and Mr. King of Oneida County, Joel Murray and Jared House of Lowville. Two mills were fitted up for grinding this material and during two years one thousand barrels were made. This was the first enterprise of the kind in the county. The first mills were destroyed by fire in 1 85 1 . The present mills were erected by John W. Ingalls and Wil- liam Huntington, each of whom married a daughter of Stephen Johnson. The first tavern was kept by one Winthrop in i8?,o. It stood within a few rods of the present hotel. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 261 Ralph Page who came from one of the New England States built the house now occupied as the Methodist Episcopal parson-, age. He owned and operated a carding mill and fulled and dyed cloth for several years. The mill was destroyed by fire but Stephen Johnson rebuilt it and Abel Coleman came from Canada and ran' it foi a number of years after which it was discontinued owing to the scarcity of raw material. It was located between the stone bridge and the grist mill. Peter Flansburg came in the latter twenties or early thirties and bought a tract of land near the old cave or wolf's den now on the John Horning place and built and operated a saw mill for a number of years. It is reported that he was very successful in his undertaking. In the southern part of the town on the farm known as the Steve Luther place, now owned by Philip Liderman, there is a mineral spring. In the eatly thirties Dr. Carlisle had a house built near it and there started a water cure. -He had several invalid boarders but for want of capital and proper advertising it proved unsuccessful and the house was moved away to be used as a farm house. The water there has the same properties as the Massena spring water. An ex- pert could not distinguish the difference. The first school was taught in 1 820. The first church was erected by the Methodist Episcopalians in 1825. It stood at the rear of the present stone school house and has long since gone to decay. The religious history of this place, owing to the loss or destruction of the early records of the several societies, is difficult to procure. A Methodist society was organized in the extreme southern part of the town December 20th, 1833. A house of worshin was erected. After many years of service such service was discontinued, the mem- bers divided part going to Perch River and part coming to Depau- ville. The aforesaid building was sold and is now a barn on the farm of Walter Seeber. The Methodist society at Depauville was organized in 1834 with Waltan Case, Abel Lowe and E. M. Win- slow as trustees. The present church was constructed in 1851. The Free Will Baptist Church was formed March 20th, 1820, by elder Amasa Dodge of Lowville. In 1834 a union church was built of stone at a cost of $2200, of which amount Mr. Depau don- ated $500. In 1847 Stephen Johnson and William Wafiel built ttie Schooner, "S. P. Johnson," at this village. She was 85 feet long and i6- feet beam. She was built for the lake trade. Before she jvas launched the builders were afraid she would stick on the bottom ow- ing to the shallow water so they built a temporary dam below and raised the water to a sufficient depth. She slid off the ways and float- ed all right. In 1 867 or 1868 a joint stock company was formed 263 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. and known as the Depauville Steamboat Company which built the side wheel steamboat "M. W. Wright." Sh'e was 90 feet long and 16 feet beam and was used on the upper lakes. A number of small- er craft have been built, launched and used here. In the latter twenties and early thirties Stephen Johnson and oth- ers engaged extensively in the square timber trade. A large amount of pine and oak was felled, squared, put into the water formed into drams, run down the lake whence the drams were bound to- gether into a raft and run down the St. Lawrence to Quebec. T'm- ber for a number of rafts was made up here. Speaking of the early settlers Depauville was occupied long be- fore the white man came. Numerous Indian relics and bits of pottery show beyond a doubt of an early occupation. In the Whit- tier garden on the hiH on the north side of the river was probably their buying ground. Years ago a number of skeltons were ploughed up, some of very large size. I once saw one and from calculation the old warrior must have been eight feet tall when in the flesh. They were from appearance of the remains buried in a sitting posture and flat stones set around them and they were covered with stone vv^h' ch was probably done to protect the remains from animals of the bur- rowing kind. Some pestles for grinding corn, pipes, lance heads, ar- row heads and stone ornaments, some heart shaped, strings of wanri- pum have all been found in this vicinity. There is no doubt but that there was a large settlement of some of the six nations of the Iroquois tribes of Indians lived here as it was a good location for hunting, fishing and trapping and when these hills were covered with timber it was well sheltered from the winds but who these people were and where they have gone is one of the mysteries that will remain un- solved. The early settlers endured a good many privations and hardships. The journey here was made through an almost trackless forest, jour- neying witli a yoke of oxen and for the first year provisions were hard to obtain. As soon as they could clear a small piece of land they planted corn and sowed winter wheat. Hogs run in the woods and picked up there their own food. The first mill was a primitive af- fair, a piece of log or stump scouped out something like a druggist's mortor, but larger. The iron wedge drove into a hard wood chunck was used as a pestle and attached to this was a spring pole with which they pounded their wheat into coarse flour and in this way also they crushed their corn until grist mills were established, and in the lan- guage of the western man "Hog and hominy was the staff of life." The log houses were mostly roofed with troughs and people could lie down to rest at night and count the stars through the holes in the STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 363 roof and there hear the wolves howl. The roads were mere trails marked with blazed trees. The streams were without- bridges and I have heard the old settlers tell about crossing this stream above the falls on the rocks. Most of the early settlers of this section were of good New Eng- land stock. They were largely poor in pocket but stout of heart and strong of arm and with their axes cleared farms and built log houses which provided homes for themselves and families. In about 1840 or before there was a strong German Emigration to this part of the country and a good many of the first settlers sold their posses- sions to the Germans who took up the work and proceeded with aa much vim or more than the Yankees had shown. They were in general very prosperous and good citizens. I will here endeavor to give a brief sketch of some of the very early settlers : Melzer Fowler came here sometime in the early twenties. He with Heldon Norton kept a store where the cheese factory now stands. He owned the farm now owned by Clarence Whittier. Me was killed in Watertown by a vicious horse. Nettie Fowler, a daugh- ter of Melzer married Cyrus McCormick, of Chicago, the manufac- turer of reapers and mowers and farming implements which bear his name. Hubbard Fox and his brother Alfred settled here in the early thir- ties. They came from Cortland County. Alfred settled on part of the farm now owned* by Amasa Dodge. Hubbal Fox was a physi- cian and practiced medicine in the locality where he settled and there built a house on the lot now owned by Charles Babcock. He was elected supervisor of the town of Clayton and was the first to hold that office in the aforesaid town which was in 1833. His brother, Alfred held the office of supervisor for several years. Anthony Atwood came here from Vermont and settled on the north west corner of the farm now owned by Steven Diefendorf, known to the old settlers as the "Swamp Hill Place." Adam Fry came from Vermont in the early twenties and settled on the farm now owned by George flaas. Henry Bailey came from Saratoga County and settled on the farm now owned by John Haas. Joseph Epps came from New Hampshire and. settled on the farm now owned by Charles Haller. Ftederick A. Gillet came from New Hartford, Oneida County arid settled on the farm now owned by Lyman O. Gillet and oc- cupied by Fred L. Bretsch. 364 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Captain Amos Gillet settled on the farm now owned by Ira H. GiUet. Gaylord Enos settled on the. farm and built the residence now owned by Mrs. Olive Halladay. Abraham Diefendorf came here from Montgomery County in the early thirties and settled and improved the farm now owned by George A. Diefendorf. E. M. Winslow was born in this County at Sanfords Corners and came here in the early thirties. He was one of the early school teachers of this village. He .settled and improved the farm now owned by his son, Olin Winslow. Amos and Martin Gould came here in the early twenties and bought a large tract of land about three miles Northeast of this vil- lage and built a saw mill which proved very successful. The farms of William Haller and Valentine Dorr heirs and others -was from this tract of land. Samuel Kingston came in the early thirties and built a saw mill one mile west of this place. He finally sold the mill to the Rev. Sylvester Bishop who owned a tract of land adjoining. It is said to have proved a great success but no trace of the mill now remains. It is now known as "The Bishop Place." Peter Lowe was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He and his son, Gideon came from Lewis County in the early thirties. He had a large family, seven sons and five daughters. Abraham and Abel Lowe his sons bought of Francis Depau in 1836 the farm now owned by Elsworth Swartout, Isaac and John bought the William Lee place and part of the Stephen Smith place. They were hardworking men and all gained a competence and were quite prom- inent in this locality. A very early settler was Charles Everett who came from Herkimer County in the early twenties and bought some land on the north side of the river about one mile west of this place and there built a saw mill which is said to have been successful. No trace of the mill or his residence remains except the wheel pit and a fragment of the dam which was built on what is now known as Covey's Creek. Waltham Case came here in about 1830 and settled on the farm now owned by A. J._ Baltz. George Kissel came from Germany in 1836 and bought, cleared and settled the farm now ovwied by Peter Kissel, his son. George and Lewis Haas came here in 1836 and bought the tract of land now owned by William Haas, George afterward bought the farm now owned by George F. Baltz and occupied by Will Ivliller. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 265 Abraham Stafford cleared and settled the farm now owned by Nelson Lingenf elter. RoUin Cotter built a house ' on the lot now owned by Dorris Herkimer and carried on the tanning business a good many years. Nathaniel Norton settled on the farm now owned by Fred Hoch- semier. He came to this part of the country in i8i6 and is supposed to have been the first to settle on a farm in this locality. Ira Patchin was a soldier of 1812. He came here before 1820 and settled and improved the farm know as "The William Patchin Place." Jarnes Griswold came in the later thirties and settled and improved the farm now owned by John Patch. In 1832 John Norton built the stone house now owned by the George Norton heirs and his niece, Lucennia Norton. « Luther Brown came from New Hampshire in the early twenties bought and settled on the southern part of the farm now owned by the John Dorr heirs. Josiah Halladay came from Russia, Herkimer County in the early twenties with seven sons and settled on and improved the farm now owned by his grand son, Sherman Halladay. Thomas Thair came from Quebec, Canada in the later twenties and settled, cleared and improved the farm now owned by Bvron Hart. Gordon Gloyd came from Vermont in the later twenties and set- tled on the place now owned by Mrs. Albert Putman at Clayton Center. Lynn Barney came from Vermont in the early thirties and settled on and improved the farm now owned by his son. Almond Barney. Gideon Rodgers came from Jericho, Vermont in 1822 and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Olive Halladay and occupied by Jacob Johnson. Dr. William Frame came from Herkimer County in 1822 and practiced medicine until his death 1847. His son, Luke E., M. D.. studied the science with his father and practiced medicine in De- pauville a good many years. Dr. Aaron Sumner came to Depauville in the latter thirties and settled on the lot now owned by Charles Babcock. He also practiced medicine in this locality a good many years and held the office of post master. Oliver Wright came from Vermont in the early thirties and settled on the farm now owned by John Dorr, junior. 366 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. William Mitchell came in the early thirties and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Alice L. Bretsch and occupied by Ernest Bretsch. John Swartout came in the early.thirties from the Mohawk val- ley and settled on a tract of land between the farm of Edd. Dorr and George Miller. It was probably the old "Nathan Tucker Farm." Valentine Dorr came here in 1834 from Germany and bought a part of the farm now owned by the Valentine Dorr heirs. It was on the northern part of the tract of land owned by Amos and Martin Gould. Elphalet Peck and family came here from Brownville. He was the father of Abner W. Peck. They came in 1825 and settled on the farm now owned by George Lehr. Abner was elected to the of- fice of superintendent of schools in the town of Clayton. He served as member of the Legislature and one term as sherifi of the County. Erastus Wright came from Herkimer County in 1834 and settled in this place on the lot now owned by William F. Lowe. He was a carpenter by trade and an extensive builder. He was engaged in this business a good many years. He had a commission as colonel in the militia. John O. Spencer came here from Washington County in the later twenties and settled on and cleared and improved the farm now owned by Thomas Dulmage. Waterman Johnson and James his son came from Herkimer Coun- ty in 1836. They were engaged in the merchantile business here for a good many years. James held the ofKce of supervisor a number of terms and served as member of the Assembly and was elected sheriff of the county. Amos Reynolds moved here from Montgomery County and set- tled on the farm now owned by Clanson Winslow and Emma, his wife. That was probably the old homestead of the Reynolds family. It is now occupied by George Orvis. Jonathan Hall settled here in the early twenties and cleared and improved the farm now owned by Stephen Diefendorf and occupied by Olin Winslow. Jacob Seeber came here in the early thirties from Brownville and settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Joseph Johnson. His son, E. J. was a prominent business man in this place, was elected to the office of supervisor several terms and served also two terms as member of Assembly. Bernard Poth came here from Germany in 1834 and settled on the place now owned by John Howell. Henry Haas came here frcm the father-land in the early thirties and settled about three miles east of Depauville on a farm which he STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 267 afterward sold to A. J. Baltz and bought a farm a mile north of this place. He was a professor of music and a very excellent teacher. Joel Smith came here from Montgomery County in the early thir- ties. His son, Sullivan owned the place now owned by Mrs. A. D. Grabber. He served as constable and deputy sheriff for a good many years. Some of the early school teachers in this village and vicinity are as follows: Bailey Ormsby, Pattie Wright, Amos Gould, Lucy A. Bailey, An- drew Bailey, Cerenas Wakefield, Adelia Bassit, Washington Rey- nolds, George W. Gillet, Ellen Fowler, Mary Everett, William Smith, Abner Smith, E. M. Winslow, Brainard Everett and Francis Wright. In. the early twenties James Plumb came from Vermori^. In 1 822, he received a commission from Governor DeWitt Clinton as captain in the militia. He settled on and cleared and improved the farm now owned by Frank Lowe. • •In the early twenties Captain Samuel McNitt . settled on the place now owned by Luke Seeber. He was captain during the war of 1 812 and was in the battle of Sackets Harbor and other battles on our northern border. He performed good service and history gives hifh the record of being a faithful soldier and a brave man. The aforesaid are names of those who came and settled in the lo- cality of Depauville before 1838. Among the very early settlers were the following: Phineas Osborn, Schuyler Osborn, Peter Lowe, Anthony Atwood, Nathaniel Norton, Gaylord Enos, Erastus Wright, Dr. Wm. Frame, John M. Mount, Addison Maxville, Johnathan Hall, Joseph Epps, Frederick A. Gillet, Amos Gillet, Amos Reynolds, Abel F. Lowe, Waltham P. Case, E. M. Winslow, Henry Haas, William Thomp- son, French Lowe, Adam Fry, Jacob Seeber, Hubbal Fox, Joel Maddison, Joel Halladay, John Severns, Rodger Severns, Benjamin Brown, Thomas Thair, Gardner Jones, Merritt Spery, James Gris- wold, Jason Schermerhorn, Valentine Dorr, Johnathan Hall, John Norton, Amos Otis, John O. Spencer, Luke E. Frame, M. D., Alfred Fox, Jacob Burnham, Luther Brown. Amos Gould, Nicholas Rose, Isaac Lowe, "Henry Bailey, Georffe Poth, William Cheever, Gideon Lowe, Chester Lowe, Thomas Whittier, Jonathan Whittier, Leonard -Vincent, Melzer Fowler, George Haas, James Griswold, William Brown, Samuel Anderson, John Dorr, Wilson Wright, Nathan Tucker, George Babcock, Foster Hall, Lewis Haas. 388 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. The growth and progress of Depauville has been steady. The village now contains four stores. The stone store owned by Richard Terry and kept by Walton & Potter was built by Stephen Johnson in the early thirties. That and the stone building owned by Mrs. A. D. Grabber are about the oldest buildings in the village. The store, post-ofKce and telephone office kept by A. D. Lowe, the store in the Masonic block kept by Charles Dorr and the store kept by John Gon- seth in the building 'formerly occupied by John R. Clark all carry a heavy stock of goods and are doing a fine business. There are two hotels, two churches,. Methodist Episcopal and Free Will Baptist, a grist mill- and saw mill and a cheese box factory. Also one of the largest and best equipped cheese and butter factories in this part of the state. The fraternities of Depauville are the Grange 59, Depauville Lodgff F. & A. M. 688. Depauville Court of Foresters Lodge 848 L O. O. F. and lodge 304 Rebeccas and Depauville Chapter of the Eastern Star 125.- The fraternities are all flourishing and have a good membership. There is a good school of two departments, wagon shops and black- smiths shops, two resident physicians, postoffice and telephone office. Our stream is well stocked with pickerel. and black bass and the fishing is good. The cemetery here is organized under a charter and is controlled by a board of trustees and is financially in a prosperous condition and is improved from year to year. A great many old pioneer settlers are buried here and the veteran soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Vet- erans of the war of 1812 and a good many Civil war veterans are laid to rest here awaiting the final roll call on Resurrection Morn. There is a cemetery one mile north of this place near Corbins Corners. A good many old settlers are buried there. The place is overgrown with brush and sadly run down. The union cemetery three miles east of this village in the German settlement is kept in a good condition and many of the old settlers are buried there. The interest on a sum of money loaned out is used to keep the cemetery in repair. In this brief sketch of the early settlement of Depauville I have gathered the information from the best sources I could find. Some from early records, some from the descendants of the old settlers and some from the oldest inhabitants. The dates and names are as correct as possible for me to obtain and I hope that the community will remember that perfection' is hard to attain and will overlook errors and mistakes for it is very hard get- ting at the facts. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 369 The old settlers have nearly all passed away and the few that re- main have forgotten the dates and the answer is, "I cannot remember, I have forgotten, that is too far back for me" but I have done the best I could with the material at hand. ELLISBURC. By Fred Ellis. ElHsburg is one of the towns of the southern tier of Jefferson Coun- ty, and was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, of the towns to be settled. It was formed from Mexico on Feb. 22, 1803, and was named Ellisburg from Lyman Ellis, the first settler. It is one of the wealthiest towns in its agriculture in the county, and is sur- passed by few towns in the state. Agriculture has always been its chief industry, and its citizens have been a good class of men and prosper- ous, so that they have had the time and spirit to attend to their mental and moral development, as well as financial advancement. It early had religious societies, which flourished until now they are strong in members and influence and the schools of Ellisburg have been a pride to her sons and daughters- So eager for what education they could get were the early settlers of this town, that the first school was started in a blacksmith shop, with a few pupils, who learned the rudiments. This grew until a church building was used, and not long afterwards a school house was built. At present it has a fine system of schools, and the well known Union Academy. The first settlement was made by Lyman Ellis in I797- In that year he and his brother Marvel came here to take up some land they had purchased from Constable, who owned all the land in the present limits of the town. They were influential in bringing other settlers to the town in the succeeding years. The next year Lyman Ellis built a dam about a mile below the present village of- Ellis"burg, and opened a grigt mill. The floods of the next spring swept away the dam; but as soon as it moderated, a larger dam was built. That spring a number of settlers came, among them Caleb Ellis, Robert Fulton, Elija Richardson, Hezekiah Pierce, Chauncey Smith, Wm. Root, Vial Salisbury, Isaac Waddle, and Abram Wilcox- Settlers began to come faster after these men had done some clearing and built grist and saw mills, and proved the value of the soil. In September, 1 798, Marvel Ellis wrote to Constable : "We have a good dam across the creek, a good saw-mill, well fin- ished and running, and have done considerable on a grist mill. We 270 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. have on the same lot a large and handsome improvement, have had a fine crop of wheat, and have very fine corn. The people that are on the land have good improvements for the time and are industrious. I enclose you an account of the small sales to the settlers, the price sold for, and vi^hat has been received, which is small in proportion to what is laid out on the land." In the spring of 1799 the dam was again swept away, and the mill partly destroyed. The saw mill and grist mill were then removed to Ellis village, and were put in operation again in 1803. The proprietors at first gave certificates of land, allowing the people a certain time after exploring the desired settlement to go back for their families. But after a time it was found that these certificates were being transferred causing a good deal of confusion and the practice was stopped. The town grew fast in settlers and wealth- In 18 10 there were four grist-mills, six saw mills, two fulling-mills, one trip-hammer, a distillery. There were six school houses, which were also used as places of worship. Ellis village contained a grist and a saw mill, a fulling-mill, the distillery, a school house, and fifteen houses and stores. In 1820 the taxable property was $242,465. There were 13,454 acres of improved land, a good proof of the industry of the settlers, over 4,000 cattle, 600 horses and 8,OQO sheep. There were made in the families in 1821, 51,576 yards of cloth. There were five grist- mills, fourteen saw-mills, three trip-hammers, two distilleries, and thirteen asheries. It will be seen that while the industrial plants were increasing, and the lumber business becoming important, the number of distilleries did not increase as fast. In the twenty-three school districts over 1. 000 children were being taught eight months a year- Not a bad record for the first twenty years. The embargo act of 1808 received much opposition from the Feder- ' alists in this town, and caused trouble. A party from Oswego, under Lieutenant Asa Wells came to Ellisburg and seized a quantity of potash, and also carried away a swivel from the home of Captain Fairfax. A warrant was issued for Wells for a breach of the peace, and a constable and a few men went to arrest him. But he held them off with his soldiers, and came back soon after, to arrest the justice and constable. Another warrant, was Issued for Wells, charging him with breaking open a house in Sackets Harbor. The con- stable raised a force of about 200 men to help him this time, and there would have been considerable trouble, had not the justice been afraid that the constable had no right to raise a force until he had been STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 271 esisted under this warrant, and so refused to order them to go ahead. Considerable political capital was made out of the incident by the oth- r party, those engaged being charged with almost any crime that ould be thought of in the heat of a political speech. In i8i2 the people of the town were much disturbed by the fear if a British invasion, and were ready to assemble at a moment's no- ice. The same spirit was found in their descendants at the time of he Civil War, this town furnishing its proportion of the troops raised n Jefferson County. Road building took much time in the early days, and connections vere made with all the nearby settlements- The plank and cordu- oy roads of those days are gone now, and the more traveled roads .re being macadamized by the state engineers. The Baptist church was the first one organized in the town, in 807. The Congregationalists formed soon after; and now there are learly twenty church societies of the various denominations in the. own. In 1826 an association was incorporated to take charge of Union \cademy. Giles Hall gave six acres for a site. This institution tarted off as a manual training school but dropped that feature, and ;ave more attention to education. At first it was very successful for . small school in a country district. Later hard times came, and its [ebts grew, and the trustees were almost ready to give it up. It was •eopened in 1840, after the needed money had been raised, mostly hrough the efforts of Rev. Jedediah Burchard, the noted evangelist. Since then the school has flourished, and the attendance has grown, nany states and even foreign countries being represented among he pupils. It has been very fortunate in its principals and instruc- ors, who have been able and good men, and have done much towards lirecting the students at "Old Union" on the path of true citizenship. ts fame has spread far and wide. On the whole, the history of Ellisburg has been much the same as hat of the other towns of Jefferson County. The early settlers were trong, able men, or they would not have come here, nor could they lave overcome the difficulties of life here in those days. But they lade the beginning of turning the wilderness into fertile farming buntry. Their children inherited their qualities, and began fhe TOrk where their fathers left ofi, and carried it on for the next gener- tion to complete. There have been no great crises in the town's istory, for good or ba'd, but its people have gone along the even tenor 373 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. of their ways, steady workers, generous neighbors and good citizens, while as well as other towns, Ellisburg has produced men of note. In this short sketch an attempt has been made to give only a gener- al outline of the town's history. HENDERSON. Capt. E. Tyler. The first knowledge we have of Henderson was obtained from Captain John Bishop who lived to be over 96 years of age, and was buried in this town. He was an ensign or second lieutenant in tjie old French War of 1756, who with a part of his company marched from Fort Stanwix, now Rome, through to Henderson Harbor and there waited for the rest of his company who accompanied the boats or batteaus sent down the Oswego River and came to Henderson Harbor. They remained over night at Chesnut Ridge. The next morning they started for Kingston all on board the batteaus, and staid the next night on Grenadier Island, where Capt. Bishop marked his name on a tree standing near a mineral spring. Old Dr. Barney had seen the name and date a number of times. He had a numerous family of sons and daughters. Capt. Bishop had sailed into the bay of Naples- in Italy and he gave Henderson Bay the name of Naples, and it bore that name down to 1826 when Mr. Henderson the owner of the township had it changed by act of Legislature to Henderson Bay. Capt. Bishop was so impressed with the country and location that he moved his family of four sons, Luther, John, Calvin, and Sylvester who settled in town and were prominent men in the early history of the town. David Bronson was the first settler in the town, and built his log house on the bank of Stony Creek in 1799. Roswell Davis moved from Vermont to Henderson in 1806 with an ox team. He settled on the farm now owned by his son, W. P. Davis. His oldest son is now living at the age of 96 in St. Paul, Minn. His only son is Cush- man K. Davis once Governor of Minnesotta and U. S. senator and. one of the brightest men in the senate, and called the best constitu- tional, lawyer in the body.- Nelson, the father, during the War of the Rebellion was Quartermaster General and had charge of furnish- ing the supplies of the army. His district covered seven or eight western states. Luman Peck moved with his family also from Vermont and set- tled in town in 1806. He raised a family of children who quite STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 273 early in life moved to Wisconsin. He published.a paper called Peck's Bad Boy. Afterwards elected Governor of Wisconsin. Captain George Clark was a very early settler in town. He al- so raised a large family. During the War of i8i2 he raised a company of volunteers, was elected captain and served during the war. Took part in the battle at Sandy Creek in Ellisburg, also Sackets Harbor, and served during the war guarding the frontier. Dr. Daniel Barney emigrated from Rhode Island to New York in 1793 and located in Adams. Moved to Henderson in 1807 and was the principal physician at the time. Dr. Lowrey Barney was born in Rhode Island, came with his father, 'to Henderson andi con.*- menced the practice of medicine at the age of sixteen years. He had several diplomas from medical colleges. Was a- member of the N. Y. State Medical Association of which he had served as president, and at one time was president of a medical institution. -In 1^51 he be- came acquainted with Gen. Stonewall Jackson who was visiting that place in search of health. This acquaintance ripened into a strong friend- ship until the general's death. Gen. Jackson was so impressed with the ablility of Dr. Barney to work a cure in his "disease, chronic dys- pepsia, that he insisted on accompanying Dr. Barney to his home where he remained six weeks, taking daily walks to Henderson Harbor as part of the treatment, and quaffing freely of buttermilk, and eating of brown bread. Jackson was a professor in a military institution at the time of his sojourn here. He returned to Virginia a well man, and always even when attending to his 'strenuous duties as a general, never forgot to partake of his buttermilk whenever it could be procured. This friendship for Dr. Barney was exemplified by Gen. Jackson at the battle of Bull Run, where the lamented Jack Barney, then a Colonel, fell in battle. Some of his comrades who were bearing the body from the field were captured by the Confed- erates. On learning who the dead officer was, he caused the body to be embalmed and the escort released on parole in order that they ■ might carry the body to his home. Stonewall knew Jack Barney, who lived in this town during his sojourn here. Dr. Barney was a life long democrat and figured prominently in politics, having served his dis- trict in 1836 as a member of the N. Y. State Legislature. He was a Union man during the war and did all he could for the preservation of the Union, having sent two sons into the army. His younger brother, Hiram Barney, born in 181 1 in Henderson, was a graduate from Belleville Academy, afterwards studying law, and was admitted to the bar in New York City In 1836. His position at the bar was a prominent one. In early life he became interested in the cause of temperance and anti-slavery. He served as presidential elector on 274 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. two occasions and alsb attended the convention that nominated Lin- coln. He was on terms of intimacy with Lincoln and was consulted by him in reference to the formation of his cabinet. He was also consulted and helped to draft the emancipation proclamation. He was appointed by Mr. Lincoln collector of the port of New York in 1 86 1, and when he resigned at the end of three years, President Lin- coln offered him an appointment, but he declined. Mr. Barney was an intimate friend of Chief Justice Chase, and James G. Blaine, both of whom he entertained often at his home at Spuyten Duyvel, N. Y. King Victor Emmanuel of Italy at one time presented Hiram Barney with a valuable necklace in recognition of valuable services rendered to some Italians a.id their ship. Mark Hopkins, the Californian Railroad King was born in Hen- derson. During the War of 1812, a man at Roberts Corners raised a Brit- ish flag. The flag was soon torn down, a.id the man soundly thrashed by a crowd of incensed people, and peace was restored in that part of the town. Among the very «arly settlers in Henderson, were the McNeils, four brothers, William, Morton, Ansel and Elihu who were promi- nent men in town and state affairs, and one of whom, Elihu, served one term in the legislature. George Babbet also served two terms in the legislature. Samuel Griggs was also an early settler. Came from Vermont in 1806 and took up 600 acres of land. Alva Grow also came from Vermont in. 1806. He took up 200 acres of land. Moses Barrett, Chester Barrett, and Lucius Barett moved into town in 1807 and took up farms, built houses and raised families. A. Hira, Ansel, Asa, and Beebe Smith moved in town at a very early period from Rhode Island with ox teams as did all the early emigrants to Henderson, and the first business in order was building roads, clearing land of timber, and burning to ashes and making pot- ash, a very profitable industry at that time, and across the low and swampy lands at that time they were obliged to make their roads of logs lying close together, and some of those causeways lasted and were used for forty or fifty years. Up to 1813 the passageway to Sackets Harbor was marked trees. At that time the state road was built from Sackets to Oswego, one skirting the shore of the lake and the other through the east part of the town. The eastern road was cut through the east part of the town. The eastern road was cut through in time to allow- the people of the country to carry the big cable for the big ship New Orleans, from Sandy Creek to Sackets STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 275 Harbor. Every able bodied man in Hounsfield, Adams, and Ellis- burg were called to help carry the cable. The people responded cheerfully to the call, as well as to serve in the ranks of the militia to protect their homes and families 'from the British and Indians, and without other compensation other than a desire to whip England so that she would stay whipped, and they did it. Our sailors were pressed into the service and served from three to four months with- out any compensation. One man, William Wilkinson, on board schooner Henderson, which was burned by order of General Brown to keep her from the hands of the enemy, was discharged in Ogdens- burg and obliged to walk home in cold December weather, without a penny of money, clothing in tatters, begging his food on the way, and never received one penny of pay for his services. The people in that early day were industrious as wey as frugal and on their farms, they raised flax and wool to manufacture clothing for the family, and in each household were to be found the spinning wheel, the looms for .weaving cloth out of which all the garments of the family were made. Hinckley Stevens at an early date moved into town and settled on the shore of Henderson Bay. He had five sons, Schuybell, Clark, Prince, Theophilus and Charles. AH were sailors on the Lakes. Colonel Elikam Barney, the father of Col. Jack Barney, who was killed at the battle of Bull Run, was an early settler in town. Capt. James White, whose father moved into town at an early date. Captain Edward White, a brother, both of whom commanded the best vessels on the lakes. Capt. J. M. White is now nearly 90 yeare of age. David Montague was an early settler in town, also John Carpen- ter was another early settler and prosperous farmer. Among the solid men of Henderson in its early history was Ed- mund Burham who kept a store for years. In the early fifties moved to Chicago and engaged in the wholesale drug business. His oldest son, who was born in Henderson, was president of the Chicago Ex- position, and is today a prominent business man of Chicago. Among the veterans of the War of 1812, may be mentioned tht names of George Clark, William Wilkinson, Silas Wilkin- son, Ebenezer Sawyer, David Sprague, Anthony Sprague, John Carpenter, Leonard Seaton, and others that I cannot now recall. Jedediah McCumber was one of the early residents of Henderson, and one of the leading men of the town. He accumulated a large property, was a great financier, and a large land holder. 3T6 STOHIES OP THE TOWNS. Elihu Joiner, a merchant, Amos White, carding machine and cloth dressing establishment, Heman Barney, miller, were among the early residents. Deacon Amassy Brown was one of the first settlers in town. In submitting this brief, the effort has been to get out side of the numerous histories, and simply dwell more on details and reminis- cences. This is written from information mostly from Dr. Barney and old Aunt Polly White, who moved into town in 1804, and who witnessed the battle of Sackets Harbor from the bluffs across the bay from Tylers, and who married James White during the war and located on a farm directly opposite Six Town Point. Capt. Forsyth of the regular army quartered his troops on their lands for six weeks. She died about ten years ago at the advanced age of 96. HOUNSFIELD. Rev. CH.'iRLES T. Raynor; Rev. Charles T. Raynor of Sackets Harbor read an excellent paper on Hounsfield. The town was formed in 1797 and was called New- port, but through an acquaintance of Ezra Hounsfield, who had pur- chased a portion of thfe town, the town was given the name of Hounsfield.' The town was organized in 1806 and Mr. Augustus Sackett was chosen its first supervisor. He it was who constructed the first house at Sackets Harbor, which is still standing. In 1814 the village of Sackets I'arl-"i was mcorporated and three years later a stone hotel was built. In 1820 the government built a lighthouse on Galloup island and the harbor was dredged. The present school building was constructed in 1840 and in 1848 the Sackets Harbor and Saratoga Railroad Company was incorporated, to be built from the former village by way of Carthage to Saratoga county. The second bank organized in this county was the Sackets Harbor bank. The first plank road in the county was built from Sackets to Water- town in 1848. The first paper published at Sackets was the Sackets Harbor Gazette in 18 17. Orders for the building of Madi- son Barracks were issued in 1 815, tha original reservation containing 39 acres. One of the smallest naval stations of the United States is at Sackets having been established after the war of 18 12. LYME. By Harriet L. Knapp and Charles R. JCnapp. It was not until March 6th, 1818 that the territory now embracing STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 311 Lyme, Cape Vincent, and that part of Clayton west of Penet's square contained enough inhabitants to separate from Brownville and become ^ town. The name was selected by Eben Kelsey, a pioneer of Cape Vincent who came. from Lyme, Conn. Th^ first town meeting was held March 3, 1818 at the house of Luther Britton, Chaumont. In 1833 Lyme gave territory to help form Clayton; in 1849 Cape Vincent became a separate town. The history of our section may be divided into two periods; first, the Indian occupation to 1788 when it became a part of the Empire State; second, its pioneer days and development to the present time, which finds it one of the most prosperous and progressive towns in the county. Lyme presents an interesting field for Indian study. At the beginning of the seventeenth century it formed a part of the hunting and fishing grounds of the Onondagas. This people ha(f many tradi- tions concerning their origin, but one the most probable is, that they came from the north along the St. Lawrence in struggling bands, lived for a time in the Rutland hills, then gradually migrated southward, and tarried a while at Oswego Falls and Seneca river. Late in the sixteenth century on account of the great war which broke out between the Mohawks and the Algonquins, they sought the highlands still farther south, where they found a safe refuge. About this time, the great league was formed on the shores of Onondaga lake, and the Onondagas, the haughtiest of the five nations, became the keepers of the council fire of the Iroquois. Though their long houses were now in central New York, they still hunted and fished in the northern territory through which they had come, and claimed it among their possessions. Many of the relics found in Lyme are characteristic of this Indian nation, but some bear evidence of earlier visitors of whom the Iroquois were not descendants. Lyme differs in this respect from the interior towns of the county, as their camp sites are purely Iroquoian. They also had many per- manent villages while Lyme can claim but one, though it abounded in fishing camps. The reasons for this are apparent. The Abor- igines seldom settled for any length of time except on fertile soil, easily worked, and so they avoided the stiff clay of our town. The second requisite was a secure position and one as retired as possible. Chaumont bay, then as now, afforded the best of fishng grounds and was resorted to by the tribes from far and near. Thus our shores could never have been a safe retreat for the location of their per- manent villages, but did afford to the Indian the three greatest ■278 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. pleasures of his life, excellent hunting and fishing and at the same time the chance of a battle with one of a hostile nation. It is due to these transient visitors that local collections comprise so great a variety of curious articles many of which must have been left by the early comers, as the Iroquois knew nothing of them, and of their age it is therefore impossible to make a correct estimation. There are two articles common to this section and to the land bordering on the St. Lawrence, which have convinced archeologists that at one time the Eskimos had fishing grounds here. The woman's knife and the arrow shaped knife are the specimens which havt- traced this northern people to our shores. A purely Iroquoian camp site has never contained these articles. There can be no doubt but that they belonged to the Eskimo, who today constructs his knives af- ter the same pattern and of the same polished slate. When the first white men came to the western continent the south- ern limits of this race extended much farther south than today. Car- tier speaks of finding them in 1535 in Newfoundland. It is therefore probable that during the fifteenth century they were migrant visitors of the lower St. Lawrence and at that time sought Chaumont bay on their fishing trips. Being a peaceful people, they were finally driven by the Canadian savages from their old haunts, and forced by degrees to take up their abode farther north. There is still another class of relics which indicates the presence of a race here of whom nothing is defintely known. The bird amu- lets, ceremonial stones, gorgets all made of polished slate are the work of this people. They are found in by-paths and fields remote from other remains of Indian life. The first settlers who cleared and cultivated land lying near the end of Point Salubrious turned up with their plows many Indian pipes and pieces of pottery. Unfortunately there was no leisure time for pioneers to interest themselves in these things, artd so they were cast aside and lost. However, a recent digging in the same vi- cinity has established beyond doubt the location of a large fishing hamlet there. Some of the pottery found on the site is of a very rare kind. Rude homes of the Indian fisherman stood long ago on Independ- ence point, where today are the cottages of the pleasure seekers. That this was a favorite spot of the red men is evinced by the mixed char- acter of the camp, which produces pottery of many kinds. Some pieces are crude in design showing they were made at a very early date, while others exhibit such skillful workmanship that our admira- tion is aroused. One small fragment has a face smilar to those found in Onondaga, and**'is an important discovery for it adds one more STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 279 proof that the tradition of the Onondagas regarding their occupation of Jefferson county, was no myth. Fishing camps on Long Point and on Three Mile Point have the same crude pottery and are assigned the same early period. There were two routes by which the Indians went back and forth to the St. Lawrence on visits, friendly or otherwise, without exposing their frail canoes to the rough waters of Lake Ontario, that are es- pecially turbulent off the south shore of the Peninsula. One was by ascending Chaumont river to where the present village of Depauville is located and from there going over a well trodden trail to French creek; The other route which consisted in crossing the portage known now as the long carrying place was probably more frequently used. When the road to Point Peninsula was made crossing the eastern part of this portage, the workmen told of many Indian graves which they discovered. While relics from these were not preserved, yet the story of the find was never forgotten. A few years ago.it came to the notice of one interested in aTcheology who began dig- ging in the high embankment near the road. After a few feet ot earth were removed, a skeleton in good state of preservation was un- earthed; but heavy stones barred further progress into the ground, and for a while the work stopped. Curiosity to see. beneath these stones, which had been placed with so much care and so great labor finally lead Oscar Northrop, owner of the land, to attempt their removal. With assistance of his sons the stones which they estimated to weigh a ton were taken out, and they found below a pit, filled deep with the human bones of sixteen skeletons. The skulls showed the cause of death, -as the dents left by the stone hammers were plainly visible, but a more careful examination by physicians proves that the aborigines were not so easily removed from the world as the white man of today for the blows which would have felled one of our race to the ground never to rise again had not im- mediately killed the poor Indians. Were they the unfortunates of a war party who had survived the battle long enough to reach this convenient place for burial? One of the skulls was remarkable for its great capacity. The articles taken from the pit are of special interest. A dagger strongly resembling in shape the kind used by the European, but made from an elk's horn, is carved and polished in an artistic manner, while the arrow heads of flint and jasper are exceedingly fine specimens. The presence of a bird amulet found in this unusual place involves ques- tions for discussion and is one of the exceptions previously mentioned. The only-permanent Indian village in Lyme was located on the Gil- 380 STORIES OF THE TOiVNS. bert Wells farm north of Three Mile Bay. The site was chosen undoubtedly on account of the loose fertile soil found there. It was a considerable town, occupying about five acres and contained several long houses. These were from fifty to eighty feet long, and each consisted of strong frames of upright poles set into the ground. The roof was triangular or round, while the covering of the whole was formed of strips of elm bark tied to the frame with splints. Through the center of the house was a passage way, where the fire pits were. The occupants of four apartments, two on each side, which opened off the hall, used one fire. As six continuous fire pits have been found on the Wells site, twenty-four families occupied one of the long houses. None of the camp sites of Lyme have ever produced beads or other articles made by the European. They are therefore classified as pre- historic, and a study of the relics reveals much of the life of the Indian before he came in contact with the white race. He use the hook and spear to catch fish which probably he pre- served for a length of time by smoke. His net was a seine. His weapons for large game were tipped with bone and flint, and with- out doubt the same served in war. The shells of the clam, turtle, and snail together with the bones of the duck, >goose, turkey, grouse, bear, moose, deer, coon, beaver, muskrat, hedgehog' and squirrel which have been found on the camp sites here shows that the animal food of the Indian consisted of nearly every living thing. No part was wasted as even the bones were broken for the marrow. The food was boiled, roasted or eaten raw. In boiling, hot water was kept ready to add to the food kettle by hot stones being dropped into handy pots. The Indian ate but once a day; when food was plenty he gorged, otherwise he endured hunger that no white man could have survived. The Indian name for Chaumont bay was Ka-hen-gou-et-ta mea-- ing where they smoked tobacco. The location of Peninsula at the foot of Lake Ontario made it the natural stopping place for war parties and other travellers who skirted the shores in the small boats of the early days. Many re- cords are found of these stops in shape of French axes, bayonets, flint lock guns, and one old iron cannon. Undoubtedly m case of rough weather the early voyagers took the portage known as the Long Carrying Place which route would bring them inside of Chaumont bay. Off the north shore of Cherry Island old anchors have been hauled up, while in the center of the island and on Point Salubrious cannon balls have been unearthed. One of the most singular finds is a sword with an ornamental brass wrought hilt, which about eighty years ago was taken from a high bank on the shore of Point Salu- STOmES OF TUB TOWNS. 281 brious by Nancy Tremper. Growing over the place was a thorn apple tree in full bloom ^hich showed it had been placed there many years before. It may have marked the grave of some French or Eng- lish officer as it was the custom to bury the side arms with their owner. Saniuel de Champlain and about ten of his countrymen were the first white men to look upon the territory now forming Lyme. In September of the year 1615 accompanied by several hundred Hurons, they passed to' the west of Wolf and Grenadier Islands and coasted along the south shore of Point Peninsula. Three weeks later they returned over the same route after a defeat resulting from an attack on the Onondaga fort. In 1654 Father Simon le Moyne and a young Frenchman called Jean Baptiste visited Onondaga. From a journal that LeMoyne kept, it is evident that they took the portage at the long carrying place. Thus they are the first white men who have left a record of having landed on the shores of Lyme. Two years later twenty canoes, containing four Jesuit priests and from fifty to sixty colon- ists, went by Peninsula on their way to establish a village in the On- ondaga country. Even when they passsed our shores "hunger pressed the party sorely, but they hoped for relief at a fishing village at the mouth of Salmon river". They found no one there, and "from their distress the place was long known as La Famine." De Le Barre, the Governor of Canada, had his camp in the same place in 1684, arid his soldiers likewise suffered from hunger. Fath- er Charlevoix, a later writer, assumed it received its name at the last mentioned date, but that he was mistaken is evident from the fact that De La Barre, before even he had sent his first detachment, used the term La Famine to designate the place for the camp. In the Documentary History of New York State La Famine is translated Hungry Bay showing that Gov. Dongan understood two places to be identical. On some early maps the name Hungry bay is given to the body of water now known as Chaumont bay. Oth- ers locate La Famine at the moutji of Sandy Creek, but there is suffi- cient proof that Salmon river was the place meant. In the winter of 1675 Fathef Hennepin, accompanied by a soldier crossed our ter- ritory on his way from Fort Frontenac to Onondaga. Though on snow shoes, he experienced considerable difficulty in making the jour- ney and especially noted the great depth of snow. La Salle walked twice through Lyme on his way to Fort Fronte- nac. The first time was in the spring of 1670 when he was return- ing from an exploring trip down the Ohio. In February of 1679 he again crossed our town. Two men attended him, and a dog dragged ■2%-2 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. his baggage on a sledge. The trip through Lyme was one of fast- ing, as food failed two days before reaching the fort. During the French and Indian war Lyme lay in the pathway of the hostile nations. On the 27th of March 1756 a party of four hund- red French and Indians captured Fort BuU which guarded the carry- ing place from the Mohawk to Woods creek. They retired with many prisoners towards Canada. At the mouth of Black River they were met by a French batteaux which took some of the company aboard. The greater part set off on foot toward Oswegatchie (Og- densburg), by a route which led through Lyme. The description of the journey given by one of the captives is interesting. "The French carried their wounded men all the way on their backs. The Indians had three of their party wounded, which they, likewise carried on their backs. The prisoners were so divided that few could converse together, and what was still more disagreeable and distressing, an Indian who had a large bunch of green scalps marched before me, and another with a sharp spear behind, to drive me after him, by which means the scalps were kept close to my face." During the Revolution a company of soldiers while being trans- ferred from Oswego to Carleton island, were over taken by a storm, when along the south shore of Peninsula. They tried to make a land- ing, but the waves were so high that their boats were carried com- pletely over the isthmus and dropped into Chaumont bay. They suf- fered great hardships and many died. Tradition says they buried a chest full of money at a spot marked by a big oak- tree. About forty years ago several men came from Canada, and, spent a number of weeks digging for the treasure. During the Revolution the conduct of the Onondagas, still the pos- sessors of our territory, did not please the united colonies. First they promised neutrality; then pretended frendship for the Ameri- cans, but all the time worked with the Britsh. Considering this, it is not strange that they viewed with displeasure the Patriot successes, and that they were considerably exercised over their future when peace was proclaimed in 1783. Great Britain made no provisions in the treaty for these, her allies, and they were left to the mercy of the conquerors; but owing to the influence of Washington and Schuyler who advocated a liberal policy toward the Indians, they received just treatment. In July 1788 Gov. Clinton and commissioners appointed by law met the chiefs of the Onondagas, Oneidas, and the Cayugas at Fort Stanwix. At this grand Council the Onondagas ceded all their lands to the State excepting certain reservations, for a thousand French crowns in money, two hundred pounds' (New York currency, equal ISIORIES OF TUB TOWNS. 283 to about $500) in clothing, and five hundred pounds annually for ever. Thus the territory of Lyme came into the possession of the State of New York. A few years, later it formed a part of two divisions of the Ma- comfe's purchase. The greater portion was in that half of lot No. 4, which became the property of James LeRay on January 3, 1800. Point Peninsula was included in the Castorland tract, for which Peter Chassanis negotiated in 1793. The French company that Chassanis represented appointed two of their members, Simon Desjardine and Peter Pharoux of Paris to explore the boundaries of their new possessions. They arrived in the United States in the summer of 1793, and were joined in Albany by Mark Brunei, one of their countrymen who was then a political exile, but who afterwards became a famous mining engineej. These three Frenchmen with four Indians started from Oswego in an open boat to go to Black river. When they reached Chaumont bay, it is evident from their journal that. they lost their bearings, and that in their wanderings, they landed several times on the shores of Lyme. Simon Desjardine afterwards located permanently in New York city, and in company with others bought 3,002 acres on Point Pen- insula. When the French company failed, James LeRay assumed its debts and took the land that remained unsold. Then he became the own- er of all the territory comprising Lyme with the exception of the Desjardine purchase. During the last ten years of the eighteenth century several surveys were made of this section. In 1794 John Campbell ran the Chas- sanis line through the northern part of Point Peninsula. Two years later in the fall Jonas Smith headed a surveying party that had a gen- eral camp on the north shore of Pilliar Point. Of their sufEerings much has been told. They crossed our town several times on their way to Carleton Island, where they were forced to go for provisions. The information thus gained by Jonas Smith and his assistant, T. Wheeler, was instrumental in determining the location of the first settlement at Old Town Spring. The next summer a surveying party from Utica lead by Luther Rawson passed through Lyme to a point on the St. Lawrence between Cape Vincent and Clayton. LeRay gave to Jacob Brown of Brownville, who had shown him- self a master hand in the wilderness, the general supervision of the northern section. Nothing was done, however, with regard to set- tling it, until word came of the depredations of lurriber thieves, and then Jonas Smith and Henry Delamater of Ulster County were ap- 384 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. pointed agents to lead a party of pioneers into this wilderness. The fact that Smith had knowledge both of the country that LeRay de- sired to open up for settlement and the hardships to be endured un- doubtedly secured for him this position. In the spring of 1801 the company, consisting of . the leaders before mentioned, with Richard Esselstyn of Claver- ack, T. Wheeler, Peter Pratt, - James Soper and his sons, David and Timothy, and a few others whose names are not known set out from Kingston, Ulster Co., to establish one of the first colonies in our county north of Black River. They took the route so often travelled during the preceding war — the JVIohawk, Wood Creek, Oneida lake and Lake Ontario; but the canal at Rome, dug in 1796, lessened the difficulties of the journey. At Oswego Falls their Durham boat was swung around the portage on poles, and the goods, which they brought with them for a store, were carried around by a wagon. Sailing from Oswego, which at this time con- tained only, a few families-, Hough says, "They entered Chaumont bay, and by direction of LeRay, ascended Chaumont river, two and a half miles, and on the north bank commenced a settlement." As Le- Ray did not visit this section until 1803, he must have been advised of the advantageous situation of the place by Smith, who no doubt was influenced in his selection by the fine water supply which a spring gave, and by the fact that only a short distance above was the Indian, trail which led to the St. Lawrence. As soon as a clearing could be made they built a double log house for a store and a dwelling, and a frame building. When they first arrived, their nearest neighbors were the settlers along Perch river and at Brownville, but later in the season Abijah Putnam established a ferry on the St. Lawrence at a place early known as Port Putnam. About the same time Capt. Bartlett, by the direction of Smith and Delemater, located a mile below the present village of Clayton, with the apparent object of running a ferry to Gananoque, but with the real purpose of watching for lumber thieves. The agents, howevei-, were disappointed in their choice of a man, for after a stay of ix year or two he set fire to his dwelling and ran away by its light. Just before navigation closed the pioneers returned to their homes in Ul- ster County, During the fall they had trapped beavers, whose lodges were common' along Chaumont river, and the skins of these with those of other animals which they shot, were sold at a good profit on reaching a market. Early the next spring when they returned, accompanied by others, they found unfavorable conditions confronting them. It was a STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 285 season of high water, and so far did the river set back over the land that not even a trace of the spring was visible. Disheartened but not discouraged, they set to work to build more houses to accomodate the new comers. Sickness broke out, and the cause was aparent to all ; the situation had not been well chosen, as the sluggish stream was the breeding place of malaria. Affairs were made still more gloomy by a sad accident which resulted in the first death in the colony. One Sunday morning Timothy Soper went to the point of land just below the spring to go in swimming. A canoe was moored near by, and, before plunging into the water, he attempt- ed to jump into the boat. Striking the bow it glided from beneath him and he fell backwards into the water and was drowned. He was buried on the river bank about thirty rods below, soon more graves were added and for several years it was the burial ground of the settlement. The depression which prevailed was soon afterward dispelled, for the time at least, by an event which brings to Lym*. a feeling of pride in the honor of having the first celebration of In- dependence Day in the county. There were older and more prosper- ous settlements in the county but none more patriotic. The cele- bration was held on Independence Point, which was so named in honor of the event. More than 200 people were on hand to enjoy the exercises and sports. Plenty were the refreshments, both food and drink. By the spring of 1803 the colony had abandoned its location, at what was afterward known as Old Town Spring, owing to the un- healthy condition, and established a new settlement at the mouth of the river. During the year a village plot was surveyed and was named Chaumont in honor of the French estates of James LeRay. A most singular coincidence occurs in this name. The word, Chau- mont, is derived from chaux limestone, and mont, mountain. The chateau de Chaumont situated on the Loire was so called from the limestone clifts that surround it and that the same stone formed the most prominent natural feature of our village is an interesting fact. The early houses were built facing the river, and in one of these Samuel Britten opened the first tavern in Lyme. During the year Smith and Delamater put into operation a saw-mill on the site oi the present cheese factory. Smith erected for himself a frame house which is now standing. In March the first town meeting of Brownville which included Lyme was held at the home of Jacob Brown. Among the officers elected from Chaumont were Henry Delamater as a fence viewer, path master and pound master; and Peter Pratt as assessor. It was 386 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. sometime during this same year that LeRay and Gouverneur Morris enjoyed their famous shore dinner on Cherry Island. In 1805 LeRay made very liberal ofEers to mechanics to settle in Chaumont and in Ffeb. of the same year John M. Tremper and Daniel Tremper, brothers, tanners by trade came here led by these inducements. James Horton, who was relied upon as a wagoner in going to and from distant markets, brought the Tremper families- with his ox team from Kingston, N. Y. to their new horne. He wa> so taken with the country that, before returning East, he had agreed to bring his own family and join the settlement. In Feb. 1806 he came again over the same route accompanied by his wife and children. Several other families moved in about this time and more houses were built to accommodate them. The year however which began with so much prosperity was destined to end disasterously. The first misfortune was the failure of Smith & Delamater, caused by the ex: pense of attending an attempt to erect a saw-mill on Wheelers' Creek in the town of Clayton.- The excitement of the failure which had thrown some out of employment and ruined others financially, was hardly over when entire families were striken with malaria, or lake fever, as it was then called. At one time during the summer the only person able to be about was a colored man. As soon as they had re- covered, many of the settlers left for more healthful localities, among whom were Smith and Delamater. In 181 2 the settlements at Chaumont village and Point Salubrious contained about fifteen families. When the news arrived that war was declared, the excitement ran high, for visions of an Indian massacre rose before their eyes. General- Brown commanded the frontier, and by his advice a block fort was built on the north side of the bay opposite the stone house now owned by Fred. Dillenback. Trees were felled and placed across the state road which was the natural approach by land from Carleton Island. The settlers from all parts of the town, fearing scouting parties of British and Indians, brought their families to Chaumont. During the_ day they stayed in the village, but at night all slept either in the block house or in the tavern opposite, which was kept by Luther Britton. One woman, Mrs. James Horton accompanied by six children, after a night in the block house said that she preferred to risk a meeting with the enemy, and the next morning returned to Point Salubrious. During the summer the fort was torn down in accordance with an agreement with the British that they would not molest the settlement if this was done. The old cannon in the fort, which had originally been found at Point Peninsula and bought by Jonas Smith for two gal- STORIES OF THE TOWA'S. 287 Ions of rum, was sold to Mr. Camp at Sackets Harbor and was after- wards sent to Ogdensburg and there captured by the British. On July 2, 1813, a company of British soldiers landed on Point Peninsula enroute for Sackets Harbor which place they intended to surprise and burn. One of the soldiers deserted and was pursued across the Peninsula to Long Point, where to save being captured he took to the water, floating on a log to Point Salubrious,, He told of the intent of the British which information was sent immediately to Sackets Harbor and so saved the town. In October of this same year General Wilkinson's expedition against Canadian towns was wrecked on our shores. With a large flotilla of scows, Durham boats, common sail boats, and batteaux; containing besides officers and soldiers, ordance, ammunition, hospital stores baggage and two months provisions for the troops. They left Sackets Harbor at six p. m. with favorable weather conditions. At one o'clock a. m. when ofl Peninsula shore the wind freshened to a gale, and the boats became much shattered ; at half past two the wind changed and increased in velocity driving the boats back on the ehores ; some landing on Penin- sula, Cherry Island and Salubrious. The morning disclosed a scene of desolation truly distressing. The shores were strewn with broken and sunken boats, and when the balance of the troops passed the second afternoon they could see in Chaumont bay many camp fires of the shipwrecked soldiers. In 1818 a Quaker colony from Philadelphia, Pa., joined the settle- ment at Chaumont through the influence of Musgrove Evans who had lately located in the village as LeRay's agent. They at once buili a church in Main street next to the Winch property : and opened the first Sunday School The church a number of years after was moved further down the street- and used as a land office and later ^gain moved to where the James block now stands of which it forms a part. The stay of the Quakers was short as malaria became pre- valent and the place did not meet their expectations. They left tht homes which they were building, and the cellars and partially con- structed houses remained just as they were for many y^ars. Musgrove Evans removed in 1823 to Michigan where he founded the town of Tucumseh. During his residence at Chaumont he was much interested in the prosperity of the village. LeRay intrusted to him the building of a stone inn which had been commenced some time before. Under his direction it was finished sufficiently to allow the Quaker landlords, Amos Evans and a man named Pitman, to open the inn to the public. Vincent LeRay often visited the inn and on one occasion accompanied by Joseph Bonaparte who spent the night .there. This was afterwards called the Chaumont House, and is at 388 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. the present time the property of Geo. A. Lance. For his own home Evans built the stone dwelling now owned by Geo. Dillenback. The date 1820 carved in a corner stone leaves no doubt of the exact year of its erection. Evans planned for Chaumont to grow into a city. He surveyed and made a map of several streets which were never opened to the public. Alexander street which now would be on the north side of the railroad ran parallel with Main. Water, Evans and a third street in the vicinity of the J. J. Dillenback property connected with Alexander. In 1825 a new industry brought several families to the village. The Davis Bros, opened a quarry, and a large quantity of stone was taken that year to Oswego. From that time to the present day the Black River limestone which forms the strata in which the quarries occur has been a great source of profit to Lyme. In 1826 Clark Ryder and Alexander Gaige were the keepers of the inn. Shortly after this P. P. Gaige, brother of Alexander, came from Cape Vincent and opened a store in the building at the souths easterly corner of the long bridge, and it was designated as the "white store." William Lynde was the merchant in the adjoining building which was known as the "yellow store." Mr. Gaige's day book for the years 1 828-29 gives interesting information. Butter sold at a shilling, and eggs were worth from six to eight cents per dozen. Tea, however cost one dollar a pound, but the book contains no record of so large a sale ; only a few purchased by the half pound ; a quarter was the limit of the majority. Coffee was not used at all. Very little sugar was sold ; the settlers made "from the sap of the maple trees a supply of sugar sufficient for the year. Calico was 55 cents per yard, and a piece lasted several years for few bought such expensive gowns. As the book contains no record of other dress materials, the women of Lyme undoubtedly made their share of the 160,500 yards of homespun which was produced annually in Jefferson County. That the pioneer enjoyed a few pleasures is evident from several items of dancing pumps. Many of the cotillions took place on the flat rock of Point Salubrious. Shoes for other than these festive occasions were made by the traveling shoemaker who visited each family once a year. Pearl ash was sold in place of salaratus and baking powder. This was made by boiling down, the lye of wood ashes. The sales of snuff equaled those of tobacco, but these were not the chief articles for which the early settlers spent their hard earned money. Whiskey, i quart; rum, i pint formed the principal enteries in the book, and a shilling bought a quart of the best. Many thought no gathering was complete unless the whiskey jug was passed, though^ iSTumiua ur ruj!j i\jvvi\a. at times it was detriment as shown at the raising of one of the largest barns in the town. So frequently had the jug been visited that when the critical moment arrived the condition of the men were such, that their wives were forced to come to the rescue and assist. Shortly after this William McPherson announced his intention of raising a barn without the aid of those intoxicants. His brothers thought it foolish to 'attempt anything so unusual and warned him that few would respond to his invitation. Much to his delight his neighbors arrived at the appointed time and appeared perfectly satisfied with the new order of things. In 1832 P. P. Gaige became landlord of the inn where he lived for two years, when he bought the Musgrove Evans house and the village lots surrounding it. After much diffi- culty he obtained a title to Alexander street which with the lots formed what was known as the Gaige farm. In 1834 Alexander Copley, who the preceeding year Ij^d moved from Felts Mills to a farm near Chaumont, purchased a house, store, saw and grist-mill of William Clark. The little store which was the beginning of the present business section stood on the right bank of Horse creek, a stream so called from the fact that a team of horses had sunk in the quick sand found in one place along its shores. The house was situated on the opposite bank, while the mill stood in the site of the one built by' Smith and Delamater in 1803. Chaumont at that time consisted of thirteen houses located in Water street and lower Main street. Then came a stretch of woods ending with the clearing containing the Copley property, with the exception of the . village commons on the north side of Main street nearly opposite the Presbyterian church. The commons were used as the parade grounds where the town militia met at regular intervals for general training. On these occasions the people gathered from all parts of the town and held a basket picnic. The cider wagon and the gingerbread cart were on hand and in great demand. The militia of Lyme was known as the Floatwood company. Wm. M. McPherson and Wifliam H. Lawton, two residents of the vil- lage, were at different times in command of this company, with the title of Colonel. Many of its members had seen actual service in the war of 1812. In 1823 Captain S. Green l^d the militia in an attack on the trespassers on Grindstone Island and while some firing was done, the only death reported resulted from the accidental dis- charge of the man's own gun. During the years 1835-6 sixteen families moved into the village, among whom were the names of Coffeen, Massey, Coburn, and Pat- terson. F. Coffeen followed James Cross as landlord at the inn, while Solomon Massey became the merchant in the "Yellow store." 19 290 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. About the same time Vincent LeRay gave to the village a piece of land in Main street to be used for church and. school purposes and a commodious stone building was erected which then was considered a great ornament. This served until 1880 when on a different site the present school house was built. Nancy Smith who opened a school in her father's house in 180.5 was the first teacher in the vil- lage. Elijah Graves was the first to teach in the stone building. In 1837 the Patriot movement caused great excitement. During the winter a lodge of rifle men was organized in the town, and more than a hundred became "Hunters and Chasers" as the Canadian sympathizers were named. The following November the members were called out by order of the commander to make a raid on Canada. Arnong those who responded were Charles Smith, Joseph Thompson, Chauncey Bailey, William Gates, Andrew Leiper, Charles Dory, Daniel and Willoughby Liscom, Sylvester Lawton, Ira Polly, Levi Putnam and Russell Phelps. The illfated battle of the Wind Mill soon followed, and several of the men of Lyme who had entered into the affair under a delusion paid for their folly with their lives or suffered what was worse than death — imprisoned in VanDiemen's Land. Three of the unfortunates, Sylvester Lawton, and tlie two Liscoms, were^rom Chaumont. Lawton who was only twenty-three was among the ten who were executed in Kingston. David Liscom died on the battlefield, while his brother was transported to Van Diemen's Land where he remained three years before being pardoned. About 1840 a hotel was opened in a stone house which stood on the site of the present Presbyterian parsonage. John Dingham, the landlord and builder was one of the pioneers of the village. He died aged 105,' and after reaching his hundredth year still continued to peddle fish. In 1852 a disagreement arose over the location of the station, Mr. Copley who had continued to buy land until he was one of the largest land owners in the county represented what was known as the upper section. He established a hotel there which was then kept by Chester Andrus. The lower business section was represented by Hamlin and Clark, merchants in the store next to the toll gate, and by Ira Inman, pro- prietor of the "yellow store." The matter finally settled in favor of the site near the Copley property and around this the business then centered. Ira 'Inman later erected the town hall and the Jaquay block. The Banks block was built about 1853 by A. L. Hossleton. In 1853 the village of Chaumont contained fifty dwellings, five stores several ware houses and shops, four saw-mills, two schools, a Presbyterian church and a railroad station. 8TOBIE8 OF THE TOWNS. 291 In the mean time the surrounding country had been increasing rapidly in population, and many acres had been cleared and put under cultivation. Among those who at an early date took up land on the Morris tract were Volkerk Getman, William Blodgett, Benedict Arnold, Amos Sheppard, who built the first frame house in this vicinity, and families by the name of Stratton, Antis, Henderson and Lawrence. About 1845 there were sixty-five in attendence at the log school house which stood on the farm now owned by Dr. A. A. Getman. Along the left bank of Chaumont river near Cold Spring was a settlement consisting of several Mormon families. Every Sunday their leaders, Grant and Daniels, held services at a log school house. In 1848 with several of their adherants, the Mormon sailed from Chaumont on the schooner Oxford, destined for Nauvoo, 111. Point Salubrious. Point Salubrious was named by James LeRay at the time when sickness prevailed in nearly all of the settlements on his tract. Think- ing the Point to be free from -the conditions that caused the trouble, he gave to it the appropriate name. Salubrious, which time has justi- fied. In 1802 Henry Delamater cleared the land on the end of the Point. Four years later James Horton, who then lived at Chau- mont planted the clearing to corn, but the bears saved him the trouble of harvesting it. The next spring he purchased land on the Point and built a log shanty, into which his family moved on the first day of April, 1807. Three weeks later the Mills family located on the adjoining land, now the Johnson farm. During the harvest time of the same year the two men spent from Monday morning until Saturday night at Perch River where they worked wit^i their sickles. During one week of their absence both families lost their fire by neglecting to bury a brand in the ashes over night, Mrs.Horton, after enduring the inconvenience several days remembered a log heap which had been partially burned some time before. When she reached the placCj the blackened mass showed no traces of fire ; but to her delight a little son found live coals on the under side of a charred log, and cooking became possible once more. In the fall the men took their wheat to the nearest grist mill which was Sackets Harbor. On the return trip a gale from the north came up and they could not double Bull Rock point. For more than a week they were wind blown on the south shore of Pillar Point. Their food supply consisted of hoe- cake made from their flour and bay water baked on a flat rock. At last the wind changed and they reached Salubrious. At another time to avoid the water route, Mr. Horton and a man by the 'name of 392 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Williams took their wheat to the -mill at Brownville. As the roads were very bad, one walked ahead to find the best footing for the horse; while the other led him and kept the bags across the saddle. On arriving at the mill they found they could not have their turn until in the night. Mr. Horton took the horse home and left his friend to see that their grinding was not forgotten. Early the next morning he set out and to his surprise he met Williams near Limerick with one of the two bags of flour on his shoulder. The other bag was a little way back 'having had its turn of being backed all the way from the mill. John M. Temper was the third man to purchase land on Point Salubrious. He was followed in 1809 by Harry Horton and Stephen Fischer who moved their families from Delaware County. Mrs. Horton came on horse back with a mirror, her most prized possession, in her arms. The next settler was Joseph Ryder who moved from Chaumont in the spring of 18 13. Among other early comers- were David -Ryder, Silas Taft, Ralph Rogers, Hiram Pomeroy, William Johnson, Nathaniel Warner and Almon Blodgett. In the summer of 181 3 the timbers of the block fort which stood at Chaumont were floted to Point Salubrious, where they were reconstructed into a school house located at the west corner of James Horton's land. In this block school house in 1 816 Elder Joseph Maltby organized a Baptist church. People came from long distances to attend revival meetings which were held. In 18 19 James Horton and Joseph Ryder built for .themselves stone dwellings. One is now occupied by Stewart Lansing as a summer home and the other as a farm house by H. L. Hayes. The first settler on Cherry Island was Benjamin Rewshaw who was drowned off the north side of the island. Three Mile Point. Three Mile Point was first settled in 1816 by Simon andjared White, who had been lumbermen squatters at Depauville. In 181 7. they, with their families, started in an open boat for the west, and went into camp the first night near Sackets Harbor. None of the eleven persons composing the party were ever afterward seen alive. The next year a permanent settlement was made by Robert and Wil- liam McPherson, who two years before had come from New Hamp- shire to Cape Vincent to work on the French homes that were build- ing there. Robert McPherson located on a farm at the. mouth of White Eish creek, where he put up a log house and a saw' mill, which STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 293 was the only one in this part of the town for many years. His brother, William bought the adjoining land, and later another brother, Hugh, settled near by. The Torry family were also connected with \he early history of Three Mile Point, arjd until a few years ago, a deserted house and a few graves marked their place of residence on the Duck Harbor farm. The settlement of the western part of the town, including Three Mile Bay, North Shore and the Wells district, commenced about 1815-16. Just who were the first, second and third settlers can- not at this time be accurately determined, as no records, family or ■otherwise, have been kept. It is a fact that before this section had made any great headway Peninsula was all taken up. Many of those who came before 1820 had seen service in the war which had just closed and upon getting their discharge prospected the surround- ing territory looking for a satisfactory location to make their future home and grow up with this new country. About 1815 John Combs and his family came by boat from Genesee Co. and settled at the Isthmus. For mi.ny years he had the only grist mill, very crude however, in that part of the town. It consisted of a hardwood stump hollowed out like a mortar with a heavy stick hanging above it to be used as a pestle. The corn was put in and pounded and worked until it became meal. The turnpike west from Soper creek was also one of the first to ratch the settlers' fancy. It was in 1815-16 that John Reed from Herkimer county, Clark Northrop from Johnstown, N. Y., and Charles Caswell, a soldier, came and took up land here. They were soon followed by Peter and Benjamin Estes, Thadd?ous Smith, Jacob \. Williams and John Dayan. Isaac Wells and his seven brothers from New Hampshire, in 181 8 located their farms in what is now called Wells district which was then a solid forest. They were the nephews of Luther Rawson, who headed a surveying- party through this section in 1797 and, it 'vas probably through his influence that they came to this locality. Tradition says the first house in Three Mile Bay was located at the southeasterly end of the bridge over Three Mile creek and was owned by Thaddeous Smith. The second was known as the Leon- ard house and stood near the mill on this same stream. Ch'arles Caswell built the third on the turnpike. Among the settlers up to 1830 we find the names of Daniel Ross from Saratoga iii 18 19, and James Reed who came from Herkimer County in 1 821 and settled on the turnpike, Samuel Allen, Clark Putnam, Pearley Putnam, Rufus Bartlett, Aaron Whitcomb, James Plumb, Josiah Smith, Daniel Borden, Henry Powers, Charles ■29i STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Leonard, Stephen Webster, James VanEpps who kept the first hotel here and the Clines. In 1824 Benjamin Taft came from Manlius, N. Y., and purchased a farm opposite the Putnam school house. He returned home and soon after started his son Oliver Chapin Taft, then a lad of 14, alone with a team of oxen and the household effects to find his way through this vast wilderness to their new home. It was in February; the snow was very deep and the cold intense. He suffered many hard- ships but pressed forward and at last reached his journey's end where two weelcs later he was joined by his father with the family. In 1826 Daniel, Richard, Harry and Ebin Guile, four brothers, settled on the North Shore followed the next year by Charles Wilcox and several years later by the Selters. By 1830 farming lands had been rapidly taken up. Many of the new comers paying cash, while others purchased on contract, which would be renewed from time to time, on payment of a $5.00 fee, when they were unable to meet the payments called for in the contract. Many lived on their land for years without a better title. Thus the early settler was given every chance to create for himself future af- fluence. The several streams flowing through this portion of the town con- tained some good water powers, and from an early date mills were in operation. On Soper Creek the saw and grist mills of Harry Powers were among the first, many years later, in 1 86 1, the flouring mill of L. P. .Phelps was built. Kinsley brothers and Jacob Put- nam also had mills. On old time Batchellor creek (now called Wells) was the Batch- ellor saw mill with a turning lathe. The mill yard, which covered nearly the whole of what is now the back sti;eet, was &■ favorite play ground of the school children of 1830 or earlier who attended school in the frame building on the present site of Solon Rogers' house. This building was erected in 1824 and was notecf for its huge fire place. In front of this mill yard was the early home of the Estes family and later known as the Aunt Sally Dual house. It is however on Three Mile creek where we find the greatest activity. There were the mills of Dowing, Harris, Emerson, Taft and Estes. Some are only a memory at the present time. The Estes mill at the mouth of the creek is still in operation at certain seasons of the year. It was built in 1820 by Peter and Richard Estes. In 1833 William Dewey purchased of Vincent LeRay one thousand acres of swamp land located two and a half miles north of Three Mile Bay. It was heavily timbered with ash and was therefore known as the "Ashland farm." Being a dvil engineer Mr. Dewey STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 295 gave his personal attention to the reclaiming of this swamp by giving it the proper drainage. He was assisted in the work by his father Timothy Dewey. They were very successful in this undertaking which had taken a large expenditure of money and much time to complete. To-day it is one of the best farms in the town. Among those coming in 1834 was a German named Andrew Bakes who had a sad experience here. On the way over from Germany he met a man who claimed he was an agent for land owners in this section. On arrival they came and looked over a farm on the turnpike which Baltes bought, paying the agent for same in gold He at once built a house and planted his crops. About a year later the real owner called and asked by what right he was there. Baltes then explained the purchase and was told that the supposed agent was an imposter, that he must move from the property at once,, also must give up his crops and team of oxen for the rent. Thus he lost all he had. They then moved into a fishing shanty which afforded but slight -protection. Here they lived during the winter and endured much suffering from the cold. The village of Three Mile Bay had its beginning with the mills of Estes and Batchellor. The fishing Interest was also a factor. It was however the coming of Asa Wilcox in 1835 with his ship building that gave to it life to enable it to reach its present growth and im- portance. For nearly twenty years Mr. Wilcox kept everlastingly, at it and built nearly fifty boats during that time. He gave employment to many men. Launching days were picnic days for the surrounding country. It was during this same year that Peter and Daniel J. Schuyler came from Montgomery county, the former to take up land on Three Mile point and Daniel J., In partnership with William Carlisle, to open the first store in the village. It was located in a store house down near the shore. Before this the settlers were obliged to go to Cape Vliicent or Chaumont for their supplies though many had beet, in the habit of waiting until they took their grain or fish to market which was usually Albany. From now until the coming of the rail- road in 1852 every farmer In driving his grain to market made the return trip pay him a profit as he would have a commission from the store to bring for them a wagon load of merchandise. At this time came Jacob P. Empie from Fulton county, Wilson Mount, Cornelius Becker, Peter Hayes, Dr. William Carlisle and Joseph Van Doren from Montgomery county. The year had brought many new comers who were destined to be ■ important factors in the future of the town. 296 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Christopher Fox came from Fulton county in 1837, Robert C. Baird from Montgomery county in 1838. The old stone blacksmith shop was built in 1839. About this time Dr. D. J. Schuyler built a number of dwellings which were much needed owing to the many new families arriving, attracted by the large amount of work then going on. A survey of the settlers of this portion of the town shows a large majority from Montgomery county mostly from around Charleston, many from Fulton county and not a few from Herkimer county. In 1853 ship building ceased to be an active industry, and from this time the village progressed very slowly, and was retarded in its growth by three disastrous fires, the first in 1877, the next in 1886 and the last in i goo. The present commercial interests are : — Combs & Herrick and Stewart & Stedman general stores. Combs & Lot and Ward Mount groceries, Wilcox & Clark feed mill and coal ; A. D. Curtis furniture; S. H. Countryman Clothing; W. B. Ryder hardware; Southwell & Favery carriages; John C. Barber builder of_ gasoline boats; John J. Barron stone quarry. Point Peninsula The best information now obtainable regarding the early settlement of Point Peninsula is, — about 1808 Nathan Persons came from Vei mont and was the first settler. John Foster of Stonington, Conn, was the next to seek land here, and on investigation he was so well pleased that he returned to Connecticut for his family and as many others as could be induced to come. They started early the following spring with ox teams and arrived at Peninsula about the first of June. In the party was a lad of 18 named William Wilcox, who soon af- ter arriving enlisted at Sackets Harbor as a drummer boy. A year or two later John, Oliver, Ephraim and Edward Wilcox brothers of William came on from Stonington and helped to form the first per- manent settlement at what is now called Wilcoxville. Ephraim and Edward Wilcox lived here for three or fourr years and then returned to Connecticut. For the next few years the growth of the settlement was slow owing to the war which not only kept others from coming but took into the service most of those already here. From this time until 1820 we find among the names of the new comers, Sebra and John Howard, James Cooly, Samuel Fish, Daniel Holbrook, D. W. Angel, Aaron Hubbell, Asa Collins, Ethel C. Penny, Nathan Ingra- ham, Wm. Mayhew, Adam Burdick, Zimri Danly, the Hosingtons and Wheelers who were among the first to settle at the western end near the isthmus, Geo. H. Barnes, Roe Miner, Thos. Sanford, Henry Rice and Potter Hewitt all taking up their homes near the head. STORIES OF THE TOWXS. 297 At Wilcoxville, William Wilcox built the first tavern of logs and a number of years later it was rebuilt as a frame building which is still in use as a hotel being owned by George Putnam.- A store was opened by a man named Sackets about 1 820. Peninsula is strictly an agricultural section, though in 1828, 29 millions of feet of white oak was shipped to Montreal. In 1872 the idea prevailed with many that underlying their farms were large deposits of petroleum oil and other minerals. This belief resulted in the formation of company known as the Point Peninsula Oil and Mining Co., with a $5,000 capital for the purpose of digging, boring and experimenting in the -''search for oil, ore, salt, coal and other minerals on Point Penin- sula." The promoters were Daniel C. Holbrook, Welcome Wilcox, James H. Wiggins, O. S. Wilcox, Geo. A. Barnes, Jacob Putnam, L. D. Collins, H. M. Lepper and Nelson L. Enders. A well was drilled, and they did find traces of oil, salt and gas, but not in suffici- ent quantities to justify any further outlay. The gas was used for some time in one of the Collins' residences, and it is said that the pres- sure is still good. The population, which at one time figured over 100 families has decreased to less than 70, thus showing that prosperity has come to some of the farmers by the increase in their acreage. The present business interests are a store, hotel, cheese factory and blacksmith shops. The public buildings comprise district school buildings and the Methodist Episcopal Church. Roads and Bridges The pioneers of Lyme were more fortunate in one respect than the early settlers of the inland towns of the county. The many points and great shore line of this town made it ppssible for its inhabitants to shorten distances by water routes. Lyme however has never neglect- ed its road system. At the first town meeting commissioners were ap- pointed to divide the territory into districts, and after a conference they reported twelve. In 1849 before Cape Vincent was separated, the number had increased to ninety three. Fifteen roads were surveyed and opened during 1829. The first highway in Lyme was cut in 1800 by 'direc- tions of Jacob Brown. It extended from a point in Black River at Brownville to the place where travellers were accustomed to ferry across Chaumont river which was opposite Old Town spring. Charles Welch and Otis Britton, who were employed to do the chopping, began work in November. At first the weather was warm and pleasant, but before the job v.-as completed a heavy fall of snow 298 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. came; their shoes wore out, and as the/ could get no new supply, they were obliged to roll big logs out of the road track in their bare feet. For some unknown reason no further work was done on this road and it became therefore no more than a path of which no trace remains. The next thoroughfare through Lyme was the State road which extended from Brownville to Port Putnam. This was cut out and partially worked during the winter of 1803-4. About twenty-five years ago where it crossed the Peter Van Doren farm, two rudely con- structed boxes were unearthed. The human bones within these alone marked their use as coffins, and told the story of a hasty burial by the roadside. A few rods from this highway on the Taft farm there was a deer lick well known to the Indians, judging from the arrow heads found there. In 1835 a blazed trail led from this point to the Well settlement. James Soper's log cabin was the only house on the State road between Chaumont and the St. Lawrence for fifteen years, and formed a stopping place for the Cape Vincent travelers. It of- ten took from 14 to 15 hours to make this journey and it was not un- common for the Cape Vincent pioneer to walk the distance with a bag of corn on his back which he was taking to Chaumont to be ground. In 18 15 the Cape Vincent toll turnpike was authorized and during the same year was surveyed and laid out, toll was discontinued and in 1 83 1 it was given to the public for free use. The condition of this road through the Chaumont woods was such that even as late as 1845, it was considered a hazardous undertaking to drive from Chau- mont to Three Mile Bay in the spring and fall. About 1 8 14 a road to the end of Point Salubrious became a neces- sity. The men of that vicinity could see but one location for it — ■ through the centre of the point; so they ran their division fences to the bay. Their wives did not view the matter in the same light, and were extremly indignant that they should be shut off from a water supply. Mrs. James Horton, a woman of considerable force of character was determined not to be deprived of her rights. During a quilting bee held at the time so thoroughly did she inspire the other women of the Point with the same sentiment that the quilting was fprgotten, and the company armed with axes and other im- plements adjourned to the shore. Under her direction they tore down the fences that blocked the way; then they commenced the re- moval of the brush preparatory to making the road where they de- sired it to be. Another meeting of these resolute women was un- necessary as the men finished the work which their wives had begun. A road to Point Peninsula connecti.ig with the turnpike was made about the j'ear 1818. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 299 The first method of crossing Chaumont river was by poling, which soon gave way to a rope' ferry and that in 1823 to a toll bridge. Cof. McPherson was its first keeper, William Johnson, the second; and Sylvanus Coburn, the third and last. The old toll house is still standing — the building at the right of the bridge on the village side. In 1849 toll was abolished, ^d for one day the bridge was free; the next a drove of cattle in crossing went through into the water on account of Its dilapidated condition. The ferry was again resort- ed and used for two years" while the present stone bride was building. The first stage route ran through Brownville to Chaumont in 18 10, and six years later it was extended to Cape Vincent. About this time Chaumont post office was opened, the one at Three Mile Bay about 1820 and on Point Peninsula between 1840-45. The railroad was completed to Chaumont in 1851 ^pd put in operation on November 20th of that year. Early the next spring it was continued to Three Mile Bay. Ship Building Lyme for nearly fifty years, beginning in 1832, was a large contrib- utor to the commerce of the Great Lakes by making ship building one of its most important industries. Asa Wilcox launched from his yard at Three Mile Bay over thirty vessels with a total tonnage of 6,410 tons. D. J. Schuyler, Col. Powers, Wm. Combs, E. Cline and Peter Estes were also builders at this point, Sebra Howard, G. C. Rand on Peninsula, and Wm. Clark, Robert Masters, S. and A. .Davis, Hiram Copley, Joshua Main, W. W. Enos, A. J. Dewey, Frank Phelps and D. C. Read at Chaumont. The following is a list of the vessels built at these points: Three Mile Bay — 1835, Florida, Elon Bronson — -1836 Pennsylvania, Kentucky, — 1837, Missouri, — 1838, Patriot, — 1841 Asa Wilcox, Havana, 1842 D. D. Calvin, Rocky Mountains, — 1843, Cambridge, Empire, Neptune, Col. Pow- ers, Bogart, — 1844 Cuba, Oregon, Ontario, — 1845, Milan, Hamp- ton, Rush, Breeze, — 1846 Clifton, Champion, Iroquois, Rio Grande, — 1847 Palmetto, Seminole, Portland, Acadia, H. R. Seymour, — 1848 Saxton, Ocean, D. J. Schuyler, — 1852 Melrose, — 1853 Hungarian. Total 36. Peninsula— 1832 New Yotk— 1834 Wm. Buckley— 1836 Bancroft —1837 G. C. Rand. Total 4 • Chaumont— 1832 Stephen Girard— 1835 Alleghan,— 1839, R- C. Mead,— 1847 Rip Van Winkle,— 1848 Oxford, Palmyra,— 1851 A. L. Hazleton,- 1852 P. P. Gaiee,— 1873 Mary Copley,— 1874 Wa- tertown,— 1875 A. J. Dewey, Edith Sewall,— 1876, Pinafore,— 1882 Emma,— 1883 Jessie Bain,— 1890 John F. Parsons,— 1894 M. 1. 300 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. Wilcox, — 1899 Northern Light, — 1900 — Jessie, — 1901, Hinckly, — 1902 Mignon, — 1903 Frank D. Phelps. Total 22. Fisheries The fishing industry of the town started with the first settler. Chaumont bay has always been noted foir its good fishing, and it was the favorite resort of the Indians in their day as it is with the white man in his. The early settler soon learned to lay aside his plow, for the time being, and take up the seine and net. The first seine came from Kingston, N. Y. in 1805, brought here by Daniel Tremper; the scoop or scarf net came into use in 1808, the gill net in 1845, and the pound net in 1859. From 1816 to 1855 the annual catch was not less than 10,000 barrels, mostly white fish and ciscoes. Many won- derful stories are told of the catches." It is said that one drawing of a seine has netted over lOO barrels of fish. It is not many years ago that the farmers drove in from the surrounding country, to meet the fishing boats as they came in, and buy, for a mere fraction of what would be their present cost, a wagon load of fish which they used for fertilizing their lands. Such wholesale slaughter of fish must nec- essarily have an effect on this industry. The year i860 saw the busi- ness at its height and from' that time on it gradually declined. At the present time only seven or eight people in the town are actively en- gaged in fishing as a livelihood. There are, however, many people com- ing to our shores who are the deciples of Izaak Walton, and they find much pleasure and satisfaction in their magnificent catches. It is through the influence of the thorough sportsman that the fish are now, not only protected by law, but that the waters are being con- tinually restocked. In the fall ciscoes and whitefish were dressed, salted and packed into barrels, half barrels and kits thereby preparing them for market. They found a ready sale both at home and away. Ciscoes not only formed one of the principle articles of food during -the long winters and with which nearly every home had a plentiful supply but, they were for years a medium of exchange in this vicinity and were known as "Chaumont currency." The fame of Lyme through her fishing industry was not limited by county or even by state lines as attested by a story told by Lawrence Gaige, a resident of Chaumont who was a prominent man in this section ; he was in Philadelphia, Pa., and on being asked by a Philadelphian where he was from, answered, "Wa- tertown," desiring thereby to impress his importance,- he was some- what taken down when the gentleman said: "Watertown! Water- town! Is that anywhere near Chaumont where they catch ciscoes?" STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 301 Mr. Gaige said from that time he never again denied his town. It is nothing uncommon even at this day no matter in w^hat part of the United States you may be, on mentioning that you are from Chau- mont to have a reply come back quickly, "so you are a ciscoe chaser." Churches Point Salubrious has the the honor of having the first church and the first Sunday school in Lyme. In 1816 the Rev. Jos. Maltby organized a Baptist society in the block school house previously men- tioned. From this mother church in 1834 two independent organ- izations were formed. The one at Point Peninsula composed of 18 members did not survive, but the other at Three Mile Bay, which started with six members, is now known a^ the First Baptist church in Lyme, and is the only one of this denomination in the town. The church edifice was erected in 1840 and rebuilt in 1899. The only Presbyterian society in Lyme was formed at Chaiimont ir 1831 but the church organization was not perfected until 1835. The Rev. Joseph A. Canfield the first regular pastor came to Chaumont in 1843 where hp remained for twenty one years. The church was dedi cated in September 1845. The three Methodist Episcopal churches of the town are at Chau- mont, Three Mile Bay, and Wilcoxville. The one at Chaumont was organized as a class in 1839. For many years the meetings were held in the stone school house and later in the town hall. The first church edifice erected in 1874 was burned in May 1897, and replaced by the present structure the following summer. The Methodist Episcopal church at Three Mile Bay has been in existence since 1838 when a class was formed. In 1854 the church was built. The church at Wilcoxville was organized in 1834. In 1880 the society reorganized and erected a building. All Saints Catholic church of Chaumont was dedicated in 1902. Many successful business enterprises are carried on in the town. The lime industry at Chaumont, conducted by the Adams and Duford Company has increased to such an extent within the last five years that five large kilns are now in operation. Rogers Brothers Com- pany seed house in the same village furnishes employment to many. But tfie greater portion of the wealth of Lyme consists of hundreds of acres of fine farming land. One of the chief crops is hay, for which the town is famed not only in the county but in the state. The citizens of Lyme have always appreciated the beautiful bay which indents the shores of their town. The number of cottages that are being erected every year is proof that other people have discovered the 303 STORIES OF. THE TOWNS. advantages that the numerous points offer for the location of summer homes. In 1904 the Cresent Yacht Club of Watertown. built a fine club house at Chaumont and it is the source of much satisfaction and appreciation to its members. LERAY. By John J. Kinney. Within, its-present limits, the town of LeRay contains 40,823 acres, of improved land as originally established in 1806, embracing all that part of Brownville as it previously existed, including substantially the eastern half of Great Lot Number 4 of the Macomb purchase, as originally created by act of the legislature, passed February 17th, 1806. The tow^n of LeRay included' all that part of the county north of Black River and east of the eastern boundary of Penet's Square, extending from the Black River to the St. Lawrence, except- ing however a portion of the town of Wilna which was annexed from Lewis County in 1813. The town now comprises about seven or eight thousand acres of what is known as Chassanis Tract and something like thirty-four thousand acres of Great Lot Number 4 of the Macomb Tract. The town derives its name from James D. LeRay de Chaumont, the distinguished landholder who made this town his home for many years. Portions of Alexandria and Wilna, all of Theresa, Antwerp and Philadelphia were originally a part of LeRay. The land surface is level or gently rolling and the soil is chiefly a clay loam and produces large quantities of the best hay raised in the state of New York; also the finest butter and cheese is manufactured from the abundance of sweet grasses and hay raised in this town. The principal stream is Black river which forms the southern boundary, while Indian river enters the town from Phil- adelphia, flows a few miles southwest then abruptly turns north, at what is known as the Indian River Bend, crosses the western extrem- ity of Philadelphia and enters the town of Theresa. Indian rivei affords good fishing and many of the gamey bass and saucy pickerel are landed therefrom together with an occasional muscalounge. Pleasant and West Creeks are the greatest auxiliary streams and have their courses through the town. They are made up and fed by numerous cold springs along their way and they are the home of the speckled trout, which have always made it their abiding place; however of late years it has become necessary to stock the different streams so last year (1904) Messrs. H. B. Dunn, Peter D. Helmer, STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 303 H. L. Lawton, and other enterprising citizens of this town placed one hundred thousand brook trout in these streams which were ob- tained from the Cape Vincent hatchery. The excellent water facilities of Pleasant Creek induced pioneers Benjamin Brown and Ethni Evans to make the first settlements and improvements in this locality. In the southern part and along Black rbver is an extensive sand barren containing about 14,000 acres which has not been occupied and improved for general agricultural purposes. Originally this tract was covered with a growth of pine timber but the forests were cut away and the large pine logs were drawn to the bank of the Black river about two miles above Great Bend and near the locality where now stands the thriving village of DeFeriet. and rolled into the river to be carried down by the spring freshet to Lake Ontario and there to be formed into rafts to be rafted to Montreal where they were loaded on vessels and at last^ound their way to the various markets of the old world. This lumbering on the Pine Plains gave employment to all of the surrounding country ^••trmers who, with their teams, found work during the winter, which put many a dollar into their pockets to be taken therefrom in time of need. This great tract has now grown up to small timber, such as stunted oaks and white poplars. The latter is now manufac- tured into excelsior by Charles Denesia who has a large trade and ships quantities to eastern markets. Thousands of bushels of huckle- berries are picked off the Plains every year, which taken altogether furnishes aid to many families who are dependent on their own labor for support, as the children can pick as many quarts as an older per- son. One of the pioneers of the town of Leray was Benjamin Brown, brother of Gen. Jacob Brown. Both came to this region and made their respective improvements while the territory formed a part of Oneida County. In the fall of 1801 Benjamin Brown visited this town in quest of a suitable site whereon to erect a saw mill and after looking about for a time selected a location on Pleasant Creek about on the site of the hamlet of LeRaysville. He made a clearing and prepared timber for a dam across the stream but the severity of the winter compelled his party to return to Brownville. Early in tht following spring work was resumed by cutting a road from Brown- ville to the mill site, Gen; Brown going in advance of the party with surveying instruments marking the course while they followed with the work of construction. After many incidents and some misfor- tunes and hardships the road was built to LeRaysville and work on the improvements was renewed. The dam and mill were completed and local tradition says that a big time was had at the raising. A log 304- STORIES OP THE TOWNS. house was also built for the accomodation of the workmen, and to this humble home in July following Benjamin Brown brought his bride, the pioneer woman of the town with whom he had just been married at Brownville. The erection of the mill on Pleasant Creek was a fortunate event in the early history of the town and had the effect to induce settle- ments by families from the east and elsewhere who were anxious to come to this region as it assured them they were to locate in an in- habited country where the means of living were provided. Settlement during the year i8o2 appears to have been limited to Benjamin Brown and members of this household with the exception of Thomas Ward, who came to this region about the time of the Brown settlement and located about a mile below the Settlement on Pleasant Creek and built him a log house. He helped to build the dam and saw mill at LeRaysville. In 1804 Mr. Ward went to Denmark, where he had left his family and brought them to LeRay. They followed marked trees through the dense forests. In 1808 the road was constructed, as it now is, from LeRaysville to Evans Mills. The year 1803 witnessed the arrival of several families. Among them were men of prominence who in after years had an active share in both town and county history and made for LeRay a prominent place among the towns of this region. Conspicuous among the settlers in 1803 were Joseph Child and his three sons Daniel, Samuel, and Moses ; all of whom came from Pennsylvania and were asso- ciated with many early events. Their surname has ever since been -known and respected in the county. The Child family located south of Brown's Mill on what has sjnce been known and designated as Child's Hill. In this same year Daniel CofEeen, William Cooper, John Petty, and Robert Sixberry also came to this region. William Cooper was a Frenchman whose correct name was Guillaume Coupart; but to the early settlers he was better known as French Cooper. -He came from France to Connecticut, from thence he came to the Black River Country in 1798, located first in Pamelia near Watertown, but was induced by the agents of Mr. Le- Ray to sell and remove into this town which he did, locating about one-half mile south of Ingerson's Corners. The place where he built his first house which was a large log house, can easily be traced now. Mr. Cooper ultimately became a large land owner, built him a large stone residence and was a man of influence and worth in the town. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 305 Dr. Horatio Orvis, the first physician of the town of LeRay, settled about one mile south of Evans Mills on what was then known as the old county road. James Kinney an early settler bought the Or- vis place and lived there many years. Horace Anable lives there now. Ethni Evans, founder of Evans Mills, Paul Anthony, Michael Cof- feen, Ruel Kimball, Alfred Commins, Richardson Avery, William Barber, Sylvanus Evans, William Delaware, Eli Davis, S. Brownell, Amos Broughton, David Burhans, Joseph Crey, Olver Fuller, Jabez Fuller, Peter Hoover, Thomas Huston, William Huston, Ezra In- gerson, Isaac Ingerson, Lee Woodard, Thomas Ward, Joseph Tag- gart, Frances Trevaller, Reuben Treat, Elish Steel, Alva Scofield, Abiel Shurtliff, Solomon and Amaziah Parkef, Alanson Lyon, Arnold Miller, Asa Barnes, Alfred Vebber, Gideon Allen, John Ingerson, John S. Brognard, Joseph Pierce, James Kinney, Peter^ Bellinger, Alvin Herrick and Stephen D. Sloan were among the first settlers. Ethni Evans has descendants living here now. Heil Evans, stone mason is a grandchild, and he has a son named Ethni Evans in honor of the founder of Evans Mills. George Priest, father of B. G. Priest, a respected citizen and a soldier of the Civil War. A number of families by the name of Gardner settled in the early days, near Slocumville. In 1825 the LeRay mansion was built and stands to the present day. It is well preserved and is used for a residence. It is still a beautiful place and is visited by hosts of strangers every summer who are anxious to see the LeRay mansion. The care which Mr. LeRay bestowed in the erecting and adorning of his villa which for many years was the seat of refined hospitality, is the glory of the town. In 1802 Benjamin Brown and his little party of workmen and others made the beginning. In 1803 his families were added to the number, in 1807 there were 150 legal voters and three years there- after the total number of inhabitants were 1,150. It is not surpris- ing therefore that the inhabitants of this section were desirous to have a new town created. The creating act was passed Feb. 17, 1806, and by it all that part of the country, north of the Black River and east of the east line of Penet's square was created a body politic and incorporated and named LeRay in honor of James LeRay, By another act of the legislature, passed April 4, 1806, a part of Ley- den was annexed to LeRay. The territory of the town has been reduced by the erection of Antwerp, April 5, 1810, a part of Wilna, 20 306 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. Apr. 2, 1813, a portion of Alexandria, including Theresa and all of Philadelphia, April 3rd, 1821. The first town meeting was held at the dwelling of Abiel Shurtlifi, March 3, 1807 at which the following officers were elected: James Shurtliff, Supervisor; Thomas Ward, Town Clerk; John B. Bossont, Ruel Kimball, Richardson Avery, Assessors; Daniel Child, Lyman Holbrook and Daniel Sterling, Commissioners of Highways; Thomas "/Thurston, Constable and Collector, Joseph Child, Eldad Evans, Overseers of the Poor. Among the several trading centers which have been established in the town for the accomodation of the inhabitants the little village called LeRaysville is the oldest. Here Benjamin Brown made the first improvement in 1802. Ethni Evans, the founder of the pleasant and thrifty village of Evans Mills, came from Hinsdale, N. H. in 1802, and was em- ployed by General Brown in making the pioneer beginnning at Brown ville. Within a period of twenty years after Evans made the first im- provement the village had grown to a place of considerable importance. Evans Mills became a post-office in 1824. William Palmer was first post master. In 1849 and 1850 the plank road was built through this town from Watertown to Oxbow and connected with the plank road from Antwerp to Oxbow and Morristown and Ogdensburg. The first cheese factory erected in this town was built by Erastus and John Kelsey in 1861 about three miles south of Evans Mills on the premises now owned by Wilson Martin. Wesley Rulison is the post master. About two years ago Free Mail delivery routes were established here doing away with the Post Office. A lodge of the Independant Order of Good Templars was estab- lished here about two years ago. The Baptist Church of LeRay was organized in 1814 by Elder Maltby and held early meetings in the barn situated on the premises where now resides Sylvester Petrie. The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in LeRay was formed Nov. 20, 1824 with James Ward, Wilson Pennock, Elijah Smith, William Taggart, Patrick Stewart, Henry Churchill, Parker Chase, John G. Stewart and Daniel Smith, Trustees. St. Mary's Church, Roman Catholic, dates back to about 1840, when a mission was established. ■ St. Andrew's Church, (Protestant Episcopal) was organized as a mission in the early part of 1871. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 307 For burial purposes in the early history of the Village, Ethni Evans donated a plot of ground. Slocumville is the name of a settlement about two miles east from Evans Mills in local history it is of little importance. Sanfords Corners. — In this locality, in the south west part of the town. Roswell Woodruff was the first settler, having made his im- provements in 1804. Joachim is the name of a locality on Indian river in the extreme north part of the town where Lucien Murat in 1834 proposed t& found a village in memory of his father Joachim Murat, once King of Naples and commander of Cavalry under Napoleon. Ingerson's Corners is the name of a locality in which Isaac Inger- son settled when he came to LeRay. Elisha Scofield located and built the house now occupied by Mrs. Northrup and family* Great Bend is a small village in Champion but on the LeRay side of the river. King Potter built a hotel about 1833. Black River village — In 1806 Isaac and Harvey Cleveland built a saw mill on the south side of Black river which was carried away by high water the next year. In 1831 a dam was built across the river and a saw mill was erect- ed by Coburn and Hubbard who ran it about 10 years and sold it to W. K. Butterfield. In 1836 the first Grist mill was built by A. H. Horton but this and the saw mill was burned about 1843. The supervisors from the formation of the town LeRay down to the present time were : James Shurtliff 1807-15; Ruel Kimbal 1816, Ethni Evans, 1817, Alvin Herrick, 1818, Horatio Orvis, 1819-25, William Palmer, 1826, John McComber, 1827-29, Stephen D. Bloan, 1830, John McCom- ber, 1831, Stephen D. Sloan, 1832, Seybeur Hastings, 1833-35, Ira A. Smith, 1836, Stephen D. Sloan, 1837, Daniel D. Sloan, 1838, Joel Haworth, 1839-40, Elisha Potter 1841-42, Lybeus Hastings 1843, Hezekiah L. Granger, 1844-45, Alfred Vebber 1846-47, Joseph Boy- er 1848-49, William G. Comstock, 1850, Joseph Boyer, 1851, Alonzo M. VanOstrand, 1852-53. Joseph Wager, 1854-55, William S. Phelps 1856-58, Octave Blank, i859> Lewis Palmer, i860, Octave Blank, 1861, Samuel G. Slocum 1862, Ceanthus P. Granger, 1863-64, Emos K. Gardner, 1865-68, Fred Waddingham, 1869-76, F. E. Croissant 1877-95. J- P- Steinhilber, 1896-97, John F. Emond 1898-03, L. G. Hawn, 1904-5- 308 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. LORRAINE. By Luther S. Pitkin. The town of Lorraine was a part of the original Boylston tract, called township No. i, being the central town in the South tier, Ellis- burg lying on the west afad Worth on the east. After various changes in ownership it became the property of Wm. Constable, April i, 1796, who died in May, 1803. The Constable heirs conveyed the same by deed dated April 26, 1819, to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, and from him the title passed to his son Wm. Con- stable Pierrepont, who during the remainder of his life occupied a fine manoral residence with a land ' ofKce at Pierrepont Manor, dispos- ing of the remaining parts of the land not already sola to settlers. The first settlement in town was by James McKee and Elijah Fox, brothers-in-law, in the fall of 1 802. At that time the country was a densely wooded ,unbroken wilderness untrodden by the foot of white man except as surveyed by Mr. Wright and his men in establishing town and lot lines. The original name of the town was Malta, from a part of Mexico erected as a town by an act of the legislature passed March 24, 1804. But it being found inconvenient to have two towns of the same name in the State, and a Malta having already been organized in Saratoga County, the same was changed to the present Lorraine, April 6, 1808, which at that time included the territory afterwards set off as the town of Worth in 1848. The surface of the town is elevated and very much broken by hills and gorges. The soil mostly of a gravelly formation, underlaid by shales so finely developed that the term Lorraine shale has become distinct geological term for the formation. The gulfs crossing the town in several places, worn wherever natural drainage occurs, by the action of the water to depths in many places of 200 feet, afford great attractions and 'scenes of ever changing grandeur and beauty are pre- sented to the eye of the artist and lovers of nature, but to the tax payers of the town who are called upon to contribute to the main- tenance of roads and. bridges the grandeur and beauty is not so en- trancing, several of the bridges spanning the streams being nearly 50 feet from bed rock. Following the settlement of McKee and Fox, many hardy pioneers from the eastern states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont found their way into this part of the Black River country. Some of the principle ones being Asa Sweet, Allen Pitkin, Ebenezer Brown, Osias Barton, grandfather to Hon. Enos Barton principle orator of STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 309 the present celebration, Abner Baker, Geo. Lamson, Michael Risley, Hubbard Randall, and many others induced mainly by the building of the old turn pike state road from Rome to Sackets Harbor so that by 1806 the town contained 128 families and in the next year the same territory had 161 legal voters. The first town meeting was held at the house of John Alger March 5, 1805, at which Asa Brown was elected Supervisor and Wm. Hosford, Clerk. Isaac Weston was the first physician as also proprietor of the first public house of entertainment, called tavern in those days. Betsey Burpee was the first school teacher, afterwards the wife of Aaron Brown, one of the most prosperous business men of the town, and father of Hon. Levi Brown , a leader of the bar of the county. In 1 81 3, the town including Worth was divided into 18 school dis- tricts. The number of acres in town is 24,499 and the greatest population was in i860, being at that time 1697, which has gradually decreased until at the present time is only about 1 000, a condition due to the same causes which have in like manner reduced the population in near- ly every interior town in the State and particularly in localities where agriculture is the principal pursuit of the people. Lorraine is in all respects a purely Agricultural town producing abundantly of hay, grain and potatoes, but the land being especially adapted to grazing hence butter and cheese have become staple commodities of the people. The first cheese factory was erected in the west part of the town by Ira Bettinger and A. B. Allen in 1864. In 1865 the Maple Grove factory was built by Joseph Grimshaw and Lorenzo D. Reed. It has been in continuous operation since. Is now owned and operated by L. S. Pitkin. The same year the Pitkin factory on the State road was built by Erwin Pitkin and A. Webb. In 1866 Pitkin bought Mr. Webb's interest and since that time it has been owned and operated by himself and son, L. S. Pitkin. The Lorraine Village factory was originally built for a creamery by Jay D. Grow in 1880 and since converted into a cheese factory at the present time owned by W. R. Grow, M. H. Fox, E. N. Daulkins and L. S. Pitkin. The other cheese factory in town at the present time is Winona, built in 1893 by a stock company, now owned and operated by L. S. Pitkin. The yearly output of the four factories has nearly equalled 500,000 lbs. in a season, but for a few years quite an amount of the milk produced in the north and west part of the town has been diverted to milk stations and the Rosemary Creamery Co. The only village within the limits of the town as well as the 310 STOBIE8 OP THE TOWNS. only post office is Lorraine, in old times known as the Huddle, has a population of about 300. The Mercantile interests are represented by J. A. Grimshaw, A. C. and O. B. Read, C. D. Grimshaw & Co., general stores and grocer- ies, C. L. Tucker, hardware, W. R. Grow has been for nearly 30 years extensively engaged in the egg business formerly associated with the late L. F. Caulkins, with branches at Mannsville and Pulaski and one of the largest dealers in the State, having handled some years nearly 1 70,000 dozen. The Grow House conducted by George F. Grow is one of the best country hotels of the county and a favorite stopping place of commer~ cial travelers. H. A. Cross and Overton and Lapierre are custom millers and feed dealers. J. L. Shelmidine, feed, and wood, O. L. Shelmidine is an extensive dealer in lumber wagons, carriages and all kinds of agricultural implements. Two blacksmith shops, two telephone lines and officers with many instruments in farmers' houses, make life much pleasanter than our pioneer ancestors enjoyed. The Lorraine Grange P. of H. No. 117, is a flourishing organiza- tion of 200 rpembers, owning a commodious hall, free from debt. A lodge of Odd Fellows of nearly 100, and a Lodge of Maccabees are also maintained. The Church interests were early looked after by the people. The Baptist Sociej:y, Rev. Danse, pastor at present time, was formed in 1806. Rev. Amos Lawrence being the first pastor. A Congregational church was formed December 3, 1829, a church erected in 1830, principally by Deacons, Silas Lyman and Al- len Pitkin, was used by the society as long as it existed then sold to the Town, converted into and still used as a Town Hall. The M. E. Church, Rev. Fred Fulton, was early organized. Most of the members of the Congregational Church affiliating with it, is still a strong church organization. The people of the town of Lorraine have reason to be proud of many sturdy sons who have in various lines of business and profes- sions made a success in life, notably among the number being Hon. Enos Barton, the orator and guest of honor of this festiVe occasion, Hon. Henry Lyman, the first excise commissioner of the State under the Raines law, who most ably organized and conducted the same until his untimely death, Hon. Levi H. Brown, ex-mayor of your beau- tiful city, and easily acknowledged to be the leader as well as Nestor of the Jefferson County Bar, George Barton one of the leading mem- bers of Chicago Bar and a brother of Enos. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 311 In hastily preparing this historical sketch, I have no doubt omitted many items of interest, and facts have been overlooked, but have in- tended to be, fair, impartial and brief. ORLEANS. By A. G. Marshall After data collected by old residents. The honest freeholders of old "Penet Square," (the ten mile rect- angle now includimg the greater part of Orleans, about half of Clayton and a bit of Pamelia) enjoy as unblemished a title to their soil as can be found upon the planet. It is one of the few^ "parcels of land" in Uncle Sams' domains which was never acquired by force'or fraud from its aboriginal owners. More than that — it was given to Peter Penet by the Indians out of gratitude for the good turns he had done them — the grant being confirmed by the state. But Penet, a French- man of affairs in New York and New Orleans, never caused a stick to be cut or a sod turned upon his wild principality ,* and about a cen- tury ago it was settled sparsely by squatters from New England, who presumed that this neglected section was without a legal owner. The life those people led was if anything more primitive than that of the savages. The latter had some rude notions of fealty to tribal government, and reverence for the "Great Spirit." But the only law recognized among those white invaders was fists and club, and the only spirit they communed with was whiskey. They were obliged by necessity to give some respect to each other's land claims, which were marked by lines of lopped bushes or blazed trees. Trading in land was managed by "quit claim" deeds, drawn up in patriotic defiance of the grammar of "the King's English" and usually signed by making one's mark. Dwelling in miserable log shacks, generally located by a stream or spring (not for convenience of bathing, but for making mush and boiling "coons," "patridges" and such easy game, and leaching ashes) their chief industry was making "black salts," a kind of coarse potash. With a batch of this product the head of a family might be seen emerging from a swamp, with his load upon a wooden trough hitched to a crotched log and snaked along by a raw boned ox, urged by many a goad and vicious oath, making for the corduroy road to Brownville or French Creek, there to swap for a bag of corn meal and a jug of corn juice. On his return to "the simple life" and more simple wife and "younguns" no more work was done until bag and jug were again empty. 312- STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Such was the unpromising beginning of conquering the wilderness of old Penet. After the war of 1 8 12 arrived the first settlers of a somewhat higher social grade both honest pioneers and rough adventur- ers with everything to gain and nothing to lose. But the title to the land being uncertain little permanent improvement was made, the settlers occupying themselves chiefly in getting out oak staves, square timber, m.aking potash and farming in a primitive manner. With a sharp axe in one hand and a flint-lock revolutionary musket in the oth- er they were ready to face the forest, wild cats, land agents, or a frowning world. Clearing began to crop out here and there like the patches in a "crazy" bed-quilt; dry land, hay-stacks and corn-cribs appeared; and log cabins took on a more homelike look, some even assuming the grandeur of a window or two with four 7 by 9 lights, and a sleeping loft overhead reached by a ladder. Justice was ad- minstered and disputes fettled mostly by what was called "the Catfish Code," which consisted in hitting straight from the shoulder and landing on your opponent's os frontis. The families of those stren- uous days would have satisfied a Roosevelt in one respect. The qual- ity may not have been prime, but there was no cause for worry over "race suicide." All this race are dead and gone three generations ago. But even today one sometimes comes upon the decayed bottom logs which flanked the stone heap that was the fireplace — the overgrown mound of leached ashes by the brook — the now wild bed of ta:isy and worm- wood planted by the good housewife — and at a little distance the lonely graves in the thicket of wild plum trees and brambles. Orleans township was taken from Brownville April third, 1821, and named after New Orleans, then fresh in glorious memory for the last victory in the war of 181 2. A portion was annexed to Pamelia in 1829, and Clayton taken ofE in 1833. Some changes were made along the Alexandria line, which brought the town to its present boundaries. The surface is quite level in the eastern portion. The southwestern third abounds in limestone ledges. The north part is crossed by sandy ridges, with gneiss and granite in the extreme north near the St. Lawrence River and on its islands. A fertile valley, one to two miles wide, follows the curve of the upper Chaumont River, or Catfish Creek, across the middle of the town. Originally covered with forest, fully four fifths of the land has been stripped and converted into generally rich farming land, the soil being a strong clay loam in the middle and south, and sandy loam to the north, with stiff clay along the St. Lawrence. No mines of precious metals, coal, iron or gas have yet been located, though a smell of petroluem was years ago detected near Lafargeville. The shape of the town is STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 313 unique and decorative, resembling a square paint-oil can with a loose cork and a dent in one of the bottom corners, where Perch Lake cuts into the boundary. Mullet Creek drains the north part to the St. Lawrence, th'e remaining waters finding their way mainly to Chau- mont Bay through the Chaumont and Perch River. About 1824 John La Farge, who besides acquiring the Jefferson County holdings of Joseph Bonaparte, ex-king of Naples and Spain, had purchased the title to Penet Square, came on to assert his claim. After much difficulty and some litigation his title was finally estab- lished by the disputed land being sold by the state for taxes, bid in by La Farge and conveyed to him by a comptroller's deed about 1830. After this settlers took contracts and made payments with full confi- dence in the title. In 1 8 19 a log grist mill was erected at the rapid in the Catfish Creek where it bends around the salient angle of the great limestone ledge near the middle of Penet Square. The place was named Log Mills. In 1828 this name was changed to LaFargeville. About 1820 a stone grist mill was built at Stone Mills, giving the place its name; arid a grist mill was also erected at Omar on Mullet Creek, the place being then called Mudge's Mills. Like "the mills of the Gods," they ground slow, but unlike them, they did not ''grind ex- ceedingly small." It is said that the boj's used to catch fish in tne stream and throw them into the hoppers on the sly, to have the scales taken off. When the first roads were made trees were felled and^used for cor- duroying through boggy places. On high and stony ground roads were considered passable for ox teams if they could go around the large stumps and bowlders and take both sides of the small ones. On low ground, if not corduroyed, the teamster had to await for a freeze- up. The constant jolting over logs and bumping against stumps was said to have given many persons the rickets at an advanced age ; and the first horses imported promptly got bog spavined and string halted, and then gave up the ghost with the blind staggers. Yet the first farmers contrived to get some good out of the evil roads by putting a churn of cream into the wagon, when setting out for mill or market, and finding the butter ready to be salted on their return. In 1848 the plank road from Theresa to Clayton was built as a toll road, crossing Orleans from "behind Shantyville" through Orleans Corn- ers and LaFargeville, it cut Penet on the bias and the people to the quick, so far as the tolls were concerned. It was mainly abandoned after a few years of unprofitable maintenance. Good McAdam roads have been constructed' in latter times over the principal thorough- • fares. 314 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. After the log cabin period came the blue limestone epoch in local architecture, when several substantial hotels and stores were built at LaFargeville, and stone dwellings and other buildings at this and var- ious localities, most of which are still standing. The great LaFarge mansion, then one of the three or four largest and handsomest private residences in northern New York, was built in a combination of French and Colonial styles. It stood in the midst of an estate of 400 acres, enclosed with solid sto"" and mortar walls, one mile south of LaFargeville. It was built in 1832 and '33, and the huge cellar was excavated, stone quarried, lime burnt, walls erected, (the whole front of 100 feet in length being of cut stone) and French gables and chim- neys carried above the roof and capped — all for $1200. There were no labor unions then. Stone cutters and masons got 88 cents to a dollar a day; common laborers 25 to 30 cents. The splendor of the finishings and 'furnishings of this chateau were the wonder of the simple natives, and many romantic stories, mostly fabulous, were told and handed down, concerning the high life of the great land- lord and his many guests. LaFarge removed, to New York City af- ter a few years, and the mansion was sold to Bishop DuBois of that city in 1838 for a Catholic Seminary. This was opened under the name of St. Vincent de Paul, but the location was found to be too re- mote from the centers of population, and after two and a half years the school was removed to Fordham, Westchester Co. (now a part of New York City) and incorporated as St. John's College. Arch- bishop Hughes, who laid the corner stone of that college, purchased the LaFarge mansion from the trustees and conveyed it to his brother whose family occupied it for many years, the Archbishop spending many of his brief summer vacations there, being much respected for his dignified yet genial courtesy and charity. At a later time, and in other hands the stately old mansion became a sad ruin, and a few years ago was taken down, all but the north and west wings, which remain as a farmhouse. In 1828 and 1830 this town received a valuable element for its future growth from the German emigrants, who formed a settlement two or three miles southwest of LaFargeville, from which they soon spread throughout the township and into Clayton, being also followed from time to time by others from the Fatherland. Honest, indus- trious and steady going, where the sky rocket kind of Yankee failed, the patient German usually succeeded, and when he took a contract for land, it meant a warranty deed at the end. The great wave of Irish immigration, driven by hard conditions and famine from the Emerald Isle, landed a portion of its storm tossed burden in this community. Most of them settled upon Beech STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 31S Ridge, two miles north of LaFargeville. The antithesis of the Ger- mans in some ways, they flourished under conditions greatly improved over those they left; and many of their descendants are now among the solid citizens. A sturdy class of settlers came early from the Mohawk- valley, sprung from the honest Dutch burghers and farmers of colonial times. These families have been a very thrifty and conservative ele- ment, acquiring by hard work, broad farms, building fine homes, raising thoroughbred stock, and paying large taxes. These several classes of population, with the Yankees, at first kept rather aloof from each other, as was natural, owing to differences of nationality, lan- guage and religion. In the second generation, however, there was more intermingling and some intermarrying; and now, in the third and fourth generations there is little as a , rule to mark the ancestral distinctions, and a little more time will suffice to mingle the blood into an absolutely homogeneous, intensely American people. Religious societies were first organized in the early days of perman- ent settlement. The Baptist, at LaFargeville, was formed in 1821 and the church built in 1837. For many years this was the strongest religious body in the town. Among its leading members were Fran- cis Epps, Abijah Fisher, Chas. Sexton, Rev. H. Ward, Rev. L. T. Ford, V. Barden, D. J. Dewey, E. Dewey, H. Dewey, J. Foot, A. Green, N. Holloway, L. Loucks, J. .Marshall, E. Sheldon, M. Tan- ner, and Orlando Cushman. A Presbyterian society was organized about 1839, with John Mas- on, Abram I. Smith, Thomas E. Drake and R. T. Jerome for the first trustees; their church at LaFargeville being built In 1840. This be- came Congregational in 1848, and after some years, the principal members having removed, died off or united with other bodies, the church was sold to the Methodist Protestants, who have since maintained a numerically strong society, having also a church at Stone Mills and a chapel at Fisher's Landing. Prominently connect- ed with this church were Capt. Snell, D. Eddy, S. Nash, D. Gordon. The Methodist Episcopal church became a flourishing body about the year 185 1. Among its early members were Rev. Lewis, L. Lam- son, J. Hardy, P. Newton, J. Taner, C. Walts. The society purchased the Orleans Academy building and rebuilt it into a commodious church and parsonage. A Union church was built ai Stone Mills in 1837 by Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists and Christians, The Luth- erans have also a church at Orleans Four Corners; and in the early years two edifices we're built in the German Settlement, one for the Lutherans, the other becoming Methodist. The Catholic church at LaFargeville, was established in connection with the Catholic sem- 316 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. inary, and bears the same name, St. Vincent de Paul. St. Paul's Episcopal church at LaFargeville was organized in 1886, Dr. H. M. Stevens and his wife being the only members of that church before the society was formed. It grew at first rapidly, and afterwards with a slower but steady growth; Hon. R. B. Biddlecom, T. D. Flans- burgh and W. F. Ford were its earlier trustees and vestrymen. At Thousand Island Park are the great Tabernacle and a Chapel ol the M. E. Church, bringing the total number of church edifices in the township up to fourteen. There have always been quite a sprinkling of Universalists, and for many years, Spirtualists, among the people, who had no organization or church buildings in the town. Educational facilities started in the early days with the rough log school houses by the wayside or at road corners — rude affairs with stone fire places and slab benches. But the children managed to ex- tract enough learning from a few books and a great deal of birch to enable them to get a living and do the necessary "figgerin" connected with their simple business affairs, both shrewdly and honestly. Later came the "red school house" which the older ones living now can well remember. The tendency of recent years has been to consoli- date distracts and greatly improve the status of the schools through the grade system. Yet some fine scholars were turned out under the old regime, whenever there chanced to be an "old school" teacher who knew his business. The names of B. B. Townsend, Anson Tucker, R. B. Biddlecom, Samuel Strough and Geo. Strough are still household words with many families. The Orleans Academy at LaFargeville was built in 1 85 1. The roof and belfry being put on before it was enclosed. It met the fate of "old Grimes" in the song. "There came an east wind from the west" and blew it over. It was rebuilt the same year and liberally endowed with debt. After a struggling existence of a few years it became a private school for a time before its purchase by the M. E. church. In connection with the schools a word regarding sports will not be amiss. Besides the various "swimming holes" and skating ponds on the smaller streams, and the St. Lawrence, with fishing and ''cooning" on the side, the long hill on Main Street, LaFargeville. was a famous coasting place in winter. And the old "Penet Base Ball Nine" Hay seeds must not be forgotten. It was invincible in the '70s, playing barefoot, sliding to bases, any old way under the rules then prevailing, and running scores well into the hundreds. "Squirrel hunts, were popular with the big boys and young men. Two rival companies would scour the woods and fields for several days with shot-gun and rifle, and the side which scored the most STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 317 "points" in game was treated to a feast by the defeated party. The Orleans Brass Band was a famous institution, led for years by R. D. Barden, and in demand for all political, Sunday School picnic and other public functions, irrespective of party or creed. Two picturesque industries which axe now almost left in the past, were lime burning and maple sugar making., Both could be seen side by side in Jerome's woods just south of LaFargeville. The caved in ruins of probably fifty lime kilns might be traced in a few miles along the limestone ledges. Sugar boiling was originally done in huge iron caldrons, many of them survivors of the. potash days, and called "potash kettles." These were suspended over open fires in the sugar bush in front of little log "sugar shanties." Sometimes they were put to another use after a great snow storm, when two or three men or boys would hitch a horse to a great kettle, and piling inside, ride through the drifted roads until a track was ploughe^ out or a general spill took place. In 1838 occurred the "Patriot War," an uprising of a few hundred hotheads of the New York border, who expected to aid certain Can- adians to throw off the British yoke. In December 1837 the American steamer "Caroline" was burned by some Canadian Tories while carrying supplies to the "patriot" camp on an island in the Niagra river. As a special revenge for this act a party of 23 men, disguised as Indians, captured and burned the Canadian steamer "Sir Robert Peel" the night of May 29th, while she was taking on wood at Moor's dock. Wells Island, first driving ashore her crew and pas- sengers with little or none of their baggage. The Peel was turned adrift and sunk in flames about a quarter of a mile below, where her hulk still lies. The leader of this high handed act was William Johnston, a Canadian sorehead, of great personal courage and resource. While many of the participants in the "patriot" disturbance, from both countries, were captured and transported to Van Dieman's land, John- son escaped, and hid among the islands for a long time while under sentence of outlaw by both governments. His daughter, Kate, a beautiful and intrepid young woman, carried him supplies and brought out his manifestoes during this time. Eventually he was pardoned all around, and made keeper of the newly built lighthouse on Rock Island, near Fisher's Landing, which marks the most dangerous half mile in the American channel. This lighthouse was lately replaced by a stone and steel structure on the outer reef, and fitted with an improved light. With the further help of gas buoys this spot has been made safe, where in former years upwards of a score of vessels went down after striking the sunken granite roofs bordering the nar- row^ channel. 318 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. In the early '50s Limberger cheese broke out. The question has been discussed in the newspapers, as to where it first struck the planet, many places having claimed the honor. Orleans put in no claim until assured that no proceedings would be taken by the State Board of Health. The belief of the best bacteriologists is that Limberger originated right on "Penet," owing to a strike of the white oak Yankee cheese-hoppers' union. It is said that few persons have natural taste for it, but when a Yankee has once acquired the appe- tite, he can outeat a native of Amsterdam or even Rotterdam. Lim- berger has been a great thing for the town, for even when shipped 3000 miles away its strength is powerful in lifting mortgages. It has made many a farmer independent; and no one called its proceeds, "tainted money" either. Since the establishment of milk stations by the Railroad Co., many of the cheese factories have gone to sweet decay. Yet, "you may shatter the vase or do what you will but the scent of the rose will hang round it still." The Grange movement was welcomed almost at its begining by many of the Orleans farmers r not however- as a political force, but for social, ediicational and insurance benefits. The society has a large hall at LaFargeville. Freemasonery has for many years been estab- lished here, and includes in its membership a large number of the best men of the town. The Eastern Star organized a flourishing lodge at LaFargeville some years ago. The Foresters also have strong lodges, with increasing membership. Also Woodmen and Odd fellows have societies. The Civil War found Orleans ablaze with patriotism, and large numbers of her sons enlisted in different regiments. A company was raised for the 94th regiment, under Capt. L. Snell. Also one for the Tenth Light Artillery, commanded first by R. B. Biddlecom, who later resigned and was succeeded by his first Lieut. Other offi- cers from this town were Col. W. D. Hill, W. F. Ford, Lieut. Vic- tor Rottiers, Henry Ward and Dr. Fred'k Bott, Surgeon. Orleans gave of her bravest and best blood to the field of the Sunny South. Of all who went forth to fight, and who stayed behind to pray, there remain only a few gray veterans and war widows, with all bitterness gone from their hearts many years ago. In 1869 Grove Cemetery at LaFargeville was organized. The early settlers had a burying ground nearly in front of the site of the LaFarge mansion. Before building this house LaFarge gave a plot on the German Road near the village to the public, and the burials were removed to that place. When Grove Cemetery was incorpor- ated this ground was nearly all taken up. Land was purchased across the road at the south and a strip to the north, the highway being STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 319 changed to run north of the united grounds, which have been en- closed with solid stone walls with two well designed entrances, thus making an unusually large and beautifully located rural cemetery. A handsome receiving vault for winter use was built in 1878, and permanent improvements and adornments are made every year. An average of about twelve interments takes place annually. Burial grounds were early established at Stone Mills, the German Settle- ment, Omar and Orleans Four Corners, which have since been en- larged and improved. Many of the pioneers as they fell by the way- side, were buried in lonely spots on the farms, and their graves have been long since obliterated by the elements and the plough. Political corporations, like individuals, are liable at times to inter- nal disorders. Orleans escaped anything serious in this line for over half a century, when she sufEered an acute attack of Railroad Fever, complicated with Bondiphobia, running into chronic Law- suititis, with attendant mortification and sloughing, of values ; until finally she was cured by a heroic operation in "absent treatment" by the "healers" of the United States Supreme Court. Since her recovery she has developed much commercial muscle in handling farm products, and is ready to practice jiu jitsu on anyone rash enough to twit her of the past. A railroad from Utica to Clayton had been projected as early as 1 85 1, the route being surveyed and considerable grading done and ties and stock unloaded. The road was started out of Utica, but lost its way near Boonville, and the investors lost their stock. About 1873, this road having strayed through the wilderness of Lewis Co. up to Carthage, was discovered heading across the sand barrens of Wilna, for Philadelphia. To prevent further wandering, ending no- where in particular, the Clayton and Theresa R. R. Co. was formed, to collar the iron horse by the frog, at Theresa Junction, and pull it through to fresh water. Orleans and Clayton were bonded, and the construction of track was pushed rapidly. Entering the town over the fertile bottoms at the east, thence via Orleans Four Corners, and LaFargeville, the line crossed Penet. As was only natural every farmer wanted the railroad to cross his fields, so that . he could en- joy looking at the cars, and chasing his cows through the cattle-pass. Of course all could not be accommodated without giving the road more twists to the mile than safety permitted; and the neglected sections naturally felt hurt, and suspected "a nigger in the fence" that hedged the track and fancied that the. bonds might be a little off color. For some years politics, religion, social economy and quilting parties lined lip as "bonding" and "anti-bonding." The suits of the anti-bonding party were taken up by the town and carried through 330 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. all the courts in the land. When the finality was reached poor old Orleans got one in the solar plexus, and experienced "that tired feel- ing" real bad. Too late she realized that those bonds were O. K., but were now in other pockets besides hers. Her doctor's bill was awful; but the experience was only what often happens in cutting wisdom teeth; it was a painfuj. but necessary process in development. The scars of the lancet long ago healed nicely, and no one would think of parting with the railroad now. LaFargeville and Orleans Corners ship annually an immense quantity of baled hay. live stock, milk, butter, cheese and other products, little of which would be possible without a railroad, which is now a link in the great New York Central system. One of the first benefits conferred by the railroad was the rapid development of the Thousand Island portion of the St. Lawrence River as a great summer resort. Of the many health and pleasure grounds located upon various islands and points, Orleans possesses the largest and most popular, in the Thousand Island Park at the head of Wellesley Island. First conceived by Rev. J. F. Dayan in 1876, an association was organized, looo acres of magnificent elevated and wooded land purchased, and the Park beautifully laid out as a camp ground under the influence of the Methodist Episcopal church. In time the character of the place was broadened by removing certain restrictions, and the Park was soon built up with permanent villas, cottages, hotels, stores, a tabernacle seating 3000 persons, a chapel, schoolhouse etc., with a water work system, sewers and electric lighting — forming the summer homes of upwards of 10,000 people from all parts of the United States and Canada. Here is held in July each year a State Teachers' Institute ; and the Thousand Island Summer School of Art and the summer headquarters of the Correspondence Schools of Pictorial Photography are also located here. The Ocean Grove Orchestra, assisted by eminent vocalists, gives a series of first class concerts in the Tabernacle auditorium. The sale of liquor is forever prohibited in the Park charter ; the steam- boat landing is closed Sundays, and no business or amusement of an objectionable character is permitted ; thus securing a safe and quiet retreat for respectable families. Fine View, just below, and most of the coasts of the islands near are built up with handsome cottages, while pleasure boats ojf every size and description plough the clear waters from May till late October. At high noon, Sunday Aug. 6th 1871 a conflagation started in the old Orleans Hotel at LaFargeville, which soon consumed nine build- ings, and was checked from sweeping the whole village only by the hardest exertions of the cool headed citizens, who formed a bucket line STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 321 to the mill pond, nearly a quarter of a mile away, while the rest of the population was heroically smashing crockery and mirrors, and tender- ly rescuing clothes-pins and rag bags. Some years later several stores were burned, and a few years ago another holocaust took the Wright and Snell block, Postoffice, Bushnell block and several dwellings. All these sites have been rebuilt and much rebuilding and new build- ing is going on in the metropolis of Orleans. The Central House at Fishers Landing were burned some i8 years ago and never rebuilt. Fire also destroyed the Thousand Island Park Hotel about 15 years ago, and several other buildings, with the loss of one life. The present Hotel Columbian was erected upon the site the next year. A year ago nine cottages were burned here, and a general conflagration was narrowly averted. To name all the citizens whose influence has gone to the making of a century's history, even of one small township, woujd req\jire a large volume. A few representative ones, taken from the roster of those who have "passed over to the great majority," are all that can be in- cluded here. Among the first permanent settlers were R. C. Frazier, Peter Pratt, Bensiah Carter, Samuel Ellis, Benj. Taylor, Wm. Col- lins, Leonard Baldwin, Isaac Mitchell, J. B. Collins, Shepard and Thomas Lee, Ebenezer Scovill, Wm. Larrabee, John Page, Benj, Tanner and Wm.. Mudge. Alva Goodman kept the first tavern at LaFargeville, Lemuel George the first store. The first meeting was held at the house of Hervey Boutwell. At Omar Timothy Stack- house opened the first store, and at Fishers "Landing, Stephen Fish. Some of the town Supervisors, before 1850 were Wm. H. Angel. W. C. George, Jesse S. Woodard, Chesterfield Persons, Wm. Mar- tin, Peter Dillinback, Daniel C. Rouse, J. B. Collins, Peter P. Folts, James Green, E. M. Eldridge, Abram I. Smith and Loren Bushnell. John LaFarge, who was at first considered a hard and exacting land- lord, was afterwards acknowledged to have been just to individuals and liberal to the town ; and on the strictness of his dealings depended the security of nearly all the land holdings in Orleans. The fame of his son, John LaFarge, of New York city, as a foremost artist and architect, is known throughout the world. Another French gentle- man, one who became a permanent resident in the town, was John N. Rottiers, a dignified and scholarly man greatly respected in the community. He was supervisor about 1851, and a trustee of the Orleans Academy. His dairy farm was a model in those days, and he was an authority on bee culture. Col. Wm. Martin was another man of substance who kept up something of the style of a colonial proprietor. Chesterfield Persons is remembered as a man of sterling character, who 'held the office of supervisor for an unusual number 19 sua STUKIES OF THE TUWISS. of terms. At one time he was half owner of all the American islands in the St. Lawrence from Clayton to Chippewa Bay, which then had but a nominal value. The promotion of various public utilities and enterprises was largely due to the foresight of Hon. R. B. Biddle- com, who was a man of marked ability, a Republican party leader, and representative of the and Assembly District in 1865; besides filling many other positions of public and private trust. T. D. Flans- burg was postmaster at LaFargeville for 20 years, and a prominent Freemason. B. J. Strough held at various times positions of trust and responsibility. He was supervisor some 15 years, one monument of his public spirit being the new Main Street bridge at LaFargeville, the full width of the thoroughfare. He was identified with the educational interests of the county, was a Democratic party leader and one of the more prominent Freemasons of New' York state. Other well remembered town officials were Squires Bailey, Daniel Eddy, E. W. Bedell, Ralph Gurney, P. Newton, L N. Dixon, Chas. Sexton, justices of the peace, and Ledsmar Ramsdell, constable for many terms. Samuel Kilborn was proprietor of the Kilborn Hotel at LaFargeville, for many years. "Uncle Sam" Grinnell, with his wife. "Aunt Mehitable," were the pioneers in Thousand Island public entertainment, their little hotel, on an island at the township line just above Wells Island, being a favorite resort for fishermen and picnic parties from its opening in i860 until it was replaced some years ago by The Pullman House, which went up in flames a year ago. Grenell Park in' Clayton township, was formerly his estate. Uncle Sam survives, but his genial wife, whose cookery helped to make the fame of the Islands, passed away some years since . Judge Hiram Dewey, proprietor of a large farm near Delafarge's Corners, was supervisor in 1852. He removed to Watertown in 1853 and became one of the founders and the general agent of the Agricultural Insurance Co. His son, A. E. Dewey, formerly in the steam flour and lumber business at Omar, also removed to Water- town and succeeded him in the general agency of the Agricultural Ins. Co. A debt of honor is always due to the faithful country physicians, whose own comfort and often health and lives are sacrificed for the good of others, braving the heats of the summer and the rigors of winter at all hours of the day and night at the call of duty. This profession was here adorned in the old days by Doctors Bliss Sexton, Orlando Cushman, Dr. Bushnell and John Hill. Then came Drs. H. M. Stevens and Frederick Bott, who together shared the confidence of the people to an unusual degree for over twenty years. Dr. Stevens retired from practice in 1869 when he removed to Wat- ST0BIE8 OF THE TOWNS. 333 ertown and became Secretary of the Agricultural Ins. Co. Dr. Bott was a native of Germany, where associated with Carl Schurz and Franz Sigel, who was afterwards a General of fame in our Civil War, he took part in the insurrection of 1848, escaping at the repres- sion of that patriotic outbreak against oppression, to Switzerland, and thence to America. ^Succeeding these physicians were Doctors H. B. Potter and Jacob Daab, both of whom were striken down by the "last enemy" while endeavoring to stay his destroying hand at the bedside of patients. Among the merchants and business men of the past may be mention- ed, L. Bushnell, Jerome Bushnell, who later became a leading merchant of Watertown, D. J. Dewey, L. Lamson, Daniel Richard- son, R. T. Jerome, Pliny Newton, Brainerd Everett, Isaac Mitchell, Cornelius Bort, Wm. Whaley, Simon Folts, Horace Biddlecom, C. B. Bushnell, John Snyder, Wm. Beardsley, H. L. Krelis. Besides the foregoing, a few family names may justly be given, which are taken from the records of the quarter of a century from 1840 to 1865; this period being the most formative of permanent influence of any in the history of the town. In estimating the in- fluence of any family name, so far as numbers go, it should be con- sidered that while some families have diminished or become extincti others have increased extensively. The Snell family, in its various branches, is probably the largest of any in Orleans. The Deweys, with their collateral descendants, form another large group. Nearly all the names selected have still some descendants living in the town- ship. The estimation of the worth and social influence of personal and family character is a much more difficult thing, and this would not be the proper time or place to attempt it. All men are pretty well known by their lives, and are pretty justly estimated for what social and public worth they possessed, after about three generations have re- moved them from personal prejudice one way or the other. It can surely be claimed for Orleans, however, that if there have been any misspent lives within her borders, their influence has been vastly over- talanced by the upright ones; as may easily be seen by her daily record through the years. The family names familiar to most of our parents and grandparents and not before mentioned were, taken alpha- betically, Aldrich, Baltz, Bauter, Baxter, Beckwith, Bents, Brown, Budlong, Brittan, Collins, Calvin, Case, Coffeen, Cook, Coon, Cotter. Cummings Delancy, Dillenback, Dixon, Dickerson, Rev. Dox, Dr. Drake, DuBois, Ellis, Elmer, Folts, Gabler, Gates, Gillick, Good- rich, Gordon, Graham, Green, Greenleaf, Hagan, Hallar, Harter, Hawn, Heldt, Hoyl, Holloway, Hughes, Hurd, Harge, Irving, Irwin, 324 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Lawrence, Lingenfelter, Lehr, Mannville, Mason, Moore, Rev. McKee, Nash, Nunn, Patterson, Petrie, Rhines, Richardson, Rood, Rouse, Sargent, Scovill, Simmons, Simonette, Sloat, Snyder, Sweet, Smith, Schell, Shimmel, Tallman, Tanner, Tarbell, Thompson, Tim- merman, Turner, Vaii Camp,' Vincent, Walts, Welch, Wetterhahn, Wilder, Wooledge, Wood, Wright, Zimmer.. Socially and politically Orleans may be considered a typical Amer- ican community. Made up of the best native and foreign elements, a generally Christian people, and politically about evenly divided between the two great parties, with the usual sprinkling of odd party and independant voters. Since Orleans first got upon her feet she has always held her head up becomingly; paid her debts; fed, clothed and schooled her children; having had little occasion to chastise, and none to hang any of them. She has been the parent of many who have made honorable names in every part of the United States and in the foreign lands — enough all told, to make a fair sized city. Where once the rude pioneer fought the wild-cat, the spotted adder and the dumb ague, with a club and a jug of 'forty-rod, now the rail- road, the telegraph, the telephone, the steam thresher, the palace car, the occasional automobile, the broad, smiling acres, the substan- tial houses, and the rural free delivery, with the last news and new- est fangled inventions brought red-hot to the door. With the coming century keeping up the pace, Orleans at the end of that period will be as far beyond our ken, if we could look forward, as we would he to a returned "black salts" maker of a hundred years ago. PHILADELPHIA. By Hon. J. F. La Rue. One hundred years ago the territory now embraced in the prosperous town of Philadelphia was an unexplored wilderness. Explored and surveyed by sturdy Quakers from the State of Pennsylvania, early in the nineteenth century, it has grown from a small settlement of log cabins, the possessions of the pioneer, to one of the most enterprising interior towns in Jefferson County. Prior to February 17, 1806, the territory now comprising the town formed a part of Brownville from that date until April 3, 1821, it was included in the town of LeRay. In that year the town with its present limits was erected and the first town meeting held for the election of the necssary officers. The form of the town is that of a rectangle, lying nearly north- west and southeast. On the southeast it joins LeRay and on the other three sides are Theresa, Antwerp and Wilna. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 325 The waters are the Indian River entering the town from the east and flowing in a southwesterly course across it, and the Black Creek flowing in a northerly course and joining the river above the village. The circumstances of the first settlement of the town are interest- ing. Jacob Brown, then residing in the village of Brownville, having moved there from the State of Pennsylvania, was the direct cause of the settlement of Philadelphia. He, acting as the agent of Mr. Le- Ray, the proprietor of the tract of land including that now occupied by the town, communicated to his former friends a description of the country, the character and quality of the land, climate and natural advantages. As a result of his endeavors three of his friends journey- ed from Pennsylvania in the early summer of 1803 and explored the country. The favorable report carried back by these pioneers, in- duced their neighbors to try their fortune in the North obuntry and led to the formation of a company and the subsequent purchase of the land from the proprietor James De LeRay on the i6th of Febru- ary, 1804. In consideration of the purchase, they received as a gift from Mr. LeRay the land whereon the village stands, on which to erect a meeting house for the assembling of the Quakers and a school house for the education of their children. After the bargain was completed, Cadwallader Child, the leading spirit of the enterprise and for many years after a conspicuous figure in town history, together with two companions started north to ex- plore and examine their purchase. They traveled on horse back, crossed the Black River near the present village of Felts Mills and proceeded to Brownville to consult with Jacob Brown in relation to the survey. He returned to LeRaysville and with an adequate party to assist set out along the line of a previous survey towards hi» objective point. Striking Black Creek, they followed it down to its junction with the Indian River, thence down the later to the falls on the west side of the village where his party made a halt and erect- ed a log hut near the site where the grist mill now stands. From this point the road was surveyed to the St. Lawrence, followed by another from the same starting point to the Black River at Great Bend. These things being done, Mr. Child with two men under his employ, made a clearing and erected a log cabin about a mile south of the village site. From these events, Philadelphia, originally known as Quaker Settlement, dates its history. This was the first improve- ment but the honor of being the first permanent settler and pioneer must -be given to John Petty who came, in the fall of 1804, erected a cabin and remained throughout the winter of 1804-5. 326 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. In order to induce settlement of the land now comprising the village, it was agreed and directed among the purchasers that it be. divided into sections and that any person clearing and settling same, within the term of four years, should be entitled to said section for a period of ten years as a compensation for their improvements. It was also agreed that Thomas and John Townsend should have the use for twenty years of land sufficient to cover the falls of Indian River, up- on condition that they erect a mill for the benefit of the prospective village. Accordingly a saw and grist mill was erected in the summer of 1805, John Townsend also built a dwelling the same year near the site of the Eagle Hotel. A bridge was built over the river the same year about twenty rods below where the iron bridges erected in 1876 now span it. Near the east end of the bridge, a log house was built and opened to the accommodation of the travelers, the first public house in town. The land where the post office now stands was cleared later and a house of hewed logs erected. Directly opposite on the site of the store now occupied by Martin E. Aldrich, the first frame building was erected of lumber cut by the Townsend mill. John Strickland, another pioneer of the town, came on in 1809. purchased the mills and erected a block house in the northern end of the village. In 18 10 the first meeting house was erected, this build- ing was also used as a school house for seventeen years. In 1812 Samuel Case opened up the first store near the corner now formed by Antwerp and Main streets. Later another store was opened opposite the present post office. The settlement of the village was not rapid, while the lands out- side being open to absolute purchase were settled with remarkable rapidity, and with a good class of immigrants. At the end of seven- teen years from the time of the first arrivals, the people had become ready and nlimerous enough to assume the responsibilities of a separate township. The name Philadelphia was chosen by persons who had lived near the city of Philadelphia, Pa.. The first annual town meeting was held at the public house of Harvey Hamblin in Philadelphia village, March 5, 1822. In the same year the post office was established with Edmund Tucker -as the postmaster. In 1824 the mills and store were still in operation, the meeting house still stood and served for worship and school. At this time there were about fifty-five families which comprised the settlement. In 1828 the second Quaker meeting house was erected on the site of the present school building. The anti-rent troubles began in 1835 and continued with considerable bitterness until 1844. However the period passed without more serious results than warm discussions after which events resumed their natural channels. STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 327 In the mean time the settlement did not receive much growth and it was not until after the construction of the first railroad in 1855 that the hamlet took the semblance of a village. The first railroad in the tgwn was the old Potsdam & Watertown road which was opened for traffic June 2, 1855. This was followed by the Utica & Black River Railroad which was completed to Philadelphia village Feb. 2, 1872. The Black River and Morristown Railroad, an ex- tension of this road built by another company was opened up in the fall of 1873. The Clayton road was opened up the same year. These various roads gave the village of Philadelphia special prominence and had a beneficial effect upon the interests of the town at large. In 1856 Daniel H. Scofield came to Philadelphia. Homes and Scofield began business that year in a building on the present bakery site. For many years they were the leading merchants of the village. In the year 1872 Philadelphia was incorporated as* d village. The incorporation was accepted and ratified at the public house of J. H. Washburn, Jan. 11, 1872. D. H. Scofield was elected the first president of the village. At the time of ■ incorporation the village contained 625 inhabitants, the present number is about 1,000. In 1883 another industry was established in the village known as the William Roberts lumber mills. In 1886 the Scofield block on Main street was erected. In this block Scofield and son are carrying on a large mercantile business, a credit to the village. The same year on the opposite corner, the Eagle Hotel was erected. The Kent and Comstock blocks on the same street were also erected in i886. The Bank of Philadelphia filed articles of association and incor- poration Feb. 7, 1888 and commenced business in the Scofield block shortly after. D. H. Scofield was the first president of the bank. It is now regarded as one of the sound financial institutions of the county. The Indian river chair company was incorporated in 1890 with William Roberts as president. This company took the old saw mill property and remodeled it into a large factory and began the manu- facture of furniture. ,On Sept. 30, 1897, this industry was destroyed by fire. Soon after the present building was erected and the industry resumed. In 1 891 the Opera House block was erected by William Roberts. In 1880 the old Quaker meeting house was purchased and remodel- ed into the present school building. In 1894 this school came under the supervision of the state regents. Since its becoming a high school, Professors Peck, Hall and Slate have served the longest terms. 338 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. . In 1896 the water works system was established at a cost of $30,- 000. Wholesome spring water is brought from the plains four miles from the village. Among the recent improvements of the village is the establishing of the electric lighting system. The plant was erected on the river about a mile west of the village at a cost of $17,000. The current was turned on for the first time in Sept. 1904. This improvement is well appreciated and receives the hearty support of the citizens. The religious history of the village is also interesting, there being four denominations at the present time. The Methodists were in the field as early as 1838. Their edifice was erected in 1843 but in 1858 was removed to the present site. This edifice was extensively repaired in 1903 and now represents a modern country church. The Baptist church was organized in 1840. In 1841 in union with the Congregational members of the village, they erected a house of worship on Main street now occupied by them. This church has recently been repaired and refitted. The Congregational society .was organized shortly after the erection of the Baptist church. A church was soon erected for their use and materially repaired in 1889. About 1900 the Catholic Society erected a church in the village, the membership of which has increased and the society is in a flourish- ing condition. The town of Philadelphia during its history has furnished to Jet- ferson county many prominent and influential men. Three citizens of this town have served as Assemblymen from their district, A. C. Comstock, C. O. Roberts and J. F. LaRue. Among the other public spirited and successful business men might be m-;nt'oned William maintained this among the progressive towns of the county. PAMELIA. By Miss Ella Fulton In the central part of Jefferson County is a small town, which was a part of the town of Brownville, until the passing of an act, April I2th, 1819 dividing the town, thus forming a new one. Then the question was — ^What name shall we give it?" and it was left to Geo. Brown, who was then a -member of the legislature, who said — "If you leave it to me I shall name it Pamelia, in honor of General Brown's wife, whose maiden name was Pamelia Williams." STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 329 This act also directed the first town meeting to be held "at the school house, near Elias Wager." This school house was on, oi near the farm, now owned by Fay Simmons. The first town meet- ing was held March 7th, 1820 and the following officers elected. John Stewart, Supervisor; Henry Gotham, clerk; Rural Weaver, Benjamin Still, Simeon Woodruff, assessors; S. Woodruff, B. Still overseer of the poor; Alfred Comins, S. Woodruff, B. Still, commis- sioners of highway ; Horace Mather, collector ; Osman Bannister, Ne- hemiah Van Nest, Joseph Mayo, commissioners of common schools; Amos Amer, William Usher, Russel Weaver, John N. Brown, in- spectors of common schools, Jacob C. Green, Benjamin Pease, H. Mather, constables. The second town meeting, and the meetings for several years, was held at the house of Elihu Nicholer on the farm now ovvned by Ward Nicholer. The most of the town meetings have been held at what is now known as Scovills hotel. Thi# house was built by Joseph Mayo, one of the early settlers of the town. The first settlement in Pamelia was in the Spring of 1799, when two families by the name of Boshart and Kitts, settled on a farm about three miles north east of Watertown near the LeRay St. road. (This farm is now owned by the Taskett Brothers.) They built log houses and began the clearing of the land, as the country was then a dense wilderness. Owing to the hardships and privations which these families had to endure they became dissatisfied and on the approach of winter removed to Lewis county (then a part of Oneida County, as was also Jefferson County) where they became permanent settlers. After Boshart and Kitts, one of the earliest settlers was Thomas Makepeace, he settled in the northern part of the town in the year 1804 and built the first frame house in the present limits of Pamelia. John Brown came from Brownville in 1812 and built the first frame house in the southeastern part of the town. Log houses prevailed up to 181 8, but after that date, the frame house began to take their place, and as stone was plenty, a large number of stone houses were built and by 1830 the log house had nearly disappeared, and the young people of to-day have but a faint idea of their exis- tence. The south part of the town however did i*t settle as readily on account of the low marshy condition of the land. By an act of April 1st, 1824 , a small part of Penet's square, was annexed from the town of Orleans. ! The act also requested the name of the town to be known, after the first of March, as Leander, but this clause was repealed April 9th, 1825,' before the act had taken effect. This change is said to have been made by a man, then in the legislature, who had a son by that name. The town then extended to Black River but upon the forma- 330 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. tion of the City of Watertown May 8th, 1869, nearly 700 acres of Pamelia, including its principle business establishments were absorbed by the city. The portion across the river from Court street was first known as Williamstown, a name given it by General Brown who made great efforts and held out every inducement to have the public buildings of the county located here when he foimd they could not be procured at Brownville. From Williamstown the name was changed to Pamelia, then to North Watertown and thus it was called until it became a part of the city. That part of the city opposite Factory Square was first known as Juhelville; it was named from Madam Cornelia Juhel the mother of Mrs. V. LeRay. The town is still bounded on the southeast and southwest by Black River. In the northeastern part of the town lying partly in Orleans in Perch Lake a beautiful little body of water which is widely known for its excellent fishing facilities. The town is drained by several small streams of which the largest is Perch River the outlet of Perch Lake, Philomel Creek and Cowens -Creek, all three run in a southeasterly direction; the first empties into Black River Bay and the two latter ones into Black River. All previous to the clearing of the land con- tained a considerable quantity of water. The first saw mill in the town was on Philomel Creek near where Bradley street road crhis hatchet and engaged in a deadly struggle with the ferocious animal. He finally succeeded in getting the enraged beast under, but with one of his hands be- tween the savage jaws. Having lost his hatchet, (the hatchet was found by John L. Roof about 30 years afterwards while ploughing up the spot where the encounter occurred) ,in the encounter he drew his knife from his pocket, opened it with his teeth and succeeded in cutting the throat of the enraged animal. The brave hunter was badly lacerated but made out to crawl to a house where after many weeks he recovered, but carried the scars of the conflict with him to the grave. Mr. Rich was the proprietor of Rich's Tavern on Court street, Watertown, for many years and was succeeded by his 22 370 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. son Captain Henry D. Rich who rendered good service as an officei in the army in the defence of the Union. M.r. Le Ray in 1810 opened a road from Evans Mills, following the Indian trail on the bank of the river to the High falls. He also made a clearing of 40 acres about one mile from the falls on the Douglass farm. He also built a log house and a frame bam on the job.^ The boards used in the construction of these buildings were sawed by man power. The barn was framed on the principle of cut and try which was the extent of mechanical ingenuity in early days. Captain John Hoover was placed in charge of these improvements. In 181 1 another job of 60 acres was cleared on the ShurtlifE farm and a fine crop of wheat was raised on these jobs which was drawn in the winter to LeRaysville. LeRay also built a wooden bridge with log abutments across the river at the High falls in connection with tht Alexandria road. In 1 8 15 he built a dam across the river and erected a saw mill, just below the bridge and placed it under the management of Abner Cheeseman. The region about the falls was covered with a fine growth of pine trees which were made into a fine quality of lumber for the benefit of the home seekers in the wild- erness. In 1 8 15 James Shurtliff selected a lot which included the 60 acre clearing about i 1-2 miles above the falls and erected a log house as a home for his family consisting of his wife and eight child- ren. He was the pioneer in the settlement of the town of Theresa. He had a good business education and was a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence. He located in 1802 on a farm one mile from LeRaysville and in 1807 was elected the first Supervisor of the town of LeRay, and held the office for eight years in succession. In 1 82 1 he was elected the first Supervisor of the town of Alexandria and held the office for seven years. He afterwards held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He erected a frame barn and made an addition to his house, which he opened for a tavern where the weary travelers could find rest after the fatiguing journey through the nine mile woods. In 18 16 the military road was built by order of the Governnient running from Sackets Harbor through the towns of Brownville, Pamelia and Theresa to Ogdensburg for, the better protection of the frontier. About 300 soldiers were employed in this work in removing trees by the roots, and turnpiking the road and building bridges. They were paid one shilling extra per day for this work. This road became the great thoroughfare for many years, and did very much to encourage settlers to select homes for themselves. Lodowick Salisbury built the first log tavern on the road at West's corners. Marcus B. Ashley also built a log tavern at Chaufty's corn- ers. The year 1816 was remembered as the cold dry season. Com STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 371 did not mature. Mr. LeRay in 1819 in order to stimulate the sale of his lands employed Ethni Evans to build a grist mill at the falls with three run of rock stones prepared by Alexander Parker and his son James from the Parker ledge of granite about three miles from the village of Antwerp. These rock stones were in general use for grind- ing grain until they were superceded by the Burr stones which were far superior. The Burr stones have likewise been discarded to give way for the new method of manufacturing flour by the roller pro- cess. Noah Ashley was the first miller. Mr. LeRay also erected a two story frame tavern on the North corner of the square which was de- stroyed by fire the next year, and a colored girl perished in the flames. These essential improvements did much to stimulate the influx of in- habitants seeking homes on the cheap lands of this wilderness country. Among many new arrivals was Benjamin Barnes who located on the East side of the river within the village limits. He was ^ man of pe- culiar eneregy. He was a licenced Methodist preacher and had learned the trade of a mason. He at once commenced burning lime and manufacturing brick in the most primitive way, of mixing the clay and sand in a vat and treading it with oxen and putting into moulds by hand. He proved to be a most acceptable and valuable member of society as he was peculiarly adapted to a new country, being able to both work and pray. He was often called upon when at his work, to officiate at funerals, and never refused to attend whether rich or poor. Sylvester Bodman was a happy contingent in promoting the best interest of a, new community. He came from Massachusetts with his wife and three small children. His wife rode a horse car- rying the youngest child in a basket fastened to the horn of the saddle, and himself driving a pair of oxen and cart with all their worldlv effects. He located about one mile from the village and became possessed of a fair share of this world's goods. The family were valuable members of society. The mother died a few years ago at the age of 104 years with her mental faculties well preserved. Artemas Baker erected a blacksmith shop on the East comer of the square which he occupied for many years. In 182 1 a school house was erected which was heated with a large stone fire place. Large backlogs were rolled in with a fore stick in front with a wood pile for chinking when burning would roar like a blast furnace. The school house was arranged more for holding meetings than for school pur- poses. After several years a stove was introduced which was cast like a kettle. It was all in one piece with a hole in the top for the smoke pipe and an opening in one end for a door. The bottom was open and turned over on to a flat plate of iron and this completed the stove. The fire place was torn out and a pulpit was installed in 373 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. its place. Ebenezer Lull was the first merchant and erected a frame building in 1 82 1 for his store on the South corner of the square. All goods were transferred from Utica by horse power. He entered in- to partnership with Azariah Walton and engaged largely in the mak- ing of square timber and staves which were delivered at Alexandria Bay and there made into rafts and floated on the St. Lawrence to the Montreal and Quebec markets. This enterprise aided the in- habitants very irluch in furnishing them with supplies while clearing up their land. They also built an ashery and manufactured potash and pearl ash from the ashes collected from clearing the land. Dr. James Brooks was the first physician and died in 1823, and Dr. John Davison, a newly fledged graduate of Fairfield Medical College suc- ceeded him. A mail route was established running from Champion through Felts Mills, LeRaysville, Evans Mills, Theresa and Plessis to Alexandria Bay. It was a weekly mail carried on horseback by Luther Clark. Ebenezer Lull was Postmaster. The rates of post- age were under 30 miles 6 1-4 cents, under 100 miles 12 1-2 cents, under 300 miles 18 3-4 cents, under 500 miles 25 cents, Spanish cur- rency. In 183 1 a tri-weekly mail was established running from Watertown through Pamelia, Theresa to Hammond. A four horse post coach was run on this route by Fisher and. Morey for about one year, and was discontinued as the inhabitants were too poor to indulge in such luxuries. The settlements had now be- come very conspicuous in the different parts of the town, and nearly all lived in the log houses made of logs with the bark on. At the raising of these houses the people would assemble from the sur- rounding settlements, and these occasions for mutual aid in those primitive days, afforded very enjoyable reunions as the only opportun- ity which they enjoyed in disseminating and exchanging the news, com- paring progress and speculating on the problems of the future, and the difficulties in combatting with the stubborn wilderness. Tht logs in these houses were locked together at the corners by cutting scarfs at the end of the logs, and laying them. The first houses were roofed with hemlock bark, but after saw mills came into use and the people having solved the probabilities of sustaining the breath of life under the sober connditions of their surroundings, they made good shingle roofs on their log houses. These houses had three windows about three feet square, one on each side and one in the end with one door hung on wooden hinges and a wooden latch was raised from the outside by pulling a string to open the door. When the string was pulled in the door could not be opened from outside. The house would be chinked up between the logs and plastered with clay. The fire place with a stone back and a chimney made of sticks and STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 373 clay and a trammel to hang the pots and kettles on to cook the eatables. In making the fire, a huge back log with a fore stick and a pile of small wood for chinking which when burning would roar like a blast furnace. Matches were not known in those days, and when the fire went out they would borrow of their neighbors, or use a flint and steel with a small piece of punk. These houses consisted of one living room with two bedrooms partitioned off at one end with boards. The cooking utensils were made of iron consisting of a pot, a kettle, bake kettle to bake the bread, and a long handled frying pan to fry meat and cook Johnny cake and shortcake. Pota- toes would bake very nicely in the hot ashes. The furniture usual- ly consisted of from eight to a dozen children, a lot of splint bot- tpmed chairs, one table, one small candle stand, as candles were the only means of lighting the houses by night, one dish cupboard, the up- per part open for dishes and the lower part for the kettle ware, a dye tub near the fire place to color the stocking yarn, a spinning wheel to do the whizzing and spinning yarn, some straw beds below and some above which were reached by climbing a ladder. The horn handled knives and forks with two tines and blue edged crock- ery ornamented the dish cupboard. Travelling shoe makers would go from house to house to make the family foot wear for the year. The men had nothing better than cowhide boots, and calf skin shoes were good enough for women excepting occasionally some delicate food would be ornamented with shoes made of morocco. People worked hard and grew fat in those days, and many of the most careful and industrious became the owners of large and well culti- vated farms, with large dairies of cows, and better houses to live in, and bought more farms for their children. In 1 82 1 Alexandria was taken from LeRay and Brownville and organized into the town. Theresa was included in the town. Archibald Fisher purchased the hotel site of LeRay imd erected a fine two story brick building which was maintained as a hotel until destroyed by the great fire in 1890. In 1822 Nathan Monroe Flower with his newly wedded wife left Cherry Valley, with a few hundred dollars in his pocket; a span of horses and a few necessary articles of furniture, loaded in a double wagon firmly resolved to accept the conditions of a pioneer life in the wilds of the Black River country. They had been informed by Indian hunters of the high falls on Indian river, and the fair pros- pects of the surrounding country, and they fixed upon this as the place of their destination. After jolting along, sitting on splint bottomed chairs for eight days, they arrived at' their future home. Mrs. Flower as an example of her habits of industry knit a pair ot 374, STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Stockings on the journey. Mr. Flower by occupation was a wool carder and cloth dresser, a business he had become master of in nis father's mill. He purchased three acress of land and com- menced the building of a mill, as the pioneer in improving the hy- draulic power on the North side of the falls, and with his irrepres- sible energy in a few months he was prepared to manufacture wool into rolls, and for coloring and dressing cloth. The machinery for this mill was carted from Utica on wagons and from Schenectady to Utica by batteaux on the Mohawk. This industry gave great encouragement to the inhabitants to raise sheep for the production of wool to provide clothing for their families. Mr. Flower pos- sesed a very active mind, and with his strict integrity, combined with great financial ability, and close application to business, he won for himself marked success in his chosen occupation. In 1825 he was foremost in organizing the Presbyterian church, consisting of 11 members, and was the efficient ruling elder for many years. Rev. Wm. B. Stowe was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. Ros- , well Pettibone. The name of this noted divine became distinguished by the Hon. Roswell Pettibone Flower who was named after him "and for three years was the popular Governor of the State of New York. Mr. Flower gave freely of his time, his means and his influence to maintain the Sabbath service, and was ever ready to extend the open hand of charity to the afflicted and dis- tressed. In 1843 in middle age Mr. Flower was called to join that silent procession and left his faithful wife, who heartily j-oined him in the affairs of the church and in giving aid and comfort to the needy, with the care of eight young children to nourish, cloth and educate with a good home and abundant means for all necessary requirements. Mrs. Flower was a woman of rare intelligence and good judg- ment. She inspired her children as they grew up to care for each other and be a united family. As they matured they all left the parental roof to seek their fortune in the outer world. They suc- ceeded in amassing great wealth, and they found a genuine Christian pleasure in consecrating a portion of that wealth, which God had endowed them, in erecting a memorial church edifice in Theresa, with which to associate for all time, the names of their revered parents with what they loved most, the church and the worship of God. The beautiful church buildings donated to Trinity parish in Watertown crowns the generous liberality of that noble family. The magnificent park which is justly the pride of the city of Watertown has its conception in the Flower Company. And row one by one this ST0BIE8 OP THE TOWNS. 375 noted family has passed over to a glorious reunion and but two re- main, the eldest and the youngest, to dispense the charity that has characterized the Flower family for their very generous liberality. The beautiful marble structure a free gift dedicated to science and literature, a monument of beauty, and the pride of the city of Water- town, is an indication, that the great generous heart that pulsates in the Flower family has been transmitted through inheritance to a rising generation. In 1825 Olney Pearce of Watertown purchased the store of Lull & Walton and placed Anson Ranney, an enterpris- ing yoUng man, as business manager, under the firm name of Pearce & Ranney. The business tact of Mr. Ranney made him a very useful man in the community. They removed the store and erect- ed a two story stone building in which they conducted a. very suc- cessful business for many years. In 1838 Mr. Ranney improved the hydraulic power at the upper falls by constructing a dam and erect- ing a large grist mill with five run of stones on one side of the river and a saw mill on the other side. In 1825 John LaFarge after making his great purchase of Penet Square claimed the own- ership of all adjoining lands and through his agent John N. Rothiers built a stone house and an office about one mile from the falls on the Douglass farm. The house is standing today as an old land- mark. It was in this office that he opened the sale of his lands and remained about two years when- he was advised by Isaac H. Bronson the agent of the Antwerp Company that he was a squat- ter on land that was not covered by his title. He then erected a two-story house of cut lime stone very handsomely finished inside at the head of Perch Lake, which was demolished years ago. In 1827 a post route was established running from Watertown through Pa- melia Four Corners and Theresa to Hammond with a triweekly mail, with Anson Ranney as postmaster, with a small pouch car- ried on bad roads on horse back and with a wagon on good roads. In 1 83 1 the Methodist church was organized with 26 members and placed on a legal basis by the Rev'd. Squire Chase who was a young man of untiring industry and a great revivalist. He was sent a Mis- sionary to Africa and made Superintendent of missions there. While on a visit to his native land a few years ago, he died at Syracuse when attending a session of conference. The yearly advent of old Sickle's shilling show would create a great sensation among the boys, who would make a regular stampede from the school house, to see the big trunks and paraphanalia hauled up through the uppei 376 STORIES OF THE I'UWNS. window into the hall, where in the evening a perfect jam would be in attendance, to admire the dancing puppets perform on the fan- tastic toe, and the thrilling representation of Perry's victory on Lake Erie, also the fearful condition of the babes in the woods, interspersed with rollicking songs and laughable antics on the fiddle. General training was a gala day. You would see brave soldiers armed with clubs and broomsticks in battle array marching to the soul stirring strains of fife and drum, with officers high in command draped in full uniform with lofty feathers waving on their hats, a red sash hanging on their shoulders and sword dangling by their side, with spurs on their heels, galloping on the backs of foaming steeds, issuing flying orders as if the safety of the nation was at stake, and the small boy making himself familiar with large cakes of gingerbread as big as a small bed blanket. In 1833 through the missionary zeaJ of the Morman Hierachy of Kirtland, Ohio, unwonted activity was stimulated through numerous revelations alleged to have been re- ceived by the prophet Joseph Smith. This man Joe Smith was one of the greatest imposters on record. He revealed the Mormon Bible which is simply a reptition of wishy washy trash. He was born near Palmyra, Wayne County, New York in 1805 and lived on his father's farm. With no education, he at an early age began to have visions. On the night of September ist, 1823 the Angel of Moroni appeared to him three times informing him that God had a work for him to do, and that a record written on gold plates and giving an account of the ancient inhabitants of America, and the dealings of God with them was deposited in a particular place in the earth, on a hill in Manchester, Ontario County, New York, and with the records two transparent stones in silvered bowed spectacles, which were originally called Urim and Thurmin and looking through them the golden plates would become intelligible. On Sept. 22nd 1827 the Lord placed in Smith's hands the plates and the Urim and Thurmin: — These plates were nearly eight inches long and seven inches wide and not as thick a!s ordinary tin, and were bound together with three rings making a package about 6 inches thick and neatly engraved on booth sides with hyeroglyphics in a lanuage called the reformed Egyptian, not then known on the earth. From these plates Smith sitting behind a blanket in a room, to screen the sacred records from being seen by profane eyes, and with the aid of the stone spectacles the book of Mormons, or the Golden Bible was translated and from Smith's dictation, David Whitman and Oliver Cowdry produced the manuscript of a jumble of supernatural events that were published in Palmyra, New York in 1830 in a volume containing several hundred pages. Smith STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 377 succeeded in making a few converts to his doctorine, but the com- munity generally treated his pretensions with utter contempt and compelled him to transfer his dogma to a more congenial clime. Smith removed to Kirkland, Ohio, with a few followers. The Missionary zeal of this hierarchy was stimulated to unmonted activity through numerous revelations, alleged to have been received by the prophet Joseph Smith. In a revelation given August 1832 delega- tions of Apostles were sent to the South, the West and the East, The delegation to the Eastern country to promulgate the Morman faith consisted of Orrison Hyde, Samuel H. Smith, Sidney Gilbert and Perley P. Pratt, some of whom belonged to the high priesthood of Melchisedec and to the order of the Seventies, and were ordered to carry the true gospel to the North East. They landed from a schooner at Sackets Harbor, but the favored point and destination of their pilgrimage seemed to be Theresa. The influx of these Morman Missionaries was somewhat unheralded in the community. They held meetings in the school house and they were largely at- tended through curiosity. They were loud talkers and preached of miracles which they had performed, and talked in unknown tongues a giberish gab. They claimed to heal the sick by the "laying on of hands" and even to restore the dead to life. The people "marvel- ed as they did of old." There are still some residents who can recall the absurd pretensions of the imposters, and the wonder ex- cited by the miracles which they alleged to have performed almost invariably at a great distance. Some believed and others doubted or half believed, in the supposed revival of the apostolic age. Several conversions were announced among whom were the Pat- tens, the Parishs, the Cooks, Jeremiah Cheeseman, Alonzo Cheesman and wife and a few others of about the same caliber. As fast as new converts were made they were doused into the murky waters of the river in the cove at Indian Landing. When they led Uncle Jerry Cheeseman into the water to undergo the cleansing process, he being a large heavy man, and a little off his base by overindulg- ence, he sank to the bottom like a stone, and it took three of the anointed saints to resurrect him. The scene appeared so ludricous to a noisy crowd tht the ceremony was abandoned. Theresa was taken from Alexandria in 184 1 and organ- ized into a town. There are eight beautiful lakes in the town mostly fed by springs and are well supplied with fish, and form romantic sheets of water with bold rocky shores and bays which afford delightful places of resort, for sportsmen and pleasure seekers where both fish and wild game afford attractive objects of pursuit, while the overhanging cliffs and 378 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. tangled ravines offer a perfect paradise to the geologist and mineral collector. In 1847 Joseph C. Budd and Wm. Bones erected a blast furnace on the outlet of Millseat Lake to be supplied with iron ore from a near-by bed. The pocket was^soon exhausted, and the supply of ore was hauled from the Shurtlifi and Carney beds. After operating a few years the business was suspended for the lack of profit. In 1849 a telegraph office was established in Theresa, and the first message sent over the line to the Fox sisters in Roches- ter. The Black River and Morristown Rail Road was completed to Theresa in 1872. The town bonded for $5o,ooo which they exchanged for $60,000 stock in the road. After paying up every dollar of bonds we have $43,800 in stock on hand from which they received an annual guaranteed dividend of 7 per cent. Theresa vil- lage was incorporated in 1 87 1 and has suffered severely, from fires. The village was visited by a disastrous fire in 1859 which devastated both sides of the river at the High Falls destroying 2 saw mills, 1 grist mill, i bridge, I machine shop, i foundery, i butter tub and cheese box factory, I woolen factory with 300 spindles, 3 dwelling houses and a large amount of personal property including 2000 bushels of wheat. In 1890 a more disastrous fire visited the village of Theresa destroying more than $150,000 worth of property, in- cluding every business place in the village excepting one hotel and one saloon. .42 buildings were burned and 17 families were made homeless. In 1896 the village corporation issued bonds for $18,000 which has provided a fine water system with good fire protection. The village is provided with a Union school and ample school buildings, and under the faithful management of Dr. J. R. Sturte- vant has for several years been under ,the control of the board of Regents. Theresa fifty years ago, was a prosperous and thrifty village. It contained 2 grist mills with 9 run of stone; 3 saw mills; 2 foundries and machine shops; i woolen mill with 300 spindles and carding machine; i plaster mill; 3 lath and shingle mills; 2 carriage shops, 2 cabinet shops; i chair factory; 6 shoe shops; i marble shops; I tannery; 4 blacksmith shops; 2 tailor shops; 2 harness shops; i goldsmith ; i fish tackle manufactory ; 2 taverns ; 4 dry goods stores ; 4 groceries; 2 pot and pearl asheries; In all of these departments over 200 workmen were employed many of them possessing theii own homes which are now occupied mostly by retired farmers. To day, for the want of a few enterprising business men, the village with its departed glory can be ranked among the drowsy villages of Jefferson County. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 3T9 TOWN OF WATERTOWN. By John Sheldon. Ladies and Gentlemen: Before proceeding to relate the recol- lections and traditions which have come to me, and which are as vivid in my mind to-day as they were when they first came under my observation — (some of which I will relate, and would relate many more if the limited time allowed to me would permit) let us glance briefly at the topography of Watertown and its conditions when the first pioneers arrived upon the ground. My recollection runs back to the time when the first pioneers had arrived at the meridian ot their lives and the sere and yellow leaf cast its first faint shadows, uporf them. The brilliant eye had gone, strength had departed from their hands, agility from their feet, and a quarter of a Sentury ot hard, incessant toil had effaced the rainbow that arched the future of their early hopes. Go upon an elevated point, like the Roth building, and look to the north and you see an extended reach of flat land. Turn to the right hand and you see the high lands of East Watertown. Turn further to the right hand and you see the high lands of Burrville and of Wilson Hill — still further to the right hand and you see Dry Hill — still further and you see the promintory that overhangs North Adams and Henderson. Let us glance at the conclilsions of conceded scholars like Agassiz and Lyell. Agassiz says these highlands of Watertown were part of the Laurentian Hills; that some time in the millions of millions of years of the past nearly all the waters of the North American continent flowed down the St. Lawrence valley to the ocean. But by some eruption, caused by internal fires and other natural agencies, the great Appalachian chain in the east and the Rocky mountains in the west were thrown up, producing a corres- ponding depression in the great central plateau, and so thereafter a great portion of the water of the continent flowed down the Mis- sissippi valley to the ocean. Before the great upheaval the St. Lawrence River ran at the base of these Laurentian Hills. This great river was as wide, perhaps, as the Amazon, which is one hundred miles at its mouth. This great river was stocked with an abundance of fish and aquatic life. The surface was the abode of an endless quantity and variety of fresh water fowls, which had their homes on these highlands by night and sought sustenance in its waters by day. Here they builded their nests, reared their youig and deposited the excreta, which, mixed with the limestone which the glaciers had ground to powder, furnished the basis for the great 380 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. fertility which the pioneers found when they sought new homes in the valley of Black River. So rapidly were these lands bought and occupied that at the end of £ve years from the time the first occupants came there was scarcely an acre of land which was not under contract. They usually came in groups, sometimes of whole neighborhoods and family circles. The traditions and family history of many of these I remember well and the appearance of many of these pioneers is still vivid in my mind. I will mention only such as I personally recollect and whose tradi- tions I get from my parents and other trustworthy sources. The first seven deeds were all dated August 20, 1 8o2, and were " given to Benjamin Hunt, Jotham Ives, David Bent, Ezra Parker, William Parker, Joseph Tuttle and Joseph Moore. I will commence at the southeast corner of the town. There is Wilson Hill, so named for Isaac Wilson, who came from Oneida County in 1802. He was of Scotch extraction and lived for some years in the Mohawk Valley. He brought with him his four sons, Thomas, James, Alpheus and Isaac, Jr. James married a daughter of Elihu Ball. Alpheus married the oldest daughter of Francib Lamon. Isaac, Jr., married Hannah Rice^ the only daughter of Jason Rice. There also settled William P. and N. Grandall. A description of these settlers and their families is given in a well-written article penned by a decendant, and to which I can add nothing of interest. This article will be submitted with this paper. Coming down to Burrville we strike, what was considered in 1800, the most important and eligible location for a town site. Here was an ideal water power, with an abundance of water. The heavy forest prevented evaporation and other causes held back the flow of water and distributed its flow over the entire year. The water power at Black River was regarded as too immense to be utilized for manu- facturing purposes, so at Burrville was built the first grist mill in the town. It was built by Silas Stow, the first land agent of Nicholas, Low, and Mr. Hart Massey, who had himself settled in this part of the town. Mr. Massey was an enterprising, sagacious and trust- worthy settler, which is shown by his being selected, when the War of 1 8 12 broke out, as bearer of dispatches from General Brown's headquarters to Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, and to discuss with him the ways and means of protecting the settlers from the ravages of the Indians, whom the British had incited to pillage the whitt settlers and from the hostile incursions of our neighbors across the border. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 381 A number of enterprising men had already gathered at Burrville. Among them was Judge Jabez Foster, the first merchant in the town, the father of Mrs. Adriel Ely, and grandfather of Mrs. Georgt Knowlton of this city. He had engaged as his clerk Mr. Orville Hungerford, whose future career proved him to be one of the most successful, far-seeing and trustworthy financiers of the entire State. There William Lampson built his first cupola for melting iron, for the manufacture of agricultural implements. Here he manu- factured the first plow with an iron mold board and two handles ever used or seen in this vicinity. All previous ploughs had a wooden I mold board and one handle. WilRam Lampson also manufactured good axes and well-tempered edged tools, all of which were important implements in so heavily timbered a country, where everything had to be manufactured from the trees. Here Reverend Ebenezer Lazell gathered the firsf religious meeting of divine worship. Mr. Lazell took up and resided upon the farm now owned by William C. Baker, the present supervisor of Watertown. In addition to gathering his neighbors for stated meet- ings for divine worship, he also established the first distillery for tht manufacture of whiskey. These meetings were the first religious gatherings in the town. The congregation later divided, a part form- ing the First Presbyterian Church at Watertown. I remember well hearing my mother tell of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Hart Massey and others from Watertown, coming through the woods on horseback, to attend Mr. Lazell's meetings. He seems to have been an enter- prising man, of great executive ability. I have heard many interest- ing anecdotes of a kindly nature of this early Missionary, who went forth to preach the gospel in the wilderness, like John the Baptist, in Judea. For other data and reminisences I refer you to a paper submitted by Mr. Orville Tolman, who was born in that vicinity and who has gathered much valuable matter pertaining to the early settlement of Burrville. But I would mention the fact that the mill built by Messrs, Stow and Massey was sold, soon after completion, and came into the possession of Arnold Burr, who used to say of him- self, "That he did not know under what unlucky star he must have been born to bear the names of the only two traitors who ever plotted the destruction of their country — Arnold and Burr." For him, and the mill, the site of the village was named — Burr's Mills. Passing down the road from Burrville, across Sandy Creek, we come to the residence of Nathaniel Burnham. Further down we come to the residence of Caleb Burnham, on the other side of the road. They were among the early settlers and were good men. 383 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Coming down to the top of the next hill, Mr. Job Sawyer settled. He was a very distant relative of Thomas Sawyer's people, and was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church. He was an uncle fay marriagt of the late Samuel Upham, who was for many years cashier of tht Union Bank of this city. In his boyhood he lived with his uncle, Mr. Job Sawyer, Jor several years. The next place below Job Sawyer's was that of Joseph Wake- field. He had three sons, Elisha, who married the oldest daughter of Jonathan Baker, Cyrenus, who married the second daughter of Josiah Richardson, and Dr. Wakefield, who, I think, was never married. Coming down still further to the hamlet known as "Sawyer's Corners," Thomas Sawyer, who, married Susannah Wilder, settled in 1801. He had three sons whom I remember, Thomas, Joseph and Jesse, who were men of sterling worth. Thomas, Jr., married Eunice Fellows, Joseph married Mary Pepper. Jesse married Elizabeth Goodale, and was the father of Judge Sawyer of the United States Supreme Court of California. Thomas, Jr., lived and died on the farm now owned by Charles Rexford, and occupied by his son. Joseph lived and died at the intersection of the roads leading from Watertown to Burrville, and the road leading to Rod- man. Joseph had one son and two daughters that I remember. The oldest daughter. Marietta, married Ormon Sawyer, who, at the time of his marriage, lived in Onondaga County. The youngest, Melissa, married Dr. Clark, moved to Ohio and died early in life. The son, Laurentius, who lived on the old homestead at the forks of the road married Cornelia Tolman, oldest daughter of William Tolman. Coming down toward Watertown Center we next come to the residence of Timothy Hungerford, who came to the town as early as 1 80 1 and settled on a farm on the hill, where a little stream crossed the highway. He had four boys that I remember. Colonel Anson Hungerford, who lived on the old homestead. Dexter, who kept hotel, at an early day on the site of the American Hotel, Orville Hungerford, whom I have mentioned as a clerk at Burrville, and Timothy, Jr., who lived on the farm at the foot of the hill, beyond the cemetery, on the road leading to Burrville. Timothy had one daughter, who married Dr. Daniel Brainard, who lived at Burrville. He was the father of Orville Velora Brainard, who, for many years, was cashier in the Jefferson County Bank. Going still further toward the center of the town we come to the residence of Elisha Clark, who lived on the opposite side of the road, a little beyond the gate leading into the cemetery, of which he was STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 383 sexton for many years. He was the father of James M. Clark and the grandfather of Mrs. Copely Nott. James M. Clark was of the merchantile firm of Clark & Wiggins, at one time a prosperous clothing house here. Next comes the Rogers property. The deed to James Rogers was recorded in 1799- James Rogers was a son of Lieutenant John Rogers and came from Ackworth, New Hampshire. A part of Brookside cemetery was included in this farm. The foundation of the old house can still be seen out on the brow of the little hill, above the creek, on the old road to the cemetery. Later his son Joseph built thfe house at Watertown Center which stands between the two roads to the cemetery, and which has lately been bought by the cemetery association. He had two sons whom I remember, Joseph and Ralph. There were other sons and several daughters. Joseph was a cabinet maker, as well as farmer. He married Elizabeth Rogers, a distant relative. Their children were Almon, Jane, Calista, Alonzo, Edgar, Pitt and Angeline. Almon married Eliza Sheldon and moved to Percival, Iowa. Jane married Ebenezei Moody, Calista died young. Edgar took part in the Patriot War, was captured, imprisoned and sentenced to death, but his mother went to Canada, and through her pleading and on account of his youth, he was released. He afterward married Cornelia Penniman and moved to Kansas. Pitt died in Memphis, Tenn., unmarried. Angeline married Clark Way, and later Curtis Campbell. Alonzo married Mary Antoinette Thompson and remained on the old home- stead until 1866, when he moved into the village of Watertown, purchasing the property on Jay street, ,where his wife and daughters still reside. Their children were Frank, Frederick C, Jennie A., Charles D., and Antoinette C. Rogers. Ralph Rogers became a physician and located in Watertown. He marrred Sarah Cross. Their children were Publius V. and Maria. Publius married Elizabeth Butler, moved to Utica, and was for years president of the First National Bank of that city. He left one son, Charles B. Rogers, who succeeded his father as president of the bank. Maria Rogers married Leonard R. Murray, who was for years ■one of our best-known and most upright business men. He was succeeded in business by his son, Edward H. Murray. The other sons were Charles R. and Allen Murray, the latter a physician in Idaho. This brings us to Watertown Center, where Roswell Bingham, at an early day, had located a furnace for melting iron, manufactur- 384 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. ing plows, edged tools, wagons and agricultural implements. He had an excellent blacksmithing shop for shoeing horses and oxen and did a general jobbing business. He ^old out his property here about 1840, and moved to the town of Diana, in Lewis County. Stephen Gifford settled just west of the center of the town. He was town clerk for many years. He married three times, and had three sons, Otis, George and Bert, and several daughters. Otis,, married a daughter of Bennett Rice, George went to Chicago, Bert married Helen Walker and still lives on the old homestead. Harriet married Gilbert L. Read, Mary married Thomas Read. Delia married Chester Blodgett, and had two daughters, the oldest married: Hiram Inglehart, the other married Joseph Frink. Martha GifEord married WoodrufE Sherman, and had two daughters, Cornelia, who married Frank Olean, and Carrie, who married Henry Dunsford, of this city, and a son, Roswell Sherman. Hannah Gilford married Asaph Mather, Jr. Going back to Sawyer's Corners and taking the road leading to Rodman we come to School District No. 14 in Watertown. Mr. Richard Skeels was born in this district. He has written so graphic, trenchant and a truthful description that I should blur a picture if I touched it. Therefore I pass over it and up the hill to District No. 13. At the top of the hill William Sheldon located, early in the his- tory of the town. He married Celia Bloss and reared a family of four girls and two boys. Eliza married Almon Rogers, resided several years at Watertown Center, and subsequently removed to Percival, on the Missouri River, in the State of Iowa. Walter, the eldest son, married Miss Hawley and also moved to Percival. Lovica married Orville Knapp of Smithville. Artemesia married Henry Yates of Adams Center, but later moved to Percival. Amelia married Elijah Hawley and moved to Percival, Iowa. Josiah married and moved to Marshalltown, Iowa. Next to the William Sheldon farm was thait of Robert Adams, who came about 1806. He married Cynthia Pratt, a sister of General Tilly R. Pratt. He had four sons and was an excellent man. His sons were Edwin, Maynard, Clinton and Tilly Pratt Adams. Edwin went to California in 1850, married and left three sons. Maynard married Catherine Peck. They had one son, named for his father. Maynard Adams resided on the old homestead but died a comparatively young man. Tilly married Miss Gertrude Mantle, oldest daughter of William Mantle, of this town. STOBIES OF THE TOWJSS. 385 Then we come to the Joseph Priest farm. He was a cousin of Joshua Priest, who came with Nathaniel Harrington from Claring- ton, Vt., in 1798, to hunt, fish and explore the wonderful Black River Valley, where they subsequently settled and drew a whole colony of Vermont people. Joseph Priest had a very large family, all of whom, I believe, are dead, except Hiram Pries^,. who is at present residing at Adams Center, at the advanced age of ninety- three, and was one of the younger children of the family, and Oliver, who lives on a farm adjacent to the old homestead. Next is the farm of Joseph Sheldon. He was born in the town of Lisbon, Connecticut, in 1782. He came from there in 1801 in com- pany with Septimus G. Adams, to Herkimer County. He worked there the balance of that season, but in the fall of that year William Smith, Joseph Sheldon, Septimus G. Adams and Girdon Caswell camt from Litchfield to the famous Black River country, on an^expedition of observation. They liked the country. They returned that fall and winter to Litchfield but all returned in the spring, with the family of Captain Tilly Richardson, to this county, and all lived and died here. Sheldon and Adams took up a farm in Rodman, cleared fifty acres and sowed it in wheat in the fall. They had a good crop but sold their improvements in the spring of 1 81 3, to Judge White of Whitesville, for one thousand dollars. The next summer Sheldon and Adams jobbed, clearing land for Ebenezer Lazell and others. During the summer Sheldon bought the improvements already made by 'John Babcock and John Partels and settled on the farm on which he lived and died. In 1804 Sheldon cleared on his own farm and built an ashery, where he converted his own- ashes into potash, and bought ashes from his less enterprising neighbors. In 1805 he built his first distillery, where he worked the corn which he raised himself, and bought corn of his neighbors for the same purpose. Bountiful crops of corn grew everywhere it was planted, but there was no market for it, so he commenced manufacturing it into whiskey, beef and pork, making potash at the same time, all of which were shipped to Montreal and Kingston. The whiskey, beef and pork were consumed largely by the British army, which was located in large numbers at Montreal and Kingston. The potash went to Montreal and was exported, principally to England. Jefferson County was a liberal producer of these articles at an early period. During the winter of 1804 Mr. Sheldon went back to Connecti- cut and brought his sister Mary back with him. She soon after- wards married Johnathan E. Miles, grandfather of Miles, John J. and Pliny Lamon and Mrs. Lorinda Powers of this city. In the 25 386 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. winter of 1806 he again visited Connecticut and brought back his father and mother and his sister Lucinda. In 1807 and 8 he cleared land on the farm, built a frame house and barn and in 1809 married Hepzibah Richardson, third daughter of Captain Tilly R. Richard- son. They raised eight -children, five boys and three girls. The oldest son, T.illy, always resided in this vicinity and died in February, 1903, in his ninety-third year. Susan married Jenks P. Thompson. She had one son, John, and one daughter, Elizabeth. Mary married William L. Eddy and raised five daughters and one son. All but one daughter went to Oregon. Two daughters married in Oregon. The son is a prosperous merchant in Portland, Oregon. Harriet married Jeremiah Beckwith and had two sons and one daughter. The second son, Bishop, went to California in 1850 overland. He married Catharine Barker, had one daughter, but died comparatively early in life. John, the third son, went to California in 1850, overland. He returned two years later and married Nancy Baker, oldest daughter of Thomas and Betsey Baker, intending to return to California, but he was attacked by malarial fever, contracted in the city of Acapulco, where he was detained six weeks by the sink- ing of the ship on which he was a passenger. The ship just made the port, but went to the bottom within thirty minutes. Joseph, the fourth son, graduated at Yale College, in the class of 1852. He read law in New Haven and has practiced law foi fifty years in that city. He married Abby Barker and his two daughters, Fannie, the oldest, married James Bolton. Elizabeth married Mr. Tillinghast. Mark, the fifth son, went to California in 1851. He married Agnes Welch, of Dannsville, N. Y., and had two sons and one daughter. Frank P. the eldest son, graduated at Harvard University. Has never married. Joseph and Catherine are both married. Mark was a successful business man. He was one of the first owners of a claim of the famous Comstock lode, in Nevada, and was a suc- cessful merchant in the city of San Francisco. He died June i, 1902. The house built by Joseph Sheldon is still standing and affords a comfortable dwelling place for the people now residing there. He discontinued distilling in 1832. In 1827 he purchased, of Joseph Henderson, the old Cowan mill, first erected on Black River, in this place. The following year he took Mr. Philo C. Moulton who was an excellent miller, in partnership. In 1836 Sheldon and Moulton built the Union Mill, directly in front of the old Cowan which the Messrs. Knowlton have just converted into a part of theii STORIES OF THE TOWNS. . 387 paper plant, on Mill St. Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Moulton built, at their own expense, the first bridge over the main stream, below the cataract, on the opposite side of Beebee's Island, to the Pamelia side. I mention this fact because Mr. Hough gives the credit to Mr. Merril. Mr. Little, whom many of you still remember as a promi- nent mason and surveyor, told me that his father had the contract, and that he framed one end of every stick of timber that went into the bridge, while his father framed the other end. This I know to be true. Lumber and labor were so cheap, at that time, that the entire cost was not over two thousand dollars, but the amount repre- sented a great deal of property at that time. One word about the first "Dairy" ever known in this county. In 1834 Joseph Sheldon kept a dairy of forty cows and made cheese. A claim was made recently that other parties made cheese in this county in 1838 and that this was the first dairy, but this was foui years after Mr. Sheldon made cheese from his dairy of forty cows, above mentioned. I remember distinctly the rainy, October day in 1834, that Charles Simons and Martin, his father came to my father's house and bought his cows. On reading this claim for the first dairy in 1838, I asked Mr. Albert Hayes, a very trustworthy and reliable man who worked for my father, if he remembered what year it was. He said "I remember it distinctly, it was the last year my father had my wages, which he took for three of four years before I was of age, and I was born in 1814." If anyone desires to investigate this question further, I refer him to a letter of Mr. Hayes, published in the Watertown Times, about fifteen years ago. One word about horse rakes. Who used the first, and of what kind? Mr. Sheldon, after selling his dairy, as above mentioned, stocked his farm with a thousand sheep. The next year, 1833, while looking for some fine wool bucks, he went to Oneida County, where he learned of some choice herds of sheep. There he saw a man raking hay with a horse. Going to the meadow he saw the first crude effort of one of the great labor saving devices of the age — a rake drawn by a horse. It had a common Cedar fence pole, thirteen or fourteen feet long, with teeth, about ^fteen inches long fitted to its side. The rake lay flat on the ground, with handles on the back side, and similar to the corn market to-day, with ropes fastened to each end and to the horse's traces. A boy on the horse's back and tht rig was complete. It would rake hay faster than "ten men with an ordinary hand rake. Mr. Sheldon, on his return home, had one made like it, and men came twenty miles to see this new departure in one of the most laborous fields of farm work. Raking by hand meant 388 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. tired backs and blistered hands. The hay maker laughed with joy at this first crude effort to rake hay with horses. Seen here first in 1835- The next farm to the west of Joseph Sheldon's was that ot Patrick Eagen, an old-fashioned, genial, Irish gentleman — well edu- cated, and a most interesting and entertaining man. He located on this farm at an early age. He had five daughters and one son, whom I remember. Betsey, the oldest, died early in life. The second mar- ried Sampson Jacquith, who was at one time, boss of my father's distillery, and afterwards la successful merchant in Salina, Onondaga County. Susan married Mr. Bassett. Harriet and Emeline went to Onondaga County to live with Mr. Jacquith and I do not know what became of them. His son, Patrick Hamilton Eagen, vyent to Syracuse and edited the Onondaga "Standard." He was postmaster at one time, I think under the administration of James K. Polk. He was a prominent citizen and did more to construct the Syracuse North- ern Railroad than any other man. The next farm to the west was Solomon Palmer's. He had but one son that I remember, David Palmer, and he was a deacon in the Baptist church. The next farm to the west of Mr. Palmer's was that of Francis Lamon, who had two boys and two girls. The oldest daughter mar- ried Alpheus Wilson. Joel married a daughter of A. C. Jacquith and had one daughter, Charlotte. He sold his farm on Dry Hill and moved to Ohio. Francis married Susan Miles, and was the father of Miles, Pliny and John J. Lamon, and Mrs. I. P. Powers, of this city. Lorinda married Garrett Ives. Died early in life, leav- ing one son, Mr. Frank Ives. Mr. Lamon was a genial, kind-hearted man and a good neighbor. He sold his property qn Dry Hill and some time in the thirties moved to Watertown and purchased the property where Isaac Powers now resides. He gave the name of Lamon street to that part of the town. The next farm was under contract to one Mr. Crawford, whom I only remember as having one son, who went to school when I did. The next farm to the west was that of James Glass. He married Parthena Woodard. They had three daughters and four sons. Elias married Almira Allen. Lorenzo married Miss Greenley, daughtei of Timothy Greenley of the town of Rodman. Olive married Gab- riel Pitcher. Mah^a married Lafayette Horth. The next farm was that of Mr. Henry White, who married Amanda Ives, only daughter of Jotham Ives. They raised three boys and one girl. Jotham married Miss Holloway. Garrett married STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 389 Mary Ayers. Henry married Miss Spicer. The daughter ; married Alpheus Lord. The next farm to the west was owned by a man named Pool. He sold the farm to Mr. Jotham Ives, who gave it to his daughter Amanda. Mr. White's neighbor just north of him, was Joseph Soddy, who was an eccentric man. He came there in about 1803 ;but lived a hermit. He built a very good house and barn but lived there in. his solitude, no woman ever being permitted to enter his house. Next west of the Pool place was that of John Thompson. He had four boys. Jenks P., the oldest, married Susan Sheldon, the old- est daughter of Joseph Sheldon. They had two children, a, boy and a girl. The boy, John J., went to California and died young. The daughter, Elizabeth, married a Mr. Kelly and went-tp Nebraska. Oscar Thompson was appointed to a position in the canal office of Governor Seward. He resided in Buffalo for several, years and then m^jved west. Zebulon Thompson graduated from Hamilton College, studied medicine and went to California in about 1854. John, the youngest son, learned the printing trade, but died early. The next farm to the west was that of David Howard.- He was> a genial kind-hearted man. I remember him as an old school teacher, of excellent ability, and a good accountant. He kept the district school of District No. 13 and spent a good' deal of his time at my father's house posting books evenings. He had one daughtei and one son. 1 Coming north on the State road from David Howard's we come to Mr. Ballard's. He had one son, who graduated at Hamilton Col- lege, studied law and practiced his profession in Wisconsin. The next was Thomas H. Biddlecome, who had three sons. Stafford married Maria Scott, and' Clark, who was a shoemaker at Rice's. Jason Rice was next to the Biddlecome's oin the north. He had three sons and one daughter. The oldest son, Harvey, kept a hotel at Rice's Corners for a long time. The second son, Albert, was a successful farmer and a generalof the militia of the county. He married a sister of Joseph Davis, an aunt of Mr. George Davis ot this city. Marcus Rice married Miss Collins. Their sons were Harvey, Homer, William W. and De Villo Rice, and a daughter^ who married Pearl Wadley. Dr. John Cowan lived at Rice's Corners. He had an extensive practice and was a successful physician. He had two boys and ont girl. John followed his father's profession. Freeman thought more 390 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. of horses than of books, and was the famous "Pete" Cowan, whom many of you remember as a hack owner in this city. His daughter's name was Lucippa. The next farm to the north was Joyham Ives, who located in 1800 on the farm where he subsequently lived a^-d d-Vd. M° vjp'; a wealthy and prosperous citizen. He had one son and one daughter. Garrett, who married Lorinda Lamon, daughter of Francis Lamon. The daughter, Amanda, married Henry White. The next farm was that of Dr. Titus Ives, who had one son, the Honorable Willard Ives. Adjoining the farm of Patrick Eagen, John and Samuel Knapp, brothers, settled in 1801. They came from the Mohawk Valley. Quite a number of such settlers came about this time, including the KJiapps. Most of them sold their holdings and went to the Maumec country, Ohio, about 1830. Next adjoining Joseph Sheldon's farm was that of Elisha Morgan, who settled there about 1801. He had three sons and one daughter. The sons were Elisha M., Judson P., and David. The daughter, Lucy Morgan, married Lovett Eames, who was the father of Elisha Eames of this city. Mr. Morgan came from Connecticut. He walked with a cane cut from the spout of a Balm of Gilead tree, which he stuck in the ground, where it grew and became a nice tree. I remember it well. He was a man tenacious and almost pugnacious in defense of his preconceived opinions. Next came Samuel Rockwell, who resided on the farm now owned by Mrs. Isaac Gardner. He sold his holdings and went to the Maumee country in 1830. The next resident was that of John Losee, who came from the Mohawk Valley in 1801. In 1828 he built the big stone house at the top of the hill on the road leading from Watertown to Rodman, over Dry Hill. He lived and died there and was buried directly across the road from the house. The next farm was that of John Pitcher, who came from May- field, in the Mohawk Valley. He had a large familv. Was the father of Gabriel Pitcher, who died recently in Adams Center. Going up the road leading to Burrville we come to a farm con- tracted for by John Babcock. This was afterwards owned and occupied by Charles and George Simons. On the opposite side of the rpad was a farm owned by Solomon Holbrook, also from the Mohawk Valley. Further down the road we come to the farm of Abram Fisk, one of the very first settlers in the town. He reared a large family STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 391 Next to him was Peter VanHusen, who had the reputation of hav- ing good horses, and running them whenever he could show their speed. He was a typical Mohawk Dutchman. Going back to the Losee place and coming straight down toward the city we come to the farm purchased by David Bent. He never came here to live, but his . two sons, George and Silas, came and occupied the farm. The next farm was Ira Brown's. This farm was afterwards owned by Otis GifiEord, the oldest son of Captain Stephen Gifford. Going back on the Ridge Road to the Soddy place we next find John Partels, who also came from the Mohawk Valley. On this road Silas Bent lived. He was a very genial man. He sold his farm and moved West in the early forties. Then going back on the road from Wadley's corners to Watertown^ heretofore mentioned, and coming toward Watertown, we come to the farm of Corlis Hinds, the first supervisor of Watertown. He was a very intelligent man. His son Corlis afterwards had the farm, but sold it and went to Cattaraugus county to live. The farm was afterwards owned by David Snell. The next farm was owned by Ira Fisk, who lived and died there. This brings us to the intersection of the roads leading from Burrville to Sackets Harbor and the road leading from Adams to Watertown, where Benjamin Allen located in 1800 and built a hotel soon after- ward. Starting at the town line, on the road from Watertown to Sackets Harbor, here, in 1826, settled Francis Smiley. He had two sons, R. Eldridge Smiley, for many years connected with the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg R. R., and Varora W. Smiley, and one daughter, Lovilla, who died early in life. Coming on toward the city is the farm settled at an early day by Gideon Ormsby, who was killed by an accident, coming down the Rutland hill. His wife and his son Gideon lived on the farm. Coming toward the city, on the left hand side of the road, settled Joel Mattison. My recollection is that this farm was afterwards occupied by Oliver Horr. Coming toward the city still further, on the south side of the road, Ira Banks occupied a farm at an early day, but subsequently sold it and moved to Pamelia. This farm came into the possession of Jerome Ives, son of Erastus Ives, and is now owned by Frank Ives, a son of Jerome Ives. The next farm, on the north side of the road, was settled by Phippen, who had four sons. A part of this farm is still owned by some of the decendants of the original Mr. Phippen. 392 STCBIES OF THE TOWNS. On the same side of the road, where the school house now stands, lived Mr. Wheeler, who was the father of Mrs. H. H. Babcock of this city. The next place toward the city was owned, at an early day, by Hart Massey, Jr. On the south side of the road lived Solon Massey, who raised a family of four boys and one daughter. He was a pleasant writer and wrote "Links in the Chain" for the Jeffersonian, when edited by Al- vin Hunt in' the thirties. This was the first effort to Write or record the early incidents of the history of this vicinity. On the south side of the road leading toward the city lived Oliver Horr, who raised a fdrnily of five girls and three boys. On tlje opposite side of the road, at an early day, lived Isaac Cleve- land, who was a relative of Meritt, Milo and Stephen Cleveland of this city. Some or all of this land is still owned by. Stephen Cleve- land. This brings us to the city line. Returning to the road leading north from Sacket's Harbor rqad, and passing Joel Mattison's, before mentioned, we come to the farm originally owned by Eliphalet Everett, who took it up at an early day. After his death it came into the possession of Elias Ever- ett, his brother, who was the father of William Everett, the civil engineer who laid the first Atlantic Cable. The farm was finally owned by Austin Everett, father of Elmer Everett and Mrs. Velora Smiley of this city. The next farm north was owned by Henry Hatch, who resided on the east side of the road. He was a man of great executive ability. This brings us to the road from Watertown to Brown- ville. On this road settled Nathan CofSn, brother of Henry Hale Coffin, and son of Henry Coffin, one of the. original settlers of this city. Next was James Parker, who took up a large plot of land about 1800, which was afterwards occupied by his sons, whose names I do not remember. The next farm on the south side was owned by Elnathan Matti- son in whose family the late Stephen Boon spent his early life. Mr. Mattison was the father of Governor Mattison of Illinois, a great political friend of Stephen Douglas. The next place on the north side, at the top of the hill coming down to the fairground, was settled at a very early day by a man from the Mohawk Valley, by the name of Folts. The lorig hill this side of the house was, for a long time, called Folts' Hill. STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 393 This brings us again to the city line, therefore we will go back to Watertown Center, where Aaron Brown built a hotel at an early day. Coming toward the city from Watertown Center Deacon Herrick owned the farm on top of the hill, on the east side. The next farm was deeded by Nicholas Low, in 1813, to Egbert TenEyck. I think Mr. TenEyck owned the land on both sides of the road as early in 18 13, but about sixty-five years ago the farm on the west side was owned by John Adams, father of Jesse aAd John Quincy Adams, and Mrs. W. P. Herring, of this city. On the east side of the road, by the watering trough, the farm was owned by Chauncey D. Morgan, father of L. D. Morgan, and grand-father of Miss Harriet D. Morgan, of this city. Later this farm passed into the possession of Stephen Kiock. Coming on down the hill, on the west side, where the toll gate used to be, very early in the century, Asaph Mather lived. He was the father of Asaph Mather, Jr., of this city. Then going to the hamlet known as "Field's Settlement" and coming toward the city on top of the hill, John Ayers settled at an early day. At the battle of Sackets Harbor, he was captured by the Indians, and taken, with others, to Kingston, and from there sent to Quebec, where he died from the effects of ill-treatment by the British ofEeers, and exposure to the rigorous climate. This farm was ■subsequently owned by Joel Ives, whose daughter still resides there. Coming still further toward the city, on the same side of the road, we come to the residence of John Winslow, father of Gen. Bradley Winslow and Hon. Norris Winslow of this city. I first saw Mr. Winslow when he came to my father's house as an assessor. He was a nice looking man, and a man of few words. He asked a few questions, made some entries in his book, mounted his fine saddle horse and departed. Mr. Winslow was twice married, first to Miss Bet- sey Collins, and, second, to Miss Sarah Bates, who still survives him, and lives in this city. Coming toward the city from Mr. Winslow's, on the opposite side of the road, was a farm originally owned by Abraham Graves, ■who was the father of Col. Abner Graves and Orrin Graves. Orrin remained on the old homestead and Abner lived on the farm next toward the city. This brings us to the city line again. Then going to the road leading from Adams Center to Water- town, by way of Beaver Meadow, and not far from the road leading from Burrville to Sackets Harbor, we come to the farm of Mr. Abe Scott, father of Reuben Scott. He was one of the oldest settlers in the town. 394 iiTOBIES OF THE TOWNS. Then we come to the farm owned some sixty years ago by Isaac Brintnall, son of James Brintnall, before mentioned. Coming toward the city we come to a farm owned by Newell Ely, who w^s for many years the trusted treasurer of the JefEerson County Savings Bank. The next farm was owned by Benjamin K. Gurnee, who had two sons, George and Albert, who occupied the tarm after the death of their father. The next farm was owned, at a very early day, by John Collins, who was the father of Mrs. John Winslow, Mrs. Marcus Rice and Mrs. Andrew Smith. He had one son, George Collins. Coming still further toward the city, we come to the farm which is now owned by Anson Flower. This was owned, at one time, by Jonathan Demming, and later by the Honorable Willard Ives, who> lived and died there. This brings us again to the city line. Having made an abbreviated record of the pioneers, as I remember them, I will now make a brief mention of some of the things which are not recorded in any history that I have seen. Going back seventy- five years and from that point to the commencement of the nineteenth century. Who were the merchants of seventy-five year? ago? How- many were there? How many hotels were there? Who erected them? Who built the first brick building and where did they get their brick? Where did they get their hay scales and how? Who- were the merchants, the hotel men, the lawyers and doctors of that early day, and how many of each were there? The first merchant in the town was Jabez Foster, who located' at Burrville, as heretofore mentioned, in 1814 and who removed ta Watertown in 1808. The first merchant in the city was John Pad- dock and William Smith, in 1805, who erected a brick store on the south side of Public Square, on the space between Washington Hall Block and Volney Hubbard's Block. The brick was manufactured on what was then an open field, nearly where the Taggart Block now stands, where suitable clay was found in abundance, and an abundance of sand was found on the high knoll where the Universal- ist church now stands. After Smith & Paddock other merchants en- gaged in mercantile enterprises here, but I think these were the leaders, for in the year 1810 they purchased of potash alone, $112,- 000 worth, paying as high as forty dollars a barrel for It. After the death of Mr. John Paddock, in 1816, his brother, Mr. Loveland Paddock, succeeded to his business. The next merchant was Jabez Foster, who removed here in 1808" and soon after took his very efficient clerk, Mr. Orville Hungerford, STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 395 in partnership with him. Then came M. Adriel Ely, who married a daughter of Mr. Foster and in 1815 the partnership of Foster & Hungerford was dissolved, Mr. Hungerford commencing business on his own account, and the firm Ely & Foster was organized, but prior to this, and during the first third of the century, many other merchants estafalished business here. Among the list were John SafEord, Norris Woodruff, Jason Fairbanks, Otis & Duane, Silas Marvin, John E. Brown, William Wood, Sandford & Willis, Tuttle & Sill, Anson Tibbs, N. W. Streeter, and some others, whose names, at this moment, have escaped my memory. Now, who erected the first hotel? Mr. Hough, in his history says that Isaiah Massey erected an inn in 1802. On the south-west corner of the square, where Washington Hall now stands, a hotel was kept by Edward Massey. It was owned by Hart, Edward and Baker Massey before 1815. They sold it to Butler Ranney in 1815, but Hart Massey owned it again in 1825. He sold it to Joseph Hersey, who sold it to John Brown in 1828. Brown sold it to Walter L. Woodruff and Henry Yelverton in 1852. Yelverton sold his interest to Gilbert WoodrufE in 1853 and the Woodruffs built the present Washington Hall Block. In 1825 Dexter Hungerford kept the White House on the Ameri- can corner. It was built by Isaac Read in 1814 and sold to Solomon White in 1 821, and to Dexter Hungerford in 1827. Dexter Hunger- ford sold it to Orville Hungerford, N. M. Woodruff and Robert Lansing, who were called The Hotel Company. In 1836 they built the hotel which was burned on the 13th of May, 1849, at the time of the great fire. In 1826 Micah Sterling erected a large stone building, nearly on the present site of Bushnell's store. It was called the Mansion House. In 1835 he sold it to Luther Gilson, who died before 1839, as his heirs sold the place in that year. In 1840 it came into the possession of Norris M. Woodruff. The Woodruff House was built by Norris M. Woodruff in 1852. Next down the street, nearly where the Doolittle & Hall Block now stands Nathan Jewett built a hotel in 181 6. It was sold to Girdon and Henry Carswell and Samuel Guard in 181 8. Guard sold to Henry Carswell, who sold to O. V. Brainard in 1828. O. V. Brainard sold to Joseph H. Bagg in 1830. It was always called The Flat. Joseph Bagg sold it to Edmund Hall in 1832. He died in 1834. Clark Hewitt married Mrs. Hall and joined in a deed to N. M. Woodruff in 1849. 396 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. N. F. Butler built a hotel in 1830, which was called The Central House. That was afterwards owned by Francis Lamon in 1833, and sold to Silas Gates in 1852. ' The Harris House was built by Nathan F. Butts, who sold it to Philo T. Moulton in 1834. Mr. Moulton sold it to John Kemp. Mr. Kemp sold it to Riley Weaver in 1837, and Mr. Weaver sold it to Silas Gates in 1852. The Kirby House, now called the Hardiman House, was built in 1856. Joseph Ferrin having deeded 'l:o Chauncey Jackson and Elijah Buck. Clark M. Brown bought two pieces of land in 1833 ^"d built a hotel, which he sold to John D. Crowner. In 1854 he built the present brick hotel, known as the Crowner House. This was after- wards kept by George and Solon Wilder. In 1832 Stephen Boon bought a piece of land of N. M. Woodruff, on which he built ,a, stone hotel, which he called the Adelphi, and which is now called the City Hotel. He sold it in 1870. In 1 8 14 John C. Deveroux built the hotel now known as the Oakland House. He spld it to Orville Hungerford in 1824, who sold it to Lewis Rich in 1847. I do not remember seeing a description of the primitive Hay Scales used by the people of Watertown as early as 1805 or 1806. It consisted of two posts set firmly in the ground. Across the top a heavy cap was framed. On the top of , this the b,eam of the scale wis poised. At each end of the beam four chains were sus- pended. ' The chains on the outer end, or end projecting into the road when the scales were to be used, were fastened to the rim of the wheels. Oh the inner end the chains were fastened to the four corners of a wooden platform. The beam and platform were so ad- justed as to exactly balance. Then they had weights of 56 pounds, which were lifted upon the platform in sufficient number to jusi balance the load of hay, or substance to be weighed. There was a just wreight — -no fradulent. scales in those days. The ingenuity of a Fairbanks or the volubility of a Jones "Who paid the freight" had not yet devised ways and means to cheat in weight .and call its pros- perity business. UTOBIES OP THE TOWNS. 397 SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 14. By Wines Richardson Skeels Midway between Burr's Mills and Sawyer's Corners, running southeast by southwest, between Wilson Hill and Dry Hill, is a valley about two miles long, and from a few rods to one-half mile wide. Through this valley flows the north branch of Sandy Creek, which is pxincipally formed by two streams that join together just below Burr's Mills. In this valley are numerous cold springs, which great- ly add to the volume of water, and as these springs, are sparkling c'.car and were constantly feeding the creek with their fresh crystals, bub- bling up from "Mother Earth," the pioneers first attracted to this spot were charmed by the purity of its waters. The hillsides that surround this valley were covered with a vast and dens^ growth of timber, the sugar Maple, Beech, Birch, Elm, Butternut and Bass- wood being the principal trees. By the side of the cold springs, pro- tected by the hillsides covered with timbers, our forefathers builded their little homes, small, rude and rough they were, but strong and warm as were the hearts that beat under the homespun coats of theli owners. Within the confines of this valley was located the "Creek School District," for many years known as "District No'. 14," Town of Wa- tertown, now District No. 10. Its people, its industries, its schools and social life, as traditions and memories shall give them to me, I will give to you. In the Spring, when the leaves are just fresh from the buds, and the grass has that lovely, ever-changing shade of green that breathes so strongly the story of a new born life in all of nature, I have often gone to the point I first mentined, midway between Sawyer's Corn- ers and Burr's Mills, and spent an hour enjoying the beautiful pic- ture of this beautiful valley. There is nothing of the awful majesty of the great mountain and canyon region, no suggestion of the volcanic upheaving of a^es, no great plain which tires the eye with its vast unchanging distance, nothing sublime, but the sweet quiet of that home of long ago, and the snug nestling in a mother's arms in the quiet valley below. Years have passed, the forests have melted away before the axe. Many springs have ceased their bubbling songs, the creek is nearly dry, half of the homes have fallen to decay, and the once beautiful valley has lost many charms. Where once the prince of all the finny tribes, the most beautiful, most graceful and most intelligent of all fishes that swim in brook, river, lake or sea, the peerless Brook Trout, once literally swarmed, 398 8TOBIES OF THE TOWNS. to-day the seared and scudding remnant of the race dodges from bush to rock in fear. Where once a full half hundred rollicking boys and girls spent the winter months, literally under the school master's rod, to-day the childless home gives little hope for the future. And yet, though every tree should fall, every spring should dry, and the creek cease to run, though the blades of grass should sear and burn, and houses all decay, there still would be, on all of the plains, among the mountains, and by the great sea, hearts that burn and eyes that grow dim as they sit in the twilight of life and dream of the little valley that once was their home, I have no record or recollection of who cut the first tree, or built the first home in this valley. It was before 1800. In the summer of 1 80 1 the story of the wonderful fertility of the great Black River country, bordering on Lake Ontario, had been passed from one hamlet to another in the Mohawk valley, and many of the young men, who had come to that section from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont, started with their packs on their backs, to follow the blazed trail to the northland. Among this num- ber was Joseph Sheldon, William Smith and)Septiipus G. Adams. Following the trail they passed through Constableville, along the west bank of Black River to Champion, then on to Burr's Mills, which at that time was the most important point in Jefferson County. A mile below they entered the valley of the north branch of Sandy Creek, where they found a few houses. They kept on down the creek, cros- sing through Rodman, to a point near the present boundary of Rod- man and Worth, where on the bank of a stream that runs by the Squire Greenly place they came across a Spruce tree. Considering this a sure sign of a cold soil and climate they did not go any further in that direction returning to Watertown, where they spent a few days before starting on their tramp back to Litch- field, Herkimer County, reaching there late in the autumn of 1801, The report which they made, of the country they had explored, was such that in the Spring of 1802 they returned, accompanied by Tilly Richardson. They traversed the same route, reaching Burr's Mills in the early summer, and again went to the valley of Sandy Creek, where Captain Richardson and Jonathan E. Miles bought the hold- irigs and improvements of settlers already located there. A few ytars later Septimus G. Adams bought the farm which was the north boun- dary of this school district. Tilly Richardson returned to Litchfield and spent the winter of 1802. In the spring of the next year he started with teams and sleds, and a family of two sons and six daughters, reaching the place STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 399 be had bought in March, 1803. The children who accompanied him were Josiah and John Richardson, Nancy, who married John Paddock, Mary, who married Timothy Hungerford, Susan, unmar- ried, Hepzibah, who married Joseph Sheldon, Dorothy, who married Edward Mantle, and Harriet, who married Caleb Morgan. In January 1804 another daughter was born, Lydia Thurston, who mar- ried Wines H. Skeels. Of Tilly Richardson, it may be said, that he was born in Sterling, Mass., March 22, 1759, the son of Tilly Richardson. He married Mary Thurston. He was but sixteen years of age when the first rumblings of the Revolution were heard. He vainly pleaded with his father for permission to join the patriot army; but, as his fath- er was a strong supporter of the English government, he could not get his consent. Still the boy Tilly was actively engaged at the siege of Dorchester Heights in 1776. He was in Saratoga ih October 1777 but arrived one day too late to see the surrender of Burgoyne and his army. He was at the siege of Newport, Rhode Island, in 1778, and there succeeded in capturing a small herd of horses alone, that had strayed a short distance from the British lines. To accom- plish this object he had to watch and dodge cannon balls fired at him from the British camp, the last one of which passed through a stack of hay, behind which he was hiding. At the close of the war he returned to his old home to find that his father, brothers and un- married sisters had gone to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He never met them again. In statute he was of medium height, with broad should- ers, almost a giant in strength, quick and active. He was always victorious in the athletic sports of his day — running, jumping and wrestling. In 1781 he married Mary Thurston, in Lancaster, Mass., Moved to New Hampshide and lived there eight years. He then removed his family to Litchfield, Herkimer County, this state, and came to Water- town in 1803, where he lived until his death in 1852, aged 93 years. After the close of the Revolutionary War he kept up his martial spirit and was always an active participant in the general trainings, which were so important in the early days of the Republic. He held a commission as Captain in the Militia, and after coming to Watertown was always known as Captain Richardson. Although in war he was a brave soldier, always in the front of the fray, and ready to take any chance which duty called upon him to do, in civil life he was one of the most peaceful of men. At his death he stood almost upon the threshold of the century mark, and never was a party to a litigation. He always stood as a friend to the widow and orphan, in many in- 400 STORIES OF THE TOWJfS. stances acting as administrator in settling estates, taking no fee for his services. And the school district where he lived so long, up to the time of his death, was known as the quiet neighborhood. He was the second supervisor of the town of Watertown, having served in that capacity in 1809 and 1 8 10. In religion he was one of the first to accept the doctrine of the Fatherhood of one God, and Broth- erhood of all men, as taught by the Universalists. Next to Captain Richardson, of the early settlers of District No. 14, was Captain Johnathan E. Miles. He was a typical New Eng^ land Puritan. Just in all his dealings, but stern to severity in his own family, as well as with all of his associates; a brilliant man, one of the best astronomers of his age, considering the limited facili- ties at his command. He read the Heavens as an open book, and knew every twinkling star. For years he kept up a regular corres- pondence with Sir Thomas Dick, the noted English philosopher, and introduced his books into the school library. He was the first to bring apple seed to this country and grow fruit trees. For years the Miles orchard was the largest and best in this section. He also set a row of Lombardy Poplar trees on each side of the road that ran from the creek to the top of the hill past his residence. For many years they added materialy to the beauty of the landscape, in this beautiful valley, and in a book published by his daughter, Eloise Abbot, the old homestead was called "Poplar Hill." This farm was fenced entirely with stone walls, every one straight and plumb. How truly they represented the life and character of the man. It was awarded the first premium as the, best cultivated farm in the county, by the Viewing Committee of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and in the height of its glory was a most pic- turesque home. The Captain has gonj:, his body is but dust, the wind and decay have ended the beauty of the Poplar trees, the stone walls have tumbled down, and the old house gone to ruin, and the family has scattered over the earth, all within the decades of a single century. Jonathan E. Miles' first wife was Mary Sheldon. They had one daughter, Mary, who married Sylvester Richardson. After the death of his first wife he married her sister, Lucinda. They had six sons, Fabius, Joshiah, Bradford, Pliny, Pitt and Orin, and five daughters, Susan who married Francis Lamon, Emily, who married Rev. H. W. Wagoner, Eloise, who married Rev. G. S. Abbott, Rox- ana who married Asher Blount, and Lucinda, who married William Lord. After the death of Mrs. Lucinda Miles. Mr. and Mrs. Ab- bot spent a few years at the old homestead with Captain Miles, then the farm was sold to his son-in-law, Asher Blount, Captain Miles STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 401 Still retaining his home there until his death. Mr. Blount was by trade a blacksmith, a man of far more than ordinary ability and sound judgment. After he sold the Miles' farm he moved to MaComb, 111., where he engaged in the lumber business and was a prosperous and influential citizen. They had two sons, Frank and Fred, and one daughter, Mary. Mrs. Blount died in the early sixties and Mr. Blount married Cynthia Barney of Rutland. They had one son, Harvey and one daughter, Miray. Mr. Blount sold the Miles' farm to Albert Lawton, who now owns it. The original farms of Captain Richardson and Captain Miles joined, the Richardson farm being 620 acres, and the Miles farm 180 acres; they were very near the center of the district. In considering other residents we will commence at the north end of the valley, where we find Septimus G. Adams and his wife, Doro- thy. Their sons were Clark, Ely, Hollis, John Q. Pitt and Richard B. and their daughters, Amanda, who married L. D. Hill, Caroline W. unmarried, Emma M., unmarried, Henrietta, who married John R. Warrington, and Mary, who married Elmer Everett. After the death of his mother, Richard B. became the owner of the farm and resided there until the death of his father. His wife was Olive Bar- low. They had two sons, Septimus, who died in childhood, and Pitt of this city. Richard sold the farm to Royal and Leonard W. . Chapin, who made it their home for about ten years. The place is now owned by Adelbert VanAllen and occupied by Albert Rogers. The next farm was the home of Squire Peck. They had no child- ren of their own, but had an adopted daughter, Kate, who married Maynard Adams. After the death of Mr. and Mrs. Peck the farm passed into the hands of Truman Hungerford, who was the son of Timothy and Mary Richardson Hungerford, and who owned it for many years. Truman's wife was Jane Mason. They had three sons, Frank, Braj-ton W. and Orville, and one daughter, who married Frank Willoughby. Mr. Hungerford divided the farm, sold the homestead to Simeon Rockwell, the north end to Richard B. Adams and the south part of E. Collins Baker. Subsequently Tilly P. Adams bought the part owned by Simeon Rockwell, and lived there for some years, when he sold to Solon B. Tolman, who now owns it. John Blivin and two maiden sisters, with their nephew, Jacob Stears, settled on the next farm, in 1802. After the death of Mr. Blivin, Mr. Stears became owner of the farm, where he lived until his death, in 1874. In 1816 Mr. Stears married Sallie Pratt, a niece of Captain Richardson and sister of General T. R. Pratt. They 403 ST0BIE8 OF THE TOWNS. had three sons, Solomon B. Albert and Jacob, Jr., In 1840, hit, first wife having died, he married Bethia Barlow, sister of Edmund Mantle. Mrs. Barlow had • three daiighters, Sarah, who married E. Collins Baker, Caroline, who married Simeon Rockwell, and Olive who married Richard B. Adams. Mr. and Mrs. Collins Baker oc- cupied a part of the Stears' house with Mr. and Mrs. Stears until their death, and the death of Mr. Baker. They had three daughters, Olive, who married Charles G. Baldwin, Emma, who married S. R. Cleveland, and Florence, who married Charles Comstock. The tract of land originally purchased by Captain Richardson was divided, a part of it going to Edmund Mantle, another tract to Ly- dia T. Skeels. Jonathan E. Miles also secured a portion of it, and the remainder, which included the house and other buildings, was purchased by Jacob Stears, and which he subsequently deeded to his son, Jacob, Jr. About 1853 the old house was torn' down and a new one built, some wa,y farther back from the street. Here Jacob Jr., lived until his death. About 1880 he rebuilt the house and it is now used as a truant school for Jefferson and adjoining counties. Jacob Stears, Jr., could not be classed as a successful farmer, but as a manager of political campaigns, he had few equals, and was one of the best known men in the county. He was assessor and sup- ervisor of the town of Watertown, County Clerk, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, and for many years' held clerkships in both the Assembly and Senate at Albany. He was an elegant penman, and the records of the County Clerk's ofRce and Board of Supervisors, will long stand as a monument to his ability in this line. He was strictly temperate, never touched liquor or tobacco in any form, and tender-hearted as a child. He would not sell or give away a horse bred upon his farm; would not keep swine because he would not have them killed, and fed every animal on his place to the full ex- tent of his ability. Many wonder where the thousands of dollars ht earned with his pen went. To me it is no mystery. The grocer, the miller, the butcher gathered it in. He bought with a lavish hand and everything, whether for the table or the stable, for the house or for the barn, was of the best. He kept no accounts — simply paid what was demanded as long as his means lasted, and died as poor as he was born. He left no children. His wife was Lorinda Fitch of Fayetteville, N. Y. . . A few rods south, just under the hill, was the home of Edmund Mantle. Mr. Mantle was a shoemaker, also, as were most shoe- makers in the early days, a tanner and currier. He was also a bookworm, — well read in history, biography, philosophy and other STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 403 educational works. He married Dorothy Richardson; and, like most of the pioneers, raised a large family of boys and girls. His sons were John, William H. and Edmund, his daughters, Laura, who married Perry Sheldon, Bethia, who married Fabius Miles, Dorothy, who married Albert Stears, Lavantia, who married James Fox, and Lydia, who also married James Fox. As declining years would no longer permit Mr. Mantle to actively manage his farm, his son, William H., bought it, and for many years made that his home. He married Pamelia Gillette, brother of Horace Gillette. These sons were Byron G., Robert B., and Willis W., their daughters, Emma G., who married TlUie P. Adams, Carrie, who married C. E. Ayers, Lavantia, who married A. C. Blanchard, and Chloeo, unmarried. The next farm was the home of Wines H. Skeels, who married Ly- dia T. Richardson, and in 1843 built the Rouse now on the farm. In the rear of this house is one of the largest cold springs in the 'valley, and it was on account of this spring that the house was built so far back from the road. From this spring flowed a cold brook, that was the natural home of the speckled trout, and it was an easy matter to catch a mess for dinner, In a few minutes, any day. In fact brook trout was a regular item of the bill of fare for six or eight months in the year, at the Skeels' homestead. They had four children. Dr. Alfred Paddock Skeels, Mary S., who married G. C. Parker, Emma J., who married Orlo D. Simmons, and Wines Richardson Skeels. After the death of his mother the farm came to W. R. Skeels. In 1882 he sold it to Byron Ball who now owns and occupies it. W. R. Skeels married Delia A. Chapin, daughter of Oscar F. Chapin. They have two children, Lumira, unmarried, and Rev. W. Harris Skeels, now of Santa Paula, Cal. Ebenezer Tolman-Tavern was the sign that hung on the next houst south. Mr. Tolman was also a blacksmith. Both the sign and tools made by him were on exhibition at the Centennial Fair. Mr. Tolmon married Hopeful Randall. They had four sons, Augustus, Sylvester, George and Charles, and three daughters, Mary, who mar- ried Solomon B. Stears, Caroline, unmarried, Angeline, who married Louis D. Goodenough. The homestead of Ebenezer Tolman was, purchased by his son, Augustus, and is now owned by Charles A. Tol- man, only son of Augustus. Augustus Tolman married Louise Goddard. They spent a few years on the old homestead with his father, and then bought a part of the Fay farm, adjoining, and made that his home until his death. Charles A. now lives In the house occupied by his parents. His wife was Emma Wilder. They have three children, Lena, Wines and Lenore. 404 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. The next farm was the home of Shebiah Fay, and Ellen, his wife. I have no record of the family, except the sons, Henry and John, and one daughter, who was the first wife of Thomas Baker. The farm subsequently came into the hands of his son Henry, whose wife was Almira Sikes. They had one son, Volney, and six daughters, three of whom died young, Sarah E., Ellen and Emily. Nancy, the eld- est child married Gilbert Woodruff who built the house where the Henry Keep Home now stands, and also Washington Hall. Mariet- ta married Mr. West of Rodman, Cynthia, unmarried. If Captain Richardson was the partriarch of the neighborhood. Captain Miles, the astronomer, Edmund Mantle, the mechanic, Henry Fay was the schoolmaster. Not only was he one of the first teachers in the old stone schoolhouse, but he was town superintendent of schools, and his reports are among the best now on record with the town clerk of Watertown. Henry Fay died about 1803, and his farm was sold to Wines H- Skeels, who after three years sold one part of it to W, C. Baker, and the balance, including the buildings, to W. H. and U. O. Andrus. Uriah O. built a new house, where Charles A. Tol- man now lives, but the old Fay homstead still stands just as it did more than fifty years ago. U. O. Andrus, who occupied the farm for a number of years, married Frances Richardson, daughter of Josiah Richardson. They had two sons, Vincent and Fred. The family moved to Bloomington, 111., after selling the farm to Augustus Tolman. The next farm was the home of Rev. Ebenezer Lazelle, the man who preached the first sermon and built the first distillery in the town. It is fair to presume that he furnished his parishioners with spirtual advice and spirits to imbibe on equally favorable terms. Of his family we have no record. The farm soon came into the hands of Thomas Baker, whose first wife was a daughter of Shebiah Fay. After her death he married Betsy Tolmon. They had four sons, W. Clark, E. Collins, Sylvester and George. Their daughters were Nancy, who married John Sheldon, and Mary, who married Charles Knights. W. Clark Baker secured the old homestead after his father's death. He improved the farm, built a new house, and added many acres to the original purchase, until it became one of the largest and best farms in the neighborhood. His wife was Ruth Bull, and their children were Dwight, DeForest and Fred, all of whom died in youth, and William C. who still owns and occupies the old homestead, also Jennie M., who married Edwin Fields, and Mary, who married L. H. Prentice. William C. Baker has always taken an active part in town affairs, having for some years served as assessor of the town, and is at present the supervisor. He served STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 405 six years as director of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and one term as its president. He has also been an active member of the Watertown Grange and held all the offices in that organiza- tion. His wife was Delia Smith. They have no children. Josiah Richardson, eldest son of Tilly Richardson, early settled upon the next farm. Only an old stone chimney for years marked the spot where "Uncle Cy" once lived, and that now has gone. His wife was Cynthia Tolmon, and there were two sons, Charles and Josiah, and six daughters, Harriet, who married Syrenus Wakefield, Cynthia, who married Robert Thompson, Juliette, who married Harrison Dodge, Frances, who married Uri O. Andrus, Mary, who married Oren Waters, and Martha, who married Charles Jones. Af- ter living on the creek road a few years Josiah bought the first farm west of the creek road, on the road running from Burr's Mills to Sacket's Harbor, over the north end of Dry Hill, now occupied by Warren Dean, where he lived until his death, in 1854. At the top of the Miles' Hill lived Janson Bull and his wife, who was Nancy Brown. Their sons wete Ichabod and Abraham, and the daughters. Charity, who married Chauncy Huntington, Sus- an, who married Lyman Bailey, Sarah, who married Mr. Leihy, Ruth, who married A. Clark Baker, Mary, who married Lyman Bull, and Jane, unmarried. Lyman Bailey subsequently bought the place and lived there until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey's child- ren were Louisa, unmarried, Ophelia, who married W. O. Tolmon, Isadore, who married O. M. Rexford, and one son, Dwight L. Af- ter the death of his father, Dwight L. carried on the farm until the large house which his father had built, was burned, when, his health having failed, he moved to the old homestead of Ebenezer Tolmon, where he died. His wife was Hettie Wait of Rodman, and their children are Irene, lone and Hart. Mr. Bailey served as supervisor of Watertown one term and was a prominent member of the Watertown Grange. Midway up the hill, on a well-protected flat, surrounded by spurs of Dry Hill, was the home of William Tolman. The place had been cleared and some buildings built wlhen Mr. Tolmon purchased it. His wife was Mary Bancroft. Their children were Solon B., Cornelia A., who married Laurents T. Sawryer, Henry, who died in infancy, Amanda, unmarried, and W. Orville, who now owns the old home. If Captain Miles brought the first bag of apple seeds to this county, on his back, when he came from his old eastern home, William Tolman made the best use of the fruit he found to hand, and always had plenty of apples the year round. Not only did he plant of the best varieties sold by nurseymen, but he secured scions 406 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. from many choice apples that had grown in this vicinity from seeds, and grafted them upon his trees, thus preserving them for future trial. In the latter years of his life he spent most of his time in the growing season, among his favorite trees, and undoubtedly drew a great deal of comfort from their companionship. Few more peaceful or better men have lived than William Tolman. W. O. Tolman always lived on the old farm. Shortly after he was married he built the house where he now resides, on the road opposite his father's stone house. His wife was Ophelia Baker. They have two daughtersj living, Mary, who married Fred Simmons and lives in the stone house where her grand-father long resided, and Susan, who married A. L. Spink of Rodman. One daughter Hattie O., died in infancy. W. O. Tolman and wife were charter members of Watertown Grange, and for over thirty years have missed but few of their meet- ings. Much of the success of the Grange, in its early days, was due to Mr. Tolman's earnest work at that time. Between the roads that run from the creek road over Dry Hill, was the farm of John Simmons, which was a part of District No. 14. His wife was Susan Sheldon. Their sons were Charles, George John, William and Eson, the daughters Susan, who married Sherman Hall, Ruth, who married Russ Hale, Mary, who married Perley K. Wadley, and Josephine, who married Garett V. Parmiter. An in- cident occurred in which the Simmons boys were the chief actors, which illustrates very forcibly the stuff the pioneers were made of, and tells why they conquered the forest, and how they came to build this great nation. In order to reach the people on the creek road, the nearest way was by a path through the native forest, including a swamp, where large black ash and elm trees grew in abundance. One day as Charles and George were going along this path they saw, on one of the branches of a big elm tree, a full grown panther, lying at full length, sunning himself. Did they turn and run ? Yes, one of them did, back to the house, as fast as he could skip, and got the old gun. The other stayed and watched the big cat. As soon as the gun arrived they promptly shot and killed the panther. Nothing very great about this? No! but when you come to consider that this gun was not a repeating Winchester, which a Roosevelt carries, but an old flint lock musket, loaded with slugs cut from a piece lead pipe — ^when you come to think that the Simmons boys undoubt- edly knew what would immediately happen if they just wounded that panther, you have a pretty good demonstration of the nerve and courage that the pioneer of a century ago had, and you can answei how they conquered the forest and foe alike. STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 407 In considering the industries, aside from the cultivating of the soil, of the residents of the creek district, let us first take into account the difficulties surrounding them, the obstacles they had to overcome before they could hope to accomplish any degree of success. Here was a mere handful of men, women and children, located hundreds of miles from any settlement of white people. Railroads, canals, steamboats, telegrams and telephones had never been thought of — even the stage-coach had not started. Only one small grist mill and an equally small saw mill to grind their food and saw lumber to build their houses for shelter. No markets in which to buy or sell such supplies as they were in need of, or such products as they had to spare. Products grown or goods manufactured within a tedious month's haul to the older settlements of New York, or the Eastern States. Such were the conditions in which Captain Richardson and his neighbors found themselves in 1803. They first planted theii crops to grow food for the coming winter. Then set about to pro- duce something to sell, to get the things they must have and could not either grow or manufacture. The first thing available was the manufacture of potash salts. Owing to the great amount of hard wood timber they found growing here, the ash of which was rich in potash, and the salts of which could be sold at Montreal and Quebec, this was the first industry in this district, as well as in other parts of Jefferson County. To secure the ashes, the trees were cut down, cut up into logs as large as could be handled, piled up in great piles and burned. The ashes were then carefully gathered from the heap, car- ried to the ashery, then leached and boiled. One of these asheries was located on Captain Richardson's farm, and the mound where the ashes were piled after being leached may still be seen, just across the road from the watering trough near the Truant School. This mound was made one hundred years ago, and by its side Jacob Stears, Jr., buried a number of his valuable pet horses that died on his farm, every one of which was placed in a good wooden box. To carry potash salts to market, over the rough roads of a century ago, required strong barrels or casks, and in the winter of 1803, William Smith, who took so prominent a part in developing the Watertown of to-day, and who did more than any one man in securing the Watertown and Rome railroad, started the first cooper shoD, rnaking barrels for Captain Richardson. As the apple seeds brought in by Captain Miles produced trees and commenced to bear fruit, there was a demand for a cider mill, and one was built by Mr. Richardson. A few years later Septimus G. Adams built a dam across the creek on his farm, and soon had a saw mill in operation, which was used for over fifty years. Lime kilns 408 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. were also operated on the Adams farm, either by Septimus G. Adams, or his son Hollis, for many years, at least up to i860. Edmund Mantle was a tanner and shoemaker. He had a tannery adjoining the ashery of Captain Richardson, and later, a large shoe shop just south of his home, where many hands were employed. Ebenezer Tolman kept tavern for many years in a red house op- posite where the old Tolman house now stands. He also had a blacksmith shop where farm tools were made and repaired. Wines H. Skeels was a tanner and shoemaker and worked on the bench for a number of years, although he never ran a public shop after he came to the creek to reside. In 1862 he started a cheese factory at his house, making up the milk of one hundred cows, owned in the neighborhood. This factory ran two seasons. The cheese was all kept from spring to fall, then shipped to the Boston market and brought twenty-three and twenty-five cents per pound. Mr. Skeels, for some years before the Rome and Watertown Railroad was built, bought butter and cheese for the firm of Raymond & Co. of Boston, Mass. This butter and cheese was taken to Sacket's Harbor shipped by boat to Oswego, from there to New .York by canal, and again by boat from New York to Boston. It took about two months from the time of shipment at Sackets Harbor to arrive at Boston. The shipment sometimes included about all of the summer's make of the town of Watertown. Not the least important in its usefulness and its influence, not only upon the town, but for the state and nation, was the old stone school house on the creek. For its day, it was quite commodious. The seats, which ran close around the interior consisted of a plain, hard board, and the desks, each long enough for two, in front. This was the back seat, where the big boys and girls sat. In front, low down, was another seat, without any desks, where the juveniles sat. Please note there were no mahogany desks or folding chairs, no power fans to blow the breath for insipid youths, no upholstered couch, on which to recline while reciting a lesson. There was noth- ing soft about the old stone school house on the creek, neither walls, benches, desks, scholars or teachers. Yet from it and its kindred houses over the New England and middle states, came the strong, bright men and women, that have made the past century the most wonderful in achievement the world has ever known. When the corner stone was laid, I do not know, but I distinctly remember, when a child of watching, one cold winter night, to see it as it burned to the ground. All over the great west, as the rays reach out from a powerful search light, went the boys and girls that learned the "Three R's" in the old stone school house on the STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 4,09 creek. No small band there were of them either. It was before the days or race suicide and every home had from six to a full dozen vigorous, active, rollicking boys and girls, built from the best pioneer, Puritan blood, nurtured upon pure, simple food, invigorated by pure air and clear, cold spring water, that flowed from a hundred bubbling pools in this valley. As the implements for cultivating the soil, and the vehicles that traversed the roads.in that early day, were crude and cumbersome compared with those of the Twentieth Century, so I suppose the education imparted to the youthful minds, at that time, was crude. But as the timber from which the tools and vehicles were made was both plentiful and of a good quality, and stood the test of wear and tear, so the men and women, who grew up from the boys and girls that graduated from the old school house, were able to win both fame and fortune. Among the teachers who held the rod there were such names as Henry Fay, Mary Tolman, nsarly every one of the Miles' children, and most of the Mantle children, later, R. Eldridge Smiley and Horace E. Morse. The last teacher was Marcia Howard. Wines H. Skeels taught singing school in the win- ter evenings, and John D. Huntington, writing. Another feature connected with the school was the school library. One, who al- though a resident of an adjoining district had constant access to the creek library, at a time when, being a great student, he appreciated a good book, says: "The school library of District No. 14, Watertown, was the best collection of books I ever saw in a school library. It was selected by such old book worms as Jonathan E. Miles, Henry Fay and Edmund Mantle, and contained the best works on philosophy, biography, history, &c., to be obtained at that time. Dick's Philo- sophy was always "out", some one was reading it every day." The burning of the old school house was not only unfortunate, in making homeless the many happy memories and associations that had clustered around it, but it broke up the happy, peaceful, home-like neighborhood, which had been as one family for half a century. Be- • fore another school house was built discord had done its deadly work. Old friends had parted, their paths were turned in different ways, and never ran together again. The links that formed the chain were broken. Socially, the creek neighborhood was most cordial to all. There was no division or class. They were all of a common origin, all equal associates; and, during the festive winter's evenings, large par- ties could often be found enjoying the music of Rugg & Fuller's band, and engaged in dancing until the wee, small morning hours. One of the characteristic features of the creek district was Its unbounded hospitality. Literally, the door was always open, and a 410 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. kindly welcome given alike to friends and strangers. Many child- ren of less fortunate parents found happy homes here. This would hardly be expected, where families were so large, but the foster child- ren shared equally with their own all the comforts they could give. General T. R. Pratt spent many years with Captain Richardson, as did also his sisters, Sallie and Cynthia. Frank Stevens found a home with William Tolman, and his bwjther William was a foster-brothei in the Skeels family. And so many boys and girls, for more or less years, found homes here — not as menial servants, but as brothers- and sisters in the school and home. Many of the lads and lassies born on the creek married their childhood playmates, and at the close of the first half century, it was truly said: "That the whoje creek neighborhood were cousins. And as in life they were neighbors, they were still more near neighbors in death, in that they were nearly all buried in one cemetery, our own beautiful "Brookside". It is a remarkable fact that Captain Richardson, his wife, his two sons and their wives, his- six daughters and their husbands, are all buried in Brookside. The only child not buried there was the oldest daughter, Nancy, who married John Paddock. Mr. Paddock died and was buried in Brownville. Mrs. Paddock died many years after, at the residence of her son John, in Liverpool, N. Y. and was buried there. A late history of Jefferson County says that "The children of Captain Tilly Richardson all went to Illinois and died there." The facts are that no child of Captain Richardson ever went to Illinois; and as above stated, all were residents of this county and all died in New York State. Their children and children's children have flown like the birds, and built their homes in many lands, until it would be hard to find a mountain side, plain or valley, in the east or west, that does not contain some descendant of Captain Tilly Richardson and his wife Mary Thurston, and what is said of them may also be said of Jonathan E. Miles, Thomas Baker, Henry Fay, Edmund Mantle, Ebenezer Tolman, Septimus G. Adams and others of the Pioneers of Old School District No. 14, Town of Watertown, N. Y. BURRVILLE. By W. O. Tolman. On the high lands of Rutland the numerous springs, discharging their waters in a westerly direction, unite to form the north branch of Sandy Creek. At a point where this stream rushes abruptly over precipices of forty feet and less in height, descending about one ST0BIE8 OF THE TOWNIS. 411 hundred feet in less than one fourth of a mile, pioneers of this north- ern country early sought to establish homes. Here was water power ample for their needs, and yet not in such volume as not to be readily controlled by their limited means. Among the first wants of the piQneer being lumber and flour, a substantial dam was soon thrown across the stream and the first mills erected : a sa\v mill, with the old style up and down saw, and a grist mill with two runs of stone. This was in the summer of 1801. The following season these mills were purchased by John Burr, and the place received its name of Burr's Mills, or Burrville. The substantial construction of the mills may be inferred from the fact that they have been in continuous use to the present time, over one hundred years. The first machinery, however, having been changed for that of more modern manufacture and use. Nearly simultaneously with the construction of the nills, a capa- cious two-story building for mercantile purposes was built, situated about midway from the present school building to the corner of the street by Mr. Monroes. This was occupied as a general store by Jabez Foster, who later moved to Watertown, and his clerk became 'he prominent Orville Hungerford of Watertown. The business in the old store was afterwards conducted by Henry Fitch, who was succeeded by Croniwell Wyman. Then a new store was built right on the corner, a little in front of where Mr. Monroe's house now stands. It was conducted for a number of years by Mr. Joseph Davis, who also conducted another store in Adams, where he resided. DeWitt Strong was his clerk. About this time Jesse Conklin conducted a tailoring business on the second floor of the old store building. The superior flute which he owned, and of which he was master, gained for him quite an envi- able reputation.. Also a commodious stone blacksmith shop was built by William Lampson, afterwards familiarly known as "Captain Lampson," or "Deacon Lampson/' on the site now occupied by William Cummings. This shop was supplied with a frame, in which oxen were placed while being shod — a common practice in those days, the foot to be shod being firmly bound to a strong timber of the frame, properly adjusted for the purpose, while the shoe was being put on, taking eight separate shoes to shoe an ox. He also had a water wheel for running machinery, and a trip hammer, which was largely used in manu- facturing axes. This was a very important shop in those days as Mr. Lampson was an excellent workman. Most of the farming tools used in the vicinity were manufactured in this shop. Business was conducted in this shop for about forty years. 413 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Mr. Lampson also built, and for a time, ran a furnace and foundry at the upper falls, where, besides other castings, the first cast plows used in this section were made. About the year 1840 Mr. Joseph Simpson started a blacksmith shop at the foot of the hill, on the east side of the road, about six or eight rods south of the present watering trough. This he conducted for a few years, when he sold out to Peter Cummings, who continued the business until his death, when the business was taken by his son Peter, in a shop on the opposite side of the street, and who, after a few years moved the shop to its present location on the site formerly occupied by the shop of William Samson, where he continued the business until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Wil- liam Cummings. In those early days pure liquors were considered .a desirable article of general household use, and the Reverend Ebenezer Lazelle com- bined the business of doing the missionary work of the surrounding country with the running of a distillery, of which there were two in the village and another in close proximity. The stone house just north of Mr. Chase's store, now owned by Mr. Nye, being the principal one. In 1806 a large tannery, for the manufacture of leather, was built by James Mann, on the westerly side of the road, near the foot of the hill. Twelve or fifteen men were employed in the tannery and making boots and shoes. Water was conducted from the creek, below the bridge, in an elevated flume, for running a wheel to grind the bark, and for the other purposes of the tannery. Theophilus Redfield, Foster Lewis and John Ferguson were successive propri- etors. The large frame school house, which was in use twenty-five 01 thirty years as a combination of school house, church and village hall, was situated on the north side of the road, running east and west, and directly In front of the juncture of the two roads. As high as one hundred seven pupils have been enrolled in a year. Jonathan Porter kept tavern in the house later owned by Abel Harvey, suc- ceeded by A. A. Prentice and Mr. and Mrs. Brown. The hotel on the corner succeeded the one kept by Mr. Porter, and under the proprietorship of Joseph Warrington was quite popular for a number of years, but later fell into discredit and disuse as a hotel. It is at present used by Mr. A. C. Hughes for his general hardware store. Abel Harvey was a cabinet maker, and when there was a death In the neighborhood the measure of the corpse would be sent to Mr. , STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 4l3 Harvey and he would make a "coffin" for the burial. There were no ready made caskets then. Wool carding and cloth dressing works, of ample capacity, wert erected by Nathan Fulton, at the bend of the creek, about midway between the grist mill and the upper falls; and, as the clothing used was mostly of home or domestic make, quite a good business was done here. John Nichols succeeded Mr. Fulton and continued tht business until about 1848, when he moved to Watertown and con- tinued the business in a shop near the Eagle Mills. About this time the Laflin brothers erected a building and con- ducted the manufacture of matches, a short distance further ud the stream. Also about 1848, a sash and blind factory was started by Silas Thurston and Jay Boynton, just below the bridge, on the south side of the creek, which, on the death of Mr. Thurston, passed into the hands of Mr. Joseph Todd, a joiner, and later was occupied by Mr. Alexander St. John in the manufacture of axe helves. Prominent among the early settlers of Burrville, or Burr's Mills were many who came from New England, and who had been school- ed in the Puritan faith of their ancestors, and they early sought to become organized into a society. On the 8th day of June, in the year 1803, a meeting was held for this purpose, in the new barn of Cale'- Barnham Under the direction of Reverend Ebenezer Lazelle, a missionary from New England, a Congregational church was organized, with the follow- ing members: James Thompson, Gershom Tuttle, Thomas Savs^^er, Hinman, Joel Goodale, Henry Jewett, Mrs. Sarah Pettit, Sarah Tuttle, Susannah Sawyer, Jerua Eno, Cloe Bailey, Hannah Eddy and Sarah Taylor. The following year six additional mem- bers were received. The Black River Association of Congregational Churches, embrac- ing Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, was formed the first Tuesday in September, 1807, at Champion, and this church, known as the Church of Watertown, was represented by a delegate. The church continued to prosper and received accssions until, in 181 1, a membership of fifty-four is reported. In the meantinie a bridge had been built across Black River, a dam and mills built, and Watertown was designated as the county seat, and was being settled rapidy, a number selling their interests in Burrville and vicinity and going to Watertown. The membership thus becoming widely sepa- rated, it was proposed to build a church in a more central location. A committee was appointed, with this end in view, composed of 414 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Tilly Richardson, John Sikes, Thomas Sawyer and William Fellows to represent the Burrville section, Hart Massey and Amos Benedict representing the village of Watertown, and Aaron Brown represent- ing Watertown Center. The War of 1812 coming on delayed action, and nothing came of it. Services continued to be held in school houses and other available buildings, in various parts of the town and villages of Watertown. Finally, in 1 820, the first church in the town was erected where the First Presbyterian Church of the city now stands, and taking a large per cent, of the members of the church at Burrville. Services con- tinued to be held in Burrville and vicinity, as before, until on October 14, 1833, the Burrville society was formed for the purpose of building a meeting house. Under the direction of Dr. C. P. Kimball, George M. Jenks and Elnathan Lucas, as trustees, a house was erected, and for several years services were held here by the Congregaticnalists, Methodists, Universalists and others. Finally the other societies discontinued services and it was left wholly to the Congregationalists. In 1834 the Congregational church was reorganized, with a mem- bership of seventeen, and although the membership has necessarily been small, regular services have been maintained. Through bequests of Caleb Burnham, Joseph Sawyer and Squire Barnum the church has an endowment of twenty-eight hundred dol- lars ($2800). In 1904 a pleasant parsonage was built, incurring a debt of five hundred dollars. The membership at present is thirty- two. Although the water power, which has heretofore given Burrville its principal interest and importance, is not as abundant, or as cons- tant, as in the early years of the last century, before the surrounding country was denuded of its forests, yet but a slight stretch of the imagination would be required to see that in the distant future, with the rapid progress and development which is taking place in the in- dustrial world, the natural advantages here may be so conserved as to make it again a busy center of industry and thrift. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 415 CITY OF WATERTOWN. By Daniel W. Cahill. The Black River tract, comprising the eleven towns of Hounsfield, "Watertown, Rutland, Champion, Denmark, Henderson, Adams, Rodman, Pinckney, Harrisburg and Lowville, was surveyed in April and May, 1796, by Benjamin Wright, who was the first white man of whom we have any record to set foot upon the site now occu- pied by the City of Watertown. His trained eye was quick to per- ceive the natural advantages of the spot and its possibilities of de- velopment, as is indicated by the following extract from his field book, referring to the town of Watertown: "The river is amazing rapid .and rocky — There are some fine mill seats in this town, without ex- pensive dams and with the greatest safety to the mills — Speaking gen- erally I think this to be an excellent township and scarce any poor land in it. Will Settle very fast if laid in lots and sold to settlers. The town of Watertown received its name from the splendid -water power aiiorded by Black River. The water power of the river did not make so favorable an im- pression on the minds of the next visitors to the locality; these were two brothers, Eliphalet and Christopher Edmunds, Vermont Yankees, hunters by occupation, and in search of a locality abounding in game. They came down Black River from Lyons Falls in a boat, and were upset in trying to pass the upper falls on the village site and lost their game and ammunition. The accident seems to have changed their purpose as they settled in the southern part of what is now Jefferson County, one in Adams, and the other in Ellisburgh. The next visitors were Nathaniel and Seyrel Harrington and Joshua Priest, also Vermonters and acquaintances of the Edmunds "brothers. They also came down the river and took up lands on Dry Hill. This was in 1799. Then, in the same year, came Henry Coffeen and Zachariah Butterfield, who, having been favorably im- pressed by their first visit, and having purchased farms, in March 1800 removed with their families from Schuyler, Oneida County, ■and began the first improvements- and settlements on the site of Watertown village. Coffeen erected his cabin about on the site now occupied by the Watertown National Bank, while Butterfield's "habitation was built where Washington Hall stands. In 1799, also, several parcels of land were sold, and in 1800, a number of these purchasers, who were mostly from Oneida County, settled. Dur- ing the first summer of the settlement there was no grist mill nearer than Canada, and a stump standing few rods east of the present Amer- 416 8T0BIES OF THE TOWNS. lean Corner was hollowed out and formed into a mortar, and this, with a spring pole and pestle attached served the purpose of a grain mill for the settlement. During the year Jonathan Cowan built a dam across the river at Beebee's Island and the following year built a grist' mill. In 1802, also, an inn was opened by Isaiah Massey and settlers begin to locate in all parts of the town, which in Septem- ber of that year numbered seventy or eighty families. A school- house was soon afterwards built, where the Universalist church now stands, and in 1 805 the first store was opened by John Paddock and William Smith, their goods being brought from Utica in wagons. In 1803 a bridge was built below the village, about on the site of the present Court street bridge, by Henry Coffeen and Andrew Edmunds, over which the State road afterwards passed, and in 1805, a dam was built below the bridge and a saw mill built on the north side and in 1806 a grist mill. In this year also a saw mill and a grist mill were erected on the south side, and other mills were soon built along the river. By this time the settlement had made such progress that its inhabi- tants had come to believe that they had laid the foundations of a thriving community, and in 1805 Henry Coffeen, Medad Canfield, Aaron Keyes, Zachariah Butterfield, Hart Massey, Isaiah Massey, Jes- se Doolittle and Jonathan Cowan held a meeting and agreed to giv<» forever to the public, for use aS a park or public place, a piece of land twelve rods wide and twenty-eight rods long, this being our present Public Square, and also another piece, running south, at right angles to the west end of the first piece, this latter being the present lower end of Washington street. This beautiful street, bordered with beautiful lawns and stately trees, and our beautiful Public Square, a feature possessed by but few cities, and which is an object of admir- ation to all visitors to our city, stand as lasting monuments to the memory of the public spirit and generosity of these far-sighted men 01 the early days. With what feelings of emotion would they be filled, if their eyes could have beheld the magnificent pageant of this Centen- nial celebration that a few days since filled with such splendid dis- play the scenes of their early benefactions. In Watertown, as in nearly all sections of the new territory, the manufacture of potash was the first means of realizing cash. The trees were felled and burned, the ashes leached and the resulting lye boiled down in large iron kettles. In 18 10 twenty-eight hundred barrels of potash were sold at an average price of forty dollars pei barrel, an aggregate of $112,000, which was an immense sum for that period. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 417 The settlement of the Black River Valley proceeded with such rapidity that it soon became necessary, in order to meet the demands of justice and to facilitate local government, that new county divisions should be had. Strife at once arose as to which locality should be favored by being made the county seat, and there. was also division of opinion as to whether one or two new counties should be formed. Finally, however, two counties were decided upon, Jefferson and Lewis, named respectively after Thomas Jefferson and Morgan Lewis, the President of the United States and the Governor of New York State: and in Jefferson County Watertown was made the county seat. This was in 1805. And following this event there was a rapid increase in the population and business interests, and on April 5, 1 8 16, the village of Watertown was incorporated. The population was then goo, having increased in four years from 500 in 1 8 12. The growth of the village proceeded steadily and iti 1824 there was a population of 1220, with a bank, eighteen stores, sever- al factories, mills and other industrial establishments. During the next twenty-five years the growth of the village continued. Public Square was almost completely surrounded by business buildings, with an occasional residence, and Court Street was built up on both sides to the bridge. Mills and factories have been built on Mill street at the island and also at Factory Square, and Watertown had become quite an enterprising village. The great fire of 1849 destroyed many of the best business build- ings, but these were followed with fine, modern blocks and build- ings, many of which are still standing. In 1850 the population was 4500, and in i860, — 5875- The City of Watertown was incorporated under an act passed May 8, i86g, the population then being about 9000. In 1890 it had risen to 14,725 in 1900 to 21,696, and the population at the present time is estimated to be about 30,000. Its industries number upward of 300. The capital invested approximates $9,000,000. The wage earners number four thousand, with an earning of nearly two million dollars per annum. As compared with the county as a whole, of the entire capital employed, Watertown has 65 per cent, and pays 72.4 per cent of all the wages paid in the county and produces 58 per cent of the entire output. The area covered by the city measures 5480 acres. There are 25 and one-half miles of sewers, and 71 miles of streets, two and r>ne-eighth miles paved, and another mile in process of paving, nine and one-eighth miles paved with macadam, and the balance paved with good intentions. 27 418 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. Watertown possesses advantages enjoyed by but few communities, and in some respects it is unequalled even by many cities far greatei in population; The wrater power of Black River, which is one of the best in the state, is the foundation of the manifold industries that iiave made our city known all over the country as a manufacturing center. Surrounded by a fertile and prosperous country with rail- road connections in various directions, it is the natural distributing point for Northern New York, and has made rapid strides in commer- cial importance and attained supremacy. The beautiful park on Pinnacle Hill, donated by agenerous giver, as yet unknown, is a feat- ure possessed by but few cities in the country, and it is to be doubted if there is a park ansrwhere of greater natural and developed beauty. The Flower Memorial Library, presented to the city by Mrs. Emma Flower Taylor, in memory of her father, the late Roswell P. Flower, is a marvel of artistic beauty, and will ever be an inspiration to higher ideals and endeavor, as well as a memorial of the great and good citizen whose name it bears, whose character, career and achievements are the just pride of our city and county. Situated as Watertown is, within a few hours ride of Nature's beauty spot, the Thousand Islands, and the Adirondacks, but a few miles from the shores of grand old Lake Ontario, and within twelve hours ride of the great metropolis, with a bountiful supply of water, made pure and sparkling by the new filtration plant, with an excellent system of public schools, two well-equipped hospitals, splendid churches, effi- cient fire department and all the advantages of a modern city. Water- town offers a most attractive and desirable place of residence. We look back over a century of existence from the struggles of the early pioneers until our own time, and as we contemplate the marvellous growth our city has enjoyed within the last few years, and as we survey the many advantages we enjoy and which extend the inviting hand to all new comers, we cannot but feel as did the early settlers, a just pride in our community, and an abiding faith in its future. The cities are full of pride. Challenging each to each. This from her mountain side, That from her burthened beach. UTOBIES OF THE TOWNS. 419 They count their ships' full tale, Their corn and oil and wine, Derrick and loom and bale, And ramparts' gun-flecked line; City by city they hail : "Hast aught to match with mine?" And the men that breed from them. They traffic up and down, But cling to their cities' hem. As a child to the mother's gown. When they talk with the stranger bands. Dazzled and newly alone: When they walk in the stranger lands. By roaring streets unknown, Blessing her where she stands. For strength above their owa. On high to hold her fame, That stands all fame beyond. By oath to back the same. Most faithful — foolish — fond : Making^ her mere breathed name. Their bond upon their bond. So I thank God my birth. Fell not in isles aside. Waste headlands of the earth, Or warring tribes untried. But that she lent me worth, And gave me right to pride. Surely in toil or fray. Under an alien sky. Comfort it is to "say: "Of no mean city am I" The sons and daughters of Watertown are scattered throughout the country and abroad in the world. The names of "many of them are counted among those on the honor rolls of many distant com- munities, where they have borne their part with honor and distinction. We of the home guard have watched their progress with more than 420 STOBIES OF THE TOWNS. casual interest, and it has been a heartfelt pleasure to us in this Old Home Week to welcome many of them back to the old familial scenes. We will part with them reluctantly, and when they leave the old town to return to their homes they will take with them our warm regard and our best wishes for their continued health, pros- perity and happiness. For us it will remain to press forward in the path of progress and enlightenment our fathers and ourselves havt, trod. Our beautiful city, may it ever continue as it is to-day, a city of intelligence, of industry and morality, the epitome of American life in its highest and truest sense. TOWN OF WILNA. By Fred Merrill. The "tempus fugit" of the Latin is indeed a prosaic truth. To those nearing the end of life this statement comes with overwhelming forct and to those just beginning life's stern battles and tasting its reali- ties, this truth is certainly impressed upon them urging them on to their highest ambition and strongest endeavor. The illustration of an eminent cartoonist publishjed at a recent date is well illustrative of this fact. This picture is entitled, "Life's Great Relay Race," in in which is depicted the familiar figure with his unkempt beard and the rudest scythe seated upon a wearied and faltering horse. At the mile-stone marked 1905, they have come to a stop and are evidently looking back, surveying the road over which they have travelled and exulting over the numerous victories won. But the race is not yet finished. In the distance can be seen mile-stone after mile-stone which must be passed before the goal of eternity is reached. So, im- bued with ambition and determined purpose, he wildly dashes on from one mile-stone to another and another and so on and forever. Thus this Centennial Celebration and observance resembles a short halting place beside the mile-stone of 1905, to review the past achieve- ments of our county and in this instance the town of Wilna. Here might be recounted the great privations which our forefathers were forced to undergo in the settlement of the town; the colorings of romance and chivalry among the early inhabitants exalted the de- sires of the pioneer settlers. The very early history obscure as it naturally would be in its minor details still presents a pleasing picture to us in view of the wonderful results attained along mercantile lines. The Latin motto "Carpe Diem" can justly be applied to the early inhabitants of this town in that they have made remarkable STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 421 use of whatever they found for the betterment of themselves and their posterity. The remarkable prosperity which the town of Wilna now possesses can hardly be attributed to anything more than the zealous determina- tion, the wise forethought and the remarkable activity which was so clearly manifest in the life of the pioneers, who first settled along the shores of Black River at Long Falls. They early recognized the remarkable adaptations of the little village and the country surround- ing it. Here they determined to stay and who of us now regret their action and are not proud of our residence in the town? In the territory now embraced in the town of Wilna, settlements were commenced as early as 1798, by one Henry Boutin, a native of Troyes in France. Boutin purchased one thousand acres of land of Rudolph Tillier, an agent for the French Company tn what was originally known as Tract No. 4. This land was situated on the east side of Black River where the village of Carthage now stands. in this same year in 1799, Boutin with a company of men made a large clearing and formed a small colony. Soon after, however, the little clearing and settlement was abandoned and the next year Jean Baptiste Bossout emigrated from the High Falls and settled here remaining the sole inhabitant for several years where he kept an inn for travellers and operated a ferry until a bridge was built across the river in 18 12. A fev/ years sfter the first settlement, Boutin the founder of the colony, was drowned in the river a little below the village and J. LeRay on July 17, 1815, was appointed administrator of his estate. This estate was sold at auction and was purchased by Vincent Le- Ray, from whom the land titles in the village and vicinity have been derived. At this time, the present town of Wilna was included in a tract which contained the towns of LeRay and Leydeh in Lewis County. On April 2nd, 18 13, an act was passed creating the town of Wilna from the two towns of LeRay and Leyden. This act altered the boundaries of the two counties, annexing a j)art of Lewis County to Jefferson. Of the twenty-two towns comprising the county of Jefferson, there are twelve which are older than Wilna. Why the name Wiliia was attributed to this tract of land formed in 1813, is al;nost entirely a matter of conjecture, but is has been intimated that it was named after a village in Ri:ssia bearing the same narne. The village on the East-side was called Long Falls, takings its name from the long series of rapids through which the river flowed. Shortly after its incorpora- 423 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. tion as a town, the name of the village was changed to Carthage probably after the name of the famous classical city in the northern part of Africa, a custom which has found considerable favor as can be noticed by the long list of towns and cities in New York State, bearing the names of cities in the old country. Even before the town was formed, the importance of the unexcel- led water power at Long Falls was discovered and in the year 1806, David Coifeen built a grist-mill on the west bank of the river, ob- taining his power by constructing a dam only partly across the river. This dam was subsequently completed about ten years later. In the construction of this remaining part of the dam an interesting Ifttle story is told. In 18 16, a forge was built on the east side. Tht company desired to construct a dam and build it to join the dam al- ready built by Mr. Coffeen. To this, Mr. Coffeen strenuously ob- jected, perhaps thinking that his power would be afEected. The forge company were just as determined to proceed with the con- struction of their dam as Mr. Coffeen was vigorously opposed. bo accordingly one night the company took a large gang of men and constructed their dam. In the morning Mr. Coffeen was astonishea to behold the work completed and it was not on rectfrd that he ever caused the dam to be removed, while he doubtless admired thi. piece of strategy which depicted the pluck, the perserverance and the indomitable determination of the early settlers who are so largely responsible for the remarkable growth and activity of the town at the present time. In theyear 1816, a forge and furnace was built on the east side of the river but soon burned to the ground. Shortly after, a party from Fort Ann New York, consisting of James Barney, Francis Lloyd and Nathan Brown, leased for a period of ten years, the water power rights, the privileges of iron ore and coal and erected a forge in the lower part of the village. The products of the forge were chiefly mill irons and anchors. This property soon after reverted to LeRay. A loan of money was shortly after made to LeRay by the Antwerp Company for the purpose of building a blast furnace and also for opening a road to the St. Lawrence and for such other improvements as might enhance the value of the lands now owned by the company. So a large blast furnace was erected under the supervision of Claudius S. Milliard. A refining forge was built the next yeai and in the fall of 1820, the furnace was put in operation and in ten weeks, one hundred forty-one tons of iron was made. Bog ore was used at first which was found in the various swamps and also along the river banks. Later ore from the vicinity of Antwerp, Philadelphia and in St. Lawrence County was used. The furnace produced from STORIES OP THE TOWNS. 423 two to three tons of iron daily, from eight or ten months each year until it was abandoned in 1846. Some of the out put of these furnaces were used in Carthage, foi m 1828, a nail factory was erected and continued about ten years, the nails being manufactured from bar-iron. In 1846, a more exten- sive nail-factory and rolling-mill was built by Hiram McCallon and which was continued for a number of years and which is within the remembrance of some of the older inhabitants. An act was passed June 8, 18 12, which read as follows authoriz- ing Russell Atwater and associates, "to build a toll bridge, over Black River, at the place where the State road, leading to OswegatcEie crosses the same, being at the head of the Long Falls, in Champion, in the county of JefEerson." The Oswegatchie referred to, is the city of Ogdensburg. The bridge was sixteen feet wide and was com- pleted before November, 1813. Early in 1829, an effort was made to secure a free bridge by means of a subscription list and the piers of the old toll bridge were purchased for $500. Through the influence of Dr. Eli West, the free bridge was built at a cost of $1,600. The year previous to the erection of this bridge, a small bridge was erect- ed across the river, among the islands, by a series of five bridges, thrown from island to island. This series of bridges was carried away by the heavy floods the next spring. Next a covered bridge was built at a cost of $5,000, which lasted from 1840, to 1853. In this year the state was made to assume the responsibility of the bridge at this point, on the ground that it was over a part of the Black River Canal. The first town meetings were held at the home of Thomas Brayton, Jr. The poor moneys of the three towns, LeRay, Lyden and Wilna, were to be distributed according to-the last tax list. Soon after an inn was opened about four miles from Carthage called the Checkered House and it was here that many of the town meetings were held. This tavern was widely known in the earlier history of the county as it was a noted stopping place on the old St. Lawrence turnpike. The place of holding the town meetings was transferred to Foster Pen- niman's Hotel and later to the hotel conducted by Lewis Fargo situated in close proximity to the site of the Checkered House. The first town officers elected were: Thomas Brayton, supervis- or; Elihu Stewart, clerk; John B. Bossout, Caleb Fulton and Enock Griffin, assessors; Robert C. Hastings, collector; Henry Lewis and Alfred Freenjan, overseers of the poor ; Henry Lewis, Freedom Yates and Thomas Brayton, commissioners of highways. 434 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. The first steamboat that navigated Black River was built at Carth- age, in 1832, by Paul Boynton for a stock company. This boat was named "Cornelia" and made many trips during the summers of 1832 and 1833. In the spring of 1835, it became loosened from its fasten- ings and drifted over the dam to the rocks below. In 1858, George Sweet, Nicholas Wagner and Christopher Rhiner incorporated the company known as the Carthage, Lowville and New York line with their office, store-house and dock at the corner of Canal and West streets where the present steamboat landing is situated. The company maintained six boats which were towed up the river by the steamer "L. R. Lyon." The "Lyon" was a large boat built after the pattern of the Mississippi steamers and was propelled by a wheel situated at the stern. This boat burned at Lyons Falls in i860. In i860. Captain Sweet built a new steamer and named it after Richard Gallagher. Subsequently Captain Sweet placed in commis- sion the "F. G. Connell" and the J. L. Norton" which continued in active operation until the line was closed in 1870. The many islands in the river at the head of the falls furnished excellent water power which was utilized in the early settlement 01 the country. On Tannery Island, in 1830, Walter Nimocks and Allen Peck built a tannerj' which was a large stone building. This property in 1854, passed into the hands of Hezekiah Dickerman who continued the business until 186 1, when the tannery was burned. The site was again used as a tannery and a new building was erected. In 1880, Rollin Dickerman and John C. Reed took possession of the business and continued until 1 888. The island situated immediately below the dam on the east side of the river was named after Bazille Guyot who came from France in 1 816. Here he conducted a grist-mill and also contracted quite largely in the erection of mills and factories in different parts of the town. This island has been the scene of almost every kind of manufacturing carried on in the town, which included a forge, rolling- mill, nail works, grist-mill, axe factory, carding-mill, broom handle factory, furniture works, custom and repair shops for machinery. To Hiram McCoUum can be attributed the foresight of recognizing the advantages of Furnace Island. Here in 1845, he erected his rolling mill and nail works. When the plans for the necessary machinery were being made it became evident that no foundry in Carthage was of sufficient capacity to produce the heavy castings necessary for the works. Accordingly he entered into an agreement with James P. Hodgkins who immediately went to work and erected a foundry for the purpose of molding and casting this machinery. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 425 -After many series of changes this property came into the hands of Ryther and Pringle in 1871 and the business is still' conducted Tjy this firm. The iron industry, already referred ;to, perhaps had the most to do towards shaping the early history of the town. This industry was continued until about 1846, when it was abandoned ' because of the high price of obtaining the refined product. After this decline in the iron industry, the village supported a variety of industries including The Empire Steam Pump Company, Eaton's planing factory, a veneer mill, furniture factory, saw-mill, grist-mill, machine shops, woodenware factory and a glove factory. The industry which has given Carthage its greatest impulse has been the pulp and paper business. In 1883, "The Carthage Company" was organized. About fifty acres of land and a valuable water power was purchased a. short distance down the river where the company erected extensive works for the manufacture of wood pulp and heavy board. These works were in operation for a few years and then were shut down owing to a litigation. Next in 1889, a factory was erected on the site upon which McCollom's cotton factory stood and was known as Spicer and Sons' pulp-mill. Repairs and alterations were made and the company manufactured from two to three tons of pulp daily. Since then pulp and paper mills have sprung into existence until now the village of Carthage, and under this account both sides of the river are taken in consideration, can boast of five large paper mills and two extensive sulphite pulp mills. Of these mills perhaps the most widely known is the Carthage Tissue Paper Mill from the fact that It is the largest exclusive tissue -mill in the United States. The incorporation of the village of Carthage was made on May 26th, 1 84 1. The charter provides for the election of five trustees, -one of whom shall be called the president and which office is voted for separately. The first village trustees elected in 1 841, were: Virgil Brooks, President; Suel Gilbert, Ebenezer Hodgkins, Amos Choate and Walter Nimocks. The officers of chief of police and patrol men, assessor and street commissioner were appointed by the trustees. The charter has been amended at least three times in 1866- 1869-1872. The last amendment provided for the election of the police justice by the people and the first person chosen for that office was Dr. James T. Peden. In July of the same year, 1841, the first fire company was organized consisting of twenty members with Samuel A. Budd as captain. Another company was organized in the followine: year. A hand engine was purchased in this year and together with a few feet of hose comprised all the fire fighting appliances for many years until 426 STORIES OP THE TOWNS. the present Silsby steamer and one thousend feet of hose were pur- chased. A system of reservoirs was maintained situated in different parts of the village until the present system of water works was in-' stalled in 1893. A large interest has always been taken by the citizens of the village in the public schools, which in efficiency are well and favor- ably known.. On the third day of November, 1828, the town was first divided into districts. Dr. Eli West was the chairman of the first school meeting held in the district. The first school building, was erected on School street about twelve rods from its junction with State street. A private school was erected at the same time on the site where the Elmhurst Hotel now stands and was conducted by Arby Leonard. In 1842, Mr. Harrison Miller erected an academy on the site now occupied by the present High School and it was Icnown as the Carthage Academy. The old stone school-houst on School Street was occupied until 1852, when a more modern edi- fice was erected. Soon the school population taxed the capacity of this building and in 1866 the Board of Education purchased the present site from the owner of the Academy and altered the building which served the school until the big fire in 1884. In 1885, the present building was completed at a cost of $29,000. It has served its purpose well but the increased attndance has made the need of more room imperative and to this end an appropriation of $28,000 was made a little over a week ago for the purpose of erecting a separate High School ' building on the site already owned by the district. The St. James Parochial School was erected in 1885, and is a fine, large, two-story brick building situated on the corner of West and Mechanic Streets. It is under the supervision of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The oldest church organization in Carthage is the Roman Catholic society. This society erected the first church in 18 19, at a cost of $2,000, upon a lot of three acres given by LeRay. The present edi- fice was commenced in 1864, under the supervision of Rev. M. Barry and was completed in the following year. In 1820, the Methodist itinerant preachers commenced to visit Carthage and hold regular services but it was not until 1844, that their first church was erected. In 1873, the present site was pur- chased and a large, brick structure was erected at a cost of $40,000. This church was torn down in 1893, and in 1894, the present elegant edifice was dedicated The Baptist society was formed ifi 1833, and in 1840, an edifice was built. This church has been particularly unfortunate in having STORIES OF THE TOWNS. i^21 Its place of worship twice destroyed by fire but now occupies a beautiful church, erected since the memorable fire of 1884. The Presbyterian society was organized in 1851, with the follow- ing trustess, Hiram McCullom, John Hewett and Suel Gilbert. A large brick edifice was erected just after the big fire together with a beautiful parsonage. The Grace Episcopal Church was organized in 1857, and soon aftei an edifice was erected but this too was destroyed by the fire and was soon replaced by the present building. The church of Christ or Disciples' Church was organized in 1855, and although no regular pastor has his residence here the society con- tinued until 1863, when a minister was called to the charge. A church was built in 1862, on Church Street but this too had the mis- fortune to be burned in 1884. Although fires have been of no more frequent occurreftce in this village than in others in the country, yet there is one jnstance, in which this great destructive agent has attained such great proport- ions, in regard to human sufferings and loss of property, that it would be difficult to find a parallel in the history of a place of similar size. Reference is made to the great, fire of October 20, 1884. The details of this great conflagration are well within the memory of a larger part of the residents of the town. Suffice it to say that the ruins covered about seventy acres and included the loss of about one hundred fifty-five buildings with an estimate loss of of $750,000. But Phoenix like, the village rose from the ashes and has attained a high degree of prosperity. On December ig, 1839, the first newspaper appeared in Carthage under the name Carthagenian with David Johnson as editor. It was a weekly whig paper and was principally devoted to the Black River Canal. In 1843, it was changed to the Black River Times and only continued for a short time. In 1847, The People's Press, a semi- monthly neutral paper, was started but soon discontinued. In 1858, The Carthage Standard was published by W. R. Merrill and E. R. Cole with Chas. F. Hammond associate editor. The Standard was succeeded by the Black River Budget and was continued for ^bout a year. In i860, Marcus Bickford started the publication of the Republi- can. In 1872, the hand-press was displaced by a power-press. In April 1875, Durham and Gillett started the Northern New Yorker and in the fall Wesley Barr became proprietor. The next year Jere. Coughlin became editor and it was continued until its consolida- 428 STORIES OF THE TOWNS. tion with the Republican. In 1876, L. G. Chase became proprietor of the Republican, with Jere. Coughlin associate editor. The Carthage Democrat was started in 1879, by A. D. Bates and lasted three months. In October 1887, the Carthage Tribune was published by a stock- company with William B. Kesler as editor and business manager. While the village of Carthage occupies the chief position in the town, yet, situated near the extreme edge of the town, on Indian River, is the little village of Natural Bridge, which has contributed to quite an extent to the prosperity of the town, besides adding a bit of fame and renown by reason of its well-known historical settings. The village derives its name from the natural arch of white limestone which spans Indian River at this point. This arch fs two hundred feet long and from it branch ofE numerous large caves and rooms. The historical interest in relation to the village centers in the fact that Joseph Bonaparte, brother of the Napoleon and the ex-King of Spain, spent two summers here in a large frame house which he caused to be erected. The first improvements noted were made in 1816, and in the two following years mills were erected and a store opened in 1820. In 1 82 1, Charles R. Knight opened the first inn. The white lime busi- ness was started in 1863 and had a capacity of one hundred bushels per day. Saw-mills were early placed in operation and grist-mills quickly sprang into existence. A wool carding-mill, broom-handle factory and a sash, door and blind factory also have been in operation ;n the village. A hemlock bark tannery was started in 1863. It was burned and rebuilt and in 1 866, Thomas E. Proctor became the owner. This property soon came into the hands of the United States Leather Company and continued in active operation until its affairs were suspended in 1898. The industry which contributes the most to the life and business activity of the village at present is the works of the New York Lime Company. The religious work of the village is centered in a Methodist, Uni- versalist and Roman Catholic Church. The. remaining part of the town is composed chiefly of excellent farming country in which the followng settlements are situated : Wilna, North Wilna and Wood's Settlement. The richest mineral locality of the town is to be found within a few miles of Natural Bridge. The opening of the Carthage and Adirondack railroad first revealed the fine farming land and mineral deposits and opened the way for the development of the Northern country. STORIES OF THE TOWNS. 429 Thus the history of the town has been shown giving a passing tribute to early settlement, organizations and business enterprises. However incomplete this article may be, nevertheless the fact that impresses the most.is the character of the pioneers of the town, whose coming and whose generosity and industry have only made possible this great degree of freedom and business activity which we now enjoy. Marvellous achievements have been wrought in our common wealth but the future is continually opening to us new fields for labor and industry. To the coming generation is left the difficult task of upbuilding the town and making it as powerful a factor in the life of the county as it has been within the last hundred years. TOWN OF WORTH By Henry V. Jenks. The town of Worth lies in the extreme southeast part of the County and by looking up its early history we find recorded, that Worth is one of the peculiar towns of the County. We were taught as children that Worth was the smallest town in Jefferson County, also the most elevated, but as to its being peculiar we were not aware till later on in life but suppose the peculiarity lies in the fact that it was used as compensation lands to make up the difference in area and value of the other towns and tracts. Harrison and Hoffman owned the greater part of the town, and caused it to be surveyed and laid out by Medad Mitchell in 1795. The following year these proprietors made a partition of their lands in the town ; Hoffman taking the north half. It was again surveyed in part in 1801 under the direction of Abel French, who in a short time sold the northwest quarter for $7662 to a company of three men, namely, T. Greenley, J. Wilcox and A. Gillet, who divid'ed tht land into lots and drew their lots by ballot, later selling a portion of it to twelve other men. All however, did not become residents of the town, but allowed much of it to be sold for taxes. This however, was not so much the fault of the settlers, as they had many obstacles to contend with. The land was very imperfectly surveyed hence many lots were duplicated resulting in consequent tjP0- one of them enjoyed themselves. The officers of the two chapters, assisted by members were charming in their entertainment and there were many present from different parts of the union who had come to the Old Home Week. Indeel the reception of the Daughters of the American Revolution was one of the most charming and defightful features of this Old Home Week, and their work here, as well as at the armory,, where they have held a continuous reception, has been one of the most valuable features of the Centennial celebra- tion. 438 PieA'SS Oi'lNlOJStS. CENTENNIAL WEEK. The Watertown Herald : — ^When the full history of the Jefferson County Centennial is compiled it will be found to be a remarkable event. The celebration this week was in every respect just what was advertised; just what was planned a year ago; and just what every effort was. put forth to bring about. And it is worth all it cost in time and money; worth it to the county and particularly to Water- town. Take the armory and look at it. Here were arranged in neat booths the collection of relics from every town in the county; such a collection as was never before brought together; and the more you looked them over the more interested you became. The booths and the D. A. R. headquarters were erected under the supervision of Architect Kieff and he never did a prettier job nor one which brought him more compliments. The speakers have no fault to find with the audiences furnished. Notwithstanding the fact that sometimes several events were taking place at the same hour, there were the people at each place to take in what was going on. The speaking in the armory had to be aban- doned after the formal opening and the court house as well as the supervisors' room in the new county building were used in connection with the assembly room in the Flower library. There were too many who wanted to see the sights in the armory to allow speaking there. The centennial address in the opera house was delivered to a full house, an appreciative audience, and all were happy. The town historians won honor for themselves and their towns, and the speak- ers on general topics found abundant applause greeted their efforts. The big parade of Tuesday which President Conde and the chamber of commerce engineered, was by far the largest, finest and best the county has ever seen, being just a mile and three quarters in length, packed closely. Easily three miles would have been covered had it strung out like circus parades. The floats sent out by business men were not only appropriate but costly. It took forty- five minutes to pass a given point and every part was of decided interest. The whole county was represented in the parade; that is the county of long ago and the present. Eleven bands pealed forth music for the onlookers. The automobile parade was an event of special interest and was, worked up wholly by L. G. DeGant; while the coaching parade brought out high compliments for Dr. Delancey Armstrong, who had the handling of it. Then there was the veterans' parade, Thurs- PRESS OPINIONS. 439 day afternoon, when the loth, 35th and 94th boys from various states came out and showed their colors. The Fourth Batallion's parade and drill Thursday evening was a pretty display of excellent trammg and won the applause of the spectators. Down at the fair ground the agricultural society ran its fair as per program, showing the oldest machinery in the county, going away back to the 'teens, and the newest outfits from the big works of Adriance, Piatt & Co., -and over on the track were races galore; races that showed grit and blood; races and sports that made thousands happy. The D. A. R. reception, school and college banquets, camp fires of the old veterans, reunions of school and soldier forces, brass bands all the time have made it a week that will be remembered by all who were here until their dying day. And they were here. Twenty-seven states were reprftented as shown by the register in the armory, the place which was from the start the centennial headquarters. And there never before were so many people in the armory as on Tuesday; never so many people in the city as on that day; and the crowd continued pouring in all during the week. It has been a week of pleasure, of history building. BEAUTIFUL NIGHT SCENES. Watertown Times: — ^The evening street scenes are a delightful feature of the old home week celebration. Aside from the customary crowd which the band concerts attract to Public Square, the seats placed along the park-ways on Washington street were all occupied last evening, while many walked along that beautiful thoroughfare, enjoying the fine views and the balmy air. The greatest attraction in the whole city, however, was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Taylor on Clinton street, where a form of decoration more beautiful than anything of the kind ever seen in the city before was presented for the public enjoyment. A magnificent American flag hung from a cable suspended from the giant trees, gracefully sweeping the lawn. Beginning at each end of the circular driveway was a line of incandescent green lights which seemed to be growing among the grass, outlining the driveway to the portals of the beautiful house, while along the edge of the flower beds near the porch were white lights glowing among the plants. There were flower garden boxes and immense hydrangeas along the porch rails and Japanese lanterns completed the illumination. Clinton street 440 FKE88 0i'IJ\lOJSS. was crowded during the evening by people who had heard of the deco- ration at the Taylor home and who were hurrying to view it. The illumination will continue during old home week. The scene at the library was only second in beauty to the other one mentioned. A chain of incandescent lights hung from the poles on the lawn, brilliantly Illuminating the front of the building. Ldng bright colored banners bearing the initial W., for Watertown hung the full length of the poles. From four braziers on the roof of the building torches burned, as they did on the Greek temples of old, the flames adding another shade to the illumination. The building was thronged until the time for closing arrived, and would have been crowded an hour longer if it had been kept open. The library illumination, as well as the ornamentation of the grounds, was provided by Mrs. Taylor.